Like a Hollywood Movie...

2010 started off with me a broken man, lost in my own head. But as the year progressed,
I looked inside and found what I was really striving towards in my life. I feel very fortunate
and fulfilled in many ways. I realized I live a very charmed life and that I am so lucky you
cannot imagine. So here's to the Good, the Bad & the extremely Ugly of 2010:

• The End of a Bad Relationship

• The Beginning of a Great One

• Being Creative Day-In and Day-Out

• Great Live Shows, with the last one being the Greatest FF Show ever!

• Meeting THawk, Shifty, and Nate... leaving just the White Whale, DG

• A GREAT year in TV & Movies

• A Shitty Year for Football

• New Friends, New Love, and Keeping the Old Relationships Strong

• Eliminated Negative Things and People from my Life

• Knowing that I have my Friend's Backs, and they have mine (no matter what)


Biggest Positive - Finding Love that I Didn't Think I Deserved

Biggest Regret - Staying with someone that was not my right someone

My list for 2011 is the same as 2010 (with a few changes):
Be MORE Creative, Shoot MORE Photos, Paint (finally), Draw, Win an Award, Exercise More - Eat better,
Read, Experience Life, Travel a hell of a lot More, Pay off Bills, and Move up in my Position at Work.

Like everyday in my life, I feel lucky for my career, friends, family, job, love, car, cat, creativity, and life.

Good Night and Good Luck.

Material vs Memories

When I look back at this year, it's not the things I have gained or lost... at least not in a material sense,
but the new memories I have. It was GREAT in that respect.

Actually, even for Christmas this year, it wasn't about the awesome gifts I got or gave, but the awesome
memories I have from the Holiday season. Spending time with my Friends, Family and Loved Ones.... Priceless.

Being able to be part of a Foo Fighters show... being that close to the band and the new music... INCREDIBLE!!!

Between Love and Like

My Annual List of My Top Five Albums of the year...

#5 Fang Island - Fang Island
This album is filled with large stadium rock and big guitar riffs, like a High-Five to the Soul.
Favorite Tracks: Careful Crossers, Daisy, Life Coach
LINK

#4 Vampire Weekend - Contra
VW's sophomore CD was one of the most anticipated of the year. They moved away from their
signature sound on their first album (New England, 80's Frat), into something more mature,
large, and complex. They recently released a new EP - itunes sessions, which has awesome live
versions of a few of the tracks as well, as couple of 50 & 60's favorites!
Favorite Tracks: White Sky, Holiday, California English
LINK

TIE for #3
#3 Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders - Red Light Fever
THawk's second solo album combines classic larger-than-life 70's rock with a dose of today's
rock sound. The heavy guitars and drums really bring the CD to life. Had an opportunity
to see them at the Casbah, up close and personal).
Favorite Tracks: Not Bad Luck, Way Down
LINK

#3 Stone Temple Pilots - Stone Temple Pilots
This is a late entry that I kid-of forgot about but after revisiting the CD, I forgot how
AWESOME it is!!! The Album is really, really good and has all the good things that
makes it ONE OF the best STP cd's EVER.
Favorite Tracks: Between the Line, Huckleberry Crumble, Hickory Dichotomy
LINK

#2 Girl Talk - All Day
Gregg Gills aka. Girl Talk's 5th album of Mash-ups and Samples galore. It kicks off
with Black Sabbath "War Pigs" / Ludacris "Move Bitch" and just gets better from there.
Download it FREE here

#1 Frightened Rabbit - The Winter of Mixed Drinks
This Scottish band's melodic harmonies causing stirring moments of emotion. Scott Hutchison’s
earthy, inviting voice cuts through the vast instrumentation like a ray of sunlight. The music is
like floating above clouds, screaming down to the ground below and the reverb keeping you flying.
Favorite Tracks: Swim Until You Can't See Land, The Loneliness and the Scream, Nothing Like You.
LINK

The Night of Nights

So my all-time favorite band, the Foo Fighters announced on Monday they were doing a secret show in LA
on Tuesday night. I signed up (as usual) hoping to go, and with the good luck that I have(and good karma
I have built up), I waited like the rest of the Thousands that hoped to get the "invite".

I had mad an arrangement with my friend Sarah that we would be each others "+ One" if we were picked.
I unfortunately was not.... BUT she was!!! So I go the call and we were off into the pouring rain towards
Los Angeles and the "secret location".

Arrived at Paladino's in Tarzana. It has a capacity of 500, but felt way more intimate. We were 2 of the
first 40 or so in the club. It was set up for filming with a crane, 2 remote cameras and at least 10 camera men
and photographers. The whole thing along with the recording of their new album, was being recorded to be
released as a DVD.

The club was packed by the 9pm start time and we were positioned along the stage. Before the show
started there were sighting in the crowd of all 4 band members, along with other members of the
FF family - Butch Vig (the producer of the new album), Pat Smear(Guitar), Rami Jaffe (Keyboards),
Drew Hester (Percussion), and Jessie Green (Cello). Others in the crowd were Josh Homme (Queens of
the Stone Age), Jesse Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal), Tony Canal (No Doubt), Ryan Philippe, Amanda
Seyfried, Juliette Lewis, Breckin Meyer, and Kris Novaselic!!!


Dave came out and said they were excited to be back. He told the audience they had just finished the
album tonight. That they were thinking of calling it "Back and Forth". They played FOUR new songs
(there were 5 on the set list but Matter of Time wasn't played). I have never been THAT CLOSE to the
band and was seriously 5 feet from Dave.

Set List:
Times Like These
Generator
My Hero
The Pretender
Back And Forth (New Song)
Learn To Fly
White Limo (New Song)
For All The Cows
Enough Space
Dear Rosemary (New Song)
Skin & Bones
See You (Not Played)
Long Road To Ruin
Cold Day In The Sun
Matter of Time (New Song) (Not Played)
These Days (New Song)
Best Of You
Everlong (Full-On Rock Version)
Monkey Wrench
All My Life
-------------------------> Break
Marigold (Dave on Drums, Kris & Pat)
This Is A Call


White Limo was the heaviest of the new songs. After White Limo, Dave asked the crowd if we thought
it was a "single", and then said Pat thinks it's a single too. All the new songs were great and the album
should rock!!

Highlight - Dave on Drums & singing, Kris on Bass and Pat on Guitar, with an open mic stand in the
front of the stage. They performed "Marigold", a song Dave wrote while with Nirvana. The stage setup
was an obvious homage to Kurt & Nirvana. After the song, Kris hung his guitar from the ceiling,
and Dave said "Don't let it hit you in the head"... LOL! The Nirvana fans laughed.

After the show, I met Nate (first time) and Shifty (again). Talked with Butch Vig. Said "HI" to
Josh Homme.I really wanted to meet Kris and obviously Dave too. I forgot a sharpee and
my "One by One" sleeve that is missing Nate & Dave signatures. Oh yeah, I also got a
drum stick Taylor used!

It was seriously the best of the best shows I have seen. I wished deep-down to have
FF play my 40th Birthday (a pipe dream, I know) but this show, setting and result was the
next best thing. I realize how lucky I am everyday for great friends and people that share
the same obsession with me. And on top of all that, It was the GREATEST Christmas present
I could EVER ask for!!!!

UPDATE: A couple of Pictures have turned up online...

Everything I Am

I ended up putting together another great Friends XMas party. I moved if from the usual Buca Di Beppo /
Pope's Table location. Taking it back to where it all started from - someone's house. This year it was
hosted at The Peirce's (Billy & Carole) and it went off GREAT. So much that people started talking
about who was going to host next year.

It was great to have everyone there, including the kids running around and playing Wii, and new
additions to the group (Taisa and Jessica).

Highlights from the night was KNOW YOUR HOST Trivia (Classic!!!), Timpano for Dinner (YUMMY!),
and being able for Tasia to meet the rest of my friends that she hadn't yet met.

I love the Holidays and being able to share it all with my Friends.

PIX Here

All the Small Things

50 Things that make me smile

01. Friends
02. Family
03. My Career
04. Kissing
05. Mister Surly
06. Music
07. Art
08. Laughing
09. Eating
10. Making others Smile
11. The way other people smell (in a good way)
12. Honesty
13. Flirting
14. Hugs
15. Accomplishing Goals
16. Photography
17. A Stiff Drink
18. Great Company
19. YOU
20. Listening to Rain
21. Sex
22. Christmas
23. Sleep
24. Inside Jokes
25. Compliments
26. Travel
27. Talking
28. Hearing a Tree Fall in the Woods
29. Being in the Sun
30. Writing
31. Going to Music Shows
32. Cuddling
33. A Clean House
34. Great Books
35. Confidence
36. Morning Texts
37. Football
38. Hot Showers
39. Appreciative People
40. Holding Hands
41. Handwritten Notes
42. A Clean Car
43. The way she smells
44. Museums
44. Movie Quotes
45. Smart People
46. Looking into your eyes
47. Waking up from a Nap
48. Knowing someone cares
49. Knowing I am loved by my Family
50. Knowing my Friends are Happy

Have yourself a... Umm... Happy Holiday Party?

Thursday night was my work Holiday Party. My Third one and might have been my favorite, even tho there were
great aspects of my rookie year. We had it at the usual place - Old Venice. It was a blast with great food, open bar
and fun times with my work friends. I had more to drink at the pjavascript:void(0)arty than I usually do at work
functions, breaking a Cheese Rule - (Work RULE #3 - Never get drunk at a work party).

I have really had a hard time with the whole political correctness this year, more so than other years.
I like Christmas... wait, I LOVE Christmas. It is awesome!!! I don't want to stop being able to celebrate it.
I can appreciate other people religious views and they can celebrate their holidays too.. I know I have been
somewhat brainwashed too - when someone says "Merry Christmas" to me and I question "What if I was Jewish?"
instead of returning the greeting. I'm going to really try to walk the thin political line, while giving
people my Xmas Cheer!

I am really looking forward to the next couple of weeks - many holiday festivities, Christmas parties,
and Christmas with the family.

Pictures from the party HERE.

Misty Mountain Hop

Tasia and myself went up to Julian for the day. We did all the touristy stuff - A gorgeous Fall Drive up
the mountain, Shopping, and yummy Apple Pie!!! We stopped at Dudley's Bakery for some bread and snacks.
The fall weather was awesome. Very cold and crisp. The only thing that would have been better, would have
been a nice dusting of snow.

I am able to really enjoy my life again, with great company and someone that's truly is special in my life.
I feel extremely lucky!

The Story So Far

A couple months ago Warner Bros. announced that DC Comics held WildStorm Comics will be closing their
doors in San Diego and being absorbed into the WB fold in either LA or NY.

WildStorm was my first real Design job out of school. Comics had always been in my heart since I had been
collecting since I was 12 (and just sold off the collection this year). I was sooooooo F@#KING stoked
to get a job being around the thing I LOVED. I probably would have worked for FREE even. I was honored
and excited to be part of it. Now looking back at the legacy and the great memories (PLENTY of
great stories came from it) and awesome friends I still have some 16 years later, I share with you some
hidden treasures that I recently scanned for posterity.

The pictures were taken of new employees (which later went on the back of the Production door
when they left) and the drawing started because of this guy Merv and how he flipped everyone off
all the time. The drawing were posted on the wall next to my desk.

So as they prepare to close up shop, I tip my cap and say it's really still only the story so far.

PIXS Here

Deadbeat Holiday

As December cranks up the Holiday Festivities, along comes Anger, Frustration, Short-Tempers,
Rushing Around, and the occasional "Finger". I try to remind myself of all of this because, YES,
even the "Master of Cool" sometimes loses his head.

Be it the Mall (which is HORRIBLE this time of year), the gym or just driving around town,
there always seems to be more assholes out there than usual.

As far as Holiday Shopping, IF I need to go to the mall, I only go at lunch or later in the evening
(after 7pm). NEVER on weekends. Hell, getting into Target / Walmart are hard enough, let alone
during the Holiday Madness!

But there are great things to do during this time of year that don't cost a ton of money:

Julian for Apple Pie and Fall in a Quaint Mountain Berg

Driving around San Diego looking at Lights

December Nights in Balboa Park

Ice Skating in Downtown (Horton Plaza) or the Beach (Hotel Del Coronado)

Holiday Boat Parade in the Bay (December 12 & 19th)

See Santa in Fashion Valley Mall

Just remember what is important during this time of year. Family. Friends. Good times.
And be sure to keep your cool!

Design as Art - OR - Why do all Designers dress the same?

As an effort to do more with the community I am part of (the Design community, you dolt!), I attended
an event called Design as Art. It was small but fun. It was held at BASIC in downtown, which seems to
hold a lot of art-based events. I talked to a couple of artists and purveyors of cool,artsy stuff.
Overall a great time that shows that San Diego isn't as stuffy as some people think we are.

The people watching tho was... CLASSIC. There is definitely a "LOOK" for said Designer. Part Hipster.
Part Musician. Part Euro-Art Trash. It's true they LOVE to wear black. Throw in Chucks on half of the guys.
Sure there are exceptions, but I know I can pick the Designer out of the group... Always!

Seeing the cool art / design though makes me angry at myself for not completing one of my goals
for 2010 - to start painting! I have my space set-up and built in my garage. I have some supplies.
I am ready... Except I haven't done it or set aside time to experiment. I do know that it will make
my list again next year and will become part of what I am calling my "Year of Expression" in 2011.

Look for GREAT things my friends.... GREAT things!!!

You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You

I am very thankful for many things this year.

Friends. Family. Great Job. Good Times and New Opportunities.
My health and happiness of myself & loved ones. Great music, shows,
free movies and TV in general... and of course, the Foo Fighters.

This Turkey Day was interesting because my family didn't do Thanksgiving
at all. So I opted for Turkey & Cocktails at Chuckles, which was awesome!!
Another opportunity for Tasia to be around them and my friends to get to
know her.

As we steamroll into the Holidays with so much on our plate, it's nice
just to sloooooow down, even a little and tell those around us how much
we appreciate having them in our lives. How special they make it for us,
and how much better it is with them being part of our lives.

The annual Friends XMas party will be here before I know it. Many changes
are abound this year - location, food, games,and a new "something special".

Thanks to YOU! (You know who you are....wink, wink, nudge, nudge*)



* Actually YOU probably think it's YOU... trust me, it's not.

All The Small Things

So I got a text message from Barnes a few days ago saying we were goingto the Charger game vs the Donkeys
on Monday Night. He would be coming in for Thanksgiving and has a hook-up through AT&T. We ended up with
the BEST seats
(seriously, the best $400 tickets). The only tixs better would be in a Luxury Box.

So we end up cruising down early to tailgate and he tells me that we have a meet-and-greet with Dan F@#KING Fouts!
I was stoked to say the least. It was a quickie and we seriously had ONE MINUTE of face time with, including
a hand shake, photo op, and signature. It was cool none the less. I got to meet one of my childhood idols.

Next up was grub & drinks at the CL Tailgate with a bunch of people from my work. We filled up and headed
into the game...

And BOY what a game!! The Chargers KILLED them - 35 to 14.
The worst part of the night was the trolley fiasco that we endured.
HORRIBLE!!!!

Overall a great time that cost me under $40.

I LOVE my life.

A Year of Blood, Sweat & Swords

The Shogunate campaign turned ONE today and I am proud and happy.
Happy to hang out with good friends and people that enjoy in my little
adventure.

In fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm.
Meet the situation without tenseness yet not recklessly, your spirit settled
yet unbiased. An elevated spirit is weak and a low spirit is weak. Do not
let the enemy see your spirit.
- Miyamoto Musashi

40oz to Freedom

40 Things you MAY NOT know about me....

01. I love to drive. Unless it's far (like Vegas or SF, or anything further), then I prefer to fly.

02. I always have music playing in my head (the soundtrack to my life).

03. I stretch when I get up every morning.

04. My favorite color is Black (or is it the absence of color?).

05. The color I wish I could pull off - Orange. I cannot wear orange.

06. I write EVERYTHING down. I am a maniac when it comes to notes and lists.

07. I am super organized. Very rare for a right brain creative type, but not unusual.
Test yourself.

08. Growing up I wanted to be a fireman (like my Dad).

09. I decided to go into Advertising by watching commercials and deciding I wanted to
make people buy stuff they don't really need.

10. I watch a LOT of TV. If I could review shows for a living - I would.

11. I read sitting on the toilet. I like simple stuff (magazines) or a book I may be reading at the time.

12. I like to clean. Be it my apartment, wash clothes, wash my car, etc. It's very liberating to me.

13. My favorite number is 7.

14. I have cheated on one of my girlfriends in the past.

15. I want to own a business, but not necessarily in my field.

16. I sing in my car.... all the time.

17. I have more shoes than most guys. I have 11 pairs currently. Also I love having a BRAND NEW pair
of chucks (Converse). I usually buy a new pair every 6 months.

18. I have never taken a typing class. I just hunt & peck really fast.

19. I still have great vision and don't wear any eye enhancements.

20. I LOVE music. DUH! Some types you may not know I like - Big Band, California Country
(30's - 40's Country), and Christmas Music (the classics from Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra).

21. I don't have any tattoos, BUT love and admire them.

22. I have watched RESERVOIR DOGS over 50 times.

23. Growing up I wished I could be "average" height, like 5'6".

24. Besides White, Creamy sauces - I don't like to eat Broccoli, Cream Corn, Bottom-Feeder Fish
(like Catfish), Deviled Eggs, or Creme Brulee.

25. I do not like tight, enclosed spaces (like a packed elevator). Not fond of heights.
And will not ride large, scary roller-coasters.

26. I hardly ever just "lay around not doing anything". I am ALWAYS busy with something.

27. I always chew gum. It's a nervous tick.

28. I take a polaroid picture of my cat whenever I travel.

29. I hate to assemble furniture and don't read directions.

30. I keep extra, brand new t-shirts in a box under my bed.

31. Up to a year ago I collected Comic Books (but recently sold my 23 Year collection).

32. I love Role-Playing Games and have been playing since 1983.

33. I have nick-names for most of my friends.

34. I own 7 wigs and have 40 hats including many baseball caps, a Fez, a Cowboy hat, a Pirate hat, and a Derby.

35. My favorite cocktail is Captain Morgan & 7up. I used to drink Sapphire & Tonics or Martinis.
I also like a good glass of Malbec.

36. I like to shop for clothes. Not much of a sale shopper.

37. I have never traveled internationally, nor been to Hawaii or any tropical local.

38. Before my career I worked as the ice cream counter at Thrifty's, Cleaning guy at Grove Pastry,
and a bunch a positions at Lucky's Grocery. I have also done telemarketing and been a barista.

39. I have enough Native American blood in me that I have a Indian ID number.

40. My first concert was the Violent Femmes. My best concert was the Beastie Boys (at the Greek Theater).
And I have seen the Foo Fighters 11 times.

Empty Bottles and Cigarettes

Call me Don Draper.... or so I wish some days. I love MadMen. I LOVE Advertising.

Some days I miss agency life. Don't get me wrong, my current job rocks!!! I get a lot of satisfaction,
creative drive and all around fun from it. As I have said a million times - I love what I do for a living.
My career (and the path I am currently on) is going the way I want it too.

I know this is a hard time for many and design & advertising is hurting as well. I have new friends
to the business as well as old friends getting the hell out. It is a hard & long road that you must have
patience for otherwise it will eat you up.

There is obviously some hurdles but I know I have room to grow with my employers. AND they are supportive
and want to cultivate me as an investment. Obviously, like most, I wish I made more money and
better benefits but I am working on it. Plus, I still do freelance (hint, hint).

I have been on a tear with design lately. Soooooooo busy, but in a good way. My BIG project is the
re-branding of our company,as far as EVERYTHING... Corporate ID (That's Business Cards for the layman),
Packaging, Web, Interior, Exterior, and everything that would require our new logo on it. After the
beginning of the year I will be mycompany's Brand Manager, as well as still being Senior Designer.

I have been looking at, absorbing, consuming, and getting as much good(and bad) design around me
as I can. Everything from Branding, Packaging and Advertising.

I'm not in the most Creative place as far as collaboration. I miss bouncing ideas off of another designer
or design group. I have to look more inside myself to be honest with my designs and if they hit the target.
I do ask friends and other designers their opinions, but be prepared... "Ummm, why did you pick THAT color?!"

Here are some good places for designers, artists and creatives to get excited and inspired...

http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/

http://thedesignfoundation.blogspot.com/

http://adsoftheworld.com/

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/

http://www.holidaymatinee.com/

http://subtextgallery.com/blog/

http://inspirationpad.com/

http://www.friendswithyou.com/

http://www.logoblog.org/

http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/

Right Brain, Left Brain, No Brain...

A little online test to see what side of your noggin' you actually use more,
and how you use it.

BRAIN TEST

My Results:
Left-49% / Right-51%

Left Brain
53% - Sequential (Your most dominant characteristic)
40% - Reality-based
34% - Verbal
22% - Linear
09% - Logical
00% - Symbolic (Your least dominant characteristic)

Right Brain
42% - Holistic (Your most dominant characteristic)
39% - Intuitive
37% - Concrete
23% - Random
19% - Nonverbal
16% - Fantasy-oriented (Your least dominant characteristic)

This Is Me Getting Over You in Two Chords Or Less

One of my new guilty pleasures - The Coffee Project (Buddy from Less Than Jake)
Their album "Moved On" on Paper & Plastic. Great stuff!!!

"You left me waiting like a sorry Mother F@#ker..."

Helter Skelter

I really LOVE Halloween and the chance to dress up. I had not done Halloween
in a couple of years but really wanted to do something fun with Tasia.
We were supposed to go to a party that her friends were throwing but it
fell through.I decided to use a costume from a couple of years ago: 70's cop /
Beastie Boys from SABOTAGE!, with a real moustache I grew for a couple
of weeks. Tasia was going to be a twist on Alice in Wonderland (in Chains).

We instead planned a North Park Pub crawl. We hit URBN, the new pizza / bar
that is a relative of BASIC downtown. Same cool vibe in a warehouse setting.
Then we were gonna do True North but it was packed and had a line (ummmm...
do you not know me - NO LINES!!) We instead rolled into Bar Pink for a drink.

We got a call that the rest of the group was heading to the Bluefoot, so we
gathered ourselves and were soon enough standing in my favorite neighborhood
bar. The rest of the night is blurry and I really don't recall getting home.
Thankfully it was a stumble home so we were safe.

Halloween is such a fun holiday and reminds me that I really like all the
theme parties I have thrown over the years. Good times.

Rock N' Roll, Hoochie Koo

I am getting excited for the SHEER AMOUNT of new music promised and scheduled
for 2011. It looks to be a GREAT (should I say MILESTONE) year from so many
bands that I love. Along with this is the promise of touring - which if the
last 2 months are any indication, I will be seeing a concert every week!!!

Obviously, my first anticipated album is the yet untitled FOO FIGHTERS cd.
I think it will drop March. They have already scheduled their first two
tour dates in England in July. So by the end of the year I expect them to
announce the album drop date as well as the rest of the tour.

Other bands releasing albums:

Cake - "Showroom of Compassion" (January 10)

Social Distortion - "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes" (January 18)

Cage the Elephant - "Untitled" (January)

Beastie Boys - "Hot Sauce Committee" (Spring)

Band of Skulls

Flogging Molly

U2

R.E.M.

Van Halen

Blink 182

The Strokes

Coldplay

Jimmy Eats World

When I'm 64...

Had a GREAT birthday!!! Thanks to everyone that made it special. Days like that
make me know how special my close friends are...

Word Forward

Forty.

Say it with me.

Forty.

Now I know I'm one of the last of my close friends to hit this milestone,
so they have all been through it (Hell, Barnes is almost like 50!!!)

This year has been weird, and sad, and exciting, and made me
wiser and actually happier than I have been in a long time.
My Family. My Friends. My Career. Art. Music.

All I can say is - no matter WHAT your choices are, make sure to
livewithout regrets. They have made me the man I am today.

Time for Friends & Family.
Time for reflection. Time for resolve.
Time to create & appreciate.
Time to remember why.

------------->

Good bye Jimmy, farewell youth
I must be on my way, I've had enough of you
Was a young man, proud and true
Just a simple boy with nothing left to lose

Years that I've wasted, These I owe you

They're just fucking words, This is life or death
It's time to clear the air, You better save your breath
Say have you heard, the Poison in my heart
And voices in my head

I meant every word for word, forward

Feel Good Inc.

With everything going on since May, I really needed a break and escape. I have been hanging out with a
new girl, Tasia. She is super nice, cute, cool, sexy, and fun to be around.

A month ago we had got tix to see Arcade Fire at the Shrine Auditorium in LA on Friday night,We figured
we would stay the night and hang out in LA on Saturday. We hit the worst traffic on Friday and it took 3
and a half hours top get up there. Instead of going to our hotel to check in we hit-up a new bar called
LOADED, that has a old neighborhood bar - meets - old rock club (Casbah, CBGB). Very cool vibe and
great bar food (order the Tater Tots!!!).

Then it was off to the Shrine and the masses for the show. Arcade Fire is really good on their CDs but
AWESOME live!!! Catch them on their tour next year. Headed to our hotel - the Orlando, a nice,
cute boutique hotel. One of the nicest I have stayed in LA. The bed was perfect softness (and HUGE),
the room temperature was great, and they had black-out curtains.

Slept in then walked to breakfast, did some shopping and headed over to The Getty for a couple of hours.
She had never been, so it was fun to go with someone that was in awe of it all.

As I head into my next year of life, I'm glad that this year is getting better by leaps and bounds
than it was months ago. I realize that life cannot drag me down and I am truly happy.

HUGE week this week - Less Than Jake new CD release, Frightened Rabbit at HOB, 2 (FREE) Sushi lunches,
Dinner at Donovan's(YUMMY Steak!), Dinner at Piatti's (My Favorite), and some drinking & celebrating...

Waiting for the Sun

I am used to seeing the Foo Fighters or at least something to do with the FF in
October. This year has been a little slim but over the last month the band is in
the studio with Butch Vig (producer of Nirvana's - Nevermind) and is working
on their next masterpiece. The band has been posting pictures from the studio,
some video and released some track names.

They even showed a picture called "demo disk", so some of the tracks must be
close to being complete.

So it seems like by the first quarter of 2011 there will be a new Foo album.
It's also ironic since next year is the 20th anniversary of the release of
Nevermind. There is rumours that the album is getting the special re-issue
treatment (re-mixing, better sound, etc.) on my #2 album of all time.

I'm still a little bummed that over the last 2 years, I have missed 2 opportunities
to see DG and the boys (one my fault, one not my luck). I have seen them 11 times
and cannot wait to add to my total!!!

Now I sit and wait for any word that they are done recording and I can have
some new bliss for my head and heart.

Pictures from Studio 606

Lucky Ball & Chain

My luck with parking spots & radio contests are.... wait for it... LEGENDARY.
But lately I have been getting a lot of free advance movie screenings.
This year alone I have seen or been offered for FREE:

Hot Tub Time Machine

Toy Story 3

She's Out of My League

IronMan 2

Dinner for Schmucks

The Expendables

Easy A

Buried

The Social Network

And looking forward to seeing a few more before the year is up.


ADD-ON (since the original post):

MegaMind

Love & Other Drugs

Great Expectations

To Round out my TOP 10 albums:

Less Than Jake / Losing Streak
Best LJT album that delivers the best SKA you could ask for.
Top Tracks - Automatic, Johnny Quest (thinks we're sell outs), Just Like Frank, Dopeman

Blink 182 / Dude Ranch
Blink's 2nd Album that really is short, fast-paced and really good!
Top Tracks - Dammit, Josie, A New Hope

Flogging Molly / Swagger
A great mix of Punk and Irish Folk, their 1st album has everything you want and more.
Top Tracks - Salty Dog, The Worst Day Since Yesterday, Sentimental Johnny

Pearl Jam / Vs
The album that separated PJ from the rest of the grunge scene.
Top Tracks - Go, W.M.A., Indifference

Supersuckers / The Evil Powers of Rock and Roll
How to describe this album - Rock kicking Country in the Face (in a good way).
Top Tracks - Cool Manchu, Stuff n' Nonsense, Dirt Roads Dead Ends and Dust, Fisticuffs


And a list of other great albums that deserve a listen:
(in no particular order)

U2 / Joshua Tree

They Might Be Giants / Flood

Rocket from the Crypt / Circa:Now & Scream Dracula Scream

Soundgarden / Badmotorfinger

Descendents / Everything Sucks

The English Beat / I Just Can't Stop It

The Clash / The Clash

Green Day / Insomniac

Depeche Mode / Violator

Sugar Ray / Lemonade & Brownies

Reservoir Dogs Soundtrack

The Beatles / White Album

Chixdiggit / Chixdiggit

Chris Isaak / Baja Sessions

Vampire Weekend / Vampire Weekend

The White Stripes / Elephant

Foo Fighters / One x One

Alice in Chains / Jar of Flies

Death Cab for Cutie / Narrow Stairs

Beastie Boys / Paul's Boutique

Coldplay / A Rush of Blood to the Head

Dido / Life for Rent

Everclear - Sparkle and Fade

Jane's Addiction / Nothing Shocking

Rancid / And Out Come the Wolves

De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising

Bulls on Parade

NUMBER FIVE


Rage Against the Machine / Rage Against the Machine
1992 / 10 Tracks


The first time I ever heard of (and saw for the first time) RAGE was at a House of Pain
show in TJ with Spork and a my GF at the time. We were ready for HOP but soooooo
unprepared for the opening band that set the bar for every band after that for
putting on a great live show (Probably the BEST LIVE act I have ever seen).

From the thick bass line of Tim C. and thundering drums of Brad Wilk, the album
starts with "Bombtrack" like a shot of adrenaline to the heart. With Zack de la Rocha
yelling out "Burn, Burn, Yes you're gonna Burn!", the CD doesn't let up one bit.

"Killing in the Name Of" (My favorite RATM track of all time) takes you on a journey of a
modern day revolution. The guitar really shows off Tom Morello's guitar work
(which is now legendary!) that leads into Zack's chant "Fuck You, I won't do what you tell me!!!"

The funk level of "Take the Power Back" rocks you back to days of the Black Panther
party and late 60's revolutionaries like Huey Newton. The screeching guitar work and
funky bass makes this song memorable.

From the screaming on "Settle for Nothing" takes you directly into "Bullet in your Head".
The thumping and popping of this drum driven track, lead into the great guitar work.
I LOVE this song and they bring it when performing it live. Also a great song to get
the crowd to sing along.

At :36 seconds into "Know your Enemy", you know what you are getting - a hard rocking,
kick in the head song that doesn't let up.

The end of the album is as strong as the beginning with the tracks "Wake Up", "Fistful of Steel",
"Township Rebellion" & "Freedom".

There is still a big void left since RATM broke up. I have been lucky enough to see them
a handful of time. This album holds up in many ways but mainly because it rocks like
nothing else that was out at the time.

8.5 / 10

Tumble in the Rough

So after my top 3, there is a drop off in albums that I LOVE... but that being said,
there are some really great albums that I am putting in somewhat of an order...

NUMBER FOUR


Purple / Stone Temple Pilots
1994 / 12 Gracious Melodies


I like STP's first album CORE a lot, but the band really opened things up
and became what we know as Stone Temple Pilots from this album. Even today
the influences of this album rest within their entire catalog after PURPLE.

"Meatplow" opens the album on a sneer and a bristling beat, and a muddy
sound that takes you into familiar STP territory. Scott's growly voice pushes
you through the song, opening up with some nice harmonizing by the band.

The low hum and bending of guitar chords of "Vasoline", kicks into the drums
and storms through at a fast pace. I can picture Scott dancing on stage -
swaying back and forth to the beginning of the song. One of the best STP
songs ever!!

"Lounge Fly" tracks with a weird opening and a distinctive guitar line.

"Interstate Love Song" starts with a bit of a twangy country feel, that
peels off into agreat rock song, with a simple guitar riff, a killer beat
and Scott's vocals. It takes you through one of the bands best-known songs
with infectious hooks and a catchy chorus. It really is a great driving
song too!

The melodies on "Still Remains" winds you through to "Pretty Penny",
a dreamy acoustic number, with great backing vocals and a wide arrangement
of mandolin and percussion (including what sounds like bongos?)

"Silvergun Superman" big rock song that has deep vocals and heavy,
low guitar. This takes you into "Big Empty". A song that was added to
the original Crow soundtrack. The song has almost a country sound to it -
showing the softer side of STP. The hauntingly quiet verse and memorable
sound makes it another staple in their catalog.

"Unglued" is a BIG rock song that starts with Dean's humming guitar and
is cranked through with Eric Kretz's banging drums.

As the album winds down "Army Ants" takes it back up a notch before...
"Kitchenware & Candybars" closes on a quiet note and a hypnotic song.
with SW singing "Sell me down the River" over and over.

After a couple of minutes of quiet, you end up in a cool, low-lit bar
with a drink in your hand, listening to the lounge song "12 Gracious Melodies".

Scott Weildnd's voice IS the trademark of the band, along with the "cruchy guitars"
of Dean DeLeo, brings a mix of alternative & hard rock, arena rock, glam rock,
psychedelic rock, and even some bossa-nova. This is what sets this album above
many in the same genre.

9 / 10

Restoring Sanity... One Idiot at a Time.

As most of my friends know I get the "news" from The Daily Show, which
is awesome in every way possible, and keeps me laughing every night,
even through some of the tougher subjects John Stewart tackles.

Between him and Steven Colbert ("The Colbert Report"), you get a great
view of why politics is completely f@#ked up and how the news is soooo
skewed. They get great guests - including the President and former ones,
important world-wide figures, actors and musical guests.

They poke fun at everything and hopefully it resonates to some, how
ridiculous they are being.

Recently they have announced similar marches / rallies (on the same day)
to battle each other verbally. Showing that news can be fun (and still
informative).

OCTOBER 30th / Washington DC

Rally to Restore Sanity

March to Keep Fear Alive

UUUUUUGH!!!!!!

I CANNOT believe that the Chargers played soooo F@#KING lousy their first game back!!!
It was like another preseason game to them it seemed. I need them to get serious.
I can't bear to watch them stink it up the first few games... then decide to turn it
on for 12 games in a row. It doesn't work. Consistency... It's all I am asking for.

If NORV cannot get it done this time... bring in Bill Cowher. PLEASE!!!!!

Hold it Now, Hit it

NUMBER THREE


Ill Communication / Beastie Boys
1994 / 20 Tracks

After breaking onto the scene with their debut back in 1986, they started breaking
their persona with albums like Paul's Boutique and Check Your Head, the B-Boys from
Brooklyn dropped this album that took everything that they had done so far, and
took a GIANT leap forward - melding funk, trip-hop, 70's film soundtrack, hardcore samples,
great guests like Biz Markie & Q-Tip, and old-school rap and rhymes, mixed flawlessly.

They played all their own instruments on the album (which they still do live as well).
A very mature album from a very young (at heart) band.

Starting with the dog bark at the beginning of "Sure Shot", the album jumps into a
jazz flute and some big beats, kicks right into "Tough Guy" and the return of the
B-Boys punk roots. It makes me want to get into the pit!

"B-Boys makin' with the Freak Freak" has one of the BEST samples EVER -
"If this is gonna be that kind of party, I'm gonna stick my dick in the mashed potatoes"...

and "Bobo on the Corner" is a great instrumental that leads right into "Root Down",
a super funky piece of rap. I can hear the loop in my head right now.

Cue the lights, start up the grainy film projector and roll the 70's cop movie, adding in "Sabotage"
for the soundtrack and you have a hit on your hands. The rock, funk, and turntable scratches
blend into a wall of noise that works. This along with MC's bass line in the middle of the song
brings it down, the song just explodes back into your face! The song still holds up today.

The boys bring it down and dirty with "Sambrosa" along with the help of Q-Tip.
"Ma Bell got the ILL COMMUNICATION..."

"The Update" gives a nice mellow break, running like a smooth jazz club set,
leading into "Futterman's Rule".

"Alright Hear This", another banging song with big beats and funky rhymes,
and back to "Eugene's Lament" and a slow, melodic track.

"Flute Loop", another one of my favorite tracks, is so funky with great beats,
makes me wanna move, move, move. Taking you directly into "Do it".... "We got the Funk"

"Ricky's Theme", another jazz-inspired track takes you into the 2nd hardcore punk song
"Heart Attack Man" .

The album wraps with "Shambala", "Bodhisatta Vow" (an ode to Buddhist teachings)
and "Transistions".

So many great memories with this album and the Beastie Boys in general. I've see them
a BUNCH of times including the Tibetian Freedom Concert in San Francisco (with Choppy
& Bill Barnes) [PIXS] that featured the Beasties and this CD. Also caught them at the
Greek Theater in LA,[PIXS] which was the best show I saw that year (beating out TWO FF shows).

9.5 / 10

Here We Are Now, Entertain Us

NUMBER TWO


NEVERMIND / Nirvana
1991 / 12 Tracks

I can vividly remember where I was when I first heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
and when I heard Kurt Cobain had killed himself. I still conjure up that video
on heavy replay on MTV. This is an album that shapes my musical influences
even today.

The album is complex yet simple, the same way the way the Beatles wrote songs
(Kurt was a HUGE John Lennon fan). This cd single-handedly changed the face of
modern rock, knocking the "King of Pop" from number one and killing Hair Metal.

Starting with the simple guitar-riff of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and Kurts low grumble of
lyrics "Load Up on Guns and Bring your Friends"... this anthem runs head-first into a wall
while you are on fire. The lyrics pull and seduce you - drawing you into the bridge
of noise and melody. Even as the chords and song fades from your speakers, the remains
of the song that changed everything reverberates your soul for some time to come.

"In Bloom" is at heart a simple pop song, with a catchy riff and melody.

"Come as You Are" is almost chilling and spooky at times. The melodic sense of the tune,
pulls you through the murky water, just like the video for this song. The image of a
gun floating and Kurt singing "And I swear that I don't have a gun" still makes me sad
and sends a chill down my spine.

"Breed", a hard-rocking drum inspired song really showed how hard Dave could hit the drums.

"Lithium" is one of my favorite Nirvana songs. It starts with Kris's bass line, into Dave's
deep drums and Kurt almost talking through the low parts of the song, which amps up and
kicks into the heavy rocking parts of the song.

"Polly" is an acoustic (mainly) song based on a true story of a girl that was abducted
and raped in Tacoma, WA. It is haunting & beautiful.

"Territorial Pissings", a fast-pased rock song just beats and pummels you
while "Drain You" (another rock song) builds you up before it breaks you down.

"Truth covered in security, I can't let you smother me"....
"Lounge Act" is another song close to my being. It is at heart, a relationship song.
It starts off with Kurt groaning into the mic and his signature guitar,
taking you into a gorgeous rock song, ending in him growling and spitting the lyrics at you,
as it fades off.

Which then takes you into Dave's fierce drumming on "Stay Away". If a song could beat you
to a pulp, this would be it.

As the album winds down, so does the songs. "On a Plain" slows it down to a classic pop song
while still rocking. Giving you everything and more.

"Something in the Way" wraps the album beautifully in a bow. Kurt's haunting voice and
strumming guitar, rings through my body and soul.

Even with the success of the Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl, it is obvious that he took a lot from
his time with Kurt and Nirvana. I saw them live twice and wish I had even more memories of them,
but at least I can saw I did see them live. It is weird for me to hear Nirvana on the Classic Rock,
but that is one thing that they will ALWAYS be... Classic.

10 / 10

Top of the Pops

So I have been wanting to do this for a while and being such a music guy that I wanted to
write some reviews on some of my favorite albums and why they are some of
the best albums of all time. Be it a great album or purely sentimental reasons, here starts with...

NUMBER ONE


The Colour and the Shape / Foo Fighters
1997 / 13 Tracks

The Foo Fighters second and most mature album by far. It is one of those albums that
I can listen to start to finish and when it's end, start it over again. The powerful lyrics
and tone of this album really speak to me.

It starts with the melodic and powerful "Doll", a song about his marriage that was on the rocks during
the recording of TCATS. The way DG almost talks through the song is amazing.

Busting into "Monkey Wrench", a drum-banging, guiatr-rffing hit. It is another relationship song, but not
in the tradition way. It is now a staple in the FF catalog.

"Hey Johnny Park" (or "Hey JP"), a melodic ballad about friendship. This leads into "My Poor Brain",
one of Dave's "screaming" songs where he really wails and my friend Spork's favorite song.

"Wind Up", a great catching pop song, which builds you into the heart of the album.

"The Rain is Here and you my Dear, are still my Friend...."
"Up in Arms", a simple love song that no matter how many times I hear it, it gets to me.
The slow-version of it is so awesome, but the whistle that leads into the rock on the
album version is priceless.

"My Hero", a song about everyday people being heroes to others. It is sometimes overplayed
in montages and tribute videos, but I still love it none the less. It is another staple of the
FF catalog and awesome live.

"See You", "Enough Space" and "February Stars" all ebb-and-flow towards the Foo's epic - "Everlong".
A song that stirs emotion in most. That talks of love and loss. My favorite song line of all time is in this song -
"Breathe out, so I can breathe you in..."

"Walking after You", another emotional relationship / break-up song. One that I love to listen to alone.

The album finishes with "New Way Home", a song that Dave says is about "emotions and pitfalls
and ups & downs, but at the end of the day, you realize that you're not scared any more and
you're gonna make it".

This album was a HUGE change in what is now the modern FF line-up. Willaim Goldsmith, the original
drummer of the Foo worked on this album, but Dave was unhappy with his work and re-recored the drum
tracks himself. Taylor Hawkins was brought in at the end of the album and became the touring and official
drummer of the band. Also, founding Guitarist Pat Smear (Nirvana / The Germs) decided to leave the band
during the tour for this album and was replaced by Franz Stahl (which only lasted through the tour and
the beginning writing process of their next album). The album was re-released in 2007 with b-sides.

Anytime I take a road trip, this CD comes with me.
This album is perfect and is worthy of a 10 / 10.

Can't Change Me

It's not as easy as it sounds. CHANGE. Most of us fall into our ways and never really change.
Not that you have to change for anyone or anything. You can be the most stubborn,
bull-headed person and decide "Why should I change? I'm perfect the way I am. I like the
way I act / live / whatever. Accept me for my quirks, faults, etc."

Sometimes this is okay. You are not hurting anyone in what you are doing or acting.
It may just be super fucking annoying OR make others around you not want to hang out
with you. Sometimes people just have to say to themselves "Either I have to accept
this person for the way they are, or I have to stop hanging out with them".

Letting go someone because of this reason is one of the hardest things to do in life.
Along with getting over my last relationship, I had decided to "remove" some bad elements
from my life that seemed to be dragging down my life further. They were sucking the
goodness from me and holding me back from growing. I knew that they were not going to
change and I was done letting them make me feel worthless.

The good thing that I am learning from my new path (besides happiness) is how
to change myself and why I needed to. Therapy and self-evaluation is a STRONG
and eye-opening experience. I am making positive changes in my life. I am not
letting others dictate this, nor am I changing for someone else's view of me.

The great thing about these wholesale changes is the clarity I am having. My ability
to see the things I don't like or want in my life. I am getting back to the happy,
fun, open person I know I once was.

I look into the eye of the storm and say "Bring it". I am ready. Prepared for battle.
My life is really good and those still hitched to my wagon are in for a great time.

Is my Couch considered "Church" on Sundays?

Looking forward to Football starting up again. Me and Chuckles are going to the game
Saturday night vs da'Bears (and stupid Jay Cutler). I like FREE Tickets (using the owners seats).

The team has changed with LT leaving (a running theme this year?) and with Vincent Jackson /
Marcus McNeill not getting new long-term contracts. On the plus side -
we get new legs with rookie running back Ryan Matthews.

We have consistency and leadership in Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (signed to a
new long term deal).

I still don't like NORV but one more year and we'll see what he can do. My hope is still bringing in Bill Cower.
Someone that is a proven winner.

Preseason starts in a couple of weeks. The season starts on a Thursday
September 9th - Vikings vs the Saints. The Bolts play the 2nd Monday night game
on the 13th at the Chiefs.

Another great year with HIGH expectations.

Postcards from Camp

This summer has been a weird one. Last one was full of Fun in the Sun.
Lots of Concerts and Activities. This one has been more on the down-low.
I'm sure my attitude has something to do with that but as
I say to myself everyday - it's another chance for fresh start.

I'm taking care of myself - health and mental wise. Therapy has helped tons.
Refocusing on the important things. Getting life in order. I have shed off
a lot of bad energy and people over the last couple of months as well.
Sometime you think you know what is best for you not knowing it is sucking
the marrow from your bones.

Work has been really good. Trying to advance myself through hard work, taking
on more responsibilities and going beyond my job. I guess I will have a better
gauge at review time in January if my "plan" is working.

I got my first Passport (finally). Over the last two years I had talked and
talked about it but finally pulled the trigger. Now to just decide where
and when...

Weather wise it hasn't felt like summer at all. More May-Gray and June-Gloom
days than the Hot Heat that we are used to this time of year.

What will the rest of the Summer hold? I guess I will have to hold my head up,
leave my "self-made" prison to see what is out there and really know what is
next for me.

The (Fan) Boys of Summer

The summer ritual of Freaks, Geeks, and Comic-Con has passed and as usual,
I'm a little sad. The one thing I look forward to year round... like
my version of X-Mas (in the heat of July - not so much this year tho).

Heading into Wednesday and Preview night was the same excitement I get
every year. With questions like "How quickly will I get my badge and into
the main hall?”, “How busy will it be?”, and “ “who will I run into
this year?”.


I strode toward the Convention Center with anticipation, with Jimmy by
my side. Everything moved pretty quickly – Line for check-in, Check.
Get Pases easily, Check. Right into the Main Hall, Check. We cruised
around for a couple of hours and got the layout down.

The organizers actually made some really good changes in lay-out this year,
moving around the video games, TV area, and artist alley for better flow
through the hall. On the peek days this helped BUT didn’t fix the problem.

Headed home knowing Thursday would be the start of a long day.

Up early and down into line for Hall H with breakfast and coffee in tow.
Checked out the panels for MasterMind (Will Farrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill),
and Tron: Legacy. Both looked AWESOME! Missed the Danny Elfman panel but I
would have asked him if Oingo Boingo would ever do a reunion tour. Caught
the Burn Notice and White Collar panels as well. Great job by the TV Execs
getting great shows represented at the Con. Along with walking the main hall
completely, I had a pretty full day.

I ended up going to the Con late on Friday because of a funeral I needed to
attend that morning. Met up with Jim and got down there for a few hours.
Missed out on the Walking Dead panel (BOO!) but caught the trailer at the booth
a couple times during the day – and man does it look GREAT!!! I cannot wait
for October. Thanks AMC.

The BIG Show always is on Saturday and this year was no exception. The first
panel in Hall H was Green Lantern and Harry Potter. I took Adrian with me that
day. We grabbed breakfast and got in line, meeting up with Maze. So we waited…
and waited… and waited a little more. 3 hours total. Up to about 100 people from
the front, where we were told the hall was full…. F@#K!!!!!!!!! Not a great start
to the day but took it all in stride. If I was alone that day, I would have
crashed in the hall all day but it’s all good.We spent the rest of the day
checking out the main hall and enjoying the super=-packed goodness that is
Saturday at the Con.


Didn’t attend any big parties this year. Way more subdued than most years -
probably my state of mind from life and relationship stuff. The good thing
is next year will be here before I know it.

[PIXS HERE]

Walking Dead Trailer

Heart Shaped Box

So another year, Another Comic-Con is about to begin tonight with Preview Night.
Really looking forward to the distraction of fun, fake boobs, & fan-boys.
Throw in a good time with good friends, and you have a great vacation.
The weekend will be fun-filled and aI know that extra day off I am taking
after it all, will be great.

On top of that awesome start to my vacation - Dave of the Foo Fighters,
started posting pictures from inside Studio 606 where it looks like the FF
have stated working on the new album.

After a few hard months of internal struggles and external pain, I am reborn,
refreshed and ready for my next chapter. Plus, it helps to have the FOO in
your corner.

[PIXS here]

Resolve

It's not too often I am open on my own Blog. I have been told that the posts are
vague (most people call for the full scoop) and don't let most people into my life.
Even my closest friends are usually not privy to my "inside" life.

In May, LT - my girlfriend (and best friend) of a year and a half,
broke my heart & broke up with me. Our relationship, like most, had their ups
and downs. I never expected it to end like this.

We were in different places in our lives during the course of the relationship.
I know she put in a ton more effort that me, and treated me waaaaay better than
I treated her. It really came down to the "paths" we were both on and where we
saw ourselves in a few years down the road. Over the last 6 weeks, I have talk,
dissected, and dove head-first into fixing everything. See, I thought there was
still a chance to be together... Unfortunately, she had shut it off sometime before
the break-up and no matter what I did to prove that I wanted her was to fall short.

Obviously, I wish it could be different.

I wish I did things differently and followed through being the great guy I KNOW
I can be. I never meant to hurt her or not give her the world I know she deserved.

Looking back over the relationship, I remember the great times we had together.
I treasure every moment together and hope we can be friends again someday.

Red, White, and Drunk

The 4th of July sucked...
At least I was drunk most of the weekend.

Balls...

Next Tuesday starts the last 19 episode (10 this season, 9 next year)
of Rescue Me. One of my favorite shows of all time!!! Denis Leary is
brilliant, along with his co-creator Peter Tolan - make the show come
to life and make it great! The cast over the years has been spectacular.
It makes me sad to think that the end is in sight. It will be a sad day
to say goodbye to Tommy.

Here is a great promo piece done for the upcoming season... Let's call
it a recap.


Denis Leary from Rescue Me Breaks Balls - Watch more Funny Videos

End over End

So comes an end of an era - my comic book collection is no more. Well, at
least for the most part. I decided for a few reasons it was time to sell
off my collection. The problem is, in today's market that comics are worth
what they once were. I feel like the heyday is behind us, along with the
constant deterioration - the comic value will continue to go down... at least
in my lifetime.

I tried to sell them in San Diego, but there wasn't a market for them. At least,
what I thought I would get fr them. The thought of dragging them to the swap meet
or a yard-sale seemed like more trouble that it was worth. So I found a place online
that would take the whole collection for a reasonable price. So after a couple of
weeks of organizing them (Thanks JC) it was condensed to 20 boxes and shipped to
Texas.

Of course I ended up keeping my favorites (don't you worry Grendel fans), but it
was a little sad and melancholy. But I guess now is as good as time for change,
since the turmoil in my life continues. Hopefully this release helps the
process along.

Island in the Sun

Had the annual Memorial Day / Croquette Tournament again this year - PIRATE style!
It was a blast. It was great that everyone dressed up and got into it. I got drunk
and happy, even with everything going on in my life.

Right now, I'm torn between sadness, regret, loneliness, and the thought of her not
in my life. Trying to stay focused on everything going on and there is a lot. I just can't let
my emotions have the best of me. Work. Freelance. Friends. The constants in my life.

Pixs from the party HERE

Between the Lines

So we have officially started summer because a bunch of the new music has dropped over the last couple of weeks.

It will start with my favorite in the last couple of years - the self-titled STONE TEMPLE PILOTS cd. It is REALLY GOOD,
competing with Purple as their best album.

The album starts with the radio-friendly / heavy rotation song "Between the Lines", then rips through"Take a Load Off" and
"Huckleberry Crumble" which is very Aerosmithe-esque. The 2nd radio single is "Hickory Dichontomy"
which has a southern rock meets the Doors feel to it.

Other great songs include Cinnamon, Fast As I Can and Maver.


Two more new CDs I picked up are Fang Island, which I caught at the Casbah. Very Rock-Opera meets Anthem Rock.
Very Good debut album from the guys from New York.

The other is Frightened Rabbit - " Winter of Mixed Drinks". Very mellow, soulful and heatfelt. A great band from Scotland.

Stone Temple Pilots - 5 Stars

Fang Island - 4 Stars

Frightened Rabbit - 4 Stars

Come as you Are

Me and LT went to LA over a long weekend and had a blast and a much needed vacation.
We like to split the responsibilities of booking hotels and picking restaurants to try
while we are there. We also like to plan out some of the things we want to do /
visit while there. This trip was no exception...

WE left early Friday and headed straight for the Getty Museum. If you have never been- DO IT!
The place is F@#KING incredible. The have some of the greatest art pieces ever produced in their
permanent collection and get great traveling art exhibits too. They had a Leonardo DaVinci exhibit
that was INCREDIBLE!!

We took Sunset to our hotel in Hollywood. Our first night was spent in the heart of the city,
at the Roosevelt Hotel, across from Hollywood & Highland / Gromein's Chinese Theater. Very swank
to say the least. We had dinner at Carlitos Gardel, and Argentina Steakhouse. Great food and great service.

We headed over to the W hotel for drinks in their new club, which wasn't open
until 10:30 so we had drinks at the lobby bar (which wasn't too shabby either).
Then back to our hotel for a few drinks poolside and at the pub.

Saturday was filled with Shopping on Melrose, a trip to my favorite Art Store - Wacko!, and a stop
at the LA Natural History Museum. I wish we had more time there but something to do next time.

That night we went to the beach in Santa Monica for dinner at Wilshire. The look,
feel and vibe of this place is great. The way the 4 elements are incorporated into
the decor is wonderful and relaxing. We sat outside on the patioat sunset.
The service was top-notch. The servers and waiter were all super attentive.

The food was incredible and super tasty! We started with the Hamachi. I had the
Miso Black Cod (very good) and the GF had the Scallops (Yummy!). We had asparagus
for a side. I wish I had got the Whole Fried Snapper... Oh well next time.
Highly recommended!

Sunday morning we had breakfast at Quality Food (get the biscuit and home-made
jam!!!) then over to the Grove for some shopping. Finishing up our trip at the Melrose trading post -
a Sunday only swapmeet. Came home much more relaxed, focused and happy.

Ramble On

HOLY S@#T!!!! 5 years of me ranting, raving, talking about movies & music,
and no-one telling me shut up (maybe a few snarky comments). This year is
flying by too... I'm looking down the barrel of the end of May with a
shit-ton of stuff coming up. Glad to have squeezed in a vacation this last
weekend, while knowing there is a 3 -day weekend coming up, as well as a
short Friday this week too (Company Meeting, BBQ & Bowling).

I am finally starting to feel okay with myself and getting out my creative
funk that has been plaguing me like the flu. I am doing a handful of freelance
projects. I have started sketching for some paintings as well as got the
garage set-up as my art studio. I have started to write creatively as well,
which makes the guys happy.

Work is going really good. Focusing on the positive and trying not to let
politics drag the work down.

Relationships with friends and family are strong and healthy. And I couldn't
ask for a more understanding and supportive Girlfriend in LT.

The summer is chalk-full of the normal goodness - Memorial Day Party (Arrrgh,
Pirate theme and all), LT's Birthday, Del Mar Track, Comic-Con, a New Album
from STP, a bunch of music show including Sage Francis, Cage the Elephant,
Cypress Hill, The Dead Weather.

Sounding like a Whole Lotta Fun!

Behind the Wheel

My AUDI turns THREE today and I couldn't be any happier with my car choice!!
Actually the car is 5 but since I have had it only 3 years, that's how I roll.
Going to be taking a little road trip this weekend, which I love to do in my car.
It's so smooth on the open road with the music blairing, sunroof open, and a
smile on my face.

Legally Prohibited

Went to see the Conan O'Brien traveling show - Legally Prohibited from being on TV
on Thursday night and it was GREAT!!! I had seen Conan when I went to NYC in '99
and had a great time then. I knew that this would be equally as fun and
entertaining. LT really wanted to go so we ended up getting seats - not the best
but still able to see everything.

He had a opening act, a comedian named Reggie Watts which was awesome!!! So funny
my side ached and eyes watered. Conan did a bunch of skits, involved Andy Richter,
had the Masturbating Bear & Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, and some super funny crap.

Conan returns to TV in September on TBS.

Magic Bell

Great Ad Campaign for Schwinn Bikes (by Cossette New York)!!!
Awesome Print, Commercial and Consumer applications.
Read the article HERE.











WEBSITE

One Ring to Bind Them

Earlier this month, Lord Of The Rings on BluRay was released, but ONLY
the theatrical version which I say "WHY??" but of course I should know better
by now that the movie studios will do anything to milk their audience for
another dollar.

HERE is an interesting and insightful article into the EXTENDED BluRay
version of LOTR.

Your Shoes

On Monday night, had the privilege to see Taylor Hawkins & the Coattail Riders
at the Casbah. Great show!!! Pick up their album - great classic rock sound.
Looking forward to seeing them again as well as THawk being refreshed and
ready to start on the new FOO album later this year.

Photos HERE

Sweetest Thing

The NFL announced the schedules for the 2010-2011 season. I'm getting excited already.
Check it HERE

Life on a Chain

What a busy couple of weeks!!! I feel like I have been violently shaken and
put down... with that kind of stumbly feeling you have after spinning yourself
in circles. DEFINITELY ready for a break - but WHEN is a good question.

Last night stayed in and played some video games, ate mexican food and drank
a couple of cocktails - all by myself and it was goooood. Sometime you just
need it. The two nights before consisted of Cirque de Soleil and a Padres game
- both free and both quite entertaining (and GREAT SEATS for both too).

Looking at the next couple of weeks, the entertainment docket is full -
Taylor Hawkings @ the Casbah, An art show by Johnny Cupcakes, The Antlers
@ the Casbah, Conan O'Brian @ the Civic Theater, hanging with Hargis,
Eddie Spagehetti @ Brick by Brick, Jamie Kaler @ the Comedy Store, and
if I can score tickets - Frightened Rabbit @ the Casbah (anyone have an extra?).

Work has been a whirlwind. I feel like I am holding up the department, when
that isn't my title. Working on it though. We have so much going on, we have
two interns and it still is just putting a dent into the load. I have a feeling
that we may hire someone soon, even if it's just part time.

Been keeping myself busy (in my free time) with setting up my garage to paint -
YES, I'm finally going to start painting. I have a couple of ideas sketched
out. I have canvas and brushes but still need my paint.

Ready for a break from the daily grind tho... and how!!!

Would you like some Fat with your Fat...

Doesn't this look absolutely disgusting..... YUUUUUUCK!!! I feel like I'm getting fatter just looking at the picture.
PLEASE KFC - make this go away!

When the levee breaks...

When the earth shake here in San Diego, I think it really freaks people out.
We just had a nice big one - 6.9 earthquake and it made me grab Mister and run
into the courtyard with the rest of my neighbors.

Nothing like a natural (disaster) to bring people together. A lot of swinging
and swaying but no damage. Actually interesting to be awake for one - I always
seem to be asleep when they happen.

I always say that I would take earthquakes over any other stuff - flooding,
hurricanes, tornadoes, horrible weather. Just a little shaking to wake you
up, and realize that we are alive!!!

Way Down

This time of the year is exciting because bands are releasing albums and announcing tours.
One such act is Taylor Hawkins (drummer extraordinaire of the Foo Fighters) and the
Coattail Riders - playing an intimate show the day before their album drops at the Casbah on
Monday April 19th. Sooooooo stoked!!!


Listen to the first track HERE...

The State of the Nation

I have been collecting Comic Books on and off since 1984-85. Some of my greatest
memories revolve around comics: great friends, a great job (and start of my career),
and the holy grail - Comic Con and many, many stories.

Collecting comic books to me was never about "what is this going to be worth?".
It has always been about the LOVE of them. It used to be about great art, but
in my wisdom came to realize it's about the writing and storyline. Great art
still has a special place coming from a design and art side.

I remember reading "The Dark Knight", "Arkham Asylum", and "Kingdom Come" and
realizing that comic books isn't an proper way to classify them - it is truly
literature at it's finest.

Actually I have only ever sold ONE comic book to a collector because I didn't
really care about the book, it was signed and it was at the height of the book,
meaning the demand and perceived value was HIGH!!! Very hard to turn down $150
on something I paid $3 for.

Over the years you sometimes buy more books or less, depending on titles and how
much disposable income you have. I am lucky to have a large portion of my
collection for free because of my job at WildStorm and friends in the industry.
I have had my collection appraised and have thought about selling some or all of
it off a couple of times.

Comics are like "comfort food" where you know one good story can entertain you,
cheer you up, and take you away from your worries and life - even if it's only
for 15 minutes at a time.

Scumbag Blues

Really good article on Big Ben Roethlisberger and his BAD Judgment...
[ LINK ]

Fresh Pots!!!

Greatest... Video.... Ever!!!!

Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?

Great article on Christopher Nolan, the state of Batman 3 and the direction of the Superman franchise.

[ LINK ]

Have it All...

You heard right, Dave Grohl spilled the beans. The Foo Fighters are heading back
into the studio. I guess sober thoughts speak drunken words as Grohl was sipping
on some Jameson Irish Whiskey at the Independent Spirit Awards Friday night when
he broke the good news.

On November 4, 2009, Dave Grohl announced that the Greatest Hits record marks
the end of a phase and the beginning of a real hiatus. “This greatest hits
record, that’s the end of something… It’s time to move on into this next chapter
or another phase."

Flash forward to today. Dave seems over this hiatus talk.

Working toward their seventh album, the Foo Fighters are teaming up with
Butch Vig to mark the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s Nevermind, which Vig
produced in 1991.

Grohl plans on this album to be recorded entirely in analog out of his
garage and added, “I think this could be our heaviest album yet.”
When asked about the likelihood of noise complaints from his Encino neighbors,
Grohl said, “We’re doing a test on Monday.” There is no set time the album is to be released,
but The Foo Fighters plan on a documentary film, that will celebrate the band’s sixteen years
together and chronicle the making of the album.

Pop's Love Suicide

Stone Temple Pilots, after a nine-year hiatus have a new self titled album due out on May 25. They will be debuting the
new tracks in Austin at SXSW March 18.

The new album is classic STP. Its 12 tracks have the band's signature blend of tuneful melodies and rock guitar crunch,
psychedelic solos and impressive crooning courtesy of Scott Weiland. A few hard-hitting tracks featured tuneful,
Beatles-esque songwriting, and a pair of songs on the album's second half slowed the tempo, a la "Sour Girl," with acoustic
guitar and strong lead vocals from Weiland.

A tracklisting has yet-to-be announced, but among the songs are "Huckleberry Crumble" and "Between the Lines".

Powder Blue No More

This week my Charger's released the club's all-time rushing leader this week.
I'm really, really bummed! I wanted LT to be part of that Super Bowl® Champion
team that I know we will be. I had HOPED this year was it, but alas, it was not
meant to be. It was a great year of football and fun to watch!

I guess all I can say is "Good Luck dear friend"... Good Luck.

Return of Flannel

Yes, it's true. Flannel is making a comeback. And I'm not talking about the kids you see walking around the malls
in their obnoxious colored ones.I mean, the Seattle-sound, kick-ass 90's Flannel and what it represents - Great Music!

Soundgarden has reunited. Tour by the summer. New Music in the future.

Stone Temple Pilots is in the studio finishing up a new album. Toured all last year and plan on
touring again this year.

Alice in Chains reformed and released a new album last year. They have been touring including a show
with STP this coming summer. Hopefully a full tour together later this year?

90's Rappers Cypress Hill have a new album coming out in April called "Rise Up". I have heard 2 tracks and they rock!!
Including one with SSSC's / RATM Tom Morello.

Still Missing My Old Friend

It's been 15 years since Bill Watterson decided to end his comic strip Calvin & Hobbes,
and the world wept (well, maybe it was just me). I do have most of the collected books
and get nostalgic and like to read through them.

Mr. Watterson decided to break his silence with an interview with his hometown paper
in Cleveland. Read it HERE.

I'm a Mac...

One of the most recognizable (and great) Ad Campaigns happens to
be for Apple and their products. From the colorful i-Tunes ads
to these great ones with Justin Long & John Hodgman. They have
done 66 spots with those two since 2006.

Enjoy! See them here