Monday, December 27, 2004
Holiday Weekend In Review
Christmas is one of those emotionally charged holidays; it's hard to avoid the imagery and importance, be it Biblical or commercial. It's a holiday where family and friends congregate, and bring with them their particular life histories and experiences. These memories and customs come together around the tree, the table, the fire. This is how we celebrate Christmas.
Friday was the proverbial "checking the list twice", in preparation for Saturday's dinner. I took a chance, and earlier in the week, ordered a turducken. I know, the name is not so pleasant, but I had heard good reviews from others, so I figured it was worth a try. Problem was, the package had disappeared from FedEx's tracking system. If the bird didn't appear by 1 PM, I was planning to buy a rib roast. Upon returning from the gym, there was a large styrofoam cooler on my stoop. The bird was here. Big relief.
After more shopping, I met up with Rich, and we headed to Baltimore to visit Nick at his place of employment. A few drinks and appetizers, and then to a fabulous house party near Paterson Park. I used to travel to Baltimore fairly often in the 1990's, but had very little exposure to homes or neighborhoods. The housing stock in Baltimore is beautiful, street after street of wonderful brownstones, wider and taller than those in DC (and at least half the price). A great time, lots of familiar faces, excellent food and conversation, and Christmas Eve is over. One down, one to go.
Saturday, up early to cook and clean. Pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, no problem. Next up: the turducken. Completely defrosted, 15 pounds, suggested cooking time: 4.5 hours at 325 degrees. The last time I cooked a bird, it took 2.5 hours longer than expected. This time, I know to start early. I called for a 4 PM seating, so I planned for 6.5 hours of cooking time. Begin cleaning 3 floors of the house. The landscaper stopped by to take more measurements in the back yard (odd time to do that, maybe?), while I took care of several phone calls and text messages. The bird is cooking slowly. Too slowly for me, I think, impatiently. Baste it with broth, turn it up to 450, keep it covered.
Next, an unexpected visit from W. He wants to see the turducken, so I open the range, and we are blinded by smoke! The broth is burning in the pan. Off goes the smoke detector, and the comedy begins. Fortunately, he is a calming force, so my panic button remains in the off position. After a pleasant visit, I'm back to cleaning and cooking. Guests will be arriving shortly.
Joe and Ed arrive (from NYC and Philly, respectively). (DC) Joe is next, followed by Clickboo and West (from Pittsburgh). Clickboo was wise enough to call ahead and ask if anything was needed, and I realized there was no gravy for the bird, so he took care of that. West helped out with the last hour of prep (salad, beans, breads, chocolate pie, sweet potatoes). A quick phone shoutout to our bud in the snow dome; the table is set, and the bird is miraculously ready on time. We begin the meal right before 5 PM. P passed through (with a few friends) to pay respects. After the meal, Rich and Nick stopped by, as did M and D; Waremouse even made a brief appearance. The fireplace was roasty warm, and the beverages were flowing. Good times, fun conversation, no drama whatsoever. The best gift of all: being surrounded by friends and acquaintances. A nightcap at the bar, and the day is done.
Sunday, a big breakfast for my house guests, some lazy TV time with a bit of Christmas booty, a little furniture shopping, a long lunch and conversation, and then off to dinner with a friend at Zaytinya. I come home and pass out. What a great weekend. Thanks to all who took part in the festivities; friends and good company are the greatest gifts of all.
Lesson of the weekend: don't turn the heat up too much - it will burn the outside of the bird, and the insides won't cook much faster.
Friday was the proverbial "checking the list twice", in preparation for Saturday's dinner. I took a chance, and earlier in the week, ordered a turducken. I know, the name is not so pleasant, but I had heard good reviews from others, so I figured it was worth a try. Problem was, the package had disappeared from FedEx's tracking system. If the bird didn't appear by 1 PM, I was planning to buy a rib roast. Upon returning from the gym, there was a large styrofoam cooler on my stoop. The bird was here. Big relief.
After more shopping, I met up with Rich, and we headed to Baltimore to visit Nick at his place of employment. A few drinks and appetizers, and then to a fabulous house party near Paterson Park. I used to travel to Baltimore fairly often in the 1990's, but had very little exposure to homes or neighborhoods. The housing stock in Baltimore is beautiful, street after street of wonderful brownstones, wider and taller than those in DC (and at least half the price). A great time, lots of familiar faces, excellent food and conversation, and Christmas Eve is over. One down, one to go.
Saturday, up early to cook and clean. Pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, no problem. Next up: the turducken. Completely defrosted, 15 pounds, suggested cooking time: 4.5 hours at 325 degrees. The last time I cooked a bird, it took 2.5 hours longer than expected. This time, I know to start early. I called for a 4 PM seating, so I planned for 6.5 hours of cooking time. Begin cleaning 3 floors of the house. The landscaper stopped by to take more measurements in the back yard (odd time to do that, maybe?), while I took care of several phone calls and text messages. The bird is cooking slowly. Too slowly for me, I think, impatiently. Baste it with broth, turn it up to 450, keep it covered.
Next, an unexpected visit from W. He wants to see the turducken, so I open the range, and we are blinded by smoke! The broth is burning in the pan. Off goes the smoke detector, and the comedy begins. Fortunately, he is a calming force, so my panic button remains in the off position. After a pleasant visit, I'm back to cleaning and cooking. Guests will be arriving shortly.
Joe and Ed arrive (from NYC and Philly, respectively). (DC) Joe is next, followed by Clickboo and West (from Pittsburgh). Clickboo was wise enough to call ahead and ask if anything was needed, and I realized there was no gravy for the bird, so he took care of that. West helped out with the last hour of prep (salad, beans, breads, chocolate pie, sweet potatoes). A quick phone shoutout to our bud in the snow dome; the table is set, and the bird is miraculously ready on time. We begin the meal right before 5 PM. P passed through (with a few friends) to pay respects. After the meal, Rich and Nick stopped by, as did M and D; Waremouse even made a brief appearance. The fireplace was roasty warm, and the beverages were flowing. Good times, fun conversation, no drama whatsoever. The best gift of all: being surrounded by friends and acquaintances. A nightcap at the bar, and the day is done.
Sunday, a big breakfast for my house guests, some lazy TV time with a bit of Christmas booty, a little furniture shopping, a long lunch and conversation, and then off to dinner with a friend at Zaytinya. I come home and pass out. What a great weekend. Thanks to all who took part in the festivities; friends and good company are the greatest gifts of all.
Lesson of the weekend: don't turn the heat up too much - it will burn the outside of the bird, and the insides won't cook much faster.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Dirty Winter Nights
Like the sexy stud said, "it's a great night to be gay". A very fun time at both clubs last night, all kinds of singles and couples and more, everyone in the big frisky Holiday cheer mode. I had suspected a small turnout, and was completely surprised by the volume of hunky men and usual buds. It was a wonderful diversion from an otherwise dreary week (for me).
All week, two a days at the gym, trying to fight off the holiday depression that always sets in - some things never change. Cardio is so much more fun with an iPod. Had a good time earlier in the day with Rich, a little neighborhood shopping and coffee talk. I waxed philosophic on various matters of the mind and heart, things that have been churning around in my head this week. Sort of a year in review kind of deal, lots of change and learning and people coming and going.
FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2004 (in no particular order)
Geyster: I Love 1984
The Go Find: Miami
Sasha: Involver
Dykehouse: Midrange
VHS Or Beta: Night On Fire
United State Of Electronica: U. S. E.
Morel: Lucky Strike
Meow Meow: Snow Gas Bones
Cut Copy: Bright Like Neon Love
Ambulance LTD: Ambulance LTD
Favorite songs of 2004 to be posted later this month.
Check out Margaret Cho's blog for footage from NY Wedrock. (Direct link to footage is here.) I have some fun footage from Wedrock DC that I'll post next week.
We all need to feel like we belong. If you see someone who looks lost, find a place for them. Peace. And Happy Holidays.
All week, two a days at the gym, trying to fight off the holiday depression that always sets in - some things never change. Cardio is so much more fun with an iPod. Had a good time earlier in the day with Rich, a little neighborhood shopping and coffee talk. I waxed philosophic on various matters of the mind and heart, things that have been churning around in my head this week. Sort of a year in review kind of deal, lots of change and learning and people coming and going.
FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2004 (in no particular order)
Geyster: I Love 1984
The Go Find: Miami
Sasha: Involver
Dykehouse: Midrange
VHS Or Beta: Night On Fire
United State Of Electronica: U. S. E.
Morel: Lucky Strike
Meow Meow: Snow Gas Bones
Cut Copy: Bright Like Neon Love
Ambulance LTD: Ambulance LTD
Favorite songs of 2004 to be posted later this month.
Check out Margaret Cho's blog for footage from NY Wedrock. (Direct link to footage is here.) I have some fun footage from Wedrock DC that I'll post next week.
We all need to feel like we belong. If you see someone who looks lost, find a place for them. Peace. And Happy Holidays.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Holidaze
My apologies for the inactivity. I've been dealing with personal stuff.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. DC received a tiny touch of snow last night, it was quite fun, and now it's gone. Perfect. Freezing cold outside today, 15 degrees, windy, I guess this is Winter. Tomorrow is the darkest day of the year, he says (with gallows humor).
Sometime this week, I will post my favorite tracks of the year. Holiday ADD is setting in, more later.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. DC received a tiny touch of snow last night, it was quite fun, and now it's gone. Perfect. Freezing cold outside today, 15 degrees, windy, I guess this is Winter. Tomorrow is the darkest day of the year, he says (with gallows humor).
Sometime this week, I will post my favorite tracks of the year. Holiday ADD is setting in, more later.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Rise And Fall
This article outlines a disturbing trend among the youth of America. Incidents have been recently reported in Utah, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, and Iowa, according to Lambda Legal. My thoughts on the matter have not changed since November 8.
On to a lighter subject - pro wrestling. Last week, I ordered a couple of "historical" media pieces which attempt to tell the stories of two of the largest wrestling companies of the 1990's. I worked at WCW for 7 months during the decline, and have enough stories to fill a book myself.
The tone of the book which chronicles the final days of WCW is rather one-dimensional; it is published by a company known for a web site which highlights the worst ideas in wrestling (bad characters, story lines which seemingly make no sense, etc. - a variation of the "jump the shark" mentality). The book is quite accurate, in terms of timelines and details. The conclusion drawn by the authors is certainly open to discussion. In my opinion, no one ever ran the show at WCW; the person(s) who got to the highest authority in the endless executive chain of command ended up running the show, but only until someone new found the next person a little further up the AOLTW executive ladder. Believe me, I know this much to be true; I was in the mix. The WWE has one person at the top - it is never a question who runs the show. No one ran the show at WCW, and it was doomed. I tried my best, I could not make things better, I left. Things got worse, and they went out of business. Life goes on. Students of the business will appreciate the detail to times and places, but the book may not be interesting to casual fans. The characters involved in the last 5 years of the company are more entertaining than the good or bad ideas they conceived, and their personalities and behavior would tell a much richer story.
The DVD which chronicles the history of ECW is infinitely more interesting, simply because it encompasses all events, without dwelling on only the negatives. One thing about ECW's television show was that they edited most of the dull spots and gaffes out of their show, whereas both WWE and WCW were primarily live shows with many more hours to create on a weekly basis. In the DVD, they allude to ECW's "mistakes" being left in; as far as I know, this is not always true. WWE, who produced the DVD, owns the rights to both companies, enabling them to shape the version of history they are selling. An emotional piece of work, though; I would recommend it to anyone who has a passing interest in the business. It is a great look behind the scenes of one of the wildest (and well-conceived) wrestling territories in the history of American pro wrestling. I was lucky enough to have seen some of their Philadelphia and NYC shows - it was a truly intense environment.
Footnote: one of the characters I felt strongly about at WCW was Vampiro. When I arrived, the WCW version of the character was a sad one, always getting lost in the shuffle and the backstage politics. I spent a good amount of time hanging with Ian Hodgkinson, the man who was Vampiro on TV; I was generally aware of his checkered past, and we talked about many things beyond the business. I sensed a really strong story, one that I thought would have made for compelling TV. In this recent interview, Ian tells the story I wanted to help him portray (and exploit) while at WCW. He had tons of documentation, footage, ephemera - things that, if presented in the proper framework (think less wrestling, more documentary), would have created one of the most controversial characters in the business. Lots of guys have "played the role" on TV, but how many had the real experience, and lived to tell? Why no one would allow us to run with the bigger concept, I'll never know. I think it would have been a "good piece of business".
On to a lighter subject - pro wrestling. Last week, I ordered a couple of "historical" media pieces which attempt to tell the stories of two of the largest wrestling companies of the 1990's. I worked at WCW for 7 months during the decline, and have enough stories to fill a book myself.
The tone of the book which chronicles the final days of WCW is rather one-dimensional; it is published by a company known for a web site which highlights the worst ideas in wrestling (bad characters, story lines which seemingly make no sense, etc. - a variation of the "jump the shark" mentality). The book is quite accurate, in terms of timelines and details. The conclusion drawn by the authors is certainly open to discussion. In my opinion, no one ever ran the show at WCW; the person(s) who got to the highest authority in the endless executive chain of command ended up running the show, but only until someone new found the next person a little further up the AOLTW executive ladder. Believe me, I know this much to be true; I was in the mix. The WWE has one person at the top - it is never a question who runs the show. No one ran the show at WCW, and it was doomed. I tried my best, I could not make things better, I left. Things got worse, and they went out of business. Life goes on. Students of the business will appreciate the detail to times and places, but the book may not be interesting to casual fans. The characters involved in the last 5 years of the company are more entertaining than the good or bad ideas they conceived, and their personalities and behavior would tell a much richer story.
The DVD which chronicles the history of ECW is infinitely more interesting, simply because it encompasses all events, without dwelling on only the negatives. One thing about ECW's television show was that they edited most of the dull spots and gaffes out of their show, whereas both WWE and WCW were primarily live shows with many more hours to create on a weekly basis. In the DVD, they allude to ECW's "mistakes" being left in; as far as I know, this is not always true. WWE, who produced the DVD, owns the rights to both companies, enabling them to shape the version of history they are selling. An emotional piece of work, though; I would recommend it to anyone who has a passing interest in the business. It is a great look behind the scenes of one of the wildest (and well-conceived) wrestling territories in the history of American pro wrestling. I was lucky enough to have seen some of their Philadelphia and NYC shows - it was a truly intense environment.
Footnote: one of the characters I felt strongly about at WCW was Vampiro. When I arrived, the WCW version of the character was a sad one, always getting lost in the shuffle and the backstage politics. I spent a good amount of time hanging with Ian Hodgkinson, the man who was Vampiro on TV; I was generally aware of his checkered past, and we talked about many things beyond the business. I sensed a really strong story, one that I thought would have made for compelling TV. In this recent interview, Ian tells the story I wanted to help him portray (and exploit) while at WCW. He had tons of documentation, footage, ephemera - things that, if presented in the proper framework (think less wrestling, more documentary), would have created one of the most controversial characters in the business. Lots of guys have "played the role" on TV, but how many had the real experience, and lived to tell? Why no one would allow us to run with the bigger concept, I'll never know. I think it would have been a "good piece of business".
Monday, December 13, 2004
Weekend In Review
Fun time this weekend. For a couple of days last week, I felt like I was on the edge of a flu; lots of people in town are sick with various ear and throat crud. (Thanks to Jocko for this odd link.) Maybe it was from working out too hard, maybe it was some low-grade virus. Regardless, life goes on.
Friday, met with a friend to discuss image ideas for next year's campaign. Did I just say that? Let me step out of business mode for a minute - we're going to make pictures in a month or so. Give me a little more time to get in better shape. Later, the gang all convened on Windows. Ran into fellow bloggers Copperred, sm1else, and Virtual Earl; ended up at Luna with 6 buds for a light dinner, and made it an early night (well, before 1 AM).
Saturday started with another business meeting, this one regarding the future of BLOWOFF - in particular, plans for the release of our artist album. Everything went well, now it's time to put the wheels in motion. Back to work on a remix, and then off to the club for the year-end edition.
WOW - what a fun night! A huge crowd, everyone was buzzing, great vibe, big smiles, everyone being very playful and sexy all night long. Jimbo, Chrisafer, and outofstep/DC were all in attendance; Clickboo had his shirt off and dancing shoes on, as did most everyone else. Caught up with a good bud who moved from DC to SF last year, and there were a few new faces (familiar from other places) to round out the crowd. Busy all night, people did not want to go home at 3 AM.
Sunday, woke up feeling much better. Back to the gym, nice sunny afternoon, hanging with buds, and more studio work to round out a quiet night. Also spent some time with this book; I'll have more thoughts on this later.
If you haven't done so already, head over to donotcall.gov and register your cell phone number.
Friday, met with a friend to discuss image ideas for next year's campaign. Did I just say that? Let me step out of business mode for a minute - we're going to make pictures in a month or so. Give me a little more time to get in better shape. Later, the gang all convened on Windows. Ran into fellow bloggers Copperred, sm1else, and Virtual Earl; ended up at Luna with 6 buds for a light dinner, and made it an early night (well, before 1 AM).
Saturday started with another business meeting, this one regarding the future of BLOWOFF - in particular, plans for the release of our artist album. Everything went well, now it's time to put the wheels in motion. Back to work on a remix, and then off to the club for the year-end edition.
WOW - what a fun night! A huge crowd, everyone was buzzing, great vibe, big smiles, everyone being very playful and sexy all night long. Jimbo, Chrisafer, and outofstep/DC were all in attendance; Clickboo had his shirt off and dancing shoes on, as did most everyone else. Caught up with a good bud who moved from DC to SF last year, and there were a few new faces (familiar from other places) to round out the crowd. Busy all night, people did not want to go home at 3 AM.
Sunday, woke up feeling much better. Back to the gym, nice sunny afternoon, hanging with buds, and more studio work to round out a quiet night. Also spent some time with this book; I'll have more thoughts on this later.
If you haven't done so already, head over to donotcall.gov and register your cell phone number.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Horse And Carriage
As we are in the Holiday season, I thought it might be interesting to revisit the notion of family, and how gay marriage figures in to the equation. Perhaps, it is time for those of us who feel strongly about this cause to speak up at the family table.
New Zealand legalizes gay marriage.
DAVID BENSON-POPE: I think the fact that it's a formal state recognition of relationships that they have chosen to be in, you know, we've have a lot of opposition to the bill from people who say that in some way it's going to devalue or demean marriage. I've yet to hear any rational explanation of how my 15 or 16 year marriage is going to be in any way negatively affected by the fact that someone else has their relationship formally recognised by the state. And this is one of those things where nothing's being taken away from anyone, but civil rights are inalienable, and this has always been a human rights issue, and I think people are celebrating this in New Zealand today.
Canada's high court upholds gay marriage.
Canada's Supreme Court ruled yesterday that gay marriage is constitutional, a landmark opinion allowing the federal government to call on Parliament to legalize same-sex unions nationwide. If a majority of the House of Commons approves, as is widely expected, Canada will become the third country to embrace marriage by homosexuals and lesbians. Belgium and the Netherlands are the other two. However, the court added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs. It also declined to answer a contentious question about whether traditional marriage between men and women also is constitutional.
Belgium approves same-sex marriages.
Belgium already was one of several European nations, including Denmark, Hungary, France and Portugal, which have laws recognizing same-sex unions and granting legal, tax and property rights.
Lessons of the same-sex marriage debate in the Netherlands.
Today, the ghost of pillarization survives in the Dutch tendency to cede a large degree of cultural liberty to others, while behaving traditionally themselves. When a new social movement presents itself to a Dutchman, he typically says, in effect: Do as you please, but I'll go on as before. This tolerance for what is culturally alien is a legacy from a world built on religion. Not obvious is what happens when tolerance remains and religion disappears.
Same-Sex Marriage: Canada, Europe, and the United States.
Even if American same-sex couples can get married in Canada, their marriage may not be recognized back home in the United States. Such recognition is, at present, highly unlikely in most states. Even a partnership entered into in Vermont will not be recognized in most other states of the Union: thirty states have passed statutes prohibiting such recognition.
How Holland did it.
Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands.
Same-sex marriage in Belgium.
Yesterday, a very damp and rainy day. Started working on a remix of Morel's "If You Love Me", which is one of my favorite songs of the year. Went out later, fun time with the guys at the club. Clickboo is turning into the Incredible Hulk.
BLOWOFF tomorrow night. It should be a fun time. Another great poster by Pat.
New Zealand legalizes gay marriage.
DAVID BENSON-POPE: I think the fact that it's a formal state recognition of relationships that they have chosen to be in, you know, we've have a lot of opposition to the bill from people who say that in some way it's going to devalue or demean marriage. I've yet to hear any rational explanation of how my 15 or 16 year marriage is going to be in any way negatively affected by the fact that someone else has their relationship formally recognised by the state. And this is one of those things where nothing's being taken away from anyone, but civil rights are inalienable, and this has always been a human rights issue, and I think people are celebrating this in New Zealand today.
Canada's high court upholds gay marriage.
Canada's Supreme Court ruled yesterday that gay marriage is constitutional, a landmark opinion allowing the federal government to call on Parliament to legalize same-sex unions nationwide. If a majority of the House of Commons approves, as is widely expected, Canada will become the third country to embrace marriage by homosexuals and lesbians. Belgium and the Netherlands are the other two. However, the court added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs. It also declined to answer a contentious question about whether traditional marriage between men and women also is constitutional.
Belgium approves same-sex marriages.
Belgium already was one of several European nations, including Denmark, Hungary, France and Portugal, which have laws recognizing same-sex unions and granting legal, tax and property rights.
Lessons of the same-sex marriage debate in the Netherlands.
Today, the ghost of pillarization survives in the Dutch tendency to cede a large degree of cultural liberty to others, while behaving traditionally themselves. When a new social movement presents itself to a Dutchman, he typically says, in effect: Do as you please, but I'll go on as before. This tolerance for what is culturally alien is a legacy from a world built on religion. Not obvious is what happens when tolerance remains and religion disappears.
Same-Sex Marriage: Canada, Europe, and the United States.
Even if American same-sex couples can get married in Canada, their marriage may not be recognized back home in the United States. Such recognition is, at present, highly unlikely in most states. Even a partnership entered into in Vermont will not be recognized in most other states of the Union: thirty states have passed statutes prohibiting such recognition.
How Holland did it.
Same-sex marriage in the Netherlands.
Same-sex marriage in Belgium.
Yesterday, a very damp and rainy day. Started working on a remix of Morel's "If You Love Me", which is one of my favorite songs of the year. Went out later, fun time with the guys at the club. Clickboo is turning into the Incredible Hulk.
BLOWOFF tomorrow night. It should be a fun time. Another great poster by Pat.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Weekend In Review
This past weekend was the first road trip in the new machine, and I must say, it's an enjoyable ride. There was a moment, right after getting onto I-95, where I thought I may have made a mistake; I think it was the variable AWD kicking in, which was noticeable and surprising. Once I felt my way through the various accelerations and quick lane change maneuvers, everything was fine. It's pretty comfortable; the left driver's side armrest is a little skimpy, and I'm having the bigger center arm rest / storage bin installed this week. The sound system is pretty good, and the overall ride is more than acceptable. I'm not sure I'd want to take it on the road for 6 weeks, but it's good for day trips.
Friday was Philadelphia. For years, some of my best shows have been in that town; the crowds are very vocal, no nonsense types, and the set couldn't have gone much better. A blogger's review (with set list) tells the story. The only drawback to the trip was the overbearing amount of traffic in the area, due to the Army - Navy football game. Went to three restaurants: a gay hamburger chain (food took forever), a late-night Chinese (as you'd expect), and brunch at a fabulous new joint near my hotel.
Saturday's show was at the Birchmere in Alexandria, just a few miles from DC. Another very good show, and it was fun to hang with friends before and after the set. I was a little nervous after dinner (so-so sushi on Saturday - not so fresh on weekends - may have been a risky choice), so a quick trip to the bakery was in order. Sugar and butter will always settle a stomach. A late night diner run for steak and eggs, or bacon and eggs with grits, and it's time to sleep.
Sunday was a gorgeous day, almost 60 degrees at one point. Finally got into the gym (off for a few days - ugh), and ran around with friends all afternoon. Stopped by Taint for a few hours, watched the DC Drag Kings do their thing, and chatted up some old and new acquaintances, including Jimbo and Chrisafer.
Friday was Philadelphia. For years, some of my best shows have been in that town; the crowds are very vocal, no nonsense types, and the set couldn't have gone much better. A blogger's review (with set list) tells the story. The only drawback to the trip was the overbearing amount of traffic in the area, due to the Army - Navy football game. Went to three restaurants: a gay hamburger chain (food took forever), a late-night Chinese (as you'd expect), and brunch at a fabulous new joint near my hotel.
Saturday's show was at the Birchmere in Alexandria, just a few miles from DC. Another very good show, and it was fun to hang with friends before and after the set. I was a little nervous after dinner (so-so sushi on Saturday - not so fresh on weekends - may have been a risky choice), so a quick trip to the bakery was in order. Sugar and butter will always settle a stomach. A late night diner run for steak and eggs, or bacon and eggs with grits, and it's time to sleep.
Sunday was a gorgeous day, almost 60 degrees at one point. Finally got into the gym (off for a few days - ugh), and ran around with friends all afternoon. Stopped by Taint for a few hours, watched the DC Drag Kings do their thing, and chatted up some old and new acquaintances, including Jimbo and Chrisafer.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Hair Plugs And A Red Corvette Convertible
Well, I finally had my mid-life crisis yesterday. I bought a new vehicle.
For the past 9 years, I have been associated with a certain 1995 Toyota 4Runner. Some of you probably remember seeing it at acoustic shows, the big gold SUV with NY plates. After many years of (somewhat) loyal service, it is being retired; it is time to move on. Enter the new machine.
Yesterday, Rich and I headed out to a local Honda dealership. I pretty much had it in my mind that I was going to drive off the lot with something, and Rich's job was to make sure that I did. (Or at least that's what happened.) A hilariously pleasant car-shopping episode, three hours start to finish. No silly haggling, no pissing on the tree, I simply brought in the MSRP, and the dealer's advertised Internet price. I chipped away at some of the additional "costs" the dealership built into the final price, added a few features, and it was finished. I think many car dealers have realized that it doesn't pay to play bait and switch games with their customers.
Particular highlights included:
1. The spotting of the AUX plug on the passenger side dash; the first thought was, "wow, now I can work on remixes on my laptop when riding shotgun, and listen through the 7-speaker surround system". The second thought was "there's where I can plug in an iPod, if I ever get one".
2. Checking out the music system with a dub mix of Morel's "If You Love Me". The salesman was asking Rich, "this is you singing???". Funny.
3. Not having to deal with anything involving DC DMV. My plates and zone parking sticker will be ready in a few days.
After finishing up the finance portion of the transaction, there was about an hour to kill as the dealership prepped the car for departure. Off to the Apple Store, and 10 minutes later, my first iPod. Back to the dealer, pick up the new ride, and away I drive. The rough mixes for Body Of Song sound fierce when bombing around DC late at night.
If this was my mid-life crisis day, I think it went well. It could have been worse. Much worse.
For the past 9 years, I have been associated with a certain 1995 Toyota 4Runner. Some of you probably remember seeing it at acoustic shows, the big gold SUV with NY plates. After many years of (somewhat) loyal service, it is being retired; it is time to move on. Enter the new machine.
Yesterday, Rich and I headed out to a local Honda dealership. I pretty much had it in my mind that I was going to drive off the lot with something, and Rich's job was to make sure that I did. (Or at least that's what happened.) A hilariously pleasant car-shopping episode, three hours start to finish. No silly haggling, no pissing on the tree, I simply brought in the MSRP, and the dealer's advertised Internet price. I chipped away at some of the additional "costs" the dealership built into the final price, added a few features, and it was finished. I think many car dealers have realized that it doesn't pay to play bait and switch games with their customers.
Particular highlights included:
1. The spotting of the AUX plug on the passenger side dash; the first thought was, "wow, now I can work on remixes on my laptop when riding shotgun, and listen through the 7-speaker surround system". The second thought was "there's where I can plug in an iPod, if I ever get one".
2. Checking out the music system with a dub mix of Morel's "If You Love Me". The salesman was asking Rich, "this is you singing???". Funny.
3. Not having to deal with anything involving DC DMV. My plates and zone parking sticker will be ready in a few days.
After finishing up the finance portion of the transaction, there was about an hour to kill as the dealership prepped the car for departure. Off to the Apple Store, and 10 minutes later, my first iPod. Back to the dealer, pick up the new ride, and away I drive. The rough mixes for Body Of Song sound fierce when bombing around DC late at night.
If this was my mid-life crisis day, I think it went well. It could have been worse. Much worse.
Technical Assistance Requested
I received this letter from a friend yesterday, If anyone can help him with sorting out the problems he's been having with the blog, please step up. There's a lot of us who miss Joe's writing.
again, apologies that i didnt get to your show in NYC....aside from
completely having lost the date, i was miserably sick most of the
week.....
you may have noticed that i havent blogged in awhile....
perhaps Ed mentioned it to you....
my blog was hacked into and completely deleted, sometime last saturday....
it's easily the cruelest thing anyone has ever done to me, and i'm
fairly certain i know who did it.....stupid stupid stupid me to have
********** as my password...
i've managed to recover most (but not all) of the stories...apparently
lost forever are the comments, which *really* saddens me. hello, i
love validation.
anyway, i was wondering if you would mind mentioning it on
Boblog..that i'm having technical difficulties, etc, but that i hope
to have things rolling again before too muchn longer. i have zero
coding skills, so i'm gonna have to find someone to help me. i cant
even get the damn thing to post a new entry.
most of the links are broken of course, so bookmarks for JMG may no longer work.
i've been getting a steady stream of 'What has happened?'
emails...which is nice.
you can put this email in there, if you think it matters...i'm pretty
sure we now share a large common readership...judging by the traffic
you send me. or SENT me, i should say.
*sigh*
it's all so discouraging.
-Joe
You can reach Joe through his blog. His e-mail can be found there. Thanks in advance.
again, apologies that i didnt get to your show in NYC....aside from
completely having lost the date, i was miserably sick most of the
week.....
you may have noticed that i havent blogged in awhile....
perhaps Ed mentioned it to you....
my blog was hacked into and completely deleted, sometime last saturday....
it's easily the cruelest thing anyone has ever done to me, and i'm
fairly certain i know who did it.....stupid stupid stupid me to have
********** as my password...
i've managed to recover most (but not all) of the stories...apparently
lost forever are the comments, which *really* saddens me. hello, i
love validation.
anyway, i was wondering if you would mind mentioning it on
Boblog..that i'm having technical difficulties, etc, but that i hope
to have things rolling again before too muchn longer. i have zero
coding skills, so i'm gonna have to find someone to help me. i cant
even get the damn thing to post a new entry.
most of the links are broken of course, so bookmarks for JMG may no longer work.
i've been getting a steady stream of 'What has happened?'
emails...which is nice.
you can put this email in there, if you think it matters...i'm pretty
sure we now share a large common readership...judging by the traffic
you send me. or SENT me, i should say.
*sigh*
it's all so discouraging.
-Joe
You can reach Joe through his blog. His e-mail can be found there. Thanks in advance.
