Miss Jade

Flickr Account

2010-01-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm setting up a flickr account to have a public space to showcase my photography.

More to come, but check it out:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46262076@N05/

The Rob Clark Experience / Canaries / Champions of the Wild / Motorama

2009-09-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Railway Club, Sept 26th 2009

The Rob Clark Experience started thing off. A local 3 piece, with some 'experience' under their belts got the crowd warmed up. Each member has been playing for 20+ years, and they have played together for quite a few of those years. They felt like the wedding band... like they could play anything you wanted to them too. They played some covers (Iron Maiden), a little country and some old tunes that they said was inspired by their fathers. They also played a stellar version of "What do I get?" by the Buzzcocks.

Canaries were a total 180 turn from the previous band. Here comes a very young 3 piece with a Synthesizer. (be still my heart) The drummer had good energy, he was working hard. They were rocking, funky, punk, spastic, and all over the map genre-wise. Great energy from the whole crew. I was diggin it. And did I mention the trumpet solos by the drummer? Yeah.

Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/cnrs

Champions of the Wild were up next, a local 4 piece. I think there is only 3 guys in the band normally but they had a forth for the show. Good popping bass lines, deep grooves and head rocking beats. I can see why they decided to start playing shows instead of only recording. The lead singer, Bill was saying that his band mates were thinking "We have to play live shows!" It just makes sense. This was their second show together as Champions of the Wild.

Check them out: http://www.myspace.com /championsofthewild and listen to '98 days'.

People at the show

2009-07-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

Pablo, who just moved here from Mexico. He wanted his picture taken so bad!

Chris from Spreadeagle and Andrew from Hugnelk

Rocking out. Wooo!

The fans.

I had to ask him what white drugs meant. Ok so he's not a white supremacist who loves drugs... It's a band called "the bronx". Punk Rock.

This is the rocker chick who was trying to drink out of her beer bottle while in the mosh pit. Bad idea... She chipped her tooth!

The Railway (half hidden by equipment and beer)

Kiss Shoes!

Hugenelk/ Rorshach/ Black Betty / Spreadeagle

2009-07-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

July 24th 2009 at the Railway club.

May I first say that it was freaking hot in there?

First up, Hugenelk. I had never seen them before, but just chatted with bass player Andrew Carey at a few Spreadeagle shows. They are young (early 20's?) 4 piece from Coquitlam or something. They get it, and it rocked. Very head pounding and bluesy. The next generation.

http://www.myspace.com/hugenelk

Next was Rorshach from Victoria. 3 piece totally in tune with each other. Just perfect. They just sucked you in with the first song and didn't let you go until they were finished. As the guy beside me in the crowd said "they slayed!". Check them out for sure: http://www.myspace.com/rorschachareseriously

Only thing I have to say is don't make the drummer sing if they don't want to! He kept rolling his eyes at his own singing... looked unprofessional. But everything else was awesome.

Black Betty was next. The whole band is only 2 people. Jonas on drums and singing and Ana on guitar and singing. I listened to them on Myspace and it sounds much better than the live show. The drums were overpowering and Ana seemed like she didn't really want to be there for the first half of the show (is that part of her mystique? who knows). They are in the CFOX seeds final 20, so good luck to them. I'd probably have to see them again to get into it. Dude was certainly a wicked drummer tho. http://www.myspace.com/blackbettymetal

Spreadeagle closed the evening with a 'stellar as usual' set. The mosh pit ensued so it was hard to get some good pics without getting hurt. How they even fit the whole freaking band onto the stage amazes me. The Railway is so tiny and the eag is so big. Matt's solos were on fire and they got the crowd totally pumped. http://www.myspace.com/theeag

Joffrey's Art Show

2009-04-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

A friend of a friend (oh thank you Facebook) had an art installation at LUGZ coffee hours in Vancouver. I dropped by for a bit to check it out on my way to see Black Mondo Grass at the Bourbon. Joffrey hasn't been doing this type if painting for long, so it was impressed by the quality of the pieces. An urban feel collection with spray paint, freehand and lots of texture.

Check him out: http://www.modelmayhem.com/901597

Joffrey showing off some of his photography

Lots of friends and family coming out to show support

Outliers / Like a Martyr / Black Mondo Grass

2009-04-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

April 4th, The Bourbon. Black Mondo Grass' C.D. release party.

Outliers: Not a big fan. As I said the last time I saw them when I left the show early because they were totally not interesting... Lack of energy from some members and lack of a polished sound from everyone.

Like a Martyr: I've never seen these guys before, and they totally rocked (maybe because I was starved for some talent by this point?). 4 peice with great energy and a funky rock sound. Heavy bass lines, some catchy riffs and an aura that they know what they are doing. Well dressed and ready to rock, they definitely got the audience's attention. Apparently they have a song being played on the radio right now? Doesn't surprise me as they had some solid tunes. They wouldn't fill and entire arena at this point, but they sure kept us entertained. Not bad, not bad at all.

Check out their myspace and listen the song "Elizabeth" http://www.myspace.com/likeamartyr

Black Mondo Grass: The guys were beaming when they went on stage. You could feel their excitement as they gave each other a congratulatory hugs and hand shakes. This was it, their first C.D. is out and they are about to play an awesome show. They fucking rocked it hard and filled up the dance floor with fans wearing BMG shirts and who knew the words to the songs. It was fantastic to watch and super fun to take pictures of. Mike, the lead singer twisted about on stage and kept the energy high in the room as the band played loud and tight. Shea on guitar ripped it up and Ian on drums played a superb thumping set. I bought a copy of their CD, "Summers Cold". I recommend it, and make sure you check out the song "Girl in the white sweater", pure genious.

Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/blackmondograss

Make my day

2009-04-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

I went to Joffrey's art show on the weekend and stole a shot of this kinda-homeless guy in the back hallway. He came up to me and said "did you take my picture?" I said yes, and asked if I could take more pictures of him in the cool hallway. He posed for me and everything! Thanks dude!

JunoFest

2009-04-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

So I went to Junofest last weekend. I tried to get on the guest list to get in for free, but there were contracts and junk because it was a Juno show so there was no guest list. Lame. But having my camera and a bit of attitude saved me from waiting in line, so I was happy to pay $12 for a freekin awesome show. I went to the show at The Penthouse. The line up was Black Betty / The Manvils / Pride Tiger / Spreadeagle. I missed Black Betty because I was just late... which sucked because I wanted to see the chick band member.

So The Manvils are Indie rockers from Vancouver, they were great. They were a little more tame sounding than the next bands, but they have some great tunes. Check them out: www.myspace.com.themanvils .

Next up was Pride Tiger. So I had never heard them, knew nothing about them and I was wondering why the drummer was setting up his kit at the front of the stage. What?! Oh! It's because he is the lead singer too! This guy, Matt Wood was amazing. He reminded me somewhat of Pauly Shore on speed. He pretty much was the band... Keeping time and singing must be incredibly difficult but he pulled it off with no problem. The songs were rocking and the keyboard player kept the songs funky and interesting. I would seriously seek this band out again when they play in Vancouver. Check them out : http://www.myspace.com/p r i d eti g er

Last but not least was Spreadeagle to bring the house down. They had some hardcore fans in the crowd and the mosh pit got very pushy shovey (a bit too much for a girl with a camera near the front) They rocked it hard, even tho Telford's mic kept quitting. He just screamed the lyrics until it came back on. Hey, the show must go on!

All my pictures of Spreadeagle and on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=23654190208&view=all

People at the show

Andrew from Hugenelk

Cool girl studying radio broadcasting and her friend:

Speadeagle's No. 1 fan? Check out the hair... I haven't seen shaved sides in a long time...

Mr. Oizo

2009-03-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Yes I know you think I'm crazy for listening to this (whoever you are) but I do really enjoy Mr. Oizo. You have heard him before. Mr. Oizo is Quentin Dupieux, a French music producer. Daft Punk are also French, a trend in my preferences perhaps? Ok so in 1999 he released and EP with the single "Flat Beat". It had an awesome music video with a puppet bobbing his head along to the song. You have heard this before, I'm sure of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6Ewqx3PMs

So the new album is called "Lambs Anger". My favourite song on it right now is "Two Takes It" featuring Carmen Castro. It's a remix/redo of "It takes two" and includes samples from the DJ EZ Rock and Rob Base version. It's just splendid.

The new album's cover art features "Flat Eric" (The puppet) with a razor being held at his neck...

CKY

2009-03-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was at a party a few weeks ago and I remember someone talking about CKY and I tried to make a mental note to look it up when I got home. Totally forgot about it, but then stumbled across it on itunes.

When I'm going to get an album from a band that I have never heard before, I always get the oldest album. I find it always has the most raw and rocking sound too it. Usually less over-produced than more recent albums. So I picked 'Camp Kill Yourself Volume 1' for my purchase. It's wicked. It's metal and punk and harmonious.

The band formed in Pennsylvania in 1998 and shares it's name with the CKY video series (the beginnings of Jackass). The drummer is Jess Margera, brother of Bam Margera, who exclusively put their songs on a skate video he released in 1999 called 'Landspeed: cKy'. They released 2 albums to coincide with the video and started touring with Warped Tour.

I suggest at least having a sample listen on itunes if you have it, my fav song right now is 'Disengage the Simulator'.

Moon Phases

2009-03-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm turning 28 on friday. Friday the 13th I might add! I've had it on a Friday a few times before, like the night I was born and at least one in my teens. It's cool that the moon is so full right now too. The moon is actually full on March 11th at 2:38 AM. Which is in about 3 hours.

Usually I notice people (customers) at work going a little nutso around this time of moon cycle. Like they really need to return something they broke after they bought it, and its all our fault and I'm never shopping here again and we are all stupid. It's funny how some people don't understand how the world turns. It's nice at work right now as there are no customers right now. Ah, peace and quiet.

Jordan Carrier at Citrus March 7th

2009-03-09T21:32:00.001-07:00

Oh wow, were we in for a rude awakening by going to this show. I guess I'm just not used to the 20 year old skanky Langley club going crowd. (Holy crap I making myself sound old) Jordan Carrier and the boys were awesome as usual but they are way better than this venue. But I guess a show is a show!

We missed Wakefield Drive who was the first band up, but we caught Critical Element. They had lots of energy. Sounded like sublime. The singer need about 5 more years behind him, he just seemed lost, spazzy and bouncing around. The band was good and they had this other guy that came up for the last couple songs and did beatboxing, which was kinda cool but kinda cheesy. Actually the whole set was kinda cheesy. Maybe its the rapping and throw you hands in the air kind of attitude that threw me off. Maybe it was the crowd he was singing to that made it laughable. Not sure, but I used this time to sit and wait for the headliners instead of dancing.

Jordan Carrier played his hits, but it was a bit mellow for the crowd (especially after this reggae rock band with the spastic lead singer). But Jordan's Fans were there and dancing up a storm.

I didn't take my 'real' camera with me to the show (although I should have!) But my little pocket cam couldn't resist documenting the ho waitress in her natural surroundings. I did a bad thing and disturbed the subject by interacting with her to tell her that her underwear were showing, but she informed us that it was supposed to look like that and they were shorts. (oh, ok....)

Thanks Alexis for helping me capture this interesting specimen.

People at the show

2009-03-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Dude with Alice in Chains 2007 tour shirt

Dude who was the first person of the evening to ask to have his photo taken and girl who wouldn't get off her phone

Brother and sister and best stache I've seen in a while

Cracked up dude who danced up a storm

Ramones spawn

Spreadeagle at The End Cafe

2009-02-28T23:34:00.000-08:00

Went to a rock show last night. Now I'm too tired to stay up and write this, damn my day job. Spreadeagle was headlining at The End cafe on Commercial drive. Totally weird venue for a rock show. Might be a great place for a poetry slam or something? One whole wall is windows looking out to Commercial drive and the Skytrain station. It was fun to watch people walking by staring in the window at our little metal gathering. The crowd was awesome, the bands were great. Spreadeagle rocked it hard.

Bison b.c.

2009-02-26T00:26:00.001-08:00

Thank you Bison b.c. for waking up my inner metal appreciation. It was having a nap.

I saw them play at Amberjack's on Feb. 14th. It was perfect, I went by myself to a metal show in Surrey on Valentine's day. But I fell in love that night... I bought their C.D. "Earthbound" and have been listening to it on repeat in the car for like 2 weeks. Check out their myspace and listen to the song Earthbound. They are going on a European tour right now... Oh those crazy Germans metal heads are going to love them.

Super heavy riffs. Loving it.

Cap Lori/ Past Lives/ The Murder City Devils

2009-02-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Feb 13th Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver

Cap Lori, a petite dark haired girl wearing a grey dress walked to the front of the stage and started her act. No one knew what she was doing, not even the lighting guy. She turned on her background music and started to 'sing'. More like monotone breathy talking. The lighting guy caught on that this meek little lady was actually an act, not just an over confident audience member on stage with a boom box. She whispered her songs (including a few cover songs which she made the minimal crowd guess who they were originally by), into the mic with her background music going and slowly paced the stage. At one point she opened her song saying that it was about sailors and that "It's my favourite". Make me yarf, how old are you anyway? Absolutely no stage presence, unrecognizable lyrics and really lame slow music makes me give it a thumbs down. The guy standing next to me mockingly commented "Didn't you just play this song!?" A+ for courage there honey, but wrong for this crowd and my taste.

She was really cute, too bad she sucked.

Past lives came was next, the lead singer got into his stance and then just lost himself in the music. Thumping indie punk sounds with screamy vocals. I'm not usually into yelling lyrics, but this guy has talent. Writhing and flailing around, his gaze was focused on nothing but the song. Totally captivating. The drummer was amazing, the rhythms popped so fast and easy as he shook his head side to side. Raw raw raw, perfect for the crowd. Wonderful.

http://www.myspace.com/pastlivesmusic

Headliner Murder City Devil's devoted fans rushed the stage as they came out to start their show. They formed in 1996 and lasted till 2001, since then the members have gone off to other projects/bands but they get together for select festivals and this small west coast tour. The crowd knows this is a treat to see them play live. A guy on front of me tries to convince me to take my earplugs out because I need to experience it fully. (But I would like to be able to hear tomorrow, so no go.) I have always had a spot in brain wondering about Murder City Devils - when I was 15 at Hands Across the Border, this dirty rocker guy traded a MCD homemade patch for something. I had no idea who they were, but it had a skull on it so I kept it.

The show was intense and rocking. Spencer the lead singer poured his blood sweat and tears into keeping us totally entertained. Awesome.

Their myspace page says they are Rock/Gothic but I found it to be more dirty garage punk/rock. Check them out! www.themurdercitydevils.com

Boards of Canada

2009-02-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

Just a note that I think everyone should check out Boards of Canada. Take a bit of time to relax and read, or just stare at the wall and listen to a few tracks. Two Scottish brothers who named themselves after, and gather inspiration from The National Film Board of Canada play experimental electronic gems that send you somewhere else.

I couldn't say it any better, so I stole it from Wikipedia : Boards of Canada's music is reminiscent of the warm, scratchy, artificial sounds of 1970s media and contains themes of childhood, nostalgia and the natural world.

check out their Myspace and have a taste: http://www.myspace.com/abeautifulplace

Drum and Light Festival

2009-02-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

This was probably the most amazing thing I have been to in a long time. In a small hall in East Van, you walk in to the dark room to see 3 huge screens with crazy images being projected from the mezzanine and hear the music of 'Hard Rubber', a 15 piece 'mondo-groove' orchestra led by John Korsrud. 3 full drum kits, 1 guitar, 1 bass, 1 keyboard, 1 turntable, 2 hand drum sets, 2 laptops and a 4 piece brass section including a bari sax. A giant white curtain pulled open slightly hides the orchestra members that are off to the side. They are funk, they are jazz, they are rocking, they are coordinated. The song never ends for over 2 hours as John leads the crew through a miriad of grooves. He stands on the stage to the upper left where the band can all keep an eye on the maestro, but he is hidden to most of the crowd by the curtain. Extremely talented drummers play off each other with ease, smiling and laughing as they communicate with beats. John plays the trumpet in between leading the group through the music. Three girls wearing all white come out of the eclectic crowd and close the curtain. The projected images hit their clothes and the white wall created. The band keeps us dancing and the girls bend and twist on the stage, their clothes changing colour. Our lady entertainers open the curtain again for us to enjoy the talent that was hidden for a bit, then disappear and reappear wearing prom dresses and pig masks. The images change to pre-recorded mini videos of the pig ladies roaming the streets being dramatic. The real life bossy pigs won't take no for an answer and pick people out of the crowd to dance with. Using over the top expressions they kept us engrossed in the whole experience. The music pulsing, the light show engaging and the jesters amusing, it was a show for all the senses. Our piggy friends finished their time and were replaced by a dreadlocked fire-dancing looking girl with 2 hula hoops. She twirled in front of the curtain while hippy girls writhed at the front of the dance floor to the complex beats. I was taking pictures throughout the whole night, one of my favourite shots was of this girl who was enjoying the whole thing as much as I was and wanted to watch the band, not so much the curtain hiding them.

She lay on the corner of the stage and lifted the curtain and watched. Felt like she as peaking behind the curtain to see the Wizard of Oz.

The 3 drum kits, the 2 hand drummers and the D.J. kept playing while the rest of the orchestra came out front to the delight of the mob. True rocks stars. The curtain opened again to reveal the beating heart of our show and the crowd went wild. The drummers finished and did their bows, with two of the the 'stars' of the show, Tim Proznick (drum kit) and Myles Bigelow (percussion) getting that extra bit of cheering.

The D.J., Timothy Wisdom kept up the beats and gave us something to hang on to as the crowd dispersed. Amazing. I highly recommend getting tickets to this next year.

More info:

http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/features/2010/story.html?id=9175ee3d-2bcb-4f15-b42e-3bc76a8f3443

Me on the stage:

check this out

2009-02-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/ubiquitoussynergyseeker

USS is a band from Toronto - you have heard their song on the radio - I guarantee it. I hardly ever listen to new music on the radio and if I've heard it, you have. It's that funky song that's chorus is "Aye's the by that builds the boat/ Aye's the by that sails her" and you sing along because everyone knows the lyrics.

Check them out, the rest of the songs on their EP are awesome as well. They call themselves Drum 'n bass/Folk/ Pop if that is possible - and it is. Apparently they were the first unsigned band to sell out this 2,500 seat venue in Toronto - due only to airplay.

Anathematics / Black Mondo Grass / The Outliers

2009-02-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

January 31st 2009 at the Bourbon in Vancouver

Anathematics opened the night with their indie garage rock infused with keyboards and dreamy vocals. The lead singer had good vocal range and had a 'whine' to his voice that worked with the music. The drummer was awesome, playing numerous rhythms in each song, very intricate. They definitely rocked it. The drummer and the singer were very talented, it was stuff I could hear being played on the radio.

Next up was the band I was there to see and take pictures of, Black Mondo Grass. I had no idea what to expect but they pretty much blew me away. The frontman had this Scott Weiland/Jim Morrison aura about him as he danced and rocked out on stage. Super entertaining. Great on vocals, oh hell the whole band was crazy talented. Very heavy drums - this guy was a machine. He was prepared to sweat by not even having a shirt on to start with. Bearded and crazy looking, he pounded those skins channeling Bonham himself. Raw and thumping but catchy tunes, Black Mondo Grass is one to watch. I hear they are in the process of recording their first album (they haven't been together that long)

The bassist looked a bit like a deer caught in the headlights, but... well... isn't the bass pretty boring anyways? The 7 foot tall Slash look-a-like guitarist could play really well as could the other guitarist. They put themselves into the show completely and you could hear it.

The Outliers were the headlining band. Softer than BMG and really clean cut, they rocked but not as hard. It was actually a fundraiser for them as all their gear was stolen... Maybe that's why they weren't as good as the other bands? The drummer had to play someone else's kit, does that explain the uninventive beats? The vocals were scratchy but ok, a few of the songs rocked but not most. There was not a lot of sweat pouring into this show except from the singer. I left early.

Now I'm sure

2009-01-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, now I'm positive that I do not enjoy the music of 'Theory of a Deadman'. I went to their concert (for free, don't worry) on Tuesday night at The Centre in Vancouver. The first opening band was called 'Ten second epic'. They were ok, sounded like SUM 41 but looked like metal heads (be still my heart). The second opening band was 'Rev Theory'. They surprised me by being not bad. They had some good riffs and my toes were tapping. The lead singer had lots of energy and kept trying to get the audience to participate by clapping. They jumped around a lot and had 2 tables at the front of the stage for the band members to stand on. They put on a good show.

I highly recommend staying as far away from Theory of a Deadman as possible. (but you probably already knew that)

New U2

2009-01-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

Heard the new U2 single today. Album is called "No line on the horizon" and the single is "Get on your boots". It sounds like U2, you know, that 'new U2 sound' we simply put up with all the time now. But then the song progresses to this QOTSA-esque riff. It starts to rock is what it starts to do! I heard The Edge on the radio saying that they gathered sounds from everything they were hearing these days. I could totally feel this rocking california groove in it, very nice. Thumbs up U2. Thanks for recycling something I like to listen to.

On a side note, listening to Rock 101 all day while cleaning out Colleen's garage, (and well, let's face it, I listen to it everyday) I was very impressed with the songs that were being played. I heard Nirvana and Pearl Jam and lots of old Bowie, Stones and Beatles songs I haven't heard in a while. Being a Bowie fan, I have heard "Changes" a few times. If I have to hear it one more time I may have to doing something about it. And China girl. Enough is enough! BUT I heard TVC15 (vintage wicked Bowie) and Lovely Rita, meter maid! (Beatles).

And Nickleback was never heard from again, and and and... Oh wait, I'm dreaming.

Photo Shoot with Alexis

2009-01-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Douglas Border Crossing Becomes Idle Free

2009-01-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

An "Idle free zone" has been in effect for a few months at the Douglas Border Crossing. As a long time resident of the area I'm thrilled at the idea. I remember my parents being concerned when we were growing up that the emissions were going to cause health problems with our whole family. My Mom would wash the window screens on the house and they would be covered in black tar from the cars idling in the border line up out front. Walking down to the park to have a look at what Idle Free B.C. has done, I noticed that apparently no one can read. I understand that it is a cold day, but you can't read the sign? Does your car really have to be on? It was really hard to not say anything to the cars that were sitting there idling right next to the sign that says turn off your car.

Driving South on Hwy. 99, you pass an electronic traffic sign that explains that cars will be moving in groups and traffic lights are ahead. The idea is that you stop at a traffic light far before the actual border and wait until it goes green when all the cars can turn on and move forward together. No one loses their spot in line and you are still getting to the front just as fast as if you had to sit there idling and watching traffic to see when you can move five feet closer to the customs.

If vehicles avoided idling by just three minutes a day, over the year Canadians would collectively save 630 million litres of fuel, and $945 million in fuel costs (assuming a fuel cost of $1.50/L). This would also save 6.3 billion kilograms of GHG emissions.

www.idlefreebc.ca

I asked inside the Canadian Customs about the new procedure, and I heard that people have complained about the line up being so slow. I guess it's too bad that now we have an international illiteracy problem. :(

By the way, the new Canadian Customs at the Douglas Crossing is gorgeous! Too bad you aren't allowed to take photos inside. Very west coast inspired.

the snow

2009-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

I love the snow. I know lots of people do not, but for me it's just magical. We rarely get snow here in the lower mainland that lasts for more than a day. Just think of the rest of the country who deals with way more snow than this! This is the kind of cold we need to stop to the pine beetle that is ravaging our forests and I think its about time we had a white xmas.

I remember going to the movies with my family when I was about 9 years old. When we got to that old theatre near willowbrook mall, it was just an average December night. We saw "Edward Scissorhands". The movie finished with Edward back in his house on the hill, incessantly carving snow sculptures. The ice flakes spread everywhere and became the snow for the town. I was to young to pay attention to the weather reports so I had no idea it was going to snow that night, and neither did anyone in the theatre. As we all walked out in that "just saw a movie" daze we were sure suprised to see a full foot of snow on the ground that had fallen since we were in the theatre. Edward was working his magic for us.

The ride home was an edge of your seat thriller as we inched down the freeway passing giant semi's run off the road. They looked like dead dinosaurs in a blurry haze. It was a complete white out, you couldn't really see where you were going, just following the tail lights ahead of you. We made it home. I still remember the foot deep footprints on the front lawn that disappeared by morning, covered in even more snow.

check this out

2009-01-03T19:02:00.001-08:00

www.toothpastefordinner.com

I swear by it!

Kyuss

2009-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

Have you listened to Kyuss? And why not? You have no excuse. Formed in the late 80's under the name "sons of Kyuss", they transformed into Kyuss in 1990 and released their first album "Wretch" which I'm listening to on repeat right now. Originally from Southern California, they played free shows in the desert, powered by generators to build a fan base. Josh Homme would play his guitar through a bass amp to have a heavier psychedelic sound. They only released 5 albums before they disbanded in 1995. California Stoner Rock at it's roots.

On the album "Wretch" download the song "(the beginning of what's about to happen) Hwy 74".

Josh Homme founded Queens of the Stone Age in 1996 (was originally called Gamma Ray but some German power-metal band already had that name and threatened to sue them). He also continues to produce a improv style musical series called "The Desert Sessions" where musicians from the local scene (and friends of his) record covers and original material.

Ok, thank you Wikipedia! All you need to know it that Josh Homme is a musical magician that you need to know about and listen to.

Picture: Holly and Josh Homme backstage at Queens of The Stone Age, PNE Forum - 2008.

Kings

2008-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Listening to Kings of leon "only by the night". It's is almost something I would not be into normally. I skipped to track 3 - "sex is on fire" and worked from there. It's pop rock to me, but labeled as alternative? It's soft and melodic with a bouncy beat at times. The lead singer, Caleb Followill's voice is throaty and scratchy and gorgeous. The three Followill brothers and their cousin Matthew are currently touring the states then to Europe and Australia.

Download "closer" "sex is on fire" or "be somebody".

where's it to?

2008-12-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

My friend Heather and her man, Albert are down visiting from Bonnyville, Alberta (Albert from Alberta, I know...) They work on the oil pipelines up there were it is -40. They were loving the warm temperatures up here. "Wow! Its in the plus down here!". Their friend called them this morning to tell them that it's warming up... its only -32 today.

Albert is originally from Newfoundland so understanding what he's saying is pretty hard, especially for me - the sort-of hard of hearing. Instead of "where is it?" he says "Where's it to?". Heather was telling me about a Newfie who was trying to ask where an address was. "Where's 14322 too?". Needless to say both sides were extremely confused.

Mission Statement?

2008-12-28T13:20:00.001-08:00

I’ve thought about doing this for a while, but time always seemed to be an issue. I’m done working for the year and I don’t have to go back for a month… how nice! Now I have time.

I wrote zines back in high school which were always well received by my readers (who were close friends and slightly bias i suppose). I don’t think I’m the best writer, but I have lots to say and having a blog would be great practice to get those words into writing.

I want this blog to be entertaining for the readers and therefore entertaining for me!

Check back for pictures and posts!