The most important news of the day... I'm now an uncle! And now Nicole is an aunt!! At 9:35PM Hawai'i time, my brother Matthew and his wife brought into this world their first child. A boy, 6 lbs, 3 oz, 19.5 inches. I am very happy for them and can't wait to meet the new young one.
I went for a short bike ride this afternoon. I spent most of the day with Wayne (we now pronounce it "Wahn yea", like "Kanye") who was on the hunt for new shoes. So it became too late in the afternoon to put in a good long ride, not to mention my shoulder is still a little sore from yesterday's sporting clays adventure. So I thought I'd ride the first half of the ride I did on Monday. There was a loop at about 5 mile mark, so I could get in 10 miles without too much traffic to fight. The beginning of the ride goes along a river and I have to ride along a bike path/running trail that is off the regular road.
Then, something like this happened...
Alright, so I'm not as fit as these guys. Nor did I hit a dog and fall down. Okay, maybe it was nothing like the above video, but it was brought to mind while I was on the bike/running trail.
I wasn't going terribly fast, and it was the late afternoon sun coming through the trees causing a bit of a strobing effect on my sunglasses, when out of the blue, a squirrel decides it would be better to be on the other side of the bike trail and bounds across right in front of me. I practically lock up my brakes and swerve missing the squirrel by inches. And then it happened two more times! What is with the squirrels?
31 October, 2007
30 October, 2007
Skeet! Skeet! Skeet!
I think I found a new hobby. A new, probably very expensive hobby.
Today, Wayne, Maddy and I drove 3 hours up to the Sandanona Shooting Grounds in upstate New York. Granted, it's not way upstate, but from southern New Jersey (aka Philadelphia) it was still quite a haul. We went there to do the Sporting Clays course.
First, a little history of the place. Sandanona is the oldest permitted shooting club in the country. It was founded in 1907 by... Ah nevermind... If you want know the history, read it here.
When we entered the lodge we met a nice lady who set us up with 12 gauge shotguns (a $3400 gun if I was going to buy it), 110 shells, and a carrying bag. We also met Andrew, a ginger headed fellow in his early 20's who would serve as our trapper. Which basically meant he pushed the button that launched the clay disks we were going to shoot. He was also a knowledgeable shooter, and gave us pointers when we went to shoot our 10 practice rounds. Here's a photo of Maddy squeezing off a couple of practice rounds with Andrew giving him pointers.
I didn't quite know what to expect. I had seen skeet shooting competitions on ESPN in the past. Wayne had been to Sandanona before, so he was our unofficial guide and cheerleader. What we did was technically not skeet shooting, we shot sporting clays. The best comparison I could come up with was golf. We basically did 10 holes of golf over a two mile course.
Sandanona I think had 17 shooting stations. Like the one picture above (That's me shooting by the way). Each station was representative of a different way you could (if you were a hunter) encounter your prey in the wild. You stood in a little gazebo like thing, and from different places, Andrew would launch the clay targets. Sometimes they came from the right. Sometimes the left. One station even had them fly out from above you.
I don't remember all the terminology used, but I remember that when two disks flew at the same time it was called a "true pair", and when one followed another after you shot at the first one was called "on report". I thought the "on report" was nifty because it reminded me of one of the fireworks we have in Hawai'i for New Years called a "ground bloom flower with report". We didn't know what the "with report" meant when we lit the first one. It meant at the very end of the firework show, it would explode with a really loud bang, leaving little shards of paper everywhere, very hard to sweep up at the end of the night.
When you stepped up to the shooting area, you would say, "New shooter in." Andrew would yell something from his little hide where he was launching (I could never hear him, I had earplugs in). Then you'd load two rounds, one in each of the two barrels, lock the gun into place and get ready to shoot. When set, you say, "Pull!" and Andrew would either send a "true pair" or "on report". You would get 5 "pulls" of two shots each, for a total of 10 shots at each station. Once you shot your 10, you yell, "Shooter out". If you were the last shooter, after you stepped out, and "broke" your gun (opened the barrels up to reveal it was empty) you would yell, "Line is clear", and Andrew would come scurrying out from his hide and escort us to the next station.
Here's Wayne shooting. He was the best shooter of the day with 68 of 100. I did okay with 51 of 100, and Maddy shot 56 of 100. On a couple of the stations, I was great, on some of them I sucked. But what I really good at was forgetting to turn off the safety on the gun. I can't count the number of times I would say, "Pull!" and as the targets flew past I squeezed the trigger, only to realize, I had the safety still on and got to watch the disks fall safely on the course. "Sorry, I had the safety on!" I would yell and Andrew would yell something back. I still couldn't hear him because of my earplugs, but I'm sure he was yelling, "Moron!!"
All in all, a great day. The drive was nice. We had a special guest on board the rental car, Maggie, the GPS. She was very patient with all of our wrong turns, never once yelling. Always saying in her calm voice, "Please proceed to the highlighted route," or "When possible make a legal U turn." She was really nice, and helpful. She made sure we knew two miles before anything that we were two miles from anything. Count it off Maggie!
The trees in upstate New York are starting to turn the bright colours of fall, but we were still a little early for the great show. Perhaps next week in West Virginia, I'll get some good shots.
Today, Wayne, Maddy and I drove 3 hours up to the Sandanona Shooting Grounds in upstate New York. Granted, it's not way upstate, but from southern New Jersey (aka Philadelphia) it was still quite a haul. We went there to do the Sporting Clays course.
First, a little history of the place. Sandanona is the oldest permitted shooting club in the country. It was founded in 1907 by... Ah nevermind... If you want know the history, read it here.When we entered the lodge we met a nice lady who set us up with 12 gauge shotguns (a $3400 gun if I was going to buy it), 110 shells, and a carrying bag. We also met Andrew, a ginger headed fellow in his early 20's who would serve as our trapper. Which basically meant he pushed the button that launched the clay disks we were going to shoot. He was also a knowledgeable shooter, and gave us pointers when we went to shoot our 10 practice rounds. Here's a photo of Maddy squeezing off a couple of practice rounds with Andrew giving him pointers.
I didn't quite know what to expect. I had seen skeet shooting competitions on ESPN in the past. Wayne had been to Sandanona before, so he was our unofficial guide and cheerleader. What we did was technically not skeet shooting, we shot sporting clays. The best comparison I could come up with was golf. We basically did 10 holes of golf over a two mile course.
Sandanona I think had 17 shooting stations. Like the one picture above (That's me shooting by the way). Each station was representative of a different way you could (if you were a hunter) encounter your prey in the wild. You stood in a little gazebo like thing, and from different places, Andrew would launch the clay targets. Sometimes they came from the right. Sometimes the left. One station even had them fly out from above you.
I don't remember all the terminology used, but I remember that when two disks flew at the same time it was called a "true pair", and when one followed another after you shot at the first one was called "on report". I thought the "on report" was nifty because it reminded me of one of the fireworks we have in Hawai'i for New Years called a "ground bloom flower with report". We didn't know what the "with report" meant when we lit the first one. It meant at the very end of the firework show, it would explode with a really loud bang, leaving little shards of paper everywhere, very hard to sweep up at the end of the night.
When you stepped up to the shooting area, you would say, "New shooter in." Andrew would yell something from his little hide where he was launching (I could never hear him, I had earplugs in). Then you'd load two rounds, one in each of the two barrels, lock the gun into place and get ready to shoot. When set, you say, "Pull!" and Andrew would either send a "true pair" or "on report". You would get 5 "pulls" of two shots each, for a total of 10 shots at each station. Once you shot your 10, you yell, "Shooter out". If you were the last shooter, after you stepped out, and "broke" your gun (opened the barrels up to reveal it was empty) you would yell, "Line is clear", and Andrew would come scurrying out from his hide and escort us to the next station.
Here's Wayne shooting. He was the best shooter of the day with 68 of 100. I did okay with 51 of 100, and Maddy shot 56 of 100. On a couple of the stations, I was great, on some of them I sucked. But what I really good at was forgetting to turn off the safety on the gun. I can't count the number of times I would say, "Pull!" and as the targets flew past I squeezed the trigger, only to realize, I had the safety still on and got to watch the disks fall safely on the course. "Sorry, I had the safety on!" I would yell and Andrew would yell something back. I still couldn't hear him because of my earplugs, but I'm sure he was yelling, "Moron!!"All in all, a great day. The drive was nice. We had a special guest on board the rental car, Maggie, the GPS. She was very patient with all of our wrong turns, never once yelling. Always saying in her calm voice, "Please proceed to the highlighted route," or "When possible make a legal U turn." She was really nice, and helpful. She made sure we knew two miles before anything that we were two miles from anything. Count it off Maggie!
The trees in upstate New York are starting to turn the bright colours of fall, but we were still a little early for the great show. Perhaps next week in West Virginia, I'll get some good shots.
29 October, 2007
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cherry Hill is an interesting in place. Actually, all of New Jersey is an interesting place. They have a very strange way of laying out the roads around here. I could spend a long time comparing them to different parts of the world, (roundabouts and weird left hand turns). But I won't.
I went on a 20 mile ride today, below is a picture of my heart rate monitor and bicycle computer.
I packed back on the 1600 calories I burned during dinner tonight.
It was a nice ride that started out along the river behind the hotel, then turned onto some roads that connected different planned housing communities together. LOTS of planned communities. Each one had a different name. "The Woods", "The Bluffs", "The Wooden Bluffs". It was unfortunate that there wasn't much to photograph on the ride. Sorry.
I will say this much, I'm glad I didn't have a car when I was in high school. I rode today past the Cherry Hill High School, just around the time when some of the students were leaving campus. I would love to say, "Kids now days!" But the truth is, I remember my friends doing the same thing leaving the student parking lot. These kids were laughing and burning out as the pulled out, music playing loud, smoking in the parking lot. That was probably the most dangerous part of the ride today, maneuvering around these silly kids.
That was my day. Tomorrow is the big one, shotguns and clay pigeons good times...
...
And finally, if Nicole and I ever had to move to Cherry Hill, New Jersey and live in a planned community... I think this is the one Nicole and I would like...
Then again, I would probably never want to move to Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
I went on a 20 mile ride today, below is a picture of my heart rate monitor and bicycle computer.
I packed back on the 1600 calories I burned during dinner tonight.It was a nice ride that started out along the river behind the hotel, then turned onto some roads that connected different planned housing communities together. LOTS of planned communities. Each one had a different name. "The Woods", "The Bluffs", "The Wooden Bluffs". It was unfortunate that there wasn't much to photograph on the ride. Sorry.
I will say this much, I'm glad I didn't have a car when I was in high school. I rode today past the Cherry Hill High School, just around the time when some of the students were leaving campus. I would love to say, "Kids now days!" But the truth is, I remember my friends doing the same thing leaving the student parking lot. These kids were laughing and burning out as the pulled out, music playing loud, smoking in the parking lot. That was probably the most dangerous part of the ride today, maneuvering around these silly kids.
That was my day. Tomorrow is the big one, shotguns and clay pigeons good times...
...
And finally, if Nicole and I ever had to move to Cherry Hill, New Jersey and live in a planned community... I think this is the one Nicole and I would like...
Then again, I would probably never want to move to Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
28 October, 2007
It's Roadie Friday! And other random thoughts.
For the rest of the world, it's Sunday. But for us, it's "Roadie Friday". Today is the last of another 5 in a row of shows. We go into a "Roadie long weekend", with three days off in Cherry Hill, NJ, starting tomorrow. I have big plans.
I'm going to ride my bike tomorrow. There are some great websites on the internet like bikely.com where people from all over post their bike ride routes. On another site, Mapmyride.com, I found someone had listed a ride basically from my hotel out 20+ miles. That's a distance I can handle. Hopefully, no hills.
On Tuesday, a couple of us are going on a little road trip to the oldest gun club in the U.S. to take a course in skeet shooting. Apparently, there's also a course included with our fee, sort of like golf. Except you walk around and shoot flying clay targets and not whack a golf ball. Should be interesting. I'll have pictures and a blog on that day for sure.
And finally, the "Roadie long weekend" will end with another bike ride for me. Don't know where I'm going yet. but there's gotta be a nice ride somewhere.
...
I know I've talked about this before. Well at least with Nicole. But I always wonder how people get to where they are. Who decides to live in Albany? What is the industry of LaCrosse, Wisconsin? It all came to a head a few years back. We were on a submarine ride. Which is to say, a really long bus ride. Some where in the neighborhood of 14 hours. We were heading south, somewhere in the middle of the country. I was sitting in the jump seat, which is the seat next to the driver, watch the world pass by. When something struck me as very odd. On the right, just after an off ramp that had a McDonalds and a gas station, what a three story apartment building. And then nothing else in site. Perhaps down the road out of site (although it was pretty flat) was a small town. But who would choose to live an that particular apartment complex?
...
I have no butt. Everyday, I try to hook my brick (aka walkie talkie) to the back of my belt, which pulls my pants down. Why? Because I have no butt to hold my pants up. Thank goodness for Duluth Trading company and their long tail T shirts.
...
We're back in Albany today. This is the building where I started the Blue Man Group tour over a year ago. Here is where I flew after my wedding in Hawai'i. Here is where Josh tried to steal my bunk. Here is where I lost my first week of per diem. It was in an envelope on my lighting console. I'd better keep an eye on my computer and camera and my per diem... It's "Roadie Friday" AND per diem day!
...
I'm going to ride my bike tomorrow. There are some great websites on the internet like bikely.com where people from all over post their bike ride routes. On another site, Mapmyride.com, I found someone had listed a ride basically from my hotel out 20+ miles. That's a distance I can handle. Hopefully, no hills.
On Tuesday, a couple of us are going on a little road trip to the oldest gun club in the U.S. to take a course in skeet shooting. Apparently, there's also a course included with our fee, sort of like golf. Except you walk around and shoot flying clay targets and not whack a golf ball. Should be interesting. I'll have pictures and a blog on that day for sure.
And finally, the "Roadie long weekend" will end with another bike ride for me. Don't know where I'm going yet. but there's gotta be a nice ride somewhere.
...
I know I've talked about this before. Well at least with Nicole. But I always wonder how people get to where they are. Who decides to live in Albany? What is the industry of LaCrosse, Wisconsin? It all came to a head a few years back. We were on a submarine ride. Which is to say, a really long bus ride. Some where in the neighborhood of 14 hours. We were heading south, somewhere in the middle of the country. I was sitting in the jump seat, which is the seat next to the driver, watch the world pass by. When something struck me as very odd. On the right, just after an off ramp that had a McDonalds and a gas station, what a three story apartment building. And then nothing else in site. Perhaps down the road out of site (although it was pretty flat) was a small town. But who would choose to live an that particular apartment complex?
...
I have no butt. Everyday, I try to hook my brick (aka walkie talkie) to the back of my belt, which pulls my pants down. Why? Because I have no butt to hold my pants up. Thank goodness for Duluth Trading company and their long tail T shirts.
...
We're back in Albany today. This is the building where I started the Blue Man Group tour over a year ago. Here is where I flew after my wedding in Hawai'i. Here is where Josh tried to steal my bunk. Here is where I lost my first week of per diem. It was in an envelope on my lighting console. I'd better keep an eye on my computer and camera and my per diem... It's "Roadie Friday" AND per diem day!
...
27 October, 2007
Hartford, The Whale...
Long drive into Hartford Connecticut from Pittsburgh, PA. A little over 8 hours I think. I lay in my bunk last night at around 1AM when the bus started rolling and we got here a little after 9AM. All this does, is create on giant panic for no apparent reason. Normally we load in at 8:30AM, but today we ended up starting about an hour and 15 late. Which I think basically means I won't get my afternoon nap.
But for everyone else, an hour and 15 minutes late, means pandemonium and mayhem. People were practically jumping off the bus before it even stopped rolling. Yelling at each other "Go! Go! Go!". It was like paratroopers on D-Day. Except the plane is a bus. And we aren't going to war. And there are no parachutes. But maybe there should have been...
Mel was quite angered by the people yelling at him to get the rig in the air. Sure, it went up later than usual... An hour and 15 minutes later than usual. Hmmmmm.... didn't we get here an hour and 15 minutes late? Which technically means the rig went up, on time.
Panic and yelling does not make the situation better. So we're late. The show will still happen tonight at 8PM.
Hartford, The Whale. The Whalers hockey team used to play in this building. Until they moved south and became the Carolina Hurricanes. Their banners of accomplishment still hang in the rafters here. Not much, only an Adams Division Championship 86-87 and some retired numbers. This team never had much glory.
As a matter of fact, the only thing I truly remember about the Whale, is Mike Liut. He was the goalie that I think led them to the the Adams Division banner... Then again, maybe not. That was a while ago, and I don't feel like surfing the net to find facts.
So I will leave you with this picture. The Hartford Wolf Pack minor league hockey team plays here now. The ice is down and the dashers are in. And what do you know... an advertisement right behind the goal:
I wonder if they take that down tomorrow...
...
P.S. Do only 4 people read my blog? Only got four votes on the poll located on the left. Well I guess that means all my friends are introverts like me and we don't bother to read.
...
But for everyone else, an hour and 15 minutes late, means pandemonium and mayhem. People were practically jumping off the bus before it even stopped rolling. Yelling at each other "Go! Go! Go!". It was like paratroopers on D-Day. Except the plane is a bus. And we aren't going to war. And there are no parachutes. But maybe there should have been...
Mel was quite angered by the people yelling at him to get the rig in the air. Sure, it went up later than usual... An hour and 15 minutes later than usual. Hmmmmm.... didn't we get here an hour and 15 minutes late? Which technically means the rig went up, on time.
Panic and yelling does not make the situation better. So we're late. The show will still happen tonight at 8PM.
Hartford, The Whale. The Whalers hockey team used to play in this building. Until they moved south and became the Carolina Hurricanes. Their banners of accomplishment still hang in the rafters here. Not much, only an Adams Division Championship 86-87 and some retired numbers. This team never had much glory.
As a matter of fact, the only thing I truly remember about the Whale, is Mike Liut. He was the goalie that I think led them to the the Adams Division banner... Then again, maybe not. That was a while ago, and I don't feel like surfing the net to find facts.
So I will leave you with this picture. The Hartford Wolf Pack minor league hockey team plays here now. The ice is down and the dashers are in. And what do you know... an advertisement right behind the goal:
I wonder if they take that down tomorrow......
P.S. Do only 4 people read my blog? Only got four votes on the poll located on the left. Well I guess that means all my friends are introverts like me and we don't bother to read.
...
26 October, 2007
Gaff Tape and Gig Glue.
Yesterday was my birthday. I flew well under the radar about that one, which was fine. There's been a rash of birthdays lately on this tour, and frankly I didn't want anyone to get me a cake. I began to notice early on, that people on this tour didn't feel much like a "forced gathering". The radio would crackle, "Everyone to catering for a tour meeting." So we'd all show up, only to sing, "Happy Birthday" and eat some cake. I didn't want people who didn't want to be there, sing me "Happy Birthday". It would have felt like that scene in the movie Office Space (Hopefully the link will still work). It was better that I have a quiet one, and just let a few people know, it was my birthday.
A couple of days ago, Nicole had me take a couple of online "personality" tests. She is taking a class at the UCLA extension school, and I'm sort taking it with her (seeing as I'm on the road, I can't sit in every Thursday night). The tests didn't reveal much that I didn't already have an idea about. It basically says I'm an introvert of the worst kind, that I like my toys, tinkering around, and art. Which would make sense since I don't much care to socialize, love riding my bike (alone), love playing video games (alone), and lighting design. Now that's not to say I don't have a good time at a party, or hanging out with my friends. Or my interests are only limited to things I can do by myself. I can certainly manage a team of people if need be. Or carry on a conversation with someone. But it is to say, I wouldn't be very good "gig glue".
"Duct tape will fix anything," I believe is how the old saying goes. We don't have duct tape out on tour, but we have gaff tape. Which pretty much will fix anything on tour. Get a little creative with it and you can probably hold together a car and drive it at freeway speeds. "Gig glue", as I call it would be the social equivalent of gaff or duct tape. The person who manages all aspects of a tour as well as is able to interact and comfortably manage new people every day.
You would think that would be the job of the production manager. While this is partially true, the real gig glue is often the production managers assistant. They really have the daunting task everyday. New runners, catering staff, building people, not to mention the grumpy crew members. On a daily basis, PA's (Production Assistants) have to maintain a certain calm demeanor when all the really dumb questions one can ask will. They have to organize a new office everyday, tap into phone lines, set up wireless internet, the list goes on and on. It certainly is a job I don't envy, mostly because, according to the test, I'm an introvert.
So my hats off to the all the "Gig glue" out there. Thanks for putting up with me and my dumb questions like, "Where's catering?" "Where do I put my laundry?" "Make Mel stop poking me!" "Why do we have to get up at 8:00AM?"
A couple of days ago, Nicole had me take a couple of online "personality" tests. She is taking a class at the UCLA extension school, and I'm sort taking it with her (seeing as I'm on the road, I can't sit in every Thursday night). The tests didn't reveal much that I didn't already have an idea about. It basically says I'm an introvert of the worst kind, that I like my toys, tinkering around, and art. Which would make sense since I don't much care to socialize, love riding my bike (alone), love playing video games (alone), and lighting design. Now that's not to say I don't have a good time at a party, or hanging out with my friends. Or my interests are only limited to things I can do by myself. I can certainly manage a team of people if need be. Or carry on a conversation with someone. But it is to say, I wouldn't be very good "gig glue".
"Duct tape will fix anything," I believe is how the old saying goes. We don't have duct tape out on tour, but we have gaff tape. Which pretty much will fix anything on tour. Get a little creative with it and you can probably hold together a car and drive it at freeway speeds. "Gig glue", as I call it would be the social equivalent of gaff or duct tape. The person who manages all aspects of a tour as well as is able to interact and comfortably manage new people every day.
You would think that would be the job of the production manager. While this is partially true, the real gig glue is often the production managers assistant. They really have the daunting task everyday. New runners, catering staff, building people, not to mention the grumpy crew members. On a daily basis, PA's (Production Assistants) have to maintain a certain calm demeanor when all the really dumb questions one can ask will. They have to organize a new office everyday, tap into phone lines, set up wireless internet, the list goes on and on. It certainly is a job I don't envy, mostly because, according to the test, I'm an introvert.
So my hats off to the all the "Gig glue" out there. Thanks for putting up with me and my dumb questions like, "Where's catering?" "Where do I put my laundry?" "Make Mel stop poking me!" "Why do we have to get up at 8:00AM?"
24 October, 2007
PUMPkin Partay.
Check out the column on the right, I added a survey. I got a comment a few days ago, from an anonymous poster implying my blogs were too long. So I put it to the masses. Are my blogs too long?
...
Well, you've asked for them, and here they are. Pictures from the PUMPkin carving party we had a couple of weeks ago. My beautiful wife brought me the sync cable for my new camera, and here we go...
The regulars came for the food and the carving, plus two special guests:
Jade, who could stay but a moment. I hear she had a bit of an appendix mishap. Hope she's okay. And Carla "Sexy Hands", as illustrated below.
She brought with her some unreal pumpkin spice cookies. As we would say back in the homeland, "Ho! Brok da mout!"
Also in attendance was Mia da "PUMPkin Killah". Caught in the act!
All in all a good night. I think the ducks won, people ate chili and drank bellinis with marshmallow peeps. The dog suffered through a couple of costume changes. I got to see my friends, and 4 PUMPkins got faces.
.
The only real tragedy is our boy cat, Kolohe, got into Mike's hormone pills and well, grew a little.
At least he didn't have to wear a costume.
...
Well, you've asked for them, and here they are. Pictures from the PUMPkin carving party we had a couple of weeks ago. My beautiful wife brought me the sync cable for my new camera, and here we go...
The regulars came for the food and the carving, plus two special guests:
Jade, who could stay but a moment. I hear she had a bit of an appendix mishap. Hope she's okay. And Carla "Sexy Hands", as illustrated below.
She brought with her some unreal pumpkin spice cookies. As we would say back in the homeland, "Ho! Brok da mout!"Also in attendance was Mia da "PUMPkin Killah". Caught in the act!
All in all a good night. I think the ducks won, people ate chili and drank bellinis with marshmallow peeps. The dog suffered through a couple of costume changes. I got to see my friends, and 4 PUMPkins got faces.
.The only real tragedy is our boy cat, Kolohe, got into Mike's hormone pills and well, grew a little.
At least he didn't have to wear a costume.
23 October, 2007
Fire! Do you understand the fire?
I'm not in L.A. Neither is Nicole, but she'll be home tomorrow. I'm a little worried about the cats, they're still at home, but the dog is at the "holistic" doggy day care, so he'll be fine.
No fires are near our house. But I'm sure there's a couple of fire trucks stationed on the street just north of our house. Last time there was a "red flag" warning, they had a couple of trucks up the street, so it stands to reason...
The only thing I'm really worried about is CalArts. They've canceled school the last couple of days due to the fire.
Check out the following website:
www.fire.lacounty.gov for the latest fire burns. Keep an eye on the Altadena/ La Cresenta area.
Someone call me if the situation changes...
No fires are near our house. But I'm sure there's a couple of fire trucks stationed on the street just north of our house. Last time there was a "red flag" warning, they had a couple of trucks up the street, so it stands to reason...
The only thing I'm really worried about is CalArts. They've canceled school the last couple of days due to the fire.
Check out the following website:
www.fire.lacounty.gov for the latest fire burns. Keep an eye on the Altadena/ La Cresenta area.
Someone call me if the situation changes...
Because I got high...
I'm a little late with this latest post. I was going to post on Sunday while sitting at my FOH position... But the rigging was being done with diesel bucket trucks which
A.) Took a really long time. and
B.) Generated so much diesel exhaust (they weren't smart enough to turn off the engine between points) that I was getting high and nauseous being in the room.
So I spent most of the day, sitting either outside on the grass or on my bus playing my video game. I'm at the 24th level by the way and have closed all the oblivion gates it appears... So time to attack the big boss...
Now I'm in Chicago with my lovely wife. We have two days off here, so she flew in to spend a day at the office (yesterday) and today with me. She's in the shower at the moment and then we're off to do... something. We haven't decided yet. I love the Shedd aquarium here in Chicago, but I've been a couple of times and wonder if I should go back. Or try something new.
In either case, we're having dinner tonight with the lighting crew at Geno's favorite steak place, Wildfire. Last night Nicole and I went to "The top of the cock", or the bar at the top of the really tall John Hancock building. Spent 60 bucks on drinks. But I guess you really pay for the view. Which was quite nice. Nicole has pictures on her camera. Maybe in a future post I'll have those.
She also brought me my cable for plugging my new camera into my computer. Now I can download the pictures of the PUMPkin party. Maybe for my next post...
Aight, my turn to shower, wish me luck. I have a lot of skin to wash.
A.) Took a really long time. and
B.) Generated so much diesel exhaust (they weren't smart enough to turn off the engine between points) that I was getting high and nauseous being in the room.
So I spent most of the day, sitting either outside on the grass or on my bus playing my video game. I'm at the 24th level by the way and have closed all the oblivion gates it appears... So time to attack the big boss...
Now I'm in Chicago with my lovely wife. We have two days off here, so she flew in to spend a day at the office (yesterday) and today with me. She's in the shower at the moment and then we're off to do... something. We haven't decided yet. I love the Shedd aquarium here in Chicago, but I've been a couple of times and wonder if I should go back. Or try something new.
In either case, we're having dinner tonight with the lighting crew at Geno's favorite steak place, Wildfire. Last night Nicole and I went to "The top of the cock", or the bar at the top of the really tall John Hancock building. Spent 60 bucks on drinks. But I guess you really pay for the view. Which was quite nice. Nicole has pictures on her camera. Maybe in a future post I'll have those.
She also brought me my cable for plugging my new camera into my computer. Now I can download the pictures of the PUMPkin party. Maybe for my next post...
Aight, my turn to shower, wish me luck. I have a lot of skin to wash.
19 October, 2007
What Your People Call Monkey Butt, My People Call Gig Butt.
I was on the bus last night, most of the way asleep in front of my video game, listening to a conversation between a couple of the other roadies.
"Pulling the snake back to video village at load out seems like a good idea, but it always seems to kluge us."
"Well, we just have to convince Sean to stop being a gig hero and get him some hands to pull it back proper."
Video village? Kluge? Gig hero? We have a whole little land of terminology out here on the road. A blend of theater terms, film and television, and stuff that just sort of sticks over the years. Before my buddy Phil passed away (he had cancer), he was working for Walt Disney Imagineering and would tell me about how people would basically fight to have the right to come up with an name and cool acronym for a new thing. He used to regale me with a story of two lighting designers practically coming to blows to name a spotlight for the new submarine ride at Tokyo Disney Seas. I believe GAS (Guest Activated Spotlight) was the loser. I don't remember the winner.
So with that, I thought I'd give you folks some of the more interesting and colourful terms we use out on the road. In no particular order, just as they come to mind...
Gig - Very common term, can mean almost anything on the road. For the most part, it means job. "I got a gig as the LD for Blue Man Group," or "I'm not pushing that case, it's not my gig."
Gig Hero - Someone who goes above and beyond the call, often to their own detriment. Often used in a derogatory way. "If he stopped being the gig hero and getting some help, he wouldn't have a bad back," or "If you see the set cart tipping over, don't be a gig hero and try to stop it, get out of the way!"
Kluge (pronounced "klooj") - To tie up in terms of movement. "I couldn't get to the room because somebody kluged the entrance with a pile of cable," or "You'll kluge the load out if you put that case on the truck first."
20 (pronounced, "twenty") - Term borrowed from old CB radios, used to question location. Fred -"Hey Hank, what's your 20?" Hank -"I'm in catering."
Texas Road Case - Cardboard box.
English Velcro - Electrical tape. Often used to band together rolls of cable, where velcro would be more economical.
Brick or Leash - your walkie talkie. "I left my brick on the bus," or "I'm going off campus, I've got my leash if you need me."
Deck - Refers to the stage. "The deck will be at 6 feet from the floor."
Floor - The actual floor of the building. "The stage is 6 feet from the floor."
Rig - 1. The stuff in the air for holding the lighting fixtures. This includes all the truss, pipe and all the lights themselves. 2. The act of hanging the motors used to hang the equipment in the air. "The rigger will rig in the morning so we can hang the rig at lunch."
Front of House or FOH (Pronounced Ef-Oh-A-ch) - Where I sit. The position usually in the middle of the audience where sound and lighting are controlled from.
Video Village - Position off stage, sometimes in a separate room, where all video control and signal feeds too and from.
Dimmer Beach - Position off stage, usually upstage right on the floor, where all electricity and control signal for the lighting rig feeds to and from.
Monitor World - Position off stage, usually downstage left on the floor or a wing of the deck, where all the sound control for the stage and performers feeds too and from.
The Pit - Area at the front edge of the stage in the audience. Often isn't seated, so the crowd stands.
Squint - Lighting crew member.
Noise boys or hum heads - Sound crew member.
Vidiot - Video crew member.
Backline - refers to the person and equipment used on stage by the musicians themselves. This includes the musical instruments, amplifiers, cable, computers, anything that helps the band make noise.
Sparky - The electrician for the venue who hooks up all power, including shore power for the buses and washer and dryers. "Can someone send the sparky to the dock to hook up the dryer?"
Tripe - Banding of a number of cables together that all run to the same place. Helps with load in and load out, only having to run one fat cable instead of 3 small ones. "The tripe for the blue truss has both power and data."
Snake - the tripe of cable that goes out to the FOH position from the stage. Contains power and control cables. Each department has it's own snake.
Snake hole - Worst invention ever. A hole that runs from the stage to FOH that you have to pull the snake through. At the end of the night, this hole is often full of beer, soda and nacho cheese. Not fun.
Noodling - When the musicians come on stage and just start playing nothing in particular, and then start twisting knobs on the effects boxes, or tuning their instrument. Basically useless busy work by musicians or anyone general. "He can't stop noodling on the guitar," or "The designer keeps noodling with the lighting rig."
Echo chamber - Bathroom. Called that because when you are talking on your leash, you echo. "I'm going to the echo chamber to release the kracken."
Mel - How does one define Mel? One cannot. Mel is Mel, and don't you forget it.
And Finally...
Gig Butt - As defined by the Urban Dictionary (I'm cutting and pasting a definition) - A painful rash that occurs around your buttocks when working/walking in a hot climate for extended periods of time. Diagnosis can be determined by evaluating symptoms such as redness, swelling and itchiness.
I'm sure there's a ton more, but this is a good start. So if you find yourself out on the road touring, you'll know what the squints, noise boys and vidiots are talking about.
"Pulling the snake back to video village at load out seems like a good idea, but it always seems to kluge us."
"Well, we just have to convince Sean to stop being a gig hero and get him some hands to pull it back proper."
Video village? Kluge? Gig hero? We have a whole little land of terminology out here on the road. A blend of theater terms, film and television, and stuff that just sort of sticks over the years. Before my buddy Phil passed away (he had cancer), he was working for Walt Disney Imagineering and would tell me about how people would basically fight to have the right to come up with an name and cool acronym for a new thing. He used to regale me with a story of two lighting designers practically coming to blows to name a spotlight for the new submarine ride at Tokyo Disney Seas. I believe GAS (Guest Activated Spotlight) was the loser. I don't remember the winner.
So with that, I thought I'd give you folks some of the more interesting and colourful terms we use out on the road. In no particular order, just as they come to mind...
Gig - Very common term, can mean almost anything on the road. For the most part, it means job. "I got a gig as the LD for Blue Man Group," or "I'm not pushing that case, it's not my gig."
Gig Hero - Someone who goes above and beyond the call, often to their own detriment. Often used in a derogatory way. "If he stopped being the gig hero and getting some help, he wouldn't have a bad back," or "If you see the set cart tipping over, don't be a gig hero and try to stop it, get out of the way!"
Kluge (pronounced "klooj") - To tie up in terms of movement. "I couldn't get to the room because somebody kluged the entrance with a pile of cable," or "You'll kluge the load out if you put that case on the truck first."
20 (pronounced, "twenty") - Term borrowed from old CB radios, used to question location. Fred -"Hey Hank, what's your 20?" Hank -"I'm in catering."
Texas Road Case - Cardboard box.
English Velcro - Electrical tape. Often used to band together rolls of cable, where velcro would be more economical.
Brick or Leash - your walkie talkie. "I left my brick on the bus," or "I'm going off campus, I've got my leash if you need me."
Deck - Refers to the stage. "The deck will be at 6 feet from the floor."
Floor - The actual floor of the building. "The stage is 6 feet from the floor."
Rig - 1. The stuff in the air for holding the lighting fixtures. This includes all the truss, pipe and all the lights themselves. 2. The act of hanging the motors used to hang the equipment in the air. "The rigger will rig in the morning so we can hang the rig at lunch."
Front of House or FOH (Pronounced Ef-Oh-A-ch) - Where I sit. The position usually in the middle of the audience where sound and lighting are controlled from.
Video Village - Position off stage, sometimes in a separate room, where all video control and signal feeds too and from.
Dimmer Beach - Position off stage, usually upstage right on the floor, where all electricity and control signal for the lighting rig feeds to and from.
Monitor World - Position off stage, usually downstage left on the floor or a wing of the deck, where all the sound control for the stage and performers feeds too and from.
The Pit - Area at the front edge of the stage in the audience. Often isn't seated, so the crowd stands.
Squint - Lighting crew member.
Noise boys or hum heads - Sound crew member.
Vidiot - Video crew member.
Backline - refers to the person and equipment used on stage by the musicians themselves. This includes the musical instruments, amplifiers, cable, computers, anything that helps the band make noise.
Sparky - The electrician for the venue who hooks up all power, including shore power for the buses and washer and dryers. "Can someone send the sparky to the dock to hook up the dryer?"
Tripe - Banding of a number of cables together that all run to the same place. Helps with load in and load out, only having to run one fat cable instead of 3 small ones. "The tripe for the blue truss has both power and data."
Snake - the tripe of cable that goes out to the FOH position from the stage. Contains power and control cables. Each department has it's own snake.
Snake hole - Worst invention ever. A hole that runs from the stage to FOH that you have to pull the snake through. At the end of the night, this hole is often full of beer, soda and nacho cheese. Not fun.
Noodling - When the musicians come on stage and just start playing nothing in particular, and then start twisting knobs on the effects boxes, or tuning their instrument. Basically useless busy work by musicians or anyone general. "He can't stop noodling on the guitar," or "The designer keeps noodling with the lighting rig."
Echo chamber - Bathroom. Called that because when you are talking on your leash, you echo. "I'm going to the echo chamber to release the kracken."
Mel - How does one define Mel? One cannot. Mel is Mel, and don't you forget it.
And Finally...
Gig Butt - As defined by the Urban Dictionary (I'm cutting and pasting a definition) - A painful rash that occurs around your buttocks when working/walking in a hot climate for extended periods of time. Diagnosis can be determined by evaluating symptoms such as redness, swelling and itchiness.
I'm sure there's a ton more, but this is a good start. So if you find yourself out on the road touring, you'll know what the squints, noise boys and vidiots are talking about.
17 October, 2007
The End of the Hall, Corner Room Curse.
I'm late by a day for this entry, and here's why.
We had two days off (Monday and Tuesday) in Minneapolis. A nice new Westin Hotel on the corner of 6th and Marquette. The building used to be a bank and the old vault has been turned into a wine cellar, which was kind of cool. I caught the elevator up to my room. Which was at the end of the hall and a corner room.
Now, the nice thing about end of the hall corner rooms is, less foot traffic and noise in front of your door, and usually more windows. The curse is, it's a long haul to the room, and if you're lugging bicycle in a bag, it's twice as long. That, and the fact that the wireless internet that the hotel so thoughtfully provides, doesn't reach the end of the hall corner room. And when it does, if someone else gets on (which happens a lot with 36 crew members, a band and blue men) the signal strength drops significantly and most times (like the last two days) disappears all together.
So, I wasn't able to blog. But there wasn't really anything to talk about...
I did do a little research yesterday to a question that I've been wondering about for quite some time. As you've probably guessed, with my job, I fly a lot. Every airline submits to the no cell phones policy while in flight. Some airlines, like American, attribute it to "interference with navigation systems" or something of that nature. So I looked it up on line to see what was fact and what was fiction.
This article (Link here) pretty much spells out the hooey and/or wool that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) have been pulling over our eyes for years. The article was written back in 1999, but still holds true I would suspect. Another article (Link here) written last April speaks of the FCC continuing the ban, even though there's been talk of changing it since 2004.
The hooey, for those of you who don't feel like linking to the articles, is that, cells phones in no way interfere with any system on an airplane. Why? Because the bandwidth that cell phones use is restricted to, is completely different from the bandwidth that airplane systems use. So why the ban?
The first article speculates on two possibilities. One - That it's all about money and they want you to use the "airphone" that is on the plane that costs you an average of $6.00 a minute (conspiracy theorist will mention the word "kickback"). Two - because they feel the science is not conclusive either way.
I personally have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I think they shouldn't be lying to us and using fear to keep us in line. That's just wrong. This all sort of touches on my theory about "prohibiting the use of portable electronic devices during take off and landing". I think it's another line of B.S. that these things also interfere with "navigational equipment". When I believe truth of the matter is, taking off and landing are the most dangerous times for flying and you shouldn't be plugged into your ear deafening music, but rather paying attention to what is happing in case of an emergency. How, do you suppose the stewardess would word it?
"Ladies and gentlemen, the cabin door is now closed, and we are preparing for take off, please turn off all portable electronic devices and pay attention to what's happening, in case we crash. Yeah, I'm talking to you punk rock kid in seat 19-C. I had to wait in line behind you at security while the metal detector kept ringing from all the metal studs in your face."
Guess it would be bad to say, "Crash".
And on the other hand, I'm glad cell phones are banned on planes. I don't think I could deal with someone who is constantly chatting on the phone 8 inches away from me. If you listen to most conversations people have on cell phones, it's really about nothing. Every now and again, you'll hear people doing business or talking someone through a difficult surgical procedure, but for the most part, people are calling friends and talking about nothing because they are bored and want to see who else is bored. Sort of like when you see someone eating alone in a restaurant. They'll pick up their cell phone, dial, and the first lines will be, "Hey, it's me. Nuthin, eating lunch."
Most flights now allow you to use your cell phone the moment you land. I will admit to being one of those people who whip out my phone out and kick it on the moment the wheels screech. But I don't call anyone, it's more to see if anyone called. I've been trying to resist getting my cell phone out until I'm in the terminal. I just don't think it's that important that I call people or see who's called. But I'm having trouble breaking the habit.
We're so plugged in, in this modern day and age. I'm sure the kids of today will have no idea what life was like before the walkman. Which is what changed the world. Hopefully I can keep my kids unplugged for a few years. Unless first grade teachers are now in the habit of emailing out the lessons.
We had two days off (Monday and Tuesday) in Minneapolis. A nice new Westin Hotel on the corner of 6th and Marquette. The building used to be a bank and the old vault has been turned into a wine cellar, which was kind of cool. I caught the elevator up to my room. Which was at the end of the hall and a corner room.
Now, the nice thing about end of the hall corner rooms is, less foot traffic and noise in front of your door, and usually more windows. The curse is, it's a long haul to the room, and if you're lugging bicycle in a bag, it's twice as long. That, and the fact that the wireless internet that the hotel so thoughtfully provides, doesn't reach the end of the hall corner room. And when it does, if someone else gets on (which happens a lot with 36 crew members, a band and blue men) the signal strength drops significantly and most times (like the last two days) disappears all together.
So, I wasn't able to blog. But there wasn't really anything to talk about...
I did do a little research yesterday to a question that I've been wondering about for quite some time. As you've probably guessed, with my job, I fly a lot. Every airline submits to the no cell phones policy while in flight. Some airlines, like American, attribute it to "interference with navigation systems" or something of that nature. So I looked it up on line to see what was fact and what was fiction.
This article (Link here) pretty much spells out the hooey and/or wool that the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) have been pulling over our eyes for years. The article was written back in 1999, but still holds true I would suspect. Another article (Link here) written last April speaks of the FCC continuing the ban, even though there's been talk of changing it since 2004.
The hooey, for those of you who don't feel like linking to the articles, is that, cells phones in no way interfere with any system on an airplane. Why? Because the bandwidth that cell phones use is restricted to, is completely different from the bandwidth that airplane systems use. So why the ban?
The first article speculates on two possibilities. One - That it's all about money and they want you to use the "airphone" that is on the plane that costs you an average of $6.00 a minute (conspiracy theorist will mention the word "kickback"). Two - because they feel the science is not conclusive either way.
I personally have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I think they shouldn't be lying to us and using fear to keep us in line. That's just wrong. This all sort of touches on my theory about "prohibiting the use of portable electronic devices during take off and landing". I think it's another line of B.S. that these things also interfere with "navigational equipment". When I believe truth of the matter is, taking off and landing are the most dangerous times for flying and you shouldn't be plugged into your ear deafening music, but rather paying attention to what is happing in case of an emergency. How, do you suppose the stewardess would word it?
"Ladies and gentlemen, the cabin door is now closed, and we are preparing for take off, please turn off all portable electronic devices and pay attention to what's happening, in case we crash. Yeah, I'm talking to you punk rock kid in seat 19-C. I had to wait in line behind you at security while the metal detector kept ringing from all the metal studs in your face."
Guess it would be bad to say, "Crash".
And on the other hand, I'm glad cell phones are banned on planes. I don't think I could deal with someone who is constantly chatting on the phone 8 inches away from me. If you listen to most conversations people have on cell phones, it's really about nothing. Every now and again, you'll hear people doing business or talking someone through a difficult surgical procedure, but for the most part, people are calling friends and talking about nothing because they are bored and want to see who else is bored. Sort of like when you see someone eating alone in a restaurant. They'll pick up their cell phone, dial, and the first lines will be, "Hey, it's me. Nuthin, eating lunch."
Most flights now allow you to use your cell phone the moment you land. I will admit to being one of those people who whip out my phone out and kick it on the moment the wheels screech. But I don't call anyone, it's more to see if anyone called. I've been trying to resist getting my cell phone out until I'm in the terminal. I just don't think it's that important that I call people or see who's called. But I'm having trouble breaking the habit.
We're so plugged in, in this modern day and age. I'm sure the kids of today will have no idea what life was like before the walkman. Which is what changed the world. Hopefully I can keep my kids unplugged for a few years. Unless first grade teachers are now in the habit of emailing out the lessons.
14 October, 2007
Mmmmm.... That is a Tasty Burger!
So, I was going to write about the fun PUMPkin carving party we had while I was home in L.A. Good friends showed up. PUMPkins were carved. But, alas, I left for tour, all the pictures on my camera ready for download... and I forgot the cable. So PUMPkin pictures later...
...
Today, we are in Milwaukee. But that's beside the point. The real important (and bad) things happened last night. Mostly, I had after show food. This helps explain why I've packed on the pounds in recent years. On tour, you average 4 meals a day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after show. Because we work such long hours, by the time you get back to the bus, it's been 5 to 7 hours since dinner and you just worked a show and had to load it out. I've been trying to be good, and avoid the after show food which is often what ever fast food joint is open late. Meaning, 75% of the time, it's pizza.
I've asked them to at least put a salad on the bus for me. I'm trying to be good you see. But last night... last night, I had to break down...
Last night, they had Steak n Shake. For those who don't know, Steak n Shake is a chain joint found around the midwest and south. I can hear Nicole's mouth drooling as I write this. That, is a tasty burger. And their shakes aren't bad either.
They are sort of a 24 fast food joint. With the American Indian sounding takeout counter "Takhomasak". You can tell it's midwestern because it's a "sack" not a "bag", and they serve "pop" not "soda".
So I broke down, and had a double steakburger with cheese. Sooooooooo gooood. But don't tell Nicole. As I was chomping on the gastronomic delight, it got me to thinking... What are the best burgers I've ever had? I'm gonna limit it to fast food or not fancy restaurants. And when I say fancy, I mean TGI Fridays, fancy, which in all honesty, isn't that fancy. but it's nicer then some of the joints I'll list below. So here's the list, it's a start. I may start out in order of the best of the best to the best. But of course, my opinions my change over the course of time.
1. Jay's Jayburger- Los Angeles - Many things made this now defunct burger (they closed the joint down to put up a strip mall) top of the list. The chili that topped it, that had been simmering all day on the stove. The nice old man who served it simply, with cheese, pickle, onion and chili. That, and if you ordered two, he'd cook one and as soon as you started eating, he'd start the next one so it was hot and fresh when you finished the first. The location - it was a little stand on the corner of Virgil and Santa Monica in Hollywood. maybe 6 stools around the edges and one park bench in a covered area. A burger I will sadly miss.
2. Steak n Shake - Midwest Chain - Maybe this is high on the list because I had one last night, but they do make a tasty burger. The lettuce is always crisp and it's meat starts life as a ball flattened by the cook as he prepares it. Perfectly melted cheese and good sides.
3. In n Out - California, Nevada, Arizona - The first place on the list that offers a drive thru, and they can make a burger too. Lines are always long, but they have a simple menu with hidden specials if you know how to order. Double double too small? Get a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 4. You're a vegetarian but your boyfriend isn't? Order a grilled cheese sandwich. On the Atkins diet? Get a double double "protein style". Want more then your standard goop on the burger? Get it "animal style".
4. Paul's - New York City lower east side - Ross, our FOH sound guy recommended this place to me when we were rehearsing at the 3rd street studio. It's a well known hole in the wall with quite a good menu of burgers and other meaty sandwiches. Beer and burgers, always a good thing. How do I know this place is good? Besides eating an unbelievably good blue cheese burger, I saw a guy from the Alicia Keys tour (wardrobe) who catches the subway down from Harlem, just to have a burger from this place. In NYC, that's probably equivalent to driving from Pasadena to Santa Monica, or from Kaneohe to Mililani.
5. Johnny Rockets - Nationwide - Nice attempt at the throwback 50's diner. But I don't go for the atmosphere, I go for the burger. Nice thick patty, fresh toppings and milkshakes. I think the Frisco melt is my favorite. Sometimes you have to go with flat bread instead of a bun. I can do with out the smiley face ketchup plates though.
6. Wendy's - Nationwide - Of all the burger joints in all the towns, in all the world, Wendy's is the top of the true fast food joints. They've got a drive in, they have a tacky, loudly painted dining area to drive you out quickly after eating. But damn, if that square patty doesn't truly go edge to edge of the bun and then some. Juicy, tasty, and made to order. Not big on the chili though, but I have to keep ordering it because I keep forgetting. 1/2 pound is enough ground meat right?
7. Tommy Burger - Los Angeles - Yes, it's a gut bomb, but it's so good going in your gullet. The nice thick chili and simplicity of chopped onions and pickles make this burger a winner. Also, they are 24 hours which is perfect for after drinking food. But you'll pay for it later. Make the hang over interesting for sure.
8. Carl's Jr./Hardees - Nationwide - Depending on where you are in the country, they call it one or the other. But the big star burger is mighty fine.
9. Sunset Grill - Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles - Don Henely wrote a song about this burger stand that was next to the Guitar Center on Sunset. I was lucky enough to have gone there before the old man sold it, and someone tore it down and put the "new and improved" Sunset Grill in it's place. Not as good as the original, but not bad. If it was the original old dude still cookin, I'd put this place higher on the list. What sticks out in my head is watching the original fellow, just douse the patty with salt and pepper.
10. Jerome Crooks backyard grill - Los Angeles - Okay, so it's not a restaurant, and you can't have one of these unless you are a friend of Jerome's and he invites you over for a barbecue. But damn, he makes a fine patty. Maybe it's the garlic in the mix...
11. Help me out people and send me your favorites to try. I'm all over the U.S. this time of year. And I can try what you recommend, as long as I can have a salad too.
...
Today, we are in Milwaukee. But that's beside the point. The real important (and bad) things happened last night. Mostly, I had after show food. This helps explain why I've packed on the pounds in recent years. On tour, you average 4 meals a day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after show. Because we work such long hours, by the time you get back to the bus, it's been 5 to 7 hours since dinner and you just worked a show and had to load it out. I've been trying to be good, and avoid the after show food which is often what ever fast food joint is open late. Meaning, 75% of the time, it's pizza.
I've asked them to at least put a salad on the bus for me. I'm trying to be good you see. But last night... last night, I had to break down...
Last night, they had Steak n Shake. For those who don't know, Steak n Shake is a chain joint found around the midwest and south. I can hear Nicole's mouth drooling as I write this. That, is a tasty burger. And their shakes aren't bad either.
They are sort of a 24 fast food joint. With the American Indian sounding takeout counter "Takhomasak". You can tell it's midwestern because it's a "sack" not a "bag", and they serve "pop" not "soda".
So I broke down, and had a double steakburger with cheese. Sooooooooo gooood. But don't tell Nicole. As I was chomping on the gastronomic delight, it got me to thinking... What are the best burgers I've ever had? I'm gonna limit it to fast food or not fancy restaurants. And when I say fancy, I mean TGI Fridays, fancy, which in all honesty, isn't that fancy. but it's nicer then some of the joints I'll list below. So here's the list, it's a start. I may start out in order of the best of the best to the best. But of course, my opinions my change over the course of time.
1. Jay's Jayburger- Los Angeles - Many things made this now defunct burger (they closed the joint down to put up a strip mall) top of the list. The chili that topped it, that had been simmering all day on the stove. The nice old man who served it simply, with cheese, pickle, onion and chili. That, and if you ordered two, he'd cook one and as soon as you started eating, he'd start the next one so it was hot and fresh when you finished the first. The location - it was a little stand on the corner of Virgil and Santa Monica in Hollywood. maybe 6 stools around the edges and one park bench in a covered area. A burger I will sadly miss.
2. Steak n Shake - Midwest Chain - Maybe this is high on the list because I had one last night, but they do make a tasty burger. The lettuce is always crisp and it's meat starts life as a ball flattened by the cook as he prepares it. Perfectly melted cheese and good sides.
3. In n Out - California, Nevada, Arizona - The first place on the list that offers a drive thru, and they can make a burger too. Lines are always long, but they have a simple menu with hidden specials if you know how to order. Double double too small? Get a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 4. You're a vegetarian but your boyfriend isn't? Order a grilled cheese sandwich. On the Atkins diet? Get a double double "protein style". Want more then your standard goop on the burger? Get it "animal style".
4. Paul's - New York City lower east side - Ross, our FOH sound guy recommended this place to me when we were rehearsing at the 3rd street studio. It's a well known hole in the wall with quite a good menu of burgers and other meaty sandwiches. Beer and burgers, always a good thing. How do I know this place is good? Besides eating an unbelievably good blue cheese burger, I saw a guy from the Alicia Keys tour (wardrobe) who catches the subway down from Harlem, just to have a burger from this place. In NYC, that's probably equivalent to driving from Pasadena to Santa Monica, or from Kaneohe to Mililani.
5. Johnny Rockets - Nationwide - Nice attempt at the throwback 50's diner. But I don't go for the atmosphere, I go for the burger. Nice thick patty, fresh toppings and milkshakes. I think the Frisco melt is my favorite. Sometimes you have to go with flat bread instead of a bun. I can do with out the smiley face ketchup plates though.
6. Wendy's - Nationwide - Of all the burger joints in all the towns, in all the world, Wendy's is the top of the true fast food joints. They've got a drive in, they have a tacky, loudly painted dining area to drive you out quickly after eating. But damn, if that square patty doesn't truly go edge to edge of the bun and then some. Juicy, tasty, and made to order. Not big on the chili though, but I have to keep ordering it because I keep forgetting. 1/2 pound is enough ground meat right?
7. Tommy Burger - Los Angeles - Yes, it's a gut bomb, but it's so good going in your gullet. The nice thick chili and simplicity of chopped onions and pickles make this burger a winner. Also, they are 24 hours which is perfect for after drinking food. But you'll pay for it later. Make the hang over interesting for sure.
8. Carl's Jr./Hardees - Nationwide - Depending on where you are in the country, they call it one or the other. But the big star burger is mighty fine.
9. Sunset Grill - Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles - Don Henely wrote a song about this burger stand that was next to the Guitar Center on Sunset. I was lucky enough to have gone there before the old man sold it, and someone tore it down and put the "new and improved" Sunset Grill in it's place. Not as good as the original, but not bad. If it was the original old dude still cookin, I'd put this place higher on the list. What sticks out in my head is watching the original fellow, just douse the patty with salt and pepper.
10. Jerome Crooks backyard grill - Los Angeles - Okay, so it's not a restaurant, and you can't have one of these unless you are a friend of Jerome's and he invites you over for a barbecue. But damn, he makes a fine patty. Maybe it's the garlic in the mix...
11. Help me out people and send me your favorites to try. I'm all over the U.S. this time of year. And I can try what you recommend, as long as I can have a salad too.
10 October, 2007
I Got to Push the Buttons...
With a show of hands, how many of you tuned in last night and watched The Blue Man Group on The Tonight Show last night? Okay, how many of you fell asleep before they showed the guy with the big snake bite on his butt? How many of you TiVo'ed the show and plan to watch it when you get home from work? How many of you who TiVo'ed it are now going to rush home and fast forward to the guy with the snake bite on his butt?
How many of you have no idea what The Tonight Show is because you boycotted TV back in the mid 1990's when satellite TV starting bringing over 300 channels to your living room and your head exploded from the choices?
Anyway, this was my first time on The Tonight Show. I've been to the studio before with Tori Amos. But with her, the management always felt it wasn't necessary for me to be involved. Which was fine, just girl and her piano, key and fill light, a little bit of colour in the background and we're done.
With Blue Man Group, they like to make sure all aspects of any performance are well rehearsed. And seeing as the song they were performing is new and only being performed on the tour, made sense that I come in and make sure the light was what happens (more or less) on the road.
Plus it doesn't hurt to have a few days off at home with the wife. Well, the only reason I got these extra days at home is because the nearest airport to Carbondale, Illinois is about 2 hours way. Let me sit home and then fly to someplace civilized like, Indianapolis.
The people at The Tonight Show are very nice. I had met with the lighting director and electricians the night before to talk about where I wanted to put some of the fixtures I had ordered for our performance. The morning of the shoot (Tuesday) was a little busy and a little chaotic. Like with any TV or film shoot, there's a whole lot of "hurry up and wait". Hurry up! Get the lights into position! Okay, wait until the set and backline are in place. Hurry up! Program the lights, Okay, wait until the filming starts in 2 hours. Turns out, I was my own worst enemy that morning.
For those of you who saw the performance, and for those of you who hadn't, there are strobe lights built into the PVC instruments they play. I needed power and data sent to them. But the trick was, the electricians and board operator weren't too familiar with how to patch the console. I spent a good part of Monday night and a little bit of Tuesday morning with the board operator trying to figure out how to patch these new strobes in. He had to get onto the phone with the tech guy from the lighting console company to be stepped through the process of patching in the strobes. When we finally got it all patched in, I had to go and assign the strobes a DMX value (data value) so that they could talk to the console. I won't go into great detail about how this is done, except to say that there are 9 switches on each strobe that have to be set to on or off depending on the DMX value. I went and set the switches to what I thought was correct.
Turns out, the switches were all off by one. If 9 was supposed to be on, I had turned on 8 because, well, I'm a ninny. So we spent a good hour and a half chasing our tails trying to figure out what the problem was. Blaming the console, blaming the cable, blaming the strobe, and then rightly, blaming me.
With all that sorted and the band on stage, they started rehearsal and camera blocking. For those of you who didn't see the show, there was a huge video screen hung behind the band on which lots of psychedelic colourful images were projected. I told the board operator to match it with a wild colour chase in the moving lights. Then I had him make three bump buttons, 2 big white hits, and one hit where some of the lights behind the band strobed.
And that was it, key and fill light for the blue dudes and band, and off we went.
So if you saw the show, or plan on watching it, every time you see a strobe hit or white flashes during the song, that was me pushing the button!
Now, I gotta go walk the dog.
How many of you have no idea what The Tonight Show is because you boycotted TV back in the mid 1990's when satellite TV starting bringing over 300 channels to your living room and your head exploded from the choices?
Anyway, this was my first time on The Tonight Show. I've been to the studio before with Tori Amos. But with her, the management always felt it wasn't necessary for me to be involved. Which was fine, just girl and her piano, key and fill light, a little bit of colour in the background and we're done.
With Blue Man Group, they like to make sure all aspects of any performance are well rehearsed. And seeing as the song they were performing is new and only being performed on the tour, made sense that I come in and make sure the light was what happens (more or less) on the road.
Plus it doesn't hurt to have a few days off at home with the wife. Well, the only reason I got these extra days at home is because the nearest airport to Carbondale, Illinois is about 2 hours way. Let me sit home and then fly to someplace civilized like, Indianapolis.
The people at The Tonight Show are very nice. I had met with the lighting director and electricians the night before to talk about where I wanted to put some of the fixtures I had ordered for our performance. The morning of the shoot (Tuesday) was a little busy and a little chaotic. Like with any TV or film shoot, there's a whole lot of "hurry up and wait". Hurry up! Get the lights into position! Okay, wait until the set and backline are in place. Hurry up! Program the lights, Okay, wait until the filming starts in 2 hours. Turns out, I was my own worst enemy that morning.
For those of you who saw the performance, and for those of you who hadn't, there are strobe lights built into the PVC instruments they play. I needed power and data sent to them. But the trick was, the electricians and board operator weren't too familiar with how to patch the console. I spent a good part of Monday night and a little bit of Tuesday morning with the board operator trying to figure out how to patch these new strobes in. He had to get onto the phone with the tech guy from the lighting console company to be stepped through the process of patching in the strobes. When we finally got it all patched in, I had to go and assign the strobes a DMX value (data value) so that they could talk to the console. I won't go into great detail about how this is done, except to say that there are 9 switches on each strobe that have to be set to on or off depending on the DMX value. I went and set the switches to what I thought was correct.
Turns out, the switches were all off by one. If 9 was supposed to be on, I had turned on 8 because, well, I'm a ninny. So we spent a good hour and a half chasing our tails trying to figure out what the problem was. Blaming the console, blaming the cable, blaming the strobe, and then rightly, blaming me.
With all that sorted and the band on stage, they started rehearsal and camera blocking. For those of you who didn't see the show, there was a huge video screen hung behind the band on which lots of psychedelic colourful images were projected. I told the board operator to match it with a wild colour chase in the moving lights. Then I had him make three bump buttons, 2 big white hits, and one hit where some of the lights behind the band strobed.
And that was it, key and fill light for the blue dudes and band, and off we went.
So if you saw the show, or plan on watching it, every time you see a strobe hit or white flashes during the song, that was me pushing the button!
Now, I gotta go walk the dog.
08 October, 2007
The Tonight Show...
Tune in your TV tomorrow night to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The Blue Men will be performing their new song, "Rock and Go." I know, the Blue Men are more known for their goofy stunts between songs. But this visit to the tonight show will be to promote the tour I'm currently on. Hopefully, someone in Carbondale, Illinois (Where?) will watch the show and run out and buy a ticket. That's where we play on Thursday.
But I won't be there.
I'm currently home in Altadena because they flew me here to help out with The Tonight Show. So if you end up watching the performance, you will see my influence on the lighting. Not my design, but at least my "influence".
But I won't be there.
I'm currently home in Altadena because they flew me here to help out with The Tonight Show. So if you end up watching the performance, you will see my influence on the lighting. Not my design, but at least my "influence".
05 October, 2007
Back to the Grind, Il Sole, and Nemo.
But before I get into any of that. I just saw the funniest thing... On every tour I've been on, one department is always under the microscope at some point during the tour. This week, I think it's going to be the video department. Why? Because I just watched the video guys push a 20 foot piece of truss (the metal stuff that we rig lights to and they rig video projectors and screens to) about 45 feet across the floor... upside down. The truss has wheels but they were pointing at the sky. We say, "Work smarter, not harder", video's mantra this week, "Work harder."
...
So I'm back to the grind. Flew the red eye last night from LAX to Houston. Another few days with the Blue Men here in the great state of Texas, and then back to L.A. for a Blue Man song Tuesday on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. So, all you night owls, check out the painted boys on Tuesday night.
...
While I was home in Altadena, Nicole and I went out to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Can you believe that? She stuck around for a year! Well, I guess that deserves a nice dinner...
So we chose Il Sole (pronounced Ill So-lay) on sunset. I went looking online for a picture of the front of the restaurant, lots of people with cameras standing out on Sunset Blvd.. But the only pictures I could find, people were in the way.
If I was a photographer trying to take a picture of the front of a restaurant, I'd be mad at these people for standing and posing.
Get out of the way!!!
Nicole had eaten there on a few occasions and thought it would be perfect for a romantic evening. We had reservations for 7PM and made the trek across L.A.. They seated us in the main part of the restaurant, Nicole sat with her back to the wall and eyes to the door, in case...
Being it was Italian food, I had my mind set on a nice pasta dish with a good starter salad. I was going to pick a medium bodied red wine so as not to kill the palette (ooooh, don't I sound so fancy pantsy!), But when I got the the section of "Californian Cabernet Blends", I had to choose the wine at the top of the list:
BOLAND FIVE OAKS? With a name like Boland, it's gotta be good.
It wasn't.
Well, that's a harsh criticism. It was a young wine. Good, but not knock your socks off.
It did how ever end up fitting quite well with my dinner. My brain, set on salad and pasta, was immediately changed to salad and steak.
"Tonight for our specials," started the waiter, "We have a tomato salad with fancy soft cheese and not enough basil. Something made with fish, another dish with fish, lobster cut in half and then mixed with risotto, a pasta, or something else. We've also got a New York strip of Kobe beef..."
"Stop right there my good man, I will have the Kobe."
"And my wife will have the lobster with risotto. The 'something else' doesn't sound good. 
I will start with the arugula salad and my wife will have the tomato salad with fancy soft cheese and not enough basil."
I think they wanted us to leave because no sooner did we order did the salads show up, and soon after, the main courses. Normally in these fancy joints the service is slow. Il Sole must have a high turn around or something. That, or they figured out I bought my button shirt at WalMart.
The steak was really good. I said "medium", but it was closer to "medium rare". Nicole couldn't stop eating the lobster risotto. The only thing that stopped her was the desert menu.
But I was a bit disappointed, because they didn't have lemoncello. How can a fancy Italian restaurant NOT have lemoncello?! Easy, they only have a liquor license for beer and wine.
All in all it was a good meal, and nice atmosphere. Very low lighting, comfortable chair. Great place to say "I love you," one year and one day on.
...
And for Jade... a review of the newly opened Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland theme park in Anaheim. Okay, not really a review, I don't want to spoil her enjoyment of the ride by listening to me. Instead, here's a preview shot of the ride I took from my porthole.
HOT.
...
...
So I'm back to the grind. Flew the red eye last night from LAX to Houston. Another few days with the Blue Men here in the great state of Texas, and then back to L.A. for a Blue Man song Tuesday on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. So, all you night owls, check out the painted boys on Tuesday night.
...
While I was home in Altadena, Nicole and I went out to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Can you believe that? She stuck around for a year! Well, I guess that deserves a nice dinner...
So we chose Il Sole (pronounced Ill So-lay) on sunset. I went looking online for a picture of the front of the restaurant, lots of people with cameras standing out on Sunset Blvd.. But the only pictures I could find, people were in the way.
If I was a photographer trying to take a picture of the front of a restaurant, I'd be mad at these people for standing and posing. Get out of the way!!!Nicole had eaten there on a few occasions and thought it would be perfect for a romantic evening. We had reservations for 7PM and made the trek across L.A.. They seated us in the main part of the restaurant, Nicole sat with her back to the wall and eyes to the door, in case...
Being it was Italian food, I had my mind set on a nice pasta dish with a good starter salad. I was going to pick a medium bodied red wine so as not to kill the palette (ooooh, don't I sound so fancy pantsy!), But when I got the the section of "Californian Cabernet Blends", I had to choose the wine at the top of the list:
BOLAND FIVE OAKS? With a name like Boland, it's gotta be good.It wasn't.
Well, that's a harsh criticism. It was a young wine. Good, but not knock your socks off.
It did how ever end up fitting quite well with my dinner. My brain, set on salad and pasta, was immediately changed to salad and steak.
"Tonight for our specials," started the waiter, "We have a tomato salad with fancy soft cheese and not enough basil. Something made with fish, another dish with fish, lobster cut in half and then mixed with risotto, a pasta, or something else. We've also got a New York strip of Kobe beef..."
"Stop right there my good man, I will have the Kobe."
"And my wife will have the lobster with risotto. The 'something else' doesn't sound good. I will start with the arugula salad and my wife will have the tomato salad with fancy soft cheese and not enough basil."I think they wanted us to leave because no sooner did we order did the salads show up, and soon after, the main courses. Normally in these fancy joints the service is slow. Il Sole must have a high turn around or something. That, or they figured out I bought my button shirt at WalMart.
The steak was really good. I said "medium", but it was closer to "medium rare". Nicole couldn't stop eating the lobster risotto. The only thing that stopped her was the desert menu.
But I was a bit disappointed, because they didn't have lemoncello. How can a fancy Italian restaurant NOT have lemoncello?! Easy, they only have a liquor license for beer and wine.
All in all it was a good meal, and nice atmosphere. Very low lighting, comfortable chair. Great place to say "I love you," one year and one day on.
...
And for Jade... a review of the newly opened Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland theme park in Anaheim. Okay, not really a review, I don't want to spoil her enjoyment of the ride by listening to me. Instead, here's a preview shot of the ride I took from my porthole.
HOT....
02 October, 2007
Hiatus from it all
Sorry Jade,
I'm back in L.A. for a few days while the gear transfers from Victoria, BC, to Houston, TX. And while I'm here, I'm going to spend the time with my wife and go to Disneyland!
I promise to start writing again when I get back on the road. I'll tell you all about my time home and give you a review of the new Finding Nemo ride. But for now, I have to go set up the new TV and get on that "honey-do" list...
Dan
I'm back in L.A. for a few days while the gear transfers from Victoria, BC, to Houston, TX. And while I'm here, I'm going to spend the time with my wife and go to Disneyland!
I promise to start writing again when I get back on the road. I'll tell you all about my time home and give you a review of the new Finding Nemo ride. But for now, I have to go set up the new TV and get on that "honey-do" list...
Dan
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