HO HO #2

I went to see the Pointe's Ho Ho show #2 last night at The Pageant featuring Eagles of Death Metal, Cold War Kids and Scott Weiland.

While I can't stand the cheese that oozes from EDM I actually think they were the top performers last night. They brought the most energy to the stage and evoked the most emotion from the crowd. I even jumped in on the moshing!

Cold War Kids were close runners up. Nathan Willett banged on the piano and roamed the stage often running into band mates. I really dug the short set, but the crowd didn't seem to respond similarly.

Last and certainly least was Scott Weiland. First of all the man looked anorexic, literally skin and bones. His movements; slow and almost scripted. He made an attempt to croon like Morrisey, but the result was not flattering. His solo stuff was just noise. While the crowd begged for STP, he pacified them with only Interstate Love Song. Weiland was a disappointing end to a slightly above average show.

Reading Test

I'm officially a cliche

You know that old guy that knows when the bad weather is coming because his knee aches from an old high school injury? I'm now that guy, but it's the ankle, not the knee. I've been in throbbing pain the past 24 hours in the very ankle I had 2 operations on in high school. Sadly the only thing I can attribute it to is age, and the weather.

On a lighter note, after forcing myself through "808s and Heartbreak" a few times over the weekend, I think Kanye might be on to something. I'm starting to like a few of the songs.

Especially this one
Amazing

On the other hand, The Killers 3rd album "Day and Age" still sucks. I mean it. I can't find one bright spot. It sucks

Sonny Landreth

Sonny Landreth opened the Crossroads festival in Chicago a couple of years ago. He forever earned a spot in my heart. The bayou blues man sparked my love for the slide guitar. Since then I've also grown to love Derek Trucks.

Tonight Sonny's playing at the intimate Duck Room of Blueberry hill. I'm pretty geeked to see him play a full set in such a small venue. It will also help that I haven't been up for 24 hours straight this time.

Sole without Soul

I doubt anyone reading this has been with the blog from the inception, but my first post was an article I was mentioned in, regarding the release of the Air Jordan XXII. I'll give you a quick recap.

The Jordan release was a limited edition of only 529 pairs. 23 stores were selling 23 pairs each. R Sole a sneaker shop near me was on of them. I rallied some friends down there for the raffle to be able to purchase the shoes the morning of the release. When we showed up they made it known that the shoes were being sole for $500 per pair, more than TWICE as much as the MSRP of $230. Nonetheless, I knew I could turn a profit. 3 of us won the right to purchase the kicks and we sold them on ebay for a profit of about $3000.

Needless to say many people were very upset with the gouging price that R Sole released. And Sporting news wrote an article about it. They asked me to supply my receipt as evidence and I gladly obliged.

That being said, I still liked R Sole. Those were some shady business practices, but I still enjoyed the sneaker displays.

I walked in R Sole today, almost a year later to a chirp of "traitor" from one to the female sale chicks, and when I tried to make small talk with the manager Joe Wilson, his only reply was, "Are you going to put this in your blog?"

What's with the attitude? Did you just discover the internet and see the SN article? Why am I being persecuted? I shelled out $270 above retail for their sneakers, and I've still brought many customers to them. Not to mention the fact that one of my friends that bought a pair of the Jordans STILL doesn't have the serial number tag that was supposed to accompany the sneakers He even after called the store several times, but received no help whatsoever.

I'm not sure I'll be back to R Sole Oh well, it seems they aren't doing that well anyway. Most of the shoes were marked with discount stickers and an entire men's wall is dedicated to Creative Recreation. I won't even mention the hideous denim lining the back wall.

It could have been so much greater, and so much different, but alas R Sole turned into the same mainstream boredom I can see anywhere else. I guess it was only a matter of time.

The Man

Joshua Budich is an artist I recently stumbled upon. He does prints in a very similar style to Shepard Fairy whom I love. Joshua has had several prints for sale on his website at very reasonable prices, and they inevitably sell out quickly. His latest release is “The Man” depicting Johnny Cash. It's an 18″ x 24″ screenprint, has an edition of 50, and will be $35.

Check out some of his other work at JoshuaBudich.com

Hausbootbau

This is the kind of stuff I daydreamed about in 4th grade. Zee Germans have developed this green houseboat, complete with a sodded roof. This will actually go into production in the future, and I won't be able to afford it then either.

Kanye is just Okay

The tracks that have leaked from Kanye West's new album 808s and Heartbreak are nothing short of disappointing. It seems like he's just trying to cram as many crappy effects into one song as he can.

Kanye, you're trying too hard

Listen for the ridiculous robot sounds in the background of "Robocop"...It's almost as if all these leaks are a practical joke.

Robocop

And this track had promise, but again turned out to suck

Anyway

His shoes suck too.

Halloweeny

The lego man was well received.

Vans Custom

I will wear holes in these next summer.

Can it stop the little bastards from texting and driving?

Ford has developed a way for parents to have more control over their child's driving habits. I personally don't have children, but I would certainly like to have this feature added to my child's first car. Heck I wouldn't mind having this feature for my car right now. I hate to sound like a nerd, but this is a great step in safety.

MyKey, which debuts next year as a standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus, lets parents program speed and audio volume limits. When the MyKey is put into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately enables certain default driving modes.

Ford’s Beltminder chimes at regular intervals and the audio system is muted until your kid clicks their seat belt. the speed limit can be limited to 80 mph , a speed alert chimes at 45, 55 or 65 mph, traction control system, which limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated , and stereo volume can be topped off at 44 percent of total volume.

All Day I Dream About SNEAKERS

The folks over at Lifelounge have teamed up with Adidas to publish a limited edition book featuring sneakers as art. Check it out.

Spelunking with the Cave Singers

The Cave Singers have been my most listened to band as of late. I'd call it a cross between Cold War Kids and Conor Oberst. Check it out for yourself.

Dancing On Our Graves

Helen

If it ain't broke..

Mizzou shit the bed Saturday. I blame Chase

He shose the wrong week to change things up. I understand wearing AO's number, it's a great tribute, but why not do that against Nevada? Why would you change your jersey for your second conference game?

I don't even think I need to elaborate on the ridiculousness of the faux-hawl and pencil thin mustache.

Although I was definitely disappointed in the game, I'm confident EVERYONE will show up in Austin for gameday. This is a season making or breaking game.

If Only They Had This For Texting....

Just a quick post to mention a silly (or is it?) experiment that Google has released to the public: Mail Goggles. This feature is designed to prevent you from sending stupid e-mails in the small hours, when you're most likely to be inebriated and at risk of making a complete idiot of yourself.




Don't drink and e-mail.

When enabled, Mail Goggles kicks in at the time you specify (default is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), and throws five math problems up on the screen when you press "send." You have a limited period of time to solve them. If you can answer the questions, presumably you're of mind sound enough to tell off your boss, or pour your heart out to your ex-lover.

If you can solve simple math problems even when under the table, there's an option to ramp up the difficulty of the questions, but sadly they remain in the mathematical realm and don't drift into interesting algebra or calculus.

To activate Mail Goggles, go into Gmail's settings, and turn on Mail Goggles in the "Labs" tab. Then adjust how and when it works in the "General" tab.

Seriously? I'm hoping this feature shows up on cell phones

I can see Alaska from my house...

I've been keeping up on the Sarah Palin news purely for entertainment purposes. If you watched the VP debate last week, you might just piss your pants watcing this

The Magic Number

Three is no longer the magic number. It is now 700BILLION!

I can't even fathom that number, it is incomprehensible to me.

The Vael Project

I stumbled on this website, and from what I understand it's the same group of designers that used to be Medium before they were bought/sold out. I definitely get the same feel from this collection, It's very simple and material interest based. I love the concepts.

This is where my head is...

Another Way To Die

A Jack White and Alicia Keys duet doesn't seem like anything I'd have interest in, but I listened anyway and was pleasantly surprised. From what I understand it was done for the James Bond Movie.

Give it a listen.

Another way to die

Like, What's the Problem?

I've touched on this in the past. I'm not sure I can put it into better words than this...

From the Academy of Linguistic Awareness (fictional)

Loyalty to Loyalty Review

Yesterday I was a little harsh on Okkervil River, They put out a good album, but I was disappointed because I know how great it could have been. The Cold War Kids should show them how to follow up a great album with another great album. Loyalty to Loyalty is everything I hoped it would be and more. I found myself disoriented, flipping frantically through each track wondering if it would be as exciting and dynamic as the last. I don't think I could make it through 30 seconds of each song the first time through, as I itched in anticipation of the next song.

Loyalty to Loyalty feels like an extension of Robbers and Cowards as The National's album Boxer was to Alligator. The same theme is extended into L2L but the dynamic changes dramatically throughout the entire album. Where as I thought Robbers and Cowards was a bit flat, L2L definitely throws a crescendo on the Cold War Kids Discography

Literally every track on this album is excellent, so it's difficult to pick on track to share, but I did my best. Enjoy! You NEED to go out an buy this on 9/23!

Every Man I Fall For

The Stand Ins, Kind of...

I listened to new Okkervil River album several times. Each time I came back to it, I hoped that something would grab me, contrary to the previous spins. But each time brought the same result. I'd start the album and before I knew it, it was over. This wasn't because the album was short, but because it just played in the background. It was like static, just constant and unriveting.

I'd still call " The Stand Ins" good , but nothing like what I thought would follow the great "Stage Names"

There were a couple of tracks that stood out. "Lost coastline" which appears to be the single, and these two:

On Tour with Zykos

Singer Songwriter

Sharing these MP3s is for the sake of exposing these bands to the support of the masses. I encourage anyone who likes these tracks to buy the artists music Anyone that would like their copyrighted material removed please contact me and I will fully comply

Pipe or Box?

The 9th annual Hickert Toss Off hosted by Zach Hickert took place Saturday in Ballwin, MO. This years new location was way out in the burbs, much to the dismay of many city dwellers like myself. Although we had surprisingly good weather, maintaining our undefeated record in the weather category.

There were roughly 50 participants to start the day. Each one received a T-shirt, as well as a food and beer buffet with their entry.

Although we were off to a promising 2-0 start, my partner and I were eliminated losing the next 2 matches. I blame the wind and the slant of the courts.





The beer flowed like wine...and the chili, gumbo, bratwurst combo left everyone sassified




The Championship match

Everyone got an olympics style Tee

One of the many door prizes I left with. A sweet $170 Vestal watch!

Among the others prizes were Cardinals tickets, more watches, hoodys and gift certificates

DTB 9/7/08

Last night reminded me of why I go to shows. It's for those moments that last maybe 5 seconds to a few minutes where you can just get lost in the music. During the rest of the show all of the worries and thoughts of life still play in the background, but in that short span of time reality is left behind and sounds just washes over you.

I got to the Blue note around 5 to take in the sound check with about 3 other people. Afterward I was able to talk to Derek and have him sign my show poster. He was very laid back and humble.

The show lead off with the Greyhounds, a band whom I had never heard of but I will be researching today. It was one of the few occasions in which I enjoyed to music and didn't just want them to get off the stage as soon as possible to see the headliner. I guess I would describe the sounds as Twang funk ( I know, it's a terrible description.)

The main course brought Derek Trucks and his incredibly energetic band. I can honestly say I've never danced so much at a show being completely sober. The setlist brought my favorite song Sahib Teri early on. Later Greensleeves was twisted far beyond anything I would have imagined.

The entire band seemed to be having loads of fun, while mild mannered Trucks dropped his head , closed his eyes and went for it. He rarely made eye contact with the crowd outside of the occasional brow raise after a solo; as if he awoke from a dream and there was a crowd of people before him dying to know what it was about.

The bassist didn't stop grinning the entire night...I didn't either

The setlist; notice anything wrong here? I didn't realize we were in... Massachusetts?

I got a dollar, I got a dollar !..

Great news, The Mcdonalds of the greater St. Louis area have finally caught up with the rest of the world and are now offering the double cheeseburger for $1!

Although it is not on the value menu, Mcdonalds snuck the price change into the regular menu within the past week.

P.S. That is not me in the photo

DTB This Sunday

I will be doing alot of traveling too and from Columbia this weekend. Down Friday to hang out with friends, back Sautrday for baseball and a wedding, and down on Sunday for the DTB show. I'm prepared to have my feet melt into the soles of my shoes.

Here is the poster I did for the show. Limited run

Labor(less) Day

Labor Day weekend brought more excitement than I had imagined. Not only did the Tigers win in their first step toward a national championship, but my team was triumphant in the flippy cup tournament. The ribs were great, the beer was flowing and the cheese balls were cheesy. I have to wonder how many chances I"ll have left in this world to play in a flippy cup tourney.

It's very important to have a well lubricated table.

These were not your standard size solo cups, they were a bit more tall and skinny and a bit more challenging

Although the boot and rally was allowed this year, it was never used. The only casualty was a sprained ankle suffered during celebration.

Many came, many played, only team deuce deuce prevailed...

My homeless friend

I don't like cats. Let me say that again, I DON'T LIKE CATS. I don't like their attitudes, i don't like the way they shed and I especially don't like my allergic reaction to them.

That being said, This is Roscoe. She(I named her before I realized she was a female) showed up on my doorstep a few days ago meowing away. I thought very little of it and went up to my apartment. the Next day it was lying in front of my door as I left for work, still meowing. I paused for a second and ran up to get a can of tuna. Once I brought it to her, she ate like she hadn't been fed in days. I've been feeding her daily ever since. She is very friendly and loving, but as I said before I'm very allergic to cats. I'm pretty sure she was left behind in a move or something because although she doesn't have a collar her front claws are gone.

I've been trying to figure out a way to keep her, but I'm afraid that just isn't an option. I'm looking into taking her to the APA, but I'd like to give her to someone personally.

If you know someone who wants a loving cat that's fairly young let me know.

I'm Back!

Obviously I haven't kept this blog up as well as I would have liked. Life just kind of got in the way and took up too much time. I'm pretty sure that's healthy though.

I've grown to love Kings of Leon as of late. In the past I've been pretty luke warm about them, however I started relistening to their albums and I'm hooked. They have a new album coming out September 23rd I'd look for it to leak in the next week or so.

Okkervil river also has a new one coming called The Stand Ins. This is due out in late September, however there are fake leaks floating around in the Torrent world. I've been told there is a real copy out there and if it's true I'll grab it and let you know how it spins. OR opens a headlining US tour on 9/12 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence,KS. That's as close as they get to me....might have to make a road trip, I know damn well it would be worth it.

Not what Steve Miller was talking about

I went to see The Dark Knight on Friday at the Imax theater, it was an extra 2 bucks, but well worth it. I got a little dizzy during some of the aerial shots, but it was a good dizzy.

Heath Ledger steal the show in this one. I realize there is a load of hype about his performance, but it's the truth. The Joker is completely creepy! I definitely love Jack Nicholson in the original batman, but it was much different this time, Jack was entertaining, Heath is scary. You must see it to know what I'm talking about.

One thing I really enjoyed about the movie was that it wasn't gruesome, but it was still real. All extreme violence and sex was implied. I saw the joker hold a knife to the guy's mouth and the camera cut away quickly, but I still know the guy got fish hooked.

On a side note. The movie was sold out and I made sure to get there early in order to get a good seat. There was one guy in the middle row saving seats for EIGHT people. I watched several people walk around pissed off and eventually have to sit up front because this douche has inconsiderate friends and he was defending them.

Finally minutes before the previews the seats were still empty and someone got a manager. The douche was told he couldn't reserve that many seats, so a couple was allowed to occupy 2 seats. Douchy ran back out, got a manager, and the couple that sat down were actually asked to move, stating that Douchy actually could reserve EIGHT seats...This is a prime example of why I'm losing hope in society...

DTB

Sunday, September 7th @ The Blue Note - The Derek Trucks Band

I was just complaining that DTB hasn't toured alone for awhile, and now I'm finally going to see them.

Around this time last year I stayed awake for 36 consecutive hours and slept in my car in Chicago.All that to see the Eric Clapton Crossroads Festival. It was well worth it trust me. Derek Truck was in the lineup that day, and I have to say I have a new found respect and love for the slide guitar thanks to him.

September is so far away...

Derek Trucks Band Website

Peeing my pants

If you don't think this is the funniest comic you've ever read...I will fight you!

Click on the link to enlarge

ASG

5 of our Easton footwear clients made it to the All Star squad this year. That's a record number for us. Be sure to check out the kicks from the list below, I have something very special planned....

Hanley Ramirez - Florida Marlins

Aramis Ramirez - Chicago Cubs

Carlos Zambrano- Chicago Cubs

Dustin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox

Cristian Guzman - Washington Nationals

Here's a little taste of what you might see...

Ari Hest, Lucas Schoolhouse 7/1

Lucas Schoolhouse was lullabied by the smooth baritone voice of Ari Hest last night. The singer/songwriter held a captive audience as he flowed through an hour and a half acoustic set. Hest opened with a crowd favorite “Anne Marie” and meandered his way through a four album archive; Ari’s dynamic vocal range was on exhibition as he peppered in covers from Norah Jones (“I’ve Got You”) and Bruce Springsteen (“I’m on Fire”).

Most of the set, however, were products of a new project titled “52” in which Ari records a one song a week and posts it to his website. After 52 weeks, fans will have the ability to vote on their favorites. The top songs will then be compiled into Hest’s next album.

Ari raved of the warmth and intimacy of the Schoolhouse, vowing to visit early and often. I’m sure St. Louis fans will gladly embrace him.

Where the Light is

Last night I saw John Mayer's New DVD on the big screen at Ronnie's 20 plex. I have to say that is definitely the way to see a music DVD. Everyone in the theater is a fan and you don't feel silly clapping.

As far as the content is concerned, I was pleasantly surprised to see a few songs I didn't expect, including Neon to lead off and the LA Song. The whole set was full of energy, but I have to say, Out Of My Mind was far and away the best song performance of the film. There is just something about JM playing the blues so soulfully I could almost feel the passion oozing through the screen.

On a side note, I did notice that he had a TelePrompter with the words to ever song scrolling as he played. Is it really that hard to remember the words to your own songs? Not a criticism, just a question.

Ari Hest

Ari Hest tonight at Lucas Schoolhouse. I'm pretty excited mostly because this will be my first time at the new venue.

I enjoy doing posters for his shows everytime he comes through town. Here is the one I did for this show.

Review to follow tomorrow

A Flare For The Dramatic

I enjoy playing golf, however I do not enjoy watching it. Yesterday though, I was mesmerized by the U.S. Open's final round, in fact I watched the open in pieces all weekend and I'm not sure why. I imagine it's because Tiger has been in the hunt since the beginning and he's gimpy. I almost feel like I'm watching just to see if he really is the best, like MJ in the Finals against the Jazz with the flu. He hit some amazing shots over the weekend, to come from behind and tie it up. Unfortunately the 18 hole playoff is today...during the day. I have go now, and try to figure out a way to watch this on my computer at work.