ACLD Syndrome...
Austin City Limits Dust Syndrome. I claim the discovery of this new disease as it's the only thing explaining the misery I am feeling right now. Yesterday I left the apartment at 6:30 am to be the first person to walk into the H.E.B. Grocery and purchase $30 worth of over the counter meds. I feel better only in the sense that my eyeballs will not be pushed out of their sockets by my sinus cavity. This is what I get for laughing at everyone who put a bandana over their mouths. I hear them laughing now...
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
Austin City Limits Festival 2005 Recap...
What a festival it was...
Best to scroll to the last pic and scroll up to see the pics in the right order.
Kasbian was the first act I saw. They rocked and it set the tone for this year's fest. It was the most enjoyable for me this year over the previous festivals. The pictures will tell the story. But, here are some thank you's for my friends out there who made this weekend amazing.
Nikki Q, you are my all access goddess. David Whitney, all I can say is after party. Marc Brown, may you never lose that inflatable mic. Amy & Dave, without you taking care of my ticket needs; I never would have gone. Kaylee, you are my superhero. Cara & Socrates, I had so much fun the first day because of you two. Angie, you and your husband rock!
Also everyone who I shared a drink or a fun time and didn't mention by name. We had a lot of fun!
Here are some highlights...
Best Show: So many.. But The Decemberists take the title, with Arcade Fire and The Black Crowes in a tie. The crowd was into it, they sounded amazing, so what more could you ask for in a show.
Biggest Suprise: Keane. Check them out. And the Cingular Photo tent. AC and fun pics taken!
unexpected Fun: The Real Heroes! Ran into so many people I knew, had a blast! Also see Cingular Photo tent above...
Best Food: Maudie's Chilled Wrap. 5 bucks for a sandwich that was amazing. Filling, chilling, and thrilling!
Worst Food : (from Cara) Hudson's on the Bend. 5 bucks for two bites of 1.5 oz of avocado fried. Imagine a small cone cup from the water fountain filled halfway..
Best after party: Factory People. Fun! Jane Magazine was a close second!
Worst after party: Austin Daze-Trail of Dead. Guys, throw a party or have a kegger, but don't throw an ACL Kegger that sells beer and gives away vodka. Could have been awesome...
Worst moment: Trying to find people at Coldplay. I got stuck in the middle of the crowd and you couldn't move anywhere as everyone was territorial. I just wanted to leave and I had to plead and argue just to get out of the crowd.
What a festival it was...
Best to scroll to the last pic and scroll up to see the pics in the right order.
Kasbian was the first act I saw. They rocked and it set the tone for this year's fest. It was the most enjoyable for me this year over the previous festivals. The pictures will tell the story. But, here are some thank you's for my friends out there who made this weekend amazing.
Nikki Q, you are my all access goddess. David Whitney, all I can say is after party. Marc Brown, may you never lose that inflatable mic. Amy & Dave, without you taking care of my ticket needs; I never would have gone. Kaylee, you are my superhero. Cara & Socrates, I had so much fun the first day because of you two. Angie, you and your husband rock!
Also everyone who I shared a drink or a fun time and didn't mention by name. We had a lot of fun!
Here are some highlights...
Best Show: So many.. But The Decemberists take the title, with Arcade Fire and The Black Crowes in a tie. The crowd was into it, they sounded amazing, so what more could you ask for in a show.
Biggest Suprise: Keane. Check them out. And the Cingular Photo tent. AC and fun pics taken!
unexpected Fun: The Real Heroes! Ran into so many people I knew, had a blast! Also see Cingular Photo tent above...
Best Food: Maudie's Chilled Wrap. 5 bucks for a sandwich that was amazing. Filling, chilling, and thrilling!
Worst Food : (from Cara) Hudson's on the Bend. 5 bucks for two bites of 1.5 oz of avocado fried. Imagine a small cone cup from the water fountain filled halfway..
Best after party: Factory People. Fun! Jane Magazine was a close second!
Worst after party: Austin Daze-Trail of Dead. Guys, throw a party or have a kegger, but don't throw an ACL Kegger that sells beer and gives away vodka. Could have been awesome...
Worst moment: Trying to find people at Coldplay. I got stuck in the middle of the crowd and you couldn't move anywhere as everyone was territorial. I just wanted to leave and I had to plead and argue just to get out of the crowd.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Remember smashing anthills???
When I was a lot younger and the only care I had in the was making it inside before dark, smashing anthills was fun. That is what we did. Stepped on them and packed the dirt. Why? Because the next day we could do it over again. And the next, and the next, you get the idea...
With everything that has happened to New Orleans, or things that happen in our daily lives, we rebuild. Just like the ants, we look up at the mess, and step up or die. It has been 3 weeks since the hurricane hit. Things are reopening. All the ones that have said it would take months and years are being proved wrong. Will it be easy? No way. But, step by step, we suprise ourselves.
I read somewhere once that given the choice, most will do the heroic or right thing in a situation, rather than choose the cowardly way out. We saw looters. We heard about the snipers. They were a small percentage of people. We will notice those things, as well as watching someone paddle across a flooded neighborhood with only a 2x4 to help his neighbors to safety.
World War II. September 11th. Martha in prison. Clay Aiken. A second term of Bush. Katrina. We can overcome the worst of circumstances. Sure, some of us hurt the situation more than help, but that is what makes us different.
I met two of my new neighbors. They lived in New Orleans, and are here indefinately until they can go back. They lost everything except what they took with them.
Welcome to the neighborhood...
When I was a lot younger and the only care I had in the was making it inside before dark, smashing anthills was fun. That is what we did. Stepped on them and packed the dirt. Why? Because the next day we could do it over again. And the next, and the next, you get the idea...
With everything that has happened to New Orleans, or things that happen in our daily lives, we rebuild. Just like the ants, we look up at the mess, and step up or die. It has been 3 weeks since the hurricane hit. Things are reopening. All the ones that have said it would take months and years are being proved wrong. Will it be easy? No way. But, step by step, we suprise ourselves.
I read somewhere once that given the choice, most will do the heroic or right thing in a situation, rather than choose the cowardly way out. We saw looters. We heard about the snipers. They were a small percentage of people. We will notice those things, as well as watching someone paddle across a flooded neighborhood with only a 2x4 to help his neighbors to safety.
World War II. September 11th. Martha in prison. Clay Aiken. A second term of Bush. Katrina. We can overcome the worst of circumstances. Sure, some of us hurt the situation more than help, but that is what makes us different.
I met two of my new neighbors. They lived in New Orleans, and are here indefinately until they can go back. They lost everything except what they took with them.
Welcome to the neighborhood...
Monday, September 12, 2005
Ha.. I made a Guilty Pleasures CD..
Ok, a friend of mine inspired me to get the cheese on.. I think I outdid myself. Good or bad is anyone's call...
Ok, a friend of mine inspired me to get the cheese on.. I think I outdid myself. Good or bad is anyone's call...
- Piano Man
Billy Joel - Copacabana
Barry Manilow - Cracklin' Rosie
Neil Diamond - (They Long to Be) Close to You
The Carpenters - Love Will Keep Us Together
Captain & Tennille - Song Sung Blue
Neil Diamond - We've Only Just Begun
The Carpenters - Sunshine on My Shoulders
John Denver - You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond - Just The Way You Are
Billy Joel - Fire And Rain
James Taylor - Lady '95
Styx - Mandy
Barry Manilow - She's Always A Woman To Me
Billy Joel - I Write the Songs
Barry Manilow - Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'
Journey - I Can See Clearly
Johnny Nash - Your Song
Elton John
Friday, September 09, 2005
Guess what is back...
The O.C. is finally back, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also liked Reunion. I think it will be a big trip down memory lane. I have made some really cheesy playlists on iTunes. If I died tomorrow and was judged solely on their content it would really be interesting to hear what people would say.
The O.C. is finally back, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also liked Reunion. I think it will be a big trip down memory lane. I have made some really cheesy playlists on iTunes. If I died tomorrow and was judged solely on their content it would really be interesting to hear what people would say.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
FEMA and Katrina: A love/hate story...
I had the opportunity to meet two Washington State Firefighters today. FEMA called upon several hundred firefighters (approx 500) to help with the disaster. In the wake of some of the disorganization they had in NYC during 9/11, they required the 500 to attend a command structure class in Atlanta, similiar to what they take in their training for their home department.
Frustated and feeling like they wasted 2 days to help, they have been sent not to New Orleans, but to areas that have shelters. Why? Well, according to the FEMA representative that spoke to their group, FEMA has been taking a beating in the press and in the public eye. Are they needed at the shelters? No. Most came prepared with sleeping bags and were ready to eat MRE's and work in the devasted areas. Now they are staying in hotels that cost up to $250 a night of FEMA's money.
"It's like we are on vacation" said one," and I was ready to work, to help". They also said that the FEMA debit cards the press have been speaking of that were to go to the evacuees have not been handed out. Something about the security of handling the cards, as 250 of them would be a HALF MILLION.
These two are spending the night in Austin, then off to Richmond, Tx to a shelter there to see if they need their help. I wish these two the best of luck, as they reallty want to work and contribute their skills.We estimated the cost of these 500 firefighters per diem and hotels at being over $150,000 a day.
I would have to say FEMA needs to get their act together. The firefighters want to work. Let's get them to where they are needed and stop wasting their time and our tax dollars.Call your representatives and let them know what you think...
I had the opportunity to meet two Washington State Firefighters today. FEMA called upon several hundred firefighters (approx 500) to help with the disaster. In the wake of some of the disorganization they had in NYC during 9/11, they required the 500 to attend a command structure class in Atlanta, similiar to what they take in their training for their home department.
Frustated and feeling like they wasted 2 days to help, they have been sent not to New Orleans, but to areas that have shelters. Why? Well, according to the FEMA representative that spoke to their group, FEMA has been taking a beating in the press and in the public eye. Are they needed at the shelters? No. Most came prepared with sleeping bags and were ready to eat MRE's and work in the devasted areas. Now they are staying in hotels that cost up to $250 a night of FEMA's money.
"It's like we are on vacation" said one," and I was ready to work, to help". They also said that the FEMA debit cards the press have been speaking of that were to go to the evacuees have not been handed out. Something about the security of handling the cards, as 250 of them would be a HALF MILLION.
These two are spending the night in Austin, then off to Richmond, Tx to a shelter there to see if they need their help. I wish these two the best of luck, as they reallty want to work and contribute their skills.We estimated the cost of these 500 firefighters per diem and hotels at being over $150,000 a day.
I would have to say FEMA needs to get their act together. The firefighters want to work. Let's get them to where they are needed and stop wasting their time and our tax dollars.Call your representatives and let them know what you think...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tumultuous...
I have hung out with friends and neighbors a lot this week. I still keep missing the opportuntity to hang out with one of my closest friends, but, in good time we will catch up. I can say that I have been around people this whole week and still I feel alone. Alone in the big sense of the world being in the state it is in. I watch CNN, read BBC, and look at blogs, and I just sit back and ponder what has happened. My iTunes has been working overtime trying to get me out of this funk I seem to be in.
One small thing to say about government. Stop the finger pointing. Get it done and then fire Michael Chertoff. He had his chance, he blew it.
And smack everyone upside the head that sat through the storm. You act suprised at the conditions. You were warned.
Ok, now we can go back to caring for them, but someone has to knock some sense into these people...
I have hung out with friends and neighbors a lot this week. I still keep missing the opportuntity to hang out with one of my closest friends, but, in good time we will catch up. I can say that I have been around people this whole week and still I feel alone. Alone in the big sense of the world being in the state it is in. I watch CNN, read BBC, and look at blogs, and I just sit back and ponder what has happened. My iTunes has been working overtime trying to get me out of this funk I seem to be in.
One small thing to say about government. Stop the finger pointing. Get it done and then fire Michael Chertoff. He had his chance, he blew it.
And smack everyone upside the head that sat through the storm. You act suprised at the conditions. You were warned.
Ok, now we can go back to caring for them, but someone has to knock some sense into these people...
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Busy week, but, not as bad as...
New Orleans. I am still shocked and dismayed at what I have seen on the news. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to everyone in that area. I am waiting to hear back from the Red Cross in Austin to see when they need me to work at one of the several shelters set up around town to handle the evacuees. I may also take their disaster training course so I can be able to assist if something occurs in the future.
Here is a blog Wired Magazine talked about that someone still working on Canal Street has. He has links to a web cam looking out on downtown also. (Sometimes in their office, so their friends and familes can see them)
New Orleans. I am still shocked and dismayed at what I have seen on the news. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to everyone in that area. I am waiting to hear back from the Red Cross in Austin to see when they need me to work at one of the several shelters set up around town to handle the evacuees. I may also take their disaster training course so I can be able to assist if something occurs in the future.
Here is a blog Wired Magazine talked about that someone still working on Canal Street has. He has links to a web cam looking out on downtown also. (Sometimes in their office, so their friends and familes can see them)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
