Hi, how are you...
Current mood: annoyed
Category: Life

A simple enough question if you ask me, however a very difficult one when I actually think about it...especially in this town.

I don't know what the deal is with this place and especially people in the age range from 18 to about 30ish. But when I encounter people, "hello," "how are you today?" or even a simple smile or a head nod to offer acknowledgement is apparently too difficult for those in that age range. Instead people are walking around with their eyes to the ground or turned the other way, anything to avoid the fact that I am near them.

I have visited other places in Texas...uh College Station for example...everyone smiles and offers a greeting. What's with Austin? We aren't a big city, shit it is basically six degrees of separation in this damn town. But yet we can't offer the lowest form of acknowledgement of another person. Now I don't expect to be friends with everyone I run across throughout the day, nor would I want to, but shit, can't we at least be civil?

Everyone needs to get over their damn selves and quit being shitheads to the people around you...

Currently listening : In Rainbows By Radiohead Release date: 2008-01-01

1:18 AM - 5 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

What Would Jesus Buy...
Current mood: bored
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Nothing, considering he was a mythological figure that may not have even existed. But about the movie...

I thought it sucked. It was self righteous and not thought provoking at all. I wasted 2 hours watching this goddamn movie and I have not been moved. I saw Recount, which was about the 2000 election, earlier and was moved lots more than this "docu-comedy" about consumerism.

If you want a better idea of how bad consumerism is watch the walmart movie, listen to "15 minutes" by the broadways, check out what the artist Banksy is doing and listen to what many comedians are talking about. Waaaaay more thought provoking than this waste of time.

In other news....Whooooooo Barack!!!! Let's bring down McCain!!! Let's do this!!!

I'm gonna go and play Rock Band now and then watch some Mtv and then head to the 24 hour Walmart and buy all the CDs and brands that are promoted in Rock Band and then buy everything Mtv tells me I need to buy. And then buy some tickets to Disneyland because Rev. Billy made Disneyland look like a fun ass place!

Oh and by the way Fuck You Rev. Billy! You suck!

Currently watching : What Would Jesus Buy? Release date: 2008-05-27

11:10 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

I don’t know why...
Current mood: thoughtful
Category: Travel and Places

it took me so long to write my follow up blog to my awesome Portland trip. I have reason to believe that if I wrote about it that in my mind, the reality would sink back that I was back to normal life, even though I do know that it was back from vacation once I stepped on that plane to head back home.

I do know part of me was not inclined to write because I was extremely busy trying to find a job. Well I found a job and then I was sooo busy and tired, I didn't want to do anything even remotely intellectually stimulating.

Anyways, some highlights and after thoughts.

This by far was a life changing trip for many ways, aside from the plane ride. It was the first time I was on the East Coast, the first time I saw like a BUNCH of snow, saw forests. Seeing those things for the first time, as many of ya'll know is amazing within itself, and when all these things happen in a span of a few days, it truly is incredible.

Going to Portland also really opened my mind about beers. Before my trip I had tried a good number of beers, but when I got there and found out it wasn't a huge liquor city and they were serious about their local brews...well when in Rome. So I tried a bunch of new beers I had never even heard of.

This new found appreciation for trying new beers followed me home. Very soon after my Portland trip I went to the flying saucer, which is a bar/restaurant that offers over 200 beers. And when I found they had a pint night...well that clinched it, I could go out and try new beers for somewhat cheap! It's even gotten to the point where I go to spec's and I don't buy a regular prepacked six pack. It's not uncommon that I go and make my own 6 pack from the singles section. Sure some of the beers are better than others, but after Portland I want to try em all and see...well ok not the really shitty ones. I know they suck from the sips I've had in the past.

Some of the things I really dug about Portland were the diners type food. This one place in particular really stood out. My Father's Place. It was a bar that served diner food and the bar actually had diner booths to sit in. I wish there were way more bars like My Father's Place. Even the cool Emo's type bar, the Matador had cool diner booths on one side. I don't think they had food though.

I really liked the awesome shops and awesome people that were there. It was like a city of people who hung out at Side Bar and Jackalope, minus the pretention. Which was awesome. It was so crazy, I didn't even see a cheezy clubby girl or frat dude until I got to Phoenix. Which is kinda cool, but in a weird kinda way I kinda like how these lame people add to spice to life. Plus it gives me piece of mind, because I am clued into a different lifestyle and way of thought that isn't necessarily the "mainstream." Even though, I don't believe that the "underground" isn't necessarily really underground or alternative. It has now just become a different mainstream if you will. I'm sure I will write a blog about this soon. Now that I got out of my writer's block.

The other thing that I thought was cool but not was the fact that there wasn't much of a general meeting place where people went to hang out. Austin has downtown and you can find all sorts of bars, clubs, lifestyles, people. And sure people hang out in their neighborhoods but it is very normal, that we travel to this "centre" if you will. In Portland it wasn't really any of that. The bars were neighborhood bars. Instead of one major hub or strip where the action was, there was mini versions in the different hoods. Which is cool because this allows you to get to know your community, but I kinda like the big congregation of people sometimes.

But all in all the trip was great. Flying, I don't really like...and unless I have to, it's my choice for transpo.

And talking about transpo, Portland's mass transit, fuckin' awesome! And people used it. They have the max and the bus, community cars...And there were bikes...everywhere! And people walking! The entire country should learn from them.

But yeah all and all...great time! I can't wait to go back there and who knows I may move up there, although I didn't find too many job prospects, but on the same note I wasn't looking too hard. I got to spend time with great people...ya'll know who you are. So thank you soooo much for your hospitality. It really meant a lot to me, even though I may have not shown it so much by taking 2 months to finally write about it. (When I watch Steve Wilkos, it reminds me of Portland. :))

I got to taste a lot of great food, drink many great beers, see many great sites. Basically all around, what a great vacation is meant to be.

Anyways I better start getting ready for work...I'm sorry once again for not writing sooner and thanks!

6:13 AM - 5 Comments - 7 Kudos - Add Comment

Come Fly With Me (Part One)...
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Travel and Places

Well as you know I went to Portland within the last week. And in order to get there, I did something I never thought I would be able to do. I overcame my fear of flying. Actually I'll rephrase that...I flew somewhere and was scared out of my goddamn mind.

I got was lucky enough to get a small taste since my first flight had to go to Houston before heading to Portland. However, it was on a smaller size plane, so it was scarier than normal. But luckily enough there was a family sitting in the same row as me. There were two young girls, at the age of like 4 or 5 a mother and father. One of the little girls were celebrating their birthday and her birthday present was to fly.

Their father was sitting on my side of the aisle and we start to talking and and tell him how it's my first flight ever and I'm pretty scared. Luckily, he was kinda enough to talk me through it and reconfirm everything would be ok, even though I was freaking out the entire time.

Once we land, one of the daughters asked her dad if on the way back he would sit with them. He replies, I will sit with you as long as I don't have to take care of Evan on the way back.

The flight from Houston to Portland, I sat next to an business type lady that seems to fly all the time. In front of us, there were kids, and the lady next to me was pissed that there were kids near her and starts bitching to me. I'm like this is my second flight ever and I'm freaking out the kids are the last thing on my mind. She offers me a valium to chill me out. I try listening to music, it's not helping. I read some and it's fine until goddamn turbulance, which occured quite a bit.

The plane was bigger but still goddamn scary. I really don't like taking off or landing. I've never been scared for such a long period of time. Dizziness, sweating, hot, cold, you name it. I did not like my first flight.

On the next episode of "Evan's trip to Portland" I will talk about the actual trip. Stay tuned...

11:32 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

P-Lander E Update...
Current mood: happy
Category: Travel and Places

Hey kids,
just here in portland. i'm loving my trip so far, sadly tomorrow i am heading back to austin.

just wanted to say hello and that i did make it safely. i will have a huge recap tomorrow or thursday.

miss ya'll!

e

12:44 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

My Bags Are Packed And I’m Ready To Go...
Current mood: busy
Category: Travel and Places

At this time in 2 days I will be arriving in Portland and I will have flown for technically the second time.  (I have a transfer in Houston.)

I'm super excited but still kinda scared about flying.

But much thanks already to Miss B and Mr. C. for housing me.  I'm sure more thanking will occur but that's some early thanking.

Currently listening : The Carnegie Hall Performance By Lewis Black Release date: 25 April, 2006

12:14 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

One Thing I Miss...
Current mood: okay
Category: Romance and Relationships

...about being in a relationship, when you get sick (or have bad allergies) you have someone there to take care of you.  And they don't mind you more than likely getting them sick.

I guess I just like being babied...even if I'm not sick though :)

5:27 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Drunken Retarded Cowboys and Cops Flog Molly During Mardi Gras...
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Life

Going to Midnight Rodeo was a weird experience.  It's not like a normal bar where you can get your dance on alone and if you want to dance with someone you go up to them and start dancing or hope they head your way.  At this place, you actually have to go up to people and ask them to dance.  It's pretty weird and somewhat intimidating, because unless you wait for a line dance or the hip hop to get going, you aren't going to be dancing. 

After Midnight Rodeo we went to the Wa-wa Burger on Riverside.  Let's just say it's not a good idea to let more than one possibly mentally handicapped people work on a three person crew at any sort of fast food establishment. Especially when it's late at night and drunk assholes are coming in to eat.

But somehow I think that Wa-wa Burger holds some secrets to the universe.  Although it took forever to get out of there, only an hour went by.  And I'm not sure how that time could go that slow and only an hour go by.

I saw Flogging Molly today at the station.  I was supposed to see them tonight at Stubb's but because of a SNAFU, I did not.  Oh well, I got to see them do an acoustic performance for about 25 people...so I can't bitch too much. 

And of course with a Flogging Molly show, the Guiness and Jameson and anything Irish booze related was a-flowing.  I don't think I've seen so many stumble out of a show.  Pretty interesting and suprisingly only a few left in a billigerent angry fit.

And speaking of drunken folk, it's Mardi Gras, so you know what that means...even more drunk asshats running around the city.  May I say again that celebrating Mardi Gras in Austin is still dumb!  Go to New Orleans and do it up right!

Mardi Gras also means that an increase in police patrolling the streets downtown.  This year they are ready to kick some ass and they have big wooden bow type things ready to bash some heads in.  I know they have guns at all times, but at least the gun is in a case.  These things are definitely intimidating and in my eyes show aggression just by having them.  But at least they it is less likely they can shoot some minority in the back like 5 times or gas half of downtown and fuck up many innocent people's nights.  It will just take them longer if they want to beat you to death.   :)

I wouldn't have been out but I was working the Flogging Molly show and tomorrow is Super Furry Animals...so yeah...Mardi Gras or riots or what not, I'm working and going to shows.  I'm not letting stupid shit stop me!

Currently listening : Rock ’n’ Roll Etiquette By Guitar Wolf Release date: 19 October, 2004

11:57 PM - 3 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment

Tonight...
Current mood: okay
Category: Life

...I only left the house once. 

...was the last time Bushie made a State of the Union Address.  Thank goodness.  But as Bill Maher said last week...hopefully Bushie doesn't have ony more fuck up up his sleeves.  Although I gotta give Bushie credit where it's due.  He made a joke about some people wanting to pay higher taxes, he then followed it up by saying the IRS takes checks and money orders.  Not too bad of a joke...

...I watched the Democratic rebuttle to Bushie's speech.  It was given by the Govenor of Kansas, but it was damn boring - and that's putting it nicely.

...I am glad Barack put up his own statement about Bushie's speech.  Much easier to watch than the boring Govenor. 

...I also watched The Number 23.  I was pretty disappointed with the movie.  It wasn't really about numerology and the significance of 23, which is why I found it disappointing.  Well it wasn't that great of a movie either.  But I'm glad I didn't spend money on it in the theaters, I woulda been pissed.

...on Adult Swim, they showed The Boondocks, which I love.  If you haven't seen this show and are a progressive minded person, especially when it comes to racial issues, check it out! 

...was an ok but rather lazy night.  Whoo! I started every new topic with the world "tonight!"

Currently listening : Raw Power By Iggy & the Stooges Release date: 22 April, 1997

12:46 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Van Halen...
Current mood: happy
Category: Music

Well I must say for starters...unless I see Radiohead, this will probably be the concert of the year for me, because this one will be tough to beat.

Just a few highlights and things I noticed....

- There was no Heavy Metal Parking Lot antics occuring that I could see.  I guess 40 degrees is too cold for us Texans to be partying outside for hours.  I should have brought a flask or took a 40 with me and drank it in line...

- $35 - $50 is a bit much to pay for a new concert tshirt...for that price I will go buy a vintage VH shirt.  I was a bit disappointed they are charging that much after the tickets were anywhere between like $50 and $150 (before Ticketmaster bends you over with their service charges)

- I find it funny and dorky that older people take binoculars to shows, even though there is a huge screen that shows the band.  I know it's the nosebleed section but watching just about anything with binoculars is kinda dorky and creepy to me.

- I found it somewhat enduring watching some people in their 40's getting drunk and really rocking out like they were in their 20's still.  They definitely aren't the same person they may have been back then, but there's a glimmer of that in them.  Although I hope when I'm their age, there isn't just a glimmer but that I'm still rockin' and rollin' as I am now.  Although I see older people at shows dancing and getting into shows here in town...it's not the same.  It just seems really pathetic most of the time here, I dunno what's up with that.

- Concerts that have seats on the floor...STILL NOT COOL!  If you want to sit down get your ass to the top where I was at and let me and everyone else that wants to party the fuck out down there!

- Eddie Van Halen can still play the shit out a guitar.  And it was nice to see that he still uses his signature guitar.  But please put on a shirt man....

- Alex Van Halen is still an amazing drummer.

- Wolfgang Van Halen is a badass bassist.  I guess if my dad was Eddie Van Halen, I could rock the fuck out on bass and guitar as well...Jesus Christ though, that kid really can play though...and he's like 17!  Oh and one of his basses is very similiar to the design of his dad's guitar, cept it's blue, black and white.

- Now for Dave....Holy Hell can that crazy SOB still sing, but he doesn't need to tell 5 minute stories from where the songs came from.  We like you because you are insane and can sing and you used to do all sorts of crazy shit....not because of your public speaking, because let's face it...not so interesting. 

- Dave is still a bad ass front man and does the spin kicks to some extent.  He was dressed like a crazy bastard and he looked like a rhinestone circus ringmaster or a matador, wasn't sure which.  Oh he still spins the mic stand and shit though.

- My only real complaint was back in the day these guys used to have huge stage antics, sets, stunts and shit.  These days...not really.  They had normal stage lights, lazers, a huge screen projecting them so everyone could see...oh and confetti but that was mainly it.  Where was the pyro?  Paul McCartney is older than you fuckers and he has explosions!! I mean you pulled out the big inflatible microphone but there was no riding it...Dave just bounced it around the stage and that was for  Jump which was the last song.  Dave once had a huge statue that pissed Jack Daniels for fuck sake!!!  Where did those crazy ass ideas go?!  Those 80's rock bands were known for their overindulgence and crazy shows...bring THAT shit back.  Sure the music is great but I want the entire experience dammit!

- Oh and hopefully they don't make a new album to tarnish the bands' former work...let the good times roll with what you are doing. As we have found, you don't need new music songs to sell out stadiums.  Because let's face it...prolly won't be nearly as good as the badass songs you are currently playing.

But other than that complaint the show kicked ass!  Very much fun.  I'm glad I got to witness something that in all reality may never not occur again...Van Halen with Diamond Dave at the mic!  Who were was those other guys that sang for awhile and made Van Halen suck?   Meh doesn't matter, it's all about the real thing.

Currently listening : 311 By 311 Release date: 25 July, 1995

11:54 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment