If you like sports & Timothy Olyphant...

You should check out Indie 103.1 for Olyphant's morning sports wrap-up. I have been listening this morning. I love the little asides he throws in there and the "GOOD MORNING, JOE!"...he's very funny.

The only reason I even found these was my morning visit to Popwatch. They pit Olyphant against Josh Duhamel. Which actor will emerge this summer as a major star? I don't favor either, actually. I'm leaning Olyphant just because I enjoy these 3 minute spots so much. They do look a bit alike, though.

Last weekend was great. I got to see some friends and family that I hadn't seen in far too long.

The John Mayer show was great. I loved loved loved the acoustic portion of the show. I'd pay much more to see him perform an all acoustic set. Our seats were better than I'd thought they'd be, you could actually see the performers. I only caught the last two or three songs of Ben Folds' set, missed all of Brett Dennen, but didn't miss a second of Mayer's.

The wedding on Saturday was fun. It got off to a late start, washing out my plans for the rest of the night. Oh well, that means fewer miles were put on my car. The setting was Villa Antonia in Lago Vista. We watched the rain clouds roll in, but the rain held off. I was sure it was going to pour down any second.

Sunday, I got to see some more friends in Waco at Randy and Wade's show. The place was so packed, it was ridiculous. It got better as the night went on...the crowd really thinned out towards the end. I can't say anything more than I love these two.

It's been a long couple of days back at work. I feel as though I haven't had much chance to slow down. I got back Monday, and was right back on the road Tuesday morning for a hearing. I was back in LBK today, but running back and forth to the courthouses all afternoon. Thank goodness it's Thursday tomorrow and another weekend is almost here.

lesson learned...

I ignored the warnings of others and went ahead and watched Children of Men. What a mistake. It's such a gloomy/depressing movie that ended with a whimper. I was so disappointed. I read some reviews that absolutely trashed it to no end, and then others that thought it should have been nominated for picture of the year. I thought I should watch for myself.

I think I was so disappointed because the story had such promise. Maybe the actual novel, written by P.D. James, is better? I would hope that the novel goes into WHY the world is in such dire straits, and what exactly these factions are fighting for. The movie left so many things unanswered...I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I'm missing Drew Kennedy tonight. I've got to pack for the trip this weekend. I can't wait to see everyone in Dallas, San Antonio, Lago Vista and Waco. Last minute change: I'm going to try to make the MMC show in Concan instead of the show in Bellville.

hold my beer & watch this...

I just got home from the acoustic show.

I'm always on the Randy bandwagon and feel like I've neglected Wade. He was fantastic tonight. It's always a little weird to me when they play Lubbock together. I remember when Randy would open for WB or even when RRB would play and there would be like 20 people. It's different to see/hear a bigger crowd response for Randy around here. Although, during the worst song competition, Randy accused the crowd of being "homers."

I got my song, and so many other great surprises during the show. Randy played tons of old songs, and some covers I hadn't heard in a LONG time. I think my favorite might have been Steve Wariner's "Some Fools Never Learn" or maybe it was "Swinging Doors" or "Live Forever."

Wade won the night with my favorite cover, "A Fire I Can't Put Out."

I said beforehand that I hate the venue that put on this show. I reiterate that sentiment now. It is absolutely no place for an acoustic show. I missed the Blue Light, and stopped in there before the show tonight. Part of me was hoping the guys would wrap it up early, so I could catch some of Charlie's show. The other part wanted them to play all night.

They played just past closing time, and I know I'll hate myself tomorrow morning. It was worth it, though.

counting the hours...

I've spent a good chunk of tonight listening in on Wade and Randy's acoustic show in Austin. Time tomorrow will stand still, I'm sure, since I've been looking forward to this show for such a long time. Randy has a new song that he co-wrote with Micky that sounds FAN-tastic.

I'll be heading to Dallas and then Austin later this week. I can't wait to get away from here, if just for a few days. I'll be catching another Wade & Randy show in Waco, plus John Mayer and probably Reckless Kelly & Wade in Bellville.

Surprise! I watched some movies this weekend. First, I watched Diggers with Paul Rudd, Ken Marino and Maura Tierney, among others. It's about this group of friends in 1976 on Long Island that find themselves in the same job that their fathers were in, clam digging. I liked it, but it was very sluggish at the beginning. I'm not sure I'd sit through it again...even for Paul Rudd.

Remember when I said I'd watch anything Will Arnett is in? To prove this, I watched Let's Go to Prison. I have to admit some of the movie is funny. Will Arnett made me laugh and I was almost able to accept Dax Shepard (he is not a favorite of mine).

I've been sucked into John From Cincinnati. Greyson Fletcher, who plays Shaun Yost, is the reason I'm watching. His interactions with his father, grandfather, gram, John and Bill are my favorite parts of the show.

Another night at the Blue Light, this time to see the Bart Crow Band. They were alright. They will probably not become my favorite, but I had a good time, with the exception of my favorite daiquiri machine being broken.

I completely spaced on Bob Schneider's show...I ended up staying in and watching Bear Grylls and Jeremy Piven on Letterman. I was hoping he'd be in the Austin area next weekend...nope. He's in Ft Worth next Thursday, and I think he's in Denton Saturday.

The Spurs won again last night, fourth time in nine years, much to the chagrin of Jessica. I love Tim Duncan, but I didn't watch an entire game the entire series. It was horrendous...

I've been following the outrageous case of the former administrative law judge against Custom Cleaners in the D.C. area. The cleaners allegedly lost a pair of the judge's pants, and he is now suing for $54 million, down from the initial $65 million.

It's crazy that the man is a judge and taking up the court's time with this case. Apparently, the cost to the city is around $2700/day. Recovery of the actual cost of the pants (which he was offered) is reasonable. How he's calculated the total loss under D.C.'s consumer protection act is unbelievable and unreasonable. He also requested attorney's fees in the amount of $300-400/hour. He's representing himself. The verdict is expected next week, but the reports I've read indicate that the Court will not find for the plaintiff. At least one judge in the courtroom is reasonable.

Time for my history nerd post...

The BBC reported that an international team of architects, archaeologists and experts have developed what amounts to a Virtual Rome. People can enter this virtual world to experience the Colosseum, artwork and other buildings in the city during the fourth century. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think that was amazing.

The other news that caught my eye and made me laugh at the plain absurdity was the news regarding the Air Force's proposal to develop a "Gay Bomb." HAHAHA That would have made a fantastic Chappelle's Show sketch. There's mention of some other hilarious military plans/devices that never saw the light of day in the story, too.

here we are now...entertain us

I just got home from the Blue Light. I finally made it back to see Charlie's acoustic show. I did come home earlier than usual; I've been feeling a bit weird/out of sorts all day.

It was fantastic to see him. I heard a lot of my favorites, plus some quick hits from the 90s. He played a little Nirvana, Coldplay, Elliott Smith, Ray LaMontagne, Everclear, a rap medley (always a highlight), and of course some originals.

There was a huge crowd out. There were 3 birthday celebrations. That means one thing: We got to hear him cover 50 Cent's "In Da Club"...my absolute favorite.

I didn't do much this weekend. I dug around my parents' house looking for some old books/cds/papers. I didn't find everything I was looking for, but I found a couple of things.

I also watched a few DVDs, Catch and Release and The Fountain. Has anyone seen The Fountain? It stars Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. I was mildly disappointed in the three arcs of the film. I was left wondering what was left on the cutting room floor, and would they have made the film better. Not one of the arcs was completely satisfying.

I liked Catch and Release, much to my surprise. However, I'm pretty sure if it featured anyone besides Jennifer Garner and Kevin Smith, I would probably feel differently.

Sopranos finale and the premiere of John from Cincinnati tonight...I hope both are good.
________________________

Well, I know some people were disappointed in the finale. I liked it. My dad hated it... I don't want to spoil it for anyone that hasn't watched yet.

I began watching John From Cincinnati, and then took a phone call. I missed about 1/2 the show. I guess I'll have to catch another airing this week.

Runnin' round, chasing what I can't find...

I've spent a good chunk of the morning researching a case that I wanted to avoid. It's only research, I keep telling myself. To top it off, I'm not even reading interesting case law. I'm stuck reading the about the procedural issues...hoping to find something worth arguing. No such luck, so far. I know I'll find something. Even if it means following up on footnotes or reading all the articles cited, I will find something. (That's more of a Stuart Smalley daily affirmation for myself than anything...hahaha)

My background music has been RRB this morning...From Live at Cheatham Street to Just a Matter of Time, with all the acoustic shows I've got thrown in as well. It's pretty sickening to feel so nostalgic when listening to some of the old stuff.

I've got nothing to prove and there's nothing left for me to lose...nothing more to me, than just a memory

How long has it been since I heard that song live? I'd say at least a year. I wonder how much I'd have to plead to hear it at the acoustic show...

I never believed I would see/say this...

The Anaheim Ducks win the Stanley Cup! I can't even begin to explain why I am so dumbfounded.

The game tonight was ridiculous. It wasn't even a contest. 6 to 2. There was a penalty shot that wasn't connected on, break aways that never materialized, it just wasn't a good night for the Senators. I totally called Scott Niedermayer winning the Conn Smythe. How could he not? He's one of the best, ever. Now he's won 4 Stanley Cups...this one with his younger brother Rob on the team.

They become the first West Coast team to win the Stanley Cup.

___________________________

My favorite distractions lately are the Clark and Michael episodes. Michael being Michael Cera (George Michael Bluth) from Arrested Development and Clark Duke. The episodes follow their attempts at trying to land a deal with a television network for a show, in the vein of a documentary. Funny stuff.

Today at the office was much better. I got some things straightened out that were eating at me yesterday. I think I need to get out of town for a bit...two more weeks. Two more weeks until John Mayer, a wedding on the water and seeing some friends. In the meantime, I'll appease my need to get out of here with a trip to see the Motorcars, yet again, in Amarillo. Bonus, Bob Schneider next Wednesday...it's been too long.

Lord, beer me strength...

Today was just the worst. I was counting the minutes until five so I could get out of the office. Then, I got a call around 4:40 that I would need to hang out for some documents. Perfect. I ended up staying until around six, and in the end I couldn't even access the documents because they were sent over in the wrong format. I know what I'll be wasting my morning working on...

+I hate that July 4th falls on Wednesday+

I crashed when I got home. I woke just in time to trudge through America's Got Talent to see Fallon Franklin. I'm happy that she did well on the show, because I would have been very bitter after sitting through some of the acts until it was her time. Here's hoping she does well in Vegas! I think the first time I saw her perform was in Austin four or five years ago. I never get to see either her or Blake Powers up here, but I love their sound.

I also watched Kathy Griffin's new stand-up special and My Life on the D-List. Hilarious!

I got some calls from Randy & Wade's show last night at Cheatham Street Warehouse. They started the show off with some new stuff. Plus, Randy sang my all-time favorite "One Thing I Know." That song never gets old for me. I can't wait to see them in a few weeks...

Boo!

No Blue Light, no Charlie. I have watery eyes and an itchy throat. I'm hoping it's just allergies.

Quick hits...or maybe not

Last Thursday, I convinced my sister to go see a midnight showing of Knocked Up. Thinking back on the movie the past few days, I think it might be the best $8 bucks I've spent at the theater in months. Sometimes, you just want to laugh...and the relationship that develops between Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen in the movie is fantastic. It's absolutely an adult comedy, and I can see how some people would find it a little disgusting or too crass. However, it never makes light of the issue of the unexpected pregnancy.

I was talking with Becky after they'd seen it. She said a few people walked out not too long into the movie due to the language. I guess I've become immune, because I truly don't remember anything being that offensive. Certainly not enough to warrant walking out. Anyway, those people missed out on a funny movie, that definitely has a much softer side than the previews let on.

Friday night, I did go see Brandon Rhyder after riding out a hail storm. Holy cow, the crowd sucked! The size of the crowd was actually impressive. However, their enthusiasm was pathetic and I just couldn't believe how non-responsive they were at times. I didn't have that great a time (not at all due to the band - they were great). I just choose to avoid that venue if at all possible. I'd gladly continue to live in a bubble, where every band still plays 2 to 3 hour sets at the Blue Light. I know that's not realistic, but there has to be some middle ground, where I don't have to see an acoustic set in a cavernous box with no character.

Saturday night, I was back at home...the Blue Light. There was a great crowd for the show. I'm not sure what drew them in initially, the Motorcars or the guy dressed up like Captain Morgan and his pirate hookers (I know that's probably not how they'd refer to themselves, but what other chance am I going to get to use that term and have it be a fitting, accurate description of someone realistically?). Anyhow, the show was terrific. I was apparently in a drinking mood, and thank God for David and the rest of the staff. Back to the show...confession: I still miss Joseph. Kris is outstanding, but I think it's more the person I miss than the music. He's got the exam coming up...think good thoughts! As I type this, I'm listening to the Motorcars' Clubhouse Concert show...might just be my favorite.

During the show, I kept getting weather updates from my sister. There were two strong storm cells headed for us. At least one of which had already produced a tornado. The sirens were going off in Levelland, and the storm was eastbound. Then, I get another text saying there was another storm headed from the north, again right towards us. My main concern was hail damage to my car. Having lived here for so long, I know the chances of the tornado causing damage is less than the hail storms. Katie and I decided to move away from the wall of glass and stand near the merch booth with Ryan. The rain came, but nothing else really materialized (at least where we were). I think the storm moved off to the south. I got to my mom and dad's EARLY the next morning and they were obviously hit harder. There were tree branches and debris throughout the neighborhood. It reminded me of a cartoon Tom drew years ago when a storm that produced hail the size of baseballs tore through town. (I know only one or two people that read this will know what in the world I'm talking about, but just thinking about that drawing makes me laugh.)

I have absolutely nothing planned, besides hitting the Blue Light tonight.