Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Good Bye 2000 and Great....
You weren't so great. But you had a lot of great things....
So....with that being said.
Hello 2000 and Mine!
So....with that being said.
Hello 2000 and Mine!
The Most Metal Moment in History
It's like Band Aid...for Metal, to aid Africa. Yep. I finally found the LP. Haven't seen it since Seattle. It's awful or beyond good. depends on yer definition. I'm proud to own it. Gotta love 6 solos!
I'm home!
WOW! It's amazing what a trip home can do for sanity. I left Portland with a feeling of guilt and remorse/ fear and loathing. I had just quite my job on bad terms, my "own terms." (As always) So, I was naturally worried what the future would bring. As of now though, I feel that all in the world is great. And that there is virtue and goodness and wonderful benevolence. I even got to see my best friend Michael Tiemann while I was home and his wife and kid. Spent a lot of time with some friends who had sadly become out of touch with, who were more than happy to see me. In fact it was really refreshing, because here in Portland a lot of my friends have significant others, and I think they tire of me. Anyways...my big plan is to do a year in review sort of post later. If I have time. I got a new camera for Chrsitmas, so plan on some much higher blog content soon. For the year in review you will have to settle with phone pics. But, for now....I've got rent, library books, bank deposit, crickets, and more to do on my list.
The very best part about being home was finding something I've been looking everywhere for the past two years, companionship. It was there waiting for me at home, of course.
The very best part about being home was finding something I've been looking everywhere for the past two years, companionship. It was there waiting for me at home, of course.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Black Oak Arkansas
I've never heard these guys, but man....they're like Jackyl before Jackyl and very akin to the Molly Hatchett/Lynyrd Skynyrd Southern Pride Scene!
Real quote from youtube.com comments...
"I rarely felt as deliriously happy as I did at Black Oak shows. They made you extremely proud to be a vibrant, young, sex-driven, hard-rocking, unsophisticated, weed smoking, unapoligetic redneck southerner. Nothing else came close."
More Black Sabbath
All these are from the California Jam in 1974. It apparently was a huge concert. As you can tell by the see of people. I love the rainbow back drop. So metal!!!!!
Black Sabbath
WOW! No one knew what the hell heavy metal was yet....
So amazing to see. Ozzy is so lively and good. Really trying to get people to "get it."
Friday, December 26, 2008
My Best 45.
Psychedelica beyond pyschedelica....
Kenny Rogers & The First Edition (as head popularly in The Big Lebowski)
...way before "the Gambler"
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
Joy to the world.
Peace to all.
Feliz Navidad.
I promise a new and improved Casey Thompson in 2009.
One ready to take on and conquer the roles of adulthood.
Peace to all.
Feliz Navidad.
I promise a new and improved Casey Thompson in 2009.
One ready to take on and conquer the roles of adulthood.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
45 Players
So.....I've been super into 45's lately. Like, seriously......big time.
And now that I'm not drinking, I will probably eventually have some cash again. So, I've been looking into different 45 players. This is easily one of the coolest I've found. It's like a mini jukebox. I want to get one that has a big post, so I can stack 45's and have them drop. One sure fire easy tangible playlist.
Screw digital.
Analog forever. Steve Albini was right!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Evolution fast at work.
GUMBRECHT'S GREEN PIT VIPER, CYANIDE LACED DRAGON MILLIPEDE, HUNTSMAN SPIDER: More than 1000 species discovered in Mekong Delta
The not-so-itsy-bitsy spider
This past week, the World Wildlife Fund announced that more than 1,000 species had been discovered in Southeast Asia's Greater Mekong region over the past decade. One of the more impressive finds: a spider as big as a dinner plate. According to this very popular article from AFP, the "huntsman spider" is nearly a foot long. We assume it's also a lot scarier than your college roommate's pet tarantula.
(HA HA...what kind of loser keeps tarantulas!)
My old friend Colin.....
Called me today to tell me he couldn't loan me any dough, which I ultimately knew would happen. I'm just happy that he's going to school and doing stuff for himself. You always got to look out for number 1, I say.......
It sucks being broke, but I'm thankful for what I got......
It sucks being broke, but I'm thankful for what I got......
Day 6
Serious snow on the ground this morning. I really feel like this week has been almost frozen in time. I've pretty much been here, organizing things, getting ready for a week off back home. Just really nice and relaxing. I feel confident. Real confident. And thats good. Alcohol has been pretty far removed in my mind. Going home well be the true test. I bet anything my dad can't support me and go without drinking. He wouldn't dream of not having a bottle of red with a sensible meal....
Friday, December 19, 2008
When Black Metal tries to talk politics and feelings....
This is what happens to Olympia's "Wolves in the Throne Room's" frontman.....
(Good band, if you like heavy)
Myspace stalker...
I got my first online stalker today. A girl who found a personal of mine for the entertainment newspaper here called the Merc, who went to such great lengths to track down my myspace. So......that's interesting. A first kind of. I hate dating. Its so pointless........
Sucks I ruined things with the girl I really like before we even had a real first date. Blarrrrggggghhhhh,
Sucks I ruined things with the girl I really like before we even had a real first date. Blarrrrggggghhhhh,
Day 5 (cont.)
WEll....some more snow came down this morning. It was pretty.
I tried not to dwell on quitting my job, but it was pretty hard not to, cuz I had to go get my green check (last check). It made me dread the fact that I swore I would not quit my next job and leave on bad terms, which is pretty much what I did. So...l am filled with some remorse and worry. Especially in these turbulent times. Although my plan is to remove myself completely from the service industry and focus on a tutoring career, which is pretty important in an early teaching career. I have a lead with a middle school through a school acquaintance, and not too long ago I saw a really good job offer for high school algebra at $20 bucks an hour after school. The big bucks. What I'm really hoping for is a tutoring job at PCC, in the learning center. I hope so. I guess we'll see. I need to make an education oriented resume. Resume are so awful. My last was so good thanks to a friend, but ultimately futile, cuz I ended up getting a job through a friend. Such is life.
Today a good friend helped me with some computer problems, which was really great. And another good friend is selling me some of his glass tomorrow for Christmas presents. What good friends I have. What a blessing. I hope I am as giving as a friend. I try to be. I fear that some of my friends are growing impatient with me as a friend. I hope they know that I am trying to be a better person. I really am this time. I swear. So help me god..........
I am getting really close to my first week of sobriety. I will have to bake myself some biscuits or something special. My record player is working out great in my room.
I tried not to dwell on quitting my job, but it was pretty hard not to, cuz I had to go get my green check (last check). It made me dread the fact that I swore I would not quit my next job and leave on bad terms, which is pretty much what I did. So...l am filled with some remorse and worry. Especially in these turbulent times. Although my plan is to remove myself completely from the service industry and focus on a tutoring career, which is pretty important in an early teaching career. I have a lead with a middle school through a school acquaintance, and not too long ago I saw a really good job offer for high school algebra at $20 bucks an hour after school. The big bucks. What I'm really hoping for is a tutoring job at PCC, in the learning center. I hope so. I guess we'll see. I need to make an education oriented resume. Resume are so awful. My last was so good thanks to a friend, but ultimately futile, cuz I ended up getting a job through a friend. Such is life.
Today a good friend helped me with some computer problems, which was really great. And another good friend is selling me some of his glass tomorrow for Christmas presents. What good friends I have. What a blessing. I hope I am as giving as a friend. I try to be. I fear that some of my friends are growing impatient with me as a friend. I hope they know that I am trying to be a better person. I really am this time. I swear. So help me god..........
I am getting really close to my first week of sobriety. I will have to bake myself some biscuits or something special. My record player is working out great in my room.
Bonnie
This song had some popularity again a few years. Not quite sure why. I remember hearing it in 2002/03 driving on the East Slope of Yosemite with my good friend Sarah B and some other fools. I'm not sure why, but it seemed like the best song ever. It's just so retardedly epic. It's weird how great some really bad songs.
Day 5
A week is gettin really close, which will be the longest I've went in anywhere from 3 to 5 years. I estimate. Since at least 2004 ish.
All things good. Had a great talk with a great friend last night. I'm more concerned for his brother, than I am for myself.
All things good. Had a great talk with a great friend last night. I'm more concerned for his brother, than I am for myself.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
I don't feel so bad anymore...
I'm not going through any alcohol withdrawals or real cravings. What so ever. I'm just really focused.
Where as I just found out a good friend/ business partner of mine has been dealing with getting off pills. Which I could not imagine. So I would like to shout out to him for his strength and courage. Stick with it man. We can do this together. And live the dream.
Trust in Jesus.
-C
Where as I just found out a good friend/ business partner of mine has been dealing with getting off pills. Which I could not imagine. So I would like to shout out to him for his strength and courage. Stick with it man. We can do this together. And live the dream.
Trust in Jesus.
-C
Day 4
...more snow.
More record sorting.
No alcohol. Staying Positive about the future, but not day dreaming too much.
Listening to 45's. IN MY ROOM! So nice!
Peace,
-Casey T
More record sorting.
No alcohol. Staying Positive about the future, but not day dreaming too much.
Listening to 45's. IN MY ROOM! So nice!
Peace,
-Casey T
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
So...
...I got all my stuff.
Set up my stereo in my room. So, it some what feels like things are new. Or that I moved.
I didn't even get to say good bye to Roxanne. She didn't want to see me. Man...what a blow. But...I guess for the best. I AM AN IDIOT!
WOW!
SERIOUSLY.
TOTAL IDIOT = CASEY T
Set up my stereo in my room. So, it some what feels like things are new. Or that I moved.
I didn't even get to say good bye to Roxanne. She didn't want to see me. Man...what a blow. But...I guess for the best. I AM AN IDIOT!
WOW!
SERIOUSLY.
TOTAL IDIOT = CASEY T
Day 3
of Sobriety.
Its cold. Apparently buckman is closed. I am trying to re scehdule my computer proficiency exam for my master program. Last night i went for a short drive and on the way home almost careened into an SUV. I did like a 180, lost my brakes, but somehow remembered to pump my brakes and re over compensate my steering. It was a miracle of god. I mean it....
I do not have any desire to drink.
Its cold. Apparently buckman is closed. I am trying to re scehdule my computer proficiency exam for my master program. Last night i went for a short drive and on the way home almost careened into an SUV. I did like a 180, lost my brakes, but somehow remembered to pump my brakes and re over compensate my steering. It was a miracle of god. I mean it....
I do not have any desire to drink.
The Million Dollar Quartet
Let's get back some content here, it just doesn't get better than: Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Now does it? The mighty million dollar quartet photo as seen here, in the Sun Records Glory Days!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
U know...
...I can remember pretty recently when this blog had some content.
Lately, its just been this cathartic mental therapy drivel. What can I say.
I've been battling depression and alcoholism for three years. I have finally come to grips with the powerlessness I have. Which is why I am taking these drastic and important steps.
I've been trying to simply will girls to be my girl friend. And mostly I come off as either a chauvinist or pig, when in reality I am deathly afraid of relationships and getting really really hurt again. So afraid, that even when I finally meet someone who is wonderful, I build the whole thing up in my head, before it even happens. Its really disturbing. I may need meds too. We'll see. luckily I have so many great friends. Hopefully they see the destructive pattern I've lead for a while and have confidence in me.
Lately, its just been this cathartic mental therapy drivel. What can I say.
I've been battling depression and alcoholism for three years. I have finally come to grips with the powerlessness I have. Which is why I am taking these drastic and important steps.
I've been trying to simply will girls to be my girl friend. And mostly I come off as either a chauvinist or pig, when in reality I am deathly afraid of relationships and getting really really hurt again. So afraid, that even when I finally meet someone who is wonderful, I build the whole thing up in my head, before it even happens. Its really disturbing. I may need meds too. We'll see. luckily I have so many great friends. Hopefully they see the destructive pattern I've lead for a while and have confidence in me.
GRADES!
Fall 2008
MTH 111C Col Alg for Math,Science,Engin B
MTH 213 Foundations of Elem Math III A
Current Term:
3.44
Cumulative:
3.76
There ya go Jeff. It cost me some sanity. but I did pretty good this term. Here's to me! Seriously though....I am proud of these two grades. 111 almost killed me!
MTH 111C Col Alg for Math,Science,Engin B
MTH 213 Foundations of Elem Math III A
Current Term:
3.44
Cumulative:
3.76
There ya go Jeff. It cost me some sanity. but I did pretty good this term. Here's to me! Seriously though....I am proud of these two grades. 111 almost killed me!
Welp....
...I am now done with day 2 of sobriety. I showed up at the same AA place, and no one came to open the doors. So....i left, cuz it was cold. And worked some more on my vinyl collection in anticipation of my store.
I am starting to feel bad about losing Roxanne and Dustin's friendship. They were both so nice, they probably hate me....
I am starting to feel bad about losing Roxanne and Dustin's friendship. They were both so nice, they probably hate me....
I'm sorry....
I didn't mean he wasn't a good guy, he's just in charge. And I always like to be in charge. So, its definitely best I don't move in.
Which we all know NOW. Please arrange a time when i can come grab my most important belongings.
Which we all know NOW. Please arrange a time when i can come grab my most important belongings.
Thank god!
That I didn't make a bad move into an unhealthy home...
And that I have good friends, like my Best Friend Mike Tiemann.
And that I don't work at the Cuckoo Zoo "Laughing Planet" anymore. Thanks Jill. Sorry.
-c
And that I have good friends, like my Best Friend Mike Tiemann.
And that I don't work at the Cuckoo Zoo "Laughing Planet" anymore. Thanks Jill. Sorry.
-c
Spirituality
I asked Jesus for forgiveness at AA, and he granted it to me.....and lifted me up. i have the strength to do this, this holiday.
I will succeed! I won't be dragged down any longer!
I will succeed! I won't be dragged down any longer!
2006 (The summer I took over Merced Lake)
Pictured (L to R back row) "Double D" Diamond, Wedly, Brian "Sir-Farts-A-Lot, Stiff Dog, Markus VON Stevens, Jon, Jessi "the Strawberry Blonde Ex-Boss Huff, Chris "The Alki Wolf" Doobie Doobie Doo, Brockback Brandon the Packer, and me and the California Republic Merced Lake Rogue Nation High Sierra Camp 2006. "The Crown Jewel"
Fools Rush In....
...wise man say, "Only fools rush in, but I can't help...falling in love with you."
-E. Aaron Presley
-E. Aaron Presley
Monday, December 15, 2008
People
..be really hating on the BIG C.
But now its down to the wire...
And its up to me.
so I'm comin back strong,
To fulfill my destiny!
But now its down to the wire...
And its up to me.
so I'm comin back strong,
To fulfill my destiny!
Well....
I just went to AA. And it was about as cliche as I could possibly imagine. And pretty much everyone there judged me as the "newbie" and it probably didn't help that it was all lesbians. Man.....it is so hard to detect laughter and sarcasm and text.
Anyways.... it was so ridiculous that I will probably go back. I even had a very cute bartender girl hit on me, which I avoided. I didn't want to play right into what everyone woman in the entire room was thinking, "He's just here to pick up on this cute girl."
Man what a night! I didn't AA was so "oriented."
Anyways.... it was so ridiculous that I will probably go back. I even had a very cute bartender girl hit on me, which I avoided. I didn't want to play right into what everyone woman in the entire room was thinking, "He's just here to pick up on this cute girl."
Man what a night! I didn't AA was so "oriented."
We've got it all wrong....
What's sexy about a woman is her class, her grace, her intelligence, her poise, her talents, her maternal instinct.
Not about how provocatively she dresses or acts around other men to garner their attention.
Ever since, I've taken this stance in life, I've felt that I'm just in the wrong culture all together here. Mostly I am just mocked and called a homosexual. SERIOUSLY! I'm over this. It's turned me into a homphobe. I just don't understand America.
In America, sex sells. But look at how far over board we've gone.
DEPRAVITY!
As an original Clinton supporter, prior to being an Obama supporter. I look forward to what she can accomplish as Secretary. If were not already doomed.
Not about how provocatively she dresses or acts around other men to garner their attention.
Ever since, I've taken this stance in life, I've felt that I'm just in the wrong culture all together here. Mostly I am just mocked and called a homosexual. SERIOUSLY! I'm over this. It's turned me into a homphobe. I just don't understand America.
In America, sex sells. But look at how far over board we've gone.
DEPRAVITY!
As an original Clinton supporter, prior to being an Obama supporter. I look forward to what she can accomplish as Secretary. If were not already doomed.
Well....
My Praying Mantis is dead......
I guess he went a little too long without food. thanks to me and the snow....and me being a jerk.
I guess I'll have to try again, next Unique Animal Expo.
I guess he went a little too long without food. thanks to me and the snow....and me being a jerk.
I guess I'll have to try again, next Unique Animal Expo.
I have a bad reputation....
....and a big mouth.
2009 Resolution: STOP running my mouth....
And get OUT of the service industry all together. And fully into my education career track!
2009 Resolution: STOP running my mouth....
And get OUT of the service industry all together. And fully into my education career track!
Portland still just a hick town....?
Yep.
I said it. And you want to know why.
STRIP CLUBS.
I hope this new mayor has the clarity to see that these places are bad for society. Look at how depraved Vegas has become. This is the worst part of America. They should be closed. And I don't mind saying it publicly.
I realized at some point, saying "highest strip club per capita" is kinda like saying "highest loser dads per capita."
And as a future wannabe father....this makes the city of Portland look like Boise Idaho. Or much worse....
Peace in 2009!
-the mad blogger.
Ps-Its nice to be ranting and writing words again on this blog. Thing.
Very cathartic. (Nerdy cathartic)
I said it. And you want to know why.
STRIP CLUBS.
I hope this new mayor has the clarity to see that these places are bad for society. Look at how depraved Vegas has become. This is the worst part of America. They should be closed. And I don't mind saying it publicly.
I realized at some point, saying "highest strip club per capita" is kinda like saying "highest loser dads per capita."
And as a future wannabe father....this makes the city of Portland look like Boise Idaho. Or much worse....
Peace in 2009!
-the mad blogger.
Ps-Its nice to be ranting and writing words again on this blog. Thing.
Very cathartic. (Nerdy cathartic)
Mississippi Anti Hipster Non Sense!
As if being "visually impaired" is somehow a clique. I can't even begin to say how much more i love having glasses over contacts. Those things were awful! And painful!
ALL those people NEED to go BACK to high school.
i'm over it!
-c
ALL those people NEED to go BACK to high school.
i'm over it!
-c
Strawberry Blonde....
.....to Jessi Huff. Glad you made it to my party. I'm glad that we get along now and care for each other. I appreciated the hugs at the party. Lately, I've been having a rough spot. I was not getting enough sleep. Kinda homeless. Or at least it felt that way. I'm just really glad that I didn't move in with some people who had a bad living situation. The Falcon and PCC Cascade is where I truly belong.
To Roxanne,
I 've been single for well over two years now. If that makes me a chauvinist. So be it. I'm just fragile. l got hurt really bad and have a real fear of women and relationships. I have been admiring you since day one. I feel that you are the most perfect woman I've met. And I am sorry that I let me stupid emotions get in the way. I told you I could move in and be friends. And I meant it. But I also probably should have said, it won't work, becuz I am a jealous guy. Like all guys. Even at the party I started to get mad about all your suitors. Even though, at the same time, I had all this women who are my friends. I don't know what to say. I hope the best for you. I really do. Please....give me a chance to be your friend.
-Casey
To Roxanne,
I 've been single for well over two years now. If that makes me a chauvinist. So be it. I'm just fragile. l got hurt really bad and have a real fear of women and relationships. I have been admiring you since day one. I feel that you are the most perfect woman I've met. And I am sorry that I let me stupid emotions get in the way. I told you I could move in and be friends. And I meant it. But I also probably should have said, it won't work, becuz I am a jealous guy. Like all guys. Even at the party I started to get mad about all your suitors. Even though, at the same time, I had all this women who are my friends. I don't know what to say. I hope the best for you. I really do. Please....give me a chance to be your friend.
-Casey
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Johnny Cash was a ____
You fill in the blank. The more footage I see of one of my heroes. The more I wonder about what kind of man he was.
Did those guys convince you I'm a jerk....
...cuz they're wrong. Completely wrong.
I have never slept with Dotties roomate Norther.
Thats for DAMN SURE!
I have never slept with Dotties roomate Norther.
Thats for DAMN SURE!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
I drive you insane.........
.......you really have to clue me in. I love you more than anything. My heart is my heart.....
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The news is hilarious...!
My ex showed me this a few years back on ebaums world. This is just an amazing piece of news.......
Oh Roxanne! Why is it driving you nuts? That's only in the morning.....supposed to be cookin breakfast or something.
..
Monday, December 8, 2008
Guided by Voices
I wouldn't actually get into these guys til years later while squattin in Wellington NZ.....
No joke.
Dookie
...flinging contest! True to "Dookie's" album covers spirit. I remember loving seeing this. I recorded it on MTV. I loved Green Day so much at this moment in 1994.
Seaweed
I wouldn't encounter these guys until years later when I met my good friend Rob who was from Seattle and a fan, but I remember loving this video on 120 minutes. It's grungy punk. And really great! I'm not sure if the video is spoofing Soul Asylum or not. I think it was before.
Musical Influences - Pt. 2
I was very influenced by 90's hip hop especially the West Coast gangsta rap. But, I can still recall the first time I saw this video. It was on Yo MTV Raps or some late night Hip Hop show, and I remembering thing who the heck is this guy? The video is awesome. I also remember seeing Craig Mack's "Flava in Your Ear." I didn't actually get into this East Coast music, but it would return to me later in my mid-twenties. When I was heavily into punk, it was not really okay to like other genres. The Beastie Boys were the only cross genre hip hop band. What can I say I was white. Now that I'm older I can't seem to get enough BIG and 2Pac.
Redemption 87
I had this on tape. It was of the first Hardcore punk bands I liked....... Jade who was in Loose Change, and later AFI was in this band. I think. It was probably his tape or his friends tape I bought, becuz it was at a weird antique shop below the Carter in Ukiah, which was where all the punks lived.
Nobody Likes Us.....
I'm reading the Green Day Biography. It's really geeky of me. I got it two years ago around Christmas, when I was in Ukiah wanting to kill myself. It helped me get through some rough times. I am reading it again. This is a performance by Green Day at Pinole High School, where they went to school. It makes me wish my band was better when we played our high school.
Anywhoo....
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The first Green Day LP to prove it.....
Bought this forever ago on vinyl. It's great. They thank Mendo. Co.
So awesome!
My Musical Influences - Pt. 1
As far as my biggest influence to play music myself, I for better or worse, can not look any further than this very video by Green Day. It was mind blowing and changed everything. I thought they were the greatest band EVER. Better than Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins. Although, by the time that Basket Case came out giving them huge success, I would already consider them pretty much worthless. Thankfully. This was the embryonic inspiration for my own punk band "Hideous Kids," which was a parody of Green Day's first moniker, "Sweet Children." Hence the name "Hideous Kids." The exact opposite of sweet children.
I don't care who knows it.....
No one looks at this anyways....
And I mean no one!
I love this girl _______. She is the most perfect example of a woman I have come across in almost 30 years now. She makes me want to be an adult forever. And be a respectful career oriented individual with goals and dreams. She is my rock. My heard headed woman. And I love her.....
-Casey Aron Thompson
And I mean no one!
I love this girl _______. She is the most perfect example of a woman I have come across in almost 30 years now. She makes me want to be an adult forever. And be a respectful career oriented individual with goals and dreams. She is my rock. My heard headed woman. And I love her.....
-Casey Aron Thompson
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
120 Minutes - BECK
One of the first 120 Minutes I saw. A very young Beck. And Thurston Moore. This changed music for me.......forever!
120 Minutes - Pixies: U-Mass
This used to be my favorite show on MTV. I recorded it religiously every Sunday and rushed home from school Monday to watch the VHS recording I had made from the night before. This performance was before I began watching.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Moloko
I will be spinning 45's at the Moloko on Mississippi. Friday after Thanksgiving. I am so excited. I will be playing an eclectic mix of soul, psych, garage, funk, hip-hop, 80's and dance. It will be fun. Moloko is about a block and a half down from the Laughing Planet on Mississippi. It is my favorite bar in Portland. It has a "white" Clockwork Orange theme and has great infused alcohols.
Monday, November 10, 2008
1928 Peace Dollar - Philadelphia
Today I sold a 1928 Peace Dollar for $250. I was holding out for $300, but quickly realized that it was an unattainable amount. I can be such a greedy little haggler. Anyways though, it rules because I can now buy my new frames and lenses. They are vintage 60's and cost me about $250. SO I will always remember how god smiled on me one day and told me to buy that Peace Dollar at that garage sale for about $2 bucks. JOY! I have a pic of me in the glasses, sans lenses. I will have them in a few days. I think they will help me succeed in life. FInd a new job. Leave Laughing Planet and Buckman Elementary behind me, and in the past. Man...WILL that FEEL GOOD!!!
KRAFTWERK
Easily their strangest yet most catchy, but "What the Fuck!" song. Pocket Calculator. This is close to the first video I ever saw of this, but this is all German. Anyways......what can you say. Completely ridiculous! Great dancing. BIZARRE-O! I was in love instantly and tracked down many of their vinyl records when I was in high school. Beck showed this on 120 Minutes.
This is RAdio Clash
Cultural Phenomenon!!!!
So much going on here. The Clash plus Hip Hop!
This is also how I saved the Laughing Planet Halloween Party. Glad I picked this up on 45 in England after all.....
New Order: Confusion
I remember how weird it was seeing this video for the first time. Skrawny British dudes singing, with awesome early House/Kraftwerk/Afrikka Baambata Beats. It just didn't make sense. But...New Order sure does.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Lately....
I feel betrayed by many people that I feel that I know well. And more importantly, who know me well. But as I always say, believe what you want. I am writing my own book here people.
Blogging is for nerds.
-C
Blogging is for nerds.
-C
BROOK
Absolutely love this man. Best friend from LA. Brook!
Amazing song. Amazing musician. Amazing video!!!!
NO COMMENTS!
What is up with all you people who look at my idiotic blog and care enough about what I think and watch to check this site. And for what? You can't even have enough of a personality to leave a comment. What the hell is that bull?
-J. Christ!
-J. Christ!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
How It Was
What an awesome scene. I feel lame for just beginning to hear this British Soul music. I'd always heard about how huge soul was with the Mod scene, pre punk days, but apparently it was awesome. As usual America knows pretty much nothing about the youth culture movements of England.
Moloko - Northern Soul Dancing Tribute
Some artist named Moloko that I really want to check out and her tribute to Northern Soul.
Monday, November 3, 2008
DJ'n @ Woodstock Laughing Planet Halloween Party
Basically,
Leave it to me to save any party. I am definitely the real deal here people. I brought the Laughing Planet party back from the dead. Literally. That's two successful gigs in three days. I am definitely LEGIT.
-DJThinK
Leave it to me to save any party. I am definitely the real deal here people. I brought the Laughing Planet party back from the dead. Literally. That's two successful gigs in three days. I am definitely LEGIT.
-DJThinK
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Life....
Well...its November 2nd. I successfully helped DJ a really awesome Halloween party. I also pulled off a pretty great but totally insane costume. True Norwegian Black Metal Elvis or El Dia de las Elvis. Hopefully some decent photos on the way of that. But lately, I've been just completely over whelmed by life, in general. SO many ups and downs, highs and lows. I am going to attempt to not drink for November, which is sure to help. I'm also going to try my very best not to swear. Its so weird working in a kitchen and as an after school Elementary teacher. Somehow I can manage it, as well as being a student. I definitely understand how people don't understand. I act so crazy and different at Laughing Planet then I do at Buckman. Obviously. If I could somehow look at me from a perspective other than being myself, I would probably wonder too. Regardless, although its been difficult, I feel that I am finally getting some respect for the hard work I've been doing at Buckman, especially my Math class. It has been somewhat difficult having to prove myself to the new Sun Program Coordinator. I just really feel like my career is beginning and I know what I need to do to make it happen. I just need to stay focused and forget about all the little annoyances in life. Also, although I hopefully will find another woman to love with all my heart and soul, I need to relax somewhat and not get so hung up on specific girls. Love happens when you least expect it. I guess its just been a long time and I'm starting to feel really pathetic. But, that's when if it does happen, it will be awesome and special again. Until then I should try to have fun and be more open to dating. And also, quite acting so ridiculous all the time. I don't know where I get off being so nuts all the time. My life. Like the game said, you ain't grinding unless you tired......
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
They're BACK!!!
Where do I even BEGIN to start with this one! WOW! WOW!!! And WOW!!! Metallica is BACK! In a huge way. There is no denying it. This LIVE performance definitely proves it. They have finally given in to, to pulling out old school NWOBHM Priest or Maiden moves, full on dualing lead guitars. AMAZING. Also triple leads with Bass. The new bassist is so great to, he's literally Nathan Explosion from Metalocalypse. SO DAMN GOOD. Support the Troops! Bring them home.
Teaching!
Today was the most successful day of teaching I've ever had. The kids new more than I could have possibly imagined. Also, Dinosaurs went pretty flawless as well, especially since one of my "trouble" students was gone. We also had tons of great helpers, including Ben from my PCC class and Sam from Arthropods last Spring.
I could go on and on and on about how this is my true calling, and that I could not be happier about my life. But I will spare you all that. It is nice to see me actually writing for a change. There has been a lot of videos because I've been into videos lately. But rest assured, I am going to return to actually devoting some of this worthless blog to talking about my career. And no that doesn't mean my stupid ass day job at the Retarded Planet, putting Chili in buckets.
I could go on and on and on about how this is my true calling, and that I could not be happier about my life. But I will spare you all that. It is nice to see me actually writing for a change. There has been a lot of videos because I've been into videos lately. But rest assured, I am going to return to actually devoting some of this worthless blog to talking about my career. And no that doesn't mean my stupid ass day job at the Retarded Planet, putting Chili in buckets.
Monday, October 27, 2008
More NEW Metallica: Unforgiven 3
This is a Mash-Up of 1 and 2, but that's all you get for now suckers!!!
Portland Annual ZOMBI Walk
Zombie Walk 2008 - The funniest videos clips are here
Courtesy of Jaya from Ukiah. Featuring: Flash Deese (My Roomie)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Rick West: the Tarantula GOD
Tarantulas are the largest and most revered of all spiders, comprising just over 900 species in the mygalomorph family Theraphosidae. The Venezuelan tarantula Theraphosa apophysis (Tinter 1991) attains a straightened diagonal leg span of just over 28 cm (11 inches), a little larger than a dinner plate. While not quite as long-legged, the female South American species Theraphosa blondi (Latreille 1804) has a heavier body with an abdomen that can equal the size of a tennis ball and have an impressive bodyweight of 125 grams (1/4 pound) with fangs that can be nearly 2 cm (3/4 inch) in length. One of the smallest known tarantulas, Aphonopelma paloma Prentice 1993, found in Arizona, has a total adult body length of 8 mm (1/3 inch).
Rick West eating tarantulas
Tarantulas have been the maligned victims of a great deal of popular lore that bely that they are generally mild mannered, handsomely colored and beneficial. Several cultures throughout the world catch, cook and eat the larger ground-dwelling tarantulas as a valuable nutritional supplement. I can tell you, from personal experience, that a cooked tarantula tastes similar to a prawn.
Sadly, most people still regard tarantulas as the things that nightmares and horror movies are made of. They have become synonymous with creepy crawly creatures of Halloween or have unjustly earned the reputation as being deadly poisonous. To date, there are no documented medical cases on file of a single human fatality resulting directly from the bite (envenomation) of any tarantula species. Tarantulas, like all spiders, are not aggressive; they are defensive and will either run away or stand and defend themselves if molested. A tarantula bite, through painful, can have a range of effects on a human from slight noticeable pain and edema to a comatose effect (extremely rare). Only a small number of tarantula species have had their venom studied and scientists still do not know if any species can be potentially lethal to humans. What researchers have, however, found is that some of the properties of tarantula venom may hold uses in treating such human medical conditions as heart arrhythmia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease as well as have agricultural uses in pesticide applications.
Some people have a genuine fear of spiders, including tarantulas, called arachnophobia. This phobia is an anxiety disorder which is curable. Patients have received treatment at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Washington, whereby, part of the therapy involves the eventual handling of a live ‘pet' tarantula.
Suffice it to say, tarantulas have been the subject of distain in human cultures throughout the world for hundreds of years. However, in the past several decades, tarantulas have become very popular and sought after as exotic pets.
‘Tarantula Societies’ have sprung up all over the world and the quest to bring new and colorful tarantulas to the pet trade is growing. To their credit, along with dispelling many of the age old misconceptions held with tarantulas, there have been many new species found, along with an increase in knowledge on improved care, keeping and breeding in captivity.
In myth, tarantula spiders have been affiliated with deities or themselves been considered to possess spiritual powers or meaning. While some indigenous cultures regard all spiders, including tarantulas, as very wise or cunning tricksters others specifically regard ground-dwelling tarantulas as guardians or messengers of the literal pathway between the spirit underworld and the natural world. It is amazing to find references of so many unrelated cultures throughout the world believing that ground-dwelling tarantulas are guardians of portals (their burrow) which link the seeker (shaman) with either their ancestral dead or an underworld deity.
Tarantulas guarding central portal to
underworld, Embera mola art
The name tarantula originated around the 14th century from two genera of poisonous spiders, Lycosa (Wolf spiders) and Latrodectus (Widow spiders), found on the outskirts of the Italian city of Taranto in the State of Apulia. People believed anyone bitten by such a spider would die unless that person went into a hysterical, self-hypnotic state known as tarantism. Tarantism was supposed to give the bitten victim the inordinate desire to dance erotically. Not surprisingly, old records revealed most tarantati victims were usually late adolescent women claiming to be bitten in immodest body regions during the summer harvest months. Early investigators found that some women had recurring attacks of tarantism on the anniversary of their first bite which sometimes went on for years. The people of the time thought the disease was contagious and that the only cure was music of a specific kind which would incite the victim to dance provocatively to wear off the effects of the poison and the more people that could join in this dance, the faster the victim would be ‘cured’. Often the tarantists sang sexually explicit themes while they danced, sometimes lasting anywhere from several days to two weeks. It is now believed these ritual dances were a convenient excuse to carry on lewd rites, banned by the Christians, for the release of suppressed erotic energy in a time of poverty, boredom and a sexually repressive rural life. Variations of tarantism and the tarantella could be found throughout the Mediterranean region between the 14th and 17th century.
Wolf spider
During the late 1950's, an Italian ethnosociologist still found tarantati victims who went every year on June 28 & 29th to the chapel and holy well of St. Paul in Galatina, Italy, to seek a cure from the tarantism. In earlier times, St. Paul had become the patron saint for tarantula bite victims. Paradoxically, St. Paul was reported not only to be able to cure bite victims but sent tarantulas to bite sinners! With the replacement of televisions and other cultural changes the only evidence tarantism existed can be found as a tuneful dance at an occasional rural social function or in one of several classical music themes like ‘La Tarantella - Antidotum Tarantulae’.
Early Europeans who immigrated to America and pioneered their way to the south-west United States often saw and referred to the large hairy mygalomorph spider as a `tarantula' and the term has been used ever since. Today, the name tarantula is used primarily in all English-speaking parts of the world and includes all those mygalomorph spiders in the family theraphosidae.
Tarantella music sheet
Another commonly used name for a tarantula spider arose from explorers returning to Europe from the Far East and Latin America in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Some of the explorers were naturalists who not only exaggerated the size of these spiders by stating they'd seen native children walking tarantulas tied on a piece of vine like a `small Pekinese dog on a leash’ but also stated they'd seen tarantulas sucking the blood of birds in trees. The arboreal tarantula was referred to as `bird-eating spider' or `bird-spider'.
In 1705, a German naturalist named Maria Sybilla Merian presented a folio in Amsterdam on the insects of Surinam entitled Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium. In this work, Madam Merian published and illustrated her eyewitness account of a South American tree-dwelling tarantula, presumably an Avicularia, eating birds! At that time it was unimaginable for people to believe that not only could a spider catch and eat a bird but that a tarantula could live in a tree, especially from a woman in a time when the scientific community was dominated by men.
Larger bird-eating tarantula eating
bird on ground
It was over a hundred years after Madam Merian's published account that these bird-eating spiders became more believable. In 1817, while travelling on the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Monne de Jonnes stated in Bulletin de la Societe Philomathique he saw arboreal Avicularia tarantulas preying on lizards (Anolis sp.), hummingbirds (Colibri sp.) and a relative of the tree-creeper bird. These stories were often portrayed by artist's conceptions of what had been reportedly seen. In 1834, W.S. MacLeay tried to discredit Madam Merian's earlier account by placing a live hummingbird and an Anolis lizard in the burrow of a ground-dwelling tarantula. MacLeay found not only did the tarantula ignore the prey but fled the burrow, thus, drew the conclusion these earlier reports of bird-eating spiders were false and stated tarantulas were only capable of eating insects. In 1863, naturalist Henry Walter Bates published in The Naturalist on the River Amazons that he had witnessed the same predation on small birds by Avicularia tarantulas in the Brazilian jungles. In 1899, Reginald Pocock wrote in Annals and Magazine of Natural History that a naturalist in Borneo had collected an arboreal bird-spider, Phormingochilus tigrinus Pocock 1895 in a bird's nest after having killed the hatchlings.
Smaller bird-eating tarantula eating bird on branch
Since these early reports, a wide variety of tarantulas have been observed catching and eating other small vertebrate creatures such as frogs, snakes, small rodents and bats. French-speaking explorers called tarantulas `mygales' and German-speaking people referred to them as `vogelspinnen' (bird-spider). Today, the name `bird-spider' primarily refers to those tarantulas found in the Australasian region and parts of Latin America.
With the exception of extremely dry habitats that cannot support insect life as an important food source, tarantulas can generally be found between the 45th latitudes around the world with the exceptions of Tasmania, New Zealand, Hawaiian and most of the South Pacific Islands. In the United States, it is believed that tarantulas do not occur north of the Red River or east of the Mississippi River – with the exception of the introduced and established Mexican species Brachypelma vagans Ausserer 1875 in Florida State.
Cave tarantula
Some varieties of tarantula live entirely in trees (arboreal), some live in self-constructed ground burrows (fossorial), others are wandering opportunistic burrowers that will utilize any crevice, fallen debris or abandoned burrow. Tarantulas, such as Hapalotremus, can live as high as 15,000 feet while others, such as Aphonopelma, are found below sea level in the Mojave Desert, California. A few tarantulas, such as the Mexican genus Hemirrhagus (formerly, in part, Spelopelma), live over one mile deep in underground limestone caverns and have evolved without eyes in a world of total darkness (troglobites).
Fossil tarantula
The oldest known tarantula ancestor is Rosamygale grauvogeli Selden & Gall 1992 found in a fossil in France from the Lower Triassic period of 235-240 million years ago. The earliest known tarantula spider is Ischnocolinopsis acutus Wunderlich 1988 found in Dominican amber from the Miocene era of about 20-23 million years ago. Tarantula fossils are scarce and so far there is no evidence to support that tarantulas existed during the dinosaurs 65 millions years ago. It is, however, probable that tarantulas did exist before the dinosaurs. Like other flightless animals dependent on continuity of the land surface for migration, it may be that the aforementioned land areas broke away from the super continent of Gondwanaland before tarantulas reached them. Some land areas, such as the Hawaiian and many of the South Pacific islands were formed by volcanoes or coral buildup and were not part of the separating land masses.
Since that period, tarantulas have remained virtually unchanged. They have survived scores of natural enemies and global changes. Now, with the heavy use of pesticides and agricultural, industrial and urban development that transforms the tarantula’s natural habitat, tarantulas face their biggest threat - man.
Rick West eating tarantulas
Tarantulas have been the maligned victims of a great deal of popular lore that bely that they are generally mild mannered, handsomely colored and beneficial. Several cultures throughout the world catch, cook and eat the larger ground-dwelling tarantulas as a valuable nutritional supplement. I can tell you, from personal experience, that a cooked tarantula tastes similar to a prawn.
Sadly, most people still regard tarantulas as the things that nightmares and horror movies are made of. They have become synonymous with creepy crawly creatures of Halloween or have unjustly earned the reputation as being deadly poisonous. To date, there are no documented medical cases on file of a single human fatality resulting directly from the bite (envenomation) of any tarantula species. Tarantulas, like all spiders, are not aggressive; they are defensive and will either run away or stand and defend themselves if molested. A tarantula bite, through painful, can have a range of effects on a human from slight noticeable pain and edema to a comatose effect (extremely rare). Only a small number of tarantula species have had their venom studied and scientists still do not know if any species can be potentially lethal to humans. What researchers have, however, found is that some of the properties of tarantula venom may hold uses in treating such human medical conditions as heart arrhythmia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease as well as have agricultural uses in pesticide applications.
Some people have a genuine fear of spiders, including tarantulas, called arachnophobia. This phobia is an anxiety disorder which is curable. Patients have received treatment at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Washington, whereby, part of the therapy involves the eventual handling of a live ‘pet' tarantula.
Suffice it to say, tarantulas have been the subject of distain in human cultures throughout the world for hundreds of years. However, in the past several decades, tarantulas have become very popular and sought after as exotic pets.
‘Tarantula Societies’ have sprung up all over the world and the quest to bring new and colorful tarantulas to the pet trade is growing. To their credit, along with dispelling many of the age old misconceptions held with tarantulas, there have been many new species found, along with an increase in knowledge on improved care, keeping and breeding in captivity.
In myth, tarantula spiders have been affiliated with deities or themselves been considered to possess spiritual powers or meaning. While some indigenous cultures regard all spiders, including tarantulas, as very wise or cunning tricksters others specifically regard ground-dwelling tarantulas as guardians or messengers of the literal pathway between the spirit underworld and the natural world. It is amazing to find references of so many unrelated cultures throughout the world believing that ground-dwelling tarantulas are guardians of portals (their burrow) which link the seeker (shaman) with either their ancestral dead or an underworld deity.
Tarantulas guarding central portal to
underworld, Embera mola art
The name tarantula originated around the 14th century from two genera of poisonous spiders, Lycosa (Wolf spiders) and Latrodectus (Widow spiders), found on the outskirts of the Italian city of Taranto in the State of Apulia. People believed anyone bitten by such a spider would die unless that person went into a hysterical, self-hypnotic state known as tarantism. Tarantism was supposed to give the bitten victim the inordinate desire to dance erotically. Not surprisingly, old records revealed most tarantati victims were usually late adolescent women claiming to be bitten in immodest body regions during the summer harvest months. Early investigators found that some women had recurring attacks of tarantism on the anniversary of their first bite which sometimes went on for years. The people of the time thought the disease was contagious and that the only cure was music of a specific kind which would incite the victim to dance provocatively to wear off the effects of the poison and the more people that could join in this dance, the faster the victim would be ‘cured’. Often the tarantists sang sexually explicit themes while they danced, sometimes lasting anywhere from several days to two weeks. It is now believed these ritual dances were a convenient excuse to carry on lewd rites, banned by the Christians, for the release of suppressed erotic energy in a time of poverty, boredom and a sexually repressive rural life. Variations of tarantism and the tarantella could be found throughout the Mediterranean region between the 14th and 17th century.
Wolf spider
During the late 1950's, an Italian ethnosociologist still found tarantati victims who went every year on June 28 & 29th to the chapel and holy well of St. Paul in Galatina, Italy, to seek a cure from the tarantism. In earlier times, St. Paul had become the patron saint for tarantula bite victims. Paradoxically, St. Paul was reported not only to be able to cure bite victims but sent tarantulas to bite sinners! With the replacement of televisions and other cultural changes the only evidence tarantism existed can be found as a tuneful dance at an occasional rural social function or in one of several classical music themes like ‘La Tarantella - Antidotum Tarantulae’.
Early Europeans who immigrated to America and pioneered their way to the south-west United States often saw and referred to the large hairy mygalomorph spider as a `tarantula' and the term has been used ever since. Today, the name tarantula is used primarily in all English-speaking parts of the world and includes all those mygalomorph spiders in the family theraphosidae.
Tarantella music sheet
Another commonly used name for a tarantula spider arose from explorers returning to Europe from the Far East and Latin America in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Some of the explorers were naturalists who not only exaggerated the size of these spiders by stating they'd seen native children walking tarantulas tied on a piece of vine like a `small Pekinese dog on a leash’ but also stated they'd seen tarantulas sucking the blood of birds in trees. The arboreal tarantula was referred to as `bird-eating spider' or `bird-spider'.
In 1705, a German naturalist named Maria Sybilla Merian presented a folio in Amsterdam on the insects of Surinam entitled Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium. In this work, Madam Merian published and illustrated her eyewitness account of a South American tree-dwelling tarantula, presumably an Avicularia, eating birds! At that time it was unimaginable for people to believe that not only could a spider catch and eat a bird but that a tarantula could live in a tree, especially from a woman in a time when the scientific community was dominated by men.
Larger bird-eating tarantula eating
bird on ground
It was over a hundred years after Madam Merian's published account that these bird-eating spiders became more believable. In 1817, while travelling on the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Monne de Jonnes stated in Bulletin de la Societe Philomathique he saw arboreal Avicularia tarantulas preying on lizards (Anolis sp.), hummingbirds (Colibri sp.) and a relative of the tree-creeper bird. These stories were often portrayed by artist's conceptions of what had been reportedly seen. In 1834, W.S. MacLeay tried to discredit Madam Merian's earlier account by placing a live hummingbird and an Anolis lizard in the burrow of a ground-dwelling tarantula. MacLeay found not only did the tarantula ignore the prey but fled the burrow, thus, drew the conclusion these earlier reports of bird-eating spiders were false and stated tarantulas were only capable of eating insects. In 1863, naturalist Henry Walter Bates published in The Naturalist on the River Amazons that he had witnessed the same predation on small birds by Avicularia tarantulas in the Brazilian jungles. In 1899, Reginald Pocock wrote in Annals and Magazine of Natural History that a naturalist in Borneo had collected an arboreal bird-spider, Phormingochilus tigrinus Pocock 1895 in a bird's nest after having killed the hatchlings.
Smaller bird-eating tarantula eating bird on branch
Since these early reports, a wide variety of tarantulas have been observed catching and eating other small vertebrate creatures such as frogs, snakes, small rodents and bats. French-speaking explorers called tarantulas `mygales' and German-speaking people referred to them as `vogelspinnen' (bird-spider). Today, the name `bird-spider' primarily refers to those tarantulas found in the Australasian region and parts of Latin America.
With the exception of extremely dry habitats that cannot support insect life as an important food source, tarantulas can generally be found between the 45th latitudes around the world with the exceptions of Tasmania, New Zealand, Hawaiian and most of the South Pacific Islands. In the United States, it is believed that tarantulas do not occur north of the Red River or east of the Mississippi River – with the exception of the introduced and established Mexican species Brachypelma vagans Ausserer 1875 in Florida State.
Cave tarantula
Some varieties of tarantula live entirely in trees (arboreal), some live in self-constructed ground burrows (fossorial), others are wandering opportunistic burrowers that will utilize any crevice, fallen debris or abandoned burrow. Tarantulas, such as Hapalotremus, can live as high as 15,000 feet while others, such as Aphonopelma, are found below sea level in the Mojave Desert, California. A few tarantulas, such as the Mexican genus Hemirrhagus (formerly, in part, Spelopelma), live over one mile deep in underground limestone caverns and have evolved without eyes in a world of total darkness (troglobites).
Fossil tarantula
The oldest known tarantula ancestor is Rosamygale grauvogeli Selden & Gall 1992 found in a fossil in France from the Lower Triassic period of 235-240 million years ago. The earliest known tarantula spider is Ischnocolinopsis acutus Wunderlich 1988 found in Dominican amber from the Miocene era of about 20-23 million years ago. Tarantula fossils are scarce and so far there is no evidence to support that tarantulas existed during the dinosaurs 65 millions years ago. It is, however, probable that tarantulas did exist before the dinosaurs. Like other flightless animals dependent on continuity of the land surface for migration, it may be that the aforementioned land areas broke away from the super continent of Gondwanaland before tarantulas reached them. Some land areas, such as the Hawaiian and many of the South Pacific islands were formed by volcanoes or coral buildup and were not part of the separating land masses.
Since that period, tarantulas have remained virtually unchanged. They have survived scores of natural enemies and global changes. Now, with the heavy use of pesticides and agricultural, industrial and urban development that transforms the tarantula’s natural habitat, tarantulas face their biggest threat - man.
2006
Colin Video
The summer I went back to Yosemite. And left Portland. And almost lost my best friend to a coma. As well as my sanity. And my soul, spirit and heart to a girl I met. Ended up scarred and suicidal for at least a year. Tattooed Yosemite in Chinese kanji on my right arm. Fell into a very very very dark place...
I've been dealing with it every since. But things have been much better for about a year. Still alone. Its all I can deal with.
The summer I went back to Yosemite. And left Portland. And almost lost my best friend to a coma. As well as my sanity. And my soul, spirit and heart to a girl I met. Ended up scarred and suicidal for at least a year. Tattooed Yosemite in Chinese kanji on my right arm. Fell into a very very very dark place...
I've been dealing with it every since. But things have been much better for about a year. Still alone. Its all I can deal with.
My Band: Hideous Kids
The Hideous Kids Story
This is a clip from my first band, HIDEOUS KIDS that I started when I was 14 years old with two really great guys. Sam and Mike. We were named Hideous Kids in 1994 because we all liked Green Day's "Dookie" album and we'd heard they used to be called Sweet Children. So it was a parody name. And our first four song EP was called, "Kids Will Eat Themselves," which was a parody take on the German band "Pop Will Eat Itself." And all this means nothing to you..... the reader. We were making music as kind of a joke due to our somewhat limited technical skill. It was a strange era in music, the post Grunge, but pre-mid 90's Pre-"Alternative" era. Some of you probably remember what I'm talking about? Punk hadn't been re-circulated just yet? But it would help us to really change how we viewed our limited talents as artists and song writers. Anyone could get up on stage and be in a band in true punk rock ethos. We would go on to write over one hundred and fifty songs over the course of five years. AMAZING! I'm proud.
This is a clip from my first band, HIDEOUS KIDS that I started when I was 14 years old with two really great guys. Sam and Mike. We were named Hideous Kids in 1994 because we all liked Green Day's "Dookie" album and we'd heard they used to be called Sweet Children. So it was a parody name. And our first four song EP was called, "Kids Will Eat Themselves," which was a parody take on the German band "Pop Will Eat Itself." And all this means nothing to you..... the reader. We were making music as kind of a joke due to our somewhat limited technical skill. It was a strange era in music, the post Grunge, but pre-mid 90's Pre-"Alternative" era. Some of you probably remember what I'm talking about? Punk hadn't been re-circulated just yet? But it would help us to really change how we viewed our limited talents as artists and song writers. Anyone could get up on stage and be in a band in true punk rock ethos. We would go on to write over one hundred and fifty songs over the course of five years. AMAZING! I'm proud.
My old roomate's AWESOME ANIMATION
Coffee Critics
This is an animation my old roomate did, of some people we know and Ukiah's infamous Coffee Critic.
This is an animation my old roomate did, of some people we know and Ukiah's infamous Coffee Critic.
DAN "real spider man" OSMAN
Dan Osman, the craziest rock climbing indian of all time, who died in Yosemite National Park, doing what he does best. And some Metallica. INTENSE stuff. I remember watching this with my friend Colin who almost died in Yosemite, it was unreal. This video is too! Gives me shivers. Youtube his name...you get plenty of fun stuff. This is the famous Lost Arrow Jump and lots of other fun clips! I don't believe this is the jump that killed him, but it might be. I have a lot of respect for someone who throws themselves off cliffs for a living. Talk about a death wish。
The Day That Never Comes
I'm not going to go down on record as saying "I love" the new Metallica, but most fans will agree it is the best since the Black Album. Easily. With that being said, I was pumped to find out today that my favorite track is the track for the video. It's a pretty cool video too, a little convoluted in the message. But hey, Kirk H. has a sleeveless jean jacket on, makes me feel nostalgic. Also, I will say this about Death Magnetic, James can actually finally sing sing, quite good. A far cry from there performance on the MTV Music Awards in the early 90's. Whatever you have to say about Metallica, it ultimately doesn't matter. This is their fifth Number 1 Debut album, which is a record. Also, they are apparently like the 8th BIGGEST band of all time. Which is impressive. Especially because they are definitely Metal, which is a somewhat unpopular genre. By that I mean, people love to hate on it, kinda like rap or country. So, yeah enjoy. This song starts off kinda weak, but I love the lead riff anyways, and also it ends with some real deal THRASH and also POWER METAL! Boo-YAH!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Pogues AMAZING
I love youtube.com. It has single handedly put me back in my love with my all time faves: The Pogues.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
I HATE the stock market.
www.thinkorswim.com
If yer gonna try. Maybe you can get a stuffed 2000 dollar monkey too!
If yer gonna try. Maybe you can get a stuffed 2000 dollar monkey too!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
MTH 213 Paper #1
Geometry Standards (3rd - 5th)
Since I now have my own Elementary Mathematics Class through the Portland Impact after school Sun Program, I am very interested in the standards for Geometry. One of the main reasons is because I like to use material that I am currently studying for building my curriculum for the class. Last week for example I brought in the three dimensional polyhedra that we made for this class, and let each student pick one shape out randomly from the bag. Then, I had the kids try to pair up with the other children that had the most similar polyhedral to them. One girl had the perfect pyramid and I had the regular octahedron, which lead the class to the realization that an octahedron is made up of two perfect pyramids. From this point we branched off into a discussion about the “nets” or two dimensional shapes for the polyhedron. I did not hesitate to let the children take apart what Trip and I had spent so much time taping together, for the sake of Geometrical “hands on” learning experience. I think a lot of the children really enjoyed seeing the two dimensional shapes for the polyhedron, which led me to believe that deep down they had a better understanding or at least familiarity with shapes, over polygons. One girl in the class went so far as to create and construct a net and from that her own three dimensional polyhedron, in this case a cube or hexahedron. I was impressed by her appreciation and thirst for Geometrical knowledge. I later talked about my class with the Portland Impact coordinator and the Buckman Sun Program coordinator, only to find out that they were less than impressed that these kids were learning actual Geometry. Apparently they aren’t aware of these standards that are part of the NCTM. I am glad that I will have them on me for next week.
I am not sure if I will cover any Geometry dealing with area, but if I do, I would like to discuss the relationship between a nonrectangular parallelogram and rectangle both with equal bases and heights. It likes a fun exercise in showing kids how very different two areas can look and still be congruent. It would be a really great learning exercise to open up the discussion from there as well as take graph paper to really expand and manipulate the area. For example, by using graph paper, children really gain an understanding for the unit and the value of the quantity of the area, as opposed to just getting an answer. In graph paper one can actually see the area very clearly. This also allows the manipulation of the area to be very easily managed by the student in his own fashion. Therefore are can be broken down into many smaller areas of squares, rectangles and triangles. I would think this would be a great activity and I will consider it for my class. I have no shortage of curriculum ideas already, and I don’t even have a Teacher’s credential for this state. It’s too bad I will need to get one, if I want to teach in Oregon. I feel that I am already ahead of a lot of the current teachers where I work.
Since I now have my own Elementary Mathematics Class through the Portland Impact after school Sun Program, I am very interested in the standards for Geometry. One of the main reasons is because I like to use material that I am currently studying for building my curriculum for the class. Last week for example I brought in the three dimensional polyhedra that we made for this class, and let each student pick one shape out randomly from the bag. Then, I had the kids try to pair up with the other children that had the most similar polyhedral to them. One girl had the perfect pyramid and I had the regular octahedron, which lead the class to the realization that an octahedron is made up of two perfect pyramids. From this point we branched off into a discussion about the “nets” or two dimensional shapes for the polyhedron. I did not hesitate to let the children take apart what Trip and I had spent so much time taping together, for the sake of Geometrical “hands on” learning experience. I think a lot of the children really enjoyed seeing the two dimensional shapes for the polyhedron, which led me to believe that deep down they had a better understanding or at least familiarity with shapes, over polygons. One girl in the class went so far as to create and construct a net and from that her own three dimensional polyhedron, in this case a cube or hexahedron. I was impressed by her appreciation and thirst for Geometrical knowledge. I later talked about my class with the Portland Impact coordinator and the Buckman Sun Program coordinator, only to find out that they were less than impressed that these kids were learning actual Geometry. Apparently they aren’t aware of these standards that are part of the NCTM. I am glad that I will have them on me for next week.
I am not sure if I will cover any Geometry dealing with area, but if I do, I would like to discuss the relationship between a nonrectangular parallelogram and rectangle both with equal bases and heights. It likes a fun exercise in showing kids how very different two areas can look and still be congruent. It would be a really great learning exercise to open up the discussion from there as well as take graph paper to really expand and manipulate the area. For example, by using graph paper, children really gain an understanding for the unit and the value of the quantity of the area, as opposed to just getting an answer. In graph paper one can actually see the area very clearly. This also allows the manipulation of the area to be very easily managed by the student in his own fashion. Therefore are can be broken down into many smaller areas of squares, rectangles and triangles. I would think this would be a great activity and I will consider it for my class. I have no shortage of curriculum ideas already, and I don’t even have a Teacher’s credential for this state. It’s too bad I will need to get one, if I want to teach in Oregon. I feel that I am already ahead of a lot of the current teachers where I work.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Buckman
Things are going really great in my Visual Math class. They even added a 2nd grader to my class. The children are having so much fun with numbers. One boy talked about his favorite number 111,717. I really love my dinosaur class too, we did Dino trading cards and playdough models. There was a few mysterious things last week though. There was an observer at the school, who I introduced myself to. He observed a little bit on my math class. Also, two students in my math class were removed from my class to talk to Diane. I feel kinda weird about teaching there now. I haven't even been paid yet, and already they are treating kinda poorly. I do not get it. I am working really hard on creating curriculum.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Satanic Leaf Gecko!!!
This is what I really want though. But they are $175 a pop!
I got two Bibrons' geckos! (See Above)
Really cool though....very much like dinosaurs. For my class!!!! YEAH!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My Rules for Life!
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
(a guide for Global Leadership)
All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.
Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.
And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
(a guide for Global Leadership)
All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.
These are the things I learned:
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.
Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.
Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.
And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
Friday, September 12, 2008
I'm a TANK!
Their Hit Song, "Tank." Still great to this day. It was weird at its time, it had a total pre-Grunge feel. Really cool I think. I was way ahead of my time even back in my day.
RARE LSD Footage
This is footage from the band Life, Sex & Death, which oddly enough was my first CD purchase. My friend Mike and I probably first heard them on Beavis and Butt-head and were very intrigued by the lead singer. He seemed either insane or an actual homeless person. WEll, as I recently found out this was the ACTUAL real rumor, that the lead singer was a crazy homeless person. Here's a rare non album song. Check out Stanley the singer.
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