I have begun Work on a Secret Project. I haven't had a project to work on in a while, what with moving and all; it's nice to be working on something again. I'm undecided on whether to tell Isobela about it and enlist her help or to keep it as a surprise; I think I'll keep it as a surprise for now.
Friendly Fire rocked Saphir Resort again this afternoon with another of their excellent 90 minute show! Most live acts that I've seen around here can only hack it for an hour; Mack and Case as usual are going that extra mile. I shared officer duties for the show with the Ravishing Rosinante. curm showed up being his usual crazy funny self.
I was stuck once again triggering Mack's poofer. I guess the job isn't all that bad, but it highlights the need for a Friendly Fire Officer's Handbook (FFOH). I should probably get started on writing it. Our goal should be repeatable processes; fans at one Friendly Fire show should receive the same level of excellent service as fans at any other Friendly Fire show. Swag Bags for all!
After the show I worked on my project some more and did shopping for it. Later I was lucky enough to spend some time with Isobela who was working on a project, too; something involving rocks and/or plants. Very mysterious. At first glance it could easily be her reconstruction project, but that is too obvious. I'm suspicious by nature and always look for hidden meanings. She likely realizes this and hides things in plain sight as a result, so I'm on watch for that, too. Oh what a tangled web she weaves.
I mentioned to her that I was working on a secret project. She was curious, but didn't pry too much. When she told me about her plans for her new patio I said that I had witten down some plans for my project, too. This struck her as very odd for some reason; she wanted verification: "You actually wrote them down?" When I told her that yes, like all good software engineers I had written up a formal Requirements Document I thought she would split in two from laughing.
When I was considering sharing my project with her I thought the easiest thing would be to just give her the Requirements Document; it has everything about the project in it. Since the idea of a Requirements Document itself was nearly fatal to her I'd best keep the document to myself. If she were to see the eloquent functional decomposition that it contains I'm sure she would drop stone dead!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Glam me a Tattoo!
Tuesday means the Beach Bum rocks to the glamtastic sounds of Friendly Fire! Ajay and Promise were the officers on duty, Rosi and I showed up too but there was no mud pit. Case and Mack played a fantastic show; they are really back in the groove after their short vacation. Minni wasn't there, she wasn't feeling well; our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery Minni!
Isobela was hosting at Glamshack for DJ Tkid immediately after the Friendly Fire show. They were having a theme night with a cash prize for the best Tattoos. Long-time readers may recall that back in early September I had prepared a tattoo set for a contest at TNW but ended up not going. I still had that set ready, so after leaving the Beach Bum I ran home, put it on along with a tux and headed over to the Glamshack.
This tuxedo was, well, kinda small. It was pretty much a jock with straps in back and a little bit of cloth in front that had a little black jacket, white shirt and red bow-tie on it. It needed to be small to show off the tattoos, red fire-lightning bolt things all over. Tracy said when she first saw me out of the corner of her eye it looked like I was bleeding all over!
Rudy entered the contest and had some nice tattoos, too. They seemed more professionally-done than mine, but were only on his upper-back and arms; not a whole-body tattoo like mine. Hy had entered the contest but didn't seem to have any tattoos. I didn't look all that close, though. I did see where he must have gotten in to it with some wild animal; there were horrid claw marks all across his back. I'm not sure what type of animal has six claws on each paw, but they can sure do some damage!
Many ladies had entered the contest, but only a few had extensive tattooing. When it came time to vote MiaSnow and I won! Woot! I split my winning with the venue, the DJ and the lovely and talented hostess. Tkid stayed and played late for us, I was able to hang around through his last set. The crowds in the Glamshack are slowly growing; it rocks.
Isobela was hosting at Glamshack for DJ Tkid immediately after the Friendly Fire show. They were having a theme night with a cash prize for the best Tattoos. Long-time readers may recall that back in early September I had prepared a tattoo set for a contest at TNW but ended up not going. I still had that set ready, so after leaving the Beach Bum I ran home, put it on along with a tux and headed over to the Glamshack.
This tuxedo was, well, kinda small. It was pretty much a jock with straps in back and a little bit of cloth in front that had a little black jacket, white shirt and red bow-tie on it. It needed to be small to show off the tattoos, red fire-lightning bolt things all over. Tracy said when she first saw me out of the corner of her eye it looked like I was bleeding all over!
Rudy entered the contest and had some nice tattoos, too. They seemed more professionally-done than mine, but were only on his upper-back and arms; not a whole-body tattoo like mine. Hy had entered the contest but didn't seem to have any tattoos. I didn't look all that close, though. I did see where he must have gotten in to it with some wild animal; there were horrid claw marks all across his back. I'm not sure what type of animal has six claws on each paw, but they can sure do some damage!
Many ladies had entered the contest, but only a few had extensive tattooing. When it came time to vote MiaSnow and I won! Woot! I split my winning with the venue, the DJ and the lovely and talented hostess. Tkid stayed and played late for us, I was able to hang around through his last set. The crowds in the Glamshack are slowly growing; it rocks.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Heath in what's left of Nantucket
I met Isobela in Nantucket to listen to Heath play piano. There must have had a huge storm come through because the whole stage area and half the seating was wiped out, just gone. There was nothing but open water. Heath is a trooper though and just set up a spare piano outside of the barn and played on. He made a good time out of very trying conditions, cutting up alot more than he usually does. He played some new stuff and some old stuff and a good time was had by all.
Afterwards we went clothes shopping. I found a new dress shirt with well-made French cuffs; those are hard to find around here. We each also bought some dark grey/black pants. Hers look much better on. I made it an early night as I was very tired.
Afterwards we went clothes shopping. I found a new dress shirt with well-made French cuffs; those are hard to find around here. We each also bought some dark grey/black pants. Hers look much better on. I made it an early night as I was very tired.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Angelwood
The Glamshack happened to be the last stop on my morning rounds, I was still there on my stool when Isobela calls to say she'll be hostessing for a DJ at the Glamshack in a few minutes and would I like to go over there? As it turns out the DJ we thought was playing didn't show but Hy and Tracy did, so Hy played some music for us.
Isobela had some shopping to go do so I went to The Maritime Club in Belfast to listen to ChelseaMarie. She has a very nice voice, soft, slow music; excellent for slow dancing. The Maritime Club is a nice place, in the basement of this arts center, set up almost exclusively for live performers.
I took my daughter to see the Krewe of Dionysus parade. It was very good, about 20 floats, but not as many bands as usual. My daughter caught a nice stuffed monkey in addition to various and assorted cheap plastic junk. They had a new throw this year that impressed me, the bags the cheap plastic junk comes in. Some genius realized that if they put the krewe's logo on the bag and added handles to it the thing becomes a prized catch instead of more trash lining the parade route.
When we got back it was time to start getting ready for host duties at Nightclub Echo Echo for the Friendly Fire show. This was their first show since playing at the Beach Bum last Tuesday; the lazy bums had been on vacation. I had prepared my pre-and mid-show group notices when Mack called to let me know about the schedule for next week, and also that one of the shows they had planned was cancelled.
I met Isobela at Echo Echo and sent out the pre-show notice. Friendly Fire started their show with Radio as usual and at the first break Case said they were back with "recharged batteries and the same crappy attitude" and I knew I would have to change my mid-show notice to include this phrase.
I got stuck activating Mack's poofer again. I sure am glad we're getting junior officers to do this kind of distasteful work! LauraLee stopped by near the end of the show; I think we had seen her at Red's last week. It was good to see her again.
Jordana and Aaronson, friends of Isobela's, were having a housewarming party at their Angelwood estate after the Friendly Fire show. Going to it would mean missing the Joce and Tracy show, but they are on weekly and her friend's thing was a special event.
The host and hostess met us at the doorway, we chatted for a bit then moved on as others were arriving behind us. The party was on a huge wooden deck with the windward side ever so slightly submerged in the surf. I'm sure it was intentional, and it looked very cool. Isobela headed straight into the middle of it and we danced there, splashing water up everywhere!
It was strange to be dancing to rock and not shouting out greetings to all the arriving visitors and doing all sorts of crazy gesticulating. Isobela was the only person that I knew at the party, though as Aaronson made his way through the crowd socializing with all his guests he and i had a nice chat. Turns out that we have many of the same interests, I'm surprised that I hadn't noticed him at one of Friendly Fire's or Jocelyn's gigs before.
The party broke up after about an hour and a half and Iso and I discussed where to go next. It was getting late but I figured that I was good for another half-hour. There was a singer at the Lost Grotto, but I thought it would be best to go back to Echo Echo to catch the last of Sunday Night Mayhem and Madness with DJ Jocelyn and her lovely hostess Tracy.
This week's theme was Moulin Rouge. Wikipedia says that Moulin Rouge is French for Red Mill or windmill; I'm guessing the name comes from the windmill effect of the dancer's legs when they do the Can Can. When we arrived Iso Joined the Can Can line, I tried it for a bit but quickly decided it would be better for all concerned if I just stayed off to the side and enjoyed the many lovely visuals.
Case told everyone that I would put their names in my post so here goes. In the Can Can Line from Left to Right were Farr, Argus, Ivy, Rosie, Isobela, Tracy, Jocelyn, Hy, Casey, Jhonan and Gussie. Also there were Faleen, Spar, Kisa, curm, Neferon, Viola, Steverino, Adrian, BaronTR, Addie, Jace, Case, Mack and Bella. Bella showed up a little late; I'm not sure if she joined in the Can Can line or not. I'm sure there were others in and out at various times too, but these were the people I saw.
I ended up staying longer than my allotted half-hour, but things were really rocking. I finally left during DJ Jocelyn's last set. Isobela thanked me profusely for going to her friend's party with her, like I had made a sacrifice to do so, but I had a blast there. House parties like that are rare, and Jordana and Aaronson put out a really nice spread. Isobela knows the coolest people!
Isobela had some shopping to go do so I went to The Maritime Club in Belfast to listen to ChelseaMarie. She has a very nice voice, soft, slow music; excellent for slow dancing. The Maritime Club is a nice place, in the basement of this arts center, set up almost exclusively for live performers.
I took my daughter to see the Krewe of Dionysus parade. It was very good, about 20 floats, but not as many bands as usual. My daughter caught a nice stuffed monkey in addition to various and assorted cheap plastic junk. They had a new throw this year that impressed me, the bags the cheap plastic junk comes in. Some genius realized that if they put the krewe's logo on the bag and added handles to it the thing becomes a prized catch instead of more trash lining the parade route.
When we got back it was time to start getting ready for host duties at Nightclub Echo Echo for the Friendly Fire show. This was their first show since playing at the Beach Bum last Tuesday; the lazy bums had been on vacation. I had prepared my pre-and mid-show group notices when Mack called to let me know about the schedule for next week, and also that one of the shows they had planned was cancelled.
I met Isobela at Echo Echo and sent out the pre-show notice. Friendly Fire started their show with Radio as usual and at the first break Case said they were back with "recharged batteries and the same crappy attitude" and I knew I would have to change my mid-show notice to include this phrase.
I got stuck activating Mack's poofer again. I sure am glad we're getting junior officers to do this kind of distasteful work! LauraLee stopped by near the end of the show; I think we had seen her at Red's last week. It was good to see her again.
Jordana and Aaronson, friends of Isobela's, were having a housewarming party at their Angelwood estate after the Friendly Fire show. Going to it would mean missing the Joce and Tracy show, but they are on weekly and her friend's thing was a special event.
The host and hostess met us at the doorway, we chatted for a bit then moved on as others were arriving behind us. The party was on a huge wooden deck with the windward side ever so slightly submerged in the surf. I'm sure it was intentional, and it looked very cool. Isobela headed straight into the middle of it and we danced there, splashing water up everywhere!
It was strange to be dancing to rock and not shouting out greetings to all the arriving visitors and doing all sorts of crazy gesticulating. Isobela was the only person that I knew at the party, though as Aaronson made his way through the crowd socializing with all his guests he and i had a nice chat. Turns out that we have many of the same interests, I'm surprised that I hadn't noticed him at one of Friendly Fire's or Jocelyn's gigs before.
The party broke up after about an hour and a half and Iso and I discussed where to go next. It was getting late but I figured that I was good for another half-hour. There was a singer at the Lost Grotto, but I thought it would be best to go back to Echo Echo to catch the last of Sunday Night Mayhem and Madness with DJ Jocelyn and her lovely hostess Tracy.
This week's theme was Moulin Rouge. Wikipedia says that Moulin Rouge is French for Red Mill or windmill; I'm guessing the name comes from the windmill effect of the dancer's legs when they do the Can Can. When we arrived Iso Joined the Can Can line, I tried it for a bit but quickly decided it would be better for all concerned if I just stayed off to the side and enjoyed the many lovely visuals.
Case told everyone that I would put their names in my post so here goes. In the Can Can Line from Left to Right were Farr, Argus, Ivy, Rosie, Isobela, Tracy, Jocelyn, Hy, Casey, Jhonan and Gussie. Also there were Faleen, Spar, Kisa, curm, Neferon, Viola, Steverino, Adrian, BaronTR, Addie, Jace, Case, Mack and Bella. Bella showed up a little late; I'm not sure if she joined in the Can Can line or not. I'm sure there were others in and out at various times too, but these were the people I saw.
I ended up staying longer than my allotted half-hour, but things were really rocking. I finally left during DJ Jocelyn's last set. Isobela thanked me profusely for going to her friend's party with her, like I had made a sacrifice to do so, but I had a blast there. House parties like that are rare, and Jordana and Aaronson put out a really nice spread. Isobela knows the coolest people!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Totally Glamtabulous
This morning I helped Isobela with some problems she was having with the windows she wanted to put in her place. It didn't take us too long to figure things out, so she continued with her other construction tasks. I left her hip-deep in cement and mortar and went walkabout. I eventually found myself on Journey Island to pick up the band t-shirt and jeans I've been meaning to get.
Afterwards I explored Pele some more; still haven't taken the train ride, but did explore the gardens and saw the volcano erupt from up close. By then it was time to head to the DJ Hangout where DJ Hy was spinning. The girls were practicing the Can Can dance so DJ Hy and I joined in; strictly for the exercise. The girls took turns trying on different outfits so Hy and I joined in that, too. By the end of the show I was exhausted; all those high-kicks really take it out of you!
I spent some time working on optimizing my automated bartender. I'm just about done with it, I want to find a couple of more good drink recipes to put in it, though. I headed over to the Glamshack where DJ Tkid was playing his usual rocking tunes for us and the lovely and talented Isobela as hostess. I was lucky enough to find a spot dancing next to her and had a Glamtastic time. We furthered our plans to put my and Case's names on our respective stools.
Afterwards we each needed to go out to the store; me to just get a couple of things but it seemed like it was going to take Iso a while. When I got home I wandered around a bit and did some clay pigeon shooting at Safe House beach. That was pretty cool! I had a malfunction but was well on the way to setting a high score. I'll have to go back after they get their weapons cleaned and ready.
My dear friend Alaska called me today. She was about to head out the door somewhere, but wanted to chat for a bit. She is such a cool person. She had stopped by the Glamshack the other day hoping to find me there, just like I used to go to the Rotterdamn to look for her. I really need to keep in touch with my friends better. I need to get back to the Rotterdam, and also that new Maritime Club they built. I had written her a long, long newsy letter at Christmas, so maybe I'm not that bad. I still gotta work on it though.
At 5pm I tried desperately to get in to see Maximillion at Gallery Orinoco, but the place was full! They weren't letting anybody in, not even me! Finally, over halfway through the show, someone must have left so they let me in. Rhondy and Sam were acting as hostesses for the venue and doing a fine job; CuteMandy handled group requests and such for Max. Max is excellent! No wonder the place was so full. I'll definitely need to keep note and bring Isobela to his next gig, I'm sure she would enjoy him.
Isobela returned home just as the show was ending; she was very disappointed to have missed it. We talked about plans for the evening, and decided I would go to her place and work on my bartender some more while she was constrictioning.
I finally finished my automated bartender; it was incredibly rough taste-testing all of those recipes! I sat around and tried to give Isobela my best advice concerning her build efforts, but I'm afraid my view was through a rose-colored lens. To say the least. It was so cool to go to a friend's place and get all stupid with no worries. Iso is so groovy. Totally Glamtabulous.
Afterwards I explored Pele some more; still haven't taken the train ride, but did explore the gardens and saw the volcano erupt from up close. By then it was time to head to the DJ Hangout where DJ Hy was spinning. The girls were practicing the Can Can dance so DJ Hy and I joined in; strictly for the exercise. The girls took turns trying on different outfits so Hy and I joined in that, too. By the end of the show I was exhausted; all those high-kicks really take it out of you!
I spent some time working on optimizing my automated bartender. I'm just about done with it, I want to find a couple of more good drink recipes to put in it, though. I headed over to the Glamshack where DJ Tkid was playing his usual rocking tunes for us and the lovely and talented Isobela as hostess. I was lucky enough to find a spot dancing next to her and had a Glamtastic time. We furthered our plans to put my and Case's names on our respective stools.
Afterwards we each needed to go out to the store; me to just get a couple of things but it seemed like it was going to take Iso a while. When I got home I wandered around a bit and did some clay pigeon shooting at Safe House beach. That was pretty cool! I had a malfunction but was well on the way to setting a high score. I'll have to go back after they get their weapons cleaned and ready.
My dear friend Alaska called me today. She was about to head out the door somewhere, but wanted to chat for a bit. She is such a cool person. She had stopped by the Glamshack the other day hoping to find me there, just like I used to go to the Rotterdamn to look for her. I really need to keep in touch with my friends better. I need to get back to the Rotterdam, and also that new Maritime Club they built. I had written her a long, long newsy letter at Christmas, so maybe I'm not that bad. I still gotta work on it though.
At 5pm I tried desperately to get in to see Maximillion at Gallery Orinoco, but the place was full! They weren't letting anybody in, not even me! Finally, over halfway through the show, someone must have left so they let me in. Rhondy and Sam were acting as hostesses for the venue and doing a fine job; CuteMandy handled group requests and such for Max. Max is excellent! No wonder the place was so full. I'll definitely need to keep note and bring Isobela to his next gig, I'm sure she would enjoy him.
Isobela returned home just as the show was ending; she was very disappointed to have missed it. We talked about plans for the evening, and decided I would go to her place and work on my bartender some more while she was constrictioning.
I finally finished my automated bartender; it was incredibly rough taste-testing all of those recipes! I sat around and tried to give Isobela my best advice concerning her build efforts, but I'm afraid my view was through a rose-colored lens. To say the least. It was so cool to go to a friend's place and get all stupid with no worries. Iso is so groovy. Totally Glamtabulous.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dancing all around town
It was another day that I started out working on the house. I had found a cool electronic picture frame that can display multiple pictures and I spent some time setting that up with Spencer pictures and finding a good place for it. When I was cleaning out some boxes from my mover I also found the Support Our Troops ribbon that I had made. I put it up next to front door again, it's free to copy as always.
I went shopping with Iso for a bit; always a major adventure. She ended up with some more tools to help her with her house building. We went back to her house so I could see her progress so far; lots of plywood but it's looking good.
We decided to head over to Fibber's where DJ John was spinning his tunes with Jennifer as hostess. Spook was there too; I have a special "Spook greeting" that I use whenever I see her. Since I don't get over there and see her very often when I do I tend to use the greeting alot.
Between sets as DJ John was greeting the people there there he told everyone "Tycho has been around here for quite a while!" I think he meant it as a compliment, but it was hard to tell. I took it to mean I was a long-time patron of the arts.
Afterwards we went to Rockers to listen to Rockin DJ Natallya. It is a very cool place, I hadn't noticed the dance cages before! Hostess SweetDoll was very good; working for Friendly Fire I'm getting to appreciate good hostesses much more.
When Natallya was finished we headed over to NP poolside to listen to DJ Rose. They had a Conga line going, but everyone kept getting out of step. I had gotten in line behind this small dragon-looking fellow, well small for a dragon, and the spikes on his tail kept poking me in delicate places so Iso and I left the line and danced some slow dances off to the side.
DJ Rose's show finished, so we headed over to SDI to dance to the radio there. They
occasionally will have a DJ or rare live act but none this time. They had a Conga line going too, with no dragons, but we just danced by ourselves again. We tried the Sky Duet dance, which we hadn't attempted before; it worked out well.
We had been dancing for quite a while, and were getting tired. We headed back to my place so I could show Iso the work that i had been doing and my new electronic picture frame. She liked it, so I gave her one for her place. It had gotten very late, so we each said our good nights and hit the rack, looking forward to another wonderful day in the metaverse.
I went shopping with Iso for a bit; always a major adventure. She ended up with some more tools to help her with her house building. We went back to her house so I could see her progress so far; lots of plywood but it's looking good.
We decided to head over to Fibber's where DJ John was spinning his tunes with Jennifer as hostess. Spook was there too; I have a special "Spook greeting" that I use whenever I see her. Since I don't get over there and see her very often when I do I tend to use the greeting alot.
Between sets as DJ John was greeting the people there there he told everyone "Tycho has been around here for quite a while!" I think he meant it as a compliment, but it was hard to tell. I took it to mean I was a long-time patron of the arts.
Afterwards we went to Rockers to listen to Rockin DJ Natallya. It is a very cool place, I hadn't noticed the dance cages before! Hostess SweetDoll was very good; working for Friendly Fire I'm getting to appreciate good hostesses much more.
When Natallya was finished we headed over to NP poolside to listen to DJ Rose. They had a Conga line going, but everyone kept getting out of step. I had gotten in line behind this small dragon-looking fellow, well small for a dragon, and the spikes on his tail kept poking me in delicate places so Iso and I left the line and danced some slow dances off to the side.
DJ Rose's show finished, so we headed over to SDI to dance to the radio there. They
occasionally will have a DJ or rare live act but none this time. They had a Conga line going too, with no dragons, but we just danced by ourselves again. We tried the Sky Duet dance, which we hadn't attempted before; it worked out well.
We had been dancing for quite a while, and were getting tired. We headed back to my place so I could show Iso the work that i had been doing and my new electronic picture frame. She liked it, so I gave her one for her place. It had gotten very late, so we each said our good nights and hit the rack, looking forward to another wonderful day in the metaverse.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Grotto and Gallery
DJ Raven had flown up into Club Echo Echo to spin us some tunes with the able help of the witty and charming Hostess Gussie. It was Bella's Birthday and she gracefully received her birthday spankings, all 18 of them.
I didn't stay for the whole show; Isobela and I went to listen to Digby play guitar and sing at the Lost Grotto. Most of the people there were followers of Digby that didn't follow local customs, but Digby was pretty cool in the ways he commented on that. He is a very good singer and had an excellent play list. Iso really seemed to enjoy him.
I talked with my friend Farr who said that he liked the Journey write-up, and had been to the island but couldn't figure out the celebrity voices. Jocelyn couldn't, either. I'll have to go back to Journey Island and listen again myself; I thought they were obvious.
After Digby finished Isobela and I had a choice between a DJ playing poolside and visiting the Orinoco Gallery. I looked over from the Grotto and saw that the DJ was dressed all in black leather, had automatic weapons strapped to each hip and was wearing a gas mask and gloves with two-foot long sets of claws attached to them. I suggested the Gallery.
The Orinoco Gallery is a very cool place. There are not only paintings but sculptures, too. One vase especially caught my eye; it has water flowing out from near the top and being caught in a basin at the bottom. What I found so interesting is that the water was flowing in a completely even sheen all around the vase, and that the whole operation was completely silent. I pointed it out to Isobela but she wasn't impressed; she was too busy looking at paintings of shoes.
They had added more content to the second floor of the Gallery; it was pretty much full. There was a sign just inside the doorway announcing whose collection was being displayed but I failed to take note of it. Hopefully it will be like a rotating thing where various people can display their art for a month or two or whatever.
It was getting kinda late, especially for me, but we decided to go back poolside and listen to DJ Funkerdelottu for just a bit. He was playing the most fantastic 80's music; we should have come listen to him right after Digby instead of going to the Gallery; the Orinoco will be there tomorrow.
They had a couple of very helpful dance accessories there that Isobela and I were really impressed with. We agreed that both Echo Echo and The Glamshack would benefit by having them. We copied down the manufacturer's information so we could look them up later.
DJ Funkerdelottu was so good that I ended up staying much longer than I had intended. The fifth time I said "I'm leaving after this song" I finally did. Iso thanked me for bringing her to hear the wonderful singer, the tour of the art gallery and the dancing to the cool DJ. I hadn't been sure if she'd like it here, but we both had a blast. We made plans to come back. Life is good.
I didn't stay for the whole show; Isobela and I went to listen to Digby play guitar and sing at the Lost Grotto. Most of the people there were followers of Digby that didn't follow local customs, but Digby was pretty cool in the ways he commented on that. He is a very good singer and had an excellent play list. Iso really seemed to enjoy him.
I talked with my friend Farr who said that he liked the Journey write-up, and had been to the island but couldn't figure out the celebrity voices. Jocelyn couldn't, either. I'll have to go back to Journey Island and listen again myself; I thought they were obvious.
After Digby finished Isobela and I had a choice between a DJ playing poolside and visiting the Orinoco Gallery. I looked over from the Grotto and saw that the DJ was dressed all in black leather, had automatic weapons strapped to each hip and was wearing a gas mask and gloves with two-foot long sets of claws attached to them. I suggested the Gallery.
The Orinoco Gallery is a very cool place. There are not only paintings but sculptures, too. One vase especially caught my eye; it has water flowing out from near the top and being caught in a basin at the bottom. What I found so interesting is that the water was flowing in a completely even sheen all around the vase, and that the whole operation was completely silent. I pointed it out to Isobela but she wasn't impressed; she was too busy looking at paintings of shoes.
They had added more content to the second floor of the Gallery; it was pretty much full. There was a sign just inside the doorway announcing whose collection was being displayed but I failed to take note of it. Hopefully it will be like a rotating thing where various people can display their art for a month or two or whatever.
It was getting kinda late, especially for me, but we decided to go back poolside and listen to DJ Funkerdelottu for just a bit. He was playing the most fantastic 80's music; we should have come listen to him right after Digby instead of going to the Gallery; the Orinoco will be there tomorrow.
They had a couple of very helpful dance accessories there that Isobela and I were really impressed with. We agreed that both Echo Echo and The Glamshack would benefit by having them. We copied down the manufacturer's information so we could look them up later.
DJ Funkerdelottu was so good that I ended up staying much longer than I had intended. The fifth time I said "I'm leaving after this song" I finally did. Iso thanked me for bringing her to hear the wonderful singer, the tour of the art gallery and the dancing to the cool DJ. I hadn't been sure if she'd like it here, but we both had a blast. We made plans to come back. Life is good.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Journey!
A few days ago I spoke of a "special sneak preview announcement" that would be coming soon. Well the press release is out (and word on the street is that I received the very first one), and Journey Island will be opening on 1 February 2008!
There are pavilions around the perimeter of the island that celebrate each of Journey's albums. As you enter each one a short narrative about the album is given then select clips are played. Especially sharp-eared visitors may even be able to identify the special celebrity narrators!
There is a park with billboards containing pictures and a short biography of each band member; an amphitheater where videos will be played on a large screen, and of course a gift shop. Near the entryway there is a place to get a free scooter to help you get around the large island. There are plenty of seats and shade, and around the edges of the island there are even beach areas with recliners and umbrellas to help you rest and recuperate.
The highlight of the island, at least for me, is it's centerpiece: the Escape Club. There's a stage for the band with massive banks of speakers to the sides, and the most amazing dance floor I've ever seen. I have seen many, many dance floor and this one totally rocks! The best ever.
The billboards near the entrance gives start times for the festivities on February 1st, but I've been told that those times are just place holders and that the actual times and order of events have yet to be determined. In any case I will do my best to be there early, because I don't even want to think what traffic will be like around there just before the start!
The press release is copied below.
Journey Scheduled to Open Virtual World In Second Life!
On Feb 1st 2008 the rock band Journey will release their new Virtual Island in Second Life. A grand opening party is planned inside Second Life at the "Journey Rock Band" sim and will feature a meet and greet with band members as well as live DJ's covering much of Journey’s history, and playing recorded studio and live performances as well as lots of other great music for fans to party to! The grand opening party is scheduled to start at 10:00 am on Feb 1st. The Journey island region in Second Life is named “Journey Rock Band”. Learn more at http://www.secondlife.com
Journey has long been known for innovations in stage sets so creating a Second Life Island for fans to enjoy was an easy decision. The island features dedicated areas for each album along with audio and video presentations. There are also two venues on the island the Escape Club and the Captured Amphitheater where live SL events can be held.
Journey’s new redesigned website http://www.journeymusic.com will be re-launched on or around January 29th. It will feature band history, tour information, photos and a new forum.
Journey is currently getting ready to start their 2008 World Tour which begins in Santiago Chile in mid February.
The Journey Island was built by Industrial-Design.com Journey’s long time web developer and features work by SL builders Farrokh Vavoom, Argus Collingwood, Adrian Harbinger and Jocelyn Sands.
Recent Press Release:
Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda ("pin-eh-da"). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.
Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him.
"It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore Journey fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like `the voice` (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there’s only one Steve Perry in this world."
When it was time for Journey to look for a new lead singer, the internet came to their rescue. Guitarist Neal Schon wanted someone new to the music business, so he turned to YouTube. After finding Arnel singing "Faithfully," he knew he had found the perfect frontman.
"I was frustrated about not having a singer," explains guitarist Neal Schon, "so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, `he can’t be that good. But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter."
Arnel Pineda picks up the story: "My friend Noel picked up the message on YouTube and told me it was from Neal. I thought it was a hoax so I ignored it. Noel said, `what if it really was Neal and he wanted to offer you the chance of a lifetime?` So I e-mailed Neal back and the rest is history."
"Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to Journey," continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. "His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound."
Schon agrees, "We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. At first we were going to go into the studio and just write 4 songs, but now it’s escalated to a lot of great new and diverse material. The stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel."
Journey is currently working on a new album with legendary producer Kevin Shirley, which they hope to release by spring/summer 2008.
Second Life® and Linden Lab™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Linden Research, Inc.
No infringement is intended.
-----
Direct Media Inquiries to Farrokh Vavoom or Argus Collingwood
There are pavilions around the perimeter of the island that celebrate each of Journey's albums. As you enter each one a short narrative about the album is given then select clips are played. Especially sharp-eared visitors may even be able to identify the special celebrity narrators!
There is a park with billboards containing pictures and a short biography of each band member; an amphitheater where videos will be played on a large screen, and of course a gift shop. Near the entryway there is a place to get a free scooter to help you get around the large island. There are plenty of seats and shade, and around the edges of the island there are even beach areas with recliners and umbrellas to help you rest and recuperate.
The highlight of the island, at least for me, is it's centerpiece: the Escape Club. There's a stage for the band with massive banks of speakers to the sides, and the most amazing dance floor I've ever seen. I have seen many, many dance floor and this one totally rocks! The best ever.
The billboards near the entrance gives start times for the festivities on February 1st, but I've been told that those times are just place holders and that the actual times and order of events have yet to be determined. In any case I will do my best to be there early, because I don't even want to think what traffic will be like around there just before the start!
The press release is copied below.
Journey Scheduled to Open Virtual World In Second Life!
On Feb 1st 2008 the rock band Journey will release their new Virtual Island in Second Life. A grand opening party is planned inside Second Life at the "Journey Rock Band" sim and will feature a meet and greet with band members as well as live DJ's covering much of Journey’s history, and playing recorded studio and live performances as well as lots of other great music for fans to party to! The grand opening party is scheduled to start at 10:00 am on Feb 1st. The Journey island region in Second Life is named “Journey Rock Band”. Learn more at http://www.secondlife.com
Journey has long been known for innovations in stage sets so creating a Second Life Island for fans to enjoy was an easy decision. The island features dedicated areas for each album along with audio and video presentations. There are also two venues on the island the Escape Club and the Captured Amphitheater where live SL events can be held.
Journey’s new redesigned website http://www.journeymusic.com will be re-launched on or around January 29th. It will feature band history, tour information, photos and a new forum.
Journey is currently getting ready to start their 2008 World Tour which begins in Santiago Chile in mid February.
The Journey Island was built by Industrial-Design.com Journey’s long time web developer and features work by SL builders Farrokh Vavoom, Argus Collingwood, Adrian Harbinger and Jocelyn Sands.
Recent Press Release:
Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda ("pin-eh-da"). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.
Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him.
"It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore Journey fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like `the voice` (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there’s only one Steve Perry in this world."
When it was time for Journey to look for a new lead singer, the internet came to their rescue. Guitarist Neal Schon wanted someone new to the music business, so he turned to YouTube. After finding Arnel singing "Faithfully," he knew he had found the perfect frontman.
"I was frustrated about not having a singer," explains guitarist Neal Schon, "so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, `he can’t be that good. But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter."
Arnel Pineda picks up the story: "My friend Noel picked up the message on YouTube and told me it was from Neal. I thought it was a hoax so I ignored it. Noel said, `what if it really was Neal and he wanted to offer you the chance of a lifetime?` So I e-mailed Neal back and the rest is history."
"Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to Journey," continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. "His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound."
Schon agrees, "We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. At first we were going to go into the studio and just write 4 songs, but now it’s escalated to a lot of great new and diverse material. The stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel."
Journey is currently working on a new album with legendary producer Kevin Shirley, which they hope to release by spring/summer 2008.
Second Life® and Linden Lab™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Linden Research, Inc.
No infringement is intended.
-----
Direct Media Inquiries to Farrokh Vavoom or Argus Collingwood
Constantinople, errr, Istanbul!
Had a very nice, relaxing day. I had been working on the turning apparatus for Iso's bar stools, then decided to call her up and see what she was doing. She was working on the bar as it turned out, so I gathered my stuff up and went over to her house to work. It was very nice working together, each on our own separate project.
Her friend and neighbor Jer had dropped of an old stool of his for her to use as an example when she makes her stools. I examined the spinning mechanism in it and came away with many good ideas. I'm ready to spin it as soon as Iso makes her stool.
I also worked on an automated bartender. We're thinking of embedding him in the surface of the bar. He works fine right now, but his drink list needs a thorough scrubbing. I also need to add my favorite kind of beer to it; the kind that Friendly Fire has in the kegs they often put out at their shows.
As we were working various friends and neighbors of Iso's would drop by. I chatted with one new neighbor for a bit, he seemed pretty cool. I don't have any neighbors like that; the house next to me is still empty. Chey is around quite often, but she's always busy with one project or another for her store. It's kinda neat to look out the window and see her working on something for a day or two, and then see it mentioned in her store's blog.
We were taking a break when Isobela tells me "wait right here" and goes inside. A minute later she comes riding around the corner of the house on a horse! A beautiful big Bay named Eleora! I went up and talked with Eleora and gave her a pat as Iso sat up there with an incredible smile on her face. They look so awesome together. I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to get a picture!
I went home for dinner and to get cleaned up some, then headed back to Iso's. She had finished working for the day also, so I in tux and she in gown headed to the Istanbul Jazz Lounge. It was a very nice place; the dance floor was glass over water with some cloud effects drifting around. We tried many different dances there, including a new (to us) dance called Ballroom Dance 1 (Club version); it was pretty nice. I'll have to go buy some lessons for it so we can get it just right.
We danced and danced. There was another couple near us that were apparently very good friends but fairly new to the dance scene. Some of the comments I overheard from them as they tried to figure things out were truly hilarious. Isobela and I chatted and laughed and danced into the wee hours, well past our bedtimes. Friday eve is upon us and thank goodness for that; sleeping in on the weekends is the only thing that lets me have these wild weeks.
Her friend and neighbor Jer had dropped of an old stool of his for her to use as an example when she makes her stools. I examined the spinning mechanism in it and came away with many good ideas. I'm ready to spin it as soon as Iso makes her stool.
I also worked on an automated bartender. We're thinking of embedding him in the surface of the bar. He works fine right now, but his drink list needs a thorough scrubbing. I also need to add my favorite kind of beer to it; the kind that Friendly Fire has in the kegs they often put out at their shows.
As we were working various friends and neighbors of Iso's would drop by. I chatted with one new neighbor for a bit, he seemed pretty cool. I don't have any neighbors like that; the house next to me is still empty. Chey is around quite often, but she's always busy with one project or another for her store. It's kinda neat to look out the window and see her working on something for a day or two, and then see it mentioned in her store's blog.
We were taking a break when Isobela tells me "wait right here" and goes inside. A minute later she comes riding around the corner of the house on a horse! A beautiful big Bay named Eleora! I went up and talked with Eleora and gave her a pat as Iso sat up there with an incredible smile on her face. They look so awesome together. I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to get a picture!
I went home for dinner and to get cleaned up some, then headed back to Iso's. She had finished working for the day also, so I in tux and she in gown headed to the Istanbul Jazz Lounge. It was a very nice place; the dance floor was glass over water with some cloud effects drifting around. We tried many different dances there, including a new (to us) dance called Ballroom Dance 1 (Club version); it was pretty nice. I'll have to go buy some lessons for it so we can get it just right.
We danced and danced. There was another couple near us that were apparently very good friends but fairly new to the dance scene. Some of the comments I overheard from them as they tried to figure things out were truly hilarious. Isobela and I chatted and laughed and danced into the wee hours, well past our bedtimes. Friday eve is upon us and thank goodness for that; sleeping in on the weekends is the only thing that lets me have these wild weeks.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Promise and Rosi!
When Isobela and I were out shopping yesterday I had seen a four-stool bar set that I thought might be nice downstairs in my place, but when we looked at it closer we weren't too impressed. Iso said that she could make a better one, and so she's been working on it. My contribution to the project will be to stock the bar and to make the swiveling mechanisms for the bar stools.
Isobela and I agreed a four-place bar would be the ideal size for where I want to put it, and we also agreed that too many of the ones out there have fixed seating that won't let you turn and talk with your neighbors to the left or right comfortably. I'll need to be very careful with the materials that I use for the swivels because the sea air can be very corrosive to some metals. I did a bunch of research yesterday, and today my first test product will be made with parts scavenged from an old flying Q-tip.
After doing my research I had visited Isobela to see how she was coming on the bar. I must not have made myself clear to her that it was for inside use because she had put a small roof over it. My fault entirely. The roof was just plywood at that point so it was no big deal to take it off, in fact we're going to use the poles that were holding up the roof as end-pieces of the bar; the poles are very nicely decorated.
We left Isobela's place and headed to the Beach Bum to listen to Friendly Fire and attend the coronation of our new officers, two lovely and talented young ladies, my friend Promise and the Glamtastic Rosinante! I'll sure I'll be reading about it in the Society pages tomorrow. We maxed out the occupancy of the place for the fire code; no one else could get in. All of the existing officers went up on stage with Case and Mack, and then the new officers received their commissions and red t-shirts and took the stage as well.
The coronation festivities started about a third of the way through the show because Isobela had to leave early. About two-thirds of the way through the show Ajay and Rosi just couldn't resist the temptation of the mud pit and started wrestling again. Rosi is doing better; she actually scored a point or two on Ajay. They didn't finish the match, but Ajay was way ahead when they stopped.
When Friendly Fire finished their amazing show Case and Mack hit the mud pit. They wrestled back and forth for a while but Mack ended up winning. I think she cheated because Case was slightly ahead and then all of the sudden Bam! he lost. Maybe she tickled him or something. Our two new officers were right there watching and didn't report anything amiss, though.
I went home to change out of my mud-splattered clothes and then headed over to the Glamshack where DJ Tkid was spinning tunes and his hostess the charming Isobela was making us all feel groovy. After Tkid finished Case took over for the rest of the hour playing some of his tunes. DJ Hy was coming up next but it was late for a weeknight so I said my goodbyes and headed home for bed. Another day in our wonderful world.
Isobela and I agreed a four-place bar would be the ideal size for where I want to put it, and we also agreed that too many of the ones out there have fixed seating that won't let you turn and talk with your neighbors to the left or right comfortably. I'll need to be very careful with the materials that I use for the swivels because the sea air can be very corrosive to some metals. I did a bunch of research yesterday, and today my first test product will be made with parts scavenged from an old flying Q-tip.
After doing my research I had visited Isobela to see how she was coming on the bar. I must not have made myself clear to her that it was for inside use because she had put a small roof over it. My fault entirely. The roof was just plywood at that point so it was no big deal to take it off, in fact we're going to use the poles that were holding up the roof as end-pieces of the bar; the poles are very nicely decorated.
We left Isobela's place and headed to the Beach Bum to listen to Friendly Fire and attend the coronation of our new officers, two lovely and talented young ladies, my friend Promise and the Glamtastic Rosinante! I'll sure I'll be reading about it in the Society pages tomorrow. We maxed out the occupancy of the place for the fire code; no one else could get in. All of the existing officers went up on stage with Case and Mack, and then the new officers received their commissions and red t-shirts and took the stage as well.
The coronation festivities started about a third of the way through the show because Isobela had to leave early. About two-thirds of the way through the show Ajay and Rosi just couldn't resist the temptation of the mud pit and started wrestling again. Rosi is doing better; she actually scored a point or two on Ajay. They didn't finish the match, but Ajay was way ahead when they stopped.
When Friendly Fire finished their amazing show Case and Mack hit the mud pit. They wrestled back and forth for a while but Mack ended up winning. I think she cheated because Case was slightly ahead and then all of the sudden Bam! he lost. Maybe she tickled him or something. Our two new officers were right there watching and didn't report anything amiss, though.
I went home to change out of my mud-splattered clothes and then headed over to the Glamshack where DJ Tkid was spinning tunes and his hostess the charming Isobela was making us all feel groovy. After Tkid finished Case took over for the rest of the hour playing some of his tunes. DJ Hy was coming up next but it was late for a weeknight so I said my goodbyes and headed home for bed. Another day in our wonderful world.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Damnably Glamtastic
I had a busy, productive day again. I worked mostly on the Tester, got a couple of things done and found out there were a couple things I couldn't do. It's very relaxing to take the schooner out to the beach, launch it and sit around in the sun, drinking beer and turning a few wrenches.
Later on I went shopping with Isobela. She was looking for some specific stuff for her house but we kept getting side-tracked. That is very easy to do, but also very fun, especially if you're with Isobela!
There was another Rock and Roll listening party at the Glamshack. Case was playing from his personal music collection again, but it was great fun anyway. Ajay was the hostess plus my friend Rosinante was there! A few people came and left, but there was a hard core of people that stayed from the beginning to the end. Like Rosi said; "everybody here is damnably glamtastic!"
After dinner I met Isobela at Club Echo Echo. DJ Hy was doing a 60's theme, so Iso and I wore the tie-dye shirts we bought from Robin a few weeks back. Hy has on a tie-dye shirt as well, and his charming hostess Tracy wore this strange orange outfit that had like wide-flare bell-bottoms on both the pants legs and shirt sleeves. Joce stopped in a few times wearing this wild getup, Rosie had a definite 60's look, Niky was there and Mandi came back!
The 60's music was awesome. It was actually a little before my time, but I have two older sisters and they would play this stuff all the time while I was growing up. With a whole decade to choose from Hy was able to bring us a continuous stream of chart-topping hits. I really enjoyed the music, and suggested to Hy at the end that he play 60's more often.
I went home and crashed early, I need my rest to face the first day back at work after a long weekend. Case and Mack are playing at the Beach Bum tomorrow and I'm looking forward to the show. Friendly Fire has a very light schedule this week, so each performance is a precious flower!
Later on I went shopping with Isobela. She was looking for some specific stuff for her house but we kept getting side-tracked. That is very easy to do, but also very fun, especially if you're with Isobela!
There was another Rock and Roll listening party at the Glamshack. Case was playing from his personal music collection again, but it was great fun anyway. Ajay was the hostess plus my friend Rosinante was there! A few people came and left, but there was a hard core of people that stayed from the beginning to the end. Like Rosi said; "everybody here is damnably glamtastic!"
After dinner I met Isobela at Club Echo Echo. DJ Hy was doing a 60's theme, so Iso and I wore the tie-dye shirts we bought from Robin a few weeks back. Hy has on a tie-dye shirt as well, and his charming hostess Tracy wore this strange orange outfit that had like wide-flare bell-bottoms on both the pants legs and shirt sleeves. Joce stopped in a few times wearing this wild getup, Rosie had a definite 60's look, Niky was there and Mandi came back!
The 60's music was awesome. It was actually a little before my time, but I have two older sisters and they would play this stuff all the time while I was growing up. With a whole decade to choose from Hy was able to bring us a continuous stream of chart-topping hits. I really enjoyed the music, and suggested to Hy at the end that he play 60's more often.
I went home and crashed early, I need my rest to face the first day back at work after a long weekend. Case and Mack are playing at the Beach Bum tomorrow and I'm looking forward to the show. Friendly Fire has a very light schedule this week, so each performance is a precious flower!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Three Plus
I did alot of work around the house today. I put up a shower head over the flag/dance pole, running the plumbing through roof so it doesn't show anywhere; just tap shower head to start or stop. I put a diving platform on the dock across the inlet, I'll need to ask Chey if that's OK now too. I also worked on tweaking good places to sit around the hot tub and hammock and on the sunbathing spot; it was a very productive morning.
Friendly Fire play at Reds Club; I went to help Isobela meet and greet and have fun. During the singing of Glam Me A Beer I got stuck with the job of triggering Mack's Glam poofer. There were many new people at the show, including two friends of Mac and Case's from the old world that had never been to one of their shows.
Immediately after that show Iso was officer on duty again for their show in the Underworld Italian Mafia City. I had never been there before, and it seems to be a pretty cool place. I'll have to go back later and check out the rest of the area. The stage was under this old bridge, very grungy but cool nonetheless. They do need a good exterminator, though; and a wolf-catcher. The crowd was very lively and noisy, unlike at most new venues they really got into the spirit of a Friendly Fire Show!
Case had kept complaining about his missing laptop mixer/drummer, the old one got eaten somehow. I had a bunch of extra parts laying around my place so when I got back I was able to cobble something together for him. Mine comes with full backup capability, which was the main issue with the old one. He seems to like it; it was on-stage for their evening show.
After getting the laptop set I worked some more on the house. I had decided to wallpaper over the interior walls downstairs. I had found this huge old-fashioned world map full of Latin writing and such and placed it in the living room, it looks good there. I also put some Spencer Tunick artwork one one wall in the bedroom. Iso came by to check it out and commented "OK I have to hire you as my decorator, mine is very boring. You're surrounded by naked people while you sleep! It must be comforting."
We then headed off to the majestic peaks of Club Echo Echo for Friendly Fire's third show of the day. Again, Isobela was the officer on duty. That is too much, really; Ajay or I could have handled at least one of the shows. The Mafia one was a last-minute thing that Iso volunteered for before Ajay or I even knew about it. I must soundly chastise Mack for allowing Isobela to do this.
The Friendly Fire show was just superb. The new drummer made all the difference in the world! Rosie and Mack had on similar outfits so Rosie was invited up on stage for one number. Same color clothes, same color hair, same vicious spikes on their shoes, same amazing beauty; they were almost sisters!
After Mack and Case had finished DJ Jocelyn and The Tracy put on a show themed "Here, There and Everywhere!" Joce had on a sari, and Tracy had on an Irish costume featuring a skirt that went all the way down to her navel. I remembered having a kimono in my sack, and Iso had one too, so we changed into those. After putting mine on I decided I didn't like it so I changed into Aztec Warrior costume. Iso commented on my rapid costume change, falsely noting that "You're worse than I am!" This devolved into a "Am Not!" "Are Too!" "Am Not!" She is such a hoot.
DJ Joce's tunes were a blast. Towards the end of the show she talked about special sneak preview announcement that would be coming soon. Very special people got to hear about it even earlier, so Iso and I headed over to check it out after the show. There were a handful of people already there, including my friend Rosie. It is a truly amazing place, your socks will be knocked off. Mine were.
Friendly Fire play at Reds Club; I went to help Isobela meet and greet and have fun. During the singing of Glam Me A Beer I got stuck with the job of triggering Mack's Glam poofer. There were many new people at the show, including two friends of Mac and Case's from the old world that had never been to one of their shows.
Immediately after that show Iso was officer on duty again for their show in the Underworld Italian Mafia City. I had never been there before, and it seems to be a pretty cool place. I'll have to go back later and check out the rest of the area. The stage was under this old bridge, very grungy but cool nonetheless. They do need a good exterminator, though; and a wolf-catcher. The crowd was very lively and noisy, unlike at most new venues they really got into the spirit of a Friendly Fire Show!
Case had kept complaining about his missing laptop mixer/drummer, the old one got eaten somehow. I had a bunch of extra parts laying around my place so when I got back I was able to cobble something together for him. Mine comes with full backup capability, which was the main issue with the old one. He seems to like it; it was on-stage for their evening show.
After getting the laptop set I worked some more on the house. I had decided to wallpaper over the interior walls downstairs. I had found this huge old-fashioned world map full of Latin writing and such and placed it in the living room, it looks good there. I also put some Spencer Tunick artwork one one wall in the bedroom. Iso came by to check it out and commented "OK I have to hire you as my decorator, mine is very boring. You're surrounded by naked people while you sleep! It must be comforting."
We then headed off to the majestic peaks of Club Echo Echo for Friendly Fire's third show of the day. Again, Isobela was the officer on duty. That is too much, really; Ajay or I could have handled at least one of the shows. The Mafia one was a last-minute thing that Iso volunteered for before Ajay or I even knew about it. I must soundly chastise Mack for allowing Isobela to do this.
The Friendly Fire show was just superb. The new drummer made all the difference in the world! Rosie and Mack had on similar outfits so Rosie was invited up on stage for one number. Same color clothes, same color hair, same vicious spikes on their shoes, same amazing beauty; they were almost sisters!
After Mack and Case had finished DJ Jocelyn and The Tracy put on a show themed "Here, There and Everywhere!" Joce had on a sari, and Tracy had on an Irish costume featuring a skirt that went all the way down to her navel. I remembered having a kimono in my sack, and Iso had one too, so we changed into those. After putting mine on I decided I didn't like it so I changed into Aztec Warrior costume. Iso commented on my rapid costume change, falsely noting that "You're worse than I am!" This devolved into a "Am Not!" "Are Too!" "Am Not!" She is such a hoot.
DJ Joce's tunes were a blast. Towards the end of the show she talked about special sneak preview announcement that would be coming soon. Very special people got to hear about it even earlier, so Iso and I headed over to check it out after the show. There were a handful of people already there, including my friend Rosie. It is a truly amazing place, your socks will be knocked off. Mine were.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Toga! Toga! Toga!
The Mayhem in Milan started around 1pm. As is usual with these types of things, it started slowly and gradually intensified until at the end there was full-fledged chaos. Unlike most mayhem, this one had Balcony seating available. Friendly Fire was rocking the house in this cool opera-like stage place. I was the officer on duty and Isobela was helping me out until she had to leave to Hostess for DJ Tkid at the Glamshack.
Earlier Iso and I were at the Cove's DJ Hangout listening to DJ Maggie who played a good, eclectic mix of rock. The new DJ Hangout, like the old, attracts a good-sized crowd of the coolest people. I don't join in the chat too much, I mostly listen or have side-conversations with Isobela, but I always look forward to the weekly get-togethers.
That evening there was a Toga party at the Glamshack with DJ Jocelyn and hostess Jenda. It was quite a wild time, most everyone had dressed in-theme. There doesn't seem to be as many theme-type parties as there used to be and I miss them. This was a good one.
At the after party we listened to the radio a bit then Case played some tunes. One of the nice ladies there, I forget her name, but the darling passed out giant slugs for us to dance on. The kindness and generosity of people I meet continues to amazes me. If anyone remembers who she was please post a comment. Finally it got so late we all went home and crashed. Another exhausting, delightful day.
Earlier Iso and I were at the Cove's DJ Hangout listening to DJ Maggie who played a good, eclectic mix of rock. The new DJ Hangout, like the old, attracts a good-sized crowd of the coolest people. I don't join in the chat too much, I mostly listen or have side-conversations with Isobela, but I always look forward to the weekly get-togethers.
That evening there was a Toga party at the Glamshack with DJ Jocelyn and hostess Jenda. It was quite a wild time, most everyone had dressed in-theme. There doesn't seem to be as many theme-type parties as there used to be and I miss them. This was a good one.
At the after party we listened to the radio a bit then Case played some tunes. One of the nice ladies there, I forget her name, but the darling passed out giant slugs for us to dance on. The kindness and generosity of people I meet continues to amazes me. If anyone remembers who she was please post a comment. Finally it got so late we all went home and crashed. Another exhausting, delightful day.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Corsican Concert
The Metaverse's favorite glam rock power punk show band played today in Corsica at the Rez Day Chill Out for Les and foxyflwr. They were the finale of six awesome live bands, VLB played immediately before them. Near the middle of the show Case led us in singing Happy Rez Day to the rezday girls!
I stopped by the house for a minute to enjoy it some more then headed over to the Glamshack for round 2 of Mack and Case. Their usual fantastic rock warmed the place up for DJ Hy and DJ Jocelyn. I stayed for a little bit of Hy's show, but then had to take a break; it had been a long week and a rough day at work.
Later on I bought a new dance pole, um, I mean flag pole. Alaska had called to chat and we had a nice conversation catching each other up on stuff. Then Iso came by and we played with the new flagpole; I had put a Bonnie Blue flag atop it along with some notes of the history of that flag.
Chey stopped by for a minute to drop off a new radio for us; she is so awesome. Isobela and I soaked in the hot tub and chatted and laughed and played guessing games; a wonderful ending to a chaotic day.
I stopped by the house for a minute to enjoy it some more then headed over to the Glamshack for round 2 of Mack and Case. Their usual fantastic rock warmed the place up for DJ Hy and DJ Jocelyn. I stayed for a little bit of Hy's show, but then had to take a break; it had been a long week and a rough day at work.
Later on I bought a new dance pole, um, I mean flag pole. Alaska had called to chat and we had a nice conversation catching each other up on stuff. Then Iso came by and we played with the new flagpole; I had put a Bonnie Blue flag atop it along with some notes of the history of that flag.
Chey stopped by for a minute to drop off a new radio for us; she is so awesome. Isobela and I soaked in the hot tub and chatted and laughed and played guessing games; a wonderful ending to a chaotic day.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Forsaken Hot Tub
Today was my first moving day. Packing up was easier than I expected, but then when you're just throwing stuff into a box it usually goes pretty quick. Just as I was finishing my new neighbor showed up so I was able to tell her that I was moving and give her my card so she could find me later. She's still pretty new around here and has lots of questions.
For the past couple of days I had been trying to plan out where I would put things in the new place. Just about everything had a couple of places where it could go and I couldn't settle on a final layout for anything except the fantabulous chairs that Isobela had given me. They went on the upstairs patio facing West to watch the sunset from.
Downstairs I put up a couple of walls to separate the bedroom from the rest of the place. These walls don't exactly match the exterior walls so the next time I see Chey I'll have to ask her if she can help with that. These walls also gave me a place to hang the TV and some art work, the exterior walls have so many windows there was no place to place any good-sized paintings.
I was able to hang my hammock between two of the roof support beams upstairs, not having to have the hammock's base and cover will save me alot of room. After having placed most everything I wanted to have out I was left with a semi-circular area about 24' across facing south. I decided this would be a good place for a custom-made hot tub so I started building one.
After getting the back wall in I took a short break, noticed the time and called Isobela to see if she was home yet. She was, and wanted to see the new place so she came over and I gave her the grand tour. She was interested in what I was doing with the hot tub, and wanted to help, so I sat back while she went to town on it.
After construction had started I only had one requirements change, I wanted the ledge of the spa wide enough for people to sunbathe on. That was easy to do, but the rest of the time I was a total pain. "This part isn't lined up!" "There's water leaking out over here!" "The front wall is too low!" etc. I'm lucky that dear Iso has the patience of a Saint else I'd likely be squid-poop by now. (Did I mention there's a giant killer squid in the inlet next to my house?) The hardest part for me was getting the dance pole secured in the middle of the tub after we had filled it with water!
We missed the Friendly Fire show at Casa Blanco but I saw Dee was there; we missed Ajay at Fibber's and DJ Raven, Razor99 at Orinoco and Heath, but all in all it was a very good day. When I got the bill for the hot-tub construction I was shocked and amazed; I'm going to have to move more often!
For the past couple of days I had been trying to plan out where I would put things in the new place. Just about everything had a couple of places where it could go and I couldn't settle on a final layout for anything except the fantabulous chairs that Isobela had given me. They went on the upstairs patio facing West to watch the sunset from.
Downstairs I put up a couple of walls to separate the bedroom from the rest of the place. These walls don't exactly match the exterior walls so the next time I see Chey I'll have to ask her if she can help with that. These walls also gave me a place to hang the TV and some art work, the exterior walls have so many windows there was no place to place any good-sized paintings.
I was able to hang my hammock between two of the roof support beams upstairs, not having to have the hammock's base and cover will save me alot of room. After having placed most everything I wanted to have out I was left with a semi-circular area about 24' across facing south. I decided this would be a good place for a custom-made hot tub so I started building one.
After getting the back wall in I took a short break, noticed the time and called Isobela to see if she was home yet. She was, and wanted to see the new place so she came over and I gave her the grand tour. She was interested in what I was doing with the hot tub, and wanted to help, so I sat back while she went to town on it.
After construction had started I only had one requirements change, I wanted the ledge of the spa wide enough for people to sunbathe on. That was easy to do, but the rest of the time I was a total pain. "This part isn't lined up!" "There's water leaking out over here!" "The front wall is too low!" etc. I'm lucky that dear Iso has the patience of a Saint else I'd likely be squid-poop by now. (Did I mention there's a giant killer squid in the inlet next to my house?) The hardest part for me was getting the dance pole secured in the middle of the tub after we had filled it with water!
We missed the Friendly Fire show at Casa Blanco but I saw Dee was there; we missed Ajay at Fibber's and DJ Raven, Razor99 at Orinoco and Heath, but all in all it was a very good day. When I got the bill for the hot-tub construction I was shocked and amazed; I'm going to have to move more often!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Pursuing Pele
When I got home from work today my first priority was to set up the fantabulous chairs that Isobela had given me on my deck. I spend alot of time on my deck, and have gone through many, many sets of chairs looking for the perfect ones. I now have them.
I worked the Friendly Fire show at Saphir Resort this afternoon. It was their first time at this place, so there were many new people to invite to the group and throw swag bags at. I was the only officer there so things were a little hectic at first, but eventually settled down. My friend Bhajan works for the resort and helped me with meeting and greeting the newcomers.
About 20 minutes into the show Case sends me a quick oh by the way: this will be a 90-minute show. Now last weekend they had told me they were going to have a 2-hour show, so I send out the group notice saying that, and the show was cut back to one hour. I was concerned about the same thing happening again and losing all credibility as a notice-sender.
The show lasted for 90 full minutes though, and even went over as Case and Mack do when there is no other artist immediately following them. Saphir Resort is a very nice place; large dance area, bar right next to it, and plenty of staff on hand to help people. Friendly Fire will be playing there on alternating Wednesdays now.
Right after the Friendly Fire show I had to go over to my father-in-laws to help him with some stuff. When I got back and reviewed my messages there were a number of bands and DJs playing. I was leaning towards going to see DJ Farr at Echo Echo when a limousine pulls up out front. I hop in and where does it take me but right to the regal rocky crags! Isobela is such a sweetie for sending a ride for me!
We danced and laughed for hours. I really enjoyed Farr's music, just like the last time I heard him. The majority of my mainline friends were there, the place was rocking and I really had a good time. I posed a question to Iso, we discussed it and agreed that Echo Echo may just be becoming the new Fibber's.
All too soon it had gotten late for me. I said my good byes, but instead of heading straight home I went by Pele to see if the rental house there was still available. It was, and while I was there I noticed a couple of people across the way in the Pele Gardens so I ambled over. It was Cheyenne and a friend of hers. Chey introduced us, then her friend got called away so Chey and I chatted.
Many people have helped me in looking for a new place, and I do appreciate it all, but when Chey's friend got called away as soon as I walked up I took that as a sign that I should live in Pele. I explained to Chey that I would like to rent there, we discussed all of the details, I paid her and walked away with a set of keys! She seemed happy that the place would no longer be empty, and that someone she knows will be living there. I am really looking forward to exploring Pele, I just hope the volcano doesn't erupt!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at TNW West Residences. The management was always there when needed, the rent never went up, and they were always trying to make it a better place with things like the TNW Gym (I'm going to try and hold on to my membership card), Turkey hunts and the like. I really like the setup they have with residences on one side of the bay and the shops and club on the other; it provides a good buffer between the public and non-public areas. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with TNW South.
Just yesterday I had met and chatted with a neighbor, a first for me since many of my neighbors are on different schedules than mine. I was out on my deck and I could tell someone was in the house next door, eventually she noticed that there was someone else around too and asked "Who are you"? I was like "Umm, I live here." She had only been around for a week so a little confusion was understandable. We chatted for a while and I gave her some pointers. I hope I see her again tomorrow, if not I'll leave a note saying where I've gone. Don't want the poor thing to think I left on her account!
Tomorrow is moving day and I'm pretty psyched.
I worked the Friendly Fire show at Saphir Resort this afternoon. It was their first time at this place, so there were many new people to invite to the group and throw swag bags at. I was the only officer there so things were a little hectic at first, but eventually settled down. My friend Bhajan works for the resort and helped me with meeting and greeting the newcomers.
About 20 minutes into the show Case sends me a quick oh by the way: this will be a 90-minute show. Now last weekend they had told me they were going to have a 2-hour show, so I send out the group notice saying that, and the show was cut back to one hour. I was concerned about the same thing happening again and losing all credibility as a notice-sender.
The show lasted for 90 full minutes though, and even went over as Case and Mack do when there is no other artist immediately following them. Saphir Resort is a very nice place; large dance area, bar right next to it, and plenty of staff on hand to help people. Friendly Fire will be playing there on alternating Wednesdays now.
Right after the Friendly Fire show I had to go over to my father-in-laws to help him with some stuff. When I got back and reviewed my messages there were a number of bands and DJs playing. I was leaning towards going to see DJ Farr at Echo Echo when a limousine pulls up out front. I hop in and where does it take me but right to the regal rocky crags! Isobela is such a sweetie for sending a ride for me!
We danced and laughed for hours. I really enjoyed Farr's music, just like the last time I heard him. The majority of my mainline friends were there, the place was rocking and I really had a good time. I posed a question to Iso, we discussed it and agreed that Echo Echo may just be becoming the new Fibber's.
All too soon it had gotten late for me. I said my good byes, but instead of heading straight home I went by Pele to see if the rental house there was still available. It was, and while I was there I noticed a couple of people across the way in the Pele Gardens so I ambled over. It was Cheyenne and a friend of hers. Chey introduced us, then her friend got called away so Chey and I chatted.
Many people have helped me in looking for a new place, and I do appreciate it all, but when Chey's friend got called away as soon as I walked up I took that as a sign that I should live in Pele. I explained to Chey that I would like to rent there, we discussed all of the details, I paid her and walked away with a set of keys! She seemed happy that the place would no longer be empty, and that someone she knows will be living there. I am really looking forward to exploring Pele, I just hope the volcano doesn't erupt!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at TNW West Residences. The management was always there when needed, the rent never went up, and they were always trying to make it a better place with things like the TNW Gym (I'm going to try and hold on to my membership card), Turkey hunts and the like. I really like the setup they have with residences on one side of the bay and the shops and club on the other; it provides a good buffer between the public and non-public areas. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with TNW South.
Just yesterday I had met and chatted with a neighbor, a first for me since many of my neighbors are on different schedules than mine. I was out on my deck and I could tell someone was in the house next door, eventually she noticed that there was someone else around too and asked "Who are you"? I was like "Umm, I live here." She had only been around for a week so a little confusion was understandable. We chatted for a while and I gave her some pointers. I hope I see her again tomorrow, if not I'll leave a note saying where I've gone. Don't want the poor thing to think I left on her account!
Tomorrow is moving day and I'm pretty psyched.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Muddy Bums
I decided to take my small space ship out for a test drive in terrestrial atmosphere before trusting it to the depths of interstellar space. After all, it was a freebie. After unpacking and assembling it I was pleased to find that it was indeed a 2-seater; I will be able to sit back and relax if I can find a chauffer to drive me around the solar system.
After a rare day of rest yesterday Friendly Fire was once again rocking the Beach Bum. They played their tweaked version of the new song they debuted here last week to great acclaim. They had also brought their mud pit again, and to our shock and delight Case was wearing a singlet!
A grudge re-match between Ajay and Rosi was to be the first event of the evening. The matches didn't start until about three-quarters of the way through the show, leaving plenty of time for plenty of trash-talking between the contenders. The outcome, though, was never really in doubt; Rosi even had the foresight to bring a towel to throw in! It was a slow match, taking almost 4:29, but slow and steady won it for Ajay.
Case then got down off of the stage and took up a ready position in the pit. He challenged everyone there to a match, but for the longest no one would take him up on it. He's my boss, and I didn't want to embarrass him, and I couldn't talk Isobela into doing it either. Finally Tkid entered the ring and crushed Case 3 times in a row. The highlight of the evening was when Minni. the owner of the Beach Bum, took on Case. It was not a quick match, but after the pummeling that Tkid had laid on him Case eventually succumbed to Minni.
I saw NCIS today, a rare TV watching event. Afterwards I went over to Isobela's house, chatted with her and danced a little. She had made an amazing set of chairs for me with the USMC emblem on them. They are fantabulous! When I get them set up at my house I'll be sure to post some shots. All in all it was a very nice day.
It my efforts to maintain the strictest journalistic integrity, all of my posts are carefully fact-check by an expert team of research associates. One of the brighter stars on this team came upon a most interesting factoid whilst doing research for this article:
"Munro Day
Munro Day is a holiday celebrated each year on the first Friday in February by Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in honour of the financial contributions made to the school by George Munro. All classes at the university are officially cancelled on Munro Day.
It is common for students of Dalhousie to take the day off and enjoy some of the finer things in life to honour the memory of George Munro. Drinking is among the most popular of the day's activities. Toasting George Munro and thanking him for the day off is very common, and it is tradition to always praise him when his name is mentioned."
I think we ought to plan something of our own to celebrate this fine fellow on his day.
After a rare day of rest yesterday Friendly Fire was once again rocking the Beach Bum. They played their tweaked version of the new song they debuted here last week to great acclaim. They had also brought their mud pit again, and to our shock and delight Case was wearing a singlet!
A grudge re-match between Ajay and Rosi was to be the first event of the evening. The matches didn't start until about three-quarters of the way through the show, leaving plenty of time for plenty of trash-talking between the contenders. The outcome, though, was never really in doubt; Rosi even had the foresight to bring a towel to throw in! It was a slow match, taking almost 4:29, but slow and steady won it for Ajay.
Case then got down off of the stage and took up a ready position in the pit. He challenged everyone there to a match, but for the longest no one would take him up on it. He's my boss, and I didn't want to embarrass him, and I couldn't talk Isobela into doing it either. Finally Tkid entered the ring and crushed Case 3 times in a row. The highlight of the evening was when Minni. the owner of the Beach Bum, took on Case. It was not a quick match, but after the pummeling that Tkid had laid on him Case eventually succumbed to Minni.
I saw NCIS today, a rare TV watching event. Afterwards I went over to Isobela's house, chatted with her and danced a little. She had made an amazing set of chairs for me with the USMC emblem on them. They are fantabulous! When I get them set up at my house I'll be sure to post some shots. All in all it was a very nice day.
It my efforts to maintain the strictest journalistic integrity, all of my posts are carefully fact-check by an expert team of research associates. One of the brighter stars on this team came upon a most interesting factoid whilst doing research for this article:
"Munro Day
Munro Day is a holiday celebrated each year on the first Friday in February by Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in honour of the financial contributions made to the school by George Munro. All classes at the university are officially cancelled on Munro Day.
It is common for students of Dalhousie to take the day off and enjoy some of the finer things in life to honour the memory of George Munro. Drinking is among the most popular of the day's activities. Toasting George Munro and thanking him for the day off is very common, and it is tradition to always praise him when his name is mentioned."
I think we ought to plan something of our own to celebrate this fine fellow on his day.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hose City
I went and visited a privateer space station today. They had free runabout spaceships and a long-range, interstellar course for you to run with them. I pocketed one of the space ships and a space suit to go with it and will try and come back later with a friend to run the course. It looks like the kind of thing that would be hilarious for two people to do together, though on second thought many of my friends have a tendency to get lost when we go exploring together and in the depths of interstellar space that may pose a problem.
The space station itself had a couple of nice observation decks, a diner and duty-free shop. There were also separate restrooms for humans and androids. I took a peek at the equipment in the android one and couldn't make heads nor tails of it. There was one down on his luck android that I talked to, but he wasn't able to explain to me how use the equipment in there either.
I'm still looking at rental houses; I noticed in her blog that Chey has a couple right on the beach in Pele. Beautiful surroundings, great amenities but a tad more expensive. Plus no room for my schooner, but I can always keep that at the shipyard or near Bettie Page beach.
I went to Club Echo Echo this evening after I had gotten back fro some meetings. DJ Hy was playing the Blues whilst ably assisted by the lovely and talented Tracy. Today was that gem Gussie's birthday, and also Tracy's birthday by the calendar used in the old country. There was an excellent crowd of well-wishers the entire evening, though I didn't get to spend as much time congratulating the birthday girls as I should have. I danced with Isobela again, though this time I had the manners to ask first. Imaginer stopped by later and we chatted about Isobela behind her back.
Hy was playing his fantastic blues, with an occasional off-theme request from one of the guests of honor that provided a nice change of pace. I forget the exact theme; it was something about blues, but Hy and blues are so synonymous that I frequently mix them up. In any case I wore my top-hat and tux to be in-theme.
It was late by the time Hy had finished, but I took Isobela for a quick look at the rental properties on Pele. Both were good, but we both agreed that one was better. We spent a little bit of time looking around the area, too. There is a small bandstand that might be a nice place for a Friendly Fire gig, and floaties in the inlet next to it. We didn't get to ride the miniature train, visit the Community Center or see the volcano up close, plus I'm sure there's a thousand other things there that we didn't do; but by then it was very late and we need our rest to keep our jobs so we can spend our time in this wondrous place.
Post title courtesy of Iso.
The space station itself had a couple of nice observation decks, a diner and duty-free shop. There were also separate restrooms for humans and androids. I took a peek at the equipment in the android one and couldn't make heads nor tails of it. There was one down on his luck android that I talked to, but he wasn't able to explain to me how use the equipment in there either.
I'm still looking at rental houses; I noticed in her blog that Chey has a couple right on the beach in Pele. Beautiful surroundings, great amenities but a tad more expensive. Plus no room for my schooner, but I can always keep that at the shipyard or near Bettie Page beach.
I went to Club Echo Echo this evening after I had gotten back fro some meetings. DJ Hy was playing the Blues whilst ably assisted by the lovely and talented Tracy. Today was that gem Gussie's birthday, and also Tracy's birthday by the calendar used in the old country. There was an excellent crowd of well-wishers the entire evening, though I didn't get to spend as much time congratulating the birthday girls as I should have. I danced with Isobela again, though this time I had the manners to ask first. Imaginer stopped by later and we chatted about Isobela behind her back.
Hy was playing his fantastic blues, with an occasional off-theme request from one of the guests of honor that provided a nice change of pace. I forget the exact theme; it was something about blues, but Hy and blues are so synonymous that I frequently mix them up. In any case I wore my top-hat and tux to be in-theme.
It was late by the time Hy had finished, but I took Isobela for a quick look at the rental properties on Pele. Both were good, but we both agreed that one was better. We spent a little bit of time looking around the area, too. There is a small bandstand that might be a nice place for a Friendly Fire gig, and floaties in the inlet next to it. We didn't get to ride the miniature train, visit the Community Center or see the volcano up close, plus I'm sure there's a thousand other things there that we didn't do; but by then it was very late and we need our rest to keep our jobs so we can spend our time in this wondrous place.
Post title courtesy of Iso.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Over the Orinoco
This morning I stopped by the Open Latte Coffee Shop and had an Espresso Demi Tasse (the only thing they had ready!) It looked like they had done some remodeling, and the neighborhood seemed much nicer, but it's been a while since I was there so maybe my memory units are having faults. The bulletin board advertised some rentals units so I went to check them out; they were very nice small cottages overlooking the ocean but there were no prices listed so they were likely very expensive.
Friendly Fire's first job of the day was to rock the dock at Shelby's World Marina and Village. They had planned on a two-hour show, but the owner had an issue that came up during the first part of the show and asked them to stop after the first. Things had started out slow, but were gaining steam; I sure would have liked to see the 119th minute of a Friendly Fire show! My friend Tkid kept wandering perilously close to the edge of the dock though, I'm not sure he would have lasted to the 65th minute.
I was able to get to the Grand Opening of the Gallery Orinoco for two of the many performers that they had lined up. CraigLyons and Jace both sang and played guitar; mostly softer, gentler music that the glam rock I am used to. It was a nice change of pace; they both have excellent voices and are very good with their guitar accompaniment. The gallery itself is nestled in a forested park and is now displaying interesting works of photography and sculpture by Reno and drama.
I missed the Friendly Fire at Echo Echo, but Ajay was there and I see that she added 12 more Friendly Fire Friends; Isobela was there to help her out too. I was able to make the last half hour of the DJ Jocelyn and Tracy show. Joce was playing great tunes as always. When I got there I saw Isobela in the middle of the crowd so I threaded my way over and started dancing next to her. A short bit later she thanks Imaginer for dancing with her and I feel really bad; I thought she was just dancing in the crowd - I hadn't realized that she was dancing with someone. I had cut in on him without asking or even acknowledging him. What a rat!
Isobela and I closed he place down per usual. We went to the Blarney Stone for a nightcap and found that Emmie had put out jars of lollipops on the bar for everyone. What a nice touch. Iso and I talked about plans for the house I want to rent, I might build a dock and keep the Tester permanently moored there. Imaginer stopped by for a bit, we said hi and had a short chat so I don't think he's too upset with me. Emmie stopped by also and said that two or three new places in Dublin are going to have their grand openings on St. Patrick's Day. Here's wishing all the best to them; may they be as successful and as spirited as the Blarney and Fibber's.
Friendly Fire's first job of the day was to rock the dock at Shelby's World Marina and Village. They had planned on a two-hour show, but the owner had an issue that came up during the first part of the show and asked them to stop after the first. Things had started out slow, but were gaining steam; I sure would have liked to see the 119th minute of a Friendly Fire show! My friend Tkid kept wandering perilously close to the edge of the dock though, I'm not sure he would have lasted to the 65th minute.
I was able to get to the Grand Opening of the Gallery Orinoco for two of the many performers that they had lined up. CraigLyons and Jace both sang and played guitar; mostly softer, gentler music that the glam rock I am used to. It was a nice change of pace; they both have excellent voices and are very good with their guitar accompaniment. The gallery itself is nestled in a forested park and is now displaying interesting works of photography and sculpture by Reno and drama.
I missed the Friendly Fire at Echo Echo, but Ajay was there and I see that she added 12 more Friendly Fire Friends; Isobela was there to help her out too. I was able to make the last half hour of the DJ Jocelyn and Tracy show. Joce was playing great tunes as always. When I got there I saw Isobela in the middle of the crowd so I threaded my way over and started dancing next to her. A short bit later she thanks Imaginer for dancing with her and I feel really bad; I thought she was just dancing in the crowd - I hadn't realized that she was dancing with someone. I had cut in on him without asking or even acknowledging him. What a rat!
Isobela and I closed he place down per usual. We went to the Blarney Stone for a nightcap and found that Emmie had put out jars of lollipops on the bar for everyone. What a nice touch. Iso and I talked about plans for the house I want to rent, I might build a dock and keep the Tester permanently moored there. Imaginer stopped by for a bit, we said hi and had a short chat so I don't think he's too upset with me. Emmie stopped by also and said that two or three new places in Dublin are going to have their grand openings on St. Patrick's Day. Here's wishing all the best to them; may they be as successful and as spirited as the Blarney and Fibber's.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Audio Poetry
This morning I tried to help Iso with a photography project of her, but I'm afraid I wasn't much help. She says just being there for moral support was a big help; she's such a sweetie. I worked on my schooner some more, mostly research. Iso and Joce provided advice, then Joce brought in the big guns and Adrian helped me some, too. I have good plans A and B and will be working them as time permits.
I took a long lunch break to finish a book that I was reading, then headed to the DJ Hangout to listen to DJ Raven. I don't specifically remember listening to him before, but with all ov the events that I've attended I can't imagine that I haven't. In any case he is very good. I also had a nice, quick chat with Gussie; we haven't had a chance to catch up in a while.
Later I went to check out the venue that Friendly Fire would be playing out later; a singer/guitarist name Rookie was playing there. He had attracted a nice-sized crowd, and was pretty good himself. He has a cool Lone-Star guitar, though he didn't play country that I heard.
The stage is right on the beach with the audience having their backs to the water. This might be a problem is the tide comes in, or if the surf increases any appreciable amount. Some of the crazy dances people do might send them right into the water, too (Ajay). Since Isobela has Officer duties I guess I'll appoint myself lifeguard. Hmmmm, what to wear?
As i was there I received notice of a Friendly Fire gig at the Grand Opening of the Wet & Wild Club; the first that I had heard of this show. None of the officers were scheduled to work it, so I headed right over to see if I could help.
Wet & Wild has a cool glass dance floor with sharks circling directly underneath it! According to Case they were named Curly, Moe and Larry; not sure where he got this information because name tags were not apparent. The Glamtastic Ajay, an officer of renown, showed up and took over formal officer duties; I had an errand to run in the middle of the show that would have been incredibly difficult to get out of.
The club had four live acts that day; Benny the owner said he thought Mack and Case were the best and will be sure to have them back. He's streaming the music from the club over the net which is cool, Friendly Fire was able to bless a much wider audience.
After the show I met up with Isobela; we went to check out the evening Friendly Fire venue together and there was another large crowd. Preciousse was playing guitar and singing. This might be another grand opening like at the Wet and Wild club with all of these artists playing.
We also went and checked out the place I am thinking about renting next. It's on a small, square island, corner lot. The house itself might be a little smaller than what I have now, but there is still plenty of room for entertaining and my small build projects and almost anything else. The view from the corner lot is just awesome.
Isobela and I went back to her place to work on the Friendly Fire group notices for later, and then headed to Club Group Therapy to hear DJ Jocelyn for a bit. Joce played one awesome song after another; it was very hard to leave for work in Coconut Grove!
Friendly Fire was playing at Poetry in Pixels Gallery in Coconut Grove. Kim was still singing when we arrived. It turns out that the Poetry in Pixels Gallery was having an Art and Music festival from 8am through 11pm that day; that's why there was always someone on stage when we went to check the place out.
There was another streaker, though it was only Moard in his incarnation as a mer-man so no naughty bits were on display. There were a couple of girls in mini-skirts dancing whilst suspended 20 feet in the air; just about as good as streakers! My friend Jewel showed up for a little while, though she couldn't stay too long.
After the show Isobela and I checked out the art gallery, it wasn't quite our cup of tea so we headed back to her place to clean up from the photo shoot earlier and watch the sun go down. We had a real nice chat, but after a while we kept getting interrupted with notices and calls about a wild party going on at the Glamshack so we headed on over.
DJ Jocelyn was playing there when we arrived which was very good news because Case had been threatening to play songs from his personal music collection. Echo was there and some other new people were in and out along with the regular who's who
including, Ladies and Gentlemen; The Tracy Stardust!
We stayed for about an hour, until the party broke up. Jocelyn had to work in the morning and it had gotten way late. I went home and fell into bed exhausted and another long, wonderful day in the metaverse.
I took a long lunch break to finish a book that I was reading, then headed to the DJ Hangout to listen to DJ Raven. I don't specifically remember listening to him before, but with all ov the events that I've attended I can't imagine that I haven't. In any case he is very good. I also had a nice, quick chat with Gussie; we haven't had a chance to catch up in a while.
Later I went to check out the venue that Friendly Fire would be playing out later; a singer/guitarist name Rookie was playing there. He had attracted a nice-sized crowd, and was pretty good himself. He has a cool Lone-Star guitar, though he didn't play country that I heard.
The stage is right on the beach with the audience having their backs to the water. This might be a problem is the tide comes in, or if the surf increases any appreciable amount. Some of the crazy dances people do might send them right into the water, too (Ajay). Since Isobela has Officer duties I guess I'll appoint myself lifeguard. Hmmmm, what to wear?
As i was there I received notice of a Friendly Fire gig at the Grand Opening of the Wet & Wild Club; the first that I had heard of this show. None of the officers were scheduled to work it, so I headed right over to see if I could help.
Wet & Wild has a cool glass dance floor with sharks circling directly underneath it! According to Case they were named Curly, Moe and Larry; not sure where he got this information because name tags were not apparent. The Glamtastic Ajay, an officer of renown, showed up and took over formal officer duties; I had an errand to run in the middle of the show that would have been incredibly difficult to get out of.
The club had four live acts that day; Benny the owner said he thought Mack and Case were the best and will be sure to have them back. He's streaming the music from the club over the net which is cool, Friendly Fire was able to bless a much wider audience.
After the show I met up with Isobela; we went to check out the evening Friendly Fire venue together and there was another large crowd. Preciousse was playing guitar and singing. This might be another grand opening like at the Wet and Wild club with all of these artists playing.
We also went and checked out the place I am thinking about renting next. It's on a small, square island, corner lot. The house itself might be a little smaller than what I have now, but there is still plenty of room for entertaining and my small build projects and almost anything else. The view from the corner lot is just awesome.
Isobela and I went back to her place to work on the Friendly Fire group notices for later, and then headed to Club Group Therapy to hear DJ Jocelyn for a bit. Joce played one awesome song after another; it was very hard to leave for work in Coconut Grove!
Friendly Fire was playing at Poetry in Pixels Gallery in Coconut Grove. Kim was still singing when we arrived. It turns out that the Poetry in Pixels Gallery was having an Art and Music festival from 8am through 11pm that day; that's why there was always someone on stage when we went to check the place out.
There was another streaker, though it was only Moard in his incarnation as a mer-man so no naughty bits were on display. There were a couple of girls in mini-skirts dancing whilst suspended 20 feet in the air; just about as good as streakers! My friend Jewel showed up for a little while, though she couldn't stay too long.
After the show Isobela and I checked out the art gallery, it wasn't quite our cup of tea so we headed back to her place to clean up from the photo shoot earlier and watch the sun go down. We had a real nice chat, but after a while we kept getting interrupted with notices and calls about a wild party going on at the Glamshack so we headed on over.
DJ Jocelyn was playing there when we arrived which was very good news because Case had been threatening to play songs from his personal music collection. Echo was there and some other new people were in and out along with the regular who's who
including, Ladies and Gentlemen; The Tracy Stardust!
We stayed for about an hour, until the party broke up. Jocelyn had to work in the morning and it had gotten way late. I went home and fell into bed exhausted and another long, wonderful day in the metaverse.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Some strange bar in Dublin
I did a bunch of work on the schooner today. I re-painted the hull and placed the diving platform back atop the forward mast; that was pretty straightforward. Next I wanted to make a spot for sunbathing topside, arrange the seating in the cockpit and galley, and hang some "art" in the galley as well. This all proved to be extremely frustrating. I'd sure like to meet up in a dark alley with the guy who coined the phrase "Link failed -- pieces too far apart."
Gallery Orinoco looks to be opening this weekend. It's a fine arts gallery, mostly paintings and a few sculptures upstairs; I was able to get in for a sneak-peek. Nice stuff. Out front there is a small stage for performers, a bar and a good-sized area for people to dance. I'm thinking they may add some benches of other seating in before they're done.
There's have a lineup of live musicians and a DJ all afternoon and evening on Sunday. There are two Friendly Fire shows that day but I'm sure I'll be able to drop by Orinoco a couple of times.
I had gone out for dinner with my daughter, that made me a little late for Friendly Fire playing in their Glamshack but I made the last half of the show. There was a good crowd there, many regulars including Niky and a few new people as well. I spent most of the time up on my stool.
After Case and Mack were done I received notice that Heath was playing at a new venue for him called In The Mood. I headed over, it had been a while since I have listened to him. Padula showed up for a while, too! Heath had all new songs, at least they were new to me, and of course they were all really good.
They had some rental property near the venue that I looked at after the show. They were right in my price range, and on an island so I'd keep my water view and have a place for the schooner. I'll keep an eye on it when my current lease is up next week. The place has about 9 rentals, 2 inland and the rest on the water. There are none of the amenities that TNW has, like the gym and mall and club, but I really don't find myself using them much.
I figured out my problem with the schooner. Going back over my notes I came across something Iso had said. Following her direction I did some more research on it and figured out exactly what my problem is and how to fix it. It'll be tedious, but I'll be able to get the seating just the way I like it.
As I was tinkering around with that Isobela called to say she was going to Fibbers and to see if I wanted to also. Of course I did, and arrived a little before her. I opened the door, stepped in and was hit full in the face with DJ John's awesome Rock as Ajay, Jennifer and Spook screamed my name. What a fantastic place.
Isobela showed up shortly and we danced. Jennifer was doing a great job as hostess for John, Ajay and the Spook were there as I've noted; Brooke and Mack and Case and Imaginer and Tkid; Smitty, Neferon, Synapse and Hy and plenty of new friends as always. And Alaska. It had been far too long since I've seen her, and it was so great to see her smiling face walking in the back door. We had a very nice chat as the songs and people and sound echoed all around.
Isobela had a wardrobe malfunction, but I think I'm the only one that noticed. She asked a couple of other people and they didn't see it. John played well over the allotted time; almost a double shift. The music was a fantastic mix of everything good.
One of the new people, Arabella, was overheard saying "I'm in some strange bar in Dublin ... dancing." My friend Jennifer summed up what we were all thinking by saying "Arabella - it doesn't get any better than this!"
Gallery Orinoco looks to be opening this weekend. It's a fine arts gallery, mostly paintings and a few sculptures upstairs; I was able to get in for a sneak-peek. Nice stuff. Out front there is a small stage for performers, a bar and a good-sized area for people to dance. I'm thinking they may add some benches of other seating in before they're done.
There's have a lineup of live musicians and a DJ all afternoon and evening on Sunday. There are two Friendly Fire shows that day but I'm sure I'll be able to drop by Orinoco a couple of times.
I had gone out for dinner with my daughter, that made me a little late for Friendly Fire playing in their Glamshack but I made the last half of the show. There was a good crowd there, many regulars including Niky and a few new people as well. I spent most of the time up on my stool.
After Case and Mack were done I received notice that Heath was playing at a new venue for him called In The Mood. I headed over, it had been a while since I have listened to him. Padula showed up for a while, too! Heath had all new songs, at least they were new to me, and of course they were all really good.
They had some rental property near the venue that I looked at after the show. They were right in my price range, and on an island so I'd keep my water view and have a place for the schooner. I'll keep an eye on it when my current lease is up next week. The place has about 9 rentals, 2 inland and the rest on the water. There are none of the amenities that TNW has, like the gym and mall and club, but I really don't find myself using them much.
I figured out my problem with the schooner. Going back over my notes I came across something Iso had said. Following her direction I did some more research on it and figured out exactly what my problem is and how to fix it. It'll be tedious, but I'll be able to get the seating just the way I like it.
As I was tinkering around with that Isobela called to say she was going to Fibbers and to see if I wanted to also. Of course I did, and arrived a little before her. I opened the door, stepped in and was hit full in the face with DJ John's awesome Rock as Ajay, Jennifer and Spook screamed my name. What a fantastic place.
Isobela showed up shortly and we danced. Jennifer was doing a great job as hostess for John, Ajay and the Spook were there as I've noted; Brooke and Mack and Case and Imaginer and Tkid; Smitty, Neferon, Synapse and Hy and plenty of new friends as always. And Alaska. It had been far too long since I've seen her, and it was so great to see her smiling face walking in the back door. We had a very nice chat as the songs and people and sound echoed all around.
Isobela had a wardrobe malfunction, but I think I'm the only one that noticed. She asked a couple of other people and they didn't see it. John played well over the allotted time; almost a double shift. The music was a fantastic mix of everything good.
One of the new people, Arabella, was overheard saying "I'm in some strange bar in Dublin ... dancing." My friend Jennifer summed up what we were all thinking by saying "Arabella - it doesn't get any better than this!"
Friday, January 11, 2008
Laying Siege
Castle Mancunia was the scene of this afternoon's Friendly Fire extravaganza. DJ Richi led off with a eclectic mix of the crwd's favorites, then Mack and Case took the stage. Friendly Fire played their new song again; Case had tweaked it a bit, but I was the officer on duty and was too busy to hear it through. I like it, though. Someone did have a little accident while we were there, though.
After a quick dinner it was off to Club Casa Blanco where I met Isobela and we jammed to another Friendly Fire show. The club has been re-decorated with a lava/cavern theme and the glamtastic duo were in their usual rare form.
x5Daddie won the naming contest to name their kitten with an entry of "Go Go"; I'm not exactly sure of the spelling here but it was something like that. Later in the show we were treated to a couple of streakers, unfortunately both were guys. Case was feeling especially outgoing and kept going on at the end about how he Loves us and Lobes us!
Isobela and I went traveling all around town stopping at various art galleries. The one we visited the night before was very fun, and we found a few more good ones, but a couple that were just so-so too. We're getting good at this art viewing stuff.
Later we hung out in the Blarney Stone. Ajay and them had already finished at Fibbers so we had a nice long chat with each other and with all of the fascinating people that seem to stop by that place at all hours of the night and day. Life is huge.
After a quick dinner it was off to Club Casa Blanco where I met Isobela and we jammed to another Friendly Fire show. The club has been re-decorated with a lava/cavern theme and the glamtastic duo were in their usual rare form.
x5Daddie won the naming contest to name their kitten with an entry of "Go Go"; I'm not exactly sure of the spelling here but it was something like that. Later in the show we were treated to a couple of streakers, unfortunately both were guys. Case was feeling especially outgoing and kept going on at the end about how he Loves us and Lobes us!
Isobela and I went traveling all around town stopping at various art galleries. The one we visited the night before was very fun, and we found a few more good ones, but a couple that were just so-so too. We're getting good at this art viewing stuff.
Later we hung out in the Blarney Stone. Ajay and them had already finished at Fibbers so we had a nice long chat with each other and with all of the fascinating people that seem to stop by that place at all hours of the night and day. Life is huge.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Tester
I did some shopping this afternoon. I stopped by the TNW mall first to see if there were any new vendors; each day seems to bring one or two more. There was a sign advertising the upcoming re-opening of the TNW Bank that I hadn't noticed before. I had seen in the paper just this morning that there were new rules coming out governing financial institutions, I wonder if they will affect the TNW Bank?
What most interested me about the sign, though, was that it announced the opening of a new area; TNW South. Currently we have East which is residential and West which is where the club and mall is. I would like to see some more, varied housing. The houses we have on East are all about the same size, and mine seems to be shrinking. A mix of smaller and larger places, along with a few boutique shops like the bank, would be cool. Maybe even have a few lots where people could build their own, environmentally-friendly places?
Isobela and I went out for dance lessons this afternoon. There was one dance in particular she liked, and I had paid for the lessons before she had a chance to. So of course she had to maintain parity and bought a different set of slow dance lessons for us.
After that we went out for even more dancing to I place neither of us had been to before, Bogarts. It was very nice, fairly busy with a hostess there to greet people and keep an eye on things. She missed the streaker, though. Isobela and I didn't try any of the new dances we learned, but had a great time nonetheless. One thing, though; you really need to watch out for the pickpockets there
During a break between songs I received word that the work on my schooner was complete. After we finished dancing we went and checked it out. The new lettering looks good. They had also repainted the hull for me. That covered up the custom paint job that I had done, but was really needed. Barnacles and such had reduced my top speed from 3.76 to 3.72 knots; it's nice to have a clean hull again.
The thought for the day is an e-mail safety tip: Think before you click.
What most interested me about the sign, though, was that it announced the opening of a new area; TNW South. Currently we have East which is residential and West which is where the club and mall is. I would like to see some more, varied housing. The houses we have on East are all about the same size, and mine seems to be shrinking. A mix of smaller and larger places, along with a few boutique shops like the bank, would be cool. Maybe even have a few lots where people could build their own, environmentally-friendly places?
Isobela and I went out for dance lessons this afternoon. There was one dance in particular she liked, and I had paid for the lessons before she had a chance to. So of course she had to maintain parity and bought a different set of slow dance lessons for us.
After that we went out for even more dancing to I place neither of us had been to before, Bogarts. It was very nice, fairly busy with a hostess there to greet people and keep an eye on things. She missed the streaker, though. Isobela and I didn't try any of the new dances we learned, but had a great time nonetheless. One thing, though; you really need to watch out for the pickpockets there
During a break between songs I received word that the work on my schooner was complete. After we finished dancing we went and checked it out. The new lettering looks good. They had also repainted the hull for me. That covered up the custom paint job that I had done, but was really needed. Barnacles and such had reduced my top speed from 3.76 to 3.72 knots; it's nice to have a clean hull again.
The thought for the day is an e-mail safety tip: Think before you click.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Mayhem in the Mud
I finally found enough time to finalize the diving platform for my schooner. There was one last detail that was troubling me, but after a quick call to Isobela I was able to get things fully functional. I'm still waiting for lettering to come back from shop to personalize it, after that I will likely get to work on the interior. I made the diving platform in such a way that I can set it up just about anywhere, although through painful testing I found that the edge of my patio deck is just slightly too far from the water for safe diving.
The best thing about going to the Beach Bum on Tuesdays is the warm greeting you're sure to get from Minni. Oh, and some band was playing there too.
Well, not just any band, but the incomparable Friendly Fire! The Beach Bum is their new-music venue; they played a brand new to the metaverse song called "Social Insecurity." Quite a catchy tune, though with all the crowd noise wherever Mack and Case appear I'm sure I'll need to hear it a few more times before I can fully appreciate it.
As promised last week, they had set up a Mud Wrestling pit in front of the stage. There were a couple of friendly matches early in the show, but the title bout was towards the end of the show during the song "Catfight." Ajay, the Glamtastic Friendly Fire Officer on Duty, was opposed by known concert hooligan and serial troublemaker Rosinante. The match lasted slightly longer than the song, but the outcome was never in doubt: Ajay decimated Rosi. It could have been due to the superpowers provided by her red Friendly Fire Officer's shirt, though even I in my Officer's shirt would think twice before messing with Ajay!
Isobela showed up near the end of the match and was able to partake in the victory celebrations for the forces of Good. We danced until the end of the show and through the after-gig chat. Some of the people that had left right after the show were reporting horrible traffic tie-ups right outside of the venue so we just waited. Waited and danced. Danced and chatted. Chatted and danced. Before we knew it we had closed the place down; even the workers in the club had left!
Isobela had wanted to show me some property she was thinking of buying, but intermittent traffic issues made it difficult to get there. We ended up at an Art gallery and had a good time discussing the merits of the marvelous works they had displayed there. A nice way to relax and wind-down after a hectic evening.
Lobe ya Rosi!
The best thing about going to the Beach Bum on Tuesdays is the warm greeting you're sure to get from Minni. Oh, and some band was playing there too.
Well, not just any band, but the incomparable Friendly Fire! The Beach Bum is their new-music venue; they played a brand new to the metaverse song called "Social Insecurity." Quite a catchy tune, though with all the crowd noise wherever Mack and Case appear I'm sure I'll need to hear it a few more times before I can fully appreciate it.
As promised last week, they had set up a Mud Wrestling pit in front of the stage. There were a couple of friendly matches early in the show, but the title bout was towards the end of the show during the song "Catfight." Ajay, the Glamtastic Friendly Fire Officer on Duty, was opposed by known concert hooligan and serial troublemaker Rosinante. The match lasted slightly longer than the song, but the outcome was never in doubt: Ajay decimated Rosi. It could have been due to the superpowers provided by her red Friendly Fire Officer's shirt, though even I in my Officer's shirt would think twice before messing with Ajay!
Isobela showed up near the end of the match and was able to partake in the victory celebrations for the forces of Good. We danced until the end of the show and through the after-gig chat. Some of the people that had left right after the show were reporting horrible traffic tie-ups right outside of the venue so we just waited. Waited and danced. Danced and chatted. Chatted and danced. Before we knew it we had closed the place down; even the workers in the club had left!
Isobela had wanted to show me some property she was thinking of buying, but intermittent traffic issues made it difficult to get there. We ended up at an Art gallery and had a good time discussing the merits of the marvelous works they had displayed there. A nice way to relax and wind-down after a hectic evening.
Lobe ya Rosi!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Blast at the Beach
As soon as I got home from work today Isobela called me to tell me that there was an event going on at the Glamshack, and that she couldn't go because she was stuck at work. I immediately headed over there, checking the Friendly Fire MySpace page on the way. MySpace didn't show anything for today, and I hadn't received any notices about a show, though the notice delivery people are notoriously unreliable.
When I get to The Glamshack I find out it's their first weekly Rock and Roll Listening party! Case was playing songs from various obscure albums from his vast collection. There was a small crowd there are first, but it grew as things went on. Isobela headed over straight from work, and we danced and chatted and had a good time.
I had bought some more stuff for the diving platform on my schooner. I had hoped to get a chance to install and test it before inviting people to use it, but Iso and I found ourselves at loose ends after the party and decided to go try it out anyway. We launched the schooner from the Trudeau docks, and took a short cruise to the shore of the island directly across the bay.
The part installation was pretty straightforward, and pretty soon we were executing flawless swan dives, cannonballs, triple flips and belly flops (me). As I suspected, though, it will need some serious tweaking.
After diving we went below decks to dry off. Oddly enough, Iso had never been down there so I gave her the tour of the fo'c's'le and the stern. I hadn't changed things in there since it was delivered from the factory, so we talked about some enhancements I could make to brighten things up a bit. We also talked about getting a name pained on the hull, eventually agreeing on "The Tester". Long story. I still need to contact the dockyard about getting it painted on.
We decided to continue our day with more water sports. We headed over to Cin Cin and tried out their Jet Skis and ski ramp,
Wind surfing (she rammed me!),
Para-sailing,
and Isobela even found some friendly Killer Whales that would let us ride them!
By the time we were done playing with the Killer Whales it had gotten quite late. I took Isobela to the planetarium for a quick look, but there was significant cloud cover and they were having other technical issues anyway. We enjoyed a short chat, and I headed off to bed. Another wonderful day. Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are!
When I get to The Glamshack I find out it's their first weekly Rock and Roll Listening party! Case was playing songs from various obscure albums from his vast collection. There was a small crowd there are first, but it grew as things went on. Isobela headed over straight from work, and we danced and chatted and had a good time.
I had bought some more stuff for the diving platform on my schooner. I had hoped to get a chance to install and test it before inviting people to use it, but Iso and I found ourselves at loose ends after the party and decided to go try it out anyway. We launched the schooner from the Trudeau docks, and took a short cruise to the shore of the island directly across the bay.
The part installation was pretty straightforward, and pretty soon we were executing flawless swan dives, cannonballs, triple flips and belly flops (me). As I suspected, though, it will need some serious tweaking.
After diving we went below decks to dry off. Oddly enough, Iso had never been down there so I gave her the tour of the fo'c's'le and the stern. I hadn't changed things in there since it was delivered from the factory, so we talked about some enhancements I could make to brighten things up a bit. We also talked about getting a name pained on the hull, eventually agreeing on "The Tester". Long story. I still need to contact the dockyard about getting it painted on.
We decided to continue our day with more water sports. We headed over to Cin Cin and tried out their Jet Skis and ski ramp,
Wind surfing (she rammed me!),
Para-sailing,
and Isobela even found some friendly Killer Whales that would let us ride them!
By the time we were done playing with the Killer Whales it had gotten quite late. I took Isobela to the planetarium for a quick look, but there was significant cloud cover and they were having other technical issues anyway. We enjoyed a short chat, and I headed off to bed. Another wonderful day. Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are!
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