tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86344542012-01-27T04:55:10.029-08:00Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.comBlogger1281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-68611454033899468202007-08-02T00:13:00.000-07:002007-08-02T00:22:11.713-07:00I'm not sure why I put it in the title but I'm listening to a lot of this great Icelandic band and their music really speaks to how frazzled the last couple of weeks have been. I'm busy moving out of the parents' den and, as long as I've remembered, I couldn't wait for the moment - It's just a bit bittersweet of a feeling, though - I guess that's the hurdle you need to step over to move on and leap from. Moving has been great, though it is remarkably expensive how things get when you realize little things you need (that you already had provided), such as getting sheets when all you thought you needed was a bed ;-) <br /><br />I also went into my new classroom today! It's so odd that I came having to come up with a mnemonic to try to memorize people's names again, just a year after doing it for the first time. It feels doubly strange that I will now be working with a person who's in my shoes from last year; a first year teacher - I guess I'll be stepping into the shoes of a friend of mine I taught with last year! Anyway, it looked daunting the amount of work I've got to do in order to get this classroom in order - Hopefully I'll take a few shortcuts and learn from mistakes last year!<br /><br />Ending on a musical note -- Glen Phillips will be performing this Sunday at the Little Fox Theater in Redwood City- I don't know what else to say about him other than that he's one of the wittiest, humble, and intelligent musicians and persons in general that I've had the privilege of meeting. Check him out if you can :) I'll be there for at least part of the set (I've got an appt. with the airport, picking someone up)<br /><br />Hopefully not long for another update!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-6861145403389946820?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-19692219524002465572007-07-18T20:26:00.000-07:002007-07-18T20:36:56.698-07:00Well, well. Less than a month in and I'm already procrastinating! <br /><br />I came back into town just about a week ago now and have spent the last four days looking really hard at different apartments within downtown San Jose - That, more than anything else, has sucked up my time and I do apologize for not updating. I'm sure many are wondering what exactly happened on my trip. Did I come back? Did I fall in love with Europe? (well, maybe no one was wondering ;-)) <br /><br />All the hard work paid off though! I found a great deal on a duplex that I'll be moving into the first week of next month - It definitely was not my dream at first (my dream being to live in the heart of downtown where I needn't have to utilize my car all the time), but when I realized the harsh realities of the combination of expensiveness and decreasing amounts of floor space as you get closer to the center of downtown, I decided to take this one. I'm ecstatic and a bit giddy at the potential of living here :) <br /><br />So back to the trip. I haven't had a chance to sit down and write, but I do have an abundance of photographs, which you can view by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/johnnydo/collections/72157600784751128/">clicking here</a>. Quickly, however, overall I thoroughly enjoyed living in a culture that really differed from American traditions. And I'm not just talking about the food. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-1969221952400246557?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-37766621274969835092007-07-02T04:44:00.000-07:002007-07-02T05:00:04.450-07:00Hi!<br /><br />Just a quick update while I am here in Spain! It has been pretty tremendous - I´ve spent the last few days in many places seeing history with my own eyes. So far, the one that ultimately has left me without words is the Roman Aquaducts found within the city of Segovia, which also houses the Alcazar, the castle that inspired Walt Disney and also the location where Ferdiand and Isabella roamed. Internet is a bit limited so I´ll post photos and a more detailed description when I get back! -johnny<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-3776662127496983509?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-71519871026467990692007-06-26T16:29:00.001-07:002008-12-11T13:22:55.470-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zz5fGT6D4pc/RoGhr1UgYvI/AAAAAAAAAAc/0eo8f1ty5TI/s1600-h/611854113_ab97f1861b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zz5fGT6D4pc/RoGhr1UgYvI/AAAAAAAAAAc/0eo8f1ty5TI/s320/611854113_ab97f1861b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080519629070164722" border="0" /></a>About five years ago I had the privilege to catch a worldly talent at the cusp of... worldwide known greatness. Five years ago I watched one of the most graceful and beautiful, yet so young, singer/pianist perform at the equally ethereal venue here in Saratoga called the Mountain Winery. It didn't matter that I was so self-conscious at the time, having lost an opportunity to take a date on a great night of music and music discovery. It didn't matter that I went with another dude amongst a sea of couples. Her gracefulness and that lovely voice just put me in a good place. And so it was last night that, just about five years later, I came back to the same venue to catch Norah yet again at the Winery. A little different setting this time around - She was not just a pianist and vocalist anymore. She was also a guitarist, both electric and acoustic. She was a whistler. I did not come with a dude this time and came with a world of comfortness about myself. But - good times, years apart, never change - Norah's as graceful and so unassuming as before - It is so refreshing to see people who don't let ... fame and public recognition change their ego or lack thereof. My only complaint out of all the positiveness last night was that the show was really short. If you've ever gone to the Mountain Winery, their curfew comes at about 10:30, but, despite an encore, her band finished far before the time and was on for just a bit over an hour. As far as setlist goes, much material was taken from the latest album, with a handful of selections from the first two. Her politically-tinged number, <span style="font-style: italic;">my dear country</span>, was a great number that surprisingly went well with the crowd! <br /><br />I'll be taking off to Spain (and Paris) tomorrow for a few weeks - Although i won't have direct internet access, I'll try to hit the cafes' at some point to catch up with the world (although maybe I shouldn't with the way the news is just so depressing?). Take care of yourselves and I'll sprinkle some photos here and there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-7151987102646799069?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-74714252474614848172007-06-21T22:49:00.001-07:002007-06-21T22:49:09.075-07:00<p>What does it mean to be a human being?&nbsp; Another way to phrase that question is: What is it we all share as people in the world?&nbsp; That's a question that I've had a hard time wrapping around my head these last few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a title="photo_02" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81897797@N00/585403723/"><img height="137" alt="photo_02" src="http://static.flickr.com/1020/585403723_d61efae2e8.jpg" width="240" align="left" border="0"></a> I have been torn with this thought as my optimistic side of myself believes in the concept of redemption.&nbsp; Although I have had the opportunity to witness and see this theory tested (and failed, in my opinion), I still am hopeful for the power of redemption.&nbsp; This is not the greatest lead in, but I just wanted to comment a little on Michael Moore's latest film, Sicko, which delves a little bit into this abstract concept.&nbsp; It is a great eye-opening&nbsp; documentary on health care which is much less biased and more informative film than his last, F-911, and its impact should hit popular media as hard as Bowling for Columbine did years ago for gun control.&nbsp;&nbsp; Moore poses a great question on how to gauge how a society's current state is, which is how society treats their lowest form/group in their supposed&nbsp;"social hierarchy" system.&nbsp; It is, of course, revealed how blatantly different America treats their "scum" as opposed to those in other countries (Canada, UK, France, Cuba, as exampled).&nbsp; One interesting parallel shown in the film describes the fundamental philosophy difference of France whereas "the government is afraid of the people" and in America, "the people are afraid of the government".&nbsp; Throughout viewing, it is sobering to see the difference - And, for me, that isn't the hardest part - It, for me, goes back to the concept of redemption - Despite how our system of health care is, currently, will our society be able to redeem itself and find a way to not throw our poor into the streets?&nbsp; Without a fundamental change in our mindset to fight for the "we" rather than the "me", it does not seem that way.&nbsp; Please check out the movie if you can, I would write so much more but it would be giving it away :)&nbsp; </p> <p>OK I hate that&nbsp;I feel my writing is still very weak right now but it'll get more comprehendible as I flesh out my thought process better.&nbsp; </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-7471425247461484817?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-48278733824138576002007-06-19T16:07:00.000-07:002008-12-11T13:22:55.737-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zz5fGT6D4pc/Rnhj9ozoMSI/AAAAAAAAAAM/rSvdC11Q264/s1600-h/163816150-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zz5fGT6D4pc/Rnhj9ozoMSI/AAAAAAAAAAM/rSvdC11Q264/s320/163816150-S.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077918490437366050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is a song from one of my favorites, Radiohead, performed by some of my favorite people. It is a Chris Berryman recording (one of the best bootleg tapers out there) and from the Various & Sundry tour (featuring Glen Phillips (my favorite songwriter), Sean &amp; Sara Watkins (from Nickel Creek, my favorite band), and Luke Bulla (formerly from Blue Merle) of which I caught a show of just a week ago! It's haunting and chilling, especially emphasized through the fiddles and Glen's falsetto vocals in action.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.comebackdownload.com/Various%20and%20Sundry%20-%20Exit%20Music%20For%20a%20Film.mp3">Listen Here :) </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-4827873382413857600?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-81918975791357706172007-06-17T22:41:00.001-07:002007-06-17T22:43:48.582-07:00<a title="Pacific Coast 5.27.07 055" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81897797@N00/518302310/"><img height="150" alt="Pacific Coast 5.27.07 055" src="http://static.flickr.com/195/518302310_bbf5e570bb.jpg" width="200" align="left" border="5"></a> <p>So, here I am- An entire academic year has passed with me missing in action within the blogosphere.&nbsp; First of all, I'd like to apologize.&nbsp; (Hopefully there will still be people who have stuck around to accept this apology!)&nbsp; My intentions were to continue blogging and to share with the world my experiences as a first year teacher.&nbsp; That, obviously, did not happen.&nbsp; It has been the rockiest year of my life - A year that tested my beliefs&nbsp;and questioned what I held most firm as values to live by.&nbsp; I won't get into it quite yet, though I can imagine myself letting it seep out as I continue to blog in the not-too-distant future.&nbsp; Let's put it this way - There has been so much that has gone on that I could most likely write not just a novel, but possibly an epic (with some elaboration here and there)!&nbsp; </p> <p>I also decided to re-establish this blog due to many people I have met along the way in the last year.&nbsp; I have had the privilege to work with and become compadres with many, for lack of a better word, good and decent people who share my philosophy, principles, and values towards how to live and receive life.&nbsp; Unfortunately, we are all going separate ways in life and since I've learned in life that it is truly difficult to find people who share the same values as oneself does (well for me at least...) I decided that this blog would be a way for me to make sure I can keep in touch with them and allow them a glimpse at what is the next chapter in my life.&nbsp; </p> <p>I suppose this is a good time to also catch people up on my history in the blogosphere<a title="Exhibition 6.7.07 024" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81897797@N00/539711032/"><img height="240" alt="Exhibition 6.7.07 024" src="http://static.flickr.com/1045/539711032_759e8da530.jpg" width="180" align="right" border="5"></a>&nbsp;world.&nbsp; I began with another site called Xanga back in 2002 and used it as an avenue to express my unhappiness with... different ways that we have become socialized in America.&nbsp; It later became an outlet for my other interests, particularly music - I spent&nbsp;a good deal of time writing reviews, envisioning myself as a guest writer for music magazines such as Paste (a great magazine, by the way).&nbsp; It was also a way to reconnect with family and friends that had moved away, to give them an idea of what was going on in my life.&nbsp; In a way, it has and will return to that, but also to the other aforementioned themes.&nbsp; Essentially, it will return as a blog about anything and everything.&nbsp; I am happy to return - Hopefully a year's worth without writing (as well as correcting and speaking in third grade terminology) has not and will not disintegrate my ability to write :)&nbsp; -johnny</p> <p>By the way, if you'd like to read up on my back log of entries (and see how... optimistic and cynical I was) from the past, just look to the&nbsp;right and you can easily find your way back in time.&nbsp; </p> <p><a title="Pacific Coast 5.27.07 055" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81897797@N00/518302310/"></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-8191897579135770617?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1158898995465994892006-09-21T21:23:00.000-07:002006-09-21T21:25:58.736-07:00Thought I'd upload some photos of my classroom - Also a chance to play with my new camera :) <br><br>School and the kids are taking over life unfortunately (and also fortunately!) <br><br> My desk<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/ecbe079018284/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 006" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://xec.xanga.com/be0a874b08c3579018284/z53669275.jpg"></a><br><br>Our Writer's Wall<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/9eadd79018281/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 005" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://x9e.xanga.com/adda914108c3379018281/z53669272.jpg"></a><br><br>The front of our room<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/d871779018274/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 003" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://xd8.xanga.com/717a804b08c3279018274/z53669265.jpg"></a><br><br>Calandar/Helpers/Bulletin Board<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/1686779018247/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 001" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://x16.xanga.com/867a9a450823279018247/z53669240.jpg"></a><br><br> Just outside my room<br>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/9afb079018679/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 009" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://x9a.xanga.com/fb0d33433553779018679/z53669577.jpg"></a><br> <br>Our entrance<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/729e379018671/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 008" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://x72.xanga.com/9e3a8a435553579018671/z53669569.jpg"></a><br><br>Looking at our math wall<br> <a target="_blank" href="http://photo.xanga.com/johnnydo/8c99c79018648/photo.html"><img title="E-6 Classroom September 2006 007" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px;" src="http://x8c.xanga.com/99cd0343c423479018648/z53669549.jpg"></a>&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-115889899546599489?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1156825026275479352006-08-28T21:16:00.000-07:002006-08-28T21:18:33.863-07:00Wow -<br /><br />Longest layover since I've last posted and I choose the worst of days to decide to post something. Worst in terms of how much time I actually have! <br /><br />It's been a whirlwind and odd day - I started my career as a teacher off today, and, though there were many many hitches that I'll need to shore up, I'm alive, I'm here, and I'm ready to put up a fight for day #2 with my pair of third grade classes! On the other hand, I received <a href="http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003053813">news that Nickel Creek, today, have made it official that they are going on "an indefinite hiatus"</a>, or in other words, in my opinion, a breakup ala Toad the Wet Sprocket (of whom I saw 2 weeks ago!!). Normally I'd be devestated but with my own life taking precedence it seems only somehow oddly... appropriate that this happened. I'm sure it'll hit me soon enough. They're planning on touring 'till end of '07 and will break apart to explore life and other opportunities. I can't blame them but, as I felt with Toad 9 years ago, I always took for granted that they'd be around forever. <br /><br />Sorry I have been astray - Life's been happening - Lots of great opportunities I've taken, a week at a visual/performing (music) arts camp is how I spent one week with some of the greatest people in the world. I spent a week in Pajaro with my staff last week next to the beautiful Pacific Ocean (though not beautiful that week). And now here I am getting ready for Day 2 of being a 3rd grade teacher. The responsibility is so great and I can't believe I'm actually doing this sometimes! <br /><br />Hopefully I'll find the time to write some more. Till then, enjoy, and be merry :) and catch Nickel Creek wherever you are in the country because who knows when they'll ever come back again! <br /><br />I think I'll do a photo montage of the last few months next post. <br /><br />-j<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-115682502627547935?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1152687845738759982006-07-12T00:03:00.000-07:002006-07-12T00:07:06.263-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000FC2FVA&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000FC2FVA.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000FC2FVA&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>It's Never Been Like That</b></a><br />By Phoenix<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000FC2FVA&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Shots from my Yosemite trip can be found below -- It was beyond words, I wish I could've stayed longer and definitely will the next time - Really awe-inspiring, but I'll let the pictures visually paint the picture for you.<br /><br /><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcNG7Jq2ctGEP" target="_new">http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcNG7Jq2ctGEP</a><br /><br />Check out the new album by Phoenix, it's great.<br /><br />And PLEASE check out this clip (along with the others on the site!!) of Thom Yorke doing a track off his fabulous new solo album live and solo acoustic! I can't wait to see the rest of the show when it is available.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z1nFB-R-_gI"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Z1nFB-R-_gI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://live.video.rainbow-media-online.com/video.jsp?video_id=6292&subcategory_id=2027&amp;template_id=229&backtochannels=1#" target="_new">http://live.video.rainbow-media-online.com/video.jsp?video_id=6292&amp;subcategory_id=2027&template_id=229&amp;backtochannels=1#</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-115268784573875998?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1152165535467179902006-07-05T22:51:00.000-07:002006-07-05T22:59:02.980-07:00I caught a few shows at the Mountain Winery this past week and through the powers that are youtube, many of the funny and memorable moments that I would normally have to express with written words can now be viewed instead. They're, unfortunately, amateur videos captured on what I'd imagine as small cameras or phones with movie capturing features, so sound and picture are not of the best. I'm sure that'll remedy itself soon, but check out some fun moments witnessed through the eyes of yours truly in the past few...<br /><br />Nickel Creek's version of "toxic" with more than your typical... performance by mr. christopher thile.<br /><br /><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 425px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FljzJ8acOnU"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FljzJ8acOnU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object><br /><br />The band breaking into my favorite cover of the night, Randy Newman's "short people" with acting included - It's so cute and hilarious!<br /><br /><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 425px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9HuaHxcr9I"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9HuaHxcr9I" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object><br /><br />I have a feeling that it's you, Steph, who made those videos - If it is... Then thank you for putting them up!<br /><br />Also caught Damien Rice at the same venue - He was hilarious, funny, emotional - Just as expected. Fortunately, his songs lend perfectly towards the venue and he and his band took full advantage of the winery and had three wine shots which led to some mischeaviously fun behavior :) Unfortunately, the venue is one that has a strict curfew of 10:30pm (you're kidding me...) and at about 10:32, they cut off the power while his band was still jamming!<br /><br /><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><div style="overflow: visible; display: block; position: relative; width: 0px; height: 0px; left: 0px; padding-left: 425px; top: 0px; z-index: 65535; opacity: 0.5;"><div style="border-style: ridge; border-width: 2px 2px 0px; display: block; position: relative; left: -70px; top: -18px; width: 66px; height: 16px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 10px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 10px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 0px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; direction: ltr;">Adblock</div></div><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NF6MqRstQqA"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NF6MqRstQqA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-115216553546717990?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1151477255503282912006-06-27T23:47:00.000-07:002006-06-27T23:48:59.873-07:00Hello! Setting yet another record, I have yet to update in the past month. Lots of things have been going on to which I'll kindly and quickly mull over in random bullet point style for anyone who actually still takes a look at this site for something other than finding David Gray/Blue Merle mp3s (yes, my site is oddly getting a lot of traffic still due to the world's need for music from these... artists... of which one is , sadly, no longer with us [blue merle disbanded recently - fucking lead songwriter thought he could do better without the constraints of the band, but what does he know - story for another time])<br /><br />Also thought that I should also say that I am proudly writing this entry on a macbook! Yes, after all these years I've finally given it a shot - Went to the dark side (or light side, however you look at it) and picked up a sleek mac - well, actually both "sides" are dark, so no matter - I never knew or believed how intuitive the mac OS is, and though I installed Windows via Bootcamp, I find myself drawn into and heavily utilizing the Mac.<br /><br />Anyway - What's been up...<br /><br />-I'm an employed third grade teacher! <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/php/school.php?id=ShermanOaks">I work here.</a><br />-The last weeks student teaching were memorable - For once I was the talk of the town, how? By kicking some sixth grade behind in the annual sixth grade versus staff softball game! It was a great feeling to see my kids look up to me as if I were Jordan for a day. We also went on a field trip to the historical museum - The kids wrote a book for me each detailing something they fondly remembered about me which was just amazing. I'm so glad that I stayed until the end of the year!<br />-I turned a year older.<br />-I led sixty sixth graders, of whom were as tall or taller than me, on a campus tour of San Jose State University - It was awesome and amazing to see the looks on kids' faces who are underprivileged and are so amused at the littlest of things such as fountains! I think the exposure really opened their eyes to what could be their future and hopefully it is something I can work out with the school each year to bring the college bound culture to these kids.<br />-Plenty of concerts were enjoyed. Glen Phillips rolled into town with Jonathan Kingham playing backing - BFD showed me that Franz Ferdinand can put out the kind of energy onstage that they do in the studio. The Strokes, on the other hand, ... not really. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a band to definitely watch as a headliner and the Sounds, albeit not very deep and dense sonically, are joyful to watch. Neko Case &amp; Damien Rice were a pair of concerts that showcased oddities in a concert that I hadn't seen before - The former performing at a converted movie theater (the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz) and actually verbally describing to us, the crowd, that , yes, indeed, they were to play an encore, and that , yes, they will be performing more songs and that, yes, they needed to tune in front of us first! Odd... The latter, Rice, performed at the Mountain Winery, a notable luxurious venue in the Saratoga Mountains where due to restrictions and curfews set by rich old people, concerts end at 10:30pm. So... Rice being drunk and all (he shot back 3 straight glasses of wine in a row during 'cheers darlin') he kept jamming during their last track only to have the power cut off the instruments at 10:32pm! That was it!<br />-Thoroughly enjoying Nick Hornby novels - 'A Long Way Down' is a hilarious take on suicide (not exactly an easy thing to do) that stresses on the theme of support. I'm currently reading High Fidelity, you know, the famous film that John Cusack was in with Jack Black. Except that it's americanized.<br /><br />That is the gist and short version of a month. Lots more involved that I don't have the patience for memory to recall for.<br /><br />Well, hope this isn't my last post for awhile - I do think about topics to write about often that typically are beautifully expressed in my head but when it comes to writing it down on paper (or in this case typing it), I lose all ability to self express. I should just mike myself up when I'm running.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-115147725550328291?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1148616465202485342006-05-25T21:07:00.000-07:002006-05-25T21:07:45.213-07:00Day one of being a bum and so far I'm not taking being a bum seriously! I need to seriously take a trip. Instead, I decided to take an interview that was probably as crazy as first interviews in a profession will go!<br /><br />The Lowdown? It started off really pleasant, a member of the student council took me around the school (which was, in short, amazing!) and I got to ask her a lot of questions. It's a dual-immersion school that really believes in collaboration and community. Really. I'll explain in a second. BUT - The first neat thing was that the classrooms are not self-contained, there is an open wall between two classrooms! Neat in that you can pop into your partner's class and ask her a question without really "stepping out of the room". But, a little scary in that you have a sense of what's going on in the other class at all times... And there are times where you really just need to have a talk with your class<br /><br />Anyway, fun part was over, serious business came next - First, a "conversation" that ended up being a thirty minute casual interview with three teachers, answering questions and scenarios. Done and done. Off to the next group. A "formal" interview with four more teachers who ask more questions. Not too bad. THEN... A "fishbowl" style collaboration where I and three other interview candidates had to work together on a scenario concerning multicultural curriculum and role play as if we were going to work and perform a presentation to a school district... all of this planning took place in forty five minutes in front of the entire faculty! the goal? to see how well we collaborate with others. intense! three others I'd never met before and had no idea how to monitor! the principal asking us to speak louder so the faculty could hear us collaborating just added to the pressure! It was an odd experience of trying to make sense of the individual trying to show off everything he knew that yet did not relate to what we needed to get done, trying to wrestle with who's idea to use, and trying to not go in circles with the same ideas over and over and over and over again. Writing this, I feel sorry for the faculty to have to hear our mumble jumble! And it was hard not to entirely step in and say, HEY, you're wrong, we're totally off task! ... when I knew the qualities of being a team player had to be displayed by me! <br /><br />Regardless of the end result, it was a neat (although i won't admit it yet!) learning experience that'll give me more confidence in future interviews - after all, they can't get as intense as that, right?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114861646520248534?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1148534839206885392006-05-24T22:27:00.000-07:002006-05-24T22:27:19.216-07:00Six years of college and it's finally done. What'd I get? Bachelor's, Credentials, and half a masters.<br /><br />Now I can be a bum.<br /><br /><br /><br />Hopefully not for too long<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114853483920688539?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1148094498487187622006-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:002006-05-19T20:08:18.496-07:00Currently Listening<br />Silent Alarm<br />By Bloc Party<br />see related<br />YES! I passed the RICA <br /><br />Five thousand tests down, 0 left to go It is preposterous how many exams one must go through in order to teach in California. Fortunately, I've finally gone through all of them (without repeat!) and can focus my attention on getting a job instead of worrying about not getting my credential. Speaking of which - I have an interview set up for a Kinder position. It's definitely not my ideal grade level, but, I think I will do it for experience, the interview that is - Some day I feel I can teach Kinder, but at this point I feel like I will just be cheating the educational experiences of the future. It is amazing the amount of socialization that occurs just based on week one of Kinder, am I ready to make such an impact? <br /><br />Speaking of which, throw me a few grades higher - I subbed in fourth today and, aside from not being able to count all thirty two students (it is insane!), I had a pretty good time.<br /><br />Summer's coming (as goes the Sean Watkins tune) and I'll write much more in a short time. <br /><br />Next post should include pictures of last week's Kaboom! show with KT Tunstall.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114809449848718762?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1147504872896604632006-05-13T00:21:00.000-07:002006-05-13T00:21:16.893-07:00So long since I've posted.&nbsp; Sooo busy.&nbsp; Sending out applications to every district in my county, waiting for one of the hundreds of schools to call me back.&nbsp; Finishing up a crazy six months with third graders I love but drive me insane.&nbsp; Coping with lack of sleep.&nbsp; All that crazy stuff.&nbsp; <br><br>In the meantime - <br><br>Glen's new album, Mr. Lemons, is out.&nbsp; Get it. Enjoy it.&nbsp; It's a mixed bag is how I feel, as hard as I have to admit.&nbsp; A number of amazing songs that rival his best work, such as Waiting, Thank You, and Blindsight, but some underperforming studio versions of Last Sunset and I Still Love You make it hard to entirely love.&nbsp; <br><br>The latest Calexico is great, so is the latest from the Streets.&nbsp; Give Snow Patrol's latest a listen, it's not as great as the last but a good listen.&nbsp; <br><br>Caught Hem at the Great American Music Hall last night, Sally's vocals are amazing, but it was a little underwhelming with only half (four/eight) of the full band together.&nbsp; We sat assembly style!&nbsp; Imagine a dance floor but with everyone sitting on their bottoms with legs crossed.&nbsp; Can't say I've ever done that before.&nbsp; <br><br>More when it is all over.&nbsp; <br><br>-j<br><br>glen stuff for ya <br><br><a href="http://www.glenphillips.com/dashboard/avgallery/media1/08_Waiting.mp3" target="_new">Waiting </a>(one of my favs on the new album)<br><br>Marigolds Live/acoustic video<br><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gFSlE6JfIYo"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gFSlE6JfIYo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114750487289660463?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1145564341731270252006-04-20T13:18:00.000-07:002006-04-20T13:19:01.740-07:00<span></span>just an update on josh ritter<br /><br />you can listen to his entire album here , track by track<br /><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/private/just%20an%20update%20on%20josh%20ritter" target="_new">http://www.flashenhanced.com/joshritter/</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114556434173127025?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1145377085899625792006-04-18T09:17:00.000-07:002006-04-18T09:18:05.916-07:00<span>My new favorite album of 2006 thus far! <br /><br />..... The Animal Years by Josh Ritter!<br /><br />A complete surprise, I hate typecasting but to pigeonhole him in any kind of genre, I'd suggest that he sounds very Americana, with a delicate sense of songwriting. Some of his sound is reminiscent of Ryan Adams but then a little Springsteen. But all in all, very, very well done. Check out his Paste Magazine double podcast interview/live performance here to decide for yourself:<br /><br /><span class="postcolor"></span><a href="http://pastecultureclub.com/2006-02-25.htm" target="_blank">http://pastecultureclub.com/2006-02-25.htm</a><br /><br /><span class="postcolor"></span><a href="http://pastecultureclub.com/2006-02-27.htm" target="_blank">http://pastecultureclub.com/2006-02-27.htm</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114537708589962579?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1145344081688240382006-04-18T00:07:00.000-07:002006-04-18T00:08:01.696-07:00<p style="font-style: italic;"> <em>Love Monkey</em>, the Tom Cavanagh comedy-drama that was canceled after only three episodes, will get a second life on music channel VH1. The network, which already ran the three previously aired episodes, announced it will air the remaining five unaired episodes beginning Tuesday, April 18. </p> <p style="font-style: italic;"> <em>Monkey</em> told the story of a record-industry A&R man, played by Cavanagh, who longed for love in the Big Apple. The show was generally well reviewed, but CBS canceled it due to poor ratings. </p> <p style="font-style: italic;">One of the main features of the show was music, and the theme song "Someone Who's Cool" was performed by the defunct band Odds. The show featured many musicians in cameos, including Ben Folds, LeeAnn Rimes, and James Blunt. Eric Bogosian also played a supporting role. </p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"> Unaired upcoming episodes include appearances by </span><em style="font-style: italic;">Letterman</em><span style="font-style: italic;"> bandleader Paul Shaffer and rockers Aimee Mann and John Mellencamp.</span> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114534408168824038?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1144735435438923392006-04-10T23:03:00.000-07:002006-04-10T23:03:55.450-07:00<span></span>Lots of shows in the Bay Area released today - The annual <a href="http://www.kfog.com/Events/kaboom/2006/default.asp" target="_new">KFOG Kaboom!</a> occurs on May 13, and features a free show with Jackie Greene, KT Tunstall, and Los Lonely Boys, but of course headlined by a huge fireworks show. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mountainwinery.com/schedule/schedule.html" target="_new">The Mountain Winery list is up!!</a> Highlighted shows include (but are not limited to):<br />T-Bone Burnett & Jakob Dylan - 6/9<br />Bela Fleck &amp; the Flecktones - 6/25<br />Damien Rice - 6/26<br />Fiona Apple w/ David Garza - 6/27, 6/30<br />Nickel Creek - 7/1<br />Indigo Girls - 7/5<br />Chris Issak - 7/17 - 7/19<br />Shawn Colvin - 8/4<br />Toad the Wet Sprocket - 8/16-8/17<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114473543543892339?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1144641772712145702006-04-09T21:01:00.000-07:002006-04-09T21:02:56.890-07:00<font><img src="http://espressogarden.com/images/home_mural.jpg" /><br /><br />Well - Tonight's the last night of existance for what will now be the former best venue for roots and acoustic music in the South Bay. Thanks for all the memories! The cafe was in existance for almost a decade, though I only began visiting since catching Nickel Creek back in 2001. It will, unfortunately, become a sushi bar in the weeks and months to come, as if we didn't need another restaurant. Apparantly, as <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/03/another_one_bit.html" target="_new">Brad Kava wrote</a>, turntables are more important than traditional instruments. I didn't get to say goodbye officially, but the wait staff were amazing people, the "strangers" I met, and the musicians that played were always so friendly and personable. My last visit came a few months ago when I caught the Dukhs, sitting in the back before the show not realizing that I was having a conversation with the lead singer/writer of the band! Lots of similar and fun experiences between that and that first Nickel Creek show five years ago. So long! You'll be missed...<br />-<br />Video of the day: Part of the video for "One Evening" by Feist - Awesome artist that's part of the whole Broken Social Scene posse. I love what they do with what little they had to produce this video. </span><br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jaih8xdG1qk"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jaih8xdG1qk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114464177271214570?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1144047610975707282006-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:002006-04-03T00:03:17.426-07:00<font>Ahhh - My solo week is over! Last week I taught the entire week, created and implemented lesson plans, etc. and went through the whole gamut of things. Code Red drills. Supervising two hundred fifty students in a cafeteria. Seeing teachers picket. Seeing teachers at a school next to us go on a sick out. And last but not least making my first student cry on Friday - Oh how awesome it was! It's the ultimate test in giving in but I held my ground and made him stay for after school detention. Of course, five minutes is an eternity for a child...<br /><br />The week ended with Noisepop! Caught the band We Are Scientists (think franz ferdinand meets the strokes) and in short, they were great! The album lends itself to a sonically loud show and they were true to the album's "noise". Didn't deviate too much but they show great stage prescence and are just an active band. The only problem was they closed a night where there were three openers and I didn't catch them until about midnight, with their set ending just past 1am - So... long trip back from SF back to San Jose : -( Ooh, before I forget - Also check out a band called the Grates from Australia - They're a bunch of fun with a lead singer who loves to dance <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />So - TOAD! I haven't seen the entire Saratoga Mountain Winery concert list yet, but first Nickel Creek will be there, then, yes, Toad the Wet Sprocket, my former love affair of a band will reunite for a few fun shows this summer across the country, hitting the Winery on August 16! Other dates can be found <a href="http://glen.musicengine.net/index.php?act=ST&f=2&amp;t=4651&s=2f8e6b05078e66599fd52a8c116dab65http://glen.musicengine.net/index.php?act=ST&amp;amp;amp;f=2&t=4651&amp;s=2f8e6b05078e66599fd52a8c116dab65" target="_new">here</a>.<br /><br />Popmatters wrote a beautiful Paste-esque article on Sean Watkins (guitarist from Nickel Creek)'s latest solo effort - It's been out on digital download for a few months but JUST came out on traditional CD a few weeks ago - <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/sean_watkins_blinders_on/" target="_new">Check it out</a>-Totally embodies exactly how I feel his prescence in Nickel Creek is shown. <br /><br />Uh-oh. I just discovered how to use YouTube - I love it! I'm going to go insane on this blog putting up video links! First one here is Nickel Creek (obviously!) and it's just an insane jam they go on during the song, Lighthouse's Tale (this current tour's jam version-it changes every tour) Ahh...<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SNBZIhetdbM"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SNBZIhetdbM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></object></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114404761097570728?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1143602000343740712006-03-28T19:12:00.000-08:002006-03-28T19:13:20.353-08:00Doh, I haven't posted in such a long time! What I've learned in that time period:<br /><br />-Comcast is not always Comcastic! Downed Internet for the past two weeks, 3 modems, and two technicians later, I'm still having Internet problems. Hopefully something will be resolved soon. <br /><br />-The Shield is such a kickass show - I can't believe what they did in the finale. And speaking of which, the Sopranos, welcome back :-)<br /><br />-The Asian American Film Festival was a great place to meet people! Nothing better than talking to strangers at the rush line. And catch great independent films, look out for American Fusion, a funny yet over-the-top comedy that truly depicts some of the Chinese cultural differences and how they clash with American values.<br /><br />-I got an early birthday gift and more: Glen Phillips on June 6 and Nickel Creek at the simply beautiful Mountain Winery in Saratoga on July 1! Wine, spectacular views, and the best jam band out there, I can't wait!<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.noisepop.com/2006/">Noise Pop</a> began and continues throughout the week in San Francisco. The Mayor has officially called it Noise Pop week! I'll be catching We Are Scientists on Friday. <br /><br />-Bribing kids works for the short term. But... don't rely on it ;-) It's my solo week and I'm getting payback for the great day I had when my supervisor visited yesterday ;-) <br /><br />-Apologizing to students is a great modeling technique for them to have the courage to make mistakes and try harder.<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> can be addicting. Well, when Comcast is Comcastic...<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.yelp.com/">Yelp</a> is a great website to find great places in your city!<br /><br />-I still can't get into the Arctic Monkeys. I'm trying! <br /><br />-But do listen to the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Neko Case albums. The jury's still out on Rhett Miller's latest -<br /><br />-I'll be presenting a two-sided double bubble map presentation on the South Park scandal in Social Studies. The underlying societal issue of course being freedom of speech. I'll rip apart and analyze an article from each viewpoint. Before then, does anyone want to enlighten me or provide their take on this issue? It'll be a fun take on the unreliability and need for caution in terms of narratives.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114360200034374071?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1142754834327205472006-03-18T23:53:00.000-08:002006-03-18T23:53:54.340-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Intense. I was at the annual job fair today for just over three hours but it was one of the most intense experiences ever - Four interviews in that time span with school districts that I had previously picked out and filled out applications for. It was a learning experience that through the course of each interview, got better and better - By my last interview, I felt that I really owned and took charge of the conversation and drove it. What kind of questions did they ask? A lot - Many I had no preparation for, but thank god for what I've done in student teaching so far that I could use as examples. It is amazing the kind of responses you can come up with on the spot without preparation at times! A few questions (more of a list for me to remember for future interviews)<br /><br />-How do you assess your students?<br />-How would you interact with your parents?<br />-Explain how you would support guided and shared reading?<br />-Tell me how you would implement technology in a classroom, aside from computers.<br />-Where do you see yourself as a teacher down the road?<br />-How do you plan, organize, and implement a lesson?<br />-How do you organize a teaching day?<br />-What is your experience with multicultural and language learning students? How would you differentiate instruction?<br />-What do you do to work with your colleagues?<br /><br />There were a bunch more but this is it for now that I can remember. Anyway, at least three of the interviews went really well - It was refreshing to be honest and explain why I am passionate towards working with students - Let's just hope that's at least some of what they wanted to hear. If not, <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/resume.htm">I'm up for hire</a> :-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114275483432720547?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1142064868020088772006-03-11T00:14:00.000-08:002006-03-11T00:14:28.033-08:00<span></span><!--type:1-->What a weird friday. The following occurred:<br /><br />-Driving along 101, I saw a body on the exit turn of a road. Turns out it was someone who was the victim of a hit and run. by... multiple drivers who didn't bother to check what they were running over. Don't believe me? <a href="http://www.nbc11.com/news/7881692/detail.html" target="_new">Check it out</a>. Eerie how detached from the world people can be.<br /><br />-Snow reached San Jose! Well, sort of. Experienced folks will tell you it was hail. Or something in between. But... It was snow to me! Where was I? Running safety patrol out front of my school, attempting to keep distracted parents from running over people! Seriously though, it was such a neat sight seeing a pile of white fall from the sky - Albeit resulting in several cars just stopping right in the middle of the road...<br /><br />-Heading onto the freeway tonight, cops were surrounding a car flipped totally upside down. How it got there? I don't know. <br /><br />-Oh and I learned the hard way of the amount of micromanagement required to ensure the energy level of children having a popcorn party in a classroom requires. Every day is a learning experience these days. <br /><br />That's it! Go check out Imogen Heap, I'm immensely enjoying her latest. Neko Case's latest album just was released as well, and has been an enjoyable listen thus far. Sean Watkins' latest solo is finally getting a "proper" release and will be in stores this Tuesday. <br /><br />And the Sopranos are back this Sunday. It's been a long two years. <br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000CS4L1E&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000CS4L1E.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000CS4L1E&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Fox Confessor Brings the Flood</b></a><br />By Neko Case<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000CS4L1E&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> <h4 class="itemTitle"><br /></h4><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114206486802008877?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1141628935581473092006-03-05T23:08:00.000-08:002006-03-05T23:08:55.593-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009YA3CC&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009YA3CC.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009YA3CC&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Speak for Yourself</b></a><br />By Imogen Heap<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009YA3CC&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>busy, busy, but some randomness:<br /><br />-Hem and Over the Rhine co-headline together at the Great American Music Hall on May 11 in San Francisco-Hem is definitely one of my favorite secrets, a great Americana band if there ever was one. I've heard lots about Over the Rhine, can someone tell me more?<br /><br />-William H Macy will be at Cinequest for a Q&A and a showing of his new film, Edmond, on March 11 at the California Theater. Hope to see you there!<br /><br />-Another of the firsts - Parent/teacher conference. How will it go? Who knows, I hope they don't wonder why I'm just sitting there listening and taking notes <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />-Chappelle's Block Party-Watch it. Love it. The music's off the hook. (is that phrase cool still?)<br /><br />-Imogen Heap-Check out her latest. The girl from Frou Frou if you are wondering. It's trippy and full of wonderful synthesized sounds. While I'm at it, Neko Case has a new album out Tuesday. Check that too. She's the gorgeous voice from the New Pornographers. <br /><br />I saw the list of best picture nominees. Wow - So many relating to current social issues that exploit the truth. I'm loving it! I'm going to have to re-watch Crash - My only knack on it from my first viewing so long ago was that it really misrepresented the Asian ethnicity/represented character (although that in itself is a misrepresentation since "Asian" is such a general term for many ethnicities). Then a friend told me that possibly the director was trying to subconsciously make the point that the film was portraying it right in that in real life, the Asian population is largely ignored as well. Who knows, I'll have to watch it again.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114162893558147309?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1141280441432693112006-03-01T22:20:00.000-08:002006-03-01T22:20:41.443-08:00<span>Hello!<br /><br />So.... <a href="http://www.cinequest.org/2006/">Cinequest</a>. I attended the opening gala tonight at the California Theater, a beautiful throwback classy theater, which featured the film, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/" target="_new">Thank You For Smoking</a>. First off, a fantastic movie! If you appreciate satirical and witty (sometimes too much for its own good!) comedy with a larger message, then you'll have to catch this when it finally hits theaters (hopefully soon!). Shortly put, it's the story of a tobacco industry lobbyist who's so good at his job that one just questions the morals and ethics (or lack thereof) of this character. Great ensemble that includes Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, William H Macy, Katie Holmes, Robert Duvall, Rob Lowe... list goes on. Check it out! <br /><br />Now as the for festival, I'm nothing short of pumped! Thoroughly enjoyed the introductions to the festival and the philosophies behind it - How the goal of the festival is to allow those independent filmmakers to have their movies shown in an otherwise saturated industry that distributes less than 1% of films actually made (and not the best). Their catchphrase of "mavericks" within not just the filmmakers but also us, the viewers of the films, us making the conscious decision to stray from the norm was just a neat wakeup call i felt inspired by, not for its message on filmmaking, but as being a maverick in general in everyday life. <br /><br />If you're in the Bay Area, I implore you to catch a film and support independent films and catch a flick at this festival! I was surprised to hear that it's considered in the top 10 festivals in the world! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114128044143269311?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1140767945065615562006-02-23T23:58:00.000-08:002006-02-23T23:59:05.076-08:00<span></span><span class="storytextstyle"><span style="font-style: italic;">The educational potential of Web logs in the classroom can be used to access information, opinions and the point of view of millions of other people, a University of Illinois philosophy of education professor told a full house in the engineering auditorium Thursday morning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I am not a tech person and did not even know what a blog was before I came here," said Thao Nguyen, a student working on her teaching credential. "I think blogging in the classroom would be a good idea."</span> </span><a href="http://www.thespartandaily.com/media/paper852/news/2006/02/24/News/Web-Blogs.Its.Potential.In.Education-1636549.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.thespartandaily.com" target="_new"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Web blogs its potential in education SJSU Spartan Daily</span></span></a><br /><br />I had to skip a day of student teaching in order to catch a presentation on the educational purposes of blogging - A few interesting ideas involved, including the idea of teachers posting blogs as a form of accountability - Communication between the parents where teachers would be able to describe what they are doing in the classroom and to get input from parents within a community. It all sounds theoretically doable, albeit not practical today, but maybe tomorrow? He spent a ton of time explaining and rationalizing the constructiveness of blogs in general, unfortunately. A question I had hoped to ask during Q&A that did not get answered was his opinion on the anonymity of comments (a point he illustrated was important for the potential of blogs in that it provides a communication between author/audience that is not possible anywhere else, especially in the publishing world) and whether or not there needs to be some form of identity, otherwise it could cause slander or name-calling behavior within the feedback. <br /><br />Anyway, it got me to want to fix up my blog a little. Which is the cause of the change (for the <a href="http://johnnydo.blogspot.com/" target="_new">blogger site</a>, that is)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114076794506561556?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1140676110732445112006-02-22T22:28:00.000-08:002006-02-22T22:28:30.743-08:00<span></span><!--type:1--><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000E1JOT8&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000E1JOT8.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000E1JOT8&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>No Word From Tom</b></a><br />By Hem<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000E1JOT8&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>SO drained.<br /><br />Another first - I subbed for the first time today! Granted, it was for my cooperating teacher and the same kids I see everyday, I really wasn't sure what to expect. I've been getting a lot of great advice - Such as knowing that the kids will test me to my limits, whether they do it knowingly or consciously or not. If I just as much show any sign that I notice they're doing something out of place that they shouldn't be and don't act upon it or give them any disapproving sign, then I'm SOL. It's so easy to say, so hard to practice. It went well today, though - I had full reign of the class and only needed to bench one kid for recess - All was well until just after lunch, they bring me two new students that will be part of the class - In late February, and the two are cousins and both don't speak English! Wow - reality check, it's an impossible situation but something I couldn't have not expected. We'll see how it turns out - They've got two people in the class who can translate, but all of a sudden all my lesson plans will have to be differentiated now. <br />--<br />Check out <a href="http://www.glenphillips.com/" target="_new">Glen Phillips' new website</a> - New album out in May and he's now a <a href="http://glenphillipsmusic.blogspot.com/" target="_new">blogspot user!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114067611073244511?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1140422918908387422006-02-20T00:08:00.000-08:002006-02-20T00:08:38.920-08:00<span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Some of these memories found their way into ``The Kite Runner,'' Hosseini's 2003 novel about childhood friends Amir and Hassan, bound by a love of kite fighting, torn by the antipathy of the Pashtun (Sunni Muslims) ruling class for the Hazaras (Shiite) underclass. Forbidden under Taliban rule, kites returned to the skies over Kabul in 2001, when the fundamentalist regime fell to the Northern Alliance. Hence, their importance in Afghan culture: They've come to symbolize deliverance from cruel oppression, spiritual rebirth. <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/13911264.htm" target="_new">San Jose Mercury News 2.19.06</a></span><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/13911264.htm" target="_new"><br /></a><br />My favorite book in this short 2006, The Kite Runner, is, as I've just learned and am proud to say, written by a local who went to my high school! The main character in his story also went to San Jose State, as well! It is an amazing book about the realities of lives we may not, as a society, widely know, and simply a story about being human. Check it out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114042291890838742?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1140156745060247902006-02-16T22:12:00.000-08:002006-02-16T22:12:25.076-08:00<span><span geneva="" arial="" style="font-family:verdana,;font-size:-1;"><span style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:-1;">Too often the mainstream mistakes "rap music" (what photographer Ernie Paniccioli calls hip-hop's "bastard child") for the broader social movement that is hip-hop -- a social movement that is inclusive of what Michael Eric Dyson often refers to as a street-level theodicy. <br /><br />A piece of the <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/music/features/060202-kanyewest.shtml" target="_new">article</a> on Kanye West from Popmatters - Check it out -<br />---<br /><a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=2742" target="_new">R.I.P Love Monkey</a> -- Another good show just got cancelled - And did you know Fox just pressed the final four Arrested Development episodes in one night last Friday? </span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-114015674506024790?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1139988140006229492006-02-14T23:22:00.000-08:002006-02-14T23:22:20.020-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009OU2M8&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009OU2M8.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009OU2M8&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Stars of Cctv</b></a><br />By Hard-Fi<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009OU2M8&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>More firsts:<br /><br />-First inservice day I ever attended; Yes, it was fun when we were kids and got the day off-Not much so as a teacher! They threw all the teachers in the district into a huge room/space to watch how we could better teach, but who was listening?<br /><br />-First Valentine's day with cards since I was a little kid. It's crazy! Kids go wild. Parents bring in sugar in the form of donuts, cakes, etc. Definitely a teacher's worst nightmare. But getting a ton of cards was fun (and giving out) <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> We watched a Charlie Brown Valentine, and, sadly, it's amazing how themes from it sure can hit home even as an adult. <br /><br />What'll happen tomorrow?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113998814000622949?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1139556988351834712006-02-09T23:36:00.000-08:002006-02-09T23:36:28.363-08:00<span></span><a href="http://www.thespartandaily.com/media/paper852/news/2006/02/10/News/Superintendent.Discusses.Future.Of.Education-1607607.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.thespartandaily.com" target="_new">I finally made it into the local newspaper</a> <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> (ok, it's the college paper...)<br /><br />I'm now a registered substitute! Who knew what pains it would take to get the paperwork taken care of - It's like they DONT want substitutes to take over classes when the teacher is sick and would rather have the kids by themselves........<br /><br />Someone get me off this punkish-new-wave-rock a la the Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, the Killers, Bravery, etc. etc. Last week it was We Are Scientists - This week, I was introduced and can't stop playing the band, Hard-Fi. Check them out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113955698835183471?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1139212226188950232006-02-05T23:50:00.000-08:002006-02-05T23:50:26.203-08:00<span>Well, to sound cliche, the next chapter's opened up and it's been a crazy week but its left me feeling more like a part of something bigger.<br /><br />I started my full time student teaching (as in forty hour weeks until the end of May) position at Los Arboles Elementary with a great group of third graders - It is an obviously different world stepping into that grade level coming from first grade like I did just a month or so ago. It's so hard to tell myself that they don't need constant two minute reminders to sit still or to not ask questions or to be quiet or to do their work or to, well, you get the picture. They finish their work and, to my astonishment, actually open up their desks and look for other work they have not finished. AND ACTUALLY DO IT. <br /><br />It has so far been a week mostly consisting of observing, but I've got a lot down so far. Know kids names by heart, know their little cliques and who hangs with who, have gone to lunch and observed (not yet played) them during recess. They're just great kids. The next step is to create a mailbox (a friend's idea) and have them send me letters, with me replying. Great way to get to know them and for them to practice writing. <br /><br />I have yet to teach any lessons but it shouldn't be a problem, at least on their part. More like if it doesn't go well, it's because I did a horrible job <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> I shouldn't comment too much on staff/faculty/my cooperating teacher, but I'll just say it's an interesting bunch. I've listened in on some interesting conversations during lunch and break - Yes, they actually DO talk about students during their own time. <br /><br />BUT -- I'm enjoying it so far - The best parts come during neat "teachable moments". I love the ridiculously sometimes just completely odd phrases or remarks that a kid will make. Especially the ones where I'm the only one laughing. I don't know, it's just so funny. And another great thing? I may actually be able to substitute for my teacher a few times already - It's ridiculously ridiculous how one is expected to drop all sources of income to work full time as a student teacher for free for five months - I'm just glad I have an understanding teacher who'll let me get solo practice and some extra money. <br /><br />And this is week one. Let's hope week two is just as good. I start read-alouds tomorrow :)<br /><br />Still kicking it with music, here's another new list of goodies I recommend:<br /><br />Duncan Sheik - White Limosine<br />HEM - No Word From Tom (out 2/7!! My favorite band no one knows but me) (<a href="http://www.nettwerk.com/player/hem/hem_ecard.html" target="_new">listen to their new album HERE</a>!)<br />We Are Scientists - With Love & Squalor (Playing NoisePop 2006)<br /><br />A friend told me about <a href="http://www.noisepop.com/2006/" target="_new">NoisePop</a>, a great (14th year) indie festival that I cannot for the life of me believe that I didn't know about!!! It is held this end of March/early April at all the best (literally!) venues in San Francisco such as Bimbo's 365, Bottom of the Hill, Great American Music Hall, Cafe Du Nord, Slim's, Independent, etc. Two great bands out of a long list I want to see so far include Feist and We Are Scientists (see above). Bay Area reader? Check it out!<br /><br />Speaking of festivals, three biggies are announced and all look amazing - <a href="http://www.bonnaroo.com/2006/" target="_new">Bonnaroo</a> includes Radiohead and Nickel Creek amongst many many others - <a href="http://www.coachella.com/" target="_new">Coachella</a> is headlined by Depeche Mode and Sigur Ros - <a href="http://2006.sxsw.com/music/festival/" target="_new">SXSW</a> has just about EVERYBODY. Bonnaroo sounds possible if the stars are aligned <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113921222618895023?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1138473656450054692006-01-28T10:24:00.000-08:002006-01-28T10:41:01.536-08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">'Til Kingdom Come (think of that hidden Coldplay track on X&Y; the song written for Johnny Cash)<br /><br /></span><font><font>My last day of work in photos - It was an amazing bittersweet one in that, if I didn't already, I realized how comfortable I got and how much I enjoyed the company (the people) I was surrounded by. For the first time ever, I think I'm truly nervous and frightened about starting full time student teaching on Monday, now without any sort of safety net. (although on a side note, I may have a job as a part time reader for an undergraduate course at SJSU) Have to take that leap of faith sometime, though, right?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20004.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20004.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The afternoon started with cake :) I was running across the administration building trying to get rid of it asking everyone I knew if they'd like some ;-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20006.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20006.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Cake with Office peeps (sorry, my replacement has been engraining some lingo into me during my week of training her!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20008.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20008.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My boss, her husband, and the new IT guy<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20009.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Lunch @ Sonoma Chicken Coup<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20011.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/johnny%20last%20day%20of%20work%201.27.06%20011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hanging out at Paragon to end the day<br /><br /><br />It begins Monday and I'm still in denial! Like that lame Bush song, breath in and breath out. Remember Bush? Whatever happened to them ...<br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113847365645005469?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1138176619360575732006-01-25T00:10:00.000-08:002006-01-25T00:15:44.240-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BTH4K4&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BTH4K4.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BTH4K4&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Wal-mart - The High Cost of Low Price</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BTH4K4&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>OOOH, mushaboom....<br /><br />I love this song. I love this album. Check it out. <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/02%20-%20Mushaboom.mp3" target="_new">Mushaboom by Feist</a> (Leslie Feist), another Canadian - It's becoming a recurring theme lately with those Canadians (Matt Good, New Pornographers, Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire. Hmm how to explain. Someone called her jazzy/trip-hop sensual pop music. Sounds good. Give it a listen (link above).<br /><br />The film above - disturbing, it creates a balanced attack on Wal-Mart's business practices on multiple surfaces, including many I never thought of (aside from the typical they are known for i.e. labor practices, strategic store placements).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113817661936057573?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1138093013227115042006-01-24T00:56:00.000-08:002006-01-24T00:56:53.250-08:00<span></span><!--type:1--><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000002J90&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002J90.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000002J90&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Duncan Sheik</b></a><br />By Duncan Sheik<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000002J90&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;">Life is suffering</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tee-hee, ha-ha</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cold and shuddering</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tee-hee, ha-ha</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cruel and pummeling</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tee-hee, ha-ha<br /><br /></span>Ok long title, but it's been a long time since I've quoted Toad the Wet Sprocket -<br /><br />Quick notes -<br /><br />-Nickel Creek performs "Jealous of the Moon" on the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno this Wednesday the 25th!<br />-Blue Merle is the subject of the latest episode of <a href="http://www.mlive.com/cafe/" target="_new">Acoustic Cafe</a>; A great performance/interview with the band plus new full-time fiddler, Luke Bulla<br />-Bands/Albums fitting my musical approval: Feist (Let it Die), Duncan Sheik (White Limosine), Richard Ashcroft (Keys to the World), and my new favorite of 2006, KT Tunstall. <br /><br />Busy, busy last week of vacation! Training my successor at the Senate and saying my long goodbyes to all there - It's been fun! This has to be the first time ever that I'll be leaving a job that I don't immediately want to just leave. It's still bittersweet, however. But - Necessary to take the next step forward, which will be full-time student teaching third graders for the next few months - I'm freaking out! I'm also finishing up CERT (community emergency response team) training, certifying me as a rescue team member if a disaster were to occcur in-abouts San Jose State - Pray that it won't ever happen due to my lack of competence <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> <br /><br />Get together! This friday for my forced liberation of my job, at O'Flaherty's Pub (in San Pedro Square) around 5:30-6 for anyone wanting to join in. Feel free to drop by. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>Sing-a-long - Duncan Sheik's "<a href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Duncan%20Sheik%20Lyrics/She%20Runs%20Away%20Lyrics.html" target="_new">She Runs Away</a>" - Rediscovering this gem from the mid-90s, this song's got it all. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>OK! End of convoluted message. Seeya next time.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113809301322711504?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1137396767706010822006-01-15T23:01:00.000-08:002006-01-15T23:32:50.416-08:00the title refers to a randy newman track out of just so many that i'm finding just as appropriate today as they were when he wrote them however many ages ago. i just love the satire in the work he's produced - anyway, his album was just one of many i purchased at a local retail that's going out of business in a matter of days (note for those who live in the south bay area!), media play, where everything is 70% off or more. the others i purchased and would like feedback on if anyone has listened to them include:<br /><br />dar williams - my better self<br />wilco - kicking television--live in chicago<br />the jayhawks - rainy day music (the chris thile connection)<br />ryan adams & the cardinals - jacksonville nights (had a burned so i know how good this one is)<br />the randy newman songbook vol.1<br />pinback - summer in abaddon (someone i respect musically swears by them)<br /><br />How are they?<br />--<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pacificartcollective.com/CXPO4_front_500.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.pacificartcollective.com/CXPO4_front_500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made it to the seasonal PAC session held in downtown San Jose's Museum of Art this past Friday - Art displayed through diverse form such as through music, spoken word, poetry, dance, painting, and other medium. The above image is actually part of the ongoing exhibit currently held there at the moment, but I wanted to take the time to post it because of its relevance - I forgot the artist, but it is a self portrait of himself, and he is a proclaimed anti-capitalist who believes that it is the factor towards the faceless and brutal realities that comes out of cutthroat business. He essentially expresses how even someone as stought about his beliefs as himself is still susceptible of the allure that is commercialism in america, as represented by mickey. just one of many interesting pieces being displayed, i think the theme is visual politics.<br />--<br />i caught munich at the theaters last night, but am still a little reluctant to express how i feel about it without conducting more research on the background behind the israell/palestine and arab/israeli conflict, something i admit i don't have much knowledge on. if looking at the film as a character study of the main character, however, i thought it was intriguing the portrayal of a man forced to kill and the psychological state he evolves into as the killing advances. one thing that is a little eerie is the amount of what occured at munich during the olympics was documented (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_massacre) and how down to a T the film recaptured the moment. if anyone feels like enlightening me furthur on this, please do, i'm all ears.<br />--<br />i grabbed a few photos of my office that i'll be leaving in two weeks :-(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/january%20shots%202006%20010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/january%20shots%202006%20010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/january%20shots%202006%20009.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/january%20shots%202006%20009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And this is just a shot of my workspace at home. Can you tell I'm a Nickel Creek fan? ;-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/january%20shots%202006%20002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/january%20shots%202006%20002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113739676770601082?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1137048170587047262006-01-11T22:42:00.000-08:002006-01-11T22:42:50.600-08:00<span></span><!--type:1--><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007A0GD4&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007A0GD4.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007A0GD4&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Eye to the Telescope</b></a><br />By Kt Tunstall<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007A0GD4&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: bold;">Will the real slim shady please stand up?</span><br /><br />I think it's time for odd ball phrases to headline my entries from here on out. If anything, it'll at least piss off googlers who end up finding my joke of a site instead of eminem. It's amazing the percentage of the passer-byers who end up on this site by accident. <br /><br />Total randomness but who likes hanging out in groups of three? There's a quote in the Kite Runner about cliches being the bane of writing, but, as the author ponders, why? They are true the majority of the time and absolutely capture the moment and what needs to be stated. Well, the cliche I come across with groups of three is the whole "Three's a crowd" syndrome. Too often whether it's just going out to lunch, hanging out, anything that requires conversation, one of the three is just slighted from the conversation. It takes two, not three. Again with the cliches. I had this in mind when I had lunch with three others today - It was great, two side conversations between two people each broke out for the most part. <br /><br />Hmm. What did I learn? Don't catch myself in a group of three <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br />---<br />If you're living anywhere within the reach of the Mike Marshall & Chris Thile tour that is ongoing, check it out! Caught them over the weekend at beautiful UC Santa Cruz, home of the now annual Mandolin Symposium :) They got us screaming MANDOCELLO!!! Mandolins, Mandola, and Mandocello playing musical range from Bach to the 25/16 time signatures of a Bulgerian trad., whew, I've never seen such mastery of anything in my life! It'll definitely stretch your ears. <br /><br />new music to give a chance to:<br />-KT Tunstall<br />-The Decemberists<br />-Mike &amp; Chris live duets<br />-Spoon<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113704817058704726?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1136447164874059452006-01-04T23:45:00.000-08:002006-01-04T23:46:04.886-08:00<span></span>Three random things:<br /><br />1. Did you catch the Scrubs season premiere? Oh yeah, that was "Anything Can Happen" by the Finn Brothers being played as the backdrop for the entire episode! Whoever does the music there is a god!!<br /><br />2. Sara of Nickel Creek's <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=27796587&amp;blogID=74422522&MyToken=1eb582db-21de-4adf-a8e3-e506b7c71ef8" target="_new">latest entry</a> on "normalcy" and the difficulties of life as a traveling musician. I just love how she writes in such an honest and humbling manner! <br /><br />3. Not that I listen to radio (aside from kfog and npr), but I've heard that not only has channel 1049 succumbed to spanish radio, but live 105 has taken away their only decent programming, Subsonic, their late Saturday night electronic music with real DJ's who (get this) spin their own music and play non-traditional stuff. Oh well. <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/01/will_radio_kill.html" target="_new">The end of rock</a>? Will XM thrive? We'll have to wait and see.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113644716487405945?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1136061976319667272005-12-31T12:46:00.000-08:002005-12-31T12:52:11.426-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1594480001.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Reading</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>The Kite Runner</b></a><br />By Khaled Hosseini<br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Another year... One that definitely sticks out. For me, it's basically a year in two parts - Pre-CRA and after. Meeting new people and being able to finally express without regard to prior perceptions of who I was. Embracing and being embraced for what I believe now and being given the respect and esteem of colleagues around me (and by that, I don't *just* mean my kids!). It does wonders to one's confidence! Its never been more apparant than the last week or two, going back to an older life while on vacation from CRA.<br /><br />A year ago I posted this same tune by, then, an unknown, although definitely known in the indie world, band, Death Cab For Cutie. Here it is, again. Click to download:<br /><br /><a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/01%20-%20Death%20Cab%20for%20Cutie%20-%20Transatlanticism%20-%20The%20New%20Year.mp3" target="_new">The New Year<br /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"> So this is the new year.<br />And i don't feel any different.<br />The clanking of crystal<br />Explosions off in the distance (in the distance).<br /><br />So this is the new year<br />And I have no resolutions<br />For selfl assigned penance<br />For problems with easy solutions<br /><br />So everybody put your best suit or dress on<br />Let's make believe that we are wealthy for just this once<br />Lighting firecrackers off on the front lawn<br />As thirty dialogues bleed into one<br /><br />I wish the world was flat like the old days<br />Then i could travel just by folding a map<br />No more airplanes, or speedtrains, or freeways<br />There'd be no distance that can hold us back.<br /><br />There'd be no distance that could hold us back<br /><br />So this is the new year <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span>Was looking back at last year's year-end-blog and decided to post up my favorite shows of this year as well, with a few highlights:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> U2 - April 9, 2005 - HP Pavilion</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Jose.</span> U2, Vertigo Tour, that's about enough said.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Better Than Ezra - May 6, 2005</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Club ZOE, San Jose</span>. Fun at a concert in a club within the confines of San Jose? It happened.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Glen Phillips - June 25, 2005 - Great American Music Hall, San Francisco</span>. Sit-down venue, Glen solo, lots of stories, perfect acoustics.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Nickel Creek - July 28?, 2005 - Little Fox Theater, Redwood City.</span> Probably last time ever seeing them in a 300 or less venue. Memorable for too many reasons, most of all that I got in to this private concert without a ticket and doing what a true fan would do... Show up anyways!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Coldplay - August 19, 2005 - Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View</span>. Had seen the band a few times before, never overwhelmed, but this time they broke through.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Arcade Fire - October ?, 2005 - Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View</span>. Part of the download festival, these are my now second favorite live band behind Nickel Creek. Damn Canadians, their infectious music has sucked me in!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Nickel Creek - December 10, 2005 - Warfield Theater, San Francisco</span>. Yep, them again. Brought some Creekster virgins who ate the show up. Oops, not the best of phrases to have written. Great show though. Never forget cover of Britney's Toxic.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113606197631966727?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1135759517023413162005-12-28T00:45:00.000-08:002005-12-28T00:45:17.033-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007M22S4&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007M22S4.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007M22S4&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Picaresque</b></a><br />By The Decemberists<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007M22S4&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Two Asian-American films I'd recommend that just realized are now on DVD!:<br /><br /><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BMY2KQ.01._PE12_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg" /><br />The Beautiful Country - A film that exposes three unfortunate outcomes of the Vietnam War; the plight of Amerasians (half Vietnamese/half white) represented by the main character, the illegal smuggling of Asians seeking refuge to America, and the war damages to the American soldiers of the war, physical and mental. Beautifully shot and produced/directed by Norweigan directors. Nick Nolte, Tim Roth, Bai Ling star for those interested.<br /><br /><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AQOHN0.01._PE30_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg" /><br />Saving Face - What do you do when your 48 year old mother (played gracefully by Joan Chen), widowed, is pregnant, with father unknown, while you, yourself, are gay and have yet to reveal that fact to your mother and rest of the family, and oh by the way, you are raised in the strictest of Chinese traditionalist households, with a grandfather who believes in nothing but honor? A great film that really shines on its character development and dialogue.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113575951702341316?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1135470910185836652005-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:002005-12-24T20:08:15.576-08:00<font></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>I do this every year - Spend too much time thinking what albums qualify to make it to in my list of favorites for the year, but when it comes down to actually penning down reasons why, I quickly scribble down in one sitting everything, typically leaving out numerous details that I regret later on, leaving me to quietly re-edit what I had originally written, hoping that readers hadn't checked out my list just quite yet.<span style=""> </span>Well, I'm doing it again, aren't I.<span style=""> </span>Here, then, is a list of my favorite ten albums of the year, with the stipulation that they had to have been released this year.<span style=""> </span>Of course, that leaves a lot leftover, so that gets a list in itself.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>What constitutes being placed into this prestigious (not really) list?<span style=""> </span>Albums that challenge me.<span style=""> </span>The common theme to most of the music on this list consists of the fact that they were not immediately pleasing to the ear.<span style=""> </span>As a result, most of them stretched my ear, so to speak, and required an effort from my part to realize what it was they were trying to point out.<span style=""> Here is last year's list, just for comparison:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb<br />The Finn Brothers - Everyone is Here<br />The Shore - Self-titled<br />Scissor Sisters - Self-titled<br />HEM - Eveningland<br />Keane - Hopes & Fears<br />Norah Jones - Feels like Home<br /><st1:city><st1:place>Vienna</st1:place></st1:city> Teng - Warm Strangers<br />Mindy Smith - One Moment More<br />Beastie Boys - To the 5 Boroughs<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font>Here we go, and there is a sample track download for you to take a listen to: (oh and there is no particular order, I couldn't possibly be able to justifiably rate albums on a list)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007KIFLO.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>M.I.A. - Arular <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/06%20-%20Amazon.mp3" target="_new">Amazon</a> - click to download)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>What does she sound like?<span style=""> </span>So difficult to point out.<span style=""> </span>She definitely defined what I stated above.<span style=""> </span>I scoffed and laughed the first time hearing this album, but her mix of world, rap, hip-hop, and dance is infectious as her politically charged lyrics is powerful.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007OY3RU.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Glen Phillips - Winter Pays For Summer <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/01%20Duck%20And%20Cover.mp3" target="_new">Duck and Cover</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Glen’s first (and sadly, last) album for Lost Highway Records mixes his always rich and honest lyrics with the best of the type of melodies reminiscent of his old band, Toad.<span style=""> </span>His "welcome-to-reality" take on love 'True', politics 'gather', and just life in general 'duck and cover' and 'don’t need anything' are truly appreciated.<span style=""> </span><br /><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009ML2BU.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die? <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/13-nickel_creek-helena.mp3" target="_new">Helena</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>In a sense, this is the Creekster's first true album that offers a sense of who and where they are musically.<span style=""> </span>The contrasting sounds from the waltsy 'Jealous of the Moon' to the bluegrass infused 'stumptown' to the rocking 'Helena', and the three-part harmonies of 'why should the fire die', all constitute towards the idea that they just cannot be pigeon-holed into a genre.<span style=""> </span>Lyrically, they've antied up and have closed the gap to their musical virtuosity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000A2H880.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>The New Pornographers - Twin Cinemas <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/05%20Jackie,%20Dressed%20in%20Cobras.mp3" target="_new">Jackie, Dressed in Cobras</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>This has to be my musical find of the year!<span style=""> </span>Originally I'd been a huge fan of Neko Case, who's only one in this "supergroup" full of musicians from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>How to explain them?<span style=""> </span>It's difficult to find any other single group that creates a similar sound, but their unbelievably catchy power-pop sound is one that many bands should look to when defining what constitutes a great pop song.<span style=""> </span>Check it out.<span style=""> </span>You'll love it.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006L16N8.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Coldplay - X&amp;Y <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/03%20-%20Proof.mp3" target="_new">Proof</a> *not on the album, but the speed of sound single; great song)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Another album that took awhile to digest, but each listen brought clarity and revealed a much more sonically adventurous band opposed to the last two albums.<span style=""> </span>Definitely worth the hype.<span style=""> </span>Check out the hidden track, "'til kingdom come", originally written for Johnny Cash, but done beautifully by the band.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AJJNPY.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Sigur Ros - Takk <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/Sigur%20Ros%20-%20Takk%20-%2008%20-%20Gong.mp3" target="_new">Gong)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Each song on this record is an adventure!<span style=""> </span>This time singing in Icelandic, opposed to their Hopelandic(sp?) made up language, the band has created a much more richly melodic (and uplifiting!) album that pulls the tear strings from within you.<span style=""> </span>Beautiful, powerful, doesn't need interpretation.<span style=""> </span>Universal.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007YMUZW.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AOF9RU.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BY9E2A.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /><br /><br />Ryan Adams - 2005's albums (cold roses / <st1:city><st1:place>Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> nights / 29)<br /><font><a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/209-ryan_adams-how_do_you_keep_love_alive-ar.mp3" target="_new">How do you keep love alive?</a><a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/209-ryan_adams-how_do_you_keep_love_alive-ar.mp3"> </a>/ <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/05%20-%20The%20Hardest%20Part.mp3" target="_new">The Hardest Part</a> / <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/03-ryan_adams-night_birds.mp3" target="_new">Night Birds</a><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Somebody take this man on a vacation!<span style=""> </span>Three albums (one of which is a 2-cd set) in nine-ish months, totally unheard of!<span style=""> </span>Each album is distinct from each other, with <st1:city><st1:place>Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> providing the clearest resemblance to a genre (country-folk).<span style=""> </span>Standout tracks from each album: cold roses – Easy Plateau/How do you keep love alive?; <st1:city><st1:place>Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> nights - The Hardest Part; 29 - Nightbirds.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007YLLK2.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><br />Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/04-aimee_mann-going_through_the_motions.mp3" target="_new">Going Through The Motions</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>I really applaud Aimee's attempt at a concept album here - She tells the written story of a boxer in narrative format and breaks it up into chapters/songs, set to typically amazing Aimee driven songs.<span style=""> </span>Within her digipak packaging, it becomes an experience for the participant through music, illustration, and written form.<span style=""> </span>Did I mention the songs were great, too?<span style=""> </span>Check out "Going through the motions". </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009WPKY0.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Kanye West - Late Registration <font>(<a href="http://www.xanga.com/private/13-kanye_west-diamonds_from_sierra_leone_%28remix%29_%28feat_jay-z%29.mp3" target="_new">Diamonds From Sierra Leone</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Yes, yes, we all know he’ll be famous for that line attacking Bush.<span style=""> </span>But his music is just as good and deserving of the recognition.<span style=""> </span>Though geared towards hip-hop, it has the ability to transcend genres and I'll tip my cap at Jon Brion for co-producing this incredibly appealing album that I hope will give Brion the credit he deserves for his bountiful amount of work.<span style=""> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006U4UAU.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>LCD Soundsystem - Self Titled <font>(<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/2005/01%20Lcd%20Soundsystem%20-%20Daft%20Punk%20Is%20Playing%20At%20My%20House.mp3" target="_new">Daft Punk is Playing at My House)</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>It's being complimented as this decade's "Substance" album by New Order, which is a tough billing to live up to, quite honestly, but nevertheless, these techno-infused tracks carry with them more substance (no pun intended) than that is typical.<span style=""> </span>It’s got a sense of punk, rock, techno, funk, disco, etc.<span style=""> </span>Most importantly, it's fun.<span style=""> </span>And sometimes you just need some of that (albeit with some meat to it) after a long period of introspective music listening.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Shoulda/Coulda/Woulda</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></o:p></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Short list of albums that didn't make the list but very well should have.<span style=""> </span>Maybe they were released months before 2005 or just couldn't crack a top ten.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font>Sean Watkins</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font><font> - Blinders On<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The </span><st1:place style="font-weight: bold;">Arcade</st1:place><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Fire</span> - Funeral (fall in love with their live shows!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ray LaMontagne</span> - Trouble (Possibly this century's Van Morrison?)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Madeleine Peyroux</span> - Careless Love (could I possibly love her more than Norah?)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Merle</span> - Burning in the Sun (Vocals a la Coldplay, but with a jam bite to them.<span style=""> </span>They've now got fiddler extraordinaire, Luke Bulla in the band!!!)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilco</span> - Kicking Television (live double-album, this side of the globe's Radiohead, sonically)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beck</span> - Guero<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death Cab for Cutie</span> - Plans<br /><st1:place style="font-weight: bold;"><st1:placename>Wicker</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> Soundtrack (Ahhh, not sure about the movie, but could just be a better soundtrack than <st1:place><st1:placetype>Garden</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>State</st1:placetype></st1:place>!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113547091018583665?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1135202532150163412005-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:002005-12-21T16:11:14.463-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><font></span><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1594480001.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Reading</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>The Kite Runner</b></a><br />By Khaled Hosseini<br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=1594480001&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wow, it's been awhile - BUT. For good reason, finally! I've now officially been out of class for about a week, but unofficially, I've been "out of it" mentally since the last post. What's been going on? With pictures, this time, of course!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/0.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/320/0.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />*The Fray @ Slim's - I love KFOG. Another free private concert netted me a show two feet away from this very energetic band that doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but sure does a good job playing with it. They've got a Coldplay/Keane/Switchfoot/Ben Folds kind of thing going for them, with very persuasive melodies. Emerging artist? Probably. Don't be surprised to see them on your local radio station soon (for better or worse). They did a first for me at a concert as well, offering up chips/salsa and a fruit basket to those up front. Tell me if you've ever been offered an orange at a concert by the band performing :-) Too bad I didn't take a picture of it...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/0188.1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/0188.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />*Vienna Teng @ Montgomery Theater - Seen her a few times, but this was quite a tightly orchestrated yet remarkable show in that she had a full band for once (drums/upright bass/violin/piano) and performed many new songs, showing a heavy leanancy/tilt towards jazz. Very nice.<br /><br />Its been such a marvelous few days without the hassle of work, teaching, studying, sitting in class (well, i'm still working actually) - what do you do with yourself when you've been transformed like this! it's dumbfounding not getting 5,000 emails a day and 20,000 phone calls. yet, with all this freed up time, you (well, could just be me) still don't take the time to make lunch for work, when you were able to do it with minimal time when life was hectic. Well, something to chew on, I guess.<br /><br />Our CRA cohort had one last get-together before we all left back to our homes and families for the next few weeks - Here's some pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Obviously tired, yet happy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20005.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20005.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A beautiful house with amazing food and drink<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20006.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20006.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Had a fair share of those last week ;-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20007.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lots of hugging these last few days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20009.1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/CRA%20Party%2012.16.05%20009.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Can you tell they're happy?<br /><br />Other randomness<br /><br /><a href="http://my.thetech.org/wps/?rfid=000003C69A51C3F4">My quick webpage</a> created at the Tech Museum (it's just a photo of me looking funny)<br /><br />One word reviews: Narnia - enchanting; Syriana - Convoluted; King Kong - entertaining<br /><br />Next up: This year's ten albums of the year, plus honorable mentions.<br /><br />Go to San Jose State? I'm looking for my replacement, someone who can communicate extremely well with faculty/staff/administration folk. Drop a line if you're interested. Or your resume. (to those reading my Xanga mirror of this blog)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113520253215016341?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1134371144085126812005-12-11T23:05:00.000-08:002005-12-11T23:05:44.096-08:00For all the Nickel Creek folks -<br /><br />There's nothing I really need to say more about their live prowess. I'll just jot down, however, a few notes on *new* stuff I heard from last night's show at the Warfield in San Francisco:<br /><br />*Jealous of the Moon introduced as a waltz, and it works! I never thought of it that way before... And Chris commenting on waltzing with strangers or just somebody beautiful next to you was hilarious!<br /><br />*Andrew Bird (the opener)'s drummer coming out to perform the climax for Helena - Wow, had to be the most dramatic part of the show! First time seeing Nickel Creek with drums for me <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />*Why abstain from your caffeine? Chris points out that out of the many things in life you'd like to accomplish each day, you're most likely to go through your day not accomplishing them. But your morning caffeiene? Why not! It's something totally controllable and dammit, why refrain yourself from at least getting one thing done. This was the introduction to Stumptown, their ode to the coffee in Portland (i think?)<br /><br />*World class whistler Andrew Bird coming out to whistle during Sara's performance of Anthony! How awesome is that. <br /><br />*Their cover of Britney Spear's Toxic - Wow... Who knew you could make a Britney Spears song sound so good. And Chris's Britney impersonation was classic!<br /><br />*The Fox led into a cover of The Band's "The Weight", wow, great sing-a-long<br /><br />*Cover of Radiohead's Nice Dreams with Sara singing on lead<br /><br />*Cover of Hop High, My LuLu Girl<br /><br />*Not just Mark clogging, but Chris as well!!! WOW, that was just a sight to be seen!<br /><br />*Some Bach performed solo by Chris and his mando<br /><br />*The Christmas songs during the encore was just so fun. Imagine listening to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, with audience participation! The band sings, with the audience chiming in with end-of-the-line lyrics such as "LIKE A LIGHT BULB!", "GLEE!" Priceless <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />*In the House of Tom Bombadil with a jam of Randy Newman's "Short People"!! SOOO appropriate and sooo fun. (Tom Bombadil from Lord of the Rings Hobbit fame)<br /><br />So much more, check out <a href="http://www.xanga.com/FarawaySoClose" target="_new">Liz's blog</a> for more!! The three friends I brought summed it up the best - They're just full of energy and LOVE TO PLAY! Yep. Exactly. <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley5.gif" height="15" width="15" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113437114408512681?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1134116740090444222005-12-09T00:25:00.000-08:002005-12-09T00:25:40.110-08:00<span></span><p>It's finally over. Over forty-five pages later within the last five days, I've finally written enough applications of critical consciousness within education on paper. No more tears, finally. I need a vacation. </p> <p>Where to start? 3 concerts in four days. Nickel Creek, The Fray & Augustana Private Concert (thank you for the free tickets KFOG!), and Vienna Teng. </p> <p>Then hopefully back to blogging again :)</p> <p>Fantastic new restaurant in downtown San Jose: Tandoori Oven. Their wraps are heavenly. Their Indian beer is very tasty. Taj Mahal. Buy it. Drink it. <span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113411674009044422?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1133714834394079022005-12-04T08:46:00.000-08:002005-12-04T08:47:14.413-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BNXDE6&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="3750" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000BNXDE6.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BNXDE6&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>U2 - Vertigo 2005: Live From Chicago DVD</b></a><br />By U2<br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000BNXDE6&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> Part of a larger email I sent out to my cohort-- I'm really interested in reading the WSJ article on the *new* Asian/white divide and whether or not that article speaks of the model minority myth as a possible rationale for why white parents feel this urge to pull their students out of public schools. Imagine that! Parents pulling kids out BECAUSE it's too competitive! <br /> ---<br /> In other news, one more week until I can blog like I am used to, if there ever was such a thing. It's been the most stressful and life-consuming last few months I've ever experienced and it just got worse last week - Imagine this, our group created a wonderfully crafted presentation for our grad seminar (i introduced powerpoint with wireless technology-it was a beautiful thing) and not only were we shot down during remarks by our professor after the presentation because (though it was something we still hold being valid, wasn't exactly what was wanted-though that was never made clear), those remarks took about an hour with us literally standing in front and with all the students watching that were completely confused, they thought our presentation/project was authentic and the most applicable to our program. wow. like two hundred kicks to the stomach that didn't register until about thursday, two days after it happened. so for our paper portion of the project, we've had to re-construct the entire thing- frustration, frustration, frustration. <br /><br /> ----<br /><br /> Thought that this article would add some meaning towards what we read a few weeks ago about 'white flight' - I found it flipping through this week's Metro newspaper. The article referred to a larger article they published in September about 'white flight' within San Jose. It's an interesting read, especially since it relates what we learned specifically to schools and communities here. If anyone has or subscribes to the Wall Street Journal, I'd like to take a look at the article that was referred to below. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/09.14.05/segregation-0537.html" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.metroactive.com<wbr>/papers/metro/09.14.05/segregat<wbr>ion-0537.html</a> (the article referred to in the blurb below)<br /> <br /> This week's blurb:<br /> <br /> <p> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,helvetica,arial;font-size:180%;"> 'White Flight': The Aftershocks </span> </p> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,helvetica,arial;font-size:100%;"> In September, <i>Metro</i> identified <a href="http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/09.14.05/segregation-0537.html" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">"white flight"</a> as a growing trend in Santa Clara County schools, calling into question whether desegregation has been as successful here as people like to think. Apparently, the <b>Wall Street Journal</b> took notice; this month they filed their own story on the issue, focusing on Cupertino, where Asians make up two-thirds of the population at <b>Monta Vista</b> and <b>Lynbrook</b> High Schools. The <i>WSJ</i> focused on the new Asian/white divide in the affluent suburb. Though the city is half-white, the proportion of Caucasian kids at Lynbrook and Monta Vista has fallen to 25 percent and 31 percent, respectively. And it's not because of test scores, which are among the highest in the nation. The <i>WSJ</i> article revealed that white parents feel that more Asian students make the atmosphere too competitive and narrowly driven by academics. Some kids admit that white students are stereotyped as the "underachievers"—this on campuses where a B average will put you at the bottom third of the class.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113371483439407902?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1133167745767642252005-11-28T00:48:00.000-08:002005-11-28T00:49:05.780-08:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00005JO1P&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="3750" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005JO1P.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00005JO1P&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Walk the Line</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00005JO1P&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> Wow - One of my favorite little secrets could be going under in a few months - If only a different time/different place I would love to bid. Wouldn't it be awesome to co-own a place that could brew and bring in music for music's sake? That's a community I'd love to be a part of constructing. Anyway - Good luck Judy, you were always really nice to chat with (and order food from! I'll miss your bread pudding)-But they've got a few months worth of shows lined up, so go ahead and check out the 'ol Espresso in the meantime. Some of my best memories were there: seeing Nickel Creek for the first time, catching Chris Thile & Mike Marshall for the first time and celebrating Chris's 21st!, open mic thursdays when Vienna Teng was just another local talent, Megan Slankard a few times, and this summer catching the Dukhs there- Good times, indeed. Check it out before it is over--hopefully someone will buy them and continue the tradition! <h1>Roots music hot spot put up for sale by owner</h1> <img area="5" src="http://www.mercurynews.com/images/common/spacer.gif" height="5" width="1" /><br /> <b><span class="deck">CAFE BOOKED SOUTH BAY, NATIONAL MUSICAL ACTS</span></b><br /> <img area="10" src="http://www.mercurynews.com/images/common/spacer.gif" height="10" width="1" /><br /> <b><span style="font-size:-1;"><span class="byline">By Brad Kava</span></span></b><br /> <img area="1" src="http://www.mercurynews.com/images/common/spacer.gif" height="1" width="1" /><br /> <b><span style="font-size:-1;"><span class="creditline">Mercury News</span></span></b><br /> <img area="1" src="http://www.mercurynews.com/images/common/spacer.gif" height="1" width="1" /><br /> <span class="body-content"><!-- begin body-content --> <p>San Jose's Espresso Garden &amp; Cafe, Silicon Valley's best club for acoustic roots, bluegrass and Americana music, is up for sale because owner Judy Hackett plans to move to Wisconsin to help care for her mother.</p> <p>Against difficult odds, in a city that has fewer live music venues than some towns a tenth its size, Hackett has consistently filled the 200-seat club on Bascom Avenue with national acts as well as upcoming Bay Area groups.</p> <p>Performers have included the We Five, Peter Rowan, Byron Berline, Jimmy LaFave, David Grier, the Cowlicks and Fred Eaglesmith.</p> <p>``It's been a great run,'' said Hackett, 51, who has managed the club across from Valley Medical Center for almost eight years. ``I hope someone buys it who loves this music as much as I do.''</p> <p>If the club closes, roots music fans will have to travel to Berkeley or Santa Cruz for similar lineups of acts.</p> <p>Hackett and her husband, Gene, 55, owned a cafe in South San Jose off Branham Lane and bought this second, larger one, as a place to host the music they love.</p> <p>With little advertising, they managed to fill it nightly, utilizing Web sites and newsgroups focusing on eclectic, authentic music that often gets overlooked in larger night spots. It was like a slice of Austin in the heart of Silicon Valley.</p> <p>Shows are booked through April, when the current lease runs out. Hackett says she is asking $175,000 for the club, and if she doesn't get it, will close the doors when the lease runs out.</p> <p>``You are liable to catch anyone from John Renbourn to a 5-year-old singing `Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' '' she said in July, when the club was featured as a Mercury News Hot Spot. ``There's not a lot of money, but there's a lot of heart in it.''</p> <p>Her husband will stay in town to manage the club while Hackett travels to Wisconsin. She is throwing a big final bash Dec. 16, featuring her own band, That Jazz Band, in which she sings. Admission will be $15, with food provided.</p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113316774576764225?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1133075500953039182005-11-26T23:11:00.000-08:002005-11-26T23:11:40.966-08:00<span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Long Short End of It All<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> </span>Hi There. It's been over, what, two weeks since I last wrote? My apologies. As if my life, what I do, or what I have to say actually strikes a chord with anyone, anyway. <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> No, really, I know that it does matter. But I'm having a hard time thinking that I'm not sounding so pretentious right now. OK, enough with that, the reason that I haven't had time to update is twofold. The first is the same old, the triple duty of school, student teaching, and work. There's finally light at the end of the tunnel with two plus weeks to go, but before that the construction of a novel sized work of text has to be done encompassing all of my classes. I'm actually excited about one of them and not about the other. The excitement lies upon coming up with a community action plan against stealing and vandalism within a low SES (social-economic status) community/school neighborhood. We're to ground our plan on principles learned in class (relating to the idea that school is an agency of socializing students into their adult role and in essense keeping the status quo) and to involve all pieces of a community such as teachers/administrators/parents/etc. So - I'm working on an after-school community action plan. Not as easy as it sounds - but, the idea is to avoid direct-cause/effect actions such as installing metal detectors in schools because of weapons brought onto campus. The idea is that there are overarching engrained reasons to why something like that is happening. <br /><br />The other reason I've been unbelievably unavailable is that I went through my first major car accident, one in which I'm not sure if I'm fully recovered from - Massive amounts of guilt ensued after it happened, as I had three passengers involved, and countless questions concerning what if??? came as a result for the next few days, even after knowing that, really, there was nothing that I could do about it. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and ironically, I got over it quicker than most because of the massive amount of work I had piled on-There was just no time to wallow in self-pity! Something like that does bring you back to earth, though. I had the pleasure of realizing how great most of my cohort was in that many of them offered rides (my car was out of commission for a week) the entire week even though they lived on the other side of town and our classes ended at ten pm. I wonder, however, that once all of this work is over in the next three weeks if I will feel the weight of the accident over me mentally? <br /><br />That's the personal side. What else has been up? Let's see. <br /><br />-Arnold lost all of his propositions in California. Great job, people! Now to make you feel better, here is a gem I found courtesy of <a href="http://www.matthewgood.org/mblog/index.php" target="_new">mblog</a>, it will make you laugh, scare you, and make you say words in your language that you may not be able to translate in english at the idoicy of our state. <a href="http://blogfiles.wfmu.org/KF/0511/arnold_in_brazil.mov" target="_new">click here for the video (quicktime)</a><br /><br />-<a href="http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/11.23.05/profiling-0547.html" target="_new">Ugliness at De Anza protests leads to charges of racial profiling</a> -- I have been so out of touch with reality that I just found out about this recently - Read the article, I am really stunned. Well, not really. But just disappointed. Still believe we live in a land of milk and honey? This occurred at a community college near my area. <br /><br />-<a href="http://www.seanwatkins.com/" target="_new">Sean Watkins</a> of Nickel Creek surprisingly without much notice released his latest -- blinders on -- online for purchase! The album comes out on cd format early next year, but you can purchase it at www.seanwatkins.com -- It's a headphone album, imo. A lot of great tracks like runaway girl, roses never red, starve them to death, and no lighted windows. A few "what was he thinking?" songs, but, hey, that's what solo records are for, right? Speaking of solo records, Sara talks about her upcoming as well as Sean and Chris talking about upcoming <a href="http://www.mlive.com/cafe/" target="_new">here</a>. Sean's latest also features Jon Brion, Sara, Rashad Eggleston on cello (he's amazing live-saw him with darol anger's republic of strings band), and wilco's drummer, Glenn Kotche, and also Dan Wilson of Semisonic. The full band actually will hit San Francisco's Warfield on Dec. 10 for locals reading this. <br /><br />-some new favorite cds to listen to: wilco's new live cd "kicking television", broken social scene's self titled album, fiona apple's latest-- enjoy. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113307550095303918?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1131680700851609952005-11-10T19:44:00.000-08:002005-11-10T19:45:31.873-08:00<a href="http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-11/10.shtml#coldplay">http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-11/10.shtml#coldplay</a><br /><br />geez with these openers, it's hard to say no.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113168070085160995?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1131523947613791372005-11-09T00:12:00.000-08:002005-11-09T00:12:27.623-08:00<span></span> <h4 class="itemTitle">The Waking Dead</h4> There's a reason I never took night classes as an undergrad.<br /><br /> Every 7-10pm class I have, everyone tells me that I look like I'm about to fall apart. It happened again tonight during our professor's long rant about how we need to believe in the philosophy of our program if we stand to make any difference against those fighting for a mechanistic and archaic philosophy towards education. I was actually really engaged, but my face and eyes apparantly were not. Now I realize why a few weeks ago one of my professors told the class to repeat a particular idea specifically for me (i was sitting in front that day). I thought she was joking, but it must really be because I always look smashed by 9pm. <br /><br /> That's the long version of why I need to get more than four hours a sleep a night.<br /><br /><br /> As of right now, props 76-80 have all been rejected. 73 is 53% no as of this minute. I'll cross my fingers.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113152394761379137?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1131350435765134712005-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:002005-11-07T00:01:07.623-08:00Thanks L Hollie<br /><p style="font-style: italic;">What makes Proposition 74 so sinister is that it retroactively removes any teacher who received tenure status back to 2003-2004 and requires them to reinitiate the probationary process for the next five years. This means that every certified teacher who received tenure status (after the two probationary period)become a "new teacher" and returns to the probationary period for an additional five years. That means many teachers will have to complete a total of seven years on probation to receive tenure. Where is the equity and integrity in that? The short answer is that there is no equity and integrity in this proposition. </p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Probationary employees are by nature at-will employees. Tenure simply requires that a poor performing teacher be given a opportunity to improve, and if the improvement has not been made in a reasonable time frame, then a due process hearing is required before termination.</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyone who agrees with this proposition is a willing accomplice to the destruction of the teaching profession in this State.</span><br /></p> <p>Election day is the 8th. Go vote. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113135043576513471?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1131092764174868282005-11-04T00:25:00.000-08:002005-11-04T00:26:04.186-08:00<span></span>Britney, oh Britney<br /><br /> Wow, I've got a Britney song lingering in my mind. Check out this disturbingly cool rendition that, somehow with mando and fiddle, makes for a neat rendition of Toxic as performed by Nickel Creek <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> Catch this rendition at a Nickel Creek stop near you during this tour. <br /><br /> <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8783264040539678407&amp;q=nickel+creek" target="_new">Here's a short video clip</a><br /><br /> <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/13%20-%20Toxic.mp3" target="_new">A full length mp3</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113109276417486828?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1130718443913830912005-10-30T16:27:00.000-08:002005-10-30T16:27:23.923-08:00<span>Check it out - In today's All Things Considered on NPR for Sunday, Halloween eve. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4977623" target="_new">NPR Audio of Sigur Ros Article w/ live tracks</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />The music of Icelandic band Sigur Ros music has often been compared to the vast and dreamy landscape of their homeland. Its sound, sparse and yet sweeping, imparted visions of endless snowfields broken only by glaciers and the occasional volcano.</span> <p style="font-style: italic;">The fact that vocalist Jonsi Birgisson sings in a fanciful form of Icelandic -- and in an aching falsetto -- only made Sigur Ros' music the more ethereal to the group's legions of devoted fans. At its most extreme, the group's penchant for gloomy discursions and songs that went well into double-digits sometimes made them a taste for the initiated. </p> <p style="font-style: italic;">While Birgisson and his mates have ensured their art-rock status as they've evolved, their new songs show a resolve to burn through the gloom -- with horns, with strings, and with melody. Their efforts are also reflected in a new sense of conciseness, as several songs come in at less than five minutes long.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">The band's latest CD is called Takk. An overt album name is a welcome return for many fans of this understated group, whose previous release had the unpronounceable title ( ).</p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113071844391383091?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1130397737474231582005-10-27T00:22:00.000-07:002005-10-27T00:22:17.493-07:00<span></span>Revolution<br /><br /> Wow, ok. I have not had time to let it sink in and complete process but in the last few days:<br /><br /> -Read Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed in one day - A powerful book on liberation through education that could take individuals semesters and years to dissect. <br /> -Met and watched a q&a session with <a href="http://www.thespartandaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/10/26/43602c92c5c8d" target="_new">Father Ernesto Cardenal</a>, revolutionary and advocate of pushing liberation theology to the oppressed through the art of poetry and its powerful usage in educating towards a liberated society. <br /> -In the mood to watch the Motorcycle Diaries again.<br /><br /> On a lighter note, I get to DJ a bbq/party in Santa Cruz next week. Music suggestions? I'm going eclectic this time out. I'll post a setlist of what I got so far later. <br /><br /> Back to my first graders...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113039773747423158?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1130143064876296172005-10-24T01:37:00.000-07:002005-10-24T01:37:44.883-07:00<span></span><!--type:1--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000B2YQX4&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5625" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000B2YQX4.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000B2YQX4&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Playing the Angel</b></a><br />By Depeche Mode<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000B2YQX4&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4969793" target="_new">Nickel Creek on NPR Sunday</a><br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone sings along, and the night finally feels less like an impersonal rock show and more like a late-night jam session.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=2324" target="_new">10.14.05 Fox Theatre Review by Paste Magazine</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-113014306487629617?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1129615043603494682005-10-17T22:57:00.000-07:002005-10-17T22:57:23.610-07:00<span></span>damn internet addiction. it can lead you to some wonderful discoveries, though!<br /><br /> going from kevin rose's blog to clicking a "recently played" track on his site opened up iTunes, which led me to "celebrity playlists", which further led me to switchfoot's playlist (must be the nickel creek connection and me wondering what a fan of nickel creek would listen to). what do i find?<br /><br /> there's a cover of elliott smith's "between the bars" by madeleine peyroux. wow. goosebumps. love it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112961504360349468?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1129450074249455972005-10-16T01:07:00.000-07:002005-10-16T01:09:17.286-07:00<span></span>I'm late to this but a great site for constructively written reviews on albums from quality musicians:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/" target="_new"> http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/</a><br /><br /> And read Matt Nathanson's hilarious new post on giving into Coldplay music.<br /><br /> <a href="http://mattnathanson.com/journal/index.php" target="_new">http://mattnathanson.com/journal/index.php</a><a href="http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/" target="_new"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112945007424945597?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1129272941397296592005-10-13T23:55:00.000-07:002005-10-14T00:07:07.343-07:00<font></span><!--type:1--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009WPKY0&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5550" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009WPKY0.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009WPKY0&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Late Registration</b></a><br />By Kanye West<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0009WPKY0&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table><span>[edit] well shit, no wonder I love this album, <a href="http://idiot-dog.com/music/brion.jon/indexi.html" target="_new">Jon Brion</a> co-produced it! </span><br /><br />i just discovered kanye west now?<br /><br />his new cd is smooth! anybody have comments on his previous work?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112927294139729659?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1129186220013677532005-10-12T23:50:00.000-07:002005-10-12T23:50:20.020-07:00<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/cra.htm" target="_new">Reason #53 for not suggesting graduate school. </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112918622001367753?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1128928559775907632005-10-10T00:15:00.000-07:002005-10-10T00:15:59.783-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IVN9W&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002IVN9W.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IVN9W&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Funeral</b></a><br />By The Arcade Fire<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IVN9W&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rumors were true...<br /><br /></span></span>Yes, yes, the rumors are true. The Arcade Fire indeed are <span style="font-style: italic;">all </span>that! <br /><br /> I've been in love with their album for close to a year now and though I've heard some rumblings from individuals I highly respect in terms of music related opinions, I'd never decided to catch them live. How lame was I.. <br /><br /> A last second decision to attend the first US vresion (originally a UK concept) of the Download Festival, I had the opportunity to catch four bands of interest: The Doves, The Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, and The Killers. While the others did not leave me with much of an impression, The Arcade Fire surprised me to the point that I could not stop gushing about how unbelievably so full of energy they were! They stole the show (judging by the crowd from my angle)! Imagine Nickel Creek live with eight members instead of three hopping on and off stage, so entirely into the music! Taking a term from my recent classes, their music and performance was like chaos. Chaos theory. Chaos that is so dissonant but yet somehow it just works and is a massive payoff. I don't know how to describe it. Go see them. Just go see them. Fine. Just <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/Late%20Show%20With%20David%20Letterman%20-%2014-09-2005%20The%20Arcade%20Fire.avi" target="_new">check this performance they did on Letterman last month</a>. (right click, save-as; it's 60+ megs) And this is someone who watched them from the lawn section of an amphitheater. They were here at tiny Warfield theater just two weeks ago and I'm kicking myself. Don't make my mistake, check them out! Any band that uses a xylephone and a glockenspiel is kickass in my book <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> Here's a snippet of Brad Kava, local rocker critic extrodinaire, with a quote:<br /> <p style="font-style: italic;">The best may have been Montreal’s eight-piece band, Arcade Fire, where operatic harmonies and songs that built tension but never released it were backed by an accordion, violin and French horn.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">It shouldn’t have worked in these days of pop punk and flash cool, but the often goofy band, which switched instruments and vocalists with each new song, had the entire bowl on its feet and drew some of the most thunderous applause of the day. The band covered much of its album, “Funeral” and Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 song, “State Trooper.”<br /></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2005/10/review_download.html" target="_new">The rest of the article can be found here. </a><br /></p> His review was spot-on- The Doves were a bit too mellow, though their latest album is a good listen - Modest Mouse really just did not fit the bill, I can see their show working much better in a smaller venue, but just didn't project to a crowd this size. I was really disappointed, especially with their last two albums being what drew me into them. The Killers.. Brad said it all. They were "clean". Nothing deviant, nothing totally out of place, they played it safe. It reminds me of Keane. But, happily, they were much better than when I caught them on SNL. It was nice to hear their hits live, but close your eyes and you would think you were just spinning their cd. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>Thanks Heather and Lan for the uplifting comments <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> I did not set out to write a plea-ing type of post, but judging by how good it felt to get those words from you, I guess I did, subconsciously. I'm already feeling better and making sure I work in Johnny time. Heather, I will definitely visit sometime in the next month! We have someone in our cohort who lives in Santa Cruz and wants to invite us over on a Saturday; when I find out, I'll let you know <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> <br /><br /> I was just about to end here, but I totally neglected to mention the fact that I caught the opener of the SJSU play adaptation of Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel & Dimed, one of the most inspiring books read in recent memory concerning issues of the poor/working class and how social stratification is reinforced. It was amazing! I know the conventions of plays and this did an interesting job of having a very interactive set and interweaving Barb's commentary within the "story" into the play. I PLEAD anyone who lives in the area to watch it. It's a seriously informative commentary on people that we see everyday in our lives yet ignore. Here is the email I sent out to my cohort and professors (because I'm lazy to retype) concerning all the information you need:<br /> --<br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Hi All,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;"> As part of the San Jose State University's first year implementation of a "Campus Reading Program", the chosen book, Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed, will be brought to life as a play this week and next week (Oct. 7,8,14,15,16) at the University Theatre. This book, and subsequent play, brings up many issues relevant to our 208 class such as the reinforcement of social stratification and social inequality, of which directly relates towards education. The author experiences what life is like for low wage and working class individuals all across America and develops insights that provide implications on numerous perspectives, including education. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;"> More information for anyone interested can be found at the following links:</span><br /> <br /> <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www2.sjsu.edu/ugs/reading/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www2.sjsu.edu/ugs<wbr>/reading/</a><br /> <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://sjsu.edu/events/event_detail.jsp?id=2044" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://sjsu.edu/events/event<wbr>_detail.jsp?id=2044</a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Tickets are $10 for students/faculty/staff and $15 for general. For students, however, there are a set amount of complimentary tickets available at the General Services Center found at the ground level of the Student Union. Just bring your student ID and VTA sticker for a complimentary ticket. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Thanks for reading - Let me know if you are interested. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Johnny<br />--<br /></span>Have a good week! Hope to write again soon <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> It keeps me sane.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112892855977590763?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1128664480974686682005-10-06T22:54:00.000-07:002005-10-06T22:54:40.986-07:00<div class="blogheader">Thursday, October 06, 2005</div> <table class="blogbody" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td width="5%"><br /></td><td valign="top"><!--type:1--><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000A2H880&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5625" src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000A2H880.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000A2H880&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Twin Cinema</b></a><br />By The New Pornographers<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000A2H880&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Yes, I'm alive. </span><br /><br />I think that title about says it all. Out of the close to three years that I've kept up with this writing log, this has been by far and large the longest drought between posts. And even longer for meaningful posts. So for anyone who has stuck it out wondering, when is this guy going to ever update(!), here's what's up:<br /><br />I had no idea how intense trying to get a credential and a masters at the same time would entail; Nor did any of my cohort. All of us have had at least one breakdown/meltdown, some have actually lost it and cried in class, and some have flat out dropped out of the masters program. I think that I'm a bit lucky in that, unlike most others, I haven't done much teaching and so my openness to their "radical" and post-modernistic perspective and training of how teaching should be done has left me far from the brinks of insanity. Many others come from firm and solid perspectives towards teaching that when we're introduced to radical perspectives of Doll, Freire, Bruner, Whitehead, and other of the like, they have a hard time opening up to consider educational implications of these authors. <br /><br />Long story short, I had a breakdown a couple weeks ago, realizing that I was trying too hard to get close to staying levelheaded with each instructor's assignments. I was being rude to everybody (well my version of rudeness) and just flat out not happy. Just think to Glen Phillips' song, "It Takes Time" (water's getting deeper/and i can't feel my feet/i keep on bailing buckets/but it flows back to me.../How am I gonna make time?/Oh this is going to take time) So when someone in our orientation meeting broke down and cried pleading to our supervisors that there are too many demands from each particular in this program, I realized I needed to take a step back. I need time for myself. I can't let this program take away... me. Ever since, I've decided to do what I can with my time, but allow myself some me time to keep sane. <br /><br />Still doesn't explain why I haven't blogged lately has it. Between these classes i neglected to mention that I'm student teaching first graders! It's a nutty experience I'm in right now. Quick story: I've got two CT's (coordinating/master teachers) who share a contract and teach every other day. One is on maternity leave, was supposed to come back in October, now will be in November because she realized she needed more time. The CT I am working with is pregnant, was to leave mid October, but left about a week ago, 2 weeks early. In place of the two, I'm now working with a CT who's long-term subbing BUT is a 2nd year student in the program I'm currently in! It works, we can relate to each other, but we're basically both learning. I'm not sure if it's the best of experience, but it does give me more free reign in the classroom to work with students. <br /><br />I still don't think i quite explained why i haven't blooged. oops. blogged. during the week i've got 6am-1/2am days. I don't see home often. I guess I'm too tired to put thoughts down on paper anymore. <br /><br />But I'll try to keep posted. Promise. I can't let this blog site down. <br /><br />Fun stuff: <br /><br />Nickel Creek tickets for bay area folks go on sale/pre-sale on Friday! <br /><br />Speaking of Nickel Creek, they're on the video portion of Fiona Apple's new dualdisc album! if you bought it, look for Chris's mad performance in "fast as you can", one of the singles from Fiona's last album.<br /><br />good albums to listen to: sheryl crow's "wildflower", ryan adams' "jacksonville city", the new pornographers' "twin cinema" (I LOVE THIS ALBUM)<br /><br />tv shows i've caught bits and pieces of: my name is earl, kitchen confidential, new season of Curb your Enthusiasm<br /><br />Serenity, anyone? I caught this one and am now backtracking by borrowing Firefly, which one day I'll watch - The film was fun and light-hearted. Heather, you can fill me in <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> (and tell me how you're doing!)<br /><br />I finally learned of the two-buck chuck. i think that's all i need to say <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />ok time for bed. </td></tr></tbody> </table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112866448097468668?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1127422875005449282005-09-22T14:01:00.000-07:002005-09-22T14:03:16.966-07:00<div class="blogheader">Thursday, September 22, 2005</div> <table class="blogbody" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td width="5%"><br /></td><td valign="top"><!--type:1--><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IQJL4&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5625" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002IQJL4.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IQJL4&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Don't Look Now</b></a><br />By Way Out West<br /><!--TrackBegin-->anything but you<!--TrackEnd--><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002IQJL4&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody></table>never busy enough to post up concert news: bridge school this year? lineup:<br /><br />Crosby Stills, Nash &amp; Young<br /> Dave Matthews (Solo, Sunday only)<br /> Norah Jones<br /> Emmylou Harris<br /> Jerry Lee Lewis<br /> Good Charlotte<br /> Bright Eyes<br /> Los Lobos<br /> and Special Guests<br /><br />oct 29/30<br /><br />not as hot a lineup as years past, but as always, special guests make up for it, TBA. would love to catch norah again, though. </td></tr></tbody> </table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112742287500544928?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1127200613879264662005-09-20T00:16:00.000-07:002005-09-20T00:16:53.886-07:00<span></span>I'm still here. Just so incredibly busy. It's my first free moment to blog but it's past midnight and I need to get up at six to student teach my first graders. It'll be day two for me, day one was incredibly interesting and nerve-wracking. That coupled with my coordinating teacher being seven plus months pregnant. I don't want to easily annoy her with such obvious questions that any 'ol student teacher would naively ask. Ahhh, hopefully I'll have better stories to write about sometime -<br /><br /> some quick bay area shows to jot down<br /><br /> vienna teng performs 9.24 in fremont, california for a hurricane katrina benefit. details at her site.<br /><br /> asian comedy night 10.8 in the montgomery theater, downtown san jose with dat phan amongst others.<br /><br /> download festival 10.8 - same day as above, at the shoreline amphitheater - the killers, the doves, modest mouse, and my favorite band that everyone loves, the arcade fire. <br /><br /> bridge school benefit 10.29-30 - acts TBA , but just know that it'll be amazing. it always is.<br /><br /> depeche mode 11.18 hp pavilion, san jose - DM. new album. tour. 'nuff said.<br /><br /> wish me luck.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112720061387926466?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1126719115274100742005-09-14T10:31:00.000-07:002005-09-14T10:31:55.280-07:00<span></span>I can't believe I'm using a Rolling Stone review to quote but this drew a smile on my face earlier:<br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;" class="copy">With strings, horns, backward sound effects, an atypically straightforward vocal and a naggingly catchy keyboard hook that another band could make millions with, "Hoppipolla" offers itself as the autumn's feel-good anthem. Radio won't get it, but the iPods will understand.<br /></span><span class="copy"><br />I posted this song earlier, here it is again. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112671911527410074?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1126511176079014952005-09-12T00:46:00.000-07:002005-09-12T00:46:16.086-07:00<span>Wow, a week between posts, I hope this doesn't permeate into something permanent. I just never, and I'll blame myself, thought that this program I'm in would eat away at so much of my time. It's definitely the most challenging experience I've ever been in. It's like I'm going to two entirely separate schools even though it's one program. Half of the time, I'm learning practicum and how to actually properly teach. Granted, that's what I expected. The other half is spent on far off theory meant to propel us future teachers as becoming radicals who will make changes from within the system to move classroom curriculum into a post modernistic society. Unfortunately, this means that we're always in a constant liminal state pretty much all the time. Confused, befuddled, stuff I thought I was done with in undergrad work. Oh well. The only consolation is that since I went through so much social theory as an undergrad, I seem to have a better grip of the text than the others. They (my cohort), though, have so much more applied experience either as afterschool teachers, substitute teachers, or overseas teachers, that it's intimidating. I guess there's got to be a trade-off somewhere.<br /><br />Oops, I think I gone and complained. Here's what's really of news if that matters-<br /><br />*I'm student teaching this semester a class of first graders starting on Thursday. First graders scare the begeezes out of me, but I've been placed at a school I wanted where there are no bells and teachers are called by their first names. Did you hear that? Good morning, Johnny!<br /><br />*I sneaked in an hour of Oasis's concert tonight. Wow. Remember them? Wonderwall? Don't Look Back in Anger? Champagne Supernova (where were you while we were getting high)? Live Forever? I even brought a guitar and sung part of Live Forever in a Freshman college class once to impress a girl. It didn't work. <br /><br />*Oh, and the band was pretty static. Fun seeing Liam snarl at the mike in real life for once, though. <br /><br />*I can't believe that I didn't post about Six Feet Under's series finale. It was brutal. What a great fifth season. Television doesn't get much more honest and well written. Name me another show that tackles head-on issues without wincing as this show. The final song to end the show was beautiful too. It's a song called Breath Me by Sia. You can't find the album in the States, but you can <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/songs/03%20Breathe%20Me.mp3" target="_new">hear the song here</a> after I spent too long looking for it. Or you can buy the soundtrack, full of great songs by the Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Radiohead, Nina Simone, Interpol, and more I can't think of.<br /><br />*Sigur Ros and David Gray albums out Tuesday. <br /><br />*Nickel Creek's on the cover of current month's issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">No Depression</span>, and it's in-depth to say the least! For the uninitiated, it gives the best description on who they are, how they came to be, and anything else you would ever want to know. For the rest of us, themes that have shaped their lives and how it has translated to their music are bountiful in this article. Religion, relationships, literature are just a few. Pick it up at your neighborhood Borders. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112651117607901495?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1125907494407139482005-09-05T01:04:00.000-07:002005-09-05T01:04:54.413-07:00<span></span><!--type:1--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007YLLK2&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5100" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007YLLK2.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007YLLK2&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>The Forgotten Arm</b></a><br />By Aimee Mann<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0007YLLK2&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> This was featured on Matt Good's site, but I found it interesting enough to repeat it here for thought and discussion. It was printed in the NY Times Sunday, written by Jason DeParle-<br /> <blockquote><p>“The white people got out. Most of them, anyway. If television and newspaper images can be deemed a statistical sample, it was mostly black people who were left behind. Poor black people, growing more hungry, sick and frightened by the hour as faraway officials counseled patience and warned that rescues take time.</p> <p> What a shocked world saw exposed in New Orleans last week wasn’t just a broken levee. It was a cleavage of race and class, at once familiar and startlingly new, laid bare in a setting where they suddenly amounted to matters of life and death. Hydrology joined sociology throughout the story line, from the settling of the flood-prone city, where well-to-do white people lived on the high ground, to its frantic abandonment.</p> <p> The pictures of the suffering vied with reports of marauding, of gunshots fired at rescue vehicles and armed bands taking over the streets. The city of quaint eccentricity - of King Cakes, Mardi Gras beads and nice neighbors named Tookie - had taken a Conradian turn.</p> <p> In the middle of the delayed rescue, the New Orleans mayor, C.Ray Nagin, a local boy made good from a poor, black ward, burst into tears of frustration as he denounced slow moving federal officials and called for martial law.</p> <p> Even people who had spent a lifetime studying race and class found themselves slack-jawed.”</p></blockquote> More importantly, the events that took place in the past week represent a class issue, but that of course is related towards a race issue (or will be portrayed at least) since the minorities, in this case black people, are the ones who typically represent the low end of the class heirarchy. What really peaks my interest for better or worse will come when in three months (or however long it takes) refugees are relocated back to New Orleans and surrounding areas. How will thousands of people start over again with nothing in an area that will have as much opportunities as the worst cities in the country? What could this lead to? Guess I'll nervously wait and see.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112590749440713948?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1125734389479430952005-09-03T00:59:00.000-07:002005-09-03T00:59:49.483-07:00<span>Part of my CRA cohort, otherwise known as my support group and fellow victims for the next few months.<br /><br /><img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/CRA%209.1.05%20%28Gordon%20Bierch%29%20001a.jpg" /><br />L-R (Me, friend who's not in the program, Liz, Robyn, Jill, Jill's Sister, Melissa)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112573438947943095?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1125561102689558092005-09-01T00:51:00.000-07:002005-09-01T00:58:56.370-07:00<font></span>I love this song.<br /><br /><a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/songs/Sigur%20Ros%20-%20Takk%20-%2003%20-%20Hoppipolla.mp3" target="_new">Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla</a><br /><br />It's a bit celebratory. It's uplifting. It's helping me get by with school. And if you're wondering what language they're singing, it's their own made up language. It's a Sigur Ros thing.<br /><br />Seriously, I don't know what I got myself into with this master's program. So far I'm spending every available minute either a. reading or b. writing. I've never been the type of individual who has to rely on finishing up something on a deadline literally just before it. But now I have to be that person.<br /><br />Looks like a lot of drinking to be had these weekends.<br /><br />But you know what. Consider ourselves lucky, I can't imagine and fathom what is going on in and around New Orleans. All the best to them. An area with so much history (and especially music), it's hard to imagine the possibility that it could be lost forever.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112556110268955809?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1125381623606111772005-08-29T23:00:00.000-07:002005-08-29T23:00:23.613-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AADYRQ&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5550" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AADYRQ.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AADYRQ&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Plans</b></a><br />By Death Cab for Cutie<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AADYRQ&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> So here are two songs that are on the opposite spectrum of a particular subject. It's fun to compare and contrast the two, but I like them both as recent favorites. Though the cynic in me would probably lean towards Mr. Adams' lyrical tune more. Take a listen and tell me what you think. Both songs are on each artists' latest albums, by the way. Not the most original subject lyrically, of course <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br /> <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/songs/02-david_gray-the_one_i_love-uf.mp3" target="_new">David Gray - The One I Love </a><br /><br /> <a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/songs/209-ryan_adams-how_do_you_keep_love_alive-ar.mp3" target="_new">Ryan Adams - How Do You Keep Love Alive</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112538162360611177?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1125298359577623602005-08-28T23:52:00.000-07:002005-08-28T23:52:39.583-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AJJNPY&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5250" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AJJNPY.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AJJNPY&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Takk...</b></a><br />By Sigur Rós<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AJJNPY&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> For the two people who actually may have this site bookmarked, RSS'ed, or just curious to hear what else musical nonsense that I'll throw up next, oops. Life has been happening and I've been too: -busy -lazy -tipsy -happy -frustrated -confused -talkative in actual live conversation , you name it to have taken the time to jot down a note, a chuckle, an anecdote, whatever it is that you scribble down on a blog. <br /><br /> (psst. school's started and i don't know what i got myself into!)<br /><br /> When inspiration hits, I'll make sure to jot it down here. In the meantime? A short rundown of some good new albums & finds on the playlist. Because you know I never stop listening.<br /><br /> Sigur Ros - Takk (out 9/13)<br /> David Gray - Life in Slow Motion (out 9/13)<br /> Death Cab For Cutie - Plans (out 8/30)<br /> Tristan Prettyman - Twenty-Three<br /> The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema (featuring Neko Case)<br /> Depeche Mode - Precious (new single! check depechemode.com for the song)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112529835957762360?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1124575958579154552005-08-20T15:12:00.000-07:002005-08-20T15:12:38.586-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AA305M&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5550" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AA305M.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AA305M&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Life In Slow Motion</b></a><br />By David Gray<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B000AA305M&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> Hi!<br /><br /> Its been a week. A long, fun, adventurous week that was needed to... excite myself? recharge my batteries? unwind? Whatever the right, specific reason, I needed something to cut myself loose and prepare for opening day, next wednesday, the first day of my temporary life as a multitasking and juggling student/student-teacher/office worker. <br /><br /> The highlight? Yesterday's Coldplay concert! In the two years since their last visit, the band has taken a lot of visual/aureal cues from stadium fillers like U2 (who they fully express their desire to become) combining their already catchy and sometimes headbopping while other times gutwrenchingly beautiful/honest lyrics to another level. A three-song acoustic set in-between is reminiscent of another big band. Running up to the upper-tier seats at Shoreline (this IS a big venue, mind you!) and singing with the crowd during "in my place" was unforgettable. Brad Kava, our town's local rock critic, wrote an incredible article that details the show much more articulately than I can ever <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2005/08/review_coldplay_1.html" target="_new">here</a>. If you're reading this (maybe Robyn), thanks Robyn, Mike, and Jessica for being fans and coming along! Great music accompanied by great company and great food is the perfect mix! You know you've had a great time at something if the next day you're basically reliving the night before in your head... all day.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112457595857915455?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1124087102935864402005-08-14T23:06:00.000-07:002005-08-14T23:25:09.103-07:00Wow, Xanga just let me know that as of today, the fourteenth of August 2005, I've carried a blog for a thousand days. Remarkable thinking that I started this before I even made the decision to teach. Here's a <a href="http://www.xanga.com/private/home.aspx?user=johnnydo&nextdate=11%2f30%2f2002+23%3a59%3a59.999">link</a> to the first four posts I ever wrote; you'll be happy to know it all started with... music.<br /><br />And if you took a look at that link, then it's just fitting that the pictures I'm posting of this past weekend were of the annual Jazz Festival in San Jose, the biggest free jazz festival in the States :-) Great music, great food!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/Jazz%20Festival2.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/Jazz%20Festival2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jambalaya!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/Jazz%20Festival1.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/Jazz%20Festival1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Adjacent to this.... Crest fest was free Haagen Dazs samplers... Take a trip there, then take a trip in the Crest tour bus where you get to.... Brush your teeth! And try out new Scope mouthwash. Why at the jazz festival, I don't know. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/Jazz%20Festival3.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/Jazz%20Festival3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />That's me staring at the armless superhero in the business district next to the festival.<br /><br /><br />Ok I have the oddest musical suggestion, more odd if you follow the type of music that I'll typically write about. The band name? M.I.A. Short for Maya Arulpragasam, a Sri Lankan refugee who studied art in London. Her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.i.a">bio</a> is remarkable and should be considered when listening to her politically charged album. How to explain her music... Again, it's so hard, but I've been mentioning that she has a small taint of Gwen Stefani's album in her, but of course much more substance. It's hip hop, it's electronic, taints of world music, multilanguage, and best of all, full of attitude and spunk/energy. Definitely music that will throw you out of left field upon first listen, I was almost offended when I first heard her single, Galang, upon reading Sarah Lane's blog. But.... Keep on listening and it'll be the guilty pleasure you can't put off. Here's track 2 from the album to get a taste, it's called "<a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/songs/02%20-%20Pull%20Up%20The%20People.mp3">Pull up the People</a>". <br /><div id="mozilla-image-toolbar-div" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0px; float: left; position: absolute; z-index: 100; top: 1089px; left: 13px; display: none;"><box id="mozilla-image-toolbar" hidden="false"><toolbar class="toolbar-primary chromeclass-toolbar" mode="icons"><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarSaveImage"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarCopyImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarEmailImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarPrintImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarOpenFolder"></toolbarbutton></toolbar></box></div><link href="chrome://imagetoolbar/content/imagetoolbar.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><link href="chrome://browser/skin/imagetoolbar.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112408710293586440?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1123689377821270452005-08-10T08:56:00.000-07:002005-08-11T11:57:17.623-07:00[edit] Link to the Nickel Creek performance of "<a href="http://mfahmed.com/NC/NickelCreek_Leno.avi">when in rome</a>" on the Tonight show with Jay Leno 8.9.05 -- It's 169 MB<br />---<br />The Paste article on Nickel Creek's up! <a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=2051" target="_new">Click here to take you there</a>! Excellent article with the writer following the band during and after two Largo shows, the Watkins Family Hour and a show with Chris and Jon Brion.<br />---<br /><br />You have have have to see this! A few days ago a friend linked me to this, the <a href="http://winterson.com/2005/06/episode-iii-backstroke-of-west.html" target="_new">Backstroke of the West</a>, otherwise known as Episode iii: Revenge of the Sith. It's an english translated subtitles of a chinese dubbed translation and is full of hilarious quotes!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112368937782127045?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1123620990047911752005-08-09T13:56:00.000-07:002005-08-09T13:56:30.053-07:00<span></span>just picked up the album, copy # 63,250 <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> Apparantly they labeled each cd! Digipak format, with lyrics, I'll be busy deconstructing lyrics <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> <br /><br /> <a href="http://cupofcoldcoffee.pflug.com/nickel-creek-why-should-the-fire-die-review" target="_new">Great meticulously in-depth review of the album here</a>. <br /><br /> Paste Magazine's latest issue has a great six page spread as well.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112362099004791175?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1123569306589055782005-08-08T23:34:00.000-07:002005-08-08T23:35:06.596-07:00<span></span>In Sports Relation<br /><br /> There used to be a time when sports ate up way too much of my time - Sundays in the Fall and Winter meant sitting on the couch and watching a three plus hour game of men tackling each other while pausing for commercial every five minutes; Summer days and nights spent in front of the tube or with the radio blaring through inning after inning of an endless season of baseball games. And a bunch of basketball and hockey mixed in-between. Not so much these days as it's hard to rationale blocking out three hours of a day for entertainment, but I was reminded of that fun childhood time on Sunday, with Steve Young's induction ceremony into the football hall of fame - Seeing highlights of his career, of which nearly all were vividly still fresh in my mind, brought a wave of nostalgia of a time in middle school and high school of how simplistic life was back then. You know, the kind of stuff like whether or not I'm happy for the week depended on if the Niners won. Being overly superstitious by making sure to cook up some clam chowder when they played Dallas because when they finally did beat them the previous year, that was what I was having. (although i'll admit most people whatever age still do this) What a fun time to look back on. I didn't have a revelation here to offer but just a nice reminiscence. <br /><br /> And so, before I forget, Nickel Creek's album will be OUT by the time you read this Tuesday!! Since I'll be working, I may just take time out of lunch to go pick it up and hopefully so will you <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> They'll also be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this Tuesday night. Catch that and you'll likely here a live performance of their single, When in Rome. If you're even more interested, they've got a six page spread in the current issue of my favorite magazine, Paste, along with their rockish sounding track, Best of Luck, featured in the magazine's cd sampler. <br /><br /> If you'd like to listen to their album streaming and free, go here - Their stream is surprisingly high quality!<br /><br /> http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/creek_nickel/938799/album.jhtml#<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112356930658905578?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1123216016160978262005-08-04T21:26:00.000-07:002005-08-04T21:26:56.166-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0000DD55R&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5550" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000DD55R.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0000DD55R&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Beneath These Fireworks</b></a><br />By Matt Nathanson<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0000DD55R&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> Crazy day, kids (always wanted to say that). Went in for a scheduled filling at the dentist and surprise, surprise.., I had to get one of my wisdom teeth (still had two left, one now) yanked out immediately. imagine my face when he tells me this as he's drillin' away on another tooth. <br /><br /> isp troubles left us with one option, cable, and i finally got it installed today.... amazing! expect lots of song uploads now <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15"><br /><br /> and of course, more nickel creek news! the "why should the fire die" tour is set and can be viewed <a href="http://www.nickelcreek.com/tour.htm#" target="_new">here</a>!<br /><br /> local date:<br /><br /> <table align="center" border="0" width="95%"> <tbody><tr><td class="boldtext" valign="top">12.10.05</td> <td class="boldtext" valign="top">San Francisco, CA </td> <td valign="top"><a href="http://www.nickelcreek.com/tour.htm#" class="redbold" onclick="window.open('schedule/121005.htm','Detail','width=325,height=350,toolbar=0,left=45,top=45,directories=0,status=0,menuBar=0,scrollBars=0,resizable=1,');" target="_new">Warfield Theatre</a><br /> <br /> <br /></td></tr></tbody> </table> They're hittin' most of the U.S. so everyone should be able to make it <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112321601616097826?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1123135376922138762005-08-03T23:02:00.000-07:002005-08-03T23:02:56.930-07:00O.K. Just one more Nickel Creek related post.... (until the next <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15">)&nbsp; <br> <br> The cat's out of the bag, though I'm not sure how!<br> <br> As of yesterday, their new album (out Aug. 9) was #2 in the Amazon.com top sellers... Behind who?&nbsp; Coldplay.<br> <br> Also on Amazon's rank by genre, they were:<br> <br> Alternative Rock - #2<br> Country - #2<br> Folk - #1<br> <br> Wow, not bad for a nonmainstream and unclassifiable band!&nbsp; Good Job!<br> <br> Catch'em on Leno August 9th.<br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112313537692213876?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122966189279869402005-08-02T00:02:00.000-07:002005-08-02T00:03:09.286-07:00Look what I found <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /><br /><br />A live Blue Merle show, featuring Luke Bulla, direct on their official website! Performing live at the Workplay Theatre, Birmingham, AL on 3.25.05 <br /><br /><a href="http://www.bluemerle.com/music/BlueMerleLiveWorkplayTheatre.zip" target="_new">Download Here</a><br /><br />Tracks include:<br />Seeing Through You<br />Boxcar Racer<br />If I Could<br />Every Ship Must Sail Away<br /><a href="http://www.bluemerle.com/music/05LuckyToKnowYouLive.mp3" target="_new">Lucky to Know You</a><br />Stay<br /><a href="http://www.bluemerle.com/music/07BurningInTheSunLive.mp3" target="_new">Burning in the Sun</a><br />Places <br />So Lonely<br />Bittersweet Memory<br />Either Way it Goes<br />Space Between the Lines<br />Made to Run<br /><a href="http://www.bluemerle.com/music/14PyschoKillerLive.mp3" target="_new">Psycho Killer</a><br />Part of Your History<br /><br />Blue Merle plays Slim's in San Francisco this 6th of August. An open inviation to anyone interested, let me know!<br /><br />Live Noise in August:<br />8.6 - Blue Merle<br />8.12-14 - SJ Jazz Festival<br />8.19 - Coldplay<br />8.24 - Rufus Wainright, the Bens (Folds, Lee)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112296618927986940?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122877954547885222005-07-31T23:32:00.000-07:002005-07-31T23:32:34.556-07:00<span></span><!--type:1--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00008VOQN&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5625" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008VOQN.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00008VOQN&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Day I Forgot</b></a><br />By Pete Yorn<br /><!--TrackBegin-->all at once<!--TrackEnd--><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00008VOQN&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> August? It's August?<br /><br /> Crap. I'm really beginning to freak out. By the end of this month, what was once a summer of carelessness will come to a screeching halt. I'll be going from working part-time to... being a full time student, part time assistant, and a student-teacher. I'll be taking my first masters level courses with a cohort that, after some investigation, includes many students who've graduated from more affluent colleges such as Stanford and though that thought doesn't intimidate me or automatically place them on a higher pedestal, the thought of having to deal with what I'll expect as restrained arrogance doesn't comfort me either. I'm freaking out because in a month, I could conceivably be student-teaching Kindegartners, first, or second grade. Please be second graders, I don't think I'm safe to be left alone with K or 1. Even then, I'm freaking out because I may disappoint my supervisor. I'm freaking out because I've never had courses run until 10pm. <br /><br /> August? Bring back July! I wish I could write this in lyrical format, otherwise it just sounds like I'm complaining.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112287795454788522?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122621994854271872005-07-29T00:26:00.000-07:002005-07-29T00:26:34.866-07:00open thread (will probably cater more towards <a href="http://www.xanga.com/johnnydo" target="_new">xanga blogsite</a>)<br /><br />what artists / songs cause you to cry? or get teary-eyed? or just out-right emotional? it could be because of the lyrics, the vocals, anything.<br /><br />a few i can name:<br /><br />damien rice (too many to count)<br />mindy smith (falling, it's amazing, down in flames)<br />hem (leave me here, waltz, eveningland, carry me home... on and on...)<br />sixpence none the richer (tension is a passing note)<br />alison krauss (new favorite)<br />pete yorn (all at once, sense)<br />toad (windmills)<br />nickel creek (let it fall)<br /><br />feel free to comment.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112262199485427187?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122533704352893832005-07-27T23:54:00.000-07:002005-07-27T23:55:04.356-07:00another quick scribble before i forget -<br /><br />i somehow snuck my way into nickel creek's private show tonight!! without tickets and without partner in crime, heather, i trekked up the half hour up to redwood city in hopes of finding a contest winner going solo who could sneak me in as their "guest". a good sign ensued as i stumbled upon a free parking spot next to the little fox theater. further good signs came after needing to potty, i entered a mexican restaurant next to where i parked and charmed my way into using the bathroom. <br /><br />so i see a small crowd of ten or so contestant winners lined up and, innocently, asked the woman at the end of the line how she got tickets, then if she had a guest. in comes her boyfriend, doh! BUT. she tells me that someone in front of her was going solo. so my savior's name is Bob, also from San Jose, an older gentleman in his fifties who graciously sympathized with my situation and let's me be his guest! how about that. one wrapped vip bracelet later and i was inside primed for nickel creek with about 150 others. <br /><br />the show? two sets. first set is a full run of tracks 1-14 of their new album (why must the fire die? pick it up aug. 9. ) awesome set, the new songs sound tight live. anthony and eveline are much more appreciated after hearing them live again. set #2 was close to a play-by-request with the band in full jam mode. covers of radiohead's nice dreams, a pair of nirvana tracks, a little outkast, another bob dylan track aside from their album cover, a sam phillips track, a tenacious d track, and a few others. encore included an unmiked, acoustic version of cuckoo's nest with mark schatz clogging <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /> umm... requests included smoothie song, lighthouse, ode to a butterfly, reasons why, green and gray... <br /><br />that's bout it - maybe more written later when i'm coherent.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112253370435289383?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122441688962011452005-07-26T22:20:00.000-07:002005-07-26T22:21:28.970-07:00----<br> <font face="verdana, arial, helvetica" size="2">An exclusive live session EP is up on iTunes!!! Find it here: <br> <br> <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=75887855" target="_blank">Nickel Creek - Live Session - EP (iTunes Exclusive)</a> <br> <br> The track listing is as follows: <br> <br> 1. Jealous of the Moon <br> 2. When In Rome <br> 3. Smoothie Song <br> 4. Scotch &amp; Chocolate <br> ----<br> </font>I just purchased my first iTunes tunes.&nbsp; You should too.&nbsp; <br> <br> <img area="121296" src="http://www.nickelcreek.com/journalcontent/sean/3.jpg"><br> <br> Fumbling through Sean (Watkins of Nickel Creek)'s blog, I saw this!&nbsp; Is it just me or is that, um, Teitur, just another favorite songwriter of mine's, over there in the center?&nbsp; Geez, what a small world.&nbsp; <br> <br> <img area="120498" src="http://www.nickelcreek.com/journalcontent/sean/6.jpg"><br> <br> While I'm at it, this one cracks me up.&nbsp; <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15">&nbsp; Check the rest out over <a href="http://www.nickelcreek.com/journalcontent/sean/072505_1.htm" target="_new">here</a>.<br> <br> <br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112244168896201145?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122359243413203972005-07-25T23:26:00.000-07:002005-07-25T23:33:50.163-07:00Google's updated "personalized homepage" has a few interesting features that makes it potentially really cool as an internet portal for when you're stuck using a computer other than yours and need quick access to your favorite sites. Two great new features to take a look at is the ability to add customized RSS feeds (as you can see I added a few such as digg and my poor man's tivo) and adding links to your favorite bookmarks (which i did not take advantage of in this screenshot).<br /><br /><a href="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/google.jpg">Screenshot Link (was too big to fit)</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=1964" target="_new"><span class="l2_h1"> Beck plays Mexican restaurant in San Francisco</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2005/07/25/Arts/SonyPayola_050725.html" target="_new">Sony to pay $10M in payola scandal </a><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2005/07/25/Arts/SonyPayola_050725.html" target="_new">(one reason why radio is full of shit today.)</a><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><font></span><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00061ZM6U&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5625" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00061ZM6U.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00061ZM6U&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Poetry & Airplanes</b></a><br />By Teitur<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00061ZM6U&amp;user=371348&related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table><div id="mozilla-image-toolbar-div" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0px; float: left; position: absolute; z-index: 100; display: block; top: 115px; left: 13px;"><box id="mozilla-image-toolbar" hidden="false"><toolbar class="toolbar-primary chromeclass-toolbar" mode="icons"><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarSaveImage"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarCopyImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarEmailImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarPrintImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarOpenFolder"></toolbarbutton></toolbar></box></div><link href="chrome://imagetoolbar/content/imagetoolbar.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><link href="chrome://browser/skin/imagetoolbar.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112235924341320397?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1122275950875781182005-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:002005-07-25T00:29:21.113-07:00Because I haven't had the opportunity to dress up and celebrate in awhile, I thought it'd be fun to post up some shots of my friend's wedding from tonight - My old manager, Bruce, at Blockbuster finally got hitched at the age of thirty-five and we had an alcheehol-tinged (my, uh, second of the weekend) reunion of our old crew. Hard to imagine that its been almost a year since I left and since we were all in the same room. I hope it doesn't take another getting married to do so again! ... Anywho, congratulations Bruce!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/wedding1.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/wedding1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/wedding2.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/wedding2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/1600/wedding3.jpg"><img area="120000" style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4652/595/400/wedding3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />---<br />So, after being rejected in the random drawing to catch Nickel Creek's preview tour stop at Redwood City on Wednesday, I had one last chance to "win" free tickets to this invite only-by-radio-station show. KFOG passed out five passes to catch this invite show over the air, but alas, even with cellular and landline phonelines in hand, I got the message after about twenty minutes of redialing to a busy signal. Just wasn't to be, was it? I've even posted online on KFOG's ticket swap practically begging for a way in<br />--<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:85%;" > Hi! I'm desperately trying to find an extra ticket to go to this private concert hosted by KFOG - I'm a huge Nickel Creek fan who would be forever grateful to anyone who is open to letting this huge fan come along. Name your price, either monetary or dinner, or whatever. I can't imagine the Creek rolling to town and me not being there.<br /><br />johnnydo@xxx<br />408.xxx.xxxx<br />AIM - xxx<br /><br />Thanks!<br />--<br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:85%;" >And no response, as of yet :-( SO. What does that leave me to do? Well, here's how desperate I stand. And thanks Heather for following along, if you're still up for it :-) Fellow Creekster <a href="http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=lilcreekster">Heather</a> and I plan to meet up early before the Wednesday show, hopefully catching a glimpse of soundcheck and possibly find a way in. Maybe we'll create signs. Maybe we'll ask the guests who're going solo if we could buy them a beer to let us be their "guest" as the invites are allowed one guest. Who knows. But, if that doesn't work, we'll have dinner in downtown Redwood City and at least get to catch up, since I haven't seen her in months. Sound crazy? Yeah, I bet. But a night with Nickel Creek is a night of total fulfillment for me, and hopefully some of the very readers of this blog. It's our choice of drug. All seems right with everything if just for those few hours, and hopefully for the next few days. It leaves you smiling.<br /><br />Must listen to song: Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - "Let it Ride"<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112227595087578118?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1121843302139018162005-07-20T00:08:00.000-07:002005-07-20T00:13:05.576-07:00Quick, scribbled album review that I keep forgetting to write -<br /><p class="MsoNormal">Nickel Creek – Why Should the Fire Die?<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><img area="5625" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009ML2BU.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg" /><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What defines the makeup of an excellent album?<span style=""> </span>Is it the cohesiveness and tightly strung together group of songs that come together in relation towards say… its lyrical interpretation?<span style=""> </span>How the songs fit together sonically? <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>These are usually what the often loosely used term, concept album, is often attributed to and immediately a few favorite recent albums come to mind such as Ryan Adams’ <i style="">Love is Hell</i>, Damien Rice’s <i style="">O</i>, Glen Phillips’ <i style="">Winter Pays for Summer</i> and Ray LaMontagne’s debut.<span style=""> </span>All of these albums ironically are similar in their lyrical observations of the triggerpoints that leave emotional moments in our lives. <span style=""> </span>Or is an album deemed excellent simply by containing great songs, however disconnected they may be?<span style=""> </span>This is a trend I see conitnuing to emerge as ever-dominant in our society, just take a look at iTunes and their 99 cent song.<span style=""> </span>The other day I saw another one of those NOW albums coming out, which is just a collection of singles all put into one.<span style=""> </span>Just a few years ago, many artists were reluctant to have their music sold on iTunes and other similar internet-based shops strictly because they felt that their music had to be listened as a whole, not simply by song.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Shoot, I went off topic, but there is a correlation here to what I’m getting at with this Nickel Creek album.<span style=""> </span>First of all, this latest album introduced new producers taking over Alison Krauss’s role for the band, as the band wanted to produce a more “organic sounding” album that could realize and match the intense energy (and what it is!) of their live shows.<span style=""> </span>As a result, the fourteen songs on this album are beautiful.<span style=""> </span>As typical with their live shows, the band jumps from genre to genre, proving to their listener their ever-widening range of sound.<span style=""> </span>Songs such as <i style="">When in Rome</i> and <i style="">Best of Luck</i> are catchy and almost anthemic to the point where fans will wink at rock influences.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Can’t Complain </i>and <i style="">Helena</i> sound as though they could have been plucked from Chris Thile’s last solo effort, <i style="">Deceiver</i>, and are sung by Chris with a sense of angst/urgency.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Scotch & Chocolate</i>, <i style="">First and Last Waltz</i>, and <i style="">Anthony</i> were popular live tracks that thankfully made the album, with <i style="">Scotch</i> being an instrumental that reminds fans of the mish-mashing tempo of their hit instrumental, <i style="">Smoothie Song</i>, from their last record <i style="">This Side </i>that was so enjoyable and made you want to move around and even bob your head to.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Anthony</i> is Sara’s first Nickel Creek penned song that takes you back to the 20’s with its style and sound that reminds you of AM radio.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Jealous of the Moon</i> and a cover of Bob Dylan’s <i style="">Tomorrow is a Long Time</i> are have that comfortable, folkish sound that isn’t all too complicated, but is a breath of fresh air.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Doubting Thomas</i> and the title track, <i style="">Why Should the Fire Die?</i> both feature excellent harmonies with the latter sounding CSNY-ish, if looking for comparison.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Overall, this album is good and acts as a great representative of where the band is at this stage.<span style=""> </span>The band’s focus on proving their diverse musical palette is largely proven through their contrasting yet equally strong tracks.<span style=""> </span>Yet, and this gets to my definition of a great album, my only problem with the album comes from simply what was said.<span style=""> </span>Listening to the album and listening live is quite different and it can be cumbersome and a bit unpleasant listening to this album in term of flow, whereas the first two albums sonically did not diverge from each respective album’s tracks.<span style=""> </span>The sonic disconnect from one song to another on the new album often makes the album hard to spin an entire time straight through.<span style=""> </span>But, hey, I could change my mind after a few more spins.<span style=""> </span>Great music isn’t supposed to be easy the first time through, anyhow.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p><br />Catch the new video, When in Rome, at <a href="http://www.music.yahoo.com/musicvideos/" target="_new">http://www.music.yahoo.com/musicvideos/</a><br /><br /><span></span><!--type:3--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><br /></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00005JNWV&user=371348" target="_blank"><b>The Beautiful Country</b></a><br />By Damien Nguyen<br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00005JNWV&amp;user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112184330213901816?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1121411371128327632005-07-15T00:07:00.000-07:002005-07-15T00:41:17.860-07:00[EDIT] "Snoop Dogg plays the San Jose Civic August 4, with $30 tickets on sale at ticketmaster Sunday." While not someone I'd go see (though he rocked Live 8), good to see diverse artists at the Civic. (prior artist include: Kelly Clarkson, Billy Idol, Beck, The Pixies all within the last few months)<br /><br />*Blogger readers -> There's now a digg section on the right hand corner of this site, typically full of tech and other news that interest me - always changing, it might be worth a look.<br />-<br />For local readers, be happy to know that the Civic Auditorium in San Jose could be the next happenin' musical venue playing fiddle to large scale bands that normally would take a South Bay-er an hour each way to San Francisco for shows! I caught Beck and Le Tigre this past week and to simplify, think of the floor layout, but slightly larger, of San Francisco's Fillmore and half of the balcony's seating of (again) San Francisco's Warfield Theater, and you've got yourself the Civic Auditorium. Very, very cool.<br /><br /><img area="78400" src="http://www.letigreworld.com/sweepstakes/html_site/song/images/this_island.gif" /><br />Le Tigre<br /><br />This band, a band definitely hand picked by Beck, plays what they call "feminist punk electronic music"... which is about accurate! I'll admit their music and performance was not something I'd come across in my past experience, their incredibly danceable music set to a video stream of odd and eighties looking transitions slideshow somehow just made sense.<br /><br /><img area="238800" src="http://www.beck.com/gallery/gallery_img/2005/echobeck1.jpg" /><br />Beck<br /><br />Beck, oh Beck, which musical genius was going to show up on this night? Never experiencing a live Beck show before, that really became a valid question. Would we see the hip-hop/electronic version of Beck, the crooning heartbroken version of Sea Change fame, or the 70's funk of Mutation?<br /><br />At least for this tour, we saw the electronic Beck, with hints and a little sprinkling of his mellower side during a show-stealing acoustic set. Taking heavily from his latest, Guero, and Odelay (Where It's At, Devil's Haircut, The New Pollution), Beck performed straight on with a full band and a video backdrop reminiscent of those visualization images you'll see when you play music set to iTunes or Windows Media Player. Best of show included an improved on the spot acoustic rendition and sing along of Nelly's Hot in Herre (hope i spelled it right?), because geez it was (and still is!) over 90 degrees here in San Jose! Acoustic performances of The Golden Age, a take from his heartbreaker of an album, Sea Change,, and Crap Hands rose above all else.<br />-<br />this week = beck, le tigre, constant checking of jury duty status, john hiatt, harry potter, ice cream social, telephone misinterpretations (or so i think).<br /><br /><font></span><!--type:1--> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002S947K&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="5100" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002S947K.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Listening</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002S947K&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Trouble</b></a><br />By Ray LaMontagne<br /><!--TrackBegin--><!--TrackEnd--><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B0002S947K&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table><br /><br /><div id="mozilla-image-toolbar-div" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0px; float: left; position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 100; display: none;"><box id="mozilla-image-toolbar" hidden="false"><toolbar class="toolbar-primary chromeclass-toolbar" mode="icons"><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarSaveImage"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarCopyImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarEmailImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarPrintImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarOpenFolder"></toolbarbutton></toolbar></box></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112141137112832763?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1121065354348500492005-07-11T00:01:00.000-07:002005-07-11T00:02:34.356-07:00Blogging.. list style today.<br /><br />* Have not written in nearly a week, but that doesn't mean I have not neglected. Xanga readers, check out <a href="http://johnnydo.blogspot.com/" target="_new">johnny 1.1</a> over at blogger. it's just a site mirror of this, but with a design more at home to me than what I'm given here at Xanga. Finally added a banner and some color/link changes. Firefox recommended for viewing.<br /><br />* Dido has always been an enjoyable listen; Her mix of trip-hop, melencholic, sometimes electronic and sometimes folk-sounding music accompanied by her honest lyrics have always been a favorite, but I just realized after watching her latest <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00082ZS5W/qid=1121063512/sr=8-3/ref=pd_bbs_ur_3/104-0890307-1774323?v=glance&s=dvd&amp;n=507846" target="_new">DVD</a> how well her voice carries live! A definite recommendation to anyone, this live album proves why she has sold countless millions in the UK (something I didn't realize until I researched after watching this DVD). Great soft-focus video directing as well, one of the better captured-on-video concerts. <br /><br />* Still waiting for word on the promotional preview tour from Nickel Creek. KFOG, you're giving me ulcers.<br /><br />* Live 8 is still on my mind. A little vindication that the g8 has doubled the aid after the last minute push by Live 8 among others. If you missed or want to watch any of Live 8, check out this site, <a href="http://www.sonician.com/live8/list.html" target="_new">Live 8 Video Downloads,</a> to download any of the video streams courtesy of AOL. It's amazing, especially of London's. Highlights obviously were Coldplay with Richard Ashcroft, U2 and Paul McCartney, Dido performing Seven Seconds, and Pink Floyd's set. <br /><br />* While on the subject of London, it's just mind-numbing the range of emotion to think a city can go through in one week. Thoughts, prayers, and hopes of resolve are all I can say. <br /><br />* Open thread discussion (sorry matt good, i'm stealing this idea from you): discuss harry potter's new book, due out saturday the 16th. do you care? are you excited? are you sick of the hype? predictions? do you ask yourself why i am even bringing this up?<br /><br />* Jury Duty up this week. Anybody with stories?<br /><br />-johnny<br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><span></span><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00082ZS5W&user=371348" target="_blank"><img area="3975" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00082ZS5W.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00082ZS5W&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>Dido Live (DVD/CD Set)</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00082ZS5W&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112106535434850049?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1120629879031650352005-07-05T23:04:00.000-07:002005-07-05T23:04:39.040-07:00amateur photoblog - fourth of july weekend<br> <br> <img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Beach%207.3.05%20004.jpg"><br> santa cruz beach.&nbsp; not me sticking out my finger there.<br> <br> <img area="153600" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Beach.jpg"><br> me and my niece.<br> <br> <img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Fourth%20of%20July%202005%20036.jpg"><br> <br> <img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Fourth%20of%20July%202005%20037.jpg"><br> <div id="mozilla-image-toolbar-div" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0px; float: left; position: absolute; z-index: 100; top: 1176px; left: 18px; display: none;"><box id="mozilla-image-toolbar" hidden="false"><toolbar class="toolbar-primary chromeclass-toolbar" mode="icons"><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarSaveImage"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarCopyImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarEmailImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarPrintImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarOpenFolder"></toolbarbutton></toolbar></box></div><br> <img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Fourth%20of%20July%202005%20044.jpg"><br> <br> <img area="403150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Fourth%20of%20July%202005%20060.jpg"><br> This was my favorite shot.<br> <br> <img area="227150" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Fourth%20of%20July%202005%20062.jpg"><br> <br> For each of these fireworks shots, there were about ten bad ones. <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112062987903165035?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1120517739805737312005-07-04T15:54:00.000-07:002005-07-04T23:58:48.730-07:00[EDIT] Crap, it's a radio station tour where you can only win tickets :( Well, I'll still try my hardest. <br /><br />Nickel Creek - 7.27.05 - Little Fox Theater, Redwood City.<br /><br />Think my heart stopped for a second. I'm ecstatic beyond belief <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15" /> It's been too long between shows!!!<br /><br />P.S. Little Fox = Super small venue!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112051773980573731?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1120344345578165152005-07-02T15:45:00.000-07:002005-07-02T15:45:45.590-07:00<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">I wish Bob Geldof and those involved in the Live 8 initiative nothing but success and truly hope that their efforts are able to make some sort of impact. And while I disagree with the fact that they have cuddled up to G8 leaders thinking it best to make inroads by playing within the system, I agree that global poverty is an issue that must be addressed. Unfortunately, our entire way of life must be called into question to realistically do so.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Matthew Good wrote a thought-provoking op-ed piece about his skepticism on the overall effectiveness of today’s Live 8 concerts that really does strike a chord with looking beyond the obvious, that the issue of poverty in Africa is more than just attempting to create funding for those impoverished in that country. <span style=""> </span>It stretches beyond that and into how we live our own life, how the comforts that we’ve grown to deem necessary is at the expense of the exploitation of developing countries. <span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.matthewgood.org/mblog/2005/07/are-you-ready-to-change-history.html" target="_new">Check out his thoughts here.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Though at this very moment as I’m writing this, Pink Floyd is performing live in London on the television that I’ve been glued to for the past five some odd hours. <span style=""> </span>Oddly enough, I had not planned on catching more than a few minutes of these Live 8 concerts today, but realizing how massive this event is (and not having anything to do today, luckily!), I just couldn’t put it down. <span style=""> </span>A million people in Philadelphia, unbelievable amounts of bands I’d die to see playing in London (Coldplay, U2, Keane, Pink Floyd, Snow Patrol, Richard Ashcroft, Scissor Sisters, Joss Stone, Dido, Madonna, Sting… it goes on and on), Green Day being presented as from Oakland, California (go bay area!) in Berlin, it’s just a neat feeling that, even though I’m not physically at any of these shows, I feel as though I’m part of something huge. <span style=""> </span>I guess the optimistic side of me thinks that something as massive as this will make a difference when the G8 meets. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, politics aside, how often do you see Coldplay backing up Richard Ashcroft singing The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”? <span style=""> </span>Or Pink Floyd reuniting after twenty some odd years?<span style=""> </span>Or Paul McCartney with U2? <span style=""> </span>Hell, I even felt it when Jay-Z and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Linkin</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> performed together, something I’d never typically say. <span style=""> </span></p> No real point to this post, but I just needed to put down the neat experience that Live 8 has culled from me. <span style=""> </span>It will definitely interest me the outcome of this show, whether or not it affects the G8’s decision to put down more money to help those impoverished, and whether that money will even do any good in the long run. <span style=""> </span>I’d hate to agree with Mr. Good but I share some of his doubts. <span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>If anything, though, at least today’ll leave us with one of the greatest concert experiences ever. <span style=""> </span>That’s why I wish I were in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> today <img src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15" /><span style=""> </span>Well, Sir Paul McCartney’s playing live at this very moment, so I’ll leave it at that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112034434557816515?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1120194977721505502005-06-30T22:14:00.000-07:002005-06-30T22:16:17.730-07:00The Duhks - 6.29.05 Espresso Garden Cafe<br /><br /><img src="http://www.duhks.com/images/gallery/03.jpg" /><br /><br />Above is the band, The Duhks, a quintet that manages to form a unique sound ala Nickel Creek by taking their backgrounds in Celtic, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and rock. They're highly regarded and rising in the indie circuit (Paste Magazine has them in the top five in both their indie and americana roots charts in the past two issues), and I had the neat opportunity to catch the band in the smallest of venues, the intimate Espresso Garden Cafe in San Jose that holds just about a hundred people. <br /><br />Live, the band is very energetic and pass off some of that charming "we're just so glad to be here and that you're digging our music and actually know the words..." that I've come to love from live Nickel Creek shows and, of late, Blue Merle shows. Leonard and the Jessee, the lead singer (third and second from the left on the picture) both take leadership roles in the band and both come off as really charismatic people, especially Jessee who at first might remind you of your favorite punk rocker because of her tattoos. On stage, the band's sound (fiddle, guitar, drums, banjo, and vocal) is fairly tight, performing extremely in sync with each other, though I wish they would invite more improvisation (i just assumed so thinking they were straight on bluegrass), but they are at their best performing the Celtic tunes. <br /><br />Some sidenotes from this fun show- Going solo, I sat down next to this well-aged but experienced and full of road stories man who introduced me to, at the time i had no idea, Leonard, the founding member of the band! We chatted, had a few beers, and talked about whether or not the Duhks should encourage taping of their shows! (They should, it wouldn't hurt!) Also, during the intermission, I ran into two young women, one of which was wearing the exact same Nickel Creek shirt I had on that night! I nearly flipped, so happy to talk to others about Nickel Creek related music, and eventually got a contact number to which I hope will lead to some fun concert and music buddies, if not anything else. <br /><br />Long story short, give the Duhks a listen and catch'em now if they come by your city. They're still doing small venues and folk festivals, but as with Nickel Creek, that may change soon! <br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><span id="xzDisplay"></span><td valign="top" width="1%"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00080Z53O&user=371348" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00080Z53O.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg" border="0" /></a></td><td valign="top" width="99%"><b>Currently Watching</b><br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00080Z53O&amp;user=371348" target="_blank"><b>The Sea Inside</b></a><br />By Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas<br /><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00080Z53O&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank">see related</a></td></tr></tbody> </table> <span id="xzDisplay"><a href="http://www.xanga.com/Amazon/Click.aspx?asin=B00080Z53O&user=371348&amp;related=1" target="_blank"></a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112019497772150550?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1120026109168389392005-06-28T23:21:00.000-07:002005-06-28T23:21:49.176-07:00It's so fun to watch an artist so comfortable on stage that they can share such personal stories barefoot.&nbsp; Yep, I caught Glen Phillips again this weekend, at one of the finer neat little venues of the countless in San Francisco, the Great American Music Hall.&nbsp; The only place I can compare it to is the Little Fox theater in Redwood City, except maybe three or four times larger.&nbsp; Balconies on both sides surround the artist, with a wide open space in front filled with chairs grouped in small round tables.&nbsp; <br> <br> Glen was solo acoustic which I've finally come to realize is the only way he should be!&nbsp; Performing in a band, as he did two months ago, his strongest feature, his vocals, is just too drowned out by overwhelming instruments.&nbsp; Solo acoustic, however, ya get the whole thing and nothing sounds better.&nbsp; As far as banter, Glen was quite the potty mouth this weekend, though ironically he described his annoyance of those who do so for cheap laughs.&nbsp; Great stories such as getting a vesectomy by an admitted Toad fan who kept asking questions like, "Wow. You were in Toad?&nbsp; I bet you got a lot of girls." as he was , um, swabbing.&nbsp; Talking about the best Vietnamese food in San Francisco.&nbsp; Huge food courts in Chinese malls that don't use disposable dishes.&nbsp; Performing Pico De Gallo when someone advertantly blurted out "salsa picante".&nbsp; Telling stories about crazy lab experiments his dad performed.&nbsp; You know, typical concert banter <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15">&nbsp; Amazingly fun and oh yeah, the songs were great... <br> <br> A few hours later.... A bunch of us decided to hike up Mt. Diablo, a high altitude mountain in the East Bay of the Bay Area.&nbsp; Fun, don't wear sneakers, remember to bring lots of water, and I'll let the pictures take care of the rest.<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Mt.%20Diablo%20Trip%206.26.05%20001.jpg"><br> This is so cool.&nbsp; Taken at around 10AM, this is at the summit, above the clouds and fog!&nbsp; That, I think, is supposed to be pointing towards the west, either Frisco or Santa Cruz.&nbsp; <br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Mt.%20Diablo%20Trip%206.26.05%20004.jpg"><br> Taken at the same time, the other side, the East Bay, much less clouds!<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Mt.%20Diablo%20Trip%206.26.05%20038.jpg"><br> I forget, but it's nice to see how high we are!<br> <br> <img area="166500" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Image1.jpg"><br> So we hiked up from where this picture is taken all the way up to the tip of that peak there!&nbsp; My lack of hiking ability/skill/endurance left me crawling the last few moments up... And then I realized we had to do it all again to get back to where we started.<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Mt.%20Diablo%20Trip%206.26.05%20040.jpg"><br> Empty Nalgene bottle there.<br> <br> <img area="187500" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/Mt.%20Diablo%20Trip%206.26.05%20047.jpg"><br> A part of Mt. Diablo dubbed, "Rock City".&nbsp; Hard to tell from this shot, but we had to climb up into this... rock.&nbsp; I'm sitting on the left.<br> <br> That Nickel Creek review will come one of these days...<br> <br> <div id="mozilla-image-toolbar-div" style="border: medium none ; padding: 0px; float: left; position: absolute; z-index: 100; top: 2091px; left: 18px; display: none;"><box id="mozilla-image-toolbar" hidden="false"><toolbar class="toolbar-primary chromeclass-toolbar" mode="icons"><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarSaveImage"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarCopyImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarEmailImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarPrintImage" style="display: none;"></toolbarbutton><toolbarbutton label="" class="mozilla-image-toolbar" id="imageToolbarOpenFolder"></toolbarbutton></toolbar></box></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-112002610916838939?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1119589294482059002005-06-23T22:00:00.000-07:002005-06-23T22:01:34.500-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">As a follow-up, here’s a detailed description of the six episodes that will run. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>If you missed the first two episodes, you can find them through torrents (torrentspy.com) under “30 Days”. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Or catch’em on FX. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>I’m really interested in episodes 3 and 4, as well as 5, though that has a sort of Survivor feel to it. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Episode 6 sounds like they ran out of ideas. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>I followed <a href="http://blogs.indiewire.com/morganspurlock/" target="_new">Spurlock’s Blog</a> as well and he’s written that, “<i style="">We will work with them and FX to get tonight's episode (episode 1) out to every member of Congress in the coming weeks. We did the same with Super Size Me, so hopefully we can keep making folks on the Hill laugh and think ... a great combination in my opinion</i>.” <span style="">&nbsp;</span>I’m happy to hear that. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 1 (6/15)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Minimum Wage”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">The day after the Oscars, nominee Morgan Spurlock and his fiancée Alex uproot themselves from the financial security of their fabulous New York City lives and move to the struggling heart of the Midwest – Columbus Ohio – and work at multiple minimum wage jobs for 30 days.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Their effort to make ends meet is further complicated when Morgan’s nieces come to live with him and he explores first hand what it’s like to feed and support a family while living on a measly $5.15 an hour.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 2 (6/22)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Anti-Aging”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">A thirty-something former athlete who is battling middle-age, an expanding gut, and a lowered libido goes on anti-aging drugs prescribed by an MD for 30 days in an effort to reverse the aging process and put some zing back into his life.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>How will it impact his mood, his marriage and his career?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>While on the drug therapy he will work out with a trainer, follow a nutritionist’s plan, and have a doctor monitor any negative side effects as he tries to recapture the glory days of his youth.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 3 (6/29)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Muslims and <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region>”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">A Christian agrees to uproot his life among his like-minded family and friends and live for 30 days in a large Muslim community in </i><st1:place><st1:city><i style="">Dearborn</i></st1:city><i style=""> </i><st1:state><i style="">Michigan</i></st1:state></st1:place><i style="">.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As he befriends his Muslim host family and adopts their customs, he struggles deeply with his bias against a belief system that does not recognize Christ as the Son of God and his even stronger prejudice against a religion that is closely associated in many American’s minds with Osama Bin Laden and the terrorist activity of 9-11.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 4 (7/6)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Straight Man in a Gay World”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">A God-fearing 24-year-old conservative homophobe from red state </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i style="">America</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i style=""> travels to </i><st1:city><st1:place><i style="">San Francisco</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style="">’s Castro district to live in what is notoriously known as one of the gayest areas of the country.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As he joins a gay sports team, works a job that caters to gay clientele, attends gay-friendly church services and lives with a gay roommate, he gets an inside view of what it is like to live as a minority that still elicits strong feelings of hatred among many Americans.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Throughout the 30 days this former youth minister and member of the military will have his Bible-rooted values severely challenged as this important issue becomes very personal.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 5 (7/13)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Off the Grid”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Two 30-year-old professionals who are friends and typical Americans – i.e., ravenous consumers of fossil fuels such as gas and electricity – go “back to the future” and learn to live without the natural resources that will be depleted from our earth in the not-too-distant future.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>To do this they’ll uproot themselves and move to an “eco village” in </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">Missouri</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> to live 100% OFF THE GRID.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As they set up house in a former 3,000 bushel grain bin, they will sustain themselves on clean power such as solar and wind, recycle all their waste (both food and human), live in a car-free culture, grow and eat only organic foods and conserve their water use with solar showers and rain-catch systems.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Can these fossil fuel addicts wean themselves from their consumptive habits without their lives falling apart?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Will they thrive in a community that is the total opposite their </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">New Jersey</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> neighborhood?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>And will the ecological solutions they learn stick once their Thirty Days are up?<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Episode 6 (7/20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Binge Drinking Mom”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">A mother concerned about her daughter’s alcohol consumption now that she is in college agrees to binge drink for 30 Days to try to get through to her.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>In a booze-drenched Freaky Friday scenario, the daughter will see her mother drunk, vomiting, and hung over as she makes decisions about the tough social choices she faces every day in college.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The mother, on the other hand, will become more aware of the enormous social and cultural pressure to drink that faces kids every day of their college careers.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i>In other news, I’ve gotten a hold of Nickel Creek’s latest (to be released 8/9 or so) and am giving it a thorough listen before letting my biased emotions take over what I think about it. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Stay tuned…..<o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111958929448205900?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1119252292827250532005-06-20T00:24:00.000-07:002005-06-20T00:24:52.843-07:00Just caught an episode of a new series called "30 Days", by the same fellow, Morgan Spurlock (or something like that), who produced the popular documentary, "Super Size Me".&nbsp; He takes the same premise of doing something for thirty days (i.e. 30 days of fast food from Super Size Me), films it quasi-documentary style, but in an entertaining form with messages understandable in layman's terms.&nbsp; <br> <br> The first episode was well done, but particularly because it dealt with an issue I'm most familiar with, the working poor.&nbsp; Think of it as a film version of Barbara Ehrenreich's "Nickel and Dimed" if you read the book.&nbsp; Morgan and his girlfriend (the same Vegan girl from Super Size Me) spend thirty days working minimum wage jobs, trying to survive each day at a time through thrifty spending.&nbsp; There is a little "balance" indicator at the bottom of the screen that continuously pops in and shows how much the two currently have (or are in debt).&nbsp; The message of the episode, though nothing new if you know anything about the working poor, pointed out clearly just how difficult and why these people are on-the-edge.&nbsp; The slightest slip-ups can easily ruin people in this situation (and believe me, that is a large percentage of the country).&nbsp; In the episode, an emergency trip to the ER (remember, they have no medical insurance) that turned out to be non-life threatening cost the couple a thousand dollars, which they calculated would take months to recover from.&nbsp; Morgan's niece and nephew came to stay for a weekend, and they easily, without realizing, spent more than they could afford on soft drinks at a movie theater.&nbsp; For Morgan's girlfriend's birthday, they had to debate whether to pay to visit an observatory that she loved or have dinner.&nbsp; Small issues like these, but issues that affect relationships.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> <br> Anyway there's much more but so far, I dig the concept of the show, which is that it seems to take issues and presents them in an entertainingly light-hearted way, but still manages to hone down an important message.&nbsp; If you liked Super Size Me, you'll enjoy this show.&nbsp; <br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111925229282725053?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1119040550306199082005-06-17T13:35:00.000-07:002005-06-17T13:36:48.893-07:00<p>Had lunch with a friend and his lady co-worker the other day, who was Asian; Vietnamese, I'm pretty sure. She was a bit introverted and didn't exactly exude the best participation of a two-way conversation. </p><br /><p>Today, he tells me this: When he mentioned that a friend was coming to lunch, she asked, "What is he?", to which he responded, "Asian.". She sighs. "Why the sigh? What kind of answer did you want?", asks my buddy. Her response?</p><br /><p>"White." </p><br /><p>Oh well.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111904055030619908?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1118905327593386972005-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:002005-06-16T00:02:07.603-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">Local concerts of interest in the following weeks.&nbsp; (in other words, anyone interested in going?&nbsp; <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15"> )<br> <br> 6/24-6/25 - Glen Phillips at Tower Records (6/24) , Great American Music Hall (6/25), both in San Francisco <br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">6/29 - The Duhks at Espresso Garden Cafe, San Jose.&nbsp; One of the hottest rising indie bands at the moment.&nbsp; Coffee shop atmosphere, once in a lifetime <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15"><br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">7/3 - Better Than Ezra at Day at the Meadow, San Jose.&nbsp; Fun live band, fourth of July atmosphere. <br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">7/12 - Beck and Le Tigre at San Jose Civic Center, San Jose.&nbsp; Beck... 'nuff said.<br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">7/14-15 - Ray LaMontagne and Rachael Yamagata at Mountain Winery, Saratoga (7/14) and the Warfield, San Francisco (7/15).&nbsp; Awesome songwriters.<br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">That's a good month.<br> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">-<br> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050615/ap_on_go_co/patriot_act_libraries" target="_new">House Votes to Limit Patriot Act Rules</a><br> <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>… lawmakers voted Wednesday to block the Justice Department and the FBI from using the Patriot Act to peek at library records and bookstore sales slips.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The House voted 238-187 despite a veto threat from Bush to block the part of the anti-terrorism law that allows the government to investigate the reading habits of terror suspects.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i>Wow.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Yet, I still don’t feel fully secure about the confidentiality of my library book borrowing habits… <o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111890532759338697?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1118737076204423122005-06-14T01:17:00.000-07:002005-06-14T01:17:56.216-07:00If you don't live in California, be glad.&nbsp; If you do... brace yourself. <br> <p><i style=""><span style="color: black;">Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made official his long rumored plan to call for a special election for later this year. </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p><i style=""><span style="color: black;">The Governor wants </span></i><st1:state><st1:place><i style=""><span style="color: black;">California</span></i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""><span style="color: black;"> voters to approve sweeping changes in state government. Among the issues voters will face, a call to change tenure requirement for teachers to five years of service instead of the current two years. Schwarzenegger also wants to remove the power of the legislature to draw state congressional districts. Instead he wants a panel of retired judges to draw the boundary lines. Schwarzenegger is also calling for a spending cap on state government in an effort to make it easier to reach a balanced budget. </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p><i style=""><span style="color: black;">Members of the state's top teachers unions are already geared up to fight the Governor's planned changes to the state's education system. Some unions are raising dues to make sure they have enough money to fight a major media campaign. The Governor has also been raising money for what is expected to be an expensive and bitterly fought campaign. </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">(Copyright 2005, KRON 4. All rights reserved.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="color: black;">And how much is it going to cost?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span class="byline"><i style="">By Dan Morain, Times Staff Writer</i></span><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><i style="">SACRAMENTO</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style=""> — Brushing aside concerns that donors are tapped out and tired, campaign warriors are preparing to spend upward of $100 million on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's special election.<b><br> <br> </b>In what otherwise would have been an electoral respite this year, politicians and patrons might have squirreled away money for 2006, when Californians will elect a governor and other statewide officers. But preliminary campaign reports filed with the state show contributions of more than $44 million in the first half of 2005 to the eight initiatives that are expected to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. "An estimate of $200 million from all parties, I would call that table stakes," said Marty Wilson, Schwarzenegger's main fundraiser. "My guess is that the pot grows from there."<br> <br> Donors spent $235 million on ballot measures last year, $88 million on the first-ever recall of a sitting </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> governor in 2003 and $130 million on the 2002 gubernatorial election….<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>A few reactions in response –<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><i style="">"The state of </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> is today strapped for cash, and I think it is a mistake to spend tens of millions of dollars on a special election, just eight months before a scheduled election. These funds could certainly be used for a much better purpose — like improving our schools or closing the state's budget deficit." — </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i style="">U.S.</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i style=""> Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p>"It's especially outrageous that the idea arises from the man who went to Washington in October 2003 bragging that he would be the "collectinator," using his newfound clout to scoop up federal funds for state projects, a promise that turned out to be merely rhetorical. Now that he's ready to be such a spendthrift, he should call himself the 'profligator.'" — </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i style="">U.S.</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i style=""> Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Burlingame.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p>"In January of this year, Gov. Schwarzenegger asked the Legislature to work with him on financial, educational and governmental reforms to move </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> forward. It is unfortunate that the same majority party that found time to propose nearly $3 billion in tax increases this year refused to work with the governor on his reform agenda. It's time the politicians in Sacramento stop treating taxpayer dollars like their personal piggybanks and start acting in the best interest of California's working families." — </i><st1:place><st1:city><i style="">Duf Sundheim</i></st1:city><i style="">, </i><st1:state><i style="">California</i></st1:state></st1:place><i style=""> Republican Party chairman.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p>"</i><st1:city><st1:place><i style="">Arnold</i></st1:place></st1:city><i style=""> Schwarzenegger's decision to call his taxpayer-funded special election is bad for politics and bad for </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style="">. Schwarzenegger ran for office as a nonpartisan, nonpolitical reformer. In two years he has devolved into a Bush-lite conservative politician who breaks his promises and sells out working people to satisfy his special-interest corporate donors." — </i><st1:place><st1:city><i style="">Art Pulaski</i></st1:city><i style="">, </i><st1:state><i style="">California</i></st1:state></st1:place><i style=""> Labor Federation.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p>"</i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> has a growing health care emergency. But rather than improve health care access or quality, this governor is promoting a plan that will almost certainly produce severe reductions in vital health programs, while seeking to silence the voice of caregivers to protect the safety of patients and all Californians." — Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of the </i><st1:state><st1:place><i style="">California</i></st1:place></st1:state><i style=""> Nurses Association.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><o:p></o:p>"The governor is wasting taxpayer money to hold an election that nobody wants and to push an agenda that will hurt our public schools, kids and local communities. And the plan announced by his advisers to use the election to create a 'phenomenon of anger' against teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public employees breaks his promise to unite our state for public good." — </i><st1:place><st1:city><i style="">Barbara Kerr</i></st1:city><i style="">, </i><st1:state><i style="">California</i></st1:state></st1:place><i style=""> Teachers Association.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111873707620442312?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1118643603311828762005-06-12T23:18:00.000-07:002005-06-12T23:20:03.320-07:00I've been on vacation and of course on hiatus concerning this site.&nbsp; It's a bit refreshing to liberate myself from the grind of school, work, and attempting to type thought out thoughts on a computer.&nbsp; But that aside, I'm a little more inclined to talk and be productive again.&nbsp; <br> <br> Over the weekend, I visited UC Santa Cruz for the first time, for a friend's graduation.&nbsp; Through the graduation speeches and taking general observations, I could now see the... "importance"... "experience"... that people typically correlate with college in America.&nbsp; The idea that college is this wonderfully unique experience where you are practically consumed into an entirely different life, opposed to the rest of your living days.&nbsp; Visiting this campus, I could see how utterly detached it was from the rest of the city, to the point where in ways, it was its own city.&nbsp; Speakers at the graduation reminisced not only on their often difficult experiences and how it helped them grow, but how they did it as a unit and a group.&nbsp; People who knew each other.&nbsp; Anyway, coming from a commuter school, I thought it was a bit enlightening that at least I could see this concept from the outside looking in, at the very least.&nbsp; It helps explain the abundance of college alumni caps/sweaters/tshirts/other marketed material that people wear. &nbsp; I'm hoping that I'll have this sort of bond in my cohort next semester.&nbsp; <br> <br> Pictures from Santa Cruz--<br> <br> the graduate and me plus two friends<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/santa%20cruz1.jpg"><br> <br> me atop a hill on ucsc<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/santa%20cruz.jpg"><br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111864360331182876?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634454.post-1118127385480988112005-06-06T23:56:00.000-07:002005-06-06T23:56:25.490-07:00Thank Yous <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15"><br> <br> It's been a crazy whirlwind weekend, of which my birthday was the least of concerns!&nbsp; <br> <br> My brother, <a href="http://vinhdo.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Vinh</a>, and his wife, <a href="http://susifernandez.blogspot.com/" target="_new">Susana</a> (sorry, I had to use that term one last time!), today took off on their next adventure (again, sorry I'm romanticizing, but I'm listening to this amazing tune by the Duhks called "the dregs of birch" which sounds Scottish but is quite beautiful), this time moving out of the States to Madrid, Spain.&nbsp; They stayed over the weekend and I got to witness and take part in some emotional goodbyes, but also well wishes for the future.&nbsp; We had a grand time in San Francisco on Saturday, the first I think I've been with them that wasn't for a concert! (believe me, it was many a time).&nbsp; Some shots <br> <br> Cliff House (Susana, Mom, Dad, Vinh)<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/San%20Francisco%206.4.05%20007.jpg"><br> <br> Me at China Beach<br> <br> <img area="213200" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/San%20Francisco%206.4.05%20014.jpg"><br> <br> Shot of the Bridge from China Beach<br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/San%20Francisco%206.4.05%20016.jpg"><br> <br> Palace of Fine Arts -- Site of my best Nickel Creek experience <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15"> <br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/San%20Francisco%206.4.05%20024.jpg"><br> <br> We also had a final bbq for them Sunday, my birthday.&nbsp; <br> <br> <img area="120000" src="http://s88846428.onlinehome.us/Johnny/pics/vinh%20and%20susana%27s%20last%20day%206.5.05%20002.jpg"><br> <br> Anyway, it's hard to say goodbye, so let's just call it a see you later, or until next time.&nbsp; Thanks for everything over the past few years and beyond, you guys, especially for treating me like an adult <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley1.gif" height="15" width="15">&nbsp; It doesn't sound like much, but it is a huge deal.&nbsp; <br> <br> And finally, thanks to the friends who beckoned the call of the 23rd hour to celebrate my birthday!&nbsp; Other things took precedence that day, but it was not forgotten (even though it was by me), so thanks for the phone calls and the eleven o'clock wine <img area="225" src="http://www.xanga.com/Images/smiley3.gif" height="15" width="15"> <br> <br> Thanks for reading.<br><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8634454-111812738548098811?l=johnnydo.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Johnnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986739322044707569noreply@blogger.com1