CookieDuster

Tailgate Xmas Greetings

2011-12-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

Tailgate Xmas Greetings, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

My neighbor rants about the Irish-American president visiting his home state.

Ginger & Tim Minchin

2011-10-11T22:14:00.001-07:00

Ginger & Tim Minchin, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Shameless Self Promotion Sand Edition

2011-05-30T21:50:00.001-07:00

Hi! Where has the time gone? Suddenly it's Shameless Self Promotion Time again!

There's this cute little fun kinda crazy wild artistic show I've been working on with a great bunch of cute fun artistic kinda crazy people.

And it's going to be on the TV! That thing we had before the internets, remember that? Try it out on Wednesday, June 1st for the premiere of...

Sand Masters
on Travel Channel
Two 30 minute episodes on one night! For the first time ever. Really!

It's on the television, not on your ipad or phone, yet.

Here's the deal. The show is about this crew that travels the world (heck it's on Travel Channel, right?) and they turn humongo piles of sand in to incredible pieces of art. Art. Capital "A" Art! Cool huh? Some people say it's awesome but that's not my demo although I try to fake it.

Turn on your TV Wed., June 1st around 10pm, maybe earlier because if you are in a western timezone you'll want to watch twice it's so much fun. Sand Masters on Travel Channel. And then they run again on Sunday nights. Wow that's a lot of sand.

What? You need internets? Well ok, here's some linkage to help you out.

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Sand_Masters

Here's a little picture of the logo so you'll recognize it on your TV. I tried to keep it tiny because pushing 40 tons of sand on to your computer just wouldn't be right.

Tree Hugger

2011-04-21T20:17:00.001-07:00

Tree Hugger, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

I detect a little sarcasm in this latest posting.

The president is in Los Angeles tonight on a fund raising tour. Apparently that does not sit well with the neighbor. Somehow the Democratic politicians and a tree hugger are responsible for the spike in gasoline prices.

Hooray for freedom of speech! And who doesn't want a ride on "our" Air Force One?

See the complete collection of his thoughts in the set here.

CookieDuster's photostream

2011-04-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

CookieDuster's photostream on Flickr.

A new button on Flickr!

2011-03-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

Today, at 23:21 UT (19:21 p.m. Eastern US time), the Sun’s odometer resets, and it once again finds itself at the celestial coordinates of 0h0m0s Right Ascension, 0°0m0s declination.

http://ping.fm/rxjpk

Short Sighted

2011-03-13T17:10:00.001-07:00

Short Sighted, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The thought of what the message will be after May 21st amuses me.

What? Your imaginary friend didn't fly your bodies up to his home in the clouds? WTF? What went wrong? How will they keep the followers, many of whom gave away their worldly goods, believing this load of crap? Certainly there must have been some minor miscalculation and rapture is just around the next bend. Open your wallets and get in line. Right.

Yay freedom of speech! But question authority. Use your brains folks. Organized religion is dangerous stuff.

btw the sign this replaced promoted "Shameless" on Showtime, which I predict will last well beyond May 21st.

Legal Bong Hit

2010-10-31T19:10:00.001-07:00

Legal Bong Hit, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Yes, California is full of pot heads, and many of them vote.

Yay Free Speech!

Happy to see this guy on Sunday with a big-ass sign supporting Proposition 19, intended to legalize marijuana in California.

"Vote yes on prop 19 on Tuesday and I'll give you a legal bong hit on Wednesday."

He said that someone had asked him what a bong hit was.

Fuck Hate

2010-10-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

fuck hate, originally uploaded by schmiddi.

At the Restore Sanity Rally.

Hard to argue with that, even if it is in all caps.

Billy

2010-10-19T22:13:00.001-07:00

Billy, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Comfort is where you make it.

Multiple Choice

2010-10-02T12:13:00.001-07:00

Multiple Choice, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The neighbor has a new sign on the car!

This edition makes an attempt at adding a little humor. Still, spelling is not an issue if you disagree with the administration's policies. That "capatolism" must be bad stuff!

And now the spelling issues have spilled over in to the ability to count past six.

Poor spelling aside, I do enjoy how the constitution and religion are barely separated.

Hooray for free speech!

A collection of his thoughts in the set at http://bit.ly/failgate

2010-09-29T21:24:00.001-07:00

Tom Waits, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee http://ping.fm/8zDIi

Pat Tillman's Brother Gets Real

2010-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is fantastic.

Pat Tillman's brother refuses to let religious political hypocrites hijack his brother's beliefs to advance their own misguided ways.

I have a new hero.

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Trio

2010-09-25T20:14:00.001-07:00

Trio, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

I had the pleasure of shooting a "roll" for Dean's show, "The Nigerian Spam Scam Scam."

Dean Cameron received email from a Nigerian con-artist posing as the wife and son of a dead Nigerian leader. After writing back as a sexually confused Florida millionaire, whose only companions being his cats, houseboy and personal attorney Perry Mason, Dean embarked upon a 9-month correspondence with the con-man. With Victor Isaac as the bewildered and tenacious Nigerian, the duologue, taken from the actual email, documents the hilarious relationship as it descends into a miasma of misunderstanding, desperation, and deception.

Go see it, you'll schnertz.

Special appearance by Mr. Snickers.

Peet's

2010-09-07T19:31:00.001-07:00

Peet's, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Replacing even a few Starbucks with Peet's would be a huge improvement in the quality of life in LA.

Earth Wind & Fire(works)

2010-09-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

Earth Wind & Fire(works), originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Yay fireworks!

2010-07-08T12:33:00.001-07:00

Cookie buzz -- now, just add coffee.

2010-07-07T15:30:00.001-07:00

Death by cookie. Mmmmmm.

2010-07-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Listening to Return Of The Son Of... and getting a little work out of the way. Having a home office is a good thing.

2010-07-04T07:53:00.001-07:00

Waiting to see if the 8am 7-miler will depart on time today.

2010-06-30T19:53:00.001-07:00

Got invited to the NEW alpha Digg site, which promptly refused to let me login. Followed by email from Digg saying... try later tonight! Meh...

2010-06-29T13:58:00.001-07:00

Return Of The Son Of... smashed CD case. Well, one doesn't play the case!

2010-06-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

Going out for Anniversary Dinner with my bride!

2010-06-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

Ouch. That was a big ass power hit here in the West Valley. Did someone just run in to a power pole?

2010-06-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

LOST
http://ping.fm/g00k1

Fantastic.

2010-06-23T11:04:00.001-07:00

Is Rolling Stone suddenly relevant again? I suppose they're twisting a big fat one about now.

2010-06-22T20:02:00.001-07:00

Cross platform test post from Ping via AIM ichat client... is this the long way around?

2010-06-22T15:07:00.001-07:00

http://ping.fm/Cekqp
Sure it's a cute cup, but it's full of M-Fing fine coffee!

Untitled

2010-06-21T20:28:00.003-07:00

Testing posting to multiple sources from Ping.fm. Have not been by this way is a while.

via Ping.fm

Posted via web from cookieduster's posterous

2010-06-21T20:28:00.001-07:00

Testing posting to multiple sources from Ping.fm. Have not been by this way is a while.

Notes On A Truck

2010-05-29T16:31:00.001-07:00

Notes On A Truck, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The Response

2010-05-29T16:30:00.003-07:00

The Response, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The Complaint

2010-05-29T16:30:00.001-07:00

The Complaint, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The Return of Tailgate Politics

2010-02-06T21:07:00.001-08:00

The Return of Tailgate Politics, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

He's back!

Holy Sale

2010-02-02T22:09:00.001-08:00

Holy Sale, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Someone tell me, why shouldn't we tax the churches?

Espresso Soda

2010-01-24T13:19:00.001-08:00

Espresso Soda, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Meh. It's not what I'd hoped for. Too sweet with almost a syrup like quality to it. Oh well.

Help Me

2010-01-15T22:39:00.001-08:00

Help Me, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Spotted on a walk around the block near work today. I like the legibility and the copious amounts of ink involved.

Espresso Soda

2010-01-01T18:32:00.001-08:00

This should be interesting. Will report back.

[Sent as a sequence of 1s and 0s.]

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

Duncan and Dean

2009-12-24T19:38:00.001-08:00

Duncan and Dean, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

I never figured I'd be a baby photographer. But I suppose that success is mostly in the hands of the model. In this case Duncan and Dean do all the work. All I have to do is get the focus right and the exposure close. Happy pre-birthday Deano!

Ballard Street by Name

2009-12-19T13:31:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

Billy Howls

2009-12-13T17:05:00.001-08:00

Billy Howls, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Imagine that going off at 3:00am. Minimal encouragement on my part for this demonstration.

NB TotalFit, Check it out!

2009-12-13T14:10:00.001-08:00

Hello,

I wanted you to know that I just completed the following workout:

Workout: Run
Date: Dec 13, 2009
Distance: 3.98 mi
Duration: 0:38:35

To view 'NB TotalFit: Dec 13, 2009 1:30 PM', follow the link below:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_workout?w=511126074215016982

You can also view my profile and add me as a Friend here:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/user_profile?u=857371

I sent this from NB TotalFit, available in the iTunes app store!

Thanks,
sdurgin@mac.com

[Sent as a sequence of 1s and 0s.]

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

Don't Drink & Park

2009-12-03T21:18:00.003-08:00

I have no idea how this idiot made it to my block without any body damage. But for goodness sake, if you sleep it off in my neighborhood, turn off the engine, roll up the windows, and expect to find your picture all over the internets.

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

Scambot!

2009-11-09T19:56:00.001-08:00

[Sent as a sequence of 1s and 0s.]

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

C'mon!

2009-11-09T08:10:00.001-08:00

Posted via web from cookieduster's posterous

Too Much, Too Soon

2009-11-08T17:08:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from cookieduster's posterous

We're Back!

2009-09-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

We're Back!, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

The neighbor's pickup truck is back in the driveway. Perhaps it was away on summer vacation.

With Obama's address to school children on Tuesday and then Congress Wednesday night I expect there may be a "Welcome Back" message posted before the end of the week. Here's hoping!

Tailgate Two-Fer

2009-06-07T14:50:00.001-07:00

Tailgate Two-Fer, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

My wacky neighbor put up a two-fer on his truck today. This is the first time he's touched on what I think is a racial note. I fear his messages will degenerate further as summer progresses.

Although in response to part two of the message, my answer would have to be "no."

Even though the first sentence is posed as a question and lacking in proper punctuation, he is truly making a statement of his own beliefs.

His spelling gets a passing grade today.

A less than palatable message, but hooray for freedom of speech!

Ping Dings with Ning and Ging

2009-05-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

Ping Dings with Ning and Ging, originally uploaded by CookieDuster.

Another reason to love California

2009-04-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

White Rose
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Last night my sister in law sent a picture of the snow falling on Chicago-land. Today I am returning the favor with this.

Not The Second but Third Octuplets

2009-01-30T18:52:00.001-08:00

"Poonam, Sashi, Pria, Uma, Anoop, Sandeep, Nabendu, and Gheet Nahasapeemapetilon are the eight children of Apu and Manjula. They were born in Season 11's "Eight Misbehavin'" and have appeared in several episodes since. " - http://ping.fm/tTGMz

Shameless Self Promotion Happy New Year edition

2008-12-31T12:15:00.001-08:00

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year!

It's a year-end edition of Shameless Self Promotion.

2009 ushers in a week of The National Body Challenge on Discovery
Health, @ 8pm 1/5 thru 1/9.

Five nights of weight loss reality, intrigue, and action! Really!

This time around six morbidly obese participants compete to see who
can lose the greatest percentage of weight. There's tears, sweat, and
conflict as big people try to get smaller -- some do -- others, not
so much...

Brought to you by the fine folks at LMNO Productions.
I worked as preditor on the show since July. Now, on to the next!

Check your local listings for The National Body Challenge on
Discovery Health beginning 1/5/09 at 8pm.

A couple of production stills posted here:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/NBCstills

Discovery linkage:
http://tinyurl.com/NBClisting

Thanks and stay tuned!
Steve

2008-12-29T19:11:00.001-08:00

is "baching" with the big dog while G visits my in-laws with the little dog.

2008-12-27T16:01:00.001-08:00

Trying to post status updates via Ping

Museum Me

2008-12-22T16:03:00.001-08:00

StevieD
Originally uploaded by queechyjan

Bright eyed and bushy-faced!

Floored

2008-12-16T16:57:00.001-08:00

Art Museum by dumpr.net

Shoes for Industry Shoes for the Dead

2008-12-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

With a nod to Phil Proctor and the Firesign Theater, here's a great idea:

As an act of solidarity with the jailed Iraqi journalist, set aside a pair of your oldest, dirtiest, smelliest shoes. When the GW Bush Presidential Library opens at SMU, mail the shoes. If random Altercators sent a pair of shoes over the next 20 years, it would be a small gesture of the disgust the world feels for this man and his administration.

dle Hands Productions

2008-12-15T17:16:00.001-08:00

1208081048.jpg
Originally uploaded by Peggy Archer

"Idle Hands Productions" -- where the devil does his best work!

Shameless Self Promotion with a difference

2008-12-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

To steal a line:

And now for something completely different.

Well. different for me at least.

Back in June and July I played preditor for two of the shows for the
WE Channels series "Wedding Central."

The episodes of Wedding Planners that I worked on are coming up!

Wedding Planners – Laura & Ross / Amy & Ben, Sunday, 12/14/08 @ 10pm
on WETV

followed by

Wedding Planners – Kasey & Wil / Lynsey & Seth, Sunday, 12/28/08 @
10pm on WETV

As always check your local cable listings to find WETV -- it's where
Bridezillas plays.

Thanks for tuning in and keeping a Durgin employed,

Steve "married in Vegas and that worked out just fine thank you" Durgin

Back With Fear!

2008-10-31T21:37:00.001-07:00

Back With Fear!
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

A new sign on the truck today! The Republican party's campaign message of fear has made an impression on my neighbor. He's backsliding on correct spelling of the Democratic party's candidate, and his use of the apostrophe is not proper. But he's getting his message across. Nothing mean about free speech!

And when all else fails, blame the media.

It's Nearly Election Day...

2008-10-26T21:54:00.001-07:00

It's Nearly Election Day...
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

And the nutjobs are popping up on streetcorners.

This guy (not a neighbor) had a "Yes on 8" (to deny gay's their CA State constitutional right to marry) on one side of the sign in his right hand, and something pro-McCain on the other side.

But the white board message is the one that got me.

What the hell is he talking about? All I can figure is that he is a religious anti-abortion nutjob as well as an anti-gay rights nutjob.

btw I believe Barack's daughters are ages 9 and 7.

Still, gotta love free speech.

Riddle Me This

2008-10-22T20:45:00.001-07:00

Riddle Me This
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Tonight's message brought to you by my Republican neighbor. So glad that he gets to speak his mind, but I find his thoughts lacking depth.

Tailgate Politics

2008-10-22T15:54:00.001-07:00

Tailgate Politics
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

The guy around the corner has started posting political messages on the tailgate of his truck. I find them very amusing and hope he keeps them coming!

The Stars Were Out At The Hollywood Bowl

2008-07-12T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Stars Were Out At The Hollywood Bowl
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Went to see Chris Isaak at the Bowl and the owner of this interesting tattoo was a couple of row ahead of us.

Axe - me again

2008-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

For everyone waiting for the red lamp to light up on your Tivo,
you'll have to wait until the end of May.

The network decided today to move Modern Marvels: Axes to Friday, May
30th at 8:00pm.

Thanks for your attention, that was a great rehearsal everyone!

Modern Marvels: Axes
Friday, May 30th on History
8:00 pm EST/PST

steve

Shameless Self Promotion - Cutting Edge Edition

2008-05-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

I want you to go out to your shed, or the garage, wherever you keep
your tools.

Find your axe. You have at least one axe don't you? If you don't own
one, borrow one.

Now, take a good look at it and tell me this, was that your
grandfather's axe or did you buy it at the local big box home and
garden store?

What's the difference you ask? It's just an axe. Oh come on! I could
shoot an entire documentary about the axe.

In fact, I already have.

Yep, this is shameless self promotion -- Cutting Edge Edition!

The kind folks at Actuality Productions invited me to produce and
write an episode of "Modern Marvels." Well of course I was flattered,
said "yes, that would be fascinating," and waited to hear what the
topic was.

"Axes," they said. My first thought was "hmmmmm, no moving parts."

Nine days of shooting later I'd been from Blaine, Washington, to Lake
Waccamaw, North Carolina, and found out that the axe has a pretty
interesting story.

To find out what makes the axe a Modern Marvel tune in to the History
Channel (like Cher and Bono, it now goes by just a one-word name,
"History") on May 7th, Wednesday at 8pm EST/PST.

Set your tivo, help keep a Durgin employed.

Here's the Modern Marvels' schedule page:
http://tinyurl.com/ngf9s

On this episode of Modern Marvels it's the cutting edge of one of the
world's oldest tools and sharpest weapons: the axe. Chipped from
stone or forged from high tech steel the axe cuts across time and
cultures. To understand the physics that make the axe a dangerous and
efficient cutting tool we'll examine the technique of competitive
lumberjacks, and Jills, as they chop through 12-inch logs in a matter
of seconds. Modern Marvels visits the production line at one of the
nation's largest axe manufacturers to see how hot metal is forged
into a modern axe. We'll take a swing with a Vikings' battleaxe,
designed to chop arms and legs instead of wood, then see which knight
would win in a fight of sword versus axe. We'll show why the Native
American tomahawk is making a comeback as a modern tactical weapon.
We'll take to the woods to find the sharpest lumbermen who'd rather
pick up an axe than a chainsaw. Then we meet a sharp collector who
doesn't have an axe to grind, he has more than 1000. Finally we'll
see why the classic fireman's axe remains an invaluable lifesaving tool.

Wednesday May 7 on History – at 8pm EST/ PST.

And for your bemusement.... a link to photos from the great axe road
trip:

http://flickr.com/photos/cookieduster/sets/72157603983163090/

About The Willow

2008-03-27T20:52:00.001-07:00

About The Willow
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Bad news, the old willow needs much more than a trimming. It needs to be taken down before it comes down on its own.

New Voice

2008-02-29T11:33:00.001-08:00

New Voice
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

After a long silence my neighbor has found his voice again and posted a new sign on his truck. Can't say I disagree with this one.

Give Me a Break

2008-01-13T09:10:00.001-08:00

Because St. Peter was on a break, Jesus had to receive an old man at
the pearly gates and upon seeing him, Jesus asks, "What is your name?"
"I'm so old, I don't remember"
"So, where are you from?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't remember that either"
"I'm sorry, too, but I need some information so that I make look up
your name in the Book of Life."
"Well, all I remember is that I was a carpenter, and that I had a son
who became incredibly famous throughout the land, so that even today
his story is still being told to millions."
Jesus looked closely at him and then whispered, "Father?"

And the old man responded tears in his eyes, "Pinocchio?"

(with props to Phil Proctor)

Happiness is seeing OJ back in handcuffs

2008-01-12T11:31:00.001-08:00

O.J. Simpson was in jail Saturday, accused of violating terms of his bail in an armed robbery case. I don't care if it's for spitting on the sidewalk, I hope they can put him away for as long as he lives.

read more | digg story

Many Happy Returns!

2008-01-07T14:35:00.001-08:00

Many Happy Returns!
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Home Depot is one of those stores with a liberal return policy for plants and trees. If they die on you, bring it back for replacement or refund. But the policy is adjusted for the holidays. The young lady at the return counter said that yesterday (1/06/08) a man tried to return a christmas tree. Now that's ballsy. The customer deserves some kind of award for trying. Perhaps that's when they added the note "Any Condition."

Happy Shameless Self Promotion New Year!

2008-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

So here it is again, another edition of shameless self promotion.

Now maybe you've seen the promos for NBC's Biggest Loser, they've got couples. BAH!

They are SO behind the curve. Our "NBC" is the National Body Challenge on the Discovery Health Channel, and we've got TWINS!

That's right, identical brothers and sisters, big ones, much too big for their own good.

Take a look at these guys:

That's Jeff and Jim.

Yep, those are some BIG twins! We follow these guys (and three other sets of twins) while they drop a mess of weight. Somehow, watching them lose weight makes us all feel better and entertained.

Happy New Year one and all. Feel the love. Watch my shows.

National Body Challenge: Twins
Monday – Thursday, January 7-10 at 8pm e/p
Check your local listings for the Discovery Health Channel and find them online here:

http://health.discovery.com/national-body-challenge/tv/twins.html

http://health.discovery.com/national-body-challenge/promo/tune-in.html

But wait! There's more! On Friday night January 11th at 8pm tune in for Fit To Live. Five people, four weeks to turn their lives around and become fit enough to escape an emergency scenario climbing to the rooftop of a 30 story skyscraper.

Thanks for tuning in.

Frank Zappa, December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993

2007-12-04T10:12:00.001-08:00

G & Frank

Originally uploaded by CookieDuste

Network: 1976 revisited

2007-12-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

Howard Beale: You're beginning to believe the illusions we're spinning here, you're beginning to believe that the tube is reality and your own lives are unreal. You do. Why, whatever the tube tells you: you dress like the tube, you eat like the tube, you raise your children like the tube, you even think like the tube. This is mass madness, you maniacs. In God's name, you people are the real thing, WE are the illusion.

Silence

2007-11-26T16:45:00.001-08:00

Silence
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

After two poster board messages my neighbor's truck bed has fallen silent. Will there be another posting? Did he realize how much trouble that tape will be to remove? Has he already run out of things to say? Stay tuned...

Stupid Prices

2007-11-25T12:11:00.001-08:00

Stupid Prices
Originally uploaded by CookieDuster

Apparently stupid prices are not always a good thing. The store was open but the parking lot at this store in Northern California was absolutely empty.

No Contract, No Sex

2007-11-21T22:09:00.001-08:00

No Contract, No Sex
Originally uploaded by NoHoDamon

The WGA strike gets personal.

CNN becomes National Enquirer of TV news

2007-11-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

From CNN (keep in mind that one of those "N"s stands for the word "news"):
It may not be the most appetizing reading before a hearty holiday meal, but the New England Journal of Medicine is devoting part of its Thanksgiving issue to a giant hairball -- and not the feline kind.

But the lead here is that CNN cannot resist an outrageous headline. This stuff was once fodder for the National Enquirer but the 'newshounds' at CNN can't keep their paws off them now.

read more | digg story

Free Speech - W'ont Work

2007-11-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

My neighbor has a new message on the back of his truck. A big improvement and much more focused!

This time he must have found a poster board spell checker.

But wait, he misplaced the apostrophe in the word "won't". To some that may be a minor error, but it dilutes his message. "W'ont" is not a word in any dictionary. Perhaps he is referring to West Ontario? I don't think the citizens of West Ontario have that much influence over our military.

Now I'm looking forward to what happens next. Will there be more messages from the truck? Which Republican candidate will he support? Stay tuned!

Ashes to ashes, at Disneyland. The "Happiest Last Resting Place on Earth?"

2007-11-14T07:12:00.001-08:00

Everyone who rides Disneyland's "Pirates of the Caribbean" knows "dead men tell no tales," and its animatronic figures aren't talking either. But, oh, if they could. Workers spotted a guest on the ride sprinkling an unidentified substance into the water, prompting them to close the attraction. Imagine eternity in "Small World."

read more | digg story

No Crab due to SF Bay oil spill

2007-11-13T11:33:00.001-08:00

The move will delay the start of the commercial Dungeness crab season that was supposed to begin Thursday. Fishermen are worried the crabs could be contaminated because ocean and bay water is used to keep the crustaceans alive in fishing boats after they're harvested from the sea floor. This sucks.

read more | digg story

Free Speech - Poor Spelling

2007-10-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I have a few pet peeves. Well, maybe several. But here is one that just drives me nuts. Adults that can't spell. I don't mean a simple typo, I'll excuse that. And I am guilty of often forgetting which words don't abide by the "i before e" rule. But c'mon folks, if you want to be taken seriously learn the difference between "lose" and "loose." There's no reason to take this message seriously:

Priest 'only pretending to be gay.' Halloween at the Vatican?

2007-10-14T14:51:00.001-07:00

What would be worse?

A "man of god" lying to trap "sinners?" Or a psychoanalyst deceiving people? It's all bad.

Here's the CNN story:

Monsignor Tommaso Stenico said he met with gay men as part of his work as a psychoanalyst.He said that he pretended to be gay in order to gather information about "those who damage the image of the Church with homosexual activity... I was a victim of my own attempts to contribute to cleaning up the Church with my psychoanalyst work."

read more | digg story

Rock & Roll Karaoke: "Coreyoke"

2007-10-05T13:06:00.001-07:00

Coreyoke is live band karaoke with an inspiring/horrifying twist: its three members ape the stylings of the three most famous Coreys in history: Feldman, Haim, and Hart.Interestingly, bassist Dean Cameron was an '80s mainstay himself, starring as "Dave Marshak" in Ski School and "Chainsaw" in Summer School.

read more | digg story

What the...?

2007-10-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

Can anyone explain what's happening here?

Dawkins spreads the A-word among America's unbelievers

2007-10-01T07:12:00.001-07:00

Religion is palpable in US schools, places of work and public institutions. God is invoked by soldiers and politicians in a way that would seem inappropriate in Britain. George Bush used God as one of the reasons for invading Iraq. In Congress, where godlessness can equate with being unelectable, only one representative, Pete Stark, is prepared to admit to being a non-believer.According to a study published last year by the University of Minnesota, Americans distrust atheists more than any other minority group, including homosexuals, recent immigrants or Muslims.Now the best-selling author of The God Delusion and chair of public understanding of science at Oxford has set up an organisation to help atheists round the world, including the US.

read more | digg story

Bush gets an S, for slip-up

2007-09-26T22:18:00.001-07:00

"As yesterday's positive report card shows," Bush said, "childrens do learn when standards are high and results are measured."

read more | digg story

The leader of the free world has spoken.

Top Ten

2007-09-22T17:06:00.001-07:00

TOP 10 SIGNS YOU'VE BEEN IN THE TV BUSINESS TOO LONG

10) Your dining room is set up for 3-point lighting

9) Your date says to pick her/him up in 45 minutes, and you wonder if s/he meant drop-frame or non-drop-frame

8) Your home movies are preceded by :45 bars and tone

7) Your kids' names: Lowel, Mic, Bogen, little Chimera, and the twins: Ike/Gami

6) You think the sonogram could use some rotoscope work

5) Your friends refuse to watch television with you anymore

4) Terms like "best boy," "key grip," and "second unit" no longer make you chuckle

3) Twenty bucks for a roll of tape doesn't sound that unreasonable anymore

2) After a performance failure with your partner, you tell her/him you'll fix it in post

1) You thought, "Yeah, so?" after reading any of these

A News Director's Lament

2007-09-21T07:14:00.001-07:00

Now news directors are not known for being brilliant. But Bob Long at KNBC is one who has spoken about the reality of TV news and its future. He can't even get his own family to watch:

"My son, a junior at Berkeley, will never own a television set. His mother's an anchor, his father's a news director, he doesn't give a shit about television .There isn't a single broadcast in prime time in double digits. The market share for television across the board, not just news, has shrunk dramatically."

read more | digg story

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

2007-09-19T13:40:00.001-07:00

She found a plastic surgeon as good as she is at prosecuting murderers!

Dead Sheiks

2007-09-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's just the costuming but there is a noticeable similarity between Sheik Abdul Sattar Rishawi seen here ten days before a roadside bomb killed him...

...and Sheik Yerbouti,

aka Frank Zappa.

Kathy Griffin's Emmy Acceptance Speech

2007-09-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

"A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus," an exultant Griffin said, holding up her statuette. "Suck it, Jesus. This award is my god now."Her reaction to the hubbub about the remark?"Am I the only Catholic left with a sense of humor?"No Kathy. I fuckin' laughed out loud when I heard it.

read more | digg story

Yet another new "Blade Runner." Is 5th cut the charm?

2007-09-03T12:11:00.001-07:00

Twenty-five years after "Blade Runner" was panned by critics and pulled from theaters, British director Ridley Scott savors revenge with the final cut of the science-fiction film now considered a cult classic. Presenting the new version of what he considers his most accomplished movie.Over the years, five versions of the film have been released, including a director's cut in 1992. But Scott said the "Final Cut" -- which will be issued as a collector's DVD edition later in the winter -- was "really as it was intended to be."

read more | digg story

Lagunitas brewer rocks as he rolls out Zappa beers

2007-09-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

Lagunitas is issuing special beers, marking the 40th anniversary of the release of each Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention album. The first beer: Freak Out Ale came out last year. This month, Lagunitas released Kill Ugly Radio , marking the 40th anniversary of the second Zappa album, "Absolutely Free."

ok, take me to the story | digg story

ZPZ Los Angeles, Wiltern Theater 8/23/07

2007-08-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Another exceptional evening of the finest optional entertainment.

Here’s the setlist:
August 23rd, Wiltern Theater Los Angeles
Noise intro
Black Napkins (video)
City of Tiny Lights (Ray White)
Advance Romance
Dumb All Over (video)
What’s New in Baltimore?
Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy
Dog Meat
Suzy Creemcheese
Brown Shoes
America Drinks and Goes Home
Peaches en Regalia
Pygmy Twylyte (Qualude Thunder version)
Dupree’s Paradise variations
[Jamie Kime kills (Packard Goose/Drowning Witch) Ray “Walk the beach with my cellmate”]
Uncle Remus
Willie The Pimp
Joe’s Garage
Wind Up Workin’ in a Gas Station
San Berdino
Illinois Enema Bandit
Wild Love
Yo’ Mama
(encores)
Cosmik Debris (KCET video FZ vocal and solo)
G Spot Tornado
Muffin Man (FZ solo from Baby Snakes video)

A few notes of interest.
Everyone seemed relaxed and truly enjoying themselves on stage as this show closed out the first leg of the 2007 tour.
To Dweezil’s (and everyone’s) bewilderment one bone spur in the pit kept yelling out “James Brown!” The meaning of this finally occurred to Ray who laughed and went over to Dweezil and explained he must mean “Bobby Brown.”
Dweezil cracked the band up (especially Pete) at the end of America Drinks when he said, "Hey Trixie, why don't you stop being such a whore..."
What’s new in Baltimore? Frank Zappa day, should happen every year.
When everyone took their place in the Dupree’s Paradise variations spotlight, Jamie “The Shocker” Kime ripped out a thrilling guitar solo. Scheila again mastered multiple sax.
Billy gave a couple members of the crew and Ray a turn at playing the gong during Muffin Man.
Mikey was on hand to shoot stills, hopefully they will appear on the site.

Thanks to Dweezil and the band for keeping Frank’s music alive! It doesn’t come any better than this.

Oh, from the guy in the hawaiian shirt to the ear doc... drop us a message, curious what your db meter read during that Pygmy Twylyte solo. woweeeee.

ZPZ in Boston

2007-08-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a late addition to this overlooked blog thingie. This is my write up for the ZPZ mini site with a quick rundown of the fun we had at the Zappa Plays Zappa show in Boston.

Just back from a week on the East Coast ending with a night with ZPZ at the tented BofA Pavilion. (Formerly named the Fleet Pavilion, would that have been even more appropriate for Illinois Enema Bandit?) Fantastic show on a hot humid night in what could be an acoustically challenged venue.

Dweezil and the band are more relaxed and are obviously having more fun than on the Vai/Bozzio tour.

Everyone shines. Joe is rock solid behind his moustachiod kit and adding the right eyebrows on vocals ("don't you boys know any NICE songs?"). Billy's percussion is spot on, he shows no fear even in the speediest version of G Spot. Jamie always holds his own (who knew there would be a twelve string in Suzy Creamcheese?). Aaron is amazing and full of robotic surprises. Pete, wow, he makes the hard stuff look easy and all of it sound solid. Sheila G is multi-talented, horns, keys, vocals, big Trixie hair, and dancing.

Ray White: pipes like it was still 1976. Man, he can bring it all, from Tiny Lites to Enema Bandit.

Dweezil's engages the audience more now than on last tour, and we hear more from him in vocals as well. His solos brought people to their feet.

Here's a slightly adjusted Boston set list:

Noise intro
Suzy Cream Cheese
Brown Shoes
America Drinks and Goes Home (bologna and lobster sandwiches)
City of Tiny Lights (enter Ray White)
I’m The Slime (1st time this tour, thanks Aaron!)
Carolina Hard Core Ecstasy
Advance Romance
Dumb All Over (video Frank vocal and solo)
What’s New in Baltimore?
Pygmy Twilight (Quaalude Thunder version)
Dupree’s Paradise variations (Jamie rips Packard Goose solo, Scheila plays almost everything in Drowning Witch mode, Ray vamps “dildo horse” to Jessie’s Girl)
Uncle Remus
Willie The Pimp (huge crowd reaction, Dweezil demonstrates the modified jumping jack one audience member was doing)
Joe’s Garage (Scheila and Pete dancing to "the white zone is for...")
Wind Up Workin’ in a Gas Station
San Ber’dino
Illinois Enema Bandit
(encores)
Cosmik Debris (video FZ vocal , rhythm behind Dweezil and solo)
G Spot Tornado
Muffin Man (video FZ solo from Baby Snakes)

Wild Love and Yo Mama had appeared on printed set list but not played. Dunno why, but I sure didn't feel short changed.

In the merchandise department there is now a CD of Dub Room Special available on the tour.

Thanks again Dweezil for keeping Frank's music out there. See you on the left coast!
_________________

Monday Night Jams

2007-07-04T14:35:00.001-07:00

In our continuing effort to not act like old people G and I headed out to The Baked Potato again Monday night. We feel like we are in training for next week's fun seeing rehearsals of Zappa Plays Zappa.

So here's the opening number from John Ziegler, Bernard Galan, Chris Roy, and Jamie Kime.

via stickam

Gryphon Labs

2007-06-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night was the debut performance of Gryphon Labs at The Baked Potato in Los Angeles. The band is the work of bassist Pete Griffin who plays with Dweezil Zappa's group about to tour the music of Frank Zappa.

Playing with Pete were Joe Travers (the Vaultmeister), Jamie Kime, Aaron Arntz, and Scheila Gonzalez, who all also make up Zappa Plays Zappa.

Fun show, cool music, great players.

Here's two clips for a taste of what's to come from these talented musicians:

You want some more? Well here's some more!

Hey, Cheer Up

2007-06-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

I recently completed work on a program about Halloween displays. The real stars of the show are the people who get out of control setting up haunted houses and elaborate yard displays. They take pride in making kids and adults scream in fear on one night a year.

There were two, for lack of a better term, pee jokes. One was a soundbite from a "haunter" who explained that over their radio came a call from a woman in the haunted garage that someone had wet themselves. "We've got a pee-er!" she cried out. The couple let out a big laugh knowing that they had done their job. Proof of performance, no?

Sadly the note from the network came back:

"We don’t need her saying pee their pants!"

OK, no big deal.

The other joke was written in. It made reference to a creator's sign that laid out the rules. At the bottom of the beautifully crafted sign was the last commandment:

"No Wetting."

The narrator's line was something about how it was a good thing he wore his watertight costume. Silly and harmless fun, right?

This time the network note had a tone that initially made me bitter.

"Why would you highlight wetting yourself? What are you, 5?"

But now the note itself makes me howl. All I can figure is that they left out the little smiley face emoticon at the end.

The reason I share this is because yesterday my brother in law sent this clip along. I played it about five times in a row because it made me laugh out loud each time.

Here's the level of my sense of humor lately.

And yes, thank you, I am 5!

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-17T12:51:00.001-07:00

Lately I've had the chance to scan a few old negs recently discovered by my sister in Sudbury. Dad passed away in the 80's. So in lieu of posting a picture of how I remember him, here's a picture of Les and Shirl as those crazy kids in love.