An Evening at The Fillmore Auditorium

Last night we had the opportunity to spend the evening at the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco to see K-OS, RX Bandits, P.O.S. and Gym Class Heroes. Sadly, we missed K-OS, who we heard killed it! (we were running late....imagine that! But when have you ever been to a concert that started on time??) P.O.S., who has smashed onto the scene early last year combined passion, and lyrics to bring a fresh flavor of underground hip hop that was surprisingly entertaining. However, RX Bandits were pretty loud and painful; a weak attempt at punk-infused ska. Gym Class Heroes, the main attraction, were fun to see live, but overall fairly disappointing.

It seems that someone really made an error in judgement when the placed the order of the bands. My interest in Gym Class Heroes first peaked when I heard the track 'Cupid's Chokehold' that has a phat Supertramp sample.
(hit play to get a taste of it for yourself)


I couldn't help but wonder if the 'MySpace' enthusiasts, and hyper-text messagers that surrounded us had even heard of Supertramp? I highly doubt it. They just don't make them like that anymore! Breakfast in America? Anyone? There really wasn't a bad song on that album. But I digress.......

Clearly, there was an overwhelming theme throughout the evening, which was the innocence of youth. As I walked around the venue with my huge 'over 21' stamp proudly displayed on the top of my right hand, I realized that I was outnumbered. As the show continued, I tried to appreciate the enthusiasm I had for a favorite band in concert. How I would shriek at the mere stroke of a chord that even hinted that they would play my favorite song. But my favorite bands didn't have a guy on stage whose main job was to wave a flag back and forth, and can we talk about the ridiculous mascot that was dancing on stage? I guess the difference is, that the bands that I followed with love and devotion were actually good. It was the music, not the antics, that got me on my feet. Is good, powerful music that feeds your soul a lost art? I tend to be an optimist, and will continue to keep an open mind. This undoubtedly means I may find myself yet again swimming in a sea of pre-teen angst and prefabricated, overly produced music, but if anything, it keeps you young. Until next time, see you at The Fillmore. (3/27/07)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom! We hope you enjoy your birthday in style! You are amazing and the best Mom in the world! And remember, 60 is the new 40! You look mah-velous! Love ya' more! (3/24/07)
(San Francisco Gay Pride Parade 2006; Mom seen here with her 2 new friends, showing just how proud they really are!)

Bocce Season is Upon Us!!

Spring is in the air, and that means its time for Bocce Ball! We had a practice session: Balls to the Wall vs. Lost Campers, and from the way things worked out, it looks like Elizabeth is going to have to continue to perfect the 'Whomper'! See you suckas on the court in 2 weeks!! (3/23/07)

Happy Birthday Schlotty!

Birthday wishes to our pal Schlotty! Be sure to drink a Schlitz in your special birthday mug! We hope you have a great day and that a handful of people are lucky enough to have an appointment with Dr. Schlottman! Cheers! (3/22/07)

Game Night!!

Friday was another fantastic showdown! Here are some of the clowns who tried to bring their 'A' game. It also happened to be taco night, Nielsen style. Deelish! Although we usually play Cranium, EP and I pulled out a fierce round of Catch Phrase and took no prisoners! We remain the current champions! Until next time suckas!! (3/16/07)

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

Something I am sure we have all heard more than once. And for that moment, when someone says, "I have good news and bad news, which do you want me to tell you first?" you take a step back and are posed with the following options: You think, if you take the bad news first, then the good news will surely override the bad. You can leave with the 'good news aftertaste' in your mouth. However, if the bad news is really pretty bad, it may not do the good news justice. It could be really good news, but none of that really matters, because you have just been told some bad news. True, this question is a perplexing one, however, I think if you take the good news first, it is at face value. You are truly wallowing in the good of that news as it stands alone. To follow with the bad news, it may hold more weight overall, and you may walk away carrying the bad news in the front seat, while the good news ends up in the trunk of this car we call life, but for that one fleeting moment, you truly appreciated the good news for what it was.

Why discuss this at all? Ah, yes the 'ol "Which came first the chicken or the egg" routine. Well, I was recently posed with this very dilemma. Peter came home and asked the aformentioned good news vs. bad news question. The good news is that Nielsen Global should be receiving its first official payment this week. (Woohoo! Mama needs a new pair of shoes!) The bad news is, our beloved landlord George Goodwin who is 85 years young, has been diagnosed with cancer. He has come home from the hospital this week and has been told by the whitecoats he only has a short time to enjoy a few more Sausalito sunsets. He is a great man who has lived a full life, and our thoughts are with him and his family over the next several weeks. (3/17/07)

Lilla Pojkarnas Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to Magnus and Johan!! We will be sure to throw down some delicious single malt whisky for you in honor of your special day! Oh yeah, we don't drink whiskey....you should have some for us! Har den aran! We miss you! Cheers! (3/16/07)

The Shuffle Scuffle

The 1st annual Great American Shuffle Scuffle tournament has come to a close. We had an outstanding showing from all 8 teams. Hats off to Potted Meat, who came out on top as the 2007 league champs! Sadly, Double Hangars came in last place, but certainly did not lose any points for style! Next season we might just find that we enjoy eating Potted Meat for breakfast!! I would also like to give a shout out to our ref, Brett VanEmst, who not only had some mad skills on the table, but could call a close puck, capture some memories, and drink beer, while pulling off a 'hunter's safety orange' hat with style all at the same time! Until next time....
For more details about the Shuffle Scuffle, pics, and a video montage, go to: http://www.lostcampers.com/2007_scuffle/2007_winter_schedule.html

A Trip Down the Coast....

Today we took a drive down Hwy 1 for lunch at our favorite spot in Carmel. The food is nothing to write home about, but you can't beat the view, and they know how to serve up a mean Corona! Then a stop in Monterey for a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Fantastic! The place was crawling with wide-eyed and rule defiant children, and as usual, Peter and I were the biggest kids in the bunch! (3/5/07)