Chalk up another year

Today I start my last year as a twenty year old!

JOKE: Say what?

I could see myself getting into this predictiment ...

Santa was surprised to see Banta on the bed next to him,in a worse condition.
Banta explained what happened to him.
He had gone to a remote village to work. He finished late and missed the last bus. He couldn't find any hotel.
So he approached a nearby house and asked the Owner whether he can stay there for the night.
The Owner replied "I have 2 grown up daughters. Sorry,I can't allow you to stay."
He approached the next house and asked whether he can stay there for the night.
The Owner replied,"I have 3 grown up daughters.Sorry,I can't allow you to stay."
He went to the next house and asked:" Do you have "grown up" Daughters?".
The Owner asked,"WHY?????????"
Santa replied,"I wanted to stay here for a night....." The rest is history.

Things will never be the same

It's the fourth day it's been in my posession. Several blisters, a patch of skin falling off, and after 3 shots of vodka this evening I was finally able to record this despite the pain:

Some Blues (0.98mb)

Vote for Bush?

I know our current Bush could do a better job but would her's be more effective against terrorism?

RC Cola

The smell of

The smell of …

… the earth after a fresh rain
… orange blossoms
… opening a guitar case with a vintage model inside
… cilantro
… perfume on the opposite sex
… fresh coffee in the morning

I like my nose =)

Sample from the Mercury Blues Band

We're working on a new website, but for now you can check out a clip of what our style is like. This was recorded by the original band but our current group plays it we a similar feel.

Mercury Blues Band - A Jam (5mb)

Interview with Stewart Copeland

Ooohhhh....I'm throwing this podcast into my cue for the commute tomorrow.  Copeland was part of that popular group in the 80's:

"Since his early days with the Police, the world's most popular rock band in the  mid-'80s, drummer Stewart Copeland has been heavily involved with technology.  Today he's a Mac-based composer for film, TV, and opera, having scored more than  60 soundtracks including Wall Street, Talk Radio, and Dead Like Me. In this live  fireside chat with David Battino, co-author of The Art of Digital Music,  Copeland reveals his innovative recording techniques, lays out his dreams for  the ideal music software, and even recalls his skin-piercing sampler shootout  with Sting."

Oh, and Tab, rest in peace...I’ll have my podcast contained to myself safely in my car! =)
    

MattyChopper

I was talking with one of the guys on the engineering team today about his pride and joy: a Robinson Raven. Matt owns one and flies into work daily from Coarsegold. Before this he was commuting daily to the bay area. He also is a commercial pilot and offers tours. Pretty cool!

Summer Rain

As I was taking my son to school today he asks, "Dad, is it going to rain?". I respond, "I'm not sure, but it looks like it already did!". His reply was, "That's crazy, it's summer time. There's no rain in the summer time!"

I sure wish there were more summer rainstorms here in central california. For now I'll take what I can get!

This is where I live

I took this picture a while back while driving on the way to Paramount Farms. Cows are inspiring creatures. They are mellow, curious, and relaxed. (click on the image for full size)

Playing In Visalia Friday Night

The Mercury Blues band is playing in Visalia this friday night (7/12) at the Hot Enchilada. Come on out, enjoy some great mexican food, and say hi! It's over on Oak street in downtown Visalia. We'll be there 8:00-10:30

Hott Enchilada
311 W Oak Ave,
Visalia, CA 93291

Just got back...

Just got back from the gig in Fresno. Without a doubt the most fun I've had playing on stage. The band sounded really tight with our new drummer, Joseph Costa. He's only 18 but knows how to play the perfect piece to make the song energized. I kept thinking to my self, "Whow...my index and ring finger can hear his snare better than my ear can!!"

I'm off to a guitar camp near Gilroy in the morning. We'll be camping saturday night. I'm going to get to hook up with my friends from Paso and Divine Guitar Appointments. I can't wait!!

Bishop Peak from Google Earth

That's an image of Bishop's Peak from Google Earth. We parked at the bottom right off of Foothill Blvd and walked up to the red dot on top. You can even see the view we had.

Full Circle Brewery

Tomorrow night we, The Mercury Blues Band, will be playing at Full Circle Brewery in Fresno. If you're in the area come on out and say hi!!

Triumph

I'm sorta looking for a classic Triumph...if it's the right price...Here's a pretty one I found on Ebay:

PETA to run "unhappy cows" ad blitz

Just a few months after losing the battle in the California Supreme Court to stop the "Happy cows" advertising by the California Milk Advisory Board, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has decided to start doing some advertising of its own, starting this week in Sacramento, San Diego and other cities. Ads for the group will carry the tagline "Happy cows? You decide."

Last week I was having a conversation with an fellow software engineer who came here from India. We were talking about how cows were sacred in India. I told him that cows are sacred here too, especially for folks like my grandparents. If your life depended on something I'm sure you'd take good care of it too.

Corporate Lesson

A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing
her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After
controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said,
"Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing
gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said,
"Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the
flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his
arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go
forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss
a great opportunity.

Hehe...works for me as long as the opportunity isn't little boys ... YIKES!

Hiking up Bishop's Peak

Yesterday Aymiee talked me into doing a day hike up Bishop's Peak in SLO. I'm glad I went. It was quite an adventure climbing up to the peak and very rewarding to enjoy the views above the town.