Kaspersky Error

I just wanted to post this tidbit of info for no use to anyone I know, but I found the solution and wanted to see if it would show up if anyone else had the problem.

KAV Script Checker
Cannot load library for language 'JScript'
Path: 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\jscript.dll'
Please contact the Kaspersky Lab for the solution. (err=000000C1)

FIX: install Microsoft Windows Script 5.6 for Windows XP and Windows 2000.

This may have something to do with Service Pack 3 for XP, because the only other issue a search came up with was for Norton Antivirus and this was on a new PC that didn't have any preinstalled antivirus.

Crib Ready

The nursery is getting more and more complete each day. Last night I put together the crib in just under 2 hours. Silly me forgot to set it to the highest height, because I followed the instructions too literally (you would think they would show the highest setting in the diagram instead of middle height since most people would be putting the crib together for a newborn). I remembered to take some before and after photo's this time.

We also started getting some gifts from the registry. We had been getting some clothes here and there (thanks Tony for being the first even though she won't get to wear the Illini hoody for a year and a half), but now blankets and other odds and ends are coming in. We also bought the curtains and rug, so its really starting to look like somebody's room.

Saturday we will be taking our second parenting class at the hospital. 8:30-4:00 with no chairs (marathon course with no chairs yikes!). I just hope it all makes sense and that I can retain enough to be there when I need to be.

Flip that Dresser

Finally finished with the final coat of polyurethane and put the dresser back together! Its not perfect, but I think it looks a lot better and should hold up better against stains with the poly coat.

Old Dresser


I couldn't find a good picture of the old dresser before we took it apart and repainted it, but here is what it looked like before. After a few years and using it as a night stand, the paint started chipping and there were rings from my water glasses at night.




New Changing Table/Dresser

Mrs. Waj did a great job with the paint, and I made a mess of the p0lyurethane. A few runs here and too thick in a few spots, but I have to admit, I'm proud of us. I think it looks great and should hold up much better. It has a nice mix of retro (it was my great grandmothers vanity and dresser from the 50's or 60's) and modern with the white paint and handles.

Now we are just waiting for the crib and maybe a bookshelf and we can put the room together!

Spring Fever

Well Spring is here! I cut the grass for the first time this year today. I also got a haircut, but it wasn't the first time this year. Lets see what has happened in the past month.... The Cubs are actually playing well so far. My homer fantasy team is doing well since Soto and Ramirez are doing OK. My pitchers are also doing well, Dempster and Zambrano have been holding their own nicely, and so far I'm in the middle of the pack, but I feel I have a good chance to be in the top 3 this year.

Also finished up putting a few coats of polyurethane on the dresser for the nursery. I think its going to turn out pretty well after the new paint job. It will go nicely with the white crib we purchased a few weeks ago. I might have to touch up a few spots of paint on the walls before we can finally start getting the room put together.

Met the new neighbors last weekend. It was about 75 degrees and we were washing the cars in the driveway and fixing up the sidewalk in front of the house. They seem really nice, younger than us, they like to party. Invited us over for beers and Rock Band anytime! This should be fun, although I don't know how much time we'll have to party before the new arrival.

Waj out.

Dear Diary

I know its been a long time since I have written and I am actually disappointed in myself. I guess so much has been going on I haven't had time to reflect on it. What a year:

1) As of yesterday I found out I will be the father of a girl! I found out it was going to be a girl yesterday, I've actually known I was going to be a father 4 months ago.

2) Because of 1) we have been working around the house quite a bit, installed new doorknobs in the entire house, spackled, sanded, painted some walls and trim. Who knew little things like this take up all excess blogging time. It really feels good knowing those things are done and they even look good too!

3) I've been reading lots of things. Blogs, news, books (parenting, baby-naming books, finished the Dark Tower series). These things take lots of time away from blogging too.

4) Went to Aruba, tried wind surfing (actually not as hard as I thought and a good workout, but I would like to have a few days to start having some real fun).

5) Took a relaxing trip up to Door County, WI. Fun time biking, decent food, etc. Fall is nice for the leaves, wasn't really crowded, but Apple picking wasn't quite what I thought it would be. Maybe it would be better to go when the weather is a bit nicer, but I did have a great time.

6)My twin brother had a beautiful son in April, a really amazing kid. This kind of made the decision to finally get past all of the excuses and start a family. As much as I like to think I was ready, when it really hits you, I don't think any type of mental preparation is possible.

7)Many concerts throughout the year, lots of good music released and even music new to me that wasn't new. Still love the punk rock, but some great Indie bands like Tegan and Sarah, Band of Horses, Arcade Fire, among others have really taken over my radio.

8)Work has really picked up. I've really stepped up and have taken on a lot of responsibility even just in the past year. I guess it goes with the territory working for a small company that has had some pretty good growth. With responsibility comes stress, but I've been pretty good about dealing with it so far, although I have had a few sleepless nights.

9)I have decided to change my lifestyle somewhat to coincide with my pregnant wife. I have cut out caffeine (decaf coffee, no soda) and have limited my alcohol intake significantly. It really changes the way you eat, socialize, etc, but I want my wife to know I'm there through everything.

I think I could go on and on, 2007 was a great year! I'm looking forward to 2008 as well. Maybe I'll get some of these things down as they happen instead of writing so much at once. Probably not, since I will be even more busy than ever!

Well I better get packing, taking a short vacation to Myrtle Beach before things get really crazy with work/fatherhood this summer.

Print directly to email

After some quick searches, with somewhat broad search terms, it doesn't seem like there is software that can create a printer in Windows that will create a pdf or jpeg and automatically send the printed item as an attachment. I'm trying to safe a step instead of creating a pdf then emailing the pdf as an attachment, I would like to click print to "email" and it will ask what email address I want to send it to.

Just a reminder for searching later.

Finding Forrester

I just watched this movie last night and it inspired me to write. So I've decided to write a novel. But I can't really write. Instead all you get is this post. But I have decided to devote my time to things that I do well. Then I realized I've been spending most of my free time playing video games and surfing the Internet, which I can do really well. Man I wish I could play basketball. Or write. Or play guitar. In the meantime I'll continue to watch basketball, read and play Guitar Hero.

Waj

Am I going crazy or is it my empty head?

So has December gone by, 2005 gone by and its been over a month since my last post?! Wow that was a quick month. Well it was a fun filled, party filled month! I definitely had my share of food and drink the past few weeks.

Much like the last month we spent New Years Eve rocking out with Guitar Hero, getting full on food, and drinking a few too many alcoholic drinks. We went out for a nice dinner at Montarro's in Algonquin on Randall Rd. It was a really nice restaurant and had great food, even if it is located in a strip mall. After getting filled up on Fish we drove to my Bro's house and made some after dinner drinks and started rocking!

This was the first time we actually showed someone else the game, and needless to say, another one is hooked. He doesn't even have a PS2, yet he was willing to go out and by one, JUST FOR THIS GAME. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Guitar Hero is pretty much sold out at all the local electronics and/or video game stores in the west suburbs. He would have to order it online to get it, and every day that he doesn't get it, I'm afraid he's forgetting how much fun it can be.

Turned on the TV at ten to midnight to see what was going on downtown Chicago. Flipped back and forth between what looked like the Aragon and House of Blues beside ending up on HOB to watch the countdown and fireworks at Navy Pier. After a toast of some champagne and wonderful New Years Kisses to Mrs. Waj, it was back to more games. After a highly spirited and heated game of Taboo, we went back to the video games. This time we tried Mario Party 7, which my bro had bought me for Christmas. It came with a microphone, and we had no idea what it was going to be used for. After the first round, it became apparent that this was going to be a 3 player game, as Mrs. Waj had informed us she HATED this game and would not be playing. I was defeated, and after the game, it was back to more Guitar Hero. Mrs. Waj woke up to join us at around 4:00AM until we were just too tired to play around 5:30.

Sunday was a joke, woke up to watch the last 45 minutes of Zoolander on TBS, then drove home. Tried to watch a pathetic Bears game, where the defense sat out pretty much after the 1st quarter. Not much else went on this day, which I would expect most of the other New Years Eve party goers went through as well.

Looks like I might have to backdate some future posts to describe December, especially an amazing show at the Metro - the Academy Is...

Waj

Keep on Rockin in a Free World

So thanks to my earlier post about Guitar Hero, I received it for my birthday, which was yesterday (Thanks AmyMom!). That's right, so after a wonderful steak at Al Capone's Hideaway spent a few hours with Mrs Waj rocking out with my sweet new guitar. It even came with stickers to create your own punk rock weapon. No thanks, I've got plenty of stickers saved up to make mine way cooler and different than anyone else's. Don't worry their will be pictures... Let me just say that I hope this controller is sturdy enough, because I am totally going to destroy this game. It is so much fun, and I haven't even started. I'm really going to miss sleeping 7 hours a night.

Waj

On a side note, I just realized that I went to Al Capone's for my birthday dinner and dressed up as a gangster the same year...

[Edit] - picture updated for all to see with stickers.

Destination Success

Wow over a week back from vacation and no Spain Trip post. Man I probably forgot most everything about the trip, and I didn't take any notes. Unfortunately this post will not be about our European Vacation, but the more recent trip to the city of Chicago to see the Smoking Popes last Friday night.

The show was sold out, 36 minutes according to the Smoking Popes website. Since the show didn't start until 11:00, we decided to eat before the show at the Wrigleyville Goose Island Restaurant a few blocks from the Metro. I absolutely love Goose Island Honker's Ale along with most of the beers that they make. The restaurant also has beer choices that aren't available in the liquor dept of the local Jewel Osco, so I had to try the Red they had, I can't remember the name, but it was delicious. The fish and chips were OK, not as exciting as I thought they would be, but they also weren't too pricey, average for a Bar and Grill. I really wanted another Red, but didn't want to fill up and get tired for the show. We decided to head to the Full Shilling, next door to the Metro. It used to be called Fuel and was more of a Rock/Punk Bar until they recently redecorated to be more attune to the sports fans which pile in during the baseball season before, during and after Cubs games at nearby Wrigley Field.

A few PBRs later, it was time to head to the show. We didn't want to get there early as we had never heard of Bella Lea. Wow was the line long. I couldn't see the end of it, and the Tribune reported it being around the block - and its a long block. Luckily we had our tickets mailed to us - and a high school friend of Mrs Waj was pretty close to the front of the line. I noticed that two lines were forming near the doors, one for Will Call and the other for people that already had tickets. Most people (not sure why) decided to get Will Call tickets, even though the show went on sale a few months ahead of time so there was plenty of time to get your tickets. After finally catching up on recent events, I tried to persuade my group that we could go to the front, since we had tickets in hand (it was pretty windy and cold). They didn't want to lose our place in line, and a few minutes later a Metro rep yells out that people with tickets could come to the front. Finally we could get it.

We walk in and try to go to the balcony for some good seats, but somehow the seats were reserved, and the standing room wouldn't allow us to see the stage, so we headed back downstairs. We decided to take our normal spot stage left, although a little closer than normal, since it a heavy crowd (even with half the people still not in the theater yet). By the time we made it to our spot, Bella Lea was finishing up their set. Barely 20 minutes, great! I thought, the Popes will have plenty of time for a good set. Unfortunately they didn't start until 40 minutes later, to let more of the crowd in I believe.

Finally the lights go out, and the show begins. An amazing set, spanning all three original full length albums. Of course there was the obligatory tall/annoying/distracting people that always seem to be in front of you, which took away from the show. Also from the side angle we couldn't really see the drummer and barely see the 2nd guitarist Eli, even though he was right in front of use (damn tall people and beams!). The sound wasn't as full as it could have been, since we were pretty much right in front of the stage left speakers. Overall it was really great to see them again, and I hope they follow through with their announcement to play more shows!

And for Dave... the ride home was pretty nice as well...

Waj

[edit] so I decided to publish this a few weeks after I started, which is why I kind of ended it so quickly.

Welcome Back Kotter

Well I'm finally back to online civilization. Amazing what 8 days without looking at a monitor can do for you. More about the trip later, but while catching up on some of my emails while gone, I read this funny article about Guitar Hero - a video game with a guitar controller. Its something I'm definitely putting on my Christmas List this year. Along with Eyetoy Play 2; these are 2 things I really want for my playstation 2. Not only for myself, but these look like super fun party games. I'm really bad at making my Christmas list...

Waj

International Traveler

We will be leaving to Palma de Mallorca tomorrow!  We’ve had this trip planned for months and I’m so glad it is tomorrow, it’s been a long summer and I am ready for a vacation.  We’ll be back Sunday November 6th, so don’t expect an update for at least a few months.  

In the meantime I have to put my fantasy football team on Autopilot and have made my Pick-Em picks for next week without even seeing the spread.  Not that it matters when you use the “What city would you rather visit?”  method to pick the team.  I’m sure I’ll have plenty of work when I get back, plenty of bloglines, and emails as well.  Fortunately I also have Smoking Popes on Friday at 11:00 PM of Nov 11th to look forward to upon my return.  I’ll probably still be on Spain time by then anyway, so it should out pretty well.  

Until I return, keep me updated on what I have missed with those blogs!  I may be without a computer for a whole week (unless I happen to stumble into a web café).  It should be interesting…

Waj

The old bastard left his ties and his suit

Mrs Waj and I went the the infamous "Chicago Theatre" last night to see Ben Folds in concert. It was a sold out show - roughly 1300 people fit into this classic downtown Chicago entertainment venue. It was my first time visiting the the place, although I have seen the very famous "Chicago" sign in the heart of the Loop shopping district on State ST, mostly from going to countless shows at the quality House of Blues a few blocks away. We broke our new rule for concerts - "Drove to the city on a weekday after work when we have to work the next day", which was broken faster than a New Years Resolution.

Strangely enough, this is the second "seated" concert I've been to in as many months. While Duvall wasn't assigned seats, it did have rows of immobile chairs, which I don't normally see at the "smaller" shows I attend (HOB, Metro). The design of the place was immacullate - huge paintings above the stage and all around the seating area, framing every doorway and the stage were intricately carved trim, gigantic chandeliers and strange "faces" all around. Some of the faces were angelic, while others were very sinister (if you look at the celiing there is a row of jeering jester-ish faces looking down at you). Kind of creepy in a way, but very cool. I haven't been to any "newer" theaters (do they even make them anymore?) but the crazy amount of detail in this place was amazing.

We arrived almost exactly at 7:30 - after quickly grabbing a bite to eat at Cosi - a sandwich shop a block and a half away. After finding out the opening band was The Fray - whom I'd never heard of, and checked out their website for only a sec, I decided that I didn't really care if we saw their entire set. Turned out there was an opening act before the opening act, and the show was a part of the Yellow Umbrella Tour. Google it if you want, but unless you are a female, I wouldn't recommend it. I'm not going to say much about the opening acts, they really didn't impress me, so if you have nothing good to say - "I was glad when they were both done playing". I really shouldn't be that hard on them, they artists seemed like good musicians - but a little too slow for me. If my 16 year old self were to see that my 26 year old self was at a concert with 3 bands that could be played on Mix 96 (old local soft rock radio) I probably would have kicked my own ass. And I don't like to fight.

As the title of this blog represents my favorite song of the latest album, it coincidentally was the 1st song he played (and 1st song on the disc). Ben Folds sounds really good live - I'm sure you've heard the Ben Folds Live album, if not pick it up (or the new album bundled with a different live album). While we sat down after the first 30 seconds of the song with most of the balcony audience, the group of 8 teenage girls in front of us decided they were going to continue standing through the song. OK I thought, they will just stand for the 1st song, then sit down. The next song came and went, meanwhile the clan in front of us were still standing. I felt like I had Deja Vu - then I remembered an old Saturday Night Live skit with Melanie Hutsell as a teen girl standing through a seated concert. Man I felt old asking them to please sit down - for a few songs. The girl I asked in front of me immediately did, while tugging on the girl next to her to sit as well. It wasn't until the "Leader" of the group sat down that the rest of them did as well. Throughout the show this went on - they would all look at each other at the beginning of a song - waiting to decide whether or not to sit or stand. Until the "leader" either stood up or sat down nothing would happen. It was pretty funny actually, but really took away from the Chicago Theater "intimate" experience. It also shows the wide range of audience that Ben Folds has - from our group of mid-late twentysomethings, the teens in front of us, to the gray haired woman and bald man couple in front of them. Also for the first few songs - the girl behind me clapped her hands so loud to the beat in her head and sang louder than Ben playing through the speakers - I was really annoyed. Good thing she decided to take the first row of seats in our section 10 feet closer - enough so that I couldn't hear the singing - although the clapping was still pounding in my head.

Overally the show was good - not quite worth the $42 paid because of the annoyances around me interrupting the view - we were dead center of the balcony, amazing view when standing (just didn't feel like standing the 2 hours Ben Folds played). He did play for almost 2 hours - I would say the "girls" stood for at least an hour of it, which for a few songs, I decided to stand, simply becuase I am still young enough to be able to and wanted to see. The lighting was really cool - they had some high-powered lights going on the stage that was reminicent of 70's club (or the Austin Powers version anyway). Once in a while the 2 backlights would be directed to the balcony and were blinding, I've never seen such powerful beams, almost laser like, but white/blue instead of red. Also the $6/12 oz bottle of beer price was pretty crazy and considering they didn't take debit/credit cards, I imagine 75% of those sales weren't being accounted for. Another rant for another day.

If I knew when I ordered the tickets what I know now - I would have definitely purchased them again - but maybe tried for the first row instead of 4th row. I don't know if I would see him again for that price and venue, but it was a very cool theater, and cool to "see" him perform. The last 2 times I've seen him it was at Ravinia - nowhere close to the stage to see anything (or just catch his last 2 songs the 1st time). The time before that was the first time - at Horde Festival in '97, the year Whatever & Ever Amen was released, but before "Brick" really caught on. There was only like 30-40 people watching them, but it was really cool to see. Through the next few years of college, I listened to my roommates Ben Folds Five albums, but never really thought about seeing them again. Until recently, after getting a hold of the last few solo albums and actually listening to them, did I really want to see him play. Ravinia was fun, but less a chance to "experience" the music and more of a chance to picnic and hang out to live music.

The drive home was great, I kind of actually know my way around the loop somewhat and was able to get on 290 with no problems. Traffic was very light (it was around midnight) and there were no lane closures on the west bound 290-88 highway, not true for Eastbound - cut down to one lane between Naperville RD and 53 - so glad I was not going in that direction!


Waj

Allergy Update

I guess I should update the finals of my allergy testing. The last round of testing was for food allergys. Only slight reactions on all the popular allergens (wheat, egg, soy...).

So the doc prescribed Zyrtec, one pill daily and suggested immunology (allergy shots). Luckily immunology is covered 100% by insurance, not so much for Zyrtec. $50 a month! You know what I could do with $50 a month? We've been saving our money paying off student loans and equity loans and any other loans we have accumulated over the years, and now, instead of using that $50 for something fun, I get to use it for medicine. GAH! Either that or somehow avoid my cat, dust, mold, and pretty much every other common outdoor allergen in the world.

I'll probably start the allergy shots after we get back from our "Holiday" in Spain. Woo Hoo, one more week until we leave!

Waj

Octoberfest

What! How did he update 3 weeks ago and I'm only getting the RSS feed now?! OK, so I'm backdating this post to the beginning of the month, and hopefully finishing my review of Duvall. Its been one heck of a month, even though I don't feel like I did much. Maybe I'll post about it, maybe not. No more guarantees.

Anyway more on the show. After meeting HIM we had enough time to head for dinner and a few drinks at a local pub. Downtown Naperville on a Friday night. Wonderful. After finding a parking spot a few blocks away - (damn the evil parking garage!), we walked into an emty bar to get some grub, since most of the fine restaurant establishments in the area would have a nice wait.

After getting our stomachs full and a good pre show buzz (no drinks on campus), we head to the theater. A very small venue, with theater seats - I would say about 20 rows total. The opening band is finishing their set and we grab seats stage left/center - about 12th row. While waiting for John Davis to start, they announce the benefit show and how they are raising money to support Katrina relief efforts. Man Katrina, seems like so long ago. Finally John Davis of "Superdrag" fame come out and sits down at a nice grand piano. It doesn't look like the singer I remember from the "Sucked Out" video - bald head, maybe put on about 30 pounds or so, but it definitely sounds like him. I didn't know he was from TN, the South as we like to say here in Chicagoland, and his drawl was pretty thick. His songs were really slow, don't think I would ever buy any albums, but the music wasn't bad. After 5 or 6 songs on the piano, he stands up, picks up the guitar and starts rocking. A nice Souther Rock sound and a little higher tempo - much better for a "Rock Show".

After another announcement about the Hurricane Relief a short slideshow and speech Duvall was ready to rock. We were lucky to have the original lineup with Eli Caterer on Bass (quit the band after releasing the cd to focus on family). I was hoping this meant they would play a few Smoking Popes songs considering Eli was also in that band. Unfortunately, the only Smoking Popes music was inserted into the middle of a Duvall song, and a few acoustic songs by Josh. It was really cool, but I say unfortunately because I don't think Smoking Popes songs (most anyway, there are a few that could be done) can sound great acoustic. They have a really hard sounds with amazing solos which can't be duplicated on an acoustic guitar. The overall sound was great and Josh sounded really good. He has a very distinct sound and I wasn't sure how close to recordings he could sound live. He sounded very close the recordings live, he did not disappoint. Seeing this show made me wish that Nov 11th was tomorrow. I can't wait to see a full set of Smoking Popes songs live!

Until next back dated Post...

Waj

5th Sentence meme

OK, since everyone else is doing it, why can't I.

The Rules:

1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or close to it.)
3. Find the fifth sentence (or close to it.)
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.

I've never believed I had allergies, let alone get tested for them.

Brief Encouter

Last night we ventured to downtown Naperville, to the North Central College campus for a hurricane Katrina benefit show. An offshoot of The Smoking Popes, a band called Duvall was playing with John Davis (former frontman for Superdrag). The Smoking Popes are another of my favorite bands (how many is that now?!) and Duvall sound is very similar. While we weren't sure what to expect at North Central College, a private Christian college, at a Christian rock show, we really like Duvall so we decided to check it out. While picking up our tickets before the show, non other than Josh Caterer, the singer/guitarist for Smoking Popes/Duvall walked outside the side of the building by us. We didn't know if Duvall was headling, since no one at the Box Office seemed to know anything about the show, and John Davis was more pronounced on the web site, we went early to get the tickets and find out the lineup. I recognized him from the pictures I've seen on the web and in their CD inserts, but had never seen him in person. We almost just walked by without saying a word, then I had a weird feeling. I always get this feeling when I see someone famous, or that I respect privately, notably musicians. Most of the time I would have walked by, getting all giddy, saying "We just walked by (insert semi-famous name here)!" Instead, for some reason, I stop, turned and said "Do you know the lineup for the show tonight?" He looked at me and said "Violet Burning, John Davis and Duvall.", kind of like he wasn't really in the band. So I smiled and said "So you guys are headlining?" He gave me this big smile and said "Yeah". I wanted to say so much more, how excited we were to see Duvall tonight and Smoking Popes in November. How much I loved his music, voice and amazing guitar solos. Instead I just stood there for a few seconds, in awe, of this amazingly talented person in front of me, before turning around and heading into the building to get tickets. I'm almost glad I didn't say a bunch of stupid things, but I do wish I could have said more.

More on the show later...

Waj

Screamo, Emo and Hardcore

I guess after the second show in a week I should post my reviews.

Sunday we went to the UIC Pavilion and saw our FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME Alkaline Trio, along with Reggie and the Full Effect and My Chemical Romance. We had never been to the UIC Pavilion, but had heard some pretty bad things about it. After arriving early and pregaming in the parking lot (no alcohol served) we decided to enter the ARENA. Yeah, its a Basketball/Hockey/All purpose arena on the campus of University of Illinois at Chicago. I don't really like big rock shows, but it was our FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME, so we couldn't pass up the chance to see them in Chicago. Very similar to Assembly Hall (Although it seemed much smaller), although the show we saw at UofI was Bush/Moby and the stage was actually on the side of the court, instead of at one end.

Reggie and the Full Effect played a short set, mostly new songs, which seemed more on the hardcore side. In the large arena, the sound was a little hollow and echo-y, plus many people didn't really care to see Reggie, so many seats were empty and the floor was about 1/4 full.

Next up, Alkaline Trio. With the explosion of popularity of MCR on MTV, Alkaline Trio was actually supporting MCR's tour. Very weird, considering the Trio have been headlining their shows pretty much since they started. Their sound was very full, the vocal were excellent and they played an amazing set. I love when bands just get up there and play, one song after another, no uneasy silences, or trying to get audience participation. Either you rock and the crowd gets into it, or they don't. Fortunately, being in their hometown, most people were into it. After playing a few new songs from Crimson (latest album) they played a few songs from just about every release they've had. It was really cool to hear some classics from "Goddamnit", easily my favorite album. Definitely worth the price of admission, their sound and set was excellent.

Finally, My Chemical Romance took the stage. You could tell that many of the teenage audience had come just for them. The piercingly high screams from many of the females in attendance was enough to make you deaf. MCR had a pretty cool stage backdrop and stage presence, but it seemed like they tried harder on their image than on the music. The singer took too much time to get the audience waving their hands, lighters and cell phones (although that was kind of cool to see) than to concentrate on his vocals. Most of his screams and higher notes were lost in the excessively loud guitars. The feeling of the larger arena really took away from the music. I think they would have been a lot better in a smaller venue, although the stage antics and preaching to the audience did nothing for me. We eventually left early, to get a beat on traffic, and to keep from falling asleep. I thought it was strange that Alkaline Trio had such a full sound, and the headliner couldn't match it. Still well worth the ticket, but unless its a must see band, I don't think we'll be back to UIC Pavilion anytime soon.

Next Post: Duvall rocks out with John Davis...

Waj

First Day of Autumn

Well, summer has officially ended! The title link on my post is to a band called Screeching Weasel, for those of you that don't know, the band has written a song for the first day of Summer, Autumn and Winter. They broke up a long time ago, but have been rumored to reunite for a tour, and most of their old albums have been re released recently. The have been a very influential band for many local and national punk rock bands. I like them, although they are very rough, so they definitely aren't for everyone. Their release on Fat Wreck Chords, "Bark Like a Dog" would have to be their most "Pop-Punk" release, which incidentally was their most popular cd. I would recommend that one for the non-punk people out there. First Day of Summer is on that release and probably my favorite. Set Phasers on Kill is a funny one, with references to Star Trek and Capt Kirk. I just checked Fat Wreck Chords website and they are releasing all 3 Weasel records on one disc in October, called Weasel Mania. Sweet.

Anyway, I had the 3rd round of scratch testing this week. And as forecasted, Ragweed is definitely not my friend. Today, 3 days after testing, my arm is almost looking normal. The swelling and redness that usually goes away the night of testing, was actually worse Tuesday and even bothered me yesterday. Its pretty amazing that a little drop of the allergen can cause that much of a reaction on my arm. Sure does explain where all that mucus came from, and the itchyness of the eyes. I usually do a pretty good job of not "itching" my itches, but I would wake up in the night and start "massaging" my arm (not ITCHING OR SCRATCHING IT, PROMISE!) because of the tremendous joy that scratching that itch would bring. I'm not sure how that works, but that relief you get from scratching an itch is mind boggling. Although with my arm, it would only last 2 seconds before the stinging itch feeling would come back, only with 5 times the feeling to urge to scratch again. Doh!

A lot of season/series premieres of show have taken place the past few weeks. I've stopped recording shows that end up taking too much space on my DVR (daily show, Simpsons and family guy daily reruns) to make room. Already though I think I have watched more TV the last 2 nights that I have in the past month (besides sporting events). Prison Break is a pretty good show, but I'm not sure how they can make the show more than 1 season. Although they did a good job with 24 (from what I hear - never watched the show), so I'm sure they'll find a way, if its popular enough. Head Cases wasn't too bad, kinda weird seeing Chris O'Donnell in a TV series, but Adam Goldberg fits nicely into his "weird guy" typecast role he seems to have been in. While "The War at Home" isn't as good as "Arrested Development" in the Sunday night lineup, it does have its good parts. "My Name is Earl" was a funny show, with one of my favorite comedy actors Jason Lee. Anyway, just a rundown of the new shows that will keep my DVR busy this season, along with the old favorites: Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, Arrested Development, Scrubs, The Office, That 70's Show, Will and Grace, Joey, Malcom in the Middle, etc. Anyway, better wrap this up. Until next time. Lunch break over!

Waj

A puppy is just a puppy, but Nintendo, now that was a Revolution

Nintendo was the company that brought video games to the mainstream back in the 80's (OK Atari did it first, but Nintendo did it better!). Now they are trying to do something that hasn't been done since. They want to change the way we play video games. Check out the link to an article about the new controller setup if your interested, its actually pretty amazing. The controller basically is a modified "remote" control that we use for basically all of our normal audio and video electronic devices. Sounds like it actually might work. Who knows, maybe in a couple years I'll look back at this post and remember that video games actually had their "own" style controller.

Reading about this new style controller reminds me of being 8 years old, opening up that present with the famous Nintendo Logo. And the HUGE 19" color TV that we also received so that we could play video games while the parents watched "Thirtysomething", or whatever crappy show that they watched that year. For those that don't know me, Nintendo really changed/shaped my life. I spent way too much time playing video games growing up, it even cut into school so bad I had to be limited to my playing time. Even though I played a lot of video games, I still did a lot of other things, like read books, play sports, etc. What it mostly cut into was studying and sleeping. Have a homework or a test, oh well, I'll just play one more game. Time for bed? OK 1 more game. I really don't think I could count the times I played video games until the sun came up. But then again, I've been playing video games for almost 20 years now, so I guess its not...that....many.

Wow, I could go on for hours, but I'm at work, I'll keep this one short. HA.

Waj