Speaking of civilized, we recently visited Vancouver, British Columbia for a combo business/pleasure trip. We navigated the city for 5 full days mostly by foot, bicycle, and public transit (and the occasional taxi.) Compared to San Francisco, the weather sorta sucks (which says a lot if you know SF) but Vancouver makes San Francisco look ***archaic*** when it comes to transit. They really have it figured out. Read more about Vancouver Has The Best Bike Lanes
We did something different for Monday night's QotSA show at the Fox Theater in Oakland. We sat down! I can't remember the last time we sat down for a show, but we had 8th row center mezzanine (row H) and it was rather civilized. Perhaps too civilized for a Queens of the Stone Age show, but being a Monday night after a long week of travel, it was a good call. Unlike the Warfield in San Francisco, you can bring drinks to your seat (nice cup holders) and, given that they were moshing downstairs, it was civilized indeed.
And do you know what else is civilized? QotSA is punctual! The opening band went on exactly at 8:00 pm and the Queens went on EXACTLY at 9. They play a fierce, condensed show so we were back home to pay off the babysitter at 11:15. Read more about Queens of the Stone Age are the most Punctual Band in Rock
Great opportunity for a live-aboard in San Francisco Bay. This boat is an absolute classic with completely rebuilt engine and rewords teak wood throughout. It's currently docking at Jack London Square in Oakland. Imagine how much fun you could have taking your friends out to watch the America's Cup races.
Check the website for interior and exterior photos and specifications. If you buy it... and you learned of it here... want to take The Boegers out on the bay to watch some racing? Read more about Chinese Junk 4 Sale
After 5 years, it's time for an upgrade. The first site we did for Jake was back in 2006 and it was built with Drupal 4.
Jake is an interesting dude. We both are huge Danny Barnes fans but he takes his mutant banjo playing in a different direction, as he's very influenced by classical music (whereas Barnes gravitates toward metal and punk.) Jake is also a backcountry medic which I think is pretty cool. I met him in person once when he was visiting Marin to practice some cliff-side rescue techniques. Read more about After 5 years, time for an upgrade!
This guy in Southern California is without a doubt the master of Metal Dubbing. He takes an existing video (there are several posted below... such as Justin Beiber and Katy Perry and then puts in his own soundtrack that he creates (including all voice and instrumentation.) Brilliant! My favorite is the Christmas twist below, where he takes a death metal video by Gorgoroth and gives it a cheery Christmas tune soundtrack.
So check them out. I've posted his versions followed each by the original.