February 24, 2006

Coffee and Photos? Seattle's Best on Congress

Howdy all.

How's this for bad self promotion.

I keep forgetting to mention this...I've got a photo installation at the Seattle's Best on Congress (Frost Bank) up for the next month or so. It's all live music shots I've taken over the last few years....all Austin area bands... I put it together so folks can see photos of Austin live music over SXSW... The dates below are when I took the shots... For most photos I write a little ditty about the shot and for all photos I include the artists Website.

The photos are for sale.... but I'd rather you buy one of the artists CDs than my photo of them. Dont' get me wrong... I'll sell it to you.

Here's who I've got hanging...

5/02/03 Chris Duarte
7/09/04 Guy Forsyth
1/18/05 Scott H. Biram
2/20/04 Nooner
2/20/04 "King of 6th Street"
10/07/04 Grupo Fantasma
1/09/05 TOrcH
03/19/05 Asylum Street Spankers
5/08/05 Sis Deville
09/24/05 Asylum Street Spankers
1/7/06 Nooner
2/11/06 Barnhill

If you have a chance to stop in.. please do.
Try the coffee. It's good.

I've even forgotten to tell the bands I've got them up... I'm bad. If you know any of them, please send them a message.

February 21, 2006

The First Ever INsite Nite 2/24/06 @ The Dirty Dog

INsite Austin Logo

The First Ever INsite Night 2/24/06 @ The Dirty Dog
12 Dramarama
10:50-11:30 Nooner
9:50-10:30 Freebleeder
8:55 - 9:35 Squint
8-8:40 Analog Missionary

INsite Magazine is sponsoring the First Ever INsite Night on February 24, 2006 at the Dirty Dog Bar (505 East 6th - dirtydogbar.com). The night will kick off with Alabama-based Analog Missionary (analogmissionary.com) at 8:00p.m., then Louisiana's native rocker-sons Squint (squint.com) at 8:55p.m., Austin drunk-rock heroes Freebleeder (freebleeder.com) at 9:50, and the dual headliners are INsite's February 2006 cover-band Nooner (noonerrock.com) at 10:50p.m., and the legendary Dramarama (johneasdale.com) - reunited and on stage at midnight.

Don't miss out on the action. Tickets are just $15 in advance (at Dirty Dog Bar and Cheapo Discs) and $20 at the door the day of the show.

A little about the bands:
Dramarama www.johneasdale.com
Dramarama was a popular band between 1985-1995, recording the hit song "Anything Anything." Flash forward to 2003 and Dramarama becomes the subject of an episode of Bands Reunited. Getting their creative juices flowing again, John Easdale and Co. continue to be "reunited" and release Everybody Dies in 2005. Now they are touring in support of this release.

Nooner www.noonerrock.com
Austin "ego-rock" masters Nooner are releasing their second effort, It's Time in early February. The five-piece outfit is posed to take their career to the next level with their feel-good rock anthems.

Freebleeder - www.freebleeder.com
If you're in the mood for some straight up rock and roll, then Freebleeder is where you should look. They released a live CD in January entitled Drink and Destroy to tide fans over until their second studio album, which should be released in March. Their mantra to Keep Austin Drunk is a mission they don't take lightly.

Squint - www.squint.com
Louisiana independent rockers Squint recently came through Austin to record some demos tracks for what may be the follow-up to their Tinsel Life. They have opened for the Goo Goo Dolls and Alter Bridge. They've also opened for their Jagermeister-mates Slayer a gig that lead singer Dane Adrian said was like "putting N'SYNC in front of Korn."

Analog Missionary www.analogmissionary.com
This Alabama based art-rock band has a sound that is reminiscent of Tori Amos and Radiohead. They are currently working on their third album.

---

INsite Austin Logo

INsite Always Entertaining Under The Covers.

Join INsite on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/insiteaustin and get frequent updates and INsite Extras delivered to your MySpace via bulletins and our blog (subscribe to it today!)

February 15, 2006

Open Letter to senders of SPAM

Dear senders of SPAM,

I'm not going to order any kind of medication from an e-mail. I'm not going to send my bank account number to you to help you get your dead uncle's fortune. I'm not ordering Windows, Corel Draw, or Photoshop from a guy who's e-mail is "ksujc9e2ba@0000jfghjk.thk." Who uses Corel Draw anyhow? Corel Draw Magazine doesn't even use Corel Draw to design their covers. I'm not going to reregister my Paypal account by sending my credit card number to you. I'm sorry your nephew needs a spleen, but I'm not going to donate to someone who addresses me as "Sir or Madam." I'm not going to open any e-mail that has the subject "URGENT REPLY NEEDED" if I don't know the sender. I'm not interested in "hot singles in my area" nor is my wife.

Thank you for wasting your time on reaching out to me,
Sean Claes

February 13, 2006

Monday Morning Memories

When you see your friend dancing by himself to a cover band past 10:00p.m. on a weeknight... DON'T buy him another shot... if anything get that man a glass of water.

Old smokers are some of the most interesting folks in the world... I was dropping a friend off at the airport last Friday afternoon and we were running early, so we dropped into th Denny's by the Austin airport. It must be outside the city limits...because they had a smoking room. Since my friend was a smoker...we sat there and sipped coffee (because we may or may not have danced to a cover band the night before). So we overheard these 3 older men...talking about military days, and swapping stories... the one that looked like Hank Hill's father suddenly said "Nothing can beat sex at noon when your sweaty and.....etc..." At that point I almost spewed coffee across the table and screamed "stop talking Hank Hill's Dad..STOP!" I won't continue..because my ears still bleed.

But that threw us into a conversation.. I'd forgotten how much I was missing out on since i quit smoking... the stories.. the unspoken friendship between all smokers... you want to find out something about a company? Hang out at the smokers area and ask for a light... you're in.

I also realized I do a lot of things because I think it's funny... I have my own fan club on MySpace...because it's funny to me. I wear Hawaiin shirts on Friday...because it's funny. I write these blogs..because I think they're funny. I took a photo of myself in a serious pose with dark lighting because it made me laugh. It's a little tongue-in-cheek... I know... but it gives me a chuckle.

I'm kind of laughing at those who do those things seriously... and I came up with a phrase for those folks... they are "cool like Robin Williams." Meaning.. they are trying to be cool... but they really are just funny.

On that note.. the coffee is calling.

February 9, 2006

Observations on a Thursday in February

Observations on a Thursday in February

I have a hard time understanding some things. Sometimes it seems that everyone else in the world is on the same wavelength except for me.

How do people know when a group is singing, like in church, when to pronounce the “thee” or “thuh?” I always pick the wrong one…. And it does change depending on the song… who sends out those mental memos? I didn’t get one.

Same thing with “a.” Who dictates when it’s “ay” or “uhh?” Why do I always pick the wrong one?

Should I be offended when someone changes the way they pronounce their name when they meet me? I was at the bank the other day and the person I was talking with was Hispanic.. he “anglicized” is name when he introduced himself. It was allright until I realized he wasn’t doing it for other people in the room… just me. Now, I’ve got friends who shorten their names (Rolando becomes Roland… Geraldo becomes Jerry). That doesn’t annoy me. It’s when it’s the same exact name… just pronounced in a different way… like if you met a girl named Patricia… and she told you her name was “ Pa trish ahh” and then she turns around two seconds later tells someone next to you that her name is “Pah tri shee ya.”

Yes, I'm an anglo. I was raised in Laredo though... hit me with your best "rolling r." I can take it. I don't change the pronounciation of Sean to "Chon" when I meet you... so don't think you have to do that for me.

On another note…I was recently forced to change my home phone number because Time Warner decided not to support my subdivision anymore. Time Warner gave fair warning… let us know that the day was coming that our phone was to be shut off. I called Verizon to get things set up…and tried for 2 months to make it happen. Somehow my phone was still shut off…Time Warner (or whomever “owns” my phone number) refused to release my number after they shut it off and I’m left holding a dead line with no phone number. I tried for 2 months to not make that happen. What the hell? What wavelength was everyone else on that enabled them not to go through this? My neighbors didn’t have problems… just me.

On a positive side…I got to choose our new phone number… and it ends in Jerome Bettis’ number. Rock on.

Also, apparently I’m the only one on the road who thinks that passing is for the left lane and slower cars should be to the right… but that’s another story altogether.

All: That’s Another Story

Good job.

February 5, 2006

My Birthday... Steelers!

Superbowl

The Steelers did it. I turn 33... the Superbowl turns 40.... and The Bus probably retires...as the Pittsburgh Steelers win.
The best thing about watching the game was having my God-daughter (who is celebrating her 8 month birthday today) lying on my stomach looking at me as the time clicked down to 0.

It was a fantastic day. My wife is an amazing person... she handled all the things that needed to be handles to make sure a get together goes well and let me watch the game.

I'm tired.
I'm happy.
I'm 33.

February 4, 2006

My Birthday Week Fun - Day 6 - "Tired and Happy"

Last night my wife and I went to a Walt Wilkins show at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos. If you’re not aware of Walt Wilkins’ music… or talent as a songwriter… Here’s a link to his site.. make yourself aware - Wilkins’ Web Site. If my recommendation doesn’t do it for you.. maybe you’ll be persuaded when you hear that George Strait is recording one of his tunes.

Anyhow, Wilkins invited two friends to sit in with him at Cheatham – Ryan James and Sam Baker. Very good…

Anyhow.. I had my camera with me, as I often do and I snapped a few (OK about 70) photos… here’s one of the gang…
Walt Wilkins, Ryan James, and Sam Baker

Next time you hear from me about Walt, It’ll likely be an interview.

I’m a little tired today, but I’m wearing my Steelers jersey and ready for tomorrow. I’m wearing my Neil O'Donnell jersey today to remind myself that anything can happen in the Superbowl… and because I don’t want to be wearing it tomorrow.

Tomorrow I’ll either wear my Claes jersey (Number 73 after my birth year) or my Terry Bradshaw one. Yes, I have way too many jerseys… I’ve got a polo and 2 t-shirts as well… and a terrible towel and koozie…bobblehead doll… a custom-made table and a whole lot of other things. I’m not some come-lately Steelers fan… just in case you were wondering.

Tomorrow is my birthday. Yeah me.

February 3, 2006

Birthday Week.. Day 5 - Time-wasting survey time.

Since it is my birthday week, I've decided to blog all those things I'd be annoyed about if someone else blogged them... surveys, forwards, and stuff like that... yes, this is my week of SPAM. Please bear with me.
Thank you.
- Sean


Take this survey about your High School memories:

1) where did you graduate from and what year?
United High School (Laredo, Texas) Class of 1991! GO LONGHORNS!!!

2) did you have school pride?
I was voted most spirited Senior

3) was your prom a night to remember?
Growing up in Laredo...people would go to the prom to take the photo, then head to Mexico to drink. I don't rightly remember my Senior prom. I think I had a good time. I remember my date (which was just a friend) had curled her hair so tight that it looked like a curly fry.

4) do you own all 4 yearbooks?
I do. I worked on the Yearbook staff for my Senior Year... Yeah, I can't believe I admitted that either.

5) what was the worst trouble you ever got into?
My lawyer advises me not to talk about this.
Actually, I guess the worst one was being sent to detention for smoking. The really bad stuff I did, I was too smart to get caught for.

6) what kind of people did you hang out with?
There were the "Nerds," "Preppies," "Jocks," "Cheerleaders," "Lowriders," and "Headbangers." I hung with the headbangers and the nerds... but was never really accepted into either group.

7) what was your number 1 choice of college in HS?
The only one outside of Laredo I thought about applying for was University of Texas. I missed the deadline for applying when I was ready (after graduating from Community College because I figured why pay big bucks for the same "credits" you can get at a CC), and I applied and was accepted into Southwest Texas State University... the best move of my life.

8) what radio station did you jam out to in high school?
94.9 was a rock station in Laredo until about 1992, then it became country..now I think it's tejano...or oldies. I'll bet the number is still 723-R-O-C-K though.

9) were you involved in any organizations or clubs?
I was the co-editor of the school newspaper, and worked on the yearbook. I did debate (poorly) in 9th and 10th.

10) what were your favorite classes in high school?
Newspaper, biology (but not the numbers part)

11) who were your biggest crushes in high school?
I had a big crush on the girl I went to my senior prom with... I told her one night in a drunken diatribe... and then we acted like it never happened for years... then bad things happened...so we closed that chapter.

12) would you say you've changed a lot since highschool?
I'm much more sure of myself... or am I?

13) What do u miss most about high school?
Not having to go to meetings, out of town for business and the subject changing a few times a day.

14) your worst memory of HS?
One of my friends was killed in a drunk driving accident... I was at the same place he was the night he died... working with MADD.

15) Did you have a car?
1979 green Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight - THE TANK

16) what were your school colors?
Orange and White (we were the Longhorns..get it.. how original)

17) who was your fav. teacher?
Beverly Herrera - Newspaper.

18) did you own a cell phone in highschool?
I had a pager... *beep beep beep* My code when I called people was ###-#### *36

19) did you leave campus for lunch?
I had a "newspaper pass" that made me the king of "I can get you out if you buy."

20) if so, where was your fav. place to go eat?
Dairy Queen

21) were u late to class?
I was probably late... but not often

22) did you ever have to stay for saturday school ?
Like in The Breakfast Club? Um.. no. Our detention ran concurrently with the day.

23) did you ever ditch?
Heck Yeah. My house was about a mile from the school...and we had a pool.

24) when it comes time for the reunion will you be there?
When my 10 year reunion came by I went.. but I wasn't there... I had a fever of like 103 and the world was spinning. One of those sudden sicknesses. I'll be at the 15th (whoa.. that'd be this year) if we have one and certainly at the 20th. We had like 500 in our senior class..so I only remember a few. I talk to only one of them though.

25) do you wish you were still in high school?
I don't live in the past.

February 2, 2006

My Forecaster is a rat from Punxsutawney

Birthday week... day 4... GROUNDHOG DAY!
Verdict?

Phil Says Six More Weeks of Winter!

Phil's official forecast as read 2/2/06 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Around the country there are many imitators of me.

In Harrisburg there is Gus who appears on TV
working for the lottery.

Then all around town,
Cute groundhog statues abound.
They all look like me, I found.

Today on the Knob as I'm doing my job,
I don't like this likeness of me.

It's my shadow I see. Six more weeks of mild winter there will be.

(From: http://www.groundhog.org/prediction/)

--------
OK...Fun with names:

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)
Cubby Sampson

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite candy)
Pete Grand

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
Scla

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school)
Tiger United

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
William Berea

6. YOUR OPPOSITE SEX NAME: (name of dad/mom, cell phone Company you use)
Dolores Sprint

7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
Clascejoe

8. YOUR PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, and the first street you lived on)
William Western

February 1, 2006

Brokebacken Record...

For my birthday post..day three I have a thought.

People who watched Brokeback Mountain don't bother me. People who are against seeing Brokeback Mountain don't bother me. People who call the people who are against seeing Brokeback Mountain "homophobic" don't bother me.

The people who bother me are the ones who go to great lengths to explain why people who call those who won't see the movie "homophobic" are wrong.