Fiberglass Jacket

"Ziggy Stardust" & "Low"

2012-01-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

In the month of January, two of the most phenomenal David Bowie albums were released or recorded. Not the same year, but both in the month of January.

Those albums also happen to be my personal favorite's; "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Starrdust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Low."

The album "Ziggy Stardust" for short (the official name is above) was recorded between September of 1971 and late January of 1972. Ziggy Stardust was the first album I ever bought. I didn't have a record player but I knew I would own one someday. I bought at least a dozen record before I was able to afford and obtain a record player. Ziggy Stardust was also given to me as a a CD from a family friend on my 17th birthday. This person won a permanent place in my heart. The album blew my mind. every time I heard it. As a teen I wanted records and all these things that I couldn't get because I was a and had no job. That changed. I now I have a lot of records and other awesome things. "Rock and roll suicide" became my theme song as a teen. I was new to playing drums at the time and wanted to learn the drum beats for "Five Years."

The Ziggy Stardust album was essentially the debut of Ziggy Stardust the character, and if you don't know who and what Ziggy Stardust is, I'm about to make things a whole lot more confusing. The song "Oh you pretty things" also captured my attention.

The album was "Low" was released on January 14th 1977. It was originally supposed to be the soundtrack for the soon to be released "The Man who fell to Earth." Low is one of the earliest "electronic music" or "ambient" music albums. This was at a time when the synthesizer was was a new concept in music. Roxy Music's Brian Eno helped conceptualize the album, but did not produce it as most assume. This is another David Bowie album that just blew my mind. Apparently this album was a huge influence to bands like Kraftwerk and Nine Inch Nails, which makes since. While it doesn't sound like either it was unarguably ahead of it's time. It got mixed reviews, and as far as typical David Bowie work...I wouldn't describe this as such. This album recieved divided reviews (a B+) and has only gotten more appreciation and acclaim with time.

Joy Divison's Ian Curtis loved David Bowie and modeled his first band "Warsaw" in reference to the song "Warsazwa" off of Low. They show that also in the movie "Control" about Ian Curtis the band's lead singer. I would describe the music on this album as "modern, ambient and dancey." It ranges from dancable songs to tunes that maybe you'd prefer to sit down with a bong to. I'd love to have this album, but I haven't got it yet. "Always crashing in the same car" track 5 is my favorite song.

Both of these albums became soundtracks to my life at certain points is time. And both are definitely two of my favorite albums of all time.

David Bowie's Retirement

2012-01-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

(The beautiful Bowie family in November 2011)

About a month ago I was talking about David Bowie's retirement, which is something I've been wondering for quite some time. Articles like this coming out around his birthday certainly fueled the speculation. Rolling Stone has also said it before. Obviously I always had the dream that I'd meet David Bowie, or at least get to see one of his shows. At this point in time, it doesn't look like that will ever happen. He hasn't toured since 2003 or performed since 2006. He stopped after he had heart issues and decided spending time with his family was a better idea.

What's he been doing with his time?

He draws, paints and collects 20th-century British art.

Cool.

When I was starting college David Bowie released "Reality" and I was happy to know I still liked his work. I can honetsly say that I enjoy 98% of what David Bowie had made, especially music wise. I love his movies as well, see The Hunger, Labyrinth, The Prestige. I think I've been speaking more about Bowie's career in the last few years because I am getting antsy for his material in a post-Lady Gaga world. When I tell people on Facebook "Oh yea, you think this stuff is big? Wait 'till Bowie makes his come back" I'm starting to think it will never happen.

David Bowie's last television appearance. On a show with Ricky Gervais. I almost died laughing.

My heart sinks a little, but I'd rather have David alive and not touring. My friend asked "What if he were dead and touring?"
"I'd totally go"

So this part makes me think of that blog post I made about Amy Winehouse. How a lot of fans of musicians seem to love to watch the person they idolize party themselves into an early grave. This sort of "Dance Monkey Dance" attitude where the fans don't ever want you to stop touring, producing or creating. Even if it means the performers health declines, or they even die. As a person who idolizes rock stars like Gods I want them to live long and happy lives. Yes, even if it means they don't release anything. THAT'S A SACRIFICE I AM WILLING TO MAKE.

If David Bowie had died years ago when he had that chest pain I'd be sitting around here right now mourning his death. So I say, let the man rest. Even if it means I live in a Lady Gaga dominated world with this nagging thought in my mind "Born this way? Bah! Bowie created you."

David Bowie's biographer claims he is most likely retired, though Bowie hasn't made an formal announcement. Bowie has retired before, in 1973 after he "killed" Ziggy Stardust. So, there might be hope? I liked his quote about it "My heart says he'll come back. But my head says he's likely not to. I think he would only come back if he thinks he could deliver something that will be seismic. If you pop back into the stage, it's got to be something that has a big explosion and lots of flashes. It would be a bit of a miracle if he comes back, but miracles do happen," Paul Trynka. I'm with him on that. It doesn't seem likely, but boy do I hope I'm wrong.

Dear Bowie, I respect your choice to stay home with your family given the issues you came up against. Real fans of you are most interested in your happiness. But if you ever choose to tour again, I will be there. Apparently the last person you sang with was Alicia Keys and I know we can do better than that.
Please Live Forever,
Becca

Dreamin'!

Bands I am listening to: Deerhunter

2012-01-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to Deerhunter for a few years now. I actually got to see them open for Nine Inch Nails here in Oakland. I heard of them through Trent Reznor who gave them props. I was going through a phase where I wanted to know what artists inspired both Trent and Joey Ramone. And it Trent's case, presently. I heard of a a lot of good bands through Trent, or rather information about his musical interested posted on line. He has a blog and I have read several interviews of his. He is undoubtedly one of my crushes.

Speaking of crushes, I seem to have a thing for tall pale guys which perfectly describes the lead singer of Deerhunter. His name is Bradford Cox, and quite frankly I think it's a hot looking guy. Like Joey Ramone, he has Marfan Syndrome. So when I say I like 'em tall and skinny, I mean it. If Bradford Cox is half as intriguing as he seems by what I've read then I might be in love. Not only do we share music taste, but we seem to share a lot of personal traits in common. I need another rock star crush like I need another cup of caffeine. Wikipedia describes Deerhunter as "Ambient punk", "art rock" and "post-punk." Sometimes it's hard to pin point what exactly it is that I like about this band. Considering I am so strongly position in rock and roll. Rock and roll isn't the only music I like, but usually it's the music I want to hear.

I like Deerhunter because I hear elements of other great old bands (like The Mavelettes for example) in their music. They aren't blatantly copying anything, but they are clearly inspired by the greats and the reference can be heard in their music. The first album I heard was "Flourescent Grey" which was amazing to listen to while stoned. You know how music can meet with you at a certain point of time, and it becomes your soundtrack for that point in your life? It made a big impression on me. Seeing them live was a thrill. I went to the Nine Inch Nails show with two friends who had never heard of them and I kept insisting to pay attention to them. I was up in the front of the heart of the pit. Bradford Cox looked like Joey Ramone meets a Thom Yorke style Christopher Robin.

I found out Bradford likes to wear dresses. I approve.

Their album covers look like optical illusions, for example, the album "Cryptograms."

Perhaps the best thing about this band is they have a solid body of work. All their albums are pretty solid. I have favorite songs ("Revival", "Spring Hall Convert", "Never stops", "Slow Swords"). I keep discovering more I like, the more I listen to this band. I always feel very humbled when I realize I missed an amazing song on an album. Some bands deserve a second look because it can't always all be absorbed the first time. Deerhunter makes me think of modern psychedelic music. When I first heard Nine Inch Nails I couldn't quite understand it. It almost scared me. But I kept listening to it until it didn't scare me anymore. It was quite an experience for a girl from suburbia to have.

Some might think this is a "different" band for me to like. That wouldn't be too far off, but like I say "I like what I like."

9 Year Anniversary Bite-the-dust.com!

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

STOP SOPA

2012-01-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

My website might not be as big or as import as sites like Google and Wikipedia, but as a web designer and a big believer in freedom or speech I have to express my dismay with this bill. I wont beat a dead bush and tell you about it for the 20th time today, but I am making it clear that I am standing in solitary with everyone with a conscience that internet censorship is a bad idea. It will effect everyone single one of us who use the internet. I feel certain that it will effect everything I do on the internet including effect my own website.

I've also signed the petition that's going around, hope you have too.

Van Halen 2012

2012-01-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Normally when a band gets back together for a tour this is big exciting news for me. I'm not a huge Van Halen fan but can totally rock out to some classic 80's VH. And if you say you don't...you're a liar.

Well I feel like I can sum up the new Van Halen tour with two examples:
Here's the new VH song called "Tattoo" if you listen for about 20 seconds you will realize how crappy of a song this is. Not to mention the lyrics are horrible. "I've got Elvis on my elbows"...pure poetry.

I seriously feel like this is the worst song I've heard of 2012 so far. It's like hearing Rebecca Black's "Friday" all over again.

Second example is this live performance, and this outfit David Lee Roth is wearing:

Overalls, a cap and a scarf. A pretty stark contrast to the outfits of Dave's past.

I'm well aware the spandex just doesn't work anymore in this day and age. But this outfit is pretty freaking horrible. If I were more clever, I'd have a hilarious description for this outfit.

The verdict so far hasn't been so hot on the new Val Halen tour. Just those two simple reasons has deterred me from any interest in seeing this guys. I know things can't always be the same, but I feel like these guys could have done better...at least on the music part. I can respect a band who releases solid music. And Van Halen used to.

Music posers

2012-01-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ever see a girl in a rock t shirt who just doesn't look like she knows who they are?

Have you ever been out in public, and spotted a person wearing a rock and roll t-shirt? Every time I do, which is if they're 12 feet or less away, I have to say something about it.

That something would be "Yay! I love (insert band)! What's your favorite album?"
Well, sometimes when I ask that question, I get a response I don't expect...

*Blank expression*
"I'm not really a fan of (insert band), I just like the shirt."

My heart sinks.
And then I want to punch them.

This happened just yesterday.
I was visiting my local pot club (Berkeley Patients Group, woop woop) and I immediately spotted a girl wearing a Beatles shirt. I shouldn't even have to inform you how much I love rock music, so I can't help but mention it. I also feel like this is an obvious potential friend! I said to her "Yea the Beatles rock! Niiice!"

And she gave me that blank "I'm above you" look.
Now, this doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen fairly often.
Instead of just letting it go like I usually do, I got pissed off. I feel like this horrible phenomenon needs to be addressed.

WHY DO PEOPLE WEAR BAND SHIRTS AND NOT LIKE THE BAND?!
If I wore a 49's Jersey, I would expect to be approached or questioned. Music t shirts are no different. It ticks me off because it makes it pretty clear that this person is a poser, a phoney, a slave to 'fashion'. And to them, 'fashion' is wearing a rock band on your shirt and not knowing who they are...when they actually rock.
It's just insulting, insulting to the band. Not to mention the ever pressing question HOW DO YOU NOT NOW WHO THE BEATLES/RAMONES/INSERT BAND ARE?

It's very sad that Ramones t shirts are so fashionable, much like a CB GB's shirts that people think of their name or logo as a label in the same category as Nike. One time I was shopping at a local Hot Topic, and the girl behind the counter was wearing a Clash shirt. I got excited and quickly realized (big surprise) that this Hot Topic had hired a poser. Yes, I know, it's not so unbelievable at a Hot Topic...but this happens everywhere. It always perplexes me. When did this start and how did it get so bad? I would -never- wear a band t shirt and not like the band or at least know who they are. I would expect no, welcome some questions. I look at it as being genuine and being able to meet like minded people. Again, I see it as an opportunity to make friends. It's like false advertising. I think "Cool person, potential friend" but instead the message I get is "SHEEPLE."

This awful fashion statement needs to stop.

Girls I enthusiastically approach when I see your rock music shirt and you just treat it like a "shirt":
Don't give me that blank condescending look. I don't care if it's your boyfriend's t shirt and you had nothing clean to wear. If you wear his 'Titties and Beer' t shirt he got for free at an event I except you to be a big fan of titties and beer. Don't wear something people feel passionate about and turn it into any other label. At least be smart enough to expect someone at some point to mention it.

One time I saw a guy wearing "I'm the gangster of love" t shirt. I yelled "Yea Steve Miller band!"
he went "Huh?"
I said "That's a song lyric from a Steve Miller band song" and I sung a few lines.
He shrugged and said "I'll try to remember to Google it later."

My Favorite Christmas Movie

2011-12-24T11:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T08:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays rock and rollers! See you in the new year!

Rebel Kings Performances

2011-12-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Lou Weed "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger.

Lou and Eva Toki "A cowboy's work is never done" by Sonny and Cher.

And here is Lou performing The Jam's "Going Underground" http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2417669034215

Iggy and The Stooges at the Warfield!

2011-12-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Man Who Fell to Earth!

2011-11-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

November 10th, 2011 "The Man Who Fell to Earth" came to the Castro Theater in San Francisco! My friends and I made an evening out of it!

The Kinks Rockast #14!

2011-11-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

The Kinks Rockast Running time 44 mins

The Kinks "Wonder where my baby is tonight", "See my friends", "Where have all the good times gone?", "Sunny Afternoon", "Picture book", "Apeman", "Death of a clown", "Tired of waiting", "Dedicated follower of fashion", "Yes sir, not sir", "David Watts", Ray Davies "Quiet Life", "Lola."

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/kinksrockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

One of those Facebook things

2011-11-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Share this if you agree!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Bite The Dust!

Rockast #13 The Halloween Show!

2011-10-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Rockast Halloween Show Running time 1 hr 22 mins

"Thriller" Michael Jackson, "Halloween Parade" Lou Reed, "Monster Mash" Bobby "Boris" Pickett, "Purple People Eater" Sheb Wooley, "Pet cemetery" The Ramones, "Love potion #9" The Searchers, "Boogie Man" White Zombie, "Halloween" The Misfits, "Bark at the moon" Ozzy Osbourne, "Weird science" Oingo Boingo, "Psycho Killer" The Talking Heads, "Rock Lobster" The B52's, "Don't fear the reaper" Blue Oyster Cult, "I put a spell on you" Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Abracadabra" Steve Miller Band, "Werewolves of London" Warren Zevon, "Boris the spider" The Who, "Time Warp" Rock Horror Picture Show OST, "Psycho" The Sonics, "Feed my Frankenstein" Alice Cooper.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/halloweenrockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

"Rock Dreams"

2011-10-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

Life is but a rock 'n' roll dream! Thirty years ago, artist Guy Peellaert teamed up with author Nik Cohn to create this fantasy tribute to rock 'n' roll and r&b. Through surreal texts and images, Cohn and Peelaert paint an imaginary world where the great gods of mid-century popular music appear in their own settings (the Drifters under the boardwalk, Otis Redding on the dock of the bay, the Beach boys on the beach). Here, rock music is a "secret society, an enclosed teen fantasy" treated with the same kind of passion and obsession famously generated by the most fanatic of lovesick, pimply adolescents. All of the founding heroes of rock, soul, and pop appear in peellaert and Cohn's colorful hallucinations, including Buddy Holly, Elvis, Ray Charles, Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, the Rolling stones, the Beatles, the Who, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, and many more. Taschen's revival of this unique book comes at a time when rock is making a strong comeback and young musicians are taking inspiration from the very stars featured in rock dreams.

Rock and Roll Drag Show recap

2011-10-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

When it comes to getting out of the house, which I admittedly don't do often there are only a few activities for me to do. I don't drink anymore, so I hardly have a reason to go to a bar. There are two things that I love to see or do at bars. One is karaoke, the other is a drag shows. I've been watching The Rebel Kings at the White Horse for a couple of years now. I was busy, doing other stuff, sick, tired, whatever, I was making excuses. We all do it and that's ok, but long story short I never got around to it. Even after watching admirably for almost 2 years. Well this month I finally 'got around to it.' I created my drag king name "Lou Weed" and naturally, I do rock and roll songs. It's a chance to dress up every Wednesday, hang out with some cool people and have a good time. I also make decent tips which was a nice surprise. Here are some pictures from my performances so far. I have another next Wednesday at the White Horse (Halloween Show), and will be performing in multiple acts as back up or skit partner.

David Bowie "Watch that man"

The Jam "Going Underground"

Billy Joel "It's still rock and roll to me"

This is me after my set.

Rolling Stone: Children of Rock

2011-10-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Rolling Stone issues from April 2005. Loads of great pictures and neat information inside.

Updated banner!

2011-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Misfits Vs. Phil Donahue

2011-10-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I watched an interesting episode of Phil Donahue from the early 90's. For some reason I also instantly started putting the Misfit's "Some kinda hate" in with it. Here is the end result. I put in a letter written by Marilyn Manson as read by Phil Donahue on this quite interesting episode. The episode seemed to center on counter culture in the early 90's. I find it interested how Phil tries to relate to a younger generation, but was so obviously against them. The second part of the song features a mash up of Phil Donahue quotes.

I really want to make a music video but don't have video editing software, so this image will just have to go along with the song

"Misfit Donahue": http://bite-the-dust.com/rockast/danzigmix.mp3

Rockast # 12: The Dark Lords of Rockast!

2011-10-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Dark Lords of Rockast Running time 35:47

Dio, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Judas Priest, Rob Halford, Glenn Danzig, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/darklords.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Watch this!

2011-10-09T09:30:00.001-07:00

Finished banner

2011-10-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween Jack is a real cool cat!

2011-10-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of one of David Bowie's many alter-egos, Halloween Jack!

Rock and Roll Headquarters Halloween!

2011-10-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

Here are my Halloween decorations that I have around Rock and Roll Headquarters! Enjoy!

"Too much"

2011-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

These days most of us can agree that things have become "too much." For example, Facebook.

Facebook started simple and effective but Mark Zuckorberg decided to throw the ""If it aint broke, don't fix it" logic out the window. Now Facebook has what a lot of my friends say "Too much". Too much privacy changes, too much aesthetic changes; confusing something that already worked fine. In fact, because Facebook is "too much" people are migrating towards Google +. This has happened before. It happened with Myspace, which I liked the best out of all the social networking sites I used. It changed when it didn't need to perhaps just to keep up with the competition. Well, that's the same reason Facebook has cited for making it's changes. Ironically, like Myspace, Facebook is digging it's own grave. Things like this happen all the time, especially in pop culture history.

Madonna, she has always changed and evolved...no doubt changing and evolving to stay relevant in popular culture. In popular culture, it is really easy to be over exposed; that would be my major complaint with pop music. It's not just on the radio and on the tv, it is inevitable that you will hear it and it is inevitable you will get annoyed with it. Too much exposure to things, even things we enjoy can make us sour to those things.

For example many people are irritated with Justin Bieber right now. He is everywhere, his image is everywhere, and his music sucks. We live in a time where we are saturated with the media, we can all agree. I was born in the MTV generation, so as far I know...that's the way it's always been. But I do remember a time when there were only previews before a movie when you went to see one in a theater. It was only in my later high school years that they started to add car commercials and repetitive Coca Cola spots. I feel like every year they sneak something new in. And it's all for the sake of advertising.

Although Madonna has changed and evolved through the years, she really isn't "relevant" anymore. I argue both sides of this argument with people, because I think her influence is out there to some degree. If you asked me to compare it to Bowie's, I would say he wins this round. Bowie was the original icon for the gay community. He spanned more than just music genres, but he was and still is the martyr of androgyny. Recently I am starting to get the "too much" feeling with Lady Gaga. I talk about her a lot, in a positive and sometimes ridiculing way. She is everywhere right now, and everyone is a fan of her. Much like Madonna in the 80's, the only difference...the internet. That makes it a lot harder to avoid and a lot easier to see things going on in pop culture. Lady Gaga has become the new "gay icon". Kind of like the saying my Professor told me "I don't know anybody who sells coffee but doesn't drink it." I find it a little funny. I can't disagree with her fighting for gays right to marry, but I really don't see her as being any kind of gay icon.

Not only is her music and image everywhere, and every person I meet seems to be some sort of guilty fan, but she has started moving over into the rock and roll arena. Not really in the musical sense, which I would like to see. She is the Godmother of Elton John's son, she has hung out with Alice Cooper, Stevie Wonder, and just last night she sang on stage with Sting. I'm self ware enough to admit that it is due to jealousy to some degree. But she is still a pop music new comer, and I just can't get behind her. My chief complaint: Let's get real, she copies Bowie way too much. I feel like every image I see of her is almost a direct copy of something Bowie or someone else did. Whenever I hear one of her songs I think "Haven't I heard this song before?" I indeed have, because it sounds just like another song. That's what I can't get behind.

The real kicker is these songs that I heard already that Lady Gaga sounds like came out not all that long ago. 30-25 years ago, and in many cases less than 20. In essence, all these "little Monsters" (mostly high school age) are seeing and hearing what she is doing and they think it is original. That is my problem with Lady Gaga in popular culture.

And it's everywhere.

I don't think it would bother me so much if it wasn't everywhere. We live in the time of too much. Too much ads, too much fatty food, too much radiation, too much synthesized music, too much in our faces and in our minds. Sometimes I feel a sensory overload and absolutely must avoid my computer for reasons of sanity.

That is why I love rock and roll. It's raw and real, and isn't over done. Rock and roll is emotional, and that's why people take it so seriously. Sometimes I feel like nobody feels the same way I do about it. Some people I meet have a very "music is ok" mentality. My response would be "music is my life." I take it very seriously. Much the way an Evangelical Christian would take seriously his faith in God. Often, I am luckily reminded that other people like me exist. There are other people who are so emotionally invested in rock and roll that becomes a religion in itself.

In a time where everything seems so fake, is too big, too much, it makes me extra nostalgic and in love with my rock and roll. Rock and roll, like punk, is a mentality. Rock and roll is authentic, and so am I.

Never before seen Bowie pics!

2011-10-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Uncut Magazine has released it's Autumn issue! It is ALL Bowie cover to cover and is filled with photos even I've never seen! This is on magazine shelves at your local bookstore right now!

Bowie and Marc Bolan 9 days before he died.

Behind the scenes of "The man who fell to Earth."

David Bowie playing piano on tour with Iggy Pop.

For the rest of the pictures, go here!

Eddie Vedder's voice, the most emulated voice in music history?

2011-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Many things came out of the late 80's and early 90's grunge scene. Other than Nirvana, we got Pearl Jam, and Eddie Vedder had one of the most distinct and emulated voices in rock music. Everybody knows for the most part who he is, and what his voice sounds like. But at the same time this deep and howling voice has been commonly featured in rock music for the past 20 years.

Most of you probably know what I'm talking about. A lot of singers have the same sounding voice as Eddie Vedder. For example; Creed's Scott Stapp, Fuel's Brett Scallions, The Stone Temple Pilot's Scott Weiland, The Calling's Alex Band, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell, Lifehouse's Jason Wade, and some say Nickelback's Chad Kroeger have a similar sounding voice.

I always confused STP with Pearl Jam, for example. Eddie Vedder has one of the most emulated rock voices of all time.

Examples of similar sounding vocalists, feel free to chime in

Rockast List

2011-09-29T12:06:00.001-07:00

This is a list of all the Rockasts for people who cannot view Flash or don't need the mobile version.

14. The Kinks Rockast

13. Rockast Halloween Show

12. The Dark Lords of Rockast

11. Acid Rockast

10. Back to School Special

9. Whistle Rockast

8. Rockast Summer

7. Rockast Originals

6. Rockast Cover 2 Cover

5. Girl groups Rockast

4. Punk Rockast

3. The Monkees Rockast

2. David Bowie Rockast

1. Queen Rockast

Rock and Roll Resurrection

2011-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Check out these new Illustrator pen drawings I did! They are 2 of 3 in a series soon to come!

Web design and print for bands and musicians

2011-09-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

If you have any friends in a band who are in need of a website, print work or some custom merchandise remember that you know the high priestess of Rock and Roll who can do just that!

Print out this index size card with my info all in one place.

Wam bam, thank you ma'am!

A day in Flash

2011-09-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Spent all day working in Flash! Took a picture of my actual record player and manipulated in in Photoshop. The record is also an altered scan. It looks nice now and it a little bit more fun! I update the Rockast site often and will also continue to tweak the layout.

Go check it out! http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/flash/

A Baked Baker

2011-09-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite hobbies is baking.

Both kinds at the same time.

I'm not fond of cooking but I love to bake. Dessert is the best!

One of my first and still favorite cook books was my Star Wars one. It didn't hurt that Chewbacca was on the front with his own cookie recipe. There are other great things in here like Yoda soda and Han Burgers.

To see what I'm baking check out my page on Facebook.

The Rock Wall

2011-09-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

In 2005 I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area into a small apartment right next to BART tracks. I didn't have much and in order to help this new place feel like home I created a large collage on the wall dedicated to all things rock. It started with a couple of posters and turned into something that covered an entire wall (shown above) from ceiling to floor...in many layers. Eventually when I moved, I had the "tear down the wall." There were a lot of special things on the wall, posters, art, signatures, articles and more. I couldn't part with most of the things on the wall. So I tore it down and carried it back in a black bag and reduced it into a book, the cover is shown below and some pages are shown below.

See the rest of the collage...

Acid Rockast #11

2011-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Acid Rockast Running time 107:46

Pink Floyd, The Amboy Dukes, Jefferson Airplane, Blue Cheer, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Sweetwater, The Rolling Stones, The Electric Prunes, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, The Doors, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Cream, Donovan, Status Quo.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/acidrockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

The Labyrinth audience participation and prop list

2011-09-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is an audience participation guide for Jim Henson's “Labyrinth” movie from 1986. This guide is similar to the Rocky Horror Picture Show participation and prop list. Because the film is different and PG rated, some rules differ. An audience participation guide is similar to a drinking game sans the alcohol. Certain events trigger certain phrases or fun activities to make the movie more fun and interactive. The RHPS guide is usually done alongside a live performance of Rocky Horror in front of the screen, but this guide isn't (yet!) adapted for that. This guide was created after watching the Labyirnth and Rocky Horror Picture Show several times, including studying RHPS guides.

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The Labyrinth guide is still a work in progress, if you have comments of idea on how to improve this please feel free to contact me. Beccajs@gmail.com
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Labyrinth costumes and attire:

Jareth, Sarah, or any character from the movie. Ballroom gowns, masks, David Bowie and glam rock costumes count.

Prop list:

Hat (any hat, but the one shown is like the one in the movie)

Glitter (just a pinch will do) or substitute silver loose sequins.

Scarf or feather boa

Fire gang beach ball

Whoopi cushion

Bubbles

Mask

Confetti and streamers

*This list may vary according to theater policy or local customs.

Audience participation (where the props come into play):

Opening credits roll, David Bowie's name appears, yell; “And his balls!”

Feel free to cheer and sing along with the credits.

Movie opening with owl landing and Sarah rehearsing her lines. When she forgets the last part and says “Damn, I always forget that line” remind Sarah by yelling “You have no power over me!”

Now is the best time to notice that there are a bunch of Bowie's hidden in this movie. On the big screen they are much easier to spot.

Once Sarah is in Toby's room looking into the mirror, (prepare HAT prop) she says “One night when her wicked step Mother had been particularly cruel to her...” and puts on a hat—you put on your hat. (As the movie progresses you will get slowly into costume for the ballroom scene.)

When Sarah says “Goblin King Goblin King, wherever you may be, take this child of mine far away from me” yell “Me too!/Take me too!”

When Goblin King David Bowie appears scream and cheer. Throw GLITTER! David Bowie's entrance deserves glitter by default; it is also in the movie. (Note if glitter is too annoying substitute confetti or just pass on this activity.)

When Bowie points to the castle at the center of the labryinth behind a daunting maze and says “Do you still want to look for him?” yell “Oh Crap!”

Sarah meets Hoggle, says “Thanks for nothing Hogwart” yell “It's Hoggle!” repeat this every time someone says his name incorrectly.

Another repeating rule: Scream every time David Bowie's balls are prominently displayed. After all, they are a supporting character.

When the blue worm is introduced, put on your SCARF or FEATHER BOA and say “Ello.”

MAGIC DANCE

Do what Bowie commands you to do. Dance when he says dance, jump when he says jump. This is our version of the Time Warp.

CHILLY DOWN

Boing!

For this scene I created a relatively simple concept. I designed some large black beach balls with each of the Fire Gang's faces on it. In this section you will blow them up and throw them around stadium style much in the way they are doing it in the movie. This part comes up after they yell “Snake eyes!” Get up, dance and shake your booty. Bounce around FIRE GANG BEACH BALL.

During the Bog of internal stench scene break our your WHOOPI CUSHION prop. Go to town making fart noises. This is one of the funniest parts of the movie and kids favorites.

When Bowie starts blowing crystal bubbles, start blowing BUBBLES too!

Ballroom scene, put on your MASK when Sarah enters the ballroom.

During the Battle scene when Sarah says “Ludo, call the rocks!” yell “Hey Rocks!”

During the Finale make sure to remember to scream every time David Bowie's balls are prominently displayed. When Bowie offers to be Sarah's slave this is another opportunity and instance to yell “Take me!”

When Sarah is back in her room, and her Labyrinth friends appear in the mirror and Hoggle says “Why didn't you say so?” and they start to party, throw CONFETTI and STREAMERS.

As the peering David Bowie owl flies away from Sarah's window yell “David Bowie is always watching.”

You should now be wearing a hat, scarf, mask, and be covered in glitter and confetti.

Rockast Schedule

2011-09-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the Rockast schedule up until February. Feel free to submit ideas for these pod casts or any pod casts for the future!

Give Rockast a review on iTunes!

2011-09-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

We now have a total of 10 Rockasts!
http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/flash/

Was just checking out the stats via iTunes and the most popular Rockasts are....*drum roll*

Whistle Rockast

Rockast Originals

David Bowie Rockast

The Monkees Rockast

Each Rockast has it's own music/rock related topic. Rockasts are not only funny and musical, but they are educational! If music is your thing and you want to learn more, listen to Rockast! Make sure you are up to date on the latest podcasts from Bite the dust!

If you have a smart phone, you can visit this smart phone friendly Rockast site:

http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/mobile/

I am working on making an ap for Rockast too so that will be here in the future!

You can send me Rockast or song requests and dedications. I am also open to feedback, as I am learning as I go. I am trying to make a podcast like an old school radio broadcast show.

If you can just take a moment and open up your iTunes browser and go to the bottom of the Rockast page (you can launch it from here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rockast/id447272029 ) and give Rockast a review either with stars or even better...leave me a detailed comment! Your feedback matters a lot and making Rockast better is a priority. Hearing from you helps out in that process. Now that we are at 10 podcasts it's a good idea to get a feel for how your are enjoying the exprience. Thanks for reading this and thanks for everyone's support.

Rockast #10 Back to School Special!

2011-09-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Back to School Special Running time 48:52

The Mc5, Brownsville Station, The Ramones, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Runaways, Twisted Sister, Gene Summers, Bill Haley and the Comets, Grease OST.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/back2school.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Modern bands that are throw backs to older bands

2011-08-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Interpol

Interpol is a band that is reminiscent of Joy Division. Both lead singers have very deep voices, similar songs, and even the album art is fairly similar to Joy Divisions'.

The Hives

The Hives embrace both the Mick Jagger moves and the Kinks type music. They also remind me of The Knack.

The Yeah Yeah Yeah's

Karen O definitely has he 70's rocker chick vibe. Much like a member of the Runaways, but with a more glam flare.

Jet

The members of Jet were raised on classic rock. They embody some musical traits of AC/DC and the Easybeats.

The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes revitalized 70's blues era rock. They have a southern rock style, like Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The Heavy

The James Brown vocals and raw sound emulate garage rock.

Graphic designer for hire!

2011-08-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

My Big Labyrinth post!

2011-08-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Happy 25th anniversary to the Labyrinth!

Last night I was lucky enough to see a live screening of the Labyrinth on it's anniversary, but I was also able to see some cast members! Last night was a special treat that I am grateful I was able to make...but jusssst barely! For some reason I've had this Labyrinth curse in recent times. I've tried to see the film at numerous screenings and was always out of luck when I showed up to the ticket counter...even when I was early. I was pretty sure up until a day ago that it was simply not meant to be. Curse is over, I made it!

I showed up hours early this time so there was no room for error, and was first in line! I quickly made friends with the people lining up behind me, which eventually wrapped down the Castro. Eventually people started to form a second line, which I wasn't a fan of. I showed up early and I was afraid I'd have to get mean. I only had to get a little mean :) maybe everyone could see the urgency in my eyes? Once the doors opened I was brought into a gorgeous old theater. The night started with a Labyrinth costume contest and the winners were two girls dressed as the Knockers!

They opened up the night with Adam Savage (who I've met before, cool Bay Area local) who hosted the Q and A with Brian Henson, Dave Goelz and Karen Prell. First Adam asked a set of questions and than opened it up to the audience.

(Left to right: Adam Savage, Brian Henson, Dave Goelz and Karen Prell)

At about his second question for Brian, Shari (Hoggle) was recognized in the audience by the cast and invited on stage. That made it even better! They showed behind the scenes clips and other interesting things. The audience was very responsive and there was a lot of laughter. Brian didn't stay for too long before he had to leave for a performance of "Stuffed and Unstrung." The best parts where definitely what the Muppeteers had to say. Dave Goelz and Karen Prell have been Muppeteers in a big number of Muppet/Henson movies. In Labyrinth, Brian did the voice of Hoggle while Shari was in the costume. Karen did the part of the blue worm and the junk lady. Dave was the puppeteer for Sir Didymus, the Fireys, the Knockers, and the four guards (that's the dead end behind you!)

Although I was practically violently raising my hand to ask the question, it felt as though the guy completely avoided me. But the good news was...someone asked my question! "What was it like to work with David Bowie?" Shari answered the question because "Jareth picked on Hoggle the most." She said he was very nice and polite, and was the first one to say "Is she ok in there? Maybe she needs a break out of the mask?"

Other cool anecdotes from the Muppeteers:

Karen Prell talked about flirting with other Muppeteers on the set. In order to "flirt" in an Muppet set performers would dance around and wiggle to get the attention of the person they liked. (Check out the Magic Dance scene!)
At first Dave Goelz thought the character of Sarah was a total brat. He said when he saw the movie later, he understood it was a coming of age story and no longer saw the character that way.
Dave Goelz was asked about Dark Crystal which he also performed in. He talked about the opening scene when he was playing a skeksis and he felt off his platform. He said as he was falling he thought "I don't know how Jim thinks were going to get this done."
The performers did elaborate on puppeteering. "Lots of sore backs and hurting arms, but you work through it."
When they showed this clip Brian said "I look like I'm 12" after seeing this.

I also found out that baby Toby was Brian Froud's child. Pretty cool!

The movie went on very much liked I had expected it to. Think of a Rocky Horror Picture Show and it wasn't too different from that. Lots of happy cheering and yelling and screaming. Every time they showed Bowie's "package" on screen the audience would erupt with excited screaming. I definitely made me think of RHPS and made me wonder why Labyrinth doesn't have it's own "theater list." If you're not sure what I mean, click here for an explanation. I was really really happy to finally be there for the movie and around all these people. I didn't take a lot of pictures because it was in a theater, and quite frankly I suck at remembering. I live in the moment!

One last Labyrinth related thing! Seeing the movie on the big screen made it much easier to see all the Bowie faces on screen! At first I thought I was seeing things but I looked it up: Henson put in a bunch of subliminal/hidden Bowie faces and other things in scenes of the movie! Some more obvious than others...

Click here for Labyrinth behind the scenes.

A new Muppet movie will be coming out this Christmas! Yaaaaay!

Just spreading the good word!

Hair dying tips

2011-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have done just about everything you can imagine that a person can do to their hair. (Ok, I haven't had a perm of dread, but most other hair styles I have had.) And pretty much every color!

Thankfully I was able to document my hair cuts 99% of the time! Check out the page at Bite the dust! One hair cut I am sad that I never really got a good photo of was my blond and red "Low" album cover by David Bowie. After having more hair cuts and color combinations than I can count, I think it's safe to say I am pretty knowledgeable about it.

Tips and advice:

When it comes to cutting, number one rule and recommendation is (and although this may seem like common sense, it is not) never cut your own hair! UNLESS it's just a buzz with a pair of clippers or a simple mohawk, that IS possible to do. But anything that requires you having to hold a mirror up to the back of your head with the reflection of another mirror...that's going to be next to impossible. Believe me, I've done it. In the end, it bugs you too much, and you will still end up at the salon having them fix your mess. Just skip the drama, and know that NOBODY can cut their own hair!
As far as directions go with bleaching hair, follow them. Bleach is a little more scary and you know...damaging than just dye but it is necessary to get the best color. It's not worth leaving it in too long and having it damage your scalp and have your hair fall our before your very eyes. So I'd advise you to take it seriously.
Only bleach your hair when you fall under the following circumstances: 1) You hair is dark, and you want to dye it anything light or a different color all together. You can easily dye it a darker hue of your color, but if you want anything else you need to extract aka have a bleach treatment. If you are just dying your hair pharmacy color black, red or brown you don't need to bleach. 2) Bleaching is also essential for going blond altogether. Bleach is a much more tedious process because you can't just bleach your hair once or even twice to get it the right blond. The good part about going blond and getting it to the right color and coverage is it's easy to maintain after that.
Remember to give your hair a break. Hair should be given a break most importantly between bleachings. If you do too much too soon with your hair...it will fall out. Hair should be given a break between bleaching and dying too ideally. I know it doesn't happen that way at a salon, but it is the best situation as most of us do our own hair at home.
Invest in a good conditioner. With bleaching and or dying the hair loses moisture. The good news is it can be easily regained. I've done every horrible thing to my hair and got it all back and fast. There are just a few key things. Conditioner is the most important. And in this case you need to pay attention to what it's for. 1) If you have an exotic color in your hair, you need to use a conditioner with no sulfates. Another alternative is a natural whole foods, kind of conditioner that doesn't have any of those components that break down exotic colors. Trust me, if you invest in a conditioner that says it it for colored hair...your hair color will last longer. Although it may be seriously, just a little pricier..because it's nicer a little dab goes a longer way than the cheaper stuff. It really balances itself out! 2) If you have bleached your hair and are going blond, you want a conditioner that is "brassy" or has blue tones in it that is specifically for bleach blonds/light blonds. I was very confused why I had to add purpley blue to my hair to make it more blond, but it works. It's good for your hair and helps you achieve the color.
Colored hair is temperamental. On thing that kind of sucks is it's like everything has sulfates in it or breaks down the color. Flat irons will fade the color faster, even if you use the pricey protective spray before hand (it also depends on the brand of color). Some gels and mousses can make the color fade, so do most hand lotions. Sometimes when my hair was all frizzy and all I had was some hand lotion I'd put a little on my hair to smooth it out...and that made the color fade. So keep an eye out for those things.
Before cutting or dying, put things in perspective. Is it ok for your job or school? If you are in a position where to can/want to do anything with your hair than I say just have fun with it! Mimic what you see and like. Test the waters. When I first got a mohawk I got it buzzed at a 5! The next time I was buzzing it at a 1! And remember, hair grows back!

Rockast #9: Whistle Songs!

2011-08-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Whistle Rockast Running time 50 mins

Disney's "Give a little whistle" "Whistle stop", Beck "Sissyneck", Paul Simon "Me and Julio down by the school yard", Guns N Roses "Patience", The Bangles "Walk like an Egyptian", Foster the People "Pumped up kicks", The Pixies "La La Love You", David Bowie "Golden Years", Rock Mafia "The Big Bang", Bobby McFerrin "Don't worry be happy", Peter Bjorn and John "Young Folks", Otis Redding "Sitting on the dock of the bay", John Lennon "Jealous Guy", The Beatles "Two of Us".

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/whistlerockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Rock T Shirts

2011-08-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

I wear rock and roll garb every single day.

People who see my a lot know this, I can always been seen in a band t shirt, jacket or anything else promoting my love of rock and roll. I've decided to document them.

Moving plant

2011-08-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

I love plants and am growing several. This one in particular I am excited about. I first saw it at the Berkeley Botanical garden in the green house. That piqued my curiosity and I had to try and grow it for myself. It's finally big enough to show off!

This one's for the Grammar Nazi's

2011-08-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

As a designer and not a proof reader, I get a lot of flack for this. Stephen Fry put it perfectly.

New Flash site for Rockast!

2011-08-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

New Rockast index page

New mobile website for smart phones

New Rockast flash site!

The Flash site will be updated much more, it is just up the best I can right now. But everything is posted and fully functional *whew*!

Rockast #8: Rockast Summer!

2011-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Rockast Summer Running time 1hr 3mins

Bikini Beach, The Monkees "The door into Summer", The Beach Boys "California Girls", "Under the warmth of the sun", "Surfin USA", The Ramones "Surf City" "Rockaway Beach", Mungo Jerry "In the Summertime", Simon and Garfunkle "The 59th street bridge song (feelin groovy)", The Who "Summertime Blues", The Loving Spoonful "Summer in the city", Pete's Dragon OST "Brazzle Dazzle Day", Don Henley "Boys of Summer", Grease "Summer nights", The Tokens "The Lion sleeps tonight", The Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the bridge", Bananrama "Cruel Summer", "UB40 "Red red wine", Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong "Summertime."

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/rockastsummer.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

My favorite quotes

2011-07-29T21:19:00.001-07:00

• "If I judged anybody I wouldn't have any friends."-Ed Wood
• "Only shooting stars break the mold."-"All Star"
• "Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow."-"Hello Dolly"
• “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”- MLK Jr.

• "The only laws a man can truly respect are the ones he makes for himself." -William Powell
• "People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. You should be an open book, be transparent." -Dr. Phil
• "If it doesn't make sense, it is probably not true." -Judge Judy
• "With love there are no standards. No matter how strange or bizzare you are, theres always someone who will love you for it. Love gives everyone a chance to be happy." "The only losers are the ones who won't gamble."-Mork (Mork & Mindy)
• "An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind."-Martin Luther King Jr (originally said by Ghandi)
• “Free yourself, be proud of who you are. Celebrate the things you don't like about myself.” -Lady Gaga
• "A filmmaker has almost the same freedom as a novelist has when he buys himself some paper."-Stanley Kubrick
• "I told people I was a drummer before I even had a set, I was a mental drummer."-Keith Moon
• "The Beatles saved the world from boredom."-George Harrison
• "Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt."-Mark Twain
• "I have no aspirations of growing old and boring." -Freddie Mercury
• "You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." -Obi-Wan Kenobi

• "You can't buy the necessities of life with cookies. You can't buy a car with cookies."-Bill (Edward Scissorhands)
• "When I give food to the poor they call me a saint, When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist"-Dom Helga Camara (South American Catholic Bishop)
• "Money is the root of all evil."-The Monkees
• "I'm a thinker not a talker."-David Bowie
• "Judge not, lest ye be judged". Matthew 7:1
• "Somebody said to me, 'But the Beatles were anti-materialistic.' That's a huge myth. John and I literally used to sit down and say, 'Now, let's write a swimming pool."-Paul McCartney
• "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."- Albert Einstein
• "Painting is stronger than me, it makes me do its bidding."-Pablo Picasso
• "War can't give life, it can only take it away."-"War" by Edwin Starr
• "When I go see a picture I want a few things; the film to leave me with an up feeling, a feeling better than when I came in and it to have substance...to be about life."- Jim Henson
• "I've learned that theres 3 things you shouldn't discuss with people: Religion, Politics...and The Great Pumpkin."-Linus (Peanuts)
• "So this is America!? They must be out of their minds!"-Ringo Starr
• "For me, punk is about real feelings. It's not about, "Yeah, I am a punk and I'm angry." That's a lot of crap. It's about loving the things that really matter: passion, heart and soul."-Joey Ramone
• "God is a concept, by which we measure our pain"-"God" by John Lennon
• "I don't wanna die for my country; my country can die for me."- "After bathing at Baxter's" by Jefferson Airplane
• "[Popstars] are the killers of rock and roll."-"Popstars" by Rooney
• "Where there is clarity, there is no choice. And where there is choice, there is misery. But then, why should I speak, since I know nothing?"-Peter Tork (Head)
• "Nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humor."-Peter Tork (Head)
• "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do."-Bob Dylan

• "My mother refused to give me colouring books as a child. She probably saved me, 'cause when you think about it, what a colouring book does is completely kill creativity." -David Lynch
• "What I meant to say is that George W. Bush is a deserter, an election thief, a drunk driver, a WMD liar and a functional illiterate. And he poops his pants." -Michael Moore
• "I always gagged on the silver spoon."-Charles Foster Kane (Citizen Kane)
• "Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages. Said that they are unnatural. Gay marriages are unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." - Bill Maher, Politically Incorrect
• "Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity. -Albert Einstein
• "No matter what happens in the future, rock and roll will save the world."-Pete Townshend
• "Once upon a time...they all died."-John Entwistle
• "It's no good pretending that any relationship has a future if your record collections disagree violently or if your favorite films wouldn't even speak to each other if they met at a party."- Nick Hornby (High Fidelity)
• "If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise,we don't believe in it at all."-Noam Chomsky
• "Ramones...some people say your music is loud, obstructive and lethal to mice...but I think your the Beethoven's of our time."-Mr.McCree (Rock and roll high school)
• "You may still be here tomorrow but your dreams may not."-Cat Stevens "Father and Son"
• "You know the old saying; you can lead a herring to water but you gotta walk real fast or he'll die." -Rose Nylund (Golden Girls)
• "Oh bliss! Bliss and heaven! Oh, it was gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh. It was like a bird of rarest-spun heaven metal or like silvery wine flowing in a spaceship, gravity all nonsense now. As I slooshied, I knew such lovely pictures!" - Alex (A Clockwork Orange)
• "I may disaprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."-S.G. Tallentyre 1906
• "That joke is fancier than ketchup!"-"Get Fuzzy" Comic strip
• "What they teach you in school doesn't prepare you for life. Textbooks don't compare to living in the real world. Rock and roll teaches you how to live."-Joey Ramone Hey ho let's go: The story of the Ramones
• "Not to hurt or humble the animals is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission, to be of service to them whenever they require it. If you have men who will exclude any of god's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man."- Saint Francis
•"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much."-Oscar Wilde

movie quotes
• (WOODY ALLEN "HANNAH AND HER SISTERS") "...And I started to feel how can you even think of killing yourself? I mean, isn't it so stupid? I mean, l-look at all the people up there on the screen. You know, they're real funny, and, and what if the worst is true? What if there's no God, and you only go around once and that's it? Well, you know, don't you want to be part of the experience? You know, what the hell, it-i-it's not all a drag. And I'm thinking to myself, geez, I should stop ruining my life... searching for answers I'm never gonna get, and just enjoy it while it lasts. And...you know... after, who knows? I mean, you know, maybe there is something. Nobody really knows. I know, I know "maybe" is a very slim reed to hang your whole life on, but that's the best we have. And...then, I started to sit back, and I actually began to enjoy myself."

• (CITIZEN KANE) Charles Foster Kane: "You long-faced, overdressed anarchist!"
Jed Leland: "I am not overdressed."
Charles Foster Kane: "You are too. Mr. Bernstein, look at his necktie."-Citizen Kane
• (JOEY RAMONE INTERVIEW) Lars Fredericksen: "They said you couldn't play, that you guys were a bunch of half-wits. And here you are, the most influential band of the last 25 years. You guys saved the world from disco!"
Joey Ramone: "Not bad for a bunch of half-wits, huh?"
• (THE MUPPET MOVIE) Gonzo"I'm going to Bombay, India, to become a movie star!"
Fozzie Bear: "You don't go to Bombay to become a movie star. You go where we're going: Hollywood!"
Gonzo: "Sure, if you want to do it the easy way!"
• (A MIGHTY WIND) Leonard: "This whole area here is called Crabbe Town. We've got a brothel dawn there above the saloon. And right down there, further along, I'm thinking of building a French Quarter. I've actually got a bit of French blood. Um..."
Mitch: "I would love to see this town in the autumn. I think Crabbeville in autumn would look quite magnificent. I would have made tiny little leaves... oak, poplar, maple, chestnut... and spread them across the town of Crabbe...ville. Magnificent."
Leonard: "It's Crabbe Town, not Crabbeville."
my favorite Marx Brothers quotes
• "From the moment I picked up your book until I laid it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it".
• "I sent the club a wire stating, PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION. I DON'T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT ME AS A MEMBER".
• "9 dollars and 79 cents? That's an outrage! If I were you I wouldn't pay it!"
• "I could dance with you till the cows come home...But I would rather dance with the cows till you come home."
• "Why a four year old child could understand this. Run out and get me a four year old child, I can't make head or tail out of it."

Discoveries

2011-07-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Discovery #1: "Sadaam makes cameo in Marx Brothers movie."

I had just bought my last Marx Brothers DVD boxed set. I popped in my favorite Marx brothers movie of all time...Duck Soup.

I was enjoying myself until the scene "Were going to war" came. Groucho announced that Freedonia was going to war.

Every admiral got a chance to belt during the war song...my heart stopped when I saw what appeared to be Sadaam Hussein. "Oh my god is that Sadaam Hussein!?" I cried out.

We skipped back immediately...and it wasn't Sadaam himself but a clone. And if it were Sadaam Hussien, he would have been negetive 4 at the time.

Ambassador Trentino: I am willing to do anything to prevent this war.

Rufus T. Firefly: It's too late. I've already paid a month's rent on the battlefield.

Discovery #2: "China acknowledges David Bowie's buldge."

My boyfriend and I at the time discovered this after pirating every Nintendo game ever made. A Labrynth game! We decided to play it, and the intro nearly killed me of laughter. Apparently this game never came to America, but was partially translated from Chinese to English poorly. I love that fact that they mention that he wears spandex.

Discovery #3: "Walrus tag continues: Paul still plays dead."

Paul McCartney is still screwing with our heads corcerning the "Paul is dead" hoax. I'm a big follower in the Paul McCartney death hoax od the 60's. So if your not kean of the whole PID conspiracy you wont really get this. Paul McCartney released a brand new solo CD November 13th 2001. One of the featured songs is “Freedom” the song for NYC after the September 11th attacks. First of all I noticed the cover of his CD “Driving Rain." On the cover is a black and white distorted picture of Paul. Not only is the picture distorted like they used to say when picture taking was going on. But Paul’s hand is clearly above his head. And the hand above the head symbolizes that the person is deceased. In addition the song “About you” number ten on the CD states: “When in the morning I’m feelin’ dead.” The key words are "morning" (when it happened) and "dead". And in song number nine “Spinning on a axis” he says “Were spinning ‘round, to the next revolution.” And “We asked the question the answers yes, spinning on a axis.” There’s that reference to a ‘revolution’ again. Even added together would be “Revolution 9”? And what question would this be? We asked the question “Is Paul the walrus?” The walrus was Paul, and the answers yes. Paul referenced to his "death" in previous albums and I think this is one too.

Discovery #4: "The Mystery of the Carpenters interchangeable pitches."

This is what I call a 'happy accident'. I was listening to various songs one day and started playing with the pitches with this program called AC97 audio configuration. I changed Karen Carpenters voice on "Sing" to the lowest pitch. SHE SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE HER BROTHER. Richard (her brother, the other half of "The Carpenters") doesn't sing to often but primarily on the Carpenters Christmas album (Christmas Collection). But their voices sound exactly a like, I kid you not. If you listen to any Carpenters song (Sing works well) use any program to change it to the lowest pitch she sounds like Richard. If you change Richards voice to the highest pitch he sounds like Karen as well. ROBOTS I SAY! ROBOT SINGERS!

Discovery #5: "The re-appearing pinball machine."

Ever notice, that in The Who's Quadrophenia and in Tommy they use the same pinball machine? It's the Kings and Queens one. It's in the "pub scene" in Quadropehnia and in all the pinball scenes in Tommy!

Discovery #6: "Tattoo You: Mick Jagger's tattoos have 'sympathy for the Devil'"

What is on Mick? I noticed after he ripped off his shirt on "The Rolling Stones rock and roll circus." Ever take a double look at Mick's arm and chest during "Sympathy for the Devil"? Mick has devil tattoos, almost astrological looking. They are located on the bicep on each arm and the upper chest area. Extremely tacky, really weird. Shitty henna or shitty tattoo? Upon doing research [online..through books..people], I can't find ANY explanation for this. I'm guessing they were not actually tattoos. After searching for pictures right after the Rock and Roll Circus the "tattoos" appear to be gone. If you have any further info, please email me.

Discovery #7: "Richard O'Brien's two rows of teeth: fact or science fiction?"

I could be crazy but I'm pretty sure I saw that Richard O'Brien has 2 rows of teeth. If you see the intro to Rocky Horror for the song "Science Fiction" there appears to be an extra row of teeth (On the bottum, watch closely). Again, I researched this, came up with nothing. There has got to be a Rocky Horror fanatic out there who can help me, or a good eye doctor who makes house calls. If you have any further info, please email me.

Discovery #8: "I remember you! The mystery of the Joey Ramone clone!"

"Joey Ramone (?) at a Rolling Stones free concert at Hyde Park in July, 1969".

I remember you! I found this video while browsing through the message boards of Joeyramone.com. Holly crap! That looks JUST like Joey Ramone! I was sold that it was, until I read this:

"Wow, it's a doppelganger!! If that's Joey, then who was that guy in the bed across from me in our bedroom? That is really wierd. I had to look at that clip like 20 times, until I could freeze it on frames where I could see the glasses the guy was wearing , which were more square shaped (Joey never wore glasses like that) as well as see a difference in his mouth and nose. I had to do that, even though I knew he was never in England in '69, because the resemblance was so astonishing. My mother agreed with me that it couldn't be Joey as he didn't even have a passport at that time. He had just gotten his draft card though. Well they say we all have one somewhere. Feel free, anyone, to inform the Wikipedia people that Joey's family confirmed, right here, that it is not him."

OK, Mickey Leigh (Joey's brother) and mom say it's not him. Wikipedia was wrong! To me the real give away that it can't be him is his height. Joey was 6'5" that guy looks to be no taller than 5'10" in comparison to the guys in the back ground. Now may I ask? Who is this Joey Ramone clone and does he have children??
Discovery #9: "Disney's anti-Nazi propaganda"

What a disturbing find this was! This video I found on Youtube.com, it's of a real anti-Nazi Disney movie and was later banned. Be sure to check this out! It left me speechless.

Discovery #10: "Wookiee Porn!"

I can't assume credit for noticing this, but I would like to point it out. Check out this scene from "Star Wars Holiday Special"; it is pretty much Wookiee porn. So there really is a Star Wars Holiday Special, and it has all of the original cast. And it's based on Chewbacca's family in Kashyyyk. It's awful, but it's great awful!

A brief re-accounting of some bizarre stories

2011-07-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

I literally bumped into Uma Thurman. So I had to pee like never before and just got off a flight from SF to LGA. I grabbed my carry on and ran to the women's rest room where on the way I almost ran right into Uma Thurman's bussom. So I run into her and looked UP at her and said "I gotta pee" and kept running to the bathroom. It was only right as I ran away I realised who that was. She was very tall in a green dress and heels. She had an entourage with her...something that seemed very typical and beleivable in a New York airport. Not a glamorous story, but I did get (accidentally) pretty close to her. I'm awkward.

A phone call from Satan. One time I recieved a phone call at 9:45 in the morning from a number that just said "666". Out of curiousity, I answered it. On the other end of the line was a high picthed Demon voice claming to be the Devil. I went along with the charade, then he asked me if I was ready to hand over my soul. I said no and that I never agreed to that. They claimed to have a signed contract and said I had to meet them some place to give them my soul. They knew where I lived, and told me to meet them by the Trader Joes. I jokingly said Yea and hung up the phone. Clearly it was a joke, but I still don't know who did it!

I witnessed the kidnapping of a woman. One time I was in Pinole with my boyfriend at the time, leaving the local Home Town Buffet. We headed to the dollar store and were going to continue to walk around the strip. We were cutting across the parking lot when we started to notice as gold van swerving through the parking lot. Out of the passenger side emerged a screaming woman being pulled into the car by her hair. A lot of people started to look, as all you could hear was swerving and screaming "Let me go!" A good semaratin jumped out at her and tried to pull her from the car. She through out her purse and the man called 911 on his cell. A police officer showed up and they interviewed us. It was crazy!

One time we could smell something weird burning in the furness. We ended up having to call a PG & E guy to come out and take a look. He opened it up and inside he found a purse tied to the end of a phone cord.The purse was burning, and none of this made any sense. We opened up the purse and found a mirror inside, but no money. It was just totally random.

911 failed me badly one day. I was walking along San Francisco's Piers when I could clearly hear a person getting smacked behind me. We turned around to see a man smacking is wife hard repeatedly and his son started screaming "Stop!", everyone walking along the Pier froze. It was scary blatant domestic abuse. The women dropped to the ground and me and a few others called 911. I kepy getting a busy signal, which I didn't know was possible. I couldn't ge ahold of them. I don't know if someone saw it and called, but the police wizzed up a few minutes after. I was relieved.

One time a bleeding guy came into the store. I used to work at this store in Berkeley that got a lot of, shall we say 'interesting characters'. Lots of homeless, shady people. Lots of regular looking people with fake money and travelers checks. It could be a Zoo sometimes. One time I was the only cashier on the bottum floor with all the books, it was the end of the day right before Memorial weekend. A guy came down, bleeding from holes in his face. They looked like intentional pencil stabbings, as they were perfectly aligned (forehead, upper lip, chin, and both cheeks in the same area). I really wanted to say "Are you ok sir?" but he seemed perfectly fine other then that. He was also very polite and wished me a happy Memorial weekend. His face was dripping blood and gathering on his chin, and he acted like it was perfectly fine. OH Berkeley! There was also a homeless man who went around the store giving away lemons saying they "cure everything." And he put a whole one in his mouth and started chewing. This job was pretty entertaining. Along with colorful people I saw a lot of protests. I left the job before too long, after they gave me a 5 cent raise!

I kind of met Mark Hamill. One time I was at Wonder Con with my boyfriend. I was in geek heaven, paying close attention to where I could find Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill signing autographs. We found the line, long already, with a sign posted informing me that it costs money. $100 total for both. That just wasn't in my budget. So we decided to go get some water and plan what celeb to see next. This cute Asian girl my age came up to me and complimented me on my Chewbacca backpack. From there we started to talk about our love of Star Wars. She started jumping up and down saying "Mark Hamill is here! Have you seen him?" I kinda told my sad little broke story, and she wouldn't take it. She took me by the hand, my boyfriend following closely to the front as far as we could go in the line to the booth. She started to scream "Mark Hamill!" like Beatle Mania was back. He laughed and motioned for us to come up to the booth. We obeyed, I stayed back a little because frankly, I was in shock. This was so unexpected. He signed something she had and she still screamed and jumped. I'd never seen anything quite like it. I just stood there, stunned. She ran away at top speed, and Mark Hamill turned to the line and said "I must have put a Jedi mind trick on her" and everyone laughed. I wondered how many times he used that joke.

As a child, I used to write to Cults. When I was a kid I was convinced I was an alien. I was a strange kid, reading books on serial killers and UFOs from a pretty young age. But at one point I used to write to cult leaders. Which I totally forgot I did. So these were basically the cults of the late 90's. One I wrote to Scott Mandelker; who believes he is an alien from Pleiades. More info on the book can be found here. So I write him, probably 12 year old me, saying "I think I am one of you". He wrote me back, and said I was "Too young to be one of them" and suggested I meditate. (.....)

Pictures of Joey

2011-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

And then one day things weren't quite so fine

I fell in love with Joey.

I asked my dad where Joey I could find.

He said, "Girl, now don't be silly"

"He's been dead since 2001"

Oh, how I cried that night.

If only I'd been born in Joey's time

It would have been alright.

Better to burn out than to fade away

2011-07-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Rock stars have notoriously led more risky lives as far as drugs, alcohol and promiscuous sex go.

Even rock stars who are old still die of drug overdoses like John Entwistle and Dee Dee Ramone. Both of those men had lifetime battles with coke and heroine which ultimately won after many attempts to kick the habit. Who drummer Keith Moon also died of a drug overdose but was not 27. We've lost rock stars who were sexually promiscuous and were infected with HIV as well. As a lifetime rock and roll fanatic, I see that most musicians in the past and present tend to experiment with drugs and promiscuous sex. I get it, that goes with the territory, but we can also see that for some...it becomes a real problem.

Amy Winehouse was one of them, one of many. She was a young musician who found herself immersed in a tumultuous relationship and a drug addiction. When The Doors Jim Morrison was found dead by his girlfriend, she decided to take a nap instead of call an ambulance. Apparently Jim had ingested too much heroine and hemorrhaged. Amy Winehouse had a well known drug problem, which she tried to seek help for and like most of the members of the 27 Club, fell off the wagon. Both Jim and Janis were given heroine which they overdosed on (and all the other people who bought from Janis' dealer also OD'd).

Both Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse were found dead in their London homes. Jimi Hendrix was found dead by his girlfriend also, allegedly overdosed on Vesparax and choked on his own vomit.

Brian Jones and Kurt Cobain both died under mysterious circumstances. Both were found dead by their girlfriends, and in both cases some speculate it was actually murder. Legend has it that Jones was murdered by his contractor who was renovating the house. The builder allegdily confessed this on his detah bed. The coroner's report stated "death by misadventure", and noted his liver and heart were heavily enlarged by drug and alcohol abuse. Kurt was found shot in the head with a high concentration of heroin and traces of Valium were also found in his body. In all of these cases the deaths are clearly drug related and accidental except Cobain's. (Unless you believe Courtney killed him).

What does everyone in the 27 club have in common? Drugs, it's that simple. I've heard some friends come down on me for such a harsh point of view. If Betty White dies tomorrow, I wont be surprised either, because she is old. Being old isn't wreckless, in fact it is something you can't help. When you are young and wreckless that is something you can change. Abusing drugs is a choice. Although I do feel sad for the loss of their talent and voice, and especially at a young age none of these deaths are very surprising. Dying old is inevitable, dying young is not, it is wreckless. I'm 26, and I've always been very in touch with my mortality. Most of my idols are dead or getting up their in age. I have watched most of heroes die in the past 20 years: Freddie Mercury, Joey Ramone and George Harrison.

I don't understand the 27 club for many reasons, it only seems to mention the same famous 5 who died at 27 when numerous other musicians are also in this category. (Like blues men Robert Johnson) Also, the 27 Club glamorizes dying young. Call me crazy but I always glamorized dying old. Before Amy Winehouse died, she was being booed off stage. Now that she's dead, she is suddenly a legend. So in essence, she is a legend because she is a dead drug addict. That is sad on two levels. Thinking there is something cool about having a drug problem that kills you is pretty messed up. Like with Charlie Sheen in this past year, he's a famous douche bag drug addicted womanizer, and it has been as if society is egging him on. They have been making shirts covered with Sheen's slogan's like "winning" when by all accounts he is totally losing (his children, families respect, etc). I'm also annoyed by the disingenuous opinions of people now that Winehouse has died. Everyone is now parading around all sad to see such a talent go, when just previously they were making fun of her for slurring and forgetfulness on stage.

Pardon me if I don't buy your sympathy. Any true fan wants their rock star to live to be as old as possible, and produce as much music as they can muster. I also think the whole idea of a rock star feeling the need to perpetuate the life style is mostly the audiences fault. Again as a long time music fan I feel like I can say this at least from my own point of view. I love to see my rock stars party. A lot of us can find ourselves living through them imagining we are meeting all these people, going to all these places and getting all that tail. I think decadence is easy to find when you're rich and famous. This is not just a musician thing. It is easy like I said at the beginning to take things too far. That is where I have the problem. It seems that society loves to see rock stars spiral out of control, instead of just party and live it up.

I think it is getting worse than ever. I'm growing up in the reality tv generation where people openly take pleasure in pain and watching train wrecks. (See Jerry Springer and Jersey Shore). And for the life of me I don't get it.

A few weeks ago I got a message from one of my young fans from Bite-the-dust.com, thanking me for helping him discover rock and roll. Emails like that are why I do this. I used to be that loner kid who was saved by rock and roll (still am in many ways). But the last part of his message he indicated that he has gotten into the "life style" as well, drinking and doing drugs, smoking cigarettes...he had circled in on what rock and roll portrays as a glamorous life style. He also credited me for that, which I felt wasn't fair. I guess "I" had turned this kid into a rebel. I wasn't about to go into a lecture with him, because I know that is the last thing a kid wants to hear and I'm *not* the parent. But I told him that sex and drugs isn't rock and roll. Most people find this a hard concept to grasp hence the saying "sex drugs and rock and roll."

Rock and roll is a drug, a high all its own. With these musicians who make it big, their drug starts out as rock and roll, then they combine the three. A person becomes a singer because they love to sing, they play a guitar because they love to play. It's the music that propels you to stardom and it's your passion, not the drugs. You don't have to fit this made up mold to be a rock star or even a rocker. I think that perception is a huge problem. I can see how a musician can feel pressure to live the lifestyle they sing about, but not if it kills you. Ultimately we fans are a selfish bunch, real fans want the singers they love to live forever. Anyone who wants otherwise has missed the bus.

Neil Young sung "It is better to burn out than to fade away" which perfectly sums up the predicament. To young people it is glamorous to live on the edge. That simply isn't true. So yes, I am not surprised that Amy Winehouse is dead, of course from a drug overdose, it is sad but I refuse to glamorize it either. We know much more today than we did thirty years ago. I am mostly referring to sexually transmitted disease like AIDS that killed my beloved Freddie Mercury. But even as far as drugs are concerned, their source and their effects are more well known today. If you can take any lesson away from this: don't do coke or heroine (especially heroine). It is a dangerous drug and most of the members of The 27 Club are proof.

Musical Instruments

2011-07-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

My original Ludwig drum set "Ringo."

My new drum set, "Ringo 2".

My xylaphone.

Check out my website on How to play Harmonica for beginners.

Advice for those who asked

2011-07-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

"Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth."

Even the losers get lucky sometimes.
You can't always get what you want, but you get what you need.
Don't surround yourself with yourself.
If you're going to stand up for what you believe in, you gotta be ready for people to walk away from you.
Don't be reckless with anybody's heart, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Always remember to appreciate what you DO have.
Saying Thank You goes a long way.
Try to keep your mind and your heart open.
Trust your gut instincts.
Be a good friend.
Learn to be your own number #1 fan. Love what's good about you, and work on what's bad. But remember, NOBODY is perfect.
If you always try your best, then there is nothing to regret.
If you have been loved, you will BE loved again.
Watch a person's feet, not their mouth.
Most people are stupid, so don't bother worrying about what they think of you.
Love isn't supposed to hurt.
Sometimes people just need to learn their lesson on their own.
Life has a positive and negative pull, even when things are negative they have to be equally positive again.
It may seem like the end of the world, but it rarely is.
If it doesn't make any sense, it's probably not true.
Always TRY to be rational. Think things over rationally.

Business cards

2011-07-21T13:10:00.001-07:00

Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!

Rockast Originals #7

2011-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Rockast Originals Running time 1hr 1min

Dandy Livingston "Rudy (a message to you)", Richard Berry "Louie Louie", Gloria Jones "Tainted Love", Top Notes "Twist and shout", The Rolling Stones "As tears go by", Bob Dylan "All along the watchtower", The Strangeloves "I want candy", The Beatles "With a little help from my friends", Frank Sinatra "My way", Tom Tom Club "Genius of Love", The Hollies "Long cool woman in a black dress", Stone Temple Pilots "Plush", The Kinks "Stop your sobbing", Harry Chapin "Cats in the cradle", Thunderclap Newman "Something in the air", Tears for Fears "Mad World."

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/rockastoriginals.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

David Bowie inspired Lady Gaga

2011-07-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga has revealed that she modelled her quirky image on Brit rock legend David Bowie. The pop superstar said that when she was growing up, she would spend hours trying to recreate Bowie's own distinctive look. "I used to like sit in my apartment for hours and do his make-up on myself over and over again," she said, adding that she still collects anything to do with the rock legend.

Gaga said, "What I have in common with David Bowie and with Queen and with Prince and with Madonna is the way that I combine theatrics and the visual in all of my performance. The fashion and the imagery and what I am trying to say as an artist goes much further beyond the music".

She continues, "I don't like when bands compare themselves to artists from the past and try to mimic them and their music and it sounds like a copycat. The intention for me is not to sound just like Bowie or Madonna or Prince. It is to pull references from all of these different people and create something fresh and new and futuristic and pop and different."

She also said, "I do sing more like a guy than like a girl so all of those male references that I am pulling, you can hear it in my voice."

Lady Gaga was on the Howard Stern show yesterday and she directly stated that Pink Floyd, Queen and David Bowie were huge influences for her.

Check out this specific part of Gaga raving about David Bowie at 5:13.

You may be #bornthisway but #wecreatedyou. (coming soon)

Serial Killers

2011-07-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have always been interested in serial killers and am currently dating someone who shares that common interest. I love learning new things because they seem to connect to another bit of information that closes the circle so to speak. Brian and I recently watched "Henry, portrait of a serial killer" which was about famous killer Henry Lee Lucas. I knew very little about Lucas, I was always more into Ed Gein and Manson. I learned a lot about Henry Lee Lucas and his partner in crime Otis Toole. These guys were really really sick people. The worst case scenario crimes are the kind they pulled, they beat, tortured, mutilated and raped their victims (guy or girl, man or woman) they were also cannibals into beastiality and necrophilia...so really the worst possible things ever. As my Mother used to say "There is a special place in Hell reserved for someone like that." I think it is also important to note that both Lucas and Toole claimed to be beaten, raped and dressed in girls clothes and sent to school as children. Toole also had an IQ just above mentally retarded.

Well here's the new bit of information I learned, Otis Toole, Lucas's accomplice killed John Walsh's son Adam Walsh. I may be slow to catch on but I was never aware they ever found who the killer was. It was Toole. Being a kid of the 80's I was raised by and fascinated with America's Most Wanted. I never knew the case was resolved, which was to be a great relief to the Walsh family. The above picture is what Adam Walsh would look like if he were alive today. Adam disappeared on July 27, 1981. His mother left him playing in the toy department at a Sears store at a Hollywood mall, but didn't find him when she returned. Over the loudspeaker, the plea sounded: "Adam Walsh, please come to customer service." Authorities made a series of crucial errors, losing the bloodstained carpeting in Toole's car — preventing DNA testing — and the car itself. It was a week after the boy's disappearance before the FBI got involved. Two hours after the disappearance, police were called. His mother and grandmother searched the mall in a growing panic and John Walsh tried to work with uniformed officers to find his son. Two weeks passed before the boy's fate was learned. Fishermen discovered his severed head in a canal 120 miles away near Vero Beach; his body never was found.

Go Mickey Leigh!

2011-07-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

"It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name "Ramone," has recently been in the media joining with the Palin family and the McCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency. As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones. Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be 'Glad To See You Go!'

"I should add that when Johnny stated 'God Bless George Bush' at the 2002 Rock&Roll Hall of Fame awards, I realize now that he was on to something. Because if it were not for George Bush and his handling of our country the past 8 years, I doubt so many Americans, including so many highly regarded Republicans, would now be getting behind Barack Obama. So, yes, God bless George Bush for paving the way to Obama."

~ ~ Mickey Leigh

Deerhunter

2011-07-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

It may be mid July but here in the San Francisco Bay Area it is cold, and grey (and at times humid, which is not characteristic of this area). So the music going through my head is hardly Beach Boys. This is the kind of music that goes with today...

This band reminds me of a Junior Aphex Twin meets Radiohead.

Rockast Cover 2 Cover #6!

2011-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Cover 2 cover Running time 51:02

Freddie Mercury "I can hear music", Johnny Cash "Hurt", Siouxie and the Banshees "The Passenger", The Stooges "Louie Louie", Joan Jett "Crimson and clover", Joey Ramone "What a wonderful world", The Ramones "Time has come today", The Kingston Trio "Sloop John B", Devo "Satisfaction", John Lennon "Stand by me", The Beatles "Rock and roll music", The Smashing Pumpkins "Landslide", David Bowie "I can't explain".

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/cover2cover.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Tips for freelancing graphic designers

2011-07-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Ad a watermark or a sample mark on the ad or banner so they can see the design but can't use it. You can remove it once you receive payment.
Don’t undersell yourself to clients.
Explain your process in simplest terms.
Your client is not always right and it is okay to respectfully disagree.
Having great customer service goes a long way.
Always have the client deposit a certain percentage of the money up-front. Get it done by using this free website to generate invoices http://www.aynax.com/
If a client is angry with you, do not respond immediately to them; give yourself a few minutes to cool-off.
Go the extra mile for your clients.
Create a contract or terms and make your clients stick to it.
Strive to get long-term clients and referrals.
Always be professional.
Save all your emails between you and the client.

Speculative work. Requests for you to do speculative projects seem to be as old as freelancing itself. Simply put, this is being asked to work for free in hopes of landing paying work down the road. Unfortunately, that paying work seldom materializes. So, it’s best to avoid falling into the spec work trap in the first place. Learn how at the NO!SPEC website.

Pro bono work. While there are plenty of noble causes that are in need of your time and money, be careful about the amount of pro bono work that you do. After all, you do have bills to pay, even if you’re a very frugal freelancer. And you can’t pay them with the photographic work you just donated to the ABC Foundation. So, next time you’re asked to be the ABC Foundation’s volunteer photographer, why not make referrals to paying clients part of the deal?

Get money up front! More than a few of us have learned that promises to pay for a completed project are just that – promises. And you can’t pay your bills with promises. So, don’t get burned. Get a 50% deposit up front, then start. The exception to this rule applies when a) you’re working with an established client who you can trust to pay in full when the job is done, and b) the job doesn’t drag on for months.

There’s a good reason for overtime pay. Ever had one of those jobs that ate your evenings and weekends? And, when it ended, did you feel like it devoured you too? That’s what overtime pay is for. If the job is a big rush that needs to be done by Monday – and it’s Friday afternoon – double or triple your usual rate. If nothing else, it will get your clients thinking about better time management.

No, I don’t get paid when you get paid. Pay me now. This one seems to happen to freelancers who take subcontract work from advertising agencies. They do it super-fast, their contact at the agency is delighted, and then they wait for a whole year before the client gets around to paying the agency. Sound like a scenario worth avoiding? Add this verbiage to your subcontracting agreements: “Client’s obligation to pay [name of your business] when payments are due is independent of Client receiving payment from the Client’s Customer.”

Define the jobs you won’t take. Are there businesses and industries so abhorrent that you refuse to work with them? You may decide that doing work for entities involved in gambling, pornography, or tobacco don’t square with your values. If that’s the case, then make it your business policy. If payment never follows through report them on http://www.ripoffreport.com/

Joey's solo album

2011-07-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Lost recording of Joey Ramone singing a song that will be on his upcoming album! Mickey Leigh says it will be out this year "If it kills him."

Armor captions from The New York Metropolitan Museum

2011-07-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

This May I went to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was wonderful! One of my favorite exhibits was the armor! I took tons of pictures but even at the time I couldn't help but notice how funny some of them were! While walking around the Met, I actually came up with these captions out loud.

Dandy armor.

Mid evil dunce caps.

Armor for girls.

Mid evil nightie.

Over compensating.

The Dark side of Oz

2011-07-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

I've heard about this all my life but didn't watch it until just last night. I gotta say, I know the ritual is to get stoned or do acid and put on both Pink Floyd's Dark side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz at the same time. But that's a pretty tall order when you're stoned! My friend sent me the link so this last night and we watched it together.

What I thought: It creeped me out! It was pretty neat to see how oddly well Dark side matched up with Oz. The movie partnered with the music makes Oz look like some artsy David Lynch movie. The two paired together creates a whole different movie and vibe. My only wish is Dark side were longer so it could span the whole movie! I highly suggest you check it out! The legends are true. Here is a link that breaks everything down. You will notice how everything seems to have perfect timing and flow together.

You might wanna take a hit before you start watching! Prepare to get goosebumps! ;)

New computer gear!

2011-07-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Ringo Starr!

2011-07-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Me as a teenager after seeing Ringo live.

Happy 71st birthday to my favorite Beatle!

Joey Ramone without sunglasses

2011-07-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

I collect pictures of Joey Ramone, one of my favorite people ever without sunglasses. It's hard to find! But I've been putting together an effort for years that parallels my enthusiasm for collecting Chewbaccca figures. I have a good collection going here, all you need to do is "like" BTD on facebook.

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

2011-07-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Werner Herzog has a great sense of humor. About a year ago I saw his short film "Werner Herzog eats his shoe." I loved the idea because it was random and it caused such a stir only because it was different. This film was made locally, right here at Chez Pannise in Berkeley. (Rock and roll headquarters is located in Emeryville right next to Berkeley). The shoe was boiled with garlic, herbs, and stock for 5 hours.) He is shown eating one of the shoes before an audience at the premiere of Gates of Heaven at the nearby UC Theater. He did not eat the sole of the shoe, however, explaining that one does not eat the bones of the chicken.

Check out the short film!

Help!

2011-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

You say you want a revolution? Well, we all want to change the world! Helping out is much easier than it seems and I will show you how. Volunteering is a really great thing. I have been an active volunteer for 5 years now. Ever hear the saying "Don't vote, don't complain"? It's kinda like that.

volunteering will...
• Give you something great to put on your resume. It may sound silly, but it makes a huge difference, ESPECIALLY if the volunteer work is geared to a certain profession.
• Help you land a job or lay the foundation for an unexpected career. It has for me.
• Help you gain some serious experience and not to mention becoming more knowledgable and worldy.
• Help you make a lot of great friends and I promise you will establish lots of connections.

not sure what you can do? Here are a few suggestions...
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Depending on where you live some policies may vary. Most animal shelters are nothing like the reputation movies and cartoons have depicted. With your help (dog walking, bunny cuddling, cat socialization...) you may actually save lives. Volunteering at an animal shelter also reallu opens your eyes to the important of collars, spaying and neutering, and responsible ownership.
• Be a big brother or sister. There are a lot fo kids out there who have broken families who could use a buddy to rely on. Some girls without mothers, or boys without fathers can use you to make a good influence in their lives. You will bring up a girls self confidence, you will help a boy stand up for himself. Kids who have positive active roles in their lives are less likely to turn to gangs or drugs.
• Volunteer for doing a trash pick up along the cost or at a park. Picking up trash is not glamorous, but you'll be doing something great for the environment. Picking up trash may save an animals life. They wont get caught in it, it wont ruin their habitat, and the water source will not be polluted.
• Volunteer your time at a home for the elderly. There are a number of reasons why this can be a great option for you. A lot of elderly people are lonely, and often times don't get to see their kids or grandkids as much as they wish (if at all). You can help fill this void and bring them entertainment and happiness. It's a little known fact that elderly people are the #1 most suicidal group of people [source], the misconception is that it is teenagers. You can help bring new life and purpose to someone who feels totally useless. Also, helping out old people can bridge the gap of the generations. They'll have some interesting stories to tell, and it will be an interesting history lesson to how things used to be. A lot of old people have this misconception that all youth is the same. Youth has this same conception about old people.
• Other ideas: Volunteer as a tutor, volunteer for your political party during election time, or volunteer for a marathon or bike-a-thon.

but...I work a lot, and am tired after work. I wont have the time...
• I can't tell you how much I hear this bullshit excuse. Let me tell you, I have worked full time (2 jobs!), gone to school part time AND was a frequent volunteer. So don't give lame excuses like that. I just don't buy it. Volunteering can work around your schedule. A lot of times a ride can be provided or some sort of carpooling. You know all that time you spend sitting around? You could be doing something important. Not to mention, it makes you feel great a selfless. I have actually gained a lot of self confidence through helping others!

things I have gotten out of volunteer work...
• Secretarial abilities, hello...like one of the most valuable abilities these days.
• I'm less shy being in public and talking to strangers. I have no problem asking a total stranger how there doing and if I can help them.
• I've gotten better at managing money and coordinating groups of people.
• I have gained some muscle and gotten more physically fit.
• Friends and connetcions like woa. I get to have lunch with some important city people.
• A load of experience, knowledge and confidence. Seriously, I kid you not!

how to start!
• Start searching online for things and their locations.
• The newspaper is a great source of information.
• The bulletin boards in grocery stores and places that have community boards.
• Ask around!
• Ask the coordinator of the jobs section at your college or high school. That is a terrific source for information!

We can't truthfully ask for change and not help do something about it! If you want change or improvement in your country or community, help!!!

The West Memphis Three

2011-07-01T07:31:00.001-07:00

The West Memphis 3 are three boys tried and convicted for the murders of three children in the Robin Hood Hills area of West Memphis, Arkansas, United States during 1993. Damien Echols, the alleged ringleader, was sentenced to death; Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin were sentenced to life in prison. The case has received considerable attention, and many critics charge that the arrests and convictions were a miscarriage of justice inspired by a misguided moral panic, and that the defendants were wrongfully convicted during a period of intense media scrutiny and so-called "satanic panic".

If you don't feel like reading about the case, watch this 20 minute documentary with updates.

Documentaries and studies:

Two films, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills and Paradise Lost 2: Revelations, have documented this case, as have the books Blood of Innocents by Guy Reel and Devil's Knot by Mara Leveritt. The documentary films and Leveritt's book were strongly critical of the case, and argue that the suspects were wrongly convicted. Some have been critical of the filmmakers' omission of Echols' history of mental illness.

Also, Damien Echols now has an autobiography out, entitled Almost Home. The first Paradise Lost documentary was filmed during the trial and investigation.

Paradise Lost 3 is currently in production.

how you can help

† See the Paradise Lost movies!

† Buy a Free the West Memphis Three t-shirt!

† Donate money to the Defense Fund!

† Raise awareness with flyers and posters!

† Tell your friends! The more people that know about this, the more power we have to help these guys!

† Visit the website to read even more about this story.

24 hours left!

2011-06-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Like getting mail that is NOT a bill?

Here's an opportunity to get an envelope filled with swag and other gifts for FREE!

Here's how you can get one for free:

Email me at Beccajs@gmail.com with your name and address and I will send you a button! OR fill out this form!

Rockast is official!

2011-06-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a ton of stuff done lately. Namely, lots of web work! I am also figuring out a lot of things for the first time. I was a little confused about the RSS feed concept but now I got it! Youtube.com instructional videos are a great help!

RSS FEED for Rockast the rock & roll podcast: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/podcast.rss

If you're a little confused by RSS feeds you're not alone. Here's how you use an RSS feed:

If you use either iTunes or Zune, just go to the Podcast section and search for my rock and roll podcast using the rss feed url. It will automatically link you to my podcasts and update you right away when a new one is posted!

I spent the day figuring out youtube. I was hoping to make video versions of Rockast and post them on youtube. Sadly they make you break down the video/audio into 15 minute increments. I'm not going to do that because it will break apart the music which is no good. So for now I am refraining from it. If you know of any other video services that don't have time limits (if they exist) let me know. The whole idea of putting them on youtube was for exposure obviously I could always post them on my own site with the magic of Flash.

I have also been submitting Rockast and doing some advertising. And most importantly I submitted Rockast to both iTunes and Zune. So if they like what I love, hopefully in the near future I might be more legit!

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll!

Free button offer ends June 30th!

2011-06-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

So far I have sent out quite a few free buttons and other goodies to people all over the United States! Pretty exciting...but I have more buttons to give away! This free button offer ends June 30th so submit your address today!

Here's how you can get one for free:

Email me at Beccajs@gmail.com with your name and address and I will send you a button! OR fill out this form!

Here is a picture submission of Ashley wearing the button!

Free promo swag!

(Me wearing the button)

Who doesn't like free stuff?

Now on LinkedIn!

2011-06-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to see my profile on LinkedIn. I am still filling and figuring things out. My apologies for anyone who has gotten spammed accidentally with my requests to connect.

Best glassware ever!

2011-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

I found these beauties the other day at Ross. I was looking for a cupcake sheet when I found them (I love to bake!). I'm pretty sure I gasped loud enough for everyone around to hear. If you come over to my place and ask for a drink of water, you will get one in a rockin' cup like this!

Rockast #5 : Girl Groups + Musicians!

2011-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Girl groups and musicians Rockast Running time 57:21

Suzi Quatro, The Shrangri-La's, The Breeders, Nico and the Velvet Underground, The B52's, Blondie, Joan Jett, the Pretenders, Nancy Sinatra, Tina Turner, Wendy O Williams, Jefferson Airplane, The Marvelettes, The Pixies, Garbage.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/ggrockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Graduated!

2011-06-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

I just graduated graphic design school at Carrington College. We were a small but bad-ass group!

Old Man

2011-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

The other day my friend Miguel and I were listening to the radio (which we rarely do, we tend to keep it Pandora or Zune) and this song, a cover of Neil Young's "Old Man" came on. The music of Neil Young is sacred to me. To me he is an amazing poet no doubt in the ranks with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and John Lennon. So this is serious stuff to me.

I got upset and said "What the fuck is this!? They are ripping off Neil Young!"
My friend Miguel followed that up with "I think it will be a whole new generation getting exposed to Neil Young."

Ever say something and they moment you do you realize it's wrong? Then Miguel put it so well...and he was right. If rock and roll were dead and so damn uncool, why would artists be using it? Obviously they thought it was good enough to have in their song, and it helped influence the song itself. Also when the new generation of fans go to look for the song on Google they will find Neil Young first. It comes up first and has way more hits.

Neil Young's beautiful and original version is still the most popular.

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit this is further proof rock and roll is not dead.

"You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." ―Obi-Wan Kenobi

New index page at Bite-the-dust.com!

2011-06-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

Been doing lots of projects lately and one of them was re-designing the index page. I hope it is more easy to navigate now.

http://bite-the-dust.com/

Rock and roll articles

2011-06-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

I recently scanned and added a bunch of rock articles and posted them on facebook. Go take a look!

Portfolio site

2011-06-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting the rocking and rolling lately in order to finish finals. The class final was a Flash portfolio site and I have very recently posted it to my site! It is up and fully functional!

Go check it out! bite-the-dust.com/becca

Met Richie Ramone!

2011-06-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Join my forum and let's talk about stuff!

2011-05-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

On Facebook we get into some serious and long winded music related conversations. Let's bring the conversation over my the forum and make it more interesting!

http://satanicpanic.finddiscussion.com/

Blast from the past!

2011-04-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a really old Bite the Dust layout! Now if only I could find that graphic again!

Help me out by spreading the word!

2011-04-21T17:58:00.001-07:00

Print these cards out and give them to your friends!

Online shop: get some rockin' schwag!

2011-04-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

These buttons and t-shirts are done DIY to keep costs down. They are designed and printed by me. I made these buttons and shirts to help spread the word about "my rock and roll resurrection": rock and roll fans uniting. Please help me by supporting my cause and showing your love for rock and roll!

Proceed to the store: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/shop/

Punk Rockast #4!

2011-04-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

Punk Rockast Running time 1hr and 1min

The Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Jam, Dead Kennedys, MC5, Devo, Misfits, Iggy Pop & the Teddy Bears, The Sonics, Rancid, Peaches, The Clash, The Dictators.

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/punkrockast.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Punk Rockast: stay tuned!

2011-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Catch up on the last three Rockasts if you haven't hear them yet. Bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Today: Childhood goal accomplished

2011-04-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't caught on yet: I am a HUGE Star Wars fan and Chewbacca has always been my favorite! After many failed attempts I finally got to meet him at WonderCon. I cried, but got my composure before I asked for an autograph. :)

The Monkees Rockast #3!

2011-03-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Monkees Rockast Running time 55:00
"Tapioca Tundra", "Sweet young thing", "Girl", "I'm not your steppin' stone", "Goin' down", "P.O. Box 9847", "Daddy's song", "Circle sky", "Daydream Believer."

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/rockastnumberthree.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

Great Wendy O Williams quote

2011-03-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

"I don't believe that people should take their own lives without deep and thoughtful reflection over a considerable period of time. I do believe strongly, however, that the right to do so is one of the most fundamental rights that anyone in a free society should have. For me, much of the world makes no sense, but my feelings about what I am doing ring loud and clear to an inner ear and a place where there is no self, only calm."

St Patrick's Day Rock

2011-03-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

Over at facebook.com/savingrocknroll I have a Scottish and Irish music playlist. Come check it out!

The Ramones at the Grammys FULL VERSION

2011-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

Not sure if you are aware, but the Ramones recently recieved a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD and it was NOT aired on the Grammys. Well that royally pissed me off. So for those of you who have a soul, here is the FULL VERSION of The Ramones segment at the Grammys straight from Joey's page on Facebook.

Opening segment made me tear up. I fucking love The Ramones. (If you can't tell, I am still bitter)

Gut feeling

2011-02-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

New video project, done Ed Wood style (one take each)

David Bowie Rockast #2!

2011-01-14T13:32:00.001-08:00

David Bowie Rockast Running time 37:39

"I dig everything", "The Bewlay Brothers", "Starman", "Always crashing in the same car", "Kooks", "Suffragette City", "Magic Dance".

Stream it: http://www.bite-the-dust.com/rockast/rockastnumbertwo.mp3

Rockast page: bite-the-dust.com/rockast

NEW music video!

2011-01-05T19:20:00.000-08:00