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Muse 4/2/10

garbunzl — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:36:07 +0000

Ok, I know I never update this thing anymore. It’s the homepage of my browser so Nick likes to read it sometimes. He actually requested that I post about the Muse show that Jenn and I went to last night, along with friends, Mark and Pat. Jenn and I got to Key Arena late and missed the openers, Silversun Pickups, but Muse was definitely worth the trip. They opened with Uprising and played a bunch of their best songs, old and new. Hysteria was great to see live but Mark pointed out that the bass level was too low. I agreed that the bass was certainly not as prominent as it should’ve been. I was also glad to see them play Time is Running Out and Starlight and they closed out with Knights of Cydonia. Two songs that were noticeably absent for me were Map of the Problematique and Exo-Politics, but still a great set. One highlight was where Matt (singer) threw his guitar into the drum kit. Although our angle wasn’t the best (2nd level on the left), the stage was very cool with raising and lowering platforms and a rotating platform for the drummer. The lighting and laser effects were also rather impressive.

I didn’t take an pictures but here’s a link to a guy who took some really good ones.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/justanbaca/sets/72157623634950571/

Here’s a YouTube video of Matt throwing his guitar:

All in all it was an awesome show. Next up, the show of a lifetime…U2, in 78 days!!

6/20/10

garbunzl — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:27:39 +0000

Countdownr

’nuff said

Coldplay show at the Gorge – July 11th 2009

garbunzl — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:35:27 +0000

I saw my first show at the Gorge in George a few weeks ago, awesome that it was one of my favorite bands. I drove over with my dad and met up with friends just before the show. The venue was pretty amazing with the rocky cliffs and hills and the setting sun in the background. Our seats were not the best. We were all the way to the right and 39 rows back, making the angle to the main stage rather extreme. Additionally, there was an auxiliary stage and equipment right in front of us which, while not blocking our view of the main stage, was a bit of an annoyance. That was all forgotten when Martin and co. ran out and performed 3 songs on that stage. It was pretty cool being mere inches away from the band. I really liked the setlist they chose and they gave an awesome performance. My dad and I spent the night at a campground after the show which, despite being stuffed in like sardines, wasn’t too bad. At least they had soft grass and loud, all-night partying by other guests was not an issue. There are a few other pics of the Columbia on our trip back and a petrified Ginko log and some petroglyphs removed from walls along the river. It was a quick trip but a great experience. Looking forward to seeing another show there someday.

Taste of Summer

garbunzl — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:09:30 +0000

Well, after the snow coming down (and sticking!) for a bit last Wednesday, we were really surprised to see the sunny, 70 degree weather we’ve had for the past 4 days. The kids were happy to see it as well and spent much of the weekend playing outside. This is Ella’s first year of really exploring the outdoors and she loves it. Yesterday they had a blast digging and “making mountains” in our backyard flower bed. Ella has a tom-boyish side to her, thoroughly enjoying playing in the dirt with no fear of getting dirty. Its funny because she also really loves playing dress-up and pretending to put on makeup. Also, she has to run and grab her tiny little purse whenever we’re going somewhere.

Bean turns 2

garbunzl — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:37:49 +0000

Today is our little Ella-Bean’s 2nd birthday! It’s funny we’ve been telling her about it for the past couple weeks and I don’t think she thought much of it. She must know something is special about today because she’s extra happy and smiley. Unfortunately, she has a Dr. vistit today and I believe she has to get a shot. What kinda timing is that??! We have had her present in our closet since before Christmas. We saw a great deal on the Rose Petal Cottage so we bought it while Christmas shopping. Jenn was putting it together last night while I was doing homework and, apparently, it was quite challenging as it took her a while. It is very cute but surprisingly small and comes with a little stove/oven. She will love to play in it with her baby dolls.

We’re just going to do a little party tomorrow as we don’t want to overwhelm her. Jenn is going to make cupcakes and a few friends, including her friend Charity, might be stopping by. I’ll try to upload a couple of pictures of her later today.

Happy Birthday Ella-Bean!!

Update: Here are some pics of Ella playing with her new cottage and a table and chair set she got from her grandparents.

New U2 album sounds “magnificent”

garbunzl — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:19:44 +0000

I’m pretty excited with U2′s new album, No Line On the Horizon, coming out next week. It’s been over 4 years since “Atomic Bomb” so us U2 fans are starved. Being a U2.com subscriber, I’ve been able to listen to the entire album this week. I’ve already listened to it twice and streaming it a third time as I type this. It’s characteristic U2 stuff but with new and different sounds. My current favorite song on the album is called “Magnificent”. The pulsing bassline reminds me of Joshua Tree tracks. The title track is also quite good. Another awesome track is Breathe, which the band premiered live in Paris last night. The song is a real rock track that opens with Edge’s charged guitar and a piano and leads into Bono’s frantic lyrics. Very cool sound!! 11 tracks and 53 minutes of awesome!

The Kid Comes Home!!

garbunzl — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:56:48 +0000

…that’s what the Times said this morning in big, bold letters. I have to admit I was elated to hear the news. While the M’s have had many great players leave over the years, when Griffey left it felt like he took a piece of me with him. Ever since, it’s been quite a roller-coaster of emotions with the repeated rumors and speculation of his return always resulting in disappointment. Griffey has always been a player that I had a lot of respect for and is really the reason I was so interested in baseball and baseball card collecting as a kid. He has always kept things very simple, play hard and have fun. The skill he has been blessed with combined with his undeniable love for the game has always made him my favorite player to watch. I am thrilled at the opportunity to watch him as a Mariner one more time.

Coldplay’s coming back!

garbunzl — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:41:21 +0000

I was thrilled to find out that Coldplay was coming back this summer after they skipped us during their last US tour. In fact, when I first heard a local DJ mention they were coming to the Gorge several weeks back, I thought I was crazy as there was no news on their site or the venue’s for a couple weeks. While I have been to a Coldplay show, I’ve never seen a show at the Gorge, so this will be pretty cool. I saw them back in ’05 at the new White River Ampitheater. They were touring on their X & Y album which I pretty much played non-stop for months. It was an excellent show. While Viva la Vida is probably their biggest commercial hit, it’s not my favorite album but I’m still hyped to see them again. The Gorge is supposed to be pretty nice. It’ll be cool to see them with my dad and some friends, though we’re not all sitting together.

What I’ve Done

garbunzl — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:08:08 +0000

My response to Jonspach’s post.

What is this?
Well, you’re supposed to bold the things you’ve done so readers can find out how you’ve led an awesome life so far.

Here’s what I have done:
1. Started your own blog Ummm, yeah
2. Slept under the stars camping when I was a kid
3. Played in a band (Rock Band: start a band, rock the world)
4. Visited Hawaii(honeymoon 2000)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland(twice)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (Rockband again)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (7-eleven, egg-salad sandwich)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables every year
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort It was quite impressive…or so I remember.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (To Victoria)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language HTML?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke(Rock Band counts)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater Ahh the good ‘ol days
55. Been in a movie (Return of the Lin-Kwai) I think I was an accidental bystander, running to get out of the camera angle. Does that count?
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bonestrong> leg when I was 3
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (sitting on Santa’s lap)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (trout)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (Does my wife count?)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit I won.
98. Owned a cell phone Still do…cool, huh?
99. Been stung by a bee too many times
100. Read an entire book in one day

Hmm, I’ve got a lot of stuff I need to do.

Wiiiiiiiiii!

garbunzl — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:46:11 +0000

Well, Nick and I were playing Wii Sports on Saturday and I started losing to him at baseball. I started joking that they would have to invoke the mercy rule and that’s just what happened! In fact, I started throwing some real nasty stuff at the end, 93MPH (my max on the Wii so far), screwballs, etc. and he responded by hitting back-to-back-to-back homeruns to win. He also beats me regularly in bowling but I usually still come out on top in golf. Also, I never realized how important it was to stretch before playing video games. You get a workout throwing those heaters. The boxing game is a real workout though.

Gautier Designs Store 2.0

garbunzl — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:55:32 +0000

Well, we just rolled out a new look for the Gautier Designs website. The other site was working fine, but Jenn wanted to give it a more refined look. One improvement is a pretty cool Flash image fader I created for the home page. She chose a different color scheme of lavender and dark brown, which I think works well. Additonally, we redid the product images, now including multiple images and closeups of the products, to give customers a better idea of the detail of the items. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Pirates Baseball Update

garbunzl — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:49:14 +0000

Nick’s Little League team is about halfway through their season with just 10 games left. They’re having a great time and adjusting fairly well from hitting off a tee to hitting off the pitching machine. Nick’s primarily been playing left field or left-center, so he doesn’t see much over there. Last night he had a ball lined to him and grabbed it making a great throw to 2nd, nearly getting a runner out.

Here’s a couple of team pictures taken by one of the parents recently. Nick’s in the back row, 2nd from the right.

Also, here’s the remaining games on their schedule:

12-May	Mon	6:00 PM	Cubs
16-May	Fri	6:00 PM	Indians
19-May	Mon	6:00 PM	Blue Jays
22-May	Thu	6:00 PM	Brewers
28-May	Wed	6:00 PM	Cardinals
2-Jun	Mon	6:00 PM	White Sox
6-Jun	Fri	6:00 PM	Reds
11-Jun	Wed	6:00 PM	Brewers
13-Jun	Fri	6:00 PM	Astros
19-Jun	Thu	6:00 PM	Twins

GautierDesigns web store!!

garbunzl — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:24:08 +0000

I had put together a shopping cart for Jenn’s scrapbooking website over the past few months and it went live (quietly) a few weeks ago. With almost no advertising we’ve gotten pretty good traffic and she has just processed her second order!!! Seperate from her custom scrapbooking service, the Gautier Designs Boutique is her storefront for selling premade page layouts and cards. Since she makes stuff all the time and always has an inventory, it made sense to open a web store that’s always available to potential customers. Once we get used to it and iron out any kinks, we’ll start some Google/Yahoo advertising.

Congratulations on your second order Jenn! I’m sure there’ll be many more to come!!

Happy 13th Birthday Taylor!!

garbunzl — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 06:45:54 +0000

Today is the day Taylor turned the big “one-three”. She’s officially a teenager now (yikes!) and to celebrate the occasion we took her out shopping for clothes and jewelery (though she didn’t want much) and she had her friends over for a pizza party and sleepover. As I type this they are all in her bedroom playing video games and will probably be up half the night eating popcorn, watching movies, etc.

Happy 13th Birthday Taylor!!

I’m it!

garbunzl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:42:41 +0000

I’ve been tagged by my wife. Wow, reminds me of being on the playground back in 3rd grade. I’d spend my recess playing freeze tag (or other variants) on the big toys or kickball. …ah kickball, that’s another post entirely. Anyway, I’ve been tagged and have to think up some random/weird stuff about me.

1. I paid $400 for my first car, a 1980, red Buick Century. After working on it for over a year, it was “road-ready” (for the most part) and was dubbed by my friends, the “Bunzlmobile”.

2. I build computers for fun. May sound like work to others but I love buying components and assembling them into a working (and of course ridiculously high-powered) PC. In fact, I’m typing this blog using a “G-machine”.

3. I love hot food. Tacos must have hot sauce, Thai food must be at least 3 stars (5 being the hottest) and I put Frank’s Redhot or horseradish on almost everything. Jenn jokes that I’ve burned off all my taste buds. Oh, and I loooooooooove this stuff.

4. Not sure how weird this is…but Jenn’s commented on it. I tap my toothbrush on the sink after brushing to expel excess water, before putting it away. I do this because my dad did and the funny thing is, all our kids do it too. Watch out world…a new generation of toothbrush-tappers is on the way!!

5. I like to run the tank down to “E”. Jenn hates this. While I’ve heard this can be bad for the car, and often do this out of laziness, I have this idea that you actually get better mileage doing this. Makes sense since a lower tank weighs less right? While I’m sure the benefit is nomimal at best, I needed another weird thing to add.

6. I have a horrible phobia of bees, spiders and scorpions. I’m cringing just typing this.

7. I have a plastic, yellow chicken toy next to my work computer. This is part of a farmhouse toy set (Fisher Price I believe) that comes with several other farm animals. Doesn’t sound too strange in itself but it is actually a monument to Nick’s toddler-hood and learning to talk. When he was 2 or 3 we would ask him what it was, to which he replied “a quaw-quaw”. Then we would point the red “comb” on top of it’s head and ask what it was. His reply was “um….hai-wuh”, as in “hair” with a “w” instead of an “r”. Jenn and I thought this was so cute and were amused by it for many months.

Most of my friends aren’t bloggers so I will tag Jonspach and Tim.

Okay so the rules are…

Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.