Blog:Danimatian

Animator Chris Wirth bought me a scooter today... now work is so fun!!!

ZOOOOOOOOOM

Where are my damn keys? I swear I saw them when I got back from Washington DC.

I should be going into work to do some stuff but I couldn't unlock the door if I don't find my keys. I can drive my car I have a 2nd set for that...

When in Dublin I transferred some photos to CDROM. Here are a few selects of those, in a random order!



Dublin - On St. Patrick's Day, the bartenders painted my beard like a mirrored Irish flag.




Dublin - The Guinness workers enter thru this gate.




Dublin




Dublin - I made a mate out of Keith, a local




Liverpool




Liverpool -Figure this one out on your own




London




Liverpool - Me in front of the George Harrison home and birthplace.




Cardiff - I hadn't seen Gregory this millenia.




Cardiff - Castles can be fun!




Cardiff - Me and my two best friends.



London - Joanna (Greg's girl) and myself.



London - Gregory Andrikopolous and I in a Blues Brother themed bar.


Liverpool - Beatles Story tour on the Magical Mystery Tour bus.

I am seeing Pharoahs temples in Alexandria, Egypt. No not really I'm state-side in Alexandria, Virginia. Fire ye muskets!

I took a detour because they wounldn't let me fly to Detroit.

I fly to the motor city tomorrow but for now I am chilling with the hometown Original Ming (tm)

As I near my homeland country I am noticing the changes about myself this trip has been a catalyst for.

One, I am way more emotional and creative. Sounds silly but in the two stupid in-flight movies I saw, I can tell that stupid cheesy dialogue pulls my heart strings whereas I used to ignore it. I want to write dialogue that can thrill and excite peoples emotions!! I'm not gonna say that I'm done with live-action comedy and those wacky danimatians but I think my next work will explore emotion. Flowing emotions spark creativity in me. I can't stop the ideas from coming... I think thats why men find muses. I think I need to make an agreement with a girl that I want to chase after her but she should never let me get any because the thrill of the chase seems to always bring out the best random creative ideas. Any takers for late night conversations, engaging dinners with dancing and frequent mix tapes gifts but no sex?

Two, I can't stand flying longer than 2 hours. Forget it... I hate turbulance. I hate watching the metal wing sway in the wind. It freaks me out. I'm going to Europe by boat next time.

Three, I am more aware of my place, my dreams, my participation and my role in this life. I guess I had an out-of-mind experience in Amsterdam. I explored not only architechture and culture, but I explored myself from within.

I am also aware of how much I HAVEN'T CHANGED...my mind still works in ways as it did in my youth. I am interested in toys (gadgets,) laughter and telling mom and dad what i've done.

I'm not saying I haven't changed since my youth, but I retain the heart and soul of a child. Although I am no longer tugging on moms pants while I eat a cup of cheerios, I still love to see her smile when I've shown her what I've done or where I've been.

I've smelled the water from where my mothers grandparents left for America from.

I've seen the birthplace of my hero George Harrison. I've stood at Strawberry Field. I rode The Magical Mystery Tour Bus. I've sat in a pub with my mate Gregory whom I've not seen this millenia. I spent St. Patricks Day with the Irish in Dublin. I stood in Rembrandt's studio. I've gazed at original Van Gogh works.

I took over 700 pictures. I've been told by two people that my photos of their homeland are "more beautiful than postcards" which I think is a great compliment! A Liverpudlian and a Dubliner both complimented my eye for composition. I don't think I did justice to Amsterdam and Cardiff.

Now I'm an hour from Washington DC Dulles airport... Not sure why the Dutch pronounce it as DALLAS but that caused me some confusion wondering I I was on the way to Texas or not.

This is my second surprise visit to DC. Last time I was here I was driving from Atlanta to Baltimore and just stopped by to take photos at 3 am. Now I can take more photos with a better camera!

I hope Russ Ming is around. I haven't seen him since Christmas. I've been alone since Tuesday so to see a familiar face will do me some good.

Today I felt good. I felt on time. I woke up easily (early even!) got ready and took a tram to central station and caught the express train to the airport.

I waited in a long line and when I got to the counter they said I was to already have checked in with the COMPUTER, then stood in line for the person.

Now it was too late they would not let me fl to Detroit. 150 euro later and I am (I think) on a flight to Washington DC. Although they said DC when I bought the ticket all the flight crew keep saying we are headed to Dallas. I hope I am not headed to Texas.

I am so tired and grumpy and this plane flies slower and doesn't have the techno-gizmos my REAL flight had. I can't beat peoples asses in trivia all day.

My last full day in Amsterdam was amazing. In the morning I saw 2 photography museums. The Huis Marseille and Foam. They were both excellent. I took a canal ride and then ate lunch, and headed to see Rembrandt's former home. I stood in his studio.
It wasn't open for long but I saw some of the Amsterdam Historisch Museum... then when they kicked me out I headed to the water where Stedelijk is.

I didn't like the temporary facility of the Stedelijk Museum, so I headed to der dam where I thought I would just hang out but I saw there was a Morocco exhibit open until 6pm at De Nieuwe Kerk.

At the concert I saw Particle and Keller Williams. I went to bed at 1 to get up on time for alas it did not help.

Today I saw the work of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many others. I saw the Disco Biscuits and Umphrey's McGee perform at the Melkweg.

I even saw an exhibit of World War II photos from a man there with the Russian army.

Tomorrow is my last day in Europe. I hope to fill it with a canal ride and lots of photograph viewing and taking!

Amsterdam is an exciting, well planned out city. The beauty of the canals is breathtaking. The language is interesting and the mass transit is readily available. Tomorrow I will embark into culture and history but tonight I am dancing to the groove.

I am so amazed by the architechure and THINGS TO DO here. Wow...

My wound is getting better (Within the first hour here I wound up on the wrong side of a construction fence and climbed over to get out)

I saw a bit of Keller Williams set as well as Particle.

AmsterJam fest seems like such a small thing in scale of all I want to see while I am here. Tomorrow I am up with the sun and determined to explore all over this burg.

Within the first hour of being on Dutch soil I was bleeding and hallucinating.

If I would of had my suitcase with me (they left it in London when I switched planes) I either a) wouldn't have tried that stunt or b) changed into tighter fitting clothes first.

I ripped everything... down to the Guinness boxers. My hand is much better now, it only hurts when I try to roll a spleef.

I can't believe I made this flight. It's been a roller coaster of emotion, Thinking I would miss my first flight out of Dublin.

I calmed myself down along the way. If I miss it I can just explore more Dublin with my mates.

My flight was delayed so I made it just fine. At the gate I ran into some Canadian girls I met on St. Paddys Day.

We sat and talked of our adventures since we last spoke and boarded the same plane to London. They would go on to Ottawa, Ontario and I was Amsterdam Bound.

I ran my ass to the international terminal but my flights gate had not been announced. Bewildered that I made it with time to spare now I ponder my schedule of art, museums and music ahead of me.

My days are open for wansdering around and sight-seeing but my body is getting weak and my feet are tired of walking.

The Irish alcohol has taken it's toll on me. Dehydrated and over-partied I am nursing myself back to normal health by drinking water every chance I get. I occasionally sip from my water bottle I filled up at hom in the bathroomsink. It still tastes like it did when I was 5.

I must see more of Ireland. It's a wonderful place with honest and genuine people.

We are beginning our descent to Holland in 10 minutes.

Dublin has been amazing. A well organized thought out and perfectly executed metropolis.

The transit is easy to navigate and the ability to explore as you wish is built into the framework.

I was disappointed today that I wouldn't be able to see the Guinness tour. This is such a busy weekend (St. Patricks Day duh!) the line was too long for me.

I walked around randomly instead exploring architechture that intrigued me.

The friends I made were sincere, honest and interesting people. Who emphasized that I most see REAL IRELAND.. see the North... the West.. the South.. ANYTHING BUT THE EAST... then I took photos of the most Easternly area... I thought it was beautiful.

Tomorrow comes Holland.

I have had an amazing night. It was shaky for a bit. I was actually sad for a time. Nothing a few Guinness couldn't cure.

I met loads more cool people. I actually have plans for tomorrow night. I have to ride a bus 20 minutes to meet them but after dusk I have nothing going on in the city...

more to come... I pass out now.

I have reached the Emerald City. I got my soul back. The Tin Man got his heart. Lion got his courage.

No... wait... sorry... I'm on the Emerald Isle.. not City. No wizard here... except Sir Arthur Guinness.

Dublin is a frenzy of activity this St. Patrick's Day. I got here in the afternoon and walked around for hours. I am so tired of walking. I passed out on the bed for an hour and now I am going to shower. Very soon I will get my Paddys Day drink on.

I miss Liverpool. I know I won't make friends that cool for the rest of the trip and I'm on my own from here on out.

I do love to travel alone but it's also nice to hang out with those from the place you are visiting. Exploring a city on your own explores yourself at the same time.

I've had so many thoughts racing thru my head since I woke up.

Maybe it's because it's been the first sober (so far) day in Europe yet... I am realizing how much this trip has enriched me at the half way point.

When I get back to Detroit I will take things I've learned about myself and put them to good use.

I have been stagnant, I haven't created anything since the late 90s. It pains me to know that I've had so many tools at my disposal and I have not utilized any of them to create something beautiful. Therefore when I get home it is anti-social time again. I have dreams to realize a and I must focus on myself, my career and my creative aspirations.

Jason has been begging me to help me create a serial animation. Something we can work on and put out bi-weekly. Simple animation simple humor simple style techniques. We'll see what we come up with the Saturday after I get back to the states.

I've been longing for something more for a while. Even my mentor, animator Chris Wirth has been pleading with me to make something happen for myself. He sees my soul dissolving every day and only I can fix it. Yes I work in a soulless industry but I refuse to stand idly by and watch time go by as I glide thru life without capturing my dreams and running away with them.

ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY.

We never left the University. We moved to a new flat... avoiding the Mumps Breakout section.

We laughed all night. Every imaginable story and experience was shared. Liverpool is a mecca of culture and entertainment.

These Scouse kids are artists, dreamers, poets and musicians. I felt dehydrated so I opted out on participating in the dirnking and ecstacy pill popping.

We played random trivial pursuit, in which you choose a card thats been on the floor in the rec room since they fell over the weekend... you choose the coolest sounding question and ask anyone. You then ridicule wrong answers and give props to those who answer correctly or make fun of the British and U.S. governments.

Julia (named after John Lennon's Mother) tried to marry me tonight. We even had a priest waiting. She's got thise fever for a USA Work Visa and thought she could sway me with her charm and beauty. She is the most enticing woman I have ever turned down.

Someone did get married tonight. Chris marryed the most beautiful woman in Liverpool, previously known as "Girl I fancy with the mumps." BTW... It was a false diagnosis... she's healthy!

Some say the mumps thing is a big joke. Others swear by it. I opted to keep away from those flats... when Julie went in to grab something I kept referring to her as the monkey from outbreak.

I didn't get enough Liverpool. It's a city that needs at least a weekend, not a couple of weekdays. I could live here and be happy. Even with all the scary parts of town lurking about.

It's got a character, dialect and soul different from the rest of Britain. Its part Welsh, Part Irish and Part English... all wrapped into something new. I will come back (with my little sister of course) and it will be more than a few days.

I enjoy travelling alone. You explore the randomness of life more. You reach into yourself more. Your mind follows your heart. Not someone elses agenda. Not someone elses bladder (road trips.) Not someone elses dreams.

I am a simple man. I enjoy the hilarity of life and people. I try to smile more because of my whole day went like most mornings do, I wouldn't feel like participating in life much at all.

Give me the night sky. The loud music. The rhythm to dance to. The female eye candy. The highs and the lows. The thrills and the pains. Give me all live has to experience. Anywhere. Anytime... after noon.

Today has been an amazing day. I woke up at about 10 and went down to Pier Head where the boats take off from.

I took the Mersey Ferry Riverboat Explorer, which is a 50-minute ride to 4 ports around the Mersey. You can get off and shop or dine and come back on. I stayed on for the quick journey.

During the ride they mentioned that 9 million people left from that dock in search of a better life in the New World. Two of those people left in 1912 and would later bring into this world my Grandmother Winnie.

Amazing... 93 years later I stumble upon the same dock to take a ferry because of a 1960s brit-pop hit by Gerry and the Pacemakers. I used to play "Ferry 'Cross The Mersey" on my moms record player growing up.

Now I am sitting in George Harrison's favorite pub, The Crocodile. Drinking a pint to his memory as I write this.

After the boat ride, I had a quick bite to eat and got on THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR BUS. I went to Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, birthplaces and homes of the Fab Four and of course ended up at the Cavern.

Tomorrow I hit up the Beatles Museum and fly to Dublin. Had I known you could take a four hour ferry to Dublin, I would have done that instead.

In a few hours I will get into some debauchery with the local university girls.

Of course the one I fancy has THE MUMPS. The last thing I need is some European version of germs my body has no idea how to fight.

I'm sure we'll go dancing... they suggested it last night. They were fighting over me on the dance floor. It must be my accent... I don't care what it is but I think European girls just dig me... I hope this keeps up. I might need to buy more videotape.

Liverpool is an odd town. It's got a character altogether different from the rest of England.

My body seems to be dealing with whatever germs were bringing me down earlier this week in Wales. I only have a runny nose and occasional couch so hopefully I can continue drinking every night with no effect on my immune system.

That's all everyone does.. drink every night... If I stop drinking then I wouldn't meet anyone new.

Mr. Taxi Man, please take me to the girls now...

Liverpool is the murder capital of NorthWest Europe. When I first heard British opinion of Liverpool it was from Tony, who said it was "rough around the edges."


Now that I've hung out with Liverpudlians, they explain it as "dodgy."

I just got back from a flat belonging to some Hope University student. In America, we call low cost housing "the student slums " (i.e. Kalamazoo) well... the area I was in looks well kept up, but there have been a rise in recent assaults on people.

So I begin my worry-full walk to a main road to catch a taxi. I asked to call for one first, but the girls assured me one comes every minute.

This was not true. A mile walk later and I am wondering exactly how safe the area just off campus is when I get the chance to flag a cab down.

Now I ready myself to sleep until the morning when I will catch the Mersey Ferry and check out the Beatles tour right after.

When I arrived in Liverpool I fanagled my way to my hotel. It's really nice!! The Radisson SAS on Old Hall Street. It took 4 tried for a working key so they gave me free movies. When I settled in and went out for food it was creeping up on 5pm.

It's really hard to find a restaurant serving food after 5 People go right home to the family so most hangouts/pubs/restaurants stop serving food early.

Managed to find a place and got the fish & chips. Deciding to eat half the fries with vinegar... I can't see how they do it.

Came back to the hotel, showered and took a nap. It felt like I slept for 14 hours but it wasn't more than 3. At 10 I hit the town again.

Heard a club with a loud beat named Superstar Boudoir and went in. Drank 2 rum & cokes and thought the cheesy music might be better after herbal enhancement. After literally ducking into a dark alley I emerged and found a new club. This club looked cool and had interesting sounds but they told me at the door that unless I came back as a lesbian I couldn't come in.

Walking to the next block I saw the ever-enticing glow of the neon lights. As I got closer I saw it said VIP lounge and the door guy did not look fun to talk to so I kept walking.

The next place I found was called Profile. The sign boasted "Jazz and R&B all Night" so it sounded perfect to me. Maybe I could see an up and coming Liverpudlian.

I got a Guinness and sat down. It was then I realized I had entered a Japanese karaoke bar. The only song anyone sang in English was Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting"

As fast as you CAN drink a Guinness... I did and then left. I would later find out that people get shot at this club a lot. It's a mafia hangout.

Wandering out I came across Superstar Boudoir again. This time around was more fun, more people and oh yeah... girls telling me how beautiful my hair smells as they danced against me.

I made friends with students, found out I was in a gay bar... Before too long we went to the university for joking and smoking. I had a blast and now I have MATES that want to take me out tomorrow night.

Well this is probably my last post for a while. It's back to the PAPER journal now LOL. I won't have internet access anymore.

Today I land in Liverpool and begin my Magical Mystery Tour.

Thursday afternoon I go to Dublin. I will miss the St. Paddys day parade there but ah well. I was so mad I was looking up things to do in Dublin and I found a bunch and then as I was printing it out I realized the parade was in Dublin... OHIO..

Fuck Ohio. See how it creeps into every trip some how?

I have developed a taste for tea.. how fucking weird. I've never been a tea person but a week in Wales will do that for you I guess.

I said goodbye to Gregory after we finished watching The Ladykillers. I can't say the movie was as good as I had hoped. I wish I would have chosen Kevin Smiths Jersey Girl instead but ah well.

I won't see Gregory for about 2 years.. thats sad. I'm trying to get the UK boys to come to Bonnaroo festival but only one of them is all about it the rest are like "umm.. we'll see."

It's cool that I've found people that enjoy similar music, from what I hear it's rare for people to like cool music here. My mates have said that everyone enjoys crap EuroPop... who knew they made fun of EuroPop here.. I thought that was Detroits job LOL..

cheers!

Today I slept in past when the bus goes to Bristol. (6:45am) but it all worked out because the person at Aardman I had the meeting with had to go to a funeral and was out all day. I was coughing all night and didn't even fal asleep until after 5.

I walked down to City Centre and did some shopping. I bought Greg the DVDs of Kill Bill 1 and 2. And I bought Bodysong by Johnny Greenwood on DVD. It's PAL but it will work on my laptop. If not Jason Roth has secret codes I'm sure. I also got a magazine and another fine lunch where I ate before .. yummy veggie lasagna.

Came back and vegged out. Trying to take it easy so my body can fight off whatever is invading it. I cough and hack and gack all day long, its no fun. I hope I get better soon.

I felt real good this afternoon but after sunset it was all crap again. I hope I don't have breathing issues on the plane. And I hope I dont give away my cold to strangers.

I mean.. allergies.. my allergies.. thats whats wrong with me...

Tomorrow I land at John Lennon Airport and begin the best part of my trip.. Beatles overload.

Today we again slept in late and still went on with the London trip. We got there about an hour before sunset. We walked down River Thames and checked out the Eye of London and gawked at the Salividor Dali inspired statues. The museum was closed so that was a bummer. I got many a cool photograph of the environment and then we of course went for food and drinks.

I'm feeling being outside in the cold environment effects as I am coming down with something. I chose a healthy drink this evening, a Tequilla Sunrise (hey, it's got Orange Juice in it.)

I will be landing at John Lennon Airport on Tuesday afternoon. I stay in
Liverpool until Thursday when I go to Dublin for St. Patricks Day. I'm thinking I
might dye my hair green for the celebration... I thought it might be over-the-top but everyone I talk to about it is excited. Most have expressed jealousy at not being able to do funky things like that to themselves. It's nice to have a career in an industry where appearance isn't mandated.

I think I'm getting Greg's girlfriend Joanna's cold. We've been out in a lot of cold nights walking about. Tonight we ate a a blues brothers themed place called Belushi's.

I only saw London tonight and Friday night. Besides then I've been in Cardiff.
It's the Welsh capital and its about quadrupled in size in the last 12 years.
Theres an airport here now which is why I am flying to Liverpool instead of
taking the bus.

I'm not sure how I will work out the getting to Aardman Animation thing because the buses don't exactly run a fun schedule. If I can wake up at the bizarre time I have to be up at I will make it but even still there are 3 studios and I don't even know which one is the one the people I know work at. Hopefully I can get there and talk to someone on the phone and make it happen. Otherwise I'm bouncing around agenda unknown tomorrow.

We crashed out all day today. We stumbled out of the house and tried to navigate to a castle but a wrong turn led us thru a road that (by my estimation) was built in the 1860s but hasn't been used much since the 1920s.

Gregory (driving) asking : "Should we turn around. I think so."

The car: "No keep going."

10 minutes of narrow, brush filled alley we swap.

The car: "Let's turn around."

Gregory: "No, we keep going."

Needless to say past sunset we reached the castle. It was mostly grass but you could run all through it. It was like a playground no one said anything... I'm not saying I climbed or disturbed what may be considered national mounuments, but I had many urges to climb things that I know would have been fun. King of the hill... with a real fucking (dried out) moat!!? Can you beat that?

The rest of the night goes hazy. I know alcohol was involved. An Irish pub. Drama afoot. People tugging at my beard telling me how amazing it is and how long have I grown it for?

I wonder if those Irish guys would think when I shave half my head and dye my hair green for st. patricks day?

I wish I had more Detroit gear in my wardrobe. I've got Ann Arbor representing and then mostly hippie bands and that Gettysburg t-shirt.

A fucking "Menards" t-shirt would sell like hotcakes in the UK. Which is a funny phrase because Hotcakes don't sell that well and they keep them on the menu because the phrase "sells like hotcakes" gives them free advertising.

I'm way too drunk and yelling what I want to type at the computer screen right now so maybe Dan should pass out now.

We did not sleep in London tonight. We are back in Cardiff... hence the persistance of internet access.

I now have a Scottish girlfriend. We met at Brixton.

Oh yea I forgot. The looming figure with the bald head. The brother. Yea the brother that pulled me aside and said "I'm onto ye'. That's why I'M he'ea. I'm [here] to watch the girls. Remember that."

So everytime this girl was massaging my back, playing with my hair. laughing at my jokes... saying into my ear "I lahve yuhr hair. I lahve DEE-troix teCH-NO. Yuhr so fUNeee"
The looming figure was there... looming.

I'm a guy that likes to make girls laugh, especially if they are playing with my hair or really anything... looking me in the eye... Crossword puzzles...

Ok there I go back to Orson Welles. Wondering if I will end up in Vienna. Wondering if I can have a confrontation (with myself) in that ferris wheel like he did. That's it... no more film noir for me. I'm in detox. I think Dublin is the choice.

Anyway. Besides my agenda and fascination with being in the places where amazing things were created or existed for a moment. Let's get real for a moment here.

What the fuck is going on in this world? I see USA logos spread everywhere. Batman and Superman flaunted around like cash crops. Michael Jackson on everyones lips.

I haven't seen any captivating old buildings or breathtaking landscapes yet. Thats my next 2 days.

Instead of doing London tonight we're doing a full day of it on Sunday. We rode around the outskirts it, rode wrong trains, sprinted 400 yards to catch a freaking bus... i mean coach...

So the food here is pretty much nasty. I don't know how these people are skinnier than us. Well that veggie lasanga was awesome but damn that was good. OK I take that last one back... The veggie burger was great. Everything I eat an animal here its just sopped in grease breading or something of the like

I can't even buy a t-shirt at these shows. They have 2 sizes. S and T. What the fuck is that? Short-Tall? Sissy-Titty ? SuchAWanker - TooneyLoonBoy (Ok I made that second one up.)

Anyways to make a long story short (too late) I declined on the ectasy popping night and whatever else may have been offered with those batting eyesfrom a beautiful woman that laughs at my jokes

Because I knew full well my mate would have to deal with me when the concert was over because we can't hang out any later than the tube runs. Last train at 12:30. Show over at 12. Dan on hallucinogens trying to help navigate a city subway system and remember the cars someing at you are on the wrong side of the road.

So yea mellow night.. my bad. I'll try harder tomorrow. Tomorrow we do the Welsh personal tour and Sunday we do Londontown. Monday I do Bristol and Bath. Tuesday I go to Liverpool. I don't care how far it is. I may not be back before dark.

Oi!

I woke up about 11am today and headed to downtown Cardiff. Gregory and Joanne has to do their own stuff so I was left to my own devices.

My own devices included a coach (bus), my cameras and my hunger for a well cooked meal.

I'm starting to think it was silly to use over 40% of my suitcase to house my digital video camera. I hope I shoot something interesting at some point because far it's just been silly to take it with me as we're not really sight seeing, we're just hanging out. On sunday I will see some lush Welsh landscapes so that will be the day I will be glad I brought it with.

After riding down to the center of town I found the walking mall which must have been a mile long of just stores stores stores. I laughed as the first 5 restaurants I saw were all american.. KFC, McDs, Burger King, Starbucks, etc. etc.

I found an interesting looking cafe that was setup like a Bonanza in that you fill up your tray with what food you want and then pay at the end of the line. I got a very tasty vegetarian lasagna, some peas and chips.

I went to the virgin megastore to find a rare Radiohead DVD from Johnny Greenwood called Bodysong but they didn't have any. Grrr. That will be my quest. Good thing I have a professional television monitor that takes a PAL signal from my computer WOOT WOOT.

Well Gregory is here and we're gonna discuss our evenings plans. I've convinced him that we should stay in London tonight so I can check out the city tomorrow before our dinner plans with his friends in Cardiff. We are 4 hours from the city so it's not likely I'll go to Londontown after tomorrow except to catch a plane elsewhere. (I am leaning towards Vienna, Venice or Brussels to be my destination on Wednesday.)

It's been one of those lack of sleep days. Arrived at DTW NWA terminal at 7pm last night. Breezed thru into the gate where I realized I forgot my iPod power supply. The speakers I have charge it so I will be OK (don't worry!!)

It took forever to get into the air. I bet we didn't take off until midnight. They had to spray the plane down with steam.

I went a little stir crazy on the plane in that cramped space. I wonder how much those business class seats upgrade is. those people pretty much get a flat bed whenever they want. That would be nice.

I only slept about an hour. Hard to beleive since I was almost crashing in the terminal before I left. I guess I shouldn't say CRASH until I get back on US soil.

I kicked ass in the on-plane trivia game. They have games and movies available on video screen in teh seat in front of you.

I watched half of THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES. I will buy that DVD as soon as I get home, it's brilliant.

It will be a 4 hour "coach" ride to Cardiff. Good thing I brought that voltage converter because I need to charge up the iPod and Gameboy or I'll never make it!!

I am listening to my iPods BBC Radio playlist on the portable speakers in the station. It's freezing in here. I hope lemon jelly sells sweatshirts in fat american sizes.

it's so funny to talk to gregory on the phone. we haven't spoken since he was in the states in 2000. he sounds as fun as ever, this will be a blast. i miss him so! he still calls me "roomie" but we haven't lived together since 1998.

blasting the who while i'm in the UK. how fucking cool.

i just called Aardman animation.. they are giving me a tour on monday.. hell yea. hopefully i can grab some wallace and gromit memoriabilia

now i'm in cardiff.. we're about to go out for fish & chips

I just got to hold my Lemon Jelly tickets. I guess the concert tomorrow is in a rough area of London. I wish I had a shirt that said I was from Detroit.

Since I'm not making any movies with it...I took my DAT recorder to the Hamtramck Blowout...

Currently uploading tracks for the following bands. By Monday all bands should have at least 1 track online and when I get back from Europe the rest of the sets will go online.

http://www.visualnoiz.com/multimedia has the full list or click on the band of your choice.

Teenage Alcoholics @ The Painted Lady (Jack White's brothers band)

Birdgang @ Baker's Streetcar (Just met these guys but they were cool)

Loretta Lucas @ Baker's Streetcar (Loretta is formerly of the funky band Mokum)

Makkafroi @ Locker Room (My hippie boys woot woot!)

The Howling Diablos @ Paychecks Lounge (A Detroit staple)

The Strange @ The Attic (Eric Nordin's band)

Broadzilla @ The New Dodge (gotta love the 'zilla)

Hard Lessons - Knights of Columbus Hall

The Sights - Knights of Columbus Hall


Bulldog - Paycheck's Lounge


What I saw of Bulldog's set was one of those amazing random things life throws at you. I left KoC with the intention of going to see Downtown Brown. Instead of going to the Locker Room I went where I want AFTER the Locker Room yesterday. I went to Paychecks. Set up my mic, started recording and then asked who the band was. I was in the wrong place, but i happened to bump into the right friends while I was there.

These guys were phenomenal. Next time I see them I hope I can tape a whole set. They've been one of those secret Detroit/New York things.

Finding this kind of random beauty is a common theme at Hamtramck Blowout. Detroit's finest show up... some give you what you expected, but the rest blow your mind and soul into new dimensions. Why don't they do this in August?

I lost a pizza.

I had a pizza not 2 hours ago.

Either the cleaning crew stole my pizza, or I lost my pizza.

There could be a pizza sitting on a video deck somewhere.

It could be my fault.

I lost a pizza.