Geeks, You Just Gotta Love Us!

So a few weeks ago I read something about a Donkey Kong movie coming out soon. Since Donkey Kong was MY game as kid I wanted to see if I could out more about the film. Turns out it is a film called The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. The movie opened yesterday, but since I was still recovering from my colonoscopy I would have to wait a day. No biggie.

So today I looked online and it is playing at the Lumiere in San Francisco. I bought my ticket for the 4:45 showing and headed out.

What a geekfest! Now I have no problem calling myself a geek, but damn, some of the players in this film are 100% pure geek, lol. Billy Mitchell one of the two main players comes across as a grown man who doesn't to give up his only claim to fame, a world record high score set in 1982. He looks like king geek with his minion geeks hanging on his whims to do his bidding. All in the name of a Donkey Kong high score. Steve Wiebe, the challenger to Billy's crown, is the new guy in town trying to break through an empire that was built around Billy to protect his crown. An empire that by the end of the film I think was starting to see that maybe Billy does have a problem and that Steve is a legit and honest competitor.

If you grew up in the golden age of video games in the arcades, or have interest in seeing what that golden age was like... go see this film. I loved it, it was funny, it brought back some great memories of playing Donkey Kong for hours after work when I was in high school.

It Wasn't Bad At All

Colonoscopy, a word that sends fear into everyone. Fear not, the procedure itself was a breeze.

Yesterday I went in for a colonoscopy. The procedure actually started the day before when I had to begin the preparation. This was the worst part of the procedure. Over the course of about 5 hours I had to drink a gallon of a liquid that cleans you out. They give you a flavor packet to add, but trust me it really didn't improve it much. The liquid was clear, just a bit thick, somewhat salty and tastes terrible. About an hour after the first glass the cleaning process began. Wow, it sure works good! Oh and I forgot, no food at all starting 24 hours before the procedure, only a clear diet.

By Friday morning I was hungry and wanted to eat a poptart bad! I was scheduled to arrive at the clinic at 10:15am for a 10:45 appointment. Signed a couple forms when I arried, sat in the waiting for not even a minute when they called my name and it was time! Into a private room, changed into the hospital gown and got the rundown from the nurse about what was going to happen. She showed me the hardware, pretty cool looking actually. They have a high def monitor for watching everything. Basically a four foot long, black snake goes inside you. It's about the width of your thumb. They told me I could watch everything if I wanted. They also asked if I wanted photos... sure, why not! See photo!

When the Dr. arrived they administered the drugs, basically some Valium and morphine. I remember the nurse asking if the drugs were working, I said how will I know, but my vision what a bit out of focus. Next thing I clearly remember was waking up in the recovery room. It was done. Damn, I missed it all. I have some faint memories of looking at the monitor, and maybe of a small bit of pain. But, I really don't remember anything of the actual 15 minute procedure.

I spent the next hour in the recovery room sleeping it off. Lyndsey came to take me home as they wouldn't release me on my own. It was still a bit high, a bit bloated, but feeling fine and no real after effects. I am still trying to remember the procedure itself, but I think it is just a blank.

So, if you need a colonoscopy do it. Don't worry, it is completely painless.

The 50 Worst Things Ever to Happen to Music

Blender Magazine.

1. Kids Today!
Back in our day, we didn’t have any of yer fancy iPods and ringtones and downloads. We didn’t have the luxury and convenience of your scrotum-rings and your World Wide Web logs. When we wanted to steal the new Uriah Heep album, we couldn’t just troll the Internets for it, we had to do it the old-fashioned way — by hiking to the store (uphill, both ways) and shoving 12” of vinyl under our sweaters (which we had to knit ourselves). That’s why you sniveling whipper-snappers don’t appreciate the real value of music. Or Uriah Heep. Now get the hell off our lawn!

Sitting in Ft. Lauderdale Airport

I am sitting in the Ft. Lauderdale airport waiting for my 4:30pm flight home, going through Denver. It is HOT and HUMID here, 95 but feels more like 105. What an adventure this trip turned into.

Everthing started last Thursday night catching 10:30pm red eye flight, going through Philly. I didn't book this trip myself because I sure wouldn't have gone through Philly. I arrived in Ft. Lauderdale around 12 noon on Friday. It was not the most direct route, I was probably in the air close to 8 hours. Landing in Ft. Lauderdale is when the adventure really begins, because US Airways didn't have my luggage, as well as the luggage of about 20 other people on the flight. There was plenty of time for the transfer in Philly, I guess one cart of luggage was just forgotten by the ground crew. Ok, it wasn't lost and was to arrive on the next flight in about 45 mins and they would then send it to my Hotel, The Westin Resort and Spa in Hollywood. Didn't happen quite like that. During the day I checked or tried to check multiple times on the status. The phone at the airport they gave me to call was never answered and the toll free number could only say they has no tracking details and the maybe it would show up. By 8pm with no luggage, getting very pissed at US Airways (your customer service is really BAD!) I decided to head to Walmart and buy some clothes. Remember is HOT and HUMID on the beach and I only have blue jeans and a long sleeve black shirt. Plus I had been in these clothes for 48 hours. I get some shorts, shirts and sandles and feel much better. Guess what, around 2am my luggage shows up. Better late than never.

This turned into another wild business trip. The hotel was amazing, right on the beach. The event had the entire hotel so things were pretty loose. Pictures will be coming in the next couple days from the wet t-shirt contest and 4 hour boat ride.

One activity from the trip that was the coolest was a half hour ride in a 47 foot high speed race boat. This boat has 3 1200HP engines and can hit 12oMPH. I stood in the left position next to the driver. Braced in very tightly and grabbing on even more tightly. We hit about 90MPH and flying over 6 foot rolling waves. We were moving so fast that I couldn't focus on the waves approaching. By time I saw one we were already past it, things were just flying by.

Check out this live webcam of the hotel pool and beach, this is what my room overlooked.

Now I have two hours to kill in the airport before my flight. At least this flight is much more direct and about half the flight time of coming out.

My Prayers Go Out to Minnesota

I have not lived in Minnesota for 20 years, but in my heart Minnesota is still my home. Hearing the news last night about the 35W bridge collapse just astounded me, how could this even be possible. An entire major interstate bridge just collapses without warning. I have been on that bridge many times, why did it happen at this specific moment and not when I was on it? What about all the other bridges? Shortly after learning about this I had to drive over to Oakland, across the Bay Bridge. Of course parts of the Bay Bridge have already collapsed during the 89 earthquake and if another major quake hits it is expected to be disaster.

Anyway, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Minnesota. Visit www.redcrosstc.org and donate.

Vacation (Fishing) Photos from Canada

In early June I once again took off 10 days to go fishing in Ontario with my dad, brother-in-law, nephew and a few others. From Minneapolis we drive up through International Falls and spend the night in Dryden, Ontario. The next morning we drive from Dryden to near Sioux Lookout. On a little river we meet up with a long boat that picks us up for another ride through the North woods of Ontario to Ghost River Camp. It's beautiful country. With great fishing and even better company, this is a vacation I try to take every year.

Check out the photos!

Canada Fishing 2007

Also check out my videos on YouTube. Including video of a couple of Moose sightings!

Rest Easy and Get Well

I was at the Soboba show and was proud to see how Gene, along with Tommy and Eric, rose to the top under the challenge of a very difficult situation. Gene, everyone could feel your deep concern for Paul. You did an amazing job leading the show and leading the KISS Army. I enjoyed the show, amd will remember this show above all other shows, but there was clearly a hole on stage. A hole that only someone with Paul's voice and presence could fill. Paul, do what you need for your health. You have given us all so much that I would hate to see you jeopardize your health for a performance.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and the band.

Rest easy and get well.

Report on the KISStoric Show, July 27

KISSONLINE.com

By Louis Antonelli, Jim Lunger & Keith Leroux
WIth photos by Hiro Shiga

Last night an extraordinary page was written in KISSTORY. At the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California, last stop of the band’s 2007 ‘Hit & Run’ mini Tour, KISS performed as a TRIO for the first time ever. Immediately following the band’s sound check, Paul Stanley suddenly fell ill, with what was later determined to be a “cardiac event”.

Once it was determined by emergency medical staff that Paul could not perform, there was talk that the show would need to be canceled. It was Paul himself, who insisted that the band play the show without him. Paul was concerned that fans had traveled long distances and because of the band's individual schedules the show could not be rescheduled.

KISS Manager Doc McGhee then took the stage to announce to the crowd that Paul was sick and unable to perform but that Gene wanted to speak with the fans. Gene asked the audience if they wanted him, Tommy & Eric to perform. The crowd responded with a defeaning chant of yes, yes, yes. With that, Gene announced that the concert (If they could pull it off), was a tribute to “The Greatest Voice in Rock and Roll - Rock God Paul Stanley”.

With Paul en route to the hospital - Gene,Tommy and Eric played their hearts out in honor of their stricken leader! The set list evolved as the night progressed and KISS blasted their way into the hot night air - valiantly trying to hold it together minus the band’s heart & soul. In an emotionally charged moment, Gene told the crowd that he was an only child, but nevertheless had a brother – Paul Stanley! ‘Christine Sixteen' brought 11 invited fans onto the stage to help perform the song, and added a bit of lighthearted fun to the pensive night.

The trio went on to perform a full set including classics and rarities - ‘Watchin’ You’, ‘Goin’ Blind’, ‘Nothing to Lose’, ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Cold Gin’, ‘She’, and ‘Parasite’. The sold out arena was filled with dedicated fans who appreciated what a unique night this really was, despite its bittersweet nature, and rocked hard & loud. As the final chords of ‘Rock & Roll All Night’ were struck, and the last jets of flames and confetti shot into the night sky, everyone realized what they had just witnessed was simply great music performed by dedicated, extraordinary musicians who really gave it their all, and then some.

Another thing every KISS fan at the show last night realized - is just how lucky we are that our favorite band, led by the greatest front man in Rock N Roll PAUL STANLEY, cares so much for us fans!

Get well soon Paul - we all love you!

01. Deuce
02. Cold Gin
03. Calling Dr. Love
04. Christine Sixteen
05. Nothin' to Lose (Eric on vocals)
06. I Love it Loud
07. Goin' Blind
08. Watchin' You
09. She
10. Parasite
11. God of Thunder
12. Let Me Go, Rock 'n Roll
13. Black Diamond (Eric on vocals)
14. Rock and Roll All Night

Paul Stanley Taken to the Hospital

PAULSTANLEY.com

During sound check yesterday (July 27), my heart spontaneously jumped to 190 plus beats per minute where it stayed for over an hour necessitating paramedics to start an IV and give me a shot to momentarily stop my heart and get it into a normal pattern. Not knowing if this episode was life threatening made it even more exhausting. After consulting with both the paramedics and a cardiologist at Cedar Sinai, they confirmed my worst fear. They said that I would put myself at risk if I tried to do the show.

I’m very proud of Gene, Tommy and Eric for carrying on without me. I apologize to anyone I disappointed and I’ll make it up to you when I see you again.

Paul.

Drunk B logging

New concept, drunk blogging! What do you post after you have had more Jack and Cokes then you can remember ( or at least it hurts too much to think hard enough to figure out!).

3:28am, back at the Hard Rock Hotel. I don't want to go to bed quite yet, because the bed just might start to spin and we all know that is not good! Just got back from a great evening at Treasures (Gentlemens Club) and Empire Ballroom (Metal Skool... F*&King Metal Rules!) Had a 24 oz Rib Eye at Treasures that was amazing! For dessert (too S's because you want seconds!) I enjoyed the buffet of 5 dances. Thanks Uncle Mike!! From there the limo took us to Empire Ballroom for the Players Ball featuring Metal Skool. The first band just plain BLEW! Metal Skool rocked dude! I was right up front fist in the air and head banging! Check out just one of the pictures from their show.

OK I need to stop because my fingers are not typing what my brain wants!

Oh yeah, this was all my job... I was working, I swear!

108 Degress in Las Vegas

So I arrived in Las Vegas yesterday, staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, for another business trip... the XBiz Convention. Guess what, IT'S DAMN HOT! They keep saying, "it's a dry heat." Well screw that, it's still 108! My oven is dry heat, I'm not going to sit in it, lol!

Anyway the Hard Rock Hotel is awesome, the pool area is amazing. Especially since our show took over the entire pool area. Here's one picture of the sights, more to come.

Time To Catch Up

It's way too long since my last post, so this weekend it's time to catch up. Lots to add, stay tuned!

Ace Frehley Recording New Album

We have heard this many times before... Ace will have a new album out in the Spring followed by a tour, but still if this is accurate then it is great news.

Post by Ed Trunk:

May 25th:
"Stopped by an visited my old friend Ace Frehley last night at the NYC studio where he is now mixing his upcoming CD. Ace is doing so well, is totally healthy and just in a great place now. I am very proud of him. Ace has recorded 10 new songs so far and is completing 3 to use as a demo for now. I can tell you there is some strong label interest so he will no doubt have several options to release it. I heard 2 of the 3 new songs that are being finalized and I must say I was really impressed with them. It is classic sounding Ace singing and playing. One track had a vocal from Ace that almost had a BEATLES type vibe, but still rockin. You will also be happy to know that Ace plays all guitar and sings all vocals. The recordings were made with a trio of Ace, Anton Fig on drums and new bassist Anthony Esposito (LYNCH MOB). The touring band will be Ace, Anthony and other players TBA. Ace also told me he wrote all the songs just before going into the studio, so this is all fresh stuff. I'm really excited by the two songs I heard. It is by far the most 'KISS-like' music from any past or present member of the bands respective solo albums. We hung out for a couple hours, talked about the old days and had some Japanese food. Really fun night and was great to see him as always. More news when I can share it and of course keep an ear on the radio shows and to this site for all the exclusive Ace news and music. Ace is back!

PS: There is NO set release date or live shows yet, when there is I will post!"

Eddie Trunk

We Have All Been There!

San Francisco is Invaded by Zombies

Friday evening San Francisco was invaded by Zombies looking for human brains. They were spotted trying to attack a passing cable car. For more photos as they attack the city, tourists and bystanders... CLICK!