thefingerguy's rants

Yes, once again, I am sick. This round: the flu. I've lived on the couch most of the past two days, only to get up for my many trips to the loo or to get another hot drink, take medicine, etc.

Being confined to the couch, I felt married to my laptop. The most exciting updates that I've performed follow...

HometownMusician.com: The site has had two new articles written, primarily focusing on the band that a buddy and I are working to set-up; we're looking for a bassist and one (or two!) guitarists. The second article focuses on Mifflinburg-based Torque, who has a 17-year history of performing in and around the Mifflinburg, PA area. Torque is losing its only original member, and the rest of the group have agreed to allow it's leaving guitarist to keep the name with him. They are working on a suitable replacement name (they might have one now ~ just waiting for final "clearance"), as well as finding a replacement guitarist.

ImnArtist.com: This site was redesigned about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and now includes the functionality of a Wiki, as well as blogs, and many other new features, through the incorporation of CMS software bitweaver.

The incorporation of bitweaver was brought in as I am attempting to compile a site of tutorials, instructions, and general information from around the creative community for those who are working to gain a job in, or learn more about, the design industry.

So, it hasn't been a very fruitful past two days; maybe now I can take a nap, though, as I haven't been able to...my daughter is VERY silly today...

...sure. It gets me a day off of work. But all I can do is sit here, coughing and fighting to breathe. I can't do anything - can't sleep, can't eat (not hungry in the least bit), and can't really do anything other than sit here.

Man, boredom is KILLING me.

I guess I'll just have to try to rest up so I can feel better...and get back to work tomorrow.

Upon arriving home Tuesday, my wife had surprised me with something I'd been looking forward to for some time: the new Foo Fighters CD: Echos, Silence, Patience & Grace.

Having watched the video for their first release off this album, The Pretender, I expected the same hard-hitting modern rock that any FooFan has come to know and love. To my surprise, this album was a departure from the usual Dave Grohl "sings then yells into a microphone" standard.

With the "standard" rock anthem "The Pretender", Dave and the boys do not disappoint, opening the album with their usual enthusiastic modern-times-influenced jam. Then quickly, the mood changes to the mostly-melodic track "Let It Die". The album progresses from hard rock to melodic rock, back and forth, until the track "Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners", an instrumental that seems influenced by southern rock (it sounds like banjos) and reminds me of all the pictures from the late 1800s/early 1900s that I've seen of coal miners (being from Pennsylvania and all).

Following "Ballad" is "Statues", an unexpected twist involving pianos and a more easy-listening side of the Foo Fighters that I never thought I'd hear.

Grohl's voice is well-suited to sing these piano-driven ballad-like melodies, and really makes these songs sound, in a sense, romantic. The range and dynamic nature of music that the band has been able to harness is a true testament to their long and illustrious careers in the music biz, and more so to the diversity that Grohl has been able to show through his mastery of both voice, drums, and guitar.

If you have diverse tastes in music, I would highly recommend this album; there is something for everyone, regardless of your favorite genre.

So a few weeks ago I found out that a buddy of mine was cast as an extra in the upcoming Russell Crowe film, "Body of Lies". Not a small step for this particular friend, who has been an actor since well before I met him.

At work last week, one of my coworkers had asked me if he had a page on IMDB.com. Pretty sure of myself, I stated that he hadn't, and I went on with my work.

Later, here at home, I became curious as to whether or not he had managed to get himself thrown into the mix with his acting peers. And lo and behold - he does have one!

Now, many of my friends (yes, the majority of us are "creative-types") don't necessarily view acting as a quote-unquote "art form"; but the passion and ferocity that Travis (the actor) displays for his performances is more than enough to be overly-evident.

Anyone who knows an actor knows how much emotion, discipline and devotion it takes to make any role convincing. Just as a songwriter pours his/her heart & soul into lyrics, a musician practices for hours to bring a great show to the masses, and a painter digs deep into his/her soul to let you see what they want to express, the actor struggles to make each role more convincing than the next.

Albeit his "credited" career is just beginning, visit IMDB.com to follow his fledgling career. (Please note: his work on "Body of Lies" has not yet been added to his IMDB page)

Hello world -

The "blah" mood fits completely today. I'm in a moderately creative mood, and yet minimally inspired. Therefore, I created my livejournal.

Things have been going crazy lately; work is insane with people out due to many pregnancys (seems less like a newspaper and more like a baby factory as of late), my personal business is mostly consisting of computer repair, and home life is up and down.

I've recently been working to join a band - something that there are not many of here in central PA. At least, out here in the boondocks where I live. Now, I've been singing for a very long time; the first time I performed was before the church when I was roughly 3 years old (at my sister's baptism). My styles vary - from soft, melodic sounds to a few metal vocals; however, there are just a shortage of bands here in the middle of the state.

I have "somewhat" joined a band out of York, PA - but they are "iffy" about getting together for practice, and are hesitant to give me an answer of whether or not I am in or out. Now, I've considered myself a part of the band since my audition. We had a practice session about two weeks ago - I thought all went very well. They did tell me that they had two other vocalists to audition (they were scheduled before me) - so I'm not going to get my hopes up. I appreciate the compliments I receive from these gentlemen regarding my "down to earth" nature. But I don't like waiting around; I really want to get out and start "giging" - out on stage, performing and whatnot.

I'm around bands or members of bands all of the time; I've even been on stage occasionally with one of my friends' bands. I guess I'm just becoming frustrated with the whole thing.
But instead of raising my voice, and being the extrovert that I am, I'll sit idly by...waiting patiently, for my number to be called.

The state of local music in my geographic area is becoming larger and slightly more dynamic - and I want to be a part. Good things can't be rushed...but need nurturing, and the latter is not happening. I'll just have to keep writing my music, and continue looking for those who share my passion. Until I hear from the York crew, I'll continue my search...