Big Head Todd and the Monsters at the Cystal Ballroom

Big Head Todd and the Monsters at the Cystal Ballroom

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Autopilot is for Lovers - Mississippi Studios

Autopilot is for Lovers - Mississippi Studios

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About to become a father of two...

Clearly I don't update this blog very often, but since last post. My first daughter has grown into a little toddler. And now I sit at the hospital awaiting the arrival of our second daughter.

It feels much different this time; 1) because we got scheduled to come in, and 2) somehow I don't feel as prepared as we did last time... but the reality is that we are no more or less prepared than last time. We have an idea of what to expect, but how can you ever truly anticipate what is about to unfold today?

We're thankful to have Traci's mom here to help out with Kylie while we take care of business as the Hospital. We are anxious to meet #2 (she has a name, but I'll save it for later).

I don't think Kylie knows exactly what is going on either. I'm curious as to what she'll make of it. No matter what Kylie is very loved. And now she'll have a little sister to love just the same.

Here's an update on my iPhone saga:

I sat on my unopened iPhone box, debating whether I should just keep it and activate it or return it and find some other phone to replace my aging Audiovox SMT5600. It took 7 days of prayerful consideration, and on the 6th day I made up my mind... and on the 7th day I activated it. Coming from a legacy AT&T Blue account, I actually had to call into AT&T's customer support to migrate my account over. It took about 20 minutes to get my activated. For the last two weeks I've been up and running, and am loving it! Hopefully this lust will last for the next 2 years, before I get too excited about the next great gadget. So Steve, slow it down... Your stock is already at an all time high. Let us relish in the now, before you make this iPhone a relic of the past.

Now that I've succumbed to the iPhone I can affirm that it is a marvel of technology integration! There is a great sense of satisfaction in using it... especially quickly looking something up on Google, Making a Poopli request. Too cool.

It is still missing many features to bring it up to par with today's Smartphones and Blackberries, however, I read that these are soon on their way. I'm eagerly awaiting the next widget that will make this phone an all powerful weapon of mass distraction.

Features I look forward to:
- Multiple PC sync (push/pull/sync two PC user data)
- MP3 ringtones
- Push Email service? I'm thinking that if you're on the wifi network, your gmail or whatever email sync should be checked more frequently than every 15minutes.
- Games? How about a classic version of Pole position or something like that.
- Record Video clips not just still photos.
- Taking voice memos.
- Tethering to your PC for remote internet access.
- and many more. Most of which are merely software updates.

Ah Yes, behold the iPhone!

The future has arrived.
(at least after a few software updates)

iCaved iBought the iPhone

So here's the full story. I had been meaning to make a trip to the AT&T store to combine my wife's cell phone plan with mine... in the hopes of saving money. I still have an old "Blue" AT&T account, my wife is an "Orange" Cingular customer. We currently appreciate our corporate discount. My plan is more expensive, because I have the unlimited data plan to accompany my Audiovox SMT5600 (a 3 year old Windows Smartphone). It's a great phone. I couldn't imagine using anything else. I rarely use the web/data features, but love the Outlook integration! This is the must have for me. Not that I'm a super busy guy, just busy enough that having a single device that can converge the PDA features with a cell phone is a big win. It's the first smartphone that is phone 1st, PDA 2nd, and I was quite happy with it.

So back to the point of my story. The unlimited data plan currently costs me $20/month on top of my 400+ min plan. Works out to $60/month before our corporate discount, which nets $52.34/month. Not too bad. Today's AT&T now calls the smartphone dataplan a PDA-data-plan and charges (can you guess?) $40/month! This is outrageous, and nearly criminal (in my opinion of course). So to have a current 450minute plan ($40/month) and a data plan ($40/month) for say a Samsung Blackjack (a 3G smartphone)... this will net your credit card a deduction of $80/month. Crazy... however, if you plunk down $500 for a 4GB iPhone you can pay $60/month ($40 talk + $20data for a 450min plan). The iPhone will save you money on the monthly bill... but will cost you more on the hardware upfront.

Factor in the cost of the Samsung Blackjack at $50 and the iPhone saves you a net $30 after 2 years.

Ahh yes, there's a catch for us corporate discount people. No discounts apply on the sought after iPhone (which by the way wasn't so hard to purchase when I just waltzed into the AT&T store at 7:30PM, not even planning on buying one). I'm told, no discounts apply to the monthly plan either. As part of the 2 to 5-year Apple Exclusivity deal with AT&T(depending on who you talk to), they get a residual off the customers plans too. So what started out as appearing to be a very good deal (amoratized over 2 years), is no longer so sweet.

Now I'm debating whether to keep it. The user interface really is fluid like in the commercials. I love the idea of being able to share photos and video clips of my daughter with people on it's handsome display. I like the idea of having a decent mp3 player integrated into the phone (vs. my Windows Smartphone). I like the idea of having Wi-Fi capability integrated into the phone... but is it worth $500?

PS: I can't crack the plastic, 'cause there's a 10% restocking fee. On top of that, there is a 14-day return policy instead of the usual 30-days from AT&T.

Lost Series Theories...

For you that know me, I am a fan of the show Lost. Now I'm not a rabid fanatic like some of the other people on internet... but I do get wrapped up in the "Lost Mysteries." My latest theory or observation after watching this season is that all the characters have a Father Issue.

Let's run through the characters.

• Jack: I think this one is obvious. Never feels like he measures up to his dad, etc.
• Kate: Kate effectively killed her step-father by blowing up her house. Where is her paternal father?
• Sawyer: His father killed his mom all because of being conned by the man known as "Sawyer", who turns out to be Locke's paternal father.
• Locke: Locke's dad turns out to be a con-man, and con's him out of a Kidney. He was always looking to have a father-son relationship but never had one.
• Hugo/Hurley: His father bailed on him and his mother. Lostpedia refers to his father "Dave" as being a happy go-lucky guy.
• Desmond: He was seeking approval from Penelope's (Penny's) father so that they could marry.
• Jin: He was ashamed of his father... a fisherman of low social class.
• Sun: Her father is a psuedo mafia guy, who Jin feels the need to gain respect of in order to marry his daughter. Sun is somewhat estranged from her father, because she knows what he's involved in but ignores it.
• Charlie: Something happened to Charlie's parents... he carries a ring that once belonged to his father.
• Claire: Her father turns out be the same guy as Jack's father.
• Michael & Walt: Michael hasn't been a good father for Walt, and is trying to make up for that fact.
• Sayid: I have nothing on...

What does this mean? I have no idea... maybe the writers are fixated on this theme?

My other big question, is why hasn't the photographer guy from Suddenly Susan aged since meeting young Ben in the jungle and setting up the purge? Ben refers to them as the "original inhabitants of the island."

Some food for thought.

Most recently, we returned from our trip to Kauai, HI. Thanks to Traci's parent's who invited us to join them at their timeshare/condo in Poipu (The Point at Poipu). It was sure nice returning to Hawaii after 4 years of separation.

I failed to mention in my last post that most of these photos (and more) are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/chris.r.carlson/. Just navigate to the appropriate album.

Once again we flew Northwest Airlines... they were the cheapest fare from PDX to LIH. After our last experience, we were not too inclined to fly them again, but economics prevailed. This trip was not as bad as our last experience. We were a little concerned that the ticket counter agent didn't check our ID when we checked our luggage, but we let that one go. The biggest problem was that NWA decided to shuffle our seats around, and split us up (ticketed passengers traveling together with a lap child). Fortunately the gate agent resolved this issue for us immediately. NWA seems to primarily fly 757s on their long flights. These are not the roomiest aircraft, especially if you are looking for a nook and cranny to stand with your baby. Kylie also came down with a fever on this flight. Lucky for us, she didn't lose it on the flight. She was just squirmy and very active for the latter 3+ hours of the 6 hour flight.

Here I am avoiding being blown over by the 10-18 knot winds that were consistently blowing the whole time we were there. I can't complain, the weather was great (80-85 degrees, mild humidity).

Despite having a sick child the first few days, we still managed to do a lot. Traci had her time in the sun poolside at the resort. I took a complimentary intro to Scuba Diving course at the resort. The idea being that we'd sign up for the $140 dive off the coast. For this trip, I had my money earmarked for a couple other things. Surf lessons, and a ukulele. I did both.

Now you have to understand that I've aspired to learn to surf all my life. I used to boogie board as kid at the Jersey shore (LBI for my Jersey friends), I can stay in the water all day long. I love it! I've had several near opportunities to learn in the past, but I was either too passive in pursuing them, or they just didn't pan out. This trip, Objective#1: Learn to surf.

I can happily report, Mission Accomplished. I'm hooked. Even after 3 hours of beginner surfing, I was ready to take it to the next level. Maybe I'll have to move to Hawaii, so I can further pursue this sport? If you find yourself in Poipu Kauai and are looking for surf lessons. I'd like to second the recommendation for the Garden Island Surf School (http://www.gardenislandsurfschool.com/). There presence is weak compared to the Aloha surf school (Chava Greenlee) and the Margo Oberg surf school, but the instructor, Chris, is the only guy that was recommended by name to me. I appreciate that they are a smaller operation without all the kick-back from the Concierge services. Chris was also really good with kids. Very patient, good attitude. Again I have to thank Aaron and Angela, my cheering section, and personal photographers. This couple were just basking in the sun and were cheering me on as I came in and swam back out to do it all over again. When I was on my own to hang ten, I asked them to try to snap some photos of me so I could have proof of the moment. Angela waited so very patiently for me to catch a wave (not so easy on your own, and when you're competing with another surf school). She did great, and I am so very thankful for her patience.

In our other adventures, we also did the Napali coast tour (Napali Riders). These guys were great. $69/person. Much cheaper than the other outfits. Granted the lunch/snack is minimal (fruit, chips, and soda/water). Who cares! Riding the 30-ft. ocean going Zodiac was a blast. We had the blisters and scraped knuckles to prove it. We saw dolphins, humpback whales.. but no snorkeling. The sea was too rough. The swells were crazy. 3-6ft swells. One moment you can see the horizon, the other moment you are below grade and can only see a large rolling hill of blue ocean. I've been in the ocean on large swells before, but it's much different in such a small vessel.

Below, is a photo from our hike into Waimea Canyon. We did the (what appears to be) standard hike down to Waipou falls. It's an intermediate hike. Steep terrain. But there are definitely some nice views of the canyon. Kylie did great in the baby backpack. (REI Piggyback for those that are wondering).

There are many more photos...

Much has been going on since my last post....

I'll hit the highlights. In mid-March, we made a trip up to Nome, AK again. This time to catch the end of the Iditarod race (www.iditarod.com). Also known as the last great race. It is 1,049 miles of ass-cold weather from Anchorage to Nome.

Here's our proof... standing beneath the finish line on Front Street in Nome. The mushers are pretty staggered out when the finish, with the exception of a few mushers. The photo below shows rookie Sylvia Willis and Rick Swenson over-taking Sylvia before making their way onto front street.

My friend Jamie, took me for my inaugaral snow-machine ride. We made a 60 mile roundtrip from Nome to the Safety checkpoint and looped back around via Anvil mountain. Several of my photos have made their way to Google Earth via panaramio (www.panaramio.com).

Here's a view looking back at Nome from the Bering Sea. It was amazing to watch how the ice changed day to day from the week we were there. We were quite fortunate to have so much sunshine! Don't get me wrong, it was still cold... but it was very tolerable when you were dressed appropriately.

Merry Christmas from the Carlson Family!
 

Northwest Airlines, no fun.

We recently flew on Northwest Airlines, it was inadvertent in that it they were the partner airline for part of our trip from Portland, OR to Jacksonville, FL. I had thought our trip was Delta all the way, but it was Northwest on the return trip.

1. The flight attendents on our Jacksonville to Minneapolis/St. Paul flight were very... "frumpy" for lack of a better word. Mid-flight Traci and I both shared the same thought. They just didn't seem interested in being where they were. Bear in mind that we are traveling with a baby which typically elicits some question about the age of the baby, or if they can offer anything for us. In this case... nothing.
2. Northwest is into this not providing food or snack foods. No peanuts, no snack mix, just soda or water. If you want a snack of any kind, it's $2, or $5 for the Mega Snack Pack. No hot food available. This is lame!
3. The gate agent in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Our flight was a little late on our arrival due to a back-up at the airport. We had 1 hour to transfer now less. It's been our experience that when you gate check a stroller or car seat that the gate agent will often want to fill out the claim form in advance to speed up the boarding process. So, when we got to our new gate Traci broke off to go change Kylie pre-flight, and I went to get our stroller ready for a gate-check... Well I stood at the counter in front of Cindy, the gate agent, for about 10-12 minutes (long enough for Traci to change Kylie, leave her with me, go back to the restroom and nearly return) all without even an acknowledgement from this woman. This woman seemed to avert even eye-contact. Bear in mind that my last meal was 2PM EST, and it was now 9PM CST. I'm hungry and grumpy. I had planned on grabbing something to eat, but due to our flight being late, we didn't have time. And in those 10 minutes of trying to save time for the gate agent, I could've stopped for something on our trek from gate to gate. Back to Cindy. I literally stood in front of this woman for 10 minutes while she shuffled papers around, called other people to the counter, and shuffled more papers around. There were a few people that were starting to queue behind me now. At no time did she acknowledge my presence, say that she'd be with me in a few minutes, ask what I needed, or offer up anything. Traci comes back from the bathroom and just then does another gate agent offer to help me. Still, Cindy fails to say anything to me. This I find highly irritating and fuels my dislike for Northwest Airlines.

The Who Returns! 10/10/2006

My friend Mike and I made a trip to see The Who at the Rose Garden this past Tuesday night. We went cheap on the tickets and bought 300 level tickets. I figure it's good to take advantage of any opportunity to see a legendary band such as The Who.

Once we arrived we learned that they were closing down the 300 level and were upgrading us cheapos to the 200 "club level". What a pleasant surprise.

7:30PM The opening band was a group called Rose Hill Drive (www.rosehilldrive.com), they're apparently from Boulder, Co (also home to the likes of Big Head Todd and the Monsters). I knew I had seen them before in concert. I think they opened for Van Halen last year. In either case, they're a good hard rock band with extra long jams. The mixing was awful though. You could barely understand the singer.

8:30PM The Who takes the stage (www.thewhotour.com). Peter Townsend, Roger Daltrey, and the backing band. This was my first time seeing The Who, and they do still put on a great show. For being 61 and 62 these guys still have their Rock Chops. The highlight for me that night was their performance of "Won't Get Fooled Again." There is a little musical interlude in the middle of that song that comes back into the groove with Roger Daltrey belting out the words "Yeah!!!" He still has it. The band went on to play most of their classic hits along with several songs off their upcoming album "The Wire" due out in stores on 10/31. I believe they played until at least 10:30PM. Another interesing comment about the concert. They were promoting the sale of "official bootlegs" from www.themusic.com . Isn't that an oxymoron? Supposedly the money is supposed to go to charity. I may be pressed to grab a copy of the concert (or Christmas Gift idea anyone?)

All in all it was a good show.

Here are couple photos from my 10 year reunion. I brought my camera, but I didn't take that many pictures. Maybe these other guys have other photos to share?

Here's my $0.02 on the reunion.
1. Too expensive for what it was. (no dessert, and we had to pay for drinks)
2. Did we really need a DJ and dance floor?
3. Did the music have to be that loud considering that no one was dancing? What happened to converation music?
4. Why Friday night? People have jobs and have to travel.
5. 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM seems like a long time, but it's not. Definitely not enough time to catch up.
6. It's amazing how many people don't fly too far away from the nest.
7. I'd divide people into two camps. "Still the same" and "Who was that?" That's pretty much where people fall IMHO.

(Above) Michael Routh, Adrian Prokop, and Stephanie Naegle (formerly Taft).

(Above) Graham Martin, me, And Brian Martin. These guys were my best friends from 6th grade through most of Junior High. We drifted apart a bit in high school... just traveling in different circles. (they are fraternal twins by the way). It was definitely good to catch up with these guys. I will always look back at our youth with fond memories. Their mom, used to refer to me as their adopted 4th child because we were always together. I seem to have a lot of adopted parents.
(Above) Eryn Barker (formerly Kaiser), Timm Prokop, Samantha Prokop, and Adrian. You have to have a few candid photos.

(Above) Here's my other adopted family. The Prokops to my left and Prokops to my right. (Adrian and Timm are also fraternal twins). Their mom, also refers to me as an adopted son too. We had great times together from the 8th grade on (and staying out of trouble).