Randomn3ss

The following is an account of my run at Broad Street.  My company, City Sports, sponsored me in the race.  This blog also serves as a run down of running gear and shoe tech, so if it doesn’t sound like my normal writing, it’s not supposed to.  However, it’s an honest account of one of the best days I’ve had in a while.  Read on. 

On Sunday, May 4th, I completed the latest accomplishment in my running life: my 2nd Broad Street 10 Miler benefitting the American Cancer Society.  It was the 29th running of the race through the City of Brotherly Love… and some parts of the city that lack brotherly love. Part of what makes this race so cool is that you get to run through less-than-friendly parts of the city without being chased (although technically we were, by 20,000+ people).  I was joined/cattle prodded by three City Sports colleagues and one City Sports colleague by way of marriage.  Miraculously, we all paced together, told stories, laughed, held back the inevitable torrents of urine, and beat our goal by two minutes.  I finished at 1:28:55, beating my previous year’s time by 20 minutes.

Oddly enough, I thought I was in crap shape this year compared to last.  Last year I ate healthily all week, didn’t drink or smoke for two weeks leading up to the race, and went to bed at 8pm the night before.  This year… oh this year was quite different.  This year I went out every night before the race, forgot to quit smoking (I’m a dumbass, I’m well aware, thank you), and drank 6 beers with Josh and Jovanna Everetts the night before (who finished at 1:38:32 and 1:28:54, respectively).  And shit - I did one hell of a lot better and ended the race smiling like I needed a helmet.  Making the experience even sweeter was the participation of two newcomers to Philadelphia, City Sports and running.  My friends MP and Kelly popped their Broad Street cherries, with MP finishing at a blazing 1:28:31 and Kelly at 2:00:37. 

The real speed demons of City Sports were Keith Zluky (1:13:12) and Suzanne Donaghue (1:29:22).  However, the unofficial South African queen of Broad Street is running royalty Margot Fleming, who finished at 1:11:13.  If you saw a black mohawk whiz by you in Newtons, that was her.

As for me, I outfitted myself in the Asics Nimbus 9, Under Armour Heat Gear tights, Nike socks (camo colored, holla!), a City Sports tech tee with a sweet CS logo (thanks to Chrissy up at corporate for hooking me up!), and UA running hat.  I originally was going to run in the lighter Saucony Grid Sinisters, but decided that they were far better as a 5k shoe than a 10 mile shoe.  The Nimbuses weren’t as heavy as I expected them to be through 10 miles and my feet weren’t sore by the end.  The weather began at a cool 55 degrees, slowly warming up to the 60s by the finish.  The UA long tights were perfect though (I was used to running in them in college), keeping my legs cool but comfortably compressed (I love UA though, if anyone from them is reading, feel free to add me on as a wear-tester!).  I didn’t used to buy into the dri-fit/techwick/polyesther deal, but after running in cotton for so long, this stuff really is nice.  I sweat a lot too and this stuff kept most of the moisture from my body.  If you can afford it, I say - run it in.

After Broad Street, we *drove* to our friend Kelly’s house for some post-race barbequeing and comsumption of beverages.  Many beers were harmed during this time and much stretching was done.  Worst part of the day?  Walking up the steps to the bathroom.  Best part of the day?  Crossing that finish line.  Thanks to my mom for being there at the end of the race; to KAM and Justin for providing the afterparty; Josh and Jovanna (and Denali) for letting me invade their house for the weekend; for MP just being MP; and for everyone from the Sports and the Illadelph who sent their congrats and well wishes my way.  You guys rock… and you should totally run with me next year.

Below: some pics from the post-race barbeque…

Being that yesterday was Earth Hour Day 2008, it inspired me to reflect on what I’ve read recently about climate change and going greener, to look at how I’m doing with going greener, and it made me wonder how others are evolving (or not) into a greener lifestyle.

This is the third article I’ve done on going greener, and another thing that inspired me to write again were a few recent magazine articles. In one, a national magazine who shall remain nameless but that regularly has a lot of articles on going greener and living more naturally, showed a photo of their whole staff and listed what each of them did to to live sustainably every day. I don’t think some understood what that meant really, and some seemed 25 years behind the times. “I turn the heat down when I leave the house.” Wah? Wow. Baffling, but then they’re in the business of making a magazine, not living the magazine every minute, I suppose. Another person listed “returning hangers to the dry cleaners”. Wow. Hmmm. Do we want to burst her bubble about the damage dry cleaners do to the environment and their employees’ health? You don’t need dry cleaners to clean most items that says “dry clean only”. Yes, she could have thrown the hangers away, which isn’t good, but the bigger help to the environment clearly is not to go to dry cleaners. All you have to do is smell the air at the dry cleaners to know it’s not good for anyone’s lungs. Thank goodness there is change happening in the industry and there are green dry cleaners springing up. And, thankfully several of the staff did more significant things like switch to a vegetarian diet, consciously choose a tiny apartment over a McMansion, and bike to work every day.

The other couple articles I read were about scientists who challenged my thinking and green way of living by asserting that the only way to really help the environment is to be politically active constantly, to push for change with manufacturers and politicians. That recycling and buying compact fluorescent light bulbs and using cloth napkins and composting and everything else is pretty “useless” compared to changing policies, industries and government nationally and globally.

Gulp. Blink. Blink blink. Crap.

And I immediately agreed, and disagreed. Yes, we need that kind of massive change, now - just look at recent articles about the massive ice shelf in the Antarctic breaking off - without a doubt. And, we need huge systemic change in every facet of life and industry if we’re going to really affect climate change. But to tell people what they’re doing doesn’t help, misses the point and hurts the progress being made all over the world - everyone has to start with what they can touch and do and know in their daily lives. It makes them CARE. Which then will make them want to do more, which then will hopefully make them see the crucial need for political action. If it’s not personal for them, they won’t do it. The more green you go, the inevitable step after doing all the daily living green things is political action.

Lots of people don’t care, or God forbid, can be inconvenienced with going green, I have learned. If I ask them about it, they usually get a glassy-eyed look and offer a non-explanation for why they don’t make the effort to fill in the blank (recycle, conserve, whatever). I get all kinds of people just shaking their heads at my commitment to it and writing me off, figuratively patting me on the head and saying “that’s nice”, mumbling something about a tree hugger, and then moving on quickly to something that doesn’t make them uncomfortable. I am always saddened, maddened, perplexed or a combination of the three by this. I can even say at times it challenges why I’m friends with some people. That is the hardest part about going green.

I don’t care about their opinion of me ultimately, whether it’s about going green, being vegan, not letting them put down my Midwestern home state with their uninformed assumptions about it, or whatever it may be - you can see I have an opinion about them as well (which I’m not exactly thrilled about; I strive to be non-judgmental and compassionate, but it doesn’t work all the time). We are all entitled to our beliefs. And I understand people have their priorities, difficulties, time and/or money constraints, or whatever it may be in their lives… but it’s the Earth, the air, the water, what allows us to live and breathe and have problems and joys and grief and love that we’re talking about here.

It all serves to inspire me to do more. I have joined more environmental groups, contributed more money, written to the president and senators about national green issues and continued to find more ways to go green on a personal level. I think if I counted my green activities, it would easily number a few dozen. Want to hear a few more? (Read other common, not always easy, and creative green choices in my other articles on Randomn3ss.)

1. I keep empty one-gallon water jugs in the kitchen to fill up with the cold water that comes out of the tap while waiting for the hot water to make it upstairs (second floor) from the basement. I use it to water my plants.

2. I make sure at least one and usually two meals a day are eaten without heating them up.

3. In my city the government doesn’t provide garbage service, so we haul our garbage to the places we go anyway to dump it - at the grocery store, gas station, wherever, saving a private truck from coming to our house and idling while the guy parks, takes his time to pick up the bag and throw it in, and head on to his next stop. (See # 8 below.) We have very little garbage, because…

4. We recycle greeting cards, tissue paper, wrapping paper, magazines and shiny paper like ads and junk mail, newspapers, cardboard, #1-7 plastics, aluminum, glass, office paper, tin and other scrap metal, phone books, and I take a bag of clothes, shoes and other household stuff to a charity thrift store every time I buy new things, to have less stuff for me to manage, and less stuff in the garbage. I also choose items with the least amount of packaging, and even don’t buy some things (gasp!) if the package can’t be recycled.

5. I park my car so that I can drive straight out instead of having to back up to get out. Studies say it saves on gas. It’s certainly easier, and saves time. I also get more exercise because often the only way to do that is park farther away from the entrance of where I’m going.

6. I now shop closer to home to save on gas consumption. It has been easier than I thought it would be, and saves me a lot of time and gas money.

7. I was given over 100 votive candles, so I’m using less electricity for lights.

8. I turn my car off if I’m going to idle for more than 10 seconds after reading that it takes less gas to restart the car, contrary to most people’s belief.

9. I keep glass jars to use for food storage rather than buying those disposable (or not) plastic food containers. Glass can be used for years, and won’t stain and get stinky and sticky like the plastics do - they break down, which means chemicals being released into the food.

10. I never buy note pads. I cut up paper to reuse for a variety of purposes.

11. This year I’m planning to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), which is a great way to support local farmers, have great produce, and save money and time: From Local Harvest, “CSA is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become “members” (or “shareholders,” or “subscribers”) of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments… The number of CSAs in the United States was estimated at 50 in 1990, and has since grown to over 1000.”

12. I have a system for washing and rinsing dishes that uses very little water, including, obviously, not letting the water run unnecessarily. We use a natural dish soap, too.

13. We keep a big bucket in the bathroom and when we turn on the shower, we let the bucket fill up with the cold water while waiting for the hot water (see #1 above), and when the bucket is full, use that water to flush the toilet.

I’m going to stop listing things now. When I wrote “want to hear a few more?” above, I didn’t know it would go to thirteen. But I’m not actually surprised: In going through my activities, it’s clear to me it is a real lifestyle. I look for the green opportunity and choice in everything I do, at work, home, traveling and play. When I add the thirteen to those listed in other things I’ve written, it makes me smile, and feel like and know I’m making a difference, even if others continue to believe otherwise. I disagree: It makes a difference to me and to everything I touch.

There is no way to be perfectly 100% green 100% of the time. It’s not possible, though I’ve read about some people in Japan and other places where they have to go to crazy lengths to conserve in ways people in the U.S could never even fathom. But going greener is a great process, and even though you’re never done, you never get to the end, it’s a great journey worth deciding to take for life. I have learned a lot (and, some day I’ll learn to write down my sources every time and add them to the bottom of the articles), about the world, and myself - a double green gift.

I now have to return to compassion and take back my put-down of the person whose green glory is ‘only’ turning down her thermostat when they leave the house. They are on a green journey, too, thankfully. Good luck on yours - don’t stop at Earth Hour, or Earth Day (April 22nd). Commit to “Earth Life”, for the good of the planet, and for your personal world.

Valentine’s Day is a week and a half away. Some people hate Valentine’s Day. They hate the expectations, and hate the cultural and marketing demand to buy stuff. Of course, some people hate it because they don’t have a special someone, which bothers them, and it’s a big fat reminder of that.

I don’t hate it. I don’t love it. The history has its good points and bad points. I don’t like how contrived it is in the U.S. culture, and how it seems the majority defaults to the general plot and gifts of the day. The red heart boxes of candy show up on the shelves Dec. 26th in some places. The number of diamond jewelry ads are growing by the day. The price of roses and other flowers goes up dramatically as February 14th approaches. I do like doing something special for my sweetheart, and am generally okay with Valentine’s being a reminder. My sweetheart does think it’s a contrived holiday, but does nice things for me anyway. (Tip: That’s the correct response, you Valentine’s Day haters you!)

Here’s my opinion on how to blow it on Valentine’s Day:

1. Buy cheap flowers, wilted (or otherwise not in good shape) flowers, and/or buy flowers without putting any thought into it
2. Leave the price tag on the wrap around the flowers, cheap or not, or tell how much they cost. That’s cheap.
3. Don’t make a reservation at a restaurant ahead of time, so you end up waiting until 11:30 p.m. and sitting by the kitchen doors.
4. Buy cheap chocolate at a discount store.
5. Buy lingerie (or any clothing) in a size too small for your sweetheart (unless, of course, you’re both into that kind of thing).
6. Buy a Valentine’s card with a sentiment that you would never say and makes you uncomfortable, and that your sweetheart would just laugh at (and I don’t mean the joke cards).
7. Do nothing as your stand against commercialism without finding out if your sweetheart shares your views.
8. Forget, then when it’s pointed out to you, make like that was your plan, then scramble up a really lame plan they see through.
9. Forget, and make excuses, and don’t really apologize.
10. Purposely do nothing, as you hate Valentine’s Day and you really aren’t that crazy about your sweetheart, who loves Valentine’s Day, so you decide it’s a great way to end the relationship.

Depending on what your sweetheart was hoping for, you may be sleeping on the couch, or get voice mail for days, or get the boot. I’m not saying any of that behavior is right or wrong, but some people have unrealistic expectations, and some couples have poor communication, so for some it’s a deal breaker.

Here’s my suggestions for having a great Valentine’s (and I’m suggesting them now, as again, Valentine’s Day is a week and a half away):

1. Wish your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day as the first thing you say to him or her in the morning.
2. Do some legwork and buy their favorite flower(s) and get a really cool vase they will like.
3. Make them a great meal, or get a reservation at their favorite restaurant or at a new restaurant you both have wanted to go to.
4. Work with the restaurant on a surprise for your sweetheart like a special dessert, or the delivery of a gift after you arrive.
5. Make your own Valentine’s Day card using your own sentiments. Even if it’s kind of ugly, they will melt. (Great sex may ensue.)
6. Give them a massage. (Great sex will ensue.)
7. If you have kids, get a babysitter who will take them out so you have the place to yourselves for a few hours. (Greater sex will absolutely ensue.)
8. Buy them something fabulous. Get them something you know they want, or surprise them with something they would never imagine.
9. Take them somewhere fun or special, somewhere you can enjoy time together instead of giving gifts.
10. Look them square in the face, and tell them everything you love and admire about them. Reminisce about your history and why you love them. Tell them your hopes and dreams for your life together. You could actually skip everything above and just do this (if you’re pressed for cash or it just fits you better): If it’s said with the utmost sincerity and honesty, and without expecting anything in return for it, there is no better gift, Valentine’s or not. (There may be some tears with the smiles, and yes, the most wonderful sex will ensue.)

P.S. It’s not just about the sex, but it’s not called lovemaking for nothing.

People of California: take note of that RV sputtering over the horizon. It is filled with more debauchery, shake-your-ass funk, and hair than you could imagine. The boys of Fat City Reprise (and a couple of their friends) are coming your way for a 6-week tour of your fair state. Since you’re stealing them from us in Philly, you MUST go see them. They, along with Jealousy Curve who I posted about on Monday, are one of the finest bands to come from this area.

Fat City appeared on Fox’s American Band but didn’t make it nearly as far as they should have. In fact, their antics are so amusing that they stream them via webcam (more info on their MySpace here). This group of guys has been through a lot - line-up changes, friends coming and going - but they’ve stayed strong. Not only are they talented, but they are incredibly passionate and surround themselves with an equally passionate support system. Luckily, this passion translates to their rousing stage performances. I’ve said it before, but if Fat City doesn’t get you up and dancing, then you just should have stayed home.

Take note of the Beatles influences in their new song “Love” (that’s the name, right guys?) and their exuberant cover of “Hey Bulldog.” They also play plenty of tracks from their self-titled CD, out last May. The ten tracks are tight, but make sure you’re finished with your beer by “Same Old Song” so you can fully utilize your limbs for the dancin’. Guys - you might want to consider not only going with your girlfriend, but handcuffing yourself to her during the entirety of the show. Her box is sure to be rocked like no other.

Below, of course, is their tour flyer. Head on over to their MySpace to check out their songs and leave comments!

Godspeed, Fat City soldiers. I miss you boys!!

This is one of two posts on Philly’s incredibly talented local music scene.

This one is about the band Jealousy Curve, comprised of four consummate musicians and fronted by my good buddy Mike Leavy. They are embarking on a three-week East Coast tour to promote the new stuff they’ve written and to melt faces outside of the Illadelph. Their most recent single, Black Widow, is included on Jaxon’s Local Shots Vol. 4 and is getting pretty steady airplay on 93.3 WMMR.

The kick-off show at Grape Street was incredible; props to Dave Sikorski, their bassist, for suffering through vomiting and the flu to put on a bangin’ show. Steve (or Fash) their guitarist rips through songs with a maniacal intensity without overpowering his bandmates. And as for Shane, their drummer - wait for the waterworks, the dude knows how to perform.

Jealousy Curve is straight ahead modern rock, no screamo or cheese here. The lyrics are catchy and smart. The riffs get you moving and are hard enough to satisfy your boyfriend who you dragged to the show. Leavy’s voice is stunning; their cover of Radiohead’s You shows his range from soft and melodic to raw screaming emotion. I find it hard to compare Jealousy Curve to anyone, mostly because I haven’t heard a solid group like this in a while. I would say they are part Radiohead (Pablo Honey-era), Matchbox 20 or Third Eye Blind (when they rocked… this is not up for argument, they definitely did), and Breaking Benjamin (except JCurve’s songs don’t all sound the same).

I’ll post their schedule below, but also check out their MySpace and give them a listen! If you get to one of their shows, don’t be afraid to say hi to them afterward. On top of being kickass musicians, they’re also pretty sweet dudes.

Thank you to the boys over at MetalSucks for basically ruining my plan to save money by reposting the following announcement from the band TOOL:

My friends, we can no longer hide the terrible truth. The holidays are rapidly approaching, and with them the NEW TOOL DVD/VIDEO for VICARIOUS is scheduled to be released on DECEMBER 18th (or 19th) and will include an EXTENDED CUT, lots of BONUS MATERIAL and, of course, SPECIAL PACKAGING.

This means that I will shell out between $20 and $40 for some music DVD that will sit next to my dusty copy of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars rarely to be viewed. Now, that’s not to say that it’s not an interesting DVD - as I’m sure the new Tool one shall be - it’s just that the CD drive on my laptop is broken and I can’t figure out how to hook up my DVD player to my HDTV. Also, I need to make rent and, you know, eat, but my rampant American consumerism won’t let me - I must have this DVD. I’m apparently a lazy piece of shit who doesn’t deserve the fabulous electronics that litter my house. But I do love me some Maynard!!

Seriously, if this DVD is anything like the live show, it is going to have ridiculously amazing graphics/visuals (think acid trip but you don’t need the drugs… but they help) and my face is going to be melted off by the end. I would seriously try to explain it like a competent writer, but I’m too much of a fan to do so. In other MJK news, Puscifer’s new album drops at the end of this month… freaking hell, it drops just around the same time that rent is due. Damnit. Looks like I won’t be eating anymore this month… but at least I’ll be skinny and have the Puscifer CD.

Today is Blog Action Day! A day where fourteen thousand blogs will discuss one issue by trying to make an impact on 15 million readers. The topic? Environmentalism.

I feel that a lot of people don’t know what “going green” means. According to Wikipedia it means

…a concern for the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural enviroment, such as the conservation of natural resources, prevention of pollution, and certain land use actions.

The concern I feel most people have is where to begin. There are plenty of simple tips to get yourself started. Every little bit counts whether its taking less time in the shower or changing your light bulbs. A few examples can be found right here on Randomn3ss, “Going More Green“, by Lauren. Or rent the infamous movie by Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth.

However, I digress. My topic is about sex. Now I can imagine the puzzled looks on everyone’s faces. Yes, I wondered myself how anyone can green up their sex life. Well, it can be done. Let’s explore it further.

I got these tips from Treehugger, a website that has a plethora of environmental topics.

1. Sex Toys - Most sex toys contain chemicals called phthalates, a threatening chemical that’s been banned in children’s toys since 2004. It is especially said to be dangerous in sex toys because of the warm and moist places they are deposited in. So, instead of purchasing a unsafe toy it’s suggested to buy a more natural companion. Trying out a toy made of glass, metal, silicone, hard plastics, or elastomers is a safe bet. Instead of wasting batteries look for a rechargeable toy. Fun Factory is a neat place where you’ll find Lily, Lelo & Acuvibe.
2. Lubricant - Looking at the labels helps choosing a more natural lubricant. Avoid using any petroleum (save the fossil fuels), artificial scents, flavors and colors. A good choice is Babeland’s water based lubricant.
3. Condoms - The phrase, “reduce, reuse and recycle” is an angelic symphony to any environmentalists ears. However, this does not apply to condoms. We all know that a baby free environment means using a safe and reliable form of protection. Nothing beats the good ol’ latex condom. However, they are still determining whether or not a latex condom is biodegradable. For a biodegradable option lambskin is an option to protect against conception not STDs. For vegetarians (like me) and vegans a good source is Glyde condoms. Any condom that is polyurethane is not biodegradable so try and stay away from them. Another excellent tip is not to dispose condoms down the toilet, it will clog the pipes, treatment plants and rivers.
4. Green Date - Homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual and asexual are terms we’ve heard of to describe one’s orientation or style. What about ecosexual? They exist and in large numbers. If you’re looking for a companion that doesn’t chomp on animals, recycles and uses organic toothpaste you can find a match on Green Singles, Green Passions and Human 2 Human.
5. Dress Eco Sexy - Looking and feeling sexy can make for some naughty antics. Why not save the environment while you’re at it? There are products for men and women. Peau Ethique has some cute and comfortable undergarments along with Bueno Style, Butta and Green Knickers. My ultimate favorite is Enamore which has gorgeous, sexy clothes and lingerie.

Early morning on the 4^th of July at the Kenwood Footrace, a winding hilly course that eventually curved through a private vineyard, I made my running debut at 59:18 for the 10k (6.2 miles).

I was strongly encouraged by my roommate, otherwise I probably would not have signed up. I have been running for years now, but never before in a race setting, and with no real intent of doing so, until this race. My first invented goal 2 miles in was simply not to walk. My second invented goal, somewhere around mile 3.5 was to look around enough to have some memory of the run other than my feet on pavement. Then, at mile 5, I knew I was in love… and that I was going to pick up the pace to the finish line. As I neared the last stretch I heard the announcer’s voice encouraging me to make it “under the fabled hour mark”. My stoned runners brain thrilled to the idea of being part of a ‘fabled’ anything and I out-sprinted the 15 year old heavy kid to my right to come in #20 in my age group. Except someone had fouled up my entry and I would have come in #7 in my age group… if I had been registered as female instead of male.

All in all it was a pleasantly hellish experience, one that I intend to repeat in a few weeks with an 11k 1000ft+ climb along the coastline at Salt Point.

Last night kicked off the first night of the four-day Brotherly Shovefest at the Trocadero Theater in Phildelphia.  Specifically, the Troc is in Chinatown and your car is going to smell like dumplings.  However, you’re also going to have stellar drunk food.  But I digress…

WMMR hosted last night’s 21+ event, featuring local rock bands and, of course, Jaxon - our favorite usual suspect.  The two highlights of the night were sets by Shovelhook and Stillicide, bands with completely different sounds, but parallel energy levels on stage.  If you didn’t get to the Troc by 7pm, when the show started, you missed Shovelhook and that’s a damn shame, because those guys are solid every time they play.  I showed up by 6:45 to make sure I didn’t miss frontman Chris Holt and his speaker-climbling antics (not to mention a very patriotic mohawk).  Stillicide played at 830pm, allowing for a crowd to build.  Despite a couple technical snafus during their set (which prompted an improvisational song by the talented and lanky guitarist Chris Lee), the boys rocked out, nearly crashing into each other on the small upstairs stage.  These guys already have a loyal Jersey following and are steadily making names for themselves in Philly, playing shows like the Shove Fest, Grape Street, and a July 14th show with Fat City Reprise at Doc Watsons.

I’d normally take this time to talk about the bands and who else is playing over the next three days, but I really just need to offer an opinion on the way the show was set up.  I’ve planned my share of events and while I’m not a club-owner, I’m a damn frequent concert goer and have been to most of the popular venues in the city. 

That being said, I was slightly disappointed with the way the show was set up.  It was well-promoted, in print and on radio, but I don’t think people considered the problem of having this line-up as the opening night.  This show probably should have closed the series on Saturday night (or been held on Tuesday the 3rd).  It was booked for July 4th - not only are people usually at the beach over the 4th, but the holiday fell on a Wednesday.  That means that I, and everyone who wasn’t in a band, had to work the next day.  The show started early enough, but after having barbequed all day (and gone out hard the previous night), I was beat up by 11pm.  If this show had been on Saturday, people could have stayed out later (meaning the Troc would make more in alcohol revenue because people are more apt to party) and the festival would not have had to compete with other 4th of July plans.  The popularity of these bands might also hurt them because they play frequently in the city; my guess is that people thought they would do something “different” for the 4th.  Unfortunately, people missed a stellar line-up of acts at a pretty okay venue (I say okay because although the sound is amazing, the staff is slightly stand-offish and drinks are expensive… at least for me).  In the words of my friend Dane, who had never seen any of the bands there, “I’m upset there aren’t more people here because these bands are amazing.”

I don’t know if it’s the community being lazy or the bands not promoting enough, but that place should have been packed.  If you can, check out the remaining three days of the Shove Fest and the links to the bands who played (see below).

• Shovelhook
• Shannon Cole
• Stellarbelly
• Stillicide
• Even the Res
• Sneak Across the Border
• Wash
• Preston Swift
• Ballyhoo
• Downtown Harvest
• Jealous Type
• Don McClosky

The Nightwatchman, aka Tom Morello, performed at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia, PA; June 25, 2007.  Special thanks to Jaxon and 93.3 WMMR (Everything that rocks!) for their support in getting to this show.

I first heard this album at the suggestion of my coworker, Ron, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I am finally a fan of Tom Morello and The Nightwatchman’s gritty style of folk/protest rock.  The Nightwatchman is frequently referred to as a “side project” of former Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello.  Morello plays all of the instruments on the album, but his minimalistic stage show features just him, a nylon-stringed guitar, and a harmonica around his neck.  The result is best described by a lyric from the song ”Maximum Firepower”: “You don’t gotta be loud, son/to be heavy as shit.”  The sound is a throw-back to the folk-country style of Woody Guthrie and 60s protest rock, with Morello singing in a gravely voice reminiscent of Tom Waits.  Rather than unleashing hell with his guitar, as in his previous musical groups, The Nightwatchman wails on his audience with his deeply political lyrics.  Morello, a rampant activist for various liberal causes, has composed a protest album for our modern time, unleashing a tirade against not only the current political administration, but against greed and oppression throughout the world.

And then I was told that to attend his meet and greet, I needed to purchase his merchandise.  Yeeeeeeeeeeah.  I’ll get to that later.

I saw The Nightwatchman at the Bonnaroo festival two weekends ago and was blown away by his charisma and live performance.  He brought this high-energy to his show for a crowd of roughly 300 people in a small venue in Northwest Philly.  Initially, the set list and stage banter were exactly what I had seen two weeks prior; I was slightly disturbed by this fact, as I had thought Morello’s stage presence at Bonnaroo to be surprisingly natural.  Turns out his script may be more rehearsed than meets the eye… however, it didn’t weaken the point of his message to those hearing it for the first time.

Morello played a 75-minute set, long enough to go through almost the entire “One Man Revolution” CD (except for the opening track, “California’s Dark,” which is one of my faves… why, Tom, why don’t you play this one??) and for a three-song encore.  He reprised his acoustic version of “Guerilla Radio” that he played at Bonnaroo, an unexpected fave for this Philly crowd.  He also covered Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” providing the history of this generally censored piece of music with an explanation repeated verbatim from Bonnaroo.  Still, the audience, eager to please their hero, got to jumpin’ and singin’ along.  I bounced around too - I am far too tall and lanky to jump.  I could hurt someone.

Morello as the Nightwatchman didn’t let his political message overshadow his sense of humor.  He regaled the audience with his recollection of the 1994 Lollapalooza show in Philadelphia; Rage gained city (and nation)-wide infamy for standing on stage naked, refusing to play songs, but only guitar feedback, in protest of Tipper Gore (who hates freedom of speech) and the PMRC.  Morello thought, as batteries and coins were raining down on him at Veteran’s Stadium that day, that “it’s hard to be a militant motherfucker.”  He also complimented the audience on our sexy clapping skills, although when asked to hum in A-minor to help him tune his guitar, we failed miserably.  Gotta work on that.

By the end of the show, my face had been melted off acoustically and I’m on my Tom Morello cloud flying high and needing a cigarette and a beer.  Some responses at the show were that of incredulity, but some people were pleasantly surprised.  Most were excited to hear that there was a post-show meet and greet (announced earlier that day by Morello on WMMR and also while he was on stage).  My entourage hung out in the bar section of the club and threw down some beers while waiting for the line to die down.  I was egged on to get his autograph and I also planned to give him my card from this site when I got cock-blocked by the bouncer leading back to the stage area.  I was confused - bouncers usually let me go wherever I want (it’s part of my charm).  Bouncer informed me that I needed a meet and greet pass (which seemed weird, because I was already there as a guest of Morello’s management and WMMR… how much more cred do I need?).  Turns out, you had to purchase merchandise to meet The Nightwatchman.  Huh.  Now, that doesn’t sound so much in line with the Nightwatchman ethos, now does it?  I mean, I’ve already invested in the CD, I’ve seen him at two shows, and I have an infinite audience through the blog to tell of this seeming hypocrisy.  I think I’d be someone worth talking to for a couple minutes, despite the fact that I didn’t want another concert t-shirt.  So, instead of meeting the Nightwatchman, we all sat at the table and bitched. 

I wonder if The Nightwatchman has a response for this.  I’ve crossed out Tom Morello on my list of people to meet on my MySpace page, but I would love to have a spirited debate with him over the reasoning for this meet and greet affront (and about other issues… we could debate how Hamilton College runs Harvard’s show… heh heh).  However, said heated debate would probably end with me licking his face because he is still cool as shit.

Setlist:

• One Man Revolution
• Union Song
• Maximum Firepower
• Flesh Shapes the Day (”woooooohooooo! MIKE CHECK”)
• Midnight in the City of Destruction (about post-Katrina NOLA)
• House Up In Flame
• Branding Iron (cut from album, good song though)
• The Road I Must Travel
• Garden of Gethsemene
• Guerilla Radio
• Let Freedom Ring (”last” song)
• Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
• Alone Without You (from Michael Moore’s upcoming documentary, “Sicko”)
• This Land is Your Land (Woody Guthrie cover)

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