Yesterday (Friday the 29th), I went to go to the Van's Warped Tour at the Pomona Fairplex in Southern California. I left around 11:40am and got in at around 12:45pm, due to the long line of cars waiting to park. Being a typical guy that I am, the first thing I noticed was that the place was filled with hot girls in bikini tops and short shorts / skirts (I thank the sun). Ofcourse I have to remind myself that there's a strong chance that most of those girls aren't even legal, so boo hoo to that. I also noticed that there are a lot more people at this Warped Tour compared to last year, and man was it crowded. The booths and stages were set up a lot differently than last year too, so I had to re-learn the area again. I was looking for the main band list and set times board, and it took the venue at least ten minutes since I showed up to bring it up. I looked over to see what time the bands I want to see are playing, wrote it up on my phone's notes function, and realized that I had at least two and a half hours to waste before the first band I want to see is playing.

I noticed that there was a tent dedicated to what has been my favorite game this year by far, that's right Guitar Hero II. There was a competition to who can get the highest score playing Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box" on expert mode. Now personally I'm more of a hard mode player still, and I only had one try ever for that song on expert. Despite my lack of experience with that song on that mode, I decided to wait the 45 minutes it took to get a turn at it. If anything else, it was a good way of being out of the sun. Once it got to my turn, I did an embarrasing run at it, and didn't even bother to finish the song when I realized that I was never going to beat that 301,000+ high score. Well, it was fun to give it a go anyway, and hopefully Guitar Hero will be back at the next Warped Tour in two months, because I'm going to start practicing playing expert mode until then.

The next thing I did was get in line for the 2PM autograph signing by the Meg & Dia band. Oddly enough, right in front of me in line was the same girl that me and my friend sold a ticket to, for another Meg & Dia show earlier this year at the Pomona GlassHouse. At first I thought it wasn't her, but as soon as she turned around, it was. I'm starting to think that I'm going to run into her everytime at any Meg & Dia show here in SoCal. Once I got up to the table for the signing, I was pleasantly surprised that they still remember me (at least by face, if not by name). Carlo immediately greeted me and went for a buddy hug, and while we didn't have long to talk (the line had to move), we'll have some time later after in the day. I got autographs from the rest of the band, and exchanged words, but kept it short because the line had to move. At the end of the table however; where Nick was seating at, I ended up staying there a lot longer. The reason was because I was waiting for the opportunity to get a picture with the whole group, but I may have missed my chance. I did end up talking to Nick a lot while I waited, and eventually I gave up and got whatever picture I could get with the band. It ended up being one picture with me, Nick, Meg, and Dia, then another one with me, Carlo, and Jon.

Afterwards I went to the myspace tent to say hi to another familar face; Shannon, former tour manager for the Meg & Dia band. She was indeed working there and also remembered me. I was a bit disappointed that at that point of the day, I was the only one from the Meg & Dia fans who bothered to say hi to her. We chatted a little bit, until she actually had to work to set up the area for the band that was performing there. I then ended up talking to no other than former Meg & Dia lead guitarist Kenji. He told me about briefly playing with Ronnie Day, his own musical project, other bands, how people need to be more "active" when listening to a band in concert (he feels the same as I do), and even as far as discussing the state of music this decade.

The first band I wanted to see was up next, Killswitch Engage. Unfortunately, I actually got lost trying to find the stage they were performing. It turned out that "Lucky 13 stage" and "13 stage" were they were playing, are two different places altogether. After waiting a little bit at Lucky13, I was told that was definitely not where I wanted to be. I immediately headed over in the right direction to catch the rest of their setlist. They were as good as always as a live band, although there was technical problems with the sound equipment.

I then caught a little bit of New Found Glory, which I was a fan of back in the day. I think I liked them more for their covers than their actual songs, and saying that, they did play a cover of the song "Kiss Me" by "sixpence none the richer."

Waiting for Meg & Dia to play, I kicked it at their merch table. Hanged out there to get out of the sun which was a plus. Dia's long time friend and tamborine playing Hannah was there handling the booth, as well as Michelle who is one of us MaD fans being something of an official volunteer for the band. We chatted a bit and even showed her some embarassing highlights of her and alcohol from a video I had in my cellphone from the kick off party earlier this year.

Meg & Dia were playing next, but I was too late in acquire a near area close to the stage. Fortunately I found a decent spot towards the back for the opportunity to record the whole show. They played a good set, although I think they were still a little rusty from their long hiatus on the road, especially considering that this is the first Warped Tour show of the year. They played a new cover though, "Maneater" by Hall & Oats, and I'm sure a lot of the kiddies in the crowd aren't familiar with that song.

Immediately afterwards, I headed straight to see Paramore; which is another rock band fronted by a female. I bought their latest album a couple of weeks ago, and I'm glad to see that they were really good live. Lead singer Hayley had red hair going for her, so even though I was far from the band, it was cool seeing her hair standing out so much on stage. This is definitely a band I would like to see a full live set of in the future, since the Warped Tour only gives 30 minutes to a set time.

I went back to the other side of the venue for Pennywise, but man was the crowd huge. I couldn't really see the band all that well, especially with the huge dust cloud of sand blowing all around. I opted to go back and forth between their performance, getting some soft ice lemonade, the Meg & Dia merch table, and back to the band again. Pennywise sounded good though, and I could hear them clearly all the way from the merch tables. This is pretty much what I did for the rest of the day, listening to Tiger Army and also Bad Religion from the Meg & Dia merch table. Well, for Bad Religion I did go up to be part of the crowd towards for half of their set, because it's the great Bad Religion!

While at the Merch table, I once again kicked it with Hannah and Michelle. I offered to be helpful to them, but they seem to be well off without it. Once again, this was also a good way for me to get out of the sun, because at that point I was turning pretty red, but not sun burned at least. One of the other guys running the merch table that I wasn't familiar with was giving me "the eye," probably wondering who the hell I was, and what I was doing standing there with them. Eventually the band started showing up. Meg being the shy person that she is wasn't there very long at all, so I didn't really get to talk to her or get a picture with her. Jon was there on occasion as well. Dia was there a little longer than the other two, so I got to talk to her a little bit; even showed her old videos using my cellphone, but she was for the most part occupied saying hi to other fans and signing autographs. Carlo was somebody I always got along with, and we chatted it up when he was there. Nick however was somebody I never really had a long conversation with, and apparently this was the day because I talked to him the most. Me and Nick talked about a bunch of stuff from stories about drunk fans, the band itself, Vil; the guy who did most of the t-shirt designs, and primarily about other bands like Bad Religion.

I stuck it through all the way to end of the day, up to where the band (minus Meg) were packing things up. I thanked their hospitality in allowing me to just hang out at the merch table with them, hoping that I wasn't being a pest (Hannah gave me an imaginary slap in the face for saying that). Told them I'll see them again in two months, and went on my way to sit in line at the parking lot for another 40 minutes to get out. I was so tired and exhausted by the time I got home, which reminded me that I may be too old for music festivals like this. It was fun though, and I'm doing this again in two months, and most likely annually as well.

From The Ritz To The Random Rubble

NYTimes reviews the iPhone (link)

fake iPhone (video)

Grand Theft Auto IV 2nd trailer (video)

Nicole Kidman's Nintendo DS ad (video)

zombie interview (video)

Levi's Jeans enters the cellphone market (link)

Transformers game opening cinematic (video)

tractor fight (video)

the economics of internet and porn (video)

everything iPhone (link)

It's just a day away, but the geek product of probably the millenium will be released, the iPhone. Already there have been people waiting in line in mall stores and AT&T/Cingular stores all over the country, all for a $500-$600 cellphone. Admitedly, it's the best smart phone that'll be out in the market, until Apple upgrades the device to v.2 that is (probably later this year). All I hope is that we won't get any news reports of people getting mugged in the streets for their iPhone. Enjoy the coolest phone out there people, I hope you can put up with the crap AT&T/Cingular coverage.

check out : Gridskipper's guide to iPhone camping

movies I've seen recently...

1408  (2007)  B+

We can now add another classic to the prestigious line of Stephen King adaptations. "1408" is a memorable movie that is both a great scary story as well as a psychological drama. John Cusack does an acting tour de force, playing the role of Mike Enslin, who travels around the country in search of haunted hotel rooms, despite the fact he doesn't really believe in ghosts and such. Once he stays in room 1408 though, we are brought to wonder whether the hauntings that happen to him are set up by the hotel manager; played by Samuel L. Jackson, an actual haunting, or the fact that Mike had too much to drink and is just losing his mind. The situation that Mike is in will keep you at the edge of your seat, wondering what else is going to happen. In addition, the hauntings are also reflecting Mike's personal torment about a past tragedy in his life. The movie does a great job keeping the atmosphere tense in waiting on the next scare that'll suddenly jump up on screen. 1408 may not be the movie that'll keep people from staying in hotel rooms, but it is a movie that people should definitely see.

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer  (2007)  B-

Truth be told, there wasn't really a demand for another Fantastic Four movie. The first film was an average movie that had some fun, and I don't think anybody really had any high expectations for the sequel. "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" is thankfully a better movie than the first film, and it adds on more fun and excitement to keep you entertained. Sure the whole movie isn't that special, nor is it anything to brag about, but the character of the Silver Surfer is a welcome addition to make the film stand out a bit more. The chemistry between the main four stars however is the real highlight of the movie. Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, and Michael Chiklis, has succeeded in making a believable super hero celebrity family, to the point where I wouldn't mind seeing them in future installments together. "Rise of the Silver Surfer" is a simple film through and through, so don't take things too seriously with it, and it'll keep you entertained.

When The Random Sun Goes Down

iPhone - a guided tour (video)

iPhoning it in? (video)

hey there vagina (audio)

dramatic rodent (video)

guy references family guy in Jeopardy (video)

Hilary Clinton Sopranos parody (video)

the minisode network (link)

best tan ever, worst mom ever (video)

Microsoft Surface parody (video)

AFI's 100 greatest movies (link)

Yesterday saturday night, I got to go to "the Police" reunion tour concert. While I'm not the biggest The Police fan, I should at least go to the show as they do have tons of songs that I have enjoyed all these years. I went with my friend to the Los Angeles Dodger's Stadium, and that was actually the first time I've been there. Got ourselves some "dodger dogs" and margarita, and sat at a pretty good spot in the stadium (considering we paid $112 per tix). This was also going to be the time I test out the pictures and video camera capabilities of my new LG enV phone in a live outside setting. The results of this test run was that pictures are pretty good, digital zoom better than expected, video is good, but video audio not so good in loud settings (ex: concerts).

We weren't sure who the opening act was, so it was to our surprise that the "Foo Fighters" showed up! That was a great treat, especially considering that I've never seen them live; well except for the short acoustic set that Dave Grohl did last year at the Wienie Roast. They were truly rockin it out, and it was sweet hearing some of my favorite songs played (Monkey Wrench, Time's Like This, Everlong, etc...). At one point, Dave Grohl went out into the audience and ran all the way near where we were seating. He hopped on one of the equipment boxes located nearby and continued being the rock star that he is. Overall, Foo Fighters was a great opening act, and it was pretty nice, especially considering that it was unexpected to me.

Next up was The Police, and they started off right away with Message In A Bottle. The video display and the lighting was also impressive, and despite the fact that we weren't remotely that close to the stage, the view from afar was still awesome. The band sounded great live, Sting's singing and bass playing was perfect, guitarist Andy Summers' lead solos were fantastic, but it was drummer Stewart Copeland's versatile drumming was what impressed me the most (at one point he even had a big giant gong). The overall sound of The Police has always been a reggae type music, and I couldn't help but feel "relaxed" in the aural and visual experience, not to mention the slight hint of marijuana in the air. There were a bunch of songs that I personally didn't know, so it's nice that the band was willing to not let the whole concert be only about the mainstream songs.

It was definitely an experience, watching a band in such a huge venue (55,000 people), a diverse group of people in the audience (young to old), and an opportunity to see one of the greatest bands to ever exist. It was also amusing to see 40 year olds rockin out to some of the tunes, because I can completely imagine myself to be like that years from now. The only down note of the night was that it took us one hour just to get out of the congested parking lot. If you ever get a chance to see The Police live, now is the time to do it. RROOOXXXAANNNEE!!!!!

aahhh, I had a nice 9 1/2 hours of sleep this past night, as I'm trying to catch up on all the lost sleep I didn't have this past week because of the dreaded graveyard shift + Jury Duty combo. Between those two, I had maybe one or two hours of sleep in between. I believe the longest I stayed awake at one point was 31 hours straight.

Jury Duty is all done for me as of Friday afternoon, and while I had problems with the lack of sleep situation, I can't say I regret the experience. As somebody who enjoys watching those court room drama on TV, it's a little surreal actually experiencing it yourself. In fact, I could say that it was actually fun. I also met some pretty cool people of different ages in my jury pool, so that was an extra plus. I learned a few new functions with my new phone from one of the other jurors, and I also got some advice from another on which Hawaii island I should go to for my honeymoon.

The only problem with this case was that we had all these delays, which is unfortunate because if I add up all the actual time we spent on the case, we could have finished it in half the days it took to actual get it over with. We had to deal with two defendants, and one of them was most likely the reason for the delay, because he voluntarily refused to show up in court on the last two days. BTW, both defendants plead the fifth and did not testify as witnesses.

The court case had it's moments. The judge looking more or less bored by the case was amusing to us, as if it's sooo "been there, done that" for her (most likely). In fact, we were speculating that the judge was either browsing the internet or playing computer games while the case was going on. However, she is on the ball when her attention is needed from an objection by the prosecutor / defense attorneys. Which brings to mind that I guess I watch enough courtroom drama, because when hearing the deliberation process and such, I would call "objection" in my head at the same time the lawyers would, as well as be able to decide on whether the judge would say "sustained" or "overruled."

I did a lot of eye rolling whenever the defense attorneys did their deliberations and statements, because their tactics was sooo full of it, that they were making it hard for me to side with the defendants. The defense was throwing out so much made up speculation for any kind of reasonable doubt, that they honestly would have had a better chance of just sticking with the evidence to help their case. Put it this way, just based on the evidence and witness testimony alone (per the Judge's instructions), we were actually able to come up with some reasonable doubt for one of the defendants. Reasonable doubt that his defense attorney barely bothered to bring up. We actually had to help his case, and that's kinda sad if you think about it. Ofcourse the fact that a lot of expected evidence was not presented to us didn't help the matter.

Two counts against each defendants was what we had to deal with. Whether each charge was a great or simple crime. We decided that the second defendant was going to get a simple charge because of the reasonable doubt that we were able to come up with. The other defendant however was not as easy as that, because it came down to whether he had the weapon or not to commit the crime. After having one of the witness testimony read to us again, 11 out of the 12 of us agreed that he should have the higher charge against him. However there was still doubt in one of the jurors; which is understandable, except that she is also facing the possibility that us going back for further deliberations on Monday are resting on her decision. It literally came down to the last 5-10 minutes before we were going to be excused for the day and return the next week. It turned out that she thought we had to be 100% sure about our decision, which we all understandably chimed in at once saying that we're all not 100% sure ourselves. Each one of us has some doubt on the matter, but we were at least 80%-99% confident in our decision. She just needed to weigh her scale on which side is she leaning more on, and that side was luckily the same side the rest of us were on.

The foreman did the paper work, we were sent out back to the jury box, but then was sent back in the jury room because one of the verdict document wasn't complete. While it was a brief somewhat embarassing delay, at least now they got a little taste of what we went through waiting on them. Soon after the verdicts were read. One of the defense attorneys seemed to know that his client was going to get the harsher crime, and it's too bad for him if he remotely thought his poor closing argument was going to win us over. The other defense attorney was who we were mostly curious about to his reactions, because he also did such a poor job that he was probably expecting the same thing for his client, but when he heard the simpler verdict charge, I swear I read his lips saying a surprised "wow." After everyone was excused from the case, that second defense attorney actually approached some of us from the jury asking how we came up with the simpler charge. We told him that there was an obvious reasonable doubt to his charge, which brought to mind that since his defendant plead the fifth, what did he say to his lawyer? It turns out that it would have been valuable information for their case, because it would have actually helped him even more if he testified that in court. Well, it's a good thing we didn't give him the harsher crime then, and his lawyer looked really pleased with the result (whether he deserved it or not is up in the air).

I've got to admit though, that I do feel a bit sorry for the one defendant we charged with the harsher charge. To me he looked like somebody who really did feel remorse for what happened, and he just went way over his head on his actions that night. His girlfriend / wife (maybe sister) was in court that day, and during the lunch break he seemed to have been really happy being with her at what was probably expected to be his last few moments before he gets thrown in jail. Earlier that day, at one point I was going to eat at the Wendy's near the courthouse, and the two of them were also heading that way for lunch, so I quickly changed my directions and opted for the Subways instead. I wonder if he saw me avoiding them? Add to the fact that I decided to also not get in the same elevator with them earlier that day. I only hope that jail time doesn't make him a worse person and that he learned his lesson.

Perhaps Random Vampires Is A Bit Strong But...

Transformers Shorts - On The Prowl (video)

ball handling (video)

why is my girlfriend mad? (video)

History of video games (video)

Street Fighter II bugs (video)

Screaming Reporter on Infusion Rollercoaster (video)

spacetime (link)

gamers and their online avatars (pics)

cat cam (pics)

Star Wars Robot Chicken (video)

Just got back from my third day in Jury duty, and it looks like I just have one more day on this criminal case. I've really been testing my limits to how long I can stay awake without sleep, so I can't wait for this to be over already.

On another note, I just found out that G4TV has now officially joined the dark side, by removing user uploaded content of their shows from youtube. Which means that my youtube account is now officially permanently suspended. Damnit, I thought they were cool about that. Now I have to come up with a new username ("optimumfive" now) and upload all the "legit" ones again. I was thinking about the alternatives like imeem or Vimeo, but for general purpose concerns, I'll probably just stick with youtube.