Ok, since I have been flailing with the updates, here are some more tidbits, in random-shuffle style. This should get us all up to date.

Panic News:

We are putting the last minute details together for our show this Tuesday. We haven't played out live since the December Key Club show and can't wait. Since then we have done lots of recording, and writing of new songs, so we will be playing many new ones. The new ones are "Teahouse of the Spirits", "Awake", "Left to Lose", "Blue Bruises", and "Said You'd Be". We go on at 10pm (now you know this isn't true. When I say 10pm, I really mean 10:15, 10:30pm-ish. It helps to get there a bit early, though, so I say 10pm.). Come early for Jon and Tony from Mellowdrone doing an acoustic set. After, a DJ will be doing his thing so hang out and meet each other.

Last week we got back to work writing new songs. We have one new jam (no title or lyrics yet), and one I wrote called "Listen" that we are working on. One of the "Project P" songs that hadn't been completed that we had jammed on as a band called "Elijah" we are also playing and thinking of taking out of the "Project P" cycle, and playing it with the current set.

Katamari Damacy:

Dave loaned Riss and I a spare PS2 he had lying around cause I wanted to try out this Japanese game, "Katamari Damacy". We started playing it yesterday and it's really strange. It obviously was created by a Japanese insane person, and that's what rules about it. Really simple, really addictive, and very Japanese. The soundtrack is fantastic, too. I won't bother describing it, because it will just make me sound insane, too. Check this out. Try the "What is Katamari Damaci" link. Got the soundtrack off Kazaa, and have been listening to that lately.

Poker:

Dave, in the wake of his massive win in Vegas started up a weekly poker game at his pad a couple weeks ago. One table, No-Limit, tournament style, my favorite game. The first night, he won and my buddy Sean came in second (only the top two spots pay). This last Friday, it got down to heads-up (last two players) between yours truly and Dave's friend Greg Simon.

Greg and I had had an argument/discussion about poker a few weeks back: he asserted that it was all luck, and I, rightfully spake the truth: that poker a combination of luck and skill, and by no means is it all a game of chance. Well I must say, for a new player to No Limit hold 'em, he played very well. So well, that despite my massive chip lead heading into the heads up action against him, I could not bounce his ass out!!! Every time I tried to make a move on him, he stayed alive and doubled up. I started calling him "The Cockroach". Which, when I think about it, may sound kinda bad, but if it sticks, is a pretty kick-ass poker nickname. I have dedicated myself to seeing that it sticks. We traded off the lead back and forth for about 45 aneurysm-inducing minutes, then finally he bested me.

Well, done, mate.

But we will meet again.

Days Ahead:

These last couple weeks back from Vegas have been pretty hard for various reasons. One of the reasons I haven't been posting. But as with all hard times, they come, they go, then you are stronger because of them. These next two weeks should be pretty interesting with the gig on Tuesday, I will be singing again with Camp Freddy at an E3 show on Thursday, then another charity show on Friday for the MAP awards where The Panic Channel will do 3 songs.

Then on the 24th, Dave, Carmen, Riss & I are headed to Vegas to see the final Contender fight at Caesars Palace. We all love that show, and they invited Dave to be there. I have never seen a prize fight in person, and I'm stoked. Thinking about getting some more ink while we're out there, too.

"Want to hear God laugh? ...Tell him your plans"
Al Swearengen - Deadwood