The B-52’s

As was possibly stated previously, the entire purpose for my Vegas visit was to see the B-52’s in concert. They’re all getting a bit long in the tooth, and I can’t see them performing live for much longer. So I thought I better see them while I still could.

The good? I’m glad that I saw them.

The bad? I wish I’d seen them about 15 years ago. Or more.

While killing time at a bar at the Venetian, I ran into two older couples who were also there to see the B-52’s. And we all got to talking. The other folks had seen them at least once before and we all agreed this was probably something of a last hurrah.

I had good seats- center section of the floor, about 11 rows back.

The Venetian theater is… not bad. Having not seen other Vegas theaters, I don’t have a basis for comparison. They tried to make it look old world European- but again, like Vegas, it looks fairly cheap and fake.

At the Venetian

Meh- for a rock concert I’m sure it’s fine. Although the mics for the singers weren’t the best. The band sounded great- the singers were lost a bit in the wash, especially when there was more going on musically.

The opening act was a DJ— DJ Cummerbund. He specializes in mashups, and I loved his set. All these 70’s-80’s-90-s mashes with high energy.

Unfortunately I don’t think the crowd quite knew what to do with him. I think he was there to get everyone on their feet and jamming/dancing, but the crowd was older, mostly straight, and fairly stoic. Everyone just sat.

Concert started at 8:30 on the dot. The DJ played 30 minutes. There was perhaps 10 minutes between and then the B-52’s took the stage.

Here the crowd sort of got into it. On the floor about 2/3 the crowd go on their feet. 1/3 still just sat. This made it weird because I was standing but I also didn’t want to block the view of folks behind me.

Awkwaaaaaard.

The balcony folks just sat the entire time.

Mesopotamia

They played a lot of their older stuff. The set as I recall:

• Planet Claire
• Lava
• Mesopotamia
• 52 Girls
• Gimme Back My Man
• Dance this Mess Around
• Private Idaho
• Roam
• Deadbeat Club
• Legal Tender (encore)
• Rock Lobster (finale encore)

I think I’m missing one or two songs— maybe. The primary set was maaaaaybe an hour long. Then a 3 song encore. I was out of there by 10:30.

This was about as hyped as they got.

If you see a faded sign…

While a good set of songs, I much prefer their stuff from Whammy onward. And they did nothing from the last two albums or Bouncing off the Satellites. And no “Song for a Future generation” or “Whammy”. No “Queen of Las Vegas (a bit of a miss there).

And they didn’t do my favorite— Wig.

Energetically I was hoping for… more. They were really subdued onstage— sort of like they were just damn tired. They were vocally ok (especially Kate), but Cindy was noticeably getting rougher. and they all just sort of stood there.

Not a lot of exuberance or fun. Almost no crowd interaction. Just… flat.

Fred disappeared after the first 3 or so numbers and was gone for like 30 minutes. Then he was back for the last part of the concert.

It was sort of a weird concert. Half party, half subdued. Tinged with melancholy. Off energy. I left it feeling… I don’t know.

Am I glad I saw them? Absolutely.

Do I wish I’d seen them more in their prime? And at more of a rock venue?

Absolutely.

Thoughts on Las Vegas

So, this past Thursday I flew to Las Vegas for a 4 day get away— mostly to see the B-52’s. I haven’t been to Vegas since the early 90’s, so… it’s been a minute.

Initial impression?

It’s trashy.

I think the verdict is still out of if it’s good trashy or bad trashy. Probably a bit of column A, a bit of column B.

It’s just… seedy. Even the nice hotels feel kind of grimy. And the less nice hotels? 😬 It’s like they’ve tried to make everything pretty and glamorous, but it’s all so fake. And obviously so.

Vegas reminds me of those YouTube makeup vids where a real butterface girl slathers on foundation and contouring and eye makeup and false eyelashes and she looks pretty when done— but you know what’s underneath.

I was also surprised that there is smoking in the casinos. I’m not sure why that came as a shock, but it did. Every casino just reeked of cigarette smoke. It made my eyes water every time.

And the pot smoke.

So much marijuana smell everywhere.

Lending to the trashy atmosphere is the Vegas clientele. So much white trash everywhere. Loud, obnoxious white couples, bros, hoes, bridal parties, etc. (There was also the black trash contingent too). the room next to mine had a couple with their lovely screaming children. Screaming and crying. Like a lot.

I almost called the front desk.

Vegas really seems to cater to old people who like to smoke and gamble— and young folk who like to drink and do drugs and paaaaartay.

The casinos are also maddening in that they deliberately make them like mazes. It’s impossible to find your way through to get outside (no windows) and they’re noisy and chaotic. Just walking through them made my skin itch.

I made a point to bee line to any Vegas blvd exit and walked outside, even in the heat. But damn- just like the casinos themselves, walking anywhere in Vegas is a chore. No straightforward ways to get places, and everything is a longer walk than you think.

Fun fact- did you know that there really aren’t any mainstream banks or ATMs on the strip (or within a mile)? I know because I checked. All the strip ATMs are third party money makers. Gross. So I walked over a mile to a Wells Fargo on Friday morning.

Lastly, Vegas is expensive. Food. Drinks. Shows. Rooms. Prostitutes. Everything has a dollar attached and it’s exorbitant.

I will say this: it’s easy to get laid in Vegas. The apps and the digital age have made finding dick very easy. And since what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas— the D appeared to be plentiful.

Overall, Vegas is not the town for me- but it serves its purpose. I’ll talk more about the B-52’s tomorrow.

Vegas, Baby!

Tomorrow I am flying off to Las Vegas, for a 4 day vacay/weekend.

Vegas, you say? But that’s not your normal gay destination type city. It’s not Palm Springs, Key West, Provincetown, San Francisco, etc. Why Vegas?

Well- to see the B-52’s of course!

Many months ago, I got the idea that I need to see the B-52’s in concert. I’ve always loved them and if I have a “band” from my formative years, they would be it.

I have never been a “band” guy. Not even when all my friends in high school were going bonkers for Van Halen or Yaz or Pet Shop Boys or Pat Benetar. I didn’t grow up having much of a desire to see anyone in concert, and I don’t tend to have groups or performers that I’m all fangirl about. I appreciate songs, not artists.

Generally.

But for some reason I have always liked the B-52’s. Definitely a college band for me. Their music brings up fond memories of dorm parties, frat parties, drinking, dancing, friendships, etc. This is about the time when Love Shack hit big, but in college we skewed to Rock Lobster and Planet Claire, too.

Plus, they fit my vibe- if I have “a vibe”. Decent musical complexity, fun, quirky, good hooks, etc. Not your run of the mill pop stuff. More Alt.

Side note: I’ve also seen REM, They Might Be Giants, Violent Femmes, Cake, Bloodhound Gang, Weezer… so you can see where my musical tastes lie.

Anyway, for a group that I appreciate, I’ve never seen them live. And they’re getting… older. So I figured I should make this happen if I was going to.

So I hopped online and looked for concert dates. Which is when I discovered they have a sort of mini residency at the Venetian. And a few clicks later I have a pretty decent seat. And a hotel. And a flight.

I’ll be seeing them Friday night. I’m kind of excited! Of course I’m trying to temper my expectations; I just hope it’s as fun as I want it to be. With the songs I want to hear.

If they don’t do “Wig” I’ll be disappointed.

Mom’s 80th

It was my mom’s 80th birthday this past Friday. Naturally I was down there to help celebrate.

There was some initial talk about doing a party for her and inviting friends and doing all the things- but mom didn’t seem too keen on this idea. she much preferred a low key thing, which was fine with me. I honestly had no earthly idea how to plan anything for her.

How do I wrangle her different friend groups? Where do we do it? And how do I keep her from getting too thckered out? Mom has about 1.5 hours in the gas tank before she’s exhausted.

She had friends come by on Wednesday for a small party. And someone else came by Thursday for her. And she got bouquets of flowers and lots of card, FB wishes, etc.

I picked her up on Friday, took her for a mani/pedi, and then cooked her a steak dinner at the house that evening. I had also made her favorite: yellow cake with chocolate fudge frosting. She also had a visit from two different sets of friends that day.

While at the house I mowed and picked up, cut down the dead pampas grass, did laundry, dishes, cleaned, etc.

We spend the night on Friday at the house, then on Saturday cousin Teresa came over and I made brunch for us all. We had a good long visit and then I got mom back to the retirement home by 4pm. Then it was dinner and I was in the road back to Minneapolis.

I think she had a decent birthday. At least I hope she did.

Missed Eclipse

Welp- I didn’t do my eclipse chasing trip, and I’m kinda bummed that I didn’t. I feel like I really missed out on an experience.

There were lots of reasons. Weather/clouds/unpredictability was a factor- although I was always planning the Illinois to Indiana corridor (or flying to Cleveland), which I guess had pretty decent viewing. But there were other things too.

Like trying to plan and prepare something for my mom’s 80th birthday which is tomorrow.

And having an all day chamber chorus event on Saturday the 6th, which put a crimp into travel.

And running out of time to have the FJ kitted out for travel and sleep.

And having my Vegas trip to see the B-52’s on the books for next week.

And then there was just the fact that I wasn’t excited for it. Mainly because I wasn’t wild about being alone for it all. The drive. The experience. Etc.

So, I just decided to scrub the whole thing. Which has lead to FOMO regret. Especially after seeing all the pics and stuff from folks.

Oh well. I can always fly to Spain for the next one.

Missed Eclipse

Welp- I didn’t do my eclipse chasing trip, and I’m kinda bummed that I didn’t. I feel like I really missed out on an experience.

There were lots of reasons. Weather/clouds/unpredictability was a factor- although I was always planning the Illinois to Indiana corridor (or flying to Cleveland), which I guess had pretty decent viewing. But there were other things too.

Like trying to plan and prepare something for my mom’s 80th birthday which is tomorrow.

And having an all day chamber chorus event on Saturday the 6th, which put a crimp into travel.

And running out of time to have the FJ kitted out for travel and sleep.

And having my Vegas trip to see the B-52’s on the books for next week.

And then there was just the fact that I wasn’t excited for it. Mainly because I wasn’t wild about being alone for it all. The drive. The experience. Etc.

So, I just decided to scrub the whole thing. Which has lead to FOMO regret. Especially after seeing all the pics and stuff from folks.

Oh well. I can always fly to Spain for the next one.

A Man Called Otto

Ok. So when I was visiting mom this weekend, she wanted me to find something different on Netflix to watch. She saw “Tom Hanks” and said “Let’s watch that.”

Well, I knew enough about the book the movie was based on to know that a happy ending was not in the forecast. What I didn’t know was how emotionally compromising it would be.

Jesus.

First- let me just say I’m not a huge Tom Hanks fan. I like him in lighter, more comedic roles, but shy away from the heavier fare. That being said- it was a really good movie.

It’s the story of a bitter, mean, curmudgeonly old man who’s hell bent on committing suicide, when suddenly his life is altered by new immigrant neighbors moving in.

As you can imagine, his suicide attempts are thwarted repeatedly, and he finds a new reason to live- helping Marisol and this immigrant family. And his neighbors. And a cat. And others.

The suicide attempts are quite triggering. Basically he doesn’t want to continue living because his wife died 6 months prior, he’s retired from his job, and he sees no reason to keep going.

But naturally the new neighbors (and old neighbors with issues) give him reasons to go on living and being useful.

Now- one of the brilliant things the movie does is foreshadow the ending. Early on, in flashbacks, you learn that Otto is declared 4F my the Army due to his enlarged heart. Which is the same thing his father died from.

There’s also the irony of him being such a mean man— with an enlarged heart— who actually turns out to have a HUGE “heart” with respect to helping others.

The movie also does a good job at setting up Otto’s ending. He starts to have more frequent heart issues. So you know it’s coming.

But nothing will prepare you for the actual end.

Mom and I were bawling messes by the end. I’m even tearing up writing this. Oof. Such a punch in the feels.

This movie is gonna stick with me awhile. I kind of want to read the book. I wish I had read the book first as I’m sure it’s fantastic.

Anyway- I highly recommend it. Just have tissues handy.

To Two or Not To Two

I know you’re sick of all my car talk, but the next conundrum that I’m facing is: what to do with the FJ Cruiser?

The thing is, I still really like it. I love it, actually. And it’s handy as hell. It can haul stuff easily (like my bikes). And it would be good for camping in. It’s Reliable. Well-built. Tall. And it’s been fully paid off for years.

There are only two things making me think I need to sell it. One, the extra insurance $$$. Two, the space to park it.

So, my insurance did go up- but not extravagantly. And… ahem… I may be able to park it in my condo garage.

Interestingly enough, the spot directly next to me in our parking garage has been vacant for 12 years. Yes— 12 years, I have had nobody to my left.

So- for now I’ve sort of claimed it. I figure if it becomes an issue, I can claim ignorance and say “but it’s been empty…” and then figure out another option. Possibly paying to park in that spot.

So, for now I think I’m a two car household.

Allow Me To Gush A Moment

Ok- I love the car.

Which means that it will break my heart, which scares me. Like if it turns into a lemon, or there’s an accident or theft or something.

But for now? Love at first drive.

I read the manual this morning, and holy Christ I’m going to need another college degree to operate everything.

Generally I’m not a fan of tech in vehicles (hence the FJ). And truth be told, I won’t use 90% of the functionality (special displays, memory features, nav system, personalized info, etc) but I guess it’s nice to have.

My phone is already paired and makes calls so that’s good. And I have played Bluetooth music from my phone, so those are the two biggies.

But when I tell you that this car has every extra- I mean it has every extra.

• Sunroof/moonroof
• Power sport seats with just about every adjustment— including thigh support
• Leather interior (of course)
• Multi sport modes
• Headlight washers (freaking HEADLIGHT washers)
• This little arm that helps you with your seatbelt
• The lights on the door handle and bottom of the door at night
• Heated seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Premium sound system (natch)
• The key remote thing where I can open windows and the moonroof
• Auto trunk open
• M upgrades (like stick shift, steering wheel, etc)
• Weird voice control stuff
• And X Drive (all wheel drive)

The list goes on and on.

When piecing it all together, it was like the universe presented this on a platter and said “Here. Take it.”

I mean, do you know how hard it is to find a 6 speed manual transmission in any car, let alone the BMW coupe that I wanted, in the color I wanted, with the M package upgrades and also with all-wheel drive?? And used with low miles so I can actually afford it????

They just don’t exist. And now this one is mine.

Of course the weather is now super shitty up here- so I’ll be driving the FJ for the next couple of days.

No, the rock isn’t on the car

I did it.

Asshole in Training

So yeah. After much hemming and hawing, pro-con listing, finance checking, etc, I pulled the trigger.

I am now the proud owner of a 2016 BMW 435i X Drive coupe in fancy Estoril blue.

I’m am both ecstatic and terrified. I mean, it’s awesome and fun and the 6-speed, short throw manual is fucking tits. But I’m so fearful of that first door ding. That first scratch.

So I’m both excited and scared to drive it.

The manual will take just a little time to get used to again, but it really is like riding a bike.

Now, for a good, Teutonic name…