Coming Back Home

Well, sort of. Starting tomorrow, I'll be working back at the Chronicle. I met with my old team today and got the paperwork signed to get me reinstated. Yes, I had to take a paycut, like all the Chronicle employees (based on the new bargaining agreement). I don't have any complaints, however. It's still a good paying job and I'm just happy to be back with my team. Special thanks to my manager, Scott Haskins, for giving me another opportunity.

More updates to come ...

Quittin' Time

Money is not everything. I officially quit my job at the SF Weekly this past Monday. It was a very difficult decision, especially since the Associate Publisher was the one that recruited me to work there - he's also a good friend of mine. So, I felt that I really let him down. Bottom line is, I was unhappy with the job from the day I started. I thought that things would get better, but it obviously didn't. The hours were long and they wanted some of my Saturdays too. Plus, the job is absolutely stressful. I have no regrets, though. I learned a lot in the past 47 days.

Moving forward, my old manager from the Chronicle wants me back. We just need to get some things in writing and I'll be back to work. I really missed my co-workers at the Chronicle. There's a true family atmosphere in this paper that I didn't feel at the Weekly.

Lesson learned - a good paying job is great, but quality of life, being close to family, and working with good people is priceless.

Mo' Music Mo' Thoughts

Avril Lavigne Concert - Yes, yes ... I, along with Dee, Shelby, Anthony, and Daniel went to see Avril & Gavin DeGraw at the Concord Pavilion. (Laught it up, fellas!) I was reluctant to go at first, but I've become fan of Gavin DeGraw since the first time I heard "Chariot". Seeing Avril was just icing on the cake.

Both performers were surprisingly good ... especially Avril. She came out and rocked the house. She was also very pleasant, unlike her MTV image. She was wholesome and charming. I was flabergasted! Talent-wise, she can carry a note, although she sounded like Alanis at certain times. Alanis is talented and all, but her voice is painful to listen to for long periods of time. Anyway, I enjoyed watching her live. Would I buy her CD's now? Uh, still NO.

Gavin Degraw opened the show and he did an amazing job. He's multi-talented, and the man can truly sing with the best of them. He connected with the crowd by using his Southern charm and great melodies ... with no effects, no banners, and a just 3-piece band behind him. Pretty impressive.

More Work - I've been putting in 50 hours per weeks since I started at the SF Weekly. I don't know how long I can keep this up. I feel burnt out. Tired. Not good ... zzzzz.

"New Rules" by Bill Maher - Funny as heck, but brutal. Another good summer read, but not for $25 bucks. I'll let you borrow my copy.

George - I've been listening to conservative talk radio during my morning commutes. These hosts can be entertaining but they also make me want to gag. Especially the way they talk smack about Cindy Sheehan. They call her a "hippie" and a "lunatic". Well, I don't know if she's a hippie, but she's definitely lost it. I wonder why? Oh yeah, SHE JUST LOST A SON. For cyring out loud, all she wants is to spend 15 to 20 minutes with the President. That's all. George, you owe her more than that. You sent her son to die for YOUR war. She's not asking you for much. As a matter of fact, you could have gone to his funeral. As far as these idiots on the radio (mainly Sean Hannity), they have no right to ridicule a grieving parent unless they've lost one of their own too. As a matter of fact, NO ONE should judge Cindy Sheenan unless they've also lost someone in this stupid war.

New Updates

Well, I survived my first month at the SF Weekly. It was a tough one. There were days during the past 30 days that I wished I was back at the Chronicle. Like all things in life, I was able to adapt to my new surroundings. So far, I've held on to my sanity and I've come to enjoy the job and the people I work with. By the way, special thanks go out to the local Kinko's for helping me out with some projects.

The Da Vinci Code - For a work of fiction, it's a good read. Dan Brown is a bit nuts, but he does have an interesting perspective on Da Vinci, religious symbolism, and Christianity. How much of it is true? Uh, none of it in my opinion. But, that's why it's fiction.
Currently Reading: "New Rules" by Bill Maher

I'm going to a concert this coming Wednesday - I can't reveal the details yet. I'll write a review about it after the event. Don't laugh, guys.

Dee and I bought the Michael Jackson History DVD (on sale at Best Buy). The Holliday kids are now hooked to "Thriller", "Billy Jean", and "Beat It". I remember growing up in the 80's and idolizing MJ. So, I know how they feel. This proves two things: 1) His music is timeless, and 2) even in the year 2000, he continues reach a whole new generation of music fans. Besides Elvis and The Beatles, has anyone else really mattered in pop music? Well, maybe Richard Marx. (Gag)

Losers of the Month (July):
The residents of London. The terrorists know that bombing subways in the U.S. is probably a lost cause since getting on the NY subway poses a greater threat to them - switch-a-roo baby! So, they end up picking on the English instead. Bunch of cowards!