i got five on it

09Nov09

Good job on not screwing up the election, fellow humans. With Mallahan’s concession today, and a lead of nearly 5,000 votes, Mike McGinn became the Mayor-elect of Seattle.

Hell yes.

I blame these guys.

I wonder if it’s too late for McGinn to have an official song? Because, let me tell you, I’ve got a few suggestions.

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fuck venues who fuck your friends

08Nov09

Don Rickles was back at Snoqualmie Casino this past week. I didn’t go this time.

You might remember what happened when I saw Mr. Warmth, at the start of June, when summer was just starting to bust open. It is easily one of the top 5 nights of 2009, which is really saying a lot. I’ve had some pretty epic adventures this calendar year.

But, come on. Gimpino behind the wheel, Amanda going wild, and Jay as my date? It is no wonder we got kicked out of the casino after the show.

I am listening to a lot of music lately. We wrapped up the Caffe Vita GIVE project this week, and it’s got some real bangers on it. Maybe you read about it here?

Of course my dudes are on it, and they really bring it with this one. Fools are not ready for the track they are about to drop. Love In a Strange World is going to surprise folks. Mad Rad are swimming in dark, cold new water, and heating it up with their unparalleled energy.

Like sharks. Robot sharks.

You should come to GO! MACHINE next month. Two days of Seattle’s freshest faces, sharing the stage and crashing through genres without pause. It will be a spectacular time, one for the books. Plus, it’s your only chance to hear Caveman. The song isn’t even finished yet, and it is blowing my mind on a daily basis.

That’s how we do around here. Indeed.

Coincidentally, the only times I’ve been ejected from a venue have occurred this year. It has happened twice in 2009, which makes it twice in my ENTIRE LIFE. Jay got it all started, that night up at Snoqualmie. Unlike the second time it went down, we totally had it coming.

It totally made me laugh when I read it again this morning.

Don Rickles shoulda put us plus one on the dope list.

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we desire what’s real

06Nov09

The primary election a few months back was kind of a test run for the new all mail-in ballot process. It was the first time I’ve voted by mail and, although I recognize that the ease of it should, in theory, increase voter turn-out, I still don’t like it.

I already miss going to the church up the street, and casting my ballot in person.

For the second year in a row, I spent Election Night at the War Room. There is absolutely no way that anyone that was there last year has forgotten what an extraordinary evening it was. We were well past capacity early on, before the polls even closed. The electricity in the air was unparalleled.

And, when that celebration spilled out into the streets, it seriously was magic.

We were just walking up to the intersection of Pike and Broadway last year when strains of Journey filled the air. I’ve never experienced anything like it — a giant, open air party in the middle of the streets, strangers hugging and kissing, folks popping bottles of champagne and smiles for as far as you could see.

Seeing that video again really warmed my heart, and reminded me how powerful it can be when people are united. I do think that feeling carried over to this year’s local election. So many of my friends were mobilized this year, doing all they could to make sure that our City and County government reflects the people it represents.

Of course, this year didn’t come close to the festivities that erupted in 2008. How could it? But, we still had a full house at the official Mike McGinn election party. And, even though it was the first time I’ve seen that many political wonks and news crews inside the club, there were still plenty of homies kicking it.

I wore my lucky hat. It hasn’t failed me yet. Knock wood.

I don’t know if Dan Savage’s hat is particularly lucky, but it was good to see him. He once gave me advice about that married man I was in love with. I believe his exact words, given to me one night outside of Havana, were, “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Fuck that guy, he’s an asshole.”

I might be making the honey part up. Doesn’t seem like something Savage would say. Although, we have known each other a long time now, which always breeds affection.

Regardless, the political process always makes me think of Maurice, and I would be lying if I said he didn’t even cross my mind this year. But, in a sign that I am actually learning my lessons, it passed pretty quickly. Sometimes it takes a long time, but the heart does eventually mend.

There have been plenty of distractions this political season.

I have been saying it a lot lately, but the boys in Mad Rad and Fresh Espresso sure are enhancing my life. I love working with them, and there’s so much going on. They really get humans worked up. It’s fun.

Every news crew in town was at the War Room the other night. A new Mayor is a big deal.

It’s been a couple of days now, and we still don’t know the winner. As of Thursday’s count, there are only 515 votes separating the candidates. At least McGinn is still in the lead, even if it is painfully narrow. But, man, this sucks. There are still thousands of ballots that need to be tallied, and a re-count is inevitable.

I don’t know how the hell Mike McGinn is getting through this. I wonder if he can even sleep?

Tuesday was a big night for local politics. It was the first time I’ve voted and had so many winners on my ballot. Every single City Council member I support was elected. Dow’s beautifully run campaign resulted in a big win, Pete Holmes handed Tom Carr his ass on a platter, and Referendum 71 was approved. Barely, but still.

It was like the best day ever at the racetrack. The War Room ran out of Jameson.

It’s going to take forever to find out who our new Mayor is. I am not a fan of such a situation. I sure hope it’s this guy. The one with the beard.

I really missed seeing all the little old ladies that used to run my polling place. I bet they miss the whole voting in person process, too. At least it all went out with a giant bang last year.

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smoke signals pow wow

03Nov09

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it’s music for the caveman

01Nov09

For the millionth year in a row, I did not dress up for Halloween. In fact, I didn’t even go out on Halloween. Friday, October 30, at the War Room was enough costumed revelry for me this year.

Every year I consider dressing up as Phyllis Diller. I still haven’t. I suppose it could be argued that I had on my cougar costume this year.

Soundcheck was at 7pm, and we got the night going with cold bottles of High Life and some shit talking. There was a weird black dude onstage when I arrived, and it took me a minute before I recognized him. It was Thomas, fresh off a whirlwind trip to New York.

It was shocking to see him without all his hair. After defeating Radjaw in the epic Beard Off battle this summer, I didn’t think he’d ever get rid of that beard. Not to mention that wild head of hair.

All signs were pointing to a helluva night.

Champagne Champagne and Mad Rad both decided to wait on revealing their costumes until their performances. Peter tried his on, though.

Swerve was a cowboy. I just so happened to have a hat in my trunk for him to wear. You never know when you might need a cowboy hat.

Lieutenant Dangle had on some seriously obscene shorts.

Our friend Mike McGinn stopped by, and caught the end of Champagne Champagne’s excellent set. You might know him. He’s running for Mayor, and was out and about on Capitol Hill for the evening. There are an awful lot of issues pertaining to nightlife right now, and I appreciated the fact that he was making the rounds and checking things out.

T-Mo gave him a shout out from the stage. Never underestimate the zombie vote.

We were at capacity all night.

Shortly after midnight, I introduced McGinn to the crowd. With the help of Gabe Morgan, he implored the assembled masses to get out the vote. And then, he called my boys to the stage.

“Welcome back to Party Mountain, Mad Rad,” McGinn said, as they entered the club to the Cops theme song. Wow. I can’t even make stuff like this up.

It wasn’t long before Buffalo was shirtless. I’ve never seen him deliver anything but a truly compelling performance. Friday’s show seemed to take it to a whole new level.

It was the last show Mad Rad will play for a minute. They are working on new material, and spending a lot of time in the studio. We wanted to go out with a bang before the break. Mission accomplished.

I woke up on Halloween at Marcus’ condo, with a broken pair of handcuffs in my purse.

Out For Stardom. That’s how we do around here.

Lots more photos from Rabid Child here.

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