Concert Photog, Round 2

Coming off of a successful first time out shooting photos at a concert, I had been looking forward to another go at it. After perusing through a local periodical, I came to find that there was a rock n' roll quartet playing in town. "This should make for a merry ol' time," I declared as I slung my camera over my shoulder and went skipping down the street to Arco Arena, where a band calling themselves Disturbed was waiting to hit the stage.

I gotta say, shooting concerts us a fun gig, especially if you like the band playing. Overall, this round was a little trickier than the Metallica show, mostly because the stage didn't seem to be lit as well. With Metallica, they had a 360 degree stage in the middle of an arena, so you had the audience in the background for all the shots and there seemed to be a lot more lights. Shooting fast moving objects in the dark can be tricky, and I wish more of the shots had come out clearer, but it's only my second time out, and getting to learn by shooting these bigtime acts rather than some nobody in a club isn't a bad deal. Still, got a lot to learn, mostly about settings on the camera. Now, on to the show...

Same deal as last time, which seems to be the golden standard- Shoot the first three songs from in front of the stage, then you're out. No watching from the back, no dilly-dallying or hanging around, but that's understandable, being there for business and all. While I enjoy the occational Disturbed melody on the radio, I wouldn't call myself a major fan and decided that three songs would be enough to satisfy my interest, so I opted to skip buying a ticket this time around and take what I was given.

But first, there was opening act Sevendust, a band that I first came across about 10 years ago. Back then, they were opening for Megadeth in the Bay Area, and my high school friends and I had never heard of 'em, so we were making fun of the name on our way into the city. If you say the name with a thick German accent and picture your typical German techno group, it'll make for some good laughs. At least, until Sevendust hits the stage and makes you eat your words.

I've seen a lot of live acts in my day, and these guys have always stood out for their unmatchable level of energy. I don't know what they eat for breakfast, but I need to get me some of it. I saw them once again a few years later, and both times they stole the show.

I kinda lost track of them since my headbangin' high school days, but it was clear that they hadn't lost any of their ferocity over the past decade. There have been a lot of "nu-metal" bands hitting the scene since then, most of whom sound pretty much the same. But in my mind, these guys have managed to set themselves apart, primarily through their "all systems go" concert performance style. If you get a chance, check 'em out, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

Now on to the main event... Disturbed.

As I said earlier, these guys have got some catchy songs, and I was at least curious to see what kind of a show they put on. I will say they do a fine job. After they cranked through the first three songs and I took it all in through the back end of a viewfinder, I found that they pretty much matched my expectations. Their songs sounded good live, which isn't something you can say for every band. No big pyros or explosions, just the band cranking out their heavy brand of crunching rock, which the audience of punks, no-good-nicks and parents with their children sang along to adoringly. Their energy level didn't quite match that of the previos act, but they still put on a pretty good rock show.

So the evening should have ended there. However, just before they took the stage, I happened to cross paths with a certain local sports anchor who was wandering around backstage, and just so happened to have an extra ticket in his pocket to his suite. Giddy-up.

So, much like with the Metallica adventure, I found myself sprinting through the parking lot to dump my camera off in the car and get back to the show, all the while wishing I had spent more of my time exercising so that I wouldn't be completely winded as I walked back into the venue.

I got a few strange glances as I dashed into the elevator, gasping for air, and headed up to the suite level. Then it was back to the rockin'.

Now, while I was certainly grateful to be there, I have to say that suites are basically the worst seats in the house, but with a mini kitchen. It's nice to be able to stand around and chat with people, and have the privacy of a room separated from the "normies" of the audience, but they are placed as far back as you could get. Even behind the nose-bleeds. It was certainly cool to be in there, and it made me feel like a VIP (only because no one realized I wasn't), but they should go back to the Lincoln-style seats, where you've actually got the best seats in the house. But since I'm not really important, I decided to keep my mouth shut and just appreciate the fact that I was there.

The rest of the show was good, despite the background curtains getting stuck about halfway through, leaving the backdrop to 3/4 a demonic looking guy and 1/4 a bunch of people with their fists in the air. It was certainly a different perspective, going from the front of the stage to the back of the venue, but it became clear that the audience of the not-quite-sold-out Arco absolutely loved these guys. The entire place was on their feet, singing along, pounding their fists. I didn't know the words, but the energy emanating from the crowd was undeniable, and I couldn't help but bang my head along to the songs like I used to in my younger days. Not bad, Disturbed. Not bad.

Thus concludes round 2. Round 3 is yet to be seen... although I did hear a rumor that this guy is passing through Chico in March. It'd be a bit of a drive, but I can't think of anyone else I'd rather see in action. To be continued...

Hometown Hero

"Hero" is a term that's thrown around fairly loosely these days. Webster's dictionary defines a "hero" as being "One that possesses the qualities of a hero". It's not often that you actually come across someone that fits that definition in everyday life. Just days before last week's historic inauguration, a potentially devastating plane crash nearly claimed the lives of 155 passengers in New York, which could have led to a very different shadow being cast upon January 20th. I'm still blown away every time I see pictures from that day.

That's where the hero comes in. Sure, he was just doing his job, but in doing so he managed to save 155+ lives and prevent a national tragedy during already difficult times. Is he a hero? He doesn't think so, but the thousands that gathered for his homecoming in Danville, California beg to differ.

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III made his first public appearance since the crash at a Welcome Home ceremony this afternoon, where his heroic actions were embraced and broadcast throughout the world via cable news. And, like any true hero, he declined any of the glory.

"We were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do," he said in a brief speech to the adoring crowd. He didn't want or ask for the attention, he was just happy to help.

Not bad for "just another day at the office". Captain Sully, new member to the Photocalypse Hall of Heroes (also featuring this guy).

Gambling with the Stars

Nothing brings out the stars like a red carpet. They're drawn to it like a moth to a flame, or rock guitarists to heroin. It's been a long while since I've had some adventures along the red carpet, but tonight's "grand opening" (even though it opened a month or two ago) of a local Indian casino offered another helping of "hey you, over here!" with some big names.

The first limo pulled up and... oh boy, oh boy... which A-lister will it be?? It's.... Ponch!

That's right, CHiPs super-hunk Erik Estrada emerged to the crowd's delight, kissing a few lucky ladies as he made his way along the red carpet. Talk about a guy who knows how to milk a one-time gig! I need to score me a series that I can ride out for 30 years like this guy. Man, he's livin' the dream.

Next up... Oh, who could it be? I think I know but I don't want to say because I don't want to get my hopes up... Oh, it is! Linda Blair!

She was barely recognizable, with a lack of head spinning and pea soup spitting, but I will point out that joining her on the red carpet was a Playboy Playmate. Yes, those women she is standing with are gigantic, it's not a trick of perspective.

Wait, another limo! Who could it possibly be? Oh, no way! It's... that guy!

You know, he hosts Family Feud! No, that's Al from Home Improvement, he's... no, that's Louie Anderson. He's the one that... no, I think he hung himself in a closet. I think he was also on Seinfeld... Yeah, there you go, J. Peterman! It's J. Peterman! Oh man, what a night!

These B (C?) list celebrities gathered together at this local house of gaming for a celebrity blackjack tournament! Sweet.

Erik Estrada and Bubba Paris? Oh hell yeah, I smell a new CHiPs spin-off! I've already started the screenplay, so you can forget about stealing my thunder.

John O'Hurley's luck didn't seem to be as fruitful as that of Erik and Bubba. He reached for that wine glass more than once.

The only thing that was missing from the night was a big red "X", a la Family Feud, across his face every time the dealer beat him.

Kevin Bacon was also in the crowd, preforming with his brother in their band, "The Bacon Brothers". Apparently he's got a lot of rules whenever he makes an appearance, as he dodged the red carpet and denied letting our cameras roll on his performance. If you're curious, his music was basically a techno beat with him reciting his Animal House line, "Thank you sir, may I have another?" over and over again.

The Return of Jasper and Goldbug

For some time now, people have been asking when they are gonna get another chapter in the continuing saga of Jasper the Dog and his arch-nemesis Goldbug, the golden statue with a mysterious vendetta.

Well, the holiday season brought with it a new adventure, as Goldbug continues to search for new ways to torment poor Jasper.

If you missed the original, check it out here, otherwise the new one might not make sense. Well, I'm not saying it makes sense, but it would make less sense.

That being said, I present to you the premiere of the brand new holiday classic, A Very Jasper and Goldbug Christmas!

Fluffin' It

Every once in a while, there's nothin wrong with a little fluff. You know, the stories that aren't really stories, but what the heck, they make you smile and realize that maybe the world isn't all that bad after all. Whether it's a midget breakdancing or a cat fashion show, everybody appreciates a lil fluff now and again.

Some people in The Biz are all about hard news. These scanner hounds thrive on being first at the breaker or catching the flames as a retirement home collapses. Me? I absolutely appreciate the importance of covering real stories and giving people what they need to know about the world's tragic events. But heck, I can't help but enjoy a day spent away from the death and destruction of the real world. That's where the fluff comes in.

Now, coming off of a few semi-vacations (AKA a pair of 5 day weekends for the holidays), it was nice to return to my first full week and start off the new year with a good ol' sack of fluff. Just how well can things go? Let's take a look...

DAY 1: Frozen Yogurt Shops!

I don't know if you've noticed, but the economy sucks right now. Foreclosures are running rampant, unemployment is skyrocketing, and business are shutting down left and right. But wait... Why is it that every street corner (at least in California) seems to have a brand new frozen yogurt (or "froyo", if you will) shop? We had better spend our day driving around to all these shops and find out!!

After four froyo stops (and four cups of froyo), we found that these self-serve desert shops are a fun and affordable way to help navigate through these tough times. Not a bad first day back!!

Day 2: Porn Bailout!

So everyone and their grandmother is getting a bailout these days... so why not the porn industry? Hustler's Larry Flint and Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis are gonna beg Congress for a lil of that bailout money. "$700 billion going to the finance industry, you got another $30 or so billion going to automotive, and hopefully we'll get $5 billion in porn," says Francis to TMZ, the show that strives to keep starving papparazi alive. Now, I can't say this is the first time The Biz has sent me to a strip club or a porn store, but duty calls, and who am I to argue with The Biz?

So we headed down to the local strip club/porn store (yeah, 2-in-1, saves all kinds of time). Fortunately, I'm an expert in shooting blurry video, and this time it was intentional.

It was definitely one of those days where I had to stop and ask myself, "Is this what you went to college for?" or one of those days where you have to tip-toe around explaining to the wife what you spent your day doing at work. Fortunately I don't have a wife, which made it much easier to sneak in all the stuff that I bought at the shop (that was a joke).

Day 3: Champion Darts Player!

He's the #2 darts player in the country (apparently they rank dart players) and was recently offered a spot on the US darts team (apparently there's a US darts team). Oh, and he lives in the area!

You gotta respect a sport where chugging a pitcher of beer is part of your warm-up ritual. Wish I was good at something like that.

Day 4: Car vs. Big Rig Accident

Well so much for that. Welcome back to the real world.


The fluff was good while it lasted. Maybe next week we'll make it five days of fluff!!

Dealing with Hecklers

People can be jerks, especially when there's a camera in the area. Just brouse through the Schmuck archive if you don't believe me. It takes a lot of patience to keep your mouth shut when you want to rail on the jackass making your life difficult. Some people don't have that patience, which usually results in awesome TV.

Now I'm no fan of this woman, but I can't help but commend her for saying what we're all thinking. She must have thought they were in a commercail break, or maybe she was just sloppy drunk, but whatever the reason, there's nothing like dirty talk on live tv. Check it out-

Gone Boardin'

Winter can be a double-edged sword around these parts. On the one hand, you're forced into constant weather coverage, which I'm no fan of. It's cold, it's wet and every time I have to drive a live truck through a snowstorm, I swear that I'm gonna find a new job before next winter. On the other hand, it also makes for world-class skiing/snowboarding, which I can't argue with.

I made it up to Tahoe over the weekend for a gorgeous day at Diamond Peak, which for my money has one of the most impressive views around. Suddenly winter doesn't seem so bad anymore.

But listen up, winter... If you send me into one more snowstorm this year, we're gonna have a serious talk. Just keep your big ones confined to my days off, and we should be fine until next year.

Happy New Year

Another year has begun. Around these parts, we celebrated the new year in the old fashioned style: with a ball drop.


Yes, Sacramento offered the only New Year's Eve ball drop West of the Mississippi. And, in classic Sacramento style, the city was ill-prepared for the turnout. Expecting 4,000 to 5,000 people, they underestimated the draw of a free event, and found themselves facing around 15,000 to 20,000 people.


Oh it was packed. Like being front row in a rock concert, people were crammed shoulder-to-shoulder, with frustrations beginning to flare. Local reporters struggled to exit their trucks before live shots, as people were being smashed against the doors. They could also be found on the roofs and windshields of the trucks. Oh yes, it got cozy.

Had there been a shooting, fire, stabbing or any other occurrence that has become synonymous with Sacramento crowds, it would have been ugly. Fortunately things went well, the ball dropped, and 2009 began with nothing more than a few stepped-on toes and a sigh of relief once the crowd began to disperse.

Hopefully this event will be thought through a little better next year.

Welcome to the new year! I got me a good feelin' about this one.

Let the adventures begin.