Fun Fun Fun Fest Volunteer Diary

Todays volunteer duties were twofold.

1) approximately seven hours at the will call and wristband tent

2) the rest of the evening patrolling the park's fence to make sure kids didn't jump over and sneak into the festival

The will call table was fast paced, we had a strong and steady crowd for at least five hours straight, but there were no major blunders and we were within earshot of one of the stages.

The territory for my second duty was a long expanse of fence in the far corner of Waterloo park, an area isolated behind a lengthy expanse of porta-potties. My only companions during this time, besides the little punks jumping the fence, were the homeless men on the other side, the occasional loners seeking quiet space to chat on their cellphones and the numerous impatient and conspicuous men who thought it was a good idea to just whip it out and pee behind the porta-potties rather than inside of them.

Perhaps my presence is not as imposing as the festival coordinators would have hoped because at least three lil' juvenile delinquents jumped over and took off running like ninjas in the night less than 100 yards from me.

Bands overheard: YACHT, Dean Deacon, Z-Trip, Dead Milkmen, Octopus Project, ALL, The National, Deerhoof, Atmosphere & the Adolescents.

bands watched: zero.

Fun Fun Fun Fest [Preview]

Tomorrow and Sunday, I will be posting about my experiences volunteering at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Waterloo Park. The lineup, which includes Bishop Allen, Dead Milkmen, Minus the Bear and Leftover Crack, can be found at http://www.funfunfunfest.com


Also, remember there is a student discount on ticket prices.

For now, I want to share a tip about where to park. There is free parking on nights and weekends at the Capital Visitors' Parking Garage, pretty much directly adjacent to the park--in fact, that is a good tip for any night on the town.

An Airedale for the Obamas

Dear Obama family,

I will pretend for a second that you are loyal followers of my blog, and throw out a suggestion. As indicated in Barack's victory speech Tuesday, your family will soon be welcoming a new addition. I saw the press conference in which Barack listed the stipulations for the new pooch.


1.) Malia is allergic, so the dog should be hypoallergenic
2.) You would prefer a shelter dog

Without overstepping my boundaries, I would like to recommend the perfect canine companion for your white house years. The Airedale terrier.

Even though Airedales grow curly long coats, they are completely hypoallergenic and shed-free. They are great with kids, and often referred to as clowns for their playful, humerus dispositions. They are regal and presidential, yet fun-loving and youthful.

Three US presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding have all owned Airedales during their time in office. Even John Wayne had an Airedale as a boy, affectionately known as "little Duke."

As the next president of the United States, I'm sure you have the clout to locate an Airedale in a shelter if you put the word out, but best of all, there is an extensive network of Airedale rescue groups, including one in Illinois.


Sure, you could get a Shih-Tzu or a Maltese--but why not get a larger, shed-free dog that can play a decent game of fetch.

My Airedale, Winston, approves this message.

Agent Orange @ RED 7

Tonight's entertainment...

Another STRUT post

Just wanted to inform all the lady readers that Austin Strut stores will be giving out 20% discount cards with any purchase beginning Friday, the 7th, while supplies lasts. Each store has 150 cards, and they will be good on any purchase until January.

Considering Strut seems to have a 30-40% off sale every 2 or 3 weeks, this additional 20% is an added bonus.

Visit their website for store locations and to sign up for the mailing list; that way, you'll be keen to these special deals.

Election Eve

Tomorrow is election day, and the whole world is watching.

And regardless of your political affiliation, lets hope Americans turn out in drones to support.

It may sound cheesy, but hey, participation is what Democracy is all about.

Trend Alert: Vampires

Maybe its the Halloween exuberance still hanging in the air, but it seems it tis' the season for blood-suckers.

HBO's original series, True Blood premiered in September, and is attracting a loyal following thus far.

And how could I even begin to report on this trend without discussing the startling success of the Twilight book series. The first installment is making its big screen debut November 21. The film hasn't even been released and already, pre-teen girls are so wound up you would think they were in line for a Jonas Brothers concert.

But its another vampire film I have my sights on, Let the Right One In, a Swedish flick about the relationship that develops between two young kids, one who happens to be a vampire, is getting outstanding reviews at festivals across the globe. Some reviewers are claiming this atypical horror movie has a great chance of winning the Best Foreign Film Oscar. (Even though it has barely graced American shores, Cloverfield director Matt Reeves is already planning a remake, but I wouldn't count on that one to be near as good. ) Let the Right One In opens at the Alamo Drafthouse November 14.

Where else are vampires popping up?