No Band Is An Island...

...unless that band's 6" stage is surrounded by 4" of water. You always hear about flash flood warnings, but who really pays attention? I will from now on. We were at a wedding in the Northeast Kingdom of VT this weekend when thunderstorms of biblical proportion took over. One minute I was dealing with a dripping tent, the next I was pulling anything off stage onto the stage to avoid it being completely submerged in water. There's really nothing you like to see more than your power strip completely underwater. Luckily we got everything out of the water safely, I think. We'll see the next time we plug it in.
So Pete and I are standing there on stage thinking hanging out in a pool of water during a thunderstorm is probably a bad idea. However, as you can see from the picture, the bar was also surrounded by the water, as was the dance floor and the food, so most everyone else was not taking the same precautions. That was until lightning struck somewhere close by and everyone in the water got shocked. Nothing severe, but enough to close down any hope of an impromptu pool party.
The rain eventually stopped and the water receded enough for us to pack away all of our nonessential gear. We ended up moving onto the porch, rocking out, and saving the day.

Sdtk: Michael Connelly - "Chasing the Dime" (as read by Alfred Molina)

Nerd Alert!

So my brother got me a Playstation game for my birthday. Thanks Jon for a very good and thoughtful gift. The catch is that it's not the latest 1st person shooter or "Run Over Pimps and Ho's in Tanks 3". It's not even as mild mannered as golf. Yes, it's a crossword puzzle game. While the rest of the world is using their Playstations to destroy Gozer and Zuul with Nuclear Accelerator Packs (anyone?), I am doing crossword puzzles. Now maybe you all can help me figure out which is more nerdy: the fact that my brother thought it would be an appropriate gift for me OR the jolt of excitement I felt when I unwrapped it.

Sdtk: "Cleanin' Up The Town" - The Bus Boys

July 21st, A Day That Will Live In Infamy

Hello again. It's been an event filled time here at The Program. On the 21st I turned the big 32! Now for some of you, that might not seem like that significant of a number, and in all honesty it's not. However, for those of us still indulging in our adolescent fantasy of rock stardom, 32 is pushing it. Really pushing it. Also on the 21st was our fifth Do the Deck in West Addison. It was a great day to be outside surrounded by friends and family, playing music, swimming, and eating cake (it was my birthday after all - not that I need an excuse to eat cake). The weather this year had to be the best yet. Sunny but not too hot and not raining for 8 hours straight.
I also received the new Harry Potter book on my birthday (thanks Jess!). I decided not to open it that day because I had so much to do. If I had started to read it right away, I would have spent all day inside missing my own party. As I know now having finished the 750 page book on Tuesday, it would have been worth it. I won't give anything away, I'm no spoiler, but I will say I liked it. Like the last 2 books it was slow at times, but finished strong.
Now on to an action packed August! Someone pass me my Geritol...

Sdtk: The ever-present construction noises of summer in VT. Are they repaving the whole freaking state?!?

The Force is strong in this one

In a move considered both wise and dangerous, The Jedi Council has decided to move up young Gus Leashwalker from the rank of Padawan to full fledged Jedi Knight. The Council bestowed this honor after Gus successfully completed the Jedi trials with exceptionally high marks. When asked for comment on how the trials were, Gus in one word replied, "Rough!"
"Some of his abilities", says Jedi Master Kyp Durron, "are off the charts. His use of Force Suggestion is unparalleled. Even on the strongest of minds he is able to exert his will. I mean, I've seen him get people to follow him around and pick up his own excrement for him, without even uttering a single word! I'm just glad he's on our side."
Here at The Program, we would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Gus. May the Force be with him.

Sdtk.: "The Throne Room Theme" - Star Wars Sdtk.

Back on the Map

Finally, after months of living in the 18th century, I finally have internet and cable hooked up in my apartment. Ahhhhhhhh... So hopefully this'll mean more posts, which should be easy considering I'll probably never leave my apartment now. The best part was I got to watch the Daily Show and Colbert. Thankfully they're still funny. I also got to catch up on all the things people have been sending me that I couldn't watch before. Like this podcast entry by my good friend Jer that features an appearance by yours truly:


Sdtk: "Roll With The Changes" - REO Speedwagon