I’ve found myself doing less and less research before going to a new place. During some fall cleaning I came across a 2001 binder that I created for a trip to Germany. I print and organized, hole punched and all, 30 pages of restaurants, places, bars and sights to see. I can’t ever imagine doing that now. I certainly know the city overview and don’t land somewhere blind, however thanks to the internet I can easily find places and events upon arrival and get local opinions and advice – rather than dragging guidebooks and overly planned rigid schedules. Plus WiFi equipped phones let you download maps and guides beforehand or on the go, eliminating bulky fold up maps.

Another reason I shy away from schedules and itineraries: When I travel I tend to stay in one place longer than most. It’s the only way to really get to know the city and its neighborhoods. Hopping around Europe spending two days here and two and a half days there really only gives you a chance to see the main sights and not the true experience of living there, even if just temporarily. Of course some could say the same about myself only have two weeks at a time. When I spent two weeks at the Joordan neighborhood of Amsterdam I even got a card to the video rental store. I’ll do some day trips and side trips but I find it’s far more relaxed to return “home” to a place instead hopping to four different cities a trip. If you miss out on a big sight, or find a fun weekend event to attend, or just meet some new locals or friends to have dinner with – then you aren’t running off leaving a place behind as you’re just getting into it. And it’s less stuff to lug around if you keep an apartment in one place for your entire stay.

So Madrid it is, and my side trip this time is to Morocco. I’ve never been to any part of Africa, and airfares from Madrid are quite affordable. I started reading up on which city to visit: Tangiers, Casablanca or Marrakesh. Tangiers is painted as a transient port city with day trippers constantly coming and going from the Gibralter ferries. Casablanca is said to be big, busy and sprawling. I had read good things about Marrakesh, and what cinched it was the advice of some locals. Locals who just happen to be representing their home country in Florida.

This summer I was visiting Epcot Center’s World Showcase, where a select number of countries and their Disney approved foods and merchandise are each crammed into a space the size of a Best Buy in a semi circle around a huge lake. The United States is at the center, with its colossal colonial mansion lording over all.

Read my full review of Epcot here.

Knowning Morocco might be an option I spent time in Epcot’s fake Morocco. The restaurants and gift shops employ people native to that country. It’s a very good idea since they can work overseas for a season, they already have the accents, and can correct the misconceptions visitors on any misconceptions about their country. (Such as Italy not having mimes on every corner.)

When I met real Moroccans working in fake Morocco I discretely glanced around to make sure that a good number of other tourists were in earshot, and in a not too smug tone informed them that THIS American would in fact be visiting REAL Morocco come this fall, and sought advice on where to go. My three new Moroccan friends unanimously suggested Marrakesh. So Marrakesh it is!

Research item two: The New York Times had a four part “Guide to Marrakesh” last month. While some of the places are a bit fancy and over the top for me, it was a good summary nonetheless.

Speaking of over the top: Research item three: I recently watched Sex and the City 2. (I accidentally ordered it on Netflix – honest.) The fab four heads to Abu Dhabi in an all out appalling celebration of every middle east stereotype imaginable. Spoiler alert: Samantha the sexpot has to sneak out of the country in traditional Muslim garb. Now, since the United Arab Emirates wanted no part of this nonsense they actually filmed in Marrakesh. The movie contains scenes set over the city including the modern but retro looking airport, the Medina (market), and scenes out in the desert.

Better than all of these? Turns out my coworker has an old friend living and teaching in Marrakesh, so I’m quite enthused about her invitation to dinner and drinks.

There you go: Travel planning at its finest. Updates from real Morocco sometime this fall.

I created a more relatable poster for my fellow Americans who lack passports or whose bosses won’t let them take a year off work.

I really enjoy Lewis Black’s review on the movie- and the marketing that accompanies it.

I put the analysis of United 811 on hold and got dressed. I already knew the ending, but I enjoy this show because it explores what would seem random chains of events and decisions  that lead up to these riveting catastrophes.

20 minutes later we were spelunking our way into Below, on Larimer Square.  First impressions: to access Below you don’t actually have to dodge angry beer soaked jocks, because the entrance is actually in the alley between Larimer and Lawrence. After some wandering we descended down the one lone staircase, walked through a long hall passing by doors leading to kitchens and storage rooms before finally walking in. I liked it.   Very cool space to relax and talk, a small dance floor and a quieter room behind the bar with giant white eighties style sofas.

It reminded me of small bars and clubs in Prague – located behind random hard to find doors you can only find after walking around the block three times. Unlike Prague, where Stereo MCs was overplayed everywhere my last visit, Below hosts DJ Rockstar Aaron on Thursdays who was happy to take, (and play,) some requests.  The crowed was light but picked up after midnight.  It was more than I expected for being open less than a month.

According to Westword Below first opened in 2008, attracting an industrial crowd with its medieval decor. Now the owner, Bill Ward, is marketing Below as an alternative club in Larimer Square.  Denver’s gay community isn’t lacking in places to meet up for cocktails and gossip, however outside of Tracks or Compound a decent DJ and dance floor is hard to find.  We’ll see if Below can fill that void.

The only negative is the parking, which by night doesn’t exist save for $20 a night lots.  However it’s summer – so I recommend finding a local B-Cycle station and ride there.

Check out Kathleen St. John’s Denver Post review for even more details…

Speaking of gossip:  United 811 occurred 15 years before this episode was made.   I have a really good hunch on what the two extremely attractive male and female flight attendants @:52 spent their settlement money on.  How about that pilot though – he’s like the Sully of 1988…

It’s hard to believe a show this well done is actually on standard cable, (AMC.) I’ve been anxiously awaiting the third season, and the only people I’ve met that DON’T like this show are people who work with the type of characters it features – citing the realism being far too accurate.

Here are the details. and more info from their Facebook page.

I don’t know what goes on at the tour, and I don’t think Bryan Cranston, (the show’s star,) will be there, but if I ever had a reason to go to a boat and RV show this would certainly be it.

Here’s an excerpt from my original article after I started watching the first season:

I downloaded the first few episodes and was captivated at the story. Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, (who played the dad on Malcolm in the Middle,) is a high school science teacher whose better career days are behind him. Recently diagnosed with lung cancer he worries how he’ll support his wife, son, and new baby on the way. His bombastic and good natured brother in law is a DEA agent, and while on a ride along he meets a former student during a meth house bust. Jesse Pinkman, the student, gives Walt a primer on the street value of methamphetamine, and with Walt’s superb chemistry skills the two start cooking the highest quality product in Albuquerque – creating demand, enormous profit, and enormous problems for the two.

Walt transitions between his family life and his dealing with his illness – (doctors and health plans,) and the world of drugs, their users, and their consequences. The drug world is far from glamorized. Many wouldn’t care to watch a show about the dark world of meth, however the real story is about Walt’s decisions and his family, and his awakening due to cancer.

Filmed on location in New Mexico the outside imagery is harsh and blinding like the desert sun. Conversely, the interior shots are extreme too: Walt’s 70s style house is dark and shabby – a reflection of his internal feelings. Police offices and doctors facilities are cold and sterile. In the entire first season there’s only one scenario which I found too over the top, however the rest of the show is nailbiting, and Walt is a fascinating anti-hero in his quest to provide for his family.

Related: Breaking Bad

In the past year my home entertainment content has shifted from TV and DVDs to mostly downloaded content, making access to the few superior shows easier, and without needing to buy an entire season for upwards of $20.  Our household hasn’t canceled cable yet, but with Netflix via mail, Netflix and Amazon on demand, (via the Roku box,) and our Apple TV box we’re about ready to dump Comcast. My one guilty pleasure is the Magic Bullet infomercial (speaking of nonsense,) however I can forgo that for $75 a month in my pocket.

Last month I discovered the show “Breaking Bad,” from Amazon’s new on demand service.  I downloaded the first few episodes and was captivated at the story.  Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, (who played the dad on Malcolm in the Middle,) is a high school science teacher whose better career days are behind him.  Recently diagnosed with lung cancer he worries how he’ll support his wife, son, and new baby on the way.  His bombastic and good natured brother in law is a DEA agent, and while on a ride along he meets a former student during a meth house bust.  Jesse Pinkman, the student, gives Walt a primer on the street value of methamphetamine, and with Walt’s superb chemistry skills the two start cooking the highest quality product in Albuquerque – creating demand, enormous profit, and enormous problems for the two.

Walt transitions between his family life and his dealing with his illness – (doctors and health plans,) and the world of drugs, their users, and their consequences.  The drug world is far from glamorized.  Many wouldn’t care to watch a show about the dark world of meth, however the real story is about Walt’s decisions and his family, and his awakening due to cancer.

Filmed on location in New Mexico the outside imagery is harsh and blinding like the desert sun.  Conversely, the interior shots are extreme too:  Walt’s 70s style house is dark and shabby – a reflection of his internal feelings. Police offices and doctors facilities are cold and sterile. In the entire first season there’s only one scenario which I found too over the top, however the rest of the show is nailbiting, and Walt is a fascinating anti-hero in his quest to provide for his family.

The title “Breaking Bad” comes from a southern saying meaning to deviate from course, or to break from the straight and narrow path.   The emmy winning show is currently in season two, broadcast on AMC Sunday nights. If you haven’t seen it it’s worth dowloading the first season if you’re looking for a qualilty TV series to watch.

Released back in October this mystery thriller follows a couple attempting to put some adventure into their marriage by riding the Transsiberian Railway from China to Russia. A lot less luxurious than checking into Britannia Hotels UK or some spa resort in the Maldives, but if you like an adventure and doing something completely different – six days on a train through the Siberian permafrost is about as different as it gets! They were after adventure, and adventure is indeed what they got.

Woody Harrelson plays Roy, a happy go lucky train buff thrilled at the journey. (Sounds like me.)

Emily Mortimer plays Jessie, Roy’s wife who soon finds herself in a world of trouble after they meet another traveling couple on board.

Missed trains, intrigue and stereotypical cold Russian villages make up the rest.

If you like travel, trains, snow, and Woody Harrelson – (and who doesn’t love all of those?) its worth checking out.

In my rush to get from Littleton to my house in Congress Park, then down to the Pepsi Center, I forget to grab my good camera. I didn’t think about it until I saw hundreds of other folks around me with THEIR good cameras taking photos and videos, while I was stuck with only my cell phone. I guess with the proliferation of small camera devices the authorities at concerts have given up trying to regulate who takes pictures of what.  My photos aside, I checked and there are Madonna photos on the internet. including some of the Denver show at the Post and Rocky Mountain News. I’ll share mine anyway.

The show was great, even though I don’t know most of the new stuff. What I loved as much if not more than the performance was the interaction of technology and visual imagery. Its the same reason I like Peter Gabriel’s live stuff, and Cirque du Soleil. They’re all completely different artistic styles, but engage the eye and mind as well as the ear. Several incredibly sharp (HD I assume) four to six story video walls created the rear of the stage, and layers of video walls in FRONT of those made the performers able to step in, out, and around imaginary props like subway cars and chess pieces. It also enabled for stunning animations during and in between sets.

Even if you don’t care for Madonna, her long time backup singer Niki Harris has an angel like voice, and it was a treat to hear her in person doing her angelic like harmony. An ensemble of instrumentalists did an extended Gaelic sounding version of La Isla Bonita, adding to the wide array of styles among the four distinct sets.

Speaking of shoddy handheld footage, here’s a video of the La Isla Bonita set. Its pretty cool.

Here are the other three photos.

I attended a concert earlier this year and was stunned at how miserable and depressing the entire show was – which consisted of mostly songs I hadn’t heard. Pain, emotional strife, and societal despair were among the themes while watching Oberst stare begrudgingly into space. The only song I really got into that night was “True Blue,” which as mumbled by Oberst was written for his nephew. So maybe I like songs written for kids. So what. Conor Oberst IS an excellent lyricist and songwriter, and he has a great voice – but I have a weird threshold between really enjoying his stuff and finding it whiny and obnoxious. That and I like having fun when I go to concerts. Chemical Brothers, Starkillers, Matt Darey, and various touring DJs at Beta all put me in a good mood. In essence I like being happy when I listen to music. If I want a night of soul searching and abstract mental gymnastics I’ll stay at home and read Isabelle Allende.

On October 16th my other half took me to the Ogden Theater to see Conor Oberst. This time Oberst was performing with his newly formed group “The Mystic Valley Band.” Expecting another cry-fest from “no reason to be angry” suburban teens we found some seats upstairs and settled in. However I was shockingly surprised: The Mystic Valley Band has some great tunes, catchy lyrics, and was a really fun show! I inquired about Mystic Valley further from Conor’s site:

The Mystic Valley Band’s first album was recorded in Tepoztlán, Morales, Mexico. Creating a temporary studio in a mountain villa for a one-month period this winter, Conor and a tight-knit group of fellow musicians, who aptly call themselves The Mystic Valley Band, crafted a lush and beautiful record that evokes the deep sense of harmony in which they lived and worked during that month.

In addition to a (perceived) complete 180 performance by Oberst, another talented and impressive member of the ensemble is Nate Walcott, who plays a variety of keyboards and trumpets. (And from a few rows back looks quite similar to MTV’s Kurt Loder.) I find the songs by Mystic Valley far more listenable than Bright Eyes. Ballads like “Leaders in the Temple,” and toe tapping jams like “Moab” make for a really enjoyable album.

Provided they don’t relapse into songs of despair, heartbreak, and cutting, I am now a fan and would enjoy seeing them again. If you’ve been mocking Bright Eyes for years like I have, you just may find your opinion changed too. Here’s their video “Souled Out” for a taste. More Mystic River Band info and tour dates at conoroberst.com.

And to Mr. Oberst: I’m sorry.

This three day music festival includes The Disco Biscuits, Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd, Honkytonk Homeslice Electric, and 49 Floors.

Daily schedule, and full info at tatankamusicfestival.com

While discussing this with at the office someone brought up this South Park episode: If its half as much fun as Hippie Jam Fest 2005 it should be worth attending.

Joan Armatrading

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B52s

Girl in  Coma

Cyndi Lauper

Carson Kressley

Girl in a Coma