Tao of Pauly

Jorge, Space Porn, and Kain

I've watched the Yankees win twice against the Texas Rangers in one run games. Last night they picked up a 4-3 victory and Wang went eight innings. The night before, I saw one of the more exciting games of the year. It's definitely going to be replayed on YES and has already become an instant classic. The Yankees erased a 9-0 deficit to come from behind and win 14-13 in the bottom on the ninth. They also tied a record for the highest comeback in team history.

Missing two starting outfielders to injuries (Matsui & Sheffield), the Yanks rallied behind Derek Jeter's three run home run and Jorge Posada's amazing defensive stop. With the Rangers trying to pick up an extra run, Posada survived a collision at home plate with Mark Teixeira, who barreled into him at top speed. Posada tagged him out which ended the inning. But his contributions would not end there. In the bottom of the ninth, after Mo Rivera's crappy performance where he let the Rangers take a 13-12 lead, Posada came up to bat as the go ahead run and launched a two-run homerun into the right field bleachers for the victory. Sensational!

* * * * *
My nose and sinus area are losing a battle with the high pollen count in New York City. My only solace is knowing that I'll be leaving the city for a few days so I won't be waking up unable to breathe and a dripping nose.

Last weekend, I headed out to Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky for three plus days. This weekend, I'm heading out to Hollyweird for four plus days. Since this is a small trip, I packed lightly. I have three categories of packing... weekend trips, week trips, and anything longer. Based on where I go, I have three different bags all varying in size. And I only check my bag if I'm going somewhere more than a week since I'm bringing more clothes and most likely my laptop. For this trip, I shoved a few t-shirts, underwear and socks into a small bookbag and I threw a book, my camera, iPod and laptop into my laptop bag. It's not a lot and I can run through an airport with ease, just in case I have to do that. The best part is that I can ride the NYC subways without having to carry a bulky load.

I could save over $50 if I take the subway to Grand Central Station then take the express bus to JFK, but that takes close to two hours (subway time plus traffic getting out of Manhattan) versus a 45 minute cab ride. Plus the Yankees play a day game today and I can watch it all and still make it to the airport in time for my 6:30pm JetBlue flight. Whenever I get home I think about taking the express bus into Manhattan then hopping on the subway... but by the time I get back, I'm always tired and/or hungry and I just want to go home. Spending an extra $50 to get home quicker always sounds more appealing.

I'm going to a concert at the Knitting Factory in West Hollywood on Friday with Change100. Two of my favorite bands Particle and Lotus are playing at the first annual Knit Ball, which features other bands such as New Monsoon, Delta Nove, Aphrodesia, and Blue Turtle Seduction. Here's how the promoters describe the night:

They call it "Space Porn," and no it isn't based on the opening scenes of Barbarella. A mix of '70s space rock ala Pink Floyd, the swinging wah wah sass of a '70s porno soundtrack, and the speed, grandeur, inspired soloing and dexterity of '70s fusion along the lines of Return to Forever create a sum equal to Particle. This show will feature like- minded instrumental jam explorers embarking on long journeys across the fret and keyboards on all three Knitting Factory stages.

Yeah, bring on the space porn! I first saw Particle at a post-Phish party in San Francisco back in 2000. And yes, I was rollin' pretty hard then. Most recently Particle opened for Trey Anastasio Band last May at Hammerstien Ballroom in NYC. Trey sat in with Particle and performed a sizzling version of 2001 with them.

I'm pumped to see some music while I'm out in Hollyweird. I've never been to the west coast version of the Knitting Factory. Senor and I have seen dozens of shows there in NYC. The original Knitting Factory was located in a building in SoHo that used to be a knitting factory... hence the name. Thousands of illegal immigrants used to work there. Now hipsters snort coke in the bathrooms and buy over priced pints of Brooklyn Lager at the bar while they listen to a dozens bands that sound like poorly orchestrated rip-offs of Velvet Underground. Lou Reed would piss and shit in those guys ears if he heard their noise.

I'm also excited about Knit Ball because I have a writing assignment. It's a spec article, only 500-600 words in length. The pay is next to nothing if it's accepted. I don't care. This marks the first crossover attempt for me to get paid to write about music. I already get paid to write about one of my passions... poker. I'd love to get a few bucks to see concerts and write it up.

I finished one poker article last night/early this morning that's due on Friday. I emailed it a few moments ago. I have one more poker article with a deadline on Monday at 9am. Since I'll still be in California, that's a 6am deadline. I'm hoping to get at least an hour of research in today and work on it Friday and Saturday. If I push myself, I can have this done before I get on the plane. But why rush?

* * * * *
My buddy Wilkins sent me this funny link... www.thebeerbelly.com. I'm getting one for Iggy.

* * * * *
I've been pissed off at Senor. I refuse to speak to him until he comes up with a better name for his kid. There was only one name that he and his wife agreed upon... Kain. At first I suggested that was a bad idea because of the biblical connotations. But since then, he insisted on giving his second son that name, I've been furious with him. I refuse to allow him to scar that child's life!

This morning, the expecting father sent me this email:

Pauly,

kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain
kain

GET USED TO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:) Senor

After I stopped laughing for ten minutes straight, I wrote back:

Senor,

Make sure you tell that ("Get used to it...") to Kain after he gets beat up for the 283rd time in school. Get used to it? Hell, I'm trying to save your kid from years of embarrassment. I should report you to the Rhode Island social services for PRE-child abuse.

Let's just truly ruin his life and raise him a Red Sox fan.

I'm still not speaking to you until you come to your senses,
Pauly

Feel free to email me your name suggestions and I'll forward them to Senor.

* * * * *
Recent Writing Music...
1. Beck
2. Essex Green
3. Soulive with John Scofield
4. North Mississippi Allstars
5. Cream