« August 2005 | Main | October 2005 »
September 30, 2005
Serenity
Serenity So.. Like many others I've been watching firefly all summer long. Tonight I just had to see Serenity considering the series has been leading up to it.
I thought it was an interesting way to lead into a full blown movie. A series to a box office movie vs what usually happens, the series ends and there are a few box office movies.
Frankly, you can not avoid this movie if you are a fan of the series. It's the culmination off river, you learn what happened, how it took place and the now revealing side effects of her character. There is learning as to the nature of the reavers and some of the disgust of the alliiance.
it was a great movie, then again, I'm a fan. For the most part It could have stood on it's own as a movie. Yet with the series, you were enriched with all the character development. It certainly did add to the experience. The movie carried the same tone as the series, only more intense. There are many emotions brought out.
Don't want to drop any spoilers, but you laugh, you want to cry and you cheer (or at least my movie theatre clapped). The theatre was not as full as I expected, then again, it is a basic scifi movie and it's not a summer blockbuster. Might have been better as an end of summer movie. 
I say, if you are into scifi, space oriented movies with cultural battle overtones and a sort of super hereo, a super villan and an underdog, serenity is a worthwhile ticket. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will surely see it again. Just may be on cable.
Posted by Me at 11:59 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 28, 2005
Lunch With Packgrog
Alex & Packgrog(right)
So I had lunch with Packgrog in the city.
Cool Beans! Actually Hot Curry.
We ate at a lil Indian fast food place on Fulton street. Good Food, decent service and seating.
Gave packy the Prog Power Goodies, (CD, Press Material and DVD) of which he was happy about.
Our chatting gave way to an interesting toy, his phone.
As we were sitting DJ Pellaz from seismicradio.comresponded to the mail list about Dead Can Dance playing in NYC (Radio City Music Hall) and Arron was able to read it on his phone.
His phone was so readable I thought, Hmmm, this is an interesting idea. I can stay on top of things even better.
I could even update my blog via a phone mail message... (as if it's that important!)
However, it certainly did make me consider the possibility of a new phone.
A hard proposition considering I do not pay anything for my current service.
We'll see what the future brings.
Posted by Me at 01:35 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 26, 2005
BC Rich Bich! Oh How I wish
I've always wanted one of these... I'll have to put it in my wish list...
I'll sit here and drool for now.
Posted by Me at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2005
Laser CD Haul
Ivanhoe/Walk In Minefields - Blind Buy, Recommended by Patrick.
Spaced Out /Slow Gin - Recommended by Bondie.
Loureiro;Kiko/No Gravity - Recommended By Jeremy who provided samples. LOVE IT!. Instrumental Guitar rock. Vai/Satchesque.
7for4/Time - Blind buy, Have Contact. This will probably be good.
Dol Ammad/Star Tales - Blind buy based on description -
Glenn Harveston, the promoter of Prog Power USA declares his love for this disc: "AYREON MEETS THERION!"Well maybe Glenn was letting the whiskey talk once again but I sure understand where he is coming from. Completely unique symphonic metal debut from Greece self-described by the band as "electronic art metal". Keyboardist Thanasis Lightbridge is the mastermind behind this project. Dol Ammad is a blending of orchestral and space metal. Think Vangelis mixed with Therion, Ayreon and Sunblaze. In addition to the dominant keyboards the ensemble includes an 11 piece female/male choir, guitar, bass and drums. Noted drummer Alex Hozwarth (Rhapsody, Sieges Even) propells the music along at a sometimes frantic clip. This disc sounds HUGE courtesy of producers Sascha Paeth and Olaf Reitmeier. Highly recommended.
Posted by Me at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 22, 2005
Trans Siberian Orchestra on sale now!
Just opened this am for NYC, Madison square garden.
Picked up a pair of section 125's ROW A
Grab yours if interested.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/780815
This show is really a great production.
The light/laser show is breath taking.
Musicianship top quality.
Highly Recommended.
Posted by Me at 11:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 21, 2005
Chimay - For the beer drinker in you
Chimay
During the annual Prog Power festial I tried 3 new beers out of curiosity.
New Castle - Dark Ale
Some other - Pale Ale
Chimay. All I can say is whoa...
Dr_Metal was the person who turned me on to Chimay.
AS he came to me with a cup in hand and said.. Taste this and tell me what you think...
I was apprehensive. Eh, I'm not much into beers and I had this 16oz newcastle to finish.
Well it certainly changed my mind and made me want a Chimay instead.
I'm not much of a beer drinker, but this was smooth, tasty and powerful.
Highly recommended!
After the pre-party for prog power there was a post party in kyle's room.
Dr-Metal said.. "I have a chimay for you"
I became a bit excited to get a good taste for review.
It was a big 16oz bottle that opens like champagne.
It created a dam big foamy head, of which I blew off into the sink.
Once you got to the rooty center of the beer..
Mmmm Smooth...
I drank half and was buzzed.
I think it was 10% alcohol.
I let everyone else taste the other half as I quickly became an advocate.
For those interested check it out here http://www.chimay.be/
Posted by Me at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
September 20, 2005
Prog Power VI Pictures
Pictures Have Been Uploaded here
http://www.cotrone.com/rob/gallery/ppusaVI
Posted by Me at 11:00 PM | Comments (2)
Prog Power VI CD Haul
CD's DVD's from Prog power.
Sheesh I have 10 months of catching up to do!
Progpower V - Behind the scenes DVD
Stride -Imagine
Shadow Gallery - V
Demons & Wizards - Touched by the Crimson King
Symphorce - Godspeed
Labyrinth - Freeman
Section 16 - Introspection
Pantomind - Shade of Fate
Therion - Lemuria
Lalu - Oniric Metal
Bad Dog U - S/t
Vanishing Point - Embrace The Silence
Circle II Circle - The Middle of Nowhere
Allen Lande - The Battle
Secret Sphere - Heart Anger
Angra - Temple of Shadows
Biomechanical - The Empires of the worlds
Stratovarious - S/T
Cloudscape
Primal Fear - Seven Seals
Masterplan - Aeronautics
Manticora - 8 Deadly Sins
Lee Z - Shadowland
Edenbridge - Shine & EP
Subterranean Masquerade - Suspended Animation Dreams
Beyond Twilight - Section X
Circus Maximus - The First Chapter
Redemption - The Fullness of Time
Brainstorm - Liquid Monster
Sonata Arctica - Reckoning Night
Zero Hour - A fragile Mind
Avian - From the Depths of Time
Posted by Me at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)
Prog Power VI Reviews
The lowdown...
My three words...
CON-CEP-TION!!! (Ok Three syllables).
Onto the reviews.
Pre-Party
- Outworld - Truth be told, I was too busy schmoozing in the back. It's pretty tough. I have not seen these people in a year and there was so much drinking and catching up to do. OK, from what I heard this band is amazing. Patrick mentioned the guy uses an 8 string guitar. Never seen one. He said his fingers are a smokin'. From what I heard, he ain't kidding. Heard some great kez too. I should not have missed it
- Orphaned Land - Acoustic - By this time I had decided to go out and listen. I knew this was a very different type of band. Death metal vox mixed with middle eastern influnces in a prog way. Sounded interesting (except for the vox) I figured, eh, this is going to be an acoustic version, how bad can it be. Well in fact it was dam good. I was almost afraid to like it. Cuz if the electric set the next day was not as good I would surely be let down. The whole acoustic middle eastern influence did it for me. Classy.
- DC Cooper - Acoustic - I knew this would be good. I've seen DC Cooper in a very small club in Pittsburgh. I've seen him with Silent Force in a prior Prog Power. I was sure this was going to be good. And it was. Great Vox, Good sound balance. From what he said, all the musicians were really just winging it. However, they were right on the money until the last song. The final song was a genesis cover. Supposedly it was going to be Mama with some guys from Angra. That did not work out so they did a Peter Gabriel song. This was a bit messy. They had to find the right key, then retun the guitar. it wasn't as clean as I had expected. Franbly, as mentioned, they did not practice it, so I have to give credit where it's due. They did a decent job of it after all the kings were worked out. it's just that all the prior songs were so right on the money I was expecting the same for this. Still enjoyable.
Hey DC.. Take of the sunglasses. It's so impersonal.
- Dreamscape - This was a full electric set. Both Tricia and I stayed out to listen to this. It was well done. High energy. alot of contact with the crowd. It was good to see them in a smaller moer intimate setting. A few people made comments about this being a demotion because they played at the actual prog power event in a prior year, however this did not faze them. They played thier hearts out. In fact they brought demo cd's of the up coming CD and threw them out into the crowd. I ended up with one. You had to see me doing jumping jacdks in the air.. over here!! over here!!! Some guy walking by gave one to Tricia as we were standing there at the shows end. Thanks Mate.
The Main Event - Day 1 (Friday)
- Manticora - RAWWWKK. WOW. I did not expect to like them as much as I did. It was funny having the the CD's and feeling mediocre about it, then seeing it live and getting pumped.. I did run to the vendors table for the latest CD thereafter. Lars... Got Energy? Sheesh, what did you have for breakfast?
- Circus Maximus - Loved it. This was my first hearing. (as some may know I've been on a lay off). Great stuff! Loved the harmonies and sound. That seems to get me every time.
- Orphaned Land - The jury is still out on this for me. Again first "electric" hearing. Love the middle eastern influences, hated the screaming vox, loved the clean singing. Guess you can not have it all. Someone gave me a hint as to the nature of vocal transition. Teri & Jim recommended the double CD set and even sported me a copy. I'll give it an honest couple spins and determine more later.
Loved the acoustic set at the pre-party. - Conception - So Glenn was able to have the band reform (after many years) just to play Prog Power... How cool is that? Jeeze. it just blew me away. I could not have been more pleased. Well Actually. I was thrilled to see these two hands on the monitor and this "visor" wigging out... Then to see it was the boss man (Glen) himself! The performance was stunning, Choice of songs excellent. Khan's smooth vocals always impress. Tory's guitar work on target, top notch and to the tee (for me). They were able to capture many of the nuances in sound I had grown to love. I felt no wrong here and was in my glory. Phew. cleanup.. Row 3! Glenn I think you outdid yourself!
- Angra - Not initally thrilled to see them. I guess second sightings are not as exciting as the first. In addition, someone had to knock me off the conception cloud. In all fairness, angra did a great job. Although I had barely enough steam, they seemed to muster more out of me, I stayed, banged and enjoyed. Playing was as I expected and loved the percussion piece. I heard many comments about the vocals, but to me I did not have an issue with it. I was wondering if placement or the mix had something to do with it.
The Main Event - Day 2 (Saturday)
- Stride - one word.. WOW! I loved them too. Although I felt a bit partial towards the instrumentals, I liked what was performed. Last year someone mentioned to me, don't worry, you will like the singer.. and I did. Loved the touch of polaroids crowd shots, then sharing them with a toss into the crowd. heh free shirts too! The Rush cover was done well.
- Symphorce - Oh My Gawd - That fricken wall of guitar sound! The forceful drums and one of our favorite front men! This totally rocked. I was wishing for more the second they stopped playing. Impressive. A highlight for me!
- Pink Cream 69 - This was another I was not thrilled about. Then again, I've never seen them, so why forgo the chance. besides, they had to get past my symphorce sweat. After about 2 songs the light went on and I thought. Oh that's why I like these guys. The vocal harmonies. I thoroughly enjoyed this set. I was wishing there was a little more to the drum work. For what PC69 is... It's dam good. Hey.. Anyone know the story about the name? I'v e heard some pretty odd rumors.. ;-)
- Therion - An anticipated highlight, that did not disappoint. wow.. Another wall of sound effect. The vocal operatic choir/harmonies went over well (in my book) I know some did not appreciate them much, but this is what grabbed me from them. Wall of sound guitars, mixture of vox, choirs. I did not think they were going to pull it off, yet they did! and raised it up a notch or two.
- Stratovarious - I had ideas of what to expect here. They met them, some to the positive, some to the negative, but what I expected. As interesting as the opening was, It was a bit too long (IMO) (jeeze I can't remember who elses opening was painfully long.. go figure). Again, I had last band syndrome here and ran out of steam. I was able to feed off some fellow proggers who gladly contributed (Thanks Kyle, Jeremy, Rod & Ken). Still, Stratovarious wore me thin. Too much sameness for me. The 6 songs I really love, sounded great. Performance top notch, the rest.. it was hard to keep my eyes open. Part of this was also due to the mix. I felt it was painfully loud and seemed to blur it all out. Again, this could be listening position, but even with earplugs alot was lost. a few DB lower and I think i would have enjoyed it more. It would be hard for me to go out and seem them perform again. BTW, not that I'm into solos, I did love the bass solo.
Posted by Me at 10:30 PM | Comments (1)
September 19, 2005
Back From Prog Power VI
Just flew in from Prog power.. and boy are my arms tired. LOL.
Actually this was the return trip from hell.
The marta was seriously a pain this morning. Tricia got major motion sickness from the lousy handling at portions of the ride.
Hope the rest of you got my warning. I called the Hotel to tell anyone taking the marta it was not running well and might be a long, rough ride due to track work.
To top it off.. We just made the plane, Phew...
Flew in to NY safely, fairly event free with time to spare.
Only thing is.. Our luggage didn't make it..
We filled out all the forms then decided to wait for the next flight.
Lo and behold there was our luggage.
Finally after a train ride, get to the car, pack it up...
She's dead Jim... Holy shit, so dead, none of the lights worked.
Imagine a field of cards in long term parking.. not a soul around..
Then there in the distance..
one lonely car with lights..
I run towards it heh..
Got a jump and on our way..
Sat by the pizza parlor (with the car running to juice it back up).
So home we are.. and now I feel ill..
Called my friend, gave him the symptoms...
he says "Think you got Post Progpower depression my friend".
Jeeze. when will it end..
He says.. "probably next year. when you get your next dose!"
"What's the remedy" I ask...
He said.. "Type it out... vent... shout out to all your buddies. it will make you feel better."
Band Reviews are in another entry.
Highlights:
Hanging with y'all
CON-CEP-TION
Symphorce
Therion
Stride
Lowlights:
Turbulence (yet probably nothing compared to our fellow proggers who flew last year in the hurricane).
My trip home from hell.
Saying good bye.. I miss y'all already ;)
Kudos:
Glenn, you freaking rawk...
As I said.. When the "pre" pre-party is that crowded.. You're doing sonething right.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Shane, Excellent Pre-party show. Enjoyed every minute of it.
Nice touch by doing the acoustic sets.
The Stage Crew, you guys rawk too! Without you, shit just would not happen, you make it all come together.. I wish Glenn would post pics of y'all on the site too. You deserve it. thank you for hard work!
The Bands.. That's why we come!
Shoutouts:
Teri & Jim, thanks for being such great friends and helping me get back up to speed from my hiatus.
Ken Golden, The End Records, Century media, Nightmare records: For being patient with my silly questions. heh.
Kyle and Rod, for throwing a cool party.
Dr_metal: Chimay rules ya got me hooked!
Alex: For giving me a "different perspective" and "food for thought".
The Breakfast Club:
Teri, Jim, Coldie, Scott, Jamie, Tracy, Leesh, Kim, Patrick, Karin, Kyle, Kez, Alex, Mosquito, Sarah, Jeremy, Christina and any one else I may have missed. It sure helps fire up my day.
Shrike: For bringing the "whole family"!
Patrick & Karin you guys always excite me to hang out even for a short while.
Krusty: ya lost the hair and the yell ?
Chris F5.. I counted, There still are 5 of you running around..
Aki, you fly all that distance to hang with us.. I admire that!
Ken Luther, always great to see you man.
Ralf, for inspiring me with that awesome game machine set up.. I may break down and rebuild my game machine now.
Mosquito, for being thrifty and having no beefs about it!
MitchG, Loved the shirt!
Bear, whats a progpower with out a bear hug!
Zilla, Our voice of Prog power, I wish they would stop closing the curtain on you! hahahaha!
Paul, thanks for the intermission tunage and announcing them. It helps when you hit upon something we've not heard.
Jeff, My new friend, heh, every year I meet a few more and appreciate every one I meet.
Russ.. when the hell are we going to meet up man!! heh!
Packgrog, I missed you man! It just did not feel the same without hearing you tell me how much something sucked! BTW, I picked up a progpower bag and DVD for you man. email me.
and of course my lady Tricia, who puts up with me keeping her up late, subjecting her to loud music for hours on end, then waking her up at 7am to shmooze with the breakfast club.
Mugs up to Corset night..
So.. what'll it be next year?
Phew, Ok, it's late, I'm tired, babbling and missing the thrill of progpower.
Time for bed.
I'll have pics up soon,
Doc was right.. type it out.. I feel better now.
ahh
Hope I can sleep.
L8r all.
Posted by Me at 10:00 PM | Comments (2)
September 14, 2005
We're Off to Prog Power USA VI
We're Off today heading out to The annual Prog Power Festival for 3 days of metal mayhem with 3,000 of my cohorts from the Prog Metal community.
Click the banner link to learn more!
Not only is it a metal festival, but it also tends to be a highly social event.
This will be my fifth year hanging with everyone from this community.
For those interested here are some links.
seismicradio.com An Internet Radio Station With Live DJ's and Live Chat!
PM Classic A Music ONLY classic form of the message board.
The Pub where almost anything goes
Prog Power USA forum
www.ultimatemetal.comOther Metal Forums for Music in this Genre
HardnHeavy.Com A Place to purchase this music with a Personal Touch!
Posted by Me at 06:45 AM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2005
Celestial Finds A new Home
A Celestial (and Rocket)
Surprised my friend Teri by sending her a Celestial I won on eBay (cheap cheap cheap).
So it finally arrived today.
The story goes, Teri went to the post office to pick up some expected packages and they said this big box is for you too...
She siad no it isn't, I'm not expecting one that big.
Then she looked at the return address and saw it was from me (gotta figure a way aroudn that for next time).
So she gets it home and opens up to find a beautiful celestial.
Something to brighten her day and soothe her evenings!
hahahahah!
On another note, the lamp that came with it was a rocket in need of refilling. The plus side was the globe uses bottle caps which makes it easier to refill! w00t!
Posted by Me at 03:30 PM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2005
On Vacation
So begins my Vacation... 
It's No work for Weebo Week.
I plan to visit the Ren Fair this weekend and go to Prog Power USA during the week.
Should be beautiful weather all around.
I'm really looking forward to chillin' with my Prog buddies.
I've been so out of touch!
Posted by Me at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
September 08, 2005
Town of F**King complains
Ok, so there is this town in Austria called ....
read about it here! LOL!! http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1500991.html
"STOP STEALING OUR SIGNS!"
Apparently it's true, Check it out on snopes.
http://www.snopes.com/photos/signs/austria.asp
Posted by Me at 12:02 AM | Comments (1)
September 07, 2005
SmartMorphing
Crestworth Copper Glitteramas
Found some interesting programs on Morphing of animated gifs.
This was stimilated by the gallery app I have for showcasing the lava lamps.
During the weekend visit to Chris's house, we were reviewing the gallery in slideshow mode. The cool effect of morphing from one image to another was really effective with similar pictures taken with different lighting. I usually take one with a flash and one without. Then animate them one behind the other. It's cool, but not as cool as morphing one slowly into the other.
An internet search turned up a cool freeware program called SmartMorph. http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/SmartMorph/
Here is the results of the application. Pretty neat eh?
Posted by Me at 10:37 AM | Comments (2)
September 05, 2005
March of the Penguins
Saw March of the Penguins with Tricia this eve.
March of the Penguins
This is an interesting documentary of the Emperor penguins during their treacherous journey hundreds of miles across the Antarctic ice. It shows the various stages of the Penguins breeding, encompassing the Journey from the water, to breeding grounds 70 miles away to the back and forth cycle of parenting and feeding. They turn out to be interesting, lovable and inquisitive animals. You can feel the struggle and the pain as they go through the situations encountered. During the ending credits you see the filmmakers and an interesting scene as the penguins become curious.
It gave me more respect in realizing what these animals go through to survive and perpetuate the species.
I wish I had a pet penguin.
For more reasons then one... Can you guess why?
Posted by Me at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2005
Chillin' Sunday Out at Chris's
Visting my friend Chris in Yonkers today for a nice sunday BBQ.
What beautiful weather... Ahhh.
It's nice to my ears too!
Posted by Me at 01:27 PM | Comments (0)
eBay glitter lamp
Finally arrived. cute lamp.
I figured I'm on it so often, I might as well have the lamp.
Posted by Me at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)
September 03, 2005
Birthday Bash Success.
So the birthday bash was a great success with a good turnout.
I happen to like The Martini Bar, although this eve, it bothered me a bit. They had a DJ that played some pretty crappy music and the smoking in the bar killed me. Probably would have been better if I could drink (I was the driver *sigh*) Overall they have a nice atmosphere and very good drinks. Highly recommended.
Oh those cushy chairs!
Posted by Me at 11:59 PM | Comments (0)
Birthday Celebration For My Bro
For those interested. We will be having a 40th Birthday Bash for my brother Michael
Feel free to Join us on Saturday September 3rd, 8PM at The Full Martini Bar to celebrate Michael Cotrone Sr's 40th birthday.
 |  The Full Martini, 174 Islip Ave. Islip, NY 11751 - 631.224.4445 Mapquest |
| |
Posted by Me at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2005
Prog Power USA VI Here we come
Just finished booking my annual pilgramage to Prog Power 6 in Atlanta GA.
I'll be getting to hang out with this lovely bunch of coconuts.
We'll be leaving Sep 14th and coming back Sep 18th.
Ahhh, something to look forward to at the end of the summer.
Posted by Me at 02:28 PM | Comments (0)