Today is the first day of Guitarmaggedon - the American Idol of guitarists. I have been practicing a routine for tonight and feel confident that I can win, well sort of. For some reason I have difficulty in setting the amp to the right settings. In the past I have - turned it up too loud, had too much reverb, and have had a cord fall out of my guitar. This time I am going really early and am going to practice on the equipment there. Also I have not done this in two years and I have definitely improved in my stage presence and playing. The guy who won it last year was really good. He used his guitar like a drum while he was shredding. Then tomorrow I am going to the church to try out for their orchestra as a backup guitarist. That would be soo cool if I could do it. The only downside is I might have to get up really early on Sundays. On the plus side, about 20,000 people who attend will see me play and I'll get on their national broadcast. Also, I will have to shift some of my priorities around to manage it all. I think I am becoming a real guitarist. Like someone who can do anything on guitar, all I have to do is imagine it. I just have to remember to pull my pants up and my shirt down before I put the guitar behind my head.

Thought of the Day
"I really cannot comprehend how stupid people can be sometimes. Can you comprehend it?"
"No, I can't comprehend it."
"I mean, we can put a man on the moon but we're still basically very stupid. The guy who's car this is, he could be one of the guys that built the rocket. You see what I'm saying?"
"Well, yeah, he can build the rocket, but he's still stupid for double-parking and blocking somebody in."
"So you really understand my point about building the rocket and double-parking?"
"On the one hand he's smart with rockets and on the other hand he's dumb with parking."
- George and Kramer in "The Dinner Party"