Run, America
Santa Fe, Thunder
I booked a Motel 6 being it was the cheapest option for an accommodation. Kim and I packed our things and hit the road! After countless hours of driving we made it to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We checked into our motel and drove over to Ying Yang for dinner. It was late and I needed to get my rest, but we weren't ready to call it a night. Meow Wolf was only a few minutes from our motel. We drove over and explored the lobby and gift shop. We visited Meow Wolf earlier in the summer and didn't feel the need to buy tickets to get in again. The gift shop and lobby was fun to explore. After a couple of items purchased we made our way back to our motel and called it a night.
5:02am we woke up and made our way to the starting line. It was in the middle of nowhere, so it seemed. The only things around us was a REC center that was closed, a completely dried up river, and an empty playground. We were the only one's in the parking lot and no one was around. The radio was playing ancient tribal songs of Native Americans singing and playing percussion instruments. Things started to feel a little bit creepy. We walked inside the dried up river to see if we could find the starting line. There was no sign of anything. As I was walking up a dark hilly road a man stopped me. He asked if I knew where the half was taken place. It appeared we may have been in the right place after all. We hung out in the car for awhile and after an hour, a lot more people started showing up.
It was freezing outside and the runners were ready for the race. While everyone was waiting for the race the start. I noticed a man wearing a t-shirt that had a map of the United States. Most of the states were filled in with different colors. I asked him what the shirt symbolized. He told me it's part of a club called Fifty States Half Marathon Club. He had finished a half marathon in 44 states and only had 6 states to go. I was very impressed and even more determined to get my 3rd state completed.
The race horn went off and the people started cheering. It was my time to run a race like no other. It started off up hill. My legs were hurting from the beginning. I hadn't been training nearly as much this year and my Nike running shoes are over 3 years old. Despite my adversities I kept a good pace from the start. I was running what appeared to be desert and dried up land. The race went along the highway down to shady flat roads. There was a lady playing accordion by herself under an overpass. I was exhausted 8 miles in. My body felt like it could have given in any second. I couldn't stop. I would have been too disappointed with myself. The sun was beaming on my face. Every time there was a water tent I would extend my arm out to grasp the cup only for a couple of second of water to hydrate my mouth.
1 hour 50 minutes and 47 seconds was my finish time placing 120 out of 1100 participants. That is the fastest time I have ever ran a half marathon. After my run a medal was placed around my neck for completing the race. I was so happy and in so much agony at the same time. I sat down and was given water, bananas. and popsicles to cool off. Kim and I left to make our way back to Motel 6 before checkout time. I hopped in the shower and got cleaned up. We gave our room keys back and left the motel.We spent that morning walking around down town Santa Fe. They had music in the park and a historic car show taking place. I love this city, it's one of my top 5 favorites. It's very relaxing and designed beautifully. The original ancient architecture appeals to me so much. We ate lunch and walked around the local shops. It was a great reward to a challenging run.
Driving home we saw lots of mountains and nature along our way. The most memorable moment of the weekend was when we were driving across the New Mexico - Colorado boarder line we saw a rainbow so very close to us that we started chasing it. We drove on the side of farm land and got out of the car. The rainbow was shinning it's ultra violet rays into a patch of corn. We couldn't get through, but it was the closest I had ever been to touching a rainbow.Hours later we made it home. It was a wonderful weekend with a great ending. I love Santa Fe, New Mexico and can't wait to visit again. I'm looking forward to next year to complete my next half marathon in a new state to get me closer to finishing a half marathon in all fifty states.
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The Shaky Experience reunion in Denver and Hawaii
My goal to get to all 50 states before I turn 30 is becoming a reality. I recently purchased my ticket to fly to Honolulu, Hawaii December 6th - 13th. I leave the day after my 28th birthday to hangout with my 3 best friends James, Thom, and Kristine. I am more excited than words. This is a once in a life time trip for me and it is going to be happening very soon.
Thom is flying from Hawaii to Denver to hangout with me and reunite our band THE SHAKY EXPERIENCE! We started this band in 2010 and have played at least one show together every year since then. I honestly thought this was the year where we wouldn't be able to play together. However, due to him coming out here. We were presented the opportunity at Posh House a DIY space in Denver. The lineup is Hair Club, Galleries, Vic & The Narwhals and The Shaky Experience. Thom Quin Merrill and James Richard Lane will be performing one night only as The Shaky Experience October 27, 2017 at Posh House.
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M I S C E L L A N E O U S
October 1st, 2017 has marked my 11 year anniversary as a vegetarian. I became a vegetarian when I was 16. My initial plan was to only do it for a month to support a friend who was doing it long term. They quit two weeks in and I stuck with it since. The first few years I was eating only diary and bread products. I didn't know how to cook or what vegetables I liked. When I left LA and briefly moved to Florida, a family friend helped me try more vegetables and food varieties. This expanded my diet much more and in such a better way.
Becoming vegetarian is one of the best choices I have ever made. I just recently watched a documentary called "What The Health?". It was an insightful lesson on why everyone should consider vegetarianism let alone veganism. I highly recommend anyone reading this right now to at least watch the trailer right now to get an idea what makes this documentary so great.
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My passion in entertainment is starting to move forward. It's nothing big, but it means something to me. I recently had roles in two student films. These films will be finished by December and submitted to film festivals across America. The names of films are:
The Perfect Life Of Janie Jones by Connor Smook
Halves and Quarters by Zoe Marmer
I discovered these by checking Galina's Casting. I acted my heart out. It was a fun experience and I sent out more resume to other directors. I recently got cast for the main role in an upcoming 80's slasher film called "Slices of Death". I also auditioned for an upcoming television commercial for Rooster Cat, a local coffee shop in Denver. Entertainment is my passion and I am going to continue to follow it.
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The Shaky Experience (MET Radio Show)
I have hosted my radio show since May 2017. Since I have had this show I have hosted great guest. I have gotten into awesome music festivals for free. I have met amazing people. This radio show has become a huge part of my life in Denver. I am excited to announce that my biggest moment yet on the show is coming up October 27th 10am - 11am MST.
I am going to be interviewing Denver's District 7 Councilman Jolon Clark. I recently met the councilman at a neighborhood outing he hosted. I spoke with him about my questions in regards to my neighborhood and the community that he oversees. Jolon and I talked for hours that night. I mentioned to him that I host a radio show a Metro State University. He told me he was interested in coming on and answering my questions so everyone could hear them live on my radio show.
Be sure to tune in live later this month to hear my interview with Councilman Jolon Clark at
https://www.mymetmedia.com/listen/
P.s I won baseball tickets
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Hike, COLORADO!
Manitou Springs is one of my favorite places to hike in Colorado since moving here. The hike is seriously unreal. The surrounding is red rocks and boulders that display what appeared to be hieroglyphics. The big lake that is along the mountains is a great place to relax. It was an astonishing day of sight seeing and climbing up and down mini mountains.
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Music and Show Reviews
Fader Magazine hosted a free show at Larimer Lounge with unlimited free beer. The bands that played this show were Crl Crrrll, Flaural, Hoops, and Ra Ra Riot.
Crl Crrll was voted Westword's DJ of the year in 2016. He DJ'd in between sets a variety of tunes throughout the night. The one that stuck out to me was Jackson 5's - "2-4-6-8". It's my favorite Jackson 5 tune and great song all around. I approached the dj and we talked about how much I love his tunes. I asked him to come on my radio show and he agreed! Crl Crrll will be on my radio show 10/20/17.
Flaural was the next band up. They are a psych indie trio that plays rocking reverb guitar. They put on a great performance. I first saw them at 3 Kings during The Underground Music Showcase. They have a large following in Denver and always drawl a large crowd.
Hoops is a great band! They have a pure indie sound that anyone can enjoy. They are a four piece from Indianapolis that knows how to get the crowd moving. Hoops has a song called "Rules" that is so catchy that I haven't been able to get it out of my head since I heard it live.
Ra Ra Riot was the headliner that night. They were alright... I saw them for free in Baltimore last year at WTMD's First Thursday. A lot of their songs sound the same to me and it just doesn't have the sound that can keep me interested. The hit songs "Boy", "Water", "Absolutely" were great to hear live, but other than that I can't say I would ever pay to see them. Ironically, I haven't both times.
Fader Magazine hosted a great show overall. All the free beer was a sweet surprise. It was a good time with a great turnout. After Ra Ra Riot's set Kim and I made our way to Meow Wolf's dance party at Summit Music Hall. It had the classic Meow Wolf props that made it fun. The dj's put on a grand performance and everyone in the room was in a dancing groove.
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I won a guest list spot to see Ty Segall at Fox Theater in Boulder. My friend Patrick and I drove to Boulder to see Ty on snowy night. The Flatworms opened the show. They are a trio from California that played a 90's style garage punk set. A few songs into their set the bass players amp blew out. This left the rest of their set to be guitar and drum jam. They were okay... very typical California garage rock. It wasn't anything special, but I guess it was still cool to see.
After their set Ty Segall went on. He played a lot of his new "psych" music. It feels like a weird rip off of The Beatles. Him and his band played a song that lasted over 10 minutes and I couldn't have been anymore eager for it to end. I saw Ty once before at Gold West Cafe in Baltimore in 2011. He put on such an incredible set. I was blown away by how interactive he was with the crowd. He also pieced together the perfect amount of noise with garage rock. While he was performing in Boulder he played a few hits like "Finger", "Ghost", "Pretty Baby", but mostly the new stuff I don't care for. He ended with an encore of the song "You're The Doctor" that was the rawest Ty got the entire night. He was jamming hard on the guitar and screaming while holding his head. It felt like the Ty Segall I use to love. All together I wasn't thrilled about his set. Although, I would still consider myself a Ty Segall, but only his old stuff.
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I won two tickets to see Com Truise 10/17. He played in Colorado Springs at The Black Sheep. Nosaj Thing opened the show and he was great! I've never heard of him before, but after some research I discovered he's worked with Kid Cudi, Kendrik Lamar, and Chance The Rapper. He had a laser beaming from the stage to the back of the room. He also had fog blowing out of the machine into the laser that made a really cool thing. I felt like his set was like watching a 1980's scifi movie.
Com Truise started to rush towards the stage at 10:58pm. I quickly high fived the electronic musician. He started playing his classic CT hits. I loved it and everyone else in that room did too. It was such a great performance! I saw Com Truise in Baltimore at Ottobar a few years ago and I thought he did a good job, but this time was even better. He had four LED screens behind him that lit up awesome images behind him. One of the coolest images that appeared was his album covers. He played some of his new songs that sounded great live. He mainly stuck with tunes from his album "In Decay". I can't stress enough how good he is live and how much I encourage anyone to go see him.
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REVIEWS
The Go! Team has announced their new album Semicircle. I am so excited! I love The Go! Team they have the sound of a marching band that has gone wild. The music is uplifting and always so catchy. This is their 5th and it will be released January 2018. The bands first album Thunder, Lightning, Strike has the hit "Huddle Formation". This song was played in commercials and got a lot of great press. I remember being in Philly and hearing my ringtone of their song "Huddle Formation" going off. It turned out it was a girl who had the same ringtone. It shows the value they created of their classic indie hit. Be sure to listen to their brand new single "Semicircle Song". It's the perfect way to put positive vibes down your spine.
The Killers - Wonder Wonderful. I was so confident that this album was going to be the best Killers album yet. The songs "The Man" and "Run For Cover" are fantastic songs that I absolutely love. When the album came out I listened to it all the way through. The first song "Wonderful Wonderful" is a dark spooky track. It's definitely something we're not use to hearing from the band. I really enjoyed that tune and the others I named in the beginning, Other than that, I loathe to say it, but this album was a massive disappointment. The 3 songs I named can carry The Killers a long long way. Those songs are pure classic hits! The rest of the tunes are nothing special. I even listened to the album's b-side and I still felt disappointed. I love The Killers and hope they continue to put out albums. Be sure to listen to "The Man", "Run For Cover" and "Wonderful Wonderful". They are very special amazing great fantastic hit songs! As for the rest of the album I'll let you decide what you think.
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