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May 13, 2012 

The Neener Tour 2012: Pre-game Festivities

Work Harder Before You Play Harder

This week has been one giant blur of work and I’m not sure what I have to show for it accurately represents how busy I was. And perhaps my mind only made things worse by constantly wondering, “WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE I LEAVE???” Try as I might, even working all Saturday evening, I left a few things hanging, but I work with an amazing team totally competent of handling everything while I’m gone. I always feel weird taking vacation hours but I’m sure my tune will change as soon as I step foot in another country.

Always Prepared to Be Unprepared

Thursday night, I threw some five t-shirts and ten pairs of underwear into my suitcases then fell asleep. Friday night, I went to see American Idiot the Musical since I won them online the day before. I knew it would have been best if I stayed home, finished up some work and packed more shirts and underwears but I went. And it was pretty fun. And there was some damn good sushi had afterwards. And I got to catch up with an old friend. So, no regrets.

Except today, I woke up late from a Benedryl daze, tried to figure out how to stuff two suitcases full of stuff, and conceded that I am just a light packer and had everything I needed. I ran some errands, took a detour to the Fort Worth Food Truck Park, got to my parents’ house then realized how much work I still had left to do.

But, now it’s done, and now I have less than six hours to sleep before driving back north to pick up my brother and to check in ridiculously early so my mom doesn’t flip out. So, I should probably stop rambling and go to bed but really what I am trying to say is that I’m not as prepared for this trip as I could be but hey, I’m okay with that.

May 12, 2012 

Night Drive Thoughts: The Idea

How do you take an idea and convince everyone that they need to make a sacrifice for that idea?

Do you tell them what it took to form that idea? Or do you tell them what that idea means for them?

Did the people buy Gatorade for the electrolytes? Or to “Be Like Mike?”

Did the people buy Nike shoes for the waffle soles? Or to “Just do it?”

Did the people buy Apple computers because they were quality computers? Or because they were told to “Think Different?”

These slogans do not inform people about what these products specifically are or do, nor do they bluntly state why these products are better than other similar products.

They are directives. Each individual can read those slogans and apply them to their life, stirring the desire to mirror their inspiration, motivating them to finally follow their dreams, or to question their ideals.

You may win a few people over by science and logic but when you appeal to people’s emotions – their self-image, their worries, their dreams, their hopes – your message will resonate in people’s hearts and your idea becomes their idea. Then they will make sacrifices for that idea.

May 10, 2012 

The Neener Tour 2012: The Beginning

Some Other Beginning’s End

Last year, I quit my job for another, purposely leaving a two-week gap for freedom. I took a solo road trip from Texas to California, making sure to make every stop an adventure. And adventures were had. I tasted delicious local beers, slept in random people’s houses, visited ridiculous tourist attractions, met some Germans, and experienced the grand beauty of this country. I regretted nothing. And it was especially fun getting to share that with you all.

Let’s Do It Again, Maybe

This year, I’ll be heading to The Motherland which is really my mother’s motherland, The Philippines. I haven’t been since I was an angsty teenager, too cool to appreciate family and culture. I finished my Pre-AP English summer reading at the house in front of a fan while my brother played street basketball, bonding with my cousins. That was how exciting I was.

But this time will be different. One of my cousins will be getting married and we’ll be there to celebrate together. Filipino style. I’ll be spending eleven days near Lucena City, eating all sorts of strange foods, getting to know my family, and avoiding dengue fever like the plague. From the sounds of it, I might be in the rural parts of the country so internet may be a rare commodity. If I happen to run across it, I will let you guys know that I am still alive and Instagram a coconut or something. If not, I’ll come back and create a PowerPoint presentation for you so you can experience my trip fully. JK, JK YOU GUYS.

Want a postcard?

Last year, I put a PayPal button up for heck of it to see if anyone wanted to buy me a beer in exchange for a postcard. And people totally did it! Since I’ll be traveling with my mom and she told me not to worry about money, I’m not going to worry about money. Totally grateful. However, there is this friend in need that would appreciate monetary donations in a major way. His name is Brian Peyton and although I don’t him very well, he’s a good friend of my friends and always a pleasure to be around when we do happen to cross paths. In mid-April, Brian found out he has a rare brain tumor roughly the size of a racquetball. He is currently in the ICU at Zale Lipshy University Hospital undergoing intense treatments as doctors try to figure out the best course of action.

The Brian Peyton Fund has been started to help alleviate the cost of the medical bills that are amassing as he undergoes radiation and chemotherapy. Like me and millions of Americans, he has no health insurance. This is one of those times that you have to stop and reevaluate your life. Can you sacrifice a few luxuries to help a friend in need? If you can spare the money you were going to spend on a six-pack, a movie ticket, a night out – do it.

If the sense of helping out a friend in need isn’t enough, as my token of thanks, I’ll send you a postcard from my trip. Just email me your mailing address to theneener@gmail.com as well as the name of the “donations coordinator” that will appear on your PayPal receipt for verification. Please share this with all your friends, family and internet strangers. We may not be doctors but love goes a long way, right?

Donations can be made at www.brianpeytonfund.com.

March 11, 2012 

35 Denton! Now with more sun!

Noodles and Best Coast

I don’t have a lot of time to type so enjoy this picture of my dog, Noodles, with Bethany from Best Coast. Now go enjoy 35 Denton! The weather is the cat’s pajamas today!

Yesterday’s Recap

  • I was so snotty yesterday, it was ridiculous. My eyes and nose were so red. I was so sneezy. So as to not worsen the conditions, I stayed inside for most of the afternoon, peeking my head out just in time to see Bun B smoke a joint on stage. He gave props to the crowd for coming out, even some dude in red that kept getting hit by giant balloon balls.
  • The first night show I went to was The Spectacle at Abbey Underground. I don’t normally listen to heavy rock/metal but my friend’s fiancee is the lead singer/screamer so I thought I’d support ‘em. He also runs Do For It Records which is a legit DIY label. It was awesome to see him transform from a kindly, sweet dude to a pacing, yelling beast, commanding the stage.
  • I was about to head to Mellow Mushroom for American Royalty but at the last minute, I was able to get into Dan’s for the end of RTB2‘s set. Brilliant as always. Also, shameless plug: Watch this video.
  • I decided to park it at Dan’s and experienced Neeks. It was the biggest can of “WTF IS THIS” I have ever seen at 35 Denton. They were at times horrifying, confusing, hilarious, mesmerizing, and overall ridiculous. Why someone chose to put them between RTB2 and Air Review is beyond me but I think it’s because the schedulers have a sense of humor.
  • Air Review closed out the night to a strange crowd who insisted on excitedly dancing. Air Review is a hit-or-miss band for me – some songs were brilliant and some songs were meh. I was standing near the main bar where there was a whole lot of chattin’ going on so I think half of the crowd felt the same way. Either way, their best songs might have been their covers of Paul Simon and The Beatles. The crowd ate that stuff up.

My Sunday 35 Denton Picks

Venue capacity wasn’t as terrible yesterday but that was probably due to the weather. Make backup plans, kids.

Unofficial 35 Denton Schedules

There are still a lot of day shows going on and the weather is awesome so see if you can catch one, yeah? Sunday | Full Lineup

35 Denton Playlists

Hate sunny weather and staying at home? Experience the festival by listening to these playlists: my 35 Denton Spotify playlist and my 35 Denton Grooveshark playlist.

March 10, 2012 

35 Denton! Now with one extra day!

Noodles hustles harder

Oh man. My immune system is not having as much fun as I am at this music festival but do you know what I say to that? Water! Water! Cold meds! Vitamins! Water! Anyway, if you haven’t heard the news, The Jesus and Mary Chain were held up at customs so guess what? FREE SHOW ON WEDNESDAY! That’s right, wristband or no wristband, you will be able to celebrate Hump Day in style. Pretty rad way to turn lemons into lemonade, right?

Yesterday’s Recap

  • The weather was kind enough to let us enjoy the main stages without a drop of rain which was nice. The sun even came out for a little while Cowboy and Indian started the evening. As people got off work and started to trickle in, Whiskey Folk Ramblers treated everyone to some toe-tappin’ tunes and a rogue trumpet player. Both resulted in smiles throughout the crowd.
  • As the Baptist Generals played, I enjoyed a $3 taco from the Nammi truck. I’m going to go ahead and tell you it is the best bang for your buck out here. It is a messy food but your hunger will be satiated for cheap. Also, I ate fried Oreos from The Butcher’s Son. It was everything I’d hope for.
  • City councilman Kevin Roden made an excellent speech/toast introducing The Mountain Goats. He claimed Denton’s number one export is music and that everyone out there makes events like 35 Denton possible. I think it’s all true and appreciated his words as he held a Solo cup full of beverage.
  • The Mountain Goats were humorous and charming and fun. I spent most of the show watching my boss’ baby have the greatest time. The Mountain Goats: Great for babies! Hail Satan!
  • I was going to head to J&J’s to see Cartright and Bad Design but once I saw the line at Hailey’s, I knew I had to go ahead and wait there if I wanted to see Burning Hotels. Totally worth the wait. Both Burning Hotels and Class Actress lubricated the crowd with their sexwave sexiness. It was hard to keep those hips in check.
  • I’m especially glad that I decided to camp out at Hailey’s all night because The Hood Internet was ridiculous. The crowd would go nuts every time a song was triggered – Whitney Houston, Foster the People, Cyndi Lauper, M83 – a myriad of favorites were thrown in the mix, providing the soundtrack to non-stop dance party. Well, until someone accidentally unplugged something. That’s because the stage became an extension of the dance floor and everyone who wanted to got a shot at dancing next to The Hood Internet and swapping sweat with complete strangers. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dance up there at least once.

My Saturday 35 Denton Picks

Venue capacity and slow checkins will be a common occurrence this weekend so make backup plans and just go with the flow.

Unofficial 35 Denton Schedules

Don’t forget, Damaged Goods isn’t playing and Brain Gang will be taking their spot. Also, unofficial shows out the wazoo! Most of them are free so you don’t need a wristband! Note that the Oak St. Drafthouse show has been canceled due to weather. Saturday | Sunday | Full Lineup

35 Denton Playlists

Can’t make it out to the festival? Need a soundtrack while you’re getting ready to head out to the festival? Here’s my 35 Denton Spotify playlist and my 35 Denton Grooveshark playlist.

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