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Tag Archives: Baltimore

Billy Idol Gives Back – Rocks Baltimore with a Rebel Yell


Last Friday night, a group of us went to see Billy Idol at the Pier 6 Pavilion in Baltimore. I last saw Billy three years ago, and was blown away with his performance. The concert this year did not let us down, it was a non-stop explosion of rock. Idol is touring in support of his new “greatest hits” album, Idolize Yourself , which features all of his classics, a few lesser-known singles, and two new songs. Unlike the aging rockers who look like they have one foot in the grave (hello Keith Richards), Billy looks as cut and buff as ever. He struts across the stage with his familiar sneer and fist pumping.

Only true 80’s pop fans or current Billy fans will know of his side-kick guitarist Steve Stevens. Steve Stevens is one hell of a guitar player who plays up his 80’s glam image. A true performer, he not only rocks like a true legend, he also plays the part perfectly. If you ever get a chance to see Idol and Stevens perform in person, don’t miss it, you will enjoy it, I promise!

Billy’s last album, Devil’s Playground, was a moderately successful album, having hit #46 on the US charts. Although lacking a #1 hit like White Wedding, Rebel Yell, or Cradle of Love, it is a solid collection of songs.

Community Activist Uncovers Past Personal Demons

I have recently started reading a fascinating book written by Angelo Solera, a local Baltimore community activist.  The Journey “El Camino”, tells a gripping account of his life, from his earliest days to the present.   His tale of his life begins with Angelo as an immigrant teenager and ends with a man who has completed his journey from addiction to the life of a community activist.   It is clearly written from his heart, an honest tale that keeps you turning pages to see what happens next.  His relationship with his son is touching and moving, often expressing feelings that will stir empathy with parents everywhere.  He is pained by his struggle to overcome his own deepest troubles so that he can be the Father to his son that he knows he deserves.  Even today, that pain is able to stir strong emotions. 

Angelo was inspired to write this book after walking the 400-mile pilgrimage to Santiago of Compostela, Spain, in 2005.  A tradition that dates back to the Roman Empire, the trek winds through the wilderness, mountains, small villages, towns and mayor metropolitan centers of Spain.  Along this trip, Angelo begins to discover himself, uncovering many of his personal demons and fears – love, hate, passion, obsession and dependence to name just a few. 

“It’s a tough journey for all of us,” says Solera. “We’re all human, and we all want to be somebody and feel like we belong.” He comes from Spain, but now he belongs to America. He’s written the whole story in the English language he has embraced.  I have recently come to know Angelo, and I am deeply impressed with his ability to open his life up to all.  His book can help all of us look deeper into our own lives. 

After nearly three years, his book is complete, and using his own money, he has self-published his memoir.   You can find out more about Angelo’s Journey on his website, and can buy his book for only $15 here.  I urge you to read the free preview on his website and if you like it, purchase a copy for yourself or as a gift.  You will be helping Angelo complete his journey, and supporting an author/publisher with a dream.

Mother Goosed: The Nursery Campaign Tales

***C O M I N G  S O O N***

If you live in the Baltimore/DC area, you need to be aware of Fluid Movement’s latest event coming up in the next two weeks. Who is Fluid Movement you ask? Fluid Movement is a Baltimore-based performance art group that juxtaposes complex subject matter with delightful and unexpected mediums, at least according to their website… For the past several years they have put on a very funny and entertaining water ballet show at several of the local public pools (Riverside Park and Patterson Park).

This year’s show is Mother Goosed: The Nurseryland Campaign Tales
President Humpty sat on a wall
President Humpty had a great fall
Will the voters of Nurseryland put him back together?
Come see the colorful citizens of Nurseryland swim and entertain in this politically charged water ballet extravaganza!

Save the Date(s):
Riverside Park:
July 26, 2008 – Benefit Show
Tickets $25.00 for this show only,
Show at 6:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS for Riverside Park Shows!

July 27, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Patterson Park:
August 2, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
August 3, 2008 – Shows at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS for Patterson Park Shows!

Tickets are $9.00.

 2007′s Show – War and Flea’s

Holly in the Water

 2006′s Show – Origin of the Species

Rick and Holly

 

Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days Like This…

Was traveling North on I95 between Washington and Baltimore yesterday when at about 75MPH noticed a change in engine note. Let off throttle, noise went away, back on throttle, definitely something not right. As I worked my way over to the right lane, the oil pressure light came on. Clutch-in, and started coasting. Light flickered a few times, then solid on. Once it was on full, I turned off engine and coasted off the Rt175 ramp all the way to a gas station at the end of the ramp. The time the engine was on and first noticed issue until I shut down was approx 1 minute (probably less).

As I got out of the car, I was greeted to the whole left side of the car covered in oil, with more flowing from the oil cooler location.

Took four hours to get a tow truck that would tow it to Criswell, most wanted nothing to do with towing the Lotus. One guy came by and said he would never trust the tow ring to pull it onto flat bed.

Waiting to hear back from Criswell today…

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