The all new Octaine

Good things:
- The PA system is good and works well with dj_slingshot's gear. Together with his lights and decks (which play any CD/R), the audio/visuals are better than at the Kambar
- The venue is cheaper for us, the drinks are cheaper, there's proper beer and more variety
- The Portland staff seem a lot more interested in what we do than the Kambar's

Bad things:
- only three hours, by the time people leave pubs, we have to shut down as well
- this leads to problem No 2: attendance. 15 people is not enough, we need twice as many to cover all our costs without raising the door price which I really don't want to do
- more work for setup and takedown, especially for dj_slingshot who's got to transport it all.

Solutions:
- More advertising, especially at the venue but this was tricky this time due to the short notice
- Get people to bring along friends etc.
- Any suggestions welcome!

US city maps

Only US at the moment, but who knows, they might do more of the world.
Google Maps
Search by street, city or zip and zoom to your heart's content.

Health update

I think my major problem is exhaustion, not enough sleep will eventually kick me where it hurts. I really need to get a grip on that in the next few weeks. Stop hanging around online and get to bed at midnight the latest, excluding Calling nights (that's once every two weeks so should be doable).

Thanks for your well wishes. I just need to take it easy and sleep over the weekend and I'll be better on Monday. It's not so bad, I'm just feeling really unwell. I was even hungry just now, always a good sign.

I need to remember to take my Vitamin C and Zinc tabs every day, I've neglected those a bit in the last few weeks. I'm making up for it now (with added Echinacea) but that's obviously a bit late.

Excellent Mr Burns quote

"I can't be held responsible for what my goons were ordered to do!"

My setlist last night

Funky Gibbon Grooves

Santo & Johnny - Summertime
L. Ritenour - A Little Bit of This And a Little Bit of That
The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby
Esther Phillips - Hurtin' House
Black Haze Express - Won't Nobody Listen
Eric Gale - East End, West End
Christian Bruhn - Feinde greifen an (Captain Future soundtrack)
Luther Allison - Middle of the Road
B.B. King & Albert Collins - Call it Stormy Monday
Joe Louis Walker - Trouble on Wheels
Eric Clapton - Little Queen of Spades
Meshell Ndeoceo - You've Really Got a Hold on Me