I survived Warped!

Monday, June 30th, 2008 @ 11:23AM

Another hot and sweaty day at the Van's Warped Tour!

That’s me and overnight radio stud Andypants at Warped on Saturday.  It was hot and sunny as usual, and we had a great time. 

In this picture, I’m with Ryan Seamon who is the new drummer for The Brobecks. He was playing drums on Warped with the artist known as Jeffree Star, and that’s the rest of the band with us.  Not pictured is Jeffree Star, who wears women’s clothing and has pink hair.  He/she is the self-proclaimed queen of the Warped Tour.  But Ryan is a cool dude who grew up in Utah and is happy to be part of the Brobecks.

And this is me hanging with our web guy Zack.  He shot a bunch of video and is working on an online video of the Warped Tour.  I had a blast at Warped and now it’s time to get ready for the X96 Maverik Big Ass Show on Saturday, September 27th at USANA Amphitheater.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “The Deade Heart” Midnight Oil
1:20 “Lie Lie Lie” Serj Tankian

Van’s Warped Tour Information

Friday, June 27th, 2008 @ 11:25AM

It's gonna be a hot one! I better cover my head with sun block.

Warped Tour Information

Saturday at the Utah State Fair Park 10th West and North Temple.  Box office opens at 9 am, gates open at 11am.  Tickets are $30 at the door, cash only!  They will also be available all day at Smith’s Tix.  The schedule of the bands will not be known until the day of the show.

It will be sunny and hot!  Stay hydrated and wear sun block. You can bring one factory sealed bottle of water (up to one gallon) into the show.  There will be several free water stations throughout the fair park and it’s a good idea to hang onto your water bottle and refill it at these stations.  Dehydration is the number one reason people end up at the first aid stations.  Stay hydrated.

You can bring a backpack or a bag into the venue, but it will be searched.  You can bring a point and shoot camera, but not a professional camera.  A professional camera is one that has, or appears to have, a telescopic lens.  No video recorders or audio recording devices.  Cell phones are OK.

Bring plenty of cash!  ATM’s will be available inside the venue and in the box office for the first time ever!

Things NOT to bring:

Pens, pencils, any sharp objects including spike bracelets, spiked belts, spiked choke collars.  No weapons of any kind.  Nothing that is illegal.  No skateboards are allowed going in, but will likely be for sale in the venue.  Do not bring dogs … or cats, or any other critters.

Children.

Bringing children and babies is discouraged.  There will be an air-conditioned parents room.  It is suggested that if you bring babies and young children (which, again, is not a wise idea) keep them cool and safe.  Make sure you know where the parent’s room and first aid stations are located.  The tour’s policy is that children under 8 do not need a ticket.  But little kids don’t want to spend the day in 100-degree heat.

Todd’s iPod
10:20 “Rite of Spring” Angels and Airwaves
1:20 “Worlds Away” From First To Last

X96 Maverik Big Ass Show 2008

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 @ 4:58PM

Here it is 4:58 pm and I haven't posted a blog yet.

I’ve been busy as hell for the last few weeks putting together the 2008 X96 Maverik Big Ass Show.  Mark the date of 9/27/08 in your calendar and plan on joining us this year at USANA Amphitheater.  We’re excited to try the show at USANA because they have a much better sound system and we can FINALLY crank up the volume.  The sound will be much better than we’ve ever had.  We also have a few other surprises coming ... hopefully cheaper tickets than last year, but that’s not a done deal yet.

I have confirmed 8 bands so far ... but I can’t tell you about it just yet.  We’ll announce it on August 4. Only one of the bands confirmed has ever played any of the past Big Ass Shows, so expect a different line up this year.

todd’s iPod

10:20 “The Magnificent Seven” The Clash
1:20 “Stand By Me” Pennywise

I just became a millionaire!

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 @ 11:26AM

Here is the email I received today. I’ve already resigned from X96 because I no longer need to work! I’m gonna buy that big house on Easy Street! Thank goodness for such wonderful surprises in life. This is clearly written by a legitimate attorney who has a full grasp of the English language.

Dear Todd Nuke ‘Em,

This notification may come to you as a surprise but only your willingness and your commitment will enable and guaranty me to be able to relay issues with you in due term. If am well assured of your mutual consent and your trustworthiness which will give me the initiative to intimate you on a mutually beneficial procedure.

I am Ahmad B. Osman, an attorney at law .Sometime in 2002, I lost one of our valued clients in a heart related disease; it developed after he suffered an heart attack as a result of loosing his wife and kids to a ghastly motor accident where he transacts some of his business.

I have contacted you to assist in distributing the money left behind by my client before it is confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this deposit valued at Eight million seven hundred thousand US dollars($8,700,000:00) is lodged. This bank has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin, or the account will be
confiscated.

My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin and beneficiary of my named client, since you have the same last name, so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you. Then we can share the amount on a mutually agreed-upon percentage.

All legal documents to back up your claim as my client’s next-of-kin will be provided. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction through.

This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. If this business proposition offends your moral values, do accept my apology.

I must use this opportunity to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter extraordinary confidential, whatever your decision, while I await your prompt response. Please you can also contact me at once to indicate your interest on my alternative email At: .

Best regards,
Ahmad B. Osman.

Haha, I should send him a reply!

todd’s iPod
10:20 “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” The Offspring
1:20 “No New Tale To Tell” Love and Rockets

Free acoustic performance featuring FROM FIRST TO LAST.

Monday, June 23rd, 2008 @ 1:18PM

Live at the X96 Cultural Hall this Friday at 5pm, From First To Last!

Join us for From First To Last this Friday at 5pm in the X96 Cultural Hall at 5pm.  They’ll play a couple of songs and will be happy to meet you and sign autographs.  They are one of many bands that will be at the Van’s Warped Tour this Saturday, but you can be part of a free, intimate acoustic performance.  Our address is 515 South 700 East in Trolley Corners.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Cemeteries of London” Coldplay
1:20 “Gamma Ray” Beck (Sort of a strange new song from Beck.  But what would you expect?)

This morning on Frontrunner…

Friday, June 20th, 2008 @ 11:50AM

Stay off the tracks!

I was riding to work on Frontrunner this morning in the lead car because I’m a geek and I like to be in the front to hear the whistles and bells, when the driver had to slow and stop prior to the crossing at 500 South in Woods Cross.  It appeared to be a situation where a tractor trailer was barely in the crossing when the crossing gates deployed.  I did not see that happen, but the engineer had to wait for the truck to clear the crossing, and then I watched him get out of the train to remove the broken gate from the tracks.  Fortunately the UTA engineers are professionals and our operator was aware of the situation ahead.  We were approaching the Woods Cross station and were moving very slowly at the time, and he got us stopped in time to handle with the stupid truck driver.  I should have taken a picture with my phone!  Damn.

I will again make my point that the Federal Railroad Administration needs to repeal the quiet zone along the Frontrunner route because clearly the crossing gates are not enough to keep idiots off the tracks.  There’s something about a train horn that gets your attention.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Shake The Disease” Depeche Mode (Live from 101)
1:20 “Lost” Coldplay

See me in person today!

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 @ 12:57PM

I'll be at the Bountiful location of Cricket at 1455 South 500 West from 4 to 6.

I’ll let you touch my mohawk!  Plus I’ll have free stuff for ya.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Come Original” 311
1:20 “Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth” Dandy Warhols

Kilby Court: The Best Damn $6 You’ll Ever Spend.

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 @ 6:52AM

The essence of Utah's indie music scene is filled with character.

Death Cab For Cutie, at their recent performance before thousands at Thanksgiving Point last month, threw out props to Kilby Court in reference to their shows in 2000 and 2001 at the most humble of all live music venues. Long before signing to a major label, and admittedly long before X96 even knew they existed, Death Cab was one of many of today’s commercially successful bands to load their gear into the garage-turned-venue at the end of a mysterious alley on Salt Lake’s west side. Just walking down Kilby Court--which is somewhat of a street at about 330 west between 700 and 800 south--is an interesting experience. Industrial warehouses surround the area, yet there are actual homes crammed along the narrow passageway that eventually leads to one of the coolest places to see a live band. The residents obviously don’t mind live music because they have no choice in avoiding un-amplified drums thundering out from what appears to be a garage. And I mean garage for maybe two vehicles because you couldn’t cram three cars in there. With such limited space, the stage is small and the performances are intimate. If your band has more than three members, guitar necks are going to collide and the drummer’s sweat will get on you. But there is something ultimately charming about everything that goes on at Kilby Court. It is hidden, physically and metaphorically, from the rest of the world. Big concert dollars aren’t part of its lineage. Most people have probably never been there to see a show, but when you do go there you get the feeling that every performance is of pure art and nothing more. I went last night to see my friends in The Market. Admission was only $6 and even after I bought a bottle of water at an utterly reasonable $1 I was happy to be there. Yeah, I saw Linkin Park play to a packed E-Center, but the shows at Kilby Court are somehow better. It’s because the bands at Kilby are either local or driving across the country in a beat up van that may or may not make it to the next show. If you go to http://www.kilbycourt.com you’ll see an impressive list of bands that have been there. Death Cab For Cutie, Rise Against, Hot Hot Heat, and many more bands that have played in places much bigger lately are among lots of cool indie artists. Do yourself a favor. Watch their website for an upcoming show and then go to it. Yes, you’ll be driving around the block wondering to yourself if you really are in the right place. But go check it out, especially in the summer so you can kick back in the actual “court” area outside. It will be a unique concert experience, one that you’ll never forget.


The Market performing on the cozy stage at Kilby Court last night.

Bands like Rise Against that have performed at the E Center have also loaded their gear through the humble entrance at Kilby Court.

That’s me hanging with The Market backstage at Kilby Court. Yes, that’s keyboardist Anthony Webster planting some lovin’ on my cheek.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “John Wayne” Billy Idol
1:20 “Black Celebration” Depeche Mode, live from 101 in commemoration of the 20 year anniversary of 101.

Why Richie T. always loses his wallet.

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 @ 11:12AM

Can you see Richie's wallet in this photo?

Our dear friend Richie T. is often losing his wallet, keys, and cell phone.  It is a common occurence, but I ask you is it any wonder?  If you take a close look at the above photograph of debris in the studio after Radio From Hell finished, you’ll see a wallet hiding among the newspaper and X96 prize book.  His wallet could have easily been swept up in the load of papers and tossed into the trash.  Of course I always look out for his personal property around the office so nothing happens to it.

(I also stole his Visa and did some shopping online at http://www.walthers.com.  Don’t tell him, please.)

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Bound for the Floor” Local H
1:20 “Dawn of the Dead” Does It Offend You Yeah? (Cool new song from a cool indie band.)

Hold on tight and have fun.

Monday, June 16th, 2008 @ 12:57PM

Wicked is still cool!

I’ve lived in Farmington for 2 years now and never got a season passport to Lagoon.  My wife and I finally got them and now we get to take lazy casual trips to go ride the rollercoaster whenever we want.  It’s awesome.  So watch for me strolling around Lagoon this summer.  Seriously, who doesn’t love the Terror Ride and Wild Mouse?  I actually convinced my wife to ride Wicked and you should have heard the stream of obseneties that came from her mouth while we were on the new coaster.  I love that woman.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Not My Slave” Oingo Boingo”
1:20 “Rescue Me” Hawthorne Heights

This septum is deviated!

Friday, June 13th, 2008 @ 1:08PM

Look up my nose for a deviated septum.

It was confirmed this morning by the good Dr. Stoker that I’ll likely need surgery to fix my nose.  I wish I could say it was broken in a fight, but it just naturally got messed up to the point that I can’t breathe.  So at some point this summer I’ll have to get this repaired.  Right now my sinus is so stuffed up my head feels like it might gently burst.  Enough of my whining.  Have a lovely weekend.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Private Idaho” B-52’s
1:20 “Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?” The Offspring

My septum is likely deviated.

Thursday, June 12th, 2008 @ 12:43PM

I can't breathe!

I think that my sinus area is having difficulties.  Seems like something is wrong since I can’t really breathe and I’ve had a sinus infection since last August.  It could be a deviated septum, and that means minor surgery.  Oh joy!  My father had to get this done, so if it is passed on genetically then I’m likely in for it.  I have a doctor appointment tomorrow morning to get it checked out. 

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Freakshow” The Cure
1:20 “Stuff is Messed Up” The Offspring.  (I wish I could play the album version for you, but it is filled with swear words.  It’s still a cool song, so Corey O’Brien made what we like to call “The W Edited Version” It will be on the new Offpsring album that comes out on Tuesday.)

Watch out for Frontrunner!

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 @ 1:20PM

SUV hit by Frontrunner in Layton early this morning.

When I ride Frontrunner I always see people jumping from the platform and running across the tracks as the train approaches because they’re too lazy to walk to the designated crossings at the ends of the platform.  Not only is this a $100 fine, it is deadly.  Trains are way too big to stop quickly and I can’t imagine being so foolish.  You also don’t want to stop your vehicle on a crossing.  Somebody did this last night and got their SUV smashed by the train.  Fortunately nobody was hurt and the train was barely scratched.

The Federal Railroad Administration also issued a “quiet zone” along the Frontrunner line.  This means that trains no longer honk at crossings.  I believe this is a bad decision and is likely dangerous.  But then again, I’m just a nerd and I like the sound of trains honking.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Viva La Vida” Coldplay
1:20 “Graduate” Third Eye Blind (For the class of 2008.)

Big dried glob of Tide on my shorts.

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 @ 12:59PM

Feels like a Monday today.

  So I make it to work and midway through the day I notice a big dried glob of Tide on the side of my shorts.  It looks like a big white stain, like perhaps I spilled paint or gravy from chicken fried steak.  But I went to the restroom, ran water on my hand, rubbed the stain and it turned into suds.  And it smells like Tide.  So apparently when I did the laundry, the detergent didn’t dissolve properly and I somehow got dressed without noticing it.  Now I look like an idiot with a big dried glob of Tide on my shorts.  At least it smells Spring Fresh!

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Tommy the Cat” Primus
1:20 “My People” The Presets

Monday. Welcome to it.

Monday, June 9th, 2008 @ 10:53AM

Another work week begins.

It was a busy weekend.  Here I am with our Short Bus drivers Kurt and Bryan getting ready for the Pride parade Sunday morning.  This year the Pride festival was their biggest ever, so thanks to everyone who attended and were so kind to X96.  We had a blast.  The next big event is the Van’s Warped Tour on June 28.  Get ready for the long hot day!

todd’s iPod
10:20 “That Green Gentleman” Panic at the Disco (Recorded live at X96 last week.)
1:20 “Dead and Bloated” Stone Temple Pilots (See these guys in concert Wednesday night at the E Center.)

Big Gay Weekend

Friday, June 6th, 2008 @ 1:33PM

The Pride Festival is this weekend at Washington Square in downtown Salt Lake.  Watch for X96 in the Pride Parade on Sunday morning, plus we’ll be there throughout the day.  This has prompted me to play a few gay songs for todd’s iPod today.

10:20 “I Kissed A Girl” Katy Perry
1:20 “She Has A Girlfriend Now” Reel Big Fish

Panic at the Disco in our studio yesterday.

Thursday, June 5th, 2008 @ 11:33AM

Check out the pictures.

That’s me with a dumb look on my face with the band.

Panic at the Disco live at X96 on 6/4/08.

Some of the crazy fans that joined us in the X96 Cultural Hall for the performance.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Northern Downpour” Panic at the Disco (live from yesterday’s acoustic performance)
1:20 “Alive and Kicking” Simple Minds (One of the greatest songs ever recorded!)

The X96 Big Ass Show…

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 @ 1:33PM

It drives me crazy!

I’m working on the X96 big Ass Show for 2008 and it drives me crazy sometimes.  It’s hard to get a lot of bands to play for a cheap ticket price.  But I’m plugging away.  We had a couple of bands confirm today, so it’s moving along.  It’s also been a frustrating day at work ... I’m sure you know what that’s like.  That’s why I had to play Disturbed for todd’s iPod.  Just a little anger music to blow off some steam.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “24 Hour Break-Up Session” Local H
1:20 “Inside The Fire” Disturbed

I may or may not be wearing deodorant/antiperspirant today.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 @ 10:53AM

I'm not sure...

I was moving fast this morning to catch the 7:40 Frontrunner to Salt Lake and I’m not sure if I put on my Right Guard.  Do you ever have those moments where you’re not sure if you put your deodorant on?  My sniff test is inconclusive, mostly because of allergies.  My pits aren’t dripping, but I can’t honestly tell if anything is different from days when I positively wear antiperspirant.  I used to keep a spare in my desk for days like this.  Maybe Artie Fufkin will spray me down with his Axe when he arrives.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Seether” Veruca Salt
1:20 “House of Cards” Radiohead

Panic at the Disco

Monday, June 2nd, 2008 @ 1:19PM

Panic at the Disco is gonna be in town this Wednesday night at Salt Air, but join us in the X96 studio for an acoustic performance Wednesday around 2:30.  We’re at 515 South 700 East in Trolley Corners.

todd’s iPod
10:20 “Troublemaker” Weezer
1:20 “Mayonaise” Smashing Pumpkins