Church to Renovate Hotel where Robert Johnson Recorded

Delta blues master, Robert Johnson, only recorded 29 tracks in his short musical career which ended in 1938. These 29 songs shaped modern blues and rock n' roll.

The First Presbyterian Church of Dallas has purchased the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, where, in a small room, Johnson recorded “Sweet Home Chicago” among many others in 1936.

They plan to make this a cultural center and a Blues landmark.

I need a first class ticket once it's opened!

[SOURCE]

The Girl is... Necessary?! (Lost in Translation)

Yeah... that makes sense.

This is the back cover for fake plastic nails found in Salwa co-op I was in yesterday.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it means you need to be a girl to use this product.

Another Day, Another Government?

[SOURCE]

According to this report by the AFP, the Kuwaiti government will resign and parliament will be dissolved, perhaps as early as today.

The political impasse has been going on for quite a while, and this year has been the most unstable it has been since the Gulf War.

I hope the Kuwaiti people will realize their true potential and redirect the country to the right direction of development and growth.

- UPDATE 1: It seems that the government has submitted it's resignation.

[SOURCE]

Coltrane's "Giant Steps" on Guitar

This is some insane playing; only because the chord changes on this composition are very difficult.

Jeez, this dude is pretty damn talented!

Tintin Movie: Rekindling my Inner Child

I saw the new "Adventures of Tintin" movie a few days back; I must say it was a great experience and I felt like a little kid again (yes I'm geeky like that).

Not only was the animation superb, but the characters' portrayal felt spot on, even after many years of not reading the old comics or watching the cartoons. The story is a mix of many stories from the original comics.

Tintin and Captain Haddock as seen in the movie.

Tintin is still as two dimensional as can be (although he is the central character, he is not the most interesting, as he is a very straight forward character with little depth).

Tintin as seen in the original comics of Hergé.

Captain Haddock, my favorite, provides the humor of the movie, and is very well portrayed. Thomson & Thomson are there too!

Haddock as seen in the original comics of Hergé.

Of course I'm not into 3D movies... I feel it's just tacked on just to charge you more. I only saw one noticeable use of the effect, and it was not worth having those silly glasses on my face.

It was a thrilling adventure, and even though it was produced by a person I despise (Peter Jackson), it brought back my old memories, and I think I will be watching "The Crab with the Golden Claws" once I turn it into a DVD (I have it on VHS!).

Public Urination: Extreme Edition

My good buddy Subah, who also works in the building right next to me in Kuwait City, sneakily snapped a photo of a gentleman happily (and I say that with conviction) relieving himself in the public parking lot that I park in everyday.

I usually understand the frustration of wanting to use the WC when one is not available; however common decency makes me hold it and take the pain until suitable locations are made present.

When I see people pissing in the streets, usually it is behind some garbage container or in the shadows hoping no one will see... but this guy just does it in the middle of a freaking car park.

You got to admit... this guy's got the cojones.

Thanks Subah for making me spill my coffee today. Will make sure to look around my car this afternoon.

Introducing: Otis Taylor ; the "Trance" Bluesman

No, I don't mean electronic blues.

I mean... when you listen to Otis Taylor's blues, you will be in a trance.

Taylor is a fine modern bluesman... his music is not strictly defined into one genre of blues... he added his own twist and touch to it, which provided a sort of hypnotic, nearly psychedelic interpretation of the blues.

His new album, Contraband, will be out next year.

In the meantime, get lost in this tune called, "Resurrection Blues".

My Wedding Photo in Skyrim

I've played about 25 hours of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and now, I got married.

Obviously I was excited... so that's why I was wearing that ancient helm.

God... I love this game; I haven't even scratched the surface yet...

Talk about a life sucking game.

Miles Davis Biofilm Given Green Light

[SOURCE]

A biopic of Miles Davis' extraordinary career will be made into production, to be directed by George Tillman Jr, who directed the Notorious B.I.G. bio, Notorious.

This is great news for jazz and Miles fans; I've have the DVD bio of Miles "The Miles Davis Story", and his life was full of ups, downs, acheivment, accolades, drugs, women, alcohol... you name it. He even released a jazz-hip hop album, his final album.

I look forward to watch this!

Free Zone: A Desolate Wasteland?

I haven't been to the Kuwait Free Trade Zone in a long time; I used to work in a company there from 2005-2007.

Since then, many coffee shops and restaurants opened, the area thrived with bustling movement.

Then, one day, the governent closed all F&B related businesses, since it was not allowed to open such a business there.

Wait.... what?!

Then how did Burger King, Starbucks, Cafe Supreme, and the other cafes open?!

Then we found out that many of the other businesses (contracting, investment, services etc) were operating illegally too.

The concept of a free zone in Kuwait is simply rent an office space in this area as an alternative to Kuwait City, Salmiya or Hawalli. But it does not conform to the real definition of a free zone; attracting foreign investment, encouraging the establishment of new types of firms, have low taxes incentives to increase development.

I was there to meet with someone at a bank for my company's business; and I saw what seemed to be a ghost town. Long gone are the days of the busy hustle and traffic... all I saw were shells of closed businesses and abandoned office parks.

SRV Drummer Doyle Bramhall Dies

[SOURCE]

On Nov. 13, Doyle Bramhall Sr. passed away at age 62, and was best known for performing with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, among others. He also released several solo albums.

He was an integral part in elevating Austin, Texas, to a blues heaven.

His son, Doyle Bramhall II, is a well known guitarist, whose accolades includes performing with Roger Waters.

RIP Doyle.

BRB: Dragons Await

I'll be off blogging for a bit as this game will suck the life out of me.

Oblivion took me 110 hours to complete; Skyrim promises double that.

My journey begins here... I shall return victorious one day. Farewell.

Egypt closes Pyramids ahead of "Masonic" Ritual?

[SOURCE]

According to sources, Egyptian authorities closed the Pyramids to visitors today for fears of a Masonic or Jewish ritual to take place on this day 11/11/11.

This day has many people riled up; people wanting to marry or give birth, as well as conspiracy theorists who believe this day marks a significant connotation to Freemasons, or the end of the world etc.

In any case it would be an interesting thing if it was true; we know Freemasons are as strong as ever... a ritual held in such a public place would signify their true power.

That is, if it is true.

Video of the Week: "Three O'Clock Blues" - B.B. King

They don't call him a king for nuthin'.

Was up hearing the solo over and over last night.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Rare Track: "I Wanna Go Home" - Muddy Waters

Although I have almost every Muddy Waters studio album, sometimes things slip by you without noticing.

I have this track on a Muddy compilation; but this version includes backing vocals and a sax, an instrument Muddy never incorporated in his music.

I'm still searching which album this came off of, but I do recommend you hear this lonesome song... this is the fucking blues.

This sounds like one of Muddy's early band lineup, which included Otis Spann on piano.

I'd ask you to pour a drink while listening to this song; but I digress.

Misspelled Signs: Extreme Edition

I was in the Avenues Mall and took a photo of a pretty disturbing sign in a famous retail store:

So moms, if you're 9 months pregnant and feeling the contractions OR your water broke, go here and buy some paigmas (pajamas for godssake) for your NOW born.

Don't employees have a spellchecker? Hell I'd do it for free!

Final Day Off; Cool Mood

Today marks the final day of the holidays... somehow things have passed too quickly and it's all over in heartbeat.

So I will be enjoying this last day cruising down the Gulf and sitting outside, basking in the great weather, before harsh reality kicks in.

Listening to "Freddie Freeloader" represents the mood I'm in right now. Nothing like some Miles Davis to keep bringing the cool.

Good luck tomorrow! (to those who have work that is).

Promoting Alcohol in Kuwait?!

I was in Marina Mall today; in a toy shop there was a dartboard for sale that looked like this:

To those who know their whiskey, Jim Beam is a popular whiskey in the USA:

So what gives?! I guess things are opening up? :P

The Day the Sheep Died

As we prepare to celebrate today, millions of sheep will be slaughtered for this occasion.

Somehow I was reminded of Pink Floyd's song Sheep , off the "Animals" album.

Thought hearing this song would be highly appropriate:

Finally, Fall Season! (Happy Holidays)

Suddenly, the weather is amazing. I don't think anyone noticed any gradual transition from summer, but hey I'm not complaining. Of course we won't see the misleading signature red and orange leaves here but one can always dream right?

While I feel fall in Kuwait will be short (winter is coming up) however I'm going to try to enjoy it as much as possible during the holidays; that's if I leave the house of course!

Happy holidays to everyone, I'll be offline for a few days, and good blues to ya!

Here's a holiday song for everyone; the classic song "Autumn Leaves" as visioned by Miles Davis:

Happy "Day of the Dead"!

Today is "Día de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, celebrated to honor and remember dead family members and friends.

Over time the celebration (while it looks like a lot of voodoo shit) takes on a more humorous and joyous tone (as seen in the pic). Many trinkets like those Catarina dolls are now sold on this festival.

Here's a few more for you: