It's just about 10 p.m. I've spent another full day painting -- and this room was about 3/4 the size of the last! I started with a brake inspection I didn't need at 9 a.m. followed by my least favorite thing, linens shopping, for the next four or five hours, before finally starting on room prep and painting about 2 p.m.

I needed to go to Guitar Center to get some supplies for recording the band tomorrow; never happened.

Tonight is the dual birthday celebration of my friends (and former co-workers) Nathan and Danny at the Artisan Lounge. It should be awesome. I think I am too tired to go, though, especially after a long night yesterday.

Last night. Right. Went to see She Wants Revenge at the House of Blues (great as usual). Ended the night in the Parlor at Body English at 944's table after coming in with Adam Bravin from SWR and mutual pal DJ 88, both of whom spun in the Parlor. Watched as photographer Hew Burney brought Maynard James Keenan from Tool into the room to meet Adam. Talked to a few band members from Eek-a-Mouse, who performed earlier at the Hard Rock Hotel pool, and felt bad when I told them I just came from seeing Adam's band instead ...

Weird night, but fun. But right now, do I feel like taking a shower and getting dolled up (so to speak) just to go out for a few hours when I am already exhausted and have to be up early tomorrow to set up the recording stuff for the band in the morning?

I'm leaning toward "no." I'm leaning toward laundry and passing out on the couch (as the bedroom is paint-tastic). Yeah.

I don't think I know anyone who isn't a Violent Femmes fan, so when I remind you all now that the band is playing at the Hard Rock Hotel pool Friday, you'll say, "Yay." When I tell you it's free, you'll say "YAY." When I tell you there is free Bud Select from 7 - 10 p.m., you'll say, "BUD SELECT? ICK."

But it's OK, you're going for the music and the sight of girls in bikinis anyway, not the free booze. But it is free, so that makes it better, doesn't it?

Click on the flier below to reserve your free tickets, knuckleheads.



If you're looking for me, however, it's a futile search. I'm heading out for San Diego Friday morning and will be a non-Nevadan until Sunday night. I'm going to get my geek on at the annual San Diego Comic-Con. Oh, it's all legit -- I'm going to cover it, in some capacity, for Racket. But, mostly, I'm going just to get the hell out of Dodge for a while. And to search for artwork for my annual birthday tattoo.

Don't forget tonight is the debut of "Vinyl Wednesdays" at Tao. Should be a booty-shaking good time.

So enjoy the Femmes, be good to each other, and I'll see you when I get back. Next week is First Friday among other stuff, so hang tight for ... uh ... stuff.

1. Sit at home and watch "Bones."
2. Nap.
3. Go to the Hard Rock Hotel pool to watch Canadian indie rockers Hot Hot Heat while guzzling P.I.N.K. vodka drinks and chilling in/or/by the pool.



And remember, the official afterparty is at Downtown Cocktail Room, with members of HHH spinning. And MY official after-afterparty is at the Griffin, where DJ 88 spins the most awesome '80s, electro and hip-hop you've ever heard. Oh, and she's opening for Hot Hot Heat too. What a night, what a night ...

RSVP for the 944 2-year bash or else you're going to miss some serious radness.