Author: Jody Whitesides

Alrighty, I’ve been in England for only a few hours and I’ve already had my first Crumpet and several cups of tea. It took me a few minutes to get used to seeing cars driving on the opposite side of the road. But now I’m cool with it and it seems quite normal. Maybe I’ll take a chance at driving. Though I think it would be odd to have the stick on the opposite hand to drive.

In the meantime, I’ll be attempting to make some updates on my trip around the UK countryside.

Book Review of the Moment: Under the Banner of Heaven. Talk about a serious look into the concept of polygamy and what people do to get around it’s illegality is amazing. This book is also an impromptu look into the history of the Mormon Church and how it gots its start. UTBOH is a real page turner. I couldn’t stop reading. I found it extremely strange to read about a faction of Mormon’s called Mormon Fundamentalism. Though the book sometimes feels a bit scattered in its composition, I really liked it. I understand the religious nature of people and that they often feel about religion the way they feel about music. People often can’t deal with opposing views from their own. Despite that, I would recommend reading this book. If nothing else, it’s an exciting story based on real events and facts.

Jody

I’m heading to England! Woo Hoo. I’m excited, as I’ve never really been there before. Well, I was once there for two hours in Heathrow, but I don’t count that. Ten days baby.

I’ve been fevorishly working on creating instrumental versions of all my songs for licensing to film, tv and radio. So I’m in the midst of all that. Also, my drummer Donny and I are working on making us one of the most advanced live “jam” bands ever. We’ve discovered a great way to make on the fly changes to the songs and yet still retain the capability to have that ‘just-like-the-record’ type feel. It’s awesome! The next full band show will certainly be cool.

In other coolio type news… I’ve finally got my own signature picks! That’s right the same pick I normally play now has my signature on it. If you are interested in getting some for yourself, you can send me a S.A.S.E. (self addressed stamped envelope), and I’ll send you one back. If you want more than one then e-mail me about it first.

Movie Pick of the Week: Hitch. Will Smith has done it again. He’s got himself another hit on his hands. Despite this being a cutesy romantic flick, it’s actually quite good. I think because it comes from how people actually act when they’re attempting to court the opposite sex. As much as everyone would like to have a coach to get the chance to meet someone, it really comes down to you and your own ability to be who you are. Despite the built in romantic comedy factor that’s geared towards women, I think men will get a kick out of it too. I recommend it.

Jody

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

First off, new live video posted in the Clubhouse. The song: Favor Me. Not a member? Time to sign up now, it’s free and you’ll be happy you got to see the video, among all the other goodies located there.

Did ya catch the Super Bowl? I was hanging with a bunch of friends in Hermosa Beach. Little food, little beer, lots of fun. The game itself was pretty good (I’m not a football fan, this is like the one game I watch a year). Some amazing plays. But of course the true nature of the Super Bowl is all the entertainment that occurs away from the football players. The pre-show that is now longer than the actual game is to put it midly – dopey. The commericals are still the highlight of the mid-game fun. My favs were the sky-divers, the godaddy senate hearing, the frozen driver, and the market “robbery”. The worst one of the bunch: Napster (could it have been any lamer?).

Paul McCartney was the Super Bowl’s safe bet. Wouldn’t likely be a wardrobe malfunction with that man. The music and the quality of the performance was a real winner. I even appreciated the fact it was live and not pre-taped. Shows that someone can entertain and actually sing for real – without the need to be relying on a site gag.

Movie Pick of the Week: Hotel Rwanda. I caught this one on a whim. I knew going in it would be a tough movie. In case you don’t know, Hotel Rwanda is based on a major massacre that happened there back in the mid 90’s. Don Cheadle is proving his acting skills in a breakout role. Unfortunately I have the feeling this movie is going to be ignored. There is a lot of pain and hard choices made in this movie. It draws you in and jerks you around as you’re witnessing genocide from the inside of the situation. This movie is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t take cold blooded killing, and lots of blood, you may wish to stay away. I highly recommend this film – even if you are squimish.

More content updates coming soon…

Jody