So we went out this morning and bought my new Recto cab...and it's not being held hostage after all! I recorded a take on the October CJ forum jam, which I'll finish tweaking and mixing tomorrow. Here's the new rig:

So, word on the street is that a Lurid reunion may be in the offing. Jeff and I had a jam the other day and have been talking about the band for a while. It would be interesting to revisit that time period, not to mention, fun. I hope it comes together. In other musical things, Jeff and I are probably going to be collaborating on some things: he'll lay down drums for the new metal stuff I'm currently writing and I'll lay down some 6-(or 7-)string on some of his techno stuff.

If Lurid retakes the stage, I'll likely be unveiling a new rig. I'm getting a 2x12 vertical Recto cab...but it's being held hostage until the sis and I finish our oft-delayed remodeling project. Looks like we have some motivation: there's a new iPod in it for her. (Something for me to envy: those new 5G video-capable 'Pods look killer!)

I don't understand why a certain group of local pols keeps touting a Buffalo casino as a problem-solver; a silver bullet. It just doesn't compute. Projected casino revenue is about $150M in the first year. Realistically, barely any of this will come from tourists. The citizens of this county fought tooth-and-nail against a sales tax hike that would have cost consumers about $100M, yet we're just giving away even more through a casino. It's estimated that the city and county will split no more than $10M annually from the casino take. The rest either goes to Albany or Seneca-ville. No, we didn't get screwed on this one. In addition, it's been proven time after time that casinos do not generate business in the surrounding area. We're essentially giving the Senecas our land (at least the DL&W terminal isn't on the tax rolls) and hundreds of millions of dollars out of consumers' pockets, and getting nothing in return. Looks like we've been sold out yet again.

I never thought I would be supporting a Republican candidate, but I find myself pulling for Kevin Helfer in the Buffalo mayoral race. Why? Not so much because of who Helfer is, but who he isn't: Byron Brown. That's the last thing this city needs. It's painfully obvious that Brown is just another cog in the backslapping machine that is Buffalo, and indeed New York state, government. It seems everyone and their brother is clamoring for change, yet they want their Byron. Sorry, folks, but you can't have it both ways. Brown will almost certainly win in November, and I'd be amazed if we don't see more of the same from City Hall.

I also find myself wishing that the so-called 'reform' candidates would realize that being territorial cannot work when trying to beat a powerhouse such as Brown. Steve Calvaneso realized this, even if it was too late to make a real difference. Now, if only Judy Einach and Charles Flynn would come to their senses and drop out, Helfer might stand a chance. He is by far the most viable alternative to Brown in the general election, and we need to see that he gets every possible vote. Please, Judy and Charles, give it up and throw your weight behind Helfer. The 'anybody-but-Bush' mantra nearly worked for John Kerry in '04; why can't 'anybody-but-Brown' work for Buffalo?