Rediscovering the Beastie Boys (for like the 4th time) after an amazing concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley last night. One of the best groups in concert of all time--still relevant and fun after 20 years. And check out Mixmaster Mike on the big screen, still mixing it up (taken with my iPhone).
Tonight I had the dubious honor of being the first to show William Gibson an iPhone. Just after the photo above was taken (with said phone) he asked if he could see the screen because he'd never seen one before. eh? Seems like a lost opportunity Apple PR...
Anyhow, Gibson was in the Haight at a bookreading for his new book Spook Country hosted by Booksmith (a great bookstore that has hosted many enjoyable author-fete's I have attended in the past, including the Bruce Campbell nerdfest extraordinaire, Robert Jordan, J. otto Seibold, and a rousing no-limit hold-em tournament with James McManus in which I eliminated the author with 3 queens :)
The father of cyberpunk discussed his views on time travel (he doesn't believe in it), canada (apparently he's often mortified at the reaction people who look like americans have to america), technology (he thinks of it more as how to grow and store grain to sustain a city than shiny silver objects you bring home from Future Shop).
He also name-dropped, mentioning Cory Doctorow, Bruce Sterling and Douglas Coupland as friends. I guess I assumed they were all friends, but it's weird to actually hear it acknowledged.
The most interesting quote of the evening? When asked if he found inspiration for his books in current events he said no. That his inspiration wasn't that linear. That he "sits down and invites the zeitgeist in for tea" and then sees what happens.
I think I'll try inviting in the zeitgeist myself. You never know what might happen.
Intrigued by the Bicycle Music Fest this weekend. Should give me a good reason to (finally) check out the Alemany Farmers Market that everyone can't stop saying is the best in the City (and claims it is the most successful operated market in the United States.)
Although this scares me:
4:00 pm
@ Dolores Park
It's the summer, it's Dolores, you have nice cycling legs. You and I know that means naked time.
Naked time is scary. Naked hipsters are even scarier. MW says, "Naked hipster must mean only ironic shirts, white belts, manpri's and stylish shoes. no fanci jackets." (heh)
Not sure if I'm hipster enough, but maybe I'll check it out. With clothes. (I knew you were worried.)
