Stewsday! A Blog for all Seasons!

NETFLIX - Is a Short

2011-07-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's time to analyze the position of Netflix NFLX in the broader market. This stock keeps advancing and it's red hot for portfolio managers. The revenue is solid $718,553,000 and the EBITDA looks good at $224,993,000 with a P/E ratio of 82.5. On June 3rd, I wrote that it's still too early to short this stock because it has too much momentum, but for those who've already made their money, it's

Madison, Wisconsin, Is America's Best College Sports Town

2011-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

No one really needed to tell me this. As a student I've watched my Badgers consistently make it to the NCAA Tournament thanks to the coaching of Bo Ryan. I am a huge fan of Barry Alvarez! As a freshman in '93, our Badgers won the Rose Bowl. On Wisconsin! In the '97 season, they won the Rose Bowl. Two years later... Ron Dayne & Rose Bowl.Mtv recently had a poll of students asking them which

The Validity of Commoditizations

2010-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Debt is in dispute. Who owes on the loan is not the issue, but for the debtor the real question is who owns the loans. The uncertainty in the market stems from the the origination process of the loan to the commoditization of it on the market. Along the way the paperwork for the loan under British and US property laws should follow. However, because they commoditized the debt, they no longer "

The Economic Outlook Is Changing

2010-10-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I expect the recovery of the stock market will happen in this order:Commodities>Financials>Transports>Manufacturers>Certain key factors have changed investor outlook in the past three weeks. "Quantitative Easing" is another way of saying "creating inflation" and when that happens people begin to devalue currencies. The US Dollar fell over 11% in the last month. As a result, investors are

Deepwater Horizon - Future Implications

2010-06-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

What does the future hold for the Gulf of Mexico and the Northern Atlantic? British Petroleum has doomed most of the Gulf of Mexico and their inhabitants with the Deepwater Horizon blow-out. Regardless of the current efforts there is no end in site to the escalating damages. Hayward, CEO of BP, said under oath today in the hearings on Capital Hill that the disaster was preventable and they are

Why Delta Air Lines Can't Be Trusted DAL

2010-05-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

I was going to blog about the accident history of Delta and their disaster history while siting planecrashinfo.com as a source, but I'm actually upset about how they handled my baggage. I was returning home after a long trip and was hoping to get home in time to accomplish something today, but after waiting at the baggage carousel a little too long I realized they mishandled the bag they charged

Cellcom

2010-05-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

I suppose I've been pushing myself to do more. This winter was not my favorite, but what I did wind up doing is going to the gym... I would go a little more often and stay a little longer as the winter progressed with I found myself coming around to the same word over and over again... endurance. This is a word that I want to come to mind when people think about what it is I can do and how I do

Yeasayer 2010-04-29 @ The Cabaret Metro Chicago, IL

2010-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yeasayer Setlist 2010-04-29 @Metro in Chicago, ILThe Children, Strange Reunions, Rome, Wait for the Summer, I Remember, 2080, Love Me Girl, Tightrope, O.N.E., Mondegreen, Madder Red, Ambling Amp, Encore: GrizeldaThursday April 29, 2010 On stage 11:05pmYou can read Greg Kot's review of the show: http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2010/04/concert-review-yeasayer-at-metro.html

Social Media

2010-04-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have long fostered the DIY approach to promotion and advertising. Simply put the best promotion comes from word-of-mouth. The music and promotion business is essentially branding and the forces that push a track to the top of the charts are the same forces that might help you find that special something for that special someone.I found this video online through a twitter link from a friend's

My NCAA Bracket is shattered

2010-03-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

May I first ask for a moment of silence for my NCAA bracket.May it rest in peace.It had a short life, but it began with lots of promise.The winners seemed to come to mind easily in the first round and thus were quickly written down. A season of ESPN highlights came to mind as I moved on Marquette, Temple, Notre Dame, & Georgetown. Four upsets that I did not expect. I called an upset that didn't

NCAA Tournie Bracket! College Hoops

2009-03-29T11:39:00.001-07:00

I doubt I'm going to win it all in the pool, but I'm almost 70% right this year. I have the fever and the only prescription is more March Madness.I called a lot of 12/5 upsets in the first round. The first round I had three errors in my bracket.I had Wisconsin winning against Florida State. It was partly school pride, but mainly a judgment about experience. Wisconsin has been in the tournie

South Side Irish Parade

2009-03-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

This year was kind of out of hand. My friends and I have made it a bit of a tradition to go down and revel in being Irish (it's open to everyone). I know a lot of people who actually march in the parade. I have some friends who even work for Guinness / Diageo.I have a copy of Mr Dooley In Peace and in War (1898). It was written about a South Side Irish Pub Keeper and it's a collection of

Conscious Alliance Benefit Wed 11.26.2008

2008-11-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of friends and I are putting together a little benefit to stock up some local food banks! It's going to be a tough year and we want to pull our friends together, celebrate and bring some canned goods to some area shelters and programs!Please help me get the word out about this worthy cause!

UW Football`

2008-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I just watched a performance in the first half which was very different from the second.I'm unhappy. That's to say the least by the laissez-faire attitude of the defense in the second half and the impotence of my Badgers in the first! GRRRrrr... I feel like was just punched in the gut.I do not agree with Brett B. on his call to send out the kicking team in a 4th and 2 with excellent field

A Better Way... The Plan

2008-09-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

If a separate market was created to sell these houses and the bad debt involved (bonds and insurance), then you can bring in private equity to pull out the debt. The markets feel like there is a deal out there.There are models of how these markets work... ie. the stock market.If the capital gains tax is lowered or suspended, a flood of liquidity would be created. That's not what us workin'

The Failure of the Current Plan

2008-09-26T04:19:00.001-07:00

There is a great urgency of NOW! A few calmer heads really don't believe this is true.This is a PANIC.They believe that a stock crash is not emminent. Will the DOW have to dip in to 4 digits do it?9999 or lower? We might see this today depending on how things go!I don't believe Bush is an expert on the economy. None of the presidential candidates have a PhD in the subject. Paulson was a CEO

Fortune Investor Guide?

2008-09-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Fortune Investor's Guide 2007: The 10 stocks to buy.On their list is AIG. Wow, that was a good pick.In the 2008 Guide they apologized and told you to buy Meryl Lynch!Great picks guys.A note to the investor... before making any decisions, you really need to be worried about where are you are getting your advice from. Do your due diligence.

A Second Day Rally?

2008-09-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

I liken yesterday and today to a barbeque... The coals were right to do what I wanted to do (buy low when everyone was in gold)... and then the grill master (the government) came by stoked the coals and poured a ton of gas on the fire! There was a huge fireball and stocks soared.Now the next thing for them to do is put their food on the grill... watch those buns Paulson!So let's take a look at

A Volatility Technician - Bubbles & FOREX

2008-09-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

By definition a bubble "involves a non-sustainable pattern of price change or cash flows. The implosion of the asset price bubble in Japan led to the massive failure of a large number of banks and other types of financial firms and more than a decade of sluggish economic growth." Charles P. Kindleberger "Manias, Panics and Crashes A History of Financial Crises" Chapter 1. p.1With unprecedented

All that glitters is GOLD!

2008-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

I think I said on Sunday when I announced a fire sale this week that gold was going to be the flight to safety. On monday it was at something like 744. That's a buy in my book.Today it went up $80. That's 11% in a day.Either I'm not the only one who's read CPK (Charles R. Kindleberger), or read about the Weimar Republic, or just can think their way out of a box, but it happened and it happened

Lehman Brothers (LEH), WM, & AIG

2008-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

There are three war torn companies that look like they're going the way of Enron and World com... but they are in the financial sector now. First Lehman Brothers, who are a 150 year old firm, have been led by Dick Fuld in the past years. He should have been out of a job a long time ago. As I'm not a share holder of LEH, I can plainly see that he's done a horrific job managing his company.

Obama Art Study

2008-09-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,Has anyone else noticed the tremendous amount of Obama merchandise on the market? Perhaps, being in Chicago I am inundated with it, but I am seeing art created from coast to coast in amounts that can be considered a movement.Lately, he has graced the covers of magazines of all types. The two that stick out were GQ & Rolling StoneGQ portrayed him very realistically."Rolling Stone on

Financial Foreward Thinking... Avoiding the Drain

2008-09-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by a number of individuals how to play this market.My theories are probably similar to the ones you have heard before if you are listening out there. I believe that in a market like this, the technicians rule! If you know how to navigate a buy and a sell on a dime... play the short game, then you may be a winner. The market has been reacting funny lately, news that should make

Credibility

2008-07-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

My parents would often quote to me "You are your name." If you dirty your name, then what do you have? There are the golden rules. There are the fundamental rules of finance and accounting. There is the goal of low risk for maximum reward even though the greater the risk generally, the greater the reward. There is a happy medium between investors and creditors. PT Barnum said "You can't

On Brett Favre

2008-07-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am a Green Bay Packers fan living in Chicago. I've kept pretty quiet about Favre's decision to retire. I remember that day last winter while I was sitting at the airport, wearing my #4 jersey when he addressed the press and told them that when he was out with his daughters getting ice cream, they told him that they didn't want him to retire. I jumped out of my seat and shouted "Yeah Brett!"

The Fed Factor

2008-03-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

I don't like the Fed right now. I've been complaining about them for a while. The lowering of the rate to bail out the subprime mortgage industry has lowered the dollar, lowering liquidity, draining the economy and causing a spiraling effect. The dollar has not hit a new bottom yet.This whole business with Bear Stearns from my perspective is just a scapegoat. They're not the only one who are

Real Men Are Green

2007-11-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

There was a farm on the outskirts of Madison that grew the best heirloom tomatoes. The air was fresh and the soil was dark! Like much of the midwest, the farmland here is about as good as it gets! The tomatoes were the most delicious I ever remember having.Since then the farm has closed, gave out to constant pressure of developers, and in it's place is a stand of cookie cutter houses. One

Live Nation 2nd Quarter Review

2007-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

***Warning: For those who haven't heard me talk shop... look away! There is business acumen and forecasting ahead.LIVE NATION WEBSITE COMPANY INFOLive Nation is the "world's largest live music company." As many of you know, They have a lock on +7500 person outdoor ampitheatres. Their parent company is the nations largest holder of radio media assets, Clear Channel. Last quarter they decided

What I'm listening to today

2007-07-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Live Nation's First Quarter... holds bad news

2007-05-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Clear Channel is known as the largest single owner of radio stations in the world. There is no other business that has cornered the market like they have. Like most business, they always had their eyes on expanding their business. The United States conformed to their format of radio stations: Rock, Country, Adult Alternative... until you could go into almost any market in the nation and here

Italy Wins World Cup - My Family in Rome

2006-07-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

So my Mom and Dad flew off to Rome to be with Phil and Valqueria to help develop their wedding plans and incidently, Italia is in the World Cup Finals! So my family was in Circus Maximus (the real one) watching the event along with countless thousands of zealous Italian soccer fans! And they won in penalty kicks!The event was nuts by report... parties went into the wee hours of the morning. My

Goodbye June

2006-06-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

This was a cruel month of June filled with a series of unfortunate events. I felt a bit helpless because none of these incidents were in my control. If there's anything I've learned about this June its patience. Some things you can't slow down. Other things you can't speed up.Philosophically, I've been engaged in a deep internal conversation about healing and have come to the conclusion that

Dorothy DeMaio

2006-06-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

I love you Grandma! Love! Love! Love!

Brace yourselves for BAD Weather

2006-05-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

This is the current water temperature map.The critical temperatures for hurricane strength storms have been met in most of the Atlantic. Its only May and the Gulf water temperatures are two degrees above normal. The conditions that created Katrina still exist and the chances of a repeat of last year's events are greater than the year before it. Due to the accelerated thermal heating of the

The Pinball Song (remix)

2006-04-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone is happy this Sunday, right? My Mom's family is reunited in Hawaii for a wedding which corresponds to my Mom's birthday! ((Happy Birthday Mom)) My brother and future sister are in Rome coordinating wedding plans and reporting the news. I just had a great weekend! The weather has turned to the better!Its Springtime and peachy... so how about some 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 "Pinball

Excel Info

2006-04-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

All I'm saying is and I quote "=IF(3000<=I488,LOOKUP(C488,StoreList!A:A,StoreList!E:E),IF(350<=I488,LOOKUP(C488,StoreList!A:A,StoreList!D:D),IF(150<=I488,LOOKUP(C488,StoreList!A:A,StoreList!C:C),IF(I488<=149,LOOKUP(C488,StoreList!A:A,StoreList!B:B)))))" I mean, that's the gist of it... of course I have to add up all qualifying stores. And when I do that. The list will be set.

New Orleans Releases Jazz Fest Line Up 2006

2006-02-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

After concerns over the integrity of the Fairgrounds as a location and concerns over the ability of the city to handle accomidations for the large influx of patrons, New Orleans has released the line up of the most important NOLA Jazz Fest ever. The proceeds of Jazz Fest go directly into the city to ReNew Orleans.There were strong rumors that several high profile megabands actually volunteered a

STATE OF THE UNION THOUGHTS

2006-01-31T18:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm going to just write what I feel in response to what this president is about to say. This is just what I'm thinking from my gut. Its not refined or edited. Its not groomed by countless speech writers. I'm looking forward to hearing impossible promises, insulting rhetoric -- after doing five of these State Of The Union addresses, you'd think Bush would get better at them by now.*Firstly, I

Capoeira Basics

2006-01-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

Capoeira is Brazilian dance fighting.Its not about striking, its about missing by small increments with style.It requires balance, presence of mind and body, strength, flexibility and rhythm to make it look right. If you do it right, you don't get kicked in the neck.

Dan Lebowitz @ 12 Galaxies w/ Steve Adams

2006-01-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

On my last evening in San Francisco I got the opportunity to check out Dan Lebowitz at 12 Galaxies. He's the talented guitarist in Animal Liberation Orchestra, but this was an opportunity to check him out solo. Dan's guitar playing has a very natural flow to it, that is, it doesn't seem forced. Its more expressive than most guitarists I see who are just floating through the scales and playing

Afrika Bambaataa @ The Supper Club

2006-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

I got a chance to check out Afrika Bambaataa at the Supper Club on Saturday. I rallied a few people to join me to see one of the originators of break beat deejayin'. I came to groove out, but my neck is injured and causes quite a bit of pain with every turn of the head. I have an extremely high tollerance to pain, but I've decided I need some professional adjustments. Anyway, after a few

San Francisco

2006-01-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to be in San Francisco!!! Its warm and sunny right now and I just checked into the San Francisco Suites... my room rocks!This weather agrees with me! I went up to the roof and looked out over the city skyline and watched the trolley roll by.

Hoopin' Missy Baron

2006-01-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

You meet so many people in the lot or around a show... if I didn't write down who I met and when I might forget that at some point I crossed paths with someone like Missy. She was a dancin' queen in the jam scene with a hug, a heart and a hoola-hoop. Like many chit chat conversations we talked about ticket stubs. Evidently we both like to keep ours. We listened to the same bands and were the

Earplugs... better than a 401K plan

2006-01-15T01:20:00.000-08:00

I love the sound of music. It plays such an integral part of my life that sometimes I don't know if I could go on with out hearing. I spend alot of time at concerts. This weekend I saw The Monsters of Mock, a 80s hair rock cover band and, at my friend Jesse's going away party, a very loud metal band. If I see music more than 2 times a month where the music is over 103 decibels, then I stand a

Happy New Years!

2005-12-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

I didn't have time to whip up one just for myself, but Sahagian & Associates, Inc. had a pretty good year of it.Have fun!Drink a Toast to those of us who aren't lucky enough to be with you this New Years!I'll see you in 2006!Sincerely,Greg Stewart

Holiday News - Phil & Valqueria's Engagement!

2005-12-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

This holiday season has been one of the most pleasant in a great while.There were no warm beaches of Rio or artifacts of Pompeii to keep me company.Rather, the familiar surroundings of Chicago, IL.My brother and Valqueria flew in for Christmas after a month long vacation that encompassed most of Brazil with a suprise.There were more than sleighbells ringing this holiday season.While in Brazil, my

Lil John, Crunk & Synergy

2005-12-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lil John has a unique knowledge of one of the strongest consumer groups today. His work in hip hop gives him notoriety, funds and a strong marketing edge in serving energy drinks to people who would otherwise get try Rockstar or Red Bull in the Hip Hop community. Across the nation kids are shoutin' "Yeyyyeah" for Lil John. People often try to emmulate famous people. At the clubs, people look

Patriot Act Defeated!

2005-12-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

There is hope for freedom in America yet!The Patriot Act was blocked from renewal.You may wonder why I would condemn an act that would allow secret police ability to rifle through your belongings and private personal records and play the role of censor, centaur, judge, warden and executioner.Benjamin Franklin wrote "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will

FREE Open Bar @ The Gin Mill Friday 12/16 9-10pm

2005-12-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

I won an open bar at the Green Mill for next Friday 12/16 for as many people as I want to bring!!!So here are the details:THE GIN MILL2462 N. LINCOLN AVE.Chicago, IL 60614MAPQUEST Link(773) 549-3233FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 8pmComplimentary draft beer & mixed drinks from 9-10.Password: GREG STEWART

Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) Worth The Hype

2005-11-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

I'd been told by a trusted ear to check out Animal Liberation Orchestra from San Francisco a couple of years ago. This recommendation was seconded by Robin, Suzi, Melissa, amongst others. However, it took all this time for them to finally make it to Chicago. They played at Martyr's, one of ChiTown's premiere jamband destinations.I saw them play a few days before on the SBC BlueRoom broadcast

Nine Dollars to Jamaica

2005-11-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

So I just bought me and my roomie tickets to Jamaica for a lil irie holiday!Spirit Air has a special promotion running right now where you can fly to all of these awesome destinations for $9! That means my round trip ticket was $18 + tax & fees!!!If anyone wants to go, drop me a line! Evry'ting will be irie!

November and Tilt

2005-11-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

I know the weather is rarely a topic of discussion, but we're in Chicago, its November and there are leaves on the trees and they're green still. Regardless of the wet or dry weather, this is a good indicator of warmth in the system still. As disconcerning and tragic as it is to know that some people don't believe in global warming, it won't stop the planets from turning.I believe that the jet

Halloween / ChiTown & Watching Vegoose

2005-10-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

So last night I dressed up like Hunter S. Thompson for Halloween. I stayed in character for a large portion of the night and was entered into two costume contests which I was finalist for. I didn't win (most likely because I was a hot girl) but I had a good time with it. I made a tape of my comments from yesterday as Hunter S. Thompson and had a good time with it. I should transcribe my

Zombie Rights Now!

2005-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

We're getting close to Halloween, I know, but lets for a moment discuss a very important subject which was recently brought to my attention: Zombie Rights!Countless Zombies are slaughtered needlessly and inhumanely each year. Either their heads are bashed in or fully decapitated, these poor creatures die a brutal second death without due process. Isn't it bad enough that they had to die a

Libertarian

2005-10-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

You are a Social Liberal (76% permissive)and an... Economic Conservative (63% permissive)You are best described as a: Libertarian Link: The Politics Test on Ok CupidAlso: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

Why can't I get anyone to get me a Powerball ticket?

2005-10-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I called a bunch of people and no one has gotten me a ticket for this record setting lottery.Please someone get me a powerball ticket with the PB#17. I'll pay you back later.~G.

The Future - Weathercast

2005-10-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

I know I predicted this hurricane season would set records, and my focus had been on the quantity and quality of the storms, but now we need to look at the time and direction in which they come. According to my theory, at the end of hurricane season, we'll see more storms heading up the East Coast. I'm not talking about the East Coast of Florida, but I think one of these days, maybe this fall,

GO CHITOWN WHITE SOX!!!

2005-10-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

What a crazy intense game. I came home to take a nap, but the game was on and my eyes were GLUED to the screen! Now I'm sure you've heard they're the AL Central CHAMPS! What a great game!I went to ALOT of Sox games this year! They didn't lose a single time I went to Comiskey. And of course, this is the season that they become the ALC Champs!I grew up on the near West Side and I'm generally a

Micheal Franti @ The Park West

2005-09-25T01:08:00.000-07:00

Micheal Franti is many things to many people. He's a musician. He's a poet. He's an advocate for some and a curmudgeon to others.He has an opinion, and openly says what he feels. Should we all be as lucky as he!Sure not everyone agrees with him because of his views. Often times some people get trapped up in perspective... because they only see one side of the story they only know one side of

Do You Remember the last time:

2005-09-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

1. hurricane season went to the end of the alphabet?2. waters have been this warm?3. coastal cities were flooded and were destroyed?4. you heard a politician say global warming isn't happenening?Ok, now lets hear about the data climatologists are looking at. Click here to see a lil report about warming sea temperatures and its effect on storm strength.Right now, Hurricane Rita's winds are at

Seu Jorge @ Logan Square Auditorium - Chicago Greg Stewart Stewsday

2005-09-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Me working overtime seems like its becoming dangerously commonplace lately, but its still a rare condition and usually there's a good reason for it. I worked all night on Saturday so I could enjoy myself on Sunday. Seu Jorge played at the Logan Square Auditorium tonight. I couldn't miss the show. Phil & Valqueria would probably forgive me if I didn't go out, but how could I pass up the

From The Big Apple to the Big Easy

2005-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

WOW! NYC can be so much cooler than ChiTown sometimes.Mainly I think this because of the concert density in the city.On Sept 20th Tom Waits will grace the stage with a number of other great artists.I would LOVE to go to this show!!!Alas I won't be in the city until 2 weeks after! *SiGH*If you get a chance check out this concert!

Micheal Moore's Open Letter to W.

2005-09-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post an open letter from Michael Moore to George W. Bush.I said I wouldn't play the blame game, because I'm not qualified, but Michael Moore is! Enjoy!Friday, September 2nd, 2005Dear Mr. Bush:Any idea where all our helicopters are? It's Day 5 of Hurricane Katrina and thousands remain stranded in New Orleans and need to be airlifted. Where on earth could you have misplaced all our

I Miss New Orleans

2005-09-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone in New Orleans I was looking for has turned up in one place or another and they're safe, but many lost everything. I'm not sure what the future will bring for New Orleans and its people. I can only hope that our world acknowledges the best of the city and help them to rebuild. If they have a New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival next year. I would like to go. I would like to go for

Grandma's 90th Birthday

2005-09-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

So my Grandma Dorothy just turned 90 on Sept 2nd. My Uncle Ken and Aunt Pat hosted us at their home in Scottsdale. Phil flew in from Rome. Mom, Dad, & I came in from Chicago. My Uncle Bob and Aunt Diane from New Jersey. My cousin Allison is now living in LA area... actually she was placed in Compton by Americorps. My Great Aunt Amy & Uncle Paul drove (I know... really!) from Wisconsin!

Why Greg Needs a Vacation / Assistant

2005-08-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

I need someone to do all the electronic data interchange work so I can focus on sales.Our Provider, Inovis, formerly QRS, hasn't provided a program to help me quickly work through the orders digitally and create UCC-128 labels fast enough for what I consider realistic expectations. There program takes as much time to run through as it takes to actually make the product. So I'm going to need

Wicker Park Street Festival

2005-08-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Leif Moravy & Silver Wrapper did a great job booking the South Stage @ The Wicker Park Street Festival. For 2 days, he programmed top local, regional and national touring muicians including Benevento Russo Duo, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Kaki King, Mofro, Future Rock & Everyone Orchestra (which can have anyone and everyone).There were great late night shows too. The New Deal played on Saturday

The Spam Allstars

2005-07-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

I was really glad to find some live music to check out in Miami, and it was lots of fun. I met a girl from Indianapolis and a construction exec from Chicago and we played in Miami for a good chunk of the night... the most important part... I got to let loose and just dance! DJ Le Spam was pretty fun!Their current Trombone player is originally from a NW suburb of ChiTown and they'll be playing

Chicago to Miami

2005-07-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

So following Lollapalooza, I got a lil sleep and got ready to head out to the airport. O'Hare was crowded with patrons and bands leaving Lollapalooza. Most flights out on monday were delayed due to a thunderstorm, so I grabbed some food from Panda Express and looked out at the sea of tables in the cafeteria and sighted out the cool kids table... the Lolapalooza table. I wound up sitting with

Lollapalooza

2005-07-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Chicago got a real treat with being Perry Farrell's choice for Lollapalooza. Perry is the front man and lead singer of Jane's Addiction & Porno For Pyros and organizer of Lollapalooza. His festival gives props to top bands in several genres.I like the way he scaled the festival back to rebuild its power. And he chose Chicago, which has kinda become the urban center of indie rock. Sure New

How Wonka Stole My Idea

2005-07-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

So I just saw Charlie & the Chocolate Factory directed by Tim Burton in the theatres on opening day, as any good fellow candy manufacturer should have! Its an inspiring story and a very good reason to keep cameras out of the factory. I like the illusion of candy being made with eccentric magic. People are buying the packaging as well as the candy. You eat first with your eyes. However,

Candy & Concerts

2005-07-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks. I'm in the thick of selling copious amounts of candy! ChiTown has Lollapalooza the weekend after next. Then the Wicker Park Music Festival is going on. Its an awesome free lil music festival in Chicago with bands like Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Benevento Russo Duo, Olivia Tremor Control, Mofro, Mocean Worker & others. Here's Silver Wrapper's

2005-07-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

New Apt - Weekend Fun - Summer

2005-07-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since my last post, but here's a worthy update.You can find Sahagian Candy in Bed Bath & Beyond stores across the nation as of last monday!I've been pretty busy with a number of different work related projects.This is going to be a busy and fun weekend for me!There are shows galore in ChiTown.Jazz Mandolin Project is playing with the Big Wu at the House of Blues on Friday.Josh

Free Range Office

2005-06-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm working outside today. I have a bunch orders to process, but its just too nice in Chicago to be cooped up in the office. Today's employees are as effective as ever inside the office or out. So I'm workin' hard, bustin' ass and gettin' some sun!

Big Bad Ass Bonnaroo Birthday Bash!

2005-06-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

The big bad ass Bonnaroo birthday bash started as Missy and I jumped in the convertable to Bonnarroo 2005 and hit the open road... everything was irie da whole weekend long! I've been to Bonnaroo before and I knew what to expect or at least I thought I did. Thoughts of missing campers were running through my mind as I drive the entire way. I'm going to miss Franklin, Seth, Konkol, Tom, Kennedy

I just saw Franklin on TV

2005-06-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

Dude I just saw Franklin in the audience at the Conan O'Brien show. It was just after Cedric The Entertainer was interviewed and a sketch that included prerecorded dialogue, a Santa Clause outfit and a supposed shemale. Franklin was wearing a red and white shirt and has grown in a lil bit of a beard right before the comercials rolled! Franklin, if you're readin' this, lookin' good brotha! I

Zooma Goes Bust

2005-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Its always a blast when artists get up on stage together and jam. Its also great to see more than one type of music in the course of a show. Its fun to make predictions on what certain combinations will turn out to be like. And its tough to make decisions as to who might be on a lineup. Its also tough to call a performance when you've involved so many people in the production, but sometimes it

Fairgrounds

2005-05-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the Fair Grounds a little later than we wanted to. We had to get caught up to the crowd so we started by shotgunning a couple of Miller Lites before heading into the sea of people which is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. We got there in time to see part of Galactic's set before running around to the different stages and catchin' a lil bit of alot of sets. We

Jacques-imos: Chris Thile & Polynesian Joe's

2005-04-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Leif, Lars & Mickey got into town and we're all decided to make it over to the Maple Leaf. Brian Haas, who we saw play in the Dead Kenny G's was playing there. I know how to get around New Orleans, but to get to that area I have to first go to Tipitina's... I know how to do it from another location. Anyway, for the first time I get turned around, mainly because of my navigator. They jump out

Big Fisherman Seafood

2005-04-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

I found the best boiled crawfish in New Orleans!The Big Fisherman has it fresh and ready.The prices are only $2.99 /Lb. Cheap!They ship anywhere in the US by Fed Ex!There ya go. I recommend it!3-4 lbs/person.

Colin's Missing Cellphone & the Funky Junky

2005-04-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Colin & I jumped in the car and headed to Shiloh's... Colin left his cellphone plugged into his charger there. It wouldn't be that big of a deal because they're playing there later that night, but I knew how he felt, cut off. The venue was locked and empty when we pulled up around 1 pm.This girl walked by, so we asked if she had their number. She said she knew someone who had the number and

Pullin' Up to Howlin' Wolf - Lettuce & Shiloh - Signal Path

2005-04-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm driving to New Orleans and I pull right up to Howlin' Wolf using nothing but instinct. Its about 9pm and I look around and don't see anyone familiar just yet. Chris Axtel is at Shiloh's with Signal Path and I'll make it over there soon enough and the Chi & MadTown gangs aren't due to arrive for another day at least so it looks like I'm rollin' in stag.I know I said that I want a big group

Leaving ChiTown to Naples & Drivin' to New Orleans

2005-04-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

For some reason I couldn't sleep the night before I left to Jazz Fest via Naples, FL. It was just a rush to know in a few hours I'd be wearing shorts for the first time this year. So I stayed up and went over the gear I'd take with me. Though I brought my cameras and a tripod, I knew I wasn't going to tape anything, but just in case something happened in front of me, I wanted to be prepared. I

NOLA Jazz & Candy Festival

2005-04-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be on my way to New Orleans again for Jazz Fest. I'm excited to see old and new friends down there playing on stages big and small. I kinda wanted a few of you to come too especially seeing as I've been without a vacation for a while, but as you know, I've been able to manage the stress quite nicely with a healthy regiment of playing like a kid, dancing at concerts, late nights

Best Game of Kickball Ever

2005-04-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

So Tim calls me up while I'm cleaning the house and asks if I'm up for some kickball action... hell yeah I am! So I meet up with him and we grab some other folks on the way. The weather has been pretty gorgeous so I took the top down on the car as we drove. We made a pitstop to pick up some beverages. While they were inside, I ran into Clifford, the Big Red Dog on his way to a birthday

Whirley Ball - Dark Room - Caroline's - Burrito

2005-04-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

I finally made it out to Whirley Ball! For those who haven't played or seen it, you get into bumper cars and brandish little plastic lacross sticks and a whiffle ball... there is a target on opposite sides of the court for each team. Its ridiculously fun!The occassion: Vance's Birthday. Old friends of mine from Madison used to talk Vance up a bit, so I was glad to hang out with him finally.

The Deep Sleep

2005-04-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe its the fluxuation in the weather, or maybe its because I've had too many late nights in the past two weeks, but I'm under the weather again. I've gathered companions on my lil trip through "cold-land" including a hoarse lil cough, a box of tissues, and bottles of Day & NyQuil.NyQuil put me into a deep sleep last night and offered up some odd dreams. I dreamt I was a gardener or an

CirKus on the Road with Signal Path

2005-04-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Chris Axtell aka Kus for putting together a great weekend for Signal Path two weekends ago. Everyone I've heard from who attended "CirKus Productions Presents: Signal Path" in Chicago and Milwaukee had a great time. Both shows drew amazingly well which is an attribute on how well Chris handles the media, grassroots and publicity outlets available to him.This past weekend, the

Leo Sidran Coproduces Oscar Winning Song

2005-04-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

I finally saw the Motorcycle Diaries and an excellent movie by its own right, but impressed on me the talent Leo Sidran manifests in his production. He coproduced Jorge Drexler's song Al Otro Del Rio which won an Oscar for best song.If you liked that I suggest checking out Leo's full body of work. I've known Leo for years in Madison. We were even neighbors at one point. I tried to convince

Happy Birthday Moona

2005-04-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Moona!

My Brother Phil Stewart Reports on the Pope

2005-04-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

My brother has been busy covering the Death of Pope John Paul II. You can click the link to read the full article, but again, my brother is covering important world events that significantly affect our lives. Even if you're not Catholic you can appreciate the importance and consequences of the moment.I'm not a big Pope fan, but I appreciate him for the good things he's done and the apologies

Benevento Russo Duo

2005-04-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

I had lots of fun with Bronko, Joe & Marco this weekend. They left on Tuesday... which corresponds to my first solid 8 hours of sleep I've had in the last week.I'm looking forward to their new album (due out this month).We met this cool circuit bender named Tom who I nicknamed "Tommy Too Toy" who tweaks out childrens toys (Like Speak 'n Spells) with capacitors, switches, & glitch circuits etc...

First Week of Spring

2005-03-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Busy! Busy! I'm working with some outstanding reps, brokers and distributors that keep the orders rolling. Alot of the bigger stores require some type of data interchange set up, most of the manuals read like stereo instructions. Luckily, I'm pretty good with that kind of stuff.That's not all. My attempts at being a publicist have paid off for the Benevento Russo Duo in Madison, including

Time in Madison

2005-03-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am spending alot of time in Madison due to four factors.I am planning the launch of the hip hop band Dumate.Moona just got back from Amsterdam and I had to visit.I'm helping Chris Axtel "CirKus Productions" with his business plans.I am publicizing the upcoming shows for The Benevento-Russo Duo in Madison where they are playing at the Orpheum Stage Door Theatre on the 26th.Today, I'm driving up

St Patty's Day 2005!

2005-03-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

The city of Chicago celebrated St. Patty's day on Saturday and Sunday, even though its on the 17th. This brings up a very interesting predicament for those who are interested in taking part of the festivities. On Saturday you've got the dying of the Chicago River and the downtown parade. After you recover there's the South Side Parade on Sunday.Through out the week, there are lil celebrations

Famous Stewarts

2005-03-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

I recently heard people were tracing family roots. I wanted a little bit of the action so I decided to do a bit of my own research.The Stewart name carries alot of weight. Stewarts have played an important part of the shaping of the world stretching back to the far points of the past to present day. I have my work cut out for me. As we look at people (possibly family) that carry the Stewart

Keller Williams @ Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL 2005-03-05

2005-03-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

I've written so much about Keller Williams its hard not to be repetative, but there are only so many words that you can use to describe the caliber of his work. Here is a performer that plays more instruments than most bands do. On guitar, his primary instrument, he is highly stylized like a Leo Kottke or Michael Hedges, but different. He plays to the crowd includes fun covers, dances on stage

Attack of the Girl Scouts

2005-03-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

I was at my parents house in the suburb of Oak Park, relaxing infront of their TV, and drinking a beer. The doorbell rang. I got up to answer it and there was this cute little girl scout at the door with her order form. "Its Girl Scout Cookie Season." she informed me. I signed myself up for a several boxes and let her on her way.I like girl scout cookies (mmmm... girl scout cookies). I get

Craptastik Weekend

2005-02-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

I was looking forward to a nice weekend out. I had a difficult week. After the Indian food that made me break out like a 14 year old had kinda worked its way out of me and I began feeling a bit better... well, I realize I hadn't been out in a while.So I headed over to Alive One & Griffins on Saturday. Normally, I'd go see some music, but nothing caught my eye. This is the second weekend in a