Plans for backpacking over the Independence Day Weekend were thunderstormed out, but pockets of outdoor-friendly weather popped up here and there. Aaron and I went biking in lieu of hiking and took a few photos in the process…

Also had a relaxing, pyrotastic and marhmallowriffic afternoon hanging out with C.C. Chapman, Chris Penn, Chel Pixie, Cass, Kim, and of course Roxie and Abe. And others! It was marvelous, exactly what I needed. Thanks, C.C., for opening your house (and a few beers). I’ve never eaten a bacon blanket before.

Thanks to both Chris Penn and C.C. Chapman for pointing this article by Bruce Schneier out:

Last month a US court ruled that border agents can search your laptop, or any other electronic device, when you’re entering the country. They can take your computer and download its entire contents, or keep it for several days.

I won’t set foot down the “we’re becoming a police state” path, I just want to focus on what this means for traveling musicians and businessfolk. So, to quote the legendary Dick Clark:

Protect your ass at all times.

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One of the panels I was on was led by Mr. Dan Patterson, UN Correspondent for the Talk Radio News Service and host of the Creepy Sleepy Show. The other panelists were none other than CC Chapman, Whitney Hoffman, and Chris Penn. Dan was kind enough to record the entire session, so if you’re interested here’s the show:

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A lot of people are talking about how the music industry will survive, implode, reinvent itself, or give in to oppressive overlords (RIAA anyone?). This is great, I’m glad so many people care about us entertainers and the people that represent us. Just one problem… Where the hell are the musicians?

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend (no, not that disturbing trend, another one) in discussions of where the music industry is headed: Seldom does anyone bother to ask the musicians. You would think that if people were discussing the future of agriculture, they’d have a farmer or two on their panel. It just makes sense when discussing the industry and the business to involve the people actually making the product.

A few specific examples…
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Okay, so normally I don’t cross-post stuff from my [tag]podcast[/tag] [tag]High Orbit[/tag], but this is too good not to share. I brought [tag]CC Chapman[/tag]’s sisters Cass and Kim over to the studio to record an episode, and they brought some great stuff with them.

Like, for example, audio tapes of CC when he was 5 years old. And some stories about [tag]childhood[/tag]. And some [tag]college radio[/tag] clips.

Head on over to hear the episode right here, and share it with a friend!