rikibeth

Managed to score another ticket so

shadowflyer doesn't have to miss the Dropkick Murphys, if it gets here in time.

Installed a new wireless DOORBELL so there won't be more postal delivery screwups when the letter carrier can't get hold of us by knocking (if they even bother). I do not need to hear any more about things returned for attempted unknown or held at the post office instead of delivered. Incidentally, the post office doesn't know their own forms. I had to point out to them that yes they COULD give me the envelope even though it was addressed to shadowflyer because he'd signed the spot for "allow my AGENT to collect this mail" and I'd filled in my name, kthxbai. Don't they train them there?

melovechocolate's Docs arrived, and they fit her perfectly... she's delighted. Do not ask me why she decided they needed NAMES, and that the left one was Lucius and the right one Primrose. My child is whimsical.

eternaleponine says they searched bags but not people in Detroit, so we will probably be able to sneak in a supply of energy bars in cargo pockets (must check Wild Oats to see if the savory Clif bars are still being made, those were GOOD) but that they dump out water, so be prepared to suck it up and pay $3 a bottle. Also to bring wet wipes because the porta-potty sinks were running out of water by the end of the day (ew).

Sunscreen. But not on my forehead.

Also, lcmarron, who sold me the tickets, included a copy of the compilation CD, bless her generous soul. I listened to it today at work and quickly decided that the best thing to do was to make a list of the bands I did NOT want to hear, and plan the rest around that. Also,

eternaleponine, you were right, Fall Out Boy doesn't suck, and I wouldn't know what to call them either, although the song "Saturday" is on the melodic, pop side of things to my ears.

Bands What I Don't Want To Bother With At Warped

Gogol Bordello -- punked-up vaguely-Russian does NOT do it for me, thanks.

Atreyu
Underoath
Underminded
Zao
Bleeding Through

These are all the same alleged genre, right? For those of you who haven't heard any of them, well, you know the distorted voice at the beginning of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" before the actual singing starts? These bands sing like that ALL THE TIME. Generally over a repetitive basic metal riff. I cannot think of any reason for this genre to exist other than to annoy the listener's parents or to keep adults out of Hot Topic. For those of you who actually LIKE these bands... could you explain the appeal? It eludes me.

Oh, and I heard rather more than one song by Underoath at the Bamboozle, although I was outside the actual arena because I didn't WANT to be listening to them. It was ALL that icky, so it's not just a poor choice of song on the compilation, I know that.

Ew.

Greely Estates
Death By Stereo
Silvestein

These all spend some of their time shouting and some actually singing. I MIGHT give them a chance if they were, say, an opener for a band I really liked, but at a festival, with so much else going on, I'm not gonna bother.

The Unseen -- this one was more of the punk style of shouty, and again, I'd probably consider them tolerable as an opener, but I know

melovechocolate's not going to appreciate them, and I do have to make sure to hit the booths for swag and watch the skateboarders, so they lose too.

Gym Class Heroes -- hip-hop. I've TRIED. I guess I'll just never enjoy hip-hop. Actually I knew this already because they were on the Fueled By Ramen sampler disc that I haven't reviewed yet. Not to be confused with High School Football Heroes, who are a ska band, quite enjoyable, and not, as far as I know, going to BE there. :(

Must also consider budget for pins, CDs, and possibly a T-shirt for the kiddo. Maybe I can convince her to get a youth size large and share with me?