JarrettBellini.com

Which smartphone works for you? :: 10/29/10
As the cell phone market is flooded with smartphones, CNN.com
helps you narrow down which works best for you.
[Co-Produced and Co-Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Meditation universal, not just religious :: 10/28/10
Connecting the world through silent contemplation, a former
Tibetan monk takes you inside compassion meditation.
[Co-Produced and Co-Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Lebowski meets Shakespeare :: 10/25/10
Dad's Garage Theatre receives the Coen brothers' blessing for their
production of "Two Gentlemen of Lebowski."
[Produced, Co-Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Star cast brings big laughs in 'RED' :: 10/19/10
iReporters review the action-comedy "RED."
[Co-Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Seth Green talks ControlTV :: 10/14/10
In his new web-based experiment, the "star of stage
and screen" allows viewers to call the shots.
[Co-Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Before the Show with Railroad Earth :: 10/11/10
Here's an all-access pass to hang out with the band at
All Good Festival in Masontown, West Virginia.
[Produced , Co-Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Drug trials give hope to cancer patient :: 10/05/10
Out of cancer treatment options, John Cossman turns to
clinical trials, without which he says he'd have "no hope."
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

'Freakonomics' on the big screen :: 09/29/10
Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock talks about
adapting the New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics."
[Co-Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

At the office with Billy Nungesser :: 08/02/10
CNN spends the day with the Plaquemines Parish president
in New Orleans as he deals with the Gulf oil disaster.
[Co-Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Before the Show with k-os :: 08/02/10
Here’s an all-access pass to hang out with
the popular Canadian hip-hop artist.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Zac Efron on new movie, life-changing gig :: 07/29/10
Actor Zac Efron sits down with CNN to chat about his new
movie "Charlie St. Cloud" and answers fan questions.
[Co-Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Greensky Bluegrass performs into sunrise :: 07/29/10
See the Kalamazoo quintet go ‘gorilla’ in the early morning hours
at All Good Festival in Masontown, West Virginia.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Best moments from indie band's Asia tour :: 06/25/10
From China to Singapore, take a look back at CNN's Indie Asia
series as the Handsome Furs rock their way through Asia.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Cedric entertains at the 7th inning stretch :: 06/23/10
Comedian Cedric the Entertainer performs at Chicago's Wrigley Field
during the Just for Laughs comedy festival.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Before the Show with Sharon Jones :: 06/02/10
Here’s an all-access pass to hang out with the 54-year-old
‘Queen of Funk’ and her band, the Dap-Kings.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

K'naan's 'Wavin' Flag' hit goes global :: 05/20/10
"Dylanesque" Somali rapper K'naan talks about survival guilt,
the World Cup and learning English through hip-hop.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Author once worked in sweatshop :: 05/12/10
Chinese immigrant Jean Kwok discusses her ethnic identity
and how she went from child laborer to accomplished writer.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

CNN bikes through Manhattan :: 05/10/10
CNN.com shoots video of John Leguizamo talking while
biking through Manhattan. See how they did it.
[Co-Produced and Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link :: CNN.com Blog Entry

John Leguizamo saves the world :: 05/10/10
From his home in Manhattan, the performer bikes
his way to better health and cleaner air.
[Co-Produced and Co-Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Handsome Furs enjoy downtime :: 05/03/10
CNN.com’s Indie Asia series continues in Thailand and Singapore
as the Handsome Furs band mixes work and (mostly) play.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Valerie Plame Wilson: Nukes not OK :: 04/30/10
The former CIA agent says the time is now for America to
lead the change. She spoke to CNN at TED 2010.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Fans 'living the life' :: 04/27/10
While in Vietnam, the Handsome Furs meet concert-goers
in this bonus footage from CNN.com's Indie Asia series.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Child prodigy: Kids can change the world :: 04/14/10
12-year-old author Adora Svitak believes in the ideas of
children. She spoke to CNN at TED 2010.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Handsome Furs head to Vietnam :: 04/13/10
See rogue cab drivers, police bribes and more as the Handsome Furs
band takes on the crown jewel of Southeast Asia.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Before the Show with Cornmeal :: 04/08/10
Here's an all-access pass to hang out with this surging Chicago-based
band during a typical night on the road.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Hong Kong night market sells it all :: 04/01/10
The Handsome Furs band cruises for everything from DVDs
to corn in this bonus footage from CNN.com's Indie Asia series.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

David Byrne: Song lyrics are overrated :: 04/01/10
The Talking Heads front man says the way you say a word
is as important as the word itself. He spoke at TED 2010.
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Census boxes 'tell us nothng' :: 03/30/10
For Author Chang-rae Lee, life can't be summed up on a
Census form. He explains his hesitancy to check "the box."
[Co-Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Why to ditch religion :: 03/25/10
Atheist philosopher Sam Harris tells CNN at TED 2010
that religion distracts people from tackling real problems.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Rocker feels 'total success' :: 03/23/10
The Handsome Furs feel unstoppable as they rock through Shanghai
and Hong Kong. CNN.com's Indie Asia series rolls on.
[Produced, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Teacher: Education is broken :: 03/17/10
Sir Ken Robinson says educating kids is "not like making motorcars."
At TED, he spoke about how to improve the system.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Chinese music scene? :: 03/14/10
CNN.com’s Indie Asia series looks at Chinese music,
seen through the eyes of the Handsome Furs band.
[Produced, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

YouTube ukulele virtuoso :: 03/11/10
After his recent TED talk, Jake Shimabukuro
explains his happy little instrument.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Artist: Nothing is perfect :: 03/04/10
After his recent TED talk, Raghava KK tells CNN people should
enjoy the process of creativity beyond just the results.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Why autism is a gift :: 03/01/10
Temple Grandin, an autistic professor, speaks with CNN after
her recent TED talk. She says being autistic is a blessing.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

The science of simplicity :: 02/24/10
Harvard chemistry professor George Whitesides hopes to
fight disease with comic book and computer chip technology.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Atop the Great Wall :: 02/22/10
As CNN.com's Indie Asia travel series continues,
The Handsome Furs band explores The Great Wall of China.
[Produced, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Anonymity is a 'moot' point :: 02/20/10
Christopher 'moot' Poole, founder of the controversial
4chan.org imageboard, opens up to CNN after his recent TED talk.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

What offends Sarah Silverman? :: 02/18/10
The no-holds-barred comedian, interviewed after
her controversial TED Talk,says she doesn’t
approve of fat jokes about women.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Fixing the world with online games :: 02/16/10
Game developer, Jane McGonigal, hopes
to harness kids' passions to create change.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

CNN at TED2010 :: 02/12/10
Preview our conversations with speakers from
the TED conference in Long Beach, California.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Jamie Oliver's food crusade :: 02/11/10
TED Prize-winning chef leads bid to educate
Americans about healthy eating.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Pizza prodigy tosses pies :: 02/15/10
9-year-old Johnny Di Palma has been
making pizza since the age of four.
[Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

iPad parody has new wings :: 01/28/10
Actor Arden Myrin and writer Bruce McCoy discuss
their 2005 MADtv spoof predicting the iPad.
[Co-Produced, Co-Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Paul on the state of the union :: 01/20/10
Texas Rep. Ron Paul talks about Obama's first year, where
he thinks the country is headed and his plans for 2012.
[Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Best New Artist? :: 01/19/10
In a special CNN/Recording Academy project, CNN's Brooke Anderson
talks fresh faces in a pre-GRAMMYS debate.
[Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Debating Song of the Year :: 01/19/10
In a special CNN/Recording Academy project, CNN's Brooke Anderson
hosts a pre-GRAMMYS debate for the the winning tune.
[Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Who will win Album of Year? :: 01/19/10
In a special CNN/Recording Academy project, CNN’s Brooke Anderson
hosts a debate over the GRAMMYS’ most coveted prize.
[Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Haiti as it happened :: 01/19/10
Survivors' videos show their first-hand experiences.
[Produced and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Experts 'not surprised' by quake :: 01/13/10
CNN meteorologist Rob Marciano takes an in-depth
look at what caused the massive earthquake in Haiti.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Modern Day Huckleberry Finn? :: 12/16/09
iReporter Neal Moore canoed the entire length of the
Mississippi River and documented his journey.
[Shot (Interview Only), and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Conversation with Lyle Lovett :: 12/15/09
Lyle Lovett talks to CNN about Nashville, writing,
and his new album, 'Natural Forces.'
[Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Interview with Steve Kimock :: 12/13/09
CNN sits down with the innovative guitarist
at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Redding's Big O Ranch :: 12/09/09
The woman who knew Otis Redding the best discusses his death,
his music, and the home the two purchased before his death.
[Co-Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Review: iPhone navigation apps :: 11/11/09
CNN's Cody McCloy and Jarrett Bellini take two new high-end
iPhone navigation applications for a lunchtime spin.
[Co-Produced, Co-Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

We are Paramore! :: 11/06/09
Tennessee rockers discuss fame, touring, and Twilight.
[Shot, and Co-Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Google Wave Launches :: 10/26/09
On their big day, team Google Wave shoots exclusive video for CNN.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Mixing with Motion :: 10/15/09
ZOOZbeat allows users to recreate music from their phones.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Why Women Have Sex :: 09/30/09
CNN took to the streets to ask real women why they have sex.
[Co-Produced, Co-Shot, and Co-Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Big Damn Band :: 04/22/09
Indiana blues trio, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band,
sings of hard times in rural America.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Worn Out Shoe :: 04/22/09
The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, performing
the song 'Worn Out Shoe.'
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Atlanta Storms :: 04/13/09
CNN Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider talks to Nicole Lapin
about wicked weather in the Atlanta area today.
[Photos Provided by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Food Allergies :: 04/01/09
CNN's Jo Parker shows how she protects her son
from potentially deadly food allergies
[Shot, Edited, and Co-Produced by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Trampled by Turtles :: 03/16/09
Minnesota progressive bluegrass band
performs Rich/Poor in Atlanta.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Juggling Life in the Circus :: 02/19/09
CNN.com's Reggie Aqui learns a few tricks from
Cirque du Soleil's premier juggler, Anthony Gatto.
[Shot by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

History in the Making :: 01/20/09
Watch history unfold as Barack Obama becomes
the 44th President of the United States of America.
[Produced by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

MLK Continues to Inspire :: 01/19/09
Feedback from today's youth on Martin Luther King Jr.'s
"I Have a Dream" speech.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

CNN.com and the Inauguration :: 01/16/09
CNN.com's Manav Tanneeru explores the special
inauguration features available on the website.
[Package Only: Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Christmas Jam Turns 20 :: 12/23/08
Habitat for Humanity builds homes as Warren Haynes'
Christmas Jam celebrates their 20th anniversary.
[Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Within Our Gates :: 10/16/08
Artists explore civil rights using an abandoned water tower
in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Voting is Easy :: 10/15/08
A quick tutorial from Rock the Vote and CNN... pledge to
vote at www.rockthevote.com.
[Co-Produced, Co-Edited, and Hosted by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Tavern Politics :: 09/26/08
Magic Hat Brewing Company brings participation back
into the bars up and down the east coast.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Show and Tell: Zorb :: 07/15/08
Take a ride head over heels with Zorb!
[Cameo by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

All Access: CNN VJs :: 06/06/08
A behind the scenes look at the entry level position at CNN.
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Show and Tell: Wii Fit :: 05/23/08
CNN.COM's Jarrett Bellini gets fit with Wii Fit.
[Hosted by Jarrett Bellini]
CNN Link

Personal Videos

2020-01-20T16:28:00.001-05:00

Personal Videos

Template :: xx/xx/xx
Info Goes Here
[Produced, Shot, and Edited by Jarrett Bellini]

Random Favorites (Videos)

2020-01-19T16:32:00.001-05:00

RANDOM FAVORITES

Template :: Source
Info Goes Here

Live Shows I've Attended

2019-01-25T14:12:00.021-05:00

Al and the Transamericans

2003 09-09 Atlanta, GA / Jake's Toadhouse -- No Notes
2004 03-23 Atlanta, GA / Brandy House -- No Notes

Allman Brothers Band
1999 07-01 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion -- No Notes
2004 09-26 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – No Notes
2005 10-01 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – moe. opened
2006 08-20 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – DTB Opened
2007 09-08 Atlanta, GA / Piedmont Park – Green Concert w/ Dave Matthews Band
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival -- No Notes
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival -- No Notes
2010 04-23 Macon, GA / Macon City Auditorium - Big House Day!

Anastasio, Trey
2001 02-28 Richmond, VA / Landmark Theater -- w/ Dave Matthews
2002 06-03 Denver, CO / Red Rocks Aphitheater – No notes

Aquarium Rescue Unit
2006 10-28 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – No Notes

Avett Brothers, The
2008 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 09-09 Atlanta, GA / The Tabernacle -- Samsung Summer Krush Event

Bassnectar
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Beats Antique

2011 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
2004 09-04 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – Acoustic Planet Tour

Ben Harper & RELENTLESS7
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Biscuit Burners
2008 03-28 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic – No Notes

BK3
2009 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Blue King Brown
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

Blues Traveler
2008 06-21 Atlanta, GA / Candler Park -- Mid-Summer Music Fest

Bobby Lee Rodgers and the Codetalkers
2008 06-05 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Railroad Earth

Boombox
2009 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Bridge, The
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Bruce in the USA
2011 11-04 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes

Buckethead
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Buffett, Jimmy
1993 06-06 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes
1994 10-04 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes
1995 10-10 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes
1996 10-07 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes
1999 06-10 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion - No Notes
1999 08-26 Columbia, MD / Merrieweather Post Pavilion - No Notes
2000 06-17 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- No Notes
2000 08-24 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion - No Notes
2000 08-26 Columbia, MD / Merriweahter Post Pavilion - No Notes
2001 05-22 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion – No Notes
2003 07-03 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion – No Notes

Cadillac Sky
2010 10-07 Atlanta, GA / Buckhead Theater -- Opened for Mumford & Sons

Chatham County Line
2006 12-07 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes
2008 04-19 Atlanta, GA / The Earl -- Bad Venue, Noisy Crowd, Horrible Openers
2009 10-02 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic -- No Notes
2010 07-24 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic -- No Notes
2010 12-17 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Holiday Show (Second Set Electric)
2011 12-16 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Holiday Show (Second Set Electric)

Col. Bruce & the Quark Alliance
2009 12-02 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- opened for Derek Trucks Band
2010 04-15 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Corduroy Road, The
2010 02-18 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes

Cornmeal
2009 02-07 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Dark Star Orchestra
2009 03-05 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- Opened for Bobby Lee Rogers Band
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 10-03 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Railroad Earth
2010 03-13 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle – Opened for moe.
2010 05-01 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Crosby, Stills & Nash
2010 08-11 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena –Opened for Tom Petty

Dark Star Orchestra
2008 03-01 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
2008 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 02-07 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Cornmeal Opened
2009 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 07-08 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2010 02-04 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Five hours, three sets!

Dave Matthews Band
1999 09-12 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- Farm Aid '99
2005 04-30 New Orleans, LA / New Orleans Fair Grounds – Jazz Fest 2005
2007 09-08 Atlanta, GA / Piedmont Park – The Green Concert w/ Allman Brothers Band

Dead, The
2003 06-18 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion – No Notes
2004 08-19 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – No Notes

Denver, John
1990 09-07 Sun City West, AZ / Arizona Sun Dome – My first ever concert!

Dylan, Bob
1999 07-16 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- w/ Paul Simon

Derek Trucks Band
2006 08-20 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – Opened for Allman Brothers
2009 12-02 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Col. Bruce & the Quark Alliance opened
2009 12-03 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Tinsley Ellis opened

Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival
2010 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

deSol
2008 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

DJ Harry
2009 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Donna Jean Godchaux Band
2010 07-08 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Donna the Buffalo
2009 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Drive-By Truckers
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Dumpstafunk
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Everyone Orchestra
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Femi Kuti & the Positive Force
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Franti, Michael (& Spearhead)
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Furthur
2010 02-08 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle – No Notes
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 04-03 Atlanta, GA / The Fox Theater -- No Notes

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 07-31 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater -- No Notes

Galactic

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Glen David Andrews
2011 02-14 New Orleans, LA / d.b.a -- Shot video for CNN package
2011 04-15 New Orleans, LA / Three Muses

George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars
1997 09-14 Washington, DC / Bender Arena -- American University Free Show
2010 04-15 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Gordon, Mike
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Gov't Mule
2007 10-19 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle -- Grace Potter Opened
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 08-09 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- No Notes
2009 07-25 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- JJ Grey & Outformation opened
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2007 10-19 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle -- Opened for Gov't Mule
2008 01-19 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2008 04-20 Atlanta, GA / Candler Park -- Sweetwater 420 Festival
2008 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 10-18 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Wood Brothers opened
2010 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Great American Taxi
2011 04-29 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Todd Snider

Greene, Jackie
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Greensky Bluegrass
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 09-26 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2011 01-15 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- opened for Railroad Earth
2011 04-17 Atlanta, GA / Candler Park -- Sweetwater 420 Fest
2011 06-14 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes

2011 07-17 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Guy, Buddy
2010 02-06 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – Opened for B.B. King

Hackensaw Boys
2007 11-02 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar – No Notes
2009 03-07 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- Trampled by Turtles Opened

Heavy Pets, The
2010 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Hill Country Review
2008 12-27 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Opened for North Mississippi Allstars
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Hot Buttered Rum
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Hot Tuna
2007 07-28 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Reviewed for JamBase.com
2008 05-04 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Little Feat
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Infamous Stringdusters
2007 02-15 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes
2009 03-28 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

J. Roddy Walston & the Business

2011 07-17 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

JJ Grey & Mofro
2008 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-25 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- Opened for Gov't Mule

2011 07-16 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

John Butler Trio
2005 04-29 New Orleans, LA / New Orleans Fair Grounds – Jazz Fest 2005
2005 09-27 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
2007 05-04 Atlanta, GA / Roxy Theater – No Notes
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

2011 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

K-os
2010 06-01 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade -- Backstage All Access

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe

2011 07-16 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Katchafire
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

KC and the Sunshine Band
2007 08-25 Atlanta, GA / Chastain Park Amphitheater -- Backstage All Access

King, B.B.
2010 02-06 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – Buddy Guy Opened

King Charles
2010 10-07 Atlanta, GA / Buckhead Theater -- Opened for Mumford & Sons

Kingfisha
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

Knopfler, Mark
2005 07-12 Atlanta, GA / Chastain Park Amphitheater -- No Notes

Kool & the Gang
2007 08-25 Atlanta, GA / Chastain Park Amphitheater -- Backstage All Access

Lee Boys
2007 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival -- Joined by Travelin' McCourys

Leftover Salmon
2007 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Les Claypool
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Little Feat
2008 05-04 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Hot Tuna Opened

Margolin, Bob
2007 01-00 Atlanta, GA / Blind Willie's – Exact Date Unsure

Medeski, Martin & Wood (Scofield)
2008 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

moe.
1997 11-12 Washington, DC / The 9:30 Club - No Notes
1998 10-09 Washington, DC / The 9:30 Club - No Notes
2000 02-23 Towson, MD / Recher Theater -- No notes
2000 12-09 Washington, DC / The 9:30 Club - No Notes
2001 02-27 Wilmington, DE / Kahuna Concert Hall - No Notes
2001 09-28 Denver, CO / Fillmore Auditorium – No Notes
2001 09-29 Denver, CO / Fillmore Auditorium – No Notes
2004 01-31 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – No Notes
2005 03-02 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2005 03-05 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater -- No Notes
2005 10-01 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater – Opened for Allman Brothers
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-17 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- RatDog opened
2009 07-18 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- Opened for RatDog
2010 03-13 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle – Cornmeal opened
2010 11-15 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Old Bar -- Acoustic strings only as "Disgrace"

2011 07-16 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Mumford & Sons
2010 10-07 Atlanta, GA / Buckhead Theater -- No Notes

Nelson, Willie
1998 10-09 Washington, DC / DAR Constitution Hall -- Landmine Free World
1999 09-12 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- Farm Aid '99

New Majority
2010 10-05 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade -- Opened for New Mastersounds

New Mastersounds
2010 10-05 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade -- No Notes

New Monsoon
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

North Mississippi Allstars
2007 12-31 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater-- Opened for Soul Stew Revival
2008 05-30 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – No Notes
2008 12-27 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Hill Country Review Opened
2010 02-19 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – The City Champs Opened
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Old Crow Medicine Show
2006 10-21 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – No Notes
2007 03-31 Athens, GA / Georgia Theater - No Notes
2007 04-26 Athens, GA / Georgia Theater - No Notes
2010 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Outformation
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-25 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- Opened for Gov't Mule

Packway Handle Band
2007 07-05 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes

Petty, Tom
1999 10-04 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion -- No Notes
2010 08-11 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – Crosby, Stills & Nash Opened

Phil Lesh and Friends
2005 12-12 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – No Notes
2006 06-25 Atlanta, GA / Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater -- w/ Dickey Betts
2008 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Phish
1996 12-02 Phoenix, AZ / America West Arena – No Notes
1997 07-29 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion – No Notes
1998 07-21 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion – No Notes
1998 11-20 Hampton, VA / Hampton Coliseum – Hampton Comes Alive
1998 11-21 Hampton, VA / Hampton Coliseum – Hampton Comes Alive
1999 07-08 Virginia Beach, VA / Virginia Beach Amphitheater – No Notes
1999 10-08 Uniondale, NY / Nassau Coliseum – No Notes
1999 12-15 Washington, DC / MCI Center – No Notes
1999 12-18 Hampton, VA / Hampton Coliseum – No Notes
2000 09-08 Albany, NY / Pepsi Arena – No Notes
2000 09-09 Albany, NY / Pepsi Arnea – No Notes
2000 09-15 Hershey, PA / Hersheypark Stadium – No Notes
2000 09-17 Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion– No Notes
2003 01-04 Hampton, VA / Hampton Coliseum – No Notes
2004 08-12 Camden, NJ / Tweeter Center – Last non festival show
2004 08-14 Coventry, VT / Newport State Airport – Coventry
2004 08-15 Coventry, VT / Newport State Airport – Coventry
2010 07-03 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – No Notes
2010 07-04 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – No Notes

Pnuma Trio
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Poltz, Steve

2011 03-16 Austin, TX / The Dogwood -- with Stinky and John Castro at SXSW

Primus

2011 07-16 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Punch Brothers (feat. Chris Thile)
2010 10-19 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes

Railroad Earth
2007 06-22 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
2008 06-05 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
2008 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 10-03 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Cornmeal Opened
2010 04-24 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
2010 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 10-19 Athens, GA / The Melting Point -- No Notes
2011 01-15 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- with Greensky Bluegrass
2011 04-17 Atlanta, GA / Candler Park -- Sweetwater 420 Fest

2011 10-20 Athens, GA / Georgia Theater -- My First Show at the New Theater

RatDog
2006 07-07 Atlanta, GA / Chastain Park Amphitheater – w/ Keller Williams
2007 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-17 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- Opened for moe.
2009 07-18 Atlanta, GA / Masquerade Music Park -- moe. opened

Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band, The
2008 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 10-28 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2009 03-29 Atlanta, GA / Drunken Unicorn -- No Notes

Robert Randolph and the Family Band
2007 04-02 Atlanta, GA / Centennial Olympic Park -- NCAA Final Four
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Sam Bush Band
2007 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

SeepeopleS
2009 07-09 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Scaring the Children (featuring Bob Weir)
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Scrapomatic
2007 04-24 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Opened for Susan T.
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
2008 01-19 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- No Notes
201o 05-13 Atlanta, GA / Center Stage Atlanta -- No Notes

Simon, Paul
1999 07-16 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- w/ Bob Dylan

Snider, Todd
2000 11-12 Arlington, VA / Iota Cafe -- No Notes
2004 10-22 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Opened for Eddie from Ohio
2006 09-23 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Played only a short opening set
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2009 07-16 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic -- No Notes

2011 04-29 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Great American Taxi opened

SOJA
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Soul Stew Revival [Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi]
2007 12-31 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater-- North Mississippi Allstars opened
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Soulive
2007 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Steep Canyon Rangers
2007 02-23 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes
2007 10-12 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes

Steve Kimock Crazy Engine
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 11-18 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes

Steve Miller Band
1994 08-21 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes

Stills, Stephen
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Taylor, James
1996 09-24 Phoenix, AZ / Desert Sky Pavilion - No Notes

Tea Leaf Green
2007 07-14 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Tedeschi, Susan
2007 04-24 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – No Notes

Telepath
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

That 1 Guy
2009 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

These United States

2011 10-21 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- Opened for Trampled By Turtles

Tiki Taane
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

Toots & the Maytals

2011 07-17 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Trampled by Turtles
2008 03-28 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic – Opened for Biscuit Burners
2009 03-07 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- Opened for Hackensaw Boys
2009 10-23 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes
2010 06-03 Atlanta, GA / Smith's Olde Bar -- No Notes

2011 03-16 Austin, TX / Bat Bar -- SXSW

2011 03-16 Austin, TX / The Stage -- SXSW

2011 10-21 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse -- These United States opened

Toubab Krewe

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

The Wailers
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Watson, Doc
2007 11-16 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – No Notes

Whitworth, Shannon
2009 05-07 Atlanta, GA / Red Light Cafe -- No Notes
2009 10-24 Atlanta, GA / Eddie's Attic -- Opened for Packway Handle Band

2011 02-24 Atlanta, GA / L5P Music Center -- Living Room duo w/ Barrett Smith

Widespread Panic
2001 08-18 Larkspur, CO / Music Mountain Amphitheater – Field of Dreams
2002 06-30 Denver, CO / Red Rocks Amphitheater – My last Mikey show
2005 04-29 New Orleans, LA / New Orleans Fair Grounds – Jazz Fest 2005
2005 12-30 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – No Notes
2005 12-31 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – No Notes
2006 12-30 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – w/ Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
2007 10-27 Macon, GA / Macon Coliseum – No Notes
2007 12-30 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – No Notes
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2008 10-17 Atlanta, GA / Lakewood Amphitheater – No Notes
2009 12-30 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – No Notes
2009 12-31 Atlanta, GA / Philips Arena – No Notes
2010 04-16 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival
2010 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 09-24 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – No Notes
2010 09-25 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – No Notes

2011 02-10 Athens, GA / The Classic Center -- 25 Year Anniversary

2011 03-17 Austin, TX / The Moody Theater -- SXSW ACL Live Taping

2011 10-08 Atlanta, GA / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – No Notes

Wilco
2011 09-29 Atlanta, GA / Cobb Energy Centre

Williams, Keller
2004 09-04 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – Acoustic Planet Tour
2006 07-07 Atlanta, GA / Chastain Park Amphitheater – Opened for Ratdog
2008 07-12 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 07-15 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Winter, Johnny
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Wood Brothers
2008 10-18 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Opened for Grace Potter

Word, The
2010 04-17 Live Oak, FL / Wanee Festival

Yonder Mountain String Band
2004 02-12 Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse – Ben absent for death in family
2004 09-04 Atlanta, GA / Fox Theater – Acoustic Planet Tour
2005 02-18 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle - w/ Futureman
2007 02-16 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle – No Notes
2007 07-13 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2009 02-06 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle - Danny Barnes filled in for Adam on guitar
2009 07-11 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival
2010 01-29 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle – No Notes
2010 07-10 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

2011 02-12 Atlanta, GA / Tabernacle -- No Notes

2011 07-16 Masontown, WV / Marvin's Mountaintop -- All Good Festival

Young, Neil
1999 09-12 Bristow, VA / Nissan Pavilion -- Farm Aid '99

Zennith
2010 09-11 Cairns, Australia - ReggaeTown World Music Festival

Bellini's Reading List

2019-01-24T10:50:00.003-05:00

[ Titles marked with * appear on the Best Novels list. ]

[ Click here to view Best Novels list. ]

:: 2011 ::

01 A Short History of Nearly Everything

by Bill Bryson

GRADE: B-

02 Home Before Daylight

by Steve Parish

GRADE: A

03 The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster

GRADE: B

04 Life

by Keith Richards

GRADE: B

05 Living With the Dead

by Rock Scully with David Dalton

GRADE: B

:: 2010 ::

01 Oil!
by Upton Sinclair
Apparently, Paul Thomas Anderson based the movie 'There Will Be Blood' on the first 150 pages of this book. Having finished it, I can completely understand why - it was the best 150 pages. The latter 400 had their moments, but were mostly filled with long-winded subplots about socialism. GRADE: C+

02 Freakonomics
by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
When I finally got around to reading this book I had heard so much about, I was slightly disappointed that it was actually rather short. Disappointed because it was a really fun read. Maybe not as amazing as the buildup had suggested, but I have found myself asking interesting questions and thinking somewhat differently. GRADE: B

03 No Angel
by Jay Dobyns (and Nils Johnson-Shelton)
Outstanding! It's not often that book allows me to say that I couldn't put it down, but this memoir by an ATF agent in Arizona who, for two years, went undercover with the Hells Angels was nothing short of spectacular. Every page, every story, every detail was gripping and the stuff of movies. Overall, it left me frustrated for the man and for our legal system. GRADE: A+

04 Who Moved My Cheese?
by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
This is a really REALLY short book - the kind you can finish in about an hour. However, short as it may be, it is sweet with equal acclaim. Basically, it's about accepting and adapting to change in your life. My mom and dad both read this and left it at my house during their recent visit. I decided to give it a whirl, and I found it pretty inspiring and uplifting. Anyway, it doesn't take much effort to get through this, and it's worth it. GRADE: B+

05 Happy Hour is for Amateurs
by The Philadelphia Lawyer
This was just a fun, easy read authored by a nameless lawyer. From sex to drugs to alcohol, he lets us enter his past life of going through law school and working his way up in the legal field. It's funny and somewhat interesting, but it's not a life-changing piece of literature. I enjoyed it for what it was, and that was good enough for me. GRADE: B

06 What is the What
by Dave Eggers
This was one of the best books I have ever read. Though technically a novel, it is true life tale of a Sudanese Lost Boy who endures more hardship than one could ever imagine, only to eventually come to America and face even more suffering. No spoilers, here. The story goes back and forth between his new life in the United States and his old life in Africa. This is the second Dave Eggers book I have read, and I'm convinced he is a true genius. GRADE: A+

07 Garcia: An American Life
by Blair Jackson
Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead are, without question, the artists who fill my personal airwaves more than anyone else. So, it was great to dive into this very thorough and honest look back at his life. In some regards I was disappointed in his self-destruction and awful parenting, but, overall, you come to realize that this was a brilliant and complicated man whose own daughters even understood that, despite his massive failures, he was special beyond words. A great read for any serious Dead Head! GRADE: B+

08 Nam-A-Rama
by Phillip Jennings
This was amazingly similar to Catch-22, but set during the Vietnam War. At times it was a bit too zany, but, overall, it was a fun work of fiction. The characters were amusing and well thought out, but the overall plot was sort of over the top to the point of absurd. GRADE: B

:: 2009 ::

01 Crime Scene

by Mitch Gelman
Great memoir of crime reporting in NYC. Worked w/ Mitch at CNN.com.

02 Merle's Door

by Ted Kerasote
A beautiful, thought-provoking read for anyone who loves dogs.

03 Heart of Darkness*

by Joseph Conrad
Good book. Not great. Apocalypse Now definitely took it further.

04 Treasure Island*

by Robert Louis Stevenson
Loved it! Gripping throughout. Perfect for kids and adults.

05 The Big Necessity

by Rose George
A book all about human waste and sanitation... fascinating! Go hug your toilet.

06 Are YOU Dave Gorman?

by Dave Gorman & Danny Wallace
Fantastic! Two Brits go on a pointless journey to meet 54 other Dave Gormans.

07 My Traitor's Heart

by Rian Malan
Fantastic look at racial conflict in South Africa, as told by the Afrikaner author.

08 Where Men Win Glory

by Jon Krakauer
Wonderfully researched (frustrating) account of the death of Pat Tillman.

09 Chasing Lincoln's Killer

by James L. Swanson
Apparently written for young adults, but still a great history of John Wilkes Booth.

:: 2008 ::

01 The Grapes of Wrath*

by John Steinbeck
Wonderful! Relevant! Deserving of its masterpiece status.

02 The Miracle of Castel di Sangro

by Joe McGinniss
Fantastic from start to finish, though thoroughly depressing at the end.

03 Brave New World*

by Aldous Huxley
An unimpressive combination of Atlas Shrugged, 1984, and Walden Two.

04 Losing My Virginity

by Richard Branson
Women want him. Jarrett wants to be him. Inspiring read.

05 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

by Douglas Adams
Final third was lame, but the rest was classic Douglas Adams.

06 Slash

by Slash w/ Anthony Bozza
Great behind-the-scenes look into the train wreck that was GNR.

07 Them

by Nathan McCall
Novel set in Atlanta's Old 4th Ward... good read, unclear message.

08 Brideshead Revisited*

by Evelyn Waugh
Beautifully written. Worthy of its masterpiece status.

09 Valley Boy

by Tom Perkins
Page-turning autobiography of the world's greatest venture capitalist.

10 How Wall Street Created a Nation

by Ovidio Diaz Espino
Fantastic account of how the U.S. raped Panama for the canal.

11 The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

by Douglas Adams
Strange as usual. Funny, smart, quick, easy, dumb.

12 Keane

by Roy Keane
A page-turning autobiography by the famed Irish international.

13 Waiter Rant

by 'The Waiter'
Fantastic! You'll never see your server the same way again.

:: 2007 ::

01 Lucky You

by Carl Hiaasen
Another entertaining beach read. Nothing more. Nothing less.

02 Round Ireland with a Fridge

by Tony Hawks
"A totally purposeless idea, but a damn fine one..." Triumphant!

03 Full Time

by Tony Cascarino w/ Paul Kimmage
His secret life on and off the pitch... fantastic soccer autobiography.

04 The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini
I can't think of a better, more profound book that I've read in years.

05 Dry

by Augusten Burroughs
Similar to James Frey's books... not as powerful, but funnier.

06 The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde
Dark. Had its moments, but not spectacular. A so-so read.

07 A Good Walk Spoiled

by John Feinstein
One year on the PGA Tour (1994). Fantastic read for golf fans.

08 Searching for the Sound

by Phil Lesh
Grateful Dead... greatest band ever. Touching and insightful.

09 A Thousand Splendid Suns

by Khaled Hosseini
Amazing! Two for two! Might even be better than The Kite Runner.

10 Under the Banner of Heaven

by Jon Krakauer
A frightening portrayal of fundamentalist Mormonism. Fascinating.

:: 2006 ::

01 1984*

by George Orwell
Fantastic. The parallels to today's society are eerie.

02 A Million Little Pieces

by James Frey
Believe the hype. One of the best books I've ever read. Ever.

03 One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
It has it's moments, but remains unspectacular.

04 A Walk Across America

by Peter Jenkins
Easy, fun read. Makes you want to see America.

05 How Soccer Explains the World

by Franklin Foer
Misleading title, but a fantastic look at social issues and soccer.

06 Anna Karenina

by Leo Tolstoy
Too wordy. Too long. Meh.

07 The Kingdom by the Sea

by Paul Theroux
A very good read, but I was ready for it to be over near the end.

08 The Glory Game

by Hunter Davies
Fantastic! One year of Tottenham Hotspur FC. I'm biased. I know.

09 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon
Amazing. Touching. Insightful. Fast.

10 My Friend Leonard

by James Frey
Fiction. Non-Fiction. Doesn't Matter. Loved it.

11 Term Limits

by Vince Flynn
Page-turning spy thriller... a fun read, but a bit over the top.

12 A Confederacy of Dunces

by John Kennedy Toole
Wonderful! Think: An entire novel based on Comic Book Guy.

13 Dude, Where's My Country?

by Michael Moore
Call him crazy, but he said a lot of what I'm thinking. Wait. Damn.

:: 2005 ::

01 A Farewell to Arms*

by Ernest Hemingway
It's good, but it didn't really knock me over.

02 Convention

by Richard Reeves
What happened at a political convention... mostly boring.

03 Naked

by David Sedaris
This is Sedaris's best book.

04 Fahrenheit 451*

by Ray Bradbury
Horrible. Why are all these classics classics?

05 The Gringo Trail

by Mark Mann
Fantastic read. Makes you want to travel South America.

06 Catch-22*

by Joseph Heller
One of the best books I've ever read. War is stupid.

07 Animal Farm*

by George Orwell
So, it wasn't just cute barnyard animals. Interesting.

08 Eats, Shoots & Leaves

by Lynne Truss
Everyone should read this and learn how to use punctuation.

09 On the Trail of the Assassins

by Jim Garrison
The book that inspired Oliver Stone's JFK. I'm convinced.

10 The Lord of the Rings*

by J.R.R. Tolkien
A gem. Tolkien is a visionary.

11 A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

by Dave Eggers
Best book I read in all of 2005.

12 The Death of Ivan Ilyich

by Leo Tolstoy
A guy dies. Pretty boring.

13 The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

by William L. Shirer
It turns out, this was a children's book. Informative, nevertheless.

14 Winesburg, Ohio

by Sherwood Anderson
Worst book I've read in years.

15 A Beautiful Mind

by Sylvia Nasar
Film shares one consistancy with the book... a window was opened.

16 Lord of the Flies*

by William Golding
Lame.

17 Grown-A$$ Man

by Cedric the Entertainer
I found this dusty, unread book on a desk at work. Stupid.

18 We the Living*

Ayn Rand
Rand's best work. When she is on, nobody writes better. Nobody.

19 The Art of Travel

by Alain de Botton
Some good tips on ways to further enjoy traveling. Thanks, Drew.

20 Skinny Dip

by Carl Hiaasen
Hiassen is always good for a laugh. Another fun read.

21 Feel This Book

by Ben Stiller & Janeane Garofalo
This book is so bad it's scary. I left it at the airport in Japan.

22 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance*

by Robert M. Pirsig
Starts off great. Slows in the middle. Finishes strong. Cool book.

23 Turbulent Souls

by Stephen J. Dubner
Further proof that organized religion is rather suspect. Good read.

24 Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley
Not bad, but I still don't see how this was so scary.

:: 2004 ::

01 Running with Scissors

by Augusten Burrows
Best (and most disturbing) book I read all year.

02 Atlas Shrugged*

by Ayn Rand
Hyperbole to the Nth degree. Good in parts, but bad overall.

03 The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown
Ending was lame, but gripping throughout.

04 The Great Gatsby*

by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I hated The Great Gatsby. Why is this so popular?

05 On the Road*

by Jack Kerouac
A classic beat generation novel. Lived up to the hype.

06 Mayor

by Ed Koch
Ed's the man. This is a fun read. Overly-detailed at times.

07 Following the Equator

by Mark Twain
I thought this would be so much better.

08 Seabiscuit

by Laura Hillenbrand
Second best book I read all year.

09 Big Russ & Me

by Tim Russert
Fast. Fun. Pointless.

10 Among the Russians

by Colin Thubron
Good, but only if you plan to travel to or study Russia.

11 The Lost Continent

by Bill Bryson
You can never go wrong with Bill Bryson.

12 Kidnapped

by Robert Louis Stevenson
Read this in Ecuador. Entertaining. Nothing special.

13 Basket Case

by Carl Hiaasen
Read this in Ecuador. Great book. Funny and fast.

Published Writing

2019-01-23T12:11:00.018-05:00

CNN.com :: Thanksgiving? Shmanksgiving. Poutine rules!

CNN.com :: Kurt Braunohler, your Nazi IT guy

CNN.com :: CNN Comedy: Kevin Nealon is legendary

CNN.com :: CNN Comedy: Scott Thompson and Kevin McDonald

CNN.com :: Christian Finnegan: Example of 'U.S. Whiteness'

CNN.com :: Comedian Jim Jefferies on getting robbed

CNN.com :: Comedians Dave Attell and Jim Norton remember when men were wild

CNN.com :: Jonn Oliver: Shaking the addiction to pettiness

CNN.com :: Comedian Jamie Kaler talks like a sailor, literally

CNN.com :: Comedian Ken Rogerson is funnier sober

CNN.com :: JB Smoove and "the ruckus"

CNN.com :: Kate Micucci's ukulele comedy

CNN.com :: Comedian Maria Bamford on her family

CNN.com :: Russell Peters: 'Canada breeds comedy.'

CNN.com :: 'Web Soup' host Chris Hardwick: a huge 'nerd'

CNN.com :: Kristen Schaal: True love for stalkers?

CNN.com :: Jim Norton: I'm dangerous to other comedians

CNN.com :: A London cabbie's take on the big day

CNN.com :: How I spent £100 on royal souvenirs

CNN.com :: Prince William in a rental tux? Think again

CNN.com :: A quest for the weird in Austin

CNN.com :: Frenchmen Street: Finding the real New Orleans

CNN.com :: 'Conan': The second episode

Open Mic: Hard times are nothing new :: 01/27/12

2012-01-27T17:17:00.000-05:00

'Colbert Report' chaplain likes humor :: 01/23/12

2012-01-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

How faith impacts some voters :: 01/22/12

2012-01-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

Comic says he spoils his ex-wife :: 01/19/12

2012-01-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Open Mic: Why faith matters (or doesn't) :: 01/18/12

2012-01-23T10:47:00.001-05:00

CNN Comedy: Russell Howard :: 01/12/12

2012-01-23T10:44:00.001-05:00

Open Mic: NH voters slam the candidates :: 01/09/12

2012-01-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

2012 New Hampshire primary beer poll :: 01/06/12

2012-01-23T10:39:00.001-05:00

Comedian Bob Marley visits New Hampshire :: 01/06/12

2012-01-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

CNN Comedy: Chris Hardwick hates 3-D :: 12/28/11

2012-01-02T15:57:00.001-05:00

Michael Ian Black is 'very famous' :: 12/22/11

2011-12-22T11:22:00.001-05:00

Andy Kindler: The human wind up toy :: 12/16/11

2011-12-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

CNN Comedy: Where did YOU discover porn? :: 12/09/11

2011-12-22T11:20:00.001-05:00

CNN Comedy: Black Friday :: 11/25/11

2011-12-22T11:16:00.002-05:00

CNN Red Chair: Dr. Sanjay Gupta :: 12/07/11

2011-12-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

CNN Comedy: Comic praises Ron Paul :: 12/02/11

2011-12-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

TV on the Radio: Success is 'tricky' :: 11/28/11

2011-11-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

Poutine and beer: A match made in Canada :: 11/23/11

2011-11-24T11:27:00.002-05:00

Comic: Detroit needs to 'grow some weed' :: 11/18/11

2011-11-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

Wilco still 'insecure' :: 11/15/11

2011-11-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

Comedian destroys CNN property :: 11/10/11

2011-11-10T17:56:00.001-05:00

The Occupy life :: 11/05/11

2011-11-10T17:46:00.000-05:00

Darrell Hammond speaks of abuse :: 10/29/11

2011-11-10T17:45:00.000-05:00

Day in life of Wall Street protesters :: 11/01/11

2011-11-10T17:41:00.001-05:00

Conan writer pulling for Rick Perry :: 10/28/11

2011-10-28T19:44:00.000-04:00

SNL's Darrell Hammond's painful past :: 10/24/11

2011-10-28T19:39:00.000-04:00

Comic impressed by his smartphone :: 10/14/11

2011-10-28T19:38:00.000-04:00

'Conan' writer rips on boss's freckles :: 10/07/11

2011-10-07T00:09:00.000-04:00

Who invented the 'booty call'? :: 09/30/11

2011-09-30T12:42:00.001-04:00

A comic's sexual rumspringa :: 09/22/11

2011-09-23T16:43:00.000-04:00

Kevin Nealon: Not like 'Weeds' :: 09/15/11

2011-09-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

Being funny after 9/11 :: 09/09/11

2011-09-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

Here comes Drag Day! :: 09/02/11

2011-09-02T10:31:00.001-04:00

Zite and CNN Interview :: 09/01/11

2011-09-02T10:26:00.002-04:00

Zite and CNN Interview from zite.com on Vimeo.

Comic: Age should determine voting :: 08/26/11

2011-08-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

CNN Comedy: The earthquake :: 08/24/11

2011-08-25T13:57:00.000-04:00

White comedian on embracing his 'bigotry' :: 08/19/11

2011-08-19T12:16:00.001-04:00

Comedian: ‘A tranny is the way to go’ :: 08/12/11

2011-08-12T10:22:00.001-04:00

Louis C.K. and Dane Cook

2011-08-05T18:13:00.000-04:00

Scooby-Doo meets the Kama Sutra :: 07/29/11

2011-08-05T14:21:00.001-04:00

John Oliver loves ‘Benjamins’ :: 08/05/11

2011-08-05T14:16:00.000-04:00

Tree Photos for City of Atlanta

2011-08-04T13:56:00.002-04:00

Tree split down middle.

New wall is already cracked.

Tree spills out into actual street.

Broken branch found on the morning of August 4, 2011.

Bricks popping up.

Comedian mimics Spears, Portman, Griffin :: 07/21/11

2011-07-22T14:22:00.000-04:00

Comedian: 'The Navy was really funny' :: 07/12/11

2011-07-21T17:44:00.002-04:00

Sober comedian finds success :: 07/07/11

2011-07-21T17:44:00.001-04:00

JB Smoove brings the ruckus :: 06/30/11

2011-06-30T17:53:00.001-04:00

R.E.M's Stipe talks about new album :: 06/27/11

2011-06-30T17:49:00.000-04:00

CNN Comedy: Adam Carolla on Father's Day :: 06/17/11

2011-06-30T17:47:00.001-04:00

Maria Bamford's dysfunctional family :: 06/14/11

2011-06-30T17:44:00.000-04:00

Fall asleep with Kate Micucci :: 06/24/11

2011-06-30T17:43:00.000-04:00

Nauru struggles to survive :: 06/17/11

2011-06-30T17:41:00.001-04:00

CNN Comedy: Weinergate :: 06/06/11

2011-06-09T10:57:00.001-04:00

Russell Peters represents the NRIs :: 06/03/11

2011-06-09T10:56:00.002-04:00

Rob Corddry loves swearing :: 05/31/11

2011-06-01T14:56:00.001-04:00

Chris Hardwick is a huge 'nerd' :: 05/27/11

2011-05-27T15:37:00.001-04:00

Kristen Schaal gives sex advice :: 05/20/11

2011-05-27T15:36:00.001-04:00

CNN Comedy: Jim Norton :: 05/13/11

2011-05-19T12:26:00.003-04:00

Femi Kuti sings for Nigeria :: 05/09/11

2011-05-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

Secret Supper: Embracing New Orleans :: 04/29/11

2011-04-29T17:15:00.001-04:00

A London cabbie's take on the wedding :: 04/28/11

2011-04-28T13:51:00.000-04:00

Blowing £100 fast on wedding souvenirs :: 04/26/11

2011-04-28T13:49:00.001-04:00

William to be suited up on Savile Row :: 04/22/11

2011-04-28T13:48:00.000-04:00

Four people keeping Austin weird :: 04/20/11

2011-04-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

Widespread Panic turns 25 :: 04/04/11

2011-04-05T17:45:00.000-04:00

Every shirt has a story :: 03/18/11

2011-04-05T17:44:00.001-04:00

How 'The Daily Show' covers disasters :: 03/14/11

2011-04-05T17:42:00.000-04:00

SXSW: Sex, stars and social action :: 03/15/11

2011-04-05T17:40:00.001-04:00

Mike Tyson: 'Main Event' :: 03/14/11

2011-04-05T17:38:00.000-04:00

Film captures Conan O'Brien post-firing :: 03/14/11

2011-04-05T17:37:00.000-04:00

Geek Sex: Hooking Up at SXSW :: 03/14/11

2011-04-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

CNN Comedy: Adam Carolla :: 03/10/11

2011-04-05T17:31:00.001-04:00

Frenchmen Street: The real New Orleans :: 02/02/11

2011-03-09T13:11:00.001-05:00

Carville and Besh cook gumbo :: 02/17/11

2011-02-21T11:53:00.002-05:00

Mumford and Sons: The All-British rejects :: 02/16/11

2011-02-21T11:46:00.001-05:00

Russell Simmons talks 'Super Rich' :: 02/02/11

2011-02-02T17:03:00.001-05:00

Australia 2010

2011-01-27T13:29:00.003-05:00

Panama 2008

2011-01-27T09:42:00.011-05:00

INTRODUCTION

Generally speaking, when something is referred to as a "once in a hundred years event" there's probably good reason to be excited. However, news of this event was rather grim. Horrible storms had ravaged the westernmost regions of Panama, causing massive flooding in some of the country's most popular destinations.

It was on Thanksgiving night, here in America, that I first learned of this news - less than 36 hours until my departure for Panama City. My plan all along had been to spend two nights in the capital before venturing off into my travels. And, as luck would have it, two of the other major places I planned to visit, Boquete and Bocas del Toro, both had taken the brunt of these storms, causing great distress amidst the raging rivers, rising tides, and vanishing infrastructure.

Online reports described non-stop downpours the likes of which some residents claimed they hadn't seen in their lifetime, and the Council of Ministers even declared a state of emergency. In Boquete, the Caldera River overflowed its banks, wiping out roads and bridges. The destruction in Bocas del Toro appeared to be even worse. Tides had literally swallowed restaurants from the archipelago, and, in addition to countless displaced residents, travelers were more or less stranded on the islands. Message boards and news sites told varying stories from Bocas, but the general idea was that this was not a great time to be traveling in Panama.

So, after reading all the discouraging news, I found myself in a tough position: cancel the trip, shorten my stay, or go ahead with everything as planned. My initial thought was to just grin and bear it. However, after mulling over my options late into the following afternoon, I finally decided to shorten the my time in Panama by one week, thinking if I couldn't get to all the places I wanted to go, and if the weather was going to be lousy, I'd simply just laugh it off as seven strange days in Central America. Two weeks - not so much.

Now, instead of returning on the 13th of December, I would return on the 6th - rain or shine. And that's exactly what I got. A little bit of rain. A little bit of shine.

NOVEMBER 29 :: PANAMA CITY

It amazes me that more Americans don't travel to Central America. It's close, it's inexpensive, and, depending on where you live, you might not even have to adjust your watch. That's nice. But going back to the cost... my entire airfare to Panama City from Atlanta was only $227 on American Airlines. Albeit, indirect through Miami, but that's still one hell of a bargain. Thus, after all the stress and extra expense of shortening my trip, I found myself at the airport on a rainy morning in Georgia, ready to take on my next big adventure. However, this was already feeling different from my other trips. I was, for lack of a better description... sad. Partly, this may have been because I was leaving my dog, Mikey, for the first time since I got him. I'd like to think he needed me, but I think I needed him. Nevertheless, I felt rather alone. Last year's trip to Vietnam was the first time I traveled with somebody in many years, and it was nice to share the experience with my life-long friend, Nathan. Now, on this day, I sat in the terminal as a 30-year-old man, departing for a mere week-long vacation, leaving my dog behind, and feeling that, perhaps, I was getting too old for this shit. That I should be sharing the experience with somebody. That my life wasn't as simple and care-free as it once was. That I had... responsibility. Fortunately, my anti-fear-of-flying meds kicked in and, hours later, I blissfully drifted down into a cloud-covered Panama City in late afternoon. The pilot explained, "The weather in Panama is, uh... rain."

Tocumen International Airport is a nice, modern facility. However, it's rather far from the city center. So, after buying my $5 "tourist visa" prior to immigration, I prepared for my first relatively big expense - cabbing it into the old city. The set fee in a Taxi should be about $25. However, if you opt to take the group (collect) cab, you should only have to pay about $11 if there are three people riding. There weren't many travelers in need, so I ended up in a van with one other passenger, the cost coming to $15 each. Settled, I finally relaxed a bit as, for the next half hour, I stared out the window at a perplexing mix of old and new, skyscrapers nestled up against slums. Eventually, I ended up at the Luna's Castle hostel in Casco Viejo (Old City). A loud, youthful hostel, Luna's is amazingly close to the water, with great balcony views of the modern, towering New City. As for the actual hostel... really, even at only $12 for a dorm room, it was still fair at best. At least for me. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that many of the travelers had more or less been stranded there because of the storms. By that I mean there was a definite funk to the place, both in smell and mentality. Everyone was just sort of sitting around drinking beers, waiting for the weather to get better before moving on with their respective travels. And, in the meantime, from the dorm rooms wafted a damp, travelers' aroma. Making the best of it, I unloaded my bag, grabbed a couple of the $1 beers from the self-serve fridge, and talked with a few backpackers on the balcony. Nice enough people, but I was feeling a bit old.

Feeling a bit restless and wanting to enjoy some of the old city while it wasn't raining, I decided to go for a bit of a walk-a-bout, something that always peps me up and gets me in the travel mood. Nowhere I have to go. Nothing I have to see. Just a stroll through town, seeing, feeling, and smelling the world around me. And for the senses, there's plenty to take in around Casco Viejo - colonial architecture, kids playing in the streets, and amazing views of ships in the water, waiting to pass through the locks of the Panama Canal. Click this photo to see the ships in greater detail.

After strolling about, I eventually ended up getting dinner at a crappy restaurant called Cafe Coca-Cola, where I barely stomached a bad chicken sandwhich and fries. Then it was back to the hostel where, it appeared, nothing much had changed. People were checking email, sitting around, drinking, smoking, and hanging out. However, I was geared up to go out and have a fun evening on the town... just hit up a little cantina, throw a few back, and talk with fellow travelers. By 10pm, the other guests were finally ready to go out. But, by this time, it was raining and, worse, everyone had decided to cab it into the new city to hit up some dance club with a cover charge and bad music. Already feeling sort of old with this crowd, and as what was being planned wasn't really my personal scene, I decided just to go to bed, wake up refreshed, and have a solid day of exploring Panama City. Sadly, it seemed as though I was the only one not heading out. However, an Australia guy in my room had also decided to stay behind, and worded his feelings on that night's planned group activity so perfectly, in a way that only a chill Aussie could. "Mate, I just can't be fucked." (Read: I just can't be bothered.) I've since stolen this phrase, and have found it to be a great way to self-justify staying home and taking it easy. So simple. So right.

NOVEMBER 30 :: PANAMA CITY

Somewhere along the lines of my research I read that travelers wishing to sail from one ocean to the other via the canal could easily find work as a 'line handler' on a private yacht. By law, each boat passing through the canal needs four line handlers, and if they were short, some captains would take on a novice just to meet the hands quota. So, first thing in the morning I took a cab to the Balboa Yacht Club where, sadly, there was less than nothing going on. I had envisioned sailing off for a couple of days on some yacht, capturing the experience of physically passing through the canal locks standing on deck. But, alas, it wasn't to be. One captain I did speak to said my best bet was to put my name in the office and wait it out. That simply wasn't going to happen. Though discouraged, I decided, nevertheless, to head over to the more upscale Flamenco Yacht Club further up the causeway. Maybe I would have better luck there. So, I started hoofing it along the water's edge. Briefly. I hadn't eaten breakfast, and it was rather hot and humid, so I abandoned my walk and hailed another cab. By this point, I had sort of lost my optimism for getting work on a boat, but I was excited to get to this particular yacht club because I had heard from somebody in my hostel that Tom Perkins' personal yacht, The Maltese Falcon, was in the dock. And there it was! The most expensive personal yacht in the entire world. I first became familiar with the name Tom Perkins when I was wowed by his feature on 60 Minutes. More recently, I had just finished reading his autobiography, Valley Boy. The final chapters of his book detail the construction of this amazing craft, and how it's since been the talk of the entire boating world - a true scientific and engineering wonder. What luck that it was docked, right here, right now, in Panama City, with it's giant carbon fiber masts towering into the sky. Totally worth the cab ride, despite the fact that the line handling situation was similarly bleak.

DECEMBER 1 :: ISLA TIGRE

DECEMBER 2 :: ISLA TIGRE

DECEMBER 3 :: BOQUETE

DECEMBER 4 :: BOQUETE

DECEMBER 5 :: PANAMA CITY

DECEMBER 6 :: ATLANTA