1st practice of a new original song called - Smile for the Faceless -

This is a tune i was working on with Danny Diaz. we had a little family jam session to work out the parts.

I really like it so far. kind of a Sunny Day Real Estate meets Johnny Marr vibe... but with less ability.

2013 Carolina RailHawks Schedule

click this link to see the 2013 RailHawks schedule clearlyFor all the Carolina RailHawks fans out there... here is the schedule released in February for 2013: http://carolinarailhawks.com/index.php?id=424

Check out Angie Cruz Photography

http://angiecruzphotography.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/angiecruzphotography
HEY! Just wanted to encourage everyone to check out Angie Cruz Photography. Besides being my insanely hot wife and a great bassist, she is also a great photographer. I have posted some of her music related pics here, but she also does portraits, weddings, custom shoots...etc. Actually, these are older photos, so you should all really check out her new stuff which is amazing! Check out some of her work on facebook https://www.facebook.com/angiecruzphotography and her blog http://angiecruzphotography.blogspot.com/

MLS Comes to the Triangle! - part 1

Today could the biggest day in the short (but rich) history of Carolina RailHawks FC.

The upcoming visit of Major League Soccer president Mark Abbott to discuss the future of soccer in this region has left footie fans salivating. Having enjoyed the privilege of attending RailHawks matches from time-to-time since their inaugural season, I find it VERY difficult to approach this event from a neutral perspective. Thankfully, this is not ESPN… It’s my blog. So I can be unreasonably biased if I so choose.

I am going to make a serious effort to attend the fan forum this afternoon at Backyard Bistro. This is a rare opportunity for fans wanting first division soccer in the triangle to voice their opinions directly to those who have a say in making that happen.

It appears that the main obstacle to overcome is financial backing. That being said, the reasons fans will pitch to MLS to justify an expansion in this area are the same factors that could influence potential investors.

Although there a ton of factors to take into consideration… Let’s pretend money isn’t one of them. Here are a few points I hope make it into the ear-holes of Mark Abbott (MLS President), Aaron Davidson (VP Traffic Sports), and David Downs (NASL):

1. Attendance: RailHawks drew an average of 3,353 per match in their first NASL season. For those who find that total underwhelming, The Seattle Sounders (Highest MLS attendance average of Seattle 38,496) averaged 3,386 in their last season in the USL-1 before Joining MLS.

2. Demographics: Although there is a large soccer-loving latino community in NC, the triangle may be one of the few areas where that demographic would not be “counted on”. It is well-established that soccer has become more popular among affluent youth as well as college students. Both groups abound in Cary, NC and the surrounding areas. How many Cities can boast having universities such as UNC, Duke, NC State, and Wake Forest all within a short drive of each other. Not only are these big schools, they are big SOCCER schools.

3. Mentality: (maybe the most important factor) Fans in NC have proven they are willing to loyally embrace the “other” (not-basketball, baseball, NFL) sports . The Carolina Hurricanes are a perfect example. Not only did the city back this team, the people did too. You can’t drive through Raleigh without seeing Hurricanes stickers on cars everywhere. As someone who grew up in NC, I promise you… NONE of us grew up playing hockey. We didn’t even play street hockey back then. It just wasn’t part of our culture. This phenomenon happened after the hurricanes came to town.

Soccer on the other hand, is here NOW. You can’t throw a rock in a public school without hitting a kid who has played soccer (I don’t recommend trying that). There are school leagues, summer leagues, and camps everywhere. There is a built in audience for the beautiful game in NC. I was having a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts in Rocky Mount, NC last Saturday when some 10-12 year old kid comes in with his mom wearing a Bayern Munich jersey. The coolest part about this… I wasn’t even shocked. That is how much the mentality and soccer culture has evolved in NC.

Hey MLS... WE ARE READY!

I mean... hey, even my DOGS have been to RailHawks games. (Bark in the Park Night was awesome!)

… more to come

Extra Time Radio

Okay, for those who follow me on twitter [ @stellarcaster ] it is NO surprise that I am a big fan of the Extra Time Radio Podcast. If ur a serious soccer fan or just casually interested, I totally recommend you check it out:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/extratime

It looks like the guys are out to find an official nickname for their loyal listeners. I'm a marketer, so I loves me some BRANDING. Tweet your ideas to @ExtraTimeRadio if you want them to be considered and post them on here too if you want.

here are some of the suggestions I posted in no particular order:

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio Extra Time Radioheads - The bends could be a theme song! Bend it like thom yorke
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio extra timeographers
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio Extra Time Radiologists
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio E.T.nagemutantninjaturtles
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio E.T.eenage fanclub
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio extratime-artians (like marvin the extratimeartian) i'm throwing in the animated mascot suggestion for free.
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio how about extratimeosapiens?
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio did i already say the extra-time-o-saurs
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio E.T.Baggers (I meant this as ironically as possible)
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio E.T.otihuacans
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio Extra Time-Travelers
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio the me-go-e-t-in-ur-cokes
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio extra-time-machines
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio nicknames cont'd: extra-time-y-tims
5 Apr

stellarcaster DC
@ExtraTimeRadio new tag name for fans: how about the EXTRA-T-RESTRIALS or EXTRA-TIME-AHOLICS

My newest is ET Radi-Ogres with some sort of green simon-esque shrek mascot

BRING NASL TEAMS TO FIFA 12 by EA Sports!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/naslfifa12/

BRING NASL TEAMS TO FIFA 12 by EA Sports!!

As a huge soccer fan, I was extremely excited to have a local squad to cheer for when Carolina RailHawks FC began their inaugural season in 2007. Gone were the days of "long-distance allegiance" with clubs that I really had no true emotional connection with. Although the RailHawks would be playing in a league that was considered by many to be a step down from Major League Soccer, most fans were impressed by the overall level of skill and competition.

In a addition to being a futbol fan, I also love video games... particularly EA Sports' FIFA line of games. Although I Thoroughly enjoyed using the game as a portal onto the pitch with the greatest players in the world, I longed to be able to play with teams that were based in cities that I had actually VISTED IN PERSON. I was ecstatic when I finally saw the inclusion of the Major League Soccer in the games I loved playing. I no longer had to make custom teams or imaginary transfers of Landon Donovan to Real Madrid! The time has come to include the next wave of American teams in the FIFA series. This move will only increase the visibility of the beautiful game in one of the biggest and untapped (in football terms anyway) world markets!

Although the NASL league is only beginning its 1st season after separating from the USL the teams comprising this league have shown their ability to play at a very high level. Although the league is considered to be a level down from Major League Soccer, the supposed drop-off in "quality of play" is actually quite diminutive. Teams such as Carolina RailHawks FC have played against and defeated MLS, Mexican League (FMF), and English Championship squads in friendly competitions. The Puerto Rico Islanders have also been very successful in CONCACAF tournaments facing FMF and MLS teams.

Considering the fact EA Sports includes English leagues such as Coca-Cola league 1 and even Coca-Cola league 2 (most of the league 2 teams would not qualify for the play-offs against NASL level talent), the NASL should also be given the attention and respect it deserves from EA Sports. Even in smaller markets, the support for these squads is very strong. The thought of seeing experienced veterans and younger players like Gregory Richardson(Carolina RailHawks FC), Nevio Pizzolitto(Impact de Montreal), and Richard Martinez(Islanders) in FIFA 12 would be very exciting for avid supporters who longing to have their local heroes going up against the best talent in the world. You could even have sibling rivalry with Gordon Kljestan (Tampa Bay Rowdies) going up against his brother Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht in the Belgian First Division)!!

Let your voices be heard! Support the beautiful game from the grass-roots level upward... and on a personal note... LET'S GO RAILHAWKS!!!

SIGN IT!!! DO IT!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/naslfifa12/

My Life According to OASIS

this has a cheesy forwarddy (new word-just made it) vibe, but it seems like fun!

Rules: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to people you think would find this interesting (including me). You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Re-post as "My Life According to (BAND NAME)."

My Artist:
Oasis

Are you a male or female?
Better Man

Describe yourself:
My Big Mouth

How do you feel:
It's Getting Better (Man!)

Describe where you currently live:
Half the World Away

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
All Around the world

Your favorite form of transportation:
Supersonic

Your best friend is:
She's Electric

Your favorite color is:
Ain't Got Nothin' (I DON'T have answer, but this IS a song)

What's the weather like:
Cloudburst

Favorite time of the day:
Morning Glory

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
The Nature of Reality (assuming that it is a reality show)

What is life to you:
Just Getting Older

Your relationships:
Let There Be Love

Your fear:
I'm Outta Time

What is the best advice you have to give:
Don't Look back in Anger

If you could change your name, you would change it to:
Little James

Thought for the Day:
Stay Young

How I would like to die:
Shock of Lightning

My soul's present condition:
I Hope, I Think, I Know

My Motto:
Roll With It

Your Wish in Song:
Live Forever