I know I'm going to have to sit down and spend a while writing about our wedding weekend, but right now it's just too fresh. I need to savor it within me a little longer before I can spread it out on the page. Simply put, it was the most incredible weekend of my life. Having our families and friends around us in such a perfect setting was truly special. What Lu and I heard over and over again this weekend was that the event was the perfect reflection of us, and that it was a whole hell of a lot of fun. Obviously, that means it was a complete and total success. Tacohen had some nice thoughts over at mediajam. We're going to turn our wedding webpage into a repository of everything that occurred, and I'll post the link as soon as it's ready. Tonight we're watching the 3 hours of videotape, and I hope to sweet cheebus in the clouds above that the Bigfoot Session early on Saturday morning was captured properly.

But I've been lax in the last week so I've got lots of links to lay on ya today.

This tool would have helped people find the best time to buy plane tickets. It only just went live, though. Use it the next time you have to travel.

For music we've got The Living Blue. Kinda punky, kinda indie, and definitely rockin. And music is big on my brain right now 'cause tomorrow night we're leaving for the High Sierra Music Festival. Not everyone would choose this as what they do the weekend after they were married, but Lu and I simply could not miss it. Besides, our real honeymoon isn't for a few months.

This next one will take a bit to download, but I promise you it's worth the time. 2001: A Space Odyssey edited down to 2001 seconds. Brilliant. And while we're waiting for that to download, you can watch a little Southpark. Better yet, it's the somewhat rare T. Cruise in the Closet episode that Scientology was so pissed about. Enjoy.

Even though we're back in SF, we're pretending that we're kinda honeymooning, so we're going out for a nice dinner tonight. The Alamo Square Seafood Grille has a nice prix fixe menu we've heard great things about. I see crustaceans and crushed, fermented grape juice in my future, and I'm very happy about it indeed.

Until 5pm tomorrow, I will still have things to do and accomplish. Errands, chores, details, directions, precision, dilligence. But there will come a moment when that phase ends. This is Phase 2 I'm in right now. This is a short phase after the very loooooong planning phase. That was where I had to live my life and work and plan and make decisions and work with Lu and figure everything out from 3000 miles away and hope that it was all good ideas that would execute well. Since I walked out of work the other day, I have been in a different mode. Lu is away with family. I'm here with mine, and both of us are putting together the final details that we couldn't from so many miles away. This is the world in shift around us as we try to tighten the clamps on the specifics of the weekend. But they do not tighten well. They are slippery and cagey and prefer not to be locked on any one set of circumstances.

Tomorrow at 5pm Phase 3 will begin. That's where I don't have to do anything but enjoy myself. That's where all my friends and family are around celebrating what Lu and I are promising to each other on Saturday evening. That's the phase that all off this is about, and I cannot wait to get there.

Next I must wrap objects in tinfoil, write cards of thanks, and fall asleep with a book on my chest. I can't wait to see my friends and family and Lu most of all. I can't wait to get the party started. I can't wait to see plans and hopes spring to life. I can't wait to battle the weather with sheer willpower alone. The sun must shine. It must!!

Here are some of the products that helped bring Camp Gallagosen to life: Crocs, Leatherman, Maglight, Panasonic, Harpoon IPA. I'm sure Lu has more. I'll update them when we get back. Now, to camp!

I know you've always wanted to know how to do this. I have. So here's a nice little tutorial showing you the Scandanavian way. I look forward to attempting this soon. After all, I am on vactaion as of about 3 hours ago. My flight leaves at 10pm and I'm nearly done packing. Dishes, feed cats, doublecheck everything (rings) and I'm good to go.

It's hard to believe this day is finally here. The day I leave work behind and fly back east. Months of planning and decisions and in mere days they come to life. Now is total focus. Now I can feel the reality of the coming event. It feels powerful and odd to have made so many decisions at a distance, one by one, that all add up to our Wedding. Everything is our best guess of what's gonna be good. We've taken what we like and mixed it with what we know our friends and family like and the result... the result we are all about to see.

A few big things left on the To Do list, but mostly it's just getting everything there intact, lighting the fuse and stepping back to see it unfold, explosively.

Tonight I fly.

Clearly, salmon is the most delicious of fish. The George Foreman grill does amazing things to a 1" salmon steak that's lightly glazed with honey, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with Slap Yer Momma and fresh ground pepper, and then rubbed with crushed garlic.

Went to Lucky 13 on Market for a beer, sat on the patio, read the paper and listened to my iPod. Wilco, Radiohead, Jane's Addiction in the ears, Racer 5 in the glass and the Circuits section of the NYTimes spread out in front of me on the picnic table. I was interested in every item featured today, especially the Belkin TuneTalk. The article about online video-editing/sharing tools I found extremely compelling, as well. I'm checking out Grouper and Eyespot right now. There are videos on both that I've see on YouTube, but these two sites are really for mixing short digicam or phone clips, online. That you can upload and mix is the key, here.

As I sat there reading, I remember thinking that these sites might be useful when we are trying to put together all the digital bits and pieces of our wedding weekend. Friends could upload from where ever they are, and then Lu and I could take the parts and weave them into a whole. But then my thoughts drifted on as I read about other craziness in the world detailed in the pages of the paper. The music flowed and the sun got low and I realized that my brain works so differently than the woman's that I'm about to marry. I guarantee, she has been thinking nonstop, all day, every day about our upcoming wedding. All day. Every day. First thing when she wakes up, last thing before bed. I'm not like that. I actually make a conscious effort to forget about certain things at certain points in my day.

At 11am when it is sunny and gorgeous outside, I make myself forget my office has windows. When I drive on the highway, I refuse to remember the terrifying statistics of the road. When I am poor, I purge from my thoughts the idea of luxury. I actively compartmentalize. I can live wholly in one mode of thought, even though the tenets of that mode may sometimes contradict other aspects of other modes. Sitting out on the bench sipping my beer and reading the paper, I forgot completely, for a time, that I was in the midst of planning the largest party I have ever thrown. Same thing happened about an hour into the poker game last night. I realized I had not thought about the big day in a long while. But I'm pretty sure Lu doesn't spend much time like that, now. The work that she has put in is impressive, though. We're essentially one week out tonight and that's a pretty exciting feeling.

I have 2 days left of work. After that I'm no longer in the vortex. Instead, my state will change into a human arrow flying through time towards the target of relaxing bliss. The airplane flying east will give me momentum. I will be returning to my place of birth to gather my tribe together one time. I cannot wait. I'm ready to be swept into this thing we've created together and see what amazing things are going to happen.

AM Update: Check out Jumpcut, too. It's another video upload, mixing and sharing site. Thanks Jen!

Alright gonna be quick and dirty tonight 'cause I have mere moments before I have to race off for poker.

Sketchzilla is a collaborative web site. Anyone can edit the page. There's lots of weird shit up there, and some truly awful web design. But I love the idea of it as group-art-in-progress. As it says right on the first page, if you are easily offended, you are in the wrong place.

Next is a little tip for all the World Cup fanatics out there, trying to watch the games at work. It takes a few steps, but you should be able watch on your computer. Here are the instructions. Good luck! Go Holland! And I'm gone.

Let's say you're going to visit your friend in, oh, New York City. And you were looking to find a local brewpub or microbrewery. You could ask a cabbie, talk to a local or consult a guide book. None would be definitive. But this site, is. This is one that's going directly to my resource folder. This one is handy for around town, and all over the country. Cheers and thank you Mr. Horn!

Although The Cuts are a local SF band, I've never heard them--or even of them--until today. I know, lame. But I'm better now 'cause I know about them and so do you. I listened to a few of the little clips on their web site and it's definitely a sound I enjoy. A little punky, earnest lyrics and aggressive, atmospheric melodies. Good walkin' music. You can download How Can I Get Through here, but the rest of the streams are just clips. I don't like just clips. They should have up at least two to listen to all the way through. I'm still going to buy the latest album, though.

Next is something completely different. Lansing-Dreiden. Art collective, performance art, pop music with a great, visual web site. Apparently they don't play much, and based on the video I'm not sure if their show would be a concert or a performance, but the sound is catchy and their images are compelling. Look for a Line You Can Cross and Death Notice IV. You're going to have to click around to find them, but there are sounds for you to enjoy.

Last is just eye candy for anyone who's sat for hours in the dorm room determined to beat your special-move-throwing-best-friend-opponent who you simply could not best, and who would taunt you relentlessly for your ineptitude. Chel, I'm looking in your direction...

Now! To planning!

White water rafting was gnarly. And tiring. Full review Half a weekend review over at mediajam.

NYTimes had an interesting article today about a little thing called The Mosquito Tone. It was originally created as a sound to play outside convenience stores or other shops where hooligans congregate. It's a tone that's so high-pitched, most adults no longer have the ability to hear it. To kids, however, it's powerfully annoying. The only problem is that kids are pretty damn smart, and have started using the sound as a ringtone. This way, they can get calls or texts in class, and the teacher won't hear it. Give it a try here, and find out if you're young or old. Here's the article, but that link will degrade after a few days.

Recently in the midst of wedding planning I realized I was using Gmail in a slightly unusual way. I've found the "Drafts" folder to particularly useful as a way to store documents that I'm updating daily. Documents I have no intention of sending. For example, I have a to do list in there, that I can access and edit from either work or home. Before I would email the list to myself, then copy and paste it into another email with all the info updated. Now, in 2 clicks I'm in an open, workable document. It is great for any document that is being changed often . It's saved, it's available and it could not be easier to edit. Give it a try.

As for music, here's Gotan Project. Tango + electronica and beats = some really weird, fun shit. If the Flaming Lips did tango, this is what it would sound like.

There's one thing I took from the river that will help me in the coming days, and whenever life gets a little tough: paddle through. That was the instruction for dealing with the rapids. Don't just let the water take you where it will, 'cause that will end in capsizing. Instead, when you get to the tough parts, you've got to paddle even harder, steer true and force your way through the current towards the easy bliss that will follow shortly. We're in the rapids now with wedding planning. But I can see the calm bliss of the event itself and afterwards just a bit downstream. Together we're going to paddle through, and most importantly, enjoy the ride the whole way there.

I am amazed by the speed at which life moves, sometimes. I went through a period a few years ago when I lived in Boston where it seemed that every day was faster than the next. The job I had, the relationship I was in, the way the seasons just sped by, it was insane. Then three years and a bit ago, I moved out here to SF, and suddenly time slowed. Life went back to the leisurely pace I wanted. Part of it was being far from home, family and friends. Part of it was the pace of this city by the Bay. Suddenly my world was almost utterly without expectations. I had to get to work on time. I had to pay rent. I had to be a good person and friend, obviously, but there simply weren't that many demands on my time. It was fun! But in many ways, it was empty, too.

All that has changed. Time is moving quickly again. Mostly because my wedding is only 16 days away, but also because my life has changed. I feel more like I did back when I lived in Boston than I did when I first moved here, but it's better than either period of time.

I've learned how to step out of my life and slow things down a bit. I've also learned how to better ride the cresting froth of time while it is barreling towards the shore. This weekend will be my last chance to step out and chill out, for just a little while. It is kinda funny though what I'm choosing to do to relax. Whitewater rafting. Lu, on the other hand, is choosing quiet and home and maybe a bit of spa time in between wedding crafts and final details. Both are good for each of us. And I'm ready for everything that's coming next as we spiral in to the big day.

I have a feeling time will slow again a bit once this event planning madness is over, but I can't be sure. You really have to take bold steps to truly change the current you are in. I guess I'll be practicing that on the river this weekend.

If you really feel like dropping out, give The Tribe a shot. Is it a scam? I don't know. It seems like it could be scammy, but then again, maybe not. And Burning Man is coming up so consider that as an escape, too. There, the only times that you can truly count are sunset, sunrise and Burn. Everything else is yours to do with what you will.

Once again, though, time has me pinned between sleep and work. The three together force me into unconsciousness where in my dreams I will run and leap and then take flight.

AM Update: It works! I cannot believe it, but I actually had a rather amazing flying dream last night. In fact, I was flying so well that tourists in my dream were actually videotaping me! I'll see if I can get a copy and post it on the 'net.

I love the melding of opposites. Juxtaposition. Paradoxes that tie the mind in knots of conflicting thought. As soon as I saw what this next web site was all about, warmth filled my heart even as my fingertips got cold. Making fire from ice. Click through the steps and then give it a try some time. I definitely will. I'm sure we could get it to work.

Now, let's say you were born in the 70s and you grew up with the music of the 80's as the soundtrack to your life. If both of those things were true, then there's a good chance you will enjoy this trove of 80s videos and concert clips. (thanks odder) I can't really go there 'cause it makes me think of some of the poor wardrobe choices I made based on what those people were wearing. But I know some of you can't get enough of it. (Lu, I'm looking in your direction...) There is, however, one band that I simply love, and though they sprang from the 70s, the 80s were their heyday. Talking Heads. Their movie Stop Making Sense is pure brilliance. I also love the Muppets. Mahna Mahna remains a seminal giggly moment in my young life. But I had not see this particular melding until today. (thanks Horn!) I don't know where I was that evening, but apparently it was not glued to the front of the tube, waiting for Kermit and the rest of the crew to appear. I wouldn't have even gotten it then, but I'm sure my aunt and uncle loved it. The Muppets were good like that. There was something for everyone in that show.

Alright, enjoy your evening/morning/day. Thursday's almost here and that's at least eleventeen times better than any of the last few days.

Oh yeah one last thing, I got the invite to Google Spreadsheet. Haven't played with it much, yet, but I think it'll be useful. If you're interested, definitely hit that link from yesterday. I love the way that company is trying to help as many people work together as possible. They aim for information collaboration, and so far, I think they are definitely doing it right. Now! Goodnight!

Musicians trust their bandmates. Painters trust the strokes of their hands and the images in their minds. I trust the words to fall out into the right spaces. Engineers trust their math. We trust in the competence of the other drivers on the road. We believe in the world and its rules, together, and together we make it real. Sometimes, though you've got to just take a second to remember that it all is pretty strange. Cities, money, buildings, jobs, concrete, fences, plastic. We are compelled to create these strange things in the world, all to the end of making our lives 'better'.

But I feel best around a fire, under the fire of stars far distant, and within the warm glow of trust and love that I feel from my friends, my family, my tribe. That is where I will always feel best. So much of what I do every day is just a means to get back to that simplicity. I work hard to achieve moments when I do not have to do any work at all. But I cannot help but wonder, often, if I've been deluded along the way. That we've been tricked by the frantic momentum of society and history. I cannot help but feel that pieces of this vast puzzle have gone missing or hidden and that what we think we're looking for isn't really the point of it at all. There are certain things we must always try and remember: trust your friends, love your family, eat well and dream wild and often. When I remember those things the world feels full and true. When I forget them, I feel skeevy with grumpy ickiness. Today was a grumpday. There was nothing I could do to change it.

But I'm home with the kitties and Lu, now, and I have a few little things for you:

Google Spreadsheet. Sign up if you want to check it out when it's released. Right now they're only rolling it out for a few. I signed up this afternoon, but haven't been invited to check it out yet. Google Calendar rocks, though. Lu and I are using it to plan our wedding. An online, shared spreadsheet would come in handy now, too.

If you're using Smugmug, here's a tool to upload directly from Windows Explorer.

And here's The Duke Spirit. First heard about them on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic (of course) and I saw their name up on the Warfield's marquee on the way home today. Driving guitars and distortion with a lot of heavy drums and interesting lyrics. Took a few clicks to get to the songs, but there are some you can download and even more you can stream. Their show is on 6/18. If I wasn't in the midst of wedding madness, I would try and go.

Thank god for DVR. It means I haven't missed the Daily Show yet. Oh and hat tip to Chel for the little kitty video!

Dinner is in the midst of being cooked, but we'll be done eating before I'm done with this post. Garlic butter salmon, shittake mushrooms, black rice and asparagus. Lu's sister is in town and I have to show her my kitchen skillz. I've never had any formal training, but I did work in a restaurant in Boston for a while, and I've been cooking for myself for quite a few years now, so I can pull a good meal when I put my mind to it. And it's kinda fun to be doing and working and creating again after a weekend where I pretty much didn't have to lift my hand once.

The bachelor party on the beach was phenomenal. My buddies took complete care of me. Plates handed to me filled with food. Beers poured and delivered before I could even ask. And all the music I loved pumping through the house all weekend. The two best parts were that the beach came right up to the back door, so we got to have a campfire in the sandy yard all night both nights, and it was so warm and nice out that we could even go swimming in the Pacific ocean without a wetsuit. That's a rare thing in Northern California.

But since we're still hosting and I want to go chill with my sister-in-law, I'm gonna keep this brief. To put it bluntly, work sucked. Great weekends = shitty Mondays. We've covered that. So what's better than workin on a Monday? How about BSU with a Beer Cannon? (BSU= blowing shit up).

For music, check out Fruit Bats. This one is called Silent Life. It's lyrical and melodic that starts with words and piano, then mixes in cool noises, followed by drums and guitars into a steady, interesting blend. More ballad than rock, but fun and layered.

And here's a simple little game called Fly Guy. Use the arrow keys and see where you can take him.

Last offering is a strange little film called Saturday Morning by Daniel Liss. It's more an active, post-modern painting than a true film, but it is compelling, a little ominous and worth a few minutes of your time.

Oh and there is one last thing: I need your help. I spend a lot of time every day trying to find cool sites, good music and fun videos to post up here, but there's way more out there than I could ever hope to cover. So if you ever find anything that you think I and others would like, please send me the link and I'll be sure to get it up. I know all of you are out there finding good media for your brain and I'd love to help you pass it along. You can always reach me at chrisgallagher at gmail dot com.

Alright time to chill.

Gotta be quick tonight. Life is speeding up. Packing for my bachelor party, working in the AM and early afternoon, then north north north to Stinson beach for a weekend with the guys. The ladies are heading for wine country. I hear they have a pool. We have a pool table. If we need a dip, the ocean's right there, anyway. I'll take billiards. I also anticipate a great deal of grilled meat, poker, and a variety of games, competitions and challenges. I also anticipate moments of absolutely nothing. Complete chill-out as the TV or movie blathers on. I cannot wait.

So quickly then, quickly! Let us find some tunes and see a funny thing or two.

Jay-z vs. Billy Joel: Big Shot Pimpin. I know, I know, it sounds like lunancy. Thing is, it works. Check it. Then we've got The Duo with a new MySpace page. Last bit of music is the SS Cardiacs. When you click to the music page, scroll a bit and check out Noo Noo. Good stuff.

For fun images for the looking and enjoying, we've got a short of stop-action brilliance from the twisted mind of PES. This one's called Kaboom! and it's amazing. Click around, there's more in that site worth watching.

Now I must pack and remember not to forget anything. But who am I kidding I'm certain I'll forget something. And yet, then again, what do I really need besides the clothes on my back, my glasses/contact stuff, my fishing licence and some money? Nothing, that's what. I've got my friends all weekend, and they've got me covered.