I'm Weird

Feeling sad

chaptal — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 02:56:38 GMT

I did not really know him but whathisname and I were LJ friends for a long time. I admired his research and knowledge of the cemeteries of the Los Angeles region. He wrote books about it, and gave tours which I would have loved to have been a part of.

He was also very funny, and a good writer. I remember how he negotiated his life post divorce and tried to find a relationship. He told stories about his interest in a recently divorced neighbor and a crush on a cashier in a store he frequented. Made you root for him in a rom-com way.

He died on New Year's Eve. I hope he knew how loved and admired he was. My condolences to his family, friends and those who knew him best.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mark-masek-dead-hollywood-remains-to-be-seen-cemetery-book-1236469167/

Not in the drunk tank

chaptal — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:30:40 GMT

Trying hard to maintain here. My son was in hospital last weekend. He was vomiting something resembling coffee grounds that is undigested blood so the staff took him to the ER. He has an issue with part of his bowel not moving the mail so he was admitted.

There was also a snowstorm going on and the roads were not really passable so I did not get there until Sunday morning, when it was zero degrees outside, and the roads were still lousy.

He had his own space in the ER and seemed in a cheerful enough mood, and was in no visible signs of distress.

A room was found for him later in the day. He was there until Tuesday afternoon. He had a endoscopy which revealed a hiatal hernia and an irritated esophagus.

Again, he was in a decent mood the whole time he was there. He only got out of bed on his own, which an IV hookup once, to move a cup of water on the windowsill three feet to the right. He surprised us by eating vanilla Greek yogurt with no hesitation. He shocked us when he ate most of a pureed hospital meal of pork and masked potatoes. He took an spoonful of broccoli and politely drew the line at having any more.

Trying to relay to the staff of the facility that monitoring his diet is very important. Feels like more of a battle than it should be.

We're going to see him later.

Other than that, this weird ass calendar year is coming to its conclusion. Will I retire in six months? Stay tuned.

Published

chaptal — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:05:20 GMT

The local news asked if I had some thoughts on RFK Jr's wanting to find a cause for autism by September. I do and here they are.

https://matternews.org/voices/essay-what-comes-after-rfk-jr-labels-his-cause-for-autism/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ8aY1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvVjJZSEFrcExvQ3dtV3pGAR5rgeOiFfxgbyDUvRpmNAcZCYQKvG7Rx_VvlkG3ersN2D7CCvID_sjfTO3uLA_aem_-rmmEsSNfDY8GaNyxtKmYg

Flagship Recordings

chaptal — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:54:44 GMT

We met here. Over 20 years ago. Explosivo had a knowledge of music and a love of the Mets. At the time he was living in L.A., still trying to save the music industry from itself. He was so smart, sometimes too much. He put his life into his own record label and released three records. None of them hit.

You should know about Eugene Edwards' My Favorite Revolution though. It's a brilliant piece of power pop throughout. It should have been hit. Edwards is now Dwight Yoakam's lead guitarist.

Tremolo — Love is the Greatest Revenge had a few rockers on it. Check out You Were Born For This. Fit right in during the early 2000's.

The Vanity Project was a side project and first solo record by Stephen Page of Barenaked Ladies. Totally overlooked.

Marc Nathan was a force of nature. He was a friend of Bill W. and helped so many people. I was having a rough time and deleted my LJ. He reached out and called me, "Eddie, you ok?"

I never called him back, but did acknowledge his call.

We did finally meet, at a Mets game in Cincinnati in 2015. By then he had moved to Nashville to try and kickstart his career. I bought him dinner, to his annoyance. He got us decent seats. Left us to go to the concession stand, came back with a yard long bag of popcorn. He was an amazing heckler. We parted with him searching for the casino as we headed back home.

We would occasionally message and text each other about the Mets, or the happenings on Jeopardy (He liked Austin, I was not a fan) but as time and his health issues grew, they stopped. He was still pushing music on his Facebook page, most recently Dan Spencer. I texted him about a week ago about Jake Mangum of the Rays (former Mets minor leaguer) finally making it to the big leagues, never heard back either because I had the wrong number or he was not able to respond.

Marc died yesterday. I am grateful for his presence in my life and I'll miss him. Condolences to his friends and those who knew and loved him best.

No profit in a state of loss

chaptal — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:58:05 GMT

Self doubt flows through me. I create because I do then ask myself what’s the point. Who will listen? Read? Review? Share? Stream?

The second Authority Control record was a lead balloon. It was released too soon and the mix on a third of the songs is weak. For starters.

Even the likes of the music I post have dwindled. I’m not out to make money, sales figures do not deny that.

Again, though, money is not the point. Throwing money into something that’s not going to be heard seems pointless though. Sure, it’s nice to do for myself, to show some musical growth (and it’s there). I can spend more to have a professional mix and master but if no one’s going to stream it, why bother?

And I go back to the real musicians, the ones who have had a few hit records, tv appearances, positive reviews and so on. I see a few really struggling out there to make a living. If you don’t tour, you do not make money. Some musicians are getting to old for that grind and I get it. Some have great music that gets zero airplay or gets into an algorithm that gets them exposure. Streaming income is also a pittance.

How the heck can you stand out? Word of mouth? An influencer likes your stuff? A viral video on Tik Tok? A good song, a good record, does not seem to matter.

How many subscribers to you have? How many likes did you get? Did you get over 1,000 streams on Spotify so you matter enough to get a few pennies from a billionaire?

I’m sitting on a couple of original songs and a cover and have no idea what to do with them? Release an as EP? Three songs no one will care about? Let them die in my iPad?

There’s still going to be noise made in the Cavern. What comes out is the question I keep asking. I do it for me and my ego seeks some small validation. It’s a hard reality to see and try to resolve.

One week in

chaptal — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 01:40:28 GMT

Broke a small plate tonight. Slipped out of my hand, landed on the stovetop, split in half. These things happen.

The ice and snow in the alley next to the house was such a mess it took me four times to get my car up the slope and into the garage. This cold, winter, rarely appeals to me. Nature always wins though. It's hard to fight it.

In the midst of the lunacy happening, performative or not, I saw that J.D. Vance had some minor sinus surgery over the weekend. Would I be surprised if the next time I saw his grievance babyface that he looked more like Melania? No, I would not.

That's how it's impacting me right now. Have to start taking care more of what I can control. Left Twitter a month ago and have not looked back. There are people I genuinely miss but I got fed up with with being called a pedo by some rando because I have 'works in a library' in my profile. I tried to filter and control it, but the crazy fucks have taken over. May they feed on their own shit and die.

Making noises in the Cavern. One cover coming out by the end of the month. An original, when? I do not feel another whole album coming this year, but I do not want to sit on stuff like Neil Young.

The Young Man had a dental appointment this morning. Handled it all very well while the dentist got in there and cleaned his teeth. He did not flinch or resist, but after a time his anxiety and distress became apparent, and the dentist stopped. Very brave stuff from him today. His month has more to come.

Survey says

chaptal — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:21:55 GMT

1. Where did you begin 2024?
Home, I guess.

2. What did you do in 2024 that you'd never done before?
Released two albums.

3. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nah.

4. Were you in school (anytime this year)?
I work in one, but did not attend classes.

5. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

6. Did anyone close to you die?
Quiet year on that part.

7. What places did you visit?
Manchester, Dublin, Liverpool. Great trip.

8. What would you like to have in 2025 that you lacked in 2024?
Inner peace

9. What dates from 2024 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Around my birthday in Dublin. Seeing the Post Office, Gaol, and Glasnevin Cemetery put a lot of the Easter Rising in physical perspective.

10. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Not one, but two albums!

11. What was your biggest failure?
To stabilize my son's life.

12. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just aging

13. What was the best thing you bought?
A guitar pedal and PA.

14. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My wife for putting up with the chaos.

15. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Those who did not turn out and vote in November.

16. Where did most of your money go?
Travel.

17. What did you get excited about?
Travel, concerts.

18. What song will always remind you of 2024?
Wild God — Nick Cave

19. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder
b) thinner or fatter? Not thinner
c) richer or poorer? The numbers say richer

20. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Traveled. socialized, learned to master tracks.

21. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Doomscrolling

22. How did you spend Christmas?
In Autismland

23. Did you fall in love in 2024?
With the one I'm with, still.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
I'm really digging One Hundred Years of Solitude. Great direction and sets. Very period accurate. It's been a long time since I've read the book, but I'm remembering stuff as it happens.

25. What did you do for your birthday in 2024?
Went to Glasnevin Cemetery. Climbed O'Connell Tower. Had a pint at Kavanaugh's. Got sunburn. In Ireland.

26. What was the best book you read?
Nothing I read for the Thurber Prize. Making my way through Ian Rankin's Rebus series.

27. What did you want and get?
Short scale bass. A Gretsch, I love it.

28. What did you want and not get?
My son to have a life with meaning.

29. Did you make some new friends this year?
I do not think so.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More streams and record sales.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2024?
Tired.

32. What kept you sane?
My wife. The record collection and creating in the Cavern.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you think about the most?
Nick Cave

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
defeat.

35. Who did you miss?
Jim Bach

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2024.
Just do it

Golden Age of Time

chaptal — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:21:58 GMT

The new video by Authority Control.

From the album The Golden Age of Time.

Which will be released on October 25th.

https://youtu.be/iygmD3qQqII?si=XEtunpDm31Dy-bKU

It's Bigger Than Me Drops in two weeks

chaptal — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 19:03:15 GMT

On a few streaming services. Here's a pre-save link.

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/authoritycontrol1/its-bigger-than-me

The Excitement Builds

chaptal — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:16:10 GMT

The album will be released on streaming platforms TBD on 1/19/24. There will also be a video, along with the back cover. They'll come out by mid-December.

Photo and cover design by Alexis Mitchell.

Been working

chaptal — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 17:30:15 GMT

Things are coming. Watch the skies!

The bag is gone

chaptal — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 01:32:17 GMT

The young man had his insides rebooted this morning. The surgery went well. The surgeon told us that all looked good, there was nothing wrong with the work he did back in May so he moved the plumbing back to its original positions, albeit a wee bit shorter than when he started. I have not seen the new incisions as they're all bandaged up.

He should be camped out there for a few days, and will have quite a surprise when stuff comes out the OG place.

He came out of surgery quite groggy. His mother told us he was up since 1AM and the surgery started around 11AM.

She stays with him at nights in the hospital. I hope they both can get some sleep.

18 days later

chaptal — Thu, 18 May 2023 23:09:07 GMT

My son is out of the hospital and home. It was quite an ordeal for everyone, mostly him. He's tough. Very tough. Took off she shoes when we got home and laid down on the couch. He's earned the rest.

Things to say

chaptal — Sat, 22 May 2021 15:43:15 GMT

Things not to say. So much has happened to all of us.

By us, I'm not sure who is left and reading this.

May you all be well. I wish you peace

not with a bang, but a link

chaptal — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:09:59 GMT

Finally.

This.

Yes, I'm still up

chaptal — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:05:06 GMT

Wasting time on Facebook. An actual quote from a college friend of mine who just joined Friday night.

"I can't believe I'm wasting time like this.... this is fricken cool!"

And there you have it.

I really liked college, and the people who befriended me. Except for my first wife. I was young and stupid.

Now I'm old and stupid and going to bed.

Taking it a bit too seriously

chaptal — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:12:33 GMT

A 52 year old man has been charged after phoning in threats on Blue Jackets goaltender Stave Mason during last night's game against Calgary.

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/bhr/

Prince sings about the state of the world on Leno

chaptal — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:57:24 GMT

Take out that harmonica, put in more lead guitar.

Why hockey is great reason 5,444,006

chaptal — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:45:13 GMT

The Blue Jackets took the time over their end of the the season playoff run to visit a cancer paitent and sign him to a one day contract.

I know other teams, including Pittsburgh, have done this and not sought out any publicity. There's something really special about this. Something that used to be in baseball, still exists somewhat in football, that hockey continues to pull off and inspire.

Ryan made it to last night's game.

Here's a follow up that tells me how good of a man GM Scott Howson is.

creeping to an end

chaptal — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 02:24:49 GMT

hitting me that there's less than a week left for me here, at least posting. i'll still be reading and commenting but the posting energy is going elsewhere.

finally watched the dark knight. damn, that was sweet. a dark, brooding piece of chocolate. ledger was excellent, his tongue creepy. eckart was awesome. freeman is the coolest. i like bale's batman. his voice in character can be a bit much but he's got the look. i honestly don't think he was given much to do in this one, or at least the good lines were given to ledger.

blue jackets shut out the flames 5-0. two points closer to a playoff spot. mason set a franchise record with his tenth shutout of the season.

Heaven's Gateway

chaptal — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:08:31 GMT

A good, tough night of slam at Writer's Block tonight. Plenty of good open mic. Laura Yes Yes brought some major hot action to the mic as the sacrificial poet. Makes me glad I have a girlfriend, just sayin'

Eleven poets entered the slam ring. Six were to go on to the next round. I drew the ninth spot. There was some good stuff read and I had no clue how I'd go over. Read a new one and somehow scored a 26.4, which slipped me into fifth place.

Vernell and Scott were hitting the mic well, Patrick was waving his phallus around then Will came to the mic and knocked it out of the building with a piece about a disabled child and unrequited love. Too bad he had the dreaded time penalty. I had to follow that and did a energetic reading of my lying coworker that kept me in fifth, because Spike could not beat me.

He and I were at each other, it's cool. Spike's going to get six 10's next time.

Scott came in first, Vernell second, then Will, Patrick and the two white guys were 5/6.

It was a fun night. A necessary slam night that had great poetry and another packed room.

Another one of the Funk Brothers passes

chaptal — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:03:40 GMT

Motown drummer Uriel Jones, dead at 74.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uriel_Jones

Hurts so Good

chaptal — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:52:04 GMT

Yes, it's a John Cougar heading.

But how else can you describe Fresh Pain?

Oof!

Another voice over artist passes on

chaptal — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:35:02 GMT

Narrator Betsy Ames died at the age of 66.

She was political moderate but did a lot of political ads for the republican party. If you live in the U.S., chances are you have heard her work.

Here's her website. Click on her demos and you'll know who she was.

http://www.betsyames.com/

At least one more game

chaptal — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:27:21 GMT

By sports alchemy the Ohio State Hockey team managed to get its way into the NCAA regional tournamant this weekend. The final sixteen. The math is beyond me, but it seemed that Minnesota and Mass.-Lowell losing somehow elevated them into one of the final at large spots.

So on Saturday, they get to go to Manchester, New Hampshire and play Boston University.

The good thing is that OSU has beaten the other three number one seeds in the tournament in Denver, Michigan and Notre Dame

The problem is the road, where the Buckeyes have been rather unsuccessful this season againt teams of any level of talent.

This does not come from me often but congratulations to Coach Markell and the team and good luck in the tournament. It's a new season and anything can happen.

Two Columbus teams playing hockey in April would be unprecedented.