Punch and Patch

Relationship is the only thing that makes perspectives round, love abound, and the truth found. Without healthy ones all that is left is perception painted upon an empty soul.

Kim Conlan -The Indie Peddler

So I know it is kind of funny for one writer to write about another writer. There is that hint of bias, perhaps some unintentional criticisms, or a potential for missed communication. But is what my blog is all about anyway so I will do my best!

Kim Conlan AKA the Indie Peddler has been serving the OC Music scene for now several years. As a musician who has been in her circle of influence and a friend, I have been able to witness about two years of Kim Conlan- The Indie Peddler.

When I first noticed the Indie Peddler popping up around FaceBook as a self proclaimed writer of music admittedly I was skeptical. Artists, in my opinion, are never super keen of the rouge blogger with an agenda or the fledgling writer who can't stop saying how "bad" or how "badass" your art is.

Kim was neither of the two. As the Indie Peddler her writing style instantly captured me as poetic. The descriptions of events that I witnessed and participated in were reproduced in to text with a sort of magic and enthusiasm that I hadn't felt before.

Kim has her own perspective and is not afraid to share it. The best part is, it doesn't end there like it does with many people.  Conlan goes above and beyond to support the music she believes in. She is always around. 

Even more than that, she uses her writing ability and her artisan-ship to create books and tapes that promote her favorite local artists. For me, these are priceless keepsakes. Mementos from years of hard work and amazing adventures.

Special gifts like this, that require significant thought, patience, and devotion are extremely rare and should be celebrated. Kim Conlan, you humble Indie Peddler, thank you for all that you do. You are an irreplaceable piece of Southern California music and simply a joy to know.

The Indie Peddler will be releasing Volume II of her compendium of OC Musical moments this Saturday August 6th 10pm at Costa Mesa's La Cave Restaurant. Local acts: Charles Mansion, The Danvilles, and Stanley Lucas Revolution will be performing for free and copies of Vol II will be available for $5 each.

https://www.facebook.com/justin.deckert#!/event.php?eid=121359941287891

Multi Car Discount

So for those of you that know I sold my 1971 VW Bus last week. The majority of the reasoning was just that it made no financial sense to have a dream car taking up insurance cost, maintenance cost, and so fourth when I have no time or money to really fix it up.

So, reluctantly, I let it go. One of the upsides was that I thought I could expect a lower insurance premium since I have one less vehicle to cover. Nope. That is not the case.

Insurance companies encourage multiple car ownership by offering a multi-car discount. Had I known this I may have kept my bus a sitting. Why? Because my daily driver + the bus had a premium $100 less than just having my daily driver on bare-bones insurance alone. After multiple quotes I am stuck with paying more for insurance. What a drag.

Everyone knows insurance companies are a racket and they are now finally on my big long list of, “American establishments designed specifically to impoverish and condemn the young and hopeful.”