Fink's Travels

On October 8, 2016  my good friend Matt Simons is going to compete in the Kona Ironman Triathlon. Let me tell you a little about Matt... Matt is truly one of the good guys. His heart pure, his intentions genuine and his natural inclination is to try and help everyone before himself. Just a genuinely beautiful guy. In fact it's not hyperbole to call him the nicest guy I know.  When I first moved to San Diego in 2000 I got a job working for Batchelder Partners (later renamed Relational Advisors). I walked into the office the first day and was nervous, scared and excited to be starting a new chapter in my life. The first person that opened his arms and welcomed me to the firm was Matt. Matt showed me around, Matt went out of his way to introduce me to everyone, Matt showed me the ropes, I can't think of a single time I asked Matt a question that he didn't answer or quickly lead me to somebody he could. Matt is just one of those guys that people turn to for answers...

I have been really struggling with what to get Kira for her birthday.  I have asked and hinted and prodded and the only response I seem to get is something along the lines of “Nothing…. make a donation to charity in my name.” I know she means it however I would really like to get her something nice, unique, special, one of a kind and beautiful because she is nice, unique, special, one of a kind and beautiful. Historically I have given my sister some pretty awesome gifts.  Watches from Switzerland, jewelry from Tiffany, a tempur-pedic mattress, framed photos of the dogs, a Kate Spade purse, etc. Last year I gave her the greatest gift of all…I skipped Magnaball for her birthday party.  Granted it was her 40 th , the entire family was in town and she threw a dope roller-skating party. However what gift would be better than to show her I loved her more than Phish by missing Magnball for her birthday?  I obviously love her more than Phish – if you read this letter you...

A Fink-n-Stein Production Words by Josh Finkenberg Pictures by Michael Stein Photography In honor of Kamasi Washington (run, don't walk, to see Kamasi live), we decided to refer to West Coast leg of Phish tour as the West Coast Get Down. Phish wrapped up the West Coast Get DOWN in my adopted home TOWN of San Diego where Phish absolutely and positively threw it DOWN. It has been such an amazing run. I have danced, partied, hugged, cuddled, cried, laughed and smiled. I hit all but Portland and Syracuse during Leg 1. While there were some outstanding highlights (1) , the musical flow wasn’t always there, some questionable song selections and for whatever reason Phish wasn’t in the mood to jam as much as in years past. I attribute this to various factors: The making of a new album, the creative process for new songs, maturing, adulting, and 5+ months of not playing together live.  Having to hit these big resets every year slows down momentum at the start of every summer tou...