much advice, it was more perspective. We were chatting to Art and the boys after their sound check, and I commented that the stage at the Hi-Fi was about ten times as big as the stages we normally play on. Art just looked at me and said, 'Man, we've been there. We did it for years.' It's easy to get jaded about putting so much of yourself into something and waiting for the big pay off. It was nice to hear from someone who's been through it all. For a bit of fun, say you get the chance to open for any artist in the world, who would they be and why? This one's easy. The Presidents of the United States of America. They were the first band I got into, the first CD I bought, they were the band that made me want to make music! They're coming out here next year, so we've added our name to what I'm sure is a very long list of bands that would like to support them! I mean talk about fun, those guys are the very definition of the word. I caught them the last two times they came out and left with the biggest smile on my face. They're everything I want our band to be -- catchy, funny, good to watch, and great to be a part of. Lastly, here's a chance to gaze into your crystal ball.  In the next year, Ashes will: 1. Cross all fingers &