Gravity's Gone

Madison

2009-06-18T09:51:00.002-05:00

Quick recap of the last trip. It was an awesome trip.

-I wish I would weigh myself right before and right after visiting Wisconsin, or have a pre & post trip doctor visit, because the diet is outrageous there.

-Always drove past Madison, never realized it was more than a strip mall off 90/94.

-Would happily move there

-The Edgewater Patio: Boogie on, reggae woman (or at least a midwest teacher's interpretation of reggae)

-The Great Dane is crazy good, a great draw and a real good reason not to live there. I'd be dead in a month.

-Pretty sweet downtown area, like if you scrunched up all your favorite parts of a medium size city into one area, BAM!

-Real nice lakes for chilling, walking, and biking.

-Monona Terrace was pretty cool, got 2 lil videos from there.

-UW would have been a cool place to go to school, but again, this was a visit in June, so let's hold back that judgment until February...

-Ate dinner one night in this crazy 150 year old farmhouse, had to walk thru a cellar from a barn to get there. Great food.

-Seriously killer farmers market, felt closer to something like taste of chicago than a farmers market. Would go broke trying to grocery shop there.

-A ton more, it was a fab trip. Encore!

Lying in the park on a beautiful day...

2009-05-29T19:40:00.004-05:00

We went down to St. Anthony Falls & the Stone Arch Bridge today, these are some pics from the trip.

More good time garden fun!

2009-05-29T19:37:00.001-05:00

Oh sure, it's too many pics, but what else do you have to do right now?

401k plan

2009-05-28T12:48:00.001-05:00

Human Giant on Reno 911!

RENO 911!

Wednesdays 10:30pm / 9:30c

Garden is Go!!

2009-05-24T18:35:00.004-05:00

We got the veggies in today. Tons of work, but totally worthwhile. Celebrated with a swim, guacamole, and tacos. I'll try to post pics later (but my camera work is not nearly as good as Mrs. Jessie Rowles).

From North to South, in 8ft long rows:
2 hills of watermelon
TOMATOES
CARROTS (2 ROWS)
LETTUCE (2 ROWS)
BANANA PEPPERS
PIMIENTO PEPPERS
ZUCCHINI
SQUASH

CUCUMBERS are along the fence, along with peas, off the side of the patio. We've got a bunch of extra seeds, and a lot of peppers that are growing, so if anyone wanted to trade or take some, cool! I've got a guy whose gonna get me a few more tomatoes, Alison wants to put in potatoes, but if I had a choice, I'd like to go with okra, beans, or tomatillos.

And some bird has decided to make our hanging basket it's home.

Time to make the tacos...

Randumb Fridayness

2009-05-22T17:29:00.002-05:00

Loved Lifetime's outdoor pool. Probably less fun with lots of people, but it was a great start to "summer". Spent the day working on Casa de la Nate, so it was refreshing. Listening to Drive-By Truckers and about to start the grill.

Jorge Garcia (Hurley) from LOST has a blog.

Better Homes and Gardens.2

2009-05-22T11:26:00.005-05:00

I realize that in this and the last post, they aren't great images, but I wanted to throw some stuff up here. As we get on with the summer, I'll get some better shots.

Here's the veggie garden, or where it will be. 18ft x 8ft

Trying to capture the lilac bushes that sweep across the entire backyard. Can't do it justice!

Here's a view from the edge of the patio, of the bushes, just can't get it all in there! Next time I might stand on the roof.

Lily of the Valley and homemade concrete edging. Alison's working hard on that project!

Couldn't get a good quick pic of it, but this is a window box I just put in on the kitchen window. I think it'll be pretty cool. It's got Lavender & Yellow Violas and this white ground cover, I didn't get a name on it, so let me know if you have the answer.

All the hanging/potted and most of the new flowers came from the church plant sale, good deals, remember for next spring!

Better Homes and Gardens

2009-05-22T11:20:00.003-05:00

So there's been a lot of outdoors activity at Casa de la Nate since the snow melted in March, and it's finally starting to work out. I've got some pics of the action for ya.

This is a wide shot of the front garden, including our new hanging fuchsia.

We wondered why this bush was here. Now we know.

href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9m4KNIGThPY/ShbQ7gKoQPI/AAAAAAAAAgg/yO6UrPYNwds/s1600-h/P5220729.JPG'>

The back patio, with a couple new potted plants.

The garden off the back patio.

Gardening Racket

2009-05-21T12:50:00.002-05:00

Veggie Garden size: 18' wide x 8' deep, with optional room to add 2' to width

Roll Call:
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Peas
Banana Peppers
Red/Yellow Peppers
Watermelon

Going nice and slow this year.

Planting all but tomatoes this weekend.

Weed-Be-Gone Max killed most weeds this week.

Looking forward to Bratfest '09 Monday!

Used part of Christmas gift card on Flip camera, can't wait to get it & starting shooting video.

Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully the gym will open the pool tomorrow, gonna be so nice!

Caponata Picnic Sandwiches

2009-05-19T12:41:00.002-05:00

Thanks for dinner Saturday, Giada! I took your idea, tinkered with it, y'know, add bacon, drop the capers, easy on the celery stalk, no raisins, but added zucchini. I'm all about doing it again, so very tasty. Oh! so tasty...

Ingredients

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 celery stalk, chopped
* 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
* Salt
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1(14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 3 tablespoons raisins
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 2 teaspoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon drained capers
* 1 loaf ciabatta bread, cut crosswise into 6 equal pieces
* 2 garlic cloves, peeled
* 6 slices (1/3-inch-thick) drained fresh water-packed mozzarella

Directions

Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add the eggplant and saute until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Season with salt. Add the red pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, raisins, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat until the flavors blend and the mixture thickens, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Add the vinegar, sugar, and capers. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cut the bread pieces horizontally in half. Grill the bread cut-side down on a grill pan over medium-high heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Rub the whole garlic cloves over the toasted side of the bread. Add a slice of mozzarella to bread bottom, spoon the caponata on top, cover with the other bread half, and serve.

To take for a picnic: Wrap the sandwiches separately in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Chill until ready to serve, or keep at room temperature up to 1 hour.

Added to the list

2009-05-19T12:24:00.002-05:00

of movies I am very intrigued by: Guy Ritchie. Robert Downey Jr. Jude Law. Sherlock Holmes. Is it cool, steampunk-ish like "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" graphic novel, or lame "TLoEG" movie? I have great expectations, and it's difficult for a movie to disappoint me (I still love "From Hell"), thus I look forward to it.

i'm gonna grill some mahi mahi

2009-05-14T16:22:00.001-05:00

for dinner and pretend i'm jacob.

also, if you are a fan of wbez OR "wait, wait, don't tell me", you might enjoy this. otherwise you won't.

Aziz vs Fake IMAX

2009-05-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Great Post

Aziz is fabulous

2009-05-11T15:37:00.001-05:00

This guy is my favorite comedian, and I'm really pleased Parks & Recreations will be back next year.

I've never tried to do this, so let's try it with a favorite of mine

2009-05-07T10:38:00.001-05:00

11.3.08

2008-11-06T10:40:00.002-06:00

Still fine weather, nice walks
Fav. temp- between 50 and 95

Lots of voting- i don't know who they are, makes my head hurt

I'm completely, totally, over "Really?" as a statement, comment, joke. It ran its course, people need to let it go. Only time it was brilliant was "It's Always Sunny", everything else is sad & tired.

11.2.08

2008-11-05T09:59:00.001-06:00

Yard looking better, just in time for terrible weather
Great weather, won't last, but nice for the moment
Best beer of wknd: Rogue's Dead Ghoul Ale. Wish the state was smarter, I'd buy a few pints right now.

10.30.08

2008-11-03T15:01:00.002-06:00

Love halloween, one of my favorite holidays. All fun, no pressure. robbed of it again this year
not pleased, it's ruining the whole week

Bachmann & Palin would be great as Obama's press sec. I like looking at them, but they're morons.

Fall 2000, everyone joked about how W. ruined/failed/bankrupted everything he had ever run: oil, baseball team, state, and how he'd prob. drive U.S. to bankruptcy as well, put it out of business. Ha Ha.

10.29.08

2008-10-30T12:13:00.001-05:00

Not giving up on summer yet. The winter will kill me if i give it half a chance.
Who has the time to go to a rally on a Wed. morning?
Only "dance" music I enjoy = LCD Soundsystem, !!!, & The Faint (sometimes), but Of Montreal has bought enough stock with me over the years that I've stuck with their last 2 albums, and it sounds great. Would probably sound better at midnite in Brazil or Coachella, but, eh.
Long day, slow start, catching up quickly.

10.28.08

2008-10-29T10:04:00.001-05:00

Keep getting lost, need roads on a grid
Saw an ominous sunset last nite, menacing trees, apocalyptic darkness, not used to those sights.

First song on new Ray LaMontagne album is best soul song in 30 yrs

10.27.08

2008-10-28T12:05:00.002-05:00

Quiet Monday- no alarms & no surprises
Too many things not done over wknd, need more rest during week, stay fresh

Yard looks terrible- grass too high, covered in leaves, hopefully dry Fri/Sat for yard work.

Finished "The Wordy Shipmates" by S. Vowell yesterday. Good book, not near great, wish it was short story + essay instead, but take what you can get

10.26.08

2008-10-27T13:56:00.002-05:00

First snow of the season
55 degrees yesterday, obv. temp drop
very light, almost like rain, but not, and that's the point

Fine feeling- waking up early & tired on cool morning, with nothing to do but read and let coffee wake you up. Not too many mornings like that, get bitter when interrupted of them.

Good new books & music to come.

Ghosts

2008-10-14T18:46:00.004-05:00

When I was growing up, a mile west of Philadelphia, I always thought that it was the greatest city ever. Mike Schmidt was the best ball player, Randall Cunningham & Reggie White already belonged in the Hall of Fame, Charles Barkley was my role model, some years it snowed on my b-day, some years it didn't snow at all. The shore was an hour away and for all the talk about Philly Chzstks (which you really really really have nver had), it's the pretzels. Got to be the pretzels. They are so amazing (again, you haven't had them). The Mets were my enemies and Chicago was my nemesis. My best friend visited Chicago in '89ish, and my idea of it & the midwest was largely "Uncle Buck", so I though, blah, why bother with that place. I eventually grew to love it, though it's always been hard for me to feel like I fit in, more so in Milwaukee & Minneapolis, but even as a lad new to town, the word pop sounded retarded. The most interesting thing to me about the first night game at
Wrigley was that it was against the Phillies, but otherwise the Cubs were division rivals. The Fog Bowl soured me on da Bears for a good long time. Back in the day, Buddy Ryan had a heart attack(?) eating a pork chop, and Ditka renamed his chop (at DITKA'S) after Buddy. I didn't like Ditka or Chops for some time afterwards.
When I was leaving Chicago at the end of July, my dad and I got together for lunch (as we usually did every month) and we had lunch at DITKA'S in Oakbrook. I had the Chop. It was amazing. My last meal out living there and it was the best chop I have ever eaten. I'm finally proud of Ditka's chop, and I'm proud of how much he helped Barack's political career. Amazing what could have been...

He walked down a busy street
Staring solely at his feet
Clutching pictures of past lovers at his side
Stood at the table where she sat
And removed his hat
In respect of her presence
Presents her with the pictures and says
These are just ghosts that broke my heart before I met you.
These are just ghosts that broke my heart before I met you

Opened up his little heart
Unlocked the lock that kept it dark
And read a written warning
Saying Im still mourning
Over ghosts
Over ghosts
Over ghosts
Over ghosts that broke my heart before I met you

Lover, please do not
Fall to your knees
Its not
Like I believe in
Everlasting love

He went crazy at nineteen
Said hed lost all his self esteem
And couldnt understand why he was crying, crying, cryyiiing...

He would stare at empty chairs
Think of the ghosts who once sat there
The ghosts that broke his heart.
Oh the ghosts that broke my heart
The ghosts that broke his heart
Oh the ghosts that broke my heart
The ghosts the ghosts the ghosts the ghosts the ghosts the ghosts
The ghosts that broke my heart before I met you

Lover, please do not
Fall to your knees
Its not
Like I believe in
Everlasting love

He says Im so lost,
Not at all well

Ooooooooooohhh x2

Do as done and there is nothing left to be
Turned out Id been following him and he'd been following me
Do as done after it was over
We were just two lovers crying on each others *shoulder*

Lover, please do not
Fall to your knees
Its not
Like I believe in
Everlasting love

Lover, please do not
Fall to your knees
Its not
Like I believe in
Everlasting love

The Truth About Sarah Palin

2008-10-02T10:47:00.002-05:00

via Rolling Stone

THE MYTH: "She took the luxury jet that was acquired by her predecessor and sold it on eBay. And made a profit!" — John McCain, at a campaign stop in Wisconsin

THE FACTS: No one bought the jet online. It was eventually sold through an aircraft broker — at a loss to taxpayers of nearly $600,000.

THE MYTH: "I told the Congress 'Thanks, but no thanks' on that Bridge to Nowhere." — Sarah Palin, convention speech

THE FACTS: Supported the infamous pork project in her 2006 run for governor, even after Congress had killed the bridge; derided its opponents as "spinmeisters." Reversed her stance a year later — but kept the money, doling out the $223 million in federal funds to other pork projects throughout the state.

THE MYTH: "We ... championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress." — Sarah Palin, convention speech

THE FACTS: As mayor, employed a lobbyist who also worked for Jack Abramoff to secure $27 million in pork spending for Wasilla — more than $4,000 per resident. In her two years as governor, requested $453 million in earmarks. Alaska ranks first in the nation for pork, raking in seven times the national average.

THE MYTH: "I found ... someone who stopped government from wasting taxpayers' money." — John McCain, introducing Palin

THE FACTS: Signature accomplishment as mayor: building a $15 million hockey arena that plunged the city into debt. Broke ground on the project without finalizing the city's purchase of the land; the resulting fiasco cost Wasilla $1.3 million — roughly $200 per resident.

THE MYTH: "Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems — as if we didn't know that already." — Sarah Palin, convention speech

THE FACTS: "I beg to disagree with any candidate who would say we can't drill our way out of our problem." — Sarah Palin, July 2008

THE MYTH: "We began a nearly $40 billion natural-gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence." — Sarah Palin, convention speech

THE FACTS: With federal approval years away, not a single section of the pipeline has been laid. State could end up paying the pipeline's contractor $500 million — even if it never breaks ground on the project.

THE MYTH: "She's from a small town with small-town values." — Fred Thompson, convention speech

THE FACTS: Wasilla and the surrounding valley recently named the meth capital of Alaska, with 42 meth labs busted in a single year.

THE MYTH: Palin has "taken on the political establishment in the largest state of the union." — Fred Thompson, convention speech

THE FACTS: Served until 2005 as director of fundraising group associated with indicted senator Ted Stevens.

THE MYTH: "She's fought oil companies." — John McCain, introducing Palin

THE FACTS: Collected $13,000 in campaign contributions from oil and gas lobbyists, including Exxon, BP, Shell and Chevron. BP was a sponsor of her inaugural ball.

THE MYTH: "She's been to Kuwait. She's been over there. She has been with her troops. The National Guard that she commands, who have been over there and had the experience." — John McCain, highlighting Palin's national-security credentials

THE FACTS: Never had a passport before 2007, when she made a brief photo-op trip to visit troops in Germany and Kuwait. Has never been to Iraq, and has not met a single foreign head of state.

THE MYTH: "I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending." — Sarah Palin, convention speech

THE FACTS: As governor, sought travel reimbursement for 312 nights she spent in her own home.

this is mine:

THE MYTH: She looks just like Tina Fey

THE FACT: She looks just like an elf Tina Fey

Not Much

2008-06-30T00:55:00.003-05:00

Sitting up, cant get to sleep yet again, been a busy lil bit fer 'ol Nate, but not really all that comparatively busy. Went swimmin in the Gulf of Mexico, spent a week sweatin in the hills of Virginia, spent a few days digging Cincinnati, spending/wasting time at home, summer will be gone too soooon. Gettin ready to move on out in a month, relocate, rejobcate, recreate existence elsewhere.
Mysteries abound, answers hovering beyond the tree line- not really any help. Wanted to spend more time swimming, but not likely at Century Point Apartments- a formerly decent complex overrun by outlaws, drug addicts, lawless fools, and the children of all of em.
Joe Pug is a great source of peace in the early hours. His lyrics escape my search, but they are a treasure pouring out of my weak headphones.
Hype Machine, Pandora, nationofheat.com, myspace, just get it already.

There is something evasive about the night, besides sleep...

Went around the way for you
Did all the things you asked me to
I thought it was the perfect day
To see just open love to say

It doesn't mean a thing to me
It doesn't mean a thing to me
And it's about time you see
Things ain't like they used to be

I headed out to Lester Hill
But that just made me weaker still
She's got the kind of love I need
The kind that's never good on me

It doesn't mean a thing to me
It doesn't mean a thing to me
And it's about time you see
That things ain't like they used to be

Walked into the battle blind
It happens almost all the time
The yard is kinda overgrown
And all those happy times are gone

But it doesn't mean a thing to me
It doesn't mean a thing to me
And it's about time you see
That things ain't like they used to be

It doesn't mean a thing to me
It doesn't mean a thing to me
And it's about time you see
Things ain't like they used to be

Good day

2008-04-17T09:47:00.002-05:00

Well, sort of. Right now just hanging in there, like a boxer in the 11th round. But...I'm digging the nice weather, the Cubs wins, and Discovery Channel's lil reason for continuing to exist

As seen on TV

2008-04-03T13:41:00.002-05:00

Oh Lordy, it's a nice one to day. Sun is out, warm (but not really), no work tomorrow, new "Earl" tonight, it is almost all good. Went to the bank, put in some monet, got some good stuf at the library, just trying to make it right now.
Not too hard, since I'm listening to the M Ward/Jim James concert from SXSW. You can get the zip file here. Best decision you've made all day.
Hey, if you're interested in new tunes, Slingshot Dakota is a great shot. Imagine Rainer Maria, Mates of State, and a bowl of Fruity Pebbles grinding in da club.
I really like my ear buds.
March Madness surgery update: All my faves quickly dismissed, last year and this year are killing me, but great games this weekend. For me to poop on.
Had a disappointing Buffalo Chix wrap yesterday, I like the one at Target better, but totally redeemed with great Loaded Fries. Fredo's Back pizza tomorrow night, some killer beer in the fridge.
I know it's still early, and prob don't mean nothing for un season in enfe, but nobody wants to lose 2 straight games. It's just not fun.
Spring Cleaning Mixtape: (randoming songs sitting around on my comp)
Slingshot Dakota: The Golden Ghost
Wilco: The Thanks I Get
Loudon Wainwright III: The Swimming Song
Karen O.: Hello Tomorrow
Drag the River: Rangement
S. Pumpkins: Dancing in the Moonlight
Strokes: Modern Girls and Old Fashioned Men
Dawn Landes: Young Folks
Drag the River: Brookfield
Jeff Tweedy: Be Not So Fearful
Slingshot Dakota: Until the day I Die
Petra Haden: Don't stop believin'

Now go download that MW/JJ show.

Diva, etc.

2008-03-20T10:18:00.002-05:00

Last monday, went to the Tivioli in the DG to see this flick, Diva, with their After Hours Film Society. This was a great old theatre, just solid thru and thru. And the film was sweetified. Bike messenger, opera singer, aviator sunglasses, corrupt cops, 'tutes, and triple cross. Yeah.

Watched Atonement last night, first half. Good and sad. Southland Tales was nice, Richard Kelly sure loves time travel. Got a ton of good flicks to watch, some tasty books as well, but throw it all out, because I went to the doc, pissed in a cup, gave a blood sample, got the tests back, and, I've got march madness!!

www.hulu.com legal & legit tv and movie website.

Okay, so here's what you need to do

2008-03-11T15:29:00.001-05:00

Go out and get every Black Keys album. Listen to em over and over for the next 3 weeks. Then, pick up Attack & Release on April 1 and find satisfaction in life.

Don't watch the Oscars

2008-02-21T15:09:00.003-06:00

I learned my lesson a few years ago, done with all awards shows, just dumb. Better to read the results in the paper the next day. Saw few movies in the theatre, but that's cuz I know what's worthwhile. Much bigger is the SHOWDOWN between Jen & Ang, but it's not even on tv. I'm just wringing my hands thinking about it soooo much. Anyway, I have some invisible parasite draining my energy and joy all week, I sleep 8+ hours and can not keep my eyes open during day. Sentences don't work or make sense. Juno good but not that good. No such thing as best actress, only 2 great movies, No Country for Old Men & There Will Be Blood, only great actors are the stars of those films. Go Irish!

As You Were

2008-02-13T16:58:00.001-06:00

2008 is just too long already. Worst year evah.

Stale as a 2 day half full beer.
cigarette boats float around in here.
a field in my gut lacking sunshine.
put down like a teenagers first drink.
i cough up compliments.
i think you're better off walking away while you still can.
she was passing through to climb a hill.
as you slipped and slid on my gut spill.
my better half was praying for you to fall.
rotten like a 3 week half full glass of breast milk.
drunken off my ass.
i would give anything to erase the past nine years of my life.
put down like a prostitute in court.
all liberty soon to abort like my sanity,
like thoughts of you.
she was passing through to climb a hill.
as you slipped and slid on my gut spill.
my better half was praying for you to fall.
praying for you to fall.
so pitiful.
praying for you to fall.
i'm fuckin' pitiful.
praying for you to fall. so pitiful.
Praying for you to fall.
So fuckin' pitiful.

Mid Winter recommendations

2008-01-31T13:49:00.000-06:00

Okay, everyday sucks, but everyday I listen to the Matt Dahl show on the internet. It airs every day from 12-1pm but I do it iTunes style. I'm always fighting the giggles for the whole, commercial-free, hour. Tune in for your own sake.
Replaying Dillinger Four's albums in this Minnesota-style frigid, bleak, dark winter days, and looking forward to their upcoming new disc.
Hey, you, why don't you get LOST

okay...

2008-01-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

I don't care, so whatever. I'm trying to embrace winter and working and etc., but it ain't doing it for me. I want summer and good summer tunes, or at least mid-March round here. Nothing to report: work and drink and sleep, repeat.
Band that re energizes me at the moment: The Loved Ones
it's what punk rock should sound like in 2008

My Favorite quote for Christmas that's not really about Christmas

2007-12-12T11:54:00.000-06:00

and, actually, I think it's the best quote for life.
"It seems every week the Simpsons go through a situation like this. My suggestion is to just ride it out, make the occasional smart-aleck quip, and next week we'll return right to where we were, ready for another wacky adventure." -Lisa Simpson

FYI, Marty Rowles is the boss of life

Jury Duty, New Tunes, THIS is hardcore

2007-12-06T10:05:00.000-06:00

Oh man, yesterday was jury duty, freaked out to no end. I didn't see it as a "privilege" or a "chance to have my voice heard" but rather deciding the fate of another human being. And that is totally above my pay grade. I couldn't handle it. HOWEVER, yesterday was an awesome day. I sat in a blend of a library reading room and an airport lounge, reading books, watching snow fall onto a pond and hills thru giant windows, whilst TVLand played I Love Lucy, Bonanza, etc. all day. It was awesome! Didn't get called, we've got this "one trial or one day" policy, so i'm done. Anything that happens today, I can say, "at least i'm not in court".
Fav New Music:
Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall
This is the music he was born to sing. I still think his debut was one of the finest albums of the 90s, but, my god, this album knocks my socks off.
The 1900s: Cool and Kind
Best new music TO ME. Not brand new, but I finally hopped on the orch-pop train, and I'm loving it. So good, so fresh and so clean.
Bishop Allen: The Broken String
Another one that's been on my eMusic wishlist for some time, finally did it, totally worth it. Best pop rock album of the year.

Best grindcore album of the year: The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza- Danza II The Electric Boogaloo

Oi! Oi! Oi!

Best New Music

2007-11-28T11:06:00.000-06:00

I'm in love with Ida Maria
The best new band (Bonus: from Sweden!)
so good, the dream of what I want to listen to.
Listen, love, live

Team Obama

2007-11-26T15:32:00.001-06:00

"At a news conference, the Illinois senator was asked about Hillary Clinton’s attack on his qualifications. Making an economic speech in Knoxville, Iowa, earlier that day, the New York senator had touted her own know-how, saying that “there is one job we can’t afford on-the-job training for — that’s the job of our next president.” Her aides confirmed that she was referring to Obama.

Pressed to respond, Obama offered a zinger feathered with amused disdain: “My understanding was that she wasn’t Treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, so I don’t know exactly what experiences she’s claiming.”

Everybody laughed, including Obama.

It took him nine months, but he finally found the perfect pitch to make a trenchant point.

Her Democratic rivals had meekly gone along, accepting her self-portrait as a former co-president who gets to take credit for everything important Bill Clinton did in the ’90s. But she was not elected or appointed to a position that needed Senate confirmation. And the part of the Clinton administration that worked best — the economy, stupid — was run by Robert Rubin. Hillary did not show good judgment in her areas of influence — the legal fiefdom, health care and running oppo-campaigns against Bill’s galpals.

She went on some first lady jaunts and made a good speech at a U.N. women’s conference in Beijing. But she was certainly not, as her top Iowa supporter, former governor Tom Vilsack claimed yesterday on MSNBC, “the face of the administration in foreign affairs.”

She was a top adviser who had a Nixonian bent for secrecy and a knack for hard-core politicking. But if running a great war room qualified you for president, Carville and Stephanopoulos would be leading the pack."

Oh, how I love Sparky

2007-11-26T15:26:00.001-06:00

So, there's this really cool guy I've known for like 3 or so years. He's gone on mission trips, etc., and cracks me up to no end. His sense of humor is top 5 material. Seriously. Well, he's studying to be an architect and attends Arizona State, a fact that makes me entirely too jealous. Beyond all that, he has one of the sweetest gigs in the world: Sparky the Sun Devil. He is the ASU mascot. And he just dropped by and tossed me an awesome tshirt. Sparky, I love you.

Who are you?

2007-11-26T13:56:00.000-06:00

For the past week & a half, I see about 2-4 MN license plates a day. We are 6+ hours from the border, and 40 minutes from any reputable university, so who are you? Why are you hovering?

On a lighter note- 3-9 sucks, but it's over & done with, as the Proclaimers say, and we can get on the recruiting trail right away.

Devin "G.A.I.F.D.Y." Hester makes me giddy.

Designing a Nervous Breakdown

2007-11-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

I don't know how I'm going to make it thru today, this week, this year. If I can make it to June 15, I can make it any where. This life is gonna be the death of me. And just as I almost put my face thru a wall, I put this tiny disc on and this tune saved me again. It don't work without the sound, though.

Its nine-eight-teen
It's coffee colored evening
The headlights spin shadows on the ceiling
I'm left here with the Gideon Bible
Long strands of her hair
Trickle down the bed

And in my soul there's a little Alaska
It's 80 below and it's dropping
Sweet Ecclesiastes won't you preach to me
Corner store assassion with a Glock 19
Coffee makes my hand shake
I'm a running boy
If I were Jack the Ripper would you still kiss me?

She's smooth like the girl with the leather-like bonding
You fall into the snow, yeah you make a little Angel
And I read straight through the book of Revelations
I saw the Astronaus on TV jumping on the moon

And all the horses that I bet on
Are lame and shot through the head
and Sweet Ecclesiastes, won't you reach to me?
Corner store assassion with a Glock 19
Coffee makes my hand shake
I'm a running boy
If I were Jack the Ripper would you still kiss me?

Mwah

2007-11-13T12:45:00.000-06:00

Tuesday: kinda tired, too long til any relief, just tryin to git er done.

Helpful to do so:
Okkervil River's Daytrotter session. Damn these guys are good.
Paste's cover story of Ryan Adams. You don't like him? Fine. Your an idiot.
Cool panoramic painting of Milwaukee from City Hall, circa 1898. Very well.
Like Christmas music? Like indie rock? Like supporting Toys for Tots? Perfect, says It's Hard to Find a Friend.
I got the soundtrack to I'm Not There. Boo-Yah. That's some mighty fine pickin' and a-diggin'.

Joe Sorren

2007-11-11T08:59:00.000-06:00

Sorry to bother you, but I really think you should know about this. There's this artist, Joe Sorren, and he's awesome. He's got this show, "While the Trucks on the Highway all Howl"
and man is it good. Gaze in yer free time.

Radiohead: just can't get enough.

Sports Rehab

2007-11-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

Lasted mmmm about a week, til I got a ticket for the Notre Dame game yesterday. Totally worth it. My tushy feels sore and I think my lungs/respiratory stuff got real bad from being out there and screaming all afternoon, but, whatever.
If you've never been there, I'm sorry. It's the greatest spot in all of humanity, nothing more beautiful in the world. I'm bummed out that I can't go next week, cuz there's 2 tickets open for it. Sigh.
But you can never be too sad after marching with the band, chilling in front of Touchdown Jesus, lighting it up in the Grotto, standing in the Basilica, breathing in the Holy of Holies.

I'm Dying Tomorrow

2007-11-07T17:32:00.000-06:00

I feel like crap, but less like crap than yesterday, or the last 3 days for that matter. BUT I should plan on still technically having The Flu until Saturday. Whatever.

Green is Universal: kinda cool, worrying that it's now a full-fledged trend, considered lame in 6 months. Yeah right, you say, but, I respond, where are all the LiveStrong bracelets today? Also, me thinks the apartment complex is taking it a little too far: still no heat. Brrr.

I can think of at least one little lady who might like this sight: Campus Gossip

Help me, Obama-wan, your my only hope.

Thank you, BOOMERS, thank you very much.

I quit

2007-11-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

sports for the rest of 2007. It's too hard, it hurts too much. I need a colonic. Hopefully next year goes better.

FYI: watch Monster Squad. Best movie you've never seen, unless you've already seen it. Then, you know.

The Lights are Back!

2007-11-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Oh it feels so good! Took a few weeks but finally a solid episode. Sure, it wasn't epic, but it hit all the right spots. Please start watching this gold mine. Kyle Chandler is so hot. But let's ditch the Law & Order subplot.

On a lighter note, tonight's This American Life was one of the most depressing I've ever listened to. Very interesting, but very depressing.

Keep the Lights on!

(Manifest)

2007-11-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

i want to call requests through heating-vents,
and hear them answered with a whispered, "no."
to crack the code of muscle, slacken, tense.
let every second step in boots on snow
complete you name with accents i can't place,
that stumble where the syllables combine.
take depositions from a stranger's face.
paint every insignificance a sign.
so tell me nothing matters, less or more.
say, "whatever we think actions are,
we'll never know what anything was for."
if "near is just as far away as far,"
and i'm permitted one act i can save,
i choose to sit here next to you and wave.

Mashup of the Cranes

2007-11-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know who you get down with, but I think Marissa Nadler could float your boat. I think she fits in with the fall/winter seasons, and she got raaal purty voice tuh.

Weakerthans, weakerthans, weakerthans. You don't have to listen to me, you don't have to think they are phenomenal. But please, please, listen to Craig Finn of the Hold Steady: best songwriters: Dylan, Young, Springsteen, Blake Schwarzenbach, John Samson. Believe it.

Okkervil River, Band of Horses, Devandra Barnhardt, what? Be you angels? No, we are but HARP Magazine. Rock on.

I don't know how to say this, but The Playing Favorites are awesome.

Don't forget to watch Friday Night Lights tonight!

Isn't it annoying when people keep telling you that Halloween's bad, even into November?

Movies watched & to watch this weakend:
SpiderMan 3
The Thing
Grindhouse: Death Proof
Ken Burns Civil War
Decemberists: A Practical Handbook
Van Helsing
Supernatural
Northern Exposure
Sports Night
Notre Dame (hopefully) victory over Navy (oh please God)

We are the Pipettes

2007-11-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Finally, finally, finally, I got my dirty little hands on this awesome album. It came out over a year ago in England, but was intouchable for under $25 in the U.S.. I first heard them back in the winter of '05-'06 on a couple of comps and singles. These gals had me smitten from the first note, and so I'm thrilled to finally own these tunes.
The Pipettes are like a '60's doo-wop girl-group crossed with post-indie rock equals awesome. Probably not for everyone, but good enough for me.

Side note: I think Be Kind, Rewind is going to be an awesome movie, but here's the thing that screws with my head: When they insert awesome music into previews, I'm sold. The song could not even show up in the actually flick, I'm going, and I'm going to go in with great expectations. Sometimes it works out: "Mr Blue Sky" in Eternal Sunshine, and now in Be Kind, Rewind (Jack Black- not too shabby, not brilliant, Mos Def- Phenomenal, one of my favorite famous people evah) they are spinning Billy Preston's "Nothing from Nothing", which is a divine song from one of the most criminally underrated artists of all time.

Gravity's Gone

2007-10-31T21:18:00.000-05:00

It's only wednesday but i keep wishing it was thursday, but really hope I'll wake up the day before a vacation or a day after retirement, but it's still wednesday. Blah Blah Blah, it's just an excuse to post this:
Current Mood:
I went stumbling through the fog trying to find a reason for the things I told her
She woke up sunny side down and I was still thinking I was too proud to flip her over
Between the champagne hand jobs and the kissing ass by everyone involved
Cocaine rich comes quick and that's why the small dicks have it all

So I'll meet you at the bottom if there really is one
They always told me when you hit it you'll know it
But I've been falling so long it's like gravity's gone and I'm just floating

Those little demons ain't the reasons for the bruises on your soul you've been neglecting
You'll never lose your mind as long as you're heart always reminds you where you left it
And don't ever let them make you feel like saying what you want is unbecoming
If you were supposed to watch you're mouth all the time I doubt your eyes would be above it

Between the champagne hand jobs and the kissing ass by everyone involved
What used to be is gone and what ought to be ought not to be so hard

So I'll meet you at the bottom if there really is one
They always told me when you hit it you'll know it
But I've been falling so long it's like gravity's gone and I'm just floating

Driving home from work

2007-10-31T21:07:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed seeing all the kids & moms trickertreating. I remember going out after dinner and it being kinda spooky. This isn't a rant, I feel sorry for this children. But anywho, I'm driving along, kids everywhere, until I turn onto my road. I see...nothing, not a one child, no joy in mudville, nuthin. It was kinda creepy, I thought it must be like "kid murderer lane" or something, but I guess they were probably just with their "other parents", since I've always thought of our complex area as the "Just Starting" or "Starting Over" compound.
Best day to be Halloween: Saturday or Sunday. Though as a weekday, no one thinks twice about leaving work early.

The Best of What's Around

2007-10-31T10:16:00.000-05:00

Oh Halloween, what a crazy day you are. I love eating candy til my teeth hurt and getting my spook on. Yeah, right. This is gonna be another lame one, but that's okay, I will survive. I've had a few good ones, I still remember being bummed out at how lame Chicagoland Halloween is, compared to the Philly ones, but I think that was mostly because I came from an unbelievably awesome neighborhood, the perfect trick-or-treat one. I remember going out as a cowboy with homemade chaps in High School, walking into a white hen pantry, and realizing i had a fake gun.
I still remember having to travel to Moline, IL (edge of Iowa) to play a state playoff game, and not getting back until the witching hour of Nov. 1. There are a few that are a blur, but I haven't really done anything since I got to college, except use it as an excuse to watch scary movies and read ghost stories. I took the long way round to work this morning, scanning the radio to hear "Monster Mash" but to no avail. I hope you get to hear it today!

Jury Duty

2007-10-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Got a letter in the mail today telling me I need to report for jury duty downtown, in Cook County. Only problem is- I don't live in Cook County anymore. This should be fun to figure out.

That's the good stuff

2007-10-29T17:12:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you are all aware of the "applesauce". Sure, it's tasty & oldschool. I remember the Mott's from my younger days. If you're like me, you enjoy a nice bowl of "applesauce" on the side with a sandwich and potato chips. But, well, some days, gosh, I don't know, it just seems, somehow, geez, how do I put this, over done. That's why I'm so grateful for a new sauce that's really had a major impact on my life: The Peachsauce. That's right, just like the super tasty fruit treat, only you can sip, sup, and slurp this bad boy down. It tastes just like peaches, and can be totally saucy, too. It's like The Applesauce's punky little brother, coming at you with a whole lot of attitude. Before you can say, "Gosh, I think I might like to try that...", it's already gone, baby, gone. I commend this tasty treat to you as a gesture of goodwill, on behalf of all who have come before us. God Bless America.

Jumbalya!

2007-10-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

My boss was in San Diego this week, no matter how busy/sick I was, at least I didn't have to deal with this. Different town, but why you'd want to live there?, or, as I sometimes prefer, Antennas
(though we pray for the safety of all impacted)

Could be the best movie next year:
Where the Wild Things are
Writer: Dave Eggers
Director: Spike Jonze
I won't say another word.

This could be a scary movie weekend, after TAL/FNL Friday & Retreat/Fall Fest Saturday. We Netflix'ed The Thing, Bug, The Invisible, Supernatural Season 2 Disc 1, and a movie that shall not be named cuz it's a surprise. So it's a soft scary, but it's got that Halloweenie vibe.

I've been flip-flopping about how much I want the soundtrack to I'm Not There. On paper it looks jaw-droppingly good, but in reality I feel like there's no way it can work out. Impossible. But maybe it could. No way, dude. You never know. I think you do. This is what I'm going thru, and I don't know when I'll make my decision. Maybe I'll lust over it until Xmas time and put it on my naughty and nice list. UPDATE: Well, actually, I've heard the Sufjan Stevens, Cat Power, Jim James (MMJ) with Calexico, oh my, that is some good tunes, worth the price of admission on those tracks, so I've come to terms with my fear and I'm wholeheartedly looking forward to listening.

My Google Reader is usually around 240 items, I can't get ahead with that bastard.

Forgive me Al, I hath boughten thine first Christmastide album of thisen yeahr.

Lucky to be alive

2007-10-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

Here's the scoop: You know that feeling about how you having to give a report in class, and it's friday afternoon and you might not have to give the report until monday if everything works out and you're just watching the clock and hoping you can make it to the bell?
That's how I feel about the reign of the only-history-will-tell-if-this-genius-will-be-remembered-as-the-worst-president-of-all-time. I feel like if we can make it to January 2009 without something terrible (well, worse than the last 7 years) happening, I'll be satisfied. We've passed the point of redemption, and the only thing we can hope for is a holding pattern, unless we all hunker down, isolate ourselves from the world, hit reset, and start over with President Obama or President Gore or even President Clinton (she makes me feel safe). I know my analogy falls short, what would you say?

The Year of Living Biblically

2007-10-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible was, without a doubt, the best book I read all of last week. It tracks the author's pursuit to follow every rule in the bible for a year as best he can. I thought it was great, since he tackled the Old Testament for the first 8 months, which provided me with a much clearer understanding of the Jewish perspective, without having to read more books!
This would be great for someone just starting to get interested in Christianity OR Judaism.
It was also refreshing to see an agnostic approach Judeo-Christian faith that isn't bitter or angry, as is the style of the day. So I got down with A.J. and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good time. Oh man, this was a really lame review.

My eMusic

2007-10-23T12:28:00.001-05:00

One of the best decisions I've made since January 2006 has been to join eMusic. I've picked up some great random stuff, hot new drops, and things I totally forgot about but am bummed out about cuz some jerk stole that cd in 1998.
This month I picked up
Maritime- Heresy and the Hotel Choir: pretty good, though the one flaw is that Davey von Bohlen doesn't re-create "Nothing Feels Good", which is a ridiculous concept. In spite of my ignorance, Maritime has improved with each album, and I would recommend it to you.
Jens Lenkman- Night Falls Over Kortedala: Beautiful album, poppy, indie-songwriter, basically, you know how you think, "oh yeah, ABBA could be kind of cool if...", well, this is it. But that is kind of misleading, so don't live or die by it.
Sunset Rubdown- Random Spirit Love: Just as good as SUIAD, but since this one didn't come up out of nowhere, I brought some baggage with me. But it worked out in the end, though I am more than ready for some new Wolf Parade.
Los Campesinos- The International Tweexcore Underground: Another EP, either their LP will be off the charts awesome or mweh. I just can't tell, and wouldn't be surprised either way.
Quasi- The Sword of God: Great example of stepping out on eMusic. Wanted to pick em up for awhile, and this seemed like the perfect month. Didn't change my life, but perked up a few hours. Gonna go for more in November...maybe December.
Besnard Lakes- Volume 1: This one surprised me, and I don't know why. Here's a rule: unless you are one of the most brilliant bands of all time, re-releases of early recordings are not very good. Why didn't I believe it? Don't know, but even after previewing all the tracks, I was still expecting something different. I don't get me. But if you're in the mood for more experimental tracks, it's fer you. I think I'll be up for it in a few months, so I'll just try not to lose it 'til then.
Boy's Life- Boy's Life: This is a great example of an oldie that has dispparated, then reemerged thru the power of eMu links. So good, forgive me for using the word here, but when I think of emo, I think of Boy's Life, Mineral, onelinedrawing, Rainer Maria, Promise Ring, Joan of Arc, Belle and Sebastian, Braid, Christie Front Drive. Ah, the twisting/distortion of semantics & linguistics.
So, to recap, I got all these albums for $20? Yes, my friend, I did. So step up and make your own memories thru eMusic.

Fresh Starts, Stale Farts

2007-10-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

Cubs failed, Irish hurt me, Bears tease me, Bulls are months from making me care, but it seems like a good time to start over. I'm battling a cold, it's winning, but it ain't over yet.
I've been berry busy lately, let me give you a taste: I was gonna post about the Twins game I went to (it would be titled (B)oof!) but I'm doing the work of 2 people, but that's not so bad since I usually do the work of one poorly, so now I'm only on the verge of ignorance.
Heroes is so hott, I love Peter's new haircut. I don't mind the slow burn as long as the payoff is jackpot (think Lost last year).
It's always sunny continues to pleasure me richly, all-in-all Thursday nights are totally done right.
Reaper & Aliens in America are 2 great surprises, with the bonus that I'm not all depressed if I happen to miss an episode (we'll have to test this in a few weeks, so far I'm all talk on this one). Pushing Daisies has been enjoyable, but my schedule doesn't really allow for it, so if it sticks around I may Netflicks it next summer (along with Greek, which I'm totally depressed I missed the boat on).
On the other hand, Fridays just aren't as hot as I hoped. This American Life will never disappoint, but I just can't handle the heavy that Friday Night Lights is bringing. Maybe I could handle it on another night, but IF they keep going down this road...well, I just don't know. BUT last week gave me some hope at the end. I hope Al's wrong and it isn't just becoming a soap. (BTW, Kyle Chandler is sooooo CUTE!!!)