Sentimental Valium

2006-05-30T21:27:00.000-05:00

Went to Grand Haven for the first time yesterday. Yes, two-plus years in GR and it's my first time there. My friend Tim remarked "There should be a bikini standard" at one point as we were walking around. Let your mind wander....

This is an album I won't be purchasing:

Paris Hilton Plans Reggae, Hip Hop Album

Paris Hilton says her upcoming album will be a mix of reggae, pop and hip-hop, with the first single being a reggae song called "Stars Are Blind."

Hilton will also do a remake of the Rod Stewart song "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?," she was quoted as saying in the June issue of Hong Kong magazine Prestige.

"The whole album has so much different music on it. I like all music. It's not like I only like pop or only rock. I want to have something for everybody," Hilton said.

Hilton said she wrote the lyrics to seven of her songs. The article didn't say how many songs are on the album.

She said she had to overcome shyness to become a singer.

"I have always had a voice and always known I could sing, but I was too shy to let it come out. I think that is the hardest thing you can do, to sing in front of people. When I finally let go and did it, I realized it is what I am most talented at and what I love to do the most," Hilton said.

Prestige reported the single, "Stars Are Blind," will be released this month by Warner Records and her own label Heiress Records, followed by a full album later this year.

I wish I was making that up.

I had a message on my mobile phone tonight that was intended for someone named Nick. So Nick, your mom would like you to run over and get the keys out of the LeBaron tonight because your dad left them in there. She would really appreciate it and loves you.

I wish I was making that up too.

2006-05-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

Entrance music: "City Girl" by The Owls.

I'm ready for the sun and warmer weather. I had to pull out a hat again tonight to cover up the baldness.

A seven-year old boy swam from Alcatraz to the San Francisco shore. Pretty inspiring and convicting story.

This is story is simply great.

Calif. Police Find Man Stuck in Chimney

BRAWLEY, Calif. (AP) - A man faces a burglary charge after police found him stuck a chimney. Matthew Allen, 27, told police he fell down the chimney after going on to the roof of the house to look at the stars.
When he got stuck near the bottom of the chimney, he took his pants off and began waving them around to set off the home's motion detectors. Brawley police officers were dispatched to the house twice Saturday morning but saw no signs of an intruder.
Neighbors eventually heard a commotion coming from the house and called the police.
``I've read and heard of things like that before,'' Brawley Fire Capt. Manuel Sevilla said, ``but I've never seen it. The situation, it was more funny than anything.'' Fire workers lowered a chain ladder to Allen, who was able to climb out from the chimney.
When transported to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley for treatment Allen tried to flee but was detained by hospital staff.
Allen, who had a warrant for his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, faces a count of residential burglary.

I've been listening to these songs a lot the past couple days.

"Hiding In Corners" by SAW
"Annetichrist" by Superdrag
"Strange Design" by Midnight Movies
"You Know More Than I Know" by John Cale

I'm debating an internet fast for the month of June.

Exit music: "Nimrod's Son" by Pixies.

2006-05-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

Entrance music: "What Went Wrong (In Your Head)" by Supergrass.

It's confirmed.

What I want primarily in all my connections with people–family, friends, co-workers, dates, boys and girls, etc–is simply honesty. (Yes @m--que the Billy Joel song now please.) I feel like I can handle everything else, but dishonesty I can't/don't/choose not to handle. If someone decides they don't want to see me anymore; tells me they think my singing sucks; finds my glabrous bald head repulsive; would rather sever all contact with me... Those things would hurt my feelings; not hearing those things but some kind of excuse or surface-level reason or blatant lies instead simply pisses me off.

This is nothing profound, but I'm feeling the frustration a lot the past couple weeks. Does crummy weather bring out a little deceiver in each of us or something?

In my more pessimistic and melancholic days, I would have been blasting "Terrible Lie" as loudly as I could physically stand it. Instead, it's mellow Brit-rock with it's murky midtempo songs that lull me into a hypnotic state where I don't think about what's really got me frustrated.

Is avoidance any better than entertaining those kinds of feelings.....

Exit music: "Quicksand" by Travis

2006-05-12T08:20:00.000-05:00

So there's not much debate about the new Snow Patrol record, Eyes Open (Amazon US, Amazon UK, CD Wow). It's not as good as Final Straw, I have to admit. It's not as immediately engaging (though that's almost not fair since FS opened with "How To Be Dead," quite possibly one of my favorite opening tracks of all time...) and after my fifth or sixth listen, there are still songs I'm not interested in listening to. It's more confident, that's for sure, but also a little safer.

All the same, they will be in Pontiac (yes, Michigan!) on June 9, so whoever plans to join me make sure you leave a comment soon.

I'm not typically a fan of these AOL Sessions, but the Snow Patrol one is pretty good. The performances are much better than the interviews.

Chasing Cars (my favorite track from Eyes Open)
Hands Open
Run (where Gary Lightbody forgets the words to the chorus!!)
You Will You? Will. You? Will. You? Will. (cover of Bright Eyes done with three acoustics)
You're All I Have

At least the pull off the songs well live. Maybe the record will grow on us more c@it and Stosh....

2006-05-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

New post at Shake Your Fist on Michigan duo Breathe Owl Breathe.

2006-05-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

I can't stop listening to "Femme Fatale" by Ours. Corrin reminded me that I like this record and this song has captured my ears.

On the way to the Y this morning I passed a gas station. "Oh, $2.75 is pretty good," I said out loud, because I talk to myself all the time, especially when I'm driving. But I elected to wait and get gas later because I was too tired and needed the hot tub to wake me up. When I finally stopped for gas after work, the same place was now charging $2.95. It shouldn't cost $30 to fill up my little Saturn. I should ride my bike more. Or get a rickshaw.

I've been reading this book called The Bastard on the Couch (Amazon) and I'm highly entertained. A chapter snuck up on me though called "A Bachelor's Fear" that contains a paragraph this both accurately captures the stream of consciousness way my head works most of the time and so many of things I've thought/journalled/said to friends. (Forgive the length of the passage--feel free to skip to the end if you're either busy or not interested.)

There were also those mornings, especially holidays and weekends and times between assignments, when I had no plans, when my buddies were out of town or with their wives or girlfriends, when I wondered if I would die alone, when I wished there was someone next to me, someone sweet and loving and warm and funny and sexy, someone who, even if she might curtail my sports-page reading and sleeping late and e-mail checking, might let me hold her, might hold me, might ask me to help her work the crossword puzzle, might murmur with affection as I worried aloud about a vexing work project, who might bear my children, grow misty-eyed at how I would teach the little rascals to be strong and to shoot baskets and how to be helpful and sensitive to others' feelings while remaining true to their own convictions, who would indulge my sneaking them sweets between meals and telling them scary stories at bedtime, who might agree–exuberantly–to be my partner while we moved through the world, shoulder to shoulder, fingers interlocked, someone who would stroll underneath aged oak trees with me as we turned white and wrinkled, leaning on each other, someone whose fears I might help recognize as puny phantoms compared to our enduring and transcendent bond, someone who might liberate me from the crushing burden of myself."
-Steve Friedman, "A Bachelor's Fear"-

That's my favorite overly long sentence of all time I think.

That sentence welled up something inside me last night when I read it. Instead of bringing about a big sigh and help me feel (more) sorry for myself, it caused this incredible happiness for my friends who have found that kind of person. Maybe not the idyllic and naive "everything-will-be-perfect" vision those of us on the unrealized side of marriage--but the companionship and deep peace they find from another person. I felt a true joy for them. I really can say "I'm happy for you."

I would have to change the above 'sports page' example to music magazines. I need to read a greater percentage of a lesser number of them.

Stephen Baldwin is still not my friend on myspace. I don't know what I did....

Exit music: "On The Bus Mall" by The Decemberists.

2006-05-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

Entrance music: "Stink" by Arab Strap.

The trend of inconsistent posts will continue. I leave for New York this afternoon. I doubt I'll have a chance to post before Saturday.

In my absence, I hope these images entertain you.

Exit music: "Something In My Eye" by Ed Harcourt.

2006-04-30T13:37:00.000-05:00

I can understand why people don't love Neil Young. His voice reminds me of sushi–a lot of people can learn to love it, but I've stopped trying to convince people who just don't see the attraction. That said, everyone should listen to his upcoming record at least once. His new record, Living With War, is a blatant anti-war record, but there is something endearing about his unpolished approach. This record was finished in 3 days supposedly and it has that charged energy throughout. Yes, he is politically inconsistent, but he's not confused about how he feels about the current administration or the conflict in Iraq. Songs like "Let's Impeach the President" sound immediately pretentious and silly, but there really is something about the songs that stop me from just shrugging off this hippie hero. The recordings are rough--drums, bass and electric guitar with seemingly no overdubs. And the mix is unique--the drums and electric seem to be as loud as the vocals in a lot of spots. It adds to the energy and passion of the songs. Plenty of gang vocals are here too. Give it a try, even if you don't agree with his political stance. This might be the most important thing Young has done since "Ohio," though it's not likely to have the same unanimous impact.

I'm overwhelmed and difficult to be around I think. I realized this morning how "needy" I feel right now. So many of my interactions with people have been laced with my insecurities and need to hear them tell me good things... I'm worried the number of things I'm responsible for won't be taken care of.

Sorry to those who I need to apologize to.

2006-04-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

Back. Too tired to write about it, but I'm back.

Maybe tomorrow. That's a song I like by Stereophonics. "Maybe Tomorrow"

I can't wait for this:

June 20 here in the States.

2006-04-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

Sitting in the airport. There is something very surreal about leaving one place at 8:04 and arriving at your destination at 8:00. Just under three hours here in O'Hare until my next flight.

Newest post at Shake Your Fist.

My friend Jim sent this game to me a couple days ago, prompting me to avoid work for about 20 minutes. It reminds me of the hours I used to spend playing Atari.

2006-04-18T14:32:00.000-05:00

Entrance music: "Pusherman" by Curtis Mayfield.

There are times when nothing but soul and funk will do for me musically. Today is one of those days.

I leave for South Carolina in the morning. I'm excited to spend time with my dad and sister. My birthday is Saturday (let the comments begin to flood in, thank you very much) and my sister and I are going to spend it like a brother and sister obviously would: seeing the band Styx. Yes, the "Mr. Roboto-Come Sail Away" Styx. Respirators and walkers and power ballads like "Lady." What a night it's sure to be. I'll try and get a picture of me with Dennis DeYoung and post it for all to make fun of.

Currently playing: "Cold Sweat" by James Brown.

I rarely talk about MySpace, but I've a complaint I must air out: I can't get Stephen Baldwin to accept me as a friend. About a month ago his name came up when a few of us were talking about "who might be on MySpace." My friend (in real life and MySpace) Ethan decided to search for him--and found him. Puzzingly, he was accepted as a friend within a couple days. I immediately followed and requested to be added. This has been over a month ago. He is obviously ignorning me. Lisa Loeb accepted me as a friend. So did The National and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. What's up with Mr Baldwin?!? Am I not good enough for him? I can't figure this illusive man out.

Currently playing: "I Want To Take You Higher" by Sly & the Family Stone.

Not long ago @m and his adorable son Porter invited me to a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game. @m sent me this reminder today.

All I want for my birthday is to call Stephen Baldwin my friend. Ho hum...

Exit music: "You Were Made For Me" by Sam Cooke.

2006-04-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jenn for helping me come up with the new quote. She also began my French lessons over MSN today with this:

"bonjour, je m'appelle Troy"

So there have been a few complaints because I haven't been updating my blog. I just want to acknowledge that.

I thought I would give a list of the songs I can't seem to stop listening to right now.

"Gold Lion" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (thanks to c@it)
"Helicopter" by Bloc Party
"Lovely 2 C U" by Goldfrapp
"Sweetness" by Jimmy Eat World (I've actually listened to the entire record, Bleed American, this past weekend)
"Hello" by Sputnik
"Yeah!" by The Golden Dogs
"Decent Days and Nights" by The Futureheads
"Oh! Sweet Nothin'" by The Velvet Underground
"I'm So Tired of Being Alone" by Al Green (once again, my soul obsession...)
"The Opposite of Coffee" by The Lucksmiths

Vacation in South Carolina next week. I hope to get the head some sun.

2006-04-04T11:09:00.000-05:00

12 hours in the studio yesterday. 12 or 13 tomorrow. Same story on Thursday.

I shouldn't complain--other people have to do work that is actually hard, physically demanding.

Finally getting to see a show this weekend--Rosie Thomas. Very very excited.

New post at Shake Your Fist. Don't make fun of me too badly...

2006-03-20T18:47:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "Lake Tahoe" by Sherwood.

I'm alive.

Worked on a live recording virtually non-stop for the past two weeks. Last night I drove to Traverse City, Michigan for a mini-vacation/escape from humanity.

I'm writing from a $45/night room at a Best Western Four Seasons, watching a 21" television on a recliner I am convinced once lived in my grandmother's house in Kentucky. Even though I'm getting what I paid for, I am really enjoying my time here. I spent some time in the hot tub last night with a pair of middle-aged couples driving their RVs around the midwest. I'd say "sitting with" but it felt like "sitting under."

This morning I drove up to the end of the peninsula (see photo above) to watch the sunrise. It was cold!!!!! but worth it. I stood on the beach mixed with sand and ice, about 100 feet or so from the 45th Parallel. The drive was lined with wineries and evergreens, along with peeks at the bay. Later I drove around town trying to find a coffee shop to plant myself and do some reading. This is a strange place. I struggled to find a place to sit and read, but I found 3 places, on one main road, where I could have Lasik surgery. It also looks like the place to go if you're a urologist--I saw two of those places. When I finally found a coffee shop, Espresso Bay, I was surprised to see a sign on the door that read "Outside Food Welcomed." These words were posted on a few windows and I saw a couple people bring in their own snacks. I ate at the Mackinaw Brewery and had a microbrew and piece of cod, along with some mediocre asparagus, which is a favorite of mine.

My plans the rest of the night are to finish a book, probably On Love by Alain de Botton, and try to occupy the hot tub by myself. I drive back to GR and work in the morning.

I know a lot of people who are travelling right now. Amish Aaron took all his girls to California. Tracy and her family are in Africa. c@it is in Australia. I plan to head to South Carolina for a week in April and fly around Europe a little in June.

OK, have you seen this KFC commercial where the mom walks in and sees her daughter sitting at the island in the kitchen, laptop open and eating? And the mom actually uses the phrases "casual dining meal"? No one uses that phrase do they? I'm not sure I've ever even heard it! And it's used a couple times in the commercial. I'm amazed how bad writing is rewarded in the name of advertising.

Speaking of television, I'm sitting here watching Deal Or No Deal. I caught myself crying a couple minutes ago--and it's not just because of Howie's glimmering bald head. There is this Texan on here wearing a tremendously unflattering Texas flag shirt who gets all teared up when Howie mentions his family.

I'm a softie....

Exit music: "Semaphore" by Kinski.

2006-03-07T19:49:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "California Waiting" by Kings of Leon.

Whoever invented the towel was a good person. I was thinking this morning about how crummy it would be to jump out of the shower and right into clothes. I remember drying off with a blanket once when I was staying at a youth camp and had forgotten a towel. It was one of those fuzzy blankets that collects every piece of grass, twig or wandering thread from someone's sock. So I got out of a colder-than-healthy shower and began wiping down with this blanket. Amish Aaron was there (employing the same hygenic practice) and I think he pointed out that we were now dirtier AFTER the shower than before we took one. All that to say, I am thankful for the towel inventor.

It's only Tuesday and I already feel like it's been an entire week.

Newest post over at Shake Your Fist.

I missed yet another show this week. Nada Surf was in MI and I had to work.

Exit music: "Where You'll Find Me Now" by Neutral Milk Hotel.

2006-03-03T20:32:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "Left Behind" by Bedhead.

I got my @$$ kicked in racquetball today by JH. It always feels good to start the weekend with a definitive humiliation.

I've eaten approximately 8 pounds of pad thai this week. I made some and then was given a shload from work on Wednesday. If I was cut right now, pad thai sauce would come out of me instead of blood. All the same, as soon as I'm finished posting, I plan to have another helping.

I've been devouring music lately. A few weeks ago I started listening to the stream of Rhett Miller's new record, The Believer. You can listen to the entire thing on his myspace. It's going to be a good summertime record for me. I might write about it for Shake Your Fist.

No caffeine or alcohol or radio in the car until April 17. Cheer me on....

Last week's episode of This American Life is worth listening to--it's called "Cat and Mouse." David Sedaris is something else....

Pad Time....

Exit music: "The Bird That You Can't See" by Apples In Stereo.

2006-02-24T12:04:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum.

One of my favorite songs of all time. Easily.

I've never understood the mom and kids in a coffee shop set-up. I'm not suggesting all mothers should stay at home and keep the children away from insensitive people like myself. I just don't get this scenario: mom brings in two cute little girls, both under 4 it would appear. They take over four or five tables in an already table-short area. Mom orders a drink and then starts setting out an impressive landscape of toys and books across some of the annexed tables. The part that bothers me some--and would drive me bonkers as the coffee shop owner--is when the mom pulls out a large lunch spread for her and the kiddies to enjoy. There are little tupperware bowls and flower-shaped plates and cute plastic orange spoons for the girls. And mom just keeps pulling out more things for lunch.

I don't get it.

True statements:
1. I am not a mom
2. I don't know what it's like to have/raise children
3. Young children can be loud
4. The patience of mothers is unrivaled and deserves more gold and silver than the world can produce

I really try to eat healthily. (is that a word?) It costs a lot more but feels like a worthy investment of my money. As I was buying some stuff in the "healthy living" section of a certain shopping center, I realized the end of the "healthy living" section ran directly into the pet food section. Right next to the gluten-free breakfast bars was a row of Alpo.

I don't think that is an accident.

I've mentioned before my love for Stephin Merrit's songs. I was listening to yet another of his projects, The Gothic Archies, and was reminded of this dark song: "The Tiny Goat." Unlike his other vaudevillian and quirky love songs, this is dark! Let this encourage you today:

The tiny goat wanted a birthday party
And sent out invitations to its friends
But when the day came none of them remembered
So it put out its eyes with fountain pens
The world is cruel and the moon remote
Suicide was not an option for the tiny goat

The tiny goat was very, very ugly
And like all ugly things it fell in love
When twenty years of waiting turned to nothing
It swallowed lye and lay down on the stove
When the world bites, there's no antidote
Who would want to spend forever with a tiny goat?

The world's a leech crawling down one's throat
One would rather be a tick than be a tiny goat

2006-02-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

How does one gauge whether life is becoming too busy? What is a reliable scale for assessing one's "over-committed" level? Is there an objective meter to measure the amount of margin someone does or doesn't have?

I just turned down a free ticket to see Coldplay tonight. Free.

As a way of further punishing myself for my too-full life, I invite comments ranging from "You idiot!" to "Oh if only you weren't doing this..."

Exit music: "Hello Hammerheads" by Caribou.

2006-02-21T22:14:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "I Break Horses" by Smog.

I was just telling c@it I've never been ice skating. I played some roller hockey back in the day with Amish Aaron, but never been on ice. I was thinking that I might need to try it--I desperately need to get outside. The winter is driving me crazy!! I hate being cold and so I don't go outside more than I need to--but then I hate not being outside...

Michigan....

Had Indian food with @m today. It was an obscene amount of food and my body has been thanking me all day.

The post at Shake Your Fist is up. For fans of foreign languages, check out the five mp3s.

Exit music: "Ex-supermodel" by Guided by Voices.

2006-02-20T22:27:00.000-06:00

I'm obsessed with the Olympics. I realized tonight that I've been watching too much. I found myself explaining to my roommate the difference between the the Ice Dancing events. "Well you see, the Compulsory Dance is..."

Please don't stop reading my blog because of that.

I still like the skeleton or large hill ski jumping. Those more masculine, you-might-die events.

Weddings are strange. Receptions are even stranger. I went to one of each this weekend and that's enough for a while.

Another new post over at Shake Your Fist on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Leave you with a fascinating passage from a book I'm reading called On Love by Alain de Botton:

When we look at someone from a position of unrequited love and imagine the pleasures that being in heaven with them might bring us, we are prone to overlook one important danger: how soon their attractions might pale if they began to love us back. We fall in love because we long to escape from ourselves with someone as beautiful, intelligent and witty as we are ugly, stupid and dull. But what if such a perfect being should one day turn around and decide they will love us back? We can only be somewhat shocked–how can they be as wonderful as we had hoped when they have the bad taste to approve of someone like us? If, in order to love, we must believe that the beloved surpasses us in some way, does not a cruel paradox emerge when they return that love? We are led to ask, "If s/he really is so wonderful, how is it possible that s/he could love someone like me?"

2006-02-14T16:47:00.000-06:00

V-Day post at Shake Your Fist.

I plan to change the quote on my page (see upper right) more frequently. I've gone from Voltaire to the more uplifting Goethe.

So my nieces, the most adorable twins to ever be born, won a beauty contest of sorts in the Indianapolis area. They got trophies and tiaras and won an expenses-paid trip to Chicago for a photo shoot. And, of course, I must show them off:

2006-02-04T09:54:00.000-06:00

In one week?

Sheryl and Lance.

Heather and Richie.

I guess I should be prepared for the phone to start ringing again. They always come back after hard break-ups like these....

I took the "plunge" and have been sucked in by the allure of sudoku. I played a handful of times last night after Tammy gave me a diabolically tough puzzle at the bar.

I've been listening to Gemma Hayes a lot lately. I know she's not breaking into new musical territories, but I really like her songs. Someone told me she opened some shows for Athlete, which makes me like her even more if that's true. I like her first record, Night On My Side, better than the new one, but I recommend anything she's done. You can stream a couple songs from the first record on her site.

Oh sudoku--why does your siren call tempt me so?!

2006-01-30T22:16:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Every Bitter Drop" by Posies.

I had a truly unique experience tonight at a burrito place I like. (Unfortunately this place is not called Chipotle, which I miss terribly from Chicago!) I was with 3 other guys who had sat at the table when the manager walked over and asked if they wanted to help him with something. He wanted their help with a manager-in-training. He asked if we would ask to speak to this manager-to-be and tell her that what we ordered wasn't good. In exchange, he offered coupons for free meals.

The moral of the story: it does pay to be deceptive. Our food was just fine.

I had an entertaining conversation today with a girl I work with.

Amy: Troy, have you talked to your friend lately?

tr0y: (long pause as I think about what Amy asked) That question makes it sound like I have only one friend.

Amy: (long pause as Amy thinks about what I said) You know who I'm talking about don't you?"

tr0y: (nods slowly) Yes, I know who you're talking about...."

I have more than one friend.

Watched the Coachella film this past weekend. It was entertaining and made me really want to get to some festival this year. The film made me also realize that my musical pallete really isn't as wide as I'd like to think/admit. A good portion of what was highlighted I just didn't "get." I've never 'gotten' Fischerspooner's vaudevillian/gothic presentations. I don't even 'get' Mars Volta to be honest--or maybe I just don't like it....

It might be time for a musical expansion. If anyone has a suggestion, something kind of 'off the radar,' I'm open to it. At least I am for the next couple of days. Then I'm heading straight back into the comforting arms of Brit-rock and electronica.

Exit music: "Cut Off Yer Thumbs" by Oranger.

2006-01-27T18:09:00.000-06:00

Today is the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It's amazing to realize he only lived 35 years. My favorite of his works, Requiem, was unfortunately unfinished.

Requiem in D Minor, K 626: VII: Agnus Dei (mp3)

If only this "tribute" to Mozart was unfinished....

Rock Me Amadeus (mp3) -- Falco

I have a confession: I'm enjoying, and currently watching, Beauty and the Geek 2. I didn't realize there was a Season One, but I'm entertained by this season. I also found out, according to the website's "How Geeky Are You?" quiz that I am "pretty geeky."

Although you need a little work, you might have what it takes one day to become a real geek. It's time for you to hit the books. Start reading up science, both fact and fiction, add a healthy dose of comic book reading to your syllabus... If you try really hard, you just might make it."

New post at Shake Your Fist. If you like mellow chick music, check out my newest post.

2006-01-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Medication" by Damien Jurado.

Does this story piss off anyone else?

An online casino has a piece of Capt. Kirk. Actor William Shatner has sold his kidney stone for $25,000, with the money going to a housing charity, it was announced Tuesday. Shatner reached agreement Monday to sell the stone to GoldenPalace.com.

"This takes organ donors to a new height, to a new low, maybe. How much is a piece of me worth?" he said in a telephone interview.

GoldenPalace.com is noted for its collection of oddities, which includes a partially eaten cheese sandwich thought to contain the image of the Virgin Mary.

"This is a bold new addition to our fleet," GoldenPalace.com Chief Executive Officer Richard Rowe said in a statement.

The money will go to Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses for the needy.

"This would be the first Habitat for Humanity house built out of stone," joked Darren Julien, president of Los Angeles-based Julien's Auctions, which handled the sale.

Shatner, who played Kirk on the original "Star Trek" TV show and won an Emmy for his role on "Boston Legal," passed the stone last fall.

The stone was so big, Shatner said, "you'd want to wear it on your finger."

"If you subjected it to extreme heat, it might turn out to be a diamond," he added.

Shatner said the idea of selling the stone came up after "Boston Legal" raised $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity. With the money for the stone, Shatner said there is about enough funding to build half a house.

GoldenPalace.com originally offered $15,000 for the stone but Shatner turned it down, noting that his "Star Trek" tunics have commanded more than $100,000. His counteroffer was accepted.

Should I be more angry with the seller or the buyer?

Exit music: "Snowden" by Doves.

2006-01-16T22:39:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Please Please Please" by Fiona Apple.

Wow the new Fiona record is incredible. Worth waiting for...

I finished three books already this year. Guess some insomnia is worth something. I finished Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank very early this morning. I forgot how sad it is. Seems somehow appropriate to have finished it on a day when we think about our own country's struggle to see the good in all people.

I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Amish Aaron's little girls gave me some for Christmas.

Has anyone seen Pride & Prejudice yet? Keira Knightley isn't ugly.

How about this story:

Students Complete 2 1/2-Day Hoops Game CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)
Students from Atlantic Coast Conference rivals Duke and North Carolina completed their 2 1/2-day basketball game Monday, finishing with an expected world record for the longest continuous game.

Duke won 3,688-3,444. The game began at 8 a.m. Saturday and ended at 6 p.m. Monday, marking 58 straight hours in Fetzer Gymnasium on the loser's Chapel Hill campus.

The 24 students from the two schools nearly doubled a pair of similar reported world records. The Guinness World Records' Web site listed the record as 30 hours, 12 minutes set in Nebraska in 2004. Game organizers said they were later informed by Guinness of a more recent record of 33 hours, 35 minutes, set in Germany last April. They passed both marks Sunday.

The students also competed to raise the most money for the Hoop Dreams Basketball Academy, a nonprofit that uses basketball to help improve the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. Organizers said the marathon raised nearly $60,000, short of their $80,000 target.

Exit music: "Always Love" by Nada Surf.

2006-01-11T11:56:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "European Medicine" by Superchunk.

New post at Shake Your Fist.

Thought I'd start sharing the subject lines of my favorite junk mail.

Pending Participation, You are Eligible for a Complimentary Plasma TV

Light His Fire, Free Victoria Secret's Package

Spending too much on Ink? -SAVE up to 75% on Ink!!

[Target® - Test Huge Sample Packs F RE E]

GET A NEW HEAD 0F HAIR !!!

That last one is simply not funny. But it could be a good week for me: a new plasma TV, cheaper ink, some samples from Target, a lacy nighty and some hair.

What if it ends up being a lacy nighty made out of hair...

Exit music: "Concrete Seconds" by Pinback.

2006-01-10T21:21:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "Three Hopeful Thoughts" by Rilo Kiley.

New schedule not working great yet. I can't seem to actually do any sleeping, even though I lay in bed for 2+ hours...

Joe sent me this picture yesterday--I forgot how funny (and appropriate) it is.

Have another hangnail. I've never had one in my entire life until about a month ago. This is the third in a couple months. Who has some medical advice?

Exit music: "Don't Save Us From The Flames" by M83.

2006-01-09T00:10:00.000-06:00

A nice night of music with Robert Paulson tonight at Cornerstone. Sorry we didn't get the word out to anyone--I said "yes" pretty last minute. We're looking for more chances to play and I'll post beforehand next time.

Virtually zero desire to post these days. Sorry Amy for being a crappy blogging "partner." I do have ideas for posts, but seemingly no energy to actually make them happen.

I'm trying to change my daily schedule--I want to get up and go to bed 2 hours earlier every day. My goal is to begin tomorrow night and see how long I can last.

The song "Blonde On Blonde" by Nada Surf has been on repeat in my mind for a couple days and I have no plans to try and stop it.

I don't own a lint brush and found a situation today where I could have used one.

Greatest Uncle ever?

Big sister feeding little sister.

2006-01-03T10:31:00.000-06:00

One of the best holidays in memory. The kinds of experiences and conversations that I don't want to mention, afraid that stating them will somehow ruin their purity and beauty. I love my family and my friends. I'm a lucky man.

I'm also an uncle again. These are the four cutest girls on the planet:

2005-12-21T22:28:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned in passing my mouse "problem." I've had some poison set out for a while and now, thanks to Lori's stockpiling, some traps in a variety of places. One mouse has been accounted for, after s/he got her/his neck caught under the snapping bar of a trap. Last night I came in my room, flipped on the light and flipped out a little bit. (Hate admitting it, but it's true.) Lying in the middle of the floor, as though someone had planted it there, a mouse carcass. In it's "I'm-dead" pose--right in the middle of the floor. Sort of the way I imagine an ariel view of a desert would be looking down on a thirsty man who couldn't go any farther--not close to any edges, just collapsed in the middle.

Heading to see the fam and the adorable twins Friday. I hope everyone has a good holiday.

Couple reminders:

If you've not added yourself to the thebaldmap yet, you really should take the time to do so. I've been stuck on 13 for quite a while. All I want for Christmas this year is to have over 20 people... Is that too much for a bald man to ask???

mp3s o'plenty over at Shake Your Fist as Amy and I have both posted our favorite albums of the year. Sample the songs and then go out there and buy some of the music. There are great recordings represented from us. We have great tastes damnit.

Speaking of music, if you haven't ever visited youhavebadtasteinmusic.com, you might want to. Unless of course, you're a fan of Ruben Studdard or Alter Bridge (aka, "We don't need Scott Stapp to be a mediocre band!"). Otherwise, there are some entertaining moments in the site's videos.

2005-12-15T14:54:00.000-06:00

On Monday, my 10 favorite albums of the year will be posted at Shake Your Fist. Until then...

My 43 Favorite Albums in '05

Archer Prewitt -- Wilderness
Architecture In Helsinki -- In Case We Die
Arvo Pärt -- Lamentate
Athlete -- Tourist
Ben Folds -- Songs For Silverman
Bloc Party -- Silent Alarm
Brendan Benson -- Alternative To Love
British Sea Power -- Open Season
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah -- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
The Decemberists -- Picaresque
Editors -- Back Room
Elbow -- Leaders of the Free World
Emiliana Torrini -- Fisherman's Woman
Engineers -- Engineers
Feist -- Let It Die
The Go! Team -- Thunder Lightning Strike (US release)
Gorillaz -- Demon Days
Hot Hot Heat -- Elevator
I Am Kloot -- Gods and Monsters
Imogen Heap -- Hide and Seek
Ivy -- In The Clear
James Blunt -- Back To Bedlam
Josh Rouse -- Nashville
Kaiser Chiefs -- Employment
LCD Soundsystem -- LCD Soundsystem
Longwave -- There's A Fire
Louis XIV -- The Best Little Secrets Are Kept
The Lucksmiths -- Warmer Corners
Mercury Rev -- Secret Migration
Nada Surf -- The Weight Is A Gift
The National -- Alligator
The New Pornographers -- Twin Cinema
Over The Rhine -- Drunkard's Prayer
The Perishers -- Let There Be Morning
The Pernice Brothers -- Discover A Lovelier You
Rosie Thomas -- If Songs Could Be Held
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals -- Cold Roses
Shout Out Louds -- Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
Sigur Ros -- Takk
Spoon -- Gimme Fiction
Sufjan Stevens -- Illinois
Supergrass -- Road To Rouen
Turin Brakes -- JackInABox

2005-12-11T19:55:00.000-06:00

New Lennon post over at Shake Your Fist. Even if you have no desire to read what I think about a long-dead musician, you want to go get the free mp3 of Rosie Thomas covering "Love." Ignore the letters and scroll down and get that song.

I chuckled a couple times reading Stephanie's blog about their house mouse. I'm not laughing now. I have one now. Maybe a couple.

I got stuck in the driveway today. It's supposed to snow for the next calendar week. I'm less than happy about snow right now.

Word for the day: nosegay \NOHZ-gay\, noun:
A bunch of odorous and showy flowers; a bouquet; a posy.

Whether you like flowers or not, we should all try to use this word more often. I believe it's impossible to say it without a smile.

Walk The Line is an outstanding movie.

I was at the Y on Saturday on the track. Two things happened worth mentioning, though not necessarily worth reading. So proceed if you want. I had the Shuffle on while I was running and realized the song I was listening to kept repeating. A few weeks ago I tried to help someone burn a CD and tried to transfer the song via my Shuffle. I didn't realize at that point I removed all the songs I had on there and replaced them with this one song--some tribal African drum instrumental. That was all I had--for 3 miles.

At one point, someone tapped me on the shoulder, asking me to stop. I stopped, removed the earbuds and said "Yes?" This girl just smiled and "How's it going?" This is someone that I have seen before, but never had a conversation with. For the next two laps I walked and had an awkward talk--not even conversation--with this girl.

Corrie just said "Y interactions are always strange." I agree.

My favorite albums of '05 is coming. And in February, so is Nickleback to Grand Rapids.

Makes me consider moving...

2005-12-08T21:02:00.000-06:00

25th "anniversary" of John Lennon's death.

A year ago I gave my Top 10 Lennon songs. This year some Lennon lyrics I love.

Hold on world , world hold on
It's gonna be alright
You gonna see the light ("Hold On")

And so dear friends
You'll just have to carry on
The dream is over ("God")

You know life can be long
And you got to be strong
And the world is so tough
Sometimes I feel I've had enough ("How?")

Life is just what happens to you
While your busy making other plans ("Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)")

Have to be good-looking cuz he's so hard to see ("Come Together")

2005-11-30T12:21:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "The Drinks We Drank Last Night" by Azure Ray.

Riding on these waves
Holding on to what you say
Everything will be okay
It will work out one way

It was a tough drive to Indy to see the family for T-Giving. It took two extra hours and felt dangerous in a couple different places. My windshield washer fluid was partially frozen and too slushy to help me clean the windshield as I drove. I tried to get close enough to semis to catch some of the water they were throwing so I could see better.

That's what it's like being with my family. I get close to them and they help me see better. There is something uniquely cleansing and helpful about being with them. And the nieces finally like their Uncle Troy!

Currently playing: "Never Enough" by Del Amitri.

And life ain’t worth living without a little love
But a little love is never enough

Read two books while with the fam.

How I Became Stupid by Martin Page. I'm sure it's better in the original French, but I still loved this! Maybe a little presumptuous at times, but great insights into escapism and being content.

Douglas Coupland's Eleanor Rigby: A Novel was a little disappointing. I love everything he's done (well... didn't love Microserfs) and felt a little underwhelmed by this book. The idea is sketchy and some of the interactions are touching. It just felt a little unfinished to me. I love his writing voice though--this might be a good introduction to his work, moving on to Life After God, Hey Nostradamus and Generation X after that.

My friend Jake wrote a song a while ago that has been stuck in my head. It's very level-headedly optimistic--the way I want to be.

It can only get brighter from here...

Exit music: "Brighter" by Jason Stilson.

2005-11-16T13:37:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Settle Down" by Unbelievable Truth.

Snowing. First of the year. Damnit.

Little Mexico for lunch helped though. That place always helps.

I hate the smell of Skoal. Where did that crap come from? Someone smarter than me want to give a brief history of "chew"?

Forgot to wear my watch yesterday--the first day since becoming a Yes-Man. Honestly felt strange for the first couple hours and then I soon forgot about it.

I made chicken salad last night. I'm a culinary genius. Fall to your knees... (thanks mom for the help.)

Yes, I'm a contradiction. Yes, I don't give enough details. Yes, some posts are funny and others seem annoyingly self-indulgent. Yes, I purposely don't mention the names of certain people or explain more about the objects of my 'quasi-obsession.' Yes. But this is my blog--that's the beauty of this set-up: I get to write about whatever I want--or NOT write about whatever I want--and you get to choose whether you want to continue reading.

@m and I will be playing the night of November 23rd. If you're not on the mailing list and are interested in coming, let me know. I'd love to see people come out to celebrate @m's birthday!

All the cool kids are doing it--add a pin to my map

Exit music: "El Torrente" by Minus The Bear.

2005-11-14T08:08:00.000-06:00

Had a really busy and mind-filled week. Couple family things happening that I couldn't stop thinking about. A few conversations with friends that seemed to permanently move in my brain. Every night this past week saw me "out" which is highly unlike me. Kava Tuesday night. Billy's Wednesday night. Cambridge Thursday night. Art show and Indiana Friday night. Driving back from IN Saturday night. Grocery store Sunday night. Probably Cambridge again tonight with Amish Aaron...

We had a good time at the ND game. In the visitor end-zone, on the numbers, directly across from Touchdown Jesus. Some fighter planes flew over during the National Anthem, causing me to go deaf for 3 seconds. But maybe the "highlight" was before the game. We were walking around, taking in the tailgating culture. On our way to our own preferred house of worship, the bookstore. The lines to buy ND sweatshirts and boxers and pajama pants and all that was unreal. I was worried I would find a similar line for the potty. Not as long, but some waiting. Ended up being about 15 minutes of waiting actually.

There were two men behind me, complete in their Notre Dame regalia. One was pretty calm, talking drukenly loud on his cell phone. The other was dancing around, consistently complaining about his need to pee. One woman waiting in the other line made fun of him and said she was glad the men had to wait and see what it's like since the women always wait in line. Some younger guy was in front of me and pee-boy and he was making comments about how good it was going to feel and all that. It was kind of funny. As we inched closer to the bathroom door, pee-boy kept getting more vocal and started dancing worse. He was seriously hurting. "I've been drinking since 8:30 this morning!" Three hours later, his bladder was pushed to its limit. As we finally get inside the bathroom, still three people away from the front, pee-boy is dying. His legs are crossed and it looks like he is actually grabbing himself "down there" to stop himself from peeing. Mr. Funny was at the urinal and turned around and says "Ahhhhhhh! I can't tell you how good it feels to finally let go. Just let go..." etc etc etc. Pee-boy is screaming and swearing and I'm growing concerned. I told him to go before me and he gladly switched places, but kept dancing and crossing and grabbing.

Then there was the sound. The sound of a man who lost a long and hard fight. Pee-boy pulled his hands back and uttered an impressive string of f-bombs as he peed. In his pants. On the floor. In front of me.

I always like what Amy posts, but this week at Shake Your Fist is all about Chicago. Not the band--the city. I'm hoping to write something, but I'm worried my life right now won't allow it... Either way, check it out.

I really like potato salad. I'm consistently sad on Sunday nights. I'm hoping to buy a new bed this week. I didn't get sushi last week and now I'm craving German. There are 12 books sitting beside my bed and I can't seem to find the focus for any of them. The cold weather is making me angry. Already. Had a conversation with @m and Joel about a girl and I'm a little bummed after it... I suspect a new song is brewing because of it.

I can't believe I saw a grown man pee his pants.

2005-11-08T21:15:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Who'd Stop The Rain" by Dressy Bessy.

I'm in another of my insomnia stages. Been pretty typical--laying in bed for a couple hours, trying to fall asleep. When I finally nod off, I sleep very restlessly and eventually wake up a lot earlier than I hoped I would. This morning, it was 5:15. Yesterday, 4:30.

I've had little concentration thanks to the sleeping situation. I did put together a "Keep Me Awake" playlist to listen to during the day. I've listened to it twice all the way through and it's kept me up. Since it has done it's job, and since I have 11 hours before I will sleep, I share with you the playlist.

Songs To Help Keep Me Awake
"Set You Free" - The Black Keys
"Goldmine" - Caviar
"Munich" - Editors
"Danger! High Voltage" - Electric Six
"Misfit" - Elefant
"Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones" - The Hives
"Evil" - Interpol
"Everyday I Love You Less and Less" - Kaiser Chiefs
"Taper Jean Girl" - Kings of Leon
"TKO" - Le Tigre
"Alive and Amplified" - The Mooney Suzuki
"Hysteria" - Muse
"Mr. November" - The National
"Still In Love Song" - The Stills
"You're The One" - Sugarcult

A couple reasons these songs helped keep me awake:
(1) consistent 4-on-the-floor kick drums
(2) interesting/annoying singers (Le Tigre--guess which category it fits in...)
(3) relentless pounding away for four minutes ("Hysteria," "Danger! High Voltage," and "You're The One" especially)

Sorry for not providing mp3s or links.

I've also been reading Karen Armstrong's book A Short History of Myth. Definitely entertaining and enlightening.

Notre Dame football game this weekend. Going with Amish Aaron--I'll try and get a picture of us with Touchdown Jesus in the background.

Exit music: "The Hook" by Stephen Malkmus.

2005-11-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

Why?

Why is the last half-hour of sleep always the deepest, filled with the best dreams and the most satisfying?

2005-11-06T21:59:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Treading Water" by Nada Surf.

Great time with people today. I'm not a "people-person" naturally–it genuinely takes a lot of work for me, most often leaving me tired, feeling a little drained. Someone asked me today: "Well, don't you like going to parties and bouncing around, talking to everyone and all that? You seem like you're good at that stuff."

No. I don't. I'm not.

But I'm tired of using that as an excuse for being a "loner." I had a couple good conversations this weekend, with important people in my life, having to admit that I'm not trying hard enough to be connected. To be friends. Yes, I'm more "fulfilled" by reading and drinking tea or sitting on my front porch with my iPod. Those things can't make up for time with Amish Aaron, Steve or @m. Or countless others who have proven to be truly life-giving.

I'm sorry to who I should be sorry to.

Currently playing: "The Mother Of All My Pain" by Oranger.

In the ever-growing list of pet-peeves, I sat somewhere today listening to people crunch the hell out of chips and salsa. It about drove me crazy. Few things bother me more than the sound of people eating. Something about chips and salsa gives gratuitous permission to cast all manners out the window. I'm confident I heard teeth coming together today--biting exceptionally hard, harder than necessary.

This week needs to see the appearance of a number of things:
1. sushi
2. new windshield wipers
3. new cell phone and carrier
4. sushi again

Currently playing: "Mayfly" by Belle And Sebastian.

I don't know why I couldn't think of something else to say. I was shocked I guess. And suddenly wordless. I wanted to smile more or make some kind of small talk. I'm sure there's a backbone somewhere inside me--sorry that it didn't make an appearance today. I hope there is another chance soon...

I can't believe how incredibly bad Cingular's service is... It's changing soon boys and girls.

Exit music: "Delicate" by Damien Rice.

2005-11-04T08:56:00.000-06:00

Entrance music: "Void" by Centric.

I woke up this morning kind of sad, even though I woke up later than usual, not having to go to work. I had a realistic dream about someone I know pretty well dying. I couldn't cry--I kept trying, even made crying sounds and was squinting my eyes tightly. Nothing. I saw someone else who was close to this person and he was deeply sad and it still didn't draw that reaction from me.

I've heard before that you often cry in dreams when you need to cry in "real life." What does it mean you can't–or don't–cry in either states or "places"?

Currently playing: "Embrace" by Low.

Happier topic transition... Amish Aaron and I consistently find little "games" to play that end up capturing an entire evening, usually involving a micro-brew and a lot of laughter. The last time we messed around with a new widget (mac friends understand) that translates english words and phrases into a dozen languages or so. AA had the idea to translate some of our favorite phrases into these languages and then turn around and translate the translation back into English...

Now that I've written it, I realize we sound incredibly un-fun.

"Damn it feels good to be a gangster" = "Fluch, den es gut glaubt, ein ganster zu sein" in German = "Curse, which it believes well to be more gangster" back in English.

Make sense?

"Why don't you go back to your home on whore island?" = "为什么您不去回到您的家庭电话在妓女海岛" in traditional Han Chinese = "Why don't you return to your household telephone. In the prostitute island" back in English.

"She has junk in the trunk" (an obviously popular world-wide expression)
***********************************

她有旧货在树干
"She has the second hand goods in the bough"

Zij heeft troep in de boomstam (Dutch)
"She has troop in the tree-tame"

Elle a l'ordure dans le joncteur réseau (French)
"It has the refuse in the junctor network"

And the closely related statement: "That girl has a ghetto booty"
那個女孩有少數民族居住區贓物
"That girl has the national minority community stolen goods"

"I am training to be a cage fighter"
我培訓是籠子戰鬥機
"I train am the basket fighter aircraft"

"You're really good at hooking up with chicks"
您是真正地擅長於聯接與小雞
"You are truly excel to the joint and the chicken"

The joint and the chicken... I once truly excelled at both.

Exit music: "First Of Four" by American Analog Set

2005-11-03T15:11:00.000-06:00

Currently playing: "Said and Done" by Engineers.

A new post, finally, over at Shake Your Fist. I wrote this time about one of my favorite surprise albums from college. (Did I ever mention there are free mp3s to sample there as well? More incentive to visit....)

Thai food.... There is almost nothing I like more.

2005-11-02T19:16:00.000-06:00

Toilet overflowed this afternoon. I cleaned the bathroom last night and then had to do a slight repeat thanks to that debacle. This is the conversation the roommate and I had when he came home.

tr0y: The cursed toilet overflowed.

roommate: That sucks. Did you clean it up?

tr0y: *looks at roommate a little frustrated* Yes. Yes I did.

*silence, apparently while the roommate holds back his tears of gratitude*

tr0y: There might not be anything worse than having to clean up the overflowed toilet.

roommate: Was it after you took a dump?

tr0y: *looks at the roommate a little frustrated again and disgusted* Ummm....no.

roommate: Well that would have been worse.

Ate at Sami's today and haven't been hungry since my early lunch. I love gyros, but I don't think I can have them more than once a month. I feel like garbage for the next couple hours right after.

Just to clear it up... I am not obsessed with the whole "uncle tr0y is not married" thing. It's just happened to come up a lot lately. So no one needs to feel bad--please, do not feel bad! All the same, I am very entertained by this story and approach to finding a bride:

House With Bride for Sale for $600,000

2005-10-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Kate for her highly entertaining conversations on her blog. Inspired by her, I give you:

Conversations with a 5-year old

Amelia: Uncle Troy, how come you're not married?

*long uncomfortable pause as I try and come up with an answer to satisfy us both*

uncle tr0y: Well... Do you know why your mommy and daddy got married?

Amelia: Yes--to have children.

uncle tr0y: Yeah there's that. But anything else?

Amelia: I don't think so.

uncle tr0y: Do you know how mommy and daddy feel about each other?

Amelia: *long pause while she's thinking* They love each other? (posed as a question as she looks up at me making sure she's right)

uncle tr0y: That's right! And Uncle Troy isn't married because he hasn't found someone that he loves yet.

*At this point, Amelia seems satisfied with our discussion and nods her head. Her younger sister, Ariana, walks over to me and points her finger in my face*

Ariana: Uncle Troy, you should go find a mommy and make her love you!

@m, Amish Aaron and I had a great time at the Notre Dame/Indiana University soccer game. Before the game we spent some time at an Irish pub eating fish and chips and drinking brown and tans. I'm lucky to have good friends.

2005-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

U2 show was ok. The experience of being there is great--the actual execution and playing were mediocre at times. I did get pretty emotional during "I Will Follow" and felt like grabbing the hottie next to me and giving her a major smooch.

I didn't...

Institue opened. Gavin Rossdale's new band. Pretty crummy, especially highlighted when they pulled out "Machinehead" and everyone went crazy. Otherwise, it was loud background music.

AN and I agree--might be our last general admission experiences. Am I really too old to stand for 4 1/2 hours at a concert?

2005-10-24T23:13:00.000-05:00

I'm teeming with creative energy these days and feeling extremely lazy at the same time. I've a handful of song ideas, but don't feel like playing the guitar. I've music suggestions and reviews I'd love to write, but can't seem to find the will to open the laptop. Feeling a little pathetic actually. Once I get home and sit on the couch, that's all I want to do.

Sit.

I did finish a great collection of memoirs tonight. I've mentioned before my love for This American Lifeand I have grown fond of one of their contributors named David Rakoff. His newest book, Don't Get Too Comfortable : The Indignities of Coach Class, The Torments of Low Thread Count, The Never- Ending Quest for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems , came out a month ago and is great! It's tremendously smart, using so many words I've never even seen before. It's sarcastic and caustic, ping-ponging from blatant mockery to poignant insight, often times in the same chapter. For fans of David Sedaris, Rakoff might seem too familiar, being a homosexual male in New York, but his content is much more social and less biographic than Sedaris would be.

I've been drinking carbonated beverages again lately. I gave them up about 10 years ago, vowing to never go back. And besides the occassional Jack and Coke, I've managed to avoid the cursed creations. But some kind of craving (demonic?) has welled up insided me recently and I'm afraid I've surrendered to the urges. I confessed to @m the other day. He shook his head. I hate disappointing my friends.

The number of blogs I want to read continues to swell. Found another today as I was "researching" for something I'm writing for SYF. I wonder if the blog thing will die off in the next year or so...

Rosa Parks died today. Seriously sad... This on the same day that E! Online News writes about Nicole Richie breaking "her silence" about her friendship split with Paris Hilton.

What a dumb society we live in.

2005-10-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

On a night I choose to not visit my favorite "adult refreshment establishment," I miss seeing, and possibly meeting, a once-in-a-lifetime celebrity. My friend Tammy, the diva of the aforementioned locale, sent me a text letting me know that Dennis Haskins had just left. That's right--the one and only Mr. Belding from Saved By The Bell and all the other horrifying mutations that followed. Of course, who could forget his moving contribution to the stellar film Guide to the World of Family Computers, Software & Games? That's bad luck...

Speaking of entertainment-changing people, Def Leppard will be in GR Monday night. I won't be seeing them. Instead I'll be heading to Detroit to see U2 Tuesday night and a Notre Dame/Indiana University soccer game with @m and Amish Aaron on Wednesday night.

I find it odd that all my toiletries seem to run out at the same time. Toothpaste and pit stick all needing purchased together? Strange...Even stranger that I wrote about it. Sorry.

2005-10-18T19:47:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "The Big Picture" by Bright Eyes.

I really dislike walking around my house in socks and stepping into some standing puddle of water. There's some kind of leak in the bathtub and I've not learned yet–I still walk into the bathroom, sans shoes, magnetically towards the small low spot in the floor where the water collects.

I love NPR, but despise their pledge drives. I understand why it needs to be done... It doesn't change how much I hate it.

Thinking constantly about music and listening non-stop these days. It's been mostly Soma FM lately.

I highly recommend these records:

James Blunt Back To Bedlam (A good British singer/songwriter with very cool textures and good songs. "Goodbye My Lover" is a fantastic song!)

Supergrass Road To Rouen (I like this band and this collection of songs is shows off how good a band this really is. Check out the video for "Low C" on their site.)

Whiskeytown Strangers Almanac (Not new, but I love it all the same. And though Ryan Adams is a dick, I love his songs. "Avenues" gets me every single time I hear it!!)

Exit music: "Shanty For The Arethusa" by The Decemberists.

2005-10-15T09:05:00.000-05:00

New post over at Shake Your Fist. If you don't regularly check out what Amy posts, you should. Don't just go over there when I mention that I've done something. Bookmark or subscribe to that blog and go there, often.

Pogo Games might ruin my life...

2005-10-13T22:49:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Laughing" by Winterpills.

Check them out! Although they aren't redefining anything musically, Winterpills has that good small studio folk/indie vibe. I like the lead male vocal lightened by the female harmony singer. It's simple music, but has some moments of nice musicianship. Not mind-blowing, but a good 11:57pm on Thursday record. You can launch a music player and hear 4 songs on their site.

I've moved from Spider Solitaire to Free Cell. I'm not sure what it is about me these days--I could lose myself in these card games for hours.

In sadder news, my hotornot rating has dropped to 8.1! Kristi--I'm sure you're KILLING me by now...

Sleepy.

2005-10-10T21:28:00.000-05:00

I typically abhor commercials. I have laughed every time I've seen the new Snickers "Fire" commercial. When that man comes running out of the room.... And the sounds--pay attention to the sounds next time it's on TV. It's so strange!

I've seen the most stunning and captivating music video. Glosoli by Sigur Ros is not just an enchanting and gorgeous song, but is hands down my favorite video in years, if not ever. I can barely believe how amazing it is. Take 6 minutes and watch this. (the link I've given is for a Quicktime video. For other formats and a handful of past videos, click here.)

In addition to the litany of people and activities I'm now saying "Yes!" to, you can now add an important culinary representative: casserole. It's true–I baked a casserole, a covered dish baked in earthenware. @m's wife gave me a fantastic mexican food recipe and I said "Yes!"

Let the applause and adulations begin. ("obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise.")

I will make one more confession: I really like Desperate Housewives. The show, I mean. It is clever and it pulls me in–I can't stop watching. And no, it's not just Teri Hatcher...

2005-10-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

I agree with c@it--I also really like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Their site has 3 free mp3s. Unfortunately they aren't in Michigan anytime soon. I missed them a couple weeks ago at Notre Dame.... As usual c@it, I support and agree with your musical tastes!

Amy has continued to be gracious and allow me to post again at SYF. I posted about Minus Story--check them out.

Happy Belated Birthday to Ashlee Simpson. Sorry I haven't called you back yet...

2005-10-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Walking Zero" by Sneaker Pimps.

A rock hit my windshield this morning. I was trapped behind two dump trucks on the highway, travelling 70mph+ and I could see the rock coming towards me. It really was a slow-motion-like sight. It hit the windshield twice! The first time caused it to bounce straight back and then it hit again. Both impacts caused a not-so-cute snowflake-shaped "crack" on the windshield.

Before the rock thing, I saw a man at the YMCA that I hope to never lay my eyes on again. Now, I often feel a little self-conscious shaving my face at the Y--I probably shouldn't, but I do. I rarely shave my head there. Some things just feel better suited for your home bathroom you know? Well this man has no concept of that. He was literally shaving his torso, in front of the line of mirrors, using the faucets that are motion operated. Picture this: a pale, strawberry-blonde middle-aged man, holding a razor under the faucet, trying to get the water to come on, while his chest is lathered with shaving creme/cream. (Which is it? Creme or cream?) If that wasn't enough, he then shaved his pits.

This image has been burnt into my mind all day.

Exit music: "Hang Over" by The Album Leaf.

2005-10-02T17:35:00.000-05:00

Just finished the book Yes Man and I'm inspired. I've shared with a few people my Yes Man-ifesto and I'm more convinced than ever of my need to embrace opportunities. I bought a watch. I said "yes" today when someone asked if I'd be open to a blind date. I know there is more to come--more that I need to accept. Maybe it's nothing profound, but I do anticipate it would/will be life-changing for me, in small, but important ways.

This paragraph alone was important to me.

. . . not having said yes to something that would have been great seemed worse than having said yes to something that could have been bad... Sure, it's a case-by-case thing, but I was starting to realise that regret could always be with you. And maybe there's a real difference between doing something we regret, and regretting not having done something. And it seemed that difference could be . . . well . . . sadness."

Was part of the Michigan HIV/AIDS Walk yesterday. Proud to be part of a community that cares about those kinds of things. Walked with a group that had six girls under the age of 12. Made it fun--and helped us be next to last in a group of 1200 or so.

I'll admit it: I've watched a couple of episodes of My Super Sweet 16. It's true. It's mindless entertainment and confirms that I really don't want to be wealthy. The expectations of these teenagers, admittedly isolated few, is beyond sad and turns comical. They almost seem like caricatures--not real people at all. But what I want to see is the follow-up special. I want to see the "My What-The-Hell Happened To My Life, Below-Average 23rd." Instead of Ciara showing up at the party (Episode 203: Amanda), they'll have to try and get Scott Stapp. And you can forget about the silly "invite only" lists by then too. I'd watch this show! Please God, please!!

Have you seen the newest fast food abomination? Burger King has the Meat'Normous Omelet Sandwhich.

I'm not even sure what to say about it...

Been listening non-stop to three albums.

Rosie Thomas If Songs Could Be Held

Ron Sexsmith Other Songs

Bob Dylan Blonde On Blonde

Been in a mellow music mood I guess, but mostly been wanting to hear great songwriting. All three records are full of great songs. I'll work on writing about Rosie Thomas for Shake Your Fist.

Won $38 dollars at the last poker night.

Say "yes" more.

2005-09-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

Couple of links for today.

Amy has been beyond angelically patient with me the past two days. Her invite to post at SYF might have seemed like a good idea at first, but since we've been battling hosting problems and my inability to figure out my own computer, I'm not sure now. Regardless, she's allowed me post again, this time about Athlete, to follow up the show b()b and tina and I went to last week.

I'm not completely convinced about the whole podcast thing to be honest. I've listened to some and appreciate ease of production and how it gives a lot of people the shot at creating something. I just haven't found many that I actually want to listen to. And then in July I happened to find my favorite and have been listening (as a subscriber) ever since. Anyone who misses high school needs to check out Pod Princess. KS is genuinely entertaining and smarter than I remember most people being in early high school. The last podcast I said out loud to the people I was listening with "Wait, this is the ninth time I have listened to her show and I didn't know she had a boyfriend!!" Her recurring segments and weekly updates keep me coming back. I highly recommend this podcast.

I've mentioned before I only listen to NPR when I'm in my car. My favorite show, by far, is out of Chicago. This American Life takes a couple different stories centered around a specific theme and breaks into "acts". Like many NPR shows, it's hard to give a single sentence description, but the show has featured David Sedaris, Dave Eggers, Anne Lamott and Nick Hornby. Entertaining and smart.

Finally, here's the pic of Bono that b()b took when we were downtown last week.

2005-09-22T21:52:00.000-05:00

Good show in Chicago last night. Athlete was great!! They played a short set, but each song was so good I didn't feel short-changed. They were at The Double Door and it was nearly 200 degrees inside. Alot more people there than I've seen before--made the club feel even smaller. I'm posting more about the show/band over at SYF.

This young band opened for Athlete and I was genuinely entertained. This Is Me Smiling played really fun and bouncy pop rock--it felt at times like Weezer or Bowling For Soup with some of the quirky piano quarter-notes of Jellyfish or Ben Folds. Yes the songs felt "sophomoric" at times, but there was an inventiveness and innocent eagerness to the songs too. And I was glad to see Mike Felumlee (of former Smoking Popes) drumming. Chicago people give them a shot and let me know if you agree.

One unexpected twist yesterday. We're walking around downtown, on our way to Urban, when we pass a hotel, wondering what on earth the gigantic crowd of people were doing outside. Turns out, after doing some asking, that U2 was staying there and supposedly leaving soon for their second Chicago show. So we waited around, like star-struck stalkers, to catch a glimpse of The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bono.

I have a picture to post--I'll do that tomorrow.

2005-09-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

Bought a watch. I've not owned nor worn a watch since my freshman year of high school. Yes–watches were invented then. I didn't think it would attract much attention, but Audra mentioned it after she saw me. In her years of knowing me, she has never seen such an accessory on my wrist.

The show on Sunday night was pretty good. @m and I had fun anyway. Ethan and Tom were great. Thanks to the few who stopped by to sing and clap with us. We'll keep everyone posted of anything upcoming.

Tomorrow night I'm heading to Chicago with b0b to see Athlete. I'll be writing about it for Shake Your Fist this weekend probably. I need to get a digital camera, especially for these kinds of times. And, of course, to feature a variety of bald head shots. I know how much everyone is craving those...

Watched the end of Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead tonight. It's not a great movie contrary to my memory. It easy ranks third behind The Babysitter with Alicia Silverstone (not ugly) and Adventures In Babysitting with Elisabeth Shue (not NOT ugly!!!!!!!!!).

In my car I listen to two things: my iPod or NPR. One of my favorite programs is All Songs Considered. ASC recently featured Sigur Ros (in Chicago tonight actually) and is offering a podcast on their site now. It's got an extended live track from a recent show and an interview with the drummer and bass player. It's definitely worth giving a listen.

One more encouragement to waste time. This simple game has kept me entertained the past two nights when I should have been sleeping. Let me know your high score.

2005-09-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I read the book Join Me and I loved it. I ended up recommending the book to a ton of people and did indeed join Danny Wallace. I've tried to keep up on his "boy stunts" and was thrilled to know he had a new book coming out. I picked up Yes Man and have loved it far more than the other two books--and I thought they were fantastic! I really enjoy the memoir writing style and the British humor--this book ends up combining both well.

At the risk of being self-promoting, Amy over at SYF has kindly asked if I wanted to post some music stuff on her blog. I've mentioned before how much I like her blog and I'm thrilled (honestly) that she asked me. Anyway, my first post was today. Feel free to check it out and check her blog regularly.

I'm surprised by the number of things that happen in my life that I'm not sure how I learned. I was changing a shower curtain today. Who ever sat me down to explain how I should do that? When did I even think about how I needed to occasionally change a shower curtain at all?

I've been playing two things online lately: Spider Solitaire was introduced to me and has both frustrated and captivated me. The second is this Putt-Putt game. I could use any advice about Spider Solitaire.

2005-08-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

No music right now. I'm enjoying the sound of the fan and the occassional passing car. I have a noisy life and need to do this more often. It's weird how I notice the sound of typing and even my own breathing and find them kind of soothing and even "pretty".

I just read what I wrote--and no, I haven't been drinking.

Did anyone else hate the VMAs as much as I did? We had a little get together to watch them, which ended up being a really good time. However, I really did hate almost every second of it. I laughed a lot, but mostly because I was with people I like. Diddy didn't win me over. The musical performances were mediocre--Green Day's opener and the Kayne/Jaime Foxx duet was fun and The Killers were better than I anticipated. But Coldplay was uninspired (and pitchy!!), R Kelly was creepy and almost unwatchable and I'm surprised by the Kelly Clarkson melt-down. There wasn't near enough Gwen Stefani for me and way too much of that commedian I've never heard of before.

We do a little "prediction" game for award shows and I won again--two in a row. I'm afraid I might no longer be invited to these parties so I might have to throw the game next time.

I finished up the Jeff/Tim Buckley book Dream Brother last night. Really well-written, jumping back and forth each chapter and had a ton of credible interviews scattered throughout. Both stories are pretty sad though--I didn't feel good after I finished. (Although the book did end with a reference to a concert by Starsailor, a Brit band I like quite a bit, since their name comes from a Tim Buckley album.) I plan to start the Belle And Sebastian book tonight, Just A Modern Rock Story. There might need to be a B&S post coming up soon...

Another pre-emptive reminder: Robert Paulson will be playing at Rocky's on September 18th. We plan to pull out a couple new songs and will hopefully have a good opener too. I know it's a Sunday night...

I paid for the triathalon today--there's no backing out now. 12 days....

2005-08-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Song For Ann Marie" by David Garza.

It's strange how people can be so important at one point in your life and then be so absent. I'm feeling strangely conscious of these seasons where people are part of my life--or maybe I'm just conscious of the seasons he/she is NOT part of my life. That must be more accurate. What about being human makes absence such a great teacher while we can so easily ignore and take for granted what is right in front of us?

Currently playing: "Delicate" by Damien Rice.

I get really annoyed when people use the word "spin" whey they talk about playing a CD. I don't even like it being used as a joke. Every time I hear "You gonna spin some new tunes?" I want to smack the person like I'm Tony Soprano.

So much good music to choose from these days. I'm actually after a few CDs this month. I'll write more later about that--I'm in "negotiations" with someone now to possibly write more about music. I can't "use up" all those ideas on here....

Was in Chicago with AN this week. Caught a Cubs game on Tuesday night (a 10-1 win and got to see a grand slam!) and ate at Chipotle two times. I miss that city. I'll be heading back in September to see Athlete. I really need to plan on a trip once a month or so.

Currently playing: "Two Dollar Shoes" by Rosie Thomas.

I leave you with a couple good links:

For those who are fans of crummy 80s sitcoms, these ladies just might be the worst.

I was actually asking someone not long about the new Radiohead record. I'm glad they are keeping something like a blog and not a Myspace page.

I'm often looking for a stupid video game to play at 2:45am when I wake up and get sick of laying there, not being able to sleep. I played this one early this morning. You need flash and to not be too attached to cartoon animals. (You should not play this Tammy!!)

I'm 8.5 on hotornot.com

Exit music: "I Wanna Be Adored" by The Stone Roses.

2005-08-21T21:18:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Ashes" by Embrace.

Starting off the post with britpop news: Go see Doves if they are anywhere near you on this tour back through North America. You will post a comment thanking me and, quite possibly, asking me to marry you (if you're a female, preferably).

My friends know what kind of a Beatles fan I am. I'm that guy who thinks the songs, although not perfect, should be left alone and no one should try and "improve" on them. I even balked initially at the Let It Be Naked album. So every time there is some kind of tribute to the Beatles, I give it little to no attention. (Though I did enjoy one: Shared Vision that included Extreme, Salt-N-Pepa and The Jam.) But a while ago I began to see the makings of a 40th anniversary tribute to Rubber Soul that would include some indie artists. The tribute is called This Bird Has Flown and I really appreciate the concept. Instead of a bunch of bands and artists getting together to record below-average versions of "Yesterday" or "Help!" we are going to have versions of "Wait" and "Think For Yourself"--songs most people have never heard before. I love that! The trouble is that many people won't have the ability to judge whether the covers are "good" or not since they won't feel like covers but originals. Either way, I'm glad an album like Rubber Soul is getting this treatment. There are two songs you can hear on the site. The media favorite Sufjan's take is unique and squarely Sufjan--it just doesn't do much for me. However, listen to Ben Harper's cover of "Michelle". It's wonderful! I've been listening to it for about 20 minutes now. It stays true to the song, but has Harper's fingerprints and personality all over it. We'll see in October if it was a good idea or not. I just know I'm glad to see Low, Rhett Miller and Ted Leo on an album together! (Though I would gladly do without The Donnas!!)

Currently playing: "Just The Way I'm Feeling" by Feeder.

@m's EP is coming together. Finished up bass for two songs on Saturday. Stay posted for release dates and upcoming shows. (tr0y solo stuff on September 9th at an outdoor party. Not sure how much I'll be doing but ask me if you're interested)

Now is a time in my blog where I will answer questions from the comments page.

Mr. Dornan: I am not familiar with the Robbie Seay Band. I will look into them. OLP I would be VERY interested in seeing. And yes, you and the wife can have an afternoon. Maybe even an evening..... Let's set this up very soon ok?

Andrea: the ever-popular "Why do you use a zero (0) instead of "o" in your name?" The answer is very easy: I have a self-inflated view 0f myself and think it's c00l. There is n0 0ther reas0n than that I'm s0rry t0 say. I'm sure there are psych0l0gical depths we c0uld plumb, but it's simply my trying t0 be different and appear creative. D0es it ann0y any0ne?

Currently playing: "Laid" by James.

I've still not seen the movies I was excited about. Evidently not playing in Michigan. Also had crappy car trouble this weekend, messing up some plans and probably making me look like both an idiot and complete liar. "Muchas" to the Argue-More couples for being saviors again. All four of you are more than I deserve.

Exit music: "Apocalypse Please" by Muse.

2005-08-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

I dream alot about people dying.

Last night's was strange. I realized early on in the dream that it was just a dream--which I have never understood. How can I, in a dream, realize that I'm dreaming? Anyway, in the dream my friend dies and I'm at the funeral the next morning. All I can think about is how this friend always says "I love you tr0y" (which is true) everytime he sees me and that I'm never going to hear it again. I cry a lot in my dream, which has made me realize this morning that I haven't really cried in a long time!

Then the dream turned a corner, sort of like it wasn't a dream anymore. Kind of. I was sitting in my chair at this funeral, thinking about how the entire experience of sitting in the funeral wasn't real because it's just a dream. It feels Matrix-like. So I start wondering, "When I wake up and see this guy, I'm going to be so happy. I wonder if he will be able to tell a difference. I wonder he will tell that I'm thrilled that he is alive and can say 'I love you tr0y.'"

I wonder why it's been so long since I've cried.

Reading a biography on Tim and Jeff Buckley called Dream Brother.

I plan today to eat sushi and go to the resale shops. And yes, the thing about going to see Ms. Lohan in that cursed Disney re-make was a joke.

2005-08-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

We recorded some more of @m's EP last night. I was able to get all the acoustic tracks done for one song and we talked through the vision for bass. He has really good songs--I'm excited for more of the world to hear them.

I've had a big craving for root beer lately.

Been listening nonstop to Clor. They embody so many things about music I love: strange synth sounds, quirky melodies and lyrics, they are British!!! What more can you want? It's along the lines of the dance-rock kind of stuff that's grown popular the past 18 months. It feels more fresh to me than most of the bands trying to do this. I'll also admit: some of the record takes work to listen to. It's unique and will stretch those who want a 3:30 preditable pop song. Check out the video for Outlines for a taste of what I mean. (Amy--you written about Clor on SYF yet?)

For the couple of you (and couple might be an exaggeration...) wondering when you can catch @m and I playing again, I have good news to share. But first, a name.

Those who came to our last show at Jukes got to hear the name we decided on a ton, but hardly anyone else has yet. So, our name is Robert Paulson. Yes, that's right. Robert Paulson.

You can catch Robert Paulson in September at Rocky's. It's a Sunday night show, 9:30 to 1. September 18th. Come out and end the weekend strongly by listening to my pathetic 30-year-old single-person love songs. If that doesn't attract you, come hear @m sing--he's killer.

Everyone--and I do mean EVERYone--should read Shake Your Fist everyday. Amy and the boys (?) post and write about some of the best music. Other blogs rarely deal with songs that I really like--SYF rarely deals with something I don't like. This past Thursday's post was especially good, featuring the Oranges Band, a fave of mine.

All I wanted tonight was to see one of two movies: Broken Flowers or 3-Iron. Of course, neither is around again. One isn't even here, the former, and the latter is only being shown in an art house (UICA). Why is Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and Dukes of Hazzard showing in every single theater in the country and we can't get one decent artsy film? Why, people, why?!?!

Guess I'll go see Lindsay tomorrow in Herbie: Fully Loaded.

2005-08-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

Re-discovered my most recent favorite "food".

1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
half a banana
4 strawberries
handful of blueberries (the very accurate measuring unit of "handful")
spoonful of smooth all-natural peanut butter
teaspoon of wheat germ and whey powder
1/4 cup of soy milk
6 ice cubes

Blend that sucker up and think of me because I will probably be consuming that very thing whenever you are.

I love the stupidity of people:

S. Korean man dies after 50 hours of computer games

SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean man who played computer games for 50 hours almost non-stop died of heart failure minutes after finishing his mammoth session in an Internet cafe, authorities said Tuesday.

The 28-year-old man, identified only by his family name Lee, had been playing on-line battle simulation games at the cybercafe in the southeastern city of Taegu, police said.

Lee had planted himself in front of a computer monitor to play on-line games on Aug. 3. He only left the spot over the next three days to go to the toilet and take brief naps on a makeshift bed, they said.

"We presume the cause of death was heart failure stemming from exhaustion," a Taegu provincial police official said by telephone.

Lee had recently quit his job to spend more time playing games, the daily JoongAng Ilbo reported after interviewing former work colleagues and staff at the Internet cafe.

After he failed to return home, Lee's mother asked his former colleagues to find him. When they reached the cafe, Lee said he would finish the game and then go home, the paper reported.

He died a few minutes later, it said.

2005-08-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling really scattered and random lately. Not posted much obviously--thanks to the few of you who have asked where I am. I'm trying to silence the echoes Chris....

I promised b0b that I would get him connected with two new tracks from the upcoming Sigur Ros album. Torr's site is a fantastic one to keep up to date on releases and sales stats more than you would ever want to know. (He's especially interested in British artists.)

The triathalon is in a month--I'm concerned, once again, about the swimming portion....

I'm concerned that I have a less-than-manly handshake. I'm not sure how many "pumps" to use, how hard to grip (not squeeze), I worry about the size of my hand and whether the opposite hand needs to do the "pat". Just one more demonstration of my tendency to over-think.

Amish Aaron and I went and saw Duncan Sheik the other night. We both thought the four-piece was dynamic and tight. It seemed like the perfect backing band for his songs and vocal performances. Touring in support of the upcoming album White Limousine, he played a couple of the new songs, all seemed decent, but might take a while to grow on me. I ended up buying the limited edition EP so I'll have a better idea in the next week or so... One of the things that impressed me so much about the show was how many covers DS played. I've never been to a concert where someone genuinely seemed to love other people's song so much. Besides having his own great songs to choose from, "Barely Breathing" (of course), "Genius," "Wishful Thinking," etc, he also played "Wonderwall," "Reel Around the Fountain" (The Smiths), "Fake Plastic Trees," two other songs I can't remember and even a piece of "Gods Of Thunder" by KISS. (Aaron--if you remember what the other two songs were, leave it in the comments....) Great show and so good to see a pro demonstrate his love for music other than his own.

I leave you with one thought: people can be stupid--very very stupid....

Teacher caught licking students' wounds

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon teachers' board reprimanded a high school football coach for licking the bleeding wounds of student athletes, school officials said on Friday.

The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission placed Scott Reed, 34, on two years of probation and ordered the coach, who is also a science teacher to attend a class on the risks of blood-borne pathogens.

Last summer, Reed gave students at Central Linn High School near Eugene, Oregon, 100 miles south of Portland, a pep talk about a coach who had licked and healed players' wounds so that they could rejoin the game. After the talk, he bent down and licked a cut on a track athlete's knee, the commission said.

The head of the commission, Vickie Chamberlain, said the board felt a public reprimand was necessary "because we were very concerned about his behavior."

Reed did not return calls seeking comment.

Complaints filed against Reed also cited other risky behavior, such as licking blood from wounds on a football player's arm and a high school student's hand. Parents said if Reed had had an open wound in his mouth, the licking could have spread an infection such as HIV or Hepatitis B and C.

2005-07-31T23:35:00.000-05:00

Ever have those nights where you are dead tired, feeling like you could fall asleep standing up, but then lay on your back, in bed, staring up at what must be the ceiling on the other side of the black, asking yourself why you can't fall asleep NOW?

Yea, me neither.

I feel like an apology is necessary. My last post, containing the "lonely complaints," was a little self-indulgent and probably appeared intentionally poised to garner sympathy and "awwww" comments. That wasn't my conscious intention. Either way, it sure does look like it. So I'm sorry. Nonetheless, I want to thank the people who said nice things to me, both in comments and emails. Though I've not responded, I was really touched. So thank you Amy, jane, Tory, c@it, Andrea, Andy and Linda. Seriously, you're all very kind and I appreciate the things you had to say and have read your words a couple times.

I love the word "nonetheless." I've been trying to write a song for years with that as the title.

Speaking of songs, the new music blog is in the planning stages. More details will come as soon as all the people I've asked to be part of it have confirmed with me. But it's a promising foundation: @m, c@it and tr0y. Prepare to be amazed!!

I want to share a couple of things that have entertained me the past week or so. Maddox always has unbearably funny things to say and his most recent post is no different. Read about his thoughts on GTA: San Andreas.

You'll need Flash on your machine to see this next page, but it's worth it! I'm not sure how to describe what it is–it's kind of like a game, but not really; it's kind of like a screen-saver sort of thing, but not really. You look at it and tell me what this falling girl thing is all about.

Gonna try to sleep now.

2005-07-25T11:55:00.000-05:00

Since getting back from CA, I worked two pretty long days, trying to catch up on email and phone calls. On Wednesday, I headed with a handful of guys to Chicago to do some music and then was back in the office Thursday afternoon. Friday morning, I took off for Indy, where I am now, spending time with the family.

Saturday went golfing with Chad and Danny and went to my brother's fire academy graduation. Sunday went swimming at my sister's apartment complex and then made dinner together as a family: grilled italian sausage, corn and vegetables; boiled potatoes, sausage, shrimp and lobster tails. It truly was a feast. Today, Monday, got up and played with the cute twins and read for a couple hours.

Most people know I'm not much of a tv watcher, but I am in LOVE with the show 30 Days. It's on FX and is created by Morgan Spurlock, the guy who made Super Size Me. If you've not seen it, try to catch one of the re-runs this summer. We are watching a tivo-ed episode now, the series premiere, and I am convinced it's my favorite show in a long time. (Not outdone by The Simpsons or any Top 50 or 100 list that VH1 or E! show. I have to know what is the Most Awesomely Bad Break-Up Song Ever!)

I don't love being in the car, but it was a good 4 1/2 hour drive down here. I listened to a ton of songs and drove for about an hour in silence. For about 3 hours, I didn't need to use the accelerator–hallelujah for cruise control. There has been a lot of traveling in the past two weeks and although I love it, I'm ready for a break. I'm ready to sit at home for a weekend and be lazy.

I decided a while back to be less "revealing" in my posts–there are some people I badly want to share my life with and I decided these posts weren't the best places for that. However, there's something I've been thinking about that might actually "help" people. When I got off the plane from LA, I started to feel something, but I couldn't quite understand it. When I pulled into my driveway, got inside, and started unpacking, whatever I was feeling started to grow. That night, as I was laying in bed, I got it. I realized that I just got back from a week away and no one noticed. I was sad and afraid that no one missed me when I was gone. I had this paranoid feeling that I was insignificant; didn't matter.

I had this pretty lonely couple days right after that. I struggled with the idea that I haven't been able to meet someone (at least not in the past 8 months or so) who I was both attracted to and genuinely interested in. I have met females who elicit one of the other from me, but not both. I get into these times when I'm worried that I won't ever find that person–I worry that I'm not just lonely, but really alone.

But I'm not. I have fantastic friends and a great family. There are people who "miss" me and think that I matter. And I want to believe that's true for all of us, no matter how strongly we want to disagree. I'm trying to remind myself there's a difference between being single and being alone. For the couple of other people that I know read this and often have similar thoughts, let me do my part to extend the same kind of reminder to you. You matter.

In Klosterman's book, he wrote "I will never understand why I need to write about the events that other people merely experience..particularly when the things I write are often things I would never say." I love that and, like him, don't understand it....

I'm almost finished with The Giver by Lois Lowry. It was given to me for this trip and I've been sucked in!

Be looking in the near future for a new "music blog" that I'm brainstorming and will be asking a few people to be part of. A couple people have asked lately about the now-defunct "Music Snob Blog" that c@it and I were part of. It's no more–it rarely had posts and we weren't convinced the "demand" was all that great. Something else is brewing inside this glabrous head of mine though. Details to come.

2005-07-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

In the Orange County airport, waiting for a flight back to Detroit.

Had a really fun final day. AN and I took off to San Diego ("which means a whale's vagina"). We headed to Mission Beach to start the day. Got some great tacos–I assume authentic; I guarantee slow. Eventually cruised up and down the beach, trying to find where the waves were breaking. We elected to not surf, but rent boogie boards instead. I'm ashamed to say that I wasn't very good. I was getting the sh–crap–it beat out of me!! I just couldn't get out past the break! Finally I made my way out there, but just couldn't grab a wave. I was kind of frustrated, but completely tired. To be honest, for a while I wasn't sure I would make it back to shore. I was "trapped" in that weird bowl-like spot where the water seemed to be swirling back and forth, keeping things (ME) in the same spot. When I finally got back to shore, 9 pounds of salt water heavier, I just laid on the board and stared at the sky. I've mentioned before, but this experience was confirming: I'm a rotten swimmer.

After leaving the beach we headed down to the Gaslamp Quarter–a hip old business district of SD. We found lots of cool shops and restaurants and young, "in" people. AN bought some gifts for the wife and I kept my eyes open for things I'd like to buy and girls I'd like to date.

I ended up with neither.

We got dinner at a posh little Thai place–mediocre food, but bad Thai is better than most good food. We also decided to try and scalp tickets for a Padres game. We were only a couple blocks from the stadium. So we walked over and there were people everywhere looking for extra tickets. We both made mention of how we're used to being swarmed, especially in Chicago, by scalpers every game or concert you go to. Instead we kept running into people looking for the same things we were. We decided, after a couple laps around the area, to give up and head back to the hotel. We had a great drive home and slept hard last night.

I'm ready to get home, even though I know it's back to midwest landscapes and humidity. They are offering vouchers for us if we are willing to wait another 3 hours to leave. I'm just ready to get home–I know I might be missing out on a "good deal," but I'm not sure I can sit around the airport for that long waiting. Besides, I like the idea that the plan might not be jammed full after all. We've got the final row again on this flight–that's three in a row! I'm not sure I've been in the final row ever before this trip.

Boarding.

2005-07-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

Great day here in California.

Amish Aaron has mentioned this placed called Wahoo's Fish Tacos to me before. Today I had my first Wahoo experience. AN and I drove to Laguna Beach and cruised a little. We sat and watched the waves break, people play volleyball, older women complain that the water is too cold and then wander back out again, holding their shorts/capris up higher. Had some great Left Coast sushi too.

It's 1:14 am to my body and only 10:14 in Lake Forest.

2005-07-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Hey from CA.

For starters, here is a clip from The Lucksmiths that I wrote about last time, The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco. Sorry that it's not the entire song. I'm going to connect with some of these other true music bloggers and figure out how to do a better job.

A couple of flying thoughts:

I don't want to sound like a complete and total racist, but I can't figure out why they have the person with the heaviest accent, foreign or not, be the person who holds the trucker CB to communicate with a plane full of people. Now granted, we have all heard what they have to say before and no one bothers to listen in the first place. However, I listened yesterday and I'm convinced there were things this man said that I have never heard before. There must have been brand new details about new plane features or emergency procedures. I grew a little worried yesterday actually. I mean, what if there is something really important this plane needs to hear and know and because Charlie Brown's teacher is the one telling us, there's just no chance of us ever knowing.

AN and I spent some time in the airport bookstore places. I just have to say, I'm not sure how I feel about Jessica Simpson being on 8 different covers! I mean, is this Dukes Of Hazzard movie going to be that good?! Is this suspected break-up with Nick that much on the mind of America? This one cover, I just can't remember which, had her posing in this American flag-like bikini. Beside her picture it said, "Oh God, what a great country!" That made me laugh.

It was great to see the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon from the plane yesterday. This really is a gorgeous world we live in.

2005-07-11T23:35:00.000-05:00

Greetings from my new living room.

The move is complete–I've only boxes left to unpack and possessions left to locate in said boxes. Thanks to the boys who helped make the move less painful and for those who have sent good move wishes this way. The central air option of this house has been outstanding. It's spacious, even with one of the world's smallest bathrooms. On Friday the good people from C*mc*st (name "disguised" to protect the terrifically guilty) stopped by to set up and install cable and internet. The guy ended up being here for a little over two hours and still made a mistake. Evidently the cable modem I was provided was "registered" to another person's account. All my attempts to install were greeted with "error" messages and commands to contact customer service. It took an extra 48 hours to get it straightened out, but now I'm able to post for the first time at home in a long time.

I paid $2.49 for gas today. I wish GR had some public transportation–or that I could find a rickshaw.

I'm heading to LA with AN tomorrow. We're hitting up a conference and hope to do some surfing. It's been a couple years since I've been to California.

Feeling really random today.

I can't figure out why no one makes a plain, black, short-sleeved, button-up/down shirt. I don't care what material it is (other than silk) or what brand it is. I just don't want red and yellow flames on it. Or some gaudy brand name splashed across the chest and one shoulder. I know that ends up being the exact opposite of marketing. All I want is something I can wear that doesn't turn me into a gigantic billboard. That's one of the reasons I do 95% of my shopping at resale shops. I can usually find a good Montgomery Ward shirt, in a solid color, with no logo on the breast. But evidently there is no such thing as a plain black shirt in that design/style.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love crossword puzzles? I got a TV Guide book of them last night. Tammy and I do them at the bar a lot. Few things better than crosswords about pop culture stuff!!

Have I ever mentioned my hatred for doing laundry?

I've not been keeping up very well on music. It seems stupid to even say that--I can't believe it actually came out of my mouth/hands. I've just been too busy and too broke. I plan to make up for it though now that I can actually stay at my house and look for stuff more regularly. But I will suggest one record that I'm enjoying a ton.

Go out and find The Lucksmiths' new album, Warmer Corners. It's fantastic--the addition of a new band member is better than I expected. I'm trying to find a good link for you to hear a song or two, but I have to finish packing so I can wake up in 4 hours. Look for the song "The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco."

2005-07-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

July 1st. An important day of the year, as I will now demonstrate.

July 1 Birthdays
Jamie Farr (1934)
Deborah Harry [of Blondie] (1945)
Fred Schneider [of The B-52s] (1951)
Dan Aykroyd (1952)
Carl Lewis (1961)
Pamela Anderson Lee (1967) is she still considered "Lee" or just "Anderson" these days?!
Liv Tyler (1977)

Important July 1 Occurances
1847: U.S. Post Office issued the first adhesive stamps.
1863: The first day's fighting at Gettysburg began during the U.S. Civil War.
1867: Canada became an independent dominion.
1909: Edison began commercially manufacturing his new "A" type alkaline storage batteries.
1943: U.S. Government began to automatically withhold federal income tax from paychecks.
1963: U.S. Postmaster introduced the five-digit ZIP code. (ZIP stands for "Zone Instant Post" for those with a life-long curiousity.)
1979: Sony introduced the Walkman.
1980: "O Canada" was proclaimed the national anthem of Canada. (And that remains the only words I know of that song. Kristi--you need to teach me the rest of it!)
1991: Court TV began airing.
2005: Sandra Day O'Connor retires from the Supreme Court.
2005: tr0y moves. Again.

Today marks the 24th time I have moved in my 31 years of breathing. I could be off by a couple, depending on the number of moves the family made that I can't remember or am not aware of. One could also argue that each year of moving during college doesn't necessarily count as a legitimate move. Regardless, I've moved more than I like. I won't spend this post complaining about the hells of packing boxes or coming face-to-face with loads of crap I don't remember owning and don't truly need.

Instead, I point out this recent move to accentuate a point: I'm restless.

I hope that one day I'll grow up and will find some kind of contentment where I am. I'm not unhappy. I'm not hating my job or relationships or life generally. I just notice this pattern in my life and I want to figure out how it might be tempered a little.

I look forward to the new house–and the new roomie. His name is Matt. I've decided to get internet access in the new place, so I won't be limited to a couple coffeeshop visits a week to post or answer email. I've a bigger space for the studio and intend to make good use of it. Overall, this is a great move. Getting there, like most destinations in life, is hard I guess.

OK--some music:

Amy over at Shake Your Fist knows her music. Two posts in the last week have been great. She's commented about a fantastic book, Britpop! Cool Britannia and the Spectacular Demise of English Rock, and also recommending my favorite track from Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Check out her June 27 post for the mp3.

I can't even begin to recount all the good music you can check out here. The June playlist is one of the site's best in a long time. It's a good random mix of music.

Gotta hit it again. I'll try and post again soon.

2005-06-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Pure Energy (Club Mix)" by Information Society.

I need the energy of a song like that today. Said simply and plainly: I am a weather pansy. I've probably mentioned it before, but I don't do well in either really hot or cold situations. That's why the decision to stay in the Midwest is so idiotic--it gets to both extremes. I woke up yesterday morning at 5:15, angry and convinced that it wasn't legal for a home to be the temperature that mine was. I was sure I would find melting furniture in the living room–piles of smoldering fabric and faux-wood. Turns out it wasn't that hot, but I did read "89" on the digital thermostat and that was enough to sustain my anger. It was equally warm this morning. I've struggled with a good solid night of sleep because of the temperature, even though I've a fan exactly 7 inches from my face the entire night. That's why I need a song like "Pure Energy" today.

To quote @m again, "There are about 4 live-able weather days in Michigan."

Speaking of @m, huge thanks on his behalf to all who came to see us at Juke's Saturday night. We enjoyed saying our name hundreds of times and pulling out a few new songs. We'll keep everyone posted on future dates.

Currently playing: "A Punch Up At A Wedding (No No No No No No No No)" by Radiohead.

I know I mentioned it last post, but I am absolutely in love with the new Klosterman book. I never want this book to be finished. It's honestly one of the best things I've read in months! Not only is his knowledge of music and pop culture humbling, but his insight into the feelings and thoughts of humans (at least single, 30-year-old men) is shockingly accurate! I want to share 5 observations, just to give a small glimpse of the book. ("youknowwho"--this is a book you would really like!!)

There is something sickeningly attractive about being in a bad relationship; you start feeding off the unhappiness. It becomes darkly interesting.

Somewhere, at some point, somehow, somebody decided that death equals credibility...I want to find out why the greatest career move any musician can make is to stop breathing. I want to find out why plane crashes and drug overdoses and shotgun suicides turn long-haired guitar players into messianic prophets.

I love the way music inside a car makes you feel invisible; if you play the stereo at maximum volume, it's almost like other people can't see into your vehicle. It tints your windows, somehow.

Men always want to make sure that attractive women are informed of the fact that they are, in fact, attractive... I guess it's the hope that–somewhere on earth and against all odds–there is a beautiful woman who has managed to live her entire life without anyone mentioning that she has a desirable physical appearance, and this singular comment will be so flattering that no other courtship will be necessary.

So many of the rock concerts I've attended have been filled with people who were there only to be there, who just wanted to be seen by other people who were there only to be there...Half the people who attend concerts only go so that they can tell other people that (a) certain shows were amazing, and (b) other shows sucked.

I read the first 50 pages one night, putting off sleep a while longer. The next time I started to read, I got this panicked feeling I would finish the book too soon–this worry the book wasn't going to last long enough!! So, like the mental giant I am, I started the book over–and read slower.

I'm pathetic.

Speaking of books, I've been debating whether or not to keep bookshelves when I move this weekend. I'm starting to wonder if bookshelves are physical proof of intellectual megalomania. The same with stacks of CDs or DVDs. Should I have those kinds of things displayed? Are those things all interpreted as my lame attempt to convince someone else that I'm smarter, more culturally aware than the average West Michigan person? Am I really that insecure? I've never intentionally thought about that, but I'm beginning to wonder if there is something deep inside me that is trying to impress anyone that happens to walk into my living room. I should just simply be glad that anyone comes into my living room at all...

New music coming in a post later today--it's been too long since I've done that.

Happy Birthday Lissa. Don't worry--this side of 20 isn't as bad as everyone warned us it would be!

Exit music: "Warning Sign" by Coldplay. (one of my favorite tracks from "A Rush Of Blood" actually.)

2005-06-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

Finished the new Nick Hornby book last night, A Long Way Down. It was fantastic--typical of his brand of British fiction. It's not as good as How To Be Good but is good enough for me to recommend to everyone. I'd rather give nothing away except to say this: if you've ever been the kind of person who has even remotely debated "Is life worth it? Should I keep going?!" you will most assuredly connect with one of the four main characters in this book.

With the left hand, I put the Hornby book on the shelf and grabbed the new Chuck Klosterman book with the right. His last book, the "low-brow" contemporary manifesto Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs, had me laughing and shaking my head the entire 276 pages. This newest book, Killing Yourself To Live, promises to keep the sardonic and irascible voice of Klosterman as an important under-the-radar voices. I find his magazine voice (he writes for Spin and Esquire regularly) a little "safer" than his novels. He's a fan of good music and is a New Yorker via Ohio/North Dakota--two places I have lived as well. Very entertaining writer--I'll give more updates as I get more into the new book.

You know, seeing a real nose-picking can be very upsetting. I don't mean the surface-work kind of picking. I'm talking about the "getting-the-job-done" kind of picking. The kind where a person forgets the existence of the outside world. It's the mission-minded kind of picking that I'm talking about. There is a difference between the absent-minded, finger-wandering to a nostril kind of pick and the goal-oriented, "I-will-not-stop-until-I-have-that-thing" type. I think there should be some kind of reminder on the steering wheel of every new car produced--some kind of "People can see you" statement. The number of people who end up staring blankly at a stoplight while this ineluctable urge forces their hands to action--well, the number is just simply too high!

People can see you--remember that.

2005-06-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is)" by Pete Yorn.

I'm rarely enamoured by celebrity pictures. However, I fell in love today. Something about this picture of Kate Bosworth in the newest Entertainment Weekly affected me in significant ways. It's true--I've always had this thing for girls in "smart glasses" (ever since the infamous Wendy Calloway experience during elementary school.....) so that contributes to my consistently staring (and keeping the magazine open on my desk). Mostly though I think it's the eyes. I won't give it away in case people choose to not click on the link, but I can't get past the eyes!!!

I speak rarely about girlies. Someone asked me recently if I even liked them.

The answer is yes.

Two great words to expand your vocabulary:

irascible \ih-RASS-uh-buhl\, adjective:
Prone to anger; easily provoked to anger; hot-tempered.
(Irascible is from Latin irascibilis, "prone to anger," from ira, "anger," which is also the source of ire and irate.)

exigent \EK-suh-juhnt\, adjective:
1. Requiring immediate aid or action; pressing; critical.
2. Requiring much effort or expense; demanding; exacting.
(Exigent is derived from the present participle of Latin exigere, "to demand.")

Go Pistons.

2005-06-21T14:24:00.000-05:00

Word of the day: antiquarian \an-tuh-KWAIR-ee-uhn\, noun:
One who collects, studies, or deals in objects or relics from the past.

adjective:
1. Of or pertaining to antiquarians or objects or relics from the past.
2 Dealing in or concerned with old or rare books.

(Antiquarian is from Latin antiquarius, "pertaining to antiquity," from antiquus, "ancient.")

Someone I know told me that he had a dream last night that I showed up in. I'm usually very uncomfortable with that knowledge--I'd just as soon never be the main character in another man's nocturnal imaginations. All the same, in this particular dream, I was playing football for the Detroit Lions. Evidently I was the star tight end (no smart comments from you @m) and was catching touchdown after touchdown--all done without the use of a helmet.

t-bizzle gave me a disc that I've absolutely fallen for. If you're not familiar with this Australian siren Missy Higgins you are missing out in major ways. Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows my abhorrence for most things popular and most anything that would be considered "Top 40." But I have to admit--this record is fantastic. In the first listen, I felt different--these songs provided the perfect aural massage. Producer John Porter (Ryan Adams, The Smiths) has helped to capture Higgins' diverse influences into a very cohesive and bizarrely-pleasing record. I want to see this girl live now--I have to see if she can pull it all off in person. All reviews and accounts have pointed to that being the case. If you're looking for some good chick-chill music, I really do recommend this!

Yes b()b I agree with quite a few of your playlist suggestions--esp The Avalanches. I was trying to come up with the most representative list possible, but have left out some very worthy tracks. Like b()b, I would love to hear the suggestions of others for my iPod.

Exit music: "Follow The Sun" by Ooberman.

2005-06-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Last Goodbye" by Jeff Buckley.

There might not be a more emotional record that Grace by Buckley. It's incredible. Killer songs and such evocative vocal performances. To be honest, I often can't listen to the record from start to finish--it's too heavy for me. It's a record everyone should have--and I do mean everyone!

I've been making a summer playlist on the iPod and thought I'd share what I've come up with so far. This is an incomplete list, but I wanted to share something abridged. I'm open to summer suggestions from people. These are just some songs I love to listen to when I have the windows down and sunroof open, letting my naked head gather more of the sun's rays.

Abridged Summer Playlist
"Beverly Hills" Weezer
"Bucket" Kings Of Leon
"C'Mon C'Mon" The Von Bondies
"Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" LCD Soundsystem
"Feel Good Inc." Gorillaz
"Girl" Beck
"Goodnight Goodnight" Hot Hot Heat
"Helicopter" Bloc Party
"Hey Man (Now You're Really Living)" Eels
"It's The Nighttime" Josh Rouse
"Jerk It Out" Caesars
"King Of All The World" Old 97's
"Never Forget" Tahiti 80
"Revenge!" Spoon
"Seventeen Years" Ratatat
"Summer Is Almost Here" PAS/CAL
"The Sporting Life" The Decemberists
"Wonderful People" Q And Not U
"Work" Jimmy Eat World
"You Are The Light" Jens Lekman

Been doing some packing up of my house. I'm shocked at how much I never unpacked from before. I've had to go through stuff that I never unpacked before and decide if I wanted to keep it packed up. I can't believe how much crap I have. I really need to down-size.

Sorry to Marie for the link being down. I can't figure out what's wrong either. That's the tough part about free music. I'll get some more free stuff out there soon.

Exit music: "Mellow Song" by Blur.

2005-06-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

WARNING: long post ahead. Lot of catching up to do...

No great excuses: busy and trying to save money so I haven't been to the coffeeshop to use their internet. I'll be moving in a few weeks and will finally have access at home so I hopefully won't use the coffeeshop excuse any more.

I have great friends. I just want to say that publically and to remind myself. This has been a week where I've connected with a lot of them and I was reminded this morning about how lucky/blessed/whatever I am.

My brother graduates today from the fire academy. Full-fledged firefighter/EMT. (I think that's right--hopefully my family will correct me if I'm wrong....) I also have a fantastic family. Let it be said--I am a truly sentimental today. Hopefully it's more cute than disgusting. (I wouldn't want it to be Preciousocity or anything. (see c@it's dictionary for a definition.)

I watch very little television. In fact, I realized this morning, other than catching a quarter of the Pistons' game, I hadn't turned on my TV for close to a week. Today reminded me why I care so little for watching television. There are a lot of things on that shouldn't be--things that make me uncomfortable. It's not the growing portrayal of violence. I'm not that bothered by the apparent "dumbing-down" of programming by reality shows. The "scandalous" sex scenes and "skin" doesn't particular bother--or entertain--me either. No, what I'm bothered by are commercials. I saw two today, separated by only about fifteen minutes, that almost convinced me to toss the thing out the window.

The first was the woman titlting her head back laughing on the tire swing. Some voice-over about life being uninterrupted and uncomplicated. Just another ad making you wonder what car is going to be celebrated or laundry detergent sure to revolutionize life. If only it could have been so harmless. Instead, the 30-second spot turns quickly, lamenting the discomfort of genital herpes. Talks of "attacks" and "treatments" were in there somewhere--I don't remember because my head was trying to spin as quickly as my stomach. Whatever happened to commercials that were easy to ignore?! Products that didn't really improve or impact life?

I didn't have much time to complain. I was confronted with another bodily issue during the next break--some type of stool softener. The "slogan" you're wondering? Oh I'd be pleased to tell you. "We don't make you go. We make going comfortable." Reading it now, I think it's really funny. Not sure if it was simply shock or if I am too sensitive or what, but I didn't laugh when I saw it today. I was really bothered. I was very tempted to turn it off, but I was very comfortable and trying to coax a little nap. And it's a good thing I didn't.

For some reason I was watching whatever channel has the "The Larry Elder Show." I am not familiar with this man and can't really make any judgements about him or his programming. What I can say is that I got to witness a man being rattled, on "live" television, and was so pleased. He was grilling some 18 year old girl about being pregnant and not helping her mom around the house more or something. The girl kept saying she was physically tired--admittedly making excuses, but a valid one nonetheless. This Elder guy kept saying "You can't be that tired" etc etc etc. Finally, she gets mad enough and starts saying something like "How many kids have you given birth to? How many pregnancies have you worked through?!" You can see this guy clinch his teeth and his face gets a little flushed and he says, "I'm not the one being interviewed here. I'm asking the questions." She doesn't relent (to my great glee) and keeps pushing, saying, "Well how many kids do you have then? Tell me how you have handled all your kids Mr. Elder." He keeps pushing the "You're the one being interviewed" line of logic and finally gives in and says, "I don't have any kids. But that's not the point..." You should have seen this guy crumble and give into this girl. It was awesome! It almost--ALMOST--made those commercials worth it.

For those interested, there has been a change for the upcoming @m and tr0y show. It's next Saturday and not Friday as we originally thought/were told. Get in touch with me if you want details and all that. (We're also "unveiling" a name for this little endeavor of ours Saturday I believe.)

Check out this news story: Cheerleaders Disciplined for Feces Pizza. Yes, you read that correctly!

I'm officially reaching the limit of my iPod. I can't believe it--I've used 36.32 GB of space. That's 8,332 songs. I can almost listen to my iPod for a month and not have to repeat a song! So I'm having a little dilemna--in order to keep adding songs, I have to get rid of some....

I've been hooked on Aleksi Virta. I'm always looking for some electronica that I can play while I'm reading or just need some background stuff. This is that kind of record. The idea behind it is unique and it's more diverse electronica than the normal. And like usual--it's free!!

I recently finsihed Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. It was really entertaining and typically him: (I would normally write the last name of the author here, but his is so cumbersome....) full of literary hooks that make you want to read more and some disturbing episodes that make you wonder whether to finish the paragraph. The idea of the novel is fantastic--utterly unique and could make an engaging movie, if it didn't revolve around sixteen main characters! I struggled some times to keep everyone straight. Not a novel I would consider a "summer read," unless you are camping for a couple weeks and want to read this around the campfire or by flashlight instead of swapping ghost stories.

Final thoughts: I'm feeling really torn about the homeless here in town. Since it's warmer out now, there are a lot more out it seems. This coffeeshop tends to be sort of a "gathering" place--free water and cheap coffee. There's also the constant asking for change and money. I don't know what to do with that. I have all these conflicting thoughts and emotions. At times I feel really sympathetic and other times just simply pissed off. I'm not really sure what helps and what perpetuates and what insults. There's more people wandering up to my street lately too--so when I come home they are asking if I can help them out. Just making me think a lot lately I guess.

2005-06-10T20:40:00.000-05:00

Correction:

Thank you Chris D for pointing out my name-color-blindness.

I mistakenly wrote that Jack Black is busy these days. I intended to write about Jack White. Not sure what got into me.

I've made the correction though and publicly give Chris the credit for his more-careful-than-mine reading.

2005-06-09T08:56:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Born In The BBS" by Pants Pants Pants.

Some vocabulary for today:

glutinous \GLOOT-nuhs\ adjective:
Of the nature of glue; resembling glue; sticky.
(Glutinous derives from Latin glutinosus, from gluten, glutin-, "glue."
Synonyms: adhesive, gluey, gummy, mucilaginous, viscous.)

durance \DUR-uhn(t)s; DYUR-\ noun:
1. Imprisonment; confinement or restraint by or as if by force (usually used in the phrase "durance vile").
2. [Archaic] Endurance.
(Durance is from Middle English duraunce, "duration," from Old French durance, from durer, "to last; to endure," from Latin durare.)

Some busy times for Jack White. New White Stripes album, newely married (sorry c@it) and now a new side-project! Jack, along with one of my favorite Michigan musicians, Brendan Benson, have almost finished a new collaborative album, using the band name The Raconteurs. (Which means "one who excels at telling anecdotes.") Evidently the projection for the album's release is early '06.

By the way, both the newest Brendan Benson album, The Alternative to Love, and White Stripes album, Get Behind Me Satan, are worth owning!

Finally, Mike Tyson is fighting again this weekend. What a nutjob! In the height of his career/popularity, he had a man in his entourage who was called "the barker." This was a man, on the Tyson payroll, who followed him in public everywhere he went and called out how great Tyson is. "You're the greatest Mike. Everyone loves you. You're a gorgeous human being." That kind of thing.

If I ever get rich, that would be an interesting investment! It might be nice for a day or two, being followed by someone who kept reminding me about how shiny my head was or how curved my spine looks from the rear. And maybe even a few comments about my rear....

As soon as I run into a large sum of money, I'll start accepting barker applications.

With Amish Aaron this weekend. I'll try to give a more substantive post soon.

Exit music: "One More Night" by Stars.

2005-06-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "23" by Jimmy Eat World.

Rough weather yesterday. Some of the hardest rain and hail I can ever remember. I felt like some movie character who is backing away from the windows slowly, afraid that they will break open if I take my eyes off them and flood my house with water. Wasn't as big-screen exciting as that, but still pretty intense. My place has no AC or central air and it's been pretty sick inside already! @m said the other day there are 3 days each year in Michigan that are bearable weather days. I'm beginning to believe him.

Currently playing: "Roro Blue" by Ooberman.

The wireless connection keeps going down in this coffeeshop. It's dangerous enough trusting Blogger to not completely lose my posts--now I have to fight actual technology.

...but I still love technology.... always and forever....

I'd like to publicly say thanks to Anon X for both the comment that inspired my last post and for the most recent comment. Very nice and I'm glad we can disagree and be ok with that. Just to set it straight--never felt 'attacked' or anything. Your thoughts got me thinking and, I assumed, would be more representative than not. It's inspired me to try and be a little more well-rounded in my music suggestions.

Just to demonstrate how weak my snobbish tendencies really are: Currently listening to "Rest In Peace" by Extreme. (Yes-that Extreme!!)

Some great, truly indie music today. (another "warning"--I have no idea how long you'll be able to get this free stuff, so get it now. Sorry to those who have said it was no longer available...)

For those looking for some electronica to chill out to, I suggest Crashed By Car. This EP, Fictions & Fires combines all the electronica elements I love--captivating programming, a good mix of computer-generated and organic instuments and down-tempo songs, all finishing up under the five minute mark. The songs are not long enough to get boring and short enough to allow for movement and diversity. Great free EP!

Beck has set the standard for singer/songwriters who want to add quirky electronic elements to their songs. Well the Scottish duo Text Adventure is taking a shot at it also. These meloncholic tunes feature nylon string guitars and quirky 80s Atari-feeling Casio keyboards. This EP, Fantastic Disaster EP has moments of eye-brow raising "huh??!?" and smile-inducing "ahhh". "If It Could Talk It Wouldn't Say Anything" is a great track!

I'm a sucker every time for female-sung electro-pop from Europe. It almost never fails--I like all of it. Well this Swedish duo is no exception. Take a listen to Adria, grab a glass of wine, light some candles and then write me a thank-you email. I love the 4 tracks they have offered from their album Palaio Falira--they show diversity and a wide-range of influences. It's admittedly not as hypnotic as it could be if they stuck to one formula, but it's infinitely more interesting. Think Mum meets Air with less "experimental" female vocals.

Finally, you can't spell summer with an E. So it seems appropriate to plug my favorite multiple-E band, wEEzEr. Though it probably still ranks as my fourth favorite, Make Believe is an entertaining album. I was hoping the band would be streaming the new album, but no luck. Instead, you can check out the "Beverly Hills" video--it's worth seeing.

Finally, you have to check out the band that is opening for Kasabian (another great band)--The Colour. Under the media section, you can download two songs and check out the video for "Mirrorball"--check this band out. They are a good summer band to blast on the beach.

Exit music: "Harmony" by Clinic.

2005-06-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

OK--I normally don't make comments about comments. I especially don't when the comments are anonymous. However, I think this particular effort deserves my response--this person raised a few things that warrant some reaction.

First, the comment for those who haven't seen it:
is "mainstream" radio really that aweful? or is it just the need for you to like what others dont and dislike what others do? i have fairly broad musical tastes but with alot of the music today, and the music you recommend, i dont find it as "amazing" as you do. i find alot of it being different just to be different. (not ALL of it, though) even though i am not a fan of most of the music you recommend, i dont trash it, i just ackowledge that we have different tastes and move on. why waste so much of your energy on music that you simply dont like, why not let it be and spend more time enjoying the music that you do? besides, mainstream radio is "pop" radio, as in popular, so i have news for ya, as much as you try to keep the bands you like, hidden from the radio, as soon as more people hear it, it too will join the dark side of mainstream radio. in closing, alternative used to be alternative until it became accepted by the majority.

To begin with, I'd like to reveal something to person X and the rest of the world: I listen to mainstream radio. It's true. At least once a week I tune into a Top 40 station online and sit through a day of what's popular. And, I'll go one step further: I like some of it. Not everything on my iPod would be considered "indie" or help to qualify me as a "music snob". I really like Jimmy Eat World, Coldplay, U2, The Killers, Keane, 311, Ben Folds, Rage Against The Machine. I even LOVE the new Gwen Stefani album--full of bubblegum pop lyrics, 80s-like synth and creative loops. And I love ALL things 80s--even anything that tries to mimic 80s music I like!

Anyway, you might call my complaints an exercise in hyperbole. Essentially, I'm exaggerating or over-stating my feelings in an attempt to promote action. See my main concern with mainstream anything is the lack of choice. Many people don't know anything other than what is force-fed them--via radio, Rolling Stone, MTV, etc. Your typical local radio station doesn't provide a very well-rounded exposure to music. Because of that, people begin to associate quality with popularity. That concerns me. We assume that Nickleback must be good because a ton of people like them. If we have nothing else to inform our understanding of "good," we'll continue to believe that way. At the same time, I understand that it is because of mainstream somethings that there are indie anythings. So I'm not wanting to see the "category" completely done away with--I am just wanting something akin to balance. Yes, many things "alternative" eventually become "popular"--no way to argue that, or fight it. My hope is simply diversity. I want to see people have--and make--choices.

That's why X's comments pleased me. X--you checked out some of the music and decided for yourself that you don't like a lot of what I'm suggesting. YES!! That's exactly what I'm wanting--I want people to have exposure to more than Linkin Park, no doubt about that. But if they eventually decide, after such exposure, that they do indeed like rap/rock, then great. Stick with it. I'm just worried about the lemmings who will voluntarily leap off the ledge because they aren't aware of another way. (Is that a little over-dramatic, to compare musical tastes with group suicide?!!?!)

X--thank you for making the effort to listen to new music. Thank you for deciding to not like most of it. Thank you for using what has been given to you--judgment--and not leaving it up to some anemic vee-jay to tell you what you enjoy.

And thank you for leaving the comment.

Inspired by X, I offer today some of my favorite mainstream links.

The aforementioned Gwen has a cool site. You can listen to "Hollaback Girl" (a fantastic track) and see a couple of videos. The Neptunes produce some amazing stuff and this record is no exception. (beware boys--she isn't ugly and the pics on the site demonstrate that!)

If you register, for free, you can stream clips from Coldplay's upcoming album. I was worried about how it could match up to all the hype that's been surrounding the record, but I don't think I'll be disappointed! And the Coldplayer on their site is very VERY cool!

I've always liked Beck for his quirky music and stunning videos. On his site, you can check out some good stuff and either be blown away or utterly confused by him--maybe even a combo.

There might not be a cooler band site than the Gorillaz. b()b is right--you could spend a lot of time messing around the site. Check out the jukebox to sample the albums.

I sign off with no complaints about mainstream radio. Listen to what you like--that's my only suggestion.

2005-06-01T18:04:00.000-05:00

I have officially heard the most shocking laugh ever.

Now I've heard a lot of loud laughs. And there have been a few that were really ear-piercing and potentially damage-causing. The 50-years-as-a-smoker laugh is one of my favorites too. There is legitimately nothing to compare this laugh with though. It's this haunting combination of all those laughs--decibels louder than a human laugh, at a shrieking frequency that's causing all of creation to seek cover and full of phlegm and whatever else is in her mouth. (According to what just hit the table, looks like blueberry muffin.....) This is the time when I need to have a mic so I can record it and then post it for all to hear. It really is the kind of laughter that will torment people in Hades.

I'm feeling like a major complainer tonight--I'd better use caution.

How's about some more music? I want to offer some good summer songs. These are good "drive with the windows down" kind of songs.

PASCAL is a band for you if you like that old 60s retro vibe--lots of double-tracked lead vocals, handclaps and jangly electric guitars. "Summer Is Almost Here" is really fun and is a good example of what makes them so endearing.

With an opening guitar riff that could have made it on a Byrds or CSNY record, The Orange Peels come out with a great single (albeit trite and filled with elementary school rhymes) that's meant for the perfect indie summer playlist. I Don't Want To Shine cooks with the pounding snare drum, closely-sung duet-like vocals and harmonica. It's been stuck in my head for a couple days and is number two on my iPod summer playlist.

"I need a reason for love I've never had." With an opening lyric like that, how could I not share this song?! Woody Whatever incorporates so many of the things I love so much about indie/DIY music: quirky drum machine, simple acoustic, clever background vocals, loud tamborine. "Cherry Fountains" is my personal favorite of WW's songs--"The Great Pop" album feels a lot like that song and is worth picking up.

SongsIllinois posted two Fruit Bats songs. I love that band--I'm a sucker for most guy/girl musical combos. Check out "Silent Life" for a good example. (The other song there, "Everyday That We Wake Up It's A Beautiful Day," is reminiscent of Arcade Fire with its lush musical landscape and animal/outdoors sounds. Gorgeous recording!!)

Finally, for those fans of grrrl pop/punk, Dressy Bessy is for you. A ton of experience is represented in this band. Side 2 isn't my favorite track from the upcoming album Electrified but it's a typical DB song. (I personally love the song "Who'd Stop The Rain" but I can't find it for free anywhere.....) This record comes out in two weeks so look for it.

Fight the radio boys and girls!

2005-05-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

So much music! I believe I could quit my job and spend all day long scouring the world wide web (that always makes me smile--I like it much better than "internet") to find free music. It's everywhere. And it's further proof you should never listen to mainstream music. Kristi is right--it makes you numb.

4 songs for you today.

Doleful Lions gives some of the most meloncholic bedroom music I know--it's very pretty and intimate, always full of melodies that you can't get out of your head, even if you wanted to. This song, The Ghost That Haunts Your World Will Disappear, is another great example of what they offer to the musical world.

If you like funky 70s organs, bass guitars functioning like a lead electric and recordings that sound like they were done in some guy's garage then you will like The Apes. What We Do Best is a great song and example of that very thing--what The Apes do so well.

Seattle singer/songwriter Luke Temple is slowly becoming a voice I really like. He isn't going to blow anyone away with novel musical ideas, but his unique delivery and simplistic recordings connect with me. Give this track, "Shipwreck," a try and some feedback.

Finally, a small theme in my life, that I don't want to get into, is summed up pretty well in this track by Hello Saferide. There just aren't enough songs out there that chronicle a female's attempts at stalking. It's always the boys, so this is a welcome change.

Listen and love indie music peeps.

@m and I say thanks to all who came out Friday to the show. We apologize for not giving our best--we both felt a little "off" that night... But thanks for being there anyway. We enjoyed doing a few new songs and feel encouraged by having people smile and listen to us. A June date coming up--we'll keep you posted. (Until then, protect the night of June 24th--a new location opening for someone.)

Along with new music, I'm thinking that a vocabulary stretch might be a welcome part of the blog. (Though I'm sure both c@it and @m--two of the smartest people I know--will already know the words and their etymologies.) We had a 2 hour conversation the other night about words we like. If it's a good one, I'll share the word of the day that I receive in the email.

Today's word: fetter \FET-uhr\, noun: 1. A chain or shackle for the feet; a bond; a shackle. 2. Anything that confines or restrains; a restraint.

Mainstream music--it hates you and wants to ruin your life!!!

2005-05-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's Monday.

Spent some time with Amish Aaron and the girls this weekend. (That's a good band name...."Ladies and Gentlemen! I'm Dogman from the Dogman and Speck Morning Show on WUSX 98.3 FM. Tonight we are proud to have with us, bringing their own brand of neo-folk, Amish Aaron And The Girls!")

I have always wanted to be a dj on a radio station. Then I remember, 'Oh yeah, I hate everything that's on the radio... That would suck having to play music you hate!'

Anyway, time with Amish Aaron was good. We planted a tree--I'm confident that phrase has never shown up in a post of mine before. We also went to the beach. Amelia, the oldest, graduated from pre-school this weekend. I cried a little bit. So weird to see her growing up--and she's not even mine!

Speaking of that little smartie, she said three things this weekend that made all of us laugh hard. I'll give a little context and then the phrases, from the mouth of a five year-old.

Phrase #1 We are sitting on the beach when it becomes obvious that Arianna (the younger of two daughters) has a swimming suit on that is a little too small. The parental decision is to have her wear shorts and a t-shirt instead. Aaron then says to Janet, his wife, "Well maybe you should go put that one on" with a laugh at Janet's reaction. Amelia, obviously listening, says "Momma, you can't put that on and show off your nibbles and everything!"

Phrase #2 Amelia has lost her flip-flops somewhere on the beach. I decide to go walk with her to look for them, but I tell her that I want to put my shirt on first and then we can go. "Why," she says, "so no one will laugh at you?"

Phrase #3 I love to get corrected by Amelia. I constantly pronounce things wrong so she will roll her eyes and look at me as she gives the correct pronunciation. Sitting in Chili's after the beach, we are talking about how her mom is a good mommy.
"Could I be a good mommy?" I ask her.
"Only girls can be mommies Uncle Troy."
"OK, could I be a good daddy?" I ask.
"If you could find someone to marry you," she answers after a pause.

Little kids...

I am trying to connect my readers with good music and I'm personally not a fan of streaming a lot of stuff. I have to give two streams today though--they are worth it!

First off, Man-Made by Teenage Fanclub is fantastic! If you aren't familiar with this band, you need to be IMMEDIATELY! Just give the first two tracks a listen and I'm confident you will agree with me--this music deserves to be known by more people.

Second, you can listen to an audio-blog stream of the upcoming record by The White Stripes on scenestars.net. It's diverse and unique and not a re-hashing of the last two albums. Here is a duo that is trying to move ahead and it's pretty inspiring. Obviously Jack enjoyed working with Loretta Lynn--there are definitely some country "influences" on this record. Look for the May 20th post and click the link at the bottom.

Finally, I was introduced to a band called Ratatat a while back. I went out and bought the album and really enjoyed it. A friend mentioned to me last week that he bought it on iTunes and that I should pick it up. Instead, I just listened to it again. And then again. And now I must introduce the rest of you. This duo makes some great instrumental music with fun sounds and organic textures. Seventeen Years is the first track of their self-titled album.

I asked Lissa today in an email about what invention she wishes was credited to her. I've been trying to decide my answer, but haven't been able to narrow it down. Essentially, I would like for it to be something common, that people use regularly, and it would be named after me. I would love to hear people say, "Hey would you hand me a Troy-clip please?" or "Hey honey when you're out can you get some more Troy-bulbs?"

I used to not like my name. Maybe that's really common for younger kids--we always think other names are better than our own. Now, I really like my name. I think it should be spoken more, especially in crowded public places, even without a context or object of referral.

Thanks to c@it, who has more creativity than she knows what to do with, for her newest suggestion for my "sign off" which I will employ soon. But first:

"tr0y!!"

Go on, give it a try--just shout it out wherever you are right now, especially if you're in public!

Feels good doesn't it?

"Letting your kids listen to mainstream radio is about as safe as letting them lick a school bus driver."

2005-05-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

New Star Wars last night/this morning at 12:01am. It was worth seeing--a good finale! Not as many freaks came out (other than the occassional Dork Maul and terry cloth robe Obi-Wan-nnabe's) as I hoped/expected, but the theater was jammed. Some typically cliched Lucas dialogue, but I'm amazed at the visual worlds that he creates and how truly believable they are. I didn't catch myself being distracted by the fictional landscapes like I did in Episode II. There are a couple of tense moments and I found myself smiling more as I watched this one. Worth the little sleep sacrificed.

Always looking to offer free music, so... Jump on these links fast if you're interested. There are no guarantees how long they will be available!

The new Gorillaz record is out and it's fantastic! Demon Days is full of the funk and fun that have become associated with the world's most famous cartoon band. Great grooves and just the right mix of singing and rapping join together to bring a very entertaining and cohesive record--much more so than the last one. Good record to listen to while driving!

Click here for the following free albums:

Nine Inch Nails With Teeth (newest album from the Lord of the Dark himself--first track is especially great!)
Muse Showbiz ("Sunburn" is a killer album opener. Fantastic three-piece)
Muse Absolution (This has all the radio hits on it--especially good if you like a good musical punch to the gut every now and then)
Muse Origin Of Symmetry
Muse Hullabaloo
Prodigy The Fat Of The Land (this record has "Smack My Bitch Up" and "Firestarter" on it)
Sigur Ros ( ) (if you liked the mellow, "instrumental" music in Vanilla Sky then you were liking Sigur Ros without even knowing it--both of these records are must-haves!!)
Sigur Ros Agaetis Byrjun
Spiritualized Lazer Guided Melodies (Very cool English jam-band type outfit. Slowly gained an American following--deserve more credit and airtime)

Gotta give the people what they want.

Stop listening to Mainstream radio--God doesn't like it when you listen to it.

2005-05-17T09:04:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Your Bruise" by Death Cab For Cutie.

Random observance.

When I dream, I am always bald.

I don't have any idea how our own mental projections of ourselves work or why they even happen. All I know is that I always look in dreams exactly how I look now--regardless of whether the dream is current or a revisit to the past.

Except for last night. I had a dream about college and I had hair, just like I did in college. So strange.

Made me glad I was bald after all! Early 90s hair wasn't the most flattering. (look it up in an encyclopedia c@it or watch the History channel for proof.)

I'm also most often asked to do music for other people in my dreams. I've mentioned this before--it's been Van Halen, Lisa Loeb, etc etc etc. Last night though was my own songs--I was playing my own music for people and they wanted to hear it! Two unique dream occurances.

More later...

Exit music: "Rise" by Doves.

2005-05-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Really busy week. Don't remember the last time I was as over-committed as the last 7 or 8 days. Hate to neglect the hordes of people constantly begging for me to write something. I try to give the people what they want, but it's a difficult goal in life....

Played a fantastic game of kickball with some people this past week. I have no idea when I did that last. The next morning I noticed that my right thigh was sore from all the kicking. That never happened in middle school! The teams were crudely uneven and one girl kept getting pretty upset--she wouldn't even give high-fives as we were switching fields. Nothing better than seeing someone get upset during a silly little game like that.

Watched Fight Club with @m a couple days ago. It's easily one of my favorite movies. It's been a long time since I was in a fight. Think it was probably early high school--some silly little demonstration of 15 year-old bravado over a dodgeball dispute in gym probably. I never really won or lost a fight. Seems like every one of them got started and ended up finishing in shouting and silly threats after a couple of flailing punches and headlocks.

Tyler asks in the movie "How much can you really know about yourself if you've never been in a fight?" I wonder if I should make one happen and see what I learn about myself.

As it's getting warmer, I'm noticing all kinds of little fleas flying around me. My head resembles an inviting landing pad, so I'm not surprised they are around. What seems strange is how many there are. Other people are being bothered by them too--not just the bald population.

Going to see Doves this Saturday in Detroit. They are playing with Mercury Rev and I'm very excited. Not been to a good rock show for a while--been mostly more "mellow" stuff the past couple times.

Music thoughts: The latest New Order album is fantastic. If you miss some of that electro-pop from the 80s, this record will help satisfy some of that craving. Listened a lot this past week to a couple albums. blinking lights and other revelations by Eels is so great. It's a double album filled with sad songs about death and loss, but ultimately about hope and working through difficulties. Sardonic vocals and beautiful piano/acoustic ballads--great combo.

The new Ben Folds album, Songs For Silverman hasn't won me over yet. I hoped for more of the sarcastic, somewhat biting, songs from his 3 EPs. The opening song gives hints of that, but the album is mostly low-key and safe. He's a great writer--no denying that. I'm just kind of under-whelmed by it. Definitely worth owning though--replace all your Staind records and go buy this one.

Finally, if you don't know about Emiliana Torrini, you've not begun to live. Her newest record came out not long ago and is smashing. Her first album was full of gorgeous trip-hop grooves and atmospheric vocals. (People familiar with Thievery Corporation probably recognize her voice and anyone who saw the second LOTR movie heard her sing that creepy "Gollum's Song.") The new record is more organic--full of nylon-string guitars and subtle piano. Think Mia Doi Todd or Beth Orton. It's perfect rainy day music--sounds sad, but isn't! Two different sounding records, but both are worth owning. The new record is called Fisherman's Woman and you should go buy it. Forget Kelly Clarkson and go buy this album! As a matter of fact, buy both of them and pass by Ashanti.

For those who liked the Sufjan Stevens song I linked before, here are two more songs from the album that's not due out until June. (Reminder--he's the lunatic who is writing an album about every US state. Michigan is done and this is the second record--about Illinois.)

Casimir Pulaski Day

The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts

Missed a chance to fulfill some of my New Year's Resolutions. @m and I ate at Friday's today and had one of the longest waits for our food--it was just a hamburger... Two of the chances I blew:

I'm going to complain more in restaurants.
I'm going to get a lot of free stuff in '05

Had I taken the chance to exercise the first, I am sure I would have also accomplished the second. I did break the speed limit on the way home though....

Stop listening to mainstream radio--it might give you herpes. (recommended by c@it)

2005-05-04T20:34:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Safe And Sound" by Azure Ray.

Interesting idea in this song: "Love is how it's lost, not how it's found." Gorgeous music by these two females.

I almost always refer to females as "girls" instead of women. Is that bad? All the ladies in the house say "Yeah" and let me know if I need to change that habit of mine. I don't mean for it to be disrepectful or anything....

I have more free music to offer today. Actually, before that, two thoughts about this free music.

(1) It's not really me who is offering it. I'm just finding it and trying to put people in touch with stuff that doesn't suck.
(2) I'm not sure how long the links will stay active so get the music fast! Since I'm not hosting the music, I have no control over it's availability.

Today's offers: Last Broadcast by Doves. This is one of my favorite British bands. It's a trio from Manchester who started out in electronic dance music and have since switched to making these epic brit-pop songs that are moving and full of emotion. This is the second record and has a couple of stand-out tracks. I highly recommend "Pounding" as a place to start. (But you really should download the entire thing--I don't recommend bad music. And I'm also not a music snob....)

Second offering piggy-backs off an mp3 I suggested earlier this week. I suggested people listen to Sufjan Stevens and his eager endeavor to produce 50 albums, all as tributes to the 50 US states. c@it is the one person who has commented on the music (and Sarah at the coffee shop) so I found his first record online, FOR FREE, Greetings From Michigan.

Tough conversation today that has me wiped out. Short post, but enjoy the music.

If you don't want to suck, stop listening to mainstream radio!

(I'm running out of ideas for that little sign-off....)

2005-05-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

No new music for you to download yet, but two great albums to stream. (All chick music this time too!)

First, Morcheeba. This is probably my favorite trip-hop band on the planet. Gorgeous, silky-smooth vocals and really intricate grooves and instrumentation. Chill music for sure! The album will be "out" next week, but I'm not sure when we can get it here in the US. Can't stream the entire album, but listen to what is available and you won't be sorry!

Second, Aimee Mann's new concept album, The Forgotten Arm is fantastic and typically Aimee Mann as she does better than just about any other female writer out there. This album would not have been made on a major label and is brave and interesting and rewarding. Download Quicktime for free on this site and listen to the entire thing--it's worth it!!

Finally, E-Rin-Tin-Tin passed this little passage along to me and it made me laugh hard. I'm sharing with you good people as well.

I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there's no f*#^ing way Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically "wrap around" Rock, rendering it immobile? Why the hell can't paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can't paper do this to people? Why aren't sheets of notebook paper constantly suffocating students as they attempt to take notes in class? I'll tell you why- BECAUSE PAPER CAN'T BEAT ANYBODY! A rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds. When I play rock, paper, scissors I always choose rock. Then when somebody claims to have beaten me with their paper, I punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say "Oh shit, I'm sorry- I thought paper would protect you, a*#hole."

2005-05-02T20:48:00.000-05:00

There was sleet when I was driving home today.

Just to remind everyone: IT'S MAY 2ND!! Any remnants of snow or snow-like precipitation is to be gone!

Weather has the potential of pissing me off.

I stopped to get Chinese last night and saw something I can't get off my mind. I was waiting for my chicken lo mein when an older guy waddles in. A woman comes to greet him and asks, in her unique english, "How many there be?" I looked up just in time to see the man stuff his hands deeper into his pockets and let out this huge sigh and say "It's just me.... I'm alone."

I don't know the story and don't want to begin to guess about it even. What I do know is that I'm scared of being that man. I'm scared of being alone--I never want to admit it, but it's true. It's down there, no matter how deeply I try to bury it and pretend it doesn't exist. But it's not just being alone, like that man, that I worry about. I worry about reacting that way every time it can come up--every comment I will blow out of proportion; every person I'll make feel guilty for asking; every time reminding--and reliving--a single status. I know myself well enough--I could be that guy...

I'll try to not think about it when I finish my lo mein later.

Got the cutest pictures of my nieces in the mail today. These two little twins are adorable. These pics have the cutest little tooth-ey smiles and are in frames that say "My uncle is the best." Cute and true. I'll hopefully post pics of them again soon.

For those looking for free music: You can download the entire Your Love Means Everything album from Faultline. Chris Martin, of Coldplay, sings on two of the tracks.

Also, I love the band Interpol and you can also download their album Turn On The Bright Lights. This band is unique and worth giving a shot. No one sounds like this singer...

c@it and I just agreed: Grey's Anatomy is a fantastic show. Great music on that show--you should just watch it for that reason alone. Last night, Butterfly Boucher made a sonic appearance. Postal Service and Interpol are alum as well.

Have I mentioned my hatred for the weather?

June 11. On that day, Aaron and I will run the Holland triathalon. 1/2 mile swim; 22.8 mile bike ride; 4.8 mile run.

I hope I don't drown.... I have a lot of prep to do for the swim!

Stop listening to mainstream radio. Download the Interpol record and give up on Creed/Alter Bridge/Crappy Music immediately.

2005-04-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "The Man Who Would Be King" by The Libertines.

Been a while since I gave a dream run-down. Not much new I'm afraid--more of the same.

Dream One
I'm driving in a car with two people I don't remember down a winding driveway, hitting every stupid pot-hole when I notice there is a strange armadillo-like creature sitting beside the driveway that we almost hit. Then something falls on top of the car, presumably from a tree, and slides down the rear window. Of course, it's a gigantic snake. Only this snake has the face of Catherine Zeta-Jones (who was talked about on Conan right before I fell asleep...) and starts to bang it's celeb-face against the window, trying to crash through and "get me." (I'm such a repulsive pansy in my dreams--I cry a lot and do more "feminine" screaming than I want to admit.) Soon I feel something creeping along my leg and it's a smaller green snake, waking up from its bed under the backseat. As soon as I see it, the cursed reptile bites me on the thigh. This is the new wrinkle. I never get bit in my dreams. I'm just scared of the snakes but nothing ever happens. This was a strange slow-motion sequence where I saw the teeth actually pierce my skin and then slowly pull out and the snake turns to make eye contact with me, giving me this strange knowing glare and then lunges for my arm and gets me in the forearm. I do that National Geographic grabbing of the snake behind its head and force it's mouth open and start to pull it from under the seat. I eventually toss it out of the window and then I panic because I'm sure the CZJ snake will make its way through the open window now. Then I woke up.

Dream Two
I'm backstage somewhere, waiting to be introduced to play guitar for something/someone. I'm feeling really calm and deserving. The backstage is filled with people who don't seem to be worried for me and are just lounging around sipping drinks and chatting. I hear a song start to end, evidently my cue, and start making my way to the stage. The door I open ends up being a balcony filled with people, who all see me, and doesn't lead to the stage after all. I try a ton of doors, all failing to get me where I want/need to go. I start hearing the introduction, all these kind words about me and how excited this person is to have me there..... I'm sprinting around and can't find the stage. There's no one to help me either--just a bunch of shrugs and blank stares. I hear the introducer finally say "Well, I guess we don't know where he is after all..." and then I woke up.

Interpret away friends.

Poker night last night. It was, once again, a bad financial investment for me. I lost $10, but actually lasted pretty late into the night. At least I wasn't the first one out... I eventually served as DJ and realized I should stick to that instead. Sure is fun though--had probably a half dozen Avalanches, which makes just about everything better.

In my continued attempt to purge the world of crappy music, I suggest this song. A fantastic, though possibly overly-myopic, idea was born by Sufjan Stevens not long ago. He decided to put out 50 albums, each one a tribute to the 50 U.S. states. He began with his home state: Michigan. He has recently finished #2 in the installment: Illinois. The mp3 offered today is a track, entitled "Come On! Feel the Illinoise," from that record. Beware: it's a strange sort of vaudevillian pop, complete with show tunes-like piano and Sinatra-like background singers. Very entertaining and unique. Give it a try and throw your Nickelback cd in the fire immediately.

By the way, if anyone who reads this regularly listens to Nickelback, I expect a genuine and heart-felt apology from you in my comments section. And don't fear--there is hope on the other side of those horrible Canadian rockers!!

Found 2 great news stories that I wanted to pass along.

School Mistakes Huge Burrito for a Weapon

CLOVIS, N.M. - A call about a possible weapon at a middle school prompted police to put armed officers on rooftops, close nearby streets and lock down the school. All over a giant burrito.

Someone called authorities Thursday after seeing a boy carrying something long and wrapped into Marshall Junior High.

The drama ended two hours later when the suspicious item was identified as a 30-inch burrito filled with steak, guacamole, lettuce, salsa and jalapenos and wrapped inside tin foil and a white T-shirt.

"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry,'' school Principal Diana Russell said.

State police, Clovis police and the Curry County Sheriff's Department arrived at the school shortly after 8:30 a.m. They searched the premises and determined there was no immediate danger.

In the meantime, more than 30 parents, alerted by a radio report, descended on the school. Visibly shaken, they gathered around in a semi-circle, straining their necks, awaiting news.

`"There needs to be security before the kids walk through the door,'' said Heather Black, whose son attends the school.

After the lockdown was lifted but before the burrito was identified as the culprit, parents pulled 75 students out of school, Russell said.

Russell said the mystery was solved after she brought everyone in the school together in the auditorium to explain what was going on.

'"The kid was sitting there as I'm describing this (report of a student with a suspicious package) and he's thinking, 'Oh, my gosh, they're talking about my burrito.''' Afterward, eighth-grader Michael Morrissey approached her.

"He said, 'I think I'm the person they saw,''' Russell said.

The burrito was part of Morrissey's extra-credit assignment to create commercial advertising for a product.

`"We had to make up a product and it could have been anything. I made up a restaurant that specialized in oddly large burritos,'' Morrissey said.

After students heard the description of what police were looking for, he and his friends began to make the connection. He then took the burrito to the office.

"The police saw it and everyone just started laughing. It was a laughter of relief,'' Morrissey said. "Oh, and I have a new nickname now. It's Burrito Boy.''

R.I. Police Say Man Offered Steak for Sex

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - He didn't have any money. But police say that didn't stop Wayne Glaude, 22, from soliciting sex from an undercover officer Thursday night. Instead, police said, he offered steak.

Glaude, who works at a meat company, tried to strike a deal with the undercover officer, according to Detective Capt. Luke Gallant.

"He didn't have any money, and had a couple of nice T-bones sitting at home,'' Gallant said.

Glaude, of Woonsocket, was arrested and pleaded innocent Friday in Providence District Court to a count of soliciting from a motor vehicle. He was released on personal recognizance.

Gallant said Woonsocket police had never had a case like it. "I can honestly say it's the first time,'' he said.

Both stories make me hungry. Lunch time.

Stop listening to mainstream radio. It might cause impotence! (so I've heard...)

2005-04-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

I begin with some sad news: my #2 Celebrity Crush has found someone to replace me. I heard about it and had it confirmed by Lori yesterday: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. What is my Katie doing?! It's a 16 year difference too--it's only a little over 6 for she and I! Of course, it's probably my fault--I'm the one who never called back; I'm the one who didn't want to be affectionate in public; I'm the one who was hesitant to tell other people about our relationship; I was the one who wanted to keep our professional earnings separate in case "something" happened.... And now, I'm jealous.

I guess it's what I deserve.

I'm sorry Katie--I mean it this time.

Top 5 Celebrity Crushes
1. Alyssa Milano (It all started with that damn "Who's The Boss?" She is the first girl I can remember thinking "I'd do anything..." Regardless of crappy movie and TV-show and commercial choices, my infatuation hasn't changed.)
2. Katie Holmes (There is something really striking about how "simple" she appears to me. There's something very natural and unpretentious about her that I can't stop looking (aka staring) at. I couldn't get into Dawson's Creek though--probably a good thing....)
3. Elisabeth Shue ("Adventures In Babysitting" might have changed my life. I am sure I watched it close to four billion times. I think it's the eyes and facial expressions that keep me mesmerized! There's this scene in "The Trigger Effect" where she is hugging really tightly onto Kyle MacLachlan..... Forever imprinted on my brain.)
4. Alicia Silverstone (The Aerosmith videos.... Didn't like the songs very much--wanted to see the videos ALL THE TIME! "Crying," "Amazing" and "Crazy"... Loved them all. Didn't like her part in that terrible Batman & Robin movie as Batgirl or her choice to do that awful movie with Brendan Fraser, Blast From The Past but... I'm willing to forgive her thanks to the part she played in my MTV life.)
5. Rachel McAdams (Hot Chick was a horrible mistake, but The Notebook was not. There are a couple smooches in that movie that I should never be allowed to see again! She's my most recent addition to the list, bumping out an old favorite from 7th Heaven.)

Band names do a lot for me. If you liked the Constantines, and wished they were a little more "thrash-oriented," this is another Toronto band to consider: I Can Put My Arm Back On You Can't. 3 mp3s to tempt you here.

Don't listen to mainstream radio. You will suffer!

2005-04-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

Been forever. I'll simply give a calendar review.

April 20
Flew to South Carolina with Amish Aaron. In the GR airport, we saw one of AA's acting heroes: Tony Danza. We flew first to Detroit and ate at an over-priced Chili's. (I know... I know....) The Detroit airport is nice! I had to sit in the middle seat on both flights. On the second flight I listened to Aimee Mann and Amish Aaron slept a little. It was great to see my dad when we landed and our luggage actually made the flight--unlike my Christmas trip.

April 21
Woke up eventually and drove my dad to work and took his truck to the Isle of Palms beach. We sat around and enjoyed the sound of the water and the last few hours of the sun. We walked around town and kept convincing each other we were really on vacation. We then drove around and found a little Irish pub, advertising Aaron's fave beer: Caffery's. Turns out they don't serve it--just have it on their windows. We ate there anyway and had the first of many Black and Brown's. We then sat in a Starbuck's and read for a while. Eventually we drove home and spent the night with the Playstation.

April 22
My birthday. The three of us woke up and drove out to Folley Beach to enjoy the sun. We threw around the frisbee, layed on the towels, read some. We ended up eating at a little place outside (crawfish tails) and then hitting up a surf shop. Finally we walked along a fishing pier and then headed to take my dad to work. Aaron and I went to Sullivan Island and looked around and stopped at Poe's Pub (Edgar Allen that is) and had, you guessed it, another Black and Brown. Then went and got ribs to celebrate my life and then hit Starbucks again for a while before heading home.

April 23
We woke up and headed back to Sullivan Island and toured Fort Moultrie (sp?) for 3 hours or so. Then went to So Cal Burritos and then drove to a huge family fun park kind of thing for a hotly contested mini-golf tournament. (Which I won, as it should be!) While at this family-friendly place, a young man was struck in the forehead by a golf ball that his buddy smashed out of the grass. After stumbling around a little bit, the struck-one flung his putter at the striker and connected with his shins. A fist-fight-like skirmish broke out so all the little kids could see a good old-fashioned drunken brawl up close. We eventually left and bought some stuff to make our own Black and Browns at home. Made a few, ate dinner and watched The Village which Aaron had never seen.

April 24
Last full day. Went to "tour" a submarine, destroyer, Coast Guard cutter and aircraft carrier. Spent 6 hours or so looking around. Probably the only two guys I know who would do that with me for so long. Went home to dad's specialty meal: cajun chicken and dirty rice. Ate too much and played more Playstation. Unhappily packed for the early flight and went to sleep.

April 25
Woke up at 4:15am. Drove to the airport to catch a 6am flight. Landed in GR around 9:45. Amish Aaron left for Indiana and I headed into work to see how much was waiting for me. Realized it's a lot and decided to wait for the next day.

April 26
Went back to work, trying to unbury myself from under a ton of voicemails and emails. Went to get Thai and see Patty Griffin with @m. Both were fantastic. Plus the new Ben Folds album came out.

That brings us to today. I'm finally finding the time to update this cursed blog--AND I'm choosing to do this instead of going to the Motley Crue show. That's dedication boys and girls. Just the kind of guy I am....

For those in the area: @m and I will be playing in the usual place on May 27th. We're gonna plan on some new songs and would love to see anyone who wants to show up.

Been listening non-stop (well--that's hyperbole....) to a couple artists you should be listening to also: Archer Prewitt and Louis XIV. If you want people to think you are cool (and let's be honest--who of us doesn't have that as a deep desire that closely outrivals all others?!) then you need to purchase both records and blast them so others can hear what you're listening to and realize the music they like actually sucks.

2005-04-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

Busy couple of days coming up. Mini-vacation to South Carolina coming on Wednesday with Amish Aaron. The plan: throw the frisbee on the beach without shirts for 15 hours a day. The rest of the time will be spent alternating between sleeping and Playstation.

A lot to do before I take off though--I'm feeling the pressure.

Was in Chicago this weekend and had a blast. Playing guitar for my friend Cindy's recording and went to a little league baseball practice too. Watched three movies during that time too.

Without A Paddle Without a doubt... one of the worst movies I've seen. One funny line--the rest: simply BAD!

Dawn of the Dead Entertaining I have to admit. Reminded me of 28 Days Later a little bit--that's a movie I think is fantastic. Plenty of twists in the new DOTD if you can get past the violent head wounds scattered throughout.

The Flight of the Phoenix Another remake. It was alright I guess... Some of the dialogue was very corny, but a couple interesting characters. I need to see the original I've been told.

I'll try adding more soon. Otherwise I'll write while I'm on vacation...

2005-04-14T20:03:00.000-05:00

Life is short...

It's really sad when people die...

It can happen at any time...

Insultingly obvious sentences. I'm afraid sometimes I try to make certain experiences less painful by intellectualizing (word?) them or trying to "spin" them so they are more profoud. I need to do a better job of saying how things really are.

Death sucks.

A heavy week around here and I am finally allowing myself to accept how hard it is. A young guy and a little baby both "taken" in one week.

No well-crafted sentences can make those any easier to handle.

It's just sad. Really sad...

2005-04-11T16:24:00.000-05:00

Currently playing: "Bedshaped" by Keane.

Slow start to the week--can't seem to wake up today. Feels like those first 30 seconds when you open your eyes, right before the alarm is supposed to go off and you're debating whether you get up and shut it off so you don't have to hear the cursed noise or lay there and pretend it's not going to happen.... That's been today's experience.

Luckily, I've had my normal antidote. Been a day filled with good music. I've spent a lot of today (including now) listening to music online. Have you seen Rainman? Remember the scene in the car with the radio station? The name: 97X! "The future of rock and roll!" That's what I'm listening to. Their website (woxy.com) has a couple different streaming options and the music choices are great! Lots of more indie stuff and a lot of stuff that's suprised me. I highly suggest it!

Currently playing: "Have A Good Sleep" by Hot Hot Heat.

Another musical suggestion for the clamoring boys and girls out there. You need to listen to The Perishers. Now, don't think they are just another mid-tempo brit-pop band, though it would appear they are exactly that when you first listen to the record. But there's something really different about this Swedish band. Some of it might be the whispered and smokey lead singing. Some might be the lush piano, atmospheric guitars supported by the steady and accurate rhythm section. Some of it might be the simple lyrics. Mostly though I'm probably just really attracted to how beautiful the music is. It's not a cure for insomnia if you're driving at 3 in the morning across the country. But if you're wanting something that can suck you in and help you to feel deeply the lyrics, this is a good chill record. I'm loving the songs "Sway" and "Pills" today (sure to change in a few days--it always does...) but the song "Trouble Sleeping" would be familiar to fans of the OC. Song clips available at their website here.

I can't believe "Da Vinci Code" remains at the top of the best sellers list. I mean, it was good and all, but...

Currently playing: "On The Bus Mall" by The Decemberists.

My car passed the 90,000 mile mark this morning. I really need it to last another 90,000--let's hope the little tupperware-mobile can handle it.

A few of my favorite blogs have been pretty vacant these days. So that means you gotta keep writing c@it! No breaks allowed for you....

More later...

2005-04-08T13:37:00.000-05:00

Sun is out again. It changes things. I continue to listen to my "Sun Songs" playlist and it's making me smile. (Check it out foo!)

Ran the first two miles in the new sneakers yesterday morning. I've never bought this particular brand before, but I think this purchase was a good idea.

My good blog friend c@it has started collecting terrible church sign/announcements. Unfortunately, there are plenty to choose some. Feel free to add your favorites here.

Couple of strange news stories to share:

Delivery Man Stuck in Elevator for 3 Days
NEW YORK - A Chinese food delivery man was found trapped in a broken elevator on Tuesday, more than three days after he was reported missing, police said.

Ming Kung Chen, 35, who worked for the Happy Dragon restaurant in the Bronx, was reported missing late Friday when he did not return an hour after setting out on a delivery.

Police said he was found at about 6 a.m. (1000 GMT) on Tuesday and was hospitalized with dehydration. Police were unable to question him immediately because he did not speak English.

Newspapers had reported the Chinese community feared that Chen, who is from Fuzhou province in China, might have been a victim of robbery or foul play by immigrant smugglers.

Man Drives Into DMV's Wall, Renews License
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A man drove his car into a wall at the Division of Motor Vehicles building, then walked in and renewed his driver's license, police say. Police believe the man was driving while impaired on medication and charged him with driving under the influence.

No one was injured.

The man's car went up over a sidewalk Thursday, denting the building's metal siding, cracking the inside of the wall and startling workers sitting nearby in the DMV's accounting department.

"I saw the guy back up, get out of his car and walk into the DMV like nothing happened,'' said DMV employee Michelle Steinman.

No one in the public area of the DMV noticed the accident. Workers in accounting notified higher-ups and pointed out the driver, who had taken a number, apologizing to a clerk that he had "tapped'' the building.

By the time police arrived, the man had paid $20 and renewed his license.

I leave you with my random indie playlist of the day:

Astropop 3 -- "Anything"
Superchunk -- "Every Single Instinct"
The Standard -- "Jump Rope"
South -- "Loosen Your Hold"
Cat Power -- "Good Woman"
Pinback -- "This Red Book"
Loquat -- "Time Bomb"
Walk Wink -- "Love You Better"
Ken Stringfellow -- "Here's To The Future"
Dismemberment Plan -- "The City"
The Wrens -- "Ex Girl Collection"
A Girl Called Eddy -- "Life Thru The Same Lens"

2005-04-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

Bought some new sneakers today. I want to start using that word more often--sneakers. I needed some new running shoes and unfortunately it costs a lot to get good ones.

Have you ever known anyone who has won a really good, really big prize? Like say in a contest? I have never known anyone.

Until today.

A friend of mine--who will remain nameless to protect him from vultures and mooches--told me today that he won the grand prize in a contest that he didn't even know he was in. Evidently he was entered into a contest because of some things he was doing online and he won a major prize: ten thousand dollars. It's outrageous. I plan to go to the "ceremony" next week and see if they give him one of those big checks and maybe get some pictures. If so, I'll be sure to post.

It's been so nice the past two days here and I've been LOVING the sunshine. So I thought it was time for another Top 10 List. (Except this time it will be Top 20.)

Top 20 Favorite "Sun" Songs
1. Ain't No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
2. Asleep On A Sunbeam (Belle & Sebastian)
3. Blister In The Sun (Violent Femmes)
4. Brighter Than Sunshine (Aqualung)
5. Cry In The Sun (Better Than Ezra)
6. Follow The Sun (Ooberman)
7. Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles)
8. I Don't Believe In The Sun (The Magnetic Fields)
9. I Never Knew You From The Sun (Innocence Mission)
10. Island In The Sun (Weezer)
11. Moment In The Sun (Clem Snide)
12. Nocturnal Sunshine (Me'Shell Ndege 'Ocello)
13. People Of The Sun (Rage Against The Machine)
14. Sunburn (Muse)
15. Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid (Elefant)
16. Sunset Soon Forgotten (Iron & Wine)
17. Sunshine [Come On Lady] (Josh Rouse)
18. You Are My Sunshine (Johnny Cash)
19. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)
20. Your Fucking Sunny Day (Lambchop)

I've leaped back up to an 8.5 rating at hotORnot. Take that suckas!!

I want a motorcycle. And I would wear one of those old style helmets with the spike on top and a chin strap. It would be a street bike--not one of those crotch-rockets. I'm a notoriously slow driver. I'd definitely be a cruiser on a street bike! One day....

Can you wear sneakers on a street bike?

You should listen to Feist. Great folk/jazz stuff. Killer voice, even if she chooses to sing in French sometimes.

Sneakers. Makes me smile even typing it!

2005-04-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

After a week or so off, I'm feeling a new energy to sit in front of my computer and type away instead of going outside and enjoying the sunshine.

I got to go see the cute little nieces this past weekend. They turned one year old and they had a birthday party. They are adorable as ever--walking (waddling) around with cute little smiles and still not wanting to get close to the scary bald uncle. It was great to see the family and I didn't even mind the long drive there and back. I listened to a lot of music and didn't talk. I actually really enjoy both.

I spent a good amount of time this past weekend looking for a house to buy. I'm planning to be in something by the fall so I'm re-working my budget, probably moving in with a guy for a few months and looking around for stuff. It's strange to think about owning a home--it's like I'm actually a grown-up. I've been pretending to be for a long time...

Strange occurance this morning. I got an email from a girl I was crazy about in college. She was the first girl who broke up with me because I wasn't "confident enough in myself." She's married with two kids and just 'found' me online and thought she'd say hey. It was a really nice email--she was gracious and kind. She even mentioned our "thing" in college and wondered if I even remembered her. I have to admit though--the email made me a little sentimental. I had the urge to listen to Death Cab For Cutie and let little tears come to the corners of my eyes as I thought about relationships that didn't "make it."

Instead I wrote her back and probably tried too hard to make it sound like things are great and I've been just fine since she pronounced me "not good enough." It's weird when worlds collide--someone from the past showing up in the middle of my now-everyday life. Not sure what to make of it.

Been reading Douglas Coupland again lately. I'm re-reading Generation X right now and laughing like crazy. It's a fantastic first novel. I wanted to share a few of the more meaningful definitions he gives in the book. Maybe these will encourage other people to read the book. Keep in mind, this book was written in 1991 so some of these definitions might not seem all that profound now, but they were FAR ahead of their time when he wrote them.

McJob A low-pay, low-presitge, low-dignity, low-benefit, no-future job in the service sector. Frequently considered a satisfying career choice by people who have never held one.
Vaccinated Time Travel To fantasize about traveling backward in time, but only with proper vaccinations.
Emotional Ketchup Burst The bottling up of opinions and emotions inside oneself so that they explosively burst forth all at once, shocking and confusing employers and friends--most of whom thought things were fine.
Ethnomagnetism The tendency of young people to live in emotionally demonstrative, more unrestricted ethnic neighborhoods: "You wouldn't understand it there mother--they hug where I live now."
Successophobia The fear that if one is successful, then one's personal needs will be forgotten and one will no longer have one's childish needs catered to.

Lastly for now--an inspiring story for those of us who are looking to earn some extra money... and simply don't care how we get it:

Utah Man Selling Naming Right on EBay
UINTAH HIGHLANDS, Utah (AP)

Matthew Jean Rouse doesn't like his middle name and he's letting you pick a new one. The 31-year-old father of two is selling the naming right on eBay.

The "Buy It Now'' price is $8,000. As of early Monday, there had been a total of 30 bids, with the high bid $2,175.

The winning bidder gets to choose a new middle name for Rouse, a software engineer.

Rouse also agrees to use his middle name ``whenever plausible and not hide it.''

"If he wants to walk around with 'Fool' as his middle name, that's his problem,'' said Rouse's wife, Corinna Rouse. "If someone changes his name to 'Poophead,' he may decide it's a little more important than he thought.''

Rouse's middle name was taken from his late grandfather, Jean Stelter, with whom he didn't get along.

His older brother, Bill Rouse, 46, of Mesa, Ariz., bid $1,500 for the name. "Basically, he's trying to dump our grandfather's name, and I'm trying to buy it and make it stay as it is,'' Bill Rouse said.

Poophead? Don't they use profanity out there in Utah?