Orange juice = 64 fl oz.
Vitamin C = 3000 mg
Nyquil = 2 TBSP
Motrin = 600 mg
Oliver was picked up by his papa a half hour ago so he can play and I can sleep. Thanks T! And thanks for the bananas..."Will you take two bananas for this dog?" Priceless...
I am looking forward to a nice, restful night so I can tackle my training tomorrow.
Hasta mañana.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
A day of firsts
For many reasons:
1. On the arm of an office chair, I saw bite marks - of the rat variety.
2. Anchormen do wear pants.
3. It's very possible to see the child in everybody, no matter how old they are.
4. The sight of a building can dredge up feelings of sadness, regret, and stupidity, and make you cry.
5. Motrin doesn't always work.
6. You can get Lucky on a Monday.
1. On the arm of an office chair, I saw bite marks - of the rat variety.
2. Anchormen do wear pants.
3. It's very possible to see the child in everybody, no matter how old they are.
4. The sight of a building can dredge up feelings of sadness, regret, and stupidity, and make you cry.
5. Motrin doesn't always work.
6. You can get Lucky on a Monday.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dude
Oliver is looking a little scraggly - might need a bath. He spent yesterday and part of today with his papa so I could get some sleep. He said he had lots of fun.
Not having to go outside in our recent winter wonderland was a treat, especially because I'm sicker today than I was yesterday. Bring on the Nyquil.
Small blessings.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Movie Review
THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT
Overall, this movie was average. The reason for the haunting had a good backstory (although I think they could have gone into the "body art" aspect of it a bit more), there were some decent "boo" moments, and frankly, I am an immediate fan of any movie that features Elias Koteas. He's not the best actor, but I like his style and he never fails to entertain.
Some key factors that stood out:
1. Eyelids (you'll see........)
2. Spooky photographs
3. Nice truck
4. The ax scene
5. Shadows
6. Ectoplasm (remember Ghostbusters?)
Some key factors that turned me off:
1. The religious aspect
2. Eyelids
3. Not enough Elias Koteas
Is it worth seeing in the theater? Yeah. Maybe for the price of a matinee.
On a side note, there was a middle aged couple sitting a few seats over, and they had a difficult time holding back certain bodily functions a couple times during the movie (from the mouth and down south). These sounds were coupled with their running commentary throughout the film, such as "Dumbass muthafucka, he gonna die" and "Now, why she not runnin? Run, woman, run!".
It was an interactive experience. Truly.
Darn it
I might have a cold. It started coming on yesterday - I felt that airy, uncomfortable feeling in my throat, no pain, just the constant urge to clear my throat.
Today, the nagging throat thing is still here, as is just an overall feeling of ickiness. I little coughing, which is new. Also achey, tired, and the blahs.
I did not work out this morning, instead opting to stay in, out of the rain, away from more bad germs, and retreated under the warmth of my covers. It was cozy and theraputic, until somebody couldn't keep his head off of my pillow. A space invader. I do not like my space invaded, especially when I'm feeling like crap.
I did manage to play the "poor me" card and got Schnucks delivered, rather than me having to go shopping. That was nice. I am going to have some soup, peel my orange, and then crawl back under my fortress of blankets in hopes of warding off a higher level of sickness.
The rest of my day will consist of finishing my reflection paper for class, watching one of my favorite movies, "Rachel Getting Married", and napping. Also, my day thus far has been infused with the music of Pylon - it's oddly soothing and nostalgic, kind of perfect for the weather and my current state of mind. If I were to form a band, this is the kind of music I'd like to play/create.
Today, the nagging throat thing is still here, as is just an overall feeling of ickiness. I little coughing, which is new. Also achey, tired, and the blahs.
I did not work out this morning, instead opting to stay in, out of the rain, away from more bad germs, and retreated under the warmth of my covers. It was cozy and theraputic, until somebody couldn't keep his head off of my pillow. A space invader. I do not like my space invaded, especially when I'm feeling like crap.
I did manage to play the "poor me" card and got Schnucks delivered, rather than me having to go shopping. That was nice. I am going to have some soup, peel my orange, and then crawl back under my fortress of blankets in hopes of warding off a higher level of sickness.
The rest of my day will consist of finishing my reflection paper for class, watching one of my favorite movies, "Rachel Getting Married", and napping. Also, my day thus far has been infused with the music of Pylon - it's oddly soothing and nostalgic, kind of perfect for the weather and my current state of mind. If I were to form a band, this is the kind of music I'd like to play/create.
Friday, March 27, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC STUHLER!
It's my uncle Eric's birthday today. And that makes it an extra-special day!
Eric is the reason I am here in Missouri. He and his wife, my aunt Deb, suggested I go to school at Lindenwood, Eric's alma mater. I know I didn't appreciate it at the time as much as I do now, and I shudder to think of where I might be in life had he not been there for me.
I also got to watch their kids grow up, which was a true gift. When I moved to St. Louis in 1990, Hoot and Albo (nicknames) were tiny, little gradeschoolers, all giggly and girly and causing all sorts of trouble. Now they're amazing young women, all giggly and girly and still causing trouble. Hoot is now married and a teacher, and Albo is getting her B.A. at Lindenwood. I have so many great memories that I cherish, having spent time with this loving and giving family, because of Eric.
Eric graduated from Lindenwood in the 70's, went on to law school at UMKC, and later returned to St. Charles to practice law, and also teach at Lindenwood. He's taught at Lindenwood since the 1980's, and is now the Director of Planned Giving at the university. In that time, he's raised (with Deb) two great girls, dotes on his wife (and drives her crazy at times), has been an endless well of support for his parents and siblings, for his wife's parents and siblings, and all of his in-laws.
I mentioned earlier in this blog that I was lucky - well, our entire family is lucky to have Eric Stuhler a part of it. For more reasons that I can count.
He's never backed down from responsibility to his family, extended and immediate, and is the most giving man I know.
THE most giving man I know.
And to be able to call him family is pretty darn cool.
Happy Birthday Eric.
Hope, Hope, Hope
Aw jeez. Things are not looking good.
The Red River in Fargo, ND is now expected to crest between today and tomorrow morning at 43 feet. It's already surpassed the 112-year old record from 1897. Most of the dikes have been built up to 41 feet, which does not look to be high enough. And with the crest expected to last from 3-7 days, it's anyone's guess whether the dikes can withstand that constant pressure for so long.
It makes me so proud that I am from ND - where people come together so selflessly in times of crisis. Johnson Drive, the street on which my grandparents lived and I spent the most time growing up, is where I learned what it means to be a good neighbor. A good citizen. Yes, it's true that sometimes we Northern folk like to keep to ourselves, and we aren't the most outgoing and genial people. Most of us are more "matter-of-fact" straight talkers who don't get overly dramatic. But when someone we know is in trouble, we are steadfast and true. We rise to the challenge. There is no whining.
It's been amazing to hear, first hand, about the incredible efforts the people of Fargo are putting forth in order to keep their town safe, their neighbors safe, strangers safe. And I'm hoping, maybe against hope, that the river won't crest as high as predicted, and the dikes will hold, and the town will remain safe and dry.
Random
Got some issues worked out in class last night. Also got my midterm back....A-. Nice.
I am feeling very optimistic today - I have several plans for today, some take place this morning, others this afternoon, and some this evening. All have the potential for very positive outcomes, some of which are in my control, some are completely out of my control. It's a good mix. I'm excited to see what happens.
My former coworker is having a party tonight, with the timely theme of "Unemployment Jam 2009". Love it. I will be there, at some point, to celebrate what I see as a liberation.
I am looking forward to seeing what looks to be a scary movie today, A Haunting In Connecticut. By all accounts, it's got the perfect mix of elements for success - based on a true story, séances, former funeral home, out of tune piano music, big old farmhouse, spooky basement, spirits, well-meaning priest, and Virginia Madsen of Candyman and The Prophecy fame.
This movie, "Away We Go", also looks good - David Eggers, who wrote it, is amazing, and Sam Mendes directs. Recipe for greatness. Also, any move Maggie Gyllenhall is in always seems to entertain. If you don't believe me, check out "Secretary". Entertaining as hell.
I am feeling very optimistic today - I have several plans for today, some take place this morning, others this afternoon, and some this evening. All have the potential for very positive outcomes, some of which are in my control, some are completely out of my control. It's a good mix. I'm excited to see what happens.
My former coworker is having a party tonight, with the timely theme of "Unemployment Jam 2009". Love it. I will be there, at some point, to celebrate what I see as a liberation.
I am looking forward to seeing what looks to be a scary movie today, A Haunting In Connecticut. By all accounts, it's got the perfect mix of elements for success - based on a true story, séances, former funeral home, out of tune piano music, big old farmhouse, spooky basement, spirits, well-meaning priest, and Virginia Madsen of Candyman and The Prophecy fame.
This movie, "Away We Go", also looks good - David Eggers, who wrote it, is amazing, and Sam Mendes directs. Recipe for greatness. Also, any move Maggie Gyllenhall is in always seems to entertain. If you don't believe me, check out "Secretary". Entertaining as hell.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Oh Mickey, you WERE so fine...
A fellow blogger recently did a review of Diner, which featured a very young Mickey Rourke. This led me to rent "9 1/2 Weeks", a movie I haven't seen since it was out in theaters, featuring a young Mickey Rourke.
I'd forgotten how good that movie was. I'd also forgotten how hot Mickey Rourke was. Wow.
So here is my question. WHY, Mickey? What the HELL did you do to your face? He was soft and tender and smooth and handsome in his youth. In his earlier movies like Body Heat, The Pope of Greenwich Village and Rumble Fish, he exuded this easy-going, happy sensuality. His face, his voice, you could trust him, you wanted to be his best girl (or best friend, for you guys out there).
Now he looks like a Dr. 90210 plastic surgery nightmare gone real bad. Greasy, rambling, unsteady, unfocused, just a lukewarm mess. Not a hot mess. Not dirty sexy. Just dirty. Boo.
I have a good friend that I think looked a lot like a young Mickey when he was in his 20's. My friend is now 40, and his looks haven't changed much in the last 15 years - he's still handsome as ever. I believe Mickey would look a lot like my friend. Maybe I'll post his pic, so you could see what Mickey might look like now, sans plastic surgery, boxing after-effects and such.
I want to see the Wrestler. I really do. But see, I've watched the movie Domino, and that scarred me a bit - it's like Mickey split into two beings, one being the young knockout from the 80's and the other being the biggest dirty/greezy mess in 21st century cinema. I want the old Mickey back. I miss him. I look at the new Mickey and wonder what could be done, medically, to bring him back to how he was 20-odd years ago.
Yeah, I know I'm waxing on about the guy's looks. I probably sound superficial. But in my opinion, they overshadow his acting chops. Even his voice is different now.
I've got Body Heat and Rumble Fish cued up in my NetFlix, can't wait to relive happier times with Mick. Until I finish my trip down memory lane, The Wrestler will have to wait.
Pout Some More, Ye Old Rocker
Oh Bret.
Can you get plastic surgery for constantly pursed lips? Looks like it. He's so dirty. But not sexy dirty...just washed-up, fake baked & Euro-tressed dirty. So why do I watch Rock Of Love? Because it's an entertaining train wreck that transports me from my current troubles into a land of hilarious, old-rocker-wanna-be-new-rocker fantasy.
He was in St. Louis last night...his Rock Of Love Tour hit up some of our loverly casino bars. Since tickets were $35, I opted to meet a friend at Tin Can.
Found this ode to Mr. Michaels. Even tweens watch ROLB. Nice parody.
Fargo Fights On
It's rough going in ND. As the folks of Fargo fill sandbag after sandbag in an effort to hold back the Red River, parts of the area are already flooding badly and rescues are underway.
What makes these flood rescues more dire than others are the freezing temperatures, the snowstorm, and the fact that many of the vehicles in these areas are frozen and won't move. So they've got airboats, the kind you see in the bayou, out picking stranded people up and moving them to safety.
The river is expected to crest Friday at 41 feet above flood stage. That's bad. It's coming down to the wire now, and the efforts on behalf of the city and state residents, and others who have traveled there to lend a hand will be put to the test in the next 48 hours.
In the photo with the guy shoveling, he's waist-deep in slush/water, freezing slush/water, attempting to clear out a drainage ditch so the water will have somewhere to go.
Thankfully, Obama declared ND a disaster area, so the state will have 75% of their flood-prevention and rescue efforts paid for.
Blah
Puffy eyes. Slight headache. Groggy.
Still...and it's already 9:30.
From Mr. Bill Withers...my cup of tea today.
"Ain't No Sunshine"
Still...and it's already 9:30.
From Mr. Bill Withers...my cup of tea today.
"Ain't No Sunshine"
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Blizzard - conclusion
My mom is such a pioneer. She opened the back garage door, and proceeded to shovel her way through 5 feet of snow to a place in the backyard that wasn't too deep.
She said that the gas pipe was covered, and as she shoveled snow it smelled like gas. Which could have backed up into her house and killed her.
She said that when she got back into the garage, she was completely covered in snow, white from shoulders to toes. It was wet and heavy snow, really good for making a snowman, or in this case, a snowmom.
Snowmom. Ha.
My mom. A true prairie girl.
:-)
She said that the gas pipe was covered, and as she shoveled snow it smelled like gas. Which could have backed up into her house and killed her.
She said that when she got back into the garage, she was completely covered in snow, white from shoulders to toes. It was wet and heavy snow, really good for making a snowman, or in this case, a snowmom.
Snowmom. Ha.
My mom. A true prairie girl.
:-)
Blizzard update
My mom just told me she cannot get out of her house. She opened the back garage door, and the snow is as high as her neck (she's 5'3, so the drift is almost 5 feet high). She can't get out the front door.
Her dog Bridget had to potty on the deck. The snow there is at least two feet high.
Lord. Life in North Dakota.
In Like A Lion...
March weather is creating havoc all over.
Talked to my mom last night, who lives in Dickinson ND, and she described the blizzard that was happening. All of the windows on the front side of the house were frozen over, she couldn't see out at all. It had rained earlier, so beneath the feet of snow that the blizzard will leave is a sheet of ice. Be careful out there, Mom.
My friend Vicky, who lives in Fargo ND, blogged about she and her son helping hundreds of other people sandbag through the night. They're going back today to sandbag some more, which is awesome. Area schools have given students the option of staying in school and studying, or sandbagging, and most are opting for sandbagging, it's that serious.
The normal Fargo flood stage is 18 feet. It had reached 25 feet as of yesterday. They are predicting the Red River to crest at 40 feet by Friday.
I hope my friend's basement stays dry, as does all of Fargo. I hope that those dikes are strong and hold back the water. North Dakota folks are hardy people, and can "weather" the harsh climate, but this will be a true test of their spirit.
I remember growing up on 13th St. West and having to bail out our window wells when storms would come through because our basement was very prone to flooding. Our neighbors, the Christensons, would lend a hand sometimes. It was a community effort then, as it is now.
St. Louis weather today looks to be a bit on the crazy side. Bad t-storms, winds from 30-40 mph, with gusts of 45-57 mph. This is what I read on Yahoo! Severe Weather Alert:
"THOSE DRIVING LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES WILL NEED TO
USE CAUTION...AS THESE GUSTY WINDS MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO
CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE. LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE OF SPECIAL CONCERN
WHILE DRIVING ON EAST-WEST ROADS."
Let's be careful out there.
Monday, March 23, 2009
To Covet
Most things I want in life are within reach...some are a stretch.
I want to...
Walk in these so I can....
Ride this over to.....
See my boyfriend, where we can.....
Play a duet on this, in the.....
Home we share, after which we can......
Drive this to the airport for our romantic getaway....
Here.
I want to...
Walk in these so I can....
Ride this over to.....
See my boyfriend, where we can.....
Play a duet on this, in the.....
Home we share, after which we can......
Drive this to the airport for our romantic getaway....
Here.
Labels:
Cervelo P2C Ultregra,
Chevy Nova,
Fluevogs,
grand,
Lou Reed,
Machu Picchu,
Tahoe
Terrible News
I just learned that a few of my former coworkers, some whom I call friends, have been laid off. Possibly 14 in total (so the rumor mill goes).
These are some very talented people, so if anyone is looking to hire in the areas of development or account management, let me know and I'll forward they're contact info.
This economy sucks.
These are some very talented people, so if anyone is looking to hire in the areas of development or account management, let me know and I'll forward they're contact info.
This economy sucks.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
FOR YOUR EARS
Concert alert.
Tuesday night at Off Broadway, Eli "Paperboy" Reed and his fine band The True Loves will grace St. Louis with their presence. Grace, I say - there's no other word for what he's putting out.
Horn section - check.
Soul - check.
Funk - check.
Young Boston Jewish boy throwing down deep and throaty Delta-South tunes for the good folks of the Lou - check.
Enjoy.
Reconnected...and it feels so good
I'm back. 48 hours of non-blogging.
Am I the better for it? Who knows.
I did get much accomplished this weekend, being unplugged and all. I cleaned - a lot. I slept - a lot. I played - a lot.
Thanks again Mom (I love getting that kind of mail!), and congrats to my brother Jeff, the doctor, on his new Ortho McDreamy appointment at SLU. Way to go!
Facebook continues to annoy - discovered today that one of my friends is AWOL, and thinking she befriended me (the noiv!) I did a search for her. No luck. I reached out to a mutual friend (who I'm also concerned about as her spaghetti addiction is out of control), and she can't find her either. I fear that she's floating aimlessly in the black hole that is the new FB layout.
I am toying with the idea of going to bed directly after my Rock of Love Bus fix so that I can get up earlier than usual and bike to the gym in the morning, rather than drive. I think I can dodge bullets just as well on a two wheeler as I can in a four....right? My Fuji is nimble and responsive. With enough sleep, so am I. :-)
I found out that when you disconnect, you get behind on very important news. These are some of the top stories from the weekend that I'm JUST NOW catching up on (I feel sooo behind):
1. Bruce Willis got married, and Han Solo and Chupa-Head got engaged.
2. Car fire in O'Fallon
3. Lady GaGa blows the roof off of SXSW
4. Pet food pantries open up to help people/pets in need
Okay, I do like #4. Some people would rather go without a meal than have to not feed their pets. I totally understand this, and support the new pantry efforts. Very nice.
I hope y'all had a good weekend. I'm going to beat feet on the street with my pup before the darkness falls. Later, tater.
Am I the better for it? Who knows.
I did get much accomplished this weekend, being unplugged and all. I cleaned - a lot. I slept - a lot. I played - a lot.
Thanks again Mom (I love getting that kind of mail!), and congrats to my brother Jeff, the doctor, on his new Ortho McDreamy appointment at SLU. Way to go!
Facebook continues to annoy - discovered today that one of my friends is AWOL, and thinking she befriended me (the noiv!) I did a search for her. No luck. I reached out to a mutual friend (who I'm also concerned about as her spaghetti addiction is out of control), and she can't find her either. I fear that she's floating aimlessly in the black hole that is the new FB layout.
I am toying with the idea of going to bed directly after my Rock of Love Bus fix so that I can get up earlier than usual and bike to the gym in the morning, rather than drive. I think I can dodge bullets just as well on a two wheeler as I can in a four....right? My Fuji is nimble and responsive. With enough sleep, so am I. :-)
I found out that when you disconnect, you get behind on very important news. These are some of the top stories from the weekend that I'm JUST NOW catching up on (I feel sooo behind):
1. Bruce Willis got married, and Han Solo and Chupa-Head got engaged.
2. Car fire in O'Fallon
3. Lady GaGa blows the roof off of SXSW
4. Pet food pantries open up to help people/pets in need
Okay, I do like #4. Some people would rather go without a meal than have to not feed their pets. I totally understand this, and support the new pantry efforts. Very nice.
I hope y'all had a good weekend. I'm going to beat feet on the street with my pup before the darkness falls. Later, tater.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Weekend Outlook
I'm going on 3 hours sleep, so forgive any grammatical errors.
Heading to the gym - dedicated, yes. Foolhardy - perhaps. I will stay away from the deep water and free weights. No harm, no foul.
I had some seriously demented dreams last night. Woke up choking once. Every other time I woke up (in the span of 3 hours), I was under the impression that I had to switch positions/pillows or perish. Constant tossin' and turnin' - I was a bad bedmate. Pizza is evil.
This weekend - dinner with friends tonight, and will attempt to win tickets via KDHX to the Folk Festival at the Sheldon for Saturday night (John Gorka will be playing, I'm a fan).
Sunday is my writing day. Hoping I can crank out some decent pages.
Per my previous post, I am beginning my weekend disconnect, starting..............................................
.....now.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I'll Take It
I received a new job offer today, 30 minutes before taking my midterm. Booyah.
Couldn't have come at a better time. I've been looking for months.
My test anxiety melted away, and I kicked the test's ass.
I will soon be sharing a celebratory late-night pizza courtesy of my gal pal Candace.
Right now I'm dancing to Jouney - yeah, Journey. Getting my Steve Perry on makes me happy. Life just got a little better.
Couldn't have come at a better time. I've been looking for months.
My test anxiety melted away, and I kicked the test's ass.
I will soon be sharing a celebratory late-night pizza courtesy of my gal pal Candace.
Right now I'm dancing to Jouney - yeah, Journey. Getting my Steve Perry on makes me happy. Life just got a little better.
Holy Crap
Yo Chuck, Move Over....
Chuck Klosterman is from my home state of North Dakota. He's a pop culture writer, having penned such classics as Fargo Rock City: A Heavy Metal Odyssey in Rural North Dakota and Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto.
I like his writing, as we're the same age and grew up in the same region, so I can relate to much of what he rambles on about.
He used to write for Spin, but is now a columnist for Esquire and has just published his 5th tome, Downtown Owl. I've yet to read it, my hesitation stemming from the fact that it's an account of a fictional town in ND.
There is absolutely no reason to create a fictional ND town for the purpose of publishing a humorist essay. There are a ton of small towns in ND ripe with hilarious stories and eclectic characters from which to extricate true life. Seriously. When I tell my friends here in St. Louis stories of my youth, they're ROTFLMAOPIP. Word.
That said, I have started writing my own novel, a non-fiction account of growing up in ND in the 1980's from a gal's perspective. I will be referencing music from that time period, as well as movies, pop culture, fads, politics, and the like. I will post some passages on this blog for feedback, and have secured fact-checkers and editors.
It's a go.
Now, all I need is a literary agent.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Childhood
I ran across this very cool Lego ad, and it got me thinking back to how much fun it was to be a kid in the 1970's. Here is a list of games/toys that pervaded my childhood in a big way:
Lincoln Logs - my gramma had a big can of these, and my brother and cousins and I would build log cabins for Barbie, Luke, Leia and Han to play in. Or destroy. Either way, they smelled all woody, the chimney was the best part, we would randomly slap each other with the green roof slats, and I wish I had a set right now because I have a very strong urge to build something up and knock it down.
Constructo Straws - these were fun, pliable multi-colored plactic straws that you could hook together with little wheelie bits to make outrageous shapes and designs. You could also use the straws as weapons and slap the crap out of your little brother (or vice versa).
Superstition board game - this wasn't a very mainstream board game, but my mom was a big believer in board games and either my brother or I probably begged for this one. It was really cool, as there was an element of horror to it. It took place in a graveyard, there were neat contraptions that you set up, and if your gamepiece landed on one of them, you had to beat the ghost or mummy or whatever by surviving the contraption (breaking mirror, falling ladder, etc.). It was a bitch to set up, as many of the contraptions relied on springs/rubber bands to set off the "motion", but the effort was worth it.
4 Square - we played this in the schoolyard from 1st grade through 6th grade. We had all these really sharp strategies, like "spiking" the ball really high in the air to throw off our opponents, or baby-dribble, or "spinning" the ball so it would bounce in another square, but come right back to you which would oust the opposing player. I don't think kids play this anymore - well, maybe in ND, but I've not seen any 4 Square diagrams on any schoolyards here in St. Louis. I remember my schoolmate Steve DeLap was the king of the 4 Square...he also liked to play vampire and run around biting girls necks. Naturally, we didn't mind. ;-)
Kick The Can - a classic neighborhood game, you set up a can (pop, coffee) and one team attempted to tag players from the opposing team. If you were tagged, you had to go to "jail", and if one of your teammates kicked the can without getting tagged, it set you free. We used to play this well after dark, with our moms yelling from our backyards to get our behinds home for bathtime. This made for many a decent summer night.
Red Rover - I remember playing this when I was very little. The kids would form opposing lines on either end of the yard, and one team would ask "Red Rover, Red Rover, send (kid) on over". So, this kid would them bum rush the opposing line and attempt to break through. If they did, they could choose someone from that broken line to go back to their line with them. It was kind of violent, all arms and headbutts.
Seven Up - sometimes called "Heads Down, Thumbs Up", this was a game we used to play in class. There would be 7 kids standing at the front of the room, and the rest of us would put our heads down on the desk, close our eyes (yeah, right), and place our clenched fists with thumbs up on the desk. The five students would then walk around the room stealthily, and each push down on the thumb of their choosing. Then they'd head back to the front of the room, you'd lift your head, and attempt towould then match them up. Easy peasy.
Tag - There was Freeze Tag, Disney Tag, Dinosaur Tag, Cartoon Tag. Jeez, I know I'm missing some. I think we made up a gazillian different variations, using whatever was popular at the time. Maybe He-Man Tag, or Star Wars Tag? Good times.
Kiss or Kill - boys against girls, and vice versa. We'd chase after a boy, tackle him, and then ask him "kiss or kill"? The boys always said "kill", at which point we'd have to punch them. When caught, we girls would always say "kiss", at which point the boy would get all disgusted and punch us in the arm. Never any kissing. But that didn't stop us from trying.
Crissy Doll - I'll end with this rare gem. Oh, she was a magical doll. And not just because we shared the same name. She was pretty big, maybe a foot and a half tall, with a knob on her back, a button on her tummy, and a head full of long, red hair that you could pull straight out of her head. She had really cool 1970's clothes as well, all Lawrence Welk showstoppers. My ADD would kick in, and instead of using the tummy button to let the hair out, I'd just give it a good yank. Eventually, I believe we couldn't get her hair back into her head.
Lincoln Logs - my gramma had a big can of these, and my brother and cousins and I would build log cabins for Barbie, Luke, Leia and Han to play in. Or destroy. Either way, they smelled all woody, the chimney was the best part, we would randomly slap each other with the green roof slats, and I wish I had a set right now because I have a very strong urge to build something up and knock it down.
Constructo Straws - these were fun, pliable multi-colored plactic straws that you could hook together with little wheelie bits to make outrageous shapes and designs. You could also use the straws as weapons and slap the crap out of your little brother (or vice versa).
Superstition board game - this wasn't a very mainstream board game, but my mom was a big believer in board games and either my brother or I probably begged for this one. It was really cool, as there was an element of horror to it. It took place in a graveyard, there were neat contraptions that you set up, and if your gamepiece landed on one of them, you had to beat the ghost or mummy or whatever by surviving the contraption (breaking mirror, falling ladder, etc.). It was a bitch to set up, as many of the contraptions relied on springs/rubber bands to set off the "motion", but the effort was worth it.
4 Square - we played this in the schoolyard from 1st grade through 6th grade. We had all these really sharp strategies, like "spiking" the ball really high in the air to throw off our opponents, or baby-dribble, or "spinning" the ball so it would bounce in another square, but come right back to you which would oust the opposing player. I don't think kids play this anymore - well, maybe in ND, but I've not seen any 4 Square diagrams on any schoolyards here in St. Louis. I remember my schoolmate Steve DeLap was the king of the 4 Square...he also liked to play vampire and run around biting girls necks. Naturally, we didn't mind. ;-)
Kick The Can - a classic neighborhood game, you set up a can (pop, coffee) and one team attempted to tag players from the opposing team. If you were tagged, you had to go to "jail", and if one of your teammates kicked the can without getting tagged, it set you free. We used to play this well after dark, with our moms yelling from our backyards to get our behinds home for bathtime. This made for many a decent summer night.
Red Rover - I remember playing this when I was very little. The kids would form opposing lines on either end of the yard, and one team would ask "Red Rover, Red Rover, send (kid) on over". So, this kid would them bum rush the opposing line and attempt to break through. If they did, they could choose someone from that broken line to go back to their line with them. It was kind of violent, all arms and headbutts.
Seven Up - sometimes called "Heads Down, Thumbs Up", this was a game we used to play in class. There would be 7 kids standing at the front of the room, and the rest of us would put our heads down on the desk, close our eyes (yeah, right), and place our clenched fists with thumbs up on the desk. The five students would then walk around the room stealthily, and each push down on the thumb of their choosing. Then they'd head back to the front of the room, you'd lift your head, and attempt towould then match them up. Easy peasy.
Tag - There was Freeze Tag, Disney Tag, Dinosaur Tag, Cartoon Tag. Jeez, I know I'm missing some. I think we made up a gazillian different variations, using whatever was popular at the time. Maybe He-Man Tag, or Star Wars Tag? Good times.
Kiss or Kill - boys against girls, and vice versa. We'd chase after a boy, tackle him, and then ask him "kiss or kill"? The boys always said "kill", at which point we'd have to punch them. When caught, we girls would always say "kiss", at which point the boy would get all disgusted and punch us in the arm. Never any kissing. But that didn't stop us from trying.
Crissy Doll - I'll end with this rare gem. Oh, she was a magical doll. And not just because we shared the same name. She was pretty big, maybe a foot and a half tall, with a knob on her back, a button on her tummy, and a head full of long, red hair that you could pull straight out of her head. She had really cool 1970's clothes as well, all Lawrence Welk showstoppers. My ADD would kick in, and instead of using the tummy button to let the hair out, I'd just give it a good yank. Eventually, I believe we couldn't get her hair back into her head.
Movie Reviews
ALL THE REAL GIRLS:
One of my all-time favorite movies is a little-known indie called "All The Real Girls". This is the kind of movie that you can let wash over you, get comfortable with, and feel lazy and nostalgic about your young-adulthood. Every scene is punctuated with the banality of hick-town life, but also infused with unmediated and tangible realism. These characters get into situations that are very recognizable, and say things that I wish I'd had the courage or inclination to say when I was in similar situations. The lead, Paul Schneider, makes the best of his dialogue and scenes, bringing a quirky and intimate style to his character. His dancing clown scene in the hospital never fails to make me laugh out loud. I'm just a little bit in love with the guy. Also, I never felt that this movie was trying to be highbrow or profound - it just feels so natural and real (hence the title). What also made it so moving for me was the use of music throughout - dark and brooding indie rock guitar, and the opening song by Will Oldham sets the tone for the backwoods grit feel throughout.
RUSHMORE:
Another movie that I will never get enough of is Rushmore. In my opinion, this is Wes Anderson's finest hour in filmmaking. He got every scene right, every character to a T, a perfect meld of everything that makes a movie unforgettable. This movie makes me happy, like kid-in-a-candy-store happy, so whenever I happen to catch it on cable, I settle in for a good couple hours of perfect entertainment. The basic story is of an eccentric prep-schooler Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzmann), his friendship with an older and successful industrialist Henry (Bill Murray), and their mutual crush on a grade school teacher at Rushmore, Rosemary (Olivia Cross). The score (Mark Mothersbaugh, genius) is a heady amalgamation of original songs and perfect picks from 1960's British Invasion bands (The Stones, The Kinks, The Faces, The Who). Every song seems to be custom-made for each scene it accompanies, and the music is almost like a supporting character throughout. It's a soundtrack I keep in my car on on my iTunes at all times.
One of my all-time favorite movies is a little-known indie called "All The Real Girls". This is the kind of movie that you can let wash over you, get comfortable with, and feel lazy and nostalgic about your young-adulthood. Every scene is punctuated with the banality of hick-town life, but also infused with unmediated and tangible realism. These characters get into situations that are very recognizable, and say things that I wish I'd had the courage or inclination to say when I was in similar situations. The lead, Paul Schneider, makes the best of his dialogue and scenes, bringing a quirky and intimate style to his character. His dancing clown scene in the hospital never fails to make me laugh out loud. I'm just a little bit in love with the guy. Also, I never felt that this movie was trying to be highbrow or profound - it just feels so natural and real (hence the title). What also made it so moving for me was the use of music throughout - dark and brooding indie rock guitar, and the opening song by Will Oldham sets the tone for the backwoods grit feel throughout.
RUSHMORE:
Another movie that I will never get enough of is Rushmore. In my opinion, this is Wes Anderson's finest hour in filmmaking. He got every scene right, every character to a T, a perfect meld of everything that makes a movie unforgettable. This movie makes me happy, like kid-in-a-candy-store happy, so whenever I happen to catch it on cable, I settle in for a good couple hours of perfect entertainment. The basic story is of an eccentric prep-schooler Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzmann), his friendship with an older and successful industrialist Henry (Bill Murray), and their mutual crush on a grade school teacher at Rushmore, Rosemary (Olivia Cross). The score (Mark Mothersbaugh, genius) is a heady amalgamation of original songs and perfect picks from 1960's British Invasion bands (The Stones, The Kinks, The Faces, The Who). Every song seems to be custom-made for each scene it accompanies, and the music is almost like a supporting character throughout. It's a soundtrack I keep in my car on on my iTunes at all times.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Down and Out
I'm bummed - I've not missed a day blogging since December of 2008...until yesterday. My internet connection was MIA, and I just didn't step it up to log on elsewhere.
I felt very disconnected, not being able to check my FB, email, world news, entertainment chatter, and catch up on the blogs I read daily. But, I've been toying with the idea of downgrading to a cell phone that doesn't have internet capabilities, in an effort to cyberly "tune out" and personally "tune in". So, maybe yesterday was a test.
If it was a test, I passed in terms of disconnecting, but failed in terms of dealing with it rationally.
So, I will be "disconnecting" this coming weekend, in an effort to slowly wean myself from my attachment to all things online. I have midterms this week, so it will be a bit of a celebration to not have to study. I'm sure I can get into some sort of trouble w/o the use of a computer.
I felt very disconnected, not being able to check my FB, email, world news, entertainment chatter, and catch up on the blogs I read daily. But, I've been toying with the idea of downgrading to a cell phone that doesn't have internet capabilities, in an effort to cyberly "tune out" and personally "tune in". So, maybe yesterday was a test.
If it was a test, I passed in terms of disconnecting, but failed in terms of dealing with it rationally.
So, I will be "disconnecting" this coming weekend, in an effort to slowly wean myself from my attachment to all things online. I have midterms this week, so it will be a bit of a celebration to not have to study. I'm sure I can get into some sort of trouble w/o the use of a computer.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The little things mean.....
It was as low-key a weekend as one can get.
Nada on Friday, with the exception of breaking down and setting up some furniture. Finished watching "Milk", which was one damn fine film. I'll review it later. Definitely recommended.
Saturday morning, got up and worked out, tidied up. Lazed about in the afternoon, watched "I've Loved You So Long", another damn fine film featuring Kristin Scott Thomas.
Saturday night, went out to Mangia, had a nice looong and delicious meal. I noshed on seafood risotto, he tackled the sea snapper, we split the veggie toasted rav, and sipped on our favorite cocktails as we played the "what if" game. You know, "what if" you could go back in time to any day and place, who would you meet, what would you do differently, etc. That's always a good way to get to know someone better. What may seem to be a very minor bit of information can actually tell you a great deal about someone.
Met with my girlfriend Mary this morning for our usual weekend coffee catch-up. We sat outside at Soulard Coffee Garden - a bit chilly, but it was packed with hungover wannabe Irish lads and lasses. We ended the morning agreeing that even spending what amounts to sometimes only an hour a week together means a great deal to both of us. It's not the incriments of time, it's the depth of the conversation. She's become an amazing friend, and I'm lucky to know her.
Ran errands this afternoon (I hate malls), and got out on the bike for about an hour this afternoon. I am settling in for a nice evening of "me" time - mani/pedi, über-conditioning the hair, facial and at 8:00 my date with Bret (Rock Of Love Bus).
There's a poppy little show at The Firebird tonight - Cut Off Your Hands,Headlights, Pomegranate, and Gentleman Auction House. Also, if you want to shell out $25, Andrew Bird w/Heartless Bastards are at the Pageant. That is a concert I very much recommend. If it wasn't a schoolnight, I might venture out. I'm so lame.
On a side note, I snagged a copy of the March Spin magazine, and but who do I see as a Band to Watch? The Crystal Stilts! I think I discovered them first, and had even posted a video of them back on February 23rd. I like to believe that I've always got my finger on the pulse of new music, even though I know that's not true. But it's still my delusion, and I'll embrace it for all it's worth, dammit.
Finally, my weekend playlist:
"Prize" - Kitchens of Distinction
"Soul Mining" - The The
"In Circles" - Sunny Day Real Estate
"Anything At All" - Over The Rhine
"Pretty Good Year" - Tori Amos
"Fistful of Love" - Antony & The Johnsons
"Dirty Boulevard" - Lou Reed
"Fake Palindromes" - Andrew Bird
Nada on Friday, with the exception of breaking down and setting up some furniture. Finished watching "Milk", which was one damn fine film. I'll review it later. Definitely recommended.
Saturday morning, got up and worked out, tidied up. Lazed about in the afternoon, watched "I've Loved You So Long", another damn fine film featuring Kristin Scott Thomas.
Saturday night, went out to Mangia, had a nice looong and delicious meal. I noshed on seafood risotto, he tackled the sea snapper, we split the veggie toasted rav, and sipped on our favorite cocktails as we played the "what if" game. You know, "what if" you could go back in time to any day and place, who would you meet, what would you do differently, etc. That's always a good way to get to know someone better. What may seem to be a very minor bit of information can actually tell you a great deal about someone.
Met with my girlfriend Mary this morning for our usual weekend coffee catch-up. We sat outside at Soulard Coffee Garden - a bit chilly, but it was packed with hungover wannabe Irish lads and lasses. We ended the morning agreeing that even spending what amounts to sometimes only an hour a week together means a great deal to both of us. It's not the incriments of time, it's the depth of the conversation. She's become an amazing friend, and I'm lucky to know her.
Ran errands this afternoon (I hate malls), and got out on the bike for about an hour this afternoon. I am settling in for a nice evening of "me" time - mani/pedi, über-conditioning the hair, facial and at 8:00 my date with Bret (Rock Of Love Bus).
There's a poppy little show at The Firebird tonight - Cut Off Your Hands,Headlights, Pomegranate, and Gentleman Auction House. Also, if you want to shell out $25, Andrew Bird w/Heartless Bastards are at the Pageant. That is a concert I very much recommend. If it wasn't a schoolnight, I might venture out. I'm so lame.
On a side note, I snagged a copy of the March Spin magazine, and but who do I see as a Band to Watch? The Crystal Stilts! I think I discovered them first, and had even posted a video of them back on February 23rd. I like to believe that I've always got my finger on the pulse of new music, even though I know that's not true. But it's still my delusion, and I'll embrace it for all it's worth, dammit.
Finally, my weekend playlist:
"Prize" - Kitchens of Distinction
"Soul Mining" - The The
"In Circles" - Sunny Day Real Estate
"Anything At All" - Over The Rhine
"Pretty Good Year" - Tori Amos
"Fistful of Love" - Antony & The Johnsons
"Dirty Boulevard" - Lou Reed
"Fake Palindromes" - Andrew Bird
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Supagroup - Jack White Style
Jack White's record label signed a new "supergroup" called The Dead Weather. The lineup consists of The Kills' Alison Mosshart lead vocals, Jack White on drums and backing/co-vocals, Raconteur Jack Lawrence playing bass, and Queens Of The Stone Age's Dean Fertita on guitar.
The first single is "Hang You From The Heavens". It's got that eerie, seksi sinister Kills sound, and the crunchy-bluesy arrangement that White's been pushing the last 8 years. A good mix, if you ask me. I think it would make for a good live show.
Check out the video below:
The first single is "Hang You From The Heavens". It's got that eerie, seksi sinister Kills sound, and the crunchy-bluesy arrangement that White's been pushing the last 8 years. A good mix, if you ask me. I think it would make for a good live show.
Check out the video below:
Labels:
Alison Mosshart,
blues,
Jack White,
supergroup,
The Kills,
White Stripes
Friday, March 13, 2009
Movie Review
1st McDonalds Commercial
The first ever McDonalds commercial. The clown is played by Willard Scott.
Creepy.
Creepy.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Morning Ramblings - The Sequel
I have a crazy busy day ahead of me, so I thought I'd ramble on before getting started.
I had a dream last night that Arnold Schwartzenegger was my honey. Yup. Except he wasn't all roided out, and only wanted to watch movies in bed and cuddle. I woke up feeling all soft and happy. Now, I could analyze the dream in hopes of applying certain theories to my waking life. However, I'm thinking I should just take it at face value and be content with the fact that I spent quality time with the Terminator and am still alive.
I am in serious need of an oil change, and am debating on whether to go to Jiffy Lube on Kingshighway/Manchester or the garage across from BB's. Jiffy Lube hassles me every time with add ons, and when I turn them down I get scared that they'll sabotage my car in some way. But it's cheaper than the garage, and since I'm experiencing economic hard times, I'm leaning hard to the Jiffy.
My neck is all kinked out, like I slept funny (oh, Ahnold). Should make for an interesting workout this morning.
Class tonight, another quiz. Bring it on.
My interview went well yesterday. And seriously, St. Louis is the biggest small town in America. This particular company I interviewed with is a regular business and not an ad or marketing agency, but one of the interviewers asked if I knew Mark, a flash developer from one of my former jobs. Sure I knew Mark. Turns out we had both worked with this guy in the past. Small world. Hope I get called back - seems very stable, good values, nice perks, honorable founder, steady growth. All qualities that were lacking in the place I most recently worked.
And that's all the news fit to print today. Until tomorrow...
I had a dream last night that Arnold Schwartzenegger was my honey. Yup. Except he wasn't all roided out, and only wanted to watch movies in bed and cuddle. I woke up feeling all soft and happy. Now, I could analyze the dream in hopes of applying certain theories to my waking life. However, I'm thinking I should just take it at face value and be content with the fact that I spent quality time with the Terminator and am still alive.
I am in serious need of an oil change, and am debating on whether to go to Jiffy Lube on Kingshighway/Manchester or the garage across from BB's. Jiffy Lube hassles me every time with add ons, and when I turn them down I get scared that they'll sabotage my car in some way. But it's cheaper than the garage, and since I'm experiencing economic hard times, I'm leaning hard to the Jiffy.
My neck is all kinked out, like I slept funny (oh, Ahnold). Should make for an interesting workout this morning.
Class tonight, another quiz. Bring it on.
My interview went well yesterday. And seriously, St. Louis is the biggest small town in America. This particular company I interviewed with is a regular business and not an ad or marketing agency, but one of the interviewers asked if I knew Mark, a flash developer from one of my former jobs. Sure I knew Mark. Turns out we had both worked with this guy in the past. Small world. Hope I get called back - seems very stable, good values, nice perks, honorable founder, steady growth. All qualities that were lacking in the place I most recently worked.
And that's all the news fit to print today. Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Morning Ramblings
I have a job interview today - good luck to me.
This time change has been rather affecting. I feel completely off, the entire day. Discombobulated. Weird word, weird feeling.
Donkey Punch - new teeny-bopper-horror movie that's in theaters now. I've googled the term "donkey punch", and there are varying degrees of appalling explanations. Seriously? Who thinks these things up??? I consider myself progressive and open-minded, but come on. I wish I hadn't been so inquisitive. I'm going to leave this one alone (both the movie and the meaning).
Speaking of movies, the remake of "Last House On The Left" comes out this Friday. I watched the original a few months ago, before I knew of the impending remake. Dark. It will be interesting to see how the newest version treats the retribution aspect.
Here's what makes me feel old: the actress who plays the mother in this movie, Monica Potter, is one month younger than me in real life. So, it seems that I can no longer relate to the young adults in the movie, but rather the parents. Or maybe that's a good thing, depending on how the movie plays out. And yeah, I realize that I'm old enough to have a high-school aged child right now. But I don't. And therein lies the rub.
Last House On The Left - 1972
Last House On The Left - 2009
This time change has been rather affecting. I feel completely off, the entire day. Discombobulated. Weird word, weird feeling.
Donkey Punch - new teeny-bopper-horror movie that's in theaters now. I've googled the term "donkey punch", and there are varying degrees of appalling explanations. Seriously? Who thinks these things up??? I consider myself progressive and open-minded, but come on. I wish I hadn't been so inquisitive. I'm going to leave this one alone (both the movie and the meaning).
Speaking of movies, the remake of "Last House On The Left" comes out this Friday. I watched the original a few months ago, before I knew of the impending remake. Dark. It will be interesting to see how the newest version treats the retribution aspect.
Here's what makes me feel old: the actress who plays the mother in this movie, Monica Potter, is one month younger than me in real life. So, it seems that I can no longer relate to the young adults in the movie, but rather the parents. Or maybe that's a good thing, depending on how the movie plays out. And yeah, I realize that I'm old enough to have a high-school aged child right now. But I don't. And therein lies the rub.
Last House On The Left - 1972
Last House On The Left - 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Few Favorite Quotes
Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.
-Art Linkletter
You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery.
-Gordon Parks
An isolationist America is no bloody use to anyone.
-Billy Bragg
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
-Ethel Barrymore
Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past.
-Lily Tomlin
-Without music, life would be a mistake.
Friedrich Nietzsche
I do not need the idea of God to explain the world I live in.
-Salman Rushdie
Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiam.
-Winston Churchill
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
-Carl Jung
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
-Abraham Lincoln
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.
-Bobby Unser
-Art Linkletter
You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery.
-Gordon Parks
An isolationist America is no bloody use to anyone.
-Billy Bragg
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
-Ethel Barrymore
Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past.
-Lily Tomlin
-Without music, life would be a mistake.
Friedrich Nietzsche
I do not need the idea of God to explain the world I live in.
-Salman Rushdie
Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiam.
-Winston Churchill
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
-Carl Jung
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
-Abraham Lincoln
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.
-Bobby Unser
Monday, March 9, 2009
My music influencers
I love music. Feeds my soul, and I'm lost without it. I started acquiring favorite bands at the age of 7 thanks to certain people in my life. Following is a list of those to whom I attribute my musical growth:
Diane Whiting (mom) - she made me take piano lessons beginning at the age of 7. Hated practicing. HATED IT. Why??? Because she used to set a baking timer and if you know the sound, you know how annoying it can be. Tick tick tick...practice, practice, practice. I eventually grew out of my hatred for practicing, the baking timer went away, and became a very decent pianist (in my mind, anyway). To this day, I can sit down and play "Right Here Waiting" and "Theme to Ice Castles" on the keyboards. On a side note, she also played Chuck Mangione, Barry Manilow and Dione Warwick records on our big living room stereo, all the time. ALL THE TIME. So, after they've been effectively burnt into my brain, I like these artists. Power of repetition. Word.
Debby Stuhler (aunt) - she's only 12 years older than me, and was always around when I was growing up. She's responsible for tuning me in to my first Kiss performance on television, during which she mimicked the Gene Simmon's tongue move. Classic. She also got me into the Bay City Rollers, and furthered my like for Manilow (it was a family obsession).
Mark McGiboney (cousin) - we would visit Mark and my great aunt/uncle in Billings, Mt. when I was little, and he gave me my first cassette tape when I was 11 - Chicago 16. Totally cool. He was a drummer, and went on to drum for the Disney on Ice show. Such a rocker.
Guy Hall, Jr. (grandpa) - the man could tap his fingers on the car window ledge until the cows came home. He was always cranking up the Big Band sounds, Benny Goodman stuff, which was awesome. He really liked his music, and it went with him wherever he traveled. I would tag along when he made frequent car trips to see his many children and other grandchildren, and I remember the bitter smell of coffee from the travel carafe and the sounds of the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey bands filtering through the tricked out van as we cruised down the highway to Colorado, Montana or Missouri.
Julie Pfau (grade school best friend) - we bought the Go Go's first album, Beauty and the Beat, in 1981 and played it until the grooves split through to the floor. Probably drove our parents nuts. But oh, were we cool. I consider these my pre-punk years.
Maggie Mundy (met in Jr. High, still friends to this day) - she's responsible for introducing me to New Wave and punk. Violent Femmes, Billy Idol, and the Dead Milkmen are in my current collection because of this wonderful woman. Bitchin' Camaro, all the way. At some point she got into rap (2 Live Crew) and is now very much into Top 40 and R&B (Flo Rida baby!), but her roots are as wild as they get.
Curt Hassebrock/Darren Zumbaum (coworkers) - METAL! Yes, growing up in North Dakota where you're always 5 years behind the times, metal ruled a great portion of my older youth. While working at the über-hip Bonanza, I was treated to such classic metal gods as Metallica, Motley Crue, Megadeth, and Scorpions after hours. Metal has a barbed-wired spot in my heart, because of these fine gentlemen who rocked the broiler and my late nights.
Tomoko Saito (college roommate) - her major was classical guitar, but she was worldly and wise, and during many late-night chats we listened to the Indigo Girls, Tuck and Patti, Nine Inch Nails, Peter Gabriel, etc. Her collection ran the gamut, and added to the breadth of my current musical tastes. Fact - Tomoko was about 5'1, but had size 10 shoes, which meant she had very long forearms (your forearms are typically the length of your feet). All the better to wrap around a guitar, I guess.
David Lampe (ex-husband) - if there's one good thing I can say about this doomed union, it was that he opened me up the world of hippie jam bands (Grateful Dead, Phish, etc.). During our time together, I developed a fond appreciation for tunes of this ilk. And during our time together, I also got two tattoo's, only one of which I am fond. So I'm 2 for 3.
Majid Al Hacham (friend) - pre 9/11, we met at work and even though we were only friends for a short time (he moved), he introduced me to a variety of international music acts, such as Sezen Aksu, Cheb Mami, Bela Fleck, and Amr Diab. I've added to my world-music collection, and have a new penchant for flamenco guitar.
Kenneth McMahan (former dalliance) - post 9/11 St. Louis, we met through mutual friends and although I had come into my own musically, Ken gave me that push to dig deeper. His raising the bar led me to new favorites like Air, Heartless Bastards, Asobi Seksu, Riverboat Gamblers, and the Spits (live and in concert at Siné, New York City 2003). I've stopped checking my mailbox for those new tunes he alluded were coming my way back in October...I guess all good things must come to an end, as the saying goes...but dammit, those were outstanding times.
Tom Sveitis (good friend) - for the last six years, Tom has been instrumental (pardon the pun) in getting me to see the jazzy side of life. A former jazz guitar student and current rocker wannabe, he continues to amaze me with the depth of his knowledge of all things guitar, rock and jazz. It also amazes me that he won't publicly embrace his love for Kelly Clarkson.
I've gotten pretty good at searching out new bands and musicians that I like, whether it's through iTunes, KDHX, Sirius, local venues or NPR's World Cafe. However, there's nothing like sharing your musical predilictions with someone whom you know will give them a fair listen, and reciprocate in kind.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
To Sum It Up...plus a playlist
...it was a decent weekend.
Had dinner out at Tin Can Tavern on Friday w/T - surprisingly, they make one hell of a chicken salad sandwich. Great service, good happy hour specials, and the smoke factor was light.
Saturday morning/early afternoon ventured out into the warm, damp belly of North City, downtown and a bit south, and took some interesting pics. Driving down some of the streets off of North Broadway reminded me of some of the smaller towns in North Dakota - deserted, small factories and random vacant lots. But then, out of nowhere, a random tattoo parlor, or a biker bar.
Stopped in at Iron Barley for lunch but the line was long, so we ended up at the King & I. Mmmm hmmmm.
Later that night, while lounging around, caught a very weird movie, Phantom of the Paradise. It was an obvious tribute to Phantom Of The Opera, with some Rocky Horror elements thrown in. Outrageous characters - Swan, Phoenix, Beef (ha!), and the Phantom. It was an oddly captivating, over the top rock opera, with some high-ranking cheese factors, but the music was really special in that 1970's kind of way, and I couldn't turn it off...had to see it through to the end. Brian DePalma directed this flick, who directed classics such as Blow Out, Carrie, Scarface, and Body Double (to name a few), so it's well done. I might have to add it to my collection.
Stayed up way too late on Saturday night, which made for a difficult Sunday. While I'd like to say my lack of sleep was due to fun, it was because of a certain noise factor. Even my poor dog looked hungover this morning, if that's possible. This has to end!!!
I have some reading left to do tonight, and then I plan on finishing a movie I started late last week - Day Watch (not to be confused with Bay Watch). It's like a Russian vampire Matrix - great style, worth a look. I hope to drift off to sleep with this in my head in hopes of stirring up my dreams, which have been lackluster as of late.
Weekend Playlist:
1. "Ghetto Defendent" - The Clash
2. "Rock City Boogie" - Tennessee Ernie Ford
3. "Daylight" - Viva Voce
4. "Do It!" - Clinic (album)
5. "Where Is My Mind" - Pixies
6. "You Spin Me Round" - Dead or Alive
7. "Joey" - Concrete Blonde
Had dinner out at Tin Can Tavern on Friday w/T - surprisingly, they make one hell of a chicken salad sandwich. Great service, good happy hour specials, and the smoke factor was light.
Saturday morning/early afternoon ventured out into the warm, damp belly of North City, downtown and a bit south, and took some interesting pics. Driving down some of the streets off of North Broadway reminded me of some of the smaller towns in North Dakota - deserted, small factories and random vacant lots. But then, out of nowhere, a random tattoo parlor, or a biker bar.
Stopped in at Iron Barley for lunch but the line was long, so we ended up at the King & I. Mmmm hmmmm.
Later that night, while lounging around, caught a very weird movie, Phantom of the Paradise. It was an obvious tribute to Phantom Of The Opera, with some Rocky Horror elements thrown in. Outrageous characters - Swan, Phoenix, Beef (ha!), and the Phantom. It was an oddly captivating, over the top rock opera, with some high-ranking cheese factors, but the music was really special in that 1970's kind of way, and I couldn't turn it off...had to see it through to the end. Brian DePalma directed this flick, who directed classics such as Blow Out, Carrie, Scarface, and Body Double (to name a few), so it's well done. I might have to add it to my collection.
Stayed up way too late on Saturday night, which made for a difficult Sunday. While I'd like to say my lack of sleep was due to fun, it was because of a certain noise factor. Even my poor dog looked hungover this morning, if that's possible. This has to end!!!
I have some reading left to do tonight, and then I plan on finishing a movie I started late last week - Day Watch (not to be confused with Bay Watch). It's like a Russian vampire Matrix - great style, worth a look. I hope to drift off to sleep with this in my head in hopes of stirring up my dreams, which have been lackluster as of late.
Weekend Playlist:
1. "Ghetto Defendent" - The Clash
2. "Rock City Boogie" - Tennessee Ernie Ford
3. "Daylight" - Viva Voce
4. "Do It!" - Clinic (album)
5. "Where Is My Mind" - Pixies
6. "You Spin Me Round" - Dead or Alive
7. "Joey" - Concrete Blonde
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Worship Here...I dare you
Friday, March 6, 2009
My Favorite Monkey
From the first time I saw The Monkees TV show (I must have been 6 or 7), I instantly took a liking to Mike Nesmith. He's the one with the crazy-sexy sideburns. Just to be clear, I think that Nesmith's sideburns are sexy now, not when I was playing with my Strawbery Shortcakes. Back then, they were just cool.
I'd always had a penchant for scruffy, deep-thinking dark-eyed lads (Bay City Rollers, Michael Landon, Chaka). Mike was no exception - he quickly replaced all my other obsessions. I believe I cut the fingertip of some wool gloves I had to make a knit hat for my Ken doll, and drew sideburns on him with a felt tip pen.
I mean, you can tell Mike had more charisma and depth than the other three Monkees put together. All of my friends liked Davy, because he was cute and had a great voice, plus he was in that Brady Bunch episode. Losers.
First of all, Davy Jones was short. Second, Davy Jones was little. And third, Davy Jones was way too sensitive. I'm just not attracted to short, little sensitive guys. Like Prince. All of my friends (same friends that liked Davy) swooned over Prince in high school. Huh? He was a little girlie-man, none of which I wanted crawling all over me. Yeah, I thought he was any okay singer, like Davy, but it didn't go beyond that. Come on now.
Mike was no girlie-man. He was all man. Give me out of control sideburns (were they considered mutton chops?), a funky knit hat, and a look that says "Come closer. I have something to tell you" any day of the week over a prancy little purple lovin' man who rocked the high heels better than I could.
So who was your favorite Monkee?
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Burned in my brain - Pt III
Okay, so I now know that my neighbor is not just one but two men, who happen to be in a relationship. They're loud, play the same Rhianna song endless times with bass that must be up to 11, and like to put together furniture at midnight. Drop some bolts and a hammer on your hardwood every other minute, and you'll get an idea of what hell I was put through one night this week.
They can get their own muffins.
On another note, I do have a new neighbor of sorts (first time I've ever seen him), who lives on the 5th floor. We'll call him Curly Joe. My gal pal who also lives here just gave me the skinny - he's single, two kids, pharmaceutical rep, plays the violin, couldn't find his car for a week, and likes his liquour (probably the reason for the missing car). I think I would like to live next to him, as he's never here due to extensive travel, and probably doesn't blast the bass.
Curly Joe looks like this, but with fashionable non-metro glasses.
They can get their own muffins.
On another note, I do have a new neighbor of sorts (first time I've ever seen him), who lives on the 5th floor. We'll call him Curly Joe. My gal pal who also lives here just gave me the skinny - he's single, two kids, pharmaceutical rep, plays the violin, couldn't find his car for a week, and likes his liquour (probably the reason for the missing car). I think I would like to live next to him, as he's never here due to extensive travel, and probably doesn't blast the bass.
Curly Joe looks like this, but with fashionable non-metro glasses.
The Octo Slam
Denny's has a new breakfast special named after Nadya Suleman, the OctoMom (not really, but wouldn't it be funny??):
14 eggs, scrambled
No sausage
Crazy juice
& everyone else in the restaurant gets to pay your bill
14 eggs, scrambled
No sausage
Crazy juice
& everyone else in the restaurant gets to pay your bill
Leaking spam
In my inbox this morning, I received an email with the following title:
"De-jelly your belly"
It immediately had mixed feelings about opening the email. On one hand, the word "jelly" reminds me of jellybeans, which are tasty little treats that make me happy. On the other hand, the word "belly" makes me think of nothing good, it's just gross.
So I decided to open it. And this is what I found.
Interesting. Make sure your volume is turned up so you can hear the porno music at the beginning of the video.
"De-jelly your belly"
It immediately had mixed feelings about opening the email. On one hand, the word "jelly" reminds me of jellybeans, which are tasty little treats that make me happy. On the other hand, the word "belly" makes me think of nothing good, it's just gross.
So I decided to open it. And this is what I found.
Interesting. Make sure your volume is turned up so you can hear the porno music at the beginning of the video.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Unique Perspective
World Builder: a short film by Bruce Branit, co-creator of '405', in which a strange man builds a world using holographic tools for the woman he loves. Apparently it was shot in a single day, but took two years in post-production to finish.
Beautiful, original concept. Enjoy.
Beautiful, original concept. Enjoy.
Withdrawl & Dream Analysis
On Monday this week, I cut sugar, salt, dairy, wheat, and caffeine out of my diet. Started training for a couple races this summer, no time like the present to kick it into high gear.
I believe I am going through withdrawl.
I am very low on energy. Super crabby. Headaches like someone is flossing my brain. I've done this before, and I know this will all subside in a week or two, but it's like hell on earth at the moment.
Since my restrictions, my dreams have been more run-of-the-mill, boring, and short. I used to look forward to getting up in the morning and rehashing the fantastical situations I lived in my dreams, and analyzing what they meant.
What do they mean now? Huh. Not much.
Let's see, in one I went to Schnucks and bought ground turkey which was on special 2/$4. In another I went through the post office drive-thru to mail off my Netflix movies. See? Completely sad.
The one from the other morning was about a friend of mine who shared his movie list with me, which consisted of 1940's flicks. I'll admit that one was a bit trippy, because this guy is the ultimate closet punker (well, so he says), and I would think his movie list would be a bit more dramatic and edgy.
I do know that in the past, the closer I ate to bedtime, and the more sugar or starch it contained, the more wicked my dreams would be. Which was fun. I experiemented from time to time, and I could write a book.
In the end, I'm going to stick to my new health regime, but am sad that my alter-ego who resides in my dreamscape will have to be put to rest for awhile.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Online Dating - recollections
I ran across a diary of sorts that I kept during my online dating days. It was fun reading about the fantastic, hilarious, horrendous, pathetic, and tricky situations that ensued from that endeavor. So much so, that I created a new blog to showcase these stories for whoever wants to read them.
Some are funny, some are not. Some are graphic, some very tame and gradeschool. All of the stories are true, and from my perspective.
Below is the beginning of my first post, with a redirect to the new blog. Enjoy...
Sage: The man, not the herb.
Having been a single girl in an interactive marketing career, it made perfect sense for me to try out the various online dating sites in the quest for my next soul mate.
The first site I ponied up to was Match.com. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of men, and I eagerly picked up those tongs and started loading my options onto my “all you can eat” plate. But I do have my standards (no wilted greenery for this gal) and I had my own set of rules that went into every selection I made.
To read more, go here.
Look What The Cat Dragged In...
Rock of Love is my guilty pleasure. I believe it's also the guilty pleasure of many of my gal pals, whether they'd admit to it or not (you know who you are).
Why do we watch? It's certainly not for Bret - umm, I did lust you in 1987, but 22 years later I believe I've got better taste in my rockers, and men. We watch it for the women. They're trashy, funny, pathetic, outrageous, creative and look like they're living in 1987. Good fun. Plus (and correct me if I'm wrong, gals) I believe that most of us ladies have wanted to let loose and look as whorey-good as some of these women do, at least once in our lives. Maybe some of us have, and can relate. :-)
This season is high-larious as the show is schlepping the girls on a cross-country tour with Bret to watch him dazzle the fair maidens with his do-rag sporting, Euro-trash weave wearing, purse-my-lips-I-am-whistlin pout as he manages to wear more makeup than the average woman and play the same damn "new" song over and over as if it's the next big hit. Trust me Mr. Michaels - it's not.
These latest ladies are no less of a trainwreck than Season 1 or 2, and just as slutastic. Makes for a great laugh on Sunday nights, and good watercooler talk come Monday morning.
There have been Rock Of Love drinking games created for the first two seasons, and here is the newest edition for the Rock Of Love Bus:
Take a drink every time:
-You think to yourself, "What was Brittanya thinking?" in terms of her tats and dimple piercings.
-Bret's "hair" looks better than your own.
-Beverly dresses like a guy (generic tank tops, hockey jersey, anything that doesn't show cleavage).
-Beverly rolls her eyes.
-Beverly turns into a prude.
-Farrah scares you with her Amazon ways and man voice.
-Farrah makes you laugh because she's got wisdom, she's got wit.
-Bret "has doubts".
-Bret is strumming his guitar.
-Bret is writing lyrics (hahahahahaha).
-Bret purses his lips and gets all sleepy-eyed.
-Bret talks about his diabetes.
-Bret explains that on the tour, there will be lots of women, so whoever is with him will basically have to be okay with that (i.e., share).
-Bret kisses anyone.
-Ashley gets drunk.
-Ashley goes after another girl.
-Ashley is sporting bad extensions (basically, every episode)
-Taya talks about being Penthouse Pet of the Year.
-Taya denies she is or ever was a stripper.
-Someone gets a drink thrown at them.
-Someone goes on about how they're "here for Bret".
-Ashley yells at someone.
-Someone claims to love Bret, even though they just met him.
-Someone needs to speak with Bret "right away", and gets escorted to see him by Big John.
-Big John yells at the girls for being slutty and whorey.
-You think Big John is rocking that mullet, and you can overlook his moobs (man boobs).
-You wish that Bret would accidentally lose the hat/do-rag so that we can get a look at what's really underneath the facade.
-Bret says variations of "Rock my world", "Life on the road...." or "I think you're a sexy/special/talented/hot girl..."
-Bret gets mad (two drinks, because it's funny and sad)
-Bret says that his decision was "difficult" (two drinks, because he's lying and he's a douche)
Since many of the above things are said or happen in the first 15 minutes of any episode of Rock of Love Bus, we suggest you play with a very light beer only, as alcohol poisoning isn't fun.
Mel vs. The Colonel
Apparently, Mel Gibson debuted a little parody relating to the Colonel of KFC on the Jimmy Kimmel show a week ago. Missed it - here it is.
Now, the KFC Colonel has fired back his own parting shot at Mel. The tongs in the ground and "finger lickin' frantic" are my favorite parts.
Now, the KFC Colonel has fired back his own parting shot at Mel. The tongs in the ground and "finger lickin' frantic" are my favorite parts.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Eat At (Happy) Joe's
My absolute favorite pizza joint is Happy Joe's. My hometown in ND has a Happy Joes, and I worked there as a hostess while in high school (tres chic).
When I was little, Happy Joe's was the end-all, be-all place for birthday parties - everybody who was anybody rocked at the Joe's. Such a thrill - the employees would sound this alarm, which was scary and exciting all at the same time to little tot brains (like we weren't spazzing out already) and then honk one of those old-fashioned horns and announce that it was YOUR birthday, and the WHOLE PLACE would sing Happy Birthday to you. Total ego trip.
And if you're really lucky, you'd get the Barn Burner, which is this ridonkulous concoction of 24 scoops of ice cream, a slathering of toppings, nuts and sprinkles and whipped cream galore, to share with your party guests.
Also, HJ's has the best taco pizza on earth. Hands down. Can't beat it. Add a pitcher of Coke and a Silly Willy for dessert, and you've got yourself the perfect meal.
Now it looks like you can ship these heavenly pies anywhere in the U.S. - how cool is that?
There is a Happy Joe's here in St. Louis, on Watson Road. A bonus is that they have skeeball - endless hours of fun. Check it out - you won't be disappointed. Promise.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Weekend Playlist 2/27/09
1. "We Repel Each Other" - The Ettes
2. "Flaming Torch" - The Only Ones
3. "It's Obvious" - The Au Pairs
4. "Please" - Love Spit Love
5. "Touch and G0" - Magazine
6. "Zero" - Yeah Yeah Yeah's
7. "The Golden Age" - Beck
8. "It's All In Your Mind" - Beck
9. "Everyday I Write The Book" - Elvis Costello
10. "Does It Matter Now" - Peter Bjorn and John
11. "Luna Park" - ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
2. "Flaming Torch" - The Only Ones
3. "It's Obvious" - The Au Pairs
4. "Please" - Love Spit Love
5. "Touch and G0" - Magazine
6. "Zero" - Yeah Yeah Yeah's
7. "The Golden Age" - Beck
8. "It's All In Your Mind" - Beck
9. "Everyday I Write The Book" - Elvis Costello
10. "Does It Matter Now" - Peter Bjorn and John
11. "Luna Park" - ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
Sunday Catch Up
-I just heard that Paul Harvey passed away on Saturday. Paul Harvey was "present" for many good memories in my lifetime. The first time I heard his radio broadcast was when I was very young and riding in the car with my grandpa, Guy Hall Jr., usually around lunchtime. He'd frequently cap off a reading with, "And that's the rest of the story", and my aunt Debby and I use this phrase sometimes when we talk to each other on the phone, after we've finished telling our stories to each other.
When people in your life, whether they are friends, relatives, or even radio personalities pass away, and you realize you'll never hear them again and that their contributions to this world are over, it's just darn sad.
-It's official - my dog Oliver is dog-crazy. He has this inability to relate to other dogs in a calm, non-violent manner. He is a little guy, 15 lbs of pure Shih Tzu, but he exhibits tasmanian devil-like behavior when another dog enters his atmosphere. I am seriously thinking that he needs therapy. Maybe it's my "nervous energy" that travels down the leash when I see another dog, and it transfers onto him (that's what Ceasar says). We had many close calls this weekend, it's become a serious problem.
-My cousin Erica has been chosen to be in a commercial for her success with L.A. Weight Loss. I really admire her dedication and perseverance, and I think she's a natural for this opportunity. They couldn't have picked a better gal for the job, and I look forward to seeing the commercial soon.
-I watched an interesting film yesterday, Frontiére(s), a French Hostel-like horror movie. It was one of the 2007 AfterDark Horrorfest films, I totally overlooked this gem. It was action from start to finish, great ending, and a decent plot. If you liked Brotherhood Of The Wolf, you'll probably enjoy this.
When people in your life, whether they are friends, relatives, or even radio personalities pass away, and you realize you'll never hear them again and that their contributions to this world are over, it's just darn sad.
-It's official - my dog Oliver is dog-crazy. He has this inability to relate to other dogs in a calm, non-violent manner. He is a little guy, 15 lbs of pure Shih Tzu, but he exhibits tasmanian devil-like behavior when another dog enters his atmosphere. I am seriously thinking that he needs therapy. Maybe it's my "nervous energy" that travels down the leash when I see another dog, and it transfers onto him (that's what Ceasar says). We had many close calls this weekend, it's become a serious problem.
-My cousin Erica has been chosen to be in a commercial for her success with L.A. Weight Loss. I really admire her dedication and perseverance, and I think she's a natural for this opportunity. They couldn't have picked a better gal for the job, and I look forward to seeing the commercial soon.
-I watched an interesting film yesterday, Frontiére(s), a French Hostel-like horror movie. It was one of the 2007 AfterDark Horrorfest films, I totally overlooked this gem. It was action from start to finish, great ending, and a decent plot. If you liked Brotherhood Of The Wolf, you'll probably enjoy this.
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