The Man from Tallahassee

This skunk is retired

2007-10-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a fresh blogging start, so check me out at:
http://nateisthebossoflife.blogspot.com/

Jealous Again

2007-08-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Following baseball is like following the stock market- if you are checking the paper everyday, you're gonna lose your mind or go crazy with every little up and down. Which is why it was nice to slip away for a week and not really be able to follow every single game, AND THEN come home and be sitting in a better position. Sweet.
Great week in the land to the north, who hate Chicagoans for putting so much money into their economy and being legal owners of property. Oh i feel sooooooo guilty. Dicks. But i felt like traveling to Scons is like traveling overseas. It's just easier to say yer from Canada than US, just like it's easier to say Minnesota than IllyNoise. But I had a great time reading, chilling, drinking, campfireing, grilling, Duluthing, arguing, sleeping, coffeeing, biking, boating, farting.
This Saturday is the beginning of the 13 holy days of the year: Notre Dame football. I'm stressing how i'll be able to watch the game from Minnesota (not because of what channel, thanks to the NBC contract, as to where i'll be able to see the game) but you cannot appreciate how gay i feel right now, and it will only get giddier every step towards kick off.
Yeah, sure, i guess you could say we balanced each other out. Al got to meet Dave on Sunday, and attend the best concert of the tour, but, hey, i got to eat pizza and listen to the live from fenway set in my underwear. So, yeah, sure, we broke even. Sigh.

Cheat the odds that made you
Brave to try to gamble at times
Well I feel like dirty laundry
Sending sickness on down the line
Tell you why

cause Im jealous, jealous again
Thought it time I let you in
Yeah, Im jealous, jealous again

Got no time, baby
Always drunk on sunday
Tryn to feel like Im at home
Smell the gasoline burning
Boys out feeling nervous and cold

Stop, understand me
I aint afraid of losing face
Stop, understand me
I aint afraid of ever losing faith in you
Never felt like smiling
Sugar wanna kill me yet
Find me loose lipped and laughing
Singing songs aint got no regrets

Dont you think I want to
Dont you think I would
Dont you think Id tell you baby
If I only could
Am I acting crazy
Am I just too proud
Am I just plain lazy
Am i, am i, am i, ever

I'm jealous, jealous again.

Hell No I Ain't Happy

2007-08-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

Oh God, how can it still be a pennant race? We've played horrible ball the last 2+ weeks, but we're still in the game. Every day is agony, as we lose and lose and lose and finally win! WTF baseball fans. Anywho, I'm stoked to be heading up to beautiful Birchwood Wiscony on Saturday morning, for a week of...I'm not really sure, but I'll have a week off from work and the Cubs, so i'm please as piss.
FYI: listen to the new Okkervil River, then listen to it, then listen to their last 3 albums.
Just pre-ordered the new New Pornographers record, it comes with 3 extra cds of music. Goody Goody Goody. Follow that up with the upcoming Rilo Kiley & Ben Harper discs, and we're in good shape. As long as I stop looking at the scoreboard.

I would be overstating
If I said I knew you well
That I knew you at all
When you flew through that windshield
And your life passed reel to reel
Was there a bit part for me?
I made a wish for you
Blew out the sun so it’d come true
But the sun froze along with your heart

So give up, give up your love
Give up, give up your love
I promise its not gonna kill ya
And I need ya, Lord I need ya
And when they cut up your lung
You said it could all breathe easy

The hole swallowed your heart
When they drill holes in your skull
And screwed that halo to your head
Did you think you could fly?
I made a prayer for you
Then prayed some more that it’d come true
Don’t know about God but I believe in you

So give up, give up your love
Give up, give up your love
I promise its not gonna kill ya
And I need ya, Lord I need ya
And though you haven’t got a lot to give up
A good man is easy to kill well
Stop talking about the weather and say you’re getting better

Go Cubs Go + ramblings

2007-08-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here we go:
Pretty solid summer, lots of great Cubs games, although they seem to be trying NOT to take 1st place lately. I'm loving it, though. I've always hated the Mets, and I am proud to call them my baseball nemesis
Deathly Hallows was brilliant, had a blast getting it, even more delightful reading it, heavy depression afterward, made me think of an Elvis Costello song.
Wrigley Field is awesome, but here's a secret you might not know: Cub fans are huge jerks. I cannot stand them. And neither can you. But we make do with what we got, and everyone should head to Wrigley at least once, but after that, if you get a chance to listen to Pat Hughes & Ron Santo or Len Kasper & Bob Brenley, it mighty better.
Got my new bike, got my new bike tubes/tires, got my new lungs. Not yet, but went for a pretty good ride on friday, and I was dying.
Miller Chill is such a good deal, I can't not recommend it. Also, I make a killer Sangria.
Tsk Tsk Tsk: all the suckers who are doubting ND are idiots. Just wait...
If the Chicago Bears have taught us anything, it's that a great anthem/fight song can carry you a long way. A folk singer/troubadour/musician by the name of Steve Goodman (excellent geetarist) wrote a song in 1984 that blasted at Wrigley and on WGN (radio home of Cubs) and this year, they've taken to playing it after each home victory. Folks are singing along, and now you can join in:
Baseball season's underway
Well you better get ready for a brand new day.
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.
They're singing ...

Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.
Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.

They got the power, they got the speed
To be the best in the National League
Well this is the year and Cubs are real
So come on down to Wrigley Field
We're singing now ...

Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.
Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.

Baseball time is here again
You can catch it all on WGN
So stamp you feet and clap your hands
Chicago Cubs got the greatest fans.
You're singing now ...

Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.
Go, Cubs, go
Go, Cubs, go
Hey, Chicago, what do you say
The Cubs are gonna win today.

F U

2007-07-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

How much of a ginourmous asshole do you have to be to leak & read a leaked copy of HP&DH? I don't know, but it is crazy huge. I would love to read it today. Hell, I've been looking forward to it since the afternoon I finished the HBP, but this is like saying "screw you, Jo." It pathetic and disappointing that people can't play by the rules after she & co have given us such entertainment.
Vacation was awesome, a week on the beach, the private beach, swimming/burning/swimming, grilling, bonfires, sunset over the lake, epic. I wish I was there right now. But I'm glad I'm back, so's I could get Spoon's GaGaGaGaGa, maybe not there best evah, but got some beauts for the summer.
Shut up.
It's like my buddy Mike Cooley always says. He says, "Nate, life ain't nuthin but a blending up of all the ups & downs."

oh man, what's going on?

2007-07-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have no idea. Summer is just washing over me like a pool of my own sweat. First the Cubs sucked, then the Cubs started getting awesome, and I'm just waiting for my heart to get broken. The Sox started iffy, and just went south. I've been in and out of town, got 3 cases of Ale-8-1, drank 3 cases of Ale-8-1, went rafting, went to a Pirates game, ate a bunch of pizza & chicken, spent a week in an abandoned ghostpital, watched most of the Baseball doc & Band of Brothers (again), getting ready for a week in Michigan on Lake M, playing video games, and letting a general sense of apathy run my life.
screw dylan, darnielle rules

the sun came up above the strange white plain.
blood red flowers all wet with rain
and the spirit wasn't really willing anymore, but the flesh was very very strong.
and i've got very little money left, and i've got no sense,
but I'll have none of your god damned impudence.

the sun came up above the new white fields, everything was new again.
pure power, stripped of meaning, sky burning, spring cleaning.
daisies on the hillside like cancer on the skin.
pretty little yellow eyes that flutter in the wind,
I'd be grateful my children aren't here here to see this,
if you'd ever seen fit to give me children.
and my defenses may be working with a skeleton crew,
but I'll be skinned alive before I'll take this from you.
the sun came up above the ocean out west, all the colors of the rainbow.
stand up straight, you can see the house leaning.
day breaking, spring cleaning.

Holy Balls

2007-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 10 minutes of Lost with my mouth wide open, just eating it up. Un-be-lieveable. I guess it could be the beginning of the end, in terms of both the coolness of the show and it's time on tv (it def is for the latter). It kicked every other finale's ass, though I thought "Heroes" was good, impossible to live up to the hype of the entire season leading into this one hour. And I love that I have no idea what is up with next season.

I always look forward to these weekends so hard, thinking that they are some how going to fix everything that goes wrong in my life, which is a foolish way to live, and it never lives up to the hype, but almost nothing does. I do promise to watch a lot of long movies, eat a bunch of unhealthy food, and waste more hours than I should playing video games and reading comics, but I'll also try to get a bike and shoot a few rounds of disc golf. And listen to DBT.

I am giving out 3 scholarship awards tonight at a local high school for graduating students from my former college, and if they knew I was doing it, I'm pretty sure they'd revoke the $ and denounce the kids.

Between the champagne hand jobs and the kissing ass by everyone involved
What used to be is gone and what ought to be ought not to be so hard
So I'll meet you at the bottom if there really is one
They always told me when you hit it you'll know it
But I've been falling so long it's like gravity's gone and I'm just floating

"We're Done"

2007-05-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

What a great month of tv. Just the best. And not just the finales. The last 6-8 weeks of Lost have been the finest since Season 1. Everyone who quit is a punk. Great new music: Wilco, The National, Handsome Fur (1/5 of Wolf Parade), I even like Tim Armstrong of Rancid's new album.
I don't really have anything new to say, but Adam Griffin is updating everyday, so I thought I should try to stay current like Adam Griffin.

Feeling Feist(y)

2007-05-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, quite a clever title, eh Rupert?

Yes, well, couple weeks ago, I was listening to Sound Opinions right after Feist's new album came out, looking forward to their reviews of it, and they totally bashed it. They accused her of trying to sound like Nina Simone and saying the new Norah Jones had more oomph than this. I was devastated, didn't eat for 3 days, ran away from home, grumbled incessantly. Actually, I just shook my head and ate pizza. Anywho, the artist-currently-known-as-Feist was just on Jimmy Kimmel, and if you see that performance, you get what this album is all about. It's slim, chilled, relaxed but not lazy, and can make you tap your toes juuuuuust a bit. Check it out while it lasts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyRhNYp_1GE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Freader%2Fview%2F

Carl Perkin's Cadillac

2007-05-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Come on, Bulls, come on. What a great nite this could end up being: Bulls Game 6, season finales of OFFICE + SCRUBS, Human Giant, new tunes from EMusic, leftover pizza, and no work tomorrow, so the expecatations are thru the roof.

I've been walking to work, which is great (cuz I can be a jerk to all you "autos", which is how I refer to you people who rely on automobiles, and I'm getting my exxxercise out of the way) and sucks (cuz I have to wok 4 miles and I am afraid of all you "autos") and I really want to live in a cabin in the woods. Not sure how that fits in but I wanted to share it and there didn't seem like a better place to drop it.

With the Twinkies getting an outdoor stadium, I just feel like it's getting harder and harder to resist the cities, especially with Craig Finn write love songs to the streets and hoodrats. In my imagination, you can't make it 5 steps without stepping on skanks and drugs. Which could be cool...

Life ain't nothing but a blending up of all the ups and downs
Dammit Elvis, don't you know
You made your Mama so proud
Before you ever made that record, before there ever was a Sun
Before you ever lost that Cadillac that Carl Perkins won

Mr. Phillips found old Johnny Cash and he was high
High before he ever took those pills and he's still too proud to die
Mr. Phillips never said anything behind nobody's back
Like "Dammit Elvis, don't he know, he ain't no Johnny Cash"

If Mr. Phillips was the only man that Jerry Lee still would call sir
Then I guess Mr. Phillips did all of Y'all about as good as you deserve
He did just what he said he was gonna do and the money came in sacks
New contracts and Carl Perkins' Cadillac

I got friends in Nashville, or at least they're folks I know
Nashville is where you go to see if what they said is so
Carl drove his brand new Cadillac to Nashville and he went downtown
This time they promised him a Grammy
He turned his Cadillac around

Mr. Phillips never blew enough hot air to need a little gold plated paperweight
He promised him a Cadillac and put the wind in Carl's face
He did just what he said he was gonna do and the money came in sacks
New contracts and Carl Perkins' Cadillac

Dammit Elvis, I swear son I think it's time you came around
Making money you can't spend ain't what being dead's about
You gave me all but one good reason not to do all the things you did
Now Cadillacs are fiberglass, if you were me you'd call it quits

Ninja v Zombie

2007-05-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

Upon lengthy review, I really dig the new Arctic Monkeys "Favourite Worst Nightmare". Bitter and tired and enough raw power to keep me interested. Plus, it's only 36 minutes long. Think I'll go back to "Whatever people..." and mess around with that one again.
Baseball video games are my fav timewaster of the moment, specially when mixed with open windows, good music, and home-brewed sweet tea. I'm getting better at the brew, but we all need a lil' patience.
Oh you Bulls, you took me so high last Sunday, now I'm dragging in the gutter. Luckily the Cubs & Sox are finally warming up. Oh, there is just so much sports to watch, and these are the days when it's good to have Chicago sports. Though, I really want to be a Twins fan, especially if they get a new, roof-less stadium. And they move to the AL West.
Last weeks new cds= eh; this weeks new cds= meh; next weeks new cds= heh; 5/22=glorious glory
In the beginning, there was a contest of strength amongst the most prominent figures in Scripture to determine the mightiest. The tale of this great rivalry was thought lost forever. Until now. Let there be Bible Fight!
Most of the time, I don't really like other peeps, but the last couple weekends have been pretty nice.
DBT

Elephant Gun

2007-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'm deeply in love with the new Beirut video for "Elephant Gun". Feist's "1234" is what Gap has always wanted to create, but it's cooler to see a bohemian/gypsy version these days.

Ouch

2007-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

"Victory means exit strategy, and it's important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is," - George W. Bush, April 9, 1999, criticizing President Clinton for not setting a timetable for exiting Kosovo.

"I think it's also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn," - George W. Bush, June 5, 1999.

2007-04-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

I broke free on a Saturday morning
I put the pedal to the floorheaded north on mills avenue
and listened to the engine roar
my broken house behind me
and good things ahead
a girl named Cathy wants a little of my time
six cylinders underneath the hood crashing and kicking
aha! listen to the engine whine

i am going to make it through this year
if it kills me
i am going to make it though this year
if it kills me
i played video games in a drunken haze
i was seventeen years young
hurt my knuckles punching the machines
the taste of scotch rich on my tongue

and then Cathy showed up
and we hung out
trading swigs from a bottle
all bitter and clean
locking eyes holding hands
twin high maintenance machines

i am going to make it through this year
if it kills me
i am going to make it though this year
if it kills me

i drove home in the California dusk
i could feel the alcohol inside of me hum
pictured the look on my stepfather's face
ready for the bad things to come
i down shifted as i pulled into the driveway
the motor screaming out stuck in second gear
the scene ends badly
as you might imagine
in a cavalcade of anger and fear

there will be feasting and dancing
in Jerusalem next year
i am going to make it through this year
if it kills me
i am going to make it though this year
if it kills me

Fascist America, in 10 easy steps

2007-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

At least we're playing by the book.

St. Barack

2007-04-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

His voice is like an angel. And here's a speech he gave in Milwaukee the other day.

Upon further review, Cassadega is still a fine album, but the Four Winds EP is really where it's at.

One of the best things over the past year has been reading the weekly DC Comic book 52. It was surprising because it didn't feature any "A-list" supes, but has remained interesting anyway. It takes place in a post-Infinite Crisis world, and it runs like 24, sort of a real-time deal, where every issue is a new week. But the great thing is how it marks off every week. Example, we're at week 50. Fifty! That means it's nearly a year since we kick started this whole thing, and it's been really helpful. For example: "aww man, winter sucks, summer will never return, oh wait, we're on week 30? That means we're over half way to May." And for me, May has always been THE marker. It means prom and warm(er) weather and windows rolled down and going to concerts and stayin out later but it doesn't matter cause we're just mailin it in anyway and seeing that the end is in sight and not having homework cause the teachers gave up (seriously, in 7th grade, we didn't do any work/homework for the last month. We just watched movies and had recess and hung out. It was perfect.) and living life. And I miss it. Now May is just another month, a chance to regroup after taxes and school-year projects, plan for summer events, and not much else. Sometimes I forget and kick out a little, but for the most part it doesn't matter. God, i don't know where i'm going with this but i'm reallllly sad right now.

Hang Me Up to Dry

2007-04-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Cold War Kids haven't really added anything new to the conversation, but that's okay. If you haven't heard Robbers & Cowards, it's alright. It probably won't change your life, but there's worse ways to spend the better part of an hour. They fit into a little niche in my aural life, like Nada Surf or The Anniversary. However, there is one thing that the Kids have done that has been very helpful in my life. Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, and this occurs a few times a week, I really like to escape into the video for "Hang Me up to Dry". It just does it for me. I run away for four minutes, and really, really have the desire to see the movie, which means I really, really have the desire for them to make this movie. Like Kylie said, I just can't get you out of my head.

True Romance

2007-04-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

is such an awesome movie. I was watching it last week, and it's a movie that you forget about for a year or two, then think, "oh man, that is such a good movie" and then re-watch it, celebrate it, and then forget about it for a year or two, then think, you get the picture.
But here's what is so cool, the script is crisp and the cast is out of sight. It's also the perfect date move, and quite possibly the perfect movie:

love story (with minor hooker w/heart o'gold story) v. gangstas, drugs, blood
hottt studs (Christian Slater, Brad Pitt, er, Gary Oldman) v. eye candy (Patricia Arquette, Tom Sizemore)
foul language v. hip, hip speeches
2 hours of laughs, violence, love, and a totally sweet poster

My life lacks meaning

It was a bummer to watch both the Sox & the Cubs play completely uninspired ball yesterday, but it somehow made me feel more productive.

Since I don't like being around people or spending money, I watch a lot of DVDs. Basically, new release Tuesday trumps box office friday every week (barring Harry Potter, Star Wars, LOTR, Judd Apatow-related releases), and so, even though I wait an extra 3 to 4 months, I still look forward to new movies. Example: saw The Good Shepherd Saturday. I enjoyed it, but I was pretty depressed by the end, overcome with depression at how life works out. Anyway, Smokin Aces comes out this week. Hooray!!

Watch Human Giant

Boooo!

2007-04-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ben got no love from the producers last night on the Shear, but he's still alive!

Kurt Vonnegut has passed away. The New York Times obit.

Tonight is a golden night of television: My Name is Earl, Office, Scrubs, 30 Rock, Human Giant.

New Bright Eyes is good, not brilliant, but tastefully simple. Sounds like a mash-up of Digital Ash and I'm wide awake.

Grinderman is sweet, and you've got to love emusic for putting this album up. Saved $16 with this deal.

Base ball

2007-04-04T15:17:00.001-07:00

“Several rules of stadium building should be carved on every owner’s forehead. Old, if properly refurbished, is always better than new. Smaller is better than bigger. Open is better than closed. Near beats far. Silent visual effects are better than loud ones. Eye pollution hurts attendance. Inside should look as good as outside. Domed stadiums are criminal.”

I'm People who Know People!

2007-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

I was totally thrilled on Monday night, flipping through the channels, and I saw a preview for a new show on Bravo, called "Shear Genius", about hairstylists, and one dude looked familiar. Upon deeper investigation, it's totally Ben, who cut my hair in high school/college. I am so stoked that he's gonna be on tv, and you should watch the show & root for him starting next wednesday night at 9pm cst

I also knew a girl who was on this really bad "next actress" reality show, so, as i said, I know people.

bzzz, bzzzz, bzzzzz...
Another Wolf Parade project is popping up: Handsome Furs, and I'm pretty excited about it. From the one track I've heard, it sounds like, well, the other side of Sunset Rubdown, which, With Our Powers Combined Forms Wolf Parade. Makes sense, and keeps me excited about the next WP album.
Also, anyone know if the Twinkies have played the Hold Steady version of "Take Me out To the Ballgame" this season?

I am so fed up/tipping point

2007-04-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

In the wake of our existence, in our parades and in our dances;
touch, see and behold the wisdom of the party program.
Essential in our lifetime and irresistible in our touch,
the great spirits proclaim
that capitalism is indeed organized crime
and we are all the victims.

Random Notes

2007-04-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Very stoked. No, not about an NCAA championship game featuring 2 teams I hate. Rather, I received a new copy of Nerf Herder's debut album. Somewhere down the line I lost it. Since I've always been stingy about loaning out CDs, it really hurts when a few fall by the wayside. Especially when the albums are out of print. But thankfully, the interweb has made it easy for me to track down people willing to sell me awesome albums for under $4. This album rips it up.

Also, I'm not usually drawn to praising the work of others, but this video by Low is maybe, probably, possibly the best video ever. At least the best in recent memory. You'll thank me later. Unless you've already seen it. In that case, you are ungrateful of my love.

Sons of Cain

2007-03-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

I just can't talk about this song enough. It's the lead track on Ted Leo & the Pharmacists new album "Living with the Living" and I just think it's brilliant. It's one of those songs that is just kick down the door, roll down the windows, burn it down, and soak it in. I don't want to make any assumptions about the lyric meaning or what Mr Leo was going through, I just feel it's true blue. But please don't just read the words, you need to hear what a three piece rock band is supposed to sound like.

Old, lonely, and endless light. Cold morning rises from the night.
No smile smiles back through the glare. No Voice calls back from the stairs.
Oh, those wounds on your blistered feet? That march you on along that dusted street
Oh, that dust gathers 'round your head as, clean, I rise form my lonely bed
All the talking - this and that none taking me to where you're at
Oh, as fine as the day is long
Oh, my fineness, where have you gone?
And I know I'm not to sing of fights I've missed
But, alone, I've got to sing just to exist
And to resist
So you're gone now, and who's to blame?
Left down here among the sons of Cain
Have you gone on to their heavenly fame
Leaving me here among the sons of Cain?
So, you're gone now, and who's to blame?
Left down here among the sons of Cain
Oh, you're gone now, and who's to blame?
All alone among the sons of Cain

2007-03-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sparta

via Klosterblog (regarding Greg Oden & Final Four):
Frankly, Oden is my favorite player in this entire tournament. I love his stoicism. I realize members of the media are supposed to love "raw emotion," but I always find that undignified. At this very moment, I assume Joakim Noah is moshing around his hotel room and eating handfuls of glass and yelling at "The View" and hitting a tennis ball between his legs; he is a citizen of the world, but he's also something of a lunatic.

After careful thought and deep introspection

2007-03-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've decided I would like to be referred to as "The Man from Tallahassee". Please refer to me as such when discussing me in your book club, travel plans, and folk tales.

On a less life changing note, here's a (not so much) rant: I love The Besnard Lakes. This band is phenomenal. ...are the Dark Horses is a great cd, and there isn't much to critique. (I have it in a care package for you, M.R.) The reason I bring this beautiful band up, is that I heard about them in like October. They were hinted at as being similar to Broken Social Scene, and I always get a little wet when I hear something like that. I looked em up, and, though the mp3s I heard were tight, I didn't see the connection. After yearning for the album, I scarfed it down when it came out, and I still think it was a bold assumption. The problem is, everytime I hear the BSS name drop, I get sucked in. I picked up The Annuals (awesome band) for the same reason, and several others as well. The problem is, though there may be similarities, it isn't enough to warrant the claims. But the real problem (as always) is me. It doesn't matter who the band is or awesome the album sounds, what I really want is more Broken Social Scene. It ain't happening. Well, maybe it will, but I'm a greedy little boy and I want more more more. So don't believe the hype, but when it's tagged as sounds like: Broken Social Scene read: sounds like: awesome.

In other news, Aziz Ansari is fun-ne, and you should totally check out Human Giant premiering on MTV April 5. They've got clips up on the interweb, or you could check out azizisbored.com.

65 Teams

2007-03-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

and only one left that I'm rooting for.
This sucks

Well, did you?

2007-02-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

Did anyone just see the Fire on SNL? Now do you get it?

the hardest working man in "24"

2007-02-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

is obviously Jack B, but I really appreciate the management/decision making of Bill Buchanan, he's definitely #2.
I am so over ungratefulness. I know it's really talkin bout the same thing, but the title of this Wilco song totally does it for me. I'm ready for the weekend/vacation/retirement.

Is that the thanks I get for lovin you?
Is that the thanks I get for tellin you the truth?
You say you wanna know
Where I go when I go
You say you wanna communicate
But you dont hear a word I say

Is that the thanks I get for loving you?
Now I'm tired of the looks you give me when I get home late
And I'm getting tired how you forget the lovin things I say
I hold you tightI treat you right
Now everytime I go out to play
Why you think im leaving
Is that the thanks I get for loving you?
Now faith and trust, the strongest part of us
That's ok, but you must believe in our love
We can make it better
Put ourselves together and start it again

I hold you tight
You tuck me in at night
I dont ever wanna fight again
I think were both crazy
But thats the thanks we get for falling in love

We can make it better
We can make it better
Put ourselves together
Start it again

These weeks are extremely important

2007-02-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

We need -1 degrees, 3+ feet of snow, constant threat of death by nature, so that May can be so much sweeter and when August feels so hot and you go out barefoot and wearing shorty shorts, well, it's just like a huge middle finger to winter. That being said, I'm gonna stab Mother Nature in the throat if things don't improve by the weekend.

A New Hope

2007-02-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Grammys are so lame, do people watch that stuff? John Mayer's long hair look reminds me of David Cross's character on "Arrested Development" when he was battling GvH.
Yes, the Grammys were this weekend, but the event that is relevant is the Plug Awards, hosted by David Cross, and totally about the only award show in existence.

Ob La Di Ob La Da

2007-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

so it goes...

I've been listening to Backyard Tire Fire a lot lately. Reminds me a lil' of Wilco's alt-rootsy sound, I haven't been playing it as much as Apples in Stereo or Of Montreal, but (surprisingly) more than the new Bloc Party, which is good but not brilliant. Which I expected with a sedated title like Weekend in the City.
I luv having the PTI podcast available, though not regularly updated enuff. I am accomplishing more and more at work every day. I don't know if anyone else get giddy about this, but Chicago Public Radio made a switch around the New Year, where they now play This American Life and Sound Opinions back-to-back on the weekends, which works much better than tagging them with shows like Passport. As much as I like to spread out the love over as many days as possible, there's nothing like settling in for 2 hours of aural loving.
I'm killing time right now because I'm in the middle of a b-ball tourney, and we can't stop @##%#@%@%#$^T$%^ losing. Almost always by 2 points, and we usually have the ball at the buzzer. Ob La Di, Ob La Da

Shame, shame, shame on anyone who gave up on Lost earlier this season or last, because it is gonna run hot all the way to May. It's like quitin' on your team in the 3rd quarter or pullin off the highway 100 miles into the trip. It is quality, much better than the diarrhea spewing from the mouths of Gilmore Girls writers. They should write a book on screwing up a solid, quality show in only 6 months. The network should do to them what I did to your imaginary unicorn. Double-tap, back of the head.
Thank God for Madden, I've been able to move past what the Bears did(n't) (do) in the Super Bowl and back into my imaginary world of sports, where Notre Dame hasn't lost a game since 2001 (this is year 17 of the dynasty) and the Bears have an MVP QB & a defense that can actually play the run and outlet passes in the postseason.
Ob La Di, Ob La Da

Post-Disco Demolition

2007-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

You might remember that illustrious chapter in White Sox history. Well, the author of that chapter, Steve Dahl, was a popular radio host, and still is. His 2-to-7 talk show is one of my favs (though my car's radio don't work), and (approx.) every other week he has a great little article in the Trib, titled "Vice Advisor". As an avid sports fan, he's down in Miami this week, and writing a daily column. He's a Chicago Garrison Keillor (minus 14 years, +20 lbs.) and I'm not really going anywhere with this, sorry.

The closest I'll ever get to talkin religion with you fools

2007-02-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

Theologians
They don't know nothing
About my soul
About my soul

I'm an ocean
An abyss in motion
Slow motion
Slow motion

Inlitterati lumen fidei
God is with us everyday
That illiterate light
Is with us every night

Theologians
That don't know nothing
About my soul
Oh they don't know

They thin my heart with little things
And my life with change
Oh in so many ways
I find more missing every day

Theologians
I'm going away
Where you will look for me
Where I'm going you cannot come
No one's ever gonna take my life from me

I lay it down
A ghost is born
A ghost is born
A ghost is born

I'm an ocean
I'm all emotion
I'm a cherry ghost
Cherry ghost

Hey I'm a cherry ghost
A cherry ghost

O Boy O Boy O Boy!

2007-02-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

It's been nice knowing all of you. I'm planning of having a heart attack/sumthin with my arteries on Sunday, following the combination of food/drink and my personal stake in the Bears road to glory. I was OK during the Saints game (I think the snow soothed me) but was an absolute wreck for the entire 'Hawks game.
"The Good, The Bad, and The Queen" leaves me so blue. It's got this great chilled out vibe, lots of lonesome atmosphere, but I just feel so empty, like i'm sitting in the middle of a gigantic cavern with only a candle for light and no way out.
I'm interested in getting a new job/field of work, so I'll take any recommendations.
I'm trying to figure out what foods I want to eat sunday. I'm feeling like Wings, Dip, Subs, Quesadillas, chips will all be features. Anything you do that trumps that?
Coaching a 1-0 team= awesome. Coaching a 1-4 team= a back rub with a cheese grater.
Pizza tomorrow night: Sausage, Pepperonni, Onions, Mushrooms, Black Olives, Green Peppers, Extra Cheese.
I can tell the quality of my day by how much coffee is left in the cup at 5pm. Yesterday= half cup, today= empty.

Tuesday is not Terrible

2007-01-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

Last night I was doing some laundry, watched Heroes, talked to some friends for a few hours, watched 24, and as I was going to bed, I thought, "tomorrow is gonna suck, I've got to get up real early and drag myself around all day, boo hoo hoo." Then I realized that this is the day of the release of new Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Norah Jones, and that I needed to pick up the new Menomena album that I should have gotten last week but it was so loaded already you know how it goes.
I enjoy the soothing sounds of Norah Jones. I don't go crazy for her, but she's like Miles Davis, but not like in the same category or level as Miles, but they fit together because if I went to a fwiend's house and they were casually spinning Miles, I'd be like, "cool, I'm into that" and I'd have the same reaction with Norah. Only 2 problems:
I don't go over to any fwiends houses
Nobody casually spins Miles
That being said, I really think "Bitches Brew" had 2 effects that Miles wasn't planning on:

It inspired countless horrible future jazz attempts that only sound soul-numbing
It (unknowingly) inspired white indie boys to spread themselves and make totally awesome music. Whenever I hear Karate, Mercury Program, Crime in Choir, even Hella, I see the good.

Anywho, I can't stop listening to the new Of Montreal and I'm really enjoying the new Clap Your Hands, and tuesdays are alrite with me.

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO

2007-01-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

What a weekend, what a crazy week. Reggie Bush is an idiot, the Bears are awesome (though someone should let ESPN know that the Colts still have to play someone), championship game played in the snow (proving that domes are for punks), and we can almost do what Denny Green wanted us to (cue Marty).
And then, just when the buzz is chilling off on Tuesday, Deerhoof, Of Montreal, and The Shins are release records on the same day. Wha?!?
It is a good time to be me.

Like stepping into the port-a-potty at the end of an all day refried beans eating contest...

2007-01-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

...I am stepping towards this weekend with trepidation. Last Sunday freaked me out and almost stopped my heart, and I'm expecting no less this weekend. I'll be busy all afternoon Sunday, but I'm hoping to watch approx. 80% of the game, and get home with 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter. I'm so stoked I can't concentrate.

Dropping some knowledge on you in honor of MLK

2007-01-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

but not really. This article is way too well thought through for its own good, but it is very helpful for seeing Episode IV through the lens of 1-3.

This weekend was as good/better than March Madness

2007-01-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;
Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.
We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.
Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.
You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down.

You hear it at the games and in the background on TV, now you know our fight song.
Sing it with me this weekend.

OOOOOhhhhhhhh!!!!

2007-01-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

The iPhone does seem kinda cool, but if you're like me, there's nothing better than a good buzzkill. This article b*tchslaps the insane lust out of your eyes.

Now, don't quote me on this...

2007-01-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

but I'm pretty sure that it's possible the George Bush might just maybe probably but almost definitely go down in history as the worst president of all time, and americans of this decade will be remembered as the dumbest people group in a long time for almost electing him once and then acting comparably with grinding up your hand in a blender, adding ice, calling it a smoothie, and drinking the retarded thing. Just hold on, 2 more years, just hold on, and hopefully there will still be a country to fix.

Cold War Kids mp3s

2007-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Over at the Cold War Kids website, they are giving away free mp3s from a benefit shoe they did this fall. If you like them, or Elvis Costello or Tom Waits or Fionna, you'll be interested. Very chilled down, not as sassy as usual.

Christmas #3

2007-01-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Was as good as 1 & 2. Got to watch good sports games and chill with the family. Now, it's just work and watch movies and drink and sleep and work and so on. But at least I made the 12 Days of Christmas last that long. Excuse me, but I need to throw the Christmas tree off my balcony.
That is what the apt complex told us to do. Seriously. It almost makes me like living here.

Van Helsing BoomBox

2007-01-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

only time will tell if i'll allow the scenery around to eat me alive
i wanna sleep for weeks like a dog at her feet,
even though i know it won't work out in the long run-
so i burn down the walls, breathe like a shadow those arms i once knew hold me like ghosts
i learn how to speak forgotten language
i fall in the sea but forget how to swim
and when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have
when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have
and only time will tell if i'll allow the scenery around to eat me alive
i wanna sleep for weeks like a dog at her feet even though i know it won't work out in the long run
so i burn down nepal, breathe like a shadow
those arms i once knew hold me like ghosts
i learn how to speak defeated languange
fall in the street as i howl at the moon
and when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have
when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have
when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have
when anything that's anything becomes nothing that's everything and nothing is the only thing you ever seem to have

New Year's Resolutions

2007-01-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Eat Pizza once a week
Drink more
Tell more jokes
Learn more jokes
Read The Onion more thoroughly
Learn to love
Run a 5K race
Move out of this stupid Apartment
Do something about that smell
Conquer at least 5 video games
Buy clothes containing the words Argyle & Wool (separately)

Random Ramblings

2007-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

Schrute Space I knew it existed, but never bothered to check it out.

I am so very pleased I didn't get a single theology/christian book for Christmas. I never do, and I embrace that fact. I suppose some could be cool, but I sleep better knowing that I'm thinking that I'm better than other people. Plus, graphic novels are more fun.

How hot was the Fiesta Bowl? I can't believe how awesome that game was, and no matter if you read the paper, watch the highlights, or sit on my lap (my preference for you), you can't appreciate how it felt at the time. That was the reason for watching sporting events live, as oppossed to reading about it the next day or seeing the SportsCenter highlights. The real-time thrill, the shock and excitement cannot be matched in any other point of day-to-day life, because in everyday world, there are reprecussions and moments linger into others and affect your day and week and month. BUT, Boise State scoring an amazing TD with 7 seconds doesn't change how I get to work, when I get paid, whether I have to go to court or not. All it does is make me jump up and down on the couch and scream quietly. And for 4 hours, I really do care about the game, it is critical to my life. But it always fades and I move on, and then come back for the next round. Sports won't save your soul or make you a better person, but they do make life better.

Tonight, however, is a matter of life and death. and pizza, cuz that's the way we role when ND is playing in a bowl game.

January is going to be hot for new music: Of Montreal, Bloc Party, Marrdest Mouse, The Shins, save yer money, children, you're gonna need it.

Christmas #2

2007-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Saw Mamma Mia, and, I'll tell you, if more theatre & opera were this high-brow, I'd get season tix. Got to re-create Christmas morning on the 28th, which was great and Almost/not nearly made up for the sadness of being gone on the 25th.
Favorite gifts: MP3 player, 90210 1st season, electric toothbrush, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and everything else

Christmas #1

2007-01-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

was real nice, like Minnesota. Hey, they should make that a nickname: "nice Minnesota". I got some sweet loot, drank in moderation, and listened to TVOTR "Return to Cookie Mountain" enought to think it the best album last year. Plus, we drove a car around that was 6x better than my 91Buick. Plus, there are some hot dudes in such a cold state.

Critical Albums

2006-12-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

I was just killing time, thinking about music, and I thought, hmm...since I don't have anything to say about myself, why don't I just say something about music. Well, okay.
The Magnetic Fields "69 Love Songs" is brilliant. It is, literally, 69 love songs, and not only is it a bold move, it is a delicious collection that works whether you are in love, broken up, self-absorbed, completly obsessed, or just hanging out. When the album (3 disc) first came out, I was but a poor young man, in days long gone, when "computers" did not "exist". It was "1999" and I eventually "bought" the set, and has grown on me every year. There are things that seem better and things that seem simpler with every listen, and if you're wondering how to waste a few winter hours cooped up indoors, you could do worse than to pick this one up.

2006-12-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

I was just checking out the "Global Rich List" and I didn't feel particularly guilty, but I did see several countries I'm now thinking about moving to. Feel the opportunity...

Twas the week before Christmas

2006-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

and all through the apartment, Nate was done with the shopping, and can only sit back and bask in the glow of a successful buying spree.
I can't believe MySpace is still popular. I thought it had been compromised, but the kids are still all over it.
I don't know if you saw JT on SNL, but he was stellar. Taste your regret here.

Christmas quote of the millenium, or, really, about whenever life takes a cheap shot:
"It seems every week the Simpsons go through a situation like this. My suggestion is to just ride it out, make the occasional smart-aleck quip, and next week we'll return right to where we were, ready for another wacky adventure." -Lisa Simpson
Remember that when everything falls apart next weekend

When Doves Cry

2006-12-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to Frank Sinatra & Ghostface Killah all day, and I think they really have a lot in common.
Anyone who currently uses itunes but not emusic, or simply does not use emusic is a fool, a terrible, terrible fool. There is so much good stuff on there.
I don't have much to say, thus a lack of postage.
Reading good books, listening to good music. buying good presents for good people, drinking good beer, and yet I wouldn't have thought to use the word good in describing anything.

Let me tell you how a resurrection really feels

2006-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Good times, my friend. Good new music: Swan Lake, Canadian indie super group (but only if you think the bands Destroyer, Wolf Parade/Sunset Rubdown, Frog Eyes are super), just put owt their first full length and it is tasty. Also awesum is Tom Waits' awesomely titles Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, & Bastards a 56 song epic. Viva La Emusic! If you like indie music of any stripe, have a computer, and aren't riding the emusic train, you need to get up on it! There monthly subscription plans are changing a bit, but it still is a good deal and there is more than enough to keep you busy. With my remaining 8 downloads for the month, I picked up Califone's Heron King Blues and I can't remember why I didn't snatch it up when it first came out. Also, if you dig freak-folk or a chirpy Joni Mitchell on acid in a rennassaince festival, Joanna Newsom's Ys would be a nice turkey stuffer.

What came out today? Oh yeah, Y: The Last Man vol. 8. Dur. That is such a good series...
If any television network wanted to copy the success of HEROES, they should get all over the rights to RUNAWAYS, which is one of my favorite ongoing titles.

Me? Oh I'm just stretching my tummy and getting ready for tomorrow, but the day I really look forward to is Friday, which is my favorite chill-out day of the year. I'm gonna sit, watch movies, read books, drink beer, eat pie, and weep at the fact that I don't have any moment more fulfilling in my life.

Oh, by the way, my body keeps trying to kill me, but just when I think i'm past the point of no return, my soul fights back and knock my body into submission, cowering in the corner like a D&D match at a frat party.

You can't get blood from stone

unless you throw it hard enough.

So I thought I was dying

2006-10-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

but I turns out it's just bronchitis. I thought I was running out of lungs, but it seems I'm still unbreakable. Although, I do feel like my heart is going to explode. Win some/Lose some.

Quick Stat Shot

2006-10-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

Bears D @home this season: 46 possessions, 3 tds, 3 fgs, 27 punts, 13 turnovers
D O M I N A T I N G

So, uh, how about, the, uh, the NE-MN game last night?

Go Tigers

2006-10-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

That is all.

What do I want for Christmas?

2006-10-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have no idea. I'm already getting asked what I want, and after thinking about it for a couple days, I'm drawing a blank. I already tried to google and ask and yahoo the question, but none of them have been any help. If anyone has any suggestions of what i should want, let me know.

In other news, I can't explain it, refuse to defend it, and won't deny it: I love Dwight Yoakam, as a musician and as a man. He's got me by the soul and won't let go.

Best line of the Century

2006-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

I've had kisses that make Judas seem sincere

Stevie Nix

2006-10-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

It's snowing. Much like it probably is has been or will be in your neck of the woods. Unless you live in some soulless part of the country without snow. I just saw the best video of the year, it's the kind of video that makes you want to start a band, tour the world, and be one of the best bands around. It was Broken Social Scene's "major label debut." Go find it for yourself.

So we don't have any ball teams in the playoffs, that's alright. Why? Well...
ND is dominating again, the Bears are #1 in the hood, and the Bulls are ready to begin a championship season. Also, Hold Steady is awesum, as is/are the Decemberists.

Top 2 albums for a snowy day in October: Spiritualized "Ladies and Gentlemen We are floating in Space" and Broken Social Scene "Broken Social Scene"
Top 2 tv programs for a snowy day in October: "My Name is Earl" & "ER" just kidding, it's "the Office".

She got screwed up by religion,
she got screwed by soccer players,
she got high for the first time at the camp down
by the banks of the Mississippi River.
Lord to be 17 forever.

I love it when he calls her freckles

2006-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well...this isa pretty crappy week at work. Just a bunch of junk leading me towards a breakdown.
On the homefront, X3 & Thank you for smoking came out tuesday, as did new records by the Decemberists & the Hold Steady. Any minnesotanites who are running low at the prospect of falling at the feet of the (not really) mighty A's or surviving only to be spanked by the Yankees (i'm not a fan, but facts are facts, man, it's like gravity: i hate it, but it's tru), do yourself a favor and pick up the Hold Steady album and think, "yeah, i guess it's alrite to be alive and here" but don't think about how the band moved to brooklyn. cuz that's not an endorsement. although they did say they'd move back if you ever got an outdoor baseball stadium.

What a month

2006-10-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Whew, amazing, a whirlwind of emoticons. Was at the ND-PSU game, screaming my head off, bawling by the end of the ND-UM game, screaming into the wet & wild gh nite at the end of the ND-MSU game, pleasantly enjoying the domination of the ND-PU game, and always topping it off with a Bears win on Sundays. So good, so good. Downside: Sox + Cubs= not in playoffs. Eh, at least I'm riding high on football. And crystal meth. Works a killer. Mental note: Twins cannot, are completely unable to, beat the Yankees in the playoffs. So, enjoy this series before doom sets in.
I saw a bunch of people standing on the side of the rode yesterday, like 200+, holding signs like "Abortion Kills Children." 4 thoughts:

2 young children holding the signs were hitting each other, hard, with the signs.
If people got into accidents because they were trying to read some of the signs with small print, could their families stand there with signs saying "Abortion Protestors Kill Children + Adults"?
Good question to ask protestors, "So, is this some kind of advertisement"?
Good question #2, "Is that a threat"?

Judge me not, lest you be hit with rocks.

Riddle

2006-09-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

-Knock Knock
-Who's There?
-Guess who's going to the Notre Dame-Penn State game this Saturday?
-Me, you losers! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

I Hate Apartments

2006-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

By next summer i must be living in a house, with a backyard and a dog and a picnic table. My current dwelling is eating my soul and i'm hearing voices. Can't remember what they said but i just keep thinking blood...blood...blood

Congrats Nate H

2006-09-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Good job Nate Hackett! I was watching Surviorman on Friday night, and I realized that Nate is the Surviorman. Oh sure, he likes to be called Les Straub now (diva), but I knew, when I stared into that beautiful bald head and those furry butch knees, that it was him. Hackett, this Bud's for you!

Boo-Yah!

2006-09-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

So now me and Ben Rothesljlsdjaojfojs;aojsbger, quarterback of the Super Bowl Champions, have sumthin else in common, he jus had his appendix out. Bennie, i totally know what you're going through. Call me if you want to talk. And you better be back to work by Wednesday, cuz i totally wuz. But take your time.

A Salty Salute

2006-08-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Disarm the settlers,
The new drunk drivers
Have hoisted the flag

We are with you in your anger

Proud brothers
Do not fret

The bus will get you there yet

To carry us to the lake

The club is open
c'mon c'mon c'mon the club is open

Scarlet Begonias

2006-08-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

As I was walking round Grosvenor Square
Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air
From the other direction she was calling my eye
It could be an illusion, but I might as well try
Might as well try

She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes
And I knew without asking she was into the blues
She wore scarlet begonias, tucked into her curls
I knew right away she was not like other girls
Other girls

In the thick of the evening when the dealing got rough
She was too pat to open and too cool to bluff
As I picked up my matches and was closing the door
I had one of those flashes I had been there before
Been there before

Well I ain't often right but I've never been wrong
It seldom turns out the way it does in the song
Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right

Well there ain't nothing wrong with the way she moves
Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues
And there's nothing wrong with the look that's in her eyes
I had to learn the hard way to let her pass by
Let her pass by

The wind in the willows playing Tea for Two
The sky was yellow and the sun was blue
Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand
Everybody is playing in the heart of gold band

Best Movies I watched last week

2006-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Brick
totally sweet
Don't Come Knocking
actually didn't watch it yet but i picked it up and i know it will be awesome
Inside Man
not too shabby, plus it's a Spike Lee joint starring Denzel, so, at least it's got that going
Dirty Old Town
it's Ted Leo/Pharmacists at the Coney Island Festival. what more do you need?
The Job: Complete Series
tv on dvd so it counts. dennis leary...
Jarhead
oh my is that some good stuff? why yes, it's really good stuff.

There are 83 quadrillion people on the erf

2006-08-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

I really love Aziz Anzari. He totally makes Mondays as smooth as a German road. His web site "Aziz is bored" is packed with great comedy and clips where he blesses us with glimpses of the joy and genius that is Aziz. But, then again, there's like 83 quadrillion people on the earth at any moment and I'm only one, so what the hell do I know?

Marty was ahead of the game

2006-08-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

There's this really amazing and cute band "The Pipettes" making some really amazing and cute music. They're British and 60'sish doo wop and they are so hot. Marty and I were talking back in Feb about what's hot in the TC scene and he mentioned doo wop. Well, check out the Pipettes because they are wonderful. This post was completely unnecessary.

I always thought they sucked but this doesn't really suck

2006-08-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

I always hated the Black Crowes. Plenty of reasons I can no longer remember. They even played with Oasis a few years back and I would not pay money that would go to the Brothers Robinson. Anywho, I've gotten more into the Southern rock/whatever sound over the last few years and finally, bout 6 months ago, this dude I respect plants some mp3s of VH1 Storytellers Black Crowes (acoustic) and holy shit this was good. I've tried to listen to their studio albums since then, but I still don't freak for it. It's just this one performance. Anytime a band can pull this together so perfectly when they sound so not-perfect the rest of the time is truly a magic moment. Find it when, where, however you can.

Busy Boys Tell No Tales

2006-08-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

The last month+ has been insane. Just capped it off with a trip down to Mexico, got me thinking about Ernest Joseph Anastasio III, and what he had to say...

Cabo Wabo's everywhere.
It's on my skin and in my hair.
And Louise, I think I've fallen for you.
Might go down easy, this is my Cayman Review
Don't know how you did the rest
of sixteen men on a dead man's chest.
But Louise, I can't seem to get enough of you.
Might go down easy, this is my Cayman Review
I'm feeling kind of funny, I think i'm sinking down.
My head, it starts a spinning as i tumble to the ground,
thinking I spent all my money just a chasing you around, Louise!
Don Eduardo's everywhere
It's on my skin and in my hair.
And Louise, I think I've fallen for you.
Might go down easy, this is my Cayman Review

one word rating: stellar

Jarhead was an awesome movie

2006-07-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Great cast in this awesome movie. Anyone who didn't like was probably on mescaline at the time (which is great when you're watching Sorority Boys). Shame on those who frown on Jake Gyaslfjds;ljflsa;kjf;slkadjhal and James Foxy'x.

Vault

2006-07-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

I was at a water park last night and drank 2 of these puppies. Wow. I don't like to do the dew, and now that stuff is completely irrelevant. Wow.

Stuff I Like

2006-07-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take a moment out of my amazing life and write out some of the things I like. I got thinking about it when I was on dope at the hospital, and sometimes I think, "Hey, I like that stuff." So I'm remembering and making it up as I go.

It's always sunny in Philadelphia What a great show. Since the demise of Arrested Development and the summer emptiness of The Office, this is the best show on TV. The crack episode was the most brilliant thing I've seen in years. 2 seasons of IASIP fill an emptiness in my soul. And it's on FX so you get to hear Shit and God Damn.

Twilight Singers Definetely a band I'll forget about in a month, but tonite they are just rite.

Ale-8-One The finest soft drink ever made. Available only in Kentucky. Whoduvthunkit?

Adam Griffin's Blog I'm not really a fan of "encouraging" or "supporting" other "people", but I can't think of anything funnier I've read on the www in the last month than a post and video courtesy of the boy wonder. http://niffirgemada.blogspot.com/

Walt Whitman I think...

Nightmare of You I've been hearing lots of praise for these doods, but it wasn't til I finally gave up and listened that I found out they were all right.

Hospital Drugs They really got the hook up, yknow?

Pirates Not just movies books or drinks, but the whole thing. They are so awesome. Leads me to the most important question in all of life: You're walking home and come across a 4 way battle between Pirates, Ninjas, Robots, and Intellegent Apes from the Future. You must join 1 group. Who? If you pick any of the other three, you ain't no friend of mine.

Swimming So awesome, especially in summer.

Cereal It works any time, day or night.

The Mountain Goats Can't tell you how many times I'm asked "Is that Lost + Found?" (Twice) But they are so awesome and will drink you under their acoustic guitars.

Talladega Nights Too much Will Ferrell? I was totally thinking the same thing. Until I saw the preview.

Cryptic Endings for non cryptic phrases.

This isn't over...

I'm one less part caveman

2006-07-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have been doing my thing, but thought it fair to add something here. I've been bouncin on trips and conventions and farting around, but i've also been very productive. Last Friday I had my appendix out, and ever since my insides have been remodeling the open real estate, which, i don't have to tell you, is harder to find than open land in DuPage County to build on. I was driving to the hospital and i was imagining it to be a race between a bomb inside me and the bomb squad/doctors, although i don't think they'd direct you to take an explosive inside a hospital. Anyway, they gave out some really crap drugs. I told them about 4 or 5 painkillers that I know work well, but they wouldn't listen, and now I'm stuck being mostly aware of things. In the end, I guess you could say it was an important moment in my life, a time when I learned what it means to have hottt nurses shoot needles full of dope into your arm at 2am. It meant that I was no longer a child, that I need to get more things taken out for those few precious moments. It meant that I'm less a caveman than all you bastard still with your appendix, cuz that's what your appendix was for, digesting bark and grass and rocks that our caveman great grandparents used to eat. It meant I'm going to take it a step further and have my lungs removed, like our future relatives, so i won't be relying on oxygen like you chumps. It meant that sometimes you need to sit on the couch and watch "Veronica Mars" or something else during the day when others are being productive. It meant that, no matter how much you or anyone else or even my own body wants me dead, I am without a doubt, unbreakable.
Step off, son, you don't want none of this.

Been Gone, Goin again

2006-06-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Been to Minnesota, Cincinnati, Dayton (home of GVB), and beautiful Thornton IL, and i'm getting ready to head to West Virginia. Also thoroughly dissapointed and depressed by "The Break-Up" tried to get rid of my Blockbuster Movie Freedom Pass but i'm so totally attached and dependant that for the 3rd straight month, i was too weak to abandon the unnecesary service.

In other news:
Do you want to be a part of a Myspace community? Want to meet new people? Too much of a pansy? Hate associating with non-Christians? Are you such a prick that you need your own sub-category? Well, God hates Christ Union more than fags.

Oh My God

2006-04-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

I think I just pissed myself. It's moments like these when I truly miss PartyBoy & Hackett, because I can't remember the last thing I read that was as good as this.

Public Service Announcement

2006-04-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

This Site, updated everyday, will show you the prices of gasoline at area gas stations. Use it, live it, love it.

I think the DaVinci Code is gonna be awesome

2006-04-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

i can't wait for the flick for the following reasons: Ron Howard makes good to somewhat good movies, especially good for summer. Tom Hanks is the Tom Hanks of the movie industry. Amelie is adorable. Jean Reno is always smooth. Paul Bettany is alot better than you think. The book was fluff, but at least it was entertaining fluff. It kinda reminds me of Indiana Jones.
Any the people who are getting uptight are a bunch of lameass bores who don't enjoy things as much as I enjoy things. And that, people, is the really problem.

When will Minnesota have an open air stadium?

2006-03-30T11:44:00.000-08:00

Eh, whatever. I've got 2 major league teams playing outside all summer, and 2 minor leaguers in a 20 mile radius. Baseball & Football should only be played outside. But, if you are a fan of baseball, the Twins, or words, check out Batgirl. She knows what's up.

Music for your Ears to Hear

2006-03-27T14:02:00.000-08:00

There's a bunch of good music to listen to, and I know one young man who listens to Imogen Heap and I think he'd like her old band, Frou Frou. Imogen also recently toured with a young lady named Zoe Keating who is a celloer for a gothishy band Rasputina, and that's what I wanted to say. Also, oh never mind.

Matt Stec

2006-03-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

I have no knowledge of how to get in touch with him, but if anyone knows where to find the bright young man known as Matt Stec, I would love to get in touch with him to discuss this week's issue of The Onion, which is quite possibly the finest, all-around issue of the newspaper this illustrious reader has ever perused. Find him and bring him to me.

And tell him he should be listening to Shellac at least once a week to maintain a kick ass approach to life.

stupid

2006-03-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

what a dumb plan this is. a mess. you'd never know but it's true, way too true.

and to top it all off, last night was absolutely the worst night i've ever had as a college basketball fan.

I have an important announcement

2006-03-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

I want you all to know that Dame xJessxy Rowles make the finest banana bread in the world. I don't care if your great-great-grandma used to make it, that stuff tastes like puke next to what Mrs. Marty whips together. I'll kill anyone who says otherwise.

SURVIVORMAN

2006-03-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

I like stuff, and obsess/addict easily, but i've gotta tell you, i am knocked out right now. there are a lot of television shows i love and think are brilliant, but very few that just amaze me. The last one to really do it was TLC's "Junkyard Wars". That thing was sweet. But now i think i'm more jazzed for Discovery's "Survivorman". it's on Fridays at 10/9c. This guy just goes into the wilderness and...just watch it. Please give it a shot, i guarantee your jaw will drop. I like to imagine it's exactly what Ryan O'Brien is doing right now in Colorado. Brilliant.

Good News for people who love BJ's!

2006-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

Ben & Jerry's announces their new flavas for 06

The Jerk

2006-02-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

is the name of a stellar poem, by a stellar guy. Everyone gets all "Grrrr, it's Valentine's Day, and then they start that stupid tirade about hallmark." Whatever. Who cares? I just don't like doing stuff because people [the man] tell me i haf to. i don't want to get drunk on NYE or St Paddy's, but have no problem with it on, say, a Thursday mornin. don't tell me what to do and you'll probably get me to do what you want me to do. There's the secret. I can't even remember what day valentino's was. it's over already. all that bitching was unnecessary. FLIPSIDE: don't rest your hopes for the year and love on a (usually) bleak and depressing day in february. go for sunset in august, or prom nite in may, or a snowy evening in december. i absolutely hate february, which is cool, cuz it hates me just as much, if'n more. let us just celebrate the small victory that it isn't a leap year. So in honor of love and valentino and march madness and no leap year, here's "The Jerk"

Hey you, dragging the halo--
how about a holiday in the islands of grief?

Tongue is the word I wish to have with you.
Your eyes are so blue they leak.

Your legs are longer than a prisoner’s
last night on death row.

I’m filthier than the coal miner’s bathtub
and nastier than the breath of Charles Bukowski.

You’re a dirty little windshield.

I’m standing behind you on the subway,
hard as calculus. My breath
be sticking to your neck like graffiti.

I’m sitting opposite you in the bar, waiting
for you to uncross your boundaries.

I want to rip off your logic
and make passionate sense to you.

I want to ride in the swing of your hips.

My fingers will be digging up in you like quotation marks,
blazing your limbs into parts of speech.

But with me for a lover, you won’t need
catastrophes. What attracted me in the first place
will ultimately make me resent you.

I’ll start telling you lies,
and my lies will sparkle,
become the bad stars you chart your life by.

I’ll stare at other women so blatantly
you’ll hear my eyes peeling,

because sex with you is like Great Britain:
cold, groggy, and a little uptight.

Your bed is a big, soft calculator
where my problems multiply.

Your brain is a garage
I park my bullshit in, for free.

And you’re not really my new girlfriend,
just another flop sequel of the first one,
who was based on the true story of my mother.

You’re so ugly I forgot how to spell!

I’ll cheat on you like a ninth grade math test.
And break your heart just for the sound it makes.

You’re the this we need to put an end to.

The more you apologize, the less I forgive you.

So, how about it? You, me, and a bucket of cafe au lait...

by Jeffrey McDaniel

Today

2006-02-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being a drama queen:
Today is the worst day of my life. It will remain so, undoubtedly.
Actually, it occurred several months ago, but now I am aware.
I knew it would be for a few years, but now it is really here.

2006-02-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

Lord take me home

To the peaceful valley

Down the winding river

To your city your soul

I've grown so tired

And my hearts grown heavy

To walk any longer

To your cities of gold

All my life

I've loved for forgiveness

But I can never seem to get enough

All my life I've been rocked into the darkness

With a gun to my head

Trying to find a peaceful song

To sing when everything goes wrong

Till the peaceful valley calls me home

Up there in the clouds

In that glorious kingdom

Tell me there ain't nothing but an easy recline

Can I still smoke my cigarettes and have my coffee

Up there in heaven with a bottle of wine

Cause all my life, I've longed for forgiveness

But I can never seem to get enough

All my life I've been rushed into the darkness

Oh take me home to the peaceful valley

Down the winding river

To your city or soul

Closure

2006-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Relationships are a fickle beast. They begin almost too good to be true. There can be something magical and powerful about them, you pinch yourself thinking of your good fortune. The middle stages are marked by comfort, safety, joy, and some fear of an inevitable end. I guess that can be part of their mystique: they can end at any time; after a day, a week, a few years. Some come to a close abruptly, while others linger on long after they should. And so you can only embrace the moment.

Sometimes the closing of one chapter can feel drawn out, with the end impending. In these cases, we can not be blamed for working through a whole gamut of emotions. We begin with fear and anger, quick to point the finger or rage at the other party for not doing more or caring enough. Once we've exhausted ourself with these emotions, feelings of great sadness and depression seep in, sensing our own failure and staring into the void of our future. "What will happen now?" "How can anything good ever happen again?" This disappointment can linger for quite some time, covering us in a darkness, pain, and emptiness, seemingly impossible to overcome. But, out of this blackness can come something quite wonderful: closure. A feeling of being made whole again, reflecting on the joys and pains of the relationship, gratefulness for ever having been a part of something so wonderful. And there really is no reason to rehash or reignite the flames, because everything happened that should have, and the end came just when it should have.

That is my feeling this night, watching the end of arrested developments three years on fox. It may return to another network, but I'm content with where we said goodbye this night. My gentle mistress has faded into the past, but the joy and celebration we shared this night will guide me for years to come, and I realize, even as it is to late, that there will never be a love like ours again.

Also, Death Cab and My Morning Jacket are on Austin City Limits this weekend. Check em out.

Thank You North Country

2006-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

I would like to take a moment to thank Marty Rowles and the other delegates from Minnesota for their country's fine treasures to the rock n roll community and gifters to the world, following the inspiring/brilliant presents of husker du and the replacements, for the hold steady, gutterpunk bastard children of bruce springsteen and the e street band. though they may reside in brooklyn, they sound like drinking a bloody mary trying to rethink the last seven years of their life. Which leads me to my question: besides the du and mats, and lifter puller/hold steady, have their been any other brilliant bands from the Minnesota? Please let me know. (but don't even pull that lame prince line, i don't bring up the chicago fire or the bulls, do i? and besides, i don't ever mention the smashing pumpkins or cheap trick in chicago debates, so let's just give it a rest, at least until you begin worshipping randy moss again, 10 years after he's relevant. just saying...)

MEMOIRS are not fiction

2006-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to give opinions about the book scandal, but every time i read the words "million little pieces" i think "million reeses pieces" and get a little hungry.

2006-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

advertisement gone horribly, horribly wrong

This Hobbit(doll)house is not a home

2006-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Creative dollhouse-maker/Tolkien fan has created a remake of Bilbo's Bag End. I think it is awesome, but upon further review, am critical of some textures, colors, and bathrooms. But, this guy gets the spirit award for the day.

Also, there is a Minnesota gubenatorial candidate who's not afraid to admit is satanism... or go by the name "the impaler" Vote early, vote often.

2006-01-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

How Minnesotan are you?

if you are bored today, head over to a local Christian bookstore (there around, usually in strip malls around here), and ask a worker, "do you have any copies of 'the da vinci code?'" and watch the awkwardness ensue. then follow it up by looking for harry potter and passions. when they show you the Mel Gibson dvd, explain that you thought it was about the soap opera. ask if you're dog will be in heaven, then slowly and dejectedly exit the store.

2006-01-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

you are correct, sir

oh my

2006-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

i try to make it a point never to "support" or "encourage" other people, events, or weblogs, but this made me chuckle. I don't know who he is, but this post and the entire weblog are pretty grand.

if you are looking for something to do this week

2005-12-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

i think you should rent the film oldboy. it is just terrific. I had forgotten all about it until it came up in a conversation this weekend. it is a recent (2005) flick, and i honestly can't think of anything better that you have planned for this week. Do it!

had an awesome weekend, and walked away with a new laptop and a bunch of other goodies. xmas05 v.2.0 is tomorrow, where more good times will abound.

the cable got shut off last week, but dude's comin on thursday to install cable + internet, so you can't keep the Cougar down long.

oldboy + wolf parade + lou malnotti's pizza + wool socks = deez nutz