News of the Haircut
is officially on sale
for a mere $7.50
It's more than worth the price.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
erin just needs to stop
Why is it on Saturdays when I work I always start off in a great mood and by the end of the day can't stand to talk to anyone? Oh, I know! It's because working with the public can be challenging!
Ahem.
Yesterday I watched 2 documentaries--both for work. The first was called The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. It's the first movie we're showing for the sustainability series and obviously I wanted to view it before 100% committing to it. It's pretty good. Low production values, but a nice explanation of how Cuba handled their post-USSR energy crisis. They learned to ride bikes. They learned to live without airconditioning. They learned to garden in urban areas. They learned the importance of wind and solar power. Completely no-brainer things we should all be doing. It was short, succinct, and I think it's a great piece to show here.
The second one I watched was What a Way to Go: life at the end of empire . Why I thought this was going to be uplifting and a good idea to watch on a gorgeous March afternoon, I have no idea. The first 45 minutes I furiously textmessaged Peter: "We're so fucked" "Capitalism needs growth to sustain itself which in turn requires increased production of fossil fuels which are about to hit their peak and only continue to destroy the planet." "Having kids isn't just selfish. It's irresponsible especially in this great country of ours."
That was the first 45 minutes.
It was a 2 hour documentary.
After an hour I thought it best for me to get outside in the sunshine and go for a run. A most excellent idea.
I felt the way I did after watching Bush's War. I've always considered myself an environmentalist. I have 36 leaves on my facebook page for chrissake. I don't own a car, I practically had a nervous breakdown when the farmers market ended because I was so committed to shopping locally, I don't shop at big chains (The Acres of Thrift does not count for obvious reasons), I live small--really really small, I buy clothes second hand, I mean, I thought I GOT it.
I didn't really get it. Because this whole time? I kept thinking someone's going to solve this problem for us. The politicians, the UN, the scientists, SOMEONE was going to step in and say "ENOUGH! You people are completely out of control! You can no longer continue to consume at the rate you've been consuming!" And in the meantime I thought I'd just start trying to reduce consumption anywhere I could. No one's going to solve this. We have to solve it. And all these cute little lifestyle things I've been doing are the solution. I spent the afternoon stressed out about plankton shells and rising acidity levels in the oceans and overpopulation and feeling guilty for driving to VT in May and reconciling my love for cities yet knowing cities are part of the problem and wondering if I really honestly could live off the grid and desperately wanting a computer but knowing I don't need it and just wanting to live smaller and smaller and smaller and smaller.
After that was over, for fun, I decided to throw in The Party's Over, a nice little documentary about the 2000 election. I only got about 20 minutes in before Peter came home from work and led me away from the tv.
We spent the evening far far away from reality watching the first 3 episodes of the original Star Trek series.
The only reason I know I'm not losing my mind is that crazy people usually don't recognize they're going crazy and as I feel fairly insane these days with my crowded head full of Rumsfeld and Basra and carbon footprints and what 4000 dead looks like and yurts and guilt and anxiously awaiting a chapbook and how hot William Shatner was when that show started, I know I'll be okay.
This is my normal.
Ahem.
Yesterday I watched 2 documentaries--both for work. The first was called The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. It's the first movie we're showing for the sustainability series and obviously I wanted to view it before 100% committing to it. It's pretty good. Low production values, but a nice explanation of how Cuba handled their post-USSR energy crisis. They learned to ride bikes. They learned to live without airconditioning. They learned to garden in urban areas. They learned the importance of wind and solar power. Completely no-brainer things we should all be doing. It was short, succinct, and I think it's a great piece to show here.
The second one I watched was What a Way to Go: life at the end of empire . Why I thought this was going to be uplifting and a good idea to watch on a gorgeous March afternoon, I have no idea. The first 45 minutes I furiously textmessaged Peter: "We're so fucked" "Capitalism needs growth to sustain itself which in turn requires increased production of fossil fuels which are about to hit their peak and only continue to destroy the planet." "Having kids isn't just selfish. It's irresponsible especially in this great country of ours."
That was the first 45 minutes.
It was a 2 hour documentary.
After an hour I thought it best for me to get outside in the sunshine and go for a run. A most excellent idea.
I felt the way I did after watching Bush's War. I've always considered myself an environmentalist. I have 36 leaves on my facebook page for chrissake. I don't own a car, I practically had a nervous breakdown when the farmers market ended because I was so committed to shopping locally, I don't shop at big chains (The Acres of Thrift does not count for obvious reasons), I live small--really really small, I buy clothes second hand, I mean, I thought I GOT it.
I didn't really get it. Because this whole time? I kept thinking someone's going to solve this problem for us. The politicians, the UN, the scientists, SOMEONE was going to step in and say "ENOUGH! You people are completely out of control! You can no longer continue to consume at the rate you've been consuming!" And in the meantime I thought I'd just start trying to reduce consumption anywhere I could. No one's going to solve this. We have to solve it. And all these cute little lifestyle things I've been doing are the solution. I spent the afternoon stressed out about plankton shells and rising acidity levels in the oceans and overpopulation and feeling guilty for driving to VT in May and reconciling my love for cities yet knowing cities are part of the problem and wondering if I really honestly could live off the grid and desperately wanting a computer but knowing I don't need it and just wanting to live smaller and smaller and smaller and smaller.
After that was over, for fun, I decided to throw in The Party's Over, a nice little documentary about the 2000 election. I only got about 20 minutes in before Peter came home from work and led me away from the tv.
We spent the evening far far away from reality watching the first 3 episodes of the original Star Trek series.
The only reason I know I'm not losing my mind is that crazy people usually don't recognize they're going crazy and as I feel fairly insane these days with my crowded head full of Rumsfeld and Basra and carbon footprints and what 4000 dead looks like and yurts and guilt and anxiously awaiting a chapbook and how hot William Shatner was when that show started, I know I'll be okay.
This is my normal.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
strange days
Going to bed earlier and getting up earlier does strange things to a person. As does refocusing one's diet. I purposely went out Monday and bought actual food. Not food that comes in a box that required boiling and a packet of seasoning (yeah, I went there. Winter has been tough), not 5 different kinds of cheese that I melted in or on everything...I bought real honest to god grown in the ground or on a tree or bush food. The difference this week has been noticeable. It has made me long for the Farmer's Market even more than usual (May 14, by the way!!!). It also helps sidewalks being clear thereby not giving me any excuse to skip a run. I actually walked to work for the first time in forever this week. I was happy. To be at work.
See? Strange days.
The second half of Bush's War wasn't quite as jawdroppingly depressing. It was also shorter and less all-encompassing leaving us with the feeling the filmmaker realized he was going on too long and yet missing huge pieces of the picture. It ended with Bush's last SOTU and a voice over stating that it'll soon be someone else's problem. Like when you're writing a paper in college and you suddenly realize you're already 5 pages over so you just need to end it (thank you, Peter, for the simile). What struck me was remembering how I felt at certain points of this war: "Remember during this part we were all being told we were unpatriotic and not supporting the troops and look! It was actually the administration who left troops with no plan and no direction!" "Remember when Bush flew in on that air craft carrier and we all said 'This is all just a sham! The administration is putting on a show!' and Iraq was actually, literally, falling apart just then?"
History's something else.
I'm reading an amazing book right now. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon who's so cool he not only made a guest appearance on The Simpsons and the Coen brothers are all up on adapting and directing this piece of literature, he's most importantly going to be at the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin. I need to be there. I really love this writer. I loved Wonder Boys and I loved Kavalier and Klay. I want to make love to his prose. He makes me crazydrunk on his words. Being able to hear him speak for a mere $10 is a no-brainer.
And speaking of outstanding writers, Ha Jin is going to be speaking for FREE at Fountain Street Church next Tuesday night. I've only read Waiting and The Bridegroom but I really liked them both. He won the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, The PEN/Hemingway Award, and was nominated for a Pulitzer. Go Kent County for choosing an actual living breathing award winning author for your One Community book.
We went with Hemingway. It's been a tough sell as we're pretty sure he's not going to show up.
Tonight I go to Butch's for a glass of wine with Christina. I'm optimistic we'll have enough titillating material to discuss I won't have trouble staying awake. Tomorrow I'm off. Tomorrow night I'll be going to bed about the time Michigan State starts playing which really really really pisses me off. Saturday I work all day. Sunday is blissfully free thus far.
See? Strange days.
The second half of Bush's War wasn't quite as jawdroppingly depressing. It was also shorter and less all-encompassing leaving us with the feeling the filmmaker realized he was going on too long and yet missing huge pieces of the picture. It ended with Bush's last SOTU and a voice over stating that it'll soon be someone else's problem. Like when you're writing a paper in college and you suddenly realize you're already 5 pages over so you just need to end it (thank you, Peter, for the simile). What struck me was remembering how I felt at certain points of this war: "Remember during this part we were all being told we were unpatriotic and not supporting the troops and look! It was actually the administration who left troops with no plan and no direction!" "Remember when Bush flew in on that air craft carrier and we all said 'This is all just a sham! The administration is putting on a show!' and Iraq was actually, literally, falling apart just then?"
History's something else.
I'm reading an amazing book right now. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon who's so cool he not only made a guest appearance on The Simpsons and the Coen brothers are all up on adapting and directing this piece of literature, he's most importantly going to be at the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin. I need to be there. I really love this writer. I loved Wonder Boys and I loved Kavalier and Klay. I want to make love to his prose. He makes me crazydrunk on his words. Being able to hear him speak for a mere $10 is a no-brainer.
And speaking of outstanding writers, Ha Jin is going to be speaking for FREE at Fountain Street Church next Tuesday night. I've only read Waiting and The Bridegroom but I really liked them both. He won the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, The PEN/Hemingway Award, and was nominated for a Pulitzer. Go Kent County for choosing an actual living breathing award winning author for your One Community book.
We went with Hemingway. It's been a tough sell as we're pretty sure he's not going to show up.
Tonight I go to Butch's for a glass of wine with Christina. I'm optimistic we'll have enough titillating material to discuss I won't have trouble staying awake. Tomorrow I'm off. Tomorrow night I'll be going to bed about the time Michigan State starts playing which really really really pisses me off. Saturday I work all day. Sunday is blissfully free thus far.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
move along, move along. just some typical political ranting.
If you're not watching Frontline's special "Bush's War" you should be. I have been an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq since the beginning and yet I had no idea the scope of what was going on. I didn't know Wolfowitz was in bed with Chalabi. I didn't know the majority of our "intelligence" came from the INC which obviously had it's own reasons for wanting to topple Saddam Hussein. I knew Powell got screwed, but I didn't know how much of a pissing match was going on between the State Department and the Pentagon. I didn't realize just how long Dick Cheney distrusted the CIA and therefore had no problem creating his own intelligence when Tenent didn't come up with what he wanted. The first hour made me crazy. Realizing this administration as originally chosen by Bush was a bunch of whiny power hungry little boys who had no problem lying to get what they wanted. Realizing Rice and Powell were impotent the minute they were appointed. Realizing they went to a 34 year old staffer in the Justice Department who was willing to shape the law to say whatever they wanted. The second hour made me want it over. Cheney is more than a liar. He has no conscience. He's a criminal and he was the one in control of Bush. The irony of the title shouldn't be missed on anyone. This was never Bush's war. This was Cheney's war. This was Rumsfeld's war. This was Wolfowitz's war. Bush didn't have a clue what was going on. The CIA which was blamed for faulty intelligence (And rightly so. Tenent fucked up. He got too close to the President and lost sight of his job) had their eye on Afghanistan from the beginning. And because Rumsfeld was pissed off the Pentagon wasn't in control of operations there he let the CIA languish there for a month. He also pulled special ops forces too soon in order to make Iraq happen. The last hour made me sick. A year before Abu Ghraib the things this country did to prisoners? Disgusting. The way Cheney manipulated the media to sell the war? Shameful. The lack of leadership by the man this country "elected" President? Embarrassing.
And that was only part 1.
Last night ended at 11:22pm with the US bombing Baghdad. Tonight should be superfun.
I knew it was ugly. I just didn't know the particulars. And the particulars are more than depressing. This is politics. This is the way this country has operated since the beginning. And it left me wondering if this country is really worth saving. And what that all means for someone like myself who has spent the past 24 years believing democracy and the US were worth it.
So, yeah, that's what's happening here. Erin's losing her mind over something she has no control over and already was well aware was going on.
And that was only part 1.
Last night ended at 11:22pm with the US bombing Baghdad. Tonight should be superfun.
I knew it was ugly. I just didn't know the particulars. And the particulars are more than depressing. This is politics. This is the way this country has operated since the beginning. And it left me wondering if this country is really worth saving. And what that all means for someone like myself who has spent the past 24 years believing democracy and the US were worth it.
So, yeah, that's what's happening here. Erin's losing her mind over something she has no control over and already was well aware was going on.
Monday, March 24, 2008
well that was a blurry weekend
- I saw a fox. At 4am Saturday morning. No. Really. It was a fox.
- Saturday afternoon and evening I got to hang out with my friend Michael who happens to be from Chicago where all the cool kids seem to live. I ate boar and duck and butternut squash dumplings and drank martinis. Of course.
- Sunday morning I drank coffee in my pajamas with my friend Michael before he headed off to his family Easter celebration. That was surreal.
- Sunday afternoon I ate Chinese food. And watched about 8 hours of LOST. I'm addicted. Though I really really really hate Ana Lucia. Michelle Rodriguez just sucks.
- I was in bed and asleep by about 10pm last night despite an invitation to go hear a cool band at the Boathouse.
- This meant I was up and unusually chipper at 5:30am which freaks me out
Blurry. Just completely blurry.
I took the afternoon off which turns out to be the best thing ever as 3 people called in sick this afternoon. HA! Instead of covering for people who get paid significantly more than myself I'll be with my friend Molly eating lunch. Maybe at Journeyman. Or Indian. Or the like. I'm sure we'll have no choice but to go to Target My Target.
I've got my sights set on Friday. My next day off.
Yeah, being a grownup ain't no fun.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
ARIN SI ONE CRAZY BITCH!!!!!! OMG LOL
LAW SKOOL BLOWS!!!!!!!! WTF
KEVIN SI DA CHES3MAN!111!1!!1 OMG LOL
D3SIGN3RS R HOT!1!!1 OMG WTF LOL
PO3TS RULA!!!!1!!!11111 OMG LOL
Way too fun not to share.
KEVIN SI DA CHES3MAN!111!1!!1 OMG LOL
D3SIGN3RS R HOT!1!!1 OMG WTF LOL
PO3TS RULA!!!!1!!!11111 OMG LOL
Way too fun not to share.
crazyblackministergate
Some spicy Sante Fe soup, crackers, lots of water, 6 episodes of Freaks and Geeks, and 12 hours of sleep later I'm...here. I'm better, I guess, though I woke up feeling as if I'd been hit by a truck. Listening to Diane Rehm's show about Obama's speech definitely helped lift my spirits. When crazyblackministergate broke I dismissed it as a nonstory. I mean, what person in their right mind sits in a church and agrees with every single thing their minister says? Plus, anyone who doesn't take into account the cultural differences between, say, a white Methodist church and a black Baptist church is just not very bright. But the story wouldn't die so Barack Obama charged bravely forth and delivered what will undoubtedly go down as a historic speech. I read it when I got to work today and was blown away. Peter wondered if it was too intelligent for America to which I said if America doesn't get it this country doesn't deserve to be saved. As usual, Diane Rehm had a host of lunatic callers: "I've had 42 years of psychological analysis and this speech wasn't brave, it was defensive. Only John McCain is out there talking about our most important issue: saving our children in Iraq." (Uh, you sent your children to Iraq?! I was under the impression those serving in Iraq signed up for the armed services. And had to be 18 years old. And isn't John McCain the only candidate who isn't interested in ending the war?) "Doesn't anyone see how hypocritical this all is? I mean, the man sat in a church with his daughters for 20 years and listened to that man say 9/11 was our fault." (Actually his daughters are only 9 and 7 so they haven't been sitting there for 20 years plus, unless I'm mistaken, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson said 9/11 was our fault too and they're 2 old white guys...) Race in America is a very complicated issue. Kudos to Barack Obama for forcing this country to face it head on.
Yesterday I had a meeting with 2 people from 2 different groups on co-sponsoring a film series/discussion group on sustainability. The groups both focus on the environmental, social equity, and economic issues. To say I'm psyched about this is an understatement. We're going to do one a month for a year and see how it goes. The first up is The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. Yeah, we thought we'd just jump right in and challenge our small little conservative community. The nice thing is having the complete support of our public relations person who is more than happy to defend our choices to the community should conflict arise.
Tonight, however, I get to play Hearts which is a little hilarious as I'm not very good at playing Hearts. The whole taking tricks with points is a bad thing is tough for me to grasp. It should be fun. We have no idea how many people are going to show up. Could be 2, could be 20.
I'm secretly hoping for somewhere in between.
Yesterday I had a meeting with 2 people from 2 different groups on co-sponsoring a film series/discussion group on sustainability. The groups both focus on the environmental, social equity, and economic issues. To say I'm psyched about this is an understatement. We're going to do one a month for a year and see how it goes. The first up is The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. Yeah, we thought we'd just jump right in and challenge our small little conservative community. The nice thing is having the complete support of our public relations person who is more than happy to defend our choices to the community should conflict arise.
Tonight, however, I get to play Hearts which is a little hilarious as I'm not very good at playing Hearts. The whole taking tricks with points is a bad thing is tough for me to grasp. It should be fun. We have no idea how many people are going to show up. Could be 2, could be 20.
I'm secretly hoping for somewhere in between.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
i'm blaming becky
Ooof. I think I'm sick.
I also haven't had a decent night of sleep since I don't even remember when. I'm freezing and I'm hot. I'm sneezing and I'm snuffley.
I'm going home early today as I have no way to call in tomorrow. Or Thursday.
So in 15 minutes or so I'm off to Nature's Market to stock up on all things healthy and comforting: organic OJ, some sort of spicy soup, crackers, and maybe some sorbet.
If all goes well by 5:30pm I'll be in my jammies with my comfort foods covered in quilts watching Freaks and Geeks.
I also haven't had a decent night of sleep since I don't even remember when. I'm freezing and I'm hot. I'm sneezing and I'm snuffley.
I'm going home early today as I have no way to call in tomorrow. Or Thursday.
So in 15 minutes or so I'm off to Nature's Market to stock up on all things healthy and comforting: organic OJ, some sort of spicy soup, crackers, and maybe some sorbet.
If all goes well by 5:30pm I'll be in my jammies with my comfort foods covered in quilts watching Freaks and Geeks.
Monday, March 17, 2008
a mood most foul
The hoards of old men coming in for the lecture at noon are helping as they've all commented on how helpful and charming and smiley I am. I'm faking it, but when one is in the customer service business one gets used to faking it. And, as usual, if I fake being in a good mood long enough I'm bound to actually change my mood for the better.
I stayed up too late watching the last few episodes of season 1 of LOST. And I'm sick of working full time. And I don't want to work 6 straight days in a row. And I'm not really looking forward to Easter.
Grumble grumble grumble.
Saturday early-ish in the evening we thought we'd be soooo smart and head to the Sandbar for a pint before the St. Patrick's Day crowd descended. Imagine our surprise when at 6:45pm the bar was packed. Packed like I ain't never seen it before. There were people wearing matching tshirts and green light-up jewelry. The strangest thing? Aside from the bartenders and bouncers I only recognized 2 people. Beer companies and distributors must ship in aging ex-frat boys and ex-sorority girls to maximize the douchbag factor. We ended up fighting our way to the back door and heading over to Chequers which I'm only mentioning as it's an English pub. We thought that was funny.
At the barn you can always tell when spring is on the way when the spiders show up. I've encountered 2 in the past week. The first crawled out from under a lampshade about 3 inches from my face. He was just a wittle guy--about the size of a quarter. The second startled the hell out of me this morning as I was fixing my Erin McMuffin for breakfast. He was maybe half dollar size and dangling from the ceiling eye level next to the stove. The first I successfully disposed of. The second I suspect is maimed and will be eaten by Grace at some point in the future. Before Travis moved out I specifically asked him about the spider situation upstairs as downstairs it was of horror movie proportions. He claimed he really didn't see that many.
Spiderwatch 2008 has begun.
I stayed up too late watching the last few episodes of season 1 of LOST. And I'm sick of working full time. And I don't want to work 6 straight days in a row. And I'm not really looking forward to Easter.
Grumble grumble grumble.
Saturday early-ish in the evening we thought we'd be soooo smart and head to the Sandbar for a pint before the St. Patrick's Day crowd descended. Imagine our surprise when at 6:45pm the bar was packed. Packed like I ain't never seen it before. There were people wearing matching tshirts and green light-up jewelry. The strangest thing? Aside from the bartenders and bouncers I only recognized 2 people. Beer companies and distributors must ship in aging ex-frat boys and ex-sorority girls to maximize the douchbag factor. We ended up fighting our way to the back door and heading over to Chequers which I'm only mentioning as it's an English pub. We thought that was funny.
At the barn you can always tell when spring is on the way when the spiders show up. I've encountered 2 in the past week. The first crawled out from under a lampshade about 3 inches from my face. He was just a wittle guy--about the size of a quarter. The second startled the hell out of me this morning as I was fixing my Erin McMuffin for breakfast. He was maybe half dollar size and dangling from the ceiling eye level next to the stove. The first I successfully disposed of. The second I suspect is maimed and will be eaten by Grace at some point in the future. Before Travis moved out I specifically asked him about the spider situation upstairs as downstairs it was of horror movie proportions. He claimed he really didn't see that many.
Spiderwatch 2008 has begun.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important
Bertrand Russell.
It's a fine line, really.
The reading on Tuesday was pretty sweet. For someone who's a huge fan of NPR, I'm always surprised at how much I don't get into audio books. I like to read, I don't like being read to. I get bored and my mind wanders. Plus I'm not really a fan of readings given that authors are notoriously bad readers. I walked out with signed copies of both their books. And I got to watch an honest-to-God-real-live-published-poet genuinely congratulate Peter on his upcoming chapbook. And I got to watch Peter offer to send him a copy which the honest-to-God-real-live-published-poet said he'd love to receive.
Yeah. It was really cool.
The novelist was someone who's name I recognized, but I hadn't read his first book: Tony D'Souza. I ended up buying his latest book based on the short section he read. It involved a live pig in a trunk, a parking lot of a Jewell Osco, and 2 immigrants from India. Mr. D'Souza also happened to be born in 1974 which prompted me to spend a few seconds of his reading asking myself what the hell I'd been doing with my life. I'm a sucker for American immigrant stories so even though I had to shell out full price (even the author couldn't believe I bought it) I went for it. I'm about half through and it was worth the $26.00.
So now I'm in danger of being bookswamped. I'm currently reading the D'Souza, this collection edited by Ira Glass, and this strange book some patron must have recommended which is quite good. I also got the first translation of the Ovid I put on hold and the Chabon finally showed up after wandering around western Michigan for 2 weeks. This weekend I suspect I'll be spending some time reading.
If you haven't yet heard the Will Oldham cover of R. Kelly's "The World's Greatest" do yourself a favor. Find it. And make it your theme song.
It's a fine line, really.
The reading on Tuesday was pretty sweet. For someone who's a huge fan of NPR, I'm always surprised at how much I don't get into audio books. I like to read, I don't like being read to. I get bored and my mind wanders. Plus I'm not really a fan of readings given that authors are notoriously bad readers. I walked out with signed copies of both their books. And I got to watch an honest-to-God-real-live-published-poet genuinely congratulate Peter on his upcoming chapbook. And I got to watch Peter offer to send him a copy which the honest-to-God-real-live-published-poet said he'd love to receive.
Yeah. It was really cool.
The novelist was someone who's name I recognized, but I hadn't read his first book: Tony D'Souza. I ended up buying his latest book based on the short section he read. It involved a live pig in a trunk, a parking lot of a Jewell Osco, and 2 immigrants from India. Mr. D'Souza also happened to be born in 1974 which prompted me to spend a few seconds of his reading asking myself what the hell I'd been doing with my life. I'm a sucker for American immigrant stories so even though I had to shell out full price (even the author couldn't believe I bought it) I went for it. I'm about half through and it was worth the $26.00.
So now I'm in danger of being bookswamped. I'm currently reading the D'Souza, this collection edited by Ira Glass, and this strange book some patron must have recommended which is quite good. I also got the first translation of the Ovid I put on hold and the Chabon finally showed up after wandering around western Michigan for 2 weeks. This weekend I suspect I'll be spending some time reading.
If you haven't yet heard the Will Oldham cover of R. Kelly's "The World's Greatest" do yourself a favor. Find it. And make it your theme song.
Monday, March 10, 2008
dancing a fine line
I feel like Santino imitating Tim Gunn robotic-style only instead of saying "Make it work," I'm saying "Downstairs in the auditorium. Downstairs in the auditorium. Downstairs in the auditorium."
There's a program right now in the auditorium.
Obviously.
I'm having a bit of trouble lately with my reading material. Post-Anna I read Oscar Wao and then quick like a bunny read some Ask the Dust by John Fante which despite it's Bukowskiness was underwhelming and then I started Among Other Things I've Taken Up Smoking which I believe I found on GoodReads and though it has prompted me to put 2 different translations of Ovid's Metamorphoses on hold, it has ultimately been a disappointment and I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of The Yiddish Policeman's Union (next Coen brothers project, by the way) and am dangerously close to the end of this Smoking business.
It might be a good time for some short stories. Or maybe some poetry.
Speaking of, tomorrow night we're going to see Mark Yakich at Hope. We're Butch-ing it up first for a martini and then we'll grab some food elsewhere. Grey Goose vodka and poetry will be delicious.
3 am Sunday morning found me awake and alone with a Cadbury Creme egg and an idea for a series of essays. That's all I'm willing to say at this point, but it might end up being a sprawling mess of a manifesto.
I'd like to thank the sun and rising temperatures for giving me something to look forward to.
And read this.
There's a program right now in the auditorium.
Obviously.
I'm having a bit of trouble lately with my reading material. Post-Anna I read Oscar Wao and then quick like a bunny read some Ask the Dust by John Fante which despite it's Bukowskiness was underwhelming and then I started Among Other Things I've Taken Up Smoking which I believe I found on GoodReads and though it has prompted me to put 2 different translations of Ovid's Metamorphoses on hold, it has ultimately been a disappointment and I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of The Yiddish Policeman's Union (next Coen brothers project, by the way) and am dangerously close to the end of this Smoking business.
It might be a good time for some short stories. Or maybe some poetry.
Speaking of, tomorrow night we're going to see Mark Yakich at Hope. We're Butch-ing it up first for a martini and then we'll grab some food elsewhere. Grey Goose vodka and poetry will be delicious.
3 am Sunday morning found me awake and alone with a Cadbury Creme egg and an idea for a series of essays. That's all I'm willing to say at this point, but it might end up being a sprawling mess of a manifesto.
I'd like to thank the sun and rising temperatures for giving me something to look forward to.
And read this.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I'll take Vermont
Oh I created some deliciousness this morning: sauteed swiss chard and beet greens with 2 eggs, a smattering of goat cheese cheddar cheese and hot sauce all wrapped up in a flax wrap thingy. Dang. I followed that with a dinner that is quickly becoming my favorite way to eat couscous: roasted beets, sauteed assorted greens, goat cheese, garbanzo beans, and a few kalamata olives with some olive oil, balsamic, garlic, and dill. It's going to be even better tomorrow.
I was naughty today and checked out the Fug Girls' coverage of the Project Runway finale. I have in the past managed to hold off knowing anything about the show until it came out on DVD. This year I decided surprises are overrated. I'm rooting for Rami.
Last night we began a mighty journey into the world of LOST. I know, I know I'm, like, 4 years late to the Lost Party, but good lord it's good. I'm determined not to ProjectRunway or GilmoreGirls this series especially because it's maybe a little too intense for marathon watching.
So, yeah, how about them primaries. Clearly I'm proud of me home state, but that one really was a no-brainer (and if I were in the Clinton Camp wanting to spin that VT win I'd mention how VT isn't exactly a good measure of the rest of the country as it's full of over-educated affluent white people who some might consider a little left of central. Don't get me wrong, parents-whom-I-adore-who-still-live-there. I'd move back there in a heartbeat if I could find a job, but I'm just saying IF I were Clinton, I'd spin it like that). The Texas caucus is still up in the air but last I heard Obama was a mere 4 delegates short there. And as far as Ohio goes? Let me share with you my favorite assessment thanks Mr. Zwagerman's status update on Facebook: "Brandon is so over Ohio. It's like Michigan's bratty little brother with a lower IQ."
I guess Hillary mentioned today she might be open to the possibility of a joint ticket. I assume she means she'd consider Obama as her running mate which I gotta say would seem to smack of insincerity after everything she's said about him. What? Pick a VP with so little experience, Hillary?! I honestly don't know what I'd do if that were the case. People I work with think they'd be unstoppable. Though these same people think a Bush endorsement is a kiss of death for McCain. I don't think so much. Give the Republicans Hillary as our nominee and there is no stopping McCain. And that's why Obama wouldn't even think of her as his running mate. She's too divisive. She's too Hillary. And you know what? He's still ahead. I'm willing to let this play out.
Though if we could have a decision before it comes down the last primary, June 7th, in Puerto Rico that'd be swell.
I was naughty today and checked out the Fug Girls' coverage of the Project Runway finale. I have in the past managed to hold off knowing anything about the show until it came out on DVD. This year I decided surprises are overrated. I'm rooting for Rami.
Last night we began a mighty journey into the world of LOST. I know, I know I'm, like, 4 years late to the Lost Party, but good lord it's good. I'm determined not to ProjectRunway or GilmoreGirls this series especially because it's maybe a little too intense for marathon watching.
So, yeah, how about them primaries. Clearly I'm proud of me home state, but that one really was a no-brainer (and if I were in the Clinton Camp wanting to spin that VT win I'd mention how VT isn't exactly a good measure of the rest of the country as it's full of over-educated affluent white people who some might consider a little left of central. Don't get me wrong, parents-whom-I-adore-who-still-live-there. I'd move back there in a heartbeat if I could find a job, but I'm just saying IF I were Clinton, I'd spin it like that). The Texas caucus is still up in the air but last I heard Obama was a mere 4 delegates short there. And as far as Ohio goes? Let me share with you my favorite assessment thanks Mr. Zwagerman's status update on Facebook: "Brandon is so over Ohio. It's like Michigan's bratty little brother with a lower IQ."
I guess Hillary mentioned today she might be open to the possibility of a joint ticket. I assume she means she'd consider Obama as her running mate which I gotta say would seem to smack of insincerity after everything she's said about him. What? Pick a VP with so little experience, Hillary?! I honestly don't know what I'd do if that were the case. People I work with think they'd be unstoppable. Though these same people think a Bush endorsement is a kiss of death for McCain. I don't think so much. Give the Republicans Hillary as our nominee and there is no stopping McCain. And that's why Obama wouldn't even think of her as his running mate. She's too divisive. She's too Hillary. And you know what? He's still ahead. I'm willing to let this play out.
Though if we could have a decision before it comes down the last primary, June 7th, in Puerto Rico that'd be swell.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Oh, Josh Ritter, how I love thee! Let me count the ways!
1. You played the Ladies Literary Club in the Grandest of Rapids for a mere $15.00.
2. You repeatedly mentioned how bizarrely cool it was to be playing the Ladies Literary Club in the Grandest of Rapids.
3. You started alone with your guitar and played Idaho which is quintessential you.
4. You eased us into the show yet kept things moving. You know how to pace a show perfectly--jam out, jam out, jam out, slooooowwww down, jam out, jam out, sloooooowwww down, jam out, jam out, jam out, jam out, jam out...
5. You play everything. From Golden Age of Radio to Thin Blue Flame to Kathleen to Good Man to The Temptation of Adam.
6. Your band is amazing. I love Sam Kassirer. I love Liam Hurley. I love them all. Not only are they talented in their own right, but they complement you perfectly.
7. You're willing to throw caution to the wind and stray from your set list giving your audience the feeling we're experiencing a completely unique show.
8. You crack yourself up. Right before you play. By telling yourself a joke in your head and then telling us you just told yourself a joke in your head. I can relate.
9. You play acoustic guitar and sing without a microphone in the middle of a set. Just because you can.
10. You make me dream big. Never in my life have I had the privilege of watching someone do what they love with such joy. In this world of cynical Pitchforkians and fans who won't praise new albums because they're too different from the previous without acknowledging the bold choice you've made to stretch yourself as an artist, you humbly embrace beautifully written first lines like "All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights" with a pure lack of irony. When you're onstage you put a mirror of authenticity up to the audience which can be uncomfortable for some, but for most it causes us to smile uncontrollably. You make me realize anything is possible if you love it enough.
So, yeah.
I'd say it was a good show.
Oh and then we went to the new Founders which aside from it's abysmal parking situation really does feel the same as the old Founders. I doubted. I will not doubt Founders fans again.
And I'm currently in possession of a half gallon of IPA and a half gallon of Dirty Bastard.
2. You repeatedly mentioned how bizarrely cool it was to be playing the Ladies Literary Club in the Grandest of Rapids.
3. You started alone with your guitar and played Idaho which is quintessential you.
4. You eased us into the show yet kept things moving. You know how to pace a show perfectly--jam out, jam out, jam out, slooooowwww down, jam out, jam out, sloooooowwww down, jam out, jam out, jam out, jam out, jam out...
5. You play everything. From Golden Age of Radio to Thin Blue Flame to Kathleen to Good Man to The Temptation of Adam.
6. Your band is amazing. I love Sam Kassirer. I love Liam Hurley. I love them all. Not only are they talented in their own right, but they complement you perfectly.
7. You're willing to throw caution to the wind and stray from your set list giving your audience the feeling we're experiencing a completely unique show.
8. You crack yourself up. Right before you play. By telling yourself a joke in your head and then telling us you just told yourself a joke in your head. I can relate.
9. You play acoustic guitar and sing without a microphone in the middle of a set. Just because you can.
10. You make me dream big. Never in my life have I had the privilege of watching someone do what they love with such joy. In this world of cynical Pitchforkians and fans who won't praise new albums because they're too different from the previous without acknowledging the bold choice you've made to stretch yourself as an artist, you humbly embrace beautifully written first lines like "All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern Lights" with a pure lack of irony. When you're onstage you put a mirror of authenticity up to the audience which can be uncomfortable for some, but for most it causes us to smile uncontrollably. You make me realize anything is possible if you love it enough.
So, yeah.
I'd say it was a good show.
Oh and then we went to the new Founders which aside from it's abysmal parking situation really does feel the same as the old Founders. I doubted. I will not doubt Founders fans again.
And I'm currently in possession of a half gallon of IPA and a half gallon of Dirty Bastard.
Monday, March 3, 2008
the historical conquests of erin's weekend
Saturday morning thrifting where I found a 1970ish JC Penney's dress that needs a little bit of reconstructing as no one should ever wear a dress with an elastic "waist" 6 inches above one's natural waist.
Rock the Bells. A documentary about a concert promoter responsible for the last time Wu-Tang Clan performed together before O.D.B. died. Dang. I kept thinking of Brandon. Only Brandon would probably cry if he had to deal with O.D.B. Or Redman. It was badass.
Raleigh.
Wilco on Saturday night live playing Walken. Though I was not down with Tweedy's suit. I'm sorry but you don't get to dress like an icon until you actually are an icon.
Grocery shopping at the Acres of Thrift on a mere 5 hours of sleep. No. Seriously. I had a good time. It was sunny and 50 degrees.
Tres Lobos avec frozen margarita on Sunday afternoon.
Maxed Out and The Persuaders. I feel really grateful for my small life. And my lack of credit cards.
The scene in the new Family Guy episode where Stewie was at a Dead concert with pupils the size of dinner plates trying to sell the shirt off his back for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Josh Ritter tonight at the Ladies Literary Club! Yay! I'm a little nervous as the first time I saw him he was divinely perfect as was the venue. But then I remember it's Josh Ritter and he's an infectious performer. We'll have a swell time. So far it's me and a bunch of men which seems weird unless you're acquainted with the makeup of the Josh Ritter fanbase: bearded young men. Originally I was thinking Founders for pre-concert festivities and libations, but now there's talk of someplace closer.
Have I recently mentioned how much I really want to fill up the growlers at Founders? Because I really want a growler full of Red Rye. And IPA.
I don't think that's too much to ask.
Rock the Bells. A documentary about a concert promoter responsible for the last time Wu-Tang Clan performed together before O.D.B. died. Dang. I kept thinking of Brandon. Only Brandon would probably cry if he had to deal with O.D.B. Or Redman. It was badass.
Raleigh.
Wilco on Saturday night live playing Walken. Though I was not down with Tweedy's suit. I'm sorry but you don't get to dress like an icon until you actually are an icon.
Grocery shopping at the Acres of Thrift on a mere 5 hours of sleep. No. Seriously. I had a good time. It was sunny and 50 degrees.
Tres Lobos avec frozen margarita on Sunday afternoon.
Maxed Out and The Persuaders. I feel really grateful for my small life. And my lack of credit cards.
The scene in the new Family Guy episode where Stewie was at a Dead concert with pupils the size of dinner plates trying to sell the shirt off his back for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Josh Ritter tonight at the Ladies Literary Club! Yay! I'm a little nervous as the first time I saw him he was divinely perfect as was the venue. But then I remember it's Josh Ritter and he's an infectious performer. We'll have a swell time. So far it's me and a bunch of men which seems weird unless you're acquainted with the makeup of the Josh Ritter fanbase: bearded young men. Originally I was thinking Founders for pre-concert festivities and libations, but now there's talk of someplace closer.
Have I recently mentioned how much I really want to fill up the growlers at Founders? Because I really want a growler full of Red Rye. And IPA.
I don't think that's too much to ask.
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