Well, as a few of my friends are aware, my summer quarter will be almost entirely focused on my studies. I will endure three economics courses, two installments of People and the Environment (I am excited about that), and a sociology course named Urban Society. So, although only one of my classes will be in the planning school, I've made quite an effort to create a consistent and sensible schedule basis on my current efforts.
For my own reference as well as the very curious (and nosy):
Summer First Session [June 23rd - July 16th]:
Economics 101 - 9:30am to 11:20am (M-F)
People and the Enivironment I - 11:30am to 1:20pm (M-F)
Summer Second Session [July 17th - August 8th]:
Economics 102 - 11:30am to 1:20pm (M-F)
Summer Second Half Term [July 29th - August 30th]:
Planning Applications of Economic Concepts - 2:00pm to 4:50pm (Tu & Th)
Summer Third Session [August 11th - August 30th]:
Urban Society - 9:30am to 11:20am (M-F)
People and the Environment III - 11:30am to 1:20pm (M-F)
Oh, but there's more in store for me. Since I'll be stranded in academia for a while, there's no way I'm going to wait for it to hit me in the face. Rochester, New York will be my destination immediately after I'm finished with my co-op term on June 19th. Megabus to Indy, Green Line Shuttle to the airport, flight to Detroit and then to Buffalo. Then a ride back to Rochester. The same thing will apply for the return trip. I will return on the 22nd, just in time for classes the next morning. Yeah, could you really expect anything less ambitious from me?
Oh, and a friend who moved to Brooklyn from Cincinnati, about eighteen months ago, is visiting for five days. Unfortunately I'll be gone for most of that, but I'm sure there will be plenty of reacquainting and debauchery before I leave. Hopefully.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
We need a resolution!
Once again, it's been quite a long time since I had done this thing. It really isn't new news though. My life encountered yet another saga over the past couple weeks. I have mentioned it to almost everyone I know, so I am quite tired of talking about it. In short though:
I was thrown out of the Minus The Bear show in town before the concert even began. I had markers in my possession, which had been banned from the venue since the last time I was there. The bar became cash only, I was very low on funds, I hadn't eaten in several hours, and I needed to exit in order to take out my last twenty dollars. Upon my return, I forgot to stash my markers in my shoes as I had the first time. The men at the door demanded that I either take them back to my car (I walked) or to throw them away.
The culmination of frustrating events led me to fury. For one second of my life, I lost it. I swung my bag against the wall, giving no prior thought to its contents. I stormed back to the stage to my friend "Lucy", aggravated beyond reason. Second later I was apprehended by a member of security. Supposedly I had put a HOLE in their wall, and I was "outta here". I was forcefully ejected from the venue. The hole was actually a slight, white blemish in the brightly-painted blue wall.
My life seemed to have gotten quite good up until that point. I was happy (and I am still happy) with my co-op job, the weather was improving, and stress was virtually devoid. I felt like I hit a low when I discovered that I busted my digital camera open, rendering it useless. My iPod also exhibited a gash in the top of its casing, and the screen had a large crack. Both were gifts from my mother too, so I felt horrible. Long story short though is that all is now okay. Thank you warranties.
In order for me to completely detoxify my psyche from the whole experience, I felt the need to drive to Bloomington, Indiana to see the same bands on the same tour, two days later. Not only did I do that, but I had an amazing time. Blue Moons were overpriced, so I only had one. While I was driving back to Cincinnati, my oil light on the dash kept flickering as I went down hills or when I braked. Not a single gas station was in service, so I sped such that I could gain refuge quickly. Well, my speedometer been non-functional for months, so I had no idea that I was going 80 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. The cop pulled me over in the middle of nowhere, proceeded to give me a breathilizer. He wanted to ensure that I wouldn't be driving impaired. "Hey, give it a shot--you won't find anything," I replied. Not only was I not phased by the incident but I was tickled. No qualms.
The next morning, I was a half-mile away from work in Hamilton when the car battery light illuminated. "Why is my battery light on--" The next thing you know, my Toyota was stalled in the high-speed lane of the highway. Luckily I was able to start it up to get to work. When it was time to leave for the day, my stomach felt hollow as I walked to my car. What else, I asked myself. I got about a half-mile down the road when my steering wheel began to lock up, and I veered into a collision service parking lot. Irony.
Despite the horrible sounds that my engine was making, I managed to start the car again. What was I going to do in a tiny gravel lot in the middle of a city without public transportation? I was prepared to drive off the road at any minute. A few hundred feet later, I turned my car into an auto service parking lot. A couple days later, I got $175 for transferring the title to the shop for parts, for the car that finally met its day.
So I'm without an automobile, and I don't intend to purchase another. My eyes are on a 7-speed, German-made Biria bicycle. The job is still treating me well. I would consider myself to be happy. Things to work on include: trying to get over my stress fracture situation that limited my running satiation; planning a trip to Columbus to test ride my future bicycle; finding a short-term job for summer quarter; registering for classes; figuring out when I can go to Norway to see my grandmother.
That was *not* in a nutshell. There's always more. And there is.
I was thrown out of the Minus The Bear show in town before the concert even began. I had markers in my possession, which had been banned from the venue since the last time I was there. The bar became cash only, I was very low on funds, I hadn't eaten in several hours, and I needed to exit in order to take out my last twenty dollars. Upon my return, I forgot to stash my markers in my shoes as I had the first time. The men at the door demanded that I either take them back to my car (I walked) or to throw them away.
The culmination of frustrating events led me to fury. For one second of my life, I lost it. I swung my bag against the wall, giving no prior thought to its contents. I stormed back to the stage to my friend "Lucy", aggravated beyond reason. Second later I was apprehended by a member of security. Supposedly I had put a HOLE in their wall, and I was "outta here". I was forcefully ejected from the venue. The hole was actually a slight, white blemish in the brightly-painted blue wall.
My life seemed to have gotten quite good up until that point. I was happy (and I am still happy) with my co-op job, the weather was improving, and stress was virtually devoid. I felt like I hit a low when I discovered that I busted my digital camera open, rendering it useless. My iPod also exhibited a gash in the top of its casing, and the screen had a large crack. Both were gifts from my mother too, so I felt horrible. Long story short though is that all is now okay. Thank you warranties.
In order for me to completely detoxify my psyche from the whole experience, I felt the need to drive to Bloomington, Indiana to see the same bands on the same tour, two days later. Not only did I do that, but I had an amazing time. Blue Moons were overpriced, so I only had one. While I was driving back to Cincinnati, my oil light on the dash kept flickering as I went down hills or when I braked. Not a single gas station was in service, so I sped such that I could gain refuge quickly. Well, my speedometer been non-functional for months, so I had no idea that I was going 80 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. The cop pulled me over in the middle of nowhere, proceeded to give me a breathilizer. He wanted to ensure that I wouldn't be driving impaired. "Hey, give it a shot--you won't find anything," I replied. Not only was I not phased by the incident but I was tickled. No qualms.
The next morning, I was a half-mile away from work in Hamilton when the car battery light illuminated. "Why is my battery light on--" The next thing you know, my Toyota was stalled in the high-speed lane of the highway. Luckily I was able to start it up to get to work. When it was time to leave for the day, my stomach felt hollow as I walked to my car. What else, I asked myself. I got about a half-mile down the road when my steering wheel began to lock up, and I veered into a collision service parking lot. Irony.
Despite the horrible sounds that my engine was making, I managed to start the car again. What was I going to do in a tiny gravel lot in the middle of a city without public transportation? I was prepared to drive off the road at any minute. A few hundred feet later, I turned my car into an auto service parking lot. A couple days later, I got $175 for transferring the title to the shop for parts, for the car that finally met its day.
So I'm without an automobile, and I don't intend to purchase another. My eyes are on a 7-speed, German-made Biria bicycle. The job is still treating me well. I would consider myself to be happy. Things to work on include: trying to get over my stress fracture situation that limited my running satiation; planning a trip to Columbus to test ride my future bicycle; finding a short-term job for summer quarter; registering for classes; figuring out when I can go to Norway to see my grandmother.
That was *not* in a nutshell. There's always more. And there is.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
May I have a bottomless cup, please?
I'm currently sitting at a coffeehouse to which I have been very loyal since their opening days in January. It's like my second living room, trumping the poor excuse of the one at my residence. I have my chili to the right of me, an empty bottomless mug I need to fill soon(!), and my iPod is playing Jawbreaker's "Sluttering (May 4th) to my right.
The girl working the counter, "Jane" has been a crush of mine for several years now, but nothing so serious that I made it a priority. Plus, she's a few years younger than I am.
When I was working at a drug store on the east side of town, I'd see her every few days after she got off from work. I had just entered my twenties when she was finishing up her senior year in high school. I never found any reason to pursue her, believing that we did not have enough commonality between us, and our lives were very different. Many years later, I've seen her around campus several times, crossing paths at a few parties off campus, and conveniently working as a barista here at the living room.
Without very strong expectations, I'd like to see if anything is possible with her. The way she carries herself really appeals to me. She's finishing up an undergrad program in women's studies and throwing around the idea of a master's degree in urban planning. Of course I know a bit about that, but I don't see that as a foothold of opportunity through my pursuit. Her bangs kill me, she enjoys great music, and I find that we hold more common things dear to us than we ever had before. I hope for a rendezvous soon enough, when neither of us are busy with our studies.
The girl working the counter, "Jane" has been a crush of mine for several years now, but nothing so serious that I made it a priority. Plus, she's a few years younger than I am.
When I was working at a drug store on the east side of town, I'd see her every few days after she got off from work. I had just entered my twenties when she was finishing up her senior year in high school. I never found any reason to pursue her, believing that we did not have enough commonality between us, and our lives were very different. Many years later, I've seen her around campus several times, crossing paths at a few parties off campus, and conveniently working as a barista here at the living room.
Without very strong expectations, I'd like to see if anything is possible with her. The way she carries herself really appeals to me. She's finishing up an undergrad program in women's studies and throwing around the idea of a master's degree in urban planning. Of course I know a bit about that, but I don't see that as a foothold of opportunity through my pursuit. Her bangs kill me, she enjoys great music, and I find that we hold more common things dear to us than we ever had before. I hope for a rendezvous soon enough, when neither of us are busy with our studies.
Three luminous things to melt this slushy snowy mess
Three great things happened to me last week.
I finally landed a planning co-op job, within a forty-five minute drive of home, with a city planning department north of here. This will give me more time to save money for subsequent academic quarters, give more time for my kitty to live in one place for more than three months (it will get to that point, unfortunately for her), and I won't be "forced" out by my soon-to-be former roommate. That's another story entirely. I am very excited about the departments approach, future goals, and green standards already written into their comprehensive plan. I am eager to learn (and get paid!).
On a minor note in the grand composition, I nearly aced my literature midterm exam, despite never having taken a lit course, and never having to take one again. It requires hours of reading that I never undertook before, but I've learned so much. Topics in Literature: Women in Travel--this quarter has impressed me by the subtle crossover relevance between my classes. Contemporary Social Issues gives everyone the opportunity to really engage themselves through discussing issues that affect us all. Of course I always chime in with my natural planning perspective. Of course I'm straying... (I refuse to use the phrase "...but I digress"; it's disgusting and overused.)
Thirdly, my roommate is moving out! I know that might confused some who don't know the situation. Simply, she has different ideals than I do, and they clash. She has experienced all the common socialization of an upper middle class, white, suburban upbringing. She "knows what she wants," she stated in an argument we had last week, and she'll "stop at nothing to get it". That's fine and good, but she manufactures a different brand of judgment than I produce. I find her brand overpriced and with flashy packaging. No thanks. Perhaps we'll get along more easily when we are not living together. Meanwhile, her ex-friend (my acquaintance) "Brad" is moving in, and I think we're going to have a blast. No, really.
So, despite the great seventy degree weather we had yesterday, I didn't get a chance to run. Now we're heading into the thirties before another upswing on Monday. Priorities, as great as they are when you adhere to them, tend to get in the way of other life perks...naturally. I walked the streets during the afternoon on the way to the bank, but it was mostly me looking out from the inside. Income taxes are done. I voted today. Now I'm blogging instead of reading for my 3:30 lit class. So it goes.
I finally landed a planning co-op job, within a forty-five minute drive of home, with a city planning department north of here. This will give me more time to save money for subsequent academic quarters, give more time for my kitty to live in one place for more than three months (it will get to that point, unfortunately for her), and I won't be "forced" out by my soon-to-be former roommate. That's another story entirely. I am very excited about the departments approach, future goals, and green standards already written into their comprehensive plan. I am eager to learn (and get paid!).
On a minor note in the grand composition, I nearly aced my literature midterm exam, despite never having taken a lit course, and never having to take one again. It requires hours of reading that I never undertook before, but I've learned so much. Topics in Literature: Women in Travel--this quarter has impressed me by the subtle crossover relevance between my classes. Contemporary Social Issues gives everyone the opportunity to really engage themselves through discussing issues that affect us all. Of course I always chime in with my natural planning perspective. Of course I'm straying... (I refuse to use the phrase "...but I digress"; it's disgusting and overused.)
Thirdly, my roommate is moving out! I know that might confused some who don't know the situation. Simply, she has different ideals than I do, and they clash. She has experienced all the common socialization of an upper middle class, white, suburban upbringing. She "knows what she wants," she stated in an argument we had last week, and she'll "stop at nothing to get it". That's fine and good, but she manufactures a different brand of judgment than I produce. I find her brand overpriced and with flashy packaging. No thanks. Perhaps we'll get along more easily when we are not living together. Meanwhile, her ex-friend (my acquaintance) "Brad" is moving in, and I think we're going to have a blast. No, really.
So, despite the great seventy degree weather we had yesterday, I didn't get a chance to run. Now we're heading into the thirties before another upswing on Monday. Priorities, as great as they are when you adhere to them, tend to get in the way of other life perks...naturally. I walked the streets during the afternoon on the way to the bank, but it was mostly me looking out from the inside. Income taxes are done. I voted today. Now I'm blogging instead of reading for my 3:30 lit class. So it goes.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Gasp!
I just had the urge to go running, during the nine o'clock hour, while snow and ice cover the ground where is there is not pavement. So what does that mean for me?
I'm going running! For the first time since December! Hopefully my stress fractures I suffered do not recur. My new running pants will finally get their store tags snipped off. Imagine that. My new Asics had only gotten one two-mile run before the pain caught up with me. It's time to get back to a routine.
Gasp, indeed! A run is probably the best thing for how I've been feeling lately.
---
One word: painful. It wasn't pain due to an injury but pain from the cold air. I don't regret my run, but I do hope that more snow melts tomorrow (a high of 50 degrees). I had to slow to a walk a couple times when snow covered the pavement. Overall, it felt really great, except for the lazy college diet that has consumed me lately...along with the abundance of coffee, pizza, and other speed bumps . Long hours and a few all-nighters doing work doesn't give much time for eating healthily. Not having any groceries in my apartment doesn't help the cause either!
I hope to get a mile or two out of my system tomorrow. First, I must remember to take it easy on my legs for a week or two. It's been nearly three months since I incurred my injury, and I would rather not reignite it.
I'm going running! For the first time since December! Hopefully my stress fractures I suffered do not recur. My new running pants will finally get their store tags snipped off. Imagine that. My new Asics had only gotten one two-mile run before the pain caught up with me. It's time to get back to a routine.
Gasp, indeed! A run is probably the best thing for how I've been feeling lately.
---
One word: painful. It wasn't pain due to an injury but pain from the cold air. I don't regret my run, but I do hope that more snow melts tomorrow (a high of 50 degrees). I had to slow to a walk a couple times when snow covered the pavement. Overall, it felt really great, except for the lazy college diet that has consumed me lately...along with the abundance of coffee, pizza, and other speed bumps . Long hours and a few all-nighters doing work doesn't give much time for eating healthily. Not having any groceries in my apartment doesn't help the cause either!
I hope to get a mile or two out of my system tomorrow. First, I must remember to take it easy on my legs for a week or two. It's been nearly three months since I incurred my injury, and I would rather not reignite it.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Pictograms! and the love for cities
Most of my day today was spent not doing work but giving into a growing obsession of pictograms. They simply soothe the minimalist aesthetic love deep inside me. As young as I can remember, I have always loved interstate signs, road signs, wordless traffic and pedestrian indicators. I loved the clean fonts used in transit stations and on subway maps. My obsession for transit, big cities, and even the American highway system ensure that I will always live where the buildings scrap the skies (the latter: up until about a couple years ago--I encourage more eco-conscious infrastructure these days). Like urban planning--never knowing it was even an option as a career choice until about three years ago--the silent presence of pictograms has finally spoken loudly.
My friend "Ion" shares some of the same love for cities as I do. We have gone out on photographic expeditions downtown and out of town many times. Even my ex-girlfriend Kate and I went on nearly frostbiting shutter-clicking sprees in the Chicago Loop. I have photos of us at the Lake Street Red Line station at three in the morning, documenting urban still-life. I'd rather walk the steep grades in San Francisco than a grassy hill in rural isolation. My dream is to live in the old city in Montreal, enduring cold winters with shoddy windows--all to be one cell in the lifeblood of a metropolis.
My friend "Ion" shares some of the same love for cities as I do. We have gone out on photographic expeditions downtown and out of town many times. Even my ex-girlfriend Kate and I went on nearly frostbiting shutter-clicking sprees in the Chicago Loop. I have photos of us at the Lake Street Red Line station at three in the morning, documenting urban still-life. I'd rather walk the steep grades in San Francisco than a grassy hill in rural isolation. My dream is to live in the old city in Montreal, enduring cold winters with shoddy windows--all to be one cell in the lifeblood of a metropolis.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Earthquake weather
I have had an insatiable urge to blog lately. There has been so much on my mind, and only so much of it can be expelled through social interaction. My school obligations are continually prodding me. If only I had time to exercise or conduct some sort of physical activity. Instead, I have been frequenting coffee shops nearly every day, trying to remain driven. The blood in my vessels are contending with a new kind of cell--the coffee cell. The good old red, white, and coffee. Wave that flag...
Even though the speed at which my life is traveling now requires a coffee bean remedy and medical assistance, I seem to be at equilibrium socially. I might not be able to shoot a couple rounds of pool with one friend. I might not be able to wander an outdoor mall with another friend. My encounters primarily consist of mutual agreements bound by contract of "fuck off please while I..." I couldn't thank my friends enough of cooperating with the demands that tax me, joining me frequently at Taza or Highlands during my inundation.
It's currently storming heavily. My friend "Lucille" has been sitting to my right for a couple hours, nerding out on our Macs, occasionally pausing to talk about how we're going to die from a giant dog in the sky...or something rather. Somehow I'm growing closer to my friends than ever before, even in times of ridiculous educational demands. It blows my mind, but I'm not complaining.
Meanwhile, I have also been in pursuit of an fascinating woman. "Eloise" happens to be my same age, in fact. We've been through similar trials. She recently started college, even though it had been nearly five years since graduating high school. Her aspirations simply astound me--eventually studying the Ebola virus. It seems that she will stop at nothing to pursue her dreams, after a few bad relationships, several bad life choices, and the like. I told her tonight that I "think she's amazing", but I made sure to expound that the basis of my expression is only of the little I know about her. Assumptions and expectations are not part of the formula anymore. I am simply looking forward to another hour or two over coffee or beer. I would like that.
As Guero breaks between songs, the only sounds I hear are the raindrops on the rooftop and the tip-tap of our keys...
Even though the speed at which my life is traveling now requires a coffee bean remedy and medical assistance, I seem to be at equilibrium socially. I might not be able to shoot a couple rounds of pool with one friend. I might not be able to wander an outdoor mall with another friend. My encounters primarily consist of mutual agreements bound by contract of "fuck off please while I..." I couldn't thank my friends enough of cooperating with the demands that tax me, joining me frequently at Taza or Highlands during my inundation.
It's currently storming heavily. My friend "Lucille" has been sitting to my right for a couple hours, nerding out on our Macs, occasionally pausing to talk about how we're going to die from a giant dog in the sky...or something rather. Somehow I'm growing closer to my friends than ever before, even in times of ridiculous educational demands. It blows my mind, but I'm not complaining.
Meanwhile, I have also been in pursuit of an fascinating woman. "Eloise" happens to be my same age, in fact. We've been through similar trials. She recently started college, even though it had been nearly five years since graduating high school. Her aspirations simply astound me--eventually studying the Ebola virus. It seems that she will stop at nothing to pursue her dreams, after a few bad relationships, several bad life choices, and the like. I told her tonight that I "think she's amazing", but I made sure to expound that the basis of my expression is only of the little I know about her. Assumptions and expectations are not part of the formula anymore. I am simply looking forward to another hour or two over coffee or beer. I would like that.
As Guero breaks between songs, the only sounds I hear are the raindrops on the rooftop and the tip-tap of our keys...
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Excursions into oh, a-oh
It's been several months since I updated this thing. Many changes have hit me lately, but I could not possibly conjure all of them in a retrospective entry. In time, in time. I will be updating more regularly though. How do I know this? Well, I have decided that I will (try to) discover one new album per day, take at least one photo per day, and watch one movie for each day of 2008. Think I can do it? I'm not quite so sure myself, but it's a mission.
I am currently listening to Stereolab's Refried Ectoplasm. Like last winter, I have been entranced by Stereolab's catalogue. I own not even half their music, but my conscience seems to transform when I hear it. The song titles are absurd, some of the lyricism is indecipherable, but the music tunes into a parts of myself I never knew. They blur the boundaries between proper album releases and the rest. The groop astounds me.
What's also wonderful about Stereolab is now I instantly associate each album or song with a time and place in my life.
My checklist:
*Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements (1993): purchased new at Shake-It Records in the $9.99 bin in early 2007.
I believe I was in the record store along when I bought this one. It connected me to the wonderful "Pack Yr Romantic Mind", which they performed as a rare occurrence at the Vic in Chicago on 02/14/06. I love the creepy bass line in the closer, "Lock-Groove Lullaby". The perfect lullaby, indeed.
*Mars Audiac Quintet (1994): purchased used at Chicago's Hi-Fi Records in February 2006.
My ex-girlfriend Kate purchased a couple used Stereolab albums there too. We were blown away by the band's set the previous night. It was a wonderful day of city slicking and urban spelunking. [I just learned that Hi-Fi Records is no longer. The store has closed it doors forever. Perhaps I can still e-mail them and score a t-shirt. Sigh.]
*Refried Ectoplasm [Switched On, Volume 2] (1995): purchased new at the Barnes & Noble in Kenwood tonight with a Christmas gift card.
Tonight was the first time playing it, and my sentiments above say it succinctly, I believe. It was my first time hearing "French Disko", which is wonderful. I had only heard Editors' cover of the song, which I'd highly recommend.
*Emperor Tomato Ketchup (1996): also purchased used at Hi-Fi Records on Clark Street in Chicago on 02/15/07.
"Metronomic Underground"/"Cybele's Reverie" is one of the most amazing album opener, 1-2 punches I can name. The former was teased at the end of the Vic Theatre set, even though the song had not been performed live since Mary Hansen's tragic and fatal accident. Definitely a shocker to hear those notes in that theatre.
*Dots and Loops (1997): purchased new at the Tower Records on North Clark Street in Chicago in March 2006, which also no longer exists.
"The Flower Called Nowhere" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. "Miss Modular", I'd recommend as the most aurally friendly dose of Stereolab to the untrained ear. Overall, Dots and Loops might not be their most accessible release. Many have complained about its length. I will say that it makes a great study album.
This was the five-state trip with Kate, during which we stayed in the Write Inn in Oak Park. I played this album repeatedly on my way home to Cincinnati. I knew something did not feel right. I was entranced by the subsonic volume of the album playing. A few days later I was told that we would be taking a break. Sometimes you just know that something is about to happen.
*Aluminum Tunes [Switched On, Volume 3] (1998): received used from Shake-It Records as a gift from my friend Ian in December 2007.
I recently turned him on to Stereolab's work, beginning with Fab Four Suture. I couldn't be more pleased that albums I deem grossly underrated are being appreciated by individuals I respect. I thank him for Aluminum Tunes, the third Switched On rarities compilation. The quality of non-album Stereolab material reinforces my earlier comment about blurring the boundaries between proper albums and otherwise. 2 discs, 25 songs, nothing but bliss. "The Brush Descends The Length", "Iron Man", and "One Note Samba/Surfboard" have my brain tingling.
(The following was added on January 21st, 2008...)
*Sound-dust (2001): purchased used from Shake-It Records in late 2006.
I listened to this album regularly and obsessively during the cold winter months of my freshman year at UC. It would put me in an amazingly fertile mindset for studying or paper-writing. This is still the album I would recommend over any of Stereolab's other releases. I would consider it their darkest release, but with songs like "Space Moth", how could anyone not appreciate the sudden u-turns in mid-song.
*Instant O in the Universe (2003): purchased new at Sounds on St. Marks Place in New York, NY.
This is the release that started it all for me. I had heard "Good Is Me" on WOXY several months earlier, and I was in the mood to buy several CDs during my trip. I don't quite remember if Margerine Eclipse had been released yet. This turned out to be one of the most solid EPs I ever bought. My favorite song title, "Jaunty Monty and the Bubbles of Silence," is also on this disc. It's an amazing piece of work that always puts me in a great mood.
*Margerine Eclipse (2004): purchased used at Shake-It Records in early 2007.
There isn't much to say about this record. I am aware that it impressed many people I know, but it still has not mystified me. "...Sudden Stars," which was on Instant O, is also on Margerine Eclipse. The fantastic closer on Instant O, "Mass Riff," is also on this album in an abridged form (perhaps on "Margerine Melodie"?). It just doesn't do it for me like all the other albums have. The album following it blew my mind though...
*Fab Four Suture (2006): purchased new at Tower Records on Clark Street in Chicago on 03/13/06.
I saw Stereolab with my ex-girlfriend Kate the night before. We had promised each other that we would see them live if we ever got the chance. One month earlier, we had fulfilled a vow to see Supergrass if the chance ever graced us. (It happened to fall on February 14th of that year.) We saw Stereolab at the beautiful Vic Theatre, the same venue where we saw Supergrass. It was a magical time on our lives. Everything felt like a dream. Perhaps that's not the smartest way to live life but I wouldn't have traded those days for anything.
Fortunately, my friend Ian has fallen in love with this album. Songs like "Interlock" and "Excursions Into Oh, A-Oh" infect the mind. The instrumentation is at its best on Fab Four Suture. Anyone who's at least curious about Stereolab should start with this, no questions asked.
In related news, I just heard "One Note Samba / Surfboard" from Aluminum Tunes in Sitwell's Coffeehouse a couple days ago (January 19th). I was floating in my chair with glee.
I am currently listening to Stereolab's Refried Ectoplasm. Like last winter, I have been entranced by Stereolab's catalogue. I own not even half their music, but my conscience seems to transform when I hear it. The song titles are absurd, some of the lyricism is indecipherable, but the music tunes into a parts of myself I never knew. They blur the boundaries between proper album releases and the rest. The groop astounds me.
What's also wonderful about Stereolab is now I instantly associate each album or song with a time and place in my life.
My checklist:
*Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements (1993): purchased new at Shake-It Records in the $9.99 bin in early 2007.
I believe I was in the record store along when I bought this one. It connected me to the wonderful "Pack Yr Romantic Mind", which they performed as a rare occurrence at the Vic in Chicago on 02/14/06. I love the creepy bass line in the closer, "Lock-Groove Lullaby". The perfect lullaby, indeed.
*Mars Audiac Quintet (1994): purchased used at Chicago's Hi-Fi Records in February 2006.
My ex-girlfriend Kate purchased a couple used Stereolab albums there too. We were blown away by the band's set the previous night. It was a wonderful day of city slicking and urban spelunking. [I just learned that Hi-Fi Records is no longer. The store has closed it doors forever. Perhaps I can still e-mail them and score a t-shirt. Sigh.]
*Refried Ectoplasm [Switched On, Volume 2] (1995): purchased new at the Barnes & Noble in Kenwood tonight with a Christmas gift card.
Tonight was the first time playing it, and my sentiments above say it succinctly, I believe. It was my first time hearing "French Disko", which is wonderful. I had only heard Editors' cover of the song, which I'd highly recommend.
*Emperor Tomato Ketchup (1996): also purchased used at Hi-Fi Records on Clark Street in Chicago on 02/15/07.
"Metronomic Underground"/"Cybele's Reverie" is one of the most amazing album opener, 1-2 punches I can name. The former was teased at the end of the Vic Theatre set, even though the song had not been performed live since Mary Hansen's tragic and fatal accident. Definitely a shocker to hear those notes in that theatre.
*Dots and Loops (1997): purchased new at the Tower Records on North Clark Street in Chicago in March 2006, which also no longer exists.
"The Flower Called Nowhere" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. "Miss Modular", I'd recommend as the most aurally friendly dose of Stereolab to the untrained ear. Overall, Dots and Loops might not be their most accessible release. Many have complained about its length. I will say that it makes a great study album.
This was the five-state trip with Kate, during which we stayed in the Write Inn in Oak Park. I played this album repeatedly on my way home to Cincinnati. I knew something did not feel right. I was entranced by the subsonic volume of the album playing. A few days later I was told that we would be taking a break. Sometimes you just know that something is about to happen.
*Aluminum Tunes [Switched On, Volume 3] (1998): received used from Shake-It Records as a gift from my friend Ian in December 2007.
I recently turned him on to Stereolab's work, beginning with Fab Four Suture. I couldn't be more pleased that albums I deem grossly underrated are being appreciated by individuals I respect. I thank him for Aluminum Tunes, the third Switched On rarities compilation. The quality of non-album Stereolab material reinforces my earlier comment about blurring the boundaries between proper albums and otherwise. 2 discs, 25 songs, nothing but bliss. "The Brush Descends The Length", "Iron Man", and "One Note Samba/Surfboard" have my brain tingling.
(The following was added on January 21st, 2008...)
*Sound-dust (2001): purchased used from Shake-It Records in late 2006.
I listened to this album regularly and obsessively during the cold winter months of my freshman year at UC. It would put me in an amazingly fertile mindset for studying or paper-writing. This is still the album I would recommend over any of Stereolab's other releases. I would consider it their darkest release, but with songs like "Space Moth", how could anyone not appreciate the sudden u-turns in mid-song.
*Instant O in the Universe (2003): purchased new at Sounds on St. Marks Place in New York, NY.
This is the release that started it all for me. I had heard "Good Is Me" on WOXY several months earlier, and I was in the mood to buy several CDs during my trip. I don't quite remember if Margerine Eclipse had been released yet. This turned out to be one of the most solid EPs I ever bought. My favorite song title, "Jaunty Monty and the Bubbles of Silence," is also on this disc. It's an amazing piece of work that always puts me in a great mood.
*Margerine Eclipse (2004): purchased used at Shake-It Records in early 2007.
There isn't much to say about this record. I am aware that it impressed many people I know, but it still has not mystified me. "...Sudden Stars," which was on Instant O, is also on Margerine Eclipse. The fantastic closer on Instant O, "Mass Riff," is also on this album in an abridged form (perhaps on "Margerine Melodie"?). It just doesn't do it for me like all the other albums have. The album following it blew my mind though...
*Fab Four Suture (2006): purchased new at Tower Records on Clark Street in Chicago on 03/13/06.
I saw Stereolab with my ex-girlfriend Kate the night before. We had promised each other that we would see them live if we ever got the chance. One month earlier, we had fulfilled a vow to see Supergrass if the chance ever graced us. (It happened to fall on February 14th of that year.) We saw Stereolab at the beautiful Vic Theatre, the same venue where we saw Supergrass. It was a magical time on our lives. Everything felt like a dream. Perhaps that's not the smartest way to live life but I wouldn't have traded those days for anything.
Fortunately, my friend Ian has fallen in love with this album. Songs like "Interlock" and "Excursions Into Oh, A-Oh" infect the mind. The instrumentation is at its best on Fab Four Suture. Anyone who's at least curious about Stereolab should start with this, no questions asked.
In related news, I just heard "One Note Samba / Surfboard" from Aluminum Tunes in Sitwell's Coffeehouse a couple days ago (January 19th). I was floating in my chair with glee.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Parlaient-elles le français en dehors de ma fenêtre?
Tonight I will be turning in early so that I can wake up even earlier than usual. Why? Well, Sundays are the special day when I get to work both my part-time jobs. This creates an impossible situation that prevents me from working on any school work. I'm not happy about but, after going through three consecutive weeks of it, it is now a way of life.
Upon getting out of the shower, a few minutes ago, I heard some chatter outside my window. I did not know what made me so curious, but could not pull my ears away from the window screen. I stood there in the darkness for nearly five minutes when I realized that they were speaking French next door! My heartbeat accelerated and I wanted to find someway--any way--to get in on that. Alas, I did not want to intrude. They were speaking it so beautifully too. My heart sank as I swooned.
My fluency, on the other hand, is shabby at the very best. What is a guy to do? I'm hungry for more.
Upon getting out of the shower, a few minutes ago, I heard some chatter outside my window. I did not know what made me so curious, but could not pull my ears away from the window screen. I stood there in the darkness for nearly five minutes when I realized that they were speaking French next door! My heartbeat accelerated and I wanted to find someway--any way--to get in on that. Alas, I did not want to intrude. They were speaking it so beautifully too. My heart sank as I swooned.
My fluency, on the other hand, is shabby at the very best. What is a guy to do? I'm hungry for more.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Le premier fois, le dernier fois (The first time, the last time)
I never planned to go on such a hiatus, but I have been bitten by the blogging bug once again.
My first day of my sophomore year was yesterday, which happened to be quite underwhelming. Based on my experience last year, I have learned that this is simply the calm before the storm. Part of the reason for my anxiety was a false sense of security. I feel that I am much more prepared to resist such temptation. Sure, I might be taking twenty-one credit hours but, success is imperative.
As this year progresses, my blog will likely include more bilingual elements. Yesterday my French classmates and I discovered that our course will be taught entirely in French. No longer would we be allowed to speak in English either. As our instructor stated--it will be very painful, and I anticipate that. But I will not fail at my quest to become fluent.
Oh, and I am currently working two part-time jobs in Northside: one at a video store on weekend nights; a second job at a fine dining restaurant, bussing tables two night per week and one night as a dishwasher. My Wednesdays will be hell, but I'll resist redundancy in stating my mission...
My first day of my sophomore year was yesterday, which happened to be quite underwhelming. Based on my experience last year, I have learned that this is simply the calm before the storm. Part of the reason for my anxiety was a false sense of security. I feel that I am much more prepared to resist such temptation. Sure, I might be taking twenty-one credit hours but, success is imperative.
As this year progresses, my blog will likely include more bilingual elements. Yesterday my French classmates and I discovered that our course will be taught entirely in French. No longer would we be allowed to speak in English either. As our instructor stated--it will be very painful, and I anticipate that. But I will not fail at my quest to become fluent.
Oh, and I am currently working two part-time jobs in Northside: one at a video store on weekend nights; a second job at a fine dining restaurant, bussing tables two night per week and one night as a dishwasher. My Wednesdays will be hell, but I'll resist redundancy in stating my mission...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Le Grand Rex
I really don't have much time to blog these days, as I have a 15-page paper to do tonight. I will not be sleeping, I won't be going to see !!! tonight, and I won't fret one bit. Why, you ask? The Smashing Pumpkins played their first gig back at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France.
If you know anything at all, you realize that the setlist below is pure "oozement". Consider it a word.
Happiness. (Bonheur.)
If you know anything at all, you realize that the setlist below is pure "oozement". Consider it a word.
Happiness. (Bonheur.)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Ceci n'est ni spectaculaire ni cela n'est une pipe.
My brief break was resultant of my subpar academic work ethic. It's not quite there yet either, but after finishing off a pot of fettuccine with tomato basil, I happened to be in the mood to spill some beans here.
First of all, the weather is amazing today, and it has been for several consecutive days. It is a little difficult to be comfortable though, since it is presently sunny 84°F (29°C). When I say "comfortable", I'm talking about not having the willpower to do schoolwork as well as the humidity that is taking over. I will say that it sure beats temperatures below freezing. I would take my work outside but, knowing myself, I'd end up people watching and enjoying more of the day than I should. Decisions, decisions.
Today I found a brilliant music blog that happens to have the most impressive downloads I have ever seen in one place. I just enjoyed newer songs from Elk City, Travis, Cloud Cult, Klaxons, Moonbabies, The Rakes, Client, Johnny Boy, and Blood Red Shoes. All of them were quite good. If you know me, you realize how difficult it is for any music perspective to bat 1.000 with me. What can I say--certain music hits me just right. Perhaps I will be able to host downloads of my own, but for now...a link for 5 Acts can be found below.
First of all, the weather is amazing today, and it has been for several consecutive days. It is a little difficult to be comfortable though, since it is presently sunny 84°F (29°C). When I say "comfortable", I'm talking about not having the willpower to do schoolwork as well as the humidity that is taking over. I will say that it sure beats temperatures below freezing. I would take my work outside but, knowing myself, I'd end up people watching and enjoying more of the day than I should. Decisions, decisions.
Today I found a brilliant music blog that happens to have the most impressive downloads I have ever seen in one place. I just enjoyed newer songs from Elk City, Travis, Cloud Cult, Klaxons, Moonbabies, The Rakes, Client, Johnny Boy, and Blood Red Shoes. All of them were quite good. If you know me, you realize how difficult it is for any music perspective to bat 1.000 with me. What can I say--certain music hits me just right. Perhaps I will be able to host downloads of my own, but for now...a link for 5 Acts can be found below.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Le jour quand la musique est décédé (The day the music died)
Since the beginning of the year, I have assumed responsibilities for booking worthwhile acts for an area cafe. All the while they have built a reputation for hosting mostly singer-songwriter/folk outfits. My "associate" was bent on having me change that. Now, first of all, I am not getting paid a single penny for what is, simply, me, doing whatever I can to give our city another place to see quality live music. It's not for personal gain but for providing an additional avenue for traveling bands to reach an audience here.
Simply, I have been very much discouraged by the overall lack of support in my music booking endeavors. Ridiculous promotion on a shoestring budget (which is provided for me, but not always actually making it into my hands) has not payed off in the least. Tonight is the second show I will have put on, following two consecutive cancellations. No money was provided for fliers and posters this time around, as a result of poor communication across the boards. A variety of factors will possibility culminate into a disappointing turnout.
Really, all I want is for the people involved in making this work...to help make it work. Heck, this is the 4 straight time that my shows had not made it on to any calendars affiliated with the venue until just three or four days before the show. It is unbelievably frustrating to do something selflessly for the benefit of improving the music climate locally, yet a perceived indifference makes me question my willingness to continue.
I tend to become frustrated very easily and very quickly, yet I think my patience has been held up fairly well throughout this challenge. There have been many club promoters in the past that have had to endure years of painstaking efforts before they finally paid off. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Ultimately, I want the bands to have the best possible experience. I guess I am wondering whether I have the resources to make that happen.
The following is the virtual destination for my music promoting efforts. I hope I can keep the dream alive.
http://www.myspace.com/underteethproductions
Simply, I have been very much discouraged by the overall lack of support in my music booking endeavors. Ridiculous promotion on a shoestring budget (which is provided for me, but not always actually making it into my hands) has not payed off in the least. Tonight is the second show I will have put on, following two consecutive cancellations. No money was provided for fliers and posters this time around, as a result of poor communication across the boards. A variety of factors will possibility culminate into a disappointing turnout.
Really, all I want is for the people involved in making this work...to help make it work. Heck, this is the 4 straight time that my shows had not made it on to any calendars affiliated with the venue until just three or four days before the show. It is unbelievably frustrating to do something selflessly for the benefit of improving the music climate locally, yet a perceived indifference makes me question my willingness to continue.
I tend to become frustrated very easily and very quickly, yet I think my patience has been held up fairly well throughout this challenge. There have been many club promoters in the past that have had to endure years of painstaking efforts before they finally paid off. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Ultimately, I want the bands to have the best possible experience. I guess I am wondering whether I have the resources to make that happen.
The following is the virtual destination for my music promoting efforts. I hope I can keep the dream alive.
http://www.myspace.com/underteethproductions
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
la commentaire de la mode (an editorial on style)
Very unlike such that activists have fought for freedom, the oppression I have been experiencing will dissipate this weekend. I need to write several papers in the next two days, one of which is for my French honors class (imagine that). The topic is style in clothing, which can include an explanation of clothing I have worn over the years. What made me curious is the possibility of sharing my obvious (to some) view regarding clothing faux-pas. (I would have used "fashion" in place of "clothing", but I thought that would cause one to mistake me for a fashion design student...) Heck, I am one who must try his hardest to *not* match my clothing.
As picky as I am about my own wear, certain friends of mine also realize how particular I am about other people's clothing. Shoes, pants, tops, accessories, and hairstyle--it is impossible not to judge upon first impression. For instance, a few minutes ago, as I am sitting in cafe on campus, I saw a girl wearing galoshes with jeans and a t-shirt. What's the problem with that? Well--really, only the galoshes. It was not the first time I had seen this galoshes wear today. Three times, in fact. It's not raining, they are usually frighteningly ugly, and those who seem to wear them have a look of conviction, as if they think it is superiorly fashionable. Then again, I suppose that is how flip-flops, sweatpants, pajama pants, and wifebeaters became acceptable for casual wear outside the home.
Personally, choice in one's attire says much about the self. It can signify a person's sleep habits, level of dedication, social status, and attitude towards others. I try not to get too caught up in all the variables, but it can be very daunting. It is said that you should not judge a book by its cover, but I sure do. In fact, I judge it by whether its a hardcover over a paperback, its binding, and whether it has been dropped or leafed through before I have gotten to it. In the same way I judge books before opening them, I judge others (myself included) based on their packaging and physical features. It doesn't mean I won't take a chance on a book that makes a not-so-strong impression upon first glance. That's not so bad, right?
I would not be intimidated if I were you (whoever you are). Everyone judges as much, yet they are not so eager to be so vocal. I know what I like but I am certainly open to satisfactory anomalies. First impressions are everything--do you read me?
As picky as I am about my own wear, certain friends of mine also realize how particular I am about other people's clothing. Shoes, pants, tops, accessories, and hairstyle--it is impossible not to judge upon first impression. For instance, a few minutes ago, as I am sitting in cafe on campus, I saw a girl wearing galoshes with jeans and a t-shirt. What's the problem with that? Well--really, only the galoshes. It was not the first time I had seen this galoshes wear today. Three times, in fact. It's not raining, they are usually frighteningly ugly, and those who seem to wear them have a look of conviction, as if they think it is superiorly fashionable. Then again, I suppose that is how flip-flops, sweatpants, pajama pants, and wifebeaters became acceptable for casual wear outside the home.
Personally, choice in one's attire says much about the self. It can signify a person's sleep habits, level of dedication, social status, and attitude towards others. I try not to get too caught up in all the variables, but it can be very daunting. It is said that you should not judge a book by its cover, but I sure do. In fact, I judge it by whether its a hardcover over a paperback, its binding, and whether it has been dropped or leafed through before I have gotten to it. In the same way I judge books before opening them, I judge others (myself included) based on their packaging and physical features. It doesn't mean I won't take a chance on a book that makes a not-so-strong impression upon first glance. That's not so bad, right?
I would not be intimidated if I were you (whoever you are). Everyone judges as much, yet they are not so eager to be so vocal. I know what I like but I am certainly open to satisfactory anomalies. First impressions are everything--do you read me?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
jamais deux sans trois (when it rains, it pours)
It took me over eight months to decide upon the creation of such a blog. For such a long time, I was paranoid that sharing my thoughts on a more permanent medium than my own mind would induce dissatisfaction overall. As with most things, this feeling passed and I pushed myself to establish this blog, much from the encouragement of two good friends. Some friends peer others to smoke drugs or eat concoctions in the school lunchroom. Mine mean well for the most part, fortunately.
Today, I thought I would take advantage of my recent dedication to only using my car when I must. Like yesterday, I walked to the small park near Ludlow to read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. On the way there from my house, I took very photos of what used to be old hotels in the Clifton area, which are now simply apartment buildings. There are also a few black & white shots of the old brick homes we have in the area. I feel likely to have so many inanimate subjects to shoot.
I figured I'd pick up groceries when I began to feel small raindrops. The event that followed is one reason why I settled upon the name for the username for my blog. As with every name I choose though, it ended up having several possible interpreted meanings, just the way I like it. You guessed it--it poured. Not only that, I chose paper over plastic while at the checkout register. I became as close as a couple hundred feet from home when the first handle broke. Two minutes later, the second handle broke and down fell one of my bags. I carried my two paper grocery bags like I would bring home a thirty-pound turkey or a restless child.
Somehow my rejection of convenience felt worthwhile, even though I dripped on to the hallway mat as I entired my front door. Yes, I dripped. I was one giant raindrop.
Today, I thought I would take advantage of my recent dedication to only using my car when I must. Like yesterday, I walked to the small park near Ludlow to read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. On the way there from my house, I took very photos of what used to be old hotels in the Clifton area, which are now simply apartment buildings. There are also a few black & white shots of the old brick homes we have in the area. I feel likely to have so many inanimate subjects to shoot.
I figured I'd pick up groceries when I began to feel small raindrops. The event that followed is one reason why I settled upon the name for the username for my blog. As with every name I choose though, it ended up having several possible interpreted meanings, just the way I like it. You guessed it--it poured. Not only that, I chose paper over plastic while at the checkout register. I became as close as a couple hundred feet from home when the first handle broke. Two minutes later, the second handle broke and down fell one of my bags. I carried my two paper grocery bags like I would bring home a thirty-pound turkey or a restless child.
Somehow my rejection of convenience felt worthwhile, even though I dripped on to the hallway mat as I entired my front door. Yes, I dripped. I was one giant raindrop.
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