The year is near it's end as is the decade (sort of). As such we are being inundated with lists. Lists of the best music, movies, shows, and books. Last year I wrote out several different lists of shows and music but this year I see no reason to split it up into categories. This year more than any other I felt like everything bled into one another. Music, movies, concerts, and improv shows all seemed to exist on one long continuum where they all informed each other. Let us list.
3033/Middle Age Comeback:
My Sunday nights are pretty easy the last year. I know that no matter what I am doing I end up at iO by 10:30. I could try and explain how awesome MAC's puppet show was or the night they improvised a musical that at one point tried to figure the differences in Chicagoland suburbs (I can still sing the chorus that was all about Shaumburg). Jim and Craig work harder than any other two people on stage and deliver the highest energy show in town.
3033 is just better than you. They can deconstruct the entire form and it never comes off as pretentious or trite. Each member of the team is like some kind of improv specialist. My highlight of the year has to be watching the crowd explode as Alex Fendrich walked into a show halfway through and "fixed" every single scene. Rush Howell came up with seven different theme nights at The Star of Siam. I would love to go to a place that had a "Indian, Indian, Indian" night.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Twee to no end. But I would have to say it's the best movie I saw all year. Believe it or not it has the same plot as Avatar in a way and is a thousand times more heart felt and real. It made perfect sense that Wes Anderson made a stop motion film as his "real" movies have such a clear production design to them they almost exists in a little pocket universe that may have only existed in J.D. Salinger's mind.
Animal Collective
If I corner you at a party give me about five minutes and I will start extolling the virtues of Animal Collective. I am so fucking annoying about this band. But listen to "My Girls" wait for the base drop about three minutes in and it all makes sense. I managed to see them twice this year both in Chicago and in NYC and both times were different experiences. Each one special in its own way. They capped off the year with their EP "Fall Be Kind" and the second song on the album "What Would I Want, Sky?" feels like a summation of everything they have done before and a slight nod to the future. Also "Fireworks" may be the best song ever written.
Poor Choices and Our Extended Family
My weekends often feel longer than the rest of my entire week as of late. This is thanks to the ladies of Boner Petite', the gentleman of Gypsy Fuck Fight, and my partner in Poor Choices Matt Owens. What started out as a bitch session about not being into improv became a podcast that I fucking love. Is it lame to be a fan of your own stuff? Maybe? But I have never been more proud of something than our show. It has allowed me to meet so many amazing people and hopefully let you all know why they are so interesting.
When it started it was a goof. But I hope it has become something that lets people know how smart, interesting, and talented Chicago's improv community is. I am always inspired by people's stories about what brought them to town and continually impressed by the talent they posses. I want to thank every single guest we have had. But more importantly every single person that listens to the show. Be on the lookout for the Poor Choices Live Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social
The Poor Choices Show
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Brand New
I know this may against popular opinion but I like first dates. I prefer than significantly more than last dates. I like the idea of promise and of newness. The last week I have gotten back into the saddle. Let me break down the first date game.
1) Location - Do we go for a group event? Safety in numbers is never a bad idea. Although this can be impersonal it is often the safest play. If things go south there are enough people that can make up for any lapses in conversation. The other day I went this route and had a pretty great time. Bears game, my friends, my bar. I gave myself home field advantage (HFA). HFA is key to everything. Away games are a disaster. Always pick a location you have been to before and that is filled with friendly people that will pretend that they like you.
2) Information - This is like breaking yourself into a a greatest hits album. Only the best stories. Casually mention fun times with friends that make you sound well liked. Avoid phrases such as, lonely, netflix, or the first time I was engaged. Look, if the first date goes well you will have more than ample opportunity to lay out embarrassing stories on future dates. Make it look like you have some kind of ambition beyond finding a bar with $1 well drinks.
3) Payment- Gents should always pay the first time. Even if its a casual thing. Not in order to be a gentleman but to create a culture of indebtedness. This may back fire on you. Six months later you could find yourself paying for everything. This will slowly fester over time and lead to a low level of resentment. Not much you can do other than pay the tab.
The whole first date experience can be fun. Not always but there are chances to be creative. Listen to The Poor Choices Show this week with Chris Bragg to hear more about dating in the big city.
1) Location - Do we go for a group event? Safety in numbers is never a bad idea. Although this can be impersonal it is often the safest play. If things go south there are enough people that can make up for any lapses in conversation. The other day I went this route and had a pretty great time. Bears game, my friends, my bar. I gave myself home field advantage (HFA). HFA is key to everything. Away games are a disaster. Always pick a location you have been to before and that is filled with friendly people that will pretend that they like you.
2) Information - This is like breaking yourself into a a greatest hits album. Only the best stories. Casually mention fun times with friends that make you sound well liked. Avoid phrases such as, lonely, netflix, or the first time I was engaged. Look, if the first date goes well you will have more than ample opportunity to lay out embarrassing stories on future dates. Make it look like you have some kind of ambition beyond finding a bar with $1 well drinks.
3) Payment- Gents should always pay the first time. Even if its a casual thing. Not in order to be a gentleman but to create a culture of indebtedness. This may back fire on you. Six months later you could find yourself paying for everything. This will slowly fester over time and lead to a low level of resentment. Not much you can do other than pay the tab.
The whole first date experience can be fun. Not always but there are chances to be creative. Listen to The Poor Choices Show this week with Chris Bragg to hear more about dating in the big city.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Really
Have you ever been shit on? Just completely shit on? Ever wanted a break? Just once? This is where we find our humble narrator. I was feeling alright. I had made peace with certain things but one thing just fucking broke this camel's back.
When you hit bottom this isn't some kind of alarm that lets you know that you might be out of your depth. It slams you in right in the fucking face. Harder than you knew something could. If this was a movie I would be mouth open on a curb with Ed Norton standing above me.
Alright, so I may not be half as good as I thought. This I can deal with. But when I see some of the people who are, I don't know to shit or go blind. Since I can't see right now I guess I made my choice. What the fuck? Really, just really.
Things never seem to work out in my favor. This is mostly my own doing. I know this. I fuck things up with the kind of reckless abandon that anarchists reserve for trade summits. But in this one instance I feel like I really tried. I played nice. I gave it the old college try. But recent events have decide that may not be enough.
As always I will do my own thing. I will prove myself yet again. But just once I would dig the easy path. I would like things to work out. But it seems that I will always have to do it on my own. If your with me great. If you want to continue doing the same things everyone else has, please continue. But if you want to really do something interesting come with me. If there is a path of least resistance it ain't the one I'm on.
When you hit bottom this isn't some kind of alarm that lets you know that you might be out of your depth. It slams you in right in the fucking face. Harder than you knew something could. If this was a movie I would be mouth open on a curb with Ed Norton standing above me.
Alright, so I may not be half as good as I thought. This I can deal with. But when I see some of the people who are, I don't know to shit or go blind. Since I can't see right now I guess I made my choice. What the fuck? Really, just really.
Things never seem to work out in my favor. This is mostly my own doing. I know this. I fuck things up with the kind of reckless abandon that anarchists reserve for trade summits. But in this one instance I feel like I really tried. I played nice. I gave it the old college try. But recent events have decide that may not be enough.
As always I will do my own thing. I will prove myself yet again. But just once I would dig the easy path. I would like things to work out. But it seems that I will always have to do it on my own. If your with me great. If you want to continue doing the same things everyone else has, please continue. But if you want to really do something interesting come with me. If there is a path of least resistance it ain't the one I'm on.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sunday, Improvy, Sunday
I go to church every Sunday. My church has a bar. My church is full of fellow believers. My church let's me tell poorly worded dick jokes. For about twelve hours on Sunday I am able to wrench every single ounce of fun out of what used to be a wasted day. Let me back up a minute.
Every Sunday I shake off my hangover and wait for my partner in jokes to show up. At noon Owens, myself, and a guest record a podcast. It's awesome. You can disagree but for me it's the most fun I have had doing anything. We get our friends to come on and talk all sorts of crazy shit about themselves for a little over an hour. The show is online an hour after we record. Please check us out on iTunes. The Poor Choices Show.
From there I try to make rehearsal for my (sadly) soon to be defunct 5B improv team. I wasn't having the best time seven weeks ago. Completely my fault. As a teacher once said "If you can't don't know who the asshole is, it's you". It was me. A few weeks in I decided to have as much fun as I could playing with some amazing people. Lo and behold I did. I love my team. I love watching them play.
After rehearsal it's show time. We go on at seven and we try to entertain for about forty minutes. It's a cluster fuck in the best way possible. Nothing is off limits. We play harder and faster than I ever have. It's been so cool watching each and everyone of us have our "moment". That scene or phrase where we put it all together.
Then I get to watch a whole group of ridiculously talented people give it their all. Again I love these shows. But what I enjoy more is watching people put it together. I have known most of these people for a year and they continue to blow me away with how talented they are. Each and everyone of them has just killed it.
From there it's off to see the best one-two punch in Chicago. Middle Age Comeback and 3033. I have been going to these shows for the last year and there is not better night aroun. Every week MAC will, sing, dance, yell, throw puppets, and remind the entire room how far you can push improv. Two guys create more and play harder than just about every team in town. 3033 is a collection of the smartest improvisers in Chicago. I am always blown away by the discoveries they make throughout the shows. Each of the members of 3033 is unique in what they do. If you are trying to build a team emulate these guys.
The crowd at MAC and 3033 consists of many of best young players in town. It feels like some weird club that meets every Sunday. The excitement that builds as "Undercover of Night" or "Time to Pretend" get louder and louder before the shows is electric. We clap along and cheer the same way every week. It's our ritual. Knowing that Chin is going to play music cuts from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" or "Jai Ho" is half the fun. Waiting for that moment when Rush walks into a scene and lays out the entire show in two sentences is the best. MAC playing the stick up game never fails to destroy.
After twelve hours of comedy I am never tired. I only feel tired on Monday when I am at work. I only feel tired when I think that it's going to be another week till next Sunday.
Every Sunday I shake off my hangover and wait for my partner in jokes to show up. At noon Owens, myself, and a guest record a podcast. It's awesome. You can disagree but for me it's the most fun I have had doing anything. We get our friends to come on and talk all sorts of crazy shit about themselves for a little over an hour. The show is online an hour after we record. Please check us out on iTunes. The Poor Choices Show.
From there I try to make rehearsal for my (sadly) soon to be defunct 5B improv team. I wasn't having the best time seven weeks ago. Completely my fault. As a teacher once said "If you can't don't know who the asshole is, it's you". It was me. A few weeks in I decided to have as much fun as I could playing with some amazing people. Lo and behold I did. I love my team. I love watching them play.
After rehearsal it's show time. We go on at seven and we try to entertain for about forty minutes. It's a cluster fuck in the best way possible. Nothing is off limits. We play harder and faster than I ever have. It's been so cool watching each and everyone of us have our "moment". That scene or phrase where we put it all together.
Then I get to watch a whole group of ridiculously talented people give it their all. Again I love these shows. But what I enjoy more is watching people put it together. I have known most of these people for a year and they continue to blow me away with how talented they are. Each and everyone of them has just killed it.
From there it's off to see the best one-two punch in Chicago. Middle Age Comeback and 3033. I have been going to these shows for the last year and there is not better night aroun. Every week MAC will, sing, dance, yell, throw puppets, and remind the entire room how far you can push improv. Two guys create more and play harder than just about every team in town. 3033 is a collection of the smartest improvisers in Chicago. I am always blown away by the discoveries they make throughout the shows. Each of the members of 3033 is unique in what they do. If you are trying to build a team emulate these guys.
The crowd at MAC and 3033 consists of many of best young players in town. It feels like some weird club that meets every Sunday. The excitement that builds as "Undercover of Night" or "Time to Pretend" get louder and louder before the shows is electric. We clap along and cheer the same way every week. It's our ritual. Knowing that Chin is going to play music cuts from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" or "Jai Ho" is half the fun. Waiting for that moment when Rush walks into a scene and lays out the entire show in two sentences is the best. MAC playing the stick up game never fails to destroy.
After twelve hours of comedy I am never tired. I only feel tired on Monday when I am at work. I only feel tired when I think that it's going to be another week till next Sunday.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
So Tired, Tired of Waiting On You
This will be a two parter. You have been warned. I hate waiting on people. I absolutely without a doubt hate it. But, I hate being homeless. So something had to give. When I moved to Chicago I didn't know a soul and had to get a job waiting tables. I have a college degree and used to help run a pretty large video advertising department but life being what it is I had to get a table waiting gig. It's a bummer but it keeps the lights on.
For those of you not in the service industry let me lay out a few guidelines:
1) Don't do separate checks for more than three people. If you can't do the simple math that it requires to pay your bill don't go out. When twenty-two people ask for separate checks it is going to take awhile and I will always get screwed on the tip. People that do separate checks are almost always douches. How about you buy this meal and your buddy gets you back next time.
2) Know what you want to drink or eat when I ask. If you don't, just say you need five minutes. If I come back and you don't know in five minutes you are a fool. By the looks of things you have been eating your whole life. How hard is it to decide what to eat or drink?
3) Don't ask to sit at another table. There is a reason you are being sat somewhere. Believe it or not there is someones whole job it is to figure out where to seat people in a restaurant. You asking for another table and then changing to yet another table is fucking things up. If you do move understand that it may be awhile for your server to get to you.
4) If your order comes out wrong, please know that it is not done maliciously. You are but one of around thirty people who I am trying to feed/refill drinks/ensure don't flip out. I am as upset as you because most of the time the I told the kitchen, wrote it down for the kitchen, and spoke directly to the chef. Sometimes things slip by. Give me a few minutes and I will get you a new dish and if you are cool about it probably buy you dessert.
5) Ten minutes before closing don't come in. Sorry, I know it says we are open but I have shut down half the restaurant and have plans. I will not give you good service, your food will be rushed out and we will do everything we can to make you leave.
6) Fifteen to thirty minutes after the restaurant is closed, GET OUT. If you haven't closed the deal by dessert that girl/guy you are taking out is not going home with you. You spending thirty bucks does not mean that you have rented out the entire staff for the rest of the evening. I can't buy a dvd at Best Buy and stay an hour after they are closed, THEY ARE CLOSED. The more you see your server walk by the more it means it is time to get out. GET OUT.
7) Tipping is the only reason I am in the game. If you get bad service by all means don't tip. But if I am adequate or even great let me know. Half that tip is taken by the government. A third of what is left is going to the bar staff, bussers, and hosts. So if you give me $15 I get about $5. I eat a lot of shit for $5.
8) If you ask my opinion on the menu, listen to me. I see the same food go out every day over and over again. If I say "It's not my favorite thing on the menu" it means that whatever is catching your eye is revolting. When you ask my opinion on wine please know that I spend most of my evening drinking it just so I can pretend that you are more than a $5 tip.
9) If I forget something or mix something up, it's not because I hate you. I am busy. Let me know in a polite manner and I will return with whatever you need. Again, if you are lucky I may be able to get you dessert. This whole dessert thing is the only power that I have, sorry.
10) If you go out with a friend and they act like a dick to their waiter it's because they are in fact, a dick. This is a huge sign of someones character. If you are decent to me I will tell you what's good that night, maybe get the bartender to poor a little extra in your drink, and maybe, just maybe get you that dessert I keep talking about.
Next up I will discuss why all people in the service industry are out of their minds and you may have a reason to be concerned with you brings out your food.
For those of you not in the service industry let me lay out a few guidelines:
1) Don't do separate checks for more than three people. If you can't do the simple math that it requires to pay your bill don't go out. When twenty-two people ask for separate checks it is going to take awhile and I will always get screwed on the tip. People that do separate checks are almost always douches. How about you buy this meal and your buddy gets you back next time.
2) Know what you want to drink or eat when I ask. If you don't, just say you need five minutes. If I come back and you don't know in five minutes you are a fool. By the looks of things you have been eating your whole life. How hard is it to decide what to eat or drink?
3) Don't ask to sit at another table. There is a reason you are being sat somewhere. Believe it or not there is someones whole job it is to figure out where to seat people in a restaurant. You asking for another table and then changing to yet another table is fucking things up. If you do move understand that it may be awhile for your server to get to you.
4) If your order comes out wrong, please know that it is not done maliciously. You are but one of around thirty people who I am trying to feed/refill drinks/ensure don't flip out. I am as upset as you because most of the time the I told the kitchen, wrote it down for the kitchen, and spoke directly to the chef. Sometimes things slip by. Give me a few minutes and I will get you a new dish and if you are cool about it probably buy you dessert.
5) Ten minutes before closing don't come in. Sorry, I know it says we are open but I have shut down half the restaurant and have plans. I will not give you good service, your food will be rushed out and we will do everything we can to make you leave.
6) Fifteen to thirty minutes after the restaurant is closed, GET OUT. If you haven't closed the deal by dessert that girl/guy you are taking out is not going home with you. You spending thirty bucks does not mean that you have rented out the entire staff for the rest of the evening. I can't buy a dvd at Best Buy and stay an hour after they are closed, THEY ARE CLOSED. The more you see your server walk by the more it means it is time to get out. GET OUT.
7) Tipping is the only reason I am in the game. If you get bad service by all means don't tip. But if I am adequate or even great let me know. Half that tip is taken by the government. A third of what is left is going to the bar staff, bussers, and hosts. So if you give me $15 I get about $5. I eat a lot of shit for $5.
8) If you ask my opinion on the menu, listen to me. I see the same food go out every day over and over again. If I say "It's not my favorite thing on the menu" it means that whatever is catching your eye is revolting. When you ask my opinion on wine please know that I spend most of my evening drinking it just so I can pretend that you are more than a $5 tip.
9) If I forget something or mix something up, it's not because I hate you. I am busy. Let me know in a polite manner and I will return with whatever you need. Again, if you are lucky I may be able to get you dessert. This whole dessert thing is the only power that I have, sorry.
10) If you go out with a friend and they act like a dick to their waiter it's because they are in fact, a dick. This is a huge sign of someones character. If you are decent to me I will tell you what's good that night, maybe get the bartender to poor a little extra in your drink, and maybe, just maybe get you that dessert I keep talking about.
Next up I will discuss why all people in the service industry are out of their minds and you may have a reason to be concerned with you brings out your food.
Monday, September 21, 2009
By With A Little Help From My Friends
Holy God, (whom I don't believe exists) do I have an amazing group of friends. I have a small but loyal following of people all over the world. From Alberta to Western Australia there are people that I think (most of the time) are people that care about me in a significant way. Each one of them has helped me and I hope that at some point I have been able to help them.
For the most part I am a asshole, pure and simple. I'm abrasive, judgmental, and on my best days barely tolerable. For some reason certain people have decided I'm alright. To all of you I tip my hat and want you to know how fucking cool that is. Thanks. Thanks to all of you.
My ship folks made me grow up, showed me the world, and pulled out of the worst days of my life. Nights in Venice, days in Santorini, and endless conversations in the crew bar. We had the best time. Our most dull and boring days would have been the highlights of most peoples lives. We lived a life that no one will ever understand and that we still don't appreciate. Shilick and Darlington are the best roommates that any person could have hoped for. You have seen me at my best and worst. Yet, we always had a good time. October, you taught me how not to be a dumb American. Katich, you and I have been through more together than anyone could imagine. Ship folk, I love and miss you all. Bush Pig, I miss having a big sister who always knew what's best for me. My fellow penguin, you really ought to move to Chicago. Macperhson, you are the nicest person I have ever met.
Chicago, thanks for making me feel at home. Sparta, Brando, Jay and Cathy. You bought the new kid a shot and never let him drink alone. Wolves, you taught me how to perform and took me out on the coldest day of the year. I hope we can get it back together someday. Westhoff, you, me, and Mallort are a dangerous combination. Coach did more for me than a year and a half of classes ever did. I showed up on a rainy day in May and by June I had a life here and more friends than I could have hoped for.
This summer I have more talented, decent, hilarious people than I can believe. Who knew that my cousin is the smartest person I have ever met? Endless parties, Rock Band, You Tube, DCM in NYC, what an amazing four months. Owens, you never say no and always have a better (and more interesting) ideas than I ever do. I hope that we continue to have poor choices for the rest of our days. My sister and brother have turned into the best people I know.
The point of this whole thing is to let all of you know how fucking cool you all are and how much I owe you. This isn't a morose thing. I just wanted to you all to know how great a time I have with all of you. I dream of a day where ever single one of you could get together.
For the most part I am a asshole, pure and simple. I'm abrasive, judgmental, and on my best days barely tolerable. For some reason certain people have decided I'm alright. To all of you I tip my hat and want you to know how fucking cool that is. Thanks. Thanks to all of you.
My ship folks made me grow up, showed me the world, and pulled out of the worst days of my life. Nights in Venice, days in Santorini, and endless conversations in the crew bar. We had the best time. Our most dull and boring days would have been the highlights of most peoples lives. We lived a life that no one will ever understand and that we still don't appreciate. Shilick and Darlington are the best roommates that any person could have hoped for. You have seen me at my best and worst. Yet, we always had a good time. October, you taught me how not to be a dumb American. Katich, you and I have been through more together than anyone could imagine. Ship folk, I love and miss you all. Bush Pig, I miss having a big sister who always knew what's best for me. My fellow penguin, you really ought to move to Chicago. Macperhson, you are the nicest person I have ever met.
Chicago, thanks for making me feel at home. Sparta, Brando, Jay and Cathy. You bought the new kid a shot and never let him drink alone. Wolves, you taught me how to perform and took me out on the coldest day of the year. I hope we can get it back together someday. Westhoff, you, me, and Mallort are a dangerous combination. Coach did more for me than a year and a half of classes ever did. I showed up on a rainy day in May and by June I had a life here and more friends than I could have hoped for.
This summer I have more talented, decent, hilarious people than I can believe. Who knew that my cousin is the smartest person I have ever met? Endless parties, Rock Band, You Tube, DCM in NYC, what an amazing four months. Owens, you never say no and always have a better (and more interesting) ideas than I ever do. I hope that we continue to have poor choices for the rest of our days. My sister and brother have turned into the best people I know.
The point of this whole thing is to let all of you know how fucking cool you all are and how much I owe you. This isn't a morose thing. I just wanted to you all to know how great a time I have with all of you. I dream of a day where ever single one of you could get together.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Good For Awhile
Why do people endeavor to do something? Is it something internal or external? Does the drive come from ourselves? Or are we just trying to impress people? At the base level something has to be intrinsically self satisfying. Just getting through the maze should be enough. More realistically it's outside forces that make us do anything. Get out of the maze, hit the bar, get some food. Thanks Pavlov.
What if you can't get through the maze? In your head you know you are doing everything the scientists told you to do in order to traverse your little paper dungeon. But you keep getting stuck. Or what if you are getting through the maze and jumping up and down on the fucking button and no food is coming out? I have heard some people blame the other mice. I don't think it's their fault at all. We are all trying to get through the maze some of us just approach it differently.
How long does one continue bumping into the same walls before you kindly excuse yourself and get out of the maze? Talking to a lot of friends everyone seems a little burned on the way things are going as of late. How can we define a new maze for ourselves? Or better yet stop running around looking for something that may not even be there.
What if you can't get through the maze? In your head you know you are doing everything the scientists told you to do in order to traverse your little paper dungeon. But you keep getting stuck. Or what if you are getting through the maze and jumping up and down on the fucking button and no food is coming out? I have heard some people blame the other mice. I don't think it's their fault at all. We are all trying to get through the maze some of us just approach it differently.
How long does one continue bumping into the same walls before you kindly excuse yourself and get out of the maze? Talking to a lot of friends everyone seems a little burned on the way things are going as of late. How can we define a new maze for ourselves? Or better yet stop running around looking for something that may not even be there.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Interpreting Trent
A friend likes to remind me of a a Chuck Klosterman quote that pertains to an artist being unable to control how people view their art. I have always wanted to believe that if you make a strong enough point that whatever you do is unassailable. Recent events have proven me wrong.
Saturday night about halfway through one of the last (till he needs money) Nine Inch Nails shows I was kind of miserable. I love NIN and have loved them as long as I can remember. But the fans that were at this show made the whole thing almost unwatchable. The first rule of show going was being flaunted more than I had ever seen in my life. Almost the entire crowd was wearing NIN shirts. We get it. You like the band. I like the band. We all like the band. If we didn't we wouldn't be at the show. Looking around I had the feeling that a lot of the people in the crowd switch out their NIN shirt with a Limp Bizket shirt on the weekends.
Thanks, fat-sweaty guy (which was 1/3 of the crowd) dancing out of time to the music while at the same time flinging sweat on everyone around him. Thanks, guy next to us screaming the lyrics in his girlfriend's ears. Thanks, skinny douche talking about everything but the show in front of us. The whole show was a real who's who of who I wouldn't ever want to run into again.
This really hit home during the last song. Trent is doing Hurt for the last time. This is it. Last song of the last show we are all ever going to see. It's building and at first people are singing along and it is a really great moment. Then during the verses people start yelling such bon mots as "Get angry Trent" and "Fuck Yeah". A song about loneliness, disappointment, and loss really needs this.
I get why the guy doesn't want to perform. If these were my fans I would have stopped a long time ago. I have some complaints about the show as a whole but I think the thing that really killed me was that NIN fans suck. I know that makes me sound like an elitist but fuck sake. I wouldn't want to sit on a public bus with any of them, let alone watch a show for two hours. This may be why I love the live DVD's more than any NIN show I have seen. Or I could just be a pretentious asshole.
Saturday night about halfway through one of the last (till he needs money) Nine Inch Nails shows I was kind of miserable. I love NIN and have loved them as long as I can remember. But the fans that were at this show made the whole thing almost unwatchable. The first rule of show going was being flaunted more than I had ever seen in my life. Almost the entire crowd was wearing NIN shirts. We get it. You like the band. I like the band. We all like the band. If we didn't we wouldn't be at the show. Looking around I had the feeling that a lot of the people in the crowd switch out their NIN shirt with a Limp Bizket shirt on the weekends.
Thanks, fat-sweaty guy (which was 1/3 of the crowd) dancing out of time to the music while at the same time flinging sweat on everyone around him. Thanks, guy next to us screaming the lyrics in his girlfriend's ears. Thanks, skinny douche talking about everything but the show in front of us. The whole show was a real who's who of who I wouldn't ever want to run into again.
This really hit home during the last song. Trent is doing Hurt for the last time. This is it. Last song of the last show we are all ever going to see. It's building and at first people are singing along and it is a really great moment. Then during the verses people start yelling such bon mots as "Get angry Trent" and "Fuck Yeah". A song about loneliness, disappointment, and loss really needs this.
I get why the guy doesn't want to perform. If these were my fans I would have stopped a long time ago. I have some complaints about the show as a whole but I think the thing that really killed me was that NIN fans suck. I know that makes me sound like an elitist but fuck sake. I wouldn't want to sit on a public bus with any of them, let alone watch a show for two hours. This may be why I love the live DVD's more than any NIN show I have seen. Or I could just be a pretentious asshole.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A Day Off
New goal time.
Recreate Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
My brother and I are formulating plans to embark on our own day off. We are going to try and recreate Ferris Bueller's day off from start to finish. If it works we will have made a great video. Even if it doesn't I still think it will be a good time.
So here is the challenge (as proposed by Bill Simmons). Starting around 9:00 AM we have till 6:00 PM to live the life.
The first step is renting a red convertible. I am not sure how realistic it is to get the Ferrari here a concession will have to be made. We are going to start at Gelnbrook High School and then head downtown. First we are going to hit the Sears Tower, then duck into the stock exchange. So far so good. The french restaurant has been replaced by another restaurant we will eat there under a reservation for Mr. Abe Froeman.
After lunch, we hit a Cubby day game. The odds of a foul ball are slim but we have to try right? From there comes our greatest challenge. We have to find a parade. Small scale we can roll down the street singing "twist and shout". But if we can muster enough people, how about a parade down Southport? Improvisors unite.
From there a dip in the pool and a run home and we have made it.
Recreate Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
My brother and I are formulating plans to embark on our own day off. We are going to try and recreate Ferris Bueller's day off from start to finish. If it works we will have made a great video. Even if it doesn't I still think it will be a good time.
So here is the challenge (as proposed by Bill Simmons). Starting around 9:00 AM we have till 6:00 PM to live the life.
The first step is renting a red convertible. I am not sure how realistic it is to get the Ferrari here a concession will have to be made. We are going to start at Gelnbrook High School and then head downtown. First we are going to hit the Sears Tower, then duck into the stock exchange. So far so good. The french restaurant has been replaced by another restaurant we will eat there under a reservation for Mr. Abe Froeman.
After lunch, we hit a Cubby day game. The odds of a foul ball are slim but we have to try right? From there comes our greatest challenge. We have to find a parade. Small scale we can roll down the street singing "twist and shout". But if we can muster enough people, how about a parade down Southport? Improvisors unite.
From there a dip in the pool and a run home and we have made it.
Polemics and Pastiche
After getting out of the new Tarintino movie the other day I realized that I am tired. I'm tired of the mix tape generation. I think in a way Tarintino was one of the fore-bearers of where we find ourselves. When Pulp Fiction dropped it was unbelievable. It was like a greatest hits of cinema. More than enough has been written on the film and I doubt I can add anything new, moving on.
With the new flick it is all style and no substance. It's just scenes, ideas, and references to other things that don't add up to much. In a way I think it's an example of how adrift things are right now. Songs, films, and books are all built around previous ideas. Everything is ______ meets ______ with __________. Most of the time the third blank is zombies or pirates, I don't know why this is. What happened to us? Every artistic movement is built upon the backs of the one before it but lately everything feels like a cover song.
In improv this has really begun to do us all in. Far too often I see people use a pop culture reference without even commenting on it. Someone will name check something from the eighties and leave it at that. More often than not they get a laugh of recognition and nothing else. Family Guy is a good example of this kind of thing. They will recreate a piece of pop culture and that's it. They never take a stand on something or try to deconstruct it, they just let it lay there. For every Girl Talk where juxtaposition is used as an tool there is some shitty comic just yelling the theme from Golden Girls.
I have been challenging myself to remove all pop culture references from my performances. I want to create not imitate. I wish more people would try this as well. Sorry this is such a shit post.
With the new flick it is all style and no substance. It's just scenes, ideas, and references to other things that don't add up to much. In a way I think it's an example of how adrift things are right now. Songs, films, and books are all built around previous ideas. Everything is ______ meets ______ with __________. Most of the time the third blank is zombies or pirates, I don't know why this is. What happened to us? Every artistic movement is built upon the backs of the one before it but lately everything feels like a cover song.
In improv this has really begun to do us all in. Far too often I see people use a pop culture reference without even commenting on it. Someone will name check something from the eighties and leave it at that. More often than not they get a laugh of recognition and nothing else. Family Guy is a good example of this kind of thing. They will recreate a piece of pop culture and that's it. They never take a stand on something or try to deconstruct it, they just let it lay there. For every Girl Talk where juxtaposition is used as an tool there is some shitty comic just yelling the theme from Golden Girls.
I have been challenging myself to remove all pop culture references from my performances. I want to create not imitate. I wish more people would try this as well. Sorry this is such a shit post.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Improvising A Full Court Press
When pursuing leisure activities one has to consider several things. Do I have the time? Do I enjoy doing them? What am I getting out of it? I have been running these and many questions like them through my head the last few weeks. I partake in a certain activity that is a bit like rec league basketball only with more smokers. I am nearing the end of our season as it were and I am thinking that it may be time to hang up my sneakers and find a new game to play. I still love the watching the game but I have come to the realization that I may not be good enough to play at the level I want. How did this hoop dream start?
I started playing in the rec league because I was new in town and had always loved basketball. Sure, I had played a few pick up games from time to time growing up but never really in anything organized. At first I loved it. I was learning how to shoot and pass from some of the best people in town. I found out that over the course of the next year my progress would be monitored and if I was lucky at the end of it I might be asked to join one of the local minor league teams. At the start of the season this seemed so far away that it was something I couldn't comprehend. I would hear other people in the league talk about playing on T.V. someday. I would always laugh it off and tell them to worry about just going to class that week.
A few weeks in some of the other new kids asked me to join their team and I couldn't believe my luck. We had a great coach and had a great time together trying to figure out how to play. I was the worst player on the team but they kept me around anyways. In practice and games I would always find new ways to screw up as I stumbled up and down the court. I went to class and rehearsal every week. I tried to see as many games as I could and really dove into this whole world with as much time and passion as I could muster. During the winter I would bundle up and spend two hours a night watching all the better players scrimmage always with the hope that someday I would get to play in their game. I devoured every book and interview I could about the game hoping that each one would provide new insight into the process.
As the season progressed I was still having fun with my team but the mandated classes became less interesting. Most of the classes involved listening to someone else try to explain how to play hoop and watching other people play while you sat out and waited your turn. Listening to someone explain how they shoot a three is like someone explaining how they fuck. Sure it's useful but eventually you just need to go out and do it. All I wanted to do was go out and play. Three-fourths of the way through the season I new most of the flaws in my game. All I could do was think about what I was doing wrong and I found myself freezing up during games. I had a hit a wall and wasn't getting any better.
All the while my team and I were picking up games at smaller parks and had a great time playing together. Then our forward moved. Shortly after one of our guards started playing baseball and couldn't spend as much time with us. Then our center had to move away as well. Next thing I knew we lost another guard. Everyone had a great reason to leave, after all it was just a rec team. One night I looked around and I was standing in the gym shooting free throws with strangers. I may have been helping my game but the reason I fell in love with the game in the first place was to play with my friends.
The more I learned about the game the less I seemed to like it. People started talking about being scouted and making teams. For some it was the only conversation they could have. My enthusiasm for the process was dwindling as the whole thing began to feel like an obligation. More and more of my time and money was being siphoned off as I felt like I was getting less and less enjoyment from playing. I began to blame the other players for shortfalls in my own game. I started skipping class and practice because I felt like it was a waste of time.
I find myself with two months left in the season. Most everyone else seems to be worried about what their uniform looks like or which scout is watching them. I look around and have never felt more disconnected from the game. With eight more games left all I want is to be done with things and move on to something else. I still love it but I don't know if it's the game for me.
Over the course of the season I have learned how to play the game competently at the most basic level that one can. I can run up and down the floor without tripping (most of the time). From time to time I close my eyes, hope for the best, and am able to score a basket. But looking back at the season I wonder if maybe, just maybe, I should have picked a different game.
I started playing in the rec league because I was new in town and had always loved basketball. Sure, I had played a few pick up games from time to time growing up but never really in anything organized. At first I loved it. I was learning how to shoot and pass from some of the best people in town. I found out that over the course of the next year my progress would be monitored and if I was lucky at the end of it I might be asked to join one of the local minor league teams. At the start of the season this seemed so far away that it was something I couldn't comprehend. I would hear other people in the league talk about playing on T.V. someday. I would always laugh it off and tell them to worry about just going to class that week.
A few weeks in some of the other new kids asked me to join their team and I couldn't believe my luck. We had a great coach and had a great time together trying to figure out how to play. I was the worst player on the team but they kept me around anyways. In practice and games I would always find new ways to screw up as I stumbled up and down the court. I went to class and rehearsal every week. I tried to see as many games as I could and really dove into this whole world with as much time and passion as I could muster. During the winter I would bundle up and spend two hours a night watching all the better players scrimmage always with the hope that someday I would get to play in their game. I devoured every book and interview I could about the game hoping that each one would provide new insight into the process.
As the season progressed I was still having fun with my team but the mandated classes became less interesting. Most of the classes involved listening to someone else try to explain how to play hoop and watching other people play while you sat out and waited your turn. Listening to someone explain how they shoot a three is like someone explaining how they fuck. Sure it's useful but eventually you just need to go out and do it. All I wanted to do was go out and play. Three-fourths of the way through the season I new most of the flaws in my game. All I could do was think about what I was doing wrong and I found myself freezing up during games. I had a hit a wall and wasn't getting any better.
All the while my team and I were picking up games at smaller parks and had a great time playing together. Then our forward moved. Shortly after one of our guards started playing baseball and couldn't spend as much time with us. Then our center had to move away as well. Next thing I knew we lost another guard. Everyone had a great reason to leave, after all it was just a rec team. One night I looked around and I was standing in the gym shooting free throws with strangers. I may have been helping my game but the reason I fell in love with the game in the first place was to play with my friends.
The more I learned about the game the less I seemed to like it. People started talking about being scouted and making teams. For some it was the only conversation they could have. My enthusiasm for the process was dwindling as the whole thing began to feel like an obligation. More and more of my time and money was being siphoned off as I felt like I was getting less and less enjoyment from playing. I began to blame the other players for shortfalls in my own game. I started skipping class and practice because I felt like it was a waste of time.
I find myself with two months left in the season. Most everyone else seems to be worried about what their uniform looks like or which scout is watching them. I look around and have never felt more disconnected from the game. With eight more games left all I want is to be done with things and move on to something else. I still love it but I don't know if it's the game for me.
Over the course of the season I have learned how to play the game competently at the most basic level that one can. I can run up and down the floor without tripping (most of the time). From time to time I close my eyes, hope for the best, and am able to score a basket. But looking back at the season I wonder if maybe, just maybe, I should have picked a different game.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Do We Choose The Songs?
We all like music. Some of us even love it. There is no better feeling than finding a new song, album, or band. There is that first minute where you are not sure if its any good. Then the chorus hits and suddenly this thing that two minutes ago didn't exist is something you can't live without. Right this now for me its Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear. What is it about a song or an album that can capture a moment so clearly for us? Over time a song can become intertwined with a person, place, or a time in your life. It becomes so imprinted that you can have trouble separating the two.
My life is split up not by years but bands. High school was the Beastie Boys. Every water polo trip, every late night at Dennys, was always scored with Beasties. We use to rhyme along to Ill Communication while we would do drills in the pool. Other things just remind me of moments. When I hear The Bouncing Souls I think of the day my Grandpa died. The same day he died was my first time at the front of a punk show for The Bouncing Souls. I am sure that I would have always loved them but because of timing they became something more.
College is all about Rancid and AFI. It seemed like every other weekend Rachael and I would run into each other at a AFI show. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs remind me of riding around Sacramento in a red Jetta during the summer. My Chemical Romance take me to the day I left California for good. I saw them on a side stage at Warped Tour and they just destroyed. A week later I left the country and didn't really come back for four years. Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge was my constant companion. Shake your head if you want but the album was always around for a few years.
Mos Def and Handsome Boy Modeling school always remind me of Brian Schlick and that fact that if it wasn't for him I may have never have liked hip hop. We listened to those two albums every day for six months. Alaska, Mexico, and Australia flash right back into my head whenever I hear either of those albums. My Bloody Valentine was playing when a girl told me she didn't want to marry me anymore. I love that album and it always takes me right back to that exact moment. But sometimes it reminds me of seeing them live with my friend Brandon. Eventually good stuff starts to replace the bad stuff.
Chicago is The Hold Steady. Is there a better band than The Hold Steady that sums up a town like Chicago? Songs about late nights, drinking, and kids on the edge of the middle. That is the Chicago way (always quote Mamet when in doubt). I had a girl tell me once that we were like a Hold Steady song. I always wondered if it was one of the happy ones or one of the sad ones? I guess it was probably both, which kind of makes sense. My best friends in Chicago are Radiohead. They know why.
My dad is a Jimmy Buffet song. Goofy and great. My mom has to be any Christmas song. I can't separate the two. The second the table is clear of Thanksgiving she starts with her Christmas mega-mix. We always pretended to hate it but walking into a house while those songs are playing just makes you feel right. My Brother is a little harder to pin down. The kid loves Rancid in a way that defies logic. So here's to you Ruby Soho. My sister has the best taste in music in the world. This is one of life's indisputable facts. After last weekend she gets The Decemberists. Which makes sense. My sister is wordy, cute, much smarter than I am. Much like a Decemberists album.
I don't know if I have a band or an album. Things seem to change so much. One day I feel a little Beastie, the next a little Smithy. But today right this second while the town is overcast and I am unsure about my next step, it's Grizzly Bear. Next week? Who knows?
My life is split up not by years but bands. High school was the Beastie Boys. Every water polo trip, every late night at Dennys, was always scored with Beasties. We use to rhyme along to Ill Communication while we would do drills in the pool. Other things just remind me of moments. When I hear The Bouncing Souls I think of the day my Grandpa died. The same day he died was my first time at the front of a punk show for The Bouncing Souls. I am sure that I would have always loved them but because of timing they became something more.
College is all about Rancid and AFI. It seemed like every other weekend Rachael and I would run into each other at a AFI show. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs remind me of riding around Sacramento in a red Jetta during the summer. My Chemical Romance take me to the day I left California for good. I saw them on a side stage at Warped Tour and they just destroyed. A week later I left the country and didn't really come back for four years. Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge was my constant companion. Shake your head if you want but the album was always around for a few years.
Mos Def and Handsome Boy Modeling school always remind me of Brian Schlick and that fact that if it wasn't for him I may have never have liked hip hop. We listened to those two albums every day for six months. Alaska, Mexico, and Australia flash right back into my head whenever I hear either of those albums. My Bloody Valentine was playing when a girl told me she didn't want to marry me anymore. I love that album and it always takes me right back to that exact moment. But sometimes it reminds me of seeing them live with my friend Brandon. Eventually good stuff starts to replace the bad stuff.
Chicago is The Hold Steady. Is there a better band than The Hold Steady that sums up a town like Chicago? Songs about late nights, drinking, and kids on the edge of the middle. That is the Chicago way (always quote Mamet when in doubt). I had a girl tell me once that we were like a Hold Steady song. I always wondered if it was one of the happy ones or one of the sad ones? I guess it was probably both, which kind of makes sense. My best friends in Chicago are Radiohead. They know why.
My dad is a Jimmy Buffet song. Goofy and great. My mom has to be any Christmas song. I can't separate the two. The second the table is clear of Thanksgiving she starts with her Christmas mega-mix. We always pretended to hate it but walking into a house while those songs are playing just makes you feel right. My Brother is a little harder to pin down. The kid loves Rancid in a way that defies logic. So here's to you Ruby Soho. My sister has the best taste in music in the world. This is one of life's indisputable facts. After last weekend she gets The Decemberists. Which makes sense. My sister is wordy, cute, much smarter than I am. Much like a Decemberists album.
I don't know if I have a band or an album. Things seem to change so much. One day I feel a little Beastie, the next a little Smithy. But today right this second while the town is overcast and I am unsure about my next step, it's Grizzly Bear. Next week? Who knows?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Disappointment
Disappointment. It happens. More than often than not its kind of how things work out. Friends, Jobs, Parents. You disappoint them and they disappoint you. What a fucking circle. Lately I have tried to be on my best behavior and those of you that know me (actually know me) have an idea of how hard that is. It doesn't matter. I could be a dick, I could be great, in the end a pattern emerges. I can only think of one person that I have disappointed when it comes to certain things. As always I apologize. Reed, I am as always sorry.
I am always slightly shocked by people. Look into the greatest cynic and you will find a bleeding heart. If you care at all these days you will spend most of your days disappointed. Also since I am over using it, I think that disappointed should have two s's and not two p's. Thanks english language for making no fucking sense. Our own common tongue even disappoints me. I should learn Chinese.
Don't throw a pity party just yet but read on. I always find it interesting how the disapointer expects the disapointe to capitulate. Somehow it's our fault you fucked up? Really?
Things that haven't disappointed me:
Punk
My Friends
My sister and brother
My Aussies
My S.A. folks
Chucks
My Cannucks
Kevin Smith
Everything else is up for grabs.
I am always slightly shocked by people. Look into the greatest cynic and you will find a bleeding heart. If you care at all these days you will spend most of your days disappointed. Also since I am over using it, I think that disappointed should have two s's and not two p's. Thanks english language for making no fucking sense. Our own common tongue even disappoints me. I should learn Chinese.
Don't throw a pity party just yet but read on. I always find it interesting how the disapointer expects the disapointe to capitulate. Somehow it's our fault you fucked up? Really?
Things that haven't disappointed me:
Punk
My Friends
My sister and brother
My Aussies
My S.A. folks
Chucks
My Cannucks
Kevin Smith
Everything else is up for grabs.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Lolla Day Three
This is the end. Beautiful friend. This is end. My only friend, the end.
If there is a better metaphor for this entire weekend than the one going on at the North end of Grant Park, I don't know it. Band of Horses is rocking their asses off as Jane's Addiction begins Mountain Song. The noise between the two creates a weird punch of dissonance that isn't helping anyone. A helicopter is flying over us blasting the crowd with it's spot light. My first thought is that the cops are trying to keep an eye on the crowd. Good luck. Every person I see is passing something back and forth between complete strangers. Somewhere in between all this I am still drenched from dancing for about an hour and a half straight.
I had a late start on Sunday thanks to a class I had inadvisedly signed up for. I was bummed to miss Dan Deacon and what it seems was one of the best sets of the show. I hear rumors of marching bands and conga lines. By the time I get there Cold War Kids are half-way through their set. Having seen them a few time before it seemed to be business as usual. I think a band like that either needs to be seen in a club or not at all.
The D. O. double G came out
and gave the people what they wanted. Hit after hit, a touch of Tupac, and The Lady Rage herself. I had no idea she was still alive, weird. We watched about half the set before I drug my sister and her friend off to see MSTRKRFT.
Holy DJ shit. A weird mix of hippies, indie kids, and people dressed to go to a rave circa 1991 are bouncing around. One of the DJ's is formerly of Death From Above 1979 and it all makes sense. Big beats and huge breaks are coming at us from all angles. Mixing their own songs in between some of the really recognizable club tracks made for a great set. Fun fact about my sister, the girl can get down. In the middle of the set all I could think about was how much fun my Aussie peeps would have had there. Dan, Riaad, Trent, and Potato you guys missed it. The closing mix featured J.U.S.T.I.C.E, Daft Punk, and Bohemian goddamn Rhapsody. Hearing that crowd singing along to Freddy Mercury was something else.
Jane's Addiction was Jane's Addiction. The crowd loved it and after a long weekend of rain, heat, and humidity it was a nice way to be sent into the night. What else were we going to do? Listen to The Killers? Fuck NO.
Lolla, I love ya. But next year give us the headliners we deserve. Where was Jay-Z? Where was Blur? Where My Bloody Valentine? Where was any hip-hop at all? Having a few country acts and a guy more famous for being on T.V. than rapping is not diversity. Every year you guys miss the boat on several acts. Last year you put Girl Talk on too small of a stage and did the same this year with Santigold. Also please don't make good on the promise of having Aerosmith play next year, please god no.
If there is a better metaphor for this entire weekend than the one going on at the North end of Grant Park, I don't know it. Band of Horses is rocking their asses off as Jane's Addiction begins Mountain Song. The noise between the two creates a weird punch of dissonance that isn't helping anyone. A helicopter is flying over us blasting the crowd with it's spot light. My first thought is that the cops are trying to keep an eye on the crowd. Good luck. Every person I see is passing something back and forth between complete strangers. Somewhere in between all this I am still drenched from dancing for about an hour and a half straight.
I had a late start on Sunday thanks to a class I had inadvisedly signed up for. I was bummed to miss Dan Deacon and what it seems was one of the best sets of the show. I hear rumors of marching bands and conga lines. By the time I get there Cold War Kids are half-way through their set. Having seen them a few time before it seemed to be business as usual. I think a band like that either needs to be seen in a club or not at all.
The D. O. double G came out
and gave the people what they wanted. Hit after hit, a touch of Tupac, and The Lady Rage herself. I had no idea she was still alive, weird. We watched about half the set before I drug my sister and her friend off to see MSTRKRFT.Holy DJ shit. A weird mix of hippies, indie kids, and people dressed to go to a rave circa 1991 are bouncing around. One of the DJ's is formerly of Death From Above 1979 and it all makes sense. Big beats and huge breaks are coming at us from all angles. Mixing their own songs in between some of the really recognizable club tracks made for a great set. Fun fact about my sister, the girl can get down. In the middle of the set all I could think about was how much fun my Aussie peeps would have had there. Dan, Riaad, Trent, and Potato you guys missed it. The closing mix featured J.U.S.T.I.C.E, Daft Punk, and Bohemian goddamn Rhapsody. Hearing that crowd singing along to Freddy Mercury was something else.
Jane's Addiction was Jane's Addiction. The crowd loved it and after a long weekend of rain, heat, and humidity it was a nice way to be sent into the night. What else were we going to do? Listen to The Killers? Fuck NO.
Lolla, I love ya. But next year give us the headliners we deserve. Where was Jay-Z? Where was Blur? Where My Bloody Valentine? Where was any hip-hop at all? Having a few country acts and a guy more famous for being on T.V. than rapping is not diversity. Every year you guys miss the boat on several acts. Last year you put Girl Talk on too small of a stage and did the same this year with Santigold. Also please don't make good on the promise of having Aerosmith play next year, please god no.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Lolla Day Two
The night is coming to an end. I am sprawled out on a lawn in uptown. How did I get here? Why is it so damn hot? Was eating chicken nuggets at three in the morn a good idea? So many questions. Now that we have done the required time shift lets skip to the beginning.
Cereal, coffee, shower, water, lots and lots of water. We hit the train and get back to Grant Park just before two. My sister and her friend (who is pretty awesome in his own right) are off to see Ida Marie. I meet up with the POI and drag her along to Atmosphere. Slug is killing it for a crowd much larger than any I remember from last year. I wish he had played a some more uptown stuff or had Murs join him onstage but it was still a good set.
Arctic Monkeys were fun but ultimately forgettable. I could have done with more songs off the first album. High points were Fluorescent Adolescent and I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor. The big disappointment of the day was the fact that there were too many people who wanted to see Santigold. Coming out to the first portion of Major Lazer's Hold The Line the crowd was primed and ready to go, All 80,000 of them. It was too hot and too crowded to stay. After food, beer, and water we set out to get to the front for Animal Collective's set. Things after this got real, really real.
Let me put things into context. It was hot. Chicago on Saturday was hot and humid as I recall Certain substances were being passed around in the crowd like it was communion. People had been sitting waiting for an hour for this set. I had spent the last six months listening to Animal Collective every day on the train and had bought my ticket just for this set. Some people claim that Animal Collective were disappointing, these people are full of shit. Completely full of shit.
That video right there is exactly what it felt like. Being a punk rock kid I have been in the front for some fairly intense shows. But this was something else. The sun was still up and I was still on the fence about Lolla this year. An hour later it was dark, I was drenched, and I had seen one of the best shows of my life. Maybe you had to be in the middle of it to appreciate it? Maybe you had to have been a part of the swirling school of fish we became for that hour on Saturday? Maybe you had to partake in some what was being passed around? I don't know.
We all know how a electronic set should go. The beats, peaks, valleys, and breaks are familiar to all of us. AC work from a similar starting point but create music based on deduction. They remove the parts that should be there. Is it pretentious? Sure, but when it works there is nothing more exciting. They teased the audience throughout the night taking us right to the top of the mountain. They had the us begging to just have one bass drop, just one huge rave up. By the time Brothersport hit the crowd was frothing at the mouth and exploded. Did we hear the "hits"? Nope. Did anyone care? Maybe. But for a few minutes as we all moved together in unison to Fireworks as the sun dropped behind us none of that mattered.
There were other bands that night. There was party full of amazing people. There was late night chicken nuggets. While I was riding the train home with Fireworks on repeat, none of that seemed important.
Cereal, coffee, shower, water, lots and lots of water. We hit the train and get back to Grant Park just before two. My sister and her friend (who is pretty awesome in his own right) are off to see Ida Marie. I meet up with the POI and drag her along to Atmosphere. Slug is killing it for a crowd much larger than any I remember from last year. I wish he had played a some more uptown stuff or had Murs join him onstage but it was still a good set.
Arctic Monkeys were fun but ultimately forgettable. I could have done with more songs off the first album. High points were Fluorescent Adolescent and I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor. The big disappointment of the day was the fact that there were too many people who wanted to see Santigold. Coming out to the first portion of Major Lazer's Hold The Line the crowd was primed and ready to go, All 80,000 of them. It was too hot and too crowded to stay. After food, beer, and water we set out to get to the front for Animal Collective's set. Things after this got real, really real.
Let me put things into context. It was hot. Chicago on Saturday was hot and humid as I recall Certain substances were being passed around in the crowd like it was communion. People had been sitting waiting for an hour for this set. I had spent the last six months listening to Animal Collective every day on the train and had bought my ticket just for this set. Some people claim that Animal Collective were disappointing, these people are full of shit. Completely full of shit.
That video right there is exactly what it felt like. Being a punk rock kid I have been in the front for some fairly intense shows. But this was something else. The sun was still up and I was still on the fence about Lolla this year. An hour later it was dark, I was drenched, and I had seen one of the best shows of my life. Maybe you had to be in the middle of it to appreciate it? Maybe you had to have been a part of the swirling school of fish we became for that hour on Saturday? Maybe you had to partake in some what was being passed around? I don't know.
We all know how a electronic set should go. The beats, peaks, valleys, and breaks are familiar to all of us. AC work from a similar starting point but create music based on deduction. They remove the parts that should be there. Is it pretentious? Sure, but when it works there is nothing more exciting. They teased the audience throughout the night taking us right to the top of the mountain. They had the us begging to just have one bass drop, just one huge rave up. By the time Brothersport hit the crowd was frothing at the mouth and exploded. Did we hear the "hits"? Nope. Did anyone care? Maybe. But for a few minutes as we all moved together in unison to Fireworks as the sun dropped behind us none of that mattered.
There were other bands that night. There was party full of amazing people. There was late night chicken nuggets. While I was riding the train home with Fireworks on repeat, none of that seemed important.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Lolla Day One
It's sprinkling as we leave the house and by the time we get downtown there is a full on rain storm. Lolla day one is not off to the best start. I started the day off by drinking a pot of Oregon's finest coffee so I was a little jumpy before we even got to the show. After a detour to buy umbrellas and a twenty minute wait in line we are in the show. Let there be rock (because there is almost no hip hop at this entire show).
First thing we catch is Bon Iver who's last album is an intimate acoustic album recorded in the woods. So the best way to hear it is in a field during a rain storm, right? They tried and Flume sounded phenomenal but the whole set never really got going. You could see how bad the band wanted to rock the fuck out and they never really got there. Ben Folds was next and was exactly what you expect. Randy Newman without all the songs about short people and Los Angeles. This just in Folds sings about dwarfs. So Randy Newman without all the songs about L.A., great. Your college's acapella group is waiting breathlessly for his next album. We used this break to visit the loo.
Biggest moral dilemma of the day is to check out Fleet Foxes or try to get to the front for Decemberists? Off to the front we ran. We waited about an hour while a gaggle of Miley Cyrus types kept asking if I had a bowl. Nope, I am old as shit. If I smoke at a show I will either fall asleep or freak out and sit down somewhere till I stop hyperventilating. Another fun character near us was the 40 year-old mom lecturing everyone about smoking and stepping on her 10 year-old daughter. Lady, its a festival. If you don't want smoke, crowds, or swearing get out of Chicago. Those are three things this city does well.
Holy shit, The Decemberists blew us away. They were playing The Hazards of Love front to back and it couldn't have been more amazing. It was a note perfect performance and the weather played into the whole feel of the show. The only thing lacking was the crowd. We tried to clap along, sing along, and dance along. For whatever reason it never took. This was not Colin McCoy's fault. The star of the show was either Shara Warden who was melting faces with her vocals or Jenny Conlee who managed to play an organ solo while holding an accordion. How is that even possible?
We ran to catch the end of Peter Brjon and John. Forget the Target add. These guys sounded like Pavement and played part of a Joy Division song. If you do that I will fall in love ever time. From there it was Of Montreal. Lots of costumes and video. The songs are danceable but by this point everyone was wet, muddy, and not in the mood. Plus I think most people's drugs were starting to wear off. We watched Depeche Mode for about half of an hour before we left. Gahan's voice was shot and the band was just off. By all means play songs off your new album at a club show. But opening night of Lolla, bring the heat. Open with the Policy of Truth and then segue into Enjoy the Silence. Problem solved.
Big thanks go to the ginger guy with the big teeth that gave my sister a poncho and offered us sandwiches. Again let me doff my cap to The Decemberists, unbelievable.
First thing we catch is Bon Iver who's last album is an intimate acoustic album recorded in the woods. So the best way to hear it is in a field during a rain storm, right? They tried and Flume sounded phenomenal but the whole set never really got going. You could see how bad the band wanted to rock the fuck out and they never really got there. Ben Folds was next and was exactly what you expect. Randy Newman without all the songs about short people and Los Angeles. This just in Folds sings about dwarfs. So Randy Newman without all the songs about L.A., great. Your college's acapella group is waiting breathlessly for his next album. We used this break to visit the loo.
Biggest moral dilemma of the day is to check out Fleet Foxes or try to get to the front for Decemberists? Off to the front we ran. We waited about an hour while a gaggle of Miley Cyrus types kept asking if I had a bowl. Nope, I am old as shit. If I smoke at a show I will either fall asleep or freak out and sit down somewhere till I stop hyperventilating. Another fun character near us was the 40 year-old mom lecturing everyone about smoking and stepping on her 10 year-old daughter. Lady, its a festival. If you don't want smoke, crowds, or swearing get out of Chicago. Those are three things this city does well.
Holy shit, The Decemberists blew us away. They were playing The Hazards of Love front to back and it couldn't have been more amazing. It was a note perfect performance and the weather played into the whole feel of the show. The only thing lacking was the crowd. We tried to clap along, sing along, and dance along. For whatever reason it never took. This was not Colin McCoy's fault. The star of the show was either Shara Warden who was melting faces with her vocals or Jenny Conlee who managed to play an organ solo while holding an accordion. How is that even possible?
We ran to catch the end of Peter Brjon and John. Forget the Target add. These guys sounded like Pavement and played part of a Joy Division song. If you do that I will fall in love ever time. From there it was Of Montreal. Lots of costumes and video. The songs are danceable but by this point everyone was wet, muddy, and not in the mood. Plus I think most people's drugs were starting to wear off. We watched Depeche Mode for about half of an hour before we left. Gahan's voice was shot and the band was just off. By all means play songs off your new album at a club show. But opening night of Lolla, bring the heat. Open with the Policy of Truth and then segue into Enjoy the Silence. Problem solved.
Big thanks go to the ginger guy with the big teeth that gave my sister a poncho and offered us sandwiches. Again let me doff my cap to The Decemberists, unbelievable.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Beware The Third Beer Before Radiohead
Lollapalooza is upon us. All weekend I will be dying in the heat while I wait to hear the few bands I want to see. The biggest bonus that the show has is that it is twenty minutes away from my little hobbit hole. Door to door, train to train only twenty minutes. I bought my ticket this year with the hope that I would get a Blur reunion, maybe My Bloody Valentine, definitely The Beastie Boys. What am I getting? The Goddamn King of Fucking Leon. Really? For reals? You mean it?
Let me break down our headliners:
Depeche Mode: Old reliable. Would I skip them if some else good was playing? Yes. Do I own most of their albums? Sure. Do I sing along to Enjoy the Silence whilst on the train? Believe it. I also always carry a folding chair whilst wearing a crown and a cape.
P.S. Anton Corbin is a genius.
The Cock-sucking Kings of Shit On: If The Strokes fucked Lynyrd Skynrd after the plane crash this is what their babies would look like. The only positive is that my American Apparel dressed brethren will be drawn to this shit like flies making it easier to buy beer.
Tool: I loved Tool. Then I realized that I couldn't spend eight minutes waiting for a song to jump off. Also, Maynard can you at least look in the audience's general direction if we are going to pay you?
P.S. Danny Kerry is an amazing drummer.
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs: I would love to see them in a smaller venue. I don't know if they can rock a field full of tired, drunk, sunburned folk in a field. I am hoping for the best. As far as last minute replacements for The Beastie Boys, I guess? How about letting Animal Collective play for three hours while we roll in the field?
Jane's Addiction: Twenty years ago? Fuck and yes. Ten years ago? Sure and why not. Today? I may try to grab the train and make it to an improv show.
The Killers: Maybe their bus will crash into river? I can only hope.
The best band of the weekend is playing at The Metro. Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul freaking Jones and I couldn't get a ticket. I am really looking forward to The Decemberists, Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Atmosphere, and Animal Collective. Did I mention how unbelievable Animal Collective are? Why is there almost no hip hop booked? Are they worried about scaring the white people?
Oh yeah, nothing can top last year. My first few months in Chicago and I got to go with my new best friends. Radiohead destroyed the stage and blew our minds. I may never be as content as I was when I watched Fake Plastic Trees crescendo while the sky over Grant Park externalized what we were all feeling.
P.S. Thanks Sparta, Jay, Cathy, Brando, Bij.
Let me break down our headliners:
Depeche Mode: Old reliable. Would I skip them if some else good was playing? Yes. Do I own most of their albums? Sure. Do I sing along to Enjoy the Silence whilst on the train? Believe it. I also always carry a folding chair whilst wearing a crown and a cape.
P.S. Anton Corbin is a genius.
The Cock-sucking Kings of Shit On: If The Strokes fucked Lynyrd Skynrd after the plane crash this is what their babies would look like. The only positive is that my American Apparel dressed brethren will be drawn to this shit like flies making it easier to buy beer.
Tool: I loved Tool. Then I realized that I couldn't spend eight minutes waiting for a song to jump off. Also, Maynard can you at least look in the audience's general direction if we are going to pay you?
P.S. Danny Kerry is an amazing drummer.
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs: I would love to see them in a smaller venue. I don't know if they can rock a field full of tired, drunk, sunburned folk in a field. I am hoping for the best. As far as last minute replacements for The Beastie Boys, I guess? How about letting Animal Collective play for three hours while we roll in the field?
Jane's Addiction: Twenty years ago? Fuck and yes. Ten years ago? Sure and why not. Today? I may try to grab the train and make it to an improv show.
The Killers: Maybe their bus will crash into river? I can only hope.
The best band of the weekend is playing at The Metro. Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul freaking Jones and I couldn't get a ticket. I am really looking forward to The Decemberists, Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Atmosphere, and Animal Collective. Did I mention how unbelievable Animal Collective are? Why is there almost no hip hop booked? Are they worried about scaring the white people?
Oh yeah, nothing can top last year. My first few months in Chicago and I got to go with my new best friends. Radiohead destroyed the stage and blew our minds. I may never be as content as I was when I watched Fake Plastic Trees crescendo while the sky over Grant Park externalized what we were all feeling.
P.S. Thanks Sparta, Jay, Cathy, Brando, Bij.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Beware Large Busses
So the last few days have been some of the best I have had in longer than I care to remember. Friday night I met a whole ton of new people who couldn't have been nicer. I saw these nice people put up one hell of a fun show. You too can check them out every Friday for the rest of the month. Peep their site and their blog.
It was my brother's birthday on Friday as well and I think I showed him a good time. It's always hard to gauge these things as I am never sure if he is having fun or indulging me. We drank till the wee hours and I think the kid was a real hit with everyone we were hanging out with. How to follow up a night of drinking and fun? How about with fireworks?
Saturday was our block party and things as they say got real. We grilled, drank, blew shit up. It was Americana times ten. We even had a goddamn cake walk. After the our party we went to a house party that would have put Kid and Play to shame. Three kegs and one of the nicest and drunkest host I have ever seen. Feeling bad that they had run out of food their idea of a make good was shots of whiskey. How could you not love these people? Also they were representing Nor Cal. Extra points.
Sunday I met my new partner in the crimes of comedy. I couldn't believe how we hit it off. The man brought coffee and doughnuts. That's when I knew we were legit. After that it was off to put my time in the comedy trenches. Not sure what kind of show we are going to have after this class but even a disaster can be interesting. Look kids its the Hindenburg, ha-ha, right? Jesus.
It was my brother's birthday on Friday as well and I think I showed him a good time. It's always hard to gauge these things as I am never sure if he is having fun or indulging me. We drank till the wee hours and I think the kid was a real hit with everyone we were hanging out with. How to follow up a night of drinking and fun? How about with fireworks?
Saturday was our block party and things as they say got real. We grilled, drank, blew shit up. It was Americana times ten. We even had a goddamn cake walk. After the our party we went to a house party that would have put Kid and Play to shame. Three kegs and one of the nicest and drunkest host I have ever seen. Feeling bad that they had run out of food their idea of a make good was shots of whiskey. How could you not love these people? Also they were representing Nor Cal. Extra points.
Sunday I met my new partner in the crimes of comedy. I couldn't believe how we hit it off. The man brought coffee and doughnuts. That's when I knew we were legit. After that it was off to put my time in the comedy trenches. Not sure what kind of show we are going to have after this class but even a disaster can be interesting. Look kids its the Hindenburg, ha-ha, right? Jesus.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Guest
In the next few weeks I get the chance to live on both sides of an equation. I am hosting my sister for a week and then I am staying with a cousin for a few days. Both these things present certain problems. Well maybe not for a normal well adjusted person but this is me we are dealing with. I live life at creep factor ten.
Hosting a guest can be a huge problem. What do I feed them? Where should they sleep? How can I keep them entertained? I can never remember if my sister is a veg or not. So do I go shopping now or wait and take her? Do I sleep on the air bed or does she? She has visited before so many of my touristy fallback moves are going to be useless. Yikes. Compounding things, she is bringing a fella. Is he a boyfriend? Do I let them stay together? Do I maintain some late night vigil protecting what I hope is my sisters innocence? Sitting between them on the couch and speaking in loud tones about the dangers of communicable diseases could be fun.
My sister is now twenty-one. I can get all legally shitty with my little sister. Part of me thinks this would be hilarious. But it could also be awful. Do I really want to see my baby sister throw up a tequila shooters on my lawn? Do I want her to see me vomit, call an ex girlfriend, fall asleep, and piss in the hall closet? There are a whole lot of land mines that I am going to have to navigate. We are going to Lollapolooza together. Does my sister get high?
Now the flip side. I am going to NYC and staying with a second cousin of mine. Not even a cousin-cousin, a second cousin. This actually may be a good thing now that I think about most of my first cousins. We email back and forth but have not really seen each other in ten years. I am staying with her for four days in a city I have only visited. Now do I go all touristy on my own? How many meals am I responsible for? Do I bring a gift? How many times should I offer to pay for things? Does my cousin get high?
Several friends from Chicago are going to be in NYC as well. They are staying all over the city and I could always hit them up if things go south. But I can not let things go south. This is family we are dealing with here. I fuck up and it will be reported back to all my relatives only confirming their belief that I am a creep. Do I make her hang out with my friends or do I hang out with her friends? Either way someone is going to feel out of place.
Fuck it. I am locking the door canceling my flights and renting Dexter.
Hosting a guest can be a huge problem. What do I feed them? Where should they sleep? How can I keep them entertained? I can never remember if my sister is a veg or not. So do I go shopping now or wait and take her? Do I sleep on the air bed or does she? She has visited before so many of my touristy fallback moves are going to be useless. Yikes. Compounding things, she is bringing a fella. Is he a boyfriend? Do I let them stay together? Do I maintain some late night vigil protecting what I hope is my sisters innocence? Sitting between them on the couch and speaking in loud tones about the dangers of communicable diseases could be fun.
My sister is now twenty-one. I can get all legally shitty with my little sister. Part of me thinks this would be hilarious. But it could also be awful. Do I really want to see my baby sister throw up a tequila shooters on my lawn? Do I want her to see me vomit, call an ex girlfriend, fall asleep, and piss in the hall closet? There are a whole lot of land mines that I am going to have to navigate. We are going to Lollapolooza together. Does my sister get high?
Now the flip side. I am going to NYC and staying with a second cousin of mine. Not even a cousin-cousin, a second cousin. This actually may be a good thing now that I think about most of my first cousins. We email back and forth but have not really seen each other in ten years. I am staying with her for four days in a city I have only visited. Now do I go all touristy on my own? How many meals am I responsible for? Do I bring a gift? How many times should I offer to pay for things? Does my cousin get high?
Several friends from Chicago are going to be in NYC as well. They are staying all over the city and I could always hit them up if things go south. But I can not let things go south. This is family we are dealing with here. I fuck up and it will be reported back to all my relatives only confirming their belief that I am a creep. Do I make her hang out with my friends or do I hang out with her friends? Either way someone is going to feel out of place.
Fuck it. I am locking the door canceling my flights and renting Dexter.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Words I Hope Not To Regret
When you first start spending time with someone it's a lot like getting interrogated. It's a whole lot of asking questions and revealing information a bit at a time. You have to be careful not to dump your whole life story on someone all at once. Also you have your own questions. Each carefully chosen answer leads to a whole series of other questions. Answers like, "That reminds me of that night in Cabo" make the mind wander.
You find yourself wondering about Cabo. Who was there. What the hell happened in Cabo. In the span of a minute you create this entire fiction about the new POI* and their time in some Mexican prison. The reality is much more banal but what if it isn't? What if it is worse than you could have ever imagined?
This is the thing that dating in this day and age is all about. Everyone has a past. Everyone has done some fairly awful things. You just hope that the their awful things are not worse than your awful things.
*Person of interest
You find yourself wondering about Cabo. Who was there. What the hell happened in Cabo. In the span of a minute you create this entire fiction about the new POI* and their time in some Mexican prison. The reality is much more banal but what if it isn't? What if it is worse than you could have ever imagined?
This is the thing that dating in this day and age is all about. Everyone has a past. Everyone has done some fairly awful things. You just hope that the their awful things are not worse than your awful things.
*Person of interest
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
We Care A Lot
Underneath the well maintained facade of your average indifferent guy is someone who care too much. He cares more than everyone about everything and the only way to get around this is by presenting the appearance that he does not care. I am constantly disappointed by people because they follow their own impulses and rarely are willing to sacrifice for something bigger. Sacrifice isn't even the right word. Why not invest yourself in something? Why not try to build something?
I had someone the other day tell me flat out that they would never pick a group of people over themselves. Fair enough, maybe even smart. But really disheartening when you are part of the group. This can be just as bad in personal relationships. People do as they are want to. I just wonder if they ever think about maybe making something bigger then them?
I believe these guys said it best.
I had someone the other day tell me flat out that they would never pick a group of people over themselves. Fair enough, maybe even smart. But really disheartening when you are part of the group. This can be just as bad in personal relationships. People do as they are want to. I just wonder if they ever think about maybe making something bigger then them?
I believe these guys said it best.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dating
I have recently gone on a date, I think. I went out for a beverage with someone who seemed nice, smart, funny and I felt no connection. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this person. In fact they are everything that someone should be looking for. I would be lucky to have someone like that be even remotely interested in me. But for whatever reason I don't think we hit it off. Strange.
Also what is a date? Do we have to state at the top that it is a date? Should one person make some sort of declaration and then sign something? Is there a time of day that indicates date? I went to lunch with a friend in January and after she kissed me goodnight I realized that I had just been on a date. I thought she just wanted to grab some lunch. Me not knowing that I was on a date may have been why it was successful. How am supposed to know?
I have dinner plans for tomorrow night. I don't know if it's dinner with a friend or a date. No clue. I asked her if she wanted to do something. She said yes. Then I asked if it should be a meal or a movie. She said meal. We are meeting at 8 P.M. and I have no idea if it's a date or not. What the hell?
I met a friend for lunch today. He is a he and just had a child. This was very assuredly not a date. He asked if I wanted to hold his child, could not do it. I felt bad but if I had dropped the baby I would have felt worse. I brought them champagne and got the kid a stuffed monkey. I think my friend was more excited about the monkey.
Also what is a date? Do we have to state at the top that it is a date? Should one person make some sort of declaration and then sign something? Is there a time of day that indicates date? I went to lunch with a friend in January and after she kissed me goodnight I realized that I had just been on a date. I thought she just wanted to grab some lunch. Me not knowing that I was on a date may have been why it was successful. How am supposed to know?
I have dinner plans for tomorrow night. I don't know if it's dinner with a friend or a date. No clue. I asked her if she wanted to do something. She said yes. Then I asked if it should be a meal or a movie. She said meal. We are meeting at 8 P.M. and I have no idea if it's a date or not. What the hell?
I met a friend for lunch today. He is a he and just had a child. This was very assuredly not a date. He asked if I wanted to hold his child, could not do it. I felt bad but if I had dropped the baby I would have felt worse. I brought them champagne and got the kid a stuffed monkey. I think my friend was more excited about the monkey.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Falling Down
What should have been a great day was ruined by my inability to control my shit. Went to see The Hold Steady with my brother and friend. I had not eaten all day and started throwing down Miller Lites with reckless abandon. My whatever the hell she is showed up by herself and started hanging around us.
I got mad at some point and I think started berating her. I then fell down and crashed into my friend. My brother escorted me back to his truck. I thanked him by vomiting in his car. You are welcome, sir. Way to fail.
I got mad at some point and I think started berating her. I then fell down and crashed into my friend. My brother escorted me back to his truck. I thanked him by vomiting in his car. You are welcome, sir. Way to fail.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Festivals
Traveling abroad allows one a chance to gain some insight on living in the states. The distance has allowed me the chance to really enjoy what I may have written off as kitsch before. We are guilty of many of the sins that the world likes to lay on us. But sometimes our glutenous nature can inspire greatness. Sometimes it can inspire a grand communal experience. Sometimes it can demand that we take to the streets and grill.
In Chicago the summer inspires everyone to hit the streets every weekend in a series of festivals. Some are based around the music. Some are based around a neighboorhood. The greatest are based around food. In honor of this I am attending something called RIBFEST (you better believe that is all caps). I have managed to wrangle a few friends to join me on my pilgrimage to this mecca of BBQ. It is right up the street and I have no doubt that it will be worth my time.
I called in sick to work today. I am sick. I have been sick. I continue to be sick. But I could have probably have worked today. I just wanted to enjoy what looks to be a gorgeous Friday in my Midwestern town. What better way than sample this glorious festival of ribs?
In Chicago the summer inspires everyone to hit the streets every weekend in a series of festivals. Some are based around the music. Some are based around a neighboorhood. The greatest are based around food. In honor of this I am attending something called RIBFEST (you better believe that is all caps). I have managed to wrangle a few friends to join me on my pilgrimage to this mecca of BBQ. It is right up the street and I have no doubt that it will be worth my time.
I called in sick to work today. I am sick. I have been sick. I continue to be sick. But I could have probably have worked today. I just wanted to enjoy what looks to be a gorgeous Friday in my Midwestern town. What better way than sample this glorious festival of ribs?
Time Time Always Some Time
Today was almost completely unproductive. The most productive thing so far has been adding ice to a glass of Jamison. My job provides me the chance to sit around all day and ponder. What I ponder ranges from how much I hate the job to how awful the clientele is. The people today were from the insurance industry. My co-worker tried to explain that these people were not culpable in the recent economic meltdown. She must not read many papers.
So often I know the answer to the question people are asking. I rarely offer the answer. Not because I want to show them up. I just do not want to seem like a know it all. How stupid? Feeling embarrassed for having what I consider at best, common knowledge.
So often I know the answer to the question people are asking. I rarely offer the answer. Not because I want to show them up. I just do not want to seem like a know it all. How stupid? Feeling embarrassed for having what I consider at best, common knowledge.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A Tiny Town
I got the chance to see Art Burt last night. Thoroughly enjoyable evening of music. They do their best to deconstruct the whole idea of being a band. Amp problems delayed the show but in the end things got going. The show was at a club called Schubas which is well within walking distance of my home. The thing about Chicago is that wherever you go you will always run into someone. This is a blessing and a curse.
I live down the street from someone I use to date. It remains a constant fear that I will run into her in the neighborhood. This has only happened a handful of times but it is always in the back of my mind. But the positive side of living in such a small neighborhood is the chance to run into people you would like to see.
After the show I had a beer with a neighbor whom I had only seen in passing on my block. While waiting for the bathroom I met the founder of a theater I am studying at. The thing about meeting someone in line for the bathroom is that it's the worst place to have a conversation. Plus you feel kind of lame introducing yourself to someone you admire. I went with the classic "uh, hey I take classes at your theater". So lame and uninteresting. Shaking hands in and around a bathroom is just bizarre.
I live down the street from someone I use to date. It remains a constant fear that I will run into her in the neighborhood. This has only happened a handful of times but it is always in the back of my mind. But the positive side of living in such a small neighborhood is the chance to run into people you would like to see.
After the show I had a beer with a neighbor whom I had only seen in passing on my block. While waiting for the bathroom I met the founder of a theater I am studying at. The thing about meeting someone in line for the bathroom is that it's the worst place to have a conversation. Plus you feel kind of lame introducing yourself to someone you admire. I went with the classic "uh, hey I take classes at your theater". So lame and uninteresting. Shaking hands in and around a bathroom is just bizarre.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sleep
So it's just about two in the afternoon and I am still in bed. Thirteen hours of sleep is completely unnecessary but occasionally can be fun. It's been raining on and off throughout my trip to slumber land. Just completely satisfying in a way that few things are.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Best Feeling In The World
Is getting out of work early. Even if you have nothing planned for the night, just getting out is phenomenal. To celebrate I am headed to Hopleaf for Mussels.
Money
I come into contact with people who are obsessed with money all day long. How fucking boring. I watched a room of thirty people today just go back and forth on the market for three hours. Each person had their view of where things are going. Often in direct opposition with the person who had just been speaking. How is this fulfilling for people? What a awful way to spend an evening.
Are these people happy? Maybe, they are. But I would have been bored out of my mind. Do these people watch movies or read books? Are they able to have any sort of discourse? They probably would find the kind of things I talk about with my friends dull as well. We will call it a push.
Are these people happy? Maybe, they are. But I would have been bored out of my mind. Do these people watch movies or read books? Are they able to have any sort of discourse? They probably would find the kind of things I talk about with my friends dull as well. We will call it a push.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Since No One Reads This It Doesn't Matter
Alright since I last wrote a few things have happened. Let's catch everyone up to speed.
I moved finally. I love my new place and really dig having the extra room. It's close to everything one needs and I have been able to have people over to kick it. I had a decent Cinco de Mayo party (with two kinds of chips). I have procured a BBQ and have been putting it to good use. I had people over for Memorial Day and met the neighbors. The people upstairs are really cool and seemed to be able to keep up with our drinking. The neighborhood is full of families and dogs which lends a certain cozy air to the place.
I managed to grill twice this weekend. Both times on the front step which brings all kinds of odd looks. It was just closer to the kitchen. Doing a good job grilling is really some kind of male affirmation. Made a Greek salad as well which seemed to go over alright. Fun fact Bocca Burgers can get all burned to shit if you leave them for more than a minute. Proving once again that hippy food has no soul.
I may need some surgery. Turns out that I have a bad gallbladder and it may need to go. The only problem is that I have been waiting a week and a half for test results. It took a month to get in to see someone and now I continue to wait. New thing I discovered though, going to the hospital by yourself is a new kind of lonely. The nurse actually asked if anyone was waiting for me and I laughed. Kind of messed up.
I moved finally. I love my new place and really dig having the extra room. It's close to everything one needs and I have been able to have people over to kick it. I had a decent Cinco de Mayo party (with two kinds of chips). I have procured a BBQ and have been putting it to good use. I had people over for Memorial Day and met the neighbors. The people upstairs are really cool and seemed to be able to keep up with our drinking. The neighborhood is full of families and dogs which lends a certain cozy air to the place.
I managed to grill twice this weekend. Both times on the front step which brings all kinds of odd looks. It was just closer to the kitchen. Doing a good job grilling is really some kind of male affirmation. Made a Greek salad as well which seemed to go over alright. Fun fact Bocca Burgers can get all burned to shit if you leave them for more than a minute. Proving once again that hippy food has no soul.
I may need some surgery. Turns out that I have a bad gallbladder and it may need to go. The only problem is that I have been waiting a week and a half for test results. It took a month to get in to see someone and now I continue to wait. New thing I discovered though, going to the hospital by yourself is a new kind of lonely. The nurse actually asked if anyone was waiting for me and I laughed. Kind of messed up.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I Am Failing Already
So, I have been really lagging. I have a big project planned for the next week. It may be a little longer than that before it gets going. I have to move and fly home in the next week. But the plan is to write my dating history up until now. Super navel gazzery, but I feel like it needs to be done.
If nothing else I will look like a total douche.
If nothing else I will look like a total douche.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Yikes
I have decided to get my shit back together. The last two months I have been really slacking. I feel like I have been disappointing people and have not done right by everyone. It's weird when you feel yourself slipping. Your priorities get out of whack and you aren't able to recognize it till it's to late. No ones fault but my own. So my plan to shake things up.
1) Get a new job. I need my nights off and I need to open up life a little.
2) Take more classes. I need to get better at performing.
3) Meet more people. I have a bit of an introvert and need to expand my circle of friends.
4) Write more. Look I know this blog is poorly written. But it's a start.
5) Get healthy. I need to see a doctor and take care of some nagging issues.
Seems like all these things are doable.
1) Get a new job. I need my nights off and I need to open up life a little.
2) Take more classes. I need to get better at performing.
3) Meet more people. I have a bit of an introvert and need to expand my circle of friends.
4) Write more. Look I know this blog is poorly written. But it's a start.
5) Get healthy. I need to see a doctor and take care of some nagging issues.
Seems like all these things are doable.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday
As I reach the end of the week I am really slowing down. I had a great night last night. I hung out with a new friend and saw a fairly amazing show. Mick Napier and Susan Messing did two person imrov for about 45 minutes. They managed to deconstruct the entire process. They denied each other, they called out pieces, and laid things onto one another. All the things that I have been taught not to do. Yet it was one of the funniest and most exciting shows I have seen since I moved here.
So much of improv is beholden to a series of rules and conventions and to see them splintered was really unbelievable. That in and of itself would be impressive but they made it work as a whole piece. I don't being to think that other people should try to do what they did or that they would be able to. But it was exciting to see improv done in a different way than I have been accustomed too. Between that and class it was a great day.
I wouldn't say that what we did in class worked. Far from it. But the enthusiasm for the work is what is exciting. It's a small class and the people in it treat one another with respect and affection. Two things that are becoming exceedingly rare as we progress up the ladder. I think that if that attitude can continue the people in the class will all do well for themselves. I would love to work with all of them independent of the class.
So much of improv is beholden to a series of rules and conventions and to see them splintered was really unbelievable. That in and of itself would be impressive but they made it work as a whole piece. I don't being to think that other people should try to do what they did or that they would be able to. But it was exciting to see improv done in a different way than I have been accustomed too. Between that and class it was a great day.
I wouldn't say that what we did in class worked. Far from it. But the enthusiasm for the work is what is exciting. It's a small class and the people in it treat one another with respect and affection. Two things that are becoming exceedingly rare as we progress up the ladder. I think that if that attitude can continue the people in the class will all do well for themselves. I would love to work with all of them independent of the class.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sleep
I haven't slept a full night in at least two months. This can lead to several problems. I am irritable, tired, and I have been making a series of bad decisions. I have been annoying my friends a bit with my behavior and have not been the most fun person to be around. I feel like I am really out of touch with things. I never realized how bad things can get when you don't get some sleep.
My neighbors keep me up and despite repeated complaints to my manager they keep banging around. Lately I have lost my apatite which I think is related to my sleeping problems. It sucks because my two favorite things are sleeping and eating. Having those things taken away is really killing me. I have had trouble explaining my behavior to people which has led to some problems. It's a real bummer. I wish I could explain that I am not myself right now but I don't know how. Sorry this is not a funnier post but I needed to get this down in writing.
My neighbors keep me up and despite repeated complaints to my manager they keep banging around. Lately I have lost my apatite which I think is related to my sleeping problems. It sucks because my two favorite things are sleeping and eating. Having those things taken away is really killing me. I have had trouble explaining my behavior to people which has led to some problems. It's a real bummer. I wish I could explain that I am not myself right now but I don't know how. Sorry this is not a funnier post but I needed to get this down in writing.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Column VS. The Gas Company
I am moving shortly so I have to contact the appropriate energy agencies in town. Today I called the gas company. The first option on their automated list is "Press one for a gas leak or explosion". This caused me to pause for a moment... just like that. In the event of an explosion would your first instinct be to call the gas company? Would you not call 911? How in the moment do you have to be in order to call the gas company?
I wonder how many calls they get where someone patiently presses the correct buttons in order to report a explosion. What do those messages sound like? Also this was not offered in Spanish it was all in English. Do explosions not happen in Latino households? Do only white people blow themselves up or blow out the pilot lights on the stove? I want to hear several of the messages of people reporting explosions.
"Uh, yeah, so uh, shit went boom. My shed is in pieces on the lawn. Uh, just letting you know. Thanks."
I wonder how many calls they get where someone patiently presses the correct buttons in order to report a explosion. What do those messages sound like? Also this was not offered in Spanish it was all in English. Do explosions not happen in Latino households? Do only white people blow themselves up or blow out the pilot lights on the stove? I want to hear several of the messages of people reporting explosions.
"Uh, yeah, so uh, shit went boom. My shed is in pieces on the lawn. Uh, just letting you know. Thanks."
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
20 Things Ex-Girlfriends Have Taken
1) 50 inch Sony T.V.
2) Pride
3) My first Red Sox hat
4) Dignity
5) My Cat
6) Respect
7) Several well worn T-Shirts
8) Self Esteem
9) The fun out of concerts I have taken them to
10) My strong moral center
11) Best years of my life
12) Numerous DVD's
13) My time
14) Almost lost my citizenship
15) Thousands of dollars
16) My favorite bar
17) The fun out of movies I have taken them to
18) Several good friends
19) The fun out of my birthday and Christmas
20) My liver's perfect health
2) Pride
3) My first Red Sox hat
4) Dignity
5) My Cat
6) Respect
7) Several well worn T-Shirts
8) Self Esteem
9) The fun out of concerts I have taken them to
10) My strong moral center
11) Best years of my life
12) Numerous DVD's
13) My time
14) Almost lost my citizenship
15) Thousands of dollars
16) My favorite bar
17) The fun out of movies I have taken them to
18) Several good friends
19) The fun out of my birthday and Christmas
20) My liver's perfect health
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Rain in Spain
Opening day here in town and it's raining. If I was the kind of person who believed in signs, this would get me down. As it is I have to go print out my taxes and send out a bill. The rain will not hinder my plans for the day too much. Also I would like to point out how ridiculous the band Hinder is.
I am moving in a few weeks. I am desperate to get out of my current living situation. I live in a bad neighborhood, my neighbors are obnoxiously loud, and my cell phone rarely works here. My only form of communication is my phone, so lacking a signal in my apartment seems kind of dangerous. Most of the time I can only send out texts. Suffice to say if anyone receives a text from me that I am choking, assume that I am dead when you get it.
Easter was kind of fun. I had a nice meal with my brother and his girlfriend. It was really homey and nice. After dinner we went to a show and had a few beers. All in all a successful night.
I am moving in a few weeks. I am desperate to get out of my current living situation. I live in a bad neighborhood, my neighbors are obnoxiously loud, and my cell phone rarely works here. My only form of communication is my phone, so lacking a signal in my apartment seems kind of dangerous. Most of the time I can only send out texts. Suffice to say if anyone receives a text from me that I am choking, assume that I am dead when you get it.
Easter was kind of fun. I had a nice meal with my brother and his girlfriend. It was really homey and nice. After dinner we went to a show and had a few beers. All in all a successful night.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
In The Begininng
In the beginning there was hope. In the beginning there was dreams. In the beginning there was possibility. Lately life is a total drag.
Hey, how are you? I am your average guy. I live in a horrible studio apartment my neighbors upstairs do everything in their power to make sure I can't sleep. I have a college degree from a mediocre school. I work a job that takes up most of time and barley provides enough money to get by. I perform from time to time and do so rather poorly. Someone I like a whole lot wants nothing to do with me. So yeah, things are good.
I guess the professionals call this a time of transition. Not sure what kind of professionals, but lets go with that. So when in doubt go to the internet. As a displaced member of the middle class what choice do I have but to write on the internet? I am positive that at least six or seven people will be fascinated by my bon mottes. As I am sure you can tell I have absolutely no grasp of syntax or grammar. Thank you California board of education. I gave you 17 years and you gave me a diploma signed by the Terminator.
I am going to write here every day. Most of it will be awful. But I think I will feel better.
Hey, how are you? I am your average guy. I live in a horrible studio apartment my neighbors upstairs do everything in their power to make sure I can't sleep. I have a college degree from a mediocre school. I work a job that takes up most of time and barley provides enough money to get by. I perform from time to time and do so rather poorly. Someone I like a whole lot wants nothing to do with me. So yeah, things are good.
I guess the professionals call this a time of transition. Not sure what kind of professionals, but lets go with that. So when in doubt go to the internet. As a displaced member of the middle class what choice do I have but to write on the internet? I am positive that at least six or seven people will be fascinated by my bon mottes. As I am sure you can tell I have absolutely no grasp of syntax or grammar. Thank you California board of education. I gave you 17 years and you gave me a diploma signed by the Terminator.
I am going to write here every day. Most of it will be awful. But I think I will feel better.
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