A Blog of His Own

Perfect Things.

2009-05-09T17:58:00.000-05:00

I love Simon and Garfunkel. They may have the most perfect blend of voices ever. Of course the music and the harmonies are great, but I am talking about the way their specific voices blend together into one perfect sound.

It's so nice to know there are jackalopes around...

2009-05-07T19:48:00.003-05:00

I love Pixar. The animation is amazing, yes, but that is only a minor part of what makes their films so great. The thing that I think places Pixar at the top of the heap is the master story-telling. Sherk is a good movie. It's funny, and has great animation, but it doesn't hold up next to a Pixar film. The story isn't bad, but it isn't great. That is why Pixar's films will endure. They don't rely on funny one-liners, and pop-culture references that people won't get twenty years from now.

Here is what may be my favorite film from Pixar (I have yet to see Cars, or Wall-E).

Lee Morgan

2009-04-20T23:16:00.001-05:00

This cat was smooth. But not smooth enough. His woman shot him dead with his own heater when she caught him with another woman.

A damn shame.

The Words

2008-12-13T01:29:00.002-06:00

of the POETS are written on the subway walls. And pillars.

Lil' sis' words were finally installed.

Manly Bike

2008-09-22T09:02:00.003-05:00

Via Sara comes this Craigslist posting.

Manly Bike for Sale

Date: 2008-07-22, 10:18AM PDT

Bike for sale

What kind of bike? I don't know, I'm not a bike scientist. What I am though is a manly guy looking to sell his bike. This bike is made out of metal and kick ass spokes. The back reflector was taken off, but if you think that deters me from riding at night, you're way wrong. I practiced ninja training in Japan's mount Fuji for 5 years and the first rule they teach about ninja biking is that back reflectors let the enemy know where you are. Not having a rear reflector is like saying "FUCK YOU CAR, JUST TRY AND FIND ME".

The bike says Giant on the side because it's referring to my junk, but rest assured even if you have tiny junk that Giant advertisement is going to remain right where it is. I bought this bike for 300 dollars from a retired mercenary that fought in both World War 1 and World War 2 and had his right arm bitten off by a shark in the Phillipines while stationed there as a shark handler. When he sold it to me I had to arm wrestle him for the honor to buy it. I broke his arm in 7 places when I did. He was so impressed with me he offered me to be his son but I thought that was sissy shit so I said no way.

The bike has some rusted screws, but that just shows how much of a bad ass you are. Everyone knows rusted screws on a bike means that you probably drove it underwater and that's bad ass in itself. Those screws can be replaced with shiny new ones, but if you're going to go to that trouble why not just punch yourself in the balls since you're probably a dickless lizard who doesn't like to look intimidating.

The bike is for men because the seat is flat or some shit and not shaped like a dildo. If you like flat seated bikes you're going to love this thing because it doesn't try to penetrate your ass or anything.

I've topped out at 75 miles per hour on this uphill but if you're just a regular man you'll probably top it out at 10 miles per hour. This thing is listed as a street bike which is man-code for bike tank. The bike has 7 speeds in total:

Gear 1 - Sissy Gear
Gear 2 - Less Sissy Gear
Gear 3 - Least Sissy Gear
Gear 4 - Boy Gear
Gear 5 - Pre-teen Boy Gear
Gear 6 - Manly Gear
Gear 7 - Big Muscles Gear

I only like gear 6 and 7 to be honest.

Additionally, this tool of all immense men comes with a gigantic lock to keep it secure. The lock is the size of a bull's testicles and tells people you don't fuck around with locking up your bike tank. It tells would-be-thieves "Hey asshole, touch this bike and I'll appear from the bushes ready to club you with a two-by-four".

Bike is for 150 OBO (and don't give me no panzy prices)

SRV

2008-09-18T19:47:00.007-05:00

This one gives me chills every. single. time.

Little Wing - Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble

J. J. Johnson

2008-09-18T19:47:00.005-05:00

J. J. Johnson was one of, if not the greatest jazz trombonists. As Dizzy and Bird were pioneering Be Bop, Johnson was one of just a handful of trombonists who were up to the task.

There don't seem to be many older videos of J. J. out there that give a glimpse of his virtuosity, but there are quite a few more melodic performances that do showcase his incredible tone.

So Strange...

2008-09-14T01:51:00.002-05:00

The things that happen when I leave my Macbook Pro unattended...

Need Water?

2008-09-08T20:24:00.001-05:00

This wiki-how can help. Don't forget to calibrate...

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy...

2008-09-03T06:34:00.004-05:00

Here at work, even earlier than usual, cleaning up someone else's mess, I thought I would share the music that is keeping me from going crazy.

"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" by Joe Zawinul, from Cannonball Adderley's Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Live at 'The Club'.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.mp3 - The Cannonball Adderley Quintet

Cannonball Adderley: Alto saxophone
Nat Adderley: Cornet
Joe Zawinul: Electric Piano
Victor Gaskin: Bass
Roy McCurdy: Drums

**Update** I've swapped out the version I had imbedded before with a better sounding (and complete) copy.

Kid Dakota

2008-08-24T00:43:00.005-05:00

You may know that my favorite local band, and one of my favorite bands in general is Kid Dakota. The first time I saw Kid Dakota I was blown away. I had no idea that a two piece could sound so huge. And, they aren't just loud, they are incredibly musical. So many bands seem to have two volumes, loud, and louder. Kid Dakota performs with a great sense of dynamics, and a wonderful overall musicality. Darren Jackson and Ian Prince seem to be joined at the rhythmic hip. Every note is delivered with Rolex precision.

Krista and I saw the premiere of this Wes Anderson-esque video last March at their CD release party at the Turf Club. Favorite band, favorite bar... awesome.

The entire performance was wonderful, but two songs actually gave me chills (or as Pat calls them, sprinkles).

Crossin Fingers - Kid Dakota
The other was Winterkill.

OMG! Curtis Fuller!

2008-08-15T01:09:00.001-05:00

Moanin'

2008-08-13T14:37:00.002-05:00

Moanin - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

More hard bop. "Moanin'" from the Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers album of the same name.

Lee Morgan: trumpet
Benny Golson: tenor saxophone
Bobby Timmons: piano
Jymie Merritt: bass
Art Blakey: drums

Art Blakey was at the epicenter of hard bop, and The Messengers was an ever changing group of top notch players, often moving on to front their own great projects. As far as Blakey himself, not may drummers came close to groovin' the way he did. I've heard a couple of recordings of this tune by other artists. One was almost a carbon copy outside of the solos, but it didn't have "it." If I had heard just the opening piano lick I would have said it was the same recording, but it lacked that underlying, pure groove that only Blakey could give it.

What did the drummer get on his IQ test?

2008-08-10T02:31:00.001-05:00

Drool.

Dig This...

2008-08-10T02:06:00.004-05:00

My friend Sara has a playlist from playlist.com on her blog, and I thought that might be a great way to showcase some music that I wanted to share. I started to create one of my own, but decided I would take a different route. Instead I am going to post music now and then in individual posts.

First up, a little hard bop, Wayne Shorter's "Witch Hunt" from "Speak No Evil."

Witch Hunt - Wayne Shorter

Freddie Hubbard: trumpet
Wayne Shorter: tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock: piano
Ron Carter: bass
Elvin Jones: drums

This is a great album, and I really dig the melody in this tune in particular. If you would like to pick this one up, I recommend yourmusic.com. All CDs are $6.99, including shipping, and they have a great selection of jazz albums.

What I Did On My Vacation. Part One.

2008-08-09T23:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday at 4:05 PM I walked out of Building C, and started my first extended bit of time off since starting my new job. Extended being more than one day. I had gotten two emails from Krista earlier in the day, one telling me to get beer, and the other stating that Elsa was ill. A sick child is not the way one generally wants to start their vacation.

Come to think of it, neither is not having beer, but fetching beer on a motorcycle when you haven't planned ahead isn't the easiest thing to do. So, vacation started with two marks against me.

When I got home, Elsa had a fever between 103 and 104. I sat with her for a while, and napped. We finally got her to eat something, and off to bed.

Krista and I settled in and started watching The Darjeeling Limited. About thirty minutes in, I heard Elsa moaning, and I went in to check on her. She grabbed ahold of me, and I brought her out to the living room to sit with me for a while. About four seconds after sitting down, with her facing me, she threw-up. Then she did it again. And again. Two meals worth.

After getting Elsa cleaned up, and my shower to wash the chunks out of my chest hair, we finished the movie. My least favorite Wes Anderson so far, but that is still pretty good.

This morning when I got Elsa up her fever was pretty much gone, and she was in a much better mood. I asked her if she remembered getting sick last night, and she laughed as she said "Yes, on your shirt."

Dancin' Fool II

2008-07-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

She Kicked My Ass Again...

2008-06-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am still here

2008-06-23T20:32:00.002-05:00

But I've been busy, what with having just graduating from Wartburg and all...

(Click on the image for full size)

Tambourines and Elephants

2008-04-11T22:58:00.004-05:00

I'm sitting here tonight playing poker, and listening to CCR Chronicle Vol.1 on headphones. Man, them's some nicely produced/engineered records.

A Photo Blog of Her Own

2008-03-31T11:43:00.000-05:00

For her birthday, we gave Elsa a cheap (like, really cheap) digital camera. Krista has started a blog to share some of the results. I present to you Elsa's View.

Catching Up

2008-03-31T11:42:00.000-05:00

I'm getting there...

Something that Doesn't Get on My Nerves

2008-03-20T23:40:00.003-05:00

The other day on The Current's Morning Show (OK, that does get on my nerves), they played this:

I may have posted this before, but if I did, it's good enough to do again.

Meanwhile, Back at the Bat Cave

2008-03-20T23:38:00.001-05:00

I really have been taking a photo every day. Really. Sometimes several. I'll get them posted soon. Really. Like Monday. Really.

Are you effin' serious?

2008-03-20T23:28:00.002-05:00

I hate WikiHow's "How to of the Day."

Here is the "How To" that was on my Google home page today.

How To Visit a Microbrewery.

Step 1. Locate a microbrewery
Step 2. Find out when it is open
Step 3. Enter
Step 4. Find an employee
Step 5. Take a tour if they give them
Step 6. STFU.

Do people seriously sit around and think "Oh, I should write an article on how not to wear-out flip-flops, I bet there are thousands of people agonizing over that. It is my duty to help."

Maybe I'm even more of a misanthrope than I thought; maybe people really do find this crap useful.

Missing Time...

2008-02-12T19:44:00.001-06:00

Somehow I forgot to post the photo for February 4. It is now up, as well as a photo for January 4.

Updated

2008-02-03T11:57:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally got around to posting almost two weeks worth the photos on 366. I'll try to stay more on top of the posting.

Dancin' Fool

2008-01-19T18:36:00.000-06:00

I Need XM Radio in My Car

2008-01-14T08:22:00.000-06:00

I can't handle radio morning shows. The Current plays some pretty good music, but the hosts of that show make me want to stick sharp objects in my eyes.

'cause I ain't got enough going on already...

2008-01-05T23:15:00.000-06:00

So, I started another blog. I am such an idiot.

Tasty Goodness in the Mail

2007-12-31T16:13:00.000-06:00

Just before Christmas I received a package that contained this.

I think I'll wait 'til spring to open it. I'm thinking some boneless country style ribs, maybe some chicken... Thanks Mark.

Christmas Questionnaire

2007-12-24T21:31:00.000-06:00

Sean tagged me with this one, and since I'm in a giving mood, you know Christmas and all, here you go:

1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share Christmas facts about yourself.
3. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of "Getting to Know Your Friends."

1. Wrapping or gift bags?

Both

2. Real or artificial tree?

Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?

Krista puts it up, usually on Thanksgiving, or the day after, while I am working. Likely will change next year...

4. When do you take the tree down?

Shortly after New Years

5. Do you like egg nog?

Meh.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Not sure, but I think it was Christmas, how can you top the Millennium Falcon? Oh, or maybe it was my bike...

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yup.

8. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

A muffin splitter, but my grandmother was already dealing with Alzheimer's. At least I hope she was.

9. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Krista always takes care of that, and sometimes it is a letter, sometimes it is an e-mail. Usually a letter.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie?

A Christmas Story

11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

We usually try and have it done before Thanksgiving, but that hasn't happened since Elsa arrived.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Krista makes these great chocolate rum balls. But, again, not since Elsa arrived.

13. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I like the white, but right now we have all red, which I like better than the multi-colored.

14. Favorite Christmas song(s)?

Tough to say.

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Usually the weekend before is with Krista's 'rents, and the weekend after is with my family.

16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Yes, but I won't.

17. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Star

18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

No. See 15.

19. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

Trying to get anything at the mall or Target. But that is only if I absolutely must.

20. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color?

No.

21. What do you leave for Santa?

Nothing yet.

22. Least favorite holiday song?

Tough to say.

23. Favorite ornament?

I don't think I have one.

24. Family tradition?

Not really.

25. Ever been to Midnight Mass or late-night Christmas Eve services?

Yes.

Now, I am to tag seven people. I hereby tag the first seven people that read this. After you have read this post, say so in comments and do your duty. We're working on the honor system here people, so no cheating, it's Christmas after all.

I'm Free!

2007-12-24T08:20:00.000-06:00

By the end of this week I will no longer work in broadcast television. I am going to work for Thomson Find Law, and will be creating video content for their websites. I know, it sounds exciting, making web videos for lawyers, whooooo. But, I'll have better hours, better pay, and I will be picking up skill that will be useful in the direction I want to continue. We'll see how this goes.

Answers

2007-12-18T22:02:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed that I have left some questions unanswered here. Well, time to rectify that. Dave, the Wovel is, well, here. And here. And here. It is a wondrous thing. After the fist big snow, it took me less time than it ever has to clear the drive and walks. And it didn't take any longer than it did for my neighbor to do his with his snow blower. Actually less time if you count the time he took to get it running. And it was quieter. And I didn't have to buy gas.

OK, It May be a Crappy Song...

2007-12-05T05:49:00.000-06:00

but Johnny Paycheck summed it up. Details to come.

Your Life, the Soundtrack

2007-11-12T17:38:00.000-06:00

Shawn tagged me with this a while back, and it's been sitting on Blogger as a draft. Well, finally here it is. I think I've strayed a bit from the original idea though. Too Bad.

You are making a feature film about your life. What songs do you select for the soundtrack? You'll want at least one song for each major stage of your life, the highs and lows, significant relationships, educational and career milestones, etc.

If Shawn starts with Mickey Mouse Disco I suppose I ought to mention Alvin and the Chipmunks. I don't remember if the records were mine or belonged to my brother or sister, but they were played quite a bit. At this same time I would have to include 70's (and early 80's) AM country radio. It seems this is what the 'rents were listening to, and most of those songs weren't too bad. Like Shawn you can toss in some TV themes: Dukes of Hazzard, Knight Rider, Simon & Simon, Magnum P.I. etc. Unlike Shawn, you can omit Thriller.

In Junior High there was Men at Work, which I still dig. This time also brought to my full attention The Beatles. You can assume for the rest of this post that they remain the basso continuo for my musical experience. At some point, most likely in high school, Revolver became my favorite album, and it has held that spot since, though later it has to make room to share that spot.

High School was more Beatles, and some other "Classic Rock" abundant on the radio. I also started picking up some jazz listening, but that was very limited; mostly big band and other HS jazz band fare. I also started to pick up an appreciation for Mozart and some other classical music.

Up to this point this soundtrack is maybe a double LP. College is a friggin box-set. Like Shawn it had a grungy tinge to it. Pearl Jam's Ten, and then VS, Stone Temple Pilots etc. College also expanded my classical listening, and the World Famous Wartburg College Concert Band, with soloist Jaquandor, helped cement Mahler's Symphony No. 5 one of my favorite pieces of music. One performance was so sublime it brought many of us to tears. Dr. Vinny introduced me to Berg, Bartok and other 20th century composers, and took me deeper into the The Beatles. My awareness of the jazz world was also blown wide open, thanks in part to Knightliters Jazz Band director Alan Jacobson, and fellow members like Mark, but one man had a deep impact on what is currently sitting on my CD shelf. I don't know what ever happened to him, but thank you Scott Olson. Enter the Holy Trinity of Miles, Trane, and Monk, along with the minor deities. Miles Davis Kind of Blue joined Revolver perched atop the heap.

The late nineties were filled with the music of 44. Dan, Pat, Krista and I made a go of it, and had loads of fun, took too many votes and made too many lists. We made some decent music too. You can buy it on iTunes, or if you want the physical item you can buy it (and read more) here. During this time I also started listening more to artists I discovered in College. Bjork, Beck and Lyle Lovett would rise to the top, and remain three of a very few from whom I will purchase a new album unheard. I also started listening to some Ska, thanks to my brother and Shawn.

New century. Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Flaming Lips and some others have made their way onto my CD shelves. Lately though, I have been listening to more and more Jazz. Lots of Hard Bop. Art Blakey and his minions are at the center of it. Lee Morgan, Curtis Fuller, Wayne Shorter, Hank Mobley. YourMusic.Com has quite a few jazz albums, and they are all $6.99. Sorry to end on a commercial, but it is a great deal.

Now, who to tag? We know Jaq has a great love for film scores, but what was his journey to get there? Has her love of poetry had an effect on Amanda's listening? Mark has the same guitar as me. And Dan and Pat need to explain how they got to all those songs we played in the late nineties.

Funny Stuff

2007-11-11T20:37:00.000-06:00

In the Spirit of the Season...

2007-10-27T22:33:00.000-05:00

Some spooky shit right here.

...but, we knew that

2007-10-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Bat-shit crazy...

Making a Difference

2007-09-27T05:58:00.000-05:00

If I can change just one life, it is all worth it.

Travel Through the Lens

2007-09-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for something to do this Saturday, swing by the Steven's Square Center for the Arts. My friend Kathy is opening her first solo exhibition. If you've been to our house, or gotten a family photo from us, you've seen her work. Details here.

Walks Reclaimed

2007-09-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

Had to edge before winter so the Wovel would fit. The pile was bigger than it looks in the photo. It was about six inches deep and took up a full section of sidewalk.

Elvis

2007-09-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

Last night I was lucky enough to catch Elvis Costello perform with the Minnesota Orchestra. It was a great show despite his obvious cold. Singing with a cold is bad enough, but singing at the top of your range, like Elvis does so often, has to be tough. But he nailed it all night.

The show started with the orchestra playing selections from Il Sogno. Then EC came on stage and performed several songs from throughout his career, with great orchestral arrangements. Included were a few from The Juliet Letters, and Painted from Memory.

After the show we headed to The Dakota for the after party, where it was rumored that EC would play, but he didn't show. As an added bonus my man Murphy scored the tickets for free. Thanks Murph.

Fucking Awesome

2007-09-14T05:46:00.000-05:00

Pedal Power

2007-09-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday we did the St. Paul Classic Bike Tour, and took Elsa along for the first time. Let me tell you, when towing the trailer strong winds are worse than any hill. Fortunately it looks like Elsa will be ready to go under her own power next year.

*I keep reminding Krista: when using the digital still camera to take movies, landscape, landscape, landscape...

Overheard in the Kitchen

2007-08-29T07:36:00.000-05:00

Elsa: Peaches!
Aaron: No, you already had your fruit, you had oranges.
Elsa: PEACHES! Peaches, peach-ohs, peach-hohs, ho-hos, JOE! Abbey!

Abbey and Joe are two of her cousins. Also as far as Elsa is concerned all boys are named Joe.

Holy Cow

2007-08-27T22:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures of Elsa (and reading that last post I think I need to proof-read better). So, here are a bunch of photos taken since then. Mostly in chronological order.

INCOMING!

2007-08-26T17:45:00.000-05:00

This morning I awoke to the distinctive scream of a DC-9. Not an unusual sound at our house, but this was loud. I mean, it woke ME up. I opened my eyes and all I could see through the skylight over our bed was fuselage. A little bit of wing, a sliver of sky, but mostly fuselage. Runway construction started at Minneapolis Saint Paul International about two weeks ago, and until the work is complete the new north-south runway, normally restricted to take-offs to and approaches from the south, is being used over Minneapolis.

This was shot in my back yard, over the course of about 15 minutes or so, during the evening rush last weekend. Before it was run through the patented YouTube Crap-O-Lation Filter you could clearly make out the rotation in the trees caused by the wingtip vortices, which follow 6-10 seconds after the plane. The first night it was kinda cool, but that wore off fast. I want this done even more than the Crosstown project.

**I will likely try uploading this again, and see if YouTube can encode it without that crap at the beginning**

Strange And Wonderful Things Are On The Way, I'm Sure

2007-08-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome Mighty Tom.

Oh Yeah...

2007-08-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order. My little sister is engaged.

Crap

2007-08-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged. I was planning on posting some soon anyway, but Mark forced me back early.

Here's the deal, I'm supposed to list seven random/interesting facts about myself, then, tag seven people to do the same. I'm not sure that there is that much that is interesting, so this may be more random.

1. If you asked, I would tell you that I consider myself a part-time, or semi-pro poker player. It has helped financially, but I'm not ready to quit my job.
2. Actually I am ready to quit my job, but I've got nothing lined up yet. I'm not afraid of being fired, but I am a bit worried that I might lose it one day and quit when I shouldn't.
3. I have holes in the upper part of my ears, near the temple. No, not pierced. There is a name for it, but I can't remember what it is.
4. If I were to win the Powerball there is little doubt in my mind that I would be contacting Virgin Galactic.
5. I kinda feel like I am a hack at most things I do. I am good at a lot of things, but not really good at much.
6. Instead of using the blogger toolbar I just manually typed the HTML tags it italicize "really."
7. I have a strange feeling that purchasing creamy or extra crunchy peanut butter is a much easier decision for me than it is for Mark.

OK, Dan, Pat, Pat, Amanda, Shawn, Sean, and Jaq, you're it. OK, Jaq was already tagged by Mark, so you're it twice.

So Long Max

2007-08-16T20:19:00.000-05:00

Max roach Dead at 83.

Words Aren't Good Enough

2007-05-29T19:31:00.000-05:00

For the second time I find myself composing a post that has no hope of being adequate. For the second time I find myself offering my sincere condolences to Kelly and family. It's not good enough, but it's all I got. Kelly and Deb, I am so sorry. And, I'm sorry this is so late, I somehow missed the original post.

Life's Trials

2007-05-17T07:18:00.000-05:00

Haven't these people been through enough?

Kelly, we are thinking of you and your family.

So, What Does One Do With an MFA in Poetry???

2007-05-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

Congrats lil' sis.

Come On

2007-05-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

qppdk? appdk? cppdk? I guessed cppdk. I guessed wrong.

God Bless You Kilgore Trout

2007-04-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

So it goes.

If I were only allowed to read one author for the rest of my life I would choose him.

Bring It Old Man

2007-04-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

There is talk of snow. I've heard up to 6 inches.

Don't make me assemble this mo-fo.

Why? Why? Why?

2007-03-22T06:27:00.000-05:00

Why did it take so long for someone to think of it? Hell, why didn't I think of it? And why the hell am I just now, at the end of March, learning of it? I'm talking about the Wovel. I want one. I need one. I will have one.

But seriously, this technology is thousands of years old, why did it take so long?

As Long as I'm Here...

2007-02-21T19:19:00.001-06:00

I'll link to some photographic goodness.

Dan, Pat and their friend from high school, Steven, have embarked (almost two months ago) on a year long photo project, 365 (Dan's, Pat's, Steven's). The will be posting a photo a day throughout the year.

My friend Kathy just returned from Hawaii, jealous much? She is a very talented photographer, if you've been to our house you've seen her work. Her work is for sale, and she is also for hire for portraiture if you're looking. (A couple of the ones she has done for us here, and here)

I'll add links in the sidebar when I decide on a new template.

What Happened?

2007-02-21T18:26:00.000-06:00

Well, I had to change my template when I moved to the new blogger, but there wasn't really one I liked. I've been looking for one that I can easily modify, but I am having trouble finding one compatible with the new blogger. If you know of some that don't come up in a simple Google search point me to 'em, although I don't see me having time to work on it in the next few weeks...

He Finally Made The Big Time

2007-02-07T22:59:00.000-06:00

Well, sort of. Congrats to Jaq on his runaway win of the Buffalo News short story contest. Well deserved! May it be but the first in a long string of literary success!

You Say Pigeon, I Say Pidgin...

2006-12-02T16:21:00.000-06:00

I'm sure that it is not uncommon to hear Pidgin on the mass transit ways of our major cities, but c'mon...

What a No Talent Ass Clown...

2006-11-21T06:53:00.000-06:00

I rarely listen to the radio, and I never listen to country stations, so this morning at work, while editing video of American Music Awards nominees, was the first time I heard Tim McGraw's butchering of "When the Stars Go Blue." From the thirty second clip I had, it sounds like a straight remake. The only changes McGraw made were to suck the soul out of the song, and to sing it like a complete square. Mr. McGraw, you owe Ryan Adams (and, really, all of us) an apology.

Oh, his nomination? Favorite Country Album, for his "Greatest Hits Volume 2."

Poker? I Hardly Even Know Her...

2006-11-14T06:15:00.000-06:00

It had been planned for a while. This past Saturday my friend Slick, who of late has been grinding out a living playing poker, and I were to head up to Grand Casino Hinckley for one of their weekly poker tournaments. Late Friday night I got word from Slick that he wouldn't be able to go, but since I rarely get to play in live tourneys, apart from the monthly home game I play in, I decided I would still make the trek. Well, come Saturday morning I woke up with a throbbing headache. Not good, but after a steaming shower, and a fistful of ibuprofen I was feeling a little better, but I was still was lacking the mental focus I would need to play at the level needed. Add in the fact that Slick and I had planned to split any winnings if one, but not both, of us cashed, and I almost stayed home. After some thought I decided to make the drive and reevaluate after lunch. With 45 minutes to go until the dealers' first riffle I was feeling pretty good, and so I plopped down my $150 entry, and $20 fee, and drew for my table and seat.

The tourney was scheduled for 2:00, and armed with my iPod, two bottles of water, and some reserve Advil I took my seat. And waited. We got started late because one of the dealers needed a potty break. By 2:15 the cards were in the air, and we were on our way. My first hand was an easy fold, and I settled back listening to Coltrane's A Love Supreme. There was plenty of time. Even though the blind rounds were only 20 minutes, we were starting with $10k in tournament chips, and blinds were nice and low at $50/$100.

On the second hand there was one caller to me, and I looked down at the JsQs, and made the call. The player on the dealer button made a minimum raise, which made me suspicious. Both blinds folded, and the caller ahead of me folded as well. I was sure the raiser had Aces or Kings, but the pot was big enough to warrant a call. I couldn't have been happier with the flop, it came 9TK, with no flush draw. I checked, and the raiser made a modest bet of $200. Now I was sure he had AA or KK, and I raised to $800. He called instantly. The turn was a 6, and there was still no flush draw possible. I bet $800 again, and to my delight my foe moved all of his chips into the middle. My only worry was that he might have pocket Kings, and the river card would pair the board, but he was holding AA, and finished 88th out of 88.

A few hands later I was in the big blind when a player in middle position raised to $600, and it folded to me. I looked down to find two red Aces, and re-raised to $2000, he instantly pushed, and flipped up 99 when I called. I was a little nervous when the flop gave him an inside straight draw, but my Aces held and I was sitting on almost three times the starting chips only ten minutes in.

Then the deck went cold. Ice cold. For two hours. I picked up an occasional pot to maintain my stack between $20k and $30k. There were just over 30 players, and the blinds were going up to $3k/$6k. I only had $19k, but the stacks were fairly even, putting just about everyone in the "red zone," and I knew things were likely to get crazy. And they did. People were busting out left and right, and I decided to see if I could wait just a bit before making any moves. We went from just over 30 players to just over 20 in under 10 minutes, and things calmed down a bit. The players that had increased their stacks were tightening up a bit, and those who were short-stacked had also tightened up unless they opened the betting. I took advantage of this, along with the short handed tables, and picked a few blinds and was up to almost $40k, when the 21st player busted, and we were down to 2 tables. I was moved to the table with all of the chip leaders. I wasn't happy about that, but I picked up a few hands, and was up to $140k by the end of the $3k/$6k round. Not too shabby considering how crazy the first ten minutes were.

I was able to maintain a stack better than $100k as we approached the final table, and once the bubble burst I had an above average stack with about $120k. I had gotten to the final table just playing good solid poker, but once we were in the money, not to sound smug, but I played some outstanding poker. It only took one hand before we lost a player, and we were nine handed. There wasn't much in the way of action for a while, then two players busted on the same hand, and another player was out on the next.

We were down to six, and there were two players holding big stacks. One of those players would give me all of his chips. He called from under the gun, the small blind called, and I looked down at 6T off-suit, and checked from the big blind. The flop came 668, and the small blind checked, as did I. My foe made a bet equal to about one-third of my stack, the small blind folded, and I pushed all of my chips in. I had been watching this guy, and I had the feeling he had recently read Caro's Book of Tells by the way he would "Study" his opponent when faced with a raise. Well, I've read it too (a few times actually), and I knew what he was looking for. The common thread in most of Caro's "tells" is that weak means strong, and strong means weak. I generally stay away from "acting" and try to keep my mannerisms the same from hand to hand, but I felt this was a good time to summon up my inner Stanislavsky. He was staring at me, and I decided to stare right back, a sign of aggression, and generally coming from an opponent that does not want a call. Turns out my hunch was right, and he called with K8, and my hand held up to give me just over $200k in chips. This guy still had me out-stacked, but I was ahead of the other big stack. On the next hand another player busted, and we were down to five. A few hands later it was folded to me, and I raised from the button with A7 off suit, hoping to just pick up the blinds. The small blind folded, and the big blind gave me the stare down again. This time I really wasn't looking for a call, it wouldn't have been horrible, but I wasn't thrilled about my hand. So, hoping he remembered what happened a few hands back, I gave him the stare right back again. It worked, and he folded. Now, I had him covered, and was about tied for the chip lead. On the very next hand I picked up pocket Queens. I raised to two-and-a-half times the big blind, the button folded, and our friend re-raised from the small blind. I pushed all of my chips into the middle, and again got the stare. I stared back for a few seconds and then broke my stare and looked away. The moment I broke my stare he called, and flipped up pocket sevens. My hand held, and I had a massive chip lead as we started four handed play.

The two short stacks busted out pretty quickly, one being all-in blind, and I had a 2:1 chip lead as we went heads up. He folded the first couple of hands, increasing my lead by a good deal; the blinds were $20k/$40 by this point. I picked up pocket Nines at one point, and raised to just over two times the big blind, and he pushed. I called, and he had KJ suited. He caught a King, and doubled up. After folding my big blind to an all-in bet we were about even. The tournament director announced that blinds were going up in thirty seconds. We posted our blinds, and as the dealer was shuffling, she asked if we wanted to chop. Normally I would have declined, but the next blind level would be $40k/$80k, and we both had about $400k in chips. Not much room to play poker. There was roughly a $2000 difference between first and second place, and if we continued to play it would really all come down to luck.

We agreed to an even split of the remainder of the prize pool (almost 50% of the total prize pool. $150*88 players... you do the math). How fortunate for me that Slick had to back out, or I would have been splitting that again. I really would have loved to take first, but chopping was the right move. With blinds that high relative to our stacks, it wouldn't matter if I was facing Phil Ivey, or my cat. OK, maybe not my cat, she is a total donkey.

*Need help with the lingo? Check here.

And the Words of the Poets Were Written on the Subway Walls...

2006-11-13T17:47:00.000-06:00

Li'l Sis has been tagging again. Well, not really, but soon the walls of a subway stop in Chicago will be graced with her words. Actually it may already be, as I am a bit late getting this post up.

In related Li'l Sis news (or not so news) she has started a daily (kinda) blog where she features her hero of the day. The blog's name? Appropriately enough Hero of the Day.

And I Mean It In The Best Possible Way

2006-10-04T06:11:00.000-05:00

Wayne Coyne is one crazy motherfucker. I've known for a while that he makes wonderful music, but after watching Fearless Freaks I kinda wish he was my neighbor.

Shawn Crapped His Bed

2006-08-25T18:29:00.000-05:00

Well, he doesn't admit it in so many words, but I know he did. Oh, and it seems he has changed his name.

I Made It!

2006-08-09T10:37:00.000-05:00

Finally, I made it! After years of agonizing to get insightful posts up on a regular basis, I made it! Er... Anyway, Jaq asks how long I am going to stay at my job. Well, estimates vary. I've been offered several jobs that I've had to turn down for one reason or another, but the game plan seems to have changed for us. It is still to get me out of that place, but the means to that end have changed for now. Hopefully the new game plan will work out.

A Public Service Announcement

2006-08-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

You know what sucks? Working at 3:00 in the morning.

Know what sucks harder? When it is still 86 degrees at 3:00 in the morning.

Know what sucks even harder than that? Getting a flat at 3:00 in the morning.

Harder? Changing it in the dark without your glasses, because it is so humid they keep fogging up.

Even harder? It is raining.

Harder yet? The cop that drives by just looks at you. (I mean changing a tire is a one man job, but seriously, he coulda stopped to shine a light or something)

Harder than that? The spare is low. Very low. Like 10 of the recommended 60 lbs. But that is my fault.

Harder still? While inflating the tire at the gas station, it starts to not just rain, but pour.

And you know what sucks hardest of all? The whole time I thought it was Wednesday.

So, the moral? Quit your shitty job. Oh yeah, and check your spare now and then.

I think it lies on the Tropic of Cancer...

2006-07-30T22:22:00.000-05:00

There is no Overheard in Chicago, but if there was I'm sure my sister would be a regular contributor. Check out what she overheard; try to ignore what she oversmelled.

Attention USPS

2006-07-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

The cartoon strip "Cathy" ain't funny. Please discontinue the use of Cathy on the mailings promoting your services. Oh, and fire the twit responsible.

Oh, and speaking of ain't funny, "Marmaduke" ain't funny. But this guy makes it funny.

(link via Jaq.)

Ha-ha!

2006-07-12T22:43:00.001-05:00

Shawn locked himself in a restroom. What a dumbass.

AJ Who?

2006-07-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Amanda wants you to go vote former Twins catcher Pierzynski into the All Star Game. That's cool. Just so she remembers that he's got nothin' on current Twins catcher Joe Mauer (even though he was robbed of a starting spot).

Nice Try,

2006-07-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

But you're still no Van Gogh.

What I Overheard

2006-07-04T05:25:00.000-05:00

Notice, if you will, I've updated my links on the left hand side of your screen. I added Shawn, and added the updated link for Jason, who has moved again since my last post to High Weir.

I have also added three links under "The Funnies" for the overhead sites: In the Office, In New York, and At the Beach. The headlines aren't quite as good as they were when Michael Malice was editor, but they are still worthwhile. In a related note, I've hit the big time. On my birthday no less...

Speaking of Renaissance Men...

2006-06-21T06:33:00.000-05:00

Amanda provides a link to this. Wow indeed.

Her post here.

Hey Girls, He's Single!

2006-06-21T06:18:00.000-05:00

My good friend Shawn now has a blog. I'm not sure what, or how often he will be posting, but when he does you can be sure it will be worthwhile. You see, Shawn is a true Renaissance Man. While I can do many thing passably, he does many things well. Bastard.

Anyway, he will be added to the blogroll at the left. I will also be making some other changes to the blogroll, including adding a link to Jason, formerly of Finches Wings, who is now blogging on MySpace. Finches Wings was appropriated, and renamed "Finche Swings" by someone else once Jason had abandoned it.

What can I get for $950?

2006-06-21T06:05:00.000-05:00

Another year at least, I hope. That is what we just dropped on my car, but honestly, I really can't complain. Most of it went towards new breaks all the way 'round, along with a tune-up, and the flushing of several fluids.

I've been driving my Civic for ten and a half years now (140K miles) and have only once replaced the pads up front, and the shoes on the rear, so it was about due. Outside of that the only expenses we've had outside of the expected (exhaust, brakes, tires, etc.) was replacing the air conditioner condenser. I haven't made a car payment in six years, and am not looking making one any time soon. Not to mention tabs and insurance are about as low as they get.

Time for a new picture

2006-06-21T05:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I know it has been a couple of days since I posted last, and I want to keep you all interested, so, I am going the easy rout for now and giving you all an up dated picture of Elsa.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2006-03-28T22:07:00.000-06:00

Today Elsa is one year old. There are times that is seems like she has been here forever (due to my lack of sleep I'm sure), but mostly it amazes me that this year has gone by so fast. No talking yet, but I swear she is on the verge of saying "Daddy." On Saturday she took her first steps, and she will get up to three in before falling forward into my arms. I honestly think she would be taking more if she didn't enjoy falling forward so much. I wish I could think of more to write, but you know, the sleep thing.

Oh, and she loves baths.

We almost made it a year...

2006-03-20T21:39:00.000-06:00

... without a trip to the emergency room at Children's Minneapolis. Well, last night Elsa managed a very loud face-plant onto the hardwood. She has become very adept at walking around, holding onto the furniture. She is also very cautious as she lowers herself back to her knees or butt, and this was her first fall. We're not sure exactly how it happened, Krista was folding laundry in the living room as Elsa cruised around the coffee table, and I was in the basement. I heard a very loud bang, and was already halfway up the stairs before Krista even managed to scream "Oh my God! Aaron!" She didn't see the fall, but did see Elsa's bloody lip. By the time I got upstairs Elsa's silent scream had found the volume knob. Her lip didn't look too bad, only a little blood. Krista passed her to me and was going to get a wet cloth, and then it happened. Elsa's head slumped sideways, and her eyes rolled back. That is not something I ever want to see again. I managed to stay pretty collected despite my heart racing. I held her upright, and patted her cheek while saying her name. She came to after two or three seconds, and promptly resumed her crying. That wail has never sounded so sweet. Krista was on the phone with 911, and I don't think it was more than five minutes before the firefighters arrived, and less than two minutes later the paramedics were at the front door. By then Elsa had stopped crying, and seemed herself, but because she passed out the paramedics recommended having her checked out. So Elsa got a ride in ambulance (looking back, we should have just taken her ourselves), and we spent the better part of two hours in the ER. Bottom line, mild concussion, the cut on her lip is all but invisible, and she has been herself since.

Stoneage Mutant Ninja Chickens

2006-02-24T05:05:00.000-06:00

Somebody call the Discovery Institute...

He's Met His Match

2006-02-20T18:31:00.000-06:00

Jaquandor may be more prolific in the wearing of his most precious garment, but he's got nothing on this.

Or this.

Fucking Fox Fuckers

2006-02-14T07:51:00.000-06:00

So, for some time now I have been waiting eagerly for the return of Arrested Development on Monday nights (one of three shows we watch). I have been checking TVGuide.com to see if I needed to set the VCR. I have also been checking the Fox website, and AD page at least twice weekly to see if there was some indication as to when I could expect its return, and always it said "New Episodes Coming Soon!" Until Sunday night. The "New Episodes" banner was gone. I thought that was odd, and so I checked the message board to make sure the show hadn't been given a new time slot. What I found were posts from many, many angry people. It seems that Fox aired the four final episodes, all but unannounced, Friday night. No promos, not indication on the AD website, nothing. When I Googled it, I found a few newspaper articles dated Friday, the day the final episodes aired. Anyone happen to tape it?

Fuckers.

Here

2006-02-12T13:08:00.000-06:00

this should keep you occupied until I come up with something else. Jaq posted this a while ago.

1. Smoked cigarettes - A few.

2. Smoked a cigar - No.

3. Broken a CD – Yes.

4. Crashed a friend's car - Nope.

5. Stolen a car – Yes. Kinda. A couple of times, if you count moving an friends car to another part of the parking lot, or another lot entirely.

6. Been in love - Yep.

7. Been dumped - Yes.

8. Shoplifted - I think so.

9. Been fired - No, but here's to hoping.

10. Been in a fist fight - Yes, and I kicked her ass.
11. Snuck out of your house - Never needed to. The 'rents were pretty cool about curfews.

12. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back - Most likely.

13. Been arrested - No.

14. Made out with a stranger - No.

15. Gone on a blind date - No.

16. Lied to a friend - Like Jaq, probably, of the "Little White Lie" variety.

17. Had a crush on a teacher - Not that I recall.

18. Skipped school - No. College? Occasionally. Even walked out in the middle of a lecture once (same as Jaq).

19. Slept with a coworker - No.

20. Seen someone die - No.

21. Been on a plane - Yes.

22. Thrown up in a bar - No.

23. Taken painkillers – Not the strong stuff.

24. Love someone or miss someone right now - Quite a few friends.

25. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by – Yes.

26. Made a snow angel - Yes.

27. Played dress up - What?

28. Cheated while playing a game – I'm sure. Playing poker I try to see opponents cards if I can, but I don't consider that cheating.

29. Been lonely – Yes.

30. Fallen asleep at work/school – Yes.

31. Used a fake id – No.

32. Felt an earthquake – No.

33. Touched a snake - Yes.

34. Ran a red light – Yes. The first light I come to on my way to work never senses the bike (so, that is actually a legal running), and sometimes in my car it can take minutes to turn, so I just go. BTY, it is at 3am.

35. Been suspended from school – No.

36. Had detention - Yes.

37. Been in a car accident – Yes. She ran the light, and t-boned me, then sued me.

38. Hated the way you look – Yes.

39. Witnessed a crime - Nothing major, I think.

40. Pole danced – No.

41. Been lost – Yes.

42. Been to the opposite side of the country – Yes, all four.

43. Felt like dying – Yes. I too got better.

44. Cried yourself to sleep - Yes.

45. Played cops and robbers – I'm sure.

46. Sang karaoke – Yes.

47. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't – Yes.

48. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose - Just once, I think.

49. Caught a snowflake on your tongue - Yes.

50. Kissed in the rain - Unsure.

51. Sing in the shower – Sometimes.

52. Made love in a park - No.

53. Had a dream that you married someone - Not sure.

54. Glued your hand to something – No.

55. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole – No, but witnessed it, Shawn.

56. Worn the opposite sex's clothes – No.

57. Had an orgasm - I think so.

58. Sat on a roof top – Yes.

59. Didn't take a shower for a week - No, but witnessed it, Shawn. Or maybe that was just not washing his hair.

60. Ever too scared to watch scary movies alone – No

61. Played chicken – On bicycles.

62. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on – No.

63. Been told you're hot by a complete stranger- Every day.

64. Broken a bone – Not my own.

65. Been easily amused - Rarely.

66. Laugh so hard you cry – Yes.

67. Mooned/flashed someone - Yes.

68. Cheated on a test – Yes.

69. Forgotten someone's name – Like Jaq, I am horrible with names.

70. Slept naked – Yes.

71. Gone skinny dipping in a pool- No.

72. Been kicked out of your house – No.

73. Blacked out from drinking – No.

74. Played a prank on someone – Yes.

75. Gone to a late night movie – Yes.

76. Made love to anything not human - No.

77. Failed a class – No.

78. Choked on something you're not supposed to eat – No.

79. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours - No.

80. Cheated on a gf/bf – No.

81. Ate a whole package of Oreos – No.

82. Thrown strange objects - What?

83. Felt like killing someone – Yes

84. Thought about running away - I don't think so.

85. Ran away – No.

86. Did drugs – No.

87. Had detention and not attend it - No.

88. Yelled at parents - Yes.

89. Made parent cry - I'm sure.

90. Cried over someone - Yes.

91. Owned more than 5 puppies - No.

92. Dated someone more than once - No.

93. Have a dog – No.

94. Have a cat – Yes.

95. Own an instrument – Are you kidding? Between me and Krista, a trumpet, a coronet, two trombones, three guitars, a bass guitar, a ukulele, a clarinet, a marimba, two drum sets, a snare drum, a bell kit, a piano, a digital piano, and i won't even list the miscellaneous percussion, and ethnic drums.

96. Been in a band - Concert band/wind ensemble? Yes. Jazz band? Yes. Rock band? Yes.

97. Had more than 25 sodas in one day – Um, no.

98. Made out with a member of the same sex – Not made out.

99. Shot a gun – Nope.

100. Been online for more than 5 hours straight – No.

Me, the Sensible One? Who Would'a Guessed

2005-12-28T07:50:00.000-06:00

For about the last six weeks or so, I have had to endure Krista's almost uncontainable excitement in anticipation of her revealing my Christmas gift. She told me it was going to cost a lot, and wanted to make sure that we could manage the cost, so I had a couple of ideas as to what it might be based on the price. Boy, was I wrong, wrong, wrong. Wrong. She bought me a kayak. Now, this is something I have wanted for quite a while. Combine this with Krista's joy of coming up with something I really wanted, and something I never would have guessed, and it was really, really hard to tell her that I thought we should take it back (well, not really take it back, it was still at REI waiting to be picked up).

We talked about it for a while, and considered how little time we have both had lately to get the things done that we need to do, let alone the things we would like to do, she agreed that maybe it was best not to get it. Instead we got a bike trailer. This is something we were going to purchase anyway, but that is ok, it really is the thought. And someday, hopefully in the next couple of years, I will collect what is possibly the best Christmas gift I have ever received.

But it doesn't rhyme...

2005-12-26T09:29:00.000-06:00

Li'l sis has posted one of her poems, along with the result of a collaborative project with another department. In five months of blogging, you might have expected this sooner from someone working on her MFA in poetry. I ain't sayin', I'm just sayin'...

Friendly Faces Everywhere, Humble Folks Without Temptation

2005-12-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

Me in Southpark.

Get your own.

via Jaq

Eight of Four

2005-12-21T08:47:00.000-06:00

From Jaq.

Four jobs you've had in your life: Movie Theatre (box office, concession, door man etc.); Disc Jockey; Camera Operator; Video Editor

Four movies you could watch over and over: There a quite a few, but here are four: Star Wars (Like Jaq, all six ); 2001: A Space Odyssey; The Blues Brothers; A Hard Days Night.

Four places you've lived: Des Moines, IA; Waverly, IA; Winsted, MN; Minneapolis, MN (three places in Minneapolis).

Four TV shows you love to watch: There are only three I watch that are currently airing: Arrested Development; The Simpsons (I'm not even all that religious about this anymore); King of the Hill (when it is on); and then to make four, I guess whatever happens to be on The National Geographic Channel while I am on the stationary bike, or World Poker Tour, but we don't have full cable, so I never see it. Of shows no longer airing, Millennium; Northern Exposure; Mr. Show; and we are currently working our way through Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Four places you've been on vacation: I'll hit the most recent: Duluth, and the North Shore; Las Vegas; Motorcycle road trip along the Mississippi; and Europe (Iceland, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden).

Four websites you visit daily: Overheard In New York (and Overheard in the Office); Byzantium's Shores; Dirigiblog; Oliopolis. Also, Pokerroom, but not to read.

Four of your favorite foods: A perfectly grilled Steak (by me); Lasagna (by my mother); Pizza; Dark Chocolate.

Four places you'd rather be: Well, I'm at work right now, so you pick four, and they should qualify.

Go Google Yourself

2005-12-16T23:16:00.000-06:00

Here's the deal, Google your name and the word "needs" and post the first ten results. My sister did this, and then did it again changing "needs" to "wants," and got some erie results. Then later Google did it to her again. It is a small world wide web folks. Anyway, here I go... (By the way, many of the top hits were other people doing this same meme, so I left those out, as well as stuff like "wants to know which geology books to start with for a research project.")

Needs:

1. Aaron Needs a Tracheostomy.
2. Aaron needs to learn how to count.
3. Aaron needs a miracle! (Amen!)
4. Aaron needs to trust his stuff and pound the strike zone. (Ewww!)
5. Aaron - needs to make a career change (Again I say "Amen!")
6. Aaron needs two running tens for a tie or two running fives to win the pot. (I try to avoid needing running cads to win, but hey, it happens)
7. Aaron needs help.
8. Aaron needs to work on his keyboard comfort level. (I am a shitty pianist)
9. Aaron needs to get his motor pulled. (again, Ewww!)
10. Aaron needs to know how to capitalise on his strengths and to circumvent his weaknesses. (Don't we all? Oh, and using spell check is a good place to start circumventing those weaknesses)

Wants:

1. Aaron wants to visit 29 places.
2. Aaron wants to be a millionaire. (Well, yeah)
3. Aaron wants a big favour!
4. Aaron wants to do 40 things.
5. Aaron wants to confess his love to Rachel. (Don't know her, I swear!)
6. Aaron wants to play the trombone for a living. (Gave up on that a while back)
7. Aaron wants the Hoboken audience to get as down and dirty as the groundlings at the Globe in the 1600s.
8. Aaron wants to retrieve from his mom some valuable mementos that Bruce Willis gave him.
9. Aaron wants a girl. (Already got the best one ever)
10. Aaron wants to make some money from his blogging popularity. (HA! Ha ha ha! Ah ha ha ha ha...)

Well quite a few of those came close. Google must be psychic.

Returning to Normal

2005-12-08T22:37:00.000-06:00

A tiny bit at a time.

GAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-08T10:27:00.000-06:00

All I wanted to do was put my head down, and close my eyes for the 15 minutes (not the 30 minute lunch I should get) I had between the time when we finished editing the show, and when I had to retrieve tapes from playback and get back to work. I had bunched up my jacket for a pillow, dimmed the lights, turned off the machines (they are noisy), taken off my glasses, and my head was resting peacefully on my makeshift pillow. I could sense someone standing in my doorway. Then he (one of the other editors) started talking to me. About nothing. And kept talking. Until I had to squeeze past him to go get tapes and get back to work. At which point he disappeared for fifteen minutes to go to his car to smoke.

All I wanted was to close my eyes for 15 minutes.

A Father's Goodbye

2005-12-05T07:24:00.000-06:00

Quinn's funeral was Friday. Go read the words Kelly wrote for the funeral bulletin.

What Can You Say...

2005-11-29T07:51:00.000-06:00

...to a friend who's son has just died. I've started this post many times now, but nothing seems remotely adequate. I can only imagine what Quinn's family is going through.

To anyone reading this I will tell you that Quinn's time was all too short, and all too difficult. I will tell you that I know he had two wonderful people for parents, and I'm sure one of the best big sisters one could ask for. I will tell you that although distance kept me from ever meeting Quinn, in his 15 months he impacted me.

To Kelly, Deb and Haley, all I can say is I'm sorry, and I am thinking of you. I wish there were more I could say, or something I could do.

Yes, I'm Still Here...

2005-10-11T07:36:00.000-05:00

I just haven't had much that I really NEEDED to say, coupled with a lack of free time equals light blogging. It seems like we've had quite a bit going on, the 'rents were in town, work on our bedroom (more on that to come), a job offer, interviews, much phone tag, negotiations, and many other tasks have eaten up what little free time we have had. There is more to do as well, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks things should be getting better.

The guys over at our CD club/experiment have been giving me shit, and wondering if Elsa was still kicking my ass. She is not, but she is still keeping me busy. The colic is gone, gone, gone, but she still doesn't sleep much in the afternoons. My typical day starts at 2am, and I am off to work. I get home around noon, and grab a bit to eat. Nap time, I usually get between one and two hours, depending on when Krista leaves, and when/if Elsa sleeps. Then it is Elsa, Elsa, Elsa. I try to get some things done, and if I am lucky I can get 30 minutes on the stationary bike, or we take a walk around the lake. Krista gets home between 8:300 and 9:00, bite to eat (and yes Mixdorf, a little Buffy, or other TV during dinner), another four hours of sleep before starting it all over again.

Not hellish, or terribly hard, but busy. So, blogging has been light, and will likely be for a while yet. I need to get the bikes winterized, and stain the mantle and banister for our bedroom before it gets too cold. And, I just haven't felt terribly inspired to say much. So there.

Do I Have A Sign On My Back That Says "Tag Me?"

2005-08-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

OK, Dan tagged me with this a while back. Better late than never right?

1. It is Dan's theory that one only has time to devote to 10 outside-of-work pursuits. What makes your list? This can be an idealized version of your life (e.g. pursuits in which you are interested but just haven't found the time or ambition to start).

My first few are the same as Dan's, here they are:

1. Above all else, Elsa and Krista.
2. Friends.
3. Movies and good TV.
4. Music both creation and consumption. Though I have had a hard time getting going on the creation side.
5. Bicycling. Hopefully next summer, when Elsa can come along, I will get back to 20 miles every day again.
6. Video Editing. I know this is ALSO my job, but it is something I truly enjoy. Now if only my job...
7. Reading, even though I am a terribly sow reader.
8. Poker. Both a low stakes game as an opportunity for number 2, and a more serious game.
9. Travel/Motorcycling. The bike serves as my primary mode of commuting during the summer, and is a great stress reliever on the way home. I don't often just "Go for a ride." around town (if I have time for that it is usually pedal powered), but a trip on the bike is about as good as it gets. Even if it is just a day trip down the Mississippi.
10. Home improvement/building stuff. Like a poker table.

2. What are the last five albums you bought? Are you just kind of buying albums on a whim these days or following any kind of overarching plan-such as exploring a genre or working your way through a backlog of albums you've wanted to buy for some time?

Kenny Burrell, Midnight Blue
Dr. Lonnie Smith, Boogaloo To Beck
Elvis Costello, The Delivery Man
Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Olympic Hopefuls, The Fuses Refuse to Burn (Great Twin Cities band on the verge of hitting it big, and yes they were still Olympic Hopefuls when I bought the disc. Check 'em out, and also check out Darren Jackson's other band Kid Dakota).

My plan? Yourmusic.com. Best music deal out there. May not have everything, but if they have something you want, you can't beat $5.99 with free shipping. (Just after posting this I see that Dan is onto the yourmusic.com goodness).

3. Everyone has an issue (at least one)-political or philosophical-that is kind of their personal baby. One on which they feel they have an enlightened view in a greater world that just either doesn't get it or doesn't care. Tell us about it-and attempt to be brief.

Boy, I am not sure that I have one that sticks out. There are a number that I get really frustrated about. Gay marriage is one, but I have posted about that before. Another frustration is with extremists with whom I agree on the issues, but their tactics a poorly thought out. Or not thought out at all. This may be off topic, but I feel like a rant. I once overheard a person who was in the Twin Cities to protest the Highway 55 bypass telling someone that a she and some friends were headed to New Orleans for a protest, and man was it going to be awesome. When asked what they were protesting she replied "I don't know yet." Then there was the group that was protesting the scourge of SUVs by setting whole lots full on fire. Besides the pollution from 20 burning SUVs, there is the fact that they are insured, and they will just build more. No one who was going to buy an SUV was moved, and in all likelihood those wavering were put off to your cause. Oh, and their spokesman showed up to give their news conference in a Grand Cherokee. You are not helping.

4. Prairie, mountains, woods, desert, lake, the sea. Which calls to you the most? Where would you most choose to reside? RANK THEM!

There are so many places that if feasible I would like to live for a year and most of these are included in my list, so it is hard to rank, but I will give it a shot:

1. Lake
2. Sea (Iceland, North Shore of Superior, not the warmer climes)
3. Mountains
4. Woods
5. Prairie
6. Desert

5. Guilty pleasure TV. Is there a show that would be condemned by your peers, but yet you find yourself watching it on a regular basis? Let's hear it.

Like Mixdorf I will have to say Blind Date and the like.

No limit or minimum of people to tag. Send this to whomever you choose.

OK, so I will tag none, but invite all.

Five Months

2005-08-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

That is how old she is today. She weighs in at 15 pounds 13 ounces and is 26.5 inches. She is smiling all the time (ok, most of the time), has two teeth, has rolled over onto her back, and is able to stand for minutes at a time (with a little help on the ballance end).

We went to the State Fair today (I forget the camera), and Elsa took in her first Rock and Roll show. The Hopefuls (formerly Olympic Hopefuls, until they got a threatening letter from the USOC. Seriously.) were playing, and were the main reason we ventured to the fair.

I leave you with some of my favorite photos from the past few months.

With Great-Grandma.

Gotta love that hair.

Day at the beach

Chapter Sixteen (and Fifteen, and Fourteen, and Thirteen...)

2005-08-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

Even while I was slacking off in my blogging, it seems Jaquandor just kept posting new chapters to his novel that he is publishing online. As the title of this post hints he is up to Chapter Sixteen. Get yourself over there and read The Promised King.

Happy Birthday

2005-08-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here's wishing a happy birthday to The Mighty Quinn, and hoping that this next year takes it a bit easier on him. The kid deserves a break.