Jen

Launched a thousand ships in my heart, so easy. . .

FYI, I have stoped being a freak - at least temporarily.

I finished my christmas shopping, so I'm feeling much better about this whole holiday. I actually felt festive this morning. I think a lot of it had to do with Beck and Greg's Hanukkah party last night. That and now that we know where we are having New Year's Eve. I know that I'll be with the people that I enjoy spending my time with, which is all the lovely people that I saw last night. Jen is now a happy girl.

So, I'm off to Vegas and if I have time to write, I will. Until then, Have a great Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, what ever it is you celebrate.

Jen

if you lived here you'd be home now

These next two days, I will be sitting in an empty museum doing not a whole hell of a lot, waiting until I have to once again, pack up my shit and travel to Las Vegas. After that I will be flying home and doing nothing for a week because the Museum is closed for the holiday season. This gives me two choices for more things to do: I can either go out almost every night and try and party like it's 1999 with the nonexistant cash flowing into my account or, I can work on my thesis paper. I always say to myself, "This will be the week where I start my thesis." Funny how I've been saying that since the middle of June and I still have not one of the 40 pages that I have to hand in.

I saw some old friends this weekend, which is always a nice treat, but also happened to get me thinking about all sorts of crap that I don't really want to think about. As usual, I've been thinking that maybe, sometimes I act too young for my age. I talked to a friend of mine that wants to invest in property becuase he feels settled now that he's been working a couple years. Another old friend already owns a house and is planning on getting married in the summer - oh yeah, did I mention he's only 23? Anyway, the only thing that I have to take care of besides myself is my cat, and that is pretty much the beginning and end of my responsibility. No wonder that I surround myself with slightly younger people than I, It's easier not to think about all the things that are expected of you as you get older when they aren't thinking about those things at all. Really, if it were up to me, I would take all the money that I have saved (all $10 of it!) and check out and travel. Is it so wrong to not want to be responsible? Is it?

I think that when I was 21 or so, I was much serious for my age. for christsake, I was working two jobs and going to school. Have I regressed? Why am I even thinking about this?

I got an e-mail from a friend of mine named Fran who is living out in New York. It was a really inspirational e-mail (which sounds so wrong (an inspirational e-mail?) now that I type it) about how by becoming more self-aware and focusing in on the positive, she has become a better person. Maybe it's these little things that set off the electrodes in my brain to get me thinking about everything in this universe; everything from if there is a loophole in the Matrix to how I want to move somewhere and grow all my own vegetables and never buy corporate produced food again to what makes certain snapshot-esque color photographs a piece of fine art and where is the line between art and chance? What the hell am I rambling about?

Ok, sorry for this tirade. Just thinking out loud. I hope to chime in once again before I leave for Vegas and shut down the museum tomorrow. I'm also hoping my next blog will be more fun! yay!

Mike

...and a few additions...

Best reissues of the year:
Elvis Costello - "Get Happy!" (expanded to a whopping 50 tracks, all for the regular single disc price)
Television - "Marquee Moon" (one of the greatest air guitar albums of all time, beautifully remastered)
Spacemen 3 - "Forged Prescriptions" (not really a reissue, but 2 CDs of alternate versions of "Perfect Prescription" tunes)

I should probably start x-mas shopping soon.

Oh, and since I probably won't post again until one or more holidays have passed:

HAPPY NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISMAKAHZAA (3 holidays rolled into one) EVERYBODY!

Mike

It's that time of year...

Mike's Favorite Albums of 2003:
1) The Shins - "Chutes Too Narrow" (You'll find no sophomore slump here. To my ears, just about every track rivals the best of what 2001's "Oh Inverted World" had to offer. Sure, there's no "No Slang," but "Kissing the Lipless" will do just fine.)

2) Constantines - "Shine A Light" (A perfect companion piece to Sub Pop Records' other 2003 release in this list, "Chutes Too Narrow." While that album oozes beauty and understated guitar work, "Shine A Light" just wants to drink and fight - sweaty, passionate post-punk at its best.)

3) Songs:Ohia - "Magnolia Electric Co." (While Neil Young was busy releasing a hokey album like this year's barely listenable "Greendale," someone else had to work extra hard to make us forget about the rapid decline of a once-great songwriter. That person was Jason Molina, principal songwriter for Songs:Ohia, who released what is possibly his finest work in a short but prolific career. While radically different from much of his past work, "Magnolia Electric Co." is a complete success.)

4) The Clientele - "The Violet Hour" (Can an album with no particularly memorable tunes really make it into the top 5? The answer, in the case of "The Violet Hour," is a resounding 'yes.' While no single track jumps out at me, "The Violet Hour" is still one of the most rewarding listens of 2003 - an album that demands to be listened to in its entirety, whether you have the time or not. Fans of Galaxie 500 should lap this up.)

5) Ted Leo - "Hearts of Oak" (To me, Ted Leo IS rock and roll. You can hate his voice (I don't), think his music is just a rehash of The Kinks and Thin Lizzy (I feel that it's fresh and exciting), but you (yes you) CAN NOT deny the fact that Ted Leo is one of the most passionate performers to ever hit the stage. His live performances are positively spiritual events, and "Hearts of Oak" does a fine job of capturing this intensity.

(Here's where I get tired of writing, and it shows)
6) Stephen Malkmus - "Pig Lib" (Funny, cathy tunes that blend Television guitars with Pavement's humor? Sign me up! The bonus disc is great, too.)

7) Loose Fur - s/t (Jeff Tweedy + Jim O'Rourke = orgasms for rock nerds like me)

8) Yo La Tengo - "Today is the Day" EP (An EP that far outshines their most recent full-length? You bet! This is classic YLT, and a must-own.)

9) The Rapture - "Echoes" (dancedancedance)

10) Smog - "Supper" (a nice return to form)

Back again.

Here is a brief list of things to do as written on my left hand.

-orange
-balance
-evrod
-flyer miles
-neg holders

I can officially cross two things of the list.

I was going to talk about this cool guy that I met at the show, and how he was a real riot to hang out with, but I don't feel like typing that story anymore. I do, however, after looking at the Stephen Malkmus website, want to talk about why I think that he used to have a girlfriend or really liked a lady friend named Jen. I don't have any real proof besides the fact that he has two songs that refer to jen at some point and time. One song is called "Jenny and the Ess-Dog" that is basically about 18 year old Jen and her 31 year old man in a cover band. Song number two about Jen is called "Deado" and has lyrics like "Jen, you took me far into a long line. Divine divine divine divine." So although this has nothing to do with me, and Jen is probably the most common name in the world, I still feel special.

Ok, enough boring stuff for you today.

Jen

I got some lovely phantasies
And you got some lovely phantasies
Tear off the top, let your memory pop
Its running, running running, running away

-Phantasies, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks

In a seven day period, I was at Burrito House 4 times. With the way that this night is looking, I may be there again tonight. Look out.

It's fine if you missed the opening for Consuming Nature. Lucky for you, the show is up until February, so I expect people to stop by. Mike, consuming job and then traffic with assholes can be upsetting for the stomach. Take two tums and call me in the morning. Thanks for thinking of me though.

I saw Stephen Malkmus at the Double Door Saturday night, which turned out to be a great show. The first band, Head of Fever, really didn't hold my interest after the first few songs. The M's, the second band, were really tight and totally rocked out although I don't know if I'd go out and buy a CD. Finally Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks ruled and now I want to buy every Pavement CD I don't have and this CD too. Wow. they played forever, but it was really great.

Give me a sec. Must switch computers

Mike

Jesus loves you/but he's alone in that sentiment/so don't get too comfortable

Jen - Sorry for missing Consuming Nature last week. I was busy being consumed by my job and traffic, two things that kept me out of Chicago until about 6:30.

In an effort to experience the pain and humiliation that so many before me have felt, I decided to place a personal ad a few weekends back and go on some dates with complete strangers. My weapon of choice was Craigslist, a popular destination for many a hipster. The ad was simple - I talked a little about my interests, but didn't really go into detail about my appearance or my definition of "the perfect woman" or anything cheesy like that. I also left out the fact that I have seen just about every episode of 7th Heaven. I didn't expect much of a response, but ended up getting emails from five women (or people who claimed to be women) over the next few days. One of the ladies who responded actually works at an area record store that will remain unnamed, and appears to be a complete lunatic based on the brief conversations we have had in the past. I didn't reply to her. Another girl was ruled out based on the following email:

You soudn hot! Email me bacck.

If you can't handle proofreading a 6 word email, I can't imagine you handling a conversation, the tying of your own shoes, or holding down a job that doesn't involve paper hats. I already went on one date this past Friday with a girl named Paulette, and it was actually a good time. We went to Club Foot in Ukrainian Village, the site of much vomiting on my 23rd birthday. I found out that she used to live pretty much right behind me when I lived in Lakeview, and actually knows my roommate. In fact, we actually ran into my roommate, who had been hanging out at Innertown. I gave her my number at the end of the night, so the ball is in her court. We'll see what happens. I think I may have another date with one of the other respondees next weekend.

Jen

It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)

According to Weddingvendors.com, the end of "wanna be starting something" goes like this:

Help me sing it, ma ma se,
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa,
Ma ma coo sa

What does it mean? I don't know.

I was at Bottom Lounge last night and almost started a fight with my friend's 19 year old ex-girlfriend. What a bitch! The last part of our conversation went something like this:

Stupid girl: How old are you, like 85?
ME: Actually, I'm 95. Want to see my fucking cane?

I, for the most part, do not feel old. HOWEVER, as soon as anyone questions it, I get a little freaked out that maybe I am not as young as I feel.

So that was my night.

What's going on this weekend? Any bloggers doing anything exciting?

Becky

Jen - did you ever figure out what he says at the end of the song? ma ma say ma ma saw ma ma moo saw or something like that??

uno mas. check out my friend's website called "the git". (look under links on the sidebar) Jon's a good guy with a lot of fun things to look at. Besides, he linked us.

Jen

You love to pretend that you're good
When you're always up to no good
You really can't make him hate her
So your tongue became a razor

You have to love it when an artist has to rhyme a word with itself (aka good).

Mike, I'm sure this doesn't make you feel any better, but all the bathrooms at Columbia are usually one of three things: 1)Dirty. 2)Smelly. 3)Out of Order. Sometimes I have to start on the second floor and then walk up flight by flight to find a nice bathroom. Hey, at least I'm getting exercise.

Thanks to Becky, during this rough week of installing the new show, we were able to listen to Michael Jackson, History- Disc one, almost every day. I have "Wanna be Starting Something" in my head and it just doesn't want to quit (The above lyrics). I was talking to a co-worker about Michael Jackson and how now, his songs seems to relate to the charges brought against him. Example: "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking if he'll change his ways." or, "I want to love you, pretty young thing" or even "I'm bad, I'm bad, you know it." The possibilities are endless!

I snagged the disc during the Average Joe two hour finale at Becks and Greg's where, yes, Big Teeth lost to Pretty Boy. Poor Adam! What a nice guy. Hopefully, he's getting a lot of action now.


Tonight is the opening at the MoCP from 5-7 pm for Consuming Nature. it rules. E-mail me at the link at the side if you are interested.

I managed to eat at Burrito House already twice this week. I wonder if any drunkeness this weekend will bring me there once again?

More Lyrics!

Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'

Is it in your head now?

Becky

Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor!

Yes, we were all sad when the average joe did not get picked, but we decided that he was probably better off anyways without that ho.

Mike, I am glad that your bathroom at work is so enjoyable! The people here recently put up an "Employees must wash hands before returning to work" sign. I work in a research and development facility that makes plastic bags - why in god's name do I need that sign? Apparently its because of "osha". whatever.

Who's got all of their holiday shopping done? We do! We do! That's right - and keep in mind that Hanukkah is only about a week away so you guys better hurry up!

Mike

Winners come in cans. Losers come in can nots.

The above is an "awesome" motivational quote I busted out at work today. Speaking of busted, all of the bathroom stalls at work are broken in some way. One currently has no door, two have broken toilet paper dispensers, and all three have broken toilet seats. The bracket thingies on the back are all broken (and have been broken for a good six months), so you have to manually realign the seats or take the plunge. I love my place of employment!

Out of five new people who just started at my office, one has already quit and two are probably just about ready to go. I imagine the spirits of the other two are broken too, but I haven't talked to them this week.

So Jen, did my brother share any embarrassing stories from my childhood? Did you talk to any of my other friends, including Cat and the same crew that was there last time?

What is the proposed California moving date? I hate to see people go.

Jen

'cause I know, I'm so slow. But I'm still trying and I'm still dying to know. Say you won't leave for the rest of my life.

what a nice weekend.

Did you know that I'm going to move to California?

Mike, I'm sure your brother thinks I'm a gigantic idiot. I kept saying stuff about you and then asking if he could set me up with kleenx (his friend won it, so i wasn't being that odd. . . maybe). It was nice to have a run-in nonetheless. just as nice as it was for my friend Jared to give me a ring on Sunday and ask me to see Stephen Malkmus.

45 minutes to average joe. must. leave. digital lab.

Anyway, my quote of the day was going to be from THE DARKNESS! but instead decided that " I believe in a think called love, just listen to the rhythm of my heart" was maybe just to cheesy for the occassion, although I am not sure what the occassion is.

Mike
Blasts from the past and other unexpected run-ins

A short list of people I ran into unexpectedly on Friday night:
- Jen (Crapple)
- Nathan (Crapple)
- my brother Brian (Crapple)
- Francis, college roommate/high school classmate (Schoolyard Tavern)
- Adam, downstairs neighbor from junior year of college (Schoolyard Tavern)
- Scott, elementary school classmate (Schoolyard Tavern)

I have now met my "random encounter" quota for the next 7 years.

Sorry I couldn't stick around at Crapple for a while, Jen, but I was already running way too late when I headed out the door. I should have told my brother to act as my stand-in. Schoolyard Tavern wasn't that great - the backroom (where the party was going on) was mostly filled with old friends, but it was much too crowded and the music generally sucked (I'm looking at you, John Mayer). The only high point of the party was when "Hey Ya!" came on. Hip-hop single of the millennium? I think so!

Jen

Why isn't Lake Titikaka filled with boobs and poop?

I heard that last night on Scrubs and laughed for about ten minutes.

I've run into the unlucky family next door and they all seem to be in really good sprits besides the fact that they have been sorting and moving out stuff for the past three days.

I also want to say that Mike's three strps to fun were really fun and I whole heartedly want everyone to try it.

You (Mike) mentioned Crapple earlier this week and got it in my head. Now I want to go. Birthday party, smirthday party. Just kidding. Have a nice night whatevs you do.

I don't have much else to say besides the fact that I have to work tomorrow. Oh, and if you are at work and just really want to hear "Let's get it on" like I did and do not have it with you on cd, you can go to this random website I found and listen to all sorts of wonderful hits.

Mike
Damn...

I'm glad to hear that no one was hurt in that fire, Jen. I can't imagine what it would be like to see my possessions (with huge sentimental value and some monetary value) go up in flames like that. Hopefully that family is doing ok.

3 Steps to Fun:
1) Go to Google
2) Type "miserable failure"
3) Hit the "I'm feeling lucky" button

I'm proud to say that I managed to work the phrase "That's as common as a Cosby sweater with kids' handprints all over it!" into a work-related conversation today.

In case anyone is bored on Friday (tomorrow), I'll be hanging out at Schoolyard Tavern (3258 N. Southport) for a friend's birthday.

Jen

Don't wake me I plan on sleeping

I don’t want to say you’ll never believe what happened to me last night, but really, you’ll never believe what happened to me last night.

It started with a sweet dream of me camping , sitting in my bright orange tent, with a nice little campfire going. Then I heard a knock, somewhere on my tent wall. Then another knock.

In a half daze, I call out hello. “Jen, you need to wake up, the house next door is on fire.” That was Nathan. A real life voice to a real life event.

My house smelled like burning wood, the wood of the frame house next door. It was about 1:30 in the morning, and I had only been asleep for an hour or so.

Nathan and I woke up Peter and then tried to figure out what to do. A lot of questions go through your mind: Should we leave? Do the firemen even know we are here? They would tell us that it wasn’t safe, right?

We decided to pack up and leave by about 2:00, when we saw flames from the windows and the roof of the house next to us. As we decided to leave, so did the firefighters.

We excited as quickly as we could with Josie putting up a huge struggle: I had to bust past a fire man to get her when she jumped out of my arms and ran back inside.

We waited in the cold for nearly two hours, watching as they basically tore down the house next to ours in order to prevent it from spreading.

No one could give us any answers; are our neighbors ok? When can we go back in our house? Can we do it tonight?

When we were finally let back into our home, we were told to stay up for awhile to make sure that the fire hadn’t secretly spread to our place. As we found out later, everyone next door turned out to be ok, and the fire possibly started in the attic in a trash can.

I couldn’t sleep. I could hear the firemen next door breaking down the house and yelling to each other. I could hear glass breaking and shingles from the roof hit the outside wall of my bedroom. It smelled like a campfire throughout our house, and even with the windows open, it didn’t matter.

I’m so glad that everyone is ok. And I’m so thankful to have Nathan and Peter with me during such a crisis.

God damn, I’m tired.

ok plus three

Becky

Congratulations Mike! That is very exciting. We had a fun time visiting the niece, taylor, especially now that she actually looks at you and responds to movement and smiles sometimes :). if she would only start walking and talking already!!!

anyways, Jen, for some reason I remebered this morning about the top 5 falafel places as recommended by metromix.

They are (not sure if this order is particular)
Aladdin's
Taste of Lebanon
Sinbad's
Emerald City
Pita Inn

And there you have it folks! Back to work!