Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Best of 2008: Music
Every year, I always figure out what my favorite song of the year was. This year for some reason was particularly difficult. I think this is because much of the "new" music I listened to this year was technically from 2007 or 2006, so those really don't count. On the way back from Memphis, Carrie and I had a discussion about what was my favorite song of 2008 that was either from an album released in 2008, or a single from a 2007 album that was released in 2008 - every time I came up with one, she would tell me, "no, that wasn't your favorite song this year." We decided that I would check the iPod when I got home, and scour over some other people's lists online (yes, even Pitchfork, the website I love to hate to love).
I don't know why, but it took me a solid week to figure it out, and then when I decided on #1, it feels like I was cheating a little, but you will see my rationale below. But because I thought of so many songs, I figured I would rank them and give some links to youtube where applicable. Also, I decided to not do that thing that so many lists do, with only 1 song per artist, like a VH1 list of best hair band songs - seriously, how can you pick just one Skid Row song? So here goes:
Honorable Mentions: We Are Scientists, Ghouls, Let's See It, and Lethal Enforcer; Hot Chip, One Pure Thought; Mogwai, Batcat; and CSS, Rat is Dead.
20) Vampire Weekend, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - OK, in all seriousness, I don't like to admit that I like this song. These guys seem like they are the whitest group of guys in history. Like, they vacation in the Hamptons or something. But the song is catchy, and I enjoy it for some reason. Never really a contender for song of the year, and Let's See It and One Pure Thought are actually better songs, but I just wanted to seperately mention how truly white Vampire Weekend. Really, it is epic.
19) M83, Kim and Jessie - This song is a guilty pleasure for me and would never have made the list, but a bunch of "best of" lists have this song on it, so that was all I needed to include it here. It sounds like those French guys Air from a few years back, but better and less obnoxious. Also, the video has fun roller skating.
18) She & Him, Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - Zooey's song here, and it is okay, even if her singing style is a bit nasaly. Wait - I take that back - I have this on the list to impress her, because after I saw Elf she was top 5 worthy. Everything about you is awesome! Ben Gibbard doesn't know what he lucked into!!!!
17) Faunts, M4 (Part II) - Totally a song that I alone seem to enjoy. I don't know - probably the whole suspenseful build up feel to the song.
16) Bishop Allen, Click Click Click Click - This song came out around the wedding, and it is about a guy crashing a wedding and ending up in a wedding picture, so it has a special place in my heart. I even put it on the iPod playlist at the wedding. Then, a few months later this song is on and Carrie lets me know that she isn't a fan, and I explained that it was special to me because of the wedding and all. After that, she says that she felt bad about saying that and can't hate it anymore! But I think it is neat and cute, and anything that reminds me of the wedding will always be a keeper. Plus, I think the video is spiffy.
15) Portishead, Machine Gun - A song that I am just really getting into, but it was on most of the critics list for the year. I got some of their old stuff, and am digging it. This song is pretty kick ass if you ask me.
14) Cold War Kids, Something is Not Right with Me - Most of you will and probably should find this song pretty annoying, but I think it rocks. The lyrics are fun and the song makes me want to run through a brick wall.
13) Fleet Foxes, He Doesn't Know Why - Another group here that I am just getting into. I always liked another song by them (foreshadowing), and this song is really chill and all. The CD is really good too, and was on a bunch of critics' lists. Maybe this time in a few months, this song will rate higher. They aren't quite like Band of Horses in that they are more about singing and harmonies and such, but still there seems to be an obvious comparison. You might hear more on these guys in the next little bit.
12) Rihanna, Don't Stop the Music - I didn't actually check, but I think this single was released in 2008. At least, that is my story and I am sticking to it. Would normally rate higher, but I am always hesitant on dance songs.
11) Kings of Leon, Use Somebody - This was a pleasant surprise this year. KoL was always a band that I felt old for not "getting", but they put out a couple of songs this year that changed my opinion. I mean, I liked Four Kicks a few years back, but not enough to get the CD or anything. But they did this song on SNL, and I was impressed.
10) Ra Ra Riot, Ghost Under Rocks - I rank this here at #10, but at one point I decided this was my favorite song of the year. The weak final act of this song and the whiny voice of the guy put it at number 10 though. Still an awesome awesome song. Plus, strings. And a hot chick playing strings. There were a couple of months this summer that this was my favorite song. Probably should be rated higher, but I don't feel like changing it.
9) The White Stripes, Conquest - Really, I love to just belt out "Conquest"!!! Really a fun song, and was definitive for the summer months for us. If this song makes Rock Band, I call dibs on vocals.
8) Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal - I was following the I was following the I was following the I was following the... No, but seriously, this song is incredible. I loved it initially, then forgot about it, then the other song came out, and I got the CD, and then even Pitchfork had this as their album of the year. This song is incredible - I am still getting used to it again, and it was at one point the frontrunner for song of the year. I really just need to listen to it more.
7) We Are Scientists, After Hours - OK, let's just get it out of the way - I am unabashedly a huge We Are Scientists fan. I love just about everything they put out. All of it is high quality pop stuff. Goofy, harmless, fun stuff. I have no idea how these guys aren't huge. They even put out fun videos, like this one - you all should watch it all the way through. The hot chick from 30 Rock is in it. But still - go get these guys' CDs, they are really fun escapist quality stuff. It feels weird having them in front of Fleet Foxes on this list, but it is the same way that I enjoy Wayne's World over Citizen Kane - I can recognize that Fleet Foxes is better technically and all, but I just love this crap! These guys rule!
6) Metallica, The Day That Never Comes - So how does this work, do I get sued for even linking to the youtube video of this song? Look, I know that liking Metallica anymore is like going to see a Tom Cruise movie - you don't want to support them, but they do put out good stuff and all. Still - this song is like old school Metallica - it kicks ass. The first 5 minutes or so are build up, but really - on this youtube video, at the 5:21 mark, it goes from a pretty good song to an absolute mess of kickassitude. The last 3 minutes rock.
5) Coldplay, Viva La Vida - I have written about this before, this song rules because it seems like a bunch of French Revolution imagery and I am a French Revolution guy. Plus, I think I read that they used a producer who worked with the Arcade Fire or something, which makes it okay to like a little bit more. I am not even going to look that up, and just assume it is true. I know they say Coldplay is music for people who don't like music, and Chris Coldplay is all spazzy and douche-y but I just get into this song when it comes on.
4) Hot Chip, Ready for the Floor - How can I not like a group called Hot Chip? This is really a great song and really fun too. It is a little techno and all, but it is also really high quality too. It makes me happy for the future of music that these guys are out there putting out stuff like this. I can't listen to this song without bouncing.
3) Kings of Leon, Sex on Fire - Yeah, I put this song at number 3. Speaking of Rock Band, I would absolutely belt this shit out. Even his squeaky thing he does. This song brought me around on these guys. Carrie would add that he is practically hot now, after he was really mousy on the other stuff we saw by them. Fun song - I like it. My favorite part is about at 2:35.
2) Santogold, L.E.S. Artistes - This was a tough one for me. Really was the favorite to be number 1, but I honestly don't know if I will still dig this song or this chick in a few years. She is very new to me - I heard this song on Subterranean a couple of times earlier this year, and liked it. Then it made all the critics' lists, so I gave it another listen. It really is incredible. I mean, the video is strange, and I think that it may have turned me off initially. But it is actually a really moving song. Listen to the lyrics - it is about all the lower east side folks who say they like her so they will sound cool, even though they never really appreciate the music. Or something. Plus, "I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up" - I don't know, I just really like this song.
1) Band of Horses, I Go To The Barn Because I Like The - You like the what??? Yeah, it is cheating - this was never released as a single and the album is from 2007. But still - my first dance at my wedding was to this song. I am getting teary eyed with it on now in the background. When I think of 2008, I will always think of this song. Thanks to all the others for playing, but this was a slam dunk.
Maybe in 2009 or 2010 I will get into an album from 2008 that I wasn't aware of this past year. Even Sigur Ros, Muse, and Jenny Lewis put out albums that I haven't even heard yet. But this is the list as of the end of 2008. I hope you enjoyed and maybe heard some stuff you haven't heard before, or heard something you think I am stupid for liking. Please comment!
I don't know why, but it took me a solid week to figure it out, and then when I decided on #1, it feels like I was cheating a little, but you will see my rationale below. But because I thought of so many songs, I figured I would rank them and give some links to youtube where applicable. Also, I decided to not do that thing that so many lists do, with only 1 song per artist, like a VH1 list of best hair band songs - seriously, how can you pick just one Skid Row song? So here goes:
Honorable Mentions: We Are Scientists, Ghouls, Let's See It, and Lethal Enforcer; Hot Chip, One Pure Thought; Mogwai, Batcat; and CSS, Rat is Dead.
20) Vampire Weekend, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - OK, in all seriousness, I don't like to admit that I like this song. These guys seem like they are the whitest group of guys in history. Like, they vacation in the Hamptons or something. But the song is catchy, and I enjoy it for some reason. Never really a contender for song of the year, and Let's See It and One Pure Thought are actually better songs, but I just wanted to seperately mention how truly white Vampire Weekend. Really, it is epic.
19) M83, Kim and Jessie - This song is a guilty pleasure for me and would never have made the list, but a bunch of "best of" lists have this song on it, so that was all I needed to include it here. It sounds like those French guys Air from a few years back, but better and less obnoxious. Also, the video has fun roller skating.
18) She & Him, Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - Zooey's song here, and it is okay, even if her singing style is a bit nasaly. Wait - I take that back - I have this on the list to impress her, because after I saw Elf she was top 5 worthy. Everything about you is awesome! Ben Gibbard doesn't know what he lucked into!!!!
17) Faunts, M4 (Part II) - Totally a song that I alone seem to enjoy. I don't know - probably the whole suspenseful build up feel to the song.
16) Bishop Allen, Click Click Click Click - This song came out around the wedding, and it is about a guy crashing a wedding and ending up in a wedding picture, so it has a special place in my heart. I even put it on the iPod playlist at the wedding. Then, a few months later this song is on and Carrie lets me know that she isn't a fan, and I explained that it was special to me because of the wedding and all. After that, she says that she felt bad about saying that and can't hate it anymore! But I think it is neat and cute, and anything that reminds me of the wedding will always be a keeper. Plus, I think the video is spiffy.
15) Portishead, Machine Gun - A song that I am just really getting into, but it was on most of the critics list for the year. I got some of their old stuff, and am digging it. This song is pretty kick ass if you ask me.
14) Cold War Kids, Something is Not Right with Me - Most of you will and probably should find this song pretty annoying, but I think it rocks. The lyrics are fun and the song makes me want to run through a brick wall.
13) Fleet Foxes, He Doesn't Know Why - Another group here that I am just getting into. I always liked another song by them (foreshadowing), and this song is really chill and all. The CD is really good too, and was on a bunch of critics' lists. Maybe this time in a few months, this song will rate higher. They aren't quite like Band of Horses in that they are more about singing and harmonies and such, but still there seems to be an obvious comparison. You might hear more on these guys in the next little bit.
12) Rihanna, Don't Stop the Music - I didn't actually check, but I think this single was released in 2008. At least, that is my story and I am sticking to it. Would normally rate higher, but I am always hesitant on dance songs.
11) Kings of Leon, Use Somebody - This was a pleasant surprise this year. KoL was always a band that I felt old for not "getting", but they put out a couple of songs this year that changed my opinion. I mean, I liked Four Kicks a few years back, but not enough to get the CD or anything. But they did this song on SNL, and I was impressed.
10) Ra Ra Riot, Ghost Under Rocks - I rank this here at #10, but at one point I decided this was my favorite song of the year. The weak final act of this song and the whiny voice of the guy put it at number 10 though. Still an awesome awesome song. Plus, strings. And a hot chick playing strings. There were a couple of months this summer that this was my favorite song. Probably should be rated higher, but I don't feel like changing it.
9) The White Stripes, Conquest - Really, I love to just belt out "Conquest"!!! Really a fun song, and was definitive for the summer months for us. If this song makes Rock Band, I call dibs on vocals.
8) Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal - I was following the I was following the I was following the I was following the... No, but seriously, this song is incredible. I loved it initially, then forgot about it, then the other song came out, and I got the CD, and then even Pitchfork had this as their album of the year. This song is incredible - I am still getting used to it again, and it was at one point the frontrunner for song of the year. I really just need to listen to it more.
7) We Are Scientists, After Hours - OK, let's just get it out of the way - I am unabashedly a huge We Are Scientists fan. I love just about everything they put out. All of it is high quality pop stuff. Goofy, harmless, fun stuff. I have no idea how these guys aren't huge. They even put out fun videos, like this one - you all should watch it all the way through. The hot chick from 30 Rock is in it. But still - go get these guys' CDs, they are really fun escapist quality stuff. It feels weird having them in front of Fleet Foxes on this list, but it is the same way that I enjoy Wayne's World over Citizen Kane - I can recognize that Fleet Foxes is better technically and all, but I just love this crap! These guys rule!
6) Metallica, The Day That Never Comes - So how does this work, do I get sued for even linking to the youtube video of this song? Look, I know that liking Metallica anymore is like going to see a Tom Cruise movie - you don't want to support them, but they do put out good stuff and all. Still - this song is like old school Metallica - it kicks ass. The first 5 minutes or so are build up, but really - on this youtube video, at the 5:21 mark, it goes from a pretty good song to an absolute mess of kickassitude. The last 3 minutes rock.
5) Coldplay, Viva La Vida - I have written about this before, this song rules because it seems like a bunch of French Revolution imagery and I am a French Revolution guy. Plus, I think I read that they used a producer who worked with the Arcade Fire or something, which makes it okay to like a little bit more. I am not even going to look that up, and just assume it is true. I know they say Coldplay is music for people who don't like music, and Chris Coldplay is all spazzy and douche-y but I just get into this song when it comes on.
4) Hot Chip, Ready for the Floor - How can I not like a group called Hot Chip? This is really a great song and really fun too. It is a little techno and all, but it is also really high quality too. It makes me happy for the future of music that these guys are out there putting out stuff like this. I can't listen to this song without bouncing.
3) Kings of Leon, Sex on Fire - Yeah, I put this song at number 3. Speaking of Rock Band, I would absolutely belt this shit out. Even his squeaky thing he does. This song brought me around on these guys. Carrie would add that he is practically hot now, after he was really mousy on the other stuff we saw by them. Fun song - I like it. My favorite part is about at 2:35.
2) Santogold, L.E.S. Artistes - This was a tough one for me. Really was the favorite to be number 1, but I honestly don't know if I will still dig this song or this chick in a few years. She is very new to me - I heard this song on Subterranean a couple of times earlier this year, and liked it. Then it made all the critics' lists, so I gave it another listen. It really is incredible. I mean, the video is strange, and I think that it may have turned me off initially. But it is actually a really moving song. Listen to the lyrics - it is about all the lower east side folks who say they like her so they will sound cool, even though they never really appreciate the music. Or something. Plus, "I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up" - I don't know, I just really like this song.
1) Band of Horses, I Go To The Barn Because I Like The - You like the what??? Yeah, it is cheating - this was never released as a single and the album is from 2007. But still - my first dance at my wedding was to this song. I am getting teary eyed with it on now in the background. When I think of 2008, I will always think of this song. Thanks to all the others for playing, but this was a slam dunk.
Maybe in 2009 or 2010 I will get into an album from 2008 that I wasn't aware of this past year. Even Sigur Ros, Muse, and Jenny Lewis put out albums that I haven't even heard yet. But this is the list as of the end of 2008. I hope you enjoyed and maybe heard some stuff you haven't heard before, or heard something you think I am stupid for liking. Please comment!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Earle Girls' Xmas Dinner
Every year for the past 6 or 7 years I have celebrated the holidays with my lovely lady friends that I befriended at my last restaurant job, The Earle. We usually go to the cozy restaurant, The Lord Fox. This year due to financial reasons, we decided to have the festive dinner at one of our homes. We were happy to have everyone over at our place. In past dinners, there have been 5 of us ladies. However, due to losing touch with one friend and the other living too far away in Arizona,there were three of us girls. (tear--We missed you so much Kindra!)
This was, however, the first girls' dinner where we had our men there too. My guy was making the yummy food, while the others were there to help if needed. Shannon had it under control though. It was so nice to have everyone over!
We started with martinis and good conversation. It soon followed with Chandon Blanc de Noir with hibiscus flowers and a lovely cheese plate. It consisted of Camembert, Boucheron, Gruyere, and a 3 year old Gouda. The plate was accompanied with apples, rosemary crackers, and a baguette.
A couple of hours later we moved on to drinking the 2006 Stadt Krems Qualitatswein Trocken Kremstal Sandgrube Gruner Veltliner and the 2005 Hubertushof Classic Riesling with a salad of arugula, roasted pears, gorgonzola, and toasted pecans that had been tossed in a white wine vinaigrette.
About an hour later we had the 2007 Seghesio Zinfandel and the 2005 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero with dinner. Dinner consisted of so many yummy parts. We had pistachio and creole mustard encrusted lamb chops that had been roasted, braised ancho chili short ribs, scalloped potatoes with leeks and cream, as well as leeks and fennel sauteed with lemon zest. Yummy!
We did push on through about an hour later to eat dessert. Even though we were so full. We had a plate of chocolates, vanilla ice cream garnished with a raspberry lemon thumbprint cookie, and a slice of a yummy apple crostata. We had this with much needed coffee. Some of us may have decided to throw in a little Baileys, Amaretto, or Frangelico.
This was a very fun evening of yummy food and drinks with wonderful friends. What a wonderful way to start off the holiday celebration before we travel to see our families in Memphis tomorrow!
This was, however, the first girls' dinner where we had our men there too. My guy was making the yummy food, while the others were there to help if needed. Shannon had it under control though. It was so nice to have everyone over!
We started with martinis and good conversation. It soon followed with Chandon Blanc de Noir with hibiscus flowers and a lovely cheese plate. It consisted of Camembert, Boucheron, Gruyere, and a 3 year old Gouda. The plate was accompanied with apples, rosemary crackers, and a baguette.
A couple of hours later we moved on to drinking the 2006 Stadt Krems Qualitatswein Trocken Kremstal Sandgrube Gruner Veltliner and the 2005 Hubertushof Classic Riesling with a salad of arugula, roasted pears, gorgonzola, and toasted pecans that had been tossed in a white wine vinaigrette.
About an hour later we had the 2007 Seghesio Zinfandel and the 2005 Condado de Haza Ribera del Duero with dinner. Dinner consisted of so many yummy parts. We had pistachio and creole mustard encrusted lamb chops that had been roasted, braised ancho chili short ribs, scalloped potatoes with leeks and cream, as well as leeks and fennel sauteed with lemon zest. Yummy!
We did push on through about an hour later to eat dessert. Even though we were so full. We had a plate of chocolates, vanilla ice cream garnished with a raspberry lemon thumbprint cookie, and a slice of a yummy apple crostata. We had this with much needed coffee. Some of us may have decided to throw in a little Baileys, Amaretto, or Frangelico.
This was a very fun evening of yummy food and drinks with wonderful friends. What a wonderful way to start off the holiday celebration before we travel to see our families in Memphis tomorrow!
Friday, December 5, 2008
2 Weeks in Review
Thanksgiving - Everything was fun as always - the spinach casserole was hotter because I used habanero cheese. Carrie's new pumpkin mascarpone pie was awesome. But yeah, we ended up freezing half of the food, although I did finish the mac and cheese! We would love any of you to come visit next year though!!!
Wine of the week - Juan Gil 2005 Jumilla. It was only $13, and it gets an 89 from WS - it was fantastic. Seriously, it was like blackberry syrup, but also had tannins and earth and depth. The grape is monastrell, which is really the Spanish word for mourvedre. We will get it again, especially since the price is right. Here is what the bottle looks like, in case you want to look for it.
Music - I am horribly disappointed that Beyonce is playing Etta James in a new movie. That would be like Avril Levigne playing Wendy O. Williams.
Also, my new favorite song this week - Mogwai. Awesome video, plus it is apparently part of a genre called "post-rock", which always makes me feel cool when participating in something that uses the prefix "post-".
PS - there is this new video game or something Prince of Persia, and the commercial uses this, one of my favorite songs ever. I had a song by this band on at the wedding - seriously, the lead singer is a gay Icelandic guy who sings in falsetto using a made up language. I wish I were kidding. But the falsetto is very off-putting if you aren't a fan, but I am and I love these guys. (And I looked them Sigur Ros on wikipedia and apparently they are also post-rock. I just learned this term, but I will try to drop it in casual conversation as much as possible in order to appear more annoying than I already am.)
Books - I am in that moment where I can't find a book I want to finish. I have started reading 3 books recently, all from the library, but I am just not interested in finishing them. I am rereading The Blind Side, which you should read especially if you are from Memphis or are a football fan. I think I just want the new Malcolm Gladwell book.
TV - I am very happy that Steph and Chip are watching Top Chef. Also, I seem to be the only one left with any hope that Heroes will get better.
Favorite Link of the week - 82games. I love stats, and now I can better argue that the Grizz need to start Lowry or Crittendon over Conley. And that Rip Hamilton is having a horrible season.
Health - Carrie has been sick for 4 solid weeks now (coughing and sinus and whatnot), so we finally went to the doctor and got some antibiotics. I thought I was in the clear since I hadn't caught anything. Then Sunday, I felt like I might be getting sick and tried to ignore it and drink OJ and take vitamins and all. But Monday, I was just out of it, and I figured that would be it because by the end of the day I was feeling fine. Yesterday, I wake up and take a shower and look in the mirror and my right eye is just bloodshot red. I figured I was just getting pink eye, but as the day went on, it just kept getting worse and all this mucus stuff was coming out, and it hurt and itched. So we went back to the doctor finally and it turns out that it is an infection, and the mucus is really pus, and it is worse than pink eye. I wake up Wednesday morning, and my right eye is crusted shut and my left eye is so mucus-y that I can't see, so I just jumped in the shower and turned my face into the water. It all got better and I look normal again, because I looked like a boxer after a fight that morning. I'm still phlegmy though.
In other words, I haven't had as productive of a week as I would have liked.
Movies - we had a rare 3 movie weekend. Tropic Thunder - good but not as good as I would have liked, but still gets tons of points for being actually original in concept. Iron Man - yes, Robert Downey Jr. did a great job and the movie was really awesome. Then, we watched Raiders again - good times. I dread seeing the new Indiana Jones movie.
Overheard in the classroom - OK, this one is already a classic, but it bears repeating: at lunch, one of the boys in Carrie's class asked if she could open his yogurt for him, so she did, but of course the yogurt went flying and got on her shirt. She looked for some napkins to clean it off. Then, the boy says to her, "I can clean that off...with my tongue!"
The most Ann Arbor thing I saw this week - A woman, standing outside in a couple of inches of snow at Meijer, most likely waiting for the person she was with to get the car and pick her up, wearing sandals and socks.
Wine of the week - Juan Gil 2005 Jumilla. It was only $13, and it gets an 89 from WS - it was fantastic. Seriously, it was like blackberry syrup, but also had tannins and earth and depth. The grape is monastrell, which is really the Spanish word for mourvedre. We will get it again, especially since the price is right. Here is what the bottle looks like, in case you want to look for it.
Music - I am horribly disappointed that Beyonce is playing Etta James in a new movie. That would be like Avril Levigne playing Wendy O. Williams.
Also, my new favorite song this week - Mogwai. Awesome video, plus it is apparently part of a genre called "post-rock", which always makes me feel cool when participating in something that uses the prefix "post-".
PS - there is this new video game or something Prince of Persia, and the commercial uses this, one of my favorite songs ever. I had a song by this band on at the wedding - seriously, the lead singer is a gay Icelandic guy who sings in falsetto using a made up language. I wish I were kidding. But the falsetto is very off-putting if you aren't a fan, but I am and I love these guys. (And I looked them Sigur Ros on wikipedia and apparently they are also post-rock. I just learned this term, but I will try to drop it in casual conversation as much as possible in order to appear more annoying than I already am.)
Books - I am in that moment where I can't find a book I want to finish. I have started reading 3 books recently, all from the library, but I am just not interested in finishing them. I am rereading The Blind Side, which you should read especially if you are from Memphis or are a football fan. I think I just want the new Malcolm Gladwell book.
TV - I am very happy that Steph and Chip are watching Top Chef. Also, I seem to be the only one left with any hope that Heroes will get better.
Favorite Link of the week - 82games. I love stats, and now I can better argue that the Grizz need to start Lowry or Crittendon over Conley. And that Rip Hamilton is having a horrible season.
Health - Carrie has been sick for 4 solid weeks now (coughing and sinus and whatnot), so we finally went to the doctor and got some antibiotics. I thought I was in the clear since I hadn't caught anything. Then Sunday, I felt like I might be getting sick and tried to ignore it and drink OJ and take vitamins and all. But Monday, I was just out of it, and I figured that would be it because by the end of the day I was feeling fine. Yesterday, I wake up and take a shower and look in the mirror and my right eye is just bloodshot red. I figured I was just getting pink eye, but as the day went on, it just kept getting worse and all this mucus stuff was coming out, and it hurt and itched. So we went back to the doctor finally and it turns out that it is an infection, and the mucus is really pus, and it is worse than pink eye. I wake up Wednesday morning, and my right eye is crusted shut and my left eye is so mucus-y that I can't see, so I just jumped in the shower and turned my face into the water. It all got better and I look normal again, because I looked like a boxer after a fight that morning. I'm still phlegmy though.
In other words, I haven't had as productive of a week as I would have liked.
Movies - we had a rare 3 movie weekend. Tropic Thunder - good but not as good as I would have liked, but still gets tons of points for being actually original in concept. Iron Man - yes, Robert Downey Jr. did a great job and the movie was really awesome. Then, we watched Raiders again - good times. I dread seeing the new Indiana Jones movie.
Overheard in the classroom - OK, this one is already a classic, but it bears repeating: at lunch, one of the boys in Carrie's class asked if she could open his yogurt for him, so she did, but of course the yogurt went flying and got on her shirt. She looked for some napkins to clean it off. Then, the boy says to her, "I can clean that off...with my tongue!"
The most Ann Arbor thing I saw this week - A woman, standing outside in a couple of inches of snow at Meijer, most likely waiting for the person she was with to get the car and pick her up, wearing sandals and socks.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Week in Review
Because I can never think of a good blog topic, I will try to post more by telling a little bit of what has happened in our lives over the last week. So here goes - the week in:
TV - Friday Night Lights made me cry because it is the best show ever.
I have been watching Lost reruns - still no good reason as to why they killed off Libby. I get that she had a DUI in real life, but come on.
South Park - really, it was the Goth kids versus the kids who are dressing like vampires now that this Twilight movie is out. Everyone should still be watching this show.
And BOO to ABC for canceling Eli Stone. Although it clears up an hour a week for us.
Movies - We saw Role Models on Friday, and it made us laugh. It had the funny kid from the Tracy Morgan Show. Also, a new Watchmen trailer came out - seriously, when that movie finally comes out, I want to see it in a theater chock full of nerds. Like, the nerdiest Leroy Jenkins nerds ever.
Books - Recently I read 2 books - The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. The Road - easily one of the best 5 to 10 books I have ever read. Some things in that book absolutely broke my heart. Fantastic read, highly recommended.
Haunted - I remember when a book came out in the 90s called The Hot Zone. The first chapter of this book was a must read - it was gripping and scary and suspenseful to the point where I still read the chapter from time to time. With Haunted, the Saint Gut-Free chapter is its equal. When Chuck Palahniuk went on a book tour to promote Haunted, he read that chapter aloud, and people started fainting! He even added an epilogue for the paperback - apparently 73 people nationwide have fainted at his readings. Some even in Ann Arbor! I wish I could have been there. Point is, none of the women in my life should read that chapter, but all the guys, seriously, google it - it is online. I am not going to link to it because I know my mom reads this, and I don't want her to read it. Steph - remember, you can't tell Chip what it is about until he reads it.
As for my books now, I am reading 3 but can't figure out it I want to read any of them. Thank goodness for libraries.
Health - Carrie got sick, and I have a stye on my right eyelid.
Music - I read something on Pitchfork about how Nirvana wasn't really grunge, but was only associated with the movement since they came from Seattle in the early 90s and wore the right clothes. Carrie and I discussed - we disagree. But feel free to discuss.
Also, we have 2 stations that have moved exclusively to Christmas music. Let me just say - I enjoy Christmas music and all, but really it has become like Rock 103 in Memphis - get some new material already! And not so much of the Groban already!
This is my favorite song right now, but I don't know why.
Weather - it is already stupid cold here. Not as stupid as it will be in late January, but I already have dry skin and have turned on the heat in the apartment. It shouldn't be this cold in November. I am sad because the electric bill has been ridiculously low since we turned the air off, but now it will be high again.
Style - I decided to bring the Doc Martens back. My dress shoes have no traction, and it is already slippery here. Also a big thanks to Cullen and Gina for the Friends and Family coupon that helped Carrie get some new pants for school. Now she has a second pair!!
Sports - Michigan versus ohno state this weekend. I have been watching old games on ESPN classic and reliving the glory days. Of course, the glory days refer to ANY SEASON other than this one.
Also, Coach Rod has been under fire again this week. He said that the losers who post crap on message boards about individual Michigan players should "get a life". The media reported this as Rich Rod saying that all Michigan fans should get a life. Why do they hate him so bad? Wait - don't answer that. He left the poorest state in the nation to get one of the 5 most coveted jobs in coaching - how dare he!??! Then, some students started to leave the program - a third string DT, a WR who has played in one game, and then the great white hope, McGuffie. Well, McGuffie is just a rumor, but apparently the rumor is that he is clinically depressed, and really I just hope the best for him, whatever he decides. (Apparently he is playing on Saturday.) But if he wants to come over and hang out and play Madden, I am more than willing - Carrie goes to bed early, I get bored. Just please don't leave!
Memphis basketball signed a top 5 prospect for next year, and is in the running for a couple more, so that is good.
In other news, 10-0.
Overheard in the classroom
This wasn't this week, but it is one of my favorite Mrs. Miller stories yet. One kid said this to her (for fun, he pronounces his "r"s like "w"s):
"Mrs. Miller, you're a heartbreaker. Hey Mrs. Miller, what's a 'heartbreaker'?"
Food and wine: The current state of the Millfill economy has put a break on a lot of our eating and drinking habits. However, it has made me remember how much I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
As for the WS Top 100 list - anyone else getting tired of the same wines every year? Yes, the Clos Apalta is good, apparently it is number 1 this time. The Don Melchor is always top 10, but it was 12 this year. We have a vertical of this one since 1999, only missing the 2000. We don't have the 2005 yet though. Our favorite winery, Chateau Pontet-Canet hit #7 this year though! Very exciting - we don't have this one either. Then again, the 2005 Bordeaux from anywhere is overpriced now. Seghesio Zin hit the top 10, and as a result it is gone from every store in Ann Arbor, except for the Liquor Lotto Deli by our place.
#34 is another favorite of ours in a vintage we haven't tried - we love the Condado de Haza.
#40 - Kim Crawford 2008 - we actually thought this was a little off this time, a little more earthy with some notes of jalapeño. Good, but we found it for $12 - at $18, it isn't worth it.
#44, the Leasingham - we have had this wine, maybe not this vintage, and it is worth the $12 for sure.
#52 - the LAN - we have this on the rack, and I think we got the 2003 for Steph and Chip last year.
Then, the St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2007 made the list, and this is another quality Riesling, but for fun you guys should branch off from German Rieslings and try some Alsace Rieslings.
#72 - Speaking of - an Alscace! Our favorite! Buy this one if you see it. We will! You know, when things are better.
#77 Duval Leroy - you can never go wrong with this Champagne.
I think those are the ones I am familiar with off the top of my head. If you can afford any of these, I say go for it. If you have any questions, let me know - I don't post about wine enough.
The most "Ann Arbor" thing I saw this week:
At Meijer, I parked next to a Prius with the license plate "MYBRID". Better yet, the M was from having University of Michigan plates.
TV - Friday Night Lights made me cry because it is the best show ever.
I have been watching Lost reruns - still no good reason as to why they killed off Libby. I get that she had a DUI in real life, but come on.
South Park - really, it was the Goth kids versus the kids who are dressing like vampires now that this Twilight movie is out. Everyone should still be watching this show.
And BOO to ABC for canceling Eli Stone. Although it clears up an hour a week for us.
Movies - We saw Role Models on Friday, and it made us laugh. It had the funny kid from the Tracy Morgan Show. Also, a new Watchmen trailer came out - seriously, when that movie finally comes out, I want to see it in a theater chock full of nerds. Like, the nerdiest Leroy Jenkins nerds ever.
Books - Recently I read 2 books - The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. The Road - easily one of the best 5 to 10 books I have ever read. Some things in that book absolutely broke my heart. Fantastic read, highly recommended.
Haunted - I remember when a book came out in the 90s called The Hot Zone. The first chapter of this book was a must read - it was gripping and scary and suspenseful to the point where I still read the chapter from time to time. With Haunted, the Saint Gut-Free chapter is its equal. When Chuck Palahniuk went on a book tour to promote Haunted, he read that chapter aloud, and people started fainting! He even added an epilogue for the paperback - apparently 73 people nationwide have fainted at his readings. Some even in Ann Arbor! I wish I could have been there. Point is, none of the women in my life should read that chapter, but all the guys, seriously, google it - it is online. I am not going to link to it because I know my mom reads this, and I don't want her to read it. Steph - remember, you can't tell Chip what it is about until he reads it.
As for my books now, I am reading 3 but can't figure out it I want to read any of them. Thank goodness for libraries.
Health - Carrie got sick, and I have a stye on my right eyelid.
Music - I read something on Pitchfork about how Nirvana wasn't really grunge, but was only associated with the movement since they came from Seattle in the early 90s and wore the right clothes. Carrie and I discussed - we disagree. But feel free to discuss.
Also, we have 2 stations that have moved exclusively to Christmas music. Let me just say - I enjoy Christmas music and all, but really it has become like Rock 103 in Memphis - get some new material already! And not so much of the Groban already!
This is my favorite song right now, but I don't know why.
Weather - it is already stupid cold here. Not as stupid as it will be in late January, but I already have dry skin and have turned on the heat in the apartment. It shouldn't be this cold in November. I am sad because the electric bill has been ridiculously low since we turned the air off, but now it will be high again.
Style - I decided to bring the Doc Martens back. My dress shoes have no traction, and it is already slippery here. Also a big thanks to Cullen and Gina for the Friends and Family coupon that helped Carrie get some new pants for school. Now she has a second pair!!
Sports - Michigan versus ohno state this weekend. I have been watching old games on ESPN classic and reliving the glory days. Of course, the glory days refer to ANY SEASON other than this one.
Also, Coach Rod has been under fire again this week. He said that the losers who post crap on message boards about individual Michigan players should "get a life". The media reported this as Rich Rod saying that all Michigan fans should get a life. Why do they hate him so bad? Wait - don't answer that. He left the poorest state in the nation to get one of the 5 most coveted jobs in coaching - how dare he!??! Then, some students started to leave the program - a third string DT, a WR who has played in one game, and then the great white hope, McGuffie. Well, McGuffie is just a rumor, but apparently the rumor is that he is clinically depressed, and really I just hope the best for him, whatever he decides. (Apparently he is playing on Saturday.) But if he wants to come over and hang out and play Madden, I am more than willing - Carrie goes to bed early, I get bored. Just please don't leave!
Memphis basketball signed a top 5 prospect for next year, and is in the running for a couple more, so that is good.
In other news, 10-0.
Overheard in the classroom
This wasn't this week, but it is one of my favorite Mrs. Miller stories yet. One kid said this to her (for fun, he pronounces his "r"s like "w"s):
"Mrs. Miller, you're a heartbreaker. Hey Mrs. Miller, what's a 'heartbreaker'?"
Food and wine: The current state of the Millfill economy has put a break on a lot of our eating and drinking habits. However, it has made me remember how much I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
As for the WS Top 100 list - anyone else getting tired of the same wines every year? Yes, the Clos Apalta is good, apparently it is number 1 this time. The Don Melchor is always top 10, but it was 12 this year. We have a vertical of this one since 1999, only missing the 2000. We don't have the 2005 yet though. Our favorite winery, Chateau Pontet-Canet hit #7 this year though! Very exciting - we don't have this one either. Then again, the 2005 Bordeaux from anywhere is overpriced now. Seghesio Zin hit the top 10, and as a result it is gone from every store in Ann Arbor, except for the Liquor Lotto Deli by our place.
#34 is another favorite of ours in a vintage we haven't tried - we love the Condado de Haza.
#40 - Kim Crawford 2008 - we actually thought this was a little off this time, a little more earthy with some notes of jalapeño. Good, but we found it for $12 - at $18, it isn't worth it.
#44, the Leasingham - we have had this wine, maybe not this vintage, and it is worth the $12 for sure.
#52 - the LAN - we have this on the rack, and I think we got the 2003 for Steph and Chip last year.
Then, the St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2007 made the list, and this is another quality Riesling, but for fun you guys should branch off from German Rieslings and try some Alsace Rieslings.
#72 - Speaking of - an Alscace! Our favorite! Buy this one if you see it. We will! You know, when things are better.
#77 Duval Leroy - you can never go wrong with this Champagne.
I think those are the ones I am familiar with off the top of my head. If you can afford any of these, I say go for it. If you have any questions, let me know - I don't post about wine enough.
The most "Ann Arbor" thing I saw this week:
At Meijer, I parked next to a Prius with the license plate "MYBRID". Better yet, the M was from having University of Michigan plates.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bon Hiver!
Oh the snow, the beautiful snow, filling the sky and earth below. Over the house tops and over the streets, over the heads of people you meet. Dancing flirting skimming along... Oh the snow, the beautiful snow, how the flakes gather and laugh as they go. Whirling about in their maddening fun, it plays in its glee with everyone. Chasing, laughing, hurrying by, it lights on the face and sparkles the eye. And even the dogs with a bark and a bound snap at the crystals that eddy around. The town is alive and its heart in a glow to welcome the coming of beautiful snow. -John Whitaker Watson
OK, so it was just a flurry, but any chance I can take to quote Chris in the Morning!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Historic
Tonight, Carrie and I were celebrating the historic election, calling everyone we know to express our excitement, whether they wanted to hear it or not. I was speaking to my sister, who recommended that we go downtown Ann Arbor to see if anything was going on. After I hung up, I asked Carrie if she wanted to go, and she said "OK".
We knew that there was an election party at Cafe Felix, so we figured we would check out Main Street first, before going closer to campus. But as we got to the main strip, there was nothing going on. The streets were dead, but there were some people out at the bars of course.
We turned down Washington and headed towards State Street. Still pretty quiet. We had our windows down, and finally we got a scream from a couple walking down the street, so we hollered back - someone was finally happy! Then, we hit State Street, right in front of BWs, then turned right. Suddenly, you could just hear this huge roar. So help me, we looked and saw just hundreds of people walking north on State from campus, turning west onto Liberty. There it was! The celebration! Carrie says, "we should get out!" Of course, right next to us was the available parking spot we needed!! We parked, got out, and joined in the march down Liberty Street, all the while calling everyone we know so that they could hear the cheers.
If I have to name 10 of the most memorable moments of my life when I am on my deathbed, I don't know if there will be enough to knock this one off the list. We all marched down Liberty all the way to Main Street. And I mean the streets and sidewalks were packed full the whole way - there had to be a thousand people, mostly students, just marching, and hooting and hollering - "O-bam-a", "U-S-A", or even "Go Blue"! Random bouts of cheering and applauding, as we walked in the middle of traffic regardless of the color of the traffic lights. Cars driving by and honking and high fiving out of the windows of their cars. Me, trying to take pictures with my camera phone. The cops driving by and telling us all to get out of the middle of the street.
So many things I will remember - people coming out on their balconies to cheer and watch and take pictures, people coming out of bars to cheer, people taking videos, some kids playing a drum and an accordion in a doorway on the parade route, random cowbells. We made the right turn onto Main Street - there was the party at Cafe Felix! People in the lofts on Main Street had their windows open and were waving giant American flags. People just smiling and applauding and cheering and loving the absolute spontaneity of the moment.
We turned onto Washington from Main Street (the second time that night for us, only this time on foot). However, I had to stop - we were somewhere in the middle of the pack, and I wanted to stand off to the side just to see how long the parade really was. I pulled Carrie over at the corner, and we looked. We were standing next to an older couple, maybe 50-ish. I looked over at her - the woman was crying at the wonder and the happiness of the situation. I love the Ann Arborites! She was basically expressing what we were all feeling.
The walk down Washington was more of the same - cheering, people in the bars coming out to high five us, cars honking and cheering. People banging pots and pans along the sidelines. One woman walking in the opposite direction, stopping one of the girls in front of us and asking what was going on, only to be told "I don't know - this just kind of happened!" Then, maybe my favorite moment of the night - 2 African American students meeting in the middle of the street and giving each other an extended bear hug, one that expressed the emotions inherent in the moment, emotions that I will never be fully capable of understanding. That hug - that moment - this is why we were celebrating. That was why we were marching. It was just too exciting of a moment, too historical of a moment, that we had to share it with others. We live in the perfect town for that moment, and just gave me a level of civic pride - hell, national pride - that might never be topped.
Luckily, the parade route brought us full circle to our car. We had to come home, because Carrie had to wake up in less than 5 hours. As we drove south down State, we rolled down the windows and played Obama's acceptance speech at full blast. Then we watched it when we got home. Carrie knew she was going to be tired, but I don't think she cared at all. Still - I will always remember walking down Liberty with Carrie, and just looking at her and having her look at me, and wordlessly expressing to each other the awesomeness of the moment.
We knew that there was an election party at Cafe Felix, so we figured we would check out Main Street first, before going closer to campus. But as we got to the main strip, there was nothing going on. The streets were dead, but there were some people out at the bars of course.
We turned down Washington and headed towards State Street. Still pretty quiet. We had our windows down, and finally we got a scream from a couple walking down the street, so we hollered back - someone was finally happy! Then, we hit State Street, right in front of BWs, then turned right. Suddenly, you could just hear this huge roar. So help me, we looked and saw just hundreds of people walking north on State from campus, turning west onto Liberty. There it was! The celebration! Carrie says, "we should get out!" Of course, right next to us was the available parking spot we needed!! We parked, got out, and joined in the march down Liberty Street, all the while calling everyone we know so that they could hear the cheers.
If I have to name 10 of the most memorable moments of my life when I am on my deathbed, I don't know if there will be enough to knock this one off the list. We all marched down Liberty all the way to Main Street. And I mean the streets and sidewalks were packed full the whole way - there had to be a thousand people, mostly students, just marching, and hooting and hollering - "O-bam-a", "U-S-A", or even "Go Blue"! Random bouts of cheering and applauding, as we walked in the middle of traffic regardless of the color of the traffic lights. Cars driving by and honking and high fiving out of the windows of their cars. Me, trying to take pictures with my camera phone. The cops driving by and telling us all to get out of the middle of the street.
So many things I will remember - people coming out on their balconies to cheer and watch and take pictures, people coming out of bars to cheer, people taking videos, some kids playing a drum and an accordion in a doorway on the parade route, random cowbells. We made the right turn onto Main Street - there was the party at Cafe Felix! People in the lofts on Main Street had their windows open and were waving giant American flags. People just smiling and applauding and cheering and loving the absolute spontaneity of the moment.
We turned onto Washington from Main Street (the second time that night for us, only this time on foot). However, I had to stop - we were somewhere in the middle of the pack, and I wanted to stand off to the side just to see how long the parade really was. I pulled Carrie over at the corner, and we looked. We were standing next to an older couple, maybe 50-ish. I looked over at her - the woman was crying at the wonder and the happiness of the situation. I love the Ann Arborites! She was basically expressing what we were all feeling.
The walk down Washington was more of the same - cheering, people in the bars coming out to high five us, cars honking and cheering. People banging pots and pans along the sidelines. One woman walking in the opposite direction, stopping one of the girls in front of us and asking what was going on, only to be told "I don't know - this just kind of happened!" Then, maybe my favorite moment of the night - 2 African American students meeting in the middle of the street and giving each other an extended bear hug, one that expressed the emotions inherent in the moment, emotions that I will never be fully capable of understanding. That hug - that moment - this is why we were celebrating. That was why we were marching. It was just too exciting of a moment, too historical of a moment, that we had to share it with others. We live in the perfect town for that moment, and just gave me a level of civic pride - hell, national pride - that might never be topped.
Luckily, the parade route brought us full circle to our car. We had to come home, because Carrie had to wake up in less than 5 hours. As we drove south down State, we rolled down the windows and played Obama's acceptance speech at full blast. Then we watched it when we got home. Carrie knew she was going to be tired, but I don't think she cared at all. Still - I will always remember walking down Liberty with Carrie, and just looking at her and having her look at me, and wordlessly expressing to each other the awesomeness of the moment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)