Little Lion Man [Mumford and Sons]

So our vet held a contest for holiday pet pictures. We submitted two pics of Elliot, one with a general fall theme and one with a decidedly Halloween theme. While i think he should have won for the first one, he actually won for the second one. What he won was a credit to our account - so basically his annual checkup was free this year. Way to go, little guy!

The Leaf King


FrankenCat

Last one for this week's music friday.

Lisa Hannigan used to be involved (musically) with Damien Rice. I love them both, and i love the music they created together. I also love what they do apart. I may be unhealthily obsessed with this song, but i don't care. also the video is pretty cool.



This Is That New Song, by Badly Drawn Boy. This song gets me every time, and I'm not afraid to admit it.



i love cover versions - good or bad. this is one that happens to fall in the good category for me.



Rob Dougan is best known for his awesome classical/techno mashup for the Matrix Soundtrack. He's got a great album of cross genre music out, and this is a bonus track from that album - an instrumental (plus some mumbly sounds) of one of his songs. it has a great feel to it, i think.



last one - also a tearjerker, for me anyway. most people probably have heard this one, but i figured what the heck - it's a good way to close out music friday.

By now everyone should know about Mumford and Sons. If you don't, stop what you are doing and go listen to Little Lion Man. This song is not that one, it's another one - apparently their second single?



Thanks to mike for this one - he introduced me to Fleet Foxes. Thanks Mike.



Apparently I like alt-country. This is the Old 97's. I love this song, but then again, I'm a pretty sentimental guy.



for some reason, these last two give me chills every time i listen to them. in the first one, it's the chorus, i think. in the second one, it's the last minute and a half that does it to me.

Music Friday!!!!!!

Today's first post is apparently a plug for some of my favorites.

Mike Doughty - lead singer of Soul Coughing, went solo after they broke up. this first one is a fun song, and it's got some good lines (i love your baby fat....) The second and third are from a live shows - Mike is all about bootlegs, etc. He also puts on a great, GREAT! live show.







The Eels - they're not for everyone, but I like them. E (the lead singer) does some really cool stuff with layering their music that i think is fantastic. these songs might not be their absolute bestest, but i like the sentiments in all of them. some of you might recognize the third one as our cake cutting song from the wedding.

Smooth Criminal [Michael Jackson]

Okay, I know it's not friday, and i was a little (a lot) lax last week, but consider this my way of making up for it.

This is AWE.SOME.

Just Between You and Me [April Wine]

Don't tell Karen, but I don't really clean my apartment. We've already established that I'm not so hot at grocery shopping and cooking, but apparently I'm no good with housekeeping either.

I did do a pretty decent cleaning before she came to visit in December, but that's it. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not roaches and rats here. I take the trash out, and I don't leave food just sitting in the sink. But the thing is - I have flatware and dishes for 4. So that means 4 large forks, 4 small forks, 4 large spoons, 4 small spoons, and 4 knives. That's at least 16 possible uses before I have to wash something. And I have 4 large plates, 4 small plates and 4 bowls - so that's 12 uses. If I use some Tupperware as eating vessels, I can stretch the dishes to match the silverware. And if I really want to be lazy I can use the 4 knives to make sandwiches and then use paper towels as plates - so I've now made it to 20 meals w/o doing dishes. Let's pretend that I eat 2 meals a day at the apartment. I can go 10 days before I have to clean anything. But let's be honest - I sometimes eat out, so really, I'm probably able to do dishes once every 2 weeks.

Fun Fact: I've probably done 5 loads of laundry since I moved down here in October. I know at least one of my flights home I brought a suit case full of dirty clothes (I did wash them myself, FYI). And when I drove home for Xmas I also brought a rubbermaid tote full of laundry. I tend to recycle pants, and I have enough shirts that I can get by for a while, clearly. I'd probably do more, but the thing is, I'm totally creeped out by communal laundry. I don't think I had a problem in college, or I just didn't have a choice, but now it's just too much. I don't really remember the act of doing laundry at any point while I lived by myself in that tiny apartment in columbia - but I remember it in the dorms and in the places with roommates. I also remember it when I first moved to St. Louis, but that's because the machines at that apartment complex sucked, and I found cat poop in the washer one time. So - I do what I have to to get by, and take the rest home. As a bonus, I brought all my old, tattered socks and undergarments down here, so when this "adventure" is over I can just throw them away.

I've always talked about getting a new vacuum for the house, and Karen and I discussed doing that so I could bring our current vacuum to Dallas. We didn't because initially I had no idea what my living situation would be. Once I got the apt it might have been something worth doing, but instead I got one of those cool sweeper broom things like they have at restaurants. It does the job, and it's kinda fun to use, but I've only done it like 3 times since November. I'd make the argument that I'm not that dirty, but again, the real reason is laziness.

So, what we've learned is that after transitioning from single life to married life, I lost all my single living skills. And the saddest part is that I'm the one who does the vacuuming and the dishes, and I do my own laundry (that's a story for another day). So I am capable of performing these duties, I just don't. I've regressed into some sort of totally inept uber-bachelor. I promise I'm not like this at home.

They Say [Common]

They say don't go grocery shopping when you're hungry. They should also say don't go grocery shopping when you're sad and lonely.

I knew I was in a bad spot down here when one day I went into the Taco Bell by the school and the manager acknowledged me by my food order. That's an embarrassing and slightly troubling thing to have happen to you. And before coming down here, I had been doing so well. I borrowed the "no fast food" idea from a friend back in the summer - and I had about 2.5 good months before the Dallas thing happened, and then it went to crap. So I said to myself, "self, you need to get to the grocery store and get some groceries, and stop eating out" and so I've done that, but......

It's a strange thing, shopping for yourself (after shopping for two for so long). When I was in college I did it all the time - and it's not like I was the world's most horrible eater back then. I wasn't a super-vegan eco-dork, but I also didn't just eat frozen and microwave stuff all the time, either. So I go the store down here and a I wander around, and I just feel helpless, and a little inept. So i wander the aisles, and I pick things up, and I put them back, and then I end up with a few basic things and I take them back to the apartment. Then I never want to eat them.

The work schedule doesn't help, though. This quarter on Mondays I have class from 6-10pm, so I need to figure out dinner options. Wednesday and Thursday I have class from 1-5 and 6-10, so lunch and dinner are issue. If I get a routine going, I can make food Sunday and Tuesday, and use the leftovers during class days. But, that implies an amount of motivation that I don't currently have. So, what generally happens is I don't eat during class, and then I get back here at 11pm and I'm starving, and I eat then go to bed. And then I feel bad about myself and when I go to the store I think about that and then I wander around and start the cycle over.

Of all the things I thought might be an issue when I took this job, food was not one of them.

My Guy [Mary Wells] -- My Girl [The Temptations]

In our final Music Friday post:

what are your top 5 "song couples"? either because of their attitudes, their actions, or just because you like the music of the song. for the sake of this post, I'm only going with named couples - implied or unnamed couples will just muck it up.

for me, my list would be

1. Brenda and Eddie, from billy joel's scenes from an italian restaurant

these popular kids went through it all, and still walked away as friends. good for them.

2. Jack and Diane, from John Mellencamp's jack and diane

jack is pretty straightforward about what he wants. then again, diane is the debutante of his backseat.

3. Zak and Sara, from ben folds' zak and sara

sara seems a little more than nuts, and zak doesn't seem to mind.

4. Tommy and Gina, from Bon Jovi's livin on a prayer

even through their hardships, these kids stick together and support each other. it's tough, so tough.

5. Billy Joe and Bobby Sue, from Steve Miller's take the money and run

who gets bored and decides to commit crimes together? these two got away with it, and that is the american dream.

Celebration Day [Black Crowes]

Looks like we might call this "Music Friday".......


so a while back the black crowes released (actually the record label did) a new 2 disc album. originally I thought it was some sort of greatest hits redux, but it is actually a double disc acoustic set.

the thing with acoustic albums is that they are generally just a low-fi recording of the regular song - "oops, we recorded that take w/o plugging into the amp - let's call it an acoustic version and go home...." at first I was afraid that this would be like that - or that the songs would be similar to the 'acoustic' versions that were featured as bonus tracks in the boxed set. or worse, acoustic and live - which is the kiss of death for songs. that wasn't the case on this album.

what you get is 20 songs, some hits and some lesser known, all newly arranged for this album. there are mandolins, harmonicas, crazy gospel singers - these versions pull all the stops, and make some of the best renditions of these songs I have heard. What I really like is that they took the time to re-vamp the arrangements - some might not like that the rhythm and tone (or in a few spots the lyrics) have been changed, but it's a nice alternative. And it says something about the group that they can comfortably change their songs so much and still have fun with them.

as a special bonus, this album only costs $10. the Crowes set the price as a 'thank you' to the fans for 20+ years of support.

here's a pretty good example of the differences.


New Version


Original Version

LSD [Aliotta Haynes & Jeremiah]

When I was working at Target the radio station we listened to took to playing this song once or twice a week. At first I thought it was a Jim Croce b-side, but turns out it's not. it's by a group called Aliotta Haynes & Jeremiah. I don't know that they had any other hits (I don't know how much of a hit this one was, either) but I LOVE the piano riff throughout, and the violin that kicks in around 3.15 or so. it gets stuck in my head for days, sometimes.

I'll admit it - I'm cheating a little bit.  Many of you already heard (or read) the elevator story previously.  But a fella's gotta get content somehow.  Don't worry, original material will be presented post-haste.

elevation [u2]

How hard is it to use an elevator?  Not hard at all.  Here in Dallas, the general trend I’ve seen is that these students are horrible at elevators.  Maybe it's a social skills thing, maybe it's a spoiled kid thing. Who knows.  All I know is that it drives me bonkers.  Now, elevator usage isn't required at the school - it's only 5 floors after all.  But I use it sometimes when my knee is being screwy – going down stairs is fine, but up can be a chore.  I also use it  when I'm going to some classes - if I have stuff to hand out or give back I take a cart cause it's easier that way.  In general, I think these kids use the elevators because they are lazy (and, if elevator usage is any indication, I think they might actually kill themselves on the stairs.)

Let's say I’m on the elevator, going to the fifth floor - I'll get on and move to the back, since I'm getting off last.  Now that's just me - I don't really mind where you stand.  But let's say a person gets on the 2nd floor, and is going to the 3rd.  They'll also move all the way to the back.  Then, when the doors open on the 3rd floor, it's like they forget they’re going there, and wait until people try to get on or the doors start to close, then they want to get off.  Or, when the doors open, the people who are in the front seems to forget that other people exist, and they may want off the elevator. “why are we on the 3rd floor? I didn't push the button for 3”. Yeah, but maybe one of the other 8 people on here did.

Since this is a fancy art school, all the non culinary kids have these giant rolling portfolio things - like one of the rolling backpack things that started to be popular with lazy students as we were leaving school.  Only these things are ridiculous.  24 inches wide (maybe even 30), 40 inches tall plus handle, about 10 inches deep.  The kids will roll them on and then leave them propped at a 45 degree angle - so the 10-12 person elevator becomes a 4-5 person plus portfolios elevator.   And watching one student try to maneuver their portfolio past another one - hilarious.  Given their degree program, I'd like to think they know something about spatial relationships – I’m scared about the future of design if this is the best they can do.  Plus despite the large size and the pocket/strap placement, there is always something jutting out at an odd angle. I don't know why an 18 ruler needs to be stabbing me in the leg when your thing is 40 inches tall - if should fit nicely inside.  Also, those straps on the underside are for your t-square. Why would you even need to strap it onto the bag perpendicularly? 

Another elevator situation I can't seem to get enough of is the bum rush.  While it may take these kids forever to try to exit, they can't wait to get on, apparently.  Generally, when I am getting on an elevator I wait for people to get off. 1.)  to make room, and b.) to make it easier.  Not the students at AI Dallas.  Before the doors even open, these kids are right there trying to get legs or arms into the cab.   I mean, seriously?!   And if two bodies meet at the door?  They'll generally push past the person exiting, so they can get on.  So I've taken to moving to the door as soon as we approach my destination floor.  I'll just stand front and center.  It's great when I've got my cart, cause I'll turn it sideways - which blocks just enough of the door that they can't get by.  When the door opens and they can’t get on they get so confused – it’s like their world just falls apart.  Take that, jerks. 

Finally, how about those pesky reverse direction students.  So aside from the lighted arrows, as the doors open the elevators in this building will ding once when going up and twice when going down. Despite this, kids still get on expecting it to go the other direction.  Now as I’ve said, there are only 5 floors - so it's not a long ride in either direction.  The elevators are slow, but I've seen kids get on, realize they’re going the wrong way, and get off on the next floor to take the other elevator.  Sometimes, if my trip is short enough - like getting a room key from the library or dropping something off at the front desk, I'll actually be on the elevator going the opposite direction when the students get back on.  My favorite, though, is when a reverse direction student gets on and continually pushes the floor they want.  We start to go the other way and they realize their mistake.  Apparently what they don't realize is that the elevator won't recognize their destination until it's going that direction.  Say I'm going 1 to 5, and an RD kid gets on at 2. He pushes 1, and as soon as we start going up the 1 light goes off. So at 3 he pushes it again. And it goes off again. And at 4 - same thing.  It never fails to amuse me.  I always wonder if he feels defeated every time it goes off.  And once the elevator starts its descent and his light stays on, is the swell of pride he must feel the highlight of his day?  Probably so.

working for the man [roy orbison]

Last week I sat through a lovely (not) info session about social media, and how it pertains to me & my job.  I called it Facebook Training.  I don't think the lady who was giving the session found that very cute.

They went through this whole deal about keeping our place of business detached from our profiles, etc.  The options were to either remove any affiliation, or to keep the affiliation and then have to go through a whole disclaimer - every time you post something.  I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to type or read every time is "I am a full time faculty member at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.  The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the my employer or it's parent company."

Basically, the whole point of the thing was don't mix business and pleasure.  Don't be facebook friends with the students, don't go around posting crazy political views or other things if you want to keep the school's info in your profile, etc.  Since I don't believe in facebook, the only impact this has on me is regarding this blog.  So instead of naming it something that would make it easier to tie to the school, I went with This Is Not Made Up - I figured that would be a versatile title that I can use down the road, as well, and it avoids any link to my current job.  I suppose that if <i>you</i> know where I work and someone finds you and tortures you they could get that information from you, and maybe use it against me, but I don't really plan to go all cult-crazy with my thoughts and opinions, so you should be fine.

this is not a test [she and him]

This is the first post in what could be a daily, weekly or never updated blog.  

The layout of the blog will inevitably change, and I'll play with the look, too.  But for now, this post will be a place holder during my tinkering.  You'll never even know it's here.