Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, everybody! Now go scare somebody!

Black on Black

So it's time for the Friday Shuffle, then I'll tell you what I really think!
1.Go!-Tones on Tail
2.Jetstream-New Order
3.Birds Fly-Icicle Works
4.Lust For Life-Iggy Pop
5.Walk, Idiot, Walk-The Hives
6.Whenever You're On My Mind-Marshall Crenshaw
7.Romeo and Juliet-Dire Straits
8.Interstate Love Song-Stone Temple Pilots
9.Heart of Glass-Blondie
10.Bohemian Like You-The Dandy Warhols

While I love my iPod, it is cute and small and black and great to take on walks and to the gym and I can plug it in in my car, I love vinyl more than anything. I have never sold any of my albums. I still have really embarassing stuff from when I was in fifth grade.

I love everything about vinyl. The smell of the album as you pull it from its sleeve. The static spark that flies as you clean it. The sound of the needle dropping into the groove. The crackle and hiss in the moments of silence. The feel of the edge of the record as I cued it up on the turntable. But most of all, I miss the rich, full sound that is lacking in digital media. Vinyl is a riot to my senses.

The artwork for albums is a whole subject unto itself. It was bad enough when the artwork was shrunk to CD size, but now I am expected to go without it completely when I buy mp3's. I can remember laying for hours on the couch in my living room looking at the covers of albums, flipping through the pages in a gatefold, reading the lyrics in print big enough to see with the naked eye. The artwork always seemed to convey something important about the band. You could see who they were, or at least some sort of representation of who they were. I felt like I could connect with the band. Now they are faceless entities. I really don't like it.

So, call me a dinosaur. I'm sure this is how every generation feels as they see things that they were fond of in their youth slip into the history books. As for me, I'm saving my vinyl and will always have a working turntable. And my most prized possession in this collection? My autographed copy of 'All Rise' by Naked Raygun, signed in a parking lot in Greenville, South Carolina after doing an interview with crickets chirping in the background. Did you think I'd let you go a day without mentioning them?

5 Things You Don't Know About Me

Well, these are five things that most of you don't know about me. Lulu probably knows them all. Something everyone should know about me is that I am rarely secretive. I've got nothing to hide and hiding stuff takes too much energy.

1. I saw a dead man on the sidewalk in front of the bus station on my first visit to Detroit. Word to the wise, stay away from the bus station in Detroit.
2. I always smoked before I went on the air at the college radio station. I liked what it did to my voice.
3. I hate that I never learned to play an instrument. My mother was right.
4. Nothing has felt the same since I lost my mom two years ago. I know I'm an adult, but it seriously screwed me up.
5. I now fill this void with loud music and my children. I will be deaf soon and my children will one day run screaming.

More Fun Than A Barrel Of Borscht

I can't believe my good fortune. I thought I was just getting tickets to go see The Bomb and Four Star Alarm, but my all-time favorite Ukrainian band, Holyy Lazarski Nahane is playing on their Pillage the Village tour! I hear we all get free goats. Cool.

Newflash!!! Naked Raygun! Small Venue!

For anyone interested, Naked Raygun is one of the mystery acts at the Subterranean on Saturday, November 4th. Go to the Subterranean site for tickets. Thought you all might like to know.

Things I Do Instead of Studying (Weekend Shuffle)

I know, I know. It's not Friday. Sorry, I was still licking my wounds then. Here's my shuffle set.

1. It's My Life-Talk Talk
2. Horror Beach-The Horrorpops
3. Senses Working Overtime-XTC
4. Free Nation-Naked Raygun
5. Birthday-Sugar Cubes
6. Oi To The World-No Doubt
7. Desperate, But Not Serious-Adam and the Ants
8. Bitchin' Camaro-The Dead Milkmen
9. Nobody's Hero-Stiff Little Fingers
10. Lavender-The Go-Betweens

Yup, sounds like my brain.

Free Shit!!!!

NAKED RAYGUN-Knock Me Down

At one point the crowd screamed for "Free Shit." Naked Raygun is known for tossing all sorts of goodies with their logo on it. Jeff's response was, "The show's the free shit!" Just had to let you all see the fabulousness that was the Cobra show. Uh, I still hurt. Damn, that was fun!

Raygun...Naked Raygun

Naked Raygun Live at the Cobra Lounge, October 19, 2006

Oh You Pretty Pretty Boys.....

Last night was possibly one of the best nights of my life. In preparation for their upcoming reunion appearance at Riot Fest, Naked Raygun played to an invitation only crowd at the Cobra Lounge. I was there. They started with "The Strip" and ended with "Managua" with every favorite of mine in between. It is all a fabulous sweaty blur in my mind. I spent the entire show in the confines of the very friendly middle aged mosh pit, jumping up and down, bouncing off of other bodies, singing along at the top of my lungs. I felt like I was 19 again.....until this morning, ouch.

Every once in awhile in your life, fabulous things happen. While last night was unbelievably cool, Naked Raygun's existence has buoyed me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Full of optimism, criticism, heartbreak, and unbridled zest for life, their music has been part of the soundtrack to my life. I think of all of the shows I have seen with many friends over the years, from Sons and Daughters Hall in Grand Rapids to Metro in Chicago. I think of how many miles I have driven listening to them and singing along. Just yesterday I got some weird looks as I pumped my fist in the air as I sat at a stoplight listening to "The Mule." In addition to all of this, Jeff Pezzati has been one of the most intelligent and gracious musicians I have ever known. I've known him since my college radio days.

So last night was undeniably cool, but it also was undeniably precious to me. Unforgettable in the very best way.

Shout Out to My GR Home Girl

There used to be days when there was nothing better than a pack of Camel Lights and a trip to the mall with my college girlfriends. Wired on strong coffee and ciggies, we rolled with the windows down singing ABBA at the top of our lungs. We were wild chicks!

Does Anyone Remember This Song?

THE TOADIES-Possum Kingdom

I had to Google the lyrics to find the band name and the song, but I remember the song very well. Reminds me of driving to grad school ages ago during my first go-round with higher education. The Toadies? Either I have amnesia or I just never knew who they were.

Lest We Forget

It is still October and it is still Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of my friends is struggling with this disease right now and she is actively involved with Young Survival Coalition. They actively promote education programs for younger women under 40. This is a portion of the population that runs high risk of going undetected because most have never had a mammogram. Once again, get those yearly exams.

We Share DNA

While I realized that today was Friday the 13th, I did not realize that it had any particular significance since I really do not believe in luck. Apparently I did not get the memo that Sweetness received. She bounded out of bed with unusual enthusiasm this morning blathering something about it being dress-up day. She decided it was a good enough excuse to dress as wacky as possible. Her Friday the 13th celebratory outfit consisted of (Lulu and CP will know exactly what I am talking about) my old "waif/Laura Ingalls" plaid dress, argyle tights with a patterned purple sock on just one leg, a very graphic intensive hoodie and turquoise Chucks. As she came bounding down the stairs to go to middle school, she raised her arms and declared, "Let the teasing begin!" I have *no idea* how she turned out this way........

Fulfilling my Blogligation

1) Would you bungee jump? I am deathly afraid of heights, so I am inclined to say no, but I wouldn't rule it out.

2) If you could do anything in the world for a living what would it be? I would start my own record label.

3) Your favorite fictional animal? Heffalumps and Woozzles.

4) One person who never fails to make you laugh? That'd be Lulu.

5) When you were 12 years old what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian. Then I figured out how hard it was to get into vet school and I dropped it like a hot potato.

6) What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? I almost never hit the snooze button. I'm such a light sleeper that once I'm up, I'm up.

7) Have you ever gone to therapy? Are you kidding me? I should be in therapy right now.

8) If you could have one super power what would it be? The power to allow people to actually see things through someone else's eyes.

9) Your favorite cartoon character? The Tick!

10) Do you go to church? Not as often as I'd like to.

11) What is your best childhood memory? Laying out on the raft in the middle of the lake we used to acation at listening to the water and the loons.

12) Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? I had a small wedding and am not a big fan of weddings in general.

13) Do you own a gun? A squirt gun. I use it on the cat when he is being overly frisky.

14) Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes. I was drunk and REALLY angry and it was a long time ago. Thanks for bringing up bad memories.

15) Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? My parents forced me to be in the children's choir at church and I hated it. I quit as soon as they would let me. We did have a couple of very large performances.

16) What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Snarkiness. I'm not sure how to quantify that.

17) What is your biggest mistake? Honestly, I'm doing this for fun. This is not a fun question and I'm refusing to answer.

18) Say something totally random about yourself. I have to wear pajama pants, specifically, I hate having my knees rub against each other. I'm not sure why. I just do. I wish I could play guitar.

19) Has anyone ever said that you looked like a celebrity? People used to say I looked like Terri Garr when I was in my early 20's, but no one says that anymore.

20) What is the most romantic thing someone of the opposite sex has done for you? On Mother's Day this year, my husband brought me breakfast in bed and had made little heart pancakes.

21) Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? I usually do.

Test This, Baby!

MINISTRY-Stigmata

My head hurts and I have insomnia. I haven't had more than four hours of sleep a night for over a week now. I'm blaming my Psychological Tests and Measurements course. It is full of numbers and statistics and psycho-lingo. Makes me want to scream and possibly run over my textbook with the car. Fortunately, this particular torture will be over on December 8th. I'm counting.

Time For a Victory Lap

Thanks to all who donated and all who *gave of themselves* during this year's Boobiethon. The figures are in and they raised $9,260.50. That is an amazing amount of money that went directly to breast cancer funds. Stay tuned for this week's spotlight fund. Really, thank you all.

Aural Gratification

Lulu asked me yesterday if I had been obsessively thinking about this since I got tagged, but oddly, I really hadn't put that much thought into it yet. Now that I have a moment to come up for air, I'll try to crystallize my musical inclinations.

1. Music That Has Changed Your Life
In high school when I discovered WXRT and MV3 a whole new world opened up to me. One that included the Psychedelic Furs, Adam Ant, The Clash and so many more. I was never a mainstream kind of girl, so when I discovered that there was more out there than Journey and REO Speedwagon I immediately got on that ride. In college I would have to say that the first time I heard Bauhaus my freshman year, I was never the same again. I realized that music could take you to places you never dreamed of. I'll never forget sitting in my room listening to that tape of Bauhaus my friend Dwayne gave me. I felt like I was exploring a new planet. From that point on music began to define who I was. Additionally, I would have to include Naked Raygun. I adored them and loved being a part of the local scene.

2. A. An Album That Has Stayed With You For More Than Ten Years (In a Good Way)
There is a lot of stuff that has stuck around. Here are a few of my all-time favorites:
David Bowie-Hunky Dory
Love and Rockets-Express
Naked Raygun-Throb Throb

B. Music You're Supposed To Like, But Are Embarassed To Say You Never Really Did
I can tell you that it took me years to warm up to the whole alternative country thing. It was virtually blasphemous at the time I worked at the radio station in college. Everyone was soooo into it. Ask Lulu, for many years I preferred buzz saw guitar versus jangly guitar. It just made my head feel better. Now, I am a lot more diversified in my musical taste. I still am not a huge fan of anything that sounds a little too country. Makes my skin crawl.

3. Music That Makes You Laugh
I cannot listen to The Smiths without laughing at some point. Does it count if the video makes you laugh, because OK Go had the funniest video I've ever seen.

4. Music That Makes You Cry
What A Wonderful World-Joey Ramone version
Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile-Warren Zevon

5. Music You Wish You Had Written
Almost anything by Wilco. I am consistently stunned and in awe. However, I think if I actually could play and write, my music would come out sounding more like Matthew Sweet.

6. Music You Wish Had Never Been Written
Good Lord, I hate John Fogarty. Fingernails on a chalk board. I couldn't even tell you if his songs were good or not, I HATE his voice.

7. Current Music You Like
Bloc Party, The Bomb, The Methadones, The New Pornographers

8. Music You've Been Meaning To Hear
I don't have a copy of The Methadones new CD yet. It's all covers and is called 21st Century Power Pop Riot.

That's about it, kiddies. Time for me to go destroy another decibel of my hearing.

Anger Management

Looks sort of pretty, kind of interesting. This is a breast cancer cell. Thinking about it makes me so angry I want to break things. This is my nemesis.

Our family moved back to the Chicago area almost six years ago. About three months after we got here, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wasn't worried too much at first. I was educated. I knew my mom had been religious about her mammograms, so they got it in time, right? Wrong.

What many people do not know is that the hormone replacement therapy that doctors like to prescribe to menopausal women make mammograms cloudy and nearly impossible to read. Additionally, they make the breast tissue dense, so that even physical exams are not reliable. After my mom suggested that her doctor take her off the hormones, the next mammogram was clear and finally revealed the tumor. 10 centimeters. How the f%#@ do you miss that? I still am amazed.

She had a masectomy, which revealed that almost all of her lymph nodes contained cancer. This is bad. This means it has already started traveling around your body. Three rounds of chemo, metastasis to her bones, and metastasis to her liver were the things we all lived with and that my mom so bravely fought through for four years. She never complained, not once. She said, "The doctors tell me I've got a 30% chance of living. Well, I'm 100% alive." She is easily the strongest person I know.

All of this to say, there is more research to be done. There is more education to be done. There are people with no insurance who need treatment and early detection. I am angry because the system failed my mother and the research couldn't happen fast enough. I know a lot of people complain about the commercial "pinkness" of breast cancer awareness. Personally, I think the ribbons should be black, but I am on board to let people know that there is so much more that needs to be done. As I write this a good friend is battling for her life. There are lots of issues that need attention. This one has mine.

You Get What You Give

NEW RADICALS-Get What You Give

If you haven't taken the time to donate to a breast cancer cause yet, this is your chance. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This week's special is Boobiethon. Every week this month I will post another donation opportunity. I've got the dreamer's disease.

Boobs Rock!

Less than two years ago I lost my mom to breast cancer. It sounds like such an innocuous disease. Let me tell you, it is ugly. No cancer is pretty, because the way that it eventually kills you is by spreading and destroying one or more of your vital organs. If breast cancer stayed in your breast, it wouldn't kill you, but that isn't what it does.

So, thanks for the heads up from Lulu. I have sent in this picture to Boobiethon (you can see it in their gallery for free!) as well as a bare breasted version in hopes of raising much needed funding for research. It scares me to know that I am in danger and it scares me worse to know that my daughter is in danger. Flash your boobs for research ladies. Guys and gals, put your money where your mouth is and donate $50 or more ($50 buys you access to naked boobs, less buys the undying gratitude of millions of women and men) to Boobiethon. Keep breasts healthy and have a little fun. Boobs rock!