Five For Ten

I am totally jazzed to be interviewed by Beth from Cup of Coffey. As a fellow college radio alumni, I feel a connection to the music addiction it instilled in both of us. I've never given up my ravenous appetite for alternative/indie music and Beth must know that given the heavy hand of music questions she's dealt me.

What's your theme song?
You know, I think theme songs can change during the course of one's life. I think in the past I might have said either "Cynical Girl" by Marshall Crenshaw or "American Dream" by Love and Rockets. These days it's all about what do I really want from this life? What am I still passionate about? Have I compromised any of my dreams? I think some of these wonderings are explored quite nicely by Jeff Pezzati of The Bomb in the song 1000 Tons of Ice. This song is about second chances at dreams, something Jeff knows a lot about.

What are your five favorite albums and why?
You know, I think I've answered derivatives of this question before or maybe even this exact question, but like the theme song or any favorites list, I think my answers change over time. There are always a few that I think will live there forever, but some cycle in and out of this list.
1. Hunky Dory-David Bowie
This one is always at the top of the list. I will listen here. I will listen there. I will listen everywhere. This album displays the flexibility of David Bowie's voice and writing style. Bowie has several different variations of tone and delivery and deftly moves through all of them on Hunky Dory. Additionally, my love for Bowie includes his ability to write lyrics that sprawl from nods to Nietzsche to simple lines about his son. The music on this album flexes from one of my all-time favorite silly diddys "Kooks" to the hard rocking "Queen Bitch."
2.Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven-Love and Rockets
I guess this one is at number two because of its importance in my life. This is my college awakening album. I was already well immersed in the alternative scene at this point, but this was the album that struck a chord somewhere inside me. I have always joked that I have a Bauhaus brain trapped in a Go-Go's body. Seventh Dream of Teenage Heaven slithers around in the darkness in a most gloriously beautiful way.
3.Throb Throb-Naked Raygun

Not as experimental as the preceding Basement Screams EP but still more experimental than many, Throb Throb is a post-punk touchstone. Gritty, grinding guitar pushed aloft by great sing-along choruses and you have the beginning of the Naked Raygun formula. They stood out from your average neighborhood post-punk outfit with their rolling rhythms and their toying with various genres of music, usually evident in their song structure. This is fun smart punk/post-punk.
4.London Calling-The Clash
I don't know what I thought I was going to hear the first time I heard this album from start to finish. For sure, I thought it would sound much more aggressive than it does in many places. What I realized is that the punk cred that The Clash carried was captured in more than just guitars and drums. Their cred came from their social and political commentary that fills this album. The icing on the cake is that The Clash are one of the most versatile bands with regard to songwriting ability. They stand alone as far as I am concerned.
5.Quadrophenia-The Who
Before I became an alternachick, I was simply a rock chick. I spent my youth cutting my teeth on the classics. I quickly became especially drawn to The Who. They were a little more anti-establishment than other bands. In Quadrophenia, I found the story of someone questioning their life, wondering who they were. To this day, I have a hard time listening to just part of Quadrophenia. I want to listen to it from start to finish. Musically, I think it contains some of The Who's best material. I can't pick a favorite track because in my mind it exists as a whole. If Pete Townshend set forth to write a rock opera, I believe he succeeded.

If you could play on stage with one band, who would it be?
This is an easy one for me. Either Naked Raygun or The Bomb. I love their music and they are my friends (and I already know almost all of the words!) I've seen these two bands more than any others in my life and feel a deep connection to my local heroes.

What's the best concert you ever saw?



This is a hard one. I've seen so many concerts in my life and so many have been amazing for different reasons. I'm going to say seeing Love and Rockets on the Seventh Dream Tour at St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit. Love and Rockets were unlike anything I had ever seen before. I'd seen everything from huge arena shows to local punk shows at VFW's. Love and Rockets came on in a mist of fog and a blaze of strobes and completely sober I had an experience that was totally intoxicating. They were all so intense and I can't begin to tell you what Daniel Ash and his guitar do for me (distortion is the way to my heart). Their music went so far inside my head that night that I really have never been the same.

Why did you pick a Southern College? What did you like the best/least about the South?
I started undergrad at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While I loved my friends there, I had a really hard time with a lot of the hypocritical Christian students there. They'd tell me I was a heathen and then have drunken bashes that rivaled Roman orgies and head off to church in the morning throwing beer cans out of their car as they left. I had already started working at the campus radio station and went to the IBS (Intercollegiate Broadcasting Society) convention in NYC Spring of my junior year. While I was there, I met a ton of people from WUSC, the University of South Carolina radio station. I found out that they had one of the top college radio stations in the country at the time. A couple of weeks later, I went with my family to visit my grandparents in Charlotte, North Carolina (the Southern connection). I took a couple of days and went to go visit USC. I loved it. I was ready for a change and so I transferred the following fall. I don't regret a second of it. I needed a change and I ended up being Program Manager at WUSC and had a wonderful two years there. The thing I liked best about the South, particularly where I lived was the nearness of the coast. I loved heading out to the Isle of Palms on the weekend with our crew and hanging on the beach drinking lime daiquiris and eating fresh from the ocean shrimp and crab. I also loved spring down there. It's just so beautiful with all of the flowering plants. What I liked least about the South were the large quantity of racist individuals and the cockroaches. Damn, those things get big down there!


Anyone who would like to be interviewed, just leave a comment. I'd be happy to pry your secrets out of you!

Here They Come Again

I have to wonder if Friday night is the last night I will ever see my beloved Naked Raygun live again. Have they come out of retirement for good or are they just here for a victory lap? Either way, I'll be there one more time on Friday night, this time at the House of Blues.

My hope for them is that Jeff's voice will hold out, as it crumbled during their last outing due to illness. I want to hear the mighty Raygun roar one more time. I want to hear them rip straight through "Knock Me Down" and "Metastasis." I want to hear the crowd singing all the whoa-hey-ho's. I want to see a mass of devoted followers scrambling for free shit. I want to see and hear my guys at least one more time.

I am guardedly optimistic about the evening. Sweetness and one of her friends are coming with us. I want them to love it as much as I do, even though I know that is impossible. These are the anthems of my youth, of my rebellion, not theirs. They'll have their own. I sometimes feel like I wish we could do the stupid Freaky Friday trick and switch bodies for one day so that she could feel all that I feel when I listen to Naked Raygun. Well, hell, now I've ventured into Disney territory. That's just sad.

I love this band. I guess it's past of what makes me, well, me. Can I mosh just a little bit?

Stratford Upon Cat Heads

A big Happy Birthday to William Shakespeare. It is fortuitous that on Thursday I will be joining Lulu and our friends Jane and Steve to enjoy Troilus and Cressida at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This is our third and final play of the season and I am already looking forward to next season.

I have odd fond memories of reading a lot of Shakespeare in college. As an English major, I was required at the University of South Carolina to take both a course on his comedies and his tragedies. Due to scheduling issues, I ended up taking both of them in one semester. I loved it. In fact, it was probably one of my favorite semesters in undergrad. I was living in an apartment on my own and basically spent almost every evening curled up on my sofa reading Shakespeare. How bad could that be? I had two brilliant professors for the courses as well and wish I could go back and thank them for their insight and enthusiasm.

So, Happy Birthday to the Bard! I often wonder if he realized how influential his work would become and how his stories of love and betrayal, human introspection and comic wit would cross cultural and temporal boundaries. Bravo! And now, for your entertainment...Cat Head Theater. Come on, this had to be a little silly, right?

Seven Songs or What Puts the Spring in Tenacious S's Step

OK, so I wasn't officially tagged, but after going through a rough time with school, I've crawled out of my hole and am enjoying life again. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I am dancing again. I realized this when I was driving the middle school kids to school the other day. One of my seven came on and I could not sit still. That's a very good thing.

I'm Not Down-The Clash
Just listen to the rhythm in this one. I dare you to sit still! The older I get, the more I appreciate the true genius of The Clash. They were musically versatile, writing songs that covered so many different styles. Lyrically, pretty in your face punk, but also just great commentators on the condition of living. London Calling might be the second album I'd grab if the house was on fire.

Small Talk-The Ponys
I'm a girl who likes a little distortion with her coffee. Swirling guitars and hollow echoey vocals on this one make my head buzz just right. Who needs drugs? Just turn up the stereo.

Somebody to Love-Queen
I have to thank *gasp* Panic! At the Disco for reigniting my love of Queen. They did a respectable version of Killer Queen when I saw them with Sweetness this past winter. Truth be told, of all the groups out there, they probably come closest to matching Queen's drama level. Growing up, Queen was probably in my Top 5 bands. For some reason I have really strong memories of laying out on the raft at the lake in Wisconsin with my crappy old Walkman clone feeling Freddie's pain and joy, my emotions cresting and falling with his vocal delivery, my head filled with the operatic beauty that was Queen.

Black and White Town-The Doves
This is one of my roll the windows down songs. Can you tell I listen a lot in the car? Can't explain why this sounds like a warm sunny day with the breeze blowing through my hair. Music is so visceral for me.



Read My Mind-The Killers
Have you listened to Sam's Town, their latest effort? I may have lost all of my sensibilities, but I really think it is one of the most cohesive pieces of music out there right now. I think they pushed themselves to grow and came up with an album that is going to stand the test of time. Then again, I may have gone mad. Sweetness loves this band and therefore we listen to it a lot in the *shock* car. I have been held captive and forced to listen to Sam's Town start to finish on multiple occasions and I have to say, it has been a pleasant surprise. Read My Mind showcases all that makes The Killers their own brand of music. They have managed to borrow from the past, but twist it enough that it is fresh and unique. Come on, I lived through the '80's. They have synthesizers, kids. Used properly they are fabulous. Used improperly, well, it can be dorks with keytars. The Killers have a very shiny metallic studded looking synthesizer. I'm calling it cool.

That's Just What You Are-Aimee Mann
I am so glad she has managed to make a career for herself after 'Til Tuesday. I think she is one of the most talented songwriters out there. Period. Her vocal range is something to be awed by as well.

(I'm) Stranded-The Saints
I've always got some straight up punk tune tripping around in the back of my brain. The Saints managed to make some great melodic driving music. I classify this as beach music in my world. Granted, it's a beach where people are probably sweltering in leather jackets, but they remind me a bit of the vibe The Ramones had going. The Ramones are beach music, right?



So, now do you understand the picture at the top? I've got the windows rolled down and I am in full Spring Fever. Woof!

I'm tagging our new friend, Julia!

Meme Above All Memes

What was the first recorded music you bought?





My mom took my brother and I to Turn-Style and we were each allowed to spend some of our gift money on an album. We were given the choice between The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Because they had a recent surge in popularity, I bought The Beach Boys Endless Summer. Hey, my choices were limited. My next purchase, I believe, was Boston. Rock!

What was the last music you bought?

The Ponys-Turn the Lights Out. They are a local group and I had seen them "simulcast" during Lollapalooza a couple of years ago and liked them. I haven't had time to listen to it yet. I'll let you know if it lives up to my expectations.

What was the first "professional" music show you ever went to?

The first show I was allowed to see was Rush. It was at the Chicago Amphitheater, which was in a gritty part of town. My parents really didn't want me to go, but they had promised and let me. They shouldn't have! My date (and our driver) dropped acid at the show and got lost in a bad place to get lost. The cops led us back to the highway, but I was still driven home by a tripping seventeen year old. Good Lord, how am I still alive?



I had the jersey version of this shirt. I wore a lot of tight jeans and eyeliner. I used to scare Lulu.

What was the last?

Big shock, I saw The Bomb a few weeks ago. It was one of their better shows and it was at The Abbey, which is an old favorite haunt of mine. Me, Lulu, beer and cute Irish boys we were crushing on. Ah, youth.

What's your "desert island" album?

David Bowie-Hunky Dory
The Thin White Duke reigns supreme and this particular album exposes a vulnerable side of him, I think, along with some serious rocking tunes as well. Variety is the spice of life.

What's your favorite album/song title? (the *title* , not the actual album or song).

Favorite song title might be Shoplifters of the World Unite by The Smiths. Favorite album title is one I recently saw and it kind of cracked me up, Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven by a band called godspeed you! black emperor. Don't ask. I just liked the visual it put in my head.

What's your favourite album art (include an image of it if you can)?




Technically, this is an EP, but it has the most psychedelic groovy illustrations ever. Plus, it always reminded me a bit of Monty Python, which is never a bad thing. It's the Dukes of Stratosphear-25 O'Clock

Ideal choice for a karaoke song?

Tempted-The Squeeze
I know all the words to this song and cannot resist belting it out badly EVERY time I hear it.

Song you don't like that WILL NOT LEAVE YOUR HEAD if you hear it.

I get shivers down my spine typing this because I know I will be stuck with the hell that is My Humps by The Black Eyed Peas for the next several hours. Honestly, lady lumps? I think that is the worst lyric EVER.

Which is cooler? -- Vinyl? CD? Cassette? 8-track?

Vinyl, duh. I get euphoric just thinking about it. The smell, the feel of the edge of an LP between my fingers as I cued it up at the radio station, the pop of the needle hitting the surface, the hiss between tracks, liner notes and lyrics, cover art that looked like art because it was big enough to notice the details and the rich sound that came from vinyl. Why, God, why did you take this gift from us?

I'd like to tag Echo (if he ever surfaces again) and his nemesis Grant Miller.

Welcome to My World

Imagine being diagnosed with cancer. Now, imagine that once the doctor delivered the diagnosis he turned around and said, "Well, as I see it, there are a bunch of different things we can do to help get you healthy. I'm going to give you a list. Go home, do some research, and then when you decide which treatment you'd like to proceed with, try and find someone who specializes in that treatment. Oh, and your insurance probably won't cover most of it. Oh, and there's a waiting list for most of the good specialists. Good luck!" In essence, this is what parents are told when their children receive a diagnosis of autism. There is no consensus on treatment and there is no real network of providers, except for a few cutting edge programs in the world. Personally, I can't even begin to imagine the confusion and fear that most of the parents face as they begin their journey down the road of autism treatment. I am impressed every day at how dedicated some of these parents are in finding the best care they can for their children.

I rarely speak of my occupation as I am bound by so many ethical constraints. But, as some of you know, I am a case manager for a behavioral consultation firm and I provide home-based educational services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). April is Autism Awareness month and I felt it was time for me to speak a bit about these children that I have come to know and love through my work. Since Autism now affects 1:150 children born, chances are you've heard of Autism or have read reports about Autism or know someone with Autism. I won't go into great detail about the disorder itself other than it primarily affects social, language and play skills in children. What I do want to talk about is the fact that considering the high prevalence rate, diagnosis and treatment are in what is essentially the Stone Ages. While there is no known cause or cure at this time, there are several therapies that have been proven to be effective in reducing some of the symptoms. What is confounding to me, is the difficulty that parents have finding valid information about treatment. I am not exactly sure what has to happen to change this scenario, but I know something needs to happen.

I also know that time is of the essence for treatment. Ideally, children should engage in intensive treatment up until approximately age seven, when the neural connections become less plastic. All of this leads to an epidemic headed for our school systems. Underfunded to begin with, schools struggle to provide appropriate services due to the high cost of intensive services. Families struggle with the high costs as well, as much of the private treatment isn't covered by insurance. The bottom line is that with intensive services delivered in the early learning years, lifetime cost of services decreases exponentially. For now, the system is broken and we all are going to be faced with paying for this epidemic in one way or another.

This is my life's work, my passion and my pleasure. Like any job, there are ups and downs, but on the whole, I couldn't be happier with my job. Really, it's the kids. So many people have the misconceived notion that children with autism are incapable of forming meaningful relationships. While the work to develop a relationship is a little more arduous, the payoff is well worth the effort. Recently, one of the most moving moments I had at work was with one of my little guys who doesn't have much language. He is accustomed to pulling us around to get to an object he desires. While I knew he really enjoyed our play time, he had never really asked for it. I was sitting at the table tabulating some data and I felt this little hand on my shoulder pulling me around. As I turned, he got the biggest grin on his face and yelled, "Tickle me!" Now for some of you, this isn't a profound experience. For me, I knew that this meant so many wonderful things were coming. He had learned that his words got him what he wanted and he had learned that people are fun. To me, that's worth it all.

These kids are a part of me. I understand them even when they can't talk to me. In some ways, I feel like I speak another language. I've learned to catch the most fleeting glance. I've learned the hidden secrets of tantrums. I've learned that sometimes they can't look at me and listen at the same time. Most of all, I've learned that just when you think you've run out of patience, there's always a little more.

The Blind Leading the Blind

Last night I purchased my first ever baseball mitt. Not for my son. For me. Mr. Ten S has a lot of travel booked in the coming weeks and I have been tagged with the responsibility of getting Bink to practice and games and playing some catch with him.

Now what you need to know is that when I was young, girls were not allowed to play Little League, so I have zero real baseball experience. I used to play Chicago ball on the street corner a lot with the neighborhood kids, but you don't need a mitt for that. In short, I have never really had to use a mitt in my life. I'm a little concerned. Those dang little baseballs are hard as rocks too.

So, how the heck do I help my son learn how to play a game that I can't play myself? My assets are that I actually can hit pretty well and know all of the rules, but my deficits are throwing and catching. I bought the kid some books and a DVD to help explain the mechanics of throwing, catching and hitting, but I think live practice is best. This is going to be a comedy in three acts.

Fortunately, it looks like tonight's practice is going to be snowed out, but that means he's going to need even more help next week. The first night of practice was difficult for him. He's in Middle League now, and it is a little more serious. There are kids on his team that are very good players. I think he saw them and got scared. Scared that he wouldn't be good enough to be on the team. Bink loves baseball. Mostly he loves running in the field and playing in the dirt, but he loves it. He watches it on TV, he goes to games and he just plain loves the game. Our family is not rich in athletic talent, so Bink is not necessarily a gifted player. I think we'd all settle this year for average. So I guess he and I will fumble our way through this. I'm hoping most of the laughing will be directed at me. I'm a far better sport about things like that. I figure if neither of us ends up with a black eye or knocked out teeth, we'll have been successful.

Just Take Me Away Now

Some people might define crazy or reckless behavior as engaging in illegal or dangerous activities. In my world, reckless behavior is defined by my decision to go full-time again this quarter. Despite the fact that I have told everyone that I was going to cut back to part-time, I've changed my mind.

I've been experiencing small panic attacks centered around the length of time it will take me to finish, which means the length of time until I have a little more control in my job. Last quarter was admittedly the most painful of my long and illustrious academic career to date, but just like childbirth, the pain is vanishing in my memory and the pride of having completed it has taken over. I am a glutton for punishment.

I promise that I will try not to whine like a big baby every time I feel myself going under. Actually, I looked at the syllabus for the two courses I am enrolled in and they both look much more managable than either of my last two courses. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I think it won't be too painful. Besides, always remember that I live in a constant state of competition, both with myself and anything that looks to be a good fight. Feel free to occasionally offer to take me out for drinks if I become too irrational. I got a lot of mileage out of a couple of Zombies and some good conversation.

Free Kitten to Good Home

Ah, spring. The robins have returned, the grass is greening up, the weather is warming, and ................Edward is shedding like a banshee. Not that I know for sure that banshees shed, but if they did, I imagine it would be similar to the fur storm going on at our house right now. A sure sign of spring at our house is the lovely layer of white fluff that covers every surface.

So, bright girl that I am, I decided to brush Ed today, so as to lower his chances of coughing up an enormous hairball or two due to his incessant licking. I brushed and brushed and brushed him. He wasn't very happy about the whole ordeal and swatted at me a couple of times and was generally grumpy throughout the process. But the sense of victory that I felt was overwhelming when I realized that the volume of fur I brushed off of him was roughly the size of a large kitten. So, if anyone would like a ragdoll kitten, I have enough fur to get you started at least. Internal organs might be a bit tricky.

10 + 1

Gotta love the androgeny that was omnipresent in the '80's. Boys dressed like girls, girls dressed like boys. I remember feeling very cool when I wore a tie and vest. I guarantee I was also wearing some garish shade of lipstick that was opalescent. So very attractive. The Human League song conjured up so fond and not so fond memories of that whole period in fashion. I am soooo much cooler in my zippy hoodies.

1.Kharma Chameleon-Culture Club
2.All the Small Things-Blink 182
3.Kool Flattop-Horrorpops
4.Period-Mission of Burma
5.Boards of Canada-Stereolab
6.Birdhouse in Your Soul-They Might Be Giants
7.I Don't Want This Anymore-Straylight Run
8.Letterbomb-Green Day
9.Raga Bahar-Ravi Shankar (WTF????)
10.Don't You Want Me-Human League


FRIDAY FUN FACT!!!!!!!



Did you know that the country that drinks the most coffee is Finland? They are followed in order by Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. I'm guessing months of darkness and ass freezing cold have something to do with it. These are my people. Maybe a coffee cup should be my tattoo. Nothing says punk rock like a cup of coffee. One lump or two.

Stranger Than Fiction?

1. Who were you with last night?
Mr. Ten S, Sweetness and Bink watching Stranger Than Fiction. That movie rocked. As Sweetness so eloquently put it, "It was great because the comedy wasn't forced."

2. What woke you up this morning?
Our GIANT cat, Ed, when he leaped on me at about 6:15. He's very cuddly at night.

3. Where are you?
Sitting in my chair in the living room.

4. Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Absolutely! I get my hair cut and highlighted. Brady, my colorist, is a fabulous person and I look forward to seeing him every few months. Plus, I will have good hair again. It's getting too long.

5. Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
Bink is always good for a nice kiss and hug as he heads off for school. He's a sweety.

6. When was the last time you cried?
Two days ago, thinking about how much I still miss my Mom. Nope. Now. All I have to do is think about her and I tear up.

7. Ever thrown up in public?
Several times in my amateur drinking days, which are gratefully over.

8. Passed out because of alcohol?
Only once. Ask Lulu. We were on an El train and she and her boyfriend tried to sell me. I'd say that I'd like to forget about it, but I have no memory of it whatsoever except for what has been told to me.

9. Who's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
How tired I am and how I wish my coffee would work a little faster today.

10. Would you take a bullet for anyone?
Absolutley. Anyone that I love dearly.

11. Where would you like to live?
I've lived a lot of places and I am so glad to be back in Chicago. I'll get wanderlust again in a few years.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A rock journalist.

13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Done with school and having a little more control of my work life. Also, I hope it includes more travel. Again, the wanderlust.

14. Do you like candy necklaces?
Ick. They taste like crap and they stain your skin.

15. When was the last time you fell over or ran into something?
I fell up the stairs last week. It is one of my signature moves.

16. Do you listen to music every day?
Are you kidding? Every day, almost constantly except when I am trapped at work. Then I sing to my kids that I work with. Maybe this is why they cover their ears. I was thinking it was a sensory integration thing.

17. Do you still go trick or treating?
I don't go trick or treating, but my total guilty pleasure is squirting trick or treaters with the fog machine as they come up the stairs to our door. I get giddy just thinking about it.

18. What was the last thing you ate?
Popcorn last night while watching the movie.

19. Are you a fast typer?
Medium, but with proper form. My mom made me take typing in high school.

20. About how many people have you liked?
Uh, are we in middle school? Should I circle yes or no?

21. What are you doing this weekend?
Apparently, I am celebrating my freedom at a party on Friday night. I have to babysit all day on Saturday and on Sunday I am going to join the gym that Lulu goes to.

22. What’s your favorite type of SODA?
I don't really like soda that much. About twice a month I'll have real Coke if I am tired.

23. Have you ever won an award?
Yup, and I'm always looking for the next one. Have I ever mentioned that I am competetive?

24. What do you want to do right now?
Go shopping for new clothes. My wardrobe is in a terrible state.

25. Are you listening to music right now?
For real or in my head? I am listening to Aztec Camera in my head. I heard it on Mindy's blog this morning and now it's stuck, but I like it and don't really want to stop the soundtrack just yet.

26. Do you like someone right now?
I like a lot of people. A better question might be who I don't like right now.

27. What's a quote that you love?
"I'm a sad, bad, lonely little girl." -Sweetness, age two, in the time out chair

28. How long 'til your birthday?
Too long to use it as an excuse to indulge myself.

29. When were you the saddest in your whole life?
When I lost my mom. I can't believe all the levels of sadness that there are and how long the sadness lasts. It takes on new meaning almost every day.

30. What time is it?
9:01 a.m.

31. Do you use eBay to buy or sell?
I am an eBay addict. I have bought everything from albums to our antique dining room set. I think it is absolutely amazing what you can find there.

32. What makes you mad?
Injustice. Makes me CRAZY mad.

33. Have you ever had a song written about you?
Not to my knowledge, but it's possible.

34. What song makes you cry?
I have to be headed towards crying to have a song make me cry.

35. What song makes you happy?
A Town Called Malice-The Jam Makes me want to jump up and dance around the room every time I hear it.



36. What do you like to listen to before you go to bed?
Rain on the roof.

37. Do you have a job?
Uh, yeah.

38. If you were a crayon what color would you be?
Periwinkle

39. What makes you happy?
My family and friends, going to shows, time to myself

40. Whats the next CD you're gonna buy?
Sweetness and I just bought a few at Target. We bought The Killers, TV on the Radio, and some emo something or other that I can't remember. I have an eMusic account and I downloaded some Guided By Voices yesterday since I don't own anything of theirs.

Taggity tag to whoever wants to play along.

The Anglo Files Vol. II

MY BLOODY VALENTINE-Realise

Technically a British/Irish band, My Bloody Valentine were part of the fabulous shoegazer genre of feedback and fuzz. They are making my list because they remind me of an old friend, Jan Williams. I met Jan (pronounced "Yan") at the radio station in South Carolina. He was one of my DJ's and an exchange student from Warwick University in England. Jan was a great guy and had a nice working knowledge of alternative music. You know, unlike other British people I have known, Jan was a little less absolutist and more amiable. Anyhow, we got to be good friends over my last year in college.

After graduating, I worked for awhile and saved up all of my money and made a trip to Europe solo. One of my first stops when I was there was to visit Jan. I actually got quite ill while I was there with him, but was unable to get medical care until I got back to Germany where I was staying long term. Turns out that I had a kidney infection and really was pretty sick. So, weirdly, now My Bloody Valentine and Jan remind me of having a kidney infection. I'm not so sure that's good.

YAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

BLOC PARTY-Banquet

Sweetness and I are on our way out to go see Bloc Party tonight. The bad storm has blown over and I feel free again. Hopefully the next two weeks will bring me some peace, rest and fun. Happy Friday, Everybody!

In the Eye of the Storm

Finally, some news to lighten my spirits. This is the quote from my professor regarding my final paper (the big 20 page beast).

"Paper is comprehensive, well-researched, well-written, focused--superb. Thank you for your consistently high contributions to the class. 40/40"

Even though everything else is kind of making me seasick, this was indeed good news. Two A's for me! Magna Cum Laude, here I come! Because everything is a contest.......

The Anglo Files Vol. I

THE CHILLS-Leather Jacket

I will admit that I probably am an Anglophile, especially when it comes to music. While I love, love, loved the alternative scene in general, there was something about the music that came out of England from the late '70's all the way through the '80's that crawled under my flesh and took root deep inside my brain. My exploration of this music was encouraged by a Brit that now is long gone from my life. As Lulu and I discussed some of the sillier aspects of this friendship earlier today, it sent me on a musical journey in my head to places I hadn't visited in a long time. There's a whole catalog of music that exists up there that I sometimes forget about. And so, to satiate myself and hopefully for your enjoyment, here's the first installation of music that is lurking around in the recesses of my mind.

Comin' At Ya! Tunes and Trivia

I'm strapped into my study chair and ready for takeoff on my LAST Statistics assignment. Apparently my iTunes wanted to get my day started right with some high octane tunes. Oddly, I slept well for the first time in weeks last night (asleep by 9:30 and slept all night), but I am feeling more tired than ever this morning. I'm convinced sleep is kind of like a drug. The more you get, the more you need. Well, the coffee is brewing and I am gosh darn giddy with excitement about getting this quarter finished off. I think that will get me through the day. Here's the Friday brew from the iTunes:

1.Mirror in the Bathroom-The Specials
2.Birthday-Mission of Burma
3.I Don't Know-Naked Raygun
4.Tell That Girl to Shut Up-Transvision Vamp
5.Bring the Shotgun-The Bomb
6.Town Called Malice-The Jam
7.Blitzkrieg Bop-The Ramones
8.Money-Flying Lizards
9.SXRT-Bloc Party
10.Changes Are No Good-The Stills

New feature at Tenacious S-Friday Fun Fact!
Did you know that the koala is the sleepiest animal on earth? It sleeps an average of 22 hours a day. It wakes up at night to eat one to two pounds of eucalyptus leaves and then passes out again. I don't think the people who researched this fact have met my daughter yet. While we have no hard evidence, we often wake to find empty boxes and containers in cabinets and the fridge. Please view the following photos to compare daytime sleeping habits of both creatures.

Bon Jour!

MALAJUBE-Fille a Plumes

Two clicks this morning and this is what I found. God bless YouTube. Honestly, I have been a hermit for so long now that I have nothing to say. I feel drained and am in the midst of the last big push to finish this quarter. I'll be a much better friend next week. At midnight on Sunday night I will officially be freed from my cage. Look out! Well, look out after I take a couple of days to catch up on my sleep.

Oh, So That's Who I Am?

Good thing someone told me, because I really had no idea.

Read my VisualDNA™     Get your own VisualDNA™

I Don't Know Shit

BEN FOLDS-Bastard

The more I know, the less I know. Somehow those are the most freeing words in the world to me. I am realizing that the quest for new knowledge is way more interesting than mastery of what I have. New perspectives feel fresh and trying on different shoes is a challenge. We all have our stories. We all bring our unique perspective to life. Sure, there are a few black and white concrete answers in life, but there sure is a lot that is open for debate. That's cool.

Deer In Headlights

I am immobilized by the crushing weight of everything that has to be done. And so, I stand here, not blinking, staring into space, wondering where to start or if I should make a break for it. There is Red Bull in the fridge. That ought to tell you how this week is going. I'm going to dart back into the forest now. I'll come out when the road is clear.

Super-Silly-Us

Not much time. Going slowly mad. Enjoy!

Surrender

I can't decide if this is an act of surrender or if it is an act reclamation. I have decided to slow my pace in school starting next quarter. Yes, it will take me an additional year to finish, but I'm just not willing to live like I have been these past several months. I have no life. I rarely go out. I spend all my would-be free time doing homework. I never see my kids. I haven't seen my Dad in weeks. It all bothers me a great deal. In the end, the degree will be helpful to my clients and will boost my salary, but I refuse to sacrifice my life for it. I liked the life I had. It was full of friends and family. Now it is full of.........my computer and textbooks. People have always been the center of my life and I'm not willing to sacrifice that for anything. I'll still finish. I'll probably get better grades and will be a way better mom, wife, case manager and friend in the process. I feel like getting one of those dorky Wham! t-shirts that says "Choose Life!" and wearing it through town. I choose to have a life.

Fun With Aqua Net

FUZZBOX-Love Is A Slug

Procrastination often reveals fabulous jewels. This video is everything that was fun about the '80's. Whimsy, dancing, and Aqua Net.

CHA! CHA! CHA!

When you've had an awful day
And your job's not worth the pay
Margarita, Margarita

When you tried to slam on brakes
And now you'll be paying higher rates
Margarita, Margarita

When you studied really hard
But you're feeling like a 'tard
Margarita, Margarita

When you took a brand new job
But your new boss is a slob
Margarita, Margarita

When you've been an awesome cop
But you just want it to stop
Margarita, Margarita

When the kids you teach are cool
But your boss is such a tool
Margarita, Margarita

When you've changed your blogsite's name
But the posts are still real lame
Margarita, Margarita


CHA! CHA! CHA!

Stereophonic Invasion

When music makes you want to do that, you know it's got to be great. Here's this Friday's random mix.

1.Bicycle-Queen
2.Is It Too Late?-World Party
3.A Life Between Us-The Finn Brothers
4.Down in the Tube Station-The Jam
5.Surf Combat-Naked Raygun
6.Elvis Presley in America-U2
7.Burn-Alkaline Trio
8.I'll Be Around-Duvall
9.Ride-The Vines
10.Wipeout-The Ventures

Early Warning-For any of you who dug the Hoodoo Gurus, they will be playing at The Abbey on March 25th. Happy alternative surf music!

Word

I decided I needed a little pick me up today. I've got a big fat commute coming up this afternoon and I always try to pull a special CD or two to play in the car. I've got my standard rotation, but sometimes I need a change. I'm suffering from insomnia right now due to some serious stress from school and work, so I needed something positive and upbeat. World Party is what I settled on. I need a little good news right now.

Without going into detail, I was up almost all night last night worried about a meeting today. A little guy's future is hanging in the balance. Basically, all I can say is that nothing was resolved in the meeting and I felt like the only sane one in the room. Everyone was well intentioned, but all were so caught up in their own drama that no one could see what really mattered. So, round two on this one next week. Sing it, Karl.

Viva Vintage

I used to love shopping in vintage clothing stores. I loved sifting through the racks of unusual apparel looking for the perfect beaded sweater or a kicky skirt to wear with my lace-up boots. Sadly, somewhere along the line, I seem to have given this up. Maybe it's because I have a hard time working some of the items into my everyday case manager wardrobe. Maybe it's because it takes time to look through everything. Maybe I feel like I'm too old to pull some of it off anymore. Whatever the reason, I sure do miss visiting all of the shops.

So now I get to live vicariously through my daughter. Today Sweetness and her friends are going to go to a great little vintage shop near our home. I've driven past it a million times, as it is near the grocery store. I always love their window displays, which they change on a regular basis and are always outstanding. I feel nostalgiac for the days when my friends and I could spend entire days hopping from shop to shop. I hope she comes home with some fabulous treasures.

I Don't Know Why I Don't Like Sunday

Every Sunday it's the same thing. I sit and struggle with my big statistics assignment of the week. I think I understand and then I realize that I have no clue. I have now been working on this piece of shit for about three hours and am nowhere near completion. To complicate matters, I am supposed to have at least seven pages of my paper done by midnight and I have only one completed. If I were not a rational person, I would blow my brains out right now. I hate this. I am a prisoner in my own life. I want to quit so bad right now, it's not funny. The thought that I have another year and change of this is enough to drive me to drink. And no, I will not get the summer off. I hate this. And I do mean hate, a lot, all the time, every day.

Killer Klowns

THE DICKIES-Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Bubs, this one's for you! I saw the Clown Killer post and *ZAP!* this is where my head took me. It has clowns, lineups, fingerprinting, handcuffing, dames, guns, and a guy in a fez hat. What could be better?

Ode to the Rat

Tender leafy springtime plants
Covered with some little ants
You ate them and you left the stumps
You piled up great big muddy clumps

I came to pick a little flower
I saw your teeth had awesome power
I thought you were a baby rabbit
As it was spring and your species' habit

And then one day I saw two eyes
Reflecting back the sunny skies
To a mouse, I thought, they did belong
Oh how I was so very wrong

I didn't want to kill the mouse
Just flush him from his little house
Into the hole I stuffed the hose
And then so slowly the water rose

I waited and stared down the watery hole
And then the bubbles began to roll
Larger and larger the bubbles popped
And then in horror the hose I dropped

Out sprang a creature so dark and vile
He looked at me with his evil smile
"I ate your plants" he seemed to say
"F#@* you, rat!" this is your last day!

I screamed and ran as fast as I could
He needed to die, I thought he should
I dialed the phone to call the "man"
He came right over with his poison can

Down the hole the poison went
A message to the rat community sent
It took two rounds to kill the rat
He's dead, I'm happy and that is that.

Random Rock

Statistics assignment? What statistics assignment? Huh? In the immortal words of Twisted Sister, "I wanna rock!"

1.The Whole of the Moon-The Waterboys
2.Be My Number Two-Joe Jackson
3.Been Caught Stealin'-Jane's Addiction
4.Come Dancing-The Kinks
5.Less Than Zero-The Methadones
6.We Will Rock You-Queen
7.Fat Randy-Voodoo Glow Skulls
8.Eighties-Killing Joke
9.Come On Eileen-No Doubt
10.The Passenger-Iggy Pop

Alright. I've shirked enough, and I want to go to the Tiki Terrace tonight, so back to the books.

I Smell A .........

A couple of years ago, I was tending my garden on a lovely spring day. I had planted several perennial flowers the year before and was glad they had come back and were so big and healthy. Then I noticed it. Next to one of my flowers was a small hole in the ground and next to the hole, one of my plants had been chewed to a nub. "Oh, those rotten rabbits," I thought. Even though I had never seen a rabbit in my neighborhood, I assumed the furry little beasts had taken up residence in my garden and had set about to eat all of my precious plants.

A few days later, I noticed the hole had gotten bigger. Now I was mad. They had eaten two of my plants and were making an awful mess of my garden. I worried that it was spring and that there would be cute little baby bunnies down the hole. I decided I wouldn't do anything about them.


Days passed by and then when I stepped out onto the porch one day I saw little beady eyes peering out of the hole at me. Shit. Not rabbits. Not cute baby bunnies. Mice. There were mice where we lived in the suburbs growing up. Irritating, but kind of cute. Off he scampered under my porch. I decided that I needed to take action. This was my fatal mistake.

The next day I armed myself with the hose, as I had decided to flush the suckers out. I didn't want to poison them. I figured if I flooded their home, they would feel unwelcome and leave. I shoved the end of the hose down the hole and turned on the water. Five minutes went by and I couldn't see any water rising to the surface. Ten minutes. Finally, the water started rising in the hole. "Industrious little mice," I thought to myself. As the water filled the hole I stood next to it watching. Then I saw a few bubbles. Then I saw large bubbles breaking on the surface of the water. Then it happened.....


Out popped the biggest rat I have ever set my eyes upon. It was enormous. I threw down the hose, shreiked like a little girl and ran into the house, slamming the door behind me. Through the window I saw the bastard run under the porch. I walked into the kitchen, picked up the phone and called the exterminator with the largest ad. Bunnies. Not quite.



Did you think you'd escape without a video?

I'm Scared

HORRORPOPS-MissTake

Statistics are scary. I'm bleary-eyed and frightened. Time to rip it up psychobilly style. Either that or I'm going to bed.


HORRORPOPS-Ghouls

Shuffling Through the Snow (or laying around in it, whichever)

Time to shuffle off again. I am happy to say I am enjoying a normal Friday night off. Yahoo!!!!

1.Say It Loud! I'm Brown and I'm Proud!-El Vez
2.Give Me Novacaine-Green Day
3.What's Under My Bed-Horrorpops
4.Back on the Chain Gang-The Pretenders
5.I'll Melt With You-Modern English
6.Through Your Eyes-Matthew Sweet
7.Rebellion (Lies)-Arcade Fire
8.Life During Wartime-Talking Heads
9.Somebody to Love-Queen
10.Optimistic-Radiohead

Screw the shuffle. I'm listening to London Calling and having a dance party in my living room all by myself. It's Red Tail Ale time!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things (that start with "R")

How do you narrow down your favorite things in life? Well, when you have one letter to work with, that helps a lot. Here are some of the things that make life good.


Ranunculus-They are unusual flowers that have layers of petals and subtle colors. I love to dig in the dirt. Some of my happiest moments have been spent taking care of flowers.

Rock-As in music. Couldn't live without it.

Racing-I like stock car races. I like to watch them on TV, but I love going to dirt track races in small towns where there's an accident on almost every lap and you can feel the engine in your belly when the cars roar by.



Ragdolls-Our cat Ed is a Ragdoll. He is fluffy, silly and social like a dog. This is his Great Grandpa "Bear."

Running-I used to run a lot. I loved running. I like being outside and I like being by myself. It was the perfect sport. Then I shattered my ankle. No more running. I still miss it. I like walking, but it's not the same.



Ribs-When I lived in South Carolina I lived near Piggy Park, best barbeque in the country. Now we have Hecky's. Mmmmmm.

Reading-I like reading. I don't like reading my textbooks, well, sometimes I like reading those too. I like reading before I go to sleep.

Rest-A good nap is like heaven on earth.

Records-I like the smell of vinyl. I miss big LP covers and liner notes. I still own a turntable and always will.



River Thames-Next to Chicago, London is my favorite city. I love the narrow streets in some areas, the Tube, the stores, the art, and the history. My roommate from college lived there and I visited her a couple of times many years ago. I've lost touch with her and it is one of my great sorrows in life. I have fond memories of piling in her roommate's itty bitty car and going down to a pub on the river. I hope to visit London again soon.

You Make Me Smile With My Heart!

To All of You,
Happy Valentine's Day!

Big 80's Love,
Tenacious S

Venting

At the end of a weekend where I had less downtime than I really needed, I'm ready to blow off some steam. Seeing as it's late and the only place I have to go is here, here it is. I just feel like I need to yell and scream a little and let the kettle boil over before I can start another week. Four weeks left. Oh yeah, I'm counting.

President Barack Obama

I am encouraged. Run, Barack, run. Make our hope reality.

Oh, Hell No!

I am Charlie Brown. The football is statistics and my knowledge of statistics. I took a good run at the ball today. I don't know who the hell Lucy is. Possibly the part of my brain that should be able to understand this, but doesn't. Taunting me, "You think you know which is worse, Type I error or a Type II error? Ha, ha! I don't know how to figure that out. Guess you'll be falling on your ass!"

Why?

Psycho Friday Shuffle

My iTunes apparently were possessed today. Now that all of my music is finally home in one spot on the happy shiny Macbook, the mix is getting a little weirder. That being said, the mix from Pete Yorn to The Eagles to Natalie Merchant was actually pretty sweet. I miss the mixing board at the radio station. I could create pure genius with that. I loved nothing more than controlling the segue between two songs, fading the new song in at the perfect moment while carefully fading out the old one. Now that was a beautiful experience. Someday I'll find some software that lets me have that level of control again. For now, here's the psycho mix of the week:

1.Arcade Fire-Neighborhood 1-Tunnels
2.Tones on Tail-Slender Fungus
3.Pete Yorn-Crystal Village
4.Eagles-Desperado
5.Natalie Merchant-Wonder
6.Gwen Stefani-Rich Girl
7.Virginia Astley-Some Small Hope
8.The Smiths-How Soon Is Now?
9.Alkaline Trio-We've Had Enough
10.ABBA-Knowing Me, Knowing You

No Man is an Island

Sometimes this is how I feel. Remote, isolated, alone in a sea of whatever it is that is surrounding me. Funny, sometimes the only place I want to be is on that island by myself. I often feel like no one understands or cares. I feel myself drifting further and further away and really not minding that I can't see the mainland anymore. Where's Gilligan for a little comic relief?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

The Bears were not victorious, it's -4 degrees this morning, and I love it. We're back to being just plain old Chicago. I can barely believe that I was away from the city I love for so many years. I'm wearing my long johns, a big wooly sweater and have mittens that look like squirrels (so I was told by the neighbor boy). I'm a happy girl.

Bears and My Brain

I really, really, really want to watch and actually enjoy the Super Bowl today. Not that I am a huge football fan, but because this is my town and I want my team to win. I love Chicago and I want this for the city. But I have one more hurdle to jump before kickoff time, my crappy statistics assignment of the week. I now loathe Sunday, because I can no longer procrastinate and the dumb thing is due by midnight.



Now I realize I could probably do some of the work after the game, but I plan on enjoying a couple of margaritas and some yummy ribs, and alcohol and a belly full of protein is not so conducive to sharpness of thought. So, I am off to fire up those little neurons and get this beast done. If I can pass Statistics, maybe the Bears have a chance at winning the Super Bowl.
Go Bears!!!!

Wondering What To Do This Weekend?

OF MONTREAL-Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games

In case you needed suggestions for fun activities for the weekend......

You Can Dance If You Want To...........

I was just thinking how cathartic going dancing was for me. Whatever my week was like, I knew I had Smart Bar, a few drinks and a few hours of just letting it all go on the dancefloor. Much cheaper than seeing a shrink. I think I may need to turn up the music and dance around when I finish my homework tonight. I guarantee everything will feel better. Wanna dance with me?

My Favorite TV Show Ever

Freaks and Geeks was written about me. I am convinced. I was Lindsay, the smart girl who couldn't play nice and found life a little more interesting in the smoking lot. My church group friends were always trying to rescue me, but I was too busy trying to figure out who I was. No other show has rung so true for me. I almost cried when they cancelled it. I actually was one of those people who wrote to the network begging them to bring it back. To this day I am sad that we only have a handful of episodes of what I believe to be TV genius.

This particular clip is one of my all time favorites. Nick is one of my favorite characters. He tries to be a tough guy, but he's painfully sentimental. I've known this guy. There were a lot of them in the smoking lot. Nothing makes better TV than cringing awkwardness. Freaks and Geeks rocked. At least I have the series on DVD. Whenever I forget what my teenage years were really like, I can watch them. I would say the only difference between Lindsay and I is that in the end, she goes off to follow the Grateful Dead. I hate The Dead. I ran off to follow punk bands. Other than that, watch the series and you'll see my family and my life. Really.

C'mon Little Buddies, Work!!!!

These are brain cells. Mine are very tired and confused. Statistics makes them hurt. I am pretending that they are on the cross country team and just finished their big long distance run of the week. They like to jog, but not too far. Now they want to go to bed. I hope they'll wake up in the morning. I'll be needing them again.

What Does 42 Look Like?

Somehow, I thought it would be different. I guess I thought that how I feel inside is how I would look outside. I'm not even sure I look like I should at 42.

You watch your parents age and I remember my parents going through their forties. They seemed so grown up to me. Of course, I was a kid, so anyone over the age of 18 was ancient, but they looked more mature than I think I do. I wonder if I seem the same way to my kids.

I wonder when I will have to give up some of the things that I love because I will simply be too old. Will I have to give them up? Will I stop wanting to do things at some point? Will I change? I haven't felt a strong change yet. I always wonder if it is lurking around the corner.

Aging is very strange. I'm not actively fighting against it, but I'm not letting it be an excuse to give up or to let go. It's hard to reconcile how you can feel so young inside, but your body ages. My father told me this week that his friends say the same thing. They're all in their seventies.

Here's to another year of being 18 on the inside.

The Boys in the Bands Vol. III

Michael Hutchence was the ultimate frontman. Beautiful, fabulous voice and moves that created a tension so palpable, you could rip it apart with your teeth. A writer, a singer, an Aussie and tragically missing now from our lives. Oh, Michael, you were my favorite lead singer.

INXS is probably one of the poppiest bands that I will willingly cop to loving. They had a great groove and churned out hit after hit in the 80's and into the early 90's. I had the good fortune of seeing them live on two occasions. Michael was a master of working the stage and the crowd and his voice sounded just as great live as it did recorded. Not everyone can claim that feat. Add the fact that he was beautiful and a bundle of sensual energy and you have the recipe for whipping people everywhere into a hot and bothered frenzy. I typically don't cross lines into that category either, preferring to stay a little more detached, but oh my, oh my.

Sadly, we lost Michael back in 1997. Celebrity deaths usually feel to me more like a fact than anything important. Michael Hutchence's death felt like something more. I actually miss him. Nope. Didn't know the guy at all, but I can feel the hole that he left in the world, at least in my world. Maybe it's because I don't usually let myself turn into a squealing twelve year old at the meer thought of someone unobtainable. Maybe he was my rock and roll ideal. Whatever the case, I miss him. I refuse to go see them with J.D. whoever taking his place. It would feel awkward and would make me miss him all the more. Do I feel like a teenage fan girl even as I write this? Yes, I do.

So, here's an homage to teenage lust and the teenage lust that lives inside of every one of us, I hope. Or should I say, the devil inside.

There Comes a Time

There comes a time in the middle of the night when you have a choice of staying up or attempting to sleep. I finished my assignment a little while ago after being held prisoner by school all day. I want a few minutes of my own and know they won't come in the morning tomorrow. So I've been sitting here reading and looking out the window at the snow, enjoying the cold, dark quiet. I suppose I'll go to bed for a little while, but I want a few more minutes of nothing first.

And Now For A Brief Message From Your Sponsor

Today's Shuffle:
1. Matthew Sweet-Sick of Myself
2. Mission of Burma-Nancy Reagan's Head
3. Iggy Pop-Lust for Life
4. Horrorpops-Dotted With Hearts
5. No Doubt-Simple Life
6. Voodoo Glow Skulls-Thrift Shop Junkie
7. The Vines-Ride
8. Dumptruck-Walk Through Mirrors
9. Waterboys-Whole of the Moon
10. Fugazi-Long Distance Runner

Looking forward to seeing some of you on Saturday night! I'm off to cram my homework assignments in before the inebriation commences. Peace out!

The Boys in the Bands Vol. II

How could an adolescent girl in the late 70's and early 80's not love these boys? It was the tag team of Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen that sucker punched me into hysteria as a young teen. Robin was white hot and Rick was possibly the coolest guitar player I had ever seen. Sure, he played up the geek factor, but he rocked the checkered look hard. Couple their look with riffs sent from heaven and a band name that made my parents gasp and they had an unwaivering fan.

I didn't get to see them live until the mid-80's when they were the opener for INXS. Now I love INXS and I guarantee that Michael Hutchins will be the subject of another story in this series, but on that night, Cheap Trick ruled. They were loud, energetic and Rick Nielsen is a machine. This is a band that has taken the idea of pop, tossed it into the blender with rock and sprinkled it with a little New Wave. Slurp it up, kids. It doesn't get much sweeter.

Farewell......sort of.......not really

School starts again on Monday. I'm dreading it and hyperventilating and having apocalyptic nightmares. This quarter, I am hoping, will be the worst one. Not that I want it to be, but it gives me hope that the rest will be tolerable. Basically, I suck at math and I have to take graduate statistics, not having had a math class since 1985. It's a little intimidating. What I think is even worse, is that the class I thought would be easier looks like it is going to be really yucky. The professor sent us all an opening letter with an enormous diatribe about what he doesn't like (and not worded in a very friendly manner).

So, I have sworn that I am going to severely limit my blogging. I am thinking I will limit myself to two visits per week. If it turns out that I am freaking out for no reason, I'll see you all more often. If it turns out I am rightfully hyperventilating, then you'll know why I'm not around. Hopefully I will see some of you when I come up for air on the 20th. Oh, and by the way, for those of you who care, Naked Raygun is officially back together and will be playing House of Blues on April 27th. Tickets go on sale on January 10th. And fortunately, it will be after this nasty quarter.

The Boys in the Bands Vol. I

It's no secret that I am an avid music lover. It most likely is no secret that I have harbored some pretty serious bandboy crushes over the years as well. They are innocent love fests that usually involve me swooning over either looks or voice or lyric writing aptitude or fabulous virtuosity on whatever instrument they play. Most often the killer combo for me was nice cheekbones and a British accent. Put those two together and I was a goner. So, here is installation numero uno of the boys I have *loved* through the years.

Richard Butler. Ah, Richard. With the voice that sounded like velvet and cigarettes. He crooned his way into my heart somewhere around 1983. President Gas, We Love You, Heaven.......he was snarky, sarcastic and seductive and I loved it. This was one of the first shows ever that I had really good seats. I went to see them in about 1984 with my brother and we were in the second row. I don't think either one of us anticipated the earshattering volume the Psychedelic Furs managed to produce that night. I firmly believe that this was the show that began my progressive loss of hearing. Forget that my ears rang for days. Richard sang to me. Right to me on many songs. At 18, I looked into his eyes and lost myself in the music and dreamed of being swept away to England to live a fabulous and totally hip life.

And so, I give you bandboy crush number one, Richard Butler..........



PSYCHEDELIC FURS-Sister Europe