Tonight's background music of choice is "Different Names for the Same Thing", by Death Cab for Cutie.
I know it's been two weeks since my last post, and I am sorry for that, but there has been a lot of things going on in my life. First and foremost, it was my birthday last week, woot woot, so that was fun. As a present to myself, I ended up flying to Washington, DC for the weekend to see a lot of my friends. As I barely know anyone in Chicago now, friends are definitely something I realized I took for granted when I had them all around me.
Also, this has been a very busy for me and my work, getting a lot of stuff done for our new game. It's been hectic and busy as all get out, but a complete blast at the same time, so at least I have that to lean on.
Which brings me to tonight, which is what finally got me off my ass and back on the site. I ran a bunch of errands today, and then when the night rolled around, I realized I really wanted to go out and have some fun. So I called up the few people I do to see if they wanted to do something. No response from anyone. I then decided I would just go out myself and have a good time that way. I mean, we've all seen those guy and and girls that are out by themselves, just chilling, but obviously have a great time nonetheless. Yeah, turns out I'm not one of those people, not by a long shot.
This brings me to my thought for the night. I'm only in Chicago for another six to seven months, and then I'm out of here to places unknown, once again to start all over. And if there is one thing I realized from my night out tonight, trying to have a good time and meet people, and maybe even a special lady or two, because I am guy after all, it's that I really need to work on me. There are a plethora of issues I've been dealing with this past year, whether it's not cleaning up after myself, not being organized and proactive in life, or even letting myself continue to get in worse and worse shape. It was when I was sitting over my Guinness tonight, alone, in a crowded bar, that this is the best time I could have to work on these issues.
I'm not here long. My roots in this city are temporary at best. Other than work, I have almost distractions currently in my life. Finally, I just turned 24. I am officially in my mid-twenties, and it is just upon seeing that in writing that this has hit home. So, I am now taking it upon myself to change my life, change me, for the better, starting with getting back on a diet and getting my head screwed on right. Also, completely unrelated, but I'm also gonna start saving up money for that Fender Telecaster that I've been wanting for ages. Hopefully this goes well and doesn't blow up in my face. But hey, now I've written on the internet for everyone to see, so this has to work.....right?
“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.”
-Winston Churchill
Good night everyone, and hopefully this will work out this time.
I know it's been two weeks since my last post, and I am sorry for that, but there has been a lot of things going on in my life. First and foremost, it was my birthday last week, woot woot, so that was fun. As a present to myself, I ended up flying to Washington, DC for the weekend to see a lot of my friends. As I barely know anyone in Chicago now, friends are definitely something I realized I took for granted when I had them all around me.
Also, this has been a very busy for me and my work, getting a lot of stuff done for our new game. It's been hectic and busy as all get out, but a complete blast at the same time, so at least I have that to lean on.
Which brings me to tonight, which is what finally got me off my ass and back on the site. I ran a bunch of errands today, and then when the night rolled around, I realized I really wanted to go out and have some fun. So I called up the few people I do to see if they wanted to do something. No response from anyone. I then decided I would just go out myself and have a good time that way. I mean, we've all seen those guy and and girls that are out by themselves, just chilling, but obviously have a great time nonetheless. Yeah, turns out I'm not one of those people, not by a long shot.
This brings me to my thought for the night. I'm only in Chicago for another six to seven months, and then I'm out of here to places unknown, once again to start all over. And if there is one thing I realized from my night out tonight, trying to have a good time and meet people, and maybe even a special lady or two, because I am guy after all, it's that I really need to work on me. There are a plethora of issues I've been dealing with this past year, whether it's not cleaning up after myself, not being organized and proactive in life, or even letting myself continue to get in worse and worse shape. It was when I was sitting over my Guinness tonight, alone, in a crowded bar, that this is the best time I could have to work on these issues.
I'm not here long. My roots in this city are temporary at best. Other than work, I have almost distractions currently in my life. Finally, I just turned 24. I am officially in my mid-twenties, and it is just upon seeing that in writing that this has hit home. So, I am now taking it upon myself to change my life, change me, for the better, starting with getting back on a diet and getting my head screwed on right. Also, completely unrelated, but I'm also gonna start saving up money for that Fender Telecaster that I've been wanting for ages. Hopefully this goes well and doesn't blow up in my face. But hey, now I've written on the internet for everyone to see, so this has to work.....right?
“There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.”
-Winston Churchill
Good night everyone, and hopefully this will work out this time.
Tonight you will be lulled off to distant lands while reading this post by the song "Auto Rock" by Mogwai, another artist who, if you haven't heard of, you need to go check out immediately. Like right now. Go!
Anyway, if you couldn't tell from my opening line, I am once again posting with a little alcohol in my system. That, however, is not my fault. I would instead blame the very friendly bartenders at my local Italian restaurant. They pour drinks way too generously for my own good.
It was recently brought to my attention by someone who reads my posts that I all too frequently spend not enough time relating my own life to you, the readers, but instead ramble on and pose a somewhat related philosophical question towards the end. I should, in fact, be telling people more about me and my life and what I contribute to the pollution of the blogosphere and so on and so forth. This very well may be true, and if that is the case, then they are right. I truly have gone and missed the whole point of writing posts and asking questions of my audience. Even the writing I am doing right now, by their definition, is simply wrong and a waste of not only mine, but the reader's time. That is, of course, assuming that they are correct in the definition. And we all know what happens when you assume. You make an ass out of you....not me, just you.
Posting and blogging can be about our lives, but if you're like me, you simply don't have much of a life to write about. Herein lies one of the greatest attributes about blogging: it can be about anything you want. For some, this means telling people about their lives in the utmost detail, leaving nothing out and everything out there for people to see. To do this, in my opinion, takes a large amount of stupidity, but above that, courage and bravery. It is these people that I salute for their ability to just leave it all out there. I cannot do that, mainly because I have nothing to leave, but even if I did, I simply don't have that kind of courage. So to all of you brave, stupid bastards, I say bravo.
For me, these posts are simply a way I can clear my head of the cobwebs, the junk, the emotions, the ground up fear, my worries and woes, my joys and disappointments, and share them with a group of people who will not judge me, who can't judge me. In this Blogosphere, we are all, together, nameless, and yet we know each other better than we know much of our families. That is what I aim to do here. I shake my head out, clear away the junk, and respond with what's left. But then again, isn't that all any of us can really do?
And now, it is time for that great philosophical question to you, dear readers. Since my rant has been a longer one today, I will keep this question brief: What is the Blogosphere to you?
"Your blog is your unedited version of yourself."
-Unknown
Good night everyone, and may you enjoy your own little corner of the Blogosphere for many years to come.
Anyway, if you couldn't tell from my opening line, I am once again posting with a little alcohol in my system. That, however, is not my fault. I would instead blame the very friendly bartenders at my local Italian restaurant. They pour drinks way too generously for my own good.
It was recently brought to my attention by someone who reads my posts that I all too frequently spend not enough time relating my own life to you, the readers, but instead ramble on and pose a somewhat related philosophical question towards the end. I should, in fact, be telling people more about me and my life and what I contribute to the pollution of the blogosphere and so on and so forth. This very well may be true, and if that is the case, then they are right. I truly have gone and missed the whole point of writing posts and asking questions of my audience. Even the writing I am doing right now, by their definition, is simply wrong and a waste of not only mine, but the reader's time. That is, of course, assuming that they are correct in the definition. And we all know what happens when you assume. You make an ass out of you....not me, just you.
Posting and blogging can be about our lives, but if you're like me, you simply don't have much of a life to write about. Herein lies one of the greatest attributes about blogging: it can be about anything you want. For some, this means telling people about their lives in the utmost detail, leaving nothing out and everything out there for people to see. To do this, in my opinion, takes a large amount of stupidity, but above that, courage and bravery. It is these people that I salute for their ability to just leave it all out there. I cannot do that, mainly because I have nothing to leave, but even if I did, I simply don't have that kind of courage. So to all of you brave, stupid bastards, I say bravo.
For me, these posts are simply a way I can clear my head of the cobwebs, the junk, the emotions, the ground up fear, my worries and woes, my joys and disappointments, and share them with a group of people who will not judge me, who can't judge me. In this Blogosphere, we are all, together, nameless, and yet we know each other better than we know much of our families. That is what I aim to do here. I shake my head out, clear away the junk, and respond with what's left. But then again, isn't that all any of us can really do?
And now, it is time for that great philosophical question to you, dear readers. Since my rant has been a longer one today, I will keep this question brief: What is the Blogosphere to you?
"Your blog is your unedited version of yourself."
-Unknown
Good night everyone, and may you enjoy your own little corner of the Blogosphere for many years to come.
Tonight's musical stylings are brought you courtesy of "A Girl, A Boy, A Graveyard", by Jeremy Messersmith.
So here I am, sitting in my bed, 1:30 in the morning, music playing off my laptop, eyelids struggling to stay up, and I just can't fall asleep. Okay, so can't is the wrong word choice here. It's more of an issue once again of I don't want to. I don't know why. I love sleep, as anyone who has read my posts before can attest to. And yet, once again, my mind simply won't let go of the reigns and embrace the night. Control freak, your name is my brain.
It's been several days since my last update here, but they were at least good days. One of my best friends Frank came to visit me from NYC, and it was a blast. We got to go to Wrigley Field and see the Cardinals take on the Cubs, though they did lose.
I was able to show him a bit more of the city that has become my phone and will continue to be so for the next 8 months. To make things even better, Taryn, a friend of mine who I haven't really talked to lately since we went on a date a month or so back, joined us for dinner Saturday night. And yes, I'm avoiding the issue of Taryn and I and the date. That's a story for another time....or never, whichever.
The past couple of posts I've been asking questions to all, and though I haven't really been getting answers via response comments, I am hoping that you are at least thinking over the question to yourself and mulling over the answer. That or just forgetting the question altogether and politely nodding along while reading this post. Either way, good for you.
This brings us to tonight's question, and it's a bit more of an abstract one, in light of me finally getting ready for that great job search, so here it is. Does our fear, fear of finding a job, fear of finding someone who cares for us, fear of not finding the one great cake pan before Great Aunt Mable comes to town, does that fear ever go away? Do we ever reach a point where most of life's mysteries are pretty much answered in relationship to us and start enjoying life in the moment, or are we always thinking ten steps ahead, in the great unknown, where anything can happen?
I know this question was a longer, more convoluted one, but it's something that I've been wondering about lately. Anyway, thoughts, questions, concerns, fears of another immaculate conception? I'm all ears.
"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
-Marie Curie
Good night everyone, and may you understand your fears in these swiftly coming days.
So here I am, sitting in my bed, 1:30 in the morning, music playing off my laptop, eyelids struggling to stay up, and I just can't fall asleep. Okay, so can't is the wrong word choice here. It's more of an issue once again of I don't want to. I don't know why. I love sleep, as anyone who has read my posts before can attest to. And yet, once again, my mind simply won't let go of the reigns and embrace the night. Control freak, your name is my brain.
It's been several days since my last update here, but they were at least good days. One of my best friends Frank came to visit me from NYC, and it was a blast. We got to go to Wrigley Field and see the Cardinals take on the Cubs, though they did lose.
I was able to show him a bit more of the city that has become my phone and will continue to be so for the next 8 months. To make things even better, Taryn, a friend of mine who I haven't really talked to lately since we went on a date a month or so back, joined us for dinner Saturday night. And yes, I'm avoiding the issue of Taryn and I and the date. That's a story for another time....or never, whichever.The past couple of posts I've been asking questions to all, and though I haven't really been getting answers via response comments, I am hoping that you are at least thinking over the question to yourself and mulling over the answer. That or just forgetting the question altogether and politely nodding along while reading this post. Either way, good for you.
This brings us to tonight's question, and it's a bit more of an abstract one, in light of me finally getting ready for that great job search, so here it is. Does our fear, fear of finding a job, fear of finding someone who cares for us, fear of not finding the one great cake pan before Great Aunt Mable comes to town, does that fear ever go away? Do we ever reach a point where most of life's mysteries are pretty much answered in relationship to us and start enjoying life in the moment, or are we always thinking ten steps ahead, in the great unknown, where anything can happen?
I know this question was a longer, more convoluted one, but it's something that I've been wondering about lately. Anyway, thoughts, questions, concerns, fears of another immaculate conception? I'm all ears.
"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
-Marie Curie
Good night everyone, and may you understand your fears in these swiftly coming days.
This evening's late night update is brought to you commercial free from the song styling "Judith (Renholder Remix)", by A Perfect Circle.
So it's only my second week back to work/class, and already things are in full swing. I have a Game Studio to oversee, paperwork and assignments coming out the yin-yang, and getting flack from people all around, and you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. It's an odd feeling, going into work everyday, feeling excited about what's going to happen. Not exactly something that happened to me on a regular basis back in university. But there is something definitely awe inspiring about working in an environment where you're challenged in every direction, and you can't get enough of it. Granted, that's not to say I couldn't do with more breaks and midday siestas, but you get what I'm saying.
Tonight I will be once again polling my small readership with a question, but this time of a far more personal nature. First, let me preface the question with a little background. I tend to think of myself as a friendly, sarcastic, loyal, and caring guy. I tend to think of my friends in the highest priority, and I love them all very much. However, lately, with some of my "closer" friends, I have definitely noticed some static from their end, whether it's not returning phone calls and text message to what appears to be blatantly ignoring my existence. Now, it's very possible I'm simply being overly sensitive to these issues, but I still can't shake the feeling that many of these actions are being aimed precisely at me, which is what raise my question of the evening:
How can you tell when a friend doesn't want to be your friend anymore, or better yet, how can you tell when a friend is being fair-weather and simply using you when is easiest for them?
I know this is a very open ended question, and I do apologize for that, but this is still a question that has been plaguing me for weeks on end. Call me paranoid, call me neurotic, call me what you will. I am only me, so I have to ask the question. So, dear readers, how can you tell when a friendship has become one side only?
Now, onto a happier note, I do have a good friend coming into town tomorrow night for a quick visit, which should be fun. We're going to check out a Cardinals/Cubs baseball game, and I'm going to introduce him to some of the finest grub to be found in Chicago. Speaking of, if you're ever in the area and in the mood for a burger, The Bad Apple is second to none. Great burgers, good people, and a beer list that would make any fraternity boy slobber with glee.
So, this is the current state of my life, small and sequestered as it may be. Hopefully I'll get some feed back to tonight's question. Otherwise, have a good weekend folks.
"Every generalization is dangerous, especially this one."
-Mark Twain
Good night everyone, and may you have dreams worth remembering.
So it's only my second week back to work/class, and already things are in full swing. I have a Game Studio to oversee, paperwork and assignments coming out the yin-yang, and getting flack from people all around, and you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. It's an odd feeling, going into work everyday, feeling excited about what's going to happen. Not exactly something that happened to me on a regular basis back in university. But there is something definitely awe inspiring about working in an environment where you're challenged in every direction, and you can't get enough of it. Granted, that's not to say I couldn't do with more breaks and midday siestas, but you get what I'm saying.
Tonight I will be once again polling my small readership with a question, but this time of a far more personal nature. First, let me preface the question with a little background. I tend to think of myself as a friendly, sarcastic, loyal, and caring guy. I tend to think of my friends in the highest priority, and I love them all very much. However, lately, with some of my "closer" friends, I have definitely noticed some static from their end, whether it's not returning phone calls and text message to what appears to be blatantly ignoring my existence. Now, it's very possible I'm simply being overly sensitive to these issues, but I still can't shake the feeling that many of these actions are being aimed precisely at me, which is what raise my question of the evening:
How can you tell when a friend doesn't want to be your friend anymore, or better yet, how can you tell when a friend is being fair-weather and simply using you when is easiest for them?
I know this is a very open ended question, and I do apologize for that, but this is still a question that has been plaguing me for weeks on end. Call me paranoid, call me neurotic, call me what you will. I am only me, so I have to ask the question. So, dear readers, how can you tell when a friendship has become one side only?
Now, onto a happier note, I do have a good friend coming into town tomorrow night for a quick visit, which should be fun. We're going to check out a Cardinals/Cubs baseball game, and I'm going to introduce him to some of the finest grub to be found in Chicago. Speaking of, if you're ever in the area and in the mood for a burger, The Bad Apple is second to none. Great burgers, good people, and a beer list that would make any fraternity boy slobber with glee.
So, this is the current state of my life, small and sequestered as it may be. Hopefully I'll get some feed back to tonight's question. Otherwise, have a good weekend folks.
"Every generalization is dangerous, especially this one."
-Mark Twain
Good night everyone, and may you have dreams worth remembering.
Hey all,
Tonight's song of choice is "Only in Dreams", by Weezer. For tonight's subject, this song seemed appropriate.
It should also be noted I'm a little drunk right now, so if I have spelling issues or word malfunctions down the road, blame it on that.
Anyway, after spending the entirety of Sunday night/Monday morning awake thanks to a good case of insomnia, I was able to meet a new friend here on SG. Normally I wouldn't make notice about this, but this friend of mine, Roxiebee, made mention that she was awake because of a nightmare. In response, I made comment that in recent years, I was unable to remember my dreams or nightmares. Then, lo and behold, last night I had a dream that, for the life of me, I cannot remember.
Has this ever happened to you, dear reader? You know you had a dream, you know it was a vivid one, and yes, you can even remember one or two snippets from it. But, for the large part of it, you cannot for the life of you remember what happened in the dream. Or, worse yet, you wake up in a pool of your own sweat, gasping for breath, looking around the room for some unknown threat. And then, once your heart rate begins to slow down and return to normal, you have no idea why you were in such a panic in the first place. Has this ever happened to you, dear reader?
For me, this is a fairly usual and average occurrence. So much so that, when Roxie told me that she was being haunted by a nightmare, I was surprised at first glance because I had forgotten what that was like. Now whenever I have a nightmare, or what I can only suppose is a nightmare, I'm usually passed out again ten minutes later. I had forgotten both the pleasures and horrors in remembering what our subconscious is capable of during our more dead moments. Has this ever happened to you, dear reader?
In my mind, this raises a fairly large question: Are we as a people better off in remembering what happens when we switch ourselves off, or is there a solace for waking up ignorant and none the wiser? This question I pose to you. I would continue, but I feel the alcohol beignning to take more effect, so I will cease my pondering here.
“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”
-George Bernard Shaw
Good night everyone, and may I hopefully wake up with a story to tell that my conscious is not ready to tell me.
Tonight's song of choice is "Only in Dreams", by Weezer. For tonight's subject, this song seemed appropriate.
It should also be noted I'm a little drunk right now, so if I have spelling issues or word malfunctions down the road, blame it on that.
Anyway, after spending the entirety of Sunday night/Monday morning awake thanks to a good case of insomnia, I was able to meet a new friend here on SG. Normally I wouldn't make notice about this, but this friend of mine, Roxiebee, made mention that she was awake because of a nightmare. In response, I made comment that in recent years, I was unable to remember my dreams or nightmares. Then, lo and behold, last night I had a dream that, for the life of me, I cannot remember.
Has this ever happened to you, dear reader? You know you had a dream, you know it was a vivid one, and yes, you can even remember one or two snippets from it. But, for the large part of it, you cannot for the life of you remember what happened in the dream. Or, worse yet, you wake up in a pool of your own sweat, gasping for breath, looking around the room for some unknown threat. And then, once your heart rate begins to slow down and return to normal, you have no idea why you were in such a panic in the first place. Has this ever happened to you, dear reader?
For me, this is a fairly usual and average occurrence. So much so that, when Roxie told me that she was being haunted by a nightmare, I was surprised at first glance because I had forgotten what that was like. Now whenever I have a nightmare, or what I can only suppose is a nightmare, I'm usually passed out again ten minutes later. I had forgotten both the pleasures and horrors in remembering what our subconscious is capable of during our more dead moments. Has this ever happened to you, dear reader?
In my mind, this raises a fairly large question: Are we as a people better off in remembering what happens when we switch ourselves off, or is there a solace for waking up ignorant and none the wiser? This question I pose to you. I would continue, but I feel the alcohol beignning to take more effect, so I will cease my pondering here.
“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”
-George Bernard Shaw
Good night everyone, and may I hopefully wake up with a story to tell that my conscious is not ready to tell me.
Tonight's post will be brought to you by the soundtrack of silence, interrupted solely by my inability to sleep.
So as you can probably guess from the opening line, I am being plagued once again by not being able to sleep. Truly, insomnia is a cruel mistress, who harsh words can only be matched by having your cholesterol tested after eating at KFC. And now, after spending over an hour tossing and turning and having no success, I'm debating as to whether or not I should continue trying and only get a couple of hours, potentially oversleeping and being late to morning class, or just staying up for the rest of the night and being a sack of bones tomorrow. Thoughts?
This brings me to my short question of the evening: Does anyone else here besides me really enjoy sleeping, but positively hate the act of falling asleep?
There are few pleasures I enjoy more than waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, looking outside and seeing overcast over Lake Michigan, and rolling back over a few more hours of Zs. However, for enjoying the actual act and duration of the event, I sure as hell can't stand the beginning of the dance. I don't know why. Probably something to do with just laying around, doing nothing, and waiting for that certain time when my brain shuts off and I lose 6 or so hours. Maybe it's the fact that I really don't like the concept of losing control of my body, hence my aversion to drinking large amounts of alcohol at once, and in my mind, sleeping is one of the biggest "losing control" that is deemed normal by society today. Or perhaps it's because I'm nuts. Surely it's one of these three explanations.
....Probably because I'm nuts.
Well, that's my life currently. Still not sure if I'm going to try to sleep again or just simply ride it out. Staring at my computer monitor certainly hasn't helped matters. Hopefully it'll all stay even kilter in the meanwhile.
"Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep."
-Fran Lebowitz
Good night everyone, and I hope you're at least sleeping tight.
So as you can probably guess from the opening line, I am being plagued once again by not being able to sleep. Truly, insomnia is a cruel mistress, who harsh words can only be matched by having your cholesterol tested after eating at KFC. And now, after spending over an hour tossing and turning and having no success, I'm debating as to whether or not I should continue trying and only get a couple of hours, potentially oversleeping and being late to morning class, or just staying up for the rest of the night and being a sack of bones tomorrow. Thoughts?
This brings me to my short question of the evening: Does anyone else here besides me really enjoy sleeping, but positively hate the act of falling asleep?
There are few pleasures I enjoy more than waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, looking outside and seeing overcast over Lake Michigan, and rolling back over a few more hours of Zs. However, for enjoying the actual act and duration of the event, I sure as hell can't stand the beginning of the dance. I don't know why. Probably something to do with just laying around, doing nothing, and waiting for that certain time when my brain shuts off and I lose 6 or so hours. Maybe it's the fact that I really don't like the concept of losing control of my body, hence my aversion to drinking large amounts of alcohol at once, and in my mind, sleeping is one of the biggest "losing control" that is deemed normal by society today. Or perhaps it's because I'm nuts. Surely it's one of these three explanations.
....Probably because I'm nuts.
Well, that's my life currently. Still not sure if I'm going to try to sleep again or just simply ride it out. Staring at my computer monitor certainly hasn't helped matters. Hopefully it'll all stay even kilter in the meanwhile.
"Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep."
-Fran Lebowitz
Good night everyone, and I hope you're at least sleeping tight.
Tonight, after a week long absence, our posting will be powered by the sound of "First Breath After a Coma", once again by Explosion's in the Sky.
I know it's been awhile since my last posting up here, but as I had to go back to school/work this week, I've just been generally tired as all hell when I get home at night, so please excuse me for that. However, since today was the end of Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, I figured it would be a good time to come back and post some love. So here I am, no ego, no gym class status, just Rem.
So I actually had a good Friday night in Chicago this past week, which I think is a first for me since I've moved here. It's been really hard for me to meet people and just generally make friends in this city, so actually having people over drinks and grilling steaks was a huge deal for me, and thankfully it went off without a hitch. And while I might have been the fifth wheel in all of this, it was still really nice to be able to relax and have fun instead of just doing chores in my apartment for the umpteenth week in a row.
I've also come to another realization since last we've spoken: I need to go see more concerts. One of the biggest things I can attest to, and I think all music fans will agree to this, is that the feelings and emotions conveyed in music are so radically different in concert form, it's like hearing your favorite songs for the first time. Add to that the energy of the crowd, pulsating with anticipation for that next great song or opening guitar riff, and you get a sensation that can't be felt anywhere else. It is like the music is being reborn, and you and the crowd have the pleasure of seeing it in person.
If anything, this is why I so seldom buy live performance CDs and DVDs. It's akin to trying to put an experience that must be seen firsthand in order to understand on a form of media that simply cannot convey those emotions. Sure, I can hear the music, I can see the band on stage, and I can even feel the roar from the crowd depending on whether or not I have a bass speaker set up. But a live concert is so much more that. It's the excitement you feel when the band comes on stage after you've waited for who knows how long. It's the sway of the crowd to the beat, and you making up a part of that sway. It is the greatest concentration of love and emotion packed into a singular area at once. To try and experience that from a DVD, well, you might as well try to experience what sex is like from porn.
Okay, maybe that was a stretch, but you get the idea.
So now hear I sit in bed, drinking tea, typing up this post, and listening to Explosions in the Sky, thinking that should I ever get the chance, one would have to lock me up in order to stop me from seeing them live. And I think that's really just the start. So now it beings, my love affair with music and concerts. Hopefully this will be a healthy relationship.
So now let me finish up this rather long winded rant with a question to all of you. What has been the greatest musical experience for you? A concert, a song, or was it simply a moment in time? Let me know, so that way I'll at least be sure there are other people out there like me.
"A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event."
Freddie Mercury
In the meanwhile, good night everyone, and may you experience some good music today.
I know it's been awhile since my last posting up here, but as I had to go back to school/work this week, I've just been generally tired as all hell when I get home at night, so please excuse me for that. However, since today was the end of Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, I figured it would be a good time to come back and post some love. So here I am, no ego, no gym class status, just Rem.
So I actually had a good Friday night in Chicago this past week, which I think is a first for me since I've moved here. It's been really hard for me to meet people and just generally make friends in this city, so actually having people over drinks and grilling steaks was a huge deal for me, and thankfully it went off without a hitch. And while I might have been the fifth wheel in all of this, it was still really nice to be able to relax and have fun instead of just doing chores in my apartment for the umpteenth week in a row.
I've also come to another realization since last we've spoken: I need to go see more concerts. One of the biggest things I can attest to, and I think all music fans will agree to this, is that the feelings and emotions conveyed in music are so radically different in concert form, it's like hearing your favorite songs for the first time. Add to that the energy of the crowd, pulsating with anticipation for that next great song or opening guitar riff, and you get a sensation that can't be felt anywhere else. It is like the music is being reborn, and you and the crowd have the pleasure of seeing it in person.
If anything, this is why I so seldom buy live performance CDs and DVDs. It's akin to trying to put an experience that must be seen firsthand in order to understand on a form of media that simply cannot convey those emotions. Sure, I can hear the music, I can see the band on stage, and I can even feel the roar from the crowd depending on whether or not I have a bass speaker set up. But a live concert is so much more that. It's the excitement you feel when the band comes on stage after you've waited for who knows how long. It's the sway of the crowd to the beat, and you making up a part of that sway. It is the greatest concentration of love and emotion packed into a singular area at once. To try and experience that from a DVD, well, you might as well try to experience what sex is like from porn.
Okay, maybe that was a stretch, but you get the idea.
So now hear I sit in bed, drinking tea, typing up this post, and listening to Explosions in the Sky, thinking that should I ever get the chance, one would have to lock me up in order to stop me from seeing them live. And I think that's really just the start. So now it beings, my love affair with music and concerts. Hopefully this will be a healthy relationship.
So now let me finish up this rather long winded rant with a question to all of you. What has been the greatest musical experience for you? A concert, a song, or was it simply a moment in time? Let me know, so that way I'll at least be sure there are other people out there like me.
"A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event."
Freddie Mercury
In the meanwhile, good night everyone, and may you experience some good music today.
Tonight's soundtrack is powered by Explosions in the Sky's album "How Strange, Innocence." Right now I'm in the middle of the track "Magic Hours".
Ah, the morning after. This can mean many different things, whether it's the morning after a great victory to a morning after that requires a walk of shame. However, if this walk involves waffles of any kind, it can be shameful. Waffles more than make up for any kind of shame based walking. For me though, it's the morning after a great music day.
Now, I understand that it's about 10 at night now, but since I was traveling today, please excuse the time difference and just go with me on this one. As some of you might know, yesterday was a great music day for me. The kind of day that just keeps delivering audio crack to my delighted ears. Today, as I left St. Louis for Chicago, iPod fully loaded with new and exciting music, I tried to recreate that feeling. Needless to say, I failed...miserably.
For three hours, I tried to get back to that wonderful place of having my brain overrun with the joys of unending music, but I just couldn't do it. After struggling with my horrific failure and self-medicating with pistachio gelato, I think I finally realized why I failed. The great thing about a music day like I had, like we've all had, is that it's out of our control. The music is a living, breathing entity that taking all thinking about of the procedure and simply delights with a deluge of happiness. It is in the freedom of having no control that we are able to find peace, tranquility, and possibility even rocking out with our *insert favorite phallic reference here* out. To the women folk out there, you might even be jamming out with your *insert tasteful woman parts reference here* out. Who knows? But that's what makes music days so great. It's like its being done just for us, and we didn't even have to lift a finger. Viva la music!!
Alright, well that rant is done. If you need to get up, stretch out your legs, make a sandwich or something, now would be the appropriate time to do so. I think I'll make some tea myself. Let's go ahead and do that and meet back here in like, I don't know, five minutes. That work for you? Great! And go!!
Yum, tea! I hope you enjoyed your break. Since we've last seen each other, the next song has come on. "Glittering Blackness", another choice selection.
So I'm finally back in Chicago after my week and a half vacation, and I have to say it feels great to be back in my own apartment. And, what's even better is I get to hang new art!! Get excited everyone!!
...You! Yeah, you! Get excited, damn it!! .....There you go.
So I just realized I joined up on this site about two weeks ago, and so far it's been a blast. I've actually started to post, and what's more, people are even reading them! GASP, I know. I was shocked. Well, maybe you're not since, well, you're reading this. I don't know. Anyway, I've also met some really cool people. Just last night, I was message with a new friend in Belgium. Belgium people! That's really freagin' cool. So to SG, may I just say that, unlike McDonald's, I'm loving it!
I just realized that I'm starting to rant again in a post I've already ranted once in, so I think I'm gonna call it quits for tonight. But before I do, let me pose a question to you readers: If not a music day, what activities or media can just make your day uber, and what kind?
"To expect too much is to have a sentimental view of life, and this is a softness that ends in bitterness."
- Flannery O'Connor
Good night everyone. Viva la puppies and pistachio gelato!
Ah, the morning after. This can mean many different things, whether it's the morning after a great victory to a morning after that requires a walk of shame. However, if this walk involves waffles of any kind, it can be shameful. Waffles more than make up for any kind of shame based walking. For me though, it's the morning after a great music day.
Now, I understand that it's about 10 at night now, but since I was traveling today, please excuse the time difference and just go with me on this one. As some of you might know, yesterday was a great music day for me. The kind of day that just keeps delivering audio crack to my delighted ears. Today, as I left St. Louis for Chicago, iPod fully loaded with new and exciting music, I tried to recreate that feeling. Needless to say, I failed...miserably.
For three hours, I tried to get back to that wonderful place of having my brain overrun with the joys of unending music, but I just couldn't do it. After struggling with my horrific failure and self-medicating with pistachio gelato, I think I finally realized why I failed. The great thing about a music day like I had, like we've all had, is that it's out of our control. The music is a living, breathing entity that taking all thinking about of the procedure and simply delights with a deluge of happiness. It is in the freedom of having no control that we are able to find peace, tranquility, and possibility even rocking out with our *insert favorite phallic reference here* out. To the women folk out there, you might even be jamming out with your *insert tasteful woman parts reference here* out. Who knows? But that's what makes music days so great. It's like its being done just for us, and we didn't even have to lift a finger. Viva la music!!
Alright, well that rant is done. If you need to get up, stretch out your legs, make a sandwich or something, now would be the appropriate time to do so. I think I'll make some tea myself. Let's go ahead and do that and meet back here in like, I don't know, five minutes. That work for you? Great! And go!!
Yum, tea! I hope you enjoyed your break. Since we've last seen each other, the next song has come on. "Glittering Blackness", another choice selection.
So I'm finally back in Chicago after my week and a half vacation, and I have to say it feels great to be back in my own apartment. And, what's even better is I get to hang new art!! Get excited everyone!!
...You! Yeah, you! Get excited, damn it!! .....There you go.
So I just realized I joined up on this site about two weeks ago, and so far it's been a blast. I've actually started to post, and what's more, people are even reading them! GASP, I know. I was shocked. Well, maybe you're not since, well, you're reading this. I don't know. Anyway, I've also met some really cool people. Just last night, I was message with a new friend in Belgium. Belgium people! That's really freagin' cool. So to SG, may I just say that, unlike McDonald's, I'm loving it!
I just realized that I'm starting to rant again in a post I've already ranted once in, so I think I'm gonna call it quits for tonight. But before I do, let me pose a question to you readers: If not a music day, what activities or media can just make your day uber, and what kind?
"To expect too much is to have a sentimental view of life, and this is a softness that ends in bitterness."
- Flannery O'Connor
Good night everyone. Viva la puppies and pistachio gelato!
Salutations!!
Tonight's post will be brought to you by a large amount of music, hence the music category. However, the first song on my hit parade will be "Something Good Can Work", by Two Door Cinema Club.
So first and foremost, today was a great today for music and me. Actually, it was just a good nerd day for me period. First I got to stop by a local comic book shop and pick up some interesting stuff, including the final volume of Scott Pilgrim, which I've been meaning to pick up for a bit. If you haven't read these novels, then I highly suggest you run, not walk, RUN to your nearest book or comic shop and pick up them up. You may do this now. Go ahead, I'll wait.
..........Got it? Perfect! I can now continue.
This is also good timing because the next song has come on, "I Can Talk", same band.
Anyway, afterward I was able to stop by Vintage Vinyl, a great little record shop here in St. Louis. I like because I always discover new music that usually kicks more than one form of ass. today was no exception as I was able to get my hands on the new Mogwai live set album, the new Ludo album "Prepare the Preparations", and Anberlin's album "Dark is the Way, Light is a Place". I also got a couple of LPs for my broken record player. I really need to get that fixed/replaced. Just saying, I need to do that. But I digress.
Already the day was great for music, but it kept getting better. You know how sometimes when you're driving, you have the radio playing, the weather is great, and for some reason or another, the current radio station is playing nothing but stuff that just gets you going? That's what was happening for me. The first song that came on was from the band Two Door Cinema Club, the same band I started off with tonight. Then it only got better with Taking Back Sunday, Radiohead, The Heavy, and Arcade Fire, which up until today I didn't think I liked. It was like a constant stream of music crack for my head!!
Speaking of, song change!! Let's switch it up to "All the Stars in Texas", by Ludo. Truly, one of the few songs that deals with the hardships of relationships........oh, and bank robberies.
So now, here I am, streaming music from all over the place, not wanting the high to die. Music highs are, in my opinion, the best kind of high you can get. Few things can alter your mood as quickly or dramatically as music can. Anyway, today was the best music day I've had in a while, so to whatever God, Spirit, or former member of 70s sitcoms is responsible for controlling the music air waves, thanks a lot!!
Now, on to two completely different side notes. First, I'm heading back to Chicago tomorrow, so huzzah for that. Though I'm not going to lie, I'm not completely ready to say good bye to St. Louis. Alas, the real world is calling for me, and I don't think they'll accept "Just five more minutes!".
Secondly, strawberry ice cream is awesome. I have nothing else to add to this. I just thought more people should be made aware of how great it is. That's it. Really! Now stop reading this paragraph and move on. Seriously, that's all I had to say. .......You're still reading this, aren't you? Well, this was about strawberry ice cream, so I can't say I blame you.
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”
-Sergei Rachmaninov
Good night everyone, and don't forget to hug a puppy today.
Tonight's post will be brought to you by a large amount of music, hence the music category. However, the first song on my hit parade will be "Something Good Can Work", by Two Door Cinema Club.
So first and foremost, today was a great today for music and me. Actually, it was just a good nerd day for me period. First I got to stop by a local comic book shop and pick up some interesting stuff, including the final volume of Scott Pilgrim, which I've been meaning to pick up for a bit. If you haven't read these novels, then I highly suggest you run, not walk, RUN to your nearest book or comic shop and pick up them up. You may do this now. Go ahead, I'll wait.
..........Got it? Perfect! I can now continue.
This is also good timing because the next song has come on, "I Can Talk", same band.
Anyway, afterward I was able to stop by Vintage Vinyl, a great little record shop here in St. Louis. I like because I always discover new music that usually kicks more than one form of ass. today was no exception as I was able to get my hands on the new Mogwai live set album, the new Ludo album "Prepare the Preparations", and Anberlin's album "Dark is the Way, Light is a Place". I also got a couple of LPs for my broken record player. I really need to get that fixed/replaced. Just saying, I need to do that. But I digress.
Already the day was great for music, but it kept getting better. You know how sometimes when you're driving, you have the radio playing, the weather is great, and for some reason or another, the current radio station is playing nothing but stuff that just gets you going? That's what was happening for me. The first song that came on was from the band Two Door Cinema Club, the same band I started off with tonight. Then it only got better with Taking Back Sunday, Radiohead, The Heavy, and Arcade Fire, which up until today I didn't think I liked. It was like a constant stream of music crack for my head!!
Speaking of, song change!! Let's switch it up to "All the Stars in Texas", by Ludo. Truly, one of the few songs that deals with the hardships of relationships........oh, and bank robberies.
So now, here I am, streaming music from all over the place, not wanting the high to die. Music highs are, in my opinion, the best kind of high you can get. Few things can alter your mood as quickly or dramatically as music can. Anyway, today was the best music day I've had in a while, so to whatever God, Spirit, or former member of 70s sitcoms is responsible for controlling the music air waves, thanks a lot!!
Now, on to two completely different side notes. First, I'm heading back to Chicago tomorrow, so huzzah for that. Though I'm not going to lie, I'm not completely ready to say good bye to St. Louis. Alas, the real world is calling for me, and I don't think they'll accept "Just five more minutes!".
Secondly, strawberry ice cream is awesome. I have nothing else to add to this. I just thought more people should be made aware of how great it is. That's it. Really! Now stop reading this paragraph and move on. Seriously, that's all I had to say. .......You're still reading this, aren't you? Well, this was about strawberry ice cream, so I can't say I blame you.
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”
-Sergei Rachmaninov
Good night everyone, and don't forget to hug a puppy today.
Howdy all. Tonight's post is brought to you by a mixture of the show Pawn Stars and the song "The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack", by Liars.
So, I am pleased to report that, after much worrying and asking for help from people on this site, I finally friended someone and, wait for it, they accepted! Huzzah!! It is time for celebrations and much merriment. I'm even getting friended by one or two people, and comments on my posts. I almost feel like I should be listening to Dashboard Confessional's song "Vindicated", but I'll be honest, I'm not in the mood for that dude's voice right now. Just saying.
Anyways, tonight I ended up venturing out to the St. Louis Art Fair. It's held annually in the Clayton area, and from what I've heard, it's one of the three best art shows in the country, and that's according to the artists who who sell their stuff there, which is pretty cool. Now, I'm not exactly the most artistic guy out there. I enjoy comic books and graphic novels, a big fan of Van Gogh, and just generally weird and interesting stuff that fits my brand of crazy. Unfortunately, most of the stuff sold at this art fair is aimed towards people with either an eclectic taste in art, or people who think they have eclectic tastes but really just have fat pockets. Still, I thought it would be cool to see what was on display.
After an hour or so of walking around and seeing some cool things, some weird things, and a lot of stuff that I just didn't really like all that much, I stumbled upon one woman's tent who had some pretty cool stuff. It was kind of outside the box stuff that had a cartoony feel to it. Now you can call me immature, but that's the kind of stuff I like. So after a lot of deliberation, I bought one. And while I wish I could tell you her name or show you a picture of the art, the piece and her business card are wrapped up for my flight on Sunday. Otherwise, I would love to post her name and a picture of it because I thought it was really cool. Hopefully come Sunday night, I'll be able to do that.
Tomorrow is my last day in St. Louis before I head back to Chicago and the real, or at the very least harder, world. I'm hoping I can enjoy it, cruise by the local record store and find some cool music, and end my stay here on a good note. And who knows, maybe I'll even friend some more people and get friended by others. Hopefully this is a trend that can keep up.
“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”
-James Dean
Night all, and sweet dreams or a sweeter night, depending on whether or not you're actually sleeping tonight.
So, I am pleased to report that, after much worrying and asking for help from people on this site, I finally friended someone and, wait for it, they accepted! Huzzah!! It is time for celebrations and much merriment. I'm even getting friended by one or two people, and comments on my posts. I almost feel like I should be listening to Dashboard Confessional's song "Vindicated", but I'll be honest, I'm not in the mood for that dude's voice right now. Just saying.
Anyways, tonight I ended up venturing out to the St. Louis Art Fair. It's held annually in the Clayton area, and from what I've heard, it's one of the three best art shows in the country, and that's according to the artists who who sell their stuff there, which is pretty cool. Now, I'm not exactly the most artistic guy out there. I enjoy comic books and graphic novels, a big fan of Van Gogh, and just generally weird and interesting stuff that fits my brand of crazy. Unfortunately, most of the stuff sold at this art fair is aimed towards people with either an eclectic taste in art, or people who think they have eclectic tastes but really just have fat pockets. Still, I thought it would be cool to see what was on display.
After an hour or so of walking around and seeing some cool things, some weird things, and a lot of stuff that I just didn't really like all that much, I stumbled upon one woman's tent who had some pretty cool stuff. It was kind of outside the box stuff that had a cartoony feel to it. Now you can call me immature, but that's the kind of stuff I like. So after a lot of deliberation, I bought one. And while I wish I could tell you her name or show you a picture of the art, the piece and her business card are wrapped up for my flight on Sunday. Otherwise, I would love to post her name and a picture of it because I thought it was really cool. Hopefully come Sunday night, I'll be able to do that.
Tomorrow is my last day in St. Louis before I head back to Chicago and the real, or at the very least harder, world. I'm hoping I can enjoy it, cruise by the local record store and find some cool music, and end my stay here on a good note. And who knows, maybe I'll even friend some more people and get friended by others. Hopefully this is a trend that can keep up.
“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”
-James Dean
Night all, and sweet dreams or a sweeter night, depending on whether or not you're actually sleeping tonight.
