Death and the Single Girl

Oh hey, this journal is "Friends Only".
I'll add you if I don't think you'll use it against me.

Hi guys.
So, November 4th is four days away.
Four.

I'm going to work on the assumption that all of you are registered to vote. If you aren't, you are probably going to stop reading this message right about now...

You've heard it a million times by now, but this election is crucial. For the first time ever we will either have a black president, or a female vice president.

And yeah, I'm voting for Obama. I'm proud to vote for Obama. But I live in Massachusetts right now. I'm not very worried. I took a look at my ballot today. Pretty much all of my elected officials are Democrats without opposition. Shocking, right?

But a lot of you aren't living in states that are so easy to predict. Maine and New Hampshire, I'm looking at you. And Pennsylvania.

And by the way Maine residents, were you aware that you can vote early? Yup, up until November 3rd. And if you aren't registered yet, YOU CAN STILL REGISTER IN PERSON. And you can vote absentee WITHOUT AN EXCUSE. Seriously Maine.

I know that there are some of you thinking "Eh, my vote doesn't count." Bull. Shit. And if you are a woman and not voting in this election, please let me remind you of something called the Nineteenth Amendment. Some of our grandmothers did not have the right to vote.

And if you don't care about who wins the presidency (you should...) at least consider voting for local issues and officials.

And, when you do go to the polls, remember to bring two forms of ID, and a piece of mail to prove residency. This might not be required, but it is always a good idea.

And if you know someone who is planning not to vote, please encourage them to do so.

Hi guys.
I was wondering.
What music is good these days?
Please tell me what I should be listening to. I haven't had much time/money lately to devote to music searching.

Alright.
So, as a few of you may know, I am a HUGE X-Files fan. I have Mulder and Scully Barbies. Legit, made by Mattel Barbies. In the original box, never opened. Yep.

So of course I was a little excited about the new X-Files film. We'll say "conservatively" excited. Because it has been six years since the X-Files went off the air, and while I am crazy obsessed, I haven't really been feeling a void.

Apparently Chris Carter has. And of course many, many other fans have been too. I know because I went to a midnight showing last night, and it was packed. OK, that was only because AMC had chosen to show the film on one screen in its tiniest theater.

Look, I'm not going to offer any spoilers. It wouldn't even matter. Nothing fucking happens in the movie.

OK... actually shit happens... it just isn't interesting. It's like a really long, boring season 8 episode, but with Mulder instead of Terminator Guy.

Gillian looks gorgeous... David looks like he's melting. and SPOILER ALERT!!!! Mitch Pillegi. (Skinner) looks about the same.

So... why did they bother? With this script I mean. Why didn't they wait and do something NOT BORING? This was, seriously, a Lifetime movie. Without Meredith Baxter.

There were cute, self-referential moments... but eh. I would have been willing to wait another few years for a GOOD movie. On TV, even.

Go see it if you are a fan, I guess. But otherwise it isn't even a half rate movie of the week. Such a shame.

Estelle Getty died today.
I've been a lifelong fan of the Golden Girls, so I'm sort of bummed.
She was the daughter of Polish immigrants.

I will have a mimosa to honor her memory. The rest of you can have cheesecake!

I've been thinking a lot about news talking heads these past few days, most likely due to the untimely passing of Tim Russert.
Back in 2005, I met Dan Rather. Easily one of the more bizarre experiences of my life... and if I had easy access to the picture I'd post it. Anyway, I came across this link on Jezebel today, and it gave me the giggles.

Also, I'm dead tired today because Dan and I drove down to NYC last night because he scored last minute tickets to Sigur-Ros at the Hammerstein. Yep, there was a marching band, and yeah, it was awesome.

They opened with my favorite song, and it was all up hill.

I need a shower.

This article warmed my heart today.

Yay California!

Hi guys.
I need to make recordings of my music that don't suck.
I also have no money.
Who can help me?
Also, any horn players out there? Anything players?

I just want to get off my ass and DO THE THING I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO.

New post

Hey guys. New pop*creep.
Read. Leave comments.

Rock and/or Roll.

I updated pop*creep. Be afraid...

Granny's Burritos, a huge, HUGE part of my teenage life has closed its doors, possibly for good.
It was at 420 Fore Street in the Old Port (Portland, ME).

I'm actually pretty heartbroken.

I updated pop*creep with my year end best of.

BUT this story warmed my heart. Read it and then throw some money Kyle Cassidy's way: Kittens need your help.

Kyle does such wonderful things for kitties in the Philadelphia area... every time I read one of his posts about cats in need I feel a pang of guilt that I can't give more money, and that I can't take in a kitty here.

He is not only a very gifted photographer... he is a good man.

That's right kids.
You can hear it here: click!
As usual, the quality is horrid, and I'll be shocked if you get through the whole thing. But if you do, there's a cameo by my neighbor's dog.

( Read more... )

From the Humane Society (link found via Consumerist): Some companies are marketing real fur as FAUX FUR.

Fucking hell...

Good thing I'm poor.

...and it is likely what you would predict from me.

Lyrics:

what's the big deal with christmas
seems like any other day
i'd rather it were halloween
something to get my mind off things

the pretty boxes don't make it
all go away
my trouble's will stay with me
until new year's

>chorus<
and i don't think it's gonna change
even with all the therapy
and i don't think you understand
why i hate this time of year

i still bought you some presents
i don't wanna let you down
but i won't buy into the hype
you don't have to be festive
on my account

why is it that we're only peaceful
but one time of year?
seems like such bullshit to be kind
if i'm just not feeling it

>chorus<

-bridge-
oh, do you hear it ringing
the sentimental conspiracy
oh, i better find a place to fit in
'else they're gonna plow over me
oh, do you hear it coming
the avalanche up ahead
it's gonna cover up the stockings
and sugar-coat this apathy
-

and i don't think you'll let it go
the fact that i don't share your cheer
just let me do my thing
and i'll see you next year

Hey there.
I'll be performing at Sans Mic Night at Never Say Never Ink on Cabot Street in Beverly on thursday the 25th.

Judith is also playing. You guys like her.

NSNI is a smallish space, but there's always something to snack on. I'll be playing for about 15 or 20 minutes.

Everything you need to know is here under "Events".

Dan: Rather than cleaning your room today, would you like to go on a tour of Sam Adams?
Me: Yes.

Last night I saw the Polyphonic Spree at the Avalon, and let me just say.... boy howdy, they sure put on a show. I don't think I have ever been filled with so much glee at a concert, and I have been to many, many concerts.

I was probably pretty much sold when the lights dimmed and lyrics from john Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" were projected on a screen, but hey, what can I say.
It was pretty much all uphill from when Tim DeLaughter cut his way through the screen with scissors to the very last confetti cannon going off during the encore. And I'm serious, they shot confetti at us about five times. I was still pulling bits out of my hair at 3 in the morning...

I couldn't give you an entire setlist... but I am hoarse from singing. With the Spree, you don't need to go to a show knowing the lyrics. You will know them byt the middle of the song, and you will be singing.

There's something to be said for the audience at the show as well. Dan and I saw two sailors, some rather confused Sox fans from across the street, a bunch of hippies, some hipsters, babies, and assorted averages janes and joes. Truly a diverse and wonderful sight to behold.

Anyway, I think the encore was really when things went nuts. The Spree had been wearing these militant black uniforms for the main part of the set, a major change from their familiar white robes. During the set break they filtered in one long, endless line through the audience, in their robes, to the stage. They got into position, picked up their instruments, played half of one song from (I think it was from "Together We're Heavy") and then broke into "Lithium". Yeah, the one by Nirvana. Holy fucking hell. I have never heard such a sonic and emotional alteration quite so drastic. It was so incredible.

When Kurt Cobain sang "Lithium" you knew he was depressed and sarcastic and needy and... you know... about to die.
When the Spree does it every lyric is performed with devout seriousness. With utter glee. There is no joy greater than dancing in confetti while singing a familiar song with a full brass and string band blaring and ecstatic... Just awesome.

I kept looking at my phone to check the time. It kept getting later and later, and the music didn't stop. They played some Tripping Daisy. Tim complained about the Sox kicking the Texas team's ass that night. And scooter going free. They played all of "When the Fool Becomes a King"... and for no apparent reason broke into a cover of "Ride Captain Ride".

So, I must highly suggest that, if you get a chance, whether you like them or not... that you SEE THIS BAND before they fade into utter obscurity. It would be a shame if they did because of the unabashed happiness I saw them spread to every person in that venue last night.

And uh... Don't drink the kool-aid. I'm pretty sure they might be a cult or something. They're all really friendly and loopy... but maybe Texans are just naturally that way.

Not gonna lie... I thought about running away with them.