Hello valued readers.
I wanted to write and say that I will no longer be using this site for my blog. As I type I am formulating plans for my own dot com that will be the go to place for all things me. I plan to use the new site as a marketing, blogging, branding, academic, and motivational site.
I appreciate your time reading my thoughts and I look forward to sharing the new site.
Until then, please feel free to reach me at the following places:
Facebook
Twitter: lucas_calhoun
Today is the first day of our two-week spring break. This is the first time, either in a work or school capacity, where I’ve been at a university with a tw0-week spring break. Like the Dude in The Big Lewbowski, I will abide. I will be researching, spending hours in the gym, and sleeping. Oh, and doing plenty of blog posts (the crowd goes wild!).
Had a bit of a scare today driving on I-95. While driving back from the airport (dropped a friend off) my front-left tire came off my Blazer. Yes, I am not lying, it came off, lug nuts, wheel, etc. I was quite thankful for the snowy weather because the conditions forced me to drive no faster than 40 mph. I was able to pull-off the road in no more than 35 feet, which, as I did my tire was rolling next to me. I was unharmed, the truck was ok, all I had to pay for was a tow and a new set of lug nuts. Cannot say enough how thankful I am for the snowy conditions. I do not know how this would have played out at normal I-95 speeds of 65-75 mph. I am quite blessed that I got out of this situation unharmed, especially with a front wheel coming off.
As previously stated, I have plenty of research to do, so I am ready to rock-n-roll. I am working on a project that will subsume 70% of my final grade in my history of popular culture course. I actually decided to further expand my earlier paper on the film, Boyz N the Hood. The approach I am taking on this paper centers on the type of America John Singleton found himself when he wrote and directed the film. Other aspects will evolve, and I have tons of resources to delve into during break.
I am headed to the gym now. Today is legs and cardio, oh, and abs. I must keep on, keeping on. Stay tuned, I plan to blog a lot over break. Thank you for reading.
Music:
-I would recommend Ingrid Michaelson. She is one of my new favorites. Her songwriting is perfect for relaxing and getting a fun story. Check out the link, she is great.
Hello friends. I have not posted in a few days and I am sorry for that. A stupid headcold has gotten me under the weather. I am not a fan of my body performing under its standard levels of awesomeness. Either way I am pinning my recovery hopes upon Zicam and so far it seems to be working. I want to be in the gym and this cold is holding me back.
I watched the Oscars on Sunday night and I must say, I enjoyed the heck out of the show. Hugh Jackman did a great job as the host. Not known as a comic, I think the pressure was off of him just a bit. With Ellen, Chris Rock, David Letterman, John Stewart, and Billy Crystal there is always an element of “what are they going to do or say?” Jackman’s opening number had me laughing a bunch. I also got a lot out of the major acting/directing categories being presented by former winners. I have not seen Slumdog Millionaire, so on some level I was out of the loop, but nonetheless, it was a great show. If you have not seen Milk, do it up. Oh, the James Franco/Seth Rogen sketch was hilarious.
Some music before I do some reading:
-I have been listening to a band recently called The Epochs. They are worth checking out. Think Death Cab for Cutie with some rock sprinkled in and a lyrical side of The White Stripes.
-Hum has been in the rotation a lot lately, especially the record Downward is Heavenward.
Alright, I am out for now. Thank you for reading and have a great day. Also, thank you to those who have left comments or sent me messages. I appreciate the feedback and support.
Recently I have found numerous opportunities to either talk about or watch things with Mr. T. Born, Laurence Tureaud, he has been one of my favorite celebrities of all-time. With quotes like “I pity the fool!” and “Treat your mother right!” his pearls of wisdom have always made me smile. This week in my history of American popular culture class I let slip a very non-theoretical statement about Mr. T and I had to laugh. While covering a book discussing television and its role in defining visions of American culture, the presenting group showed numerous clips to back up their statements. When it came to the 80s, my classmate came to The A-Team and he asked, “does anyone know why I would show this clip?” The answer was the pervasive violence and how the show was a product of President Reagan’s deregulation of the entertainment industry, especially television. However, with no inner-monologue, I quickly blurted, “because it’s awesome.” The class as well as the prof got a laugh out of it…
Anyway, Mr. T is awesome and he should be preserved forever. Please watch the attached video from Late Night with Conan O’Brien you will smile/laugh.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/57462/late-night-with-conan-obrien-picking-apples-with-mr-t
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.
I should be going to bed right now. However, there are thoughts filling my brain, actually just one in particular and I need to get it out. There is a phrase that has been in my head this evening, which is the following, “Those who can’t do, teach.” Noone has said that to me recently and it had not come up anywhere but in my head. This phrase really annoys me on numerous levels. To start, who says something like that? I have heard teachers and non-teachers alike use that phrase. The second important factor is related to teachers in general. Anyone who thinks that phrase is true or has used it themselves is forgetting the crucial fact that they too, had a teacher(s).
I plan to be a professor at the university level someday. I am, and will be many things, and a historian is one of them. I will be doing archival research, publishing, etc. Will I be out making history? I guess in a broader sense, yes. But, will I be making history? No, I will most likely be researching, interpreting, and defining historical events. Using this phrase as a guide, will I be any less of a historian because I am not the President of the United States or another agent of history? I highly doubt it.
Maybe I do not have a accurate sense of this phrase and maybe I do. Either way, for the sake of the thousands of great teachers out there, please do not use this phrase. I know we have all had a few teachers that we did not jive with, true, but we each have one or two special instructors that changed our lives. I know that my academic and life journey has been aided greatly by the teaching styles and guidance of Mrs. Dodlinger (4th grade), Mr. Roach (10th/12th grade), Professors Cullather (IU), Boyle (IU), and Lang (UMaine).
Ok, whew, got that out there, thank you for reading.
Some tunes before I hit the sack:
Canned Heat Best of Canned Heat
Alanis Morrissette Jagged Little Pill
Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique (Thanks to Eli for reminding me of this record)
Sometimes, one song can really boost your spirits. Not that my spirits necessarily needed a boost, but Oasis sure did the trick. I am sitting here in the library and I decided to rock out to my Pandora player. Low and behold, Oasis’ Wonderwall came on. What a tune. I have not listened to this song in ages. Sure brings back a lot of memories: Bloomfield, freshman year, trying to expand my musical horizons.
Pandora is making my night right now. Also, tonight I sent off my first three entries for the ABC-CLIO’s Encyclopedia of Film and Culture (I think that is the title). I hope the editor likes them…
Some more reading and then I am getting out of the library. Nine hours is just about enough.
This post will be short because I am busy and do not have the time necessary to go knee-deep, but will attempt some coherence now. One of my friends suggested I do a review of Kanye West’s track, Last Call on The College Dropout. I like this idea and plan to review that soon. However, once re-listening to his previous three records, The College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation I have come to one conclusion. In comparing those three records to his most recent 808s and Heartbreak, I think Kanye has missed his previous marks of greatness and is trying way too hard.
Some of the rhymes on his first three albums are a strange mix of audaciousness, cockiness, and social awareness. His beats and samples were also well-placed and firmly established in those first three efforts. After giving 808s time I feel like he trying too hard to be some version of himself that he either thinks he should be, or thinks the rap game wants him to be. Usually a visionary, this record is forced and also uses that T-Pain esque voice machine and I have to tell you, the novelty wore off of that years ago. Before I roll-out, I am going to throw down some classic rhymes from his first three records to remind everyone how mighty Kanye West once was. Quick disclaimer, I still think Kanye is a lyrical and musical genius, it’s just that as of late, he trying to be this mad scientist of rap and he needs to take a deep breath and relax.
Jesus Walks-The College Dropout
So here go my single dog radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won’t get played Huh?
Well let this take away from my spins
Which will probably take away from my ends
Heard Em’ Say
The devil is alive I feel him breathin’,
Claimin’ money is the key so keep on dreamin’,
And put them lottery tickets just to tease us,
My aunt Pam can’t put those cigarettes down,
Now my lil cousin smokin those cigarettes now,
His job trying to claim that he too niggerish now,
Is it cuz his skin blacker than licorice now?
I can’t figure it out…
Im Stickin around….
Stronger
Awesome, the Christian and Christian Dior
Damn, they don’t make ‘em like this anymore
I ask ’cause I’m not sure
Do anybody make real s#&% anymore?
Bow in the presence of greatness
’cause right now thou has forsaken us
You should be honored by my lateness
That I would even show up to this fake s#&%
Today is Friday and I am still on the hustle. I am writing for a publishing company called ABC-CLIO. The company produces voluminous works on subject areas like wars, decades, etc. I am currently writing 10 entires for their Encyclopedia of Films and Culture. I have three due on Sunday and I am still working on making them stronger. I have Boyz N the Hood nearly done, one on Roger Ebert, and finally, a broad subject area, the Independent Film.
Here are some other thoughts in the ole noodle:
-Read a book for class this week on the history of the radio. One of the chapters focused on linguistic challenges to American culture posed by comedy teams on the radio. One in particular, Amos ‘n’ Andy received a large amount of focus. The method of their show was to portray two African American men in a tremendously negative and stereotyped ways against blacks. She discussed that they wore black face on the show. My question is this. If they were in a studio and making a radio show, why wear the black face? The show as a whole was horribly racist against not just blacks, but the uneducated and persons with disabilities. Were these two gentlemen so into character that needed the black face? Anyway, that was on my mind.
-Purchased a little gift for myself recently. I purchased the documentary series from Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, Long Way Down. These two guys and their team have me dreaming man. This particular trip went from Northern Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa. I MISS HAVING A MOTORCYCLE.
-Music to check out. I have said it before and I will say it again-get Schuyler Fisk’s new record, The Good Stuff. Also, I have been revisiting R.E.M.’s latest album, Accelerate. There are some raw and rocking songs worth checking out.
Everyone have a great weekend. Thank you for reading.
I started growing my beard again. Honestly, there was something about having that thing that I loved. Despite looking like Sadaam getting captured in the bunker, I dug having the beard. I can definitely say that it does help block the cold. Many mornings the walk to the gym is in the single digits or even below zero and that thing did block the wind.
So, now that we’ve got that settled, here’s the scoop. Well, to be honest, there is no scoop. I have been working on a paper, presentation, and three encyclopedia entries this week. I am knee-deep friends. I am tired, but I am loving what I am doing. When entering the library I feel as though I own the joint. The library is my nerd sanctuary and you know what? There are worse places to be. I am blessed with work. With all of that said, I would like to apologize for my hermit status as of late. I have so many good friends and I wish we could touch base more often. I promise that I think of you often and hope all are doing great!
I am getting ready to work on a bibliography, so I must say, until we meet again…
As always, some tunes.
-Mentioned previously, but Mad Season’s only record is so good and to me, is music for the masses.
-Schuyler Fisk’s new album is in heavy rotation right now. I am really, really digging on the track entitled, You’re Happening to Me. I would not steer you wrong, folks, buy this record.
-Finally, thank you to those who commented with what five records you would bring to a deserted island. One caveat to my list. In addition to my top five, I would stow away Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits into my underpants. Techinically that would be six, but c’mon, it’s Johnny Cash.
Thanks for reading peeps.
PS-I came up with a pretty interesting screen play idea.
It is Monday! Typically Mondays bring me a question for the week. This week’s question is this. If you had to leave tomorrow for an island and only take 5 records, what would they be? One caveat, they have to be actual records, not mix-CDs. I am going to attempt an answer now, but we’ll see, it may evolve during the week.
1) Third Day’s Offerings II: All I Have to Give I love this record for many reasons. There are some praise and worship tunes, a few strong medleys, and a strong mix of their catalog.
2) Foo Fighters’ The Colour and the Shape This is one of my favorite all-time albums. With songs like Everlong, My Hero, and New Way Home, I could listen for hours.
3) James Taylor’s Greatest Hits A classic mix of his best tunes. Leading off with Something in the Way Moves and ending with a live version of Steamroller, this record allows you to run the gambit of emotional reactions.
4) The Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness I will admit to a technicality here, it is a double-record. With that said, this is my list, and it falls under one title, so there you go. This record is phenomenal. The band is firing on all cylinders, the songs are exploratory, and there is a track for every mood.
5) Christophe Coin/Christopher Hogwood-Academy of Ancient Music’s Vivaldi’s Cello Concertos & Sonatas-This version of Vivaldi’s best concertos and sonatas is exquisite.
There you have it. I would love to hear your top 5 lists? Please comment with your lists.
Thank you for reading.
While putting away some groceries, cleaning a bit, and otherwise getting motivated I pulled up another great record from the ole iTunes vault. Today’s choice was Weezer’s self-titled album, Weezer. I am pleased that I can listen to this all the way through and enjoy every track. Also known as the “Blue Album,” Weezer had numerous hits including, Buddy Holly, Undone (The Sweater Song), and Say It Ain’t So. While I love these songs, others rise to the forefront for me. These tracks include The World Has Turned and Left Me Here and Only in Dreams. The latter track is in my top-25 of the 1990s.
For your viewing pleasure I am including video for Buddy Holly directed by Spike Jonze.
With almost 25 gigs of music in my iPod, sometimes I come across forgotten albums. Today was a day in which I did just that. I think that today I appreciate Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill more than I did 10 years ago. Top to bottom, this record is solid. She is fired up and lyrically she cuts down people who wronged her. She’s like a pop music star with rapper tendencies. Really listen to You Oughta Know and you will understand.
Anyway, from time to time I will find some records in my vault and I will share them with you.
Also, new record that you should purchase, trust me. I am really crushing hard on Schuyler (SKY-ler) Fisk and her new record called The Good Stuff. She has a sweet element with the strength of Sheryl Crow. Check it out…
I am taking a quick break from some studying on a Friday night. If you are wondering, yes, the cool kids study on Fridays too. I am not sure where, because they did not invite me.
After completing my 25 list (loathed and yet at the same time, loved on Facebook-come on, you love it) last week, a few more things have come to light and I would like to share. And, luckily, this is my blog so it’s on. Here are some more things about me. There may not be 25, but we’ll see.
1) I had a big beard but now I am clean-shaven. I have even ditched the mustache. Please see exhibit A.
2) I’ve taken some serious blows to the head in my day and I honestly worry about future effects to my brain:
a. 7th grade, at a person’s house, bent down to tie shoe next to car, car door opens and clocks me
b. 8th grade, pushed into wall during basketball game, pretty much head first
c. 11th grade, trunk of car came down on my head
d. Sophomore year of college, while pitching in intramural softball, took a ball off of my head and the next time it landed was in center-field. I had stitch marks on my dome.
e. About a week ago, while spitting out Listerine, hit my head on this shelf in the bathroom.
3) Speaking of Listerine, I think I am in denial because each time I use it, I don’t think it will burn that bad-only to have it burn like Hades, making me want to punch/kick a dog or elderly person. Why does it burn so much?
4) I would love to be a singer in a rock band. I am not joking.
5) I met the rapper Kool Moe Dee when I was about 10 years-old. When introduced, I called him Mr. Moe Dee
6) Sometimes I wonder if chivalry is still appreciated by women.
7) I have large hands but cannot palm a basketball
Number Eight) I cannot be in a movie at the theater and not eat popcorn-seriously
9) Add-on to Number Eight-I do not start my popcorn until the dialogue of the movie starts. I do not know where this habit began, it is just what I do. On rare occasions I will start it when the opening credits begin.
10) I spent four months in 2003 living in Anchorage, AK and it changed my life in more ways than one.
11) If I won the super-lottery my clothing vice would probably be shoes, watches, and sunglasses
12) Speaking of sunglasses. I take care of mine and have had only 3 pairs since my sophomore year of high-school. My newest pair is only a year old and they are choice.
13) My Mom is my hero.
14) I would like to have a group sit-down meal with Jimmy Carter, Dave Grohl, Aaron Sorkin, Lance Armstrong, and Chuck D.
15) I miss playing tennis everyday.
16) I dream of having a personal assistant.
17) If I could afford to do so, I would own a movie-theater
Eighteen) I have been doing my own laundry for a really long time. Until recently I had never lost a sock. About 2 weeks ago, it happened. (Yes, Ewing, it has happened)
19) There are very few moments in life that cannot be fixed by listening to Johnny Cash.
20) The first four days of the NCAA basketball tournament are quite possibly my four favorite days of the year.
21) My sophomore year of high-school I took Algebra II and Geometry at the same time in order to catch up to the advanced class
22) I wish I could have another chance with a woman I dated after college graduation. Honestly, just a conversation would suffice. She was (and probably still is) a remarkable woman who had me pegged man, pegged.
23) If I make you a CD of tunes, you will get a hidden song as a bonus. Previous add-ons include I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred and Ice, Ice, Baby by Vanilla Ice.
24) When I eat chips or fries I will usually sort out the small ones from the larger ones. I then eat the small ones and have the larger ones as ‘as the meal is ending bonus’
25) NASCAR starts tomorrow with the Bud Shootout and I am excited, seriously.
Alright, laundry is about done. Here is an artist and album to listen to:
-Mark Kozelek What’s Next to the Moon. I have discussed this guy before. He is a true musician and appreciator of the craft. This record is all AC/DC covers and to listen you would probably not know.
I have made it to the end of a long and challenging week. God willing, I will make it through the weekend that is chalk full of reading, writing, and arithmetic (not really-on the last one). I am about to head towards campus, but before doing so, wanted to throw some thoughts down.
-I hope all of you had a great week. February is the ‘longest, shortest month’ so stay strong.
-It seems as though people are loathing, yet doing the 25 things lists on Facebook. I for one, support this enterprise. Please keep them up. I am enjoying learning the nuances that make up my friend base.
-I may even do a second 25. Yes, this is slightly narcissistic, but isn’t that what blogging and Facebook essentially are?
-If you have ever commuted via the bicycle, please check out this new product. If you are not a commuter, please read it anyways. In any event, please be nice to cyclists and cyclists, do not ride like idiots.
-Have seriously been giving Bob Dylan and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and sometimes Young listening time. I am digging their songs, approach, etc.
Alright, I am out for now. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
I should be reading right now. In fact, after a quick supper, I will be headed back to the library. I have had one of those days, friends. One with a blast from the past that was unexpected and frankly, unnecessary. I will not be passive and use this as a forum to vent my frustrations. Instead, I will address the situation head on. Please keep me in your thoughts while I address things.
In any event, I am blessed with work, reading, and strong workouts at the gym. I have had really good workouts lately. I have also been playing racquetball at least once a week as well, so the two-a-day is pretty beneficial.
Some music before I head out of here:
-Deftones Saturday Night Wrist. This is the most recent album from the Deftones. They are set for another, but their guitarist is still in a coma following a nearly fatal car accident in late-2008. My thoughts and prayers go out to the band and their families. This record is pretty diverse and has the band’s tried and true method of overt screaming and covert melodies.
-I want to voice a minor music frustration for the moment. I am not sure if it is iTunes, Def Leppard, or their old record company, the lack of their music on iTunes is frustrating. I really want to download some tunes from Pyromania and Hysteria. I will spend the money, iTunes, bring the love.
I am out. Thank you for reading.
PS-While quickly editing this post I realized it sucks, I apologize.
I had a mini-adventure yesterday searching for the film, Boyz n the Hood. I decided to double-up this movie for a class assignment and the encyclopedia project I am working on. I do not own the film so yesterday I set out to buy or rent it. At the outset I must say that I did not think this film would be hard to find. It was nominated for two Academy Awards and gave the world a view of life that should be explored in more detail. I can say that after a two hour search it is reasonable to assume that some stores in Maine may racially profile the customer base for available products. One of my buddies and I started at the Movie Gallery in Orono. They did not have it for rent or for ‘pre-viewed’ purchase. Ok, fine, so we rolled into Bangor. First stop, Blockbuster. They have it right? Um, nope, not for rental or ‘pre-viewed’ purchase. Ok, ok, so next door to Blockbuster is a used CD and movie store. Do they have it? Nope. From there we hit Wal-Mart and Target. No dice there either. Laughing and surprisingly intrigued we proceeded to the mall where I remembered there was this massive store that only sells used DVDs and VHS. Yeah, they were closed, as in closed forever. Before trying Border’s we decided to hit Circuit City. This store was a commercial version of ground zero. Whew, there were DVDs in the candy display, boxes strewn about, and people everywhere. We hit the DVD section and there is no order. Titles starting with D are in the A’s, it is crazed. We just rifiling through the racks and with a Hollywood style built-in surprise, I FIND IT! In fact, it is the two-disc bonus edition, so even better. The price is $19.99 and at this point I do not care. At the check-out counter they ring it up and it was only $11.80! So only have two hours of looking, I found the flick.
Which leads me to ask some questions. Maine, do you not like Black films and filmmakers? Don’t you think it is a tragedy to have a Paris Hilton movie or a copy of Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood and not a groundbreaking film like Boyz n the Hood?
Now that that is settled, onto some Super Bowl predictions. I am rooting for a Steelers victory over Arizona with a score of 27-17.
This semester I feel as though I am a reading factory. Each week is consumed by vast amounts of reading. Now, to start, I am not complaining. In fact, for the most part I love what I am doing. I have been looking over my assignment lists and it hit me that in the first two-and-a -half weeks of class this semester I have read 4 complete books (1,100 pages), 1 partial book (150 pages), 2 chapters of another (75 pages), and 5 journals (80 pages) for a rough total of 1,400 pages. I have not read this much in my entire life. I am learning a ton and also feeling inadequate at the same time. I am not sure if that makes sense.
Last week we read a book entitled A Consumers’ Republic by Lizabeth Cohen. She takes an in-depth look at the economy, culture, and consumer nature of the United States from the 1920s until now. Very interesting read, especially when she explains the discrimination and adversity faced by African Americans and women. Two quick examples before I move on. Did you know that many African American WWII vets were not able to access GI Bill benefits because they were dishonorably discharged? The majority of the discharges were not for ‘real’ infractions, but due to skin color. And until 1974 (officially with Fed. Gov. intervention), but in reality way past then, women, even with an income had to navigate a complex bureaucracy in order to get a credit car in their name? For years and years, women would have to have a man’s name on the card.
Alright, book review time is over…thank you for wading through that.
Some tunes before I head out for supper and onto the library.
-I have mentioned him before, but Cary Brothers. This guy has some excellent songs. I would recommend Ride, Honestly, and Who You Are.
-I still have a crush on Schuyler Fisk. Oh, and she sings as well as acts. She has a show this weekend in Vermont, but I cannot get there. I just have too much to do and the drive is 6 hours each way. BOO. I did have a plan to ask her out on a date.
-Oh, some television stuff (or Internet if you are like me and have no TV). Lost last night, whoa. Penny’s dad was on the island? Nice twist Lost writers, nice twist. Also, I just started season 1 of The West Wing and all I can say is holy cow! Aaron Sorkin created an institution with that show.
-To start, when I make lists on here the number eight looks like a smiley emoticon. I am not sure why.
-I have been having some great workouts lately. My friend Darrell suggested I write about my workouts and I think that idea is splendid. I know many of you are in your own plans and just let me say, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
-Reading and research is literally my job.
-Yesterday morning it was -22 on my walk to the gym, today -17…I have a new appreciate for what 10 or 20 degrees feels like.
-I have been typing a paper on advertisements (New York Times-automobiles from 1920s-1980s). This assignment coupled with the upcoming Super Bowl made me think about including some of my favorite SB related commercial spots. The following is the evidence.
Terry Tate is one of my all-time favorites
The talking baby is pretty funny too
Bud Light and Budweiser are always good for some funny spots
AND WHO CAN FORGET THESE (favorite part is what the background singer guy sings):
I will start with this one because I have a mustache.
-Cannot forget about SNL:
I am into list-related things lately. This could be for one of two reasons. The first reason is that I am not in the creative mood, so coopting someone’s idea and morphing it into my own is just fine by me. The second reason is that my life is lists right now and this is just a further manifestation of my life. Either way this is a thing from Facebook. You are supposed to write 25 things that people may or may not know about yourself. Here goes, 25 things about LPC.
1) I really like my middle name-thank you Mom.
2) I am a music geek and if I won the mega-super ridiculous lottery, I would probably take a year and just fly to concerts wherever I could go.
3) Money, greed, and especially pride has polarized my rather large extended family to the point where many of us have not seen or spoken to each other in 10+ years.
4) I have seen over 70 concerts since I was 16 years old.
5) My favorite all-time movie is Scent of a Woman (however, if you ask me in two days it may be The Shawshank Redemption or Back to the Future)
6) I saw one of the freakiest fist fights in my life during high school. We’re talking a dude putting his finger into the other dude’s eye-hole and asking people if they believed in God.
7) I twice rode in Indiana University’s Little 500
I was a child model.
9) I was asked to audition for the Kansas Boys’ Choir in the 3rd grade.
10) I tend to over extend myself
11) I once was married.
12) Per #11, I am a romantic at heart, and I do believe in the may not be attainable Hollywood version of love.
13) I once rode my bicycle across the state of Iowa. (it is not that flat).
14) If I had the resources I would be outfitted in a shirt and tie everyday. Not Fortune 500 style, more classic and simple.
15) I would love to be a paid professional speaker one day
16) Mom, Dad, Lauren, Lance, and Lane mean more than the world to me. I am forever in debt for their love and support.
17) Working for persons with disabilities was a career and life defining moment for me
18) God has blessed me more times than I deserve
19) I cry at the end of Field of Dreams-everytime. “Dad, want to have a catch?” Whew…gets me every time. A catch? Who says that? I love it.
20) If Kathy Griffin, Ryan Secrest, Sanjia, and the rest of that sort of motley crew were off the air, television would be better for it. This is not really about me, but more of an extension of something I believe.
21) You know how when you buy something and it costs a certain price and someone gives them cash and some extra change in order to get back a specific type of change? Like a quarter or two dimes, instead of something and a whole batch of pennies? Yeah, I cannot do that. People including my Mom, friends, girlfriends, etc. have tried to explain that for years and I always mess it up. For instance, I will be at a store and think I have it figured out. Let’s say the bill is $3.48. I will give the cashier $4.02 thinking I will get $.50 back and I will first get a look of confusion and then a series of coins that I did not want. Please feel free to laugh…
22) I have always wanted to try stand-up comedy, but I wimp-out.
23) I would like another tattoo.
24) I like to drink more coffee than is probably healthy.
25) I learned how to a cartwheel over the summer.
Ok, that was goofy, but that was my list. I have to jump back into a paper on advertising in my Seminar of Popular Culture class. Some music before I go.
-Pinetop Perkins. This guy is an old-school jazz and blues genius. I have been listening to his record, Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie
-Joseph Arthur. This artist is insightful in his lyrics and balanced and experimental in his arrangements. Totally geeked out on his song Honey and the Moon
I am trying to write a paper and the words are not coming so I apologize in advance, this post is a whole lot of nothing. Well, that would be true if you are not into beard evolution, but I am hoping some of you are.
My full-beard is no more. I started this thing in October and it grew for over 3 months. I dug the beard for a longtime. However, at a certain point, especially when wearing a stocking cap, I felt I looked like Saddam Hussein when he was captured in the bunker by US military forces. I felt it was time. The huge goatee was fun for a few days, but that was not enough as I wanted to see my chin. For the time being I will stick the mustache.
The following is photographic evidence of the beard. These pictures are similar to the evolution of man posters. We’ll call this the evolution of a beard.
late-October (had just shaved prior to Halloween to achieve the scruff necessary to portray NASCAR’s Tony Stewart)
early-November
early-December
late-December
early-January 2009
mid-January 2009 (big ol’ goatee)
late-January 2009 (mustache is the newest trend in facial hair-at least in the Lucas demographic)
Awhile back my friend Jackie gave me a music survey in which you put your music library on random and answer the following questions per whatever song comes up. The following is that survey…enjoy. Some of the song titles that came up are really funny or strangely true-especially #s 3, 5, 8, 10, 16, 21, 23, & 30
Right now I should be reading. In fact, I am going to type in a record pace in order to return to the book I am trying to finish. With that said, let us begin.
What’s been shaking lately? We’ll rock this list style:
-Well, the Steelers are in the Super Bowl and I am excited. Not many people know that the Steelers are my team. No, I do not support the Colts, even though I am from Indiana. I have may Steelers shirt cleaned and ready for Sunday after next.
-The semester is off and running, literally. I have been hitting the gym with a vengence and that is making my body and soul feel stronger each day. I have been going with a buddy in my program. Having someone to workout with always helps and in addition, walking with someone through sub-zero temperatures makes the walk easier. Quick aside with the gym. There are a lot of people who hoop. While running or walking laps around the suspended track I watch. Yeesh, there is some bad basketball being played. There is a profound lack of screening, good passing, and do not get me started on shot selection. You give me four other dudes from Bloomfield and we’d show them what real basketball is.
-School is rocking and rolling with many things happening at once. I had enrolled in three courses for the semester, but something is going to have to give and I plan to drop one. I am not one to do this type of thing, but I just won’t be able to manage the reading. The course I am going to drop has not even met yet (prof out last week and MLK Day today) and the other two are all-kinds of reading intensive. For tomorrow and Wednesday, I have about 700 pages of reading to complete, respectively. Adding another course with another book is just too much. With time at the gym, the encyclopedia writing project, grad student government, thesis planning/research, and some semblance of a social life, three courses is too much.
-I began looking for a church to attend in the area. Yesterday I worshipped at a Methodist church. I am enjoyed myself, but I need a bit more ummph. I am praying that God leads me to a strong church home (at least while here in Maine).
On the tunes front:
-With the strategic use of my iTunes gift card, I have purchased a bunch of great songs from some talented artists/bands. I have been patient with the purchasing because I want to make sure I do not forget anything. This has allowed me to find a few artists that I have not thought of in awhile, but were esstential to my youth. I recently purchased some tunes from The Jesus and Mary Chain and Huey Lewis and the News. The J&MC recently reunited and I would include a website, but I am not sure they have one. Huey Lewis and crew have a site, but it looks like one I created in a freshmen year computer programming course. While it says ‘official’ I am skeptical. Either way, holy cow, Huey Lewis and the News hold up. They have the seminal song from my favorite movie of all time, Back to the Future and many others that embody good ole-rock n’ roll.
I may use the remaining funds on the gift card to buy some music from Tim Buckley. This experimental, alt-rocker, singer-songwriter from the late-60s and early-70s was the father of one of my favorites, Jeff Buckley. Tim’s music is melodic, tempermental, sweet, lyrically strong, and in some aspects, ahead of its time. Both Buckley’s died mysterious deaths, but their imprint on the world is still felt and appreciated.
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I just watched an interview from a Canadian television show featuring Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. The interview was honest, candid, and full of excellent stories. You can access the interview here if you are so inclined. Side note: Billy has one of the best quotes I have heard from an accomplished musician regarding the Guitar Hero and Rock Band game craze. Although a proponent of the company and the games (they are featured in a few of them now), he does not play them himself. Why? In his words, “Why play Guitar Hero when you are a guitar hero.” I love that, I just love it.
Have a great day, give someone a hug today, tell someone that you love them, and otherwise ‘keep on keepin on’
Oh, one more thing, right now in Orono it is 8 degrees, feels like -8…
During November and December my time at the gym was limited. Factors for not going included an overload of schoolwork, temps being cold, and it being dark as night at 4pm. Honestly though, I would say that excuses kept me in my room, library, or other places to study. I should have been in the gym. Mind you, my weight-gain was minimal because my food intake was between roughly 1,000 and 1,200 calories-a-day (majority of the time). However, at a certain point, yoga and push ups was not cutting the proverbial mustard.
I have decided that even with three courses this semester, a small reader/grader job, and 6 encyclopedia entries to write, I am hitting the gym at least 5 days a week. This will last until the weather breaks and I can run outside (will still do so from time-to-time). I figure that if I am going to be pushing my mind to new limits, then why not my body.
I have been getting a lot out of the UMaine gym. As previously mentioned on this blog, this gym is the best collegiate gym I have ever been in. I will continue to show this gym whose boss on a daily basis (this is just tough talk because more often than not, the gym wins).
I am looking for a church up here and I think I have found one. I will be heading that way this Sunday, so please wish me luck.
Some tunes for your auditory pleasure:
Thanks to a generous gift from Santa, a.k.a. Mom and Dad, I am the proud owner of an iTunes gift card. I am being overly frugal with this card. One new record purchased is:
School of Seven Bells This band makes undeniably cool sounds with various elements of technology coupled with softly and uniquely lyrics voiced-over by twin sisters.
I have been digging on She and Him for awhile now. This duo, made up of indie-dude M. Ward and the always lovely Zooey Deschanel, put out a record last year called Volume One. Seeing Ms. Deschanel in many movies (including Elf where she provided her own singing) I was stoked for their debut. After listening I was not feeling it at all, in large part because I did not like the song sequence. In fact, it took until December of 08 to fully realize this frustration. While playing games at a party I turned on their record, but due the volume of the game, talking, etc, I was only able to hear parts of the whole thing. The parts I heard seemed to flow much better than the album as originally laid-out. Therefore, if you purchase this record, make a play-list and shuffle the songs around, you will not be sorry.
With that all said, there is something about this group that I love. Deschanel’s voice is simple, sweet, and strong, all at the same time and M. Ward compliments the singing in a way that is not overpowering, but reminds you that there is a strong musician behind this great singer. As an aside, I am not going to lie, I have a crush on Zooey Deschanel.
This is not anything new to the vast majority of you. Many of you celebrated almost a week ago. I did as well, but I have not really felt the need to post.
My NYE was really great. I was able to catch-up with many of my friends at a gathering hosted by Nick and his fiance D. They were gracious hosts and their home is part cozy-central, part Best-Buy & Dick’s Sporting Goods. I was honored to watch television and play video games there. Despite some unexpected lower-back pain (not really sure why), we rang in the new year with style. I feel great about the year that is upon us. Sitting at a coffee shop before heading to the party, I made a list of goals/dreams/resolutions for the new year that I am quite excited about. I will touch on these more throughout the year.
Other than that, I have spent the majority of my break hanging with family, friends, my new cat Dave, eating, and not reading as much as I should have. I am blessed with a whole host of great friends. I have appreciated the meals, conversations, and overall catching up that we have been able to do during my visit. THANK YOU.
Before I roll-out to watch some Band of Brothers, I would like to leave you all with some tunes to grab-a-hold of . Disclaimer: these tunes hearken back to a time when I was 15/16 years old and really starting to rock out.
1) Bush’s Sixteen Stone. This record is full of radio-friendly rock tunes and the requisite ballad for the ladies. I have reconnected to this record over break.
2) Silverchair Frog Stomp. These Aussie’s put a great record as youthful 16 year-olds. Simple hooks, feedback laden guitars, coupled with a side-order of angst made this an excellent album.
-My parent’s (oops…Santa), gave me an extremely wonderful gift for Christmas this year in the form of a iTunes gift card. I have been planning on some tunes I will procure when I get back to my laptop in Maine. I will be snagging some music from Aerosmith, Mark Kozelek, and I will try some Elvis Costello (JL, this better be good). I am excited for new music.
Thank you for reading…I really appreciate it…
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| emoney on Mr. T |
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