String of Birds

At a lovely dinner with beautiful people, I was introduced to the band String of Birds. They mix together a kind of folksy light poppiness with woman-done-wrong lyrics. There is some pining, sure, but it doesn't tip over into self-pity. Their voices fit together beautifully and as I write this I can't think of the last time I've heard a girl group that sounds anything like this. Check it out. It makes me wish I was in this band when I was in college.

"if you try to wake me in the night

by throwing stones, I'll throw them back.

At you."

More Octo Art

Look into the eyes of the man, and then the eyes of the octo. That octo has the man just where he wants him. He's not freaked out at all, even though they are clearly on land. I betcha that octo even has a tentacle ready to grab that knife, karate-chop the guy in the gut and go back to the sea.

Me? Team Octopus, all the way. ALL THE WAY.

The Secret History of American Baby Butlers

A quick "then and now," but I think you get a picture (not "the" picture, but "a" picture). Baby butlers have existed in America for hundreds of years and are still here. Secret army herds of baby butlers are here without the knowledge of your average American. Should they unionize?

Ah, Twilight

I love a good caption. Also, I love the films.

When Miscarriages Are Criminalized . . .

only outlaws will have miscarriages.

So it looks like Iowa is considering criminalizing miscarriages since they are a termination of pregnancy.

Consider the plight of Christine Taylor, a women who fell down the stairs while pregnant with her third baby. The medics that were called to the scene cleared her, but she went to the hospital anyway because she was concerned and wanted to make sure her baby was okay. When she confided to the nurse that she had been uncertain of having three children on her own since her husband was estranged, the nurse called the police. And Christine was arrested.

So right-wingers have an agenda not only for homosexuals, but for breeders too. Have your baby or else! If you admit uncertainty it is jail for you!

It's seriously getting fascist 'round this country.

Just a Touch of Bill Murray

Because I have an unexplained and overwhelming crush on Bill Murray. Also Bill Nighy. Basically, if you are older and funny and named Bill, I might have a crush on you. Check yo'self.

Icelandic Volcano?!

So let me get this straight: European flights are all out of whack because of this volcano eruption. Bright side though: pretty sunsets.

ICELAND? Srsly?

This Makes Me Laugh

Ironic signs for Palin's Tea Party Gathering in Boston, home of the real tea party which had less to do with taxes and more to do with "No Taxation Without Representation!" (Ah, how quickly we forget history. Or twist history to our own devices. Also, Sarah Palin.) Sometimes hipsters can do funny stuff. Except moustaches and big black glasses. Those will never be funny. Again.

Happy Tax Day!!!

I hope everyone got their returns in. Or posted an extension. Because -- as you can see above -- skeletons and spiderwebs will haunt you until it is done.

Personally, I don't understand the teeth gnashing about taxes. You either pay a little or get a little. Or, like my dad, sue the IRS. (Which is why I always have my taxes done by a CPA way ahead of time. I'm sure I am on their watch list.) Incidentally, from my dad's experience I can say this: the IRS always wins. So don't go a-suing them.

I've Gone Cross-Eyed

Whenever I put on a beret, my eyes cross. It's a medical mystery.

I Can't Believe I Forgot

WE ARE THE 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps: I love Jon Scheyer.

"We All Know That"

So this past Friday Christian was asked to speak on a Japanese horror film from the 1970's called "Hausu" (House). They were showing it at 11pm, so there was an odd amount of time between the end of the working day and the film. I ran into our friend Gage and he invited Christian and I to go to their place a little later.

So after finishing up a few things, we went over to Gage and Wendy's house. Except we arrived right between bath time and bed time -- they have three beautiful children. It was so sweet to see the kids in their jammies, telling me about their stuffed animals and assorted bed necessities. For some reason I thought it would be funny to tell them I still sleep with my blankie. So I started off "Hey, you guys know I was born a long time ago," meaning to finish it with "and I still sleep with my blankie." But one of the children cut me off after I just confessed to being really, really OLD and said "we all know that!"

So what can you do? Yep, they all know I am really old. And I still sleep with my blankie. But I still look sorta young. My secret? Kissing babies and stealing their essence.

Exhibit A:

Also, I have a painting of me that is locked in the attic. It ages, but I stay the same.

Oh, what about Hausu, you ask? It is an amazing film, not least because it is like watching thirty-second ads that comprise a larger whole. It's done in the advertising style: overly saturated colors, background music that is out of sync with what's happening, and dialogue that seems like simple one-liners. Also, there is a struggle between war-time and post-war gender roles. And its a horror film. Except it doesn't seem to know its a horror film because its too busy jiving out on its own vibe.

That's it in a nutshell.

What I'm Listening To Now

So the love of my life makes me these beautiful mixes every month -- and every mix is better than the last. It's sort of a way to bring different music in my ears, since I tend to stick with a couple of albums for a month or two.

First, I am in love with The Little Death. "Won't Ever Let You Down Again" is amazing. Her vocals will kick your ass up and down the street with some redemption at the end. Oh, it is good.

Another killer stop-you-dead-in-your-tracks is Donnie and Joe Emerson's "Baby." I know, the cover is cheesy and weird, but do yourself and listen to the song in a darkened room with someone you want to kiss and your world will get ROCKED.

I don't know why I am so late to My Morning Jacket. It seems like everyone has known about this band, talked about them, loved them, and then moved on. But for some reason the phenomenon totally passed me by, so I'm getting to know them for the first time. I really like "Come Closer" and "Phone Went West," but choose your own favorites.

That is all for now.

Despite My Best Intentions, I Am Not Good At Posting

It seems like things happen to me all the time that I mean to post. Remarkable moments, overhearing funny conversations, as well as pictures and thoughts. Then I come home -- because these things almost always happen when I am out an about -- and I forget to post. There is a pro in this: I have stuff to do. Con: my blog gets ignored.

I will try to be a better blogger.