Karl "let them eat cake" Rove embarrasses himself with white-man-underbite gangsta-posing.
Meanwhile, the administration is ever less able to wave off his link to the prosecutor firings.
and U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians continue to die daily ...
Oh, well -- long's Karl's got his groove on!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Just in case you haven't seen it ...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
"We're on two wheels, baby."*
------------
Well, we were on two wheels.
First, here's Miz JezeBelle, in all her (mostly) virgin glory:
Purdy, huh? Short like me (she's only 14" ... the smallest "adult" bike available); cushy like me (80mm RockShox); and so light that even uphills feel like we're flying. I can't believe the difference a lighter frame and narrower handlebars make ... and the thinner tires really help with the speed, too, yet plenty sturdy enough for the creekbeds in Wilderness.
We broke her cherry gently, with a leisurely Saturday afternoon ride on the Rock Island.
Then, on Sunday, we headed out to Pioneers Park to give the trails a real workout. Six of us: Me and JezaBelle, Miz K on Suzette, and the juggler with his Rockhopper.
Here's what happened, only about a mile and a quarter out:
That snap you see near the elbow? That's what we call a displaced olecranon.
It's Miz K's story to tell, not mine ... we all went down, but she took the brunt of it.
Surgery on Thursday, to install pins and a cable. They call it an "open reduction internal fixation," which sounds kind of dirty to me. Suzette's gonna be lonely for awhile.
Throw some love Miz K's way, eh?
------------
I wish I had the fortitude to live off the grid ... create my own energy (wind, solar), recycle my graywater, eschew all paper and plastic products ... but stories like The Year Without Toilet Paper just serve to remind me how much more I could do.
This family's recording a year's attempt to live without using paper, creating trash, participating in carbon emissions or purchasing anything but food -- and only organic food grown within 250 miles.
Here's his blog: No Impact Man
And a couple of similar practitioners:
Tree Hugger
Green as a Thistle
I need to not give up because I'm not (yet?) so hardcore. Instead, look to people like this for ideas I can practice in my own life, and keep adapting ...
Starting with: Does anyone know anyone who has a push/reel mower I could try out? I'd like to see if I have the muscle mass to push one effectively before I buy one myself.
------------
If you happen to be in upstate New York on Friday evening, check this out: A party to comemmorate the devil's last 666 days in office.
And here's an easy way to thank the 10 representatives who voted against throwing another $100 million at an unjust, un-"winnable" war. This ain't a quagmire anymore -- it's a full-blown sinkhole. At this point, there's absolutely nothing the U.S. can do to improve the situation; even if the violence is temporarily brought under control in Baghdad, it's just going to pop up elsewhere -- like an ugly, deadly game of Whack-A-Mole.
Our very presence is causing a good portion of the violence. We need to get out and let the U.N. get in.
------------
Quote of the day:
"That's almost as bad as a mosquito bite in the crack of your ass." -- Miz K
*Song of the day:
"Bicycle Bicycle You Are My Bicycle," Be Your Own Pet
------------
Well, we were on two wheels.
First, here's Miz JezeBelle, in all her (mostly) virgin glory:
Purdy, huh? Short like me (she's only 14" ... the smallest "adult" bike available); cushy like me (80mm RockShox); and so light that even uphills feel like we're flying. I can't believe the difference a lighter frame and narrower handlebars make ... and the thinner tires really help with the speed, too, yet plenty sturdy enough for the creekbeds in Wilderness.
We broke her cherry gently, with a leisurely Saturday afternoon ride on the Rock Island.
Then, on Sunday, we headed out to Pioneers Park to give the trails a real workout. Six of us: Me and JezaBelle, Miz K on Suzette, and the juggler with his Rockhopper.
Here's what happened, only about a mile and a quarter out:
That snap you see near the elbow? That's what we call a displaced olecranon.It's Miz K's story to tell, not mine ... we all went down, but she took the brunt of it.
Surgery on Thursday, to install pins and a cable. They call it an "open reduction internal fixation," which sounds kind of dirty to me. Suzette's gonna be lonely for awhile.
Throw some love Miz K's way, eh?
------------
I wish I had the fortitude to live off the grid ... create my own energy (wind, solar), recycle my graywater, eschew all paper and plastic products ... but stories like The Year Without Toilet Paper just serve to remind me how much more I could do.
This family's recording a year's attempt to live without using paper, creating trash, participating in carbon emissions or purchasing anything but food -- and only organic food grown within 250 miles.
Here's his blog: No Impact Man
And a couple of similar practitioners:
Tree Hugger
Green as a Thistle
I need to not give up because I'm not (yet?) so hardcore. Instead, look to people like this for ideas I can practice in my own life, and keep adapting ...
Starting with: Does anyone know anyone who has a push/reel mower I could try out? I'd like to see if I have the muscle mass to push one effectively before I buy one myself.
------------
If you happen to be in upstate New York on Friday evening, check this out: A party to comemmorate the devil's last 666 days in office.
And here's an easy way to thank the 10 representatives who voted against throwing another $100 million at an unjust, un-"winnable" war. This ain't a quagmire anymore -- it's a full-blown sinkhole. At this point, there's absolutely nothing the U.S. can do to improve the situation; even if the violence is temporarily brought under control in Baghdad, it's just going to pop up elsewhere -- like an ugly, deadly game of Whack-A-Mole.
Our very presence is causing a good portion of the violence. We need to get out and let the U.N. get in.
------------
Quote of the day:
"That's almost as bad as a mosquito bite in the crack of your ass." -- Miz K
*Song of the day:
"Bicycle Bicycle You Are My Bicycle," Be Your Own Pet
------------
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Damn. I like bananas.
Read Amy Goodman's column about Chiquita paying off FARC militants in Colombia.
Then read "One Hundred Years of Solitude" for a heartbreaking, poetic look at the corporation's age-old practice of ruining lives and ways of life and entire villages in Central America. (Bonus: Butterflies flying out of mouths and other magic realism).
Then buy your bananas from your friendly corporate-free, farmer-friendly, organic co-op.
-------------
What I've been reading: "The Post-Birthday World," Lionel Shriver
What I've been hearing: "Gbeda Authentic," Kola Gbedu Ogunkoya
Then read "One Hundred Years of Solitude" for a heartbreaking, poetic look at the corporation's age-old practice of ruining lives and ways of life and entire villages in Central America. (Bonus: Butterflies flying out of mouths and other magic realism).
Then buy your bananas from your friendly corporate-free, farmer-friendly, organic co-op.
-------------
What I've been reading: "The Post-Birthday World," Lionel Shriver
What I've been hearing: "Gbeda Authentic," Kola Gbedu Ogunkoya
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Oink if you had a great weekend.
And so, "oink!" I say.
Friday night we went to see the inimitable Billy Bacon @ The Zoo. We danced. We drank. We danced. We drank. I confessed my longtime crush to my favorite Self-Righteous Brother -- a crush that was later dimmed when he called me a "stone cold fox" on our way out the door. Who says that? Was I missing some ironic '80s lingo?
We were looking pretty hot, though -- no?
Even better, on Saturday I ordered a new addition to the household. Miz K and the nice manager at Blue's helped me test-drive quite a few, and I went with the best I could afford -- a new Trek 4500. Rock Shox/80mm on a teensy 14-inch frame and thinner tires than the standard issue. Compared to my old behemoth, she's completely effortless and weightless.
Poll of the day: What shall I name her? Thinking to keep with the French theme (Lola = la casa; Suzette = Miz K's ride). Fifi, maybe? Or Jezebel, which no is not French but is kind of naughty so I like it ... Thoughts?
She'll be coming home by the weekend. Oh, I hope it's nice Saturday ... we'll open our Wilderness season and grill out in the evening on the new Weber I scored at a yard sale in the brother's ritzy 'hood ...
-----------
Here's to not reaching Year 6.
It's the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the USA’s war against Iraq. In all the excitement, I missed the Saturday vigil in Lincoln.
But: If you're in Omaha on Monday, Nebraskans for Peace will hold a peace vigil 4-6 p.m. at the footbridge over Dodge Street, just east of UNO’s campus. After the vigil: A gathering at McFosters, 38th and Farnam, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
-----------
When's the last time you cried over a book?
I just finished "A Farewell to Arms." Even I saw it coming -- and I don't like to let myself see it coming. But even though I knew, I didn't *want* to know, and so when I did know I cried.
-----------
Welcome to the Terrordome.
Public Enemy was the free SXSW concert this year (see video below). Why, oh why, do I never commit to going to Austin in March? Crappy video but worth a listen just to hear Chuck D chanting "Fuck Dick Cheney! Fuck Condoleezza!
Friday night we went to see the inimitable Billy Bacon @ The Zoo. We danced. We drank. We danced. We drank. I confessed my longtime crush to my favorite Self-Righteous Brother -- a crush that was later dimmed when he called me a "stone cold fox" on our way out the door. Who says that? Was I missing some ironic '80s lingo?
We were looking pretty hot, though -- no?
Even better, on Saturday I ordered a new addition to the household. Miz K and the nice manager at Blue's helped me test-drive quite a few, and I went with the best I could afford -- a new Trek 4500. Rock Shox/80mm on a teensy 14-inch frame and thinner tires than the standard issue. Compared to my old behemoth, she's completely effortless and weightless.
Poll of the day: What shall I name her? Thinking to keep with the French theme (Lola = la casa; Suzette = Miz K's ride). Fifi, maybe? Or Jezebel, which no is not French but is kind of naughty so I like it ... Thoughts?
She'll be coming home by the weekend. Oh, I hope it's nice Saturday ... we'll open our Wilderness season and grill out in the evening on the new Weber I scored at a yard sale in the brother's ritzy 'hood ...
-----------
Here's to not reaching Year 6.
It's the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the USA’s war against Iraq. In all the excitement, I missed the Saturday vigil in Lincoln.
But: If you're in Omaha on Monday, Nebraskans for Peace will hold a peace vigil 4-6 p.m. at the footbridge over Dodge Street, just east of UNO’s campus. After the vigil: A gathering at McFosters, 38th and Farnam, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
-----------
When's the last time you cried over a book?
I just finished "A Farewell to Arms." Even I saw it coming -- and I don't like to let myself see it coming. But even though I knew, I didn't *want* to know, and so when I did know I cried.
-----------
Welcome to the Terrordome.
Public Enemy was the free SXSW concert this year (see video below). Why, oh why, do I never commit to going to Austin in March? Crappy video but worth a listen just to hear Chuck D chanting "Fuck Dick Cheney! Fuck Condoleezza!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Note to Hagel:
No one likes a tease.
-----------
Green army rising up.
It was Miz K, not me, who first noticed all the daffodil pips squeaking their way out of the black wet soil around my porch.
Everything smells fresh -- moist and damp and earthy. Sunroof open, seats warm from the sun. A walk through the 'hood to visit Miz Amy. Kids on bikes, kids on scooters, kids on Big Wheels. Two skater girls practicing their board moves (and bored moves) in the street.
Spring's ready to bust out. She's making a break for it, and I'm ready with the getaway car.
-----------
OK, this was weird.
--edited for content --
When I arrived at the office Monday morning, my voicemail light was blinking. I don't get many outside calls; those I do get are usually angry customers. So that blinking light always prompts a long internal sigh as a rock forms in the pit of my stomach.
Only this voicemail wasn't from an angry customer. It was from one of my very first boyfriends -- the first one to give me jewelry. Sixth grade. Fabian Rios. A jet black bowl cut and a smile wider than his face. He came from a hard part of town, we all knew that, but I didn't know until much later, long after the post-high-school diverging of paths, just how difficult his home life was. I only remember he was always so happy, so sweet.
Nearly a year ago I saw him at our 20th high school reunion. Fresh out of the state pen, and so high he barely knew where he was. We talked for about 10 minutes; an hour later he came back, shrieking, "Oh my God! Becki! You're Becki!" He only showed up because he was with some girl at her 10-year reunion, and someone reminded him, "Hey, Fabe, y'know, your class is having a reunion, too."
Now he's getting divorced and moving out of his home, and in the process of packing up his life he found the business card I'd given him at the reunion, and he seemed to remember that he'd totally promised to call.
When I returned his message he sounded sober, normal -- upbeat, even. I'd caught him on his daily walk, he said. He's days away from moving back to Kearney, from Omaha. Starting a factory job, $14 an hour. Maybe he'll go back to school -- computers.
I hope life ends up being kind to him.
The "jewelry" was a skateboard pendant. The wheels really worked. Most everyone had one, along with a satin jacket and a comb with a big handle sticking out the back pocket of their Jordache jeans. We used to "ride" on them with our fingers; we used to race each other.
-----------
In praise of ...
I'm trying to make a habit of randomly telling people something good every day. Started as a work thing ... just to compliment coworkers on a job well done. We catch so much outside flack, and we criticize ourselves constantly. The many things we do right, much less spectacularly, often seem to go unnoticed.
It's all selfish, though. What we project comes back to us. When I pat someone else's back, I feel better about myself.
-----------
Universal truths.
One of those sometimes funny, sometimes annoying list emails that make their way around, this one from my cousin Russ:
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without much enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese from the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
-----------
Opiate of the masses.
Conor Oberst was guest VJ on the "All Songs Considered" podcast last week. In talking about how soothing he finds M. Ward's music, he used the phrase "aural Xanax." Love that.
-----------
Currently hearing: Miles Davis, "In A Silent Way" (to be taken aurally, as needed)
Currently reading: "The Sun Also Rises"
Currently watching: "The Sheltering Sky"
So I'm in Paris and Spain with Hemingway, and in Africa with Paul Bowles via John Malkovich .. in short, I'm in heaven ...
-----------
-----------
Green army rising up.
It was Miz K, not me, who first noticed all the daffodil pips squeaking their way out of the black wet soil around my porch.
Everything smells fresh -- moist and damp and earthy. Sunroof open, seats warm from the sun. A walk through the 'hood to visit Miz Amy. Kids on bikes, kids on scooters, kids on Big Wheels. Two skater girls practicing their board moves (and bored moves) in the street.
Spring's ready to bust out. She's making a break for it, and I'm ready with the getaway car.
-----------
OK, this was weird.
--edited for content --
When I arrived at the office Monday morning, my voicemail light was blinking. I don't get many outside calls; those I do get are usually angry customers. So that blinking light always prompts a long internal sigh as a rock forms in the pit of my stomach.
Only this voicemail wasn't from an angry customer. It was from one of my very first boyfriends -- the first one to give me jewelry. Sixth grade. Fabian Rios. A jet black bowl cut and a smile wider than his face. He came from a hard part of town, we all knew that, but I didn't know until much later, long after the post-high-school diverging of paths, just how difficult his home life was. I only remember he was always so happy, so sweet.
Nearly a year ago I saw him at our 20th high school reunion. Fresh out of the state pen, and so high he barely knew where he was. We talked for about 10 minutes; an hour later he came back, shrieking, "Oh my God! Becki! You're Becki!" He only showed up because he was with some girl at her 10-year reunion, and someone reminded him, "Hey, Fabe, y'know, your class is having a reunion, too."
Now he's getting divorced and moving out of his home, and in the process of packing up his life he found the business card I'd given him at the reunion, and he seemed to remember that he'd totally promised to call.
When I returned his message he sounded sober, normal -- upbeat, even. I'd caught him on his daily walk, he said. He's days away from moving back to Kearney, from Omaha. Starting a factory job, $14 an hour. Maybe he'll go back to school -- computers.
I hope life ends up being kind to him.
The "jewelry" was a skateboard pendant. The wheels really worked. Most everyone had one, along with a satin jacket and a comb with a big handle sticking out the back pocket of their Jordache jeans. We used to "ride" on them with our fingers; we used to race each other.
-----------
In praise of ...
I'm trying to make a habit of randomly telling people something good every day. Started as a work thing ... just to compliment coworkers on a job well done. We catch so much outside flack, and we criticize ourselves constantly. The many things we do right, much less spectacularly, often seem to go unnoticed.
It's all selfish, though. What we project comes back to us. When I pat someone else's back, I feel better about myself.
-----------
Universal truths.
One of those sometimes funny, sometimes annoying list emails that make their way around, this one from my cousin Russ:
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without much enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese from the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
-----------
Opiate of the masses.
Conor Oberst was guest VJ on the "All Songs Considered" podcast last week. In talking about how soothing he finds M. Ward's music, he used the phrase "aural Xanax." Love that.
-----------
Currently hearing: Miles Davis, "In A Silent Way" (to be taken aurally, as needed)
Currently reading: "The Sun Also Rises"
Currently watching: "The Sheltering Sky"
So I'm in Paris and Spain with Hemingway, and in Africa with Paul Bowles via John Malkovich .. in short, I'm in heaven ...
-----------
Friday, March 9, 2007
My new favorite thing.
----------
Did you know that at Sherrill's, the little ghetto liquor store in my 'hood, you can mix & match your 6-pack?
This is the best invention since little sticky Post-It flags ... or stackable leftover boxes for the fridge.
My favorite: Sweaty Betty. Bought for the title and cover art ... and, like many an album selected under the same criteria, a successful guess.
On a sadder note: Miz K suspects she's developed a beer allergy. Hives and itching. Not every time, but usually. A matter of ingredients? More research and testing required.
Movie night with the ladeez. "Marie Antoinette." Lush and loud and fun. Until the end, of course. Ain't that always the way? (Oh, Miz C, sorry we went ahead without you ... but rent it, you'll love it!)
Also ordered tickets to see Tilly & the Wall @ Sokol on the 31st.
Quote of the day: “People get nasty during revolutions.” -- Jillio
----------
Did you know that at Sherrill's, the little ghetto liquor store in my 'hood, you can mix & match your 6-pack?
This is the best invention since little sticky Post-It flags ... or stackable leftover boxes for the fridge.
My favorite: Sweaty Betty. Bought for the title and cover art ... and, like many an album selected under the same criteria, a successful guess.
On a sadder note: Miz K suspects she's developed a beer allergy. Hives and itching. Not every time, but usually. A matter of ingredients? More research and testing required.
Movie night with the ladeez. "Marie Antoinette." Lush and loud and fun. Until the end, of course. Ain't that always the way? (Oh, Miz C, sorry we went ahead without you ... but rent it, you'll love it!)
Also ordered tickets to see Tilly & the Wall @ Sokol on the 31st.
Quote of the day: “People get nasty during revolutions.” -- Jillio
----------
Thursday, March 8, 2007
The not-so-Definitive 200.
The National Association of Record Manufacturers and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have released "The Definitive 200," a list of 200 albums they think every popular-music fan should own. The ones I own, or have owned in some form or other (from 8-track to cassette to vinyl to CD to mp3) are in red.
1 BEATLES SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND 1967 Rock
2 PINK FLOYD DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 1973 Rock
3 MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLER 1982 Pop
4 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN IV 1971 Rock
5 U2 THE JOSHUA TREE 1987 Rock
6 ROLLING STONES EXILE ON MAIN STREET 1972 Rock
7 CAROLE KING TAPESTRY 1971 Adult Contemporary
8 BOB DYLAN HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED 1965 Rock
9 BEACH BOYS PET SOUNDS 1966 Rock
10 NIRVANA NEVERMIND 1991 Rock
11 PEARL JAM TEN 1991 Rock
12 BEATLES ABBEY ROAD 1969 Rock
13 SANTANA SUPERNATURAL 1999 Rock
14 METALLICA METALLICA 1991 Rock
15 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BORN TO RUN 1975 Rock
16 PRINCE PURPLE RAIN 1984 Pop
17 AC/DC BACK IN BLACK 1980 Rock
18 ROLLING STONES LET IT BLEED 1969 Rock
19 DOORS THE DOORS 1967 Rock
20 GRATEFUL DEAD AMERICAN BEAUTY 1970 Rock
21 SHANIA TWAIN COME ON OVER 1997 Country (this wins, hands down, for most embarrassing admission)
22 WHO WHO'S NEXT 1971 Rock
23 STEVIE WONDER SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 1976 R&B
24 FLEETWOOD MAC RUMOURS 1977 Pop
25 PINK FLOYD THE WALL 1979 Rock
26 ALANIS MORISSETTE JAGGED LITTLE PILL 1995 Pop
27 NORAH JONES COME AWAY WITH ME 2002 Pop
28 EMINEM THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2000 Rap
29 OUTKAST SPEAKERBOXX-LOVE BELOW 2003 R&B
30 DR. DRE THE CHRONIC 1992 Rap
31 BEASTIE BOYS LICENSED TO ILL 1986 Rap
32 GUNS N' ROSES APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION 1987 Rock
33 DIXIE CHICKS WIDE OPEN SPACES 1998 Country
34 MILES DAVIS KIND OF BLUE 1959 Jazz
35 EAGLES HOTEL CALIFORNIA 1976 Rock
36 DEF LEPPARD HYSTERIA 1987 Rock
37 SOUNDTRACK: GREASE 1978 Soundtrack
38 MARVIN GAYE WHAT'S GOING ON 1971 R&B
39 BEATLES THE WHITE ALBUM 1968 Rock
40 SOUNDTRACK: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER 1977 Soundtrack
41 JIMI HENDRIX ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? 1967 Rock
42 BEATLES REVOLVER 1966 Rock
43 BOSTON BOSTON 1976 Rock
44 BON JOVI SLIPPERY WHEN WET 1986 Rock
45 U2 ACHTUNG BABY 1991 Rock
46 WHITNEY HOUSTON WHITNEY HOUSTON 1985 R&B
47 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN II 1969 Rock
48 DAVE MATTHEWS BAND CRASH 1996 Rock
49 ROLLING STONES STICKY FINGERS 1971 Rock
50 GREEN DAY DOOKIE 1994 Rock
51 LED ZEPPELIN HOUSES OF THE HOLY 1973 Rock
52 JONI MITCHELL BLUE 1971 Rock
53 ELVIS PRESLEY ELVIS PRESLEY AT SUN 2004 Rock
54 AEROSMITH TOYS IN THE ATTIC 1975 Rock
55 LAURYN HILL THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL 1998 R&B
56 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BORN IN THE U.S.A. 1984 Rock
57 50 CENT GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN' 2003 Rap
58 AC/DC HIGHWAY TO HELL 1979 Rock
59 NOTORIOUS B.I.G. LIFE AFTER DEATH 1997 Rap
60 VAN HALEN VAN HALEN 1978 Rock
61 GREEN DAY AMERICAN IDIOT 2004 Rock
62 BLACK SABBATH PARANOID 1971 Rock
63 EMINEM THE EMINEM SHOW 2002 Rap
64 JEWEL PIECES OF YOU 1995 Pop
65 COLDPLAY A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD 2002 Pop
66 MEAT LOAF BAT OUT OF HELL 1977 Rock
67 USHER CONFESSIONS 2004 R&B
68 KID ROCK DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE 1998 Rock
69 GEORGE HARRISON ALL THINGS MUST PASS 1970 Pop
70 BILLY JOEL THE STRANGER 1977 Pop
71 EAGLES HELL FREEZES OVER 1994 Rock
72 VAN MORRISON MOONDANCE 1970 Rock
73 R.E.M. AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE 1992 Pop
74 PHIL COLLINS NO JACKET REQUIRED 1985 Pop
75 METALLICA MASTER OF PUPPETS 1986 Rock
76 FAITH HILL BREATHE 1999 Country
77 JOHNNY CASH AT FOLSOM PRISON 1968 Country
78 JOHN COLTRANE A LOVE SUPREME 1964 Jazz
79 PINK FLOYD WISH YOU WERE HERE 1975 Rock
80 MICHAEL JACKSON OFF THE WALL 1979 Pop
81 MARVIN GAYE LET'S GET IT ON 1973 R&B
82 BOB SEGER NIGHT MOVES 1976 Rock
83 PAUL SIMON GRACELAND 1986 Pop
84 LINKIN PARK HYBRID THEORY 2000 Rock
85 PRINCE 1999 1983 Pop
86 DEF LEPPARD PYROMANIA 1983 Rock
87 JANET JACKSON CONTROL 1986 R&B
88 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK 1991 Rock
89 DIRE STRAITS BROTHERS IN ARMS 1985 Rock
90 TUPAC ALL EYEZ ON ME 1996 Rap
91 MATCHBOX TWENTY YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU 1996 Pop
92 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS CALIFORNICATION 1999 Rock
93 LED ZEPPELIN PHYSICAL GRAFFITI 1975 Rock
94 NELLY COUNTRY GRAMMAR 2000 Rap
95 CREED HUMAN CLAY 1999 Rock
96 CLASH LONDON CALLING 1979 Rock
97 CELINE DION FALLING INTO YOU 1996 Adult Contemporary
98 NEIL YOUNG HARVEST 1972 Rock
99 SOUNDTRACK: DIRTY DANCING 1987 Soundtrack
100 DIXIE CHICKS HOME 2002 Country
101 TOM PETTY FULL MOON FEVER 1989 Rock
102 VAN HALEN 1984 1984 Rock
103 SOUNDTRACK: TITANIC 1997 Soundtrack
104 CROSBY STILLS & NASH DÉJÀ VU 1970 Rock
105 TLC CRAZYSEXYCOOL 1999 R&B
106 BECK ODELAY 1994 Rock
107 KENNY G BREATHLESS 1992 Adult Contemporary
108 NWA STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON 1989 Rap
109 SEX PISTOLS NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS 1977 Rock
110 BEATLES RUBBER SOUL 1965 Rock
111 RADIOHEAD O.K. COMPUTER 1993 Rock
112 SIMON & GARFUNKEL BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER 1970 Pop
113 DIXIE CHICKS FLY 1999 Country
114 METALLICA AND JUSTICE FOR ALL 1988 Rock
115 MICHAEL JACKSON DANGEROUS 1992 Pop
116 MARIAH CAREY DAYDREAM 1995 Pop
117 SOUNDTRACK: TOP GUN 1986 Soundtrack
118 ELTON JOHN GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD 1973 Pop
119 POLICE SYNCHRONICITY 1983 Rock
120 NO DOUBT TRAGIC KINGDOM 1995 Pop
121 ROLLING STONES BEGGARS BANQUET 1968 Rock
122 R KELLY R 1998 R&B
123 TOOL LATERALUS 2001 Rock
124 OASIS WHAT'S THE STORY MORNING GLORY 1995 Rock
125 BOB MARLEY EXODUS 1977 Reggae
126 JOURNEY ESCAPE 1981 Rock
127 CHRISTINA AGUILERA CHRISTINA AGUILERA 1999 Pop
128 JAY-Z BLUEPRINT 2001 Rap
129 ALICIA KEYS DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS 2003 R&B
130 SOUNDTRACK: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? 2000 Soundtrack
131 CARS THE CARS 1978 Pop
132 ENYA DAY WITHOUT RAIN 2000 Adult Contemporary
133 NATALIE COLE UNFORGETTABLE: WITH LOVE 1991 R&B
134 SOUNDTRACK: FOOTLOOSE 1984 Soundtrack
135 LIONEL RICHIE CAN'T SLOW DOWN 1983 Pop
136 SARAH MCLACHLAN SURFACING 1997 Adult Contemporar
137 BONNIE RAITT NICK OF TIME 1989 Rock
138 METALLICA RIDE THE LIGHTNING 1984 Rock
139 SHERYL CROW TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB 1993 Pop
140 FRANK SINATRA IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS 1954 Standards
141 EARTH WIND & FIRE GRATITUDE 1975 R&B
142 ZZ TOP ELIMINATOR 1983 Rock
143 WILLIE NELSON RED HEADED STRANGER 1975 Country
144 JOHN LENNON IMAGINE 1971 Rock
145 TONI BRAXTON TONI BRAXTON 1993 R&B
146 ETTA JAMES AT LAST 1961 Blues
147 ELVIS PRESLEY ELVIS PRESLEY 1956 Rock
148 CAT STEVENS TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN 1970 Pop
149 SMASHING PUMPKINS MELLON COLLIE & THE INFINITE SADNESS 1995 Rock
150 DAVE BRUBECK TIME OUT 1959 Jazz
151 JANET JACKSON JANET 1993 R&B
152 QUEEN A NIGHT AT THE OPERA 1975 Rock
153 OZZY OSBOURNE BLIZZARD OF OZZ 1980 Rock
154 WILL SMITH BIG WILLIE STYLE 1997 Rap
155 PRINCE SIGN O' THE TIMES 1987 Pop
156 PUBLIC ENEMY IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK 1988 Rap
157 BOB DYLAN BLOOD ON THE TRACKS 1975 Rock
158 GEORGE MICHAEL FAITH 1987 Pop
159 BOYZ II MEN COOLEYHIGHHARMONY 1993 R&B
160 DESTINY'S CHILD WRITING'S ON THE WALL 1999 R&B
161 JAY-Z THE BLACK ALBUM 2003 Rap
162 AVRIL LAVIGNE LET GO 2002 Pop
163 FUGEES THE SCORE 1996 R&B
164 MADONNA LIKE A VIRGIN 1984 Pop
165 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN 1969 Rock
166 STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN TEXAS FLOOD 1983 R&B
167 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS CORE 1992 Rock
168 ORIGINAL CAST: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 1988 Cast Album
169 JETHRO TULL AQUALUNG 1971 Rock
170 TUPAC ME AGAINST THE WORLD 1995 Rap
171 DAVID BOWIE THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST 1972 Rock
172 SHAKIRA LAUNDRY SERVICE 1998 Pop
173 SOUNDTRACK: FORREST GUMP 1994 Soundtrack
174 AL GREEN CALL ME 1973 R&B
175 CURTIS MAYFIELD SUPERFLY 1972 R&B
176 LIVE THROWING COPPER 1994 Rock
177 GEORGE BENSON BREEZIN' 1976 Jazz
178 WHITE STRIPES WHITE BLOOD CELLS 2001 Rock
179 LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRONOUNCED LEH-NERD SKIN-ERD 1973 Rock
180 SADE DIAMOND LIFE 1984 Adult Contemporary
181 FLEETWOOD MAC FLEETWOOD MAC 1975 Pop
182 PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS BAND ON THE RUN 1973 Rock
183 BEYONCÉ DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE 2003 R&B
184 ANITA BAKER RAPTURE 1986 R&B
185 NAS ILLMATIC 1994 Rap
186 BARBRA STREISAND A STAR IS BORN 1976 Soundtrack
187 EARTH WIND & FIRE THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD 1975 R&B
188 ANITA BAKER RHYTHM OF LOVE 1994 R&B
189 JAY-Z IN MY LIFETIME VOL. 1 1997 Rap
190 LL COOL J MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT 1990 Rap
191 STEELY DAN AJA 1977 Rock
192 WILLIE NELSON STARDUST 1978 Country
193 ARETHA FRANKLIN SPARKLE 1976 R&B
194 ANDREA BOCELLI ANDREA 2004 Classical
195 BOB DYLAN BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME 1965 Rock
196 LUTHER VANDROSS NEVER TOO MUCH 1981 R&B
197 U2 ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND 2000 Rock
198 RUSH 2112 1976 Rock
199 OUTKAST AQUEMINI 1998 R&B
200 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND 1973 Rock
54 (?) out of 200 -- more than I'd have expected. More than a few I'd rather not cop to; this list was obviously created by another '80s-era youth. Why'd I do so badly on the second half?
------------
Now, if I were creating my own list of influential listens, what would they be???
Let's just try for a top 20, and just off the top of my head:
Love Will Keep Us Together, Captain and Tennille** (hey, it's what started it all!)
Furnace Room Lullaby, Neko Case
Evolve, Ani DiFranco
The Trinity Session, Cowboy Junkies
Blue Billie, Billie Holiday*
Blue Miles, Miles Davis
Wild Planet, B-52's
Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison
Surfer Rosa, the Pixies*
Essence, Lucinda Williams
Silver and Gold, Neil Young
Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, PJ Harvey
Public Enemy, Public Enemy
darksneakloveaction, Tom Tom Club**
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved, Maria McKee
Reckoning, REM
Shakedown Street, Grateful Dead**
Rocket to Russia, the Ramones*
War, U2
The Best of Leonard Cohen*
Not a fair list, really -- mostly the ones that've been influential over the past few chaotic years, via a cursory scan of my iTunes, with a few memories of my formative youth tossed in. Subject to change.
* = HOW could these have not made a "definitive" list???
** = Less for critical acclaim than for conjuring up critical life moments
------------
1 BEATLES SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND 1967 Rock
2 PINK FLOYD DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 1973 Rock
3 MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLER 1982 Pop
4 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN IV 1971 Rock
5 U2 THE JOSHUA TREE 1987 Rock
6 ROLLING STONES EXILE ON MAIN STREET 1972 Rock
7 CAROLE KING TAPESTRY 1971 Adult Contemporary
8 BOB DYLAN HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED 1965 Rock
9 BEACH BOYS PET SOUNDS 1966 Rock
10 NIRVANA NEVERMIND 1991 Rock
11 PEARL JAM TEN 1991 Rock
12 BEATLES ABBEY ROAD 1969 Rock
13 SANTANA SUPERNATURAL 1999 Rock
14 METALLICA METALLICA 1991 Rock
15 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BORN TO RUN 1975 Rock
16 PRINCE PURPLE RAIN 1984 Pop
17 AC/DC BACK IN BLACK 1980 Rock
18 ROLLING STONES LET IT BLEED 1969 Rock
19 DOORS THE DOORS 1967 Rock
20 GRATEFUL DEAD AMERICAN BEAUTY 1970 Rock
21 SHANIA TWAIN COME ON OVER 1997 Country (this wins, hands down, for most embarrassing admission)
22 WHO WHO'S NEXT 1971 Rock
23 STEVIE WONDER SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 1976 R&B
24 FLEETWOOD MAC RUMOURS 1977 Pop
25 PINK FLOYD THE WALL 1979 Rock
26 ALANIS MORISSETTE JAGGED LITTLE PILL 1995 Pop
27 NORAH JONES COME AWAY WITH ME 2002 Pop
28 EMINEM THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2000 Rap
29 OUTKAST SPEAKERBOXX-LOVE BELOW 2003 R&B
30 DR. DRE THE CHRONIC 1992 Rap
31 BEASTIE BOYS LICENSED TO ILL 1986 Rap
32 GUNS N' ROSES APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION 1987 Rock
33 DIXIE CHICKS WIDE OPEN SPACES 1998 Country
34 MILES DAVIS KIND OF BLUE 1959 Jazz
35 EAGLES HOTEL CALIFORNIA 1976 Rock
36 DEF LEPPARD HYSTERIA 1987 Rock
37 SOUNDTRACK: GREASE 1978 Soundtrack
38 MARVIN GAYE WHAT'S GOING ON 1971 R&B
39 BEATLES THE WHITE ALBUM 1968 Rock
40 SOUNDTRACK: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER 1977 Soundtrack
41 JIMI HENDRIX ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? 1967 Rock
42 BEATLES REVOLVER 1966 Rock
43 BOSTON BOSTON 1976 Rock
44 BON JOVI SLIPPERY WHEN WET 1986 Rock
45 U2 ACHTUNG BABY 1991 Rock
46 WHITNEY HOUSTON WHITNEY HOUSTON 1985 R&B
47 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN II 1969 Rock
48 DAVE MATTHEWS BAND CRASH 1996 Rock
49 ROLLING STONES STICKY FINGERS 1971 Rock
50 GREEN DAY DOOKIE 1994 Rock
51 LED ZEPPELIN HOUSES OF THE HOLY 1973 Rock
52 JONI MITCHELL BLUE 1971 Rock
53 ELVIS PRESLEY ELVIS PRESLEY AT SUN 2004 Rock
54 AEROSMITH TOYS IN THE ATTIC 1975 Rock
55 LAURYN HILL THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL 1998 R&B
56 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN BORN IN THE U.S.A. 1984 Rock
57 50 CENT GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN' 2003 Rap
58 AC/DC HIGHWAY TO HELL 1979 Rock
59 NOTORIOUS B.I.G. LIFE AFTER DEATH 1997 Rap
60 VAN HALEN VAN HALEN 1978 Rock
61 GREEN DAY AMERICAN IDIOT 2004 Rock
62 BLACK SABBATH PARANOID 1971 Rock
63 EMINEM THE EMINEM SHOW 2002 Rap
64 JEWEL PIECES OF YOU 1995 Pop
65 COLDPLAY A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD 2002 Pop
66 MEAT LOAF BAT OUT OF HELL 1977 Rock
67 USHER CONFESSIONS 2004 R&B
68 KID ROCK DEVIL WITHOUT A CAUSE 1998 Rock
69 GEORGE HARRISON ALL THINGS MUST PASS 1970 Pop
70 BILLY JOEL THE STRANGER 1977 Pop
71 EAGLES HELL FREEZES OVER 1994 Rock
72 VAN MORRISON MOONDANCE 1970 Rock
73 R.E.M. AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE 1992 Pop
74 PHIL COLLINS NO JACKET REQUIRED 1985 Pop
75 METALLICA MASTER OF PUPPETS 1986 Rock
76 FAITH HILL BREATHE 1999 Country
77 JOHNNY CASH AT FOLSOM PRISON 1968 Country
78 JOHN COLTRANE A LOVE SUPREME 1964 Jazz
79 PINK FLOYD WISH YOU WERE HERE 1975 Rock
80 MICHAEL JACKSON OFF THE WALL 1979 Pop
81 MARVIN GAYE LET'S GET IT ON 1973 R&B
82 BOB SEGER NIGHT MOVES 1976 Rock
83 PAUL SIMON GRACELAND 1986 Pop
84 LINKIN PARK HYBRID THEORY 2000 Rock
85 PRINCE 1999 1983 Pop
86 DEF LEPPARD PYROMANIA 1983 Rock
87 JANET JACKSON CONTROL 1986 R&B
88 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK 1991 Rock
89 DIRE STRAITS BROTHERS IN ARMS 1985 Rock
90 TUPAC ALL EYEZ ON ME 1996 Rap
91 MATCHBOX TWENTY YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU 1996 Pop
92 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS CALIFORNICATION 1999 Rock
93 LED ZEPPELIN PHYSICAL GRAFFITI 1975 Rock
94 NELLY COUNTRY GRAMMAR 2000 Rap
95 CREED HUMAN CLAY 1999 Rock
96 CLASH LONDON CALLING 1979 Rock
97 CELINE DION FALLING INTO YOU 1996 Adult Contemporary
98 NEIL YOUNG HARVEST 1972 Rock
99 SOUNDTRACK: DIRTY DANCING 1987 Soundtrack
100 DIXIE CHICKS HOME 2002 Country
101 TOM PETTY FULL MOON FEVER 1989 Rock
102 VAN HALEN 1984 1984 Rock
103 SOUNDTRACK: TITANIC 1997 Soundtrack
104 CROSBY STILLS & NASH DÉJÀ VU 1970 Rock
105 TLC CRAZYSEXYCOOL 1999 R&B
106 BECK ODELAY 1994 Rock
107 KENNY G BREATHLESS 1992 Adult Contemporary
108 NWA STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON 1989 Rap
109 SEX PISTOLS NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS 1977 Rock
110 BEATLES RUBBER SOUL 1965 Rock
111 RADIOHEAD O.K. COMPUTER 1993 Rock
112 SIMON & GARFUNKEL BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER 1970 Pop
113 DIXIE CHICKS FLY 1999 Country
114 METALLICA AND JUSTICE FOR ALL 1988 Rock
115 MICHAEL JACKSON DANGEROUS 1992 Pop
116 MARIAH CAREY DAYDREAM 1995 Pop
117 SOUNDTRACK: TOP GUN 1986 Soundtrack
118 ELTON JOHN GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD 1973 Pop
119 POLICE SYNCHRONICITY 1983 Rock
120 NO DOUBT TRAGIC KINGDOM 1995 Pop
121 ROLLING STONES BEGGARS BANQUET 1968 Rock
122 R KELLY R 1998 R&B
123 TOOL LATERALUS 2001 Rock
124 OASIS WHAT'S THE STORY MORNING GLORY 1995 Rock
125 BOB MARLEY EXODUS 1977 Reggae
126 JOURNEY ESCAPE 1981 Rock
127 CHRISTINA AGUILERA CHRISTINA AGUILERA 1999 Pop
128 JAY-Z BLUEPRINT 2001 Rap
129 ALICIA KEYS DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS 2003 R&B
130 SOUNDTRACK: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? 2000 Soundtrack
131 CARS THE CARS 1978 Pop
132 ENYA DAY WITHOUT RAIN 2000 Adult Contemporary
133 NATALIE COLE UNFORGETTABLE: WITH LOVE 1991 R&B
134 SOUNDTRACK: FOOTLOOSE 1984 Soundtrack
135 LIONEL RICHIE CAN'T SLOW DOWN 1983 Pop
136 SARAH MCLACHLAN SURFACING 1997 Adult Contemporar
137 BONNIE RAITT NICK OF TIME 1989 Rock
138 METALLICA RIDE THE LIGHTNING 1984 Rock
139 SHERYL CROW TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB 1993 Pop
140 FRANK SINATRA IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS 1954 Standards
141 EARTH WIND & FIRE GRATITUDE 1975 R&B
142 ZZ TOP ELIMINATOR 1983 Rock
143 WILLIE NELSON RED HEADED STRANGER 1975 Country
144 JOHN LENNON IMAGINE 1971 Rock
145 TONI BRAXTON TONI BRAXTON 1993 R&B
146 ETTA JAMES AT LAST 1961 Blues
147 ELVIS PRESLEY ELVIS PRESLEY 1956 Rock
148 CAT STEVENS TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN 1970 Pop
149 SMASHING PUMPKINS MELLON COLLIE & THE INFINITE SADNESS 1995 Rock
150 DAVE BRUBECK TIME OUT 1959 Jazz
151 JANET JACKSON JANET 1993 R&B
152 QUEEN A NIGHT AT THE OPERA 1975 Rock
153 OZZY OSBOURNE BLIZZARD OF OZZ 1980 Rock
154 WILL SMITH BIG WILLIE STYLE 1997 Rap
155 PRINCE SIGN O' THE TIMES 1987 Pop
156 PUBLIC ENEMY IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK 1988 Rap
157 BOB DYLAN BLOOD ON THE TRACKS 1975 Rock
158 GEORGE MICHAEL FAITH 1987 Pop
159 BOYZ II MEN COOLEYHIGHHARMONY 1993 R&B
160 DESTINY'S CHILD WRITING'S ON THE WALL 1999 R&B
161 JAY-Z THE BLACK ALBUM 2003 Rap
162 AVRIL LAVIGNE LET GO 2002 Pop
163 FUGEES THE SCORE 1996 R&B
164 MADONNA LIKE A VIRGIN 1984 Pop
165 LED ZEPPELIN LED ZEPPELIN 1969 Rock
166 STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN TEXAS FLOOD 1983 R&B
167 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS CORE 1992 Rock
168 ORIGINAL CAST: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 1988 Cast Album
169 JETHRO TULL AQUALUNG 1971 Rock
170 TUPAC ME AGAINST THE WORLD 1995 Rap
171 DAVID BOWIE THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST 1972 Rock
172 SHAKIRA LAUNDRY SERVICE 1998 Pop
173 SOUNDTRACK: FORREST GUMP 1994 Soundtrack
174 AL GREEN CALL ME 1973 R&B
175 CURTIS MAYFIELD SUPERFLY 1972 R&B
176 LIVE THROWING COPPER 1994 Rock
177 GEORGE BENSON BREEZIN' 1976 Jazz
178 WHITE STRIPES WHITE BLOOD CELLS 2001 Rock
179 LYNYRD SKYNYRD PRONOUNCED LEH-NERD SKIN-ERD 1973 Rock
180 SADE DIAMOND LIFE 1984 Adult Contemporary
181 FLEETWOOD MAC FLEETWOOD MAC 1975 Pop
182 PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS BAND ON THE RUN 1973 Rock
183 BEYONCÉ DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE 2003 R&B
184 ANITA BAKER RAPTURE 1986 R&B
185 NAS ILLMATIC 1994 Rap
186 BARBRA STREISAND A STAR IS BORN 1976 Soundtrack
187 EARTH WIND & FIRE THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD 1975 R&B
188 ANITA BAKER RHYTHM OF LOVE 1994 R&B
189 JAY-Z IN MY LIFETIME VOL. 1 1997 Rap
190 LL COOL J MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT 1990 Rap
191 STEELY DAN AJA 1977 Rock
192 WILLIE NELSON STARDUST 1978 Country
193 ARETHA FRANKLIN SPARKLE 1976 R&B
194 ANDREA BOCELLI ANDREA 2004 Classical
195 BOB DYLAN BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME 1965 Rock
196 LUTHER VANDROSS NEVER TOO MUCH 1981 R&B
197 U2 ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND 2000 Rock
198 RUSH 2112 1976 Rock
199 OUTKAST AQUEMINI 1998 R&B
200 GRAND FUNK RAILROAD WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND 1973 Rock
54 (?) out of 200 -- more than I'd have expected. More than a few I'd rather not cop to; this list was obviously created by another '80s-era youth. Why'd I do so badly on the second half?
------------
Now, if I were creating my own list of influential listens, what would they be???
Let's just try for a top 20, and just off the top of my head:
Love Will Keep Us Together, Captain and Tennille** (hey, it's what started it all!)
Furnace Room Lullaby, Neko Case
Evolve, Ani DiFranco
The Trinity Session, Cowboy Junkies
Blue Billie, Billie Holiday*
Blue Miles, Miles Davis
Wild Planet, B-52's
Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison
Surfer Rosa, the Pixies*
Essence, Lucinda Williams
Silver and Gold, Neil Young
Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, PJ Harvey
Public Enemy, Public Enemy
darksneakloveaction, Tom Tom Club**
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved, Maria McKee
Reckoning, REM
Shakedown Street, Grateful Dead**
Rocket to Russia, the Ramones*
War, U2
The Best of Leonard Cohen*
Not a fair list, really -- mostly the ones that've been influential over the past few chaotic years, via a cursory scan of my iTunes, with a few memories of my formative youth tossed in. Subject to change.
* = HOW could these have not made a "definitive" list???
** = Less for critical acclaim than for conjuring up critical life moments
------------
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
How will my garden grow?
-----------------
Lord, I'm ready to get my hands in some dirt and sunshine again. Stripes of suntan on the back of my neck and the small of my back, from bending over tiny greenlings, whispering: "You can do it! Grow, grow!"
A couple of good sites that satisfy my garden lust, my green envy:
Garden Rant: I like this blog's philosophy of real gardening -- preferring bug-eaten leaves (like last year's morning glories, above) to the "perfection" that comes via declaring "chemical warfare."
High Country Gardens: Santa-Fe based nursery, specializing in xeriscaping -- plants that thrive on little water, even this far north.
Bluebird Nursery: They're mostly wholesale, but they're just an hour and a half north of here and have a great, inexpensive retail nursery specializing in native plants. They also supply plants for the annual Spring Affair fundraiser for the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum -- the best gardening deal going!
One of my favorite writers, May Sarton (read "Plant Dreaming Deep" -- now!), spent her life creating a garden, and refining the metaphorical links between garden and life. In her mid-90s, immobile and nearly blind, she would ask her caretakers to take her out to her garden beds and lay her, prostrate in the dirt, so she could feel it in her fingers, smell it into her skin.
I want to feel mud squishing through my bare toes, sweat dripping into my eye sockets. I want to eat homemade salsa on the patio (my tomatoes! my cilantro!) and admire not my actual scraggly backyard, but my fantasy of how it might look someday.
-----------------
I spoil myself.
The rewards I promise myself for completing the Nigeria package:
* Pedicure
* Netflicks subscription (Miz C: "Marie Antoinette" is on its way, just in time for movie night!)
* New glasses (the old ones broke beyond repair, and the old-old ones are disintegrating and make me look geeky, and not in a sexy way)
* More memory/disk space for my Macbook
* New bike: I want this frame in the pretty lime green, but with the specs of this one and larger, thinner wheels ...
Treats out of all proportion to the work involved. Or maybe not.
-----------------
Unsolicited advice.
I have a, talented, compassionate, gorgeous, multifacted young friend who I think is feeling overwhelmed lately. She hasn't said a thing; she certainly hasn't asked for advice or an ear to bend, so I haven't offered.
But if she's reading this, and recognizes herself, what I'd like to tell her is this:
To acknowledge a major life change (or maybe several major life changes, all at once) isn't working the way you want is NOT an admission of failure. It's OK to say things aren't working for you, and to make changes. Maybe the most mature thing we could possibly do.
-----------------
Currently listening to: New Son Volt
Currently reading: This week's The Nation; "This Is Not the Tropics" by Ladette Randolph
Currently quoting: "The problems we face today cannot be solved by the minds that created them." -- Einstein
-----------------
Lord, I'm ready to get my hands in some dirt and sunshine again. Stripes of suntan on the back of my neck and the small of my back, from bending over tiny greenlings, whispering: "You can do it! Grow, grow!"
A couple of good sites that satisfy my garden lust, my green envy:
Garden Rant: I like this blog's philosophy of real gardening -- preferring bug-eaten leaves (like last year's morning glories, above) to the "perfection" that comes via declaring "chemical warfare."
High Country Gardens: Santa-Fe based nursery, specializing in xeriscaping -- plants that thrive on little water, even this far north.
Bluebird Nursery: They're mostly wholesale, but they're just an hour and a half north of here and have a great, inexpensive retail nursery specializing in native plants. They also supply plants for the annual Spring Affair fundraiser for the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum -- the best gardening deal going!
One of my favorite writers, May Sarton (read "Plant Dreaming Deep" -- now!), spent her life creating a garden, and refining the metaphorical links between garden and life. In her mid-90s, immobile and nearly blind, she would ask her caretakers to take her out to her garden beds and lay her, prostrate in the dirt, so she could feel it in her fingers, smell it into her skin.
I want to feel mud squishing through my bare toes, sweat dripping into my eye sockets. I want to eat homemade salsa on the patio (my tomatoes! my cilantro!) and admire not my actual scraggly backyard, but my fantasy of how it might look someday.
-----------------
I spoil myself.
The rewards I promise myself for completing the Nigeria package:
* Pedicure
* Netflicks subscription (Miz C: "Marie Antoinette" is on its way, just in time for movie night!)
* New glasses (the old ones broke beyond repair, and the old-old ones are disintegrating and make me look geeky, and not in a sexy way)
* More memory/disk space for my Macbook
* New bike: I want this frame in the pretty lime green, but with the specs of this one and larger, thinner wheels ...
Treats out of all proportion to the work involved. Or maybe not.
-----------------
Unsolicited advice.
I have a, talented, compassionate, gorgeous, multifacted young friend who I think is feeling overwhelmed lately. She hasn't said a thing; she certainly hasn't asked for advice or an ear to bend, so I haven't offered.
But if she's reading this, and recognizes herself, what I'd like to tell her is this:
To acknowledge a major life change (or maybe several major life changes, all at once) isn't working the way you want is NOT an admission of failure. It's OK to say things aren't working for you, and to make changes. Maybe the most mature thing we could possibly do.
-----------------
Currently listening to: New Son Volt
Currently reading: This week's The Nation; "This Is Not the Tropics" by Ladette Randolph
Currently quoting: "The problems we face today cannot be solved by the minds that created them." -- Einstein
-----------------
Sunday, March 4, 2007
I'm bad to my books.
------------------
I'll admit it: I'm pretty hard on my books. (Less so since I discovered these:)
I break spines. I write in margins, underline passages. I'm a notorious dog-earer.
And I'm not alone: Confessions of a book abuser
He's right: What's valuable in a book is not its material manifestation but the ideas contained within.
(This goes only for me, by the way. I hate reading books anyone else has even opened, much less defaced ...)
------------------
-- edited for content --
Africa, by way of Brussels
A third weekend in self-imposed solitary confinement, with the aid of an entire bag of Mint Brussels, has at long last produced a rough first draft of my mainbar, which Miz K assures me does not completely suck. (Yes, I am too self-deprecating; I know this; you know this; we all know it, get over it!)
I missed a friend's birthday party (sponsored by Captain Morgan, from what I hear!). Also my nephew's first birthday (sponsored, I imagine, by Sugar).
But it was good.
I work myself into such a strenzy (stress+frenzy, I just made it up, like it?) over such things -- far more time spent worrying than doing. But now that I have done, feel I can breathe again. By Sunday afternoon, I was so on track I managed to not only hit the gym but finally teach myself how to scramble eggs. (The key, I found, is carcinogens, in the form of Teflon.)
Some questions to get answered; some better quotes to track down; a couple of sidebars to write; some facts to add to the stats box. Manageable.
------------------
Polyamory update
Came across yet another reference (in addition to Miz AJ's latest response after the debaucherous birthday weekend I unfortunately missed).
This one called it "sexual networking." lol
A meme indeed. I am not seeking out this information! Why does it keep coming to me??
------------------
Neko trivia
Back in the'90s, before she became y'alt country's reigning diva, Neko Case played drums in a girlpunk/newwave trio called Maow. Fun, hilarious video.
------------------
Happy 70th Birthday, President Obasanjo!
lol ...
------------------
I'll admit it: I'm pretty hard on my books. (Less so since I discovered these:)
I break spines. I write in margins, underline passages. I'm a notorious dog-earer.
And I'm not alone: Confessions of a book abuser
He's right: What's valuable in a book is not its material manifestation but the ideas contained within.
(This goes only for me, by the way. I hate reading books anyone else has even opened, much less defaced ...)
------------------
-- edited for content --
Africa, by way of Brussels
A third weekend in self-imposed solitary confinement, with the aid of an entire bag of Mint Brussels, has at long last produced a rough first draft of my mainbar, which Miz K assures me does not completely suck. (Yes, I am too self-deprecating; I know this; you know this; we all know it, get over it!)
I missed a friend's birthday party (sponsored by Captain Morgan, from what I hear!). Also my nephew's first birthday (sponsored, I imagine, by Sugar).
But it was good.
I work myself into such a strenzy (stress+frenzy, I just made it up, like it?) over such things -- far more time spent worrying than doing. But now that I have done, feel I can breathe again. By Sunday afternoon, I was so on track I managed to not only hit the gym but finally teach myself how to scramble eggs. (The key, I found, is carcinogens, in the form of Teflon.)
Some questions to get answered; some better quotes to track down; a couple of sidebars to write; some facts to add to the stats box. Manageable.
------------------
Polyamory update
Came across yet another reference (in addition to Miz AJ's latest response after the debaucherous birthday weekend I unfortunately missed).
This one called it "sexual networking." lol
A meme indeed. I am not seeking out this information! Why does it keep coming to me??
------------------
Neko trivia
Back in the'90s, before she became y'alt country's reigning diva, Neko Case played drums in a girlpunk/newwave trio called Maow. Fun, hilarious video.
------------------
Happy 70th Birthday, President Obasanjo!
lol ...
------------------
Friday, March 2, 2007
Return to the modern world.
How am I gonna live in a thatch hut remote in a developing country when even 14 hours without Internet access gives me the shakes? Technician came armed for interior battle ... then saw the cable sagging under the weight of a snow-covered evergreen bough. Have I mentioned that I'm done with winter?
-----------------
"This American Life" in 3-D living color! It comes to Showtime starting March 22. Who's gonna tape it for me?? Please???
Ira Glass is even geekier-looking than I'd imagined. Adorable.
--------------
Sign Code Pink's petition to the U.S. Security Council protesting any U.S. military action against Iran.
-----------------
Happy birthday, John Irving! A salute to the creator of the first fictional character to capture my girlish adoration. I had a true, passionate and vivid crush on Garp, circa 8th grade ...
--------------
-----------------
"This American Life" in 3-D living color! It comes to Showtime starting March 22. Who's gonna tape it for me?? Please???
Ira Glass is even geekier-looking than I'd imagined. Adorable.
--------------
Sign Code Pink's petition to the U.S. Security Council protesting any U.S. military action against Iran.
-----------------
Happy birthday, John Irving! A salute to the creator of the first fictional character to capture my girlish adoration. I had a true, passionate and vivid crush on Garp, circa 8th grade ...
--------------
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Would somebody PLEASE ...
... turn off the fucking SNOW MACHINE?
And maybe turn up the external thermostat?
It's March, for fucks' sake!
Grateful for the moisture ... but can't we have it in liquid form? Some sunshine on the side would be nice, too. ...
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Amy Goodman also interviewed Seymour Hersh, yesterday on "Democracy Now!" You can read or listen here.
Nebraskans For Peace plans a protest tomorrow (Friday) at UNL's law school, where the StratCom commander is speaking. StratCom supposedly already has drawn up plans for a "pre-emptive" air strike on Iran.
Gather at 8 a.m. outside the law school’s main building (McCollum Hall) on UNL's East Campus.
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The writing. It's slow. Let's just say I lack discipline. I blame it on a lifetime of multitasking; now, when I need to focus on doing one thing, my brain doesn't know how to shut out all of its other synapses.
And maybe turn up the external thermostat?
It's March, for fucks' sake!
Grateful for the moisture ... but can't we have it in liquid form? Some sunshine on the side would be nice, too. ...
----------------
Amy Goodman also interviewed Seymour Hersh, yesterday on "Democracy Now!" You can read or listen here.
Nebraskans For Peace plans a protest tomorrow (Friday) at UNL's law school, where the StratCom commander is speaking. StratCom supposedly already has drawn up plans for a "pre-emptive" air strike on Iran.
Gather at 8 a.m. outside the law school’s main building (McCollum Hall) on UNL's East Campus.
----------------
The writing. It's slow. Let's just say I lack discipline. I blame it on a lifetime of multitasking; now, when I need to focus on doing one thing, my brain doesn't know how to shut out all of its other synapses.
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