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883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 28,July,2003 | What Time Is It? This sounds like a fairly easy question. Unless you asked me that about 1 hour ago. We just upgraded our computers at work, and with the upgrade came some problems - namely, that the time (located at the bottom right corner of most PCs) was set to NYC (Eastern Standard) time. I'm home an hour early and didn't even mean to do it. Yay me! Let's hope urlLink this doesn't happen to me tomorrow. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | The Truth By Duf Fer I really don't have any feelings about the Liz Phair album one way or another. I am just hurting because Bob Hope is dead, and I needed to lash out. I'm sorry. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | Steamin' Mad At Dirt I'll fight the both of you. How dare you not like something that I enjoy? I jest and I'm definitely going to let it go. There's no point in trying to convince you of Liz's merits if you've already branded the album as horrible. I don't agree, but I'd be wasting my time if I tried to outline a convincing argument about how y'all are just wrong, wrong, wrong... For the record, my favorite Liz Phair album is 'Whip Smart.' I remember seeing the video for 'Supernova' where Lizzie is wearing a motorcycle helmet and playing the guitar like it's going out of style. She won me over forever during that video because, despite what all of her nay-sayers (not you guys in particular) she came off as someone that definitely doesn't take herself too seriously. Gotta like that. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | My 0.02 First impression - any song (with the probable exception of 'Lil' Digger' and 'H.W.C.') coulda been a track on the next Britney/Xtina/Avril/Pink CD. It's true. That said, I wouldn't feel let down if Britney/Xtina/Avril/Pink sang the same songs, because that's all they can do. However, I think we all know that Ms. Phair can do better. And has done better. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | I Should Let it Go By Duf Fer Your point is a pretty good one as far as it goes. You have to recognize 'Exile in Guyville' for what it was though (a rebuttal to the Rolling Stones's 'Exile on Main Street'). Divorced from that context, then smut just seems like smut. Consider 'Whip Smart.' Consider 'whitechocolatespaceegg.' 'Exile in Guyville' was fresh and a good idea well executed. Liz's new idea is 'sell more records.' Not only that, it's not well executed. It's a bad idea, badly done. Also, I have oodles of albums that are wildly popular. I like thin pop music (you can't beat the Go Gos for that), and I like complex stuff that is seen by many as inaccessible (The Sonic Youth is probably the most widely known example). Look, Liz can do whatever the hell she wants. The bottom line is that if you are John Updike and your next book comes out and it's John Grisham, people are going to completely demolish you by evaluating you in light of your past efforts. I don't over value producers either. Hey, it's all good. One of Liz's other producers works with Pete Yorn, and I dig his stuff immensely. But if you are Liz, and your start thinking I want the producer to change my sound so that I can sell more records, you have to know you are going to take some knocks for that. Of course, if you are Justin Timberlake, you really need N*E*R*D. Ask yourself this though: is there a consistent musical thread on this disc? Can you see a dramatic difference between tracks based on who is producing? What does that say about the source of the art? Is is Liz, or is it her label? Is she trying to save her contract or what? For me, what this argument comes down to is this: there is a whole wide world of pop music with texture and flair and (yes) mass appeal (I think Madonna qualifies here, and I would add Maxwell, there are many, many others). One can be popular and widely enjoyed without being shitty. Liz, in an effort to reach more people, dumbed down and simplified and changed her sound and it was so foreign to her that she cannot convince anyone who knows her that this is what is within her, that this is the reflection of some burning internal drive. In short, she's completely lost, adrift. She has no clue what she is doing, and it shows on the disc. Look, I still listen to my copy of 'Like a Virgin' from time to time. There is something there that is worth returning too, and you can't get more calculated for mass appeal than that. I will leave my argument to this. If you still listen to this new Liz Phair CD even a year from now, I will eat her nasty underwear and say it's my 'favorite.' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | The Following Post Is Rated R...you've been warned. Okay, I wanted to stay out of this but here's a comparison for ya. Flower is taken from Liz Phair's 'Exile in Guyville.' I'll also include the lyrics to 'H.W.C' from her self-titled and much bally-hooed self-titled effort. Flower Everytime I see your face I get all wet between my legs Everytime you pass me by, I heave a sigh of pain Everytime I see your face I think of things unpure, unchaste I want to fuck you like a dog I'll take you home and make you like it Everything you ever wanted Everything you ever thought of Is everything I'll do to you I'll fuck you and your minions, too Your face reminds me of a flower Kind of like you're underwater Hair's too long and in your eyes Your lips a perfect 'suck me' size You act like you're fourteen years old Everything you say is so obnoxious, funny, true and mean I want to be your blowjob queen You're probably shy and introspective That's not part of my objective I just want your fresh, young jimmy Turning, slamming, ramming in me Everytime I see your face I think of things unpure, unchaste I want to fuck you like a dog I'll take you home and make you like it Everything you ever wanted Everything you ever thought of Is everything I'll do to you I'll fuck you till your dick is blue Everytime And now, for your comparison pleasure, here are the lyrics for 'H.W.C.' H.W.C. Give it to me, don't give it away Don't think about what the others say My skins getting clear, my hairs so bright All you do is fuck me every day and night You're my secret beauty routine Na, na, na, na, what my body has seen I am lookin' good and I'm feeling nice Baby you're the best magazine advice Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum I'm gonna pull you back down between the sheets Everything is fresher when the day is sweet In the morning light when you're already on the phone Face it, one of these days Without you I'm just another Dorian Gray It's the fountain of youth It's the meaning of life So hot, so sweet, so wet my appetite Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Face it, one of these days Without you I'm just another Dorian Gray It's the fountain of youth It's the meaning of life Baby you're the best magazine advice Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Gimme your hot white cum Your hot white cum. Personally, I think the lyrics in 'Flower' are a bit more carnal and smutty than the lyrics of 'H.W.C.' I'd be hard pressed to find someone who disagrees with me. So she says 'cum' a couple times. No big deal. My two cents: I can't and won't limit myself to the music (books & movies) I enjoy solely by their artistic merit. I can't. I had a friend growing up (and I'm not making parallel comparisons, please don't think that's my intent) who did that to the point where it bordered on ridiculous. If a CD he purchased sold more than 10,000 copies, it was immediately brought to Cheapo (where they don't give you much for CDs. Might I suggest BookSmart or Half-Price Books?). The reason being? He didn't want his collection tainted with music that was considered popular or loved by the masses. He has over 1,000 CDs in his collection and you'd be lucky to find 50 that you recognize. Like Panda, I'm not trying to change anyone's opinion. There's no point in it. You either dig something, or you don't. For me, I like Liz Phair's new album. Do I love it? No, but I don't hate it either. To me, it doesn't seem like she's thrown all of her old tricks away to completely sell out. Not at all. Yeah, she's trying to reach a new audience and there's always that risk of alienating your old fans. I read somewhere that she recorded a few albums between this one and 'whitechocolatespaceegg' that she absolutely hated and scrapped completely, never to see the light of day. I'm sorry, but I like me some variety. If you were to go through my CD collection, bookshelves, and wall of DVDs I think you'd see a pretty broad cross-section of titles. I can't overly concern myself with what is too commercial, too popular or what lacks artistic merit. It's too limiting for me. I like really shitty movies and I like ones that are though-provoking and make the hair on my arms stand up. Same goes with music. I can't concern myself with who produced what track and what their motivations were for doing so. If Liz wanted The Matrix to produce a couple of tracks to give her sound a more wide appeal, then so be it. I could care less that he produced Avril Lavigne's album. So what? That seems to be a foothold for most of the critics of Liz's new album. Well, does that mean I should hate one of my favorite groups N.E.R.D. because the people in the group produced Justin Timberlake's album or a song or two for Britney Spears? Nope. Okay...this became a rant without me wanting it to be, but let me close with saying that I'm not absolutely in love with the new Liz Phair CD, but I like it well enough that I'm looking forward to seeing her perform again with some friends. I've read plenty of reviews of her album and none of them (save for People magazine) have been favorable. The bottom line is: it's not art and I don't think it's pretending to be. It's just a different direction for an artist that people were expecting more (of the same) from. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | There's Change and then There's Change By Duf Fer Here's my point: artists have to evolve over time, but evolution should reflect artistic growth. If U2 reproduced their 'Boy' sound over and over, it would get tedious after 20 years. Radiohead has changed and evolved over the years too. 'Pablo Honey' sounds different from 'Hail to the Theif,' but you recognize both as Radiohead. What Liz did is change genres . She went from alt rock to pop. That is a huge change. She went from the company of Patti Smith and PJ Harvey (artists) to the company of Avril Levigne and Christina Aguilera (marketers). She has dumbed her lyrics down to the point that I don't even recognize her (compare the lyrics of F*** and Run from Exile in Guyville (with their capacity to surprise and educate) to the banal lyrics of H.W.C. (nothing but smut) on this new piece of trash CD and you will see what I mean. Change is inevitable. Degradation could be avoided. If the hiatus left her with nothing to say, better to fall silent; I'm all for single mom's providing for their illegitimate children, but I also hate to see an artist become a marketer and Liz Phair used to be about something besides making money. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | I'm Not Here to Change Anyone's Mind So I'm not going to try, but didn't we just talk about respecting a band's desire to change? Whether you think Liz has changed for the better or for the worst, she is evolving in some way. If y'all wanted Exile in Guyville Part Deux, it's just not going to happen. (Kind of like how I wanted The Bends Revisited.) Here's a single mom, looking as HOT as ever, singing dirty lyrics, and, after 5 years of being on the sidelines, she's playing SOLD-OUT shows again. If I hear one more person say she's 'sold out' I think I'm going to puke. After more than 10 years in the biz, she still has ambitions - commercial ones at that. I say more power to her. But I have to admit, I'm not going to her show - primarily because I know with her new sound (and the fact that her songs are played on urlLink 'The Eric and Crappy Show' ) the venue will be filled with urlLink these girls . In other news: I take the bus to work everyday and pass the park across the street from my house. There are always a few bums laying around underneath the trees, catching some zzz's. Well, I've been noticing this one bum who has been there for the last few mornings. I think he might be dead... What I should do is go over by him and poke him with a stick, just to be sure. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | Blasphemy! I'm back, kids. And wow...I had no idea Duf's despise for Liz's new effort ran so deep. Well, diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks, I guess. You'll be missed at the show, yo. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | Liz Sucks but Doesnt Swallow By Duf Fer I have a dilemma: A group of friends and I are planning to go to the Liz Phair show in Minneapolis on August 28th. I bought a ticket at the oh so nice price of $15. On my recent trip to Birmingham, I forgot to pack CD's, so I bought the new Liz Phair disc (and the new Annie Lennox disc) at the Atlanta airport (the prices were not so bad really). Pause for a CD memory: CD memory: My preference is to buy only one CD at a time. It gives me a chance to fully listen to the CD without the pressure of checking out two discs at once. I almost never follow this rule, but I often try. Every once in awhile, I will get two discs at once and they will both blow me away. One example that comes to mind is that I bought Billy Bragg and Wilco's Mermaid Avenue and the Putamayo disc Memphis to Mali An African American Odyssey on the same trip - both are certified Duf' platinum. Back to the dilemma: The dilemma: I hate the new Liz Phair CD. Honestly, I have not had such a strong negative reaction to a disc since, well, ever. It is absolutely horrible. I like 'Extraordinary' well enough as a forgettable pop song (produced by The Matrix of Avril Levigne fame why would an established artist like Liz Phair want to emulate Avril Levigne?), and Love/Hate conjures up the Liz of old, but the rest of the disc is borderline deplorable. There are moments that are desperate like 'Favorite' and there are moments that are sick. 'H.W.C,' which stands for hot white cum 'give me your hot, white cum' is the easiest example (she plans to use it for healthy skin by the way). Now, before you label Duf a prude, let me say that I have plenty of dirty discs. No problem there. In college, I had a copy of the Too Live Crew's uberdirty album Too Live is What We Are, and I dug it for a long time. You said it yourself, you like it like I do ah memories. Now I may seem like a sexist - how can I own a bunch of dirty discs and give Liz a hard time for being candid? Well, its because I also own 'Exile in Guyville' and 'Whip Smart.' I even have 'whitechocolatespaceegg.' All three discs are quite candid and frank in sexual conversations, all are thick with smart music and some pop sensibility but mostly all three discs are thick with clever lyrics . Somehow, none of those discs are crass and vulgar. I just don't believe that Liz feels this way. I think she is adapting her style to sell records (and she has said as much). The two things I like most in music are passion and honesty. People ask me how I can love Vladimir Horowitz and Sonic Youth with equal devotion, it is because the one thing you cannot deny is that they are sincere and passionate. They really feel what they are expressing. It makes their art pure. Its like going to a KoKo Taylor show. You know that she is singing from her soul. She sings because she is a singer; she could not care less if singing made her a millionaire or the poorest woman in Chicago. One the other hand, Liz Phair is trying to make some extra money by being dirty and applying formulas, and her impurity has corrupted the entire disc. Its trash. I will be at Cheapo before the sun sets. Also, I'll take my ticket to the show and sell it to someone who would like to see her. I ain't the one. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 25,July,2003 | Friday 5 to Make Up for Lack of Posts Sorry, I've been busy in NYC. 1. What were your favorite childhood stories? I loved 'Goodnight Moon', 'The Story of Ferdinand', 'Corduroy', 'Eloise', and 'The Snowy Day.' I always thought Dr. Suess books were weird and I think the illustrations scared me. 2. What books from your childhood would you like to share with [your] children? All of them...I can't wait to read to my future kids. My mom read to us very early which had 2 results: 1) for me, I learned to read by age 4, and 2) it made my brother hate reading. So I guess it's a crap-shoot. 3. Have you re-read any of those childhood stories and been surprised by anything? 'Goodnight Moon' is pretty boring now. I probably just liked the pictures when I was little...it's definitely a baby book - for kids 3 and under. 4. How old were you when you first learned to read? oh, I guess I mentioned this before - 4. 5. Do you remember the first 'grown-up' book you read? How old were you? I don't remember the 'first' grown-up book I read, but I remember really enjoying 'The Secret Garden' when I was in 2nd Grade. I loved the fantasy in it, and when Mary finally finds the sick boy in the house and takes him outside. They turned the book into urlLink a movie in 1993, and it was so fascinating for me to watch because a lot of the scenes (the house, garden, etc) looked exactly how I had pictured them in my head. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 23,July,2003 | I'm a sexist pig? First off, true sharing - like many women (back me up, BB and Panda!) I go to a fancy salon and pay a lot of money to 'professionals' who smear hot wax on my unwanted hair for the purpose of violently ripping the hair out by the roots. For the most part, I reserve this pleasant experience for the hair around my eyes, commonly referred to as the 'eyebrows'. This is a semi-regular thing for me, and in the few years I've been having this done, I have always had the service performed by females. When I made an appointment at the usual place, I was informed that 'David' will be waxing me today. I think that David is a man. I'll be honest - I'm worried. Unlike a bad haircut/dye job/manicure, you can't just cover up a poorly done eyebrow wax. If it's crooked, or say, they remove your entire eyebrow altogether (!!!), you can't just cover it up or pull it back into a ponytail. I hope this 'David' person knows what he's doing, and doesn't have a thing for urlLink Marlene Dietrich ... Agh! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 22,July,2003 | Get Rich Quick Ideas for BB/We Could Use the Site for Solicitation By Duf Fer 5. Sell out and join up with a can't miss pop band du jour (then invest wisely). Ask DJS for band name ideas. 4. Alchemy (why do people quit trying it?). 3. Sell pencil shavings as weed (a.k.a. marijuana) at area junior high schools (your brand name: 'Minnesota Nice') 2. Open a Cheesecake Factory in Maple Grove (emphasis on cheese). 1. Big pimpin' (you could turn me out; I'd work hard for you (no pun intended); hell, turn out all your Pandyland friends). You'd make a great Madam, madame. Love from Birmingham, Alabama, Duf' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 18,July,2003 | Sorry, BB... not only do I not know how to get rich quick, but I don't know how to get rich period. If I did, I'd be posting this from my yacht (sailing in an undisclosed area, due to security concerns), and not my cube. Yesterday I watched an oldy but goody - urlLink Rattle and Hum . It may surprise some that I had gone a couple years without viewing it. In fact, since getting the DVD version a couple of Christmas's ago, I don't think I'd actually watched the darn thing. Anyway... watching it again reminded me why urlLink I love that group so. If you haven't seen it, well, please do. Next week I'm traveling to Cleveland (via Detroit) just so that I can go the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and catch urlLink the U2 exhibit . I'm looking forward to it. So much so, that last night (note - after watching R&H) I dreamt that I was in a panic because I went to the Hall and forgot to see the U2 stuff. I need help. urlLink But I'm not going to get it . |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 18,July,2003 | Anybody know any Get-Rich-Quick methods?? I need one that'll work and please leave 'prostitution' off the list. Thanks friends. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 18,July,2003 | Hal, since you were so creeped out by Pablo Honey, I thought I'd replace the pic with the night we got our tats at the Safehouse. Enjoy. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 17,July,2003 | I Meant to do this Friday 5 Last Week So here goes: 1. Do you remember your first best friend? Who was it? Amy T. She lived down the street from me and we went to the same Catholic grade school together. We were always doing stupid stuff, but what I remember most is riding bikes. Remember riding bikes ALL THE TIME, when you were little? That was so great. I had a yellow banana seat Schwinn. With a basket. And we really loved stickers. I have to admit, that was pretty lame. 2. Are you still in touch with this person? Unfortunately, not. When we got to Junior High age, my family moved and we both went to different schools on opposite sides of the city. We ended up going to the same high school 3 years later, but it definitely wasn't the same. We both had different friends by then and just ended up saying 'hi' to each other if we saw one another in the hall. It was kind of sad. I know she's married now and lives in Wisconsin, so that's cool. The only reason I know this is because I have a very nosy mother who keeps up with these things... 3. Do you have a current close friend? In addition to my close friends in Minneapolis, my best friend in Chicago is Ms. T. She's my partner-in-crime. We go drinking together, pick up men together, and generally get in trouble together. She's been in Guatemala for the last 3 weeks on vacation, and I've missed her terribly. When we're both in town, we don't go a day without talking...at least a couple times. 4. How did you become friends with this person? We were in a class in Thailand together. I actually thought she was a ditzy, snob-and-a-half party girl when we were there and didn't really hang out with her. Not until we got back and took our last MBA class together (and were in the same final business plan group) did we hit it off. Kind of weird. Just goes to show how you should give people the benefit of the doubt. 5. Is there a friend from your past that you wish you were still in contact with? Why? Jenny G. from High School. She was my best friend junior and senior year and really opened my eyes up to different (make that, fun) things. The first time I got drunk was with her. We used to go to her house during our lunch hour (she lived across the street) and she'd smoke pot...one weekend we made a trip to Madison for 'Harvest Fest' to hear speeches on legalizing pot or wearing hemp clothing. (I was very innocent, so this seemed like a huge deal to me.) Her and her parents (professors) were uber-liberal, opening up my then close-mindedness towards other political and social issues. She was an all-around cool and interesting person. I recently e-mailed her out of the blue by getting her e-mail from classmates.com, but haven't followed up with a phone call. Maybe I'll do that soon... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 17,July,2003 | Friday Five By Duf Fer 1. When was the last time you cheated? On Monday. DJS and I took a co-worker out for a burrito lunch. DJS ordered a burrito with extra chicken and received extra chicken. However, we were not charged for extra chicken and I knew it. So, I cheated Chipotle out of $1.50 worth of chicken. 2. When was the last time you stole? On Monday. DJS and I took a co-worker out for a burrito lunch. DJS ordered a burrito with extra chicken and received extra chicken. However, we were not charged for extra chicken and I knew it. So, I stole $1.50 worth of chicken from Chipotle. 3. When was the last time you lied? In a post earlier this week, I lied about the size of my loins. 4. When was the last time you broke or vandalized another's property? I broke a china plate at my in-law's house, while kissing ass by washing dishes. The hard to replace plate was found on e-Bay along with additional pieces that were missing from their set. They ended up thanking me for inspiring them to complete their set. 5. When was the last time you hurt a loved one? Mrs. Duf and I had another argument two nights ago ('tis the season?). She looked hurt at one point. The only details I can offer are that we are working on a project and had some third party advice that I see as having general value, but that she sees as having specific value. In disagreeing with her, I think I was too aggressive and logical and indirectly (and without intending to do so), dismissive of her view. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 17,July,2003 | Hasta La Bye-bye, Friends Okay, kids. I'm heading out for a week of northern exposure. Behave yourselves whilst I'm away. Fondly, DJS |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 17,July,2003 | That picture of Panda is creeping me out. The baby looks indifferent, and Panda seems so sad about it. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | Ok so the priest wasn't too kind to the deceased or the deceased's family at the funeral, but I find it hard to believe that NINE family members have been in 'severe emotional and physical suffering' for over a year because of what some jackass priest said?!? And that the townspeople are glaring at them thinking 'Ha ha...your dad's in hell'? Call me insane but a) people just don't care that much about their fellow townspeople and b) get over it. Celebrate your loved one's life through happy memories, not a lawsuit. *Exits soapbox* |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | PB, I heard about that debacle this morning. I was in shock. That priest's altar-side manner could use a touch up! Duf' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | Yet urlLink another reason why the Catholic church gets a bad rap. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | Everything's Coming Up Roses and Daffodils/Mr. Mom By Duf Fer It's official: Mrs. Duf is going to be the horticulturist urlLink here starting in August! After taxes, her raise is going to be about $300 per year. I may quit my job. When we have her congratulations party, you will all be invited! Duf' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | My Vote I'm 'Aiken' for urlLink Clay . |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | This is Never Going to Work By Duf Fer Liz Phair - nope (I was down with Exile in Guyville, but she's lost me since then). White Stripes - works for me, but I know of at least one hater. Run DMC - walk this way. Sure thing, baby. Hootie & the Blowfish - trying desperately to think of a song of theirs to lampoon. Failing. I think I better vote them off the island. Yanni - I'm all the way down. All the way. Not. Public Enemy - I'm just guessing that PB has fallen off since 'It Takes a Nation of Millions...' Winger - 3/4 sleeve tees make me look even fatter than I am. I won't even tell you what a mullet does to my appearance. Rick Astley - never gonna choose him up. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | How do you choose? I lay down my picks for the Pandyland band: Sting The Police The Black Lashes Pete Yorn Celine Dion 50 Cent Clay Aiken Sorry Duf, Radiohead & REM have failed to make my list. But I think you'll find the other choices presented here are just as worthy... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 16,July,2003 | Dr. Duf, Graphic novels? I got a stack you need to peek through. First and foremost urlLink Sin City by Frank Miller. I'm going to bring them in (I have all of them) for you to enjoy. Next up? Stray Bullets by David Lapham. You would also probably like Strangers in Paradise as well. Don't worry...none of these are geeky super-hero graphic novels. They're more like Pulp Fiction-y stories with some really kick-ass art. Over-all band for the Pandyland crew? Some quick thoughts: Liz Phair White Stripes Run DMC Hootie & the Blowfish Yanni Public Enemy Winger Rick Astley I don't know...these just came to me. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | I'm learning a lot. When you agree to buy a place, you have to sign a lot of things. I know, I know, 'just wait until you close'... anyway, I had to sign like 15 places, to verify that I am aware that I can look up the location of registered level 3 sex offenders online. (Insert your own Panda's-latest-boyfriend joke here) I wasn't too interested in this info, as it's considered unreliable (people move and don't register like they're supposed to) and all offenders had a first time offense, before which there would be no online listing. Curiosity got the best of me, so I went to urlLink the address , and typed in my new zip code. Nothing. Then my current zip code. Nothing. Then the zip code for my parents, and you guessed it, nothing. Finally I entered the zip where my two nieces (ages 9 and 2), and newphew (age 8) live (along with a new kid to be delivered in November). Five offenders. Great. I knew it was the 'hood, but reading what put these dudes in prision makes the 'hood feel less 'ghetto couch on the front porch' and more 'violent rape attack on unsuspecting victim'. Too much information. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | I read my first urlLink graphic novel this morning and liked it quite a lot. I plan to explore the genre even more. Any recommendations? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | A Few Words to the Pandylandaz Duf: I am with you. Let's find a band, etc we all can agree on. I'm on board with REM, but don't know about the rest of y'all. Frank Sinatra is a guy you can't argue with either. (Fly Me to the Moon, people.) I'd say Alabama, but don't want to get beat to a bloody pulp. DJS: Would it kill you to shave a little off my hips when you use Photo Shop? Help me out, friend! Bassy: Best Haikus Ever. You need to channel your creativity like this more often. Hal: Now that you won't be house-hunting anymore and have freed up some of your time, you can concentrate on looking for a new job for me. No? Then I will be your personal maid/chef/greeter in your new place. C'mon, you can afford me! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | In Case You're Bored Today Here are some sites I've been perusing lately: urlLink Cockeyed : I laughed and laughed at the article on urlLink Trophy Night . Hours of fun. urlLink Eric Conveys an Emotion : 'Did I leave the Oven on?' kills me. That and 'Caught Girlfriend with Somone Else.' urlLink Rotten Tomatoes : Movie reviews that save you time AND money. urlLink Lonely Planet : Wanna go somewhere? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | Dear DJS, Son, talk to me when you get to be 12, 875 days old, okay? Then you'll know some things. Whippersnapper! Duf |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | For the Good of the 'Land By Duf Fer Suddenly is seems important to me to find a musical artist (band or solo or duo) who we all agree is bomb-diggity (is it still hip to say bomb-diggity? Is it still hip to say hip? Hepabruthaout, y'all). DJS is not down with U2 so don't go there. BB is not up on the Radiohead tip, so squash that. I won't even bring up my favorites, because I get depressed when you kids have not heard of bands that I liked in my youth and whatnot (R.E.M., The Pixies, Otis Redding, etc.). Somebody throw out a life preserver and save this sinking blog! No Justin Timberlake please. Thanks in advance. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | Today is my 11227th day of life. Funny...I don't feel any different. urlLink Life Calculator |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | Me, an Interpreter? Duf, I'm not quite sure I want to be the future interpreter of all things Family Duf. Especially if the end result is you ending up on the Barcalounger/Lazy-Boy/Sectional/Davenport. (GASP - I said the 'D' word.) (Side note: you sleeping on the Barcalounger gives you something in common with my little brother. During Summerfest weekend, my little bro ended up on the Barcalounger in our hotel room on one drunken evening. But this is only because his wife passed out in bed with me, and he didn't want to share a bed with Hal. Who could blame him? She snores.) So all this Radiohead babble is getting a little exhausting. DJS, I sold Pablo Honey . Deal with it. I just have bad memories with that album and it was more of a cathartic thing than anything. And like I care what some clown making minimum wage at Cheapo thinks? Let's talk about something new...like Liz Phair's new masterpiece. She sold out? Who cares...her songs still (esp. H.W.C.) speak to me. Her lyrics are still dirty, dirty, dirty. Isn't that all that counts? As y'all said about Radiohead, I much prefer to be surprised and entertained and enjoy an artist's changes over time. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | How I Can Love BB Like I Used To Love BB/How Long to Sing This Song?/PB is a Goddess, I Know this After a Night on the Barcalounger By Duf Fer 1. BB, I don't think you have to leave the 'land, and I still love you, I just love you differently. Please give The Bends a spin. If I burn it for you, will you at least try it? Please. It may be our last chance. We may have to search for other musical common ground if you persist in your communistic refusal to embrace the movement. 2. Phoebe Cates is 40 today. I heard it on NPR. [Pause for Fast Times at Ridgemont High flashback]. 3. PB: my wife, upon reading your post about 'things are going to have to change around here', thinks you are a goddess (I told her you were not a goddess; she said she hated me and made me sleep on the couch). Anyway, I may call on you as an interpreter during future altercations. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | Radiohead Y'all... Yeah, the new Radiohead album isn't my favorite of theirs, I'll admit. But damn if it doesn't do something to me! My first listen I was kind of like 'Okay, I know these guys know what the hell they're doing, but this needs to grow on me, yo.' And it did. Like a rash...but one of those rashes you don't mind so much. You know the kind... I've lost you, haven't I? First of all, I'm having a hard time believing anyone could sell Pablo Honey . What? That's like an essential rock album. Yeah, they played the piss out of 'Creep' on the radio, but still...there's tons and tons of delicious musical nuggets to be ingested. I can't even imagine the look on the person's face at the 2nd hand CD store when that album ends up in the 'I-want-to-sell-these pile.' 'What? You're actually getting rid of this? For $3?' To each their own, I guess. (Panda, you're crazy. That's all I'm sayin'.) Like Duf sez: It's hard to rank these albums. Each of them is different to me. Yeah, there are threads of their previous effort woven into each one, but they are definitely stand-alone works that can't be ignored. Here goes... 1. Kid A 2. OK Computer 3. Pablo Honey 4. Amnesiac 5. Hail To The Thief 6. The Bends I know, it's probably blasphemy to cite 'The Bends' as my least favorite, but as mentioned in previous posts (Duf's namely) this isn't to say I think it's a shitty album. They all get top marks in my book and admittedly, I jumped on the Radiohead bandwagon with 'OK Computer.' A lot of my rankings have to do with where I was in my life at the time the albums came out. When I get a new Radiohead CD I tend to listen to it to death and I found myself listening to Kid A probably the most. Interesting side note: I was planning on writing a book (a mystery/thriller-type) while listening to Radiohead. I wanted to set kind of a dark, strange tone in my narrative. I wrote 16 pages of it and thought it sucked. Oh well, it was worth the try. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,July,2003 | Do I get the Boot? I have never listened to a Radiohead album and am not a fan. *GASP* Don't hate. Congrats to Hal on the new pad! Can't wait until you have a party there to celebrate it! These past few days & weeks I have been trying like hell to control my bitterness, anger and general foul mood. Fortunately I have found an outlet in urlLink haiku ... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | My Radiohead Rankings by PB 1) The Bends 2) The Bends 3) The Bends 4) OK Computer 5) Hail to the Thief My copy of The Bends was signed by the band (including the most impish, googly-eyed lead singer in existence, Thom Yorke) at the Let It Be record store in Minneapolis after their show at First Ave. This album will always be special to me, not just because it was signed, but because I had a truly spiritual experience at that show. (Picture being literally lifted off your feet by the pulsating crowd during the song Black Star .) Plus, it's a great album to put on for a little 'Uszzzzzsh', if you know what I mean. (OK Computer has some ussszzzzsh factor, too.) I sold my copy of Pablo Honey, and after listening to Amnesiac and Kid A several times in the record store, I couldn't buy them. Sorry, Duf. Conflict is good. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | No roses, but I did buy myself a condo today (in St. Paul for those interested, in Highland Park for the nosy). Technically I don't get it until next month, but I'm still excited to pick up my own little six figure debt. It's cute (small) and charming (not all the amenities I wanted) and I'm excited. And as a bonus, I get covered parking and a slightly smaller commute. It's all very adult. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | Oh No...A Conflict in the 'Land! I love the new Radiohead album. If you compare it to 90% of the stuff out there, you have to admit it is art. If you compare it to past Radiohead, you may not love it the most. Still, I like it as a complete work, but I also really like a lot of the songs. Namely: '2+2=5', 'Sit Down Stand Up', 'Go to Sleep', 'There There' (the one that is getting airplay) and 'Myxomatosis'. But the one song that makes the whole album is 'Where I End and You Begin' ('I will eat you alive' - indeed). If you don't like that track, then you don't like Radiohead. The bass (BB take note) at the beginning is everything: sex, truth, God, art, poetry, literature, drugs, pain, redemption and dishonesty. As I listen to the entire album, I feel like I get their meaning. DJS and I went lunch with this cool guy NeB, and he said something that I think is spot on. No two Radiohead albums are really alike. Pablo Honey and The Bends are pretty close, and obviously there are similarities between Kid A and Amnesiac , but other than that, they have changed quite a bit. I like Hail to the Thief almost as much because it can stand on its own as a bold musical statement and because it represents a variation on the theme that makes Radiohead what it is: evolution and change. You either like that they change from album to album a lot, or you don't. It can be maddening after a flawless album like The Bends when you feel like you could love many albums almost just like it, but then you would never get an OK Computer if they always stuck with that The-Bends sound. And now, without further adieu, here is my ranking of Radiohead (studio) albums: 1. OK Computer 2. The Bends 3. Kid A 4. Pablo Honey 5. Hail to the Thief 6. Amnesiac The main thing is this: there is not one on the list that I would not give an 'A' rating. In fact, I love them all. The difference between the rankings is so slight that I almost could not do it. A year from now, I might have them all inverted. Anyway, what are your Radiohead rankings Pandylandaz? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | Things Have Just Been Brought Up a Notch I just received a dozen red roses from LJ with the sweetest note attached. The score is now: LJ = 1, OG = 0. I'm curious to see how the game's going to end. OG has got some major catchin' up to do. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | A Couple Brief Album Reviews Radiohead's Hail to the Thief If I read another review of this album that says you have to listen to it a few times to 'truly' appreciate it, I'm going to puke. I'm a Bends girl, therefore urlLink I'm not really feelin' this album. That's it. Annie Lennox's Bare Very different from Radiohead, but whatever. Can this woman wail. I love this record and her attitude about making it. The cover art and her explanation was particularly intriguing to me: 'I am not a young artist in their early twenties. I am a mature woman facing up to the failed expectations of life and facing up to 'core' issues. I don't want to represent myself visually in some kind of cliched, airbrushed, saccharine kind of way.' Go, Annie. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | My First Guess Duf, as a woman with (fairly) normal womanly traits, I know how we have tendencies to express something (perhaps very strongly), while actually being concerned about something totally different. Here's what I think is happening: Mrs. Duf is frustrated. She's under a lot of pressure and as a modern woman, has taken on many roles: 1) Super Mom, 2) Career Woman, 3) Wifey of Duf Fer. Personally, I think there is more pressure on the woman to be perfect at all Three. Men can slack a bit on #1 or #3 and get away with it because 'they're bringing home the bacon'. Of course, this is crap, but society (or the horrid media) dictates this. (Another reason I still wish it were the 50s.) So when Mrs. D says 'things need to change around here'...you may think she's talking about the order of the house. (Men tend to take things more literally than women.) However, I think she just wants you to be aware that she's going to need your support. Not just with the vacuuming or putting Tiny E to bed, but emotionally as well. She needs to know you'll be around to pick up the slack. Also, you traveling a lot probably makes the Mrs worried about things falling behind at home. Talk to her and tell her what you told us in your post. I'm sure she's more concerned with the cleanliness of your relationship than with the bathroom. Convince her that you have her back... But again, this is just my guess. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | Garbage & Small Shameless Plug Friends in Christ and/or Pandylandaz, Don't forget to take the garbage out. Let me add to that. Don't forget to take the garbage out, especially if you have a little 5-pound dog that shits on the floor as if he weighed 55 pounds. You gotta love the little guy, but Nigel (the newest addition to the Shovelpants family) is a walking, barking feces factory. Sure it's tough to hold it in when you're home alone for a good 9 hours or so. But when I come home after a long day at the office, it never seems to fail. There are at least 3 specially marked stinky Tootsie-Rolls waiting to be cleaned up. On top of that, there's a couple strategically-placed puddles of piss to navigate as well. Ah...the joys of puppyhood. Where am I going with this? Well, where we live the garbage men (and yes, I generalize because there aren't any garbage broads doing the job in our neighborhood) come and pick up our trash on Tuesdays. This, of course, is where all the Nigel Nuggets and Pissy Papertowels go. We make a point to keep all the garbage in the garage so that our townhouse smells like a spring garden...so all is good. Unless you forget to take the garbage out. Friends, I have 2 other adults living in my house with me. One is the future Mrs. DJ Shovelpants, and the other is her brother. All of us are capable of wheeling the little push cart out to the curb. It's not tough. Last week, however...it seems no one (including myself) could be bothered with it. So the trash didn't get picked up last week. That meant all of the little parcels of poop and pottied wipes had a good week to ferment in the humid garage. Son of a bitch. We even had a sign posted on the door going outside that read in TF Mrs. DJS's script: 'Hey! What day of the week is it? If it is Tuesday, please remember to take the garbage out! Thank you!' Can't. Busy. Flash forward to this morning, and guess who's standing (in business casual attire) inside the already-full garbage can, struggling to get five more bags to fit inside? Correctamundo. Me. I was stomping that shit down, while my better half held the can so I didn't fall down and dash my stupid head apart. Every jump launched more stink in her general direction and she looked like she was going to throw up. Who could blame her? She was getting blasted by horrible clouds of filth and poop. Anyway...that's all I got. Advice for Duf later today. Shameless Plug: I don't mean to whore out my little site, but would it kill y'all to toss me a haiku at urlLink Discount Haiku ? Would it? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,July,2003 | I Liked it Better When He Wasn't Posting at All, A Case Against the Lengthy Blog By Fer, Duf (a.k.a. 'tiny') Beloved Pandylandaz, What a weekend. Mrs. Duf and I went to see the play Chicago. I liked it well enough but was not knocked out by it. I like musicals (and I am secure enough in my femininity to say it and secure enough in my masculinity to admit to a feminine side), but this one seemed overly weighted on songs and not enough on plot advancement and for some reason, it didnt work. Also, the dancers/chorus were on the stage the whole time (though off to the side and in the dark), and you could see them talking and stretching during other numbers it seemed like they were not quite in it. We had a great dinner with my in-laws at Kincaids afterwards they call their Crme Brulee Burnt Cream. Also, Mrs. Duf and I had a minor altercation this weekend. The Mrs is in the running for a new job as the Head Gardener at a local conservatory and seems likely to get it (if she does, I will be so proud of her and so proud to be the husband of the person who holds that job). On Saturday, she said if I get that job, things are going to have to change around here. I said whats that supposed to me, and she proceeded to talk to me about housekeeping and (increasing) the extent of my participation therein. Now, a few thoughts: first, our house is fairly orderly. Dishes dont linger in the sink. Nothing is dirty but sometimes things are not orderly. Laundry can hang out a bit before being put away, and toys dont always leap into the toy box at a steady fast rate, but when they do, they tend to leap back out. (its a toddler thing, youll understand). My wife has four cats, and they keep our vacuum busy (I wonder sometimes why they aint bald they shed so damn much), and there is always a project or improvement task that could benefit from completion (the computer room is in chaos right now). But for the most part our place is okay. Okay, true confession time. We have a housekeeper who comes once a week to see after the bathroom, the vacuuming, the dusting the floors, the windows, etc. In fact, I look forward to returning home tonight to that spring clean smell. Now, before I share this next thought, let me say that I do not like comparative living. It is a dangerous thing to want something that others have. It is a sickness that is tough to cure. And besides, no matter how much you have, there is always someone who appears to have more (even Bill Gates wants something that someone else has: maybe he wants to own a sports team or have a wife who loves him for who he is, maybe he wishes he could sing or that his penis weren't so small). Having said that, most of our friends who have little ones (not penises, children - although I am secure enough to tell you that I have a very, very small penis - it's like two inches when fully erect and no thicker than a cocktail straw, but I digress...most of our friends with children) dont keep their house as orderly as we keep ours. So, the implication being the statement things are going to have to change around here bugged me a bit. I feel like we are doing okay, and that we could be much worse than we are, and Mrs. Duf is saying that (1) we are lousy and live in squalor. Or, alternatively, she is saying that (2) if I pitched in more, it would be easier to maintain order. Or she is saying (3) she would be happier if married to a man of even average penis size, but lets focus on my first theory: Pandylandaz (there can only be five (although if Stoner came back, we would have six) dont hate). Can you help me articulate standards for cleanliness? Thanks in advance, MicroDuf P.S. Panda. I wont hate, Ill congratulate, and if I was in Chi-town, I would facilitate. Play on playa! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 11,July,2003 | May the Best Man Win I'm sure some of you are wondering how the Lee Jeans extravaganza went this weekend. It was great; in fact, we've already made plans to see each other again in August. After having a beer per inning at Wrigley Field, seeing the fireworks at Navy Pier, enjoying a delicious steak dinner on the Smith & Wollensky patio, having cocktails at Danny's and hanging out at the Lake, it only seemed natural to do it all again sometime. Here's the kicker...both OG and LJ want to be 'the only one'. I went out with OG last night after I dropped LJ off at the airport, and he felt the need to profess this. Now I'm in a pickle...I like both of them, one is local, one is in the city I want to move to...and I'm supposed to decide? Sorry, boys. Can't do it. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 11,July,2003 | Checking In. Panda, in response to your (possibly rhetorical) question, no, that doesnt happen to me. Not only do I know everyone in my phone, but I also know their birth date and middle name. You should call some of those dudes and give them my number. Then well be even. Im back from Dallas. You know the highlight from Dufs post below. Aside from that fun (by the way, who knew that assassination + conspiracy x homelessness = hilarity?), yesterday morning I caught my flight out of Dallas at the godly hour of 9am (compared to Dufs ungodly 6:30 departure). Rather than lose sleep by going to the airport with Duf, I rode with another (sorta) coworker. This was fine (we only got lost 1.5 times), except that this other person did not know the difference between U2 and Duran Duran, a truly horrid offense, and one that I thankfully do not need to get into here (all Pandylandaz know the difference, its a part of the test taken to join our ranks). Once at the airport and minus the ignorant coworker, I immediately started to calculate ways that I can permanently avoid the Dallas airport in the future. Its dirty, confusing, crowded, inconvenient, outdated and slow. Plus, you can only get there on American. To quote another (sorta) colleague, eewww. I was starving, so I searched for food. When I say searched, I mean walked and walked and walked in one direction with my rolly bag and didnt find anything. Then I gave up and started walking and walking and walking in another direction with my rolly bag until I finally found a yogurt stand, a McDonalds and an Au Bon Pain surrounded by a hungry mob. I figured my best bet was the Au Bon Pain. I got in line and surveyed my options a few crusty day old muffins and bagels, and an odd doughnut-esque item here and there. I looked up at the menu and found half of it covered in were out of this or we dont sell that anymore fashion. When I got to the counter, I asked the gentleman working the register, Do you have any flavored cream cheese? He then looked to his feet and responded I wish! We only have the plain stuff. I immediately felt sorry for this dude who obviously has an inferiority complex over his stores lack of strawberry cream cheese. I got a muffin and retreated to my gate. I hope another trip to Big D is not in my immediate future. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 10,July,2003 | Kevin Update For those of you who don't know Kevin, he's my ex-boyfriend from a few years back. Hal and I went camping with him last 4th of July (along with my ex-fiance, Billygoat) and he pulled a fricking glock out of his pants when we expressed some fear that a bear might ransack our camp. 'Don't worry...I have this .' Jesus H Christ, dude. Well, he called me last night (seems he does that every 3-4 months or so) just to see what's up. Of course, he had some crazy shit that's happened to him recently: 'I've been hospitalized twice in the past couple months. Once for a huge shoulder injury from a serious car accident and another time for water intoxication.' Water intoxication?? What the hell is that? 'It's when you actually drink too much water and your body rids itself of all its electrolytes and completely cramps up.' Only Kevin. And for those wondering, he's not marrying the Russian girl just so she can stay in the country. How do I find these gems? Oh yeah, he delivered me a pizza once in New Jersey. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 10,July,2003 | Need A Pen Pal? Remember Susan Smith? The woman who intentionally killed her two little boys by driving them into a lake to drown? Well, turns out ol' Susie is looking for a pen-pal. I'm not shitting you. Check urlLink it . |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 10,July,2003 | Does This Happen To You? I was looking in the Phone Book in my cell phone today...just browsing through. You would not believe how many names are in it of people who I have no idea who they are. Most of them are guys names, which leads me to believe I got their names in bars at one time? Or someone confiscated my phone and entered some phantom numbers? It must be the latter. I would never get someone's number who I had no recollection of (or desire to call). That's not me. Really. Maybe you can help with a few examples: a Chris at 773-, a Mike at 315-, and a Sean at 347-. I think the only Chicago area code is for Chris. Who the hell are these people? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 09,July,2003 | The Weiner Race Gone Bad Honestly, the only reason I still go to Brewers' games is to see this. But now it's turned urlLink violent! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 09,July,2003 | Bottom Line Item ! Bassy, I'm all over that joint. Count me in. Side note: sorry, Hal. I get first dibs on Bono. You can have LMJ. Item ! Yes, DJS. There are 2 fellas I'm a'courtin'. 1) Lee Jeans (Mpls), 2) OG (Chicago) (aka Orbitz Guy, aka guy I met at the Alumni wine tasting event who I initially was only talking to in order to get a new job...he's cute & funny, so I kept him.) Item ! I will not be having 'a lesbian phase' anytime soon. Sorry, friend. Item ! About 50 hours until Lee Jeans arrival into Midway Airport. I'm picking him up there. And there will be making out. Hope the other clowns waiting at Midway like PDA. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,July,2003 | Let's go to Dublin and stay urlLink here . I bet I would have a couple of Pandylandahz who would join me... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,July,2003 | The Stuff Sitcoms Are Made Of... Panda - this is great shit. I swear, there's a Three's Company episode here somewhere. Now let me get this straight: there are two guys you're uh...courting. Is one of them Lee Jeans? Who the hell is OG? Your public wants to know. Is there anyway you can go through a brief lesbian phase just for the sake of more comedy? All I gots to say is keep the wild antics coming, friend. This DJ loves it! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,July,2003 | The First Stages of Alzheimer's or What Not to do When You're Out With One of the Two I think this is all a little too much for me. I can't keep the conversations I'm having with these guys straight. Plus, they both have a brother and a sister, making it hard to keep track of the family details. Last night, I asked OG about his sister's job at Accenture. 'Um, but my sister works at Deloitte & Touche.' Shit...wrong sister. Then I was telling him about my trip to the dentist that day. He said: 'I absolutely HATE the dentist.' Me: 'I know...you told me that before.' OG: 'No, we never talked about dentists.' Shit...wrong guy again. I either need to take notes when I'm talking to these dudes or I need to make flashcards. Oi. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,July,2003 | This Just in Generalissimo Dufcisco Franco is NOT Dead or 'Miss Hal, can you dig a little deeper?' By Duf Fer Long lost (but not forgotten) friends. I am not dead. I have been traveling too much, and I have not been down with the blog ups like I should be (gotta get down to get up - BB, can that be a song recommendation for you - put on some James Brown, honey - you can get bogged down in the sad stuff...put on something funky or something angry and draw your poisons to the surface then drink lots of water - all massage therapists advise it. Which reminds me, spoil yourself too. Get a facial and a massage and play a round golf at The Wilds in Shakopee). Anyway, not much is on with me. Hal and I are in Dallas for a meeting. Yesterday I was in Tampa...tomorrow I will be in Columbus, Ohio. It is too much. I am finally starting to see that...it is too much. Here is a story. Last night, Hal and I went to Dealey Plaza to decipher this grassy knoll stuff. Maybe all that is needed to unravel the Kennedy conspiracy are a fresh set of eyes and some Minnesota pragmatism. Anyway, it was late-ish, around 9:30, and it was dark. We were kind of walking around not really getting all the right stuff when this kind fellow (he called himself Miquel Bolton - and I did not get it until I got back to the hotel) came up and explained that we were pointing at the wrong grassy knoll (the place is thick with knolls and they are all grassy). Well, we are in Texas, and the people are very friendly here (I know this because the 10 people I asked for directions (to the restaurant (Taco Diner in West Village, I recommend it for your next trip the Big D, but warning, no one knows where it is - ask for the West Village mall instead and directions to Dealey Plaza, and directions to our Hilton in Grapevine) were all way nice and...if they didn't know how to direct me, overly disappointed), and Miquel was no exception. He showed us the window where Oswald ALLEGEDLY fired the shot (Miquel does not buy the lone gunman theory at all nor does he buy the magic bullet theory), he showed us the X that is embedded in Elm street to mark the spot where Kennedy was hit for the first time. He showed us the manhole cover where the second shot threw his head back, and he showed us where the guy stood who fired shots from behind the what? That's right, the grassy knoll. He showed us the terrace they have erected in back of the grassy knoll, the memorial, the conspiracy museum. He explained how the manhole shooter escaped, and how the knoll shooter fled. He pointed out where Oswald was apprehended, where he was booked in, how he was transferred from one jail to another and the hallway where he was shot by Jack Ruby. He showed us the austere memorial whose erection (I wrote erection...tee hee) was requested by Jackie O (I used erection and Jackie O in the same sentence...tee hee), and he read the plaque explaining how the citizens of Dallas paid for it (with contributions from others). He even told us where he was (Waco, Texas) and what he was doing ('getting his play on' yes, that's a quote - he was 4 at the time) when he heard about the assassination. His grandfather cried and he recalled that as unusual. He had never seen that before. For those of you who have read this post believing that people are genuinely kind and that they offer help and tour guidance from an altruistic spirit of love for fellow man and to add another stone to the solid strong structure we call the community of [wo]man, you are right, just don't read the next paragraph. Miquel walked us back to our car and explained that he was out of work and needed money to send his daughter to Six Flags tomorrow. He was working us the whole time. It gets worse. Duf, as usual, was cashless. Hal went into the car and into her purse to cough up a five-spot, and Miquel said (quoting again), 'Miss Hal, can you dig a little deeper?' BTW, I'm in favor of disclosing all fees up front. Anyway, as we drove away, Hal, who has always been a bit too PC for my tastes. Argued that men like Miquel, are a tragedy. He was bright and personable and knowledgeable about the area. He was articulate and his sales skills were keen. He may have had a drinking problem. I genuinely enjoyed the tour, even as I knew (fairly early on) there was a hook. But Miquel is not employable, Hal pointed out - a blatant argument for helping the less fortunate - a view I spit on as a hardcore capitalist. Why should I work to support people who can't just get a stinkin' job? Explain that Miss PC Hal! |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,July,2003 | Maybe it is a Cult Bassy - like Hal said, K.O.T. I suggest not listening to Indigo Girls or Tracy Chapman...that shit makes me cry like a baby for no reason. You know how I told you guys that the holistic yoga thing was helping me cope with the stresses in my life? Well, I think they are, indeed, part of a cult. My yoga master has been bugging me to go to this one special healing chakra session with the guru of yoga - Grand Master Li...which happens to cost 200 bones and is on the weekend. I've been telling him I can't make it, but after getting pressured more last night I told him I don't want to commit to a Saturday (my weekends are very important) or pay the cash. Then he told me I needed to come for a preparation class on Tuesday night (tonight) and I said I had plans. The guy wouldn't let me off that easy. 'What are you doing?' So I finally just told him the truth: 'I have a date.' 'Can you reschedule?' 'Um, no.' No one is going to tell me to screw up my social life...not even some little, meek, Korean guy. Sorry, chief. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | BB keep on truckin. I'm glad you found some good tunes... after the week you've had, you might need to start listening to country. I just hope it doesn't get that bad. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | The DJS Movie Review Corner 'Allo friends. I've been on a tear seeing at least one movie a week for the last month or so. Pretty amazing, eh? We think so. Without further delay, let me get right into the shit and give you the low-down on what's what in the cinema. Finding Nemo - Saw this a couple weeks ago and was really excited to see it. However, I was somewhat sick. I think I was low on iron or something. As such, I got really tired and and nodded off during parts of the movie. Days like this made me wish I still drank caffeine, you know? I could've really used a shot in the arm. Anyway, the movie was okay. Not my favorite Pixar effort, but decent. I still think Monster's Inc. was the best one. Argue with me if you want. I win. Rating: 7/10 Should've Been Called: Finding Monster's Inc. More Interesting Than Nemo The Hulk - I really didn't want to see this until I saw some kind of special on cable about how they did the effects and stuff. Then, I HAD to see it. Am I glad I did? Sure. Before I hit the theatre, Dirty and I ate a burrito. It was delicious. Packed with tender morsels of chicken and the hot sauce was on par. I washed it down with some refreshing water and I considered myself full. Off to the show. The movie was actually suprisingly good. I expected shit, but it turned out to be a pretty smart flick. I don't know that kids will like it much as there's a lot of set-up and the green son of a bitch doesn't show up until almost an hour into the flick. The ending was a little weird for me. I mean, what the hell is with Nicky Nolte anyway? The Hulk's dad turned into some big ghost thing and I just didn't get it. Worth seeing, though. Rating: 7/10 Should've Been Called: Rar! Kids No Like Hulk!!! Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines - Another movie I didn't want to see, but ended up checking it out anyway. I'd heard that the ending was totally unconventional and that it was crazy with action. Sounded right up my alley, so I decided that after I put in a shift at my part-time bookstore gig, I'd see the midnight show. I didn't have anyone to see it with, so I decided to be a complete loser and go by myself. No really, it's okay. I only cried a little on the way there. At the theatre, there were so many Asian kids there, I thought I'd mistakenly walked into 2 Fast 2 Furious. You know...because they like to trick out their Hondas and such. Anyway, the movie was mediocre at best. Yeah there was lots of action, but I didn't care for the character development...was there any? The chick Terminator, the TX was lame. She didn't seem like much of a threat. I did learn one thing though: Claire Danes is not an attractive girl. She looked like ass. I'm glad I saw it, but I'm not raving or running out to see T3 again. Oh...and the title mentioned 'Rise of the Machines.' I saw plenty of machines. None of them rose. Hope that didn't ruin anything for you. Rating: 6/10 Should've Been Called: T3: Where's James Cameron? Bruce Almighty - I know this one is a little older, but I finally got around to seeing it. The verdict? It was a piece of shit. Good idea gone terribly wrong. Jimmy Carrey is funny in moments and other times I was like: Dude...you're trying too hard. I don't know. Then, they had to ruin an already crappy not-funny movie by slapping you on the ass with a moral. Save it, friend. I didn't buy a ticket to have someone teach me what's right. Fuck you. Rating 3/10 Should've Been Called: Bruce All-Shitty |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | What's with guys having to mark their territory when they're with you in a bar? This happens to me quite frequently. I'll be either talking to a guy I just met, or maybe I'm on a date with someone who's not technically 'my boyfriend'...and then another guy might come over to talk to me. All of a sudden Guy #1 has his hands all over me - maybe his arm is around me, or he grabs my hand, or starts stroking my hair. Like this is some sort of 'sign' for Guy #2 to back off? Dude, why don't you just pee on my leg like a dog? Geez. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | My Life is a Dear Abbey... To help me cope I've been diggin urlLink this . Great album with a cover of the Jayhawks tune 'Blue' too. And also urlLink this , specifically a tune called 'Fighter'. If my musical selections are any indication, it's been a brutal ride...but I've gotten off the coaster now and working towards getting past the puke. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | y'all suck. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,July,2003 | Let the Juggling Begin I may have mentioned someone in an earlier post - Orbitz Guy. OG called me yesterday and after talking on the phone for almost 45 minutes and asking me out for Tuesday night, I suggested we just meet for a drink in an hour. (I hate to talk on the phone when you can just get together in person.) And why do I always think it's only going to be one drink? Big Surprise: It ended up being several. But we ended up having a good time. He was pretty cool and downright hilarious. I excused myself at one of the bars we were at (yes, there were several of those too) to go to the ladies'. While I was in the john, I checked my messages...one came through from Lee Jeans. 'Call me tonight...' So I called him quick to touch base ('I'll call you tomorrow to chat...I'm out with my friends.') and went back to OG. 'Gee you took a long time in there...what's up?' 'I had to call one of my friends.' Then later last evening he told me how he really 'felt a connection with me' and he could tell I was feeling it too. (So now he's psychic?) I'm way too old for this Three's-Company-type-hijinks. It's already stressing me out. Let's just hope I don't run into OG when I'm at the Cubs game with Lee Jeans this Saturday. Then I'd really have some 'splainin' to do. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 02,July,2003 | Because It Feels Like Friday 5 1. How are you planning to spend the summer? I'm trying to hit every outdoor-seating bar I can this summer. I'm also attempting to find a new job (not quite as fun or exciting). [Closed Circuit to the Pandyland crew: I'm looking for a job in Mpls again...cross your fingers.] I will also be moving into a new place in August (if I don't move to Mpls first!). 2. What was your first summer job? I had a paper route...this lasted about 4 months because I somehow suckered my parents into helping me with it, which completely pissed them off. If I had to think of my favorite summer job, it was working at the local movie theater. (Popcorn Girl.) I got to see any movie in the city for free, so one summer I saw EVERY SINGLE MOVIE that came out - good or bad. This also made me very comfortable with going to movies by myself. 3. If you could go anywhere this summer, where would you go? Like I've said many times before, Iceland. Or Australia (since it's winter there right now, the weather is mild). But I can definitely feel another Mpls trip coming....destination: Country Bar. 4. What was your worst vacation ever? When I was little, my entire family (including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) and I would go to Florida for Easter Break. One year I got so sunburnt I blistered all over...it was pretty gross. The worst and most painful vacation ever. Now that I'm older, I can't remember any bad vacations. I guess I've had good luck (plus, I plan things meticulously so nothing can go wrong...Billygoat on the other hand...don't get me started.) 5. What was your best vacation ever? I don't know if this was the absolute best, but I had an awesome time when I was with my parents, bro, and sis-in-law in London and Brussels last Thanksgiving. We got drunk together, laughed a ton, and saw everything we could in 2 fantastic cities. Plus, I didn't have to pay. I think the best vacations are free. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 01,July,2003 | Panda - That Jesus shit is the funniest goddamn website I've ever seen. I wish they had one for 'Porn Star' and 'Garbage Man' though. Oh well...maybe Mr. VanPelt will get to it soon enough. Yours in Christ, DJS |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 01,July,2003 | This urlLink totally creeps me out . The Truck Driver and Juggler are especially disturbing. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 01,July,2003 | Sometimes I think...Why Me? But then I realize it's just so I can post something interesting here... This morning, I got stuck with 2 other people in one of the elevators in my building. After waiting for 15 minutes, we realized we were stuck between floors. Finally, a policeman helped us crawl out 'Keanu-Speed-Style'. I guess I'll never say the Chicago Police are useless again. Plus, I had a pretty good excuse as to why I was late to work. I doubt my boss bought it, though. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 01,July,2003 | Hi, Today when I pulled into the parking ramp here at work, I saw a Jeep with the statement, 'It's A Jeep Thing, You Wouldn't Understand' emblazoned (and I mean emblazoned - it was huge) in the back window. They are right. I don't get it. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 29,August,2003 | Duffy Likey By Fer, Duf I think I'm in love with the woman in the picture above. No Panda, not you (well...okay...sorta, but I digress). I think I'm in love with the woman in the pink pants and the white shirt. I don't know what it is about her. She has a certain something. Gosh, what is it...Give me a minute... Oh, and have a great weekend... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 28,August,2003 | I Love Me Some Liz Okay, I have to admit by about 3:30pm yesterday afternoon, I thought about blowing off the Liz Phair concert. It was one of those days here at work, a handful of people bailed on going to the concert (ahem) and I just wasn't in the mood, ya know? Christ, I'm glad I went. We met up at The Refuge in Minnecrapolis (HAL, Dr. Rob Phd, and BS Reid) and strolled in about 20 minutes before she hit the stage. Opening act? No time. She started promptly at 8:15pm and rocked the proverbial pants off of everyone there. Contrary to popular belief, she only did like 3-4 songs from her much loathed new album. The rest? Sprinklings of 'Exile In Guyville' an occasional track off of 'Whip Smart' and a few from 'whitechocolatespaceegg' including one of my all-time favorite Liz songs 'Perfect World.' I want to be cool, tall, vulnerable and luscious... I don't know. Say what you will about the 'new' Liz and her 'sell-out' album, but she's still got it in my opinion. She may be trying to move in a new direction, but she definitely hasn't forgotten what's gotten her this far. Oh...did I mention that she's friggin' hot? Wow. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 28,August,2003 | Love Letters I thought the art of writing a good love letter had fallen to the wayside long ago, until I received the sweetest letter ever from Lee Jeans yesterday. He ended it with 'I guess I have a little bit of a romantic twist...a good cowboy always does.' (For those keeping score, LJ rides horses and participates in competitions back home in So Dak. You should see him in his cowboy hat and shit-kickers. Oo-la-la.) 'Warning Sign' by Coldplay just came up on my CD player. It couldn't be more timely. So, to all you fellas out there: write your woman a thoughtful letter already. Sometimes small gestures like that have big paybacks, if you know what I'm sayin'. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 27,August,2003 | Hot in the City By Duf Fer We have had a pretty rough run in 'The Paul' lately. The week before vacation, a suspected car thief was arrested in our back yard and trashed Mrs. Duf's garden while cursing and waking up TinyDuf at 3 a.m. Five officers were involved in the hunt, and none of them can distinguish echinacea from weeds. The next day, the suspected car thief's girlfriend came to our house (our address is a matter of public record) looking for 'keys' that her boyfriend 'dropped' in our yard while hiding out from the police officers (before being found by a bad ass police dog). The police came by soon after her and said that his keys were included among the items they checked into holding when he was taken to jail. Their theory: he dropped drugs in our yard. I was out of town during the whole affair. While we were on vacation, our credit card company called and told us that they suspected fraud on our account. Some sucka was charging up a storm (including an $1100 Texaco charge) on our card. Last night, someone broke into our garage. All three of our bikes were stolen (including the one I bought Mrs. Duf for Mother's Day this year - it's been ridden twice), our garage people door was damaged severely, and my wife's car stereo was stolen (DJS, I like the way you gave the gift to DJ LZ, and perhaps I will do that too someday to replace her stolen stereo (JK)). While on vacation, we cleaned out our garage, and among the items we threw away...her old car stereo! My response to all of this misadventure is almost as upsetting to me as the events themselves. I: 1. Want to move to a better neighborhood; 2. Have been spinning theories about who stole our credit card and who broke into our garage, and it is someone I know; 3. Have been feeling guilty about traveling so much because I have these testosterone driven (and illogical) notions that if I were home, Mrs. Duf would be safer. 4. Have been thinking about getting a home security system; and 5. Have been re-examining the propriety of traveling so much and questioning the balance between providing for my family in a job I love (making a good living) and being home more often (even if it means that I earn less money). This balancing act is a near constant struggle for me. But mostly I have been thinking about being a better provider and buying a house in a better place so that when I am gone, everyone will be safer. Our current plan for moving is a 3 year plan. This will allow us to make home improvements, and it will allow us to be better positioned to buy a house that we can live in for a lenthy (nod to DJS) amount of time (we will save, increase income and decrease expenses (bye bye daycare ($1000 per month), hello public schools ($0 per month)). But with all these happenings, I wonder if we should not scramble and stretch and just get the hell out of our part of the city now. No answer seems correct. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 26,August,2003 | Thanks for that, DJS. 'preciate it. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 26,August,2003 | I'm With DJS I've had a bit of the blogging blues lately, too. It's not like nothing interesting has been going on, I just have been feeling a little under the weather emotionally. That's kind of weird for me because I'm usually cheery, cheery, cheery, but after rejection 378 on the job front, one can get a little down in the dumps. So what's the best remedy for that? Sitting in a dark theater, with smuggled-in Whoppers (delicious), watching the latest indie flick. That and catching some interesting films on free cable. Let me recap: urlLink Dirty Pretty Things : A very touching and intense movie that does not have a dull moment. It's encouraging to see a movie that ends with people of values prevailing. This movie brought to light the extent people will go to for freedom and a better life - and how you and I take all these things for granted. Plus, how can you NOT love Audrey Tatou (of Amelie fame)? urlLink Step into Liquid : As the tagline says - 'No special effects. No stuntmen. No stereotypes. No other feeling comes close.' I've never surfed in my life, but after seeing this movie, I definitely want to try it at least once. And who woulda thunk there actually was surfing off the coast of Lake Michigan in little ol' Sheboygan, WI? urlLink The Swimming Pool : I saw this movie last night and didn't figure out what really happened until about 5 minutes ago. Now I want to go out and see it again to catch all the nuances. Very good, but seems pretentious at first (maybe because it's filmed in France?). urlLink The Karate Kid : I caught this on ESPN Classic, of all stations. I swear I hadn't seen this since 1984, so it was a true blast from the past. (Side note: The first time I saw it I was amongst an all-African American audience in a movie theater in Madison, WI - which was great because everyone was yelling at the screen during the karate tournament scene.) Little Ralphy Macchio seemed so hunky back then; now he just looks like a total dweeb in a red, plastic jacket. And seeing him with Elizabeth Shue? She seemed about 10 times bigger than him - what a weird looking couple. Needless to say, I enjoyed it very much, even though I was mocking it the whole time. The ending anthem during the final fight destroyed me: 'You're the BEST, around...nothing is going to ever keep you down!' Wax on, wax off. urlLink Van Wilder : I was pretty sceptical about this one when it came on Showtime, but it's a bit of a gem. Ryan Renold's (Van) comic delivery reminds me of Will Ferrell at his best. I would call this film a very carass Animal House (if that's possible?). Both the eclair scene and Tara Reid's performance made me gag, but as a whole it was entertaining. If you want dumb humor, this will deliver. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 26,August,2003 | That picture is much better. I looked like a fat ol' gay-bob in that Wham! get-up. As you were... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 26,August,2003 | Yep. I Suck. Hiya P'landers. My name is DJ Shovelpants. I used to post on this-here site quite a bit. Remember me? Of course, I've had plenty to blog about as of late, but I've got the blogger blahs these days. Why? Don't know. Maybe it's just a simple case of can't...busy... Though I don't think this post will be lenthy (I intentionally left the 'g' out in the word lengthy. Please pronounce accordingly) I'll try to keep y'all up to date with what's new. - Today is DJ LZ's birthday. She's a whopping 27 years old today, almost four years my junior. Yeah! For her birthday, I snuck her bare-bones Saturn SL (with no power windows, locks, steering, etc) in to have a CD player installed. I had to be all covert about it because we work together and we usually drive in together and it's always in the truck. I played sick this morning, she drove the truck in and I came in an hour later with the Saturn. I dropped off the car and made a ransom note that said 'LOOK IN YOUR CAR' and cut it into pieces, dropped it in a box and wrapped it all nice. I set wrapped box on her seat whilst she was at a lunch meeting. Hopefully she'll like it. - Today also marks the day that my little dog Nigel will lose his manhood. That's right, friends...I'm talking about his ball bag. It's going bye-bye. The vet called and said that the operation was successful and that the little guy is just fine. We get to pick him up tomorrow. Poor little son of a bitch. - The Bjork concert - In a handful of words: It was a goddamn religious experience. I'm not even kidding. Not only was the whole trip itself enjoyable as all get-out, it was capped off with the absolute best concert I will ever see in my life. Hands down. Red Rocks is the coolest venue of all time and the whole event totally made my whole year. Nothing will come close to this in my book. I bought a poster from the show and I'm going to do it up with my ticket, some pictures and I'll have a commemorative wall-hanging for the rest of eternity. It was well worth the drive through So-Dak, Neb, and Wyo. Good times, good times. - 2 teachers (one in Stillwater & another in Austin Texas) are going to read my kids book to their 3rd grade class. I'll get e-mailed reactions and comments from little kids in a couple of months. I'm also just about finished with my 2nd book, so those who've read the 1st installment and is jonesin' for more will be able to check it out. (shameless plug) That's all that's going on with me these days. Sorry I've been a slacker. Like I said...it's been the blahs for me, blogger-wise. Ciao for now, crazies. - DJS |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 26,August,2003 | Must be the stress I have a lot going on this week. First off, today is my last day at work until the Tuesday following Labor Day. That great, but there are loose ends to tie before I leave today. And once I do leave today, I have to rush downtown to cook for 150 homeless men. I'll get home about 9:30 tonight, and then tomorrow morning I close on my condo (a big woo-hoo!), before which I need to get a cashier's check, if they ever get my final figures figured out. Then I move, move, move, until I'm back at work next week. So it's a little chaotic for me, though I realize that it's good chaos. Anyway... I'm not a great multi-tasker. This may surprise those who've seen me read a book while my stereo is on, with my T.V. muted. But I just can't keep too many balls in the air - another reason why I've never tried juggling. Anyway, I thought I was doing alright until I stopped in the ladies room this afternoon. I looked at my face in the mirror and realized that I looked pretty washed out. Then it dawned on me - I totally forgot to put on a trace of makeup this morning. Somehow I woke up, showered, dressed, dried my hair, and did everything else normally, including putting on earrings, but I skipped the makeup step. I've never left my home without makeup before in my life, unless it was on purpose, or I was under 15. Weird. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 22,August,2003 | Let's Hear It How were the vacations? I must live vicariously through y'all since I don't see any vacations for me this year. Spill it. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 22,August,2003 | Just when you think there are no good people left in this world, urlLink a decent guy like this comes around. Guys like that restore my faith in humanity. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 21,August,2003 | It's Kind of Sad The Pandylandaz missed our one year anniversary. It was on August 16th. Now here we are, going days without posting. It's all kind of sad. Whatever. I'm so very tired today. My coworkers have a terrible influence on me. We went out for margaritas last night after work and then I met up with Robert at a sushi joint and did sake bombers. After using alcohol to gain an inordinate amount of confidence, we hustled a couple jerks in pool at an Irish bar down the street. We won one of our games because I intentionally leaned over the table in a seductive manner, making our opponent crack and hit the 8 ball in. Men are so easy. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 19,August,2003 | It's been a while... ...and it will be a while longer. I'm going to NYC this week for work. But before I go, here's a quick story... my brother, Syl, Lee Jeans and I played a drinking game in my pool last weekend. The rules: chug a can of beer. Anything you don't finish in one chug, you must pour over your head. Luckily for Syl, beer is good for your hair (but gross to swim in). Catch y'all later. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 17,August,2003 | I am in Cheyenne, Wyoming. That is all. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,August,2003 | 'Landaz, I am going on vacation for a week. I will try to check in from time to time. I sure will miss all of you and our zany wacky exploits. X and O, Duf' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 15,August,2003 | Your Deal Duf, No need to air out our differences in this forum. I was just using email as a way to vent, and I'm sorry it was sent to you in error. On the other hand, I was relieved to be able to put you in your place. Smooches, Hal |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 14,August,2003 | What's Duf's Deal Lately? or Sweet Justice By Duf Fer A co-worker was frustrated with an e-mail I wrote to him/her and meant to forward this note complaining about me to another co-worker: Check out [Duf's] response to me. He asked for me to review and get back to him with questions and concerns. Which I did. Then he sends me this [long e-mail] and doesnt even address what he will/will not do with the feedback he requested!!!!! What is his deal lately???? The only problem: S/he sent it to me instead. Oopsie! My instant reaction was to send it to his/her boss (and make a case for getting him/her reassigned from the project, but I counted to ten and chose to take the high road (talking with him/her about it) instead. What is my deal? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 13,August,2003 | Redemption! urlLink 'Just worshipping a celebrity does not make you dysfunctional' Today during an (ahem) extended lunch, I checked out some furniture stores in the Southdale/Galleria area of Edina. The whole area was overflowing with men and (mostly) women who drive expensive cars and have excessive leisure time, or at least shopping time. I don't get it - how do they make their money, and how do I get that gig? |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 13,August,2003 | They cried all over overseas It makes no difference to me Its hot in the poor places tonight Im not going outside From Poor Places by Jeff Tweedy, Wilco |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 13,August,2003 | Jesus urlLink Christ. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 11,August,2003 | Hoo boy... Panda - That's cool. Not the best picture from our performance, but it'll do...it'll do. Let me just say that we went to a lot of trouble just to get 2nd place. We had to make those shirts and the choreography? Forgetaboutit... In other news... I've been offered the job of on-call Firefighter/EMT. That's right. Just like I mentioned in my haiku some months back, I'm going to be a fucking hero. The problem is, I'm going through the 'tests' right now and let me tell you friends, I'm not liking it. Test #1 - Piss in a cup. This one I can handle. Contrary to popular belief, I've never taken a single illegal drug in my life. Yes, friends. That also includes smoking 'the pot.' Never have, never will. Does that make me square? Fuck you. Test # 2 - The Physical Boy, was this one a real bastard and clocked in at over 2 hours long. Not just the usual 'turn your head and cough' that male physicals are used to be. I found out that I weigh 10 pounds more than I thought, my blood pressure is high (a connection?), and that sitting in a gown in the check-up room for 45 minutes can be a very humbling experience. I also managed to offend the nurse. She asked if I would mind if she drew blood from a certain vein. I said 'Hey, you're the doctor or...assistant' as my voice trailed off. She said, 'Actually, I'm a nurse.' Yeah? Well, you've got stanky breath and you could use a shave, nursey. Yee-ha! Test # 3 - Head Test This doesn't happen until I get back from Colorado. Wait...let me rephrase that. The day I've set aside for recovering from the roadtrip, I'll be spending 5 (count 'em) FIVE hours taking a psychological profile. Then, I'll have some head doctor talk to me for an hour at the end. Jesus Christ! This is what I'm doing with my day off??? Anyway, not to pat myself on the back, but out of 50+ people that applied for the gig, I'm one of 9 that made it. That's kind of cool, methinks. Now, if I could just find out when they hand out the axes... |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | The picture above begs the question - ' urlLink Richard Simmons and DJS - separated at birth?' |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | Choose Life Sorry, DJS. I couldn't resist. That pic kills me. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | Another Week Begins What's up, sluts? I went to the Tori Amos/Ben Folds show last night. I was pretty pumped about it and was anxious to get there on time since Ben was the opener. My friends who were with me don't get as riled up about music (strike that, I mean spaz out) like I do, so they were taking their sweet time at the bar we went to beforehand. Needless to say, we got there 5 minutes after his set started. It was dark, so we couldn't really see which box seats we had, so we just sat down in the first ones we saw. Ben was awesome - he rocked the house with 'Rockin' the Suburbs' and even got the entire Auditorium Theater to sing 3-part harmony. Right after Tori came on we got flashlights in the eyes and were told we were in the wrong seats. Our real seats? Still box, but several rows back...behind some ass clowns who stood up during the entire show. Now, as a preface to my upcoming rant, I'm all about having a good time at a rock show. Hey, stand up, scream, sing along, jump up and down, I could care less...but at Tori Amos ?? Sit down and shut up. This one jag-off was dancing with his arms flailing all around. (How he was doing this to 'Pass the Mission', I could not tell you.) At one point, he was freaking out so much that his chair toppled over and caused a huge disturbance. Not only was he in my way, but it was also hard to listen to the music since he was such a distraction. He also started talking (in full voice) to the friends he was with which made a girl in front of us totally lose it - she finally turned around and yelled at him to 'Shut the fuck up! Everyone here is so annoyed with you!' (I kid you not.) On the other side of us was a girl who sang every lyric to every song. Um, honey, after singing (as loud as you can) with Tori during 'Crucify' we get that you're the biggest fan ever. I didn't pay 60 bones to hear Tori sing a duet with you. Thanks. The only respite from this was when Tori covered Don McLean's 'Vincent'. Absolutely gorgeous. (As BB can attest to, this song is a guilty pleasure of mine. Cheesy, I know, but I love it. And her version was spectacular.) Thank God the 'lyric girl' didn't know this one. It was the one time I could actually hear Tori sing. In other news: Lee Jeans is coming back to Chicago this weekend for Round Two. My bro and sis-in-law are coming on Saturday too, and they insisted on staying at a hotel that night even though I have plenty of room in my new place. According to my bro, him and his wife 'don't want to intrude on a girl in heat.' Dude, gross, you're my brother. He'll be staying at a hotel called the Willows (Duf may remember staying there once). This got him pretty excited since he said he could exclaim at bartime (he told me this over e-mail): 'listen up ladies!!.....this party will continue to be off the hook at the Willowz!!!....there will be crystal in the fridge and suds in the tubs....only at the Willowz!!!' I guess you have to know him and his off-the-wall sense of humor to get that. Sometimes I worry about my brother's sanity. He always makes for a good story, though. Let's hope he doesn't break out the Elvis glasses again. My sis-in-law then sent me a few links soon after...First watch urlLink this , then go urlLink here . Those 2 are two peas in a pod. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | 'Landaz, Sorry for the lengthy post on politics. To paraphrase Ali G: 'when you mention politics, people's eyes glaze over, and I wish I'd known that before I did all that typing.' I hate myself when I am out of control and on a political rant. I'm going to do better. Yep. No more politcal blogs from the likes of me. I have reformed. I've found religion. I am going to be demure, and I am going to go along to get along. Instead of reading my 'go-off' (it's long, it's boring, it's not worth your time), click on urlLink this and have some fun. Love, Duf |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | I've Surpressed Political Blogs for a Long Time, but I Can't Remain Silent on This One By Duf Fer California. What the hell are you doing out there? Last November, Gray Davis is re-elected. In January, he begins his second term. In April (or so) multi-millionaire Congressman Darrrell Issa begins a drive to recall him. In July, it succeeds. In October, Davis will face a recall election. In other words, for no malfeasance whatsoever, a sitting Governor may be ousted less than one year after he was re-elected. The cost to California taxpayers? $70,000,000. Nice (if only it could happen in MN)! Why recall Davis? Well, he supposedly misled voters about the size of the budget deficit. Yep. That has never happened before, and not only should Davis be recalled, but he should get the same punishment as all those Enron felons (what? They havent been punished yet? Oh.). At last count, there are almost 200 candidates on the ballot. The early favorite: Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, I have to give Arnold props. He has been politically active, and is not running without any experience at all. He is a Republican, but he is married to a Democrat, so that makes him relatively trustworthy. I think he would make a fine governor; I don't want to use this blog to put down Arnold. But I do want to say that what ails California is not going to be solved by selecting a new Governor. California is either the most populous state or very nearly the most populous state. They had a thriving (even if overvalued) dot.com based economy that came crashing back to earth along with the Nasdaq. Silicon Valley is a shadow of its former self as the tech boom has settled a bit and other parts of the country have become technology headquarters too (see, e.g. Boston, Austin and Fargo). Homeland security obligations and a weak national economy, factors that have sent almost every state into budgetary chaos, are particularly acute in California because it is so big (both in terms of geographical reach and in terms of population). California has a number of potential terrorism targets to defend (including a large number of hospitals that require overhauling to meet potential chemical and biological threats). California was creamed by energy deregulation and by crooked energy execs and perhaps it can be said that Davis could have handled all that better. However, given a chance to oust him in November, voters declined to do so. Add to all that the fact that diminished Federal support to states (which allows us to fund the war against Iraq to the tune of $4,000,000,000 per month) particularly harms California. Also, in California, as in most states, the Governor is only as good as the legislation that reaches his desk. One could argue that Gray Davis should have been a more effective leader in the legislature, but let me make this one bet: whoever takes over will not resolve the budget crisis in California. The crisis is bigger than one person and requires resolution of issues outside of California. In my view, states run just like households: in order to decrease debt, you need to do one of three things: 1. decrease spending, 2. increase income, or 3. both Oh, one other thing, the second option has to be done without increasing taxes. So, short of more financial support from the federal government, the only realistic options are all political suicide (what politician in his right mind is going to increase taxes today? A politician can only cut spending so far, before he gets blamed for every problem from bad roads to poor schools to increased crime. A governor needs a legislature to do anything anyway). The only justice to come out of the whole scenario is that Darrell Issa, the gentleman who funded the whole thing so that he could take over when Davis was recalled, had to end his candidacy when Arnold threw his hat into the (overcrowded) ring. [BTW: Issa made his fortune selling car alarms, so if you need another reason to question his judgment, there it is.] Issa spent a couple million financing a fiasco for his own personal gain, only to leave chaos behind and force himself to make a tearful speech about how he wasn't going to be able to reap the benefits of his self-motivated effort to place his will over the will of the voters. The only question that remains to be answered is: who will reap the benefits? Not California, and not any state that follows its lead by allowing partisan politics to usurp the democrat process. Californians, you elected a Governor less than a year ago. You have a legislature. You have a voice. Use them. Dont recall Governor Davis. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 08,August,2003 | Totally Busted I just went over to a coworker's desk to ask her a question, and caught her red handed (make that, red-faced) urlLink catching some zzzzz's at her desk. She shot up when I said her name with a 'what, what???' and even had marks all over her face since her head was on her arm. All in a good day's work. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,August,2003 | The Friday 5 Blows Today, how 'bout a few links? Warning: not for the faint of stomach....Christ on a bicycle, I laughed out loud at urlLink this . Remember, urlLink the days of interning ? Although this pretty much sounds like what I do now. Find out whether or not those urlLink Urban Legends are true. |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 07,August,2003 | Some Days are Better Than Others By Duf Fer Sitting here like a bump on a log, Trying to conjure ideas for a blog, Suddenly it occurs to me: Blogging ain't all ways E-Z. I know that what I write is true Or others would be blogging too. So, there are days we write a ton; And there are days that we write none But still no matter what the weather Our Blog will always stay together And though our post day wasn't great There's still the five of us (don't hate). |
883,178 | male | 36 | Fashion | Aries | 06,August,2003 | As if I didn't hate the radio industry enough... urlLink ...this has made me a true hater. But I have to admit, to be an 'indie' would be my dream job. These people seem to control most of the stuff you hear on your favorite station. And, this is all completely legal. What a crock. As with anything else, it's all about who has the most marketing money. |
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