Archive for October, 2006

It’s that time again

October 26, 2006 @ 00:14 · Filed under Politics

Time for midterms! Want to know a little about the Republican incumbents who we’re about to destroy? I’ve copied this handy-dandy list for you from here:

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Everyone needs to see this video

October 18, 2006 @ 22:36 · Filed under Cuisine, Money

Keith Olbermann forcefully tells it like it is on the issue of the death of Habeus Corpus.

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Gayku

October 12, 2006 @ 00:26 · Filed under Culture, Language

In (slightly belated) honor of National Coming Out Day, I present some haiku I threw together when I should have been sleeping:

Not quite like Stewie
Certainly not like Foley
I’m gay and I’m proud

Straight sex may be fun
But there can be little doubt:
Gay sex is more so

( Sorry, breeders! )

For once in my life
To let them all see who I
Really am. What joy!

Your own contributions are encouraged. Show me what you’ve got!

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Asylum Street Spankers

October 11, 2006 @ 01:02 · Filed under Humor, Politics

This video is hilarious and distressingly pertinent:

Thank goodness my mother got rid of her SUV earlier this year. Sadly, though, she sold it to someone, which means that Lincoln Navigator is probably still in use. sigh

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Kids say the darndest things

October 6, 2006 @ 00:22 · Filed under Quotations

Jeanie: “They were making fun of me!”

Me: “Don’t worry, Jeanie, you’re still... you.”

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Pat Spurgeon benefit

October 1, 2006 @ 23:25 · Filed under Music

Yesterday evening I got to attend the Pat Spurgeon benefit at The Independent. It was the most remarkable concert I’ve ever been to, I think, and one the best I’ll likely ever attend.

Pat is the drummer for Rogue Wave, and he was born with only one kidney. He had it replaced 13 years ago, but the new one has worn out, and he needs another one. But he apparently doesn’t have insurance, and it’s going to cost him a great deal for the surgery, once he finds a compatible kidney (which hasn’t happened yet). To help raise some of that money, he and some friends held a benefit concert. Here was the lineup:

  • The Whiskeychuggers
  • The Moore Brothers
  • John Vanderslice
  • Ben Gibbard
  • Nada Surf
  • Rogue Wave with special guest Ryan Miller (of Guster)

And it was emceed by Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket. Incidentally, Daniel plays the accordion.

The concert started at 9 and ended at about 1. Though technically the artists came on in the order I listed above, they all helped each other out. There were plenty of covers:

  • “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles
  • “Cuddly Toy” by Harry Nilsson and popularized by The Monkees
  • “On a Plain” by Nirvana
  • “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace Love and Understanding” by Elvis Costello
  • an excellent song covered by Nada Surf I sadly didn’t catch the name of
  • “Debaser” by the Pixies
  • “The Kids Are All Right” by The Who

There was a raffle! There was a woman (Daniel’s sister) personifying a kidney! There was pandimonium and a stage party! I had a great time, and the mood was decidedly upbeat and positive.

I stuck around for awhile afterwards and talked to some of the acts. John Vanderslice stuck out as the most personable and unbelievably friendly guy. He seemed genuinely pleased to meet me, and we talked about his rendition of “White Plains” (one of my favorite songs by him). He said I should come see him and his band when they performed at Noise Pop, and I assured him I would. That ought to be a great show.

I also talked briefly to Pat. He was so kind and grateful. And was taking it all in stride with his sense of humor intact. He seemed like a really good person who I would be happy to have as a friend.

I have some pictures from the concert up on Flickr. I took nearly 250, but only a handful came out. I reeeeally want a new camera. I hope to have it soon, preferably in time for the two Decemberists concerts coming up in three weeks’ time!

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