Things I have loved this year- web and music
Posted by Sarah in entertainment, food, internet, links, music, recommendations on Dec 30, 2011 | 0 commentsWebsites:
I found Forever YA through my mad love of the Hunger Games series and this post pretty much sums up what I love about the site. Their recs of the best of the year cover a wide range of topics, narrators and genres. The conversations I’ve seen and participated in have been interesting and I frequently found myself bookmarking their recommendations.
Jezebel continues to be my go-to pop culture website. I love the snark and social consciousness and their no-holds-barred shouting about those who belittle/denigrate/reduce/disempower women. Also, the snark.
The Daily Dish has provided interesting political commentary from many sides (I rarely click through from my RSS feed, but still) and Questionable Content remains my favorite webcomic despite having flirted with a few others this year.
Paste has filled my GReader with lovely music tidbits and the BrokeAss Gourmet has given me good recipes as well as some culinary inspiration.
Possibly my single favorite recipe of the year is this one for General Tso’s Chicken, which proves that you CAN make takeout in your kitchen that tastes JUST as good as the restaurant.
Goodreads has not only been great for conversation about books but their book challenges (self-determining) and bookshelves have made a nice way to keep track of what I find interesting and what I’ve been reading. Twitter and Google Plus require no links but are my social media outlets of choice. My twitter feed is embedded on this site and it’s my first line social updating mechanism on my phone. I like Google Plus for different reasons – I’m more likely to share things there (links, comments) because it feels more like conversations and has far less asshats than does facebook (which I log into – at most – once a week).
Music:
This was an amazing year in music helped in no small part by the early 2011 release of The King is Dead by The Decemberists. It’s a fantastic and engaging album which even turned Spouse on to their tunes. In concert, they were every bit as amazing as their recordings and the house-crushing rendition of The Mariner’s Revenge is one of my favorite music moments of all time.
The Black Keys released another album (El Camino) and continue to THE band I want to see at Red Rocks. Spouse loves their work, too and it was difficult to determine who was more excited about the latest record. The bluesy-classic rock mashup style consistently makes me want to MOVE and it’s impossible to be in a bad mood with this in your ears.
One of my vendors was playing something on his phone while working and it grabbed my attention in an unexpected way. “What IS that?” “The Cat Empire.” This began my obsession with Two Shoes which led to my purchase of their entire back catalog and not finding a single beat of disappointment on any song in any album. They describe themselves as a ska/reggae/jazz band and I defy you to find anything wrong with any part of that.
Miranda Lambert has single-handedly brought me back to country music. Between her latest album (Four the Record) and side project (The Pistol Annies), she is my new female music hero. Smart and snappy lyrics without the heavy pop sound a lot of country musicians are leaning on, she defines “kick ass”.
Feist and Florence + the Machine both put out new work which I enjoyed a lot but didn’t grab me like the aforementioned records. I’m also going to admit to enjoying Taylor Swift’s Speak Now. And I know everyone’s been creaming their pants about Adele’s 21 but I’m straight up going to tell you this was an album fungus for me. On first listen I wasn’t knocked out and thought it was fairly derivative of 19 (which DID knock me out, for the record) but it definitely grew on me. It was not my default listen of the year, though.
Baby, Darling, Dollface, Honey by Band of Skulls – I can’t remember when I got it but I definitely played it a lot this year. Grab you by the balls guitar rock.
Harlem River Blues by Justin Townes Earle, The Head and the Heart (self titled), Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons, Guster’s Easy Wonderful and Sarah Jarosz’s Follow Me Down round up my most-played indie/folk albums of the year.
In dance music news, I had Femme Fatale (Britney) and Cannibal (Ke$ha) in hard rotation along with Robyn’s Robyn and Body Talk. When I was increasingly frustrated at work, these albums helped prevent me braining coworkers by chucking pallets at them overhand. Both Britney and Ke$ha had to grow on me – while several of the songs are out of the gate badass there are a couple of fungi in there. It got to the point where I even liked THOSE songs, so that says something. Robyn, on the other hand, INHABITS dance. I’m inclined to believe she can’t make a misstep when it comes to her album picks.
James Blake’s debut album is also excellent, blending a post-dub sound with mellow jam and making it perfect for entertaining.
Next post: apps, podcasts and TV
This is it
Posted by Sarah in books, movies, music on Jun 25, 2011 | 0 commentsI’ve been engrossed in Little, Big virtually all day. All day, people. We’ve had a lovely Saturday up here in the mountains: grilled Bleu Cheese and Bacon burgers, made sweet tea and spent the entire afternoon reading on the deck. Spouse saw my paperback and asked, “Why’d you buy an OLD FASHIONED book?”
Truthfully, I purchased this book in our pre-Kindle days and had forgotten about it. When cleaning a couple weeks ago, I re-discovered it (as well as two others) forgotten in a drawer. Little, Big is one of those books I’ve heard many people rave about, including authors I respect. It’s been a while since I read anything this lyrically dense – sentences packed to overflowing – and it took a bit to adjust but then I just fell in. It’s been a lovely read and I’m already sad that the end is near.
As the sun began to drop and the air chilled, I came inside and dropped onto the couch in the basement. We’d had some musical accompaniment upstairs and I clicked on the TV for background noise. It just happened that Michael Jackson popped on the screen. Other than previews, I never saw anything of This Is It so imagine how surprised I was that it pulled me directly out of my novel and captured my attention just as intently.
Part of it is Michael’s final performance but the rest of it is just FASCINATING. Logically you know the guy had to be a perfectionist, but the extent to which he’s involved in every aspect – and seeing HOW MUCH of his project vision they were able to execute – is stunning. MJ holds a special place in my heart and the musical memory of my childhood. Probably I should be more embarrassed that my best friend Ruby and I designed and performed a tumbling routine for school set to Beat It, but I can’t muster it.
So yeah. Completely unexpected, I’m sitting here watching the making of a concert video and can’t tear myself away.
NOLA
Posted by Sarah in photos, travel on May 8, 2011 | 3 commentsThe first thing people ask about when I mention NOLA are beignets. Weird, right?
These were at Café Beignet. While we did visit Café du Monde a couple of times, I actually preferred the beignets here. They were a bit lighter and fluffier but don’t get me wrong – beignets in any incarnation are delicious. This was the spot on Bourbon Street which wasn’t actually on Bourbon – a little courtyard just off the sidewalk, with the tables and counters deep in the lot. The live music which was always playing distracts from the strip clubs and pounding dance beats that make up the majority of this part of Rue Bourbon, such that it’s kind of a shock to get back to the sidewalk and the noise after your interlude and treats.
Our first two days though, were all about French Quarter Fest. I wish I had a single picture that captured what it was like, but this is the best of the bunch.
We arrived to hotter than usual weather, which was LOVELY. I, who hate extreme heat and humidity, was thrilled by the change in latitude. I believe my exact words were, “It’s as hot and moist outside as it is on my insides!” This was said with an inordinate amount of joy. We walked from the CBD to Bourbon a couple of times the first day, checking out the Fest and Rue Bourbon. While it’s no Red Light District, I’ll say Bourbon Street lives up to its hype.
The French Quarter Fest comprised of some major stages right on the Mississippi which – if you haven’t seen it from NOLA – looks like a completely different body of water when compared to the crossing at St. Louis, as well as a bunch of smaller stages throughout the quarter. In addition, there were a boatload of buskers and bands playing virtually anywhere they found free sidewalk or streetspace. The end result was the loveliest, largest street party you’ve ever seen and the best food I’ve ever put in my mouth.
The band in this picture was a Dixieland Jazz band from Belgium.
The balconies and galleries everywhere were lush with greenery as well as chock full of decoration. They made walking an especially interesting adventure.
We were lucky and had Marlene to show us around on Sunday. I think we must have walked the entirety of the Quarter (she was a champ) and gave us the lowdown on local favorites and history, not to mention all the dirt on local film shoots. In keeping with my experiences thus far, meeting an old internet friend (8 years? A bit more?) for the first time in person was wonderful. She also went above and beyond the call of duty with an amazing gift baskets of snacks and goodies, of which we made SERIOUS use.
One of my favorite buskers during the Festival:
We spent a fair amount of evenings during the week on Frenchmen Street listening to local music. This was one of my favorite doorways:
Food and drink will likely have to be another post, but this picture really captures the mood during our vacation. The best part was that this sign was off Bourbon Street at a small, out of the way neighborhood bar.
Femme Fatale
Posted by Sarah in music, reviews on Mar 29, 2011 | 1 commentLet’s be clear: if you’re buying a Britney album, you’re not looking for deep lyrics and tight vocals. You’re looking for music that’s going to make you feel good and make you want to MOVE. Femme Fatale doesn’t disappoint.
I became a fan with Blackout (still my all-time favorite workout/dance around the house album, ever) and while I liked Circus, I didn’t love it. Brit is back and pushing the envelope again with Femme Fatale. Yes, her voice gets stretched electronically but it’s all in service to the beat and it WORKS.
I know Gaga is all the rage but this dubstep/electronica mix sucks you in and makes you want to jump – even if you’re in your car. Another awesome dance album stuffed with excellent jams, totally deserving of the 4 stars Rolling Stone gave it.
Top 10 (Music)
Posted by Sarah in music, reviews on Dec 31, 2010 | 3 commentsI have to say that if I’m going to have a hard time with a top ten list, it’s music this year. I mean, do you list the singles or full albums? Radio or non radio?
I’ll start with albums and these are in no particular order:
1. Into the Trees, Zoe Keating
It’s hard to say how much I love this CD since I played the album A LOT at work (especially when I got aggravated) because it’s awesomely mellow, yet soaring and intense and covers such a huge range. I love the cello and it was made more awesome when I found that she loops her own music WHILE she’s playing. This is probably the single album I’ve recommended most to people this year. I also love the fact that I bought the album directly from Zoe online. Saweet. You can also find her on twitter @zoecello
2. The Adventures of Bobby Ray, B.o.B.
Dude. If there was a single hip hop album I recommended this year, Adventures of Bobby Ray was it. Accessible, nice hooks, surprising guests, great lyrics and a great voice. If you liked “Airplanes” (feat. that chick from Paramore) you’ll love the whole thing. This album got a LOT of repeat on my player.
3. Robyn, Robyn
Yeah, I know the album didn’t come out this year. For what it’s worth, I DID pick up Body Talk but on several occasions at work when people asked “What are you listening to that you’re dancing?” This album was the answer more often than it wasn’t. Konichiwa, bitches!
4. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West
Okay, the album is weird but you’ve got to admit that it’s fucking AWESOME weird. Any album where a song has “douchebags” in a chorus is going to be on my top ten list fo sho. I love that he’s kind of taken all of his crazy, embraced it and then made an album about how if you’re not okay with his crazy you’re kind of an asshole. It’s a fantastic listen, all the way through and you’ve got to love it for the balls alone. Also, his twitter feed is amazing.
5. Oh Little Fire, Sarah Harmer
I’m a mad fan of You Were Here and was kind of disappointed by her hard turn to folk (much like I’m disappointed by Patty Griffin’s hard turn to wtfcountrygospel) but this album comes back to more of a pop sound. Same smart lyrics, lovely music, great album.
6. The Lady Killer, Cee Lo Green
Yeah, you heard Fuck You and thought it was amazing. It is. You’ll love the rest of it.
7. A Mad and Faithful Telling, DeVotchKa
DeVotchKa is not for everyone, but if you dig a soulful world-sounding beat you’ll like them. An array of instruments that you don’t typically hear on an album that will get radio play and a singer with a voice as distinctive as The Decemberists Colin Meloy. It is either the best or worst thing ever that they’re playing the same weekend in February in Denver.
8. Hazards of Love, The Decemberists
This is one of those albums that I’m kind of surprised by how much I enjoy it. While it’s far more linear (I really think it’s best listened straight through) than I normally like, I thoroughly enjoy this entire album. And yes, we’ve got tickets to this show in February. We’re still up in the air on the other one.
9. Kaleidoscope Heart, Sara Bareilles
It is a true story that I’d NEVER have purchased this album if it wasn’t for my friend Meghan. Meghan is something of a superfan and, in spite of my general loathing of Love Song (that single you COULDN’T GET AWAY FROM three years ago) I fell in love with King of Anything. The rest of the album is just as smart and catchy and heartfelt without veering into the Velveeta.
10. Lungs, Florence + the Machine
Yeah, they were everywhere this year. Even on Glee. You know why? THEY EARNED IT. This album kicks ass.
11. Belle Isle, MoZella
Holy shit. I love this album so much that I can’t even believe I forgot to put it on the list. In my defense, it was earlier in the year when I started listening to it but it’s probably the number 2 album I’ve recommended to everyone I know. Catchy, smart, upbeat and a PHENOMENAL voice. Definitely a top 3.
Honorable Mentions: (all got a lot of play but I wouldn’t recommend to just everyone for various reasons)
Wake up!, John Legend and The Roots
Here’s the thing, I love John Legend and I dig The Roots. The album is wicked listenable and appropriate for background music pretty much any time. On the other hand, it sounds a lot like John Legend. If you like him, this is a good thing. If you’re looking for more funk, not so much.
Hands all Over, Maroon 5
Not because the album is great – it’s not. In fact, I think Mutt Lange is out to ruin music as I know it. I was disappointed in this album but it still got decent play on my player. Probably because I like Levine’s voice. Definitely not for that shit ass duet with Lady Antebellum. Dear Maroon 5, If I wanted a fucking country album I’D BUY ONE. Dear Lady Antebellum, a steel guitar does NOT make you country. GACK.
Foundling, David Gray
I love David Gray. Your mileage may vary. This is why I do not talk about David Gray. David Gray is like Fight Club.
The Dresden Dolls, The Dresden Dolls
I love it. It came out ages ago. Talking to people about it makes me sound retarded. I realize “mentally challenged” is the appropriate term. I think that if you read my blog, you know I’m not using the word ‘retarded’ to be an asshole. If not, feel free to stop reading. Also, love Amanda Palmer on twitter.
The Story, Brandi Carlile
Also came out ages ago. Can’t say enough about her voice, except that if you haven’t seen her cover of Folsom Prison Blues on youtube, you are missing one of the best covers of all time.
I’m hoping to get many excellent music recs from everyone in the new year!
Life is a great TV show
Posted by Sarah in links, media, music, recommendations, television on Feb 4, 2009 | 1 commentNot only is it a good crime drama with great characters and actors, it’s got fantastic music. I’m not the only one who thinks so.
This link is mostly for my reference.
Unpacking the house: scorecard
Posted by Sarah in entertainment, me on Dec 29, 2008 | 1 commentSpouse and I: 3, basement: 1
We’ve gotten almost everything in the basement completely done. The records pwned us by being too numerous for our shelf but other than that, we’re pretty good. I’m pleased with the albums because, as a novice LP-packer, I was really really concerned they were going to break on the cross country trip. They did not and I couldn’t be happier about it. My dad’s record collection is made of win.
Today we made another trip to Denver, as our houseguests both needed to be dropped at the airport (albeit a couple of hours apart). Both have landed safely in their respective home states and, after running a few errands, Spouse and I headed home. We got sidetracked at the largest Whole Foods I have ever seen in my life.
Once we got home we walked Piper. She was very excited to see us because I think she’d just about written us off as dead. I’m not sure canine object permanence lasts more than 10 hours. She is currently sprawled on the love seat, Spouse is ensconced on the couch, and here sit I in my old recliner. We get to relax, having put the shelves together, unpacked albums, stored excess dishes, and walking. I also sorted through a metric asston of photographs that I’ve been keeping forever. I found my K-12 photo sheet, a detention form from 8th grade, and a bunch of photos that my high school friends who have recently friended me on facebook may or may not be happy to see.
The daily Leadville photo will have to wait because the camera is upstairs and I’m going to sit right here and drink cocoa until I get drowsy.
Instead of packing – holiday music mix.
Posted by Sarah in entertainment, me, media, music on Dec 6, 2008 | 4 commentsThe realtor was showing my house this afternoon, which meant I had to leave. So I made my way to the Barnes and Noble, to partake of their speedy (and free) wireless. During my drive, Carly called to tell me about her new potential facebook status – which was not safe for work and a commentary on the idiot drivers who were making her trip to Ann Arbor more hazardous. Carly and I have a lot of things in common, including the occasional fit of road rage. One of our more important shared characteristics is a loathing of Christmas music.
I spent every Christmas season, from junior high through college, working retail during the holidays. Some places were great (book stores) other places were not (sporting goods store). At the sporting goods store, they played the SAME LOOP of holiday music throughout the day, EVERY DAY, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. As a result, songs like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree make me want to bludgeon people with a golf club, or brain them with free weights. Most of the holiday ‘classics’ have been ruined for me – or had been – for years. In the last year or so my holiday spirit has begun to recover.
It used to be that I would only tolerate holiday music the day before, day of, and day after Christmas. Now I can listen to music a week or so beforehand! Progress, I tell you!
The exception, of course, is Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano because it is 1) the best Christmas song ever 2) Christmas music you can dance to and 3) included on almost NO ONE’s retail holiday music loop.
After commiserating about the terrible drivers, we started talking about holiday music. Apparently there’s some Christmas shoe song that I haven’t heard? From Carly’s reaction, it’s a good thing I haven’t heard it. At any rate, it inspired me to make a mix of holiday music for people who do not like holiday music. It will include some classics, some classics with a twist, and new holiday favorites (Stoned Soul Christmas, My First Christmas (As a Woman), and She’s a Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas). And Feliz Navidad. It will be called WTF H$liday Mix.
I’m kind of excited about the project and when I get it done, I’ll upload it to imeem.
Ah, the first school-closing of the year
Posted by Sarah in entertainment, miscellany, music on Dec 1, 2008 | 0 commentsIt took me nearly an hour to shovel my driveway this morning, brought to you in conjunction with the township school closing (my barometer to cancel yoga class) and my newfound inability to sleep in. I haven’t shoveled that much snow since a few years ago when Spouse threw out his back just in time to get 13 inches of snow. This was only about 6 inches of snow but it was HEAVY and WET. Ick. The snow is supposed to continue throughout the day.
The local U is reluctant to cancel classes under any circumstances, but they closed campus until noon which says something about the condition of the roads.
I am inordinately excited about the new Britney Spears album which comes out tomorrow. Her last album, Blackout, was fantastic and quickly became one of my favorite workout listens. I’ve got a certain amount of sympathy for Britney having to live out all her big mistakes in the public eye. If the stuff I’d been doing between the ages of 19 and 24 (I got married at 25) had been televised, I’m pretty sure my family would never have recovered. That said, I know she doesn’t have the greatest voice. But Blackout was so grabby that it was one of my favorite album purchases that year. I’m looking forward to Circus being more of the same. I think Shane and I are making the trek to Best Buy together. Where I am a fan, Shane is a superfan.
In other music news, I’m loving John Legend’s new album. I’m a big fan of his music in my yoga classes because they’ve always got a good groove. Those are invariably the songs that get folks to dance.
Carly and I are supposed to make an outing to Australia today but I’m not sure that the snow won’t derail it. If nothing else, I can be on my couch with a blanket and book or (more likely) packing up the remainder of the office.
Magazines – going green
Posted by Sarah in asana, entertainment, food, health, links, media, recommendations, yoga on Nov 24, 2008 | 0 commentsWith the holidays coming up, it makes sense to talk about low cost and environmentally friendly gifts. I know, “Magazines? What?” But magazines are usually (not always) $20 or less for a year’s subscription. AND they CAN be environmentaly friendly!
There are a few magazines that I read regularly. Not surprisingly, most of them are yoga magazines. They’ve all got good information and I’m the kind of person who wants to hang on to them. I’m also the kind of person who has great intentions about cutting out the articles or recipes that I want to keep (so I can get rid of the rest of the magazine) and never quite gets around to doing it.
Last year I discovered Zinio. com. It’s a fantastic website that offers magazines in digital content. You can choose to download them or read them from the Zinio website. Either way, they’re not stacking up in piles next to your end table. The best thing is that you can read them forever. If there’s an article you want, you can print it out. You only end up with the paper you want, rather than being stuck with a whole magazine to discard.
I’m lazy. I know I’m lazy. And this site is brilliant for me. My two personal recs: Yoga Journal and Women’s Health.
Yoga Journal (which I also link in my sidebar) provides a lot of great information and insight from several different teachers. I don’t love all their advertising (a common complaint of people who aren’t fans) but I also only look at the advertising if I’m LOOKING for something. I skip all ads and go right to the articles I want. Having this in e-format is fantastic because you can print out the information about asanas, or their ‘master class’ and save what you like. It is not my favorite yoga magazine (see: Yoga + Joyful Living) but it’s a close second.
I didn’t get into Women’s Health until Spouse started reading Men’s Health. Men’s Health has great articles about fitness and diet with an upbeat and pro-health/anti-negative message. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Women’s Health does the same thing but is tailored to the specific concerns of women. It’s not just Men’s Health for Women. I love their recipes. Their articles are about lifestyle change and positive attitudes. You’ll be hard pressed to find a single negative word in each issue. And they’re full of REALLY PRACTICAL tips that you can actually use. In almost every issue there’s a 15-minute workout feature (or something like that) with an emphasis on correct form (a personal tweak of mine). It does a great job of covering everything – diet, health, beauty, fitness, sex, and relationships – and makes it feel like you’re talking to your best (smartest) girlfriends about it. It’s not gossipy, just educational. The recipes are great and you can also find workouts and workout playlists at their website (which is also awesome). Not only that, it manages to be ENTERTAINING. Loves it.
If you were only going to choose one of these magazines, I’d go with Women’s Health. Their most recent issue has quite a lot of yoga info in it and overall I think it translates better to general workouts.
FINALLY
Posted by Sarah in books, entertainment, me, miscellany, music, travel on Nov 8, 2008 | 0 commentsI return to regular posting and it’s on the weekend, right? But that’s not what my finally is all about. I finally got Zune 3.0 loaded onto my computer. I’ve got NO IDEA what the problem was, just that it was immensely frustrating. But last night when I tried the secondary download (first one still failed) it WORKED. Let me say to you now, games on Zune are LOVE.
I had a second gen iPod once upon a time, as well as a shuffle. The iPod treated me well but I ran out of space. Around the same time, Spouse ran out of being able to use iTunes. I was constantly having to tweak the settings for him and then, memorably, iTunes stopped playing the songs he had purchased. He went from frustrated to fury in pretty much no time flat and at that point swore off of DRM music. And when the time came to upgrade, it was 2nd gen Zune time.
I love the Zune. I know a lot of people bitch and say it’s not as sleek or userfriendly as the iPod, but I’m calling bullshit. Having used (and liked) both, I much prefer the Zune software to iTunes. It takes less time to load and is easier to manouever. It accomplishes the same goals (playlists, etc.). And my Zune is the whip. It’s got an enormous screen. It’s super easy to load video and pictures on to (perfect for trips to the hair salon without magazine clippings). The sound is great, the scroll button is slick, and I don’t have a single complaint.
As I stood in line to vote on Tuesday, I got to watch my Yes We Can video. I buy my mp3s from Amazon (who has everything from current music to the karaoke versions of current music – as evidenced by having to buy some for the recent nuptials) and I don’t have to worry about it not playing on my software. It works in Media Player, Zune, and (if I chose) iTunes. When I finally uninstalled iTunes I felt a huge relief (and my laptop sped up considerably). I also completely heart that I can sync my Zune wirelessly and now (should I choose) I can purchase music from the Zune store over that wireless connection right from my Zune. Love it.
I’ve also crafted a few of my yoga playlists using the quicklist function (adds current song to a temp playlist) on the Zune and that works out pretty great for me.
Packing is skipping along. Today I donated around 300 books to the local public library. I’ve got about another 75 to take to the V.A. hospital. We’ve also sorted out the clothes to be donated to the local battered women’s shelter and have something along the line of 50 t-shirts, 10 pairs of pants, 10 pairs of shoes, several pairs of jeans, several sweatshirts, and some dress clothes for women. We’ve got about one more closet to raid and then I just have to parcel out which things I’m keeping and which other things I’ll donate.
Being able to drop things off has been a relief. Every pound of stuff we give away makes me feel that much lighter. I’m also very happy to be able to support the local library and women’s shelter. The shelter takes first dibs on the clothes and then sells things they aren’t using and the proceeds support the shelter. The library has a donated-book sale each year and uses the proceeds accordingly. The V.A. hospital will make the books available to their patients (including hospice patients who live-in long term) as well as the vets that they travel to treat.
Still to be done: finish boxing the last of the books we’re keeping. Finish washing clothes, sort and pack. Pack bedding. Pack CDs and cases that are remaining. Ideally we’ll get a fair chunk of that done tomorrow and then Thanksgiving weekend will simply be wrapping up loose ends.
Right now though – to couch.
New Yoga mix
Posted by Sarah in asana, books, classes, me, media, miscellany, music, recommendations, teaching, television, yoga on Oct 21, 2008 | 1 commentI made this mix a week or so ago and have been listening to it kind of nonstop on my Zune. Fair warning – I just pulled it up on the lab computer on campus (killing time before Micro lab) so I haven’t actually heard it. I’m hoping all those songs are the originals. It’s also missing Woman! Man! by Gomez, so when I get home maybe I’ll upload it.
Related to that, it was awesome to see Adele on SNL last week. I really love her album and I would not have picked it up if it weren’t on eMusic.com
I’ve got to say that as far as websites/apps that I’ve used the most in the last year, imeem and eMusic are right up there. Imeem lets you find out if you like something before you buy it. Emusic lets you pick up loads of music for way cheap and has a metric asston of awesome indie artists. If you like Hem, eMusic is Hem heaven. 
Micro midterm was meh. I’m not thrilled with my performance, but I guess I’ll wait to get the final results before getting overly worked up about it.
I am still way tired – ostensibly left over from the weekend. I’ve got to pick up my costume today (alterations done) and my bra for the wedding (ditto). My major plan after that is paying bills and sorting/boxing books. I live a life of wild excitement, I’m telling you.
Last night was the Bandwagon Book Club. I always enjoy the discussion there, though I sometimes feel conspicuous with my English degree. Last night it meant an explanation of Gothic literature. It’s weird because I’m in a group of mostly retired teachers and I’m also the youngest person by at least 10 years. This month’s book was The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I really enjoyed it and thought she did a great job of incorporating the Gothic style and themes, but making it a more modern and interesting story. I’d recommend it (gave it 4 out of 5 stars).
If you’re looking for something fantastic, read Infidel by Ayan Hirsi Ali or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Housseini.
TV Notes:
Heroes- WTF? I mean, really? WTF.
Sarah Connor Chronicles (Terminator) – Getting wicked awesome. Also, Brian Austin Green has NEVER been this hot. Not ever. I dig that the kid playing John is able to convey a lot of emotion with a minimum of dialogue. I also like that Sarah is starting to see things unravel. Love.
Chuck – I started watching this season after having caught a couple of episodes last season. This show is great. Funny and slapstick spy show with heart. I cracked up at several points.
Yoga notes:
If you don’t normally read The Yoga Journal, I’d recommend picking up this month’s issue. They’ve got a great article on Warrior I as described by people from various yoga disciplines (Kripalu, Anusara, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, et cetera). I love it because it highlights that everyone teaches things in slightly different ways to accomplish different things (I tend to go with the Viniyoga approach to Warrior I). It also shows that just because someone is describing one variation, it doesn’t mean you have to use it. Most importantly – EVERY VERSION talks about safe knee position. I’m a stickler for knees.
My class schedule is changing slightly and I’m excited about it. Life is about to get wicked hectic, though.
Surviving the weekend
Posted by Sarah in classes, music, television, yoga on Oct 20, 2008 | 0 commentsFriday was a trip to Detroit and dueling Pianos in Pontiac. Saturday we headed to Windsor early and had several appointments at Estetica Day Spa. Everyone loved their services and we spent the split time (appointments at 9 and then at 3) at the Devonshire Mall. Best food court EVAR.
Saturday night was all about club hopping. I’ve got to say that it’s been a number of years since I’ve done that and we had a lot of fun.
Today I am still exhausted and not really enthusiastic about attending poli-sci. It doesn’t help that it’s rainy, overcast, and just chilly enough to be inconvenient.
SNL has returned to its tried-and-true format of fantastic and scathing political commentary and then deadly unfunny everything else. Adele’s performance was great and Cold Shoulder is already on my new yoga mix.
Life is still awesome and I’m loving Donal Logue.
True Blood ramped it up again this week and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I am hearting Tara more and more with each episode, but Lafayette is still my favorite.
If I’m going to class, I’ve got to get into the shower.
I Wanna Do Bad Things With You
Posted by Sarah in music, television on Oct 12, 2008 | 1 commentI *adore* the theme song from HBO’s True Blood. I’m really enjoying the show – it’s a nice social commentary on prejudice and being an outsider but with sex and vampires. Not necessarily sex *with* vampires but you get what I’m saying.
The best thing about the song is that they lyrics *and* the music pretty perfectly convey the atmosphere of the show. You can hear it on the artist’s myspace profile.
Bad Things - Jace Everett
When you came in the air went out.
And every shadow filled up with doubt.
I don’t know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you.
I’m the kind to sit up in his room.
Heart sick an’ eyes filled up with blue.
I don’t know what you’ve done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.
When you came in the air went out.
And all those shadows there are filled up with doubt.
I don’t know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you.
Ow, ooh.
I don’t know what you’ve done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you.
Sarah needs
Posted by Sarah in me, miscellany, music on Aug 23, 2008 | 0 commentsStolen shamelessly from Middle Aged Woman, I googled those words. Results were mixed, but these were what made me smile. I’ll leave you to your own commentary.
Sarah needs a cold shower.
Sarah needs her panties.
Sarah needs to hand him one of those weapons that went off without warning
Sarah Needs Your Vote to Win a Guest-Blogging Contest.
Sarah needs to set up her experiment by finding subjects and gathering the materials that she wrote down before.
Sarah needs findings in order to see what else Google comes up with.
Sarah needs advice.
Sarah needs her own set.
Sarah needs batteries.
The last one might be my favorite because it makes me sound like a robot. A weapon handling yoga robot.
And because it was relevant this week, I thought I’d post the list of Sarah Smile Songs that I sent to a friend. These are songs that ALWAYS make me grin and take me out of a bad mood.
I Just Want to Celebrate – Rare Earth
Istanbul (not Constantinople) – They Might Be Giants
If I Ever Leave This World Alive – Flogging Molly
Mama Told Me Not To Come – Three Dog Night
Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
I Love Rock n’ Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Meet Virginia – Train
Rockafella Skank – Fatboy Slim
Mysterious Ways – U2
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Just a Friend – Biz Markie
Home – Marc Broussard
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Spinning Wheel – Blood, Sweat and Tears
Cisco Kid – War
My Sharona – The Knack
Just a Little Bit – Gina G.
Hey Ya! – Outkast
Celebration – Kool and the Gang
Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runner
Kiss Me Deadly – Lita Ford
We’re Not Gonna Take It – Twisted Sister
The Final Countdown – Europe
It’s Tricky – Run DMC
I’m Free – The Soupdragons
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – JET
Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
December, 1963 – Four Seasons
The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground
Jump Around – House of Pain
Bust a Move – Young MC
Unbelievable – EMF
The Power – Snap
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Spill the Wine – War
Toxic – Britney Spears
Hung Up – Madonna
Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
Just What I Needed – The Cars
Here Comes My Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Groove is in the Heart – Deee-lite
Clumsy – Fergie
Pump It – Black Eyed Peas
Volcano – Jimmy Buffett
Abracadabra – Steve Miller Band
