A song that reminds you of somewhere: The Cure "Letter to Elise"
The passenger seat of my friend Shannon's car during our senior year of high school.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
30 day song challenge #4
A song that makes you sad: Damien Jurado "Lose My Head"
This song makes me a little sad, but it's so, so great.
This song makes me a little sad, but it's so, so great.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge: Day 3
A song that makes you happy: Paul Simon "Graceland"
I heard Paul Simon say that "Graceland" was the greatest song that he ever wrote.
I heard Paul Simon say that "Graceland" was the greatest song that he ever wrote.
Friday, April 08, 2011
30 Day Song Challenge (or) HALP! I've Been Sucked In!
Enough of my friends are doing this and it looked like fun. Instead of using Facebook, this seemed like a good use for my (sort of) neglected blog.
Day 1: Your favorite song - Son Volt "Windfall"
The 1995 or so released Trace is my favorite record and this, the first track on the record, is my favorite song. I think it's absolutely perfect. This isn't the album version, but it's pretty dang good.
Day 1: Your favorite song - Son Volt "Windfall"
The 1995 or so released Trace is my favorite record and this, the first track on the record, is my favorite song. I think it's absolutely perfect. This isn't the album version, but it's pretty dang good.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
The Startran Bike Racks
So the Lincoln city buses installed bike racks on most (and eventually all) of their buses. I was able to test them out and load a bike at UNL's bike event yesterday and today I had the opportunity to use it as part of my daily commute. I rode to work this morning, but the afternoon was pretty rainy and today was one of the days that I had to wear a suit.
When the rain didn't clear by 5:00, I decided to give this a try. Since 100% of the buses don't have the racks installed, there was a slim chance that I would be doing some waiting if the next bus wasn't equipped. Not to worry though, my bus was ready for me. During the last few days, I've noticed that most of the buses actually do have the racks installed and I've actually only seen one or two without them. I'm told that these buses without racks will be decommissioned by the end of the month anyway.
A video demonstration of the racks is included below, and using the racks is every bit as easy as it looks. They are lightweight, so lowering and lifting the rack isn't a problem. The arm that hooks onto the tire looks something like a rubber band in the video, but it's actually a metal, spring-loaded arm that's much sturdier than it looks. Going over bumps and around corners isn't an issue as my bike wobbled only slightly on the way home and never moved out the tire wells. Those that have balked at the cost should know that these racks appear to be well crafted.
The driver was really courteous and friendly about the whole experience. He said that he has only had three users so far, but the weather has been fairly nice this week. With a bit more publicity and if gas prices keep going up (yeesh), they'll likely be used more.
For someone like me who really dislikes driving, the city has added a really attractive commuting option should the weather discourage biking in the morning or afternoon. I will definitely use this again.
Information on the city's page.
Information on the Cycle Works blog.
When the rain didn't clear by 5:00, I decided to give this a try. Since 100% of the buses don't have the racks installed, there was a slim chance that I would be doing some waiting if the next bus wasn't equipped. Not to worry though, my bus was ready for me. During the last few days, I've noticed that most of the buses actually do have the racks installed and I've actually only seen one or two without them. I'm told that these buses without racks will be decommissioned by the end of the month anyway.
A video demonstration of the racks is included below, and using the racks is every bit as easy as it looks. They are lightweight, so lowering and lifting the rack isn't a problem. The arm that hooks onto the tire looks something like a rubber band in the video, but it's actually a metal, spring-loaded arm that's much sturdier than it looks. Going over bumps and around corners isn't an issue as my bike wobbled only slightly on the way home and never moved out the tire wells. Those that have balked at the cost should know that these racks appear to be well crafted.
The driver was really courteous and friendly about the whole experience. He said that he has only had three users so far, but the weather has been fairly nice this week. With a bit more publicity and if gas prices keep going up (yeesh), they'll likely be used more.
For someone like me who really dislikes driving, the city has added a really attractive commuting option should the weather discourage biking in the morning or afternoon. I will definitely use this again.
Information on the city's page.
Information on the Cycle Works blog.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
The Gospel in 3:21
In terms of how to live and how to treat others, this song sums everything up for me.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Missouri vs. Oklahoma will be a fine Big 12 Championship game
I think I'm going to pitch a "Red Out Around Your Mom" t-shirt idea to the UNL athletic department, just in case they still think marketing and hype win football games. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Attorney General Bruning: Administrative Professional's Day An Unfair Burden on Nebraska
Lincoln, NE - Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning announced that he intends to file a lawsuit against the Obama Administration, calling Administrative Professional's Day - formerly known as Secretary's Day - an "unconstitutional and downright scary attempt at redistributing wealth." The unofficial holiday is normally celebrated on the Wednesday of the last full week in April and is sometimes observed by giving notes of appreciation or token gifts to those in the adminstrative or clerical profession.
"It's freakin' crap," Bruning said, "Every year I forget about it and the morning of this 'holiday' I have to stop on my way to work and buy a card or some other bullshit. This year, it's just going to be a normal Thursday or whatever the hell day it's on."
The defendant in the suit is planned to be B. Hussein Obama. When asked where and when the trial would be held, Bruning answered, "I really don't know. I'm not what you'd really call a 'details guy.' I just know that I can't wait to get his ass on the witness stand. He's going to hear it, that's for sure."
Messages sent to B. Hussein Obama's Facebook page seeking comment were not answered.
"It's freakin' crap," Bruning said, "Every year I forget about it and the morning of this 'holiday' I have to stop on my way to work and buy a card or some other bullshit. This year, it's just going to be a normal Thursday or whatever the hell day it's on."
The defendant in the suit is planned to be B. Hussein Obama. When asked where and when the trial would be held, Bruning answered, "I really don't know. I'm not what you'd really call a 'details guy.' I just know that I can't wait to get his ass on the witness stand. He's going to hear it, that's for sure."
Messages sent to B. Hussein Obama's Facebook page seeking comment were not answered.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Mother and Child Reunion
Last night at band practice my friend Jeff was talking about how he wrote and sang a song for his grandfather's funeral last week. He said that the previous funeral he sang for was his aunt's. Jeff's voice is in turns warm, lonesome, fragile, reassuring, and is perfect for a song like this one from Paul Simon. He sang this song and strummed his guitar as the mourners gathered outside the vault that held the remains of his aunt's mother. Everyone cried.
Then they placed the remains of his aunt's body alongside those of her mother and sealed them away.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Eggo
So why is there an Eggo shortage?
Number one, there is no egg shortage.
And there is no "O" shortage.
See here? oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
There's plenty more where those came from too.
Number one, there is no egg shortage.
And there is no "O" shortage.
See here? oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
There's plenty more where those came from too.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday I'm in Love
I really enjoy David Gray and this cover of The Cure's classic is really great. Enjoy your Friday! If you're listening at work, he drops the F-bomb at about 2:30. Just FYI.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
This is Sportscenter
I love ESPN. I love it like those people who rock Tony Stewart (or whoever the hell) flags in front of their house love NASCAR. One of the great things about ESPN are their commercials for Sportcenter. They typically feature a noteworthy athlete at ESPN studios doing something either ridiculous or mundane. And it's usually awesome.
This one features Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.
This one features Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Nightswimming/Find the River
R.E.M. released Automatic For The People shortly after I graduated high school. I was moody and melancholy and fell in love with it right away; it really seemed to fit me. As I became less moody and melancholy, my affection for this record hasn't waned; it's still in my top five, maybe even still numero uno. I've been loving it for a long time.
A great record should have a great closing song. I like them to be just as strong as the beginning of the record, but in a different way. I like for the styles, the tempo, and the delivery to all be different. This record has two great closers. The first song is the hug from that person you had the crush on. The person's touch that you looked forward to because you weren't sure if you were ever going to get the kiss you really wanted. You always lingered with that one at the end of the night. It was just a hug, but still a bit euphoric. Now imagine there's a kiss that comes after. Surprising and a bit overwhelming, but damn if that wasn't the greatest moment of your life. That's song two.
I've really built both of these songs up, and maybe you're imagining me needing a cigarette every time I come to the end of this album. However, I assure you that time spent listening to these tracks is time well spent. The first is called "Nightswimming," and the video below is the one that I found that wasn't live and had the best audio. The slide show isn't bad and isn't great but doesn't distract from the listening experience.
The second is called "Find the River." The video I found is from a live performance, but is of fairly good quality. I hope you enjoy both!
A great record should have a great closing song. I like them to be just as strong as the beginning of the record, but in a different way. I like for the styles, the tempo, and the delivery to all be different. This record has two great closers. The first song is the hug from that person you had the crush on. The person's touch that you looked forward to because you weren't sure if you were ever going to get the kiss you really wanted. You always lingered with that one at the end of the night. It was just a hug, but still a bit euphoric. Now imagine there's a kiss that comes after. Surprising and a bit overwhelming, but damn if that wasn't the greatest moment of your life. That's song two.
I've really built both of these songs up, and maybe you're imagining me needing a cigarette every time I come to the end of this album. However, I assure you that time spent listening to these tracks is time well spent. The first is called "Nightswimming," and the video below is the one that I found that wasn't live and had the best audio. The slide show isn't bad and isn't great but doesn't distract from the listening experience.
The second is called "Find the River." The video I found is from a live performance, but is of fairly good quality. I hope you enjoy both!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
We're a Nielsen family!
So it looks like Steve and I will both be Nielsen households in the next month. That means we'll be indirectly influencing what you'll be watching in the future.
Mwahahahahahahaha!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Iowa State 9, Nebraska 7, Me Tarzan, You Jane
Sometimes I think things through for a while before opening my mouth. This ain't really one of those times.
After watching the Huskers play Iowa State yesterday, I really don't have an opinion about whether Lee should be starting or whether Shawn Watson should be running the Maryland I. However, I do think that if you're going to be as unwatchable as they were yesterday, someone really needs to condense the broadcast down to five or so minutes. Check out the youtube highlights of the game below:
Isn't that a lot better than having to sit around for THREE HOURS in order to find out we had eight turnovers?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-turnover. Heck, a couple of the turnovers yesterday were downright innovative. If grant funding happens to be available to study new ways of turning the ball over in horrible spots on the field, I think our grant application speaks for itself.
After watching the Huskers play Iowa State yesterday, I really don't have an opinion about whether Lee should be starting or whether Shawn Watson should be running the Maryland I. However, I do think that if you're going to be as unwatchable as they were yesterday, someone really needs to condense the broadcast down to five or so minutes. Check out the youtube highlights of the game below:
Isn't that a lot better than having to sit around for THREE HOURS in order to find out we had eight turnovers?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-turnover. Heck, a couple of the turnovers yesterday were downright innovative. If grant funding happens to be available to study new ways of turning the ball over in horrible spots on the field, I think our grant application speaks for itself.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
White Noise
We started off having Mena listen to a white noise CD when she was sleeping. After that, she graduated to a CD of lullabies. This album was perfectly fine. My wife brought home a new-agey CD from the daycare where she works, which was acceptable also. It was a mixture of music and nature sounds. Naturally, our five-month-old daughter woke each day ready to camp or shoot wolves from a helicopter as it was making her pretty outdoorsy. At least, I am imagining it was.
A couple of days ago the CD player in her bedroom started making an ack-ack-ack noise and wouldn't read discs. Had it not been a CD player but a '73 Dodge Duster instead, I'd have blamed the solenoid, the starter, or both.
It was then that I decided to try the local NPR affiliate. It works just fine for her to sleep to, and I'm actually more than a little happy in a nerdy sort of way. While other people's kids are listening to dumbass children's music, my kid is listening to classical fucking music all night long and getting caught up on current events when Morning Edition comes on.
Hell yeah.
A couple of days ago the CD player in her bedroom started making an ack-ack-ack noise and wouldn't read discs. Had it not been a CD player but a '73 Dodge Duster instead, I'd have blamed the solenoid, the starter, or both.
It was then that I decided to try the local NPR affiliate. It works just fine for her to sleep to, and I'm actually more than a little happy in a nerdy sort of way. While other people's kids are listening to dumbass children's music, my kid is listening to classical fucking music all night long and getting caught up on current events when Morning Edition comes on.
Hell yeah.
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