Album of the Week: For Emma, Forever Ago

Hi folks. In a holiday break from my usual esosteric reviews of jazz and other non "popular" music, here's an absolutely fantastic album of folk-rock. Yes, this week's album is "For Emma, Forever Ago," by Bon Iver.

Now, I'm the first to admit that my current musical knowledge tends to be about 2 or 3 years behind the curve. Meaning, I discover new music about 2 or 3 years after the rest of humanity discovers it. I don't know if I'm secluded or what, but that's just the way it is I guess. This particular nugget was originally released in winter of 2008.

I purchased this cd with some Christmas money, so I've only listened to it about 2 or 3 times through thus far. I can't claim to have any great knowledge, but what has been really striking me thus far is the overarching tone of the songs; the unmistakable "calling card" of the music. Bon Iver is basically a pen name for Justin Vernon, the artist that lies behind this music. And apparently, if what I read on Amazon is correct, Vernon basically hauled himself into a secluded cabin in the Wisconsin woods and created this album throughout the winter, by himself. That setting is incredibly evident in the songs. I can't quite explain it in words, but were I to try, I would say that there is a haunting to the music, one that can be colored only by heartbreak. In this respect, this album is actually reminding me a lot of Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks," at least in how it manages to maintain such an emotional undercurrent to the music.

Bon Iver is much more stripped down than Dylan though. That's another striking aspect I feel, how naked every song feels. It's not that the music isn't complex, there are some tracks like "Blindsided" that have some fairly intricate horn and guitar parts, but they never seem to get in the way from the simple emotion of the music. I think part of that comes from Vernon's voice, which definitely is one of the most unique that I've heard in a while. He has a very intense falsetto, but keeping in character, it never gets overwhelming.

In sum, the overall aural experience of this album is akin to sitting in a giant pillow, in a brain fog such that you cannot notice a dagger made of frozen tears stabbing you in the heart, but not really minding that much, because the dagger is so pretty, and your brain is so fogged.

Definitely, I think my favorite song on this album is "Re: Stacks." Catch a clip of it here. I have no idea what the lyrics mean yet, but it's a good introduction to the album I think.

So yes, I don't have too many specifics for this album, since I've only listened to it on cursory passes thus far. But I do know that I like it, so I think that should probably suffice, considering this is my online space. Most definitely, it's a good album for the dark winter, with cold nights. Like right now.

Catharsis

You know, it's very rare that you realize you are experiencing the "last" of something. I suppose, you realize it's the last day of school, you realize it's the last band concert, you realize to a certain extent the end of certain things. But a simple end is not necessarily what I'm talking about. I'm talking about an End.

Point being, I went over to my grandmother's house tonight to shovel the driveway. My grandma passed away this summer, her house is being sold tomorrow. She lived in this house ever since about 1954, my dad and aunt grew up there, I grew up going there, it's been around the family for quite a while. Tonight, I shoveled the driveway, I walked into the backyard, took a look around, and left. I don't see any reason why I'll ever be back.

Like I said, an End. It was a rather surreal experience, to say the least. I don't know if it was necessarily sad or depressing, but it was surreal. So many things come rushing back, you don't really know what to think. All you can think, is that you're standing at an End, and there isn't much more to do.

Reminiscent

I'm doing something I quite rarely do right now. Two and a half years ago, when I lived in England, a video was made of some of our shared experiences; the Nine of us. I've seldom watched the DVD, fearing so much the weighty memories it brings back. But tonight, for some reason, I felt like watching it. And I am watching it, right now. We're in the Lake District right now.

It's kind of strange, I suppose, to see pictures of myself from that period. Philosophically, emotionally, mentally, physically, I was still in very much a formative period at that point of my life. In fact, I think, that experience was maybe the formative period in my life. It was assuredly the most immersive. It's funny to look at me; I'm clean shaven, I have more hair, I look very different. And I think, you can tell, even from just looking at me, that I was in a different place. That's okay though. One thing still remains - still have the ratty ass Twins hat. And oddly enough, I think I'm mostly still wearing the same clothes. That blue pullover thing positively has to be the best clothing purchase of my life.

Two things, actually three, stick out to me most of all. First of all, it reminds me how intensely bonded the nine of us were, for that one year. If I remember correctly, it was an incredible attachment, one that I don't know has ever been duplicated quite exactly. Very seldom have I felt friends as close as family. Which makes it even more ironic, to think of the state of relationship that the nine of us currently experience. To put it mildly, it is not quite as intense.

Second, I think I forgot what an incredibly eye-opening experience the whole thing was, being that independent. In retrospect, it's really quite shocking that I didn't get myself killed, or arrested, or otherwise injured making my way through the Continent for months at a time. Seeing the pictures, remembering the little things, it just really brings back how intense the whole experience was. You want to talk about feeling vital; I don't know what exactly is going to duplicate that feeling. I remember stepping off the plane in Grenoble, for the first day of Christmas holiday, and just thinking "oh shit...." But I made it.

Third, it makes me remember what Nottingham (the city) actually felt like when I was there with this group of people. Being back in Notts this summer, I remember feeling extremely comfortable, at ease, but still having this sort of emptiness. Now I can fully realize what that was. That's a lie, I knew what it was at the time, but I didn't have the additional audio/visual stimulus. What a time, what a time.

Favourite Things I Now Remember

1 - Having paella on the beach in Nice, and throwing rocks into the Mediterranean
2 - The leather chairs in the flat living room
3 - My practice facility/flat basement/church hall
4 - Every single meter of the route from the flat to the university
5 - Everything else

There's my nostalgic post about England for the year. I wouldn't say it makes me melancholy; it just makes me remember. And I think, remembering is important.

Final Thoughts

Well, I suppose 3/4 of finals are complete, in addition to a turned-in final paper. The only thing standing between myself and irresponsibility is corporations. It's a formidable obstacle, but I'm confident it can be overcome. There is a very real possibility of bloodshed though. Finals always tend to rekindle my secret desire to drop out of law school and start a folk band.

The thing about finals, the thing I didn't recall before yesterday, is the incredibly loneliness that they yield. For the past 24 hours, I probably estimate I've had approximately 5 minutes of actual face-to-face human contact. I suppose I'm also a victim of certain extenuating circumstances, but it's really hit me recently, how lonely all this studying gets. I actually think I had a dream last night with a talking copy of the model business corporation act. That is not a positive development. If I have a dream involving a talking book, I want it to be a fun one. Like the sushi book I saw at Barnes and Noble tonight that came with its own sushi rolling mat. Now that, my friends, would be a dream.

But since we're on the subject, I dare anyone to ask me anything about fiduciary duties. I will demolish it.

I really think half the battle of these exams are mental. Didn't Yogi Berra say something about that?; I think so. It's always better to walk into a test thinking that you're going to dominate it, rather than thinking you will be dominated. Pompous? Presumptuous? Of course. But that's part of what you sign up for when you go to law school.

In any event, it's time for these tests to be over. It's time to emerge from this hazy world of corporate opportunity, of the federal rules of evidence, of the first amendment. I'm even starting to get sick of my favorite term from international law - jus cogens. Mainly though, it's time to stop being in this solitary existence.

Well, in a little more than 36 hours, at least the exam part will be done. Cannot come soon enough.

My Snow Day

The rest of the civilized world is having a snow day, probably due to the blizzard conditions, blowing snow, and ridiculous roads. I, on the other hand, am having a conlaw exam on the dark hell masquerading as the First Amendment.

I think the sick thing about this, is I'm glad to have the exam...

Guest Blogger - The Dog

Often times I cannot help but wonder: what is wrong with all of these people?

There are so many things, I tend to lose track of them. Why don't they share what they have, like food? Why don't they devote more time to relationships, like me? Why are they always on the move?

Oddly enough, it's this last concern that is somewhat stifling me at the moment. I had to take the guy for a walk today, like I tend to have to, and I simply cannot understand why he feels the need to be so slow. It's a beautiful December day, there's a light slow falling, and you want to move slow? No, no, no, this is not a time to move slow. This is a time to move fast! Why shouldn't you be frolicking in the snow, or dashing after a squirrel, or doing any of these things? Everyone seems to think life in the fast lane is such a bad idea. I would disagree. Life in the fast lane, often times, is quite a good idea.

I wonder why I have these views? Maybe it's because most of my day is spent in a slow lane. I sleep all night, wake up to go outside, eat, and then spend most of the day lazing about. Sure, I do things to break up the monotony of the day, important things. For instance, I look out the window. I look out at everything that is mine, and I usually think how how happy I am to have it. Sometimes, I chew on a piece of rawhide. And if I'm feeling extremely ambiguous, I will sniff around the kitchen for food. As important as these activities are though, they can hardly be thought to be "fast."

Maybe it's the fact that I'm getting to be an old man. While the humans surrounding me age at a seemingly glacial pace, time keeps up with me. As personally hard as it has been to realize, longetivity (at least in human years), is not something I will be blessed with. In fact, sometimes I wonder how much longer I'll be able to run and jump the way I do, or bound up and down these stairs. I think about it sometimes, but it's dawned on me that these are not things to dwell about.

The way I see it, the world is composed of many wonderful things. Some of these things, I don't enjoy. For instance, I don't enjoy being sprayed with a hose, I don't enjoy being treated impolitely by other dogs, I especially don't like being talked to like a baby. After all, I'm getting old; I should be respected. But for the most part, there are so many things to be wondrous about. How can you not be wondrous of a gorgeous day, or time spent with special people? In these situations, it just doesn't seem useful to always be moving in half-speed. If I spent my entire life in half speed, I definitely would not have survived that jump off of the slide. No, life is something that should rather be enjoyed to the fullest. And sometimes, that means going faster than you think you should.

As in all things, there is a time to be cautious. Hell, even I have to be a little cautious on the back steps nowadays. But after a while, caution gives way to complacency. If there's something you really want, at the end, you have to make an effort to get it, which may be uncomfortable. You think I like tearing around like a jackass, just to get someone to go walking with me? Of course not, it can be equal parts embarrassing and terrifying. After all, I'm getting old. But it works.

There are few really important things in my life. I enjoy eating, walking, and being with my family. Pretty much all of these are communal activities. I do what I can to get these things, and I hope they work out. So I don't see what the big fuss about the fast lane is about.

Season Tickets

I went and heard the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra tonight, and it was quite the concert. It was an entirely French program, with pieces by Bizet, Honegger, and Poulenc. I'm pretty sure my favorite piece was the Poulenc sextet for winds and piano. I was familiar with the piece; I think I heard it in Nottingham once. Anyways, it's great, I'd highly recommend it.

The seats were literally in the second row, a seeming hairsbreadth away from the cello section. Being that close to the stage, to the visceral power of the strings, well, it was somewhat mesmerizing. It reminded me of those stage seats I had in Vienna. This was from a different angle though. Whereas in Vienna I could see the emotion on the conductor's face, here I could see the emotion on the musicians' faces. Always a joy to see.

I'm a big fan of people watching at orchestra concerts, mainly because there are all sorts of funny old people. I've come to realize that the orchestra concert is really one of the only socially acceptable places remaining to wear a bowtie, and old men tend to wear bowties with great aplomb. This gives me hope for the future - I have a couple bowties.

All the old folks at orchestra concerts know each other, presumably (I like to think), because they all have season tickets. I mean, what else is there to do?

I'm intrigued by the concept of a season ticket. It seems like such a big commitment, both in terms of time and money. I mean, that's a pretty big deal, to decide "Well, I think I'll go to every single concert this year." Or every single baseball game, or go skiing every single day, or spend your life at Disneyworld. That's just amazing to me. But maybe that's a reflection on my current state in life more than anything; that of the poor law student in a decimated economy.

The most shocking thing to me, is that if you have season tickets, they come with baggage. For me, this baggage comes primarily in the form of having to find places to park in metropolitan areas. I hate having to park in the city, I might even hate it as much as I hate raisins. But, in any event, there are other logistical problems too. To a certain extent, you have to rearrange your life in order to accommodate the commitment you made.

This whole diatribe might be ridiculous to some, since it's coming from the proverbial pen of someone who, in fact, has partial baseball season tickets for next summer. I think the key here though, is the word partial. Unlike the theoretical folks I've described, I haven't quite made the ultimate commitment yet.

I actually think that making commitments, at least broad, initial ones, are subordinate to the logistical concerns that underlie them. It's easy to know what you want, it's not quite so easy to figure out how to deal with those desires in reality. I think that's true in life as well as season tickets.

Thanksgiving 2009

Once again, another Thanksgiving is upon us. So, as I did last year, in no particular order, a list of sorts.

1 - Family
2 - Friends
3 - Beatles Rock Band
4 - Those rare times when the Starbucks girl asks if I want my coffee in a mug
5 - Duke Ellington
6 - Another year of good health
7 - Being able to return to England this past summer
8 - Relatively affordable diesel fuel
9 - Minneapolis Trombone Choir
10 - Striped socks
11 - Walking the two blocks from Hamline after a long day, and being able to unwind
12 - The number 12
13 - Having gone another year without losing a hat
14 - Grandma Dorothy, and a life well lived
15 - Discovering my heritage in Norway
16 - Completing a law review article without spiraling into a mental breakdown
17 - Listening to Miles Davis on vinyl
18 - The dog
19 - Being able to be honest
20 - One last dome dog at the Metrodome
21 - Good scotch
22 - The new Star Trek movie
23 - Keeping in touch with old friends
24 - Minnesota Public Radio
25 - Flannel sheets
26 - Black luggage
27 - Living in a climate where you can wear scarves
28 - That one waiter in Brussels who humored me and only spoke to me in French
29 - Another grand season of Twins baseball
30 - Getting (partial) season tickets at Target Field
31 - Frisbee golf
32 - Brass music on a cold, dark night
33 - Generally surviving law school with soul (as yet) intact
34 - Summit Winter Ale
35 - Mark Rothko paintings
36 - Learning how to snap my fingers
37 - New relationships
38 - Swing dancing
39 - Peppermint, generally added to anything during the month of December
40 - Even numbers
41 - Granola bars sans raisins
42 - Jazz
43 - Being able to be more assertive
44 - Important people and possibilities
45 - A new relative - Oliver James
46 - Finding that suit in dad's closet
47 - Grandma Lou, for a life still being lived
48 - Coffee
49 - The color blue
50 - Learning to be self-aware
51 - For living a life I can generally feel good about
52 - Balance
53 - The sweet umbrella I found at my great-aunt's house
54 - Red wine with pizza
55 - Tolerance
56 - Being comfortable with silence
57 - This Turkish rug that my feet sit on
58 - Moccasins
59 - Not taking myself too seriously
60 - Half Price Books
61 - Walking the dog
62 - Khaki pants
63 - People taking the time to read this blog
64 - Nutella

Happy Thanksgiving.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Apparently, only about 5% of the world's population knows this thing exists. So in the interest of promoting global awareness, check out the video. Or just read the document itself on the UN website.

Album of the Week: Relaxin' with Miles

I'd say, oh, the past month or so, I've been really getting into some of these mid 1950's Miles Davis quintet recordings with Prestige. So, we'll just consider this week's selection as being quasi-representative of all of these fantastic recordings. Which I suppose makes sense, since four albums (Relaxin', Workin', Cookin', and Steamin' with the Miles Davis Quintet) were all begat by two recording sessions in 1956.

First off, you look at the lineup on these albums, and your face should literally be melting. You have Miles on trumpet, some young hack named John Coltrane on tenor, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums, and Red Garland on piano.

On a bit of a sidenote, these recordings have made me discover Red Garland's piano playing, and it has been freaking me right out. He plays with a particularly fantastic percussive tone, which is effective to the point of cardiac arrest, especially on the blues. Cross referencing, I'd particularly point to "Ahmad's Blues" on "Workin' with the Miles Davis Quintet" for some absolutely killer Red Garland action. I think I've actually listened to that track about eight billion times in the past three weeks or so.

What I really like about this album, and these Prestige recordings in general, is that they capture what I would consider the Platonic form of so-called "modern jazz." You know, it's not like this stuff is particularly mind-bending, at least from a technical point of view. There are certainly some boppish type pieces, and most definitely bop influences, but nothing is blazingly fast. Conversely, nothing is really as chill as what you'll find 3 years later on "Kind of Blue." What's left is this middle ground, the sort of jazz people think of when they want something to play in the background at their cocktail party. I think maybe that's what's revelatory about this stuff; when you sit down and really listen, you realize how great it really is.

In a way, maybe it's this familiarity that makes this album so accessible. You don't have to be any sort of jazz scholar or music snob to enjoy this music. I wouldn't say anything is particularly complex, and there are actually some popular tunes reinterpreted ("If I Were a Bell", Guys and Dolls anyone?). What you have here is just some good, straightforward jazz, which I think at times is extremely refreshing.

For me, the real highlight is the incredibly tight rhythm section (see three paragraphs up for my mancrush on Red Garland). But of course, Miles has some killer solos too. What I find sort of curious is the fact that on this album, he almost exclusively plays with a harmon mute. In fact, I'm pretty sure he only plays open on the last track, "Woody'n You." I'm okay with this, I've always thought Miles was particularly expressive with a harmon mute. Go listen to this album, and then listen to "Blue in Green" on "Kind of Blue." You'll soon see my point.

As you can expect, it's also nice to have John Coltrane along for the ride. At least from a historic perspective, it's interesting to hear him play here, while he's still sort of a young guy on the rise. When you contrast this playing with his later stuff, it's pretty shocking.

So yes, this week's album is a good one, as all of my recommendations are. If you're in the mood for some quality, straight-forward jazz, go pick this up, or any of the other Prestige recordings. Great, solid stuff. I would highly recommend listening to it with a glass of good scotch. That's what I'm doing.

Relief

I've now experienced 24 hours without the spectre of my law review article hanging over my every move. I must say, it's quite the liberating feeling. After turning it in yesterday morning, a fellow law review person and myself skipped out on international law. Instead of talking about the preemptive use of force and its implications on Article 52 of the UN Charter, we sat on the patio of the Muddy Pig and enjoyed a few well deserved adult beverages. As a friend once said, nothing empowers you more than drinking in the afternoon, when everyone else is working on something. So true.

I wish I had something really insightful to say about the whole experience. I suppose, at the moment, it's kind of hard to do that. Statistically, there is a very real chance that the whole endeavor is destined to be fruitless. And I suppose, all things considered, I'm not too concerned about that. Should it get chosen for publication, that would be great. But if it doesn't, I don't think I'm going to lose any sleep over it. Overall, I think I did a good job. That's all that should matter.

In any event, it's been strange to have the ability to sit around after I finish my homework for the next day, and be able to laze about without feeling this overbearing sense of guilt/stress. It is quite peculiar, actually. But I think I can get used to it. At least until finals start. Oh shit, that's only two or three weeks away.

ELCA Vote

Hello folks, sorry for the lack of substantive content lately. This law review article is taking over my life. In just a little over a week, it will all be over.

Some of you may know I'm a member of an ELCA Lutheran church. I've been going there quite a while - meaning my entire life. Some of you may also know that this summer, the ELCA adopted a social statement, which in relevant part allows gay/lesbian persons in committed relationships to be ordained as Lutheran pastors.

Now, I think this is a good thing. Rather, I think it's the right thing. And I can't base this conclusion on any specific reference to the Bible, or teaching of Jesus, or anything like that. Well, that's a lie, I guess I'll base it on the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That's in the Bible, right?

Point being, not everyone in my church is as easygoing as I am, at least not in regards to this particular topic. In fact, from everything I've gleaned from a lunch I had with my pastor and my mom's report from the church meeting on the subject last Thursday, some people are going positively apeshit.

Now, I'll be the first to admit, I don't understand this at all. Reason being, I'm fairly certain I view the whole situation from a fundamentally different worldview, at least from those who are most objected to the proposition. Now, I go to church, I'm in general agreement with Lutheran theology, but I cannot say I'm a particularly devout individual. I don't read the Bible daily, I don't have little devotion books, I don't do any of that stuff. And I can't say I get riled up about people not being Christian. To a certain extent, I think everyone has to choose their own path to ultimate truth, or a spiritual being, or what have you. It's not my position to judge these sorts of things.

Point being, I have a worldview cultivated by a certain upbringing, certain friends, a certain education, a certain conception of what "faith" is, certain events, a certain political ideology. And none of these experiences lead me to really understand what makes these people in opposition to the ELCA vote so mad. Of course, I know they think the Bible says it's all wrong, or what have you, but even with that level of awareness, from a very fundamental level, I just cannot understand it. Which I think, makes it very difficult for me to accept this argument that somehow, the ELCA is becoming godless, or heretical, or what have you.

I see this sort of opposition, and quite to the contrary, I see the very essence of un-Christian behavior. As far as I can tell, from my limited theological mind, most of the point of the New Testament is to be open to everyone. The history of Christianity, unfortunately, is too often a history of exclusion and judgment, rather than inclusion and community. Continued fraction doesn't seem to me to make a whole lot of sense.

From a more basic, less historical, less theological level, I guess I ask this simple question: who the hell really cares? How does it affect me, if the pastor of my church is a gay person? See, I take the position that it has absolutely zero effect on me. None, nada, zippo. If we expect to be taken seriously, there have to be better issues to be indignant about. Maybe like poverty, or global warming, or homeless people.

So yes, I don't get it. But if my church, the one I go to, if it caves and decides they're going to pander to the fundamentalist right, I am out. It would be a very painful decision, but I'm not going to tacitly condone this sort of exclusion.

Trombone Trombone Trombone

Hold on to your butts.

Lack of Content

Hi folks, meager readership. Sorry for the lack of content the past few days/weeks. Last week was hellacious in terms of school, and I was down in Iowa this weekend. In just over two weeks, this whole "writing a law review article" bs will be over with. Not like I'm counting or anything.

Had a great weekend in Decorah - seeing friends, hanging around Luther, going to La Rana, listening to Concert Band, playing some frisbee golf, etc, etc, etc. I'm not typically one to get too nostalgic, but the thought that this was the last year that I am going to know actual Luther students, that was a bit disconcerting. Who are we going to crash with from now on?

In any event, it was a much needed break and a welcome respite.

I've really been trying to come up with a good album of the week, but I keep running into brick walls. I'll keep listening, keep thinking, and try to coagulate some words together.

Weekend

Fall break is over. Back to reality. Back to 50 page assignments on the law of the sea.

Fantastic.

To say that I had a tumultuous fall break would be an understatement, I think. Seldom have I felt such soaring highs juxtaposed with such plummeting lows. It wasn't the best of feelings, and I definitely am still suffering from a few nights of less than perfect sleep. But, what can you do. Not much, especially with this situation, and that is the unfortunate part. All that can be done is to adequately express how one is feeling, in the hope that it serves some sort of purpose. At the very least, I'm glad to have that upcoming opportunity. Oddly enough, even in light of the 99% chance of an ending that will be supremely dissatisfying to me, I'm kind of thankful to be able to unburden all these feelings. It's no fun to go through life sterilized of emotion, of detachment with others. Even if it's fruitless, I think it's important to tell people what you think. And that will be ironically satisfying.

In good news, my sole class for tomorrow has been canceled. Saved by the threat of H1N1, I suppose. Hopefully I can catch up on some sleep, and knock out a good chunk of this law review article. I need to come up with an initial draft in a week, and with my weekend excursion coming up, that needs to happen sooner rather than later.

I guess I have to go hear a band concert, and have Mexican food. Beer me strength.

Thursday Night

People ask me just what the hell I do on Thursday night. Now, I don't do what's on the video, because these people are crazy awesome. But I try.



What I really like about this video, is that it isn't scripted. Sure, you can find some crazy pre-planned swing dance videos out there, but I don't really get into that so much. Jazz is an improvisational music, I think lindy should be an improvisational dance. So, when two people go and do something organic like this, it just freaks me right out.

Another thing I like about this is that they don't waste time trying to do anything crazyass. Undoubtedly, it's pretty cool when you can do flips and stuff, but in reality, I think it's only really cool when it can be perfectly integrated. Most of the time, that's not the case (except in planned dances - see above paragraph).

On the Cusp of Fall (Break) - Thoughts

I've been busy lately, extremely busy. My procrastination with law review finally caught up to me this weekend, compounded by a corporations midterm today. I'm not usually one to fault teachers for the duplicity of exams, but in this case, I will. Although I feel like I did well on the exam, what she told us to study was definitely not the focus. Frustrating.

It's been a taxing couple weeks, for multiple reasons I suppose. As aforementioned, school is definitely kicking up a bit. That's always been to be expected though. A friend mentioned to me tonight that graduate school is school for people to go to who haven't quite realized that they're done with school. At this point, that saying is equally applicable to law school. Thankfully, mercifully, fall break is a mere 17 hours away. Yes, I know my fall break will be fraught with law review peril, but at least it will be some sort of break.

For me, the real break is in a week and a half. I'm going down to visit some friends in Decorah, which I think is long overdue and plenty welcome. It's time to get out of this city, to get someplace a bit more pastoral. I wouldn't say that our get-together's are mournful for the past, for the good old days of college. I don't think any of my friends has that sort of stagnant view of life. But what I would say is they remind me of how fortunate I was to have that period of time, and to have good friends. So yes, that will be good.

I'm not one to make this site some sort of repository of my private thoughts, at least those private thoughts that go to the core of relationships. So, there aren't any proper names of individuals here, there aren't any "dear diary" entries, there isn't much amorous poetry or vindictive diatribes. In general, I am a private person; someone who likes to control the amount of information I divulge about given situations to given people.

In light of that disclaimer, I will stay true to it. But what I will say, is that the past month and a half or so have presented me with a sort of personal-relational challenge, something that I don't normally encounter. Maybe challenge isn't the correct word. Maybe the better term is an ambiguous opportunity, made worse by my own shy and non-assertive nature. Actually, maybe the best explanation is the uncertainty of approaching something that you want so bad to turn into something else, but not knowing exactly what to do. Maybe realizing that what you have to do, just maybe, is wait. Or to the contrary, maybe you have to do something drastic. As it turns out, perhaps "uncertainty" is the key term here.

I get the sneaking suspicion that however terrible/joyful/confusing the whole range of emotion is, it's nothing unique to me. I think it's just the terrible/joyful/confusing nature of our own interactions. In any event, it doesn't make it any less emotionally draining.

Fall is certainly here, maybe even with a quick skip into winter. I was listening to Garrison Keillor on the radio the other day, and he said something to the effect that fall is a perfect time to think about mortality. Now, I haven't been thinking about mortality. But I think there's some truth to that thought, fall (at the very least) encourages you to think about some of the bigger issues in life. I can agree with that.

On a final note, I can't recommend enough last week's episode of The Office. It's Jim and Pam's wedding episode, but it is also absolutely hilarious.

Almost 16 hours to fall break now.

Well...

Well shit.

I know the Twins played horribly during this series; they missed countless opportunities and made mistakes at the worst possible moments. But that doesn't erase the sting, I suppose. I hate losing to the Yankees more than anything else, ever. That season 0 for everything mark is incredibly distressing to me.

But on the other hand, I think this team gave all that they had to give, especially in that epic tiebreaker for the ages. They let the Metrodome go out with some style, and I think if the Metrodome could speak, it would appreciate that.

We'll just have to get them next year. After all, spring training is right around the corner.

Yes.

I watch quite a bit of baseball, but I've never seen a game like that before. I damn near had to give myself oxygen.

Amazing. Today's a good day.

Metrodome Memories

It's not really common knowledge, but as it turns out, I am actually quite the fan of my hometown Minnesota Twins baseball team. And for as long as I can remember, nay, the entirety of the 23 years which I've walked this earth, I've been watching my beloved Twins play underneath the teflon sky of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

Of course, I knew the demise of the Metrodome has been coming. In fact, I've been cheerleading it, ever since the construction of a new outdoor ballpark became reality in 2006. I've been poring over photos of the rapidly rising Target Field almost daily for at least two years now, and awaiting with bated breath for that "countdown to outdoor baseball" sign in left field to reach zero. I can count on one hand the number of outdoor major league baseball games I've seen, but I don't think you need any special gnosis to know that baseball isn't meant to be played in a concrete warehouse with plastic grass, a garbage bag for an outfield wall, and a dull roof that looks kind of like something I pulled out of my grandma's basement.



But now, shockingly, against all odds, it's here. Barring a miracle, there are only two more games of Twins baseball to be played inside the dome. I'm happy to say that I'm attending the final regular season game on Sunday afternoon. I can only hope that the Twins are still playing for something, but even if they aren't, something good is going to happen.

In my retrospection, I've been reading a lot of these "farewell to the Metrodome" articles, where these out of town sportswriters wax eloquent about the quirky playing atmosphere, the jet-engine decibel crowds, and the beautiful moments that were had. Which is all well and good, but it all seems somewhat prosaic to me. Everyone knows about the '91 World Series, the ball that never came down, the superball bounces, etc. But there are some things that are unknowable to the average person, because they run much deeper.

Next year, sitting outside at Target Field, I don't think I'll give much of a second thought to the Metrodome as a field, as the mundane fusion of astroturf and dirt into a diamond shape. But what I will think of are the games my parents took me to as a kid, always preceded by a visit to Matt's for a jucy lucy. I'll think about wanting nothing else in the world but to see Kirby Puckett hit a home run, and then screaming wildly as he made a young boy's wish come true. I'll think about having a Dome Dog, and trying to convince my dad that I really needed the pop in the souvenir cup. I'll remember waiting in line with my mom for two hours in order to be one of the 15,000 people to get the autographed Kirby Puckett retirement card (yes, he actually signed 15,000). I'll remember when my letter of encouragement was posted in the Twins' locker room. I was pretty young, but I can remember watching the 1991 World Series on TV, and seeing the sea of typically mundane midwesterners going euphoric with Homer Hankies. In my more recent years, I'll remember stretching out in the cheap seats with a Summit, squinting to see the field while still watching out for beach balls. I'll remember going to the 2004 ALCS. Who can forget the trough, or getting blasted out of the Dome by the air pressure? And surely, I'll remember the Hormel Row of Fame song.

Musical Interlude: Now that you are at the game, are you in Hormel's Row of Fame? If you're in a lucky seat, you'll win a Hormel hot dog treat! Great for lunch, great for dinner, you will be a wiener winner in the Hormel Rowwwwww offff Faaaaaammmmmmeeeee!

Now, I can only hope to everything that is good on this earth that the Hormel Row of Fame will be transplanted out under the sun. I can only hope that the Twins play with as much joy as they have (at times) in the Dome. I'm a believer though, I know they will.

But as I've intimated, what I will miss about the Metrodome, is the connection it gives me to myself. For an entire generation of people like me, watching the Twins has meant going to the Dome. We don't know anything else. But, I suppose, why should we, when it's been such a ride? To paraphrase Torii Hunter, it wasn't a great place to play baseball, but there sure was some great baseball played there.

So Metrodome, it's been fun, and I really do mean that. Your passing is going to be bittersweet. It's always hard to say goodbye to an old friend, maybe even harder when they're the kind that no one else appreciates.



Hell, let's go win the division. I think the Metrodome deserves it.

Journey to the Center of the Mall

I've been looking about my closet recently, and I've come to the conclusion that I wear the same clothes all the time. I thought I should maybe spring out and buy a new shirt. So I went to the Roseville Mall.

Bad idea.

Nearly every time I journey to the mall, I have some sort of psychoanalytic breakdown at being tossed about in the seas of capitalism and pop culture. It seems so simple; all I want is a blue, short sleeved shirt, with no obnoxious brand all over it, for a reasonable price. Instead, what I get is overstimulation. Blaring techno-funk, racks upon racks of insanely inflated prices, hordes of teenagers poring accessories, etc, etc, etc. But it's not the good kind of overstimulation, like the childlike sense of wonder I get at grocery stores. Rather, I just feel filthy for playing some sort of role in this appearance-obsessed culture of ours. Why would I ever want a cardigan sweater with a screen-printed skull on it? Who the hell wears this?

Now, I like to look good, same as the next person. I want to come across as a productive member of society, who doesn't look like they still live in a basement. I'm sure I share the "look good" aspect with the hordes of teeny-boppers and college bros that I fought with at the clearance rack. However, I think there's a crucial distinction here. I try to wear clothes that fit my own self-perception, the sort of easy going vision that I have of myself somewhere in my brain. I don't try to wear clothes that will recreate that image into something different. I think maybe the latter view is the crucial failing point of much of youth culture.

Maybe it's all a phase, I can remember being somewhat obsessed with having name brand clothes when I was in high school. Maybe instead it's some part of getting older, of having new experiences, of becoming more self-aware. I'd like to think so, but if that's the case, it seems to me that there are quite a few folks my age who remain in a state of arrested development. And not in the hilarious liberal arts college way.

But anyways, yes, I spent about an hour at the mall, trying to find what I was looking for. I have a couple engagements this week that I figured I needed to look well put together for. Plus, as aforementioned, I wear the same clothes all the time. Finally, thankfully, I found the sort of blue short sleeved shirt that suited my taste. Amazingly enough, it's not even plaid.

Then I got out as fast as I could.

Album of the Week: Maurizio Pollini - Mozart Piano Concert No. 23, Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"

Hello folks, good evening. I figured I'd dial back the clock a bit on this week's album, and tonight, we're going way back. Holding it down classical style, with a bit of romanticism thrown in for good measure. That's right folks, two main men, Mozart and Beethoven, throwing down a pair of wicked good piano concertos, as played by a snappily dressed Italian man. If that doesn't get your heart rate pumping, maybe you have the swine flu.

You know, I am partial to Mr. Beethoven. I daresay that my favourite classical piece of all time stems from Beethoven's enchanted pen, that being his Ninth Symphony. Call it cliché if you want, but you'll shut up once you listen to it. Beethoven of course, is a master of emotion, of visceral power. If Beethoven were to be transplanted to the 21st century, I think he might be a hipster.

Mozart, on the other hand, is a master of the classical style, a connossieur of rhythm, form, and structure. I've always found Mozart to be a lot easier to listen to, if you can train your ear to be partial to it. To me, Mozart is what I play when I really need to concentrate. I think he'd be an accountant.

Quite fittingly, I started listening to this album this week while doing homework in the law library. I was in the mood for some classical, saw that this was on my future phone, and put it on. Oddly enough, I think the most striking piece for me on this album is the Mozart piano concerto. Mainly, this has to do with the 2nd movement. It has to be one of the most heartaching, haunting melodies Mozart ever put together. One of those moments where I had to just put down my highlighter, put down my pencil, lean back in my chair, and just drink in the sonic cup that overfloweth into my eardrums. Simply fantastic.

The "Emperor" concerto of course, is equally fantastic, in a much different way. Honestly, I've spent more time listening to the Mozart piece, since I was initially more unfamiliar with that one, so I can't claim to have gained any great expertise on Beethoven's contribution here. What I can say with certainty, is that there is a moment in the first movement, that makes me want to quit school, and become a concert pianist.

So yes, if you are a classical lover, you need to relax, you need to unwrap your brain from the coming H1N1 pandemic, any of the above; you need to listen to this. I highly recommend it.

Existential Comic of the Week

As many can relate, I think I spend quite a bit of time by myself in law school. Reading cases, doing research, writing briefs, yada, yada, yada.

Sometimes I think this comic sums up my life.

Mad Man

You know, I typically pride myself on my ability to keep my life fairly balanced between school and everything else. In an ideal world, my homework/miscellaneous tasks are completed by around 6:30, leaving the rest of the evening for leisure or other activities. Unlike some of my friends who are currently in medical school, very rarely do I have to spend my entire day studying.

However, all good things must, at some point, come to an end.

This law review business, it's busting my ass right now. And it wouldn't be nearly as stressful if I hadn't realized the other day that 4 articles on my chosen topic have just been published in recent editions of various law reviews. But I guess, a relatively stress-free research project just wouldn't do. In a way, I think I might actually be glad that I have to completely retool my arguments. It prevents me from reciting the same ho-hum shit that, well, four other people have recited.

Granted, I now have to work much harder at trying to make something seemingly ridiculous make sense, but whatever. Life is fraught with small challenges. One thing I've learned is that a task that appears insurmountable at first, is usually doable once you get going.

Anyways, enough bitching about how busy I am. I clearly can't be too busy, since I'm writing this, and I think I'll watch an episode of "Mad Men" to celebrate a fully productive day.

BTW, this "Mad Men" show is fantastic. If you've never seen it and you're in the mood for some great period drama, I can't recommend it enough. You'll never have a stronger urge to put on a suit and drink a single malt.

Album of the Week: The Great Summit/The Master Takes

First off, the fact that this week's album features both Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington should be sufficient for you all to immediately go out and get this. I really shouldn't have to write anything.

But, since it's customary for me to write something for every album I review, I suppose you'll all have to put up with a little overkill.

Here's the deal folks; there's a pretty strong argument to be made that Duke Ellington is the greatest American composer of the twentieth century. And I won't pretend to be neutral here, I subscribe to that view. Along that vein, there's a pretty damn good reason that Louis Armstrong is known as "Pops," i.e.; the grandfather of jazz. So just by basis of reputation, I can't see how this album can be anything other than brilliant.

Luckily, you don't even have to mess around with that question, since this album is in fact, brilliant.

All the tunes on this album are Ellington compositions. What I think is extremely interesting is that Duke plays with Armstrong's band. In all the other Ellington collaboration albums I have, Duke either brings portions of his own band, or at leasts switches off with the other artist. For example, in "Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins," you have Duke's band, plus Hawkins. In the Coltrane collaboration, there is a switch off between Duke's band, and Coltrane's band.

For those of you not familiar with jazz history, if there was one thing that Ellington's big bands were characterized by, it was loyalty. The guys in that band stuck with him, so you have a strong sense of continuity, as well as how to play Ellington's compositions. Thus, I think it shows some serious faith on Duke's part on this album, in that he's willing to trust Armstrong and his band to do justice to his material. And let me tell you, he trusted the right man. Every track on this album is simply fantastic.

Duke plays piano on all the tracks, so there certainly is a familiar "backbone" to the music here. But obviously, you don't have some of the trademark instrumentals that you associate with the Ellington band, since they're not playing. No Johnny Hodges, no Cootie Williams, no Roy Nance, etc. However, Armstrong's band does a fantastic job of channeling some of those unique Ellington soundbites, while still maintaining musical independence. So while Armstrong trombonist Trummy Young doesn't have quite the growl of Tricky Sam Nanton here, there's a sufficient enough growl to know that this is vintage Ellington trombone, on vintage Ellington standards. It really gives the music a bit of a "new car" feel.

And of course, who can say enough about Louis Armstrong? His presence is everywhere, from his regal trumpet solos to his inimitable singing. I don't know, I've listened to this album through twice today, and the depth of his vocal interpretations is really getting to me, in a good way. He sings the Ellington songbook like he's stepping into an old shoe, but it never sounds like an old shoe.

Although every track is essential, I've found myself particularly into "Black and Tan Fantasy," "The Mooche," "Solitude," and "I Got It Bad." Partially some of these songs are due to nostalgia; "The Mooche" in particular brings back some extremely fond memories of playing Ellington at Luther.

Here's the thing folks; Ellington is a special breed. Louis Armstrong is a special breed. If there's ever a reason to be proud of America, like Twins baseball and apple pie, these two deserve to be mentioned in the same breath. If you want music that comes from the soul, from the very pit of the essence that is jazz, you need to listen to this album. After two listens, I surely put it near the Newport recording as my favorite Ellington album. And it definitely has to be considered essential listening, in the same vein as "Kind of Blue."

Another point that strikes me, this is geezer power at its best. In the mist of all these young bucks (Davis, Coltrane, Coleman, etc) doing all this crazy shit in the 1960's, here's Ellington and Armstrong showing their punk-asses how it's done. Know what I'm sayin'?

And let me tell you, aside from the artistic value of this music, this album is simply fun to listen to. It's the sort of accessible music that nearly anyone can enjoy, even for those who don't know jazz. Put it on at dinner, put it on with your friends, definitely put it on for the ladies, it is simply fantastic.

I can't recommend this enough. Go listen to this.

Law Review Rumblings

As a few readers may be aware, I'm an associate editor this year with the Hamline Law Review. What does that entail, exactly? Funny you should ask.

One obligation consists of me sitting in a small room for approximately 4.5 hours on Friday evening, editing articles submitted by lawyers all over the country, and painstakingly checking all the cites to make sure they actually say what they say they do. Also, as I learned last week, my task is to try and make incomprehensible gibberish sound like it legitimately came out of the fingers of a qualified legal professional.

My law review denizens and myself quickly learned that after 4 and a half hours of the aforementioned activities, the only rational response once we finally get home is to drink. Preferably heavily.

The second obligation is to write an article, which theoretically will then be considered for publication. Everyone got split into 3 writing groups, corresponding to the 3 issues of the Law Review put out each year. I am in the second writing group, so I'm actually in the midst of researching my topic. For confidentiality reasons, I shouldn't be broadcasting my topic all over the internet, but I can say that it has to do with constitutional questions.

I suppose I'm a bit confused by the writing requirement of this law review gig. It's apparently normal practice to make new associates write articles, but I don't think that makes it any less strange. Not that I'm irritated or angry at it, since it's a fun activity, even if it is a horrendous amount of work. I don't know, maybe I'm just a bit confused. Given the degree of delirium that most people were approaching at the end of the meeting last Friday, maybe a bit of confusion is necessary.

In any event, it's a fairly busy week. It seems like the homework assignments for this week are just a bit weightier than weeks past, compounded by the fact that my Tuesday night is taken up by a ballgame and my Thursday is taken up by swing dancing. I guess it forces me to be more efficient in the morning.

In that vein, I went to Starbucks this morning to read some Corporations in the 3 hour interval between Evidence and Constitutional Law. I can't say I'm on a first name basis with any of the employees there, even given the fact that I seemed to spend my entire winter there last year. Well, I guess I do know Cindy, the middle aged woman cashier. Anyways, I was just a little weirded out this morning when some barista I couldn't recognize at all seemed to know who I was, as well as identify my preferred drink. And then he gave me an extra shot in my latte, seemingly just for the hell of it. Whatever, I didn't complain. I needed the caffeine.

Swing Dance Reflections

Recently, thanks to the prodding of an old friend from Luther, I've started going swing dancing. For those of you not familiar with my long and storied history, during my later high school and college years, I was quite into swing dancing. Not only did I go nearly every Thursday night when in the Cities, I went to swing club as much as possible when at school. I guess the pressures of senior year, coupled with the lack of adequate dance partners, kind of left me to drift away. Consequently, up until two weeks ago, I probably hadn't gone swing dancing in nearly 2 years.

But, like I intimated, thanks to the initiative of a friend, I've started going again. So every Thursday night, I spend about 5 hours at the Tapestry Folkdance Center in south Minneapolis, taking some group lessons, and then sticking around for the actual dance, which starts at 10. And I must say, it's been revelatory. I think I just forgot how much fun I had doing this.

I've been trying to think what the appeal of swing dancing is. To some extent, it has to be escapism, evidenced by the cast of characters who show up at the Tapestry every Thursday night dressed to the nines in their 1940's style outfits and zoot suits. And I suppose, I can relate to that, since I used to do the same thing. I think it's hard to listen to Sinatra and not feel a twinge of nostalgia for time past. It's hard to watch old swing videos and not come to the conclusion that those dancers of ages past weren't born in baggy dress pants or little black dresses. I guess if the physical act of dressing up helps you connect with the music, that's all fine and dandy. But as it seems to me, the observer, the contemporary manifestation is mostly an act. The folks most likely to don a zoot suit are the same folks who determine they need to either impress others, or convince themselves to be impressed.

At its heart though, I really do think swing dancing, maybe all social dance in general, is about impressing others. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on the masses of university students in the suspenders. Maybe, in some misguided way, they get it.

Think about it. As the lead, men have the equal parts horrifying and exhilarating task of guiding the woman around the dance floor. It's our job to make the woman look good, with the hope that it will make us look good in general. And if you're with a particular partner, I'd imagine, the hope that the partner will think you look good.

Women like to dance with impressive men, whilst men seek out particularly adept women. And I think this is incredibly intimidating with swing, because like the music, it is an expressly improvisational activity. Moreso than other social dances, there is a flexibility to swing which allows any number of moves, combinations, or ideas to be expressed in a very visceral way. And I like to think, if you appreciate the nexus of both the music and dance as being indicative of a certain history and mindset, the expression is necessarily expressly emotional. That's the most important part.

There's one man in particular, who I love to watch dance. His name is Allen, I think, and he has to be somewhere around 75. He definitely looks like he could be one of the "greatest generation," and he dances like he's been literally infused with the music for his entire life. Which I think probably, is actually true. Anyways, he's kind of a nerdy looking dude; he always wears this newsboy cap, and he's always got one of those old person type shirts on. I think last week, he had a button up shirt with a bunch of 1950's style woodies with surfboards on them. But aside from that, whenever he's out swing dancing, it looks like there is nothing else he would rather be doing. And he is good. Not in any sort of flashy, "holy-shit-did-you-see-him-fling-that-girl" kind of way. But just from the way he smiles, how he moves, you know he gets it. I don't know how better to describe it. I think when you consider how this man has probably grown up with this music, he probably has it etched note for note in his bones, you can probably understand a bit of what I'm saying. I have this image of the guy, 60-odd years ago, doing the same stuff at some Army dance. Like you see in the movies.

Anyways, this was a wildly existential post. I didn't intend for it to go that direction, but I guess it happens. In any event, can't wait for Thursday.

Actual Listening and Talking?!

For all the fear and furor over Sen. Al Franken's election, and all the hyperbole about the lampshades he most certainly dons when he enters the Senate chambers, it turns out he's a pretty rational and non-crazy guy.



Holy shit, was that an actual, respectful debate on issues? I had no idea what one of those looked like! Good thing we didn't elect that crazy, partisan whack job as senator! Wait....

But it's not like Al Franken has a monopoly on rational health care debate in Minnesota. One of our other fine elected officials seems to have it down pat.

Album of the Week: Gimme Fiction

Hello folks, welcome back to the ever popular "Album of the Week" feature. This is where I tell you what music I've been listening to, why I like it, and why you, the reader, should also like it. This week's album is "Gimme Fiction," by Spoon.

Now let me be up front. I am not, nor do I claim to be any sort of indie rock connossieur. For street credibility purposes, I do have an 89.3 The Current window cling on my car. I do consider myself an avid fan of indie rock, or whatever you want to call what they play on The Current, but I can't say I seek out new and exciting music with my every spare moment.

I do have this one Spoon album though, and it's inspired me to check out some more of their stuff. I think the buzzword for this album is "eclectic." The tracks here definitely run the gamut, from a sort of quasi-classical/operatic rock tune (The Beast and the Dragon, Adored), to Prince-ish glam rock (I Turn My Camera On), to acoustic pseudo-ballad (I Summon You).

However, within the varying styles, there is a musical constant which pulls everything together. I think it can mainly be pointed to lead singer Britt Daniel's raspy vocals. Maybe raspy is not quite the adjective to use. Maybe "rough" would be a bit better. In any event, if Britt Daniel were to come up to me on the street, I would probably be struck with an uncontrollable urge to offer him a lozenge.

But you know, the roughness of the vocals works well, because they help to bring some of the more eclectic styles down to earth. It adds an element of familiarity. I'm not typically one to listen to Prince, so on "I Turn My Camera On," I quite welcomed the familiar vocals in order to help ease me into music. That's not to say that Daniel sings in a monotone throughout; indeed there is some rather impressive high range work on the aforementioned track.

If you ask me, this album is worth it simply for the first track, "The Beast and the Dragon, Adored." I say this because the track accomplishes a very impressive balancing act between some fantastic bass piano lines, a steady rock beat, and some grunge-inspired guitar work. The cumulative effect is to create a song that is almost operatic in quality. I can't explain it as well as I'd hoped, but there is a broad sweep to the music which I very much appreciate.

Another highlight is "I Summon You." I've heard this track get some pretty substantial airplay on 89.3, and I can understand why. It's the kind of song that goes perfectly with driving with the windows down on a sunny day. Preferably fast, with not a care in the world. If that's not enough of a word-picture, I don't know what will suffice. Another song I particularly enjoy is "Sister Jack." The vocals have some nice harmony, there's a nice easy 90's-ish guitar line, and a catchy, bold refrain.

So yes, Spoon's "Gimme Fiction." If you're in the mood for an eclectic, yet cohesive work of indie/alt rock, I would recommend you go out and purchase this album immediately. Its certainly inspired me to check out Spoon's music further.

Feed your ears!

State Fair

Mankind has produced some amazing things. The wheel. The steam engine. The computer. The deep fried cheese curd.

Yes, I wish I could have been there, at the moment of its conception. I can only imagine the dawn of realization that must have come across some lucky bastard's face, when he realized what would happen if he threw cheese in boiling oil. I mean really, what a great idea. The world has never been the same since.

No event stands testament to such culinary delights as the Minnesota State Fair, and I indulged heartily yesterday with some lawyer friends from school. When you think about it, food on a stick just makes so much sense. It's a convenient and practical way of making almost anything you can think of a hand food. Pork chop? Twinkie? Scotch egg? Hotdish? All can be transformed, by the power of frying oil, into a delicious one-handed snack. And since the State Fair happens but once per year, you can indulge with no guilt whatsoever.

I think the final tally went something like this.

1 - deep fried Snickers bar (on a stick)
2 - smattering of chocolate chip cookies
3 - the aforementioned cheese curds
4 - taste of gator and gator fries
5 - chocolate covered bacon (delicious)
6 - garlic fries
7 - bite of a scotch egg (on a stick)
8 - a quantity of Minnesota's own Summit beer

And I refuse to feel bad about it.

Of course, the fair isn't only about food. It's also about SWAG (shit we all get). I limited my SWAG consumption this year as opposed to years past, and I'm happy to announce that I only left with an MPR magnet, and some MPR buttons. The MPR booth actually, has a story attached to it. A group of us wanted our photos taken, looking superior, since that's the connotation with listening to public radio. And some MPR employee offered to take our photo for their website, and she offered us a small whiteboard to write a message on. Our tongue-in-cheek message read "We are better than you," in reference to the snooty air associated with MPR. And this woman, she just did not get the joke. She actually seemed really uncomfortable taking the photo. I imagined that MPR employees must be the most stuck up of them all, but apparently I was wrong.

I wish I had some of the photos to post from our other fair exploits, but alas, I do not yet possess them. I don't consider myself a very photogenic person, but after viewing the photos, I'm very impressed. There are great photos of us eating the chocolate covered bacon, recreating a cow birth with a stuffed animal at the miracle of life barn, looking pretentious at the MPR booth, looking horrified at the Republican Party's misleading propaganda on health care reform. Just really fantastic photos, I'll be sure to post once I get a hold of them.

So yes, the fair was a grand success, as it tends to be. I had a single moment of revulsion, when I looked into my cheese curd tray and noticed that my cheese curds were swimming about in a layer of grease which layered the bottom portion of the tray. But then I remembered the fair food mantra: no guilt.

I ate them all.

Back

Hi folks, sorry for the blogging hiatus as of the past few weeks. I know I have a limited readership, so I can't say I was too sorry. For some reason or another, I have not been in the blogging mood lately. Plus, I've had to expend nearly all of my blogging creativity on the class "blog" for my Theories of Conflict course. If anyone wants to hear my opinions on the information age and how that relates to perspectivism, just let me know.

Life-wise, I've had a rather eventful 10 or so days. First off, my grandma passed away last weekend. But I'm not going to talk about that here.

Second off, as some may have noticed, I purchased a new car last week. It's a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which basically means it is diesel. It is "blue graphite metallic" in hue. I must say, it is fantastic. Of course, all cars are essentially only modes of transportation, they provide a very utilitarian function. It's fair to say though, that this Jetta provides more significantly more utiles of enjoyment per utilitarian function than my Oldsmobile Intrigue. Bottom line, it's fun to drive, and I could probably spend days dicking around with the power seats and the satellite radio.

Although the car doesn't produce the "smug" that a Toyota Prius would, it certainly produces some sort of pretentious emissions, thanks to the insane gas mileage. I need to get some sort of eco-friendly sticker to put in the window, so I can draw attention to that, and thus boost my middle class, urban, white person street-cred. A sticker of a smiling Earth giving a terrorist fist jab to Barack Obama would do.

Third off, along with a few friends, I put down a deposit for a season ticket plan at Target Field for next season. I think my enthusiasm for this should be made quite clear by this photo...



Yes folks, that is real grass. I know this is shocking to any baseball fan born in Minnesota in the last 28 years or so, but it's not plastic.

Before anyone gets too excited and starts soliciting me for tickets, be mindful that we're only purchasing a 20 game plan. And although first row seats behind home plate or club level seats would be nice, ours will be in the baseline wings of the upper deck. However, if all goes according to plan, we should have a fantastic view of the Minneapolis skyline...



That's all I've got.

Read.

Please read. I promise it's not political.

New Car

2L

Hello folks, sorry for the lack of content the past week or so. The last fleeting moments of summer consumed my spare time.

And just like that, the second year of law school has begun. Wednesday is a long day, actually my longest day, so it was only appropriate to start the year with a marathon. Evidence, two hours of Theories of Conflict, Constitutional Law II, and International Law. Fittingly, following my escapades abroad this summer, I had the distinct honor of being the first person called on in International Law. We are all now so much more informed on the principles of natural law. Great.

I actually don't have much of a problem with starting school again. I enjoy law school, and I'd have to say that my classes are quite interesting to me. Which is good, since I picked them all. So yes, good times will be had.



In other news, I am purchasing a new car. It is a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The "TDI" means it has a clean diesel engine; apparently, it is the 2009 Green Car of the Year. I'm excited to pick it up tomorrow. It has a sunroof, manual transmission, and an iPod hookup, plus the little added benefit of somewhere around 40 mpg with lower emissions. When the heat shield of my Intrigue literally fell off in the middle of the street last spring, I used my reason to determine that maybe it was on its way out. It will be nice to (presumably) not have to worry about parts falling off my car for a few years. Oh yes, and best of all, it's a kind of blue.

Get it?

Jazz puns aside, a final good luck and bon voyage to one of my Luther friends from Notts, who is shipping out tomorrow to teach English/drama in Kuwait for two years!

The Health Care "Debate"

Recently, I've been following, with equal parts distaste, horror, and amusement, the town hall "debates" over the proposed heath care reform. I really think its shocking.

A couple observations

First off, I think the faux-opposition to health care reform is being extremely disingenuous, if not downright dangerous. I think maybe the best example of this is courtesy of ex-Gov. Sarah Palin. She writes...

The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama’s “death panel” so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their “level of productivity in society,” whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil.

First off, any literate person with a brain inside of their head, will realize that this is incorrect, dishonest, and not grounded in any basis of reality. Read the bills. Of course, the problem is that many of the "average Americans" appearing at these town halls have little need for logic. They simply need a claim to spew their vitriol at.

What really is most frightening is this. Health care reform is arguably the most important social legislation since the 1960's. It deserves to have a healthy debate. However, it has been reduced to ranting, on both sides, due to the debate's devolution into nonexistent talking points. In order to help this, let me quickly dispel many of the outlandish rumors.

Rumor #1 - Obama is setting up a death panel

Aaron's Logical Response #1 - See above. This is insane. If we're talking about "death panels," and some bureaucrat controlling health care, how do you interpret insurance prior authorizations? A bureaucrat is authorizing your doctor to perform a procedure or prescribe a certain medicine. That sounds a lot more like a "death panel" than a non-mandatory counseling session about end of life care.

Rumor #2 - Obama is socializing health care

Aaron's Logical Response #2 - Health care is already socialized. It's called Medicare and Medicaid, and millions of retired Americans utilize it. Furthermore, there's this notion that Congress is turning the US health system into a version of Britain's NHS. This also, is untrue and unfounded. None of the current bills under consideration contain anything like this, being a one-payor system. The public option being discussed would only be another plan within the existing free-market system.

Rumor #3 - Obama will take away my insurance plan

Aaron's Logical Response #3 - I don't know how many times the dude can say it, but if you like your current plan, it can be kept. However, insurance companies will have to comply with new federal standards which will prohibit them from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. What a terrible idea that is.

What I think is the true shame of this "debate," is the fact that lost in all the craziness, is the fact that approximately 50 million Americans remain uninsured. That's 50 million people uninsured, in the wealthiest country in the world, where supposedly, we hold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as self-evident truths. And of course, if you watch cable news, or the town halls, they conveniently fail to adequately explore this plight. Oddly enough, it seems the loudest opponents of health care reform are those with nothing to lose either way - people with preexisting insurance. Now, I find it strange that people who already have coverage would be protesting against something that will in the end, help reduce their overall costs. It seems that ridiculous claims and fear-mongering will just do that to people.

Anyways, yes, 50 million uninsured people. People seem to be very concerned that now, taxpayers will be on the hook to pay for the public option. No one bothers to talk about how taxpayers are already subsidizing care for the uninsured. And as my nurse cousin-in-law pointed out to me tonight, the burden of caring for the uninsured is more costly than a hidden tax. He and my cousin (who, btw, recently gave birth to a baby boy), have already had to take a pay cut due to hospital expenses in caring for uninsured patients who cannot afford to pay their bills. The cost of caring for the uninsured also results in the closing of hospitals. Perversely, these hospitals are being forced to close for the simple act of caring for people.

Health care reform is not an option, it is a necessity. No one benefits from its devolution to comedy. So why are we doing this to ourselves? If I were a cynic, I would say the opposition is so vociferous for the simple reason that a defeat would deal a significant political blow to Pres. Obama and the Democratic majority. I suppose it makes sense, the Republican Party is in shambles, has lower approval ratings than the Democrats, and is faced with a competent and still reasonably well-liked president. It only makes sense politically to fervently oppose any Democratic initiative. Political sense maybe, but common sense? Is it actually reasonable to think that health care can continue as it is? I think not. Conveniently enough, aside from the aforementioned opposition, I haven't heard any Republican counter-proposal for health care reform, which leads me to infer that they have none. Which results in preservation of the status quo.

Let's do ourselves a favor, and demand an actual debate, not a masquerade filled with bullshit accusations, hyperbole, and misinformation. Furthermore, the central aspect of this debate should be those 50 million uninsured persons and the current unsustainable costs of health care. Anything less is a disservice.

Notice/Change of Direction

Hello folks. I am back in Minnesota now, with no upcoming trips to speak of to Seattle, England, or any other foreign place.

What that means for you, the remaining reader, is that this blog will transition from one reflecting my thoughts on living in a foreign country to one reflecting my thoughts on living in the USA. Any political/cultural/social objectivity that may have previously existed for the benefit of illuminating English quirks will now go by the wayside, so please be forewarned.

To emphasize that point, this blog will now reflect my own personal viewpoints, musings, philosophizing, and reviews. Just be aware.

For readers of my previous blog, be on the lookout for the ever popular "Album of the Week" feature!

Norwegian Thoughts

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SOME FANTASTIC IMAGES FROM NORWAY ON THE PHOTO SITE

Well folks, my return to the United States is looming. I thought I should probably wrap up my Norwegian adventure.

As a preliminary confession, I've listened to "Norwegian Wood" by The Beatles about 50 times in the past few days. That's on top of a Beatles heavy playlist in London.

I did have these delusions of grandeur that I would go into the Norwegian wilds to find myself and my heritage. That was admittedly grandiose, and I probably said it more for shock value than anything else. But legitimately, I did want to get a better sense of where I came from. I think I can at least say I accomplished that.

I didn't visit any long lost family, like many of the Minnesotans I've met were doing. I apparently wasn't even close to my ancestral lands, which I guess lie up near Trondheim in the north. However, I did get to see what the Norwegian landscape is like, so I think I got a good idea of what emigrants must have faced 150 years ago, when they decided to sail across the ocean. Like I mentioned before, I'm amazed at the shock they must have felt upon reaching the Plains. So I can at least appreciate that, among any other existential things I picked up.

Anything else I'd mention would be kind of pointless. As a final point, I'm glad I came here, and I think I found what I was looking for, whatever that was. Plus I'm coming home with a badass Norwegian hat and a new jacket. Seriously, this is the most glorious knitted hat you'll ever see.

Hope any readers have enjoyed following my English/Belgian/Norwegian adventures, I had a good time writing about them. It's always nice to be in Europe, I'll look forward to coming back, but on the other hand, it's going to be extremely satisfying to be back in the land of the free. It'll be great to have resealable packages, Summit EPA, baseball, and slightly less socialist government again.

That, and I'd kill for an American breakfast.

Oslo

Last night, I boarded a train in Bergen to travel through the night to the Norwegian capital. Let me just say, that night trains are probably fantastic, if you have a bed. It makes perfect sense, since you can both sleep and travel for the same price. However, if you simply have a regular seat, like I did, they are hellish. Especially if like me, you can't sleep in moving vehicles. In any event, I stumbled off the train this morning drooling with insomnia, weighed down by the three sacks of shit I've been lugging with me since Tuesday. I suppose I should take solace in the fact that if an emergency situation to arbitrate arose, I could immediately change into a full business suit, but right now that seems like a hollow victory. Thankfully, my hotel was close, and the receptionist took mercy on me, letting me check in 9 hours early. I promptly fell into a coma.

Maybe two hours later, I came back to life, and was on my way. If anyone wants a cheap (relatively) and centrally located hotel in Oslo, I would recommend the Thon Astoria, mainly because they have a free coffee machine.

Oslo is pretty much like every other big European city, distinguishable by the fact that it is in Norway, and not any other place. Which means a couple of things. It is expensive, it is consumed with shops selling crappy moose sweaters for far more than they're worth, everyone is multilingual, and hidden amongst the generic trappings of any big city, there are some really fantastic places.

I'm happy to say that I explored Oslo via every major channel of public transit - ferry, tram, bus, and underground. First off, I took the ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula. I got off at the wrong stop because I'm an idiot, so I had to take a local bus to get to the Vikingskipshuset (Viking Ship Museum). But I got there, and it was incredible.

The museum houses two almost perfectly preserved Viking ships built during the 9th century. That's right, two pristine wooden boats that are around 1,200 years old. I was just kind of floored by that. One of the ships was more of a royal pleasure craft, so it had the cliché serpent design at both ends of the bow, along with some incredible carvings. The other ship was an actual ocean going ship, so it was a bit larger and sturdier. In any event, it was really something. Kind of like the fjords, I can't really describe it. They have such intricate design, it's unbelievable to think they're so old. Needless to say, if I was a defenseless Anglo-Saxon and I saw one of those things sailing toward me, I would be scared shitless. Even as they are now, housed in a museum, the ships have a menacing tone about them.

The other highlights of my day included seeing all the Edvard Munch paintings at the Nasjonalmuseet-kunst, checking out a museum about the Norwegian Resistance during WWII, wandering the royal park, and finally making my way to the Vigelandsparken. The Vigelandsparken is pretty wild, it's this giant city park filled with sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. I'll post some photos eventually, they describe it better than I could in words. It was a little out there, but Norwegians seem to like that sort of thing.

After I got done at the Vigelandsparken, it was getting late, and I was about to die of hunger. So I did it. I went to McDonald's. I ate that damn burger and threw down that Coke faster than I think I've eaten anything in my life. I don't know if it was because I was starving, because I craved grade F beef, the fact that I wanted at least one photo for my McDonald's slideshow, or just because I was comforted by the familiarity, but there you have it. And as always, I walked out with this disgusting feeling about myself and battered pride. But at least I have the photo for my slideshow. That's all that matters.

I had planned to spend a leisurely evening in my hotel, packing, and having a beer or two. But as I quite awkwardly and quite publicly learned while attempting to check out at a grocery store, you can't buy booze past 6:00 PM on Saturday. Slightly dejected, I came back to the hotel, and have been availing myself of said free coffee machine all night. I thought about going to a café to have a beer, but I didn't really feel like dropping the requisite 60kr (approximately $9). That's okay though, coffee isn't bad.

So yes, Oslo. I would recommend a day, maybe a day and a half. This place is swarming with obese cruise ship tourists, so I've already felt a bit constricted on account of that. I'm glad I'm here, but if I was staying longer, I would get the hell out of here, and into the country first thing tomorrow morning...