Married To The Sea

In Depth Political Film Analysis

I was going to do this whole post about how the movie "Idiocracy" is becoming truer and truer, but instead I want you to watch one of the funniest SNL skits I've ever seen.

Evan Dando... Needs a Sandwich.

I went to see "The Lemonheads" last Saturday. They played at the fabulous 40 Watt, here in Athens. I got pseudo-put on the guest list, and was able to go for free along with one of the best Plus One's I could have picked to go. We had a blast, stayed sober, people watched, sang, etc.

Oh, how was the show? Was Evan Dando still a "hottie"? Not that great and No! One girl that we were talking to was like, "Of course, I'd still do him!" but he seemed really incoherent and strung out. He only played for 45 min or so, with some lame excuse that he "didn't really like long shows" I think he felt like these photos look. People were into it, cheering, singing along, and everything, but several songs just fell apart, he did all kinds of crazy psychedelic guitar solo feedback stuff (which may have sounded awesome to him) and then just took off. No encore, nothing. We looked over and the bassist, who looked just like Jack White, was talking to some people and putting his jacket on. Oh, well; show's over folks. If I had paid $30 for both of us to attend, I would have been upset. But it really was a great evening overall, and he was pretty entertaining when he was playing. He did "Drug Buddy", "The Outdoor Type" and a few other hits, but no "Shame About Ray", no "Mrs. Robinson", no "Stove".

It was interesting to see a guy do what he truly wanted to do though. He was performing for the music sake and for himself. If himself had been a little more sober/clean it may have been better for everyone, but the show did have some flashes of inspiration and emotion that were enjoyable.

Here's a little bit of the show: (quality=poor but I think you'll get the idea)

Rachel Ray I'm Not

bloodorangepoundcake, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I made a stab at a pound cake today... A little too done, and I used the receipe for a pound cake pan, not the bundt one that I used. So, it came out a little on the small side. One thing I definitely learned is that I miss the KitchenAid stand mixer. There really is no substitute for it; I think I'm going to have to get another one before too long. Every time I try a new technique or receipe I find something else I need, just like when I do a woodworking project... Hey, it's an excuse to go to the store, right??

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration

Pecan Crusted Chicken Inspiration, originally uploaded by Payneplace.

I pretty successfully adapted this entree for myself and the boys today. Green beans from a can, noodles from a bag, but the chicken was from scratch and delicious. I used the Kitchenaid chopper my Grandmother gave me for Christmas to finely chop the pecans for the crust - Henry and Will ate every bite of their chicken, and I have to admit it was awesome. I used this new technique I learned of pan frying with a little olive oil on the stove and then finishing in the same pan in a 450 degree oven. Crispy and golden brown chicken tenderloin... Yum-Mee!!

But I did let them watch cartoons while I made dinner, so I still have room for improvement in the Super Dad category.

Getting Out

I went to see these guys on Saturday, and they really surprised me. I thought I would like them, but they put on a great show. It's really nice to see a band come back; the hometown crowd was so in to them. I did feel a little bit like a spectator at a few points; watching the crowd sing songs word for word brought me back to when I was a young lad going to the 40 Watt to watch a band that meant the world to me. And it was good to see my friend, Zack, who is one of the bartenders at the Fabulous 40 Watt. He was very hospitable even though crazy busy.

Will - 20 Months

The best thing about Will right now is seeing his sense of humor develop. He'll do something then give that little sly look to make sure you're watching and give approval. He definitely knows when he's being cute. He also has that sweet quality of a baby still. For example, right before we go to bed, he says, "Nite Nite" He says it to me, and as we go towards the bedroom, blanket and milk in hand he says, "Nite Nite" to Henry until Henry says, "Good Night, Baby" or "Nite Nite" back to him. And he still lets me hold him for just a minute or two in the rocker while he sips his milk. Then, very un-babylike, he tries to get up and gestures towards the bed. Ready to make his own way into sleep. I'm really going to miss that minute or two soon, but I'm still holding on as long as I can.

It's a Bloc Party

It's 2:00am; I just got in from a comedy concert. And on the way home I realized that Bloc Party has been my mainstay since this whole crazy adventure got started way back in early March. If I was feeling boisterous and racuous or quiet and introspective, the boys of Bloc Party have been there for me. Whether to cheer me me on or to buoy me up, Silent Alarm has not left my CD player in the car for a moment. From Athens to South FLA to New Orleans and back, those boys have been there. Henry and Will love them. Henry requests, "Can we listen to Bloc Party, Daddy, the first song? Can we listen to it again?" And I'm like, "Of course we can. Of course" Will jams out and hams out in the backseat as the music lifts us up once again.

So, in short, Hooray for Bloc Party. Whatever the political climate, we'll vote for you.

Old Music Tuesday

I listened to another "upcoming artist" that sounded just like everybody else on 99x and was in the middle of being promised the new single from My Chemical Romance that, in the DJ's words, "Everybody seems to love". I love the sarcastic power pop corporate DJ's. How they know they've sold out, but still have to sit there and make believe they are above it all. And speaking of that, I wonder if Axel is secretly relieved to be back on afternoon drive time instead of doing the whole morning radio thing. Well, I didn't want to sit through some commercials just to hear the Romance boys, which I do kind of like, at least they are better than Panic At The Disco. Whew, talked about affected.
So, I switched to 96.1, and marveled at some original Brit-pop, Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits. Mark Knopfler's guitar is just amazing, so mellow and laid back, but complex. And you can just hear the swagger in his voice. Good times. Good times indeed.

Guster - This is a breath of fresh air

Well it's new release Tuesday... I'm not sure if the new Guster album, Ganging Up on the Sun comes out or not today, but it is impressive. I downloaded it tonight, and I'm already in love. They have always been one of my favorite bands that would appear in a Zach Braff movie, but this album is great. It got a 77 on Metacritic, which is damn good BTW. Satellite is my first favorite. Let me know and I'll burn you a copy. And I haven't forgot about that copy of Muse I was supposed to burn, Tony. Sorry.

PS - It actually came out on June 20th - OK, so I'm three months out of date... Sorry, I have been a little busy lately.

R.E.M.

On last week's New Release Tuesday, which I didn't blog about, IRS released And I Feel Fine, REM's hits from 1982-1987. I was excited about this, and still am. Also, you can catch three hit songs from their performance at their induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on Stereogum, which is an excellent music blog, BTW. I can't wait to get this disc and revel in the early glory of these Athens boys.

No Really... I like Blogger Better

Like Bananarama always says, "It's been a cruel... cruel summer.

So, I went to the doctor last week, and I've been diagnosed with SINGLE MAN'S DISEASE. Yes, it's true. My blood pressure, resting pulse rate, and weight are all up. Too much fast food and packaged dinners.

Well, tonight I struck back. Baked pork chops, black eyed peas, and a rice dish; all from scratch. AND, the boys and I all ate together at the same time... at the table. Whoo! Hoo!

Anybody taking bets on how long this will last.

Peace Out, I'm off to clean the kitchen.

Flip Floppery

Even with the recent MySpace outages due to the heat and power demands of the West Coast, I'm going to pretty much throw them all my traffic... What does that mean to the Payne Place Daily (The Sequel) readers??

Well, all 4 or 5 of you can click on my MySpace page

I don't like their blogging system that much, but I do like the way you can send out new post notifications, get feedback and comments easier, plus I really like the way you can (usually) find the music you are currently listening to and post that as well.

More to come... Thanks for your support

Robot Chicken: Dicks With Time Machines

What would happen if an idiot went back in time? Did I promise techno web-saavy goodness? Yes, I think I did. Actually I'm just figuring out how to use the bazillion tools out there to make your blog cool, but anyway, Enjoy.

Damn You Captain Crunch!!

If you love blasts from the past and current pop culture, you have to check out I-Mockery, and their blog I-Mockery Blabber.

Blue October, Hate Me Today... Man, does this song rock!! A little twisted, but then I've never beat a heroin/being crazy addiction.