You and Me Chasing Paper

Experiment.

2011-02-07T10:42:00.005-05:00

I never blog anymore. I kinda dislike Blogger, and as you can see, our template looks tired and the layout doesn't really work.

I'm experimenting with Tumblr. We'll see how this goes. Come visit.

http://chasingpaper.tumblr.com/

Top Albums of 2010.

2010-12-29T09:40:00.008-05:00

10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

I wrestled with what to put in this 10th spot. Other contenders included Band of Horses or Dr. Dog. Ultimately, I decided on The Suburbs, not because I enjoy the album that much, but because Arcade Fire at least attempted to sound differently. I was disappointed in this album- I think it's definitely too long, and I don't think commenting on suburbia is very novel, but I can't deny they are some good songs on it. I may not have listened to this album with any frequency this year, but if you were out in the world at all, you couldn't avoid it.

9. Best Coast - Crazy For You

True, Best Coast isn't particularly deep, but it's fun, poppy, catchy, etc. Between Best Coast and Sleigh Bells (and the semi-disappointing Corin Tucker Band album), I was glad to have some new girl rock.

8. Titus Andronicus - The Monitor

Titus Andronicus' 2nd album seems more mature to me than their debut, and the literary and historical themes lend weight to their anger and indignation. Thusly, I enjoy this album a good deal more than The Airing of Grievances. Plus, you have to admire a bunch of civil-war-loving punks.

7. Vampire Weekend - Contra

Vampire Weekend proves they're more than just a gimmick. It took me a while to get into this album, but it's just as good or better than their first. And I'm always impressed with how tight they are as a band.

6. Wolf Parade - Expo 86

Never was much of a Wolf Parade fan. Almost could say I actively disliked them. But holy hell, this is a good album. It's totally changed my mind about them.

5. Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt

I came into this album late in the year, but it immediately captivated me. Folky but not quiet or boring, it's a perfect winter soundtrack. Swede Kristian Matsson is not new to the music scene, just new to me. And what a lovely discovery.

4. Superchunk - Majesty Shredding

Superchunk took 9 years off after a mediocre 8th album, during which members fostered some of the most important indie rock of the past decade with Merge Records, then came back to record an excellent record that rivals some of their best. In a music scene overwrought with blippity blops, chillwave, and glo-fi bullsh*t, it's refreshing to hear a band with guitars just have fun and rock out. I also find it reassuring as I head further into my 30's, that just because they're older, doesn't mean they rock any less.

3. Sleigh Bells - Treats

Simultaneously loud, fuzzy, poppy, and fluffy, Sleigh Bells charted pretty new territory this year. They may have been much hyped over the year, but this is one instance where the hype is merited. I probably listened to this album more than any other this year.

2. The National - High Violet

I've always like The National, but never considered them a truly essential band. With High Violet, they've launched themselves into the top tier of indie rock that I love. This album refines what they're best at- moody rock without frills or whistles- and I find that quite refreshing.

1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

I am fully willing to forgive Kanye West's enormous ego if he keeps making albums like this. I really haven't been listening to much hip hop lately, but this album is good enough to shake my white-girl bias. Plus, he collaborates with Bon Iver in one of the year's most unlikely pairings. People would probably frown upon the amount that I sing some of these songs to Lucy.

Merry Christmas.

2010-12-21T09:18:00.002-05:00

We enjoy dressing our pets and babies up as Santa.

Happy holidays to you all.

On Vaccinations.

2010-11-18T08:31:00.002-05:00

Lucy went to her two month pediatrician appointment this week and got her first round of vaccinations. While I don't like watching my babe scream bloody murder as soon as she got stuck with a needle, I know these shots are important to keeping her healthy. But a lot of people don't have the same philosophy anymore, which I think is frustrating as hell.

In case you didn't see it, there was a compelling article on NPR this week about why we should vaccinate. Who can really argue with that?

Stop the Hate.

2010-11-01T12:54:00.002-04:00

It's been so long since I've posted, but most of you know that I've been busy taking care of our new addition, Little Miss Lucy. But the world doesn't stop just because I had a baby, and there are important things that we need to discuss.

Here in Bowling Green tomorrow, residents will be voting to keep two ordinances that prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, but also gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, HIV status, and physical appearance, among other things. These ordinances have caused quite a stir in our sleepy little town, and it is disheartening to see people are using hate to instill fear and get these ordinances defeated.

This campaign against non-discrimination has overlapped the unfortunate suicides of young people due to bullying, and it all is a painful reminder of how much hate still exists in this country. It makes me terribly sad to think that some day my daughter may face discrimination and intimidation just based on who she could become. I pray that when she's older, gay, lesbian, and transgendered people will find much more acceptance.

ONE Bowling Green has been doing a great job of dispelling myths and rallying support for the ordinances. I'm voting for 7905 and 7906 because I want my daughter to grow up in a city where people can't be discriminated against just because of who they love or how they choose to live.

Several of my Facebook friends posted the following video of the Gay Mens Chorus of LA for the It Gets Better campaign. I found it moving and it inspired me to get off my ass and write a blog post about something I care about. I hope on Wednesday I can wake up and be proud of the city I live in.

Destination Pavement.

2010-09-19T17:10:00.004-04:00

This past Thursday, Paul and I headed to Columbus to see Pavement play. We've been anticipating this show since their reunion was announced. We had previously purchased tickets to see them at Pitchfork in Chicago before this show was announced, then sold them once we found out they were coming to Ohio. I had long promised Paul that we would do whatever it takes to see this reunion, as they're his favorite band, so we were pretty invested in going.

Fast forward to nine days before my due date. I had my weekly doctor's appointment that morning and expected no real change from the week before. We were quite surprised to hear that things have progressed a lot in a week and I could now expect to go into labor at any point. We both purposely didn't ask the doc if she thought it was a good idea to drive 2 hours to go to a rock concert, because we both were convinced she'd say no. We spent most of Thursday hemming and hawing about what to do, not to mention battling our growing anxiety about labor being imminent. I decided I felt good and we should just go- that it was more likely that nothing would happen.

I am so glad we decided to go. The drive seemed quick and the venue was easy to find. There was a balcony where I could be away from the crowds of drunk fanboys. There were also some seats in the balcony with great views, however they were all taken when we arrived. I sensed a weak spot between two dudes, and just stood there and hovered until one of them offered up their seat. So, while it was strange to sit and sip water through and entire indie rock show, I was much more comfortable than I expected to be and I had a great view. All in all, the evening worked out beyond what I expected.

When they opened up with Shady Lane, I was totally pumped and sang along enthusiastically. Paul said his experience could only have been enhanced if they played Type Slowly. I am so grateful that we were able to have one last hurrah together before the kid arrived, especially with a band with both love so much.

Ikea + kitties = love.

2010-09-12T20:27:00.003-04:00

I heart this.

September? Really?

2010-09-03T11:56:00.002-04:00

So, it's September all of the sudden, which probably means I'm going to birth a child this month. And despite the months of months of lead up, that still strikes me as crazy at times. So, instead of thinking myself into a panicky mess about the responsibility of raising another human being, I'm creating a list of things I'm looking forward to when I'm no longer pregnant. (Also, lists are my best friend these days. I'm a list-making lunatic. Lists at work. Lists at home.)

1. Sleeping flat on my back. I kinda hate sleeping on my side, so I cheat and prop myself up with pillows and sleep half on my back. But I will be very grateful for when I don't have to feel guilty in the middle of the night when I wake up on my back. I don't even know if it matters that much, but everyone makes it sound like one of the most horrible things you can do to your unborn child.

2. Cold turkey sandwiches. You take these for granted until you start heating up every single piece of lunch meat you consume.

3. Beer. I was originally thinking I would save a pack of Oberon, because I've missed out on that all summer. But now I'm thinking I might just skip ahead to the Octoberfests. My plan is to drink one while watching a MSU football game, and I'm sure it will promptly make me want to fall asleep.

4. New jeans. I look forward to shopping in general (Forever 21, how I've missed you!), but I really, really am craving a new pair of jeans. I'm sure it'll take longer than I'd like for my ass to get back in shape, but once it does, I'm rewarding myself.

5. Sexy heels. I'm not much of a heel-wearer, and I'm sure my opportunities to wear shoes like these will diminish even further, but that doesn't stop me from wanting some. I keep seeing all these cute, sexy heels and platforms, and I want in, darn it! I've been wise enough to lay off and not tempt my unstable center of gravity these past many months, but now I'm starting to day dream about shoes. Other people do that, right?

6. My waist. I've missed you.

Mockingjay!

2010-08-18T20:41:00.004-04:00

My copy of Mockingjay, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy, arrived yesterday. (One day after I ordered it - I love Amazon Prime. Thanks, Mom.) I would love to celebrate with one of these delicious cocktails, but alas, I cannot. Please note, this also includes a drinking game, which I'm pretty sure would leave me schnockered by the end of it. Perhaps I'll make one for Halloween, and dress up like Katniss, which could be fun.

Anyway, happy reading to the three others I'm guessing have their hands on this book by now. Don't text me any spoilers!

Two-Headed Boy.

2010-08-16T09:40:00.003-04:00

The Swell Season covers Neutral Milk Hotel

The A.V. Club's Undercover series posted a particularly excellent video last week - The Swell Season covering Neutral Milk Hotel's "Two-Headed Boy". It's a pretty straight-forward cover, but one of the best of the series, I think.

Anyway, it was a perfect week for them to post this one, since we were on vacation with my family in Saugatuck, MI. The first time we went to Saugatuck, we listened to Neutral Milk Hotel pretty exclusively in our car all week, and so when we were headed back last weekend, we busted out In the Aeroplane Over the Sea again while driving. I'm pretty sure I'll always think of summer and sparkly water whenever I hear these songs...

July's From Plate to Palate.

2010-08-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

I don't know how I managed to forget posting this, but I had a recipe featured in From Plate to Palate in July's edition of Connotation Press. I submitted my Pistachio Cupcakes with Maple Cinnamon Frosting, which I adapted from my family's pistachio cake recipe. I've blogged about these cupcakes before, and I still think they're delicious, even if they're slightly messy. Anyway, since I mention my mom a lot in the recipe, today is an appropriate day to post, considering it's her birthday.

I was also very touched when Amanda wrote that a key lime pie I made was in one of her top 10 food moments. Wow! Again, it's my mom's recipe, so I owe it all to her.

I love you mom. I hope I grow up to be as good a baker as you some day.

Pacey-Con.

2010-07-27T14:46:00.003-04:00

Pacey-Con with Joshua Jackson from Joshua Jackson

Seriously? This is hilarious to me. I love Joshua Jackson for this. But I also hold a ridiculous fondness for Pacey Whitter, who was the real reason to watch Dawson's Creek. And I would have seriously knocked some heads if Joey ended up with anyone else, although I really don't think like to think about it anymore because I can't separate Joey from Katie Holmes now. Pacey would never end up with someone who was into Scientology.

2010-07-26T13:37:00.004-04:00

Today I read the news that came out of Comic-Con that Mark Ruffalo has been cast as The Hulk in Joss Whedon's Avengers film. I kind of really love Mark Ruffalo, particularly his mumbly stoner-vibe, so this news excites me. Also interesting? Jeremy Renner will also be in the movie, playing Hawkeye. This casting makes a bit of sense, because if you're a super-Whedon nerd like me you'll remember he played a critical part in an episode of Angel that explored Angel's backstory.

This is a lot of hotness crammed into one movie. I'm just excited to see Whedon mixing it up with bona fide movie stars. Bring on the snark!

Go see Inception.

2010-07-20T15:35:00.003-04:00

Paul and I went out to see Inception over the weekend, and it's definitely one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time. Even if I felt I only had the most tenuous grasp on what was happening while I was watching it. If you haven't seen it yet, go see it pronto, and stop reading the rest of this post.

I stumbled across this interesting analysis of the movie over at CHUD. (This is chock full of spoilers, obviously.) It's a completely plausible analysis of the movie, but I'm not sure if I fully buy the whole thing. I do know where I fall on the ending, however. Anyway, I know several of you saw the movie over the weekend and thought you would enjoy reading this.

Other random thoughts - Joseph Gordon Levitt looks good in a suit. His scenes were my favorite in the film, and for once I actually want to go out and buy the DVD and watch some making-of featurettes. This article gives a little background on one especially trippy scene, which was filmed how I was expected. When it seems like everything is green screen and 3D these days, it's quite refreshing to watch a film with almost old-fashioned visual effects.

Again, go see it pronto if you haven't already.

Jezzy, Jezzy...

2010-07-13T10:57:00.002-04:00

I just finished reading a really interesting article at Slate about the psuedo-feminist blog Jezebel, of which I am a daily reader. However, Jezebel has really been pissing me off lately with their treatment of motherhood and pregnancy and opinions about obesity and health. It's latest ridiculous post was an attack on The Daily Show about it's treatment toward women in the wake of hiring Olivia Munn. Because of the Slate piece, I won't link to the original post on Jezebel, but do know that the women at the Daily Show struck back and wrote an open letter.

This type of criticism is counterproductive and makes blogs just look bad, in my opinion. Why bother attacking The Daily Show when they're one of the few liberally-minded programs out there? Pick your battles better, ladies. Reading the Slate criticism of Jezebel really gave me some insight and is helping me dismiss them as just another interest-driven media outlet.

Emmy Love.

2010-07-08T13:18:00.003-04:00

Emmy nominations were announced today, and it seems like this year more than usual there are things to be pleased about. Things I was pleasantly surprised about:

The nominations of Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights for lead actor and actress - I'm currently loving the hell out of the 3rd season of this show, and it finally gets some recognition it deserves.
Christina Hendricks as Joan Mad Men for best supporting actress- She's my idol. Duh.
Chris Colfer getting nominated for playing Kurt in Glee - Glee scored tons of nominations, but this is my favorite and the biggest surprise. He seems like such a sweetie in real life. I just think he's awesome, both on and off the show.
Elizabeth Mitchell for guest starring on Lost - Juliet became one of my favorite parts of Lost, and it's nice to see her small contribution to this season recognized.
All the nominations for Modern Family. Again surprised to see so many people from this show nominated. Seriously, how am I supposed to pick b/t Cameron, Mitchell, and Phil for best supporting actor in a comedy? (My choice- Cameron).
Matthew Fox's first nomination for best actor for Lost - I wasn't always, but the last season made me a Jack fan. It's slightly ridiculous that Fox wasn't nominated before (how many times does Hugh Laurie need to be nominated?), but I'm glad it happened in the last season. I kinda hope it sweeps up, like the Sopranos did.

Of course, there's always room to bitch. If I could change things, OR , in a perfect world:

I was hope, hope, hoping Zach Gilford would get a supporting actor nomination for Friday Night Lights. True, the general public has no clue who this dude is, but the episode where his absent father was killed in Afghanistan was one of the best hours of television I've watched. Gilford absolutely killed it as a kid who's mourning a father he hates. It was one of the most complex depictions of grief I've seen. Luckily, "The Son" was nominated for writing, so at least it got recognized in some way.
I also really hoped Josh Holloway would get nominated for Lost. I also think he acted the hell out of this season and grew way past the dude who would insert snarky comments.
Delete Andre Braugher and Martin Short's nominations for best supporting actor in a drama, insert Zach Gilford and Josh Holloway. Hell, I'd even be fine with substituting John Slattery for Jorge Garcia- it's not like Roger had that much to do in the last season of Mad Men. Call it the "men who made me cry like a baby" effect.
In terms of dancing shows, Cat Deeley runs circles around Tom Bergeron as host.
I'll say it. Am I the only person who thought Community was more funny than The Office or 30 Rock this year?

You can see the full list of nominees here. Any thoughts of your own?

Catalog Living.

2010-07-03T12:24:00.001-04:00

"Elaine wasn’t about to let some hot flashes get in the way of balancing the checkbook with the abacus."

If you haven't checked out Catalog Living yet, go peruse it. It pokes fun at the ridiculousness of catalog staging and will give you a giggle. The above is a personal fave.

Those crazy Swedes...

2010-07-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

We're considering making the second of many trips to Ikea this weekend before their summer sale ends. The above is my Ikea name, if you were wondering. Find out yours at the Swedish Furniture Name Generator. Hee!

Gotta love Bittman.

2010-06-30T14:09:00.003-04:00

Mark Bittman has 101 things to grill in his NY Times column this week, just in time for the 4th of July. I'd like to try spice-rubbed carrots, grilled chicken parm, and strawberry and cherry tomato kebabs. And now I'm hungry.

Another thing I've been meaning to grill - store bought pound cake, with grilled berries for topping (courtesy of my mom's cooking class). Put the berries in a dish made of aluminum foil. I've heard angel food cake is delicious too.

New Songs; The Roots - "Hustla"

2010-06-27T10:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Paul and I were priming the future nursery and listening to the new Roots album. I immediately took notice when this song started playing, and it seem quite appropriate while prepping our 1st kid's room.

Perhaps it's not the most traditional hope for your offspring, but I appreciate the sentiment. So, baby girl, this song goes out to you.

Covers! Gaslight Anthem do Pearl Jam.

2010-06-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

This rules. "State of Love and Trust" was one of my most favorite Pearl Jam songs in high school. Rock. (How good was the Singles soundtrack, by the way?)

A buncha stuff I've been meaning to post.

2010-06-17T10:11:00.005-04:00

I'm lazy about posting. Catching up on stuff I've been meaning to share...

Time has an exclusive look at the new Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando. This is the best inside glimpse I've seen of the park so far. I cannot wait to visit. I want to get butterbeer, stroll Diagon's Alley, and definitely buy a wand!

In a follow-up to a previous post, the producers of Detroit 187 report that they're planning on shooting in Detroit. Studio and stage sets are being constructed in Highland Park. I consider this a positive sign for the series- it's only increasing my interest.

Top Chef D.C. started last night! I am saving it to watch for when Paul gets home, but am excited by the new setting. I've definitely done some good eating in D.C., and I'm curious if any chefs of restaurants I've eaten at will show up. (I'm particularly thinking of Jose Andres- I've eaten at 2 of his restaurants thanks to my good friend Kevin.) Anyway, EW catches up with several past contestants of Top Chef, who all appear to be gainfully employed and successful.

The first night of competition for So You Think You Can Dance was last night, and I'm so glad to have this show back! I'm not sure how I feel about the all-star format this year- if the competing dancers are weak in a genre, then so far it seems to be really obvious next to the all-stars. (Like anyone trying to dance ballroom with Pasha. That dude is redonkulous.) So far, I think it's a really strong field of men, while the women all have some performance issues they need to work on.

There was one standout piece from last night, courtesy of Wayne State grad Sonya Tayeh. While I think Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah is so overexposed, this was a lovely piece. Just maybe not the best dance in the history of dance, as the judges implied. But Alex is certainly one to beat, which would she have figured considering he already was a principle soloist with the Miami ballet.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2010-06-10T12:50:00.003-04:00

I skipped watching the MTV Movie Awards, so I just saw this clip today. I cannot wait for some more Harry Potter. I'm going to have to get a babysitter lined up for this one.

R.I.P., Rue McClanahan

2010-06-04T09:47:00.004-04:00

Another beloved Golden Girl has sadly passed away. While Blanche wasn't the snarkiest or the goofiest character on the show, she was a pretty unusual character to find on television in the late 80s. I came across this lovely tribute to Rue from Jezebel and thought I would share it with you all.

Also, the above clip is an interesting reminder of how progressive the show really was, featuring topics we're still debating 20-25 years later.

P.S. Dear Betty White, please stay safe and see your doctors regularly.

The Big Lost Post.

2010-05-26T15:08:00.002-04:00

If you follow me on Twitter, then you probably already know my initial reaction to Lost was disappointment. The finale seemed to be polarizing for sure, with my dear husband almost pissed off by the way it ended. I seem to be somewhere in the middle. I've given myself a few days to digest and process, and while I'm not feeling as negative about it as I originally was, it's not going to end up on my list of favorite TV episodes or finales.

So, to keep some positivity, why don't I start out listing the things I liked?

The Sawyer and Juliet reunion - While I liked when the couples remembered each other (except for Shannon and Sayid), this was the reunion I was waiting for. For me, Sawyer and Juliet were the real love story of Lost. Swoon.
Rose and Bernard - Hi! There you are. I'm glad you weren't just forgotten. I actually clapped when I found out it was them who sprung Desmond from the well.
Richard and Frank - Still alive! I thought they both deserved better deaths than they got, but they weren't actually dead in the first place.
The action sequence on the cliffs - When Jack took that running leap at FauxLocke and the show cut away, I got chills. I thought these scenes did a good job of ramping up the action and the tension during the finale, and I was even pumped that Kate was the one to officially do the Smoke Monster in. Go girl power.
Hurley as Island-protector - While I can't stand seeing Hugo cry, I love that Hurley ended up being so important to the overall story.

Some are upset about the lack of answers; I'm not sure if I'm one of them. I don't know if I need to know what caused the island to be special or how people got there in the first place. One theory I read online was that clearly the magic on the island is quite ancient - it might be possible that there's not anyone left who knows the whole story of the island. Did Jacob even know? There are certain things I would have liked to be clearer. What exactly would have happened if Jack didn't succeed at killing the smoke monster? Was the island really responsible for the overall fate of the world? And why couldn't women successfully bear children on the island? What was Charles Widmore's end game- was he good or bad? I do feel it was suggested we'd be getting many more answers than we actually did.

My biggest complaint about the finale, and the overall season, involves the sideways universe. I was completely annoyed when I realized it was some type of purgatory or holding space or afterlife, and that they all get to go to heaven together. I don't care. Why try to get the audience invested in characters that didn't actually exist, like Jack's son David? That feels cheap and manipulative to me. I understand Jack may have created him to work out his daddy issues, but I don't care, HE'S NOT REAL. Locke's second chance with Helen wasn't real? It's all annoying. I wanted to see at least a glimpse of Hurley and Ben protecting the island. I want to know what happened to those who got off the island. I don't care that they all got to hug each other in some non-denominational church and spend eternity together. It's schmaltzy and trite. This is Lost - don't we expect a little tragedy or angst?

The ONLY things I liked from this whole conclusion was the continuity that was shown. I do like that they expanded on the "Live together or die alone" theme. I like that they ended on Jack's eye closing. And I couldn't help but love that conversation between Locke and Ben outside the church, and that Ben doesn't feel he's ready for redemption yet. Some people have different complaints about the finale. They wonder where Michael and Walt were in the church, but I think it was pretty clear he was stuck on the island. I want to know where Charlie Hume and Ji-Yeon Kwan were. That stated that everyone that gathered in that church died at different times, but those kids don't get to see their parents in the afterlife? That just seems weird.

If you haven't seen it, there's a post making the rounds on the interwebs by someone who claims to be from Bad Robot. I doubt it's real, because there are some serious inconsistencies in things he mentions, but it's got interesting ideas in it. Matthew Fox said he knew that the end would always be a shot of Jack's eye closing, and he just hoped that it would be a good, redemptive death. Now that I can believe. And having never been a fan of Jack throughout the entire show, by the end of this finale season I liked him and was rooting for him. Which is something, I guess.

How will I think about the series as a whole from now on? I'm not sure, but I think my overall impression of the show is going to be diminished. If I can get past the finale, I'll probably remember the show as I've always thought about it - an uneven, near brilliant, and groundbreaking drama. With some of the best actors who have graced network television. Now that it's over, I'm going to miss these characters something fierce, and hope that Lost sweeps up in Emmy nominations.

I would really, really like to know what the rest of you thought...