Notes from a Genius

Last Saturday, when I went to Iron and Wine at the State Theatre with Vanessa, we happened to meet up with a couple friends of hers, Ashley and Rory (who were both apparently at Vanessa's wedding back in September, but I don't remember meeting, at all). This is only relevant a week or so later, because Rory and I became friends on Facebook (yes, I found her first, but only because she seemed really cool and I wanted to get a chance to talk to her again). We exchanged numbers and then chatted about our love for music, decided we needed to do some trading of music. I also told her about the upcoming show at Port City Music Hall. Ra Ra Riot, Friday night. I asked her if she wanted to go with me because I was definitely going and I thought it'd be a great opportunity for us to talk some more. So, Friday, we met up and went to a fun, high-energy show. They put on an amazing live show. I love any bands ability to incorporate violin and cello into their songs, and many of them wer

On Wednesday I spent 5 hours in the chair, under the needle (the tattoo needle, that is). It's been well over a year and a half, probably longer, since my last tattoo appointment. In fact, it had been so long that my tattoo artist actually called me back in October to set up an appointment because he missed me! He was booked solid until May, so I decided to make the appointment (and 2 more in consecutive months, so that we could start and hopefully finish the piece I've been dying to get in quick succession). I found this beautiful Alex Grey (he does all of Tool's most recent artwork, and his own pieces as well) painting which spoke to me and was very inspiration the first time I saw it. And, I knew I wanted to get it as a tattoo. I also wanted to incorporate lyrics to my favorite Tool song, "Lateralus" in the tattoo. Reaching out to embrace the random. Reaching out to embrace whatever may come. I embrace my desire to feel the rhythm, to feel connected to fee

Film 143 "Crazylove" starring: Nobody worth mentioning, but maybe you know them from TV (Reiko Aylesworth from "24" and Bruno Campos from "Jesse" that Christina Applegate sitcom from the early '00s) I was disappointed with this film after about a half-hour, because it becomes another film mishandling mental illness. What is with the trend of these films lately? I know that mental illness/health has become a rather open topic of discussion through the past decade or so, but I haven't really seen a film treat mental illness with "seriousness" since really "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Jack Nicholson was absolute stellar in that performance. I consider that more of a drama and really touched everything about mental illness almost perfectly. Mental illness has become a staple subject of comedies and really there isn't too much funny about most mental illnesses, especially if you've lived through one, in one for

I went to see Iron and Wine last night, at the State Theatre. YES! Another concert. Keep them coming, I say. If Portland is going to continue bringing great acts to the state of Maine, I will spend my money. I saw Iron and Wine a couple of years ago, too, but this show was absolutely the better of the two shows. He had 3 back-up singers, 3 string instrument players, 2 sax players and a trumpet player accompanying him last night, which just made the show even better. I went with my dear friend, Vanessa. We went to Sapporo's for sushi before the show. I had vegetable sushi, so does that still count as sushi? I think so. Something about the  feel of slimy, cold, uncooked seafood doesn't sit well in my mouth, throat, or stomach. Until I get over that, I'm happy with the cucumber and asparagus sushi rolls. Yum! Yes, Vanessa and I may seem to do a lot together, but I must reiterate that we are only great friends. Always have been. Always will be (I can hope). We've known ea

Sunday's festivities were fantastic, after my graduation party/gathering (where I had about 10 people come through the revolving door to have some fun and share some food and conversation). I had an excellent playlist of music that played as the soundtrack to the gathering with everything from some punk bands covering 80s tunes to some classic rock n roll and indie favorites (re: Neutral Milk Hotel). Several friends, new and old, stopped by to congratulate me on finishing my Master's Degree. I think I had grand(er) illusions in my head of what I wanted the party to look like, but overall I was satisfied with the turnout. I hope I can invite/have people over again, because I'm really enjoying the new arrangement of my apartment (which I did specifically for this party). After 7 months, it's finally feeling more like home. It helped to separate a bedroom from the living room. Anyway, Sunday, my good friend Deanna (aka Mother of Five) was having a "surprise" ge

Not sure how I feel about this poem. I originally wrote it in 2005, when I was with my first girlfriend. I've reworked it several times. Death By Stereo A Long Drive and One Song Played, Continuously Your concentration shifts From the scene Outside the window Of snow-covered trees and things To words being sung Through the car speakers Fog has dressed the windows My hand in yours Gripping you tight Like the pillow I grasp at night Afraid I've already lost you Your hand is on the door We've arrived at our destination The porch lights stand Like armed guards at attention When you look in my direction Your green eyes penetrate my soul Like the lyrics to my favorite song Played for you, continuously On the long drive home The front door to your fortress Acts like a barricade I will not be granted permission to enter Your king and queen have kept it locked From peasant intruders As the song repeats, again I ask what you think "It's b

What a great few days I've had. Like I stated before, I went to see Silversun Pickups last Tuesday night at the State Theatre and it was absolutely one of the best rock shows I've seen in awhile. Friday night I took a trip down to Boston with my friend Chris and his girlfriend Sarah. We went to see the Airborne Toxic Event at the House of Blues. It was a game night for the Red Sox, so of course the city was packed and traffic and parking was horrendous. But alas, we made it done and went to Boston Beer Works for dinner. Airborne Toxic Event put on another one of the best shows I've seen. It rivaled Silversun Pickups, for sure. They played a plethora from all three albums, but I think the highlight of the night was during "Something New" the singer climbed up the speakers and walked along the pipes in front of the mezzanine and sang 2 songs from the "rafters." It was intense and I want to say completely adrenaline-based. I hope he didn't feel compel