Social identity

I continue to try to get caught up on the lectures for my online courses, and I continue to struggle! I’ll get there. That week in New Orleans really set me back, but ask me if I care! The good news is that my sleep schedule is getting back on track, I’m keeping up with my workouts (and I’m happy to have added weights back into the mix, after taking some time off because of a strained neck muscle), and I inexplicably managed to drop a few pounds over the past couple of weeks. I have no idea why, but I’ll take it!

Today I read the required articles for the Walking Dead course that I’m taking. This isn’t a course just about the show; it’s more like looking at a global disaster in terms of social, governmental, health, and ecological changes. They use the show as a backdrop and as examples, but it’s actually some pretty fascinating stuff. It’s also one reason I love the show so much, because it makes me think about how drastic the changes would be, in all aspects.

Anyway, this week's topic is about social identity, which is defined as a person’s sense of who they are based on their group membership(s). I found a couple of quotes from the articles really interesting:

“It is, however, important to recognize that sometimes we perceive ourselves primarily in terms of our relevant group memberships rather than as differentiated, unique individuals.”

“Self-stereotyping is a cognitive shift from perceiving oneself as unique and differentiated to perceiving oneself in terms of the attributes that characterize the group.”

This is really making me think. Ow! Haha! But seriously, this dovetails nicely with my recent entry about my paradigm shift. I wrote that when we categorize others, it’s way too easy to demonize them. It leads inevitably to an Us vs Them mentality. Is it possible to do that with ourselves? I think it is!

In the course of my life, I’ve found myself having a hard time being a part of any sort of insular group, or identifying with one particular group very strongly. I’ve never been a “joiner.” There have been times that I tried, but I always end up resenting the commitment. This is not the same as resenting the people involved with the group; I’ve made some long-term friends through some of these associations, and I continue to value those friendships.

I think it always bothered me to be lumped into a group, or to feel obligated to a group. I’m not deluded enough to think that I’m some sort of a rare flower; I have too many like-minded friends to think that I’m something special. But I’ve always had a certain sense of individuality, and a tendency to not want to “conform,” whatever that means. There have been many times when I haven’t quite fit in with others. I’ve always been driven to be at least a little bit beyond the norm. I wouldn’t call myself a rebel, Dottie, because I’ve led a very traditional life of Birth, School, Work, Death (not the last one for me...not yet!), but I think it’s fair to say that I’ve always been a little different. I’m cool with that. In fact, I wouldn’t want it any other way!

I wonder how that would play in a disaster, though? Would I still be that way when the number of people has dwindled so much that you have to depend on others for survival? Going back to the show, although Michonne spent a lot of time on her own, she has willingly joined the group. Several characters, including Daryl, have mentioned that it’s impossible to survive alone. Would I be able to set my loner attitude aside and become a fully integrated member of a group? I’d like to think so.

That was good food for thought today. Then my brain started to hurt, so I stopped. Heh.

Success!

I was able to get online right when presale tickets went on sale this morning, and scored front row seats for “Ghost Brothers.” Yeah, baby!

At this point, I don’t know if the people who did the soundtrack will be part of this tour, but if so, we’re talking Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, and...Elvis Costello (!!!). But even if it’s not them, I’ve loved John for many years, and I will enjoy hearing this music.

In the afternoon, I got an email from the Morris that said their presale would be tomorrow, so I got in on the pre-presale! That was because I follow Mellencamp on Twitter.

Then I messaged the guy who is doing the State Theater renovation, Drew, asking if they were doing a presale for Rocky Horror. He said yes, both via a website and at Brew Werks (housed in the State Theater building), but if I let him know how many tickets I wanted, he’d set them aside for me. How super cool is that?? Thanks, Drew!

You know, I’m kinda starting to dig this whole social media thing. I think it might have a future. haha Seriously, I love being involved with this stuff and getting early notice about things like this. People are amazingly cool about helping if you have a question, or reaching out to fans and offering them a little extra, a little early. For an unabashed fangirl like me, it can be a lot of fun. One of the coolest moments of my life was getting a shout-out from Peter Coyne, the lead singer of the Godfathers, in Chicago. He said hi to me—onstage!—and told the crowd that I was one of their biggest fans. He was right! I thought it was very sweet of him to do that, as well as sending me a t-shirt and a signed CD. I got to chat with him later and there is a picture out there of me sitting on his lap. :D I even got to dance with Del Bartle, the guitarist. Seriously, just super nice guys.

Anyway! I’ll stop gushing now, but it was a good day. Not just for entertainment purposes, either. After a chilly spell, we’re back up to 80°, and it was a beautiful, sunny day. After my workout, I had a wonderful afternoon listening to music and sunning myself on the deck. I love this time of year so much!

Do I need to turn down the happiness level a little bit? It’s at 11 at the moment.

Beth’s Music Moment: The Godfathers hit Chicago

I’ve written about the Godfathers several times before. In fact, I was planning on linking to the entries where I mentioned them, but there were a few too many to do that! I kinda dig these guys.

Anyway, they’re working on a new album, and they came over to the States for a quick tour this month. They hit a few places on the East coast, and a few places in the Midwest. They never leave out Chicago, so I got to see them again. The original date was planned for the 10th, but due to some visa issues, they had to reschedule a few dates, and the new Chicago date was this past Sunday, the 20th.

We headed up with Cousin Shane and Matt, had a fun, relaxing dinner at the Blue Line, right across from the Double Door, where the show was at. (This was in the Bucktown area of Chicago.) I had two Metrosexuals. They didn’t seem to mind. Ha! Actually, it was a delicious martooni using raspberry vodka and I think some cranberry juice or something. I don’t recall, but they were yummy! Good food at the Blue Line, with a nice atmosphere of Big Band and swing music (after the Blackhawk game was over, that is). I was a finger-poppin’ sugar baby and ready to get my rock on!

We made the long trek across the street to the Double Door and got to hear the opening band, Frosting. Quite good, and it turns out the guitarist is on hiatus from the Javelinas, who opened for the Godfathers at the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre show in 2009 at the Metro. Shane loved the Javelinas, and he and our friend Steve actually went up to Chicago to see them again a few weeks after that. But back to the Godfathers!

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Another superb show. I’ve seen them twice now, and they have an in-your-face energy and ferocity that is rarely duplicated. (In reading what other fans write on the Godfathers message board, especially those in Europe that have gotten to see them more often, this is par for the course. They are legendary for being one of the great live acts.) It’s no surprise...they’ve been at this for some time now, and I think their energy is even higher with working on their new album. Their original lineup consisted of two guitarists (that’s the lineup they had when I saw them two years ago), but they are both out of the band now, and replaced by Del Bartle, the guitarist from their pre-Godfathers incarnation as the Sid Presley Experience. I wondered how they’d sound with one guitarist, and I’m happy to say that they still kicked my ass!

I wish I had a setlist for you, but I decided to just experience and enjoy the show and not worry too much about documentation. They did the usual fare, like the fist-pumping anthems “Birth, School, Work, Death” and “Cause I Said So” (One of my personal favorites, because of the great line “And I don’t need no Ph.D, ‘cause I’m ten times smarter than you’ll ever be...’cause I said so!” That’s pure platinum, right there.), as well as the SPE song “Hup Two Three Four,” which I don’t believe they did when I saw them before. They included their new song “Back Into The Future,” and it’s a dandy. I’m looking forward to the new album. I was sitting up at the higher bar on the side of the place, but couldn’t sit up there forever, and had to go down by the stage. I even got a shout-out from Peter Coyne, the lead singer, as “here’s one of our biggest fans!” It’s true, it’s true!

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Peter has one of those huge voices that is just a monster. It’s hard to explain...a little rough and harsh, but smooth at the same time. I wouldn’t quite call it a whiskey-and-cigarettes voice (I think Janis Joplin had the market cornered on that), because it’s smoother than that, but it still packs a wallop. In “Cause I Said So,” he doesn’t so much sing the song as he bites chunks out of it and spits ‘em back out. I’m laughing as I write that, because that doesn’t sound very complimentary, but it very much is. Here is a great interview with Peter Coyne, and he mentions how much he and the band always loved the Ramones. I found that very interesting, because the Godfathers were definitely post-punk, but they still had (and have) much of the musical energy that was so fresh and new with punk. They are more straight-up rock and roll, but I can hear that punk influence in so many of their songs.

I’ve exchanged a few emails with Peter over the past couple of years, and one thing was about movies. They do a couple of instrumentals, “Gone to Texas” and “John Barry.” The former is a tribute to Ennio Morricone and his music from spaghetti westerns, and the latter a tribute to the late, great composer who penned much of the Bond movie music (there is some disagreement as to whether or not he wrote the James Bond theme). I wondered if they get into those movies in the UK, and Peter was like “Are you kidding?” haha He said they love Clint, and James Bond IS a British secret agent, after all...and the band loves ‘em their movies...”How do you think we got our name?” Clint and Bond and the Godfather movies...I guess cool is cool no matter where you live!

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I missed getting together with them after the show from a couple of years ago, but we remedied that this time! I spoke to Peter right after the show, and they were meeting up with people at a nearby bar called the Liar’s Club. We headed over there (great little hole-in-the-wall playing great punk music!) and the band showed up a bit later. I got to chat with them, especially Peter and Del. (I got to meet Grant Nicholas, the drummer, but didn’t chat with him...next time! Also Chris, Peter’s brother and the bass player, wasn’t able to make it over because of unresolved visa issues...again, next time!) Just super, super guys, nice as they could be. I honestly can’t imagine any other band being this accessible to and this friendly with their fans. It was a true pleasure to finally meet them, and I look forward to the next go-round! Thanks, guys—you’re the best!

If the Godfathers escaped you somehow (when I made a CD for Milwaukee Dan #1, he wondered, “How did I miss these guys?”), give ‘em a listen. I’d start with their most famous album, “Birth, School, Work, Death,” but they’re all good, and I’ll keep you posted about the new album. Check out another of my favorites, the driving “Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues.” Ahhhh, KICK IT!

A return to Nutwood

We're back! Wahoo! (Remember the fish?)

After a complimentary breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Corbin, Kentucky, we were on the road at 9:30. We made great time, especially since we didn't have to stop for lunch. (Crazy to have breakfast at the Holiday Inn? Crazy like a fox! It actually hit the spot and was a nice perk. We've also noticed that most hotel chains are now offering free wi-fi. They should--it's not that expensive, and most travelers want it now.)

We hugged the eastern curves of eastern Lexington, kissed the edge of western Cincinnati, and licked the outer rim of Indianapolis. Heh heh. All was smooth sailing, except for the occasional irritating driver, and some flashing lights behind us...those turned out to be for the little Echo that passed us a few minutes before. Ken was only going about 6 mph over the limit, so we would have been very surprised if the cop had been coming after us. It was a very good trip, and I hope you all enjoyed the updates and pictures (a few more to come). I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your comments and your input on things to do, or when some of you mentioned that you lived in places we'd stayed or driven through. I didn't know until Donna mentioned it that Corbin, Kentucky is the home of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken! I think it's sort of a neat communal experience to talk about places we've been and things we've seen and to find out that we have some of those things in common. Thank you all for joining me on our vacation, at least in virtual form. I enjoyed it, and I hope you did, too!

Sheeba has been very attentive since we got home, and I was happy to see our kitty! He doesn't stay away from us for very long, but I'm sure it won't be long before he's his usual inattentive self! (I kid..he's actually a very affectionate cat.) A very big thank you to Cousin Shane for taking good care, as always, of Sheeba!

When we started going through the piles of mail (another thanks to Shane for picking it up for us), I found out that I had two packages. The first was a beautifully decorated padded envelope, with my name and address in calligraphy, and red, white, and blue fireworks designs all over it. Inside was an equally beautiful box tied up with a beautiful ribbon, and inside that were several beautiful Bastille Day buttons from Diane and Cristina, friends of our friend David Dust! It was a veritable Russian nesting doll of a present, with multiple levels of beauty! I had won a random drawing on David's site, and the lovely ladies sent me the lovely package. They have an eBay store, so be sure to check it out! (They have postcards, Laurel!) Thank you, David, and thank you Diane and Cristina!

The other package had the return address of P. Coyne. OH BOY!

Do you remember when we went to see the Godfathers in Chicago for their first U.S. St. Valentine's Day Massacre show? Do you remember how disappointed I was that we missed the after-party to which we'd been invited? Do you remember that I had an email from Peter Coyne (the lead singer) saying that he was sorry we missed each other, that he'd looked for me in the SmartBar, and that he'd send me a T-shirt and a signed CD to make it all better? He remembered!

He included a note that says, "Hi Beth, As promised--better late than never. All the best to you and hubby! Peter Coyne X"

He also signed the CD, and I was just thrilled. Honestly, how cool is it that a band is so appreciative to their fans, and so accessible? Peter, you are a peach, and I couldn't be happier. Thank you! The really cool news is that they are working on a NEW ALBUM, and I hope that will result in another visit to the States in the next couple of years. I can hardly wait to hear their new effort. For Peter to take the time out from working on an album to send the shirt and CD to me really means a lot to me, and the Godfathers remain one of my all-time favorites. The fact that Peter is a genuinely nice guy is just the icing on the cake. What a nice welcome home!

Walking Talking Jerry Springer Blues

(With apologies to the Godfathers for paraphrasing their cool song "Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues.")

Having our folks over here on Wednesday reminded me of just how lucky I am to have a fairly normal family.

That might sound kind of funny, but believe me, I don't take it for granted. We certainly have our family problems and trials to bear, and everyone has to deal with a little drama at some point. I have relatives who have dealt with marital problems, financial problems, substance abuse problems, and health problems. But for the most part, my immediate family is fairly drama-free, and we're a very easy-going bunch. I don't argue with my parents, I don't argue with my sisters, and they don't argue with me. We're jam up and jelly tight, baby. Ken's family has been through some drama in the past, but they've weathered it. Now that his Mom and stepdad are here in town, I believe they're removed from the drama they've had to deal with in the past, and can settle in and enjoy a peaceful existence.

[A major sidebar here. On Wednesday, my Dad noticed the large silver platter atop our corner curio cabinet, and asked what it was. Ken explained that it was a trophy that his own father gave him, one that he won for his dog training skills. Dad was initially wondering about the silver content of the platter, but quickly learned that there is much more value there than the silver. Ken went out to the trunk--the one that belonged to his Dad--in the garage and brought in the Hollywood stills of his father's dog, Baron the German Shepherd. Baron was a legitimate movie star, starring with Gene Autry and playing the part of Bullet, Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' dog. There's one shot of Baron wearing a fedora and holding a cigarette in his mouth--it's so cool! I told Ken that I should get frames for those. A cool piece of memorabilia, and a nice tribute to Ken's Dad. I'm very sorry that I never got to meet his Dad, but I have a feeling I would have liked him very much. A brilliant engineer who worked at Fermilab? A big guy with an even bigger heart and a great sense of humor? Yeah, I think I would have enjoyed spending time with him! How much fun would it have been for all three of us to get into science discussions? It would have been a veritable geekfest! Ken told me once, "My Dad would love you. Your intelligence, your sense of humor...I know he'd love you." I am content with knowing that, and with hearing other family members say the same thing. They also have told me that he'd be proud of Ken's achievements, and very pleased to know that he is happy and content at last. End of sidebar.]

Since my family is fairly stable (My parents celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary tomorrow...how amazing is that?), it's always a little surprising to me to see drama and dysfunction in other families. I guess I'm naive, but I can only say that while I understand that there is a lot of dysfunction out there, I haven't had to deal with it much--and I'm grateful for that. My parents have always been the bedrock of my family--a long-lasting, happy relationship, and I've never seen them fight. I've seen them disagree, and I know that they've been irritated with each other, but I have never seen them fight. Call me crazy, but since that's been my example for almost 47 years, that's pretty much my ideal. For anyone who says that it can't be done, or that healthy relationships have to include fights, I suggest that you meet my parents and hear what they have to say about it. I think that 62 years speak for themselves, though!

The alternative to Stable Happy Family is Scary Dysfunctional Family, and I'm sure we've all seen the latter on various talk shows, or have had them as neighbors, or have maybe even been a part of one. For my gentle readers, I hope that is not the case, but SDF is definitely out there. Parents who have been through multiple divorces and marriages; philanderers; parents who show their kids that lying, bitterness, and hatred is the norm rather than an aberration and something to be avoided; parents who continue the same abysmal behavioral patterns that their own parents exhibited.

What's great is that I've known plenty of people who have broken the mold and have not continued in their own dysfunctional parents' footsteps. They've managed to learn a lesson in the midst of all the misery and have decided "I'm not going to be like that." They move forward, step away from such behavior, and do not let the dysfunction continue. To those folks, I say Good for you! and what an admirable thing to be able to break that cycle. I salute you! Unfortunately, there are also many who seem to revel in dysfunction, and that's where Jerry Springer has found his niche, much to our national shame. We've all known people who actually seem to get off on drama, and if there's none to be found, they'll create their own, even if it means lying in order to stir up trouble and emotions. What's really sad is that rather than breaking the chain of dysfunction (get the func out!), they choose to perpetuate it and pass it down to their offspring. 'Choose' is the key word there, because there is always a choice. How mental do you have to be to not care if you screw up your kids as much as your own parents screwed you up? That's definitely a case where the family "heirlooms" shouldn't be passed along.

I honestly believe that there is a certain mentality that loves to wallow in such unpleasantness, and feels that life isn't quite as spicy without a little drama. Call it Jerry Springer/White Trash Whore Syndrome. (Several years ago, I worked in a place where the secretary was seriously a white trash ho type...Cousin Shane and I wrote a song about her called "White Trash Whore," and we're still hoping that Shane might be able to retrieve it from an old hard drive. I recall it being quite hilarious!) I can laugh about it to a certain point, but there is also a tragic side. If someone has been through such tragedy and drama in their own childhood, wouldn't they realize their own problem and do whatever they could to keep their own neuroses from being passed on to their kids, rather than practically ensuring that the problem is perpetuated unto the next generation?

My parents did their best to give me a better life than what they had. They both came from very poor families, and life wasn't always easy for them. Despite some very rough times, especially in Mom's family, they chose to not let that define their lives, and created a very happy and long-lived relationship as well as a loving, stable, and happy home for us girls. I will always be grateful for that and for the example that they have set for me, my sisters, and virtually everyone who has encountered them. Happy 62nd Anniversary, Mom and Dad! (And don’t look for any of us on Jerry Springer anytime soon!)

*Random uncomfortable family photos via AwkwardFamilyPhotos, a truly hilarious site*

The four right chords can make me cry

That's a phrase from the Third Eye Blind song "Semi Charmed Life." Cousin Shane and I have always agreed that that phrase sums up very well how we feel about music, and how it affects us.

We all have different kinds of music that we love, but I think many of us can find common ground in a mutual love of music in general. No matter what kind of music we favor, there is someone out there who also appreciates it. And even if it's not our usual style, any music lover will somewhere, somehow, find a way to connect with another music lover. For example, I'm not a fan of modern country music, but I worship love and value Johnny Cash and his music. Anyone who enjoys modern country, but says they don't like Johnny Cash...well, all I can say is bring it on, because it looks like we've got us a rumble. Give the guy his due, and don't mess with the Man in Black. Seriously. But I digress.

I'm not sure how to explain some of my special music moments, but I'll try. Sometimes it's an entire song, sometimes it's a hook, sometimes it's a guitar solo, sometimes it's a phrase or two, sometimes it's a drum riff. Whatever it might be, the right combination can definitely bring a tear to my eye, and it's usually a tear of joy. It's those moments that stick in your mind, and every time you hear it, in your head you say, "Man, that is so cool!" So here, in no particular order, are a few of my special music moments. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Some of you may know exactly what I'm talking about in some of these songs. Some of you will have no clue, but maybe it will make you want to hear the song, if you're into this kind of music.

I've been listening to the Godfathers a lot lately, natch, so there are going to be a bunch here from their songs.

The second guitar solo in "Birth School Work Death." It makes me want to do a Pete Townsend windmill.

This spoken bit from their song "Tell Me Why": "I told her I loved her very much. I told her I loved her more than life itself. I told her...I told her I loved her more than I loved myself. And that's sayin' something."

The phrase "I have to hear your sweet voice, honey, breathing down the line" from their song "S.T.B." In fact, the name of my AOL journal was originally Breathing Down the Line.

From their song "Cause I Said So": "And I don't need no Ph.D., 'cause I'm ten times smarter than you'll ever be!"

In their song "Obsession," for most of the choruses Peter yells "no no no," but towards the end of the song, he yells "YES!" with a cool echo effect. I love that, and I yell it every time in my car!

Okay, I guess that's enough Godfathers, but man, I dig those cats! On to other bands, other songs.

The big huge drum riff in "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen.

In the B-52's song "Devil in my Car" when Cindy sings, "I've got the devil juice in my...CAAAAAARburetor!"

The fiddle in John Mellencamp's song "Paper In Fire."

The crescendo of Harry Connick, Jr.'s song "When My Heart Finds Christmas," when he sings, "MYYYYY heart told me once before, to find my dream and search no more!" I just have to throw my arms out dramatically and sing along. Yes, I really do.

The segue from the Cars' "Shoo Be Doo" into "Candy-O." The first song is kind of low key and sinister, lots of loopy synthesizer, Ric singing "Don't you tell me what to do" then Ric yells (again with the cool echo effect), "Don't tell me what to--tell me what to--tell me what to---" and the throbbing bass and synths of "Candy-O" kick in. Oh man, TURN IT UP!

The minor tone of the Police's "Message in a Bottle" and this stanza:

"Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw
Hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore
Seems I'm not alone in being alone
Hundred billion castaways, looking for a home."

When Chrissie Hynde sings "But I noticed his scent started to change somehow, his face went berserk and the veins bulged on his...brow" in "Up the Neck," and in "Tattooed Love Boys" when she speaks/sings, "Yeah, I shot my mouth off and you showed me what that hole was for." Chrissie's a bad girl! She's such a rock chick.

These lines from "Somebody Got Murdered" by the Clash: "Somebody got murdered, his name cannot be found. A small stain on the pavement, they'll rub it off the ground."

The way Jim Morrison's voice sounds all growly and tough and smooth and soft, all at the same time. And the way he sings "Try to set the night on...FIYAAAAAAH!"

"Ring of Fire." Is there a more perfect song?

It always makes me happy to sing along to Elvis's "Suspicious Minds." And "Viva Las Vegas," especially the big finish. There I go, throwing out my arms again.

The bassline and backbeat in Devo's "Going Under."

The lines "Levitating lovers in the secret stratosphere" in Blondie's song "(I am Always Touched by your Presence) Dear." Even the title of that song is ultra-cool.

The guitar in Dick Dale's "Misirlou."

I'd better stop, because this could get really long. What music moves you? Do you have certain songs, or bits and pieces, that you just can't get enough of? Do tell! Since I'm in such a rockin' mood, here's a live video of "Tattooed Love Boys." I also love it when she says, "Stop snivelin'!" towards the end.

A great Saturday, and there’s a lot of it left!

Today is turning out to be a most excellent day. It's sunny, a little warmer (although still far from balmy), and tonight I'm going to my first-ever hockey game! Notre Dame is playing Nebraska-Omaha in a best-of-three series for the playoffs. ND is ranked #2 in the nation in hockey, so this should be a fun game for my first time out. Although I've never followed hockey (even though I lived in North Dakota for five years...hockey to North Dakotans is like basketball to Hoosiers), I know enough about it so that I won't be entirely in the dark. Three periods, penalty shots, and so forth and so on...should be a good time! And I dedicate my good time at the hockey game to Donna of D's Design's who had surgery this week. Most of you know that Donna loves her Sabres! I'll be thinking of you, Donna, and sending good hockey vibes your way!

Ken and I just had a little discussion about moving. This was based on our friend Joann's comment about how Levi is going to be sorry he didn't marry Bristol, because he'll be left out when Sarah Palin becomes President in 2013. Ken said, "If that happens, I'm moving to Canada." I said, "I'll be right behind you. But how about Australia instead? It's warmer. I bet we'd have a lot of fun in Australia. Or maybe they'll have Mexico fixed by then, and we can move there." So thanks for the laugh, Joann! [grin]

Oh, before I forget, a few of you expressed concern about our neighbor. I had mentioned that it almost seems like he's watching for me when I go out to get the mail. I was just joking, because although it happened several times, I think it's just a coincidence. He's harmless, just a good ol' boy who likes to chat and sometimes even gossip a bit. He knows Ken and has talked to him quite a bit, and usually asks after him and his job. He knows quite a bit about the area and about our house--he knew the people who built it--and he's the one who told us about the iron bed frame out it the woods where a log cabin used to stand. (I thought I had a picture of it on this computer, but I don't. It's neat--it has a 12-inch diameter tree growing up through it.) So no worries about Dave the Neighbor, mates. He's not a bad guy!

And...I had an email this morning that made my day. Check this out:

Hi Beth,

Yeah - I'm real sorry too that we did not get the chance to meet up in person in Chicago, I was in the Smart Bar of The Metro for about an hour after the gig yakking away to whoever wanted to chat & I did look out for you!! Never mind, at least you enjoyed our 1st American Massacre by the sound of your email & MySpace comments. If you send me your mail address & t-shirt size I'll mail you a Godfathers t-shirt & a signed 'Hit By Hit' to make up for it - how's that for service?

Thanks always for your support - without people like you to play to we're nothing!!!

Best wishes to you & yours,

Peter Coyne.

I'm telling you, these guys are just the best. They don't just give lip service about how much they appreciate their fans. They really do. I thought that was so cool and so sweet of him. I'll have Ken take a picture of me in my T-shirt when I get it! A signed copy of the re-released "Hit By Hit." Oh boy oh boy oh boy! I'm as happy as a little rock 'n roll girl!

Mellow me

Last night this morning I stayed up until 5 AM. I knew that Ken and I would both be sleeping late today, and once I got my second wind, I probably could have stayed up until he got home. But I really was getting sleepy by that time, and headed off to bed. I suppose I got about 6 hours of sleep, so I know I'll sleep well tonight! If I can manage to get to bed before I hit my second wind, that is....

Believe it or not, I don't feel very wordy today. *gasp* I know! Nothing has pissed me off, no one has gotten under my skin, and it just seems a little too cold and snowy to get all "het up" about much of anything today. Tomorrow may be another day, but for now I'll just enjoy my mellow-to-the-point-of-coma state.

For those of you that read my Facebook stuff, I was finally able to get decent results with burning a couple of CDs, after getting quite irritated. This is the cover of the CD I made for me and Shane. I found the picture on the Godfathers website, and I added the text. I like it! In doing a little more online research for programs, I find that the preinstalled program on the desktop downstairs (NTI, I think) is supposed to be a very good one, so I think I need to give that one another try.

I doubt if we'll watch much of the Academy Awards tonight. I can't remember the last time I watched the whole thing. I'll read about the winners tomorrow, and I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures online of the dresses. That'll be good enough for me.

Man, I'm almost too mellow. Kind of scary, isn't it? Like waiting for the other shoe to fall. I need to find myself some righteous indignation tomorrow. But not tonight.

Caught on tape!

Remember when I said that Shane and I got knocked down by a guy at the concert...toppled like bowling pins? I didn't see this at first, but Shane said it DID get captured on one of these videos! It happens around :30, Ken moves in, and Shane and I are back up by :40. I'm totally cracking up that this is on YouTube!

So much for spring

As Milwaukee Dan #2 would say, "GYYAAAHHHH!"

Freakin' lake effect snow again last night and this morning. Ken took the truck because the roads looked bad enough, and I went out and tried to clear off some of the driveway before my dentist appointment. I was able to get out of the driveway, and back in, with no problems, but it was cold and windy and NOT what I wanted! Waaaah!

Okay, no more whine unless I serve some cheese with it. Tasty, tasty cheese.

One of my new Facebook friends is Tony, from the Godfathers message board. Today he put up a video from the St. Valentine's show of "I Want Everything," but I couldn't get it to play on Facebook. I sent him a note, and he said it's up on YouTube, too, so I went over there to check it out. Someone has posted several videos from the Chicago show, I've spent the past 20 minutes or so watching them. God, what a great show! What's really funny is that in some of them, you can see me, Ken, and Shane. Sam was right there by us, but I can't see him in the crowd.

We're right in front of the lead singer, right in front of the monitor, and you can see my white shirt and dark hair. Shane is just to my right, and you can tell that we were really diggin' the show! Ken is behind me in the white shirt, and he's a little more subdued. I wonder if I'll eventually see a video that shows when Shane and I got knocked down? I would totally crack up! In some of the videos that are up from late in the show, like "Birth, School, Work, Death," Ken has moved over to our right and is playing bodyguard to keep away the guy who knocked us down. And nope, we didn't get knocked down again.

Bless his heart...when I get caught up in the moment like that, I can be pretty oblivious. He's a good guy for watching out for me!

Here's the video. Can you spot us? What was that Monty Python skit? Spot the Loony. That sounds about right!

Playing catchup

I think I'm caught up on blogs for now. If I didn't comment, it's not because I didn't read, but even the short time we were gone made me get behind!

Well, in reading the Yahoo message board for the Godfathers, a guy from Detroit posted that there was indeed an after-party backstage. I was just heartsick about it last night, but like Ken said, there's not much more we could have done. Everyone we asked at the Metro seemed absolutely clueless (I think Ted might have put it better when he said they were idiots), and no help at all. I was really down about it last night, but I'm snapping out of it. It really was a great show, a chance to see one of my favorites...of course, it would have been even cooler to hang out with them a little bit! You know, the thing I think I hate the most about it is that I would have liked a chance to say thanks for coming to the States for one show, and thanks for all the great music over the years. Peter thanked the fans for their support, but I wanted to say thank you to them, too. I'll be sure to write and tell them so, because I think they would probably appreciate that. And who knows? Maybe they'll stick together for a while, and I'll get to see them again here in the States...or maybe even one day in London!

And you know what? If I do get to see them again, I'll freakin' kick in the backstage door if I have to! [grin]

Anyhoo...onward and upward!

I'm sorry to report that the Great Backyard Bird Count of 2009 was really a bust here at Nutwood. I counted again this afternoon, but the little bit of snow we got on Sunday melted today, and there is mostly bare ground out there. Very little action at the feeders. One bright spot was that our pair of red-shouldered hawks showed up, so I got to count them!

When I was working out today, I was reading Good Housekeeping, and there was a recipe for Harry Connick, Jr's Jambalaya. Harry, honey, if you're cookin', I'm eatin'! (Doesn't everyone love Harry?) It did get me hungry for some New Orleans food, so I'm just going to do a Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice with some sausage tonight, and make some cornbread. I'm thinking I'll try Harry's recipe, though. It calls for a little ham, and I don't think I've seen a Jambalaya recipe that calls for ham. Sounds pretty tasty and easy, and I think I just might have some chicken thighs down there in the freezer. HEY! Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to shout, but I just realized that I've got two big turkey thighs in the freezer that would work perfectly for that, and I know I've got some andouille sausage. I think I'll be making us some Jambalaya this week! Mardi Gras is coming up next week, so it seems like a good time to do some Cajun or Creole food. (Mmm, Shrimp Creole, there's an idea, too!)

Gee, do you think I'm hungry?

Am I getting too old for this?

Hell to the no! It was a freakin' blast!

There was one bad part, and I'll get that out of the way right off the bat. I was all excited about the after-party, and got confirmation from Peter that we all were "on the list." But when the show was over, no one knew anything about any after-party. We went downstairs to Smartbar, but it was just boring dance music, and the DJ told Ken that it was last Wednesday. Pfft. He was just making crap up. How do you have an after-party 4 days before the show? Ken tried one more time with a security guy at the Metro, and they told him that several other people had mentioned that they were also invited to a party afterwards, so I don't know what happened. Maybe I'll hear something on the message board or at their Myspace page.

So I was disappointed. It seems that the only thing massacred at the St. Valentine's Day Massacre show was my poor little heart. *sniff*

Being the glass-half-full kinda gal that I am, though, I decided to focus instead on what an awesome show it was! But I'm getting ahead of myself.

We had an uneventful trip on the way up, listening to Godfathers the whole way. Ken asked a little about them, when they were formed, etc., and what type of music they're considered. I said pretty much straight-up rock, but they're sort of post-punk...for me, they always had the energy punk and a bit of that punk anger, but were much more polished, and great musicians. As we came into the city, it was great to see the Chicago skyline again--it's been a while since we've been up there!

We got to the hotel with no problems (although traffic was heavy downtown), and had a little time to relax before we got ready for the show. Ken kept teasing me about running off with the band. Things like "Guess I'll be going home alone tomorrow" and "You should probably take a clean pair of underwear for when you take off with the band." He was cracking me up! We cabbed it over to the Cubby Bear, a famous sports bar right across from Wrigley Field. There we met up with Ted, the guy from Canada who came down just for this show. He turned out to be a really nice guy, and he'd never seen the band live, either! He figured this might be his only chance, so he went for it. We also met Cousin Shane and his friend Sam, and we all had a nice dinner (their food is pretty good for a sports bar--I had some very yummy crab cakes, and Ken had some mighty tasty filet mignons fixed three different ways) and a cool beverage or two.

It was finally time to head over to the Metro, and it was just a couple of blocks, so we walked. We were first in line, but the place didn't fill up for a while, so we had no problems getting right by the stage! It was so cool! The first band was so-so, but the second band, the Javelinas, were so good that Shane bought their two CDs online today! By the time they were done, the place was starting to fill up, and we staked out our frontstage spots in earnest. I wish I could remember their entire setlist, but I can't! It was the usual suspects, and I don't think there were any surprises in there. It was so much fun! I was right in front of the lead singer, and my neck is so sore today from looking UP almost the entire time, but it was worth it. He was looking quite natty in a suit and tie...very Godfather-ish, ha ha!

Only one incident, in which a guy got a little overly exuberant, fell into Shane, who fell into me...we both went down like a couple of bowling pins! No harm done, and we were back up and dancing right away. We were shouting along to "Birth School Work Death" and the very last song was the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop," so we shouted "Hey! Ho! Let's Go!" When was the last time I pogoed before last night? I honestly can't remember. I'm finally starting to get my voice back.

Peter sounded great--I'm not sure how old he is, I'd guess about our age, but the guy has got some pipes on him, let me tell ya. Not a real big guy, but a very powerful voice. Peter's brother Chris plays bass for them, but apparently there was some problem with him getting into the country, so there was someone filling in for him. It was a shame that Chris wasn't there, but the fill-in did fine. George Mazur plays a mean set of drums, and they have two guitarists, Kris Dollimore and Mike Gibson. Kris was always the "flashy" one, and he's an amazing guitarist, but I was really impressed by Mike last night. I didn't realize he was that good! Oh, and I did get to meet him. He came up behind me while the second band was playing, so I said hi and that I was really excited to hear them and so happy they were here! He said thanks, asked my name, seemed like a really nice guy.

The Godfathers had a reputation as being one of THE best live bands during the late 80's and early 90's, and I think it was well-deserved. I've been to many, many concerts, and this was absolutely one of the best, sound-wise and energy-wise. I know I'm biased, because I love them, but they were just fantastic.

After our fruitless attempts to find out what was going on with the after-party, we ended up next door at a bar called the Ginger Man and had a pint. We talked with a guy who lives on Route 66 and came up to see the show, and he invited us to come by and see him when we take our trip. Pretty cool! Shane drove us back to the hotel, and they headed home. We crashed, slept late, had breakfast at the Original Pancake House across the street, and hit the road. A quick trip, but a fun one. I told Shane last night, "Now if only the Clash would get back together." That's not going to happen, because Joe Strummer died in 2002, and you can't have the Clash without Joe Strummer. But I've gotten to see one of my all-time favorites, and I'm a happy (if exhausted) girl.

Where did the day go?

You didn't think you were going to get away without an entry from me, did you? Heh heh heh.

A low-key day, as I kept it quiet around here so Ken could sleep. He has to work a night shift tonight, doggone it, so I'm batchin' it tonight. That means it's indulgent movie night, and I was all stoked to watch "Pulp Fiction" again...and damned if we don't have that one on DVD! Of all the DVD's we've got stacked everywhere, that's not one of them. Grrr. So I had to come up with Plan B. I'll start off with the best of Christopher Walken from SNL (The Continental, anyone? Perhaps some fine French shahm-pahn-ya?), but then I had kind of a hard time deciding on a movie. I thought about "Bull Durham," and that's still a possibility as a second feature. "Road House" is always in play, but it hasn't been all that long since my last indulgent movie night where I watched that one. I thought about "Footloose," but I'm not in the mood for bad 80's music. I finally decided on "Dirty Dancing," and if that isn't an indulgent, guilty-pleasure movie, I don't know what is! I'm sure Ken will appreciate not having to watch it, too. I'm sure he would if I really wanted to, because you know...nobody puts Baby in a corner. (It had to be said.)

I think I'm all set for the St. Valentine's Day Massacre! The Godfathers show, that is. The white shirt/black vest combo was the definite favorite, with the black shirt also receiving a couple of votes. I actually got a couple votes for the ski suit, and one smart aleck voted for overalls! Ha ha! I actually DO have a pair, but the day I wear overalls to a rock concert is the day I'd like you to just shoot me in the head and be done with it. Thanks to everyone who played along and voted! It was harder to figure out a jacket to wear...I'm not hardcore enough to go without one (Chicago in February, people), but since we'll be standing for the show, I don't want a heavy one. I also need pockets for my stuff, because I won't carry a purse. I've decided on a windbreaker that has zippered pockets. It's not very rock and roll, but it's the best for what I need. We won't be outside for any length of time, I don't think, so I should be okay.

Got the CD's out that I want to take, removed the liner notes from a couple so I can get them signed, and got confirmation from Peter that me, Ken, Shane, and Sam are on the list for the after-party. Eeeeeexcellent. Also corresponded with a guy from the Yahoo group, and I hope it works out that we can meet up for dinner before the show. If not, he'll be at the party, too. Ted is flying down from Canada for one day, just for this show. Godfathers fans are hardcore, let me tell ya.

The bird count today was a bust. I didn't do it until the afternoon, so I wouldn't wake Ken with all my feeder-filling, and there just was not much action going on. I think it was a combination of being overcast and having no snow on the ground. With all the grass and plants exposed, there is plenty of food out there for them right now. I'll do it again on Monday, and I hope they'll be a little more cooperative!

Oh, and Ken is now the designated egg cooker, at least if we're going to eat them over easy (and that's our favorite way). We had breakfast for dinner last night, and although the eggs tasted fine and I didn't overcook them (well, not too much), they were just not pretty. You know those perfect over easy eggs where the whites get a little browned on the edges and are completely cooked, but the yolk is nice and runny? Yeah, well, those weren't mine. The whites sort of globbed up around the yolks, and those were some mighty ugly eggs, believe me. It all tasted good, though. We ate a pound of bacon. Mmm, bacon. I've decided I like baking it rather than frying it, and I think I'll cook it that way from now on.

Maybe more later!

Multimedia

This morning I had a message from the Godfathers over on my Myspace page. (They're the band from the 80's that I've always loved and they reunited and are playing in Chicago on Valentine's Day, for their traditional St. Valentine's Day Massacre show.) The note was from Peter, the lead singer, and he said that after the show at the Metro, they're going to have an after-party. He and maybe some of the other guys in the band will be DJ'ing, and there will be pizza and beer. He invited me and anyone who is with me--how awesome is that?! Free beer! Ha ha! Seriously, what a nice thing of them to do for their fans, and how cool to sort of hang out with them. I hope it works out that we can do that, but of course, I won't be the one driving. That is still to be determined, but it will probably be either Ken or Shane.

Okay, that's the music portion of our program, now on to TV/films.

Ken and I were rather disappointed that "My Own Worst Enemy" on NBC tanked and was canceled so quickly. We really like Christian Slater, and really liked the show. But things are looking up, as we seem to have found another one that we're both really digging: "Lie to Me," which is on Fox, right after "American Idol," and stars Tim Roth.

The premise is that this doctor (a psychologist, I guess, played by Roth) assists law enforcement in solving crimes with his expertise in body language. It's kind of an interesting area to me, and I enjoy reading things about body language and "tells." (That's big in poker, because everyone has a "tell.") For me, what really sells the show is Tim Roth. I don't know that much about him, other than that he's English, and I've liked him in everything in which I've seen him. I may not like his character, because he plays a lot of slimeballs, but I think he's a great actor. Quentin Tarentino does, too, and put him in "Reservoir Dogs" (as Mr. Orange) and "Pulp Fiction" (as Pumpkin, the robber in the opening scene).

I thought this was a good description of him: "With lean hangdog looks that make him a natural for the criminals and fringe dwellers he usually plays, Tim Roth has the uncanny and incredibly effective ability to make sleaze look sexy, or at least raggedly photogenic." (Rebecca Flint, All Movie Guide) I'd say that he has that sort of intensity that I always enjoy seeing in an actor. The show gives rise to some funny moments, too, when he reads his colleagues or they try to read him. Can you imagine working with or being around an expert on body language, where you know that every little muscle twitch or minute eyebrow movement is being noticed and analyzed? It would certainly make me feel self-conscious!

So if you get a chance, I hope you'll give it a try. I think it's interesting and a lot of fun, and I hope it does well. Hey, I just saw you raise your eyebrow! Does that mean you're interested? Or disdainful of my endorsement? You think the show will fail, don't you? You think I'm silly for liking it.

Yeah...I got your number. I've got you pegged. You can't fool me.

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!

HOLY CRAP! I'm on The Godfathers Yahoo group and just got the notice that they're bringing their reunion tour to the states.

YESSSSSS! [fist pump]

And as the lead singer promised me, they're coming to Chicago, and not just on any day...on Valentine's Day. It's a St. Valentine's Day Massacre show! And I get to go! I get to go! I'm not working, it's Valentine's Day, and oh yeah...I GET TO GO!!!

They're coming to your town, too, Dan. If you get a chance, I highly recommend them!

The American Return of The Godfathers

First US tour for nearly 20 years……

First ever Saint Valentine's Day Massacre show in the US!

THE GODFATHERS FEBRUARY 2009 US TOUR

Wednesday 11 Boston, MA-The Middle East

Thursday 12 Washington DC-9.30 Club

Friday 13 Cleveland, OH-The Grog Shop

Saturday 14 Chicago, IL-The Metro

Sunday 15 Minneapolis, MN-Seventh Street Entry

Monday 16 Milwaukee, WI-The Shank House

Wednesday 18 Hoboken, NJ-Maxwells

Thursday 19 Brooklyn, NY-The Bell House

Legendary English rock and roll band THE GODFATHERS explode back into the USA in 2009 with their first American tour in nearly 20 years. The tour includes a landmark Saint Valentine's Day Massacre show on Saturday 14th February at The Metro, appropriately in Chicago. This will be first ever Godfathers' Saint Valentine's Massacre show outside London since its inception in the notorious London Dungeon in the late eighties. The London Saint Valentine's Day Massacre shows have become legendary events in English rock'n'roll folklore and The Godfathers are delighted to stage the first American Massacre at The Metro. The tour kicks off on February 11th in Boston and then takes in Washington DC, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Hoboken before crash landing into the Bellhouse in Brookyln on Thursday 19th February.

I'm so excited, I'm shaking. I've been hoping they'd come to the states since they reunited last year, and I've been hearing rumors. I suppose I should back up a bit and say that The Godfathers are one of my favorite bands from the 80's, and although I've never had the privilege of seeing them live, I hear they're one of the best live bands you'd ever want to see. Here's the link to their biggest U.S. hit, "Birth School Work Death."

I went ahead and ordered 4 tickets--I'm hoping that Shane and a friend will be able to go, too. I'm as happy as a little girl! As Mark would say, Love and Rockets, man, Love and Rockets!

Update

I sent an email to Peter, the lead singer, saying that I was thrilled to hear about the show, and asking if I brought a CD, would there be a chance that he'd sign it? He wrote back:

Of course I'll sign your CD!!

Looking forward to meeting up and pressing the flesh in person!!!

Saint Valentine's Day at The Metro is going to be a blast!!!!

AWESOME! He went on to wish me and my family a merry Christmas and happy new year. How cool is that?! Isn't it neat when people really appreciate their fans?