Don't be sad

Words to live by from yours truly...

2009-11-07T23:33:33Z

I'm not a drunk- I'm a booze enthusiast. Live it, love it.

Love is a temple, love the higher law...

2009-09-05T01:53:06Z

I miss the days when "One" was a song about romantic love and not some political and humanitarian anthem. When I listen to it in the comfort of my car, I feel all wistful and I get this sense of longing in my heart, but when I think about hearing it live, I can only think of humanitarian rights and such. There's nothing wrong with that, but I just miss the original "one".

PLEASE LEARN TO HELP YOURSELF IN LIFE.

2009-08-26T00:07:04Z

How you gonna top yourself when there is nobody else? How you gonna do it by yourself cuz I'm not gonna be here to help you? How you gonna do it alone when I don't pick up my phone? I'd love to give a dog a bone, but I'm not gonna stick around to help you.

Sacrifice

2009-07-21T22:46:31Z

I think I finally understand the meaning of the word "sacrifice". I mean, I really get it. It's when you're willing to give up or take on something you never thought you would without any retribution so that someone you love and care for so deeply can have what they truly want, need and deserve.

Meeting U2

2009-07-12T20:23:58Z

So this is pretty long and if you don't care that I met Bono, don't bother reading. He's my idol, so this is pretty detailed haha!  Also, please forgive any major errors in spelling or grammar...I finished it on the plane to AZ and haven't really taken a second look at it! Posting this for Cara mostly and anyone else who cares!

I keep putting off writing up my encounter with U2 because I can’t collect my thoughts, let alone put them together in some sort of coherent form. Hell, I can’t even listen to the band while writing this because my mind tends to wander to a better place when U2’s music plays. Sidenote, I’m listening to a group called
Little Comets- you should check them out. They’re ab-fab. Anyway, on with the show.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending Night Two in Chicago of U2 3 Nights Live on Tuesday, March 10th, 2009. As a lifelong U2 fan, I never thought an opportunity like this would come my way. Last week, if someone told me I would be sitting an extremely intimate two feet from Bono, I would have passed out. If someone told me I would be holding a conversation with Bono, I would have died. Heart failure. Seriously.

First, a bit of back-story. WLUM, my employer, received five pairs of passes to the event, but of course I couldn’t get my grubby little hands on them. I was forced to find another avenue for tickets. I listened to three different stations in an attempt to get in, but to no avail. By Sunday, March 8th, I came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t going to be seeing my all-time favorite band in person. I should have assumed this would happen- it’s not the first time I’ve been screwed when it came to U2. Alissa and Emily, dear loving sisters of mine, I’m looking at you/Elevation tour. Getting your hands on one out of one hundred tickets is pretty damn near impossible.   But not as impossible as I thought.

Through the kindness of two strangers Shannon and Summer (one not so much of a stranger), I was given one ticket to attend the event. Sheer luck. That’s exactly what it was. Kindness and luck.

The day started out painfully slow. I had to work from 7am-2pm, and when I was finally done, it was off to Chicago! I knew I had to meet at the Hotel Rafaello before 5:30pm, so if I hit any major traffic, I would be in trouble. Of course, things couldn’t possibly go my way, and half of my trip consisted of extremely thick fog. Thanks, God. No really, it made the whole experience even more worth it.

I arrived at our meeting point before Shannon, so I just sat and chatted with the other U2 fans there- I met some pretty amazing people, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from a fan of the band. We’re all that awesome. Finally, around 5:15, the time for us to sign in and board the buses arrived.

We got our wristbands (the best bit of paper I’ve ever had wrapped around my wrist) and got on bus #1- sure we were in the back, but hey, there were hell of a lot more people stuck behind us on the other bus.   As we boarded, I saw one lone seat at the front of the bus, and my first thought was “I need to sit here so that I can get front and center at the club”, but I didn’t want to be without my group, so I passed it up and headed to the second to the last row on the bus. The entire ride to the club, I regretted my decision. I was panicking- realizing how many people were actually ahead of me and were going to get up front before me. I immediately felt my chances of getting close to any of the band were lost.

We arrived at the Metro on schedule and you could see, hear and feel the excitement among the group going into the club, the slew of fans hanging outside the club waiting for a glimpse of Bono and co and even the employees, police officers and news crews. Everyone was buzzing with the anticipation that U2 would soon be there.

Walking up into the Metro was ridiculous- I felt like a teenager at a concert trying to get on the rail- come hell or high water, I wanted to be as close to the front as I could. Sure enough, there was a spot just behind some super skinny girl, and I snagged it- the only downside was that it was on the opposite side from Shirley Manson, host of the event. I was sure Bono would be sitting next to her doing all the talking. The worst part was that I had 2 more hours to sit and stew about how I wouldn’t be close to Bono and be able to touch him. Yeah, I said it. I wanted to touch him.

After standing in the heat for two hours, FINALLY Shirley came out and announced that the band would be coming out very soon. Let it be known that Shirley Manson, at age 42, is STILL the HBIC. Anyway, Bono walked out first and shook hands with everyone. I touched him, so at that point, I figured I could die happy. Pleased with my experience already, I didn’t care how far from me Bono sat. And then, as if the heavens opened up with angels singing, Bono sat down right in front of me. If I were to reach out my hand at that exact moment, I could have touched him. I even seriously considered it. How awesome would it have been to be the girl who got kicked out of the Metro for groping Bono’s boot? Thank God rationality won out.

The whole theme of the night was “Favorite Songs”, so the boys each took turns talking about the songs that influenced them the most. Mentions of The Ramones, Airborne Toxic Event and Van Morrison made for a very interesting night. After Shirley and the band would finish talking about the songs, they would air them on the radio. Once the station was off the air, the fans had a chance to chat with the boys. I figured that since I could barely control myself and hold myself back from ravaging Bono’s boot, I should probably keep my mouth shut. I left the questions to the other fans in the room. Bad idea.

A lot of people were asking what I considered to be the most asinine questions you could think of. Why, oh why, would you waste your only opportunity to EVER speak to this band in such a personal and intimate forum on questions like “what’s your favorite song?” and “where do you get your sunglasses?” I don’t understand! It was slightly irritating, but I wasn’t one to judge when I was pretty convinced that had I opened my mouth, a marriage proposal to any of the band members would come rushing out.

After an interesting and extremely entertaining hour, we were nearing the end of our journey with U2. Bono spoke about the final song, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and then treated the audience to an impromptu sing-along from him. I couldn’t believe Bono was less than 2 feet from me singing one of the best songs ever written.

I was still irritated with the level of questions being asked, and Shirley said that there was really only time for one more question. I started to sweat profusely. Why? Because I’m a freakshow, I don’t know! Probably because I was panicking with the realization that this was my last chance. Last chance to have any interaction EVER with the one band that stuck with me through my childhood, teenage angst and beginning of my adulthood. Last chance to work my womanly charms on whichever band member was most receptive. (I guess I’ve still got some of that 10 year old girl in me). So at the very last second, amidst one of the only moments of silence during the night, I said, “Bono, I have a question about the song ‘White As Snow’ on the new album.” He looked right at me and said, “Shirley, this young lady has a question that I’d like to hear.”

Unfortunately for me, I didn’t actually have a real question lined up. I had thoughts swirling around in my head, but nothing concrete. If I remember correctly, some of those thoughts were “Oh dear God. I have nothing to say. Oh god. Don’t pass out. Don’t cry. Keep it together, Sando!” So Bono held out his microphone to me, leaning towards me and getting all up in my personal space. I made a joke about not touching his microphone since Shirley wouldn’t let anyone touch hers, and he said, “Oh, you can touch my microphone.” I’m lucky I didn’t pass out right there.

I giggled nervously and started talking, just letting whatever was in my head flow out into the mic. Potentially very dangerous.

Me: You guys have a song on the new record called “White As Snow” which uses the original composition of “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Your arrangement of the song is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard, and the lyrics are absolutely phenomenal, and it’s easily one of the best songs the band has ever written. Was this something you’ve always wanted to do for love of the song or was it something you were inspired to do while in the midst of recording the new album?

Bono looked at me like I was nuts. Like nothing I said made sense. I was sure that my voice was shaking as much as my hands were, and I hoped I wasn’t sweating as much as I thought I was. During the silence, all I could hear was the blood being pumped through my body. It was deafening. Finally, he answered back.
Bono: Are you a musician?

Me: No. I played piano when I was younger, but I suck now. <insert chuckles from band and crowd>

Bono: Are you a writer?

Me: Nope!

Bono: Hmmm…do you blog? You should blog. I can just tell someday you’re going to be a writer.

Me: *jaw drops* um okay!

Bono: Are you sure you’re not in this industry? You’d fit in well. Seriously, you’re one smart cookie. What a great question. That’s one of the best, I think.

At this point, he looked at the other guys who all nodded in agreement. I even heard the Edge say “Yeah, it was really great!” Then, to my ultimate surprise, Adam, wonderful bassist Adam, was recording me on his iPhone! I was being forever immortalized on U2’s iPhone! OK, so maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I was pretty shocked to see him recording me.

Bono started answering the question, and honestly, I was so focused on not passing out that it took me a good 3 days to actually remember what his answer was. But even now, I still don’t think I caught the whole thing. Remember, I’m an uber-fan.

So after he got the signal to wrap up his answer so Shirley could come back on the air and end the broadcast, everyone applauded and he came really close to me and said “Thank you for that question. It was really fantastic. One of the best we’ve ever gotten.” I don’t know if he was trying to flatter me or what, because I didn’t think it was all that great, but I was about ready to jump for joy. The only response I could muster through my shock was “Well, it’s a fantastic song! Thank YOU!” and he smiled and sat back down.

After Shirley wrapped up the broadcast, she mentioned that the guys were going to stick around and sign some autographs, but as far as I was concerned, and as cheesy as this sounds, I didn’t need them to sign anything. I literally got an autograph on my soul. I was about to back away and head to the bar so other fans could get up close, but before I had a chance, Bono put down his microphone, stood up and walked right to me, grabbing BOTH of my hands (after getting all up in my personal space again) and thanked me for my question. He told me that he wanted me to take what he said seriously, that “someday, I’ll be reading your stuff. I know it. I can feel it.” And at that, he squeezed my hands and moved on to greet his other fans.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but I don’t feel like I’m the same person I was before I met U2. One of my life goals, since I was a little girl, was to meet them and get the chance to talk to them. Up until that night, I had only ever been one of 24,000 screaming fans, singing at the top of my lungs at their shows. I’ve dreamt about this encounter- what would it be like when I finally met U2? And this was a million times better. After the shitstorm of a year I’d had- losing my job, getting into three car accidents and battling severe and depressing back pain, this made all of it worth it. Everything I went through up until that night didn’t matter. It didn’t. and to someone who isn’t a U2 fan, they probably wouldn’t get it. If you don’t understand the effect this band can have on a person. Their music gives me hope. And even if nothing comes of this experience, even if I never become that writer Bono told me he saw me becoming, I’ll always have March 10th, 2009.

Some phenomenal tennis...

2009-06-03T22:08:38Z

Roger! Come ON! That was so fantastic!!!!!!!

If he keeps playing like this, he'll breeze to the finals and take that shit home like he bought it at the store.

LOVE YOU!!

My prediction? Federer def. Gonzalez in 4 sets.

And you can dream, so dream out loud...

2009-05-10T18:43:30Z

Happy 49th birthday, Mr. Paul David Hewson! You are still a sexy beast and you're a wonderful person, and don't let the bastards grind you down!!

hard2explain8 @ 2009-02-02T16:48:00

2009-02-02T22:50:06Z

I'm at my dad's in Minneapolis for the week, and he has a new 50,000 inch HD TV with some channel called PAlladia..and it's showing Glastonbury 2008 performances, and right now, with his surround sound on, I feel like I'm there at the show. The Verve is playing and it's AMAZING.

I am never leaving.

hard2explain8 @ 2009-01-25T00:34:00

2009-01-25T06:36:13Z

I can't believe Jelena Jankovic is out. Seriously. Jankovic, Ivanovic, Williams...all of these top seeds are getting knocked out in the early rounds! WTF?

Dear Bruce and E Street...

2009-01-20T19:56:47Z

My family and I have been following you and the band since 1977. We have seen you on numerous occasions at Giants Stadium, the Arena and Madison Square Garden. We are now very disheartened with you that you have become so political. I do not feel that the two go hand and hand. Such political views should not be forced upon on the youth of this country. You are now fast becoming one of Hollywoods Elite. This is not where your roots lie.

My family and I will no longer be purchasing any more of your music nor will we be seeing anymore shows. I do not expect to get a response from you or anyone in the band. I bid you and the band adieu.

This was posted on Springsteen's website under his "Favorite correspondence."

I love it, and Bruce, I'll still listen to you and buy your albums.

Snow blow

2008-12-19T22:31:14Z

I just spent 45 minutes digging my car out of the snow...with the help of 4 other individuals. Caelyn went out there with me and we started shoveling away, and then two other people asked if we needed help and then some really nice and handsome individual from my building also started helping. I bought coffee for two of them, but the handsome devil went away too quickly!! I will find him and buy him coffee someday. And then we will make beautiful babies together.

The snowbanks that were right up against my front and back ends were about 5 feet or so in height and the snow surrounding the outside of my car was about 2 feet high. INSANE.

So thank you to the wonderful people who just helped me out!

Suzanne's Top Ten Albums of 2008

2008-12-09T18:28:02Z

Paul Weller - 22 Dreams

I’m always hesitant to listen to new material from the old guys of yesteryear, but I knew that The Jam front man Paul Weller wouldn’t let me down. I love his 2002 release “Illumination“ and absolutely worship 1995‘s “Stanley Road“, but I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about “22 Dreams”. In fact, I didn’t even buy it until September. If there’s any question of whether or not the Mod-father can still rock it, check out the title track “22 Dreams“. And afterwards, let him soothe your soul with “Invisible”, my 2008 version of “You Do Something To Me”. Do it, you’ll love yourself for it.

Oasis - Dig out Your Soul
-If you think Oasis seriously rips off the Beatles on the Manchester band’s seventh studio album, you’re right. And if ripping off one of the best bands in the history of, well, ever is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right. Anyone who can’t appreciate the psychedelic trip that is “To Be Where There’s Life” isn’t anyone I want to be friends with. This album isn’t for new Oasis fans, but if you’re an oldie, you’ll love them that much more.

Shocker of the Century- my favorite song on the album is written by little old Gem Archer, and NOT my favorite, Noel.

The Ting Tings - We Started Nothing
Every album has a song or two that you skip over, and I will admit that The Ting Ting’s debut is no exception. But besides the two songs I barely ever listen to, I’ve never been more jazzed about a CD. I only heard one song before my love affair started with Katie White and Jules de Martino. This album should be the poster child for Indie Kid dance music. Key Tracks: Keep Your Head, The Great DJ and Fruit Machine.

All that aside, how can you not love a band who performed on Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba???

Adele - 19

First off, I promise that there WILL be America artists on this list- the UK just had a good year!!

Adele has a voice that you know you wish you had. If you aren’t a fan of ballads like “Chasing Pavements” or “Crazy For you”, try upbeat tunes like “Right As Rain”, “Cold Shoulder” or “Tired”- they’ll have you smiling by the end. She’s just too cute to ignore. Also, if you’re a fan of piano, do NOT forget about the epic win that is “Hometown Glory”. It gives me girl-wood.

And just to show that she’s awesome, here’s a clip of her covering The Strokes “Last Nite” for BBC1

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

I was very hesitant to buy this KOL CD. I’ve been a fan since their release of Youth and Young Manhood, so I figured I had to buy it when it came out solely based on my loyalty to the band. I liked “Sex On Fire”- catchy hook, solid baseline, but that wasn’t enough for me. I saw them twice on the Tennessee band’s most recent tour and instantly I felt bad for not liking the CD. So I’d like to take this opportunity to write an open letter to Kings of Leon

Dear Caleb, Jared, Matthew and Nathan:

I’m sorry for not appreciating the awesomely swell record you just put out. I have been publicly (and willingly) shamed for my doubt. I promise that, in the future, I will trust that what you have created is of the utmost beauty and rocked-ness.

Shocker of the Century (or maybe not): “Sex On Fire” is not the best song on the album- check out “Be Somebody” and “Crawl”.

Live performance of Manhattan

We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery

I’m sad that drummer Michael Tapper is no longer with WAS, but that certainly didn’t take away from the quality of their second release. There wasn’t much promotion for the release until Keith Murray and Chris Cain started posting you tube videos for a self-help program called Brain Thrust Master which clued fans in they were gearing up for a new album release. It’s absolutely great. The lyrics, the melodies, everything. You get the goofy indie rock, eighties goodness, lots of synth, electric guitars and some pretty kick ass beats. If you liked the first single “After Hours”, check out “Chick Lit”- great song, hilarious video. I wouldn’t expect any less from We Are Scientists.

Coldplay - Viva La Vida

I know, I’m shocked that I liked it too. You know they’ve done something right when the world’s biggest Coldplay hater (ME) can admit that this was easily one of the best records put out this year. And what’s worse? “Prospekt’s March”, the follow-up EP, is super awesome as well.

Listen, Chris Martin, I don’t want you getting any ideas. I still think you want to bone Bono (I don’t blame you), and I really don’t like you, but dammit, Viva La Vida rocked my socks, shoes and pants off. And I still can’t stop listening to it.

Twilight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Let it be known that I am NOT proud of the fact that I saw this movie in the theater, but I was extremely impressed with the songs put together on it. With the exception of a couple songs, they were all written or recorded for the soundtrack. Before you judge me or really start to hate me, let me explain. It’s got something for everyone! And maybe that’s why I love it so much. Muse, Claude Debussy and my all-time favorite classical song “Clair de Lune”, Paramore, Iron and Wine…how much more do you want??

There are some artists on there I’ve never heard of, and after listening to the soundtrack, I want to go buy their music. Check out Blue Foundation and The Black Ghosts if you want some cool new tunes.

Shocker of the Century: The film’s star, Robert Pattinson, contributed two songs on the album- the guy can sing. If the voices of Jeff Buckley, Amos Lee and Ray LaMontagne had a child, it would be Pattinson.

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

When you start the album off, the first two tracks make you think this whole album will be loud, fast and kick-ass. Well, it is, but woven in between the booty shakin’ tracks like “Salute Your Solution”, “Hold Up” and “Five on the Five” are ones that are very clearly influenced by blues, classic rock and even, dare I say it, country. It’s good- plain and simple. I only recently bought the album- like within the last week because I already had a handful of tracks on my computer. Shame on me for not buying it right away!!

DUH! moment: You’ll like this album forever.

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

I don’t have much to say about this album except that it’s fantastic. Besides the hit “You”, there are so many excellent tracks on this CD that reaffirm my love for my hometown heroes. If you don’t believe me, check out “The Skinny” for a relaxed flow or “Shoulda Known” for more energy. Rhymesayers, you done good.

Letdown of 2008
Cold War Kids- Sure “something is not right with me” is a great song…but I have to be honest- I’m upset that I spent money on Loyalty to Loyalty. It blows.

Honorable mentions:

Girls Aloud - Out of Control

Sometimes I’m afraid to tell people that I like Girls Aloud, but then I remember they aren’t big in the US, so the most common reaction I get is confusion about who I’m talking about. So yeah, I liked their new album. Yeah, I listen to it all the time. So what? I like girl Brit Pop. Deal with it.

Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords

Because they’re my fourth most-favorite folk duo from New Zealand.

John McCain said he'd hate to live in Milwaukee??

2008-10-30T04:38:38Z

hard2explain8 @ 2008-09-27T09:24:00

2008-09-27T14:26:02Z

RIP Paul Newman :(

Don't worry, I'll keep buying your Fig Newmans even though you're gone.

hard2explain8 @ 2008-09-16T17:53:00

2008-09-16T22:57:36Z

How ridiculously full of ourselves are we as a planet when we think that we are the only form of intelligent life in this galaxy?

Let's just think about this for one second. Don't you think that there could be another planet out there with intelligent life thinking the exact same thing?

hard2explain8 @ 2008-08-31T12:39:00

2008-08-31T17:42:05Z

I love tennis. Have I ever expressed that?