Danyew

I don't know about you, but I thought the last U2 album sucked big time. It seems that they've lost the raw emotion from the earlier work and have "just put one out" for the $. It was extremely disappointing to see.

Then along came Danyew. To me, Danyew sounds like a mix between early U2 and the British band James (The song "Laid" should help you know who they are..damn you Matt Nathanson for screwing that song up..). Danyew has a small EP out now on sparrow records and I know you'll love it.

Here's a blurb from Amazon's site:
"With natural creative gifts, Danyew utilized his talents by playing most instruments on his debut, incorporating layer upon layer of music/creativity into each song. One listen to his Sparrow Records debut and Danyew's unique gifts as a songwriter, artist and musician are heard woven throughout his release both sonically and lyrically."

Oof

That was a hard interview. In fact, it may have been the most difficult interview I've ever had. It went well and I should hear back soon. As I said, good things are happening.

Back to the normal posts tomorrow.

Good things..

So I am interviewing today for a new position that has opened within my company. I have put more effort into getting this position than I have ever done for any other position and I hope it pays off.

I am heading out the door, resume in hand. Wish me luck.

Odds and Ends

I get strange emails from time to time. I don't usually answer the odd ones, but I'll continue to group them together and answer them in bulk.

Here we go:


Do you feel coffee can have an effect on one's libido?

Well, yeah, I love coffee. It makes me tingly. Honestly? No.


Why don't condom makers combine the spermacidal lubricant, the shared pleasure, the ribbed, and the warming sensation kinds into one condom?

Because your penis would explode from awesomeness.


You talk about fitness alot. What do you feel about performance enhancing drugs?

I think they make people into neckless douchebags with temper issues. I will never be the guy at the gym in a spandex jumper, hissing while I lift three times by bodyweight and at the same time trying not crap myself.


Where are you from originally? I think I know you.

I was born in Iowa, grew up in ND and SD, and now reside in the wonderful state of MN. You know me? I've come a long way, huh?


I've been wondering how to effectively have a conversation with women. Not on a date, but more so at the bar. I don't ever seem to be effective.

If by effective, you mean laying on cheesy lines thicker than Britney Spears eyeliner in the hopes you'll wake up in her apartment, then you'll never be effective. You just need to be yourself. Make polite chit chat, be conversational. LISTEN TO HER. Don't talk sports unless you're actually AT a sporting event (and even THEN, know when to stop), and for Pete's sake, buy the woman a drink you cheapasses. If she doesn't want one, that's fine, but at least offer.

That's it for now. I've got plenty more, but they'll be saved for another time.

Letting go 2

So I'd emailed back and forth with Stella and continued our conversation..

Stella wrote:

Well, yeah, I can't see how you knew that, but that's right on the head. That is the fear I am feeling. I don't like hurting people and it seems that every time I am over him, and am just getting back in to a good healthy relationship, he shows up and I end up hurting someone that doesn't deserve it. Do you really think that is why I am cancelling dates? That's some amazing stuff.

I responded:
Letting go is a difficult thing, but letting go is made almost impossible when a destructive relationship keeps reoccurring. You need to free yourself of this person. Seek out some therapy and disappear from this person's life. Also, don't date for a bit. You need to stand on your own two feet for a little while before getting back out there. You'll find yourself, your independence, and learn your strengths. The next person you end up in a relationship with will thank you for it.


Good luck.

Letting go..

When I am deciding what to type while giving advice, I am sometimes unable to effectively put into words what it is I want to say. It's through living life and having my own experiences that I find the words that I need to say.

That said, Stella from Minneapolis wrote:


I need your help. A friend recommended I see this site after she helped me through a breakup. I have found alot of good advice here, and I appreciate that you're willing to do something like this, but I've got another issue that maybe you can help me with.

My breakup ended about three months ago and I joined a dating site to "get back out there". I am really enjoying emailing people and getting to know them, but when I am asked on a date, I usually end up canceling the date out of pure fear. It's like something inside just feels wrong. I used to chalk it up to being nervous, but it's happening more and more. My friends and I think it's just a fear of people not liking me. What do I do?

Stella


Stella,

I agree with you and your friends, but it seems there is more than that. If the fear is of people not liking you, let me pose things this way, what if they do? What if all of the people that you've asked out or have asked you out really have gotten to like you through communicating and are just waiting to meet you in person to get to know you further?

By the time the date is near, the hardest part has already happened. You (or they) have set up the date. That is usually the most difficult part to initiate. From this point on, what do you have to lose? You're going to get to know someone, hopefully have some laughs and a fun time, and either things will work, or they won't. It's not the end of the world if things don't work either. You'll never find anything out if you don't try.

The reason I think there is more to this than you and your friends believe, is because I am getting the feeling that you aren't fully "over" your ex. Letting go is a difficult thing to do, but if you keep hanging on, you won't move on. If this has been an on again and off again relationship that you were in, then chance are, you keep getting sucked back in and that is the fear you've developed...the fear of getting to know someone, developing feelings for them, then getting sucked back in to the relationship you've ended time and time again.

I want you to email me back with more info.

Sean

Steel heart.

No, I am not talking about the hairtastic 80's metal band that sang such classics as "I'll Never Let You Go" and ...well, that's about it.

I am instead talking about Andy's latest and greatest creation. It's pretty awesome. check out the pictures, then I'll explain more.


It's a heart made of metal, welded, and has the names cut with a plasma cutter into the heart. Awesome. But wait..



It lights up!! Its a lamp!

He is also asking me to let you know that he is willing to personalize them and sell them for anyone interested. He will base the price on how much lettering needs to be done, but if you'd like more info on this amazing gift, contact him at andygeibe@gmail.com

Bryce

Bryce wrote:

I am a recently "singled" guy (after a 10 year relationship) who is having problems getting out into the dating world. I have no problem getting the date, but it's ON the date that I seem to screw everything up while making conversation. If I am super-attracted to her, I clam up. If I try to make jokes, I usually go too far and things get awkward. If I try to be serious, I've been told I am bragging about myself.

I really don't know what to do, but it seems that women today aren't like they were when I met my ex. What's the deal?
Bryce


Well Bryce,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems the problem is you. I don't know if maybe you didn't spend enough time out with other people while dating your ex, but it seems that somewhere in the relationship (or maybe longer), you've not developed your social skills. There are certain things that people just shouldn't say, there are times that we should just shut up, and there are times when we should make an attempt to talk to people who intimidate us with their beauty. Trust me, it pays off.

I don't know what kind of jokes you're making, but if they're racial, religious, or too sexual, you should avoid telling them. Racial jokes are just tacky, and religious and sexual jokes CAN be told, after you've figured out her sense of humor. If you find yourself "bragging", think about what you're saying. Don't 1-up people and "beat their stories" with one of your own..and do NOT just go on and on about your material goods, sexual prowess, past conquests, or income. Not only is that bragging, it makes you look like a total douchebag. As far as the not talking because you're intimidated by someone, I feel for you. I've been there, and it's tough fumbling your way through a conversation, but make the effort and be honest and open with what you have to say. The tip here is to NOT spend the whole night staring at her or piling on compliments about her physical characteristics, because in the long run, you'll make her feel like a piece of meat instead of a person.

Dating success starts with conversation. Don't just talk to her. Talk WITH her and listen TO her. Genuinely get to know her, and everything else will come naturally.

Sean

More good stuff!

I was wrong..Owl City's album is out NOW! It was released on iTunes on July 14th..listen. You'll love it.

I got quite a bit of positive feedback from those that listened to Owl City songs after I made the recommendation. Most compared it to Postal Service, another of my favorite bands. Either way, check Owl City (and Postal Service for that matter) out now..

Andy

Andy posted a cool new tip on dent removal that he found. Any of you god-awful drivers out there may want to take notice.

I am not a god awful driver. I am pretty good myself..I've been driving since 14. It's legal in South Dakota where I grew up, and there's nothing really to hit except mosquitoes..

This weekend went fast. Lots of good things happening. I'll keep you posted.

Sean

Jim

Brad Pitt has been stuffing the Twinkies.
(A fictional picture from Freakingnews.com..please don't sue me Mr. Pitt..)

Jim from Somewhere? wrote..

Sean,

Let's talk more about getting motivated to workout. I have put on quite a bit of weight since high school and I just don't feel attractive anymore. I am recently divorced and looking to get back out into the dating scene, but I just don't feel comfortable with how I look. I try to go to the gym, but it just seems like SO much work. I can never get myself to go. How can I fix this and actually use the gym membership I am paying $70 for?

Jim


Well Jim, even though $70 sounds like an expensive gym membership to me, I think I can offer some advice.

Physical fitness is discipline of the mind AND body, not just the body. It's pushing yourself, developing routines, challenging your limits, then enjoying the results of a job well done.

The first step is to buy some actual gym clothing. Buy a dedicated pair of running/gym shoes. Not high tops or basketball shoes or crosstrainers, but actual running shoes. You will need them. The next step is to buy some gym shorts and a couple workout shirts. Don't be the guy at the gym wearing jeans or khakis to work out. Wearing actual gym clothes to the gym (that you don't wear anywhere else) will help you get into the mindset of going to the gym. Superman doesn't fight crime in jeans and an old "Show Me Your Boobies" shirt..he fights crime in his costume, and that is what your gym clothing is. You are essentially "Fitness Guy" in those clothes. You're on a mission dammit, now get out of the house.

The next step is to develop a routine. Go to the gym and scope out the equipment (not the women) or talk with a trainer and develop some goals. The point of this is to develop a pattern of work out routines that will help you sculpt your body. Once the routine is developed, start slow, but remain consistent. You may miss a few favorite shows or a night or two drinking beer with the guys, but keep your goals in mind. After starting slow, and finding your limits with the routine, push yourself and challenge those limits, but not too much. For example, if you jog a mile in 12 minutes, push the speed up and see if you can complete it in 11, then 10, then 9, and so on.

The final step is to change your eating habits. You'd mentioned putting on quite a bit of weight, and I don't know what "quite a bit" is, but it's not only from being not active. It also has to do with diet. Your energy level will increase and your body will work more efficiently if you change your daily eating habits. Don't diet, don't eat weight loss pills, just eat healthier. Fight off fast food, swear off soda, and junk the junk food. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake, eat more chicken and beef or spinach (you'll need the iron), and watch your portions. Don't eat to be full, eat to be not hungry.

It's a big decision to be healthy, and I commend you for it. Your body will reward you later.

If you need anything else, let me know. Good luck.

Sean

Music is for lovers..

Despite my love of rock and alternative music, I have a soft spot in my heart for electropop music, and one of my favorite artists in this genre is Owl City. It's basically a guy from Owatonna Minnesota that has managed to make some amazing, ethereal, romantic, and moving pop music. Think laying on a beach on an island with someone you love and just enjoying life..

He's getting big in the music industry. It's nice to see people with good music gaining popularity instead of hearing the same old radio drivel lately.

Here's an excerpt from the Owl City Facebook page:

“If your household appliances wrote love songs while you were away on vacation, their cheerful blips and bleeps would pour out the windows, sweep through the neighborhood like candy-coated tidal waves, and you would return home to find crowds of people standing on your lawn, clapping and singing along to the happiest pop melodies imaginable. Welcome to Owl City.”

The album Ocean Eyes is in Stores September 1st. It's the best produced album to date and nothing short of spectacular.

Determination..

Allison from Illinois wrote:

Sean

You talked alot about fitness and being healthy, but also do restaurant reviews. Do you find that contradictory? Also, how is the whole fitness thing going? I have an issue finding motivation myself. I've tried to lose weight several times (I am a bigger woman)and haven't found any luck. Any ideas why?

Allison

Allison,

There could be many factors as to why your weight loss hasn't been effective. Diet is a HUGE part of weight loss. Many people think that if they just work out more, they can eat anything they want and that just isn't true. Eating healthy is a very effective way to lose weight and it doesn't have to be bland and boring. There are healthy recipes all over the internet, just look and you'll find them. Try a few until you get one you like, then go from there. The other factor is the amount of exercise you're getting. Walking on the treadmill or outside for 20 minutes is a good start, but you'll need to build up from that to lose weight and keep it off. Building muscle density will also help your body burn fat when you're not exercising, so after the walking, move to a jog and light weight training (low weight and a high number of repetitions). Do this about 4 times a week.

Motivation do lose weight is also a mental hurdle. Often times, people use soreness as a reason to skip a workout. If you're going to get sore on a regular basis and then skip workouts, you're not doing yourself any good. Chances are, that if you have a gym membership, you got it for a reason. Use it. Plan your workouts and stick to it. If you have a varying schedule like I do, just make sure you set aside time to go to the gym or have a workout. I also supplement the workout with a protein shake to help alleviate soreness after a workout and aid in muscle recovery. Check with a dietitian or a health professional for more info on those, but GNC has some great ones available.

It's all a mind game. Find determination and challenge yourself to push harder. Keep your goals in mind, keep concentrating on being healthy, and follow the path you need to be healthy. If you give up, you're only letting yourself down...

And, to answer your final question, I don't think giving a restaurant review is unhealthy or contradictory because I manage to eat healthier items in most cases. True, I go for a nice burger at times, but I eat sushi and choose healthier options in 80% of the places I go. My review is to show people fun, interesting places to eat in the hopes that they try these places when thinking of a place to eat the next time they are out.

Maria

I got this letter awhile ago, but after a discussion with someone tonight I thought I'd post it.

Maria from Minneapolis wrote:

I LOVE the music choices you talk about. Every single one is worth listening to. Where do you find them? Nevermind..I don't want to know. I just like what you pick! Is your talent from being a DJ at one point?

Anyway, I just wanted to write to ask you a question...how can you be so open about everything? I mean, your stuff (and the people writing in) is just out there for everyone to read..

Maria


Well Maria, I think that being open is part of being honest about who you are. While there is indeed a time and a place to share information, I think the willingness to share the "hard parts" is a testament to who you really are. Life isn't all about sunshine and rainbows and by making things seem that way, you are essentially lying to yourself and your friends/family.

If you are asking for advice, if you want to vent, if you have something to say, find your voice and say it. This is mine, take it or leave it. I make no excuses.

Sean

P.S. Thanks for writing. I am glad you like my music choices. You wrote this awhile ago, so be sure to check out the new stuff. the "talent" you think I have is actually what led me to being a DJ. I just need another radio station to believe in this talent and I'll be setting the stage for the one great radio experience.

More of my art project

I took more graffiti and wall mural pictures this weekend while out and about. I wanted to show them off as well as tell you about Juxtaposition Arts, an organization that is doing some of these wonderful mural projects.

From their website:
Juxtaposition Arts is a non-profit youth focused visual arts organization engaging audiences through its community collaborations, studio arts workshops, public mural programs and special festivals and art exhibitions. Two visual artists founded the organization in 1995 as a means to engage artistically inclined urban youth in high quality creative experiences in ways that are practical, relevant, and life changing.

Check them out at www.juxtaposition.org


Above the Domino's Pizza on 12th and Hennepin



Around N 2nd and N 1st in Downtown Minneapolis.



The rest of that building above.



Another Warehouse District building.



A Juxtaposition Arts mural in the south gate area of Downtown that was at one time going to be Lund's grocery store.



More of that mural.



In the lot next to Uppercut Boxing Gym off of Broadway and Quincy.



In the lot next to Uppercut Boxing Gym off of Broadway and Quincy.



In the lot next to Uppercut Boxing Gym off of Broadway and Quincy.



The last pic by Uppercut.



On the train building by my old radio station job.

My favorite highway..

I've been posting song lyrics as my status on my Facebook page for the better half of a year now and lately, many have been from My Favorite Highway. It's a band. I am not going to tell you about my actual favorite highway (but here's a hint..it goes between Seattle and Mt. Ranier).

If you're looking for a band comparison, think the Fray (without the constant sadness), Matchbox 20 (without all of the whining), and All-American Rejects (but they won't give you hell..) all combined into one. They have nice piano work, reminiscent of Something Corporate and some great vocal harmonies..not to mention lyrics.

The band signed with Virgin Records in 2008 and their album "How to Call a Bluff" is in stores now. Check it out.



More for song lyrics from other artists, check my facebook page. Read my notes and you'll discover how to find out WHO sings the lyrics I post.

http://www.facebook.com/minnesodad

Evan 2

Evan wrote back:

I broke things off because the feelings I had for her scared me. Everytime I was with her, I kept feeling this overwhelming love and it'd eventually lead to this overwhelming fear of, "Oh no, what will I do if I lose her?" It was the happiest and scariest feeling I think I have ever had.

I tried to not go places we did or do things we did, and I even tried going on dates, but nothing works. It's been 8 months as I said, and it's tearing me apart.

Evan

Woah, Evan, this is all info you should have shared with me the first time around. If you think your time has passed, then by all means, try to let her go. However, if you love this woman like you say you do, it's natural to have that overwhelming sense of happiness and panic when you find the right person for you. If everything feels right, chances are that it is.

I'd talk to a therapist about the fear though. It shouldn't be a prolonged and overwhelming sense of fear. It may be a deeper issue there that is causing issues..maybe you've been really hurt before?

Whatever the case may be, if you love her, let her know. It's the least you can do. If she doesn't feel the same way, then it will unfortunately be time to move on. Good luck.

Sean

Evan

Evan from Wyoming wrote:

Hi

I like your blog. I have never really been the blog type, but a friend recommended me to read your blog after I split up with a woman I'd been seeing for over a year. I read it and have been following weekly ever since.

I wanted to ask you, is it possible to never fully get over someone? It's been about 8 months since my breakup and I still think about her as if it were yesterday..

Evan


Well Evan, it is possible to hold on to feelings you had, but they will go away in time, leaving just the memories. My guess is that you've been doing some things that remind you of this relationship you had (whether it's weekly or daily) and you've been holding on to these memories. My question for you is, why did you split up with her? If it wasn't working, it's time to let go. Do new activities that don't remind you of her, don't go places you two used to go for awhile, and don't look at any pictures of her.

It can be tough getting over someone, but if we don't let ourselves heal and move on, or if we keep looking back, we'll never get on with our lives. I am sure that neither one of you want to hold the other one back. Good luck buddy.

Sean

My art project..

I started a project today that I've been looking to do for about 9 years. It is a digital catalog of graffiti and wall murals around the city. This city has beautiful architecture, beautiful people, and beautiful outdoor art. Graffiti on old unused structures (not tagging new buildings or houses), and wall art is something that is also really beautiful in this city.

My project will be to photograph these works of art and list their locations, so you can visit them if you'd like..or just enjoy them from your monitor.

My first stop in the series was at the river's end of Minnehaha Falls. Enjoy.


Inside the tunnel grate, left side.



Outside right side of the tunnel grate.



Looking at the tunnel grate. Notice the 1921 above the grate.



This isn't graffiti. The lower hole is about two inches in diameter. Look inside. Yeah, that's a HUGE freaking spider.



The end left side of the runoff area.



Yellow sandstone (caused by the iron oxide in the sand). From left to right: My nephew Preston, my daughter Olivia, niece Harmony, and other nephew Tucker.



Outer right side.


"Steps" up to a large manhole on the upper left area from the tunnel grate.



View from the end. The "steps" are visible on the upper left.



Upper area inside tunnel grate. Ahead there was a large caved in hole in the floor. It stunk, so I didn't go in there. No, I wasn't afraid of more huge spiders..pssshhh...

Second letter..

Connor from Arkansas wrote:

Hey bro,

Love the site. I'd like to know how you got such a great outlook on relationships, and life in general. You seem like a great guy.

Connor

Well Connor, I have always had the outlook I have on relationships, which is:
"We go into relationships wanting to make the other person happy. If we try and can't do that, then we need to let them go be happy elsewhere." I just think healthy relationships start with a healthy perspective. If someone is having issues with self esteem, self control, chemical dependency, or other issues, entering a relationship wouldn't be a healthy decision. It's after you put both feet on the ground and truly discover who YOU are that you can make good decisions in your life. Push your mental discipline and willpower for the best, and you'll reap the rewards later.

As far as my life views, I developed them after the battle with cancer. I fought it alone (long story..I'll share later), for the most part, and learned that relationships are strong no matter if you see your friends and family daily or yearly. My friends and family have always been there for me and I just needed to accept that and realize that if I can be a good person to them, I can be a good person to everyone. You can't make everyone happy, but you CAN be the best person you can be.

Thanks for writing.

Sean

A letter..

Ivy from New York wrote:

Hi Sean,

I love the fact that you combine such variety into your site. It's nice to see you don't get stuck in your ways.

I read you had added Match ads too. Good deal. I am already a member and if I can add to that, they are great! I was on there and have recently met someone great.

Anyway, I wanted to know something that you don't have to answer, I was just curious. Do you ever talk to Tracy anymore?

Keep up the great work!
Ivy

Ivy,
Thanks for writing. I am glad you could add your two cents in with Match. I think they are great too, which is why I added them.

To answer your question, no I don't. I think she'll be eventually happy once she gets through the issues she needs to work out and I am not a part of that equation. I wish her the best and I hope that if we bump into each other it can be a friendly meeting, but I have no intention of contacting her.

Sean

Seven

I got out and away from the family stuff for a bit on the 4th of July, and went to Seven's sushi bar in downtown Minneapolis.

It's a part of the Seven Steakhouse, connected to the Pantages Theatre on Hennepin. The best part about Seven is it's rooftop lounge. It spans the length of the entire building, offers two bars, plenty of seating, and a spectacular view. In the afternoon, you'll be shaded a bit, so the warm summer air won't be too much if you sit outside on a hot day. If it rains, you can always tough it out or head inside, which is also nice. The interior has a Chicago steakhouse feel, a lighted faux marble bar, and high ceilings. Overall, I'd say one of the better restaurants downtown.

The sushi itself isn't as good as Azia, but the dynamite roll offers a nice serious spicy kick, which most sushi places shy away from. The waiter didn't take time to explain the saki menu either, and instead laid out the martini menu (which in my opinion does not go well with sushi). Their caterpillar roll, however, is nice and large.

The view was gorgeous, the company was spectacular, and the experience as a whole was great. Check out Seven.

Here are some pics.

The ground floor interior of the Steakhouse

View from the roof number 1..

View from the roof number 2


Top of the Martini menu.

Check out this awesomeness..

I have been working on a few letters lately and I'll be posting them Monday or Tuesday this week, but in the meantime, I have been crawling the internet looking for new music. I came across this gem and wanted to share it with you.

The music isn't that great. I'll warn you now. It's like early 80's Hall and Oates or Doobie Brothers, if they were both best friends with Prince and let him produce the entire album. It's average, weird, stuff.

The coolest part about the album is the cover. Look at it in two halves, right eye and left eye. One at a time...

Holy Lord!..look at that!! It's like the greatest 80's fantasy movie that never happened. On the right side we have a herd of elephants, a volcano thing, and a cool dolphin with an obelisk thing going into the stars. Let's not forget the white haired guy that looks like the lovechild of Michael Jackson and Brad Pitt. He must be the Prince of Rad, a futuristic city of music.

If that weren't cool enough, shut your right eye and open your left and..BAM!..smack dab in the middle of awesome. There's an orb being held by a guy that looks like Prince's cousin, a futuristic city, a viking type boat with something swimming under it (mermaid anyone?), a planet, and a tiger!! A freaking running tiger! This is the type of album cover that people should tattoo on their forehead. (By the way, if you DO do that, don't blame me for all of the action you're going to get.)

Open both of your eyes and take it all in. Take it easy though, this is the type of album cover that'll stay with you..

Awesome cover, crappy music.

I was on the prowl for new music and came across a string of hideous music with some great album covers. I've listed them below...enjoy looking and I'm sorry if you listen. Now if this is your type of music, congratulations..your ears are stronger that most people's and that is something to be proud of. Personally, I would rather listen to someone chew gum loudly.


CAMISADO
Album cover says: "Nice. Some sexy time in a field".

Band name says: I am a sexy women's clothing item on sale now at Macy's.

Music sounds like: Vocals..someone sings, occasionally. He can sing about 6 notes. I hear he's working on a 7th though, so he has THAT going for him..



A TEXTBOOK TRAGEDY
Album cover says: "This is going to be a nice, quietly depressing emo album."

Band name says: Mistakes are made by the book.

Music sounds like: While you can understand THESE vocals, it's just screams. No talent. On a few songs, it sounds like the singer is actually breathing IN and screaming. Inward singing? Only if it's Tenacious D..



BORN OF OSIRIS
Album cover says: "I turned my nerdy obsession with Egypt into an awesome album cover".

Band name says: I play D&D, but only when I am not playing Warcraft.

Music sounds like: Lead singer sounds like a 12 year old who's voice in changing while the backup vocals are basically someone farting through a microphone.



JOB FOR A COWBOY
Album cover says: My mom listened to Gwar.

Band name says: We're SO country. (They're SO not..)

Music sounds like: Really loud guitars and drums matter more than being able to understand vocals.



IWATCHEDHERDIE
Album cover says: "Check out this really cool scary movie starring Lindsay Lohan".

Band name says: My spacebar is broken on my computer's keyboard.

Music sounds like: Lead singer drank a can of coke and sang while burping.



FOREVER ENDS NOW
Album cover says: "Yeah, this will look great on Myspace."

Band name says: This will be the last rave you will ever attend.

Music sounds like: Lead singer was repeatedly shocked in the balls while singing.



LEFT TO VANISH
Album cover says: "Uh oh, some kid is going to be on the news tomorrow.."

Band name says: I am an angsty 13 year old.

Music sounds like: The guitarists and singer are competing for who can be the loudest. Also has the burpy Coke voice on occasion.

Nintendo. The original..

I found a band called Anamanaguchi. They have a full CD called Dawn Metropolis that is probably the most UNIQUE listening experience of my life so far. They use a hacked Nintendo to do the music, so the songs sound like a cross of Ratatat (look them up) and Mario Brothers. Really cool stuff, if you want to relive the typical childhood of a child of the 80's. If you were born in the 90's, put on Saved by the Bell, slap a "Kevin Loved Winnie" Wonder Years shirt on, and listen away.

More about the band and some song samples can be found here:

http://anamanaguchi.com/

and

http://www.dawnmetropolis.com/
This one has some really cool visuals too.

Santorini's

I went to Santorini's yesterday. I am not a huge fan of suburban dining, since many are chain restaurants and offer very little variety, but Santorini's is definitely not a chain restaurant. It sits in what was the Pickled Parrot (and then, Canyon Grille) building off of 494/5 in Eden Prairie. Despite the fact that it's next to the giant Transit parking ramp, it has a great location overlooking a large pond just arcoss the road to it's south. The deck usually has a wait, and this time it was over an hour, so I chose to eat inside. I stood inside waiting for my guests and watched the people leaving. Every single one took the complimentary Uozo shot (it's a black licorice liqueur) and then struggled with the exit doors, almost as if they had forgotten that the doors swing outward. It was a nice chuckle.

I had the pita melt (no pics) which was a delicious take on the traditional Greek pita, turning it into a sandwich with a layer of cheese. Dippable, and cool.

Here are some pics of the area.

The valet parking (complimentary with purchase)


The view


The view from the top of the Transit Parking Ramp.

(Sub) urban camping..

So last night Olivia and I camped out in the backyard. We grilled hotdogs, had toasted marshmallows, smores, and even stayed in a tent.

It got COLD last night. Wet too, but we made it through. She cuddled with me when she started shivering, then moved back to her room (it's a 2 room tent) when it got warmer.

It isn't easy being a single parent, but moments like those make every stressful moment just disappear.