Thursday, September 28, 2006
Who The F*ck Are You!
Exercise: None - no time today.
moe. and The Who, that's who. hehe
So this past Tuesday was concert night. The downside is, I don't have any pictures to share. :( Mommy and I were on a rather tight schedule and because we parked a good distance away from the venue to avoid the parking lot mayhem, I didn't want to risk taking the camera only to have to turn around and walk it back to the car should they not let me take it in. As it turns out, security might as well have been non existent so I lost out on having some completely awesome pictures. I guess I should have learned my lesson from the other concerts I went to at that venue but you never know and with my luck, the one time I tried to take a camera in, I would be called out. GRRRR!
Anyway.....
Mommy dearest arrived at my house about 5:30. She had been not so subtly hinting that she still hadn't ridden in my car yet so I told her I would drive. Wouldn't you know the first thing she did after getting in was comment on how low it sits - I knew she would say something to that effect. LOL Before we went to the venue, we stopped off at PF Changs for some food. Oh how I love their garlic noodles - YUM! After we finished our meal, we were given fortune cookies. It was funny because I had just finished telling my mom about the $7 lottery win I had and when I opened my cookie, my fortune said something to the effect that I have a good head for money matters. Well DUH! It's not like all my little greenback friends sitting in the bank made it there on their own will or as a result of my stupidity. hehe
Once we got done at the restaurant, we were on our way to the venue. Even though we did park quite a few blocks away, we made good time getting where we needed to be. We didn't get parked until about 7, but still managed to make it to the arena by 10 after and there was no line for will call or ticket taking which was a plus.
I was really surprised when we walked in because they actually had the whole top level in addition to the back half of the arena curtained off. I thought with a band like The Who (a name just about everyone knows) coming to town, there would have been a much bigger crowd. That's not to say 6200 is anything to spit at - just a lot less than I was expecting. I kind of have to wonder if all that hoopla with Pete Townsend a couple years back had anything to do with it. They did, however, fill just about every seat that was available. What I really liked was that our seats were better than I originally thought (closer to the stage than I was expecting). We were sitting in the first row of the lower balcony facing straight on to the stage. It was a little crowded but a good view none the less (and of course would have been PERFECT for pictures).
moe., the opener, was pretty good although I have to deduct points due to the person who was doing a rather poor job of the mixing. The bass was overpowering everything else so it all ended up being kind of "fuzzy". I do like their music though and am seriously considering getting some of it for my collection. It's the kind of stuff that would be perfect for keeping me motivated at work.
The Who ended up taking the stage sometime around 8:30 and all I can say is WOW! Ok, so maybe it wasn't completely perfect as Daltry was having a few voice problems here and there but when you stop to think about it, he's being singing for over 40 years and given some of the screams he's let loose over that time, it was expected so I can't really fault him on that. I will say, however, the guy couldn't dance back then and time has done nothing to improve it but like I said in my other post, he really does a good job of filling out a nice pair of jeans and a tshirt. *DROOL*
The set list went something like this:
1. Can't Explain
2. The Seeker
3. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
4. Fragments
5. Who Are You
6. Behind Blue Eyes
7. Real Good Looking Boy
8. Sound Round
9. Pick Up The Pieces
10. Out On The Endless Wire
11. We Got A Hit
12. They Made My Dreams Come True
13. Mirror Door
14. Baba O'Riley
15. Eminence Front
16. Man In A Purple Dress
17. Mike Post Theme
18. You Better You Bet
19. My Generation
20. Won't Get Fooled Again
Encore
21. Tommy medley
22. Tea & Theater
They filled about a solid two hours and only took a brief 5 minute break (if it was that long). They also had an awesome light show including 3 big screens and then five movable ones that were used for different graphics. I was a little disappointed, however, by the review they received in the local paper though. It kind of came across as though the person who wrote it was not only not much of a fan but also a little too young to realize just who he/she was watching. Oh and the classic line of the night came after Man In A Purple Dress. Roger said something to the effect of, "That, as I'm sure you all know, was Man In A Purple Dress and if you didn't know that, I guess we're all fucked!" hehe Too funny!
The crowd was an interesting mix. Down our row there was a couple who were probably in their late 40s early 50s. Next to them, a guy that looked to be maybe in his late 30s early 40s. The kid that was between that guy and me looked to be about 17 (maybe the guy's son perhaps). Then of course there was my mom who is 70 (she made some comment about betting she was the oldest one there - hehe), and on the other side of her were a couple of women I would say are in their 30s too.
Speaking of my mom...she totally cracks me up. When they started to play Who Are You, she got all excited because she recognized it from CSI. I'm happy to report that it wasn't the only song she recognized. She of course knew the stuff from Tommy because we went to the stage production of it and have watched the movie before (that reminds me....I gotta buy that weird as it is). She also remembered Won't Get Fooled Again to which she said, "Obviously that wasn't the case with the last election." LOL I couldn't help but agree and then I pointed out that Dubya couldn't even get the saying right. You know, that one that goes, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." We both couldn't help but have a good giggle over that one.
After the show I went down and bought a shirt. I don't always get stuff at concerts especially if I already have seen the band before, am not that big a fan, or I'm not that impressed by the show. As it turned out, I wasn't really a fan when I walked into the concert (in other words, The Who had songs that I liked but I didn't have any of their music in my collection nor did I know much about them.) but I certainly walked out as one. I've decided there will definitely be some of their music brought into my collection. Think I may just have to hit Mummy England up for a copy of their latest rock opera that was only released in Europe too. :)
I now just wish I knew more people who like this band. I'd really like to go and see them again but I wouldn't have anyone to go with and after having gone to a concert once by myself (I won free tickets to a band I liked but none of my friends did), I can honestly say it isn't much fun. Ah well, at least I got to see them once which is one more time than I thought I would ever get the chance at.
Otay....I've got to be on my way now - work is calling.
Til next time....
Knocked Off By The Fashion Diva
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Save A Horse....Ride A Cowboy
Exercise: This, that, and the other but mainly house cleaning.
So this past Friday PIB's wife, the Bad Influence, and I had a girl's night out. Our first stop was a restaurant called On The Boarder. It's a low to mid priced Mexican joint close to the mall by where I live. The food was pretty good although I got quizzed by the waitress about my choices. The first thing that got a raised eyebrow from her was my drink selection - milk. Ever since a few years ago, this is usually my first choice. Don't get me wrong, I like the taste of pop and still drink it from time to time but I realized that not only does it do bad things to your teeth, it kind of distorts the taste of food. Besides, if you're eating spicy, milk is one of the best beverages to have because it will take some of the burn out.
When I ordered, I got some chicken dish complete with rice and grilled veggies. According to the nutrition facts I looked at online the other day, this is one of the more healthy choices but in reality, it's still WAY more food & fat than anyone should have at a sitting. I don't normally think about this stuff but after being asked by the waitress if I was on a diet, I decided to do so. I guess some people just don't understand that there are some of us who just like the taste of healthier food.
After our meal, PIB's wife was "kind" enough to let our waitress know that we were there to celebrate The Bad Influence's bday which was last Thursday and of course mine which was last Tuesday. I knew Mrs. PIB being who she is would do something like this. Of course when I found out we were going to a Mexican joint, I feared the worst - ie sombreros and stuff. LOL As it turned out, all they did was came out and did their little birthday chant and then served us with a warm brownie topped with ice cream. Very good but so rich that none of us ate more than a bite or two. What was really funny is after our bdays were announced, two other tables jumped on the bandwagon. I told Mrs. PIB and TBI that everyone obviously decided we were totally cool and wanted to be just like us so they did the bday thing too. LOL Now even though there wasn't too much embarrassment, TBI and I have vowed revenge so we are looking for a good place to take Mrs. PIB for her birthday next month where they do obnoxious birthdays. If any of you out there have any ideas, I'm all ears. >:)
As we were eating our brownie, we were trying to decide if we should just go back to Mrs. PIB's house and visit with PIB, Chi, and TBI's beau (they were having a wine tasting party amongst themselves and playing a little Rock N Roll Guitar Hero from what I understand) or go to a bar. Because the place that was suggested mainly plays country (at least before 10) which isn't my favorite but I like some of it and it's always a good time, I suggested that we Save A Horse and Ride A Cowboy rather than listening to PIB's male chauvinist statements. LOL We all had a good laugh over that and decided that the bar indeed would be the best choice.
As soon as we got there, Mrs. PIB jumped into the line dance. Now TBI and I don't do the line thing. Actually according to TBI, she doesn't dance at all so we just stood off to the side and watched. Within a minute, we had some half drunk dude come over and start chatting to us. Based on what we saw the rest of the evening, he was making the rounds with all the women. LOL We stuck around for a couple of hours and completely enjoyed ourselves cracking jokes about anything and everything that came to mind.
Saturday and Sunday was mainly used for grocery shopping and house cleaning. One cool thing that happened though was I actually won $7 on my Powerball ticket. It's too bad I didn't spend the extra for the power play as I could have won $28 but considering I rarely win anything, $7 wasn't too shabby. That's not to say, however, that I would have minded being that lucky ticket holder who won the jackpot. ;)
Alright...must be off now as it's getting late. I hope to have my blah blah up about last night's Who concert within the next day or two. What can I say, I'm still a little too preoccupied with the visual of Roger D nicely filling out the t-shirt and jeans he had on. Yes, I know the guy is 62 and old enough to be my father but dayum....he still had a bod that does his clothes some justice *DROOL DROOL SLURP SLURP*. And well, since he's 13 years younger than my actual father, I just don't think of him like that. Shut up! I already know I have strange taste. Bite me! :P
Til next time....
Knocked Off By The Fashion Diva
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Obama 2008
Exercise: None - it's my birthday!
Ok...so I'm a doofus. I logged in to start writing another post today and realized, I never put this one up when I was done with it. I think it's because I finished it at the end of my lunch hour and didn't have time to post it then. Rather than posting it later, I forgot about it - WHOOPS! Anyway...here it is. It's a little old but hey, it'll do.
I attended the 29th Harkin Steak Fry in my hometown this past weekend. It was a great time and I even managed to get a little sunburn - odd since I made it through the entire summer without that happening.
In addition to Iowa's current governor, Harkin brought along quite a few democrats seeking election this November. I always like hearing what these people have to say especially Harkin because he's a politician who can tell a joke that's actually funny. The only one in the group who I have any real reservations about is Chet Culver. I mean he's alright and definitely a hell of a lot better than Dubya's little puppet Jim Nussle but I would have still rather seen Fallon get the nomination. I just think he had the potential to bring more fresh ideas to the table.
The real stand out at the shindig, however, was Barack Obama. This man is AMAZING! For those of you who don't know, he's a senator from Illinois and he one of the best "up and comings" in a long time. Unlike most politicians, he hasn't "gone Washington" as he likes to say meaning his interests lie with the people he represents rather than trying to represent DC to the people. Sure a lot of politicians like to claim they represent their voters but many of them fall way short. Yah, I'm sure of you are saying, "He's just snowing you like the rest of them do." but I really don't think he is. I tend to have an extremely good bullshit detector and it just wasn't going off when I was listening to him speak. I also really like the fact that he doesn't trash talk the people who don't agree with him. Instead, he points out the differences and tries to understand the other point of view in order to find common ground so a solution which is fair to all sides can be made. I can only hope we see him as one of our future presidents one day because it's going to take a lot of people like him to undo the mess that Dubya & friends have got us in.
After the fry was over, we all went back to my parents' house to have a little early birthday celebration for me (today is the actual day). My mommy and daddy are sooo good to me (so are my mommy and daddy England too). Not only did my mommy say she would spring for The Who tickets, she and my dad also gave me a card with $50 cash in it. My dad got me one of those $20 electronic Poker Play lotto things too. As I have mentioned before, it's like one of our little "bonding activities". Unfortunately, this time only brought me a $3 winner but it was fun all the same.
As for mummy and daddy England, they got me a nice watch, a CD chocked full of number one dance hits over the past fifteen years, and a little stuffed hedgehog which I brought to work with me. Chi cooked me a dinner of my choosing (his special curry of course - YUM!) and gave me a card from both him and the furbabies. :) He had asked me before if there was any particular gifty I wanted but I really just couldn't think of anything. There seems to be very little I want these days and most of the things I wouldn't mind having....well.....let's just say the checkbook would spank my hands. hehe
Oh and may I just say that you know you've found the right car dealer when your salesguy actually takes the time to send you a letter wishing you a happy birthday (oddly...he didn't send one to Chi...lol)
And now for something completely different.....
I read a transcript of Hugo Chavez' speech he made to the UN. I know he's rather extreme and could have used a much more tactful way to express his frustrations about Bush but I have to say the man did make quite a few valid points.
A local high school here is up in arms over the drama students putting on a production of The Laramie Project. For those of you who don't know, this is a chronicle of life in Laramie, Wyoming a year after Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of the town for no other reason than the fact that he was gay. From what I understand, it does contain violence and substantial swearing but I think in this instance it's justified yet parents are flipping a tizzy over it even though the principal of the school did edit some of it. Give me a break! It's obvious to me that this probably has very little to do with the swearing and violence (if it did I think we'd be hearing a hell of a lot more whining about what's being shown on television these days) and everything to do with the sexuality topic that comes into play. Get over your idiotic prejudices people! You might find if you did, the world would be a more peaceful place.
Ok one more little blah blah before I go....Gas prices. Isn't it funny how in the last month and only a month and a half before midterm elections, the price of gas has dropped nearly a dollar? Yes, I do realize that prices usually do decline in the fall and it's all supposedly market related but it is rather coincidental. Of course even if prices were up to lawmakers, I really don't think there is anything that's going to get the republicans out of the mess they're in now enough to save their control. I swear everytime I hear or read a news article, the "pubs" are getting themselves into more trouble and only further bringing about thier doom.
Ok...that's it for now. I's outta here....
Til next time...
Knocked Off By The Fashion Diva
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Saturday, September 16, 2006
Don't call me "Bay bah"
Exercise:
Yes, it has once again been a very long time since I was here last. Now that we've started back on our usual work week schedule, I should hopefully be able to check in more frequently. I really liked having three day weekends and I was all for continuing the 4/10 gig but, on the other hand, it's nice not having to get up so early and work so late.
There are tons of things for me to catch up on so I'm going to go for the Reader's Digest version on them. Of course by putting them all together, they could end up making War & Peace look like a short story. In other words, LONG POST - You've been warned!
A week ago this past Friday was Chi's 31st b-day. We spent the evening our at PIB's house visiting with him, his wife, and another couple. There wasn't any fancy sort of celebration but, as always, it was good fun.
That Saturday the six of us all went to the Renaisance Faire. Chi and I had never been before but we're glad we attended. I was sort of surprised Chi liked it as much as he did since often times things like that come off as sort of cheesy to him considering he's from England and not everyone playing a part has an overly convincing accent. I told him he should sign up to be part of it next year since he's the "genuine article" but he made it clear that there would be a snowball's chance in hell of that happening. I think the pirate that heckled him on the way in may have traumatized him too much. LOL
A week ago this past Monday I heard the news that Steve Irwin (The Croc Hunter) was killed by a sting ray. I never really watched his show but the news was sad and rather shocking none the less especially since rays are known to be fairly docile creatures. I think the saddest part of it all is that had he not pulled the barb from his chest, he may have lived. Oh and to the people that thought they needed to go and kill some of those beautiful animals because of this incident - You're a bunch of ASSHOLES!
Last Thursday, as many of you might know, was the Journey/Def Leppard concert in Ames. Mr. PIB and I drove up together and TBB met us there later. For awhile there it was kind of touch and go whether she was going to be able to attend but I'm glad that it all worked out in the end particularly because it had been quite some time since we last got together. Of course wouldn't you know I would forget the two gifties I had for her. (TBB if you're reading this, one of them is in the mail) I think I was too preoccupied cracking up over the funny that came out of Chi's mouth. He had come into the bathroom as I was getting ready and upon seeing the little black number I had on (mini skirt and babydoll t-shirt), he said, "What the hell is this?" and proceeded to raz me about getting all dressed up so I could pick up some chickyboys. LOL
The show ended up starting a bit early (think that's a first when it comes to any of the ones I've been to). First up was some guy whose name I don't remember with his guitar. He was alright but I was less than impressed. PIB made the comment that the dude reminded him of Johnny Cash. I said, "Nah, JC can actually sing." LOL When the guy whipped out his harmonica, PIB and I left - it was just too much for our ears to handle. We stopped at the beer counter so PIB could get a drink then went outside to the smoking area. Some chic was sitting out there with a couple of her friends having a convo with them that most people wouldn't even think of venturing into in public - obviously they were drunk. Anyway, this woman happens to look at the writing on my shirt (Bebe) and then starts saying "Hey Bay bah" over and over again trying to get my attention. For anyone who doesn't yet know - this is one sure fire way to get me to ignore you. PIB decided to pipe up by saying, "I think that girl is trying to get your attention." My reply, "You think? Thank you Captain Obvious!" LOL And before you jump on me for being mean, this is how we usually interact with each other.
When Journey finally hit the stage we didn't even know they had come on. I don't think we missed too much though - maybe half a song. We also missed their last couple of songs too because TBB arrived and we needed to go meet her but from the part I did see, they put on a helluva show. Hell, it was so good that I didn't even miss their "official" singer not being there.
Lep came out and put on a fantastic show. The only thing that would have made it better is if security would have come by much earlier and kicked out the two extra people in our row. Oh that and not having to be next to a bunch of drunk people. I swear they seek me out at these things. I mean I don't mind if people want to have a beer or two during the show but these people had been two fisting it all evening so by the time Lep took the stage, they had about eight in them already. What was worse is the chic next to me had fairly long hair that she kept flipping around in a manner that made it whip the skin on my arm leaving a raw spot. If that wasn't enough, she kept pushing her HUGE sweaty ass into me and managed to spill beer down my leg - YUCK!
After the show, we all walked around to where the buses were. PIB and I didn't care if we met any of the guys or not but we decided to stay for a bit to keep TBB company and let the parking lot clear out. As we were all standing around talking, Rick Allen showed up. PIB and I were kind of standing off to the side talking and everyone was huddled around Rick. About five minutes later I told PIB if we were going to get our tickets signed we had probably better get over there. Now even though PIB has dark hair, I swear he pulled a total blonde moment because he said, "I thought that guy was just some tech." LOL Amatures! Once we got an autograph and I took a picture of TBB with Rick (no...didn't get any of myself this time although I should have since the only pic I have with Rick is distorted thanks to a little Welshman who knows very little about digital cameras. LOL), PIB and I headed for home because he had to get up early the next day to go to work.
On the way back to Des Moines, we stopped at a grocery store to get something to drink. On the way in my phone started ringing. It was TBB. She told me that we had left too early because Rick had everyone get together for a group picture. After I got home, I saw that TBB had tried to call me again so I gave her a ring. She told me not too long after the group photo all the other guys except the Savage one came out. She said they were all being extremely chatty especially Elliott. I guess he told her that his wife once attended ISU. TBB and I determined that based on her age and possible major she could have had (AMDP since she was the wardrobe person for the band), I could have very well had a class or two with her. I'm a little sorry that we couldn't stay a bit longer because now I'm really curious to know when she was there and what she studied. Based on what I remember her looking like, her face didn't ring a bell with me but then again it's been 10 years and people do change.
I've got one more thing to talk about before I move on to my political rant. I want to address the boneheads who keep parking at the end of our street and blocking our drive. This past weekend our neighbors two doors down had vistors who came and stayed for a few days. Now I don't mind them parking where they do so much when it's the weekend and I don't have to go anywhere even though they aren't supposed to do it but when I have to get out and go to work in the morning, it really fuckin pisses me off! I don't appreciate having to back up, pull forward, and repeat two to three times in order to get out of my own damn driveway! To this latest offender driving a car with the following Illinois license plate 843 9848, I fart in your general direction! It's a damn good thing you left when you did because I was preparing a nasty little note to leave on your windshield. Next time tell the fucking homeowners you're staying with to park their stoopid cars in the fucking garage rather than using it as a lounging room so you can park in their drive.
Now that I've got that out of my system...Let's move on to the part of the post that falls under...
And now for something completely different....
I'm getting really damn tired of people referring to liberals as communists. Yes, we do believe that everyone holds a stake in everyone else and that's what will make this country great but we don't believe that everyone should live the same. The more I read some of the political forums out there, the more I see people sitting on the far right using this term. I think the thing that really bugs me the most about it is that it goes to show just how much people don't stop, listen, and attempt to understand from the other person's point of view. If the people throwing out this term were to do so, they might actually see that the majority of us on the left aren't anything close to a communist. *RE*
The one thing that further pisses me off is those people who say that liberals sympathize with terrorists. If that isn't the biggest bunch of bullshit I have ever heard, I don't know what is. What people seem to be missing is that we don't wish for terrorists to perform acts of violence anymore than the next person. What makes us different is that we (some of us anyway) are able to put ourselves in their shoes in order to see where they are coming from and why they may do the things they do. We understand that our way of life may not be for them and to force it upon them is doing nothing more than an eye for an eye. I encourage those of you who think liberals actually take sides with the terrorists to look up the definition of sympathy and then the definition of empathy. While these two words are said to be synonyms of each other, they refer to two very different things and often times are confused for one another.
The other day I took one of those little political quizes that supposedly shows how you compare with some of the past and present leaders around the world. My result - I came out dead on with The Dalai Lama. I once saw an interview with him and thought he was a pretty neat guy. After I got the results of the quiz I took, I decided to check out his website. It was like reading my own mind. Here is one person that really understands where the world needs to go and I admire him for it.
Otay kiddies, that's all for me right now. I'll be back later with my thoughts on the Harkin Steak Fry.
Til next time...
Knocked Off By The Fashion Diva
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