A little of this... A little of that.

Tomorrow is the first day of April and we're finally getting some weather that actually feels like spring. It's refreshing. Our winter was freakishly warm; flowers were blooming, bugs came out, and it seemed like winter this year just wouldn't happen. Once we got to March, however, Mother Nature, who must feel a little discombobulated right now, brought winter upon us with full force. We had a monstrous snow storm and cold rain pretty much every week with random 80 degree days sprinkled in between. Now, finally we've had nice weather for a couple of days (following about a week of ominously cloudy days and heavy rainfall) with temperatures that aren't too cold, but not too hot... staying in the 60's and 70's. I didn't want to write so much about weather actually, but it's just very refreshing, having a positive effect on everyone I've come across, myself included.

Anyway, the new month means a new playlist and I've already started working on it. I've been downloading albums furiously the past couple of days and found some really great stuff that really embodies the warmth and happiness surrounding me (in the weather and my friends). The past week, when it was cold and dreary, I actually started working on it and found myself drawn to mellow, almost somber music like Soap&Skin (an amazingly talented 18 year old Austrian singer songwriter), various IDM and trip-hop (Telefon Tel Aviv <3, múm, Gridlock (thanks Slavick! I <3 it), Mono (UK), and Hooverphonic <3), Aqualung, and Joy Division (who are never ALMOST somber, but most likely the epitome of it). It demonstrated to me very clearly just how much the weather really does effect mood. But once the sun finally pushed its way back through the clouds I couldn't even listen to it anymore and started over. It's not even half way done yet, but I've never been so excited about one of my monthly playlists that I've not only started it before the month started, but I felt the need to write about it before it was finished. Warmth is contagious.

The point of this post was to share with you (the one, sometime 3 of you that actually read my lonely little blog) albums that I've been listening to non stop the past couple days. So, here they are, the albums that I'm loving right now (in no particular order, of course):


Common // Universal Mind Control
In my mind, Common can never do any wrong and I'm so happy that the world finally took notice of him a few years ago. His latest album is upbeat and relevant, perfect for driving around the city. So far, "Gladiator", "Universal Mind Control", and "Punch Drunk Love" are my favorites.


Dragonette // Galore
Super fun, delicious pop dance music from Canada. A crazy mix of Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Fergie, and Scissor Sisters).


Ladyhawke // Ladyhawke
Seemingly named after that crazy Michelle Pfieffer movie where she's running around the forest doing crazy forest woman things, this girl would be the hipster city version of her. This album is pure joy, nothing but dancey electronic indie (indietronic?) music, which of course is my favorite. I love this album.


The Notwist // The Devil, You + Me
This band and album was introduced/given to me by my friend Slavick, who loves music (almost) as much as I do. This album is slower and darker than the other albums I listed here, but I love this one for its beautiful arrangements, extremely effective electronics, great lyrics, and perfect vocals. It's perfect for night driving. This band has been around for a long time - almost 20 years and I've seen the name here and there, but I can't believe I haven't heard them until recently. This is what Radiohead would be without the arrogance and occasionally contrived lyrics. I totally recommend this album.

Ok, so that's all for now... I have a paper due in less than 4 hours that I haven't started yet so this probably wasn't the best time to blog... but what can I say? I work best under pressure... I have to, I'm the master procrastinator.

Put the Bass in Your Walk!

So, one of my new favorite shows, RuPaul's Drag Race, has recently come to a close. I'm sure anyone reading this has to be as upset as I am to lose it. It's basically America's Next Top Model with drag queens, and of course everyone loves a (good) drag queen. The final three were Bebe, Nina Flowers, and Rebecca Glasscock (who IS very beautiful (and Shannell was like TOTALLY gorgeous and kinda cray cray too), but shouldn't have made it to the top three). I pretty much knew that Rebecca wasn't going to win... or I knew that RuPaul, in all her amazing-ness would recognize more than anyone the qualities necessary to become a "drag superstar."

So, it was between Bebe and Nina. Honestly, they are both good... actually all of the contestants were good, but Nina was the best. There was no one on that show who could perform like her. Her makeup was crazy good and creative and she could dance like no one else. English is her second language, but all we care about is what she does on stage... and let me tell you, she ALWAYS brings it. In the end though, BeBe Zahara Benet won the competition and I can't be mad about it, because if anyone other than Nina was to win, I'm happy it was Bebe. (Even though I might have weird bias for Ongina... OMG I love her!! But I knew she wasn't going to win.) Anyway, here's a little video from youtube of RuPaul's single, "Covergirl (Put the Bass in Your Walk)," the show's theme, with an alternative video of the contestants from the show. I really wish I could've gotten the one of Rebecca and Nina vogueing (whaaa? spelling?) or the final lipsync for your life between Nina and BeBe (It was amazing and intense... they should consider performing together one day!)



I really wish I could see Nina, or anyone from the show, but espcially Nina perform live one day, but Godfrey's, Richmond rinky dink little gay club (and my RVA club of choice... always) doesn't even have a stage. Everyone performs in the middle of the dance floor and it's hella small. I would be embarrassed for any performer of her caliber to even come in there! (Plus, they probably couldn't afford her anyway lol) I can't talk too much shit about Godfrey's though, I love it despite it's crappiness because it's the only club I go to and I pretty much always have a good time. It's the only place where I'll always find some friends (even if I didn't plan to go with anyone) and can drink and dance without having to deal with crazy bright orange half humainoid slutbots assaulting me to get to some meat head guy. But I digress...

Basically, my point is: Nina should've won, RuPaul (and Santino :^])!
Btw, how much do I love RuPaul and Santino?! Together?! They were both pure perfection, as they usually are.

El Presidente

"Rome wasn't burnt in a day." What?

It's 3:31 in the morning and I have to be up in three hours. My body feels like it can't move anymore, can't stand to be awake any longer, but my mind is racing. Someone is driving me crazy and it's affecting my sleep schedule. I don't appreciate it very much and I'd like to ask if this person could please leave my head. I really can't do the can't eat can't sleep shit, I'm sorry.

March 09's Playlist

Apparently March '09 is for nothing more than jumping around the house by myself when I should be doing something better with my time. This is one of my favorites of my monthly playlists, mostly because I've been able to listen to it non stop all month long, which didn't happen with the others. Anyway, without further ado:

1. Yelle // Je Veux te Voir
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs // Heads Will Roll
3. Ladyhawke // My Delirium
4. Lily Allen // Back to the Start
5. The Presets // If I know You
6. Shiny Toy Guns // Starts With One
7. The Sounds // Queen of Apology
8. Stacy Q // Two of Hearts
9. The Ting Tings // Shut Up and Let Me Go
10. Crystal Castles // Crimewave
11. Black Kids // I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (still <3 this song)
12. Santogold // Shove It (every time I listen to the album I have a new favorite)
13. Britney Spears // If You Seek Amy
14. Digitalism // Pogo
15. Electric Six // Dance Commander
16. Fischerspooner // Emerge (a song I will never tire of)
17. Gogol Bordello // 60 Revolutions
18. Hedwig and the Angry Inch OST // Angry Inch

This playlist is all I've been listening to. I love it. I'll add the imeem playlist in a bit.

I'm that free loving atheist liberal sending e-hugs to all the conservatives out there.

I tell most people that I meet that I'm probably the most liberal person they will ever meet. Over time they find that it's generally true. I think one of the really great things about being super super liberal is that I can handle criticism and ignorance quite well because I try to afford people the same consideration they should show me (but often don't). It doesn't bother me. Of course in some of those pesky hot button issues like gay marriage, abortion, etc. I can get frustrated and often times quite sad, but I hardly ever get angry.

Actually, I don't see a fundamental difference in values and goals between myself and people with vastly differing political views. I think deep down we pretty much all want the same things, we just have different ideas of how to go about achieving them and different reasons for wanting them. Because of this the only thing that keeps a conservative from being liberal and vice versa is understanding. We will always misunderstand each other. We can't fathom how someone else can possibly think the way they do and we never can until we think the same way, effectively adopting the same beliefs.

This theory in and of itself reeks of liberalism possibly with a dash of naivety, but I honestly believe it to be true based on the knowledge and experiences I've gained over my 22 years on Earth (most people find it hard to believe that I wasn't always like this... I've come a long way). This theory is why no one will ever hear the words "I hate conservatives and/or Republicans, Christians, Mormons, Scientologists (lol), Libertarians, rich people, men, hunters, etc" come out of my mouth. I don't understand or agree with them and probably never will, but I do try my best to make sure that we can all be heard, even though most of those people would rather I keep my mouth shut. I will cringe and then protest against their policies, but I will also talk to them about it (calmly and as open minded as possible) if I need to. I am biased, but I understand and accept that we all are. What matters is how much we try to see that we are all more alike and connected than most people seem to think.