The Soulful Epicurean
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hoottofu's LiveJournal:
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| Tuesday, June 27th, 2006 | | 4:51 pm |
| | Friday, June 23rd, 2006 | | 9:39 am |
Me and Lee Morgan
I am borrowing my dad's trumpet and learning to play. Wow. I make some horrible sounds... But I AM getting better and it's great to be playing an instrument again. As technically difficult as it is, the trumpet is also fabulously intuitive-- So much of the sounds you make are controlled by your breath and your lip shape. I think I'm going to try to stick with it for a while. I've signed up for lessons, hopefully starting next week... My trip to St. Louis was excellent. I am so torn about where I'm going to go one year from now for my job. I really want to head West for a while--ideally Oregon, but more likely (job-wise) Washington or California... Arizona and New Mexico also really need teachers, as does Hawaii (!). But my brother and his girlfriend will be in St. Louis for the next few years (she's in grad school at WAsh U) and then they'll move god knows where for her job-- so part of me wants to go back to St. Louis, plus it'd be nice to see my parents more often. When I have kids I know I'll want to be where my parents are... Family was and is so important to me, I can't imagine my kids growing up without their grandparents around. And I want to live somewhere else before then. So I don't know... I'll probably go to the teacher's job fair in Portland next April and see what jobs I can come up with. Oregon has a crappy job market, so poachers from other states always go there (Hawaii, Washington, California, The entire Southwest). It'll be really exciting to go to the fair and have that determine where I live for the next few years. Current Mood:  pensive | | Sunday, June 11th, 2006 | | 10:40 am |
I Watched soccer-- And Loved it!
The World Cup: The most important sporting event I never care about--Until Now! http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/specials/world_cup/2006/06/10/sweden.trinidad.tobago.ap/index.htmlWe watched the entire 90+ minutes of a thrilling (no irony here, folks) 0-0 tie between heavily favored Sweden and Trinidad/Tobago-- the smallest coutry ever to gain a W.C. berth. I also watched a short ESPN piece a week ago about rampant racism throughout Europe brought out especially nastily in soccer stadiums. Soccer fans held up horrible signs and through bananas and stuffed monkeys on the field and chanted slogans whilst giving fascist salutes.... Really disgusting stuff. The soccer federation is trying to crack down on this stuff, threatening team penalties for their fans' actions... So anyway, I was rooting hardcore for Trinidad-- Only one white player on the team... Didn't see any bananas in this match, at least... The first half was dominated by Sweden, they pressured the Trinidad goal with some frequency, and T/T only got one good scoring opportunity the entire half. Then, at the very beginning of the second half, one of Trinidad's best defensive players got his 2nd yellow card for a tackle-from-behind, meaning ejection. In soccer you can't replace ejected players, so they played 40 minutes down a man 11-10. They still frustrated Sweden's scoring chances, and both teams had chances towards the end... very exciting. I plan on watching some more soccer in the next month! Trinidad plays England in a few days... Go Soca Warriors!!! | | Saturday, June 3rd, 2006 | | 11:12 pm |
Who woulda thought?
Such a wonderful music day! I saw two jazz legends at separate events, both free! In Madison, freakin' Wisconsin.... The first was a really surreal experience. Roscoe Mitchell, of the Art Ensamble of Chicago plays pretty hardcore avant-garde jazz. Some major skronck and sckriek... One of the instruments he plays is the Baritone Sax, which sounds like an elephant with a cold... Anyway, he played at the Isthmus jazz fest today at 5:00 on the union terrace... backdrop is lake mendota, perfect weather. place is filled with drunken frat boys and overweight, middle-aged wisconsinites. Noone would shut the fuck up and hardly anyone had heard of Roscoe Mitchell. When he was done one drunken woman with lipstick the color of some tropical flower said loudly how glad they were that it was over. It was fun people-watching... Lots of puzzled faces. anyway, he was awesome. And I think getting reactions like that is part of the point. It IS abrasive, it is confrontational. Though there was also a gorgeous piece with cello as the lead, and some great blues-based stuff as well. then we trecked over to the overture center and sat through a run of the mill funk-infused quartet. like 20 people in the entire audience. they would have gone over great on the terrace, and i could have heard roscoe if he was inside... we're talking 3/4 of a mile apart here... anyway, after that was Richard David with Javon Jackson... terrific, of course. some more people showed up in the audience, too. Only played 45 minutes... On the Trail, In a Sentimental Mood, Locomotion, and a Herbie Mann piece I didn't know... Richard's playing is so melodic... His approach to the bass is gorgeous, I wish it wasn't used so often as strictly rhythm... It was wonderful... The pianist was very much a novice compared to the rest of them, it was interesting to see how Richard tried to bring him along and gave him direction with his chord changes... Live jazz can be incredible--The musical interaction is so interesting to watch... It's too bad most live jazz is so M.O.R. And the biggest news of the day? They announced that McCoy Tyner is going to play in Madison! He was John Coltrane's pianist... I can't think of any living musician I'd rather see than him. I was in a state of shock, but I'm ok now... SOOOO excited... That comes in October or November... yes, yes... goodnight. Current Mood:  bouncy | | Sunday, May 14th, 2006 | | 9:50 pm |
hmm...
Mount Merapi is gonna explode... yet In one of the villages in the shadow of Merapi, holy men and hundreds of people lit incense and set rice, fruit and vegetables floating down a river in a ceremony they believed would appease the spirits and prevent an eruption. "It's bound to help," Parsi, a villager who like many Indonesians using only one name, said after the ceremony. "Everyone around here believes in this. It is in our blood." i find this awfully interesting. good luck, Parsi. Current Mood: tightly wound | | Thursday, May 11th, 2006 | | 10:44 pm |
| | Friday, May 5th, 2006 | | 10:35 am |
| | Monday, May 1st, 2006 | | 2:52 pm |
A quiz by which you will know me better.
i posted this on myspace, but then remembered that i don't like myspace. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? a primordial amino acid stew to hopefully reattach it to the poor denuggeted chicken from which it was stolen. What is your favorite type of food/cuisine? umm.. Laotian maybe? or Thai... or Monty's Blue Plate Vegan BBQ Seitan Pork with Spicy fried-- a cuisine of it's own. Were you in sports in high school? just on the streets, baby.. Were you a boy/girl scout? Lord, no! Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? Who says I haven't? When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? The 80's Can you change the oil on a car? No, but I can change a tire. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? Several. Ran out of gas? No Best thing for breakfast: Champagne What is your usual bedtime: 11-1ish Are you lazy?: Only about some things. Do you read the newspaper?: No How many languages: English and wee bits of Spanish and Russian. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? No Which are better Legos or Lincoln Logs? Are you serious? Legos, and it's not even close. Red wine or white wine?: Yes, please. Favorite season? Autumn Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?: That's what I'm doin', fool. Are you stubborn?: Not really, I don't respect other people enough to bother. Favorite TV channels? FoodTV, ESPN and [adult swim] Who is better...Leno or Letterman? Ugh. Afraid of heights?: Not in theory... Sing in the car? Only whem I'm in one. Ever used a gun? I've shot many a skeet-bird. Are musicals cheesy? Oh God. I wish they'd all disappear. One of America's worst things. ever. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid ? Veterinarian, Biologist, anything involving animals and science where the animals don't get hurt. Do you believe in ghosts? Not in theory. Are you superstitious? No, just a little OCD Take a vitamin daily? Yep, multi. Wear a bath robe?: In the winter What do you wear to bed? Flannel bottoms and a hanes t-shirt. First concert? Billy Joel, and I'd do it again. Favorite genre of music?: Jazz Any tattoos? Nope. Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart?: Target is the only reasonable option here.. Nike or Adidas?: um... I know it's bad and all... but Nike. Fritos or Cheetos? Neither. Ech. Gimme Lundman's Rice chips please. Ever take dance lessons?: Yep. Is there a profession that you picture your perfect future spouse having? hmm... Anything they're passionate about that is worth-doing. Cellist or Masseuse would be good, too :) Can you curl your tongue?: NO. AND I'M JEALOUS AND RESENTFUL IF YOU CAN. Ever won a spelling bee?: mmm. Got second-place in 8th grade (I missed colonel), got a school best 106% in spelling class in 5th. Own any record albums?: Many. Own a record player?: Yes, but it needs a new needle. Regularly burn incense?: Ech. I hate that shit. Tea or coffee?: Tea! Favorite kind of cookie?: Not a big cookie-hound, I like not too much chocolate and not too sweet. Oatmeal cookies can be good. Can you swim well?: Decent enough. Can you hold your breath w/o manually holding your nose? I practice when I'm bored in class and hit 2:30 today! Ever had braces or a mouth piece?: Yep. Are you artistic? Non-practicing... Are you patient?: mmm. long-term yes, short-term no. Ever won a contest?: 5th grade D.A.R.E. essay. Best room for a fireplace? Every room. Have you ever gone fishing? When I was little. Poor fish. If they want to hook me, I understand. Current Mood:  good | | Saturday, April 22nd, 2006 | | 10:17 am |
Praise the Madison Farmer's Market
Praise be due, praise be due! got ramps, watercress, spring garlic, asparagus, oyster and portobello mushrooms, spinach, lettuce, taters, fresh pasta.... and it won't be long till morrels!!! praise be due! Current Mood: thankful | | Friday, April 21st, 2006 | | 12:25 am |
i want you to meet me------are you there
i'm listening to Van Morrison's "Into the Music" from 1979. it's not astral weeks or moondance, nothing trancendental like that... just... subtle pleasures. if i could make something as perfect as one of the less good songs on one of his not quite entirely brilliant albums--- say, "angelou"--- i'd have something to show fer myself. complete conviction, bravery, and a passionate heart. van's the man. you should know by now. Current Mood:  content | | Tuesday, April 11th, 2006 | | 12:06 am |
john coltrane= love= peace
It's so sad to me that jazz music doesn't get more recognition from the American public. It's our most intelligent and important heritage as Americans, and noone knows anything about it. i don't mean to be self-righteous or snobby.... i just can't understand it... this music is about revolution, love, passion, freedom. [sigh] Current Mood: disappointed | | Tuesday, March 21st, 2006 | | 7:41 pm |
Ahmad Jamal, you my daddy now
Whoa, sweet holy mother of cream pie and jesus! I just bought Ahmad Jamal live at the pershing & the spotlight club. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000003DG9/sr=8-1/qid=1142991757/ref=sr_1_1/002-1528587-3905607?%5Fencoding=UTF8go, buy, learn! One thing that I love about jazz is the number of total originals in the genre. Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Bill Evans... These people didn't just interpret interstingly or write brilliant songs or play perfectly (though they did all of these), but they invented an entirely new approach to music itself. Add Ahmad Jamal to that list! Why isn't this guy more well-know than he is? He combines the use of empty space and delicate "light" phrasing in a fascinating way. The music is ethereal, but based on his complex harmony, still meaty and tough. Also, the interaction between Ahmad and his rhythm section is practically telepathic. Really elegant music. Miles Davis was strongly influenced by this fella early on... This album impressed me more than any other I've newly become acquainted with in the last year or so... buy! learn! there's so much at your fingertips! Current Mood:  creative | | Saturday, March 18th, 2006 | | 10:23 am |
ugh, ahoy...
i've been on my winter break this past week... and i haven't done a god-damned thing! it's really bad... i gotta get back in my reading habit. In my education class we're now dealing with "diversity" and what-not. it's driving me crazy. really? are you seriously trying to tell me that i need to be aware of cultural differences? and what's that? poor black people aren't stupid, they just have a different dialect? wow... and here i thought they were just kinda dumb. thank for clearing that up. seriously. thanks. and then we watched a video which tells us that skin-color differences aren't related to a special gene that also gives, say, black people hops and a decent jump-shot... i should figure out how much i'm paying per minute for my education. and then kill myself. or someone else. i must read the spew of self-righteous guilty white people with no real insight and less brains. these are the writers of articles. in their universities, drinking their free-trade coffee with their sweaters and their apple computers... yes... they will have their own bland circle of hell. it's all symptomatic of our whole culture that emphasizes being politically correct and safe without actually dealing with any of the underlying causes. anyway, speaking of actualy racial inquiry, anyone out there watching boondocks at 10 or 11 on sundays [adult swim] ? i seriously love this show. [fight the power] Current Mood:  cranky | | Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 | | 8:40 pm |
| | Monday, February 27th, 2006 | | 3:52 pm |
| | Saturday, February 25th, 2006 | | 10:20 am |
100 Years of Solitude
Just finished that book a couple of days ago... really wonderful, it's a new favorite... i won't degrade it by trying to explain it. my little brother's best friend spent some time in india. the family he stayed with has a daughter... she tried to flee to the u.s. and is currently seeking asylum and is being held in the kenosha county jail... so strange. i've contacted the Wiscosin Tibetan Association (the family is Tibetan) and we're gonna try to help her, i think... hmm... very strange stuff. Current Mood: worried | | Wednesday, February 22nd, 2006 | | 11:57 pm |
| | Thursday, February 16th, 2006 | | 2:58 pm |
Sweet Jesus, how strange and wonderful!
Richard Davis took ME out to lunch this afternoon!!! the man paid for my lunch! i asked him all the things i wanted to... what did i learn? Astral Weeks WAS played by all the musicians and then Van overdubbed over it! that was a rumor, and i personally VERIFIED it :) and it was RICHARD who got that band together. holy crap! Van was so shy and nervous. he didn't talk to the musicians at all. The organic brilliance of this album is entirely pieced together. Miraculous music... Charles Mingus was an asshole Oscar Pettiford said that he didn't need Duke Ellington, Duke ellington needed him! hehe... John Coltrane asked RD to be in his band, but he was too scared and humble in front of John and didn't want to insult Jimmy Garrison, the bassist who was already there (RD would have been better on those albums)... RD did get to jam with John on a number of occasions, though. Eric Dolphy was an angel. He went to Queens from Brooklyn to change RD's tire. and bought food for all the aspiring musicians. he loved swordfish steak. when he died, richard found out from a friend and it took him a long time to get over it. they were very close. I'm listening to 'Out To Lunch!', eric's classic album right now. Richard is the bassist-- i know this man! CRAZY. Richard was good friends with Henry Lowe, who was my bass teacher when I was in high school. Henry was the retired principal bassist from the St. Louis symphony. they knew each other from back in new york. RD said he'd be happy to come to my house and let me make him dinner. he'll tell me all about things and i'll be so much wiser for it. my poor future high school students are going to get tired of me telling RD stories. I WORSHIP these jazz people, and Richard was such a central figure for such a long time... and beyond that he played on and was a key in making Astral Weeks which makes me cry and feel awake and human if i haven't been anyway. what strange fortune to find this is wisconsin... Current Mood: grateful | | 12:54 am |
in the night, in the snow...
The snow is beautiful tonight... like in a movie. i think it's because it was only expected to be 1 inch, and it ended up over 4... we went for a walk to lake mendota. over the black fence everything was grey-white like the edge of the world. when i was little i'd watch the snow come down from the corner of the window near my bed. if it came slanted it was a lot and maybe i wouldn't have school tomorrow. so i set my alarm for 1 AM-- was it still coming down? and then at 3, was it still coming down? and 5.... and at 7:30 i'd jump in bed with my parents. we'd listen to the radio. did it say my school district was cancelled? i went to bellerive elementary school, in the B's... so why did I have to wait for P and my district, Parkway? When it was cancelled we'd spend all day sledding and playing games. Josh and me... But tonight it looked like a movie and the edge of the world over the lake. All the edges were blurred and the colors were muted. Current Mood: content | | Monday, February 13th, 2006 | | 10:49 am |
hmmm
True English Nerd
You scored 86 erudition! |
| Not only do you know your subjects from your objects and your definite from your indefinite articles, but you've got quite a handle on the literature and the history of the language as well. Huzzah, and well done! The English snobs of Boston salute you. |
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My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:
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You scored higher than 90% on erudition |
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