A meager 5

Ah yes..it's the Friday Five


1. Do you like talking on the phone? Why or why not? I like talking on the phone to friends. I work on the phone 8 hours a day. So unless you've got something really amusing to say, I'm likely not to want to hear about it down the line. You can only listen to so much bitching before you go stark raving mad.

2. Who is the last person you talked to on the phone? My mother

3. About how many telephones do you have at home? 4 regular phones and my cellular

4. Have you encountered anyone who has really bad phone manners? What happened? I'm not sure if it's bad phone manners, but I have a freind who's grandma just ends a call by hanging up not saying good bye or anything. Not bad phone manners, just eccentric ones I think.

5. Would you rather pick up the phone and call someone or write them an e-mail or a letter? Why or why not? Email, cos then they can't keep you on with idle chit chat...sometimes you just need to get it over with..and email is so much easier in most cases.

Elvis, Story progression...and other random stuff

Ok first let me go on for a bit on how fantastic Mr. Elvis Costello was on Letterman last night! Not only was he divinely handsome, but he was funny and all around entertaining. His monologue gave me many excuses to giggle and mutter "you're so bad" to the telly. The one thing about him that I find endearing is how he says "ehm" when he's thinking of what to say next. It just sounds so damn sexy. I could go on about how sexy he is, but you all know that by now.

I did manage to nab some nice pictures from the Hall of Fame at the VH-1 site. I plan on moving one of them into the concubine section of the page soon. Change is always good, right?

Oh and speaking of changes, I'm nearly finished with the edits to Man Out of Time. So you'll be seeing new bits to this story here soon. Anyone who wants to read it over with the changes can give me a holler and I'll email it. I don't think I've made any drastic changes to the story. I basically cleaned up some parts that I felt were too vague. I was also trying to make Everett a bit more likable. I hope I succeeded. I'm still finding him less than amusing.

Oh, and I'm suffering from a lack of stupid surveys! C'mon people surely someone out there has a fun survey that I can steal. It's been nearly a week since I've klepto'd one. Annoying as they are. They at least give me something to think about.

The DSL modem came today, so likely over the weekend everything will get hooked up and running! I'm looking forward to faster downloads. So much music, so little time. Just think of all the divine mix cds that I'll be able to make once my downloads speed up!

Now for the Awol people in my life. Linds where the hell are you? You are too damn quiet everywhere! Jennifer, are you back in the states yet! Dammit I miss you guys!

Last thing, I might have an interview for a Management Training position for National City Bank. Keep your fingers crossed for me, that it would be something worth taking. I so want to find another job soon.

Greg in NYC

Damn him Damn him Damn him! Straight to hell in a handbasket wrapped in a butaine blanket. From what I gather, he's coming the last week of July to Caroline's in NYC. OK, I'm accepting donations now. Just contribute to the, "it's what Andrea wants most for her birthday" fund.

Yes, my birthday is the beginning of July. ARGH! I so want a Greg for my birthday! I so don't want to get on an airplane. I might as well add, I so don't want to go to NYC! Ah but I would so enjoy the chance to see Greg in his own element of stand up.

The worst part is, my interest in him is not quite where it was a few months ago. Blame Elvis for that. I'd rather see Elvis a few times...

More cons to Greg in NYC...

Bowie is supposed to tour this summer. I want to see David again. WAH!
If Elvis tours and he does that so often even without a record, I want to see him more than Greg..
I might not have any personal time at work to take...and getting to the airport after work could be a freaking bitch.

I guess it's a matter of waiting to see what happens, and where I'm working at the time. It's all so scary, at least to me. Recall that I'm the person who hasn't been outside of Pittsburgh all that often.

An Episode of Elvis

Ok, so Mr. Costello has completely taken over my tiny brain. I can't help it. They played a clip of Hall of Fame on Good Morning America this morning. I've had some drooling time looking at the pictures on Wire Image. I so hope some large versions of these morsels appear online somewhere soon.

If only that bimbo that's attached herself to him would go away. Far away. Very Far Away. Ok not on this planet would be a good place for her. I won't speak her name cos it will depress me. You know, I seriously liked it better when he was married to Cait O' Riordan. I'm not sure why, but it seemed to sit better with my stomach.

I wonder if the "if you ignore it long enough, it will go away" theory would work on her? Probably not. Most likely the Morrissey theory of "The more you ignore me, the closer I get" would hold true.

On a happy note: All the Attractions were there! Yup even Bruce! Yay Bruce! It's a shame Elvis wasn't nasty though, he could have done I Want You..which would have annoyed the fuck out of Bruce Thomas..but I think they steered clear of that song. More is the pity. I know they did Pump it Up, not sure what else they did, I can't wait to watch on Sunday!

Also, this just in..Elvis is the HOST of Letterman on Wednesday...How cool is that? I'm wondering if he's performing too. I hope so. I need all the Elvis I can get in my life.

I'd like to get a new album too, but I think that's too much to ask.

I made a beautiful mix cd

I decided to make a mix of songs that are like lullabies to me. It's posted at my Mix cd group and I think I'll post it at the Art of the Mix site as well. There are some artists that you can do a whole cd of songs that can lull you in to slumberland. Besides the lovely song stylings of Mr. Costello who was my choice for the cd, I can think of a few more that can send me off into a lovely slumber.

Erasure have some lovely melodic songs that can relax you into a nice slumber. I could probably do a whole cd of Duran Duran songs too. Abba springs to mind as well. How could they not? Of course you can always just by the Pure Moods collection, but what fun would that be?

But back to my lullaby mix..The title is "Sing Me to Sleep, Elvis" The tracklisting is :

The Long Journey Home
She
This House is Empty Now
Days
Lost In the Stars
But Not For Me
Shamed Into Love
You Stole My Bell
Please Stay
Still To Soon To Know
Favourite Hour
Couldn't Call It Unexpected #4
Sweet Pear
Lovefield
Pills & Soap
Satellite
My Funny Valentine
Nighttime
Indoor Fireworks

There were so many others I could have added. If I could have, I would have loved to have had Upon A Veil of Midnight Blue and The Birds Will Still Be Singing on here as well. Another Day Another Mix?

I'm going to do a mixed genre version of this cd as well. I can already think of some really pretty tracks to put on that version as well. I'll probably do that tomorrow. Until then...I'll just nap to Elvis.

Every Elvis Has His Army

So much going on that centers on Mr. Costello this week. Ah if only my vcr would be nicer to me. Where to begin. Where to begin.

~ Wednesday night the man is the musical guest on Letterman!

~Friday at noon, vh-1 is finally reairing the Storytellers episode he did. My vcr better be prepared for this, cos this is the only Storyteller's that I've never seen. Something strangely ironic to that, don't you think.

~Sunday night..and almost everynight there after, the induction to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. EC will be inducted by Elton John. I'm rather amused by that, myself.

Some thoughts on Elvis for the time being.

Man Out of Time was originally inspired by Mr. Proops, but about 10 pages in the character that was inspired by Elvis took control of the story. I'm trying to do some rewrites so Everett becomes just a bit likeable, but it's not working for me. I still want to smack that character senseless.

Will Bruce Thomas overcome his hatred for my darling Declan to perform at the induction ceremony? It's something that's been plaguing my mind for quite a time now.

Will the Attractions tour! Goddamn it, they need to tour. OK, but that can only happen if Bruce puts aside his nasty feelings. How come I have the feeling that if Bruce is going to play on Sunday night, Elvis is going to play I Want You just to annoy Bruce.

If the Attractions don't tour, Elvis needs to find a reason to tour on his own. I'm having Elvis withdrawals. I need to see the man again. I'd also like a few more reissues of the old cds and maybe a new one.

The people who voted for the grammys have their heads up their asses. When I Was Cruel will be the album of the year in my mind thank you very much, and a big ole raspberry to Mr. Springstein and that damn the Rising cd.

Black suits on Elvis are exceedingly sexy. In fact, they are sexier than any suit Mr. Proops has ever worn.

The Survey Klepto Strikes Again

Oh it's so fun to find the survey's at everyone's LiveJournal's. More things to steal! Woo Hoo! I nabbed this one from Linds' LJ, cos it was amusing looking. Isn't that sad? I've stolen a survey cos it looks amusing. Note to self, finish editing Man Out of Time!

This N' That

01) Last dream: I was following Elvis Costello around the Hard Rock in Pittsburgh, he had performed there, and I think I was his groupie.
02) Last car ride: I drove myself home from work today.
03) Last kiss: I think it's non of your damn buisness
04) Last person you kissed: same as above
05) Last good cry: Monday Morning
06) Last missing library book: Never lost one yet
07) Last movie seen: Chicago
08) Last book read: I'm reading Sandra Brown's Slow Heat in Heaven
09) Last curse word uttered: "Fuck".
10) Last beverage consumed: Coke
11) Last food consumed: Cold Pizzia
13) Last phone call: To my mom on the way home from work
14) Last TV show watched: Reba and I'm not sure why.
15) Last item bought: Pastries at Panera Bread this morning
16) Last time showered: I prefer baths thank you very much.
17) Last shoes worn: Clunky black fun shoes, where they came from escapes me
18) Last CD played: Cheap Trick "Standing on the Edge"
19) Last MP3 downloaded: Madonna's American Life
20) Last annoyance: Stupid system's down at work
21) Last disappointment: Not getting seats to Elton John/Billy Joel
22) Last soda drank: Coke
23) Last thing written: An email to a trading buddy
24) Last key used: my car key
25) Last word spoken: How am I supposed to remember this
26) Last trip to the bathroom: about 10:30.... Do ya really need to know that? I think fucking not.
27) Last sleep: from 11:30 last night to 6:30 this morning
28) Last IM: Kristin last night
29) Last song you listened to: "The Long Journey Home" Elvis Costello
30) Last time you yelled at someone: My sister some time last week
31) Last weird encounter:My life is one big weird encounter, I can't distinguish one from another
32) Last store shopped at: Panera Bread..it's a pastry thing
33) Last ice cream eaten: Breyer's 3 flavors
34) Last time amused: Thursday morning when Whose Line was on CC
35) Last time wanting to die: Friday at work..hell everytime I'm at work
36) Last time in love: I don't believe in that stupid emotion.
37) Last time hugged: this morning, mom
38) Last time scolded: Does anyone scold anymore?
39) Last time resentful: I resent you asking me something like that. LOL
40) Last chair sat in: Hey I'm in a rolling computer chair now, ain't that exciting, don't you really just care!
41) Last lipstick used: Color Works Brown
42) Last underwear worn: white silk bikinis
43) Last bra worn: My fabulous wonder bra...it wonders what it's pushing up
44) Last shirt worn: I have my Elvis Costello t-shirt on right now
45) Last class attended: Do you count my work training class, if not I graduated 6 years ago. How the hell am I supposed to remember
46) Last Final taken: my training class final back in Nov.
47) Last time dancing: to long ago to remember
48) Last poster looked at: My Chanel Poster
49) Last concert attended: Elvis Costello at the AJ Palumbo Center Oct 19,2002
50) Last webpage visited: The Certifiable Wenches Mix CD Group Page

Tales of the Blode Episode 2

You just have to go to this site. For those of you that appreciate ocelot references, you'll love this. If not, it's still the funniest thing I've seen on the net in yonks! It was posted at the Land of Ocelots by Lou.

Totally worth a few minutes of your time, cos the laughs that will result will be well worth it.

And now onto the Friday Five

01. What was the last song you heard? "Tell it To Me" Erasure

02. What were the last two movies you saw? Chicago and Ghost Ship

03. What were the last three things you purchased? Two bags of TGIF Potato Skins chips and um my DSL service

04. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Work for at least 4 hours (PAH), Buy some bubble mailers so I can ship the cds I'm burning, clean up the two messy rooms I dwell in, get out of the house and not worry about work for 24 hours. Wait that's five! oh well...fuck it.

05. Who are the last five people you talked to? Michael, Raymond, Mom, Grandma, and Dad

Are you bored now? I am. I'm going to work on Man Out of Time now...so I can get it some new bits started shortly.

Building the Perfect Mix

So as you all can see by the new icon on the page, I have a mix cd group. Well I'm working at my lust mix at the present time. The beauty of building mixes or at least coming up with setlists for mixes is that I sort out all my cds and actually listen to a few that probably haven't had a spin in the cd player in years and years.

Today I've pulled out the Cheap Trick cds, and those haven't got any love in a way long time. I think I'll devote a few minutes to the beauty that is Cheap Trick and my love for Robin Zander. I like a million others fell in love with the song The Flame way back when. As usual, I had to acquire everything they ever recorded and I was pleased that I enjoyed most everything they did. Cheap Trick are a fun band with some really great catchy songs. I'm also probably one of the few people that own a copy of Robin's solo cd. It's a shame that cd didn't do better, there were some lovely songs on that one.

I've also been reintroducing myself to Adam Ant. More fun music, which I'm sadly in need of right now. I chose the song Strip for obvious reasons. Ok maybe not. I picked this song so I could look at the picture inside the cover while I was ripping the track to my hard drive. I wish this picture were lurking somewhere online but alas it is not.

Oddly enough, I've also renewed my interest in INXS. They are a band I've had fleeting interest in over the past few years.

So needless to say, I'm having fun trying to make the perfect lustful mix cd. I may be at this one for awhile.

The Sexiest Song

Oh and while I'm rambling, I just have to say that Elvis Costello's song "Inch By Inch" is the sexy song of the day. This is another one that just well inspires nasty evil thoughts when I hear it. So for your reading pleasure I will now give you the lyrics to this lovely gem.

Inch By Inch
You can take a powder
You can take a drink
You can keep the shrink
And the kitchen sink
Write my name in heaven
in invisible ink
I just woke up from dreaming, I think
You can take me over
You can give me a lip
You can take me under
You can give me the slip
Take off everything or tear me off a strip
Like a lady in the chamber
and another in the clip

Chorus
Don't move a muscle baby
Don't even flinch
You can miss me by a mile
Or just inch by inch
Inch by inch
Inch by inch
Inch by inch
You can pull me up again
Inch by inch
Inch by inch
As pulses race
I long to see that look upon your face

You can take me outside
You can take me apart
You can take me upstairs
you can take me to heart
You made me love you when
you thought you were so smart
Don't try to stop me when
you told me to start
Chorus

Sorry, but this song makes me want to hop on the man's lap and kiss him senseless and then do a few other things to him. Ah yes I'm in one of those moods now.

Sexy is as Sexy does

Ok to continue on with the "sexy" theme of yesterday... Linds' brought up a good point. How many people do you think are sexy based on looks alone? Ok, I've had to give this some thought. There are some people that struck me just as soon as I saw them that they were sexy as hell.

Simon LeBon - Ok, the picture on the side of this page can attest to his beauty. It's all in his eyes. Come hither baby blues, has Mr. LeBon. He's such a dishy thing, I can almost put aside his arrogance. I said almost, but then again, I look at him and well...YUM! Simon falls under the 'strip him down and tape his mouth shut' category. He's gorgeous as long as I don't have to listen to him.

Johnny Depp - I don't know much about him, which is just fine by me. I've adored him since I saw Edward Scissorhands. Plus there was all the sweetness of Benny and Joon. He's got that lanky sexy going on. He's just so darn chisled. If I hear that there is a movie with Johnny in it, I'm there, just to get the opportunity to drool on his loveliness. This is not to say he's a bad actor, cos I've enjoyed every film I've ever seen with him in it. I highly recommend Sleepy Hollow and Chocolat if you need to spend a few quality hours drooling in front of the telly.

David Bowie - I have to say as soon as I laid eyes on the man I was hooked. Songwriting talent and vocal talent aside, David Bowie is just gorgeous. He's one of the few celebrities that when I learn weird facts about him, I don't get bothered. Who cares what he does with his personal life, he's David Bowie and he's just darn gorgeous.

Paul McCartney - Dead Sexy. I can say no more. At 60 he's still one beautiful man. Words cannot express his sexiness

I can probably think of a few more, but for now these are enough.

Why Geeky is Sexy

Thank to Linds, I've been forced to ponder the reasons why people think other people are sexy. There are the obvious reasons of course. Some people, Hugh Grant pops into mind, are just to darn cute to be anything but sexy. Then there are people like me that find the geekiest people sexy. Lets face it, Elvis Costello, Greg Proops, Danny Elfman and Vince Clarke give meaning to the word geeky.

So now I must ponder what makes each of these little devils so sexy. This could take days...weeks...months...to really explain, but I'll try to be short sweet and close to the point.

Elvis Costello - First of all, if you don't find that deep and penetrating stare sexy, I feel sorry for you. I could get lost in those pretty puppy dog eyes that hide behind those horn rims. If that doesn't suffice, there's that soft sweet voice that could charm the pants off anyone. He can charm any article of clothing he wants off of me, in case you didn't know. The other important reason for his sexiness is that singing voice of his. You have only to hear a live version of I Want You to be brought to your knees. If you don't believe me, go see the man in concert, it's well worth it.

Greg Proops - Ok 40 pounds ago he was much sexier. Put down the bon bons Greg...step away from the fridge. Still my speccy comedian is sexier than hell. He has a way with facial expressions that makes you want to grab him and squeeze him, or maybe slap him upside the head. Either way, his I don't give a shit attitude, is what makes me adore him. There are other reasons to adore him of course. How many comedians wear 3 piece suits everywhere. Bless him, he's a sharp dressed man. He also has a smile that will melt your heart. Oh and for those of you who don't know it, intelligence is sexy.

Danny Elfman - Ok this man was the geekiest teenager in the world. I tell you, he had to get into a band so that he could get dates. Once you get past the early years of Boingo, Danny just well becomes the sexiest thing on the face of the earth. Some people have bedroom eyes. Danny has a bedroom voice. Listen to the commentary from Edward Scissorhands, that should be enough. For the most part, Danny's appeal to me is in his ability to look innocent while retaining a certain measure of evilness.

Vince Clarke - Ok, I know you are all saying, "How in the hell is he sexy?" First of all when Vince has a full head of hair...whoa baby, he's all that and a bag of chips. Without it, he still looks like your goofey kid brother. He's just so tiny and sweet you have to love him. Plus he so dead pan ...I have this sweet picture of him while they were making the I Love to Hate You video. He's suspended in the air with his synth and his making faces into the camera. You just want to grab him and tickle him to pieces.

So as you can see, everyone can see something sexy in even the least sexy of people. Oh and if you think these 4 are the least sexy..I blow raspberries at you. If you aren't a geek...PAH! I will say this..What do my 4 geeks have in common..Specs! Long live sexy speccy men.

Let's Play Steal a Survey

This survey was stolen by Brighid who stole it from Lindsey who probably stole it from someone else. It's such a chain reaction thing we've got going on here. Anyway, I'm editing the first 50 pages of Man Out of Time, so you won't see much posting of the story, until I'm ready to start with the next bits.

So for your amusement and giggling pleasure until then. Surveys! and other random shit from me!

01. My name is -- Andrea
02. I may seem -- shy
03. But I'm really -- outgoing and obnoxious when I try to be
04. People who know me think -- I'm intelligent
05. If you knew me you'd -- think I was weird
06. Sometimes I feel -- like no one cares
07. In the morning I -- check my email, get dressed and go to hell..I mean work
08. I like to sleep -- Alot
09. If I could be doing anything right now I would be -- with my 3 concubines. (Grabs Elvis Costello and chains him to the bed)
10. Money is -- like manure, it needs to be spread around encouraging young things to grow. (like me) btw that's from Hello Dolly
11. One thing I wish I had is -- A different Job
12. One thing I have that I wish I didn't is -- a job with Expanets
13. All you need is -- Love
14. All I need is -- A new and amusing job
15. If I had one wish it would be -- To have my concubines for a year a piece
16. Love is -- a joke that too many people fall for
17. My body is -- tiny and slighty curvy
18. If an angel flew into my window at night I would -- Offer it a cookie
19. If a demon crashed into my window I would -- ask it if it wanted a zima
20. If I could see one person right now it would be -- Mr. Costello (and if he'd be naked..oh would I be happy)
21. Something I want but I don't really need is -- Loads of CDs...real and bootlegs
22. Something I need but I don't really want is -- DSL (so that the brat can share the internet connection)
23. I live for -- today
24. I dare you all to -- stand on your head and whistle Rock the Casbah
25. I am afraid of -- Americans
26. It makes me angry when -- stupid people continue to breathe
28. I daydream about -- Mr. Costello, Mr. Proops and Mr. Elfman..the rest I'm not telling you.
29. I cry because -- life sucketh so
30. This quiz is -- really boring

More of the Stolen Survey type thingies

This one I nabbed from Tay's Diary. It's not quite as extensive but just as fun, and it unfortunately is making me think on a Sunday morning. That's so wrong. So without further ado. The Favorites survey begins. (yes I'm a nut, and no I don't care)

Music | Elvis Costello, Duran Duran, Erasure, Def Leppard, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Abba, David Bowie, Oingo Boingo, Madonna, Lisa Stansfield, Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Billy Joel, Elton John, Roxette, Sting, Pet Shop Boys, Alison Moyet, Yazoo, U2, Midge Ure, Glass Tiger, Duncan Sheik, the Devlins, Adam Ant, Depeche Mode, the Cure, Bryan Ferry, Cyndi Lauper, the Beatles, the Monkees, Fleetwood Mac, the Eurythmics, XTC, Jonatha Brooke, Matchbox Twenty, Tori Amos, Sarah McLaughlin, OMD, the Smiths, Cheap Trick

Movies | Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes (Burton style), Mars Attacks, Nightmare Before Christmas, Chocolat, Evita, Chicago, What Dreams May Come, Death to Smootchy, Who's that Girl, Drop Dead Fred, Benny and Joon, Dangerous Liasions, Being John Malkovich, Moulin Rouge, A Fish Called Wanda, Rat Race, The Curse of the Jade Scorpion, Shrek, Monsters Inc, From Hell, the Witches of Eastwick, Tea with Mussolini, Harry Potter, Cats and Dogs, the Others

Actresses | Winona Ryder, Madonna, Cher, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Pheobe Cates, Lisa Marie (giggle please, it's for the monkey love dance), Catherine Zeta-Jones

Actors | Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, Jon Cusak, Christopher Walken, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, John Cleese, Robin Williams

TV | Whose Line is it Anyway, Are You Being Served?, Red Dwarf, Good Eats, Waiting for God, Absolutely Fabulous, Vicar of Dibly, Dexter's Laboratory

Foods | Chinese steamed dumplings, Chicken Paprikash or however it's spelled, Most anything Mexican, Ghnocchi, Ravioli, Tiramisu, Hamburgers, Red Top Pizzia, Gyros, Wedding Soup

Drinks | non alcoholic - Coke, Cherry Coke, Orange Juice, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Yoo Hoo, Hot Cocoa. Alcoholic - Amaretto Sour, Margaritas on the rocks, Daquaris

Restaurants | Fast Food - McDonald's, Taco Bell, Long John Silvers, Popeye's, Primanti Bros Sit Down - Chi Chis, Lone Star, Applebee's, TGIFriday's, Olive Garden, Hard Rock Cafe, Houlihann's, Sweeny's

Stores | Half Price Books, Borders, Best Buy, Lerners, Express, Kaufmann's, Target

Places | The South Side of Pittsburgh, Lancaster County PA, Toronto, Erie. Places I would love to go - London, NYC, Quebec, Chicago, Vegas, Atlantic City

Randomness, My Favorite Thing

Mix cds Mix cds Mix cds.

Why can't I think of a theme? I just sent off a mix cd to Brighid this morning, which I'm sure will astonish and traumatise her. If you want to check it out it's posted at The Art of the Mix site. I've hunted through all the groups at Yahell and I still can't find a good group for making and trading mix cds. It's getting depressing, because I need motivation to make this things. It took me over a week to do Brighid's but hey! I made artwork too! Yay Me!

Pictures of my concubines.

It just dawned on me that I should change the pictures in the corner again. After all you might be sick of seeing the same 4 or so pictures. Though the picture of Simon and Danny stay, cos those are just too yummy to change. I might replace Greg with another concubine, cos I'm not feeling to favorable towards Mr. Proops these days. I'm thinking it's time for Mr. Bowie to have a shot at some screen time here. Anyways, Enjoy a few new pictures

Those Blasted Bootlegs.

I now have 2 packages of cdrs that I still haven't opened. I have cds that I haven't put in my trade page. We won't even mention how many, cos it's really close to 50 or more. Allow me to scream if you will. My Costello collection of shows should be topping at least a hundred or more now. Some day I'll get them all sorted and print artwork etc. When that happens all the ink in America will disappear. I should be printing art for nearly 400 shows! I should be glad I don't usually make artwork for mix cds, unless I'm coereced into doing it.

Enough for now...I must go and work on the story for a bit...

Stolen Surveys

Ah yes, another survey klepto'd from Linds' blog! This blog will appear in 47 other blogs by the end of next week :D

What band/artist have you been playing the most this month?

Ah well, that's an easy one Elvis Costello. He's ruled the cd player for more than a year now.

What was the last CD you bought?

Paul McCarney's Wingspan. I bought it to have Helen Wheels and Waterfall in one place, plus it has some great pics of Macca and Linda.

Do you like mix tapes/CDs?

I'm obsessed with the idea. I used to make all sorts of mix cds. I was trying to do an 80s A-Z compilation back when I had a tape recorder in my car. I got through half of the alphabet too. Now that I have a cd player I just burn and burn and burn. I'd love to find a good mix club to get ideas for mixes. The Art of the Mix site is also the greatest place too.

What genres of music do you most enjoy?

This is a hard one, because my taste is varied. I like Rock/Pop in some forms. Hell you can even find some boy bands in my collection, not that I'm proud of owning them. I love New Wave, as you can tell by the 80's mix tapes I was making. Light pop and new age. I like techno pop, like Depeche Mode and Erasure, but not to hard core techno. Classic Rock, the Beatles...Bowie...Fleetwood Mac....etc. And altnerative prior to the grunge era....

What song/album/artist do you play in the bath?

I don't usually play music when I take a bath, but it would be something relaxing. I could enjoy listening to someone like Julia Fordham who has an incredible voice or the band the Devlins while soaking. I highly recommend the 3 albums by the Devlins to anyone who has a fondness for soft gentle melodies with great lyrics. Songs of choice for bathing or otherwise...Consent...Static in the Flow...Someone to talk to.

Name a band/song that is special to you, and explain why.

Right now the song "This House is Empty Now" It's funny that song took hold of me about a year ago when I was working on the story Distorted Angel, which can be found on my fanfic blog or my other fanfic site. That song inspired me to twist the story a bit, plus I adore Elvis' vocal on that. The line that gets me everytime.."Does the extinguished candle care about the darkness?" Bravo Elvis!


Have you ever been certain a song was written just for you?
Haven't we all at some point? The first one that comes to mind for me is from the album Mighty Like a Rose, and the title is All Grown Up. I'll just put the lyrics here, and those of you that know me will completely understand.

All Grown Up
"I'm trouble" she said
Spread out on the floor of her father's house
Her promise was almost undone
Under her tongue, dissolving her responsibilities
To finally deny everyone with every unflattering comparison
CHORUS
All grown up
And you don't care anymore
And you hate all the people that you used to adore
And you despise all the rumors and lies of the life you led before

Did I hear you right?
You're feeling hounded and pushed around
You want to just lay down and die
If all of this life has been such a big disappointment to you
Why don't you stop blaming some guy
And go give the next one a try

CHORUS

But look at yourself
You'll see you're still so young
You haven't earned the weariness
That sounds so jaded on your tongue

"I'm weak" she says
And blesses herself and gets into bed
Clutching the covers to her throat
"So punish me now and let me go back to the sham of my life"
"This night is the perfect antidote for all of the poison that
you wrote"

CHORUS



What song never fails to make you cry?

You Must Love Me by Madonna from the film version of Evita. It didn't have that affect on me until I had seen the movie, but after that, it can always move me to tears. It's a lovely song written by the exceedingly talented Mr. Tim Rice with music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.


If you could go on stage with anyone + duet with them; who would it be, what song would you sing, and why?

Ok I have 2 actually. First would be Michael Crawford of Phantom of the Opera fame. I'd want to do the song Phantom of the Opera with him (not that I could pull of the aria, but who cares) Why? Because I would love to be that close to that gorgeous and supremely talented man, plus I've always wanted to sing the part of Christine Daae.

The second would be Mr. Elvis Costello. The song would be "Baby It's Cold Outside" The reason, you ask. If he can sing it with Anne Sofie Von Otter, why not me. Plus it's a really gorgeous song, and afterwards I'd like to snuggle up to Dec with a nice hot spiked cup of coffee!

Does your style match your music taste?

Not really, because it's so varied. God know what I'd look like if I did. Half goth...half earth child...that could be a rather odd combination. Of course I'd have an excuse to have my fuzzy cuffs with me at all times. Yippee!


What band/song could you never get bored of?

Oh god, this is a hard one. There are very few bands that I've liked that I've gotten bored with. It's going to be a Costello song though, because he's one of the only artists that I've listened to for more than 10 years. I've been a fan for 14 years now. The song I would have to say is Riot Act. It's just one of my original Costello favorites


What song would you like to have dirty rough sex to?

Erm.."I Want You" Elvis Costello. Oh and the sex would be with Elvis Costello thank you very much.

What song would you like to make love to someone to?

Peter Gabriel's Red Rain...still with Elvis Costello please...

What band/artist/song makes your ears bleed?

Britney Spears and Christina make my ears bleed as well as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I'm sure there are some more wailing bansheelike females that I can add to this list.

List five bands + a song of theirs that you love (in no particular order):

Elvis Costello - Next Time Round
Duran Duran - Ordinary World
Oingo Boingo - We Close Our Eyes
Erasure - Siren Song
Def Leppard - Where Does Love Go When It Dies?

If you had a band - what would you call them, and what would be your role?

The Dazzlers, and I'd like to be the lead singer. (go ahead laugh hysterically now) And the group name will make sense to some of you too, I'm sure.


Who would you do a support slot for?

Oh, I'd love to be the opening wench for Elvis Costello or Duran Duran.

Have you ever been in love with a song/band?

I had quite an obsession with Duran Duran for quite awhile as well as Oingo Boingo. I don't know if I were in love with the band so much as certain members as I was in love with members of the band. Of course it was the love of the music that brought me to the love of the bands. Listen to Dark at the End of the Tunnel and you too will fall under the spell of the Elf.


Is there any song that you just can't bear to listen to because of the memories? (if so, what + why)

There's one Boingo song that is hard to listen to though I manage. It's Skin. It's a gorgeous song but it brings back alot of memories of my senior year in high school which I'd rather forget,if you please.

Elvis Costello, How I Love Thee...Let me Count the Ways

I'm feeling particularly silly today, and I'm not sure how much of Man Out of Time I'll have done, so I thought I'd devoted today's blog to some mindless sillyness. Everyone's entitled right? Even if they are not, I'm doing it. For the purpose of shits and giggles alone.

1. His songwriting enthralls me.
2. His sexy body makes me oh so weak in the knees.
3. His current single state (or semisingle) brings me joy!
4. His sense of humor is divinely wicked
5. He sings Oliver's Army better than Greg Proops (sorry Greggie..his song..and it was oh so murdered)
6. He may be older but he is better looking than the above mentioned comedian.
7. He isn't going bald as some rumors suggested.
8. Looks snappy in hats, though some of the hats are damn ugly.
9. A very charming celebrity if you get the chance to meet him.
10. Any man the covers Abba should be loved. (that goes for Erasure too.)
11. He worked with Paul McCartney (bow to his greatness)
12. He can write music for just about any genre
13. The song "I Want You" nuff said.
14. He's been the inspiration for several stories and 2 other characters. (any guesses which?)
15. He's intelligent as well as sexy
16. He beat Celine Dion for a Grammy! (go Elvis go Elvis)
17. He makes specs sexy!
18. Even the demos of his recordings are good.
19. He performed on the Grammy's in a suit! (bless him)
20. He's a damn sexy devil and if you don't believe me, go watch the video for this town!

Some things that I've been forced to think about

I nabbed this off of Linds' blog. I found it amusing and I thought I'd nab it. I haven't done any survey swapping in ages, and since I need a respite from the story for a time, here goes.

ten things I miss
01. 80's Night at Metropol
02. Concerts that didn't cost 100 bucks a ticket
03. Whose Line Marathon's on Comedy Central on Monday Night
04. Spare time
05. vacations when I actually got to go somewhere
06. My Mind
07. warm weather
08. Red Dwarf
09. British Comedies on PBS (there aren't nearly enough on anymore)
10. Weekend trips to Pittsburgh (It's just too damn cold and snowy)


nine things I hate
01. Expanets
02. Mtv (which doesn't mean music television anymore)
03. Diana Krall (do I have to mention why?)
04. Mandatory Overtime
05. Danielle Steele novels (god does she have to kill off everyone?)
06. Screeching blonde female singers (do I have to mention names?)
07. waiting
08. seafood
09. The Pittsburgh Concert scene (no one comes here!)


eight things I love
01. Elvis Costello
02. my computer
03. my cd collection
04. Greg Proops
05. Danny Elfman's film scores
06. Tim Burton films
07. my pets
08. Vampire novels


seven things I remember the most
01. meeting Elvis Costello
02. the Monkees concert from 02 and the chaos of getting back to the car
03. Improv All Stars at the Funny Bone in Pittsburgh
04. Watching Modern Vampires for the first time
05. The bus ride to Toronto to see Phantom in 92
06. The four day excursion to Strongsville OH, to work for no good reason.
07. Seeing Paul McCartney at the Civic Arena in 90


six things I want to do eventually
01. see Greg Proops perform stand up
02. Get a new job
03. Visit Toronto for a week
04. Buy a newer car
05. Print out the cover art for my bootleg cdr collection
06. Write (well finish) a novel


five songs I can listen to over and over
01. "Riot Act" Elvis Costello
02. "We Close Our Eyes" - Oingo Boingo
03. "Next Time Round" - Elvis Costello
04. "You Must Love Me" - Madonna
05. "New Moon on Monday" Duran Duran


four words that describe me
01. quiet
02. opinionated
03. obsessive
04. weird


three things I want to change
01. my job
02. my hairstyle
03. my wardrobe (yes it's time for clothes shopping)


two people I want to disappear

Oh no..I'm not answering that, I'd get in way to much trouble

one thing I want
01. serenity

Fun and Happy Music

I've been trying to compile some fun happy music for a cd. Yeah it's all about the mix cds. It's become an odd obsession. So far this one is coming along a bit more quickly. I might be able to get this burned soon. Woo hoo for me. You have to admit though that there's quite a bit of music you can choose for this mix.

Some songs that come to mind

Monkees - Cuddly Toy
They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse In Your Soul
Adam Ant - Stand and Deliver or Ant Rap or both of them
Roxette - Joyride
Erasure - Heavenly Action
XTC - The Mayor of Simpleton
the Bangles - Walk Like and Egyptian (annoying but happy)
Counting Crows - Hangin Around (I love this one)
Oingo Boingo - Happy
Def Leppard - 21st Century Sha La La Girl

Another Fine Mess

Ah yes, get started making mix cds and you'll fast become obsessed and well disgusted. I just can't think of any good topics for mixes..and the sad thing was a few years back I used to be able to turn out all sorts of mixes at the drop of a hat.

What I need right now, are ideas for mixes...I'm just not inspired at all. And yet I'm so sick of listening to Elvis Costello's Blood and Chocolate on my way too and from work that I could just scream. The worse part is that when I make a mix tape, it's lifespan is so darn short. My car cdplayer eats them like candy.

I've also come to the conclusion that everytime I find a new favorite Costello cd, I get a new favorite song. In the last month my top 2 songs by the Dishy Devil Declan are "The Big Light" and "Next Time Round." Neither of which are on any of the mix cds that I've made previously.

Which really means I need to make a Costello Mix..but the decisions involved in that are just too tremendous right now.

Other bands that really need new mix cds made by me...

1. Erasure (I made one recently..but I'll be damned if I can find it)
2. Duran Duran (a cd that won't annoy me this time)
3. Paul McCartney

The Most Beautiful Love Song

If any of you know me ...you know that I have a fondness for Mr. McCartney and his work. I've been a Beatles fan since I was about 5 years old. So as I was working on Man Out of Time tonight, I noticed that Everett...is acting out not only a Costello song...but also my favorite McCartney song.

You might also have guessed what song I'm talking about, because it's the title of my one Greg Proops fanfic..you know the only one where Greg actually gets some. Poor Greg, I abuse him so in my stories...

But in honor of Greg...and my darling character Everett. I'm posting the lyrics to the most beautiful lovesong ever written.

Paul McCartney
Title: Maybe Im Amazed

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you love me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I love you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
And hung me on a line
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you

CHORUS:
Maybe I'm a man and maybe I'm a lonely man
Who's in the middle of something
That he doesn't really understand
Maybe I'm a man and maybe you're the only woman
Who could ever help me
Baby won't you help me understand

Chorus

Maybe I'm amazed at the way you're with me all the time
Maybe I'm afraid of the way I leave you
Maybe I'm amazed at the way you help me sing my song
You right me when I'm wrong
Maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you

The Infidelity Mix

Ok..this is what I've been obsessing on for days now. Making a mix cd of songs that are about infidelity.

Here's what I've come up with so far

Elton John - I Don't Want to Go On With You Like That
Elvis Costello - Baby Plays Around
Frida - Something's Goin On
Oingo Boingo - Better Luck Next Time
Olivia Newton-John - The Rumour
Duran Duran - Love Voodoo
Morrissey - Alsatian Cousin
Def Leppard - When Love and Hate Collide
Erasure - Boy
Cure - In Between Days
Madonna - Lovesong
The Cast of Chicago - Cell Block Tango

One day I'll get it all sorted out and burned...one day...

Snow storms and other not so fun things

Ah so here it is 11:30 on Monday morning. I'm frozen and looking out my window to see about at least 12 or more inches of snow. Let's just discuss how wrong this is. Not that I mind not being at work. I couldn't get off my hill at this point. It's always nice when the weather cripples your ability to make money. ARGH! I wish this job would go away.

The other fun thing or rather not so fun thing was trying to get through on the call off line this morning. I think the whole center either called off or was going to be late. Double my fun! Yee freaking Ha! Well I guess the whole center will be getting occurences. Oh well.

If there is a celestial being / higher power / God....looking over my care...he will aid me in my search for new employment. NO..never mind he won't. That's my responsibility. What I would like is that place in Charleroi, to start calling people back. It would be really nice if they called me back..and well hired me.

A girl can dream right?

Now on to other pressing matters of business. I'm finishing up the last of a few trades. I think I might take a break from trading and clean up a few of the Boingo shows that I have that well could use a little help! Let's just say, half the boingo shows in circulation could use a little help. That in itself is so wrong.

But enough of my whining. I'm going to finish up on this trade, write somemore of Man Out of Time for those of you that keep up with it, and likely work on that Infidelity Mix I was yapping about the other day.

The little light bulb went on inside my head

I was wandering through the lovely pages of The Art of The Mix again. That site is becoming a pain in my hard drive. I was looking through the mixes, cos I was bored. I'm burning cds today, so I had to be doing something else,and I happened on this one mix. It was called Infidelity.

It seems there's a group out there. I'm not sure where as yet, but they come up with themes etc for mix cds. I think it sounds fun. If only I could find it. If not perhaps I could start one of my own. Who knows. It's just a little idea that popped into my brain today. I think I might take that theme of Infidelity and run with it though. It could be very amusing to say the least.

Songs Like Better Luck Next Time by Boingo and I'm Not Angry by Elvis Costello pop into my mind for that one. I'm sure I'll think of a dozen more by the time I'm done.

Fun with the Art of the Mix site

Slowly but surely I'm getting my Oingo Boingo Compilations up on the site. This weekend in between doodling with the one live concert that I need to edit, I'm going to be making some new mix cds. I just haven't determined what I want to do yet.

This is going to be my first weekend in ages where I don't have to go into work at all. I'm so very happy about this! I have about 27 cds to burn, perhaps more, but I have 3 days to do it in! That in itself brings me joy. I've already got about 6 mixes up there. I have so many more, but I haven't had the chance to get them onto the computer to get my setlists.

It's one of those projects you can only accomplish on a snowy weekend, and this looks like it's going to be just that. So it's going to be me, my mp3s and my cds and a whole lot of burning going on.

Burning the Midnight Elfman as I like to say.

Ciao kidlets

Updates to my CDR Trading List

The link it at the side of the page as some of you may know. I just spent the last hour or so updating the list. There are now over 400 shows with more on the way. Is that not scary?

What do I have coming in? Well mostly Elvis Costello, but there's some Duran Duran, Oingo Boingo (cos I'm such an elfslut), Bowie, Buffett (for my brother, cos I love him) Crowded House, Cure, Depeche Mode, Madonna, Annie Lennox and XTC. Yeah I have ecclectic taste.

I've been sharing my good fortune with my friends Erin and April. So when I get Cure and Bowie shows I reburn them for them. That way the music is spread and shared all around this great lovely valley of ours!

So today I was going through all my discs and making sure everything or at least close to everything I have is listed. I also put up setlist for some of the shows that I have. I may go back through and do that for a few others later. It makes trading so much easier. Having the setlists on the site, saves me from having to email them later, which can be a big old pain in the butt.

Hopefully I'll be able to finish up my burning in the next 2 days so I can devote my weekend to the Art of the Mix! I have some really interesting ideas for mix cds now, and I can't wait to get burning!

New Things At the Blog

As you might have noticed, there are 2 new pictures in the corner. Look at my two lovely Pookies. Mr. Costello and Mr. Proops looking as dishy as can be. I might add a picture of two later. Of course if you want to see more, click on the more link and you will see all my concubines on my photo album page.

I'm in the midst of another uber huge cd burning spree. I've just finished an 18 disc trade to England and have about 47 more discs to burn this week. I am some kind of a nut. All this for Elvis Costello, and Madonna, and Depeche Mode and well several other bands that I adore.

Once I finish up these trades I might just might get a chance to work on my mix tapes and the one Costello show I have that needs some editing. It's from June of 84 and the setlist is fantastic. Someday soon it will be perfect. It's darn close to it now, but it needs some work.

I'm a fool for the Punch the Clock tour, but I'm also a fool for that album. It's one of my favorites, not because it's a fantastic piece of work, but because it's so much fun. Don't get me wrong, it's not his best work, but it's damn good.

Laters...

Fun things found on the internet

I stole this from Linds' Live Journal. It's a site that makes acronyms from your name. So here's mine. Feel free to laugh all you want.

Quasi Spring Cleaning and other Randomness

Here I sit amongst my concert cds. In a vain attempt to get some order to my collection I spent thirty dollars at Best Buy on a storage case that holds 208 cds and came with a smaller case that holds 32. Guess what? They are both completely full, and there are still cdrs on the floor.

Let's just say that this project is going to take more than a day or two to complete.

other randomness.

I've got tickets to see Def Leppard in Pittsburgh again. Section 3 row B of Peterson Event Center. Can I grin any wider? Probably not. Finally I should have seats where I can see the guys I've adored since the mid eighties, or rather the late eighties. For a band whose music is really past it's time, they always put on a great show. You'll never be disappointed seeing them. I can't wait.

What else about today? Well I also got a few new cds. Who would have thought it? (grins) Let's see, I finally got the new Devlins CD Consent, The 97 Broadway cast of Chicago, Caroline Lavelle's Brilliant Midnight, Pet Shop Boys Ltd edition for Release as well as Rufus Wainwright's Poses...oh and the Millenium Oingo Collection. The Last I bought because I'm a completist and need to get a life.

I'm still mad at Danny for going off and getting engaged without my consent. That's so wrong. Why can't any of my Pookies stay single so I can have a happy fantasy? Oh yeah, cos they have REAL LIVES

PAH I say...PAH

Oh well I must get back to my cleaning and hopefully you will have more story tomorrow.

The Music Whore Weeps in Sadness

My pookie Elfy is getting married. I weep and wail at the news, but I will get over it. I knew it had to happen eventually, because he is prime male goodness, and some intelligent female would have to ensnare him. (damn why could it not be me) So as I mentioned in my livejournal I weep and am silent.

For a moment.

Ok moments up.

There is happy news though. Def Leppard is coming to Pittsburgh! Yee Ha. I'm such a silly creature when it comes to bands I love. I'm so excited! I hope to be going with the friend that I went to Costello and the Counting Crows with. I'll be spinning around in pure joy for a bit. So that may cancel out some of my sorrow! Only I'll now have to listen to X to see if I like it. Cos I don't think I've listened to that CD since I bought it yonks ago.

Either way I'm alittle happier now and I might be able to continue on with my storytelling with Not My Slave or Man Out of Time, I'm not sure which though.

The Music Whore is Tired and Depressed

I don't have it in me tonight to post any story, not that any of you really care. I'm posting it for myself I think. So I think I need to take a little "me time"

My job is getting me down, it seems like there is nothing I can do that is right. The thing is I try so hard to do what is expected, but I get nowhere. There's so much that needs to be done and I can't get too it. It's just making me absolutely crazy. So right now I'm taking some time to not think so much. HA HA!

The music whore will return with more story and less depression in the next few days I hope. Right now I feel like a Morrissey song, but I'm not sure which one.

In the mood for David Bowie

I've always been one of the few people that really is amused by David's music from the 80's. Sure it's nothing to leave you struck dumb at it's genius, but for the most part there are some damn good songs recorded in that period. Absolute Beginners is one of my favorite songs from the 80's plus the songs from Labyrinth. That was truly the best movie, and the video for Underground kicks ass. How often do you get to see the Thin White Duke dancing with muppets?

This brings me back to the project I was meaning to start weeks ago; making the perfect mix tape of Bowie material. I'm thinking of doing something on the romantic scale for the first Bowie cd; so I can get songs like Never Let Me Down, Thursdays Child and As the World Falls Down on the cd.

Personally I enjoy looking at the man. In the 80's Bowie was truly beautiful, though he's been pretty darn easy on the eyes for quite a long time.

But back to underappreciate Bowie material. The album Black Tie White Noise. How can you say this album isn't good? The singles from this record are fantastic, Jump They Say and Miracle Goodnight. It also helps that they have some interesting videos to go with them. Of course until the DVD for the New Best of Bowie came out, you never saw them in the US. Heaven forbid the music (ha ha) stations played something good.

I might add that I find the albums Hours, Outside and Heathen to be among some of his best. But enough for now, I have some cds to ponder.

Building a Perfect Mix

The Music Whore strikes again. I'm trying to compile a relaxing acoustic set of songs to fill a 80 minute cdr. I've been downloading and downloading lately. I want to thank Linds for getting me started with Rufus Wainwright. There goes some money when I start buying his cds and Eric for Peter Mulvey, whose cds are damn near impossible to find anywhere except online.

So far here are some of the selections I'm planning to put on cd.

Tori Amos- A Sorta Fairytale
Elvis Costello - The Big Light
Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
Counting Crows - A Long December
The Devlins - Consent
Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill
Poe - Strange Wind (an interesting song co-written by my snuggle bunny elfyman)
Julia Fordham - Manhattan Skyline
Peter Mulvey - On the Way Up

I'm trying to decide if I want to add some Crowded House and Sarah Brightman's version of Scarborough Fair which I find to be quite lovely.

Then there will be the question of a title and some artwork. So much to think about.

Bits of Randomness

My randomness is a mixture of to do's and other odds and ends.

Firstly I need to do some cd shopping this weekend. I need to find the Caroline Lavelle CD Brilliant Midnight as well as the recent Devlins and Erasure CDs. A few others too, but those are the ones I really need.

The CD burning party. I very likely may be burning about twenty or more shows again this weekend. All in the quest for more Bowie, Cure and Banshees shows. A few new Costello shows would be nice too. I need all the Costello-y goodness I can get.

Man out of Time needs to have a break. I need to get a few more pages written in Not My Slave.

~other bits and pieces

Why is it, when you are trying to burn cds for a certain day, your cd burner starts to make shiny coasters?

Spiderman...That movie was only good for one viewing...any more and it becomes cheesy and boring

Madonna's video for Bad Girl is the best video she's ever done. (and you've got to love Christopher Walken as the Angel of Death)

Things that you hate never seem to go away (case in point my job)

Things that you enjoy pass by so very quickly (case in point..days off)

Went to see Chicago, at long last

Yes I've finally seen the film that everyone is raving about. I have to say they have good reason. It's probably the best film adapation of a musical that I've ever seen, and I've seen lots of them. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere steal the film. It really makes you want to become a part of that time period.

Renee Zellweger (or however you spell her name) is another story. I didn't watch the Golden Globes, but I only hope she didn't win any awards for her horrible acting. I thought she was truly vile, especially at the beginning when she's sobbing you bastard to Freddie the lover that she murdered.

I wasn't paying very close attention to the names of the other actors and actresses in the film, but I have to say, the fellow that played Amos also did a fantastic job and his one solo number was just incredible.

So if any of you are thinking of seeing this, I definitely say go. It's well worth the price of a movie ticket.

Nothing Much to Say

If you've read my livejournal you know I've had the cream of the crappiest of days. Car Trouble (Adam Ant pun intended) Work was Hell and a host of other miserable things today. So yes I'm ranting and no it's not likely to make me feel any better.

I'm burning a massive trade right now, 45 discs and I'm listening to alot of shows I've not listened to before. About 12 of the CDs I'm burning are The Cure, which I really don't have an obsession for, but hey in a few more discs I just might. I'll be very happy to burn the Matchbox Twenty disc and the Yazoo disc, just to hear them at long last. I've only had them for a few months.

And again, somewhere in the midst of all this burning I will make a mix cd or two, just for the fun of it.

Maybe by tomorrow night I'll be able to write in one of the two stories, but as of now I'm just burned out on everything. I just need alittle inspiration to get one of the stories kicking again, unfortunately I don't know where that's going to come from.

So until tomorrow...

Making of Mix CDs

I'm so in the mood to make some cds, but my imagination is going. Well it's been focusing so long on the story. So since I'm burning out a bit right now. I'm pondering some mixes. I want to make 3 cds in the next few days. On top of the 44 shows I'm going to be burning for trades. Yes I know I'm insane. I freely admit it, and my music is what keeps me happy.

I want to do a mix of Bowie tunes, some Costello tunes and a mellow tunes cd with various artists Upon finding out that one of my favorite not so well known bands, the Devlins have had a CD out for several months I've added them to the mellow collection along with the Counting Crows and Tori Amos.

What I've been trying to think of is a theme for my Costello collection. We have the Relationship Rollercoaster CD, I want to do something different. Something like the compilations that I did for Oingo Boingo. Then there is the option of a Gothy Dark and Brooding CD. I have many bands that would fit on that kind of CD: Siouxsie, Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, the Smiths..etc

Anyone care to inspire me?

Vote for Greg Proops

Go to ComedyCentral.com NOW! Vote for Greg Proops for best comedian

Nuff said. Just do it!

Are You

I stole this from Katy's LJ, cos it looked amusing and I was in the mood for a survey of sorts


A big toe or a little toe? Big Toe ( in the Milk of Human Kindness...Yes the Pun is intended)
* Bubble gum or a jaw breaker? Jaw Breaker
* A Seahorse or a sea anemone? Anemone just cos it's a bitch to pronounce
* A Bubble bath of hot spring? bubble bath
* A Suit of Armor or a Gorilla Suit? suit of armor
* Red Lipstick or black nail polish? Red lipstick of course
* A blizzard or an avalanche? avalanche, but only if I land on PRC
* A dictionary or a thesaurus? thesaurus (cos I always liked dinosaurs...giggles)
* A lawn sprinkler or a lawn chair? Lawn sprinkler
* A sitcom or a soap? sitcom
* Whipped Cream or hot chocolate? Hot Chocolate (oh, but with Marshmellow fluff)
* Fuzz or fizz? Fuzz
* Baked Squash or lemon Meringue? Lemon meringue..yum
* A paper lantern or a spotlight? Paper Lanterns are so cool
* A convenience store or a tattoo parlor? Oh I get to be Sheetz!
* A squirel or a guinea pig? Guinea Pig!
* History class or science project: History class or more specifically British History Class
* A garden or a jungle? garden
* An oven or a stove? oven
* Fish or fowl? fowl
* Photograph or a painting? photograph
* A princess or a pea? princess
* Savings account or a checking account? checking
* Rubber or glue? Glue
* Graffiti or a greeting card? greeting card
* A pastry chef or and auto mechanic? Pastry Chef
* Decaffeinated or sugar free? what's the point
* Rubber duck or submarine? Yellow Submarine thank you very much
* Velvet or velour? Velvet
* A thunderstorm or a bubble machine? Storm
* A stick or a stone? stone
* A museum or a gallery? gallery
* A ghost or a zombie? ghostus with the mostus
* A cartoon character or a mythological creature? Mythological Creature
* A fruit or a veggie? fruit
* A bestseller or a classic? Oh now I can be an Anne Rice Novel!!
* Selling or buying? buying
* Stick figure or an inkblot? inkblot
* A reptile or an amphiban? amphiban
* Medusa or Muse? Medusa
* Italy or Switzerland? Italy
* Bucket seats or love seats? love seats
* Pistachio or cookie dough? cookie dough
* Velvet or sandpaper? velvet
* Poker or go fish? go fish
* Breakfast or dinner? dinner
* Canned or frozen? frozen
* Revolution or reformation? revolution
* Overnight or second day delivery? who cares
* Psychiatrist or a comedian? comedian
* A heart or a brain? brain
* A movie screen or a mirror? mirro
* A shark or a dolphin? shark
* A hearing aid or a pacemaker? pacemaker
* Road construction or a detour? Road Construction..cos it's already a part of my life
* Antiperspirant or deoderant? deoderant
* Shades or curtains? curtains
* A lamb or a wolf? lamb
* Spring or summer? summer
* Gold or silver? silver
* Bowling ball or bowling pin? Bolling pin
* A haunted house or a green house? Haunted House of course
* April showers or may flowers? May flowers, cos I'm sick of any form of percipitation at the moment
* A cardigan or a sweatshirt? cardigan
* A problem or a solution? Problem
* Ham sndwich or ice cream sanwich? ice cream
* A pile or leaves or a snow drift? Leaves cos I hate snow
* An airport or a train station? train station
* Guilt or Shame? I'm Catholic I must be guilt

Did I mention that I am very tired?

I just got home from a very long but amusing day. I worked four hours or somewhere in that vicinity, then 2 friends of mine and myself went out. We went back to the Tiki Lounge, because April wasn't with us last week The Tiki Lounge is a rather amusing bar on Carson St in Pittsburgh, for those of you not familiar with it. Inside the bar is decorated like something out of "The Brady Bunch in Hawaii" There are booths with the whole thatched hut look. It's not easy to describe but its great!

We walked about the South Side for quite a bit. Found nothing at Dave's Music, again!! Why can't Pittsburgher's part with their Costello vinyl? I have yet to find one EC album on vinyl yet, and that depresses me. I want some Costello vinyl in my collection. I have Oingo Boingo Vinyl, Erasure Vinyl, Duran Vinyl and a myriad of other bands on vinyl, but no Elvis Costello. weep for me!

So tomorrow I hope to have a few more pages to Man Out of Time. I think I have a nice direction for where I want the story to go. Plus I'm going to be making a nice Bowie mix cd if time permits. I also have to burn 13 Costello shows for my trading partner Nigel. So tomorrow will be a busy day.

The Many Top Ten Lists of the Music Whore.

I posted the top 10 albums you can't live without at my livejournal yesterday, as well as my top 10 80's albums at my 80's list and my top 10 Elfman songs at my Elfman group. So as you might have established, I'm having a top 10 kinda craze. So I thought I'd share some more of my top 10's with you.

Top 10 Cheesy 80's songs

10. Adam Ant - Apollo 9
9. Animotion - Obsession
8. General Public - Tenderness
7. Erasure - Who Needs Love Like That
6. Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
5. Squeeze - Pulling Mussels from a Shell
4. OMD - If You Leave
3. Bangles - Walk Like an Egyptian
2. Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now
1. Cyndi Lauper - She Bop

My top 10 Dark and Brooding Songs

10. Peter Murphy - Cuts You Up
9. Siouxsie and the Banshees - Turn to Stone
8. Love and Rockets - No Big Deal
7. Bauhaus - Who Killed Mr. Moonlight
6. Oingo Boingo - Out of Control
5. Depeche Mode - Question of Lust
4. Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids
3. The Cure - Fascination Street
2. Roxy Music - More Than This
1. Oingo Boingo - Long Breakdown.

Top Ten Songs of the Moment (meaning these songs stick in my head easily)

10. David Bowie - Modern Love
9. Erasure - Tell It To Me
8. Elvis Costello - Everyday I Write the Book
7. Cyndi Lauper - Shine
6. Adam Ant - Vive Le Rock
5. Madonna - Die Another Day
4. Mary J. Blige - Familiy Affair
3. Alan Frew - Lipstick
2. Duran Duran - Dreamboy
1. Matchbox Twenty - Disease

Some Randomness

Ah..before I get around to posting more of Man Out of Time I've decided to just give you some random rambling thoughts.

~ Thanks to that Art of the Mix I've been trying to make a mix cd, and I can't think of one damn theme for one.

~Every now and then you listen to something that you haven't listened to in ages and you become obsessed with it all over again. (please take away my Adam Ant CDs)

~80's music has a lovely way of making you smile. For the most part it's so cheesy and so fun you can't help but enjoy the ride!

~You know life is bad when you start feeling like you are living out a Tom Petty song, and that Tom Petty song is "Even the Losers"

~When you really want to write something, you have no inspiration.

~Alton Brown and Greg Proops should do a show together, but I don't think my heart could handle all that goodness on one show

~Danny Elfman seriously needs to go in the studio and record an album of well songs. As much as I adore drifting to la la land with a good Elfscore, I'd love to hear Mr. Elfman sing something again. It's been way to long.

~If Duran Duran don't get that album out soon, they all may be collecting Social Security while on tour.

~What ever happened to Basia? She had a fantastic jazzlike sound, I miss her.

~Speaking of missing people, where is the former Phantom of the Opera, Michael Crawford hiding. The last I heard he was working on a musical about vampires. Can you say THUD?

Just for the fun of it

I decided to go back to the original title of the blog..cos I was bored..and just sitting around the puter pondering what interesting things I could put up on the blog...At some point I need to change the pictures on the side, but I'm very attached to that one picture of Elvis Costello, I just couldn't bring myself to take it down.

I have dozens of better pictures of Gregory,but I think Danny deserves his day in the sun. Goodness knows I have enough pictures of him that shouldn't distort the size of the page. My problem is I truly have so many pictures of Elvis that I could devote a whole website to him. One day I will, but I have a hard enough time keeping up my Elfman Shrines: both are sadly neglected, and my 2 Greg Proops pages.

Ah well, Elvis stole the spot Greg once occupied on the side of the page, cos well he's just better looking. Ah, nah that's not true, they are both doll babies, but pictures of Greg are just no fun. I should find a small picture of Duran Duran for my page or maybe Siouxsie and the Banshees so I can look at Steven Severin every now and again.

One day I'll post a rather lovely piece of Erotic poetry Mr. Severin wrote. It's called "The Pearl Ring" and can be found deep in the dark recesses of his website which is www.stevenseverin.com

If I'm correct the title of the volume of poetry was "the 12 revelations"

I'm going back to the book I am reading, it's called "Courtesan." Its about King Henri of France and his mistress Diane De Poitiers.

Laters

Whose Interview is it Anyway

Picture this if you will�a forum of 14 Greg Proops fans sitting at their computers�composing questions for their favorite comedian. Can you see it? Well back in November 13 of the ocelots from my yahoo group and myself, came up with some questions for Greg, and like the sweetie pie that he is he answered them for us.

The questions we gathered were put together so we all know just a little bit more about our shy, elusive Proopdog. Perhaps we can learn a bit more about him by reading what he�s said.

Greg, in the last round of questions you answered you mentioned liking old school Elvis Costello. Have you had the chance to listen to the new album When I Was Cruel?

GP: Yes, I dig it.

More music questions for you Greg. Do you have a favorite song or album?

GP: Loads of favorites. Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, The Clash.

Do you recall the first album you ever bought?

GP: The first record I remember buying was the Jackson 5 Greatest Hits in 1971.

What kind of music do you listen to in relation to your various moods?

GP: Ambient or Arabic mix when I�m rolling. Rock n� Roll for the groovy times. Classical to calm down. Jazz to get my swerve on. Funk to prevail.

(Authors note�I want to be around when he gets his swerve on�. And will bring some cool jazz along for the ride)

Is there any quote that you remember anyone telling you or hearing in a song that has stuck with you and has made you the wonderful person that you are?

GP: Zillions. �Let them know� The Clash

At one time I recall you mentioning that you listened to the Monkees growing up. Were you a particular fan of the show or the band?

GP: Of course, I begged my parents to let me watch the first episode in 1966

I think everyone is curious about what music you listen to. Here are a few bands that we�re wondering if you have an opinion on. Good of crap are acceptable answers, or any other choice words you might have: U2, Moby, The Beatles, The Cure, Erasure, David Bowie, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Oingo Boingo, David Gray, Matchbox Twenty, XTC?

GP: U2 never been a fan. Moby intelligent guy, very modern, meaning utterly commercial. Beatles rule. The Cure always-good fun. Erasure can�t go there. Bowie love it. Siouxsie-fantastic. Oingo Boingo a little to artsy-scharmtsy for me. David Gray, tried couldn�t do it. Matchbox twenty not for me. XTC awesome. I would add the Cramps, The Tubes, Lou Reed, Dylan, the Stones, Ray Davies, Pistols, Iggy and a million others..

(Authors note�damn Lou reed�damn him to hell)

You�ve been in the UK quite a bit this year. What is your favorite way to wind down in London after a hard days work?

GP: Drinking with the comedy store players

Are you planning on going back to Britain and if so when? Also what do you think of the Brits in general?

GP: Soon. I love them and I want to beat them to death with a rake. They have a snide, cynical view of the world that I relate to.

If you had the choice, would you still be living in England?

GP: I do have a choice.

Is there any one performance that stands out in your mind and if yes, why?

GP: I did an AIDS benefit in Dublin in 1995 or 6 it was intimate and on fire.

What kinds of projects would you like to work on next year aside from your tours, and what type of venue do you prefer do perform stand-up in?

GP: I like clubs and small theaters. I�m always working on comedy documentaries and talk shows. My fave fest is Edinburgh for the crack as the Irish say.

When you were growing up who were your inspirations on television and in movies that made you choose a career in entertaining and what were some of your favorite shows and movies?

GP: Jackie Gleason, Monty Python, Johnny Carson, Lily Tomlin, Laugh In, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Sgt Bilko, Make Me Laugh

Were you funny as a kid as you are now?

GP: I was a spaz as a kid

(Author�s note�I think this should have been an audio interview.. Because I want to hear him say spaz)

What is your favorite childhood baseball memory, and do you think that Dusty Baker can save the Cubs from themselves?

GP: Seeing the Giants and Willie Meys on the field for the first time when I was seven. I can�t talk about Dusty, I�m too upset.

Many casual observers watch Whose Line and say that it is to good to be improvised, does that offend you? Also is Jennifer a big fan of Whose Line and if so what is her favorite game?

GP: No it�s flattering. I don�t know I�ll ask her.

Did you enjoy working on Memory Skills and Potted Histories and how did you get involved in those series? Also what was up with those navy swim trunks in the bathtub by the way?

GP: Of course I loved doing them. The producers asked me so I said yes. I wore the trunks so as not to block the cameras with any enormous objects.

(Authors note: you wonder why I want this man fuzzy cuffed to my bed�phffft)

Do you personally find yourself to be a funny person, or do you do just do what you find pleases the audience?

GP: I�m not sure I understand the question. Yes I think I�m funny. No I never do something just cause it pleases the audience, unless I think it will kill.

What were other options for you if you had not decided on a career in comedy?

GP: Petty crime

(Smart-ass�says the author)

Is there something on your �List to do� in life that you would still like to accomplish?

GP: See the pyramids

Where are some of the places we can expect to see you performing in the New Year?

GP: Probably New York, San Francisco Valentine�s Day weekend, Canada I�m working on�

What do you most fear?

GP: Being afraid. W�s world view

If you were granted the 3 proverbial wishes what would you wish for?

GP: Don�t need them. Oh, all right. A private jet and a crib in France

Has anything ever grabbed your attention and made you absolutely speechless when you looked at it?

GP: The Grand Canyon, the skyline of Fez and Paris

Where was the strangest place that you got stoned?

GP: The Marquis De Sade�s castle in Provence

(Author�s note: and you say the fuzzy cuffs would offend him! Phfft)

How do you develop you stand-up routines and how much input does Jennifer have in them?

GP: Hard work, trial and error and a lot.

How do you like your Cosmos? Can I buy you a cappuccino if I ever meet you?

GP: Hot, Black and infinite. Are you hitting on me?

(Author�s note�Greg is a perceptive boy�only imagine if he read the posts)

What�s your guilty pleasure?

GP: The movie Point Break

What makes you cry?
GP: Rigged elections.

(Author�s note�it makes us all cry�and fear for our lives actually)

Everyone seems to have a recommendation on a book these days, what would you recommend? Also have you seen or read any of Michael Moore�s work, if so what�s your opinion of it?

GP: I dig Michael Moore. I would recommend Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

What are the ups and downs of traveling so much?

GP: You get tired a lot. There really are no downs. I love travel.

What would a prefect day for you entail?

GP: I get a lot of them. I�m lucky

A perfect sunrise or a perfect sunset?

GP: Sunset.

I had to listen to Tom Leher on the sly; my parents didn�t allow me to hear his records as yours did. We need him these dark days. How has Tom inspired you?

GP: With his darkness and keen perception

You said on Talk Proops� erm Talk Soup �I love my clothes but I don�t name them.� Plus you had a very eclectic wardrobe on the British version of Whose Line is it Anyway�any favorites amongst those shirts? And do you still have the infamous skull shirt? (I think there might be a queue of people here that might want to borrow it)

GP: I still have the skull shirt and wear it every once in a while. The cow vest is gone as is the NIN shirt and the purple coat. I also gave away the Versace vest.

(Author�s note: He gave away a Versace!! I�m going after him with a nightstick! )

It is a joy watching you and the great Mike McShane work together. How�s he doing? Now that Axis is done would you like to work on any other projects together?

GP: Mike who?

What was the most embarrassing moment that ever happened to you on stage, and in real life?

GP: Are you kidding? I�m on TV getting older. Isn�t that bad enough?

What do you want more than anything for Christmas?

GP: More Christmas

So there you have the strange snarky answers from Mr. Proops. He never ceases to amaze with his views, and he always has something to say about W. From my reading of the answers and getting them back together with the questions, I�ve found I�ve learned a bit more about Greg.


Greg is a complicated creature. When he finds something that he doesn�t particularly want to answer he�ll be vague or snide. There are a few things I�ve determined about Greg�s character after reading all of his answers..

1. Greg would be a great person to get trashed with.
2. An argument with him would be fun, frustrating and would end with one or both of us dead
3. Greg is probably just as pervy and gutter minded as the rest of the kittens..Bless him.
4. Greg can�t type. If you don�t believe me, you should see the email that I received with the questions.

A blog by demand

Ok...so I've been told...I must tell you about the concerts I've been to...I will tell you this...every show I've been to is in the Pittsburgh area...cos this girl...does not travel to concerts...

Now where shall I start?

Let's see...the very first concerts that I ever attended were the Monkees...during the 20th Anniversary tour..both shows were at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh...I was in junior high at the time..if I'm correct cos this would be 86 or 87...but I've since seen the monkee about 2 or 3 more times.. Let me tell you this though...They are really the original boy band...but these guys..no matter how old they are, are talented...No one can ever say that there singing wasn't their own...even though they didn't play their own instruments at the time...In their fifties..these guys still sound much the same as they did back in the 60's...which makes for a great show...and well Davy Jones is still the cutest little man...I just love him..

The best part of a Monkees concert is the humor...these guys make the shows fun and funny...and well you'll see every age at a concert...I saw them last year...at the ribfest in Pittsburgh..it was a free concert and my friends and I were right up against the stage...It was fantastic...and all the women still swoon when Davy sings Daydream Believer...they are a band well worth seeing..

Let's move on from there though...the next concert I went to would have been Eric Clapton...In my younger days..as you can tell I was heavily into the music from the 60's and 70's...can you believe that? Again...this concert was at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena...our seats were in peanut heaven...but that didn't matter any at all...Eric Clapton is a fantastic performer..and this was when he was still being a kick ass guitarist...and not playing the unplugged crap that mtv made popular a few years later...I think I would have freaked if he had done Layla acoustic at that show...The only disappointment was Eric had an opening act of Buckwheat Zydeco at the show..and god...it was awful...Dammit...Legends should not have bands open for them...EVER

Next on my list...is the songwriting god himself..PAUL MCCARTNEY. This was true luck on my part now that I think of it...I saw Paul on one of his 2 nights in Pittsburgh...The Civic Arena..for the tour for Flowers in the Dirt...the album that Elvis Costello did some writing on...I was in tenth grade at the time..and it was truly the highlight of my life..to see a Beatle perform..The show was incredible..with Paul doing his usual mixture of Beatles classics and highlights from his new record..and from his Wings career..I remember squealing in delight when he did the song "This One" off Flowers in the Dirt...Which to this day is one of my favorite ballads ...It's terrible not being able to recall much about shows..but hey this was..13 years ago..so don't expect much...

I think next in line would be...Def Leppard...and again this is at the Civic Arena..I dragged an ex-boyfriend off to this concert..because..well I love the Leps always have..and they are another band that never...and I do mean never disappoints..If you like the Leps..you will love them in concert..Joe Elliot just has a stage prescence like no other..The shows are fun..and they always energetic. This band always gives you your money's worth...I saw them again on their Adrenilize tour..in 2000. I rank their concerts as some of the best I've ever seen...

If I'm correct the next show I saw was Tom Petty...I can't really determine if this show was before or after the Def Leppard show..and I can't find my t-shirt with the dates on it...but this was at the AJ Palumbo center...aka Duquesne University's gym...or as I like to call it..the worst venue an artist can play in Pittsburgh. This was the Full Moon Fever tour that I saw...and it was a disappointment to me..cos at the time..I was a rather huge Petty fan...and I thought my seats were close..only to find out they were awful when we got there...The Replacements opened for them...which was great now that I look back on it...only at the time..I wasn't completely familiar with their music. The heartbreakers did put on a fantastic show...and I don't regret for a moment going...

Let's see the next band I went to see was Duran Duran...I've seen them twice...both times great seats..and both times..I have to say..the concerts while energetic..and great sounding...were something I didn't want to repeat...yet I did ..in 2000 when they played IC Light..For a band that's based on synth pop...Duran Duran..is a killer live show..They know what the fans want to hear..and they play it..Unfortunately the venues..don't appreciate cameras and what not..and that's just sad...The first Duran show I saw was in 93 and the Cranberries...were the opening act...(allow me to gag please...they are still lingering to this day...pun intended) That in itself could ruin a concert goers experience..but Duran more than made up for it...

If you asked me what some of my fav concerts were...I'd say the Costello show I saw this year at the Palumbo...which as I've said before kicked some major ass..and since I met the man afterwards it was truly memorable...but that aside...3 shows stick out..and they were all in small clubs...Metropol and Rosebud...sister clubs in the Strip District of Pittsburgh...Who were they?

Love and Rockets with James Hall opening...(met James afterwards..he was a sweetie)
Cheap Trick...Caught Rick Nielson's guitar pick!!! Wish I could have caught Robin Zander...god he's a sexy one..
The Devlins...An Irish band that was opening for Paula (I don't shave my pits) Cole...who skipped out on Pittsburgh to play SNL...the guys had nothing better to do...so they played a 5 dollar show at Rosebud..that kicked some serious ass!

The saddest concert experience...Bowie/Nin in the time around Outside...He played Star Lake before the album release..and did mostly songs from the new cd..which no one had heard...As Elvis Costello says..it's hard to fall in love with a song you've never heard from the 90th row..NIN rocked..but most of the audience was there for them...and they left after NIN finished...what ignorant stupid bastards..to miss out on hearing a legend perform...

Other oddities in my concert going ....The Great Rewind...with Culture Club..Howard Jones..and the Human League...I was in heaven at that show...3 of my favorite 80's bands all in one place..Not a bad set was played....Howard Jones is as good today as he ever was...Phil Oakey still has that fabulous voice..and Boy George..well what can you say about the Boy? He does a mean version of Bowie's Starman!

I've also had the opportunity to see Cher...which was something not to be missed...it's like being in Vegas...And her opener...Cyndi Lauper!! How kick ass is that...And Cyndi is just flipping fantastic..it was great to hear the old stuff live...cos I never thought I'd see her...The shining moment to Cher's set..Dove L'more...and it was such fun..cos there wasn't a straight man in the audience! LOL!

Guilty Pleasures...

2 Poison concerts...they are just a fun band...and Phil Collins...way back in 89 or 90 as well...

Cultural Stimuli...

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Shows...both times with Michael Crawford...that man has a voice of an angel...and a spectacular stage prescence...you didn't even need the scenery when he sang Music of the Night....



Now I need to listen to Phantom

The wandering mind of a Proopslut..and a Mac-Manluster

Ah...I'm so out of it..that I have take a breather from writing for a day or so. It's becoming to mechanical...so I'm taking the next day or so off of writing...Simply cos I can't open the darn works documents without heaving a huge sigh...It just feels like I have to write something...so the fun has gone from it...meaning..I need a break

So what I'm doing now..is relaxing and listening to my many many cds...so I can clear my mind...and actually be able to write in one or both of the stories on Sunday.

What my mind has been wandering too lately is mix cds..Ever since discovering that art of the mix site I've been wanting to come up with some new cds...With all the music I have you would think that it would be so easy...but NOOOOOO! I can never decide what I want to listen to.

David Bowie has actually been in the running for most likely to have his own mix cd..That's partially because I really want to watch my damn dvd..but the dvd player has given up the ghost...at least partially...and won't let me play that stupid dvd. I really love the song from Underground..and anything from Black Tie White Noise right now...is just wonderful in my book...

The other person who has crept into my cd player is Paul McCartney. I got a few demo boots of his...for the album Tug of War and Press to Play...When Tug of War first came out..in the early 80's I adored the song Ballroom Dancing...it's so silly..and I have to say it still amuses me...as does the song Press from the obvious album..

Also as usual I have desires to do Elvis Costello compilations...and I really need to get the song Party Girl out of my head! That happens with me though..I'll get a song in my head..and it just won't go away..Party Girl has stuck since it was played on most of the 2nd leg of the tour...That and it has some kick ass lyrics...

Here's a sampling...

Oh you'll never be the guilty party girl
Maybe someday we can go hiding from this world
Maybe I'll never get over the change in style
But I don't want to lock you up and say you're mine
Don't want to lose you or say goodbye
I'm the guilty party and I want my slice
But I know you've got me and I'm in a grip-like vise.

Oh dammit..I think my mind just got away..I'll return as soon as I find it

Getting to Know Greg Questions

Well cos I know all of you have been wondering...I got the email with the responses from Greg in my email today! I'm very excited about this. I plan on compiling them into an article for you guys...which I will post here...and at my Land of Ocelots Yahoo Group..

I was rather surprised to see that email in my box today..surprised yet happy...It's always nice when something you work on for awhile is completed.

I have read through his answers...and I have to say..he made me almost choke on my can of soda...at least once...I adore this man...and As far as his taste in music is concerned...he's kicked himself up a notch in my book on a few accounts! Which means I could probably not want to kill him in a conversation about music...And we all know how much I love to argue about music!!

All I can say is that it was worth the wait..and it will definitely give you all a well deserved giggle when I can post them.

Music Whoring again..

Ah...a moment to discuss one of the only things that bring me joy! Yes..Music...what soothes the savage music whore..Right now there are several things that soothe my tired mind...

Elvis Costello..he can sing just about anything..but the live versions of Party Girl from the 2002 tour really make me weak...as do his version of The Judgement....I'll stand with him in the court of love anyday...even if it is near Denny's...

Erasure....Tell it To Me...a b-side from the new single Solsbury Hill..It kicks major ass...and is one of the few songs that I can put in the music match player from hell..and play over and over and over again....

Bryan Ferry...Well I adore the Avalon cd by Roxy Music...which I recommend to anyone...but as you can see from my old wish list..there's the cd he put out this year called Frantic..which has the most glorious song...Goddess of Love..It makes you want to get a glass of wine and just lay back and relax for a few hours..

Madonna...I have always found room for madonna...lately...I've been enjoying the Evita Soundtrack...I adore the dance version of Don't Cry for me Argentina...

Oh and have you heard the new U2 song....The Hands that Built America....I'm always taken aback by U2...they are one band..that rarely disappoints..that and I adore Bono

The Whose Line Whore...needs a Greg fix

Where is my darling Greggie when I need him? I'm so sick of seeing the same 10 epis of Whose Line on ABCFam. It's downright disgusting. Surely they own the rights to more than just a season or two of episodes? I just need to see a nonobnoxious episode of Whose Line..

Hmmm that might be impossible since I can't watch the British epis anymore... For some reason I don't get nearly as much enjoyment out of the American version..could be from the lack of rotation of the player...A girl can get sick of looking at Wayne Brady...and the like..over and over again...On the British epis..there was more variety..and the shows were definitely funnier..

Ah well..it's not as if I can change anything..I'm not likely to see alot of Greggie goodness..unless of course he decides to show up on my doorstep...He can of course..there is an open invitation for him at all times...And if he wants to employ me as his shoe licker...I'm game if the salary is right...Hell if it's not right..to get out of the freakish ...hellish job I have...I'd go!

What I'd really enjoy right now..is well...for the phones to die at my job...for all the systems to be down...and well...life to amble on..but that's not likely to happen...I could not get that lucky...

On a happy note..my concubine Elvis is up for 3 Grammy awards..of which I allow him to win two...because in one category..he's up against David Bowie...and I think he deserves an award as well...Must be fair right?

The really interesting thing is..he's got 2 albums up for Grammies..When I Was Cruel...and Cruel Smile...This is definitely proof that the music world does have some taste...

To which case....the music whore....bows to his infinite talent..and goes off to work on her story...

Music Whoring Again

Before I update my vampire story for your enjoyment, I feel the need to discuss music... I now have a new website that I have to visit, thanks to Java's latest entry in her diary... The website is called The Art of the Mix.

For any of you that make mix tapes..you have to understand the time effort and pure love..that goes into making these tapes...My Elfman Compilations took a year of my life. They are now perfect...and I adore them...I've received a few Costello Mix Tapes..which were done beautifully, especially since the one has a theme to it....

I used to make tons of tapes that had themes...but for some reason it's not as easy when it comes to cd..It's horrible I tend to listen to more of the same artist now when I'm driving...Essentially what I'm saying is...I'm overdosing on Costello...Elfman...Erasure..I have made a lovely mix though of some new-ish dance pop music..essentially because I'm in love with the new Erasure b-side Tell It to Me. This is the first song I've fallen in love with so much that I could actually listen to over and over again....and again...ok..well that and Elvis Costello's St. Stephen's Day Murders..That is the best damn holiday song I've ever heard in my life!!

I think I'd like to do a bitter and jaded Costello mix...for the fact that I'm falling in love with the song When I Was Cruel #1. That man has a way with words like no other. I hold to my point that there is a Costello song for every mood..as I find there is an Elfman song as well..and that's kind of odd...since Mr. Costello's catalog is far more extensive....

Now if only I could get around to making another cd or two of my own...but I have those many concert cds I have to burn this weekend...the plus is...four of the 24 are done!! woo hoo!! or as The Gimpster would say.... Wootness...

Wish me luck oh dear readers..wish me luck