WORLD CUP FEVER!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!

Has it really been 4 years already? Hard to believe it was 4 years ago that I was road tripping to Gettysburg, D.C., Philly and the likes trying to see as many games(well, actually doing a 4th of July tour of Historic America with my roommate at the time) as possible in whatever bar was playing them. Man, that was a fun road trip.....

ANYHOW, it is world cup time again. I really love watching soccer, especially the World cup. I dunno, something about the idea of most countries in the world putting aside differences, pausing wars (well, some places do this) and coming together to support one great cause; SOCCER! I know that sounds corny, but I'm totally serious. I love how it brings people together!

Saturday marked the first game played by the United States team, who happens to have a shot this year (or so I've read.) This year, the US is in a bracket with England, Slovenia and Algeria. To be honest, I don't know much about the other teams, but I knew that Saturdays game against England was a big one.

Of course Beckham's England thinks they've got it, but our boys pulled it together and held them to a 1-1 tie. England came out real hard and scored in the first few minutes. I hadn't even arrived to my destination yet. I was on my bicycle, in the rain, busting ass to get to the Nomad (a Mpls bar that was showing the game to a few hundred people, including a HUGE big screen in their parking lot) hoping to make it in time for the kick off. But like I said, I missed it.

When I did arrive at the Nomad, it was crazier than I imagined. There were SO many people, and the bar itself was over capacity so they were sending people to the parking lot to watch. I snuck in to meet up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. It was a great way to reunite. So when i arrived, the US was down 0-1. It was a really good game-a lot of great plays, and eventually the US scored to tie it (a botch, sort of. It looked like the shot hit someone, changing the direction of the ball slightly, so that when it got to the keeper-an almost straight on shot spun out of his hands and trickled past the goal line. cheap, but a goal none the less.) And the rest of the game was pretty back and forth.

The US keeper, Tim Howard, had an awesome game. He was making amazing saves left and right. I myself played Keeper for years, so I pay most attention to them. One play I found to be amazing was the save the he actually got hurt on. It was a one on one situation, the ball was a tad to far away from the English player who was charging the goal, so he slide out (cleats up-asshole) to get the shot in, however Howard was already there, which meant English dudes cleats went straight into Howard's ribs. ( Article about how he is doing http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/06/tim_howard_cleared_to_play_for.html ) Not that you care much about it, but Ive been watching coverage about how South Africa prepared to have the worlds largest sporting event held in their Nation for the next month. A few things I have found interesting-there are 10 (i think) fields being played on. At least one of them is shaped like a traditions African clay pot. I am sure there is a special name for it, but I cant think of it. Anyhow, when you look at the stadium from far away, it really does look like a big clay pot. really cool. (it is the 4th one down in the right column) Also, the big thing to sport at games is this thing called a "Vuvuzela." This ridiculous horn thing, that everyone has apparently, has been all the talk lately. People are complaining that they are too loud and players cannot concentrate. I'm not totally sure how to look at this. A. yes, I get it may be distracting. That makes sense. but B. Aren't you the best players in your country? Shouldn't you be able to tune shit out and focus on the game? I dunno. But it is funny that these things are getting so much hype. I hope to watch some more soccer this week, if I can find time. Ill keep you updated. Also, watch the world cup. it is worth it. it is the best soccer you will see. GO USA!!! for more information, check out this: http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2010/06/World-Cup-Update-For-June-13.aspx

Weekend Mix...with no better name

What is with the weather. All day on Wednesday they talked about how Thursday would be rainy. and it never rained. I woke up in the middle of the night last night to some CRAZY thunder, it was POURING when I was trying to take the dogs out, still pouring when I changed out of bike clothes and decided I would drive, and now the damn sun is out. How you trick my Mother Nature.

Anyhow, It is Friday and you know what that means...NEW MIX! So continuing with my new system, this weeks mix has not real theme, other than songs I like and I think sound good together. I hope you agree. http://mixtape.me/p/16642

1. Paper Thin Walls- Modest Mouse. Modest Mouse may just be my favorite band. Especially old stuff like this. I fell in love with them good and hard as soon as I started listening. This song is a nice example of upbeat music with still a little bit of downer lyrics (Modest Mouse is real good at this.) I'm not sure exactly how to describe what I feel when I hear their tunes. It is almost like you have to "get it" to enjoy their music, but then that makes me sound like a music snob (which I can be) but there is something going on underneath the music.

2. Help I'm Alive (Acoustic)- Metric. Metric is awesome. Emily Haines is something else on stage. Anyhow, I found this acoustic version of this song and love it. I really like how her voice and the lyrics are just so damn clear and moving (the lyrics on this song are great.) And the Piano is wonderful. See them live, if you ever get a chance.

3. Gypsy-Fleetwood Mac. I dunno, Stevie Nicks just does it for me. I really like this song. I really like Fleetwood Mac. And Rumors is pretty much a perfect album. In my top 100 of all time, for sure. Have you ever seen this music video? priceless.

4.Where it's At-Beck. I heard this song for the first time in a few years the other day. It made me pretty happy. When this first came out our friends made up our own version that still makes me laugh to think about (not that funny to those who weren't there, I'm afraid)

5.Alligator-Tegan and Sara. This is off their new album. I really like this song. It sort of sounds like old school Madonna to me, in a really good way. You know why I like these gals, this song applies-good lyrics, good vocals, good music, hot gals. 6. Quiet Houses-Fleet Foxes. There is a reason why these guys were so big when they came out, because they are amazing. These guys really opened the door for other bands. Their harmonies, and guitar licks are something out of the past, which I like. I also like the break halfway through the song that sort of changes the vibe, but not enough to notice, unless you are thinking about it....if that makes sense. 7. Good to Sea-Pinback. I discovered this band last year...I know, I'm way late here. But man, I am glad that I did finally find them. I think their music is pretty much PERFECT for a cloudy day. They are one of the few bands I can say that about and not mean it in a depressing way. I still don't know a ton of their collection, but what I do know, I like.

8. Taper Jean Girl-Kings of Leon. When I first heard this album I played it about 6 times in a row. And then played it 6 more times. I think Aha Shake Heartbreak is also a near perfect album. everything from the vocals, to the drums, to the lyrics, to the grittiness makes me real happy. I'm chair dancing right now.....

9. Evil-Interpol. It seems to be an Interpol kind of day. I like how their songs are always building and building until the last seconds of the song. It keeps me interested. It is never boring. That is why I like Interpol. And I look forward to hearing their new album.

10. Theologians-Wilco. This song has been in my head all week. I thought it appropriate to add it to this mix. For a very long time I did not like Wilco. I still don't know why (well, I kind of do. I have a friend from HS that beats the dead horse until is it rotten and smelly. Whether it was SNL, the Ali G show, or Wilco, most things that he liked I ended up NOT liking because he pushed it so hard all the time. I love the kid, and I have moved past such silliness, but at the time it drove me f*ing crazy!) Now I really love Wilco, for many reasons Ive probably already talked about (ie-their mix between country, classic rock and many other thing being one of those reasons). I am glad I was able to hear them through different, and accepting ears.

11. My Moon, My Man-Feist. Another artist I did not really get into until I met Amanda. This particular song really gets me going (especially when I hear it in my car-I turn it up real loud and sing it out!) Her voice is real hot, especially with piano thumping away in the background then hitting the quick triplets). For some reason, it makes me think of a cool Fall Friday night and I mean that in a great way.12. Fancy Claps-Wolf Parade. Another band I very much love. I haven't listened to them in a long time and then heard this song and got thrown back to 2006 or so. Good stuff. I like his voice and I know some people who really don't like his voice. This song really pushes and drives me. It keeps me on my toes. And I feel my drumming is somewhat influenced by these guys.

13. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight- the Postal Service. This is still my favorite song off of this album. I remember the first time I heard it and my insides got butterflies. I think it is beautiful. And the lyrics are beautiful and the strings(even if they are synth and fake) are beautiful. Plus, there are DOPE beats all over this thing. Makes me want to learn how to make music via my computer and a keyboard. I think I could come up with some really cool beats.

ok guys, thats it. I'm gonna try and get these things a little longer in the future, I just need to find the time....Happy weekend and stay dry!

Little Hippo Face

Last Friday night, Amanda, the pugs and I ventured down to the south for a little camping. I found a state park that we had never been to. Sakatah Lake State Park is about an hour and 20 minutes away, between Fairbault and Mankato. A had a half day so I cut out of work a little early (with permission from my boss, of course) and we were on the road by 130. We took the scenic route (169s to mn21 through Savage to mn 13 and so on) which was beautiful, but a little long.

When we arrived, we were super excited. See, last year was the first time A had been camping for real. like cook over the fire, pee in a pit toilet, use a tent CAMPING! So when we went for the first time last year and she realized she loved it, I was more than thrilled. (in case you don't know, i grew up camping and L*O*V*E* it!)

We pulled into the campground, checked in, bought some wood and ice and headed to our site. I had looked at the park map of the site and picked out what I thought to be the best open site. I was correct. We were away from the other sites enough that we could not see any other tents. BUT, we were real close to the toilet, which I need because i pee a lot.

So we unpacked, set up the tent, made some drinks (by we I mean I, but mainly because I love this stuff and don't mind my partner-whether it is A or Race, just relax while I do my thing) and decided we were going to go for a hike.

We were right by some beautiful trail, many miles long, so we took advantage of it. We thought we would explore to find a beach, so we just kept walking. And walking. At one point, we found a trail that lead to water, but there was no beach. so we kept walking.

The dogs were doing really well, but we could tell they were getting tired. And we didn't have any water. So we decided to turn back. The hike was really nice. The weather was perfect and we both were very happy about life.

We got back to the campsite and started a fire. I kept it small as to not use up all of our wood. Then we prepped for dinner (brats from the farmer's market, and fresh veggies in a foil pack with yummy herbs) and read some books/magazines. When I put the food on the fire, I started teaching A how to play cribbage. She caught on quick and we had a pretty good time.

Dinner was done, and man it was GOOD! I love cooking over an open fire! After we ate, it was getting dark, so I got the fire really going. We were having a blast-reading to each other, playing "what if"-type question games. It was great. We were both getting tired, so A decided to go into the tent to read. I started packing up our stuff-just putting food in the car and whatnot, and then headed for the tent.

When I got into the tent, Parker was hanging out and Scarlett started digging and burrowing into everything. A told her to stop and I turned to notice that she did not look right.

She looked pudgier than usual, in fact, she looked real swollen....oh man, HER FACE WAS EXPLODING! This has happened before-she had a reaction to a shot and her little cuteness turned into a HIPPO FACE! So I told A to grab her and get to the car. We had Children's Benedryl for this very reason (I was a girl scout until HS so you know I'm ALWAYS prepared...not to mention I'm a Baumann and that's what we do :) )

Amanda started to sort of freak out. I could tell she was scared. So I grabbed Parker and off to the car we went. I knew we had to leave and find help. So I gave A the emergency Vet number-I also took that just in case- and my phone and told her to call Rochester because it was the closest location on the list. I grabbed the car keys, started her up and took off to the rangers station. Luckily, they were still there and while A was on the phone with different vets, so were they. Eventually we got a hold of a lady who really calmed A down and explained that Scarlett would be okay because we gave her the meds, but it would take some time for her face to go down. At that moment, we decided to head back to MPLS.

We left our tent and all of our gear right there at the park. I knew I could come back down the next day to pick it up. And that is what we did. On a rush of fear and adrenalin, we drove BACK to Mpls, took care of our poor baby, and the next morning (because I just could not sleep) I headed back to camp at 7am. I got back to MPLS after cleaning everything up around 1045.

All and all, it was a really fun day, until the whole Scarlett-hippo face scare.

So enjoy these pictures.

What's in a name?

Happy Rainy Tuesday, Mpls and beyond. It is crazy raining today, but I am kind of enjoying it. I'm sure this means I will be watching a movie tonight at work with my little buddy. Maybe we can finish AristoCats....

As some/most of you know, I have been playing music again! I started playing a bit with a few buddies of mine-guys that I was originally reluctant to connect with, based on their crazy lifestyles and debauchery alone (and if you know ME, then you know these guys must be REALLY wild). However, they have grown a bit in the last few years and let's face it, they are REALLY GREAT musicians.

So, I've been playing with these guys for the last few weeks, and have been enjoying it. The sound is different than what I am used to playing, which presents an exciting challenge. My last band knew my drumming style very well. They knew what I was capable of, or what they could expect. Part of this new challenge is not only pleasing the guys who write the music and connecting my sound with what they want, but ALSO trying to get them to hear *me* and understand how I play. So far, so good.

As of now, we have been playing a lot of songs that they have been playing for years with other musicians and such. So it is really like catch up for Hawk (new bassist) and I. And Hawk is pretty awesome at the bass. I think we are both doing pretty well at connecting with these guys and learning their material.

We also plan to write some new stuff. I say "we" and maybe you assume that Ill be pitching in on lyrics, or guitar riffs, but who are we kidding. Ill be helping add some fresh drumbeats, because that is what I am good at. We hope to start playing shows soon with the material we have, but develop more songs and play some better gigs as we get more comfortable (Our first show will *probably* be at The Terminal Bar, because why not-it will be nice to get some stage presence figured out and get comfortable with each other outside of Jack's basement bedroom.
The thing here is, we can't book a show until we have a SOLID NAME. These guys used to go under "Old Time Religion" which is actually the name of a different band as well. They had a few other names over the last few years. But I am all about new people, new project, NEW NAME.
Which leads me to... What makes a good band name? I think about some of my favorite bands and they have great catchy names that seem to fit their sound. The Decemberists, Local Natives, Talking Head, even Black Sabbath. All of these bands seem to have matched their sound and band name very well. But what came first? Does a name sound good, regardless of the sound, does it need to match the sound, or does it begin to match the sound AFTER the band starts playing under that name?

(The below link is a nice way of looking at band names in the genre of Metal and such. enjoy!)
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/brainiac/flow_heavymetal.jpg

We are in the process of trying to figure something out. Our music is blues driven, for sure. But it is Rock n' Roll. But it is more complex than your standard verse/chorus, verse/chorus, bridge/ chorus. I mean, yes that is the structure of some songs, but there are a handful of tunes that are more complex and have different (some what confusing) parts. Not to mention that it is gritty the way I like it! I think that that matters when coming up with name. What do you think?

Honestly, if you have NEVER commented before, or don't usually do it, please comment this time. THINK HARD!!!! I am looking for some suggestions. Even if your idea of a band name isn't something you think we'd use, it helps with the creative process. So PLEEEEEEAAAAASE, give me your opinion, creativity and such. I will forever be grateful. I don't want to be called JokerTown (one of the ideas that the guys have for the band name.....)

Thanks Friends. More to come on upcoming shows!

Childhood Mix!

Happy Friday, Friends!

Today my mix is a little tribute to my parents. I don't think they credit themselves enough in regards to introducing my brother and I to good music at a young age. While Corey and I have pretty different tastes, I think it is because music that we have so many similarities. My parents listened to music a lot. It was always on in the car, and my dad STILL plays the classic rock station at his office.

Anyhow, I think both our parents were really open to us listening to whatever we wanted (well, most everything, during that 90's rap stage my brother went through he definitely had a cassette of N.W.A. hidden behind his dresser...) and that helped us form our own musical identity. We also both went into playing music-both percussionists and now mainly just drummers, but we both still play, which is impressive!

So here it is-my childhood mix!!! ENJOY:http://mixtape.me/p/16499

1. The Long Run-The Eagles. My Mom loves the Eagles. She always has. It may be because she has a big crush on Don Henley. Anyhow, We saw them live a handful of years ago and it was an amazing show. I have a handful of friends who gave me shit about it, but I really don't care, because I like them. 2. Valerie-Steve Winwood. I can't help that I'm a child of the 80's. Things like Steve Winwood's solo career make me happy. Don't worry, I like traffic a lot too, but I love this shit on a whole different level. I remember hearing him on the radio a lot as a kid. the cheesy synth crap-love it, fake drums-why not. It just makes me smile and kinda give me goosebumps...still...(iknowimlame...)

3. Woodstock-Crosby Stills Nash and Young. One reason why I like this song so much is because it is electric. I very much their acoustic stuff, don't get me wrong. But I'm a drummer, so I like hearing drums in their music. Plus, they still are doing amazing harmonies. I like the Joni Mitchell version a lot too. But we listened to a lot of CSNY growing up. This group taught me a thing or two about lyrics and how powerful they can be. Again, one of my Mom's favorites. In fact we saw them live once and their drunk gal in front of us kept talking. So my mom bitched her out about waiting years to see them and spending money on tickets and how she should sit down or go to a bar to talk. Go Mom! 4. Vix 9-Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. You may be thinking this is an odd pick. Well, don't be confused. While my dad is way into classic rock, he is also cool and hip. Well, he was way into Bela fleck before all my hippie friends in high school and college. We listened to them a lot on long car drives. This is one of my favorites.

5. (I can't get no)Satisfaction-The Rolling Stones. My dad's favorite band is the Rolling Stones. He LOVES them. when I went through his record collection to bring to school, the Rolling Stones were off limits. Those albums were his babies. He also has said more than once that the only 2 things he would ever get tattoo on his body would be the Miller girl on the moon, or the Stones lips. Ive always found this song to be catchy. driving drums, sweet guitar lick, and great lyrics, right?

6. Penny Lane-The Beatles. Like stated above, my Dad was more of a Stones than Beatles guy. My mom liked the Beatles, but not like some kids parents-you know those kids who are obsessed with the Beatles in like 6th grade thru high school and it is all they listened to growing up...well yeah, I'm not like that. This song is connected to a memory of mine (go figure!) I remember it being on a commercial that ran during day time Nickelodeon. It was one of those "buy the best of the Beatles...only $19.95 plus S&H" Anyhow, always makes me think of being in my Grandma's kitchen.

7. Up Around the Bend-Credence Clearwater Revival. Ive never heard either of my parents mark these guys as a favorite, but I swear we listened to them a lot. I know all of their songs, and still enjoy them. I remember buying one of their Cd's (probably a best of) in middle school and thinking I was SO cool.

8. Stand By Me- Ben E. King. Who remembers the Wonder Years episode when Kevin gives Winnie his jacket on the swings and I think they kiss for the first time? I do. I remember feeling some really intense emotions(especially as a 6 year old) watching that scene. I'm pretty sure I wanted to be Kevin, not Winnie, but have a Winnie to kiss. I guess I sort of always knew I liked girls, in some way. Thanks Wonder Years for helping me with that :)

9. Take the Money and Run-Steve Miller Band. We had a tape of the best of Steve Miller band in our Mini van when I was heavy into soccer. My dad and I drove all over the US for tournaments and listened to tons of tapes,but ALWAYS Steve Miller Band, Bela Fleck and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Cars. 10. Behind Blue Eyes-The Who. We had an old mustang when I was a kid-a 2 door, green hatchback with light brown interior. I used to love laying ion the back of it in winter time and watching the snowflakes fall down on the big hatchback window. I heard this the other day and it brought me back.

11. Spirits in the Material World-The Police. My dad used to take my brother and I golfing a lot when I was in like 3-5th grade. It was always a fun time. And eventually I played golf in high school. Anyhow, I remember going one time and getting half way through the back 9 at Hansen when it started POURING down rain. We had to run into the woods, and eventually just go back to our car. This song was on when we got back into the car, so I think of that golfing trip every time that I hear it. I also love Stewart Copeland's drumming style. Another favorite of mine.

12. Aqualung-Jethro Tull. Another one of my Dad's favorite bands. Anytime I hear Ian Anderson, I think of my dad. I like how this song has such distinctive parts that come together for a long epic piece.

13.Born to Run-Bruce Springsteen. This song is pretty powerful! What amazing lyrics, what an amazing band. I also saw the Boss with my mom and hot damn, he is AWESOME live. so much energy, especially for an older guy. Being that A LOVES him, i listen more now to him than I did back then, but still. I also remember pretending to play the sax part in the middle on my plastic saxophone I got for Christmas one year. 14. Do It Again-Steely Dan. I really wanted to put Reelin' in the Years on here, but couldn't find it. That is my ultimate FAVORITE childhood song. But I like Do it Again too. Steely Dan reminds me of helping my dad work at his office, or go to Builder Square/homedepot/menards. I always wanted to go with him to those hardware stores, and my brother very rarely was interested in that stuff. I think my Dad is lucky he got a tom boy.

Alright friends, That's it. ENJOY!! and happy weekend!

At least there's still Betty

Today marks a sad day to most gals (and some dudes) everywhere. Our beloved Grannie tramp, Blanche Deveraux, AKA Rue McClanahan pasted away yesterday at the tender age of 76.

It has been a rough couple of years for these gals, as all but Betty White have passed away. Thank goodness Betty is back on top, hosting SNL and such.

Learning this news today (it came from 2 separate friends whom know how much i LOVE the Golden Girls and maybe even love it themselves) actually brought out a handful of different emotions. Let me explain....

When I was a kid I spent a lot of time hanging out with my Grandma's. Both of them were awesome, although I didn't get a chance to know either well enough (my Grandma Shirley dies when I was in Kindergarten and my Grandma Lorraine died when I was in 6th grade.)

I vividly remember watching this great show with both Grandma's on many occasions. Sitting in my Grandma Shirley's breezeway on a big old couch, with a weird wire-like TV table just a few feet away. Obviously the porch TV wasn't the best in the house, but the boys always got the basement TV and my Grandpa wasn't keen on a 5 year old playing/watching TV in his bed.

Anyhow, my grandma would come in on check on me, realize that the boys were leaving me out again, and sit down to enjoy a scene of cheesecake at 3am and funny Grandma-ish jokes that I didn't understand. She always laughed.

See back then it wasn't about the show, it was about spending time with my Grandma. So learning this news really brought me back and made me think about my Grandma's, which I like. I really do miss them sometimes (mainly when I think about it.....) Years later, Golden girls hit Lifetime television in a block with Unsolved Mysteries. I spent ENDLESS hours watching these shows from age 12-(roughly)19. Days home from school-Lifetime, weekend mornings-Lifetime. Summers without a job when I was still you, LIFETIME! So as you can see, I was into it.

I often imagined myself all old and stuff living with my friends, hanging out on the lanai. I thought about which Golden Girl I would be. And still, I'm not too sure. Maybe Sophia, she had some crazy spunk. no, I'm not a Sophia. Anyhow...I'm sure you guys have thought about it too. If you are feeling it, leave a comment about which GG you would be.

Anyhow, talking about Rue...Hilarious. Blanche, while a little slutty and vixen like,was totally funny in her own way. She made us remember that just because you're a little older, doesn't mean you aren't attracted to people, and by attracted, I mean want to sleep with them. She got frustrated with Rose, in the cute/funny way (similar to my tree-ness getting frustrated with A's butterfly-ness) and you really were never surprised with what she was doing/thinking/saying/attempting to sleep with. I'm glad I got to know the show again as an older person. real good. So, Here is my shout out to Rue. Well done, Madam. We will miss you!

PS. BEST THEME SONG EVER!

weekend review

Hey All. This long weekend was pretty fun. Here are a handful of pictures I took during some of our fun times. Things not seen are listed below. Enjoy!

Getting ready to go out to dinner

Dancing Ganesha. We had a 50$ card we got for 25$ so we decided to get a few things. Their food was very good. Although I love Indian, so I feel most Indian places are pretty good.
We got Coconut chicken Curry, Dahl(sp?) of the day and some sort of potato/cauliflower/tomato things that was awesome.
Saturday morning biking to the farmers marker.....
It is still early in the season, so we only got lettuce, green onions, strawberries, radishes, brats, fresh cheese curds and a strawberry plant.
Memory Lanes block party. Gay Witch Abortion played on the roof.....pretty cool.

The Rail Station Glory! We always end up here.....

(we also finished Dexter season 4-HOLY SHIT!!!!!, went to Lake Johanna on Saturday, witnessed and called the police on questionable child abuse-it was very verbal, not physical yet...thus we called the police, hung out at the hexagon, played bike polo and went to a BBQ with polo folk, and went to lake Nokomis for a picnic and played some drums. It was a solid weekend!)