Music for 7th and 8th of July

currently listening to: T3's Anything for Youfrom: Paula's collection
So for the end of the week I listened off my Color Nook the 8 CDs I uploaded to it:
70's Groove Machine (disc 1)
Confessions- Usher
Hotter Dance
Labour of Love- UB40
Let's Get it: Thug Motivation 101- Young Jeezy
Soul Food
Wilson Philips-Wilson Phillips
The first part of the Thursday, I listened to the CDs on random. The Nook clearly took a clear liking to UB40's Red Red Wine, playing it 4 times with in a 3 hours time period. After talking to coworker Jen, I changed the listening by playing by CD so I would know what artist/song was actually playing.

Thoughts so far: for not really listening to rap before, I thought Young Jeezy was decent. There is background music in all the songs. Some of the genera's traits as in saying the raps name repeatedly and telling you what type of music you are listening to was funny to me since it seems as if you bought the CD and are listening shouldn't you know what type of music this is and who the artist is? The CD was the clean version and I didn't really like the hiccups of blocking out the bad words. I had a great time getting Paula to laugh at what I thought the lyrics are- which were probably more innocent than the real ones.
Here are some of my lyrics:

Vampire so white it hurts my eyezzzzzzz

sitting here now on a trap
I'm a bridal
I'm the soul survivor

They want to lock me up like an acorn

Oh I really loved the 'boom boom clap' in And Then What. Out of the CD I liked And Then What (probably because of the catchy snare drum sound) and My Hood- where my car model is mentioned *squeal*


I was surprised that I really enjoyed Usher. Usher is like the R&B soully Prince- where all his songs seem to be about sex. I admitted that I blushed while listening to his That's What It's Made For song- I felt completely guilty on listening to this song at work. I was most interested on hearing the first Confessions song, since Confessions, Pt. 2 is played on the radio with some regularity. Clearly there is a reason why the second one is played-- it's a great song and has the meat of the matter in it. coworker Jen informed me that Usher had a tour where only his female fans could buy tickets. He sure does love the ladies ;)

Wilson Phillips- throw back to the 80's is the main feel of the CD. However, they were easy to listen to. The most annoying thing however was that some of these songs have been covered (or did Wilson Phillips do the covering?) by other artist and I was driving myself insane trying to figure out the who sung the other versions. Favorite on this album: Reason to Believe.

Groove Machine- I was expecting to have more songs on this CD. Of course some of these songs were familiar like Mungo Jerry's In the Summertime, Raiders' Indian Reservation 9which was remade by a country star), Tommy Roe's Crimson and Clover, and Badfinge's Day After Day. It's nice to know the artists and song titles- so yay music project. Favorite on the CD- Tommy Roe-Crimson and Clover; Badfinger's Day after Day (though it somehow reminds me of Rockey Horror Picture Show) and Atlanta Rhythm Section's Imaginary Lover.

I'm planning on listening so more to the other CDs since I felt I didn't give them quality time like the other ones. I did really dig Ziggy Marley's Never Deny You. I think it may be my favorite of this batch, and oddly enough it's a religious song.

Taylor Swift's Dear John

Long were the nights when my days once revolved around you
Counting my footsteps praying the floor won't fall through again
And my mother accused me of losing my mind
But I swore I was fine

You paint me a blue sky and go back and turn it to rain
And I lived in your chess game, but you changed the rules everyday
Wondering which version of you I might get on the phone tonight
Well, I stopped picking up and this song is to let you know why

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
Don't think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home
I should've known

Well, maybe it's just me and my blind optimism to blame
Or maybe it's you and your sick need to give love then take it away
And you'll add my name to your long list of traitors who don't understand
And I'll look back and regret how I ignored when they said run as fast as you can

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
[From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/taylor-swift-lyrics/dear-john-lyrics.html ]
Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home

Dear John, I see it all now it was wrong
Don't you think nineteen's too young to be played with?
Your dark twisted games when I loved you so
I should've known

You are an expert at sorry and keeping lines blurry
Never impressed by me acing your tests
All the girls that you've run dry have tired, lifeless eyes
'Cause you've burn them out

But I took your matches before fire could catch me
So don't look now
I'm shining like fireworks over
Your sad, empty town

Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone
Don't you think I was too young to be messed with?
The girl in the dress cried the whole way home

Dear John, I see it all now it was wrong
Don't you think nineteen's too young to be played with?
The girl in the dress wrote you a song
You should've known

You should've known
Don't you think I was too young?
You should've known

I remember hearing somewhere that Swift's songs are very autobiographical. So who is this 'Dear John'? Here is a common theory.

currently listening to: Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry"
from: Paula's Collection
for July 5th and 6th- I listened to Taylor Swift's Speak Now-- a CD that co-worker Angela gave me for my birthday. She got it beacuse one day I was listening to 'Mean' on the way to work and got it stuck in my head. 'Mean' is such a earworm. the only song I think that is more addicting is 'All the Single Ladies'
Speak Now has the following songd on it:
1. "Mine"
2. "Sparks Fly "
3. "Back to December"
4. "Speak Now"
5. "Dear John"
6. "Mean"
7. "The Story of Us"
8. "Never Grow Up"
9. "Enchanted"
10. "Better Than Revenge"
11. "Innocent"
12. "Haunted"
13. "Last Kiss"
14. "Long Live"

Mine, Back to Decemebr, Mean are always played on the radio...they're good well rounded songs. However, my personal favorites on the alumb is Speak Now and Dear John

Joan Armatrading's Weakness in Me

I'm not the sort of person who falls
In and quickly out of love
But to you I gave my affection
Right from the start.
I have a lover who loves me:
How could I break such a heart?
Yet still you gained my attention.

Why do you come here
When you know I've got troubles enough?
Why do you call me
When you know I can't answer the phone?
Make me lie, when I don't want to
And make someone else some kind of an unknowin' fool
You make me stare, when I should not
Are you so strong or is all the weakness in me?
Why do you come here
And pretend to be just passing by?
But I need to see you,
And I mean to hold you
Tightly.

Feeling guilty, worried,
Waking from tormented sleep
This old love has me bound
But this new love cuts deep.
If I choose now, I'll lose out
One of you has to fall
But I need you, and you.

Why do you come here
When you know I've got troubles enough?
Why do you call me
When you know I can't answer the phone?
Make me lie, when I don't want to
And make someone else some kind of an unknowin' fool
You make me stare, when I should not
Are you so strong or is all the weakness in me?
Why do you come here
And pretend to be just passing by?
But I need to see you,
And I mean to hold you
Tightly.

currently listening to: Rod Stewart's (I Know) I'm Losing You. From Co-worker/Friend Paula's Library

So, I'm still getting set up for my music month. I have singed up for Pandora. The original song used is Lips of an Angel by Hinder. I also continued to rip Paula's CDs. I only have 32 more to go (or at least on this binder)!!

Facebook friends chimed in on what they think I would like. The clear winner suggested by three people is Abney Park, a steampunk group. Which I've already You Tube and absolutely adore! Very Scottish feel well done and easy to listen too.

Here what facebook friends' picks:

Cassandra (high school friend)
album:Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology.
style: folk/bluegrass/awesomeness
artists: Joshua Bell, Yo-yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, etc.

Heather (Met through Friends)
song: Airship Pirate
style: Steampunk
artists: Abney Park

Tate' (Elementary/Middle School Friend)
album: Brother (and older stuff)
style: blues/jazz/rocky goodness
artists: The Black Keys

Jason (Friend's husband)
local bands
artist: The Heyday
artist: Churchill

Libby (College friend)
songs:Listen to Water with the Wine, Like Fire, Down to Zero, Help Yourself, Somebody Who Loves You
artist:Joan Armatrading.

artist:Clapton.
artist:Steve Winwood.
artist: Ray LaMontaigne

artist: Al Stewart
album: Year of the Cat, Time Passages

Jessica (College Friend)
Abney Park
Nightwish
Kamelot
Blackmoore's Night
Gaelic Storm
Joss Stone- Introducing Joss Stone Album.
Anna Nalick's Wreck of a Day
Meg & Dia's Something
Rea and Renee Olstead's Skylarkl.
Brian Setzer's Wolfgang's big night out.

Spring Lea (Library Friend)
They Might Be Giants.
Start with Flood.
Abney Park. Sleep Isabella is my fave track. :)

Katina and Shawn (Sister and Brother-in-law)
Ghost Buffalo
Map and Atlases
August Burns Red
Death Cab for Cutie's Soul Meet Body

And It Begins....

currently listening to Brian McKnight's "When the Charoit Comes" from Paula's library.

June 30th-
So not only do I not listen to music-- I have no clue on how to use any of the cool music players thingys out there. (heck I don't think I own a CD player anymore). So first things first-- learn how to download music--simple but needed style to have for this month.

I got a Color Nook for my birthday and apparently it has the accapablity of playing music--but it has to be in MP3 format. This is where You Tube videos actually are helpful and after a few pauses and clicks I got my Window Media Player ripping CD like it's on a cabbage diet. Coworker/Friend Paula was kind enough to hand over a fourth of her collection to me so that I could have a large and vast array of music to start from.

I looked at the cost of guitars online. I thought it would be great to start learning an instrutment and experience that side of music. However, I have to admit I'm starting to feel overwhlem with just LISTENING to music. So picking up an instrutment might be a different month's project.

Anycase, it looks like at one time I downloaded my CD to the computer. I came across a mix CD I created in College. I entitled it 'The Smell of Bees.' I use to drive my roommate insane with just listening to this mix over and over and over on hours on end. Sometimes I even would just select one song and listen to that over and over. I have no problem listening to the same song on unless looping for months on end. Heck if anything, it helps me focus on work.

There was a song on the mix CD that I totally forgot about, but by just listening to it I was 'Oh yeah I really love this song.' The Weakness in Me by Joan Armatrading. I love songs that deal with being in love with two people why is that?

Music Project Month

It has occurred to me that I don't really know anything about music. When asked the ever popular first question of 'what type of music do you listen to?' the answer normally is a quick enthusiastic "EVERYTHING!" and an even quicker topic change. Or a more resounded "I don't listen to music" Which more or less ends the whole conversation. I just don't get the connection that others find with a sequence of notes. Maybe my lack of connection is that I haven't been introduce to 'my' music. Maybe it's because I'm a visual creature that rarely understands verbal directions without vast amounts of follow up questions.
So for the month of July I'm going to be a scholar of music and this is where I need your help.
Give me suggestions on what to listen to. Tell me what is your favorite songs and artist and why-- help me understand the passion that so many of you seem to have for music.

Friday Conversations

Ron: Got them!

Me:Excellent *evil Mr. Burns’ grin as fingers lace together*

Ron:YOU LIKE SEE GARS AND THE SIMPSONS!!!!??? MARRY ME!!!!????

Me:Lol you are already married!

Ron: I am not!!

Me: What?

Ron: Who would be stupid enough to marry me? I’m nuts!!!

Me: So I shouldn’t marry you then, because you’re nuts and I don’t want to be stupid?

Ron:Exactly……… Unless you’re nuts too!!!

Me:I don’t think two nuts make a right.

Ron:Your loss…………….

Me:I know- cigars, The Simpsons, beer and Nacho lifestyle does sound really good right about know… but I have interest outside of those things that you would be- “what-that’s so girly.” And you would random throw fish and rocks at me in disgust.

Ron:Fish and rocks?

Me:The first things that came to mind.

Ron:Your nuts!!!!!!!

Me:Does nuts equal god-like?????

Ron:It could!!!

Friday Conversations

Hi Ron-Please give your approval, blessing, etc. for this.

Approval……..blessed!! I am chanting over it right now!!! Where is my incense????

How is your day going, Blesser of Approvals?

Going……. Yours?

Going sssssslllllllllooooowwwww.

LOL- take a nap

Mmmmmmmm nap. I like naps… they’re in my top three things that I like. Too bad I sit right next to the bosses’ offices

Dark Glasses!! Oh please tell me the other top two? Please, Oh please………

Well If you must know Food and Sun Warmed Cars…. There is nothing better in the world than getting in a warm car with a round tummy and taking a nap… best thing in life I tell you.

Mine is a little different. Beer, Nachos and Riding my Bike

Bike as in cycling or motorcycle ?

My motorcycle days are over. Just a bike now.

Well good for you. I took a little time off in March to go up to Grand Junction. I had a great idea of renting bikes for a friend and me to visit all the wineries Palasade- yeah we did maybe a half mile of a eight mile bike ride before I said- this wasn’t my brightest idea/ My friend was freezing cold (since it is March) and I was huffing and puffing and totally out of shape. I have a new found respect for bike people.

I ride 13/15 miles most days. If not outside then inside. Still fat though. Beer does that to you.

Wow—very impressive. The riding not the fatness.

I know. God like!!!

Lol- well I don’t know if I would go as far as to say god-like.

Whatever…. Hater!!!

lol you’re right. I am completely jealous of your god-like abilities- that’s the only reason why I’m a hater.

It is ok… Most people are……….

Well it’s good that you have a realistic look on other people and their inability to get pass their jealous of your god-likeness. That’s not only kind but very modest of you.

And God like!!!

Lol yes and most importantly God like

Want a statue of me to put up?

How tall is it? I only have so much room in my cube.

I have a bobble-head God Like Ronnie Doll!!

I want one!!!!! And I can ask it to bless papers and staples and rulers, and cups……

It can definitely do multi-task blessings…………..

Yes I have decided that I need one of these bobble-head God like Ronnie dolls… where can I get one?

Amazon

Amazon doesn’t believe I exist.

What did you do?

Apparently popped out of existence.

I can see that. If you had God Like Status then you wouldn’t have……….

I know!!! See I have a whole list of reasons to be hater of the god-like people. But maybe If I had my own bobble head god like Ronnie Doll it would prevent these minor technical issues.

Friday Conversations

Hi- Both the 3P and Fed recons are off… do you want to handle this or should I?

That is strange…………

Can I ask you to do it? Busy here. If not, let me know and I’ll do it later after I set all the paper on fire.

I want to be invited to the paper fire party!!! I’ll see if I have time this afternoon-I’m having a busy morning as well. I’ll let you know if I can’t squeeze it in or when I’ve completed it.

Thanks D. Just let me know.

Hi Ron,

I got that Journal Entry taken care of. If you want to know why the recons were out: my transaction was offsetting 3P and when you reversed it you used the offset FW.

Duh…… That makes sense………….. Your fault!!!

Lol yes I know. All that taking funds from where they’re suppose to come from. What was I thinking?!?

Exactly!!!! You need a refresher!!!

Friday Conversations

Andrew :...I’ll let you know for sure…and I’ll stay away from gutters.

Me: Good because gutters are very dangerous- I’m planning on creating and handing out pamphlets about the dangers of gutters and ditches. It’s just best to avoid those dodgy places altogether.

Sunday Quote

We can do not great things; only small things with great love.

--Mother Teresa

Sunday Quote

Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.

--Arthur Christopher Benson

Sunday Quote

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undersvalue what they are.

--Malcolm Forbes.

Sunday Quote

There are two kinds of lights- the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.

--James Thurber

Sunday Quote

He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.

--Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was one of the main activist for the African American Civil Rights movement. He is best known for "I Have a Dream" speech that portrays a color blind society. King not only received the Nobel Peace Prize, but also the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

In Case of Identity Theft...

• File a police report immediately, then register as a victim on the Federal Trade Commission's website.


• Contact the three credit reporting bureaus. Ask to have a victim's statement added to your file, so future applications for credit will be verified by you.


• Go over your credit report with a fine-tooth comb. Zero in on new accounts and inquiries, which lower your credit score, and report them to the credit bureaus in writing.


• Keep track of any correspondence you have with the credit bureaus about your identity theft. getting mistakes fixed can be a lengthy process, so record dates, times, and individuals you have talked to.


• Only change your social security number if your name has been associated with bad checks and credit. it's a record-keeping nightmare.

Sunday Quote

When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors, and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.

--Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) is best known in the literary world for his "Hero's Journey" philosophy. He study many cultures' mythologies, and wrote and lecturer on this focus.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

Put your tax refund to good use by making an extra mortgage payment. Depending on where you are in the repayment process, you could save tens of thousands of dollars in interest. Use your tax refund to get your finances in order by paying down credit card debt, setting up an emergency cushion, or doing some tax advantaged investing in a 401(k) or IRA

Sunday Quote

Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed.

--Corita Kent

Sister Mary Corita (1918-1986) was an artist that help establish silkscreen and serigraphy as art mediums. Since the majority of her work was during the 60s and 70s, her art focuses on social justice and peace.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

Reduce the term of a 30 year mortgage to 24 years by making one extra payment each year. You'll save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

Toe in the Kitchen Tuesday

Title: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tried it: This has been a family favorite for over three years now.

Source: Some magazine--Mom cut it out and we cooked it first on our speical dinner day for mom. original the recipe was for 20 servings-- below is a fourth of that (still enough for a family of four, seconds, and leftovers)

Easiness: 3 stars. I buy rosettary chicken already cooked. Half the items (the corn, broth, green chiles, black beans, and tomatoes) come from cans. Onions and garlic both need to be perpared (though this is easier if you mince the garlic in a garlic press and cut the onion in discs and chop up with a food chopper).

Rating: 5 out 5. One of my favorite dishes and the leftovers taste as good as the first night.

1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

1 medium size onion cut into meidum dice

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 28 ounced can crushed tomatoes

1 pint of chicken broth

1/2 16 ounce package of frozen corn

4 ounce green chilies chopped

15.5 ounce can of black beans

2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)



Heat oil in large soup kettle over med/high heat.

Add onions and saute' until tender (4 minutes)

Add garlic cloves, chili powder and oregano, saute' 1 minute longer.

Add tomatoes, broth, corn, chilies, beans and chicken.

Bring to a simmer.

reduce heat and simmer, partically covered to belnd flavors, about 20 minutes

Stir in cilantro

serve warm with tortilla chips

Sunday Quote

Every man is the son of his own works.

-Miguel de Cervountes

Miguel de Cervountes (1547-1616) was a Spanish author. Not only did he write Don Quixote (considered by many to be the first modern novel), he also was a novelist, poet, and playwright.

Finanical Wednesday Advice From Jean Chatzky 2010 Calendar

If you read the same magazines every month, it's time to pick up the subscription. You can often save more than 50% off the cover price.

Which I did with Juxapoz--an art magazine with its figure on the pulse of whats happening in the United State art world. Although it seems that it mainly focuses on the LA and New York scene, they do interviews from different locations. Juxapoz was a serendipitous find from my one month obsession of Matthew Gray Gubler. His sketches were apparently featured in Juxapoz last year.

Toe in the Kitchen Tuesday

Title: Chicken Mozzarella
Tried it:1/22/11
Source: Campbell Casseroles: Great for Cooking
Easiness(out of five starts: 5-the only way to make this more easy is not baking at all)
Rating (out of five stars): 4 stars on taste
Full time: 25 minutes

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini), cooked without salt and drained

1. Place the chicken in a 11x8 inch shallow baking dish. Stir the soup, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl. Spoon the soup mixture over the chicken.
2. Bake a 400*F for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken. serve with the pasta.

Review: Like all the recipes in this book, the Chicken Mozzarella had three steps and less than seven items. This makes this the ideal type of book for beginning cooks. Also, the recipes do have the 'out of the can/out of the bag' approach to cooking, which makes it less time consuming and simple. Since I'm not a huge fan of tomato soup in general I was expecting this to be less than great. But doctoring it up with a little bit of spice and the garlic powder, really picked it up. I think I made way too much pasta for the amount of sauce we had... I am not even included it the next time I make this. Mom also enjoyed it.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

Balance your long and short term goals to be sure your retirement is covered. When saving for a house, you can cut backon your retirement contributions, but don't stop making them altogether.

Sunday Quote

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

--Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is best known for his activist work againist South Africa's racial segregation laws. After sending 27 years in prison, he become the president in the first fully representative democratic election in South Africa. Mandela has recieved the Nobel Peace Prize and over 250 other awards.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

It may sound premature, but it's important to teach your kids the expenses that come with a credit card. Run some numbers so they see how the interest adds up if they only pay the minimum amount.

Sunday Quote

There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.

--Mark Twain

Mark Twain (1835-1910) is one of the most beloved American authors. He is best known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Born under the name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Twain was also a popular humorist of his time and actually invented a few items.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

Before you make a donation, ask what cause is benefiting and what percent of your gift gets passed on.

Sunday Quote

First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.

--Kristen Hunter (Lattany)

Kristen Hunter was a well known Pennsylvanian, African American writer. Works including, God Bless the Child, takes a serious look on issues such as race and gender.

Working Effectively with Difference

Had a class yesterday entitled: Working Effectively with Difference. the facilitators, Dan Distelhorst and Gordon Watanabe, were entertaining and presented a full and 'different' look on diversity.
Key points pointed out in handout from group performance (Scott Page's "The Difference" is referenced as the research source):

• 'Difference' primarily refers to a diversity of perspectives and ways of approaching a situation.
• Diverse teams tend to outperform homogenous teams- even if those homogenous teams have stronger individual performers.
• Not only does difference trump sameness, difference also trumps ability.
• Well facilitated teams, with lots of thinking and value differences, will outperform homogeneous teams but will have more conflict.
• There is a connection between difference of thinking and identitly difference (e.g. gender, ethnicity, national culture, etc.) so recruiting people with diverse identities enhances group performance.

It was a great class-all corperate enviroments should have this approuch to this topic.

Finanical Wednesday advice from Jean Chatzky 2010 calendar

When investing, conside I bonds, which are inflation-protected savings bonds. Tey'll pay no interest until you redeem them (and you owe no taxes until then) but the payout increases to keep pace with the cost of living.

My Bone! 01-03-11

Sunday Quote

Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future.

-- Charles F Kettering

Charles Kettering was an inventor, engineer and businessman. He is best known for being the founder of Delco and his involvment with General Motors and DuPont Chemical Company. Becuase of Mr Kettering here, we have the luxury of air conditioning and colorful cars.