kelly watch the stars

moon safari is a classic in my book, with every song packing the same subtle danceability.  really just a sexy album all the way through.  however, the fadeouts at the ends of some songs piss me off.  i’ve never been a fan of the song fadeouts on an album, because of the obvious implication.  the song wasn’t finished in the studio (regardless of the production method).  do writers ever finish their essays or novels by just trailing off?  maybe shitty ones do…

in other news, last exam this thursday, and i’m done with college (unless i get a 0 on the final, and some of the grades for this particular class are also changed into 0′s).

Confederates in my Attic, that is, my Brainium, my dome, my head, my skull, my Cranium

When I was a Sophomore in high school I went on a trip to the Great American Brassband Festival in Danville, Kentucky.  We did a couple sets at the festival and spent most of our time there doing typical high school nonsense across town.  I still remember a fair amount from the trip, but one of the strongest memories I have is of an argument that arose at a Popeye’s chicken in Tennessee.  One of our cornet players whose name I have since forgotten, started raving for some reason about General William T. Sherman and his brutality in his infamous march to the sea.  The guy kept claiming that Sherman ate Confederate babies, raped every women in sight, etc.  A rambunctious friend of mine thought all of this dwelling on the past coupled was hilarious, and proceeded to mock him.  It ended pretty much after that, as the guy in the rebel flag belt buckle didn’t find any sympathizers.  After all, the triangle isn’t the most Southern place these days, with a large amount of it’s residents having moved from the North.  All of us at the table were amused, and didn’t really have any side to take.  

At the time this struck me as just one redneck sticking to whatever version of history he believed.  I’ve since come to realize that resentment or at least nostalgia regarding the Civil War still exists in the South.  I’ve known people at UNC named after Preston Brooks, the infamous assaulter of Charles Sumner, and had classes with a student who was pretty proud of his place in the Lee family of Virginia (yes, THE Lee’s).  So when I saw Confederates in the Attic on my brothers bookshelf this weekend, I was intrigued.  

Tony Horwitz, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist, embarked on a Civil War romp across the South in the early 90s, documenting Southerners peculiar attachment to a fight that allegedly ended 130 years prior.  Many seem to think the fight still rages on, in one tangential way or another, while others keep simply the memory of their Confederate past alive in a number of bizarre ways.  The travelogue is an at times hilarious, at others heartbreaking look at the American South.  The funniest moments come when Horwitz spends a weeks with Civil War enthusiast Robert Lee Hodge on a “Civil Wargasm”.  The two cover a great number of battlefields and other important sites dressed in unlaundered, authentic Civil War dress, camping illegally on battlefields and often keeping in character when they encounter others.    

Most troubling is the great amount of racism that Horwitz encounters.  Although I am aware that such racism still exists, it is just depressing to read how hate persists with such rancor over issues that many simply do not understand.  One of the books strengths is the distance at which Horwitz keeps himself from the issues.  By presenting his travels and interviews relatively objectively, the reader can decide for themselves what they find absurd, justifiable, etc.  

The book dwells a great deal on the industrialization and corporate takeover that has eliminated a great deal of the South’s charm, something that many Southerners still hold dear and think exists, despite their neon and concrete saturated surroundings.  I found this to be the most depressing aspect of the book with the least amount of hope for the future, as I can see its effects all over my own state.  It seems like the pastoral beauty of the South is fighting its own war against a corporate army, armed with oversized houses, and elaborate shopping centers.  It poses a great question about to what extent we will go to pad our supposed standards of living, and at what cost, be it historical, aesthetic, or just plain moral.

But I digress.  Confederates in the Attic proved to be a very entertaining read, although at times I wondered if it would ever end.  When it did (after its 390 some pages) it did so neatly, although I felt that Horwitz’ personal story, specifically his relationship with his father, was not examined enough during the course of the book to be the focus of his conclusion.  Regardless, it was fun, engaging, and thought provoking. I’d recommend it to anyone, especially those who are interested in history or American culture.

Roll Call if you are reading my blog, and always feel free to comment!

Madness

So although March is already halfway over, March Madness began today.  Some would argue that it began Tuesday, but to me the play in game is a conciliatory prize for the two teams who are most likely to get the piss beat out of them in the first round.  Speaking of dominant victories, the Heels looked sharp today sans Lawson.  Currently I’m watching duke beat up on Binghamton or somewhere, which is nauseating.  Let’s hope they run into a hot Texas squad on Saturday.  In other Duke news, their student section has followed Coach K in selling out to corporate america, appearing in a Coke Zero ad that features the clown who wears the crown and armor at home games.  Sweet job guy. 

In an article appearing in todays New York Times, Michelle Obama has announced she and the rest of the White House gang are going to have a garden on the grounds.  Although she claims it was her idea, the suggestion had been posed in the paper and elsewhere shortly after the election, most notably by Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma.   I think it’s great that they are setting an example of responsible eating, even though the level of privilege is unrealistic.  I especially liked Michelle Obama calling out processed foods, which I’m sure big agrobusiness really appreciates.  Maybe the Obama’s will spark the eating revolution that a few libby’s have been calling for.  

In other Obama related news, the president made his NCAA bball picks a few days ago, selecting those Tar Heel boys to win it all.  Coach K had a few choice words about it, suggesting that the president has much more important things to do than care about basketball.  In the post-game press conference this afternoon Roy Williams made a similar comment.  While I understand that he’s got a lot of important things going on, I think people should appreciate that we have a president who seems to be quite willing to show a side that is relatable.  If anything, I think it establishes trust.  I’m sure that some coaches (especially Williams’) comments are more political or at least sensitive, however, I still don’t see anything wrong with the president spending a few minutes looking at a bracket.  Let’s hope that his picks don’t end up like last years, where he had UNC winning also. 

Going to Greenville this weekend, should be a riot.

Con/Sin Ron

Back in North Carolina after 8 days in Puerto Rico.  It was a blast staying in Luquillo, exploring the eastern side of the island.  A few pictures will come, as soon as I get copies of them.  I must say that I am very glad to be back in Carrboro/Chapel Hill/sometimes Raleigh.  There’s no place like home.

I purchased a bottle of Ron del Barrilito in Puerto Rico, the 3 year aged 2 star.  I’m not the biggest fan of drinking rum straight, which will at least make this bottle last a while.  Hopefully it won’t disappoint.  Hoss if you are reading this I picked up a little something something for you as well. 

Commencement information came in the mail today, and I proceeded to have an anxiety attack.  

No more real news to speak of, except that Phish announced more dates, UNC’s title hopes are looking totally dependent on Lawson’s big toe, and I lost my wallet either in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Carrboro. Will continue more lively posts (or begin posting them) when I get back into the swing of things.

Break, On It

My potentially final spring break began Friday afternoon, and so far so good.  Although bummed I wasn’t in Virginia, I had a good weekend in Chapel Hill.  Went out Friday night for John’s birthday, out with the family in Raleigh and then out that night with Hoss and Brad.  Checked out a new bar that I would recommend if you are trying to go spend a lot of money on delicious cocktails or nice beer.  It’s located at the foundation of 213 Fayetteville Street, and is appropriately named Foundation.  My only complaints are that the bar is a bit cramped (thus much better on a slow night, probably during the week) and that cocktails are over priced.  I know that these days a fancy, elaborate cocktail costs in mid-sized cities in the 8-12 range, but I don’t understand why.  The economy is shit, how are people still paying for this kind of luxury?  Still, check this place out (sign up for a membership first).  If you aren’t up  for drinking hard stuff, their house made ginger-ale is fantastic. 

Today I went to my fourth and perhaps final Duke v. Carolina game at the Smith Center.  It didn’t disappoint, and left me feeling oddly nostalgic when I left.  Having seen the team for four years now, and having gone to the majority of the home games during my years as an undergraduate, I guess basketball has become very familiar.  Too bad I am not traveling with the pep band in the tournament like I did last year.  We’ll see how it is watching them compete for a 5th national championship from Chapel Hill.

Leaving for Puerto Rico in about an hour.  Very excited.  Maybe I will post from there, depending on whether or not Eric lets me use his iPhone.

Final thoughts:  Phish reunion shows at Hampton are done, and although they seem perhaps a bit rusty, they make a nice listen.  Who wouldn’t be a bit sloppy after five years off anyway?  Plus they are free to download from their website.  Check them out here.

The Just for Men ad that features two daughters trying to get their dad to start dating again is hilarious.  Two little girls want their dad back on the market and that can only happen if he gets rid of his damned grey hair!  

Come on dad, we want a new mommy, so listen to Keith Hernandez and pick up the slack you single deadbeat.

In other news, I think television has hit an all time low [it's been a while since I've watched TV besides UNC basketball].

Revision: All time high: Tom Green is going to be on Celebrity Apprentice.

This I Dig of You

First of all, thanks to Hoss for possibly sending a little traffic along.  Maybe now I’ll at least get a couple passing glances, giving me more reason to keep this effort going.  

Phish gets back together on Friday after a break since August 2004, and although I think it’ll be hard for them to recapture what they had before the breakup (and probably before the 1st hiatus too), it will at least be interesting to see where they go.  They’re offering free downloads of the shows this weekend in Hampton, Va., which is nice, and will be interesting to see how they sound compared to their last show which, although I was not present to experience first-hand, sounded pretty rough.  You can get them Here. 

Anyway, not much else doing.  Going to Puerto Rico in a few days after going to Duke v. UNC at Carolina for the 4th and final time…at least for now.  

Now to write a paper about Sulla and his agenda in the 80s B.C.

Rain Music

It’s raining pretty heavily in Carrboro right now, with the chance of a good deal of snow (for North Carolinians at least) later in the evening.  I’m working on a philosophy paper right now and listening to some of my favorite rainy mood jams. 

Currently, favorite rain records include:

Kid A – Radiohead

For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver

Return to the Sea – Islands

Astral Weeks – Van Morrison

Seven Swans – Sufjan Stevens

Electr-o-pura – Yo La Tengo

 

As you can see, I’m a sucker for sad, reflective, depressing music in the rain. If it starts snowing, I’ll surely switch to classical.

2666

I just finished reading Roberto Bolaño’s 2666, and to be honest, it felt like the damn thing took 2666 days to read.  It’s said to be unknown really as to why the novel is titled such, perhaps it is the year on a gravestone that appears another one of his works (I think).  The mystery behind the title is symbolic of the entire novel.  All of its myriad characters are shrouded in mystery and doubt with little resolve and instead many unanswered questions.  

I can see how literary types regard 2666 as a masterwork, and to be sure Bolaño’s narrative abilities are tremendous as he weaves countless characters and settings in and out of one another over the expanse of some 880 pages. The novel really never loses its energy but still had a dragging nature about it.  Did I really care to read about every murder in Section four?  Not really, especially considering the medical coldness of the reports that read like an autopsy.  What adds to this is that the murders, the center which the novel swirls chaotically around, are based on real events in Ciudad Juarez, a Mexican border town.  Juarez has been replaced with Santa Teresa, but the murders have been occurring for a number of years and remain largely unsolved.  Over 400 women have been killed thus far.

In the end the novel was entertaining to say the least, but in a haunting, grisly way that left me glad to be done with it.  As for what it means, I’ll leave that to scholars and critics more creative and far smarter than myself.  Surely something about  the nature of evil or whatever.  I found it hard to stay focused on what happens and how it connects, and when I finished I struggled (and am still struggling) to piece together any sort of meaning behind a good deal of the story.

 I particularly liked the review written by William Deresiewicz in The New Republic.  Click the 2666 link above for a link to his full review, or just read it for yourself.

Up next is Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals.

First

After reading my brothers blog, I decided I’d get into the act so I can keep up with him and whoever else I know that uses such things to maintain contact.  I’ll most likely post random thoughts, pictures, just general scraps that entertain.  Also I’ll be posting some random things I make in ceramics this semester for feedback.  

A friend of mine just sent me a link, promising “a hot jam”.  Didn’t disappoint.  

http://www.myspace.com/passionpitjams [Sleepyhead was aforementioned jam].