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Fond farewell
December 21, 2001 +
Sometime this holiday season, while I'm in Florida, a man in a tow truck will show up at my parents' house in New Jersey and haul my 1993 Nissan Sentra SE-R to a lot where it will be given away as charity.
I liked that car, my SE-R. I liked it so much that I bought it twice, the second a few months after the first was totaled in an accident. One was maroon, the other bright red; only the first one had a sunroof, the only lament I had the second time around.
As a driving enthusiast, I like cars that are fun to drive. And boy, did my Sentras kick. The SE-R was the sport model of the Sentra line, with a 2.0-liter Infiniti engine stuffed under the hood that threw fully two-thirds of the car's weight to the front end. Nissan spruced up the car with leather on the steering wheel and a nearly perfect shifter.
It wasn't a looker, but it was cute enough, and it was a quick and happy car. I loved to rev the engine high and zip around corners and kick out the back end a bit. I'm not alone—people race SE-Rs for sport. I was never that talented or dedicated, but I made the most of my car and had a blast doing it.
Letting a car go is always an odd thing. My father will be handing the car keys over this time. The first SE-R sat glumly in a body-shop lot for a few weeks. My car before that, a Nissan Maxima, was dropped off at the dealer when we bought the first SE-R. It's unceremoneous, this car-swap thing, although I suppose it should be, given that it's just a big appliance, even though people like me develop a real attachment to a good, reliable car.
New year, new org chart. I'm going to find a different car; I'm going to concentrate on physical fitness again; I'm going to I'm going to write a lot (more news on that when I'm allowed); I'm going to finish fixing my ears; I'm going to buy my girlfriend a puppy. The car stands as a testimony to past and future, to appreciating and letting go, to the continuity that exists regardless of specifics.
It's not that zen of a car, really. But it's a good car, and I'm sorry to see it go.
I asked my father to air it out a bit before it was gone. "I'll take it for a drive tomorrow," he said. "No," I countered: "Air it out a bit, rev the engine high, take a tight turn or two. Give it a proper goodbye." My next car will be even more fun, and more luxurious, and less aggravating, and happier to start on a cold morning, but for now, I'm concentrating on the fond farewell.
Happy new year. The Ideapad will resume in January.
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Auricle: Top Ten of 2001
December 20, 2001 +
'Tis a shame, really, that I have written so little about music in the past few months. Between my ongoing ear issues and life with a serious girlfriend, I simply haven't devoted the same time to my listening pursuits this year as I have in the past.
My love for new releases continues unabated, however much R&B I unearthed this year. Herewith, my top ten (overall) musical discoveries of 2001 (bn.com links temporarily disabled):
1. Weezer, Weezer
In another year, this wouldn't be my No. 1 pick, but it's a thin year, and "Weezer" is, in fact, a damn fun album. Ten relentless, quick power-pop tunes, culminating in the phenomenal "Island in the Sun," which in a more perfect world would have been a huge summer hit. A don't-miss for anyone who appreciates catchy hooks and singalong choruses.
2. The Box Set, Kiss
Making what's old new again, Kiss' box set is five full discs of gems, from their big hits to incredible rarities that show the side of the band never before released to the public. I'm reveling in the alternate takes, the unreleased demos, the flutes on the late-60s Wicked Lester recordings. I don't lean toward collections, preferring the original albums for most rock bands, but this is a must-have for any Kiss fan.
3. The Invisible Band, Travis
Didja hear Travis' wonderful sophomore album, "The Man Who?" Didja like it? D'ya want more of the same? If so, pick up their latest release, which doesn't stray far from the band's signature style, as rock critics would say, but doesn't disappoint, either. "Side" is my favorite song. What's yours?
4. "Can't Deny It," Fabolous (off Ghetto Fabolous)
My favorite radio jam of the year, with a ridiculous hip-hop video to go with it. This song never fails to make me bop around the apartment, or at least bounce up and down in my seat.
5. Hot Shots Part II, The Beta Band
A fine return to form by a band many feared would never regain its form. I still prefer "The Three E.P.'s," but I crave more than one album by a good artist, and this shows the Beta Band has something yet to offer. Let's hope they keep growing.
6. Carnival, Moke
"My Degeneration" is my favorite discovery of the year: Three minutes of angry, healthy, melodic rock. The rest of this CD is standard rock fare but consistent throughout. When you get tired of your Pearl Jam CDs take a look Moke's way.
7. Overdub, David Garza
Everyone's favorite Latino rock singer-songwriter (betcha can't name another one) brings another set of Beatles-influenced rock songs into the world, which bores some but never fails to please me. "Say Baby" is an acerbic, fun treat.
8. Is This It, The Strokes
Overrated, sure, but what fun! Four city boys living the stereotypical rock life and whipping out an album of classic songs. Get past the first track for some dirty musical fun.
9. "Clint Eastwood" video, Gorillaz
The song is downright weird the first time you hear it, irrepressibly catchy the second time, and confusingly fun thereafter. But the killer is the video: Damon Albarn and friends created four unique, fun characters that bring the song to life in a way a live video never could have. The rest of the Gorillaz album is decent, too, if you're into droning beats and guys singing in falsettos they shouldn't possess.
10. Rockin' the Suburbs, Ben Folds
I have this album on MP3, and I really owe Ben Folds his $16, because he is turning into a pretty good solo artist. The title track is a riot, and "Annie Waits" is as good as any midtempo Ben Folds Five track. Stay away from the full-on experimentalism, Ben, and I'm a fan for life.
This being a down year, my list is kind of thin. What did I miss?
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Got list (updated again)
December 19, 2001 +
Tired: Amazon wish lists. Nothing is quite so brash as a link that declares, "Yeah, you, whoever you are, buy me this."
Wired: Got lists. Isn't part of the fun of the holiday season bragging about what you've been given?
I like giving and getting gifts, but the wish-list idea never grabbed me. So, rather than place the onus on the audience to spend its dollars on little old me (you'll notice I've never posted a PayPal or Amazon Donations link on this site either), I'm going to happily tell you about all the fun things I've received!
This essay will keep growing until the final gift swap of the season, which is probably hitting in early January, so keep checking back for revisions. There are no links because it'd be no fun seeing how much my gifts cost. The list skews heavily toward my girlfriend because she is wonderfully heavy-handed when it comes to gift-giving.
I'm just looking at the list now, and my, I got a lot of presents this year....
New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Ah, 998 pages of baseball dissection, discussion, and digression. Thanks, Amy!
Learning PHP/MySQL
The full title and author escapes me but there is a meaty tome of geek info awaiting me as I database this web site. Thanks, David!
Polo sport bathing suit
Yellow with purple octopi. Swimming = fun. Thanks, Amy!
Hobo International travel bag and dop kit
I insisted I didn't need an overnight bag, then complained every time I had to carry my backpack to a nice dinner. This is what holiday gifts are all about. Thanks, Amy!
Kiss: The Box Set
Wicked Lester demo tracks on CD. Love it. Thanks, Amy!
The Newlywed Game board game
Amy insists it's because I like to watch the reruns on the Game Show network (which I do). Ahem.
Monsters, Inc. Sulley Interactive Doll
Hold Boo up to Sulley and they talk to one another. Not the most important gift but my favorite. Thanks, Amy!
Three scarves
At least one of them will see lots of use this winter. Thanks, Sue and Joe!
Leather gloves
Ultra-soft, from Burberry. Thanks, Jen and Brad!
"How I Play Golf" by Tiger Woods
My own copy of my brother's Bible. Thanks, kids!
Windproof golf umbrella
I didn't have a golf umbrella. And of course I play in the rain. Who doesn't? Thanks, Heidi and Holly!
iPod
Drool. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
"Kiss and Make Up," by Gene Simmons
Dig the priceless photos of Gene in full Kiss make-up, hanging out with his mother. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
Charcoal chunky turtleneck
From Banana Republic, along with some crispy bills. Thanks, D and K!
Sony noise-canceling headphones
Outside-the-ear model to complement my in-ear buds. Thanks, Jeff!
"Rolling Stone" subscription
I will once again be getting the magazine I always mean to get. Some people's guilty pleasure is "People," mine is "RS." Thanks, Amy!
Cell phone earpiece with remote button
Because you can't hang up the phone on the standard-issue headset. Thanks, Jaycie!
365 Golf Holes calendar
With matching hole-a-day downloadable calendar, no less. Thanks, Beth!
Still more to come. *grinning*
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revised version above
Got list
December 12, 2001 +
Tired: Amazon wish lists. Nothing is quite so brash as a link that declares, "Yeah, you, whoever you are, buy me this."
Wired: Got lists. Isn't part of the fun of the holiday season bragging about what you've been given?
I like giving and getting gifts, but the wish-list idea never grabbed me. So, rather than place the onus on the audience to spend its dollars on little old me (you'll notice I've never posted a PayPal or Amazon Donations link on this site either), I'm going to happily tell you about all the fun things I've received!
This essay will keep growing until the final gift swap of the season, which is probably hitting in early January, so keep checking back for revisions. There are no links because it'd be no fun seeing how much my gifts cost. The list skews heavily toward my girlfriend because she is wonderfully heavy-handed when it comes to gift-giving.
New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
Ah, 998 pages of baseball dissection, discussion, and digression. Thanks, Amy!
Learning PHP/MySQL
The full title and author escapes me but there is a meaty tome of geek info awaiting me as I database this web site. Thanks, David!
Polo sport bathing suit
Yellow with purple octopi. Swimming = fun. Thanks, Amy!
Hobo International travel bag
I insisted I didn't need an overnight bag, then complained every time I had to carry my backpack to a nice dinner. This is what holiday gifts are all about. Thanks, Amy!
More to come. *grinning*
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A gift
December 11, 2001 +
For you, dear reader: Should you find yourself stuck in an awkward silence this holiday season, perhaps pinned between your sister's friend's aunt's co-worker's daughter and a heavyset man who breathes too frequently and heavily for mingling comfort, and they both look to you for the next bit of witty repartee, a story to surprise and amuse people of all walks of life, you can smile, knowingly, and declare, "So, get this: I know a guy who stabbed himself with a roll of Scotch tape wrapping presents. On the crinkly part where you cut the tape, y'know? Bled and everything."
And the kicker is that after a beat, you can seal the deal with: "--True story."
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Dogs dig me, too
December 10, 2001 +
Kids like me this week.
Sunday, 1 p.m., poolside in Miami (see sidebar), standing, as a young husband and wife exit the pool area, Mom pushing a stroller containing a cute little boy around the age of 3.
I look down to see the kid. He looks up to see me, and our eyes lock.
He lifts his hand and curls his fingers, and announces, "Bye bye."
I wave back with a big smile.
Monday, 8:40 a.m., on the M86 crosstown bus, just in front of the articulating part, standing, as a young boy around 4 or 5 sits on his grandmother's lap.
I am applying Un-petroleum lip balm, which amuses the boy terribly.
"Look!" he says to his grandma. "He's putting on lipstick!"
I wink at his grandmother as he continues, giggling: "He doesn't need lipstick! Why's he doing that?"
Ah, the simplicity of youth.
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Me 'n she. Doesn't Amy look beautiful? (photo from a wedding reception in November)
[12/19]
Paul Boutin (ah, Packet, how we miss ye) has a nice article in Salon on blanket royalty licensing of music.
[12/19]
Weather-wise, this year is the second hottest on record. Or haven't you noticed that it's still 50 degrees in New York in December?
[12/19]
Fascinating numbers on costs as the Washington Post raises its daily price. It sells 54,000 newspapers a day from its 6,000 news boxes.
That's 9 newspapers per box a day, which means that at 25 cents a pop,
a news box grosses a whopping $2.25. Pretty meager, until you multiply
that by the 6,000 boxes: $13,500 a day in revenue. Raising the cover
price to 35 cents generates another $5400 a day, or $1.1 million over
the course of a 200-weekday business year.
[12/18]
In all honesty, part of me was rooting for the A's to keep him. I don't like rooting for the bully.
[12/14]
A layman tries a Segway. It does sound like fun.
[12/12]
Note to self: Read Everything You Wanted to Know about "Memento" and then rent and watch the movie again.
[12/12]
My vacation as weblog.
~ Round-trip flights from Newark to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both arrived early.
~ Sexy rental car
~ Golf. Lots and lots of golf. Piss-poor golf. But golf nonetheless.
~ Fine dining
~ Really fine dining
~ Janet Reno eating breakfast
~ Thirty-six hours of quality girlfriend time
~ The entire on-air crew from Monday Night Football
~ And, upon return to Manhattan, my first holiday gift.
All told, not a bad ten days. And I'm going back to Florida in 11 days, too.
[12/10]
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