MOG - annieander's Posts

I had to say goodbye before I went away.

annieander — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:17:39 GMT

I wish I could say that my bags are packed…I wish I could say the house is the cleanest it’s ever been…I wish I could say that all of our plans are set in stone while on our trip

BUT I CAN’T!

We are off tomorrow, gone for three weeks, vacationing in Europe (does that sound snooty…I think that sounds terribly snooty). Our itinerary is pretty easy going. We will be in the southwest region of France (think Dordon River and Limoges, the place with the fancy boxes) for two weeks with family. Then we set off by train, just us three, to Carcassonne for a couple of days, and then finish our trip in Barcelona. We will be back before the end of the month…phew. It sounds like hard work if you ask me.

Pluses….Our family travel well together. We call Stan our sheepdog. He is always herding us (around airports, train stations, mass transit), keeping us all together, lest someone gets left behind. Stew is flexible. I was graced with a husband that is flexible and rolls along. And I…well, I am the planner. I have maps, drilled down maps, places of interest, tour de france schedule (a starting stage in Figeac on July 12th, an hour south of us, I hope to get Stan to see the start of a stage), passports, e-tickets, even some euros from our last trip. Yep, I’m the planner all right.

So, I’ll catch you all in a couple of weeks. Hopefully with some picture and sounds from our journey. I have made contact with an old mogger friend, Danny Soulrocket. We hope to meet up in Barcelona for dinner. Talk about the mountain coming to Mohammad. If all things go as planned there will be lots to show and tell.

We almost lost Lola last night...

annieander — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:10:49 GMT

While I said I am a cat person (see previous post), truth be told, there is a dog in my life. Her name is Lola, a black and white rat terrier/chihuahua mix. She is my brother's dog, and she comes over to the house quite frequently. And if Kyle, my bro, is not there, I am easily the boss of Lola...she sits with me while I am on the computer, follows directions (as much as a Lola can), and follows me around the house.

Last night she was hit by a car around midnight. Kyle was cycling home with her, she lost direction and ran in front of a car. There must have been some external forces working to save that dog. I was calling Kyle, as he had just left his keys over at my house. He picked up frantically asking for me to pick them up...the accident had just happened seconds before. Later he confessed that he thought I had called because he thought I had heard Lola's scream when she was hit. I was able to get to them in minutes.

I got her in the car, and he cycled to my house to leave his bike. We rushed her to 24 hour emergency and after 2 hours of waiting, x-rays showed no internal damage or broken bones. She remained overnight for observation, given IV fluids, antibiotics, and stuff for pain. We saw her before we left. She was actually wagging her tail. She will be under observation for the rest of the day, but we are out of the woods and the worst of it is behind us. She should be ok...she is one lucky pooch.

Thanks for listening...I just needed to get that out. Phew...shaken, not stirred.

Moggers are cat people...not dog people.

annieander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:45:27 GMT

I come by that statement by just looking at the avatars.

When I browsed moggers (50 pages worth), sorted by most popular, cats appear in avatars 18 times, where dogs only appear 12 times. That's 1.63 cats to every dog. But still, it looks like cats are the big winner in the MOS.

So, what are you? A cat person or a dog person?

Honorable Mention Animal Avatars- several chimps, a camel (a dromedary, I think), a couple of schloopys and a white puffy thing I deemed neither cat nor dog...rabbit perhaps. There is also a pig that looked like a cow. Still figuring that one out.

Sidebar...the alien face is gone. It's been replaced with this "guy".

(Yeah...it's been a hard day...I don't know what I'm talking about or why I am even talking about it.)

Where the hell is Matt?

annieander — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:04:02 GMT

I just love this video. The music and the fact that he is doing all this travelling just makes me green with envy.

And the lucky bastard is still at it...

More info about who he is, what he does, and why he does it HERE

A test...

annieander — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:16:36 GMT

This is only a test...

I can't post video, so this is a test to see if I can at least post music.

Am I really that much out of the loop?

annieander — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:56:20 GMT

I didn't see or hear anything about this..

I was reading my husband's Harper's Mag, the Harper's Index to be more specific, and it said

"Date on which George W. Bush appeared on the game show Deal or No Deal : 4/21/08".

I had to check it out. Has it really sunk to this? A game show?

He even jokes about his approval rating.

Is There Such A Thing As Having Too Much Music?

annieander — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:49:39 GMT

I know, it sounds like a good problem to have, but I have too much music.

My iPod, an 80gb, is almost filled to the brim, chocked full of musical goodness, old stuff and new, and that is where my problem begins.

I forget to listen to the new stuff.

When I am at work, where I get most of my listening done, I settle in to work, scroll through my iPod and draw a complete blank on what I should listen to. So I revert to my tried and true, my trusted, my good ole standbys.

So, what do you do to keep your listening "fresh"?

Random Rules: A Mog Version...

annieander — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:46:10 GMT

Darn it. The post is cutting off. I have removed all unnecessary puncuation, but no go, please go to my main page to view the whole post.

One of my favorite publications, The Onion, has a section called the AV Section. In the AV Section, they have a column called "Random Rules". In the "Random Rules" column they have a famous person turn their iPod on to shuffle and press play. They have the famous person comment on the first 3 tracks that come up. So, what do you think about our own Mog version of Random Rules

Just to try it out, tonight I set my iTunes to shuffle and pressed play...these are the gems that came up.

Ez3kiel, Barb4ry, Sarement

I haven't found out a lot of information about Ez3kiel, but the other day, when I was on my bike, a teenager walked by with an Ez3kiel shirt on...so the word is getting out about him somehow. This is one of his longer tracks on the album and also one of the darker sounding tracks too. I dig the door knocking in the background.

Cat Stevens, Tea For The Tiller Man, Into White

Nice and nonsensical...beautifully played and arranged. His voice is just sublime. Oh...there are the strings. Isn't it lovely?

Blur, Blur, I'M Just A Killer For Your Love

Whoa...this was quite a change from the last track. Can't say that I have honestly heard this track before. It is on the end of the cd, and it is one of those cd's that I start and don't finish. I am more familiar with the beginning of the cd.

The way I see it, this can be fairly easy and fun...set your player to shuffle and go. If it falls on a spoken word, audio book or comedy track, then feel free to advance to the next track...if not post what pops up and listen while you do...I would love to hear your thoughts about what you are hearing.

A Mini Mog Meet 6/8/08

annieander — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:17:29 GMT

Mog's very own Sarah (shudd33) and her band The Phantom Jets performed on Sunday June 8th at the Hotel Utah in San Francisco. She sent a post out to all Bay Area Moggers to let us know, and to personally invite us. I was on the fence as this is the end of the school year, and super busy, but when I got a mog mail from Augusts1 asking if I would be going, I knew I had to try.

So with my hubby, Stewart, by my side...we trekked in to San Francisco to check out The Phantom Jets. I'm happy to report it was well worth the effort.

When we arrived, I spotted Sarah, introduced myself, wished her well and let her alone; I didn't want to mess with her pre-show mojo. Stew and I got drinks and sat down and to watch the opening band, The El Dorados. Isn't that redundant...The and El...isn't that the same thing...The The Dorados...nevermind, I'm just being facetious. They were a very tight band. They sounded great.

In between The El Dorados and The Phantom Jets, I took a look around the bar, and upped walked a guy dressed all in black with a smile that could melt your heart...our very own August. We said hello, hugged, and I asked him to join us. He is completely affable and at ease and completely nice. Stewart and August got on great when they found they had something in common, teasing me about my unrequited love of Death Cab and Ben Gibbard.

We didn't have long to talk before The Phantom Jets started their set. I surreptitiously recorded some songs from their set. But later I told Sarah, full disclosure, that I recoded for mog sake.

After their set, Sarah joined us...her post-show smile was full of ease. She did really good and we were proud of her. The rest of the band is really good too. The guitarist has fingers and hands that moved like the speed of light, and the drummer was drenched with sweat from playing. It was awesome to see everyone so enthusiastic about the music and their playing. Cheers Sarah for inviting us.

I know August took some photos, I will respectfully defer to him to post the picts. I am a sound girl not a photo girl.

Let’s do it again…real soon.

Wanted: Your Opinions On Swearing

annieander — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:16:34 GMT

I had an interesting conversation with my boy while driving home in the car…

There is a whole convoluted backstory about how we got to the conversation, I just don’t have the patience or energy to get into that much detail, nor do you, I suspect.

To sum it all up, the conversation was about SWEARING…Cuss words & foul language.

Stewart, my husband, and I both understand that kids swear. Part of the growth of teens and pre-teens, is experimenting with the power of words thru swearing. We have always felt it naïve to expect him never to swear…we have tried to teach him to be appropriate. We have always said to Stan “We know that you swear with your friends, but there are appropriate and inappropriate times to swear. You have to learn to read the situation you are in and make the right decision about swearing.” Just a note here…when he is not around…both my husband and I can, and do, swear. But we control it, and it RARELY slips out…Okay there was that one time Stew said the “F” word in front of Stan, but he had almost stepped on a Rattlesnake…you would’ve done the same thing.

In the car Stan and I were discussing something Stewart had said.

Me: “Well, Dad and I swear with each other.”

Stan: (shocked) “You and Dad swear?”

M: “Sure, I mean, you swear with your friends, don’t you?”

S: “Well yeah, but if you guys swear with each other, and if I swear with my friends, how come we don’t swear around the house, with each other?”

M: “Because me and dad are friends, but we are not your friend…we are your parents.”

S: “Oh.”

M: “If we used swear words around the house, there would be no boundaries anymore…lines would become blurred. The last thing I would want is for you to feel that you can use swear words as common language. It’s one thing for you to exclaim the “S” word when you stub your toe or cut your finger with a knife, it’s another if it becomes part of how we communicate with each other.”

S: “Oh, okay.”

You would think we were having “The Talk” (for the parents with small children or those without children…”The Talk” is about S.E.X.)

I guess I bring this up because it was an interesting slice of life for me. I guess I am also curious about people’s views about swearing, swearing and kids, kids who swear.

One final thought though. I really struggle with those people who are opposed to swearing, but use “modified” words in place of the actual swear words. Isn’t it really the same as swearing when they use this substitution method? They are using a word for emphasis, while not using THE word, but we really all know the word they mean. Granted, it is probably more appropriate to say the modified word, but to me it calls attention to the fact that they wanted to swear, while not actually swearing.

Have You Ever Met Lindsay?

annieander — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:54:35 GMT

Yeah...me neither.

But that won't stop me from posting about her.

See, one of the things I love about Mog is the inspiration I get from the people here. I find myself inspired about music, politics, movies, humor and family life.

This is a post inspired by I Am.

As one of my top 10 moggers, I Am inspires me all the time...and today he posted about his beautiful girl Lindsay. And no, he is not biased...the girl is beautiful.

As soon as I saw those pictures and read his words about his girl, this song popped in my head, I couldn't shake it, all day...humming there, rattling around...I had to post it. Maybe by posting it, I can purge it from my gray matter and move onto something else. But if not, at least it is a great song to have stuck.

Monty Python's Flying Circus, part II

annieander — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:50:07 GMT

We watched "Life Of Brian" tonight...I had to add this, for good measure.

Sweet!

Honest Answers Only Please....

annieander — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:31:02 GMT

So, how often do you mog with your drink on?

And, if so, what's your drink of choice?

Monty Python's Flying Circus

annieander — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:00:57 GMT

Long ago I purchased the whole DVD box set of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

On and off, we watch them...something to fill an evening when there is nothing else worth watching. Sometimes they aren't as funny as we remember. Much like Saturday Night Live in the John Belushi days...hit and miss.

Lately, we have been watching Monty Python with our boy, age 11. Funny thing...the sketches that he really likes are the sketches that everyone really loved back in the day.

I have made some digital recordings...just off of the T.V. Nothing special...just to capture the banter, so that my son can listen to them on his iPod. My husband says that when he was young, he used to do the same thing...tape record them and listen to them repeatedly, until he was able to recite them, verbatim.

Is this a boy thing?

My step-brothers both recited Firesign Theater shows too.

Let me know if there is something you are interested in hearing...If I stumble across it...I'll record it for you.

Wild Turkey

annieander — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:09:14 GMT

Camping was fun...cold, but fun.

There was a lot of wild life present...more than I have ever seen before. Skunks, foxes, deer, coons and of course turkeys.

It sure is nice to be home.

See Ya!

annieander — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:57:01 GMT

Off for a weekend of car camping...

Car is almost packed and we should be leaving shortly.

I'll leave you with this. I've had way to much time on my hands this week.

It's a first go, so don't be too critical.

Have a great weekend fellow moggers...see ya when I get home.

Keeping the home fires burning...

annieander — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:48:08 GMT

I wanted to post something for everyone, both old and new, to get them up to speed.

I'm going to consider this my "bridging the gap" post.

In the past week I have reached out to new moggers, more than I ever did in the past. Please take a moment to welcome...

loversIspit, rich0517, UKCHAZ, Servene, BixbyCanyonBridge

Did you know that fellow mogger since 4/12/07 Joey Benavides has started posting "30 Blogs In 30 Days"? They are mostly album reviews and are interesting. Check out the initial post HERE. So far he has posted on Portishead, Siouxie & The Banshees, and Elliot Smith. A very nice endevor if you ask me.

A shout out to Bartleby and his awesome mog tutorial. I have used it as a link, MANY TIMES, to help acquaint new moggers. Good job and kudos to him.

Lastly, the Treasure Island Music Festival is scheduled for September 20th and 21st...check out my post HERE for more info. This is a shameless call for attention, but why not...it's my post.

It is nice to have every one back.

A little Boards Of Canada to celebrate. It is a beautiful song and video to say the least.

Treasure Island Music Festival Lineup Announced

annieander — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:49:29 GMT

Hey NorCal Moggers...

Got any plans on Sept. 20th & 21st?

Tickets go on sale May 30th at 10:00 a.m.

Stereogum & Death Cab For Cutie

annieander — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:34:37 GMT

DCFC is taking over the blog > > Stereogum < <.

Today they are hanging up their instruments and adopting the titles of blogger.

I have to wonder...do they enjoy doing this stuff? Or do they just view it as shtick?

Black Cab Session - Death Cab For Cutie

annieander — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:32:41 GMT

Sunday Afternoon

annieander — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:45:17 GMT

Hah....

Everyday Normal Guy...

annieander — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:43:11 GMT

Warning - there are a few F bombs in this vid...but it is funny.

Last But Not Least - She Shoots, She Scores!

annieander — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:37:06 GMT

Narrow Stairs was released today...why not celebrate with a Death Cab vs. Madonna mash up. Cha Ching!

Another Mashup for Mog-land

annieander — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:32:35 GMT

I think I may be going for a three-fer for mashups...I can feel it in my bones.

I really like this one too.

Feel Good Mog, Moggers, Mog-O-Sphere, et all.

annieander — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:00:36 GMT

This put a smile on my face today.

I didn't know I even had it.

I found it when I was reorganizing my digital collection.

OCD style. Something I am prone to do...I make sure the capitalizations are correct or the "Album Artist" is consistent. Tonight I was making sure all of my albums had their release year listed.

And this I found. Enjoy.

Mr. Jacopetti

annieander — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:02:23 GMT

None of you will know Mr. Jacopetti, but my family does.

For the past 3 or 4 years our family has been delivering Meals on Wheels every Sunday. Mr. Jacopetti was one of the seniors on our route, and we have been saying hello to him, every week, for over 2 years. He was always there, with his beautiful dog Rusty (part chow, part lab), to say hello. Rusty, normally quiet, would always bark hello too...Mr. Jacopetti would say it was because Rusty was hungry,he would always get part of the meal we delivered. Mr. Jacopetti was unapologetic about it.

Mr. Jacopetti died last Thursday. I guess he had a heart attack when he awoke. The Thursday volunteer who delivered his meal found no answer at the door, no note saying to leave the meal inside (that he had taken Rusty to the park) and no sound from inside. They called the authorities, and Mr. Jacopetti was found with Rusty close by, protecting him.

I talked to a friend of mine, someone who has lived in Alameda all her life. I asked her if she knew Mr. Jacopetti, she said she didn't. But when I described him, she gasped in horror and said "not Rusty's dad". That's how everyone knew him around the park...he would take that dog for a walk to the park maybe 2 or 3 times a day...Other people I have talked to have said that their children would run up to Rusty and throw their arms around his neck, and Mr. Jacopetti would smile and talk to the kids and parents.

Mr. Jacopetti was a mainstay around the park and Alameda, and his presence, although it may not be immediately felt, will be missed. He is already missed by our family. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

Warning - This video contains pajama clad teen girls dancing furiously.

annieander — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:05:55 GMT

This song really got me going this a.m. on my ride to work.

I have been riding my bike to and from work for the last couple of weeks. What with gas prices hitting...ouch...$3.75 a gallon. And what with global warming and all.

Yes, I wear headphones and listen to music...No, I don't wear a helmet.

I got priorities man.

I heard that this song made the cut on the "Heros" soundtrack. It was used in a sceen where "the cheerleader" was having a sleep over and all the guests ended up dancing to this song. The New Pornographers frontman A.C. Newman said that when he wrote this song he had just that image in mind...

Look at me...I'm stimulating the economy

annieander — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:10:21 GMT

I have wanted one of these for a long time...

Well I finally bit the bullet and purchased one.

I don't make these purchases lightly. I rack my brain over the decision. I read reviews, reviews and more reviews. I contact people who own them, and I get their opinions. Finally I couldn't resist the temptation.

It sounds beautiful...we, the family, played around with it last night. I recorded father playing guitar and son on drums. It was a blast. Here is our last recording, of me and my husband. He is plinking away on his guitar, and I am annoying him.

The sound quality is just unbelievable on this thing. The volume is low, but that is more a problem with my editing software, than with the Sony. Worth every penny.

"It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it.

annieander — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:04:22 GMT

This is a post in the tradition of Not So Random Facts posted by I am.

When I was 20, I took my first trip to Europe. I traveled with my cousin, JP, his cousin, Aaron, and his best friend from collage, Mike...It was me and 3 guys. That wasn't the difficult part. Remember, I'm not a girlie girl, and have mostly grown up with boys in my life, as friends and family. What was difficult was I was dirt poor on the trip (subsisting on cheese and crackers) and really couldn't afford the same luxuries as the guys. Often, I would set out on my own, telling them "I'll meet you on the midnight train to Venice." or "I'll meet you on the flight home." then I would travel by myself for a couple of weeks.

On this occasion I was in Zürich, Switzerland, by myself and there for a day trip, and I didn't have a clue what to do. I decided to stand in line at the information booth to see if they had any ideas. The guy standing in front of me was wearing the exact same watch as me. It was a Timex if I remember correctly. I said something stupid, like, "Hey, nice watch." and we struck up a conversation.

"Where are you from?"...He was American...from Hawaii, but studying in California. "That's funny," I said, "I'm from California, studying in Hawaii.".

I couldn't resist asking "So, haole boy, where did you graduated from highschool?" (haole means white...yes, you are known as a haole in Hawaii, even if you were born and raised. If your skin is white, you are a haole).

"Punahou" he said.

"What year?"

"1984" he said.

"Did you know my cousin, Erik Kloninger?" I asked.

"Know him...I was at his party about a month ago in Kailua" he said.

Funny thing was, I was supposed to go to that party...but I didn't...I had a cold, or couldn't be bothered...whatever.

He said "Tell Erik, that Leonard Matterman says hello."

Leonard was on his way to teach English in Czechoslovakia. We chatted a bit longer, shook hands and said goodbye. I eventually took the walking trip of Zürich, making a point of stopping in every pub I passed and having a pint.

When I got home to Hawaii, I told my cousin Erik this story...He was surprised and said "It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it." That has stuck with me ever since.

So that's my "it's a small world after all" story.

Ethically, what's the difference? Illegal Download vs. Used CD

annieander — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:09:54 GMT

Ok...let's just start with the understanding that there are no stupid questions.

If you download music, illegally, you are not paying the artist. If you buy a used CD, you are not paying the artist.

In both cases someone had to originally buy the CD, and the artist was paid, but from then on...what?

So, ethically, what is the difference?

Yes, I agree that it spreads much faster as an illegal download...but all things being consistent...If "my friend" download a CD illegally, something they should NEVER do, or if "my friend's husband" purchases a used CD, it would seem to be the same...the artist/producer/label, wouldn't see any money.

This is like one of those Car Talk questions...who is right the husband or the wife?

It's a sick day, but not for me...

annieander — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:51:00 GMT

My boy has pneumonia, just diagnosed on Wednesday evening, so I'm home.

He has had a persistent cough, heck, we both have. His just seemed to change Tuesday night. I got him in for a check and we were promptly sent to the hospital for chest x-rays, blood tests for mono, and a skin test for TB...It seems that when the fever spikes in children, at night, it is a warning sign for TB. And since I was coughing too...chest x-rays all around.

He has his recheck today and a read of his skin test. My life will become very difficult if he has TB...he won't be able to go to school, and the health department will have to notify EVERYONE. But then again, I am getting ahead of my self. My x-ray came up clear, and so far his skin test looks pretty normal. He is on anti-biotics and can return to school on Monday if he gets the okay.

Keep you fingers crossed for us.

Moggers, bring on your songs for the sick...bring on your songs about being sick...

(auto disqualification "Sick, Sick, Sick" by QOTSA)

Jan Jelinek - Kosmischer Pitch

annieander — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:14:45 GMT

I'm really digging my electronica these days...

In our house, we are long time fans of the Boards of Canada (new album said to be released soon)...and we heard about Jan from friends. They suggested that if we like the Boards, then, perhaps, we may like Jan.

The following 2 tracks are from the album "Kosmischer Pitch"...and as always, headphones are a serving suggestion at this point.

I think the problem I have with Jan, is that he gets stuck in a rut/loop. I think the 2nd track reaches out a bit more, but still repetitious none the less.

I found this video and I find it to be more dynamic than anything on the album...Maybe I just need to listen to more Jan before I jump to conclusions.

Your thoughts?

Help! One of my trusted posted something, and now I can't find it.

annieander — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:40:29 GMT

One of my trusted moggers just posted (in the last 3 days) about a band that had a birds name in the title (Sparrow, I think)...I listened to it, I liked it...I think I even commented on it.

My husband came home tonight and said...so and so recommends a band called...something something sparrow or some other birds name...

And I said...someone just posted something like that...and I liked it...it was...shoot, I can't remember...darn...who was it...fudge (while madly scrolling thru my trusteds).

Fascinating conversation don't 'cha think.

Please help me out...you know who you are. I have sorted thru about a dozen possible suspects, but dang.

Just Jazzin' (Oh! Ben you can't be serious!)

annieander — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:03:43 GMT

Yeah! Happy April 1st to you too, Ben.

Here's jazz hands right back at 'cha!

Yes...it was delicious!

annieander — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:12:23 GMT

I felt like the karate kid of the BBQ.

Lid On...Lid Off...Lid On...Lid Off...

Only the finest charcoal & wood chips would do.

Look Amber...there is the tip of my shoe.

The sun eventually made an appearance. Yeah!

I like my applecider vinegar pull & slop sauce to be more tomatoey and less mustardy. I usually don't follow a traditional recipe.

With fresh coleslaw, it was sooooo worth it.

That's my boy...Isn't he handsome?

This was what I was listening to all day while BBQ-ing. After posting about Erlend Oye, Dale turned me on to Royksopp...

Thanks Dale (another notch in the belt).

Today, I'm this many (1 year mog-iversary)

annieander — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:38:46 GMT

No trumpets...no fanfare.

Just little ole me celebrating one year on the Mog-O-Sphere!

This morning I took a tour of my old posts, to see what I thought so important to put into print. What surprised me more were your comments; all of your kind and supportive words, and your patience with someone who is not the most eloquent or concise writer.

I am a simple consumer of sound, and you all have contributed to my education...and for that I have to say thank you. I joined with apprehension, unsure of what I could possibly contribute, but I feel like I have found my voice, my place, my community.

To those that have moved on...I miss you...I always knew that Daniel or Kevin would be there to post support or good vibes in the comments. But there are others that make the effort on a daily basis. They are to numerous to count...they ROCK my world.

Thanks to all...for everything...

Now, it's time for me to start the BBQ...I have 7 hours of smoking meat ahead of me, I've got to get busy.

Earth Hour (8:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

annieander — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:20:51 GMT

Tonight (3/29/08), for 1 hour, cities all around the world will go dark...in celebration of Earth Hour.

We will be following suit in the Anderson household...We are inviting friends over, having an early dinner, followed by gaming by candlelight.

So moggers...what will you do when the lights go out?

EZ3kiel

annieander — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:40:31 GMT

I mentioned to Sam (hi Sam) that I would get this up for him...a post about EZ3kiel.

I like the French feel with this one.

The next two require your headphones to be on. Yes...I did say require.

The 1st has an interesting sound in the beginning and end...like running over gravel. It just sounds really good with the cans on.

Here is a title track from the album...also a winner with the cans.

I don't know much about our friend EZ3keil. But I know what I like. There is some spoken work on some of his other tracks, but for the most part...solid electronica. I am liking it a LOT!

Jackie Chan's Top 10 Stunts - This is so awesome!

annieander — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:39:18 GMT

My brother showed me this over the weekend. He sat and watched me as I watched this opened mouth, amazed. We then watched as Maren, my brother's wife and Stewart, my husband, watched it. They too were shocked. I knew this had to get up on the MOS.

I'm not a huge martial arts movie fan, but I can appreciate what I am seeing. These kinds of stunts could NEVER happen in the US (insurance / liability woes). There is a reckless abandon that the Chinese seem to have when filming these kinds of scenes...akin to their "stunts" in Bejing Opera or in acrobatic routines. Hard core!

I especially like the narrator's enthusiasm.

Enjoy!

Thanks again Sef.

So when exactly will Ben possess my heart?

annieander — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:54:47 GMT

I am waiting.

I am pleased as punch to put this up.

Since the wee red buttons are acting wonky, I posted...old school.

I am absolutely excited about this new album.

It runs 8:36 and I hear there is no radio edit. I like that.

Oh...you have pleased me greatly DCFC.

Can't wait to hear the rest.

The Power!...The Passion!...The Produce!

annieander — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:59:24 GMT

This was the tag line for “Fresno” the miniseries.

It came out in 1986 and was a mock-u-miniseries a la Dynasty or Dallas.

Just to give you a flavor of what it was like, it starred heavy hitters Carol Bunett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr & Charles Grodin. Even Michael Richards had a bit part as 2nd henchman (thanks IMDB!).

Why do I bring this up???

I am from there. Born and raised…I graduated (barely) from Fresno High School in 1987.

When I went away to college, mostly to get away from Fresno (not to continue my education), and I was often teased by some about being from Fresno.

How bad could it be???

Most people who find out that I am from Fresno say “I have driven through/past there.” Rarely would/do people stop. Now this is not some backwater “the hills have eyes” kind of place. It is the 6th largest city in California and the 2nd largest city in the Central Valley, next only to Sacramento, our State Capitol. It boasts as being the Raisin Capitol of the World.

Reality steps in though…public transportation is dead in Fresno. You have to have a car to go anywhere. There are many 8 lane streets (4 for coming, 4 for going, lined with strip malls, fast food, tire stores, you name it, it’s there) that span for miles and miles. I do not exaggerate. Blackstone Ave. has got to be at least 5.5 miles of that sort of thing. It can get hot in the summer…Africa hot. Like a blasting hot furnace of heat hitting you in the face. Don’t be fooled when the locals saying “but it’s a dry heat”, because when it is 106 degrees, that doesn’t really matter.

Pluses were…

The Tower District…an older area around the Tower Theater. I saw my 1st Rocky Horror Picture Show there. Let’s not forget about The Chicken Pot Pie Shop just around the corner.

About 1 hour away from the Valley Floor of Yosemite National Park. I practically grew up there. Would go camping up there 3 or 4 times a summer, and knew the Valley like the back of my hand.

Summer nights…when it is over a 100 degrees in the day, you can imagine how fun it was to be out and about on a summer night. The heat would still radiate from the asphalt…you never needed a sweater.

Old Fig Garden…the area of Fresno that I grew up. It is a county island in the middle of the city. No street lights, no sidewalks & really big parcels of land. It is because of Old Fig Garden, that when I go to visit my folks, it never feels that I am in Fresno.

This weekend, we are going back to spend Easter with my family. Just a quick trip there and back. My brother found this song about Fresno, and forwarded it to me…to get me ready for the weekend. Ha! I hope you enjoy.

I never went back to Fresno to live. I chose to live 175 miles NW of Fresno, in the Bay Area.

Moggers, I would love to hear about your home town…your roots. Why you chose to stay in your home town or why you chose to move on? Or how do you feel about where you live now? Can’t wait to escape?

P.S. Thanks Sef for the song...

The death of public education as we know it…

annieander — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:15:11 GMT

Beware. This post has NOTHING to do with music. I am venting. I am frustrated.

My son is in the 6th grade enrolled in our local school district in Nor-Cal. Since starting school in 2001, I have stepped up to the plate and have served as President of the PTA (twice) for his elementary school and am now the VP of his middle school. Over the last 5 years, I have watched our School Board Trustees and the Superintendent of our district slash over 7 million in services to our kids due to budget cuts. Our community has rallied together and has passed 2 parcel taxes to assist in budget shortfalls and have even passed a bond sale to procure monies for building and infrastructure improvements.

Now our Governor, Arnold, is proposing 4.5 billion in budget cuts to education.

Perspective time…

Alameda Unified School District (ours) – needs to cut 4 mil. next year. San Francisco Unified School District – 44 mil. Los Angeles Unified School District – 108 mil.

We will be expected to cut more in one year then ever have. Last year alone we cut 1.7 mil. So of course, an emergency property tax (another) will go up to the voters in June. If it doesn’t pass, we will be forced to close 1 middle school, 1 elementary school & cut ALL high school athletics. Out the window goes music and for grades k thru 3rd as well as class size reduction for the aforementioned and 9th grade. Gone are middle school councilors and 1 Vice Principal at one of our high schools. Forget the token stipends for Trustees or any salary increases for teachers…bye bye to EVERYTHING.

This is not the fault of our school board. I know most of them personally (they give me the nod and wink in the hallways when we pass) and know them to be transparent and up front of where we are and how we got to this place.

And why do I bring this up…in a city of over 75,000, only 10% have children that attend public schools. Most people don’t understand and are unaware of the situation with our schools…All of our schools. I guess I wanted to bring this to the consciousness of everyone. Not to make a plea to support taxation, or even to debate the R vs. D philosophy behind spending, but just to make everyone aware that there are discussions happening that will change the way our children are taught.

I am frustrated…I am powerless…we can only pass so many parcel taxes before the infrastructure of our government implodes.

Please keep aware.

Thanks, I don’t feel better though.

Erlend Øye

annieander — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:47:05 GMT

I know, I know...kind of Hot Chippy sounding, but I find it interesting.

I don't believe in reinventing the wheel, so here is more info about him here

I will publish more tracks in the comment section.

Dodo - Electric Love

annieander — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:34:57 GMT

I found this.

Naturally, I was looking for something else.

I find this not as dynamic as some of the other electronica I've been listening to on the MOS, but interesting none the less.

MySpace Info for Dodo

If this has already been passed around, my humble apologies.

Je ne comprends pas.

annieander — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:50:10 GMT

The thing about me is that I need to have something to look forward to. If I don't, I feel a little aimless & restless. I like to see an end and I like to set a goal to get to that end.

That being said, we are going to the France this summer, Limoges (in the south) to be more specific. Tickets have been purchased (ouch) and a villa has been booked. My Scottish in-laws book these fantastic villas and meet us for our international vacations. Since we have the huge expense of airfare, they take care of the accommodations. We couldn't do these trips otherwise.

My goal - To do 90 lessons (30 minutes each) of Pimsleur French. So far, I am on lesson 5. I am a huge fan of the method. Two years ago, before our trip to Italy, I got thru to lesson 50. When I heard myself saying "My colleague is from Switzerland" in Italian, I quit. I knew I would never need to say that. I did very well, even able to communicate to a pharmacist that "My small son has a bad ear from swimming in a pool.". Swimmers ear cured, and I will never forget how to say that in Italian.

I know these lessons are not a substitute for fluency, but it shows that I try, and that I am not afraid to look a bit silly. And when we stay in these rural areas, where English is not spoken so much, it is been a plus. It can also be humbling. Some of my fondest memories, besides the family stuff, are the ones where I struggle thru the language barrier.

I'll keep you all informed on my progress, wish me luck.

Plaid (not tartan)

annieander — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:10:32 GMT

Here is a little something for Sam...

He said he hadn't heard them before.

You may want to put on your headphones now.

Just returning the favor.

Why try to reinvent the wheel...here is Plaid - Wikipedia Information

DCFC....Oh, I have been waiting for this...

annieander — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:39:19 GMT

Death Cab For Cutie has announced the name of their upcoming album, due in May 2008.

Narrow Stairs

Pict. taken from Wikipedia, so who knows how reliable.

In other DCFC news, Chris Walla's album, Field Manual, is on sale in stores as of Tues, Jan. 29.

If you purchase online by February 4, from Barsuk Records, you can get 4 additional non-album mp3 bonus tracks.

HOT DIGGITY DOG!!!

Matt Bianco - 1984

annieander — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:13:00 GMT

Matt Bianco was a group of 3 from the UK in the 80's. Named for no one in particular, and with a combination of jazz / latin sounds, they became immensely popular in Europe. After the success of this album, Basia set off to pursue a solo career. With assistance of fellow former band mate, Danny White, she created the album Time and Tide which had some VH1 playtime with hits like Promises and Time & Tide (see comment section below), and a tour in the US.

This was some of my traveling music when I was younger. It also reminds me of my high school days, a friend of mine constantly played this album. Basia's album was also in rotation. I even saw her perform at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu in 1989.

Gods And Monsters...

annieander — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:17:26 GMT

Funny, I first heard of I Am Kloot when we were in Scotland last summer. We were coming back from the highlands, and we stopped in this little place to eat. There was music playing in the background and I heard what I thought was Robyn Hitchcock. WRONG...turned out it was I Am Kloot, confirmed by the American waiftress working behind the counter.

Is it my imagination or do they (he) sound like Robyn Hitchcock (specifically Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians)?

I am also listening to their Natural History album, but they don't sound like him...not so much.

The planets must have been in perfect alignment today

annieander — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:32:14 GMT

Everything went so well today (the work got done, the boss was pleased, the library had the books & dvd's I wanted, the boy was out right after school to be picked up, blue skys, brisk weather)....hot damn, what a good day.

Here is a little something something to share...

It's not you...it's me.

annieander — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:49:37 GMT

I have just been off the radar.

My head has been down as I tick a million things off of my list. Where some people make resolutions to stop smoking or to lose weight, I make lists. Things that I have procrastinating on, things that need to get done...I even put things on the list that I have already accomplished so I can cross them off, just so I can feel a small measure of success.

Funny thing about me though...my lists are rarely about me. Sure, it includes things I am involved in, but mostly it is a list of all the, clear throat, shit that people depend on me to get accomplished. Passport renewal, faucet repair, permits for remodel, smog the cars...someone has to get all of the details done in the day to day living, it just usually falls on my shoulders. No complaints, I can mostly get it all done, I just haven't had a spare moment to sit down with my online friends and catch up on what's happening here.

To all of you, Happy New Year...sorry it is late in coming. It may be late, but it is still heartfelt. I truly wanted to send a personal to each and all...time just got away from me.

Added to list right now...catch up on the MOS, as best I can. Forgive me for not going to far back on the past posts.

Also...if you are not that person that takes care of the day to day details in your house/family/life, and if you depend on someone else to do what you don't...give them a little bit of appreciation. Just because we are good at organizing / getting things done / making it all look so easy, doesn't mean that it is easy or fun to do. Ok, I am done...that's me getting off of my soapbox. 'nuff said.

How did I get to be so lucky? (AKA My-not-so-Secret Santa is awesome)

annieander — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:50:51 GMT

Every Christmas is usually spent away from home. Usually we drive down to Fresno, where I was born and raised, to celebrate the holidays with my family. My parents, long since divorced and remarried, are patient as we celebrate the holidays twice, opening gifts, not necessarily on Christmas day, and eating our fair share of goodies and treats. In fact this Christmas Day was spent in transit as we drove back since I have to work on Boxing Day (today).

Waiting for me, on my doorstep when I returned home, was a single flat package from my Mog Santa. This was the only gift I actually opened on Christmas Day, it was a real treat, it was special.

Inside were a mixtape CD and a box of choco truffles. Best of all was a personal card from my Santa, explaining the choices on the mix and the reasoning behind the order. It was so thoughtful. Looky at what I got!

1. Another One Goes By - Mazarin 2. Buggin' - The Flaming Lips 3. Today Is Gonna Be Mine - David Kilgour 4. Penny On The Train Track - Ben Kweller 5. I Don't Know Where It Comes From - Ride 6. Here Comes Trouble - Evengelicals 7. Emma Blowgun's Last Stand - Beulah 8. Crossing Line - The Sea and Cake 9. For Energy Infinite - Mazarin 10. Alive With Pressure - Viva Voce 11. Rollercoaster - Sleater-Kinney 12. Breathless - X 13. Parklife - Blur 14. Coma Girl - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros 15. It's Only Life - The Feelies 16. There She Goes - The La's 17. BBC World - David Kilgour 18. Born In The 70's - Fruit Bats 19. Deep Frieze - Chris Letcher

I am just so thrilled and lucky.

So thank you very much Erin (goodmusiconly). You are very generous and considerate. I look forward to acquainting myself with this awesome mixtape. THANK YOU!

Who doesn't love a good Rube Goldberg thingy?

annieander — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:41:12 GMT

My brother e-mailed this to me...gads I love this kind of stuff...our family is just to techie nerdy for our own good.

Awesome! Props Sef!

Here is a link to a larger, clearer video.

Everybody On...

annieander — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:55:19 GMT

Just a last wee thing before bed. As a huge Death Cab fan, I've been looking forward to Chris Walla's side project and new album called Field Manual...here's a sample from the album.

Yoav....

annieander — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:27:11 GMT

He stood on the stage, a lone singer with a guitar in hand...

He was opening for Tori Amos at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA on Saturday night...

He was barefoot, adjusting the recording loops, to capture the percussion tapped out on his guitar, then to loop in a base...

He took my breath away...

Information about him here

I don't really have anything to report about the Tori Amos concert...I was disappointed. It was being vidotaped for something important to her. She didn't seem to be performing for us. Funny, wzgirl saw her the next night and felt the exact same way. But when I talked to wzgirl, she said she bought this EP of Yoav...great minds.

This is how I know it's the Holiday Season...

annieander — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 03:11:20 GMT

Every year, about this time, I stumble upon this recording on NPR. Usually it corresponds with a lazy Sunday morning or an early evening driving home in the dark, but it is an annual occurrence that seems to bring the holiday season to me.

It is a Christmas story, as written and read by John Henry Faulk, recorded in 1974. It was replayed in 1994 on NPR stations everywhere. The response to this recording was so enthusiastic, and NPR now replays it every year, a wonderful modern tradition.

Just the other night, a new friend mentioned this piece. He said it was a story that heard while driving home, late one night. He said it took his breath away, and contributed to a true "driveway moment" for him. I told him I knew the piece, I told him I would find it for him...well I did, and I post it for you now. Pull up a chair and sit down a spell, with a glass of wine (or hot chocolate with mini marshys...LGE), and enjoy. John's voice is infectious, the story is pure, a true Christmas tale.

NPR has it available for download here if you want it.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Just What The Doctor Ordered...

annieander — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:03:45 GMT

After the week I have had (please refer to earlier post), I didn't think the day would end like this.

I will give you a clue...two magical little words...Lucky Juju.

For the uninitiated, Lucky Juju is located in Alameda, CA. It is a vintage pinball museum. People come far and wide, even from out of state, to play these machines. Best of all, every pinball machine is set to free play. Usually you pay your admission fee on a Friday or Saturday, and it is free play from 6:00 to midnight. And yes, you can bring your favorite bottle of something.

It can also be rented for parties, and today it was booked for a birthday party for one of my son's friends...I brought the gift, so I got to play...PINBALL....FREE....FOR 2 HOURS...and It was awesome. No better stress reliever then pinball, well. maybe, except, FREE PINBALL. There are jukeboxes in every room...btw, they are also free.

Mog is giving me issues about uploading photos tonight, and I'm to tired to argue with it.

I'm playing this song, because they actually have a pinball machine from the 70's called Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy. It has a huge picture of Elton on the face and is a hoot to play.

Good night everyone.

Just a quick message...

annieander — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 20:44:31 GMT

Boy, oh boy...have I been busy. Today ends Open Enrollment for health insurance and benefits (that sounds so exciting, doesn't it?), and I am absolutely wacked.

I have been checking posts when I can, but mostly I have got my head down and getting things done.

I just wanted to post a wee something to take my mind off of the number crunching and all that attention to detail and endless hours of patience which is required of me during this period. I am, by nature, not known to be a very patient person, so this is work for me.

Soon to be done kicking ass & taking names and soon to be mogging again,

Annie

Move Over Martha Stewart

annieander — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:52:31 GMT

I am not a girly girl...no way, no how...but I love to cook.

My Mom put the center piece together. She did an awesome job.

I took the cooking of Thanksgiving Dinner away from my Mom several years ago, and depending on the number of people I'm cooking for, I taylor my menu and meal. Last year there were only 8 of us, so I made a 7 course French meal complete with stuffed artichoke hearts and Cornish Game Hens with a dill sauce. This year, I had the larger assignment of feeding 20 people so I opted for Salt Crusted Prime Rib over the traditional turkey and stuffing. Here is a list of the menu...all homemade, I started on Wednesday to get everything done.

Appetizers Mushroom Pate Roasted Red Peppers with capers and anchovies Baked Brie with toasted almonds and sundried tomatoes

Soup Artichoke & Leek

Dinner Salt Crusted Prime Rib Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes (thanks Maren) Caramelized Onion & Roasted Tomato Panade Creamed Spinach Green Beans with Lemon & Roasted Pecans (thanks wzgirl)

Dessert Cranberry Steamed Pudding (thanks Mom) Pumpkin Bread (thanks Maren) Pumpkin Pie

I had so much fun...I had more fun cooking for my family and friends than I had doing anything else. This is by far, my favorite holiday of the year. The weather is great, you get to have all of your family around, and there is no obligation of presents.

Maren, my sister-in-law, created these "nut cups" with the kids...a nice project for the kids and a nice party favor for all. She is so thoughtful...I admire that about her.

Happy Thanksgiving every one...even if you don't celebrate, any excuse to get together is reason enough.

Good Night All...

annieander — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 04:54:38 GMT

I am to tired to post my menu, my successes, my Thanksgiving feast. I'm wishing all a good night (or good morn, depending on the time zone.)

Here is a little Boards just to ease things along...Be Well!

I am so proud...

annieander — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:40:04 GMT

Last weekend was spent in transit. We travelled 7 hours, by bus, from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles for the 16th Annual Black Diamond Drill Team and Drum Squad Competition. My son, Stan was one of 34 kids to compete at the Junior level, complete with snares, tenors and bass drums. We were one of the few corps to have cymbals.

That's my boy!

We left early Friday morning, on a bus filled with 40 kids, age ranging from 8 to 17 years old. Us chaperones were outnumbered...there was only 15 of us, but we were armed with snacks & dvd's.

The competition was Saturday, all day Saturday. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. for inspection and we didn't get home until the last trophy was handed out, well after 8:00 p.m.

I even did some of the cadets hair and haku leis.

And the results were impressive. We took home 5 trophies.

1st place Junior Squad 1st place Captain Junior Squad 1st place Co-Captain Junior Squad 3rd place Senior Squad 1st place Best Overall Performance (I like to call this the Best in Show award)

Here are some snippets from the drum competition. That is me whooping in the video...I didn't think I was that loud, compared to the drums, but I couldn't suppress my enthusiasm.

Here are some of the Senior Squad

We travelled home on Sunday....Phew, what a weekend.

Use the HandBrake...

annieander — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:47:08 GMT

Here is a link to HandBrake

Their website says "HandBrake is an open-source, GPL-licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 converter, available for MacOS X, Linux and Windows.

I have downloaded it for my Mac Leopard OS and it is working well. It contains preset settings for conversions, including iPod Hi & Lo res, Apple TV, iPhone & iTouch. Once you select your source and your preset, it converts no bother. A very cool way to get video into your iPod.

If this has already made the mog rounds, my humble apologies.

About Last Night...

annieander — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:16:28 GMT

it was Sunday, November 11th and I was tired, not really looking forward to the evening ahead. You know the feeling, after a busy week & weekend, a late night spent out could be viewed as a chore. Sometimes you have to G yourself up, make yourself go out. Sometimes you put on your "getting ready music" (insert Big Audio Dynamite "Rush" here) to get the mood going before you head out the door.

As Stan, my son, and I left to drive into the city, our mood improved. We found our natural rhythm as we passed over the Bay Bridge, and moved thru traffic, all while talking about our family, friends, events, music and the concert that lay ahead of us. We found the energy we were missing at the start as we searched for the venue, a parking place and Maren, Stan's Aunt, and the last third of our party...

On the menu for the evening, Emma Pollock at The Rickshaw Stop. Opening for her was The Harbours and The Old-Fashioned Way. The Harbours are a local SF band. Stan really enjoyed this band, as he was digging the drums. I liked them more then Maren, who was more adept at spotting the hooks and riffs from other bands music. She studied music and composition and knows her stuff, I , however, am a simple consumer. Their sound was tight and together, I would listen to more.

The Old-Fashioned Way (OFW) was a little much for me, it was an uber band with a cast of 7 on the tiny stage. There were more instruments than I could count, and they seemed to be used in every song. I have long been a fan of early They Might Be Giants (even met the Johns once), with their quirky lyrics, but OFW's lyrics felt forced and contrived to be quirky for the sake of. And that, combined with the lead vocal singer deep rich baritone, reminded me of The Billy Nayer Show. Not much a fan of them either. I did enjoy the musicallity of OFW, but on the whole, sometimes more is less.

Emma Pollock entered without much ado. Dressed simply in a printed dress, seemingly humble to be performing in SF, she communicated briefly before opening her set. She played every song off of her album, and beautifully might I add. She seemed to struggle with the mixing from the sound board (reverb in the monitor, not enough vocal, acoustic left on, etc), but she handled herself so professionally and politely. At one time she was left alone on the stage to perform A Glorious Day, just her and her acoustic guitar. What a perfect way to accentuate her sublime voice, so soft and subtle. One of my favorites of the evening was Limbs.

Of course Adrenaline, Acid Test, New Land and If Silence Means That Much To You were exciting and perfect, but that goes without saying. To quote Maren "I could listen to her voice all night." I agree.

The venue was small, intimate and hardly crowded at all. We had a killer view from the loft while sitting on a comfy couch. I even bumped into a fellow mogger ZenPop (AKA John) who has been talking up his fascination about the Delgados. I knew he would be there. We had made no arrangementst to meet, I don't even think he knew I was going to be there. As I was sitting on the comfy couch, a guy sat down and started talking to the couple next to us. I didn't pay him any mind, but I heard snipets of their conversation. After he walked away, I asked the couple if his name was John, and if he was an artist. It was him...what a coincidence. I followed him down to the bar and offered to buy him a beer. He was surprised and asked me why. I said "because I am annieander, that's why". We had hugs, smiles and brief conversation before the concert started. What a nice connection with a fellow mogger, completely unplanned and completely spontaneous. Neat.

I have to say thanks to Dale at this point. It was he that tuned me into Emma Pollock. If I haven't said this already Dale then Thanks, you EMCD you.

I'm totally going to try this at home....

annieander — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:29:34 GMT

With arms outstreched...

annieander — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:47:45 GMT

Please welcome

I-G-L-O-O

I don't know much about igloo, other then he has posted 3 songs of his own that I am thoroughly digging. I really love the electronica/ambient sounds he is laying down, and I wanted to share.

If he has already been introduced by someother mogger, more on the ball than I, then humble apologies.

ABWA (Another Busy Weekend Ahead)

annieander — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 21:56:45 GMT

Sometimes I am almost releaved for Mondays...my weekends are just getting more and more busy. This weekend will not be any different. My brother and his family move from Boston to the Bay Area in August, and since then we have been trying to see them every weekend. He has two of the sweetest girls and they are absolutely crazy for their big cousin Stanley...to quote my sister-in-law "If they don't see Stan this weekend, I think they may spontaneously combust.". We will be having them over for the weekend. Awesome.

Also Stan is in the Chipman Cougar Cadet Corps...he plays snare. They are gearing up for a competition in LA in a couple of weeks, so there is A LOT of practice and drilling. This video was taken before Stan joined, but he plays this same song.

He practices in the morning on Saturdays, and then, the drumline moves around the Bay Area fundraising until 5:00...it is a whole day event. I am usually in tow, carring the donation bucket, a sign, water or whatever...typical band mom. I love it...The crowd loves to hear these talented kids. They are self taught by other students...no adult has ever taught them drums. They are awesome. I will try to get a more recent vid and picture up.

If this isn't enough to fill our weekends, you will always find us delivering Meals On Wheels every Sunday around Alameda. We have had the same route for over 3 years now, The rest of the day is homework and cleaning...Phew

Now you can understand why Mondays at work are more of a relief then anything.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

You are all going to think me absolutely insane...

annieander — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:32:42 GMT

but I have to get rid of a virtual pet.

Now those of you with kids will empathize...my son created this virtual pet thru Neopet.com, I got involved because I would see him start an account, let it go, the virtual pet "dies" and he would lose his "money". So I ended up keeping this neopet alive. Every month, I would put it in the "hotel" for "feeding" and then when my son was interested in playing it again, voila...I was the hero. Now he has outgrown it.

The current REAL pets I am keeping alive are... 1 green snake (Slithy McGee) 2 salamanders/newts (Darkness and Mip) 3 hermit crabs (Black Claw, Chamo & Snappy Crab) 1 cat (Scrunchy Face)

Let the record show that I only named the cat...the rest my son named!!!

I need to turn loose the responsibilities of this virtual pet. Send me a mogmail if you are interested in getting it for your youngster, and I will turn over the user name and password.

Current Specs... Name: Lupedia702 Age: 793 days (you read that right!) Level: 19 Int: Master Genius (73) Strength, Defense, Movement Great (35) Neopoints in the bank: over 492,000

He is well equipped and even has a petpet...You read that right...a virtual pet for my son's virtual pet

Can you understand why I am reaching out here? I can't commit virtual peticide.

This just seems right tonight...

annieander — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:47:20 GMT

This is my favorite song. It felt like the right song to play before bed. Or if you are just waking, brewing a strong cuppa, it'll work too.

Good news too all in the MOS...Cheers.

Just a quickie...crank that!

annieander — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:41:37 GMT

I'm not usually the fan of rap or hip/hop, but this is on my radar and I really like it.

Flip Fantasia

annieander — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:39:24 GMT

Ingredients 1/4 cup Birdland 1/4 cup Funky Funky 1/4 cup Jazz/Rap 1/4 cup sample of Herbie Hancock

Mix it all together and what do you get...Cantaloop, more commonly know as Us3.

Editors Cover

annieander — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:12:46 GMT

I found this in the ether, and thought I should post.

If this has made the rounds, humble apologies.

An easy way to convert YouTube Videos

annieander — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:22:30 GMT

Soulrocket posted here about downloading YouTube Videos.

Here is a link to Vixy.net a conversion site that allows you to convert YouTube Videos 1 of 4 ways. 1. AVI for Windows (DivX + MP3) 2. MOV for MAC (MPEG4 + MP3) 3. 3GP for Mobile (MPEG4 + AAC) 4. MP3 (audio only)

All you do is put in the html address in the vixy line and select what you want to convert to. So far I have only tried to convert video to MP3 and it seems to convert fine, albeit slow. Let me know how it works for video. I just don't have that much demand for video.