Stuffy, elitist, overwrought. And brilliant. I love Bach, even when he's at his most Bach. Who else could have taken Fredrick's cacophonous theme and turned it into sixteen separate pieces that undoubtably are, if not uniformly euphonious, beautiful?

I'm looking forward to November 5th, on the assumption that there's not another Florihio debacle. Finally, the end of the Bush Administration will be arbitrarily close, and, whatever the outcome of the gay-marriage amendments, Americans can go back to hating each other in private instead of in the public sphere.

I am very, very tired. I am also very, very well dressed: A tastefully checked, off-white shirt; a red, sleeveless sweater, and a red necktie. Dark-grey pants and (when out) a luxurious, black, woolen coat complete the ensemble to fantastic effect. I had hoped to go to Maude's in the hope of chatting with a certain someone, but that was not to be-I ( Read more... )

That is how I would describe Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens this, or, indeed, any year. I endeavor to be less of a curmudgeon, but even I can't say that I like the annual flagellatory ritual Elizabeth makes us go through. Yes, there are a few laughs; yes, the roller-coasters are fun; and, yes, it's good to spend time with friends. But goodness ( Read more... )

A classic for the weekend:

Click to view

Income is up-but not by enough-and spending is way down-again, not by enough. Saving should commence in earnest the beginning of November.

Franz Ferdinand did an acoustic version of their song "Darts of Pleasure," also using slightly different lyrics. I'm not sure Kapranos's voice can really go as deep has he wants, but it's an enjoyable performance, and it makes me think that "Darts" could be fruitful stuff for a jazz band looking to branch out from the standard repertoire ( Read more... )

Progress with the Greek is halting at best, and likely insufficient to support taking the intermediate courses this spring.

I'm in the unaccustomed role of social-coordinator in trying to get some friends to go to the Japanese film-festival tomorrow. I shouldn't have waited until the last minute. Ah well.

Resolved: No more blue shirts. However lovely they are, my closet is stuffed with them. It's getting into the cold season and, I have almost nothing but sweaters and blue shirts. This state of sartorial affairs will absolutely not do. It won't do, but it must for now. Despite the 30% reductions, I shan't be going to the Banana this month. My hope ( Read more... )

I knew that living in the student ghetto would entail certain hassles, but they've been bearable: the occasional, testosterone-induced, high-speed down my road; the occasional loud music or "other" sounds from neighbors; but last night's party was rather unusual in its raucousness and length, lasting well past 3:00 a.m. I don't think this has ( Read more... )