Author: duane

all about me, five song friday, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: june 20

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I am kind of pissed today, (ha, kind of), because I just found AGAIN, that they didn’t review my application for the nursing program because of my student status remained unchanged (despite the fact I faxed in the request to have it changed over 10 days ago… and I was told that it would take 5 days MAX to change it). Well, for those that wonder why I am such a pessimist when it comes to trying to make changes in my life, this is a good example of why. Things like this are always happening to me, and it appears that they aren’t stopping. Back to the drawing board, I guess… I am just filled with frustration and anger right now.

But don’t worry, that won’t stop me from bringing 5 songs for today… Here they are:

Lesley Roy – I’m Gone, I’m Going
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_620_lesleyroy-imgoneimgoing.mp3]
Whoa. This song is a huge, fantastic SURPRISE!!! It has all of the energy and spunk that I love in groups like Paramore; in fact, the blazing guitar riffs, and the high range of the singer borrow a lot from that sound that I love so much. With this song, this “little Irish girl” is showing us that acts like Kelly Clarkson may have to step up their game, because they are no longer alone in this music scene. If there is any justice in this world, this song is going to be HUGE!!!! I love it and I can’t wait to see what Lesley has in store for us next. I have seen some buzz about her on the internets (specifically over at arjan writes), and all of the buzz seems to be the same; this chick is hot! Here’s hoping her album comes out soon, and we get to see what she’s all about! I like what I’ve heard on her myspace, so if that is any indicator, I can tell you I am definitely looking forward to more from Ms. Roy.

The Wombats – Let’s Dance To Joy Division
While I do think this sounds like they lifted this track off of Jack Penate’s record, I have to say that the blaring similarities in style don’t stop me from liking it. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and regardless of how similar their styles are, I think there is room for both of these guys in the music world. Either way, this is a really high energy rock track, and it really makes you want to get up and dance; hell, that is what the song is about! I will admit, that listening to this song does make me want to go back and listen to Jack some more, but I look at it like this… if your style is going to be very similar to someone else’s, at least I am glad that it is similar to someone that I like, right!?!?!

Anouk – Lost
Holy fuck balls. So You Think You Can Dance is in full swing this year, and just like every year I have watched before, there are always a few songs that the kids dance to that take my breath away. This is one of those songs. It is completely beautiful and amazing. Anouk is one of those artists that I have “been meaning to download” forever, but I have never gotten to it for whatever reason. Well, I can definitely guarantee that I am paying attention now… this song is from a CD that she put out in 2004, and it is amazing. I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from Anouk. Also, I am hoping there are more discoveries like this on SYTYCD this year. Wow.

Alanis Morissette – Torch
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_620_alanismorissette-torch.mp3]
I briefly mentioned Alanis’ new album, Flavors of Entanglement last week; however, it was before I was able to truly absorb the record. I was (kind of) surprised to find a really decent effort from Alanis, not because I didn’t think she had it in her, but because of how different and ever changing her music has been in the past. Listening to Flavors, she has reminded me of why I liked her so much in the past; she has some great songs in her catalog, and with this record, she only adds to that list. This, so far, is my favorite song on the record. I love the softness of the song, and how her voice is so beautiful on it. I also love the lyrics. I am glad that Alanis is back! (Although, did she really go anywhere?!?!)

Rachael Yamagata – Reason Why
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_620_rachaelyamagata-reasonwhy.mp3]
I can’t believe I am FINALLY featuring this song (I’ve been meaning to, but it kept getting pushed off of the list)! After seeing Rachael open for Sara Bareilles a couple of months ago, I have been absolutely smitten with this track, which in my opinion, is her most beautiful, honest, and touching. While some of her other stuff is a bit heavier than I like, this song is so light and beautiful, that you can’t help but love it. Rachael has some new material out now on an EP, and has a new album coming out this year. I can’t wait to hear it, because I really loved her in concert, and I like this album as well. This is one of those acts that not a lot of people know about, and when you hear them, you wonder why, because the talent is so clearly obvious.

Well, there’s your songs, folks. Here’s hoping I can get some resolution with my school situation. Until then, I guess it’s back to the drawing board. It’s weird how the simple things can be so hard sometimes. Oh well… such is life… my life that is. Happy Friday, y’all.

all about me, flickr, hmm interesting, photography

simplicity

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hibiscus
waking up
brushing teeth
taking pills
driving
talking
eating
leaving
sleeping

simple tasks
completed each day

happening so fast
without thought
without drive
without change

simple tasks
distract from the world around
buzzing
whirring around me

I am caught in slow motion
everything seems at a standstill
or I am moving so quickly
that it only seems to have slowed around

I am too caught in my flow
to notice the simplicity
the beauty
the difference

I am too caught in the flow
to just stop
and live for the moment

and sometimes
that is what scares me most of all

mixed media, movie musings

summer ’08 movie checklist

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Yesterday, I finally got to see Iron Man, and I have to say, that I was definitely impressed. The story was great, and the special effects were amazing. Also, Robert Downey Jr. was not only likable in the part of Tony Stark, but he was actually debonair and quite attractive. Talk about a role to change how you feel about someone! Anyway, I look forward to owning that one on DVD for sure.

After seeing Iron Man, I felt the desire to make a little list of other movies of interest that I would like to see coming out in the next couple of months; and by the looks of it, there are some potentially enjoyable ones on the horizon! Here’s my list (in no order whatsoever):

  • Wanted (opens June 27th)- Jolie hotness and major action. Looks like it will be pretty awesome.
  • The Dark Knight (opens July 18th)- I loved Batman Begins, and Christian Bale is back in the role of Batman, with Nolan directing again. Also, I can’t wait to see Heath as the joker, the trailers make him look terrifying.
  • Hellboy II: the Golden Army (opens July 11th) – The first Hellboy movie was fantastic, and by the looks of it, this next one is going blow it out of the water. I can’t wait to see what the consistently amazing del Toro has up his sleeve.
  • Mamma Mia! (opens July 18th) – Not only am I jazzed that a musical, filled to the brim with ABBA songs has made it to the silver screen, but Meryl Streep is in it!! Also, it will be interesting to see what Amanda Seyfried can do… she was fun in Mean Girls!
  • Hancock (opens July 2nd) – Looks like a My Super Ex-Girlfriend-ish film; comic book goodness with humor, fun, and special effects. I’m in!
  • Get Smart (opens June 20th)- At this point, is there really any reason to doubt Steve Carrell? He is consistently hilarious, and by the trailers, this looks like another slam dunk.
  • The Mummy: Tomb Of the Dragon Emperor (opens August 1) – Why not?? The other Mummy movies were fun, brainless action eye-candy. Let’s do it again!
  • The Incredible Hulk (out now) – Well, the first Hulk movie SUCKED, and this one looks much better. Plus, a bunch of my fellow comic book geek friends saw it and liked it a lot. Also, Edward Norton is in it; isn’t that enough of a reason?
  • I think that I might wait for DVD for the following: Indiana Jones: TKOTCS, Kung Fu Panda, The Happening, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Anything I’m missing? I generally detest going to the movies, but some of these are going to force me out to the theater. Let me know what you are looking forward to seeing this summer!

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: covers edition!

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I had a crazy idea this week… why not do a five song Friday of nothing but covers?? Mostly, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what songs to post this week, especially since I have been listening to the same things over and over recently. Well, I flashed on the idea of a covers edition, and I thought, why not?? If you guys like it, I may do it again, but for now, let’s get to these fabulous cover songs, shall we?!?!

Adele – Make You Feel My Love
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_adele-makeyoufeelmylove.mp3]
(covering Bob Dylan)
To be totally honest, Adele was part of my decision to go ahead with the cover version of 5SF this week; her record came out FINALLY in the US this week, and I wanted to feature her to celebrate… but… I have featured her twice already, so I didn’t want to do too much. However, since she covers an AMAZING song on her record, I thought that this would be a perfect way to get some more time with Adele in, right? Right!! This cover of the Bob Dylan song is amazing. Garth Brooks also covered it, and his version is equally amazing; check it out if you haven’t heard it. As for Adele, get her CD already… it’s out now!

Whitley – Hyperballad
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_whitley-hyperballad.mp3]
(covering Bjork)
This is one of those songs that I randomly heard of a few months back, and for whatever reason, it sifted into the pile of music that I have been ignoring. Well, when I decided to do a covers week, I pulled this one back out, dusted it off, and low and behold, I LOVE IT!!! The original Bjork version is one of my favorite tracks of hers, and this one puts a totally different, but totally effective spin on it!! I love the acoustic nature that Whitley brings to a song that such a unique artist as Bjork penned. Great cover!

Robyn – Since U Been Gone
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_robyn-sinceubeengone.mp3]
(covering Kelly Clarkson)
Robyn’s super sweet poptastic cover of this song is just brilliant. It turns it from a pop-rock hit to a synth-driven pop anthem. I am not 100%, but this sounds like it may have been recorded live (which I am guessing because of a few minor glitches in the recording). I snagged this gem from Zeon’s fabulous music blog. I have heard a few covers of this fantastically written song before, but this one is my favorite. Robyn is the shit.

Tia Carrere – Ballroom Blitz
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_tiacarrere-ballroomblitz.mp3]
(covering The Sweet)
I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG. I remember seeing Wayne’s World, and I was totally captivated by Tia Carrere wailing the shit out of this song, and I thought at the time that it was her song. After I found out it was a cover, I was a bit disappointed, because in my opinion, she FAR exceeds the original. Well, after playing Rockband recently with Brody and Aimee, and after playing this track in the game, I had to download this version, because I freaking love it. This is the perfect example of an awesome cover song; it’s better than the original!

The Cardigans – Iron Man
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_613_cardigans-ironman.mp3]
(covering Black Sabbath)
Now, I couldn’t pass up a chance to shill some love for my favorite band, the Cardigans. This cover of the amazing Black Sabbath song, shows how you can take something in a completely different direction, and still have it work. The sweet saccharine of this version is a STARK contrast to the thrashing guitars and dark vocals from Ozzy in the original track. For me, this song shows one of the many facets of the incredible talent the Cardigans have, and is one of the reasons they continue to be one of my favorites.

BONUS!!!
As a silly bonus this week, I thought I would include the video for the amazing Alanis Morissette’s version of My Humps, originally by the awful Black Eyed Peas. Her version is hilarious, and so much better than the original. The video is awesome too. I wanted to include it because Ms. Morissette had a CD come out this week as well; which has some pretty great, serious songs on it. This video just gets me laughing, because it shows that Alanis has a serious sense of humor!

Well, there you have it, hope you kids have a great weekend. Let me know what you think of this week’s songs!! Also, if you have any covers that you love, let me know about them; they may make future installments!

listen up!, music musings, music suggestion

music thoughts

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There have been a ton of records coming out lately, and a lot of them have been getting a lot of my attention. Since it is so freaking hot out, there is little to do but stay indoors and play some music, so I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite things on this very planet, and let you know what I think about the stuff I have been exposed to recently.

  • The new Death Cab For Cutie record, Narrow Stairs, gets incredibly better with each listen. I don’t quite know how that is possible, considering I really liked it from the first go. It is a contender for best album of the year; however I am still doubtful that it can topple the hold Robyn currently has on that spot.
  • Adele‘s record, 19, came out yesterday. It is brilliant, and you should buy it. A lot of people are going buggy over Duffy, and I hope that Adele steals a bit of that thunder; they are similar in style, but there really is no need to compete, as they are both really good at what they do. (I just prefer Adele’s record, that’s all.)
  • Listening to M83‘s record makes me want to dub them the Shiny Toy Guns of 2008; albeit, their record is definitely a softer, happier record (again, despite the macabre lyrics). It makes me want some new Shiny Toy Guns material, but also makes me happy that there are other bands out there making great electro-pop records.
  • I have listened to the upcoming Coldplay album, Viva La Vida or Death and all His Friends, several times, and dare I say it, but it is really good. In fact, I like it a lot. I never saw that one coming. Viva La Vida is also one of the best songs of 2008 so far. Wow, I never thought I would say any of the preceding, and it refer to Coldplay. 2008 has definitely been a strange year for music so far.
  • Speaking of strange things in music this year, I am taken aback by the number of bands of “yester-year” that are releasing great records; like B-52s, Portishead, and Cyndi Lauper. Also, Alanis Morissette‘s new record, Flavors of Entanglement came out this week, and it has some very good songs on it as well. Here’s the the resurgence of music from people that haven’t put out anything in a while, and them making triumphant comebacks!!! (And no, I didn’t forget about that great “Stamp Your Feet” record from Donna Summer… I am just letting it marinate, that’s all.)
  • Weezer‘s most recently released self titled (Red) album is definitely good as well. I am very happy with it. If you are a fan of theirs, you should like it too, because, well, you said you were a fan, and it is a pretty damn fine Weezer record. Jeez.
  • Last but not least, I have said it before, but I cannot CANNOT get enough of Lady Gaga‘s Just Dance. I really hope her record is as amazing as this song is. JUST DANCE! (I am honey!).

That was fun, wasn’t it? What did you think? Anything I am missing out on?

civil rights, is it just me?, listen up!, that is so gay, tragic, venting, well?, wtf?!

what do you have against gay people, Katy Perry?

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If you don’t know who Katy Perry is, she is the chick that has made a hit out of kissing a girl (even though Jill Sobule did it many years ago, and unlike Perry, didn’t seem to have any issues with it) and then telling the world about it. As much as I wanted to like the song “I Kissed a Girl” (currently #2 on iTunes) by Perry, I initially didn’t feel like it was a good message. She sings about how it feels “wrong”, and even worse, she says that kissing girls isn’t what “good girls do”. However, after looking at the song from a different perspective, I figured that maybe she didn’t mean that at all; in fact, perhaps what good girls don’t do, is cheat on their boyfriends… and in that case, this song is playful, and not grounded in hate at all.

However (and a HUGE however), after checking her out further, and really trying to give her the benefit of the doubt with her “experimentation” with homosexual kissing, I found something that really makes me scratch my head and wonder if there is some problem that Katy has with gay people. She has a song called “Ur So Gay”, which has been called the “ultimate kiss-off” to a boy that was too “full of himself” to give her the time of day. In the song, she describes everything “wrong” with him, building to the conclusion that he must be gay, even though he doesn’t like boys (which, is the actual only ACCURATE use of the word gay… that which is glaringly absent from her song).

While many will see this accurately as a joke, the underlying message is too clear to ignore; Katy sees being gay as wrong, abnormal, and most importantly, as an insult that she uses to make herself feel better for being dissed. What’s wrong with that, some of you may wonder? Well, the underlying message is hate speech, and here again, I can’t believe that we have yet another example of someone using the description of a person’s sexual orientation as a slur of any kind.

Katy dear, this is 2008. We need to stop using gay as an insult; being gay is normal. If you use “gay” as synonym for bad, negative, horrible, stupid, or any of the many other derogatory words it has been used in place of to place insult, then you are propagating and continuing the underlying bigotry that is so fervent in this country. Continuing this form of “hidden” bigotry is just intolerable, and I for one feel like I must continue to speak out against it.

“Artists” like Katy Perry should be confronted with the fact that their “silly, harmless jokes” are grounded in hateful, shameful, and derogatory feelings that only further the bigotry against gay people in this country. It isn’t “cute” or “funny” that she kissed another girl, it is normal; whether or not she can deal with her homosexual feelings is her problem, not ours.

If you don’t see this as a big deal, ask yourself: would it be cute or funny if she wrote a song about how weird it was for her to kiss a black person?? How do you think that would that go over? Additionally, if she were to write a song about how awful a boy was because he was so “stereotypically black”, how would that sound? Well, I know how it would sound, in one word: RACIST. So I want to know why is it okay to apply that same sentiment to gay people?? Clearly, it isn’t, and I honestly can’t believe that this type of message is still put out there; yet here it is.

Shame on you Katy Perry. Grow up. Become more than that stereotypical playground bully. Gain some intelligence (clearly, that is lacking, because being gay means “liking boys” if you are male, and she doesn’t seem to put two and two together in her song) and perspective, and realize that, even in a “joking” manner, that using the term “gay” to insult someone is causing harm to the gay community in perpetuating the very hate and indifference we are fighting so hard to get rid of. I always cling to the hope that people can be better than they are, but it is people like Katy Perry that continually let me down. Unfortunately, there are people out there that are just waiting to gobble this crap up, and morons like Perry are ready to give them more. I have to ask myself, can there truly be a time when we can all stop the name calling, and just see each other as equal? Can their truly be a time when gay people can be treated as the normal people that we are, and not continually insulted and have our lifestyle continually used as a form of degradation? Little things like this really make me wonder if people are truly capable of that at all, unfortunately.

Sigh. Hopefully, she will fade into the distance soon, and people will rightfully forget about her ignorance; even though it is bound to pop up somewhere else.

happenings, near and dear

weekend getaway

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This weekend was James’ 30th birthday!!!

So, we went up to a cabin in the middle of NOWHERE about 1 hour from Chattanooga. It was a quaint and cute little place. I surprised James by inviting his mom and dad to come and meet us there on Saturday night.

He had no idea until they knocked on the door. It was hilarious.

We had a great time, went to see Rock City, where I took tons of pictures (stay tuned), and celebrated James’ first steps into a new decade of life.

Overall, it was a great weekend, and I hope that he had a great birthday. Love you James!! Happy Birthday!!

Also turning the big 3-0 this weekend was my best buddy Margaret… I hope you had a great one too girl!! Love ya!!

In fact, I hope everyone had a great weekend, whether you turned 30 or not!

five song friday, listen up!, music musings, music suggestion

5SF: june 6

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I’m running against a deadline today; we are heading up to a secluded cabin for James’ 30th birthday this afternoon, so I am going to try and keep things short and sweet (hence the stripped down post for this week… but it’s about the music anyway, right?!?!). With that, let’s go!

Beth Rowley – Nobody’s Fault But Mine
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_66_bethrowley-nobodysfaultbutmine.mp3]
Wow. I mean seriously. I saw her CD recommended on amazon.co.uk, and after seeing her compared to Karen Carpenter, I knew I had to have it. I am glad that I snagged it too; this CD is pretty damn good. This song in particular shows her soul influence and makes for a fantastic ballad. I love the bluesy feel, and her old voice really compliments the lament of her realizing she made the mistake, and that she has to live with the consequences. Keep an eye on Beth Rowley, I have a feeling she is going to be pretty big.

M83 – Graveyard Girl
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_66_m83-graveyardgirl.mp3]
I know what you must be thinking, isn’t this the Cure?? Because I will admit, I got the same vibe! However, this group uses that influence to craft a great and enjoyable song (regardless of the pretty dark and macabre lyrics!!!), along with an album that truly makes you think of driving around in the summertime with the top back. Their album is a lot of fun, and I have been enjoying listening to it… this song is my favorite on the record so far.

Jennifer Hudson – Spotlight
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_66_jenniferhudson-spotlight.mp3]
This was a last minute choice on my part, because I didn’t hear this song until the other night. However, I have been a fan of Jennifer’s for a LONG time, and I have eagerly been waiting for her to finally release a record, and if this is what we have to look forward to, the wait has been worthwhile. This is a great mid-tempo R&B track that showcases her voice beautifully. I am eager to see what she has up next for us… Here’s hoping it is more goodness like this track.

Sam Sparro – Black and Gold
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_66_samsparro-blackandgold.mp3]
The first time I heard this song, I didn’t like it. I don’t know why, but I didn’t. However, I gave it another go after some recommendations, and I have totally turned around! This song is fun, danceable, catchy, and full of energy. Also, is it just me, or does anyone else hear the theme music from Ecco the Dolphin in the beginning??? Perhaps that is one of the other reasons I started loving it after a few listens? Either way, a great track with a definite nod to that 80s glam pop that seems to be coming back with a vengeance lately. Sam Sparro is indeed a great addition to pop, as he is correctly being touted.

Michelle Williams – We Break The Dawn
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_66_michellewilliams-webreakthedawn.mp3]
This song shocked me. This is not what I was expecting from the member of Destiny’s Child that clearly can’t dance (it’s okay Michelle, we still love you girl!). This song is club ready, and is a perfect track to begin the summer. There are a lot of crappy dance-type tracks that come out this time of year, but this one is fresh and fun. I hope that there is more of this up Michelle’s sleeve, because I am definitely paying attention to her now!

There you go, five fresh songs for this week! I hope that you enjoyed them!!! Let me know what you think, and have a great weekend!

all about me, is it just me?

morning person

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Saying that I am NOT a morning person may be the understatement of the century. If it were up to me, I would get up at noon everyday (and no jokes about how I try to do so as much as possible anyway). I guess that I bring this up, because of how much James IS a morning person.

It’s weird that I ended up partnered with someone who loves mornings, and literally gets out of bed with a chipper step and song. He called me the other day at 7 AM, and starting singing about how this was birthday week… I told him I was sleeping, and that we could discuss it later.

Much later… like several hours after that call; when I was awake, not just awakened.

I guess I have always been this way, and I don’t see myself changing any time soon, but I just wonder how non-morning people like myself make themselves do it… is it drugs? Is it a magic potion brewed by unicorns delivered to you from an enchanted forest? Whatever it is, I want some, because morning time makes me want to put a pillow over my face and go right back to sleep; no matter what.

But that’s normal, right?

all about me, friends, music musings, the catch-all-egory

the day after sunday always comes again

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No matter how much one wishes the weekend would go on for at least one more day; it never seems to. Oh well. Here’s some random shenanigans that are running through my brain; which seems to typify every Monday for whatever reason.

  • Weezer’s new album comes out tomorrow. I am very excited about it, because they are one of my favorite bands. I am listening to it now, and it is definitely different than their previous records, but I think that I will really like it in the end. I always get excited when my favorite bands bring out new records… so far this year, it has been Portishead, Death Cab for Cutie, and now, Weezer; what next!?!?!?
  • I went to the EABF this weekend with Brody and Aimee, and I had a blast. We joked that it was more of a “white wine spritzer” fest for us, because we found ourselves drinking the equivalent; pear ciders galore. Hey, it was hot as fuck, and those damn things are just so tasty and refreshing. I finally tried Purple Haze (I always see it at the store and wonder about it), and it was gross. I am glad I never got any before this weekend. Overall, the day was HOT, but lots of fun. After the festival, Brody and Aimee came over for some Guitar Hero/Rock Band, and some pizza. After that, I tanked (at like 7), and didn’t wake up until 10:30. Sometimes, I think I could literally sleep forever. Either way, it was a kick ass day, and I am glad that I had such a great time with great friends.
  • I think that my ears might be almost healed. If not almost healed, they are definitely getting close. I can’t wait until I get some new jewelery for them!
  • I don’t do as much photography as I want to… I need to figure out how to remedy that; fast. We are going to Chattanooga for James’ thirtieth this weekend, so I am sure that I will be taking lots of nature pictures, so I guess that is something to look forward to with regards to that.
  • The Mole starts tonight, and I am having over some friends that I have known since high school to watch it. I can’t wait, because I LOVED this show back in the day… I just hope that it is just as good post-Anderson Cooper.
  • I felt like I had more than that, but I guess that’s about it. Hmmm… Not a lot going on with me these days, I guess.