5SF: april 25

One final down, two to go. This really is a stressful time of year.

On a serious note, today is the National day of Silence, where people in schools across the country don’t speak, in order to bring attention to the fact that gay people are continually harassed verbally, and unfortunately, physically. This year is dedicated to the little boy, Lawrence King, who was murdered because he had a crush on his classmate. It still blows my mind how cruel and unusually hateful can be. I hope that this day, we can respectfully remember those that have been taken from us, and hopefully, these instances of abuse (and worse) can end. Being gay is normal, and in order to make that a reality, we all need to stop calling names, stop making fun, and treat gay people just as we are; normal.

On a less serious note, let’s do the five songs already.

Newton Faulkner – Dream Catch Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_newtonfaulkner-dreamcatchme.mp3]
I actually heard this song a long time ago, when my buddy Deb played it for me, but for whatever reason (again), it didn’t gel with me right away. I heard it again on the radio a few months ago, and have really been loving it ever since. I have been meaning to post it for two weeks now, but better late than never, right? Be warned, it is such a catchy song, with a fabulous melody and an infectious chorus, so there is a great chance that it will get stuck in your head after listening. You have been warned. Sometimes, you hear a refreshing, really well done pop song, and I am here to say that this is definitely one of those songs.

Feist – Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_feist-mushaboom(postalserviceremix).mp3]
After seeing Feist last week in concert, and remembering why I chose her amazing CD The Reminder as my number 2 of 2007, I have been revisiting the record, and feeling the need for more Feist. I went back and downloaded her first CD, and found this really great mix of Mushaboom on the compilation CD she released called Open Season. It’s a great song on it’s own, and I thought she performed it (and all of the others) flawlessly in concert. However, adding that Postal Service treatment to anything makes it instantly better, in my honest opinion. I wish they would release another record all ready!!! Well, at least I have the random collaborations that the did with fabulous artists like Feist to tide me over, I guess. Either way, it was great getting to see Feist, and it has been a great “reminder” of how great of an artist that she truly is.

Imogen Heap – Hide and Seek
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_imogenheap-hideandseek.mp3]
First of all, wow. I mean seriously. This is my “blast from the past” song this week, and it is a doosy. I have loved this song immensely from the first moment that I heard it. The rest of this record is amazing, but this is one of those songs that carries emotion so pungently on the tip of each syllable, that is begs to be played over and over again. Imogen Heap’s voice is ethereal and amazing, and with the vocoder letting her use her voice as the instrument that drives this song truly defines her as an unconventional, yet amazingly talented music artist. I really look forward to what’s coming next from Imogen, because if it is anything like this, I know that I am going to LOVE it. *pardon me for a second while I play this song again… yep… amazing.*

Hayden – The Hardest Part

[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_hayden-thehardestpart.mp3]
I posted a Hayden song a while back when I first found out that he was opening for Feist. It was the first song of his that I heard, way back when I was in high school, and since that time, I have had the chance to get to know his newest release, In Field and Town much more thoroughly. I can say now, that it is definitely one of the best records released so far in 2008, and if my love for the record continues to grow with each listen as it has, it will probably be amongst my favorites for the year. The harmonies and melody that Hayden plays with are effortless, and insanely beautiful. His raspy voice offers more emotion to these simple, but well crafted songs. Seeing him open for Feist was definitely a treat, and I am extremely glad to have been reintroduced to an artist that I forgot about nearly 10 years ago. This is my favorite song from his new record, and it is one that I could seriously listen to on repeat.

Danity Kane – Pretty Boy

[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_425_danitykane-prettyboy.mp3]
On a final very danceable note, I present this brilliantly produced track from Nate “Danja” Hills. He worked wonders for Britney, as well as others like Katharine McPhee, and he pull out all the stops on this hot track for Danity Kane. Is it me, or is Danja totally the next Darkchild? I hope they release this as their next single, because I would love to see a video for this track. While I haven’t fallen as hard for their sophomore album, this song is definitely getting lots of play from me, it is HOT!! I am hoping that Danja has more of this up his sleeve, and less of that sleeper he did for Madge. This song is just twisted, and the beat is wickedly infectious, whereas the Madonna track is well… boring to me. Oh well, I guess we’ll see!

Well, there’s your five… what do you think?? And music suggestions for me too people!! I need them!

what’s going on with me these days

Basically, I had an “epiphany” yesterday. I put it in quotations, because I have thought about it many times, but it never seemed like such a good idea until yesterday. Basically, I think that I should just focus on getting my RN, and then worrying about the BSN after I am already working in nursing. This way, I can transition quicker, which I REALLY need to do. I am almost terrified of change, but it is so necessary, because I just feel completely lost right now.

This semester is winding down, and I have finals this week and next. I will be so happy to be finished with anatomy, because it is one of the most useless classes ever. The whole point is to weed out those that don’t want it bad enough, and I am just ready to be done with it. I hope that I do well on my lab final, because I completely bombed the midterm, thanks to the distraction of my floors being ripped up that same day.

I was going to write a post about the Kate Nash concert, as well as one about the Feist concert, but it just seems like I don’t have the desire to do very much these days. I had a blast at both shows, and both Kate Nash and Feist were amazing. Also, Hayden opened for Feist, and I was glad to be able to see him after all of these years. All three artists are impressive, and put on great shows.

That’s about it really… just trying to maintain, I guess. Getting out of the bed is harder each day, and if I can come up with a remedy for it; I will market it. Trust me.

tribute to tradition



swallows!, originally uploaded by duanemoodydotcom.

Lori and I went to Ink and Dagger Tattoo Parlour today for the Tribute to Tradition event, where they were doing traditional tattoos for traditional prices. Originally, I had a different idea for what I wanted my swallow to look like, but after seeing this one, I had to have it; I loved it just as it was. Also, the position that Russ suggested was perfect; just on the outside of my knee (think not in front, or back, but on the side!). After getting the first one done on my left leg, I really felt as if I should seize this opportunity while I was there, and get a second one on my right leg in the same spot… so I did!!!

These are the only traditional style tattoos that I have, and I really love them. I have always loved the simple swallow design, and I am totally jazzed that Russ did them for me. I love that I got them where I did (great suggestion by Russ), and I really like that got two matching ones. It wasn’t what I was expecting to get, and it required me to compromise a bit, but in the end, I was happier than I thought I would be to begin with. It was a fun time, and believe it or not, this was not a very painful place to get tattooed. Interesting.

Either way, going back to Ink and Dagger gave me a chance to catch up with Russ, and also led me to set up a consultation for my phoenix half-sleeve; which I am sure I will start soon. Man, tattoos are awesome, and I love them immensely, but they cost a lot of money!

Oh well… everyone has a vice, I guess.

5SF: april 18

Shazam! I’m glamorous! It’s a beautiful Friday, and a great day for another installment of the lovely 5 song Friday, don’t you think? I am still working on getting up my photos that I took at the Kate Nash concert the other night, which was fantastic. I am sure that I will post something about that this weekend. Also, I am going to see Feist tonight, and I am totally excited!!! I hope to get some fun pictures from her show as well. But enough about that, let’s get to today’s songs, shall we?!

Death Cab For Cutie – I Will Possess Your Heart
As a huge fan of Death Cab for Cutie, I have been eagerly anticipating their new album, which comes out next month. However, I was a little taken aback by the 8 minute lead single, I Will Possess Your Heart; which I will admit that I did like, but I couldn’t help be distracted by the 4 minute intro. Well, they released a video for the song, both in long form, and in this featured shorter form, and I have realized that it contains everything I love about Death Cab for Cutie; I was just focusing too much on that 4 minutes. Well, I can say that I am definitely anxious to see what the rest of the album holds, but in the mean time, I am loving this great song.


Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control

I actually heard this song forever ago, and passed over it, because it didn’t initially wow me. The video is almost a fully on assault on the eyes, but this time around, I am not letting that distract me. I actually heard a live version of this song recently, and I was BLOWN AWAY by the amazing Beth Ditto. I now see what everyone is going on about; this lady is amazing. Well, now I am listening, and loving this song. I am a couple of years behind on this one, but coming around is better late than never, I always say.

Morningwood – Nth Degree
I was making a playlist for the gym a couple of nights ago, and while sifting back through old dance songs and singles that I had, I found this amazing gem. I remember when this song came out, that I literally thought I was going to wear it out; and you know what, I think I did. Back when my iTunes decided that it no longer wanted to remember my playlists, and I had to rebuild my entire library, I forgot about some of the great songs that I had, this being one of the more notable selections. This is such a catchy and fun rock track, which is perfect for rolling the windows down, and cranking it up on the way home; which is exactly what I am going to do! I’m glad to have this gem back!

Estelle – American Boy
This is one of those songs that falls into the “one listen didn’t hook me, but now I am clearly paying attention” category. I heard this song some months ago, and was all “eh”, but after seeing the video randomly recently, I was taken by how beautiful both Estelle and her voice are. This is such a slick track, and the baseline really gets you bopping in your seat. Additionally, the hook is brilliant, and really puts this track on repeat in your head. I am glad that I gave Estelle another shot, because I am firmly loving this song right now.

Busta Rhymes ft. Janet – What’s It Gonna Be?
For last week’s featured five song Friday, I found many more tracks than I was expecting, and found myself going back through the music catalogs of not only Aaliyah, but of a few other artists I really enjoy as well; most notably, Janet. After listening to the BRILLIANT album All For You, I was trying to think of other songs that I loved featuring Ms Jackson, and I remembered this song, which I totally felt was extremely underrated. I remember seeing the video on MTV, and thinking the video was weird, but I also remember LOVING this song. While the Busta Rhymes rapping isn’t necessarily my normal style, Janet’s take on the chorus is ethereal and beautiful. The unconventional beat is also a pleasure, considering how contrived some hip hop can be. This is one of those songs that I totally think should have been a bigger hit, but I can at least acknowledge that it was a hit with me. I am glad to have stumbled back onto this track, and I can definitely say that it has been fun sifting through music that I haven’t heard in ages… I have A LOT of great stuff.

Well, there’s your five songs, kids. I am looking forward to this weekend… I hope to break in my new camera (I got the XSi yesterday), and I plan on getting tattooed on Sunday (YES!!!). Stay tuned for updates from the ever-changing world of duane!! Hope everyone has a most excellent afternoon! Gold pants!

kate nash tonight at the variety!

As the title so simply states, I am going to see the amazing Kate Nash at the Variety in Little Five Points tonight. I am currently a Variety Playhouse virgin, but I have heard lots of great things about the venue, and I am looking forward to the concert. I think that I am going to try and get their a bit early, as I want to be pretty close to the stage.

In case you have no idea who (or how amazing) Kate Nash is, recall that just four months ago, I named her debut, Made of Bricks, my number 3 CD of 2007 (there are some sound clips you can listen to if you follow that link). I have seen some live shots of her on youtube, and I can definitely tell you that I am very excited to be seeing her tonight live, for the first time.

Here’s hoping that I get lots of great pictures of the show… and maybe I’ll even get to meet Kate; a big here’s hoping on that last part. That would be so awesome!

Just to get me in the mood, and to share the love for Kate, I thought I would post some videos of her greatness…

Here’s her third single, the amazingly catchy Pumpkin Soup:

And of course, I had to post one of the best songs that came out in 2007, Foundations:

If you are planning on being at the show, be sure to say hi! Onward to Kate Nash!

5SF: april 11 – bad movie soundtrack edition!

Today, I decided to switch things up a bit, and do a themed five song Friday for fun. Instead of picking five songs at random, this week, I will be featuring five songs that all come from soundtracks; and more specifically, soundtracks of movies that many wouldn’t consider to be necessarily any “good”. The songs I picked are just five songs that prompted me to go out and buy a soundtrack for that one song, regardless of the lack of desire to see the film. With the exception of two (which I will note… and weren’t really great themselves), I have not seen any of these movies, so if they are among your favorites, try not to take offense; I did buy the soundtrack after all! Also, there will be a bonus song featured this week as an extra soundtrack-song treat!

Now… on with the show!

Aaliyah – Try Again
Movie: Romeo Must Die. Unfortunately, this was one of Aaliyah’s first, and tragically, last movie roles. The movie itself isn’t good by any means, but there are moments when she was allowed to shine (this is the first of two movies on the list that I saw)… however, it was on the soundtrack where her shining is the most notable. Even as a stand alone track, this is a hot hip-hop number, and the production on it is so tight, that not even water could get in. I remember being so excited by the work that Timberland and Missy E were doing back in 2000, because the stuff they were turning out (this included) were off the chain. This is an excellent example of a flawless track gracing an otherwise forgettable movie’s soundtrack; drawing more attention to the film than it may have been given without its inclusion. I remember when I first heard this song, I seriously had to have the soundtrack, and I remember listening to this on repeat. Bringing this one back out of the closet has reminded me of just how damn good this song really is.

Pras, Mya, and ODB – Ghetto Superstar (That is What You Are)
Movie: Bullworth. Don’t deny it… you loved this song at some point in the past. We all did. Even those that resisted found themselves singing along with Mya in the end. Her sweet voice calling you in with that chorus made us swoon. While this song was a massive radio hit, and probably sold TONS of sountracks for Bullworth, I don’t think that it did much for the movie; I know that I had the soundtrack, and never saw the film (and still don’t have any desire to). However, there is no denying this little slice of gold that found itself sitting all alone on a strange soundtrack for an otherwise forgettable film. Even though this song became massively overplayed on the radio, I will admit that it is great hearing it again… it is definitely a fun song!

Michael Jackson – Will You Be There
Movie: Free Willy. Now for the tear-jerker (you know that you cried like a bitch when that whale jumped over that little boy… don’t deny it). This comes from Free Willy, which was actually a favorite movie of mine when I was younger. I can say now, that I really didn’t know good movies back then, because I have seen it since, and it is pretty much as close to a stinker as you can get (regardless if it is enjoyable or not, it is as hokey as it comes)… however, this ballad by Michael Jackson is a beacon of light shining warmly on the film’s soundtrack. I remember that after we saw the movie, and this song started being played on MTV, that I made my aunt take me to Coconuts records, were I bought this soundtrack for $18!!! I wanted it so badly, that it cost me more than 3 weeks’ allowance!! Now, that is dedication (well, it was also for my “favorite” movie at the time). Looking back, the film has definitely lost some of it’s luster, but this song is still a winner. I am not the biggest Michael Jackson fan, but this is one of those songs that I will always love.

Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody?
Movie: Dr. Dolittle. This is the second, extremely notable entry from the amazing, and missed, Aaliyah. She was a breath of fresh air for hip-hop, and honestly, one of the only hip-hop artists that I have gravitated towards. Her voice is so silky, and the production value on her songs were always top notch. It is tragic that she is gone, but she left behind a body of songs that would still be hits if they were released tomorrow; this song especially. The first time I heard this song, I ran out and bought the soundtrack, and I even tried to learn as much of the dance they do in the video as I could. This song is hot, and I am glad to get back in touch with it; and Aaliyah. After doing this little themed 5SF, I have a feeling that I am going to be listening to more Aaliyah again.

Blackstreet, Mya, and Mase – Take Me There
Movie: Rugrats the Movie. First of all, I want to complain for a second… When I came up with this idea, it hinged on this and one other song specifically, so it was one that I felt that I had to include. Well, I thought it would be easy enough to obtain the songs; however, it wasn’t. I literally spent 2 hours trying to get this damn song. Ridiculous. Anyway… This is one of those super-saccharine songs that makes you get up and dance, even though you feel terribly guilty for liking it in the first place. Yes, I bought the Rugrats soundtrack, because this song did not get released as a single (so far as I knew then). The reason I had to search for it last night?? Because I sold the soundtrack a long time ago!! Well… I am glad to have this little jam back, because it really is a fun number; even though it is from a potentially bad movie, and it was definitely the only reason to get the soundtrack. This is also the second track with Mya in it… which shows that she definitely had some cred when it came to soundtrack contributions!

BONUS TRACK!!!! and now for something completely different…
Smashing Pumpkins – Drown
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/smashingpumpkins-drown.mp3]
Movie: Singles. I wanted to include this track, because I really wanted to feature a completely different type of great song from a bad movie’s soundtrack. Smashing Pumpkins have always been among my favorite bands, but there was a period where I was borderline obsessed with them. About the time, I became aware that the Pumpkins were on the Singles soundtrack, and such I had to have it… I rushed out and got it right away. They didn’t disappoint either, because Drown is an amazing song, and has some truly fantastic lyrics. I have still never seen Singles, but it just didn’t look like a movie I wanted to see… plus, I had what I really wanted, a new Smashing Pumpkins song, so I was pretty much happy with what I had already gotten. I hope that you have enjoyed the bonus track for this week.

Well, that concludes another five song Friday, but it also concludes the bad movie soundtrack themed five song Friday!! Now, I chose these 5 songs, because I actually did love them enough to go out and get the soundtracks. There are far more bad movie soundtracks that had great songs on them… which ones did you run out and get the soundtracks for?? Let me know! I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I hope that you enjoyed the theme this week!

repealing don’t ask don’t tell… hmmm how should I put this…

Let me just start by saying that I am sure that what I am going to say about this will make some people mad. That being said, if you don’t like my opinion, realize that it is just my opinion, and then get over it.

I read an article today talking about how Obama would do what he could to get don’t ask don’t tell repealed if he were elected president. I ask myself, seriously, why this is an issue that he would be concerned with, and perhaps more importantly, why this is being used as a method of placating the gay community for their vote? I mean, repealing this archaic policy is not going to end homophobia and the dangers associated with the anti-gay sentiments running very lively through the current military, so I don’t see a need in getting rid of it. The only important point made in the article is the only thing that Obama should be touting, and reinforcing that he is really for:

He said he’s frequently spoken out against homophobia and in support of gay rights.

My point: does the policy keeps out gays? No. There are gay people in the military. Does it protect gay people? No. Two words: Barry Winchell. He wasn’t even gay, but was beaten to death by a fellow soldier because he thought that he was. Don’t ask don’t tell is a stupid policy that was created by straight men in an effort to use that whole “it’s okay to be gay as long as you don’t act on it” argument in order to “allow” gay people to be in the military. Yes, there are gay people that have been kicked out of the military when it was “found out” that they were gay, but honestly, if an institution such as the military is SOOOOOO threatened by the mere presence of gay people, then I have a very hard time believing that it is JUST the DADT rule that this strong ideal comes from.

I say, that if you want to be in the military, and if you are gay, then you clearly know what you are getting into. It is a gay-fearing institution, that is chock full of overly aggressive, and in some cases, clearly unstable, men and women. Does that describe everyone in the military? NO! But you have to be aware that there may be one crazy that will be in your platoon (or whatever they call the groups you are assigned to) that would just as soon kill you just because he might think that you are gay; whether you are gay or not. My point is, that if you want to truly do something positive for gay people with regards to the military, enforce a strict anti-homophobia policy, and enact strict punishments for those that violate them.

While I think that don’t ask don’t tell is a crock of horseshit, I do have to say that I like it for one reason: it means that I will never, ever have to serve in the military. I have gay friends in the military, and I fully appreciate everything that they have given for this country, but I can’t say that I would do the same. This season on the L Word, they had this scenario were one of the characters was in the military, and was being investigated for being gay. In the end, she was put on trial, and they made her lover testify against her. Her lover refused, and turned the tables on the prosecutor; but the most important part of the whole trial happened when the accused soldier refused to just let it go. She said it plainly and simply; she was tired of having someone treat her, or someone that she loved like a criminal because of who they were, and that if this was going to be the way that the military treated them, that she didn’t feel like that was where she belonged.

While there are many that will disagree with her, I don’t. I cannot see myself supporting an organization that is so afraid of my sexuality, that they would harm me or treat my loved ones like criminals if they suspected I might be gay. Additionally, I wouldn’t want to support a system that is dead set on keeping me in second class citizen status.

There are so many issues here that need to be addressed, and I don’t think that simply repealing don’t ask don’t tell is the answer. I think that by oversimplifying this problem, Obama, and those like him, are politicking in the worst way, and are trying to wave “goodies” in the face of gay voters, hoping to earn their support.

Listen, Obama, we got you. We are going to vote for you (for the most part… Log Cabin Republicans most likely won’t). However, get it through your thick skull that trying to overturn a simple, archaic rule isn’t going to change the state of homophobia in the military, and as such, is not offering any gay person that participates in the military any more REAL protection. Until you want to put your head on the chopping block and go balls to the wall saying that you want to do everything in your power to make sure that everyone in this country is treated fairly and equally, as it says in the constitution, then please, quit the politicking, and just stick to letting us know that you have our backs.

Anything less is just annoying, and frankly, insulting to my intelligence. I don’t think that that repealing don’t ask don’t tell will really have the ramifications that you imply; and I don’t think that I am alone in that sentiment.

first class, free drill, and a huge fucking owl!

Recently (yesterday), I booked my flight for a trip I am taking to NYC in July, and I decided I should use those sky miles that I have been holding onto for years now. Well, I had no idea, but if you book with sky miles, you fly first class. It wouldn’t even let me choose a seat outside of first class. Sweet!! Now that was a great surprise, and I am looking forward to flying first class… for only $5!

James went to Lowes to get us a new trash can and some odds and ends, and thought he should pick up a new corded drill, because every time we need the drill we currently have, the batteries are dead. Well, when he got home, he pulled out the receipt, and noticed that the drill was not listed anywhere on it. Ladies and gents, we have ourselves a free drill, courtesy of the not-very-detail-oriented cashier at Lowes! Is it bad that the only thing I said to him, upon finding out that he didn’t pay for it, was “you know, it would only suck if we needed to take it back for some reason”? Yeah… free drills acquired through no fault of your own are pretty much a gift as far as I’m concerned.

it's an owl!Finally, last night, I was playing Xbox 360, and James went out to go to the store. As soon as he gets outside, I hear him screaming my name, but since he is always over-reacting to things, I took my time to get up and see what was going on. Turns out, it wasn’t typical James shenanigans, but instead, there was a HUGE owl sitting on top of his car; which was parked about 5 feet from the house in the driveway. Now, for those that don’t know it, we have a koi point right in front of the front porch, to the left of the driveway (if you are looking from the porch to the road), and there are always squirrels and other small critters trying to nab our fish. We have a “anti-pest” net on top of the pond, but occasionally, we will see a cat or a squirrel scurry away when we come out onto the porch. Well, I can honestly say that last night was a first; the owl was sitting on the top of James’ car looking down at the water. It was freaky that it was so close to us!!! I ran inside to get my camera, and sure enough, the batteries were completely dead. Nice. Well, I managed to get the back up battery pack in, and even got a picture of the thing (which I didn’t know until today that it actually came out… click on it for a bigger version). It was so big too, and the freaky thing, was it just kept looking at us the whole time it was sitting there. It flew back and forth to the tree at the end of the yard a few times, each time, coming back to the spot on top of James’ truck. We are going to try and feed the fish at night and see if it brings the owl back, because it goes without saying that the owl encounter was pretty freaking cool… I would also like to get a better picture if I can; even though I am elated that the ONLY one I took actually came out pretty decent!

new who

So this weekend was the beginning of the fourth series of the amazing show Dr. Who on the BBC. Unfortunately for us, it hasn’t hit our televisions yet, but that didn’t stop me from tracking down the show via the interwebs, and getting my Dr. Who fix last night.


This season, the Doctor has shed his most recent companion, Martha, and found himself a new tag-a-long in Donna, who we were introduced to in the last Dr. Who Christmas special. I have to say, that while I really liked Donna in the Christmas special, as usual, it is hard to let go of what I have come to know and love about Dr. Who. It is hard not to have Martha along for the ride, and the wound of losing Rose is still there, so getting used to Donna is definitely going to take a while. It was the same way when Martha “replaced” Rose, so I was pretty much prepared for the separation anxiety this time around.

I enjoyed the episode, however, and really love that they didn’t mess with the formula that has worked so well for three great seasons so far. I am looking forward to getting to know Donna more, and seeing the adventures that she and the Doctor go on. I have heard that Rose (*squeee!!!!*), Martha, and Jack are all supposed to pop back up this season, so I can say that I am definitely looking forward to how this season progresses. I may not be able to watch the show when it is broadcast, but hey, I get to see it commercial free, which is better anyways, right? (which, it airs commercial free on the BBC, but anyway…)

Also, on a totally unrelated note, does this piss anyone else off but me?? Seriously. Perez fucking Hilton is the #16 “most influential” gay person? Gag. Puke. Repeat.