Little sister...How about some crumbs from my table?

Yeah so I decided to post some thoughts about the U2 ablum. Big surprise, eh? But wait...I've decided not to do one of those popular song-by-song run-throughs that gives some arbitrary numerical rating to each song. Instead I aim to share my thoughts.

When I listen to HTDAAB, the thing that strikes me the most is that it's good. I know that's not quite profound but it's how I feel. I think it's widely held that ATYCLB had its weak spots (and I won't name any names). Perhaps the weakest spot of HTDAAB is "One Step Closer" and even that one has grown on me. There are certain songs that stick out in my mind and the album is certainly full of catchy hooks and memorable choruses. That these tracks get stuck on my head doesn't mean they're "better" than other ones...well, it could, but it could also mean that they're just catchier. These include "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own," "Mircale Drug," "Love and Peace or Else," "A Man and a Woman," "City of Blinding Lights," and "Original of the Species." Funny enough, perhaps the least "innovative" song on the ablum (in that it resembles the "sound" of ATYCLB more than any other) is also one of my favorites: "Crumbs From Your Table." I know, I know, "how can you like that one best," you ask. Well I'm not saying I like it best, I'm just saying that's the one I often go back to for a good listen. It's strange in that it sounds familiar (see ATYCLB) but yet is lyrically an altogether differant ballgame. And, now that the band (or someone related to the band) has released the whole album to radio stations - who needs singles anyway - it seems that CFYT is getting quite a bit of airplay. Well, on the stations I listen to at least. While the "biggies" around here are just now catching on to Verigo, the smaller more independent stations (WXRT 93.1 "Chicago's Finest Rock" and WRZA 99.9 "Nine FM - We Play Anything") are spinning SYCMIOYO, CFYT, and LAPOE. And, funny enough, the more I hear CFYT on the radio, the more "radio-friendly" it seems. Weird, huh? You'd think the stations would jump on the "All Because of You" bandwagon after a first single like "Vertigo."

So, those are my mainly incoherent thoughts. Yes, I like the album. No, not like. Love. And it's very consistent, even the Zooropa/Passengers-sounding "One Step Closer" included. Lyrically Bono is at the top of his game and Edge is doing his thing very well. I know I didn't mention every song and I apologize to those I missed (sorry "Yahweh") but as I've said numerous times (ok, maybe only once in this journal) that I'm not ready for a full review. I'm still forming my mostly positive opinions.

In other news...

I probably shouldn't be posting this but I feel the need to vent even though my mom doesn't want the word getting out just yet. Today my dad was on a business trip to Shenandoah,, Iowa. While at the grocery store picking up some supplies for dinner, he apparently had a seizure and collapsed in the dairy department. Luckily an EMT was shopping in the vicinity and got things moving quickly. He woke up some time later in the hospital. My mom called me to tell me around 8:45PM. My sister got home 20 minutes later and I was still on the phone so she was able to hear it from my mom as well. We also talked to my dad. He's fine and in the hospital in Shenandoah for "obeservation." What we know: it wasn't his brain or heart. No stroke, no heart attack, no brain tumor. And, for a smoker, the doctors told him he as good "air sac capacity." All signs right now are pointing to a blood-sugar imbalance but he'll need more tests to rule out other causes. My mom is driving to Shenandoah today to pick him up. At least it seems like he'll be ok. I just wish I was closer so I could be with my family at a time like this. It's tough.

I'll post more about this when I know more...

Yes Sir

That's what they'll be saying to me when I take my place as the Assistant Branch Manager of Great Lakes Bank's Wolf Rd. branch. Ok, well maybe that's far-fetched...but I hope I get at least a little respect.

Looks like I'll be starting my new adventure on November 22nd. That's a week from Monday...and it's my 3rd position with the company in 7 months. Guess someone can't figure out what he likes to do. Hey, at least they're willing to move me around.

Just found out today that the other banker at my branch is leaving a few weeks after me to pursue an opportunity at another branch. What will the manager do? Cry and find some new bankers. What else can she do?

I'll be sure to post about my first experiences in "management." Should be fun....

Something to Ponder

As I sit here listing to "How to Dismantle..." on random repeat, I am pondering another one of those big decisions. Tomorrow I have my second job interview in 3 months. It's nothing too radical - same company again. But this one is an assistant manager position in Mokena, IL (see map). The position has the same base salary as the job I have now but there is more opportunity for "incentives," the bank's word for commissions. And it's in more of a management track, so if I get stuck at the bank for a longer period of time than I'm anticipating, at least I'll be in a relatively good position to make manager. And this could happen sooner than later - the branch in question currently only has a temporary part-time manager. This is apt to change soon. I'll be first in line with the full-time manager position opens up.

Now, I am going to make out a pro-con list. To stay where I am or to move on to Mokena? Hmm...something to ponder.

HTDAAB

As I'm sure the entire world knows by now, U2's new album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" was leaked onto the internet over the weekend. A few I know have already devised preliminary "first listen" reviews of the album. Some have even begun ranking the songs. Nothing wrong with this. However, I'm not very good at such things nor do I tend to approach music that way. All I'll say about HTDAAB right now is that it's very very good. I have no track rankings. I have no reviews. But I do have it available for download. Do you want a copy? E-mail me and let me know, I'll be glad to provide you with the information. Oh, it might help if I know you too.

The album is currently hosted on my newly-revived FTP server, little changed from the OU days. I have also revived the semi-regular "FTP Update" e-mails. If you'd like to be added to the list, also let me know.

Now, back to listening to HTDAAB. Maybe I'll be able to "review" it before the release date. No promises, though.

Ohio Ohio Ohio

Well that seems to be the word of the day. Probably should've typed it four times for "four more years." Oh well, guess I'm not that creative.

Here's a funny article. Read it: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6396422/. I'm not sure if the link will work forever so if you click and don't get anywhere let me know and I will tell you all about it.

That's all for now....

Election Night

As I'm sure everyone has figured out by now, I made it home safe from my brief vacation in New Mexico. To prove that I did go on a vacation, see the new album located in the "photo albums" section on the right side of this page. I had a good time in NM and of course it was good to see Antonio and Cliff again. We need to plan more trips together - too bad we all life so far from each other.

As for tonight I've been watching NBC news (Tom Brokaw's last night!) and doing a bit of nail biting as the election returns come in. I proudly voted today although in Illinois my political leanings don't mean much. However I was excited to vote for Senator-elect Obama just to Alan Keyes will shut up.

I've got a pot of coffee going because I'm sure I'll be up late watching returns...think we'll have an answer tonight? Florida and Ohio are close...so too are New Mexico, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, etc. This should be very very interesting.