Saturday, May 23, 2009

I Know It Is Wrong But What Should I Do?

Here are some photos from my first triathlon of the season. The water was in the mid 60's and it was only a bit warmer out of it. Not a very fun race for me, but I have a few more to go.


It would have been nice to have a full wetsuit for this race.


I was really confused and disorientated after the swim, because the water was so cold. I felt like I was getting a brain freeze every time my head went into the water. (Is my butt really that non-existent?)


Finishing up the cold bike ride.

Vacation Time! Rebecca and I had two weeks planned in Mexico but that whole swine flu thing canceled our plans for now. Instead we went on a backpacking trip and then drove down to Florida to visit friends and Rebecca's dad.


Nantahala National Forest, NC


The Smoky Mountains looked beautiful.


Rebecca had some foot trouble, and mice got into her pack and chewed up some of her clothes while we slept. Bummer.


Campsite on the second night. Rebecca got the fire going after I failed.


Our first night in Tampa was spent in Ybor City with Brain, Brad, and Paul. Brian's cousin was in town from Boston as well.


The next day we ate Ethiopian food. Matt, Ariel, Karen, and Pappy (Matt Welch) joined us.


Matt has been growing that beard for over a year. I'm sure he still gets the ladies though.


Hair transplant?


I wanted to show Rebecca what Bubble Hockey is ( http://maderhome.com/images/master_cdc012_1_.jpg ) but we had to settle for Air Hockey and....


...wait for it...


Dance Dance Revolution!


The next morning we had brunch at Karen's place.


We tried our first Prickly Pear. Lots of seeds.


Looks like flesh.


For our vegan brunch, we feasted on biscuits and gravy, fruit, pancakes, hash browns, and soy bacon.


I was then introduced to my new favorite board game called Ticket To Ride! Ariel was a sore loser.

Then there was a week were I didn't take a single photo. Ooops.


On our way back to NC we went through Orlando and ate at Ethos. We highly recommend it! www.ethosvegankitchen.com


We had a philly cheese steak and lasagna.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Adam's Top 25 Albums Part 2



20. Silver Jews-Tanglewood Numbers (2005)
Often thought of as a Pavement side project (Stephen Malkmus is an original member), the Silver Jews have been a constant fixture in my cd player for the last 4 years. Even though they have been together since 1994, they have only toured twice, and I was lucky enough to see them both times. David Berman, the man behind the band, is also a well known poet and novelists. He announced in Jan. 2009 that he was quiting music to focus on writing. If you get one new record off my list, you should make it this one.
Key songs-"Punks in the Beerlight", "I'm Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You", and "Sleeping is the Only Love"



19. Cursive-Domestica (2000)
If you ever go through a tough break up this may or may not be the record you want to listen to. It is a shame that most of their other releases are just so-so. Or maybe that makes this one that much more amazing.
Key Songs-"The Casualty", The Martyr" and "The Lament of Pretty Baby"



18. Songs:Ohia-The Lioness (2000)
I'm still amazed that such a moving voice can come from a short stocky guy with a unibrow. Haunting vocals and lyrics from Jason Molina who released music under a few different names. This is what Black Heart Procession would have sounded like if they lived in a cold grey place. On this record you can hear a mix of metal, alt-country, and folk.
Key Songs-"The Black Crow", "Lioness", "Coxcomb Red"



17. Radiohead-Ok Computer (1997)
The Bends was a great record but OK Computer is Radiohead's masterpiece. I've tried to listen to the material after this record, but I don't even try anymore.
Key Songs-"Letdown", "Karma Police", "No Surprises"



16. Modest Mouse-Lonesome Crowded West (1997)
Isaac Brock can write some catchy rock tunes with great lyrics. This record was my first exposure to Modest Mouse, and I still think it is their best record to date. Every time I go on a long road trip, I make sure that this cd is in the car with me.
Key Songs-"Trailer Trash", "Shit Luck", and "Jesus Christ Was An Only Child"