Hail Damage

Not that kind silly! On my truck :)

Those of us in Lawrence recall that last Sunday night a fierce storm raged. It rained; there was thunder, lightning...and hail. I collected a few of the golf ball sized hail as mementos of the occasion. The next morning I noticed several unmistakable dents in my otherwise gorgeous truck. Hail yes! Jackpot!! Normal people probably don't think like this when they discover really bad hail damage, but my truck carries full coverage insurance with a low deductible. Hooray for Dad! I'm not sure what the payout will be, but it will likely cover the costs of my trip.

Stellastarr* Show

Wednesday night, The Granada, Lawrence KS: Ro, Megan, and I saw Stellastarr with opening band The Editors.

I really didn't have too high of expectation for The Editors, mostly because they were opening for a band who aren't very well known themselves. I had certainly never heard of The Editors before. They surprised many when they came with it. They were very talented, especially the guitar player. We liked them even more after we noticed that they were British. Everyone loves a Brit. We debated whether the lead singer was high or mildly autistic. Both, I think. Apparently there was another opening band, but sadly we missed them.

Stellastarr was wonderful. Those dudes can totally wail. I have to say, though, that their new album disappoints. The band seemed to agree as they played almost all of the first album, and less (I think) of the new album. I had heard the chick in the background vocals but not realized that she plays the bass too. It's cool to see a rocker girl represent. The drummer revealed himself to be a tool when he removed his t-shirt showing an asterisk-shaped pastie made of black electrical tape over his right nipple. (That is the correct spelling according to dictionary.com and yes, I'm very proud of that sentence.) Megan didn't mind, but I thought it was silly.

Why does Kentucky Fried Chicken use "Sweet Home Alabama" in its commercials?

Kranj, Slovenija: My Home For The Month Of June

I have officially been placed on exchange in a community pharmacy in Kranj. I have no idea what I will be doing there. While I'm terribly excited about going, I am also very scared now that it is becoming real. I don't speak Slovene. This could be a problem. Still, I think I'm up for the challenge.



Kranj has about 50,000 people and is known as a university town. To me, it sounds like a Slovenian version of Lawrence. Kranj has an old city center where no car traffic is allowed. Plus, all the pictures I have seen are gorgeous. I'm sure everything go well despite my nervousness. Look at those Alps! I'm excited to soak in the scenery.

Most Misleading Album Cover Of The Year

Award goes to: Cat Power for "The Greatest"



No, this is NOT a greatest hits album. Behind this iridescent pink and gold cover lies a tortured Nora Jones. It's a kind of a soulful, bluesy, indie/adult contemporty and I love it. Myrinda stamps it with her approval as well. I have heard that the artist (Cat Power = Chan Marshall) recently cancelled her entire tour though, because she is painfully shy and maybe a little bit crazy. She has had a tendency to storm off stage in tears. So, I guess I won't be seeing her live any time soon.

CSA: The Confederate States of America

I saw this movie yesterday at Liberty Hall, and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys satirical mockumentaries. The film was directed by one of KU's own, Kevin Willmott. It showed at Sundance. I went to the movie with Travis, who is a film student and will be working on a project with the director this summer.

The premise, for those unfamiliar, is that you're watching an evening of TV in the present day, except that the Confederacy won the Civil War. A British documentary airs complete with commercials. Here's a review. I enjoyed it, and learned some things about American history.

About Liberty Hall...
It is towards the top of my "Things I Will Miss About Lawrence" list. I love its unique aroma of incense and popcorn, its opera house interior, and the fact that you can watch a movie and enjoy a Free State beer there simulaneously.Mmmm Ad Astra.

Voicemails from H-less

Megan saw something bizarre yesterday. It went like this...

Monday, April 3. 04.02 pm
"There is a guy in a truck next to me on the highway sucking on a pacifier. He's driving. He's like 50, and he's got a pacifier and no identifiable baby in the car with him. Just thought I'd share. Bye!"

Monday, April 3. 04.07 pm
"Definitely his. Five minutes later, and he's still sucking on it."

The best explanation we can come up with is that the guy is quitting smoking and has an oral fixation. Try some gum, dude!