Crazy Panda

Surprise!

Mon, 16 May 2005 03:18:27 GMT

1) Total number of books I've owned?

Probably 250-300

2) The last book I bought?

I actually bought five today:
-some book about Woody Allen
-the autobiography of Charles Mingus
-"Microserfs" by Douglas Coupland
-"Underground" by Murakami
-"The Sweet Forever" by George P. Pelecanos

3) The last book I read?

"Among the Missing" by Dan Chaon (from Cleveland!)

4) Five books or series that mean a lot to me:

"Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli
"Kissing in Manhattan" by David Schickler
anything by Raymond Carver
"The Crazy Horse Electric Game" by Chris Crutcher
film criticism by Pauline Kael

Random thought

Wed, 04 Feb 2004 19:14:18 GMT

Not much new news, just work.
However, I'm right now listening to Swan Dive and I really miss Nashville. Most of my favorite people are there. Also, I miss college life and the lack of responsibility that came with it. Just seeing friends, going to Movie Day every Friday and hanging out in my favorite places. The city was much less hectic, as was my life, which allowed me so much time to have fun. I'm sick of 70-hour work weeks. I yearn for those innocent, carefree days of a year ago. As great of a city as it it, Chicago is no fun without free time, money, or a solid group of friends to spend both the time and money with. Sob.

I hate writing stuff, so how's about you all do the writing for once, dammit

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 18:50:18 GMT

1. give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
2. am i lovable?
3. how long have you known me?
4. when and how did we first meet?
5. what was your first impression?
6. do you still think that way about me now?
7. what do you think my weakness is?
8. do you think i'll get married?
9. what makes me happy?
10. what makes me sad?
11. what reminds you of me?
12. if you could give me anything what would it be?
13. how well do you know me?
14. when's the last time you saw me?
15. ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
16. do you think i could kill someone?
17. describe me in one word.
18. do you think our friendship is getting stronger, weaker, or staying the same?
19. do you feel that you could talk to me about anything and i would listen?
20. are you going to put this on your live journal and see what i say about you?

About time I suppose

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 00:27:38 GMT

I really don't enjoy updating this thing, hence the infrequent posts. But I don't want anyone to think I'm dead, so here goes.

Hmmm, working a lot. That's about it right now. I work 5-10 am at World Market each day this week. I got home today and watched some Upright Citizens Brigade and passed out on the couch. Upon waking up around 4pm, I decided I should start my Lord of the Rings marathon. See, for weeks I've been planning on watching the first two again before seeing the third in the theater. I got through about a half hour of the first one and found that I didn't really care. So I shut it off and started Schizopolis instead.

Is something wrong with me? I've become so jaded movie-wise lately. In the last couple weeks, I've seen Cold Mountain, 21 Grams and Monster and came away unimpressed by each. All good, mind you, just not the Best Film of the Year hype I've been getting. And Big Fish was the most confusing experience to me. Everyone loves this film, but I just didn't see what the big deal was. It seemed like it tried too hard to be weird at times and was constantly over-sentimental, plus the whole ending ripped off Fellini's 8 1/2 shamelessly. Again, I'm not saying it was bad, but what's the big deal? I haven't seen a really great film in theaters since Kill Bill probably and even video's left me a little wanting lately.
Anyhow, here's my top 20 films of the year. Surely, it will change tomorrow, but just to give you an idea:
1) Morvern Callar
2) Lost in Translation
3) Friday Night
4) Kill Bill
5) Talk to Her
6) Cremaster cycle
7) Gerry
8) The Son
9) Magdalene Sisters
10) Station Agent
11) Lawless Heart
12) Personal Velocity
13) All the Real Girls
14) Spider
15) Man Without a Past
16) Pistol Opera
17) To Be and to Have
18) Dirty Pretty Things
19) Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary
20) The Triplets of Belleville

And here's a few more that came close:
Stevie, Russian Ark, The Good Thief, Lilya 4-ever, A Mighty Wind, Man on the Train, Dancer Upstairs, Merci Pour Le Chocolat, Masked and Anonymous, Irreversible (sorry, everyone!), Shape of Things, Cold Mountain, Mystic River, Sweet Sixteen, Flower of Evil, The Cuckoo, Melvin Goes to Dinner, Ararat, Swimming Pool, American Splendor, Pieces of April, Elephant

And some old movies I discovered and loved this year for the first time:
Salesman, Pepe le Moko, Fox and his Friends, Il Posto, Endless Summer, Leningrad Cowboys go America (and the rest of the Kaurismaki retrospective), Le Cercle Rouge, Blue Angel, Andrei Rublev, A Nous la Liberte, Naked Kiss, Knife in the Water, Blow Out, Man with a Movie Camera, the Tenant, Barfly (god bless you, Mickey Rourke), Last Seduction, Ratcatcher

Finally got all that out my damn system. Well, I saw Nina Nastasia last Satuday. Great show, but the wrong venue. It was a bunch of old people probably prepared to hear some quaint old folk at the Old Time School of Folk Music and half of them left during her set. I felt bad for her, because she's really amazing. But I hear she's touring again this year, so maybe better luck then. Tim Eriksen opened. He was the music advisor for Cold Mountain and did some really remarkable Civil War-era stuff.
On the 24th, Eleni Mandell comes to town again and I plan on being there, front and center. I hope to get some people to go with me. Other concerts:
Rufus Wainwright, February 20th-a good birthday present for myself, plus I'm glad I've already gotten my ticket since he sold out last time in town
Bright Eyes the day after-might go, never crazy about his music but heard he does a great live show and I regret not seeing him in Nashville last year.
And in the next couple months-
The Walkmen, Bad Plus, Damien Rice
And ladies and gentlemen, coming on April the 9th, one Mr. Squarepusher which will be craziness to the infinite power

I don't know what else to tell you all. I've been working a lot, sleeping on a really fucked up schedule and just got over a week of senselessly spending money on DVD's-I hope that's over. I'm finally getting some decent savings going.
I'm going to shower now for the first time in a few days and then go somewhere. I don't know where, but I've got to get out of here. This would be a lovely time for laundry, if only I had enough dirty to necessitate that.

Anyhow, I hope everyone's well. I don't know when I'll see anyone in the near future and I doubt anyone reads this anyhow, but take care one and all.

Fuck This Shit

Fri, 19 Dec 2003 15:09:48 GMT

When earlier this week I sliced through my finger at World Market with a box cutter, I figured it was the worst that could happen to me at the job. Today I found out how wrong I was when first a nail went through the bottom of one foot and then the other foot was crushed by a multiple-ton pallet. My fingers look like they've been nibbled on by rats and I must have chewed a pound of flesh from my chapped lips. And upon leaving today I found that blood was running down the back of my hand. All this after working from 11 last night to 9 this morning and for a measly $7.50 an hour. What I would have given to come home to a woman making me breakfast and running a hot bath while a cute puppy waits with my pipe and slippers. Anyhow, I guess the second best plan is to take a long hot bath and then finish "Angel Heart", starring one Mickey Rourke. Once I get some time I'm going to have a Mickey Rourke film festival. He did used to be a fine actor. I wonder what happened. Anyhow, all are invited to said festival. Then I get to work at the video store at 5 tonight and again tomorrow. I'm sad because my supervisor, Sarah, spent her last day with us today. She's going on to a less stressful, less responsible job and wasn't actually supposed to leave until next week. But bless her for getting out while she still can. I'm supposed to get together with her after break sometime. Her husband, Hiro, is a blues musician which is unbelievably cool and I'll be introduced to her single friend, Kelly. Boo ya. Matt sounds like he'll be visiting next year to see Squarepusher. It's funny because I was thinking about how I've seen two of my three favorite artists here and how cool it would be for him to get to see Aphex Twin or someone. Next day, the Squarepusher show is announced. Unfortunately, I don't know that I'll have much time to see anyone over Christmas so I apologize in advance. And in other news, I'm now accepting applications for the girlfriend position I have open. That is all. My bath awaits.

Madness kicks in soon

Tue, 09 Dec 2003 12:40:28 GMT

Hi there-
It's 6:30 on Tuesday morning. The last time I actually had a real sleep was Saturday night. Since I awoke on Sunday morning, I've not slept at all, save an hour early Monday morning and a brief nap that night. And with work in just over two hours, I won't be sleeping until at least 2:00 this afternoon when I leave the Buster. I feel weird, like kind of sick. Maybe I need some rest?
Yesterday at work, my boss Tifiany got pissed at me because I told her that for Christmas I'd be gone from December 23 through the 29th. She claims I never told her I was going, though I know I have on a few occasions. I got the impression that because I want to be an Assistant Manager, I'm expected to not see my family on Christmas and work instead. Fuck that. But I compromised and changed my plane reservations. So now I'm going to be home for a grand total of three days and that probably still won't be good enough for her. But she's right. Making a few more dollars an hour is definitely more important than your blood.
Since I have to be to work soon, I'm probably now going to watch "Blind Spot", a documentary that's basically an interview with Hitler's secretary. It's due tomorrow and now is probably my only opportunity to see it. I'm also going to take a much-deserved shower, my first since Sunday morning and then make breakfast for myself.
Bruce fucking cracks me up. Today we were starting work and this girl, Mary who works there, was walking by and the following conversation occurred between us.
Bruce: "Man, she's pretty ain't she?"
Me: "Yeah, she's really good looking"
Bruce: "But I think all girls are pretty."
Me: "Well, I don't know about that. All of them?"
Bruce: "Unless it's got a dick, it's pretty"
Me: (silence)

Again last night, there's this gorgeous girl named Estrella who works at the movie theater next door. She comes by around 3 or 4 in the morning after they've cleaned up to throw all the trash in our compactor. Bruce, today just like last night, started going on about how could those guys make such a pretty girl do all that work. Tell them Bruce said to stop all that shit and so on. The whole time, Estrella just nods and smiles. Then...
"I don't really speak English"
What a laugh, for him to go on and on and she had no idea whatsoever what he was talking about. What a guy, that Bruce.
I'm not going into details, but it really bothers me how phony people can be sometimes. That's all I'm going to say.
Also, a friend of mine is sad and it makes me sad. I hope things get better.

6:03 am Tango

Mon, 08 Dec 2003 12:28:12 GMT

Hey!
I've been awake for 21 hours now and I've worked for 14 of them and I feel great! It's lots of fun working at World Market and the next couple weeks will be amazing if I can keep up my stamina.
Earlier today, I went to the laundromat and had a grand old time. I went to the Buster an hour early for work and Charlie and I basically goofed around the whole time. We kept putting in shitty movies, watching about ten minutes before turning them off. Included in these were "Legally Blonde 2" and "Kangaroo Jack". The latter was so inspiring that I printed a new nametag. My new codename is Kangaroo Zack. Next door to the store is the White Hen Pantry, whose employees speak little to no English. Charlie and I really enjoy the "beefy cheddar" sandwich. Honestly, that's what it's called. So Charlie went over and haggled with the guy since the sandwiches had been sitting out all day and got two $4 beefies for a buck each.
After that, I hightailed it across town to the World Market, driving around forever trying to find someplace where I wouldn't be towed overnight. I got there and met my co-workers. Sara(h) is my supervisor and super cool. She listens to Slayer and Thelonious Monk and has a husband who's a blues musician. She's leaving in two weeks. Bruce is an old black guy with a few teeth who strangely enough grew up in Cleveland. Small world. They're both great folks, which is good since I'm locked in an enormous store with them for eight hours a day for the next two weeks.
Major upside to the job: 25% off everything
Major downside to the job: this doesn't include wine or other alcoholic beverages. It also doesn't include gourmet foods, which I don't understand because all food there seem to be of the gourmet variety.
I found three things so far that I plan to purchase using my lucrative discount once my bills are paid.
In order of desire:
1-A real live working gramophone. It's a small one, with the horn and everything. It even comes with old Indian 78's! And at $150, a hell of a bargain. With my discount, that's something I need to own and will look into after the holidays.
2-A Monkey, one of the wooden ones that has bendy joints so it can sit on shelves and whatnot. The capper is that it's wearing a damn fez. Does it get any better?
3-Every single bar accessory I don't own, which is most of them. This includes specialized glasses I don't have yet, martini shaker and the whole lot.
There's lots of stuff here that I know I'd never use but am fascinated by. It's like going into kitchen appliance stores when you don't know what anything is used for but it looks so damn cool you just have to buy it. There's lots of amazing furniture, which gives me incentive to stay here for a long time. That way, when I get my own apartment this upcoming summer, I can stock it full of crazy stuff.
Well damn, it's 6:31 in the morning. I have to leave for Blockbuster in just over three hours. I'm not tired, though I know it's coming. I figure I'll stay up and watch a movie, make myself a wholesome breakfast and tough it through work. Then eight hours of luscious sleep before I go back to work. Things are good today. I've got the money-only one more thing needed for the perfect life...

Masochistic...or simply insane?

Sun, 07 Dec 2003 04:51:00 GMT

Okay, here's what's on my mind-
For those who don't know or don't remember, back when I moved here I applied for, and was offered a job at World Market but turned it down due to the abundance of possibilities at the time. I was at the movies Thursday and saw they were hiring. After blowing through most of my money and owing quite a bit to Capital One, I decided to reapply for the job. I went in for a follow up interview today and was offered another position. I would be working Sunday through Thursday evenings for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, working 10pm until 6am stocking the store. So of course I took the position. This will involve working about 70 hours a week at my two jobs combined and getting by on little to no sleep. Here's an example of how the next couple days will go:
Tomorrow I awaken and do laundry. I work at Blockbuster from 5-10 and then go directly to World Market and work overnight until 6am. Then I have a few hours before I go back to the video store 10-2. That gives me eight hours to rest up before going back to World Market 10-6 again. Three hours of sleep and off to the Buster 9-2. World Market Tuesday night 10-6. Repeat until dead.
I suppose it will all pay off in the end, but I'll surely expire. After the holidays, if I was a good little boy, World Market will keep me on to work some more. Additionally, I should hear about the Assistant Manager job at the Buster soon.
My co-worker and fellow movie dork Charlie and I are also in talks to reopen one of the two movie theaters on my street. It would be a revival/cult movie place with midnight films and a bar. It probably won't happen, but we're both interested enough to at least look into it.
Yesterday I went into Old Navy in search of new khakis, which I found I needed after discovering a hole in the ass of my old ones at work the other day. I also bought red pajama pants with penguins on them and a brown shirt. And all for only $35, which would pay for about half a pair of khakis at most any other store besides WalMart. God bless Old Navy. I was glad they had great stuff at great prices, but I still hold a grudge after working there back in high school. So I fucked up all their piles of perfectly folded merchandise in retaliation.
In other shocking news, Zack still doesn't know how to deal with girls. I was at the Cleveland airport flying back after Thanksgiving and met a girl while waiting to board. Her name was Erica and looked like Maggie Gyllenhall if she were a member of Sleater Kinney. We chatted for a good while and all through the plane ride home. We went to baggage claim together and on the long, long train ride back home. After all this conversation we got to her stop and said goodbye and I gave her a long smile goodbye and the minute she got off the train I kicked myself squarely in the genitals for not getting her number. I told myself that since she was such a gregarious individual, she surely would have given her number on her own if she was interested, but now I know it was just a retarded excuse I made up for myself to explain my stupidity. Now I feel like a total ass for not doing anything about it and I wish I could get myself to figure out how all this garbage works. I almost feel like I should leave a message in the Chicago Reader's "Missed Connections" section, but what's the point? Do those things ever work? That might just make me feel worse. So I feel like shit about that. I've always known that all I need to be happy is money and a woman and now I've got the money what with working 70 hours a week but what fun is that if I have no time to do anything social and nobody to do it with? I'm at a loss.
Well my Danish friend Paige from the film festival is having a birthday/Christmas party Saturday night so at least that's exciting. I'm so busy I've almost forgotten all about it. I'm pleased I at least have that to look forward to.
Other than that, nothing. I've been living on a strict diet of Hot Pockets and spent all my free time watching "Family Guy". I don't know what else to tell you.

The weekend never ends round here

Sun, 16 Nov 2003 16:28:02 GMT

Hey all-
Matt has just driven back to Tennessee and here's the update after the weekend:
Badly Drawn Boy on Wednesday was one of the most fun shows I've ever seen. The only disappointment was though the show was very interactive, I got the feeling that it was the same every night. Sure enough, Matt and I compared notes (he went to the Nashville show) and it was almost exactly the same, down to every story detail. It makes my show feel not as special, but it was still a great time.
Thursday I saw "Elephant" and I forget what else I did. I think I watched videos.
Friday I worked all day and Matt showed up at the video store, after a couple other visitors. So I had left a message for Dave, the Blockbuster guy and he wasn't calling me back. Then, on a busy-ass Friday night, he and one of his cronies just showed up at the store and said they were there to evaluate me. I was quite taken aback but luckily at that point, some friendly customers came in and so I was able to give them the full Hansen treatment and they left pleased. I hope I made a good impression. They'll be talking to my manager and getting back to me when I return next week.
Matt and I then went to the Abbey Pub and saw Chris Clark/Plaid/Luke Vibert. It was a good show all around and though I don't normally listen to much electronic music at home, it's great to watch live. I didn't get to sleep until after 4am, so it's a miracle I got up before noon the next day.
We went to the Contemporary art museum on Saturday, where I had never been before. I really loved this place and I hope to get to visit it again as well as other museums in the area. I got a book of postcards of Edward Hopper paintings and if you're all lucky enough, you'll receive one in the mail someday. Got back to Evanston and watched some European MTV awards show. Crap but hypnotizing.
Then back to the Abbey again to see Arab Strap. Opening was Malcolm Middleton, who plays guitar in the band and did a decent solo set. Then a girl band called Slumber Party. I liked them, but the sound quality was shit and they didn't move onstage at all. But I'm guessing their albums are good, so I will investigate.
And now it's 10:30 and I have a lot to accomplish before working at five and, oh yeah, doing inventory afterwards.
I've got to go do laundry. I must clean up my room before I go and pack my bag. I need to talk to Lauren about moving my car because I can't be on the street next Saturday because of the damn football game and I'll need her to move it. I've got to call the cab company I booked for tomorrow to get picked up a bit earlier and also to confirm that they take credit cards. I have to call the parents. And finish up a job application for the library and drop it off either today or tomorrow morning. I need to deposit a check at the bank. And surely many other things.
England is calling my name. I'll update in a week's time.

Should a protector really enjoy "Kill Bill" so much?

Wed, 12 Nov 2003 02:01:50 GMT

Protector

The ULTIMATE personality test
brought to you by Quizilla

I saw this personality test on Erin's site and it looked somewhat cool, so I tried it out for myself. And yes, it does seem fairly accurate. You'll all have to let me know what you think.
Today I worked and then watched "High Fidelity" at home before going off to see "Kill Bill" for the second time, and I still really like it. Yesterday after work I saw "Pieces of April", which was much better than I expected it to be. Everyone, check it out sometime.
I finally have a couple days off now. I called the Blockbuster district leader and left a message to set up an interview for an ASM position. Tomorrow I'm doing more job search stuff and then I'm picking up Kris to go see Badly Drawn Boy. We're meeting up with her roommate Shannon (the one I fancy and whose name I now know), so we'll see if that all goes according to plan. Then Matthew drives up for the weekend. And off to England after that.
I took a short walk after work today to mail some CD's at the post office and then planned on going to the bank to get pounds and traveler's checks. Alas, I had forgotten it's Veterans day and both destinations were closed. So now I get to do that tomorrow. I hope they don't need more than a couple days to get my currency to me at the bank.
Last night at the laundromat I called Erin to check up and she's doing well. Congrats to her for getting her own place-I'll have to come scope it out sometime. And Leslie called today to say hello. Though it's unfortunate I won't be around for her visit next week, she's excited about this school it seems and I hope all goes well.
Not much else is new though, so I'm going to have dinner now and watch something on the telly. Take care everybody.

P.S.

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 19:27:23 GMT

There's snow on the ground

They should change their names to the Green Stripes

Sat, 08 Nov 2003 19:24:17 GMT

Yeah, so I was checking into the New Year's Eve tickets for the White Stripes/Flaming Lips show and tickets are $77, and that's without the lovely Ticketmaster charges. So that's not going to work unfortunately. And of course, they're playing in Cleveland at the same time I'll be leaving the city on a plane to go back to Chicago after Thanksgiving break. If I had only gone back Monday instead, this show could have been a decent substitute. Oh well, I'm ditching those at the Buster on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I suppose I owe it to them to work New Year's Eve. We're only open until 10:00, so I can still have New Year festivities and I get paid time and a half. But $77, even for both bands on a holiday is bordering on the ludicrous.

God Bless Sweden

Fri, 07 Nov 2003 05:42:10 GMT

Today my parents and I did some fun stuff. My Dad and I watched most of the David Cross DVD I bought recently. We had lunch at Vive Le Crepe, which any Evanston visitors must dine at with me sometime. We went to Chicago this evening, had dinner at a Tapas restaurant. Then we went to see the musical "The Producers", which was kind of a spur of the moment thing and very fun. I've decided that if the two leads retire sometime, Jim Zubricky and I will take over the show. I got dibs on the role of Leo, since he gets to make out with a hot blonde Swede.
Tomorrow we're going to have morning coffee and then go to the Evanston library book sale. We'll stop by the video store and maybe go to the Old Orchard shopping center. Then dinner and a movie. I'd like to see "Lost in Translation" again or maybe "Shattered Glass". I'd like to see "Kill Bill" again and also "Elephant" but I don't think those are my parents' kind of movies.
Saturday is supposedly the party at Paige's, although I haven't heard from her in awhile, so I need to go e-mail her to see if it's still on.

I'm in a hurry!

Thu, 06 Nov 2003 00:31:46 GMT

I need to make dinner and watch movies before mom and dad show up. So here's brief synopsis of the last week:

Last Thursday I went to see Belle and Sebastian. I met up with Maria and we sat in the balcony like a couple of old people. The show was awesome, even from far away. I love them and all but I don't know that I would have wanted to be up near the stage with some of their stranger fans. We had a drink afterwards and talked for a bit. I really enjoy hanging out with her. I remember at the Tindersticks show she talked about a boyfriend she has, but that was almost three months ago. I don't know what the current status is, but we get along really well and this boyfriend doesn't seem to want to go to shows with her, so who knows if he's even around still? More info as it happens
I've applied for a few more jobs at Northwestern. I'm also going to contact the Chicago Film Office, which basically is advertisement from the mayor's office to get films made in Chicago. Also there's some distribution companies I will call. Finally, I'm going head-on into Blockbuster management training. It's not what I aspire to, but still it's good for a recent graduate. A lady was extremely pleased with my service yesterday and left an awfully nice message with the district leader, who I need to interview with. Props to that lady for helping out.
Yesterday I bought the Tenacious D and David Cross DVD's. Both are awesome. After hearing Matt's bootlegs of songs from the D show, it's fun to see the visuals go with them. Long live Sasquatch! And on the Cross DVD, there's a hilarious part of him at Nashville's Exit In where he gets thrown out for using the stage as a platform to bitch about how shitty the Exit In is. I totally agreed.
I worked last Friday and have worked every day since. Tomorrow's my first day off in a week. But my next paycheck will be very helpful in going to England.
Finally, last night I went to the Music Box to see "Bus 174", a documentary about a situation in Rio a few years ago where this crazy, drugged out guy held a city bus hostage. It was horribly shocking and the news captured everything. I can't believe that anyone in the world would want to film this happening and I've never seen anything like it. Though I wish I'd stop going to see all these great movies recently that leave me such a mess afterwards.
At the film, I met up with Kris and her boyfriend Joe. Also, Kris' friend was there, who I've met a couple times, once at the festival premiere and also at the staff party. And I'm an ass because I can't remember her name. I think it's because the two times we've met were in loud environments and I couldn't hear properly. Plus I'm bad with names. But it was odd that this girl seemed very excited to see me last night, which is fine by me because she's super cool and super cute. (I sound like a 14 year old girl). Anyhow, they all had to run after the movie since it was late, but it sounds like we'll be going all of us to see Badly Drawn Boy next week and Kris is interested in the shows Matt and I are seeing, as well as Rufus Wainwright, who's playing here in December. So I hope this girl goes along too. I need to e-mail Kris about concert tickets anyhow, so I'll need to get her name and practice remembering it.
And I also saw today that the White Stripes and Flaming Lips are co-headlining a show on New Year's EVe. So anyone considering visiting me over Christmas break, keep this in mind. If anyone will be around on the 31st, we MUST go and I want to get tickets asap. Dinner's a-cookin'

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 06:44:02 GMT

I just dropped my dinner, half an italian sub, on the damn carpet. Some days you just can't win.

Motherfuckers

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 06:40:32 GMT

Well, apparently the nasty e-mail from the asshole at CD Warehouse was intended to be directed at me. He still claims I never responded to his first e-mail and that I sent him a destroyed copy of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", though neither claim is true. And all this trouble over a shitty CD he bought for only $3.00. Like I ruined his life or something. So I refunded him all that money he foolishly wasted so he wouldn't file a report and leave negative feedback for me. I hate giving in for something I haven't done, but it's better than having the half.com FBI after me or whatever. Douchebag

Somewhat depressing day

Sat, 01 Nov 2003 22:16:28 GMT

Hi all-
I woke up this morning to check out this clothing store. I walk past it all the time. It's next door to Panera, where I always get coffee while I'm at the laundromat and I always look in the windows to see some really nice, old-fashioned type clothes. I saw a sign a few days ago that until today there was a 50% off sale on wool suits, and as you all know, I've so desired a wool suit for a long time. I went in today and everything was really ridiculously priced. A sweater I have my eye on cost around $100, so fuck them.
Then I went to Borders and listened to remastered CD's by Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. I've been selling my old, crappy quality Dylan albums and hope to replace them with these newfangled ones. Also, I've grown to really like the Stones recently. Any recommendations on what to buy first?
I then went and saw "Mystic River". I kind of feel like a jerk because as I was sitting in the theater, I remembered my mom wants to see it and I thought she and Pappy might want to go when they visit. So I apologize for that. The film was outstanding, but like my "Magdalene Sisters" experience awhile ago, I was thoroughly drained afterwards and now I feel kind of like crap.
Adding to the crappiness, I got home to find an e-mail from an unhappy half.com customer, saying that they had received the disc from me and found it to be unplayable. Furthermore, they claim to have e-mailed me once already about this and since they hadn't heard back, they were leaving negative feedback for me. Now, I thought about this for awhile and came to the following conclusion. I never send out CD's that wouldn't satisfy people, and all my CD's play perfectly since I'm so anal about that stuff. Also, the buyer was "CD Warehouse", so I'm thinking they buy albums super cheap online and then jack up the prices in their stores. I'm guessing they deal with a lot of orders and I'm hoping that they had a problem with some other seller and accidentally sent this e-mail to me instead, having gotten me confused with the thousands of other people they're raping. So I sent a message back explaining this and noting that if it was in fact my fault I would offer them a full refund. Anyhow, there's no negative feedback for me yet, so we'll see. I hope it was a mix up. Fuck them, I'm never going to CD Warehouse again regardless of what happened. Their store sucks anyhow.
So now I get to go work 5 until midnight at the video store, which is unfortunate since I'm not in the mood right now to be professional and friendly with anyone. I've decided that I'm going to pursue a career as an assistant manager at the store and hope to get that going before Thanksgiving.
On a brighter note, and the Hansen parents will be glad to know, there's lots of progress and possibilities in my job hunt right now. But I haven't eaten today and I'm in a hurry.
So, I'll post the job update next time, along with my thoughts on the Belle and Sebastian concert on Thursday. I hope you're all better than me right now. Congrats to Matthew on the decision to grow out the beard. I've been doing the same and though I haven't been clean shaven in years, I'll usually keep things under control with the beard trimmer. But I haven't used that in a couple months, so I'm getting nice and scruffy. Matt and I will have to compare facial hair on our next few encounters. Someday, instead of showing each other pictures of our childrens' age progressions, we'll be showing off the beards. That's a nice thought.
Off to work. How perfectly goddamned delightful it all is, to be sure.

Love vs. Fear

Wed, 29 Oct 2003 02:55:07 GMT

Howdy-
I don't even remember when I last gave a substantial update.
Anyhow, today I had an Active Seller Training session at Blockbuster. It was a workshop thing, full of role-playing and inspirational speeches. It fell somewhere between Don Lupree telling me how to make millions from my own home and Jim Cunningham and his kiddie porn dungeon. But it's over and I got paid.
Afterwards, maybe to make myself feel better, I bought the new Strokes album for just ten dollars. It's really good so far and now that we've all gotten over the hype of their first album, it's safe to listen to and enjoy. I almost bought the best of REM with the bonus disc and the Family Guy. But I need to watch the cash and Mommy's birthday is coming up, so I showed restraint.
Yesterday I worked and it sucked so I went to Facets and saw a film called "Ichi the Killer", from this sick Japanese director, Takeshi Miike. It was one of the most disgustingly violent films I've ever seen, and not good in a "Kill Bill" kind of way. There was lots of body slashing and a subplot about a woman who enjoys being beaten and raped. It sickened me, and you all know it takes a lot to do that to me. In one scene, the woman is "enjoying" one of these attacks and the guy fucking her gave her what, from his position, I would assume to be a Donkey Punch. But it sounded more like a Jelly Donut. Thank God they didn't show it to let me find out.
I left the film to find Flo working at the ticket booth. Flo was one of the volunteers at the film festival and now she volunteers at Facets, which I would love to do. So I chatted to her for a bit and left with free popcorn and beverage. It will be fun to volunteer there, though it'll probably have to wait until after Thanksgiving.
As the film was beginning, my phone was vibrating. I checked to see who it was and it was an unknown number. I didn't answer it, being in the theater, but during the movie I kept hoping that maybe it was Anka possibly calling me, which was unexpected in the first place. Of course that was not to be. Sadly, it was Leslie. Not sad because she called-it's always a joy when she calls. But she's visiting Roosevelt University in Chicago as a possible grad school choice. But of course she'll be around while I'm living it up in London. Boo. She needs to visit when I'm, you know, in the country. Good luck to Leslie with that though.
Good news regarding visitors-Matt will be visiting in a couple weeks. We'll be seeing Arab Strap and Plaid in consecutive night shows at the Abbey Pub. I'm extremely excited and I hope in the short time he's around we'll get to see some of the city as well.
Regarding the rest of the week, tomorrow is a meeting for "Reeling", the Chicago gay film fest. Marie, the ticketing lady from the CIFF needs volunteers and tomorrow is for that. I don't know that I'll get to help much with all the upcoming visitors and trips, but I'll do what I can as every second I'm around the Chicago film scene helps me get closer to a job. Before all that tomorrow, I'll be doing some serious applying.
Also, I've made over $100 selling CD's on half.com in the last week. I have plenty more up there now and I'm hoping to clear them out by the end of November. Lots of crap to get rid of, plus I'm replacing selected VHS tapes with DVD's.
And, of all the happy days, Belle and Sebastian are on Thursday. Marty from the film festival is going and so is Maria. It will be a wonderful time had by all! I'm going to get a shirt I hope (upping my concert Tee total to two). I've been listening to their new album constantly. I hope they have an orchestra backing them up, though I'll always regret not getting to see them when Isobel was still a member.
Then Friday/Saturday/Sunday I work. I'm interested to work on Halloween since there are lots of families with kids near the store and I'm hoping they'll all come in dressed up. I couldn't get my Leningrad Cowboy outfit together in time, so maybe next year. Any seamstresses reading this? I'll pay top dollar if you can get a costume ready by Friday.
Other than that, just enjoying everything going on. Parents here in a week and it's Gail's birthday on Sunday so happy birthday to her! I hope to see everyone soon, either me visiting you or you visiting me and if you'll be in Cleveland over Thanksgiving and I don't know it, please tell me.
I'm going to eat soup and watch horror films.

Sun, 26 Oct 2003 17:48:16 GMT

I just bought a plane ticket for England. I believe how I feel right now can best be described with the following words: Boo Ya.

Careful what you wish for...

Sat, 25 Oct 2003 01:52:42 GMT

Hi-
So I'm always whining about not having enough hours at Blockbuster. So now I have some. But get this-here's my schedule:
I work Sunday until closing. Then I open on Monday. Tuesday I work in the morning and then have to train at another store as an "Active Seller" that evening. Friday I work 2-8, Saturday 5-midnight. Then Sunday I have a meeting in the morning and close in the evening. That's over 35 hours next week, many days of work, many shifts. Oh well, it'll all go to my England fund.
Regarding Iron and Wine, the album I bought was the full LP. I haven't gotten the new album though I plan to. I heard the first album of Matt's and liked it but I haven't listened to my copy yet. But I know I'll like it, because I like how the booklet feels. It's nifty.
Belle and Sebastian is less than a week away! Sondre Lerche is playing mid-November, though it may conflict with my England trip. Also, note to Matthew:
The sooner you can let me know if you'll be around for Plaid, the better, as I don't want to be in London if you stop by!
I got an e-mail today from Marie, the ticketing head at the film festival. They need volunteers for "Reeling", the gay/lesbian film festival which is in a couple weeks. I'll help out if I'm available, though I may need a visit from the Queer Eye guys first.
I've had almost 60 ounces of coffee today and I feel fine. Guess who's not sleeping tonight?

We're a couple, and we like each other, and we're spanning time

Fri, 24 Oct 2003 16:14:01 GMT

Here's a quick update of the last couple days, since I have to be at the Buster shortly.
I've done a lot of catching up this week on relaxing, which has been nice. On Wednesday, I went to see "The Station Agent", which was one of my favorite movies I've seen in a good while. I had seen about fifteen minutes of the middle of it during the festival, so I was glad to get to see the whole thing. There's a lot out right now that I've missed because of the fest, so I may go see a few more this weekend.
Last night I went to the Abbey Pub to see Broadcast. The venue was really cool-in fact, I don't think I've been to a shitty venue in Chicago yet. Though the Riviera comes close, but I think that's just because I couldn't move at the show there. It's really a nice place, if I have room to breathe.
There were two opening bands, both very solid. The first was called A Hawk and a Hacksaw. It was basically a one-man gypsy band. He played accordion and operated a drumset with his feet. On his head was a bunch of jingle bells with a drumstick taped to them. He would shake his head and then cock it to the side to hit a cymbal. It got kind of old after awhile, but he was damn talented.
Iron and Wine came up next, and dammit if that guy doesn't have the most impressive beard ever. He had a drummer and guitarist, also with beards and a girl accompanying him on vocals. I think she needed a beard too. His set was also really good, though an odd choice to open for Broadcast.
Broadcast finally came on at about 11:30 and blew me away. The singer girl looked like a black-haired Nico and throughout the show, they had a projector showing movies on a white screen behind them of 1960's atomic-age kind of stuff, amoebas moving about and nuclear drawings. I felt like I was at Warhol's Factory or something. They were a really great live band and overall, it was one of the finest shows I've seen. Often, even for great bands, the opening acts suck, but this night was fully awesome.
It was also nice because at cheap shows, there is also cheap merchandise. I got the Iron and Wine LP, which I've been meaning to get anyhow. I also got the new Broadcast EP called "Microtronics" which is an instrumental disc and it's a tiny disc, which is super-cool. Finally, I got a nifty Broadcast shirt, which even I found strange since I haven't gotten a shirt at a concert in years. But when you all see it, you'll understand why I had to get it.
So now I'm in my jammies and watching the end of "Buffalo 66", which I have been watching about 15 minutes at a time for a few days now. I used to never do that, but now I've gotten in the habit of watching about three movies at a time and finishing them a week later. I also just finished watching Von Trier's "The Kingdom", which I started about two years ago.
Finally, the biggest news is that I'm very likely going to visit Kate in England mid-November. I'm hoping to see a football match, maybe a concert and perhaps even travel to Ireland or Scotland. I'll need to get some extra money together, but I might be able to convince certain people to make it this year's Christmas present.
In talking to Kate about England and Paige about Denmark, I've convinced myself that I need to travel the world. Now that I've gotten out on my own and gained some confidence, I think I'll do it. If I actually go to England, I will have proven myself because if I was in Tennessee, I know I'd probably end up not going. I've also decided to make a desire to travel a prerequisite in my next girlfriend. I'm sure it will help me in traveling to have someone to go with me. It would certainly make it more worthwhile and more fun.
That's the thoughts for today. Billy Brown is about to go kill Scott Wood. I always thought that was odd, because if you haven't seen the film, Billy went to jail because a Buffalo Bills kicker named Scott Wood missed a game-winning Super Bowl field goal, so Billy went to jail because he couldn't pay the bookie. Back in Super Bowl 25, I think, a Bills kicker who I think was name Scott Norwood missed a field goal in the closing seconds and the Bills lost by one point. I wonder if he's seen this movie and if so, does he think Vincent Gallo wants to kill him?
So I need to shower and run errands so bye everyone, for now.

Speechless

Wed, 22 Oct 2003 17:10:07 GMT

About fifteen minutes ago, I turned on my phone to see I had a voice mail from Matt, informing me of the horrible news that Elliott Smith was dead. It's one of those things I probably saw coming long ago, but like Johnny Cash, it just left me dumbfounded. So I called Matt back and we were both sitting on the phone, but without really anything to say. What do you say when something like that happens? I have nothing profound right now to say. I'm just really sad and thought I'd let you know.

An unfortunately unrelaxing day

Sun, 19 Oct 2003 05:54:11 GMT

And odd one today.
I slept until 1:00 which was nice. I went to check the mail and found a new Entertainment Weekly, a check from Pappy and the Antoine Doinel Criterion box set I ordered merely three days ago. What service! I've been meaning to get the set for awhile and was even more motivated by my recent readings on the Nouvelle Vague. I figured I deserved to treat myself since I haven't bought any DVD's in quite awhile and I just got film fest money. It's got bunches of extras and will surely keep me busy for hours and hours.
I went to Best Buy to get Jessie's birthday present and had an odd overall experience. I found the DVD right off and was just browsing when this chunky little worker guy approached to ask if I needed help. I said no, but he just stood there curiously sizing me up. Then he said that I looked like Tom Green (which could have explained his demeanor) and I mumbled something about, okay whatever. Quickly, he asked if I had been insulted by this (I was), but I said it was no big deal and went to look at the Bob Dylan remasters. He followed me over and said again, "Are you sure I didn't insult you?" Well, dumbshit, if you were compared to some guy who has sculptures made of his parents fucking in the front yard and jerked off a horse in one of the largest cinematic bombs of all time, wouldn't you be insulted? I didn't want trouble though and said again it was no big deal. Then he started looking in the area near me, said something like, "Well I guess I'll just do my job here". I was kind of freaked out at this point so I ran all the way to the "T" section. I saw that the new Travis album was only $7.99 and I've liked their other releases so I figured, what the hell, I'll buy this. I guess it's part of the new price slashing at the major labels, since they're a pretty successful band and worth much more than $7.99. I'm currently giving it a first listen and really like it. Not quite as poppy as the others, but good.
So, continuing the Best Buy story (you mean it's not over yet?), creepy guy had at least left me alone by now. At the checkout is what looked like this scrawny 12-year old girl with enormous braces who immediately struck up her phony-happy schtick and I was again creeped out by a Best Buy employee. I got the impression it was her first day on the job or something and had practiced her little speech and was trying to impress the boss or something. She went immediately into how today for me, the valued customer, I was entitled to eight free issues of EW or Sports Illustrated! How fucking exciting! Even after I informed her I had an EW subscription and couldn't really care less about SI, she still insisted. Finally I told her to shut it. She was, however, very impressed by my DVD selection for Jessie. "Oh, sir, Blue Crush! An excellent choice!" Like if she didn't approve I would have put it back on the shelf. I trucked on out of there like nobody's business.
I got home and of course the Williamsons showed up. But after awhile they headed out and I passed out on the couch. I was unfortunately awoken by my cell phone a-ringing. It was the Blockbuster in Morton Grove, who had been screwed by someone ditching on their last day and needed me speeding to the rescue. This was about 6:00 and I told them to hold on their britches, I'd be there by eight. I think I showed up around 7:30 or so. It was nice to get the hours, but I really didn't need to be there. It was dead almost from the second I got there and the middle-aged balding boss was entirely capable of handling it himself. After three straight weeks of working, I really needed this night at home. But I bitch when I don't have any hours, so therefore I have no right to turn down work when it comes my way. So I totally wasted my day off and I'm a little pissed.
Tomorrow I have to get groceries and do the damn laundry. I have to pay the bills and mail some packages.
When will poor Zachary get a rest? Probably never. Merde.
So all you readers are mighty silent lately. Say hi, tell me what's new. I have no idea what anybody is doing. I'm doing to eat my dinner now at one am. Bye

Just a quickie...

Sat, 18 Oct 2003 08:30:14 GMT

because I'm tipsy.

First off, I got an e-mail from Lauren on Monday saying that her parents would be in town for "the weekend". I arrived home Tuesday night, shocked to see our front window wide open at about midnight. I was even more surprised to see the front door unlocked, and the capper to all this was when I opened the door to find her parents asleep on the floow right inside the door. I guess for the Williamsons, the weekend begins on Tuesday and ends the following Monday. Anyhow, they're in town for an art show and haven't been in the way too much. At least they've made the place super clean.

So the film festival ended last night and I was especially sad. I really have enjoyed hanging out with everyone and I've loved hanging out. I hope the Music Box hires me. The closing night film was "Shattered Glass" and I got to meet Peter Saarsgard from "Boys Don't Cry" and "The Center of the World". He was a nice fella. The film stars Hayden Christensen, yes Anakin Skywalker himself. It was humorous when Manny confused him with the guy from the Dell commercials. I got numbers from everyone and hope to see them all soon. Sei-Jin is going to see Shonen Knife next Wednesday and I'll probably go along. Broadcast is the night after that, and it sounds like I'll be attending with Maria, who I've recently gotten back in touch with. Marty and I are going to Belle and Sebastian on the 30th.

Tongiht was the staff party at this warehouse type place in Chicago, owned by a woman named Deb who does something or other with the fest. I got to see all the Music Box clan again and Naomi was embarrassingly drunk. I hung out a lot also with Jo, who had volunteered with us a couple times, but mostly with the other theater. It was amazing. It was a fourth floor loft with free food and booze, overlooking the skyline. I felt like I was in a movie it was so cool.
Another brief highlight was when the karakoke machine was broken out by Sophia, one of the most uptight people I've met. She actually has a decent voice but when Paige tried to get me to sing "Dancing Queen" with her, it got shut down. Anna, a Hungarian woman, sang "Piano Man" and if I had had more drinks, I would have gone and shown her how it's really done. Props to Zubby. I sent your present today. You'll love the card.
At this point, I'd like to also give props to alcohol. Without your influence and support, I wouldn't have given my number to blue-haired Polish girl Anka tonight. Whether or not she calls, at least I've gotten that out of my system. Merlot, you my dogg!
At the end of the night, Jo found that her coat was missing. One of the festival drivers also found that his coat was missing, along with his car/house keys. I felt horrible that that would have happened. But I gave him a ride home (I hope he was able to break in to his apartment with the screwdrive he bought at a gast station) and I proved again my knowledge of the city by finding my way home somehow. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the city than this festival deal and I'm glad everyone got along so well that we all want to hang out now.
Tomorrow, I take solace in the fact that I have nothing whatsoever to do. Apparently the Williamsons are welcoming even more of their kin into the apartment to visit. Too bad for them, since I'll be watching sexually explicit French films on the couch all day. I also get to visit Best Buy to find a present for my sista's birthday. Other than that, it's lazy ass old man Zack on the couch day.
After that, next week is the rebirth of the great job search. I'll get to catch up on movies and visit my beloved Music Box staff. And working at the Buster of course. It's so confusing to be there now. The last time I worked, I found myself trying to use Ticketmaster codes on their computer system. I was shocked they couldn't be used.
Well beddy-bye time now. You readers, pray for success with my sweet little Polish girl. Even if nothing comes of it, life is good and I've gotten the confidence to work my Hansen magic with any attractive lady who may cross my path.
Keep posted and good evening to all.

Bonsoir mes enfants

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 06:41:05 GMT

Hi hi hi-
Besides the general updating, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the lovely people I work with:
Rosemary and Naomi are the managers at my theater and both are super cool. Rosemary is exactly as old as the festival (39 years) and likes trying to sell t-shirts by having massive cleaveage hanging out of hers. Naomi can get bitchy sometimes, but is still fun. She claims to have this boyfriend which nobody's met. We refer to him, of course, as Snuffleupagus.
Manny is the other ticket seller with me, he's been at it for ten years and he's always late and drinking.
Sei-Jin is one of the volunteers, who also loves the drink. Manny and I take turns having breaks at Cullen's (a bar) with Sei-Jin, the ragin' asian.
Paige is another volunteer, unfortunately married. But we have bonded over both being Danish.
Marty is another volunteer, out of town in Boston right now.
Today there was this great girl helping out, Anke, I think her name is. She's Polish, like really Polish, not Zubricky-like Polish heritage (although that's also good! :) I talked to her for a good while and was actually considering putting some moves on this evening but she was nowhere to be found as I left the theater. Maybe next time... (sigh)
Charles is the manager of the Music Box and kind of a jerk. But he might get me a job, so I'm on his good side for now.
There's a trio of excellent ladies who work at the theater regularly-
Roseanna (w/boyfriend)
Leslie (married)
Andrea (not sure of her status yet)-She has a blonde bobbed Amelie-style haircut and often wears knee-high striped socks. Yow!
And there's others around from time to time.
Today my friend Kris showed up after the film. She works at the other theater but we worked at the office together last week. I was upset with her because she and her friends kind of ditched me after opening night, but I got to have a drink with them this evening. At a shitty bar called the Mystic Celt, which was neither mystic nor celtic. It's basically a loud sports bar, with people who think they're in college but aren't. It reminded my why I was never a big partyer at MTSU. But we all agreed to meet somewhere quieter next time.
Apparently Friday after the festival ends there's a huge staff party at someone's
swanky loft apartment. I'm definitely there.
I saw "The Triplets of Belleville" tonight, which was so-so. It was the one film at the festival I was really looking forward to. It's a French animated film. The story was good and the style was original. But it was often overly grotesque which takes away from the fun, whimsical feeling it could have had.
I just remembered, that Andrea, concession stand girl is the one who was growling at me the other day. But it didn't seem to be in a friendly way. Apparently the Music Box staff hates the fest people because we kind of take over their area, although it does bring in more business for them. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Bastards.
Yesterday, I saw Kill Bill, Vol. One. It was unbelievably cool and I plan on seeing it at least once more in the theater. Also, I'm still hooked on the new Belle and Sebastian album. I listen to it at least once a day.
Tomorrow we're meeting at the theater early. The founder of the fest, Michael Kutza is taking the Music Box staff to lunch. So I've got to start kissing his ass or else I'll be working for the Buster until I'm 60.
Today it's nice and autumnal, with just a drizzle of rain.
I freaked out when I got a huge Mastercard bill today and even more so when I saw a charge for almost $200 that I didn't recognize. Then I realized that it's for my Thanksgiving flight which is being reimbursed by pappy. Now all is well. I also got paid for the first two weeks of the fest yesterday and good old GWB took a hefty chunk of it. But it will still help with rent and I'd do this damn job for free anyhow. So no complaints.
Tuesday is Michael Moore at Borders. I think I'll ask if he's going to check out the festival at all.
I finally finished "The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy, which I highly recommend. I've been trying to read it since August. Today I started the Serge Gainsbourg biography. So now I'm in the middle of four books, as well as three movies, which is abnormal for me. As I like to usually watch a film beginning to end, but I usually come home and watch ten minutes before passing out.
I s'pose that is all. I do need to mention that I got a lovely card from Leslie yesterday. So thanks! A return note is on the way. I also got a tape from pappy the other day, which I fear is a marching band video maybe? But I'll check it out and I really appreciate the thought. I need to call the fam soon, as I've been so busy and need to update all. Okey doke, bedtime.