Things That Didn't Matter in 2011

Now Playing - Boy with a Coin by Iron and Wine

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Hey All,

Tomorrow is the last day of 2011; sucks that next year we're all going to die! And no, I don't believe in that type of stuff, but I will be there to party the night before. You can count on that one, and that I'll be rocking out tomorrow at midnight for my last New Year's Celebration! Anyway, the end of the year has got me thinking, "What stupid things happened this year that were blown out of proportion beyond belief?" So, here's what I came up with (and these are my opinions, by the way):

Kim Kardashian and her Wedding

Okay, who the hell is Kim Kardashian? I mean, I know who she is, but why is she stamped on the front of every newspaper and magazine while leading a nearly pointless career? And I can't hate on her for that, but I can hate on her that she became a millionaire before even lifting a finger doing any sort of dirty work. I plan on working for a living! Not benefitting solely from the profitability of my last name (although I could join Hanson, I look like them). Not only does her existence in the celebrity world make me feel useless, her wedding was just... ugh. The icing on an annoying, plastic cake. And the news couldn't get enough of it! I couldn't watch TV for the next month without catching a glimpse of her ass that they somehow managed to completely cover with a white cloth. And I almost slow clapped to myself when I heard that her marriage lasted a whopping two-ish months. Pathetic, and makes "love" look like a joke. God has a sense of humor in that he created her and her family.

Michelle Obama's Clothes

I have that dress, too.

The Hats at Kate and Prince William's Wedding

First off, ew. Secondly, what is the purpose of smacking pictures of these ridiculous contraptions all over the internet and magazine stands? I hope that People Magazine decided it was necessary because they were too funny not to pass up. But the problem is, regardless of whether or not that was the purpose of publishing them, people started buying into that nonsense! I can't even begin to think of the rise in sales in the hat industry. Women: what are you thinking?? That hat that looks like the underside of a crocodile looks absolutely ghastly on you. Might as well finish your jelly and fixate the jar on your head with some rubber bands and netting. Costs a lot less and you still can manage to look like an idiot! (Sorry, this one was so mean! Ah!)

But, I must admit, I enjoyed the wedding itself thoroughly.

Charlie Sheen

Plenty of other crack heads out there probably have funnier things to say than him. Who wants to listen to an arrogant asshole talk about himself all day? Not I, and neither does Denise Richards. That woman knew to get out of there as soon as Twitter became a prominent news source. I can't believe how many trending topics were focused on him. Although, the roast of Charlie Sheen was quite entertaining. Everything else actually encouraged me to stop watching Two and a Half Men just to spite him and his sad career.

Chaz Bono

If I want to see a sex change gone awry, I'll go to my nearest dragshow, thank you very much.

Lindsay Lohan's Playboy Debut (cause we know there's more to come)

Let's get some class, Lindsay. What is it with people's obsession with her? Is it the fact that she used to be all innocent in "The Parent Trap" and now she's the next best thing to porn? If that's the reason people love her so much, then we have an issue on our hands with some creepy weirdos living within our country's limits. It's disgusting (and sad) to me that she managed to have one of the highest sold editions in the magazine's history when you could easily go online and look at pictures of her naked without spending $4.99. At least save some money if you're going to be a creepo.

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Wow. My apologies on the ferocity and mercilessness of my ranting but I know you agreed with me on at least one or more of these 2011 headlines. Yes, I realize these are money-making stories with entertainment in mind, but in the midst of deadly earthquakes, anti-government bombings, and gubernatorial corruption, we need to get our focus back on track. Let's not dive into that, though. YUP.

In the words of the great Charlie Sheen: stay winning. (ew)

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Until next time,

erika

Thanksmas

Now Playing - You and Me by Rosie Thomas

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Hey All,

This is gonna be a short and sweet one. Last week I had the pleasure of spending the day with family in Wauwatosa for an early Christmas Extravaganza. The day involved eating til I couldn't fit anymore in my mouth, drinking a few Old Milwaukees and Manahattans, and watching the Packers get spanked by the Kansas City Chiefs (WHAT?!). Anyway, it got me feeling a little bit regretful that I hadn't been very receptive to extended family until I became an adult. The fun I had yesterday made me think of how I used to avoid family functions.

My brothers both live incredibly far away; one in Florida (soon to be South Korea) and one in Tennessee whereas I find myself in the upper half of the Midwest. I never appreciated what good friends I had in them until they were eons away. Nowadays, there are times when I break out in tears in the blink of an eye just thinking about how much I miss them. With this, it gets me thinking about every single person that's watched me grown up and been there for me and I've never been overtly thankful for their commitment to me.

To my extended family: my apologies on not reaching out to you until as of late. I only wish that we could be as close as some of my friends are to their aunts or uncles or cousins. And to my immediate family: you're the best thing in my life. If I could take you up to Milwaukee with me and give you a warm place to stay, I would in a heartbeat. And to my friends (family) in Bloomington: I never have forgotten you if I haven't seen you in a few years. You've all personally shaped my life in one way or another, and for that I can be nothing but thankful. I can only hope that I did the same for you.

Anyway, ALRIGHT! Merry Christmas (late) on a light note! Hope your smiles are as wide as my ass is today after eating almost to the brink of death yesterday. Love you all (even my random Russian and German readers)!

FAMILY!

(minus Ryan. I'll put him on the bottom, looking sassy, of course)

Until next time,

erika

Music Gr8's

Now Playing: Drunk by Ed Sheeran

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Hey, all!

I'm sure most of you know this, but I run. A lot. And not always because I want to, but because I have this man I call "Coach" that makes me get up everyday at an early hour I hope to never see again after I graduate. Luckily, now that I'm a senior, the Boss Man and I are as tight as a camel's ass in a sandstorm. This means a few days a week, I get to practice when I want to practice, when most of the other kids have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn.

So, the other night I was exercising alone on the indoor track, running countless laps with my iPod blasting my eardrums out of my skull. Unfortunately, when I run alone for an extended amount of time, I have to listen to music to keep my mind going. With that, I got to thinking, "I wonder if everyone can hear what music is playing?" With further self-deliberation, I realized that probably none of these people in here listen to what I listen to when I run. Or listen to what I listen to ever! I feel as if my brain was telling me to spread the news about some fantastic artists that many people haven't heard of. I'd like to think of myself as someone who has a good(ish?) taste in music, and I wanna show you all a few. Some of you maybe listen to these artists, some used to and are revisiting them, and some have never heard. But I think we all need a little of these slick musical pros -- in my opinion -- in our lives.

So, here's my top 8 (as of right now and in no particular order):

1. Kevin Hammond @iamkevinhammond

You're probably wondering the same thing: Why am I not dating that sexy man? And guys, you can even admit that he is a babe and a half. Come on, you don't have to tell anyone. Anyway, Kevin is actually from the Kenosha area and now tours across the nation spreading his talents across America. The guy plays all sorts of instruments, including acoustic guitar and piano, which harmonize perfectly with his vocals. He has the range of an angel, and manages to stay cute during the whole show. Songs like "Broken Down" and "Maybe" will undoubtedly repeat over and over in your head until all you can think about is Kevin serenading you at a candlelit dinner for two (or is that just me?). Regardless, reward your ears with a little audio pleasure and give him a listen; you won't be disappointed.

2. Cas Haley @cashaley



Cas made his debut in the music world during the second season of the hit NBC competition show "America's Got Talent." The guy entered the stage with a smile and an acoustic guitar and blew everyone away with his cover of "Walking on the Moon" (David Hasselhoff looks like a complete moron in this video, as usual. Plus, once Cas starts crying, I cry right along with him every time). Since then, he's come out with two albums, both of which are ear-candy and definitely worth downloading -- legally, of course. My personal favorites are "I Wish That I" and "Dread Head Dream," which both remind of evenings spent with toes in the sand. With his reggae beats and beach-bum style, his music is best listened to in the summertime with the windows down or around a campfire with friends. Ahh, I just love Cas.

3. Rick Seibold @RickSeibold

Yep, he's cute, too. And his voice? Cuter (although I'm not sure if he'd like the word "cute" describing his musical style). But regardless of what I think, look him up yourself. An old romance of mine sparked my love for him, and if anything good came from the relationship, it was discovering Rick Seibold's music. Although the video is a little creepy, check out "Mary." Everytime I treat myself by listening to it, my knee turns into a drum and my hands become the sticks. It's probably annoying, but great music makes me do strange things. While you're at it, listen to "Can't Go On" and "That's The Day." Well worth a download.

4. Angela McCluskey @angelamccluskey

Okay, so to be honest, I discovered Miss Angela in a Morgan Page's beat called "In the Air" that featured her throughout. Her fantastic addition to the song inspired me to scour the internet in search of more. And boy, was I happy I did that (see, mom and dad? House music can be useful... right?). Her raspy, 1930's-esque tone captures the room and fills the walls with soul and emotion. Although some may classify her as more of a "folk" artist, I consider her more jazz or blue-grass... at least her voice is. Regardless, she's wonderful. Check out her cover of the 1937 musical hit "My Funny Valentine" and her smashing piece "It's Been Done."

5. Mike Golden and Friends @MikeGoldenDaily

Somehow, a friend of mine that goes to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, has a connection to Mike Golden. So, I heard of his music through her raving about him and his group. Of course, I checked him out and fell in love. Clanking beer bottles paired with his guitar and amp, he pieced together my favorite song of his, "Stay Here." His EP that went along with that masterpiece, Trees Pt. 1, boasted several other fantastic hits. The second EP, obviously named Trees Pt. 2, holds my other favorite song, "Bones," which makes you want to yell along in the car with your eyes closed (although I wouldn't recommend this). To my friends in the Central Illinois area who don't know about Mike, go and see him! Now that I live in Milwaukee I can't go to his shows, so do it for me! And report back!

6. Diane Birch @dianebirch

Oh, boy. Diane Birch. Her CD "Bible Belt" consists of songs that make you want to cry, smile, scream and dance all at once. I can't find many other albums that packs so many feelings onto one disc. "Fire Escape" combines a phenomenal voice with raw emotion that you just can't help but sing along to. Although, there's a good chance you'll be an octave below or above because this girl has some damn range! And find yourself toe-tapping to her more upbeat song (rhythmically), "Valentino." She's definitely one everyone should take a listen to; someone with this much musical talent deserves it. Plus, she's such a cutie for you men out there!

7. Lissie @lissiemusic

Messy hair and freckles and all, Lissie is the whole package. Her single "When I'm Alone" came on 88.9 Radio Milwaukee on the way to work one day and I scrambled to copy down the lyrics so I could find it later and listen to it over and over and over. Which I did, happily. She's got a folky vibe to her, and as you explore her album "Catching a Tiger," a little country and bluesy-rock are pulled in. Look up "Cuckoo" and "In Sleep." Mmm, well worth it. Her rebellious nature is exuded throughout her CD, making her all the more badass. Plus, she's from Rock Island, IL: a small town to which I have a lot of ties to. Way to represent the Midwest, Lissie!

8. Jarle Bernhoft @bernhoft

First things first, yummy. Secondly, if I showed you an audio clip of this guy singing, you'd never know he was a small, nerdy-ish (but in a good way) white guy. You'd think more along the lines of a leader of a gospel choir or someone similar to John Legend. Not only can the guy sing, he often performs completely alone, using his guitar, beat boxing and a loop pedal that allows it to sound like an entire band is backing up his outstanding vocal cords. The song "C'mon Talk" (yeah, that's live) made me fall in love, along with others like "Choices" and "So Many Faces." Enjoy Jarle; I know you will.

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Long, I know. But so worth it! Take a look at these guys and expand your musical horizons! You'll be happy you did, and I'm willing to guess that some of the songs I talked about are going to be blasting through your headphones for the next few weeks. Thanks for hanging with me.

Until next time,

erika