This past weekend in Seattle was absolutely gorgeous. B and I made a point to be outside every possible moment because, wouldn’t you know it, it’s raining again today. And will do so until Friday. But then we will presumably have another lovely weekend, just in time for out annual Memorial Day camping trip. Anyway, here’s how I spent my summer weekend. Continue reading
What Happens In Vegas Goes on Flickr
Here are some pictures from our recent Vegas excursion.
I really loved the MGM Grand lions, especially since I learned they didn’t actually live in that tiny habitat.
Common children’s names which warrant license plate production.
What kind of nerd would pretend a garbage can was a Dalek?
Music in Pictures
As evidenced by my pictures from the Raconteurs show, rock shows are hard to photograph unless you are right up close.
Luckily, there was more going on at Tuesday’s Yelle show at The War Room than just fun French pop. The Brunswicks delighted in tormenting a passed out man whose reserved booth we pilfered, with hilarious results.
I had a great time at Yelle for not knowing most of the songs and not being able to understand any of the words apart from “garcon” and “merci bouquet”. Naturally, she spoke with a cute French accent, which, for some reason sounded a little fake. Especially when she said things like “Do you know how to zsnap your fingeaurs?”. She also smacked the hell out of her giant drum. It was pretty enthralling.
The crowd was pretty eclectic, but it did have the overwhelming feeling of being in an American Apparel showroom. SO MANY T-SHIRT DRESSES AND BELTS!
If you’ve never heard of Yelle, check out her retro-tastic video for his biggest hit which she played twice.
I know I don’t normally like dance music, since I am such an atrocious dancer. But I definitely had fun shaking my uncoordinated tush to Yelle.
Name Your Price, My Good Man
On Saturday, B. and I attended a birthday party/engagement party in the back room at the Spitfire Grill in Belltown. Even though it’s a sports bar, I have always loved the art in that place. They have this amazing ginormous painting of a dead sparrow, killed by an arrow to the heart, is being eulogized by anthropomorphic insects and other birds. It’s fascinating.
Anyway, I’d never been in the back room, but there was more interesting art back there including a trio of paintings of Ian Curtis.
I loved them immediately. I couldn’t stop staring at them. Out of happenstance, B. mentioned the paintings to the bartender; a chap named Zeb Ringer who was also the artist. Not only that, but the paintings were for sale. When B. told me this, I couldn’t help myself. I HAD to ask.
They were pretty reasonably priced, but still art prices. I asked the artist if he would sell one of them. He told me he couldn’t do that because they were actually a unified painting. He asked me to stand far back and look at the gray areas as one picture. I did. They were Ian Curtis’ face formed in the Manchester smog blanketing each painting. Incredible. I was sold.
Luckily, whatwith the poor state of my accounts, B. offered to buy them for us. He’s picking them up on Sunday. I am so excited! We have the perfect place for them in the front room. Come on over and see ’em!
Social Unrest Hits Home. Again.
Saturday, even after a very lovely day of BBQing and pokering and general merriment, our little love nest was once again invaded by some jerks. Beer had been flowing steadily since 4pm so we had some people crashing out in our guest room which is why, even though I currently sleep with a knife under my mattress ever since the robbery, I wasn't immediately startled when I was awoken by a noise at 3:30am. At first I thought perhaps it was one of our guests causing the banging noise. But the banging continued and I became increasingly concerned (and awake). I tried to wake B. who had only recently finished expelling the beer of the day. I asked if he heard the noise. “Uuuuuuuuh”, he responded. So I said I was going to check it out myself. Again, I thought it was just a pre-ordained house guest, so I wasn't too worried about it. I was just going to see if they needed some help!
But as I left the bedroom, I saw both house guests slumbering soundly in the guest room. This gave me pause and I grabbed my knife. The sound had been coming from the basement and the light was on, but I think it had already been on from our rad band recital earlier. Anyway, as I walked down the basement stairs, I noticed a draft and then I saw that the basement window was utterly shattered. There was a broom handle sticking through the window, so I ran back upstairs and peeked into the back yard. I didn't see anyone there so I went back upstairs to the bedroom and woke B. up, all the way this time. I told him what I'd seen and this seemed to aid in his becoming more lucid. Unfortunately we were both still a little drunk. Nevertheless, he grabbed a bat and we both walked around the house looking out the windows. I saw that the gate was open and surmised that a person entered through there and used our broom to smash the basement window but, having seen me running down the stairs, possibly even seeing the knife, decided to take off.
In the morning, we learned that they had also stolen our solar lights that lined the front walkway and brutalized our mail box. I was pretty freaked out. B. only slightly less so.
After our guests departed, we decided to call the cops. I didn't think to call them when it happened because a) the person(s) were already gone and b) last time, the cop that was dispatched wasn't a very big help so I didn't feel like dealing with someone who wasn't going to be helpful at 4 in the morning.
When the cops arrived, we showed them what had happened and they came to much the same conclusion that we had. Someone tried to break in but, for whatever reason, changed their minds. One of the cops, who looked like this:
gave me a bit of a lecture about brandishing a knife. He said that in most cases, the weapon is taken away from the homeowner and used on them so it's better to be unarmed. He also gave us some advice on how to beef up security. We were already working on getting those curtains put in so we don't live in as much of a fishbowl. We are also going to get some motion sensor lights and a security system. His advice for next time (considering this is the second home invasion in 3 months!) is to stay upstairs and call 911 right away. I see his point. If the perp hadn't seen me, he might have stuck around and the cops could have come and nabbed him. On the other hand, I'm less than enthusiastic about lulling a perp into my home with a false sense of security, on the off chance that it takes the cops a while to get there. Either way: WFT?!
I'm just starting to realize how exposed we really are. In the event of a zombie epidemic or other apocalyptic scenarios, House of B.P. must be evacuated for higher ground. We will immediately head to the homes of our friends in second floor or higher condos. Or maybe we should build a moat.
My co-worker mentioned that crime is up everywhere due to the recession. I can understand that. Seeing as how we didn't get our pay checks on Friday, I know that money is tight. And there's always desperate people in the world, but it's shitty that it was us again. And so soon.
Life Update in Pictures
Here are some things I've been up to:
January 08: B’s company Holiday Party with Sci-Fi theme.
February 08: Flew to Arizona, picked up a car and B. and drove back home.
March 08: Ides of March themed birthday party for Brick.
PS: Yes, I finally bought a flickr account. As an aspiring octogenarian, I am a late adopter.
Goodbye to Sunset
On Friday I went to the Sunset Bowl in Ballard for what I imagine will be the last time. I have fowl-weather patrons of the place to thank for an awkward and cold farewell to the place that we called home for so many weekends.
Where were all those crowds when Sunset seemed like it would be around forever? Granted, having droves of ex-greek types and general hard-partiers occupying the place on a regular basis would have kept us from feeling so at home there in the first place. But why do they feel the need to come to the Sunset now and prevent the die-hards from enjoying the last remaining days of a place that meant so much to them? I've been to the Sunset twice since they announced they were closing and both times people were forcibly removed from the premises. The first time, I don't doubt that the perpetrator was at fault. She was removed by two police officers and still hung around in the parking lot yelling at them and her companion for a long time after. We decided to leave before things possibly came to a head.
Last Saturday, it would appear that the ruckus was started by a Sunset employee, who became irrationally agitated when a patron, who was apparently there to promote the bar for a radio station, wouldn't stop loudly “wooing”. But everybody was making a lot of noise. That is one of the things that was making it hard for me to enjoy myself. I couldn't hear anybody or anything. Maybe that volume is the norm in Belltown and Pioneer square, but not at the Sunset Bowl Lounge. From our point of view, it would appear that this girl wasn't being any louder or more obnoxious than anyone else, but the Sunset employee suddenly couldn't take it anymore and exploded at the girl, screaming at her to “get the fuck out”. He also shook her table for emphasis. It was scary.
The air there has changed. It's no longer a comfortable place. It feels like people are ready to tear the place down with their bare hands, rather than a bulldozer.
The last song I sang at Sunset was “She's Like the Wind”. I dedicated it to its scribe and original performer, Patrick Swayze, who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unless the grassroots effort to save it moves forward, Sunset also doesn't have long to live.
It's hard to say goodbye to something you love, but sometimes circumstances make it just a little bit easier.
The Dangers of a "Free" Craigslist
You get harassed via email by strangers who think they know better than you and are also somewhat illiterate. I just HAVE to post the email correspondence that I've had this morning with a guy who responded to my free dresser ad:
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 9:25 AM
To: sale-591065651@craigslist.org
I can come get it right now.Call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX still available.Thanks
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 9:29 AM
To: Robby
Which are you referring to? I posted several pieces of furniture this morning.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 9:52 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
White dresser
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 9:54 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
I can come right now and get it.I would not hold it because there is alot of no shows on free stuff.
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 9:55 AM
To: Robby
Someone else has already expressed interest, but if they don't show, I will let you know. They are supposed to come tomorrow at 11. I am at work right now so unfortunately, I can't unload the item immediately.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Dude you are going to hold it that long get out of fhere.I dont hold nothing until the next day.I said I would come right now and get it.Tomorrow you will learn I dont HOLD ANYTHING.Call me when you are inroute.Most people dont show on free stuff.I said I would come right now.You will learn the hard way.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Tomorrow called say sorry have someone coming right now first come first serve.CALL ME WHEN YOU ARE INROUTE
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:13 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Most people dont show on fres stuff alot more thne on stuff you sell..I have have heard that from alot of people that is why you dont hold your stuff beyond the same day.Trust me take it from a person that has been selling online for 2 years.
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:14 AM
To: Robby
I believe you and have experienced it myself but I am at work right now so you wouldn't be able to get it till later anyway.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Why dont you delete the ad.I also said I would come get it today.I am just saying would not hold it until tomorrow tell them I have someone coming today.90% of the pople are no shows.Ball is in your court.I am not driving there after 3 pm from Everett today because traffic sucks on Fridays.My ph is XXX-XXX-XXX.
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:22 AM
To: Robby
Dude. Alright. I didn't delete the ad because I wanted to have backup in case they didn't show. And I AM doing first come first serve but I'm going by the person who emailed me first. To me that seems fair. Let me do this my way please thanks.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:26 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Back up get the fuck out of here probably have over 20 emails on that Dresser.I know how fast Dressers sell on the site.That is a $50.00 dressr and it would sell for that in one day white highboy.Email box probably has over 20 emails on the Dresser.Dressers are the number 111111111111 seeling thing on craigslist.That Dresser would sell for $50.00 in one day.I now for a face that your email is full on replyes on that dresser white highboy get out of here.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:28 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
I can beieve you are giving thqat thing away post that pic with an ad under furniture for $50.0 would be gone in one day.White highboy 5 drawer dresser sold.
At this point I stop replying to him.
Robby
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:30 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
Anything white with woman sells very very very fast.That Dresser would sell for $50.00 in one day.
Robby Lawson
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:38 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
I wont email you anymore.I am surprised you dont sell that dresser because it would sell very very very fast at $50.00 .I sell alot of dressers and they dont sit very long.White dressers are a very very hot seller with woman.WOuld have better luck with people showing.Post it Dresser white highboy 5 drawer as your heading and it will be gone quick trust me.
And then I get an email from another guy who sounds suspiciously like our Robby but may be just be some like-minded nutter.
billy smitty
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:40 AM
To: thebaxter
I would just come over pick it up picture post it and sell it and make $50.00 in one day like alot of othere people will do with free stuff like that your loss is there gain.Alot of the people on the site are doing that now.get it for free bring it home picture post sell $50.00 easy money.
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:43 AM
To: billy smitty
Thanks for your honesty. Don't come over.
billy smitty
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 11:51 AM
To: Jessica Baxter
I wont someone else will and do the same thing because you are stupid and give free shit away so someone else can make money or your stuff.Turn your trash into cash.Most people will tell you what you want to hear and go home picture post sell and make $50.00 woo hoo.
Jessica Baxter
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 12:04 PM
To: billy smitty
I really don't care. I just want it out of my house. Which is why it's free. Kindly fuck off and don't call me stupid. You are just making me never want to use Craigslist again.
billy smitty
Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
To: Jessica Baxter
Dont use it ask me if I care
At which point I stopped responding to Mr. Billy.
The End??
Tragedy at Starbuck's
Yes, I'm referring to the massive corporate layoffs, but more importantly, I'm concerned, horrified and devastated by the decision of re-instated CEO, Howard Schultz, to do away with the hot breakfast sandwiches.
Um…what?! No good reason is given for this. As far as I can tell, they are incredibly popular. They are also pretty much the only reason I GO to Starbuck's. Their drip coffee is crap and the rest of their pastry options are mediocre at best. I urge this Schultz fellow to reconsider. And I'm not alone.
For a look back on how the Starbucks breakfast sandwich has affected my life, I refer to you to three previous journal entries.
Goodbye…
The Starbuck's Breakfast Sandwich is dead. Long live the Starbuck's Breakfast Sandwich?
Cited for Jaywalking: The Aftermath
So I've just returned from the courthouse to content extenuating circumstances regarding my bullshit jaywalking ticket. Officer Wilford Brimley was not in attendance. The nice lady seemed to understand my points but said that “the best [she] could do is reduce the ticket to $35”. She also said that it wouldn't go on my license or anything so that's a plus, I suppose. When I told her that I've actually seen people jaywalk in FRONT of marked police cars and they haven't done anything, thus leading to my conclusion that I was singled out, she said that “it's up to the discretion of the officer whether or not they write tickets for this infraction”. In other words, Officer Brimley is a deeeeeick.
To add insult to the injury of my even being there, as I was waiting patiently at a stop light to cross the street away from the courthouse to head back to the office, a man with a limp (meaning, he couldn't run or even hurry) jaywalked across the street right in front of oncoming traffic.
Arg.
Encore:
(Thanks, Mark.)
Effed by the Wind 