Sweet Potato Fries

    I ordered sweet potato fries at the comedy club tonight, rare for me to order food. I found out the establishment is participating the Delta Airlines dining for miles program. A recent email said so. It went fine performing, doing jokes about a dress shop and Best Buy, an adult film actress, a love your laxative TV commercial, wanting to feel special, and constant gratitude.
    In the morning I heard the song 'There she goes' by Sixpence None The Richer while walking through the skyway. I had read about how the song is about drugs- 'Racing through my brain, pulsing through my veins'- but I know many songs are about this subject. It also made me think of another sixpence song, 'Kiss me', from the movie 'She's All That'. Riding the bus this morning I got a voucher for free tickets to the science museum, since I ride with somebody who works there. It is good until the end of June, so I have some time to use it and see the space exhibit.
   At the comedy club tonight, International Falls did ones about ageism, 115 days without HR, Prince as emergency contact, mom a hypochondriac, your last birthday party, and sewing a little heart, and bear for the dogs. Michigan did ones about wrong turn and into Canada, swinging like Spider-Man, and circumcision at age 4. Apron did ones about a Biggie Smalls tat, and a neighbor took his parking spot. Long straw did ones about grocery shopping at Target, looking like Tom Hanks, it was wishful thinking on Asperger's, Alzheimer's and a Zumba, and confidence not always good. Bus fare did ones about walk how this body walks, and won't be in the band Modest Mouse. The fancy comic did ones about a footrace with Christ, lottery winning odds, hanging in there, and on top of the world. No-mic did ones about walk a mile, Tom and Jerry, she's not a MILF, and a vibrator ad. There was a speaker in the bathroom, and a comedy show on one of the TV monitors.  

Constant Gratitude

    I still seem to be practicing 'Constant gratitude'- and I have been aware of it for a while. This was evident when a security guard at my office job said she had seen me in Youtube videos, likely from sketches I had done due to an invite from the Big Dog. So he was contacted about it on Facebook. I
also spoke of an HR rep who refused to give me my walking papers due to me often saying 'Thank you for hiring me' so somebody else had to do it. With a memory like mine, recalling most things good or bad,  I recall the rejections all too well. So I will be thankful when somebody gives me a chance.
   At the comedy club tonight, no-mic did one about a vibrator ad. Jersey video did ones about not wearing glasses, and a duck hunt. Nurses aide did ones about dating her boss, being confident about various things, and tinted windows. Long straw did ones about groceries at Target, yogurt, and a Cubs urn. Laundry did ones about a douche car, and a slap fight. Tetris did ones about a Harry Potter spell, OK Cupid, and Albert Camus. The MC will now be called 'wee bit' as he did this joke tonight. Others were about a condoms purchase, and deja vu. Bathtub did ones about boots on a dog, and one pull-up. Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, online banking, and is this your cat? Fever comic did ones about a hotel hot tub, dial-up porn, and a sniper vest. School bouncer did ones about check the fridge, niece moved, bike assembly, and lying to Grandma. Perkins did ones about no GQ model, Red Cross, a urine test, pay for Tinder, and Netflix is cheaper. Extra murder did ones about a Nike jump-rope, seeing a urologist, don't bring a cup, and Tokyo GI Joe. Show closer is headliner this week, a visitor from Chicago who is originally from Phoenix. She did ones about Hobby Lobby, birth control, crush its soul, just got dumped, he took the modem, why not just take the panties, throwing a spear, and caveman attraction.   

Merchants Of Doubt Movie

     I went to see the movie 'Merchants of doubt' in Edina this afternoon. I was getting caught up on reading the paper and noticed it was still in the area. I had some popcorn as well, I had to get both it and the movie ticket at the concession stand. It had the same director as 'Food, Inc.', a corporate farming documentary. I had seen this movie as well. Much of it was about the tobacco industry, but it also covered other industries who adopted the same tactics of hiring PR firms to prevent unfavorable laws from being passed. Some of these included flame-retardant furniture, and climate change. I have a calendar in my office from the Union of Concerned Scientists, they likely would say go see this movie. There was plenty of footage from news outlets, and talk shows like Glenn Beck. I recognized one of them being from the Morton Downey Jr. show, although it is not mentioned by name. Really odd to hear about one petition reportedly signed by thousands of scientists, then later discredited, but still being passed off as fact.
   I tried to order some books at the Barnes and Noble website but they refused to allow me to have it sent to my PO box, so I ordered it from Amazon instead. I mentioned it on Twitter, and already had it favorited by one fellow comic. And I made a reservation for seeing a play next weekend, 'Anne of Green Gables'. I found out it was already sold out for today, so I had to see what else works in my schedule.    

Who Will Save Your Soul, Jewel

    I was at Walgreen as I needed to pick up a few things and heard the song 'Who will save your soul', by Jewel, there. I went back to my car to get a coupon to use, but waited until the song was done. I was definitely waiting for the part about 'Addictions to feed and mouths to pay' as it is brilliant song writing. The video is inside a bathroom, I also recalled a man holding a fishbowl there. I like it as it is an honest song about the constant struggle of trying to live life, so it is good social commentary. I also point to lyrics like 'You got Social Security but that don't pay your bills' or even the observation of 'Who will save your soul, if you won't save your own'.
   I was later on at Rosedale mall in Roseville, where I saw a man wearing a Steelers jersey, number 86, Hines Ward. It did make me think of a fellow comic, who I call 'The Milwaukeean' so I did tell him about it on Facebook. I didn't get a photo as I learned a long time ago how it is good idea to get permission, and people tend to get irate with me when I don't ask for it.
   It was nice to get plenty of small things done. I started off the day with listening to some CDs, including 'Fontanelle' by Babes in Toyland, as I wanted to find the song I liked before from the first listen. It was the one about wanting out after finding out what they were like. It appears to be track 9, called 'Spun'. There are many times where it works to listen to punk music like this band, wanting to work out frustrations, the 'I don't care' attitude. The first stop outside of my home was for a breakfast sandwich at McDonald's, and I arrived about 10 minutes before they stopped serving breakfast. So I got to see them switch the menus, not the first time. I was bummed how they were out of orange juice so I had iced coffee instead. Before stopping at Walgreen I went to the bank and had change counted, then deposited in savings. It was typical, going there for this errand about every 2 months and it was $8.08, slightly more this time. There was a woman in front of me who had much more, in a Ziploc bag, something like $137. I usually don't put quarters in there, and like before the highest volume of coins was the pennies but the highest value was the dimes. I think this is because I get them often as change from the vending machines.
   After my Walgreen visit I went to the post office to mail a package and pick up what was in my PO box. A little surprised at what arrived already, now there is one item left that was just ordered this week. Even the comedy CD I ordered from Amazon was there. I listened to it when I got home. This is the second CD I have by this comic, I got the other when I first saw him perform. It is the Canadian that I opened for last June, and this was why I wanted the CD after hearing about it. This would be CD number 23 done by friends, 24 if you count a music CD as well. I knew I had to get going again and went to the library to print something from email, followed by going to JC Penney to use some gift cards. I got 2 pairs of pants and a pair of socks, it cost me just under $2 after using the gift cards. I also went to a book shop but the books I wanted were not available in store, so it means ordering them online. I wrote down 'Raid!' and WKRP, I may know why. The former is due to pest control issues, the latter due to a memory of this TV show.
    It was evening by then, and I started listening to Sub Teacher's AM radio show as I was driving home. Happy Meal and Ragu were his guests. Happy Meal spoke of his comedy CD, which I got a copy of last month shortly after it became available. Subjects discussed included diplomacy with Iran, Vladimir Putin is missing, and Ghostbuster movies. I went to the grocery store, then ate before I made it to the comedy club.
   I went to the comedy club tonight as I wanted to see School Bouncer perform, he was the feature act. Locks of Love was MC. Headliner was a visitor who said she was from New York, living in Los Angeles, and it sounded like moving to Atlanta. After the show I said I liked the jokes about the homeless woman in Los Angeles, making a reservation to eat breakfast, and 'I have a shoulder'. I laughed at most everything, and these three in particular I liked the most.    
    Locks of love did ones about self-driving cars, Omaha- welcome to the Big O, do you want a mirror?, Lorena Bobbitt, 8-day marriage, husband a truck mechanic, kiss the dog, and Oil of Olay along with ball fluffer and Brett Favre's bakery. School Bouncer had a Plotting hat on. He did ones about  doesn't know what bands are, hip-hop tat, kill you just cause, getting PETA money, puppies and kittens in coat, it's sideways, bed skirt and take my socks off, successfully single, athletic interview, he will come along in 2 months, French silk pie at 1 am, 8 bags of laundry, and check the fridge.
   The headliner also did ones about a pole dancing class, strippers can't be happy, I was cold in NYC too, and doesn't know what money is. Others were about we do it late and do it well, asking the married people if they would do it again, Enquirer has most fiber, Tyler Perry, and call her crazy she's crazy. She is not representing hip-hop, and there is nothing good after a 'but'.  

Lincoln Article, National Geographic

    I missed one bus tonight so while I was waiting for the next one I decided to go over to a Walgreen and get the Minneapolis paper. I also got a National Geographic magazine. It had an article about the Lincoln funeral train back to Springfield, IL.
    At the comedy club tonight, Tortoise did ones about shopping at the Gap, his dad a congressman, Lady Pac-Man, and Robin Williams as Santa. The former bartender did ones about Chuck-e-Cheese, no breakup just moved, why are you in PJ's at Hazelden?, need a phone booth, tater tots, and I want a kitten. Fantasia did ones about delivering for Domino's, and Steven Hawking. Pottery Barn did ones about expensive to be lazy, Kanye West, and valet driver. Others were about being engaged, and sex offenders and drug dealers. Bus fare did ones about seeing a therapist, McRib left the menu, just waiting for the bus, and Whitney Houston. Rut-roh did ones about bosses aren't cool, asking for life insurance, there's always tinder, sweaty as a cook, and baking soda. Big Dog did ones about a dog sitting fiasco, Tijuana ghetto, prowling streets, bringing his dogs was gloating, and suicide by cop. Extra murder did ones about seeing a urologist, Van Damme spin kicking, Wilson the neighbor, don't bring your own cup, and slapped his hand away. Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, MOA and Southdale, and spoon and cherry with Orange Julius. Others were about hopscotch and Fuddruckers. Perkins did ones about paying for Tinder, Netflix is cheaper, you're no GQ model, his sister raising kids in a storage locker, and ferrets. Woody did ones about got fired and car repo'd, uncle a debt collector, and a mouse in the apartment. Brew did one about student loans. A tall comic back from LA did ones about a lumberjack that survived the holocaust, how's your day going?, and a secret menu at Starbucks. Ragu did one about what he kept in a breakup. Red hair did ones about gay enough to teach gym, bad sex and Mortal Kombat, and a manic episode. Red-faced comic did ones about a yelp review, a dirty fork, Craig T. Nelson, and too happy. Fish noodle did one about rednecks on TV.

Kowalski's Catering

    We had a town hall meeting at the office in the afternoon, and it was catered by Kowalski's. There was some sushi, and meat wrapped around green beans along with cookies. I sampled most of the goodies available. Tonight I had the time to review the Toby Keith bar and grill after visiting there this month when I was in suburban Chicago. I got an error message after posting the review. So I don't know what it means yet, if it is no longer in the program like Little Caesars Pizza.
    I watched a syndicated rerun of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight. It was the one about Raj becoming a temporary replacement of Leonard as Sheldon's roommate since Leonard was dating Priya, Raj's sister. There was no prime time episode due to the college basketball tournament. I watched some of it, Notre Dame beat Wichita State and Kentucky mauled West Virginia. I had things I wanted to get done like get a check written for a membership. I went out to get a sandwich at a gas station and got a Canadian penny in the change, so I added it to the collection I have. Since this was on my mind I made it a comment on Bus Fare's Facebook status update. I got 3 likes to it when I asked if anyone was impressed by it. This was in response to his story of a man trying to impress a bartender with his collection of gold coins.        

Star Wars Bubble Bath

    Tonight I was at a CVS pharmacy and saw Star Wars bubble bath, so I got a photo of it. There was 3 kinds- Darth Vader, R2D2, and Yoda. When I made it to the comedy club I showed it to one of my friends. I had a dental appointment after work and as usual the dental assistant asked me about any concerts I had attended lately. I spoke of seeing Pitbull last month. No I haven't seen Bruno mars, as I don't know his music that well. When I spoke of my cousin's wedding scheduled for June and about his wedding that wasn't (four years ago), she spoke of reading something about ill-fated weddings in India.
   My department met with our new HR rep this afternoon. Hard to say if any improvements will result from the meeting. I did some more special request cases for the political science guy and we have eliminated the backlog. There was no Wii dancing today, the event coordinator is out of town on business or on vacation. Not sure which one, but a neighbor spoke of it in some form. There was plenty of goodies in the office, mostly in a conference room near underwriting. I had a bagel, donut, and tortilla chips.
    At the comedy club tonight, Ragu did ones about Titanic on fire, playing landlord at a party, and being an Obama contributor. Duffel bag did ones about Ugly Duckling, slightly less awkward bird, doesn't accept compliments well, and trouble in paradise. Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, MOA and Southdale, Dairy Queen/spoon and cherry, and hopscotch. The brothers were there. The shorter one did ones about fight with a midget, sleeping on the bus, lost and found box, and parade and drive by shooting. The taller one did ones about already look homeless, sell the guitar, bike on a train, living in part of a house, and it's your bathtub. Magic Man did ones about can you make my wife disappear?, motivational speaker, and garbage man. Long straw did ones about grocery shopping at Target, do I have Asperger's?, chased squirrel around tree, a Cubs urn, and exercise bike. The crow did ones about waiting tables in Hopkins, shape of potatoes, order from kid's menu, and destroy kid's art. Maryland did ones about Disney movies, and 'Friends' on Netflix. Red hair did ones about gay enough to teach gym, youth of America, push-up bra, bad sex and Mortal Kombat, and dog marking territory. A tall comic did a Ray Romano impression, and one about Frontier Airlines.    

Book Shop Closed

    When I was at the comedy club tonight, I spoke with another comic about book shops. I have been to various Barnes and Noble locations, and was told how the one in St. Paul had closed. Sure enough, after the show I went there to check it and it was empty inside. I shop at various places to get books, sometimes used books at secondhand stores like Goodwill. I am also likely to look at the one inside Mall of America.
    At the comedy club tonight, International Falls did ones about caress hair in a porta-pottie, birth control pills, street harasser, only dates atheists, no HR person at 112 days, and Prince as an emergency contact. Whopper did ones about how I'm real on resumes, do the social media, and what school did you go to? in crowd rap. Nurse's aide did ones about calling out crowd members, dating her boss, don't want a diamond ring, getting better tips, merlot and steak, carpet and drapes, and a man's job. No-mic did ones about MILF-she wasn't it, vibrator ads, river-walk and Alamo, and chain wallet and dignity. Blind Side did ones about hipsters, Instagram and Russia, State of Union and Netflix, a good mistake to make, lease a Hyundai, being adopted, weird babies, and Frankenstein. Big Dog did ones about a wild macaw in the corner, human metronome, bad porn dialogue, dog ran away when he was a dog watcher, do you have a picture?, Tijuana ghetto, and the search party.

Beggin For Thread, Banks

   When I was driving to the comedy club tonight, I liked hearing a song on my car radio- part of it. I had to look it up later by lyrics I remembered, 'Something you don't understand' and 'What you're getting yourself into'. I am sure it was 'Beggin for thread' by Banks, since it sounded like what I heard after another listen on Youtube. First try was Relient K, and I recalled a sultry lady's voice which wasn't them. 'Thinking you had it under control' was another lyric that works for me. The song tempo works fine, not too fast or slow. And I think we all know what it is like to experience something we don't understand, and not know what we're getting ourselves into.
    At the comedy club tonight, the brothers performed but I can't read my notes for the first. The second was the taller one, he did ones about Waldo, bike on train, and a studio apartment. Ragu did ones about Insane Clown Posse, playing landlord, and a leaf blower. The rapper comic did one about scramble. Red-faced did ones about children of rice, and 1st one, no-win. Fantasia did ones about girls like jerks, Michael Jordan, and Domino's Pizza. Mr. Pibb did ones about hopscotch, Rihanna, MOA and Southdale, and online banking. Resistable did ones about a waterbed, adopt a highway, what cats eat, carpet/drapes, football Rudy, Applebee's, and Nicki Minaj. Sub teacher did ones about Comcast, Mozart, domestic terrorists and strippers, and a cucumber. Postage stamp did one about talk about it for fun, make them uncomfortable. Maryland did ones about a dress at Target, Urkel, high horse, drunk Muppet, and Disney movies. I got a shout out from Perkins, who did ones about diet lemonade, a storage locker, pay for Tinder, Netflix cheaper, Gatsby, and no GQ model. University accountant did ones about a subway game, cotton candy, Fantastic Sam's, Beatles and Bieber, and KFC. Louisiana did ones about a bottomless mimosa, pollen, bunk beds, and being an only child. Fargo number 25 did ones about Redtube, marriage/mirage, a flasher, honey pot, grin and bear it, and being dumped. Fever comic did ones about his mom in Florida, say you're 51, a gated community, and spring break. Bathtub did ones about a pepper garden, a squirrel, the movie 'Castaway', Domino's tracker, nutty bars, sour patch kids, and colonize Mars. Opera singer did ones about bless you, Bible drinking game, pizza buffet, cougar bait, Warren Buffett and the budget, opera pick up lines, ice breaker, and Mean Joe Greene.  

Horrible Bosses 2 Movie

    I watched a Redbox rental movie this morning, 'Horrible Bosses 2'. I saw it because I got a poster for it at the comedy club since they were promoting an advance screening there. I had seen the original for the same reason. I am a big Bob Newhart fan and he was in the original, in cameo, but it was no big deal that he wasn't in this sequel. Like most sequels I didn't think it was as good. The Jason Bateman character was the voice of reason, and the others were idiots. The storyline was often ridiculous, so this movie can be best described as campy and a farce. The trio was inept at planning a kidnap for ransom, and it was funny on some level that it was pointed out right away why it wouldn't or didn't work. In terms of the bosses brought back for the sequel, it worked better to have Jennifer Aniston than Kevin Spacey as her sex addict support group added more to the story than visiting Kevin's character in prison. I do notice cars at times, and liked seeing a classic car in it during one scene. At first I said the car must be a Ford Torino but then I said Ranchero, close enough, as the two have similar bodies to them but a Ranchero has a truck box. The movie was all right, definitely for those who like screwball comedies. As usual, the outtakes are often just as funny as what was left in. I liked the references made to other movies, '9 to 5', and 'Fight Club'. There were previews as well, but nothing really appealed to me. One of them was about an earthquake in California.
   There was plenty on my to-do list today and I got to all of it. Besides the movie I also wanted to listen to two CDs from friends. One was opera singer's music CD, actually not the first time I had heard it. I wanted to listen to the instrumental songs more closely. I felt like I was able to pick up when keyboards were in it, even though in most songs I tend to hear drums and guitars the most. The effect from keyboards was good, I made a comparison to the Christmas song 'Deck the halls' on my Facebook review. The other CD was from a comedy show this weekend. Some of the jokes I had heard at the show and some I hadn't. One standout to me was 'Why would I make that up?' about her husband, reminding me of being on a date last year and I was asked if I was really that age. So it worked because it was relatable. Others I liked were delivered by a clown, salt on frogs, hippo deaths in Africa, voices go up octaves, you won't graduate, Hillary is a monster, drive through Candy-land, and sometimes my food talks to me. She is really good at making fun of stereotypes, and I like hearing some history jokes since it was my college major. She does these jokes since her husband is a history teacher.  
   Other things I did today was dishes and trash, and getting photos at Walgreen. I hadn't done them in over a month, and added 6 more to the 'Ring of honor', now it is up to 67. I also shared some from the first show I went to on Saturday. It snowed a lot today, I had some minor trouble getting back with the photo order, sliding down a hill but I hit a curb with one tire and that was all, wasn't going fast and it helped that nobody else was on the road at the time. I also finished getting some more baseball cards into binders, just over 100 and just 6 duplicates.  

Harriet Tubman

    Harriet Tubman was mentioned at a comedy show I attended tonight. I went to two shows and the headliner at the second show spoke of touring her home in upstate New York. I was impressed with the headliner at the first show, a visitor from Chicago, as well.
    First show I attended started off with two dancers, I think it was the front-woman of a local band and Grizzly Adams. I think I will now refer to the former as 'Chameleon' since I said she changes her outfits often like another musician does- Madonna. She wanted to know if she could quote me, I said I wasn't sure who reads the blog outside of the comedy community. Then Grizzly did an introduction with Bathtub. Next performer was Mr. Pibb, who did ones about a cop in the trunk, a serial arsonist, clowns and commitment, is this your cat?, police lineup, cat burglars, Rihanna, take them to South-dale, not raised by gas station, and IUD poking. Grizzly does an inner monologue. Then we have International Falls, who did ones about birth control, casual sex, caress hair in a porta pottie, no HR person at social services, street harasser, and police dog poem. Bathtub did a video about roasting what some animals were doing. Laundry did ones about used hot dogs, dog whistles, bakery prison and whore, roundabouts, and sex over consequences. Bathtub does a video with his dog. Then he does jokes about being on Last Comic Standing, tracking on Domino's Pizza, petting zoo at wedding, and stolen babies. Poster artist does a peasant video, and one outfit he wears reminded me of Blues Traveler front-man John Popper, especially the hat. Grizzly follows, and did ones about walking cats, 5 years in 10 minutes at a doctor appointment, throw away popcorn, and one dollar at a gas station. Wisconsin guy did ones about the Target clinic, spring break, erectile ads, chardonnay, and Edmund Fitzgerald beer. The Chicago visitor did ones about I'm going in to the bank, make it available, Star Trek, fraud and frog, car at Pearl Jam, booted car while doing laundry, rabbit hop in, Mega-bus phase of career, reciting some of Casey At The Bat, and camp chaperone.
    The second show was nearby. The MC did ones about just felt right, studio apartment, generic cereal, go in garage and wait, work construction, AARP letters, cougar siting in city, bring girls, and trash can baby. Wisconsin guy was next, and did ones about erectile ads, Whole Foods, and spring break. Others were about the Seattle bus station, and hometown hockey players. Three by three did ones about St. Patrick's Day drinking, a wedding gig, golf clap, drug deal behind bushes, picking her up and grunting, you can get anything you want, pie/pi, resume typos, dirty talk, wash hands/happy birthday, and that was 20 years ago.     
     The headliner was somebody who has been a Facebook friend for a while, but I think this was the first time I had seen perform. She did ones about birthdays, delivered by Slappy Mae, pray for dead squirrel, pray then order lobster, you're worldly, baptized 3 times, moving to Minnesota, meeting other football coaches, Eminem and Red Rover, and meeting in-laws. Others were about being a DINK couple, ice cream man playing slow jams, lingerie from in-law, husband teaches history, hippo deaths in Africa, they're from Disneyland, create diversion start fight, and Oprah Winfrey and the Underground railroad. Then there were ones about tweet to Delta, champagne and bag is found, we want to meet you, same day the kid went to Las Vegas, inflate air mattress, shout at scary movie, neo Nazi cocaine dealer, X-box, sugar dealer house, got to have caffeine, Nicki Minaj, happy birthday sheet cake, and did weed and talks a lot. I liked getting her CD after the show, and it was signed as well. and she was added to the 'ring of honor'.

Haircut Near Capitol

     I got a haircut near the Capitol late in the afternoon, after I was at a mentoring event at the zoo in Apple Valley. It was great getting more than just the haircut, as I also got some postcards and a small bag of popcorn. I had found this place last month but they are closed on weekends, so I had to figure
out when it worked in my schedule. I did get a story about cutting hair of governors, it was Albert Quie who was a one-term governor. There was a problem with the air conditioner and the governor made some calls to have it corrected. I also had one about this governor, as I have a history book that once was owned by him when he was a US Congressman, it was stamped inside it.
   At the comedy club tonight, Morton Salt did one about the stock market. Fantasia did ones about Domino's Pizza, a cat scan, Steven Hawking, and a job interview. Mr. Pibb did ones about Rihanna, Robin Hood, Dockers, and a locker room. Bathtub did ones about a pepper garden, a squirrel, the movie 'Cast Away', and Mark Hamill. Grizzly Adams did one about an inner monologue, Chuckster, and was wearing a wig and hairnet. Laundry did ones about a douche-mobile, a flatbed truck, the Avalanche vehicle, an office survey, and dog whistles. Ragu did ones about Insane Clown Posse, and campaign emails. Wisconsin guy did ones about Whole Foods and Spring Break. Apron did ones about JFK at a bar, as well as a neighbor and his parking spot. Rut-roh did ones about cough syrup and Bone Thugs, rhetorical questions and movies, Topper Pizza slogan, bosses aren't cool, Sarah Jessica Parker, and chess with Bob Seger. Red-faced comic was playing a guitar, calling himself Johnny Cupcakes if I am not mistaken. He did one about bill my heart. Tortoise did ones about being a freelance detective, Robin Williams and Santa Claus, and shop at the same Gap.

84 Days

    I passed by a closed door at the office today and a homemade sign on it said '84 days'. I knew this was the 'Inner sanctum' of our main I.T. guy. I inquired further with others as to what it meant, and was told he was retiring and he is counting down the days to it. In the afternoon I had two pieces of this month's birthday cake as my birthday was this month. A colleague who sits near the notary table said I should have a second piece since it was my month.
   I watched a syndicated rerun of 'Big Bang Theory' this evening. It was the one where Penny told a bully to give back what he stole from Sheldon. I was quickly reminded how there would be no prime time episode tonight due to the college basketball tournament. I didn't watch it closely, but I know one game was Purdue vs. Cincinnati and the next one was Kentucky, who mauled a 16 seed. I did get caught up on some paperwork, getting the check for my U. of Iowa Alumni Association membership ready. A notable email was from D.C. native, as I gave him my Hotmail address as he announced on Facebook that he was quitting that site.
   My recent visit to suburban Chicago is still on my mind, evident with one of my song selections on Youtube. it was 'Tonight, Tonight' by Smashing Pumpkins. I did sing a little from it when we were about to touch down at O'Hare, as seeing the skyline and Lake Michigan reminded me of the song. One of the lines in it is 'In the city by the lake', and that was the line I sang. Front-man Billy Corgan is a suburbanite so it seems obvious as to what city he is referring to. One of the things that put it in my mindset was going through souvenirs again and deciding to get the postcards into a photo album. They were bought at three different places. Some others were free, and I like getting some in there that are really just advertising like the one from the hotel with Subway sandwich coupons. Or one from this week's parade about ticket plans with the St. Paul Saints baseball team.

Worm Ice Cream

    At the comedy club tonight, I led off with a joke about worm ice cream, in reference to a book I read as a kid, 'Super-Fudge'. One of the characters in it suggests it as a flavor. A comic before me spoke about worms and it was what triggered the memory.
     Long Straw did ones about Tom Hanks movies, jeans to the gym, confidence isn't always good, a Cubs urn, groceries at Target, and childhood insult. Mr. Pibb did ones about a Rihanna song, stealing from Macy's, looks like a snitch, take them to Southdale, and hopscotch course. Tortoise did ones about being immortal, shaking hands in bed, evil crazy guy, and freelance detective. The brothers also performed. The taller one is also first in the alphabet. He did ones about already looking homeless, and rides the train often. He also referred to the TV monitor still being on behind him. He was followed by somebody who did ones about a charity auction and a shaving cut. Perkins did ones about a shaving cut, Netflix is cheaper, GPS locations, coral reef tank, and the booze factory. Magic Man did ones about Tom Tom navigating, I have Siri now, HR manager at Minnesota Daily, and a swimming lifeguard. Duffel bag did ones about Good Charlotte music on the bus, still has a driver permit after 10 years, and worms after the rain. She had multiple smiley faces on her sweater. No-mic did ones about walk a mile in his shoes, became a vegetarian because of who he dated, a dream about meat, BBQ chicken, and fake bacon.

Gumby In Parade

     I went to see the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown St. Paul near my workplace at midday. I got plenty of pictures, one of them was of Gumby. Well I guess he is green, and we do like green things on this day. I saw a horse at the end of the parade that kept backing up, then went forward. Not sure if the horse was spooked.  I liked getting some souvenirs, including a St. Paul Saints medallion necklace celebrating the opening of their new stadium in May.
   I liked seeing plenty of familiar faces at the comedy club tonight, including the Big Dog and School Bouncer. Both were added to the lineup. I did many of the same jokes as Monday, but this time I also did the one about visiting the Hemingway Home in Oak Park over the weekend. Some were not on my list but I read the crowd reaction when I took the stage and made reference to how friends at times will laugh before I even tell a joke.
   After I got home I decided to order some postcards on E-bay. Since I was in Chicagoland recently it reminded me of some postcards I can get of Des Plaines. One was of a Metra commuter train, and the other three were of a place called the O'Hare Inn at Mannheim and Higgins. One of these three is postally used from 1976. Sometimes I like having these kind as it can be fun to read what the sender wrote. And of course there is a stamp. It does remind me of how the postcard I sent myself has not arrived yet, but it should be soon. 
    Louisiana was MC tonight. He did ones about book learning, fired from a head shop, business casual, butterfly kisses, Neosporin, and a phone battery. School bouncer did ones about car wreck stats, building wells in Africa, and sunblock at a swimming pool. A comic I will call Woody did ones about oil changes, a mouse problem, get a cat, he has kids, and pack a briefcase. Brew did ones about paying off student loans, eating at McDonald's, avoiding eye contact on Tinder, dating a dumb girl, and books on Netflix. A comic who does a rap persona did ones about his raps are on Youtube, and is Redbox open? Bronze did one about Auto World, and the movie 'Roger and Me'. Ding Dong did ones about rescue me a beer, band of merry pranksters, stole all the communion, and urn on storage wars. Big Dog did ones about being a dog sitter and it ran away, do you have a picture of it?, prowling the streets, and a search party. University accountant did ones about motivated running, peeling the plastic, the 99 problems song, kickboxing class, and bottles of beer on the wall. Airport bartender did ones about green beer, male cheerleader in high school, long term lease, what crying feels like, and DUI and Little League.

Brave, Sara Bareilles

   When I was driving home tonight from the comedy club I liked hearing 'Brave' by Sara Bareilles on my car radio. As usual, I found lyrics that were relatable. 'Say what you want to say, let the words fall out, I want to see you be brave'. Others were mention of a cage, and a history of silence. I had heard it before, but hadn't really listened to it all that closely.
    In some respects it seemed appropriate as I spoke of bravery to the Netflix comic after the show. It was in reference to leaving my native Iowa for suburban Chicago, saying I was young enough and courageous enough to try it. She preferred saying 'Brave' instead of courageous. And of course I was thinking about Chicago-land as I had just wrapped up my annual visit. I may have written about it before, how I seem to have to be brave all the time and wish I didn't have to be so brave. But I largely have no choice, and I have known this for a while. If I talked to enough people I might find out there are some who have struggled as much as me, or more so.
      The jokes I did went well, first time performing at this venue aside from speaking at the Bill Young memorial. I did ones about the free ice cream at Dairy Queen, my weekend visit to Chicago-land, the doomsday clock, and some of the birthday wishes on Facebook for my birthday just over a week ago. I did get a photo of the sign at a Dairy Queen location in reference to free ice cream cones, but it looked much busier than typical so I took the photo and left as I wanted to be on time at the comedy club.
     There of course were some others who performed. The nurses aide did ones about being confident about various things, dating rules, an ex on Judge Judy, double life, end tables match TV stand, merlot and steak, water bottle and family, and tinted windows. New Ulm mayor did ones about Obama-care, Prozac, and artistic day care. Tortoise did ones about Ben and Jerry, and couch potato transition. A comic that runs the ticket table did ones about being so Irish that only Bono knows, the Blarney stone, and the 'Danger Zone' song played. Netflix did ones about being afraid of emotional intimacy, cover your 3rd eye, you get options, dogs on back of fire trucks, who brought the Teddy Grahams?, Anne of Green Gables, makes fun sound bad, and jealous of the bear. Blind Side did ones about cleaning the copier, role play as Mike Oher, Instagram, hipsters and Russians, mystery tippers, other women getting murdered, and gazelles at the watering hole.

The Ballpark At Rosemont

    I started the day at my hotel in Elk Grove Village. I liked having the continental breakfast again, but this time I decided to have the 'Make your own waffle'. Before my flight back to the Twin Cities departed, I went to see the 'Ballpark in Rosemont'. It did remind me of some minor league baseball stadiums I had seen before, but it appears to be a softball venue. One thing evident is that it is on 'Jennie Finch way' as this is a famous softball player. She was one of those who participated in the celebrity softball game I saw as part of the All-Star Game festivities last summer. It surprised me how there was a softball game in progress, more so than being able to walk in and nobody asked for a ticket. But I got a few photos and I left as I didn't have much time.
     I made an appointment for Heavenly Massage in Mt. Prospect before I went to Rosemont and found it to be helpful as usual. While being worked on I thought of one appointment when I lived in the area, at another location, possibly Morton Grove. The Mount Prospect location wasn't open yet. The therapist was an older woman and spoke with me some, likely more than most do. She said I looked like I was young enough that I should be out on the town at some nightclub or bar. Really odd to think about this now, as this is now what I do when I go to the comedy clubs. I am still wondering why, in my mind, I am more comfortable in this environment when it is a comedy club. There are sure enough similarities between the two kinds of venues, but some notable differences as well. The therapist today didn't say much to me, and I am fine with it. I know, this is hard to understand for some of you, readers. Hearing that at times I am not chatty by any means. But I do believe in a time and place for everything.
   There was a minimal delay, about 20 minutes, on the flight back to the area. When checking in I was asked if I wanted to give up my seat as it was overbooked apparently, but I haven't done this before and it still doesn't interest me at all. I am the type that likes sticking to a schedule I have already made, so I didn't consider changing it at all. After finding out the next flight would have been two hours later, it was a good idea. I told myself I had already turned in the rental car, what else would I do while waiting, have a drink at the airport bar? It was great to use a concourse connector bridge at MSP, for some reason I hadn't seen it before. This made it easer to get to one of the Snoopy statues I like to see each time I am at the airport. I know when I have two chances at seeing it- departure and arrival- sometimes it is best to wait for the arrival flight, less sense of urgency of course.
   When I got back, as expected I was tired and didn't want to do much but rest. But I had no choice but to get to the grocery store for my weekly order. After watching The Simpsons, I fell asleep briefly then got ready to go do laundry. I liked hearing a song by Pink, 'Get this party started', in this episode, about trying to replace Duff Man. One of my photos today was as after I was finished doing laundry. I saw a row of chairs and one of them was broken.

Unity Temple, Oak Park

    I made it back to Oak Park today and had planned on making it to the Hemingway museum. But it was not to be, as I decided to inquire about the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings there. After finding out the Unity Temple would be closed in a few months due to renovation for two years, I decided to tour it. This building is across the street from the post office, and I noticed some similarities to another F.L. Wright building I had seen, the hotel in Mason City, IA. This was true on the inside with the stained glass. I did get some souvenirs at the nearby Wright home and studio, three postcards and knowledge cards. So this is the fifth Wright building I have now seen, and four of them have been in the past three years. I will have to admit that it is hard for me to get to everything on my list when I have just 48 hours. For my next visit I will have to tour the Hemingway museum and the Wright home. Seeing the post office was nice, a stately building. There was two murals inside. There was also a reminder of the 'Haves and have nots' as I saw some homeless people on the steps outside the post office, and one of them greeted me. In the evening I went to the Wolves hockey game in Rosemont, Wolves lost to the Utica Comets 4-0. I got the rally towel giveaway as well as the Breakaway magazine. Two goals were in the first period, at the midway point and near the end. Third goal was about 8 minutes into the second, and the final one was an empty-netter with about 2 minutes left. It was adopt a dog night, and there was a jersey auction, one of them was from national anthem singer Wayne Messmer.
    I got a Lech beer (from Poland) and some cashews at a Jewel-Osco grocery store after the game as I like having a drink while I reflect upon the day. I find this makes it easier for me to write about it, as I am more comfortable and relaxed. Before I started writing in my hotel room, I had some minor trouble getting the bottle open. I know some hotels have openers built in somewhere, I have seen them at Motel 6 locations. I pride myself in being resourceful, so I found a way. I searched for what might grab the bottle cap the same way. I noticed the bathroom door worked, where the bolt goes in. It did fizz and splash a little of course, so I got out a towel and cleaned it up right away. I am watching Saturday Night Live, it is a parody of the Jay-Z story. The best way to review my time back in Chicagoland over the weekend is to go through the souvenirs I have picked up. Two postcards were bought at the grocery store tonight along with the beer and cashews. Before I went to Oak Park today I went to the Des Plaines post office to get stamps so I could send myself a postcard. I didn't want to wait in line so I used a stamp machine, minimum was 3 stamps, flags. There of course is music in the air that I notice, after the game on the radio it was 'I'm yours' by Jason Mraz, a reminder of starting comedy in 2008. At the hotel while checking email it was 'Complicated' by Avril Lavigne. At the hockey game it was 'Heartbeat Song' by Kelly Clarkson, 'Umbrella' by Rihanna, 'Chicken Fried' by Zac Brown band, and 'Funhouse' by Pink.

John Caparulo

    I am attended the John Caparulo comedy show tonight, in Rosemont, as I am in suburban Chicago for the weekend. He was on a DVD I bought in the past year called 'Vince Vaughn's wild west comedy show'. MC asked who was from out of town and I said I was, but I once lived in the area. So he made a joke about the Jehovah Witness Protection Program. Feature act did a joke about the Harrison Ford plane crash on a gold course. Headliner did ones about how he and his wife are expecting a child soon. Another was about earthquakes in California shaking like bill collectors. He was wearing a Pontiac Fiero shirt. I met him after the show and got a photo.
     I made it to the Hemingway home in Oak Park, it was the first place I went to after getting my rental car at O'Hare airport. When trying to get a photo of his favorite uncle on the upper level of the house during the tour I nearly fell down the stairs as I was unaware of having run out of room when backing up. I needed a moment after this happened. I liked seeing two Emerson Hough books in the bookcase on the lower level, Mississippi Bubble and Heart's Desire. There was also a bust of Lincoln, and two of Beethoven, the latter reminding me of Schroeder the piano player from the Charlie Brown comic strip. I arrived at the Hemingway museum down the street just minutes before closing, and got a photo of the bust of Hemingway there. Then it was up to Des Plaines, where I had a McDonald's shamrock shake, my first of the season. This was at the location across the street from the first Ray Kroc McDonald's. After this it was on to the Gift Depot where I got some postcards, and one of them will be the one I send to myself near the end of my time in town. I was taught this at the Loft in a travel writing class, it is a good way to remember the travels. Before the comedy show I went to eat at the Toby Keith bar and grill in a pedestrian mall, next to the comedy venue. I chose it as it was listed on the Delta Airlines dining for miles program. I had a pulled pork sandwich, the fries there are called freedom fries on the printed menu. Also in this mall was the Big Ten conference home office, and a movie theater. After the comedy show I went to Elk Grove Village and finally checked into my hotel. It was booked through Hotels dot-com. The parking lot was full, but the desk clerk showed me where to park, in a lot at a hotel next door.

Amsterdam, Guster

      I finally looked at a CD I bought at a Goodwill in January, and found out it wasn't what I thought it was. The liner art said it was Incubus greatest hits, but the CD inside was 'Keep it together' by Guster. I still decided to listen to it a little, after reading the Wikipedia article about the band. The song 'Amsterdam' sounded familiar to me. But when I played some other tracks it skipped and didn't sound right, and there are multiple scratches on it. So I will be destroying it. As I recall I already had an Incubus CD, but not greatest hits, anyway. The one I already had was bought as I liked the song 'Drive'. As I recall I paid a nominal amount like a dollar so I am not out much money here. And I am aware this is more likely to happen at this kind of secondhand store, where items will get switched around. So it is definitely a case of 'Buyer beware'.
      I liked getting caught up on paperwork in other areas, and it meant getting some items like comedy souvenirs in sheet protectors. One of them was the online article I printed of opera singer's band performing at the Cabooze in Minneapolis last month. I printed the form to write notes on it.
     Another item going in the binder is a page of comedy set notes. I write these on the back of scraps of paper like ATM receipts. Whenever I get a full page, usually four of them taped onto it, then it is time to get them into plastic.
   After feeling satisfied with what I got done, I went out to the Family Dollar store to get wood glue for a drawer on my chest of drawers falling apart. While there I found a DVD I had meant to get earlier, called 'Hank Williams First Nation'. When it was all said and done I am not sure if I needed the glue, as I found a way to get it back together. So I would like to think it will hold as long as I don't yank on it too hard. But as I have found out before, sometimes the search yields more than expected. I went there first, thinking I had less time to get there before closing before Caribou coffee where I have an offer of another free coffee. I was wrong, as the Family Dollar stayed open an hour longer and I got to the Caribou a minute before closing. I decided not to go in tonight and wait until the next morning. Not much of a coffee drinker but I have it every so often, and I like the pastries there.
   I did watch 3 episodes of 'Big Bang Theory' tonight. Syndicated rerun was when Sheldon asked Penny for help with acting lessons after doing a lecture at the university went poorly. First prime time episode was about Sheldon and Leonard arguing over who should get credit after an article was published in a magazine, a project they both worked on. This spilled over into a dinner they were invited to by Howard, it was food made by his late mom which was found in the freezer. Second prime time episode was one I had seen before. It was about compromising, and it was also about Raj and Howard going to a Hindu temple.

Evergreen Tree Tattoo

    As I was waiting to take the train back to my car after the comedy show tonight I saw a young woman with an evergreen tree tattoo on her left thigh. She was wearing black stockings that had a run in the right thigh. Also notable was how her skirt looked like a white doily. I guess it is proof of how it is warming up in this area. My leadoff joke was a response to ChalmSkinn doing a joke about the band 311, and I said I had seen them in concert at Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. I played part of their song 'Amber' in my head as well. I did many of the same jokes compared to the previous night. After the show I got a picture of the Brandi Carlile poster in the hall, as I have seen Brandi perform concerts twice before. I also spoke with the MC tonight about another show he does, in the West Bank. I haven't been to the show or the venue yet but said I was more likely to show up if offered stage time.
    Music can be found anywhere, and of course in the afternoon I did our weekly Wii dancing session. 'Barbie girl, Barbie world' was one of them we danced to, and it made me think of Bathtub having this song played when he closed a show before. Another was 'Down to the river, study war no more', one I recognized as gospel since it was performed at church when I was young.
   I am still getting some birthday cards, one of them was in the mail from family in Iowa. Another was given to me when I was at the bus stop, by the science museum employee.
   At the comedy club tonight, ChalmSkinn also did ones about can-do canines, and a midget in a limo. The brothers performed next. The first did ones about cancer fundraising, Scrabble, mascot school, and boomerang contrast with Frisbee. The second did ones about Waldo, need a place to shower, kicked out of a band, riding train and seeing a bike, and it's just your bathtub. University accountant did ones about how it was across the street, motivated running, kickboxing class, live like you're dying, 99 problems and beer, and pedal pub. Nebraska did ones about be all you can be, work construction, can't use porta potties. Others were about liking poetry and romance books, and Hank Hill. A comic I've seen at this venue before as MC asked if he should do crowd rap or jokes. Tortoise did ones about Mountain Dew code red and his lady, who's on first, my room hates itself, lady Pac-Man, Dominos pizza app, first pizza robot, hand jobs sigh quietly, and couch to regular potato. Duffel bag did ones about Chuck Taylors, horoscopes, Good Charlotte and riding the bus, a driver permit for 10 years, and suspicious failure. A newer comic did ones about Wonder Bread, disappointed he can't move the mic, and killed fish years ago. He is friends with duffel bag. A comic I often call Red (due to her hair) did ones about a self help book, who men love, playing Marco Polo, a Marilyn Monroe tat, and lies my teacher taught me. Fantasia interacted with me a lot, saying sit up front, we should have read the blog, and sonic the hedgehog. Others were about smiling politely, the wiz just meet him, and I'm not Neil. The crow did ones about a server, a sad looking meal, and destroying kids artwork. I also saw a shirt saying I put ketchup on my ketchup (Heinz).

Heartbeat Song, Kelly Clarkson

   When I was driving to the comedy club tonight I liked hearing 'Heartbeat Song' by Kelly Clarkson on my car radio. I had heard it a few times before, but for some reason I really liked it this time. It put me in a better mood, and I know how music can change moods. I have some ideas as to why, and I knew well enough to study and examine these after performing at this show. It helped to listen to it on Youtube, and read the lyrics as well. I guess my reasons for liking it are why some parts of songs are called 'Hooks'- often the chorus. In this case it would be 'This is my heartbeat song, and I'm gonna play it, been so long I forgot how to turn it up all night long'. Other lyrics I point to would be 'You were a different kind of fun, haven't felt for a long time, you make me feel alive and brand new'. In short, it can give us, and me, hope that the right one is still out there! The Wikipedia article made comparisons to another song, 'The middle' by Jimmy Eat World. There are some similarities, but as a whole I don't see the songs being all that much alike. The chorus to 'The middle' is 'It just takes some time, everything will be just fine'. It suggests that it is just around the corner, while Kelly Clarkson's is more of a 'Eureka!' (I found it, in Greek). I do like both songs, don't get me wrong. I even saw Jimmy Eat World in concert, at First Avenue in Minneapolis in 2011.  I will admit it is not too often I write so passionately about music, and I write about this subject often. I do know some of Kelly's other songs, most notably I like 'Mr. know it all' as it is relatable, I know a few too many know-it-alls. So in some way, as I have said before, music serves an important purpose, fills a void, in our lives. When I heard a song (Touch Myself, by the Divinyls) at the Chicago hot dog place tonight (using a birthday coupon, half off a pizza) I said to an employee that just about every human emotion has been captured in song.
  It went well performing tonight, I did plenty of new jokes like one about the upcoming 'Pi Day', inspired by talking to the political science guy at the office. Others were in response to jokes that other comics did, like sub teacher's about the nickname given him by students, and Nebraska's about having trouble unhooking a bra. Too bad those two didn't stay to hear my set.
    Nebraska did ones about a new job, in construction, and can't use porta-potties, like Hank Hill. Others were about jobs for dread locks and gold teeth, and bald guys not criminals. Perkins did ones about handing out show bills and the cops show up. He used terms like little poster, money pouch, and confused the Capitol with the Depot. A comic who spoke of being native did ones about respecting each other during sex, Captain America and Batman, and crippled henchmen. Fish noodle did ones about pet peeves, born in wrong decade, con-man book, plainer next to toilet, and tongues in notebook. Mr. Pibb did ones about steal from Macys, a balloon, lasagna for Garfield, Rihanna songs, no longer a twink, and Uncle Crow. A newer comic, recently moving back from LA, did ones about pot and trusting friends, not HD handsome, where my bullies at?, loan kids lunch money, and the comic needs to see a doctor. Blind Side did ones about co-worker has bad taste, cleaning the copier, gas station bathroom, role play, fan-fiction, adult divorce, and Cheetos stained sweat pants.
    International Falls did ones about a Milwaukee visit, eating placenta and seeing baby pictures on Facebook, no HR person at work day 71, joy ride, Prince as contact, and Mom's a hypochondriac. Ragu did ones about Olive Garden, marriage proposal, Facebook argument about politics, play landlord at party, and a leaf blower. A comic I will call duffel bag did this joke about it and room temperature meat, hearing not ready to date after a date, north side not puncher, and classic rock,  turn into the dad she never had. Others were about dating a man with one spoon, feminist meaning she paid for everything, and vegan bacon. Tortoise did ones about half court hero, Mountain Dew code red and social security number, lady Pac-Man, my room hates itself, who's on first, Domino's pizza ordering, pizza robot, hand job and sighed to itself, and horny George Washington. A former employee at Cheapo Records did one about being adopted, her history is erased. It means she has two birthdays, in July and September. Others were about the suicide hotline, taking a psychology class, learning about depression, and put on hold. Others were about internet time was 10 minutes too long, a feminist sausage fest, and stats and studies. Sub teacher did ones about domestic terrorist and strippers, in shape, enjoying themselves, our stuff falls down on its own, a cucumber holster, the movie Inconvenient Truth and a DVD player, Titanic icebergs, and baby cougars that were calling him Mr. Blueberry.   

Kidney Bean In Park

   I found a satiric video on Youtube about the city of Chicago, and one thing mentioned in it was a kidney bean mirror in a park. Before it I liked listening to 'Chicago calling me home'. I keep telling people how it is hard to ignore this part of my life, living in the metro area's northwest suburbs for nearly 6 years. Also today I confirmed that one photo on my Facebook page was of the food truck that exploded in Lakeville over the weekend, called 'Motley Crews' after the music group. I saw it at the Saints baseball game last May. I didn't eat there but knew a comic friend would like hearing about this particular food truck since he has plenty of music knowledge.
   I made it to the comedy club tonight as well. The crow did ones about not first rodeo burger, small feet, along with dad and a knuckle sandwich. A comic who spoke of being native did ones about monogamy, and an albino found porn. The Whopper did one about a social media job. D.C. native did ones about karma is real, one year sober, rock bottom, and TP houses. School bouncer did ones about the kid in a field, and sunblock at the swimming pool. Laundry did one about a zombie. Bus fare did ones about seeing a therapist, and somebody's horse died. Mr. Pibb did one about no dessert. Three by three did ones about agnostic, autistic, and 3.14. A former MC did one about an online purse. Maryland did ones about ordering on Amazon, and a high horse. University accountant did ones about an apple, and kickboxing. Mason City did ones about potato head, Zoloft, and a log flume. I can't read my notes for postage stamp. Sub teacher did one about a sex press conference. Bathtub did ones about a fresh dog, and one pullup. Tetris did one about a Skype breakup.      

Get On Up Movie

    This afternoon I got a Redbox rental movie, 'Get on up', the bio-pic about musician James Brown. I have liked musician bios ever since I saw 'La Bamba'. This one pulls no punches, tells his story warts and all. I liked at times where he talked to the camera, serving as his own narrator. I liked learning how he went to entertain the troops during the Vietnam War. There was no mention of his small role in the movie 'Blues Brothers', or in 'Rocky 4', but I know in the bio-pic about Ray Charles there was no mention of the former either.
   There was plenty to do today. I had a first date at a coffee shop this morning, we talked for over an hour. I called my college roommate later on as I still need an advisor at times. It was odd how he did call me back and continue it rather quickly, but at first I didn't know it was him as it was a different phone number and his voice sounded different to me as well. So it was likely a cellphone, and he may have been driving at the time as well or least in his car as he said he needed to pick up his young daughter from an event. I made my final visit to the comedy marathon in the afternoon to pay for my two silent auction items. Now it means figuring out how and when to use them. One is show tickets, the other a podcast. I also responded to all of my Facebook birthday wishes, a few more trickled in today. And I went to Dairy Queen to use my 2 for 1 Blizzard coupon.

Birthday Coffee At Caribou

    Today is my birthday. I did a wide variety of things, first being a free coffee at Caribou, which was on my loyalty card. I also went bowling, attended a comedy show in Shakopee, and made two visits to the comedy marathon. At the second I bid on some silent auction items. There were some of the typical weekend errand running like printing things at the library and picking up mail at my post office box. Eight of my recent E-bay orders, out of ten, were there. Many of them were first-day cover stamps, including ones honoring comedians. One of them was a Canadian stamp honoring Jim Carrey. Another was a sheet of American stamps from 1991, but I didn't know all of them. I knew four of five though- Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Bergen and McCarthy, finally Jack Benny. I didn't know the lady comic included, Fanny Brice. Since I do comedy I like having souvenirs of it, as I have been given so much from this craft. I had the 'How right I was' feeling tonight at the marathon when they did the lip-synching to various songs. Somebody once wanted to call it an 'A-ha' moment, but that isn't it. More like a self-validating moment. There were two other times I recall having this warm feeling, one was after I left Iowa for suburban Chicago. The other was at a comedy show, different venue.
     It was a great lineup of lip sync songs. One set was Dinosaur by Was Not Was, and Ironic by Alanis Morissette. Another was Total Eclipse by Bonnie Tyler, and Oops by Britney Spears. Then there was Shoosh by Bjork, and Love Shack by the B-52's. Black Flag was in drag when he did 'Sandra Dee', from the movie 'Grease'. Then there was Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice, and Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus. I like the clever lyrics in the former, 'Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it' as well as 'Anything less than the best is a felony'. This was followed by MMMbop by Hanson, and How You Remind Me by Nickelback. Finally w0 have End Of The World by REM, and two Lady Gaga songs- Bad Romance, and Poker Face. I made a donation to hear Bad Romance. With the first song it is one they wanted to perform, and the other they don't like but will perform if there are donations.

Godzilla Movies

     I went to a comedy marathon at a hotel in Bloomington tonight, and the first show I saw was a man talking about Godzilla movies. I haven't seen many of them, maybe just the one from 1998 that he said the Japanese didn't like. I was early for the performer I wanted to see, who I recall liked to wear a hat that said 'Black Flag' on it, the music group. I saw him outside on my way in and we spoke briefly. He told me it would be his first comedy set in two months. He did well, doing one about a surprise birthday party in downtown Minneapolis. Others were about being off the clock, Laffy Taffy and acid, found $35 at Mall of America, it's valium for me, I need coffee, smart phone morph into a question mark, and ask at the gas station. Still others were about plotting revenge, Taylor Swift, test for mass poisoning, his uncle is cooler, how was the steak?, and ice cream truck doesn't slow down. This was followed by smile, I'm paying for this, this mugger got paid, stage an intervention, eating after midnight, Kim Kardashian, a piece of Chernobyl, gorilla sign language, religion like cocaine, a dangerous night at the YMCA, it makes me batman, found the teddy bear, and walk off into the sunset.
    It was funny to me to see another convention happening next to it, there was taxidermy displays of various animals. I will have to go back with a new memory card for my camera and get photos of it this weekend. There are some silent auction items at the comedy marathon, hopefully I can snag another one like I did last year. I liked listening to a few songs on the radio after I left the comedy show, one was 'Daughter' by Pearl Jam as I started the drive. The other was 'Dyer Maker' by Led Zeppelin as I was getting home. I stayed in my car a little longer so I could listen to the end of the song.
   I did find a place to have fish tonight, it was the tavern from last week where it was crowded, even at the bar. I showed up a little earlier, and one bartender said the crowd was thinner due to the high school hockey tournament. I did see some of it on TV while there, Duluth East was leading Edina 2-1 in the 2nd period.
   At midday I decided to look at an art gallery in the skyway. What caught my eye while passing by all the time was some art in reference to the Charlie Hebdo massacre. Eventually I said I had to go as I got out my cellphone and knew time was running short. I needed to get to Erbert Gerbert for a sandwich, and I also wanted to get a box of Girl Scout cookies from the popcorn wagon. It was a slower day at work which is expected for a Friday. I ended up breaking down some empty boxes in a cubbyhole where we keep boxes of paper. I did it as I was tired of looking at them. After work I got some reservations made for event tickets, except one where the website was giving me trouble. So I may just have to call the venue and order that way. I like self-service as long as it is user-friendly.  

Delicious Nutritious Popcorn

    I went to the high school hockey tournament at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul tonight, and one of the things I bought was some popcorn. The box said it was 'Delicious and nutritious', not sure why this claim is made as the former is correct but not the latter. I ate about half of what was in the box, the smaller size for five dollars, and took the rest home with me. The contents is now in a small plastic ice cream container, as I wanted to get the box in the trash right away. I ordered a hot dog and some hot chocolate before having the popcorn, and I was disappointed that I couldn't find sauerkraut. At first I thought I had, in small plastic cups with lids, but took a closer look and it was onions.
    I arrived while the first game of the evening session was still in progress, Lakeville North was leading Hill-Murray 3-1 early in the 3rd. Lakeville North tacked on another goal and won it 4-1. I saw most of the second game, Eden Prairie vs. Blaine. It was tied 1-1 at the end of the 1st, though Eden Prairie had decidedly more shots on goal. Both goals were near the end of the period, Eden Prairie scoring first. Then Eden Prairie broke it open in the 2nd, with 4 goals at about 5 minutes in, then 7, 11, and 13 minutes in (17-minute periods). Blaine got 2 goals in the 3rd, one was near the midway point and the other with just under 2 minutes left. I was on my way out when the final goal was scored, as I knew the buses are less frequent after 10pm, just twice an hour. I found out I didn't miss much, as Eden Prairie went on to win 5-3, same score as when I left. At the office I saw some of my colleagues in the main break room watching some of the tournament, the first two games of the day.
    I liked being able to de-compress from work before heading back downtown for the hockey game. I watched two episodes of 'Big bang theory'. Syndicated rerun was when Penny asked Leonard to fake it that they were an item to satisfy her dad. Howard kissed Raj to prevent Raj from kissing Bernadette. Prime time episode was about Sheldon and Amy deciding to get a turtle, then Amy was upset with Sheldon when she wasn't told about his application to colonize Mars. Raj asked Howard and Bernadette for help after snooping in his lady's nightstand and breaking the drawer. Not much postal mail, but there was a card from my aunt as my birthday is in a few days.

Sponges At CVS

     Before I made it to the comedy club tonight, I went to a nearby CVS pharmacy to get sponges as I needed to do more cleanup in the bathroom, getting rid of some mold. As expected, I found it as a 2-pack, these often aren't sold separately. But they are still cheap, the 2-pack was just under two dollars. I also got a small pack of Planters peanuts.
     One of the comics I saw tonight I will call Chalm-Skinn', a 'Simpsons' reference. He spoke of being a bouncer, and a pizza manager, in previous jobs. Others were a shovel gut from snow, midget in a limousine, write drunk edit sober, and was wearing a Star Wars shirt. A comic I will call Huggy Open is next, as he was wearing this kind of hat. He did ones about Dallas Buyers Club, and Prairie Home Companion. A previous MC at this place did ones about laughing with him, Barbie dolls in 4th grade, you are an amazing actor, and they didn't have I-pods and rap music then. Next we have the brothers. The first did one about a together forever bumper sticker. Others were about needle in a haystack, eating caviar, a Super Bowl bet, and adopting himself. The other was wearing a winter hat and has longer hair, his name is first alpha-wise. He did ones about being at the gym, just visiting in prison, she's talking about writing class, and seeing a bike on a train. Long straw did one about angry at Target about yogurt. Others were about a Charlie Brown shrug, Tom Hanks with autism, a car with 300k miles, all you can eat sushi, sick gazelle on savanna, and being a former Blockbuster Video manager.
    And there is music everywhere. 'Boat to Cairo' was one of the songs we danced to at Wii dancing this afternoon at the office. Tonight on my car radio I liked hearing 'fidelity' by regina spektor. the song is relatable on some level: 'I hear in my mind all of this music, and it breaks my heart'. I know I have written about her before, but it has been a while. the previous time was inspired by the first time I had heard her music, before a show I was attending.
   at work I completed one of two online classes. the one I started but haven't finished yet made me think of the political science guy, as it was about computer security and there was a character named 'larry lock' who smiled a lot. my colleague I don't think will like larry, which looks like a padlock.

Parking Ticket Waived

    I contested a parking ticket today and I am pleased that it was waived. When I scheduled the hearing I was told the meter maid had made a judgment call since there was snow on the car, thinking I had parked there for more than 48 hours. I contested it as I got a ticket for something I didn't do. While I was waiting there was a little girl near me playing with the golf pencils and said she wanted to pull out her tooth. I was thankful I didn't have to resort to what was done on the TV show 'Dukes of Hazzard' where a musical guest would perform at the Boar's Nest in order to have their trumped-up charges dismissed. At work I was thankful to finish everything on my plate in spite of having our senior leader's meeting before midday, which lasted an hour. it was the first one of its kind in six months. 
   At the comedy club tonight I did do these two jokes along with some other recent ones. The visitor from Philadelphia was at this venue, she is going to as many venues as possible to perform while in town. She did ones about a Greyhound station and diarrhea, a gyno appointment, and who won the Battleship game? Others were about her daughter should play mandolin and fencing, a Ren-Fest superstar, Ed McMahon, and her husband the biologist. International Falls did ones about birth control pills, placenta on a Facebook page, snowplow poem, Target bag of ground coffee, no HR at dayjob, and mom a hypochondriac. Bus fare did ones about being competitive related to things that don't matter, place holder for a person, and saw a first date at Cheapo Records. Fish noodle did ones about born in wrong decade, don't run up to strangers in a park, woman run in heels, plunger next to toilet, tongues are different, and no rod and reel. Brew did one about having breakfast and lunch at McDonald's, where I got a shout-out. Others were about drunk and stole a bike, how hipsters dress, eye contact on Tinder, and she doesn't believe in marriage. The crow did one about a porno magazine at a gas station. Others were about he has small feet, banned from Maplewood Mall, drunk and onstage at a strip club, beaten with own belt, and dad and a knuckle sandwich.

White Castle Attack

     At the comedy club tonight, one comic shared a story about being attacked at a White Castle burger joint and getting a concussion from it. The jokes about it were the Facebook comments from those who knew him. In previous sets he did a joke about how 'Somebody got their deer'. This was a venue I had been to before, but not too often. I am looking forward to getting stage time there soon. It was nice to see some comics who I hadn't seen in a while.
     At my office job I took a late lunch as I was slowed down by having to order a high volume of contracts for the payoff report. I probably have written about it before- I don't like how the payoff report is top-heavy. I know full well the volume will drop to less than half the next day. The manager is still not back yet, so we were on our own again for the day. The main break room re-opened, and the type of tile does look different, kind of a grayish white and the earlier kind was whiter. 
    More from the comedy club. Bus fare read a page from 'Adventures in babysitting'. Another was about everybody looks at too much porn while working. Others were about the McRib left the menu, coming from a South American orphanage where his parents were a dog and a cat, seeing a first date at Cheapo Records, even Buffalo Bill likes music, and a 24-hour diner in Uptown. Jersey video did ones about a 'Bro-ista', vote yes campaign for parks and recreation, the first science museum was in South Carolina, and the Costco example, drunk or high? A comic I hadn't seen much lately, but has done a joke about a dad in prison, was next. He did ones about his nephew's Christmas present, a My Cousin Vinny suit, as well as one about him and Happy Meal smoking with a baby. Still others were about a kid in a Led Zeppelin cover band, a miss me yet billboard, and songs by Lil John and Johnny Cash. A lady comic with dread locks reviewed the movie '50 shades of grey'. A comic who played the New Ulm mayor did ones about self-medicating, and DARE class. Whopper did ones about a taxicab confession, first kisses are tough, and suicide by a garden hose. Fantasia did ones about the JFK video, delivering for Domino's , and girls like jerks. A visitor from Philadelphia did ones about a deer gutting knife, learning to play the mandolin, and fencing. Michigan did ones about traveling to watch pro wrestling, and friends on Netflix in the cab. Others were about 3 trees falling on the road, asking for restaurants and referred to a gas station, an ex making out with somebody from 'Scrubs', Obama doesn't party, bring me pizza, do you do yoga and do you write poetry, and can't buy this in public.

Ordway Concert Hall

    In the afternoon I went to the Ordway Center in downtown St. Paul to see the opening celebration for the concert hall. I heard the chamber orchestra and a string quartet near the end of the event. I also bought a button for one dollar, it said 'Manchurian Candidate' on it, an upcoming play. I had seen a movie version of it, the original black and white one, at theaters. It was re-released when a remake was done. I got three photos there, one was about the demolition photos. The other two stated the event was sponsored by Target, and how there was a time capsule. I wrote on a card that will be used in the time capsule.
   I got plenty done today before and after the event. Before leaving I got a check written for my membership to the Loft Literary Center. I also decided to do a pay by phone on my internet service since it is due soon and I think a check sent now by mail may not arrive in time. I got plenty of postcards and baseball cards put away in photo albums and binders. In the evening I listened to a CD I got from opera singer, who is in the band known as Circle of Heat. There are ten songs on it, six are instrumental. So I will need to listen to it again in order to give a full review as I have to listen to instrumental songs differently. I called my dad after listening to the CD to say I got the books he had sent, I am already reading one of them.