Friday, November 30, 2012

NaNoWriMo Ho Ho Ho


I haven't written a whole lot here lately, because I've spent the whole month of November furiously trying to write a 50,000 word novel as part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoMiMoWiMo for short... I think that's right). This afternoon I finally reached my goal! 50,160 words. Success! When will you get to read this (obviously great) novel of mine you ask? Well! The answer to that is somewhere between never and not for a long time. But probably closer to not for a long time. Because I didn't tackle this writing bonanza in any kind of linear fashion, it's not ready for readin' yet, I'm afraid. As it stands, I'm going to step away from it for a week or so and then revisit and tighten things up. Because I'm one of those "optimist types," I'm thinking it will be finished somewhere around 2019.

But! You're too busy making a list, checking it twice, decking your halls, singing carols and buying all kinds of cinnamon scented, Santa-shaped candles to really have time to read a novel right now anyway. So bide your time until my book release party by checking out the new Suburban Sprawl Holiday Sampler! They've been gathering seasonal recordings from local folks and releasing them on the internet for your enjoyment for eleven years now! Now that's a holiday tradition I can get behind...


John Nelson and the New Girlfriend's submitted our cover of a catchy sad country number originally done by Kitty Wells called "Christmas Ain't Like Christmas Anymore." It's track number 18. Go listen to it on repeat until 2019.



Friday, November 9, 2012

Squirt Gun Justice

Somehow I missed that Water Cops have a little EP out. It's called I'm Showing Up Late & I'm Leaving Early. Altered slightly, this title could reflect my personal "out-on-the-town" philosophy: I'm Showing Up Early and I'm Leaving Early

If you're looking for something new to listen to on the way to the Sloan show tonight, look no further. Nice work, you guys.





Thursday, November 8, 2012

New Scott Walker song has nothing to do with creepy 80's kids show 'Zoobilee Zoo.' I don't think.



December 4th brings the first new Scott Walker record since 2006's The Drift. So excited.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

A flimsy cardboard podium, a ballpoint pen on a string... It's Election Day in America!




Happy Voting Day! Stuck in line and feeling increasingly homicidal about it? I suggest you read my account of working the polls during the 2008 election. That will help pass the time and make you potentially less likely to punch a poll worker.

Part 1: But where the President is never black, female or gay… or: On the eve of my debut as a pollworker

Part 2: We won't vote Conservative, because we never have... or: Everybody's (poll) workin' for the weekend

Best of luck to you today!