pardon my spanglish

forwarding address.

2010-05-03T15:57:00.002-05:00

I've moved this here blog to Wordpress. Please update your bookmarks and blogrolls.

a hairy predicament.

2010-04-24T17:01:00.003-05:00

As if the final days of my Master's career weren't stressful enough, I was presented with this when filling out my graduation form.

How am I supposed to know if I'm going to have facial hair or not on May 9th? That's weeks away, people. Currently I've let my beard grow out, yes, but odds are I'll be sick of it by then.

The irony of it all is that I spent so much time being preoccupied with them asking me such a question, I don't even remember what I chose in the end. My facial hair destiny is set, yet I haven't the slightest clue.

Hopefully it won't matter and my "other defining visible characteristics" will set me apart from the crowd.

april mixtape.

2010-04-20T14:02:00.005-05:00

8Bit Heart - Simon Curtis
Dancing On My Own - Robyn
Starry Eyed - Ellie Goulding
Tightrope - Janelle Monáe (f. Big Boi)
Don't Let Me Fall - B.o.B.
Over - Drake
Massive Attack - Nicki Minaj (f. Sean Garrett)
Acapella - Kelis
Islands - The xx
10 Mile Stereo - Beach House
Between Two Lungs - Florence + The Machine
Hollywood (Acoustic) - Marina & The Diamonds
Never So Big - David Byrne & Fatboy Slim (f. Sia)
Kettering - The Antlers
Rocket - Goldfrapp
One Life Stand - Hot Chip
Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit
What It Feels Like For A Girl - Cast of Glee

Listen via YouTube.

closet case.

2010-04-08T15:41:00.005-05:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: my closet is better than yours. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in substance (namely efficient and strategic organization).

Twelve pairs of jeans are currently in rotation. And no, no two pair are alike. A variety of cuts and styles are necessary, as well as (most crucially) the entire denim gradient, from completely faded to black.
Although they're distant cousins in the sartorial world, cardigans and polos pair nicely together because they can be rotated to front billing toward the center of the closet depending on the season. (Welcome back to the front, polos.)
Why yes, I did used to work in retail. How could you tell? Perfectly folded, light to medium-weight sweaters in every hue of the rainbow... except yellow apparently. (Which needs to be remedied.)
Dress pants, a.k.a. the Bryan's closet equivalent of the Island of Misfit Toys. No matter how stylish they are, no one wants to play with light-weight chinos, so they come here. And are forgotten. See you next time there's a wedding, guys.
Solid and striped button downs, organized by the color gradient (yet again). And yes, I can justify all eight different blue shirts.
Originally the hangers were color coordinated by section as well. (See above photo.) Sure, it irks me that there are misplaced ones, but even OCD has its limits.
The holy trinity: plaids, checks, and flannels. Amen.

Not pictured: hoodies (zip-up and regular), heavy sweaters, tees, shorts, shoes, the dirty clothes inside of the hamper...

b is for bread.

2010-04-06T00:05:00.004-05:00

Because I'm a poor twenty-six year old, I was eating French toast for dinner at 9 PM. And because I act like I'm about six years old, I got really excited when my dinner doubled as my initial. And because I'm a clumsy moron, my B toast ended up on the floor at about 9:04 PM and my breakfast for dinner suddenly became a bowl of Frosted Flakes. Not so grrrrr-eat.

works cited.

2010-04-05T13:33:00.006-05:00

I'm totally Mr. Judgmental when I see people reading gossip magazines. In Touch, Us Weekly... whatever. It's the same ridiculous stories of baby bumps and plastic surgery accusations every time, just a different cover.

But upon being given a Spanish rag, well... I'm starting to sing a different canción. How can I not love something that has a word bubble next to Tom Cruise's head saying, 'Culo veo, culo quiero.'?

Perhaps a stronger argument for my fascination is that I could propose a dissertation just on the españolización of English catch phrases that I encounter, including but not limited to guau 'wow', biuty 'beauty', and, the gem of them all, culosex 'butt sex'. I'm going to get myself a subscription and call it doctorate research.

R.I.P., Q.R.P.

2010-04-01T14:29:00.004-05:00

I officially just handed in my Quantitative Research Paper (a.k.a. our version of a Master's thesis). Halle-freakin-lujah! Part of me wants to print off an extra copy so I can bring it home, throw it in the fireplace, and watch it burn. But of course its 82 degrees today. Thanks for (proverbially but not literally) raining on my parade, mother nature.

and i quote.

2010-03-30T10:20:00.003-05:00

Becky: 'Friday Night Lights' is amazing. It's dramatic and heartfelt.
Marty: Then why does Bryan like it?
Becky: Because secretly he has feelings.

ever since the accident.

2010-03-29T13:03:00.001-05:00

It was bound to happen. Almost a year to the date after starting to compete in the extreme sport that is biking in the city, my worst fear was realized. Someone opened a car door literally two feet in front of me. Ouch.

Thanks to the ridiculous northerly wind I was facing at the time, I was traveling at about negative 5 miles per hour and therefore the injuries sustained were minimal. Nonetheless, the usually olive complexion of my left arm has transformed into a myriad of other edible hues -- mustard, eggplant, blueberry, and a couple other things you could find in aisle 9 at the Lincoln Park Market.

Other than that though, no harm done thankfully. And on the plus side, I get to try weaving the phrase 'well... ever since the accident' into every conversation possible.

If anything, let this disgusting contusion be a public service announcement: Please look both ways before exiting a taxi into the bike lane.

march mixtape.

2010-03-22T23:28:00.002-05:00

Psychic City - YACHT
Clap Your Hands - Sia
Giving Up The Gun - Vampire Weekend
In The Sun - She & Him
Swim Until You Can't See Land - Frightened Rabbit
Ambling Alp - Yeasayer
Obsessions - Marina & The Diamonds
Under The Sheets - Ellie Goulding
Rollacoasta - Robin Thicke (f. Estelle)
Stylo - Gorillaz (f. Bobby Womack & Mos Def)
Trick Pony - Charlotte Gainsbourg
Fear - Benjy Ferree
Kick Drum Heart - The Avett Brothers
Devil's Spoke - Laura Marling
Do Wah Doo - Kate Nash
Memories - David Guetta (f. KiD CuDi)
Freak - Estelle (f. Kardinal Offishall)
Telephone (Passion Pit Remix) - Lady GaGa (f. Beyoncé)

Listen via YouTube.

grad student gone wild.

2010-03-21T14:07:00.005-05:00

It's spring break. And I'm not going anyway. And I couldn't be happier about it.

My acronym-loaded to do list:

Finish QRP (a.k.a. Master's thesis)
DVR catch-up
Ignore everything else UIC-related

In that order. With the occasional tequila shot thrown in from time to time followed by the obligatory battle cry, "Spring break!"

foto friday: la madrugada

2010-03-12T07:04:00.000-06:00

1607 University Hall, UIC - 2/12/10

the world is my corkboard.

2010-03-11T14:43:00.006-06:00

Man oh man do I love me some decorative collage. Or decorative assemblage. Or whichever term-age you want to call it. If I had to label my design aesthetic it would be "Fifth grade art class." The more random stuff I can throw together, the happier I am.

The nook, view one.

The nook, view two. Even my screen-saver plays the part. Now where did I put my glue stick? (See also my previous fun with the letter B.)

covering my tracks.

2010-03-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

There are many reasons that February had no mixtape installment: imeem was absorbed by the devil, Google has been cracking down on music blogs, I have other things to do (e.g. that pesky thing called a Master's degree), etc. Yet despite these very pressing issues, the masses have spoken out in revolt. (And by 'masses', I mean one Ms. Molly Murphy.)

So as a copout / appeasement, I've crafted a special mix inspired by a couple tracks I've recently discovered. I use the term 'discover' loosely here, as by no means are the songs new, but the versions of them are. Yes, my friends, I'm talking about everyone's favorite, the cover song.

Since the dawn of time, or maybe just since the release of Garden State, reinterpreting a song that came out what seems like only 2 weeks ago has been a very vogue thing to do within the indie music scene.

Here's a round-up of some of my favorites, the newest pair acting as bookends to the playlist. Everything is linked side-by-side with the original for your before-and-after convenience. It may not be new music, but it might be new old music. (Now quit griping, Molly.)

it's all about los benjamines, bebé.

2010-03-01T15:01:00.003-06:00

And the winner for best Fall 2009 student comment goes to:

If necessary clarify any of your previous responses or make additional comments.

"Give Bryan a raise."

behind the scenes.

2010-02-22T15:14:00.002-06:00

Speaking of my office and the absurd amount of time I spend there, here's a sneak peak into the contents of my office drawer. Basically were this an anthropological dig, the researchers would come to the conclusion that the population in question were both insatiable foragers and unusually smelly, both of the oral and underarm variety.

missed connection.

2010-02-22T08:28:00.004-06:00

I won't lie. Although I tell myself that it's because I want to be productive, a lot of times I come to my office early or stay late just for the fast, reliable internet. Google Reader, Facebook, YouTube, Words With Friends... my procrastination knows no bounds.

intelligent design.

2010-02-18T23:03:00.009-06:00

Don't get me wrong, I love making myself a rockin' playlist the old fashioned way, but sometimes the iTunes Genius Mixes make my life, specifically the sorting through my 9,000+ songs part, a lot easier.

More than anything though I get a kick out of how random my personal library is. I present you with the twelve automated 'channels' they give me and which artists they cite as examples:

Indie Rock, as in Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, CSS, etc.
Adult Alternative Pop, as in Bright Eyes, Maroon 5, Sarah McLachlan, etc.
Pop, as in Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, etc.
Brit-Pop & Rock, as in Jack Peñate, Coldplay, The Cribs, etc.
Contemporary R&B, as in Melanie Fiona, Rihanna, Mya, etc.
Hip-Hop/Rap, as in Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Pitbull, etc.
Alternative Pop/Rock, as in Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Foo Fighters, etc.
Teen Pop, as in Jesse McCartney, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, etc.
Americana, as in Neko Case, Nickel Creek, Wilco, etc.
Electro-Pop, as in Beck, The Postal Service, Santigold, etc.
Punk, as in Green Day, Blink-182, Pearl Jam, etc.
Country, as in Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks, etc.

It's like I have musical ADD. And I never listen to the same mix two days in a row. Okay, that's a lie. Anything with 'pop' in the title definitely gets more airplay. It's called 'popular' music for a reason, folks.

valentines day is for lovers.

2010-02-14T14:24:00.004-06:00

I'm thinking of implementing a strict "must have photobooth" policy to my list of bars I will go to.

¿cómo se dice 'brownie points'?

2010-02-04T10:26:00.004-06:00

This is the second spring in a row that I've taught Spanish 102. During week two, the second-semester estudiantes have a vocab lesson on holidays and have to do a partner activity relating to birthdays. Question five asks:

¿Lo anuncias de antemano, así que la gente sabe?
(Do you announce it ahead of time, so that people know?)

The polite and humble kids that they are, most say no or justify that their friends already know, so they don't have to.

The crude and completely not humble person that I am, I follow up bluntly saying, "Well, I do. It's in two weeks. The fourth of February. Feel free to bring me cookies," (in Spanish, por supuesto). It gets a good chuckle. Wit in a foreign language usually goes right over their lil' freshman heads, so it makes me really happy any time they crack a smile.

But what's even better is that this year it worked. Not cookies exactly, but a student baked and brought in cupcakes for the class yesterday. You laughed at my joke and you brought me treats? Clearly you are nearly fluent in Spanish and you get an A, ma'am.

Luckily nowhere in the ethics code does it mention funfetti bribery, so feliz freakin' cumpleaños to me.

bryan likes this.

2010-01-29T13:00:00.003-06:00

An avid cinephile, movies and I have always had an interesting relationship. We've had some interesting phases, for sure. When I became a film major as an undergrad, suddenly every trip to the theater or home DVD-viewing was marked with obsessing over the editing and cinematography, not the actual story. Then when I started writing reviews for the Badger Herald, I would spend the entire two hours planning out clever quips either panning or praising what I was watching, even if I wasn't doing an actual write up later.

Recently I've noticed that I've moved into a new era of movie watching, one I like the call the Netflix Age. Clearly subscribing to Netflix has a lot to do with this, but in actuality I mostly get TV on DVD via the movie by mail service. What I've noticed, however, is that the entire time I'm watching a movie now I have a running score in my head based on what Netflix rating I'm going to give it: 1-star ("Hated it"), 2-stars ("Didn't Like It"), 3-stars ("Liked It"), 4-stars ("Really Liked It"), or 5-stars ("Loved it").

It is the most distracting thing ever, yet like OCD, I cannot help myself. Grey Gardens was a solid "Loved It" from beginning to end. Inglourious Basterds was at a "Really Liked It" for most, but finished strong at a "Loved It." (Tarantino, you can thank Mélanie Laurent for that.) Watchmen was a roller coaster whose up and down landed it at a just a "Liked It."(Which is generous.)

Now as soon Facebook installs a gradient system instead of the middle of the road "likes this," I will officially go insane, slash be happy beyond my wildest dreams.

three day work week, every week.

2010-01-20T23:35:00.004-06:00

This semester I don't have class nor do I teach Tuesdays or Thursdays. And with MLK, Jr. Day on Monday, no classes then either. So far I've literally gone to school (in the physical sense) four days and the semester is already about 13% done. Why do I have a horrible feeling things are going sneak up on me real fast?

goode golly.

2010-01-12T17:32:00.008-06:00

You know that experience of learning a new word and then for the next few days (or weeks or months) that same word seems to be everywhere? You become hyper-aware of its existence, as if it's flaunting itself, saying, "Look at me! Remember, when you didn't know what I meant, idiot?"

That's the sensation I'm having right now, but with a person. Matthew Goode will just not leave me alone.

First there was the new issue of GQ where he shows off the ten best looks of the new season.

I mean, hello, it screams me. Spring cannot come soon enough.

Then he wouldn't quit by showing up in my Netflix queue back to back in Brideshead Revisited and Watchmen. The only possible explanation of those two random movies ending up next to each other is foul play on his part.

But my magazines and DVDs weren't the only things not safe from his ubiquity. Sunday I went to the movies and saw A Single Man without knowing much about it. Well, you can imagine who showed up.

Okay, MG, I get it. I was already planning on imitating the GQ wardrobe look-for-look. But I've taken it one step further and gone and put your entire filmography in my queue. So you can just chill out, sir. I'm officially a fan.

this apple fell far.

2010-01-09T19:07:00.004-06:00

My father, Roland, was a football player.

My mother, Vicki (second from the left), was a cheerleader. She was also prom queen.

Yes, this is what I'm a product of. I couldn't be any more white bread American. My parents were high school sweethearts. They got married at age 20 and in May they will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They still live in the same city they've lived in their entire lives. It's disgustingly perfect.

And then there's me, their son. The overweight nerd who was on the academic team, class treasurer, valedictorian, and in every single drama department production. Basically the definition of uncool.

And now I live in a city 850 times bigger (yes, I did the math) doing post graduate work in something they don't have clue about. Actually, specialization aside, I think they're still a little unsure of what grad school in general is all about.

Yet despite the disparities, every time I'm home I realize more and more that I am completely and utterly my mother and father's son. Genetics are funny.

reviews and previews.

2010-01-02T11:07:00.005-06:00

Lessons learned in two thousand nine:

Location, location, location: Although I miss Wicker Park like whoa, it's phenomenal having your friends also be your neighbors. It may not be across the hall "Friends"-style, but it's pretty damn close.
Multitasking: Not only is there the back burner, there's the side burner and that other back burner.
Forgiveness: It's officially happened. I'll admit it. I'm a Beyoncé fan now.
Drinking: Moderation is nice.

Things I need to work on in twenty ten:

Family time: I went from May til December without going home to Peshtigo. That's over half the year.
Clarification: Define things before it gets stupid.
Editing: Whether we're talking about fashion or just life in general, everything deserves taking a step back and making it more basic.
Drinking: Moderation is for pansies.

best albums of 2009: part 5

2009-12-27T13:01:00.001-06:00

5. Manners – Passion Pit

If there were a dark horse of the year, this would be it. At Lollapalooza, the gang and I decided to check out their show on a last minute whim and it ended up being one of the highlights of the weekend. I hate being hot, I hate being sweaty, and I hate being crowded. Nonetheless it was a hot, sweaty, jam-packed dance mess... and it was totally worth it. I'll never forget the nonstop energy and I've been in love with this album ever since.

Standout Tracks: Little Secrets, Sleepyhead, Moth’s Wings

4. All I Ever Wanted – Kelly Clarkson

So what if Kelly's newest installment is just a "Breakaway" redux. Every song on that album was a hit and so is this one. Long live unabashed pop. (For the record, I also enjoyed her "rebellious" album too. Don't worry, Kel. I got your back no matter what you do.)

Standout Tracks: My Life Would Suck Without You, Don’t Let Me Stop You, Save You

3. Lungs – Florence + The Machine

Obsessed, obsessed, obsessed. Since the moment I first heard it, I knew. Florence + The Machine is artist-driven, indie-pop with a hint of blues at its finest. (How's that for making up a genre?) You could try lumping her in with those other British songstresses like Lily Allen, Kate Nash, et al., but even though I love those gals too, they pale in comparison.

Standout Tracks: Rabbit Heart (Raise Up), Dog Days Are Over, My Boy Builds Coffins

2. It’s Blitz! – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Oh, Karen O, how I fell in love with you in '09. After years of towing the line of "Yeah, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are fine," they finally crossed into more electropop territory and I fell madly in love. Combine that with Karen O's work on the "Where the Wild Things Are" soundtrack and getting to see them play the performance of their career at Lollapalooza as a last minute fill-in for the Beastie Boys and you can begin to understand how inevitable this love affair was for me.

Standout Tracks: Heads Will Roll, Hysteric, Runaway

1. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix

I have been obsessed with the band Phoenix for years. I still remember the day of junior year of college when I bought their second album “Alphabetical” and practically wore it right out. (Remember actual CDs? Those were the days.) Well if mp3s could get worn out too, this album would have been long gone a while ago. I’ll stop the pretentious, music elitist “I told you so” there. Overall I’m just glad that such a great band is finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Standout Tracks: 1901, Lisztomania, Girlfriend

(Click track titles to download or stream the entire playlist.)

best albums of 2009: part 4

2009-12-26T14:51:00.000-06:00

10. Two Suns – Bat For Lashes

Yet another sophomore album, yet another successful follow-up. Haunting, beautiful and ethereal, yet at times almost pop-like. Bat For Lashes is the perfect combination of kooky and cute and another example where it's hard to pick out favorites, as the tracks are solid from beginning to end.

Standout Tracks: Moon & Moon, Siren Song, Sleep Alone

9. Miike Snow – Miike Snow

I have a habit of downloading things based off recommendations and then never getting around to actually listening to it. This was the situation with Miike Snow until my friend Molly offered me her extra ticket to their show this fall. It was nothing short of amazing. Never before has production been so apparent an important factor as having Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg (a.k.a. Bloodyshy & Avant) five feet in front of me. Having created pop hits for Madonna, Kylie, and Britney, it was no wonder their show ended up being one big hipster dance party.

Standout Tracks: Plastic Jungle, Cult Logic, Burial

8. Middle Cyclone – Neko Case

As a Wisconsin-born boy who loves the big city life, it's no surprise that alt/country (or whatever you want to call it) is always a favorite of mine, as it straddles two opposite worlds. Neko always kills it, but 2009 and "Middle Cyclone" will always be memorable for me as I finally got to see her live at the Chicago Theater. Perfect.

Standout Tracks: People Got A Lotta Nerve, This Tornado Loves You, Prison Girls

7. Living Thing – Peter Bjorn & John

PB&J, as I like to call them, are an interesting case in that I feel this is an instance where a sophomore album far succeeds the debut. Sure everyone was buzzing about them in 2006 and no one could escape "Young Folks" (a.k.a. that damn whistling song that was in every TV show, movie, trailer, etc. that year), but overall the album wasn't that memorable. Contrarily I have been and still am obsessed with their latest, whose beats always manage to get me pumped.

Standout Tracks: Nothing To Worry About, It Don’t Move Me, Lay It Down

6. xx – The xx

If you ever needed the perfect mood music for a hipster date, this is it. Sexy and hip, there's a reason these pasty British kids are the current talk of the music scene. (What's more, pretentious [lack of] capitalization included!)

Standout Tracks: Crystalised, Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat

(Click track titles to download or stream the entire playlist.)

best albums of 2009: part 3

2009-12-21T12:22:00.000-06:00

15. The Twilight Saga: New Moon – Original Soundtrack

Don’t even get me started on the Team Jacob business. Ugh. I will just say this: the best part of the latest installment of the tween sensation that is Twilight was by far the music, a veritable smorgasbord of indie favorites. (Dakota Fanning’s five minutes of screen time was the second best part.)

Standout Tracks: Possibility (by Lykke Li), A White Demon Love Song (by The Killers), Slow Life (by Grizzly Bear)

14. Music For Men – Gossip

My love of the Gossip this year actually started by obsessively catching up on the British series Skins. Every time I'd pop in a disc of Series 1, the show's unofficial theme song, "Standing In The Way Of Control," would serenade me until I selected an episode (which I more than once hesitated to do, so I could jam out). In an act of cosmic coincidence, the band came out with their second album not much longer and I was hooked.

Standout Tracks: Heavy Cross, Love Long Distance, 2012

13. The Fame Monster – Lady GaGa

2009 was the year of the GaGa. I’m oh-so glad I got to see her in concert in January, bubble dress and all. Say what you will about her, but she is an entertainer. Girl has got some serious pipes and girl is crazy. (And not in the Britney sort of way.)

Standout Tracks: Telephone (f. Beyoncé), Monster, Teeth

12. It’s Not Me, It’s You – Lily Allen

Sophomore albums always take some getting used to. Initially I was disappointed with Lily Allen's lack of in-your-face sass that dominated her debut. But upon further listening I realized her newer, gentler sound was actually a really solid pop album. I guess growing up is a good thing. Who knew?

Standout Tracks: Everyone’s At It, The Fear, I Could Say

11. Hands – Little Boots

I could listen to "New In Town" on repeat for days and dance my little heart out. And lucky for me, the rest of the album is nearly as addictive.

Standout Tracks: New In Town, Meddle, Mathematics

(Click track titles to download or stream the entire playlist.)

best albums of 2009: part 2

2009-12-20T20:55:00.004-06:00

20. The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z

I've always considered myself as having eclectic taste in music, but this year definitely saw me expanding that even further, specifically into the world of hip-hop. Not only did I spend time soaking in newbies like KiD CuDi and Wale, I also delved into the back catalogs of everything from Lil' Wayne to Dr. Dre. But through it all though, new or old, no one quite stacks up like Hova himself and his latest just solidified my latest genre obsession.

Standout Tracks: Off That (f. Drake), Empire State Of Mind (f. Alicia Keys), On To The Next One (f. Swizz Beats)

19. The Hazards Of Love – The Decemberists

This kooky Portland-based band has always been infallible in my eyes. However, when I heard their next album was going to be one, big, fairy tale-like opus, I raised a judgmental eyebrow. Clearly I shouldn’t have questioned, because somehow this lyrical saga is one I can’t help listening to over and over. And for a list dedicated to best albums, this one should be at the heart, as it is truly best listened to from beginning to end.

Standout Tracks: The Rake’s Song, The Hazards Of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle The Thistles Undone), A Bower Scene

18. La Roux – La Roux

The British love affair I had this year with music strikes again. My friend Marty was hounding me about this English duo (slash kind of solo act) for literally months. Why did it take me so long to tune in? I’m not sure. The boy has a knack for pointing me in the direction of super fun synthpop. Consider the lesson learned. And to pay it forward, I am now pointing you in that direction as well.

Standout Tracks: In For The Kill, Bulletproof, Tigerlily

17. Merriweather Post Pavilion – Animal Collective

I'm not really sure how describe Animal Collective. Honestly I think it'd be futile to even try. I do know that I like their latest album a lot. And yes, it's about as trippy as the album cover art implies.

Standout Tracks: My Girls, Summertime Clothes, Daily Routine

16. Mi Plan – Nelly Furtado

I’ve been on the N. Furtado train since the “I’m Like A Bird” days and if you think I don’t still listen to “Maneater” regularly, you’re crazy. Every new installment has brought out a new side of the Courteney Cox look-alike and I couldn’t be happier. Especially since she went full out en español this year. I love mi querida Shakira too, but while she’s busy conquering America in English shewolf-style, I’m glad Nelstar can keep the hispanohablantes company.

Standout Tracks: Manos Al Aire, Silencio (f. Josh Groban), Más

(Click track titles to download or stream the entire playlist.)

best albums of 2009: part 1

2009-12-19T11:01:00.012-06:00

It's back! It being my now second annual "best of" list of albums. Looking back at last year's, I must say I did a pretty good job. By that I mean, for me 2008 was and will always be defined by those albums. Subsequently, while many others are focusing on the end of a decade, I'm keeping this strictly '09. Here is part one of the twenty five albums that shaped my year.

25. Sex Therapy: The Experience – Robin Thicke

He may be the son of the dad from Growing Pains, but he sure can sing you out of your pants. Seriously, it’s that sexy. And this time around he cranked up the beats, meaning he would like to dance you out of your pants as well. I’m game.

Standout Tracks: Meiplé (f. Jay-Z), Make U Love Me, Shakin' It 4 Daddy (f. Nicki Minaj)

24. Glee: The Music, Volume 1 – Original Soundtrack

What’s better than watching this fall’s break out TV show? Reliving the moments over and over again from the convenience of my iPod. Two of my favorite things in one (television and music), how could I not love this? Plus, I’ve had a voice crush on Lea Michele since Spring Awakening, so I’m thrilled she’s back, filling up my iTunes library.

Standout Tracks: Hate On Me, No Air, Defying Gravity

23. Wild Young Hearts – Noisettes

In my mind, Noisettes is like taking the soulful vocals of the Amy Winehouse / Duffy types and cramming it with the upbeat production of someone like Mark Ronson. So British, it hurts really. What's not to love? Nothing, that's what. God save the Queen.

Standout Tracks: Never Forget You, Don’t Upset The Rhythm, 24 Hours

22. Complete Me – Frankmusik

Two words: British electropop. Okay, maybe that's one word and one made-up compound word, but morphological composition aside, the genre is a definite weakness of mine. And when the dance beats are accompanied by a guy who has an affinity for plaid, it only adds fuel to the fire.

Standout Tracks: Better Off As 2, Time Will Tell, In Step

21. Love & War – Daniel Merriweather

I was looking forward to Daniel Merriweather’s solo album ever since he made an appearance on Mark Ronson’s album two years ago. I'm happy to say his smooth vocals lived up to the hype. (And yes, that was the second MR shoutout in one post, for those of you keeping track.)

Standout Tracks: Water & A Flame (f. Adele), Red, Cigarettes

(Click track titles to download or stream the entire playlist.)

just a little off the top.

2009-12-16T11:18:00.003-06:00

I attacked myself with the clippers again, just like last year. Chalk it up to a variety of reasons: cabin fever from being in Peshtigo; having conflicting schedules with the person who does my hair in Chicago; rewatching season 5 of Lost and ogling Matthew Fox's buzz; and most importantly, it's winter, which means hat season, which means hat hair, which means I'd rather not deal with that mess.

Also, this is the closest I will ever get to a gratuitous topless pic, so enjoy it. Happy Hanukkah.

consider me hibernating.

2009-12-13T23:18:00.004-06:00

Greetings from the Arctic. Behold the scenic tundra of Peshtigo, as seen from the back patio.

office hours. (and hours and hours.)

2009-12-10T14:11:00.002-06:00

I came to campus today to lock myself in my office to write my final paper of the semester. A literal ghost town this time of year, University Hall is the perfect place to avoid distractions, e.g. the TV, my bed, other human beings. But of course my OCD nature still managed to find something else to do. Instead of getting straight to writing I decided to clean and reorganize my entire office. Because obviously that's what is most important right now.

As soon as that was finished, as if the universe decided to slap me in the face for procrastinating, I accidentally spilled my entire cup of coffee all over the floor. And at a university that only has hand-driers in the bathrooms instead of paper towels, let me tell you, that was no easy clean up. It was the Exxon-Valdez of beverage spills.

Next up on the procrastination agenda: solo dance party. Like I said, it's a ghost town 'round these parts and now that I rearranged the office furniture there's so much room to get down.

finally finals week.

2009-12-08T00:39:00.001-06:00

Remember when I had time for such things as blogging? Those were the days. Busy presenting projects, writing papers, and applying to programs. Be back in a week, y'all.

foto friday: happy sansgivin

2009-11-27T11:52:00.001-06:00

Colonia, Uruguay - 11/23/06 (Thanksgiving)

muchísimas gracias.

2009-11-26T22:23:00.006-06:00

This year I'm thankful for Mexican food. Specifically, homemade pico de gallo and guacamole, a bottle of José...

...and mashed potato and roasted veggie enchiladas. And tres leches cake for dessert. ¡Olé! Plus, tryptophan doesn't really make you pass out. But tequila does. The pilgrims would be proud.

Oh, and I'm thankful for sweatpants. That's what friends celebrate the holidays in.

the one with all the thanksgivings.

2009-11-24T09:01:00.004-06:00

It's that time of year again. All ten Thanksgiving episodes of Friends? Don't mind if I do.

the life of bryan.

2009-11-22T11:42:00.010-06:00

In high school, I always enjoyed that one day in American History every year when we would hear about William Jennings Bryan. Even though he was only mentioned for literally one minute or so, I enjoyed the fact that we potentially could've had a President Bryan.

You see, aside from that really cool "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" Canadian crooner, Bryans (with a Y) aren't exactly commonplace in mainstream culture. Sure everyone knows that there exists the Brian/Bryan alternation, but the I-guys have always gotten the public figures: Brian Williams, Brian Boitano, Brian Austin Green, Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys, etc. Okay, so maybe these aren't the most shining of examples, but I'm biased and more importantly, you catch my drift. The distribution is skewed.

However, lately Y-guys have been making a name for themselves. There has been a slow and steady rise of my brethren popping up all over the public's radar. Here's a rundown of why the Y is cool now:

Bryan Cranston & Bryan Batt: These two leading men from AMC (Breaking Bad and Mad Men, respectively) have gotten mentions left and right for their critically-acclaimed television series, including a Best Actor Emmy win for Cranston.

Bryan Singer: Okay, his work since the first two X-Men films hasn't exactly been top-notch. (Did anyone see Valkyrie? That is, and not regret it?) However, he's made a name for himself (and us) in Hollywood and here's hoping that teaming up with another Y-guy, Bryan Fuller of Dead Like Me/Pushing Daisies fame, on Sellevision will double the awesomeness and continue to give us all a good name when it comes to behind the camera work.

Bryan Burk: J.J. Abrams may be the genius of the moment, but let it be known that there has been a Bryan collaborating with him on a lot of his best work. Burk has been a producer on Alias, Lost, Cloverfield, and the new Star Trek. Nonetheless, he almost didn't make the list for also producing What About Brian. How did he let that happen? Traitor.

Bryan Voltaggio: This season of Top Chef's older half of the sibling rivalry has finally given me a reality TV contestant that not only do I obligingly have to root for, but one that may actually win.

foto friday: read it and weep

2009-11-20T10:44:00.001-06:00

1607 University Hall (UIC), Chicago - 11/19/09

delusions of the opposite of grandeur.

2009-11-19T22:56:00.002-06:00

For the amount of crap I have left to do this semester, specifically writing (a 10-pager, a 13-pager, and a 20-pager), I'm surprisingly upbeat and optimistic. I give it a week before I start to deteriorate.

Then a week after that, I'll rise from the ashes like a phoenix, as a new man. A man who will take the following month to catch up on all sorts of things. (Mostly television.)

november mixtape.

2009-11-19T09:09:00.001-06:00

Give It To Me Right - Melanie Fiona
90210 - Wale
Simple As... - KiD CuDi
22 - Lily Allen
I See You - Mika
Airstream Driver - Gomez
I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked - Ida Maria
Streetwalker - Delta Spirit
Daylight - Matt & Kim
Until We Bleed - Kleerup (f. Lykke Li)
Moon & Moon - Bat For Lashes
Alligator - Tegan & Sara
Teeth - Lady GaGa
Keep It Goin' Louder - Major Lazer (f. Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze)
The Beat Is - Alphabeat
Men In This Town - Shakira
Manos Al Aire - Nelly Furtado
Happy - Leona Lewis

(Listen on imeem; Track list on iTunes)

how to augment your lexicon.

2009-11-18T01:13:00.004-06:00

Being an English/Spanish bilingual is not just job security. Okay, it's mostly that. But it has other benefits as well. One that I love, for example, is that knowing Spanish vastly improves your English vocabulary. I find myself constantly noticing (and often making use of) six-dollar words that are Latin-based.

Some are pretty straight forward, such as:

diablo: devil >> diabolical: of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil
pescado: fish >> pescatarian: one whose diet includes fish but no meat
útil: useful >> utile: useful

But others are much more fun, like:

arruga: wrinkle >> rugose: full of wrinkles
nublado: cloudy >> obnubilate: becloud, obscure
sacerdote: priest >> sacerdotal: of or relating to priests or priesthood

And, if you ever want to compare something to an animal, don't fret -- it can always be done:

águila: eagle >> aquiline: curving like an eagle's beak
ciervo: deer >> cervine: resembling deer
cuervo: crow >> corvine: resembling a crow
oveja: sheep >> ovine: resembling sheep
puerco: swine >> porcine: piggish

You get the idea. So I may be pretentious, but please don't ever think that using an expanded vocabulary is a consequence of it. Blame Spanish. (The conservative right would.)

foto friday: cupid's span

2009-11-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

The Embarcadero, San Francisco - 3/26/09

to-dos day.

2009-11-11T00:28:00.003-06:00

Growing up my mother always dedicated Saturday to doing her cleaning, errands, et al. I never understood it. Why would you sacrifice almost an entire day of your weekend? Sleeping in, watching TV, being an utterly worthless bum -- that's what Saturdays were for. (And still are, as far as I'm concerned.)

Well I didn't understand her mentality until now. Because now I have Tuesdays. I love Tuesdays. They're my productive day. Laundry, dishes, errands, tidying up, organizing anything and everything... you name it and Tuesday is the day to do it. The grocery store is empty. No one is getting their haircut. It's as if Tuesday was made for these sort of things. And once those things are done, that high of productivity more often than not flows into my academic work. (How or why, I'm still not sure, but I just roll with it.)

Sure, there's that one pesky class in the afternoon, but it doesn't intrude too much. At the close of Tuesday, I always have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It's the one day a week where the Dones outnumber the To-Dos. So thanks again, Tuesday. I'll see you next week.

foto friday: on wisconsin

2009-11-06T11:40:00.001-06:00

Memorial Union, Madison - 6/14/09

tofu or not tofu, that is the question.

2009-11-04T22:30:00.002-06:00

I made my first homemade tofu dish the other day it was nothing short of amazing. I've been literally craving it everyday since I made it. So I guess this whole vegetarian thing isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

i read you loud and clear, universe.

2009-11-03T23:07:00.003-06:00

First, Friday night I was denied access to the after-hours bar because the bouncer wanted a second form of photo ID. (Excuse me for being six plus years older and 100 plus pounds lighter than my freshman-year self.) Then, Saturday night I managed to lose my wallet... yet again. (Onesies aren't exactly chock-full of pockets.)

Both events led me to getting more sleep, drinking less, and spending less money. So I guess Halloween was... a success?

And I can really only say this because my wallet was promptly returned to me Monday due to a very kind Samaritan, so a subsequent "my life is in a whirlwind" freak-out was not necessary. However, I do think a grounding is in order.

foto friday: not-quite-yet november rain

2009-10-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

UIC Campus, Chicago - 10/23/09

optimalist, optimist... potato, potato.

2009-10-29T01:21:00.003-05:00

My Wednesday night class (Advanced Syntax) has been giving me an intellectual high lately. It's a cool feeling, being so cerebrally stimulated and satisfied. I think this is what grad school is about.

Well... it's about that and this insomniac sleep schedule I've been keeping. Seriously, what gives, body? Let me pass out.

let the wild rumpus start.

2009-10-27T12:49:00.003-05:00

Guess who has his Halloween costume ready.

foto friday: okey dokey

2009-10-23T12:01:00.000-05:00

Ukrainian Village, Chicago - 9/20/08

october mixtape.

2009-10-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Never Forget You - Noisettes
Pull My Heart Away - Jack Peñate
Girlfriend - Phoenix
Crying Lightning - Arctic Monkeys
I & Love & You - The Avett Brothers
Wolves - Phosphorescent
Crystalised - The xx
Love Long Distance - Gossip
Plastic Jungle - Miike Snow
Hold The Line - Major Lazer (f. Mr. Lexx & Santigold)
Done Done - Frankmusik
Aha! - Imogen Heap
Hurricane Drunk - Florence + The Machine
Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare - Matt & Kim
Blame It On The Girls - Mika
All Is Love - Karen O & The Kids
Help I'm Alive - Metric
I Go To Sleep - Sia

(Listen on imeem; Track list on iTunes)

bryan bueller's day off.

2009-10-22T18:10:00.003-05:00

I'm in my pajamas enjoying a nice cup of coffee. I should also mention that it's after 6 o'clock... PM, that is. My Thursday class was canceled today so I decided to cancel everything else in my life. Doing any work... canceled. Going to the gym... canceled. Showering, or even dressing for that matter... canceled. After three presentations in three days, I'd say I deserved it. Back to reality tomorrow. Until then, bottoms up.

vaya con dios, carrito mío.

2009-10-22T12:47:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to mention it until now, but there's been a loss in the family as of a week ago. Those oh-so wise Pink lyrics, "Cuz shorty gotta job, shorty gotta car, and shorty can pair own rent," no longer apply. No, my friends, this shorty don't gotta car no more! And yes, that means Alberto is no longer in my custody.

Big city life has taken it's toll and having a car whilst living in Lincoln Park just proved pointless. (And expensive... $50 tickets!) Plus winter was going to be a pain.

But no worries, he's not gone for good. He's just gone to live with my little brother in Green Bay for a while. I believe this is the literal equivalent of sending your family dog to a "big farm with lots of room for him to run around and play." Play away, Alberto, play away. You enjoy those wide-open highways and that less expensive gasoline. We'll be reunited one day.

los programas televisivos son divertidos.

2009-10-21T22:46:00.004-05:00

Today was my favorite class of Spanish 103. I had been looking forward to teaching this lesson all semester. Why? Because it was all about TV. Discussion topics included what kinds of programs they watch, what programs are not appropriate for children, how different groups (women, gays, latinos, etc.) are represented on television... and so on and so forth.

There wasn't an example I couldn't come up with! Nor one they could throw at me that I didn't catch the reference for. And they actually laughed (a lot!) at my cheap cuts at the CW.

Plus, Maury got brought up in not just one but both of my classes. Tell me, how isn't that a perfect class discussion?!

foto friday: bridesdude

2009-10-16T18:00:00.003-05:00

Colaizy-Hannigan Wedding, St. Paul - 8/29/09

[This wasn't taken by me, (obviously), but the good news is I have a functioning camera again so more Foto Fridays to come. And you're welcome, Laura.]

b-ko'-lantern.

2009-10-08T14:24:00.004-05:00

The roomie and I got into the October spirit and painted pumpkins last night. Of course I couldn't resist making mine a Bryan-o'-lantern, complete with some glasses, a plaid bow tie, and my trademark judgmental smirk.

if i could turn back time.

2009-10-06T22:26:00.005-05:00

From my bed I have a weirdly perfect view of the analog clock we have hanging over our refrigerator. However, the view is made possible by a conveniently placed mirror. Despite it's about face (clock pun!), I've gotten keenly good at telling the time. My fear now though is that when faced (second clock pun!) with telling time in other non-digital situations, I will become incapacitated.

I just wanted to state for the record that I did pass the second grade and I did learn to tell time. So please cut me some slack if I have to pause next time I glance at my wrist watch. I have to first remember that clockwise isn't counter anymore.

fall is official, y'all.

2009-09-30T15:34:00.006-05:00

Some people mark the seasons by weather patterns. Awesome people do so via wardrobe patterns. First scarf of the year equals first day of fall. And I couldn't be more thrilled.

Also, if you look closely through those cement slab windows, you'll see a close-up of the Chicago skyline. Holler for an office with a view, even if it is slightly perforated.

monday observations.

2009-09-28T13:39:00.004-05:00

Running into people on public transportation is always awkward. When is it socially acceptable to put my earphones back in and go about my business tuning out the world? And what about when we get off at the same stop? Are we obligated to walk with each other for a bit or do we casually keep a few paces in between us?
This time of the year always reminds me of Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day. Where can I find a copy of that?
I think the socks I'm wearing today used to be black, but they're so faded that I'm passing them off as navy.

at least it's not twilight.

2009-09-24T14:05:00.003-05:00

It's a delightful four mile trek on Halsted via bike every day to and from campus. However, as of late, although the weather has been pleasant enough and I enjoy the exercise, I've been foregoing said planet-friendly transport. Why? Two letters: HP.

I finally picked up where I left off with the Harry Potter series about three years ago (with "...and the Goblet of Fire"). I read the first two in high school and I caught up on the third (en español) while I was living in Buenos Aires. (To quote an old post: "Because, again, knowing how to say 'spells', 'owls', and 'cauldrons' will no doubt be endlessly helpful in the months to come.") But I digress. The point is I'm back and I'm hooked.

Anyway, during the school year, bus time is my only reading-for-fun time. And now that I'm back on the HP bandwagon, I'm going out of my way to find time for public transportation. It's embarrassing.

Three more books to go and my hope is that they last me the whole semester, but with the way I'm eschewing quality time with Rodrigo (my bike) at all costs, I doubt it. At least once winter comes I won't be so blatantly Hogwarts-obsessed, as I'll have no other option than to take the bus. So... c'mon, snow! (I kid... kind of.)

veggie tales.

2009-09-22T22:55:00.005-05:00

I'm testing the waters of vegetarianism. (Or pescatarianism. I have yet to decide if I'm crossing out seafood too.) No, I haven't become a card-carrying member of PETA. Honestly there's no real reason. Over the past year or so I've been on a natural progression towards this particular persuasion of cuisine. Many a week I'll find myself reflecting, "Hmm... I haven't eaten any meat in x days. Curious." Perhaps it stems from my intense love of veggie burgers.

Whatever the case, I've decided to make a conscious effort to just say no. We'll see how long it takes before I cross back over to the carnivorous side screaming, "I want a mother effin' tenderloin. Still bleeding, please." Mmm, steak. Damn, this may not last long at all...

And of course it will have to wait a few more days to boot. I still have two more chicken breasts in my freezer and I'm not going to let them go to waste. (It's a recession, y'all!) So after my next batch of fajitas, bye-bye beef, so long sausage, and ciao chicken.

one down, everything else to go.

2009-09-16T13:45:00.003-05:00

It took over a year, but I finally went to my first Cubs game yesterday. Of course it was against the Brewers, so my loyalties were tested. However, I do own a Cubs shirt, whereas I do not own a Brewers shirt, so the question of who to root for wasn't really much of a decision, I guess. (Which begs the question, is there anything I do that isn't dictated by wardrobe?)

If anything, I think this make me an official Chicagoan now, right? Probably not as there are still about five million other "Chicago" things I have yet to check off of my list:

go to the Sears Tower
be on (or even near) Lake Michigan
go to a Bears or Blackhawks game
see the Lincoln Park Zoo
go to Navy Pier
visit the Shedd Aquarium or basically any museum, etc. etc.

Drinking, eating, and shopping though I am all over. (And thensome.) And those are three activities that I feel truly define the inhabitants of this fair city. The rest I'll leave for the tourists. And by that I mean I'll wait for visitors to come and then I'll continue checking off the list.

the beginning is the end is the beginning.

2009-09-10T00:01:00.007-05:00

Today was one of those days that kicked my ass mentally, but was so rewarding because it gave me such perspective. The details are boring (read: academia-related) so I'll spare you.

On a similar note, I finally took the time today to hash out my iCal/Google Calendar with my fall schedule and all its requirements and whatnot. The future looks daunting, but at least the impending stress is now weighing on me in a very structured manner. Alphabetization, organization, color-coordination... that's my bread and butter. My zen.

(No seriously... the calendar is color-coordinated. I love it.)

september mixtape.

2009-09-08T13:44:00.004-05:00

On To The Next One - Jay-Z (f. Swizz Beatz)
It Don't Move Me - Peter Bjorn & John
In The Hospital - Friendly Fires
Time Will Tell - Frankmusik
Bulletproof - La Roux
Pursuit Of Happiness - KiD CuDi (f. MGMT & Ratatat)
Hysteric - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Stood Up - A Fine Frenzy
Moth's Wings - Passion Pit
Summertime Clothes - Animal Collective
Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
Oh My God - Ida Maria
Dimestore Diamond - Gossip
I've Seen Enough - Cold War Kids
History Sticks To Your Feet - Modest Mouse
Clean - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson
Siren Song - Bat For Lashes
Wake Up - Arcade Fire

(Listen on imeem; Track list on iTunes)

you say groomsman, i say bridesdude.

2009-08-31T13:41:00.003-05:00

I should have kids so:

a. I can dress them up all fancy-like.
b. we can spend endless hours making facial expressions at each other.
c. I have a reason to always have peanutbutter crackers on my person.
d. All of the above.

just b yourself.

2009-08-20T00:35:00.005-05:00

Craft night! Okay, it wasn't so much a craft, but it did involve a glue stick, so close.

I am all about do-it-yourself art for your home (translation: zero cost). After about three hours work tonight, I present you with the newest addition to my wall art:

I'm pretty damn impressed that it actually came out how I envisioned it in my head. I am also super happy that this literally cost me $0. The photos were all from Flickr (there are 123 Bs present) and I recycled the frame (which actually was a hand-me-down from a former roommate in the first place). Add my printer, some scissors and a glue stick, and voilà! Martha Stewart, eat your heart out.

holy moly.

2009-08-19T14:53:00.002-05:00

I've naturally worn a hole into the knee of my favorite jeans. My badass points for the year have probably doubled because of this. Interestingly enough I threw them on because I was going to craft them into a new pair of denim cutoffs to help me survive these final dog days of summer 2009. Not anymore. My street cred is more important.

august mixtape.

2009-08-19T09:27:00.005-05:00

Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) - Florence + The Machine
Little Secrets - Passion Pit
Heartbreaker - MSTRKRFT (f. John Legend)
Veni Vidi Vici (Diplo Remix) - Black Lips
1901 - Phoenix
Let It Fall - Lykke Li
Dead Sound - The Raveonettes
It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry - Glasvegas
Ode To LRC - Band Of Horses
Heartbroken, In Disrepair - Dan Auerbach
Bad Things - Jace Everett
I'll Be Your Man - The Black Keys
You Me Dancing - Los Campesinos!
Eet - Regina Spektor
Voice On Tape - Jenny Owen Youngs
Biko - Bloc Party
No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
Goodnight, Travel Well - The Killers

(Listen on imeem; Track list on iTunes)

back to school special.

2009-08-18T18:32:00.005-05:00

Today was my first day back on campus and it was kind of a slap in the face. First I met with some colleagues to discuss an article for a seminar we're taking this fall. The class doesn't even start until Monday, mind you. Sigh.

However, after that I did get to do a mock teaching lesson for the new batch of Spanish TAs, so they could know what they're supposed to be doing, ask questions, worship at my feet in awe of my wicked-awesome maestro skills, etc. That was fun.

I don't think a day could more perfectly define the dichotomy of grad school, nor more perfectly highlight which half I relish more.

On a fun tangent, if I didn't want to profess the Spanish (or if I have a breakdown and drop out of grad school), when I grow up I would want to be:

an architect
a graphic designer for a magazine
a fashion photographer
the music coordinator for a television show

Luckily I enjoy the direction in which I'm going, so no career-path 180s will be necessary. Not yet anyway.

fun (with parentheses).

2009-08-17T23:59:00.000-05:00

Back in Chicago (for good),
back to school (very soon),
and back to blogging more regularly (I hope).

New apartment (I love),
in a new neighborhood (near everything),
with a new attitude (toward things).

recap-apalooza.

2009-08-10T21:16:00.009-05:00

After missing out last year because it coincided with move-in, I finally got to experience my first Lollapalooza. Each day had a simple theme:

Friday it was "rain and mud" with The Decemberists and Kings of Leon. Many a pair of chucks were ruined that day, I'm sure. Oh and on my way out the door I grabbed a miscellaneous black umbrella. I didn't notice until after I left the house that it had ruffles along the edges. Real manly. It quickly became dubbed my parasol.

Saturday's theme was "gin and vodka" with Santigold, Lykke Li, Diplo and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Drink, dance, repeat basically. As an added bonus, by showing up late and smuggling in a bottle down my shorts it was the cheapest day of the weekend. But with every yin there's a yang, as being tipsy all day meant we were late for pretty much ever show we saw. Whoops.

Sunday it was "sun and sweat" with Bat For Lashes, The Airborne Toxic Event, Passion Pit, Dan Auerbach, and Band of Horses. I was still not fully recovered from the day before's shenanigans at the beginning, but after some free water and a falafel sandwich it shaped up to be a great day at the park, considering the 90 degree temperatures.

It was all amazing times a thousand, especially ending the weekend on two incredible high notes. First by dancing our sweaty asses off at Passion Pit and not realizing until afterward that the crowd behind us was ginormous. And then second by seeing Band of Horses (a personal favorite) literally front and center. My camera phone didn't focus well, but at least it verifies I was super effing close.

Goosebumps galore. And then during "Ode to LRC" lead singer Ben Bridwell came down and joined the crowd, a mere three feet away from me. Done. Perfect. Mother nature may not have cooperated, but it didn't even matter after that.

the b-ko identity.

2009-07-25T16:11:00.006-05:00

I've come to the realize that within my circle of friends there are a myriad of long-running jokes that have to do with me fitting into some sort of identity, none of which I actually am.

1. Being Mexican.

I'm not. A few months ago, after not having seen me for like a week, my friend Will asked in all sincerity, "Where have you been? Mexico?" Apparently my deep tan at the beginning of May implied travel. Nope, I just have super active melanin. So mix that copper complexion with my Spanish studies and a love of jalapeños and BAM... Bryan the Mexican.

2. Being half-Jewish.

Again, I'm not. I'm a straight-up Lutheran from Wisconsin. However, I have a tendency of overusing Hebrew words and I especially love a good "shalom." Once again my skin tone and hair color help with this sort of identity, but not completely, hence why the half was thrown in.

3. Being a vampire.

Yet again, I'm not. I've mentioned it before, but out of nowhere one day, someone pointed out my surprisingly pronounced canine teeth. Then my uncanny lightning speed at playing cards kept fueling the flames. However, this is one identity where my looks are in opposition. With my tanned skin and body hair, the new conclusion is that I'm more of a werewolf. Personally, I just think my friends are little too obsessed with Twilight.

4. Being a hipster/Wicker Park resident.

I'm not... ish. I'm not a full-on hipster at least, that's for sure and although I did reside in the Wicker Park area this past year, I am moving to a less hipster-central neighborhood. I will not lie though that I will often don hipsteresque garb (read: plaid) and I do have rather pretentious taste in music.

Now if you take any joke that my friends make at my expense, I assure you that 9 out of 10 times it has something to do with one of these supposed identities I have. Because if there's one way to describe Bryan in a nutshell it would as a half-Mexican, half-Jewish, hipster vampire.

july mixtape.

2009-07-20T19:44:00.005-05:00

Lisztomania - Phoenix
Skeleton Boy - Friendly Fires
Geraldine - Glasvegas
Living Thing - Peter Bjorn & John
Highly Suspicious - My Morning Jacket
Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heavy Cross - Gossip
New In Town - Little Boots
Paper Gangsta - Lady GaGa
Stillness Is The Move - Dirty Projectors
Sleepyhead - Passion Pit
Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
Love Letter To Japan - The Bird & The Bee
Change - Daniel Merriweather (f. Wale)
Laughing With - Regina Spektor
Don't Wanna Cry - Pete Yorn
Led To The Sea - Jenny Owen Youngs
Knocked Up (Remix) - Kings Of Leon (f. Lykke Li)

(Listen on imeem; Track list on iTunes)

except gin-thirsty, not blood-thirsty.

2009-07-13T15:00:00.007-05:00

My stint in Madison for the summer is officially half-way over. Five weeks down, five weeks to go. Don't ask me how though. Feels like I started back here yesterday.

Oddly enough, the halfway mark also proved to be the first time I didn't jet out of town as soon as the work week finished. If you wish to make your weekend seem twice as long, try not driving back and forth to somewhere two and a half hours away for a change. I swear, the time between Friday afternoon and Monday morning seemed endless. (Although, going out Thursday night probably helped lengthen it too. Maybe I'll try doing that again too.)

More importantly, let it be known that I am the undefeated champion of Egyptian Ratscrew among my friends. Out of countless games this weekend at the bars, I was ne'er outscrewed. There has been murmuring that my unnatural, lightning-quick skills come from being a vampire, which in turn comes from the recent revelation that I have rather pronounced cuspids.

I will neither confirm nor deny such rumors. I will say though, that the complete anti-paleness of my complexion and my obsession with garlic would seem to dispel such nonsense. Nonetheless, I shall take any comparison to Edward Cullen as a compliment.

he's still one of a kind to me.

2009-07-07T12:50:00.003-05:00

This is why I get confused walking to my car every lunch. I literally have to pause for a second. Alberto (mine) is on the far left. He's the adorable one. I have yet to find out what his friends' names are.

it's all about the benjamin.

2009-07-01T00:20:00.008-05:00

Saturday morning my friend Marty and I were walking to Jimmy John's for lunch. Laying on the sidewalk was some cash. "Oh, a twenty!" Marty exclaimed. Then he unfolded it and there was another twenty. And then he unfolded it again and there was... a... hundred... dollar... bill. What?!

We literally hugged each other and did some jumping up and down. Then we did a quick surveillance of the area for any hidden cameras and/or Oprah who would come running out and yell at us for taking it and being bad Samaritans. With none of the above in sight, we hightailed it out of there.

As excited as we were, it was rather sad to see how quickly it was spent. Cabs, drinks, food -- $70 each for a Saturday in Chicago doesn't exactly afford the lap of luxury. (Sadly that also means I still had to foot the bill for my Friday and Sunday, which weren't cheap either.) Nonetheless, free money is free money!

The running joke of the day was guessing what bad karma was going to befall us. Our first purchase with the cursed money: bus fare up to Lakeview. Naturally we assumed the bus was going to explode in a freak accident.

Despite our fears, we made it out of the weekend unscathed. Well, aside from some loss of dignity and a huge hangover, but I think we brought that upon ourselves.

under construction.

2009-06-30T15:54:00.002-05:00

Just your typical Tuesday in the office. Please add drilling holes in old floppy disks to my job description. (It's more efficient than sorting through and seeing what confidential information they have.) If this is what they want to (over) pay me to do, who am I to say no?

the underground candy railroad.

2009-06-24T10:14:00.002-05:00

Almost everyday my boss puts a Dove chocolate on my desk, as she does with everyone in the Fiscal team. Everyday I take said chocolate over to my coworker Sarah in Professional Development, with whom I barter it for a Starburst. Everybody wins.

I've learned something very valuable: I need to stop telling people up front that I don't care for chocolate. As this case proves, there is always something to be gained.

That... plus I wouldn't have to deal with people guffawing, "What?! You don't like chocolate?!" ever again.

Addendum: I do, however, love peanut M&Ms, so whichever coworker brought those and placed them in the common area, you I like.

In a related matter, who else thinks that me working in an office again will make me fat?

but i don't hate the universe.

2009-06-14T22:19:00.002-05:00

Addendum: Spending lots of time in the sun and at the terrace this weekend helped a lot too. How could I not want to spend my summer looking at this everyday? Perfect.

the universe hates me.

2009-06-14T17:45:00.005-05:00

Sunday I cruised back into Madison. Monday morning I was back at the office. Tuesday I picked up the keys to my sublet for the next two months. Friday I wanted to punch someone in the face.

That would be the day my boss at UIC called me and asked if I was available to teach a summer course starting the following Monday.

My gut reaction was, "Are you fucking kidding me?!" Despite my near blackout rage, however, I managed to calmly explain to her that I had actually just moved to Madison for the summer for a job. She understood and apologized for it being so last minute. Getting things approved budget-wise is never an easy process. And that was that.

As soon as I hung up, my mind started racing. Maybe I should call her back. Maybe I could still pay my sublet and move back. Maybe my new / old work would not damn me straight to hell for bailing after only a week. Maybe my summer could return to form as I had originally intended it -- leisurely, lovely, and most importantly, in Chicago, the city where I actually lived.

Soon the delusions settled and I realized things happen the way they happen. There are worse places to spend your summer than in Madison. I'm here. And before long I'll be back there.

(Drinking a lot of gin and buying some new jeans this weekend also helped ease the pain.)

the commute is a bitch.

2009-06-02T08:07:00.004-05:00

I found summer employment. Or should I say it found me? Since I was in town for the weekend, I popped into my old office last Friday to say hello and walked out with a job offer.

My feelings of being back in Madison for the summer while missing out on a lot of Chicago fun time are bittersweet. However, my feelings are rather irrelevant as my bank account is pretty pumped for a regular 40 hour a week paycheck through August. Plus, if last summer is any indication, I'll be back here more often than not as it is.

My going away party is this weekend. My welcome back party will probably be the following weekend. No need to RSVP to either. Presents optional.

if these shoes could talk.

2009-05-25T16:14:00.002-05:00

A before and after shot, but in reverse. It was about time for a replacement pair, no?

However, since the pair on the left have literally traveled across the globe with me, I have yet to toss them. And I'll probably continue to wear them until the sole completely falls off. (It's already halfway there, so not long.)

Funny that an emotionless robot like myself would get sartorially sentimental. On the other hand, I'm sure the majority of my friends wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

from botanicals to buttocks.

2009-05-21T09:24:00.001-05:00

My landlord planted irises which have recently bloomed out front. They put me in a good mood every time I walk through our gate. Which, by the by, has been a lot recently since my bike got a flat tire last weekend. (I go in and out of the garage with it.)

Speaking of which, who has a set of socket wrenches I can borrow so I can fix that? How am I going to have killer thighs and a rockin' ass by the end of summer if my bicycling around town comes so suddenly to a halt? Please, lend me your tools. Do it for my ass.

upside-down dreams.

2009-05-20T23:33:00.004-05:00

I have this weird thing I do where if I'm tossing and turning a lot I rotate myself around and sleep with my feet toward the headboard. Works like a charm every time.

Also, I more often than not nap in that same backward position. (Or should I say feetward position?)

I wonder what that's all about.

(School is over, I'm unemployed, and the roommate is out of town, a.k.a. I have a lot of time on my hands. Whilst cycling through TV, books, and cleaning, my mind has a tendency to wander. And wonder.)

there's a fiesta in my belly.

2009-05-17T19:35:00.007-05:00

Friday night after the bars: chicken burrito (from Picante)
Saturday brunch: breakfast burrito (at Deleece)
Saturday dinner: home-made veggie enchiladas
Saturday after the bars: slice of taco pizza (from Ian's)
Sunday lunch: leftover enchiladas

Are you sensing a trend? I think the only break from my all Mexican food, all the time was some Raisin Bran I had for breakfast this morning. However, if I could find a way to add guacamole, salsa, or jalapeños to cereal, you better believe I'd do it.

peshtigo, that fiery lil' town.

2009-05-13T13:08:00.003-05:00

Highlights from my five-day stint at home include:

a nonstop gorge-fest of food: Friday fish fry, Luigi's pizza and Brothers Three pizza, plus my mom's home cooking;
going out to a bar with the parents and running into two uncles, an aunt, and two cousins as well as my 7th grade math teacher;
going to ShopKo with the madre on Mother's day, where she bought me an end table;
lots and lots of TV (boo me);
lots and lots of running on the treadmill (yay me!);
realizing that if I moved back there for the summer I would most definitely go insane from boredom.

may mixtape.

2009-05-11T01:38:00.003-05:00

Fuck You - Lily Allen
Meddle - Little Boots
Good To Sea - Pinback
Sleep Alone - Bat For Lashes
Gobbledigook - Sigur Rós
Little Pieces - Gomez
That Home - The Cinematic Orchestra (f. Patrick Wilson)
The Planets Bend Between Us - Snow Patrol
As Tall As Cliffs - Margot & The Nuclear So & So's
I Sing I Swim - Seabear
Boy With A Coin - Iron & Wine
Ten Women - Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band
Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes
Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis
I Wish I Was The Moon - Neko Case
Myriad Harbour - The New Pornographers
Magick - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Good Arms vs. Bad Arms - Frightened Rabbit

(Track list on iTunes)

unemployment benefits?

2009-05-09T13:21:00.003-05:00

I turned in my last paper yesterday morning. That usual feeling of exhilaration that only finishing a semester can do came over me, however, it wasn't very long lasting. Instead now I'm consumed with wondering what the hell I'm going to do this summer.

I'm sure even my mother knows that my coming home to Peshtigo this weekend wasn't just a "Happy Mother's Day!" trip. More than ever, I was in dire need of an "I'm going to eat your food and not spend money for a while because I'm broke" trip.

I said I was consumed with wondering, not consumed with being proactive toward finding a solution.

i need to adjust my junk mail filter.

2009-05-05T00:20:00.005-05:00

Email has to be simultaneously the best and the worst thing to ever happen to university life. I say so because it's pretty much almost entirely unilaterally positive from the perspective of the student.

Email is not a proper substitution for coming to office hours. Email is not an excuse to not read the syllabus. Email is not the proper medium for many a conversation, especially your grade. Email is not a lot of things, kids. Get a clue.

I swear, if I get one more stupid email from a student, I will scream. However, my refusal to answer them in a timely manner (which to them means instantaneously), I'm sure infuriates and worries them to no end, so at least that brings me some solace.

father figures.

2009-05-02T18:26:00.006-05:00

I've had a sartorial realization. Recently I've noticed that my style sense is equivalent to that of a hipster dad. Random? Yes. But humor me...

With the advent of warmer weather, there have been troves of thirty-something Wicker Park residents cruising around the neighborhood with their little ones in tow. And without fail, the daddies always look like they've just stepped out of my very own closet. (Or wearing something I really wish was in my very own closet.)

They represent an amalgamation of the über-preppiness of being a young father and the trendy-coolness of living in such a scenester locale. The thin line between these two worlds includes a lot of boat shoes, Converse, cardigans, and plaid -- all go-to staples of mine.

But how did they get like that, I wonder. Well, this is what I imagine is your typical hipster dad's journey down Fashion Lane:

Stage 1: Starts off as a twenty-something hipster, embracing over-the-top, super trendy ridiculousness.
Stage 2: Begins to age, so the colors become more muted, eccentric patterns are minimized, and nonessentials like quirky accessories are discarded.
Stage 3: Becomes involved in a long-term relationship, so all need to appear "cooler than though" is disregarded, eliminating anything that is "the look" that year, season, month, etc.
Stage 4: Has a child, so practicality becomes key, embracing all things classic (button-downs, solid v-necks, and the like), but doesn't move out of the hood, so an edge of hip is still unavoidable. (One wouldn't want to be mistaken for a Lincoln Park day-visitor.)

Yet despite our style similarities, there are still some stark contrasts between them and me. For instance, I'm the one without the stroller and there's no priggish, hipster-mom wife ordering for me at the coffeshop.

done and done.

2009-04-29T13:25:00.004-05:00

Because of cancellations and things, I finished all of my actual class-taking for the semester yesterday. Just two more final projects left to finish and turn in before next week. Rather anticlimactic really. How my Spring 2009 term didn't culminate in a giant shit storm is beyond me. But I shant complain.

not quite overwhelmed, just whelmed.

2009-04-20T13:41:00.003-05:00

I'm surprisingly calm for how much shit is about to hit the fan:

End of the semester papers, presentations, and exams
Figuring out / registering for my fall courses
Picking a Master's thesis topic NOW
Formulating a plan to become gainfully employed for the summer
Constant waffling between wanting to move come August or just find a new roommate
The endless decisions that come from that last problem: What would I do with my car? Would I stay in the same neighborhood or switch it up? etc.

To cope I'm doing a lot of cleaning and reorganizing of my room. It's all about the things you can control.

well hello, sunshine. long time no see.

2009-04-17T13:21:00.005-05:00

Conceptually, proctoring my friend's 101 exams while she's away at a conference seemed easy enough to do. However, getting up at 7 and being to campus by 8 was quite the rude awakening for me. Literally. My usual Friday schedule sees me arriving at UIC six hours later, at around 1:55 PM just in time to teach my own classes. Six hours is a quarter of a day. That's quite the shift in daily schedule.

However, the positives now far exceed the negatives. I got caught up on my grading etcetera, when I ordered a large coffee it was actually a necessity not an overindulgence, and I may finally rid myself of my winter whiteness.

foto friday: neon is the new black

2009-04-17T09:48:00.004-05:00

Division Street, Chicago - 3/5/09

i got this on lock.

2009-04-16T16:07:00.003-05:00

Did I forget to tell you all that I've become a janitor? Seriously, who in their right mind needs eleven keys on their key chain? (Well, ten functioning keys and one key-shaped bottle-opener to be precise.) Surprisingly none of them are superfluous. Moreover, this doesn't even include my car keys. Annoying.

april mixtape.

2009-04-11T12:32:00.006-05:00

You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds (f. Regina Spektor)
Another Heart Calls - The All-American Rejects (f. The Pierces)
You Make It Real - James Morrison
Ain't Gonna Lose You - Brett Dennen
Duet - Rachael Yamagata (f. Ray LaMontagne)
My Manic & I - Laura Marling
I Once Was A Loyal Lover - Death Cab For Cutie
God + Suicide - Blitzen Trapper
Fitz & The Dizzy Spells - Andrew Bird
Pulling On A Line - Great Lake Swimmers
Middle Distance Runner - Sea Wolf
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
Nothing To Worry About - Peter Bjorn & John
Faces - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
The Rake's Song - The Decemberists
Thy Will Be Done - Handsome Furs
Ready For The Floor - Hot Chip
The Girl & The Robot - Röyksopp (f. Robyn)

(Track list on iTunes)

foto friday: from a different angle

2009-04-10T08:49:00.001-05:00

Diagonal Norte, Buenos Aires - 12/4/06

some call me a televisionary.

2009-04-09T23:11:00.004-05:00

I wonder what the statistics are for people like me who have TiVo but don't have cable. I can't be the only one using it with just an antenna, right? However, the more I think about it, the more it seems like such a paradox. How can someone exist who loves TV enough that a TiVo is warranted, but they won't justify shelling out dinero for the cable bill each month? Yet here I am existing.

Granted I think that me having an older generation TiVo for which I don't have to pay a monthly fee (that lifetime subscription was a wise investment) is a unique situation. I just figure there has to be someone else out there like me. Maybe not, though.

Nonetheless, I don't really ever plan on going back. The longer I go without cable the less and less I have any desire to ever get it again. Now that it's all digital, there's no difference in quality. Plus, all my mainstay shows are on broadcast anyway. And there's TV on DVD via Netflix for anything that's not.

And let's be real, free is frickin' free. With that extra green every month, think of the extra clothes I get to buy, the extra drinks I get to order, and, quite befittingly, the extra seasons of TV on DVD I get to purchase.

I will admit, however, if my TiVo could talk it would probably say to me (in a very Bryan-like judgmental tone), "Seriously? Just antenna? What do you want me to suggest for you... Bob Vila's Home Again? Or maybe a King of Queens rerun is more your style."

I know, TiVo, I'm sorry. But I keep you busy enough with my Season Passes, you don't have to worry your little, square (and antenna adorned) head about it.

exclusive spring fashion preview.

2009-04-06T00:49:00.006-05:00

Five easy steps to looking just like Bryan this spring:

1. The hoodie - Solid zip-ups are more versatile than a coat and more practical than the lack of a coat.

2. The shirt - Plaid. (Duh.)

3. The watch - To be prompt (if not early) at all times.

4. The jeans - Designer denim only and the darker the better; also, one's closet should have an array of choices, preferably numbering near the double digits.

5. The shoes - With footwear, only trust Chuck Taylor or his slightly upper-crust cousin Jack Purcell; choose an array of colors, especially any and all neutrals or muted tones.

Alternatives - The hoodie can be substituted for a cardigan and/or the shoes can be swapped out for boat shoes if one desires to kick it up a notch.

Also, by "spring" fashion, clearly I mean year-round, as I've been rocking this exact uniform for over a year now with very slight variation from day to day. (More often than not with the hands-in-the-pocket stance to match as well.)

(Editor's note: This photo has been Photoshopped, but very poorly and not to the model's advantage. Those are still his real thighs.)