things that make you go hmmm...

Some old things that were sidetracked due to news and family events, and one thing from tonight.



* So we went on our regular CD-buying spree at Cheapo in Minneapolis over the long weekend. While I was pleased to see that Alanis Morrissette has fallen so out of favor and is now ruling the used bins along with Cypress Hill, I was confused by Cheapo's new categorization system. Instead of an omnibus "Rock/Pop", there's now "Classic Rock/Pop" and "Modern Rock/Pop." And what's where doesn't always make sense. Joe Jackson and Robyn Hitchcock, two active artists I'd do cartwheels over if they ever got play on a "classic" rock station, are considered "Classic Rock." And while their frontman is still getting magazine covers as a solo artist, The Smiths are filed under "Modern Rock," although they have been defunct FOR HALF OF MY LIFE.



*Speaking of getting a favorite artist on the radio, "The Loop" in Chicago is having people vote on their "entire music library" online. I doubt one voter will make a bit of difference, but if this particular voter does, kiss the Doors, U2, and Van Hagar goodbye. (an aside: I just did the B's. Among them was "Birthday" by the Beatles. Is this the Worst Beatles Song Ever, or does this go to Ob-La-Di? Discuss...I can never make up my mind. )



*I'm continuing with the fencing, which started up again tonight. This is a continuing class with intro to epee, which seems pretty cool. But so with about 10 minutes left of class, a guy walks in wearing a dark-red getup--a floorlength cloaky thing, but high-necked and sleeved, the sort of thing the badass shaolin master wears in the movies. He's waiting for the next class (continuing/sabre) but when asked if he has experience, he says in a vaguely West-Indies accent, "Yeah, street fencing." Huh? WTF? Is this out in the park with the broomsticks? Selling hot car stereos? What?