Tag / Garbage

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Once There Was A 10,000-Step Club

My world was very different six years ago, as I was finishing up my fifth year using a Fitbit.  I had just added 45 new 10,000 step days, my third best year to date, and, with upcoming trips to Boston and California already on the docket, things were looking good to add a good number more and add some new tales to this list of my Top 25 step days.  Then, the corona virus happened, the world basically shut down for the next year or so, and I stopped needing to leave the house.  I’ve worked from home since March of 2020, which theoretically gives me plenty of free time to go out for walks, but, in practice, leaves me homebound more often than not.  For the first time since I started tracking my steps back in 2011, I failed to add a single 10,000 step day for the just completed eleventh year of Fitbit usage or in calendar year 2025, keeping my total static at 288.With that in mind, here’s the list of my Top 25 step days, which has now remained the same for six years.  However, I hope to see some improvement this year thanks to my continued weight loss and increased activity, thanks to the miracles of modern medicine.

1: 4/14/2018 – 27,470 steps

My best single day total is from my April 2017 trip to New York to see Angelina.  The day’s excursions included trips to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, Central Park, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Empire State Building.

2: 7/21/2018 – 27,278 steps

My July 2017 trip to Virginia, to hike up Catawba Mountain to McAfee Knob with Jeff and Val, fell just short of the top spot.

3: 6/6/2013 – 24,988 steps

2013’s trip to Disney World, which spent 5 years as my single day best, included excursions to both Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom, and yes, falling 12 steps short of 25,000 still irks me.

4: 6/3/2019 – 24,665 steps

The first full day of 2019’s summer trip to Washington DC spent most of the day at the Smithsonian Zoo.

5: 8/8/2019 – 23,866 steps

Late in the summer of 2019, I spent two weeks in San Francisco for a work trip.   On my last full day, I went out after work, walking to Pier 39 and then back the other direction to Oracle Park to see the Giants take on the Phillies.  My totals would have been even higher, but I was dead tired and took an Uber back to the hotel after the game.

6: 3/18/2018 – 23,780 steps

My first day in Las Vegas for the 2017 IBM Think conference, the day’s totals include gallivanting around town, including a late night trip up to Caesar’s Palace from the MGM Grand to see Absinthe.

7: 10/24/2018 – 23,362 steps

My October 2018 trip to Boston to see Angelina for our birthday gives us our next entry.  While she was in class, I took tours of Fenway Park and Harvard, before meeting up with her for a late lunch and then heading to the airport for the trip home.

8: 3/22/2016 – 22,493 steps

My one-time second highest day took place during the ill-fated trip to Disney World in March of 2016.  The day’s excursion started at Hollywood Studios before heading over to Epcot Center with Jeff and Val.

9: 7/27/2013 – 20,592 steps

Still my highest total at home in the state of Illinois, the next entry comes thanks to the 2013 BTN 5K and a, for lack of a better word, misunderstanding about where I should be picked up after the race.

10: 12/29/2018 – 20,374 steps

We wrap up the top 10 with 2018’s trip to California and the trip to Disneyland to see Danny perform with the Lincoln-Way Marching Band.

11: 8/5/2017 – 20,218 steps

The next entry came in August of 2017 on the first day of my trip to Boston with Danny and Michael.  After landing in town, we traipsed to the Science Museum, a breakfast joint, our hotel, and, finally, Fenway Park.

12: 7/14/2017 – 20,208 steps

Down to #12 is my 2017 trip to Disney World, a one day journey with Angelina to celebrate her high school graduation. Continue reading →

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2025: The Year In Live Performances

After a slow 2024, things rebounded a bit in 2025 for live performances, including a comedy show, a play, a live podcast taping, and a concert.

I kicked off the year on Valentine’s Day, heading downtown to the Chicago Theatre to see comedian Taylor Tomlinson’s Save Me tour.  I became a fan thanks to her gig hosting the revived @fter Midnight on CBS and was thrilled to see her perform live, my first comedy show since 2023.  After two opening acts, Tomlinson came out and commanded the stage.  Once she wrapped things up, she came back out with her openers and did a round of crowd confessions, where they riffed on stories the crowd had texted in earlier.  During the show, a snowstorm started to roll through town, which made getting out of the theater and getting home dry and in one piece a bit tricky.

In March, I made my first visit to Texas in 20 years to take Michael to see the stage version of Clue. He was sick when Angelina, Danny, and I saw it in Chicago back in 2022, so the experience was a new one for him.  We travelled from his dorm in Dallas to the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy the show based on the movie.  Sadly, that was pretty much the total of our interaction, as he kept mostly to his dorm room the remainder of our visit.

I returned to the Chicago Theatre in September for a live taping of the Inside Jeopardy! podcast.  Following the podcast taping, featuring Celebrity Jeopardy! champion W. Kamu Bell and Jeopardy Masters finalist Juveria Zaheer, Ken Jennings came out to play an interactive round of Jeopardy with the audience.  Sadly, a limited signal prevented me from playing along on my phone, but it was still a good time.

My final live performance of the year came in late September when Garbage performed at the Salt Shed, which was my first ever visit to the new-ish venue.  Proclaiming that this was likely to be their final headlining tour of North America, the group put on a great performance that left the audience begging for more.  They have some European dates on the schedule for this summer that I would absolutely attend had I won the billion-dollar Powerball, but this might have been the end of the road for me seeing my favorite band.

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Fitbit XI – Week 37

I extended my 30,000-step week streak to 21 weeks thanks to some strong outings.  Things got off to a good start on Sunday as a morning walk around the block helped me finish with 5300 steps.  My first trip to the Salt Shed to see Garbage on Monday lifted me up to 6200 steps.  A big drop on Tuesday left me 34 steps away from 3600.  Wednesday saw a nice bounce back, falling just 26 steps shy of 4300.  Another drop on Thursday put me all the way back down to 3700 steps.  A walk to Walgreens to pick up a prescription on Friday left me just 24 steps shy of 6700.  A fall back to 3700 steps on Saturday wrapped up the week.

Total steps: 33,595

Daily average: 4799.3

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iTunes Top 200 Wrap-Up

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It had been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library.  Last week, we finished our journey through the latest list of my most listened to songs since late 2007.  Now it’s time to take a final look at those 210 songs and the artists that made them.  The average number of listens was just over 52, with the median number being 41.  There were 35 new entries, and, overall, there was an average increase of just a tad over nine listens per song.

Most Represented Band

15 – Foo Fighters
9 – The Beatles
8 – The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
7 – Garbage
6 – The Lonely Island

Largest Increase

74 – Harry Caray – Take Me Out To The Ballgame
71 – Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers –Let’s Go-Go-Go White Sox
69 – Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
68 – AC/DC – Thunderstruck
64 – Blues Brothers – Sweet Home Chicago

Smallest Increase

0 – The Beatles – Can’t Buy Me Love
0 – The Crystal Method – Bones Theme
2 – Dr. John – My Opinionation
2 – Chance The Rapper – Stand Up Part 2
2 – The Lonely Island – Natalie’s Rap (ft. Natalie Portman & Chris Parnell)
2 – P.O.D. – Boom

Most Recently Played

12/27/2024 7:51 PM – Mott the Hoople – All the Young Dudes
12/18/2024 5:26 PM – Foo Fighters – Everlong
12/18/2024 4:48 PM – Jay Z – Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
12/18/2024 11:59 AM – Steam – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
12/18/2024 4:27 PM – The Beatles – Eight Days a Week

Least Recently Played

9/30/2019 5:13 PM – The Beates – Can’t Buy Me Love
11/27/2019 6:02 PM – The Crystal Method – Bones Theme
10/11/2021 12:09 AM – Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child o’ Mine
10/29/2021 11:32 PM – The Wonders – That Thing You Do
1/4/2022 12:16 PM – Aerosmith – Janie’s Got a Gun

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Book 32 (of 52) – Pretend We’re Dead

Pretend We’re Dead: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Women in Rock in the ’90s – Tanya Pearson

In Pretend We’re Dead: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Women in Rock in the ’90s, Tanya Pearson dives into the evolution of women in the alternative rock music scenes of the 1990s, the commercialization and mainstream absorption of alternative rock, which led to the marginalization of many of these artists, and the resurgence of these female artists in the 2010s and ’20s, both for their own careers and as catalysts for the young artists emerging today.

The book chronicles the significant impact that female musicians and rock bands had in the ’90s, including Courtney Love of Hole, Shirley Manson of Garbage, Nina Gordon and Louise Post of Veruca Salt, and Tanya Donelly of Belly, alongside solo acts like Liz Phair and Tracy Bonham. These women not only dominated the airwaves but also challenged the traditional, often misogynistic, norms of the music industry, being outspoken, unapologetic, and helping to redefine the notion of femininity in rock.  At least until the shifting landscape of the music and radio industries left them behind, starting with the rise of nu-metal in 1997 and the inherent misogyny that entailed and, finally, in the backlash against non-conformity following the 9/11 attacks.

This era and these artists covered by Pearson were the soundtrack to my college experience.  There are the groups I listened to, the concerts I went to, and, in many cases, still do today.  I’ll need to do some homework to catch up on the newer releases and to see how their influence has spread amongst the artists of today.

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iTunes Top 200: #19 – 27

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

With the top of the charts in sight, we continue this week with songs ranking from 27th place with 56 plays up to those with 65 plays apiece, good enough for 19th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#27: Veruca Salt – Seether
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 2/5/2024
Previous ranking: #29

The group’s debut single was ranked as the 10th greatest grunge song of all time by Paste magazine in 2014.

#27: Garbage – Bad Boyfriend
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 10/26/2022
Previous ranking: #23

This lead track from the band’s fourth album features Dave Grohl, of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, on drums.

#27: Foo Fighters – Monkey Wrench
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 10/28/2024
Previous ranking: #36

The first single from the band’s second album, chronicling the disintegration of singer/song writer Dave Grohl’s four-year marriage to Jennifer Youngblood.

#27: Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000
iTunes stats: 56 plays, most recently on 2/5/2023
Previous ranking: #23

This live version of the song was recorded at Chicago’s own Metro theatre.

#26: The Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Mustard
iTunes stats: 57 plays, most recently on 2/5/2023
Previous ranking: #22

A short interlude from the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer about the joys of dry cleaning.

Continue reading →

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iTunes Top 200: #50 – 60

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

Today we wrap up the third quarter of our list, jumping from the final song tied for 60th place with 46 plays all the way up to the first group of tunes with 49 plays apiece, good enough for 50th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#60: Bell Biv DeVoe – Do Me!
iTunes stats: 46 plays, most recently on 11/9/2023
Previous ranking: #41

A mere three new listens for this second single from the former New Edition members, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts.

#57: Weezer – Hash Pipe
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 6/26/2024
Previous ranking: #51

This first single from the band’s long awaited comeback album in 2001 peaked at #24 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

#57: Toad the Wet Sprocket – Walk on the Ocean
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 10/28/2024
Previous ranking: #56

Reaching #18 on the Hot 100, the song was written following a vacation singer Glen Phillips took to Orcas Island.

#57: Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back
iTunes stats: 47 plays, most recently on 7/24/2024
Previous ranking: #43

The classic ode to large backsides sat atop the Hot 100 for five weeks in the summer of 1992.

#54: Garbage – Only Happy When It Rains
iTunes stats: 48 plays, most recently on 3/2/2024
Previous ranking: #68

A live version of the 1995 hit from the band’s One Mile High… Live video.

Continue reading →

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iTunes Top 200: #77 – 89

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the two remaining songs tied for 89th place with 42 plays and begin the first batch of tunes with 43 plays apiece, good enough for 77th place since my stats began in late 2007.

#89: Cracker – Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now)
iTunes stats: 42 plays, most recently on 12/17/2024
Previous ranking: #68

This entry, which charted at #1 on the US Modern Rock Tracks, arguably broke Cracker into the mainstream.

#89: Concrete Blonde – Joey
iTunes stats: 42 plays, most recently on 3/31/2024
Previous ranking: #68

The band’s biggest hit, which spent four weeks atop the Modern Rock Tracks chart and hit #19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#77: TLC – Creep
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 1/5/2024
Previous ranking: #98

The lead single from the band’s second album, the group’s first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

#77: Mott the Hoople – All the Young Dudes
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 12/27/2024
Previous ranking: #79

Written by the David Bowie, the song was rated #253 in the list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone.

#77: The Lonely Islands – Dick in a Box (ft. Justin Timberlake)
iTunes stats: 43 plays, most recently on 11/12/2024
Previous ranking: #68

The SNL Digital Short premiered on December 16, 2006 and became a viral hit when the uncensored version was posted online the following day.

Continue reading →

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iTunes Top 200: #99

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We wrap up the first half of the countdown this week with the next batch of songs tied for 99th place with 41 plays apiece since my stats began in late 2007.

#99: Styx – Come Sail Away
iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 12/7/2024
Previous ranking: #79

Once used at the ballpark on days Chris Sale was pitching for the White Sox, the 1977 hit from the Chicago band added five plays since 2020.

#99: Mexican Cheerleader – American Nice
iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 9/23/2023
Previous ranking: #79

Only four new plays for the song that serves as a ringtone for the band’s singer on my phone.

#99: The Lonely Island – I Just Had Sex (feat. Akon)
iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 2/5/2023
Previous ranking: #112

Released as the first single from the group’s second album, the video, featured as a Saturday Night Live digital short, features Akon, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, and John McEnroe.

#99: Garfunkel and Oates – This Party Took a Turn for the Douche
iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 10/22/2024
Previous ranking: #112

Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci add another tune to the charts.

#99: Garfunkel and Oates – Fuck You
iTunes stats: 41 plays, most recently on 7/24/2023
Previous ranking: #112

Eight new listens for this ode to wanting to be intimate with the object of your affection. Continue reading →

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iTunes Top 200: #99 – 113

Music.  It is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates memories, and evokes emotions.  It is the universal language that speaks to the soul.  It forms the soundtrack of our lives.

It has now been five years since we last counted down the Top 200 songs in my iTunes library, featuring he songs I have listened to the most since 2007.  It is time to do so again, seeing which older songs still resonate and if any newer ones have joined the fray.  So, without further ado, here are my most listened to songs, based on number of plays as of January 1, 2025.

We continue this week with the final batch of songs tied for 113th place with 40 plays apiece and started the group tied for 99th with 41 listens since my stats began in late 2007.

#113: George Carlin – Telephone Mimes
iTunes stats: 40 plays, most recently on 9/10/2024
Previous ranking: #144

Yet another entry from Carlin’s 17th album and twelfth HBO stand-up special.

#113: Garbage – Androgyny
iTunes stats: 40 plays, most recently on 6/3/2024
Previous ranking: #89

The lead single from the band’s third studio album, it failed to land on any Billboard chart in the US.

#113: Foo Fighters – My Hero
iTunes stats: 40 plays, most recently on 9/25/2024
Previous ranking: #98

Adding six new plays over the last five years, this live, acoustic version of the band’s 1998 hit was recorded at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles in 2006.

#113: Foo Fighters – This Is a Call
iTunes stats: 40 plays, most recently on 8/9/2024
Previous ranking: #112

Written just months after the death of Kurt Cobain, this debut single from Dave Grohl’s first post-Nirvana effort added seven listens since 2020.

#113: Foo Fighters – Everlong
iTunes stats: 40 plays, most recently on 8/31/2024
Previous ranking: #89

The second single from the band’s second studio album, it peaked at #3 on the Alternative Songs chart in 1997. Continue reading →