The Sound of Music

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Lets get one thing straight… I am not a politician, nor am I am musician or anything else that ends with “ician”. I have been teaching kids percussion lessons in my free time. Also, I’ve been watching the Democratic National Convention this week, as many people have been doing and there are a few things I have picked up.

First, let me say that Backbone has no political affiliation as a group, and my comments and rants are in no way backed by the staff of Backbone or supported by the company as a whole.

Firstly, the convention is a funny little mix of quasi-televangelistic pep rally energy, the timing and scheduling of an old MTV movie awards show, with a side dish of good old American “everyman” stories thrown in for good measure. For all intents and purposes, its a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.

As many of you may have noticed, this year the convention there are far fewer live music performances than in years past and instead, some elevator band plays ridiculously ironic background music as the speakers enter and exit the stage. If you haven’t noticed, don’t worry, I have catalogued them for you.

-Ted Kennedy made a valiant appearance to “You’re Still the One”.
-Michelle Obama ended her rousing speech to “Isn’t She Lovely”
-Hilary Clinton made a crowd-rocking exit to a Big Head Todd tune with the chorus of “Yes she can change the world, she stands and she won’t back down.” Poignant
-John Kerry started things off last night with an instrumental “Anyway You Want It” by Journey, which I love because I love Journey but the relevance to Kerry was lost on me.
Former President Bill Clinton came on stage to endless applause and the tune- “Yesterday’s Gone” which I might have laughed so hard about that I sprouted a little tear.
And finally last night, Obama’s newly appointed running mate Joe Biden left stage to “Ain’t That America.” Which also makes no sense to me.

I am dying to see what Obama walks into the stadium to tonight, and of course I have a few guesses.

Eye of the Tiger
You’re the Best Around- circa Karate Kid
I Feel Good- James Brown
What’s Goin On- Marvin Gaye
If I Could Change the World- Clapton
Or my personal favorite Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin and Tammy.
Personally I’m pushing for a little Kanye West- Faster, Stronger

More importantly I think I am eager to see what type of soundtrack the GOP has planned for their convention.My guess would be a little Sinatra, maybe some Tony Bennett or perhaps the Beach Boys. Something perfectly out of touch with today’s youth but at the same time classic and conservative.

In watching the convention I have also come up with a few songs that I think could play in case I ever run for President. Of course that would be President of my family room or perhaps the back yard but I digress…
“I Wish I Was a Little Bit Taller” by Skee-Lo
“Hubbtown Girl”- Springsteen (I know its Uptown Girl but my last name is Hubbard so let me dream)
“The Joker” Steve Miller Band
“Highway to the Danger Zone”- Kenny Loggins
“Ain’t to Proud to Beg”- The Temptations
And my personal choice “Takin Care of Business”. Nothing says ELECT ME like a little BTO.

See ya at the polls.. I’ll be the one with the boom box on my shoulder playing “The Final Countdown”.

Posted in: Musings

The Search Is Over

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As a single twenty-something PR lady in a ski town, I have to say that I now agree that the old saying that “the odds are good but the goods are odd” is completely on target. No drive, no passion for anything in life, no desire to see and do and spontaneously explore. Or at least the ones I attract lack all that. Aces.

Well in true PR fashion, I have realized that I was looking for love in all the wrong places. For a girl whose business lies within the pages of magazines, not only for client coverage, but also as a freelance writer, I should probably be looking for love in print as well. Here’s why this is a great shortcut for ladies such as myself. First, I know they are interesting or they wouldn’t be in a magazine. Second, the bio is already there, so I have the background info. Thirdly, major publications manage enough due diligence to not exclude juicy red flag facts like prison record, rehab histories, and ex-wives. If they have skeletons, they will make their way into print.

Finally, based on the magazine, I can narrow down the options based on “my type”. The Playgirl man so not so my style, the Men’s Vogue guy although dapper I’m sure, might be a little too smart for me, the Esquire man always has a great sense of humor, and the Outside guy I know shares my hobbies.

I’ve flipped past many a picture of Andy Irons (travels too much), Tony Hawk (great but married with like four offspring), Lance Armstrong (too high-profile), and Jon Olsson (would dump me for a hotter Swiss blonde), and all too often am less than impressed.

So after about 4 minutes of research, I have found the perfect man for me. He is in his early thirties, has a great family, he uses his time and resources for good not evil, he’s attractive, outdoorsy and has a steadfast entrepreneurial spirit. Quite a catch I must say.

The winner… Fletcher Chouinard. This month’s Outside mag profiles the prodigal Patagonia son in his element, the surf-shaping shop. Any woman knows that a man who crafts something from scratch is sexy from the start. Secondly, Outside notes that Fletcher has a “curmudgeonly reticence.” Which in my narrow understanding of those words, brings to mind images of angry-looking garden gnomes, but in short means, that he masks his true feelings about the absurdity of the world. I’m ok with that.

The signs are all there. We have so much in common. He surfs; I’ve read West of Jesus. He makes organic clothing; I bought organic coffee this morning. He claims to lack financial savvy; I broke the bank on my new mountain bike and PBRs. He spends much of his time testing boards in California breaks; I spend much of my time testing inner tubes on the local Jackson Hole rivers. And let’s be honest with ourselves, “Sarah Chouinard” rolls off the tongue like a chocolate croissant.

So Fletch, is it ok if I call you Fletch? Gimme a call, I’m a horrible surfer, but if you’ve got the patience, I’ve got the time.

Posted in: Environment, Interesting Read