One day this week, a solicitor came to my door. I stood outside talking to him for 25 minutes because he was very animated. He said I looked like a drummer, whatever the hell a drummer looks like. I almost told him that I was offended, as drummers are not the coolest members of a band. He said he wasn’t trying to sell me anything, but he lied. He wanted me to buy magazines. I should have given him this week’s FTILFF:

1. Radish performing “Simple Simplicity” - Ben Kweller’s band before he went solo. This is remarkable to me as I think he was 15 at the time (and getting in-depth write-ups in the New Yorker). Stock grunge, but neat to see how far he’s come as an artist. Now 25 and married, his third solo album drops in September. [EDIT: second link down due to their server outtage. Definitely check back for it though, as it’s great.]
2. Babies - For as much as Jonas has altered my mental time table for wanting kids (by, oh, say five years), newborns are awesome. My brother and sister-in-law just welcomed their second child, Reagan Marie, into the world. What a precious, beautiful bundle of goodness. And an awesome pink ski cap to boot.
3. Gotye: Like Drawing Blood (preview) - Weird name. Awesome music. I snagged this album this week and am still trying to wrap my head around it. Motown, soul, funk, rock, electronic, indie and even reggae influence. All songs are great.
4. Hard Apple Cider - In my first venture into homebrewing, tonight I start a 5 gallon batch of hard apple cider so that it will be conditioned in time for the Fall. If I screw it up, I just won’t have to buy more apple cider vinegar for THE REST OF MY LIFE.
5. Trip Gas Price - AAA gas price data mashed with EPA reports on fuel economy, this calculator lets you plan ahead how much you’ll spend in gas from one city to another. Limited in scope, and relying on basic data, but if it saves me from doing simple math in my head…hooray!

I felt badly enough about not buying from him, that I invited him in for a glass of cold water and a washcloth to wipe off his sweat. Then he just took the washcloth with him. I guess that was his payment.