Radgirl's Portland Playground

Yesterday I got the notification that one of my favorite bands is coming to Portland, and they have been pouring from my speakers today every chance I got. I fell in love with Mayday Parade about a billion years ago (or somewhere in 2006-7 ish) at a Warped Tour concert.  They weren't well known yet, and they walked up to me with a very simple sign that I'm pretty sure was made from a sheet and some sharpies, and one of them said, "We're Mayday Parade.  We love you and we would love it if you would come see us and bring your friends." They told me what time and which stage, and I made a point to be there.   It was trance-like.  Every single song echoed deep in my soul and I was an instant addict.  Every time they came to town, I made it a point to see them.  My daughter, who was in middle school at the time, made Mayday Parade mixed CD's and they have remained in heavy rotation in my life since then.   Mayday Parade has just the right amount o

Amazon is the go-to one-click-shopping site for many people all over the world, and if you're looking for that last minute one-of-a-kind gift, they have got you covered.  You are just a few clicks away from having your own radioactive sample of uranium shipped right to your door. Now, I don't know what actually comes in this little canister, or whether or not you should also order iodine tablets just in case, but I do know that I laughed until I nearly peed myself while reading the customer reviews. It does come with its own certificate of authenticity, so I can only imagine that this isn't something you want to purchase for your toddler's teething pleasure, and according to the seller, you cannot use it to power your DeLorean to get back in time, but many people are using it to power submarines to look for extinct dinosaurs, and one buyer has created some sort of bird eating roses. This one is for all you diabolical villains hell bent on taking over the worl

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.  Decorations are hung, the lights are strung, and presents are wrapped and tucked neatly under the tree.  Last minute gifts have been purchased, and you’ve checked your list twice and thrice.  Now it’s time to sit back, enjoy a cup of joe, and snuggle by the fire in front of a classic Christmas cartoon.  Then the phone rings.  You’re invited to yet another holiday party and there is a white elephant gift required.  You already know it's tight, but you hate to turn down an opportunity to go to a party. Begrudgingly, you open your bank ap to find that you’re overdrawn and the fees are racking up.  You realize that there is a purchase of $200 from a store you never went to.  You turn and look at your spouse, who is oblivious to the hellfire brewing inside of you.  Trying to hold it back, you sip your coffee and stare at the screen stewing and wondering what gifts under the tree have to go back to the store to make up the overdra