peder e. horner

Best movie of 2007

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:32:19 -0800

I'd have to say it was "Once," a complete surprise and joy to watch. It's rumored to have cost only $160k to make. I even bought the soundtrack (something I rarely do, since good soundtracks are hard to come by). It's probably because the songs are mostly written by and sung by Glen Hansard of the Dublin, Ireland rock band The Frames.

Peder

Daptone Funk

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:17:39 -0800

I've been following Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings for some years now, but what I'm really excited about is the rest of the Daptone catalogue. Right now, I'm digging the label's re-release of the Poets of Rhythm release "Practice What You Preach." Pure, raw, heavy funk from Munich. Everything about this album is supreme - the punchy guitar, bright horns, and spot-on rhythm section of bass and drums. What I find amazing, is that this was recorded in 1993. Go buy it, now!

This is probably a good time to admit that I'm a relative newcomer on appreciating the resurgence in funk/soul. There's so much good material out there, but one has only to look in the right places to find it. For classic and hard-to-find vinyl, go to Dusty Groove America. Daptone Records is a great place to start building you funk/soul library. Also, Jazzman Records has a ton of reissue funk 45s.

2007 US Cyclocross Gran Prix

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:56:44 -0800

Yesterday, Larry, Andrew, and I headed out to Portland International Raceway for the 2007 US Cyclocross Gran Prix. The weather was cold and rainy. The mud was flying, and the cowbells were ringing. We saw the elite women and men's races, plenty of incredible cross bikes, Gary Fisher himself, and plenty of good muddy wipeouts. Here's a video taken from the men's elite race.

This photo was taken at the races of myself, Larry, and Andrew (left to right). Here's Barb Howe's report of the day (an elite class racer).

North Portland Artist's Studio Burning

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 08:09:38 -0800

This morning, we awoke to the sounds and lights of fire engines in our alley. There was smoke billowing from our neighborhood artist's studio and an adjoining building on the corner of N Williams and N Going Street. After talking to other neighbors who were there earlier, before the fire fighters had gotten things under control, the fire had started on the yellow building then jumped to the blue building to the west.

The artist is Michael Brophy, an amazing landscape artist who uses huge canvases in his work. His work is nationally known, and is currently on exhibit at the Laura Russo Gallery. I hope his beautiful work was saved.

KERPLUNK!

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:14:38 -0800

Maybe it's the testosterone-driven Angio/Interventional fellowship, or maybe it's a waxing mid-life "look back", but I've really been digging early Green Day (1039 and Kerplunk!) and The Hives, especially from Veni Vidi Vicious.

Sometimes, good punk is the only thing that will do.

I just love the raw, almost mono, sound those early Green Day albums had. I'm glad I saw them live before they went bad.

Board Exam: Passed! I'm so B.C.

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:23:07 -0800

Well, I'm happy to report that the four months of endless studying and practice have paid off well. I passed the American Board of Radiology (ABR) oral board examination, my final "hurdle" to become a board certified (BC) radiologist ("to the stars" as Dr. Jen Miller told me). It's a breath of fresh air for sure. Everyone in my residency program at OHSU passed, which is splendid.

Right after the examination, two of my mates flew home together, but not before stopping at the airport pub for several beers with Pete. The exam was on Tuesday afternoon (05 June), and I received the letter on Friday morning. I think I was more nervous opening the envelope than before and during the grueling 4.5 hour oral exam in Louisville, KY. Holly, the children, my parents, and my brother Todd and his fiance Cicily were present for the "opening of the envelope." I had never been so excited to see our postal carrier. He snuck away before I could hug him too.

Many thanks go out to Holly and the children, who put up with my crazy study hours, crankiness, and time away from them pouring over thousands of cases and images. I couldn't have done it without you!

New Vintage Merino Wool Cycling Jersey

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:25:11 -0800

My new blue merino wool cycling jersey came in the post yesterday from Vintage Velos. Mom and dad gave me the money for one of these jerseys for my birthday (January!). I hemmed and hawed over which one to get - the classic Eddy Merckx Moltini Arcore versus the Vittadello versus the Salvarani. After much flip flopping and changing of the mind, I decided on the Salvarani.

But... there were were no mediums available. However, I took a chance at a long shot and emailed the company inquiring whether they'd be making more of these. Alex returned my email right away and said they wouldn't be making more. So, I hung my head, about to cry, when, the next day, I find out (angels singing, harps playing mind you) that he had found two more medium jerseys in their European warehouse. I ordered one, and a week later, it arrived, full with complete instructions on proper care of merino wool (two pages!).

I wore it today to work for the first time - it's very comfortable. Just a twinge of itch the first minute, but after that, it's golden. I haven't washed it yet, so perhaps even that initial itch will go away.

I had to stop by the Bike Gallery (downtown Portland) on the way into work to get a new water bottle and replacement cleats for my Specialized Pro Carbon road shoes. Eric, the manager, remarked, "That's a really cool jersey. Where did you get that?" Makes you want to smile.

New Imago Dei CD

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:13:41 -0800

So, here's an unofficial sneak peek at two songs from the just-released worship CD from our church, Imago Dei. I had the distinct privilege of laying down the electric guitar on the first two tracks, Divine Embrace (title track) and Descend. I really love this CD (especially the tracks I didn't have anything to do with. Ha!) It's so good to hear Sabrina Fountain's voice again. Also, be sure to check out the song "You've Kept Me." The slower "You Alone" features beautiful string accompaniments and backup vocals by our own Laura Gibson. Josh Butler's creative genius shines throughout the CD, and, in my mind, is most evident on his song "Glory." Also, Josh came up with a fantastic guitar lick on Jeff Marsh's "Child." If I were a jealous man, I'd be jealous of this guitar lick for sure.

Listen to more samples or even buy the CD at: CDBaby or iTunes. Alternatively, you could check full-length song previews at the Imago Dei Myspace (gasp) page.

Photo highlights from the last 12 months

Thu, 17 May 2007 09:16:01 -0800

Google rocks. I am having some serious fun playing with it's photo suite, Picasa, which includes a web component. With one click, I created the following embedded slide show.

Peder

New Music - Voxtrot

Sun, 13 May 2007 20:31:38 -0800

Thanks to Joe, who turned my ears on to Austin, TX band Voxtrot. This is indie rock at its finest. Pure energy, driving guitars, and great vocals. You'll notice the song Missing Pieces from their EP "Raised by Wolves" at the end of the Ratatat Wildcat video posted previously. They've been likened to The Smiths and Belle & Sebastian. That's quite a compliment, I'd say.

New Swedish (again!) music - Sambassadeur

Sun, 13 May 2007 20:21:58 -0800

I just can't stop listening to this band's music. Their 2007 self-titled LP and their Coastal Affairs EP are absolutely fantastic. Catchy, yet original. The male singer reminds me of Dean Wareham (of Galaxy 500 and Luna fame). The production is very dreamy, other-worldly. Akin to Luna, I really love the sound on those guitars.

Check out these three songs: Kate (from the EP), New Moon, and Between the Lines. The latter two are from the self-titled LP.

Happy sounds!

There comes a time...

Wed, 02 May 2007 18:32:48 -0800

...when one tires of studying for an exam. Such are these days. I need some inspiration here!

Hannah and Bennett : True Wildcats

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:29:02 -0800

So, a few months ago, I was goofing around, playing some new music for the children, when I came across Ratatat's "Wildcat." The children were instantly hooked. I think it's the fierce "growl" throughout the song that really got them. So, I decided to get this on mini-DV for posterity's sake and a few laughs.

Don't you just love these hipster Portland children? Enjoy.

Just click the image below to play.

If you want, you can get the full download here (Windows Media format).

The Bicyclist - Episode 3: Test Ride

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:25:40 -0800

Click to Play

Episode 3 opens at the intersection of N Mississippi and N Graham in North Portland near our favorite taco joint, Por Que No? Taqueria. The main actor reminds me of actor Zach Braff.

New Music - Beirut

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:01:35 -0800

Wow. A big thanks to Joe who gave me the heads up on this life-changing band - Beirut, from the musical genius of Albuquerque's Zach Condon (full All Music Guide bio can be found here). Zach is a trumpeter, among other instruments, and composer. Apparently, he gained an appreciation for eastern European and gypsy music from earlier travels to the region. The music is bold, big, loud, and infectious. Gypsy-ish rhythms with big brass orchestrations blend to create an irresistible unique sound that everyone should hear. I was instantly hooked after Joe sent me an mp3 of their song "Postcards from Italy." Absolutely amazing. The media player on the left should allow you to preview the song.

Since the release of the LP in 2006, he has since released an EP, Lon Gisland, which is also worth listening to.