Thursday, February 17, 2011

10 Questions with Jason Aronen


Jason just turned 40! More 40 year olds should be active in the hardcore scene. He's been in many great bands over the years, was a long time extreme noise volunteer, show booker, etc. Recently he got popped in the eye while singing at a basement show. Sweet. (thanks for the photo Adam DeGross, and the Cro-Mags one too)


1) What town / neighborhood do you live in, why did you choose to live there?
Northeast Minneapolis. NE is a great area that is close to everything and still has a nice quiet neighborhood feeling to it.

2) What type/style of home do you live in?
It's a mid-century ranch style with a tuck-under garage. And has an amazing finished basement with tongue-in-groove knotty pine paneling, which makes it feel like you are in a cabin up north. The basement is what sold me on it.

3) What made you choose to buy when you did?
We bought just before getting married and my wife who did not own a house was able to take advantage of the tax rebate.

4) What do you like most and least about home ownership?
Most is the sense of pride that comes with owning a home. It's a great feeling knowing it's yours.
Least is that when something breaks you are the one to get it fixed.


5) What sort of projects have you taken on with your home?
We were quite lucky with this house that all we have done are cosmetic changes like painting. It's in great shape. Our next big project is tearing up all the carpet because there are perfect hardwood floors underneath.

6) What bands have you been in / are currently in and what instrument?
I have been the singer in Anchor (I think we played 5 or 6 shows), Article 184 (only played a couple of shows), Killsadie, The Real Enemy, Bodies Lay Broken, Hope You Choke and currently Getting Even.

7) What was the last great show you went to?
Cro Mags last summer. Did a lot of stage dives at an age when I shouldn't.

8) Do you have a favorite record in your collection / one you'd never sell?
I have sold a lot over the years and am down to more or less what I will always keep. All the Converge, American Nightmare and all the Rev youth crew stuff I will always hold onto.

9) What was the last great record you bought?
I mainly listen to a lot of comedy podcasts these days (comedy deathray, Pod F. Tompkast, Adam Carrola, Doug Loves Movies, etc) that takes up more space on my ipod. But I really like the new Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Blacklisted, Fucked Up, Integrity, Ceremony. I wish Cold World would put out another record.

10) Any suggestions to someone thinking about buying their first house?
Look at a LOT of houses. It sounds weird, but you will know the house that is for you when you see it. But really look at a lot of them. Get a feel for what is out there. You may think you know what you want and then see some that will completely change your mind on what you like. And maybe Steve will have a 5 Star playlist for you to listen to while driving around.

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Stupid Stuff I See in Houses that are for Sale.





I see so many ridiculous things in houses that I decided I need to start taking pictures and documenting them. From poor design decisions to embarrassing (or even illegal) things left out for all to see. I always tell clients, "looking at houses is fun, we'll see some crazy stuff."




Gross bathroom. As bad as this looks, believe me, the picture cannot fully convey the ickiness of this home. Kitchen was disgusting and the living room had a spot on the wall that looked like someone blew their head off with a shotgun. The home sold in multiple offers in one day.





This was actually an appealing feature - expose brick in a loft, but upon closer look... there was some graffiti





This property was listed as having a full basement - it just happened to be a gravel floor with a ceiling height of 3.5 feet.





Gravity furnaces are always a bit shocking - especially when covered with mold spores



Hard to tell what's going on here... This is a boiler (hot water heating system) that has had the copper pipes cut.


Nothing wrong with a Colt 45 neon sign - except that it's not plugged in!!!