Sunday, December 26, 2010
Strong start...weak finish
So I tried to be consistent with my writing and failed miserably. I hope to do better in 2011.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Back Soon
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lost: Its's Finally Over
It's been six years since Lost first aired on ABC. You either watched it, or you didn't. If you did, you probably watched every episode, like I did. Lizi was watching the pilot, and quickly hit pause, thinking I'd like it. She was right. It was fast, crazy, and different. Not many shows about plane crashes (especially with 9/11 only a few years earlier). Before I get into this, let me say I loved Lost - I thought it was really creative, and the way they tied things together (at least in the beginning) was amazing.
So we gave Lost a chance. We liked it. Plus, I'd never watched a show from the original pilot, and I've watched a lot of stuff: Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Six Feet Under, etc. I liked Lost in that it felt like there was something bigger that would ultimately pay off. It seemed different than, say, 24. It's nice to watch Jack Bauer shoot people but after a while it gets a little old. It's fun, but predictable. Lost wasn't predictable. It was a little ridiculous, yes, but it wasn't predictable. So six years. Every episode. And finally, it was ending.
I enjoyed the ending for what it was: warm, exciting, and generally pleasing. But it also left me feeling a little empty - I wanted a little bit more. I appreciate leaving things to question but it seems there was something unsatisfying with how it ended, at least for me. I think much of this has to do with the fact Lost started in one direction and the writers really took a turn in year 3. Again, I appreciate what they did, but I'm not sure I liked where they went. I liked the beginning stuff with The Others. I really liked the Dharma Initiative science stuff. Both became mainstays of the show but I think I hoped they'd be a little more instrumental to the Island itself, and in the end I didn't get that feeling.
My personal favorite moment of the show is when Locke is on the hatch and looks down into it, he screams "What do you want me to do?". And the light turns on and comes up through the hatch. That was a WOW moment for me, and honestly, I don't remember too many other ones. A little disappointing in the end.
Jack becomes Jacob, and Hurley then becomes Jack (with Ben as his #2). A few people left the island and the others died. Jack has to 'let go' in order to get to the afterlife, and they're all waiting for him. A nice ending. You either buy into it, or you don't. I don't think there's much middle ground. I liked that things revolved around Jack, but in the end, I still think I wanted a little more. I didn't get that WOW. Maybe I was expecting too much, but I didn't get the WOW.
The best final episode of a show I've ever seen was Six Feet Under. It was an incredible show, and in some ways has an unfair advantage because it's on HBO. It was the finest hour of television I've ever see and the feeling of closure and contentedness was amazing. I was left wanting nothing more. I'd seen all I needed and that was it. I've never since thought "I wonder..." with Six Feet Under.
I'm not suggesting leaving things to interpretation isn't good. I like letting people theorize and create their own view of what they see. But with Lost I just had too many questions left unanswered (What really was the light? Why Desmond? Why not Ana Lucia's time? What about the numbers? Who built the statue? What about the polar bears?? What about the *&%%ing polar bears????).
Lost was really fun, and for a few seasons kind of frustrating, and in the end I'm glad I spent some time there - wherever 'there' really was.
So we gave Lost a chance. We liked it. Plus, I'd never watched a show from the original pilot, and I've watched a lot of stuff: Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Six Feet Under, etc. I liked Lost in that it felt like there was something bigger that would ultimately pay off. It seemed different than, say, 24. It's nice to watch Jack Bauer shoot people but after a while it gets a little old. It's fun, but predictable. Lost wasn't predictable. It was a little ridiculous, yes, but it wasn't predictable. So six years. Every episode. And finally, it was ending.I enjoyed the ending for what it was: warm, exciting, and generally pleasing. But it also left me feeling a little empty - I wanted a little bit more. I appreciate leaving things to question but it seems there was something unsatisfying with how it ended, at least for me. I think much of this has to do with the fact Lost started in one direction and the writers really took a turn in year 3. Again, I appreciate what they did, but I'm not sure I liked where they went. I liked the beginning stuff with The Others. I really liked the Dharma Initiative science stuff. Both became mainstays of the show but I think I hoped they'd be a little more instrumental to the Island itself, and in the end I didn't get that feeling.
My personal favorite moment of the show is when Locke is on the hatch and looks down into it, he screams "What do you want me to do?". And the light turns on and comes up through the hatch. That was a WOW moment for me, and honestly, I don't remember too many other ones. A little disappointing in the end.
Jack becomes Jacob, and Hurley then becomes Jack (with Ben as his #2). A few people left the island and the others died. Jack has to 'let go' in order to get to the afterlife, and they're all waiting for him. A nice ending. You either buy into it, or you don't. I don't think there's much middle ground. I liked that things revolved around Jack, but in the end, I still think I wanted a little more. I didn't get that WOW. Maybe I was expecting too much, but I didn't get the WOW.
The best final episode of a show I've ever seen was Six Feet Under. It was an incredible show, and in some ways has an unfair advantage because it's on HBO. It was the finest hour of television I've ever see and the feeling of closure and contentedness was amazing. I was left wanting nothing more. I'd seen all I needed and that was it. I've never since thought "I wonder..." with Six Feet Under.
I'm not suggesting leaving things to interpretation isn't good. I like letting people theorize and create their own view of what they see. But with Lost I just had too many questions left unanswered (What really was the light? Why Desmond? Why not Ana Lucia's time? What about the numbers? Who built the statue? What about the polar bears?? What about the *&%%ing polar bears????).
Lost was really fun, and for a few seasons kind of frustrating, and in the end I'm glad I spent some time there - wherever 'there' really was.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Census 2010
Today a census taker came to my house. It wasn't really a surprise as I knew this would happen. I knew the census was happening and I knew I didn't send mine in. To be honest, I don't remember getting it. I have enough trouble with mail these days. Personally, I wish all my stuff was done online, and most things can be. I'm just bad with mail. Opening it, putting the trash aside, keeping what's important, filing stuff away. A waste of paper. So, I'm sure I got my census. I'm also pretty sure I threw it out. Yep, silly, but I did it.
I checked the Government website and found a number to call. I couldn't find a way to do my census online, so I thought a call might help me find what I was looking for. While on the site I read this:
Here's a really great breakdown , and where I got the below info. I haven't verified it but it looks realistic to me, especially after thinking about my census lady today, and the fact she absolutely gets paid.
I checked the Government website and found a number to call. I couldn't find a way to do my census online, so I thought a call might help me find what I was looking for. While on the site I read this:
* Call TQA to get answers to basic questions about the 2010 Census. If you haven't participated in the census yet, you should receive a visit from us soon. Over 600,000 census-takers are currently interviewing the households that didn't return a questionnaire. Calling us now will not prevent your household from being interviewed, so please cooperate with the census taker if one visits your house.I thought there must be something online I could. There was no way someone would actually come to my house. So I called anyway, despite the above (I'm tough to convince sometimes). Then I saw this:
No way to cancel the census taker coming to my house. So today, she came. And I answered the questions. I was happy to do so but kept thinking what a waste it was. The Government spends money on this stuff. With all due respect, as nice as she was, I didn't need this lady to visit my house. I would have gladly done my census online and saved the Government, and presumably all taxpayers, some money. At the least, some more of us would have done it online and saved the census takers a few trips. Seriously, how hard could a few, simple online pages be?Can I fill the form out online?No, not this time. We are experimenting with Internet response options for the future.
Here's a really great breakdown , and where I got the below info. I haven't verified it but it looks realistic to me, especially after thinking about my census lady today, and the fact she absolutely gets paid.
- $14 billion – the estimated life cycle cost of the 2010 US Census
- 305 million – the current population of the US
- $45.90 – the cost of the 2010 Census for each American
- $101.45 – Your portion of the cost if you are one of the 138 MM who actually files taxes
The Mundown
I haven't seen any shows recently but I think I'm gonna check out Miike Snow at the Rhythm Room in early June. I've heard he's good. Also bought my tickets to see Roger Waters perform The Wall in November. Pretty excited. I saw him do Dark Side a couple years ago and it was fantastic. Even if you're not familiar with him, or Pink Floyd, he's still probably worth it. Anyway, this is what's currently out there, spinning for free on website near you.
Spinner
The Full Listening Party offers the much anticipated new album High Violet, from The National. I've listened to it a few times now and it's a grower, just like their other stuff. It's good. Not quite Boxer good, but good. Sage Francis also offers a new album. If you're not familiar with him give him a listen. I think the story goes he's really a slam poet. The man makes good music. British Steel is re-released by Judas Priest, and you gotta like that. Also up is Fela Kuti, and a bunch of other stuff I don't know, but maybe you do (Sweethead, Phosphorescent, Hoodoo Gurus, and Fan-tan).
AOL
AOL (also Full Listening Party, hmmm) gives you Zac Brown Band, Charice, Meat Loaf, American Idols (OMG!), Taproot, and the Crash Test Dummies.
NPR
NPR is giving folks the Black Keys (I must say, I don't have any of their stuff but that's gonna have to change), as well as the much hyped album Treats, by Sleigh Bells. Sleigh Bells is produced by M.I.A, who seems to be hotter than the surface of the Sun right now. Personally, to me, she seems to be one of those 'everywhere' music people right now - she's everywhere I seem to look. Calling someone out, making a controversial video, etc. Whatever. Anyway, I like the Sleigh Bells album. I said to someone it sounds like what I'd guess a war zone sounds like. Just an assault of sound.
MP3.com
Offers a cool, free download directory. I don't think you can stream albums, but you can download songs by She & Him, Shout Out Louds, Bloc Party (it's a remix), The Shins, Band of Horses, Blitzen Trapper, and Sia, among others.
MSN
The Listening Booth gives you the new Dead Weather album, Sea of Cowards. Definitely will listen to that at some point. I must say: they have a TON of stuff here. A list of albums you can stream, including: Iggy Pop's Raw Power, Jonsi's from Sigur Ros, new album, Go, Laura Marling, and Dr. Dog. They've got older albums, too: Mogwai, Arctic Monkeys, Mudhoney and The Eagles. It's pretty impressive.
More to come next week. Check out some of the above, or just enjoy whatever it is you're listening to (and let me know!).
Spinner
The Full Listening Party offers the much anticipated new album High Violet, from The National. I've listened to it a few times now and it's a grower, just like their other stuff. It's good. Not quite Boxer good, but good. Sage Francis also offers a new album. If you're not familiar with him give him a listen. I think the story goes he's really a slam poet. The man makes good music. British Steel is re-released by Judas Priest, and you gotta like that. Also up is Fela Kuti, and a bunch of other stuff I don't know, but maybe you do (Sweethead, Phosphorescent, Hoodoo Gurus, and Fan-tan).
AOL
AOL (also Full Listening Party, hmmm) gives you Zac Brown Band, Charice, Meat Loaf, American Idols (OMG!), Taproot, and the Crash Test Dummies.
NPR
NPR is giving folks the Black Keys (I must say, I don't have any of their stuff but that's gonna have to change), as well as the much hyped album Treats, by Sleigh Bells. Sleigh Bells is produced by M.I.A, who seems to be hotter than the surface of the Sun right now. Personally, to me, she seems to be one of those 'everywhere' music people right now - she's everywhere I seem to look. Calling someone out, making a controversial video, etc. Whatever. Anyway, I like the Sleigh Bells album. I said to someone it sounds like what I'd guess a war zone sounds like. Just an assault of sound.
MP3.com
Offers a cool, free download directory. I don't think you can stream albums, but you can download songs by She & Him, Shout Out Louds, Bloc Party (it's a remix), The Shins, Band of Horses, Blitzen Trapper, and Sia, among others.
MSN
The Listening Booth gives you the new Dead Weather album, Sea of Cowards. Definitely will listen to that at some point. I must say: they have a TON of stuff here. A list of albums you can stream, including: Iggy Pop's Raw Power, Jonsi's from Sigur Ros, new album, Go, Laura Marling, and Dr. Dog. They've got older albums, too: Mogwai, Arctic Monkeys, Mudhoney and The Eagles. It's pretty impressive.
More to come next week. Check out some of the above, or just enjoy whatever it is you're listening to (and let me know!).
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Mundown
Sorry, haven't written anything in a couple weeks. Just haven't really found anything I felt like writing about lately. So I thought I'd at least return to The Mundown and try to throw out some good music vibes. Among other things...
GO SUNS! Up 1-0 against the Spurs. Good start.
I've written about Lala quite a bit, and I use it to post music on here, so I was very disappointed to hear Apple will be shutting it down as of May 31, 2010. Seems iTunes will be moving to the Cloud soon, which I guess will ultimately be good, but they haven't really said if they'll do anything along the Lala model. Probably no free listen, and I can't imagine they'll let you 'rent' songs. Too bad. I hope something comes up in place of it. Oh well, enjoy while you can.
Seems all I can do is post a link now, so this may or may not work. Until I figure out one of those bottom of the screen music stream things. This is "Closing Time" by Tom Waits.
Spinner http://www.spinner.com/new-releases#/1
Stream new albums from Broken Social Scene, The Hold Steady, Free Energy, Holy F*ck, New Pornographers, Minus the Bear, Cate Le Bon (no relation to Simon), and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony. Plus more I didn't list.
I must say I really like Free Energy and have listened to that a couple times. Also like the new Broken Social Scene and Hold Steady. Haven't listened to Minus the Bear yet but I will. I probably won't listen to Bone Thugs.
Lala (enjoy it while you can!) http://www.lala.com
Looks like new stuff from Ozomatli, Godsmack, Snoop Dogg and....Glee (OMG!). There are also some EPs from Cornershop, VHS or Beta and Ozzy. Oh, I left out a new one from Air Supply. All in all, it's getting pretty crappy on Lala.
NPR http://www.npr.org/music/
Stream new ones from The National, The Dead Weather and Flying Lotus.
I like the new National album. I can't say I love it but I like it. I'll listen to it a couple more times I'm sure, and it hasn't officially been released yet. Somehow, though, I think I was wanting a little bit more.
There are so many 'radio' sites. I like Pandora, Last.fm, etc but I like to be able to choose what I want to hear and I like to be able to hear entire albums. They just don't give you that. I read on Mashable those are more of discovery sites, and I'd agree with that. Good for a certain time, but for me, that's not a lot. YouTube is also great for listening (and obviously watching) stuff.
GO SUNS! Up 1-0 against the Spurs. Good start.
I've written about Lala quite a bit, and I use it to post music on here, so I was very disappointed to hear Apple will be shutting it down as of May 31, 2010. Seems iTunes will be moving to the Cloud soon, which I guess will ultimately be good, but they haven't really said if they'll do anything along the Lala model. Probably no free listen, and I can't imagine they'll let you 'rent' songs. Too bad. I hope something comes up in place of it. Oh well, enjoy while you can.
Seems all I can do is post a link now, so this may or may not work. Until I figure out one of those bottom of the screen music stream things. This is "Closing Time" by Tom Waits.
Spinner http://www.spinner.com/new-releases#/1
Stream new albums from Broken Social Scene, The Hold Steady, Free Energy, Holy F*ck, New Pornographers, Minus the Bear, Cate Le Bon (no relation to Simon), and Bone Thugs 'n Harmony. Plus more I didn't list.
I must say I really like Free Energy and have listened to that a couple times. Also like the new Broken Social Scene and Hold Steady. Haven't listened to Minus the Bear yet but I will. I probably won't listen to Bone Thugs.
Lala (enjoy it while you can!) http://www.lala.com
Looks like new stuff from Ozomatli, Godsmack, Snoop Dogg and....Glee (OMG!). There are also some EPs from Cornershop, VHS or Beta and Ozzy. Oh, I left out a new one from Air Supply. All in all, it's getting pretty crappy on Lala.
NPR http://www.npr.org/music/
Stream new ones from The National, The Dead Weather and Flying Lotus.
I like the new National album. I can't say I love it but I like it. I'll listen to it a couple more times I'm sure, and it hasn't officially been released yet. Somehow, though, I think I was wanting a little bit more.
There are so many 'radio' sites. I like Pandora, Last.fm, etc but I like to be able to choose what I want to hear and I like to be able to hear entire albums. They just don't give you that. I read on Mashable those are more of discovery sites, and I'd agree with that. Good for a certain time, but for me, that's not a lot. YouTube is also great for listening (and obviously watching) stuff.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Turning Wide
They say "driving is a right, not a privilege". I don't know who 'they' are but I think they might be correct. Let me say I am not the greatest driver in the world, as evidenced by the post I wrote about having to attend online driving school. I get speeding tickets. I can't help it. It's always the camera and I'm always just over. Anyway, I would say I am generally a good driver - I try to be conscious of those around me, I like to think I utilize lanes correctly (the far lane is for passing, not just driving a little over the speed limit), I use my turn signals, and while I speed, I'm always in complete control. Like a ninja on wheels.
One thing has been bugging me lately. Turning Wide. Not to be confused with having a Wide Stance, a la Senator Craig. Turning wide is when someone makes, say, a right hand turn into a three lane road. Instead of turning into the closest lane, they 'turn wide' and proceed to the furthest lane on the left. I could understand this if one had to make an immediate left after that turn, but in most cases that's not what I see. I don't mind turning wide in the right situations, and I do it too. f no one's around, go for it.
Recently I was making a left hand turn. There was an oncoming car who had his signal on for a right hand turn. The stoplight turned yellow, and rather than him stopping so I could get out of the intersection, he turned wide into the furthest lane - my lane. Obviously I waited for him to complete his wide turn, then I completed mine - to the far lane as well, so as to avoid him. It really wasn't too dangerous, but it was annoying. Below is a rough diagram of the situation:
All I ask is that if cars are around people turn into their own lane. Turning wide, while enjoyable and perfectly legal (EDIT: As Anon points out in the comment below, Turning Wide is actually ILLEGAL in AZ. Guess I need more online driving school), is annoying and often dangerous. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a speeding ticket to pay...Monday, April 5, 2010
Kimmel is King (of Late Night)
(She & Him were on Kimmel last night and they played Thieves, from their new album)
Living in the US it was difficult to escape the recent brouhaha regarding Conan O'Brien, Jay Leno and NBC. Even people who were fans of neither Conan nor Jay seemed to have an opinion (most siding with Conan), and it was strange how suddenly "Late Night" seemed relevant again.
Personally, I don't watch it much...anymore. I'm usually not up that late, plus I like to read before bed, so it's rare I watch. I used to be a big fan of David Letterman but found his act got a little tired after a while. Not that it wasn't funny, it just wasn't new. Part of that is Dave himself - you either like him or you don't. I like him but our TV friendship didn't need to last forever. I never really watched Leno, though I know the act. Seriously, his jaw is huge. Some people obviously love him because he consistently beat Letterman (I should say 'beats', because he's doing it again). Anyway, enough with these guys. There's one man I think has risen to the top of the Late Night heap....Jimmy Kimmel.
I first remember Jimmy from Win Ben Stein's Money. He was the host and I remember him being very funny. He seemed like the kid next door, just an average, funny, normal guy. He did The Man Show but I didn't watch it much. Not sure why.
I started watching him a bit again recently, and I must say, I think he's the funniest of the late night comedians. He seems to have a great rapport with his guests and I think he's just as sharp as Conan. His recent bit on Leno was great:
I'd love to see Jimmy eventually replace Letterman, and Conan replace Leno (though I guess they already tried that). In my perfect Late Night scenario that's what would happen, though I suppose then I'd have to choose who watch. As of now I think I'd choose Kimmel, but we'll see what the Masterbating Bear has to say about that....
Friday, March 19, 2010
Music in the Cloud
In December 2009 Apple bought Lala.com. The news seemed to be met with...well, a whimper. A lot of people probably don't know what Lala is, so let me quickly explain.
www.lala.com is a website where you can stream music. You just need a connection and you're ready to go. Lala uses the Cloud computing model - where information and databases are stored remotely, in the "Cloud" as opposed to locally. The advantage for consumers is you don't need to worry about space or a computer crashing, and the advantage for the Host is annual fees and, likely, little customer service and maintenance. A win-win for both.
So that's where Lala gets it's wings. It uses the Cloud to let users stream music, and store it remotely on the Lala server (or whichever company they use). Users can listen to most anything one time for free. After that you only get a 30 second clip, but you can buy a song credit for $0.10. Once you buy it you can access it online as much as you like. To truly BUY a song, download it and OWN it, you usually pay around $0.89, comparable to iTunes or Amazon.
For me, I like the online option. I use it quite a bit to try out albums I think I might like to buy. I must say I have not purchased any credits, but only because they give you 50 free to start. Plus, I probably use it the most to listen to things I haven't heard. One free listen, the whole album. If I like it there's a good chance I'll buy the cd. If not, I won't. Easy.
Yes, I still buy cds. There's just something about a cd that I still like. A tangible, real feeling. Putting it in the cd player. Pushing play. Hearing it spin (old cd player). I like the ease and transparency of digital music, but I still like cds too. I just had to comment, sorry. Back to the story....
So Apple acquires Lala. A few articles were written about it, but all in all not much coverage. I guess that makes sense since, really, not a lot of people use it. But I think Apple purchasing Lala is rather significant. It signals either a) Apple wants to squash the $0.10 online model or b) Apple is moving to the Cloud, for iTunes, iPhones, and everything else 'i' you can think of. It makes sense. It's transparent. People will have more access, and ultimately more chance to buy - music, tv shows, movies. Smart.
I don't think it's a bad thing. As I said, I use Lala quite a bit. I really like it. It's very easy to use and I like the "one time free" option. Let me try to like something first, then I'll buy it.
Eventually, I've got to believe we'll have online access more or less everywhere. In your car you'll have internet through your navigation screen, or LCD, whatever. You'll search for what you want, then click the map for the directions. You'll be home and your TV will have internet (they're already becoming more popular), you'll stream music from your computer. Why not online? I just think it's inevitable. The convergence will happen.
Which brings us back to Lala. I believe it makes sense to have a model where users effectively 'rent' songs. If you want to buy it, great. But you don't have to, and maybe 'renting' makes more sense.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Corey Haim RIP
I was very sad to hear of Corey Haim passing away. He starred in a couple movies that were a big part of my growing up - The Lost Boys and License to Drive (I'd throw Dream a Little Dream and Lucas in there but I just didn't take to those as much).
The Lost Boys was the first 'R' rated movie I saw in the theater, at least that I remember. I think I was 12, and my brother Brian let me tag along with him and his friend Luca. I remember it clearly. It was a visual assault for me, I'd never seen anything like that - so big, so loud, so.....cool!! It was incredible. To this day, I love that movie. I know a lot of people love it, so I'm not original, but it really is an awesome film. A fun story, not too scary, action, a little romance (c'mon, Star is hot!), great final battle, a fantastic soundtrack...and vampires. It's obvious people like vampires (as evidenced by the Twilight saga). The Lost Boys is absolutely in my Top 10 favorite films. Towards the back but I'm sure it's in there. Gotta be. Here's the original trailer:
Corey Haim was great in the The Lost Boys. I don't care what anyone says. Even with the dumb little tongue waggle thing he did, he was cool. Colorful 1980s clothes, but cool. So was Corey Feldman. So was his Frog brother (was that guy ever in another movie??). Jason Patric was cool. Keifer Sutherland was cool. Even Marco with the curly hair was...COOL. Corey Haim gets props for The Lost Boys. Moving on.....
License to Drive is a film I'm not sure many people like. I certainly understand why. But I liked it, especially when it came out, and at least for a few years following. So did my brothers. It was funny, and stupid. We liked that stuff. Police Academy. Airplane. The Naked Gun. Those are funny movies. Stupid, but funny. So was License to Drive. The Dad is hilarious. Heather Graham as Mercedes Lane. WOW. Probably the first girl I really, truly thought I loved. She was incredible. When he finally gets her in the car towards the end? Oh, man. OH, man. You felt so good for him. Les Anderson was King. The kind of dorky guy who got the girl. Corey Haim. I would say I've seen that movie at least 25 times (though none in the last, probably, 15 years). For me, License to Drive is one of those movies. We've all got a couple. A movie we love, that a lot of others probably don't. Another reason movies are great - something you think is bad...someone else thinks is good. There's a balance. And I loved License to Drive.
So there you go. I just paid tribute to the movies he was in, but not really Corey Haim. His is a sad story, one no one really seems surprised about. To me, that's the most tragic thing of all. We all say we could likely see something this coming. We're not surprised. We were surprised with Heath Ledger. We were surprised with Michael Jackson (were we? We seemed like it). We weren't surprised with Corey Haim. That's really sad, and I think that's part of the reason his passing hurts a little more than those others. Who else fits that profile? I'd offer Lindsay Lohan. We've watched her spiral into whatever she is, and really, would you be surprised to hear she overdosed? Nope. And then there's Keith Richards. The guy falls out of a tree (a tree!), hits his head and year later he's back on tour. Nothing can destroy that man. Some are just made for it, I guess.
So, to Corey Haim. May you rest in peace. Thanks for the memories.
The Lost Boys was the first 'R' rated movie I saw in the theater, at least that I remember. I think I was 12, and my brother Brian let me tag along with him and his friend Luca. I remember it clearly. It was a visual assault for me, I'd never seen anything like that - so big, so loud, so.....cool!! It was incredible. To this day, I love that movie. I know a lot of people love it, so I'm not original, but it really is an awesome film. A fun story, not too scary, action, a little romance (c'mon, Star is hot!), great final battle, a fantastic soundtrack...and vampires. It's obvious people like vampires (as evidenced by the Twilight saga). The Lost Boys is absolutely in my Top 10 favorite films. Towards the back but I'm sure it's in there. Gotta be. Here's the original trailer:
Corey Haim was great in the The Lost Boys. I don't care what anyone says. Even with the dumb little tongue waggle thing he did, he was cool. Colorful 1980s clothes, but cool. So was Corey Feldman. So was his Frog brother (was that guy ever in another movie??). Jason Patric was cool. Keifer Sutherland was cool. Even Marco with the curly hair was...COOL. Corey Haim gets props for The Lost Boys. Moving on.....
License to Drive is a film I'm not sure many people like. I certainly understand why. But I liked it, especially when it came out, and at least for a few years following. So did my brothers. It was funny, and stupid. We liked that stuff. Police Academy. Airplane. The Naked Gun. Those are funny movies. Stupid, but funny. So was License to Drive. The Dad is hilarious. Heather Graham as Mercedes Lane. WOW. Probably the first girl I really, truly thought I loved. She was incredible. When he finally gets her in the car towards the end? Oh, man. OH, man. You felt so good for him. Les Anderson was King. The kind of dorky guy who got the girl. Corey Haim. I would say I've seen that movie at least 25 times (though none in the last, probably, 15 years). For me, License to Drive is one of those movies. We've all got a couple. A movie we love, that a lot of others probably don't. Another reason movies are great - something you think is bad...someone else thinks is good. There's a balance. And I loved License to Drive.
So there you go. I just paid tribute to the movies he was in, but not really Corey Haim. His is a sad story, one no one really seems surprised about. To me, that's the most tragic thing of all. We all say we could likely see something this coming. We're not surprised. We were surprised with Heath Ledger. We were surprised with Michael Jackson (were we? We seemed like it). We weren't surprised with Corey Haim. That's really sad, and I think that's part of the reason his passing hurts a little more than those others. Who else fits that profile? I'd offer Lindsay Lohan. We've watched her spiral into whatever she is, and really, would you be surprised to hear she overdosed? Nope. And then there's Keith Richards. The guy falls out of a tree (a tree!), hits his head and year later he's back on tour. Nothing can destroy that man. Some are just made for it, I guess.
So, to Corey Haim. May you rest in peace. Thanks for the memories.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Academy Awards 2010 - A Half-Assed List
It's Oscar time again and I thought I'd take a few minutes to put down some thoughts. There's always so much buildup to something that usually seems so, well, predictable. Who hasn't won before? Who should have won last time? Who won't win this time because they'll probably win in the future? We'll watch the show because we always do, and Lizi loves the red carpet stuff. I think it's fun to watch the awkward walks to the stage after people have won. To me, that's how you tell the surprises - the farther back someone is sitting, the less likely someone else thought it was that person would win. Fun, but predictable.
This year it's Alec Bladwin hosting with Steve Martin. I think that'll be good. I like the idea of the dual-host. It's such a stale kind of show that I think it's good to have two people. Billy Crystal, while funny, had run his course so I'm glad to see they haven't gone back to him. Maybe one day they'll get Ant and Dec (for my US readers, look them up. Ha, I have US readers).
Lizi and I enjoy movies. A long time ago, I wanted to be a director, a writer, editor...whatever. I was even a Media Arts major at UofA. I grew up on The Goonies, The Lost Boys, Ferris Bueller...everything you'd guess of a kid in 1980s America (including Weird Science, the Star Wars films, and Academy Award winner for Best Picture in 1976....ROCKY!) . We don't go to the movies much anymore but we still try. Having a kid makes it tough. Lizi gets there a bit more than I do, as she and her friends sometimes go. I don't have many friends who enjoy going, plus, I'd rather spend my free time playing golf or something.
Here are my picks. It's a 10am list, not 10pm. And I haven't seen a lot of stuff, so yes, it's a half assed list. But I'll make some guesses and see if predictable wins out yet again. I'm just going with the 'major' (I certainly don't mean to discount anything else, I just don't know the films at all) categories because I haven't seen everything, and who am I to say if Il Devo had better makeup than The Young Victoria?
Best Actor - Jeff Bridges
People like him and want him to win. He'll win. Clooney will get his later, I'm sure.
Supporting Actor - Christopher Waltz
He was incredible and should easily win. If he doesn't it just means it's definitely all a scam.
Best Actress - Meryl Streep
Maybe Sandra Bullock but I think Meryl (I call her Meryl, too) wins this time. See above for: who hasn't won in a long time
Supporting Actress - Mo'Nique
Because I don't know who else and this seems like a winner. Going with the predictable factor....
Animated Feature Film - Up
Because I don't think it wins Best Picture. I heard Fantastic Mr. Fox was really good but I didn't see it. I'd like to.
Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow
Reitman will get his. I don't think Cameron wins, and I don't think Hurt Locker wins Best Picture, so I go with Bigelow.
Music Original Song - “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)”
Because T Bone Burnett is cool. That Robert Palmer/Alison Krause album he produced was awesome.
Writing, Adapted Screenplay - Up in the Air
I think this is the one it will win, if just one.
Writing, Original Screenplay - “Inglourious Basterds” Written by Quentin Tarantino
Because the man can write, and I think thought the dialogue was fantastic.
Best Picture (I will give brief run down, if I saw it; winner in bold):
- Avatar- say whatever you want, it was pretty cool
- The Blind Side - didn't see it, but heard it was good. I'm sure it was. Not that interested.
- District 9 - I am in the huge minority of those who didn't like this. I appreciated the idea, and liked the documentary style. Loved the lead guy. But just didn't care for it. Felt like I was supposed to because of it's "message". Sorry, just too in your face for me, and didn't need that. Cool sci fi but not as groundbreaking as I think a lot think it is.
- An Education - didn't see it; haven't heard much
- The Hurt Locker - liked this a lot but, like District 9, thought it was a bit overhyped. I personally like Black Hawk Down more, but whatever.
- Inglourious Basterds - for me, the most entertaining and best made film I saw. Great script, great acting, great story. Just really enjoyed it, more than I thought I would. I think it's the best film he's made since Pulp Fiction.
- Precious- didn't see it but looks really heavy. I'm sure very good but it won't win.
- A Serious Man - need to see it; heard it was good. I love that the Coen Brothers just churn movies out. Not everything will be, or needs to be, a masterpiece. It's about telling stories and these guys are the best.
- Up - I liked it a lot but Best Picture it most certainly is not.
- Up in the Air - need to see it; Lizi saw it and liked it a lot though not as much as I might have thought she would. Think it got built up a bit. Don't think it wins.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
How To Catch a Rabbit Under Your Couch
It's not often I've found myself chasing rabbits. Playing golf in Arizona you encounter many of them, but you don't (usually) chase them, and you certainly don't try to catch them. I've seen many people try, and none succeed.
Tonight, while my daughter was eating dinner, and my wife and I were sitting with her, my wife turned to me and said "there's a rabbit in the family room."
We don't have a rabbit. We have two cats, Floyd and Alice. They're both pains in the butt in their own special ways, but they have yet to bring a rabbit into the house. Birds, sure. Lizards, yes. Rabbits, no. I thought maybe it was a rat, or mouse. I'd seen a small mouse (rat?) outside a few months ago but I've never actually seen rabbits at our house, let alone in our house. We don't live in the middle of the desert (it's pretty suburban) so we don't see many rabbits.
This was a pretty little guy. Here's a picture of him, while eating a little Green Delight (don't mind the couch. I could kill those cats sometimes).
Right when Lizi said it I looked over and he ran into a corner. We thought we had him cornered but then he ran behind the entertainment console, where he buried himself beneath the mess of wires (it really is incredible how many wires you have if you've got a lot of stuff hooked up - power cables, component cables, hdmi, optical, etc). Eventually, he found his way under the couch, where we tried to chase him into a box, which worked...except that he actually jumped out of the box. I thought maybe I could 'rabbit whisper' him back into the box. That didn't work very well. Here is a picture of my post-rabbit whisper attempt. Do not try this. It doesn't work.
I had obviously underestimated my bushy-tailed foe. So, the following is what you need the next time you've got a rabbit under your couch. This is a two person job, unless circumstances do not allow.
- 2 long handled sticks
- box - big enough so he can't jump out
- pillow - or something to cover box
- flashlight
- lettuce and/or carrots
- 2 1/2 year old little girl to 'help'
When ready, you need to identify where the rabbit is. Maneuver one of the sticks so the rabbit can't get past it. You will create a 'wave' effect - and push the rabbit toward the box. Next, you will use the second stick to gently guide rabbit towards the box. Inside the box is more Green Delight, as well as some carrots. Once the rabbit enters the box, slide the pillow over the top, securing our friend inside. If it's a 'normal', brown cardboard box, use the sides to help lock the pillow on the box.
At this point transport the box to somewhere you can let the rabbit out, and let him feel free again.
I hope you don't ever need to use these instructions, but if you do, hopefully this will help.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Satellite Radio
I'm going to start putting a song up that I like. Above is a new Massive Attack track.....
Over the past few years I've become a pretty big fan of satellite radio. For lack of a better name we'll call it XM from here on in (I will call it SIRIUS XM one time, that's it).
My first experience with XM came when I got a new car and XM was included for 6 months (I think it was 6 months). I remember liking it, but thinking that when it ran out I'd let it go, since I had good 'ol regular radio to see me through, along with my cds. So it expired. And I regretted it. I missed XMU. I missed Ethel (alternative). I missed the Jam (I think they've all since changed names). Talk radio. Blog radio. Sports. News. Everything. A real wonderland of sound - with only a sprinkling of DJs, and no advertisements.
I needed XM. I had received a 'special' renewal offer by letter shortly after the expiration, so I called the listed number. I think it was $13 for monthly, or $96 for the year (or something just below $100). I went with the year - and I haven't gone back since.
It's great and I think it's definitely worth the fee. In fact, you could say I pay twice, since I have DirecTV for my plasma, and it has some XM channels included. I guess maybe I should get a discount, but they'd probably argue that's a 'freebie'. So I use XM at home, too. I use it more than my iPod or my cd player. I suppose when my internet reeeally comes through the TV well enough, I could just tune stations in for free, but the connection doesn't seem quite there yet (I also have a Mac Mini going through my plasma and it's had some streaming problems). So far XM has been great to have in the family room.
Even my wife has recently discovered the Kids channel on XM in my car, and has now requested she get satellite in whatever new vehicle she winds up getting (leaning toward Honda Pilot...). I am more than happy to agree.
I'm sure there is still some great programming on regular radio. After all, there's always a market for something that's free. But I certainly understand the value of XM, and I think in the long run, as it gets into more vehicles at purchase, it'll become more of mainstay for a lot of people.
Over the past few years I've become a pretty big fan of satellite radio. For lack of a better name we'll call it XM from here on in (I will call it SIRIUS XM one time, that's it).
My first experience with XM came when I got a new car and XM was included for 6 months (I think it was 6 months). I remember liking it, but thinking that when it ran out I'd let it go, since I had good 'ol regular radio to see me through, along with my cds. So it expired. And I regretted it. I missed XMU. I missed Ethel (alternative). I missed the Jam (I think they've all since changed names). Talk radio. Blog radio. Sports. News. Everything. A real wonderland of sound - with only a sprinkling of DJs, and no advertisements.
I needed XM. I had received a 'special' renewal offer by letter shortly after the expiration, so I called the listed number. I think it was $13 for monthly, or $96 for the year (or something just below $100). I went with the year - and I haven't gone back since.
It's great and I think it's definitely worth the fee. In fact, you could say I pay twice, since I have DirecTV for my plasma, and it has some XM channels included. I guess maybe I should get a discount, but they'd probably argue that's a 'freebie'. So I use XM at home, too. I use it more than my iPod or my cd player. I suppose when my internet reeeally comes through the TV well enough, I could just tune stations in for free, but the connection doesn't seem quite there yet (I also have a Mac Mini going through my plasma and it's had some streaming problems). So far XM has been great to have in the family room.
Even my wife has recently discovered the Kids channel on XM in my car, and has now requested she get satellite in whatever new vehicle she winds up getting (leaning toward Honda Pilot...). I am more than happy to agree.
I'm sure there is still some great programming on regular radio. After all, there's always a market for something that's free. But I certainly understand the value of XM, and I think in the long run, as it gets into more vehicles at purchase, it'll become more of mainstay for a lot of people.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Moon: That was as good as we could do?
Since my last post referred to something on Earth, I'd like to now write about the Moon. Specifically, what a boring name it is. Moon? The Moon? That's it? We couldn't think of something better?
I know, I know - it's The Moon. We can't change it now. That is the name. I suppose maybe it sounds better when said in another language. Luna in Spanish. Mond in German. Dal in Korean.
No, unfortunately I don't really think so. Seriously, most every other moon in our solar system has a 'real' name. Some don't have one...yet.
You look at that list and all those names. And you see Moon. Kind of simple, isn't it? Maybe that's the beauty of it. It's just Moon. Simple and clean. Still though....it seems that doesn't always do it justice.
The other night I was driving with my brother when a huge, orange moon came up over the horizon. It was amazing. Big, orange, and bright. I said, "Wow! Look at the Moon!" Wouldn't something like, "Wow! Look at Crateria!" be a little more appropriate? Doesn't the Moon deserve a proper name? People don't call me Boy (at least I don't think they do). They don't call me Person. Why Moon?
Once again, a simple search found there are others who think as I do. I found this (What can I say? It's hard to be original these days).
I like Wayne Murphy's suggestion:
I also like Blake Crary's idea of allowing the name to be sponsored by someone or something:
But that is a story for another time....
I know, I know - it's The Moon. We can't change it now. That is the name. I suppose maybe it sounds better when said in another language. Luna in Spanish. Mond in German. Dal in Korean.
No, unfortunately I don't really think so. Seriously, most every other moon in our solar system has a 'real' name. Some don't have one...yet.
You look at that list and all those names. And you see Moon. Kind of simple, isn't it? Maybe that's the beauty of it. It's just Moon. Simple and clean. Still though....it seems that doesn't always do it justice.
The other night I was driving with my brother when a huge, orange moon came up over the horizon. It was amazing. Big, orange, and bright. I said, "Wow! Look at the Moon!" Wouldn't something like, "Wow! Look at Crateria!" be a little more appropriate? Doesn't the Moon deserve a proper name? People don't call me Boy (at least I don't think they do). They don't call me Person. Why Moon?
Once again, a simple search found there are others who think as I do. I found this (What can I say? It's hard to be original these days).
I like Wayne Murphy's suggestion:
There is only one choice.... Gilligan. What else would you call Earth's 'little buddy'?Gilligan. I like it.
I also like Blake Crary's idea of allowing the name to be sponsored by someone or something:
We should name it after the corporation willing to pay the most to sponsor it - just like they do with baseball stadiums. Imagine looking up at the Pepsi Diet Moon. Just thinking about it makes me feel lite-headed. Some companies would probably decide to leave the name alone. "This full moon has been brought to you by Joe Boxer Shorts..."Nice. The money would then be donated to a World Fund, which I'm sure would be mishandled by someone, somewhere.
But that is a story for another time....
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Bed: The Best Place on Earth
I think bed might be the best place on Earth. Someone obviously agrees with me, and I'll bet a lot of other people do as well. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-place-on-Earth-is-a-warm-Bed/163328657809
I know we just kind of accept how great it is but I want to give it up for....BED. Warm, cozy, cool pillow (for me). My wife, my kid, sometimes the cat(s), maybe a little late night TV (or early morning Dora). Seriously, it's fantastic.
This link says the bed, in its current form as, well....bed, has been around for about 10,000 years. http://www.bettersleep.org/Mattressology/bed_in_history.asp
I'm calling them out on that. I'm saying beds have been around forever. Since man has slept. Even apes use beds. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015856,00.html.
I've got to believe the earliest ancestors of modern man appreciated a good bed. A nice, branchy, leafy bed...maybe complete with a rock pillow, and mossy quilt. Mmmm.
Personally, we've got one of those big, king-size, pillow-topped beauties. It's wonderful. I equip my side with a tempurpedic pillow (just made the switch), as well as a big squishy one. I find the contrasting styles to be a pleasant mix.
I've got a light. Books. A clock with an alarm, radio, and thermometer (yeah, seriously). If I just had a refrigerator I could probably live there. Maybe John and Yoko had it right. All you need is love, and all you need is your bed.
Anyway, off to bed....
I know we just kind of accept how great it is but I want to give it up for....BED. Warm, cozy, cool pillow (for me). My wife, my kid, sometimes the cat(s), maybe a little late night TV (or early morning Dora). Seriously, it's fantastic.
This link says the bed, in its current form as, well....bed, has been around for about 10,000 years. http://www.bettersleep.org/Mattressology/bed_in_history.asp
I'm calling them out on that. I'm saying beds have been around forever. Since man has slept. Even apes use beds. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015856,00.html.
I've got to believe the earliest ancestors of modern man appreciated a good bed. A nice, branchy, leafy bed...maybe complete with a rock pillow, and mossy quilt. Mmmm.
Personally, we've got one of those big, king-size, pillow-topped beauties. It's wonderful. I equip my side with a tempurpedic pillow (just made the switch), as well as a big squishy one. I find the contrasting styles to be a pleasant mix.
I've got a light. Books. A clock with an alarm, radio, and thermometer (yeah, seriously). If I just had a refrigerator I could probably live there. Maybe John and Yoko had it right. All you need is love, and all you need is your bed.
Anyway, off to bed....
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Haiti: Social Media and Communication
The earthquake in Haiti has obviously been a true catastrophe. My heart goes out to the people of Haiti, and those who have family, friends or loved ones there. Obviously I only see what' s on TV and what's circulating the Internet. The devastation is horrible. One of the first things you notice is how poorly their buildings and infrastructure were built. It's like buildings were made of nothing more than cardboard (and I'm sure that's exactly what some of it was).
The second thing that jumps out at me is why was I watching Anderson Cooper (and Dr. Sanjay Gupta; yes, I was watching CNN) go pretty much anywhere he wants, and yet all I hear about is how no aid can get through, the infrastructure isn't up to it, ships/planes are only now arriving regularly and yet, they still can't get the supplies from the airport. What is going on? It's extremely frustrating to watch.
I have never been a part of a rescue effort - not for Katrina, or the tsunami in 2004, or anything. So it's hard to criticize. But again, it's been very frustrating to watch. From what I've read of rescue effort protocol it's a fine line between helping, and causing more chaos through unplanned and sporadic relief efforts (gangs, corruption, people hording food/water/supplies). But I've got to believe there could be better efforts to drop supplies, and equipment, to much needed areas. I mean, if absolutely necessary, can't we first drop soldiers? It just seems crazy that these supplies are stuck on a runway and can't get out to the people. I guess things are finally starting to move and the airport has been reopened, but from what I've seen looting is getting worse, as is violence. Here is a video of Anderson Cooper actually helping a boy get to safety. The job of journalism is to report, and not get in the way, but I personally think it's great what he does here. It's a bit graphic so watch if you're comfortable: http://bit.ly/6ZMDSy
Another thing I find amazing is how social media (Twitter, Facebook) and text messaging have absolutely proven what they're capable of, in terms of spreading awareness, a message, or in this case, a plea to help. A huge issue is obviously how fast that money can get to Haiti and actually help, but as I write this a quick search says nearly 2/3 of the approximate $112M in American Red Cross donations were made online, with nearly 15-20% of that through their text campaign (Text 90999 to donate $10). http://bit.ly/6z7ZHh
Ricky Gervais recently commented that he found Twitter to be for teenagers, and he couldn't understand why adults (particularly stars) would use it. I guess in that context I can see what he's talking about (though I still enjoy it. To me it's the best part of Facebook - status updates). He also commented on it as a networking tool. http://bit.ly/hOqQ
I don't agree with him. Twitter has proven very powerful. Whether or not it's used for 'good' remains to be seen, but it's clear there is a power there.
We'll see if money keeps flowing to Haiti. I imagine it'll slow down as the emotion of the earthquake starts to fade a little bit. There are many benefit shows being planned for Haiti, and I'm sure each will be a tremendous success, but nothing will prove as efficient at raising money as a simple text message. As impersonal as that sounds, it's the reality of the world we now live in.
The second thing that jumps out at me is why was I watching Anderson Cooper (and Dr. Sanjay Gupta; yes, I was watching CNN) go pretty much anywhere he wants, and yet all I hear about is how no aid can get through, the infrastructure isn't up to it, ships/planes are only now arriving regularly and yet, they still can't get the supplies from the airport. What is going on? It's extremely frustrating to watch.
I have never been a part of a rescue effort - not for Katrina, or the tsunami in 2004, or anything. So it's hard to criticize. But again, it's been very frustrating to watch. From what I've read of rescue effort protocol it's a fine line between helping, and causing more chaos through unplanned and sporadic relief efforts (gangs, corruption, people hording food/water/supplies). But I've got to believe there could be better efforts to drop supplies, and equipment, to much needed areas. I mean, if absolutely necessary, can't we first drop soldiers? It just seems crazy that these supplies are stuck on a runway and can't get out to the people. I guess things are finally starting to move and the airport has been reopened, but from what I've seen looting is getting worse, as is violence. Here is a video of Anderson Cooper actually helping a boy get to safety. The job of journalism is to report, and not get in the way, but I personally think it's great what he does here. It's a bit graphic so watch if you're comfortable: http://bit.ly/6ZMDSy
Another thing I find amazing is how social media (Twitter, Facebook) and text messaging have absolutely proven what they're capable of, in terms of spreading awareness, a message, or in this case, a plea to help. A huge issue is obviously how fast that money can get to Haiti and actually help, but as I write this a quick search says nearly 2/3 of the approximate $112M in American Red Cross donations were made online, with nearly 15-20% of that through their text campaign (Text 90999 to donate $10). http://bit.ly/6z7ZHh
The American Red Cross has raised the most money, with nearly $112 million in donations as of Monday evening, the organization said.10 years ago this would not have been possible. The scale on which technology has progressed in the last decade has been incredible. Seems like things are only going to go even quicker from here. It's hard to believe that at the turn of the millenium I did not own a cell phone.The U.S. Fund for UNICEF had raised $22.5 million as of Tuesday, a UNICEF spokeswoman said.
Catholic Relief Services had received $16.5 million in gifts and pledges as of Monday, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, rounding out the top three in the survey.
Other charities surveyed by the Chronicle of Philanthropy including Oxfam America, World Vision U.S. and Save the Children USA had all received more than $7 million as of Tuesday.
Ricky Gervais recently commented that he found Twitter to be for teenagers, and he couldn't understand why adults (particularly stars) would use it. I guess in that context I can see what he's talking about (though I still enjoy it. To me it's the best part of Facebook - status updates). He also commented on it as a networking tool. http://bit.ly/hOqQ
I don't agree with him. Twitter has proven very powerful. Whether or not it's used for 'good' remains to be seen, but it's clear there is a power there.
We'll see if money keeps flowing to Haiti. I imagine it'll slow down as the emotion of the earthquake starts to fade a little bit. There are many benefit shows being planned for Haiti, and I'm sure each will be a tremendous success, but nothing will prove as efficient at raising money as a simple text message. As impersonal as that sounds, it's the reality of the world we now live in.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Guilt Rock
Yes, another post about music, so soon after my 'review' of Vampire Weekend's new album (which I still think is great!). I was recently listening to XM/Sirius (sorry FM radio) when, gulp, Panic! At the Disco came on. If you know me, you'd probably guess I don't like that band. And I'd probably tell you the same. However, I find that whenever they come on...I don't turn them off. Again, I'd probably never admit that I actually listen to Panic! At the Disco, and in reality I don't - I don't own any of their albums and can't imagine I will. But still, I listen. WHY? I don't know. There is something about their music I enjoy, and then I feel guilty that enjoy it, and I never admit it to anyone. It's like my dirty little secret. So, I've decided to classify bands like Panic! At the Disco (I don't even know if I spell that, capitalize it, or punctuate it correctly. Whatever).
I will now call this music Guilt Rock. I think we've all got bands we can put into the Guilt Rock category. For me, it's bands like Panic! At the Disco, My Chemical Romance, and Bush. I don't mean to insult anyone if they like those bands. Again, I listen to them - that's the whole point. But I'd never admit it to you! Does that make me shallow? Does that make me insincere? I don't know, maybe it does.
I think Guilt Rock has come about because we all have a vision of what we think we're supposed to like. My early music 'discovery' days consisted mainly of Classic Rock - Rush, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, more Rush, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and more Rush (I have my brothers to thank for this). Yes, I like Rush (and I still do. I saw them twice last year. Yes, twice!). Growing up with those bands spawned a bit of a 'holier than thou' attitude towards music. I wouldn't listen to 'new' bands. I didn't think anyone could make better music than already existed.
How sadly wrong I was. It wasn't until college that I got into Radiohead. It wasn't until I left college and moved to San Francisco that I discovered probably my favorite band of all time, Pavement. I was 22. Soon after I found Built to Spill and Modest Mouse. Wilco (and Uncle Tupelo) and Whiskeytown. The Pixies started blasting from my stereo. Blur became a regular in my car. Since then it's been a constant flow of 'discovering' new bands and new music. It's been wonderful. One of my favorite things now is finding a new band I think deserves my attention. I love The National. Iron & Wine is fantastic. Vampire Weekend has, I feel, earned my attention for 2010.
And yet, I still find my way back to Guilt Rock. Who doesn't love something that just 'sounds' good? Something you can sing along to? Panic! At the Disco sounds good to me. Bush, much as I can't stand saying it, has found a place in my musical heart. Every time I hear "Welcome to teh Black Parade" I sing like some 10 year old schoolgirl. Others I put in MY Guilt Rock file: Robbie Williams, John Mayer, and Nickelback.
Still, some bands don't make it to the Guilt Rock category. They just get turned off. Candlebox, I hate you. I blame FM radio back in the day. 30 Seconds to Mars? If your song "Kings & Queens" sounded anymore like Kings of Leon you'd have to change your name to the Queens of Leon.
So, enjoy ALL your music, and don't feel bad if you catch yourself singing along to "Angels" by Robbie Williams (though you should feel a little guilty).
I will now call this music Guilt Rock. I think we've all got bands we can put into the Guilt Rock category. For me, it's bands like Panic! At the Disco, My Chemical Romance, and Bush. I don't mean to insult anyone if they like those bands. Again, I listen to them - that's the whole point. But I'd never admit it to you! Does that make me shallow? Does that make me insincere? I don't know, maybe it does.
I think Guilt Rock has come about because we all have a vision of what we think we're supposed to like. My early music 'discovery' days consisted mainly of Classic Rock - Rush, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, more Rush, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and more Rush (I have my brothers to thank for this). Yes, I like Rush (and I still do. I saw them twice last year. Yes, twice!). Growing up with those bands spawned a bit of a 'holier than thou' attitude towards music. I wouldn't listen to 'new' bands. I didn't think anyone could make better music than already existed.
How sadly wrong I was. It wasn't until college that I got into Radiohead. It wasn't until I left college and moved to San Francisco that I discovered probably my favorite band of all time, Pavement. I was 22. Soon after I found Built to Spill and Modest Mouse. Wilco (and Uncle Tupelo) and Whiskeytown. The Pixies started blasting from my stereo. Blur became a regular in my car. Since then it's been a constant flow of 'discovering' new bands and new music. It's been wonderful. One of my favorite things now is finding a new band I think deserves my attention. I love The National. Iron & Wine is fantastic. Vampire Weekend has, I feel, earned my attention for 2010.
And yet, I still find my way back to Guilt Rock. Who doesn't love something that just 'sounds' good? Something you can sing along to? Panic! At the Disco sounds good to me. Bush, much as I can't stand saying it, has found a place in my musical heart. Every time I hear "Welcome to teh Black Parade" I sing like some 10 year old schoolgirl. Others I put in MY Guilt Rock file: Robbie Williams, John Mayer, and Nickelback.
Still, some bands don't make it to the Guilt Rock category. They just get turned off. Candlebox, I hate you. I blame FM radio back in the day. 30 Seconds to Mars? If your song "Kings & Queens" sounded anymore like Kings of Leon you'd have to change your name to the Queens of Leon.
So, enjoy ALL your music, and don't feel bad if you catch yourself singing along to "Angels" by Robbie Williams (though you should feel a little guilty).
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Vampire Weekend - Contra
I am currently listening to Vampire Weekend's new album, Contra. I think it's amazing. I realize I haven't written a post about music yet, and considering it's pretty late (for me), maybe this shouldn't be the first. However, I feel compelled to write. Give it a listen here:
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
I believe the album comes out on Jan 12 so I am currently streaming it on MySpace (though NPR has it too). I honestly did not think it would be this good. There is a richness and depth to every song which I don't remember from their first album. And I liked that first album - a lot. I realize a lot of bands get hyped for 'new' sounds, 'mixing' sytles, etc. Who cares? If I think it sounds good and my ears like it, I'll listen. I like listening to this.
I don't think it's for everyone and can see how some people won't take to it. It's an often fast-paced, almost frantic race through songs. It's also powerful and tight.
I'm not a musician (though I pretend sometimes) and I'm not a critic (we've got enough), I'm just someone who likes music, and I've now listened to this twice.
Vampire Weekend has made the first great album of 2010 (at least, that I've heard). Thank you, sirs, thank you.
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
I believe the album comes out on Jan 12 so I am currently streaming it on MySpace (though NPR has it too). I honestly did not think it would be this good. There is a richness and depth to every song which I don't remember from their first album. And I liked that first album - a lot. I realize a lot of bands get hyped for 'new' sounds, 'mixing' sytles, etc. Who cares? If I think it sounds good and my ears like it, I'll listen. I like listening to this.
I don't think it's for everyone and can see how some people won't take to it. It's an often fast-paced, almost frantic race through songs. It's also powerful and tight.
I'm not a musician (though I pretend sometimes) and I'm not a critic (we've got enough), I'm just someone who likes music, and I've now listened to this twice.
Vampire Weekend has made the first great album of 2010 (at least, that I've heard). Thank you, sirs, thank you.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Online Traffic School
In mid-November I received a ticket for entering a crosswalk while a pedestrian was still crossing. I didn't really think about it at the time (obviously). It came while driving through a school zone, one in which I drive through every day on my (short) drive to work. I've driven this route for approximately 4 years and never had an issue.
For awhile I thought maybe I'd fight the ticket. I wasn't positive the crossing guard was still in the crosswalk (Officer's word vs. mine), but more than that I found the signs confusing. She had lowered her stop sign. The sign in the middle of the road reads "Stop for Children". All was clear and I thought it safe to proceed (I was clocked going 10mph). Nevertheless the law is the law and I thought I'd lose if I went to court.
Soooooo...tonight I decided to suck it up and do online traffic school. Just get the pain over with. I must say, while not fun it's been a revelation compared with 'live' traffic school. My memories of the live version consist of sitting in some cramped, generic hotel conference room with 40 strangers, none of which want to be there. The instructor seemed to thrive on and enjoy his 'power' over the class. No questions unless I call on you. No checking phones. No food. No breathing (ok, I made that up). So, you sit there while he (or she) talks about whatever they want - actual education be damned. It was ridiculous. I can honestly say I learned maybe 2 things. Which brings me back to...
My ticket. At it's core, I'd forgotten an important rule of driving - you cannot enter a crosswalk while a pedestrian is in it. Now, I'm not sure how many people are really aware of this. Truth be told, there are a lot of other rules I could use a refreshing on...and that's exactly what the online version has done. Sign review, safe distances, driving in rain, snow, fog. THIS is what drivers need to learn. If indeed the point is educating drivers I must say I think online has succeeded where the live version has failed. It requires more attention and maybe even a little more time, but in the end I think it's been far more valuable in terms of the $200 donation I've had to make to the state of Arizona.
Anyway, be safe out there. And don't drive through a crosswalk even if a pedestrian has almost exited.
For awhile I thought maybe I'd fight the ticket. I wasn't positive the crossing guard was still in the crosswalk (Officer's word vs. mine), but more than that I found the signs confusing. She had lowered her stop sign. The sign in the middle of the road reads "Stop for Children". All was clear and I thought it safe to proceed (I was clocked going 10mph). Nevertheless the law is the law and I thought I'd lose if I went to court.
Soooooo...tonight I decided to suck it up and do online traffic school. Just get the pain over with. I must say, while not fun it's been a revelation compared with 'live' traffic school. My memories of the live version consist of sitting in some cramped, generic hotel conference room with 40 strangers, none of which want to be there. The instructor seemed to thrive on and enjoy his 'power' over the class. No questions unless I call on you. No checking phones. No food. No breathing (ok, I made that up). So, you sit there while he (or she) talks about whatever they want - actual education be damned. It was ridiculous. I can honestly say I learned maybe 2 things. Which brings me back to...
My ticket. At it's core, I'd forgotten an important rule of driving - you cannot enter a crosswalk while a pedestrian is in it. Now, I'm not sure how many people are really aware of this. Truth be told, there are a lot of other rules I could use a refreshing on...and that's exactly what the online version has done. Sign review, safe distances, driving in rain, snow, fog. THIS is what drivers need to learn. If indeed the point is educating drivers I must say I think online has succeeded where the live version has failed. It requires more attention and maybe even a little more time, but in the end I think it's been far more valuable in terms of the $200 donation I've had to make to the state of Arizona.
Anyway, be safe out there. And don't drive through a crosswalk even if a pedestrian has almost exited.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Avatar - 3D IMAX
Lizi and I went to see Avatar at the 3D IMAX tonight. Uh.....WOW! Say whatever you want about the story, acting, characters, etc but it does look absolutely amazing. I actually thought all the above were pretty good and with a running time of approximately 2:40 it flowed pretty well. I tend to think most movies nowadays are too long (keep it under 2 hours, please) but I could certainly see why this had to be longer.
The 3D was quite cool but I'm not sure it added all that much, to be honest. You get used it after a few minutes and there were times I thought maybe I'd enjoy it more without glasses on my face (not that they bothered me but for some reason my eyes did seem a little more tired than after a 2D picture). IMAX was cool but I remember the screen being wider? Maybe I'm just older now.
What can you really say about James Cameron? The guy has some vision. Maybe he doesn't have the aesthetic chops of a Scorsese, or the polish of a Michael Mann, but the guy makes GREAT movies. I'm not sure there's a better all-around director than him. at least nobody comes to mind.
Best movie ever? No. Entertaining and fun to watch? Absolutely, and for that I applaud.
The 3D was quite cool but I'm not sure it added all that much, to be honest. You get used it after a few minutes and there were times I thought maybe I'd enjoy it more without glasses on my face (not that they bothered me but for some reason my eyes did seem a little more tired than after a 2D picture). IMAX was cool but I remember the screen being wider? Maybe I'm just older now.
What can you really say about James Cameron? The guy has some vision. Maybe he doesn't have the aesthetic chops of a Scorsese, or the polish of a Michael Mann, but the guy makes GREAT movies. I'm not sure there's a better all-around director than him. at least nobody comes to mind.
Best movie ever? No. Entertaining and fun to watch? Absolutely, and for that I applaud.
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