I think I've written about Milli Vanilli before. With that in mind I think one thing that is completely under appreciated about Milli Vanilli, is how if a group was caught today in the same fashion that Vanilli was a couple decades ago, it would be madness.
The rise of the gossip blog, increased coverage of every facet of pop culture, and overall media saturation of such an event would be insane. The fact that they won a Grammy for Best New Artist is the cherry on the top of the insanity of the situation. The VH1 'Behind the Music' episode did a very good job of encapsulating how crazy and simultaneously terrible this story was. In another really fucking weird twist is that several lawsuits were brought forward and it was ultimately decided that anyone who purchased Vanilli concert tickets or albums would be eligible for some sort of monetary refund. The entire situation is kind of hilarious in a weird way. Although the legal grounds for such a lawsuit puzzle me. I suppose the people who went to a concert were being defrauded because they weren't actually being performed for, but in a way they were. Was the entertainment that night any less real for the concert goers? It's a similar argument when people talk about steroid use in baseball. You can't ignore that these games took place when people were taking steroids, so to act as though they never occurred is a bit disingenuous.
Yes Fab and Rob were partially to blame for being complicit in the lie, but the fallout of the entire incident was clearly heaped on them. This of course ignores everyone within the recording industry ladder that was complicit in the lie. Ultimately Rob Pilatus, one half of Milli Vanilli ended up killing himself in what was labeled an accidental overdose.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
The First Brilliant Use of 3D
The reality of the situation is that Jackass 3D is the first time that I was genuinely excited that a film was going to be in 3D and I knew I wanted to see it. I'll admit. I still haven't seen Avatar. No, I'm not one of those assholes who purposely avoids things because they've now gotten "too cool 4 school." I just have no desire to. The only 3D movie I've seen in theaters up to this point is Toy Story 3. A film which benefited a bit from the 3D format by using it as a way to layer scenes intelligently, but one that I felt in the end did not need 3D.
There has been some online debate over the merits of Jackass. It's humble origins within the Big Brother magazine. The merging of many great minds. The bottom line is by the time it hit MTV and morphed in to cultural phenomenon, it clearly struck a deep chord. The critical voices would have you believe that this is lowest common denominator television/films. It is at its core the very empty vapid idiot programming that in turn spawns legions of slack jawed morons who will imitate and glorify such stunts.
I strongly disagree. The difference between a program/movie like Jackass and a show like The Real Housewives of New Jersey or a movie like Date Movie, is at the very least Jackass 3D is done without any pretension. If you look beyond the launching of dildos from a cannon or eruptions of fecal matter on the screen, you see people having fun. Masochistic fun, but fun none the less. Jon Stewart described it as in his interview with Johnny Knoxville as, "masochistic vaudeville."
I consider myself a vaguely intelligent person and it actually insults me when people feel that a film like this is offensive because anyone could do this. Anyone couldn't do this, or they would. What the Jackass series has proven is that the very base human emotions and reactions of fear, pain, laughter, and danger are something that excite us. Has Jackass 3D elevated these base feelings to great art? I say yes.
There has been some online debate over the merits of Jackass. It's humble origins within the Big Brother magazine. The merging of many great minds. The bottom line is by the time it hit MTV and morphed in to cultural phenomenon, it clearly struck a deep chord. The critical voices would have you believe that this is lowest common denominator television/films. It is at its core the very empty vapid idiot programming that in turn spawns legions of slack jawed morons who will imitate and glorify such stunts.
I strongly disagree. The difference between a program/movie like Jackass and a show like The Real Housewives of New Jersey or a movie like Date Movie, is at the very least Jackass 3D is done without any pretension. If you look beyond the launching of dildos from a cannon or eruptions of fecal matter on the screen, you see people having fun. Masochistic fun, but fun none the less. Jon Stewart described it as in his interview with Johnny Knoxville as, "masochistic vaudeville."
I consider myself a vaguely intelligent person and it actually insults me when people feel that a film like this is offensive because anyone could do this. Anyone couldn't do this, or they would. What the Jackass series has proven is that the very base human emotions and reactions of fear, pain, laughter, and danger are something that excite us. Has Jackass 3D elevated these base feelings to great art? I say yes.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Quatum Quandry
I'm watching an episode of Quantum Leap in which Sam leaps into all-American college jock Knut "Wild Thing" Wileton who must prevent anti-war protests from turning violent and resulting in the destruction of the science block while a student is inside, thus ruining the life of a young woman opposed to the war.
Exciting shit right?
Well in a key scene of revelation, Sam is arguing with a very dickish and radical anti-war protester that ultimately violence is not the answer. He then blurts out that his brother died in Vietnam. Sam's brother died in Vietnam. Did Knut's brother? Does he even have a brother?
So according to wikipedia its stated that when Sam jumps in to someone he physically replaces the body of whoever he leaps in to, but to everyone else it is still that person because of some physical aura bullshit. Hence, when Sam leaps in to a boy he still has the strength of a man. It is also implied that then some of his experiences that Sam participates in while the actual person is not really there are then remembered by the original person once Sam leaps out.
With that in mind, I'd still like to see an aftermath of post leaping. Sam leaps in to a strongly conservative person in a conservative town, completely changes the towns views, becomes hated by some because he is very liberal, then leaps out. The original person leaps back in and now he is wondering what the fuck happened.
In conclusion, Quantum Leap is good...I think.
Exciting shit right?
Well in a key scene of revelation, Sam is arguing with a very dickish and radical anti-war protester that ultimately violence is not the answer. He then blurts out that his brother died in Vietnam. Sam's brother died in Vietnam. Did Knut's brother? Does he even have a brother?
So according to wikipedia its stated that when Sam jumps in to someone he physically replaces the body of whoever he leaps in to, but to everyone else it is still that person because of some physical aura bullshit. Hence, when Sam leaps in to a boy he still has the strength of a man. It is also implied that then some of his experiences that Sam participates in while the actual person is not really there are then remembered by the original person once Sam leaps out.
With that in mind, I'd still like to see an aftermath of post leaping. Sam leaps in to a strongly conservative person in a conservative town, completely changes the towns views, becomes hated by some because he is very liberal, then leaps out. The original person leaps back in and now he is wondering what the fuck happened.
In conclusion, Quantum Leap is good...I think.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Secrets
'A Movie Script Ending' is the best Death Cab song.
Nostalgia is a powerful feeling. The truth is you can never go back home. The first time is the most magical. I'm not sure about you, but the emotions that get wrapped up in a holiday like Christmas are always much more idealized than the reality of the situation. Which as my humanities teacher said, "you can only get lost once." Which to explicitly state, you can only get lost in a city once. Enjoy it, because the adventure to find whatever you're looking for is only possible once. Then it all becomes familiar.
On the other hand, nostalgia is false. Things are never as good as you think they were.
Nostalgia is a powerful feeling. The truth is you can never go back home. The first time is the most magical. I'm not sure about you, but the emotions that get wrapped up in a holiday like Christmas are always much more idealized than the reality of the situation. Which as my humanities teacher said, "you can only get lost once." Which to explicitly state, you can only get lost in a city once. Enjoy it, because the adventure to find whatever you're looking for is only possible once. Then it all becomes familiar.
On the other hand, nostalgia is false. Things are never as good as you think they were.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Not Good
The Twins that is. They suck. 162 games all for naught.
I've always wondered how you become a writer for a magazine like Esquire or Vanity Fair. Magazines like those often have very good articles about a wide variety of things. The war in Iraq, the guy who 'beat' The Price is Right, inside the mind of Bill Gates, and much much more. I know they take freelance submissions in some form or another, but I doubt I could write something and just mail it to them and hope they publish it.
It does seem like most articles even when they're done by different authors have a weird rhythm to them. You'll get an opening paragraph like this:
As I pulled up to Robert Sanders home I was struck by how absolutely normal it appeared. A white picket fence and a small sunflower garden in the front yard. Was this Mayberry? Where was the paper boy riding his one speed bike down the street tossing papers on to perfectly manicured yards? This row of beautiful suburban houses masked the danger and immediacy that a man like Robert Sanders could bring to his environment.
You also get great closing paragraphs and lines.
It's almost November now. Orange and red colors that dotted the trees are gone now. Brown leaves sit on the yard that was once perfectly manicured. A slight drizzle begins and the sounds of crunching leaves is replaced by a light patter against the windows. You would not know it if you looked now, but Robert Sanders still has a dream. He holds it in his heart and his mind. Against the shortening days, the memories from a lifetime ago fade like another season.
All my hopes and dreams have been transferred on to the Vikings this year. I'm expecting a heart wrenching disaster that will shatter me once again. It's fun to be a sports fan.
I've always wondered how you become a writer for a magazine like Esquire or Vanity Fair. Magazines like those often have very good articles about a wide variety of things. The war in Iraq, the guy who 'beat' The Price is Right, inside the mind of Bill Gates, and much much more. I know they take freelance submissions in some form or another, but I doubt I could write something and just mail it to them and hope they publish it.
It does seem like most articles even when they're done by different authors have a weird rhythm to them. You'll get an opening paragraph like this:
As I pulled up to Robert Sanders home I was struck by how absolutely normal it appeared. A white picket fence and a small sunflower garden in the front yard. Was this Mayberry? Where was the paper boy riding his one speed bike down the street tossing papers on to perfectly manicured yards? This row of beautiful suburban houses masked the danger and immediacy that a man like Robert Sanders could bring to his environment.
You also get great closing paragraphs and lines.
It's almost November now. Orange and red colors that dotted the trees are gone now. Brown leaves sit on the yard that was once perfectly manicured. A slight drizzle begins and the sounds of crunching leaves is replaced by a light patter against the windows. You would not know it if you looked now, but Robert Sanders still has a dream. He holds it in his heart and his mind. Against the shortening days, the memories from a lifetime ago fade like another season.
All my hopes and dreams have been transferred on to the Vikings this year. I'm expecting a heart wrenching disaster that will shatter me once again. It's fun to be a sports fan.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Sunday, October 03, 2010
I Watch SNL
I still watch this show despite the fact that everyone in America hates the show now and if you say you like it you will be immediately met with a line similar to, "Yeah I liked the show better when it had X, Y, and Z on the cast" or "It hasn't been good since (insert decade)."
I will first say I have the utmost respect for both the performers and writers, but I think there are a lot of things that could be better.
1. No more political cold opens ever. Unless it comes out that Obama was smoking weed and driving drunk and seeing a prostitute on the side, there is no need to have a political open every week. Especially when the premise is as hilarious as, Obama wants to pass a bill but can't because the country is locked up in bipartisan politics!
There was a time when SNL was essentially the only outlet for up to the minute political comedy/commentary. Let's not kid ourselves. The Daily Show and Colbert now offer much more timely and scathing political comedy.
I get the feeling that this is the last year of Armisen's tenure and with it will go his Obama impersonation. I will not be holding a memorial. He gets the cadence and mannerisms in general of Obama but he has really brought very little comedically to Obama. To be fair Obama is still a hard nut to crack but I think its time for a new Obama aka Jay Pharoah.
2. A stronger push for genuine variety. Nearly every sketch in the last few years has been one of three variations. A television/game show, a political based sketch, a reoccurring character sketch.
There really appears to be a strong fear of going even remotely esoteric when approaching the sketches. I've heard a variety of times that some very absurdist and esoteric sketches have run in the dress rehearsals and then get cut (which usually lies on Lorne). The only problem is when I've heard about this happening, a sketch like 'The Kissing Family' in which can be a seven minute sketch where the punch line is that everyone tongue kisses everyone with one guest coming over being freaked out.
I also find that its getting harder and harder to defend the writing when they keep dropping Kristen Wiig in sketches that she has to carry by being a weirdo. She is genuinely good in everything that I've seen of her outside of SNL. She's probably the most talented person on the cast right now, but she's getting pushed in to a reoccuring character funk. Stop making her the woman with one really weird social tick or a funny voice.
I will first say I have the utmost respect for both the performers and writers, but I think there are a lot of things that could be better.
1. No more political cold opens ever. Unless it comes out that Obama was smoking weed and driving drunk and seeing a prostitute on the side, there is no need to have a political open every week. Especially when the premise is as hilarious as, Obama wants to pass a bill but can't because the country is locked up in bipartisan politics!
There was a time when SNL was essentially the only outlet for up to the minute political comedy/commentary. Let's not kid ourselves. The Daily Show and Colbert now offer much more timely and scathing political comedy.
I get the feeling that this is the last year of Armisen's tenure and with it will go his Obama impersonation. I will not be holding a memorial. He gets the cadence and mannerisms in general of Obama but he has really brought very little comedically to Obama. To be fair Obama is still a hard nut to crack but I think its time for a new Obama aka Jay Pharoah.
2. A stronger push for genuine variety. Nearly every sketch in the last few years has been one of three variations. A television/game show, a political based sketch, a reoccurring character sketch.
There really appears to be a strong fear of going even remotely esoteric when approaching the sketches. I've heard a variety of times that some very absurdist and esoteric sketches have run in the dress rehearsals and then get cut (which usually lies on Lorne). The only problem is when I've heard about this happening, a sketch like 'The Kissing Family' in which can be a seven minute sketch where the punch line is that everyone tongue kisses everyone with one guest coming over being freaked out.
I also find that its getting harder and harder to defend the writing when they keep dropping Kristen Wiig in sketches that she has to carry by being a weirdo. She is genuinely good in everything that I've seen of her outside of SNL. She's probably the most talented person on the cast right now, but she's getting pushed in to a reoccuring character funk. Stop making her the woman with one really weird social tick or a funny voice.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Dinner
In the ultimate sign of lazy behavior, I had two baked potatoes and cottage cheese for dinner. Pretty pitiful.
But I have to give it up to the Irish. They get a lot more credit than they deserve, but the potato that I know is the one that crossed from the new world back to Europe. A good baked potato is (forgive me for my awful food descriptions) somewhat fibrous in texture but ultimately soft. Depending on how you handle the exterior of the potato you can get different results. I prefer mine crisp and flaky. As I was saying though, the Irish were on to something. Two potatoes filled me up something proper.
I saw Starship Troopers tonight in the theater with the director Paul Verhoeven. For those not familiar, he has directed films such as Robocop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Flesh and Blood, Showgirls, and Hollow Man. There was a question and answer portion after the film and it revealed something that I always wanted to know about Paul Verhoeven. It isn't some fluke coincidence that there is usually nudity in his films and it focuses on womens breasts. He just likes looking at them! Stunner.
Finally, I'm waiting on a call for a job that I interviewed with. If i get it tomorrow I will celebrate. If I don't get it tomorrow I will sulk. The end game will be the same though. DRINKING
But I have to give it up to the Irish. They get a lot more credit than they deserve, but the potato that I know is the one that crossed from the new world back to Europe. A good baked potato is (forgive me for my awful food descriptions) somewhat fibrous in texture but ultimately soft. Depending on how you handle the exterior of the potato you can get different results. I prefer mine crisp and flaky. As I was saying though, the Irish were on to something. Two potatoes filled me up something proper.
I saw Starship Troopers tonight in the theater with the director Paul Verhoeven. For those not familiar, he has directed films such as Robocop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Flesh and Blood, Showgirls, and Hollow Man. There was a question and answer portion after the film and it revealed something that I always wanted to know about Paul Verhoeven. It isn't some fluke coincidence that there is usually nudity in his films and it focuses on womens breasts. He just likes looking at them! Stunner.
Finally, I'm waiting on a call for a job that I interviewed with. If i get it tomorrow I will celebrate. If I don't get it tomorrow I will sulk. The end game will be the same though. DRINKING
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
We Like It Here
I was in Minnesota for a week. I got to go to the State Fair. The Great Minnesota Get-Together. Whatever you want to call it, it was clear to me that it is pure Americana. Sprung forth from the agrarian past, it now is a massing of people to enjoy whatever it means to be a Minnesotan. Namely, eating a lot and probably looking at a few farm animals and some seed art.
But the reason I was back was because my grandmother passed away. It was a long time coming. I had some forewarning. She had been suffering from Alzheimer's for some time. With that in mind you never know how you'll react. I'm writing this back in California. In the place she made home decades ago. Moving from Minnesota to California at that time must have been crazy. Rural Minnesota to Los Angeles post World War II would be quite the jump, just as rural Minnesota to Los Angeles would be today. What I do know though is that Minnesota is my home. It was her home. It always feels good to go back. And now she is home.
But the reason I was back was because my grandmother passed away. It was a long time coming. I had some forewarning. She had been suffering from Alzheimer's for some time. With that in mind you never know how you'll react. I'm writing this back in California. In the place she made home decades ago. Moving from Minnesota to California at that time must have been crazy. Rural Minnesota to Los Angeles post World War II would be quite the jump, just as rural Minnesota to Los Angeles would be today. What I do know though is that Minnesota is my home. It was her home. It always feels good to go back. And now she is home.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
That's It, It's Fucking Over
I'm here to announce the official time of death of 'MAKING FUN OF ICP (INSANE CLOWN POSSE), THEIR FANBASE, AND FAYGO." The official time of death is right fucking now.
For years I watched with bizarre horror and amusement as ICP moved their way through the seams of popular culture. From making a bizarre western film to the now internet famous 'magnets' video to the most recent Tila Tequila attack at the Gathering of the Juggalos. At this point though its pretty fucking blown out. Nathan Rabin of The Onion's A.V. Club was even in attendance for "THE GATHERING" for research on a book he is writing. ICP has hit their cultural peak.
I'll be honest and say I was only vaguely aware of their existence for many years. Around 2002 I watched a PBS Frontline documentary entitled 'The Merchants of Cool' which basically broke down how companies create and control what young people and not so young people view as cool and how even rebellion is merely a careful marketing ploy. In this documentary they do talk briefly about ICP and how they have created a legitimate ground swell of support.
To quote Violent J:
Everybody that likes our music feels a super connection. That's why all those juggaloes here, they feel so connected to it because it's- it's exclusively theirs. See, when something's on the radio, it's for everybody, you know what I mean? It's everybody's song. "Oh, this is my song." That ain't your song. It's on the radio. It's everybody's song. But to listen to ICP, you feel like you're the only one that knows about it.
Anyhow, ICP is simply an easy target but by targeting them for mockery it merely reinforces to the existing fan base that everyone else sucks....or something. My point is, if I even have a point is that somewhere post 'Magnets' video a lot more people took notice of ICP. More ironic statements of intent to attend 'The Gathering' appeared.
I'm not the Czar of Popular Culture so I'm not trying to say "STOP MAKING FUN OF THEM," nor am I suggesting that I will stop doing so. At this point though it seems like we as a collective society have hit the tipping point of ICP bashing.
OUR LONG NATIONAL NIGHTMARE IS OVER
For years I watched with bizarre horror and amusement as ICP moved their way through the seams of popular culture. From making a bizarre western film to the now internet famous 'magnets' video to the most recent Tila Tequila attack at the Gathering of the Juggalos. At this point though its pretty fucking blown out. Nathan Rabin of The Onion's A.V. Club was even in attendance for "THE GATHERING" for research on a book he is writing. ICP has hit their cultural peak.
I'll be honest and say I was only vaguely aware of their existence for many years. Around 2002 I watched a PBS Frontline documentary entitled 'The Merchants of Cool' which basically broke down how companies create and control what young people and not so young people view as cool and how even rebellion is merely a careful marketing ploy. In this documentary they do talk briefly about ICP and how they have created a legitimate ground swell of support.
To quote Violent J:
Everybody that likes our music feels a super connection. That's why all those juggaloes here, they feel so connected to it because it's- it's exclusively theirs. See, when something's on the radio, it's for everybody, you know what I mean? It's everybody's song. "Oh, this is my song." That ain't your song. It's on the radio. It's everybody's song. But to listen to ICP, you feel like you're the only one that knows about it.
Anyhow, ICP is simply an easy target but by targeting them for mockery it merely reinforces to the existing fan base that everyone else sucks....or something. My point is, if I even have a point is that somewhere post 'Magnets' video a lot more people took notice of ICP. More ironic statements of intent to attend 'The Gathering' appeared.
I'm not the Czar of Popular Culture so I'm not trying to say "STOP MAKING FUN OF THEM," nor am I suggesting that I will stop doing so. At this point though it seems like we as a collective society have hit the tipping point of ICP bashing.
OUR LONG NATIONAL NIGHTMARE IS OVER
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Steven Slater Has my Respect
By now you have probably heard of him. If you haven't then you aren't on the internet enough. I'll offer an extremely brief summary. Steven Slater, 38 years old was a flight attendant. After getting in an argument with a passenger who was trying to access the overhead bin before they came to a complete stop on the tarmac, Slater finally hit his breaking point and yelled some brief statements over the intercom. He grabbed a beer before he deployed the emergency chute slide and slid out and drove home.
I respect him because once again I was flying and once again humanity proved how fucking stupid it is. At this point being a flight attendant is a thankless job. No one ever listens to them and it pisses me off. "Please power down all electronic devices while we take off/land." This isn't that hard of an instruction to follow. You don't have to be on your laptop, ipod, iphone, blackberry, ipad, or whatever every waking minute. Guess what douchebag, when they ask everyone that doesn't mean everyone BUT you. But there you go again. I was sitting next to a dude who was like that on one leg of my trip. Just listen to them and do what they tell you to. It isn't fucking hard.
Then you have the morons who don't fucking stow the second bag they brought on as a carry on under their seat. I love that you put your roll on bag and your purse up top so now I can't throw my shit up above my seat and instead have to place it at the end of the plane.
I hate the people who request something right away. Just fucking wait 20 minutes before you start asking someone for a diet coke.
Fuck you dude who starts rolling his eyes once the baby on board starts crying as we take off.
My flight back to Los Angeles had on particular lady though who is clearly a genius. We've been sitting in our seats for around 15 or so minutes. They have finally sealed the doors and are preparing to take off. We have to taxi a bit to our appropriate lane so we can finally take off and right as the pilots announce over the PA, "Flight attendants prepare for take off." THAT IS THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO STAND UP TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING OUT OF THE OVERHEAD BIN?!?! You are dumb. Immediately a stewardess jumps on the PA and announces, "Mam you have to sit down we cannot take off with you standing." She doesn't even react as she rummages through her purse. She has a kid that was sitting on her lap too so when she stood up the kid was just chilling in the aisle. If the pilots had gunned it right as she was doing this she definitely would have fallen on her dumbass face and probably crushed her kid.
She decides to create a sequel of this event as we land. Immediately upon landing she decides to stand up and start taking her shit from the overhead bin even though we literally just landed and are still taxiing. She ignored the announcement evidently about having to stay in your seat until we come to a complete stop.
The reality of the world is people have ridiculously unrealistic expectations when it comes to customer service. Airplanes and restaurants probably have it the worst in those expectations. Now I am all for good service and it makes me happy when I am treated particularly well. But it certainly annoys me when people act extremely indignant about the fact that they aren't getting refills fast enough at Applebee's or some dumb shit like that. There is a kernel of truth in you get what you pay for. If you're going to a greasy spoon or something don't get bent out of shape if they aren't dropping rose petals on the floors that you walk on.
Ultimately I just hate most people because unlike MY AWESOME PERFECT SELF, most people are assholes who don't treat people with a modicum or respect.
I respect him because once again I was flying and once again humanity proved how fucking stupid it is. At this point being a flight attendant is a thankless job. No one ever listens to them and it pisses me off. "Please power down all electronic devices while we take off/land." This isn't that hard of an instruction to follow. You don't have to be on your laptop, ipod, iphone, blackberry, ipad, or whatever every waking minute. Guess what douchebag, when they ask everyone that doesn't mean everyone BUT you. But there you go again. I was sitting next to a dude who was like that on one leg of my trip. Just listen to them and do what they tell you to. It isn't fucking hard.
Then you have the morons who don't fucking stow the second bag they brought on as a carry on under their seat. I love that you put your roll on bag and your purse up top so now I can't throw my shit up above my seat and instead have to place it at the end of the plane.
I hate the people who request something right away. Just fucking wait 20 minutes before you start asking someone for a diet coke.
Fuck you dude who starts rolling his eyes once the baby on board starts crying as we take off.
My flight back to Los Angeles had on particular lady though who is clearly a genius. We've been sitting in our seats for around 15 or so minutes. They have finally sealed the doors and are preparing to take off. We have to taxi a bit to our appropriate lane so we can finally take off and right as the pilots announce over the PA, "Flight attendants prepare for take off." THAT IS THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO STAND UP TO RETRIEVE SOMETHING OUT OF THE OVERHEAD BIN?!?! You are dumb. Immediately a stewardess jumps on the PA and announces, "Mam you have to sit down we cannot take off with you standing." She doesn't even react as she rummages through her purse. She has a kid that was sitting on her lap too so when she stood up the kid was just chilling in the aisle. If the pilots had gunned it right as she was doing this she definitely would have fallen on her dumbass face and probably crushed her kid.
She decides to create a sequel of this event as we land. Immediately upon landing she decides to stand up and start taking her shit from the overhead bin even though we literally just landed and are still taxiing. She ignored the announcement evidently about having to stay in your seat until we come to a complete stop.
The reality of the world is people have ridiculously unrealistic expectations when it comes to customer service. Airplanes and restaurants probably have it the worst in those expectations. Now I am all for good service and it makes me happy when I am treated particularly well. But it certainly annoys me when people act extremely indignant about the fact that they aren't getting refills fast enough at Applebee's or some dumb shit like that. There is a kernel of truth in you get what you pay for. If you're going to a greasy spoon or something don't get bent out of shape if they aren't dropping rose petals on the floors that you walk on.
Ultimately I just hate most people because unlike MY AWESOME PERFECT SELF, most people are assholes who don't treat people with a modicum or respect.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
On Suggestion: The Ultimate Mix Tape
Is it possible? A question put forth by one Extreme Ash (dot blogspot dot com). I think it is. I'm going to try. There are a few possible mixes and obviously its going to be missing some obvious songs. Please speak up if you think I'm a moron. I'll point out that I'm limiting the playlists due to the obvious issue of running them far too long.
Ultimate Road Trip Mix Tape
A road trip mix tape has to have the appropriate mix of fun driving songs and more mellow lower tempo/key songs. The reason for this is because a road trip is long and boring. The initial excitement of a cross country road trip wears off within hours. There will be gaps of silence while everyone admires the flat endless view of Nebraska. You need highs and lows.
1. Bloc Party - Like Eating Glass (Up Tempo and optimistic. A great way to start off.)
2. The Cardigans - My Favourite Game (I Dare you Not to speed during this song.)
3. The Killers - For Reasons Unknown (Bonus points if you are driving to Las Vegas. In fact, if you're going to Vegas just play The Killers entire discography.)
4. MGMT - Future Reflections & Kids
5. The Strokes - Reptilia
6. Coldplay - Talk (This is a good song!)
7. Wax - California (Bonus points if you're driving to California)
8. Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song (Come on...this was a shoe in.)
9. The Von Bondies - C'mon C'mon (Again, you will speed when this song is on.)
10. The Walkmen - The Rat
11. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
12. Weezer - Say It Ain't So (Everyone in the car must sing along to this)
13. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
14. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
15. The Foo Fighters - Everlong
16. The White Stripes - Fell in Love with a Girl
17. Weezer - Island in the Sun (Good Driving Song)
18. Jack Penate - Pull My Heart Away
19. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Mary Jane's Last Dance
20. The Who - Baba O'Riley
21. Duran Duran - Ordinary World
22. Death Cab for Cutie - The Sound of Settling
23. The Beastie Boys - No Sleep Til Brooklyn
24. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
25. Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E.
I forced myself to stop at 25 or this list would go on for a long time.
Ultimate Trying to Get the Chick You Like To Think You're Cool Mix Tape (Low Key Edition)
Coming Soon
Ultimate Road Trip Mix Tape
A road trip mix tape has to have the appropriate mix of fun driving songs and more mellow lower tempo/key songs. The reason for this is because a road trip is long and boring. The initial excitement of a cross country road trip wears off within hours. There will be gaps of silence while everyone admires the flat endless view of Nebraska. You need highs and lows.
1. Bloc Party - Like Eating Glass (Up Tempo and optimistic. A great way to start off.)
2. The Cardigans - My Favourite Game (I Dare you Not to speed during this song.)
3. The Killers - For Reasons Unknown (Bonus points if you are driving to Las Vegas. In fact, if you're going to Vegas just play The Killers entire discography.)
4. MGMT - Future Reflections & Kids
5. The Strokes - Reptilia
6. Coldplay - Talk (This is a good song!)
7. Wax - California (Bonus points if you're driving to California)
8. Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song (Come on...this was a shoe in.)
9. The Von Bondies - C'mon C'mon (Again, you will speed when this song is on.)
10. The Walkmen - The Rat
11. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
12. Weezer - Say It Ain't So (Everyone in the car must sing along to this)
13. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
14. The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
15. The Foo Fighters - Everlong
16. The White Stripes - Fell in Love with a Girl
17. Weezer - Island in the Sun (Good Driving Song)
18. Jack Penate - Pull My Heart Away
19. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Mary Jane's Last Dance
20. The Who - Baba O'Riley
21. Duran Duran - Ordinary World
22. Death Cab for Cutie - The Sound of Settling
23. The Beastie Boys - No Sleep Til Brooklyn
24. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
25. Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E.
I forced myself to stop at 25 or this list would go on for a long time.
Ultimate Trying to Get the Chick You Like To Think You're Cool Mix Tape (Low Key Edition)
Coming Soon
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Rumors of My Death Are True
Commercials advertising the "Great Minnesota Get Together" have been going on a lot which reminds me of all the cheese curds and corn on the cob I will NOT be eating. A truly depressing state of affairs.
Of course while I'm out of Los Angeles Comedy Death Ray gets blown up with guest appearances like Louis CK and Zach Galifianakis.
It was pointed out today that I'm a weirdo when it comes to music. I've even written about this previously. Today marks the first time someone has pointed this out as, perhaps, a bit strange. That being the fact that I will sometimes listen to a song, find a small bit of the song that I like, jump it back repeatedly to listen to a small passage in the song, and then probably move on to another song.
In today's instance it would be Third Eye Blind's - How's It Going to Be. The lyric run from 2:30-2:42. You also get awesome youtube comments like SOLIDEAGLE86 saying, "second to bohemian rhapsody, this is the greatest song ever." I'll respectfully disagree. This is obviously the greatest song ever.
But enough about Third Eye Blind. Let's talk Collective Soul. A band I never much cared for but the song 'Run' was a pretty popular song. The reason I remember it though is because of its inclusion in the film Varsity Blues. It plays over the closing credits. I'll go ahead and say that Varsity Blues is awesome and if you disagree you are wrong.
This is not some thinly veiled attempt at irony. I like Varsity Blues.
Of course while I'm out of Los Angeles Comedy Death Ray gets blown up with guest appearances like Louis CK and Zach Galifianakis.
It was pointed out today that I'm a weirdo when it comes to music. I've even written about this previously. Today marks the first time someone has pointed this out as, perhaps, a bit strange. That being the fact that I will sometimes listen to a song, find a small bit of the song that I like, jump it back repeatedly to listen to a small passage in the song, and then probably move on to another song.
In today's instance it would be Third Eye Blind's - How's It Going to Be. The lyric run from 2:30-2:42. You also get awesome youtube comments like SOLIDEAGLE86 saying, "second to bohemian rhapsody, this is the greatest song ever." I'll respectfully disagree. This is obviously the greatest song ever.
But enough about Third Eye Blind. Let's talk Collective Soul. A band I never much cared for but the song 'Run' was a pretty popular song. The reason I remember it though is because of its inclusion in the film Varsity Blues. It plays over the closing credits. I'll go ahead and say that Varsity Blues is awesome and if you disagree you are wrong.
This is not some thinly veiled attempt at irony. I like Varsity Blues.
Friday, August 06, 2010
The Bitch Is Back
The bitch in question would be myself. I'm back in Minnesota for a week. Going to a wedding tomorrow which should be fun. As cliched as it is to complain about places that aren't your home, I'm going to do it anyways. Minnesota is pretty awesome and being in the Twin Cities again is fun.
Los Angeles has a lot of cool stuff to do but there are a few things sticking out as I hit the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul. First of all, things are a lot more green here. Green trees, green grass (that doesn't need to be watered every day), big clouds, and humid air. I don't like the humidity but whatever. Way more people on bikes around these parts. I guess that isn't such a shock as Los Angeles is quite the driving city. I'd like to point out I'm not some hippy dippy 'WE MUST BIKE TO SAVE MOTHER GAIA' person, but there are a lot of bikes on the road.
Lastly its just more 'CHILL' than Los Angeles. If I have kids, I'm raising them here.
With that said, I'll leave you with this video which is surprisingly well done. It is a recreation of The Soprano's intro except instead of New York/New Jersey you get to see the Twin Cities. I like it.
Los Angeles has a lot of cool stuff to do but there are a few things sticking out as I hit the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul. First of all, things are a lot more green here. Green trees, green grass (that doesn't need to be watered every day), big clouds, and humid air. I don't like the humidity but whatever. Way more people on bikes around these parts. I guess that isn't such a shock as Los Angeles is quite the driving city. I'd like to point out I'm not some hippy dippy 'WE MUST BIKE TO SAVE MOTHER GAIA' person, but there are a lot of bikes on the road.
Lastly its just more 'CHILL' than Los Angeles. If I have kids, I'm raising them here.
With that said, I'll leave you with this video which is surprisingly well done. It is a recreation of The Soprano's intro except instead of New York/New Jersey you get to see the Twin Cities. I like it.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Not in Shape
I'm not in shape. Nor am I completely out of shape though either. I'm merely "SHAPE." Which is kind of annoying. I mean you get perks for being in super good shape and having a flat stomach and then if you're fat you get to be fat and its like, we get it, you have a huge gut and can eat a lot.
But me? I'm just kind of there floating in the ether. If I were to take off my shirt at the beach I'm not going to turn heads no matter what. It's just like, "That guy looks soft."
In any event I've been doing a lot of thinking and I've come to the conclusion that life in general is bullshit. Not quite the shocking revelation that you might have expected but what do you want?
I was at a Barnes and Noble the other day and there was this woman. Late 50's or so if I had to wager and she had a stack of 'How To' guides and books about how to fill out a good resume. She had a yellow legal pad and was taking notes or writing down something at the table she was working at. I got sad. This woman is nearing AARP eligibility at this point and she appeared to be trying to grind out a resume so she could be working. Of course I'm imposing all these ideas. Here she is though, in the twilight of her life, and she probably needs to get a job because whatever type of government assistance isn't going to be enough to survive....or maybe she just wants a job to stay busy.
Then I'm riding the bus home and it's late. Nearly one in the morning. Homeless old black guy sleeping on the bus. Which because I watch a lot of movies reminds me of a little exchange from the briliant Coppola film 'The Conversation'.
[about a bum on a park bench]
Ann: Every time I see one of those old guys, I always think the same thing.
Mark: What do you think?
Ann: I always think that he was once somebody's baby boy.
Somehow I doubt this guys family had this in mind for him when he grew up. Who knows why he is homeless. What I started thinking about was the years of oppression that African Americans faced. How the diaspora from the south occurred following the Civil War. How great African American communities sprouted in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Why was he here? Lot's of fun stuff to think about when you're riding the bus in the middle of the night.
Also, go see Inception!!!
But me? I'm just kind of there floating in the ether. If I were to take off my shirt at the beach I'm not going to turn heads no matter what. It's just like, "That guy looks soft."
In any event I've been doing a lot of thinking and I've come to the conclusion that life in general is bullshit. Not quite the shocking revelation that you might have expected but what do you want?
I was at a Barnes and Noble the other day and there was this woman. Late 50's or so if I had to wager and she had a stack of 'How To' guides and books about how to fill out a good resume. She had a yellow legal pad and was taking notes or writing down something at the table she was working at. I got sad. This woman is nearing AARP eligibility at this point and she appeared to be trying to grind out a resume so she could be working. Of course I'm imposing all these ideas. Here she is though, in the twilight of her life, and she probably needs to get a job because whatever type of government assistance isn't going to be enough to survive....or maybe she just wants a job to stay busy.
Then I'm riding the bus home and it's late. Nearly one in the morning. Homeless old black guy sleeping on the bus. Which because I watch a lot of movies reminds me of a little exchange from the briliant Coppola film 'The Conversation'.
[about a bum on a park bench]
Ann: Every time I see one of those old guys, I always think the same thing.
Mark: What do you think?
Ann: I always think that he was once somebody's baby boy.
Somehow I doubt this guys family had this in mind for him when he grew up. Who knows why he is homeless. What I started thinking about was the years of oppression that African Americans faced. How the diaspora from the south occurred following the Civil War. How great African American communities sprouted in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Why was he here? Lot's of fun stuff to think about when you're riding the bus in the middle of the night.
Also, go see Inception!!!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Albums Part 2
In the second installment of information that you probably don't care about, we get a bit less mellow this time around.
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm [Stand Out Songs: Like Eating Glass, Banquet]
What can you really say about this album? It's pretty fucking awesome and catchy. Not a lot of heavy songs and its pretty high energy. I probably listened to this 1000 times as I biked over the Washington Ave. Bridge. Like Eating Glass was a song that I distinctly recall listening as part of 'ON THE GO' playlist. Good song to kick off the day as you're leaving to class in the morning. Fun times.
The Killers - Hot Fuss & Sam's Town [Stand Out Songs: Somebody Told Me, All The Things That I've Done, On Top/Sam's Town, For Reasons Unknown, Uncle Johnny]
What can you say about The Killers that hasn't already been said. In a few short years they've accumulated a large number of detractors per album but they venture forth. Insert some sort of stupid phrase regarding Hot Fuss like, "IT'S SYNTH INFUSED FUN NEVER TAKES ITSELF TOO SERIOUSLY." Both of these albums grew on me slowly. Obviously if you listened to radio at all around Hot Fuss's release you were surrounded by the songs...and Mr. Brightside absolutely dominated the charts and was every fucking place. I will say that For Reasons Unknown is probably in the top 10 for best road trip songs.
Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam [Notable Songs: World Wide Suicide, Life Wasted]
I remember really enjoying this album yet I know for a fact I didn't listen to it as much as I probably think I did. What was refreshing was that to me, Pearl Jam is simply Pearl Jam. They do their thing and is one of the few remaining 'ROCK BANDS' that fits in to a simple rock band paradigm. Not much of any pretentiousness and just a good band to rock out to. (SEE ALSO: The Foo Fighters)
Band of Horses - Everything All the Time [Notable Songs: The First Song, Wicked Gil, The Funeral]
Short indie rock album that totally blew my mind. I could just say that the entire album was 'NOTABLE SONGS' because its one of the few albums I can listen to from start to finish without getting annoyed and skipping a track or two. It helps that its a pretty short album, but its just too damn catchy for its own good. Good pacing...not too hippy dippy mellow but not over the top. Good highs and lows. What I'm saying is you can fall asleep to this album but you could also fuel a road trip with it.
Notable Songs [I wasn't always enamored with full albums. Here are some songs that I played a lot but never really delved full on to the rest of the catalog.]
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
The song kicks ass. That's all the expounding I have to do for this one.
Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
I think I've written about this cut before so lets just say that this song is ridiculously catchy but underneath its massively appealing beat/whistle is a song with some heart. It also proves that the Swedes are unstoppable in the pop music realm.
Every Rap Song Released - Various
Yeah its cliched but I like my rap songs like I like my caffeine. Super powerful single unit doses. I'm not going to pretend like I have some super in depth view of the larger rap world, but I can say that I embrace the songs and they can make some catchy ass tunes. There is nothing worse than going to Pitchfork and reading a rap review though. It is beyond annoying.
It basically goes something like:
1. If they are reviewing a classic or re-released rap album expect an absurdly good review. N.W.A. rerelease? Okay you get some fawning article.
2. New rap album by someone who has probably worn out their welcome (See: Eminem), get a review that questions their motives and is in 2000 words described as tired.
3. Fawning praise to an album by hipster approved rapper = Mos Def
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm [Stand Out Songs: Like Eating Glass, Banquet]
What can you really say about this album? It's pretty fucking awesome and catchy. Not a lot of heavy songs and its pretty high energy. I probably listened to this 1000 times as I biked over the Washington Ave. Bridge. Like Eating Glass was a song that I distinctly recall listening as part of 'ON THE GO' playlist. Good song to kick off the day as you're leaving to class in the morning. Fun times.
The Killers - Hot Fuss & Sam's Town [Stand Out Songs: Somebody Told Me, All The Things That I've Done, On Top/Sam's Town, For Reasons Unknown, Uncle Johnny]
What can you say about The Killers that hasn't already been said. In a few short years they've accumulated a large number of detractors per album but they venture forth. Insert some sort of stupid phrase regarding Hot Fuss like, "IT'S SYNTH INFUSED FUN NEVER TAKES ITSELF TOO SERIOUSLY." Both of these albums grew on me slowly. Obviously if you listened to radio at all around Hot Fuss's release you were surrounded by the songs...and Mr. Brightside absolutely dominated the charts and was every fucking place. I will say that For Reasons Unknown is probably in the top 10 for best road trip songs.
Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam [Notable Songs: World Wide Suicide, Life Wasted]
I remember really enjoying this album yet I know for a fact I didn't listen to it as much as I probably think I did. What was refreshing was that to me, Pearl Jam is simply Pearl Jam. They do their thing and is one of the few remaining 'ROCK BANDS' that fits in to a simple rock band paradigm. Not much of any pretentiousness and just a good band to rock out to. (SEE ALSO: The Foo Fighters)
Band of Horses - Everything All the Time [Notable Songs: The First Song, Wicked Gil, The Funeral]
Short indie rock album that totally blew my mind. I could just say that the entire album was 'NOTABLE SONGS' because its one of the few albums I can listen to from start to finish without getting annoyed and skipping a track or two. It helps that its a pretty short album, but its just too damn catchy for its own good. Good pacing...not too hippy dippy mellow but not over the top. Good highs and lows. What I'm saying is you can fall asleep to this album but you could also fuel a road trip with it.
Notable Songs [I wasn't always enamored with full albums. Here are some songs that I played a lot but never really delved full on to the rest of the catalog.]
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
The song kicks ass. That's all the expounding I have to do for this one.
Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
I think I've written about this cut before so lets just say that this song is ridiculously catchy but underneath its massively appealing beat/whistle is a song with some heart. It also proves that the Swedes are unstoppable in the pop music realm.
Every Rap Song Released - Various
Yeah its cliched but I like my rap songs like I like my caffeine. Super powerful single unit doses. I'm not going to pretend like I have some super in depth view of the larger rap world, but I can say that I embrace the songs and they can make some catchy ass tunes. There is nothing worse than going to Pitchfork and reading a rap review though. It is beyond annoying.
It basically goes something like:
1. If they are reviewing a classic or re-released rap album expect an absurdly good review. N.W.A. rerelease? Okay you get some fawning article.
2. New rap album by someone who has probably worn out their welcome (See: Eminem), get a review that questions their motives and is in 2000 words described as tired.
3. Fawning praise to an album by hipster approved rapper = Mos Def
Monday, July 12, 2010
Chipmunks in Low Places
The power of the internet is frightening. I am reminded of Achy Breaky Heart via a post on Facebook. I decide to read the wikipedia page for Achy Breaky Heart which leads me to the wikipedia page for 'Chipmunks in Low Places' which is a Chipmunks country record that clearly riffs on Garth Brooks own 'Friends in Low Places'. Ironically there are no covers of Garth Brooks songs. This leads me to also suggest you read the chapter 'The Passion of the Garth' from Chuck Klosterman's book Eating the Dinosaur. You will learn things about Mr. Brooks that you never knew. He goes in depth on the Chris Gaines saga.
Which leads me to my next thought. Who would buy a Chipmunks album and why? The novelty would run out after one playing. Although the idea of buying the album SOLID GOLD CHIPMUNKS or The Chipmunks Rock the House is intriguing.
Which leads me to my next thought. Who would buy a Chipmunks album and why? The novelty would run out after one playing. Although the idea of buying the album SOLID GOLD CHIPMUNKS or The Chipmunks Rock the House is intriguing.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Albums That Defined My Life [College Edition]
While most of us like to think that we have great musical tastes, the reality is the songs we listen to the most are the ones that manage to (pardon the pun) strike the right chord with us. I'm no expert, I just pretend to be one.
Years: 2004-2008
During this stretch I'm in college. While we are always trying to project who we want to be, maybe this music says more about who I really am? Maybe. All I know is after a few minutes of thinking hard, these are without a doubt the albums I played the most through my four years of college. And there are a few tracks that whenever I hear them I can't help but think about those crazy days of eating Chipotle, drinking, playing videogames, and being afraid of women (THE JOKE IS THAT MY LIFE HAS NOT CHANGED ONE BIT FROM COLLEGE!!). Seriously though, a few songs off these albums definitely trigger very specific college related memories which I'll do my best to highlight if I can think of something good to say. These were the albums and songs that soundtracked my college experience.
Brand New - Deja Entendu [Stand Out Songs: Guernica, The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows, I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light]
A solid album that I would end up listening to at random intervals throughout the many years. Not only does this remind me of my favorite NHL game (NHL 04) because it has the song The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows on its soundtrack but I have to give props to my buddies Dan and Pat for introducing me to the full album. Good times. Guernica sticks out to me as just a reminder of late night Perkins.
Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism [Stand Out Songs: The Sound of Settling, Tiny Vessels]
Somehow I claim to not really care one way or another about Death Cab but not only is this album probably my most played in college, but I'll end up giving another shoutout here in a minute to Gibbard's side project The Postal Service. Tiny Vessels ends up being my favorite song for two reasons. A shout out to Silver Lake (and the California Sun) which made me nostalgic for times spent in California visiting family and for a reminder of some sort of my uncle (who lived in California all his life) who passed away my freshman year. Probably the saddest moment in my life thus far. Very melancholy tune for the most part and it manages to kick in some weird memories of those shitty wet fall days waling across campus. It's raining, probably in the high 40's, brown and orange leaves on the ground, and I can see my breath. Probably sitting around waiting for a class to start. That kind of weather is something I miss.
The first 1:15 of Tiny Vessels is something I could listen to on loop from here to eternity.
The Postal Service - Give Up [Stand Out Songs: Such Great Heights, Brand New Colony]
Brand New Colony might be in my top 5 songs of the decade. Weirdly awesome and is something I can always relisten to. Whoever I marry I will force it to be 'OUR SONG' or something like that. The last 1:56 of the song once again levels down some awesome melancholy feelings. This more on the line of winter, snow, and waiting for that bus to take me home. Riding the 6 (I think that was the line) when its 10 degrees out. I won't call the song haunting, but it gets damn near to that level.
Part 2 Coming Later & with a lot less sappy stuff!
I'm about to zonk out because its 3:15 in the AM.
Years: 2004-2008
During this stretch I'm in college. While we are always trying to project who we want to be, maybe this music says more about who I really am? Maybe. All I know is after a few minutes of thinking hard, these are without a doubt the albums I played the most through my four years of college. And there are a few tracks that whenever I hear them I can't help but think about those crazy days of eating Chipotle, drinking, playing videogames, and being afraid of women (THE JOKE IS THAT MY LIFE HAS NOT CHANGED ONE BIT FROM COLLEGE!!). Seriously though, a few songs off these albums definitely trigger very specific college related memories which I'll do my best to highlight if I can think of something good to say. These were the albums and songs that soundtracked my college experience.
Brand New - Deja Entendu [Stand Out Songs: Guernica, The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows, I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light]
A solid album that I would end up listening to at random intervals throughout the many years. Not only does this remind me of my favorite NHL game (NHL 04) because it has the song The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows on its soundtrack but I have to give props to my buddies Dan and Pat for introducing me to the full album. Good times. Guernica sticks out to me as just a reminder of late night Perkins.
Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism [Stand Out Songs: The Sound of Settling, Tiny Vessels]
Somehow I claim to not really care one way or another about Death Cab but not only is this album probably my most played in college, but I'll end up giving another shoutout here in a minute to Gibbard's side project The Postal Service. Tiny Vessels ends up being my favorite song for two reasons. A shout out to Silver Lake (and the California Sun) which made me nostalgic for times spent in California visiting family and for a reminder of some sort of my uncle (who lived in California all his life) who passed away my freshman year. Probably the saddest moment in my life thus far. Very melancholy tune for the most part and it manages to kick in some weird memories of those shitty wet fall days waling across campus. It's raining, probably in the high 40's, brown and orange leaves on the ground, and I can see my breath. Probably sitting around waiting for a class to start. That kind of weather is something I miss.
The first 1:15 of Tiny Vessels is something I could listen to on loop from here to eternity.
The Postal Service - Give Up [Stand Out Songs: Such Great Heights, Brand New Colony]
Brand New Colony might be in my top 5 songs of the decade. Weirdly awesome and is something I can always relisten to. Whoever I marry I will force it to be 'OUR SONG' or something like that. The last 1:56 of the song once again levels down some awesome melancholy feelings. This more on the line of winter, snow, and waiting for that bus to take me home. Riding the 6 (I think that was the line) when its 10 degrees out. I won't call the song haunting, but it gets damn near to that level.
Part 2 Coming Later & with a lot less sappy stuff!
I'm about to zonk out because its 3:15 in the AM.
iPhone Conspiracy
I'm convinced that OS updates for the iPhone intentionally fuck with how good my phone operates. I'm getting the iphone 4 when the white phones become available because it is way better looking than the black this time around. That said, since I've updated my iPhone 3G to the iOS4 it's been chugging harder than a broken down mule. It freezes a lot more, it crashes out of certain apps, and if I try to switch over to a text message if anything else is going on in the background the phone generally gets grumpy as fuck and quits on me.
Is this because the new OS is adding features to the phone? Yes! But lets be clear here, Apple does not give a fuck about its user base that uses older software or hardware. Their general "don't give a fuck" attitude serves them well a lot of the time but on occasion it really sucks. With this in mind, I am a slave to APPLE but I still wanted to complain.
Today I went to Pink's Hot Dogs which is somewhat of a staple out here. One of those food landmarks that everyone should eventually go to. Did it live up to the hype? I don't know. It was good and pretty cheap. I got a spicy polish dog and chili cheese fries. I don't have a lot of hot dog expertise so I can't say if this was amazing or run of the mill. I'm just glad I went on Wednesday in the afternoon so I didn't have to fight a line that takes an hour.
Lastly, I saw Toy Story 3. It is the best movie of the year thus far.
Actually...after re-reading this. This post sucked. Sorry. I'll be better next time.
Is this because the new OS is adding features to the phone? Yes! But lets be clear here, Apple does not give a fuck about its user base that uses older software or hardware. Their general "don't give a fuck" attitude serves them well a lot of the time but on occasion it really sucks. With this in mind, I am a slave to APPLE but I still wanted to complain.
Today I went to Pink's Hot Dogs which is somewhat of a staple out here. One of those food landmarks that everyone should eventually go to. Did it live up to the hype? I don't know. It was good and pretty cheap. I got a spicy polish dog and chili cheese fries. I don't have a lot of hot dog expertise so I can't say if this was amazing or run of the mill. I'm just glad I went on Wednesday in the afternoon so I didn't have to fight a line that takes an hour.
Lastly, I saw Toy Story 3. It is the best movie of the year thus far.
Actually...after re-reading this. This post sucked. Sorry. I'll be better next time.
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