The last Friday before Halloween brings us a great many things, some of which aren't even particularly that great. The line-up at Bridge School this year wasn't even enough to entice me to buy a ticket, but I think that's trumped by the fact that the annual Love Shack Anniversary party is going down on Sunday night. In the meantime, here are some things to help you get through the rest of your day, no matter how sad, pathetic, lonely, ecstatic, awesome or friend filled it happens to be...
1) Tigers are awesome. Girls in bikinis are fantastic. Why not have both in one place?
2) It's good to know that a McCain/Palin presidency won't be reckless with our money. But then why was Palin already recklessly using Alaska's money to fund her kids' travel arrangements? But hey, at least Sarah Palin knows what being a Vice President is all about, right? Um, wrong. Oh well. At least you can still make her say what you want her to say.
3) So I thought online role playing games were going a bit too far when people actually started spending money in virtual universes. But a woman getting arrested for killing her virtual husband's avatar after he divorced her online? Are we serious?
4) Another high profile case of blunt smoking. An excellent use of tax dollars, I'm sure.
5) It's good to know what "good Christian guys" look like these days...I'm not sure I would have picked him out otherwise.
6) If only George Bush would actually endorse John McCain, it might look something like this.
7) With all the corporate fraud and political bullshit we're dealing with, I'm glad to know that a large corporation like Apple is still willing to stand up and publicly declare for equal rights for everyone by voting NO ON PROP 8.
8) Put down your Parliament Lights, bitches....smoking the reefer provides a lower cancer risk. And this of all places from FoxNews!
9) I eat like a 400lbs man, yet I'm relaxed and my blood pressure is normal. Must have something to do with my gas.
10) Should be interesting to see how the Niners do this weekend under new coach Mike Singletary. I'm just glad that Mike Martz doesn't hold any grudge about being passed over.
11) And I just saw this, but thought it definitely deserved some attention...a dance floor in a club that helps power the club. In other words, a closer to sustainable night club experience.
It's weekend time folks...Be good to each other.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Happy Birthday ChengJ!
The former tennis almost-pro and life long Butts Up player, ChengJ, celebrates his birthday today. He turns 26. For the past 25 years, ChengJ has succeeded in being the whitest guy I know, while violently maintaining his stranglehold on the sport of ping pong. When drinking, he turns bright red, and he has made friends with almost every bouncer that City Tavern has to offer.Often shirtless at home, ChengJ never shies away from the opportunity to be both incredibly cool and half naked when he can do both at the same time. With skills ranging from Beirut to Guitar Hero to a really cool indoor wooden surfboard that I haven't seen since he changed apartments, ChengJ has clearly made the most of his time here on Earth, and one can only expect more expertise, debauchery and daring dos in years to come.
So raise your glass folks, with a big cheers to ChengJ, the ultimate Marina Man.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Land of Pumpkins
Saturday morning starts around 10 am with Bloody Marys. I have one of my Mom's, which is excellent, and follow it up with a version made by Hessica that tastes faintly reminiscent of rubbing alcohol. Myself, Sis, Jarles, Damie, Yates and her fiancé Wes, Bini, Za and Nah begin escalating the drinking by tapping into the kegs and playing some Beirut. About 12:30 or so, it's time for the legendary walk into town, so we fill our glasses, pick up Miles on the way and head towards Cameron's.
Once at Cameron's, we pick up pitchers and retreat to the double decker smoking bus where we proceed to swelter, smoke and drink. It's a welcome moment of respite before heading on to the festival itself. We finish the pitchers and move on down Main Street.
Once at Main Street, the crowd is overwhelming. It's hard to move in general, but trying to keep our very large pack together is a different task entirely. The goal is to find restrooms and beer cups. We get both, some people get in line for food, and we continue on our way. Sis at this point has found a party for us to check out, so we take it a block off Main and find a very large backyard party that the cops don't seem to have any interest in breaking up. Of course, Sis and Hessica start running into everyone they ever went to school with, and as our luck would have it, the kegs are tapped. We make a quick Cunha's run where the festival tradition is to buy 2 dollar 22s and pour them into the Festival cups. This generally saves a very large amount of money, given that festival beers are around 8 bucks a pop.
We head back to the party, only Sis has disappeared. She's gone down to San Benito house and left us at the party she brought us to. Hessica tells us that she's going to go get Sis so we can start the procession back, or at least reassemble and decide what's next. But when she gets there, Sis isn't ready to leave and so we wait outside the party, throwing a frisbee in the street, waiting for Hessica to come back. When she returns, we're all pretty much done, and we start making a straggling attempt to walk back to Cameron's. Bini, Nah and myself throw the frisbee the entire way (making it quite a bit longer of a walk), and when we get to Cameron's, we're in perfect time for the two Sandies (y and ie) who have come to pick us up and drive us back to the house.
When we get back, Topher and Marc show up, the grill is going the food is everywhere. I, however, having been drinking for nearly 8 hours (and beer, not my usual Rodka for days like these), manage to eat a bit of steak, a helping of the Caesar salad, and then, upon seeing people watching the baseball game, and feeling generally fatigued, I crawl upstairs and fall asleep. It was a bit earlier than I had intended to go to bed, but given that I heard about some various conversations and moments following my departure that it's maybe better I wasn't around for, I'm not too displeased.
I wake up at 5 in the morning, almost completely sober, and unable to sleep. Sis and I solve this by spending about an hour outside smoking bowls before we head back upstairs and sleep until around 10.
Another successful Pfest, and happy to say that all the new comers enjoyed the time and are already looking ahead to next year.
Friday, October 17, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
Not a bad week, was it folks? I had cocktails and oysters at Kingfish on Monday, followed by a Skylark trip, said goodbye to 425 on Tuesday night, enjoyed the couch on Wednesday night and had pho on Thursday. What better way to get to Friday, PFest and an entire weekend off? None I say, none! While you're limping along like a limp puppy towards 5pm, here's a few things to ponder, and of course, given the time of year and the year itself, quite a few election related things here...
1) Radiohead has finally released figures on what it made from its famous In Rainbows online release. What I find interesting is that even though most people downloaded it for free, it still made more money than 2003's Hail to the Thief.
2) I mentioned a few weeks ago that we had the new and widely anticipated Dr. Dre album to look forward to in the next few months. Turns out Eminem's Relapse isn't far behind...
3) I love eating. But how many of you could realistically even dream of eating a 15 POUND burger?
4) It's good to see that even in the midst of this election, McCain and Obama can joke around with each other. I especially like Obama's comment about being able to see the Russian Tea Room...
5) So let me get this straight...McCain and Obama mention Joe the Plumber like 40 times in the debate on Wednesday. Joe the Plumber can't buy his business under the Barack Obama tax plan. But wait a second...he isn't a licensed plumber, and he owes the state of Ohio back taxes? Did McCain actually even meet this guy?
6) McCain, run a negative ad? No way! He wouldn't do that. He told us in the debate that he was not running an negative campaign. He wouldn't lie to us. Of course, no one ever said that automated calls attempting to tie Obama to a terrorist were negative!
7) McCain to YouTube: "You need to treat politicians, especially my campaign, different from your other users. After all, I could be President one day." YouTube to McCain: "Go fuck yourself."
8) Note to strip club patrons...watch out for flying shoes.
9) At first I thought this was just a picture...then I realized that different things happen when you click on items...nothing like playing around in Sarah Palin's oval office...
10) A word to the wise...if you're going to break up with someone and change your relationship status on Facebook, make sure you haven't been dating a murderous maniac.
That's it. PFest here we come.
1) Radiohead has finally released figures on what it made from its famous In Rainbows online release. What I find interesting is that even though most people downloaded it for free, it still made more money than 2003's Hail to the Thief.
2) I mentioned a few weeks ago that we had the new and widely anticipated Dr. Dre album to look forward to in the next few months. Turns out Eminem's Relapse isn't far behind...
3) I love eating. But how many of you could realistically even dream of eating a 15 POUND burger?
4) It's good to see that even in the midst of this election, McCain and Obama can joke around with each other. I especially like Obama's comment about being able to see the Russian Tea Room...
5) So let me get this straight...McCain and Obama mention Joe the Plumber like 40 times in the debate on Wednesday. Joe the Plumber can't buy his business under the Barack Obama tax plan. But wait a second...he isn't a licensed plumber, and he owes the state of Ohio back taxes? Did McCain actually even meet this guy?
6) McCain, run a negative ad? No way! He wouldn't do that. He told us in the debate that he was not running an negative campaign. He wouldn't lie to us. Of course, no one ever said that automated calls attempting to tie Obama to a terrorist were negative!
7) McCain to YouTube: "You need to treat politicians, especially my campaign, different from your other users. After all, I could be President one day." YouTube to McCain: "Go fuck yourself."
8) Note to strip club patrons...watch out for flying shoes.
9) At first I thought this was just a picture...then I realized that different things happen when you click on items...nothing like playing around in Sarah Palin's oval office...
10) A word to the wise...if you're going to break up with someone and change your relationship status on Facebook, make sure you haven't been dating a murderous maniac.
That's it. PFest here we come.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
John McCain: Music Thief
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
We've been told at numerous points over the past couple months that John McCain and Sarah Palin are the correct people to run our country for the next four years. While I usually try to keep my political leanings out of the EvolvingMusic blog (I mean, we're here for music, right? There's enough politics already), I find it absolutely shocking that the McCain campaign continues a practice that is both disrespectful and illegal.
We hear them talk about "shaking up Washington," bringing the idea of ethics back to politics, and a chance for change. We hear Palin all the time tell us that she's going to "talk straight to the American people." Basically, they've run their campaign on the idea of honesty, transparency and a return to basics. If that's the case, then why are they blatantly, without permission and regardless of the wishes of the musicians, using songs they have no right to use throughout their campaign?
For those of you unaware, an artist with a copyright on a song has to give permission for the song to be used. McCain's camp has now used, without permission and frequently with strenuous objections by the performers, songs by Heart, Foo Fighters, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and most recently, Survivor. What's worse is that they aren't limiting this illegal use to just playing the songs on campaign stops...they've gone so far as to include a few in television ads.
For the rest of the story dealing with McCain and Palin's musical theft, click here.
We've been told at numerous points over the past couple months that John McCain and Sarah Palin are the correct people to run our country for the next four years. While I usually try to keep my political leanings out of the EvolvingMusic blog (I mean, we're here for music, right? There's enough politics already), I find it absolutely shocking that the McCain campaign continues a practice that is both disrespectful and illegal.
We hear them talk about "shaking up Washington," bringing the idea of ethics back to politics, and a chance for change. We hear Palin all the time tell us that she's going to "talk straight to the American people." Basically, they've run their campaign on the idea of honesty, transparency and a return to basics. If that's the case, then why are they blatantly, without permission and regardless of the wishes of the musicians, using songs they have no right to use throughout their campaign?
For those of you unaware, an artist with a copyright on a song has to give permission for the song to be used. McCain's camp has now used, without permission and frequently with strenuous objections by the performers, songs by Heart, Foo Fighters, Jackson Browne, John Mellencamp and most recently, Survivor. What's worse is that they aren't limiting this illegal use to just playing the songs on campaign stops...they've gone so far as to include a few in television ads.
For the rest of the story dealing with McCain and Palin's musical theft, click here.
Good-bye, 425
Last night, on a random Tuesday, some of us had the opportunity to bid farewell to Xena's apartment, a source of fun and excitement now for several years. I hear that they're going to be moving to the Russian Hill area, which should prove for an interesting change of pace. It was odd though, being in an apartment that had had so many insanely large parties, with it all boxed up and ready to move. I felt bad for the neighbors having to listen to the music at that volume on a Tuesday, but I figure if they knew it was the last hurrah, they'd be ok with it. I figure rather than try to recap here the evening, which was standard drinking and dancing before people left for the BOC, I'd give you 3 memorable evenings (in chronological order) that either started or ended with the apartment at 425 14th. It will be sorely missed.
1) Don't Drink Pear Vodka
2) Trolls de Mayo
3) Pride: The Kick-Off BBQ
1) Don't Drink Pear Vodka
2) Trolls de Mayo
3) Pride: The Kick-Off BBQ
Thursday, October 9, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
This year is like a roller coaster that already hit its high mark and now can't wait to get to the bottom of the hill. I got to try out Iron Gate on Monday night, a traditional and upscale restaurant in Belmont of all places. Talk about old time Peninsula. I had escargot and peppercorn steak. Tuesday I went out and spoke a bit of French at French Tuesdays...not often I get to dust the tux off. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get out around a Saturday XC meet and a Sunday open house in the now brutal pumpkin traffic. As for the rest of you, you have until 5 to soak in the doldrums of work, so there's 10 things to think about...
1) McCain likes to talk alot about change, and how consistent he is, and how trustworthy and honest and perfect and heroic and intelligent and wonderful he is. So then why can you read a good 10 pages on why he isn't really any of those things?
2) For years, those of us interested in and willing to be friends with benefits hid in the closet of shame society made for us by calling us promiscuous or not BF/GF...looks like it's finally going mainstream...check out CNN's advice for being good friends with benefits.
3) It's a good thing we've sent troops overseas to fight for our freedom. That way, as they're fighting for our rights, we can eavesdrop on their private conversations!
4) If the Virgin Mary was any indication, we might be on our road to worshiping Jesus in shark form.
5) How would you like it if your significant other poured boiling water on your crotch as you slept?
6) With California set to vote on same-sex marriages, and Connecticut ruling to allow them, it appears some of the country is finally waking up to the idea that we can't talk about spreading freedom if we don't have it for our own citizens.
7) So Hugh Hefner is moving on. His long time girlfriend, interested in having children that due to low sperm count he can't provide, is moving out. What better way to bounce back than to find 19 year old twins to be your next girlfriends? How about 19 year old twins with records of assault and battery?
8) I don't know about you, but if living to 105 requires not having sex, I think I'll pass.
9) In the presidential debate the other day, McCain accused Obama of pork barrel spending for a "$3 million overhead projector." I guess at his age it's easy to confuse an overhead projector with a planetarium projector.
10) Finally, you should always have a DD. But what if your DD is drunk? Well, if he gets you home safe, that's fantastic, but if he gets pulled over and booked for DUI, you should definitely get in the driver's seat and try to drive away from the cops.
That's it for me today people. Take care of yourselves.
1) McCain likes to talk alot about change, and how consistent he is, and how trustworthy and honest and perfect and heroic and intelligent and wonderful he is. So then why can you read a good 10 pages on why he isn't really any of those things?
2) For years, those of us interested in and willing to be friends with benefits hid in the closet of shame society made for us by calling us promiscuous or not BF/GF...looks like it's finally going mainstream...check out CNN's advice for being good friends with benefits.
3) It's a good thing we've sent troops overseas to fight for our freedom. That way, as they're fighting for our rights, we can eavesdrop on their private conversations!
4) If the Virgin Mary was any indication, we might be on our road to worshiping Jesus in shark form.
5) How would you like it if your significant other poured boiling water on your crotch as you slept?
6) With California set to vote on same-sex marriages, and Connecticut ruling to allow them, it appears some of the country is finally waking up to the idea that we can't talk about spreading freedom if we don't have it for our own citizens.
7) So Hugh Hefner is moving on. His long time girlfriend, interested in having children that due to low sperm count he can't provide, is moving out. What better way to bounce back than to find 19 year old twins to be your next girlfriends? How about 19 year old twins with records of assault and battery?
8) I don't know about you, but if living to 105 requires not having sex, I think I'll pass.
9) In the presidential debate the other day, McCain accused Obama of pork barrel spending for a "$3 million overhead projector." I guess at his age it's easy to confuse an overhead projector with a planetarium projector.
10) Finally, you should always have a DD. But what if your DD is drunk? Well, if he gets you home safe, that's fantastic, but if he gets pulled over and booked for DUI, you should definitely get in the driver's seat and try to drive away from the cops.
That's it for me today people. Take care of yourselves.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Welcome to Monday
This weekend was a blast...dominoes and Beirut were played by all, and I even got in a trip to Benihana's.
I don't know why the writers' strike, which lasted forever and took off an entire season of shows, meant that they had to come back and put every tv show on at the same time...Here's a list of TV shows and how they're messing with my Tivo....
Sundays: American Dad, Family Guy, Simpsons, The Unit, True Blood, Entourage, Life and Times of Tim, Little Britain USA, Dexter, Californication.
Tuesdays: Shield
Wednesdays: Sons of Anarchy, America's Next Top Model
Thurdays: Office, Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Now, without the strike, they could have neatly put all of these at different times and so on and so forth, but nooooooo, everything is on at the same time. The only real problem is Sunday when three different shows start at 9. You'd think that people would know Sunday night is HBO and reschedule their shows accordingly.
In other news, new Presidential debate coming up tomorrow night. Is it just me, or is McCain on a repeat loop right now, running the same type of crap against Obama day in and day out? Does the American public get this, or are they too wrapped up in the fact that they still think Obama is Muslim? You wonder if he realizes how pathetic he looks, or if, as a great American war hero, he just thinks he can do and say whatever he wants.
But you can get Sarah Palin to do and say whatever you want...
We're now less than two weeks away from PFest....I hope you have your drinking shoes on.
SC for National Champion. Obama for President. Financial Bailout plan for "least likely to succeed."
I don't know why the writers' strike, which lasted forever and took off an entire season of shows, meant that they had to come back and put every tv show on at the same time...Here's a list of TV shows and how they're messing with my Tivo....
Sundays: American Dad, Family Guy, Simpsons, The Unit, True Blood, Entourage, Life and Times of Tim, Little Britain USA, Dexter, Californication.
Tuesdays: Shield
Wednesdays: Sons of Anarchy, America's Next Top Model
Thurdays: Office, Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Now, without the strike, they could have neatly put all of these at different times and so on and so forth, but nooooooo, everything is on at the same time. The only real problem is Sunday when three different shows start at 9. You'd think that people would know Sunday night is HBO and reschedule their shows accordingly.
In other news, new Presidential debate coming up tomorrow night. Is it just me, or is McCain on a repeat loop right now, running the same type of crap against Obama day in and day out? Does the American public get this, or are they too wrapped up in the fact that they still think Obama is Muslim? You wonder if he realizes how pathetic he looks, or if, as a great American war hero, he just thinks he can do and say whatever he wants.
But you can get Sarah Palin to do and say whatever you want...
We're now less than two weeks away from PFest....I hope you have your drinking shoes on.
SC for National Champion. Obama for President. Financial Bailout plan for "least likely to succeed."
Friday, October 3, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
Here we are...just as I promised last Friday, in October. And, quite frankly, I'm torn today on how to handle the 10 things as I was seriously considering just looking at last night's Vice Presidential debate, as I have a lot to say about that as well. I decided to do the 10 things for those that love them, and then rant about the debate for anyone who has the time and patience to read it. Bansai!
1) As if our National financial crisis wasn't enough, now we have a California crisis. And if we're asking for 7 billion dollars from the National Treasury, there goes any hope we had of detaching ourselves from the union.
2) Just when I was concerned about getting an infectious disease from a public toilet seat, I find out I have nothing to fear, except, of course, the rest of the bathroom.
3) I get a little nervous in elevators that go up 100 floors in a building, so how would you feel in an elevator going up 100,000 floors into space?
4) Flying has gotten very bad since 9/11. What's worse is the idea that by not allowing water bottles, hair gel, Jell-o and large bottles of shampoo, we're helping to make the skies we fly safer. This artist in his provocative anti-TSA art has the right idea about civil disobedience.
5) I love The Thomas Crown Affair, and I'm a big fan of Craigslist. So what's better than a man using Craigslist to hire decoys to help him rob a bank and escape in an innertube?!
6) Both myself and my students were shocked on Wednesday night when Clark became the latest girl to get the boot on America's Next Top Model. Here's what she had to say about getting dropped the week after being number 1, and of course, kissing Elina.
7) I'm pretty sure I speak for almost everyone outside of the Bible thumpers when I say sex is a great thing. But I can honestly say that I would never shoot myself in the arm just because I didn't get it.
8) While DRM music and iTunes may not be safe from royalty rate hikes forever, they appear to be in the clear for now.
9) The professional demeanor, the power suits, the glasses. While I don't think she has what it takes to be Vice President, that doesn't mean I'm not attracted. I think this is partially what Larry Flynt was betting on when he made a porn with a Sarah Palin lookalike. What about a movie about Sarah Palin? Here's 10 celebrities that could play her.
10) And now for the debate...I'm getting real sick, real fast hearing that Sarah Palin and her "down-to-earth" and from her own mouth, "Joe Six-Pack" approach is what our government needs right now. She's attempting to appeal to the broadest base of Americans, and what makes me even more scared is that I bet a lot of "average" Americans, particularly those in the fly-over states still living in 1950, are buying into it. In terms of international reputation, economic status, and the multiple wars we've managed to engage our country in, a common and average vice president who could become president is exactly what we don't need. In case people have forgotten, we voted for the guy you could have a beer with back in 2000 and look where we are now.
The crisis that we're in throughout our government and country at this moment is going to take more than just a promise of change from a long time Republican Senator. It's going to take more than "Main Street," close-minded thinking from an Alaskan Governor. Hell, it'll probably take more than the energetic and experienced team of Obama/Biden can provide, but at least it's closer to the realm of possibilities. Sarah Palin talks about family values, but has a pregnant out of wedlock teenage daughter. McCain likes to talk about being the voice for change, but what about his record, especially recently, demonstrates that?
But are they willing to debate the facts? Not likely. During the debate last night, as Biden was speaking about McCain's record and laying out fact after fact about prior history, Palin's only response was to not look at the past, and when that didn't work, she fell comfortably into one of several soundbites the Republican party has adopted for this campaign. I've noticed a few of these more than others...
A) They love talking about Obama not supporting a troop funding bill, and continue to throw that out there without wanting to talk about the reason for the rejection (lack of a timetable), or comparing it to McCain's similarly negative vote on a bill with a timetable. Neither of them voted against funding the troops, they just voted against what they saw as detrimental timelines or lack thereof.
B) If I hear the "we're mavericks coming to Washington" line one more time, I'm going to scream. The only maverick I know was in Top Gun in the 80s and he was played by Tom Cruise. I think Biden said it right last night when he pointed out all the Bush issues that McCain absolutely was not a maverick on. Something about a 70 year old white man that has been in Washington as long as McCain has just doesn't say maverick to me.
C) Palin last night outright refused to answer a debate question, saying basically that she was a maverick and didn't do what Washington wanted and didn't care if they didn't like the way she was answering (or not answering) the questions. Um, you're in a debate to be vice president of the United States, and you won't answer the questions? What would she do as President if asked the tough questions? What's worse is that every time she avoided a question, she simply fell back on another soundbite. That's not a debate, that's evasion, and what's sad is that I have to wonder just how many people watching the debate actually realized what she was doing, and how many of them heard a party line come out and went, "Yea, you tell him Sarah!"
D) Sarah has one personality trait that annoys me more than most. If you've watched the debate, you've no doubt become accustomed to her shit-eating smile as she tackles a difficult question in a less than satisfactory manner. It's almost like saying, "I'm smiling America, and I'm going to straight talk you, even if I'm not actually straight talking, but by God, we're both Americans, so check me out!" That smile is unfortunately very crowd friendly, and makes her seem quite accessible, if you happen to be among the people who can watch her without hearing a single thing she says.
E) I think Obama/Biden missed a golden opportunity yesterday to attack Palin's lack of experience. I think a significant amount of time on Biden's part should have been dedicated to emphasizing his experience and her lack. It should have gone to talking about what the country would face if he were to become President, and how that would differ from her taking over. Instead, he spent most of his time attacking McCain, which I think let her slide a bit on the fact that when she opens her mouth, she's simply not ready to be President.
F) Hockey moms and Joe Six-Packs may be the majority of our country, as she pointed out last night, but that doesn't mean we need them running our government. We've seen where that's gotten us with, as one commentator last night called him, "George 12 pack," and it should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation...It shouldn't matter if the candidate is Republican or Democrat if there's a clear and distinct different in intelligence and ability. When looking at McCain vs. Bush, there's no question that McCain is a big step up. But when you compare McCain with Obama, the choice is far less clear. Throw into that mixture the contrast between Biden and Palin, and I think that anyone who votes for the McCain/Palin ticket is failing, as their party wants you to believe, to put "Country First," and is focusing too much on party first. When compared side by side, the idea that McCain and someone as inexperienced as Palin are a suitable choice for our country at the moment is absurdly sad.
G) Pundits today are saying that while Biden was the victor in last night's debate, Palin raised her stock in the eyes of many. Um, when the expectation is 0, even a 1 is a substantial raise. People came in expecting her to flounder and crack in front of Biden. When she didn't, it was viewed as a huge coup, despite the fact that she dodged questions, took cheap shots with inaccurate facts at opponents and lauded Dick Cheney for his interpretation of the office of Vice President. Are we asleep at the wheel here America, or is this type of behavior not exactly what we've been trying to get away from? Just because she didn't come off as an ignorant "whiteneck" out of the hills of Alaska doesn't mean that she is capable and competent to run our country. Can you imagine where we would be if we handed the entire government over to hockey and soccer moms? I find the idea fantastically depressing.
But, as my friend Melissa has told me, "there's nothing more uncommon than common sense," and if 2004 is any indication, Republicans are going to vote Republican even if the candidate is a sad disgrace to our country. I guess, with a month to the election, you can only hold your breath and hope. Or, you can go here and make her say what you want her to say!
1) As if our National financial crisis wasn't enough, now we have a California crisis. And if we're asking for 7 billion dollars from the National Treasury, there goes any hope we had of detaching ourselves from the union.
2) Just when I was concerned about getting an infectious disease from a public toilet seat, I find out I have nothing to fear, except, of course, the rest of the bathroom.
3) I get a little nervous in elevators that go up 100 floors in a building, so how would you feel in an elevator going up 100,000 floors into space?
4) Flying has gotten very bad since 9/11. What's worse is the idea that by not allowing water bottles, hair gel, Jell-o and large bottles of shampoo, we're helping to make the skies we fly safer. This artist in his provocative anti-TSA art has the right idea about civil disobedience.
5) I love The Thomas Crown Affair, and I'm a big fan of Craigslist. So what's better than a man using Craigslist to hire decoys to help him rob a bank and escape in an innertube?!
6) Both myself and my students were shocked on Wednesday night when Clark became the latest girl to get the boot on America's Next Top Model. Here's what she had to say about getting dropped the week after being number 1, and of course, kissing Elina.
7) I'm pretty sure I speak for almost everyone outside of the Bible thumpers when I say sex is a great thing. But I can honestly say that I would never shoot myself in the arm just because I didn't get it.
8) While DRM music and iTunes may not be safe from royalty rate hikes forever, they appear to be in the clear for now.
9) The professional demeanor, the power suits, the glasses. While I don't think she has what it takes to be Vice President, that doesn't mean I'm not attracted. I think this is partially what Larry Flynt was betting on when he made a porn with a Sarah Palin lookalike. What about a movie about Sarah Palin? Here's 10 celebrities that could play her.
10) And now for the debate...I'm getting real sick, real fast hearing that Sarah Palin and her "down-to-earth" and from her own mouth, "Joe Six-Pack" approach is what our government needs right now. She's attempting to appeal to the broadest base of Americans, and what makes me even more scared is that I bet a lot of "average" Americans, particularly those in the fly-over states still living in 1950, are buying into it. In terms of international reputation, economic status, and the multiple wars we've managed to engage our country in, a common and average vice president who could become president is exactly what we don't need. In case people have forgotten, we voted for the guy you could have a beer with back in 2000 and look where we are now.
The crisis that we're in throughout our government and country at this moment is going to take more than just a promise of change from a long time Republican Senator. It's going to take more than "Main Street," close-minded thinking from an Alaskan Governor. Hell, it'll probably take more than the energetic and experienced team of Obama/Biden can provide, but at least it's closer to the realm of possibilities. Sarah Palin talks about family values, but has a pregnant out of wedlock teenage daughter. McCain likes to talk about being the voice for change, but what about his record, especially recently, demonstrates that?
But are they willing to debate the facts? Not likely. During the debate last night, as Biden was speaking about McCain's record and laying out fact after fact about prior history, Palin's only response was to not look at the past, and when that didn't work, she fell comfortably into one of several soundbites the Republican party has adopted for this campaign. I've noticed a few of these more than others...
A) They love talking about Obama not supporting a troop funding bill, and continue to throw that out there without wanting to talk about the reason for the rejection (lack of a timetable), or comparing it to McCain's similarly negative vote on a bill with a timetable. Neither of them voted against funding the troops, they just voted against what they saw as detrimental timelines or lack thereof.
B) If I hear the "we're mavericks coming to Washington" line one more time, I'm going to scream. The only maverick I know was in Top Gun in the 80s and he was played by Tom Cruise. I think Biden said it right last night when he pointed out all the Bush issues that McCain absolutely was not a maverick on. Something about a 70 year old white man that has been in Washington as long as McCain has just doesn't say maverick to me.
C) Palin last night outright refused to answer a debate question, saying basically that she was a maverick and didn't do what Washington wanted and didn't care if they didn't like the way she was answering (or not answering) the questions. Um, you're in a debate to be vice president of the United States, and you won't answer the questions? What would she do as President if asked the tough questions? What's worse is that every time she avoided a question, she simply fell back on another soundbite. That's not a debate, that's evasion, and what's sad is that I have to wonder just how many people watching the debate actually realized what she was doing, and how many of them heard a party line come out and went, "Yea, you tell him Sarah!"
D) Sarah has one personality trait that annoys me more than most. If you've watched the debate, you've no doubt become accustomed to her shit-eating smile as she tackles a difficult question in a less than satisfactory manner. It's almost like saying, "I'm smiling America, and I'm going to straight talk you, even if I'm not actually straight talking, but by God, we're both Americans, so check me out!" That smile is unfortunately very crowd friendly, and makes her seem quite accessible, if you happen to be among the people who can watch her without hearing a single thing she says.
E) I think Obama/Biden missed a golden opportunity yesterday to attack Palin's lack of experience. I think a significant amount of time on Biden's part should have been dedicated to emphasizing his experience and her lack. It should have gone to talking about what the country would face if he were to become President, and how that would differ from her taking over. Instead, he spent most of his time attacking McCain, which I think let her slide a bit on the fact that when she opens her mouth, she's simply not ready to be President.
F) Hockey moms and Joe Six-Packs may be the majority of our country, as she pointed out last night, but that doesn't mean we need them running our government. We've seen where that's gotten us with, as one commentator last night called him, "George 12 pack," and it should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans, regardless of party affiliation...It shouldn't matter if the candidate is Republican or Democrat if there's a clear and distinct different in intelligence and ability. When looking at McCain vs. Bush, there's no question that McCain is a big step up. But when you compare McCain with Obama, the choice is far less clear. Throw into that mixture the contrast between Biden and Palin, and I think that anyone who votes for the McCain/Palin ticket is failing, as their party wants you to believe, to put "Country First," and is focusing too much on party first. When compared side by side, the idea that McCain and someone as inexperienced as Palin are a suitable choice for our country at the moment is absurdly sad.
G) Pundits today are saying that while Biden was the victor in last night's debate, Palin raised her stock in the eyes of many. Um, when the expectation is 0, even a 1 is a substantial raise. People came in expecting her to flounder and crack in front of Biden. When she didn't, it was viewed as a huge coup, despite the fact that she dodged questions, took cheap shots with inaccurate facts at opponents and lauded Dick Cheney for his interpretation of the office of Vice President. Are we asleep at the wheel here America, or is this type of behavior not exactly what we've been trying to get away from? Just because she didn't come off as an ignorant "whiteneck" out of the hills of Alaska doesn't mean that she is capable and competent to run our country. Can you imagine where we would be if we handed the entire government over to hockey and soccer moms? I find the idea fantastically depressing.
But, as my friend Melissa has told me, "there's nothing more uncommon than common sense," and if 2004 is any indication, Republicans are going to vote Republican even if the candidate is a sad disgrace to our country. I guess, with a month to the election, you can only hold your breath and hope. Or, you can go here and make her say what you want her to say!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Star Wars September (8)
I've been waiting many moons for the opportunity to show Hessica the entire Star Wars series, which she had never seen any of. Finally, with all of them on DVD and a time frame in which we could watch all 6, we got it done this month. I will say that if I have to hear the theme song again in the next two months, I may throw whatever speaker system it's playing out of off a balcony. That being said, here's the movie tally, albeit brief, for September...
4: Permanent Midnight
19: Star Wars (A New Hope), Star Wars (Empire Strikes Back)
20: Star Wars (Return of the Jedi)
21: Star Wars (Phantom Menace)
22: Star Wars (Attack of the Clones)
27: Star Wars (Revenge of the Sith)
30: Event Horizon
4: Permanent Midnight
19: Star Wars (A New Hope), Star Wars (Empire Strikes Back)
20: Star Wars (Return of the Jedi)
21: Star Wars (Phantom Menace)
22: Star Wars (Attack of the Clones)
27: Star Wars (Revenge of the Sith)
30: Event Horizon
September iPod Update
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
For a taste of what I was hearing last month, click here.
September's iPod update featured some fantastic new music from the month, including a number of debut albums from upcoming artists. R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Rock, Electronica and Pop music all make their appearances over 91 new tracks ushering us into Fall.
eLZhi, The Preface: Most rappers who have been recording material since 1997 have a large body of work to show for it. While this is the case for eLZhi, the majority of this work is unreleased or in featuring format on other artists' work over the past 7 years or so. 2008 marks the debut full length album from this Detroit native, and while quite a few hip-hop fans may not have heard of eLZhi yet, the strength of this album should help make his second effort eagerly awaited. With production from fellow up and comer Black Milk, eLZhi uses a mixture of darker beats and old-school sounding fresh production to leave himself with a diverse group of songs which he raps over with ease. Whether he's rapping about love, poverty and socioeconomic divisions or his experiences growing up in the streets, elZHi's lyrics are complex yet effortless, coming out the polished product of a rapper with an extreme amount of comfort in his delivery. With a fantastic string and vocal sample and his laidback flow, "Transitional Joint" is the kind of song that's an instant classic on the first listen. Don't Sleep On: "The Science," "Transitional Joint," and "Save Ya."
Lykke Li, Youth Novels: I covered Lykke Li's US EP release here back in June. The full album finally made its way stateside, and the result of Li's command over an entire album is impressive. While most songs retain the soft-spoken and delicate feeling of the EP, Li uses the full album to spread her wings into esoteric melody pieces ("This Trumpet In My Head") as well as emotionally semi-detached pieces with simple backings ("Hanging High"). However, what is more enjoyable is when the album delves further into the dance and pop ideals that her voice and musical judgments help to raise above the standard radio fare. Even while being forceful, Li's voice manages to be light and airy without disappearing against the background of the heavier songs. With guest remixes by The Black Kids (WIH,V.5) CSS and DiskJokke, a few of the EP songs get a new feeling. The range of tracks on this album speaks of a promising and diverse future body of work from this young singer out of Sweden. Don't Sleep On: "Breaking It Up," "Complaint Department," and "I'm Good, I'm Gone (Black Kids Remix)"
Raphael Saadiq, The Way I See It: When I picked up this album, I had to make sure that the published date of it was correct. Saadiq, formerly of Tony! Toni! Toné!, has reinvented his music on this album that feels at times like it could have and should have been released in various portions of the '50s, '60s and '70s. Soul, R&B, Funk and sounds of Doo-Wop all permeate this album, and some of the production makes you think you're listening to an old classic that you've never heard before...It feels like a vintage Sunday afternoon. The musicianship behind him allows Saadiq's voice to soar through tracks both melancholy and joyful. Fans of The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder (who makes an appearance on the album), Dusty Springfield and their contemporaries will all find reason to smile here. "Just One Kiss" features Joss Stone, and the remix of another album song "Oh Girl" features Jay-Z. Don't Sleep On: "Love That Girl," "Big Easy (feat. The Infamous Young Spodie & The Rebirth Brass Band)" and "Kelly Ray.
For the rest of what I've been hearing this month, click here.
For a taste of what I was hearing last month, click here.
September's iPod update featured some fantastic new music from the month, including a number of debut albums from upcoming artists. R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, Rock, Electronica and Pop music all make their appearances over 91 new tracks ushering us into Fall.
eLZhi, The Preface: Most rappers who have been recording material since 1997 have a large body of work to show for it. While this is the case for eLZhi, the majority of this work is unreleased or in featuring format on other artists' work over the past 7 years or so. 2008 marks the debut full length album from this Detroit native, and while quite a few hip-hop fans may not have heard of eLZhi yet, the strength of this album should help make his second effort eagerly awaited. With production from fellow up and comer Black Milk, eLZhi uses a mixture of darker beats and old-school sounding fresh production to leave himself with a diverse group of songs which he raps over with ease. Whether he's rapping about love, poverty and socioeconomic divisions or his experiences growing up in the streets, elZHi's lyrics are complex yet effortless, coming out the polished product of a rapper with an extreme amount of comfort in his delivery. With a fantastic string and vocal sample and his laidback flow, "Transitional Joint" is the kind of song that's an instant classic on the first listen. Don't Sleep On: "The Science," "Transitional Joint," and "Save Ya."
Lykke Li, Youth Novels: I covered Lykke Li's US EP release here back in June. The full album finally made its way stateside, and the result of Li's command over an entire album is impressive. While most songs retain the soft-spoken and delicate feeling of the EP, Li uses the full album to spread her wings into esoteric melody pieces ("This Trumpet In My Head") as well as emotionally semi-detached pieces with simple backings ("Hanging High"). However, what is more enjoyable is when the album delves further into the dance and pop ideals that her voice and musical judgments help to raise above the standard radio fare. Even while being forceful, Li's voice manages to be light and airy without disappearing against the background of the heavier songs. With guest remixes by The Black Kids (WIH,V.5) CSS and DiskJokke, a few of the EP songs get a new feeling. The range of tracks on this album speaks of a promising and diverse future body of work from this young singer out of Sweden. Don't Sleep On: "Breaking It Up," "Complaint Department," and "I'm Good, I'm Gone (Black Kids Remix)"
Raphael Saadiq, The Way I See It: When I picked up this album, I had to make sure that the published date of it was correct. Saadiq, formerly of Tony! Toni! Toné!, has reinvented his music on this album that feels at times like it could have and should have been released in various portions of the '50s, '60s and '70s. Soul, R&B, Funk and sounds of Doo-Wop all permeate this album, and some of the production makes you think you're listening to an old classic that you've never heard before...It feels like a vintage Sunday afternoon. The musicianship behind him allows Saadiq's voice to soar through tracks both melancholy and joyful. Fans of The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder (who makes an appearance on the album), Dusty Springfield and their contemporaries will all find reason to smile here. "Just One Kiss" features Joss Stone, and the remix of another album song "Oh Girl" features Jay-Z. Don't Sleep On: "Love That Girl," "Big Easy (feat. The Infamous Young Spodie & The Rebirth Brass Band)" and "Kelly Ray.
For the rest of what I've been hearing this month, click here.
Friday, September 26, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
Well, it was a busy and sad week. Saying goodbye to the ballpark until next season is always a bittersweet affair, and I've been working Hessica through the old Star Wars movies which she amazingly hadn't seen any of yet. I've got a packed weekend that should be very exciting, but we're not quite there yet, so here's a few things to keep your mind wandering until your body gets to follow suit.
1) So, USC lost last night. That was upsetting. But what's even more upsetting is reading people today trying to say that the Pac-10 is a weak conference based on the record against non-conference schools this year. What people seem to forget is that the gap between the talent levels of teams is getting smaller and smaller every year in college football, in every conference. Where you would once have several teams or just two going undefeated through a season, last season, only 1 team (Hawaii) managed the feat, but they still didn't get a National Championship shot. (Not that they deserved it, Georgia blew them out of the water in the Bowl game) But Pac-10 teams who see USC every year aren't afraid of them. Likewise, teams from the SEC, whether ranked or not, always put up a fight against other SEC teams. The era of deciding National Champions by voting and undefeated teams needs to come to an end. The other problem of this system is that it makes non-conference marquee games like last week's OSU v. SC game rare as teams are not willing to schedule tougher games against better opponents for fear of tanking their own title hopes. Furthermore, we don't even hold professional football players to the level of perfection needed to win a National Championship in college, so why is it ok to demand 11 or 12-0 from college kids, but not from professionals? End this madness and give us a play-off system now. The BCS is broken, and it always has been.
2) I'm happy to say that after representing that the status of the nation's financial sector was too fragile to participate in a Presidential debate, John McCain has changed his mind and decided that it's ok. Nice to know that a guy who thinks he can be President feels able to attend a debate on a Friday night, despite the fact that the rest of the country moves on. Might come in hand if he gets the job.
3) So it's official...Monta Ellis hurt himself on a mo-ped, not playing basketball like he told Warriors officials. If you've just received a contract extension that will pay you millions of dollars to play basketball, I have to wonder what you're doing on a mo-ped in the first place.
4) So the transgender ANTM contestant, Isis, got the boot on Wednesday night. I thought she did really well throughout, but in the end, if you're going to go on national tv, you need to be comfortable with you. She wasn't, the judges saw it, and she's gone. My only question is this...her chances were tanked when she botched her final photo shoot...but why? She seemed overly concerned about being in a swimsuit, but the entire shoot was from the water up, so why care?
5) From LPs to 8 tracks to cassettes to CDs to micro-SD....small albums!
6) Trent Reznor continues his divergence from the mainstream music industry by asking fans what they would like....very cool idea!
7) I'll be honest...of all the beautiful stars out there right now, I'll click on any link that might have a picture of Kim Kardashian.
8) How would you like to find a rattlesnake under the hood of your car?
9) A word of advice...if you're a really good soccer player, make sure that your girlfriend can't have you killed if you threaten to break up with her...
10) One good list of 10 deserves another, don't you think. Here's the 10 ridiculous construction projects they're working on over in Dubai...
On that note.....domino motherfucker!
1) So, USC lost last night. That was upsetting. But what's even more upsetting is reading people today trying to say that the Pac-10 is a weak conference based on the record against non-conference schools this year. What people seem to forget is that the gap between the talent levels of teams is getting smaller and smaller every year in college football, in every conference. Where you would once have several teams or just two going undefeated through a season, last season, only 1 team (Hawaii) managed the feat, but they still didn't get a National Championship shot. (Not that they deserved it, Georgia blew them out of the water in the Bowl game) But Pac-10 teams who see USC every year aren't afraid of them. Likewise, teams from the SEC, whether ranked or not, always put up a fight against other SEC teams. The era of deciding National Champions by voting and undefeated teams needs to come to an end. The other problem of this system is that it makes non-conference marquee games like last week's OSU v. SC game rare as teams are not willing to schedule tougher games against better opponents for fear of tanking their own title hopes. Furthermore, we don't even hold professional football players to the level of perfection needed to win a National Championship in college, so why is it ok to demand 11 or 12-0 from college kids, but not from professionals? End this madness and give us a play-off system now. The BCS is broken, and it always has been.
2) I'm happy to say that after representing that the status of the nation's financial sector was too fragile to participate in a Presidential debate, John McCain has changed his mind and decided that it's ok. Nice to know that a guy who thinks he can be President feels able to attend a debate on a Friday night, despite the fact that the rest of the country moves on. Might come in hand if he gets the job.
3) So it's official...Monta Ellis hurt himself on a mo-ped, not playing basketball like he told Warriors officials. If you've just received a contract extension that will pay you millions of dollars to play basketball, I have to wonder what you're doing on a mo-ped in the first place.
4) So the transgender ANTM contestant, Isis, got the boot on Wednesday night. I thought she did really well throughout, but in the end, if you're going to go on national tv, you need to be comfortable with you. She wasn't, the judges saw it, and she's gone. My only question is this...her chances were tanked when she botched her final photo shoot...but why? She seemed overly concerned about being in a swimsuit, but the entire shoot was from the water up, so why care?
5) From LPs to 8 tracks to cassettes to CDs to micro-SD....small albums!
6) Trent Reznor continues his divergence from the mainstream music industry by asking fans what they would like....very cool idea!
7) I'll be honest...of all the beautiful stars out there right now, I'll click on any link that might have a picture of Kim Kardashian.
8) How would you like to find a rattlesnake under the hood of your car?
9) A word of advice...if you're a really good soccer player, make sure that your girlfriend can't have you killed if you threaten to break up with her...
10) One good list of 10 deserves another, don't you think. Here's the 10 ridiculous construction projects they're working on over in Dubai...
On that note.....domino motherfucker!
Friday, September 19, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
So, the penultimate Friday of the month, is it friends? The Giants are winding down and giving way to the 49ers, the Olympics have passed us by and left us with college football, and all of the trappings of fall and winter are right on our doorstep, waiting to be allowed in. While I won't be getting out tonight, you can catch the cross country team tomorrow in Golden Gate Park. Should be a good one. But either way, y'all have a Friday to think about, and 10 things to think about with it. Cheers!
1) It's good to know that now, at the very end of his term, after he's cut taxes to bring in revenue, spent billions on an unnecessary war overseas and in multiple other ways tanked our economy, Bush is finally ready to step up and do what is necessary!
2) What would you do with your time if you lived to be 113?
3) Nothing like a little back and forth between Apple and Microsoft delaying the launch of the new Nano line...
4) I am happy to report that David Duchovny's stint in rehab for sexual addiction has not effected his ability to land jobs.
5) As much as I love my iPhone, I can't wait for it to incorporate "At-a-glance" features.
6) Land on ground? Not a problem. Land on water? You got it. What can't you do in a personal aircraft for two that can land anywhere?
7) For those wondering, we're exactly 4 weeks, 19 hours and 28 minutes and counting down to this year's Pumpkin Festival. Here's how it was in '06 and then again in '07.
8) Anyone who has been living in a cave may not know that last night was the premiere of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, possibly the most hilarious live action show on tv since Seinfeld. It's infantile, vengeful, completely politically incorrect and laugh out loud funny. Last night featured "Dennis and Mack: Manhunters" and "The Gang Solves the Gas Crisis." Thursdays at 10 on FX. If you don't know, you better ask somebody.
9) With October a stonesthrow away, it's time to start thinking of your ultimate Bridge School Benefit artist list!
10) Would you rather be a cheetah or a leopard?
1) It's good to know that now, at the very end of his term, after he's cut taxes to bring in revenue, spent billions on an unnecessary war overseas and in multiple other ways tanked our economy, Bush is finally ready to step up and do what is necessary!
2) What would you do with your time if you lived to be 113?
3) Nothing like a little back and forth between Apple and Microsoft delaying the launch of the new Nano line...
4) I am happy to report that David Duchovny's stint in rehab for sexual addiction has not effected his ability to land jobs.
5) As much as I love my iPhone, I can't wait for it to incorporate "At-a-glance" features.
6) Land on ground? Not a problem. Land on water? You got it. What can't you do in a personal aircraft for two that can land anywhere?
7) For those wondering, we're exactly 4 weeks, 19 hours and 28 minutes and counting down to this year's Pumpkin Festival. Here's how it was in '06 and then again in '07.
8) Anyone who has been living in a cave may not know that last night was the premiere of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, possibly the most hilarious live action show on tv since Seinfeld. It's infantile, vengeful, completely politically incorrect and laugh out loud funny. Last night featured "Dennis and Mack: Manhunters" and "The Gang Solves the Gas Crisis." Thursdays at 10 on FX. If you don't know, you better ask somebody.
9) With October a stonesthrow away, it's time to start thinking of your ultimate Bridge School Benefit artist list!
10) Would you rather be a cheetah or a leopard?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Local Mischief, Big Games and a Marina Bday
For the first and only weekend of the month I didn't have a meet to coach on Saturday, which left Friday night as an evening to get thrashed. Hessica and I decide that in order to forgo any trip to the city or need for a driver and do it at home. We start by dusting off the Beirut table and playing with rokes. We're only two or three games deep before Hessica excuses herself to get ready to go.
I myself get ready to go and then wait. And wait. And wait...I find Hessica sitting on the floor of her bathroom staring into space. It takes quiet a bit of convincing to get her off the floor and into a position to go out, but as is usual for this one, she's a trooper and comes through. We check out the local trouble at O'Neill's and another spot on 3rd. But we do a flip-flop as she switches to water once we get there and I keep on with the rokes, until all of a sudden, she's coherent and I feel like I need to stumble home.
Saturday, after watching Notre Dame take a win over Michigan and SC kick the living shit out of the imposter of a top 5 team Ohio State Buckeyes, it's up to the city for Topher's birthday celebration. Before I get into the evening, let me take a moment here to reiterate what I said to everyone I talked to before that football game...Ohio State was going to get their ass kicked. I said all week that OSU wasn't strong enough, wasn't fast enough, and was simply overrated. I've been waiting three years to see this annual frontrunner play SC, and the result was exactly what I thought it'd be...People better think twice about voting OSU to the top 5 at the beginning of next season after this nationally televised Pac-10 beat down. It looked like it was going to be a game for about the first 10 minutes...Big niiiiice goes to the Niners who pulled out a tough road win despite handing the game to Seattle for the first three quarters. Other sports kudos for the weekend go to Tim Lincecum on his first career complete game victory...138 pitches.
The Vallejo fellas too are on a retro kick as I walk in and find Ian, ChengJ, Topher and Rich playing not Wii, but Beirut. The longer 10 cup table is out and we get in several games, including a big win by Gies and I before we leave. We head to City where we lose Gies because he's already shit-housed and after a drink, I pack my second one in a to-go cup for a walk over to Monaghans. Hadn't been to this place before, and it was ok...a bit too far out of the larger circle of bars for my taste, but it's convenient in that it's off the main drag and allows for more ease of sidewalk j indulgence than the cop-ridden triangle.
We see Wheel out at Monaghans, but other than that, it's pretty quiet and we get out of there to end the night elsewhere...Marina pizza, for one...
I myself get ready to go and then wait. And wait. And wait...I find Hessica sitting on the floor of her bathroom staring into space. It takes quiet a bit of convincing to get her off the floor and into a position to go out, but as is usual for this one, she's a trooper and comes through. We check out the local trouble at O'Neill's and another spot on 3rd. But we do a flip-flop as she switches to water once we get there and I keep on with the rokes, until all of a sudden, she's coherent and I feel like I need to stumble home.
Saturday, after watching Notre Dame take a win over Michigan and SC kick the living shit out of the imposter of a top 5 team Ohio State Buckeyes, it's up to the city for Topher's birthday celebration. Before I get into the evening, let me take a moment here to reiterate what I said to everyone I talked to before that football game...Ohio State was going to get their ass kicked. I said all week that OSU wasn't strong enough, wasn't fast enough, and was simply overrated. I've been waiting three years to see this annual frontrunner play SC, and the result was exactly what I thought it'd be...People better think twice about voting OSU to the top 5 at the beginning of next season after this nationally televised Pac-10 beat down. It looked like it was going to be a game for about the first 10 minutes...Big niiiiice goes to the Niners who pulled out a tough road win despite handing the game to Seattle for the first three quarters. Other sports kudos for the weekend go to Tim Lincecum on his first career complete game victory...138 pitches.
The Vallejo fellas too are on a retro kick as I walk in and find Ian, ChengJ, Topher and Rich playing not Wii, but Beirut. The longer 10 cup table is out and we get in several games, including a big win by Gies and I before we leave. We head to City where we lose Gies because he's already shit-housed and after a drink, I pack my second one in a to-go cup for a walk over to Monaghans. Hadn't been to this place before, and it was ok...a bit too far out of the larger circle of bars for my taste, but it's convenient in that it's off the main drag and allows for more ease of sidewalk j indulgence than the cop-ridden triangle.
We see Wheel out at Monaghans, but other than that, it's pretty quiet and we get out of there to end the night elsewhere...Marina pizza, for one...
Friday, September 12, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
Is it that time again already? And is it just me, or is the time flying right now? I can smell Pumpkin Festival around the corner. I'm late with this today, but that only means more enjoyment for you folks that actually have to stay at work until 5pm. Should be a big weekend with Topher's birthday and the SC v. OSU game...onward and upward!
1) Forget the trend towards green and hybrid...my next car is going to be a Star Wars Landspeeder.
2) Crazy to think that when you're talking about the world record holder and gold medal winner in the 100M that he maybe could have run faster...
3) Ever wonder what the inside of your iPod looks like? Find out without throwing it against a brick wall.
4) Think putting off foreclosures will help ease the housing market? Personally, I think it will give some home owners a few months of free rent before they abandon their mortgage anyways.
5) In news sure to make Glass happy, FSU seems to have taken the right pro-active measures against their self-discovered cheating.
6) So, where and how do you think Russell Crowe and Snoop Dogg got acquainted enough for Crowe to petition for a visa for Snoop?
7) I gave mine away for free, but how much would you auction your virginity for?
8) Ok, so, let me get this straight...under the Republicans, you aren't allowed to choose for your own body on issues like marijuana and abortion, but if you get raped, McCain will vote against you having a free exam? There's some pro-female for ya!
9) In more "That guy wants to be President?!" news, it's a damn good thing that McCain is against small town mayors and short term governors for the White House. Otherwise he wouldn't have picked Sarah Palin. Oh, wait a second...
10) And in news sure to keep you feeling safe through the weekend, your cell phone can't be used by the government as a homing beacon for you. Rejoice that we've avoided 1984 for the time being...
That's it folks...have a great weekend and Fight On SC!
1) Forget the trend towards green and hybrid...my next car is going to be a Star Wars Landspeeder.
2) Crazy to think that when you're talking about the world record holder and gold medal winner in the 100M that he maybe could have run faster...
3) Ever wonder what the inside of your iPod looks like? Find out without throwing it against a brick wall.
4) Think putting off foreclosures will help ease the housing market? Personally, I think it will give some home owners a few months of free rent before they abandon their mortgage anyways.
5) In news sure to make Glass happy, FSU seems to have taken the right pro-active measures against their self-discovered cheating.
6) So, where and how do you think Russell Crowe and Snoop Dogg got acquainted enough for Crowe to petition for a visa for Snoop?
7) I gave mine away for free, but how much would you auction your virginity for?
8) Ok, so, let me get this straight...under the Republicans, you aren't allowed to choose for your own body on issues like marijuana and abortion, but if you get raped, McCain will vote against you having a free exam? There's some pro-female for ya!
9) In more "That guy wants to be President?!" news, it's a damn good thing that McCain is against small town mayors and short term governors for the White House. Otherwise he wouldn't have picked Sarah Palin. Oh, wait a second...
10) And in news sure to keep you feeling safe through the weekend, your cell phone can't be used by the government as a homing beacon for you. Rejoice that we've avoided 1984 for the time being...
That's it folks...have a great weekend and Fight On SC!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Happy Birthday Topher!
He's finally made it folks. Our friend Topher, think Mac9982, reaches his 26th birthday today, and he's done it without serious ailment or loss of limbs. While the past year has seen him move to from the ballpark to the Marina, that has only made his weekly forays into City Tavern more easily accessible. Since I've known him, the MAC has been a mack, and he's the only person I know who can drink an entire glass of vodka straight. Sure, he might not remember talking to you afterwards, but he'll keep it down God damnit! Wii Bowling, Giants games, Liar's Dice, Beirut, Garden of Eden and Snowball parties, coaching soccer, listening to Big Pun on Lake Tahoe trips and fighting over stupid shit related to our exes are all activities we've enjoyed together, and as he embarks on the strange and wondrous journey that is post-25, I have no doubt that there's more to come. So raise your glasses people to the guy we affectionately call Topher...he's earned it! Here he is in one of his days as a 25 year old, a day when he almost ended his own life by riding a rickety chair down a hill. The chair didn't survive, but thankfully he did.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Great American Transfer
Who needs 1 activity when you can have 5? Some want to live the American Dream. Myself? I'll be happy with a never ending Great American Transfer that keeps me jumping from one place to the next until the day I fall over dead. Morbid? I don't think so. Just pure, unashamed and unrestrained living. I decide to stay in Friday night in order to get a good night's sleep. Of course, as it always happens, one thing turns into another and I get to bed about 1:30. That wouldn't be too late, if it weren't for the fact that I was waking up Saturday at 4:30 in order to be at the high school to drive the XC team down to Salinas for a meet.
I'm at the meet from 8:30 to 1:30. It's hot, includes lots of running to different parts of the course, and going on the sleep I've gotten, it's a bit tiring. After that, we take the 25 of them to Great America where we let them frolic and play under their own supervision while the coaches eat, discuss ways to get the freshmen to work a little harder and play video games. (For anyone that hasn't seen a 40-something Religion teacher from Guam play House of the Dead and a Snowboarding video game, I recommend it for its pure comedic value alone.)
The park closes at 8 and we drop the girls off at school at about 9:30. I've been up for 17 hours at this point. The traditional wisdom would include going home and going to sleep. But I get word that Bini and Marg are out and about in the Castro and it sounds like something I need to get done, so I go home, pound two drinks, shower, change and get back on the road to the city. I get parked around 11 and meet them as they're coming out of The Bar. I can tell that coming up was the right decision as Marg is above and beyond any level of drunk I've seen her at previously, and Bini is halfway between solid babysitter and two steps down the same path. They want to go to Badlands which Marg has never seen, but the line is huge and the idea is nixed as depressing and too time consuming. We go to Harvey's instead.
At Harvey's, the drinks are strong. Despite being plastered, the look on Marg's face when she drinks is not a pretty one. I'm fairly certain that she'll give up her drink and switch to water given that face, but instead she pulls a glass jar out of her purse and starts sipping the straight vodka in it. I'm confused by how this makes any sense, but somehow, it makes sense to her. We get word that Nah is coming to join us and we wait outside until she shows up.
At this point, Marg wants to go down to the Mint, so we walk in that direction. But on the way, the music coming out of The Transfer sounds good and we make an executive decision (after Marg tells us that she doesn't care) to go there and dance instead of going to karaoke. Inside, the dance floor is packed and the place is sweltering. I usually work up a sweat when I dance, but by the time the clock starts ticking towards 2, I feel like I went swimming in my clothes. But it's not that nasty gross all day in the sun type sweat, it's that really good feeling I just danced my ass off type sweat. Totally acceptable! Marg dances for about an hour with her eyes closed, and Sunday morning she needs to ask me if I went to the Transfer to dance with them because everything after Harvey's is a bit of a blur. Well done!
I get home around 3:30, about 23 hours after I left, and go to sleep so I can be ready for my open house on Sunday. After the open house, instead of going home and collapsing, I change, grab a beverage and head back to the car for a drive to Berkeley for Dave Matthews Band's final show of the tour on LeRoi Moore's birthday. Somehow, I manage to hit traffic that includes the Giants game, the 49ers game and the concert, which is like the Bay Area perfect storm of traffic. I'll have a review up of the show later on, but that's my review of the weekend....fantastic and without a minute to spare.
Upcoming: DMB show review, MMM launches at Demo and Giants games galore.
Doomtree Interview
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
For anyone who hasn't heard of Doomtree, they bring a variety of MCs and DJs to the table in what has become a comfortable and exciting collaboration of individuals exploring how to produce and expand new hip-hop while pulling from other musical genres and multiple rapping styles. Doomtree demonstrates the potential that is created when numerous artists, most from seemingly disparate backgrounds, get together to create something new and different. Last week I had the opportunity to chat with P.O.S. and Mike Mictlan of Doomtree about their style, the idea behind the group, and of course politics. Enjoy.
AC: Hey, this is POS and Mike on the line?
POS: Yea.
MM: This is Mike.
AC: How you guys doing? Where you at today?
POS: Minneapolis, 32nd right off of Henethan
MM: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Park and Franklin.
AC: What’s the general hip-hop scene like in Minnesota? People are starting to hear the name Doomtree and before that Atmosphere was real big. What are some other artists?
POS: For the most part, as far as hip-hop, it’s very diverse and large scene aside from Atmosphere and Doomtree, we’ve got Brother Ali, Self Divine, Kill the Vultures on some avant hip-hop, it can go on and on. It’s one of those cities that no matter where you’re at, any night of the week you can find a hip-hop show, and chances are three out of four will be decent. What do you think Mike?
MM: I could go on and on with that list. I’ve got a lot of favorite rappers out here, the scene is very thick in terms of hip-hop and music in general. Not only can you find hip-hop three nights a week, but you can find a lot of genres.
POS: Any number of punk rock, metal, hardcore, indie rock, pop, anything you’re looking for.
AC: You guys are obviously MCs, but there’s a lot of other musical genres and tastes that you bring into it. Talk a bit about your influences and what kind of musical backgrounds you both have.
MM: I’ve chosen rap my designated favorite style of music since I was 4 years old. Aside from rapping on an independent rap label, I’m a connoisseur of gangsta rap and various other hip-hop genres. In terms of doing actual music, right now I just rap my ass off.
POS: As far as me, I came up more interested in punk and hardcore from a very young age, as soon as I heard it, that’s what grabbed my attention because of the energy of it. And then as I grew up I got more into the experimental areas of that stuff, like the Fugazis, as well as underground hip-hop, all the old Rhymesayers stuff. I currently make hip-hop and play guitar and sing in a hardcore band, not really hardcore anymore, but it’s something off the wall called Building Better Bombs, it’s like a dancey, hardcore screamy mess.
AC: What kind of things do you do in order to get ready for these very different shows? Between your more punk and hardcore shows, and then coming in to do a hip-hop show with Doomtree, do you use different methods of preparation?
POS: Not at all. It’s all the same to me. It’s different songs and setting, and hip-hop shows tend to have more people at them, but I’ve been making music since I was real young, and it’s always been about getting a chance to go out and perform it and have a good time, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Preparation is about the same for both, it’s just wait until you get to go do it, and then go do it.
AC: In terms of the group Doomtree, where did the name come from and how did you guys form up?
To see the rest of this interview, click here.
For anyone who hasn't heard of Doomtree, they bring a variety of MCs and DJs to the table in what has become a comfortable and exciting collaboration of individuals exploring how to produce and expand new hip-hop while pulling from other musical genres and multiple rapping styles. Doomtree demonstrates the potential that is created when numerous artists, most from seemingly disparate backgrounds, get together to create something new and different. Last week I had the opportunity to chat with P.O.S. and Mike Mictlan of Doomtree about their style, the idea behind the group, and of course politics. Enjoy.
AC: Hey, this is POS and Mike on the line?
POS: Yea.
MM: This is Mike.
AC: How you guys doing? Where you at today?
POS: Minneapolis, 32nd right off of Henethan
MM: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Park and Franklin.
AC: What’s the general hip-hop scene like in Minnesota? People are starting to hear the name Doomtree and before that Atmosphere was real big. What are some other artists?
POS: For the most part, as far as hip-hop, it’s very diverse and large scene aside from Atmosphere and Doomtree, we’ve got Brother Ali, Self Divine, Kill the Vultures on some avant hip-hop, it can go on and on. It’s one of those cities that no matter where you’re at, any night of the week you can find a hip-hop show, and chances are three out of four will be decent. What do you think Mike?
MM: I could go on and on with that list. I’ve got a lot of favorite rappers out here, the scene is very thick in terms of hip-hop and music in general. Not only can you find hip-hop three nights a week, but you can find a lot of genres.
POS: Any number of punk rock, metal, hardcore, indie rock, pop, anything you’re looking for.
AC: You guys are obviously MCs, but there’s a lot of other musical genres and tastes that you bring into it. Talk a bit about your influences and what kind of musical backgrounds you both have.
MM: I’ve chosen rap my designated favorite style of music since I was 4 years old. Aside from rapping on an independent rap label, I’m a connoisseur of gangsta rap and various other hip-hop genres. In terms of doing actual music, right now I just rap my ass off.
POS: As far as me, I came up more interested in punk and hardcore from a very young age, as soon as I heard it, that’s what grabbed my attention because of the energy of it. And then as I grew up I got more into the experimental areas of that stuff, like the Fugazis, as well as underground hip-hop, all the old Rhymesayers stuff. I currently make hip-hop and play guitar and sing in a hardcore band, not really hardcore anymore, but it’s something off the wall called Building Better Bombs, it’s like a dancey, hardcore screamy mess.
AC: What kind of things do you do in order to get ready for these very different shows? Between your more punk and hardcore shows, and then coming in to do a hip-hop show with Doomtree, do you use different methods of preparation?
POS: Not at all. It’s all the same to me. It’s different songs and setting, and hip-hop shows tend to have more people at them, but I’ve been making music since I was real young, and it’s always been about getting a chance to go out and perform it and have a good time, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Preparation is about the same for both, it’s just wait until you get to go do it, and then go do it.
AC: In terms of the group Doomtree, where did the name come from and how did you guys form up?
To see the rest of this interview, click here.
Friday, September 5, 2008
August iPod Update
Yes. It's late. But I was busy. What are you gonna do about it? Nothing. Now stop yelling and read about the music.
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
For July's update, click here.
So, while this post comes early September, make no mistake, this is the breakdown of the August playlists. It was a fine update, featuring 13 artists (not including Indiefeed Hip-Hop artists, thanks to Dirty Dutch, good look on the playing) from several continents and a slightly ridiculous 249 songs. That being said, a lot of the music was looking backwards, a hip-hop retrospective spurred by the stellar line-up unleashed at Rock the Bells at Shoreline. So I'm not going to break down old favorites like De La Soul, Nas and Rakim other than to say if the names sound new to you or you haven't heard the old albums, it's time to do some crate digging. This update did some traveling in both time and distance, but also had some brand new things from right here at home. That being said, enjoy.
Amadou Balaké, Señor Ecléctico: This 2008 re-issue of this African born singer's earlier work is a raw and beautiful collection of 70's recordings displaying a wide range of musical styles and explorations. The album moves along at a very pleasant pace and features an undiluted exuberance and musical and vocal harmony fusing summery world music that can at times sound too pre-packaged in today's world releases. Lilting guitars, solid horns, funky bass and solid drumming all share the stage. Some tribal, some soul, some funk and some reggae all permeate here in equal parts to make for a fantastic mixmatch of sounds that is often enhanced by the lo-fi quality. Don't Sleep On: "Djeli Fama," "Mousso Be Torola," and "Kambele Ba."
Black Kids, Partie Traumatic: If you haven't heard of this group yet, you've missed this summer's indie media darling. This Florida spun band featuring a brother and sister revels in the punk pop and retro synth movement with solid walls of guitar and a mixture of male and female leads. While they originated right here, they recorded and broke out across the pond and opened for another artist we dig over here, Cut Copy. While some of their pop tricks fit perfectly in songs that go great on repeat, others stretch to points of annoyance including a chant straight out of Wizard of Oz. All in all though, the album brings the mesh together and produces several dance and bursting with excitement tracks that have trouble staying contained in the speaker. Don't Sleep On: "Hit the Heartbrakes," "Hurricane Jane," and the vibrant and danceable "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)."
To see what else made the August playlist, click here.
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
For July's update, click here.
So, while this post comes early September, make no mistake, this is the breakdown of the August playlists. It was a fine update, featuring 13 artists (not including Indiefeed Hip-Hop artists, thanks to Dirty Dutch, good look on the playing) from several continents and a slightly ridiculous 249 songs. That being said, a lot of the music was looking backwards, a hip-hop retrospective spurred by the stellar line-up unleashed at Rock the Bells at Shoreline. So I'm not going to break down old favorites like De La Soul, Nas and Rakim other than to say if the names sound new to you or you haven't heard the old albums, it's time to do some crate digging. This update did some traveling in both time and distance, but also had some brand new things from right here at home. That being said, enjoy.
Amadou Balaké, Señor Ecléctico: This 2008 re-issue of this African born singer's earlier work is a raw and beautiful collection of 70's recordings displaying a wide range of musical styles and explorations. The album moves along at a very pleasant pace and features an undiluted exuberance and musical and vocal harmony fusing summery world music that can at times sound too pre-packaged in today's world releases. Lilting guitars, solid horns, funky bass and solid drumming all share the stage. Some tribal, some soul, some funk and some reggae all permeate here in equal parts to make for a fantastic mixmatch of sounds that is often enhanced by the lo-fi quality. Don't Sleep On: "Djeli Fama," "Mousso Be Torola," and "Kambele Ba."
Black Kids, Partie Traumatic: If you haven't heard of this group yet, you've missed this summer's indie media darling. This Florida spun band featuring a brother and sister revels in the punk pop and retro synth movement with solid walls of guitar and a mixture of male and female leads. While they originated right here, they recorded and broke out across the pond and opened for another artist we dig over here, Cut Copy. While some of their pop tricks fit perfectly in songs that go great on repeat, others stretch to points of annoyance including a chant straight out of Wizard of Oz. All in all though, the album brings the mesh together and produces several dance and bursting with excitement tracks that have trouble staying contained in the speaker. Don't Sleep On: "Hit the Heartbrakes," "Hurricane Jane," and the vibrant and danceable "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (The Twelves Remix)."
To see what else made the August playlist, click here.
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
The first week of September is gone...that means that summer is over (not that the 90+degree heat out there would indicate that), and we're well on our march to Pumpkin Festival, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays and Christmas. If that doesn't scare you this afternoon, I don't know what will. The week was good, I actually got two nights at home and an interview in. If you want some fresh hip-hop, try out Doomtree. I'll have that interview up on Evolving Music within a few days. In the mean time, here are some things to occupy your thoughts until Friday comes to a close...
1) For some reason I didn't hear about protesters being violently disassembled at the DNC as I have about the RNC this week. Could it be that Democrats are just more violent, or is it that they have far more pent up frustration with the way our country is heading?
2) Republicans would never use someone else's work without their permission in direct disregard of their personal and political feelings, right? Well, according to the classic 70s group Heart, not quite...
3) Can you guess about women's orgasms from watching them walk? Apparently a sexologist can...
4) Wow. This solar energy tree for charging electronics is tiiiiiight.
5) Who remembers the Ghost Busters? Well, while getting Bill Murray to get back in action might be difficult, producers and writers for The Office are looking at penning Ghost Busters 3.
6) I didn't see anyone interrupt Barack Obama's speech, but I definitely saw people interrupt McCain. What amazed me was his shit-eating grin on the podium trying to quiet the crowd. Finally, for those of you who attended Crocker, this includes more Adam Kokesh news for you...
7) What does it say when your (Republican) VP candidate, Sarah Palin, gives a speech, and after the speech, the opposing party (Democrats) donate more to Obama's campaign than your own party donates to McCain?
8) I'm all for people partying...even if they are Republican! But damn, 1am stoppage of liquor? I suggest a different state for the RNC next time. Like Las Vegas.
9) I'm a sucker for a good romance story, and you can't beat one where a guy holds a vigil outside of a convent to try to win back his ex-girlfriend who left him to become a nun...
10) As if it wasn't enough that we have dumb animals running around and creating useless laws against marijuana, now actual animals are joining the fray.
That's all from me folks. Be good to each other.
1) For some reason I didn't hear about protesters being violently disassembled at the DNC as I have about the RNC this week. Could it be that Democrats are just more violent, or is it that they have far more pent up frustration with the way our country is heading?
2) Republicans would never use someone else's work without their permission in direct disregard of their personal and political feelings, right? Well, according to the classic 70s group Heart, not quite...
3) Can you guess about women's orgasms from watching them walk? Apparently a sexologist can...
4) Wow. This solar energy tree for charging electronics is tiiiiiight.
5) Who remembers the Ghost Busters? Well, while getting Bill Murray to get back in action might be difficult, producers and writers for The Office are looking at penning Ghost Busters 3.
6) I didn't see anyone interrupt Barack Obama's speech, but I definitely saw people interrupt McCain. What amazed me was his shit-eating grin on the podium trying to quiet the crowd. Finally, for those of you who attended Crocker, this includes more Adam Kokesh news for you...
7) What does it say when your (Republican) VP candidate, Sarah Palin, gives a speech, and after the speech, the opposing party (Democrats) donate more to Obama's campaign than your own party donates to McCain?
8) I'm all for people partying...even if they are Republican! But damn, 1am stoppage of liquor? I suggest a different state for the RNC next time. Like Las Vegas.
9) I'm a sucker for a good romance story, and you can't beat one where a guy holds a vigil outside of a convent to try to win back his ex-girlfriend who left him to become a nun...
10) As if it wasn't enough that we have dumb animals running around and creating useless laws against marijuana, now actual animals are joining the fray.
That's all from me folks. Be good to each other.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ANTM and Hopefully Not ANTP/VP
That's right. It's back. The Models have returned with a vengeance of a two hour premiere to kick off the season known for beautiful cat fights and drama, amazing photography and creative shoots, whirling dervish trips and go-sees and the inevitable bevy of unreal comments. It fit nicely right behind the Republican National Convention that I watched for both horror and comedic genre purposes. Some good quotes from some of those folks after the Model jump. The first episode narrowed from 33 to 20 and then they bounced to 14. Hard to believe that this is Cycle 11. At any rate, on with the hilariousness, and seriousness, that is ANTM.
- Elina, 18, Seattle, WA. She's a vegan, just above shoulder length dark hair, more on the pale side with a tattoo across her stomach. Quite experienced and comfortable with her sexuality encompassing both genders, she's told other girls already (in the first half hour of the episode) that she has a crush on Clark. She states, "I'm starting to develop a crush on Clark. I love taking girls over to my side. It's my sport. It really is." Interesting.
- Clark comes out of Pawleys Island, SC (someone Google that for me) and she might not be looking around for romance. She's a self-proclaimed bitch who says she will use that bitchiness to be competitive. I love the cut throat style here...she says she'll stomp a girl if she has to. Although, what I don't love is her self-obsession. "I've always seen myself as exceptional to other people." Gag me. Then she gets Bureucracy as the theme for her photo shoot, but she's not sure what that is.
- Sheena from Harlem is this Hipster Asian girl who speaks either Japanese or Korean (she said she was both and one of the hosts started speaking a foreign language with her. I don't speak either, so I don't know which) She tells the camera, "Sheen is Sheena." Boom! then imagine a thick Harlem accent as she practically licks her lips upon Nigel Barker's entrance, "Out pops Nigel. Are you kidding me?! He looks like a Ken doll!" I'm going to save this on Tivo just to watch this part again.
- In the great comments about the hosts section, we have Nikeysha from Bronx, NY upon hearing that she's made it into the competition..."Oh my God! Take me aboard the mothership with these hot aliens!"
- Joslyn has auditioned in at least two cities for every cycle of ANTM. I think that means she's auditioned 22 times. She finally gets on, so she means it when she says, "When I say I want something, I will pray and pray and I will get off my butt and go and get it done." That's someone who believes that God helps those who help themselves.
- Samantha, 18 from Woodland Hills, CA. She's cute in that SoCal sorta way, but, um, she's bummed out that she's missing prom, and her first statement on the show is that she wants to change the industry and make it her own...then she couldn't name a a single model working in the industry, proving to the judges that she wanted to change what she didn't understand. So I don't understand why they took her on the program.
- I love one of the hairstylists...he's in every season and is a very nice constant. With every different model in every season who says, "this is so exciting," the guy is a sport and acts like it's the first time he's heard it. Trooper.
- ANTM is nothing without the innocent girl from the middle of nowhere. This year we have Hannah, 18, from Fairbanks, Alaska. She's a trailblazer, like Palin, who has struck out from the wilds of the wilderness where she grew up without heat, power or hot water, and was once chased on her paper delivery route by a moose. In the first photo shoot, they're supposed to take on a voting theme for the election. She tells us, "My topic was nuclear weapons. Obviously I understand that they have damaging effects, but I'm not sure how I feel about them." Well, at least she's honest. She greets her acceptance onto the show with, "I'm from Alaska. We don't even have billboards, like, this is so cool!"
- In an interesting development, we have Isis from Prince George's County, MD. If that's not a Wire city, I don't know what is. Nigel says about her, "Isis, I think she's actually the only one that really knew her stuff. But, that being said, there's something about Isis that's unusual." What Nigel couldn't pin, the other girls did in the first episode, and they were not happy...Isis is transgender. It was intriguing to watch the reaction as they found out. Some of the girls were typical in their naivete and prejudice, others were very supportive, and then you had the third group...they didn't really care either way, they just didn't get why they had to compete with someone who was still carrying male parts. She took fantastic photographs though, and got through to the next round.
- Finally, I have some gems of wisdom from the RNC....the Governor of Hawaii said it best..."Mere words, no matter how eloquently delivered, will never replace the decisive actions..." Someone should tell the speech writer that the clause after "mere words" turns the "will never" into a double negative. Nothing like speaking grammatically incorrectly when talking about the eloquent delivery of words.
- Mike Huckabee. Ah, Mike Huckabee. How's this for a quote: "I'm not a Republican because I grew up rich. I'm a Republican because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me." Ya, because THAT'S what all those Democrats are doing. Wow.
- Elina, 18, Seattle, WA. She's a vegan, just above shoulder length dark hair, more on the pale side with a tattoo across her stomach. Quite experienced and comfortable with her sexuality encompassing both genders, she's told other girls already (in the first half hour of the episode) that she has a crush on Clark. She states, "I'm starting to develop a crush on Clark. I love taking girls over to my side. It's my sport. It really is." Interesting.
- Clark comes out of Pawleys Island, SC (someone Google that for me) and she might not be looking around for romance. She's a self-proclaimed bitch who says she will use that bitchiness to be competitive. I love the cut throat style here...she says she'll stomp a girl if she has to. Although, what I don't love is her self-obsession. "I've always seen myself as exceptional to other people." Gag me. Then she gets Bureucracy as the theme for her photo shoot, but she's not sure what that is.
- Sheena from Harlem is this Hipster Asian girl who speaks either Japanese or Korean (she said she was both and one of the hosts started speaking a foreign language with her. I don't speak either, so I don't know which) She tells the camera, "Sheen is Sheena." Boom! then imagine a thick Harlem accent as she practically licks her lips upon Nigel Barker's entrance, "Out pops Nigel. Are you kidding me?! He looks like a Ken doll!" I'm going to save this on Tivo just to watch this part again.
- In the great comments about the hosts section, we have Nikeysha from Bronx, NY upon hearing that she's made it into the competition..."Oh my God! Take me aboard the mothership with these hot aliens!"
- Joslyn has auditioned in at least two cities for every cycle of ANTM. I think that means she's auditioned 22 times. She finally gets on, so she means it when she says, "When I say I want something, I will pray and pray and I will get off my butt and go and get it done." That's someone who believes that God helps those who help themselves.
- Samantha, 18 from Woodland Hills, CA. She's cute in that SoCal sorta way, but, um, she's bummed out that she's missing prom, and her first statement on the show is that she wants to change the industry and make it her own...then she couldn't name a a single model working in the industry, proving to the judges that she wanted to change what she didn't understand. So I don't understand why they took her on the program.
- I love one of the hairstylists...he's in every season and is a very nice constant. With every different model in every season who says, "this is so exciting," the guy is a sport and acts like it's the first time he's heard it. Trooper.
- ANTM is nothing without the innocent girl from the middle of nowhere. This year we have Hannah, 18, from Fairbanks, Alaska. She's a trailblazer, like Palin, who has struck out from the wilds of the wilderness where she grew up without heat, power or hot water, and was once chased on her paper delivery route by a moose. In the first photo shoot, they're supposed to take on a voting theme for the election. She tells us, "My topic was nuclear weapons. Obviously I understand that they have damaging effects, but I'm not sure how I feel about them." Well, at least she's honest. She greets her acceptance onto the show with, "I'm from Alaska. We don't even have billboards, like, this is so cool!"
- In an interesting development, we have Isis from Prince George's County, MD. If that's not a Wire city, I don't know what is. Nigel says about her, "Isis, I think she's actually the only one that really knew her stuff. But, that being said, there's something about Isis that's unusual." What Nigel couldn't pin, the other girls did in the first episode, and they were not happy...Isis is transgender. It was intriguing to watch the reaction as they found out. Some of the girls were typical in their naivete and prejudice, others were very supportive, and then you had the third group...they didn't really care either way, they just didn't get why they had to compete with someone who was still carrying male parts. She took fantastic photographs though, and got through to the next round.
- Finally, I have some gems of wisdom from the RNC....the Governor of Hawaii said it best..."Mere words, no matter how eloquently delivered, will never replace the decisive actions..." Someone should tell the speech writer that the clause after "mere words" turns the "will never" into a double negative. Nothing like speaking grammatically incorrectly when talking about the eloquent delivery of words.
- Mike Huckabee. Ah, Mike Huckabee. How's this for a quote: "I'm not a Republican because I grew up rich. I'm a Republican because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me." Ya, because THAT'S what all those Democrats are doing. Wow.
Monday, September 1, 2008
August Movies? (4)
4?! 4 movies?! That's pathetic! It has to be my lowest movie count in two years, but what can I do? When you spend every night from the 12th to the 31st either out socially or for work or traveling, it just doesn't leave a lot of time for movies. I'm halfway hoping for some downtime in September so I can catch up on my films, and halfway hoping that September is just as crazy as August. Guess we'll see...
2: Rambo (2008), Mr. Woodcock
11: Thirteen
17: Unbreakable
2: Rambo (2008), Mr. Woodcock
11: Thirteen
17: Unbreakable
Friday, August 29, 2008
10 Things to Think About on a Friday
This month has been absolutely nutty! Crazy! Insane! More insane than I've known what to do with at times. Ultimate frisbee games, Giants games, the start of Cross Country season, Outside Lands, Rock the Bells, and more birthday parties than I could shake a stick at. Looking at my calendar, I realize that I haven't spent a full evening at home without going out or working late since the 7th. That's a stretch. And now, as soon as Friday ends, it's Lake bound for this kid to close out the season Labor Day style. But before that happens, here's 10 things you can entertain yourself with as the weekend draws near.
1) So McCain has picked his running mate....former beauty queen, and currently under investigation. But hey, she's who he needs to "shake things up in Washington." When are old white guys like McCain going to learn that WE DON'T TRUST THEM ANYMORE?!
2) At 14, you get a successful heart transplant, and then at 18 you decide to kill someone and cut THEIR heart out. Nice, real nice.
3) Apple has announced working on plans to tether the iPhone to a personal computer. Too bad I already have it, it's called NetShare.
4) I used to know a few dead baby jokes that revolved around microwaves. I thought they were just jokes.
5) Michael Jackson turns 50 today. He'll spend his birthday eating cake and watching cartoons with his kids...and, according to him, "the best is yet to come." Does he remember Thriller?
6) A little odd, but for once, it looks like Bush may have learned from a past mistake and done something better this time...
7) Is it wrong for me to have actual hope for the future of our government after just one speech?
8) Ever wonder why you can't kill the fly? Here's why...
9) Scientists say we should no longer use q-tips to clean our ear wax out....somehow, I don't think I'm going to be foregoing ear wax removal anytime soon.
10) While it is important to recognize the change we need in Washington this November, my Dad is already urging me to look at the changes we need in Washington many years from now...Libertarianism.
That's it for me folks. Be good to each other.
1) So McCain has picked his running mate....former beauty queen, and currently under investigation. But hey, she's who he needs to "shake things up in Washington." When are old white guys like McCain going to learn that WE DON'T TRUST THEM ANYMORE?!
2) At 14, you get a successful heart transplant, and then at 18 you decide to kill someone and cut THEIR heart out. Nice, real nice.
3) Apple has announced working on plans to tether the iPhone to a personal computer. Too bad I already have it, it's called NetShare.
4) I used to know a few dead baby jokes that revolved around microwaves. I thought they were just jokes.
5) Michael Jackson turns 50 today. He'll spend his birthday eating cake and watching cartoons with his kids...and, according to him, "the best is yet to come." Does he remember Thriller?
6) A little odd, but for once, it looks like Bush may have learned from a past mistake and done something better this time...
7) Is it wrong for me to have actual hope for the future of our government after just one speech?
8) Ever wonder why you can't kill the fly? Here's why...
9) Scientists say we should no longer use q-tips to clean our ear wax out....somehow, I don't think I'm going to be foregoing ear wax removal anytime soon.
10) While it is important to recognize the change we need in Washington this November, my Dad is already urging me to look at the changes we need in Washington many years from now...Libertarianism.
That's it for me folks. Be good to each other.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Have You Seen Me Lately? (3 weeks in re/preview)
So yes, there has been a complete slow down in posting, and, more unfortunate for some, a complete stop to the quote of the day. I assure you, this is not due to lack of interest, lack of good quotes, or anything to do with me quitting. None of these things could be further from the truth. In fact, it's due to a schedule that has had me completely inundated with professional and personal work, non-stop, for the last few weeks. Furthermore, last Tuesday I had to take my laptop in for repairs and I've still not gotten it back, making the handling of my personal blog nearly impossible. Rather than talk about the various events, I'm gonna give a rundown on what my life has been like over the past few weeks, and what it looks like going forward. Next time you're ready to tell someone that you "don't have enough time for that," or you're "too tired," think back to this.....it can be done.
It all started Friday, the 15th. Wake up at 8 am to drive 3 hours to a lake house with the Pops. I'm there all day Friday, wake up Saturday at 6 am and drive 3 hours back to go to Rock the Bells at Shoreline. Rock the Bells is an all day affair. Sunday I do an open house. On Monday the 18th, I work from 8 to 5 and then go from 7:30 to 9:30 at a meeting for the parents of freshmen athletes where I coach. Tuesday the work schedule is the same, and I follow it up with ultimate frisbee at 6 and drop off my busted computer at 8:45.
Wednesday, first day of XC practice, I work from 8 to 3, coach from 3 to 6 and then drive up for the Giants game. When the Giants game ends around 10, I head out to the 7 Mile to join Coach and E for some drinks. I get home around 1:30am. Next day, I do the work thing and coaching thing the same as Wednesday, but after practice I drive back to work and show clients properties from 6:30 to 9. Now it's Friday and I work, coach and then drive immediately to Outside Lands to see Radiohead.
On Saturday, it's off to work from 8 to 9, then up to a consultation at 10 am in the city. Yes, I'm getting some more ink, and yes, I'm extremely amped about it. I hit a quick breakfast with Za and McButter before meeting Topher over at the stadium for the Giants game. At the end of the game, I drive home, nap for three hours and then get ready and head back into the city for the dual birthday nights of Bri and DPro. I spend the first half of my night (about 10ish to just before 12) with Pro, and the rest of the night with Bri. I eat crepes at 3 am before walking back to my car and driving home.
Sunday, I do an Open House before heading up to Margaret's bday party. Monday, I'm at work and cross country again before heading up, once more, to the Giants game. Tonight, I pull the same as last Tuesday (with the championship game for my ultimate team), tomorrow it's the same with client property showings starting at 6:30, Thursday it's work, running and a club trip before hitting up Colibri for hostess Sarah's going away party. Friday, after work, it's off to the lake.
Any chance we can change the world to a 26 hour day? I could use a few more...
It all started Friday, the 15th. Wake up at 8 am to drive 3 hours to a lake house with the Pops. I'm there all day Friday, wake up Saturday at 6 am and drive 3 hours back to go to Rock the Bells at Shoreline. Rock the Bells is an all day affair. Sunday I do an open house. On Monday the 18th, I work from 8 to 5 and then go from 7:30 to 9:30 at a meeting for the parents of freshmen athletes where I coach. Tuesday the work schedule is the same, and I follow it up with ultimate frisbee at 6 and drop off my busted computer at 8:45.
Wednesday, first day of XC practice, I work from 8 to 3, coach from 3 to 6 and then drive up for the Giants game. When the Giants game ends around 10, I head out to the 7 Mile to join Coach and E for some drinks. I get home around 1:30am. Next day, I do the work thing and coaching thing the same as Wednesday, but after practice I drive back to work and show clients properties from 6:30 to 9. Now it's Friday and I work, coach and then drive immediately to Outside Lands to see Radiohead.
On Saturday, it's off to work from 8 to 9, then up to a consultation at 10 am in the city. Yes, I'm getting some more ink, and yes, I'm extremely amped about it. I hit a quick breakfast with Za and McButter before meeting Topher over at the stadium for the Giants game. At the end of the game, I drive home, nap for three hours and then get ready and head back into the city for the dual birthday nights of Bri and DPro. I spend the first half of my night (about 10ish to just before 12) with Pro, and the rest of the night with Bri. I eat crepes at 3 am before walking back to my car and driving home.
Sunday, I do an Open House before heading up to Margaret's bday party. Monday, I'm at work and cross country again before heading up, once more, to the Giants game. Tonight, I pull the same as last Tuesday (with the championship game for my ultimate team), tomorrow it's the same with client property showings starting at 6:30, Thursday it's work, running and a club trip before hitting up Colibri for hostess Sarah's going away party. Friday, after work, it's off to the lake.
Any chance we can change the world to a 26 hour day? I could use a few more...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Rocking the Bells
{for all music related posts, see .Evolving.Music}
For Saturday I managed to score two press passes, a photo pass and backstage VIP lounge access for myself and Gavroche to Rock the Bells at Shoreline. It's one thing to go to a concert with some of the best hip-hop artists of the last two decades. It's another thing to go for free, and still yet one more thing to be given all access and permission to take pictures from 6 inches in front of the stage.
The line-up was incredible: Murs, Blackalicious, Dead Prez, Immortal Technique, Raekwon and Ghostface, Rakim, De La Soul, Method Man and Redman, The Pharcyde, Mos Def, Nas, Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest.
The day consisted of us showing up at 10:30, being issued press/photo passes and our VIP wristbands, being shuttled over to the backstage area at Shoreline and then starting the show. During the show, the step by step was as follows from around 11:30 to 10pm:
1) For the first three songs of every set, I go to the photo pit in front of the stage. Gavroche goes to the wings or VIP lounge.
2) Meet at the lounge to get a drink or meet on the lawn to toke, watch the end of the set.
3) Go to the lounge to get a drink.
4) Next act comes on, repeat from step 1.
All I'll say is that it was unreal being that close to the stage and being allowed to take pictures. For a music lover, and especially a lover of hip-hop, the clarity of sound and lyrics from that close was something I've never gotten in live hip-hop before. It was fantastic, amazing, and what I hope is only the beginning of a long tradition of me obtaining press passes to cover shows I would probably go to anyways. Here's me with my press credentials and one of my favorite pictures of the day, Method Man crowd diving.
For a breakdown and review of each artist, click here.
For all photographs from Rock the Bells, click here.
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