Sunday, February 27
End Game
Right around the corner from where I work I watched Cuba Gooding Jr. film a scene today. In hot pursuit of a black SUV he jumped onto a cop car (marked as Metropolitan D.C.), fired off some some fake rounds and is then detained by the 'D.C.' police who's car he scuffed.
Friday, February 25
if it's worth doing, do it while doing something else
"Multitasking is a chance to accomplish many things poorly, all at once." | Stever Robbins
quote found via Leading Forward via Kris' del.icio.us links.
quote found via Leading Forward via Kris' del.icio.us links.
Thursday, February 24
Uggghhhhh!!!!
May is the month to be in Portland.
Here's the rundown:
05/03 Magnolia Electric Company @ Doug Fir Lounge w/ The Court & Spark
05/14 The Books @ Holocene
05/18 Prefuse 73, I think @ Berbati's Pan
05/27 Caribou @ Berbati's Pan
Wish I had a months vacation and an extra $1000 lying around.
Here's the rundown:
05/03 Magnolia Electric Company @ Doug Fir Lounge w/ The Court & Spark
05/14 The Books @ Holocene
05/18 Prefuse 73, I think @ Berbati's Pan
05/27 Caribou @ Berbati's Pan
Wish I had a months vacation and an extra $1000 lying around.
Aural Garbage
Kings of Leon were on Letterman last night. Not knowing just what band was playing I watched as I typed in an email, "A not very good band is on Letterman right now."
Someone else agrees with me. Fortunately I didn't have to listen to the whole CD. I like comments at the top of the review.
Someone else agrees with me. Fortunately I didn't have to listen to the whole CD. I like comments at the top of the review.
Tuesday, February 22
Dignity and Shame
"You've got to bury that knife that you keep stuck in your side before they dig that knife into you."
New Crooked Fingers came out today.
I just got done listening to it. Now I think I'll listen to it again. It's like that.
New Crooked Fingers came out today.
I just got done listening to it. Now I think I'll listen to it again. It's like that.
Sunday, February 20
Going for the Jungular
| ISTP - "Engineer". Values freedom of action and following interests and impulses. Independent, concise in speech, master of tools. 5.4% of total population. |
Friday, February 11
HA!
The relevant stuff from the link:
"Some people think our annual collection of Seattle's sexiest citizens is unfair. Why don't we recognize those among us who have achieved, in middle age, a kind of dignified sexiness? To these people we say, screw dignity. How about we recognize who's just plain fucking hot? Older people have money, power, and nice cars. Surely we can let the young have the few things they indisputably own: sexiness. Heat. Rabbit suits."
Thanks to Fuz.
"Some people think our annual collection of Seattle's sexiest citizens is unfair. Why don't we recognize those among us who have achieved, in middle age, a kind of dignified sexiness? To these people we say, screw dignity. How about we recognize who's just plain fucking hot? Older people have money, power, and nice cars. Surely we can let the young have the few things they indisputably own: sexiness. Heat. Rabbit suits."
Thanks to Fuz.
Wednesday, February 9
Bloggin My Noggin -- NOT!
I was going to blog. Then I remembered I have Dodgeball to watch. This is just a post to remind myself to post about television and Oakleys.
Monday, February 7
Conversation w/Dad
This conversation went via email, and was spurred b/c of an article on Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that Aaron sent to me.( http://tinyurl.com/6gweh ) His words are in bold.
I read the essay. It makes a good point. I wonder, however: by putting YOU, the game player, in the role rather than an observer, as traditional satire does, does it also subtly subliminally legitimize and prepare YOU for violent behavior if, in YOUR opinion, it is a strike against injustice? As we used to say in the anti-warrin' Viet Nam days: Fighting for peace is like fucking for chastity. Satire is supposed to expose the hypocricy of the ruling class not legitimate similar behavior by the underclass. It's supposed to make us understand why the oppressed act out violently not condone the violence.
Those are good questions-and I don't have answers.
I would ask this: when you played Cowboys and Indians as a boy, did it prepare you in a subconscious way to oppress? Does Monopoly prepeare us for a life of debt?
I don't expect answers, especially since this is a new form of media, in many ways that we're talking about, and the lessons of Taxi Driver, or Rage(the S. King short story about a boy who takes a gun to school and starts killing people) or games in general, may not directly apply.
There are a lot of things happening in GTA games, and one can just get in a car and drive, listening to the radio, looking at streetsigns and the like. There's a whole world that's being commented on, via the creation of a fictional one. But as with so many forms of art, the lessons are there for those open to them. For everyone else, it's just a fun game.
I've only just started GTA: San Andreas, and I enjoy it quite a bit. I've played GTA3, and I picked up on the scathing nature of the commercials and how they commented on America at large.
I also saw the company Fudge: Packers for you, and thought that was funny.
There are two things that come to mind. 1) Yes, cowboys and Indians did prepare me to be an oppressor and a violent one at that. Fortunately my Catholic education prepared me to love as Christ loved. When It became clear to me that there was a conflict of interest I chose the latter. Obviously, not everyone did/does. 2) The technology of video that mechanically sends signals into the brain at the very frequency that promotes beta-type brain activity (which is the activity associated with hypnotism and subliminal suggestion that prepares people to act upon "hypnotic suggestion") was not part of my childhood play. Also, my play was not simultaneously re-inforced with "propaganda" that justified my play-thinking. Remember that play is the work of childhood: it prepares you for your attitudes and behaviors in adulthood.
I don't think there are easy answers. I think it's important to raise the questions. It's not morally responsible to use the technology without asking the questions. So, I think that it's probably ok for a well-educated and sophisticated thinker such as yourself to play those games (although you too have a responsiblity to watch where it takes you) but I wonder about those who are not skilled at distinguishing between the play ideas and the real life ideas that they live by. After all, the Republicans count on the fact that many many people can't make the distinction between their "gut" feelings and the propaganda they are fed.
Hurm.
Well...I guess there isn't much room for: hey, it's just a game here. Granted I don't want to ignore the dangers of any particular technology, story, or game. (If people had been reading what the neocons were asking for in 1992, none of us would've been surprised by Bush's presidency). At the same time, I feel that it's important that we're allowed to just have a good time, you know? I don't want every activity in my life to be a crushing moral decision, which has weight that could affect me for months or years.
But as I said-I don't want to ignore the dangers either. You're right to ask the questions, but you've told me of said 'hypno-state' before, and I've asked: does this apply to games? Since one isn't passive during these situations, and must make decisions, solve puzzles, etc, etc, I really have to ask how much this affects a person playing a game? I know you don't have an answer to that, but I feel it's something we should take into consideration, since it may be and apples and oranges situation.
Nonetheless, I would agree that games like Grand Theft Auto are not meant for children-and I wouldn't set anyone under, say, 14 in front of that game. The makers of this game have explicitly said in interviews: this isn't for kids. It's for us. The attitude makes me think a little of the old Warner Bros cartoons; they made those things to be funny to them, but those cartoons also had a social commentary going on-and a subversiveness to them that may have made some people very nervous(I'm thinking of all the times Bugs was in drag, here not to mention the 'buried' cartoons, which were racist as all get out). Granted, children did see those cartoons, but were they meant to?
I guess if we want to call making games-any game-an art form, then it's dangerous for us to say-you can't make this or that, for what I would assume are obvious reasons to you.
And, in an educated society, or one that gave a proper damn about the citizens, that body of people would be provided with tools to help them understand the potential layers of meaning to games. In Deus Ex, the player is asked to make one of 3 choices at the end, that could result in anarchy, totalitarism, or the status quo. The game is also filled with conversations you can choose to have, that center around what the role of government should be.
It also is a first person shooter that allows you to do some very violent things, or avoid them, as you choose. But the game itself is incredible, and I was confronted with some diverse ideas on the subject of government.
Now not all games are going to be as complex as GTA or Deus Ex. But what do we say about them? That they aren't worth playing? Or making?
Liberals also count on that same gut reaction to confuse people, the difference being that you and I are more sympathetic to their goals.
I think though, what we're really wanting to do is this 1) Have the discussion. I'm actually thinking about putting this, properly edited, up in a blog, so other people can talk about it too.
But also 2) raise these questions to point out: hey, we've got a situation where there are a potentially large group of people who can't figure out that this is a game/work of art/fictional event, and aren't supposed to enact the fictions they see or play. Maybe something is really fucked up about that. The art isn't as wrong as the scenario that leads to us not knowing what the art is about on any level.
Two things: make that three - no - four: 1) Yes I don't know about the impact of havng to react in a beta-wave situation. Does anyone? Doesn't it need to be figured out? 2) Every activity has a moral component - whether it's a crushing decision or not I don't know. I don't believe that gambling at the level of Las Vegas is a good thing but gambling in and of itself is not immoral. The scale lends Vegas to an immoral - not activity - but level of activity. And yes, the level of one's activity can make the difference in it's morality, i.e. drinking. 3) It's not just social commentary. It's commentary that's meant to justify the immoral (even if only virtually) actions of the player. 4) In any case, I would not say that these games should not be made. I do say that serious thought must be given to them precisely because we don't know what impact they have on the psyches of people. To say otherwise is to join the ranks of those who said/say that because we have the capability to make nuclear weapons and only the best of intentions it should be ok. Wish they'd had a conversation like this before nukes were built, also before they started using pesticides, anti-biotics, and other technological wonders that we are now discovering to have had hidden dangers. We simply do not know what effect this kind of game-playing will have on kids especially, and on the unthinking adult. Add to the technological aspects of computer games the supposedly satirical/benign framework which may not be benign then the questions should mount. 5) In an educated society it is not up to them - mostly because we know THEY won't do it - it is up to us to develop the tools and the thinking to help people with discernment. However, if the technology affects the discernment, then what? 6) I don't accuse the Republicans of confusing people but of using marketing techniques to get people to do things that are not in their interest. The fact that Liberals do it too, does not make it ok and I am in no more sympathy with that kind of manipulation by liberals than I am by conservatives or anyone else. I loathe it. That is partly why I raise the questions with you: people who likes these games and the premises of the games should be the ones asking the hard questions. Otherwise, it seems like only old fuddy duddies like me, troglodytes, reactionaries who don't like any kind of progress or creativity, especially if it makes them nervous, are just trying to ruin everyone's good time.
Gosh. This is a lot of heavy thinking. It's kind of fun.
Some part of me agrees with you. I have a discomfort level with games based on WW2 events. I apprecate the effort that goes into making such a game, but I just can't get behind fighting actual battles in a first person shooter format. And I would say it matters quite a bit if games put people in a hypnotic state-or affect them on that kind of level. If for no other reason than knowing this makes these conversations far more meaningful-and allows me to make some choices about what I should play, or at least be aware of how they affect me. I know what happens when I drink 10 beers. So I don't drink 10 beers. If playing GTA for 12 hours straight bends my moral compass, then I'd like to know that, so I quit at 11:59.(heh)
In addition to that, I would say that it's the height of arrogance for videogame players to say that these games have no impact on them. I've heard tales, and while it so far has shown to be true that those games do not cause violence, I fear the day when someone does 'prove' such a thing. Mostly because it will lead to us trying to 1) Blame the artists 2) Censor the art, instead of addressing the issues that would cause a young (odds are) man to do something violent, such as unrecognized mental illness, persecution, or some other event. In the end, it would come to not having people take responsibility for their actions. And I think that a lot of the defenders of videogames are afraid (rightly so, considering the political winds right now) that something they love will be altered forever, like comic books were, because someone is afraid of, or wants to scapegoat videogames for some reason.
Most videogames allow for people to do things they'd never get a chance to do otherwise, from football to life as a dog or a soldier or gangster or epic hero etc. I think that the primary responsibility of those gamemakers is to make a good game, but I also think that not all games are for everyone. And that should be explicitly stated and discussed, so we're able to have games for all ages and kinds, just like we have movies for all ages and kinds. There should be games for children, the elderly, the confused. and the average. As long as that's kept in mind, and people make decisions knowing that there is a bigger picture to deal with occasionally, I figure we'll be ok.
One thing about the games that do push this envelope is that it's been opening up other games; games where you play the role of hero, but you have choices about how you can accomplish a task. They usually aren't presented as moral choices, (and I use that term undrestanding that we're still in the vitual world) but they do challenge the player in new ways, asking for different kinds of thought. That's been a powerful thing.
So...what does everyone think?
I read the essay. It makes a good point. I wonder, however: by putting YOU, the game player, in the role rather than an observer, as traditional satire does, does it also subtly subliminally legitimize and prepare YOU for violent behavior if, in YOUR opinion, it is a strike against injustice? As we used to say in the anti-warrin' Viet Nam days: Fighting for peace is like fucking for chastity. Satire is supposed to expose the hypocricy of the ruling class not legitimate similar behavior by the underclass. It's supposed to make us understand why the oppressed act out violently not condone the violence.
Those are good questions-and I don't have answers.
I would ask this: when you played Cowboys and Indians as a boy, did it prepare you in a subconscious way to oppress? Does Monopoly prepeare us for a life of debt?
I don't expect answers, especially since this is a new form of media, in many ways that we're talking about, and the lessons of Taxi Driver, or Rage(the S. King short story about a boy who takes a gun to school and starts killing people) or games in general, may not directly apply.
There are a lot of things happening in GTA games, and one can just get in a car and drive, listening to the radio, looking at streetsigns and the like. There's a whole world that's being commented on, via the creation of a fictional one. But as with so many forms of art, the lessons are there for those open to them. For everyone else, it's just a fun game.
I've only just started GTA: San Andreas, and I enjoy it quite a bit. I've played GTA3, and I picked up on the scathing nature of the commercials and how they commented on America at large.
I also saw the company Fudge: Packers for you, and thought that was funny.
There are two things that come to mind. 1) Yes, cowboys and Indians did prepare me to be an oppressor and a violent one at that. Fortunately my Catholic education prepared me to love as Christ loved. When It became clear to me that there was a conflict of interest I chose the latter. Obviously, not everyone did/does. 2) The technology of video that mechanically sends signals into the brain at the very frequency that promotes beta-type brain activity (which is the activity associated with hypnotism and subliminal suggestion that prepares people to act upon "hypnotic suggestion") was not part of my childhood play. Also, my play was not simultaneously re-inforced with "propaganda" that justified my play-thinking. Remember that play is the work of childhood: it prepares you for your attitudes and behaviors in adulthood.
I don't think there are easy answers. I think it's important to raise the questions. It's not morally responsible to use the technology without asking the questions. So, I think that it's probably ok for a well-educated and sophisticated thinker such as yourself to play those games (although you too have a responsiblity to watch where it takes you) but I wonder about those who are not skilled at distinguishing between the play ideas and the real life ideas that they live by. After all, the Republicans count on the fact that many many people can't make the distinction between their "gut" feelings and the propaganda they are fed.
Hurm.
Well...I guess there isn't much room for: hey, it's just a game here. Granted I don't want to ignore the dangers of any particular technology, story, or game. (If people had been reading what the neocons were asking for in 1992, none of us would've been surprised by Bush's presidency). At the same time, I feel that it's important that we're allowed to just have a good time, you know? I don't want every activity in my life to be a crushing moral decision, which has weight that could affect me for months or years.
But as I said-I don't want to ignore the dangers either. You're right to ask the questions, but you've told me of said 'hypno-state' before, and I've asked: does this apply to games? Since one isn't passive during these situations, and must make decisions, solve puzzles, etc, etc, I really have to ask how much this affects a person playing a game? I know you don't have an answer to that, but I feel it's something we should take into consideration, since it may be and apples and oranges situation.
Nonetheless, I would agree that games like Grand Theft Auto are not meant for children-and I wouldn't set anyone under, say, 14 in front of that game. The makers of this game have explicitly said in interviews: this isn't for kids. It's for us. The attitude makes me think a little of the old Warner Bros cartoons; they made those things to be funny to them, but those cartoons also had a social commentary going on-and a subversiveness to them that may have made some people very nervous(I'm thinking of all the times Bugs was in drag, here not to mention the 'buried' cartoons, which were racist as all get out). Granted, children did see those cartoons, but were they meant to?
I guess if we want to call making games-any game-an art form, then it's dangerous for us to say-you can't make this or that, for what I would assume are obvious reasons to you.
And, in an educated society, or one that gave a proper damn about the citizens, that body of people would be provided with tools to help them understand the potential layers of meaning to games. In Deus Ex, the player is asked to make one of 3 choices at the end, that could result in anarchy, totalitarism, or the status quo. The game is also filled with conversations you can choose to have, that center around what the role of government should be.
It also is a first person shooter that allows you to do some very violent things, or avoid them, as you choose. But the game itself is incredible, and I was confronted with some diverse ideas on the subject of government.
Now not all games are going to be as complex as GTA or Deus Ex. But what do we say about them? That they aren't worth playing? Or making?
Liberals also count on that same gut reaction to confuse people, the difference being that you and I are more sympathetic to their goals.
I think though, what we're really wanting to do is this 1) Have the discussion. I'm actually thinking about putting this, properly edited, up in a blog, so other people can talk about it too.
But also 2) raise these questions to point out: hey, we've got a situation where there are a potentially large group of people who can't figure out that this is a game/work of art/fictional event, and aren't supposed to enact the fictions they see or play. Maybe something is really fucked up about that. The art isn't as wrong as the scenario that leads to us not knowing what the art is about on any level.
Two things: make that three - no - four: 1) Yes I don't know about the impact of havng to react in a beta-wave situation. Does anyone? Doesn't it need to be figured out? 2) Every activity has a moral component - whether it's a crushing decision or not I don't know. I don't believe that gambling at the level of Las Vegas is a good thing but gambling in and of itself is not immoral. The scale lends Vegas to an immoral - not activity - but level of activity. And yes, the level of one's activity can make the difference in it's morality, i.e. drinking. 3) It's not just social commentary. It's commentary that's meant to justify the immoral (even if only virtually) actions of the player. 4) In any case, I would not say that these games should not be made. I do say that serious thought must be given to them precisely because we don't know what impact they have on the psyches of people. To say otherwise is to join the ranks of those who said/say that because we have the capability to make nuclear weapons and only the best of intentions it should be ok. Wish they'd had a conversation like this before nukes were built, also before they started using pesticides, anti-biotics, and other technological wonders that we are now discovering to have had hidden dangers. We simply do not know what effect this kind of game-playing will have on kids especially, and on the unthinking adult. Add to the technological aspects of computer games the supposedly satirical/benign framework which may not be benign then the questions should mount. 5) In an educated society it is not up to them - mostly because we know THEY won't do it - it is up to us to develop the tools and the thinking to help people with discernment. However, if the technology affects the discernment, then what? 6) I don't accuse the Republicans of confusing people but of using marketing techniques to get people to do things that are not in their interest. The fact that Liberals do it too, does not make it ok and I am in no more sympathy with that kind of manipulation by liberals than I am by conservatives or anyone else. I loathe it. That is partly why I raise the questions with you: people who likes these games and the premises of the games should be the ones asking the hard questions. Otherwise, it seems like only old fuddy duddies like me, troglodytes, reactionaries who don't like any kind of progress or creativity, especially if it makes them nervous, are just trying to ruin everyone's good time.
Gosh. This is a lot of heavy thinking. It's kind of fun.
Some part of me agrees with you. I have a discomfort level with games based on WW2 events. I apprecate the effort that goes into making such a game, but I just can't get behind fighting actual battles in a first person shooter format. And I would say it matters quite a bit if games put people in a hypnotic state-or affect them on that kind of level. If for no other reason than knowing this makes these conversations far more meaningful-and allows me to make some choices about what I should play, or at least be aware of how they affect me. I know what happens when I drink 10 beers. So I don't drink 10 beers. If playing GTA for 12 hours straight bends my moral compass, then I'd like to know that, so I quit at 11:59.(heh)
In addition to that, I would say that it's the height of arrogance for videogame players to say that these games have no impact on them. I've heard tales, and while it so far has shown to be true that those games do not cause violence, I fear the day when someone does 'prove' such a thing. Mostly because it will lead to us trying to 1) Blame the artists 2) Censor the art, instead of addressing the issues that would cause a young (odds are) man to do something violent, such as unrecognized mental illness, persecution, or some other event. In the end, it would come to not having people take responsibility for their actions. And I think that a lot of the defenders of videogames are afraid (rightly so, considering the political winds right now) that something they love will be altered forever, like comic books were, because someone is afraid of, or wants to scapegoat videogames for some reason.
Most videogames allow for people to do things they'd never get a chance to do otherwise, from football to life as a dog or a soldier or gangster or epic hero etc. I think that the primary responsibility of those gamemakers is to make a good game, but I also think that not all games are for everyone. And that should be explicitly stated and discussed, so we're able to have games for all ages and kinds, just like we have movies for all ages and kinds. There should be games for children, the elderly, the confused. and the average. As long as that's kept in mind, and people make decisions knowing that there is a bigger picture to deal with occasionally, I figure we'll be ok.
One thing about the games that do push this envelope is that it's been opening up other games; games where you play the role of hero, but you have choices about how you can accomplish a task. They usually aren't presented as moral choices, (and I use that term undrestanding that we're still in the vitual world) but they do challenge the player in new ways, asking for different kinds of thought. That's been a powerful thing.
So...what does everyone think?
Grammy Smith Apple
Man. I am so not into the Grammy thing, however Wilco, Franz Ferdinand, The Shins, and Modest Mouse are all up for awards. Best of luck kids.
Let it be known that I don't HATE U2, but I sure hope they don't win a thing.
Let it be known that I don't HATE U2, but I sure hope they don't win a thing.
Saturday, February 5
Firefox extensions
Some killer Firefox browser extensions to consider. Gonna have to update some browser action.
Wednesday, February 2
Learn something new every day
Single-X-rated movies feature nudity, long-range or panoramic and medium-range camera shots, simulated sex and sex between women. Double-X-rated movies show intercourse, oral sex and close-up shots. Triple-X-rated movies feature anal sex and visible ejaculation.
Shit o' dear. I had no idea. I just figured fuckin' was fuckin'. I guess I'm not as hardcore as I thought.
Shit o' dear. I had no idea. I just figured fuckin' was fuckin'. I guess I'm not as hardcore as I thought.
Monday, January 31
coincedence
It is a weird coincedence that my last post links to the same place, essentially, as the post from Dan right before it.
I know it's wrong
But I've always wanted to have sex with cop. And she's cute.
But, as my friend Damien once said:
"They don't want to fuck you the way you want to fuck them."
But, as my friend Damien once said:
"They don't want to fuck you the way you want to fuck them."
Wired News: My IPod, My Self
A bit scary to me, but true. My personality is resistant to this trend but I also realize that I am involved in it to a degree. I still buy CDs and don't like to download, so I'm not really connected as they suggest, though I do look around once in a while.
Friday, January 28
Television
There was a larger post here, but it seemed largely unorganized and I just don't have the patience right now to make it all coherent. In short I'm going to watch a bunch of television thanks to NETFLIX, some I've seen, some I haven't. Here's a list:
Battlestar Galactica: The Epic Series
Star Blazers
The A-Team: Season 1
Farscape
Homicide: Life On The Streets
Smallville
24
Arrested Development
The Office
Coupling
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Land of The Lost
Rikki-Tikki Tavi
Best of The Muppet Show: ft. Mark Hamill
Babylon 5
of course there's a slew of movies in my queue as well.
Battlestar Galactica: The Epic Series
Star Blazers
The A-Team: Season 1
Farscape
Homicide: Life On The Streets
Smallville
24
Arrested Development
The Office
Coupling
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Land of The Lost
Rikki-Tikki Tavi
Best of The Muppet Show: ft. Mark Hamill
Babylon 5
of course there's a slew of movies in my queue as well.
Thursday, January 27
Worlds Apart
Everybody seems to hate the new Trail of Dead album.
I don't get it. It's not as good as Source Tags and Codes, but it's a solid little slab of rock, I think. Maybe a little overdone, but not hateful.
I don't get it. It's not as good as Source Tags and Codes, but it's a solid little slab of rock, I think. Maybe a little overdone, but not hateful.
Tuesday, January 25
Chapter 5-5 Complete
Finished it.
Restarted it.
Died to nutsack with chainsaw.
Will restart again tonight. No chainsaw weilding motherfucker is going to take me down.
Restarted it.
Died to nutsack with chainsaw.
Will restart again tonight. No chainsaw weilding motherfucker is going to take me down.
Wednesday, January 19
Today
Very little sleep, up too late playing RE4; worked at 6:30 AM. Bought Fiery Furnaces| EP & The Futureheads| The Futureheads today. Came home, went to store, ate toast, watched The A-Team, VERY short nap, brother visits (play some RE4 while brother signs up for NETFLIX), brother leaves, watch School of Rock and then I blog, briefly. It's time to sleep.
Heavy
Man do I love Black Sabbath. (Currently listening to Looking For Today, and it's good.) I wish someone had played Sabbath for me when I was fucking 20. Or 16, even. Fuck-12. I probably would've liked Sabbath at 12.
OK-I'm bumping a little. RE4 back at top. I can play again today, since I took yesterday off to rest my right thumb.
1) Broken Butterfly: solid, but only useful in specific situations. Look at the firepower strength on that bitch!!! You'll know when you need to bust that out. Oh yes, you will.
The Riot Gun is my baby. I love it and will soon enter it into grade school. I hope it gets along with the other boys and girls. But...caution, as there are even cooler things to come. Get it, upgrade it, absolutely.
2) Don't give up all your 9mm pistols. They are hella good. I don't know what i'm running with now-I think I finally sold the Punisher for a better 9mm-but I've just about maxed that sucker out(capacity. Whatever!), and it continues to save my butt. They fire faster, reload faster, and are just more useful in low-density combat situations(3 or 4 in a hallway, say) than the Butterfly. Any more than 4, or anybody who gets close-bring out mah Baby. But it's just plain fun to shoot people in the eye with that fucker.
3) The rifle with scope is mandatory now. You need one, and I find the scope to be very helpful. Don't even question it.
4) I had to run from a chainsaw wielding dude not that long ago. It was actually kind of a treat-I went from badass to Cartman(screw you guys, I'm going home!) in .002 seconds. The chainsaw dudes STILL fuck with me. They're just creepy.
5) I meant there were two creatures: the Insecicon thingys and the Wolverine thingys.
The cage match was especially fucked up, and I do not know how I made it through that without dying. But the paranoia that kicks in because of that shit is a thrill.
6) I saw one of those metacritics complaining that this game is too long. Fuck that dude. And: Fuck that, dude.
7) Does anyone even consider the Mine Thrower? Is that not the dumbest weapon ever?
OK-I'm bumping a little. RE4 back at top. I can play again today, since I took yesterday off to rest my right thumb.
1) Broken Butterfly: solid, but only useful in specific situations. Look at the firepower strength on that bitch!!! You'll know when you need to bust that out. Oh yes, you will.
The Riot Gun is my baby. I love it and will soon enter it into grade school. I hope it gets along with the other boys and girls. But...caution, as there are even cooler things to come. Get it, upgrade it, absolutely.
2) Don't give up all your 9mm pistols. They are hella good. I don't know what i'm running with now-I think I finally sold the Punisher for a better 9mm-but I've just about maxed that sucker out(capacity. Whatever!), and it continues to save my butt. They fire faster, reload faster, and are just more useful in low-density combat situations(3 or 4 in a hallway, say) than the Butterfly. Any more than 4, or anybody who gets close-bring out mah Baby. But it's just plain fun to shoot people in the eye with that fucker.
3) The rifle with scope is mandatory now. You need one, and I find the scope to be very helpful. Don't even question it.
4) I had to run from a chainsaw wielding dude not that long ago. It was actually kind of a treat-I went from badass to Cartman(screw you guys, I'm going home!) in .002 seconds. The chainsaw dudes STILL fuck with me. They're just creepy.
5) I meant there were two creatures: the Insecicon thingys and the Wolverine thingys.
The cage match was especially fucked up, and I do not know how I made it through that without dying. But the paranoia that kicks in because of that shit is a thrill.
6) I saw one of those metacritics complaining that this game is too long. Fuck that dude. And: Fuck that, dude.
7) Does anyone even consider the Mine Thrower? Is that not the dumbest weapon ever?
Tuesday, January 18
A Bit o Fun
Describe yourself using one band and song titles from that band | |
| Choose a band/artist and answer only in song TITLES by that band: | Guided By Voices |
| Are you male or female: | My Kind of Soldier |
| Describe yourself: | I Am A Tree |
| How do some people feel about you: | Fine To See You |
| How do you feel about yourself: | As We Go Up, We Go Down |
| Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend: | Motor Away |
| Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend: | Hold On Hope |
| Describe where you want to be: | Privately |
| Describe what you want to be: | Lord of Overstock |
| Describe how you live: | The Best of Jill Hives |
| Describe how you love: | Glad Girls |
| Share a few words of wisdom | Don't Stop Now |
Sunday, January 16
The Big Takeover
I picked up the latest issue of The Big Takeover a few days back, it had Wilco on the cover, so I couldn't help myself. The Wilco interview is great, but only the first part, so I have to wait till the next issue to finish it up, and that's gonna be six months, apparently. But that's alright, because this magazine is pretty kick ass. I've never taken the chance to read it before, probably because it only comes out twice a year and I rarely see it on the shelf, my guess is it goes quick. I read a good Bad Religion interview today and now I think I need to invest in some of their albums. Going through high-school and my early twenties all punk-rock-skater and shit I somehow never listened to them, now the time, because those are some on top of it smart kind of fellas.
The Big Takeover has been around since 1980 and started as a double-side xerox. It's pretty much run written by just one guy, Jack Rabid, with contributions by numerous other folks. Anyhow, it's a good source for interviews and reviews and I'm definitely going to use it along with Pitchforkmedia.com as my main source for all things rock-related.
I resisted buying The Fiery Furnaces| EP today.
The Big Takeover has been around since 1980 and started as a double-side xerox. It's pretty much run written by just one guy, Jack Rabid, with contributions by numerous other folks. Anyhow, it's a good source for interviews and reviews and I'm definitely going to use it along with Pitchforkmedia.com as my main source for all things rock-related.
I resisted buying The Fiery Furnaces| EP today.
Chainsaw
Heh. That's funny. The first thing I had planned on mentioning today was that I'd gotten taken out, head first, by a guy with a chainsaw, I hadn't the sense to realize at the time that the man(?) was wearing a burlap sack on his head. The only thing I was thinking/feeling was 'ahhh shit. holy shit!' - essentially - that's what happens when you've got a chainsaw to your neck. The job they do to make it feel quite personal is superb. To say it threw me a bit would be hyperaccurate.
I like the inventory aspect of the game. Making the wrenching decision as to whether I wanted the shotgun OR the rifle was not easy. Tuning up the the handgun and shotgun, though, seems to have been a good decision. And now I have a 9mm SMG as well. But not much room to carry much else, let alone a 9mm freebie that I haven't tested yet.
I just recently discovered the 180° move too, thank goodness, cause those sickle throwing, dynamite tossing, pitchfork wielding villagers are sneaky suckers.
I like the inventory aspect of the game. Making the wrenching decision as to whether I wanted the shotgun OR the rifle was not easy. Tuning up the the handgun and shotgun, though, seems to have been a good decision. And now I have a 9mm SMG as well. But not much room to carry much else, let alone a 9mm freebie that I haven't tested yet.
I just recently discovered the 180° move too, thank goodness, cause those sickle throwing, dynamite tossing, pitchfork wielding villagers are sneaky suckers.
Saturday, January 15
Ice storm haze
If I had a soul, today RE4 owned it. Jesus, it is a phenominal game.
Aaron, you're really missing out, in a way. RE2 was one of the most interesting games ever and certainly one of the defining PlayStation games, along with FF7 and Metal Gear Solid. Having played a chunk of it-and actually the whole series, I can say a couple things.
1) I'm glad I've got the whole series background. You don't need it, but there are so many things that I feel were done as homage to the past that the experience is enriched for me. Not to mention the ways that I feel the drew from the past and improved upon it, to do something else.
2) There is no way to properly describe the leap between Resident Evil:Code Veronica or Resident Evil 0 (which I wasn't too thrilled with), and RE4. In part, I feel, because I don't even think they are similar games anymore.
That said, emotionally, this is what the game is like.
Remember the first time you saw Aliens? The sequel, with the Space Marines and big guns and this exhausting exhilarating feeling that ran through the entire film. Just more and more shit to deal with, rising higher and higher, and the guns kept getting bigger and bigger while the threats became uglier and darker, and you came out of there thrilled, and you were just watching.
Resident Evil 4 is you playing fucking Aliens. They perpetually give me ammo, and I never feel like I have enough. They throw hordes over overwhelming odds at me, and I am able to dispatch them with skill and vigor. I learn, I improve, and the game rewards me. It makes me jump, it freaks me out, and I keep playing it. And I kick SO much ass, but I'm also always under the gun(literally and figuratively.)
Laughing? Let's see how well you react when a dude with a burlap sack over his head and a chainsaw takes you out through a fucking wall.
It's scary b/c it puts me in a position to do what all great scary movies do: the most normal thing, given the circumstances. Either a)run and hide or b) kill everthing in sight until things made sense again. Fuck man, if things ever got that crazy, I WOULD get a goddamn gun and start blowing shit up. But this is even better, b/c it's a game, and I'm already equiped to fuck things up when they go south.
Resident Evil 4 is a must own for anyone old enough to deal with the subject matter(it's scary and has swearing) and owns a Gamecube. It is one of the most incredible fucking games I've played, and I'm not even on disc 2. It's one of those games worth buying a Gamecube for, thats how goddamn good it is.
I don't know how this will all tie into past Resident Evil games. I've got a strong guess, but I don't want to ruin anything. For myself or anyone else.
Now. Why did I just spend 13+ hours playing videogames. I'm 32 fucking years old.
There was an ice storm in PDX today, and leaving the house was risky at best, and insane at worst. So I didn't leave the house, I just stayed home.
I really, really hope the ice melts tomorrow. My legs need to be stretched out.
Aaron, you're really missing out, in a way. RE2 was one of the most interesting games ever and certainly one of the defining PlayStation games, along with FF7 and Metal Gear Solid. Having played a chunk of it-and actually the whole series, I can say a couple things.
1) I'm glad I've got the whole series background. You don't need it, but there are so many things that I feel were done as homage to the past that the experience is enriched for me. Not to mention the ways that I feel the drew from the past and improved upon it, to do something else.
2) There is no way to properly describe the leap between Resident Evil:Code Veronica or Resident Evil 0 (which I wasn't too thrilled with), and RE4. In part, I feel, because I don't even think they are similar games anymore.
That said, emotionally, this is what the game is like.
Remember the first time you saw Aliens? The sequel, with the Space Marines and big guns and this exhausting exhilarating feeling that ran through the entire film. Just more and more shit to deal with, rising higher and higher, and the guns kept getting bigger and bigger while the threats became uglier and darker, and you came out of there thrilled, and you were just watching.
Resident Evil 4 is you playing fucking Aliens. They perpetually give me ammo, and I never feel like I have enough. They throw hordes over overwhelming odds at me, and I am able to dispatch them with skill and vigor. I learn, I improve, and the game rewards me. It makes me jump, it freaks me out, and I keep playing it. And I kick SO much ass, but I'm also always under the gun(literally and figuratively.)
Laughing? Let's see how well you react when a dude with a burlap sack over his head and a chainsaw takes you out through a fucking wall.
It's scary b/c it puts me in a position to do what all great scary movies do: the most normal thing, given the circumstances. Either a)run and hide or b) kill everthing in sight until things made sense again. Fuck man, if things ever got that crazy, I WOULD get a goddamn gun and start blowing shit up. But this is even better, b/c it's a game, and I'm already equiped to fuck things up when they go south.
Resident Evil 4 is a must own for anyone old enough to deal with the subject matter(it's scary and has swearing) and owns a Gamecube. It is one of the most incredible fucking games I've played, and I'm not even on disc 2. It's one of those games worth buying a Gamecube for, thats how goddamn good it is.
I don't know how this will all tie into past Resident Evil games. I've got a strong guess, but I don't want to ruin anything. For myself or anyone else.
Now. Why did I just spend 13+ hours playing videogames. I'm 32 fucking years old.
There was an ice storm in PDX today, and leaving the house was risky at best, and insane at worst. So I didn't leave the house, I just stayed home.
I really, really hope the ice melts tomorrow. My legs need to be stretched out.
Friday, January 14
Breakfast
Apparently I can't decide whether I feel better or not, oh, and Happy Birthday to Me, and thanks Dan. Anyhow, I wasn't able to cover my Thursday shift at work so I went in and everything went ok, i.e. I didn't die, but by the end of the day I was really not feeling so hot. After a nap and a bit of food I felt quite a bit better, still I felt like ass, but by comparison a nicer ass, I guess. Woke up today, my birthday, hooray for me I'm 33, and I'm not feeling so hot. So I figure I need to motivate myself, get myself moving, maybe clean the house, stuff like that. Took a bit of the Nyquil, so I guess we'll see. Anyhow I feel capapble of posting a bit, so I am gonna do that.
I am excited about the upcoming Prefuse 73 releases. Looking back to 2003 73's One Word Extinguisher was one of the finest albums of the year, and I would consider one of the finest albums I own. I may have to go back and look at my 2003 purchases and do a Top Ten Retrospective. I only did a Top 3 for 2003 last year and I feel I should reexamine that. What else would I throw into a 2003 list? Off the top of my head:
Yeah, that wasn't entirely off the top of my head. To recap my 2003 Top 3: Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, and The Shins.
I should mention that I'm looking forward to the release from Caribou (formerly Manitoba), as well.
I am excited about the upcoming Prefuse 73 releases. Looking back to 2003 73's One Word Extinguisher was one of the finest albums of the year, and I would consider one of the finest albums I own. I may have to go back and look at my 2003 purchases and do a Top Ten Retrospective. I only did a Top 3 for 2003 last year and I feel I should reexamine that. What else would I throw into a 2003 list? Off the top of my head:
The Decemberists| Castaways & Cutouts
Sufjan Stevens| Greetings from Michigan
Manitoba| Up In Flames
Guided By Voices| Earthquake Glue
M. Ward| Transfiguration of Vincent
My Morning Jacket| It Still Moves
The Rapture| Echoes
TV on the Radio| Young Liars EP
Viktor Vaughn| Vaudeville Villain
The White Stripes| Elephant
The Wrens| Meadowlands
Yeah, that wasn't entirely off the top of my head. To recap my 2003 Top 3: Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, and The Shins.
I should mention that I'm looking forward to the release from Caribou (formerly Manitoba), as well.
That's It-
I'm fucking getting RE4 today.
It's a bit of a drawback, since I've promised myself some time with GTA: San Andreas. Oh yes. But I'm an RE whore, and I probably always will be.
It's a bit of a drawback, since I've promised myself some time with GTA: San Andreas. Oh yes. But I'm an RE whore, and I probably always will be.
Thursday, January 13
Tuesday, January 11
uh.blech.
I've been camping out on my couch wrapped up like a burrito since about 1pm this afternoon. In and out of sleep, all kinds of achy, mostly cold, and occasionally burning up. I feel refreshingly like complete ass.
Monday, January 10
I wonder
How long, exactly, has that pic of me been up?
Oh well-it's a pretty good representation of me, so I can't complain.
I've been thinking about getting a pda of some kind, lately. Just to hold addresses and shit like that. I don't necessarily want more crap to haul around, but I carry a backpack and my journal practially everywhere anyway.
I just need one that works w/my mac, I guess.
Oh well-it's a pretty good representation of me, so I can't complain.
I've been thinking about getting a pda of some kind, lately. Just to hold addresses and shit like that. I don't necessarily want more crap to haul around, but I carry a backpack and my journal practially everywhere anyway.
I just need one that works w/my mac, I guess.
Sunday, January 9
The MASH
Let's see if I can make this blog a little more, well, bloggy, I guess. It may work out that it just becomes more complicated. But, before I get to that, I'd like to give a public 'Thank You' to Kris, because he's pointed me in the right direction in the way of some software and a website, which I now pass on to you.
I've started using a wonderful password manager called Password Safe and also a great little site called Bloglines. Both are changing my life in nice little ways. I used to use 3 - 4 different passwords for the majority of the sites or programs that I needed them for. But,you know how it is, occasionally I'll need a new one to conforms to the specific protocol of whatever I'm trying to use, and really it all get's to be quite a hassle. Now I have a fancy password for every-little-thing and everything's just a bit more sweet. I've passed over password manager downloads in the past figuring I just didn't need them; wish I'd jumped on 'em a bit sooner. Now on to Bloglines. I've started another blog over there that allows me to easily post links to blog entries that I may find of interest and want to share with y'all (all 3 of y'all). There'll be links to the FEEDS I subscribe to as well. So, if you feel the need to keep up with all the A.Ho blog-action head over to BUTT MASH once in a while.
Thanks again Kris.
I've started using a wonderful password manager called Password Safe and also a great little site called Bloglines. Both are changing my life in nice little ways. I used to use 3 - 4 different passwords for the majority of the sites or programs that I needed them for. But,you know how it is, occasionally I'll need a new one to conforms to the specific protocol of whatever I'm trying to use, and really it all get's to be quite a hassle. Now I have a fancy password for every-little-thing and everything's just a bit more sweet. I've passed over password manager downloads in the past figuring I just didn't need them; wish I'd jumped on 'em a bit sooner. Now on to Bloglines. I've started another blog over there that allows me to easily post links to blog entries that I may find of interest and want to share with y'all (all 3 of y'all). There'll be links to the FEEDS I subscribe to as well. So, if you feel the need to keep up with all the A.Ho blog-action head over to BUTT MASH once in a while.
Thanks again Kris.
indie-pop = gay folk church music
Boy, that title ought to garner some attention from Google huh? Anyhow, here's how I came up with it.
The Hidden Cameras
Anyone else watch Denver get their ass tapped by The Colts?
The Hidden Cameras
Anyone else watch Denver get their ass tapped by The Colts?
Saturday, January 8
Got Ink?
My Boys over at Penny Arcade got a nice write up in The New York Times.
They make me proud and I just wanted to spread the word a little about them. To add a little clarity here I should say that although I consider them My Boys I am most certainly not a boy of theirs. They don't know me from you, unless, of course, they know you. I only know about their site because of my friend Ben who used to play drums in their band The Fine Print, while Jerry sang some songs.
In conclusion, I think their site kicks ass, they're from my hometown, and there's two degrees of separation between us, or is it one degree?
They make me proud and I just wanted to spread the word a little about them. To add a little clarity here I should say that although I consider them My Boys I am most certainly not a boy of theirs. They don't know me from you, unless, of course, they know you. I only know about their site because of my friend Ben who used to play drums in their band The Fine Print, while Jerry sang some songs.
In conclusion, I think their site kicks ass, they're from my hometown, and there's two degrees of separation between us, or is it one degree?
Friday, January 7
Daily Requisite
I ate three of these today, along with some wine.
In other news, I picked up a used copy of The Legend of Zelda| Windwaker today. Good stuff so far, let's see if it becomes the first Zelda game I actually finish. I hope you all didn't miss the "Obesity Olympics" on 20/20 tonight, and don't miss Wilco on Letterman either. Oh, I may be going to see Interpol in Seattle, though I'd rather see them in Portland and stay a few days and catch Ted Leo/Pharmacists as well, but you see, I'd have a ride to Seattle if I go. February 11th is the day.
And you know what else? Blogging is hard work, even a little bullshit hobby blog like this one. I have quite an admiration for people with nice looking, content laden blogs. In addition to I Do What I Can I like Johnny. I like to see what he has to say about movies and he even get's me a bit excited about the Seahawks. There's always fun photo's and rants as well. He's from The Tri-Cities (WA), and he reminds me of all my friends that have migrated to Spokane from there. Kris and Johnny are friends and the more I check their blogs the more I feel a kinship with them, they just seem like guys I'd enjoy being around, and to be honest, there just aren't too many of those. Where'd that all come from anyhow? This writing thing could expose my actual feelings!
In other news, I picked up a used copy of The Legend of Zelda| Windwaker today. Good stuff so far, let's see if it becomes the first Zelda game I actually finish. I hope you all didn't miss the "Obesity Olympics" on 20/20 tonight, and don't miss Wilco on Letterman either. Oh, I may be going to see Interpol in Seattle, though I'd rather see them in Portland and stay a few days and catch Ted Leo/Pharmacists as well, but you see, I'd have a ride to Seattle if I go. February 11th is the day.
And you know what else? Blogging is hard work, even a little bullshit hobby blog like this one. I have quite an admiration for people with nice looking, content laden blogs. In addition to I Do What I Can I like Johnny. I like to see what he has to say about movies and he even get's me a bit excited about the Seahawks. There's always fun photo's and rants as well. He's from The Tri-Cities (WA), and he reminds me of all my friends that have migrated to Spokane from there. Kris and Johnny are friends and the more I check their blogs the more I feel a kinship with them, they just seem like guys I'd enjoy being around, and to be honest, there just aren't too many of those. Where'd that all come from anyhow? This writing thing could expose my actual feelings!
A.Ho Portrait
Ok, so I'm testing out this flickr(beta) site that I learned about over at I Do What I Can. I'm not a big photo taker but I do occasionaly like to post something. I was using Hello by Picasa over at my photo's site, which I think I'll take down, because I'm just not using it. For some reason though I haven't been able to get it to work with Firefox and now I can't get it to work right with IE. So I'm trying flickr, which I said already. I need, so far, to use IE to do it, which I don't like, but I've been having some media trouble with Firefox. Like I said. So here, for you, my fans, my portrait.
Was that verbose enough for you?
Was that verbose enough for you?
Thursday, January 6
Tuesday, January 4
Punctuation and advice
The post about wanting a great ampersand brought the link on. It's unrelated, but still.
Advice-not as good as the Advicegodess, but still- is that if you use a razor blade to shave with, as opposed to an electric, do this:
Get a soapdish.
Fill said soapdish with mineral oil(which you should also get. No point in filling the soapdish with mineral oil you don't have.) Baby oil will do just fine. You don't have to fill the soapdish completely, just enough to keep the head of your razor in.
Keep razor in said dish. Your blade will last a hell of a lot longer, and I do believe it's improving my overall shaving experience, but I can't pin down how yet. Although a sharp blade that lasts longer is a good thing in and of itself.
Figure this will cost you $4, and trust me, it's worth it. Thanks to my Dad, who taught me this, got me the stuff for Christmas, and reminded me that old dogs can learn new tricks.
Especially when those tricks work.
Advice-not as good as the Advicegodess, but still- is that if you use a razor blade to shave with, as opposed to an electric, do this:
Get a soapdish.
Fill said soapdish with mineral oil(which you should also get. No point in filling the soapdish with mineral oil you don't have.) Baby oil will do just fine. You don't have to fill the soapdish completely, just enough to keep the head of your razor in.
Keep razor in said dish. Your blade will last a hell of a lot longer, and I do believe it's improving my overall shaving experience, but I can't pin down how yet. Although a sharp blade that lasts longer is a good thing in and of itself.
Figure this will cost you $4, and trust me, it's worth it. Thanks to my Dad, who taught me this, got me the stuff for Christmas, and reminded me that old dogs can learn new tricks.
Especially when those tricks work.
Monday, January 3
N/A
Just a little bit ago I popped The Arcade Fire| Funeral into the player. And this is one reason I love music so much, which I've probably said before, because IT was just there for some reason. The easy gait of this album has wrapped it's velcro grips around me and proven itself. Every song thus far has had that something that seemed absent just days ago and combined they are enchanting me as we speak.
I have to jet out the door for a work meeting right now, so this post is harried. I hope I've communicated well.
I have to jet out the door for a work meeting right now, so this post is harried. I hope I've communicated well.
Neat
Fuz sent me this story-even non-Mac users should find it rather facinating.
Hey, did you remove a post Aaron? I'm kinda facinated about what kind of spam we may've gotten. But-no need to dredge up someone else's shite. It was removed for a reason, and that's good enough for me.
The tshirthell image is so wrong I laughed. Hard.
I have enjoyed what I've heard of Smile. It's an album to buy eventually. I'm a little enthralled w/the comedy of the Team America soundtrack right now, though.
It's fucking cold in PDX. And by fucking cold I mean-I'm in an old building w/socks over my hands to keep them warm. I can't stand the cold, because my hands hurt when they get too cold. Which seems to be often in the winter. Of course, the sky is crystalclear, like some kind of window to hope.
The Arcade Fire=you suck. Only because you've packaged your (killer)album in a shitty cardboard flap, which is easily torn and fucked up, forcing the listener(me!) to slide the cd over paper-which initially won't scratch it, but eventually could fuck it up- into a slot which is hard for me to get my slim fingers into. Potentially leaving fingerprints on the CD too.
Quit doing this. I don't mind ecofriendly packaging, but how about ecofriendly packaging that actually holds up to basic fucking use?
I really want the American Music Club's Love Songs For Patriots. They're just good.
Currently-2/3 finished with The Dark Tower by Stephen King. It's like a solid action movie-it moves a little too fast for its own good, but you don't mind, because you don't have to dwell on things too much. Next up: Life of Pi. And soon I'll be getting the Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl TPB. It's one of the few comic books out there that is continually awesome, and I thought I had the first 6 issues, but I didn't.
I should do work now. I'm not.
I had a very nice New Year's Eve and day after. Time to kick some ass in 2005.
Hey, did you remove a post Aaron? I'm kinda facinated about what kind of spam we may've gotten. But-no need to dredge up someone else's shite. It was removed for a reason, and that's good enough for me.
The tshirthell image is so wrong I laughed. Hard.
I have enjoyed what I've heard of Smile. It's an album to buy eventually. I'm a little enthralled w/the comedy of the Team America soundtrack right now, though.
It's fucking cold in PDX. And by fucking cold I mean-I'm in an old building w/socks over my hands to keep them warm. I can't stand the cold, because my hands hurt when they get too cold. Which seems to be often in the winter. Of course, the sky is crystalclear, like some kind of window to hope.
The Arcade Fire=you suck. Only because you've packaged your (killer)album in a shitty cardboard flap, which is easily torn and fucked up, forcing the listener(me!) to slide the cd over paper-which initially won't scratch it, but eventually could fuck it up- into a slot which is hard for me to get my slim fingers into. Potentially leaving fingerprints on the CD too.
Quit doing this. I don't mind ecofriendly packaging, but how about ecofriendly packaging that actually holds up to basic fucking use?
I really want the American Music Club's Love Songs For Patriots. They're just good.
Currently-2/3 finished with The Dark Tower by Stephen King. It's like a solid action movie-it moves a little too fast for its own good, but you don't mind, because you don't have to dwell on things too much. Next up: Life of Pi. And soon I'll be getting the Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl TPB. It's one of the few comic books out there that is continually awesome, and I thought I had the first 6 issues, but I didn't.
I should do work now. I'm not.
I had a very nice New Year's Eve and day after. Time to kick some ass in 2005.
Saturday, January 1
Let's Up The Ante!
.: So we, as a country, have upped our pittance of relief aid for the tsunami fucked people of the world to $350 million dollars. That works out to about $1.20 per U.S. populant, rounded up. That's roughly 2 cents a person for every week of 2005. Could we maybe stretch ourselves a little? I know we're an overly obese country but let's get a little uncomfortable shall we.
.: I'm glad to know that many individuals have already helped and that others will be doing their part as well. Dan talked recently about Child's Play and making the world little better. Now is also one of those times.
.: Tsunamis date back to ancient times. No shit. Ok, two things I don't like, that don't happen to have anything to do with each other: bad headlines and bad band names.
.: I'm glad to know that many individuals have already helped and that others will be doing their part as well. Dan talked recently about Child's Play and making the world little better. Now is also one of those times.
.: Tsunamis date back to ancient times. No shit. Ok, two things I don't like, that don't happen to have anything to do with each other: bad headlines and bad band names.
Desmond Tutu talks about the horseshit.
.: There's a nice little excerpt from an interview with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu over at The Advice Goddess blog. I'd like to thank her for it, and now I'm gonna go read the whole thing.
Friday, December 31
Neumu
Alright, it's nearing 2005 and I'm sitting at home tinkering around on my PC. I found this music site that looks worthwhile, so I'm posting a link.
Neumu = Art + Music + Words
Neumu = Art + Music + Words
SMiLE
.: I picked up the Brian Wilson| SMiLE album today. It's easy to listen to and has some great big bass drums in one of the tracks that I'd love to really experience, but I've got this neighbor I'd have to deal with. I'm not sticking it in my album picks yet, but I don't doubt that it will end up over there.
.: Well it's New Years Eve and the only thing I really am concerned with is the fact that I am NOT working on the most heinous night of the year in my profession, in my town. Can I get a 'Hallelujah!'?
.: I also have an inclination to hear The Dismemberment Plan's 'The Ice of Boston' whose lyrics I'll excerpt for you here:
.: Dan here's to you and better times in 2005.
.: Well it's New Years Eve and the only thing I really am concerned with is the fact that I am NOT working on the most heinous night of the year in my profession, in my town. Can I get a 'Hallelujah!'?
.: I also have an inclination to hear The Dismemberment Plan's 'The Ice of Boston' whose lyrics I'll excerpt for you here:
Pop open the third bottle of bubbly
Yeah, and I take that bottle of champagne
Go into the kitchen, stand in front of the kitchen window
And I take all my clothes off, take that bottle of champagne
And I pour it on my head, feel it cascade through my hair
And across my chest...
And the phone rings.
- And it's my mother. -
And she says "HI HONEY, HOW'S BOSTON?"
And I stand there...all alone on New Year's Eve,
Buck naked, drenched in champagne, looking at a bunch of strangers,
Uh, looking at them, looking at me, looking at them, and I say,
"Oh fine Mom, how's Washington"
.: Dan here's to you and better times in 2005.
End of the year rant
It's over. It's posted.
Milfporn here = funny.
Freehand ampersand? Huh. Never thought about it. I just use the +.
I've been torn about the Firey Furnaces. I keep hearing conflicting stuff.
I can't find the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. I will burn cities and eat giant lizards.
Go GU. After the article I read in the Stranger, http://www.thestranger.com/2004-12-23/feature.html
they need a boost.
Happy new year, one and all. Be safe. Hope you're doin' well Aaron.
Milfporn here = funny.
Freehand ampersand? Huh. Never thought about it. I just use the +.
I've been torn about the Firey Furnaces. I keep hearing conflicting stuff.
I can't find the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. I will burn cities and eat giant lizards.
Go GU. After the article I read in the Stranger, http://www.thestranger.com/2004-12-23/feature.html
they need a boost.
Happy new year, one and all. Be safe. Hope you're doin' well Aaron.
HoustonChronicle.com
.: Here's an interesting recipe. It doesn't happen to say what to cook it in, but I imagine you can buy a microwave-safe cake pan of some sort.
Thursday, December 30
bits and bits
.: As they say, it's not over 'til it's over, and I'm on a mission to grab a few more Christmas gifts. The ol' budget was tight this year and I had to put some gifts off. Tomorrow is payday and I predict it will cover the necessary expenditures, as well as allow me to pick up the Brian Wilson| Smile album which finally arrived at Boo Radley's. Seems they also decided to put a few on the shelf - 7 or 8 copies - which is a hefty stock for them. That is my sphere of influence my friends. It didn't hurt that it showed up on plenty of Best Of lists either. They also had a copy of The Fiery Furnaces| Blueberry Boat, which I have an alternative source for, but if there's a copy sitting there in front of me tomorrow it may become mine.
Hey, how about those Gonzaga Bulldogs? 2-1 one vs. top 5 NCAA teams! I didn't go to Gonzaga, and if you ask me how much I really care about basketball I'd reply "Not too much.", but I sure like to see them do well and I enjoy the buzz it creates around the community. Gives Spokane a bit of much needed self-esteem.
Question: Do you know anywone who has a nice freehand ampersand? I've been debating the merits of practicing that particular symbol.
OK, I'm going to listen to some music now and do some 'work' in iTunes.
Hey, how about those Gonzaga Bulldogs? 2-1 one vs. top 5 NCAA teams! I didn't go to Gonzaga, and if you ask me how much I really care about basketball I'd reply "Not too much.", but I sure like to see them do well and I enjoy the buzz it creates around the community. Gives Spokane a bit of much needed self-esteem.
Question: Do you know anywone who has a nice freehand ampersand? I've been debating the merits of practicing that particular symbol.
OK, I'm going to listen to some music now and do some 'work' in iTunes.
Wednesday, December 29
Yahoo! Search
Apparently if you do a Yahoo! Search for 'milfporn' my blog comes up 45th on the list. Someone came to this site via that method, I imagine they were disappointed.
Games
.:Stuff to try out, if you haven't.
I can vouch for Sly Cooper and Katamari Damachy.
The Scalzi article is also very good, and should be read.
I can vouch for Sly Cooper and Katamari Damachy.
The Scalzi article is also very good, and should be read.
Tuesday, December 28
Monday, December 27
Take the Lords Name in Vain Here
.: It just couldn't last could it! I'm sitting here listening to Transatlanticism since I decided I wanted to hear that damn song again. And NOW, NOW I found myself digging on the song I previously liked the VERY, VERY least on the whole album. The Sound of Settling with it's "Bah, Bah...Bah, Bah".
I have one Heineken and I desperately need five more. Fuck.
I have one Heineken and I desperately need five more. Fuck.
Coming Around?
.: Some will be glad that I've found a song on the most recent Death Cab for Cutie album to help redeem its existence.
Sunday, December 26
Aftermath
.: I acquired The Walkmen| Bows + Arrows earlier this year and didn't really get into it, I probably only listened to it once all the way through and for some reason I dismissed it. It's been hailed as one of this years better albums on many of the lists I've seen. Today while walking home from work I was dialing through the list on my iPod and stopped on Bows + Arrows to give it a listen, maybe it's the new headphones (oooh, soothing warm bass), maybe it was the fatigue, but I'm sure I don't know why I've waited until today to dig up this gem. It's been added to my own picks for the year in the sidebar.
.: Christmas was good to me this year. I got to hang out with my cousin Marcus, and may get to again before he heads back to Bellingham. I will be enjoying The Return of the King sometime this week, in it's extended form. I just finished watching Best of SNL| Eddie Murphy. I'll be sucking the crap out of my carpet for weeks with my new Eureka| The Boss Pro, the worlds lightest cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaner, and once I obtain a USB cable that will fit it, because you just wouldn't want to include one as part of the package (feel my rage), I'll be copying, scanning, and printing my way to dear happiness with my new hp psc 1311 all-in-one printer - scanner - copier. Good food, good company, good beer & wine, my darling nephew, 3 hours of sleep and a slight hangover at work topped off my wonderful Christmas. Hope yours was cheerful.
.: Christmas was good to me this year. I got to hang out with my cousin Marcus, and may get to again before he heads back to Bellingham. I will be enjoying The Return of the King sometime this week, in it's extended form. I just finished watching Best of SNL| Eddie Murphy. I'll be sucking the crap out of my carpet for weeks with my new Eureka| The Boss Pro, the worlds lightest cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaner, and once I obtain a USB cable that will fit it, because you just wouldn't want to include one as part of the package (feel my rage), I'll be copying, scanning, and printing my way to dear happiness with my new hp psc 1311 all-in-one printer - scanner - copier. Good food, good company, good beer & wine, my darling nephew, 3 hours of sleep and a slight hangover at work topped off my wonderful Christmas. Hope yours was cheerful.
Friday, December 24
Lists
I've spent the good part of an hour, probably more skimming throught best of lists, and found some nice sites in the process.
I've based nearly every music purchase I've made in the last two years on one thing, Pitchforkmedia.com. I will convert their Top 50 into a checklist of music to acquire. I will likely never have it all, but one of my little goals, one of the little things that keeps me going, is to get everything in the Top 10 of all their lists. If I ever succeed at that, then mayble I'll venture into the Top 11-20. This is quite a challenge because I of course want to buy new music as it is released, nonetheless I strive.
Through my skimming though, I've determined a sort of Top 10 things to get next (does not include Brian Wilson| Smile, which should be available for purchase at Boo's this week). I think that nearly all these are somewhere in Pitchforks Top 50, though I don't recall PJ Harvey. So here it is, my little list to live by for the next couple months:
I've based nearly every music purchase I've made in the last two years on one thing, Pitchforkmedia.com. I will convert their Top 50 into a checklist of music to acquire. I will likely never have it all, but one of my little goals, one of the little things that keeps me going, is to get everything in the Top 10 of all their lists. If I ever succeed at that, then mayble I'll venture into the Top 11-20. This is quite a challenge because I of course want to buy new music as it is released, nonetheless I strive.
Through my skimming though, I've determined a sort of Top 10 things to get next (does not include Brian Wilson| Smile, which should be available for purchase at Boo's this week). I think that nearly all these are somewhere in Pitchforks Top 50, though I don't recall PJ Harvey. So here it is, my little list to live by for the next couple months:
Dungen| Ta Det Lungt
Fiery Furnaces| Blueberry Boat
The Streets| A Grand Don't Come for Free
Junior Boys| Last Exit
Devendra Banhart| Rejoicing in the Hands/Nino Rojo
Joanna Newsom| The Milk-Eyed Mender
The Futureheads| The Futureheads
PJ Harvey| Uh Huh Her
The Animal Collective| Sung Tongs
Kanye West| College Dropout
I *heart* quotes.
Thanks to DC Pol Sci - "When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross -- Sinclair Lewis"
Thursday, December 23
Mott The Hinky
.:Well, The Arcade Fire is album of the year for Pitchfork and Tiny Mix Tapes. I guess I need to listen to it more, because a) I do like it and b) I'm just not hearing album of the year and I hate the feeling that I'm missing something.
One thing that intrigues me about music is that I can enjoy so much of the same music that my friends do and then disagree on something like this. For example I know there's a bunch of music that Dan digs on that I just don't get into, but I have immense respect for his taste & opinion because I know I can give him something like Broken Social Scene, or Sufjan Stevens, and he'll say 'Wow!'. Of course then there's 'My Morning Jacket', which he slammed. It's alright though, because for the life of me I don't quite hear the appeal of Autopilot Off, one of his picks for the year. I don't hate it, but, you know...
...if you wander over to I Do What I Can you'll see that I have very similar taste in music to Chris and he's given his nod to The Arcade Fire as well.
I haven't bothered putting together any numbered list yet and I don't know that I will. I think I bought about one-third the music this year as I did last year, and I could hardly give that the attention I should've. I don't know how I listened to so much music last year, but I couldn't get enough. This year is just different somehow. I've listed most of the stuff that I like from this year over on the sidebar, that's all from 2004. The album I find myself liking more than any other this year is the 2000 release from Clinic, Internal Wrangler. It came highly recommended from Pitchforks list of 2000's top albums. It only took a couple listens to adjust to, and now everytime I hear it I dig it more.
A final note on The Arcade Fire - if there's one thing I know about myself it's that if I don't get it at first AND it's as good as everyone says it is, it's probably only a matter of time before I'm hailing it as brilliant. There are plenty of examples of this in my past. I just need time.
One thing that intrigues me about music is that I can enjoy so much of the same music that my friends do and then disagree on something like this. For example I know there's a bunch of music that Dan digs on that I just don't get into, but I have immense respect for his taste & opinion because I know I can give him something like Broken Social Scene, or Sufjan Stevens, and he'll say 'Wow!'. Of course then there's 'My Morning Jacket', which he slammed. It's alright though, because for the life of me I don't quite hear the appeal of Autopilot Off, one of his picks for the year. I don't hate it, but, you know...
...if you wander over to I Do What I Can you'll see that I have very similar taste in music to Chris and he's given his nod to The Arcade Fire as well.
I haven't bothered putting together any numbered list yet and I don't know that I will. I think I bought about one-third the music this year as I did last year, and I could hardly give that the attention I should've. I don't know how I listened to so much music last year, but I couldn't get enough. This year is just different somehow. I've listed most of the stuff that I like from this year over on the sidebar, that's all from 2004. The album I find myself liking more than any other this year is the 2000 release from Clinic, Internal Wrangler. It came highly recommended from Pitchforks list of 2000's top albums. It only took a couple listens to adjust to, and now everytime I hear it I dig it more.
A final note on The Arcade Fire - if there's one thing I know about myself it's that if I don't get it at first AND it's as good as everyone says it is, it's probably only a matter of time before I'm hailing it as brilliant. There are plenty of examples of this in my past. I just need time.
Tuesday, December 21
Malware & Data Miners
.: God bless Ad-Aware!!!
.: I've suffered unthinkable torments at the hands of evil. I like to think that I do a fair job of upkeep and maintenance on my computer, but after today I will increase my efforts. I run SpyBot S&D and a virus check about once a month, I run Ad-Aware as well, but not as often. As I was saying, the last couple of days have been lame for my online ventures. Mozilla Firefox just kept crashing and getting hung up on stuff. I went in and did some cleanup, uninstalled some stuff I didn't need, shut down services, and disabled all manner of unecessary startup crap. Not the culprit as it turned out. A couple of weeks ago I began using AVG anti-virussoftware and it came up with three trojans that nothing else found. I figured most problems were taken care of, and so it was, for a week or so, and then everything went to hell. So I ran Ad-Aware today in hopes of finding something. I checked the settings, ran it and NOTHING!!! Arghhh! "There must be something else I can do," I told myself. I checked the settings again, I'm not sure what I did differently than the first time, but I ended up with a deepscan of the whole damn C: drive and my friend, that bastard turned up 18 Data Miners and 3 Malware programs. Well, I had to go mail a bill and hit the store so I fired up SpyBot and ran out the door. When I got home I was very interested to see if SpyBot found anything additional, nothing. OK, well here we go, fire up Firefox! and see what happens. And Holy Crap that shit loaded fast and all the pages are loading faster and with anyluck I won't be crashing anything this evening. I'm running that shit weekly from now on. Later.
.: I've suffered unthinkable torments at the hands of evil. I like to think that I do a fair job of upkeep and maintenance on my computer, but after today I will increase my efforts. I run SpyBot S&D and a virus check about once a month, I run Ad-Aware as well, but not as often. As I was saying, the last couple of days have been lame for my online ventures. Mozilla Firefox just kept crashing and getting hung up on stuff. I went in and did some cleanup, uninstalled some stuff I didn't need, shut down services, and disabled all manner of unecessary startup crap. Not the culprit as it turned out. A couple of weeks ago I began using AVG anti-virussoftware and it came up with three trojans that nothing else found. I figured most problems were taken care of, and so it was, for a week or so, and then everything went to hell. So I ran Ad-Aware today in hopes of finding something. I checked the settings, ran it and NOTHING!!! Arghhh! "There must be something else I can do," I told myself. I checked the settings again, I'm not sure what I did differently than the first time, but I ended up with a deepscan of the whole damn C: drive and my friend, that bastard turned up 18 Data Miners and 3 Malware programs. Well, I had to go mail a bill and hit the store so I fired up SpyBot and ran out the door. When I got home I was very interested to see if SpyBot found anything additional, nothing. OK, well here we go, fire up Firefox! and see what happens. And Holy Crap that shit loaded fast and all the pages are loading faster and with anyluck I won't be crashing anything this evening. I'm running that shit weekly from now on. Later.
Sunday, December 19
Saturday, December 18
Here Kitty Kitty
.: I just remembered something that I wanted to post a few days ago. Sometime in the last couple weeks a local family lost their home to a fire and also lost some pet cats. A recent update in the 'news'paper a couple days later documented the charitable intent of the many kind people who offered goods and services to help the family. Apparently among these folks offering clothes, furniture, housewares and etcetera were people who also wanted to donate cats. Who does this? Who genuinely considers that one of this families top priorities is to replace their deceased felines?
Friday, December 17
Child's Play
.: The link takes you to a web site that wants people to donate $ or videogames to children's hospitals. Any moderate reader of the web is probably aware of Penny Arcade-who run this little shindig. Kudos to them for doing so.
You don't have to donate, of course, but if one has the ability, charity to some organization is a good thing-at any time. Plus, it helps improve the world, even if just a little.
And let's face it. The world needs improvement.
Dunno who might read this blog aside from anyone who would already know about Child's Play, but fuck it. That's not the point at all-as I'm sure you all know.
You don't have to donate, of course, but if one has the ability, charity to some organization is a good thing-at any time. Plus, it helps improve the world, even if just a little.
And let's face it. The world needs improvement.
Dunno who might read this blog aside from anyone who would already know about Child's Play, but fuck it. That's not the point at all-as I'm sure you all know.
Thursday, December 16
It's time!
Fuck did I hate 2004. That's why I'm so glad it's ending. And part of it ending is my mostly annual tradition of the End Of The Year Mix Tape.
Who will make the cut? What was I listening too far too much this year? Will anything from 2003 make it, since there was no 2003 tape? And why the fuck is Master of Puppets being considered for inclusion? HAVE I LOST MY MIND???
I'm making the tape now, and let me tell you, the word is: excited, and everyone wants to know all about it!!!!
But don't think I'll just tell you now! Oh no. As any woman will tell you: I'm a big tease! I like to stretch things out!
(Note to actual women: I'm a total slut and will fuck on the first date. Sooner, if possible.)
So as I make this tape, I'm thinking of the accompanying essay, which I will probably post in Storytime, since that section of my site never gets enough time. I'm also going to be working on an EOTY rant, where I pretty much outline the 3 things I liked about this year, and the 15 things that can lick my ass and die a horrible, septic death all alone and, hopefully, beaten by hobos. Drunk hobos.
Coming soon! Don't miss it!
Who will make the cut? What was I listening too far too much this year? Will anything from 2003 make it, since there was no 2003 tape? And why the fuck is Master of Puppets being considered for inclusion? HAVE I LOST MY MIND???
I'm making the tape now, and let me tell you, the word is: excited, and everyone wants to know all about it!!!!
But don't think I'll just tell you now! Oh no. As any woman will tell you: I'm a big tease! I like to stretch things out!
(Note to actual women: I'm a total slut and will fuck on the first date. Sooner, if possible.)
So as I make this tape, I'm thinking of the accompanying essay, which I will probably post in Storytime, since that section of my site never gets enough time. I'm also going to be working on an EOTY rant, where I pretty much outline the 3 things I liked about this year, and the 15 things that can lick my ass and die a horrible, septic death all alone and, hopefully, beaten by hobos. Drunk hobos.
Coming soon! Don't miss it!
Wednesday, December 15
Odds are
.: I had a better day than you did yesterday. 'You' in this case being everyone. My sister, on the other hand, did not fare as well, as her car was stolen.
Tuesday, December 14
Crimes
.:Lo', The new Blood Brothers album Crimes appeared in my postbox yesterday, courtesy of my friend Dan. Joy! I've listened to it numerous times and I think that it is quite good. I know that Dan talked of it some over at his site, but I didn't give that a thorough reading yet, but I know he liked it as well. I don't imagine he would've given me one if he didn't find it worthwhile.
Initially I've found that I like it better than Burn Piano Island, Burn!, as amazing as that album is. What I like is that it isn't quite as Loud, Fast, or Hard. I like all those things, but as I age I find that my propensity to listen to such music for any length of time decreases. I could listen to Crimes all day long. Easily one of the best new releases I've heard this year. Thanks Dan.
Initially I've found that I like it better than Burn Piano Island, Burn!, as amazing as that album is. What I like is that it isn't quite as Loud, Fast, or Hard. I like all those things, but as I age I find that my propensity to listen to such music for any length of time decreases. I could listen to Crimes all day long. Easily one of the best new releases I've heard this year. Thanks Dan.
Friday, December 10
Funeral
.: I've listened to The Arcade Fire's Funeral 3x in the past 24 hours now.
I dig on it. It's going to improve as I listen to it too-which is good, but lucky. Let me explain.
I read a lot about how TAF 'rocked'. Or produced 'the best rock album of the year' or shit like that.
OK-TAF...doesn't rock. Or at least, they do not rock as I understand rock. The Hot Snakes rock. The Secret Machines rock-or at least they come pretty close to rocking. But Sufjan Stevens-he does not rock. Autopilot Off-rock. Blood Brothers-would rock if they could write a song that didn't have 12 time signature changes in it. Broken Social Scene-not rock. Foo Fighters-rock. Andrew WK=ROCK. Crystal Method-not rock.
(I have tried to stay away from more extreme bands here. It is my opinion, of course, that Slipknot rocks. They are metal, though, and that's pretty much a prereq for a metal band. If you do not rock, you cannot be metal. One easy way to see if your metal band does not rock-do you have a keyboard player?)
Don't get me wrong-The Arcade Fire is GOOD.(so are all those other bands) They seem to have a style nailed, where you start a song quietly, and then crash in at the end with a cool hooky riff, or beat, or something that grabs and says 'listen to me again!'. I like that. I like hooks.
Which is why it was easy for me to discard my first listen to Funeral. I was expecting a rock album, and it did not rock-but it had songs that insisted I listen to them again. So even though I felt initially disappointed, I was able to recognize that this was based in what I thought this album should be-and not what it was. The difference meant that I was more open to the 2nd chance I gave Funeral, and more songs have begun to appeal to me.
However-and this may have something to do with it-I don't see myself going to see them play live tonight. I just don't see them producing a live experience that makes me want to stand up and jump around(which, is part of what I feel a rock album should do).
Now, I understand that my view here is a little narrow. I don't know that I'd call TAF anything but an alterna-rock band. They've got a touch of shoegazer, a definate Trail of Dead influence(I think, but less guitar oriented), and they certainly come out of a punk tradition(the one that The Talking Heads are best known for). I also recognize that this is all about my ego-but whofuckingcares?
Quirk-rock? I dunno. I like it. But anytime you have to put a modifier on the word 'rock' that means you're diluting the rock element of that sound.
So-enjoy The Arcade Fire. They're good.
I dig on it. It's going to improve as I listen to it too-which is good, but lucky. Let me explain.
I read a lot about how TAF 'rocked'. Or produced 'the best rock album of the year' or shit like that.
OK-TAF...doesn't rock. Or at least, they do not rock as I understand rock. The Hot Snakes rock. The Secret Machines rock-or at least they come pretty close to rocking. But Sufjan Stevens-he does not rock. Autopilot Off-rock. Blood Brothers-would rock if they could write a song that didn't have 12 time signature changes in it. Broken Social Scene-not rock. Foo Fighters-rock. Andrew WK=ROCK. Crystal Method-not rock.
(I have tried to stay away from more extreme bands here. It is my opinion, of course, that Slipknot rocks. They are metal, though, and that's pretty much a prereq for a metal band. If you do not rock, you cannot be metal. One easy way to see if your metal band does not rock-do you have a keyboard player?)
Don't get me wrong-The Arcade Fire is GOOD.(so are all those other bands) They seem to have a style nailed, where you start a song quietly, and then crash in at the end with a cool hooky riff, or beat, or something that grabs and says 'listen to me again!'. I like that. I like hooks.
Which is why it was easy for me to discard my first listen to Funeral. I was expecting a rock album, and it did not rock-but it had songs that insisted I listen to them again. So even though I felt initially disappointed, I was able to recognize that this was based in what I thought this album should be-and not what it was. The difference meant that I was more open to the 2nd chance I gave Funeral, and more songs have begun to appeal to me.
However-and this may have something to do with it-I don't see myself going to see them play live tonight. I just don't see them producing a live experience that makes me want to stand up and jump around(which, is part of what I feel a rock album should do).
Now, I understand that my view here is a little narrow. I don't know that I'd call TAF anything but an alterna-rock band. They've got a touch of shoegazer, a definate Trail of Dead influence(I think, but less guitar oriented), and they certainly come out of a punk tradition(the one that The Talking Heads are best known for). I also recognize that this is all about my ego-but whofuckingcares?
Quirk-rock? I dunno. I like it. But anytime you have to put a modifier on the word 'rock' that means you're diluting the rock element of that sound.
So-enjoy The Arcade Fire. They're good.
Thursday, December 9
Cheese is tasty.
.:Lord. That's the sentence of the day. It was by no means a bad day. That's just how I feel right now.
.:Picked up The Arcade Fire -- Funeral album yesterday. It's quite good, even upon first listen. Over time I can see developing quite an affinity for it. It will make my picks for the year I'm sure, which really isn't hard this year. I personally didn't discover much music this year that left a large impression. Maybe none. I've ended up with a lot of music that I like but nothing that was what Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, The Shins or The Decemberists was to me last year. Nothing quite as intriguing as Prefuse 73 or momentous as My Morning Jacket. I'm looking forward to the Pitchfork Top 100 for 2004 to help prioritize the spots I need to fill for my yearly purchases.
.:I'm wondering how Dan is taking the shooting death of Darrell Abbot. I don't imagine I'll be wondering long. When I first heard of the shooting, and that it was in Ohio, my first thought was that it might be Guided By Voices. I believe they're on tour right now and they're from Ohio. It's interesting the connection you develop to a musician when you don't really know them. Coming home from work in April 2004 I walked in to find my roomies somber faces glued to MTV during a commercial break and they reported the news of Kurt Cobain's death. It's sobering when this sort of thing happens.
.:Picked up The Arcade Fire -- Funeral album yesterday. It's quite good, even upon first listen. Over time I can see developing quite an affinity for it. It will make my picks for the year I'm sure, which really isn't hard this year. I personally didn't discover much music this year that left a large impression. Maybe none. I've ended up with a lot of music that I like but nothing that was what Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, The Shins or The Decemberists was to me last year. Nothing quite as intriguing as Prefuse 73 or momentous as My Morning Jacket. I'm looking forward to the Pitchfork Top 100 for 2004 to help prioritize the spots I need to fill for my yearly purchases.
.:I'm wondering how Dan is taking the shooting death of Darrell Abbot. I don't imagine I'll be wondering long. When I first heard of the shooting, and that it was in Ohio, my first thought was that it might be Guided By Voices. I believe they're on tour right now and they're from Ohio. It's interesting the connection you develop to a musician when you don't really know them. Coming home from work in April 2004 I walked in to find my roomies somber faces glued to MTV during a commercial break and they reported the news of Kurt Cobain's death. It's sobering when this sort of thing happens.
Tuesday, December 7
Monday, December 6
Temperment
.: 3 posts in 48hrs.
Nice to have you back. It makes this whole thing just go lots better. I don't have to force as much content out, people have someone they like who they can read about; once again it becomes less about me being an asshole and more about me playing foil to your good nature.
I really want to hear The Arcade Fire, too. So.
Nice to have you back. It makes this whole thing just go lots better. I don't have to force as much content out, people have someone they like who they can read about; once again it becomes less about me being an asshole and more about me playing foil to your good nature.
I really want to hear The Arcade Fire, too. So.
Hmm.
.:I listened to Weezer's 'Pinkerton' last night. I'd listened to it once before and it didn't really do much for me but last night a started to dig it. When I woke up this afternoon it was in that place in my head where music stays.
Er...nifty.
.:Watched American Splendor tonight with my brother. A good movie that reminded me that I met a gentlemen last year when working at Bennidito's Pizza who claimed to be the stepson or nephew or some shit of Robert Crumb. The last name on his check was Crumb, so who knows.
.:I'm checking out the Friendster thing.
.:I've had the urge to use the slang 'Hella' lately. Don't be surprised if I do. I first heard it on a road trip to San Francisco around 1995.
.:Coming attractions: Where the hell have I been?
.:I'm checking out the Friendster thing.
.:I've had the urge to use the slang 'Hella' lately. Don't be surprised if I do. I first heard it on a road trip to San Francisco around 1995.
.:Coming attractions: Where the hell have I been?
Friday, December 3
Thursday, December 2
Must work this into conversation
.: "If I had a reason for everything I did, I'd be crazy"-Fighter, 8 bit Theatre.
I've finally figured it out.
The Livejounal- http://www.livejournal.com/users/razorclaw/
will be where I put ideas up for discussion. People can talk back easier there, and, it seems, want to.
Here-the blog, I will just put up tiny linkages, like w/todays comic. There might be tiny things, and comments are certainly welcome, but until Aaron gets back, I don't expect my content to be too deep. I hope he comes back soon, as I enjoy conversing with my friend.
The web site-which you can clicky to if you press the 'My Betterest Friend' link on the right-is where I'll do the longer thoughts, and give less than a fuck if people want to talk to me about them. Show reviews, poems, rants, all that stuff. Lists of linkages. Thinks I like. There will be email links, but nothing 'postable' since I consider posted discussions akin to blog porn; watchable, but not meant to be private, and email to be like the letters of yore, when they were written on substances known as paper and kept inside your jacket for warmth.
I don't expect anyone or everyone to go all these places all the time. I just wanted to establish some kind of guideline, for myself at least, and let everyone know so they can pick and choose which side of me they'd like to sample today.
I'm a buffet!/special in joke
I've finally figured it out.
The Livejounal- http://www.livejournal.com/users/razorclaw/
will be where I put ideas up for discussion. People can talk back easier there, and, it seems, want to.
Here-the blog, I will just put up tiny linkages, like w/todays comic. There might be tiny things, and comments are certainly welcome, but until Aaron gets back, I don't expect my content to be too deep. I hope he comes back soon, as I enjoy conversing with my friend.
The web site-which you can clicky to if you press the 'My Betterest Friend' link on the right-is where I'll do the longer thoughts, and give less than a fuck if people want to talk to me about them. Show reviews, poems, rants, all that stuff. Lists of linkages. Thinks I like. There will be email links, but nothing 'postable' since I consider posted discussions akin to blog porn; watchable, but not meant to be private, and email to be like the letters of yore, when they were written on substances known as paper and kept inside your jacket for warmth.
I don't expect anyone or everyone to go all these places all the time. I just wanted to establish some kind of guideline, for myself at least, and let everyone know so they can pick and choose which side of me they'd like to sample today.
I'm a buffet!/special in joke
Tuesday, November 23
New reading
.: I was reminded last night that it's a very, very small world.
In the meantime, read the link. Good stuff, once again, from my patron Saint.
In the meantime, read the link. Good stuff, once again, from my patron Saint.
Friday, November 19
whoring out
.: I just wanted to have There Is A Blue Light somewhere, so I put it in the LJ.
Well, that, and I wanted some kind of fucking post there.
There's something more than profoundly beautiful about that song, and when you couple it with the last movie I saw-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is great- I think I may be revealing more than I know about my mental state.
The house is throwing a party tomorrow. And the old friend is coming back to visit. That tingle I get when something good is coming-that's what I got.
Well, that, and I wanted some kind of fucking post there.
There's something more than profoundly beautiful about that song, and when you couple it with the last movie I saw-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is great- I think I may be revealing more than I know about my mental state.
The house is throwing a party tomorrow. And the old friend is coming back to visit. That tingle I get when something good is coming-that's what I got.
Thursday, November 18
Mornings
Woke up. Didn't really want to get up. It's Nov 18, 2004, and I don't feel like going to work. Spenet 3 minutes, just standing in front of the bathroom mirror in my underwear, wondering if I should just say the hell with it and call in sick.
This isn't depression, understand. I just know that I don't have a lot to do today that needs to be done. I'm tired. Woke up tired. I've mostly recovered from the cold, but tendrils still remain.
It just feels like one of those days when I'd be better off playing Metroid and kickin' it on the couch than doing anything useful.
Word is, the new Metal Gear Solid is worth playing as well. But I have Metroid and it's sucking me into the Aether world. I'll take it, right now. There seems to be new and interesting things to look at, and I find myself scanning everything in the game, sometimes 2 or 3 times, just to get a handle on what the fuck it is I'm looking at. The controls are as they were in Metroid Prime, and I'm very focused-far more than usual, at looking around at everthing to try and get the most out of my adventure. It's a little difficult at the start, insofar as once you set down a path, going backward isn't made possible. I figure that will change, but right now it's a little annoying because I don't always know that I'm chosing to go on a one way path, and I haven't always explored enough before going through the door.
I haven't even been at work for an hour and I want to go home and take a nap. Just blow this day off, drink some tea, play videogames until my head asplode.
I think I would've done it if there'd been someone to blow the day off with. It's that kind of day-you can't quite justify saying 'fuck it' yourself, but someone else giving you that nudge-and you're gone. You've decided to do it before you've decided to do it, you know?
The sun looked like a sigil of the apocalypse, gray clouds diffusing the faint light around it giving us only a yellow-gray ball of doom. There was an accident on Hawthorne bridge in the jousting lane, which had me arriving later to work than intended.
All signs point to staying the fuck home. I should listen to myself more often.
This isn't depression, understand. I just know that I don't have a lot to do today that needs to be done. I'm tired. Woke up tired. I've mostly recovered from the cold, but tendrils still remain.
It just feels like one of those days when I'd be better off playing Metroid and kickin' it on the couch than doing anything useful.
Word is, the new Metal Gear Solid is worth playing as well. But I have Metroid and it's sucking me into the Aether world. I'll take it, right now. There seems to be new and interesting things to look at, and I find myself scanning everything in the game, sometimes 2 or 3 times, just to get a handle on what the fuck it is I'm looking at. The controls are as they were in Metroid Prime, and I'm very focused-far more than usual, at looking around at everthing to try and get the most out of my adventure. It's a little difficult at the start, insofar as once you set down a path, going backward isn't made possible. I figure that will change, but right now it's a little annoying because I don't always know that I'm chosing to go on a one way path, and I haven't always explored enough before going through the door.
I haven't even been at work for an hour and I want to go home and take a nap. Just blow this day off, drink some tea, play videogames until my head asplode.
I think I would've done it if there'd been someone to blow the day off with. It's that kind of day-you can't quite justify saying 'fuck it' yourself, but someone else giving you that nudge-and you're gone. You've decided to do it before you've decided to do it, you know?
The sun looked like a sigil of the apocalypse, gray clouds diffusing the faint light around it giving us only a yellow-gray ball of doom. There was an accident on Hawthorne bridge in the jousting lane, which had me arriving later to work than intended.
All signs point to staying the fuck home. I should listen to myself more often.
Tuesday, November 16
YAAAY!!!
.: There are times when I see or hear emails such as "watch greatest incest video ever", that I cannot wait-am actually praying for armageddon. For the gods to come, and raze the earth, and take the mostly good and punish everyone else.
Then, things like the link come along. You'll need Flash. And sound.
But it just makes my entire day better.
I need to know who does this song. It's like...balm for my soul.
Edit:
Mein Fuz, whom I love, had found this:
http://www.tism.com.au/
Then, things like the link come along. You'll need Flash. And sound.
But it just makes my entire day better.
I need to know who does this song. It's like...balm for my soul.
Edit:
Mein Fuz, whom I love, had found this:
http://www.tism.com.au/
Saturday, November 13
New
.: I've done a new rant. Just something to think about in the troubled times and all. Comment if you wish. Link is where you'd except it to be.
Thursday, November 11
Wha?
.: So...I'm flipping thru the blog, no? Call it narcissism, but I do like to reread what I wrote, sometimes. There can be jems in there-and not. Occasionally there are comments-but this is rare.
Then I read this comment on the last post:
"Doug said... hola .. if you're interested in finding out how deep the rabbit hole really goes contact me 3:18 AM"
Now, really. What the fuck is going on here? You are not Morpheus, and I am not fucking Neo, and these little bullshit movie referencing headgames are something I quit giving a fuck about about 10 years ago. Being cryptic is bogus. Just fucking say you want to talk to me, or x,y,z or goddamn email me; it's not hard. You click on buttons. These buttons produce symbols on the screen known as letters-and I read those letters, decrypt what it is you're saying and we have a dialogue.
Otherwise, you're wasting my time.
Then I read this comment on the last post:
"Doug said... hola .. if you're interested in finding out how deep the rabbit hole really goes contact me 3:18 AM"
Now, really. What the fuck is going on here? You are not Morpheus, and I am not fucking Neo, and these little bullshit movie referencing headgames are something I quit giving a fuck about about 10 years ago. Being cryptic is bogus. Just fucking say you want to talk to me, or x,y,z or goddamn email me; it's not hard. You click on buttons. These buttons produce symbols on the screen known as letters-and I read those letters, decrypt what it is you're saying and we have a dialogue.
Otherwise, you're wasting my time.
Friday, November 5
When it's over...
.: Yeesh. I'm tired. A little sick, too, I think.
I've been trying to combat, in some manner, the depression that has sunk into not only my friends, but myself, due to the election results. The linkage shows the interesting debate I've been having.
Sigh. It's fucking depressing. Being a cheerleader when, really, I should be advocating the end days I think. But-and here's the rub-I don't quit. If I did, I'd've stopped writing long, long ago.
I've had the adventure of a couple 'dates' in the past month. I guess they were dates. I just went out, talked and drank beer/ate food. It never felt like a date-mostly b/c I wasn't thinking; hey, this is something I'd like to turn into a romance/sex/whatever thing. I just figure-fuck it, am I having a nice time?
Nor did any kind of romance/sex/whatever type thing present itself. Women. I think they know they should avoid me right now. Maybe I should move so I can get laid again. Yes, getting laid is still something I'd like to do. Nicely, so that nobody gets hurt, but without anyone asking me for anything.
I don't feel like doing anything but dictating the terms of a relationship, right now.
I won't deny feeling all fucked up. But I really don't want to feel pathetic. Hence, I need some goddamned rest.
And I need to work on the fucking book. Time, I just need more time.
I've been trying to combat, in some manner, the depression that has sunk into not only my friends, but myself, due to the election results. The linkage shows the interesting debate I've been having.
Sigh. It's fucking depressing. Being a cheerleader when, really, I should be advocating the end days I think. But-and here's the rub-I don't quit. If I did, I'd've stopped writing long, long ago.
I've had the adventure of a couple 'dates' in the past month. I guess they were dates. I just went out, talked and drank beer/ate food. It never felt like a date-mostly b/c I wasn't thinking; hey, this is something I'd like to turn into a romance/sex/whatever thing. I just figure-fuck it, am I having a nice time?
Nor did any kind of romance/sex/whatever type thing present itself. Women. I think they know they should avoid me right now. Maybe I should move so I can get laid again. Yes, getting laid is still something I'd like to do. Nicely, so that nobody gets hurt, but without anyone asking me for anything.
I don't feel like doing anything but dictating the terms of a relationship, right now.
I won't deny feeling all fucked up. But I really don't want to feel pathetic. Hence, I need some goddamned rest.
And I need to work on the fucking book. Time, I just need more time.
Tuesday, November 2
GodDAMN I'm a dick
.: I know that I shouldn't be wasing my life on Magic General Fourm discussion boards. I know this.
But it's just such a safe place to be a dick to people like Cronac.
http://tinyurl.com/5hwtn
For example. Or
http://tinyurl.com/6ujd6
But truthfully, you have to see this to understand why I'm calling him smallshoes.
http://tinyurl.com/4xrvc
I know, I know. I shouldn't be such a spiteful, hateful fucker to people who have different values than I do.
Guess I'll have to work on that.
But it's just such a safe place to be a dick to people like Cronac.
http://tinyurl.com/5hwtn
For example. Or
http://tinyurl.com/6ujd6
But truthfully, you have to see this to understand why I'm calling him smallshoes.
http://tinyurl.com/4xrvc
I know, I know. I shouldn't be such a spiteful, hateful fucker to people who have different values than I do.
Guess I'll have to work on that.
Tuesday, October 26
Messenger of fear in sight
.: Currently listening to Metallica's Master of Puppets.
Fuckin' a. I don't care what I say about their '90's career-and I say a lot, about how badly it sucked.
But jesus christ on a pogostick getting hummers from Ann Coulter, that album stomps the living shit out of everything. Turn that bitch up to 11 and scare the neighbors.
Because sometimes, that's the only thing that makes any fucking sense.
Something that's louder than everything else.
Fuckin' a. I don't care what I say about their '90's career-and I say a lot, about how badly it sucked.
But jesus christ on a pogostick getting hummers from Ann Coulter, that album stomps the living shit out of everything. Turn that bitch up to 11 and scare the neighbors.
Because sometimes, that's the only thing that makes any fucking sense.
Something that's louder than everything else.
Saturday, October 23
Brew Day
.: It's time. I've put it off far longer than I meant to, but today...
I brew.
I'm making a Dunkle. No, I don't exactly know what that means. But it looked interesting and dark, like my halfbeaten heart, so I'm going for it.
Besides, it's a good 3 weeks before I find out if it's any damn good...and foist it off on any unsuspecting fool who has to drink the crap I brewed up.
But I hope not. I hope it comes out great and I get hella drunk.
Tonight; Twilight Singers. Sexy.
Oh, Aaron, wherefore art thou?
I brew.
I'm making a Dunkle. No, I don't exactly know what that means. But it looked interesting and dark, like my halfbeaten heart, so I'm going for it.
Besides, it's a good 3 weeks before I find out if it's any damn good...and foist it off on any unsuspecting fool who has to drink the crap I brewed up.
But I hope not. I hope it comes out great and I get hella drunk.
Tonight; Twilight Singers. Sexy.
Oh, Aaron, wherefore art thou?
Wednesday, October 20
Why I'm not voting Republican
.: "I don't think I'm good enough in bed to fuck if I
vote republican. And there's no way you're that
desperate."
Shit; is any Republican good enough in bed to fuck?
vote republican. And there's no way you're that
desperate."
Shit; is any Republican good enough in bed to fuck?
Wednesday, October 13
Today's wisdom
.: "The point is: I don't care how fat you are; you don't travel south of the Mason-Dixon line for pussy."
Brought to you by The Onion.
Brought to you by The Onion.
Sunday, October 10
Fucking computers
.: It's late. I'm tired. I want to make a post on my web site and I can't-but this has to do with not being able to put a new music file up.
So.
The fucking cat is meowing-and it's not my cat-and I'm tired.
Saw some dreamscrewing things at the SG event tonight. Good times. But I won't claim..well much considering my alcohol leve.
So.
The fucking cat is meowing-and it's not my cat-and I'm tired.
Saw some dreamscrewing things at the SG event tonight. Good times. But I won't claim..well much considering my alcohol leve.
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