Belgian beer behemoth Inbev through its ownership of Anheuser- Busch has bought out Futon Street Brewery (Honkers) for a reported $38.8 million.
This is sad news news to me, and I hope it isn't the beginning of the beer overlords trying to buy out regional breweries. The state of American beer is strong right now, and I feel it is largely because of the diversity of smaller breweries.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
A Man and His Cat - Round 2
If you have tracked my blog at all, you may remember a story I had about a fellow from work who became a little emotional when reflecting on his recently-decease-castrated feline. Today, this man became far more strange to me. If you haven't read that story, it's probably a good prerequisite for reading on. Here is that story if you're bored: A Man and His cat
Around lunch time this afternoon, he payed his usual visit to me.
Over the last two or three months, he's been asking me to visit a local-weekend farmer's market that he sets up at where he sells his "famous" rib rubs. I put famous in the quotations because that is a direct quote from him. He doesn't chuckle (actually, he cackles when he does laugh) or anything afterwards, he's very persistent about his rib rubs being notorious (in fact, he told me that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is a returning customer...yay).
So he's been asking me for a while and I've actually been trying to get up there and visit him. Unfortunately, I'm usually tied up with work or something else early on Saturdays, so I haven't been able to attend.
Well, I always assumed that he was simply being friendly about him asking for my presence, but today I had a revelation that cut deep into my masculinity. I'm fairly certain two things occurred today:
1) He asked me out on a date.
2) He was wearing perfume.
I think he's gay (it wasn't the perfume that gave me the hint, believe it or not). Now, that's not where the problem lies. The problem is that I'm confident in the fact he thinks I'm gay. I have zero problems with gay people. In fact, I promote the gay lifestyle; it controls the population and they're always so happy. Besides, I do live in a city with a high gay population (which he knows, and he also lives in) and they upkeep their property. I know this is a blanketed statement and somewhat of a stereotype I'm applying, but I don't care.
At any rate, today he asked me to dinner. He didn't say, 'hey, let's get a drink,' or 'man, wanna' catch the game?' No, he said, "you know, lets go out to dinner some time." - Verbatim. I really wasn't sure what was going on when I responded, but I said something along the lines of, 'yeah, we live close, we should catch some drinks or something.' Afterwards when it dawned on me what he said, I was glad I responded with that. It was a very safe response.
Ok, side story (I write like I talk so bare with me): He once asked me to go out for drinks after work on a Friday about four to five months back. I actually needed a drink that day and said, yeah, 'that might work, I could use a beer. Let's get one.' He then responded with, 'I don't drink alcohol.' Seriously! Who the fuck asks anyone out for drinks when they don't drink!?! I can't remember the exact sequence of events, but I escaped that post-work coffee-talk somehow.
Anyways, I'll be honest, this is the first time in my life I've ever gotten the feeling that someone of the same sex has attempted to 'pick me up.' (ok, I'm lying, it's the second). I'm really comfortable with myself, so it doesn't bother me. And actually, I find this all very humorous. Now, if he becomes as persistent with this as he does about his rib rub station at the farmer's market, I might need to find a corrective action plan (an automotive term is appropriate).
There's really no conclusion to this story. I wish I had an epic ending or something more to elaborate on. This, however, is only the second chapter in this ever-growing book of hilarity - to me anyways.
This man is a complete cartoon character. Plant life.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Song of the Day (3.15.2011)
The Rural Alberta Advantage - "Don't Haunt this Place"
UPDATE: Picked up their newest album Departing and have been really digging the track Stamp.
UPDATE: Picked up their newest album Departing and have been really digging the track Stamp.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Song of the Day (3.14.2011)
This Will Destroy You - "Quiet"
ESPN had another great entry in their 30 for 30 series of documentaries last night, The Fab 5. Being a freshman in high school at the time I thought they were the coolest team to ever step onto the hardwood. All that aside I immensely impressed by a song used in the final montage of the film. It sounded familiar- Trans-Am? Mogwai? Sigur Ros? Godspeed? Nope. This Will Destroy You from Texas.
Still cannot believe I'm posting a song I heard first on ESPN. I really thought they had an exclusive deal with Black Eyed Peas, LInkin Park, and Nickelback.
ESPN had another great entry in their 30 for 30 series of documentaries last night, The Fab 5. Being a freshman in high school at the time I thought they were the coolest team to ever step onto the hardwood. All that aside I immensely impressed by a song used in the final montage of the film. It sounded familiar- Trans-Am? Mogwai? Sigur Ros? Godspeed? Nope. This Will Destroy You from Texas.
Still cannot believe I'm posting a song I heard first on ESPN. I really thought they had an exclusive deal with Black Eyed Peas, LInkin Park, and Nickelback.
I Finally Have a Hero
This man is my hero. Plain and simple. I learned two things form this video:
1) How to do wicked dance moves.
2) Why not to do blow before a family function.
1) How to do wicked dance moves.
2) Why not to do blow before a family function.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Video Days
I am typically averse to top-whatever lists. I find them to be cheap and subjective, with many set up just to stir the pot and create fake controversy. I'm going to do one anyhow, but to stay to my principles there won't be any numbering or ranking. Instead I prefer just to state what it is I like about each.
Before hitting the streets in my younger days it became sacred to pop in a video, or part of a video to get ourselves up for what we were about to go do. It was our motivational speech, our Rudy.
Before hitting the streets in my younger days it became sacred to pop in a video, or part of a video to get ourselves up for what we were about to go do. It was our motivational speech, our Rudy.
Remarkable Chernobyl Video
This six minute video was shot by esteemed Ukranian videographer/journalist. He was one of very few with unfettered access of the facility, and died of exposure related cancer within weeks of the filming.
Perhaps the most chilling images (4:17) are those of the "biorobots" who were shoveling radioactive graphite from the roof of the reactor. The radiation levels at this area was measured at several thousand roentgens. According to the video this exposure would cause their bodies to shut down within an hour, and to add further perspective an exposure of about 500 R in 5 hours is lethal for humans. The intensity of the radiation was so intense in this area that a helicopter pilot flying above is shown becoming radiation sick and crashing.
Another gripping segment (3:09) of the video chronicles the human excavators who had to tunnel below the reactor, where the radioactive elements had melted down to, in effort to pour concrete underneath. This was done in effort to vault the radioactive elements by supporting the hundreds of tons of filler materials the filled in above.
I am relieved that technical advancements in nuclear science in concert with sound engineering has avoided such a situation in Japan.
Perhaps the most chilling images (4:17) are those of the "biorobots" who were shoveling radioactive graphite from the roof of the reactor. The radiation levels at this area was measured at several thousand roentgens. According to the video this exposure would cause their bodies to shut down within an hour, and to add further perspective an exposure of about 500 R in 5 hours is lethal for humans. The intensity of the radiation was so intense in this area that a helicopter pilot flying above is shown becoming radiation sick and crashing.
Another gripping segment (3:09) of the video chronicles the human excavators who had to tunnel below the reactor, where the radioactive elements had melted down to, in effort to pour concrete underneath. This was done in effort to vault the radioactive elements by supporting the hundreds of tons of filler materials the filled in above.
I am relieved that technical advancements in nuclear science in concert with sound engineering has avoided such a situation in Japan.
A Word From Our Sponsors
We live in a curious age that has recently been marked by class warfare that stems from a corporate sponsorship/ownership of world governments. As a group Anonymous has made it a point to expose fraudulent links between corporations and puppet governments. Moving in a parallel direction are scads of citizen protests around the globe that are seeking to restore governments that represent and work for the people. These can be seen in Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, China, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.
Over the weekend Anon sent a press release to Gawker Media stating intentions to release documents proving systemic fraud within Bank of America.
Alongside this a video was uploaded yesterday announcing Operation Empire State Rebellion. It is something I only thought I would only see in science-fiction, but alas this is the reality we find ourselves in.
Full speech from the excerpt at the end (quite relevant):
Over the weekend Anon sent a press release to Gawker Media stating intentions to release documents proving systemic fraud within Bank of America.
OperationLeaks, which runs the anti-Bank of America site BankofAmericasuck.com, says the employee contacted the group to blow the whistle on Bank of America's shady business practices. "I seen some of the emails… I can tell you Grade A Fraud in its purest form…" read one tweet. "He Just told me he have GMAC emails showing BoA order to mix loan numbers to not match it's Documents.. to foreclose on Americans.. Shame."
Alongside this a video was uploaded yesterday announcing Operation Empire State Rebellion. It is something I only thought I would only see in science-fiction, but alas this is the reality we find ourselves in.
Full speech from the excerpt at the end (quite relevant):
Song of the Day (3.13.2011)
Blood for Blood - "Wasted Youth Crew"
Reading all the shit going on in WI, and how governors in OH, FL, MI, and others are working feverishly to take away citizen rights- how their actions have related to a Constitutionalist, libertarian platform is mind boggling to me- has put me in a bit of an off mood this morning. Sure, it could be the lost hour of sleep last night, but whatever, I have a bee in a bonnet. So, fuck you.
Reading all the shit going on in WI, and how governors in OH, FL, MI, and others are working feverishly to take away citizen rights- how their actions have related to a Constitutionalist, libertarian platform is mind boggling to me- has put me in a bit of an off mood this morning. Sure, it could be the lost hour of sleep last night, but whatever, I have a bee in a bonnet. So, fuck you.
Friday, March 11, 2011
A-Kick-A-Flip
Skateboarding and its associated cultures have always held my attention. One of the primary aspects that's captivated me is how the growth in the sport mirrors the growth an individual. It is at base a man vs. himself conflict being acted out. It is raw, and it is emotional.
Growing up skateboarding I had always been drawn to surfing. At the core they are essentially the same, but surfing always seemed more pure and less violent. Being stuck in southeast Michigan was a tease. We had as much water and cast as anywhere, but surfing was hardly on the menu. Because of that surfing slowly took on mystical qualities, and it remains on- I can't believe I'm using this term- bucket list. (blech)
While out with friends skating we often talked about what skate trick would be coolest on a surfboard. The hands down favorite was always the same. Kickflip. Surfing was starting to really progress at the time and ariels were becoming common. Still a kickflip was a whole new game. I seemed impossible. The water provided no leverage, and the board- while smaller than ever- was still clumsy for this time of trick. It was so out of the realm that Volcom posted a $10,000 bounty for the first one filmed.
Growing up skateboarding I had always been drawn to surfing. At the core they are essentially the same, but surfing always seemed more pure and less violent. Being stuck in southeast Michigan was a tease. We had as much water and cast as anywhere, but surfing was hardly on the menu. Because of that surfing slowly took on mystical qualities, and it remains on- I can't believe I'm using this term- bucket list. (blech)
While out with friends skating we often talked about what skate trick would be coolest on a surfboard. The hands down favorite was always the same. Kickflip. Surfing was starting to really progress at the time and ariels were becoming common. Still a kickflip was a whole new game. I seemed impossible. The water provided no leverage, and the board- while smaller than ever- was still clumsy for this time of trick. It was so out of the realm that Volcom posted a $10,000 bounty for the first one filmed.
Slippery When Wet
Something about this product screams hilarity. What the hell could that be?
It's apparently the "largest gummy worm ever made." It's the "implication" that it's something else (in a Dennis voice from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia).
Here's where you can purchase it (for only $27.95!): perpetualkid.com
For those who are lazy, this is the product below:
It's apparently the "largest gummy worm ever made." It's the "implication" that it's something else (in a Dennis voice from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia).
Here's where you can purchase it (for only $27.95!): perpetualkid.com
For those who are lazy, this is the product below:
NSFW: Holy Crap! 7 vs. 1 Gang Fight
Ok, this guy might be the biggest bad ass ever. This is a jaw-dropping video. I'm sure the guy with the baseball bat isn't exactly a prince of human being, but regardless, he's hardcore.
There's rough language, so I'd deem this NSFW.
Just Watch:
There's rough language, so I'd deem this NSFW.
Just Watch:
Song of the Day (3.11.2011)
The Tallest Man on Earth - "The Wild Hunt"
Does he sound like Dylan? Yeah, so what?
Kristian Matsson is from Sweden and he's now released a couple of full length folk albums. The Wild Hunt (which is where this song is from - obviously) is his second album that he's released. It was released in early 2010 and strong recommended if you can tolerate folk. This is a more intimate recording of "The Wild Hunt," but it's even better than the album version; which is hard to imagine.
Does he sound like Dylan? Yeah, so what?
Kristian Matsson is from Sweden and he's now released a couple of full length folk albums. The Wild Hunt (which is where this song is from - obviously) is his second album that he's released. It was released in early 2010 and strong recommended if you can tolerate folk. This is a more intimate recording of "The Wild Hunt," but it's even better than the album version; which is hard to imagine.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Spring Equals Baseball: 2011 Predictions
Living in Detroit, April means two things: the dawn of summer and Tigers baseball.
I'm usually a very pessimistic Detroit Tigers fan. It's difficult to get to excited for a team that really hasn't had anything outstanding happen in 20 years. I won't ignore what they did in 2006, but it's becoming increasingly more difficult to call that team a great team as the years pass. Some of pieces that were here that year are still here, but many of those are either aging or haven't been able to replicate what they did since then (cough, cough, Inge, Zumaya).
At any rate, I have a bit of a different opinion this year. It's not necessarily that I think the Tigers are far and away the best team in the AL Central, but I honestly believe they are the best of the pack.
Without further ado, here's my predictions for the 2011 baseball season:
I'm usually a very pessimistic Detroit Tigers fan. It's difficult to get to excited for a team that really hasn't had anything outstanding happen in 20 years. I won't ignore what they did in 2006, but it's becoming increasingly more difficult to call that team a great team as the years pass. Some of pieces that were here that year are still here, but many of those are either aging or haven't been able to replicate what they did since then (cough, cough, Inge, Zumaya).
At any rate, I have a bit of a different opinion this year. It's not necessarily that I think the Tigers are far and away the best team in the AL Central, but I honestly believe they are the best of the pack.
Without further ado, here's my predictions for the 2011 baseball season:
Song of the Day (3.10.2011)
The Dodos - "Going Under"
The Dodos fourth studio album, No Color, has leaked. Despite me already paying for the digital download when it'll be released next week, I'm excited to announce that this album is everything I was hoping for. I'm not ready to say it's better than their previous album Time to Die, but it's close. Only time will tell.
The song here is what I consider to be one of the standout tracks. It very typical as far as a Dodos song goes. It has a huge percussion section and change of paces that seem to occur every minute of the song.
The Dodos fourth studio album, No Color, has leaked. Despite me already paying for the digital download when it'll be released next week, I'm excited to announce that this album is everything I was hoping for. I'm not ready to say it's better than their previous album Time to Die, but it's close. Only time will tell.
The song here is what I consider to be one of the standout tracks. It very typical as far as a Dodos song goes. It has a huge percussion section and change of paces that seem to occur every minute of the song.
Gayngs Relayted Regrind: Affiliyated
Gayngs have allowed a fellow midwestern group to remash, remix, regrind, or whatever you want to call it, to their debut Relayted.
The group that was allowed to do this is called Doomtree. It's not a gorup in the sense that they are a band, but instead a record label consisting of a group of rappers and producers. This "regrind" album is called Affiliyated.
The only stipulation that Gayngs gave them was that they A) had to used 10 of their beats/sounds without them knowing what they were prior to using them, and B) had to maintian the 69bpm that they used for Relayted. There were a lot of rumors regarding how the album would be distributed, but it's been released as a free download.
I really dig this remash. Download it, you'll love it. I also highly suggest listening to the actual Gayngs album first. It's fantastic. Below I included two links. One to download a few of the Gayngs tracks that were recorded over at Daytrotter (including an amazing Sade cover - "By Your Side"), and the link to the Doomtree regrind. Both downloads are free.
Gayngs Tracks
Affiliyated by Doomtree
The group that was allowed to do this is called Doomtree. It's not a gorup in the sense that they are a band, but instead a record label consisting of a group of rappers and producers. This "regrind" album is called Affiliyated.
The only stipulation that Gayngs gave them was that they A) had to used 10 of their beats/sounds without them knowing what they were prior to using them, and B) had to maintian the 69bpm that they used for Relayted. There were a lot of rumors regarding how the album would be distributed, but it's been released as a free download.
I really dig this remash. Download it, you'll love it. I also highly suggest listening to the actual Gayngs album first. It's fantastic. Below I included two links. One to download a few of the Gayngs tracks that were recorded over at Daytrotter (including an amazing Sade cover - "By Your Side"), and the link to the Doomtree regrind. Both downloads are free.
Gayngs Tracks
Affiliyated by Doomtree
Online Dating Message of the Day: #3, 4, 5, and 6.
Today, I have not a two-pack, or even a three-pack, but a quad-pack!
These are so short and to the point I decided to group them together. It's not a coincidence that these don't contain a capital letter. I'm going to see how long I can post without one!
I REALLY wish I could post pictures for this one.
**********
#3:
Age: 20
Race: White
Size: Thin
Children: 2
Have a car: No
Three of her hobbies/interests: NASCAR, Weed, and Fishing.
"hey boy! hit me back."
My Opinion:
No. When you watch NASCAR, is it like window shopping? At the very least I hope you have a bike to haul your children in.
**********
#4:
Age: 29
Race: White
Size: Large
Children: 1
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: driving
"do drugs?"
My Opinion:
What's funny about the site that this is from, you don't know which answer they're looking. It could go either way.
Also, that's not a typo. Her only interest she listed was "driving." Lets do drugs and drive, baby!!!
**********
#5:
Age: 29
Race: White
Size: BBW
Children: Doesn't Want Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: money, my 89 mustang, and writing.
"if u cum this way [Redford] msg me"
My opinion:
What 29 year old spells come as "cum?" I mean, it was really funny when I was 13. I guess in Redford that's how they roll.
I also think its' becoming a trend that the women who online date love (correction, "luv") money. Although, I'm tempted with this one...she has an 89 MUSTANG!?!?! HOT! At least she's a writer...?
**********
#6:
Age: 22
Race: Black
Size: Average
Children: Wants Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: guyz, carz, and ca$h. (listed in that order)
"u hung?"
My Opinion:
Of course the black chick asks this. And the answer is, incredibly.
**********
These are so short and to the point I decided to group them together. It's not a coincidence that these don't contain a capital letter. I'm going to see how long I can post without one!
I REALLY wish I could post pictures for this one.
**********
#3:
Age: 20
Race: White
Size: Thin
Children: 2
Have a car: No
Three of her hobbies/interests: NASCAR, Weed, and Fishing.
"hey boy! hit me back."
My Opinion:
No. When you watch NASCAR, is it like window shopping? At the very least I hope you have a bike to haul your children in.
**********
#4:
Age: 29
Race: White
Size: Large
Children: 1
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: driving
"do drugs?"
My Opinion:
What's funny about the site that this is from, you don't know which answer they're looking. It could go either way.
Also, that's not a typo. Her only interest she listed was "driving." Lets do drugs and drive, baby!!!
**********
#5:
Age: 29
Race: White
Size: BBW
Children: Doesn't Want Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: money, my 89 mustang, and writing.
"if u cum this way [Redford] msg me"
My opinion:
What 29 year old spells come as "cum?" I mean, it was really funny when I was 13. I guess in Redford that's how they roll.
I also think its' becoming a trend that the women who online date love (correction, "luv") money. Although, I'm tempted with this one...she has an 89 MUSTANG!?!?! HOT! At least she's a writer...?
**********
#6:
Age: 22
Race: Black
Size: Average
Children: Wants Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: guyz, carz, and ca$h. (listed in that order)
"u hung?"
My Opinion:
Of course the black chick asks this. And the answer is, incredibly.
**********
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
There are More Good People Than Bad People
I love this story. Something I've learned through my travels is that there are a significantly larger number of good people than there are bad people. A person may wear something crazy, have missing teeth, speak a foreign language, listen to bad Russian rap, or eat blood sausage. This does not mean they are bad. These people are different. They are also usually nice.
Enjoy this story!
Enjoy this story!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Online Dating Message of the Day: #2
Today brings on a new quote and adventurous female. Well, adventurous might be an overstatement, but none-the less, here's today's Online Dating Message of the Day:
**********
#2:
Age: 39
Race: Black
Size: BBW
Children: Undecided/Open
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: dubs, money, and fine dine.
"hi hotie! i think u shood get back at me. cuz we shake it. reelz job n reeelz good cookin?! ~~~ "
**********
My Opinion:
I'm fairly certain this message was text messaged in. I'm not sure, but judging by the shorthand, that's my guess. The truth is though, this most likely wasn't sent from a phone.
I also have to ask myself if she's asking if I have a reelz job and can cook, or if she has a reelz job and can cook. If she made that more clear, I might consider writing back. Shit, I don't care what she looks like. If she wants to come over and cook, I'll just pay her to do that. But then again, she may already have a reelz job, so she could take offense. I've eaten some damn-good meals out, and I doubt they were often cooked by beautiful people. Besides, I love me some soul food!
Ironically though, I too am very into money and fine dine[ing]. So, maybe there's potential.
Another thing worth noting is that I just wrote this and realized something. I'm on day #2 of these messages and so far, zero capital letters. I'm seeing a trend...
**********
#2:
Age: 39
Race: Black
Size: BBW
Children: Undecided/Open
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: dubs, money, and fine dine.
"hi hotie! i think u shood get back at me. cuz we shake it. reelz job n reeelz good cookin?! ~~~ "
**********
My Opinion:
I'm fairly certain this message was text messaged in. I'm not sure, but judging by the shorthand, that's my guess. The truth is though, this most likely wasn't sent from a phone.
I also have to ask myself if she's asking if I have a reelz job and can cook, or if she has a reelz job and can cook. If she made that more clear, I might consider writing back. Shit, I don't care what she looks like. If she wants to come over and cook, I'll just pay her to do that. But then again, she may already have a reelz job, so she could take offense. I've eaten some damn-good meals out, and I doubt they were often cooked by beautiful people. Besides, I love me some soul food!
Ironically though, I too am very into money and fine dine[ing]. So, maybe there's potential.
Another thing worth noting is that I just wrote this and realized something. I'm on day #2 of these messages and so far, zero capital letters. I'm seeing a trend...
Song of the Day (3.8.2011)
Placebo - "You Don't Care About Us"
A jam. Nothing more to add other than the fact if you don't own the albums Placebo (self-titled) or Without You I'm Nothing (which is where this is from), you're missing out. Two of my favorite albums from the 90s.
A jam. Nothing more to add other than the fact if you don't own the albums Placebo (self-titled) or Without You I'm Nothing (which is where this is from), you're missing out. Two of my favorite albums from the 90s.
Prepare to Convert!
This is all kinds of amazing. I've never been too deep into any religion, but after seeing the intro to the Evangel Cathedral church, I think I just found my savior.
And please, don't skip anything. It only gets better.
***Warning: The site plays sound automatically, so turn the volume down (but not too far down) if you're at work.
Evangel Cathedral Church website
And please, don't skip anything. It only gets better.
***Warning: The site plays sound automatically, so turn the volume down (but not too far down) if you're at work.
Evangel Cathedral Church website
Monday, March 7, 2011
Online Dating Message of the Day: #1
I made a post earlier today containing a video of a potential online dater with a case of the "twitches." After posting that I realized that I had an online dating profile that I setup almost a year ago that I gave up on (and it won't take long for you to see why I decided online dating wasn't for me). After several attempts to remember my password, I unlocked the gates to glory!
I had a total of 57 new messages. Yes, that's correct, 57. So, I began scrolling through them and realized that this was comedy gold! Don't get me wrong, there were a few that had a little bit of content, but it appears that most of the people those messages were from are no longer members on the site.
Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to begin posting one of these a day. Most of the messages are only a few words long, but despite that, it's amazing how much humor can be pulled from them.
These are completely unedited. I will not alter these in anyway. What you see is exactly what I received. I can't post pictures, but I will post some of the information I know about them.
**********
#1:
Age: 34
Race: Very White
Size: XS
Children: Does not want Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: bb, monster truck shows, and 420.
"hey there what you go going on today? me just chillin here at the crib doing laundry , yea i agee this sight should be called plenty of weirdos , u have a nice day. smoke erb?"
**********
My opinion:
Where the hell do I begin? A) It's super hot that she's doing laundry. B) What's more amazing is that she spelled "laundry" correctly, but missed the 'r' in "agree." I mean, that defies all logic. I don't want to insult her intelligence, but how do you phonetically fuck that one up?
What is a "bb" that's listed in her interests? Either I'm not up on my acronyms, or she misspelled 'bib'.
Lastly, do I smoke erb? "Erb?" Again, she spelled "laundry" correctly. Maybe she thought there were gay implications if she asked me if I 'smoked Herb.'
I had a total of 57 new messages. Yes, that's correct, 57. So, I began scrolling through them and realized that this was comedy gold! Don't get me wrong, there were a few that had a little bit of content, but it appears that most of the people those messages were from are no longer members on the site.
Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to begin posting one of these a day. Most of the messages are only a few words long, but despite that, it's amazing how much humor can be pulled from them.
These are completely unedited. I will not alter these in anyway. What you see is exactly what I received. I can't post pictures, but I will post some of the information I know about them.
**********
#1:
Age: 34
Race: Very White
Size: XS
Children: Does not want Children
Have a car: Yes
Three of her hobbies/interests: bb, monster truck shows, and 420.
"hey there what you go going on today? me just chillin here at the crib doing laundry , yea i agee this sight should be called plenty of weirdos , u have a nice day. smoke erb?"
**********
My opinion:
Where the hell do I begin? A) It's super hot that she's doing laundry. B) What's more amazing is that she spelled "laundry" correctly, but missed the 'r' in "agree." I mean, that defies all logic. I don't want to insult her intelligence, but how do you phonetically fuck that one up?
What is a "bb" that's listed in her interests? Either I'm not up on my acronyms, or she misspelled 'bib'.
Lastly, do I smoke erb? "Erb?" Again, she spelled "laundry" correctly. Maybe she thought there were gay implications if she asked me if I 'smoked Herb.'
UP!
This is very cool! National Geographic built a life-size replica of the "house with balloons" from Disney/Pixar's UP!. Not only is it a replica, but it's a functioning replica. The house literally flies! It apparently left the ground for over an hour.
This project will be featured on an upcoming National Geographic Channel series called, How Can it Be Made? The show will premier this fall.
Link to article and video via Gizmodo
This project will be featured on an upcoming National Geographic Channel series called, How Can it Be Made? The show will premier this fall.
Link to article and video via Gizmodo
Song of the Day (3.7.2011)
Future Islands - "Long Flight"
Future Islands' album In Evening Air, which was released last year, is one of the most complete albums to come out in a long time. It's an interesting blend of Tom Waits and Joy Division (neither of which I'm too keen of). I highly suggest this album. It doesn't take long to get into the smoothness of the beats and the incredible song writing.
Future Islands' album In Evening Air, which was released last year, is one of the most complete albums to come out in a long time. It's an interesting blend of Tom Waits and Joy Division (neither of which I'm too keen of). I highly suggest this album. It doesn't take long to get into the smoothness of the beats and the incredible song writing.
Policemen are Excellent at Typing
I won't even comment on this. Lets pretend this is like a Where's Waldo? game.
Why NOT to Scare an Asian
Apparently, this was a prank gone wrong. Next time equip a shield when scaring them.
Third in Line For Presidency
This makes me crack up. I can't get over the fact that John Boehner is only two deaths away from President. At least he lives up to his name!
Online Dating
There's a lot of irony in this video for me. I've talked to a lot of women who have online dated, and one of the things they've told me about is that it's difficult to find a guy who doesn't twitch (I know, that sounds weird). This guy is far and beyond the twitches...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Song of the Day (3.4.2011)
Gogol Bordello - "America Wedding"
I've decided I want to use this song as inspiration when planning my future wedding (minus the "marinated herring").
I put the lyrics below the video. Click on on the "read more" to see them.
I've decided I want to use this song as inspiration when planning my future wedding (minus the "marinated herring").
I put the lyrics below the video. Click on on the "read more" to see them.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Song of the Day (3.3.2011)
Lykke Li - "Love Out of Lust"
This is one of the stronger tracks off her delicious new album Wounded Rhymes, released on Tuesday. Few sophomore albums are as good as their first, yet Lykke Li delivers much needed dance tunes to my music doldrums. Check it out. Your legs won't be able to stand still.
This is one of the stronger tracks off her delicious new album Wounded Rhymes, released on Tuesday. Few sophomore albums are as good as their first, yet Lykke Li delivers much needed dance tunes to my music doldrums. Check it out. Your legs won't be able to stand still.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Song of the Day (3.1.2011)
Local Natives - "Cecilia" (Simon & Garfunkel Cover)
These guys cover this song damn well. Actually, it's probably one of my favorite covers I've heard. best of all they look like they're having a blast doing it.
Local Natives have a full length album called Gorilla Manner. It really is an amazing record form beginning to end. Easily a top 5 album from 2010.
These guys cover this song damn well. Actually, it's probably one of my favorite covers I've heard. best of all they look like they're having a blast doing it.
Local Natives have a full length album called Gorilla Manner. It really is an amazing record form beginning to end. Easily a top 5 album from 2010.
Elevator Madness
This is pretty insane. I want to know why people continued to get on. And if they didn't, is this the longest elevator in the world?
Apparently what happened was that the elevator speed increased out of nowhere.
Apparently what happened was that the elevator speed increased out of nowhere.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Road to Recovery: Detroit, Baby!
Detroit is my city and I love it. Despite me growing up in the suburbs and never actually living in the city itself, I consider it my home.
Detroit is a city filled with pride. Whether it be those attached to the city because their great grandparents came here to seek the $5 a day pay rate, or the youth that are attempting to rekindle the “classic” Detroit our parents reminisce about.
I never witnessed the Detroit that was completely functional. And ironically, most of the youth who live in the city that are attempting to revive it never did either. Despite that, those people are attempting to add grease to the gears and transform it back to the well-oiled machine it once was. This is a passionate demographic. The most successful people I’ve ever met or read about are not necessarily the most intelligent or sharpest, but the most passionate.
Having visited many of the major cities in the US, I can confidently say that Detroit is the most unique. “Unique” is a unique word. The definition of that word should ultimately remain undefined by Merriam-Webster with any conventional definition. In fact, if anything, it should simply say:
Unique (yu-neek): Adjective, noun, and verb: 1. Detroit (Please visit the city for definition).
Detroit is a city filled with pride. Whether it be those attached to the city because their great grandparents came here to seek the $5 a day pay rate, or the youth that are attempting to rekindle the “classic” Detroit our parents reminisce about.
I never witnessed the Detroit that was completely functional. And ironically, most of the youth who live in the city that are attempting to revive it never did either. Despite that, those people are attempting to add grease to the gears and transform it back to the well-oiled machine it once was. This is a passionate demographic. The most successful people I’ve ever met or read about are not necessarily the most intelligent or sharpest, but the most passionate.
Having visited many of the major cities in the US, I can confidently say that Detroit is the most unique. “Unique” is a unique word. The definition of that word should ultimately remain undefined by Merriam-Webster with any conventional definition. In fact, if anything, it should simply say:
Unique (yu-neek): Adjective, noun, and verb: 1. Detroit (Please visit the city for definition).
If You Don't Love Me You're Not Human
This is one of the most beautiful things in the world. How can you not smile?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Opinion: My Top 50 Albums
Now, keep in mind that I'm not declaring these as the best 50 albums of all-time, just my favorite. I put my favorite track from each album below each one.
50. Black Milk - Tronic
"Long Story Short"
49. The Shins - Chutes too Narrow
"Saint Simon"
48. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
"Pieces of What"
47. Mercury Rev - Deserter's Song
"Opus 40"
46. The Killers - Hot Fuss
"Smile Like You Mean it"
45. Interpol - Antics
"Slow Hands"
44. Green Day - Dookie
"Pulling Teeth"
43 Gomez - How We Operate
"Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol"
42. Face to Face - Big Choice
"Promises"
41. Elliot Smith - XO
"Independence Day"
50. Black Milk - Tronic
"Long Story Short"
49. The Shins - Chutes too Narrow
"Saint Simon"
48. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
"Pieces of What"
47. Mercury Rev - Deserter's Song
"Opus 40"
46. The Killers - Hot Fuss
"Smile Like You Mean it"
45. Interpol - Antics
"Slow Hands"
44. Green Day - Dookie
"Pulling Teeth"
43 Gomez - How We Operate
"Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol"
42. Face to Face - Big Choice
"Promises"
41. Elliot Smith - XO
"Independence Day"
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Song of the Day (2.24.2011)
Alvino Rey Ochestra - "My Buddy"
The granddad of two members of Arcade Fire is Alvino Rey. This was recorded in 1940.
The granddad of two members of Arcade Fire is Alvino Rey. This was recorded in 1940.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Web of Beer
This is a pretty cool image to check out. It basically breaks beer down into lagers and ales and then shows how different kind of beers are versions of those two categories. Plus, it offers examples of brews from each category. Very educational.
Click on the image to enlarge:
Click on the image to enlarge:
How a $31 Marijuana Bust Costs Taxpayers $100,000+
I'll refrain from commenting on this one.
Here's the article for the lazy. The source can be found below.
"With states across the country facing serious budget deficits, it is important to remember our country’s tough marijuana laws aren’t just unnecessarily cruel to people who break them, but they are also devastating to our states’ budgets.
Here's the article for the lazy. The source can be found below.
"With states across the country facing serious budget deficits, it is important to remember our country’s tough marijuana laws aren’t just unnecessarily cruel to people who break them, but they are also devastating to our states’ budgets.
Song of the Day (2.22.2011)
Matt & Kim - "Block After Block"
These two are great. This song is off of Sidewalks which is a fantastic album with a lot of great beats and hooks. If you ever want to throw it down with some Brit-pop/80's-esque fun, flip on Matt & Kim.
These two are great. This song is off of Sidewalks which is a fantastic album with a lot of great beats and hooks. If you ever want to throw it down with some Brit-pop/80's-esque fun, flip on Matt & Kim.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Song of the Day (2.18.2011)
Fear - "More Beer"
In honor of the weekend being here I find this appropriate.
In honor of the weekend being here I find this appropriate.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Song of the Day (2.16.2011)
Iron and Wine - "Tree by the River"
Iron and Wine is easily one of my favorite bands of all time. Sam Beam might be one of the best singer/songwriters from this decade and he only continues to release great material.
I have mixed feeling about their latest album Kiss Each Other Clean, but it's not like that washes away The Shephard's Dog, Our Endless Numbered Days, The Creek Drank the Cradle, or any of their several EPs (including their collaboration with Calexico).
Actually, some of Iron and Wine's best material might be covers(Such as, Stereolab's "Peng! 33," The Flaming Lip's "Waiting for Superman," New Order's "Love Vigilante," Postal Service's "Such Great Heights"). I strongly urge anyone to look up these tracks and give them a listen.
This song is from their latest album, but it's a track that Beam has been working on for years. In fact there's been several different live versions of the track performed over the years.
What's better than and Iron and Wine album? Hear them live and listening to it organically, like this track here.
Iron and Wine is easily one of my favorite bands of all time. Sam Beam might be one of the best singer/songwriters from this decade and he only continues to release great material.
I have mixed feeling about their latest album Kiss Each Other Clean, but it's not like that washes away The Shephard's Dog, Our Endless Numbered Days, The Creek Drank the Cradle, or any of their several EPs (including their collaboration with Calexico).
Actually, some of Iron and Wine's best material might be covers(Such as, Stereolab's "Peng! 33," The Flaming Lip's "Waiting for Superman," New Order's "Love Vigilante," Postal Service's "Such Great Heights"). I strongly urge anyone to look up these tracks and give them a listen.
This song is from their latest album, but it's a track that Beam has been working on for years. In fact there's been several different live versions of the track performed over the years.
What's better than and Iron and Wine album? Hear them live and listening to it organically, like this track here.
Wrastlin' Ain't Fake!
I midget in a monkey suit getting their shit told. That pretty much sums this one up.
I don't think monkey jr was expecting such a violent explosion.
I don't think monkey jr was expecting such a violent explosion.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Song of the Day (2.15.2011)
The Antlers - "Two"
The Antlers album Hospice is one of those records that will go down as one of my favorite independent albums of all time. From beginning to end the album is a masterpiece, both lyrically and musically.
The theme of the album in general is about a relationship that's on life support and that's the reason why it was titled Hospice. This song's meaning is great and the delivery of the words are top-notch. More or less, this specific track is about his relationship going south and knowing it can't be saved. Meanwhile, he's cognitive to the fact that her past is the reason why she's, for a lack of a better term, fucked up.
I highly suggest listening to this song while reading the lyrics. The video is great, so don't get too distracted, but this song is very, very good.
The Antlers album Hospice is one of those records that will go down as one of my favorite independent albums of all time. From beginning to end the album is a masterpiece, both lyrically and musically.
The theme of the album in general is about a relationship that's on life support and that's the reason why it was titled Hospice. This song's meaning is great and the delivery of the words are top-notch. More or less, this specific track is about his relationship going south and knowing it can't be saved. Meanwhile, he's cognitive to the fact that her past is the reason why she's, for a lack of a better term, fucked up.
I highly suggest listening to this song while reading the lyrics. The video is great, so don't get too distracted, but this song is very, very good.
Mother Russia
Russians are great at drinking vodka and swinging on bars. Now, I don't have any sweet videos of Russians drinking (ok, I don't want to post videos of Russians drinking - today anyways). So, in lieu of that, here's both ends of the spectrum when it comes to Russians and their ability to swing like chimps.
Olga brings the noise...and the the funk. Incredible.
Nut shot. Not incredible:
Olga brings the noise...and the the funk. Incredible.
Nut shot. Not incredible:
This Is Why You Don't Pass Out
Ok, I'm torn on this one. I think the friend has right to be pissed, but this is absolutely hilarious.
Possibly the best prank ever.
Possibly the best prank ever.
Pizza With the Olsen Twins
This might be one of the most hilarious things in the world if you're in the right mood. Give it time. You can just skim through the original to get the gist.
Original:
Slowed Down:
Original:
Slowed Down:
Monday, February 14, 2011
[land]Lord of the Flies
Last June I decided to make a bold decision. It was a decision I had only decided to do two other times in my adult life. This was the decision to move.
I didn't move because I was necessarily unhappy with my old apartment. My previous place was the perfect size and it had all the essential amenities that any guy who lived alone would want: stove, shower, toilet, and refrigerator. The decision was based primarily on two reasons.
First, my old apartment was a little off the beaten path. It wasn't quite close enough to the downtown area in the city where I live in for my liking. During the summer the walk to the bars/restaurants was fine, but in the winter, the same walk had a very different feeling (it was fucking cold). Secondly, the carpeting was diarrhea. My landlord wasn't necessarily a poor landlord, but I repeatedly asked for replacement carpeting from day one and was promised that it would happen; it never did. That went on for almost two years before I decided enough was enough. So, like I said, it was more or less the culmination of those two factors that forced the "bold decision." I gave my 30 days notice and began to seek new living arrangements.
I didn't move because I was necessarily unhappy with my old apartment. My previous place was the perfect size and it had all the essential amenities that any guy who lived alone would want: stove, shower, toilet, and refrigerator. The decision was based primarily on two reasons.
First, my old apartment was a little off the beaten path. It wasn't quite close enough to the downtown area in the city where I live in for my liking. During the summer the walk to the bars/restaurants was fine, but in the winter, the same walk had a very different feeling (it was fucking cold). Secondly, the carpeting was diarrhea. My landlord wasn't necessarily a poor landlord, but I repeatedly asked for replacement carpeting from day one and was promised that it would happen; it never did. That went on for almost two years before I decided enough was enough. So, like I said, it was more or less the culmination of those two factors that forced the "bold decision." I gave my 30 days notice and began to seek new living arrangements.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Shifting Democratic Paradigm
As we sit in America looking past oceans and continents at the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt do we, or should we, envy the opportunities they have? Has our democracy descended into a plutocracy? How has this tainted our democratic processes? Questions like these are raised in an interesting op-ed from Bob Herbert of the New York Times that challenges us to look at the democratic revolution in Egypt reflectively. It's a short and worthwhile read.
When Democracy Weakens- NY Times
When Democracy Weakens- NY Times
Song of the Day (2.13.2011)
Pearl Jam - "Just Breathe"
A great song, and paired with a fantastic video of a son restoring his dad's old BMW motorbike. It's a moving tribute that shows the strong emotional connection people have with objects.
A great song, and paired with a fantastic video of a son restoring his dad's old BMW motorbike. It's a moving tribute that shows the strong emotional connection people have with objects.
Now, here is the description of the slideshow.
This is a photo story of my father's 1958 BMW R50:
Boy meets girl, gets married, buys motorcycle. Rides it for 60,000 miles and has accident when wife is pregnant with 3rd child. (me) Wife orders motorcycle to be taken off road until all her children are grown and on their own. One day when bike is moved to a different storage location, son sits on bike and dreams of being a Jedi Master like his father. Couple grows old together and bike is not ridden for 40 years. Husband is now a grandfather of 7 and married for 50 years, when he dies of a stroke at age 71.
Son looks over the old rotting machine and finds note attached to it from his father to him. Son decides to restore the old 1958 BMW R-50 as a tribute to his father. With the help of many friends, especially Peter Nettesheim, world renowned BMW collector, bike is restored to look even better than it did when it was built in Germany.
Watch it at 720p in full screen for best quality.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Please Stop
Around 2000 I waited with baited breath for the release of Spider-Man. I drank in every publicity photo, video clip, and trailer. It had been since the Batfilms in the late 1980's and early 1990's since a quality superhero flick was released, and the fandom was in a tizzy.
within a decade Spidey had gone emo, and the rest of the comic to film players weren't faring a whole lot better. Fantastic Four was a fantastic bomb, Ang Lee's Hulk was as bloated as its title character, Ben Affleck Daredevil, Electra, Ghostrider, X3, Cat-Woman, and on and on. As years passed the quality and inventiveness of the genre died more. For me the soullessness genre reached its nadir with Zack Snyder's Watchmen. It was by far my favorite comic, and the way it eschewed the comic industry while being a part of it was genius. The movie though represented all that writer Allen Moore railed against in the creation of Watchmen. If written in the mid 2000's rather than the 1980's Ozymandias would've been hyping the movie with his Watchmen action figure line. It was sad.
This summer is lining up to be yet another uninspired, bland buffet of comic-rag crap. Set to come out are: Captain America (fuck yeah), Thor, Spider-Man (gone emo kid), and X-Men (also branching out in a decidedly emo direction). As a comic-con going geek I am in the target audience for these films, and I honestly say I've had enough.
I can only hope that projects like A&E's Walking Dead will raise the bar back to where it had been. Put the focus back on creativity and storytelling rather than the marketability of a character.
within a decade Spidey had gone emo, and the rest of the comic to film players weren't faring a whole lot better. Fantastic Four was a fantastic bomb, Ang Lee's Hulk was as bloated as its title character, Ben Affleck Daredevil, Electra, Ghostrider, X3, Cat-Woman, and on and on. As years passed the quality and inventiveness of the genre died more. For me the soullessness genre reached its nadir with Zack Snyder's Watchmen. It was by far my favorite comic, and the way it eschewed the comic industry while being a part of it was genius. The movie though represented all that writer Allen Moore railed against in the creation of Watchmen. If written in the mid 2000's rather than the 1980's Ozymandias would've been hyping the movie with his Watchmen action figure line. It was sad.
This summer is lining up to be yet another uninspired, bland buffet of comic-rag crap. Set to come out are: Captain America (fuck yeah), Thor, Spider-Man (gone emo kid), and X-Men (also branching out in a decidedly emo direction). As a comic-con going geek I am in the target audience for these films, and I honestly say I've had enough.
I can only hope that projects like A&E's Walking Dead will raise the bar back to where it had been. Put the focus back on creativity and storytelling rather than the marketability of a character.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
It Hurts to Be Beautiful?
This video makes me cringe when I watch it. I'd say I feel bad, but she gets paid to walk. Sometimes I have bad days at work, so should she.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Chernobyl: As it Sits Today
Every time I see photos of Chernobyl, I'm as creeped out as I am interested. A blogger decided to share photos from his tour he just took at the abandoned city. Take a look! You can see the entire album here.
Baby Jesus Butt Plug
You've seen everything, right? So you thought. For that born-again friend in your life or that Christian neighbor who simply doesn't know when to take down the Christmas lights, there's a gift to brighten their day. It's the Baby Jesus Butt Plug!
This isn't a joke! You can purchase this for $35 at Divine Interventions. It also comes in Green, Black, Gold, and several other colors!
This isn't a joke! You can purchase this for $35 at Divine Interventions. It also comes in Green, Black, Gold, and several other colors!
Roa Takes on Mexico
Graffiti artist Roa just took a trip to Mexico and some of his works were posted on ekosystem.org. I think Roa is doing some of the slickest stuff right now and he's quickly becoming one of the my favorite artists in the scene.
From ekosystem:
"Roa: "Mexico is just wonderful, wonderful nature and people. I have some credits and people to mention; the whole trip was on invitation of Gonzalo Alvarez from MAMUTT ARTE in collaboration with MUJAM (Roberto), so two organizations from my friends Gonzalo and Roberto. And I painted with Sego and Saner.""
Saner and Sego aren't too shabby themselves. These pieces are amazing!
From ekosystem:
"Roa: "Mexico is just wonderful, wonderful nature and people. I have some credits and people to mention; the whole trip was on invitation of Gonzalo Alvarez from MAMUTT ARTE in collaboration with MUJAM (Roberto), so two organizations from my friends Gonzalo and Roberto. And I painted with Sego and Saner.""
Saner and Sego aren't too shabby themselves. These pieces are amazing!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Selleck Waterfall Sandwich
Every so often I come across a website or blog that blows my mind away. It's not necessarily that the content is important or essential, but it's the fact that it exists. Well folks, I want to introduce you to one of the more incredible blogs I've ever come across.
The theme is simple. It's images that feature three things: Tom Selleck, a waterfall, and a sandwich. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Selleck Waterfall Sandwich"
The theme is simple. It's images that feature three things: Tom Selleck, a waterfall, and a sandwich. Ironically enough, the blog is called "Selleck Waterfall Sandwich"
Friday, February 4, 2011
Revolutions
The age of Aquarius has supoosedly brought the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and perhaps, again, it brings revolution in Egypt.
Revolutions are scary. With few exceptions, they're not peaceful and result in many lives lost. However, the voice of the people are heard.
I remember talking to my host dad in Ukraine about revolutions, specifically the Orange Revolution and my desire for a revolution to occur in America. He got very furious with me, and told me never to say that. He had lived through many revolutions with the break up of the USSR and the events that followed. I realized what I wanted was more of a paradigm shift--this begins with value changes.
I suppose revolutions are a culmination of a lot of factors, but usually it involves a change in leadership. American change in leadership needs to change through value changes in Americans--not through revolutions. Sarah Vowell, an editor for This American Life on PRI, describes what this might look like.
"I wish that in order to secure his party's nomination, a presidential candidate would be required to point at the sky and name all the stars; have the periodic table of the elements memorized; rattle off the kings and queens of Spain; define the significance of the Gatling gun; joke around in Latin; interpret the symbolism in seventeenth-century Dutch painting; explain photosynthesis to a six-year-old; recite Emily Dickinson; bake a perfect popover; build a shortwave radio out of a coconut; and know all the words to Hoagy Carmichael's 'Two Sleepy People,' Johnny Cash's 'Five Feet High and Rising,' and 'You Got the Silver' by the Rolling Stones. After all, the United States is the greatest country on the earth dealing with the most complicated problems of the world--poverty, pollution, justice, Jerusalem. What we need is a president who is at least twelve kinds of nerd, a nerd messiah to come along every four years, acquire the Secret Service code name Poindexter, install a Revenge of the Nerds screen saver on the Oval Office Computer, and one by one decrypt our woes."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
We Used to Drink Water From the Spring
By the time the average Westerner dies they will have spent 7 months, 4 days, 3 hours, 44 minutes and 17 seconds deleting junk emails from their hotmail, gmail, yahoo, and facebook accounts. This eventuality forces one to question the central tenets of evolution—no, it is not the rambling of Creationists that throw a MONKEY wrench (get it? monkey) in Darwin’s theory, but rather statistics like the aforementioned that make one question the idea that humans develop, improve, get stronger, smarter, better. It is what we do on a daily basis that proves or debunks the claim of our steady advancement, and on the basis of a look at these daily activities, I must say that we have not progressed. Consider the following:
We used to gather food and cook it over a fire, now we dig up coal to make a fire in a plant to make electricity to send to a freezer to freeze our food on its ways to a grocery store where it will stay frozen in a freezer powered by electricity (fire) so then we pick it up and start another fire in the internal combustion engine of our cars to take the food home turn on a light turn up the furnace throw away our junk mail and pop our “food” into a microwave (more electricity/fire) that will “cook” it for us, if cooking means altering the chemical composition of the food so much as to destroy any nutritional value left after it was picked from the vine too early to be frozen so it could be reheated. What?
We used to drink water from springs, now we pollute the spring to make a plastic bottle then build a factory to purify the water and put it in the bottle that polluted the spring in the first place, and we do this so we can have drinkable spring water. Right.
We used to eat corn, now we eat high fructose corn syrup.
We used to listen to music, now we listen to [put random auto-tuned robotic voice black dude here or any of the Li’ls].
As you can see, I could clearly go on, but I'm sure it's obvious why I'm skeptical about this thing called human progress.
A Borrowed Sound
It seems that each generation experiences its own revolution. I don’t mean ‘revolution’ in the sense that the government has been overthrown and our dictator hung in the town square to be stoned. I mean it in a much more broad term. If I’m going to nail down what I’m referring to, I’ll call it “social revolution.”
I Googled “social revolution” to see if it was an original concept or not, and it turns out I’m not that original. It’s a term that one website described as (fragmentsweb.org), “Social revolution is nothing more than a change in the way we live our lives. It springs from changes in the way we think.” I like that wordage, so I won’t bother creating an original description to pass off my ‘non-original’ concept. So, think of it as nothing more than a new way that we live our lives based on new advancements by people; whether these are technological progressions, or advancements in ideology.
I Googled “social revolution” to see if it was an original concept or not, and it turns out I’m not that original. It’s a term that one website described as (fragmentsweb.org), “Social revolution is nothing more than a change in the way we live our lives. It springs from changes in the way we think.” I like that wordage, so I won’t bother creating an original description to pass off my ‘non-original’ concept. So, think of it as nothing more than a new way that we live our lives based on new advancements by people; whether these are technological progressions, or advancements in ideology.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Song of the Day (2.2.2011)
Iron Maiden - "Hallowed be thy Name"
(as appearing in Toy Machine's Welcome to Hell- classic skate video)
And just because:
(as appearing in Toy Machine's Welcome to Hell- classic skate video)
And just because:
Incredible: The Skin Gun
This is truly amazing. This is a spray gun that literally uses a person's own stem cells to duplicate healthy cells to repair the skin. Everyone opposed to stem cell research should view this.
An Esteemed Brand of Socialism
What makes the NFL so great? According to Bill Maher it's the same thing that is threatening the core values of America, socialism. How is this possible? How did this happen? Socialism in my NFL? No way.
Gaming the Game
Jonah Lehrer has posted a fascinating piece in Wired on Canadian, Mohan Srivastava. Srivastava, an MIT and Stanford schooled statistician, became intrigued after receiving some Tic-Tac-Toe scratchoff lottery tickets as a gift. While most of us would've shucked off the latex layer without thinking twice, Mohan looked at the tickets and pondered how they were created. How could rolls and rolls of tickets be printed so that they appear to be completely randomized without being random?
Thoughts of cracking the game filled his head, and passing a petrol station without stopping to pick up a few more tickets became impossible. The game was calling him. After a short period- a few hours- of studying the tickets Srivastava was convinced he had it. Best of all it didn't require a single scratch of the ticket, and it was simple enough to teach his 8 year-old daughter. Impossible. He was dumbfounded that a multi-billion dollar industry could put out a game that was so flawed, but there it was true. He had cracked it with 90%+accuracy.
Thoughts of cracking the game filled his head, and passing a petrol station without stopping to pick up a few more tickets became impossible. The game was calling him. After a short period- a few hours- of studying the tickets Srivastava was convinced he had it. Best of all it didn't require a single scratch of the ticket, and it was simple enough to teach his 8 year-old daughter. Impossible. He was dumbfounded that a multi-billion dollar industry could put out a game that was so flawed, but there it was true. He had cracked it with 90%+accuracy.
Zach Wahls Defends the Family
This week Iowa took steps to amend the state constitution to make it so that they can refuse to acknowledge gay marriage/ civil unions.
19 year-old Zach Wahls is an engineering student and son of two women. He took the opportunity to speak to the Iowa House Committee, and proved in just over three minutes the misdirection of those in charge. Who exactly are the politicians trying to protect? Bravo!
19 year-old Zach Wahls is an engineering student and son of two women. He took the opportunity to speak to the Iowa House Committee, and proved in just over three minutes the misdirection of those in charge. Who exactly are the politicians trying to protect? Bravo!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Snowmageddon
SNOMG!! The Midwest is supposed to walloped by a "historic" snowstorm tonight. Old Man Winter is supposed to be bringing it to the tune of 10-15", so bundle up, drive safely (or not at all), and remember "Don't Eat That Yellow Snow".
UPDATE: As usual the forecast was mostly hype. The 15" predicted was closer to 4". Way to go guys.
UPDATE: As usual the forecast was mostly hype. The 15" predicted was closer to 4". Way to go guys.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
True Colors
This video is wickedly badass. According to "QuintessenzCreation" (who posted this on Youtube), "Four month exhausting hard work in an abonded area, no sun just artificial light. The final result, a stop motion movie with no digital effects at all, everything is handmade. About 5000 pictures are processed with an average by 15 pictures per second. The music is by Pretty Lights from Denver, Colorado"
No digital effects? Wow.
**Open this on Youtube to view it in HD.
No digital effects? Wow.
**Open this on Youtube to view it in HD.
Don't Touch My Food!
I've been living in the area where I live now for roughly five years. Over this time, I have become comfortable with certain establishments in the surrounding blocks that I remain loyal to. Most of these places I'm referring to are in the food/bar industry. The most important thing you can do in these industries is offer the best service and quality you possibly can to receive the loyalty of the 'return customer.' Ultimately, these are the two elements that will keep a bar or food joint in business for the long-term. Where this begins for a business is their employees. The quality of a company's service will be completely dictated by the representatives they place on the front lines to serve their customers.
Where I live, there are two independently owned Subway franchises. Over the course of my tenure living in this area, I've changed my loyalty between the two shops. When I first moved here from where I grew up to here, my presence at the one Subway began only because of logistics; it was closer. I never have gone to Subway in any great quantity. At the most, I probably frequented Subway at a max of one to two times a month. None the less, when someone visits any store (of that size) that frequently you become familiar with the specific employees you see on a regular basis.
After going to this specific location for six months there was a new hire brought in.
Where I live, there are two independently owned Subway franchises. Over the course of my tenure living in this area, I've changed my loyalty between the two shops. When I first moved here from where I grew up to here, my presence at the one Subway began only because of logistics; it was closer. I never have gone to Subway in any great quantity. At the most, I probably frequented Subway at a max of one to two times a month. None the less, when someone visits any store (of that size) that frequently you become familiar with the specific employees you see on a regular basis.
After going to this specific location for six months there was a new hire brought in.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Bear Rapes Man...Literally
This article is from 1995, but damn, talk about tragic.
*Click on the image to make it larger.
*Click on the image to make it larger.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thank You for Suing Us
If anyone thought Taco Bell was going to take the lawsuit about the content of their "beef" lying down they'd be wrong. Today Taco Bell placed ads in USA Today, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other dailies declaring war.
Taco Bell asserts that the beef content of their seasoned meat mix is 88%. Time will tell which side is right, and whether or not this is nothing more than damage control from YUM!
Taco Bell asserts that the beef content of their seasoned meat mix is 88%. Time will tell which side is right, and whether or not this is nothing more than damage control from YUM!
25 Years Ago Today
25 years ago NASA had the entire country's attention. Teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was set to become the first civilian teacher to embark on a trip toward the stars. NASA's massive PR push was a success, and it seemed the whole country was watching the 11:38 launch live. Back in the 1986 schools had yet to network every classroom with TV's, and as such A/V carts were forced to scatter, classrooms merged, and assemblies were conducted. This was an event.
I sat in Sister Helen's first grade room and still remember the class wide giddiness. A TV was in the room and we were freaking. Who knew the school had TV's? Even as it sat dark it had the attention of everyone. At about 11:30 (or so I assume) the TV was switched on. At 11:38 the exhaust plumes were visible. We had lift-off. 73 seconds later the sky was ablaze. The Challenger had exploded. Our little minds were blown. What we saw was impossible to us, but it happened anyways. It was a feeling more life experience would replicate several times over.
Sister Helen responded promptly and authoritatively. The TV was immediately turned off and the class was directed into prayer. Somehow it was expected that something as abstract as prayer would quell the class' thoughts and emotions. What we saw and how we felt about it was never discussed. Seemingly, it was/is the Catholic way.
I can still recall the confusion I had when I got home and looked at my collection of NASA space shuttles. To me they were that real world thing that bridged the gap from sci-fi to reality, and now they seemed somehow tainted. As I recall it was one of the early moments in my life where I began to question things internally.
I sat in Sister Helen's first grade room and still remember the class wide giddiness. A TV was in the room and we were freaking. Who knew the school had TV's? Even as it sat dark it had the attention of everyone. At about 11:30 (or so I assume) the TV was switched on. At 11:38 the exhaust plumes were visible. We had lift-off. 73 seconds later the sky was ablaze. The Challenger had exploded. Our little minds were blown. What we saw was impossible to us, but it happened anyways. It was a feeling more life experience would replicate several times over.
Sister Helen responded promptly and authoritatively. The TV was immediately turned off and the class was directed into prayer. Somehow it was expected that something as abstract as prayer would quell the class' thoughts and emotions. What we saw and how we felt about it was never discussed. Seemingly, it was/is the Catholic way.
I can still recall the confusion I had when I got home and looked at my collection of NASA space shuttles. To me they were that real world thing that bridged the gap from sci-fi to reality, and now they seemed somehow tainted. As I recall it was one of the early moments in my life where I began to question things internally.
Build Ramps not Bombs
Waking up isn't always fun. Most mornings bring about a multitude pains: It's too early, where are my socks?, I should've drank less last night, maybe maybe staying up until 3am playing XBox wasn't the best idea. Regardless of how much the deck can sometimes seems stacked against, there has yet to be a morning that I woke up without hope. Without knowing if I'll be able to eat. Without knowing of whether I will make to bed time (regardless how late it is). Without any sense of future. Total chaos. Little in life is more tragic than a life that has just begun to already exist without hope.
Hearing about foreign lands, with their struggles so far removed, makes it easy to look at the problems holistically. People are killed. Lives are ruined. Women are raped. Suicide bombers explode. It all happens as a single set of data, and as a single problem- a message on the bottom scroll of Fox News. It isn't how things are. Society is an organized collection of individuals, and individuals really aren't that different form one another. Despite this, we've collectively done very little to address the struggles of these individuals, however, where there are individual problems there are individual solutions.
Hearing about foreign lands, with their struggles so far removed, makes it easy to look at the problems holistically. People are killed. Lives are ruined. Women are raped. Suicide bombers explode. It all happens as a single set of data, and as a single problem- a message on the bottom scroll of Fox News. It isn't how things are. Society is an organized collection of individuals, and individuals really aren't that different form one another. Despite this, we've collectively done very little to address the struggles of these individuals, however, where there are individual problems there are individual solutions.
Song of the Day (1.28.11)
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr - "Nothing But Our Love"
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr might have the worst band name in the history of music. For myself, it was bizarre listening to this band the first time. With a name like Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, you immediately (and for good reasons) associate it with NASCAR. And it doesn't help when you see their "schtick" that evolves around wearing the signature NASCAR suits displaying Lysol and Cheerios on their chests. Truth be told, Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott (who are the DEJJ tandem) themselves aren't into NASCAR (see video here).
Once you get past their name and look, you realize this is an incredible group. The buzz surrounding this band in the music scene rivals that of anyone else. And what's best? They're from Detroit.
As of now, DEJJ has two official EPs, Horse Power and My Love is Easy - Remixes. Horse Power is a four track EP that features three original recordings and a cover of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows." They are slated (and are currently finishing) to release a full length LP in April called It's a Corporate World.
It's also worth noting that DEJJ will be playing this evening at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI. Doors open at 9pm ($5 cover) and after their set, they'll be DJing the rest of the night. This might be one of the last opportunities to see them live in the Detroit area before they hit the road for their tour promoting their album.
**If you visit their site, you can sign up and receive a free download of "Nothing But Our Love." Plus you can sample other tracks from them as well.**
Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr might have the worst band name in the history of music. For myself, it was bizarre listening to this band the first time. With a name like Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, you immediately (and for good reasons) associate it with NASCAR. And it doesn't help when you see their "schtick" that evolves around wearing the signature NASCAR suits displaying Lysol and Cheerios on their chests. Truth be told, Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott (who are the DEJJ tandem) themselves aren't into NASCAR (see video here).
Once you get past their name and look, you realize this is an incredible group. The buzz surrounding this band in the music scene rivals that of anyone else. And what's best? They're from Detroit.
As of now, DEJJ has two official EPs, Horse Power and My Love is Easy - Remixes. Horse Power is a four track EP that features three original recordings and a cover of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows." They are slated (and are currently finishing) to release a full length LP in April called It's a Corporate World.
It's also worth noting that DEJJ will be playing this evening at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI. Doors open at 9pm ($5 cover) and after their set, they'll be DJing the rest of the night. This might be one of the last opportunities to see them live in the Detroit area before they hit the road for their tour promoting their album.
**If you visit their site, you can sign up and receive a free download of "Nothing But Our Love." Plus you can sample other tracks from them as well.**
Thursday, January 27, 2011
LEGO: The Art Of...
There's some things in life people don't get old for. Things like Slurpees, roller coasters, graphic novels, etc. But the ultimate guilty pleasure for any male adult is LEGOs. They've been around, for what seems like, forever. What Nathan Sawaya has done though, is beyond comprehension. He isn't building race cars or buildings or boats out of his bricks. Sawaya is creating incomprehensible-artistic masterpieces.
His collection is currently touring museums for public display. To read more about him and see some more photos of these incredible works, check out his blog here.
His collection is currently touring museums for public display. To read more about him and see some more photos of these incredible works, check out his blog here.
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