Radiohead - "Fake Plastic Trees"
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.
Wayne Coyne: His [experimental] House
Wayne Coyne might quite possibly be the most interesting person in music. The front-man for The Flaming Lips isn't just one of the founding fathers of experimental rock (as we know it today), but his house represents a similar approach as his music.
If you're unfamiliar with Coyne and The Flaming Lips, I strong urge you to watch the Documentary The Fearless Freaks (which is available on Netflix Instant). You don't have to like The Flaming Lips or even know who they are to enjoy this film. It's an exceptional look into Wayne Coyne's inception of the band and his quirky approach to making music and living life.
The architects responsible for Coyne's unique home is Fitzsimmons Architects. I included a few photos from their site that are of the home, but to view the entire catalog, visit here.
Please keep in mind that this isn't a mansion. As far as I can remember, it's actually his childhood home that he remodeled.
If you're unfamiliar with Coyne and The Flaming Lips, I strong urge you to watch the Documentary The Fearless Freaks (which is available on Netflix Instant). You don't have to like The Flaming Lips or even know who they are to enjoy this film. It's an exceptional look into Wayne Coyne's inception of the band and his quirky approach to making music and living life.
The architects responsible for Coyne's unique home is Fitzsimmons Architects. I included a few photos from their site that are of the home, but to view the entire catalog, visit here.
Please keep in mind that this isn't a mansion. As far as I can remember, it's actually his childhood home that he remodeled.
Detroit: The Fall of a City - In Photos
Photographers Yves Marchand and Romain Mefre have put together an amazing 230 page book with incredible photos of Detroit. It's over 180 sensational shots of the interior and exterior of the dilapidation known as Detroit. They offer you a glimpse into the book's offerings on their site, and it's astonishing.
It's amazing how something that is in such despair can appear so beautiful in this context. It also tells a story of how far the city really is from recovery (if it can be recovered at all).
The Book Itself:
It can be purchased for $125 here. Expensive, but this book seems like the ultimate in the Detroit coffee table book genre.
It's amazing how something that is in such despair can appear so beautiful in this context. It also tells a story of how far the city really is from recovery (if it can be recovered at all).
The Book Itself:
It can be purchased for $125 here. Expensive, but this book seems like the ultimate in the Detroit coffee table book genre.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The NBA: It isn't all Doom and Gloom
As years between the Bad Boy era of Pistons basketball and the current day have passed I've found my interest in the sport fading further and further. It's not that the sport itself that's fallen out of favor- I love shooting hoops over many other outdoor activities- but rather the way the game is presented. The league, since the second part of the Jordan era, shifted from one that valued competition and team play (the product) to one that one that placed preeminence in NBA brand maintenance. Where this failed is that the league became so obsessed with image (and that of its superstars) that they lost sight of the product.
The culmination of the sad fall of the NBA for me was in the cry-for-attention circus that was LeBoner's South Beach presser. It was sad. Even in the age of me, and the "social" media that has enabled it- Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, YouTube, et al- it was a crass display of narcissism. Making it all that much more reflective of our current society was the lengths that the cable media, who enabled the stunt in the first place, went to promote and ride the story for cycles. Days were spent analyzing subtlety and nuance that didn't exist. Like so much of our "news" it was light on content, and heavy on repetition, opinion, and PR. Barf.
Through it all there is a light. As the All-Star break nears I'm finding myself being drawn back into the association.
Song of the Day (1.26.11)
Ra Ra Riot - "Boy"
Ra Ra Riot is one of those bands that if I were in my high school years still, I'd be a super fan. They kind of remind me of a cross between Jimmy Eat World (Bleed American remains a guilty pleasure) and Vampire Weekend. I think the most distinctive element to their sound is their use of a string section. In almost all of their tracks you'll hear violins, a viola, and/or a cello - that's really what separates their sound from most of the other indie (I hate using that term) pop bands right now.
They've been around for a few years now and released their second album, The Orchard, in 2010. The album itself isn't perfect by any stretch (I prefer their debut The Rhumb Line), but there's a few stand out tracks. This is one of them.
Ra Ra Riot is one of those bands that if I were in my high school years still, I'd be a super fan. They kind of remind me of a cross between Jimmy Eat World (Bleed American remains a guilty pleasure) and Vampire Weekend. I think the most distinctive element to their sound is their use of a string section. In almost all of their tracks you'll hear violins, a viola, and/or a cello - that's really what separates their sound from most of the other indie (I hate using that term) pop bands right now.
They've been around for a few years now and released their second album, The Orchard, in 2010. The album itself isn't perfect by any stretch (I prefer their debut The Rhumb Line), but there's a few stand out tracks. This is one of them.
Valentine's Day: Setting the Mood
If you get shut out on reservations for the romantic White Castle dinner there is a second option. I present the White Castle scented candle. yummm.....
Valentine's Day
February 14th is right around the corner and all the love birds in this country are going to be flocking to the local fine-dining establishments for a romantic dinner with their sweethearts.
But if you're single, a hopeless romantic, and/or slightly depressed on this day, where, other than the couch with a bag of Hershey Kisses, is there a place for you? The answer might be a lot closer than you think. So, if you're single with a mild case of the 'lonelies' (or white trash), here's your answer. Just make sure you make reservations!
Submitted by: jlatkow
But if you're single, a hopeless romantic, and/or slightly depressed on this day, where, other than the couch with a bag of Hershey Kisses, is there a place for you? The answer might be a lot closer than you think. So, if you're single with a mild case of the 'lonelies' (or white trash), here's your answer. Just make sure you make reservations!
Submitted by: jlatkow
Japanese Kids Love Happy Meals
Some would consider this an over-the-top dramatization. But those people have apparently never given and Japanese child a Happy Meal.
Some Things Never Die
I think the first site I ever remember visiting on the internet and truly being blown away was Pixyland.org**. Unless you were born yesterday, you've probably been to the site in its ten year existence. Anyways, I figured this might put a smile on someone's face if they hadn't visited in a while...or are sadly visiting it for the first time.
Also, it might want to be added that this man got married approximately two years ago. If you browse his site, you'll find his wedding pictures. If you're single, this is visual proof that there is someone out there for everyone.
But for pure entertainment purposes, just check out Randy Constan's "fashion" page here.
**Be warned, music auto-plays on his site.
Also, it might want to be added that this man got married approximately two years ago. If you browse his site, you'll find his wedding pictures. If you're single, this is visual proof that there is someone out there for everyone.
But for pure entertainment purposes, just check out Randy Constan's "fashion" page here.
**Be warned, music auto-plays on his site.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A Love Song for You This Tuesday
This song has an interesting story. Apparently, nearly thirty years after the label closed its doors, a mysterious box of tapes turned up at an estate sale in Columbus, OH (represent!). It was discovered to be dozens of demos, rehearsals and a few finished songs recorded in Harmonic Sounds’ prime. The tape boxes were for the most part unmarked; creating a puzzle that would require some time to solve. Penny & the Quarters’ “You And Me” is a random rehearsal. Enjoy.
Song of the Day (1.25.11)
Tommy James and The Shondells - "Crimson and Clover"
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. People don't realize it, but Tommy James and The Shondells had some huge hits in the 1960s. Also, they're from Michigan!
Hits of theirs included: "Hanky Panky (1964)," "I Think We're Alone Now (1967)," "Mony Mony (1968)," "Crimson and Clover (1968)""Sweet Cherry Wine (1969)," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion (1969)."
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. People don't realize it, but Tommy James and The Shondells had some huge hits in the 1960s. Also, they're from Michigan!
Hits of theirs included: "Hanky Panky (1964)," "I Think We're Alone Now (1967)," "Mony Mony (1968)," "Crimson and Clover (1968)""Sweet Cherry Wine (1969)," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion (1969)."
Black and White Brought to Life
Take a look at these. They're old black and white photos (that are obviously very iconic images) that were filled in with color. It's amazing how much more impact they have when the colors compliment the shot.
First: "Burning Monk"
Second: "VJ Day Kiss at Times Square" ("VJ Day" the day victory over Japan was declared in WWII)
These colored photos were submitted to Reddit, by user: mygrapefruit
First: "Burning Monk"
Second: "VJ Day Kiss at Times Square" ("VJ Day" the day victory over Japan was declared in WWII)
These colored photos were submitted to Reddit, by user: mygrapefruit
Terror Toons
Who hasn't had that horror movie 'kick?' It's that short period of time that, for whatever reason, the only movie genre that sounded intriguing was horror.
I love B-level horror (to an extent), but this one may have taken the cake as the most outrageous horror movie I've ever seen. It was a completely random pull from the video shelves about six years ago, but it will never be forgotten. Terror Toons was so awesome (define that however you'd like) it became legendary. Only in a movie like this could an actual porn star (Beverly Lynne) take the lead role. Well, actually, if you watch the trailer, it's not difficult to see that any acting experience (even if it's simply having sex in front of a camera) would have been sufficient for Terror Toons.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Song of the Day (1.24.11)
Loch Lomond - "Wax and Wire"
I found this song on an fittingly awesome video of Danny MacAskill redefining the Scottish countryside.
A Man and His Cat
It's only fair that I preface this story with a confession: I was once a bachelor that owned two cats. I owned the cats because of a long-term relationship I was in, and it took more than two years of being in the relationship for me to cave in to her nagging requests. Don't confuse this as an excuse, it's not. There is no excuse for a single man (who desires the opposite sex) to own any cats. This is purely an explanation. In my defense, when the breakup was official, I got rid of both cats in under two weeks.
Now onto my brief story. I was sitting in the cafeteria here at my work during lunch. I usually sit alone because the mean age here is approximately 3 years deceased. I have an acquaintance (and I use that term loosely) who occasionally makes small talk about Jesus (not into), his love for the local country radio station (not into), his recipes for pies (don't like pie), his mother (who I don't know), and his cats. Unfortunately, I was blessed with a horrible skill.
Now onto my brief story. I was sitting in the cafeteria here at my work during lunch. I usually sit alone because the mean age here is approximately 3 years deceased. I have an acquaintance (and I use that term loosely) who occasionally makes small talk about Jesus (not into), his love for the local country radio station (not into), his recipes for pies (don't like pie), his mother (who I don't know), and his cats. Unfortunately, I was blessed with a horrible skill.
Mediocre Bowl
As a 30-something guy I feel like I have outgrown the idea of lumping myself into groups, finding that the application of labels does more to restrict personal growth than they do to define. I am who I am, but who I am today may be different than who I am tomorrow. That said, the one constant in my life has been my appreciation of professional sports. Yes, I am one of "those guys" who has more than one fantasy team, and isn't afraid to discuss it (assuming appropriateness). So, in all fairness I guess I am a sports geek, stat head, fantasy freak, or whatever... the label fits, and I'll wear it.
Having followed and revered pro sports as I have, and having watched this NFL season this year I have to ask, "What's so super about this championship game?" Week-in-week-out I sat on the couch watching game after game after game, and now that the season is all but wrapped up I can declare that this NFL season bored me. No team was good enough to become king of the hill, and every team played mistake ridden football. All-in-all it was an ugly year, and this game coming up in two weeks does little to convince me it will end any better.
Where's the Beef?
Urban legends for years have tried explain what exactly Taco Bell beef is. Growing up reports swirled about it being grade-d, or below that of of meat product used in dog food. Now a lawsuit out of Montgomery, AL has stepped up with allegations over false advertising, asserting that Taco Bell has no legal right to declare their "beef", beef.
According to the USDA beef is defined as the "flesh of cattle", and ground beef as "chopped fresh, and/or frozen beef with or without seasoning and without the addition of beef fats as such, shall not contain more than 30 percent fat, and shall not contain added water, phosphates, binders, or extenders". Fair enough since Taco Bell themselves label their "beef" internally as "Taco Meat Filling". Well, it appears that the USDA has that covered too, as they stipulate that "taco filling" must have a minimum of 40% meat, and that meat must be defined. So, how much meat is in Taco Bell's "Taco Meat Filling"? According to the lawsuit 36%.
So if 36% of this filling is meat (beef?) what the hell is the rest? Water, oat product, soy lecithin, corn starch, anti-dusting agents, maltodextrin, etc. GROSS.
Apparently, the urban legends in my hood gave the Bell more credit than it deserved by incorrectly hypothesizing that what we were being served was actually meat.
Happy lunching.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Problems I Solved by 28
Today's my birthday.
I. Aging
My beach is the length of three sonnets
with a breathing width of fifty feet at high tide.
I want to live here forever, twenty-two so I can crack a
thousand hourglasses at their waists
pour the torsos' mintues and fat seconds along the shore.
With handfuls of time I build myself a brown castle and tower,
but the foamy tide soon swallows my manor like a sinkhole moat.
II. Love
Well, if I can't live forever, who not live in love?
I am lonely, Van Gogh's ear; I eat a dozen roses and
wait for love to come,
but I spend the next four hours alone, picking thorns
from my tongue
and flicking them in the sand.
III. Mortality
I was necrophobic
until I was sixteen, when my dad died and
I saw Bergman's Seventh Seal,
so I poison all the undertakers in town and
Molotov the flower shops,
even steal every crucifix I can find and stack
them on the beach,
pour ether over the pile and listen to the wood
scream its small scream,
a sound like distant Sirens burned at the stake.
Having defeated death, I deal with my other fear.
IV. Fate
I fear I'm becoming my lunatic mother with twisted
logic, who has warped rationale
for breakfast. I buy an old Cold warhead
on Ebay, erase the moon like a misplaced period,
turn the crater smile to vapor,
and hope it will amputate Mother from my fate,
only my hands are still numb,
but sea still washes over the ruins of my castle.
I drop to my knees and throw up my arms
under the falling shards of the firework moon.
The silent stars remain silent, the answers are
handcuffed behind their backs,
so I snatch a blade of green glass from the beach
and cut a new future into my palms.
I. Aging
My beach is the length of three sonnets
with a breathing width of fifty feet at high tide.
I want to live here forever, twenty-two so I can crack a
thousand hourglasses at their waists
pour the torsos' mintues and fat seconds along the shore.
With handfuls of time I build myself a brown castle and tower,
but the foamy tide soon swallows my manor like a sinkhole moat.
II. Love
Well, if I can't live forever, who not live in love?
I am lonely, Van Gogh's ear; I eat a dozen roses and
wait for love to come,
but I spend the next four hours alone, picking thorns
from my tongue
and flicking them in the sand.
III. Mortality
I was necrophobic
until I was sixteen, when my dad died and
I saw Bergman's Seventh Seal,
so I poison all the undertakers in town and
Molotov the flower shops,
even steal every crucifix I can find and stack
them on the beach,
pour ether over the pile and listen to the wood
scream its small scream,
a sound like distant Sirens burned at the stake.
Having defeated death, I deal with my other fear.
IV. Fate
I fear I'm becoming my lunatic mother with twisted
logic, who has warped rationale
for breakfast. I buy an old Cold warhead
on Ebay, erase the moon like a misplaced period,
turn the crater smile to vapor,
and hope it will amputate Mother from my fate,
only my hands are still numb,
but sea still washes over the ruins of my castle.
I drop to my knees and throw up my arms
under the falling shards of the firework moon.
The silent stars remain silent, the answers are
handcuffed behind their backs,
so I snatch a blade of green glass from the beach
and cut a new future into my palms.
Snake Eyes
Primetoystore.com is a great site for picking up anything vintage (or new) in the action figure/toy front.
Aside from the enjoyment of browsing hundreds of toy lines (most of which I never even knew existed), Randy Herkowitz (owner) does fantastic reviews of a lot of newer released toys and rates them on a "value" rating of between 1 and 5.
Now, I'll admit that I was never the biggest GI Joe fan growing up. For me, it was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Transformers. Despite that, what child doesn't know who Snake Eyes is?! He was pretty much the biggest badass in the Joe world (although Stormshadow is a close runner-up).
Anyways, Hasbro recently released an incredible Snake Eyes figure that only retails for $7-8 on your local retail shelf.
Continue reading to see Randy's complete review of the new figure (including photos).
Aside from the enjoyment of browsing hundreds of toy lines (most of which I never even knew existed), Randy Herkowitz (owner) does fantastic reviews of a lot of newer released toys and rates them on a "value" rating of between 1 and 5.
Now, I'll admit that I was never the biggest GI Joe fan growing up. For me, it was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Transformers. Despite that, what child doesn't know who Snake Eyes is?! He was pretty much the biggest badass in the Joe world (although Stormshadow is a close runner-up).
Anyways, Hasbro recently released an incredible Snake Eyes figure that only retails for $7-8 on your local retail shelf.
Continue reading to see Randy's complete review of the new figure (including photos).
Lazy Teenage Superheros
This is a short-film that apparently had a budget of only $300 (which I assume they probably blew on beer, weed, and Doritos - which is fine). It's about 13 minutes long, but I could definitely see this as a video that they could create into an online mini-series. The production quality, dialogue, editing, and special effects are impressive as hell considering the budget.
Submitted by: dlatkow
Submitted by: dlatkow
Song of the Day (1.23.11)
Steel Train - "Better Love"
Steel Train has been around since 2002, but their first LP wasn't until Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun in 2005. Since then, they've had two more releases, Trampoline (2007) and Steel Train (2010). They also have a companion LP for their self-titled Steel Train that is the entire album covered by female vocalists (such as Tegan and Sara, The Dirty Projectors, and many more).
Lead singer Jack Antonoff also was part of a side project with Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Dost (Anathello), and producer Roger Joseph Manning Jr (ex-keyboardist of Jellyfish). This side project band is called "fun." and they are slated to play at Coachella in 2011 despite rumors of the band being broken up.
The song "Better Love" is the first track from Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun. The song itself is about Jack Antonoff's [former} relationship with actress Scarlett Johansson. Johansson and Antonoff went to the same high school and were together when they graduated. Apparently they broke up, but Antonoff has had a difficult time recovering. It's apparent in the lyrics as well; “Fame swept her off her feet / She sees nothing she did before . . . Hey, Scarlett, you’re not the same. (NYM)” The song is clearly about their breakup and his difficulties getting over her.
Scarlett Johansson is one of the female vocalists featured on the companion album to 2010's Steel Train. So despite this song and his feelings, it's apparent they still have a relationship at some level.
Steel Train has been around since 2002, but their first LP wasn't until Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun in 2005. Since then, they've had two more releases, Trampoline (2007) and Steel Train (2010). They also have a companion LP for their self-titled Steel Train that is the entire album covered by female vocalists (such as Tegan and Sara, The Dirty Projectors, and many more).
Lead singer Jack Antonoff also was part of a side project with Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Dost (Anathello), and producer Roger Joseph Manning Jr (ex-keyboardist of Jellyfish). This side project band is called "fun." and they are slated to play at Coachella in 2011 despite rumors of the band being broken up.
The song "Better Love" is the first track from Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun. The song itself is about Jack Antonoff's [former} relationship with actress Scarlett Johansson. Johansson and Antonoff went to the same high school and were together when they graduated. Apparently they broke up, but Antonoff has had a difficult time recovering. It's apparent in the lyrics as well; “Fame swept her off her feet / She sees nothing she did before . . . Hey, Scarlett, you’re not the same. (NYM)” The song is clearly about their breakup and his difficulties getting over her.
Scarlett Johansson is one of the female vocalists featured on the companion album to 2010's Steel Train. So despite this song and his feelings, it's apparent they still have a relationship at some level.
Facebook is one of the fastest growing websites to ever exist. It took what MySpace and Friendster were, and made it a far more general tool for staying "connected" with friends (old and new), family, and co-workers.
The entire concept of online social networking is genius. Facebook was established as a way for a user to show the people they know a little about themselves; whether it be pictures, opinions, or their interests in general. Basically, it's a short-hand version of your own blog, but more emphasis on knowing the person behind the blog (the profile). More often than not, the person is already going to know the user in some sort of personal-physical connection anyways.
The entire concept of online social networking is genius. Facebook was established as a way for a user to show the people they know a little about themselves; whether it be pictures, opinions, or their interests in general. Basically, it's a short-hand version of your own blog, but more emphasis on knowing the person behind the blog (the profile). More often than not, the person is already going to know the user in some sort of personal-physical connection anyways.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
How To Make a Daft Punk Helmet
What's the need for making a Daft Punk helmet? I have no fucking clue. But if you have 17 months on your hands and a reason to have a helmet that lights up like The Battle of Antietem, then this is the video to watch. It's kind of badass, I can't deny that.
Source: Voplin Props
Source: Voplin Props
Song of the Day (1.22.11)
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - "Dance the Way I Feel"
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool was a synthpop/electronic group from England. They had a lot of promise, but they were very short-lived.
In August 2010, the lead singer, after injuring a fan in the crowd attempting to stage dive, committed suicide following the show by jumping off of a telecommunications tower. After performing the song "Dance the Way I feel," Charles Haddon leaped off the stage and, literally, fell onto a young girl. Haddon believe he seriously injured the girl and became very "distressed" after the show. It's alleged that he then climbed to the top of the tower and jumped. Ironically, the song "Dance the Way I Feel" is about suicide.
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool's only album The Golden Year was released in October 2010 after being temporarily delayed due to the tragic death of front-man, Charles Haddon (the blonde-haired singer in the video below).
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool was a synthpop/electronic group from England. They had a lot of promise, but they were very short-lived.
In August 2010, the lead singer, after injuring a fan in the crowd attempting to stage dive, committed suicide following the show by jumping off of a telecommunications tower. After performing the song "Dance the Way I feel," Charles Haddon leaped off the stage and, literally, fell onto a young girl. Haddon believe he seriously injured the girl and became very "distressed" after the show. It's alleged that he then climbed to the top of the tower and jumped. Ironically, the song "Dance the Way I Feel" is about suicide.
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool's only album The Golden Year was released in October 2010 after being temporarily delayed due to the tragic death of front-man, Charles Haddon (the blonde-haired singer in the video below).
Friday, January 21, 2011
Song of Day (1.21.11)
Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
See post Below. Best version of one of the best songs ever recorded.
Courtesy of lb.
See post Below. Best version of one of the best songs ever recorded.
Courtesy of lb.
If Only
There should be a five-year ban on making movies about zombies or the apocalypse.
There should be a one-year prison term for rubberneckers.
There should be a way to rewind life so that you can take a person back to their childhood for a day. And not so they can enjoy it, but so they can see that childhood sucked just as bad as, if not worse than, adulthood, and then they can finally stop pitying themselves for having grown up and will realize that adulthood is just as wonderful as, if not better than, childhood.
There should be a movement to reverse the recordability and portability of music, to take us back to a time when you had to be in the presence of a musician in order to hear music*, that is, unless you were listening to a recording in that most primitive of music boxes—the heart—with all its false notes and turned-around phrases, echoes, warped waves, and rattling walls.
There should be a presidential election where none of the candidates are allowed to talk for the entire year leading up to the election. And we will choose our leader based on the work they choose to do and what they get done with their hands and sweat during that fundraiser-free, oh so commercial-less vow of silence.
* More of this:
#93.6 BON IVER - Skinny Love
Uploaded by lablogotheque. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
There should be a one-year prison term for rubberneckers.
There should be a way to rewind life so that you can take a person back to their childhood for a day. And not so they can enjoy it, but so they can see that childhood sucked just as bad as, if not worse than, adulthood, and then they can finally stop pitying themselves for having grown up and will realize that adulthood is just as wonderful as, if not better than, childhood.
There should be a movement to reverse the recordability and portability of music, to take us back to a time when you had to be in the presence of a musician in order to hear music*, that is, unless you were listening to a recording in that most primitive of music boxes—the heart—with all its false notes and turned-around phrases, echoes, warped waves, and rattling walls.
There should be a presidential election where none of the candidates are allowed to talk for the entire year leading up to the election. And we will choose our leader based on the work they choose to do and what they get done with their hands and sweat during that fundraiser-free, oh so commercial-less vow of silence.
* More of this:
#93.6 BON IVER - Skinny Love
Uploaded by lablogotheque. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
A Hunter S. Thompson Breakfast
“Breakfast is the only meal of the day that I tend to view with the same kind of traditionalized reverence that most people associate with Lunch and Dinner. I like to eat breakfast alone, and almost never before noon; anybody with a terminally jangled lifestyle needs at least one psychic anchor every twenty-four hours, and mine is breakfast. In Hong Kong, Dallas or at home — and regardless of whether or not I have been to bed — breakfast is a personal ritual that can only be properly observed alone, and in a spirit of genuine excess. The food factor should always be massive: four Bloody Marys, two grapefruits, a pot of coffee, Rangoon crepes, a half-pound of either sausage, bacon, or corned beef hash with diced chiles, a Spanish omelette or eggs Benedict, a quart of milk, a chopped lemon for random seasoning, and something like a slice of Key lime pie, two margaritas, and six lines of the best cocaine for dessert… Right, and there should also be two or three newspapers, all mail and messages, a telephone, a notebook for planning the next twenty-four hours and at least one source of good music… All of which should be dealt with outside, in the warmth of a hot sun, and preferably stone naked.”
- Hunter S. Thompson
Source: Tom's Things
- Hunter S. Thompson
Source: Tom's Things
Thug Life
When this kid grows up, I'm hoping he he looks back and says, "what the fuck?!" At the very least I hope he upgrades to a Big Bird hat when he hits high school, or puberty; whichever comes first for him.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Daytrotter
Music site, Daytrotter.com, has their top 30 tracks from 2010 played in their Daytrotter sessions. They're all free and feature some unreleased and great tracks from bands such as Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Gayngs, Cults, AA Bondy, Tennis, Local Natives, Ra Ra Riot, and so forth. They're good and they're free!!!
Register for their site and then you're all set! Click here!
Register for their site and then you're all set! Click here!
Bell's Hopslam
As someone who has lived in Michigan their entire life, there are two things an outsider needs to know about this great state.
First, don't ever get used to any temperature. It can be a warm and sunny 82 degrees one day, but then a cold and overcast 63 degrees the next. If you enjoy the weather, just wait a day.
Second, the breweries. Michigan breweries are among the best in the country. The state of Michigan has over 50 breweries registered with the Michigan Brewers Guild, which is astounding! Bell's, Founder's, Short's, Arbour, Arcadia, and several others anchor Michigan as one of the best states to be in if you're a beer advocate. Throughout the entire state, there are micro-breweries scattered all over the place. And does it come as a surprise? There ain't a whole hell of a lot to do in this state! Kidding, kidding.
First, don't ever get used to any temperature. It can be a warm and sunny 82 degrees one day, but then a cold and overcast 63 degrees the next. If you enjoy the weather, just wait a day.
Second, the breweries. Michigan breweries are among the best in the country. The state of Michigan has over 50 breweries registered with the Michigan Brewers Guild, which is astounding! Bell's, Founder's, Short's, Arbour, Arcadia, and several others anchor Michigan as one of the best states to be in if you're a beer advocate. Throughout the entire state, there are micro-breweries scattered all over the place. And does it come as a surprise? There ain't a whole hell of a lot to do in this state! Kidding, kidding.
Song of the Day (1.20.11)
Cults - "Go Outside"
Cults are on many lists ending 2010 as one of the bands to watch in 2011/2012. Like many other bands that have broken onto the scene in the last few years (The Hundred in the Hands, The XX, Sleigh Bells, Matt & Kim, etc), they are a boy/girl tandem. Attempting to discover much about this band is fucking difficult. They play very few shows and only have three 'officially' released tracks.
Despite such a small amount of available material, I found their Go Outside 7" two-track single as catchy as any other single/EP released in 2010. The B-Side, "Most Wanted" is a track that reminds me a lot of the vintage feel of The Everly Brothers' "Cathy's Clown." If you like "Go Outside," definitely visit their official site and listen to "Most Wanted."
Cults' site lists their debut album as a December 2012 release. I'd like to think they can get it out quicker than that, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Cults are on many lists ending 2010 as one of the bands to watch in 2011/2012. Like many other bands that have broken onto the scene in the last few years (The Hundred in the Hands, The XX, Sleigh Bells, Matt & Kim, etc), they are a boy/girl tandem. Attempting to discover much about this band is fucking difficult. They play very few shows and only have three 'officially' released tracks.
Despite such a small amount of available material, I found their Go Outside 7" two-track single as catchy as any other single/EP released in 2010. The B-Side, "Most Wanted" is a track that reminds me a lot of the vintage feel of The Everly Brothers' "Cathy's Clown." If you like "Go Outside," definitely visit their official site and listen to "Most Wanted."
Cults' site lists their debut album as a December 2012 release. I'd like to think they can get it out quicker than that, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Then and Now
This is quite amazing. Below is Shanghai in 1990, and then again in 2010 (only 20 years later). It looks like an entirely different place on Earth.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
SNL Made a Funny
In case you missed it, last weekend boasted one of the better Saturday Night Live skits I've seen in a really, really long time (then again, I haven't watched SNL in probably 5-6 years). I won't spoil it...but it features Anderson Cooper and Pee Wee Herman!
Comcast and NBC Are Getting Married!!!
Yesterday, the FCC finally (it's been in limbo for months) gave approval to Comcast and NBC to merge. This merger creates an absolute powerhouse in the entertainment and news industry. Not only will this single entity create media, but they will also be the most powerful distributor of it.
Anyone who has taken a college-level critical thinking course knows about philosophical fallacies. One of the more emphasized ones in my college philosophy class was the "slippery slope" fallacy. This is the fallacy in which if (A) happens, then it will lead to (B). And if (B) happens, then it could lead to (C), (D), (E), or (F).
Anyone who has taken a college-level critical thinking course knows about philosophical fallacies. One of the more emphasized ones in my college philosophy class was the "slippery slope" fallacy. This is the fallacy in which if (A) happens, then it will lead to (B). And if (B) happens, then it could lead to (C), (D), (E), or (F).
Song of the Day (1.19.11)
Bon Iver - "For Emma"
"For Emma" is off of their debut LP, For Emma, Forever Ago, that came out in 2008.
Bon Iver is a band that's been a around for a few years now. It's comprised of Micahel Noyce, Sean Carey, Matthew McGaughan, and (front man) Justin Vernon. They mix several instruments and effects (such as Justin Vernon's unique use of auto-tune), which culminate to create incredibly beautiful tracks.
Much like Sam Beam of Iron & Wine, Justin Vernon runs the ship for Bon Iver. They haven't released a full-length album since 2009, but he's had several side projects; both with his label (JagJaguwar) and with others. Most notable is Justin's collaboration with Kanye West on his critically acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). For JagJaguwar Records, he is one of 23 other musicians (including members from Andrew Bird, Doomtree, and The Rosebuds) that collaborated to create Gayngs. Gayngs released their debut LP in 2010 and is an interesting mix of soft-rock and smooth-jazz.
To my knowledge, Bon Iver doesn't have anything slated for release in 2011, but lets cross our fingers and hope there's something announced!
Enjoy!
"For Emma" is off of their debut LP, For Emma, Forever Ago, that came out in 2008.
Bon Iver is a band that's been a around for a few years now. It's comprised of Micahel Noyce, Sean Carey, Matthew McGaughan, and (front man) Justin Vernon. They mix several instruments and effects (such as Justin Vernon's unique use of auto-tune), which culminate to create incredibly beautiful tracks.
Much like Sam Beam of Iron & Wine, Justin Vernon runs the ship for Bon Iver. They haven't released a full-length album since 2009, but he's had several side projects; both with his label (JagJaguwar) and with others. Most notable is Justin's collaboration with Kanye West on his critically acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). For JagJaguwar Records, he is one of 23 other musicians (including members from Andrew Bird, Doomtree, and The Rosebuds) that collaborated to create Gayngs. Gayngs released their debut LP in 2010 and is an interesting mix of soft-rock and smooth-jazz.
To my knowledge, Bon Iver doesn't have anything slated for release in 2011, but lets cross our fingers and hope there's something announced!
Enjoy!
The Inside Rail
What is The Inside Rail? Literally, it's the inside rail on a horse track. The closer a horse remains to the rail, the shorter distance the horse needs to go to win the race. "Taking the inside rail" is often times the difference between a horse winning a race by a length, or losing by a nose.
This blog is nothing more than me sharing my interests. As the internet expands, I am finding it increasingly easier to discover my niche interests through blogs as opposed to mainstream websites. Sometimes blogs are opinion-based, science-based, or a nice combination of both. But my favorite blogs are the ones where I discover something that requires me to think, laugh, or listen. That's what this will be. It'll be the things I find interesting and want to share. Blogs have introduced me to all sorts of "stuff" (as George Carlin would say) that I otherwise may never have known about, seen, laughed at, or listened to. And maybe I can spread that to others...maybe.
This blog is nothing more than me sharing my interests. As the internet expands, I am finding it increasingly easier to discover my niche interests through blogs as opposed to mainstream websites. Sometimes blogs are opinion-based, science-based, or a nice combination of both. But my favorite blogs are the ones where I discover something that requires me to think, laugh, or listen. That's what this will be. It'll be the things I find interesting and want to share. Blogs have introduced me to all sorts of "stuff" (as George Carlin would say) that I otherwise may never have known about, seen, laughed at, or listened to. And maybe I can spread that to others...maybe.
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