Today was pretty nifty. We stepped outside to head for a breakfast at Curra's (Jamie, Kristen, Doug and me) and it was unseasonably warm. I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Once on Ben White, we could literally see a clear edge to the front coming through, and by the time we were at Curra's we decided that it was too cold to sit outside. I had also been informed I was somewhat hi-jacked and we were headed either for a movie or the zoo (not that I didn't want to go, but nobody likes suddenly learning that they aren't headed out on the mission they thought they were on).
Anyhoo, since we were already eating, going to The Alamo to see a movie I didn't care to see held little appeal, and everyone else wanted to go to the zoo, too, so off we headed.
If you've never been to The Austin Zoo, I highly recommend it. It doesn't have the massive gazelle herds of, say, the San Antonio zoo. But what they've done with their space and resources is pretty spectacular. Not to mention that some of their key attractions are rescue animals.
You know how you read about people keeping lions or tigers in their yards? It seems that many of their big cats come from such situations, or from circuses that probably never should have taken on big cats as a side-show item in the first place. Anyhoo, the lions, tigers and leopards are given a pretty nice place to call home, lots of loving attention and fawning admirers. And you can get up fairly close to their enclosures, enough so that the big cats are used to it and don't mind that you're five feet away.
I would post pictures, but, again, I had no idea I was going to the zoo, so... no camera.
Also, many, many different kinds of monkeys and primates. And interesting birds, but not an overwhelming collection, I think.
This evening we headed back to San Marcos for dinner. Tomorrow Kristen heads back to Berkeley, so we most likely will not see her again for several months. Perhaps a Bay Area trip is in our future?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Society of the Advancement of Dave
Holy cow! Dave Campbell is back!
You might remember Dave from the site "Dave's Long Box", a comic, humor, whatever site.
Anyway, I used to check in Dave quite a bit, and I look forward to doing so once more in a non-work related capacity (Dave actually parlayed his blogging prowess into a job for the ABC network).
Anyway, welcome back Dave, and welcome "The Society for the Advancement of Dave" to the blog-o-shpere.
You might remember Dave from the site "Dave's Long Box", a comic, humor, whatever site.
Anyway, I used to check in Dave quite a bit, and I look forward to doing so once more in a non-work related capacity (Dave actually parlayed his blogging prowess into a job for the ABC network).
Anyway, welcome back Dave, and welcome "The Society for the Advancement of Dave" to the blog-o-shpere.
Eartha Kitt Merges with the Infinite
Eartha Kitt, actor, singer and part of the Bat-firmament as one of three talented women to play Catwoman in the classic Batman television program, has passed away.
Kitt is also known for her version of "Santa Baby" (if you're hearing it on the radio or at the mall, that's Kitt's voice). She had a long and prolific career, including, I recall, cabs in New York on the 1990's using a pre-recorded message from Kitt asking you to buckle up (I still recall turning to Jason in the cab and blurting out "That's Eartha Kitt!").
Kitt never seemed to lose her joie de vivre, and never minded talking about either "Santa, Baby" or Catwoman. She'll be missed but not forgotten.
Kitt is also known for her version of "Santa Baby" (if you're hearing it on the radio or at the mall, that's Kitt's voice). She had a long and prolific career, including, I recall, cabs in New York on the 1990's using a pre-recorded message from Kitt asking you to buckle up (I still recall turning to Jason in the cab and blurting out "That's Eartha Kitt!").
Kitt never seemed to lose her joie de vivre, and never minded talking about either "Santa, Baby" or Catwoman. She'll be missed but not forgotten.
Other Side of Christmas - 2008
Hey Leaguers!
I hope you had a holly, jolly Christmas (it's the best time of the year).
This year Jamie and I had Christmas with her folks, Doug and Kristen, with most of the Christmassy activity centered at Jamie's folks' house down in San Marcos. Luckily, it was very nice outside, so we were able to take Melbotis and Lucy down with us (Jeff stayed behind to watch the house).
The McBrides have their big Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day in order to maximize Christmas Day lounging. It was about as traditional meal as you'll find with turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc... Which Judy did almost entirely by herself. And, I might say, outdid herself this year. This was followed by Judy's Christmas morning quiche, the traditional cinnamon roll wreath, and more.
We did the annual present exchange (I did well, thank you), and I think everyone did okay this year in the loot department.
There's been no small amount of discussion of the "Twilight" series of books (and movies) which are about not-really-Vampires. Jamie and Judy have read all of them, and Kristen is making her way through. And yet not Doug, Dick nor myself have yet to feel any inkling of curiosity about the series.
I did talk to The Admiral, KareBear and Steanso on Christmas Day. It sounded like their Holiday was going swimmingly.
We've got some tired dogs on our hands today as Lucy and Mel spent two days out in the McBride's big backyard and with a fairly steady stream of folks stepping out to throw the ball for them. Mel was in a bit of a blue funk in the week or so headed into Christmas as it was cold and his old bones do not love the cold the way they once did, and it was tough to get him outside for any length of time on his own. He was much peppier with the sun (probably the best present he could have received).
I, myself, am way off schedule on sleep, caffeine intake, etc... So I am unsure if I've been appropriately peppy during all the festivities.
Anyhow, we're now on the other side of Christmas, and that's always a pretty good time. Hopefully we'll use the freetime a bit more wisely than usual before I return to work than I have in previous vacations. I am going to try to do some organizing of CD's and books, sort some comics, and get to the garage after New Year as part of the Christmas decoration breakdown.
I hope everyone's Christmas went well.
I hope you had a holly, jolly Christmas (it's the best time of the year).
This year Jamie and I had Christmas with her folks, Doug and Kristen, with most of the Christmassy activity centered at Jamie's folks' house down in San Marcos. Luckily, it was very nice outside, so we were able to take Melbotis and Lucy down with us (Jeff stayed behind to watch the house).
The McBrides have their big Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day in order to maximize Christmas Day lounging. It was about as traditional meal as you'll find with turkey, dressing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc... Which Judy did almost entirely by herself. And, I might say, outdid herself this year. This was followed by Judy's Christmas morning quiche, the traditional cinnamon roll wreath, and more.
We did the annual present exchange (I did well, thank you), and I think everyone did okay this year in the loot department.
There's been no small amount of discussion of the "Twilight" series of books (and movies) which are about not-really-Vampires. Jamie and Judy have read all of them, and Kristen is making her way through. And yet not Doug, Dick nor myself have yet to feel any inkling of curiosity about the series.
I did talk to The Admiral, KareBear and Steanso on Christmas Day. It sounded like their Holiday was going swimmingly.
We've got some tired dogs on our hands today as Lucy and Mel spent two days out in the McBride's big backyard and with a fairly steady stream of folks stepping out to throw the ball for them. Mel was in a bit of a blue funk in the week or so headed into Christmas as it was cold and his old bones do not love the cold the way they once did, and it was tough to get him outside for any length of time on his own. He was much peppier with the sun (probably the best present he could have received).
I, myself, am way off schedule on sleep, caffeine intake, etc... So I am unsure if I've been appropriately peppy during all the festivities.
Anyhow, we're now on the other side of Christmas, and that's always a pretty good time. Hopefully we'll use the freetime a bit more wisely than usual before I return to work than I have in previous vacations. I am going to try to do some organizing of CD's and books, sort some comics, and get to the garage after New Year as part of the Christmas decoration breakdown.
I hope everyone's Christmas went well.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's a Wonderful Life
"It's a Wonderful Life" is a movie a surprising number of people haven't actually seen all the way through. Given the homage, parodies, etc... and insertion of clips of the film into countless other Holiday movies, I think a lot of folks think they've made it all the way through, but when you really press them, they know the story but aren't all that familiar with the original movie.
There was a very interesting story in the New York Times recently that discussed the discrepancy between how many people (in my experience, usually those who've never actually watched the film) believe it to be schmaltzy and painting a sugar coating on the world, when those who know the film a bit better know... that isn't "It's a Wonderful Life" at all. At the same time, I found the article a bit confusing as it seemed to conflate the common misconceptions about the movie with the reality presented in the movie, and without much credit given in the way of historical context regarding what life might have actually been like during the film's release.
Ah, the Holidays...
And, he takes a dig at "Bells of St. Mary's", which was actually a hugely popular movie of the era, earning a couple of Academy Awards and a huge number of nominations.
I saw "It's a Wonderful Life" the first time on television in the late 80's, before a copyright dispute got it yanked from the airwaves where it had been a favorite of UHF channels for years (the sitcom Cheers had a gag about how, in December, their UHF affiliate became "It's a Wonderful Network" showing the movie over and over).
It's easy enough to latch onto the message at the end of the movie, which is probably why the movie gets props even from those who consider it a bit sugary. We'd all like to believe our lives are worth something, not just to us, but to the people we're around and who matter to us. And if we've lived well, perhaps our value goes well beyond that.
And certainly, the movie means something far different when you see it when you're young versus how you see it as an adult and you, also, perhaps never boarded that steam ship and maybe life isn't quite as full of adventure as you'd hoped... And I'm not sure that the article's author gives full props to the fact that George Bailey doesn't want to toss himself off a bridge because of his legal troubles, but because of how he feels he's spent his life in a manner he never intended, and now he may be going away for a long, long time thanks to the mistakes of one of the folks he's carried with him.
I think that unless you're living a pretty awesome life, then there are very few people out there who can't relate a little to George Bailey.
There's actually some pretty entertaining stuff about how cool Pottersville looks compared to Bedford Falls, and in an America where the ideal vacation is in Las Vegas where they serve you free drinks as long as you keep gambling, its hard to argue the point. Maybe a vice-ridden town didn't equate to prosperity in anyone's book in 1947ish, but, hey... all I'm saying is that apparently you could pick up dames like Gloria Grahame. That's sort of jolly.
Swingingest neighborhood in Capraland
"It's a Wonderful Life" delivers pretty well on trying to demonstrate the value of the life of the everyman, that we effect more than we believe and our lives do have value. It's an interesting message for this time of year, when the "should be's" of the Holiday season are so much more apparent and painful when we're at our lowest. And that's, really, who the movie is for.
It's also important to note that before George's financial situation resolves itself that he's already at peace with his life, and, in fact grateful for it. I won't say that the deus ex machina of the tidy ending dilutes the film's conclusion and moral denouement, because its meant to reinforce the message of how one man is always more valued than he realizes. But its interesting, too, that its all gravy as far as George Bailey is concerned.
I used to watch the movie every year, but I think I'm now pacing myself. It's a movie I don't just like, but I actually believe in. Sure, it's sentimental, but to try to say its saccharine when you consider the sort of DOA Holiday junk we've been getting since, I think, Scrooged. I'll take a movie that isn't "Christmas with the Kranks", "Jingle all the Way", "Deck the Halls" or "Four Christmases"... secular Christmas movies that focus incessantly on the annoyances of the holiday/ having a family who loves you.
I'm not going to try to convince you. But give the article a read. If you get a chance, watch the movie.
There was a very interesting story in the New York Times recently that discussed the discrepancy between how many people (in my experience, usually those who've never actually watched the film) believe it to be schmaltzy and painting a sugar coating on the world, when those who know the film a bit better know... that isn't "It's a Wonderful Life" at all. At the same time, I found the article a bit confusing as it seemed to conflate the common misconceptions about the movie with the reality presented in the movie, and without much credit given in the way of historical context regarding what life might have actually been like during the film's release.
Ah, the Holidays...
And, he takes a dig at "Bells of St. Mary's", which was actually a hugely popular movie of the era, earning a couple of Academy Awards and a huge number of nominations.
I saw "It's a Wonderful Life" the first time on television in the late 80's, before a copyright dispute got it yanked from the airwaves where it had been a favorite of UHF channels for years (the sitcom Cheers had a gag about how, in December, their UHF affiliate became "It's a Wonderful Network" showing the movie over and over).
It's easy enough to latch onto the message at the end of the movie, which is probably why the movie gets props even from those who consider it a bit sugary. We'd all like to believe our lives are worth something, not just to us, but to the people we're around and who matter to us. And if we've lived well, perhaps our value goes well beyond that.
And certainly, the movie means something far different when you see it when you're young versus how you see it as an adult and you, also, perhaps never boarded that steam ship and maybe life isn't quite as full of adventure as you'd hoped... And I'm not sure that the article's author gives full props to the fact that George Bailey doesn't want to toss himself off a bridge because of his legal troubles, but because of how he feels he's spent his life in a manner he never intended, and now he may be going away for a long, long time thanks to the mistakes of one of the folks he's carried with him.
I think that unless you're living a pretty awesome life, then there are very few people out there who can't relate a little to George Bailey.
There's actually some pretty entertaining stuff about how cool Pottersville looks compared to Bedford Falls, and in an America where the ideal vacation is in Las Vegas where they serve you free drinks as long as you keep gambling, its hard to argue the point. Maybe a vice-ridden town didn't equate to prosperity in anyone's book in 1947ish, but, hey... all I'm saying is that apparently you could pick up dames like Gloria Grahame. That's sort of jolly.
Swingingest neighborhood in Capraland
"It's a Wonderful Life" delivers pretty well on trying to demonstrate the value of the life of the everyman, that we effect more than we believe and our lives do have value. It's an interesting message for this time of year, when the "should be's" of the Holiday season are so much more apparent and painful when we're at our lowest. And that's, really, who the movie is for.
It's also important to note that before George's financial situation resolves itself that he's already at peace with his life, and, in fact grateful for it. I won't say that the deus ex machina of the tidy ending dilutes the film's conclusion and moral denouement, because its meant to reinforce the message of how one man is always more valued than he realizes. But its interesting, too, that its all gravy as far as George Bailey is concerned.
I used to watch the movie every year, but I think I'm now pacing myself. It's a movie I don't just like, but I actually believe in. Sure, it's sentimental, but to try to say its saccharine when you consider the sort of DOA Holiday junk we've been getting since, I think, Scrooged. I'll take a movie that isn't "Christmas with the Kranks", "Jingle all the Way", "Deck the Halls" or "Four Christmases"... secular Christmas movies that focus incessantly on the annoyances of the holiday/ having a family who loves you.
I'm not going to try to convince you. But give the article a read. If you get a chance, watch the movie.
I forgot to post
I don't often forget to post, but... I did.
Anyway, here's The 11 Most Badass Last Words from the good people at Cracked.
Anyway, here's The 11 Most Badass Last Words from the good people at Cracked.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
NORAD tracks Santa
Hey, Leaguers. Those of you with kids might want to share this item with them.
Every year, for the past few years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has turned it's considerable resources to tracking Santa over American and other air space. You kids might be curious to see Santa make his way around the planet before he reaches your house.
Here's a link to the NORAD Santa Tracking website.
OR, you can track Santa with Google Earth.
Every year, for the past few years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has turned it's considerable resources to tracking Santa over American and other air space. You kids might be curious to see Santa make his way around the planet before he reaches your house.
Here's a link to the NORAD Santa Tracking website.
OR, you can track Santa with Google Earth.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Austin Books X-Mas Sale
Austin area readers may be interested to know that Austin Books is holding a substantial sale on Saturday. But it's also a Christmas party.
From their e-mail:
* 25% off ALL trade paperbacks (including hardcovers!) and manga
* 50% off select trade paperbacks (several hundred titles)
* $20 Gift Certificate given away every hour
* Cookies and Cocoa!
* Free Marvel Holiday Special Comic (while supplies last)
and
Yes, I am forcing Jamie into taking me.
From their e-mail:
* 25% off ALL trade paperbacks (including hardcovers!) and manga
* 50% off select trade paperbacks (several hundred titles)
* $20 Gift Certificate given away every hour
* Cookies and Cocoa!
* Free Marvel Holiday Special Comic (while supplies last)
and
Don't forget, it's a party! There's going to be delicious sugar cookies for everyone and hot cocoa. We're going to be spinning X-Mas tunes. At least one of us will be wearing some ridiculous X-Mas garb.
So join us and be merry, because our idea of surviving the holiday retail season is by sticking a party and major sale in the middle of it. Then we go home and have some Crazy Ol' Blitzen Brand Egg Nog. It's got kick.
Yes, I am forcing Jamie into taking me.
Drunk History
This series I found at "Funny or Die" brought back some painful, fuzzy memories from college. Leaguers may recall that one of side-effect of graduating from high school was that I sort of earned a History degree from the Univ. of Texas. Anyhow, what I liked about history (well, probably one of my favorite things in life) is real stories.
To some degree, I think that's why I prefer watching Discovery, History Channel, what have you to most hour-long dramas. Or even will listen to Nicole rattle on for hours at a time. But, there's so much real stuff out there that's kind of mind-blowing that I don't feel compelled to see Jack Bauer's latest water-boarding adventure.
Occasionally, back in school when I'd tied one or two on, I'd find some "in" in the conversation that would remind me of something from class, and I would feel compelled to share.
I imagine that when I relate most of my book-learnin', whether sober or otherwise, it sounds not unlike the work of...
DRUNK HISTORY
Here's a link to more. Beware the, uh... usual side effects of drinking a bottle of vodka, etc... There are swears, confusion, and some, uhmmm... purging.
To some degree, I think that's why I prefer watching Discovery, History Channel, what have you to most hour-long dramas. Or even will listen to Nicole rattle on for hours at a time. But, there's so much real stuff out there that's kind of mind-blowing that I don't feel compelled to see Jack Bauer's latest water-boarding adventure.
Occasionally, back in school when I'd tied one or two on, I'd find some "in" in the conversation that would remind me of something from class, and I would feel compelled to share.
I imagine that when I relate most of my book-learnin', whether sober or otherwise, it sounds not unlike the work of...
DRUNK HISTORY
Here's a link to more. Beware the, uh... usual side effects of drinking a bottle of vodka, etc... There are swears, confusion, and some, uhmmm... purging.
Top 100 people
I seriously would not take it upon myself to compile a list of 100 People of 2008, but nobody is paying me to be a full time blogger. Even then I'd think it a lot of unnecessary work.
But USA Today's pop culture wunderkind, Whitney Matheson, has done exactly that. And Jim Parsons it at number 35.
And Kanye West is at 37?
Man, if I was even on the same list as Kanye West anywhere, even on someone's "To Kill in 2009" list, I would be flattered. But to be 2 spaces in front of Mr. West?
Suck it, Kanye! Sheldon's emotionally challenged physicist is the new cool.
And if we're looking to off-kilter geniuses, then its not surprising that David Byrne sits at #34. Maybe next year, Jim.
I was going to mention other highlights, such as Samantha Bee at #39 and Kristen Wiig at #25, but the whole list is made up of highlights. But is anyone more highlightier than Mad Men's Christina Hendricks at #31? I think not.
But USA Today's pop culture wunderkind, Whitney Matheson, has done exactly that. And Jim Parsons it at number 35.
And Kanye West is at 37?
Man, if I was even on the same list as Kanye West anywhere, even on someone's "To Kill in 2009" list, I would be flattered. But to be 2 spaces in front of Mr. West?
Suck it, Kanye! Sheldon's emotionally challenged physicist is the new cool.
And if we're looking to off-kilter geniuses, then its not surprising that David Byrne sits at #34. Maybe next year, Jim.
I was going to mention other highlights, such as Samantha Bee at #39 and Kristen Wiig at #25, but the whole list is made up of highlights. But is anyone more highlightier than Mad Men's Christina Hendricks at #31? I think not.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Office Party
Tonight was my office Christmas party. Lovely, catered affair at UT's new hotel/ conference center. Well, by office, I mean the entire library staff and their families showed up. It was a few hundred folks as far as I could tell.
I'm still new, so I stuck close to people I know, met some new people, drank some coffee, ate some food, ate a cookie. It was, all in all, very festive. And, it was interesting to see how so many people related to one another. A lot of them have been there for a career, and some were back after retiring.
I've never worked anywhere before that was somewhere I believed I'd be for more than a few years. Or where people took it for granted that their jobs would be there tomorrow, even when I worked at other university jobs. I'm not sure I believe I'm set for life, but it's an interesting dynamic. And a nice thought.
I don't know. I'm not ready to say I'm settled in quite yet.
Christmas Schedules
I'm actually in Austin straight through, but thanks to the unique schedule of the University, I'm actually off starting tomorrow at 5:00 until after Jan. 1 (but we miss basically every other federal, state or other holiday).
I'm looking forward to some downtime that doesn't include unemployment.
There's a lot of "chore" type stuff I want to knock out, but if you're around and about, give me a shout.
This also means light blogging will probably also continue throughout the break.
Christmas Poetry
I was asked pretty specifically not to repeat my Holiday Poetry experiment this year. So, alas, you poor suckers. No Holiday poem this year.
Not that anyone ever seemed to read the poems...
I Have No Idea What is Happening Here
...because it looks like Santa is an unwilling participant in this image
Tonight was my office Christmas party. Lovely, catered affair at UT's new hotel/ conference center. Well, by office, I mean the entire library staff and their families showed up. It was a few hundred folks as far as I could tell.
I'm still new, so I stuck close to people I know, met some new people, drank some coffee, ate some food, ate a cookie. It was, all in all, very festive. And, it was interesting to see how so many people related to one another. A lot of them have been there for a career, and some were back after retiring.
I've never worked anywhere before that was somewhere I believed I'd be for more than a few years. Or where people took it for granted that their jobs would be there tomorrow, even when I worked at other university jobs. I'm not sure I believe I'm set for life, but it's an interesting dynamic. And a nice thought.
I don't know. I'm not ready to say I'm settled in quite yet.
Christmas Schedules
I'm actually in Austin straight through, but thanks to the unique schedule of the University, I'm actually off starting tomorrow at 5:00 until after Jan. 1 (but we miss basically every other federal, state or other holiday).
I'm looking forward to some downtime that doesn't include unemployment.
There's a lot of "chore" type stuff I want to knock out, but if you're around and about, give me a shout.
This also means light blogging will probably also continue throughout the break.
Christmas Poetry
I was asked pretty specifically not to repeat my Holiday Poetry experiment this year. So, alas, you poor suckers. No Holiday poem this year.
Not that anyone ever seemed to read the poems...
I Have No Idea What is Happening Here
...because it looks like Santa is an unwilling participant in this image
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The League's Musical Playlist, 2008
I'm running a bit dry for content ideas at the moment, which I attribute to the sudden shortage of links and wackiness Randy usually sends me, but which has abruptly dried up of late (what up RHPT?).
I've been doing some lists over at Comic Fodder for an end of the year wrap up. So far I've posted a sort of rambling pre-amble, and then a "disappointments of 2008" list. I'll be doing a "good stuff from 2008" list by the weekend or first of next week. So, click on those and enjoy them. Or not. You know, whatever.
But you're reading this far down thinking "Great! More comics nonsense. But what about THE MUSIC, man?"
Well, I'm going to be 100% honest here.
2008 was probably the year I paid the absolute least attention to music in my life. Aside from ACL Fest, I don't think I went to a single show*, which wasn't even true in Phoenix, I think. Or at least there I had tickets but didn't make it out. I confess that I was otherwise distracted and I'm getting old. I had a subscription to "Spin" I bought from some adorable little girl who was selling magazines door-to-door, and every time I opened that magazine, I felt like I had no idea what I was looking at. I have no perspective anymore to separate hype and that first blush interest in freshman bands from an actual romance with a band's music.
These days, I mostly listen to music in the car, at my desk at home, or not at all. I definitely no longer just sit and listen to an album while laying on my bed anymore.
Consequently, I think my tastes are as run of the mill as they've been since I bought "Invisible Touch" out of a record bin at "Skaggs Alphabeta" grocery when I was 12ish.
As I don't think I can say much about Best Albums of 2008, because, seriously, I haven't got a clue, I'm just going to go through my iPod's playlists entitled "2008 - 1" and "2008 - 2". I've made other playlists, but they're either thematic or generated by the Genius feature.
Some of these tracks became "skip" tracks. But I'll go ahead and be all-inclusive.
Begin your judging of my tastes in 3... 2... 1...
2008 - 1
1) Into the Open - Heartless Bastards
The sophomore effort wasn't as strong, but this track from this album is a favorite
2) Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem
An oddly sentimental tune from LCD Soundsystem.
3) Pretty in Pink - Dresden Dolls
Slightly different from the Psychedelic Furs' original, but I like it just as much
4) Just Like Honey - The Jesus & Mary Chain
An old favorite from, what...? Middle school?
5) Wake Up - Arcade Fire
I'm surprised this wasn't 30% Arcade Fire. But I think I listen to their albums so much that they don't show up on playlists. This song contains one of my favorite changes.
6) Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
One of my favorite songs of the year. I'm not altogether clear what it's about, but it rocks my socks off.
7) Orphan Girl - Gillian Welch
I actually really like Gillian Welch and was glad to see her at ACL Fest this year. Maybe my favorite set of the show.
8) Sleeping Lesson - The Shins
I'm not 100% on The Shins. They're a little wimpy for me, but I do like this tune.
9) Missing - Everything but the Girl
Straight up, Leaguers. This song is on, like, every playlist I have. I do not apologize.
10) Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim
I challenge you not to dig this song.
11) Shadowtime - Siouxsie & the Banshees
A highschool favorite
12) In Between Days - The Cure
I think I must have been going through some nostalgic kick when I built this part of the playlist. Also, I think I was learning the song on bass.
13) I Drove All Night - Cyndi Lauper
If you don't own it, I recommend Lauper's "12 Deadly Cyns"
14) Midnight Radio - Hedwig and the Angry Inch soundtrack
Have you seen this movie?
15) Fannin Street - Tom Waits
Yeah, its about THAT Fannin Street. Check it out, Houstonians.
16) Slippery People - Talking Heads
I'm a pretty big Talking Heads nut, and this song is a favorite among even all of their wide selection of great stuff. This tune also makes many, many playlist appearances
17) A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
Dude, I love this song, even if the lyrics make, literally no sense
18) Handle with Care - The Traveling Wilburys
I went on a Roy Orbison kick about a year before Orbison died (I guess in '89-ish). Anyway, this came out right before Orbison died and is still a favorite of mine.
19) I Know What I Know - Paul Simon
20) Penny on the Train Treck - Ben Kweller
I'm not totally sold on Kweller, but on a strong album, this is, by far, my favorite track. Nanostalgic, honest, and has some great lyrics.
21) Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
I think this song, despite the fact I've known it for years and years, but it seems a little more poignant these days
22) Sea of Tranquility - Siouxsie
Siouxsie comes back with a great tune that could easily have appeared on any of her mid-80's through the end of the Banshees.
2008 - 2
1) Walcott - Vampire Weekend
Was really intended to help me set the pace of the playlist. I don't know that worked out.
2) (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello
A perennial favorite
3) If You're Into It - Flight of the Conchords
If I have to explain, I can't help you.
4) Sunshine Superman - Donovan
Dude! You have to love his tune.
5) Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac
One of my favorite Fleetwood Mac tunes
6) Along the Way - Devotchka
7) Karma Police - Radiohead
My favorite Radiohead tune, but mostly because I enjoyed the hell out of trying to play it with Jamie and Jason
8) All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
This song summed up more about how I've felt about the past two years or so than I really want to discuss
9) Descondido Soy - David Byrne
Infectious, danceable great tune
10) Shine on Sweet Jesus - The Flaming Lips
Ah, high school. I got my first speeding ticket to this song.
11) Smoke Detector - Rilo Kiley
I think Randy pointed out this album was better than I initially gave it credit for, and then I noticed I really liked this track.
12) What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society
Because it samples Nimoy, that's why
13) Ceremony - New Order
I barely remember New Order, and I can't claim that I was a huge fan then or now. But even a broken clock is right twice a day, and this song is particularly a good one. One day I want to cover it while employing a Dracula voice.
14) More Than This - Roxy Music
Sigh. Okay... yeah. It's practically adult contemporary, but it's Bryan Ferry at his most romantic, loungiest, hoping for a movie finale ending... Its the song you want to play when they guy wins the girl in a wordless ending and the picture dissolves to white before the credits roll
15) Sweet Little One - Kelly Willis
I just like Kelly Willis
16) Paper Planes - M.I.A.
My song of choice for summer, 2008
17) Out of Control - Kenna
Okay, this, Paper Planes and The Crystal Cat were all played extensively during the Alamo Drafthouse pre-show and I totally dug all three. if you'e looking for a song to add to your workout mix, I'd recommend this tune
18) The Crystal Cat - Dan Deacon
The lyrics are nonsense, but Deacon fills the musical bandwidth to such a degree it flips all the right switches in my head.
*I later realized this was a not correct. We saw Radiohead in Houston with Steven and Lauren.
I've been doing some lists over at Comic Fodder for an end of the year wrap up. So far I've posted a sort of rambling pre-amble, and then a "disappointments of 2008" list. I'll be doing a "good stuff from 2008" list by the weekend or first of next week. So, click on those and enjoy them. Or not. You know, whatever.
But you're reading this far down thinking "Great! More comics nonsense. But what about THE MUSIC, man?"
Well, I'm going to be 100% honest here.
2008 was probably the year I paid the absolute least attention to music in my life. Aside from ACL Fest, I don't think I went to a single show*, which wasn't even true in Phoenix, I think. Or at least there I had tickets but didn't make it out. I confess that I was otherwise distracted and I'm getting old. I had a subscription to "Spin" I bought from some adorable little girl who was selling magazines door-to-door, and every time I opened that magazine, I felt like I had no idea what I was looking at. I have no perspective anymore to separate hype and that first blush interest in freshman bands from an actual romance with a band's music.
These days, I mostly listen to music in the car, at my desk at home, or not at all. I definitely no longer just sit and listen to an album while laying on my bed anymore.
Consequently, I think my tastes are as run of the mill as they've been since I bought "Invisible Touch" out of a record bin at "Skaggs Alphabeta" grocery when I was 12ish.
As I don't think I can say much about Best Albums of 2008, because, seriously, I haven't got a clue, I'm just going to go through my iPod's playlists entitled "2008 - 1" and "2008 - 2". I've made other playlists, but they're either thematic or generated by the Genius feature.
Some of these tracks became "skip" tracks. But I'll go ahead and be all-inclusive.
Begin your judging of my tastes in 3... 2... 1...
2008 - 1
1) Into the Open - Heartless Bastards
The sophomore effort wasn't as strong, but this track from this album is a favorite
2) Someone Great - LCD Soundsystem
An oddly sentimental tune from LCD Soundsystem.
3) Pretty in Pink - Dresden Dolls
Slightly different from the Psychedelic Furs' original, but I like it just as much
4) Just Like Honey - The Jesus & Mary Chain
An old favorite from, what...? Middle school?
5) Wake Up - Arcade Fire
I'm surprised this wasn't 30% Arcade Fire. But I think I listen to their albums so much that they don't show up on playlists. This song contains one of my favorite changes.
6) Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
One of my favorite songs of the year. I'm not altogether clear what it's about, but it rocks my socks off.
7) Orphan Girl - Gillian Welch
I actually really like Gillian Welch and was glad to see her at ACL Fest this year. Maybe my favorite set of the show.
8) Sleeping Lesson - The Shins
I'm not 100% on The Shins. They're a little wimpy for me, but I do like this tune.
9) Missing - Everything but the Girl
Straight up, Leaguers. This song is on, like, every playlist I have. I do not apologize.
10) Weapon of Choice - Fatboy Slim
I challenge you not to dig this song.
11) Shadowtime - Siouxsie & the Banshees
A highschool favorite
12) In Between Days - The Cure
I think I must have been going through some nostalgic kick when I built this part of the playlist. Also, I think I was learning the song on bass.
13) I Drove All Night - Cyndi Lauper
If you don't own it, I recommend Lauper's "12 Deadly Cyns"
14) Midnight Radio - Hedwig and the Angry Inch soundtrack
Have you seen this movie?
15) Fannin Street - Tom Waits
Yeah, its about THAT Fannin Street. Check it out, Houstonians.
16) Slippery People - Talking Heads
I'm a pretty big Talking Heads nut, and this song is a favorite among even all of their wide selection of great stuff. This tune also makes many, many playlist appearances
17) A-Punk - Vampire Weekend
Dude, I love this song, even if the lyrics make, literally no sense
18) Handle with Care - The Traveling Wilburys
I went on a Roy Orbison kick about a year before Orbison died (I guess in '89-ish). Anyway, this came out right before Orbison died and is still a favorite of mine.
19) I Know What I Know - Paul Simon
20) Penny on the Train Treck - Ben Kweller
I'm not totally sold on Kweller, but on a strong album, this is, by far, my favorite track. Nanostalgic, honest, and has some great lyrics.
21) Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
I think this song, despite the fact I've known it for years and years, but it seems a little more poignant these days
22) Sea of Tranquility - Siouxsie
Siouxsie comes back with a great tune that could easily have appeared on any of her mid-80's through the end of the Banshees.
2008 - 2
1) Walcott - Vampire Weekend
Was really intended to help me set the pace of the playlist. I don't know that worked out.
2) (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello
A perennial favorite
3) If You're Into It - Flight of the Conchords
If I have to explain, I can't help you.
4) Sunshine Superman - Donovan
Dude! You have to love his tune.
5) Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac
One of my favorite Fleetwood Mac tunes
6) Along the Way - Devotchka
7) Karma Police - Radiohead
My favorite Radiohead tune, but mostly because I enjoyed the hell out of trying to play it with Jamie and Jason
8) All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
This song summed up more about how I've felt about the past two years or so than I really want to discuss
9) Descondido Soy - David Byrne
Infectious, danceable great tune
10) Shine on Sweet Jesus - The Flaming Lips
Ah, high school. I got my first speeding ticket to this song.
11) Smoke Detector - Rilo Kiley
I think Randy pointed out this album was better than I initially gave it credit for, and then I noticed I really liked this track.
12) What's on Your Mind (Pure Energy) - Information Society
Because it samples Nimoy, that's why
13) Ceremony - New Order
I barely remember New Order, and I can't claim that I was a huge fan then or now. But even a broken clock is right twice a day, and this song is particularly a good one. One day I want to cover it while employing a Dracula voice.
14) More Than This - Roxy Music
Sigh. Okay... yeah. It's practically adult contemporary, but it's Bryan Ferry at his most romantic, loungiest, hoping for a movie finale ending... Its the song you want to play when they guy wins the girl in a wordless ending and the picture dissolves to white before the credits roll
15) Sweet Little One - Kelly Willis
I just like Kelly Willis
16) Paper Planes - M.I.A.
My song of choice for summer, 2008
17) Out of Control - Kenna
Okay, this, Paper Planes and The Crystal Cat were all played extensively during the Alamo Drafthouse pre-show and I totally dug all three. if you'e looking for a song to add to your workout mix, I'd recommend this tune
18) The Crystal Cat - Dan Deacon
The lyrics are nonsense, but Deacon fills the musical bandwidth to such a degree it flips all the right switches in my head.
*I later realized this was a not correct. We saw Radiohead in Houston with Steven and Lauren.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Recycling Robots from Outer Space
Back in August, I opined that I was not excited by the remake of the Robert Wise directed sci-fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Well, apparently audiences weren't too jazzed about a re-make, either, as it grossed a less-than-hoped-for $30 millionish in its first weekend.
I've heard that message of the movie is environmental, which, despite new effects and what seems to be a massive shift in the events of the original... Basically, Kneau comes from space to tell us all to recycle or he's going to sick his robot on us.
If you've seen the original, you know that Klaatu's concern isn't so much clean air and water, but the threat of nuclear annihilation (on Earth, as well as should humans set their eyes skyward). We kind of take this sort of story for granted as an artifact of the opening days of the Cold War, but as a message to humanity not just of anti-nuclear proliferation, but a condemnation of war on the heels of WWII and during the Korean War.
Sci-Fi's strength is often in its allegorical nature, or attempts to explore ethical and moral issues we haven't really faced yet. And I think its laudable to tuck the evergreen message of not trashing the planet into a movie where aliens and robots WILL KILL YOU IF YOU DO NOT SWITCH TO LOW FLOW TOILETS. But I think I'm a bit more fascinated with the idea of what mankind would do if faced down with the threat of annihilation if they didn't get their act together and quit killing one another.
Anyhow, I still kind of want to see the re-make out of some sense of morbid curiosity.
Big Bang Theory
I don't know if you saw this week's episode but... It's a bizarre pleasure to see characters on a TV show pondering the imponderables of Superman fandom. I know they're playing it for laughs, but I think us Superman fans have a good sense of humor about the conundrums of the rules and regulations they set up in Superman comics. And it all felt oddly... accurate.
Also, the ending was gold.
Late
I gotta go to bed
Back in August, I opined that I was not excited by the remake of the Robert Wise directed sci-fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still". Well, apparently audiences weren't too jazzed about a re-make, either, as it grossed a less-than-hoped-for $30 millionish in its first weekend.
I've heard that message of the movie is environmental, which, despite new effects and what seems to be a massive shift in the events of the original... Basically, Kneau comes from space to tell us all to recycle or he's going to sick his robot on us.
If you've seen the original, you know that Klaatu's concern isn't so much clean air and water, but the threat of nuclear annihilation (on Earth, as well as should humans set their eyes skyward). We kind of take this sort of story for granted as an artifact of the opening days of the Cold War, but as a message to humanity not just of anti-nuclear proliferation, but a condemnation of war on the heels of WWII and during the Korean War.
Sci-Fi's strength is often in its allegorical nature, or attempts to explore ethical and moral issues we haven't really faced yet. And I think its laudable to tuck the evergreen message of not trashing the planet into a movie where aliens and robots WILL KILL YOU IF YOU DO NOT SWITCH TO LOW FLOW TOILETS. But I think I'm a bit more fascinated with the idea of what mankind would do if faced down with the threat of annihilation if they didn't get their act together and quit killing one another.
Anyhow, I still kind of want to see the re-make out of some sense of morbid curiosity.
Big Bang Theory
I don't know if you saw this week's episode but... It's a bizarre pleasure to see characters on a TV show pondering the imponderables of Superman fandom. I know they're playing it for laughs, but I think us Superman fans have a good sense of humor about the conundrums of the rules and regulations they set up in Superman comics. And it all felt oddly... accurate.
Also, the ending was gold.
Late
I gotta go to bed
Marshall's Top 10 Musical Selections of 2008
Leaguers, Marshall is an old, old pal of The League's. He's a bit of a rock and roller and also an attorney, and today he's here to share with us his favorite musical picks of 2008.
Here you go.
Feel free to debate the man.
Here you go.
Feel free to debate the man.
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