Out of the Closet
Why do I buy clothes? I have so many clothes in my closet that I don't wear (and several things I can't bring myself to get rid of). Thing is, I have a lot of mediocre clothes and not a lot of show stoppers in my wardrobe. But, I don't have many occasions to dress up and the only person I really have to please is me (my harshest critic).
There once was a time when I took pride in the way I dressed, but to borrow a phrase from George Michael- "sometimes the clothes does not make the man". Every now and then that well-dressed, stylish guy will make an appearance, but for the most part he has been replaced by a guy who tries... but then says - f*ck it!
August 28, 2008
Thanks to RW we got credentials. We will be part of one of the most historical moments in history- Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco. But is anything really historic any more? Everyone knows that this is a historic moment so will that diminish its impact? When I read about historical moments in history they almost seem magical and unaware of their importance at the time. Is this MLK historic... or just trivia pursuit historic? In my world it's a pretty big deal, but what about for those people who don't look like me, think like me, or vote like me? Is it less historic for those people?
Natural Born Thrilla
The album of the week is the Natural Born Killers Soundtrack. I'm in a funky mindset tonight, and this album is really setting the tone for the week. This compilation is dark, gritty, and at times haunting. But it always brings a smile to my face- especially the sound clips from the film. It's funny sh*t!
The soundtrack features music by NIN, Leonard Cohen, L7, Patti Smith, Dr Dre, Tha Dogg Pound, Bob Dylan, Cowboy Junkies, and more.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Vicky Cristina Barcelona - Movie Review
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (PG-13) 96 minutes A-
Three babes and Javier Bardem
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson, and Kevin Dunn
Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends. Vicky is a sensible and structured grad student finishing her master's thesis on Catalan culture. Cristina... well, Cristina is just smokin hot.
The two friends have decided to spend the summer in Barcelona, and shortly after their arrival they are befriended by a rugged yet sexy Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). Within minutes of meeting the women he suggests that the three of them take a trip together and make love all weekend. Vicky is admittedly opposed for numerous reasons (one of which she's engaged to be married), while Cristina is intrigued by his unconventional offer and his five o'clock shadow.
When Cristina succumbs to illness, Vicky is forced to hang out with Juan. With Cristina out of sight and out of mind, Vicky changes her tune about Juan. But when Cristina is well, Vicky takes a backseat to her friend despite her new found feelings for the charming Spaniard.
Cristina and Juan blossom into a very compatible pair, but their union is quickly turned upside down when Juan's crazy ex-wife (Penelope Cruz) comes back into his life.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a terrific film that shows remarkable artistic restraint on behalf of writer, director Woody Allen. This film could have easily derailed many times, but Allen does a brilliant job of balancing drama, comedy and intrigue without sensationalizing his characters or the plot. The film has a certain quiet charm and mature sadness; it speaks the truth about love, fear and certain types of relationships. It's just another example of why Woody Allen is the greatest filmmaker of all time... no doubt about it!
Three babes and Javier Bardem
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson, and Kevin Dunn
Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson) are best friends. Vicky is a sensible and structured grad student finishing her master's thesis on Catalan culture. Cristina... well, Cristina is just smokin hot.
The two friends have decided to spend the summer in Barcelona, and shortly after their arrival they are befriended by a rugged yet sexy Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). Within minutes of meeting the women he suggests that the three of them take a trip together and make love all weekend. Vicky is admittedly opposed for numerous reasons (one of which she's engaged to be married), while Cristina is intrigued by his unconventional offer and his five o'clock shadow.
When Cristina succumbs to illness, Vicky is forced to hang out with Juan. With Cristina out of sight and out of mind, Vicky changes her tune about Juan. But when Cristina is well, Vicky takes a backseat to her friend despite her new found feelings for the charming Spaniard.
Cristina and Juan blossom into a very compatible pair, but their union is quickly turned upside down when Juan's crazy ex-wife (Penelope Cruz) comes back into his life.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a terrific film that shows remarkable artistic restraint on behalf of writer, director Woody Allen. This film could have easily derailed many times, but Allen does a brilliant job of balancing drama, comedy and intrigue without sensationalizing his characters or the plot. The film has a certain quiet charm and mature sadness; it speaks the truth about love, fear and certain types of relationships. It's just another example of why Woody Allen is the greatest filmmaker of all time... no doubt about it!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Don't Think I Don't Think About It
When Hootie and the Blowfish first burst on the scene back in 1994 I hated them and I hated their popularity. It wasn't until I heard the single- Tucker's Town from Fairweather Johnson, that I gave them a chance. Soon after hearing that single I read a review that compared them to the Counting Crows, I love the Counting Crows so I decided to buy Fairweather Johnson. Instantly I fell in love with the album and immediately went out and bought Cracked Rear View. Eventually the songs Let Her Cry, Time, and Only Wanna Be With You all grew on me. But the signature song on that album was Hannah Jane. Oh, how I loved Hannah Jane.
After FJ, came Musical Chairs, probably my favorite and their most diverse album. They followed that with Mark Bryan's surprisingly catchy solo album aptly titled 30 on the rail, and the rarities/cover album Scattered, Smothered and Covered. Scattered... was their last good album as far as I'm concerned. Everything after that has been a disappointment, including the Darius Rucker's R&B solo album.
So just as I was about to lose faith (a year or so ago) , I heard that Darius was working on a country album. I'm not a country music fan, but this change of pace is just what the doctor ordered for Hootie nation. Frankly, the "ultimate bar band" label was played out years ago, yet I feared that's what they had become. I hope and pray that Hootie (as a band) has some darkness and depth left in their musical bag of tricks. Just because your getting older and becoming better golfers doesn't mean your music has to suck.
Anyway, the first single from Darius Rucker's new country album is out, and it doesn't suck. Matter of fact, I like it a lot. Check out the new single and video right here http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/DariusRucker/Dont-Think-I-Dont-Think-About-It--184510648
Monday, August 11, 2008
Peace, Love and Literary Understanding
All The Sad Young Literary Men by Keith Gessen
The novel follows three men (Keith, Sam and Mark) as they try and achieve their dreams of becoming literary giants. The three protagonists are well-rounded, well-educated, and well-read young men approaching the landmark age of 30. They're unhappy with the political climate, unhappy with their Google ranking, and generally indecisive about love.
Three men, three stories- yet I would have preferred more disparity between these anti-heroes (I had to keep back tracking to remind myself who was who). Gessen has moments of brilliance and the characters are very believable, but the historical references that Gessen is so fond of just didn't connect with me. One critic suggested that Sad Young Literary Men is essentially "sex in the city for men". I can see the similarities (three lads looking for love in New York), but something darker, more pensive, and intellectual lurks within these three characters.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Pineapple Express - Movie Reivew
Pineapple Express (R) 107 minutes D+
Skunk Weed
Starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez, Danny R. McBride, Amber Heard, and James Remar
Underachieving stoner Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) witnesses a murder by a dirty cop and a drug lord. After leaving his roach at the crime scene, the bad guys quickly trace the rare strain of pot (called Pineapple Express) back to Denton's drug dealer and eventually Denton.
This film is part buddy comedy, part action comedy, part crap. There are some funny moments, but overall I thought the film grew redundant, tiresome, and silly. Depending on your sense of humor, some of you might laugh your ass off. But if you want to see a stoner based film that's well worth the price of admission, seek out a film called The Wackness... it's far superior bud.
"When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth."
- George Bernard Shaw
Skunk Weed
Starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez, Danny R. McBride, Amber Heard, and James Remar
Underachieving stoner Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) witnesses a murder by a dirty cop and a drug lord. After leaving his roach at the crime scene, the bad guys quickly trace the rare strain of pot (called Pineapple Express) back to Denton's drug dealer and eventually Denton.
This film is part buddy comedy, part action comedy, part crap. There are some funny moments, but overall I thought the film grew redundant, tiresome, and silly. Depending on your sense of humor, some of you might laugh your ass off. But if you want to see a stoner based film that's well worth the price of admission, seek out a film called The Wackness... it's far superior bud.
"When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth."
- George Bernard Shaw
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
My news and notes
What the hell is Brett Favre doing here?
Are you tired of this story yet? Frankly, I think it's good for the NFL. It keeps the league in the spotlight, it's a nice distraction during preseason, and where ever he lands will result into must-see TV. Whether it's the Bucs or Jets, it's a slap in the face for which ever QB he replaces.
Paris Hilton - That's Hot!
By now, many of you have probably seen the Paris Hilton video response to John McCain. It's her best performance since "One Night in Paris". Check out the video here http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d
A month of root canals
Today was part two of my root canal. I thought I'd get my crown today but apparently I have to wait until part three for that. (Knock-on-wood) So far my dentist has done a great job and I'm very happy with the work he has done; but I'm not out of the woods yet. After he finishes the root canal, god knows what else he'll find wrong (hopefully nothing). It's like taking my car in for repairs. I nervously wait for the word... is it serious? costly? Should I get a second opinion?
Curtis's new novel (RW- in case you didn't know)
Curtis Sittenfeld has a new novel, American Wife, in stores 9/2/08.
Check my head
My head has been all messed up lately. I'm in one of those head spaces where everything feels chaotic and I can't seem to gather my composure and make sense of things. Tonight- I think I need to make a to do list, and curl up with a good book or some magazines.
"If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner."
-Tallulah Bankhead
Are you tired of this story yet? Frankly, I think it's good for the NFL. It keeps the league in the spotlight, it's a nice distraction during preseason, and where ever he lands will result into must-see TV. Whether it's the Bucs or Jets, it's a slap in the face for which ever QB he replaces.
Paris Hilton - That's Hot!
By now, many of you have probably seen the Paris Hilton video response to John McCain. It's her best performance since "One Night in Paris". Check out the video here http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d
A month of root canals
Today was part two of my root canal. I thought I'd get my crown today but apparently I have to wait until part three for that. (Knock-on-wood) So far my dentist has done a great job and I'm very happy with the work he has done; but I'm not out of the woods yet. After he finishes the root canal, god knows what else he'll find wrong (hopefully nothing). It's like taking my car in for repairs. I nervously wait for the word... is it serious? costly? Should I get a second opinion?
Curtis's new novel (RW- in case you didn't know)
Curtis Sittenfeld has a new novel, American Wife, in stores 9/2/08.
Check my head
My head has been all messed up lately. I'm in one of those head spaces where everything feels chaotic and I can't seem to gather my composure and make sense of things. Tonight- I think I need to make a to do list, and curl up with a good book or some magazines.
"If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner."
-Tallulah Bankhead
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The Dark Knight - Movie Review
The Dark Knight (PG-13) 152 minutes B
The Dark Knight faces his darkest days
Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman
First things first, Heath Ledger is as good as advertised- believe the hype! Ledger is the best Joker since Cesar Romero (from the Batman TV Series circa 1966), and overall The Dark Knight is easily the best Batman film of all time.
Adam West will always be my favorite caped crusader, but Christian Bale has proved that he's worthy of the crown in this post 9/11 world. Despite the moody tone, the heavy handed ethical dilemma, and all of his self doubt... Batman still reigns supreme while sporting the coolest gadgets and heavy machinery of any superhero.
The Dark Knight faces his darkest days
Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman
First things first, Heath Ledger is as good as advertised- believe the hype! Ledger is the best Joker since Cesar Romero (from the Batman TV Series circa 1966), and overall The Dark Knight is easily the best Batman film of all time.
Adam West will always be my favorite caped crusader, but Christian Bale has proved that he's worthy of the crown in this post 9/11 world. Despite the moody tone, the heavy handed ethical dilemma, and all of his self doubt... Batman still reigns supreme while sporting the coolest gadgets and heavy machinery of any superhero.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wifeshopping at the Tattered Cover
Steven Wingate at the Tattered Cover (Lodo)
If I were single, the Tattered Cover would be a great place to go "wife shopping"... then again, I probably wouldn't have the nerve to walk up to a beautiful woman cold turkey. She'd have to give me a sign, some sort of verbal or nonverbal hint- and even then I'd probably say the wrong thing.
But that's neither here nor there because I'm not perusing bookstores for women. I was at the Tattered Cover tonight to see my friend (I feel like I can call him that now) Steven Wingate. He was promoting his new book, a collection of short stories called Wifeshopping.
I bought the book a week or so ago, but I haven't read it yet because I'm still reading All The Sad Young Literary Men (which I'm almost done with). As a rule, I usually try to read one fiction novel at a time simply because I want to devote all my attention to that one book and its characters.
But after tonight's reading at TC, I am super anxious to dive into Wifeshopping. Meeting a writer like Steven not only inspires me, but makes me fall in love even more with the art of writing/storytelling.
He's cool, down-to-earth, and I highly recommend catching him in Colorado Springs next month, Boulder in September, and/or a town near you (http://www.stevenwingate.com/), I guarantee you'll be hooked!
If I were single, the Tattered Cover would be a great place to go "wife shopping"... then again, I probably wouldn't have the nerve to walk up to a beautiful woman cold turkey. She'd have to give me a sign, some sort of verbal or nonverbal hint- and even then I'd probably say the wrong thing.
But that's neither here nor there because I'm not perusing bookstores for women. I was at the Tattered Cover tonight to see my friend (I feel like I can call him that now) Steven Wingate. He was promoting his new book, a collection of short stories called Wifeshopping.
I bought the book a week or so ago, but I haven't read it yet because I'm still reading All The Sad Young Literary Men (which I'm almost done with). As a rule, I usually try to read one fiction novel at a time simply because I want to devote all my attention to that one book and its characters.
But after tonight's reading at TC, I am super anxious to dive into Wifeshopping. Meeting a writer like Steven not only inspires me, but makes me fall in love even more with the art of writing/storytelling.
He's cool, down-to-earth, and I highly recommend catching him in Colorado Springs next month, Boulder in September, and/or a town near you (http://www.stevenwingate.com/), I guarantee you'll be hooked!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Free Books! Free Books! Join Now.
Ever wonder what to do with those old paperbacks (and/or hardcovers) that aren't worth much? Donate them? Recycle them? Why not share them with someone who would really appreciate them...
I read about Paperback Swap months ago but I never got around to checking it out until recently. It seems like a cool idea so I'm going to sign up and I think you should too.
http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php
http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php
And yes- I actually bought You'll Never Make Love In This Town Again many years ago. I never read it (although I intended to), so don't be surprised to find it (a NY Times bestseller) on the trading block.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Rub 'Til It Bleeds
Album of the Week
I remember when I first heard PJ Harvey's 4-Track Demos back in 1993, it blew me away! It's an astonishing album of raw, razor sharp emotion that is completely organic and honest. It bleeds with unfiltered purity.
These demos, 8 of which are from the Rid of Me album and 6 unreleased tracks, rivals only Springsteen's Nebraska in the realm of intimate stripped down recordings. Nebraska was recorded on a 4-track recorder and is solely acoustic. Where as 4-Track Demos is plugged in and rockin!
On the opening track Rid Of Me, Harvey assures us that "your not rid of me, I'll make you lick my injuries", and on the third track, Reeling, she exercises her passion and independence- "I wanna bathe in milk, eat grapes, Robert Deniro sit on my face".
Harvey fills the album with her feminine wilds, subversive and scratchy guitar licks, and a touch of hothouse blues. The end result is one hell of an album. PJ Harvey is completely original and undoubtedly one of the most innovative musicians of my lifetime.
And check out the album cover... very Twin Peaks meets mysteriously sexy femme fatal.
First Impression Reviews (Music that I have recently bought or burnt)
Paris - Sonic Jihad B-
An all out assault on the Bush administration. Shades of Public Enemy here... anyone and everyone associated with the administration is fair game. The beats are pretty decent, the lyrics are sharp, witty, and political for the most part... and Paris definitely hits more than misses. The enemy strikes black!
R.E.M - Accelerate B-
This one might grow on me more in the months to come. I love a good rock out as much as anyone, but I can't help but long for a more pensive R.E.M. If only they had mixed in a little more sad sap with their electric rock star record... What's the frequency Kenneth?
Cassandra Wilson - Loverly B-
This is a nice little record, and at the risk of sounding redundant... it might grow on me more with repeated listenings. Some of the songs stood out right away, while others seemed fairly forgettable. I must admit, Wilson set the bar really high with New Moon Daughter (the only other album of hers that I own). I've gotta stop comparing everything to that one... but it's so damn wonderfulerly.
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme B
I'm not a big jazz guy, and I thought this was going to be more triumphant... but nevertheless it's still pretty f*cking good. I can thank Bono (U2) for turning me on to this Coltrane album... how sad is that...
Henry Rollins - Interview Disc A
I bought my first interview disc this past weekend (used). It's an cd that contains a one hour conversation between Henry Rollins and writer Chris Morris regarding 1997's Come In and Burn album. This conversation was recorded at Rollins' home prior to the release of the album. I've only had a chance to listen to 30 minutes of the disc so far, but I already LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
I remember when I first heard PJ Harvey's 4-Track Demos back in 1993, it blew me away! It's an astonishing album of raw, razor sharp emotion that is completely organic and honest. It bleeds with unfiltered purity.
These demos, 8 of which are from the Rid of Me album and 6 unreleased tracks, rivals only Springsteen's Nebraska in the realm of intimate stripped down recordings. Nebraska was recorded on a 4-track recorder and is solely acoustic. Where as 4-Track Demos is plugged in and rockin!
On the opening track Rid Of Me, Harvey assures us that "your not rid of me, I'll make you lick my injuries", and on the third track, Reeling, she exercises her passion and independence- "I wanna bathe in milk, eat grapes, Robert Deniro sit on my face".
Harvey fills the album with her feminine wilds, subversive and scratchy guitar licks, and a touch of hothouse blues. The end result is one hell of an album. PJ Harvey is completely original and undoubtedly one of the most innovative musicians of my lifetime.
And check out the album cover... very Twin Peaks meets mysteriously sexy femme fatal.
First Impression Reviews (Music that I have recently bought or burnt)
Paris - Sonic Jihad B-
An all out assault on the Bush administration. Shades of Public Enemy here... anyone and everyone associated with the administration is fair game. The beats are pretty decent, the lyrics are sharp, witty, and political for the most part... and Paris definitely hits more than misses. The enemy strikes black!
R.E.M - Accelerate B-
This one might grow on me more in the months to come. I love a good rock out as much as anyone, but I can't help but long for a more pensive R.E.M. If only they had mixed in a little more sad sap with their electric rock star record... What's the frequency Kenneth?
Cassandra Wilson - Loverly B-
This is a nice little record, and at the risk of sounding redundant... it might grow on me more with repeated listenings. Some of the songs stood out right away, while others seemed fairly forgettable. I must admit, Wilson set the bar really high with New Moon Daughter (the only other album of hers that I own). I've gotta stop comparing everything to that one... but it's so damn wonderfulerly.
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme B
I'm not a big jazz guy, and I thought this was going to be more triumphant... but nevertheless it's still pretty f*cking good. I can thank Bono (U2) for turning me on to this Coltrane album... how sad is that...
Henry Rollins - Interview Disc A
I bought my first interview disc this past weekend (used). It's an cd that contains a one hour conversation between Henry Rollins and writer Chris Morris regarding 1997's Come In and Burn album. This conversation was recorded at Rollins' home prior to the release of the album. I've only had a chance to listen to 30 minutes of the disc so far, but I already LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
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