What's On My Nightstand & A Video

Of late - I've found myself rather taken with the following works of 'literature', and thought I'd share.

"American Shaolin", by Matthew Polly
Wherein a young midwesterner ventures to China in search of skills of self, and self-defense. What's most appealing about this book is the vivid portrait painted of a Chinese life, and of the Chinese impression of an American one.

"Downtown Owl", by Chuck Klosterman
Haven't finished it yet - but my gut tells me that Chuck's characters sound an awful lot like Chuck. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

"One Bullet Away", by Nathaniel Fick
This is one of the only military-themed books I've ever picked up. It does not disappoint, and Fick makes even laymen understand what it's like on today's front lines.

____________________________

And now, as promised, video goodness (thanks to Yanni for the tip):

Quality of Life Index, September 17

Fall in New England. (+5)

Matt Cassel. (even)

Semi-self-productivity. (+1)

Downtown Owl, Chuck Klosterman's first novel. (+3)

My mattress may be trying to kill me, by stabbing me in the back. Repeatedly. (-3)

Commuting. (-10)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (-4)
Last Week's Total: (+5)

The Dangerous Lives of Squirrels

The thesis of natural selection is that those fit to survive, do. On this, even most candidates from both the Republican and Democratic tickets agree. But how does this apply to squirrels?

Each day, we see them run over by speeding motorists (often inadvertently). The reason most squirrels get hit by cars is because they are unable to hear that car coming until it's roughly three feet away. Ergo, one could posit that squirrels with better hearing are more apt to survive when crossing the street. If we can agree on that - then by default, as the squirrels with poor hearing are killed off, we should see fewer of the little rodents getting plastered on the motorway.

This is clearly not the case.

Now sure, there's the argument that "humans driving cars" is not a fair component of "natural" selection - though it's also not going to cease being a factor in the lives of squirrels. So my question is this - can the Darwinian theory of natural selection be applied to these circumstances? And if so, get with the program, squirrels. If we cannot apply the theory of natural selection in this scenario, I am left wondering if it really is fact that those fit to survive, do.

I also drive an SUV.

A Moment That Made My Weekend

Here's the thing: you saw this coming. You saw it coming from miles and miles away. You waited patiently for it. And it (shockingly) did not disappoint.

Best. Season. Opener. Ever.

Friday Music Special, September 12

"Dream On" - Christian Falk feat. Robyn
Robyn's in true form, here. Falk's beat is slick enough that you can listen to this in the background of just about any activity. All hail euro-____.

"I Don't Care" - Fall Out Boy
They're almost back to being not total shit. Almost.

"American Dream" - Jakatta
Quite possibly the best use of a soundtrack sample ever. Video is right the fuck on.

"The Racing Rats" - Editors
I have no idea why I like Editors - but I do. There is nothing new going on. There is no sonic revolution the likes of which have ne'er been heard before. But there is music. In my head - catchy as shit - music.

"Away From Here" - The Enemy
I've got a low down dirty feeling that I may have already posted this - but here it is. Probably my favorite track here this week. Give a listen (or another...)


..........................................
Fluorescence:
The House Party Dance Off
Snap. You definitely did not see this coming. Thanks to Batch for the reminder.

Go Forward

Aside from my continued vaunting of all things pop, I rarely wax patriotic. On day like today - what many have called my generation's "Kennedy Assassination" (as in, where were you when?) - I'll leave it to John Ney Reiber to sum things up:

"May we never forget the truth that was so clear to us that day:

That we are one.

And may our hearts and hands continue to work together to create an enduring memorial to the victims and the heroes of that day:

A world where hate can find no room to grow."

Quality of Life Index, September 10

The first cup of coffee on a perfect September morning. (+3)

The odds that it will now begin pouring rain, simply because I typed the previous statement. (even)

Being back to actually enjoying coming to work each day - despite the tasks involved. (+4)

Officially a grad-student again. This time studying something that carries more than just a passing interest. (+5)

Inability to wrangle all ideas flowing through my melon into some semblance of 'possibly achievable'. (even)

Football's back. (+3)

Brady's out. (-2)

STILL NO EDITH BOWMAN. (-5)

American Shaolin, by Matthew Polly. (+2)

My strange and sudden fascination with Vancouver. Someone please set me straight. (even)

Elections, politics, candidates, campaign advertisements, pundits, the 'news', etc... (-5)


..................................................
This Week's Total: (+5)
Last Week's Total: (-22)

Flashback From Not So Way Back

Two of my favorite Cosby Show moments:





Ahhh. Memories.

For once, Monday feels like this:

Fancy, fancy, free.

Friday Music Special, September 5

"Lies" - McFly
What a song. What a video. Prepare to get half rick-rolled, but really - it's totally worth it.

"Me & Armini" - Emiliana Torrini
Think Nelly Furtado, but better - and with a reggae beat to boot. Good, solid chill tune.

"Love's A Real Thing" - Super Eagles
Not Eagles - Super Eagles, and have they got something for you.

"Lonesome Swan" - Glasvegas
Live from an HMV? And still sounding ok? Woo-ya.

"Crosses" - José González
A little bit Elliott Smith, a little bit freaky with the Fear & Loathing-like vid. Still a kick.


.................................................
Black Flag:
"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" - The Police
'nuff said.

Quality of Life Index, September 3

Being right about the RNC. (-3)

Painful searching for a literary agent. (-4)

I don't even know how to search for a literary agent. (-5)

Edith Bowman STILL not back. It's been long enough, already. Return, dammit. (-3)

The tiny plastic cups at the office water cooler. Seriously. I want pint glasses, not Dixies. (-2)

"Class" starts tomorrow. (even)

The new guy at my morning Dunkin Donuts stop, and his inability (or unwillingness) to prepare a well-mixed iced coffee. (-5)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (-22)
Last Week's Total: (0)

Isn't this Tuesday? Not the day before?

A burden, lifted. 

Another, crushing.

Such is the first day of Fall Semester at MIT.

Friday Music Special, August 29

"Baditude" - Spoon, Harris and Obernik

I've wanted to post this for weeks, and today just happens to be the day. Listen. Get fired up. Dance in your cube. Y'know - if you have a cube.

"Sit And Wonder" - The Verve

Yes. More, The Verve. But it's really good. It feels like a good soundtrack song. Like you should be driving the highway with the top down, slowly. Either that or you should be on a two-day trip.

"Ten Day" - Tortoise

This is just a crazy track. Best use of a xylophone since, well, Sesame Street.

"Bones" - Editors

I don't even care that it's a U2 ripoff. I don't. I just care that it feels the same way that it did when I first heard Achtung Baby.

"Death" - White Lies

Another stellar track from these guys. The video doesn't feel quite right, especially the whole no faces thing - but the track abides. 

.................................................

Cannonball:

"5 Years Time" - Noah and The Whale

You go ahead and tell me that this song doesn't look, smell, taste, and feel like the sound of your favorite 80's movie, wrapped in junior high, and coated in sugar. Just go ahead. 

A Guide For Piracy

In a previous life, I researched reasons why Bit Torrents were good for Business, and why file-swapping was generally good for life. I recall a medium-length report delivered to some Uppity Ups detailing how 'yes, people are sure to use this razzle-dazzle technology for shameful things, but really - if they pay us for the software to do it, who the heck cares?'. I'm uncertain of how I feel, as a musician and writer, about the free sharing of information. But as a music lover - shit, if I had to pay for everything I wanted on my iPod - my checking account would be in even more dire straits than it is now. 

With the above argument steadily in hand - I feel at least equipped to deal with the folks that would call me 'thief'. Now I can confidently posit that I'm not a thief. I'm a pirate. And who doesn't like a pirate?

Quality of Life Index, August 27

The inevitable arrival of autumn in New England. (+5)

The fact that the DNC looks like a cross between Guitar Hero and your worst-ever high school pep-rally - the one before you totally lose the big game. (-3)

The fact the the coming RNC will be much the same. Although instead of Guitar Hero, this may be more akin to Intellivison. Just saying. (-3)

Anticipation of fall season premieres. (+2)

I can't find my favorite hat. (-5)

The odds that I'll find you, if you're the one who has my favorite hat. (even)

Clean, well-lighted places. (+4)

Quit, resign, stick it out, or make a move. (even)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (0)
Last Week's Total: (-7)

Think About It

Posted in the hope that positive thinking (read: wishes for a new season) will yield a positive outcome (read: a new season).

Enter, Back Pain

Yep. That about sums it up. If you have good drugs, get in touch.

Friday Music Special, August 22

"Mountains" - Biffy Clyro
I really like this song. There's not much more to it than that. If you can keep from singing along, you're a better music-ignorer than I. Acoustic version's pretty chill, too.

"The Day That Never Comes" - Metallica

Yes. Metallica's new single is actually NOT total shit. I mean, we're not talking Ride The Lighting, here - hell, we're not even talking The Black Album. But we're not talking St. Anger, either. So that's something.

"The Shock Of The Lightening" - Oasis

This is the Oasis track I mentioned last week. Wow. Just wow. Oasis rarely disappoints (you either like it all, or hate it all), but they haven't knocked it out of the park like this since She's Electric.

"The World Should Revolve Around Me" - Little Jackie

Natasha Bedinglfield, eat your heart out.

"Love Is Noise" - The Verve

Another comeback hit from an old time favorite. It's The Verve, not LL Cool J - so I can call it that.

.................................................

Fantasticar:

"Poison" - Bell Biv DeVoe

I shouldn't have to say anything. In case you're looking to hear something - miss her, kiss her, love her...watch the video.

September Hoopla

I'm uncertain of whether this makes me 'pro-active, or a 'loser', but here it is:

Monday, September 1st

- Prison Break (Fox)

Tuesday, September 2nd

- The Shield (FX)

Sunday, September 7th

- True Blood (HBO)

- Entourage (HBO)

Monday, September 8th

- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox)

- Fringe (Fox)

Thursday, September 18th

- Smallville (The CW)

Monday, September 22nd

- Heroes (NBC)

- The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Thursday, September 25th

- Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

Sunday, September 28th

- Dexter (Showtime)

- Californication (Showtime)

- Desperate Housewives (ABC)

Early 2009

- Lost

- Battlestar Galactica 

If none of this satisfied, then I give you The Tiddy Bear:

Quality of Life Index, August 20

The theme song from Weeds summing up my life, of late (video embedded below). (-4)

Lack of time. (-5)

Motivation on the decline, due to lack of any apparent progress. This may be redundant. Or not even factual. (-3)

The lack of rain. (+3)

The probability that it will now rain, as a consequence of my having commented on the lack of rain. (even)

Iced coffee. (+2)

..................................................

This Week's Total: (-7)
Last Week's Total: (+4)

Outside South Station

Let's paint a picture. Sitting at a downtown intersection, I observed the following:

- Man starts to walk across the street (four-way intersection).

- Police SUV trying to take a right at the intersection, where the 'right' would intersect the crosswalk Man was using, stops just a foot or so short of Man's left leg.

- Driver of Police SUV, likely a Police Officer, leans on horn until Man backs up to the sidewalk.

- Man looks at Police Officer.

- Police Officer stares down Man, then points at him, then points at "Don't Walk" signal.

- Man looks at signal, doesn't care, looks back at Police Officer.

- Police Officer guns it through the intersection and speeds away.

- Man crosses street. While doing so, Man looks at me, rolls his eyes, and looks in the direction Police Officer sped off.

Riddle me this: who is in the wrong? Better yet, if my place, and the place of the Police SUV were reversed - would the answer be the same?

Also of note: large sign reading "Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk" was present. 

Take Your Pick

After much deliberation, I'm putting this one out there:

Fall 2009:

- Harvard

- MIT

- University of Hawai'i at Manoa

This list may grow, and I am open to suggestions on places that should be added. That is all. 

And now, a video - for your viewing pleasure.

Friday Music Special, August 15

"Shout" - Black Tide

Distortion on vocals. Metal licks galore. Bang your heads and pound back your beers. Also, find a high school girl.

"Township Funk" - DJ Mujava

Groovy drum & bass track. This is definitely something you can throw on to ignore, or to get silly to.

"Sex On Fire" - Kings of Leon

My favorite track on the list this week. This song is not epic, but it's pretty freakin' close.

"Handlebars" - Flobots

This spot was supposed to be occupied by the new Oasis track, which I am crazy about, but I couldn't find it. I only tried once, though - so maybe I'm not as crazy about the new Oasis track as I thought. Cool video, though.

"The Cat" (Crookers Remix) - Dusty Kid

Back once again with the d&b goodness. Thumping track. Put it on and watch your laundry go through 'spin'.

......................................

Backflip:

"Pieces" - Chase and Status, featuring Plan B

This track just makes me feel groovy, on this grey grey day...

A Video Quickie

A surprisingly fresh cover of the Hendrix tune I mentioned yesterday.

Quality of Life Index, August 13

The fact that one of the most dangerous phrases in the English language is the same as the title of my favorite Jimi Hendrix song. (even)

Weeds Season 4. Mary-Louise Parker is at her absolute finest. (+3)

Podcast of the Lost panel, from SDCC. (+3)

The Olympics. (-4)

The Olympics, were they to be staged more like Ninja Warrior. (+5)

Chuck Klosterman's latest column for Esquire. Proof positive that we are Philistines, all. (+2)

Russia & Georgia. (-5)

..................................................

This Week's Total: (+4)
Last Week's Total: (-5)

Dictionary.com Has It Down

Strangely enough, Dictionary.com hit it right on the head today with its 'word of the day' posting:

enervate \EN-ur-vayt\, transitive verb:
1. To deprive of vigor, force, or strength; to render feeble; to weaken.
2. To reduce the moral or mental vigor of.

Now let's try a sentence.

"With a continuous, Ludovico-style daily dosing of nonsensical tasks, his job leaves Ed ________ed."

That's all.

Death By Chocolate

Three skits starring Ashton Kutcher. Watch & Enjoy.

Friday Music Special, August 8

"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" - Vampire Weekend

These guys continue to impress me, to the point where I actually purchased the album on iTunes. What cemented it was a great Saturday Night Live performance, last season. Plus they describe themselves as 'avant afro-pop', which is kind of kitschy for a bunch of white kids from NYC.

"In This City" - Iglu & Hartly

The vocals wax a bit emo, but the melody and rhythm drive the tune home. Definitely worth a listen, maybe even two.

"Daddy's Gone" - Glasvegas

Right from the intro, right on.

"Boyfriend" - Alphabeat

These guys continue to impress. Their first single, "Fascination", felt like a new generation of 80's pop. This new track does not fall far from the tree of 80's-like excitement. Plus - she's got a bit of a Cyndi Lauper thing going on,  no? A new generation of Mall Girls can safely rejoice, their savior is come.

"Fruit Machine" - The Ting Tings

I really didn't have high hopes for The Ting Tings, but they keep me coming back for more. Talk about the anti-White Stripes.

..............................................
Sheboygan:

"Beggin" - Madcon

Wow. Just wow. Outkast, meets the 70's, meets Grand Theft Auto. Listen - then you can try and disagree. 

Quality of Life Index, August 6

Water falling from sky. (-4)

People that forget how to drive when 'water falling from sky'. (-4)

The Dark Knight in IMAX. Fine job, Christopher Nolan et al. (+5)

Steve Jobs' email about the MobileMe fiasco. Proof positive that even mighty Apple's back can break when carrying that one extra straw. (even)

John McCain vs. Paris Hilton. Is anyone having flashbacks to that scene in Old School, when Blue wrestles the naked girls covered in baby oil? I mean - it's not exactly the same - Paris will probably wear a shirt or something - but still. (+3)

Tommy Hilfiger's wedding called off. The split is said to be amicable. This actually doesn't affect me at all, nor will it until I read a story about how Hilfiger has gone nuts, starting stalking Bruce Willis (or anyone else), begun a self-destructive addiction to Cosmopolitans (or Amaretto Sours, or wine coolers), and colored his entire line black - and then torn all the clothes in mourning. Maybe, then. (_)

Katy Perry. Sorry, Luv - I'm really starting to hate that fucking song. (-3)

Every radio station and magazine and CD store, for making me start to hate that fucking song. (-2)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (-5)
Last Week's Total: (+3)

FanPackery

Today we're going to discuss a certain trait of the random bus loads of Tourists that visit MIT campus every day. Let me be clear: I have nothing against these people. I do, however, take most grievous issue with their continued use of fanny packs.
I recognize, certainly, the functionality of such a body-sack --- what I am unaware of is the social convention making it acceptable to don such a ridiculous piece of garb, and then walk around with it dangling from your midsection. If anyone is cognizant of the protocol in question, please enlighten me. Until such time as I am convinced otherwise, I say to you fanny pack wearers, all: Get a camera vest. Carry a backpack. Stop looking like a massive tool. Also, writing your name on your underwear with a Sharpie went out of fashion sometime around Kindergarten. 

Show Time

It's no secret that one of my favorite things is to "devour" (as an old Professor of mine put it) a good series. Having moved steadily through just about every network show that fit the bill, I've taken to examining the premium channel fare with some vigor - and with my favorite serials (Lost, Battlestar, Smallville, to name a few...) currently absent, I'm loving every second of it.

First off, let's discuss Weeds Season 4. I was a latecomer to this show (like everything else on Showtime, I marathoned through the first few seasons on DVD, before catching up to the weekly airings). Mary Louise Parker's drug-dealing mama is only the tip of the iceberg of goodness, leaving plenty of room for a well-fleshed cast to flex. The current season, which sees Parker's character dealing in a new town, getting spanked by the Mayor of Tijuana, and pelting her ex-best-friend across the mouth with a .45 in one hand & iced latte in the other, is the best one yet. Sad though, that Conrad hasn't shown up yet...

Now, Dexter. It's a rare thing to adore a series purely for the writing - as in, if there was nothing but a pile of scripts, I would still go at every single one like Christian Shephard at a bottle of scotch. And then there's the fact that Michael C. Hall brings alive the most socially-conscious serial killer of all time without ever slipping out of character. And the fact that the rest of the cast feels so natural, so effortlessly good at what they're doing, that you can't help but be enthralled. And then there's the fact that all of Season 2 is available On-Demand. In HD.

Finally - let's discuss Californication. Chili-Peppers rip off claims and underrated David Duchovny aside, this show is delectable. Forget every 'family' show you've ever seen, and tune in to watch Duchovny's Hank Moody utterly unraveled by Los Angeles. References and inside jokes abound - so be forewarned, this one is not for the culturally illiterate. But it's funny as hell. 

And whatever happened to HBO? Well - with The Sopranos having sung their swan song, Rome having reached a point in history where nothing can happen in the story for...ohhh...about seven hundred years, Entourage & Flight of The Conchords not yet returned, and John From Cincinnati having sucked hard - Showtime is kicking the ass of the network that once claimed to be "not TV". (In the network's defense - Tell Me You Love Me was brilliant, and there's always The Wire.) Here's to healthy competition between the premium powerhouses - and here's to the joys of DVR, On-Demand, and TV on DVD.

Tomorrow, back to the usual non-sensical rants. Because this so wasn't, right?

Friday Music Special, August 1

"Insomnia" - Faithless (DJ Tiesto Mix)

Wow. A good dance beat, mixed up by one of the finest in the business. All hail - new king in town.

"Slow Kids" - Cheeky Cheeky and The Nosebleeds

Sounds like that band, whose guitar player you were friends with in high school, now grown up. Also - they still sound just like they did in high school.

"Time Is Running Out" - Muse

One part Radiohead, one part Mutemath = two parts tasty. Good tune. Catchy riff. Ummm, but that video?

"Sequestered In Memphis" - The Hold Steady

Appropriately titled. Vocals could be a bit tighter - sounds a bit like sloppy Chris Robinson - but still worth a listen. Probably not more than "a" listen, though.

"Buzzards And Crows" - Dirty Pretty Things

Likely my favorite track on this week's list. Actually makes me perk up and pay attention - not just play it to ignore it.

..............................................

Snap:

"Midnight Madness" - The Chemical Brothers

The intro sounds like a cross between an old school NES soundtrack, and then breaks out into a pretty washable beat. Still. Those little beeps and boops make me all kinds of nostalgic - resulting in the song's placement, here.

Quality of Life Index, July 30

Moving, tomorrow / Finishing packing for the move, tonight. (-5)

Online coverage of SDCC, from various sources (Wizard, Newsarama). Makes me feel like I was there. Which I wasn't. And probably won't ever be, now. Don't get me wrong, I would love to GO to SDCC, but I'd rather have GONE to SDCC when it was still SDCC, and not the media shit-show that its become. Though the chance to see Johnny Drama raise high his mighty hand, and let loose his legendary battle cry (see video below) just might make me suck it up and go. (even)

A good friend's provision of the most insane time-waster of all time. Kudos. And damn you. (even)

Six month anniversary at 'work'. (-2)

Awarding of mucho paid time off, due to six month anniversary. (+4)

Edith Bowman still out on maternity leave. My mornings are suffering. Come back, dammit. (-3)

Chuck Klosterman's explication of the Kobe/Shaq feud/bullshit pr stunt. Thank heaven for Google Alerts. (+4)

Writing. And I mean just the act of it. If I were a short, green, 900-yr old, I would say "A renewed devotion, I have." No more procrastination. No more excuses. No more reasons to not. I'm coming for you, now. (+5)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (+3)
Last Week's Total: (even)

(My) Internet Greatest Hits

Today, I look back at those internet stuffs that so occupied my thoughts, some time ago. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Rocketboom. I like Joanne Colan tons more than Amanda Congdon - but that's like saying you like Godfather II more than Godfather I. One cannot exist without the other.

2. The Show. Dude. Ze Frank. Haven't thought about this guy in ages. I actually forgot he even existed. Just goes to show that in a society where memory is swiftly being replaced by a badass search algorithm...wait...what was I saying?

3. GeekBrief.tv. Ok, ok, so I still do watch the brief from time to time. Mainly this is just because of cool gadget news and GoDaddy promo codes. Still - worth checking out, if you haven't already.

4. Popurls.com. The single greatest index of all things pop, available on the interweb. I recall long days, clicking through virtually every link therein.

5. Flickr. I'm so done with Flickr, it's not even funny. I'm into Facebook, now. 

So there they are. Five of the greatest time wasters, from the past several years. Enjoy.

A Tale Told By An _______, Signifying _________

For you, in your cubicle --- yes, I said the "c-word".

Friday Music Special, July 25

"Pjanoo" - Eric Prydz
Yes. The same Eric Prydz that brought us the greatest music video of all time, with "Call On Me". Back now with a slick beat that earned Zane's "Hottest Record In The World", a few days back. So actually, it's already passé.

"Last Request" - Paolo Nutini

This song will forever remind me of Scotland, simply because it was the last song playing on the last night, as we walked out of the last pub in Fort William.

"What's Your Problem ?" - The Zutons

A simple question. A catchy riff. A song that will stick in your head like warm ramen-filled water balloons to car windshields. 

"Basement Party" - The Cool Kids

It sounds exactly like you think it's going to. This is probably what DJ Jazzy Jeff was like in junior high. This is especially what DJ Jazzy Jeff would have been like if he had gone to junior high with Kid 'n Play.

"Gamma Ray" - Beck

New Beck is like old Beck. Good. Though Mr. Beck is starting to look like that dude from Blind Melon. That was a dude, right?

..............................................

The Back Slap:

"Gold Rush" - Danny Byrd feat. Brookes Brothers

We started with dance. We'll end it with dance. Go forth and groove. 

A Tear To The Eye

Yes it's old. Yes you've probably already seen it. Still - every time I watch, listen, or sing along, it brings a wee tear to my eye. Enjoy.

Really. So much better than the Phil Collins version.

Quality of Life Index, July 23

Inability to locate decent coffee in the UK. Nation of tea drinkers don't know what they're missing. Should try some Maui blend, then stop trying to convince me that whatever they've just served is indeed a "latte". (-3)

Bout of food poisoning at tail end of UK getaway. (-3)

Back from the UK. Back, now with less food poisoning. Back to the fatigue and un-wholesomeness of __________. (-6)

Decisions made. Plans set into unstoppable motion. A palpable, prospective return to those fondly recalled days of living dangerously. (+6)

Kid Rock's unabashed continued rip-off of everything. (-4)

The Dark Knight. A shining beacon of motherfucking hope after being left Wanting. (+10)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (even)
Last Week's Total: (+5)

The Arnold That Was

Submitted for the approval of The Midnight Society is the following:

Like blowing air into it?

Aww. I'm putting it out there right now. Amend the constitution. Arnold in 08.

Back From The Front (redux)

Hey there, True Believers:

I am returned from a not-long-'nuff journey. Intoxicating as being back home in Boston is, equally daunting are the weeks ahead, during which I will:

- make efforts to shirk all responsibility, in favor of a return to my years of living dangerously

- aggressively court two specific graduate programs of study

- return to the continuum of training (yes, the one that I have neglected of late)

So what does it all mean? 

I should either quote Michael Buffer, or I should just do like The Rock said (know my role, etc...)

Scottish photos and account to follow, demain.

Kilted Delights

Until a proper photo-post can be crafted, please enjoy the following:

Pictured above, to my right, is Jim Cryle, Master Distiller of The Glenlivet - taken in The Glenlivet Cellar, home of The Master Distiller's private reserves.

L to R: Soul Brother Almond, King Cashew, and Private Pistachio. 

Much more to come...

From Scotland, With Love

As I sit here, looking out here:

I am besotted, again, by Scotland. This leaves me with a strong desire to share the experience. As best as I can do, for now, follows:

Quality of Life Index, July 9

All day "workshop". People presenting that don't have a clue how to present. Slides look they were drawn up by a high school freshmen. (-5)

Coffee, for making more easily digestible, these ridiculously horrible slides. (+3)

Person currently presenting has no neck. (even)

Writing "Quality of Life Index" while sitting in all day "workshop". (+2)

Overly curious office neighbor repeatedly asks where I am. Complains that I don't leave notes. From now on, will deliver play by play of EVERY move I make, including bathroom breaks. And I drink a lot of coffee. (even)

Leaving tomorrow for Scottish Getaway 2008. At this rate, may never return. (+5)

..................................................
This Week's Total: (+5)
Last Week's Total: (-9)

"Does America have any culture?", Chuck asks

It's no secret that the wisdom of/pop cornucopia that is Chuck Klosterman intrigues me. Not in the shitty "Oooh, I want his opinions." kind of way - but rather because CK vehemently argues in support of something I often advocate: American Culture.

In his most recent column for the otherwise useless Esquire, CK poses the question directly: "Does America have any culture?". It's a tricky thing to argue in just a few hundred words. I've sometimes dreamt of a dissertation that stems from this initial question. Until such time as I craft the abstract for that piece of text, read CK's article here.

It Came From The Kitchen.

Grendel. The name conjures up all manner of image. For those proponents of ye olde english epic, there are now in your heads furry-eyed monsters that come to kill you in the deep dark of night. For those others, pub-goers all, squarely in your mind's line of sight is that favorite haunt of the young men & women of Harvard: Grendel's Den.

On Friday last, oh my brothers and only friends, I found myself at that watering hole of Ivy-League lore - wanting naught but a drink, and some meat to wash it down. And so I sat. I drank my Scotch. I ate my burger and pasta. And I did all this with the comfort of a productive-as-shit day behind me, and a day off ahead. 

The tiny grey visitor scuttled across the floor, behind my chair. What's this, I thought. It couldn't be what I assumed it was. A tiny verminous beast, perhaps the youngest cousin of the olde english monster of yesteryear?

My appetite was not-strangely gone.

Upon the bar-maiden's arrival (she came to remind me that she'd forgotten my latest dram), I commented to her that a strange and non-bipedal guest had visited the legs of my chair, likely in search of sustenance not found in the kitchen from whence it came. To this, the maiden replied:

"Umm. Yeah. A few people have told me that. I just don't know what I can do about it..."

And with that most unsuitable response, my most vaunted composure was terribly lost. Out, out, I cried in my head - the only outwardly visible sign of malcontent being the desire for a hastily acquired check, and a speedy retreat. 

Fuck, man. I really liked Grendel's.

A Very Special Friday Music Special, July 4

In honor of the occasion, I submit for the approval of the Midnight Society the most severely mis-understood song to involve the letters 'Yoo', 'Ess' and  'Ey':

Christian Bale Doesn't Like Kids In Tights

"Several weeks ago, rumors circled offline once again that Robin would appear in the sequel to The Dark Knight...According to StarPulse, Christian Bale not only considers Robin lame, he has threatened to remake The Machinist as a documentary if the character crosses his path…" (link)

...

With that, a minor crisis of faith in Nolan is averted. The only thing that could be worse, is if they tried adapting All-Star Batman for the screen. Or rehired Joel Schumacher. Either way, scary.

Quality of Life Index, July 2

Michael Turner passes away. Stylized comic book art loses a great talent, taken long before his time. (-10)

Ordered new coffee from Maui. It is (un)ironically named "Maui Coffee". Drink it black - because it tastes good like that. (+4)

Office suite-mate out for two weeks of vacation. I now sit in a big glass fishbowl, alone, and have neither tasks nor conversation reflective of my needs. (-6)

"Street Cleaning" going on outside my window. Sounds more like the noises the smoke monster makes on Lost - that is, metal scraping metal on a truck driving over broken glass while the driver runs his Freddy Krueger-like digits down a chalkboard of death. (-5)

Decision made not to move, at least until that job offer on Maui comes through. (even)

Eight days remaining before departure on Scottish Getaway 2008. (+3)

"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Rao". (+5)

..................................................

This Week's Total: (-9)

Last Week's Total: (+6)

Rest in Peace, Friend

I first met Michael Turner face-to-face in March of 2004, but like many others, I got to know him through his beautiful artwork long before. I recall waiting in line for hours on end, just to shake the hand of the man that had drawn some of my favorite comics of the past several years. I was greeted with a kind smile, and warm disposition - things never forgotten when offered by such a genuinely wonderful individual. From Fathom, to Soulfire, to the amazing cover work done by this artist extraordinaire - no other so exquisitely captivated a Fanboy's fancies. 

Michael Turner succumbed to his courageous battle with cancer on June 27th, at approximately 10:42 pm, in Santa Monica, CA.

He will be sorely missed.

Amy, Amy, Amy...

"Troubled singer Amy Winehouse will not face an investigation after she appeared to throw a punch at a member of the audience at the end of her Glastonbury Festival set, police said.

"The Camden-based singer climbed down to the pit in front of the Pyramid stage, at Worthy Farm, in Pilton, Somerset, to meet fans during set closer Rehab, and scuffled with an unseen reveller." (link)

Friday Music Special, June 27

"Ara Batur" - Sigur Ros
More than slightly enchanting, a wee bit haunting, and all chill. Zane popped this on, earlier this week. I was blown away.

"Geraldine" - Glasvegas
Reminiscent of the old (read: relevant) U2, think a diet Achtung Baby. When not trying too hard, it succeeds well enough. Good night-driving track.

"The Harder They Come" - Jimmy Cliff
One part of me wants to dislike this song, purely because it's so damn basic. The other part can't stop bobbing its head, tapping its feet, and singing along. I've kicked the metal "modesty skirt" under my desk at least six times while writing this.

"Shut Up And Let Me Go" - The Ting Tings
A shameless rip off of just about every White Stripes video ever made. Just as infectious. No way I could listen to a whole album of this - but a track at a time? Well suuuure.

"I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" - Ida Maria
Honestly, the title alone should be enough. Just think about Cyndi Lauper fronting the Ramones, and playing on the roof of that building at the end of 10 Things I Hate About You.


..............................................
Touch-of-Class:
"Mona Lisa" - Nat King Cole
One of my all time, top-5 favorite songs, by one of my all time, top-5 favorite singers.

One Of Those Mornings

Clearly, if I'm feeling like this:

I should have just stayed home, for a little of this:

Quality of Life Index, June 25

Random call from other MIT department, asking about interest in a new, exciting opportunity with their group. (+3)

Potential interview with PhD program at Harvard, for purely academic purposes. (+4)

Unabashed, uninvited,  renewed fascination with Facebook. Ability to locate virtually anyone, almost instantly, is intoxicatingly attractive. Time well spent. Productivity suffers. (even)

Finished Fargo Rock City, started The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Both make me want to write more. Hopefully, both incite action. Change, affected. (+2)

Maui Coffee Co. morning brew & office coffee maker combination. (+5)

Favorite acoustic guitar in desperate need of setup & new strings. Checking account in desperate need of additional disposable income to finance setup & new strings. (-3)

Looming threat of (again) having to move. (-5)

...................................................

This Week's Total: (+6)

Last Week's Total: (+42)

26" Wheel of Death

Let's talk about something that makes me absolutely nucking futs: people who ride their bicycles on the sidewalk. If you are one of these people, be forewarned. 

We supposedly have a deal with each other. You bicyclists, and we pedestrians. You, the bane of the road - and we, the crosswalk's burden. Today - you have violated the terms of the agreement.

This morning, while I walked from car to desk, one of you came about an inch shy of clipping my leg with a 26" wheel of death. This makes me angry. This makes me wish I could walk down the street with a bag full of screwdrivers, and stick them in folks' spokes as they whisk by. This makes me feel like I did the first time I heard Appetite - 'like breaking things'.  

Seriously - this is Cambridge. There are painted-on bike lanes on BOTH sides of the street. BOTH SIDES! There is no reason to ride your sloppy pink cruiser down the sidewalk, cutting a swath through proponents of good old fashioned bipedal transportation. If you're too much a wuss to ride your bike on the road, take the T. If you don't want to do that - why don't you just put on your helmet and walk in the bike lane. What's that? The bike lane isn't for walking? Go fucking figure.

Tomorrow, I'm packing a quiver of flatheads. Watch your spokes, suckas.

Monday Funnies

Haven't done a news post in a while:

Man Auctions Self -
"When Ian Usher's partner of 12 years left him broken-hearted, he decided the best way to move forward was to auction off his whole life...From Sunday, June 22 for one week, the Australian's life is up for sale on eBay with the package including his $405,000 three-bedroom house in Perth, a trial for his job at a rug store, his car, motorbike, clothes and even friends"


Chinese South Africans Are Black -
"A high court in South Africa ruled on Wednesday that Chinese-South Africans will be reclassified as “black,” a term that includes black Africans, Indians and others who were subject to discrimination under apartheid. As a result of this ruling, ethnically Chinese citizens will be able to benefit from government affirmative action policies aimed at undoing the effects of apartheid.

"In 2006, the Chinese Association of South Africa sued the government, claiming that its members were being discriminated against because they were being treated as whites and thus failed to qualify for business contracts and job promotions reserved for victims of apartheid. The association successfully argued that, since Chinese-South Africans had been treated unequally under apartheid, they should be reclassified in order to redress wrongs of the past."


Sarcasm Is An Evolutionary Survival Skill -
"Neurophysiologists at the University of California have recently discovered that sarcasm plays an important part in human social interaction. Subsequently, people who don’t get sarcasm may have some damage in their parahippocampal gyrus, located in the right brain, which means that they are unable to respond in socially appropriate ways. Hmm, perhaps this explains why some Americans don’t get sarcasm? Any Americans who were offended by the previous statement may need to question their evolutionary survival skills." (link)


Mouse In A Bottle -
"A manager at German-owned discount chain Lidl was sentenced by a Greek court Thursday to 10 months in prison after a customer found a mouse in his beer bottle..."


Today Is Take Your Dog To Work Day -
"According to the Take Your Dog to Work Day website, the celebration has been around since 1999. Its primary sponsor appears to be Pet Sitters International, the "world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad." (link)


_____________________
See you in the funny pages...

Friday Music Special, June 20

"Re-Rewind" - Artful Dodger, featuring Craig David

A throwback from a little while back. Craig David's greatest work was definitely with the original Artful Dodger lineup.

"Woman Trouble" - Artful Dodger, featuring Robbie Craig

What's that? I can't have two tracks from the same track-layer? I say thee nay. Two-step is just that good.

"Ace Of Spades" - Motorhead

Possibly the best example of blatant bad-assery to assert itself in the past several years. And yes, the possible (un)irony of this track preceding the next, is not lost.

"I Believe In A Thing Called Love" - The Darkness

Wonderful use of spandex, primal example of guitar heroics, astonishingly catchy - what more do you want from kitschy UK pop?

"Roc Boys (and the winner is)..." - Jay-Z

Sometimes the right sample and the right rapper combine for magically tasty and delicious excellence. This is one of those times. Try not to tap your foot and bob your head.

....................................................

Special Sauce:
"Summer Madness" - Kool & The Gang
Long before DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince moderately butchered this track, folks were rolling back convertible tops, and leaning way back in car seats, while this played.

Quality of Life Index, June 18

15 guys in Green and White (+15)

"...and the arena was about to get loud. It was the kind of loud you just don't hear in L.A." (+10)

The Boston Celtics win the 2008 NBA Finals. (+17)

Everything else (even)

.........................................

This Week's Total:  (+42)

Last Week's Total: (-5)

A Tuesday Tribute

On the way to work this morning, I was listening to one of my favorite albums of all time: Euphoria Morning. In particular, track 3 (Preaching the End of the World). This prompted the following:

• singing along at the top of my lungs while cruising Mass Ave at 7:30 am
• crazy looks from crazy onlookers
• the desire to pay tribute to the most unique voice in rock since Axl Rose

I became a fan of Chris Cornell back when Soundgarden released the album Superunknown. I recall early Saturday mornings, the record on repeat, absolutely refusing to turn the volume down. Like Chuck Klosterman's epic account of hearing Appetite for the first time, I was smitten. Besotted, even. Cornell sounded like a veritable breakout for a choirboy whose musical exploits were grounded firmly in the throes of Vaughan Williams, Mendelssohn, and Bach (not this one). While my appreciation for these folks has grown over the years, to a twelve year old singing mass six days a week, tracks like Spoonman felt like sweet release.

Chris Cornell, I salute you.

Embedded below is a track off a side project of his (the eponymous Temple of the Dog - arguably his best work ever)

Stairway, a Flamenco Tribute

For your viewing/listening pleasureization:

Wayne Campbell, eat your heart out.

Friday Music Special, June 13

"Propane Nightmares" - Pendulum

Could easily be featured as the opening or end credits of a Robert Rodriguez movie. Having visions now, of six-guns and brass poles. Moving on...

"No Substitute Love" - Estelle

If En Vogue was still around, and was a solo act, it would sound like this. Great rhythm for a lazy, hot summer night. Also - best take yet on a George Michael beat.

"Bodysnatchers" - Radiohead

We're almost back to the good 'ol days, here. I've missed you, Thom & Gang. Link goes to a live version from Bonnaroo. 

"Dance Wiv Me" - Dizzee Rascal

I don't know what I like most about this track: the fact that Dizzee sounds like ancient Wu-Tang, or the fact that Calvin Harris lends the hook.

"Don't Hold Back" - The Potbelleez

Likely the single best night-driving song to have come out since the advent of night-driving. Or at least since Appetite. 

...........................................

Half-Priced Throwback:

"Return To Me" - Dean Martin

Sing it, Dean-o.

Tomatoes & Eggs

Thanks to E for the following example of our collective grammatical woes:

(reprinted without any permission at all)

Really - today it was either going to be about American shit/non-sensical grammar or this story from the BBC about human ovulation (photos described as "fascinating", people).

Quality of Life Index, June 11

Phoenix lander having issues dealing with clumpy Martian soil. NASA develops quick fix. Nuke it. (+2)

Celtics lose game 3 of the NBA Finals to the Lakers, guaranteeing a game 5, this weekend. Paul Pierce plays like high-schooler. Kobe plays like a beast let loose from its cage. Bostonians are conflicted. Faith denied or faith to be rewarded? (-1)

Apple announces new iPhone 3G. To upgrade, or not to upgrade: that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of [faster internet speeds], or take arms against [slower internet speeds], and by [upgrading], end them? (even...so far)

Edith Bowman out on maternity leave for a month (!?!). Filling in for the time is Nihal. Also-ran Brit makes me long for cheerful Scot. (-3)

The weather, the last three days. (-4) : The weather, today. (+1) : The weather, together. (-3)

.......................................

This week's total: (-5)

Last week's total: (-3)

That's Us Out There

In Astronomical news - akin to the seminal Earthrise photo from back in the day, submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society is the following, snapped by a spacecraft orbiting Mars:

That's us out there. (high res here)

A Monday Reflection

On most Mondays, I feel like this:

This Monday in particular, while set upon by the crushing reality of my existence, I feel less and less like the following is even a remote possibility:

That is all. I am calm like a bomb.

Friday Music Special, June 6

"Let's Dance To Joy Division" - The Wombats

Great UK pop. Now free on iTunes. Go and get it now, before it sells out.

"The Rip" - Portishead

Beth Gibbons' voice may be starting to waver a bit, but this track reeks of classic Portishead. Drive down the highway in slow motion & give this a listen.

"You Give Me Something" - James Morrison

Morrison is not be the second coming of Elliot Smith, but as UK singer-songwriters go, he's not all bad. Light vocals & acoustic guitar make for a pretty chill track, great to ignore while reading something brilliant.

"You And Me Song" - The Wannadies

Toby Maguire should have this playing behind him at all times. And if not him, then how about Jake Gyllenhaal?

"Brainstorm" - Arctic Monkeys

Press play. Turn it up. Rinse. Repeat.

....................................

Backstabber: 

"Leggy Blonde" - Flight Of The Conchords (featuring Murray)

Without a doubt the funniest show around, right now. This track features guest vocals by the band's manager extraordinaire. 

Quality of Life Index, June 5

Harvard Commencement causes parking row in the Square (-3)

J.K Rowling to deliver address at Harvard Commencement. Geeky pop culture's penetration into mainstream almost complete. Live webcast means I can watch from 'work'.  (+3)

Muhammad Yunus to deliver Commencement address at MIT, tomorrow. Due to lacing ticket & inability to pass through metal detectors, will watch from Building 3 windows. (+3)

The weather. (-2)

Barack Obama gets the Democratic ticket. See yesterday's post. (even)

Glitch in communications delays Phoenix digging mission. Geeks are going to flock back to Megan Fox soon. (-4)

...........................

This week's total: (-3)

Last week's total: (+7)

Don't Go Deval

Today I was planning to write about pants. But then Senator Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination. That's right. It's a no-holds barred, all-out McCain/Obama slugfest for the foreseeable future. 

While this is an important moment in American history, and while this election is the first time in my life that neither a Bush, nor Clinton will be in the White House, I still have the irksome cynicism of a Bostonian (nay, Cantibrigian) .

Without pledging my allegiance to one or the other, I say to John McCain: don't start back-talking now. Stand your ground. To Senator Obama, I offer the following advice: Don't Go Deval. 

Wicked Cool

"Magnetic fields are invisible, at least usually. But Scientists from NASA's Space Sciences Laboratory have made them visible as "animated photographs," using sound-controlled CGI and 3D compositing. It makes the fields, as explained by the scientists, dance in an absolutely gorgeous movie called Magnetic Movie. You don't want to miss this one, which is the coolest video that you'll see all week, guaranteed. You can't argue with a combo of beautiful effects and amazing science."

If you don't think the old fashioned still photo is cool enough, check out the animated one:



(via Gizmodo)

Monday Strikes Back

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the work-week. Yah. This pretty much sums it up.