-Terrible blog-upkeep on my part. For some reason, I thought blogging through a tablet computer would make things easier and keep me motivated to update my blog more often...wrong on both accounts.
-BUT! Re-vamping my old laptop and the use of an actual keyboard to go along with my Ipad could make life easier. Yet to be seen.
-It will make it harder to hyperlink and embed videos on the blog though...it may be time for a new computer...
A Year in Review
2011 was a very interesting year upon first glance. It's been my first full year post-college. It's been coming to terms with being an adult...something I had been dreading for a very long time.
I got a job in May. I fulfilled a dream of going to Bonnaroo in June. In August I moved into a wonderful apartment with my girlfriend and quirky cat(s) in tow. I also purchased my first real car in November. Big moves.
Best of 2011 list:
Band: Mumford and Sons (technically their hit album was released in 2010, but people really took notice this year)
Concert: Listing Bonnaroo would be cheating because it is a festival. Best performance there? Arcade Fire closely followed by Florence and the Machine
Album: Black Keys - El Camino, Florence & the Machine - Ceremonials
Book I've read: A Song of Ice and Fire series (I'm a sucker for movie and TV adaptations)
Movie: Drive
Television Show: Parks and Recreation
Goals: --In no particular order as they pop into my head:
-Get back in to shape; Sitting in a cube for 40 hours a day has not jived nicely with my body. Who'da thunk thats bad for you?
-Once in shape, prepare to run a marathon soon after...this is easier than most people think...no really.
-Keep this blog going more consistently if only for my own sanity.
-Be more on the up-and-up with current music and pop culture trends...so I can be the unamused guy who says "I heard of them a few months before they were even on the radio," at parties.
-Branch out more with my cooking skills...and everything else in life. I'm not living off frozen food or delivery, but I would like to add a few more entrees to my small palate of cuisines.
I haven't blogged in months due partially to my new job and mostly out of pure laziness. This should change with my newest purchase of an iPad. More on that later...
-This new job isn't exactly what I envisioned for myself a few years back, but I enjoy most of the people I work with and the steady pay and benefits. The Dark Knight Rises is also filming all around my building for the entire month of august, which is where I'll most likely be spending my lunch breaks.
-Great to see the pirates having a decent season. Each time they win it feels great, and when they lose I just remind myself that a year ago I wouldn't even be watching the game. Still trying not to be too high or low on this team. Glad they also brought back Pedro Alvarez considering he is one of their few franchise players.
-Never could understand why some people are always eager to leave Pittsburgh. Sure it's not the flashiest city, but what exactly isn't to like if you can find a good job here? I also understand the allure of big cities, but I personally don't feel as though leaving Pittsburgh is anything to brag about.
-Getting this new iPad was long overdue, but is surely the coolest gadget I've ever owned. There is no need to go into any depth about it's features because virtually everyone knows about them. It's awesome.
"Why shouldn't I work for the N.S.A.? That's a tough one, but I'll take a shot. Say I'm working at N.S.A. Somebody puts a code on my desk, something nobody else can break. Maybe I take a shot at it and maybe I break it. And I'm real happy with myself, 'cause I did my job well. But maybe that code was the location of some rebel army in North Africa or the Middle East. Once they have that location, they bomb the village where the rebels were hiding and fifteen hundred people I never met, never had no problem with, get killed. Now the politicians are sayin', "Oh, send in the Marines to secure the area" 'cause they don't give a shit. It won't be their kid over there, gettin' shot. Just like it wasn't them when their number got called, 'cause they were pullin' a tour in the National Guard. It'll be some kid from Southie takin' shrapnel in the ass. And he comes back to find that the plant he used to work at got exported to the country he just got back from. And the guy who put the shrapnel in his ass got his old job, 'cause he'll work for fifteen cents a day and no bathroom breaks. Meanwhile, he realizes the only reason he was over there in the first place was so we could install a government that would sell us oil at a good price. And, of course, the oil companies used the skirmish over there to scare up domestic oil prices. A cute little ancillary benefit for them, but it ain't helping my buddy at two-fifty a gallon. And they're takin' their sweet time bringin' the oil back, of course, and maybe even took the liberty of hiring an alcoholic skipper who likes to drink martinis and fuckin' play slalom with the icebergs, and it ain't too long 'til he hits one, spills the oil and kills all the sea life in the North Atlantic. So now my buddy's out of work and he can't afford to drive, so he's got to walk to the fuckin' job interviews, which sucks 'cause the shrapnel in his ass is givin' him chronic hemorrhoids. And meanwhile he's starvin', 'cause every time he tries to get a bite to eat, the only blue plate special they're servin' is North Atlantic scrod with Quaker State. So what did I think? I'm holdin' out for somethin' better. I figure fuck it, while I'm at it why not just shoot my buddy, take his job, give it to his sworn enemy, hike up gas prices, bomb a village, club a baby seal, hit the hash pipe and join the National Guard? I could be elected president. "
With the recent purchase of Bonnaroo tickets, I have been trying to listen to every band of interest on the set-list. One artist that I have been enjoying lately is Florence + The Machine and her album "Lungs," which has been a revelation.
Generally I don't even listen to female artists. It's not a sexist thing, I just don't enjoy the vast majority of it with a few exceptions (Janis Joplin, Lady Gaga, Regina Spektor, etc). This is one of those exceptions.
-Not very optimistic for the Penguins tonight in game 7. Then again, I could be pleasantly surprised. Either way I'm proud of them for making it this far, win or lose, without their marquee players.
-New Years resolution to start dressing like an adult has been a great success thus far. Getting a real job was a great excuse to better my wardrobe towards those ends as well.
-Paid vacation Bonnaroo? Yes, please.
-Roku box proving worthy of my money with streaming NHL playoffs, especially with the Hockey Night In Canada broadcasts. A breath of fresh air from VS and NBC. Also entertaining to watch foreign news broadcasts and funky movies.
The big news on the job front is that as of tomorrow I will officially be a "U.S. tax specialist," at the Bank of New York Mellon. Ironic considering my qualifications and the current book I'm reading (The Pale King, D.F.W. --about the IRS). Good job for the pay and benefits, not so much for any aspirations of a future in journalism. Still, one can't complain about these kinds of things and I am certainly pleased with the news.
-Tickets to Bonnaroo. Accomplishes two dreams of mine in one fell swoop: A road trip across the country, and going to the concert event itself. Might actually have to bust out my nice camera and put it to good use. Music purists can cry that the event has become too mainstream (doesn't everything eventually?), but it is still one heck of a lineup. It also gives me the excuse/pleasure to discover and download loads of new music in preparation.
-Currently listening to: The Black Keys' newest album 'Brothers.' They will be performing. I will be there.
-A real exciting NHL playoffs thus far. Unexpected teams putting up good fights (minus the coyotes and rangers) and great matchups. Anyone acting surprised that the Pens are still winning are either casual fans or unknowledgeable. Guys like Asham, Kennedy and Neal have been stepping it up big-time and are clearly just hungrier for the cup. Would be nice to see them take out the garbage come Saturday morning.
-Update of Roku Box: Spent the $100 on it, because I wanted to try it out. Once next hockey season rolls around I will spring for the NHL package, and stream the other games through Justin.tv. It is conveniant if you own a netflix or hulu account. Free will always be > cable, although if I could get a free DVR without a monthly rate I would be set.
I finished the book, "The Social Animal," by David Brooks a few days ago, and enjoyed it immensely. The basic premise of the novel is a fictitious storyline following two characters and their lives throughout their careers. These two (Harold and Erica, respectively) are tracked from the womb onward. Interspersed in their stories though, are provided examples of the psychology and motives behind the decisions and feelings they witness.
If that description sounds confusing, you aren't alone. But trust me, it's worth the $14 (amazon), and is relatively simple to comprehend, despite the complex studies cited within. Giving anything else away would be spoiler-ish, and the book is better read knowing less.
The one concept that really piqued my interest was the themes of the "It's a Wonderful Life," VS the book "On the Road." In essence, a cookie cutter family, house and happiness contrasted with the unknown and adventuresome life of one. Is it a black and white concept that we can only live one of those two options? I'd like to think both could be ascertainable, but it would be hard to strike a good balance.
Other tidbits:
-Did my first Geo-Cache yesterday in a giant park next to my house. With the use of my droid app, it made it pretty fun. Could be the cure for the modern boredom. The best part is there are always new Caches to be found. Or you can make your own. If you've never heard of it, look it up. All you need is a GPS of any kind.
-Pens and Pirates both go the distance for their wins last night. But wins are wins. Especially when you are the Pirates striving for .500 and the Pens for home ice. Big wins.
-Eager to rip into David Foster Wallace's newest posthumous publishing of "The Pale King." The guy could write like no other, and it's a shame he cut his life so short.
-Thank you to everyone reading the blog, it's really cool to hear so many people are interested in the seemingly mundane going-ons and musings of my life.
...who are almost always your enemies, for one reason or another, and who usually deserved to be crippled because they are wrong."
My review of "Better Than Sex: Confessions of a Political Junkie," by Hunter S. Thompson--
One thing must be understood when reading Thompson's works -- he was almost always under the influence of some substance, but still remained a rambling genius until the day he decided to end his life.
This book covers the entirety of the 1992 election that pitted democrat Bill Clinton against former President George H.W. Bush. This includes (as does all the other literature in "The Gonzo Papers," series) articles published for Rolling Stone, letters, faxes, and hastily scribbled notes and musings. Sections of the book are primarily addressed to Clinton, referred to as Bubba.
"Well, Bubba -- you'll want to mix yourself a real stiff drink before you sit down to read this one..."
It is clear that in his older age, Thompson was content to stay holed up in his fortress in Woody Creek - Aspen, Colo. and spend maddening hours glued to CNN and his fax machine.He initially endorses Ross Perot for the sole reason of throwing a wrench into things. When it becomes clear that Perot is fading from the ballot, he half-heartedly changes camp to endorse Clinton with the rest of his Rolling Stone affairs staff.
The most humorous portion of the book is hands-down when Thompson learns of Clinton's admittance to smoking marijuana, but not inhaling it. He sarcastically makes reference to Clinton being upstanding by not inhaling multiple times throughout the book, all of which made me laugh to myself. Other endeavors include drunken escapades with political strategician James Carvillesuch as accusations Carville stealing his wallet to buy women drinks, and Thompson faxing him hilariously awful campaign advice.
At the risk of sounding phony, my favorite parts were the back-and-forth interviews and faxes between Clinton and Thompson. Although they only officially interviewed once in person before the election, Clinton always took time to fax Thompson back and comment on his depraved drawings or advice (even from the White House). So did his eminent staffer George Stephanopoulos, in greater detail.
Thompson, at heart, had a natural and ravenous hunger for politics and everything that went along with it. Many people only know him from his debauched drug-addled journalist travelings through Las Vegas and unique style. This is a shame in many instances, but the fact remains that he was one of the most prominent and truly outspoken political journalist.
Easily accessible for anyone born in an era that remembers Bill Clinton, "Better Than Sex," provides an inside look at Thompson's motivations, passions and work. While it may never be the first literature of his people will read, it should be on the short list of follow-ups.
"When the going gets weird..."
Note: If you have a netflix account, or leech off mine, I highly recommend the recent documentary on Thompson's life "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson," which is available through instant streaming. It is narrated by his personal friend Johnny Depp if that entices anyone.
Today's song of the day is brought to you by the artist 'City and Colour,' and is titled Body in a Box. For those interested - the entire album is available on amazon.com for only 3 bucks. Definitely worth a listen. Also, super easy to play on the guitar, but I broke two of my favorite pics strumming along to it for about an hour...
-For continued listening check out the song 'Sleeping Sickness'. If it sounds familiar, that is because CBC made an NHL playoff montage from it during the Pen's Stanley cup run in '09. Be warned -- if you are a fan of these types of videos this can become addicting.
-Finished the book 'Better than Sex, Confessions of a Political Junkie,' and I'll post a full review tomorrow. Suffice to say, it made me yearn for the 90's even though I was still putting my shirts on backwards and learning to tie my shoes during the span in which it was written. Still, I like my generation thankyaverymuch Tom Brokaw.
-Next book up on the docket to read is entitled, 'The Social Animal,' and should be an interesting change from my bookshelf. Rather than try and explain it, just read the synopsis on amazon.
-Big playoff preview vs. Tampa Bay tonight for the Pens. For some reason they don't worry me at all as a team. They just don't have all the pieces together to compete, and don't match up well against the penguins. Especially if Crosby decides to come back for the first round. If they make it out of the first round unscathed, Matt Cooke will be a welcome asset to the PK which has been less than stellar as of late in his absence.
It's amazing how much of a difference a $5 stereo input cord makes. Now, being able to listen to pandora through my phone at night and my old Ipod, it has reinvigorated my passion for finding new music. If pandora isn't your thing (after a few hours, it usually isn't mine either) check out groove shark. It is a little harder to figure out, but if you're worth your salt, you'll find it worthwhile.
-Amazon with top-rate customer service. Book was supposed to have been delivered, probably went somewhere else, and they over-nighted me another copy for free. Earlier last summer my kindle shorted out and they over-nighted me a brand new one for free as well. --Update-- Some kind neighbor of mine threw it under my mailbox. I will now have two copies of the book 'Better than Sex,' by Hunter S. Thompson. If anyone wants the second copy let me know, otherwise I'll send it back.
-Amazon Cloud might be kind of cool. If you have a droid that is. They are giving away 5 gig. of free storage space for your music or files that you can stream from your droid or computer. I refuse to pay for anything music related, so I won't buy any more space but it will be nice to have music on my phone if I'm ever in a pinch.
-Spent $30 between a new checkbook and a Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness poster. Hard to tell which will pay bigger dividends. I'm learning towards the Pyramid of Greatness.
-Pretty sad that every single march madness pool I'm in is already pre-determined as to who the winner is. Great for the low seeds making it in, but not that much fun for everyone else.
-Sun needs to come out for summer. College football needs to arrive sooner.
I can't stop listening to the newest 'Arcade Fire,' album 'The Suburbs.' I've preached about it already, but not matter what type of music you listen to, you need to be listening to this. Each time I think about singling out a particular song, I become attached to another. To make it easy I'll just embed one of the most popular singles from the album. Enjoy.
-Finished the book Methland recently (as referenced in previous posts). Kind of disappointing the author chose to focus only on three or four characters within their town. The D.E.A. stories and folklore was much more interesting. I wanted to hear more about how they combated and took down meth labs instead of a young councilman and his family troubles. The author still does great research and weaves a great true story about the town of Oelwein, Iowa and it's struggles with the drug culture.
-What did surprise me though, was the fact that meth in these towns has proliferated because it was allowing people to work longer hours at their factory jobs, or two jobs at a time. These people weren't shooting heroin in an abandoned house, but trying methamphetmine to support their way of life. It was fromt that point that things went downhill.
-Interesting that CVS and Target are shown as villains for not ID'ing or stopping people from buying multiple forms of cold medicine in which a vital component of meth is drawn from. Seems simple enough to track people in their computer databases, but they compain that they don't want to 'police' people at their stores. In essence, they are a big part of the drug trade.
-Currently reading a large book about Pearl Harbor. Eerily familiar how we a government and military knew both attacks (Dec. 7th, 9/110 were immenently impending yet were completely unprepared for both. Different situations to be sure, but same lack of preperation. The book made an apt analogy in saying america's attitude was that no one would be dumb enough to attack us, it would be as incredulous as "...a mouse attacking the cat."
-I'd like to retract what I previously said about Rebbeca Black. She was on Leno and was every bit as bad as one could imagine. Didn't help that her lip syncing track started before she could even get out of her chair.
-Barefoot running still a hit, still love the shoes. Nice enough out for the bike too. Exciting times.
A few weeks ago I posted that Charlie Sheen might just be pulling an even bigger Joaquin Phoenix on the world. CNN wrote the same thing...only two days later when all the pundits caught on. I don't want to say that I was the first person to think of it, because the fine people of twitter obviously have wit and knowledge as well, but did CNN really think they were being original by pointing this out?
-Matt Cooke suspended for the rest of the season and the first round of the playoffs? Hurts, but won't kill the penguins. The Wilkes-Barre guys have been playing better anyways and its looking like Sid will return around the playoffs. The only area that the pens really missed Cooke last night was on the penalty kill, where Detroit did whatever they wanted.
-Love beating Detroit, but hate spotting them the point. Big time game at Philly on Friday.
-Work going well. Nice to have cash in my pocket each night I work.
-Don't understand the criticism for Rebecca Black and her music video. Sure, it has the production value and production of a middle-schooler, but that is what she is. But the fact that people are complaining about how bad the lyrics are...really? These are the same people that brought today's pop stars to fame. With the likes of Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, and countless other Disney stars, there is no room to complain.
Have not posted in a while, because I have been employed in the form of waiting tables. It is not bad work, and I come home with decent cash in my pocket each night. Harder work than anyone really knows outside of the business. Helps that my place of business is located in one of the most rich and eclectic areas of Pittsburgh.
-Finished the books, 'A Prayer for Owen Meany,' and 'Water for Elephants.' Meany was perhaps the most complete and fascinating John Irving book I've read to date, but I still need read 'The World According to Garp,' to feel satisfied.
Elephants lived up to the hype, more or less. The story itself is top notch along with the characters, but the dialogue is lacking and phony at certain junctures. It is fairly obvious the author hasn't written many full-length novels. I'm sure I'll still be at the movie the day of its release with millions of sobbing teenagers and soccer-mom-book-clubs.
-Currently reading the book 'Methland.' Interesting look into small towns and how Methamphetamine has slowly eroded their way of life in every facet. I've seen some of this firsthand, and I can say the book is dead-on. Sad stuff.
-Downloaded the new Decemberists album. By far their best work, albeit short and folksier than any of their previous ventures. I feel as though with the addition of one more song, or longer tracks, it could be damned close to a perfect listening.
-Speaking of perfect, the new Arcade Fire album, 'The Suburbs,' comes even closer to it. No wonder it took home the big award at the grammys. Well deserving of it, and was heart-warming to see the their committee buck popular opinion on multiple things (especially best new artist).
-Both of those albums were downloaded 100% legally through amazon.com -- promise.
Currently reading 'The Dharma Bums,' by Jack Kerouac. Some observations.
-I've read all his other books, and this is probably my third favorite behind 'On the Road,' and 'Big Sur.'
-Funny that as a writer/poet who was making decent money, he was blowing it all on wine and liqour. Wasn't the first, wasn't the last.
-Also funny that his only source of new clothing were the .50 cent flannel shirts he bought from goodwill. In fact, it seems like his entire wardrobe was from there. If that didn't solidify him as cost-efficient, hopping rides up and down the west coast on freight trains sure did. He was a winner.
-Kerouac never over-galmour-izes California, because he never needs to. Instead of bragging about great weather and gorgeous women, he shows the reader the beauty of climbing mountains and camping in log cabins with friends. No TV, no radio, and hardly ever any music. Just him, his wine, and his friends.
-To me, he seems like the anti-Hunter S. Thompson. Whereas Thompson (secretly and not so secretly) loved the attention his drug use and gonzo journalistic bravado brought him, Kerouac never seemed to embrace any of the fame that came his way while he was alive. They are from two different times, styles, and locations, but both hold basically the same spot in literary respect and style.
-Which brings me to my last point...how were these two legends able to capture so much? To be more specific, were they bringing along tape recorders everywhere they went? In this day and age it'd be a lot easier, but it seems like (and I'm too lazy to do exact research) they recaptured all their stories from memories. Or from Ralph Steadman's illustrations which he supposedly doodled whilst trying to keep up with Thompsons maniacal drug bingings. If I had money, and lots of it, I would be buying some of his originals.
"THE EDGE, there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over"
I really think Charlie Sheen's recent rampage is a stunt, much like the Joaquin Phoenix mockumentary, 'I'm Still Here,' (free on netflix instant if you so choose).
He said he was tired of the 'aw shucks' attitude and that he lived a 'grandiose' lifestyle, and I think that if you want to hire porn stars to live with you and do whatever you want, more power to you. If he did indeed test negative for drugs, then the joke is on everyone else.
Which brings me to an even bigger point. How in the world is 'Two and a Half Men,' the top rated show on television? Really? Honestly? Who is watching this show? I don't know one single person who does consistently -- but someone must. Is it him?
I'm really not one for judging-wait-yes I am, and if you are someone who watches the show and drove up the ratings I have just lost a little respect. You are probably his biggest enabler, and the fact he was getting $2 million per episode. That is a lot of bacon, and for that amount, he should be living a grandiose lifestyle
In other news I purchased a pair of Vivobarefoots today, after reading 'Born to Run.' Not much to report back to the homefront other than the fact that they are pretty stylish and feel great to walk in. One chica compared them to Buzz Lightyear shoes...which I take as a compliment. Check them out.
Eager to try them out, I am. Apparently you can seriously injure yourself if you dont work your way up from only a mile per day. Fine by me.
Lots to do today. Here is a list of movies that could have been on the list any other given day: -(500) Days of Summer -Inception -American History x -Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -Donnie Darko -The Big Lebowski -No Country for Old Men -Moon -Batman (original) -Requiem for a Dream -City of God
In Honor of the academy awards, in which James Franco reprised his 'Pineapple Express' role, here is a list of my top 10 favorite movies. These are not in any order, since they are constantly changing.
-The Silence of the Lambs (1991) The perfect movie? It's got everything from fantastic performances, a twisting plot, and the most evil villain of all time (yes, it was voted on). And it was shot in Pittsburgh. This is the only clear number 1 on my list, the rest is just gravy.
-The Graduate (1967) Also a good book, 'The Graduate,' would probably be considered creepy and stalker-ish these days, but Dustin Hoffman turns in a very relatable performance that always seemed to strike a chord with me. I really always enjoyed the fact that it was about a college graduate trying to find his way. I can't name one other movie off the top of my head that solely deals with that topic. Oh yeah, Simon & Garfunkel composed the soundtrack which remains a classic.
-Armageddon (1998) Guilty pleasure pick. There are countless reasons why I should hate this movie. I've hated almost everything Michael Bay and co. touch, it's not even a remotely plausible situation, end-of-the-world mumbo jumbo, etc.
But...it never ceases to be awesome. It has a great ensemble cast. Ben Affleck was last likeable in this movie. The special effects still rock. It had an epic Aerosmith love-ballad. If you don't like this movie you have no soul.
-Friday Night Lights (2004) Being a colossal sports fans, it surprises even myself that this is the only movie of that nature to grace this list. The reason? Every single other sports related movie glosses over the details and ugly nature of the game. Rudy was carried off the field as a sarcastic gesture (look it up), The real titans of T.C. Williams were nothing like the ones portrayed in the movie and the racism was much more extreme, and I could go on but I don't want to burst any more bubbles.
'Friday Night Lights,' is great because it is adapted pretty faithfully from the novel in which the team was followed intensely by a journalist throughout their season. The movie tackles real teen drinking (sorry skins), racism, and the extraordinary pressure bestowed upon the team by it's do-or-die locals. Lucas Black as Mike Winchell should have been nominated for an oscar. As is the common theme throughout this list, Explosions in the Sky composed the best soundtrack for a movie in the past ten years.
-The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
Harry Potter can't even compare to this trilogy. These movies set the standard for any fantasy that came before or that has been released since. None have even come close. Excited for 'The Hobbit,' to start shooting soon.
-Pulp Fiction (1994)
Too young to remember this movie in theaters or even what all the fuss was about. I just remember ordering it from netflix about eight years ago and wondering, 'why can't other movies do (insert word here: action, violence, dialogue, everything) as good as Pulp Fiction?'
The answer was because Pulp fiction is as close to a perfect movie as we'll ever get. It re-booted the careers of Bruce Willis and John Travolta and catapulted Samuel L. Jackson into a superstar.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman is hands down my favorite superhero. I like things rooted in reality--which is what Christopher Nolan did with his Batman franchise. All of his gadgets and cars could actually (and do actually) work in real life. Combine a spectacular ensemble cast, a great soundtrack, and Heath Ledger's joker, and what you have is one awesome movie.
Into the Wild (2007)
I'm of the opinion that all of Jon Krakauer's books would translate well to the big screen. They also wouldn't make a lot of money, which is probably why 'Into the Wild,' is the only one that made it. It follows a smart young man who, after graduating college, decides to journey off into the unknown.
This true story of Chris McCandless has split people into two camps. One -- he was a visionary who wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. Two -- he was an idiot who could have saved himself with a simple map or knowledge of the land.
I'm split between the two opinions, but respect the man and the movie for tackling the simple subject matter of fleeing from society. Eddie Vedder composed to soundtrack too!
Fight Club (1999)
Rules 1 & 2.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Despite hardly anyone seeing it in theaters, this movie is tops on the IMDB top 250. Not an easy feat given teenage twilight and harry potter fans endlessly flooding their movies with votes.
One of many Stephen King adaptations to the big screen, 'Redemption,' hits all the right notes. King may be the greatest horror writer ever, but between this and 'The Green Mile,' its clear to see that he has heart as well.
Welp, I finished 'Born to Run' in blazing time and the ending did not disappoint. If you are into any kind of physical fitness or sport whatsoever do yourself a favor and pick this book up. The story itself is great and even taught me some fantastic running tips. Well...fantastic to me -- keeping my body upright, making sure my feet point down, and taking smaller strides.
The book also delves into barefoot running and it's advantages (see: preventing almost any running-related injury). I think once $100 appears in front of me I'm going to order a pair of five-fingered shoes. Check them out, they are awesome.
I suppose the pens bringing back Alexei Kovalev can't do any harm. The guy just turned 38, and although he won't be half (or even a quarter) the leader Billy Guerin was, he can score. And they got him for peanuts. Coming to the Penguins from a team with no hope of the playoffs has to be at least a little motivating. It was for all the other recent acquisitions the Pens have picked up off the deadline in the past few years with the lone exception being Alexei Ponikarovsky.
I can't say I remember Kovalev that much as a kid, but then again, anyone my age or younger who says they do is lying or watched a lot of hockey as a youngster. The only Pittsburgh athlete I remember consitantly was Jerome Bettis.
Bringing back former players worked out O.K. for the Steelers this past season, but I liken this transaction to bringing Randle-El back. The guy made a few nice catches and stepped up nicely in the Superbowl, but he won't be the same player he was years ago.
Random movie of the day that you've (probably) never heard of, but should see: Moon. Moon somehow got hugely overlooked come awards season last year. It stars Sam Rockwell as the lone astronaut manning a moon base and the voice of Kevin Spacey as his eerie robot. Sam Rockwell is growing to be one of my favorite actors and he knocks it out of the park. If you have a netflix subscription, you can stream it for free. If not, I'm sure it can be found easily enough. Check it out.
-Started reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall. About halfway through, but already far and away the best book I've read this year. The basis of the story revolves around a mythical Mexican tribe named the Tarahumara who can run upwards of hundreds of miles per day in rubber sandals and robes.
Apparently their fuel is composed mainly from the chia plant. It's like their version of red-bull but really does give them wings, allowing them to run their greuling miles no problem. GNC sells some version of this that you can sprinkle on your food. I must have it. (photo from GNC)
They would crush at the olympics; one guy a few decades ago entered them into 100-mile races and they demolished all the records, in consecutive years. Instead of prepping they smoked a few cigarretes and cracked jokes the whole time.
The story then centers on a man who decided to take the 'Dances with Wolves' route and live amongst them. He is over 50 and could be considered superhuman after spending one year with them.
I felt like running through a wall after reading the first half, but settled for the usual 1 mile on the treadmill and p90x with gatorade. Next time I'll atempt the 100 miles with chia. (yes the same plant as chia pets)
-Penguins: James Neal. Didn't blow anyone's socks off in his Penguin debut, but looks solid. Matt Niskanen had some ugly turnovers, but those looked like they could be chalked up to the new system he was playing in.
-Gatorade Recover. Could taste better, but since I hate shakes and protein bars, it did the trick.
Nope
-Nope, did not like the fact that it took upwards of 15 minutes to turn on the lights (for the second game in a row!) at Consol Energy Center. It was just dead air while the commentators were scraping off the bottom for topics to talk about.
-When did I suddenly become disgusted with The Dave Matthews Band? Is it some sort late-high-school-underclassman-college sort of phase? Sure, their music is O.K. but hours and hours of 'jamming' and a frontman who mumbles his way through the english language. Nope, give me Counting Crows or 90's Hootie and the Blowfish.
-Might have to see the CD's for pennies...no bites yet. At least someone wants my high-school mountain bike. Craigslist is a decent way to get money for crap I don't want anymore, but if I dont find a job soon I maybe have to start selling myself under the casual encounters.
-The new Radiohead CD, 'King of Limbs.' While only running 8 tracks, 2 or 3 of them are spectacular (see: Lotus Flower, Codex). Pay them their $9 guilt free with the knowledge no greedy record label will prosper from it.
-While on the topic, Thom Yorke's dance for the 'Lotus Flower' music video trended worldwide on Twitter for about 3 straight days. Check it out here.
-The Pens acquisitions of James Neal & Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski. Goligoski was decent offensively, but never seemed to exude or execute with the confidence Letang finally grew into. Neal is only 23, and if he can score goals for dallas, he can certainly do it for the Pens. Niskanen seems solid, the jury is still out on him. Stats for Neal here.
-Putting my teenage CD collection up for sale. I can't remember the last time I paid money for a CD, but it has been at least 2-3 years. I don't think that people of this day and age will hold the same nostalgia for CDs that they did for records, and I gotta get rid of these puppies while I can. For a good laugh, check out the list of them. Please buy them.
-Pamelas. Any of the multiple locations around Pittsburgh. No-nonesense, awesome food. Would be Ron Swanson's kind of place.
Things That Are Not Good
-Pittsburgh's idea of snow removal. Apparently it took over four hours for some people to get home from the Pens game. Was this storm really that sudden?
-The fact that Justin Bieber trends on twitter as often as revolutions in Egypt, The 'Threat Level Midnight Episode of The Office,' and national news. Do jaded pre-teen girls really take it personally that some things might take priority over a canadian she-male pop sensation?
-Borders going out of business. Catch 22: Quality store being put out by other things I love. See: The Kindle, Amazon.com. Another cause: The public's startling lack of interest in reading.
