Music
She takes a lot of heat, and was slammed by Rolling Stone & Pitchfork in recent reviews and "bombed" on SNL. She may not have the chops to back up her music. She may have been molded by her millionaire family and bevy of producers. But. Lana Del Rey's album is pretty catchy and different. Here is a track that may have not been overplayed yet.
M83 has been making their rounds on mainstream radio lately, but their entire album is great from start to finish. I'm too lazy after the workday to write long blog posts these days (I'll save that for the weekends), but I'm a nice enough guy to embed some good tunes to download.
Books/Television
Just finished the fourth book in the Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones), A Feast for Crows which was just as good as the first three.
Speaking of that....
Now reading: The Girl Who Played With Fire
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Movies
Two movies I've recently seen:
We Need to Talk About Kevin
A haunting portrait of a mother (Tilda Swinton) tortured by the memories and reality of a school massacre initiated by her psychopathic son. This is not a spoiler - it is revealed through a series of flashbacks set against the present day. While Kevin sits idly by in prison, she must deal with outraged community on a day-to-day basis.
Sometimes painful to watch, but not due any gratuiotous violence. That much is implied. The hard parts come in watching Kevin's upbringing and the difficulties which lead him to his actions.
It's impossible not to draw obvious parallels to Columbine, especially if you have the read the book, which goes into great detail in the interviews with one of the shooters' parents. I found that to be the most interesting aspect of the book.
All acting goes above and beyond in this movie of uncharted territory. The academy let this film go largley unnoticed, but they missed the mark on a lot of things this year.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Starring the younger unknown Olsen sister, Elizabeth, this drama outlines a young woman's journey during and after life in a Manson-like cult.
The movie, much like Kevin, starts out in the aftermath of Martha leaving the cult, and lives the story through a series of flashbacks as she spirals into paranoia.
Martha finds it exceedingly difficult to orientate herself back into society with her sister and well-to-do husband. This movie could double as a case study in stockholm syndrome, as Martha continously identifies with her former group. This is even after she manages to escape.
Once again, this is spoiler free...but an ambiguous last act, it will certainly leave your mouth wide open by the time the credits start to roll.
Olsen was also shunned by the academy, but she turns in a magnificient performance in her first go-round in a major motion picture.
If both of these movies sound like downers, they are. Both of these movies will also make you think, and do so without big budgets, stars or marketing. Check them out on a rainy day.
We Need to Talk About Kevin
A haunting portrait of a mother (Tilda Swinton) tortured by the memories and reality of a school massacre initiated by her psychopathic son. This is not a spoiler - it is revealed through a series of flashbacks set against the present day. While Kevin sits idly by in prison, she must deal with outraged community on a day-to-day basis.
Sometimes painful to watch, but not due any gratuiotous violence. That much is implied. The hard parts come in watching Kevin's upbringing and the difficulties which lead him to his actions.
It's impossible not to draw obvious parallels to Columbine, especially if you have the read the book, which goes into great detail in the interviews with one of the shooters' parents. I found that to be the most interesting aspect of the book.
All acting goes above and beyond in this movie of uncharted territory. The academy let this film go largley unnoticed, but they missed the mark on a lot of things this year.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Starring the younger unknown Olsen sister, Elizabeth, this drama outlines a young woman's journey during and after life in a Manson-like cult.
The movie, much like Kevin, starts out in the aftermath of Martha leaving the cult, and lives the story through a series of flashbacks as she spirals into paranoia.
Martha finds it exceedingly difficult to orientate herself back into society with her sister and well-to-do husband. This movie could double as a case study in stockholm syndrome, as Martha continously identifies with her former group. This is even after she manages to escape.
Once again, this is spoiler free...but an ambiguous last act, it will certainly leave your mouth wide open by the time the credits start to roll.
Olsen was also shunned by the academy, but she turns in a magnificient performance in her first go-round in a major motion picture.
If both of these movies sound like downers, they are. Both of these movies will also make you think, and do so without big budgets, stars or marketing. Check them out on a rainy day.
Monday, January 23, 2012
JVP
I know that by now you'll have read and heard enough, but I wanted to put in my two cents and perspective. For an even better article, check out grantland's piece.
I have never met Joe Paterno in my life. But. He has provided me with more than I can ever repay...education, morals and courage. None of these traits had anything to do with happened on the football field. He's provided guidance in hard times, and a steady lead that one aspired to follow.
I first became interested in Penn State around middle school when I began to understand the rules of football and its complexities. My mom and dad met there, my grandparents met there, and my grandfather's uncle was a professor. My grandfather always found a personal pride in the fact that JoePa was still coaching at his same age. Sadly, they both started to slip around the same age, albeit him with Alzheimer's. I am blessed enough to still have him.
Being that they were the same age, I grew up viewing coach Paterno as a third grandfather figure. To some this sounds completely ridiculous, and to others completely believeable. The tenacity from Saturday to Saturday was inspiring each and every season. I won't waste your time recalling each game I was at, or the extent of my fandom.
What Mr. Paterno would want to hear about is what follows:
-He was the reason I went the Penn State
-He was responsible for a large part of my great education -- financially and literally -- I won a scholarship on an essay I wrote detailing why I looked up to my father and Joe Paterno the most. Once at school, I spent countless hours in the vast library the he and his wife Sue helped fund. At school I took this for granted, but I won't ever again.
-Working at summer camp, it took me four years of building courage to give a lecture in the chapel. I also based this talk on what he meant to me, and what the Penn State way meant in my life. I used this picture to help illustrate my theme. It's always been my favorite sports picture.
Joe never put his finger up to proclaim his team was number one, not once. Maybe it's symbolic since he always put others first.
I have never met Joe Paterno in my life. But. He has provided me with more than I can ever repay...education, morals and courage. None of these traits had anything to do with happened on the football field. He's provided guidance in hard times, and a steady lead that one aspired to follow.
I first became interested in Penn State around middle school when I began to understand the rules of football and its complexities. My mom and dad met there, my grandparents met there, and my grandfather's uncle was a professor. My grandfather always found a personal pride in the fact that JoePa was still coaching at his same age. Sadly, they both started to slip around the same age, albeit him with Alzheimer's. I am blessed enough to still have him.
Being that they were the same age, I grew up viewing coach Paterno as a third grandfather figure. To some this sounds completely ridiculous, and to others completely believeable. The tenacity from Saturday to Saturday was inspiring each and every season. I won't waste your time recalling each game I was at, or the extent of my fandom.
What Mr. Paterno would want to hear about is what follows:
-He was the reason I went the Penn State
-He was responsible for a large part of my great education -- financially and literally -- I won a scholarship on an essay I wrote detailing why I looked up to my father and Joe Paterno the most. Once at school, I spent countless hours in the vast library the he and his wife Sue helped fund. At school I took this for granted, but I won't ever again.
-Working at summer camp, it took me four years of building courage to give a lecture in the chapel. I also based this talk on what he meant to me, and what the Penn State way meant in my life. I used this picture to help illustrate my theme. It's always been my favorite sports picture.
Joe never put his finger up to proclaim his team was number one, not once. Maybe it's symbolic since he always put others first.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Artist to check out today
Band is Beirut
-You've probably heard at least one of their songs before and they aren't new by any means...but maybe they will be new to you. Check them out.
-You've probably heard at least one of their songs before and they aren't new by any means...but maybe they will be new to you. Check them out.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Quick Hits
-Great to see the penguins put the rangers back in their rightful place, as the perinnial doormat they used to be about a year and a half ago. Just no way to compete against world-class talent like Malkin and Letang.
-Seriously think about investing in SiriusXM radio -- at least the internet version. You'll hear great music months before it hits mainstream airwaves. Their great DJ's actually have a choice in what they play (hit or miss with NPR, but always a good thing in this case), and you can always find something you are in the mood for.
-Song to check out: The Shins - Simple Song
Yes, the band all your friends bragged about after seeing Garden State is back with a new album. Hopefully the rest of the songs are as good as this one.
Bonus piece of depressing yet interesting knowledge -- their song "Past and Pending," was played at Heath Ledger's funeral. Oddly appropriate and always sounds a little more somber each time I listen.
-Hunger Games books worthy of the hype, but who hasn't told you that yet? Movies will make a gazillion dollars.
-Really think Fincher'sThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo turned a lot of unsuspecting folks off. I'm talking about people who had no idea what the content contained or the premise. Their loss, the movie is great and faithful to the important aspects of the novel.
-Still have to read the next two books, after I finish the last two Game of Thrones books.
-A new kitten has been added to the family. Rubie. She just wants to do hood rat things with her new best friend Zooey.
-Seriously think about investing in SiriusXM radio -- at least the internet version. You'll hear great music months before it hits mainstream airwaves. Their great DJ's actually have a choice in what they play (hit or miss with NPR, but always a good thing in this case), and you can always find something you are in the mood for.
-Song to check out: The Shins - Simple Song
Yes, the band all your friends bragged about after seeing Garden State is back with a new album. Hopefully the rest of the songs are as good as this one.
Bonus piece of depressing yet interesting knowledge -- their song "Past and Pending," was played at Heath Ledger's funeral. Oddly appropriate and always sounds a little more somber each time I listen.
-Hunger Games books worthy of the hype, but who hasn't told you that yet? Movies will make a gazillion dollars.
-Really think Fincher'sThe Girl With the Dragon Tattoo turned a lot of unsuspecting folks off. I'm talking about people who had no idea what the content contained or the premise. Their loss, the movie is great and faithful to the important aspects of the novel.
-Still have to read the next two books, after I finish the last two Game of Thrones books.
-A new kitten has been added to the family. Rubie. She just wants to do hood rat things with her new best friend Zooey.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The New Year
A few housekeeping items:
-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.
-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.
-Be nicer
-Listen better, and talk over people less.
-Have a good year
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Nothing you haven't heard before.
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.
-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.
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