Morning has broken...

Howdy doo,

Another week begins in the ever continuing saga of George.

Hey the State of the Union is on Tuesday! I'm going to make a point to try and watch it, and not fall asleep midway through.

The weekend was good, although too short. I worked 5 or 6 hours on Saturday, and so it really didn't begin till that evening. I caught Annapolis with Kate, it was OK, nothing profound, nothing to rave about but entertaining. It sort of had that made for TV quality. I paid Matinee prices anyway. It was a very nice weekend overall.

Well, I'm going to keep this really short, and dull tonight.. but stay tuned, I'm sure this week will bring plenty to rant and rave about.

Adventures in Georgeland

Forgive me, for I am flawed
I'm amused that on some occasions I find myself reading the posting I made the night before, and discover that it is borderline incoherent. I was going to state now that this could be a direct consequence of writing the postings at 1:00 A.M. and yet I'm thinking about it more. Today I wrote someone an email, and when the response came back their email defaults to showing my original message. Certain as the sky appears blue, it, much like my late night posts, was borderline incoherent. As I typed up this message mid-day, it undermines my ability to blame shoddy grammar and careless typing exclusively on the hour upon which it was conceived. Alas, allow me to offer my heartfelt apologies, for occasionally coming across as a total boob.

A day in the Life
Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head, found my way into the kitchen and had a cup, and looking up I noticed I was late.
Found my coat, and grabbed my hat, made the subway in 15 minutes flat
Found my way upstairs and had a coke
A meeting began and I went into a dream.

I read the news today oh boy
About GIs posing for gay porn
And though the news was rather sad
Well I just had to laugh
Thankfully no photograph

Yeah, so for most part the day went by routine. I had meetings, tiny inconveniences gave me unexpected results in the lab, and low and behold, my accomplishments did not reach my expectations. When I made it back to Melrose, I went to Newbury comics to try and find another John Vanderslice album with of course no luck. I did buy "The Royal Tennenbaums" which I watched tonight. I think I've seen it half a dozen times now and it just doesn't get old for me. I'm a big Wes Anderson fan, although I still haven't seen "Bottle Rocket". In addition I purchased "Being John Malkovich" which is another favorite of mine. It was only $10, for the price of two rentals I now own it, pretty sweet. I'm going in to work tomorrow, hopefully I will accomplish what I plan on accomplishing. I'm purposely setting the bar low, however Murphy's Law tends to be in effect lately.

I read the News tonight oh boy
Jacques Chirac fell for a disc jockey prank call
Although the tales were rather tall
Chirac fell for them all
They still don't know
how many fibs for the prank to fall

Chirac falls for 'Canadian PM' radio prank

Geez... I hope Apple Records doesn't sue my ass.

Pleasant Sadness

I must say, I really, especially, have a lack of things to talk about.

I'm too tired to breach politics, not creative enough to think of something silly. There are no news articles, that immediately struck my fancy today, nothing that matched my cynical commentary anyway.

The most entertaining thing I found was a survey on favorite movie tunes.

Favorite movie tunes

Weird enough, I chose "Suicide is painless" from Mash. The lack of people with the same opinion made me wonder if it doesn't represent some deep rooted problem I'm in denial of. What can I say, I just like the song in all its melancholy splendor. I always thought it was oddly comforting and introspective, while still remaining sad. It invokes a strange "pleasant sadness" in me. Even, and perhaps especially without lyrics it causes me to reflect on my life. I can recall hearing it lolling me to sleep in the distance as a child, as my parents talked lightly to each other about their day. At this point, not wanting to sleep I would ask for a glass of Juice. "Moooo-mmeee, can I have a glass of juice?" It kind of makes me wonder if I was feeling the same way as a child that I currently do now. Some times I'm stuck between not wanting to go to sleep, but not necessarily wanting to stay awake.

Anyhow back to the survey... It is sort of amusing that Bostonians gave the snobbish answers, which I wouldn't expect if say the poll was based out of some suburban community. The themes from the Wizard of Oz, and Casablanca getting listed as the best. I'm sure it would match the opinion of critics. If I had choose again, I might pick "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" myself. Did anyone catch the "Scrubs" episode on Tuesday where they closed with the hospital acapella group singing "Somewhere over the rainbow" on the rooftop? They covered, a cover of over the rainbow that is performed by a Hawaiian artist on ukelele. This cover can be heard in the movie "Finding Forrester". Anyway, it was precious, I have to hand it to the writers of Scrubs for being able to combine absurdity and life philosophy so successfully.

Lastly, for not giving "Burt Bacharach" props for "raindrops keep falling on my head", I'd like to smack the writers at the Globe. Musical composition is important, and, in that particular example perhaps even more so than the lyrics. The lyrics to that tune could have easily taken a different mood, although I can't currently imagine it any other way.

T.G.I.F!!

Yes, Could I get a Burkha that matches my glove?

So ask me this... why the hell, if you were being persecuted for outlandish behavior and your effeminate tendencies as a man, would you choose Bahrain of all places to "escape to"?

For those of you who are Nick Drake as well as Beck fans, check out Beck's website with the sound on. Unfortunately you can't download and save the files, but there is a streaming jukebox that contains covers of "Parasite" and "Which Will".

In the latest "we are all doomed news" While North America is having a warm winter Europe has plunged into a record cold spell. In Siberia, they have actually dubbed conditions a mini ice age. Climatologists have been predicting that climate change, both natural and that of human influence could cause a dramatic cooling of Europe over the next couple hundred years.
This weather is likely nothing more than a fluke, however it definitely has people talking.

Records fall as cold grips Europe

Millions in Georgia without heat

Narcolepsy and big-balled bats

Tonight I did a few groceries when I got in. On the brief car ride for my errand run I listened to John Vanderslice's "Time Travel is Lonely" which may in fact be better than pixel review. I got back to the apartment, ate some food, and fell asleep watching Ken Burn's Brooklyn Bridge documentary. Ain't my life grand?!

So now here I am, having woken up around 1:00 when there was an "Emergency test" by the cable company. It is probably a good thing the shrieking modem noise woke me up. So before I slip back into unconsciousness for the long haul I thought I'd write a bit here.

So Theo is the Red Sox General Manager again. Sucks to be those two shmucks who thought they got the job for a while. But all is well again, I guess.

I'm kind of pissed that Disney bought Pixar. I really wanted Pixar to stick it to Disney, and it appeared they were doing just that when they held out for more money. However if there is a lesson to be learned here, its that little dogs should never bark at great Danes, although that is a crappy lesson in my opinion. If you can stand up to the bullies of the world then we should all give up any prospects of overcoming adversity. Of course one wonders what the quality of Pixar will be now... it already seems to have dropped since the Incredibles. What the hell was that movie about cars? Did that even come out? Was chicken little Pixar? If so it seemed rather lame.

And lastly, for all of those with penis envy, or who somehow felt inadequate because they weren't the "player" they could be, here's some comfort from the world of science. Well, if you are a bat anyway....

When it comes to bats, size matters

Definitely an amusing article, while it does not suggest directly that the brain size/development ratio carries over to primates, I figured we could make our own assumptions on that. :D

A Roast, The Whistler, Deviant Jack and crafty W

I apologize for my blogging absence. I've had a pisser of a cold and my voice finally is returning today.

MY Life
Work was not too bad today. Still too busy, and still incredibly chaotic, and new wrenches continue to be thrown my way. In light of all of this it was bearable.

My Weekend was good. Aside from being sick, Kate & I saw the Producers which was hilarious. I especially like the madness invoked by the absence of Matthew Broderick's security blanket. Will Ferrel was in it as a deranged playwright who lives on a rooftop with pigeons. Perhaps even more ridiculous was the cross dressing director. The plot seemed fairly true to the original movie. I think the way the play's lead was chosen was different in this version from the original non-musical Mel Brooks movie.

I made a pot roast in my crock pot. It was lovely, I'm still nibbling at its remainders.

I'm eagerly looking forward to next weekend.

For Subway reading: I've started "The Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving. Having already read "A Prayer for Owen Meany" and "The Cider House Rules" I thought that this wouldn't be much of a gamble. So far it has proven a wise choice and a quick vibrant read.

Musical find: I've struck gold! Gold I tell you! My latest Amazon purchase is perhaps my best in many months. Amazon has become my new preferred method of music discovery. As I no longer have time to actually browse Newbury Comics or Tower, now I can do so from the comfort of my own home. And it is better because, it makes suggestions based on my searches, and I can sample 30 seconds of each song. In addition Amazon is affiliated with Borders, so I got to use my Christmas gift certificate through them.
Anyway, back to my find: "Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs" is nothing short of amazing. The songs on this CD are cleverly written and composed. There is a meshing of many familiar sounds, while additional qualities allow it to remain unique and original. There are moments of melodic haunting seemingly influenced by Nick Drake, while vocals tend to be a meshing of Jeff Buckley and Beck. The track "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" incorporates a haunting quality while vocal styling that resemble that of something from "OK Computer". "Fake Palindromes" has an eastern influence, dare I say George Harrison style? The musical arrangements are bold and eclectic while beautifully constructed. There is no learning curve for me on this album, it is immediately new and different, and at the same time immediately intoxicating. Eastern influences continue throughout the album coming and going in patches. Each song is surprising and exciting, and never do I feel like pressing the forward button. To those music lovers, and those who are fans of singer songwriters, you have to check this dude out. Did I mention he's an expert whistler?

POLITICS
Well consorting with the devil himself. W, Dubya, has been seen in photos with Jack Abramoff. Abramoff the corrupt lobbyist who was a major player in the Tom Delay scandal apparently knows and has conversed with Bush more than the administration is willing to let on. Now it is really going to bite them in the ass as people in the know are talking, and evidence is surfacing.

"Peppered for days with questions about Abramoff's visits to the White House, press secretary Scott McClellan said the now disgraced lobbyist had attended two huge holiday receptions and a few "staff-level meetings" that were not worth describing further. "The President does not know him, nor does the President recall ever meeting him," McClellan said."

For further info on this developing White house fiasco check out this article from the Times:

When George Met Jack

I've really just about had it with President Bush and this corrupt scourge that he keeps company with. When the hedonist, self serving, Clinton administration left office I really thought dignity was going to be returned to the White House. Instead what resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a monster that continually gets uglier the wider that closet door creeps open.

Yes, the Clinton administration took liberties, and abused power. Some might even say their refusal to hand over documents to Independent Counsels paved the way for similar information control by this white house (Think Cheney & the Energy counsel).

Let us think back on the Clinton administration's many scandals: Clinton likely gave military technology to China, in return for their coaxing American businesses to make donations to his campaign. He pardoned Mark Rich for money from his ex wife. He took money from religious organizations. He rented out the Lincoln bedroom, to none other than Chinese dignitaries. Al Gore spent time raising democratic campaign money from his white house office (Of course this rule seems silly because flying around in Air Force 1 to raise money is legal, and obviously much more costly). Then there was filegate- several hundred FBI files of prominent republicans copied by white house employees with the intent to be used in campaigns. Ultimately a paper trail, which reportedly led to Hillary was shredded and some low level grunt took the fall. Then Travelgate, ---staff vacations on taxpayer dime.

Of course there was whitewater, Lewinskigate, Paula Jones, (For the record... the Monica Lewinsky thing was ridiculous, although I will make the point, that this behavior on the clock by a CEO probably would result in his or her removal or forced resignation). There were a couple of lesser known scandals as well, the untested Anthrax vaccine imposed on the military (A friend of Clinton's had close ties to the supplying biotech company), and of course fund raising infractions for the Clinton Library.

The thing is when Bush was elected the first time, many thought they were returning to a time of trust. However it is incredibly apparent that shareholders of companies, big business, and radical god fearing Christian ideology (we are talking dark ages sh*t, crusades and the inquisition really aren't that far fetched for these people, just watch the 700 club) are far more important to this President than what concerns the average American.

We have reached a horrifying new standard that directs the Bushies to their "Ends" by whatever "Means" available.

An excellent example of this was Bush's purported plan to bomb Al-Jazeera.
EXCLUSIVE: BUSH PLOT TO BOMB HIS ARAB ALLY

It is a good thing Blair was able to talk him out of that one. Too bad someone else couldn't have done the same with Iraq, and now we have no choice but to stay the choice and appear to be, I fear, exactly what Bush hoped we would be: "Crusaders".

It will be interesting to see where the CIA scandal heads, I think it is likely that Cheney, as well as Rove were involved. There was a time that I would be very surprised if Bush was involved, however his innocence, and feigned ignorance is quickly evaporating in my mind.

Hump day, nothing better to talk about than TV

I hope tomorrow goes quickly. And Friday, Friday morning and afternoon can feel free to fly on by.

Well, here we are, hump day.
At least it was warm out right?

So Malcolm and that 70s show are ending....
Apparently Eric and Kelso weren't even on this season. Apparently I haven't seen a single episode this season either, or I probably would have known this.
I thought Malcolm had already gotten canned, I didn't realize it was on a different night. What happened to Reese after getting sent to Afghanistan last season? I guess I really don't care. Funny show. I miss simpler times when caring about when certain sitcoms were on actually mattered to me.

The Future of Television by Conan O'Brien

A little long, but good for a laugh. I like the bit about the abacus.

Slumber

Winter ailments

I woke this morning with a sore throat and a stuffy head and decided it was in my best interest to stay home. Hopefully my day in bed will have helped truncate the inevitable winter cold/flu, whatever it is that I have.

Work is hectic as ever, and I have to troubleshoot a problem with the assay I've been running which will be a formidable task. Today was probably the best chance I'll have for weeks to "be sick" or take a day off so I suppose the coincidence was good.

I had some hot & sour soup for supper and quite a bit of OJ. Hopefully that with another night of rest will put me in better shape tomorrow.

Problems in advertising

Ever see that Wendy's commercial where the premise is the worth of their dollar menu? The babysitter says she makes about six cheeseburgers an hour. I have no problem with that. Then a husband says to his wife, "You look like a million crispy chicken nuggets". OK, here's my problem with that. So the expression usually goes "You look like a million dollars", which is where the commercial is going with this I'm certain. BUT,... but, you get four crispy chicken nuggets for every dollar spent at Wendy's. If she indeed looked like a million crispy chicken nuggets, this would imply that she looks like $250,000. If you wanted to be a stickler for detail, you could include sales and restaurant tax. So, $250,000 * 1.06 = $265,000. (My those nickels and pennies add up!) So telling someone that they look like a million crispy chicken nuggets is actually a significant down grade from the old phrase. Really to be true to the phrase he should have said, you look like 4 million crispy chicken nuggets. Or to be absolutely correct (unless you are in one of those hard-core blue states with no sales tax): Honey, you look like 3,773,584.9 crispy chicken nuggets.

Well, tah tah for now.

Shifting January Winds

Holy freaking bowel movement it is cold outside! I walked back from Oak Grove to my apartment and I thought my eyes were going to freeze shut and my teeth were going to shatter. Come February that groundhog had better not see its darned tooting shadow.

A splendid weekend was had for the most part. I caught Munich yesterday with Kate, which was quite good.. but a real downer. I found myself almost vocally angry at times at the stupidity of society and the lame "eye for an eye" tradition that perpetuates violence. Of course this is the main focus of the movie, and I was surprised somewhat that it was as critical of Israeli and western response to terrorism as it was. Perhaps I'll write more on this at a later time.

Saturday night was concluded sitting in the upstairs dining area of Wendy's on Boylston street. There were wonderful tones of warmth in the air. Despite the bustle of wealthy middle aged women concluding their Saturday shopping, and in light of the club hoppers getting a jump on their night, there was an interesting ambiance of peacefulness that permeated the air. It was a nice evening of reflection and relaxation in the midst of urban existence.

Today I went into work and tried to help myself get in a better position for the coming week. It was actually rather pleasant being there, working without having to be interrupted, and proceeding at a leisurely pace.

I'm dreaming of the next John Vanderslice album I think I'll pick up at Border's tomorrow. Pixel revolt was one of my best finds in a while. I was sampling his other albums tonight on Amazon, and I think "Time Travel is Lonely" will be my next purchase. Its a few years old too. It is always satisfying to find something of this quality that has been relatively un-promoted.

Lastly... On the world political scene, the latest in Nut jobs, and one of the proud members of W's "axis of evil".... The leadership of Iran is hell bent of causing problems. So much for democratic reform and internal social revolution taking hold in that nation. If nothing else, at least the following is being said. Although I think once upon a time the same thing was said about Iraq.

Senators: Military last option on Iran

The wind is howling, and my bed is beckoning me to be consumed in its comforts. Tomorrow morning will likely bring a brisk, bitter, jaunt to the train. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my slumber this evening.

To those of you with a day off tomorrow for the National recognition of our country's greatest civil rights figure, Martin Luther King Jr., enjoy your break. May everyone else have a pleasant start to the new work week.

Fluorescent Pigs At last

Green with envy?

Neon green pigs are pretty snappy and all, I mean who wouldn't want to be the first on their block to have a trippy glowing swine to take care of the garbage?! But getting to my point, I think its high time to create some other abominations of nature.

Some ideas:

Fluorescent Trees: Imagine a park that has been absorbing sunlight all day glowing brightly upon evening. Benefits would be cost cutting on electric light, and it would attract stoners who would pump money into the local junk food eateries. I'm sure that there might be some problems with photosynthesis. The fluorescence could and likely would interfere with the chloroplasts, but perhaps something can be worked out.

Fluorescent Designer babies: Never lose your child in the dark. No need to waste money on night lights. If college isn't their beef, they could always fall back on a promising career as bartenders in trendy night clubs, exotic dancers, amusement park attendants, or traffic cops for early morning and night operations.

Speaking of these fluorescent pigs, just think: Fluorescent cattle? Does residual protein enter the milk making it fluorescent? Since all organs are fluorescent, could we have glow in the dark hamburgers and steak? Will manure take on a slight luminescence?

I'm guessing that since the protein was actually injected into embryos, it probably will not pass on in future generations. I think the goldfish actually can breed however, which is why the U.S. made them illegal when they came out. I really don't see how a fluorescent fish would have any advantage over wild species. They would be easier prey.

Anyway I'm sounding off for tonight.

Flaming Fred & the Eco-conscious fetus

That would be an excellent band name, wouldn't it?

Weird news items:

"Candace Dickinson was fined $367 for improper use of a carpool lane, but contended her unborn child qualified to use the lane."

ummmm.... I'm not even sure how to respond to that.

Judge: Baby on board is no excuse

The new sitcom staring Fred Savage and Jane Curtain premiers soon. The odd thing here is Savage is portraying a gay man. Yes, Fred Savage, aka Kevin Arnold... boyish in the wonder years, however somewhat unlikely as a gay man... but perhaps that is just me. Those guys on Will & Grace are good at what they do, very funny. Savage, I think you have a knack for getting involved in short lived programming.

Those aside:

My weird news item, I actually left work at 6:00 today, which is the earliest I've left in quite some time.

In other news:

I picked up my official Millennium Pharmaceuticals T-shirt with our P to the 4th power motto for 2006 on the back. It is long sleeved, and purple. Simply divine design.

My new PC is coming along nicely. I solved my McAfee Virus software glitch, and also successfully transferred my MP3s after a bit of doubt.

Well, my Mom always said, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." I don't so much have negativity in me, more so just a lack of creativity and energy. So now I must prepare myself for the contentment of my comforter and pillows.

Have a lovely Thursday

Quick jaunt up to Maine

My weekend started out nice spending some quality time with Kate. Saturday we parted after going to a little Mom & Pop Italian eatery in Melrose. It is called Curoso's and the pizza was fantastic. I know where I'll get takeout for pizza from now on. One of these days I'll have to go back and have some lasagna or chicken Parmesan or some other lovely dish.

Kate's starting some classes this week which will run for over a month. No more Wednesday night dinner rendevous for a bit... I'll be sad, but I'll get by. :)

I then headed up to Maine listening to my new CDs. I really love the new Strokes CD. I almost think its better than even their first, although I'll need to revisit "Is this It?" to verify. The focus of the trip was to pick up my new computer which I had shipped to my parents since anything other than that would require picking it up at a UPS or Fed-EX location. This would mean taking time off which I was not prepared to do. I'm still sitting here typing away on my old computer, because I'm going to need to do a lot of file transfer. Also I'm going to Polish up this one, so to speak, and bring it up to my parents. It will be an improvement on their Pentium II. Maybe I can get them back on the net, or it will at least encourage them to get a new PC themselves.

Well so its back to work now.. I'll be busy, so I anticipate the week will go by fast.

Have a good Monday everyone!

jambalaya!

Kate and I went to our Wednesday night dinner at the Cheesecake factory. (3 guesses on what I ate) It will be our last Wednesday night dinner for several weeks as Kate is taking a course. (Sadness)

I bought the new Strokes CD I've been babbling about. You know who they remind me of? (heh-heh-heh....) The Walkmen. Seriously, this CD has really rekindled that association in my mind. It was a tired joke between Madden and I because I initially said the walkmen reminded me of the Strokes. John brought up U2 instead, and although I could see his association was much more relevant I was a stickler about giving in to my original conviction. I think the lead of The Strokes has a very Bono-like quality to his voice, and the clarity of vocals in this album coupled with a more pop feel and an occasionally faster past definitely makes this more audible. The song and lyric structure on several of the tunes is a new direction from past efforts that makes my Walkmen association more viable.

I think sleep deprivation is causing me to lose my mind. On the way home tonight I was thinking about butterflies and tadpoles. The obvious thought occurred to me that these two creatures are at the opposite stages of post embryonic metamorphosis. The fact that these two organisms randomly entered my mind together seemed like a bizarre coincidence. Both are common childhood obsessions, and yet are at such polar opposite stages of life. The mere concept of it all really rocked my world.

See... when you are sober, and your thought process meanders this twisty turny bizarre path. Then that's messed up right there. Of course no one has ever accused me of thinking ordinary thoughts.

May your Thursday be kind and gentle.

Forever Afternoon

Scrubs was on tonight! Two new episodes. I forgot the joy that this show brings me. Sadly one of the few non-animated sitcoms that brings about that time honored ritual of laughter.

I didn't make it to Borders today for the Strokes, but perhaps tomorrow.

The Boston Globe's Review of "First Impressions of Earth"

CNN's 2 cents on the Hype of "First Impressions of Earth"

The following is an interesting article about how men are beginning to sue in order to get access to "Woman only" institutions and organizations. The whole idea started by feminists that organizations like the Elks, or Free Masons (Fraternities NOT Sororities) are discriminating against woman is completely irrational. What is worse is that there have been many successes in such law suits. If people want to start and go to a men or woman's organization they should have the right to. If we were talking about people being denied a necessary service based on gender, then it would take on more merit.

Lawsuit Suggests Men May Be Adopting 'Feminist' Tactics

It is an interesting double standard that when women behave like this they are empowering and standing up for them selves. When men do it, they are being hateful trouble makers. Truthfully the latter description applies to both.

The 50th blog entry

Yes, yes,

hold your applause, you can all stop the celebrations now.

Unfortunately I'm not offering much of a celebratory blog today. I was going to do one of those half assed "Best of stroll in the Parks" and just piece together a bunch of excerpts that no one found funny except me... but then I thought better of it. Really its just too much work, otherwise, rest assured I would have wasted the time doing something mindlessly self indulgent like that. There would be humor in it, don't you agree?

I'm not going to mention my day at work.

After work I went to Borders and chipped away at my gift certificate by picking up "Sun Kill Moon's Tiny Cities". This CD is essentially a Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters) quasi-solo project. Tim Hayes, a college friend from Saint Joe's introduced me to Red House painters, or saturated me with them would be the more accurate description :D. "Tiny Cities" is comprised completely of Modest Mouse covers, although to the casual Modest Mouse fan, only one song from "Good news for people who love bad news" was included. The song, "Ocean Breaths Salty" was one that I do not believe was a single, although that CD did get quite a share of air play. "Tiny cities made of ashes" off of "The moon and antartica" is probably the next most recognizable song here. I've seen "Everywhere and His Nasty Parlor Tricks" a couple times in stores... which of course doesn't contain any of this CD's selection. Once I saw "Building Nothing Out Of Something" however I think it may be tougher to come by. Even this CD of rarities and re-releases will only buy you a few more of Kozelek's choices which reach deep under the couch cushions to find some tracks from Modest Mouse's earliest days.

Anyway, much like Sun Kil Moon's prior effort, this CD is stellar. The really amusing thing is two years ago on Christmas I lent my friend Eric "The moon and Antartica" and Sun Kil Moon's "Ghosts of the Great Highway".... and now they've been combined.
I've listened to "Tiny Cities" once, and of course it is excellent.

Additionally I picked up a new John Vanderslice album, a singer songwriter who's been around a bit, but is new to me. The album is called "Pixel Revolt". Its an excellent collection of tunes. Thus far I've been repeating a track called "Exodus Damage".

Read this pitchfork review, it is pretty good. I would draw some comparison to some of Elliot Smith's more "polished" sounding work, such as "Figure 8" or the post mortem effort "From a basement on a hill".

John Vanderslice: Pixel Revolt

This weekend I bought Supergrass's "Road to Rouen". (Yes Kate I found Borders on route 9 without getting lost... good directions>> swanky malls BTW, a Bloomingdales & Tiffany's?! I thought that was reserved for Newbury St.) Supergrass's "In it for the Money" and "Supergrass", were both great. I never really got into "Life on other Planets". I anticipated its release too much, and I was rather disappointed when it came out because I thought it lacked some or the energy of the prior two. I've never heard much of their first album, save that single that they had on the "Clueless" soundtrack. "Road to Rouen" is also more subdued, however at first listen I find that I will likely end up enjoying this one quite a bit. I find immediately that it seems to have an emotive quality, a soul so to speak, that "Life on other Planets" lacked.

Tomorrow I will get the new Strokes album. "Room on Fire" was a huge disappointment to me after their first effort "Is this It", however the first single off of "First Impressions Of Earth" is full of energy, and most importantly a sound that advances over past efforts.

One band I don't see redeeming itself is Coldplay. X&Y probably would have been better if Gwyneth were singing lead with apple, at least it would have been original.

Anyway... I'm tired, and I've typed too much now so... off to beddy bye.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

A Commencement

As mild winter temperatures gave yield to a newly fallen powder of crisp snow we can be thankful for this time of year.

It is a threshold, perhaps only metaphorical, if not down right theoretical. However legitimate or not, the launch of a new-born western calendar year brings us the chance to revisit our past and regroup and prepare for the future.
As we think of our achievements of the past, and plan what we would like to do tomorrow, I hope that we all seriously reflect.
Traditions are often taken for granted, and people just go through the motions not really giving them much thought. People may ask you what your resolution is this year. Typically people have the same insipid responses year after year. "I'm going to exercise more/ lose weight; I'm going to be more patient; I'm going to be more disciplined" etc. etc.

I'll be the first to admit, when it comes to New Years resolutions I'm a huge cynic. People come up with something to say because "they are expected to" rather than trying to have a resolution they'll actually work at. To not have a resolution would suggest that you are arrogant, self-absorbed, lazy, or all of the above. Or perhaps it is just because you have low self esteem.

Kate asked me what my resolutions were recently and I of course quickly responded that I didn't have any. For perhaps the first time ever, this was followed by "why?" I paused on this for a few seconds, and then I came up with the following.

Why do we have to wait for then new Year to begin self improvement? Shouldn't we do it all the time? If we aren't willing or determined enough to start immediately, are we going to be successful at making these achievements down the road? Kate met this with the observation that the New Year provides people with a way of measuring and planning, which people may have a difficult time doing on their own. Admittedly I scoffed at this notion, although I know it is true. Retrospectively, after this has stewed in my head... this artificial boundary can be an excellent thing.

I'll admit, I procrastinate. I think to procrastinate is human. I envy driven people and I always wonder what lights the fire under their ass.

There is a certain level of untraditional confidence involved in avoiding the allure of procrastination. My New Year's resolution is going to be to live up to my ideal that we should always try to improve oneself. Now, I think I have done that, the problem is I've been inefficient, and I've procrastinated. I don't expect to achieve perfection, I don't have a lofty goal, I just want to get better at making my self better.

So for all of you who are re-hashing some resolution of New Year's past. I hope you are actually implementing a plan of action... because just saying you are going to change makes you nothing more than a follower.

I hope everyone had a great Holiday, worked out their demons, cuddled, reflected, did whatever it is you wanted to do. With this New Year upon us, lets go forth and make some footprints in that newly fallen snow!