My busy week continues but I had to share my joy as last night I received a lifetime supply of dinners. No I didn't win some kinds of Fatburner giveaway or get free lessons from a gourmet chef, nope I got the complete series of Dinner for Five (DoF). Airing on and off again on the Independent Film Channel over the last six year, DoF is the brilliant concoction of actor/director Jon Favreau. I think of Jon as a household name but when I told my mom about this she stared back blankly. Favreau is probably best known to anyone under 40 as one of the stars of Swingers (the other guy not Vince Vaughn) and as the director of Elf and next summer's blockbuster Iron Man. He pops up in small bits in other films and TV like Friends, The Sopranos, and starred in his directorial debut with Vaughn, the underappreciated Made. Long story short the guy has lived a charmed Hollywood life and seems to be a genuinely well liked guy. In DoF, Favreau has used his connections and his friends connections to concoct one of the most honest peepholes there's been into the professional lives of some of the most fascinating entertainers.
The show is exactly what it says it is, Favreau and four other actors, comedians, writers, directors, novelists, and musicians having dinner at one of many fabu restaurants in LA. Sometimes the dinner is a group of closely related people such as one from season 4 with Friday Night Lights as its focus. Author Buzz Bissinger of the original non fiction work is joined by the film versions keys, producer Brian Glazer, director Peter Berg and star Billy Bob Thornton. Other times the connections are looser such as Family Guy's Seth McFarlane, skater turned director Stacey Peralta, skater Tony Hawk and Napolean Dynamite himself Jon Heder. Other stars to swing by include Burt Reynolds, Ben Affleck, Kevin Smith, Martin Scorcese and Tracey Morgan. Yes that's an odd group but that's the point. Favreau brings in people based more on their talent then their fame and guides the conversations while keeping them organic. Plus, the single screen titles break up the near hour long shows into bite size nuggets. Its available now as a complete series for around $50 but you can also buy it in individual seasons or try out something new where you can choose specific clips and make your own DVD (find that option at Amazon.com/dinnerforfive. As someone who has worked in film and TV and finds the industry both fascinating and revolting this is truly a show that speaks to me but really its a show with famous people being honest and often times really fucking funny. Check out this clip of Vaughn, the guy from Dazed and Confused and Brian Cox, for a taste of what I'll be having for dinner for months to come:
BEWARE LANGUAGE IN VIDEO IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK AND SHOULD POP UP IN A SEPERATE WINDOW
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Live Every Week Like It’s Shark Week
Crazy busy with my job job, but I wanted to quickly remind everyone that this week is the 20th annual Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. Last night it kicked off in spectacular fashion with a new documentary on the USS Indianapolis called Ocean of Fear. Yes the same Indianapolis that the mangy shark hunting boat captain Quint speaks of in the original Jaws. Coincedently, the documentary is narrated by one Richard Dreyfuss. The film does a good job of separating fact and myth while still honoring the tragedy that befell the 1200 men aboard the ship that was sunk in the Philipene Sea. The survivors lived through 4 days and 5 nights of starvation, exposure, dehydration, madness and of course a lot of fricking sharks. Since it was on Discovery you should be able to catch a repeat of it all throughout the week and I highly recommend you catch it. In the mean time put on your shark hat grab some fish and chips and enjoy the long list of new and old specials.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Weekend Funnies: Chad Vader or I’ve Got Cabin Fever
The blog is closing up for the weekend as I’m off on a mini vay-kay to a cabin up north. When I say cabin of course I mean town home as I’m not really one for roughing it. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy camping every so often but if I had my druthers, camping or being outdoors, would always include an air conditioned condo with a full kitchen, indoor plumbing, and a mattress of some kind other then air. This weekend will consist of golf, lying by a heated pool, and fine food and drink. There might even be some Wii thrown in there which I’m sure upsets you outdoors folk no end. Anyway I’ve got menus, tans, and 4 irons on my mind so I bid you all a good weekend and invite you to enjoy a couple of webisodes of Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager. I’m guessing most of you have come across this but for the uninitiated this is a web show created by a couple of folks in my second home town of Madison that follows the life of Darth Vader’s lesser known brother Chad. The show manages to stay fresh without always falling back on tired Star Wars jokes although there’s plenty of geek cred in here too. I was going to feature the most recent ep but on the off chance you're new to it here's the first two (all eight eps are on youTube):
Minneapolis Restaurant Review: Brasa Premium Rotisserie
*Disclaimer: I realize this doesn’t do any of you folks outside of the Twin Cities any good, but I’m working with a friend on starting up a second food oriented blog so you folks get to be guinea pigs for my first restaurant blog, Regular blog programming will return shortly but in the meantime enjoy and if you’re in the area hopefully you’ll find it helpful. If you have any feedback please leave a comment as again this is my first go round*
I live in Northeast Minneapolis and as someone who lives alone I’m constantly looking for new takeout places. Currently we’ve got some great options from unique fast food like Chipotle and White Castle, to deli options like Lund’s and Surdyk’s, to two Neapolitan pizza places (Punch and Pizza Nea). However I’m a greedy guy and I want more, specifically more gourmet options. So it was great excitement that I went with a friend last night to Brasa Rotisserie on 600 E. Hennepin Ave.
Once we sat ourselves inside the warm golden interior of the former car garage, both the menu and our server informed us of the concept upon which the restaurant is based. To quote, “Our Menu is inspired by the diverse and wholesome home cooking found throughout North America, the Caribbean, and South America.” Chef Alex Roberts of the renowned Restaurant Alma has crafted a simple menu that offers the diner a chance to mismatch various sides with two meat options. In the interest of fairness my friend ordered the rotisserie chicken and I the slow roasted pork shoulder. Both meats are raised organically and as the menu points out, all the ingredients are produced locally. We both ordered the small individual plates, a fair bargain at $11 for a meat, two sides, and a cabbage salad.
First the good news, this is some of the best pork I’ve had this year. The meat melts in your mouth and has a mild Latin flavor to it that permeates the meat. My companion found the meat a bit fatty but still enjoyed it quite a bit. For my sides I chose the grits with cheddar cheese and some fried yuca. The grits were good but congealed on the plate quickly. The yuca was a pleasant surprise as the fried root had a quality that can best be described as an aerated French fry. My companion’s chicken was…well…chicken. It was moist and well cooked but the flavorful skin did not translate to flavorful meat and the quarter chicken was more work then it was worth. Along with the grits my friend ordered the collared greens which brought me back to the best southern cooking I’ve experienced in my life. Next to the pork this was the finest aspect of the meal I sampled as the greens strong flavor was cooked to perfection without letting the bitter flavor dominate. There were 8 other side dishes ranging from black eyed peas with bacon, to sweet plantains, to pickled veggies, so the number of combinations seems endless however this is where I think Brasa fails. While the South American and Caribbean flavors are well represented the North American menu is strictly limited to southern cooking. My friend thought an interesting mashed potato would fit the menu while I thought a mac and cheese would fit perfectly. Getting away from the US even, I would have loved to see an option to order a couple of tortillas in which to place my pork and the delightful cabbage salad. In short, I wanted more from the menu then I was given. What I had was good but not in a manner that will demand a high volume of repeat business and while they offer many different family and individual take out options I really can’t imagine ever stopping there for a quick take out meal.
Best Item: Slow roasted pork shoulder that is both flavorful and moist.
Worst Item: Rotisserie Chicken that while well cooked lacked any flavor once you got beyond the skin.
Service: Fast and quick although my plate quickly went back into the kitchen when it emerged with chicken and not pork. Thankfully when you only have two choices it was a quick switchover.
Prices: $11-13.50 for individual plates with two sides. $5-$14 for family sized servings of meats and sides separately.
Booze: Wines by the glass for $7. Beer by the bottle for $4.
I live in Northeast Minneapolis and as someone who lives alone I’m constantly looking for new takeout places. Currently we’ve got some great options from unique fast food like Chipotle and White Castle, to deli options like Lund’s and Surdyk’s, to two Neapolitan pizza places (Punch and Pizza Nea). However I’m a greedy guy and I want more, specifically more gourmet options. So it was great excitement that I went with a friend last night to Brasa Rotisserie on 600 E. Hennepin Ave.
Once we sat ourselves inside the warm golden interior of the former car garage, both the menu and our server informed us of the concept upon which the restaurant is based. To quote, “Our Menu is inspired by the diverse and wholesome home cooking found throughout North America, the Caribbean, and South America.” Chef Alex Roberts of the renowned Restaurant Alma has crafted a simple menu that offers the diner a chance to mismatch various sides with two meat options. In the interest of fairness my friend ordered the rotisserie chicken and I the slow roasted pork shoulder. Both meats are raised organically and as the menu points out, all the ingredients are produced locally. We both ordered the small individual plates, a fair bargain at $11 for a meat, two sides, and a cabbage salad.
First the good news, this is some of the best pork I’ve had this year. The meat melts in your mouth and has a mild Latin flavor to it that permeates the meat. My companion found the meat a bit fatty but still enjoyed it quite a bit. For my sides I chose the grits with cheddar cheese and some fried yuca. The grits were good but congealed on the plate quickly. The yuca was a pleasant surprise as the fried root had a quality that can best be described as an aerated French fry. My companion’s chicken was…well…chicken. It was moist and well cooked but the flavorful skin did not translate to flavorful meat and the quarter chicken was more work then it was worth. Along with the grits my friend ordered the collared greens which brought me back to the best southern cooking I’ve experienced in my life. Next to the pork this was the finest aspect of the meal I sampled as the greens strong flavor was cooked to perfection without letting the bitter flavor dominate. There were 8 other side dishes ranging from black eyed peas with bacon, to sweet plantains, to pickled veggies, so the number of combinations seems endless however this is where I think Brasa fails. While the South American and Caribbean flavors are well represented the North American menu is strictly limited to southern cooking. My friend thought an interesting mashed potato would fit the menu while I thought a mac and cheese would fit perfectly. Getting away from the US even, I would have loved to see an option to order a couple of tortillas in which to place my pork and the delightful cabbage salad. In short, I wanted more from the menu then I was given. What I had was good but not in a manner that will demand a high volume of repeat business and while they offer many different family and individual take out options I really can’t imagine ever stopping there for a quick take out meal.
Best Item: Slow roasted pork shoulder that is both flavorful and moist.
Worst Item: Rotisserie Chicken that while well cooked lacked any flavor once you got beyond the skin.
Service: Fast and quick although my plate quickly went back into the kitchen when it emerged with chicken and not pork. Thankfully when you only have two choices it was a quick switchover.
Prices: $11-13.50 for individual plates with two sides. $5-$14 for family sized servings of meats and sides separately.
Booze: Wines by the glass for $7. Beer by the bottle for $4.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Mid Week Thoughts
•Take note media, I’m about to compliment you. It appears my fear of media leaked Potter spoilers was unfounded, now that I’m finished and exploring the web, TV and what not, I’m pleased to say that rampant spoilers have stayed relatively hidden. It’s nice to know that some things can still be left as actual surprises.
•Talk about back to back wishful thinking, one week after praying that Deathly Hallows would be a satisfactory send off for Harry, I’ll now be spending the next week or so thinking positive thoughts about The Simpsons Movie. So many hopes yet so much dread that the long wait wasn’t worth it.
•The news that an NBA ref accused of point shaving may come out and implicate other refs and even players is the most scandalous sports story in years. Not only does it reflect incredibly poorly on commish David Stern but it also could irreparably damage the league and pro sports themselves. It would finally give the nutballs out there that think refs are out to get their teams a factual background upon which to base arguments. I’m surprised the story is not getting the consistent coverage it deserves.
•Speaking of sports or rather the legal side of sports (which unfortunately gets about equal coverage), lets all countdown the days together until the season premiere of SNL where I’m counting on an new edition of Really with Seth and Amy addressing Michael Vick. I think it might go something like this:"Really Michael Vick, you thought that holding illegal and morally bankrupt activities like dog fighting in your own home would reflect well on you and the Atlanta Falcons organization…really?" "Michael Vick, really, you decided you needed a new codename for this operation and ditched your classic of Ron Mexico for Ookie…really?"
•Anyone else thinking this is the age of the true British invasion? Spice Girls reunion, Posh and Becks in LA, Potter #1 at the box office and the bookstore, Rickey Gervais, Amy Winehouse, Lilly Allen etc., etc. Meanwhile the best thing we’re exporting overseas is Kathy Griffin.
•Speaking of Kathy, last night was the season finale of My Life on the D List and once again I found it surprisingly entertaining. Griffin herself is a bit abrasive but the trials and tribulations of her “celebrity” are both sad and funny with an emphasis on the later. The only real failures are when the show is too contrived like Kathy’s celebrity dates with Nick Carter, some guy from Footballer’s Wives, and rocker turned motivational speaker Andrew WK.
•As a rule I don’t “hate” reality reunion shows but I think I’m going to have to draw the line at a midseason reunion. That’s right, in an attempt to string out ratings winner Top Chef for an extra week, tonight’s installment is a reunion show featuring cast members from all 3 seasons. If that wasn’t enough get this, they claim they’ll be showing unseen footage. Oh my god that’s so exciting! I hope its something funny like an overweight chef trying to dance! Maybe afterward you can post blog from the reunion guests so I can totally get the inside scoop on what I just saw. Come on Bravo! you’re better then this.
•This edition of Big Brother is beginning to come into its own. The America’s Player bit is turning out to be fun and a good way to keep people from fast forwarding to the nominations, vetoes, and evictions. Last nights task of vandalizing America’s least liked player was quite the voyeuristic pleasure. Watching the self absorbed Jen manage to stay in the house is a study in absurdity. The whole house hates her yet I’m sure quite sure had she not won the veto last night she would’ve have managed to stay any way. Careful you don't keep her around too long houseguests.
•Talk about back to back wishful thinking, one week after praying that Deathly Hallows would be a satisfactory send off for Harry, I’ll now be spending the next week or so thinking positive thoughts about The Simpsons Movie. So many hopes yet so much dread that the long wait wasn’t worth it.
•The news that an NBA ref accused of point shaving may come out and implicate other refs and even players is the most scandalous sports story in years. Not only does it reflect incredibly poorly on commish David Stern but it also could irreparably damage the league and pro sports themselves. It would finally give the nutballs out there that think refs are out to get their teams a factual background upon which to base arguments. I’m surprised the story is not getting the consistent coverage it deserves.
•Speaking of sports or rather the legal side of sports (which unfortunately gets about equal coverage), lets all countdown the days together until the season premiere of SNL where I’m counting on an new edition of Really with Seth and Amy addressing Michael Vick. I think it might go something like this:"Really Michael Vick, you thought that holding illegal and morally bankrupt activities like dog fighting in your own home would reflect well on you and the Atlanta Falcons organization…really?" "Michael Vick, really, you decided you needed a new codename for this operation and ditched your classic of Ron Mexico for Ookie…really?"
•Anyone else thinking this is the age of the true British invasion? Spice Girls reunion, Posh and Becks in LA, Potter #1 at the box office and the bookstore, Rickey Gervais, Amy Winehouse, Lilly Allen etc., etc. Meanwhile the best thing we’re exporting overseas is Kathy Griffin.
•Speaking of Kathy, last night was the season finale of My Life on the D List and once again I found it surprisingly entertaining. Griffin herself is a bit abrasive but the trials and tribulations of her “celebrity” are both sad and funny with an emphasis on the later. The only real failures are when the show is too contrived like Kathy’s celebrity dates with Nick Carter, some guy from Footballer’s Wives, and rocker turned motivational speaker Andrew WK.
•As a rule I don’t “hate” reality reunion shows but I think I’m going to have to draw the line at a midseason reunion. That’s right, in an attempt to string out ratings winner Top Chef for an extra week, tonight’s installment is a reunion show featuring cast members from all 3 seasons. If that wasn’t enough get this, they claim they’ll be showing unseen footage. Oh my god that’s so exciting! I hope its something funny like an overweight chef trying to dance! Maybe afterward you can post blog from the reunion guests so I can totally get the inside scoop on what I just saw. Come on Bravo! you’re better then this.
•This edition of Big Brother is beginning to come into its own. The America’s Player bit is turning out to be fun and a good way to keep people from fast forwarding to the nominations, vetoes, and evictions. Last nights task of vandalizing America’s least liked player was quite the voyeuristic pleasure. Watching the self absorbed Jen manage to stay in the house is a study in absurdity. The whole house hates her yet I’m sure quite sure had she not won the veto last night she would’ve have managed to stay any way. Careful you don't keep her around too long houseguests.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
See Ya Harry: A Non Spoiler Goodbye to Potter and Company
First let me pat myself on the back for being able to survive my self imposed media blackout created to avoid book 7 spoilers. Of course it helped that I finished the book less then 24 hours after picking it up and spent a total of about 8 hours reading it. From excitement to sorrow to joy to resignation, I’ve crossed the gamut in the last few days and here are some impressions.
Friday 4:10pm- Get an email from my friend James discussing the plans for a night on the town. Although I was planning on this and ended up having a great and even somewhat productive night, I must admit a wave of disappointment flows through me as I realize I won’t be picking up the book at midnight…unless I show up tanked and scare the children.
Saturday 9:10am- With a hangover that I equate to having too much fire whiskey, I arrive at Border’s to pick up my reserved copy with James in tow screaming “nerds” at the top of his lungs. Way to encourage the kids to read Jimmy. Anyhoo, I must admit I got a little giddy upon arrival. The store was fairly empty but there was still a palpable buzz in the air as I gave my name and received my book and gigantic free poster. $22 later and I was out the door.
Saturday Noon- After filling my belly with alcohol absorbing grease for breakfast and depositing my “anti-Potter” friend at home, I crack the spine for the first time and start by reading the dedication. Immediately my hangover and everything else around me fades away from me and I’m once again back in Harry’s world.
Saturday 2pm- About 200 pages in my eyes begin to betray me and I’m forced to take a short nap. My initial reaction to the book is that not only is it great but also very rewarding in that JK Rowling is not waiting until the last 50 pages to reveal secrets and plot danglers. Already I feel a sense of closure to many lingering questions I had coming in.
Saturday 3pm- Waking up I immediately dive back in to the book. I have a BBQ to go to in the evening but I put off showering as long as possible and even after that I’m literally reading as I get dressed. I’m finding that book 7 is every bit the reading experience the previous 6 books were in that once I start it keeps me completely engrossed.
Saturday 5:30pm- Having shed tears of joy and pain I stop at page 356 as my chariot arrives to whisk me off into the night. The growth of the characters strikes me and I’m once again reminded of why I love this series. Rowling not only tells a tale of wizards and witches but she clearly understands the adolescent mind and gives one of the best representations of “growing up” I’ve ever seen in print.
Saturday 11pm- After spending a wonderful but low key (read, low alcohol content) evening at my friend’s BBQ, I return home after promising my friend Nikki that we can read together Sunday at a coffee shop and as such, I have every intention of going to bed. However after talking to my lady on the phone and trying to watch some Extras on DVD, I decide it wouldn’t hurt to read another 44 pages so I can even out at 400 going into Sunday.
Sunday 12:01am- Oops, I’m now up to page 424 might as well keep going.
Sunday 2:??am- I wake up on the couch with the book weighing upon my chest. I’ve only been out for a few minutes but at this point I’ve got about 150 pages to go and I’ll be damned if I don’t see this thru. After an energy drink and a Marb Light, I’m refocused.
Sunday 3:35am- It’s done. I’m done. JK’s done. Wow…I’m so wired. The thought of much needed sleep doesn’t even enter my mind. I reread the last chapter again. Yep that’s that. I wipe the tears from my eyes as I think about the conclusion and the journey. I break my media blackout and watch an episode of The Soup to try and lull me to sleep.
Sunday Noon- After having breakfast out, Nikki and I do head to the coffee shop as planned. I decide I need a little clarity and I want to back track to the area where I nodded off Sunday morning to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I reread the last 175 pages and I’m almost teary eyed again not because of the events of the book but because I’m thinking that this is really the end.
Monday 7pm- I start writing this blog and get depressed thinking this is the last Potter centric post I’ll ever leave. I head out to the interweb and realize how wrong I am. We’ve got two more movies to discuss and dissect, not to mention the indelible imprint on pop culture that the series has left. Potter is done and the journey has been more fufilling then any other series of books I’ve read other then Lord of the Rings (sorry Mr King but that last Dark Tower book really took me a back). It built and built to an ending I truly believe the author plotted out long ago. I hope JK resists the urge to write about this world again because the closure the book provides really leaves me with no further questions. Kudos for a job well done, Ms Rowling and good luck in the future as heat your house by burning money.
Ranking the Potter Books
7. Chamber of Secrets
6. Philospher’s Stone
5. Prizoner of Azkaban
4. Order of the Phoenix
3. Goblet of Fire
2. Half Blood Prince
1. Deathly Hallows
Friday 4:10pm- Get an email from my friend James discussing the plans for a night on the town. Although I was planning on this and ended up having a great and even somewhat productive night, I must admit a wave of disappointment flows through me as I realize I won’t be picking up the book at midnight…unless I show up tanked and scare the children.
Saturday 9:10am- With a hangover that I equate to having too much fire whiskey, I arrive at Border’s to pick up my reserved copy with James in tow screaming “nerds” at the top of his lungs. Way to encourage the kids to read Jimmy. Anyhoo, I must admit I got a little giddy upon arrival. The store was fairly empty but there was still a palpable buzz in the air as I gave my name and received my book and gigantic free poster. $22 later and I was out the door.
Saturday Noon- After filling my belly with alcohol absorbing grease for breakfast and depositing my “anti-Potter” friend at home, I crack the spine for the first time and start by reading the dedication. Immediately my hangover and everything else around me fades away from me and I’m once again back in Harry’s world.
Saturday 2pm- About 200 pages in my eyes begin to betray me and I’m forced to take a short nap. My initial reaction to the book is that not only is it great but also very rewarding in that JK Rowling is not waiting until the last 50 pages to reveal secrets and plot danglers. Already I feel a sense of closure to many lingering questions I had coming in.
Saturday 3pm- Waking up I immediately dive back in to the book. I have a BBQ to go to in the evening but I put off showering as long as possible and even after that I’m literally reading as I get dressed. I’m finding that book 7 is every bit the reading experience the previous 6 books were in that once I start it keeps me completely engrossed.
Saturday 5:30pm- Having shed tears of joy and pain I stop at page 356 as my chariot arrives to whisk me off into the night. The growth of the characters strikes me and I’m once again reminded of why I love this series. Rowling not only tells a tale of wizards and witches but she clearly understands the adolescent mind and gives one of the best representations of “growing up” I’ve ever seen in print.
Saturday 11pm- After spending a wonderful but low key (read, low alcohol content) evening at my friend’s BBQ, I return home after promising my friend Nikki that we can read together Sunday at a coffee shop and as such, I have every intention of going to bed. However after talking to my lady on the phone and trying to watch some Extras on DVD, I decide it wouldn’t hurt to read another 44 pages so I can even out at 400 going into Sunday.
Sunday 12:01am- Oops, I’m now up to page 424 might as well keep going.
Sunday 2:??am- I wake up on the couch with the book weighing upon my chest. I’ve only been out for a few minutes but at this point I’ve got about 150 pages to go and I’ll be damned if I don’t see this thru. After an energy drink and a Marb Light, I’m refocused.
Sunday 3:35am- It’s done. I’m done. JK’s done. Wow…I’m so wired. The thought of much needed sleep doesn’t even enter my mind. I reread the last chapter again. Yep that’s that. I wipe the tears from my eyes as I think about the conclusion and the journey. I break my media blackout and watch an episode of The Soup to try and lull me to sleep.
Sunday Noon- After having breakfast out, Nikki and I do head to the coffee shop as planned. I decide I need a little clarity and I want to back track to the area where I nodded off Sunday morning to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I reread the last 175 pages and I’m almost teary eyed again not because of the events of the book but because I’m thinking that this is really the end.
Monday 7pm- I start writing this blog and get depressed thinking this is the last Potter centric post I’ll ever leave. I head out to the interweb and realize how wrong I am. We’ve got two more movies to discuss and dissect, not to mention the indelible imprint on pop culture that the series has left. Potter is done and the journey has been more fufilling then any other series of books I’ve read other then Lord of the Rings (sorry Mr King but that last Dark Tower book really took me a back). It built and built to an ending I truly believe the author plotted out long ago. I hope JK resists the urge to write about this world again because the closure the book provides really leaves me with no further questions. Kudos for a job well done, Ms Rowling and good luck in the future as heat your house by burning money.
Ranking the Potter Books
7. Chamber of Secrets
6. Philospher’s Stone
5. Prizoner of Azkaban
4. Order of the Phoenix
3. Goblet of Fire
2. Half Blood Prince
1. Deathly Hallows
Friday, July 20, 2007
Potter Induced Pop Culture Isolation and Whoring
Just a couple of quick housekeeping items before I head off into the weekend. Of course at midnight tonight Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hits the shelves and while I probably won’t get mine until tomorrow I must admit I’m terrified. No not of Harry dying or anything like that, I’m terrified that some web site, TV show, or magazine will ruin the book before I get a chance to finish it. As such I’m cutting myself off from the majority of media that I tend to frequent which is like a meth head going cold turkey. Web wise, I’ll just be checking email. TV will be limited to sports and DVDs. Magazines and newspapers will have to pile up. Of course the biggest threat is me because if I came across any of these things, I might be tempted to dig further to read or watch the secrets revealed. Also there’s the possibility that some smart ass kid will be sitting in Border’s yelling out the ending when I pick up my copy and if that happens I might just have to go all Bad Santa on the kid. I’m hoping to finish the book off by Sunday night but in the meantime the blog will be a little quiet.
Second thing to address are the eye popping ads you might have noticed to the left of this. That’s right in an attempt to make a few extra cents, I’m whoring Amazon. If you click on the item it will open up Amazon in a separate window and give you more details on the item. I promise that the ads will stay off to the side and not pop up or anything like that. Plus the merchandise advertised will center on things I’m talking about or just some of my old favorites so you’ll not be seeing ads for CSI or Murder She Wrote, season 1. That’s all for now folks have a great weekend whether you’re a muggle, witch, or wizard!
Second thing to address are the eye popping ads you might have noticed to the left of this. That’s right in an attempt to make a few extra cents, I’m whoring Amazon. If you click on the item it will open up Amazon in a separate window and give you more details on the item. I promise that the ads will stay off to the side and not pop up or anything like that. Plus the merchandise advertised will center on things I’m talking about or just some of my old favorites so you’ll not be seeing ads for CSI or Murder She Wrote, season 1. That’s all for now folks have a great weekend whether you’re a muggle, witch, or wizard!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Emmy Nominations or When Will I Ever Learn?
Year after year I watch the Emmy nominations come out and year after year I rant about how the show is reaching Grammy like levels of cultural obscurity. The same shows dominate year in and year out and while there’s an occasional recognition in writing and directing, the really quality shows on television are often ignored in the major categories. Lost gave me hope a couple years ago when it stormed the castle and took home best drama but it has since been shut out of even a nomination and it’s the nominations that are really the problem here. I’m not expecting Veronica Mars to take home the best drama trophy put a nomination would not only be deserved but would feel like a victory. For example when I see writers and directors of the ilk of Wes Anderson or David Lynch get Oscar nominations that thrills me and while I know the Oscar would never be awarded to a doofus hipster or a box office maverick, the nomination is recognition enough. So with that in mind, here’s a brief look at some of the noms:
Outstanding Comedy Series- Here’s my biggest joy…30 Rock is nominated for best comedy! Seriously I’m really happy with 3 of the nominees, (30 Rock, The Office, and Entourage) but where the hell is Extras? Ricky Gervais is all over the other comedy nominations (acting, writing, directing) but the show isn’t nominated? Worse yet as excited as I am about the 3 shows I am pulling for, I know that either the painfully dull Two and a Half Men (how is this still on the air?) or America’s darling Ugly Betty will walk home with the trophy.
Outstanding Drama- Big question here is whether or not The Sopranos are going to go out as big winners. I wouldn’t be surprised but in the meantime this is a mess of a category. You’ve got a show that hasn’t been good since it was called The Practice (Boston Legal), and a show that’s more famous for its gossip then its quality (Grey’s Anatomy). Now I thought 24 had a sub par year but its still leaps ahead of these two and don’t even get me started on Lost which after a slow start turned in a really strong season. It is nice to see Heroes get a nod but I’ll crap my pants if they walk away with the prize and besides the more I think about it, Friday Night Lights was really the best new drama of last year.
Lead Actress Comedy- Good news:Tina Fey from 30 Rock is nominated. Bad news: America Ferrera from Ugly Betty is nominated. Oh well maybe Maria Menudos will insult her after she wins ala the Golden Globes.
Lead Actor Comedy- Alec Baldwin is nominated for 30 Rock and I think he’d have been a shoe in if not for calling his daughter an ignorant pig. I’d love to see Gervais take it home and Carrell is always good but with Charlie Sheen, who apparently blackmailed himself to another nomination, and the stale act of Tony Shaloub (who seems to win every year), my hopes are not high.
Lead Actress Drama— Who are all these people and who watches their shows!
Lead Actor Drama- Eh I just don’t care. Good for Keifer, I guess.
Supporting Actor/Actress Comedy- Glad to see Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer get the nods from The Office and they both deserve to win but with Jeremy Piven (Entourage) and Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) in their respective categories I’ll doubt we see that happen.
Supporting Actor/Actress Drama- Oh hey look, Lost does exist as both Michael Emerson (Ben) and Terry O’Quinn (Locke) are up. I would love to see either of them or Heroes’ Hiro win but I’ve got a feeling The Shatner (Boston Legal) will take this one or maybe TR Knight (Grey’s) will get the sympathy vote. On the women’s side of things I would hope to see the immensely talented Lorraine Bracco take one last Emmy for The Sopranos even though her role was somewhat smaller this last season.
Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program- This year Stephen Colbert loses to Tony Bennett although that should be easier to take then Barry Manilow.
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series- Is it sad that this is one of the few categories I look forward too? I look forward to seeing someone deserving of an Emmy win every year whether it be The Daily Show, Conan, or Letterman.
Outstanding Reality Competition Program- Could this be the year that The Amazing Race finally loses? I doubt it but I’m glad to see both Top Chef and Project Runway up there to challenge. If Idol or Dancing with the Stars wins then I’m off the Emmy’s for life!
Writing and Directing Shout Outs- As I stated at the top, the really good shows only seem to get their props in the Writing and Directing categories and looking at the nominations this year that has certainly been born out. On the drama side, Battlestar Galactica and Lost both got writing and directing nods. Studio 60 and Friday Night Lights both got directing nods. On the funny pants side, 30 Rock, The Office, and Extras dominated both writing and directing and Scrubs even squeezed out a directing nomination.
Now we’ve got a couple of months before the ceremony and after the brief excitement of today most of us will go back into Emmy apathy, Maybe I’ll do some more serious picks the week of, but really, just wake me up when The Golden Globes are announced.
Outstanding Comedy Series- Here’s my biggest joy…30 Rock is nominated for best comedy! Seriously I’m really happy with 3 of the nominees, (30 Rock, The Office, and Entourage) but where the hell is Extras? Ricky Gervais is all over the other comedy nominations (acting, writing, directing) but the show isn’t nominated? Worse yet as excited as I am about the 3 shows I am pulling for, I know that either the painfully dull Two and a Half Men (how is this still on the air?) or America’s darling Ugly Betty will walk home with the trophy.
Outstanding Drama- Big question here is whether or not The Sopranos are going to go out as big winners. I wouldn’t be surprised but in the meantime this is a mess of a category. You’ve got a show that hasn’t been good since it was called The Practice (Boston Legal), and a show that’s more famous for its gossip then its quality (Grey’s Anatomy). Now I thought 24 had a sub par year but its still leaps ahead of these two and don’t even get me started on Lost which after a slow start turned in a really strong season. It is nice to see Heroes get a nod but I’ll crap my pants if they walk away with the prize and besides the more I think about it, Friday Night Lights was really the best new drama of last year.
Lead Actress Comedy- Good news:Tina Fey from 30 Rock is nominated. Bad news: America Ferrera from Ugly Betty is nominated. Oh well maybe Maria Menudos will insult her after she wins ala the Golden Globes.
Lead Actor Comedy- Alec Baldwin is nominated for 30 Rock and I think he’d have been a shoe in if not for calling his daughter an ignorant pig. I’d love to see Gervais take it home and Carrell is always good but with Charlie Sheen, who apparently blackmailed himself to another nomination, and the stale act of Tony Shaloub (who seems to win every year), my hopes are not high.
Lead Actress Drama— Who are all these people and who watches their shows!
Lead Actor Drama- Eh I just don’t care. Good for Keifer, I guess.
Supporting Actor/Actress Comedy- Glad to see Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer get the nods from The Office and they both deserve to win but with Jeremy Piven (Entourage) and Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) in their respective categories I’ll doubt we see that happen.
Supporting Actor/Actress Drama- Oh hey look, Lost does exist as both Michael Emerson (Ben) and Terry O’Quinn (Locke) are up. I would love to see either of them or Heroes’ Hiro win but I’ve got a feeling The Shatner (Boston Legal) will take this one or maybe TR Knight (Grey’s) will get the sympathy vote. On the women’s side of things I would hope to see the immensely talented Lorraine Bracco take one last Emmy for The Sopranos even though her role was somewhat smaller this last season.
Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program- This year Stephen Colbert loses to Tony Bennett although that should be easier to take then Barry Manilow.
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series- Is it sad that this is one of the few categories I look forward too? I look forward to seeing someone deserving of an Emmy win every year whether it be The Daily Show, Conan, or Letterman.
Outstanding Reality Competition Program- Could this be the year that The Amazing Race finally loses? I doubt it but I’m glad to see both Top Chef and Project Runway up there to challenge. If Idol or Dancing with the Stars wins then I’m off the Emmy’s for life!
Writing and Directing Shout Outs- As I stated at the top, the really good shows only seem to get their props in the Writing and Directing categories and looking at the nominations this year that has certainly been born out. On the drama side, Battlestar Galactica and Lost both got writing and directing nods. Studio 60 and Friday Night Lights both got directing nods. On the funny pants side, 30 Rock, The Office, and Extras dominated both writing and directing and Scrubs even squeezed out a directing nomination.
Now we’ve got a couple of months before the ceremony and after the brief excitement of today most of us will go back into Emmy apathy, Maybe I’ll do some more serious picks the week of, but really, just wake me up when The Golden Globes are announced.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Trump Card
Just when you thought the Donald had used “You’re fired,” for the last time NBC announced this week that yes The Apprentice will return to their schedule. I stopped watching after the second season as Trump’s arrogance and the lame corporate shill challenges had become routine and boring so I wondered how in the world are they going to spice up a tired show? Two words: Celebrity Edition. If you’re remotely a fan of reality TV nothing gets you more excited then the words celebrity or all star…at least on paper. The problem is that these “celebrity” editions usually wind up having people like Joey Lawrence, Downtown Julie Brown, or a Baldwin not named Alec as their stars. Still your mind races a bit between the time you hear the announcement and the realization that most likely it will suck. So without further ado here’s my dream list of contestants for The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition.
Steve Jobs- Yeah I know he’s not much a celebrity but wouldn’t you love to see the mind behind the Mac and the iPod tackle some of these challenges.
Jessica Simpson- I’d love to see a slime like Trump go into complete melt down as he simultaneously tries to make Jess his 32nd wife while at the same time he becomes annoyed to the point of strangling her over her complete lack of smarts. Plus Paula Abdul is actually making me long for the days of watching Jess by mean and vapid.
Alec Baldwin- Wouldn’t it be fun to see him enter the competition in his persona from Glengarry Glen Ross. For my money lets kick Trump out of the host chair and but Baldwin in charge. New catchphrase: “First place, one million dollars. Second place a set of steak knives.”
Michael Jordan- The guy was the greatest athletic performer I’ve ever seen but let’s face it, aside from endorsements he’s not a great business man, ask anyone in Washington or now Charlotte about that. Maybe the show would give him some focus other then the blackjack tables.
Jay-Z- Here’s a guy who turns everything he touches into gold. It might be fun to see Hova out Trump, Trump.
Beyonce- It would be fun to see Bonnie and Clyde either team up or face off or both and see which one really wears the pants in that household.
Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independent just got done feuding with her own record label so she might need some good business experience in a hurry.
Rickey Gervais- Ok this one is just because you’ve got to have some laughs (and I just started watching the genius of season 2 of Extras) and I have to believe Gervais would skewer the whole show and cast every week.
Dame Judi Dench- Another contestant from beyond the pond but one that would add class to a show that routinely lacks it, plus it would be priceless to see her put Trump in his place.
Marla Maples- Ok this might actually happen if she’s done with the latest season of The Two Ex-wives and One Baby Mama Club. Clearly the two are not on good terms and again I’m for anything that entertains and makes Trump miserable.
You might be asking yourself, what about the 400lb. Tom Cruise loving elephant in the room? Well honestly, the less Rosie I see the better and while the world might be a better place if Trump and Rosie somehow took each other out by say wrestling right off the roof of Trump Tower, I don’t think I could bare the incessant name calling by two of the worlds biggest egomaniacal windbags that would lead up to that. In the meantime I’m going to enjoy my list before they announce that the entire cast of The Surreal Life 3 are the “celebrity” contestants.
Steve Jobs- Yeah I know he’s not much a celebrity but wouldn’t you love to see the mind behind the Mac and the iPod tackle some of these challenges.
Jessica Simpson- I’d love to see a slime like Trump go into complete melt down as he simultaneously tries to make Jess his 32nd wife while at the same time he becomes annoyed to the point of strangling her over her complete lack of smarts. Plus Paula Abdul is actually making me long for the days of watching Jess by mean and vapid.
Alec Baldwin- Wouldn’t it be fun to see him enter the competition in his persona from Glengarry Glen Ross. For my money lets kick Trump out of the host chair and but Baldwin in charge. New catchphrase: “First place, one million dollars. Second place a set of steak knives.”
Michael Jordan- The guy was the greatest athletic performer I’ve ever seen but let’s face it, aside from endorsements he’s not a great business man, ask anyone in Washington or now Charlotte about that. Maybe the show would give him some focus other then the blackjack tables.
Jay-Z- Here’s a guy who turns everything he touches into gold. It might be fun to see Hova out Trump, Trump.
Beyonce- It would be fun to see Bonnie and Clyde either team up or face off or both and see which one really wears the pants in that household.
Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independent just got done feuding with her own record label so she might need some good business experience in a hurry.
Rickey Gervais- Ok this one is just because you’ve got to have some laughs (and I just started watching the genius of season 2 of Extras) and I have to believe Gervais would skewer the whole show and cast every week.
Dame Judi Dench- Another contestant from beyond the pond but one that would add class to a show that routinely lacks it, plus it would be priceless to see her put Trump in his place.
Marla Maples- Ok this might actually happen if she’s done with the latest season of The Two Ex-wives and One Baby Mama Club. Clearly the two are not on good terms and again I’m for anything that entertains and makes Trump miserable.
You might be asking yourself, what about the 400lb. Tom Cruise loving elephant in the room? Well honestly, the less Rosie I see the better and while the world might be a better place if Trump and Rosie somehow took each other out by say wrestling right off the roof of Trump Tower, I don’t think I could bare the incessant name calling by two of the worlds biggest egomaniacal windbags that would lead up to that. In the meantime I’m going to enjoy my list before they announce that the entire cast of The Surreal Life 3 are the “celebrity” contestants.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
VH-1 Does It Again and Ah Crap VH-1 Has Done It Again
This weekend brought us the latest attempt by VH-1 to squeeze ratings out of the lives of C List celebrities and as usual the results were on the opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum. First the good new, Scott Baio is 45 and single. No seriously that’s the name of the show, although after watching it I think we can agree that the fact that he’s single and hasn’t procreated might be good news for all of us. That might be harsh because the man comes off as rather genuine and sincere. The show lacks the insanity of Breaking Bonaduce but that is actually quite refreshing. The premise of the show is that Baio is thinking of settling down with his girlfriend, so he hires a life coach to help him make sure he’s in the right place to do this. The 8 week journey features Scott confronting his numerous ex-girlfriends as well as his own celebrity and the lifestyle he leads. I gotta say I was not only shocked that I liked the show but that Baio is doing it. After a great run on Arrested Development as attorney Bob Loblaw I thought he’d be getting more work and that doing a reality show seems like a step back career wise, and in a great scene in the premiere his agent expresses that same fear. Nevertheless, it certainly seems to be shaping up to be an interesting journey. Meanwhile, VH-1 has also decided that they haven’t wrung out the last drop of success from Flavor of Love. That’s right after 2 seasons, I Love New York, and Charm School, the network decided to do the only thing left…they bleached it…blonde. Poison lead man and amateur porn star Brett Michael’s apparently has a hard time getting laid in his old age because, you guessed it, he’s on VH-1 looking for his “Rock of Love.” If you didn’t just throw up in your mouth a little then maybe this show is for you. I watch a lot of crap and even I couldn’t make it through the premiere. I’d say that the show is modeled after Flavor of Love but that would be an insult to the word modeled as this is an exact replica. Someone needs to get control at the network and put in some quality control standards. Hell I’m not talking about Shakespeare or anything but more shows like Baio’s and less revolting dating shows. By the way can a brother get some new Behind the Music? Now there was a show…
Friday, July 13, 2007
Boredom, Disgust, and Anger
Last night was puttering along in fine fashion. I got out of work on time, met some family for dinner and a Twins game, and after making a few phone calls I settled in for some quick TiVo catch up. BAD IDEA! First up was the first live eviction of Big Brother 8 which was rather boring but by far the best part of my TiVo night. Not much to say as the first couple of evictions are usually pretty tame. Next up was Hey Paula, on Bravo!. This show is absolutely horrible for one reason alone…Paula Abdul is the very definition of a worthless human being. She’s so full of herself and demands that everyone cater to her every whim all the while not realizing that she’s still at best a B list celebrity. Unlike Nick and Jessica, or Bobby and Whitney, or the multitude of other celebs who have done reality TV, there is not a single moment on this show where Paula comes off as anything other then a reprehensible human being. I swear they’ll be an upcoming episode where she yells at someone for mixing the blue and the red M&M’s in her candy dish. Being in such a foul mood I quickly turned on the latest 1st round ep of the World Series of Pop Culture. The first match featured a team that I’m going to pick to win the whole thing, Wocka Wocka. They mowed down their opponent and my spirits were once again bolstered especially when they announced the next match would feature returning champion El Chupacabra. Unfortunately here’s where my night went really sour as I witnessed one of the biggest frauds in the history of all competition be exposed. Last year I remember El Chupacabra having some real close calls on their way to victory and that their lone male team member really carried them. Well last night it was proven out that this team either got fat(er) on their victory or there really wasn’t anything there to begin with. I usually yell at contestants on the WSPC but last night I was YELLING! The defending champs were a disgrace to pop culture fanatics everywhere missing questions on 30 Rock, Rocky, Kevin Smith films, etc. etc. Seriously I know one of them is pregnant with twins but unless the babies are some kind of X Men style mutants that suck the pop culture smarts out of anyone within their vicinity then that’s no excuse. Worse yet the other team was almost as bad. When a defending champ goes down you want to see an up and comer beat them but this was just a case of one team sucking a little more then the other. Either do your best to avoid this ep in reruns over the weekend or do your best to catch it if you want to put a little anger salad in your weekend.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Quick Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (the movie as opposed to the book, video game or lunchbox)
Talk about an appetite wetter, the 5th Harry Potter film might be the biggest tease in cinematic history and I mean that as a compliment. Remember Back to the Future 2 or god forbid the second Matrix film and how they were essentially holding pieces to get you to the next film and then the next one sucked as well? That’s the feel that this movie has but unlike those two it delivers an experience all its own while still raising the expectations for the next film to a new high. As a fan of the books I knew the story going in but unknown director David Yates does a great job of bringing the darkness, pain and internal conflict Harry feels out onto the screen. Daniel Radcliffe has really grown up as an actor right before our eyes and his performance this time round is pitch perfect as he walks the fine line between audience empathy and dislike. The usual supporting cast is back and while we don’t get as much of Alan Rickman’s Professor Snape as I’d like he makes the most of his time on screen. Cast newcomers Imelda Stanton and Ivanna Lynch both shine in their respective roles as Delores Umbridge and Luna Lovegood respectively. Umbridge was one of the most horrifying characters to me in the books and Stanton certainly does her justice with her evil grin of properness. Lynch feels as if she stepped straight out of the book and my imagination. This is exactly how Luna looked and sounded in my head. The movie is short compared to the previous films and as such some of the guts of the book have been taken out. As a huge fan of the books I must admit the 3 or 4 subplots that were missing really didn’t bother me because of the fine pace of the movie. Strangely my biggest complaint is also my favorite aspect. The final battle in the book takes place over multiple chapters and is quite lengthy. In the movie the final scenes were disappointingly short. On the flip side, the shorter ending still embodies what the Potter series is all about; drama, action, mythos, and does so with an excitement and tension that has the audience on the edge of their seat. Most of all, the ending leaves you wanting more and what higher compliment can a film receive then making you anticipate a sequel even if you have knowledge of what lies ahead.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
El Dog's Super Amazing Donkey iMix
Album Review: Against Me!- New Wave
You know how people complain about bands selling out? Well if you know any Against Me! fans, get ready to put some ear plugs in. After years on small labels the band has finally graduated to the big leagues and their first major label release. I’m not one of those people who automatically expects the worst when a band signs big and in this case I actually put my fears aside when I heard super producer Butch Vig was spearheading the album. So how did it turn out? If you’re a fan of the band’s early work it might be a bit hard to embrace this album. Vig has ratcheted up the sound of the band even further then their last release on Fat Wreck Chords and their once trademark acoustic sound is a rarity. That being said, what stands in its place is a really decent rock and roll album that still puts the bands greatest attribute at the forefront and that’s Tom Gabel’s passionate vocals. Despite the horrible music video that’s out there White People for Peace is a great track that once again shows off the subversive dexterity of their lyrics. The closest track to their “classic sound” is Up the Cuts where Vig shows that he knows what makes these guys tick. My favorite track though on the first few listens is Thrash Unreal which combines the best “Vig sound” with the sheer ferocity that these guys play with. There are a few misses on tracks such as Animal and Stop! but overall it’s a really solid album. I think the question is not whether they sold out but how this album compares with past work and while I don’t think they’ll ever have an album as god as Reinventing Axel Rose (its on iTunes check it out), this is still a very enjoyable listen and one that will get heavy rotation from this fan.
Top 5 on My iPod
5. Better- Regina Spektor
She always seems to find a way into my iPod lately and this new release features more then just her trademark piano fever, in fact, it’s almost upbeat.
4. Tarantula- Smashing Pumpkins
I’m eager to try out a few more tracks from the new album after downloading this track which sounds and feels like classic Pumpkins updated for the present. Billy is still my favorite whiney rocker and the guitar work is solid.
3. How I Feel- Kelly Clarkson
I don’t think I highlighted this track when I gave the album a quick review but its quickly growing on me. While it lacks the “rock” aspect that makes Kelly so appealing it’s a classic pop tune that will infect your brain until you’re humming the chorus to yourself all day long.
2. The Gutterati?- The Fratellis
I’ve been talking these guys up since they had a track on an iTunes commercial back in winter and after completing their album a couple weeks back I can easily say this is my favorite new band of 2007. Punk mixed with bluegrass and a dash of English pop is the best and weirdest way to describe their sound and this track is a shining example. I defy you not to start jumping around after giving this a listen.
1. Bleed It Out- Linkin Park
I used to resist these guys like the plague but after they mashed up with Jay Z a few years back I started to seek out some of their stuff. While I certainly wouldn’t call myself a huge fan or anything I really do find some of their music to be completely addictive. Take this track off of what has been a critically and commercially disappointing album, it’s their trademark rap and sing with a beat that literally has me clapping as I drive, eat, talk, or pretty much anything I’m doing.
You know how people complain about bands selling out? Well if you know any Against Me! fans, get ready to put some ear plugs in. After years on small labels the band has finally graduated to the big leagues and their first major label release. I’m not one of those people who automatically expects the worst when a band signs big and in this case I actually put my fears aside when I heard super producer Butch Vig was spearheading the album. So how did it turn out? If you’re a fan of the band’s early work it might be a bit hard to embrace this album. Vig has ratcheted up the sound of the band even further then their last release on Fat Wreck Chords and their once trademark acoustic sound is a rarity. That being said, what stands in its place is a really decent rock and roll album that still puts the bands greatest attribute at the forefront and that’s Tom Gabel’s passionate vocals. Despite the horrible music video that’s out there White People for Peace is a great track that once again shows off the subversive dexterity of their lyrics. The closest track to their “classic sound” is Up the Cuts where Vig shows that he knows what makes these guys tick. My favorite track though on the first few listens is Thrash Unreal which combines the best “Vig sound” with the sheer ferocity that these guys play with. There are a few misses on tracks such as Animal and Stop! but overall it’s a really solid album. I think the question is not whether they sold out but how this album compares with past work and while I don’t think they’ll ever have an album as god as Reinventing Axel Rose (its on iTunes check it out), this is still a very enjoyable listen and one that will get heavy rotation from this fan.
Top 5 on My iPod
5. Better- Regina Spektor
She always seems to find a way into my iPod lately and this new release features more then just her trademark piano fever, in fact, it’s almost upbeat.
4. Tarantula- Smashing Pumpkins
I’m eager to try out a few more tracks from the new album after downloading this track which sounds and feels like classic Pumpkins updated for the present. Billy is still my favorite whiney rocker and the guitar work is solid.
3. How I Feel- Kelly Clarkson
I don’t think I highlighted this track when I gave the album a quick review but its quickly growing on me. While it lacks the “rock” aspect that makes Kelly so appealing it’s a classic pop tune that will infect your brain until you’re humming the chorus to yourself all day long.
2. The Gutterati?- The Fratellis
I’ve been talking these guys up since they had a track on an iTunes commercial back in winter and after completing their album a couple weeks back I can easily say this is my favorite new band of 2007. Punk mixed with bluegrass and a dash of English pop is the best and weirdest way to describe their sound and this track is a shining example. I defy you not to start jumping around after giving this a listen.
1. Bleed It Out- Linkin Park
I used to resist these guys like the plague but after they mashed up with Jay Z a few years back I started to seek out some of their stuff. While I certainly wouldn’t call myself a huge fan or anything I really do find some of their music to be completely addictive. Take this track off of what has been a critically and commercially disappointing album, it’s their trademark rap and sing with a beat that literally has me clapping as I drive, eat, talk, or pretty much anything I’m doing.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Well Deserved Hype
Can you feel it? There’s a certain electricity in the air. Adults and children seem to have a certain spring in their step whenever they pass a book store or a multiplex. Are people looking forward to reading the novel adaptation of Transformers after they’ve seen it in the theaters? Not likely. Are people reading up on Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne books before this August’s Bourne Ultimatum hits the screens? Nope. What’s going on is that Potter fever is about to hit big time. It started a couple of weeks back for me when I bought the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix game for my Wii and became more involved in a video game then I have in years as I waved my “wand” and cast spells all over Hogwarts. Now I’m about to enter the second stage as the 5th Potter film hits screens tomorrow and you’ve guessed it, I already have my tickets (check back Thursday for a Quick Review). For me the Potter films are part of what prevented me from reading the books in the first place. I saw the first one and was so turned off by Chris Columbus’ train wreck of a film that I figured the source material could be no good. Of course I broke down eventually and read the books, and while I still think the 1st and 2nd films are an insult to JK Rowling, the 3rd and 4th were quite wonderful and I can’t wait to see the Ministry of Magic and Dolores Umbridge take center stage in the 5th. Then of course there is the big day, July 21st and the release of the 7th and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. I preordered my copy at Borders back in February and while I don’t plan on lining up at midnight to pick mine up I must say the offers of free posters, magic wands, and cookies sure makes it sound appealing. Thus we find the true magic of Harry Potter…somehow his story never feels forced or over hyped. Obviously Harry’s story appeals across generations and while we’ve seen that before, I’ve never seen it done without the hype turning one side away. Star Wars, Pirates, even Spiderman all have taken their fare share of consumer backlash over the past few years in large part to the consumer being oversaturated with hype. Somehow Harry doesn’t and I think a large part of that is that we know its coming to an end. Rowling has been clear that the 7th book would be her last even before Potter-mania hit with such ferocity. The movies likewise will have a similar end and the fact that the entire cast is committed to making all 7 books come to life on screen adds a bit of sincerity to an otherwise fake business. The other big factor is that Harry comes off with a sense that it’s above mass marketing. You can walk into any Target, toy store, or book store and find hundreds of licensed items based on either the movies or books but for whatever reason when people talk of the Harry Potter property its always with a sense that its above marketing itself crassly and that it does so cleverly. While that may be somewhat true in regards to the cleverness there is no doubt that Warner Brothers, JK Rowling, and Scholastic are all out to make a buck but I must admit even the video game just seemed like a natural outgrowth rather then an attempt to cash in on the property. Right now I’m rereading the 6th book, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, to prepare for the release of the 7th book and I’m gripped with a similar excitement I felt when both as an adult when Stephen King’s final Dark Tower book was published and as a child when I went to read the last Lord of the Rings book. In short Harry captures both the child and the adult in me and does so in a way that harkens back to a less commercial time…now go buy your Harry Potter lunch boxes!
See This Blog? It Says Applesauce
I’ve been a Johnny come lately many a time. There was my resistance to cell phones and iPods, there was my refusal to watch Nip/Tuck and of course there was my complete and utter denial of the Harry Potter books. In all of these cases I’ve manned up and admitted pride and stupidity got in the way of me enjoying these pleasers earlier on in life. In the case of The Larry Sanders Show however, its really sheer laziness that has kept me away. If you’re even worse then me I’ll give you a quick run down on the genius that is The Larry Sanders Show. Created by star Gary Shandling, the show takes a behind the scenes look at a late night talk show (think Leno, Letterman, etc). The show alternately played between scenes on the soundstage and off stage and played host to a number of famous or soon to famous actors as both themselves and as characters. Shandling shined as a self deprecating comic who was addicted to working on his own show. The storylines were never too absurd but the characters often treated them as if they were which somehow made everything more real. Sanders was HBO’s first real consistent success. The critics hailed it as a breakthrough comedy highlighting the lack of laugh track and the seemingly single camera set ups. All this praise and I still didn’t watch. I didn’t have HBO but there were tapes to be had, then DVDs and even syndication. Still, I did not watch. Then last month I read about a new box set of the show, Not the Best of the Larry Sanders Show. Perfect now I didn’t have to involve myself in multiple seasons and sit through some lackluster eps. I immediately moved it to the top of Netflix and now like with many HBO shows I’m having Netflix remorse. This DVD set not only contains great episodes of The Larry Sanders Show, but it’s truly worth seeing for the extras. As I mentioned a lot of people got their start on the show (Jeanine Garofolo, Sarah Silverman), while others had a career renaissance (Jeffrey Tambor, Rip Torn). The extras feature interviews done with much of the cast and some are actually conducted by Shandling himself and these interviews are almost worth the price of purchase alone. Take for example Gary’s interview with Alec Baldwin while they box a few rounds. You can see how Alec developed into the comic actor he is today in large part due to his brief interaction with Gary and the show. The commentaries are great too and you learn things like how the show was really shot with 3 simultaneous cameras on 4 wall sets but that the style gave the impression it was single camera. I think shows are too often hailed as forerunners and comics too often hailed as geniuses but now whenever I watch an episode of Arrested Development, The Office, or 30 Rock I’ll think of Gary Shandling and how much of today’s comedy is in his debt.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Weekend Reviews: A Book, a Movie and a TiVo Alert
I Love You Beth Cooper- Larry Doyle
I continue to be fascinated by stories of coming of age even as I get older (insert pedophile joke here). Despite my advancing years nothing captures my attention more then the struggles of people coming of age whether it be in high school, college, or post college. Perhaps it’s the fact that I believe I’m still growing up and that I constantly see similarities between my life and world now and that which I faced at 16, 20, or 25. My point is that these types of fictional tales often grab my attention whether it be in film (Clerks), TV (Undeclared) or most recently literature.
“I Love You Beth Cooper” is an engaging tale of the awkwardness, friendship, pain and unrequited love that define high school (or at least it did for me). It’s set in modern times but shockingly it’s written by a 49 year old ex-Simpsons’ writer named Larry Doyle. In this book Doyle captures all sides of adolescence in a manner that is both funny and often times a little too close to home for any of us that still remember those days. The action in the book at times seems implausible until you remember some of the stories that you have or have heard from friends over the years. The pacing is quick and just when you figure it will go left it goes right. The humor is, well, funny and it certainly has a Simpsons sensibility. It’s the kind of book that screams movie yet I can’t imagine anyone other then maybe John Hughes doing it justice. Still I’m sure it’s already been optioned and fast tracked so do yourself a favor and read the book first.
Transformers
I love director Michael Bay for what he can be (The Rock, Bad Boys) and I often loathe him for what he is (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor). Transformers is the quintessential Michael Bay film. It’s a good movie and certainly entertaining but it leaves you wanting more. Bay is the best pure action director working today (sorry John Woo but I’m sick of doves and rainbows) and Transformers is visually breathtaking. I’m not usually one to compliment CGI work but the robots look amazingly real and the fight scenes are a whirling dervish of captivating action especially the final fight between Optimus Prime and Megatron.(Only complaint on the robots was a lack of color on the majority of them that sometimes made it hard to tell who was who.) Problem is Bay as always gets overwhelmed by story and plot. He introduces us to more characters then you can shake a stick at when really Shia LaBeouf (who is definitely a star in the making) is really the only human you need. Bay also gives our fighting boys a good salute by making the US military about the greatest thing in the whole world whether it be fighting robots or helping small Arab children. Gack! Then there is the self awareness he infuses the film with. Sure a couple of “more then meets the eye” jokes are ok but throw in an Armageddon joke and an obtuse unfunny reference to our Commander in Chief (he’s so dumb he likes snack cakes…hilarious) and your eyes will roll back into your head. Still the movie is good summer popcorn fare and if you loved the Transformers as a kid you’ll geek out for all the little things like the sound effects, the original Bumblebee homage, and the soothing original voice of Optimus Prime.
TiVo Alert!!
All you media whores out there remember tonight is the premiere of the second season of the World Series of Pop Culture (VH1, 8pm CST). As loyal readers know I attempted to make this year’s wild card team and fell tremendously short. Of course that won’t stop me from yelling at the idiots on TV when they can’t think of more then 1 Happy Days spin off. Looks like the defending champs El Chupacabra are back along with the soothing voice of the host that should never be shown. There was a sneak peak last night and I got around 38 of the first 40 questions right so guess who’s going to be playing the “what if: game this summer. Tune in and surprise yourself at how much you know and then angrily resent the contestants who are there instead of you.
I continue to be fascinated by stories of coming of age even as I get older (insert pedophile joke here). Despite my advancing years nothing captures my attention more then the struggles of people coming of age whether it be in high school, college, or post college. Perhaps it’s the fact that I believe I’m still growing up and that I constantly see similarities between my life and world now and that which I faced at 16, 20, or 25. My point is that these types of fictional tales often grab my attention whether it be in film (Clerks), TV (Undeclared) or most recently literature.
“I Love You Beth Cooper” is an engaging tale of the awkwardness, friendship, pain and unrequited love that define high school (or at least it did for me). It’s set in modern times but shockingly it’s written by a 49 year old ex-Simpsons’ writer named Larry Doyle. In this book Doyle captures all sides of adolescence in a manner that is both funny and often times a little too close to home for any of us that still remember those days. The action in the book at times seems implausible until you remember some of the stories that you have or have heard from friends over the years. The pacing is quick and just when you figure it will go left it goes right. The humor is, well, funny and it certainly has a Simpsons sensibility. It’s the kind of book that screams movie yet I can’t imagine anyone other then maybe John Hughes doing it justice. Still I’m sure it’s already been optioned and fast tracked so do yourself a favor and read the book first.
Transformers
I love director Michael Bay for what he can be (The Rock, Bad Boys) and I often loathe him for what he is (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor). Transformers is the quintessential Michael Bay film. It’s a good movie and certainly entertaining but it leaves you wanting more. Bay is the best pure action director working today (sorry John Woo but I’m sick of doves and rainbows) and Transformers is visually breathtaking. I’m not usually one to compliment CGI work but the robots look amazingly real and the fight scenes are a whirling dervish of captivating action especially the final fight between Optimus Prime and Megatron.(Only complaint on the robots was a lack of color on the majority of them that sometimes made it hard to tell who was who.) Problem is Bay as always gets overwhelmed by story and plot. He introduces us to more characters then you can shake a stick at when really Shia LaBeouf (who is definitely a star in the making) is really the only human you need. Bay also gives our fighting boys a good salute by making the US military about the greatest thing in the whole world whether it be fighting robots or helping small Arab children. Gack! Then there is the self awareness he infuses the film with. Sure a couple of “more then meets the eye” jokes are ok but throw in an Armageddon joke and an obtuse unfunny reference to our Commander in Chief (he’s so dumb he likes snack cakes…hilarious) and your eyes will roll back into your head. Still the movie is good summer popcorn fare and if you loved the Transformers as a kid you’ll geek out for all the little things like the sound effects, the original Bumblebee homage, and the soothing original voice of Optimus Prime.
TiVo Alert!!
All you media whores out there remember tonight is the premiere of the second season of the World Series of Pop Culture (VH1, 8pm CST). As loyal readers know I attempted to make this year’s wild card team and fell tremendously short. Of course that won’t stop me from yelling at the idiots on TV when they can’t think of more then 1 Happy Days spin off. Looks like the defending champs El Chupacabra are back along with the soothing voice of the host that should never be shown. There was a sneak peak last night and I got around 38 of the first 40 questions right so guess who’s going to be playing the “what if: game this summer. Tune in and surprise yourself at how much you know and then angrily resent the contestants who are there instead of you.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Rockwell would be proud…the singer not the artist
Yes folks Big Brother is watching, wait, no, we’re watching Big Brother. It’s that time of summer for Julie Chen to stumble through live broadcasts and introduce us to the latest installment of Big Brother (it’s BB8 for those keeping score at home). Last night we met the 14 new houseguests and of course most of them are white and fit the general publics’ idea of good looking. Like all reality shows BB has gotten more and more about contestants that can make good eye candy instead of good players. Sure sometimes looks are the perfect cover for an evil mastermind (see Janelle from season 6 and last year’s All Star edition) but more often then not the prettier they are the harder they fall. Still BB is one show where I’ll give them a pass on this because it fits with their identity of mindless summer entertainment. Of course the big thing the Big Brother house is famous for is twists and last night we got two. In a call back to seasons past, Julie informed the original 11 people that entered the house that there were 3 more houseguests coming in and that they had ties to people already in the house. Enter the jilted lover, the high school mean girl, and the estranged rocker dad. The three enter the house with a disadvantage because the folks they have a connection to have already bonded with the other housemates but I’ll be interested to see how it plays out. The show does not have a great track record with this kind of stuff (remember Cowboy and Nokomis who found out they were brother and sister on the show…well now they don’t talk), but it should make for an interesting few weeks and probably a lot of tears. Oh and don’t be shocked if there are more connections between the houseguests that we haven’t seen yet as the producers always seem to have a mid season surprise. The second twist is something right up my alley and is almost as good as the twin ruse a few years back. This year one houseguest will have his game play dictated by America. CBS will have polls online and via phone to ask the audience everything from who the player should align with to who he should try to hook up with. The player still has free will and can choose his own path but for every 5 tasks he completes he earns $10,000 so that’s a fair amount of incentive. I must admit I’ve screamed at the TV many a times watching shows of Big Brothers ilk and while I’m so lazy I probably won’t get off my couch to vote the idea still tickles my fancy. Of course the guy sticks out like a sore thumb in this crowd of people as he looks like the dictionary definition of average Joe, so if the other players find out about this twist I’m guessing it won’t take long for them to figure out who it is and vote him out. Meanwhile the broadcasting of the show has taken on yet another twist. CBS already airs the show about 3 times a week and of course they also sell a live feed to folks over the internet. Well now get ready for Big Brother Pay Cable Edition. That’s right folks; Showtime will be airing too hot for TV footage of the house guests over the summer in an effort by CBS to titillate fans of the show and to lure folks flipping through their pay channels to head over to CBS to catch the regular broadcasts. Personally I think it’s nothing groundbreaking but I’m guessing it will be a moderate success. I always assumed no one would purchase the online feed but that has amassed a huge following the last couple of years. All that aside its time for predictions so I’m going to go with Carol, Nick and Dustin to make it to the end with Nick playing the nice guy card all the way to the bank.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Two Quick Reviews or Why I’m Still Pale After the 4th
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Video Game
As I’ve written before, I’ve never been much for quest/adventure games like Zelda. However since I’ve bought my Wii that has started to change. My first game was The Godfather, which became entirely too engrossing a game for someone like myself who’s a huge film buff and enjoys waving the Wii’s motion capture controllers in the air. Now comes Harry and his friends and the results are even better. The game follows the 5th book/movie to a tee and opens with Harry ending yet another horrible summer with his “family” in rather terrifying fashion. Soon you’re off to meet up with The Order and Sirius Black walks you through how to use the Wii controller as a wand. After that it’s on to Hogwarts which is where the game takes off. I bought and played the game pretty much all day yesterday with a good friend of mine who like me isn’t much of a gamer but we picked up the basic controls in a hurry. The school and its ground are huge and expansive but at the same time there are not a lot of empty rooms or fake doors (something The Godfather has way too many of). Graphically it’s a great looking game and all the characters except for poor Ron Weasley look just like the actors who play them on the big screen. My friend and I played on the easy level so there were never any time tables or limits which really allowed us to ease into the game although we still found many challenges. The spells are fairly easy to use except for the targeting feature which seemed rather difficult especially when in a duel. The other shortcoming would have to be that it’s a one person game. Now again I’m not a video game geek so maybe that’s not possible but since you walk around the whole game with Hermione and Ron why not have an option for one or both of them to be playable. I understand logistically it might be a nightmare but it would be better then the two of them getting in your way and repeating themselves over and over again. Still it’s a top notch game that makes good use of the Wii and just makes me want to consume the new movie and the final book even more.
The Good German
Let’s get two things out of the way; one, this is not the movie with Matt Damon, that’s The Good Shepherd, and 2 there are many words to describe this movie but good is not one of them. George Clooney and Cate Blanchett are two of the few actors who I’ll pretty much see anything of. Usually I’m more faithful to directors especially say one Steven Soderbergh. So it is with great great disappointment to report to you what a dreadful mess of a movie The Good German is. I know you’ve probably already been scared away by the low box office and lack of critical success but I seriously thought this was one of those films that would shine on DVD. The only thing that shines on this DVD is the underside of the disc when you eject it. Clooney and Soderbergh made one other troubled film a few years back called Solera but even that still had redeeming qualities. Designed as an ode to old films like The Third Man, German comes off more like a parody where no one is laughing. Tobey McGuire gives a performance that should have told us he couldn’t pull of the evil Spiderman parts of Spidey 3. Blanchett and Clooney truly seem to be going in circles and neither is doing it well. The mix of news footage and the old film stock Soderbergh shot on, sounds like a great idea on paper but comes off looking cheap. I love black and white for its black blacks and its white whites but here so much is overexposed it detracts from any enjoyment of the black and white experience. If you like Clooney, Blanchett and Soderbergh, stay away from this movie at all costs, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
As I’ve written before, I’ve never been much for quest/adventure games like Zelda. However since I’ve bought my Wii that has started to change. My first game was The Godfather, which became entirely too engrossing a game for someone like myself who’s a huge film buff and enjoys waving the Wii’s motion capture controllers in the air. Now comes Harry and his friends and the results are even better. The game follows the 5th book/movie to a tee and opens with Harry ending yet another horrible summer with his “family” in rather terrifying fashion. Soon you’re off to meet up with The Order and Sirius Black walks you through how to use the Wii controller as a wand. After that it’s on to Hogwarts which is where the game takes off. I bought and played the game pretty much all day yesterday with a good friend of mine who like me isn’t much of a gamer but we picked up the basic controls in a hurry. The school and its ground are huge and expansive but at the same time there are not a lot of empty rooms or fake doors (something The Godfather has way too many of). Graphically it’s a great looking game and all the characters except for poor Ron Weasley look just like the actors who play them on the big screen. My friend and I played on the easy level so there were never any time tables or limits which really allowed us to ease into the game although we still found many challenges. The spells are fairly easy to use except for the targeting feature which seemed rather difficult especially when in a duel. The other shortcoming would have to be that it’s a one person game. Now again I’m not a video game geek so maybe that’s not possible but since you walk around the whole game with Hermione and Ron why not have an option for one or both of them to be playable. I understand logistically it might be a nightmare but it would be better then the two of them getting in your way and repeating themselves over and over again. Still it’s a top notch game that makes good use of the Wii and just makes me want to consume the new movie and the final book even more.
The Good German
Let’s get two things out of the way; one, this is not the movie with Matt Damon, that’s The Good Shepherd, and 2 there are many words to describe this movie but good is not one of them. George Clooney and Cate Blanchett are two of the few actors who I’ll pretty much see anything of. Usually I’m more faithful to directors especially say one Steven Soderbergh. So it is with great great disappointment to report to you what a dreadful mess of a movie The Good German is. I know you’ve probably already been scared away by the low box office and lack of critical success but I seriously thought this was one of those films that would shine on DVD. The only thing that shines on this DVD is the underside of the disc when you eject it. Clooney and Soderbergh made one other troubled film a few years back called Solera but even that still had redeeming qualities. Designed as an ode to old films like The Third Man, German comes off more like a parody where no one is laughing. Tobey McGuire gives a performance that should have told us he couldn’t pull of the evil Spiderman parts of Spidey 3. Blanchett and Clooney truly seem to be going in circles and neither is doing it well. The mix of news footage and the old film stock Soderbergh shot on, sounds like a great idea on paper but comes off looking cheap. I love black and white for its black blacks and its white whites but here so much is overexposed it detracts from any enjoyment of the black and white experience. If you like Clooney, Blanchett and Soderbergh, stay away from this movie at all costs, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Burned on the 4th of July
With the holiday approaching I realized how unimportant this day is to me. Our country’s birthday? Is that really worth celebrating? Next thing you know we’ll be celebrating the birthday of some guy people think was god. Point is, I really like holidays but for a number of reasons the 4th just doesn’t do it for me, hear are just a few in random order.
Reason #37- Worst holiday movies
Christmas has It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and so on and so on. Easter has The Ten Commandments. Memorial Day has more war movies then you can shake a stick at. Halloween has…well…Halloween. What does the 4th have? Born on the 4th of July…bad Cruise acting and Stone’s weakest Vietnam film. Yankee Doodle Dandy…with all due respect to my girlfriend who loves it, the film is pretty lousy as far as old musicals go. Independence Day…ummm…please don’t even get me started on how a movie that starts so strongly finishes by uploading a computer virus to beat the bad guys. If you’ve got one I’ve missed let me know.
Reason #81- Moving day of the week
While I’m no uber-patriot and I don’t belong to any union, I do love me some Memorial and Labor days. Why? Because they are guaranteed 3 day weekends. The 4th floats around and sometimes that can have horrible results like say this week where it lands on a Wednesday and offices around the country loose millions of work hours as employees stretch their weekend to 5 days if not longer. Let’s just have a set day like say the 1st Monday of July and let it be.
Reason #21- Personal fireworks
I love a big fireworks show. I love the synched up music, the vast array of explosions and the oooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing of the crowd. I hate however the weak little fireworks that people pick up from the road side stands. Now part of this could go back to when I was 12 or 13 and my fellow Boy Scouts shot me with Roman Candles from about 6 feet away while they yelled, “Run fatty!”, but I choose to believe its more the annoyance and the noise. Since normal folk can’t buy anything that blows up real good (especially in my home state of Minnesota) the best you can buy are the loudest ones. Also its not as if people just buy them over the 4th…no I think I heard my first one in April this year and I’m sure they’ll be a nightly occurrence until Halloween…or are those gunshots.
Reason #42- Lack of signature food
Thanksgiving equals turkey. Halloween equals candy. Easter equals ham. Arbor Day equals ants on a log. The 4th equals…grilling. Again like fireworks I love grilling but grilling is not a specific food. On a 4th BBQ you could be having hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chicken, corn, potatoes, fish…the list goes on. Grilling is not a food it’s a style of preparation so let’s come up with a staple food for the 4th. My vote is for a burger stuffed with hot dogs and pork shoulder, served on a bun made of funnel cakes. Too much?
Reason #1- Patriotism
I love the US really I do. I like our food, our TV, our movies. I’ve had a very good life that only seems to get better and a great deal of that is probably owed to the country to which I was born in. However there is nothing I hate more about the 4th then the act of wrapping one’s self in the flag and pretty much shouting to the world, “We’re #1! We’re #1!” Actually as a country we do that almost everyday but on the 4th it’s a lot louder. We’re an imperfect state that is currently involved in two unwinnable wars and has neglected its own citizens for so long that a state of apathy and defeat has settled in our great land. For some people the 4th is a chance to escape that reality by talking in grand terms about the founding fathers and Uncle Sam but for me the 4th just reminds me how much better we should be as a country and as a people. Speaking as someone who has both burned a flag and raised a flag, we need more days that celebrate the change we can make in the country and fewer days patting ourselves on the back.
Whew…with all that said, I’m hoping you all have a great 4th. I’m kicking the holiday off in excellent style as tomorrow night I’m off to gorge myself on various fatty foods while enjoying fireworks and the funky sounds of Morris Day and the Time. For you youth out there who aren’t familiar please to enjoy Morris pimping the hell out of Leno’s stage many moons ago.
Reason #37- Worst holiday movies
Christmas has It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and so on and so on. Easter has The Ten Commandments. Memorial Day has more war movies then you can shake a stick at. Halloween has…well…Halloween. What does the 4th have? Born on the 4th of July…bad Cruise acting and Stone’s weakest Vietnam film. Yankee Doodle Dandy…with all due respect to my girlfriend who loves it, the film is pretty lousy as far as old musicals go. Independence Day…ummm…please don’t even get me started on how a movie that starts so strongly finishes by uploading a computer virus to beat the bad guys. If you’ve got one I’ve missed let me know.
Reason #81- Moving day of the week
While I’m no uber-patriot and I don’t belong to any union, I do love me some Memorial and Labor days. Why? Because they are guaranteed 3 day weekends. The 4th floats around and sometimes that can have horrible results like say this week where it lands on a Wednesday and offices around the country loose millions of work hours as employees stretch their weekend to 5 days if not longer. Let’s just have a set day like say the 1st Monday of July and let it be.
Reason #21- Personal fireworks
I love a big fireworks show. I love the synched up music, the vast array of explosions and the oooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing of the crowd. I hate however the weak little fireworks that people pick up from the road side stands. Now part of this could go back to when I was 12 or 13 and my fellow Boy Scouts shot me with Roman Candles from about 6 feet away while they yelled, “Run fatty!”, but I choose to believe its more the annoyance and the noise. Since normal folk can’t buy anything that blows up real good (especially in my home state of Minnesota) the best you can buy are the loudest ones. Also its not as if people just buy them over the 4th…no I think I heard my first one in April this year and I’m sure they’ll be a nightly occurrence until Halloween…or are those gunshots.
Reason #42- Lack of signature food
Thanksgiving equals turkey. Halloween equals candy. Easter equals ham. Arbor Day equals ants on a log. The 4th equals…grilling. Again like fireworks I love grilling but grilling is not a specific food. On a 4th BBQ you could be having hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chicken, corn, potatoes, fish…the list goes on. Grilling is not a food it’s a style of preparation so let’s come up with a staple food for the 4th. My vote is for a burger stuffed with hot dogs and pork shoulder, served on a bun made of funnel cakes. Too much?
Reason #1- Patriotism
I love the US really I do. I like our food, our TV, our movies. I’ve had a very good life that only seems to get better and a great deal of that is probably owed to the country to which I was born in. However there is nothing I hate more about the 4th then the act of wrapping one’s self in the flag and pretty much shouting to the world, “We’re #1! We’re #1!” Actually as a country we do that almost everyday but on the 4th it’s a lot louder. We’re an imperfect state that is currently involved in two unwinnable wars and has neglected its own citizens for so long that a state of apathy and defeat has settled in our great land. For some people the 4th is a chance to escape that reality by talking in grand terms about the founding fathers and Uncle Sam but for me the 4th just reminds me how much better we should be as a country and as a people. Speaking as someone who has both burned a flag and raised a flag, we need more days that celebrate the change we can make in the country and fewer days patting ourselves on the back.
Whew…with all that said, I’m hoping you all have a great 4th. I’m kicking the holiday off in excellent style as tomorrow night I’m off to gorge myself on various fatty foods while enjoying fireworks and the funky sounds of Morris Day and the Time. For you youth out there who aren’t familiar please to enjoy Morris pimping the hell out of Leno’s stage many moons ago.
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