Here is a video from an Of Montreal concert. I saw this show in Richmond last year, and it was truly one of the best concerts I've ever been to. This video also happens to be my favorite song from their 2008 album Skeletal Lamping. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wicked Awesome!
I love hearing folks say, "Wicked Awesome!"... This has nothing to do with the topic at hand this evening, I just thought it had a nice ring to it. Sorry if this may seem to jump around, but I have a bunch of things on my mind tonight, tonight, tooooonight. Toniiiiiiiight, tonight. Striiiings, striiiings, striiiiinnnngggs.
First, the maintenance man in my building = Dwight Schrute. We had an hour-long test of our fire alarms last week, and every time he'd come over the loud speaker saying "this is a test, this is only a test" I'd find myself imagining staplers entrapped in jello. Every maintenance man I've ever known takes himself very seriously, with the exception of one: Les.
I worked with Les all through high school and college, and he was the coolest maintenance man ever. Seriously. Throughout my obnoxious teen years and trouble-making college years, Les was always nice. In fact, the only time I ever saw him get pissed was when we'd feed the ducks (I even snuck them inside once). Can't say that I blame him - who would want to scrub duck shit off the sidewalk? One time, on a really slow day, he let me go up on the roof, which was very adventurous for being at work. He offered to let me toss pumpkins off the roof at Halloween because no one wanted to be at work. That never happened, but just the fact that he mentioned it was cool in my eyes. He was an old school hippie - he recalled seeing Jimi Hendrix live in Virginia Beach in the 60's, and I never heard him yell at anyone. I saw his assistant drop a commercial light bulb on his head, shattering into a million pieces. He never even raised his voice. Once, while moving some plants around after an open house event, I got the facilities golf cart stuck in some double doors, and Les came to the rescue and helped me get it out before any of the managers noticed. He played in a cover jam band and drove an old station wagon (not a creepy chester molester wagon though). Ultimately, I think he was fired, but I had already moved on at that time, so I'm not sure. I'm guessing he is still practicing maintenance at some other business, as fixing things was obviously his calling. So next time some douchebag maintenance dude yells at you or treats you like an idiot because you don't know the difference between flourescent and HID light bulbs, think of Les, the coolest maintenance man ever.
Now, on to a list of two types of things: things that are bad, and things that are bad-ass. This list was inspired by my recent enjoyment of Important Things with Demetri Martin on Comedy Central. I'm going to list one of each. There are only five that I have right now, so please supplement this list in the comments section if you have something to add.
1. Things that are bad: chester molester vans.
1. Things that are bad-ass: El Caminos.
2. Bad: certain types of mustaches.
2. Bad-ass: Snagglepuss.
3. Bad: Paula Abdul 2009.
3. Bad-ass: Paula Abdul Reeboks from the 80's.
4. Bad: Mullets (fem-mullets included).
4. Bad-ass: Sweater shavers.
5. Bad: Miley Cyrus.
5. Bad-ass: Radiohead dissing Miley Cyrus at the Grammy's.
I was hoping to include photos of my broken finger (THANKS AND A SHOUTOUT TO BRETT SHANKLES!), but unfortunately my phone is too slow to send pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to post that sometime in the coming days. Not like any of you are super anxious to see a swollen "stinky pinky", but it's my blog isn't it???
I will leave you with the coolest 80's hair metal video. Thanks to Brad for sharing this gem.
First, the maintenance man in my building = Dwight Schrute. We had an hour-long test of our fire alarms last week, and every time he'd come over the loud speaker saying "this is a test, this is only a test" I'd find myself imagining staplers entrapped in jello. Every maintenance man I've ever known takes himself very seriously, with the exception of one: Les.
I worked with Les all through high school and college, and he was the coolest maintenance man ever. Seriously. Throughout my obnoxious teen years and trouble-making college years, Les was always nice. In fact, the only time I ever saw him get pissed was when we'd feed the ducks (I even snuck them inside once). Can't say that I blame him - who would want to scrub duck shit off the sidewalk? One time, on a really slow day, he let me go up on the roof, which was very adventurous for being at work. He offered to let me toss pumpkins off the roof at Halloween because no one wanted to be at work. That never happened, but just the fact that he mentioned it was cool in my eyes. He was an old school hippie - he recalled seeing Jimi Hendrix live in Virginia Beach in the 60's, and I never heard him yell at anyone. I saw his assistant drop a commercial light bulb on his head, shattering into a million pieces. He never even raised his voice. Once, while moving some plants around after an open house event, I got the facilities golf cart stuck in some double doors, and Les came to the rescue and helped me get it out before any of the managers noticed. He played in a cover jam band and drove an old station wagon (not a creepy chester molester wagon though). Ultimately, I think he was fired, but I had already moved on at that time, so I'm not sure. I'm guessing he is still practicing maintenance at some other business, as fixing things was obviously his calling. So next time some douchebag maintenance dude yells at you or treats you like an idiot because you don't know the difference between flourescent and HID light bulbs, think of Les, the coolest maintenance man ever.
Now, on to a list of two types of things: things that are bad, and things that are bad-ass. This list was inspired by my recent enjoyment of Important Things with Demetri Martin on Comedy Central. I'm going to list one of each. There are only five that I have right now, so please supplement this list in the comments section if you have something to add.
1. Things that are bad: chester molester vans.
1. Things that are bad-ass: El Caminos.
2. Bad: certain types of mustaches.
2. Bad-ass: Snagglepuss.
3. Bad: Paula Abdul 2009.
3. Bad-ass: Paula Abdul Reeboks from the 80's.
4. Bad: Mullets (fem-mullets included).
4. Bad-ass: Sweater shavers.
5. Bad: Miley Cyrus.
5. Bad-ass: Radiohead dissing Miley Cyrus at the Grammy's.
I was hoping to include photos of my broken finger (THANKS AND A SHOUTOUT TO BRETT SHANKLES!), but unfortunately my phone is too slow to send pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to post that sometime in the coming days. Not like any of you are super anxious to see a swollen "stinky pinky", but it's my blog isn't it???
I will leave you with the coolest 80's hair metal video. Thanks to Brad for sharing this gem.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Tunes for a New Season
Happy Spring blog-reading peeps!!! I wanted to talk a little bit about some of the music I’ve been listening to lately. Here are some great new releases, plus a couple of disappointments:
-Alela Diane (To Be Still): I stumbled upon Alela Diane’s poorly updated blog (Wandering Stillness, featured in my blog list below), and decided to check out her music. Her first album, the Pirate’s Gospel, is good, and I was instantly mesmerized by her voice. Think of her as a more tolerable Feist. Her voice is distinctly different and folky, but without too much of the up-and-down quivering of some other voices.
-Neko Case: (Middle Cyclone) was something that had to grow on me, and it did. It took me at least three full listens to get hooked. Now it’s one of my favorite albums of 2009 thus far.
-Bishop Allen (Grrr): This was a huge disappointment for me. I was really looking forward to this album, and I’ve only listened to it once all the way through. It was just boring.
-Wavves (Wavves): I heard a random Wavves song and my first thought was ‘ugh, noise’. However, I’ve listened to multiple songs and have to admit it is growing on me. I’m looking forward to making it through the entire thing.
-Elvis Perkins in Dearland: I’ve only heard a couple of songs on KEXP, and I WANT this! It’s been out for a couple of weeks now, and I'm working on acquiring it.
-Metric (Fantasies): I’ve been anticipating this album since the end of last year when I heard “Help I’m Alive” on KEXP. Once I get that beat in my head it won’t stop, and Emily Haines’ voice is like crack. I just got the album last weekend, and have yet to give it a good listen (besides my sad attempt at jogging on Sat and Sun). I am predicting that I will love it, but I doubt any of the songs will suck me in like “Help I’m Alive” did. Here is Metric playing an acoustic version:
-Animal Collective (Merriweather Post Pavilion): After hearing “Summertime Clothes” and “My Girls” on KEXP, I was all about this album. I made a note to self to download it. Brad found the right version last weekend (you have to make sure you get the studio album, not a live version), and it lives up to the critical acclaim. It takes me to another place, without foreign substances.
-A.C. Newman (Get Guilty): This is ok, there are a few songs that I really like, but I probably couldn’t make it through the whole album without skipping a track or two… or three.
-Camera Obscura (My Maudlin Career): I heart Camera Obscura. I heart this album.
So I guess you've noticed that a lot of the new music I'm listening to I first heard on KEXP. This is the best radio station on the planet. (Thanks Brad, for telling me about it.) I just wanted to say something short about public radio and pledge weeks. I listened to the dj's on KEXP for a week and a half during the spring pledge drive, and finally made a donation with a day to go in the drive. I felt at the time that they 'bugged' me into donating, but then I thought about all the joy I receive by listening to the diverse music they play. I've heard so many different types of music, from artist that don't even have albums in stores, that I'd never have heard if it weren't for their live radio stream. It really makes my workday more tolerable. SOOOO, I just want to say to those that complain about pledge drives and refuse to donate, but continue to listen to public radio - get off it. Seriously, if you want to continue to be able to listen to something that's not complete mindless crap, donate some pocket change to keep those stations going. That is all. :)
-Alela Diane (To Be Still): I stumbled upon Alela Diane’s poorly updated blog (Wandering Stillness, featured in my blog list below), and decided to check out her music. Her first album, the Pirate’s Gospel, is good, and I was instantly mesmerized by her voice. Think of her as a more tolerable Feist. Her voice is distinctly different and folky, but without too much of the up-and-down quivering of some other voices.
-Neko Case: (Middle Cyclone) was something that had to grow on me, and it did. It took me at least three full listens to get hooked. Now it’s one of my favorite albums of 2009 thus far.
-Bishop Allen (Grrr): This was a huge disappointment for me. I was really looking forward to this album, and I’ve only listened to it once all the way through. It was just boring.
-Wavves (Wavves): I heard a random Wavves song and my first thought was ‘ugh, noise’. However, I’ve listened to multiple songs and have to admit it is growing on me. I’m looking forward to making it through the entire thing.
-Elvis Perkins in Dearland: I’ve only heard a couple of songs on KEXP, and I WANT this! It’s been out for a couple of weeks now, and I'm working on acquiring it.
-Metric (Fantasies): I’ve been anticipating this album since the end of last year when I heard “Help I’m Alive” on KEXP. Once I get that beat in my head it won’t stop, and Emily Haines’ voice is like crack. I just got the album last weekend, and have yet to give it a good listen (besides my sad attempt at jogging on Sat and Sun). I am predicting that I will love it, but I doubt any of the songs will suck me in like “Help I’m Alive” did. Here is Metric playing an acoustic version:
-Animal Collective (Merriweather Post Pavilion): After hearing “Summertime Clothes” and “My Girls” on KEXP, I was all about this album. I made a note to self to download it. Brad found the right version last weekend (you have to make sure you get the studio album, not a live version), and it lives up to the critical acclaim. It takes me to another place, without foreign substances.
-A.C. Newman (Get Guilty): This is ok, there are a few songs that I really like, but I probably couldn’t make it through the whole album without skipping a track or two… or three.
-Camera Obscura (My Maudlin Career): I heart Camera Obscura. I heart this album.
So I guess you've noticed that a lot of the new music I'm listening to I first heard on KEXP. This is the best radio station on the planet. (Thanks Brad, for telling me about it.) I just wanted to say something short about public radio and pledge weeks. I listened to the dj's on KEXP for a week and a half during the spring pledge drive, and finally made a donation with a day to go in the drive. I felt at the time that they 'bugged' me into donating, but then I thought about all the joy I receive by listening to the diverse music they play. I've heard so many different types of music, from artist that don't even have albums in stores, that I'd never have heard if it weren't for their live radio stream. It really makes my workday more tolerable. SOOOO, I just want to say to those that complain about pledge drives and refuse to donate, but continue to listen to public radio - get off it. Seriously, if you want to continue to be able to listen to something that's not complete mindless crap, donate some pocket change to keep those stations going. That is all. :)
Monday, March 16, 2009
A mini-blog for you...
I will be working insane hours over the next couple of weeks, but I wanted to post a couple of interesting things for entertainment purposes only.
Here is a brand new video from Camera Obscura... new album out April 20th. Hopefully I will be able to get it early, because I'm excited about how awesome it will be.
This next video is totally random, but as promised in my very first blog, it is of the New Jersey Nets senior dance team. Before watching the video, I thought I'd provide you with a snip of a song from a Beastie Boys song, called Boomin' Granny, that proves old chicks can be hot:
"because I saw ya in the checkout line...
Ya dropped your coupons, and you were lookin' fine
Sophisticated, and so mature
I couldn't really care if you're 50, or 74
because I want ya,
and I need ya.
Boomin granny you can be my teacher.
And I could be your pet, bet.
Listen old lady I'm gonna make ya sweat!"
So, as promised, here ladies and gentlemen, is the NJ Nets Senior Dance team, featured on GMA. (yes that is Lil Jon they are dancing to). Follow this link and stare off into space for 30 seconds while they play their commercial, then enjoy. (Sorry to post a link instead of embedding the video but couldn't find an alternate source).
Here is a brand new video from Camera Obscura... new album out April 20th. Hopefully I will be able to get it early, because I'm excited about how awesome it will be.
This next video is totally random, but as promised in my very first blog, it is of the New Jersey Nets senior dance team. Before watching the video, I thought I'd provide you with a snip of a song from a Beastie Boys song, called Boomin' Granny, that proves old chicks can be hot:
"because I saw ya in the checkout line...
Ya dropped your coupons, and you were lookin' fine
Sophisticated, and so mature
I couldn't really care if you're 50, or 74
because I want ya,
and I need ya.
Boomin granny you can be my teacher.
And I could be your pet, bet.
Listen old lady I'm gonna make ya sweat!"
So, as promised, here ladies and gentlemen, is the NJ Nets Senior Dance team, featured on GMA. (yes that is Lil Jon they are dancing to). Follow this link and stare off into space for 30 seconds while they play their commercial, then enjoy. (Sorry to post a link instead of embedding the video but couldn't find an alternate source).
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Craziness Caught on Camera... phone.
People have been using camera phones for years now, and although I try to act like I don’t think it’s cool, I do. I love being able to capture randomness on camera at the drop of a hat. It’s so much more discreet than a regular camera too, because no one can tell whether you’re taking a photo or trying to figure out how the hell to work your phone. I thought I’d share some of the photos currently gathering dust on my phone.
~Rainbows and lollipops
I took this one morning back in January from my office window. Sent it to the Daily Buzz but they didn’t choose it for the weather pic of the day. Jerks. If only I’d have sent them the photoshopped version with Brett and his magic wand…
~Mustache ride, anyone?
Recently I was eating lunch at Panera with my boss, and saw this guy sitting a good ways away. Luckily I have a zoom on my camera phone AND my boss is cool enough to pretend that I was taking a photo of her. Gotcha mustache man!
~Christmas cookie gone bad
My mom and I were decorating Christmas cookies for the guys at work, and my mom’s creative juices started flowing on this wannabe snowman. It went from bad to worse. Looks like a snowman from South Park.
~Funny animal photos
Mr. Cat at Brad’s house has a lot of personality. He also has a lot of teeth. This is him sleeping...
Mr. Cat also has large pupils… looks like a space cat or something from Gremlins.
Lance likes to eat things, especially paper. Just this evening, what I hoped was my credit card bill was actually Jackie’s baby shower invitation. Don’t worry Jackie – I’m still coming! :)
~Lunch lady
Nicole and I were having lunch at Taphouse when we saw an older lady hobbling up the sidewalk. She looked as if she were coming in from working the streets all night, complete with fur-lined stripper boots. Next thing we knew, she was laid out in the middle of the street! No, I did not jump up to help her – I grabbed my phone to take a picture.
Then, because she was blocking traffic flow on Queen’s Way, a landscaping crew stopped their truck to get out and help her. The photo below is of them helping her up and escorting her to the sidewalk.
To this day I swear she’s Tay-Tay’s girlfriend.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this venture into my cell phone photo album. Until next time, dear blog friends, good night.
~Rainbows and lollipops
I took this one morning back in January from my office window. Sent it to the Daily Buzz but they didn’t choose it for the weather pic of the day. Jerks. If only I’d have sent them the photoshopped version with Brett and his magic wand…
~Mustache ride, anyone?
Recently I was eating lunch at Panera with my boss, and saw this guy sitting a good ways away. Luckily I have a zoom on my camera phone AND my boss is cool enough to pretend that I was taking a photo of her. Gotcha mustache man!
~Christmas cookie gone bad
My mom and I were decorating Christmas cookies for the guys at work, and my mom’s creative juices started flowing on this wannabe snowman. It went from bad to worse. Looks like a snowman from South Park.
~Funny animal photos
Mr. Cat at Brad’s house has a lot of personality. He also has a lot of teeth. This is him sleeping...
Mr. Cat also has large pupils… looks like a space cat or something from Gremlins.
Lance likes to eat things, especially paper. Just this evening, what I hoped was my credit card bill was actually Jackie’s baby shower invitation. Don’t worry Jackie – I’m still coming! :)
~Lunch lady
Nicole and I were having lunch at Taphouse when we saw an older lady hobbling up the sidewalk. She looked as if she were coming in from working the streets all night, complete with fur-lined stripper boots. Next thing we knew, she was laid out in the middle of the street! No, I did not jump up to help her – I grabbed my phone to take a picture.
Then, because she was blocking traffic flow on Queen’s Way, a landscaping crew stopped their truck to get out and help her. The photo below is of them helping her up and escorting her to the sidewalk.
To this day I swear she’s Tay-Tay’s girlfriend.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this venture into my cell phone photo album. Until next time, dear blog friends, good night.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Today's Video
I figure I'd post videos once in a while when I don't have time to write full blogs. This one is from School of Seven Bells, which pretty much hasn't left my iPod since the end of last year. I love them.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog, hopefully by the end of the weekend! Hasta luego, baby.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog, hopefully by the end of the weekend! Hasta luego, baby.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
V-day Movies
Just in time for Saturday- some movies that would be fun to watch on Valentine’s Day. This is not your traditional movie list like the one I posted earlier (from everythingvalentine.com), because you can get those anywhere. These are movie suggestions for people wanting something a little different on Valentine’s Day. I came up with 5 movies myself. And just to be fair, I’ve consulted a panel of three handsome young gentlemen to come up with the other 5.
Amber’s 5:
1. The Princess Bride - this is my favorite movie, and includes an epic love story.
2. Slumdog Millionaire - for those of you who don’t mind paying $10 for a movie ticket, this is probably your best option for Valentine’s Day at the cinema. It has won about a billion awards so far this year, and is probably the best love story in theaters right now that won’t leave you feeling depressed.
3. When Harry Met Sally - It’s quirky, funny, and was made before Meg Ryan plastic-surgeried herself into an alien. The discussion on faking orgasms and Meg Ryan’s resulting scene is classic.
4. Jaws - Never a better time to snuggle up with someone than facing a deadly (albeit mechanical) great white shark. Unfortunately I watched Jaws movie when I was 5 years old, so I still worry Jaws may be able to make his way into the ground water under my house and burst through the foundation to gobble me up. Sad, but true.
5. Purple Rain - Prince is a bad-ass, plain and simple. The alley scene when Prince is on a motorcycle and runs over a guy is the best. “What’s the password?!?!”
Guy’s 5:
1. High Fidelity says BK - A great story of heartbreak, forgiveness, and coming of age. The perfect flick for music lovers.
2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall says BK - Why? Hilarious. Full frontal MALE nudity. Mila Kunis. Enough said.
3. “Anything Tarantino” says BG - While I questioned this statement at first, I agree that Kill Bill vols 1 & 2 are two movies I wouldn’t mind watching any day of the week. Sure to please men (violence) AND women (Uma Thurman kicking serious rump).
4. True Romance says AF - I love this movie, and can’t believe it’s 16 years old! Christian Slater is hot, not to mention Brad Pitt playing the best stoner roommate ever. “Boy meets girl. Boy kills girl's pimp. He must have thought it was white boy day.”
5. This was a draw between BK’s Big suggestion, and AF’s Army of Darkness - Totally opposite on the spectrum of genre, but both valid V-day movies. Big is fun, and since love and romance are supposed to be fun, this could inspire all sorts of ideas amongst couples. (trampoline in the bedroom anyone?) Army of Darkness, as AF put it, “has fighting, revenge, torture, chases, escapes, romance, miracles... It is like the princess bride with necromancy.” How could I argue with a Princess Bride reference?
I hope these movie suggestions give you ideas for your V-day movie adventures. All three gentlemen on the panel agree that porn is another option, although I’m not sure females would agree on that. Unless it’s in HD at Frankie’s house, of course! Speaking of, why not install a stripper pole in your living room and call it a day?!?!
Amber’s 5:
1. The Princess Bride - this is my favorite movie, and includes an epic love story.
2. Slumdog Millionaire - for those of you who don’t mind paying $10 for a movie ticket, this is probably your best option for Valentine’s Day at the cinema. It has won about a billion awards so far this year, and is probably the best love story in theaters right now that won’t leave you feeling depressed.
3. When Harry Met Sally - It’s quirky, funny, and was made before Meg Ryan plastic-surgeried herself into an alien. The discussion on faking orgasms and Meg Ryan’s resulting scene is classic.
4. Jaws - Never a better time to snuggle up with someone than facing a deadly (albeit mechanical) great white shark. Unfortunately I watched Jaws movie when I was 5 years old, so I still worry Jaws may be able to make his way into the ground water under my house and burst through the foundation to gobble me up. Sad, but true.
5. Purple Rain - Prince is a bad-ass, plain and simple. The alley scene when Prince is on a motorcycle and runs over a guy is the best. “What’s the password?!?!”
Guy’s 5:
1. High Fidelity says BK - A great story of heartbreak, forgiveness, and coming of age. The perfect flick for music lovers.
2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall says BK - Why? Hilarious. Full frontal MALE nudity. Mila Kunis. Enough said.
3. “Anything Tarantino” says BG - While I questioned this statement at first, I agree that Kill Bill vols 1 & 2 are two movies I wouldn’t mind watching any day of the week. Sure to please men (violence) AND women (Uma Thurman kicking serious rump).
4. True Romance says AF - I love this movie, and can’t believe it’s 16 years old! Christian Slater is hot, not to mention Brad Pitt playing the best stoner roommate ever. “Boy meets girl. Boy kills girl's pimp. He must have thought it was white boy day.”
5. This was a draw between BK’s Big suggestion, and AF’s Army of Darkness - Totally opposite on the spectrum of genre, but both valid V-day movies. Big is fun, and since love and romance are supposed to be fun, this could inspire all sorts of ideas amongst couples. (trampoline in the bedroom anyone?) Army of Darkness, as AF put it, “has fighting, revenge, torture, chases, escapes, romance, miracles... It is like the princess bride with necromancy.” How could I argue with a Princess Bride reference?
I hope these movie suggestions give you ideas for your V-day movie adventures. All three gentlemen on the panel agree that porn is another option, although I’m not sure females would agree on that. Unless it’s in HD at Frankie’s house, of course! Speaking of, why not install a stripper pole in your living room and call it a day?!?!
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