Feeling Under the Weather

Hello friends.  I have not posted in a few days and I am sorry for that.  A stupid headcold has gotten me under the weather.  I am not a fan of my body performing under its standard levels of awesomeness.  Either way I am pinning my recovery hopes upon Zicam and so far it seems to be working. I want to be in the gym and this cold is holding me back.

I watched the Oscars on Sunday night and I must say, I enjoyed the heck out of the show.  Hugh Jackman did a great job as the host.  Not known as a comic, I think the pressure was off of him just a bit.  With Ellen, Chris Rock, David Letterman, John Stewart, and Billy Crystal there is always an element of “what are they going to do or say?” Jackman’s opening number had me laughing a bunch.  I also got a lot out of the major acting/directing categories being presented by former winners.  I have not seen Slumdog Millionaire, so on some level I was out of the loop, but nonetheless, it was a great show.  If you have not seen Milk, do it up.  Oh, the James Franco/Seth Rogen sketch was hilarious. 

Some music before I do some reading:
-I have been listening to a band recently called The Epochs.  They are worth checking out.  Think Death Cab for Cutie with some rock sprinkled in and a lyrical side of The White Stripes. 

-Hum has been in the rotation a lot lately, especially the record Downward is Heavenward. 

Alright, I am out for now.  Thank you for reading and have a great day.  Also, thank you to those who have left comments or sent me messages.  I appreciate the feedback and support.

Mr. T

Recently I have found numerous opportunities to either talk about or watch things with Mr. T.  Born, Laurence Tureaud, he has been one of my favorite celebrities of all-time.  With quotes like “I pity the fool!” and “Treat your mother right!” his pearls of wisdom have always made me smile.  This week in my history of American popular culture class I let slip a very non-theoretical statement about Mr. T and I had to laugh.  While covering  a book discussing television and its role in defining visions of American culture, the presenting group showed numerous clips to back up their statements.  When it came to the 80s, my classmate came to The A-Team and he asked, “does anyone know why I would show this clip?”  The answer was the pervasive violence and how the show was a product of President Reagan’s deregulation of the entertainment industry, especially television.  However, with no inner-monologue, I quickly blurted, “because it’s awesome.”  The class as well as the prof got a laugh out of it…

Anyway, Mr. T is awesome and he should be preserved forever.  Please watch the attached video from Late Night with Conan O’Brien you will smile/laugh.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/57462/late-night-with-conan-obrien-picking-apples-with-mr-t

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Phrase That Annoys Me

I should be going to bed right now.  However, there are thoughts filling my brain, actually just one in particular and I need to get it out. There is a phrase that has been in my head this evening, which is the following, “Those who can’t do, teach.”  Noone has said that to me recently and it had not come up anywhere but in my head.  This phrase really annoys me on numerous levels.  To start, who says something like that?  I have heard teachers and non-teachers alike use that phrase.  The second important factor is related to teachers in general.  Anyone who thinks that phrase is true or has used it themselves is forgetting the crucial fact that they too, had a teacher(s).

I plan to be a professor at the university level someday.  I am, and will be many things, and a historian is one of them.  I will be doing archival research, publishing, etc.  Will I be out making history?  I guess in a broader sense, yes.  But, will I be making history?  No, I will most likely be researching, interpreting, and defining historical events.  Using this phrase as a guide, will I be any less of a historian because I am not the President of the United States or another agent of history?  I highly doubt it.

Maybe I do not have a accurate sense of this phrase and maybe I do.  Either way, for the sake of the thousands of great teachers out there, please do not use this phrase.  I know we have all had a few teachers that we did not jive with, true, but we each have one or two special instructors that changed our lives.  I know that my academic and life journey has been aided greatly by the teaching styles and guidance of Mrs. Dodlinger (4th grade),  Mr. Roach (10th/12th grade), Professors Cullather (IU), Boyle (IU), and Lang (UMaine).

Ok, whew, got that out there, thank you for reading.

Some tunes before I hit the sack:
Canned Heat Best of Canned Heat

Alanis Morrissette Jagged Little Pill

Beastie Boys Paul’s Boutique (Thanks to Eli for reminding me of this record)

Oasis

Sometimes, one song can really boost your spirits.  Not that my spirits necessarily needed a boost, but Oasis sure did the trick.  I am sitting here in the library and I decided to rock out to my Pandora player.  Low and behold, Oasis’ Wonderwall came on.  What a tune.  I have not listened to this song in ages.  Sure brings back a lot of memories: Bloomfield, freshman year, trying to expand my musical horizons.

Pandora is making my night right now.  Also, tonight I sent off my first three entries for the ABC-CLIO’s Encyclopedia of Film and Culture (I think that is the title).  I hope the editor likes them…

Some more reading and then I am getting out of the library.  Nine hours is just about enough.

Kanye West: What Happened Dude?

This post will be short because I am busy and do not have the time necessary to go knee-deep, but will attempt some coherence now.  One of my friends suggested I do a review of Kanye West’s track, Last Call on The College Dropout. I like this idea and plan to review that soon.  However, once re-listening to his previous three records, The College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation I have come to one conclusion.  In comparing those three records to his most recent 808s and Heartbreak, I think Kanye has missed his previous marks of greatness and is trying way too hard.

Some of the rhymes on his first three albums are a strange mix of audaciousness, cockiness, and social awareness.  His beats and samples were also well-placed and firmly established in those first three efforts.  After giving 808s time I feel like he trying too hard to be some version of himself that he either thinks he should be, or thinks the rap game wants him to be. Usually a visionary, this record is forced and also uses that T-Pain esque voice machine and I have to tell you, the novelty wore off of that years ago. Before I roll-out, I am going to throw down some classic rhymes from his first three records to remind everyone how mighty Kanye West once was.  Quick disclaimer, I still think Kanye is a lyrical and musical genius, it’s just that as of late, he trying to be this mad scientist of rap and he needs to take a deep breath and relax.

Jesus Walks-The College Dropout
So here go my single dog radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won’t get played Huh?
Well let this take away from my spins
Which will probably take away from my ends

Heard Em’ Say

The devil is alive I feel him breathin’,
Claimin’ money is the key so keep on dreamin’,
And put them lottery tickets just to tease us,
My aunt Pam can’t put those cigarettes down,
Now my lil cousin smokin those cigarettes now,
His job trying to claim that he too niggerish now,
Is it cuz his skin blacker than licorice now?
I can’t figure it out…
Im Stickin around….

Stronger
Awesome, the Christian and Christian Dior
Damn, they don’t make ‘em like this anymore
I ask ’cause I’m not sure
Do anybody make real s#&% anymore?
Bow in the presence of greatness
’cause right now thou has forsaken us
You should be honored by my lateness
That I would even show up to this fake s#&%

Friday Musings

Today is Friday and I am still on the hustle.  I am writing for a publishing company called ABC-CLIO.  The company produces voluminous works on subject areas like wars, decades, etc.  I am currently writing 10 entires for their Encyclopedia of Films and Culture.  I have three due on Sunday and I am still working on making them stronger.  I have Boyz N the Hood nearly done, one on Roger Ebert, and finally, a broad subject area, the Independent Film.

Here are some other thoughts in the ole noodle:

-Read a book for class this week on the history of the radio.  One of the chapters focused on linguistic challenges to American culture posed by comedy teams on the radio.  One in particular, Amos ‘n’ Andy received a large amount of focus.  The method of their show was to portray two African American men in a tremendously negative and stereotyped ways against blacks.  She discussed that they wore black face on the show.  My question is this.  If they were in a studio and making a radio show, why wear the black face?  The show as a whole was horribly racist against not just blacks, but the uneducated and persons with disabilities. Were these two gentlemen so into character that needed the black face?  Anyway, that was on my mind.

-Purchased a little gift for myself recently.  I purchased the documentary series from Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, Long Way Down. These two guys and their team have me dreaming man.  This particular trip went from Northern Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa.  I MISS HAVING A MOTORCYCLE.

-Music to check out.   I have said it before and I will say it again-get Schuyler Fisk’s new record, The Good Stuff.  Also, I have been revisiting R.E.M.’s latest album, Accelerate.  There are some raw and rocking songs worth checking out.

Everyone have a great weekend.  Thank you for reading.

I Miss My Beard

I started growing my beard again.  Honestly, there was something about having that thing that I loved.  Despite looking like Sadaam getting captured in the bunker, I dug having the beard.  I can definitely say that it does help block the cold.  Many mornings the walk to the gym is in the single digits or even below zero and that thing did block the wind.

So, now that we’ve got that settled, here’s the scoop.  Well, to be honest, there is no scoop. I have been working on a paper, presentation, and three encyclopedia entries this week.  I am knee-deep friends.  I am tired, but I am loving what I am doing.  When entering the library I feel as though I own the joint.  The library is my nerd sanctuary and you know what?  There are worse places to be.  I am blessed with work.  With all of that said, I would like to apologize for my hermit status as of late.  I have so many good friends and I wish we could touch base more often.  I promise that I think of you often and hope all are doing great!

I am getting ready to work on a bibliography, so I must say, until we meet again…

As always, some tunes.
-Mentioned previously, but Mad Season’s only record is so good and to me, is music for the masses.

-Schuyler Fisk’s new album is in heavy rotation right now.  I am really, really digging on the track entitled, You’re Happening to Me.  I would not steer you wrong, folks, buy this record.

-Finally, thank you to those who commented with what five records you would bring to a deserted island.  One caveat to my list.  In addition to my top five, I would stow away Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits into my underpants.  Techinically that would be six, but c’mon, it’s Johnny Cash.

Thanks for reading peeps.

PS-I came up with a pretty interesting screen play idea.

What Would You Take?

It is Monday!  Typically Mondays bring me a question for the week.  This week’s question is this.  If you had to leave tomorrow for an island and only take 5 records, what would they be?  One caveat, they have to be actual records, not mix-CDs. I am going to attempt an answer now, but we’ll see, it may evolve during the week.

1) Third Day’s Offerings II: All I Have to Give I love this record for many reasons.  There are some praise and worship tunes, a few strong medleys, and a strong mix of their catalog.

2) Foo Fighters’ The Colour and the Shape This is one of my favorite all-time albums.  With songs like Everlong, My Hero, and New Way Home, I could listen for hours.

3) James Taylor’s Greatest Hits A classic mix of his best tunes.  Leading off with Something in the Way Moves and ending with a live version of Steamroller, this record allows you to run the gambit of emotional reactions.

4) The Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness I will admit to a technicality here, it is a double-record.  With that said, this is my list, and it falls under one title, so there you go.  This record is phenomenal. The band is firing on all cylinders, the songs are exploratory, and there is a track for every mood.

5) Christophe Coin/Christopher Hogwood-Academy of Ancient Music’s Vivaldi’s Cello Concertos & Sonatas-This version of Vivaldi’s best concertos and sonatas is exquisite.

There you have it.  I would love to hear your top 5 lists?  Please comment with your lists.

Thank you for reading.

Another From the Vault

While putting away some groceries, cleaning a bit, and otherwise getting motivated I pulled up another great record from the ole iTunes vault.  Today’s choice was Weezer’s self-titled album, Weezer.  I am pleased that I can listen to this all the way through and enjoy every track.  Also known as the “Blue Album,” Weezer had numerous hits including, Buddy Holly, Undone (The Sweater Song), and Say It Ain’t So.  While I love these songs, others rise to the forefront for me.  These tracks include The World Has Turned and Left Me Here and Only in Dreams.  The latter track is in my top-25 of the 1990s.

For your viewing pleasure I am including video for Buddy Holly directed by Spike Jonze.

From the Vault

With almost 25 gigs of music in my iPod, sometimes I come across forgotten albums.  Today was a day in which I did just that.  I think that today I appreciate Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill more than I did 10 years ago.  Top to bottom, this record is solid.  She is fired up and lyrically she cuts down people who wronged her.  She’s like a pop music star with rapper tendencies.  Really listen to You Oughta Know and you will understand.

Anyway, from time to time I will find some records in my vault and I will share them with you.

Also, new record that you should purchase, trust me. I am really crushing hard on Schuyler (SKY-ler) Fisk and her new record called The Good Stuff. She has a sweet element with the strength of Sheryl Crow.  Check it out…

Friday Night Lights (and by lights I mean studying)

I am taking a quick break from some studying on a Friday night.  If you are wondering, yes, the cool kids study on Fridays too.  I am not sure where, because they did not invite me.

After completing my 25 list (loathed and yet at the same time, loved on Facebook-come on, you love it) last week, a few more things have come to light and I would like to share.  And, luckily, this is my blog so it’s on.  Here are some more things about me.  There may not be 25, but we’ll see.

1) I had a big beard but now I am clean-shaven.  I have even ditched the mustache.  Please see exhibit A.

2) I’ve taken some serious blows to the head in my day and I honestly worry about future effects to my brain:
a. 7th grade, at a person’s house, bent down to tie shoe next to car, car door opens and clocks me
b. 8th grade, pushed into wall during basketball game, pretty much head first
c. 11th grade, trunk of car came down on my head
d. Sophomore year of college, while pitching in intramural softball, took a ball off of my head and the next time it landed was in center-field.  I had stitch marks on my dome.
e. About a week ago, while spitting out Listerine, hit my head on this shelf in the bathroom.

3) Speaking of Listerine, I think I am in denial because each time I use it, I don’t think it will burn that bad-only to have it burn like Hades,  making me want to punch/kick a dog or elderly person.  Why does it burn so much?

4) I would love to be a singer in a rock band.  I am not joking.

5) I met the rapper Kool Moe Dee when I was about 10 years-old.  When introduced, I called him Mr. Moe Dee

6) Sometimes I wonder if chivalry is still appreciated by women.

7) I have large hands but cannot palm a basketball

Number Eight) I cannot be in a movie at the theater and not eat popcorn-seriously

9) Add-on to Number Eight-I do not start my popcorn until the dialogue of the movie starts.  I do not know where this habit began, it is just what I do.  On rare occasions I will start it when the opening credits begin.

10) I spent four months in 2003 living in Anchorage, AK and it changed my life in more ways than one.

11) If I won the super-lottery my clothing vice would probably be shoes, watches, and sunglasses

12) Speaking of sunglasses.  I take care of mine and have had only 3 pairs since my sophomore year of high-school.  My newest pair is only a year old and they are choice.

13) My Mom is my hero.

14) I would like to have a group sit-down meal with Jimmy Carter, Dave Grohl, Aaron Sorkin, Lance Armstrong, and Chuck D.

15) I miss playing tennis everyday.

16) I dream of having a personal assistant.

17) If I could afford to do so, I would own a movie-theater

Eighteen) I have been doing my own laundry for a really long time.  Until recently I had never lost a sock.  About 2 weeks ago, it happened.  (Yes, Ewing, it has happened)

19) There are very few moments in life that cannot be fixed by listening to Johnny Cash.

20) The first four days of the NCAA basketball tournament are quite possibly my four favorite days of the year.

21) My sophomore year of high-school I took Algebra II and Geometry at the same time in order to catch up to the advanced class

22) I wish I could have another chance with a woman I dated after college graduation.  Honestly, just a conversation would suffice. She was (and probably still is) a remarkable woman who had me pegged man, pegged.

23) If I make you a CD of tunes, you will get a hidden song as a bonus.  Previous add-ons include I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred and Ice, Ice, Baby by Vanilla Ice.

24) When I eat chips or fries I will usually sort out the small ones from the larger ones.  I then eat the small ones and have the larger ones as ‘as the meal is ending bonus’

25) NASCAR starts tomorrow with the Bud Shootout and I am excited, seriously.

Alright, laundry is about done.  Here is an artist and album to listen to:
-Mark Kozelek What’s Next to the Moon.  I have discussed this guy before.  He is a true musician and appreciator of the craft.  This record is all AC/DC covers and to listen you would probably not know.

It is Friday

I have made it to the end of a long and challenging week.  God willing, I will make it through the weekend that is chalk full of reading, writing, and arithmetic (not really-on the last one).  I am about to head towards campus, but before doing so, wanted to throw some thoughts down.

-I hope all of you had a great week.  February is the ‘longest, shortest month’ so stay strong.

-It seems as though people are loathing, yet doing the 25 things lists on Facebook.  I for one, support this enterprise.  Please keep them up.  I am enjoying learning the nuances that make up my friend base.

-I may even do a second 25.  Yes, this is slightly narcissistic, but isn’t that what blogging and Facebook essentially are?

-If you have ever commuted via the bicycle, please check out this new product. If you are not a commuter, please read it anyways.  In any event, please be nice to cyclists and cyclists, do not ride like idiots.

-Have seriously been giving Bob Dylan and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and sometimes Young listening time.  I am digging their songs, approach, etc.

Alright, I am out for now.  HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

I Should Be Reading…

I should be reading right now.  In fact, after a quick supper, I will be headed back to the library.  I have had one of those days, friends.  One with a blast from the past that was unexpected and frankly, unnecessary.  I will not be passive and use this as a forum to vent my frustrations.  Instead, I will address the situation head on. Please keep me in your thoughts while I address things.

In any event, I am blessed with work, reading, and strong workouts at the gym.  I have had really good workouts lately.  I have also been playing racquetball at least once a week as well, so the two-a-day is pretty beneficial.

Some music before I head out of here:
-Deftones Saturday Night Wrist.  This is the most recent album from the Deftones.  They are set for another, but their guitarist is still in a coma following a nearly fatal car accident in late-2008.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the band and their families.  This record is pretty diverse and has the band’s tried and true method of overt screaming and covert melodies.

-I want to voice a minor music frustration for the moment.  I am not sure if it is iTunes, Def Leppard, or their old record company, the lack of their music on iTunes is frustrating.  I really want to download some tunes from Pyromania and Hysteria.  I will spend the money, iTunes, bring the love.

I am out.  Thank you for reading.

PS-While quickly editing this post I realized it sucks, I apologize.

Market Segmentation and Movies

I had a mini-adventure yesterday searching for the film, Boyz n the Hood.  I decided to double-up this movie for a class assignment and the encyclopedia project I am working on.  I do not own the film so yesterday I set out to buy or rent it. At the outset I must say that I did not think this film would be hard to find.  It was nominated for two Academy Awards and gave the world a view of life that should be explored in more detail.  I can say that after a two hour search it is reasonable to assume that some stores in Maine may racially profile the customer base for available products.  One of my buddies and I started at the Movie Gallery in Orono.  They did not have it for rent or for ‘pre-viewed’ purchase.  Ok, fine, so we rolled into Bangor.  First stop, Blockbuster.  They have it right?  Um, nope, not for rental or ‘pre-viewed’ purchase.  Ok, ok, so next door to Blockbuster is a used CD and movie store.  Do they have it?  Nope.  From there we hit Wal-Mart and Target.  No dice there either.  Laughing and surprisingly intrigued we proceeded to the mall where I remembered there was this massive store that only sells used DVDs and VHS.  Yeah, they were closed, as in closed forever.  Before trying Border’s we decided to hit Circuit City.  This store was a commercial version of ground zero.  Whew, there were DVDs in the candy display, boxes strewn about, and people everywhere.  We hit the DVD section and there is no order.  Titles starting with D are in the A’s, it is crazed.  We just rifiling through the racks and with a Hollywood style built-in surprise, I FIND IT!  In fact, it is the two-disc bonus edition, so even better.  The price is $19.99 and at this point I do not care.  At the check-out counter they ring it up and it was only $11.80!  So only have two hours of looking, I found the flick.

Which leads me to ask some questions.  Maine, do you not like Black films and filmmakers?  Don’t you think it is a tragedy to have a Paris Hilton movie or a copy of Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood and not a groundbreaking film like Boyz n the Hood?

Now that that is settled, onto some Super Bowl predictions.  I am rooting for a Steelers victory over Arizona with a score of 27-17.