Saturday was one of the highlights of my summer, as myself, my brother, my better half of this blog and my better half in real life went to the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert in Pittsburgh.
Absolutely. Fantastic. Time.
The day exceeded expectations in every category. The traffic, usually a soul-crushing, schedule-destroying terror for concerts at this particular venue, was a breeze. The tailgating was tremendous: no grill this time, but we brought fried chicken, cole slaw, chips and french onion dip, all washed down with lots and lots of beer. The conversation was light and fun, yet inspired and honest at the same time. The heat was dreadful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Oh, and then came the concert. We skipped the first band, The Drive By Truckers or something (???); they sounded very Americana, but somewhat watered down like many modern country acts. I could be way off here, mind you. Then Sir Petty (yes, I realize he has not been officially knighted but dammit maybe he should be) hit the stage with an earnest, driving set that was deemed “nearly perfect,” although I still say he could have played a hair longer.
There was, however, one thing that was unmistakably imperfect: a slight screw-up coming right out of the box. As the band went to ring out the first note of the night, someone came in too early, someone else came in too late and someone else didn’t come in at all. The band immediately cut the botched note off, regrouped and struck the chord in unison, beginning the show the way rock titans should.
But there it was, plain for all to hear. This iconic band, these gods among men, messed up their intro. It wasn’t colossal… it was barely noticeable in fact. But it happened, and we all heard it.
And it was awesome.
In an extremely poetic way, it was truly ironic. Here’s Tom Petty – the man. At that point, I related to his words and music even more than ever before, because those words and notes were being communicated by a mere mortal, not a myth or legend or deity. This is a man who falls short, who’s worked hard to get where he is, who can laugh at his mistakes.
For some people, I think seeing a hero slip can be a crushing experience, but I guess I’m at the point where my personal heroes need to be human and real. It’s a great feeling.
Now go pick up the new album “Mojo” and then Ride with us at 4 p.m.
Put serious thought into a "Mad Men" Monday post to generate conversation about the show the day after a new one premiers. Wasn't quite sure how it would go over, so I'm going to use this valuable space to discuss all things "Mad Men" come Mondays. Please feel free to offer any opinions. I'll be sure to check back regularly throughout the day to get a word in with anyone who would like to speak about such things. But, wow. How great was the first episode? Betty reaffirms that she is the worst mother since Hitler. Don's date went absolutely fabulous, and count me in the minority if you have to, but I hope we see more of those two together. Oh, and the lines of the season may have already been uttered - one, when Don explains to Betty how "temporary" certain things are, the other, when he tells Peggy there's no room for a girl in the meeting. And the way the season opens, with the journalist asking the one question that the entire show has been centered around for four years now, "Who is Don Draper?" you know we may be in for quite possibly the best season the show has seen. Yeah, yeah. I know I jump to conclusions. Buy my God, I missed that show. OK. That's just me. Now it's on you (if you so choose, that is). As you do that, take a look at a few of these links, and begin your week in style by checking out the wonderful Hanson tonight on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon." You see. It all comes full circle.
So now LeBron James has a hand in Chris Paul’s whereabouts? Come on, now. (The Big Lead)
I really, really like Rufus Wainwright. I do. (Popmatters)
Writer is ma-a-ad about being listed as a member of the now-defunct Journolist. Calls conservatives conspiracy hounds. (Village Voice)
So, everyone loves this “Top Secret America” series, right? (Politico)
The Huffington Post makes one dollar per year per reader. Didn’t know that. (Newsweek)
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Saves The Day, Motion City Soundtrack and Say Anything are touring together? This makes me feel equal parts young, old, excited, sad and happy. Goodness gracious. (Alternative Press)
I want one of these. In a total non-creepy way, of course. No, but seriously. I do. (Fox News)
This seems to be the story of the weekend: Pigeons poop on the Kings of Leon. Insert your own hipster “Kings of Leon now suck because they sell records” joke here. (CNN)
I got to do something I haven’t done in a looooong time Friday night (the extra o’s are to emphasize exactly how long it’s been): I found myself awake, slightly drunk and in front of a television with a cable package that features VH1 at three in the morning. This, of course, provided me the opportunity to take in this week’s VH1 Top 20 Countdown, a countdown that has seen more hosts than the Game Show Network.
This is important because it allowed me to see the Hanson video for “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Somethin’” for the first time in a long time. Because of this, as I traveled over the weekend, I made sure the band’s latest album, Shout It Out, was by my side as I drove down whatever road I happened to be on. Very, very manly, I know.
But it’s just so damn good. The music is happy. It’s got a little bit of soul to it. The sound is pure pop, and the kids’ voices have all matured (we think). Sprinkle in a horn section here and there, a few songs about how damaging a romantic break-up can be, and what you have is a serious candidate for Album of the Year. Or, well, to me, at least.
What adds to the album’s goodness is knowing that those dudes still make music. We’ve never seen them caught up in any type of scandal. They are all married, now. This is something like their 93rd record. None of them opted for a solo career. And, most importantly, they bring a glance back to what will end up being the last golden age of pop music that dominated the late ‘90s and early ‘00s.
The other acts that shared the radio space with them around that time simply proved to lack substance and staying power, while these kids were taking time to hone their skills. Think about it. The Backstreet Boys? Sure they are still at least trying to have a music career, albeit with only four members, but did you honestly know that they released an album last year? (Side: Once interviewed A.J. for a piece I was working on and the entire experience couldn’t have gone any worse. It was a few days after Brian came down with the Swine Flu, and he happened to be sick as well. Oh, and so was I. Each question turned into us complaining to each other about what it’s like being sick. The piece ended up being awful.) ‘NSYNC? Remove Justin Timberlake from that equation and what you have is a bunch of guys who have absolutely no idea what they are going to do with the rest of their lives. Besides, they could never churn out anything better than “Pop,” so why try? 98 Degrees? Wait. Who?
Yes, I know these comparisons are boy band heavy, but remember, that’s what Hanson essentially was when “MMMBop” first hit. Plus, they were young. And heartthrob-y. You can’t name a 15 minute span of radio between 1997 and 2003 when you didn’t either hear any of the aforementioned groups, Savage Garden or Britney Spears. It was all pop, all the time, regardless of if you played your own instruments or not (which, I remember thinking it was possible none of Hanson actually did at the time, anyways).
So what’s my point? Well, Hanson wins, and they made it look easy by simply sticking to the book. They slowly got better at what they wanted to do for a living, they kept their respective lives in check, and seemed to have decided early on that they didn’t really care if it all went away tomorrow (which it did) by continuing to make music today. It still might not be completely cool to be a fan of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, group, but to say you don’t respect them would be a bit unfair. Besides, I could post this video every day for the next six months and never get sick of it…
Week 17 comes to an end today. More importantly, we bid farewell to our second-ever themed week here at The Ride, Soul Week. Which do you believe is better? Soul Week or Norah Jones Week? That's tough, we know. Sending us off is Booker T & The MG'S with the classic "Green Onions." We saved these guys for last simply because they were the glue that held nearly every soul record together in the 1960s. The impact they had on the music is unmeasurable. So sad to see it go, though. So sad. Alas, we welcome Friday with open arms, ready to dive into the last week of July. Goodness, gracious, where did this summer go, friends? Hopefully for you, you have a bunch of crazy good plans for the weekend, much like we do. If you don't, though, do not forget about Sunday's "Mad Men" return, a return we stupidly proclaimed happened last weekend. We know it's true this week, though. Jan Jones will be on television tonight and Ms. Hendricks looked stunning last night. Before we get to any weekend shenanigans, we must offer a few links for you to mull over as your Friday night takes shape. We sincerely hope you enjoy what's left of July and you make this sultry summer night a night you may never forget. Be good, friends, and of course, as always, love you, miss you.
Atmosphere is touring. Anyone else know/like them? Takes me back. (Pitchfork)
Matt Barnes signed with the Lakers last night. Have to wonder how Kobe’s going to respond to that after the two provided us with one of the best moments of last season. (Los Angeles Times)
Only because we linked Whitlock’s attack on Mitch Albom earlier this week: The columnist now compares Reggie Bush to a slave. (Fox Sports)
Haven’t been this excited for a sports book in a long, long time. Jim Miller talks about what people can expect in his book – with the fabulous Tom Shales, I may add – regarding the ins and outs of ESPN. Fireworks will be had. (Sports Illustrated)
One of the greats, Daniel Schorr, died. He was 93. (NPR)
Remember that damning Rolling Stone piece about the general? Yeah, that was supposed to go to GQ, but the magazine turned it down. (The New York Observer)
Again, don't forget that “Mad Men” kicks off Sunday. Here are 10 questions with Don Draper. (Time)
Justin Beiber is going to be on CSI. No way he lives up to Taylor Swift’s guest spot. (People)
Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.
Salt
How convenient. A movie about a female Russian spy hits theaters right after…a female Russian spy stirs up controversy in the good, old U.S.A. Saw the extended trailer for this before “Inception” earlier this week, and to be honest, it brought the movie from “no way I’ll ever, ever see this” status to “well, if it’s a Sunday afternoon, and there’s nothing on, and TNT happens to be the only channel to come in clearly on my television, I’ll give it a shot” status. Angelina Jolie looks oddly good in these previews, though, right? Sure, blonde isn’t quite her color, but how sexy does she look in that jet black hair? And I don’t even like jet black hair. Plus, she seemed to have dropped 15 pounds for this role, bringing her total weight to somewhere around 62. This seems interesting enough, and for people who love spy and/or action movies, why not give this a shot? After all, “Wanted” wasn’t really all that bad, right?
Ramona and Beezus
Because there is absolutely nothing else coming out this weekend, we take this, a film starring the not-so-kid-anymore actress Selena Gomez in a family comedy that is sure to rake in 10s of dollars over its opening weekend. Fun fact: Did you know she was once in the Barney show? I didn’t. That sure earns her a boatload of cool points, though. I came across an interview with her promoting the film this week, and both her and the subsequent host were absolutely gushing over the little girl who shares the spotlight with the Disney star. Could this be a new Abigail Breslin on our hands? Highly unlikely. Still, though, Ms. Gomez celebrated her 18th birthday this week, so if you own kids, and you want to go to the movie theater, why not give the star your hard earned money, if nothing else, because she made it to 18 without having to check into rehab. Now if I could only find out why her Wikipedia page as the band Forever The Sickest Kids listed as an “Associated Act.”
Oh, it's going to be so sad to see Soul Week come to an end tomorrow. Today, we offer up one of the most important songs by one of the most important artists in the history of the music, Rufus Thomas' "Walk The Dog." This is a neat video, too. I wanted to get a performance of it that would stay true to the original recording, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon this. And it's even in black and white! So what's up? Not too much here, either. I felt sick yesterday in an awfully weird way. I was super hot. Then I was super cold. My body ached. I didn't really want to eat anything, but that didn't mean I wasn't hungry. And it wasn't as though I needed to hoark. I just didn't want to eat. It was awful. I'm still a bit hazy, even. Don't really understand what's going on with my body. Maybe it's the non-stop fun of Soul Week. That may be it. In any case, here's hoping that you, the fabulously pretty reader, don't feel as physically awful as I do, allowing you to take a gander at a few links below. One more day and then the weekend. You ought to be excited, you know.
The Beach Boys are going to reunite. No, honestly. They are. (Rolling Stone)
I know I’m five seasons behind, but I still love “House.” Hope this stuff doesn’t end up being too damning. (TMZ)
“Do I like a lot of what I hear on rock music radio? No, not for the most part. I’m not a fan of the regurgitated Pearl Jam and Nickelback crap.” An interview with Taylor Hawkins. (Popmatters)
Martin Bashir, the host of the greatest show I never have time to watch, “Nightline,” is leaving the program for MSNBC. (The Huffington Post)
ESPN’s ombudsman tackles the mess that was the LeBron James special. It’s like putting a golf ball on a tee and being promised you could smash it 350 straight down the fairway. Come on, now. Who isn’t going to kill that? (ESPN)
Rapper Lloyd Banks wins an assault charge case. Anybody remember “On Fire?” That was the jam for around six minutes. (All Hip-Hop)
The guy who won the British Open told his caddy that he would be fired after the tournament. Guess how that turned out. (Sports By Brooks)
Bristol and Levi: Poster children for the dumbing down of America. (Washington Post)
Today’s post is ridiculously pointless and irrelevant – consider yourself warned.
Thanks to this blog, a Facebook page, an RSS feed, e-mail blasts and other methods of sharing information online, I’ve become supremely aware of CAPTCHA – the coding that dissuades spammers from… well, spamming I guess.
You know these things, even if you didn’t know what they were called: when you go to post a link on Facebook and you have to type two blurry words first… that’s CAPTCHA.
Background complete. Begin rant.
Not to get all Seinfeld on you, but what’s up with these CAPTCHA things, and who’s the person who writes them? I want that job. Seriously, the other day I had a series of these random terms that ran the gamut of odd: “unusual armpits,” “Wilson intends,” “boompow doofus” and “not chunk.” Apparently the CAPTCHA programmers over at MIT and Carnegie Mellon have unhealthy obsessions with anatomy, pop culture, long-retired eighties-era insults and the Goonies.
And why do you have to be an ink blot specialist to even read half of them? The bulk of these things look like a faxed copy of a fax that was faxed to the fax machine in my office that still has a rotary dial on it. Can we not come up with some type of universal standard for delineating between “0” and “O” or “8” and “B” or “1” and “I”? And for God’s sake, am I supposed to capitalize the first freakin’ letter or not?
To what standard do we hold the writers of CAPTCHA phrases? Does culture influence the CAPTCHA or does the CAPTCHA influence society? Hmmmmmm… That’s a question for all my old Mass Comm professors I guess…. Not that they’re reading this anyways. :-)
Wouldn’t it be hilarious if the writer of one of those things accidentally spelled one of them wrong? A mistake like that could result in thousands of Facebook links not being uploaded, millions of concert tickets not purchased and, like, three people not sending this blog post to a friend. Hehe. (Did you notice the new share feature on here? See below, friends.)
Love you all – See you at 4 p.m. for some actually pertinent info and links.
Soul Week continues with one of the greatest songs ever written, Otis Redding's "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay." A legend, the man was. Fun fact: The whistling at the end was supposed to be a rap that was originally written for the man to sing. Because he forgot the words, he decided to fill in the spot by whistling, and the take turned out so good, everyone decided to keep it. The Unusual Suspects: Your source for all fun facts. So how do you do? It's Wednesday in July. That means the middle of the week is here and now it's all downhill, right? Poking around the InterWebs, I never fully realized how slow of a time the summer months can be for news. Two years ago, the presidential election was heating up, so that provided a bunch of entertainment, but aside from that, I can't recall a stretch between June and August that typically has earth-shattering/intriguing news. And sports? Goodness, the summer's a bad time for sports. It's baseball, and more baseball. I'm even a bit eager for the college football season to begin, and I can't remember feeling like that in a long time. In any case, before we get to any non-summer related instances, we must first complete the summer. And as you do that, we would be honored to offer up a few links for you to check out. Besides. What else do you have to do? Go see "Inception?"
OK. This was brought to my attention last night, and if we weren’t fully immersed in Soul Week, it would have been the top video. First, follow this link. Then, follow the link at the end. If this isn’t some of the funniest stuff you’ve ever seen, I don’t know how much I could help you in the future. (Funny Or Die)
Jason Whitlock attacks Mitch Albom. Like, really, really, attacks him. (The Big Lead)
Taylor Swift is going to release a new record in October. Was really hoping to run into her recently. Didn’t happen. She still kind of looks like a rat. But I still love her. (Pollstar)
An entire newspaper’s sports section staff walks out on newspaper. Silly sportswriters. (SB Nation)
Very, very, very, very true. College newspapers in print form are great. Online versions of the paper? Not so much. But why? (The Huffington Post)
Chris Isaak may replace Simon on “Idol.” This is such a bad move. Harry Connick Jr. is clearly the answer here. (On The Red Carpet)
As evidenced in yesterday’s Ride, I saw “Inception.” It’s rare that I get to write about a movie after I’ve actually seen it (hehe), but to be as short as possible, it was exactly what I thought it would be, and that’s OK. I was the best “I don’t really like this” movie I’ll see all summer. Why? It’s pretentious. But we all know that, right? That’s what Chris Nolan does, and he’s become a very rich man by doing so. It pretended like it wanted to be smart, but it didn’t quite get there, and once it bubbles up to suggest there is a possibility of it becoming consistently clever and intelligent, more things get blown up, and more people walk sideways on walls.
But I digress. I admit that I probably wouldn’t have seen it if any of the big three weren’t in it. For some reason, even after the grossly predictable “Shutter Island,” I trust Leo enough to think his movies are worth going to see. Ellen Page is an absolute doll and will forever hold my heart in her hand after “Juno.” And Joseph Gordon-Levitt is absolutely impossible not to root for after “(500) Days Of Summer” and that fabulous night hosting “Saturday Night Live.”
Seeing the latter two on screen together, I began thinking of how wonderfully fantastic it would be if Mr. Gordon-Levitt and Ms. Page started dating. It would literally be the dream couple for pseudo hipsters that most anyone with a heart could never be against. She’s adorable and he’s bringing back the vest-over-tie look that this world seems to need now more than ever. It’s a match made in heaven. Really. It is.
That said, I began thinking about who I would mix and match in the world o’ movies had I the opportunity to do such a thing. Who are my favorite people to see on the silver screen, and more importantly, who do they seem like they would gel with best. Yes, these are the things that go through my head after watching a movie based around the intricacies of how dreams can work.
So I thought I’d share. Below is a list with a comment here and there. Yes, there are a few absences that I just couldn’t find partners for, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still love them (I’m looking at you, Vera Farmiga, Jason Bateman, Rashida Jones and Drew Barrymore, to name a few). It should also be noted that I specifically left Carey Mulligan off the list simply because my heart couldn’t stand the thought of her ultimately not marrying me. Come on, now. A boy can dream.
In any case, without any further ado, below is a list to ponder. All suggestions are encouraged in the comments section and any and all disagreements are welcome. Be nice, though. I wouldn’t want Ms. Mulligan to stumble across this here blog to find you people trashing the things I say.
Julia Styles & Mark Ruffalo She’s great in the “Bourne” movies, and he’s great, well, in everything. Yes, even in the awful “Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.” There’s something about them both that seems to be sexy in a smart way, and that’s ultimately why this would work best. Plus, their movies suggest they both know how to dance. And a good couple always needs to gel correctly on the dance floor.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman & Laura Linney Have you ever seen “Savages?” Have you ever seen that chemistry? My goodness. There’s way more there than simply the fact that they are both excellent actors. It’s the smart, middle-aged couple. And those kinds of couples are the best. Matt Damon & Penelope Cruz She’s a goddess. And he looks like he deserves a goddess. That’s all. George Clooney & Sandra Bullock They both come off as smarmy, sarcastic, intelligent people whenever giving speeches, interviews or anything of the like. And she needs a man. I mean a MAN. Clooney is the consummate man. I mean MAN. They can be the elder statesmen of A-listers.
John Krasinski & Amy Adams Because in the right light, she kind of looks like Jenna Fischer. And the will they/won’t they Jim and Pam storyline on “The Office” will never be topped on television.
Mila Kunis & Ryan Reynolds It’s like mini Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz. Just hotness everywhere.
Kirsten Dunst & Leonardo Dicaprio Both of them just always look so damn pissed off and aggressive. Plus, he’ll always look like a boy, and she kind of seems like she would go for cute over hot at this point. I root for her, though. Reports say she’s a sad sap like me. What better way to happiness than to date the boy from “Titanic?”
Kevin Spacey & Amy Ryan Brilliant actors. There will never, ever, ever be a better white trash woman than she was in “Gone Baby Gone.” And there will never be a better crazed shrink than he was in “Shrink.” Not so sure I would want to be in the same room they are in though. They’d be way too intimidating together. Rachel McAdams & Kevin Connolly Oh, how adorable would this be? On a scale of one to 10, it’s like somewhere between Care Bears and color "light blue."
Anna Kendrick & Michael Cera Both young. Both smart. Both, I love. He was on the greatest television show I’ll ever see, and she was in one of the greatest movies I’ll ever see. Plus, this gives me the opportunity to embed this trailer…
We continue Soul Week today with Wilson Pickett's "634-5789 (Soulsville USA)." The age-old trick of using a telephone number in the chorus of a song is always fun to come across, don't you think? Me, too. This will be a short introductory paragraph because as you can see, we are running a bit late around these parts, but when you have the opportunity to see "Inception," you must go see it when you look at your calendar to notice all your days are filled until 2017. And yes, more on that movie tomorrow. As for now, continue to enjoy Soul Week, your Tuesday, and the fact that you don't have to worry about turning your heat on during the summer months. Because that can get expensive, you know.
First, it was Alex Chilton, and now, a mere four months later, Andy Hummel, bassist for Big Star passes on. Way more influential band than most give them credit for. (Rolling Stone)
The Wall Street Journal may have figured the world of news video out. Who would have thunk? (The Big Money)
Playboy claims its site is safe to look at while at work. Naturally, experts find out that that’s not true. (The Morning Call)
Amen to this: Only privileged kids get the good internships at media outlets. Damn right. (Washington Post)
Skip Bayless is strong. No, I mean it. Look at him! (Deadspin)
Lindsay Lohan is in jail. And that’s all. (People)
Because I got it wrong yesterday and the show starts this coming Sunday as opposed to this past Sunday, here’s an interview with Matthew Weiner, creator of “Mad Men.” (New York Magazine)
The Virgin Mobile Freefest lineup was announced today. I found my way to it last year, and with LCD Soundsystem on the bill this year, I may just have to make the venture again. (Virgin Mobile)
First things first – a hearty welcome back is in order for my blogging-better half. Oh how we’ve missed his witty repartee and essential Ride Home links… He’s going to read this and think I’m being mean-spirited and sarcastic, but I assure you, friends, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, since his arrival a few days ago, I have not heard from him in any way, shape or form, which has been upsetting for me. I suppose in due time. Maybe he’ll post a comment today.
☺
On to the matter at hand: I’ve used several thousand words on this very blog to express my criticisms of aspects of various sports (most notably football), but I have given the National Hockey League a pass so far.
As I’ve noted before, the NHL is my favorite professional sporting league; however, there’s one thing that, to borrow a line from Peter Griffin, really grinds my gears – the ridiculously lengthy contracts that are doled out like those cheesy biscuits at Red Lobster (I’m hungry).
Case in point is the New Jersey Devils’ signing of Ilya Kovalchuk. At 27 years old, Kovalchuk just inked a 17-year, $102 million deal… so if my simple math is correct, that would make him a Devil until after his 44th birthday. Unless Kovalchuk somehow has the same tenacity, vigor and mental illness of Mark Recchi (who I think is still looking for a team to sign him at the ripe age of 48), then something is just wrong with this picture.
Why even bring a deal like this to the table? I realize this contract will in all likelihood never be fully carried out – and yes, I know people will say “who cares” for that reason alone – but at what point is hockey making itself the butt of a joke with these contracts?
For a sport like hockey that is fighting tooth and nail to reaffirm its spot as a top sport in the U.S., laughable stories such as these are detrimental to the image of the league. Part of the allure of the game is that its players are not like the A-Rods, Roethlisbergers and Kobes – and by them I mean spoiled rich kids.
According to CapGeek.com (and as reported by NHL Blogger Adam Gretz), in addition to Kovalchuk, here are some of the longest NHL contracts in the last decade:
Rick Dipietro (Islanders): 15 years, $67.5 million Alex Ovechkin (Capitals): 13 years, $123.5 million Henrik Zetterberg (Red Wings): 12 years, $73 million Vincent Lecavalier (Lightning): 11 years, $84.7 million Marian Hossa (Blackhawks): 12 years, $62.4 million Roberto Luongo (Canucks): 12 years, $64 million Johan Franzen (Red Wings): 11 years, $43 million
Of these players, the average age at the start of the contract was 27. The average age by the end of these contacts is about 39 and some change. A bit much in my humble opinion. Perhaps it’s time Commissioner Gary Bettman considers a maximum contract length rule… unless he prefers to have his contemporaries snickering behind his back.
Snickering… I told you I was hungry. Go enjoy some lunch and check back in at 4 p.m. for your Ride Home links. Love as always.
Good news! Week 17 is going to be our second themed week! Two exclamation points means business. For those of you who may remember, we first did such a thing here at The Ride back in April, when the showcased a video featuring the lovely Norah Jones each day. This time, and because no, I will not share the gamillions of stories I came by during my week away from you, the always-loved reader, we offer Soul Week, a week dedicated to soul music. Each day's Ride will contain a video that features various artists rooted in what everyone who knows me knows is my favorite kind of music: Soul music. This begins to today with (by my calculations) the fifth greatest song to ever be written and recorded in all of music (rock, pop, country, hip-hop, polka, etc.), Johnnie Taylor's "Who's Makin' Love." If only more videos of these artists existed, I would post live versions of these songs much like we did with Ms. Jones. But alas, such things are few and far between. Soooooo, with that behind us, how are you? How have you been? Did you miss me? Yeah, I didn't quite think you did. My friends always tell me how I should take vacations and how much I deserve/need them, but I don't think I've ever invested in that notion until now. It was so nice to press the reset button, make 5,000 memories, remove myself from the entire world (and this, I learned, also provided me with the time I most enjoyed not having a cellular phone), and stumble upon some of those rare slices of life you can only be so lucky to encounter every now and then. Goodness. Listen to me. I sound like a Christmas card. In any case, it's good to be back, and as July continues to fly by on this muggy Monday, take some time to check out a few links, enjoy the first installment of Soul Week and watch the season premiere of "Mad Men" again. Be nice.
Yes, sir. Michael Jordan says LeBron is stupid for playing in Miami with the overrated Chris Bosh, the bound-to-be-underutilized Dwayne Wade and Mr. James’ personal butler, Big Z. Have to love Mike. (New York Post)
Twenty questions with Gene Weingarten. If you care at all about newspapers or feature/humor writing in general, you really ought to check this out. Funny: “Q: You feel best in Armani or Levis or? A: Natalie Portman.” (Popmatters)
Geeky, but I have to offer it up. A list of winners for this year’s Alt Weekly awards. (Alt Weeklies)
Wasn’t able to get back in time last night to check out the first episode of this season so no spoilers please. That said, this guy talks about revealing too much when writing about the best show AMC will ever see. (Variety)
There was only one thing news story that leaked into my peripheral while I was gone and it was completely by accident. Here’s a discussion concerning the idea of George Steinbrenner being in baseball’s Hall of Fame. Think what you want about him, but I came across a priceless quote he once offered: “If you do something nice for someone, and more than two individuals know about it, then it wasn’t worth it.” (The Big Lead)
Tiger’s former mistress is going to be on the next installment of “Celebrity Rehab.” So, what’s the definition of celebrity again? (ABC News)
Glenn Beck is going blind. This one’s too easy. (Kansas City.com)
Comic Con begins this week. I only know what Comic Con is because of “Entourage.” Victory! (Washington Post)
Because I was gone and couldn’t link it then. Jason Whitlock’s take on LeBenedict. Dude got booed at the ESPYs? (Fox Sports)
An interesting story popped up on my RSS feed the other day, and although I fought the inclination to post about it right away, I can’t fight this feeling anymore (oh yes, I just said that).
The story was about how the University of Pittsburgh and Duke University launched the first national registry of picky eating in adults – and some researchers are thinking about considering it an officially recognized eating disorder.
Yes, you read that correctly, picky eating may become an OFFICIAL eating disorder in the same vein as anorexia and bulimia.
The premise of the argument stems from the idea that these picky peoples’ eating habits prevent them from getting all the necessary nutrients one needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and thus are at a disadvantage. Ok, fair enough. But do we really need an officially classified disorder to give people yet another excuse to engage in unhealthy behavior?
If you hate the taste of carrots and broccoli, that’s your preference and you’ll probably develop some vitamin deficiency. If you avoid a party with friends because you know the host makes weird, outlandish food when she entertains, that’s your prerogative and you’ll maybe lose a friend or have someone think you’re strange. Why must it be a disorder all of the sudden?
I can’t stomach asparagus or uncooked tomatoes – maybe I need to see a psychiatrist. My wife hates all seafood for the most part – maybe she needs to take a pill. Is that a stretch in the not so distant future?
My beef (hehe) is this: at some point someone needs to draw the line between disorders/addictions and weaknesses/shortcomings.
I am nothing special – let me say that first. I do not consider myself to be any healthier, smarter or more socially adept than anyone else. However, the following statements are true…
I understand that eating nothing but red meat and fried food can be detrimental to my physical health. I CHOOSE to try to avoid fast food and eat healthy. I understand that gambling can get me in trouble financially and possibly legally. I CHOOSE to not gamble very often. I understand that cheating on my wife has many ramifications. I CHOOSE to be faithful.
But the guy next door can say his heart attack and extreme obesity was caused by his picky eating disorder, his house was foreclosed because of his gambling compulsion and his wife left him over his sex addiction that made him cheat on her with multiple women.
NO – you made poor decisions and succumbed to weaknesses that millions of people fight everyday.
I don’t know how anyone else feels about this, but I say we chill out with making everything official. Maybe some people just make “officially” poor decisions sometimes. Maybe some of us are “officially” bad people.
All right, enough ranting and raving for one day. Give me your thoughts, if you have some – and I know you do, you wonderfully intelligent, opinionated readers you. ;)
See you on Monday, when we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled, twice a day programming. Please try to contain your excitement. Xoxoxoxo
Today is one of the few dark days in the typically sunshiny Apple world. The technology superpower took a pretty stiff uppercut to the chin as Consumer Reports just announced that it can’t recommend the iPhone 4 due to a signal problem with the phone/web browser/mp3 player/game console/camera/video camera/time waster (did we mention phone?).
Specifically, Consumer Reports’ engineers found that the phone’s signal decreases significantly whenever the user touches a spot on the phone’s lower left side. The report did mention, however, that the phone has the best display and video camera of any phone ever.
So why does this matter to me, the simple blogger with an outdated LG EnV 3 (which I love by the way)? Actually, nothing. Based mainly on price, I will probably never own an Apple product other than my trusty outdated, clunky 30 GB iPod. I use a Mac at work for graphic design, but that’s about the extent of it (and I didn’t pay for it of course).
Then why post about the shortcomings of this gadget, you ask? My response: Forget about the iPhone – I want to talk about Consumer Reports!
Consumer Reports has almost gone the way of the buffalo in the current era of user reviews and social media, hasn’t it? Whenever we make any purchase worth mentioning, almost all of us research the products on the Web before making our decision. I’m so “thrifty” (cough “cheap” cough) that I research purchases as little as $50, to ensure I'm getting the most for my money.
But the difficulty of researching products/services online is the lack of accountability of the users. How much can we really depend on the opinions of Weirdo1117 or CraigsListKiller96? Isn’t it always in the back of our minds that maybe it’s a disgruntled ex-employee leaving the negative reviews and the marketing director leaving the positive ones? Consumer Reports though, those dudes don’t mess around. They are downright scientific in their testing – and now, with this latest review of the “infallible” iPhone 4, it’s clear that they’re pretty objective too. I mean who in their right minds says anything negative about Apple?
We send you off into the weekend at the end of week 15 with a little Tom Petty for you to chew on. I would normally then use this space to blabber about LeBron James and his decision last night, but there are three links below to help quench that thirst. Besides, that should probably deserve its own post, right? Right. And speaking of posts, that is precisely why I am not able to use this space to rant about LeBronedict. Instead, I shall use this space to explain to you lovely faced readers that I am not going to be here next week. Yes, that's right. I know. Grab those tissues and formulate your own dart board with my face on it (though I'm assuming you don't even really know what I look like). This is the first of two very, very, very, very much-needed week-long vacations that I am taking from life, this blog, work, more work and yes, even more work. It was suggested to me that I blog about what I am about experience, and yes, I will have access to a computer, but barring some burning flame within me that just insists upon writing, I can't imagine using my time away from time to consume myself with silly technology. Combine that with the cell phone I no longer use, and I will have completely removed myself from this depressing world I struggle with each day more and more. This doesn't mean I don't love you, the fantastically loyal reader, though. And you have to know that by now, right? You have to. That said, considering I am responsible for each day's ride, two normal posts a week, and that silly movie piece every Friday, you will probably notice how thin next week will end up being. No worries, though, friends, because even though I spoke with my better half about this, he insisted on writing his usual posts during the week on Tuesday and Thursday. That doesn't mean he loves you more than I, though. Damnit. Anyways, I look forward to coming back completely re-energized and ready to chat about any and every thing. That may or may not include posts about the following: The World Cup final, LeBron, Heat, Food, Vacations, "Inception" or books, among other things. And yes, if you only understood how disappointed I am that I won't be able to tackle "Inception" the week it comes out, that means you'd understand how disappointed most Cleveland residents are. Anyways, be good. Don't forget to check back periodically next week, and as always (especially if I don't make it back alive) miss you, love you.
Oh wait. You didn’t hear? Oh. LeBron James went to Miami last night. Let the ESPN bashing begin! (New York Times)
That’s still not enough? Here’s how the hip-hop community responded. Hint: Mc Hammer loves the idea. (MTV)
And finally, yes. This is the greatest front page the world has seen in years. Words like “classic” and “genius” are warranted. (Twitter)
What the Associated Press’ oil spill reporting team plans to find out. They are taking over 200 journalists. Something’s got to give, right? (Columbia Journalism Review)
Told you I was going to keep linking these. Today? 2010’s numbers up to this point. Goodness the music industry is dying. (Pollstar)
The octopus picks Spain. Hey, look at this. So did we! Over a month ago! We even had the Netherlands in the final four! Don’t forget to tune in Sunday. Then all you soccer haters can breathe easy. (Washington Post)
Oh my God. Are you kidding me? Another version of “Avatar” is coming to theaters. And it’s longer. (Vanity Fair)
For all my indie friends in the house. She & Him’s video for “Thieves.” (Spin)
So far, it’s been the summer of “blah” movies. Yes, yes. That is correct. Here’s hoping “The Kids Are All Right” changes pace a bit. (CNN)
Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.
Despicable Me
Steve Carell. Jason Segel. Russell Brand. Will Arnett. Jack McBrayer. Mindy Kaling. Kristen Wiig. Miranda Cosgrove. Julie Andrews. Yes, a lot of people’s voices appear in this. You want to know something about this movie? Aside from the part when one of the kids asks the big guy if the cheek noise she’s making classifies as an “annoying sound,” there isn’t a part in any trailer I’ve seen that makes me laugh. And I like all of those aforementioned people. They seem to be trumping the fact that you can see this particular film in 3D as though there are no other movies that have succumbed to the 3D tag in recent months. IIIII don’t know (that was supposed to be said in a voice featuring a sigh, in case if you didn’t get it by the use of the five “I’s). Don’t like cartoons. Don’t care about 3D. And Steve Carell has kind of worn out his welcome, don’t you think? But hey, it’s July, and sometimes these movies strike a nerve. Venture to the theater at your own peril.
The Kids Are All Right
Now this. Finally, after a few weeks of being forced to write about movies I won’t even sit through on a sick Sunday afternoon in the middle of winter as they appear on USA, I finally come to something that looks promising. Mark Ruffalo might be my favorite non A-List actor in the world. “The Brothers Bloom” was brilliant. “Zodiac” was excellent. Hell. He even made “Shutter Island” watchable. Combine him with a goofy-ish storyline, a couple kids I know nothing about (though one, I hear, I should love), and Julianne Moore (who was brilliant on this last season of “30 Rock”), and what you have is a recipe for a July surprise that is sure to entertain during the dog days of bad movies or, well, the summer. It’s only out in seven theaters this weekend, so if you happen to be near one, feel free to leave a message or two concerning it living up to the hype or not. Sure, I may have to wait for Netflix, but in a July filled with vampires and cartoons, this is the first flick to instill some movie hope into my soul this summer. And that’s always a great feeling, you know.
It's here. Having seen "Precious," "Up In The Air," "An Education," "The Hurt Locker" and pretty much every other important movie from last year (aside from "Crazy Heart," which will be here soon enough), I am now confronted with one of the last celebrated movies of 2009 I have yet to see. She better bring it. I'll be rooting for her to bring it. So hopefully, well, she brings it. If nothing else, that scene when the two kids start grooving in the car always makes me smile. So it's got that going for it. Welcome to Thursday, the second to last day of the week. It's been an odd week, hasn't it? I just haven't found my footing. Maybe I'm already in vacation mode (more on that tomorrow). Maybe the heat is just getting to me. Maybe I need to take a break from running as I come up on a month straight of running at least five miles a day, every day. Maybe I'm just restless. Maybe I can't get over that new "Downfall" show. Who knows. All I know is that we had LeBron going to the Heat first yesterday, and that's all that matters. Speaking of that, we have provided not one but two links concerning the said topic below, links that we sincerely hope you find interesting. While you're at it, we suggest clicking on a few others, too. What else are you going to do? Sit next to an air conditioner all day? That's what we thought. Now don't forget to be nice to others.
Because the only themed week we’ve ever done (so far) had to do with Norah Jones: An extensive Q&A with the singer. (AV Club)
All signs point to Bob Bradley leaving the United States Men’s National Soccer Team head coaching position. Or, well, we can only hope. (The Big Lead)
Mitch Albom attacks LeBron, the media and pretty much everything surrounding this whole mess. Well done. (Detroit Free Press)
Speaking of that, here’s Michael Wilbon’s column relating the NBA free agents to his own experience as a free agent. (Washington Post)
2010 as the year of “no comment.” Interesting. (Politico)
It’s really weird to think the Emmys are only a month and a half away. Nominations we will be rooting for: Anything “Dexter,” “Mad Men,” “30 Rock” and “Modern Family.” (Los Angeles Times)
Cristiano Ronaldo has a baby. And names it…well, you won’t be surprised. (People)
Jen Aniston goes on a date with some guy from “True Blood.” This is supposed to be important because everyone loves “True Blood” and not “The Bounty Hunter.” (Showbiz Spy)
Tuesday evening I was looking for something to watch as I wound down (winded?) for the night. I remembered earlier in the day hearing a local DJ interviewing the host of a new game show on ABC called “Downfall” – and that host was none other than Professional Wrestling Superst-ar/Entertainment Mogul/Canadian Export Chris Jericho.
Obviously I had to check it out, but unfortunately I missed the first half of the show. When I finally tuned in I was in for quite a shock. Here’s the lowdown:
Contestants dressed in ridiculous tan jumpsuits are strapped to a bungee cord on the top of a ten-story building. Super-host Jericho asks them trivia questions in certain categories that they have to answer as quick as possible. The reason for the rapid responses is because the prizes are on a conveyor belt that sends them off the top of the building if the questions aren’t answered soon enough. Eventually they can win money if they continue to answer correctly, but once they run out of chances, they are lifted over the edge of the building and bungeed to the ground below.
I was immediately appalled as I watched a washer, dryer and dining room set plummet to their eminent destruction. How in the world could a network television show promote this kind of waste in such a poor economy? My wife and I would kill for a new washer and dryer, and I just watched some jackass throw it off the roof of a building.
Could you make us feel any worse about our lives right now ABC? Please?
After watching a recap I realized they state at the beginning of the show that the prizes they’re demolishing are replicas… but honestly, that didn’t make me feel any better about this garbage. I looked for some reaction to the show on the Interweb and the few reviews I found made no mention of the prizes being replicas – which tells me that viewers either didn’t know and they’re disgusted with the idea or they did know and they’re STILL disgusted with the idea.
I suppose the appeal is that people like to watch stuff break… which I guess is ok every once in a while, but piggybacking an entire series on the premise is a bit absurd if you ask me. Before I realized the prizes were replicas I was convinced that this was one of the worst pieces of television I’d ever seen. Now, I’ll just say it was terrible.
Not even the star power of Chris Jericho could save it.
I do love this song though... not that it has anything to do with this trainwreck of a game show.
From the best album released in 2007 - The Honorary Title's Scream And Light Up The Sky - we give you the best song the band has ever written. Whatever happened to these guys, anyways? I heard they disbanded on some level at some point, which really is heartbreaking. Couldn't get enough of this album when it came out. It crept up on me, too. Came in the mail for me to review. Realized I couldn't stop listening to it. And now, well, it goes down as one my favorite all-time records. Welcome to Wednesday. Even though it feels like Tuesday. Needed to break from watching Germany and Spain to write this, so I hope I get back to the television before the first goal is scored. The Germans are going to strike. It's only a matter of time. And Spain can't break through. The first-half defense played by Germany set them up perfectly to steal this and advance to the final. Before I get back to the game, though, I must offer up these links for you, the fantastically intelligent reader, to ponder as you make your way through the rest of this hot July day. Here's hoping you find something you enjoy, and don't forget to keep yourselves hydrated, now. The heat can be crippling.
Here’s a look at how the Bosh/Wade combination stacks up against other combinations in the NBA. This really doesn’t matter, though. Because after tomorrow night, we’ll have to talk about how those two and LeBron match up against other trios. (Bleacher Report)
Of Montreal and Janelle Monae are going to tour together. That’s interesting. (Spin)
The Wall Street Journal is running away with the lead in the battle for e-subscriptions. Like really running. (Business Insider)
Neat: A 10-step guide to writing a weather story. (Boston.com)
Time isn’t going to put full stories online anymore. Let’s see how well this works. (Media Memo)
Still find this stuff funny. Dallas Braden sent A-Rod a gift package, fully equipped with a poster from the pitcher’s perfect game. (Yahoo)
Ridley Scott is putting together a documentary surrounding YouTube. No word on whether Russell Crowe will play either “You” or “Tube” in the film. (ABC News)
Levi Johnston apologizes to the Palin family. Hehe. (MSNBC)
Came across this tweet once the grill had finally relinquished and the holiday patriotism faded Monday night. Not only is Dwight from "The Office" right, but I'm about to take his sentiments a few steps further.
I defy you, the wonderfully intelligent reader, to name a time you ever saw a fireworks display that you considered mind-blowing, world-stopping, or awe-inspiring. It hasn't happened. Ever. What? That half-hour on top of the parking garage left you with more of a feeling of fulfillment than it did a stiff neck? Not a chance. Sure the lights can be pretty, but, as a dear friend of mine recently told me, how is the phrase "Once you've seen one display, you've seen them all" not the first thing that comes to mind when pondering fireworks?
Me? I spent yet another holiday feeling sadder than a Morrissey box set, only this time, it was centered around waiting light years for a fireworks display to finally begin as I sat outside of a tiny-town carnival that featured a non-working dunk tank as its major attraction. Well, that and a gigantic slide that I swear some overweight three-year-old fell off of before the night was over.
No more than seven minutes into the set, I actually said aloud the following: Have you ever seen a fireworks display that didn't go 25 minutes longer than you were hoping? Exactly. Why can't these technical geniuses consider a three-minute display (and yes, that includes a grand finale)? How many times do you need to see the bright one hurt your eyes? How often does the loud one need to go BOOM! for you to consider your fireworks-watching experience complete? And for God's sake, how many times does the idiotic, no-brain crowd need to erupt in applause in a manner suggesting the president is lurking around the corner before they realize the display isn't over yet?
Face it: The only time fireworks are ever interesting is when something goes terribly wrong (look for it around the minute mark)...
I don't know. It was OK. I stall on the notion that this particular movie was just so darn culturally significant. And of all movies, how did this end up being one of the very, very few that won all five important Academy Awards that year? I feel like I'm missing something. Actually, like I'm missing a lot. Everywhere I turn, I read or hear that this is supposed to be one of the greatest movies in the history of movies. I mean, it's good. Sure. I don't think it's great, though. Must be missing something. Help me. Anyways, welcome to the nice round number of 15 and the week that accompanies it. Wow, that was a much needed break from everything computer. Don't really know how much I like being back yet, either. But alas, we push on into the dog days of summer. Is it hot? It seems to be awfully hot anywhere, actually. How was your holiday? Good? That's good. This would be a good time to tease a post for tomorrow now, but I shall leave that up to surprise and (low) expectation. Before we get to tomorrow, though, we must make it through today and to help do that, I offer up the links below to share with you, the fantastically talented reader. Now don't sit in the sun too long. You know how bad sunburns can get.
Well now isn’t this interesting. Toronto says it would OK a deal to send Chris Bosh to Cleveland. Now, who said all that stuff about LeBron leaving again? (ESPN)
Wait, The Huffington Post doesn’t always report the facts? Really? (The Huffington Post)
Exploring the idea of charging people for the use of Google. And, well, The New York Times. (Bloomberg)
How great is this? Prince says the Internet is done. Yep. Done. (The Daily Mirror)
Netflix is going to stream Relativity movies now. DVDs have five years until they are obsolete. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Ut oh. Alicia Keys fell over the weekend while performing. Fortunately, the baby is OK. Damn, though. Take some time off, girl. You’re pregnant. (New York Daily News)
Ringo Starr turns 70 tomorrow. He’s the luckiest man in the history of music. No, but really. He is. (New York Times)
So is it still considered a fall from grace even if you never did anything graceful? And know this: JaMarcus Russell hasn’t had a graceful moment since he peaked as an LSU Tiger back in 2006.
If you haven’t heard by now, Russell, who was recently released by the Oakland Raiders, was arrested Monday for possession of a controlled substance. What controlled substance you ask? Well he’s a multi-millionaire who spent three years living the glitz and glamour life of a starting quarterback in the NFL, so obviously it must have been a high profile drug… right?
Nope. Not even close. In true JaMarcus Russell form (see: embarrassing, disappointing, lazy) he was busted with codeine-laced cough syrup. Specifically, Russell was indulging in his cocktail du jour, a concoction called “Purple Drank” that includes the following fresh, seasonal ingredients: codeine, promethazyne, Sprite and Jolly Ranchers.
Even his fellow drug abusers are pointing and laughing at this one. Purple Drank?! Really?! It sounds like the next in a line of successful sugary kids’ drinks from the makers of Tang. Maybe someday the astronauts will drink it from outer space.
I don’t think anyone is necessarily surprised to see this kind of behavior from Russell (the lethargic, drowsy feeling caused by the drug certainly helps explain his performance on the field, hey-yo!), but it’s yet another black eye for the NFL, a league that has become so strife with off the field problems that it’s quickly becoming a caricature of itself.
Something has to give soon, right? I realize that other professions aren’t in the same spotlight as NFL superstars, but when are there enough high-profile off-the-field incidents for someone to say enough is enough? Truth be told, I’m not even sure what the solution or outcome should be, but isn’t that what suits like Roger Goodell are paid the big bucks to figure out? I know we live in a very, sometimes entirely too forgiving country (Michael Vick what?), but at some point Goodell and his cronies need to realize the big-picture harm they’re doing by not solving this problem.
Come back for The Ride at 4 p.m. guys and dolls. xoxoxo
I just can't get the opening drum lick of this song out of my head. So in turn, we offer this song up as we conclude week 14 and head into the always social Fourth of July weekend. What better way to go off into the sunset than some depressing pop punk, anyways, right? It's been a heck of a week, hasn't it? We talked about reading suggestions for the summer, the oh-so-important five dollar movie bins and Harry Potter even made an appearance. As we understand, most people will be off Monday in celebration of the quintessential summer holiday, so we plan to meet you back here Tuesday morning, ready and eager for provocative, intelligent discussion that will probably include more silly things. Until then, check out a few links, remember to use sun block this weekend and most of all, celebrate the holiday with good food. Good food is essential to any good time, you know. As always, friends, love you, miss you.
It keeps coming and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. Lilith Fair forced to cancel 10 dates because of ticket sales. And yes, this is now the official concert industry doom and gloom site. (Billboard) ESPN The Magazine is moving its operations to Bristol. Get those resumes ready, sportswriters. (Deadspin)
Very interesting: The origin of drawings (as opposed to actual pictures) coming out of courtrooms. Why the ban of cameras? (Wall Street Journal)
Somebody thinks Katie Couric will, in fact, succeed Larry King at CNN. Hey. At least it’s not the “Today” show. (Denver Post)
A guide to upcoming music releases offered from none other than your favorite indie music Web site, Pitchfork. Nice to see The Hives are still making music. (Pitchfork)
The “Twilight” kids want Betty White in the next installment of the series. We love Betty White, but come on. When is all this kind of stuff going to finally come to a halt. Maybe the woman wants a break now and then. (E!Online)
As a life-long Atlanta Hawks fan, this completely breaks my heart. Joe Johnson is set to sign quite possibly the worst, most damaging deal in NBA history. Goodbye, the next five years. (Yahoo)
Lindsay Lohan was punched by a waitress on her 24th birthday. Wait. She’s only 24? (MSNBC)
Each Friday, we will offer up two movies that are scheduled to be released within the accompanying weekend. We know, we know. It’s hard to come across blogs who ever actually get movie talk right. That’s why we won’t say much. A trailer. A paragraph. And boom – all you need to know about what new movies you can take your beautiful object of affection to see this weekend. It's like going to the drive-in movie theater. Remember those? So much fun. Thank us later, not now.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wow, this is a bad week for this segment. All right. So two movies, and neither of which are actually released on Friday. This particular film hit theaters Wednesday. I've never read a page of these books, nor have I seen a second of any of these films. And yes, even when they inevitably hit USA or TNT, I will still not take the time to give any of this a shot. Why? Well, aside from the usual, typical ignorance that the people who refuse to give these movies a chance always behold, I'm simply too old. If I wanted to watch a movie about high school love, I'd watch "Superbad." Vampires kind of creep me out, anyways. So do werewolves. The other issue? I can't bring myself to root for any of these kids. Kristen Stewart has that annoying sad look on her face constantly. Come on, hunny. You're a star! Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend seems too frat boy/kid-ish to take seriously. And the English dude was in "Remember Me." But hey, who am I? The movie made $71 million dollars in one night and is sure to make trillions more. The kids love it, and they, as we all know, are all right.
The Last Airbender
Hey, did you know Jesse McCartney was originally supposed to be in this? Remember him? Anyways, no one (and I mean no one) is giving this movie a good review. This was supposed to be a bit of a blockbuster, but splitting time on its opening weekend with the latest "Twilight" movie can only mean bad things for a movie that features the word "Avatar" at least 6,000 times throughout its wikipedia entry. Considering it's the Fourth of July weekend, it would be hard to imagine this having a good opening weekend (a weekend, which, by the way, began early for this movie as it was released on Thursday). But let's be honest, friends. Nobody not already struck by the vampire bug is going to the movie theater this weekend. Not that we like to root for things to fail around here, but how about we get a lackluster debut weekend so this film can be out of theaters by the time "Inception" opens. Now that sounds like a plan.
Gave this movie a shot last night. It's John Krasinski's directorial debut. Also, unbeknownst to me, it features two "Wire" alumni. It's bad. Really wanted to like it. It's an IFC movie, so it has all the indie credibility, and it has a boatload of recognizable figures. But it's simply too scatterbrained. The movie tries to be too smart - in a smuggier than smug way, mind you - and it becomes overbearing. And I like smug and smart. This just didn't work, though. And it's not really funny. This was supposed to be a funny movie. It's not funny. It was, however, the first time you don't see Jim Halpert while looking at Krasinski (even though you have to suffer through the first hour and ten minutes to get there). In any case, welcome to Thursday, the beginning of July and, well, the first day of the rest of your life. How do you do? Good? That's good. Does it seem a bit cooler outside than it's been, or is it just me? Come on, now. It's July. I want 1,000-degree weather, damnit. Had a fabulous dinner last night as I warmed up some spaghetti, turned on side A of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and sat at the dinner table with nothing else going on. It was peaceful. Honestly. It was. That said, before you try and emulate a nice dinner of your own tonight, take a quick look at the following links, leave some nice book suggestions for my partner who clearly isn't literate and try to take a walk. They are romantic.
Kate Gosselin is going to record a holiday album. I’m not even going to make a snarky remark after that. (Popeater)
Billy Corgan walks off stage after hecklers shout at him during the first show of this latest club tour the Smashing Pumpkins are doing. Songs sacrificed? “Today” and “Freak.” (Spin)
Stephen A. Smith leaves The Philadelphia Inquirer. Again. This is the second time within the last two years. He says he’s got bigger and better things. Like what? “Quite Frankly 2” on Spike TV? (Philly.com)
As I alluded to a few weeks ago, I’m patiently counting down the hours until I leave for a week of much needed R&R in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It’s only about 714 hours until our trip… if you must know.
When I vacation I’m more of a “relaxer” than a planner. I don’t set alarms, I don’t make any decisions more than a day or so in advance and I generally just go with it. This year though, I do have one goal: I want to finally read a book for pleasure.
Before you go proclaiming what a shallow person I am for “finally” reading a book for fun, let me just say I used to pleasure-read all the time in high school and during my first year or two of college.
Then I got to grad school. Then I read so many academic journal articles and textbooks that I forgot there could even be enjoyment in the activity. Then I developed a permanent lazy eye.
All right, the last part was a joke – but I think you get the point.
So now I’m ready to get back on the proverbial saddle, but the only problem is that I don’t know where to start. I know what I used to enjoy (mainly the thriller/horror genre), but I’ve grown up a good deal since then. Not to say I wouldn’t still enjoy a cheesy Stephen King novel, but I think I could get into a much wider variety of story at this point.
I’ve heard I may enjoy Dan Brown (“The Da Vinci Code”), so according to Amazon.com’s suggestions, that means I’ll also like Michael Crichton and about 100 books on Freemasons and the end of the world. Eh...
It looks like I need to hit the Interweb hard to find something that piques my interest… but that’s a lot of work. I would much rather get suggestions from you, the lovely reader/friend.
So… what do you got for me? Any help would be appreciated. Hugs and kisses; happy July.
Saturday was one of the highlights of my summer, as myself, my brother, my better half of this blog and my better half in real life went to the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert in Pittsburgh.
