The weekend is here!
The people at Death of the Courtesy Wave would like to remind everyone to have fun, be safe, and please drink responsibly. This public service announcement is sponsored by HE'BREW beer.
A friend of mine kept the coaster and gave it to me and I just recently found it.
In the spirit of the weekend, I present you with a throwback to 1999 for the song of the weekend:
Veronical Sawyer by Edna's Goldfish
Disclaimer: This song and video are from 1999 and ska was actually popular in my neck of the woods.
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
So I Was Thinking...
Yes, that might be a dangerous thing but hear me out. There are lots of people in this world who should not be allowed to think (Ted Kaczynski for example) and others who probably should think a little more often (anyone who goes on the Maury show with 8 kids and looking for her babies' daddies). As for me, thinking has gotten me in trouble, but most of the time it has served me well.
Then again if you didn't want me to think, why would you be reading my blog?
On the eve of New York Governor David Paterson announcing who will be replacing Hillary Clinton as Senator (thankfully it will not be a Kennedy), I began to think about how we got into this mess.
Our favorite Senator/carpetbagger loved New York so much, and after praising this great state decided she would rather be in the cabinet (female chauvinists do your thing) of President Obama. That leaves the appointment up to Governor David Paterson who from up close can't even tell the difference between Hillary Clinton and Caroline Kennedy.
So what's Governor Paterson's deal? David Paterson was previously the Lieutenant Governor of New York until recently, when he took office after ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer got caught up in a scandal...Something to do with a Jersey girl (first mistake), $5,000/hour (second mistake) and his inability to hide it (third mistake).
But was it really about his involvement in with an (expensive) escort service?
NOPE. He would have gotten away with it and probably have been praised but for two mistakes. First, he couldn't hide it well. Second, we needed a fall guy given the state of the economy. Everyone needs money and New York State is no exception. Had Gov. Spitzer been with a call girl from New York, who reported all her income on her state tax return (miscellaneous income anyone?), New York would get the revenue and Spitzer would not have gone down faster than blue ice from an airplane.
The moral of the story, those seven deadly sins can actually kill--a political career.
In honor of Spitzer, Paterson, Clinton and Kennedy, I bring you today's song of the day:
The Unprotected by Cavalier King
Then again if you didn't want me to think, why would you be reading my blog?
On the eve of New York Governor David Paterson announcing who will be replacing Hillary Clinton as Senator (thankfully it will not be a Kennedy), I began to think about how we got into this mess.
Our favorite Senator/carpetbagger loved New York so much, and after praising this great state decided she would rather be in the cabinet (female chauvinists do your thing) of President Obama. That leaves the appointment up to Governor David Paterson who from up close can't even tell the difference between Hillary Clinton and Caroline Kennedy.
So what's Governor Paterson's deal? David Paterson was previously the Lieutenant Governor of New York until recently, when he took office after ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer got caught up in a scandal...Something to do with a Jersey girl (first mistake), $5,000/hour (second mistake) and his inability to hide it (third mistake).
But was it really about his involvement in with an (expensive) escort service?
NOPE. He would have gotten away with it and probably have been praised but for two mistakes. First, he couldn't hide it well. Second, we needed a fall guy given the state of the economy. Everyone needs money and New York State is no exception. Had Gov. Spitzer been with a call girl from New York, who reported all her income on her state tax return (miscellaneous income anyone?), New York would get the revenue and Spitzer would not have gone down faster than blue ice from an airplane.
The moral of the story, those seven deadly sins can actually kill--a political career.
In honor of Spitzer, Paterson, Clinton and Kennedy, I bring you today's song of the day:
The Unprotected by Cavalier King
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Blast from the Past?
POP QUIZ: What do Butch Walker, A. Jay Popoff, and Mitch Allan all have in common?
HINT: Butch Walker was the singer/songwriter for Marvelous 3, A. Jay Popoff was in the band Lit, and Mitch Allan was the singer and guitarist for SR-71.
THE ANSWER: Yes, some may consider them part of many one-hit wonders from the late 90s and early 00s (is there a word for the double-zero decade?). Maybe you remeber the songs "Freak of the Week," "My Own Worst Enemy," and "Right Now." Well, this is kinda true but they had a few other songs with marginal success.
Here's another confession: I like music. I have no musical talent whatsoever, but I enjoy listening to music with whatever I'm doing. I generally like anything with guitars and drums (sans country) but am guilty of listening to some of those uber-pop songs and for the life of me can't get some of them out of my head. (Stop playing all things Rhianna!!!) I like alternative rock but had the punk, ska, grunge and heavier phases and will still treat myself to the occasional Edna's Goldfish. These days I usually stream Alternative Addiction Radio.
I wouldn't call myself a music snob and have never openly said that my music is better than your music (although it just may be). I will call you out if you hear a song on the radio and proclaim it to be the next big thing especially when the song is 10 years old and the band has long broken up. I check out some of the "fad bands" but they are just that--fads. Sorry Mute Math but you have about one album left at best.
But I digress...Those guys represented the music I listened to back in the day. I was never an uber-fan of any of them and have never seen them live. HOWEVER, it is with great pleasure that I report that they are all back. Eventually I will get a copy of Butch Walker's solo release (which from what I've heard so far is pretty good) and I definitely recommend checking out Mitch Allan's solo single "Superman" because it's so different from the rest of SR-71 stuff.
Butch and Mitch (we're on a first name basis now) have also done songwriting and production for some big names that I'm sure you've heard of. Butch Walker has written and/or produced for the likes of Avril Lavigne, Pink, Pete Yorn and Lindsay Lohan (you didn't actually think she can write anything beyond her name on checks, did you?). Mitch Allan has written for Faith Hill, The Jonas Brothers (mentioning them in my blog will cost me a man card), and most famously wrote "1985" for Bowling for Soup.
HINT: Butch Walker was the singer/songwriter for Marvelous 3, A. Jay Popoff was in the band Lit, and Mitch Allan was the singer and guitarist for SR-71.
THE ANSWER: Yes, some may consider them part of many one-hit wonders from the late 90s and early 00s (is there a word for the double-zero decade?). Maybe you remeber the songs "Freak of the Week," "My Own Worst Enemy," and "Right Now." Well, this is kinda true but they had a few other songs with marginal success.
Here's another confession: I like music. I have no musical talent whatsoever, but I enjoy listening to music with whatever I'm doing. I generally like anything with guitars and drums (sans country) but am guilty of listening to some of those uber-pop songs and for the life of me can't get some of them out of my head. (Stop playing all things Rhianna!!!) I like alternative rock but had the punk, ska, grunge and heavier phases and will still treat myself to the occasional Edna's Goldfish. These days I usually stream Alternative Addiction Radio.
I wouldn't call myself a music snob and have never openly said that my music is better than your music (although it just may be). I will call you out if you hear a song on the radio and proclaim it to be the next big thing especially when the song is 10 years old and the band has long broken up. I check out some of the "fad bands" but they are just that--fads. Sorry Mute Math but you have about one album left at best.
But I digress...Those guys represented the music I listened to back in the day. I was never an uber-fan of any of them and have never seen them live. HOWEVER, it is with great pleasure that I report that they are all back. Eventually I will get a copy of Butch Walker's solo release (which from what I've heard so far is pretty good) and I definitely recommend checking out Mitch Allan's solo single "Superman" because it's so different from the rest of SR-71 stuff.
Butch and Mitch (we're on a first name basis now) have also done songwriting and production for some big names that I'm sure you've heard of. Butch Walker has written and/or produced for the likes of Avril Lavigne, Pink, Pete Yorn and Lindsay Lohan (you didn't actually think she can write anything beyond her name on checks, did you?). Mitch Allan has written for Faith Hill, The Jonas Brothers (mentioning them in my blog will cost me a man card), and most famously wrote "1985" for Bowling for Soup.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Living the I-Society
...no, it's not a new product from Apple.
There are few things I enjoy more than getting dressed up and pretending to be part of high society. I am not rich, in fact I have a law degree and only a part-time job, while carrying a boatload of debt. That still doesn't mean that I can't pretend I'm wealthy every so often. We're talking about attending fundraisers for causes I believe in, networking events with those more successful than I, and the occasional movie premiere (and party). The return on this investment makes it all worth it as I get good use of my tux and suits while also enjoying the networking, catered meals, and open bars. To be honest, the "high society" that I meet at these events are no different than I am--other than a bloated salary. We both need a private elevator car to fit our egos.
This rant is geared towards the I-Society, or the society of "me." We're living in a time where selfishness is prevelant. We fail to se how our actions can impact others. No, I'm not going to segue into global warming (ehem, SHAM!) or socialism. We all know that socialism does not work. Even kibbutz life is on the decline and that is the longest surviving instance of working socialism. I will break my rule about not delving into politics (because I can) and say that any plan to redistrbute wealth on a national level is just a terrible idea (but it does work in professional sports).
ANYWAY, I'm thinking that the problem lies with Apple. Ladies and gentleman, I stand here today to tell you that Steve Jobs is the root of the downturn of society. I don't (really) mean that literally. Apple has made its resurgence with products that preach to the I-Society. Take the iMac, designed with the user in mind, which in many ways outperforms the PC (and looks nicer). Ever hear of the iPod or iPhone? Same thing! Now people ride the subways with their little white earbuds and tune out the world. Marketing an entire portfolio of products that start with "I" is subliminally turning us away from human interaction leading to an inability to function as a society.
Coming soon to a MacWorld convention:
1. The iTown: small parcels of land in their own bubbles; similar to a garage door, a latch at the top of the bubble allows the flying iCars to get residents to and from home.
2. The iStoop: individual stoops for bums to gather with their booze in brown bags; never again will bums congregate on a single stoop
3. The iCan: a briefcase that when opened becomes a personal toilet; never again will peopel have to share a bathroom. Kinda looks like the original iBook BEWARE: if you run out of toilet paper, don't expect anyone to share a square.
CONFESSION: Forgive me William Gates for I have sinned. I gave in to the temptation of greed and own an iPod shuffle (only cost me $100,000) and the sin of lust. In my defense, the iPhone looks so cool!
There are few things I enjoy more than getting dressed up and pretending to be part of high society. I am not rich, in fact I have a law degree and only a part-time job, while carrying a boatload of debt. That still doesn't mean that I can't pretend I'm wealthy every so often. We're talking about attending fundraisers for causes I believe in, networking events with those more successful than I, and the occasional movie premiere (and party). The return on this investment makes it all worth it as I get good use of my tux and suits while also enjoying the networking, catered meals, and open bars. To be honest, the "high society" that I meet at these events are no different than I am--other than a bloated salary. We both need a private elevator car to fit our egos.
This rant is geared towards the I-Society, or the society of "me." We're living in a time where selfishness is prevelant. We fail to se how our actions can impact others. No, I'm not going to segue into global warming (ehem, SHAM!) or socialism. We all know that socialism does not work. Even kibbutz life is on the decline and that is the longest surviving instance of working socialism. I will break my rule about not delving into politics (because I can) and say that any plan to redistrbute wealth on a national level is just a terrible idea (but it does work in professional sports).
ANYWAY, I'm thinking that the problem lies with Apple. Ladies and gentleman, I stand here today to tell you that Steve Jobs is the root of the downturn of society. I don't (really) mean that literally. Apple has made its resurgence with products that preach to the I-Society. Take the iMac, designed with the user in mind, which in many ways outperforms the PC (and looks nicer). Ever hear of the iPod or iPhone? Same thing! Now people ride the subways with their little white earbuds and tune out the world. Marketing an entire portfolio of products that start with "I" is subliminally turning us away from human interaction leading to an inability to function as a society.
Coming soon to a MacWorld convention:
1. The iTown: small parcels of land in their own bubbles; similar to a garage door, a latch at the top of the bubble allows the flying iCars to get residents to and from home.
2. The iStoop: individual stoops for bums to gather with their booze in brown bags; never again will bums congregate on a single stoop
3. The iCan: a briefcase that when opened becomes a personal toilet; never again will peopel have to share a bathroom. Kinda looks like the original iBook BEWARE: if you run out of toilet paper, don't expect anyone to share a square.
CONFESSION: Forgive me William Gates for I have sinned. I gave in to the temptation of greed and own an iPod shuffle (only cost me $100,000) and the sin of lust. In my defense, the iPhone looks so cool!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Got Blogs?
While this is my first blog and I've been at it for a whopping 5 days, I am not exactly new to the blogosphere. I may have waiting until the waning hours of 2008 to write my own, but I have been visiting blogs for years.
My first time (still talking about blogging) was in college when we had a class blog. I would read it semi-regularly and comment less regularly. It was one of those classes that was known to be an easy A (which I got) and counted towards my business minor.
Since then I've moved into blogs about topics that interest me and later started following my friends' blogs. Now that (in your best Kramer voice) I'm out there [Jerry] and loving every minute of it, I'll share some of the blogs I follow. On the right side of the page I included this (growing) list of my top blogs.
If you have a blog and want a shout out, leave a comment.
1. AUTOBLOG - Updates on everything cars. News, concepts and can't wait for the full Detroit Auto Show preview. (I'm a bit of a car nut)
2. DON'T STOP BELIEVING! - Law school friend and classmate, who like me is wasting away on the blogosphere rather than making a REAL difference in the world (but she did vote)
3. ENGADGET - All things technology. Yeah, there are lots of geek toys but some of those toys we expected to see at the start of this millennium (ya know, the year 2000, the future!). A few have actually been developed in some form. I like expensive toys and between this blog and Autoblog, I anxiously wait for my flying car but will settle for a Back to the Future hovercraft.
4. GET LUCKY - friend who introduced me to GOOD scotch. That's an automatically shout out.
5. SHE'S JUST THAT GIRL - the only girl I know who can match my sarcasm
Honorable Mention: Ryan Star - Singer, songwriter and reality TV star (not the girl from American Idol).
My first time (still talking about blogging) was in college when we had a class blog. I would read it semi-regularly and comment less regularly. It was one of those classes that was known to be an easy A (which I got) and counted towards my business minor.
Since then I've moved into blogs about topics that interest me and later started following my friends' blogs. Now that (in your best Kramer voice) I'm out there [Jerry] and loving every minute of it, I'll share some of the blogs I follow. On the right side of the page I included this (growing) list of my top blogs.
If you have a blog and want a shout out, leave a comment.
1. AUTOBLOG - Updates on everything cars. News, concepts and can't wait for the full Detroit Auto Show preview. (I'm a bit of a car nut)
2. DON'T STOP BELIEVING! - Law school friend and classmate, who like me is wasting away on the blogosphere rather than making a REAL difference in the world (but she did vote)
3. ENGADGET - All things technology. Yeah, there are lots of geek toys but some of those toys we expected to see at the start of this millennium (ya know, the year 2000, the future!). A few have actually been developed in some form. I like expensive toys and between this blog and Autoblog, I anxiously wait for my flying car but will settle for a Back to the Future hovercraft.
4. GET LUCKY - friend who introduced me to GOOD scotch. That's an automatically shout out.
5. SHE'S JUST THAT GIRL - the only girl I know who can match my sarcasm
Honorable Mention: Ryan Star - Singer, songwriter and reality TV star (not the girl from American Idol).
Thursday, January 1, 2009
So this is the New Year...
...and I don't feel any different.
I know, it's kinda lame, but every New Years that song pops into my head. Last night it came on my Ipod as I was heading to a New Years party. [Editors note: I do not like iPods or iTunes but got an iPod for free and still want an iPhone]
So anyone who knows me knows that I don't make a big deal about birthdays and really don't care about New Years either. I haven't celebrated my own birthday in a number of years not because I feel old (I'm not THAT guy) but because I just don't care and it's just another day in my life. I will gladly celebrate a friend's birthday and go all out for them. But I have the same approach with New Years. IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY!
Having said that, what did I do for New Years? I planned to stay in or just go to a small gathering at a friend's apartment. In the end, friends from different parts of the US and Canada (who don't know each other) were converging on NYC (how convenient for me) but all were going to some giant party at the same bar that was rented out. I went to this party last year with different friends and it was pretty bad. However, a little bit of arm twisting later, I plunked down the $60 and went. It was a very different group of people from last year and I actually had a really good time. And took full advantage of the open bar so I felt better about the $60.
I know, it's kinda lame, but every New Years that song pops into my head. Last night it came on my Ipod as I was heading to a New Years party. [Editors note: I do not like iPods or iTunes but got an iPod for free and still want an iPhone]
So anyone who knows me knows that I don't make a big deal about birthdays and really don't care about New Years either. I haven't celebrated my own birthday in a number of years not because I feel old (I'm not THAT guy) but because I just don't care and it's just another day in my life. I will gladly celebrate a friend's birthday and go all out for them. But I have the same approach with New Years. IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY!
Having said that, what did I do for New Years? I planned to stay in or just go to a small gathering at a friend's apartment. In the end, friends from different parts of the US and Canada (who don't know each other) were converging on NYC (how convenient for me) but all were going to some giant party at the same bar that was rented out. I went to this party last year with different friends and it was pretty bad. However, a little bit of arm twisting later, I plunked down the $60 and went. It was a very different group of people from last year and I actually had a really good time. And took full advantage of the open bar so I felt better about the $60.
Happy 2009!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I Am Now a Member of the Blogosphere
After reading and following blogs for years, I figure New Years Eve is a good time to launch my very own blog.
So you're probably wondering what took so long to finally launch this? I figured that if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right. That means a look to match the posts and the commitment to stay with this. Also, you can ask anyone that knows me, when I'm at a computer typing anything, I have a tendency to type and type and type and type some more. That's helped me a lot with papers but not so good with blogs. No one wants to read about me going on and on over something that can be told in 5 lines.
Blogging Rule #174: No rambling
I know you have been waiting a while now for me to launch a blog but now I finally found some time (read: wanted to procrastinate) and created this train-wreck that I call my blog. I would like to thank those who pushed me to finally blog, Dee and RW.
For those who missed it, here's the transcript of the press conference announcing the launch of my blog.
reporter: Why New Years Eve?
me: I don't make resolutions because I know I can't keep them. I've been pushing this off long enough so at least I can end the year accomplishing something.
reporter: What's the origin of the title?
me: Without giving away too much information, let me just say 'stay tuned.'
reporter: What can we expect from this blog in the future?
me: Lots of rambling. If every idiot can have their soapbox, why can't I? Actually this will be full of random musings, rants, observations and society (this should be fun!). Some content will be based on what happens around me and parts will be based on friends' experiences. Names MAY be changed to protect the innocent (if I feel like it).
reporter: Do you have any advice for the future bloggers out there?
me: [fumbling for an answer because this one caught me off guard] Um, wear sunscreen? (Did I really just say that?)
That's all for now. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
PS: San Dimas High School Football Rules!
So you're probably wondering what took so long to finally launch this? I figured that if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right. That means a look to match the posts and the commitment to stay with this. Also, you can ask anyone that knows me, when I'm at a computer typing anything, I have a tendency to type and type and type and type some more. That's helped me a lot with papers but not so good with blogs. No one wants to read about me going on and on over something that can be told in 5 lines.
Blogging Rule #174: No rambling
I know you have been waiting a while now for me to launch a blog but now I finally found some time (read: wanted to procrastinate) and created this train-wreck that I call my blog. I would like to thank those who pushed me to finally blog, Dee and RW.
For those who missed it, here's the transcript of the press conference announcing the launch of my blog.
reporter: Why New Years Eve?
me: I don't make resolutions because I know I can't keep them. I've been pushing this off long enough so at least I can end the year accomplishing something.
reporter: What's the origin of the title?
me: Without giving away too much information, let me just say 'stay tuned.'
reporter: What can we expect from this blog in the future?
me: Lots of rambling. If every idiot can have their soapbox, why can't I? Actually this will be full of random musings, rants, observations and society (this should be fun!). Some content will be based on what happens around me and parts will be based on friends' experiences. Names MAY be changed to protect the innocent (if I feel like it).
reporter: Do you have any advice for the future bloggers out there?
me: [fumbling for an answer because this one caught me off guard] Um, wear sunscreen? (Did I really just say that?)
That's all for now. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
PS: San Dimas High School Football Rules!
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