Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Notes from Insomnia: January 30, 2008--3:01 AM (EST)
Has the present become bad enough to reconsider retooled versions of old favorites? If the answer is yes, take a deep breath and click on the image below.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Top 8 Songs: Week Ending January 26, 2008
1. "Valerie," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
2. "Character (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
3. "You're Wondering Now," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
4. "Anarchy," Busta Rhymes (from Anarchy)
5. "Some Unholy War," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
6. "The Night Is Young (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
7. "You're the Inspiration," Chicago (from Chicago 17)
8. "I Have Faith in These Desolate Times," Terence Trent D'arby (from Neither Fish Nor Flesh)**
* Not available on Amazon.com
** Not available in iTunes Store; available as used on Amazon.com
2. "Character (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
3. "You're Wondering Now," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
4. "Anarchy," Busta Rhymes (from Anarchy)
5. "Some Unholy War," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
6. "The Night Is Young (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
7. "You're the Inspiration," Chicago (from Chicago 17)
8. "I Have Faith in These Desolate Times," Terence Trent D'arby (from Neither Fish Nor Flesh)**
* Not available on Amazon.com
** Not available in iTunes Store; available as used on Amazon.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Name that Voice: Ron Livingston
I've seen the HP commercial promoting Gwen Stefani and her line of HP merchandise more often than I've seen my brother--and we live together.
And every time I see it, I forget to post a dirge about Ron Livingston, who does the supporting narration (Gwen being the lead and all). After this, the near-hundredth time, I shall forget no more.
Aside from the hunky square jaw, full lips, bushy brow, and brooding Midwestern squint, Livingston is best known for his career-defining turn in Office Space. The movie holds a dear place in the hearts of just about anyone who has endured the slings and arrows of white-collar captivity. His character, Peter Gibbons, an embittered everyman, fought his way free of both his aimlessness and his soul-numbing job.
His other claim to fame came from playing Jack Berger, the competitive--and painfully passive-aggressive--writer on Sex and the City. You know--the one who dumped SJP's Carrie via post-it note? That one.
Thankfully, Livingston has moved beyond the iconic roles and tried his hand at voiceover (Family Guy, American Dad) as well as a few non-animated television roles (The Practice, Standoff). And while none have achieved the same iconic status, time and fate may yet meet again.
Aside from the hunky square jaw, full lips, bushy brow, and brooding Midwestern squint, Livingston is best known for his career-defining turn in Office Space. The movie holds a dear place in the hearts of just about anyone who has endured the slings and arrows of white-collar captivity. His character, Peter Gibbons, an embittered everyman, fought his way free of both his aimlessness and his soul-numbing job.
His other claim to fame came from playing Jack Berger, the competitive--and painfully passive-aggressive--writer on Sex and the City. You know--the one who dumped SJP's Carrie via post-it note? That one.
Thankfully, Livingston has moved beyond the iconic roles and tried his hand at voiceover (Family Guy, American Dad) as well as a few non-animated television roles (The Practice, Standoff). And while none have achieved the same iconic status, time and fate may yet meet again.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Man Down: Heath Ledger
I was watching Bloomberg Television's Money & Politics when I caught the ticker tape reporting the news of Heath Ledger's death. What a shocker. What a shame--if for no other reason than for the sake of his daughter, Matilda.
According to Australia's Herald Sun, Ledger's death also throws production of at least two upcoming films into disarray--the biggest of which was the next flick in the Batman prequel franchise. It's a smaller shame in comparison to the one his daughter will suffer, but a shame nonetheless. He was a fine actor who was on his way to being a legendary one and would have made an excellent joker.
According to Australia's Herald Sun, Ledger's death also throws production of at least two upcoming films into disarray--the biggest of which was the next flick in the Batman prequel franchise. It's a smaller shame in comparison to the one his daughter will suffer, but a shame nonetheless. He was a fine actor who was on his way to being a legendary one and would have made an excellent joker.
Heavier than that, though, is the grief his family must be going through. And to be so far away--continents away--with paparazzi lenses trained on them...sucks.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day!
Finding something new to say about Martin Luther King Jr. Day is like finding something new to say about Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The documentaries are hard to watch for the feelings they stir (disbelief, rage, sadness, hopefulness, and so many more), but I understand and appreciate their existence.
I also appreciate my grandparents' decision to send my mom and aunts to live with their aunt--my great aunt, Ann Parker--in New York. Their awareness of the powder keg known as the civil rights movement left them with little choice. Life in Alabama had become too dangerous, and they wanted more for their civic-minded daughters than the brutal oppression of life in Greene County.
The move to New York afforded them a great many opportunities--the seemingly largest of which was the move from working class to middle class. Had they not protested with their civic-minded compatriots, neither they (the movement's direct benefactors) nor their spawn (the children of the Dream) would have enjoyed the fruit of their labor.
Upward mobility may have been seen as the biggest success, but to me, the biggest gift of the civil rights movement has been cultural communion. How fantastic it is to appreciate and be proud of one's own cultural origins--and to be able to share that culture with others! And sure, there are those times when the communion creates its share of crises--dangerous ones, even--but that's just the human story.
Here's to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to those who served on the front lines of the fight for cultural equality, as well as those who continue the struggle in the name of mankind!
I also appreciate my grandparents' decision to send my mom and aunts to live with their aunt--my great aunt, Ann Parker--in New York. Their awareness of the powder keg known as the civil rights movement left them with little choice. Life in Alabama had become too dangerous, and they wanted more for their civic-minded daughters than the brutal oppression of life in Greene County.
The move to New York afforded them a great many opportunities--the seemingly largest of which was the move from working class to middle class. Had they not protested with their civic-minded compatriots, neither they (the movement's direct benefactors) nor their spawn (the children of the Dream) would have enjoyed the fruit of their labor.
Upward mobility may have been seen as the biggest success, but to me, the biggest gift of the civil rights movement has been cultural communion. How fantastic it is to appreciate and be proud of one's own cultural origins--and to be able to share that culture with others! And sure, there are those times when the communion creates its share of crises--dangerous ones, even--but that's just the human story.
Here's to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to those who served on the front lines of the fight for cultural equality, as well as those who continue the struggle in the name of mankind!
Postscript: Oh yeah--forgot
(a) to make the mandatory shout-out to Stevie Wonder and his "Happy Birthday (iTunes/Amazon)" song.
(b) to comment on being denied access to the official Martin Luther King Jr Web site. What's up with that?
(a) to make the mandatory shout-out to Stevie Wonder and his "Happy Birthday (iTunes/Amazon)" song.
(b) to comment on being denied access to the official Martin Luther King Jr Web site. What's up with that?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Top 8 Songs: Week Ending January 19, 2008
1. "Character (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
2. "Some Unholy War," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
3. "The Night Is Young (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
4. "In My Bed," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)
5. "The Pleasure Principle," Janet Jackson (from Control)
6. "Call Me When You Get This," Corinne Bailey Rae (from Corinne Bailey Rae)
7. "Street Life (featuring Randy Crawford)," The Crusaders (from Street Life)
8. "Videotape," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
* Not available on Amazon.com
2. "Some Unholy War," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black: B-Sides)*
3. "The Night Is Young (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
4. "In My Bed," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)
5. "The Pleasure Principle," Janet Jackson (from Control)
6. "Call Me When You Get This," Corinne Bailey Rae (from Corinne Bailey Rae)
7. "Street Life (featuring Randy Crawford)," The Crusaders (from Street Life)
8. "Videotape," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
* Not available on Amazon.com
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Name that Voice: Forest Whittaker
This "Name that Voice" profile is so overdue that it's shameful. It hasn't been for lack of talent; the actor ranks among his profession's finest. It certainly hasn't been for lack of charisma; the man's got it in spades. So what the hell was my deal? Did I not recognize his warm, endearing baritenor the moment I heard it?
No, mine has been a lameness so shameful that there's no credible excuse. Not only was the artist my first interview and the subject of my first feature article/cover story, he was the reason I became addicted to Sudoku (the thinking man's crack). The artist-in-question is Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actor Forest Whitaker, and the commercial is for Citi Credit Cards.
I wrote the article for a then-up-and-coming publication called Public. It also afforded me the opportunity to speak at length with the man, who I found to be a thoughtful, engaging, and humble man. He was also generous with his time; though he'd flown in from Mexico less than an hour prior to our interview, we spoke for nearly two hours on topics ranging from brain teasers to the psychological consequences his character as Jon Kavanagh on The Shield. Less than a year later, he went on to win a Best Actor Oscar for a spine-chilling turn as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
For over 25 years, Whitaker has forged a path of his own design in roles running the gamut of idiosyncratic characters (Jody in The Crying Game, absentee father Cyrus Cole in Smoke, the title character in Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai), each casting light on different facets of modern masculinity. His stints in the director's chair (Strapped, Waiting to Exhale, Hope Floats) have been as gripping as they've been heartfelt.
FW factoid: Whitaker attended USC's Music Conservancy, where he studied opera and was trained as a classical tenor before shifting to acting and transferring to the university's Drama Conservancy.
I'm obviously biased, but those who've lived and/or worked in Los Angeles knows how wonderful--and rare--it is to encounter a talented, accomplished, and genuine celebrity. And to be fair, it should be noted how difficult it must be to nurture one's talent, not rest on one's laurels, and maintain one's sanity--not just in Los Angeles, but on the planet.
These are but a few of the things that make him great in all the ways the word (great) implies.
No, mine has been a lameness so shameful that there's no credible excuse. Not only was the artist my first interview and the subject of my first feature article/cover story, he was the reason I became addicted to Sudoku (the thinking man's crack). The artist-in-question is Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actor Forest Whitaker, and the commercial is for Citi Credit Cards.
I wrote the article for a then-up-and-coming publication called Public. It also afforded me the opportunity to speak at length with the man, who I found to be a thoughtful, engaging, and humble man. He was also generous with his time; though he'd flown in from Mexico less than an hour prior to our interview, we spoke for nearly two hours on topics ranging from brain teasers to the psychological consequences his character as Jon Kavanagh on The Shield. Less than a year later, he went on to win a Best Actor Oscar for a spine-chilling turn as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
For over 25 years, Whitaker has forged a path of his own design in roles running the gamut of idiosyncratic characters (Jody in The Crying Game, absentee father Cyrus Cole in Smoke, the title character in Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai), each casting light on different facets of modern masculinity. His stints in the director's chair (Strapped, Waiting to Exhale, Hope Floats) have been as gripping as they've been heartfelt.
FW factoid: Whitaker attended USC's Music Conservancy, where he studied opera and was trained as a classical tenor before shifting to acting and transferring to the university's Drama Conservancy.
I'm obviously biased, but those who've lived and/or worked in Los Angeles knows how wonderful--and rare--it is to encounter a talented, accomplished, and genuine celebrity. And to be fair, it should be noted how difficult it must be to nurture one's talent, not rest on one's laurels, and maintain one's sanity--not just in Los Angeles, but on the planet.
These are but a few of the things that make him great in all the ways the word (great) implies.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
MacBook Air: Right Design, Wrong Book
I wanted Apple to come up with an ebook reader, but I guess I'm just a daydream believer (and no homecoming-queen jokes, thank you very much). Apple did manage to impress the crap out of me with the MacBook Air.
The image above is easily worth more than 1,000 words, but they'll not be dispensed by me. In terms of form, the MacBook Air puts the "us" into gorgeous. I'm sure it puts the "fun" into function as well.
Sadly, I will not be among the throngs that are lining up for one as I type this. Of course, if they manage to find a way to tip it vertically and make an ebook reader of it, all bets are off, and I'll club and claw my way to the front of the line.
It was pretty freaking hot to watch it being pulled out of a manila envelope, though. Wowsa!
The image above is easily worth more than 1,000 words, but they'll not be dispensed by me. In terms of form, the MacBook Air puts the "us" into gorgeous. I'm sure it puts the "fun" into function as well.
Sadly, I will not be among the throngs that are lining up for one as I type this. Of course, if they manage to find a way to tip it vertically and make an ebook reader of it, all bets are off, and I'll club and claw my way to the front of the line.
It was pretty freaking hot to watch it being pulled out of a manila envelope, though. Wowsa!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Besides the Point: A Side-by-Side Design Aside
Just read Gizmodo's Dieter Ram-Johnathan Ive design comparison, and I have to say...wow.
It's like looking at the present from the past--which, oddly enough, was designed with the future in mind.
It's like looking at the present from the past--which, oddly enough, was designed with the future in mind.
Monday, January 14, 2008
And the Hits Keep Coming (Or Do They?): ITunes
Sony has driven another nail in iTunes' coffin through their DRM-free deal with Amazon.com. Yes, a music industry scorned is a dangerous one. I don't really care where the music is available; I just want it to be available. The way I see it, the more stores, the better. If Amazon can fill in the holes in iTunes Store's catalog, then I'm good. Hell, between iTunes, Amazon MP3, CD Baby , Rhapsody, MP3.com, and the other digital music providers, I'm ready to tbrow a party--because I'll have all the tunes I'll need to keep the party hearty.
And if the Sony thing weren't enough, Netflix dropped their preemptive move like it was hot. And it kind of was: They're offering unlimited movie streaming. What wasn't cool, however, was that the aforementioned streaming is available only to Windows customers with Internet Explorer.
Yippee.
I'm not a big fan of the streaming. We (the Nuclear Unit) recently got FiOS--which is running several tads too slow and is a flipping drag (which is screwing with my Hulu watching). Verizon is looking into the matter; here's hoping they fix it--soon, even.
Until then, it's all about the cable TV, the DVDs, and the iTunes Store. Go figure.
And if the Sony thing weren't enough, Netflix dropped their preemptive move like it was hot. And it kind of was: They're offering unlimited movie streaming. What wasn't cool, however, was that the aforementioned streaming is available only to Windows customers with Internet Explorer.
Yippee.
I'm not a big fan of the streaming. We (the Nuclear Unit) recently got FiOS--which is running several tads too slow and is a flipping drag (which is screwing with my Hulu watching). Verizon is looking into the matter; here's hoping they fix it--soon, even.
Until then, it's all about the cable TV, the DVDs, and the iTunes Store. Go figure.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
"Brrrf!": BK and Other Mindfuckers
Is it just me, or does the whopper freakout campaign reek of enforced sadism?
Why would you be so jerkish to your customers? Why would you punk them for an entire day? Worse: Why would you broadcast it? I get the whole comic element, yet it angers me. Perhaps it's the element of braggadocio--an amused carelessness toward loyal customers. What ever happened to having it your way?
Maybe I'm just anxious about the MacWorld Expo. I've bought my share of electronic goodies, system software and peripherals, only to have them rendered less relevant. (Thank God I missed out on the iPhone debacle.) Of course I haven't bought any gadgets in a while--and know better than to buy something before the expo (or for that matter, directly after; to let them work out the bugs)--but...I don't know. Maybe I'm just an ornery bastard.
As my friend's dog says when she's being shushed, "Brrrf!"
Why would you be so jerkish to your customers? Why would you punk them for an entire day? Worse: Why would you broadcast it? I get the whole comic element, yet it angers me. Perhaps it's the element of braggadocio--an amused carelessness toward loyal customers. What ever happened to having it your way?
Maybe I'm just anxious about the MacWorld Expo. I've bought my share of electronic goodies, system software and peripherals, only to have them rendered less relevant. (Thank God I missed out on the iPhone debacle.) Of course I haven't bought any gadgets in a while--and know better than to buy something before the expo (or for that matter, directly after; to let them work out the bugs)--but...I don't know. Maybe I'm just an ornery bastard.
As my friend's dog says when she's being shushed, "Brrrf!"
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Top 8 Songs: Week Ending January 12, 2008
1. "Character (Acoustic)," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
2. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
3. "Dance Bitch," Estelle (from The 18th Day)
4. "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia," Vicki Lawrence (from The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia)
5. "Turn My TV On," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
6. "There In An End (featuring Holly Golightly)," The Greenhornes (from Broken Flowers [Soundtrack from the Motion Picture])*
7. "Hana," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
8. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)*
* Songs fused on European version
2. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
3. "Dance Bitch," Estelle (from The 18th Day)
4. "The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia," Vicki Lawrence (from The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia)
5. "Turn My TV On," Van Hunt (from The Popular Machine--EP)
6. "There In An End (featuring Holly Golightly)," The Greenhornes (from Broken Flowers [Soundtrack from the Motion Picture])*
7. "Hana," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
8. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)*
* Songs fused on European version
Friday, January 11, 2008
Another Reason for Razor (Bump) Haters to Rejoice!
There's another Duane Reade that carries Tend Skin: Store #265, at 123 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (212-529-7140)
The prices are the same as the one at 2 Penn Plaza: $11.99 for the four-ounce bottle (normally $20.00), and $19.99 for the eight-ounce bottle (normally $35.00).
So if you're a razor bump hater (or know someone who is) and live in the New York area, stroll on over to the Duane Reade store referenced above and get their undercover discount.
The prices are the same as the one at 2 Penn Plaza: $11.99 for the four-ounce bottle (normally $20.00), and $19.99 for the eight-ounce bottle (normally $35.00).
So if you're a razor bump hater (or know someone who is) and live in the New York area, stroll on over to the Duane Reade store referenced above and get their undercover discount.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
CES: What Happens in Vegas Won't Stay in Vegas--Not This Time
I'm still a little bummed about not being able to attend CES 2008. Thankfully, I'm able to get my virtual fix via television, podcasts, Web sites, and blogs. (Gotta love that technology!)
I enjoyed Intel CEO Paul Otellini's comments on building the bridge between the current attempts to personalize technology and the dream of a machine to anticipate--and respond to--user needs.
The largest obstacle: the use and safeguarding of personalized data--especially in these, the days of identity theft (which warrants a whole other spiel...). I know I wouldn't mind the machines in my life being more intuitive. The problem is I'm not willing to have my personal information pilfered and disseminated. There are far too many stories of Web sites and servers being raided by tech-pirates.
I did like Otellini's address; it was like a tech-sector call to action. But I'm a romantic (albeit a skeptical one), so here's hoping CE companies find a way to build that bridge.
See also:
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Top 8 Songs: Week Ending January 5, 2008
1. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
2. "Mrs. Jesus," Tori Amos (from Scarlet's Walk)
3. "D-D-D-Dance," Micatone (from Belle et Fou [Original Soundtrack])
4. "Warrior Song," Nas (from God's Son)
5. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)*
6. "Hana," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
7. "Touch Your Soul," Phoebe Snow (from Something Real)
8. "My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)," Regina Spektor (Digital Single)
* Songs fused on European version
2. "Mrs. Jesus," Tori Amos (from Scarlet's Walk)
3. "D-D-D-Dance," Micatone (from Belle et Fou [Original Soundtrack])
4. "Warrior Song," Nas (from God's Son)
5. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)*
6. "Hana," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
7. "Touch Your Soul," Phoebe Snow (from Something Real)
8. "My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)," Regina Spektor (Digital Single)
* Songs fused on European version
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Top 16 Songs: 2007
1. "You Know I'm No Good," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black)
2. "Won't Do," J Dilla (from The Shining [Instrumental])*
3. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)**
4. "North American Scum," LCD Soundsystem (from Sound of Silver)
5. "The Evening News," Chamillionaire (from Ultimate Victory)
6. "Born to Run, K-OS (from Atlantis: Hymns for Disco)
7. "West," Lucinda Williams (from West)
8. "Tears Dry on Their Own," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black)
9. "Changes,"David Bowie (from Bowie at the Beeb)
10. "Call Me When You Get This," Corinne Bailey Rae (from Corinne Bailey Rae)
11. "Love for Granted," Phoenix (from Alphabetical)
12. "It Covers the Hillside (Acoustic Version)," Midlake (from Oak and Julian - EP)***
13. "Whenever You're Around," Jill Scott (from The Real Thing - Words and Sounds, Vol. 3)
14. "2 Man Show," Timbaland featuring Sir Elton John (from Shock Value [Instrumental])***
15. "15 Step," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
16. "If," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
* Preview Not Available on Amazon.com
** Songs fused on European version
*** Not Available on Amazon.com
2. "Won't Do," J Dilla (from The Shining [Instrumental])*
3. "You Sent Me Flying/Cherry," Amy Winehouse (from Frank)**
4. "North American Scum," LCD Soundsystem (from Sound of Silver)
5. "The Evening News," Chamillionaire (from Ultimate Victory)
6. "Born to Run, K-OS (from Atlantis: Hymns for Disco)
7. "West," Lucinda Williams (from West)
8. "Tears Dry on Their Own," Amy Winehouse (from Back to Black)
9. "Changes,"David Bowie (from Bowie at the Beeb)
10. "Call Me When You Get This," Corinne Bailey Rae (from Corinne Bailey Rae)
11. "Love for Granted," Phoenix (from Alphabetical)
12. "It Covers the Hillside (Acoustic Version)," Midlake (from Oak and Julian - EP)***
13. "Whenever You're Around," Jill Scott (from The Real Thing - Words and Sounds, Vol. 3)
14. "2 Man Show," Timbaland featuring Sir Elton John (from Shock Value [Instrumental])***
15. "15 Step," Radiohead (from In Rainbows)
16. "If," Joni Mitchell (from Shine)
* Preview Not Available on Amazon.com
** Songs fused on European version
*** Not Available on Amazon.com
Happy New Year!
I pieced this together for a good buddy of mine, then thought, "Dude--post it!" (Okay--technically one of the voices in my head said it, but I'm the landlord, so what's the difference, really?) That having been (over) thought and typed, check it:
So, yeah--Happy New Year! Hope this finds you happy instead of hung over.
Ever Dorkishly,
L.
Ever Dorkishly,
L.
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