Start planning for a green lifestyle, or hold on to your pants and say goodbye to your wallet when reality hits.
Mark your calender as the time you remember $4 gas, i.e. why oil prices are true and not speculated.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Actual headlines
funny-ish
----
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day. nih
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No, really?
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?!
Oklahoma's construction program!
Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?
Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
Did I read that right?
----
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day. nih
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No, really?
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?!
Oklahoma's construction program!
Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge
New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?
Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
Did I read that right?
Progress?
Thanks Willie. I guess I am always more optimistic about what the near future holds, forgetting about where Washington actually stands and how slow they react. This quote epitomizes where we are, and what Washington currently views as progress...
"Washington has also been unwilling to hold automakers’ feet to the fire when it comes to fuel efficiency. So today the average passenger vehicle gets less than 25 miles a gallon. The Model T did better than that.""Today we have visions of Congress patting itself on the back after mandating 35 miles a gallon by 2020 and thinking it has finished the job. That’s the same fuel efficiency Italy gets now. America can, and must, do better. For both our long-term economic security, and our national security." - Schwarzenegger
Arnold's Speech Highlights
Hopefully we will keep gaining politicians that have better foresight and can emulate where other countries are already at, instead of always reinventing the wheel for our independent selves calling it progress.
This online article from the NY Times is a great example of how far we are behind in some areas, i.e. open government through the internet. See the damage.
"Washington has also been unwilling to hold automakers’ feet to the fire when it comes to fuel efficiency. So today the average passenger vehicle gets less than 25 miles a gallon. The Model T did better than that.""Today we have visions of Congress patting itself on the back after mandating 35 miles a gallon by 2020 and thinking it has finished the job. That’s the same fuel efficiency Italy gets now. America can, and must, do better. For both our long-term economic security, and our national security." - Schwarzenegger
Arnold's Speech Highlights
Hopefully we will keep gaining politicians that have better foresight and can emulate where other countries are already at, instead of always reinventing the wheel for our independent selves calling it progress.
This online article from the NY Times is a great example of how far we are behind in some areas, i.e. open government through the internet. See the damage.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Obama problems
Kevin, I don't think it matters if Obama really believes all this bullshit about ethanol because he's still going to govern like he does believe it. He really needs Iowa to go his way in the election, and he'll continue to need it in 2012 when he runs for re-election. Unfortunately, people in general and in this case farmers in Iowa tend to be very shortsighted and so will support anybody that proposes policies that would provide a short term increase in demand for corn and/or soybeans. But not only that, despite his grandstanding to the contrary, he still needs (wants?) to raise money from the farming related special interests that are the primary advocates of stupid legislation like this. On the other hand, McCain advocates importing Brazilian sugar cane ethanol at the expense of the rain forest, so I'd say that both candidates are pretty bad on the biofuels issue.
Obama has also pissed me off lately by supporting the death penalty and his tip-toeing around the upcoming supreme court decision on gun control. I still think he's the best candidate we've seen in a long, long time, but he's far from being my perfect candidate.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It's ride your bike to work day.
I got breakfast for free! I wish they gave out breakfast to people who ride their bikes every day.
Bonnie sent me this, and it is crazy.
Cassie's response to it was:
"that's ridiculous
Bonnie sent me this, and it is crazy.
Cassie's response to it was:
"that's ridiculous
dubai is insane
the whole place"
because she is hilarious.
because she is hilarious.
Euro Cup
I just watched 2 hours of highlights....looks like quite the championship. Turkey and Russia were super-surprising.
Also, good to see you are back in action with the posts Kevin
Also, good to see you are back in action with the posts Kevin
Funny and Sad
HAHAHAHA! Carl are you sure you weren't born in the 70's? You are probably psyched that the synths of the 70's and 80's are finding there way back in to new music, i.e. Cut Copy, and Chromeo.
Anyhow, I am saddened by hearing about Obama's ties to corn ethanol. NY Times Story
Anyone see anything good coming of that? I can't stand the idea of gas from food, not only because it has a very poor yield, but because is has horrible effects on food prices around the globe. And quite simply way should we use crops to collect sun energy, when you can skip all the processing steps and use solar technology to capture the same energy?
I am just hoping that he is "milking that cow" for the short term until he can reinstate funding for research in more sustainable energy ideas, such as Focus Fusion.
Anyhow, I am saddened by hearing about Obama's ties to corn ethanol. NY Times Story
Anyone see anything good coming of that? I can't stand the idea of gas from food, not only because it has a very poor yield, but because is has horrible effects on food prices around the globe. And quite simply way should we use crops to collect sun energy, when you can skip all the processing steps and use solar technology to capture the same energy?
I am just hoping that he is "milking that cow" for the short term until he can reinstate funding for research in more sustainable energy ideas, such as Focus Fusion.
Not a video
Men Crying- interesting set of pictures. I'm touched most by Daniel Craig and Forest Whitaker.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Campaign finance law is ridiculous. And I definitely remember her pumping in 5 million to her campaign after she was behind. I could care less if the hag spent the rest of her political career paying back those horrible decisions. But I am glad to see that if she does not pay herself back by the convention, than she will only be able to collect $250,000. Simple ridiculous laws. I hope most dems will keep their money in the "coffers" that actually have a chance of benefiting this country and their lives in the future.
I love crazy people!
As found in a comment on a crotch rocket to electric motorcycle conversion story...
HOORGANVI writes, "Over 35 years ago I read about flywheel storage systems and was hooked on that idea for power vehicles; even the future spaceplane. To maintain the vacuum of the flywheel canisters, I would use a flywheel atop two motor/generators and one below them that would all be sealed. Either forced air or a liquid coolant would cool the motors without releasing the vacuum. If either rock quartz or one of my ultra-stressed materials is used for the flywheels and magnetic bands are used around the circumference of the flywheels and facing the bands inside the canisters, there might be a linear induction effect which may increase the storage potential.
I might use a hub-mounted motor in the center of the back wheel for instant power and maybe one for the front wheel for extra traction. If they are 100-horse pulsed injection motors, they may only require 70,000 watts each. If my flywheels can store 100 watt-hours of energy per cubic inch and I had a large stacked unit for the drive and a smaller stacked unit for the systems and the large unit contained 1500 cubic inches of flywheel material, the range for the bike might be 200 miles. For long-distant touring, I would use a "power trailer" that would have at least 5000 cubic inches of flywheel material and trunk space for luggage and other things. If the bike could cruise the highway at 70 mph and required only 60 horses from the motors, the range could be over 1000 miles. Since the bike would be an electric, it would be quiet enough for the rider to easily listen to a radio or CD player without having them blast away. With a canopy that could be attached to the bike, the vehicle could be ridden in all weather. Also, with the speed-activated roller kickstand, the rider won't have to put his feet on the ground until he wants to get off. The kickstand will extend automatically when the bike is traveling 5 mph or less and retract when the bike is traveling over 5 mph."
Love it, really.
Anyhow, the article is interesting in itself, electric motorcycle conversion.
And while we are on the electric vehicle subject, the Eliica from Japan is the first step in making electric cars popular. But we will have to wait for battery technology to catch up.
Wikipedia - Eliica
Eliica vs. Mitsubishi EVO - All the Mitsu engineers are shocked!
My soap box...I can't wait to see an Indy 500 run with electric cars instead of the bullshit ethanol they ran this year! What a hoax. But seriously it would be very similar, they would still need pit stops for tires, they would all have the same amount of "fuel" and it would be mindblowingly fast. Mark my words it will happen.
HOORGANVI writes, "Over 35 years ago I read about flywheel storage systems and was hooked on that idea for power vehicles; even the future spaceplane. To maintain the vacuum of the flywheel canisters, I would use a flywheel atop two motor/generators and one below them that would all be sealed. Either forced air or a liquid coolant would cool the motors without releasing the vacuum. If either rock quartz or one of my ultra-stressed materials is used for the flywheels and magnetic bands are used around the circumference of the flywheels and facing the bands inside the canisters, there might be a linear induction effect which may increase the storage potential.
I might use a hub-mounted motor in the center of the back wheel for instant power and maybe one for the front wheel for extra traction. If they are 100-horse pulsed injection motors, they may only require 70,000 watts each. If my flywheels can store 100 watt-hours of energy per cubic inch and I had a large stacked unit for the drive and a smaller stacked unit for the systems and the large unit contained 1500 cubic inches of flywheel material, the range for the bike might be 200 miles. For long-distant touring, I would use a "power trailer" that would have at least 5000 cubic inches of flywheel material and trunk space for luggage and other things. If the bike could cruise the highway at 70 mph and required only 60 horses from the motors, the range could be over 1000 miles. Since the bike would be an electric, it would be quiet enough for the rider to easily listen to a radio or CD player without having them blast away. With a canopy that could be attached to the bike, the vehicle could be ridden in all weather. Also, with the speed-activated roller kickstand, the rider won't have to put his feet on the ground until he wants to get off. The kickstand will extend automatically when the bike is traveling 5 mph or less and retract when the bike is traveling over 5 mph."
Love it, really.
Anyhow, the article is interesting in itself, electric motorcycle conversion.
And while we are on the electric vehicle subject, the Eliica from Japan is the first step in making electric cars popular. But we will have to wait for battery technology to catch up.
Wikipedia - Eliica
Eliica vs. Mitsubishi EVO - All the Mitsu engineers are shocked!
My soap box...I can't wait to see an Indy 500 run with electric cars instead of the bullshit ethanol they ran this year! What a hoax. But seriously it would be very similar, they would still need pit stops for tires, they would all have the same amount of "fuel" and it would be mindblowingly fast. Mark my words it will happen.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Obama Should Help Hillary?
As a dead-serious question, why should Obama help Hillary pay off her debt? I don't really understand he he should feel any obligation toward her money issues since I'm sure the $11m she's in debt surely was spent during the time she was definitely going to lose. This article is what brought it up.
I like the riddle site.
I like the riddle site.
Kim and Eiseinhower
Kim, yes this is true. I suppose that is wonderful
Also, *gasp* I think I have found a Republican president that I like...Eisenhower.
Also, *gasp* I think I have found a Republican president that I like...Eisenhower.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
huh
this is sort of interesting
Also, so how do we fix our current economy given the baby-sitting analogy? Unsure the sort of credit and housing problems can be summed up with that model.
Also, so how do we fix our current economy given the baby-sitting analogy? Unsure the sort of credit and housing problems can be summed up with that model.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Economics from babysitting
If you're at all interested in economics or concerned about our economy today then you're sure to find this simple article by Paul Krugman from 10 years ago very interesting and enlightening.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Arizona summers
You just don't plan on doing anything outside during the day for any length of time. Its like Colorado winters when you can't do things like have picnics and play frisbee, but it only lasts a couple months. The exception to not being outside is swimming, of course, which is all the more awesome when its so so hot. And once the sun goes down, even though its still high nineties it feels amazing. If you want to you can go out early in the morning and its nice then, too. I've been pleasantly surprised by Arizona; we won't stay here forever, but I'm actually liking being a desert rat.
Portland summers sound nice, too, though. We're thinking of ending up in the Northwest, but we'll pick our own town and just visit you kids in Portland.
Portland summers sound nice, too, though. We're thinking of ending up in the Northwest, but we'll pick our own town and just visit you kids in Portland.
Nice Josh
Thanks for the Cubs uni article. Pretty neat. While reading it I did think "dang, I DO know what the logo for the national league looks like!" But its often seen at the all-star game, and my bed sheets had it all over the place.
109 vs. 60 degree Summer
Today is the first day in the past 3 weeks that has broken 75. Its been kind of annoying. I mean its nice and all, but I want to be able to walk to work in the morning in short sleeves and not have to think about whether to wear jeans later or possibly pack a jacket for night.
What do people do in Arizona when its 109 out? Do people just suck it up and go outside or do people stay indoors? I'd like to say that I'd get outside and enjoy the day, but I haven't experienced that high of temperature in a LONG time.
I don't really follow baseball anymore (good riddance) so maybe there's something current that I didn't understand. Here's a Cubs link though in return.
What do people do in Arizona when its 109 out? Do people just suck it up and go outside or do people stay indoors? I'd like to say that I'd get outside and enjoy the day, but I haven't experienced that high of temperature in a LONG time.
I don't really follow baseball anymore (good riddance) so maybe there's something current that I didn't understand. Here's a Cubs link though in return.
MY soap box
I doubt that many of you will find this a tenth as funny as I did, but this is pretty much the zenith in humor for Drew Stolzmann.
Also, I loved that the Germans had a bunch of beers on display.
Also, I loved that the Germans had a bunch of beers on display.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
My soap box
Look at all those poor people having to eat whole foods! Thank God that we live in a country where big corporations that invest lots of money in research can supply all of our prescribed calories and nutrients in convenient, easy to prepare single-serving and family-sized packages!
Nicely done
That was the best link I've seen on here in a long time, Carl. You win.
109º yesterday, and the mercury just keeps climbing. The crazy part is that it seems perfectly normal and we're actually still enjoying living in the desert.
Screw Portland! I'm going to Texas!
I love "shootin straight" and "talking straight." Especially if "talking straight" means admitting you know nothing or simply talking out of your ass.
How is this a contest? Does anyone care about our image toward the rest of the world? Actually, now that I think about it, we should let the rest of the world decide our president.
And just to make this post, less angry. A German kids book.
How is this a contest? Does anyone care about our image toward the rest of the world? Actually, now that I think about it, we should let the rest of the world decide our president.
And just to make this post, less angry. A German kids book.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Well you know....
The Republicanos are going to rig this election as always so....you know, don't expect a landslide and shit....
Not so fast
A sobering graph I dug up from electoral-vote.com:
Most of the summer Kerry lead Bush in the electoral college. If you average Kerry's lead in June it comes out to just about what Obama's is sitting at now.
The signs are great for the Democratic party as a whole this year, but the presidential election is far, far from a done deal. Unless McCain really screws up with something it's going to stay fairly close all year, I think. At this point I think Obama will win, but not by more than 4-5% in the popular vote. (Clinton beat Dole by 8.5%, Gore beat Bush by 0.5%, and Bush beat Kerry by 2.4%.)
Lookin' Good
Dailykos made me happy today:
I'm going to be pretty happy when we win in a landslide.
On another note, anyone up for mariokart tonight?
Along the lines of Frank Rich's great column noting the traditional media's obsession with giving us a "tied" race to drive ratings, Political Base gives us the numbers flogged by various news outlets:Obama McCain Net
Electoral-Vote.com 304 221 Obama +83
FiveThirtyEight.com 300 238 Obama +62
Real Clear Politics 238 190 Obama +48
Rasmussen Reports 260 240 Obama +20
I'm going to be pretty happy when we win in a landslide.
On another note, anyone up for mariokart tonight?
Don't Forget About Me!!!
Bonnie's Art Show Opening is this Friday in D-Town from 6-10pm. Come and look at art, it will make you feel fancy and you get to eat and drink wine for freee!
Next Gallery
3659 Navajo Street
Denver, CO 80211 303.433.4933
Open: Fri 6-10, Sat & Sun 12-5
Next Gallery
3659 Navajo Street
Denver, CO 80211 303.433.4933
Open: Fri 6-10, Sat & Sun 12-5
Earthquake Benzee
Damn son, we didn't even hear about it over here.
Glad to hear you are ok and sorry to hear you didn't get to the interview
Glad to hear you are ok and sorry to hear you didn't get to the interview
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I am certainly trying to be as far away from all of you as possible. as CLEARLY I can't stand ya'll.
P-land is sweet if you gotz a job. Seattle is a bit more upscale, and snotty maybe. More money up there. Lots of people from Seattle get down to Portland cause it's a little bit more chilled out. A little more hippy, and a bit more flannel. (though, with my description semaphore might be more descriptive) No sales tax too.
I got to be in a major earthquake! My little prefecture was on BBC! I was one of the thousands of inconvenienced travelers. I was on the bullet train when it made it's emergency stop, and I couldn't get to Tokyo for my job interview! Lame sauce! Might be coming back to the states yet if God keeps intervening...
I am okay though- so don't worry.
P-land is sweet if you gotz a job. Seattle is a bit more upscale, and snotty maybe. More money up there. Lots of people from Seattle get down to Portland cause it's a little bit more chilled out. A little more hippy, and a bit more flannel. (though, with my description semaphore might be more descriptive) No sales tax too.
I got to be in a major earthquake! My little prefecture was on BBC! I was one of the thousands of inconvenienced travelers. I was on the bullet train when it made it's emergency stop, and I couldn't get to Tokyo for my job interview! Lame sauce! Might be coming back to the states yet if God keeps intervening...
I am okay though- so don't worry.
P-land
Ani here,
I was joking about everyone moving to get away from each other. I certainly wouldn't mind living close to people I know and enjoy in a new city. I think it would be awesome.
So Kim, when are you going to be moving out that way?
I was joking about everyone moving to get away from each other. I certainly wouldn't mind living close to people I know and enjoy in a new city. I think it would be awesome.
So Kim, when are you going to be moving out that way?
Wait,
is everyone moving to Portland to get away from each other? Who is trying to get away from whom? Help.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
"Not In Portland"
I like things really green and the Northwest sounds and looks awesome. Bonnie wants to get outta Colorado, so we just might wind up around that area too. Would we be intruding on yalls space if we move out there?
And as for Hank...I won't give it away, but the hardest I've laughed at anything on TV involves Hank, a montage, an umbrella, and a batman mask. Jesus Christ that show in genius.
And as for Hank...I won't give it away, but the hardest I've laughed at anything on TV involves Hank, a montage, an umbrella, and a batman mask. Jesus Christ that show in genius.
this is ani
if everyone is moving to Portland to get away from each other....it just isn't going to work out
Moving to Portland
Dustin, are you guys seriously considering moving to Portland also?
Related to Venture Bros., I loved Hank as soon as he said his first line in Tijuana "Hey Dad, this place is tits!"
Also the theme music is maybe my favorite theme music of any show. Lost's is my favorite even though its only like 5 seconds long.
Related to Venture Bros., I loved Hank as soon as he said his first line in Tijuana "Hey Dad, this place is tits!"
Also the theme music is maybe my favorite theme music of any show. Lost's is my favorite even though its only like 5 seconds long.
I'm gunna beat dat ass on dis train!
That chick was a flash back to middle school in Maryland for me. Ridiculousness. BonTron and I wanna go watch Iron Man tonight. Who is down with joining the fun?
Also, Josh...wait until Brock destroys someone WITH HIS ANUS!!!
Also, Josh...wait until Brock destroys someone WITH HIS ANUS!!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Beside myself with the sadness
Last night I got a rejection letter from a program I really REALLY wanted to get into. So I drank myself into a soppy, sobbing mess for poor Drew to look after.
I am really very sad and discouraged.
I am really very sad and discouraged.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Are You Kidding??
I enjoyed how you managed to capture the pretentious asshole music critic e.g. Pitchfork reviews, and sure fucking enough. Still, its that line that I quoted earlier, its like they know they're out of touch. Even worse now I know that they pride themselves on that.
I just saw the first Venture Bros. and juding from that I am pretty sure that in the next 20-30 episodes I am going to enjoy everything that Brock Samson does. Don't spoil it.
I just saw the first Venture Bros. and juding from that I am pretty sure that in the next 20-30 episodes I am going to enjoy everything that Brock Samson does. Don't spoil it.
Didn't mean to create such a stir
I won't be so reckless with my cut-find/replace-paste in the future
I Liked This Line
"Big tracks aside, it's an awfully static record, which gives it the kind of high-art "difficulty" that we critics have been known to like."
Carl, who was J Dilla before he died? I never heard a thing about him until after he died, and apparantly, he was some hip hop visionary.
Even though I get it now,
I am still really mad about how long that post was. I hate it. But thank god it wasn't just Carl writing a terrible review of some album none of us cared about. At.
Gullibility
I don't even want to admit how long it took me to figure out that Carl's post was for his album from the game, and not for a real album.
Also, this is evidence of a man with too much time on his hands.
Also, this is evidence of a man with too much time on his hands.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Review: Hugo Meisl. "The Smoke Might Annoy"
Hugo Meisl
The Smoke Might Annoy
[Motown; 2008]
7.8/10
The American media and public have spent a fair bit of the past months being fascinated and appalled by various remarks from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, of Chicago. Those months have also seen a fairly warm critical reception for Hugo Meisl's terrific new album-- one whose notions and ideologies sometimes come from the same nexus as Wright's. Meisl's theology is different, of course: more personal, more scattered, less Christian, laced with Five-Percenter notions. And Meisl salutes Farrakhan explicitly, rather than just nodding politely across the South Side. But there's an odd echo in her wording on that one: "I salute you, Farrakhan/ Because you are me." Less than a month after this record's release, Wright's most notable acquaintance was describing the reverend as someone who "contains within him the contradictions-- the good and the bad-- of the community.... I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community." He is me? Until he hits the press club, anyway.
The Smoke Might Annoy is the first in a series of pointedly social records from Meisl, and "you are me"-- or maybe we are we-- could be its motto, or possibly its intended effect. I don't bring up politics for nothing. That attitude, and a lot of the record's concerns, have their roots in the same era that animates Rev. Wright-- those Civil Rights and post-Civil Rights moments when African-Americans were left with some strange, heavy tasks: sorting out how to have a cultural identity as part of a nation that had, up until very recently, been a dedicated adversary, and sorting out how to clean up the wreckage that had accumulated in the meantime. A lot of the critical love for The Smoke Might Annoy seems rooted in a love for the music of that period-- a time in which popular black artists made records filled not only with visionary, avant-garde sounds, but with a social expansiveness, a fire and ambition to say something important to and for a community. Reviews put this record in a line with those artists: Sly Stone, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Funkadelic; you could tie it even more easily to a lot of smart-guy late-80s hip-hop digging into the same ideas. Nobody who's been paying attention will be surprised at the thought of that mantle being picked up by a woman.
This album doesn't just have the personal and social ambitions of those old records-- plenty of charmless "nu-soul" records aspire to that-- but some of the sonic ones, too. Big tracks aside, it's an awfully static record, which gives it the kind of high-art "difficulty" that we critics have been known to like. The beats, by hip-hop producers like Madlib, 9th Wonder, and Shafiq Husayn, trail sneakily by, leaving Meisl-- without the aid of verses, choruses, or much structure at all-- to scribble all over them in her perfect/imperfect voice. (One track, "My People", is mostly just a repeated mantra; the rest of Meisl's vocal scribbling is buried far back in the mix, like an incidental decoration.) These things should pose problems; one of the chief wonders of The Smoke Might Annoy is that they don't. Instead, they allow for a sense of intimacy and freedom. At the end of one already-great track, there's an offhand doodle that's one of the most amazing pieces of music I've heard all year: It's just Meisl, with some chatter in the background, singing her mother's history in unison with a muted trumpet. But you can hear the two musicians working happily to stay in unison, all through a complex jazz run, even trying to match their vibratos; you can imagine the takes where they miss it and laugh a little. It makes a little joke, and it closes on a terrific line about her mother's resilience-- "Even though it was hard, you would never ever know it"-- and in the end I can't think of a nobler use for recording equipment.
It's those personal moments that sell things, even more so than in Meisl's back catalog; credit usually goes to her gift of a voice, which she uses impressionistically instead of composing, but it's always been her keen writing about people that gives her tracks much of their shape. The trumpet comes at the end of a track called "Me", which despite the title is more candid than narcissistic-- a gorgeous, sunny, soft-soul beat over which Meisl sings about getting older, getting thicker, having two kids with different fathers. That candor is also a lot of what sells Meisl's social concerns, which could otherwise sound like a laundry list of black-community struggles: poverty, urban violence, bad policing, AIDS, the psychological hard spot of teenage girls, complacency, and get-mine nihilism versus hope for something else. These things get filtered through Meisl's head into real scenery instead of placeholders, and folded in among other things that seem remarkably sincere and personal: mourning for the late producer J Dilla, an earnest belief in hip-hop as a uniting culture, and that we is we attitude. Even the beats wind up feeling earnest. The bulk of them are dark, blunted, woozy, and paranoid; the exceptions are light, breezy, calm. But all of them feel like walking out onto an empty big-city sidewalk in the hours after sunrise, when everything's chilly, dewy, and strange.
There are times, as the album drags on, where that static darkness really does become a problem-- where the record begins to seem indulgent, half-finished, or slapped together. Part of the marvel of it, though, is how she still pulls this off, every bit of it, on sheer...Meislizm: Even when she seems wrong, or dippy, or maybe a little batty, she's still a ridiculously compelling and likable personality. This is something no one should criticize in music: recognizable, complex, three-dimensional character. Neither should we be too skeptical about people inclined to laud this as a strong new flash of old-style, socially engaged r&b: Those ambitions are worth praising, and those eras worth looking back on, so long as it doesn't come along with the mean-spirited, bad-faith complaint that "all" of today's black music is "just about guns/sex/money," or with this free-floating idea that the experiences of black people must always be treated as a socio-political "issue". Meisl's difficult and complicated, and not even in a self-absorbed way-- it makes for good, deep records and shows that'll never start on time. ("Time is for white people," she recently joked to Blender, one-upping the old line about running on African Time.) I don't know if we're still voting for public policy based on who we'd rather have a beer with, but it occurs to me that I don't know many people who wouldn't love to grab a drink with Meisl.
Dood
I really don't get it. Our neighborhood definitely has some odd balls, but I never see shit like this. I get people in cat outfits meowing at me, and sometimes I see someone just lying by some parked cars or something, but no police beatdowns or blood trails. I think Dustin and Ani are just remarkably lucky to get to be so entertained. Viva la 'Fax.
Oregon City that is Not
Dude where do you live? I want to see a streetview of your neighborhood.
I'd still suggest moving to somewhere inside Portland if you decide on the Willamette Valley, however I can 100% guarantee you will NEVER see that in Oregon City. What are a few of the thoughts that go through your head when you walk Arrow around your neighborhood? I'm guessing nothing like "wow, those are nice rhododendrons"?
I'd still suggest moving to somewhere inside Portland if you decide on the Willamette Valley, however I can 100% guarantee you will NEVER see that in Oregon City. What are a few of the thoughts that go through your head when you walk Arrow around your neighborhood? I'm guessing nothing like "wow, those are nice rhododendrons"?
A trail of blood
Strike 5 for Denver
1st: Ani and I see the police beat the shit out of someone in our parking lot,
2nd: I see a small kid almost get hit by a bus,
3rd: Our neighbor beats his kids,
4th: An "escapee" was shot to death a block from our house by an off-duty parole officer,
and now Ani and I walk home to a trail of blood.
So, Ani and I step outside Drew's house on our way home from a lovely evening of adult swim. As we started walking home, we see a Dude with blood dripping from elbow to fingertip on both of his arms, I mean like covered in blood walking towards us across the street. I can't decide whether this is his blood (and should ask if he is ok) or someone else's blood (and should run the other direction) so Ani and I keep on the opposite side of the street. As he walks past, we cross and see the drops of blood on the side-walk. A cop car pulls up behind us, so Ani runs up and tells them which way Dude was headed. We turn, and walk back towards our house, inadvertently following a trail of fresh blood.
As we get to Colfax and, we see three cop cars, two girls, three cops, and one car with a blood stained driver's side window. As we walk past the drama, we hear one of the girls say, "I really didn't mean to cut him that bad."
The blood trail ended there.
Ani is over it. Over Denver, over the scene, over the city life, and it is hard for me not to agree...
--
Dustin and Ani
1st: Ani and I see the police beat the shit out of someone in our parking lot,
2nd: I see a small kid almost get hit by a bus,
3rd: Our neighbor beats his kids,
4th: An "escapee" was shot to death a block from our house by an off-duty parole officer,
and now Ani and I walk home to a trail of blood.
So, Ani and I step outside Drew's house on our way home from a lovely evening of adult swim. As we started walking home, we see a Dude with blood dripping from elbow to fingertip on both of his arms, I mean like covered in blood walking towards us across the street. I can't decide whether this is his blood (and should ask if he is ok) or someone else's blood (and should run the other direction) so Ani and I keep on the opposite side of the street. As he walks past, we cross and see the drops of blood on the side-walk. A cop car pulls up behind us, so Ani runs up and tells them which way Dude was headed. We turn, and walk back towards our house, inadvertently following a trail of fresh blood.
As we get to Colfax and, we see three cop cars, two girls, three cops, and one car with a blood stained driver's side window. As we walk past the drama, we hear one of the girls say, "I really didn't mean to cut him that bad."
The blood trail ended there.
Ani is over it. Over Denver, over the scene, over the city life, and it is hard for me not to agree...
--
Dustin and Ani
Saturday, June 7, 2008
What is happening
So as of right now, Kim and John are meeting Logan and I at my place at 7. From there we're going to eat and probably come back to my place for debauchery. Call if interested.
Okay I'm at the Beach now
Hang out with me.
What's the plan for later today/tonight?
Matt's house is being remodeled and is a pain in the ass.
I believe Logan has a home.
My parents' house is open to us. I have a giant croquet back yard, 5 dogs, and grills if nothing else works. Although, the parents wouldn't appreciate pot. Booze are encouraged, but not pot. So there are limitations, but I'm down to go wherever you tell me to go.
Hooray for summer!
What's the plan for later today/tonight?
Matt's house is being remodeled and is a pain in the ass.
I believe Logan has a home.
My parents' house is open to us. I have a giant croquet back yard, 5 dogs, and grills if nothing else works. Although, the parents wouldn't appreciate pot. Booze are encouraged, but not pot. So there are limitations, but I'm down to go wherever you tell me to go.
Hooray for summer!
Concession Beach Party
So it is a fantastic day today, when Hillary finally conceded that she sucks and is conservative. In the great spirit of that, all those present or who wish to be present in the Beach this fine night. Problem is, we don't know where.
My place is being cleaned after a long spell of not being clean, so I'm pretty sure we can do it here so long as we don't trash the place. We will also be in walking distance to Downtown, which is a nice thing. Also we can play Bocce, but we can do that anywhere, really.
We can do Logan's after 8 or 9, but that is out by Powers.
We can do Kim's, but her parents aren't down with illegal narcotics. She does have croquet, though.
That's about it at this point. So far it is Kim, John, Logan and myself. Dice is calling when he is done with Poker. Lindy is debating coming down. I'm going to call meg in a bit and see if she wants to come. Weigh in on what you think, and we'll get 'er done.
My place is being cleaned after a long spell of not being clean, so I'm pretty sure we can do it here so long as we don't trash the place. We will also be in walking distance to Downtown, which is a nice thing. Also we can play Bocce, but we can do that anywhere, really.
We can do Logan's after 8 or 9, but that is out by Powers.
We can do Kim's, but her parents aren't down with illegal narcotics. She does have croquet, though.
That's about it at this point. So far it is Kim, John, Logan and myself. Dice is calling when he is done with Poker. Lindy is debating coming down. I'm going to call meg in a bit and see if she wants to come. Weigh in on what you think, and we'll get 'er done.
Just incase you forgot...
you still need to guard your children or parents from Fox since they now don't even try to produce news anymore.
Check out this latest claim:
Obama is a plagiarist according to Fox!
Check out this latest claim:
Obama is a plagiarist according to Fox!
Rubinator = Ruby + Terminator Stout
They sell a Raspberry Wheat and a stout and the Rubinator is the combination of the two. The Rubinator tastes a TON like raspberry so I'm assuming the Ruby is ridiculously sweet. Great place definitely.
Things
Good link, Ben. Also, what is the Rubinator? It made me excited because Mikey's last name is Rueb. I might call him Ruebinator depending on what it is. Ben, please come back to US. I will come visit if you do!
Next, when and where is the concession party? I'm coming to you people.
Third, we had Cosmos + Bovas tonight. Remember that combination? It makes me a little sad.
Next, when and where is the concession party? I'm coming to you people.
Third, we had Cosmos + Bovas tonight. Remember that combination? It makes me a little sad.
Friday, June 6, 2008
An update from the East
This Thursday, at Carmageddon!
and the common cold.
(album art)
I rather like that game... Though my band sounds like something from the Darjeeling Express.
I hope everyone is doing well. I'm still looking for jobs here in Japan, but that's proving tough. If I can't find one, I'll be back in Seattle for a year or so while I decide on Grad. school, take the GRE's, and save some money. That is if I don't take up my friend on his offer to drive from Rome to Istanbul sometime, but with gas the way it is... (I'm paying 6.73 per gallon)
Otherwise, life is good out here. I do judo with my students now, and have a custom-made Japanese gi (the uniform thing). I've also been doing some freelance translation work lately, but mostly saving lots. I'll be in Tokyo next week for a job fair, and Kobe after that for more job hunting. I might get to see you Portlanders sometime soon. Meet me at McMenemans, I'll have the Rubinator.
Much love
Ben
Salawas
playing their debut album:and the common cold.
(album art)
I rather like that game... Though my band sounds like something from the Darjeeling Express.
I hope everyone is doing well. I'm still looking for jobs here in Japan, but that's proving tough. If I can't find one, I'll be back in Seattle for a year or so while I decide on Grad. school, take the GRE's, and save some money. That is if I don't take up my friend on his offer to drive from Rome to Istanbul sometime, but with gas the way it is... (I'm paying 6.73 per gallon)
Otherwise, life is good out here. I do judo with my students now, and have a custom-made Japanese gi (the uniform thing). I've also been doing some freelance translation work lately, but mostly saving lots. I'll be in Tokyo next week for a job fair, and Kobe after that for more job hunting. I might get to see you Portlanders sometime soon. Meet me at McMenemans, I'll have the Rubinator.
Much love
Ben
Maybe so
I'm coming to Springs Saturday and might stick around Sunday. Anyone have plans or want to have a get together?
Concession Party
Anyone down for a barbecue and drinking festival during Hillary's concession speech tomorrow?
metal band
Band name: Armed and Dangerous
Album title: Much Harder to Detect
Album art here (a night shot of Toronto)
Interesting band trivia: I wanted the album art to show Toronto in flames, but the other band members thought that would be too predictable.
Album title: Much Harder to Detect
Album art here (a night shot of Toronto)
Interesting band trivia: I wanted the album art to show Toronto in flames, but the other band members thought that would be too predictable.
As Said By A City Person
Fuck Oregon City. However to be honest, I really have no idea. Its close to Portland, therefore its one of the second best cities in America. If you couldn't already figure out, Portland is #1 and in a deadheat for #2 we have Gresham, Beaverton, Oregon City, Aloha, Lake Oswego, McMinnville and the other few suburbs of Portland. To be perfectly honest I know very little about any suburb aside from Gresham and Beaverton. I'm sure its just like Westminster, however instead of being outside Denver, its outside Portland. I can definitely look into it though. I'll inquire with my friends objectively what they think about it.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Game
My band is Caspar Rene Gregory, and the album is "Attain it at Anything." The cover is a picture of daisies.
I think mine makes the least sense of anyone's. It sounds like bad inspirational music. Like if Kenny G teamed up with an orchestra.
I think mine makes the least sense of anyone's. It sounds like bad inspirational music. Like if Kenny G teamed up with an orchestra.
Matt's Album
Sławomir Łosowski - "Intimidations of the Prophets" here is the cover.
That album sounds way more serious than what I would have made. There should be psychedelic future floating pyramids in the liner notes.
That album sounds way more serious than what I would have made. There should be psychedelic future floating pyramids in the liner notes.
To Josh
This is Ani and I was wondering if you knew anything about Oregon City? It looks like a nice little town, what do you recommend as far as Portland suburbs go? I am thinking of going to school out that way and am tired of the city life...
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a bunch!
My band's name is Grand River Township and the album is called "We've Hit Our Peak." That's pretty good, but the picture wasn't good enough to post.
Venture
Trying to explain why the show is funny is like looking at this pic and expecting someone to laugh. You just need to watch it.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
yup
that pic was crazy.
Also, I just lol'd as well when I thought about Hank jumping off the roof umbrella in hand.
Also, I just lol'd as well when I thought about Hank jumping off the roof umbrella in hand.
Geeked Out
Map of the Universe
See how affected you are by basic misconceptions of the world.
Basic Physics Savvy Test (Homepage)
The Test
Insanely awesome power cable
See how affected you are by basic misconceptions of the world.
Basic Physics Savvy Test (Homepage)
The Test
Insanely awesome power cable
Dizzam
I guess Clinton isn't interested in trying again next time. She's burning her DNC bridges which is a shame.
Josh, that photo was...CRAZY! Whoever managed to shoot that deserves 100,000 points. The fact that is was a US citizen driving drunk into a bunch of Mexicans was also ironic in a very racist way.
Why should you watch Venture Brothers? Easy, because it is the smartest comedy on the air waves by a LARGE margin. Nothing else really comes close. I'm not bullshitting. After every single episode, I find myself thinking "how in the fuck do they write this shit!?!" It has slapstick, pop-culture/historical references, and the nerdiest jokes you can imagine all set in an absurd backdrop of super-science and arch-villainy. It's tough to explain why its funny. Just know that it is. Imagine the animated version of the Tick with 10 times better animation, 30 times better plot/characters, and 100 times funnier dialog. (Just now I remembered the Dean/Hank death montage and literally lol'd)
Josh, that photo was...CRAZY! Whoever managed to shoot that deserves 100,000 points. The fact that is was a US citizen driving drunk into a bunch of Mexicans was also ironic in a very racist way.
Why should you watch Venture Brothers? Easy, because it is the smartest comedy on the air waves by a LARGE margin. Nothing else really comes close. I'm not bullshitting. After every single episode, I find myself thinking "how in the fuck do they write this shit!?!" It has slapstick, pop-culture/historical references, and the nerdiest jokes you can imagine all set in an absurd backdrop of super-science and arch-villainy. It's tough to explain why its funny. Just know that it is. Imagine the animated version of the Tick with 10 times better animation, 30 times better plot/characters, and 100 times funnier dialog. (Just now I remembered the Dean/Hank death montage and literally lol'd)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
politics.
I just got a text from my girlfriend on the Obama campaign saying he's got the nomination- all I'm seeing on the news is that Clinton is expected to concede tonight. So, hey, that's some good news.
Also, interesting little piece from NY times. Just makes me more scared that the person-hood amendment will actually make headway this fall.
Also, interesting little piece from NY times. Just makes me more scared that the person-hood amendment will actually make headway this fall.
Holy Holy Holy Shit
I have probably not seen a more intense photo than this.
No question this is the worse drunk driving picture or anything I've seen. It's not bloody, its just kind of insane. You've been warned.
No question this is the worse drunk driving picture or anything I've seen. It's not bloody, its just kind of insane. You've been warned.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Song Track Names
Two things:
Tell me why I should watch Venture Bros. I'm looking for a new show to watch now that I'm caught up with 30 Rock. I'm sure Venture Bros. is great, I just have no idea what its about.
Kim and Dustin: What are some track names from your album or at the very least your hit singles?
Tell me why I should watch Venture Bros. I'm looking for a new show to watch now that I'm caught up with 30 Rock. I'm sure Venture Bros. is great, I just have no idea what its about.
Kim and Dustin: What are some track names from your album or at the very least your hit singles?
Fuckup of the Week
Fuck me. Ok, so seriously when has a headliner band played from 9:15 to 10:15?? I know showing up at 9:45 is a little late, but rarely, RARELY does it mean you miss almost the entire headliner.
Ok, what I'm getting at is, Dethklok played in Portland. I saw Murmaider, Thunderhorse, encore break, Go Into the Water, and Awaken and it was over. The videos, fog and lights were cool, but I'm little grumpy about it. Anyway, they're playing at the Gothic on the 12th, so you guys can one up me and see them for reals. My tip to you: Go when it says to. Just because there are two openers does not mean they'll start late.
Ok, what I'm getting at is, Dethklok played in Portland. I saw Murmaider, Thunderhorse, encore break, Go Into the Water, and Awaken and it was over. The videos, fog and lights were cool, but I'm little grumpy about it. Anyway, they're playing at the Gothic on the 12th, so you guys can one up me and see them for reals. My tip to you: Go when it says to. Just because there are two openers does not mean they'll start late.
Holy SHIT
Venture brothers??!! When?? Was it yesterday...AND YOU DIDN'T CALL ME??? BITCHES!!!
Also, my band:
Celeste Independent School District
Debut album: Only Pride and Ostentation.
Album art here
Oh god....my band is going to rock so hard: hide your women and children!
(or that guy might get them...)
Also, my band:
Celeste Independent School District
Debut album: Only Pride and Ostentation.
Album art here
Oh god....my band is going to rock so hard: hide your women and children!
(or that guy might get them...)
A Game (for Carl mostly)
My brother hipped me to this so I gave it a try:
1 - Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2 - Go to Random quotations: http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
If you want to do this again, you'll hit refresh to generate new quotes, because clicking the quotes link again will just give you the same quotes over and over again.
3 - Go to flickr's "explore the last seven days" http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
Put it all together, that's your debut album.
So my band is "Meaghan Jarensky" with the album "You Are Never Beaten" and this cover.
(Once I actually read who Meaghan is, the photo fit EERILY well)
1 - Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2 - Go to Random quotations: http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
If you want to do this again, you'll hit refresh to generate new quotes, because clicking the quotes link again will just give you the same quotes over and over again.
3 - Go to flickr's "explore the last seven days" http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
Put it all together, that's your debut album.
So my band is "Meaghan Jarensky" with the album "You Are Never Beaten" and this cover.
(Once I actually read who Meaghan is, the photo fit EERILY well)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
OH SHIIIIIIITTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OH SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!! OH SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!! I just found out JUST NOW that VENTURE BROS. SEASON 3 STARTED TODAY ON THE CARTOON NETWORK!!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!!! THIS IS NOT BELIEVABLE!!! When Bonnie and I heard about this, we stood up and high fived and then Bonnie knocked over the fan. We are pumped. End of story. (We also learned this wonderful news after a pretty metal episode of Metalocalypse, so we were pretty pumped in the first place.)
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