life:
In which a tiny kitten falls down a hole into an underground dungeon for hours, but then gets rescued (!), and eats an ear of corn to celebrate, as it should.
Similar things have happened in the past — an underground dungeon may, or may have not been involved. See picture below. (Allan Grant—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
(via npr)
Every so often, there will be a band that will just grab my attention, and I’ll just go on and on saying how awesome they are and how everybody should listen to them because they’re really good and they have a really great handle on their music and performance.
Well, I found one of those bands, and they’re called Cloud Nothings. Their newest album, Attack On Memory has been on repeat since I first bought it last month. I will go as far to say that it is one of my favorite albums to come out in the last few years, and I’m completely serious. It is a punk album; it has some intense, visceral moments on it. It is also very well written. Amazingly so, considering that the songwriter, Dylan Baldi is a 20 year guy who was writing songs in his parent’s basement in suburban Cleveland, Ohio two years ago.
“Stay Useless,” one of the singles off of Attack On Memory is one of the best examples of Baldi’s songwriting. Starting off with a single guitar riff, he sings over some catchy hooks to then get to the refrain, singing, “I need time to stop moving, I need time to stay useless.” It is a wonderfully written piece of punk with enough accessibility to get people to want to sing along to it.
Opener “No Future/No Past” is a slow building song, going from a piano led opening to a violent storm of guitars and screams at the very end to drive it on home. It very subtly goes from a peaceful albeit discordant crawl to a howling, visceral climax right at the very end.
The most impressive song though is “Wasted Days” a near nine-minute song that starts off quick and then never lets up. Again, Baldi shows his prowess at song-writing by allowing the bass guitar part in the song drive it right on home, particularly about a third of the way end. His own lead guitar work adds a lot of texture; he solos all around the groove the bass leaves. The the song comes to a huge climax and then releases into the hook-laden “Fall In.”
“Separation” and “No Sentiment” are probably the two heaviest tracks on the album, and are greatly placed in the middle to provide a change of pace.
If there ever was an album to be listened to so far this year, I highly suggest this one. The songwriting presented is exemplary and will excite you. I know it has made quite the fan out of me.
No one, I repeat, NO ONE could ever capture the essence of teen angst better than the late great John Hughes. 1985 wasn’t just a great year for Bowling for Soup. Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off were also made right around that time. John Hughes not only wrote like a teenager, he understood every aspect of teenage life and didn’t hide a single dirty detail. He admitted that the cool kids don’t talk to the nerds, even after a Saturday school they’d never forget. He showed us how a true friend really wants what’s best for you, despite what he has to give up in return. And most memorably, he taught us that skipping school is really fun, especially when you live near Chicago.
While a lot of movies nowadays take us out of our lives for a short while, these 80s movies (as well as most of his others) put us back into those moments that every teenager can relate to. He does it in a way that keeps the realism, but still lets you have the happy ending. He has deep insights, but communicates them through relatable dialogue and clever situations. In short, John Hughes gives us our teenage years back, but in much better shape.
And it doesn’t stop there. Before we were old enough to fully appreciate the gravity of his first few films, we saw those that were made during our childhood. The Home Alone movies, Dennis the Menace, Flubber, 101 Dalmatians, and Drillbit Taylor were all penned by this masterful screenwriter. Look at the scope of generations he influenced. From the 1980s all the way to those born in the late nineties, his movies entertained, informed, and inspired us to go ahead and be that daring kid or not let the bully win. In a way, we owe John Hughes big time for all that he’s contributed to our childhood. My hat is off to you, John…if only I had one.
“I’m fine with it as long as they don’t do it in front of me…”
“It’s just not right…”
“Do they really need to get married? They don’t really want that…”
These are just some of the vaguely homophobic phrases I’ve heard today…it’s currently 10:35 am. It’s kind of like the air conditioner in a lecture hall:: sure you noticed it at first and it was annoying, but now you’ve heard it so many times, you’ve gotten used to it. It’s part of your everyday routine.
But…why?
Now, I’ll preface this. I grew up in a small town. Sure, we were 20 minutes from a city, but I spent most of my time in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. It wasn’t exactly the center for culture and enlightenment. I once got flicked off and threatened by a guy driving a truck painted like the confederate flag…I have a peace sign air freshener…it was awkward.
The point is, I get what it’s like to be brought up in an area where homosexuality is not widely accepted, let alone praised. But, no one told me to accept it. No one told me to be kind. No one told me that when my best friend came out to me that I was supposed to hug him and smile and be happy for him.
I just did it. I knew it was not my place to be cruel.
I get it, I’m not always the norm. I shouldn’t be riding on my bleeding heart liberal high horse, I’ve heard it. But, one thing that gets me is how much homophobia is a viable excuse for plain ignorance. Sure, there are religious reasons, political reasons, personal reasons, public reasons… the list goes on, but homophobia, the actually clinical disease homophobia, is the most easily overcome phobia.
Don’t believe me? Here’s proof.
Okay, just kidding, but that article is funny, huh?
But truly, homophobia takes about 2 sessions with a psychologist to “cure.” This is the lowest number of all of the phobias to get over.
But you can’t just go into a session and expect to be cured right out. A patient must be open and willing to change. If not, you may as well be talking to a brick wall. And this is half the problem. A lot of people don’t want to change. They’re comfortable and they don’t see the hurt they’re inflicting on members of the LGBTQ community.
I once heard a story of a man who was so against homosexuality he told his gay son to get out and never come back again. After his son was gone for some years, he regretted his decision, he wanted to see his son. He found out that his son was getting married and got in contact with him again and walked him down the aisle. The desire to see his own son overcame his previous notion. He wanted to accept it, he had the desire, so it happened.
That’s my main issue. I don’t expect for Rick Santorum to start waving the rainbow flag any time soon, but if we could have baby steps and stop comparing marriage equality to “marrying one’s mother-in-law” and stop acting like being “homophobic” is a viable excuse for hate crimes and ignorance, maybe the world will be a little easier for people to handle.
Does the picture make the photographer or does the photographer make the picture? This is a debate I’ve had with myself for quite a while and I’ve been back and forth on the issue countless times. The more I learn about cameras and lenses, the more I have started to suspect that- with the right equipment- anyone could be a photographer. All it really takes is being in the right place at the right time and the patience to wait for the shot you seek.
Well if it’s all technological, then how can photography be art? Photographer Erik Johansson answers that question for us. His art is classified as “impossible photography.” In a talk he gave at a TED conference he asks the same questions that I started out with. He answers them in his mind by going back to his creative roots: drawing. He wanted a way to combine photography and his love of drawing, and in doing so he has a stunning portfolio to show for it.
With these images, Johansson says, it is all about the planning. Getting the same angle and light that allows the photographs to be combined seamlessly to create a greater whole. In my opinion, he is not just a photographer, but an artist. A true creative genius who knows the merits of technology, but also how creativity can bring an image to new heights.
What do you think constitues a good photograph?
This post was supposed to be about Super Bowl ads. This post will no longer be about Super Bowl ads. There are two reasons for this change in programming.
1) The Super Bowl happened almost a week ago. As a result, the commercials have already been talked about ad nauseum, and everyone has developed their own opinions on what was good and what was bad. Talking about it a week later would add nothing of relevance to the overall discussion.
2) I just finished Saints Row the Third.
While point number one is pretty self explanatory, I suppose number two requires some elaboration. Basically, after finishing it, I just needed to express my opinions on the game as a whole.
That about sums it up.
But in all seriousness, this game is figuratively mind blowing. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Saints Row The Third is an open world shooter much in the vein of Grand Theft Auto. But unlike GTA, who took a more serious approach to story in their last effort, Saints Row decided to create a story that turns up the insanity to 11. What makes this game so crazy?
Things like this happen on a regular basis.
This is just a short list of what Saints Row has to offer in the insanity department. At first it may seem like this would become a little overwhelming. Insanity for the sake of insanity usually falls flat and isn’t very compelling. But that’s the beauty of Saints Row, all of the insanity makes sense. Volition, the developer behind the game, have created a world where suspension of disbelief is expected the moment you step into the world. Instead of having one ridiculously absurd sequence after hours of relativity normal story, it’s just one absurd situation after another. Jumping out of a plane and parachuting through another plane seems way more plausible when in the prior mission you were hanging off of a giant vault that a helicopter was carrying across the city.
I guess in the end there wasn’t really a goal to this article. Other than me gushing about Saints Row and hopefully at least getting one person to check it out, which you should totally do. Now.
Photos by Kelli Oliver
When you hear the words “sustainable” or “organic”, what do you think of? Generally, the term conjures up images of long-haired hippies in hemp, selling their wares on the side of the highway or at the local farmer’s market, making just enough to scrape by and hardly enough to make any impact on the supermarket-dominated American economy.
Basically, local level production equals a small and localized consumerism, and for those in the hustle and bustle of cities and suburbs, organic foods just aren’t worth the effort. However, before you nod your head and woefully grieve the end of sustainability, I would like to introduce you to a group that has fought hard to dispel these misconceptions (and has been surprisingly successful about it as well).
In the heart of southeastern Ohio, (which is pretty much the heart of the Midwest, and therefore the heart of the United States) lies a subculture that has led the way for progressive and eco-friendly forms of food production. About 20 minutes outside Athens, within the limits of a town called Pomeroy, spreads a small dairy farm. Consisting of a compact dairy processor, a few acres of pasture for the roaming cattle, and a tight-knit group of employees, the farm is “local” in every sense of the word. But the waves they’ve been making within the past few years are measuring up to a far more global scale.
Snowville Creamery is the kind of farm that used to define America- before we became Supreme Industrialists of the world. Focused on quality, they have implemented a system that is both shockingly new and surprisingly… traditional. It is built completely off the theory that happy cows make delicious milk, and delicious milk makes happy customers. Pretty revolutionary, huh? Grazing, seasonal breeding, and a low-stress atmosphere is, in a sense, the perfect formula to create the perfect glass of milk.
The man behind the cow (so to speak), is Warren Taylor. Raised during a time when organic was the norm, Taylor seeks to return to that era. The goal is to initiate similar businesses not only in Athens, but all of Ohio and- eventually- all of the United States. Creating a “sustainable method of food production that is more efficient than the current system” is ideal, he says. But where change really needs to happen isn’t just the grass-roots level. Taylor is currently reaching far beyond the Midwest- all the way to the stone steps of Washington D.C. Running for Congress seems like the natural next step for a man who has built up a successful, sustainable business from the ground up, and his supporters would agree.
Taylor espouses the idea that little people can make a difference. “If you feel disempowered,” He says, “then they’re winning.” He should know. After years as a dairy technician in California and Ohio, Taylor knows what it takes to run a sustainable business, and what it takes to bring change to a country truly in need of it. He wants to encourage businesses that “don’t threaten democracy, but encourage it”. By focusing on quality, and local food providers, he is convinced that Ohio can set an example for the rest of the nation.
Although they are currently in the process of just getting Warren Taylor’s name on the ballot- and, even more importantly, in the forefront of people’s minds- the outcome looks promising. For more information on what Warren stands for, and how you can contribute to his “Grass-Grazed Revolution”, click here. For a more detailed history of Snowville and what they’re trying to do, click here. If you live within Ohio, chances are you’ll find a grocer selling Snowville milk nearby. It’s honestly the best milk I’ve ever had (and that’s coming from someone who is extremely lactose intolerant). It’s so good, that even Columbus’famous Jeni’s uses it in their ice cream, and openly supports the brand in all of their stores.
The last 15 minutes of our trip to Snowville were spent drinking milk and chatting with this Renaissance man of many colors. It was at this moment, when the group took a slight pause to appreciate Snowville’s famous chocolate milk (made with Malley’s chocolate from Cleveland), that Warren shared with us one of his most principle philosophies. Given to him by an old tai chi master, it’s a phrase that he takes every opportunity to foster and share: Whatever makes you smile, makes you live longer. And I can assure you that as we left, with bellies full and minds engaged, we thanked Warren for the smiles, and the knowledge that happiness will forever be the key to Snowville’s legacy.
Much of the theater world rejoiced last week and in my opinion, for good reason.
Despite rumors and a (possibly) fake press release, Samantha Barks was officially cast as Eponine in the 2012 Les Miserables movie, and not Taylor Swift.
Phew. Could you imagine “a little fall of rain” with a twang and acoustic guitar?
Before I get into my take on the cast, I have to say, I’m pretty impressed. There is a nice mix of “mainstream” but still talented actors and unknowns. I’m never a HUGE fan of musicals-turned-movies, but I’m guilty of owning many. There is something great about having these shows available at all times to fans.
So without further ado, I’m gonna give my two cents on the cast, okay?
Hugh Jackman, Jean Valjean: I couldn’t be happier about this one. Hugh is honestly one of the most multi-talented actors I know. He also has an extensive stage background and looks the part. Valjean is such an intense character, and who better to play him then wolverine/curly?
Amanda Seyfried, Cosette: This is a very interesting choice to me. While Seyfried starred in the big screen adaptation of Mama Mia and did a great job, I have never really seen her play a character on this level. She has shown she can sing soprano well in Mama Mia and she definitely looks the part, but I wonder how well she’ll play the damsel in distress. I’m optimistic.
Anne Hathaway, Fantine: I can’t believe this one has not gotten more press. I don’t believe they could have picked a better Fantine. Hathaway can sing and play about a million different characters as Fantine has many sides. She was in the musical adaptation of “twelfth night” (which was composed by Hem, one of the folk bands on my playlist!) and was breathtaking onstage. I’m really excited to see her.
Eddie Redmayne, Marius: This one is strange to me. I figured they would have chosen a well-known actor to play to main love interest. There were many rumors that Nick Jonas would take on the role that he had previously performed at the 25th anniversary concert. I had never heard of Redmayne, but when IMBD’d him, I realized he was in My Week with Marilyn along with a few other great movies. I couldn’t find any video of him singing, but let’s hope the poor boy is a tenor. He definitely looks the part and seems to be accustomed to playing a man in love. I think it’s a cool choice to pick a lesser known actor for this role. We shall see how this goes.
Russell Crowe, Javert: I was a bit defensive about this one at first. “Stars” is one of my favorite songs from the show and I had never heard Crowe sing before. I immediately wondered if they’d cut the song. Then I heard Crowe sing. It is absolutely perfect for Javert. He has a husky baritone voice (if you want to hear it http://bit.ly/yZvTmZ) that is very Javert. Crowe has also played tough characters so that will work very well, but I wonder how well he will do with Javert’s internal battles and eventual suicide.
Helena Bonham Carter, Mme. Thenardier: Words on a screen can not express how much I love this casting decision. Not only am I obsessed with Carter, but is there really any other mainstream actress who could play this part? She’s a crazy english lady. Perfect. Plus Carter was great as Mrs. Lovett in the big screen adaptation of Sweeney Todd. I love it. I love her.
Sacha Baron Cohen, Monsieur Thenardier: …This one bothers me a little bit. I have never been a big fan of Cohen. His humor just doesn’t sit with me very well. One thing I will give him is he is a great character actor….he really….commits. Thenardier is definitely a character part, but he is deeper than that. He is a cruel man and his part has meaning. Some moments ARE serious. That’s why I am not sure. They just need to reign in his humor a bit.
Samantha Barks, Eponine: As I previously stated, this one made me giddy. Barks Epoinine in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Mis. She was breathtaking. We all know she is capable of playing the part, now let’s see how she does on the big screen.
Aaron Tveit, Enjorlas: …Sorry I just needed a second there to catch my breath. Anyone who has paid any attention to the theater world in the last few years should know Tveit. If you have a pulse, get to know him. He originated Gabe in one of my favorite musicals, Next To Normal and recently starred in the Catch Me If You Can. In both he plays very intense characters (in different ways). Enjorlas is one of the most intense characters in the show and I am confident Tveit will play him beautifully…you may just have to wipe up the puddle that used to be me after I see him on the big screen…
What do you think? Were you pining for someone else to play your favorite? Or are you as psyched as I am?
This is it, the eve of the Super Bowl. Just one more day before the the Patriots and Giants take on each other in arguably the biggest football game of the year. Personally, I couldn’t be more excited for this game. This is the first year I’ve followed the entire football season from start to finish, and it’s finally coming to it’s climactic end. Of course, even if you don’t like football, there’s still plenty of reasons to watch the game. Well, I guess it’s more of a singular “reason” since the half-time shows aren’t what they used to be. Luckily, there have been no wardrobe malfunctions during the Super Bowl commercials.
Despite decades of quality commercials, I feel as though the last couple years have been sort of lack luster, especially last year. The only two that come to mind are:
And…
While funny, these ads pale in comparison to classics such as the Apple 1984 and Mean Joe Green Coke spots. With ever involving technology you’d think commercials would be getting better and better as a result of being able to accommodate more and more grandiose ideas, right? I actually disagree. Take the Star Wars prequels for example.
While there was a lot, and I mean a lot, wrong with the Star Wars prequels, one of the major complaints fans had was the liberal use of special effects. They stated the special effects were too over the top and caused the series to lose a lot of charm that it had back when it just used particle effects such as models to depict space battles. So it’s possible that in an attempt to create this super expensive breath taking production, a lot of Super Bowl commercials are missing the subtle nuances that make the classics, well…classic. Of course this is just rampant speculation from somebody has no insider information on the advertising industry at all.
That said, I have high hopes for this year’s crop of ads. I’ve heard good things about several pre-releases spots, but have been able to avoid having any of the commercials spoiled for me. The funny part is, any bathroom break I take during the game will probably be in between plays and not during the commercials.
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