My blogging was pretty intermittent the last couple weeks, but this was primarily because I was out doing things. I find it acceptable not to blog when I replace the blogging with living.
2 weekends ago I went camping for the first time in a number of years. And let me tell you, it was a pretty awesome camping trip. And let me tell you, it really wasn't camping.
A sizable chunk of the weekend was driving since the campsite was in Show Low. Why did we need to drive 3.5 hours away to go camping? I don't know. But it did allow us to be cold, something that is difficult to do in Phoenix. So that means we were in the car for 7 hours out of approximately 24, which is not a terribly good commute to activity ratio. But I made the best of it by creating a 90s playlist. I figured people wouldn't want to jam out to my latest indie/Euro/techno/folk stylings, but instead would want to revert to some comfort music of their youth. I will not disclose how much time I spent creating this playlist. I will disclose that it was chock full of cheesy 90s goodness like Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Chumbawumba, Alanis, Coolio, Nirvana, Aqua etc. I actually forgot Aqua (blasphemy!) but added them to the list after I got home. It was a 7 hour playlist, which was really necessary to define a decade of music.
So roughly 1/3 of the camping trip consisted of singing along/loving/mocking the 90s. Approximately another 1/3 consisted of playing cards. Phase 10, Scum, BS etc. Some people go camping to enjoy nature, I really go to play cards. Thankfully I was always able to find like-minded individuals.
The remaining 1/3 consisted of chit-chatting. I really don't know how to successfully blog about chit-chatting, so I won't try.
I spent approximately 15 seconds setting up and taking down my tent. This was done by sleeping in the car. To be fair, I actually kind of like setting up tents. But I hate taking down tents, so in order to avoid that I slept in my car. As we all know, my car is in my top 10 places that I like to sleep, so that works out pretty well. Unfortunately, it did get down to 50 degrees and my Arizona-adjusted body didn't handle that terribly well. But apart from that, it was a good night's sleep.
So I didn't set up a tent. I ate Wendys for dinner. I did enjoy a campfire, but did zero work in setting it up or keeping it going. I didn't tell ghost stories. I didn't hike. I didn't swim. In short, I didn't really camp. Which is really what made it a good campout.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Internet Find
I've liked this song for a little while now, and it may well make it to the ChrisMix finals in a couple months. Turns out, there are videos of people hand dancing to it. Good just got better.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Spectate with me
True friends are blah blah blah blah blah.
I don’t actually have any insight to what makes a true friend. However, I do have an insight into what makes a convenient friend. Media.
If you find someone that likes the same movies, music and activities that you do, chances are you’ve found a friend. Maybe they’re not going to give a toast at your wedding, but I bet they’re going to provide some good time for the weekend. And that’s a good enough place to start.
On Friday I went to The Pixies show in Mesa. I’ve got pictures, but honestly I’m too lazy to post them. I’m pretty happy that I’m managing to write a post again after getting out of the habit. But I’ve yet to take any good pictures at a concert so it’s a bit inconsequential. The point of the concert is the music, and The Pixies delivered. Apart from some slight missteps (starting with the B sides? 2 encores?) the show was awesome. I had a hard time motivating anyone to go see a band that last released an album in 1991, but eventually I scrapped 3 of us together. And I think we all agreed that it was quite awesome. They don’t have the manic energy from 20 years ago, but artful mix of screeching guitars, screeching vocals and powerful pop hooks was still there and a force to be reckoned with. Even my 6 hour headache couldn’t dampen the experience. Well, it dampened it, but not significantly. Add to the evening some delicious peach cobbler and frozen custard, and it was a winner of a night.
I had better luck putting together a group to see Daniel Tosh on Saturday. It’s amazing how popular a show on Comedy Central will make a stand-up comedian. I of course have to snootily point out that I liked him before he was famous. Or at least THIS famous. So me and some work friends got tickets and joined the thousands of other people crammed in the 5500 seats of Dodge Theater. Though first we had some top notch sushi. But after the top notch sushi we had the top notch comedy. It was about 95% new material, and 95% funny. Excellent stats Dan. He surprised me with some Mormon bashing, which was sadly pretty mundane. Oh well, we can’t win them all.
On Sunday the priority was Dexter. I don’t have Showtime, so needed to mooch off someone else’s largesse in order to watch my favorite premium cable serial killer who kills other serial killers. Luckily I found just such a dealer. We ate hummus and enjoyed some red velvet cake, all on a plastic wrapped table to celebrate the premiere. The time I spent this week studying Isaiah may have been negated by my Sunday evening of watching people get murdered, but I think it’s a fair trade.
Am I still going to be talking to these 8 people about concerts, comedy and television in 8 years? I don’t know. But for now, I’m glad that I’ve found people who similarly enjoy pastimes of mine. And if I could find a lady friend who enjoys influential 90s alternative, clever but blue comedy AND finely crafted ultraviolence, well, I’m pretty sure I’d be talking to her in 8 years. Because that would be more than a convenient friend.
I don’t actually have any insight to what makes a true friend. However, I do have an insight into what makes a convenient friend. Media.
If you find someone that likes the same movies, music and activities that you do, chances are you’ve found a friend. Maybe they’re not going to give a toast at your wedding, but I bet they’re going to provide some good time for the weekend. And that’s a good enough place to start.
On Friday I went to The Pixies show in Mesa. I’ve got pictures, but honestly I’m too lazy to post them. I’m pretty happy that I’m managing to write a post again after getting out of the habit. But I’ve yet to take any good pictures at a concert so it’s a bit inconsequential. The point of the concert is the music, and The Pixies delivered. Apart from some slight missteps (starting with the B sides? 2 encores?) the show was awesome. I had a hard time motivating anyone to go see a band that last released an album in 1991, but eventually I scrapped 3 of us together. And I think we all agreed that it was quite awesome. They don’t have the manic energy from 20 years ago, but artful mix of screeching guitars, screeching vocals and powerful pop hooks was still there and a force to be reckoned with. Even my 6 hour headache couldn’t dampen the experience. Well, it dampened it, but not significantly. Add to the evening some delicious peach cobbler and frozen custard, and it was a winner of a night.
I had better luck putting together a group to see Daniel Tosh on Saturday. It’s amazing how popular a show on Comedy Central will make a stand-up comedian. I of course have to snootily point out that I liked him before he was famous. Or at least THIS famous. So me and some work friends got tickets and joined the thousands of other people crammed in the 5500 seats of Dodge Theater. Though first we had some top notch sushi. But after the top notch sushi we had the top notch comedy. It was about 95% new material, and 95% funny. Excellent stats Dan. He surprised me with some Mormon bashing, which was sadly pretty mundane. Oh well, we can’t win them all.
On Sunday the priority was Dexter. I don’t have Showtime, so needed to mooch off someone else’s largesse in order to watch my favorite premium cable serial killer who kills other serial killers. Luckily I found just such a dealer. We ate hummus and enjoyed some red velvet cake, all on a plastic wrapped table to celebrate the premiere. The time I spent this week studying Isaiah may have been negated by my Sunday evening of watching people get murdered, but I think it’s a fair trade.
Am I still going to be talking to these 8 people about concerts, comedy and television in 8 years? I don’t know. But for now, I’m glad that I’ve found people who similarly enjoy pastimes of mine. And if I could find a lady friend who enjoys influential 90s alternative, clever but blue comedy AND finely crafted ultraviolence, well, I’m pretty sure I’d be talking to her in 8 years. Because that would be more than a convenient friend.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sounds and Funny
Roadtrip music, traditionally, is well known, pre-established music. People like to rock out to their favorites, car dance, sing-along etc. But when I roadtrip I like to listen to new music. Frequently when I listen to new music at home I get caught up in this-that-or-the-other and may not notice if I’m digging the music at all.
This most recent road trip I listened to about a dozen albums I’ve been sitting on for months. I also listened to about a dozen new comedians, for variety sake.
It’s the time of the week when I rank things: Top 5 albums I listened to last week
(facebookers, the blog is chock full of videos so I'd recommend you head over there)
5. Free Energy – Stuck on Nothing
No commentary really, just a fun album. Give it a try. Kind of like Weezer and Cheap Trick had a baby, with Spoon as the godfather. Okay, a little commentary.
4. Ellie Goulding – Lights
I’d heard a couple Ellie Goulding tracks already, Starry Eyed and Guns and Horses, but neither had really stuck out for me. The album as a whole though shows some neat variety, dipping into electronic, folk, rock etc. I’m a sucker for any British female vocalist, but you should definitely try Ellie out.
3. Scott Pilgrim vs The World
I’d listened to it a couple times before seeing the movie, but afterwards it is so much better. I can’t decide whether I like the Sex Bob-omb or Beck versions of the songs better.
2. VV Brown – Traveling Like the Light
A British female vocalist. Not technically true as I had her single Crying Blood on my ChrisMix last year, but she released her full album, and it has a bunch of winners. Shark In The Water would be on this year’s ChrisMix if it weren’t disqualified.
1. Anais Mitchell – Hadestown
I have no idea how I came upon this album. I think Anais may have hacked my computer and put it on there herself. But it’s awesome. It’s a blues/folk opera. Yes, awesome. It’s the story of Orpheus, as told during the Great Depression, with help of such folk as Ani DiFranco, Petra Haden, Bon Iver and the Low Anthem. It’s awesome, in case you missed that.
The time of the week, after that first time of the week, when I rank things: Top 5 new Comedians
(contains spicy language)
5. (Tie) Eugene Mirman / Brian Posehn
I put these two together because they only made me laugh half the time. But they have such bizarre jokes that it was surprising that I laughed at all. Odd stuff, but funny.
4. Louis C.K.
I’ve seen Louis C.K. here and there on tv, but never heard his stand-up. It’s good.
3. Nick Swardson
Turns out that I’ve seen Nick live. He was at a comedy tour I saw a number of years ago. He also plays Terry on Reno 911. None of the comics I’ve listed are terribly mature, but he’s the least mature of the bunch.
2. Todd Barry
I can’t find a single good video of Todd Barry. So you’re just going to have to trust me that he’s funny.
1. Maria Bamford
Maria is not my cup of tea. She does a lot of impersonations and “funny” voices. It’s generally the kind of broad schtick I avoid. But turns out, she’s got enough personality to pull off the slapstick. Maybe I was grinning more than laughing, but I was grinning a lot. Plus she's got OCD, depression and anxiety symptoms, but is never a downer. That takes some skills.
This most recent road trip I listened to about a dozen albums I’ve been sitting on for months. I also listened to about a dozen new comedians, for variety sake.
It’s the time of the week when I rank things: Top 5 albums I listened to last week
(facebookers, the blog is chock full of videos so I'd recommend you head over there)
5. Free Energy – Stuck on Nothing
No commentary really, just a fun album. Give it a try. Kind of like Weezer and Cheap Trick had a baby, with Spoon as the godfather. Okay, a little commentary.
4. Ellie Goulding – Lights
I’d heard a couple Ellie Goulding tracks already, Starry Eyed and Guns and Horses, but neither had really stuck out for me. The album as a whole though shows some neat variety, dipping into electronic, folk, rock etc. I’m a sucker for any British female vocalist, but you should definitely try Ellie out.
3. Scott Pilgrim vs The World
I’d listened to it a couple times before seeing the movie, but afterwards it is so much better. I can’t decide whether I like the Sex Bob-omb or Beck versions of the songs better.
2. VV Brown – Traveling Like the Light
A British female vocalist. Not technically true as I had her single Crying Blood on my ChrisMix last year, but she released her full album, and it has a bunch of winners. Shark In The Water would be on this year’s ChrisMix if it weren’t disqualified.
1. Anais Mitchell – Hadestown
I have no idea how I came upon this album. I think Anais may have hacked my computer and put it on there herself. But it’s awesome. It’s a blues/folk opera. Yes, awesome. It’s the story of Orpheus, as told during the Great Depression, with help of such folk as Ani DiFranco, Petra Haden, Bon Iver and the Low Anthem. It’s awesome, in case you missed that.
The time of the week, after that first time of the week, when I rank things: Top 5 new Comedians
(contains spicy language)
5. (Tie) Eugene Mirman / Brian Posehn
I put these two together because they only made me laugh half the time. But they have such bizarre jokes that it was surprising that I laughed at all. Odd stuff, but funny.
4. Louis C.K.
I’ve seen Louis C.K. here and there on tv, but never heard his stand-up. It’s good.
3. Nick Swardson
Turns out that I’ve seen Nick live. He was at a comedy tour I saw a number of years ago. He also plays Terry on Reno 911. None of the comics I’ve listed are terribly mature, but he’s the least mature of the bunch.
2. Todd Barry
I can’t find a single good video of Todd Barry. So you’re just going to have to trust me that he’s funny.
1. Maria Bamford
Maria is not my cup of tea. She does a lot of impersonations and “funny” voices. It’s generally the kind of broad schtick I avoid. But turns out, she’s got enough personality to pull off the slapstick. Maybe I was grinning more than laughing, but I was grinning a lot. Plus she's got OCD, depression and anxiety symptoms, but is never a downer. That takes some skills.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Prophet and the Whore
I taught a lesson about Hosea today. As per normal, I didn’t finish the lesson. I believe that I have never finished one of my lessons. I think I should get special permission to continue my lessons through Elders Quorum so I can actually reach the resolution of my thought process. Oh well.
Even more concerning, because I didn’t finish my lesson, I didn’t get to use all my puns, references and plays on words. So here are some of them.
I did get to use my new verse of Follow The Prophet. It goes like this:
Hosea was a prophet, who did everything right,
Even when God said wed a lady of the night.
She cheated on him, ‘cause she was still a ho
God said “This is how I feel, I thought that you should know.”
Thank goodness that didn’t go unsaid. But I did miss my chance to say “No way Hose . . . A.” I had been looking forward to that all week.
I was going to talk about fictitious countries, including Latveria, Elbonia and Genovia. I was going to marry any girl that knew all three.
I was going to see how many people we could name that were hookers with a heart of gold.
I did get to talk about Shawn Spencer and Professor Xavier, but did not get to talk about Todd the Vegan or Sookie Stackhouse.
I did not get to tell the stories about my Elders Quorum president who received inspiration NOT to go on a mission or my branch president who owned a casino.
I had a very timely Jerry Springer joke regarding Hosea’s paternity testing that I didn’t get to use.
We didn’t get to talk about Armageddon, AT ALL!
I had a quip about children being both the negative consequences of our actions and the blessing of our actions.
I considered singing bits of Love and Marriage, All You Need is Love and Roxanne.
I was going to talk about walking a mile in a prophet’s sandals and an adulteress’s hooker boots.
I didn’t get to make an internal citation joke regarding Christ quoting Hosea quoting Christ.
Clearly, I would benefit from getting another hour for my lessons.
Even more concerning, because I didn’t finish my lesson, I didn’t get to use all my puns, references and plays on words. So here are some of them.
I did get to use my new verse of Follow The Prophet. It goes like this:
Hosea was a prophet, who did everything right,
Even when God said wed a lady of the night.
She cheated on him, ‘cause she was still a ho
God said “This is how I feel, I thought that you should know.”
Thank goodness that didn’t go unsaid. But I did miss my chance to say “No way Hose . . . A.” I had been looking forward to that all week.
I was going to talk about fictitious countries, including Latveria, Elbonia and Genovia. I was going to marry any girl that knew all three.
I was going to see how many people we could name that were hookers with a heart of gold.
I did get to talk about Shawn Spencer and Professor Xavier, but did not get to talk about Todd the Vegan or Sookie Stackhouse.
I did not get to tell the stories about my Elders Quorum president who received inspiration NOT to go on a mission or my branch president who owned a casino.
I had a very timely Jerry Springer joke regarding Hosea’s paternity testing that I didn’t get to use.
We didn’t get to talk about Armageddon, AT ALL!
I had a quip about children being both the negative consequences of our actions and the blessing of our actions.
I considered singing bits of Love and Marriage, All You Need is Love and Roxanne.
I was going to talk about walking a mile in a prophet’s sandals and an adulteress’s hooker boots.
I didn’t get to make an internal citation joke regarding Christ quoting Hosea quoting Christ.
Clearly, I would benefit from getting another hour for my lessons.
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