Blink 182 "Feeling This"
Directed by one of my favorite music video directors/photographers, David LaChapelle
Hollywood’s Recycle Bin (or Box)
1 week ago
1.22.2009
1.19.2009
Everything Must Be White....
I enjoy a good periodical now and again. Something about the tangible nature of handling a magazine makes it infinitely more appealing than reading off of a computer screen.
Plus, I always enjoyed the whole process of buying magazines, be it at a bookstore or the grocery store. It kind of reminds of buying an impulse toy or PEZ dispenser as a kid.... a little treat to take the sting out of monotony.
Lately, I've noticed a trend concerning magazine covers. It seems that a lot of publications have opted to stop being clever and simply photograph the cover model with nothing more than a white background behind them.
On one hand, this is very cool as it provides a very clean aesthetic in which the subject and subsequent articles can stand out. It's not cluttered or over-stimulating and the contrast of color against white is very noticeable.
But then I find myself torn... I spent most of my high school days (and even now) idolizing photographers like David LaChapelle, Mark Seliger, and Annie Leibowitz. Something about the way they played with light and created these intricate worlds all while capturing the essence of their subjects was something that just made sense to me.
I guess I'm hoping that we'll eventually fall back to dynamic covers... covers that take chances and are more than just a preview to what's inside the magazine. Covers that you can't help but notice. But in the meantime... Kill a tree and read a magazine (because you'll just look weird and creepy if you try to take your laptop into the restroom.)
Plus, I always enjoyed the whole process of buying magazines, be it at a bookstore or the grocery store. It kind of reminds of buying an impulse toy or PEZ dispenser as a kid.... a little treat to take the sting out of monotony.
Lately, I've noticed a trend concerning magazine covers. It seems that a lot of publications have opted to stop being clever and simply photograph the cover model with nothing more than a white background behind them.
On one hand, this is very cool as it provides a very clean aesthetic in which the subject and subsequent articles can stand out. It's not cluttered or over-stimulating and the contrast of color against white is very noticeable.
But then I find myself torn... I spent most of my high school days (and even now) idolizing photographers like David LaChapelle, Mark Seliger, and Annie Leibowitz. Something about the way they played with light and created these intricate worlds all while capturing the essence of their subjects was something that just made sense to me.
I guess I'm hoping that we'll eventually fall back to dynamic covers... covers that take chances and are more than just a preview to what's inside the magazine. Covers that you can't help but notice. But in the meantime... Kill a tree and read a magazine (because you'll just look weird and creepy if you try to take your laptop into the restroom.)
1.15.2009
1.08.2009
1.02.2009
In with 2009.... Out with 2000-Hate
So here we are... 2009. There are no flying cars or hoverboards but we do have iPhones and digital everything so things aren't too bad.
As I look back at what was a back and forth year for me, I can't help but let the positive things float to the top. So here it is, my list of my favorite(entertainment-related) things from the past year.
This is actually an older song but I discovered it in '08 and it immediately became my favorite.
Both of these albums are, beginning to end, phenomenal. I alternated between these two albums a lot and I can't for the life of me decide which one is better. If I had to choose, I would give KINGS OF LEON the edge if only because this album is better than their prior effort and "DAY & AGE" isn't quite as good as "HOT FUSS"
DARK KNIGHT was amazing but I actually got to see it at an IMAX on one of my road-trips and it made everything else pale in comparison.
A great live band and a really nice group of guys (and one lady) from Dallas, TX. They sound like John Mayer mixed with Silverchair and the live shows are really top-notch.
If you don't like this show, you need to get to a doctor immediately and have him/her remove the stick from your ass.... or you might be Republican in which case I don't really know how to help you.
Yeah, it's an old book but I re-read it in '08 so I'm using it.
It's been around a longtime for a reason. The writing is as good as it's ever been, the investigative and interest stories are really unique, and the photography is something else. Plus, it seems that ROLLING STONE is now giving some love to lesser known indies from time to time which is always good.
What better way to waste a morning than trolling through the various stories that Digg scrounges up for you. I like the fact that I can read a story about the validity of possibly trying George Bush for war crimes and then immediately look at a picture of a kitten drinking from a bottle.
As I look back at what was a back and forth year for me, I can't help but let the positive things float to the top. So here it is, my list of my favorite(entertainment-related) things from the past year.
This is actually an older song but I discovered it in '08 and it immediately became my favorite.
Both of these albums are, beginning to end, phenomenal. I alternated between these two albums a lot and I can't for the life of me decide which one is better. If I had to choose, I would give KINGS OF LEON the edge if only because this album is better than their prior effort and "DAY & AGE" isn't quite as good as "HOT FUSS"
DARK KNIGHT was amazing but I actually got to see it at an IMAX on one of my road-trips and it made everything else pale in comparison.
A great live band and a really nice group of guys (and one lady) from Dallas, TX. They sound like John Mayer mixed with Silverchair and the live shows are really top-notch.
If you don't like this show, you need to get to a doctor immediately and have him/her remove the stick from your ass.... or you might be Republican in which case I don't really know how to help you.
Yeah, it's an old book but I re-read it in '08 so I'm using it.
It's been around a longtime for a reason. The writing is as good as it's ever been, the investigative and interest stories are really unique, and the photography is something else. Plus, it seems that ROLLING STONE is now giving some love to lesser known indies from time to time which is always good.
What better way to waste a morning than trolling through the various stories that Digg scrounges up for you. I like the fact that I can read a story about the validity of possibly trying George Bush for war crimes and then immediately look at a picture of a kitten drinking from a bottle.
12.18.2008
Fun With Remakes....
So at my place of employment, we tend to have spirited discussions (in lieu of work). Today, we ventured into the world of hollywood remakes. We figure it's only a matter of time before we get a new SIXTEEN CANDLES starring Hillary Duff and Ashton Kutcher and a new version of CASABLANCA where Rick and Ilsa get together at the end accompanied by the music of Fall Out Boy.
Eventually we moved on to the subject of remakes we may actually want to see. It may be a dream but I figured if I made the movie poster, the powers that be may be inspired...
If the TEN COMMANDMENTS needs anything, it's explosions, shallow dialogue, the hollow gaze of Nicolas Cage, and the genius touch of Michael Bay.
*Thanks to lonnie247, Liquado, and Bill for contributing to this idea.
Eventually we moved on to the subject of remakes we may actually want to see. It may be a dream but I figured if I made the movie poster, the powers that be may be inspired...
If the TEN COMMANDMENTS needs anything, it's explosions, shallow dialogue, the hollow gaze of Nicolas Cage, and the genius touch of Michael Bay.
*Thanks to lonnie247, Liquado, and Bill for contributing to this idea.
12.12.2008
Kinda Wish You Wouldn't Wear That....
I'm not a fashion-icon by any stretch of the imagination. I have a look but I wouldn't necessarily call it a style. I just wear what I like and try not to stand out too much in a crowd.
With that said, I can't quite grasp some of the trends my fellow males are indulging in these days. A couple actually make me downright angry.
So here it is. My list of things men shouldn't wear anymore...
1. Crocs
Or as I like to call them, the in-bred bastard cousin of Jellies. It's one thing if a cute little kid is wearing them, but a grown man? Not so much.
I've heard people say that they just threw them on because they were in hurry but come on. If your morning is so rushed you can't spend 30 seconds tying your shoes, you need to get up a little earlier. These aren't footwear.... they are just plastic that wasn't good enough to be a trash can.
2. Skinny Jeans
What man first said, "I like jeans but I want my bits and pieces to scream for dear life every time I walk."
From a distance they look like leggings and I still can't figure out how you put them on. If the trend continues, I think the human population will be severely diminished because of the self-inflicted impotence and sterilization these cause.
3. Popped Collars
I was on the fence about including this one if only because it helps you identify douchebags from across a crowded room.
But still, I'll do the legwork if we can just retire this look.
4. Sandals
On women, they look nice. On men... eeeeeh. Woman have pretty feet with manicured and polished toes. Men have... hair and dryness.
Are you at the beach or showering after the gym? No? Then put on some shoes.... and not Crocs.
5. Pink
Are you trying to show your feminine side... be different? I still can't get this resurgence of pink.
I'm on the record as being a fan of 80's culture but the pink thing is one that needs to stay there.
Rare exceptions include being in support of breast cancer research but if your just wearing the pink because you saw it in the newest Abercrombie catalog or are trying to stand out, leave it to your baby sister.
*Extra special thanks to Liquado and Yvette for help in compiling this list.
With that said, I can't quite grasp some of the trends my fellow males are indulging in these days. A couple actually make me downright angry.
So here it is. My list of things men shouldn't wear anymore...
1. Crocs
Or as I like to call them, the in-bred bastard cousin of Jellies. It's one thing if a cute little kid is wearing them, but a grown man? Not so much.
I've heard people say that they just threw them on because they were in hurry but come on. If your morning is so rushed you can't spend 30 seconds tying your shoes, you need to get up a little earlier. These aren't footwear.... they are just plastic that wasn't good enough to be a trash can.
2. Skinny Jeans
What man first said, "I like jeans but I want my bits and pieces to scream for dear life every time I walk."
From a distance they look like leggings and I still can't figure out how you put them on. If the trend continues, I think the human population will be severely diminished because of the self-inflicted impotence and sterilization these cause.
3. Popped Collars
I was on the fence about including this one if only because it helps you identify douchebags from across a crowded room.
But still, I'll do the legwork if we can just retire this look.
4. Sandals
On women, they look nice. On men... eeeeeh. Woman have pretty feet with manicured and polished toes. Men have... hair and dryness.
Are you at the beach or showering after the gym? No? Then put on some shoes.... and not Crocs.
5. Pink
Are you trying to show your feminine side... be different? I still can't get this resurgence of pink.
I'm on the record as being a fan of 80's culture but the pink thing is one that needs to stay there.
Rare exceptions include being in support of breast cancer research but if your just wearing the pink because you saw it in the newest Abercrombie catalog or are trying to stand out, leave it to your baby sister.
*Extra special thanks to Liquado and Yvette for help in compiling this list.
12.11.2008
12.04.2008
Holiday Un-Shopping Guide
Everyone is making a Gift Guide so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon... but just going in the other direction. Everyone has an opinion on the perfect gift. Here is a list of stuff to avoid. So here it is:
1. Clothing
Like Jim Gaffigan said, whenever a person opens a gift and it's clothing, the response is usually, "Not even close."
Unless you were with the person and they expressed interest in the item, avoid buying clothing. Plus, if you get the size wrong, you look like an insensitive asshole.... "I'm sorry. I just assumed you were a 5XL. Wasn't aware you were just a 4XL."
And please no shirts from a place you went on vacation... No one wants a reminder that you went someplace great and they didn't.
2. iPods, MP3 Players, etc.
Unless the person your buying this for has computer experience, stay away.
I've learned that for the most part, people who receive gifts like this just assume that in addition to the gift you are also there to provide customer service and installation.
And guess who they call if it messes up? Unless you want to spend all Christmas morning downloading iTunes on your mom's 5 year old computer (which barely has enough ram to launch Microsoft Paint) go with something else.
3. Anything from Bath & Body Works
First off, the stuff is way overpriced.
Second, does anything scream "I don't know you very well but your a girl and I have to buy you a gift" more than something from Bath & Body Works? It's become the generic go to gift for women and it's kinda sad. Just look at all the poor schmucks who have no idea what to get their wives or girlfriends frantically buying overpriced lotion that smells like lilac or freesia (WTF is freesia, by the way?) on Christmas Eve.
God forbid you have to do a little detective work and find a gift the woman actually wants. Unless she's smelly, go to the jewelry store.
4. Anything from a Mall Kiosk
Ahhhhhh. The shanty towns of any mall.... the kiosk. Knock-off Sunglasses, shitty cell phone holders, and little toy cars that break as soon as the kid opens it.
You don't buy dinner from 7-11 and you don't buy a gift from a kiosk. Seriously, there are real stores right behind you.
Plus, have you ever tried to return something to a kiosk.... good fucking luck.
The only purpose kiosks serve are as a median between mall traffic.
5. Movies
Granted, a DVD is way better than some of the other stuff listed above but is anything more impersonal than a DVD?
Generally, if a person really wanted a movie that bad, they probably have already bought it the day it came out. And second, with movies releasing 8 thousand different versions, which one do you buy (Platinum Edition, Special Edition, Director's Cut, Blu-Ray, etc. etc.)??
A friend of mine still has the FULL SCREEN version of the Matrix in the packaging at his house. Poor Grandma had no concept of the idea of WIDESCREEN and also didn't know that he actually hated that movie. She just heard it was popular.
Unless the movie has some sentimental reason or is an inside joke of sorts, give a gift card.
Exceptions to this rule include Television Series on DVD.
So there you have it.... My Non-Gift Guide. Most gift-giving gaffes can be avoided if you just keep your ears open.
Everyone have a safe and happy holiday and remember: Shopping is stressful but working retail during the Holiday Season is the third circle of hell. Treat employees nicely and be patient... Unless your at Abercrombie or Hollister. Those kid's are just fucking morons who can't do math even with a cash register.
1. Clothing
Like Jim Gaffigan said, whenever a person opens a gift and it's clothing, the response is usually, "Not even close."
Unless you were with the person and they expressed interest in the item, avoid buying clothing. Plus, if you get the size wrong, you look like an insensitive asshole.... "I'm sorry. I just assumed you were a 5XL. Wasn't aware you were just a 4XL."
And please no shirts from a place you went on vacation... No one wants a reminder that you went someplace great and they didn't.
2. iPods, MP3 Players, etc.
Unless the person your buying this for has computer experience, stay away.
I've learned that for the most part, people who receive gifts like this just assume that in addition to the gift you are also there to provide customer service and installation.
And guess who they call if it messes up? Unless you want to spend all Christmas morning downloading iTunes on your mom's 5 year old computer (which barely has enough ram to launch Microsoft Paint) go with something else.
3. Anything from Bath & Body Works
First off, the stuff is way overpriced.
Second, does anything scream "I don't know you very well but your a girl and I have to buy you a gift" more than something from Bath & Body Works? It's become the generic go to gift for women and it's kinda sad. Just look at all the poor schmucks who have no idea what to get their wives or girlfriends frantically buying overpriced lotion that smells like lilac or freesia (WTF is freesia, by the way?) on Christmas Eve.
God forbid you have to do a little detective work and find a gift the woman actually wants. Unless she's smelly, go to the jewelry store.
4. Anything from a Mall Kiosk
Ahhhhhh. The shanty towns of any mall.... the kiosk. Knock-off Sunglasses, shitty cell phone holders, and little toy cars that break as soon as the kid opens it.
You don't buy dinner from 7-11 and you don't buy a gift from a kiosk. Seriously, there are real stores right behind you.
Plus, have you ever tried to return something to a kiosk.... good fucking luck.
The only purpose kiosks serve are as a median between mall traffic.
5. Movies
Granted, a DVD is way better than some of the other stuff listed above but is anything more impersonal than a DVD?
Generally, if a person really wanted a movie that bad, they probably have already bought it the day it came out. And second, with movies releasing 8 thousand different versions, which one do you buy (Platinum Edition, Special Edition, Director's Cut, Blu-Ray, etc. etc.)??
A friend of mine still has the FULL SCREEN version of the Matrix in the packaging at his house. Poor Grandma had no concept of the idea of WIDESCREEN and also didn't know that he actually hated that movie. She just heard it was popular.
Unless the movie has some sentimental reason or is an inside joke of sorts, give a gift card.
Exceptions to this rule include Television Series on DVD.
So there you have it.... My Non-Gift Guide. Most gift-giving gaffes can be avoided if you just keep your ears open.
Everyone have a safe and happy holiday and remember: Shopping is stressful but working retail during the Holiday Season is the third circle of hell. Treat employees nicely and be patient... Unless your at Abercrombie or Hollister. Those kid's are just fucking morons who can't do math even with a cash register.
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