Sunday, January 24, 2010
Share Stuff Saturday: Extended!
(Title links to an article from The F Word concerning rape statistics in the UK. The article was posted on Jan. 20, but I am just seeing it now. My tardiness aside, this one really spoke to me, for personal reasons I'll not disclose here. Thank you, F Word, and thank you, We Mixed Our Drinks. I couldn't have said it better myself.)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Share Stuff Saturday: For anyone who is trying their damnedest to read Twilight the practical way
(Title links to a must-read posting by The Bloggess at SEXIS)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
I am not a profesional, but you'd think I was. Check out that layout. Yeah.
I recently bought a ton of music for myself. Sort of like a Christmas present to ME. Mostly because I forgot (and in some cases was embarrassed) to put these on the list for Santa. I am going to post my thoughts about them here, as if I were a real live album reviewer. Look out, entertainment industry.
Lady Gaga: The Fame Monster
Ok, I still don't know whether it's Gaga or GaGa, but whatever it is, she rocks. I am in love this new CD. Lahve, lahve, lahve, I want her love. I thought I'd be disappointed because it's only 8 tracks, and I still can't get enough of her debut album, The Fame, which has closer to double the songs. But it's really a perfect length. Gaga (that's right, we are on a first-name basis) was correct to reiterate that the collection really does stand on its own; it's not really a re-release of The Fame, or even an extension of it. This album is much darker than her debut album, but it's still glam and fun to sing along to. The subject matter may be more morose, but the beats kept on thumpin'. That Lady gotz skillz. Favorite tracks: "Alejandro," "Bad Romance," "Speechless" (written for her father), "Dance in the Dark," "Telephone" (feat. Beyonce!), and "Teeth." That is pretty much all of them. They are all my favorite.
Shakira: She Wolf (Special U.S. Edition)
I bought this soley for the song "She Wolf." I am obsessed with the "Ahhooos," and it brings up fun memories and a good private joke...enough for me to want to buy any album at a discount. But it turns out She Wolf is alright to listen to if you're in that poppy sort of mood. Another tally up for people who write (or help write) their own songs. The album is pretty electronic, with some nice beats, and I didn't hate any song on it. Also, BONUS: "She Wolf" appears no less than THREE TIMES on this special edition. Of the 16 tracks, it is the first song, the tenth song ("Loba" -- it's all in Spanish), and the sixteenth song (live version, which is great because she howls at the beginning before the song even really starts). Favorite tracks: "She Wolf" (duh), "Why Wait," "Good Stuff," "Men in This Town," and "Gypsy."
Adam Lambert: For Your Entertainment
Boy, am I glad I only paid $10 for this one. How disappointed was I? On a scale of one to ten, I'd say thirteen times disappointed. Kid shoulda rocked out on his own. Did anyone else watch that season of American Idol? He took every song and made a fantastic cover out of it. Such amazing transformations! And this CD, well...it's a flop. It flopped. And I'll bet you it's because everyone else but Adam was writing the music. Or maybe it's because everyone else but the people on American Idol were writing the music. Anyway. This album sort of bit. From what I can gather in my non-cable-television, non-TMZ-watching world, Adam Lambert's "thing" is to be all retro and glam like Bowie. So I expected Lady Gaga-esque music -- the '80s brought to 2009. No. Not at all. This stuff sounded like it was ripped right out of the '80s, from the harmonizing backup singers, to the guitar, to the slow ballad-type singing...awful. Don't get me wrong, I guess...it wasn't unpleasant to listen to...but as Simon would say: "It wasn't memorable." Favorite tracks: "For Your Entertainment."
Black Eyed Peas: The E.N.D.
This album was also just alright, despite all the hype it's been getting. It felt SOOOO LOOONG. I think because every song sounded more like techno to me than hip hop. If you thought Shakira's album had electronic components, look out. The Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. is ridiculous. The first five or six songs were fun, and kept me bouncin' in my seat. I was even attempting to sing along with some of the ones that have not yet made their debut on the radio. But once I got to the eighth track, I wanted to just call it quits; they all started sounding the same. And what is with all the talking? I was pretty perplexed to find like a whole paragraph of introduction at the beginning of the first track, "Boom Boom Pow." No one's going to want to listen to that at a party. Put the philosophical shit on a separate track, like ATC did with Planet Pop, or 98 Degrees did with whatever album that was with the fiery cover art (98 Degrees and Rising, I think). There's nothing wrong with that. Favorite tracks: "Boom Boom Pow," "Rock That Body," "Imma Be."
Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Another unmemorable performance, I say. And he was nominated for a GRAMMY! And he's from Cleveland!!!! Perhaps I should give the album another listen. But again with the talking! There was lots of talking. And honestly, I am looking at the back of this CD right now and I can't remember how one single one of these songs goes, other than the two that have been on the radio. Clearly I am missing something, as everyone in the industry is fawning all over this guy. He was even featured on the She Wolf album (but he didn't really rap, he was just sort of in the background). He opened (is opening?) for Lady Gaga!! Now I am questioning my authority, so I guess the jury is still out on this one. Favorite tracks: "Day N Nite."
The Ting Tings: We Started Nothing
Oh. Em. Gee. This album rocks my socks off. Just SO impressed. It's like, "Whatever, you TOTALLY started something, and it is called MOST AMAZING MUSIC EVER." Every track could be a hit single. Their style is so unique, and every song is its own little amazing story. You can tell these two really care about their music and have a passion for the art of it. And who doesn't like to say Ting Tings? Ting Tings. Ting Tings. Ting Tings. The vocals are distinct, the blend of instruments and electronics is freakin' sweet, and I love how they are not afraid to mix it up stylistically. Each song is different from the next, whether it be in tempo or just in style (God, I need a thesaurus), but even if you heard each song individually, you could still go, "Yup, that's the Ting Tings." I just read on Wikipedia that their next album hopes to incorporate some "subtle changes to their sound," but I hope by subtle they really do mean subtle. But, since they are completely awesome, I trust them to make the right decision. And you know when you let Jay-Z into the mix you're guaranteed a hit. Regardless, this duo's debut is fabulous. Favorite tracks: "That's Not My Name," "Fruit Machine," "Traffic Light," "Shut Up and Let Me Go," "We Walk," "Impacilla Caprisung" (I don't even know what that means), and "We Started Nothing."
Ok, I still don't know whether it's Gaga or GaGa, but whatever it is, she rocks. I am in love this new CD. Lahve, lahve, lahve, I want her love. I thought I'd be disappointed because it's only 8 tracks, and I still can't get enough of her debut album, The Fame, which has closer to double the songs. But it's really a perfect length. Gaga (that's right, we are on a first-name basis) was correct to reiterate that the collection really does stand on its own; it's not really a re-release of The Fame, or even an extension of it. This album is much darker than her debut album, but it's still glam and fun to sing along to. The subject matter may be more morose, but the beats kept on thumpin'. That Lady gotz skillz. Favorite tracks: "Alejandro," "Bad Romance," "Speechless" (written for her father), "Dance in the Dark," "Telephone" (feat. Beyonce!), and "Teeth." That is pretty much all of them. They are all my favorite.
I bought this soley for the song "She Wolf." I am obsessed with the "Ahhooos," and it brings up fun memories and a good private joke...enough for me to want to buy any album at a discount. But it turns out She Wolf is alright to listen to if you're in that poppy sort of mood. Another tally up for people who write (or help write) their own songs. The album is pretty electronic, with some nice beats, and I didn't hate any song on it. Also, BONUS: "She Wolf" appears no less than THREE TIMES on this special edition. Of the 16 tracks, it is the first song, the tenth song ("Loba" -- it's all in Spanish), and the sixteenth song (live version, which is great because she howls at the beginning before the song even really starts). Favorite tracks: "She Wolf" (duh), "Why Wait," "Good Stuff," "Men in This Town," and "Gypsy."
Boy, am I glad I only paid $10 for this one. How disappointed was I? On a scale of one to ten, I'd say thirteen times disappointed. Kid shoulda rocked out on his own. Did anyone else watch that season of American Idol? He took every song and made a fantastic cover out of it. Such amazing transformations! And this CD, well...it's a flop. It flopped. And I'll bet you it's because everyone else but Adam was writing the music. Or maybe it's because everyone else but the people on American Idol were writing the music. Anyway. This album sort of bit. From what I can gather in my non-cable-television, non-TMZ-watching world, Adam Lambert's "thing" is to be all retro and glam like Bowie. So I expected Lady Gaga-esque music -- the '80s brought to 2009. No. Not at all. This stuff sounded like it was ripped right out of the '80s, from the harmonizing backup singers, to the guitar, to the slow ballad-type singing...awful. Don't get me wrong, I guess...it wasn't unpleasant to listen to...but as Simon would say: "It wasn't memorable." Favorite tracks: "For Your Entertainment."
This album was also just alright, despite all the hype it's been getting. It felt SOOOO LOOONG. I think because every song sounded more like techno to me than hip hop. If you thought Shakira's album had electronic components, look out. The Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. is ridiculous. The first five or six songs were fun, and kept me bouncin' in my seat. I was even attempting to sing along with some of the ones that have not yet made their debut on the radio. But once I got to the eighth track, I wanted to just call it quits; they all started sounding the same. And what is with all the talking? I was pretty perplexed to find like a whole paragraph of introduction at the beginning of the first track, "Boom Boom Pow." No one's going to want to listen to that at a party. Put the philosophical shit on a separate track, like ATC did with Planet Pop, or 98 Degrees did with whatever album that was with the fiery cover art (98 Degrees and Rising, I think). There's nothing wrong with that. Favorite tracks: "Boom Boom Pow," "Rock That Body," "Imma Be."
Another unmemorable performance, I say. And he was nominated for a GRAMMY! And he's from Cleveland!!!! Perhaps I should give the album another listen. But again with the talking! There was lots of talking. And honestly, I am looking at the back of this CD right now and I can't remember how one single one of these songs goes, other than the two that have been on the radio. Clearly I am missing something, as everyone in the industry is fawning all over this guy. He was even featured on the She Wolf album (but he didn't really rap, he was just sort of in the background). He opened (is opening?) for Lady Gaga!! Now I am questioning my authority, so I guess the jury is still out on this one. Favorite tracks: "Day N Nite."
Oh. Em. Gee. This album rocks my socks off. Just SO impressed. It's like, "Whatever, you TOTALLY started something, and it is called MOST AMAZING MUSIC EVER." Every track could be a hit single. Their style is so unique, and every song is its own little amazing story. You can tell these two really care about their music and have a passion for the art of it. And who doesn't like to say Ting Tings? Ting Tings. Ting Tings. Ting Tings. The vocals are distinct, the blend of instruments and electronics is freakin' sweet, and I love how they are not afraid to mix it up stylistically. Each song is different from the next, whether it be in tempo or just in style (God, I need a thesaurus), but even if you heard each song individually, you could still go, "Yup, that's the Ting Tings." I just read on Wikipedia that their next album hopes to incorporate some "subtle changes to their sound," but I hope by subtle they really do mean subtle. But, since they are completely awesome, I trust them to make the right decision. And you know when you let Jay-Z into the mix you're guaranteed a hit. Regardless, this duo's debut is fabulous. Favorite tracks: "That's Not My Name," "Fruit Machine," "Traffic Light," "Shut Up and Let Me Go," "We Walk," "Impacilla Caprisung" (I don't even know what that means), and "We Started Nothing."
Saturday, November 7, 2009
My Night Avoiding Strikeforce Like the Plague
So it seems the B/F has really been looking forward to this MMA (mixed martial arts) fight, mostly because it is airing on CBS, and CBS is one of the channels we actually get (but not without painstakingly adjusting the antenna and accepting that it's either CBS-only, or everything else minus CBS). With every fiber in my body completely recoiling from MMA -- and all organizations based around encouraging male competition and domination -- I decided that to preoccupy myself while the TV is commandeered, I will keep a running tally of distractions. Because damnit, I will not be kicked out of my own living room. I am happy to know I am not alone in this situation. Many miles away, my SIL faces the same sort of night with her husband and is drowning her senses with beer as we speak. Cheers!!
Distraction #1: As I was bringing my laptop out to the living room, I caught my sock in part of our old, old wood floor and when I took off my sock to make sure I hadn't punctured my skin, I found a splinter that was about a 1/4th of an inch long just hanging out near my heel. But my skin is ok!
Distraction #2: The man at the beginning of the fight who says "Get it on" sounds remarkably like Captain Tenneal in Most Extreme Elimination Challenge. Don't! Get! Eliminated!!!
Distraction #3: Wings. Of the boneless and non-boneless varieties.
Distraction #4: Reassuring one of my best friends that I did indeed see her doing some yoga poses tonight after dinner, and that yes, her boyfriend must be lying if he says she didn't.
Distraction #5: Finding two pins in my loveseat leftover from Halloween costume making. I need to pad this house up.
Distraction #6: More wings. Same varieties as #3.
Distraction #7: Let's take a poll. Does TKO mean Total KnockOut or Technical KnockOut? I vote TOTAL knockout (too much room for interpretation with "technical." You're down. Boom. Total knockout). Based on this reasoning, and NOT the fact that the announcer is saying technical knockout, I'd say it's obvious poll results are in favor of Total.
Distraction #8: The man in this Viagra commercial just high-fived his reflection in the store window glass. DON'T TOUCH THE GLASS, FREAK. I used to work at a bakery, and NO ONE kept their hands off the glass. Some crazies would even make the ridiculous effort to reach their disgusting knubby fingers between the glass and the counter and touch the pastries themselves. I want to punch people who touch the glass. Lookout, Viagra man. You're famous now. I'll be coming to your house. Touchin all your glass.
Distraction #9: Announcer just said about current fighter: "I don't know what his problem is, but I bet it's hard to pronounce." I know what his problem is. He fights for a living. He gets punched for money. Anyone who isn't batty to begin with has a pretty high chance of ending up that way.
Distraction #10: DAMN these chicken wings are spicy. Excepting the sauce, what is the difference between a boneless chicken wing and a chicken nugget?
Distraction #11: I've been showering at night this week and I've sprouted at least four new zits in five days. All on my chin. Why does this not happen when I consistently shower in the morning?
Distraction #12: The giant yellow star on the mat looks like the Hardees star. If I were Hardees, I'd sue.
Distraction #13: I decided it's finally time to take down the Halloween decorations. I had to go to the attic to find the proper box, but it was so dark and the lightbulb was on the other side of the ceiling. So I just found an empty box and now we have two boxes of Halloween decorations.
Distraction #14: Does anyone know where I can buy a nice Christmas tree? It will be my first year with my own!
Distraction #15: No recent Twitter updates. Where are all my friends?
Distraction #16: A chance to escape! SIL-2 and best friend are out at their favorite bar. Alas, I do not yet feel up to carousing, thanks to my week of sickness. Stuck avoiding Strikeforce like the plague.
Distraction #17: A realization that some readers might think I actually LIKE or am a proponent of MMA since I just don't leave the room. The truth is I am just an attention-whore, so I will go where the B/F goes. If this were tickets to a live fight, though, no f*ing way. I'll stay home.
Distraction #18: Titty-smother.
Distraction #19: Five-minute fight with the B/F about whether 24 will be starting its eighth season or its ninth. It's starting its eighth season January 17, 2010. I win.
Distraction #20: Wondering why people post song lyrics as their Facebook updates. That doesn't tell me anything, except you are like an angsty teenager.
Distraction #21: Assassin's Creed 2 commercials will be giving me nightmares for weeks.
Distraction #22: Oh man, remember that Car Talk episode where the college kid called in and said he and his friends were engaged in an auto prank war? I think they told him his car was pretty much non-repairable. That was a great show. Here's a link, but I think you have to buy the podcast. I won't tell you whether it's worth it or not. That's your decision.
Distraction #23: I think I should buy the DJ Hero game so everyone knows what a great rapper I am. What do you mean it's not about rapping?
Distraction #24: Why does everyone think they're pioneers in discovering "the real reasons women have sex"? I think this was pretty much taken care of back when I picked up my first Cosmo.
Distraction #25: I'd say that mohawk is pretty distracting.
Distraction #26: You should see the B/F's face right now.
Distraction #27:
Me: "The term is menstruated."
The B/F: "Perioded sounds stronger. It sounds like an action move!" ::air punch for effect::
Distraction #28: According to Blogger, "distracton" is a word. Dictionary.com disagrees. Who will triumph??
Distraction #29: How do these guys avoid cauliflower ear?
Distraction #30: "I HATE it!"
And that's it! I made it to the end! Time to continue my Harry Potter marathon. DAMNIT, and there's another Assassin's Creed 2 commercial. Thanks, CBS, I'm so glad we tuned in for your night of horrors.
Distraction #1: As I was bringing my laptop out to the living room, I caught my sock in part of our old, old wood floor and when I took off my sock to make sure I hadn't punctured my skin, I found a splinter that was about a 1/4th of an inch long just hanging out near my heel. But my skin is ok!
Distraction #2: The man at the beginning of the fight who says "Get it on" sounds remarkably like Captain Tenneal in Most Extreme Elimination Challenge. Don't! Get! Eliminated!!!
Distraction #3: Wings. Of the boneless and non-boneless varieties.
Distraction #4: Reassuring one of my best friends that I did indeed see her doing some yoga poses tonight after dinner, and that yes, her boyfriend must be lying if he says she didn't.
Distraction #5: Finding two pins in my loveseat leftover from Halloween costume making. I need to pad this house up.
Distraction #6: More wings. Same varieties as #3.
Distraction #7: Let's take a poll. Does TKO mean Total KnockOut or Technical KnockOut? I vote TOTAL knockout (too much room for interpretation with "technical." You're down. Boom. Total knockout). Based on this reasoning, and NOT the fact that the announcer is saying technical knockout, I'd say it's obvious poll results are in favor of Total.
Distraction #8: The man in this Viagra commercial just high-fived his reflection in the store window glass. DON'T TOUCH THE GLASS, FREAK. I used to work at a bakery, and NO ONE kept their hands off the glass. Some crazies would even make the ridiculous effort to reach their disgusting knubby fingers between the glass and the counter and touch the pastries themselves. I want to punch people who touch the glass. Lookout, Viagra man. You're famous now. I'll be coming to your house. Touchin all your glass.
Distraction #9: Announcer just said about current fighter: "I don't know what his problem is, but I bet it's hard to pronounce." I know what his problem is. He fights for a living. He gets punched for money. Anyone who isn't batty to begin with has a pretty high chance of ending up that way.
Distraction #10: DAMN these chicken wings are spicy. Excepting the sauce, what is the difference between a boneless chicken wing and a chicken nugget?
Distraction #11: I've been showering at night this week and I've sprouted at least four new zits in five days. All on my chin. Why does this not happen when I consistently shower in the morning?
Distraction #12: The giant yellow star on the mat looks like the Hardees star. If I were Hardees, I'd sue.
Distraction #13: I decided it's finally time to take down the Halloween decorations. I had to go to the attic to find the proper box, but it was so dark and the lightbulb was on the other side of the ceiling. So I just found an empty box and now we have two boxes of Halloween decorations.
Distraction #14: Does anyone know where I can buy a nice Christmas tree? It will be my first year with my own!
Distraction #15: No recent Twitter updates. Where are all my friends?
Distraction #16: A chance to escape! SIL-2 and best friend are out at their favorite bar. Alas, I do not yet feel up to carousing, thanks to my week of sickness. Stuck avoiding Strikeforce like the plague.
Distraction #17: A realization that some readers might think I actually LIKE or am a proponent of MMA since I just don't leave the room. The truth is I am just an attention-whore, so I will go where the B/F goes. If this were tickets to a live fight, though, no f*ing way. I'll stay home.
Distraction #18: Titty-smother.
Distraction #19: Five-minute fight with the B/F about whether 24 will be starting its eighth season or its ninth. It's starting its eighth season January 17, 2010. I win.
Distraction #20: Wondering why people post song lyrics as their Facebook updates. That doesn't tell me anything, except you are like an angsty teenager.
Distraction #21: Assassin's Creed 2 commercials will be giving me nightmares for weeks.
Distraction #22: Oh man, remember that Car Talk episode where the college kid called in and said he and his friends were engaged in an auto prank war? I think they told him his car was pretty much non-repairable. That was a great show. Here's a link, but I think you have to buy the podcast. I won't tell you whether it's worth it or not. That's your decision.
Distraction #23: I think I should buy the DJ Hero game so everyone knows what a great rapper I am. What do you mean it's not about rapping?
Distraction #24: Why does everyone think they're pioneers in discovering "the real reasons women have sex"? I think this was pretty much taken care of back when I picked up my first Cosmo.
Distraction #25: I'd say that mohawk is pretty distracting.
Distraction #26: You should see the B/F's face right now.
Distraction #27:
Me: "The term is menstruated."
The B/F: "Perioded sounds stronger. It sounds like an action move!" ::air punch for effect::
Distraction #28: According to Blogger, "distracton" is a word. Dictionary.com disagrees. Who will triumph??
Distraction #29: How do these guys avoid cauliflower ear?
Distraction #30: "I HATE it!"
And that's it! I made it to the end! Time to continue my Harry Potter marathon. DAMNIT, and there's another Assassin's Creed 2 commercial. Thanks, CBS, I'm so glad we tuned in for your night of horrors.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Another Hiatus?
If you're wondering where I've been for the past week or so, here's your answer: I've (unfortunately? fortunately?) been doing a lot of work over here and over here.
I apologize for the scarcity of my posts, but promise to update with a GiST or something when the occasion absolutely insists, or even merely suggests it. Thanks for your patience, loyal readers! I'll be back to normal in a month.
GiST for Tuesday:
1) Still can't get over the fact that I won the giveaway for a copy of the new book by Kate of sweet | salty. And a chance to review it on her blog!
2) NaNoWriMo is going much better than expected
3) My uncle is getting married on Saturday...a weekend full of family!
4) Henry, because he's just Henry
5) Feeling less ill this evening than I did all day
Peace out, peeps! Time for 6) dinner and 7) RELAXATION.
I apologize for the scarcity of my posts, but promise to update with a GiST or something when the occasion absolutely insists, or even merely suggests it. Thanks for your patience, loyal readers! I'll be back to normal in a month.
GiST for Tuesday:
1) Still can't get over the fact that I won the giveaway for a copy of the new book by Kate of sweet | salty. And a chance to review it on her blog!
2) NaNoWriMo is going much better than expected
3) My uncle is getting married on Saturday...a weekend full of family!
4) Henry, because he's just Henry
5) Feeling less ill this evening than I did all day
Peace out, peeps! Time for 6) dinner and 7) RELAXATION.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Another Pro Tip
After reading not undecided's Pro Tip, I think I need to share one of my own. I've been finding that spellcheck has been saving my butt more and more lately. I used to really distrust spellcheck. I still do, a little. It won't catch a their vs. there vs. they're. But helpful, all the same. It catches other weird stuff, and makes you take a step back to maybe look at other words around the "misspelled" word. In general, I need to start reading things better before I respond...or do anything. Scanning and skimming are OUT. It's like listening, but with written words. Just be thorough, ok? :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Delicious Halloween
How could I not share this link to Bakerella? I am pretty sure if my favorite spider wasn't from a book, it would be one of these tasty-lookin' little guys. Or girls.
Aside: Halloween costume is chosen! Now comes the ridiculous amount of sewing in 4 days or less. It's going to be a couple's costume, just me and the B/F. Super easy for him. Take a wild guess who's going as whom. Nevermind, I have bigger issues -- did I just use who/whom correctly? Anyway, yeah, not so easy for me and my lack of sewing machine/sewing machine skillz. But still cute, right?
Aside: Halloween costume is chosen! Now comes the ridiculous amount of sewing in 4 days or less. It's going to be a couple's costume, just me and the B/F. Super easy for him. Take a wild guess who's going as whom. Nevermind, I have bigger issues -- did I just use who/whom correctly? Anyway, yeah, not so easy for me and my lack of sewing machine/sewing machine skillz. But still cute, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
