It's only been a week since Obama spent his first full day as the most powerful man in the world, and I am almost disgusted (okay not so much disgusted as mildly annoyed) at the seemingly public outcry over how much change has actually come to our country.
I mean, give the guy a break. He already said that we were gonna be looking forward to some shitty times ahead in his inaugural speech, so could at least wait at least a month or two before we start complaining?
But when the headlines on hyper-metro-male-version-of-cosmo magazine Details (don't ask me why I know this...I think my roommate has a subscription) read "Is the Economy Pissing You Off?" and "Can You Still Afford Your Girlfriend?" and "Growing The Perfct Layoff Beard," I suppose everyone's really starting to feel the pinch.
"i remember you said you were gonna throw up and we totally didn't take you seriously and you totally did and we were bewildered."
-PV
1/27/09
I have not seen the sun in two days...
...because being scheduled for work from 6am to 6pm sucks. Don't worry, I won't go into the details of why I am working these extra hours so not to bore you with the mundane-ness of the nature of what I'm doing. I mean, unless you really want to hear about it (believe me, it's not that exciting and there's 93% chance of disappointment upon hearing it).
On the bright side, I'll have a very very happy paycheck. On the downside...it's 12 hours a day! Everyday (except Sunday) until Saturday, February 7th!
But beyond that, I just wanted to share with the world (in case you hadn't already discovered it) an addition to the evergrowing list of mashups of Jay-Z and everyone else.
Jaydiohead. Minty Fresh Beats. A mashup of one of my favorite groups and a rapper who I'll admit I did not listen much to as a child.
This is one of the better mashup albums I've heard, and there doesn't seem to be any weak tracks or mashups that didn't make sense. It's worth a listen.
"I've had 6 wives, and currently on my 7th. But I know I've lived my life, and I have no regrets. Well, except for all the money I lost."
-AR
On the bright side, I'll have a very very happy paycheck. On the downside...it's 12 hours a day! Everyday (except Sunday) until Saturday, February 7th!
But beyond that, I just wanted to share with the world (in case you hadn't already discovered it) an addition to the evergrowing list of mashups of Jay-Z and everyone else.
Jaydiohead. Minty Fresh Beats. A mashup of one of my favorite groups and a rapper who I'll admit I did not listen much to as a child.
This is one of the better mashup albums I've heard, and there doesn't seem to be any weak tracks or mashups that didn't make sense. It's worth a listen.
"I've had 6 wives, and currently on my 7th. But I know I've lived my life, and I have no regrets. Well, except for all the money I lost."
-AR
1/25/09
#1 On My Charts Part 4
It's been a while since I've done a music post, and as I struggle to find subjects worth writing on now that I've gotten over the post graduation blues/panics and the elections are over. So today, I will foray into the realm of Rock 1990 to Today, and R&B and Slow Jams.
First up - Rock 1990 to Today
#1 on My Charts Pt. 4 - Rock 1990-Today
VH1’s been showing “The 100 Greatest Rock Songs” a lot lately. I figure I better get in on this while the subject is still hot. That, and I particularly like this stuff because a lot of it is just so timeless. There are countless numbers of sub-genres within rock, and years down the line, a lot of it will still sound fresh to me. So why did I choose pre-1990? Well that’s the decade from which I get a lot of the music I enjoy, and the 90s was a big decade for rock. The popularity of 80s punk was beginning to wane, the grunge era was beginning to enjoy mainstream success, nu metal was born, and the sound of synthesizers was suddenly not that cool. But I digress. Onto the music.
Keane – Sunshine
There’s just some dreamy character to this track. It’s a nice lighthearted tune that’ll make you feel like gliding across the horizon.
Death Cab for Cutie – Tiny Vessels
Not a huge fan of this particular group, but its somber feel underlying the storytelling of the track gives me something to relate to.
Something Corporate – Good News
I think it was the piano backing of this track that initially attracted me to it. One of the few modern punk tracks I can tolerate.
Elliot Smith – Shooting Star
Rest In Peace, Elliot Smith. You still shred a mean guitar, posthumously.
Sublime – Summertime
Another song on this ever-growing list of my favorites that has been influenced by the musical “Porgy and Bess.”
Bloodhound Gang – I Hope You Die
I’m convinced that if the Bloodhound Gang had followed up by making a music video for this song instead of that really crappy song “Mope” right after the success and popularity of “The Bad Touch,” they would have enjoyed more mainstream success.
Metallica – No Leaf Clover
A collaboration of this iconic group and the London Symphony Orchestra? Amazing.
Nirvana – Lithium
Nirvana pretty much brought the grunge to the mainstream, and though “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often praised as their greatest contribution to music, I like this track a lot more.
Foo Fighters – Times Like These
Still my favorite Foo Fighters track (and there are a lot of them that I do like).
Nine Inch Nails – We’re In This Together Now
In terms of how the rest of Nine Inch Nails’ stuff sounds like, this is relatively tame. Still a good track though.
Korn – Thoughtless
Say what you will, Korn is still the king of the nu-metal genre. How much more angsty can you get?
The Mars Volta – The Widow
These guys take concept based albums to a new level. Dream Theater’s still my favorite prog-rock group, but these guys hold their own fairly well too.
Slipknot – Wait and Bleed
A relic from my teenage angst stage in life, I put this song on the list mostly for sentimental reasons.
Weezer – Pink Triangle
Ooh, it was tough to choose a single favorite Weezer track. But after careful deliberation, this is the track I’ll never get tired of (but I’d put all of Pinkerton on the list if I could).
Dream Theater – As I Am
These Berklee educated musicians take progressive rock to a new level. My absolute favorite band for a few years, their work has given me a benchmark to base musicality on.
---
R&B and Slow Jams
# 1 on My Charts - Pt. 4 - Slow Jams and R&B
If there was one genre I grew up with and like just as much as the previously mentioned, its R&B and Slow Jams. Whenever I need a good love song, or if I need tracks that are a little more chilled out, I turn here. I mean, I can’t always be hippin and hoppin or rockin out. A lot of this stuff I’ve been listening to ever since I became musically aware, and I can always find the right song that’ll tug on your heartstrings just the right way. It doesn’t have to always be about love, breakups, and sex, (but it helps). Bonus for being a soulful track with a cool beat.
Musiq – Half Crazy
Musiq is one of my favorite R&B artists. Formerly Musiq Soulchild, he dropped the second part of his name because he felt he “hadn’t mastered his craft yet.” Musiq embodies everything I enjoy about slow jams: that it doesn’t have to be about love and sex, we can just kick it, and I miss what we had as friends before.
The Roots – You Got Me
Yeah the Roots are a hip hop group, but this is more of an R&B track than anything and I’ve seen em live; these guys are the epitome of what a music group should encompass. The Roots are legit, and whenever they do this track live, it’s truly art.
Maxwell – Softly
Who doesn’t like a little bit of Maxwell to just chill to? If I could somehow someday learn to sing, I’d want my voice to be just like Maxwell’s. On this track.
Blackstreet – No Diggety
Another classic track produced by none other than the great Dr. Dre
John Legend – It Don’t Have to Change
I like a lot of John Legend tracks. But of all of them, I think this one has the most heart.
Robin Thicke – Complicated
I remember seeing Robin Thicke open up for John Legend a few years back. I’ll admit, I didn’t know who the hell he was at the time, but after a few listen-thrus of his albums, I think I’ve grown to like this guy’s work. This is arguably his best track. Who doesn’t wish they could be less complicated?
Wyclef Jean – 911
Somone please call 911, The alleged assalaint, Is my lover, And she shot me through my soul – classic lines
Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
As a middle schooler, this was everyone’s favorite track to play on their CD players at lunchtime.
Lauryn Hill – Everything Is Everything
Say what you will about Lauryn Hill’s ability to sing, I still think this track is cool. And did anyone else notice I featured another member of The Fugees on this list?
Faith Evans – Can’t Believe
When I wasn’t wallowing in teenage angst, I was wallowing in petty middle school romance, augmented by tracks like this. Still a favorite of mine, this used to be my anthem.
Boyz 2 Men – Thank You
Boyz 2 Men has the accolade of being one of the few boy bands who have substance and talent. Nobody harmonizes like Motown Philly, and this track exemplifies their talents, without getting lost in the background instrumentals.
Carl Thomas – Wish I Never Met Her
In addition to having one of the smoothest beats ever to grace a slow jam (which is even more awesome when you learn it on piano), this song is really inexplicably sad.
Brian McKnight – Love of My Life
This track has often been deemed the song in which it sounds like someone has a hold of Brian McKnight’s balls. I say, you try and sing a whole song falsetto.
BellBivDevoe – Poison
With one of the sickest beats out there, I knew this song became timeless when it was featured on Scrubs:
Next time: Classical Overtures
"will someone sign me off please? I wanna get out of here!"
-as heard over the loud speaker at Ralph's
First up - Rock 1990 to Today
#1 on My Charts Pt. 4 - Rock 1990-Today
VH1’s been showing “The 100 Greatest Rock Songs” a lot lately. I figure I better get in on this while the subject is still hot. That, and I particularly like this stuff because a lot of it is just so timeless. There are countless numbers of sub-genres within rock, and years down the line, a lot of it will still sound fresh to me. So why did I choose pre-1990? Well that’s the decade from which I get a lot of the music I enjoy, and the 90s was a big decade for rock. The popularity of 80s punk was beginning to wane, the grunge era was beginning to enjoy mainstream success, nu metal was born, and the sound of synthesizers was suddenly not that cool. But I digress. Onto the music.
Keane – Sunshine
There’s just some dreamy character to this track. It’s a nice lighthearted tune that’ll make you feel like gliding across the horizon.
Death Cab for Cutie – Tiny Vessels
Not a huge fan of this particular group, but its somber feel underlying the storytelling of the track gives me something to relate to.
Something Corporate – Good News
I think it was the piano backing of this track that initially attracted me to it. One of the few modern punk tracks I can tolerate.
Elliot Smith – Shooting Star
Rest In Peace, Elliot Smith. You still shred a mean guitar, posthumously.
Sublime – Summertime
Another song on this ever-growing list of my favorites that has been influenced by the musical “Porgy and Bess.”
Bloodhound Gang – I Hope You Die
I’m convinced that if the Bloodhound Gang had followed up by making a music video for this song instead of that really crappy song “Mope” right after the success and popularity of “The Bad Touch,” they would have enjoyed more mainstream success.
Metallica – No Leaf Clover
A collaboration of this iconic group and the London Symphony Orchestra? Amazing.
Nirvana – Lithium
Nirvana pretty much brought the grunge to the mainstream, and though “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often praised as their greatest contribution to music, I like this track a lot more.
Foo Fighters – Times Like These
Still my favorite Foo Fighters track (and there are a lot of them that I do like).
Nine Inch Nails – We’re In This Together Now
In terms of how the rest of Nine Inch Nails’ stuff sounds like, this is relatively tame. Still a good track though.
Korn – Thoughtless
Say what you will, Korn is still the king of the nu-metal genre. How much more angsty can you get?
The Mars Volta – The Widow
These guys take concept based albums to a new level. Dream Theater’s still my favorite prog-rock group, but these guys hold their own fairly well too.
Slipknot – Wait and Bleed
A relic from my teenage angst stage in life, I put this song on the list mostly for sentimental reasons.
Weezer – Pink Triangle
Ooh, it was tough to choose a single favorite Weezer track. But after careful deliberation, this is the track I’ll never get tired of (but I’d put all of Pinkerton on the list if I could).
Dream Theater – As I Am
These Berklee educated musicians take progressive rock to a new level. My absolute favorite band for a few years, their work has given me a benchmark to base musicality on.
---
R&B and Slow Jams
# 1 on My Charts - Pt. 4 - Slow Jams and R&B
If there was one genre I grew up with and like just as much as the previously mentioned, its R&B and Slow Jams. Whenever I need a good love song, or if I need tracks that are a little more chilled out, I turn here. I mean, I can’t always be hippin and hoppin or rockin out. A lot of this stuff I’ve been listening to ever since I became musically aware, and I can always find the right song that’ll tug on your heartstrings just the right way. It doesn’t have to always be about love, breakups, and sex, (but it helps). Bonus for being a soulful track with a cool beat.
Musiq – Half Crazy
Musiq is one of my favorite R&B artists. Formerly Musiq Soulchild, he dropped the second part of his name because he felt he “hadn’t mastered his craft yet.” Musiq embodies everything I enjoy about slow jams: that it doesn’t have to be about love and sex, we can just kick it, and I miss what we had as friends before.
The Roots – You Got Me
Yeah the Roots are a hip hop group, but this is more of an R&B track than anything and I’ve seen em live; these guys are the epitome of what a music group should encompass. The Roots are legit, and whenever they do this track live, it’s truly art.
Maxwell – Softly
Who doesn’t like a little bit of Maxwell to just chill to? If I could somehow someday learn to sing, I’d want my voice to be just like Maxwell’s. On this track.
Blackstreet – No Diggety
Another classic track produced by none other than the great Dr. Dre
John Legend – It Don’t Have to Change
I like a lot of John Legend tracks. But of all of them, I think this one has the most heart.
Robin Thicke – Complicated
I remember seeing Robin Thicke open up for John Legend a few years back. I’ll admit, I didn’t know who the hell he was at the time, but after a few listen-thrus of his albums, I think I’ve grown to like this guy’s work. This is arguably his best track. Who doesn’t wish they could be less complicated?
Wyclef Jean – 911
Somone please call 911, The alleged assalaint, Is my lover, And she shot me through my soul – classic lines
Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
As a middle schooler, this was everyone’s favorite track to play on their CD players at lunchtime.
Lauryn Hill – Everything Is Everything
Say what you will about Lauryn Hill’s ability to sing, I still think this track is cool. And did anyone else notice I featured another member of The Fugees on this list?
Faith Evans – Can’t Believe
When I wasn’t wallowing in teenage angst, I was wallowing in petty middle school romance, augmented by tracks like this. Still a favorite of mine, this used to be my anthem.
Boyz 2 Men – Thank You
Boyz 2 Men has the accolade of being one of the few boy bands who have substance and talent. Nobody harmonizes like Motown Philly, and this track exemplifies their talents, without getting lost in the background instrumentals.
Carl Thomas – Wish I Never Met Her
In addition to having one of the smoothest beats ever to grace a slow jam (which is even more awesome when you learn it on piano), this song is really inexplicably sad.
Brian McKnight – Love of My Life
This track has often been deemed the song in which it sounds like someone has a hold of Brian McKnight’s balls. I say, you try and sing a whole song falsetto.
BellBivDevoe – Poison
With one of the sickest beats out there, I knew this song became timeless when it was featured on Scrubs:
Next time: Classical Overtures
"will someone sign me off please? I wanna get out of here!"
-as heard over the loud speaker at Ralph's
1/22/09
well that took longer than I thought it would
After 3 nights of searching for the right blogger template that would suit my taste (and believe me, there are alot of sites) , I have finally decided upon this minimalist template you see here. I also decided to go in a different direction in term of the logo this time around (it doesn't involve pumpkins and/or beer!)
That's all I wanted to draw your attention to.
"This is Riverside? This sucks."
-KV
ps...(the post title - that's what she said )
That's all I wanted to draw your attention to.
"This is Riverside? This sucks."
-KV
ps...(the post title - that's what she said )
1/20/09
In celebration of this momentous day
...Sgt. Obama's Hopeful Heart Club Band
"black people arent the only-people who have crazy sex you know "
-YK
1/19/09
16 things you probably didn't know about me
recently posted on facebook as well...
---
And I quote:
"Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged . You have to tag the person who tagged you."
Since I've received both the "16" and "25" variations of this note, I figured I'll mix it up. 25 people have been tagged, 16 things have been said.
1)I really dislike chain letters and the fact that I have to limit tagging 25 people in these notes makes me feel as if I'm playing favorites, which makes me feel uncomfortable.But everyone's favorite subject is themselves, and I'm really no different.
2)My prized posessions are my external hard drives which contain all my pictures and my music.
3)In relation to #2, I have been carrying around a camera around with me in my pocket wherever I go for the past 8 years. As such, I've been able to capture most of the more important events and people in my life on camera. Besides, you never know what you'll run into that you'll want to take a picture of.
4)Also in relation to #2, I take music seriously. Whenever people ask me what kind of music I like, I usually give an answer like "pretty much everything." As lame as an answer that is, it's actually true. Look through my music collection and you'll find everything from Franz Schubert to Radiohead to Chuck Mangione to Billy Joel to Souls of Mischief to Luna Sea to Muse to NWA to Rachmaninoff to Foo Fighters to Tower of Power to Beastie Boys to Enigma to Nas to Fatboy Slim to Screaming Jay Hawkins...
5)I wrote the book on hosting and throwing parties in college. Seriously. Here it is: http://markwidaq.blogspot.com/2008/04/art-of-throwing-party.html
6)I can quote the Simpsons verbatim from Seasons 1-10. And sometimes it really annoys my friends.
7)I took piano lessons for 12 years, practiced jazz for 4 years, and traveled to Japan with my band. But I never said I was any good.
8)I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a wine and beer aficionado.
9)My nicknames have actual backgrounds:
1-"Mark with a Q" originated at some student group function my first year in college. People were filling out nametags for us, and when asked if my name was spelled with a "K" or a "C," I said "Q! My parents wanted me to be unique." Ever since then, when given a chance to introduce myself via nametag, it's always "Mark with a Q." It thoroughly confuses people.
2-"Solo" originated from a situation at Access Control. After I responded to a fire alarm, my boss wanted to clarify who it was that did so. Not sure of the name that was given to him, he assumed first it was my coworker Mara. She told him it wasn't her, and that it was Mark who responded. Problem was, there were two Marks who worked, Mark Solomon and Mark Hipol. Someone told him it was probably the Mark that worked in Hedrick. Problem was, both Marks worked in Hedrick. So someone suggested it was Mark who was Filipino. Problem was, we were both Filipino. So after emailing us both, and we clarifying the confusion, my boss told us this: "Yeah...your nickname will now be 'solo' and other Mark is now known as 'nipple' to keep things straight." And it's stuck ever since then.
3-"Markie," sometimes spelled "Marky": its origins are really unknown, but apparently it's popular to use when it's used as a term of endearment or if you're trying to make fun of me.
10)I have a collection of original short film works (read: stupid videos) such as "The Marktrix," "Humble Pi," and various parodies of commercials. I plan to release it all on DVD soon. Or whenever I'm not feeling lazy.
11)I've been described as a 'serial monogamist.' ...Whatever the hell that means.
12)I don't get mad often, and I try to avoid it normally. So if you ever see me pissed, I'm pissed.
13)Sarcasm and puns are second nature, so don't take me too seriously and please laugh at my crappy jokes
14)Like many others, I can control my burps and burp the ABC's. Unlike many others, I can also burp Earth Wind and Fire's "Reasons"
15)I can pass the whole getting rich and successful thing in life as long as I'm remembered for something. Preferably something positive.
16)Apparently I bake a mean banana bread.
"I am in respectful awe of #14"
-CK
---
And I quote:
"Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 16 people to be tagged . You have to tag the person who tagged you."
Since I've received both the "16" and "25" variations of this note, I figured I'll mix it up. 25 people have been tagged, 16 things have been said.
1)I really dislike chain letters and the fact that I have to limit tagging 25 people in these notes makes me feel as if I'm playing favorites, which makes me feel uncomfortable.But everyone's favorite subject is themselves, and I'm really no different.
2)My prized posessions are my external hard drives which contain all my pictures and my music.
3)In relation to #2, I have been carrying around a camera around with me in my pocket wherever I go for the past 8 years. As such, I've been able to capture most of the more important events and people in my life on camera. Besides, you never know what you'll run into that you'll want to take a picture of.
4)Also in relation to #2, I take music seriously. Whenever people ask me what kind of music I like, I usually give an answer like "pretty much everything." As lame as an answer that is, it's actually true. Look through my music collection and you'll find everything from Franz Schubert to Radiohead to Chuck Mangione to Billy Joel to Souls of Mischief to Luna Sea to Muse to NWA to Rachmaninoff to Foo Fighters to Tower of Power to Beastie Boys to Enigma to Nas to Fatboy Slim to Screaming Jay Hawkins...
5)I wrote the book on hosting and throwing parties in college. Seriously. Here it is: http://markwidaq.blogspot.com/2008/04/art-of-throwing-party.html
6)I can quote the Simpsons verbatim from Seasons 1-10. And sometimes it really annoys my friends.
7)I took piano lessons for 12 years, practiced jazz for 4 years, and traveled to Japan with my band. But I never said I was any good.
8)I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a wine and beer aficionado.
9)My nicknames have actual backgrounds:
1-"Mark with a Q" originated at some student group function my first year in college. People were filling out nametags for us, and when asked if my name was spelled with a "K" or a "C," I said "Q! My parents wanted me to be unique." Ever since then, when given a chance to introduce myself via nametag, it's always "Mark with a Q." It thoroughly confuses people.
2-"Solo" originated from a situation at Access Control. After I responded to a fire alarm, my boss wanted to clarify who it was that did so. Not sure of the name that was given to him, he assumed first it was my coworker Mara. She told him it wasn't her, and that it was Mark who responded. Problem was, there were two Marks who worked, Mark Solomon and Mark Hipol. Someone told him it was probably the Mark that worked in Hedrick. Problem was, both Marks worked in Hedrick. So someone suggested it was Mark who was Filipino. Problem was, we were both Filipino. So after emailing us both, and we clarifying the confusion, my boss told us this: "Yeah...your nickname will now be 'solo' and other Mark is now known as 'nipple' to keep things straight." And it's stuck ever since then.
3-"Markie," sometimes spelled "Marky": its origins are really unknown, but apparently it's popular to use when it's used as a term of endearment or if you're trying to make fun of me.
10)I have a collection of original short film works (read: stupid videos) such as "The Marktrix," "Humble Pi," and various parodies of commercials. I plan to release it all on DVD soon. Or whenever I'm not feeling lazy.
11)I've been described as a 'serial monogamist.' ...Whatever the hell that means.
12)I don't get mad often, and I try to avoid it normally. So if you ever see me pissed, I'm pissed.
13)Sarcasm and puns are second nature, so don't take me too seriously and please laugh at my crappy jokes
14)Like many others, I can control my burps and burp the ABC's. Unlike many others, I can also burp Earth Wind and Fire's "Reasons"
15)I can pass the whole getting rich and successful thing in life as long as I'm remembered for something. Preferably something positive.
16)Apparently I bake a mean banana bread.
"I am in respectful awe of #14"
-CK
1/18/09
I appreciate the creativity of others, but...
I mean, imagine how hard it would be to try and write songs with words that rhyme with "Clinton" or "McCain."
In the words of Jon Stewart, he's like that bike wrapped in wrapping paper under the Christmas tree. You know what it is...why can't we just open it now? Can he just be our president already?
"once during truth or dare, we had someone make out with herself in the mirror. that was awesome."
-FS
1/11/09
My Annual Strange News Post
When I can't find anything of any particular significance to write about, I usually just scour the news for whatever interesting topic pops up. Today...
Mr. Lennon here would like to remind everyone to donate to the cause of One Laptop Per Child. Though I understand that John Lennon was a firm believer of the imagination's ability to change the world, I hardly believe that he ever said the word "laptop," let alone know what a laptop is. You may be a non-profit organization with a commendable cause, but this falls under the sick notion of exploiting the spirit of a dead entertainer to further a fundraising effort or business enterprise. Shame on you, One Laptop Per Child.
Worst part? Yoko Ono approves of this.
---
According to an American academic, rap battles originated in medieval Scottish pubs.
Say what?
Yes, Professor Ferenc Szasz's research has established a theory that the first "rap battles" occurred in medieval pubs in the form of "flyting," in which two performers entertain the audience by trading elaborate insults in verse and form. Scottish slave owners took the tradition to the United States, where it was adopted by slaves and eventually evolved into the form we know and love today.
He says:"The Scots have a lengthy tradition of flyting - intense verbal jousting, often laced with vulgarity, that is similar to the dozens that one finds among contemporary inner-city African-American youth. Both cultures accord high marks to satire. The skilled use of satire takes this verbal jousting to its ultimate level - one step short of a fist fight."
Interesting point, Professor. I decided to put my own research into this, and have excerpted a modern rap battle, and a popular flyting contest from medieval times. The similarities are all there, including a form, a rhyming scheme, and references to popular culture (of their times, of course.)
First, take an excerpt from one of the battles as portrayed by Eminem in the popular 2002 movie, 8 Mile:
[Lotto]
...I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from leave it to beaver.
I used to like that show now you got me in fight back mode.
But oh well if you gotta go ... then you gotta go.
I hate to do this. I would love for this shit to last.
So I’ll take pictures of my rear end so you won’t forget my ass.
And all is well that ends ok.
So I’ll this shit with a ... fuck you but have a nice day!
[B-Rabbit]
Ward I think you were a little hard on the Beaver.
So was Eddie Haskel, Wally and Ms. Cleaver.
This guy keeps screamin hes paranoid.
Quick someone get his ass another steroid!
Blah-de-bee-bee, blah blah blah-be-dee-, blooh-blah.
I didn’t hear a word you said ... hippity-hoo blah.
Is that a tank top or a new bra?
Look Snoop Dogg has got a fucking boob job!...
And here, I take an excerpt from The Flyting of Dumbar and Kennedie, a popular and well documented flyte, circa some time in the 1300s:
[Quod Dunbar to Kennedy]
Bot wondir laith wer I to be ane baird,
Flyting to use richt gritly I eschame;
For it is nowthir wynning nor rewaird,
Bot tinsale baith of honour and of fame,
Incres of sorrow, sklander, and evill name;
Yit mycht thay be sa bald, in thair bakbytting,
To gar me ryme and rais the feynd with flytting,
And throw all cuntreis and kinrikis thame proclame.
[Quod Kennedy to Dumbar]
Dirtin Dumbar, quhome on blawis thow thy boist?
Pretendand the to wryte sic skaldit skrowis;
Ramowd rebald, thow fall doun att the roist,
My laureat lettres at the and I lowis;
Mandrag, mymmerkin, maid maister bot in mows,
Thrys scheild trumpir with ane threid bait goun,
Say _Deo mercy_, or I cry the doun,
And leif thy ryming, rebald, and thy rowis.
We sure have come a long way since then.
---
This article is a bit old, but I am proud to have my hometown be featured on an article on a news network that is featured and read all around the world. In October, BBC Science and Environment News declared the Hayward Fault to be the 'world's most dangerous fault.'
And might I clarify that 'most dangerous fault' indicates that the fault is considered dangerous because of the fact that the probability of the Hayward fault producing a large earthquake in the next 30 years is high coupled with the fault running through a major urban area, not the crime rate associated with the city, is what makes it the most 'dangerous,' as my friend originally thought.
Anyways...Would you look at that? They've got a picture of our City Hall on the page.
I'm almost proud to have my humble town be featured on a major news network, and even more proud that I found the article through digg.
"I totally thought that was a penis on my McDonald's bag, but it was really a chess piece"
-KE
Mr. Lennon here would like to remind everyone to donate to the cause of One Laptop Per Child. Though I understand that John Lennon was a firm believer of the imagination's ability to change the world, I hardly believe that he ever said the word "laptop," let alone know what a laptop is. You may be a non-profit organization with a commendable cause, but this falls under the sick notion of exploiting the spirit of a dead entertainer to further a fundraising effort or business enterprise. Shame on you, One Laptop Per Child.
Worst part? Yoko Ono approves of this.
---
According to an American academic, rap battles originated in medieval Scottish pubs.
Say what?
Yes, Professor Ferenc Szasz's research has established a theory that the first "rap battles" occurred in medieval pubs in the form of "flyting," in which two performers entertain the audience by trading elaborate insults in verse and form. Scottish slave owners took the tradition to the United States, where it was adopted by slaves and eventually evolved into the form we know and love today.
He says:"The Scots have a lengthy tradition of flyting - intense verbal jousting, often laced with vulgarity, that is similar to the dozens that one finds among contemporary inner-city African-American youth. Both cultures accord high marks to satire. The skilled use of satire takes this verbal jousting to its ultimate level - one step short of a fist fight."
Interesting point, Professor. I decided to put my own research into this, and have excerpted a modern rap battle, and a popular flyting contest from medieval times. The similarities are all there, including a form, a rhyming scheme, and references to popular culture (of their times, of course.)
First, take an excerpt from one of the battles as portrayed by Eminem in the popular 2002 movie, 8 Mile:
[Lotto]
...I feel bad I gotta murder that dude from leave it to beaver.
I used to like that show now you got me in fight back mode.
But oh well if you gotta go ... then you gotta go.
I hate to do this. I would love for this shit to last.
So I’ll take pictures of my rear end so you won’t forget my ass.
And all is well that ends ok.
So I’ll this shit with a ... fuck you but have a nice day!
[B-Rabbit]
Ward I think you were a little hard on the Beaver.
So was Eddie Haskel, Wally and Ms. Cleaver.
This guy keeps screamin hes paranoid.
Quick someone get his ass another steroid!
Blah-de-bee-bee, blah blah blah-be-dee-, blooh-blah.
I didn’t hear a word you said ... hippity-hoo blah.
Is that a tank top or a new bra?
Look Snoop Dogg has got a fucking boob job!...
And here, I take an excerpt from The Flyting of Dumbar and Kennedie, a popular and well documented flyte, circa some time in the 1300s:
[Quod Dunbar to Kennedy]
Bot wondir laith wer I to be ane baird,
Flyting to use richt gritly I eschame;
For it is nowthir wynning nor rewaird,
Bot tinsale baith of honour and of fame,
Incres of sorrow, sklander, and evill name;
Yit mycht thay be sa bald, in thair bakbytting,
To gar me ryme and rais the feynd with flytting,
And throw all cuntreis and kinrikis thame proclame.
[Quod Kennedy to Dumbar]
Dirtin Dumbar, quhome on blawis thow thy boist?
Pretendand the to wryte sic skaldit skrowis;
Ramowd rebald, thow fall doun att the roist,
My laureat lettres at the and I lowis;
Mandrag, mymmerkin, maid maister bot in mows,
Thrys scheild trumpir with ane threid bait goun,
Say _Deo mercy_, or I cry the doun,
And leif thy ryming, rebald, and thy rowis.
We sure have come a long way since then.
---
This article is a bit old, but I am proud to have my hometown be featured on an article on a news network that is featured and read all around the world. In October, BBC Science and Environment News declared the Hayward Fault to be the 'world's most dangerous fault.'
And might I clarify that 'most dangerous fault' indicates that the fault is considered dangerous because of the fact that the probability of the Hayward fault producing a large earthquake in the next 30 years is high coupled with the fault running through a major urban area, not the crime rate associated with the city, is what makes it the most 'dangerous,' as my friend originally thought.
Anyways...Would you look at that? They've got a picture of our City Hall on the page.
I'm almost proud to have my humble town be featured on a major news network, and even more proud that I found the article through digg.
"I totally thought that was a penis on my McDonald's bag, but it was really a chess piece"
-KE
1/2/09
More Sopaipillas Please!
The end of my 2008 brought me on yet another trip, this time into the heart of Mexico to one of its finest dining experiences.
By that, I mean the heart of Denver, and by finest dining experiences, I mean Casa Bonita.
For those of you unfamiliar with Casa Bonita and our inspiration for driving 2200 miles through 5 states to get there, please go to http://www.southparkstudios.com/ and find the full episode on season 7, “Casa Bonita.” Then you’ll understand.
So what is Casa Bonita? It’s been described as the “Disneyland of all Mexican Restaurants.” And it really was. Not only can you get fed there, you’ll get entertained. There were 3 floors of excitement, chock full of cliff divers, mariachi bands, arcades, caricature artists, and best of all, all you can eat sopaipillas!
Actually, I think if anybody could describe the euphoric feeling that results from a visit to Casa Bonita, it would probably be these paid actors whose video was on repeat while we waited 45 minutes in line to get in:
So as you can see, that alone was enough to encourage us to go on a pilgrimage to see a Mexican restaurant three states over. We had actually been planning for weeks, and calculated routes, driving times, and costs plenty of times over. We rented a car, booked the motels, and before we knew it, we were on our way:
Of course it wasn’t going to be a short and easy drive. The first half of the trip took us through the great states of Nevada, Arizona (briefly), and Utah, where the majority of landscape looked like something from Fargo:
Along the way, we discovered that gas is considerably cheaper in other states, even if towns are in the middle of nowhere, Mormons are the nicest people in the world, you probably shouldn’t drive faster than 50mph on black ice, and they sure like their Arby’s out in the mountain west and southwestern states. 1,028 miles and 31 hours later, we finally reached that beloved restaurant. Smack dab in the middle of a suburban shopping center, nudged between a Wal-Mart, a Hollywood Video, and a Dollar Tree, we found the establishment to be the tallest building for miles (downtown Denver was only about 5 miles away, but that’s still miles). It stood out as the largest and most decorative building in the area, it was lit up by spotlights, and there seemed to be an aura emanating from structure itself. And best of all, it was exactly like they animated it on South Park:
Actually, a lot of things were exactly as the show described. Listen as Cartman sings his praises of Casa Bonita, and watch as we experience the same:
The restaurant was so much like the show, it was almost scary. It was as if Matt Stone and Trey Parker had actually been the restaurant. Several times. As promised, there were cliff divers, mariachi bands, and the infamous Black Bart’s Cave.
I of course ordered the all you can eat deluxe beef dinner, which seemed to consist of microwave enchiladas and cheap tacos. But it was damn good. But I suppose anything is damn good if the only meals we had prior was McDonald’s and the chips and brownies we brought along in the car with us.
You raise the flag up when you want more food!
And what’s an experience at any Mexican restaurant without a mariachi band singing happy birthday to you?
With the rental car place demanding the Mazda back in a couple of days, we unfortunately had to end our tenure in Denver after a short 15 hours. Deciding to take a different route back to avoid the New Year’s Eve traffic heading into Las Vegas, we instead decided to drive 1200 miles through New Mexico and more of Arizona, rightfully deciding after some fireworks purchases and crappy pizza that there is absolutely no reason to ever visit Albuquerque. Well, except for maybe, Las Vegas, NM:
After countless hours on the road, hundreds of dollars spent on gas and food, and only a fraction of time spent at our actual destination, would I say it was worth it? In the words of Eric Cartman: Totally.
But really, what really made this trip worthwhile was while on our way out of Denver, we picked up the Ronco Rotisserie. The moment we got back to LA, we picked up some Cornish game hens and set it and forget it:
Happy 2009, everyone!
“could you get me a crappy souvenir from every state you stop by?”
-BM
By that, I mean the heart of Denver, and by finest dining experiences, I mean Casa Bonita.
For those of you unfamiliar with Casa Bonita and our inspiration for driving 2200 miles through 5 states to get there, please go to http://www.southparkstudios.com/ and find the full episode on season 7, “Casa Bonita.” Then you’ll understand.
So what is Casa Bonita? It’s been described as the “Disneyland of all Mexican Restaurants.” And it really was. Not only can you get fed there, you’ll get entertained. There were 3 floors of excitement, chock full of cliff divers, mariachi bands, arcades, caricature artists, and best of all, all you can eat sopaipillas!
Actually, I think if anybody could describe the euphoric feeling that results from a visit to Casa Bonita, it would probably be these paid actors whose video was on repeat while we waited 45 minutes in line to get in:
So as you can see, that alone was enough to encourage us to go on a pilgrimage to see a Mexican restaurant three states over. We had actually been planning for weeks, and calculated routes, driving times, and costs plenty of times over. We rented a car, booked the motels, and before we knew it, we were on our way:
Of course it wasn’t going to be a short and easy drive. The first half of the trip took us through the great states of Nevada, Arizona (briefly), and Utah, where the majority of landscape looked like something from Fargo:
Along the way, we discovered that gas is considerably cheaper in other states, even if towns are in the middle of nowhere, Mormons are the nicest people in the world, you probably shouldn’t drive faster than 50mph on black ice, and they sure like their Arby’s out in the mountain west and southwestern states. 1,028 miles and 31 hours later, we finally reached that beloved restaurant. Smack dab in the middle of a suburban shopping center, nudged between a Wal-Mart, a Hollywood Video, and a Dollar Tree, we found the establishment to be the tallest building for miles (downtown Denver was only about 5 miles away, but that’s still miles). It stood out as the largest and most decorative building in the area, it was lit up by spotlights, and there seemed to be an aura emanating from structure itself. And best of all, it was exactly like they animated it on South Park:
Actually, a lot of things were exactly as the show described. Listen as Cartman sings his praises of Casa Bonita, and watch as we experience the same:
The restaurant was so much like the show, it was almost scary. It was as if Matt Stone and Trey Parker had actually been the restaurant. Several times. As promised, there were cliff divers, mariachi bands, and the infamous Black Bart’s Cave.
I of course ordered the all you can eat deluxe beef dinner, which seemed to consist of microwave enchiladas and cheap tacos. But it was damn good. But I suppose anything is damn good if the only meals we had prior was McDonald’s and the chips and brownies we brought along in the car with us.
You raise the flag up when you want more food!
And what’s an experience at any Mexican restaurant without a mariachi band singing happy birthday to you?
With the rental car place demanding the Mazda back in a couple of days, we unfortunately had to end our tenure in Denver after a short 15 hours. Deciding to take a different route back to avoid the New Year’s Eve traffic heading into Las Vegas, we instead decided to drive 1200 miles through New Mexico and more of Arizona, rightfully deciding after some fireworks purchases and crappy pizza that there is absolutely no reason to ever visit Albuquerque. Well, except for maybe, Las Vegas, NM:
After countless hours on the road, hundreds of dollars spent on gas and food, and only a fraction of time spent at our actual destination, would I say it was worth it? In the words of Eric Cartman: Totally.
But really, what really made this trip worthwhile was while on our way out of Denver, we picked up the Ronco Rotisserie. The moment we got back to LA, we picked up some Cornish game hens and set it and forget it:
Happy 2009, everyone!
“could you get me a crappy souvenir from every state you stop by?”
-BM
12/31/08
here's to MMVIII
2008.
grandma's death.
the B part 2.
biggest/best PREP events that ever took place.
the last math class I'll ever take.
the end of my employment with on-campus housing...forever.
graduation.
end of collegiate career.
first time i ever got contacts.
first summer without questionable drama since 1999.
the very last college party i'll ever throw.
the last time I'll ever see alot of people.
first voluntary physical activity since 2002.
first full time job.
first time to the Philippines.
first company picnic, softball game, and winter holiday formal.
first time wine tasting.
first mp3 player that plays video.
first time to an Indian casino.
the last time I'll ever get 3 weeks straight of vacation.
the last time I'll ever spend that much time at home.
the most alcohol I've ever received for Christmas.
the first cross country road trip I ever took.
the first time I've spent new year's eve away from home.
the end of the beginning of my life.
the first day of the rest of my life.
the finishing of the easiest part of life.
the last post of two thousand and eight.
2008.
"ooh you know its brand new when it's not opened"
-VS
grandma's death.
the B part 2.
biggest/best PREP events that ever took place.
the last math class I'll ever take.
the end of my employment with on-campus housing...forever.
graduation.
end of collegiate career.
first time i ever got contacts.
first summer without questionable drama since 1999.
the very last college party i'll ever throw.
the last time I'll ever see alot of people.
first voluntary physical activity since 2002.
first full time job.
first time to the Philippines.
first company picnic, softball game, and winter holiday formal.
first time wine tasting.
first mp3 player that plays video.
first time to an Indian casino.
the last time I'll ever get 3 weeks straight of vacation.
the last time I'll ever spend that much time at home.
the most alcohol I've ever received for Christmas.
the first cross country road trip I ever took.
the first time I've spent new year's eve away from home.
the end of the beginning of my life.
the first day of the rest of my life.
the finishing of the easiest part of life.
the last post of two thousand and eight.
2008.
"ooh you know its brand new when it's not opened"
-VS
12/24/08
what an "obamanation"
I'd like to call to attention to the world this 'obamanation' of a product:
That's right people, it's Obama beer, as made by the company Mavericks.
I tried said beer last night, and I must say that it is definitely a beer that gives me a change I can believe in. The flavor of the "hop(e)" is really prevelant in this ale, and ends with a smooth transition that's fit for those lazy Sundays or those lazier inauguration days.
I'll stop there.
Anyways, time beckons me to go to church for the first time in...well...I can't really recall. In that note, I'd like to wish you all a good tidings on the 2008th anniversary of the day of Jesus' origination.
"Bing Crosby? Is that the black guy or the white guy?"
-VS
That's right people, it's Obama beer, as made by the company Mavericks.
I tried said beer last night, and I must say that it is definitely a beer that gives me a change I can believe in. The flavor of the "hop(e)" is really prevelant in this ale, and ends with a smooth transition that's fit for those lazy Sundays or those lazier inauguration days.
I'll stop there.
Anyways, time beckons me to go to church for the first time in...well...I can't really recall. In that note, I'd like to wish you all a good tidings on the 2008th anniversary of the day of Jesus' origination.
"Bing Crosby? Is that the black guy or the white guy?"
-VS
12/21/08
here's something someone probably never thought about
You ever read post secret? It's basically a collection of 4X6 postcards or pictures where people can disclose their deepest, darkest secrets on these cards, but anonymously. Some are serious, some are sad, and some are just downright funny.
So I was perusing through the other day, and found many that stood out to me, related to me, or didn't relate to me at all and I just found hilarious. There was one that really stood out to me though, because I think it actually is true:
Or did I make that myself? I'll never let you know.
"he wanted white cake, ain't that ghetto?
"naw, chocolate cake is ghetto"
-CB
So I was perusing through the other day, and found many that stood out to me, related to me, or didn't relate to me at all and I just found hilarious. There was one that really stood out to me though, because I think it actually is true:
Or did I make that myself? I'll never let you know.
"he wanted white cake, ain't that ghetto?
"naw, chocolate cake is ghetto"
-CB
12/15/08
Vearsã cu gãleata
That means "it's raining cats and dogs" in Aromenian.
Mind my ignorance, but who the hell speaks Aromenian?
Today was the first "real" rain in Sunny Southern California. I say "real" because all the past few rains in the past month or two have been slight drizzles or sprinkles, and were hardly worthy to wash my car. I also know that this is the first real rain since there were the obligatory flash flood warnings and slowed commute to work due to inexperienced drivers in wet conditions and the increased amount of accidents due to that. Throw in the extra complaints from Southern California natives that this mild dripping from the sky that doesn't even require me to use my wiper blades all that often is "horrendous" and we've got ourselves a 'storm' in SoCal.
Either way, being an expatriate from a region in which rain comes regularly, and even moreso during the winter months, I find the 325 days of the year that Los Angeles doesn't get rain to be progressively more annoying. I miss real downpours (but I do have a limit when it comes to snow).
To that, I say chyen ap bwe nan nen (which in Haitian Creole means 'dogs are drinking in their noses').
"you remind me of my stepdad."
-JRT
Mind my ignorance, but who the hell speaks Aromenian?
Today was the first "real" rain in Sunny Southern California. I say "real" because all the past few rains in the past month or two have been slight drizzles or sprinkles, and were hardly worthy to wash my car. I also know that this is the first real rain since there were the obligatory flash flood warnings and slowed commute to work due to inexperienced drivers in wet conditions and the increased amount of accidents due to that. Throw in the extra complaints from Southern California natives that this mild dripping from the sky that doesn't even require me to use my wiper blades all that often is "horrendous" and we've got ourselves a 'storm' in SoCal.
Either way, being an expatriate from a region in which rain comes regularly, and even moreso during the winter months, I find the 325 days of the year that Los Angeles doesn't get rain to be progressively more annoying. I miss real downpours (but I do have a limit when it comes to snow).
To that, I say chyen ap bwe nan nen (which in Haitian Creole means 'dogs are drinking in their noses').
"you remind me of my stepdad."
-JRT
12/10/08
I have joined the ranks...
...of the 3.18 million other people who are registered on the insta-blogging/status updated website Twitter. And apparently the moment I finished writing this past sentence, about 700 more people just registered for the site.
For those of you unfamiliar with Twitter, it's basically a site which personifies the facebook status updates. And for those of you unfamiliar with the facebook status updates, what you do is type (within 140 characters) an update on whatever you'd like, whether that be what you're doing at the moment (Mark is scratching his leg), what you're thinking (Mark is pondering life), or if you found or saw something interesting (OMG Mark just saw a squirrel run up a tree...FAST!) that you just have to share with whoever is following your updates. You can also follow other people's feeds to see what is they're up to, to see what they're doing at the moment, what they're thinking, or if they found or saw something interesting that they just had to share with whoever is following their updates. Anyways, I think these guys would probably explain it a little better:
My joining this site is slightly frightening to me, since it pretty much creates another outlet (alongside with gmail, hotmail, aim, and facebook) for me to neurotically sign on to and check frequently and search and add everyone I could possibly know.
As a matter of fact, why don't you just add me already, while we're on the subject:
http://twitter.com/markwidaq
female:(whistles)
male: (looks up) is that Bob?
female: do I look like a Bob?
-heard on the streets of Westwood
For those of you unfamiliar with Twitter, it's basically a site which personifies the facebook status updates. And for those of you unfamiliar with the facebook status updates, what you do is type (within 140 characters) an update on whatever you'd like, whether that be what you're doing at the moment (Mark is scratching his leg), what you're thinking (Mark is pondering life), or if you found or saw something interesting (OMG Mark just saw a squirrel run up a tree...FAST!) that you just have to share with whoever is following your updates. You can also follow other people's feeds to see what is they're up to, to see what they're doing at the moment, what they're thinking, or if they found or saw something interesting that they just had to share with whoever is following their updates. Anyways, I think these guys would probably explain it a little better:
My joining this site is slightly frightening to me, since it pretty much creates another outlet (alongside with gmail, hotmail, aim, and facebook) for me to neurotically sign on to and check frequently and search and add everyone I could possibly know.
As a matter of fact, why don't you just add me already, while we're on the subject:
http://twitter.com/markwidaq
female:(whistles)
male: (looks up) is that Bob?
female: do I look like a Bob?
-heard on the streets of Westwood
12/8/08
I don't apologize. I'm sorry, that's just the way I am.
So apparently Academics have created an equation that will actually quantify the measure and likelihood of procrastination. Professor Piers Steel, a self-proclaimed academic has spent the past 10 years studying what it is that gives people the propensity to put off what they can do today until tomorrow. Studying 250 University of Calgary college students, he sought to decide whether procrastinators were perfectionists or just plain lazy. The equation is as follows:
U=EV/ID
...where U stands for utility, or the desire to complete a given task. It is equal to the product of E, the expectation of success, and V the value of completion, divided by the product of I, the immediacy of the task, and D, the personal sensitivity to delay.
So let's put this to the test, shall we? Today, I have been tasked with updating a phone list of 290 drivers, a task which involves lots of data entry, does not have a real due date, and in actuality is somebody else's project that I'm taking over for.
Let's start on the right side of the equation. E is the expectation of success, which for me has been affected by my boss telling me to complete this task for my coworker, since she won't be coming in this week. On a rank of 1 to 10, I'm assuming my boss wants me to finish this task for her, so let's put it at 10.
V is the value of completion, which I guess would be the ultimate value I would receive from performing this task. Since finishing a project that belongs to someone else, and whose outcome would not ultimately affect me, I would put value on a scale of 1 to 10 at 3.
I is immediacy of the task. Considering the fact that I have nothing else to work on at the moment, and a due date was not given to me, this number is actually pretty low to me. Since it's the denominator, the scale is inversely proportional, so larger numbers equal lower values. Let's give it a 10.
D is the personal sensitivity to delay. I personally am very sensitive to many things, but delay is not one of them. If there was a sense of urgency, I suppose a higher value could be given to this task. Since my boss is usually too busy for his own right (and mine) throughout the day, my sensitivity to the delay of this is fairly low. I still have a few hours before he comes into my office and asks me what I do, so I'll give this one a fairly low value of 8.
Putting it all together looks like this:
U=(10*3)/(10*8)
U=30/80
U=.375
So utility for me to finish this task would .375, a fairly low chance of me getting back to this project since a utility of 1 would be a task I enjoy doing and needs to be finished immediately.
In conclusion, we find that this project has %37.5 chance of me finishing it without delay. The remaining %62.5 of me would rather read up on more articles on digg and reddit, check my email repeatedly, or write this post while I'm sitting here at work.
My God, the equation is right!
Well, back to work, I guess.
"Who's Hitler?"
-VR
U=EV/ID
...where U stands for utility, or the desire to complete a given task. It is equal to the product of E, the expectation of success, and V the value of completion, divided by the product of I, the immediacy of the task, and D, the personal sensitivity to delay.
So let's put this to the test, shall we? Today, I have been tasked with updating a phone list of 290 drivers, a task which involves lots of data entry, does not have a real due date, and in actuality is somebody else's project that I'm taking over for.
Let's start on the right side of the equation. E is the expectation of success, which for me has been affected by my boss telling me to complete this task for my coworker, since she won't be coming in this week. On a rank of 1 to 10, I'm assuming my boss wants me to finish this task for her, so let's put it at 10.
V is the value of completion, which I guess would be the ultimate value I would receive from performing this task. Since finishing a project that belongs to someone else, and whose outcome would not ultimately affect me, I would put value on a scale of 1 to 10 at 3.
I is immediacy of the task. Considering the fact that I have nothing else to work on at the moment, and a due date was not given to me, this number is actually pretty low to me. Since it's the denominator, the scale is inversely proportional, so larger numbers equal lower values. Let's give it a 10.
D is the personal sensitivity to delay. I personally am very sensitive to many things, but delay is not one of them. If there was a sense of urgency, I suppose a higher value could be given to this task. Since my boss is usually too busy for his own right (and mine) throughout the day, my sensitivity to the delay of this is fairly low. I still have a few hours before he comes into my office and asks me what I do, so I'll give this one a fairly low value of 8.
Putting it all together looks like this:
U=(10*3)/(10*8)
U=30/80
U=.375
So utility for me to finish this task would .375, a fairly low chance of me getting back to this project since a utility of 1 would be a task I enjoy doing and needs to be finished immediately.
In conclusion, we find that this project has %37.5 chance of me finishing it without delay. The remaining %62.5 of me would rather read up on more articles on digg and reddit, check my email repeatedly, or write this post while I'm sitting here at work.
My God, the equation is right!
Well, back to work, I guess.
"Who's Hitler?"
-VR
12/7/08
cause gettin old is hard to do
How do I know I'm beginning to age?
This weekend, what did my activities consist of? My company holiday party, and wine tasting.
Whoa. To be quite honest, I did not see myself spending my Saturday evenings with bunch of 40-somethings. It's interesting and all to see alot of the people I work with on a daily basis and happen to be at least twice my age let it all out on the dance floor. But there's still something inherently awkward about seeing a 50 year old, calm and cool, mild mannered man who normally comes to work in sweater vests get down to do the cupid shuffle. Perfectly.
In any sense, I guess I'll look back on this experience and wish for younger days when I'm that 50 year old in a sweater vest perfectly performing whatever is the popular dance is at the time.
I also discovered the joys of wine tasting this weekend. I've always been a big fan of wine, boxed or not, but I think I've found a new hobby. I mean, where else can you go in which the proprieters will actually give you free alcohol?
I guess it would be safe to say that things I do for fun have changed drastically since I finished school. Goodbye wild, drunken college apartment keggers and blazing, beer, pizza, and video game Sundays. Hello company parties and wine sampling. Goodbye starving student lifestyle. Hello yuppie weekend adventures. What's that you say? The weather? Directions? Oh, hold on, I can check my iphone. Or my GPS navigator system. Or maybe there's something in my Prius I can check.
So I have this little test. Here's a list of 25 signs that you've grown up. If more than half of these apply to you, you're definitely on the road to...old-ness.
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “breakup.”
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as “dressed up.”
10. You’re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won’t turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog “Science Diet” instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at three in the morning would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A four dollar bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good shit.”
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. “I just can’t drink the way I used to” replaces “I’m never going to drink that much again.”
23. Ninety percent of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking “Oh shit what the hell happened?
Bonus:26: You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that it doesn’t apply to you and can’t find one to save your sorry old ass.
For me, I counted 19. Uh oh.
But if there's one thing I can count on, it's an inherent, quriky part of me that'll never grow up. How do I know? I'm still smiling after watcing Wall-E for the first time. Also, I made this:
The next blog logo for me? Give it some time, I just put this current one up.
"Oh God, he's so conceited, he actually thinks he has a chance with me."
-JG
This weekend, what did my activities consist of? My company holiday party, and wine tasting.
Whoa. To be quite honest, I did not see myself spending my Saturday evenings with bunch of 40-somethings. It's interesting and all to see alot of the people I work with on a daily basis and happen to be at least twice my age let it all out on the dance floor. But there's still something inherently awkward about seeing a 50 year old, calm and cool, mild mannered man who normally comes to work in sweater vests get down to do the cupid shuffle. Perfectly.
In any sense, I guess I'll look back on this experience and wish for younger days when I'm that 50 year old in a sweater vest perfectly performing whatever is the popular dance is at the time.
I also discovered the joys of wine tasting this weekend. I've always been a big fan of wine, boxed or not, but I think I've found a new hobby. I mean, where else can you go in which the proprieters will actually give you free alcohol?
I guess it would be safe to say that things I do for fun have changed drastically since I finished school. Goodbye wild, drunken college apartment keggers and blazing, beer, pizza, and video game Sundays. Hello company parties and wine sampling. Goodbye starving student lifestyle. Hello yuppie weekend adventures. What's that you say? The weather? Directions? Oh, hold on, I can check my iphone. Or my GPS navigator system. Or maybe there's something in my Prius I can check.
So I have this little test. Here's a list of 25 signs that you've grown up. If more than half of these apply to you, you're definitely on the road to...old-ness.
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “breakup.”
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as “dressed up.”
10. You’re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won’t turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog “Science Diet” instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at three in the morning would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A four dollar bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good shit.”
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. “I just can’t drink the way I used to” replaces “I’m never going to drink that much again.”
23. Ninety percent of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking “Oh shit what the hell happened?
Bonus:26: You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that it doesn’t apply to you and can’t find one to save your sorry old ass.
For me, I counted 19. Uh oh.
But if there's one thing I can count on, it's an inherent, quriky part of me that'll never grow up. How do I know? I'm still smiling after watcing Wall-E for the first time. Also, I made this:
The next blog logo for me? Give it some time, I just put this current one up.
"Oh God, he's so conceited, he actually thinks he has a chance with me."
-JG
12/4/08
#1 on my charts, Part 3
You know the drill.
Oldies, Soul and Funk
"Oldies, Soul, and Funk" is such a general term for this category. There are so many subgenres that fall within this category, such as Latin or even Disco. I guess you could name this list as everything I like that came before 1980 (though technically, one of the songs came out in 1983). Either way, within this very large category, I have waaayy too many favorites, and it was painful to have to choose favorites. It's like being forced to choose between favorite ex's, while they're in the room with you, staring at you. And then after choosing, you're stuck in the room with them for the next 3 hours. It's uncomfortable.
Anyhoo, here we go:
I decided to go with a playlist format for the listing of the songs, since uploading them individually caused problems with many slower moving computers. But I'm still gonna talk about each track:
Ohio Players - Love Roller Coaster
Like the name indicates, this song really is as fun as a roller coaster. Fun Fact: It was once a rumor that the screaming sound you hear at 2:32 is a woman being murdered in the studio. But it's the Ohio Players, people. They defined fun in the Funk era.
The Delfonics - Going In Circles
I just have a thing for old soul ballads. Round and round we go...
Friends of Distinction - Grazing in Grass
This track is just so...happy. And fun. Someday, I want to perfect the chorus: I can dig it, he can dig it She can dig it, we can dig it They can dig it, you can dig it Oh, let's dig it Can you dig it, baby
Michael Sembello - She's a Maniac
I particularly like the acapella version that "Ted's Band" does on Scrubs of this song. I can't find the recording to it, but if you know where I can acquire it, let me know...
Earth, Wind and Fire - Fantasy
I'm a HUGE fan of Earth, Wind and Fire. That's what made it so difficult to choose a favorite from within their huge set. There's just something so crisp, so sharp about their sound. These guys really know how to put on a show, that's for sure.
Bloodstone - Natural High
What can I say? I enjoy these cool, calm, soul ballads. The original true love songs, in my honest opinion.
Sly and the Family Stone - Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself
This is a classic underlying guitar riff. Throw in the swaying notes on the horns, and you've got yourself a classic funky tune.
War - The World is a Ghetto
This song builds up from a quiet, haunting melody that subtly catches up with you before you even know it.
The Temptations - Have You Seen Her?
What's a good oldies favorite playlist without The Temptations?
The O'Jays - For the Love of Money
This song will transcend generations. It's message can ring true for whoever you may be, you greedy blood-sucking bastards.
Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4
Chicago at their best, before they turned love ballad soft rock.
Kool and the Gang - Too Hot
A somewhat unconventional track from the group that's known for hits such as "Hollywood Swingin'" and "Celebration"
The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time
Didn't I do it baby?
Association - Never My Love
A very simple, yet cool and calm tune whose message is loud and clear: How can you think love will end, When I've asked you to spend your whole life, With me
Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye
I like both this version and the Jackson 5 version. Which one is better? Shit, I still can't decide to this day.
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
If you don't know me by now (especially since you're reading my blog), you will never never never know me.
Stevie Wonder - I was Made to Love Her
Doesn't matter how old you are, you've gotta love Stevie Wonder.
The Manhattans - Kiss and Say Goodbye
This really should've been on my ridiculously sad songs list.
Santana - Singing Winds, Crying Beast
I'm a big fan of Santana, and I'm especially a big fan of this less commercialized, definitely more musical track of his.
Sugarloaf - Green Eyed Lady
Put this song on, and I guarantee you'll have me drumming along wherever I am.
Malo - Suavecito
I remember this would always be the first song my dad would play during family parties. Maybe I'll do the same thing in the near future.
Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
It's been a long time comin, but I know a change gon' come...
So, Barack. It's been a long time comin'.
Rod Stewart - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy
Something about this song reminds me of Ned Flander singing this to Maude while dressed in a giant hear costume.
ELO - Mr. Blue Sky
Try and tell me you didn't smile when you heard this song.
Jackie Wilson - Higher and Higher
I can't recall any other song Jackie Wilson was known for, but hey, all you need is one big hit.
Spooky - Classics IV
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you. Spooky!
Spiral Staircase - More Today than Yesterday
Another one hit wonder of their day, but still, the song is timeless.
Santo and Johnny - Sleepwalk
There's just something inherently...amazing...about this track.
The Mama's and Papa's - California Dreaming
Imagine, this song would work perfectly still if it weren't played a minor key.
Animals - House of the Rising Sun
A guitar riff that will be remembered for decades on out.
Peaches and Cream - Reunited
...and it feels so gooood.
Next time: R&B and Slow Jams, and Rock 1990 till today
"I'd wanna be friends with Snoop Dogg someday. He seems like a cool guy."
-BS
Oldies, Soul and Funk
"Oldies, Soul, and Funk" is such a general term for this category. There are so many subgenres that fall within this category, such as Latin or even Disco. I guess you could name this list as everything I like that came before 1980 (though technically, one of the songs came out in 1983). Either way, within this very large category, I have waaayy too many favorites, and it was painful to have to choose favorites. It's like being forced to choose between favorite ex's, while they're in the room with you, staring at you. And then after choosing, you're stuck in the room with them for the next 3 hours. It's uncomfortable.
Anyhoo, here we go:
I decided to go with a playlist format for the listing of the songs, since uploading them individually caused problems with many slower moving computers. But I'm still gonna talk about each track:
Ohio Players - Love Roller Coaster
Like the name indicates, this song really is as fun as a roller coaster. Fun Fact: It was once a rumor that the screaming sound you hear at 2:32 is a woman being murdered in the studio. But it's the Ohio Players, people. They defined fun in the Funk era.
The Delfonics - Going In Circles
I just have a thing for old soul ballads. Round and round we go...
Friends of Distinction - Grazing in Grass
This track is just so...happy. And fun. Someday, I want to perfect the chorus: I can dig it, he can dig it She can dig it, we can dig it They can dig it, you can dig it Oh, let's dig it Can you dig it, baby
Michael Sembello - She's a Maniac
I particularly like the acapella version that "Ted's Band" does on Scrubs of this song. I can't find the recording to it, but if you know where I can acquire it, let me know...
Earth, Wind and Fire - Fantasy
I'm a HUGE fan of Earth, Wind and Fire. That's what made it so difficult to choose a favorite from within their huge set. There's just something so crisp, so sharp about their sound. These guys really know how to put on a show, that's for sure.
Bloodstone - Natural High
What can I say? I enjoy these cool, calm, soul ballads. The original true love songs, in my honest opinion.
Sly and the Family Stone - Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself
This is a classic underlying guitar riff. Throw in the swaying notes on the horns, and you've got yourself a classic funky tune.
War - The World is a Ghetto
This song builds up from a quiet, haunting melody that subtly catches up with you before you even know it.
The Temptations - Have You Seen Her?
What's a good oldies favorite playlist without The Temptations?
The O'Jays - For the Love of Money
This song will transcend generations. It's message can ring true for whoever you may be, you greedy blood-sucking bastards.
Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4
Chicago at their best, before they turned love ballad soft rock.
Kool and the Gang - Too Hot
A somewhat unconventional track from the group that's known for hits such as "Hollywood Swingin'" and "Celebration"
The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time
Didn't I do it baby?
Association - Never My Love
A very simple, yet cool and calm tune whose message is loud and clear: How can you think love will end, When I've asked you to spend your whole life, With me
Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye
I like both this version and the Jackson 5 version. Which one is better? Shit, I still can't decide to this day.
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
If you don't know me by now (especially since you're reading my blog), you will never never never know me.
Stevie Wonder - I was Made to Love Her
Doesn't matter how old you are, you've gotta love Stevie Wonder.
The Manhattans - Kiss and Say Goodbye
This really should've been on my ridiculously sad songs list.
Santana - Singing Winds, Crying Beast
I'm a big fan of Santana, and I'm especially a big fan of this less commercialized, definitely more musical track of his.
Sugarloaf - Green Eyed Lady
Put this song on, and I guarantee you'll have me drumming along wherever I am.
Malo - Suavecito
I remember this would always be the first song my dad would play during family parties. Maybe I'll do the same thing in the near future.
Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
It's been a long time comin, but I know a change gon' come...
So, Barack. It's been a long time comin'.
Rod Stewart - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy
Something about this song reminds me of Ned Flander singing this to Maude while dressed in a giant hear costume.
ELO - Mr. Blue Sky
Try and tell me you didn't smile when you heard this song.
Jackie Wilson - Higher and Higher
I can't recall any other song Jackie Wilson was known for, but hey, all you need is one big hit.
Spooky - Classics IV
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you. Spooky!
Spiral Staircase - More Today than Yesterday
Another one hit wonder of their day, but still, the song is timeless.
Santo and Johnny - Sleepwalk
There's just something inherently...amazing...about this track.
The Mama's and Papa's - California Dreaming
Imagine, this song would work perfectly still if it weren't played a minor key.
Animals - House of the Rising Sun
A guitar riff that will be remembered for decades on out.
Peaches and Cream - Reunited
...and it feels so gooood.
Next time: R&B and Slow Jams, and Rock 1990 till today
"I'd wanna be friends with Snoop Dogg someday. He seems like a cool guy."
-BS
12/2/08
stranger things have happened.
word on the streets is my dad added my sister on facebook.
I now have more dress clothes than 'street' clothes.
I started doing something physical again (nightly walks are much more pleasant than trying to swim half a mile a night).
and in light of the financial crisis, dollar stores have been relegated to this:
the world has truly gone topsy turvy.
"what if someone put a spell on me?"
-VS
oh and in my boredom and lack of anything more important to do, I've changed the picture and layout yet again. so...whatdya think?
I now have more dress clothes than 'street' clothes.
I started doing something physical again (nightly walks are much more pleasant than trying to swim half a mile a night).
and in light of the financial crisis, dollar stores have been relegated to this:
the world has truly gone topsy turvy.
"what if someone put a spell on me?"
-VS
oh and in my boredom and lack of anything more important to do, I've changed the picture and layout yet again. so...whatdya think?
11/27/08
hell hath no fury...
...like a 400 mile trek from a southern metropolis to a northern region. Call it a mixture of bad factors, such as holiday congestion, rainy weather, and bad timing, but either way, when it takes 2 hours to drive 14.6 miles, something is obviously wrong.
Happy Turducken Day everybody!
"so...what do you think of the dunkin donuts conspiracy?"
-JW
Happy Turducken Day everybody!
"so...what do you think of the dunkin donuts conspiracy?"
-JW
11/25/08
#1 on my charts, part 2
Today: Covers, Electronic, and Really Sad Songs (AKA breakup songs)
So for the next few days, I'm going to be posting my favorite tracks from my favorite genres. Not neccessarily what I'd make a full blown playlist out, but rather the stuff I wouldn't mind on repeat.
Covers
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Covers
Cover artists are an interesting breed. An artist can choose to completely re-interpret the song into their own style, allowing the listener to discern the tune and appreciate the song in a new light. Or, a cover artist can try and mimic the song in every way in order to stay true to the original, but adding their own creative sound to it. Either way, it's tough to get it right. The following list is not full of perfect covers, but rather ones I feel were done well enough to catch my ears.
Chris Cornell - Billy Jean
Song Covered - Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
Oh, it takes guts to cover the king of pop. Many who do run a risk of butchering the original, making it no longer a tribute but more of a karaoke session. But Chris Cornell takes the track, slows it down, and turns it into his own. Had you not known the tune before, it would stand alone as a beautiful ballad lamenting all that could go wrong on those fateful nights.
Obadiah Parker - Hey Ya
Song Covered - Hey Ya by Outkast
The first time I heard this track, I literally laughed out loud. Perhaps it's because I didn't expect the song to be what it is, or maybe it's because I first saw it on youtube completely lip synched to the actual music video, but either way, this guy does a fine job of staying true to the tune.
Passion - So Sick
Song Covered - So Sick by Ne-Yo
Had I not known that Passion had done this rendition, I would have beleived this was actually Ne-Yo on the guitar.
Rhett Miller - Girl
Song Covered - Girl by the Beatles
One of my favorite Beatles tracks, I was glad to hear a cover that didn't stray too far away from the original. I can easily say that I would enjoy listening to either version repeatedly on repeat.
A Perfect Circle - Imagine
Song Covered - Imagine by John Lennon
Alot of people don't view this rendition in the highest regard, but I try to keep an open mind. Sure, it completely changes the whole mood of the song, but that's the point. If John Lennon had instead decided to sing in the minor key, this would probably be close to what it would sound like. The message still gets across though.
Sonic Youth - Superstar
Song Covered - Superstar by the Carpenters
Once again, a classic track with a modern feel. Both versions give off the same aura, and yet are distinct to each own's generation.
Scala & Kolacny Brothers - Creep
Song Covered - Creep by Radiohead
One of my favorites by Radiohead, this song has been often remixed, covered, rendered, what have you. There are acoustic, electronic, acapella, and even orchestrated versions of this song. But my favorite? This version. There's just something tingling about hearing a heavenly sounding women's choir singing "I'm so fucking special" with a hint of a Belgian accent.
Igudesman and Joo - I Will Survive
Song Covered - I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Have you ever heard of these guys? They're hilarious. And talented. And inventive. And downright amazing. If you must know, yes, at 2:32, the violinist begins playing with an electric nail filer, and yes, at 2:56, he takes that electric filer, and plays it on the piano strings at just the right areas to get the right chords, and yes, at 3:29, that is another song snuck in there that some of you may appreciate.
Electronic
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Electronic
No, I ain't gonna deny it. There was a time I was into trance and techno and all that fun stuff back in the day. It was the advent of the popularity of the Rave, and I rode along with it. I avoided the drugs and the wild parties, but I did enjoy the music. My taste in it has toned down, and even my choice of music you'd call "electronic" has toned down to more mellow tunes that are influenced from trip hop and even new age.
Ratatat - Mirando
So many elements in this song keep this fun track catchy and interesting.
Air - La Femme D'Argent
I can't help but imagine myself flying over the horizon while listening to this euphoric track.
Fatboy Slim - Right Here Right Now
Dramatic and melodic, this is Fatboy Slim at his best.
Enigma - The Eyes of Truth
Many of you may recognize this as the tune that showed up in all those Matrix trailers. You won't hear it till about 4:06, but you'll definitely appreciate the rest of the track as well.
Rob D - Clubbed to Death
Another track that the Matrix borrowed a clip from, this song provides all the menacing undertones you'll need in a sci-fi thriller. Next, I have to learn how to play that piano break.
Burial - Archangel
Now here's something I wouldn't mind getting high to.
Sad Love Songs
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Really Sad Songs
Oh, the break up songs. Stuff you'd listen to when you're feeling down in the dumps after that horrible split with your significant other. One would think that you should listen to happier songs to get out of that horrible horrible mood, but there are just some days when you just want to listen to something that reflects your state of being.
No Doubt - Don't Speak (Acoustic)
The break up ballad for all love struck and lost teenagers of the 90s, now even more emotional and powerful with the acoustic simplification of the track.
Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul?
You can't hear this song and watch the video without feeling some sort of emotion. Look it up on youtube. But let me warn you, it's not for the faint of heart.
Maroon 5 - Nothing Lasts Forever
Ignoring the fact that the chorus is recycled from the bit they did for Kanye, every part of this song evokes a somber sense of resignation to failure in love.
Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgetting
This was my personal anthem for the longest time. A song that helps personify those of us who "keep forgetting."
Wham! - Careless Whisper
Can't forget this classic.
Santana - She's Not There (rendition)
A wonderful job at covering this Zombie classic, Santana gives us his rendition of a track dedicated to deception and mistakes made in love.
India Arie - Good Morning
A heartfelt track of a realization of the reality of a situation and the eventual acceptance that many of us may find very easy to relate to.
Limp Bizkit - Don't Go Off Wandering
My quintessential anthem for those really nasty breakups.
Next time: Oldies, Soul, and Funk
"how could I forget the guy who gave me Christmas in my mouth?"
-LS
So for the next few days, I'm going to be posting my favorite tracks from my favorite genres. Not neccessarily what I'd make a full blown playlist out, but rather the stuff I wouldn't mind on repeat.
Covers
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Covers
Cover artists are an interesting breed. An artist can choose to completely re-interpret the song into their own style, allowing the listener to discern the tune and appreciate the song in a new light. Or, a cover artist can try and mimic the song in every way in order to stay true to the original, but adding their own creative sound to it. Either way, it's tough to get it right. The following list is not full of perfect covers, but rather ones I feel were done well enough to catch my ears.
Chris Cornell - Billy Jean
Song Covered - Billy Jean by Michael Jackson
Oh, it takes guts to cover the king of pop. Many who do run a risk of butchering the original, making it no longer a tribute but more of a karaoke session. But Chris Cornell takes the track, slows it down, and turns it into his own. Had you not known the tune before, it would stand alone as a beautiful ballad lamenting all that could go wrong on those fateful nights.
Obadiah Parker - Hey Ya
Song Covered - Hey Ya by Outkast
The first time I heard this track, I literally laughed out loud. Perhaps it's because I didn't expect the song to be what it is, or maybe it's because I first saw it on youtube completely lip synched to the actual music video, but either way, this guy does a fine job of staying true to the tune.
Passion - So Sick
Song Covered - So Sick by Ne-Yo
Had I not known that Passion had done this rendition, I would have beleived this was actually Ne-Yo on the guitar.
Rhett Miller - Girl
Song Covered - Girl by the Beatles
One of my favorite Beatles tracks, I was glad to hear a cover that didn't stray too far away from the original. I can easily say that I would enjoy listening to either version repeatedly on repeat.
A Perfect Circle - Imagine
Song Covered - Imagine by John Lennon
Alot of people don't view this rendition in the highest regard, but I try to keep an open mind. Sure, it completely changes the whole mood of the song, but that's the point. If John Lennon had instead decided to sing in the minor key, this would probably be close to what it would sound like. The message still gets across though.
Sonic Youth - Superstar
Song Covered - Superstar by the Carpenters
Once again, a classic track with a modern feel. Both versions give off the same aura, and yet are distinct to each own's generation.
Scala & Kolacny Brothers - Creep
Song Covered - Creep by Radiohead
One of my favorites by Radiohead, this song has been often remixed, covered, rendered, what have you. There are acoustic, electronic, acapella, and even orchestrated versions of this song. But my favorite? This version. There's just something tingling about hearing a heavenly sounding women's choir singing "I'm so fucking special" with a hint of a Belgian accent.
Igudesman and Joo - I Will Survive
Song Covered - I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Have you ever heard of these guys? They're hilarious. And talented. And inventive. And downright amazing. If you must know, yes, at 2:32, the violinist begins playing with an electric nail filer, and yes, at 2:56, he takes that electric filer, and plays it on the piano strings at just the right areas to get the right chords, and yes, at 3:29, that is another song snuck in there that some of you may appreciate.
Electronic
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Electronic
No, I ain't gonna deny it. There was a time I was into trance and techno and all that fun stuff back in the day. It was the advent of the popularity of the Rave, and I rode along with it. I avoided the drugs and the wild parties, but I did enjoy the music. My taste in it has toned down, and even my choice of music you'd call "electronic" has toned down to more mellow tunes that are influenced from trip hop and even new age.
Ratatat - Mirando
So many elements in this song keep this fun track catchy and interesting.
Air - La Femme D'Argent
I can't help but imagine myself flying over the horizon while listening to this euphoric track.
Fatboy Slim - Right Here Right Now
Dramatic and melodic, this is Fatboy Slim at his best.
Enigma - The Eyes of Truth
Many of you may recognize this as the tune that showed up in all those Matrix trailers. You won't hear it till about 4:06, but you'll definitely appreciate the rest of the track as well.
Rob D - Clubbed to Death
Another track that the Matrix borrowed a clip from, this song provides all the menacing undertones you'll need in a sci-fi thriller. Next, I have to learn how to play that piano break.
Burial - Archangel
Now here's something I wouldn't mind getting high to.
Sad Love Songs
#1 On My Charts Pt. 2 - Really Sad Songs
Oh, the break up songs. Stuff you'd listen to when you're feeling down in the dumps after that horrible split with your significant other. One would think that you should listen to happier songs to get out of that horrible horrible mood, but there are just some days when you just want to listen to something that reflects your state of being.
No Doubt - Don't Speak (Acoustic)
The break up ballad for all love struck and lost teenagers of the 90s, now even more emotional and powerful with the acoustic simplification of the track.
Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul?
You can't hear this song and watch the video without feeling some sort of emotion. Look it up on youtube. But let me warn you, it's not for the faint of heart.
Maroon 5 - Nothing Lasts Forever
Ignoring the fact that the chorus is recycled from the bit they did for Kanye, every part of this song evokes a somber sense of resignation to failure in love.
Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgetting
This was my personal anthem for the longest time. A song that helps personify those of us who "keep forgetting."
Wham! - Careless Whisper
Can't forget this classic.
Santana - She's Not There (rendition)
A wonderful job at covering this Zombie classic, Santana gives us his rendition of a track dedicated to deception and mistakes made in love.
India Arie - Good Morning
A heartfelt track of a realization of the reality of a situation and the eventual acceptance that many of us may find very easy to relate to.
Limp Bizkit - Don't Go Off Wandering
My quintessential anthem for those really nasty breakups.
Next time: Oldies, Soul, and Funk
"how could I forget the guy who gave me Christmas in my mouth?"
-LS
11/23/08
#1 on my charts, part 1
With all the talks of favorite songs I’ve been having lately, I almost feel compelled to actually take the effort to actually take note of what my favorite songs actually are.
Whenever somebody asks me what kind of music I listen to, I usually answer “everything from alternative to Zimbabwan pop, although I’m not sure if the latter exists.” Many may see this as some sort of lame way of saying the already lame answer of “everything.”
But for me, it’s actually true. I have favorites in oldies, jazz, hip-hop, classical, and even electronic. In other words, like many other people, my favorite tastes in music transcend genres.
So let’s get started here. Every few days, and in no particular order, I’m going to be posting up a list of my favorite songs within certain (often over-generalized) genres. Not to say that these songs are the only songs I’ll listen to from this genre, but rather my ultimate favorites that I wouldn’t mind putting on repeat for the next few years.
Today, Hip-Hop, Love Songs, and Jazz.
Hip Hop
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Hip Hop
Hip Hop. Rap. Beats. Call it what you will, but my perception and my taste of what makes "good" hip hop has changed dramtatically over the years. I think I've become comfortable with my current definition, and as such here are my favorites in no particular order:
Zion I - Bird's Eye View
I think the first few lines of this song define alot of why I enjoy this genre: "Like, on the real, hip hop is like, just, beautiful."
Pharcyde - Passing Me By
A favorite for many, and I'm no different. If we can only look past Joe's unbearable interpretation...
Souls of Mischief - 93 Til Infinity
Gotta show the Bay some love.
Pete Rock and CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
In the words of my friend: "Perfection."
Nujabes - Beyond
More a beat than an actual hip-hop song, but a smooth beat nonetheless. I enjoy this man's work.
Naughty by Nature - Uptown Anthem
The 90s were dope.
Dilated Peoples - This Way
"Success will be the best revenge."
Digable Planets - Rebirth of Cool
I'm a sucker for jazz influenced beats. It truly is cool like that.
Common - Retrospect for Life
A chilling minor piano riff covered by deep lyrics? Damn.
Ahmad - Back in the Day
Probably personifies my continual train of thought while I sit at work
Z-Trip - Everything Changes
Can't say I'm the biggest fan of Z-Trip, but a song I can relate to nonetheless
Jazz
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Jazz
Jazz is what got me started on music, really. Once in 6th grade, my friend asked me what kind of music I listened to. When I mentioned jazz, his reaction was no less of "Jazz? what the hell is wrong with you?"
He's a crackhead now.
Softly as in a Morning Sunrise - Wynton Marsalis
A favorite of mine from "Porgy and Bess." The trading of melodies between the flugal horn and the alto gave a new spin on an old favorite at the time.
Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps)- Medeski, Martin, and Wood
There's just something inherently fun about this song.
Chuck Mangione - Children of Sanchez (Live at the Hollywood Bowl)
Mangione's work ranges from the classiness and mellow nature of some tracks such as "Feels So Good" to the absolutely intense yet completely crisp nature of this one.
Maynard Ferguson - McArthur Park
The sax solo at 1:38? And the hook by the trumpet at the end of the solo? One of the reasons I got into jazz.
Herbie Hancock - Cantaloupe Island
The underlying piano riff is a constant reminder of the good ol' years I had with the combo back in the day.
Oscar Peterson - It Ain't Necessarily So
Another great track from "Porgy and Bess," a reimagining of the song that still captures the context in which it was originally sung.
Stan Kenton - Send in the Clowns
The piano solo in this recording completely improvised, and is still powerful, yet simple. I never could capture the same feeling when I attempted this on high school.
Gordon Goodwin's Phat Band - Hunting Wabbits
How a whole big band manages to stay on time in this track simply amazes me.
Love Songs
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Love Songs
Or, songs I'm saving to dedicate to my next girlfriend. Let the cheesiness commence!
Heatwave - Always and Forever
A classic. "Each moment with you is just like a dream to me that somehow came true"
Radiohead - Nobody Does It Better (Live Cover)
A truly heartfelt cover of a Carly Simon favorite.
"Nobody does it better, makes me feel sad for the rest, nobody does it half as good as you"
Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle
A song I'm definitely memorizing and singing eventually.
"If I could make days last forever, if words could make wishes come true, I'd save every day like a treasure and then, again, I would spend them with you"
Foo Fighters - Everlong (Acoustic)
A quintessential 90s ballad that didn't overdo it on the tried and trite lyrical musings (and the fact that it's acoustic makes it that much more better).
"If everything could ever feel this real forever, if anything could ever be this good again, the only thing I'll ever ask of you, you've got to promise not to stop when I say when"
The Beatles - Something
A track I would never leave off the list.
"Something in the way she moves,attracts me like no other lover."
Babyface - Every Time I Close My Eyes
A track I'll probably end up playing at my wedding.
"And every time I think of it, I pinch myself cause I dont believe its true, that someone like you loves me too"
Next time: Electronic, Covers, and Ridiculously and Somewhat Sad Songs
"...but what if pigeons could become lawyers?"
-was said drunkenly, probably by me
Whenever somebody asks me what kind of music I listen to, I usually answer “everything from alternative to Zimbabwan pop, although I’m not sure if the latter exists.” Many may see this as some sort of lame way of saying the already lame answer of “everything.”
But for me, it’s actually true. I have favorites in oldies, jazz, hip-hop, classical, and even electronic. In other words, like many other people, my favorite tastes in music transcend genres.
So let’s get started here. Every few days, and in no particular order, I’m going to be posting up a list of my favorite songs within certain (often over-generalized) genres. Not to say that these songs are the only songs I’ll listen to from this genre, but rather my ultimate favorites that I wouldn’t mind putting on repeat for the next few years.
Today, Hip-Hop, Love Songs, and Jazz.
Hip Hop
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Hip Hop
Hip Hop. Rap. Beats. Call it what you will, but my perception and my taste of what makes "good" hip hop has changed dramtatically over the years. I think I've become comfortable with my current definition, and as such here are my favorites in no particular order:
Zion I - Bird's Eye View
I think the first few lines of this song define alot of why I enjoy this genre: "Like, on the real, hip hop is like, just, beautiful."
Pharcyde - Passing Me By
A favorite for many, and I'm no different. If we can only look past Joe's unbearable interpretation...
Souls of Mischief - 93 Til Infinity
Gotta show the Bay some love.
Pete Rock and CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
In the words of my friend: "Perfection."
Nujabes - Beyond
More a beat than an actual hip-hop song, but a smooth beat nonetheless. I enjoy this man's work.
Naughty by Nature - Uptown Anthem
The 90s were dope.
Dilated Peoples - This Way
"Success will be the best revenge."
Digable Planets - Rebirth of Cool
I'm a sucker for jazz influenced beats. It truly is cool like that.
Common - Retrospect for Life
A chilling minor piano riff covered by deep lyrics? Damn.
Ahmad - Back in the Day
Probably personifies my continual train of thought while I sit at work
Z-Trip - Everything Changes
Can't say I'm the biggest fan of Z-Trip, but a song I can relate to nonetheless
Jazz
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Jazz
Jazz is what got me started on music, really. Once in 6th grade, my friend asked me what kind of music I listened to. When I mentioned jazz, his reaction was no less of "Jazz? what the hell is wrong with you?"
He's a crackhead now.
Softly as in a Morning Sunrise - Wynton Marsalis
A favorite of mine from "Porgy and Bess." The trading of melodies between the flugal horn and the alto gave a new spin on an old favorite at the time.
Last Chance to Dance Trance (Perhaps)- Medeski, Martin, and Wood
There's just something inherently fun about this song.
Chuck Mangione - Children of Sanchez (Live at the Hollywood Bowl)
Mangione's work ranges from the classiness and mellow nature of some tracks such as "Feels So Good" to the absolutely intense yet completely crisp nature of this one.
Maynard Ferguson - McArthur Park
The sax solo at 1:38? And the hook by the trumpet at the end of the solo? One of the reasons I got into jazz.
Herbie Hancock - Cantaloupe Island
The underlying piano riff is a constant reminder of the good ol' years I had with the combo back in the day.
Oscar Peterson - It Ain't Necessarily So
Another great track from "Porgy and Bess," a reimagining of the song that still captures the context in which it was originally sung.
Stan Kenton - Send in the Clowns
The piano solo in this recording completely improvised, and is still powerful, yet simple. I never could capture the same feeling when I attempted this on high school.
Gordon Goodwin's Phat Band - Hunting Wabbits
How a whole big band manages to stay on time in this track simply amazes me.
Love Songs
#1 On My Charts Pt. 1 - Love Songs
Or, songs I'm saving to dedicate to my next girlfriend. Let the cheesiness commence!
Heatwave - Always and Forever
A classic. "Each moment with you is just like a dream to me that somehow came true"
Radiohead - Nobody Does It Better (Live Cover)
A truly heartfelt cover of a Carly Simon favorite.
"Nobody does it better, makes me feel sad for the rest, nobody does it half as good as you"
Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle
A song I'm definitely memorizing and singing eventually.
"If I could make days last forever, if words could make wishes come true, I'd save every day like a treasure and then, again, I would spend them with you"
Foo Fighters - Everlong (Acoustic)
A quintessential 90s ballad that didn't overdo it on the tried and trite lyrical musings (and the fact that it's acoustic makes it that much more better).
"If everything could ever feel this real forever, if anything could ever be this good again, the only thing I'll ever ask of you, you've got to promise not to stop when I say when"
The Beatles - Something
A track I would never leave off the list.
"Something in the way she moves,attracts me like no other lover."
Babyface - Every Time I Close My Eyes
A track I'll probably end up playing at my wedding.
"And every time I think of it, I pinch myself cause I dont believe its true, that someone like you loves me too"
Next time: Electronic, Covers, and Ridiculously and Somewhat Sad Songs
"...but what if pigeons could become lawyers?"
-was said drunkenly, probably by me
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