Moments of Clarity
5 years ago
Friday, January 30, 2009
Eric Bogosian
If you think there's any level of compassion or empathy or civilization whatsoever being shared out there by anybody, I got news for you. There is none. Wake up and smell the coffee, it's anarchy. It's chaos being held together by pious hypocrisy and gross sentimentality.
A photo that changed the world
Promontory Point 1869
The ceremony begins on May 10, 1869, as an eastbound Central Pacific locomotive and a westbound Union Pacific locomotive meet in Promontory Point, Utah, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. The men on the cowcatchers are ready to toast the driving of the golden spike. The work had been brutal. At one stage, efforts to tunnel through the marble spine of a Sierra Nevada mountain consumed an entire year, as only eight inches a day of progress was possible. So: a fabulous accomplishment. But this is also an early example of a photo op—the use of a picture as a means to an end. Folks back East could see, plain as day, that a train could take them all the way to California, where businessmen anxiously awaited their commerce.
American Psycho
I love the parts in American Psycho when Patrick Bateman analyzes bad 80's music:
Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.
brilliant.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Feud
So Jessica Alba is feuding with Bill O'Reilly? She went as far as calling him an "a hole". I knew I liked her for more than her looks.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
celebrity sighting
So walking back to my office after lunch today I saw Anderson Cooper. I work in Chelsea.. A very gay area. And he was walking with another guy. I think the "is he or isn't he" question has been answered..
Tilly & The Wall
Just discovered this band yesterday. Liking them a lot. Instead of a drummer (most of the time) they have a tap dancer.
and they've even been on Sesame Street.
and they've even been on Sesame Street.
I'm psyched
I'm having a geek out. Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and my favorite TV writer, is going to be at the NY Comicon to promote his new show, Dollhouse. Can't wait.
Monday, January 26, 2009
3 random pics that sum up my friday
Russian skanks... Gotta love them
Birthdays were the worst days now we sip champagne when we thirst-ay
Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Curious Case of Forrest Gump
It bugs me that Ben Button was nominated so many damn times. I give you this video.
If you see only one version of Forrest Gump this year...
The Curious Case of Forrest Gump - watch more funny videos
If you see only one version of Forrest Gump this year...
Monkey Muck may be on to something..
reading this post, I have to agree with Monkey Muck. Guys love comics for the uhhh.. stories.. sure..
A photo that changed the world
Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire 1911
The Triangle Shirtwaist Company always kept its doors locked to ensure that the young immigrant women stayed stooped over their machines and didn’t steal anything. When a fire broke out on Saturday, March 25, 1911, on the eighth floor of the New York City factory, the locks sealed the workers’ fate. In just 30 minutes, 146 were killed. Witnesses thought the owners were tossing their best fabric out the windows to save it, then realized workers were jumping, sometimes after sharing a kiss (the scene can be viewed now as an eerie precursor to the World Trade Center events of September, 11, 2001, only a mile and a half south). The Triangle disaster spurred a national crusade for workplace safety.
Medicine Stick
Last night went to my friend Muzz's new band play. He was a founding member of Living Colour. He played Bass. Remember them? They were pretty damn good, right? I mean who doesn't love "Cult of Personality"? His new band is called Medicine Stick (I would say it's a weed reference but he doesn't smoke so..), I was glad to see Muzz still likes to rock out. They kind of sound like a heavier Red Hot Chilli Peppers.. If that does anything for ya..
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oscar
well the Oscar nominations have been announced.. What is the big deal about Benjamin Button anyway? I've seen it.. wasn't all that impressed. But on the other hand I'm glad that heath Ledger, Mickey Rourke, Meryl Streep and Frank Langella got nominations. I don't care about who wins, but as the saying goes "it's an honor just to be nominated"
. Best Picture: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk," "The Reader," "Slumdog Millionaire."
2. Actor: Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"; Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"; Sean Penn, "Milk"; Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler."
3. Actress: Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"; Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"; Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"; Meryl Streep, "Doubt"; Kate Winslet, "The Reader."
4. Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin, "Milk"; Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"; Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"; Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road."
5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "Doubt"; Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"; Viola Davis, "Doubt"; Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler."
6. Director: David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"; Gus Van Sant, "Milk"; Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"; Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire."
7. Foreign Film: "The Baader Meinhof Complex," Germany; "The Class," France; "Departures," Japan; "Revanche," Austria; "Waltz With Bashir," Israel.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Eric Roth and Robin Swicord, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; John Patrick Shanley, "Doubt"; Peter Morgan, "Frost/Nixon"; David Hare, "The Reader"; Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire."
9. Original Screenplay: Courtney Hunt, "Frozen River"; Mike Leigh, "Happy-Go-Lucky"; Martin McDonagh, "In Bruges"; Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"; Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter, "WALL-E."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Bolt"; "Kung Fu Panda"; "WALL-E."
11. Art Direction: "Changeling," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "The Duchess," "Revolutionary Road."
12. Cinematography: "Changeling," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "The Reader," "Slumdog Millionaire."
13. Sound Mixing: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "Slumdog Millionaire," "WALL-E," "Wanted."
14. Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man," "Slumdog Millionaire," "WALL-E," "Wanted."
15. Original Score: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Alexandre Desplat; "Defiance," James Newton Howard; "Milk," Danny Elfman; "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman; "WALL-E," Thomas Newman.
16. Original Song: "Down to Earth" from "WALL-E," Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman; "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar; "O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam.
17. Costume: "Australia," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Duchess," "Milk," "Revolutionary Road."
18. Documentary Feature: "The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)," "Encounters at the End of the World," "The Garden," "Man on Wire," "Trouble the Water."
19. Documentary (short subject): "The Conscience of Nhem En," "The Final Inch," "Smile Pinki," "The Witness -- From the Balcony of Room 306."
20. Film Editing: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk," "Slumdog Millionaire."
21. Makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "Hellboy II: The Golden Army."
22. Animated Short Film: "La Maison en Petits Cubes," "Lavatory -- Lovestory," "Oktapodi," "Presto," "This Way Up."
23. Live Action Short Film: "Auf der Strecke (On the Line)," "Manon on the Asphalt," "New Boy," "The Pig," "Spielzeugland (Toyland)."
24. Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lyrics I like
Between The Bars - Elliott Smith
Drink up, baby
Stay up all night
Things you could do
You won't but you might
The potential you'll be
You'll never see
Promises you'll only make
Drink up with me now
And forget all about
Pressure of days
Do what I say
And I'll make you okay
And drive them away
Images stuck in your head
People you've been before
That you don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still
Drink up, baby
Look at the stars.
And I'll kiss you again
Between the bars
Where I'm seeing you there
With your hands in the air
Waiting to finally be caught
Drink up one more time
And I'll make you mine
And keep you apart
Deep in my heart
Separate from the rest
Where I like you the best
Keep the things you forgot
The people you've been before
That you don't want around anymore
That push and shove and won't bend to your will
I'll keep them still
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tagged
Fonzie Sox tagged me.
"6 things you don't know about me"
1) I acted as a child. Mostly in theater, but I did a few radio commercials for the Cleveland area in the early 80s. I even had to sing a solo in South Pacific. To this day I'm not a big fan of musicals.
2) I played football my freshmen year of High School just to prove to myself that I could do it.
3) I had a sister with Downs Syndrome so I HATE it when people call things "retarded" or call others "retard". She always wanted to be Dorothy. So this pic is for her.
4) Old buildings and machinery give me really bad vibes.
5) Medieval torture techniques and devices fascinate me
6) I'm a very bitter, angry and lonely person. But I still believe that at heart most people are good. It was one of the hardest lessons to learn.
"6 things you don't know about me"
1) I acted as a child. Mostly in theater, but I did a few radio commercials for the Cleveland area in the early 80s. I even had to sing a solo in South Pacific. To this day I'm not a big fan of musicals.
2) I played football my freshmen year of High School just to prove to myself that I could do it.
3) I had a sister with Downs Syndrome so I HATE it when people call things "retarded" or call others "retard". She always wanted to be Dorothy. So this pic is for her.
4) Old buildings and machinery give me really bad vibes.
5) Medieval torture techniques and devices fascinate me
6) I'm a very bitter, angry and lonely person. But I still believe that at heart most people are good. It was one of the hardest lessons to learn.
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