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the bright aisles of c-town
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Thursday, July 29, 2004
Congrats to Matt & Mike, and CRITICAL MASSSSSS
Last night Bill, Doug, and I celebrated with Matt and Mike to celebrate their completion of the bar exam. That test has consumed their lives and I'm glad it's finally over so I can see them again.
Friday night is Critical Mass. I had completely forgotten! Critical Mass on Friday, Tour de Slice on Sunday - my legs are going to be sore on Monday.
W keeps falling off his bike lately. He's not invited.
10:56 AM
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
The hot steamy love affair between fashion and rock'n'roll
When I saw The Hives play at Irving Plaza last week one aspect of their performance particularly struck me: these guys look good! All of their clothing, instruments, and amps followed a strict black and white color scheme. Behind the band hung a giant red neon sign that said, "The Hives." Otherwise, their entire light show was bright white lights. The suits and shoes the guys were wearing were particularly stylish.
The White Stripes have a similar fashion gimmick going with a strict fashion regimen of red, black, and white. They don't have the style that The Hives have, nor, I suspect, a dedicated tailor supplied by their record company. Nonetheless, even in the video for Fell In Love With a Girl you can recognize their style - and the video is Lego animation!
Gone are the days of the mid-90's when fashion was just another F word in the rock'n'roll lexicon. It seems these days that artists are trying to combine the punk attitude with a thoroughly non-punk aesthetic. I'm going to spit in your establishmentarian face, but you'd better not get any blood on my vintage. Jeans and a t-shirt just don't cut it. Even low level bands now have multiple stylists, and up and coming fashionistas will often outfit bands on the brink in order to further their name among the circles of fashion and rock.
I have often considered bringing up fashion with the Hello Nurse guys. What will be our gimmick? Or, if not a gimmick, what can we do to look good? Ed and Mike usually look good, even if their style is just jeans and t-shirts. Ed often goes the way of the wrist band, which unforunately is so 2002. Mike is an accountant by day, and unfortunately his 9-5 squareness rubs off on his 10-4 fashion sense a bit too much. Fortunately he's just a plain old good looking guy who can dance, so in that regard he wins the Hello Nurse fashion trophy. Joe's clothes are often way too big for his body, making me want to take him shopping myself. I don't even know what the hell I'm doing when I dress for a show. My wardrobe is a vault of thrift store items that were taken to the thrift store for a reason. The only thing I purposefully try to avoid is the black t-shirt drummer stereotype. I have been thinking of wearing a tie more often, just so the thing starts flying around when I'm playing. Of course it has to be a solid color tie, preferably thin, and buttoning the neck is friggin' hot when you're slamming away on the drums like a madman. Luckily, I get to hide behind the drums, so I don't really need to look that good until we have enough dough for me to start thrashing equipment at the end of high profile shows. Yay!
I'd like to see us wear some nicer clothes - perhaps even shirts and ties. I'd even like to see some more red and white uniformity in our color schemes, since these seem to be our nurse-themed band colors. I found some red Dickies scrubs at Modell's, and we will definitely be buying those for a theme show at some point. (We might not look as hot as these girls, but the scrubs might be a cool costume to have on hand.)
Otherwise, I guess a band fashion sense worth noting is going to require two things: 1) a woman or gay male with a good eye; and
2) some fucking cash.
Suggested Readings on Fashion and Rock
Indie Designers Pin Hopes (and Clothes) on Indie Singers by Julia Chaplin, printed in the New York Times, July 25, 2004.
Blog entry by an East Village blogger who seems to be deeep into the music/fashion/gossip scene.
A craigslist post from a band that most likely read the NYTimes article and decided to get their act together.
10:57 AM
Friday, July 23, 2004
The Hives are the best rock'n'roll band I've ever seen
... and Drew and I run fast
Last night Drew and I met up for the Nike/VH1 Run Hit Wonder, a 5K race through central park with afterparty performances by Tone Loc and DEVO. The race was so much larger than we expected. I heard that 10,000 people were participating. I have no way of corroborating that number, but I will say that it seemed as though we were running in an ocean of blue jerseys. Drew and I ran pretty fast - we were weaving and slaloming around other runners the enitre time. I don't recall anyone passing us, either. But, we did start with the slow people. It was a great run, and the last mile was mostly downhill so we pushed ourselves hard. Our race results should be online soon, and I will post them on here eventually.
After we saw Tone Loc and DEVO play their hits we hopped on the subway and went to Irving Plaza to see The Hives. We scooted our way as close to the stage as possible. I will say this emphatically: The Hives gave the best rock'n'roll performace I have ever seen. The whole band was dressed in black and white suits, and all of their gear was also black and white. The singer was all over the place, climbing amps and the PA, crowd surfing, he even climbed up into the VIP section and ran around the balcony. One of the guitar players also crowd surfed, and the drummer was just a madman on his kit. I was blown away. If you EVER have the chance to see The Hives then check it out.
After the show Drew and I handed out Hello Nurse flyers. We ran into Travis who was promoting an Unsacred Hearts show happening this Saturday night at the building across the street from my old McKibbin St. loft. I think I might have to check it out. Here are the details:
Rncnotwelcome.org benefit
With bands Man in Gray, Unsacred Hearts, and one more.
255 McKibbin Street, Apartment 1G, buzz No. 7
L train to Montrose Avenue station
9p doors, $5 to enter includes all you can drink, proceeds go to RNCnotwelcome.org and the Daily News truth in journalism fund.
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Here is a fun link with information to good cliff diving spots throughout the US and the world. Find a cliff to jump off near you!
9:18 AM
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Rock Face
Check out this article from the New York Times about a rock face competition.
And if you haven't seen it already, check out the This Land Is Our Land parody at jibjab.com. You will laugh your socks off.
10:06 AM
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
The Assault Weapon Ban - Is there any question??
The Assault Weapons Ban is going to expire shortly, and for some reason law makers are running scared from a bill that would renew this ban. Apparently, even though the majority of Americans support a ban on the most deadly assault weapons, law makers are afraid of the wrath of the NRA against representative who opppose this bill. The vote to renew the ban isn't even scheduled, as members of the House would rather ignore this measure than show some guts and stand up the NRA. Both Reagan and H.W. Bush had to make special requests to Congress to get them to vote on this measure. (Both Reagan and Bush supported a ban on assault weapons, and while I disagree with the politics of both of these men, I commend them for having the balls to stand up to the NRA.)
Lawmakers are now calling on President Bush to make a similar request to Congress. I guess the House of Representatives peons need their president to request them to renew a law so they won't get singled out by the NRA. The NRA certainly isn't going to attack Bush - because they certainly don't want Kerry in office. So, let's see if George W. Bush truly is this great leader the Republicans claim he is. Bush said during his 2000 campaign that he would support a ban on assault weapons. Now, is he actually going to get off his ass and live up to this claim? Kerry already took a break from campaigning to speak on the Senate floor in favor of renewing the ban. The bill has already passed through the Senate. Now, will Bush help the bill make it through the House? Something tells me Bush is a pansy ass.
Now for my own rant...
I have a hard time coming to terms with the second amendment. I understand that our country was founded with the belief that the citizenry should be allowed to bear arms. But what in the fucking world does someone need an AK-47 or an UZI for???? I guess I'm just a pacifist, but the only use for these weapons is to mow down groups of people in one fell swoop. Yes, you have the right to own a gun - but you do NOT have the the right to mow people down. Do you want to shoot a deer? Get a rifle. Do you want to protect your family? Get a handgun. Do you want to kill cops? Get an AK. Do you want to mow down members of another race in a violent hate crime? Get an UZI.
Gun owners need to realize that the ready availability of assualt weapons will only lead to more mass death the next time a Columbine-type massacre occurs. A crazy kid with an UZI is a lot worse that a crazy kid with a glock. The next time someone decides to go postal, should they really have access to an assault weapon?
Of course, Rick Santorum doesn't support the Assault Weapons Ban. But what would you expect from a guy with such naughty naughty sexual habits.
11:30 AM
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Farewell to Alex Chung and Eric Lane
Tonight is a going away party for my good friends Alex Chung and Eric Lane. I lived with both of these fine gentlemen my sophomore year of college and with Alex again my junior year. Both Alex and Eric are aspiring film makers, and now they're off to sunny California to pursue their careers. Alex & Eric, I wish you both the best!
Tomorrow night Hello Nurse is playing at the Knitting Factory with some other fine acts, including the adorable duo Champagne Francis. I have pursuaded a large contingent from work to come along, so hopefully the crowd will be festive.
Last night at summer league my team only had 7 players. We call this playing savage because no players get any sideline rest. Despite our small squad, we played consistent and disciplined, and we ended up beating a much younger but less spirited gold team. Yay purple! It was a satisfying win.
Scary link of the day. War footage from Afghanistan. (non-graphic)
Come on out to the Knitting Factory tomorrow night!
11:09 AM
Friday, July 16, 2004
Seriously
This soccer mom says it all.
http://www.n3t.net/humor/Seriously.mpg
If you're going to the Siren Festival tomorrow give me a call. I'll be there for a couple hours passing out Hello Nurse handbills. Tomorrow night Hello Nurse has a last-minute show that we are purposefully not telling anyone about. It's at some new venue called Lizard Lounge. We are sharing the bill with a bunch of wuss rock accoustic backwards cap hemp bracelet bands, but we'll gladly take a spot on any bill.
11:06 AM
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Gay Marriage Ban Ammendment Struck Down! and Why Santorum is hilarious
I'm blogging a lot today, but that's not to say I haven't been getting a lot of work done, too. I guess my brain is just ON today, which is a rare accomplishment for the hours that preceed lunchtime.
Thank goodness that the Senate voted to block an effort to constitutionally ban gay marriage. I am so relieved to hear a story about our government officials actually upholding the constitution and it's ideals of inclusion, not exclusion. But, expect to hear a lot more rhetoric from the blowhards on the right concerning the sanctity of marriage.
Speaking of blowhards (and boy does this guy BLOW), here's what Senator Rick Santorum had to say about the issue:
I would argue that the future of our country hangs in the balance because the future of marriage hangs in the balance. Isn't that the ultimate homeland security, standing up and defending marriage?
Excerpted from AP/NYTimes article linked here.
Rick Santorum is known for his vocal views against gay marriage. Basically, he's a closet case who screams his head off against homosexuality in graphic detail.
Dan Savage writes a syndicated sex column called Savage Love which can be found in such notable publications as The Village Voice and The Onion AV Club. One of Savage's readers suggested that the gay community mockingly embrace Mr. Santorum by naming a sex act after him. A few suggestions were made, and days later the word santorum had a new meaning. Read the Savage Love column that reveals the nickname here. Or, read a summary of the entire debacle here.
It's hard to take Senator Santorum seriously in the first place. But now with this image in my head I can't help but crack up whenever I hear the name. Senator Santorum. Hahahahahahaha. Might as well be Senator Dingleberry.
.... I was thinking about google image searching "santorum," but I'm at work and that might put some images on my monitor that might offend some of my coworkers. Oh, and it also might have some graphic images as well. I love working with lefties!
10:14 AM
Interesting link from the Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC
I'm sitting at work cranking out e-mails listening to the Brian Lehrer show on NPR. One of his guests today was from The American Museum of the Moving Image. Check out the website for a current online exhibit of Presidential Campaign Commercials from 1952-2004. It's amazing how much things have changed, and of course, how much mud-slinging remains the same.
8:00 AM
I wish I watched the All Star Game - Just to point and laugh at Clemens
Similar to the joy I get from hating the Lakers and the Yankees, I find great amusement in hating Roger Clemens. Hello Nurse had a lengthy practice last night where we cranked out a new tune, so unfortunately I was unable to watch the All Star Game. I wish I had been able to see the first inning just so I could point and laugh at Clemens as he got jacked for 6 runs on 5 hits, including 2 homers.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one laughing. In fact, Mike Piazza was probably sitting behind homeplate chuckling his entirely-too-well-groomed-goatee off. I wonder if Piazza was giving the batters hints? Probably not. I think Clemens was just sucking.
7:15 AM
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Selected Rants
Here's a good one from Craigslist Rants & Raves. I've encountered this before when shopping for shoes. Excuse me, do you have anything less likely to be worn with a space suit?
It's time to get rid of my favorite New Balance sneakers that have lasted a good five years. I went to Footlocker, Footaction, Modell's and one other shoe store (forgot the name) and found nothing I liked. What happened to just a good 'ol running shoe? Today's running shoes look like they belong in the year 3004, not 2004, with their gel and glitter, and these freaky lifts in the back...they look like space shoes! The shoes they make now are for gangsta kids that wear them with their oversized track suit and walk around all day doing nothing.
Where can one find a regular pair of sneakers in this city?!?!
Speaking of ranting, today on the 2 train at 14th street some woman got on the train screaming about all the government agencies who are conspiring against the people. She was specifically started mentioning FBI agents posing as Jehovah's Witnesses and the government conspiracy to topple the World Trade Center.
Right as she was getting into her rant this robust-bellied man started shouting back at her. He started screaming that she should worry about finding Al-Qaeda's operative in the US and Osama Bin Laden. The two eventually started screaming at each other. At 34th street, my stop and also the stop of the ranting man, the guy screamed out, "I love this country, and I love that wacko people like you and I can scream on the train. God Bless America!"
It was a refreshing way to end an otherwise ANNOYING shouting match on a crowded cattle-car of a subway.
Oh, another time some guy started ranting about Jesus - and I just can't take that crap. I wrote him a note on the back of a scrap piece of paper basically explaining that I felt disrespected by his volumous (in length and decibel!) sermon. He said "God Bless You Brother" as I handed him the note, but I bet he would have taken that back after he read it.
I'm all for free speech, but please keep your fanatical loudmouthing out of my grill!
8:43 AM
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Bush Says Naa to NAACP
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- President Bush declined an invitation to speak at the NAACP's annual convention, the group said.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People expects more than 8,000 people to attend the convention, which opens on Saturday.
Democratic challenger John Kerry accepted an invitation to speak next Thursday on the final day of the convention, the NAACP said.
Bush spoke at the 2000 NAACP convention in Baltimore when he was running for president.
NAACP spokesman John White said Wednesday that Bush has declined invitations in each year of his presidency -- becoming the first president since Herbert Hoover not to attend an NAACP convention.
9:17 AM
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Here is a link to the show. It was very underpublicized, and refreshingly, there was a very minimal police presence. People were having a great time and kids were running all over the park. It was a great community event.
5:07 PM
Political Humor and Raving about John Edwards
First, here's a real audio clip from the Daily Show where Jon Stewart does a great job of making Cheney look like a jackass. I'm so glad I have cable now - I only wish they played reruns of the Daily Show.
Second, here's a picture of John Kerry with a gun to his head. Don't worry, it's a silly pic from Yahoo.
Third, I'd like to rave about John Edwards for a second. I remember back in November watching Edwards give a campaign speech on CSpan. Never before have I felt so inspired by the words of a politician. Jackie and I watched most of the speech, and I was impressed. I can respect any man who stole a seat from Strom Thurmon! Edwards does have his drawbacks, like his minimal experience in politics, but that doesn't bother me.
I am particularly fond of his views concerning the existence of two Americas. This is a point of view I wholeheartedly agree with, and this is my primary motivation for working for Teach For America. A substantial portion of our country is ignored in Washington, where the decisions and laws affect a narrow segment of the population. I saw it every day when I worked in the South Bronx.
Republicans can whine all they want about how poor people need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, and the reason people are stuck in ghettos is because they are too lazy to do anything about it. To them I say BULLSHIT - they have never spent time there and they have no idea of the struggles poor people in America face.
Now, I'm not putting 100% faith in Kerry/Edwards to address these issues until they are in office and passing bills. Bush proclaimed up down left and right about how he wanted to change the tone in Washington, and Cheney is telling a congressman to "Fuck off." However, I am pleased to hear a politician at least addressing these issues.
I am happy that Kerry chose Edwards as his VP candidate. This Slate article about sums up a possible rationale for the choice. Kerry is the best product the Democratic party has to offer, while Edwards is the best salesman. Together I hope they can defeat the Bush/Cheney doom squad.
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In local news, Talib Kweli is playing a free show tonight in Crown Heights. Here is a link to info about the show. I don't listen to much hip hop, but this looks to be worth checking out. A cultural experience not to be missed!
11:49 AM
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Pictures from Mike's Wedding
Here are some pictures from Mike & Melissa's wedding. Such a joyous occasion! Thanks Mark for hosting the photo album.
1:42 PM
Monday, July 05, 2004
All Moved In
Saturday was the big move-in day. In all the moves I've made in my life, including the five major moves I made before I turned 19, this was by far the EASIEST move I've ever had to deal with. I want to give a huge thanks to Kari, A-Ross, Joe, Bill. Matt, Mike, Gordon, and Brad for helping me out. I actually had more helpers than I needed, and for that I'm grateful. Kari and Andy helped me start moving out around 9:15am, and I was carrying my last load up the stairs in Brooklyn Heights by 11:45am. So quick!
After all the moving Jackie and I felt like true domestic americans when we visited the giant Lowe's in Red Hook. We bought a new air conditioner, a new grill, some potted plants including a beautiful orchid, light bulbs, and some oher miscellaneous extras. Today, we are going to the container store to buy some closet storage furniture.
Last night we had some of the helpful movers over to watch the fireworks from our roof. Wow, what a view! We had a spectacular view of the fireworks, and we grilled and drank for a couple hours afterwards.
Happy Independence Day Holiday to all!
12:25 PM
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Selling Loads of Crap
If anyone out there needs any odds and ends, I have more odds than Vegas and more ends than Scores.
Stop by anytime Friday evening/night or Saturday morning before 10am.
Call Christian at 917-952-3805 for info.
Computer Desk $30 – 2 tiers, ok condition
DVD player $20 SOLD!
Large TV $75
Small TV $20
BMX - $100 – all chrome Diamondback. Awesome bike, great condition. Needs air in tires.
Cassette Tapes – FREE – about 50 cassette tapes of 90’s rock and techno
Sony Internal DVD (+rw/-rw) Drive (PC) - $50 – Still in box, never installed SOLD!
Firewire card for desktop PC $20 – Still in box, never opened
Wardrobe $25 – white, 4 shelves and a rod for hanging clothes. One leg is broken, but it works fine. SOLD!
Vacuum $40 – Dirt Devil upright with extra bags and hose extensions SOLD!
Coffee Table $10 – black or brown, standard IKEA fare SOLD!
Toaster $5 SOLD!
Coffee Maker $10 – Mr. Coffee SOLD!
Futon $25 – full size with futon cover SOLD!
Pillows $2/each
TV stand $10 – black metal
Big speakers & crappy amp $15 – They make noise, but the clarity is lacking. Huge and cool looking. SOLD!
Silver chair $10 – retro IKEA model, not the Australian rockers
Alarm clock $5
Drum Machine – Roland 707 (old) $25 – a relic from the 80’s SOLD!
PC Keyboard $5 – ergonomic design
Desk Lamp $5 SOLD!
I can't believe so many people bought stuff! Yay downsizing!
8:43 AM
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The following searches have brought people to this site:
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homemade film on blowing up a deer with fireworks
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Garbled audio blog from a free Talib Kweli concert in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.