Saw Up earlier today - will review in the next day or so but until then, there was a very special trailer before the movie...
2009-05-30
2009-05-29
Top 25 Songs EVER!
A few days ago, I launched a project that I expect to take quite some time.
I decided that I would attempt to create a list of my Top 25 favorite songs... EVER!
For most, this would be a near-impossible task. For me, it gets even worse because of my OCDish tendency to want to make all "mixtapes"/lists the same way. Start with every possibility and work my way backwards one by one by one. So, couple that insanity with a library that currently hits over 7000 songs - you can quickly sense my problem.
But I've only been working at this for a handful of days [okay, maybe a week or so] and I'm already down to 5000 so progress is being made and being made rapidly.
Even at this early stage though, I've already encountered tough choices.
Cut Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss?" Really? It seems like a painful thing to do but when I actually stop and think about it, there's likely 25 Pearl Jam songs ALONE that I like better than "Last Kiss" so it's almost impossible that it'd actually crack the 25.
Then there was the decision to eliminate all Christmas music from consideration. It just didn't seem a fair comparison to make. I almost made the same choice with classical/score type music but I've opted not to... for now.
It is, however, giving me a chance to hear songs that I haven't heard in a long, long time. I'm constantly surprised to see the low play counts for songs that I really, really like. And likewise, I'm surprised to see the high play counts for songs that I barely know although some of that we can blame on having a shared library, I'm sure.
It's a fun project though. In the 30 minutes before I started writing this, I knocked off an additional hundred plus songs so as long as I can get a chance to knock down a heaping handful a day, this should be done... oh, sometime this summer at worst, right?
Right?
Please?
I decided that I would attempt to create a list of my Top 25 favorite songs... EVER!
For most, this would be a near-impossible task. For me, it gets even worse because of my OCDish tendency to want to make all "mixtapes"/lists the same way. Start with every possibility and work my way backwards one by one by one. So, couple that insanity with a library that currently hits over 7000 songs - you can quickly sense my problem.
But I've only been working at this for a handful of days [okay, maybe a week or so] and I'm already down to 5000 so progress is being made and being made rapidly.
Even at this early stage though, I've already encountered tough choices.
Cut Pearl Jam's "Last Kiss?" Really? It seems like a painful thing to do but when I actually stop and think about it, there's likely 25 Pearl Jam songs ALONE that I like better than "Last Kiss" so it's almost impossible that it'd actually crack the 25.
Then there was the decision to eliminate all Christmas music from consideration. It just didn't seem a fair comparison to make. I almost made the same choice with classical/score type music but I've opted not to... for now.
It is, however, giving me a chance to hear songs that I haven't heard in a long, long time. I'm constantly surprised to see the low play counts for songs that I really, really like. And likewise, I'm surprised to see the high play counts for songs that I barely know although some of that we can blame on having a shared library, I'm sure.
It's a fun project though. In the 30 minutes before I started writing this, I knocked off an additional hundred plus songs so as long as I can get a chance to knock down a heaping handful a day, this should be done... oh, sometime this summer at worst, right?
Right?
Please?
2009-05-28
Some Random Thoughts
Just sneaking in before the witching hour with some random thoughts about random stuff...
*** Lakers heading into Game 6!
It's not like I don't have absolute faith in the Purple & Gold but... well, let's just say that when I found out that Game 7 was scheduled for Sunday evening, I had to put in quite the effort at work today to get them to switch my schedule so I worked in the morning instead. Gotta be prepared, you know?
*** Prop 8
I know, I know. After all the fuss I raised back in November, you expected some huge diatribe on my part but I don't think I have it in me this week. Suffice to say that with all the riots, all the crime, all the jokes about pollution and earthquakes and fake breasts and all that jazz, I can honestly say that I can only recall two times in my life where I've been embarrassed to be from California and they both were because of this issue. It's a crime, it's a travesty, and until it's righted, it's a wrong that Californians shouldn't just accept. Oh, and for all those religious folks out there crying "Morality prevailed" - you can come pay me a visit and we'll discuss your morality and what it means to real people.
*** Remakes! Remakes! Remakes!
I know everyone's GOT to be as sick of the remake trend in Hollywood as I am. It seems like every week has a half dozen remakes greenlighted but this week scraped the bottom of the barrel. "Hey, I know. Let's make a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie but not involve ANYONE that actually saved that creative concept the first time around." God forbid they actually make money on something.
*** Twilight At Comic-Con
I'm disillusioned, I must admit. I can not fathom any earthly idea why there would be a Twilight panel at Comic-Con. Not one. Not a single hint of one. I know it's popular, I know it appeals to horny teenage girls. But come on... really? This is almost enough reason alone to make me not want to go this year.
*** Battlestar Galactica Lives On
And I'm not even talking about Caprica. Between receiving the soundtrack in the mail, last night's post about the live concerts of the score, and the super-fantastic amazing board game that the Missus and I just finished a rousing game of, I'm more in love with BSG than ever.
Oh, and I don't really have a comment on this but...
How 'bout them Dodgers?
*** Lakers heading into Game 6!
It's not like I don't have absolute faith in the Purple & Gold but... well, let's just say that when I found out that Game 7 was scheduled for Sunday evening, I had to put in quite the effort at work today to get them to switch my schedule so I worked in the morning instead. Gotta be prepared, you know?
*** Prop 8
I know, I know. After all the fuss I raised back in November, you expected some huge diatribe on my part but I don't think I have it in me this week. Suffice to say that with all the riots, all the crime, all the jokes about pollution and earthquakes and fake breasts and all that jazz, I can honestly say that I can only recall two times in my life where I've been embarrassed to be from California and they both were because of this issue. It's a crime, it's a travesty, and until it's righted, it's a wrong that Californians shouldn't just accept. Oh, and for all those religious folks out there crying "Morality prevailed" - you can come pay me a visit and we'll discuss your morality and what it means to real people.
*** Remakes! Remakes! Remakes!
I know everyone's GOT to be as sick of the remake trend in Hollywood as I am. It seems like every week has a half dozen remakes greenlighted but this week scraped the bottom of the barrel. "Hey, I know. Let's make a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie but not involve ANYONE that actually saved that creative concept the first time around." God forbid they actually make money on something.
*** Twilight At Comic-Con
I'm disillusioned, I must admit. I can not fathom any earthly idea why there would be a Twilight panel at Comic-Con. Not one. Not a single hint of one. I know it's popular, I know it appeals to horny teenage girls. But come on... really? This is almost enough reason alone to make me not want to go this year.
*** Battlestar Galactica Lives On
And I'm not even talking about Caprica. Between receiving the soundtrack in the mail, last night's post about the live concerts of the score, and the super-fantastic amazing board game that the Missus and I just finished a rousing game of, I'm more in love with BSG than ever.
Oh, and I don't really have a comment on this but...
How 'bout them Dodgers?
2009-05-27
Hey! That's Weird!
So, I was super-stoked when I got home to find my long-awaited copy of the Battlestar Galactica Season One soundtrack waiting for me.
And imagine my surprise [and pure joy] when I read this just moments ago...
Anyone else up for this?
And imagine my surprise [and pure joy] when I read this just moments ago...
(May 27, 2009- Burbank, CA) – Battlestar Galactica and Caprica composer Bear McCreary will have a busy summer, with the release of two soundtrack recordings and concert performances. On June 13 the music from Battlestar Galactica will kick-off the 2009 Grand Performances Series at California Plaza. Three days later, on June 16, La-La Land Records will release the soundtrack for Caprica.
Bear McCreary will again conduct the music from Battlestar Galactica for three nights at the House of Blues in San Diego from July 23-25th – during Comic Con! The concerts will celebrate the July 21 release of a special 2-CD set, Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.
Anyone else up for this?
2009-05-26
Blue's Reviews: Star Trek (spoilers ahead!)
I promised the review and despite the urge to address what happened in California today, I shall do so.
STAR TREK
DISCLAIMER: I write this review having seen only one Star Trek movie - the very first one. I saw it many, many moons ago as a child and remember nothing about it other than I fell asleep during it. I haven't seen a single Trek movie since then. I also have never seen The Next Generation or Voyager or...I think that's it, right? I was a fan of Deep Space Nine for 2 or 3 seasons but gave it up long before the end. So, with that in mind, I go into the movie with no love of the franchise to insult.
That being said...
I dug it. I really dug it. It was a fun, exciting, amusing sci-fi flick and J.J. Abrams outdid himself, IMO. It had just enough geek to stay sci-fi but not enough to drown in (although the Missus wasn't feelin' the time travel stuff.) As a non-Star Trek fan but someone familiar with some of the Trekisms, it was cool to see them effort to work in the, "Damn it, Jims" and "I'm givin' it all she's got, Captain!"
The appearance of old Spock caught me by surprise. I knew Leonard Nimoy was in the movie but I assumed it was just a cameo. That was no cameo. He played a major part in the movie and even as a non-fan, I got a little bit of a chill when he arrived on the scene. It makes me glad that the Shatner stuff didn't work out because I think that might have been overkill.
So, I liked the action, the humor, the effects... the acting was "okay." It wasn't Oscar-worthy but it doesn't need to be. It was good enough for what it needed to be and didn't distract from the movie.
What didn't I like?
There were a few Lucas-esque "Let's do this crazy creature/action scene just because we can" moments especially on the ice planet thing that as a Star Wars fan instantly reminded me of Hoth. Also, there were a couple of comedic sequences that seemed kinda... odd. Not quite Peter Parker in a dance sequence odd but approaching that level. I've read a few interviews where the filmmakers thought that humor was very important to the movie so... well, they accomplished that.
But all in all, I really was happy with the movie and I have a feeling I'm going to be very glad this was my first movie of the summer instead of Wolverine or Terminator.
What does it take to get a non-Star Trek fan enthused enough to rush out to see Star Trek?
Four words: In J.J. we trust.
STAR TREK
DISCLAIMER: I write this review having seen only one Star Trek movie - the very first one. I saw it many, many moons ago as a child and remember nothing about it other than I fell asleep during it. I haven't seen a single Trek movie since then. I also have never seen The Next Generation or Voyager or...I think that's it, right? I was a fan of Deep Space Nine for 2 or 3 seasons but gave it up long before the end. So, with that in mind, I go into the movie with no love of the franchise to insult.
That being said...
I dug it. I really dug it. It was a fun, exciting, amusing sci-fi flick and J.J. Abrams outdid himself, IMO. It had just enough geek to stay sci-fi but not enough to drown in (although the Missus wasn't feelin' the time travel stuff.) As a non-Star Trek fan but someone familiar with some of the Trekisms, it was cool to see them effort to work in the, "Damn it, Jims" and "I'm givin' it all she's got, Captain!"
The appearance of old Spock caught me by surprise. I knew Leonard Nimoy was in the movie but I assumed it was just a cameo. That was no cameo. He played a major part in the movie and even as a non-fan, I got a little bit of a chill when he arrived on the scene. It makes me glad that the Shatner stuff didn't work out because I think that might have been overkill.
So, I liked the action, the humor, the effects... the acting was "okay." It wasn't Oscar-worthy but it doesn't need to be. It was good enough for what it needed to be and didn't distract from the movie.
What didn't I like?
There were a few Lucas-esque "Let's do this crazy creature/action scene just because we can" moments especially on the ice planet thing that as a Star Wars fan instantly reminded me of Hoth. Also, there were a couple of comedic sequences that seemed kinda... odd. Not quite Peter Parker in a dance sequence odd but approaching that level. I've read a few interviews where the filmmakers thought that humor was very important to the movie so... well, they accomplished that.
But all in all, I really was happy with the movie and I have a feeling I'm going to be very glad this was my first movie of the summer instead of Wolverine or Terminator.
What does it take to get a non-Star Trek fan enthused enough to rush out to see Star Trek?
Four words: In J.J. we trust.
2009-05-25
Holiday Greetings
Hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day!
Check back tomorrow for my review of Star Trek!
Check back tomorrow for my review of Star Trek!
2009-05-24
Glee
Sigh.
That's the best word I can use to describe my feelings after seeing the pilot for Fox's new show Glee (available at last glance for free on the Apple iTunes Store.)
I loved it. Absolutely adored it. No surprise for those of you who recall my "affinity for musicals", I'm sure. It was cute, charming, well-done, quirky, had likable characters that you could relate to, and all those little things that make shows so much fun. Plus, did I mention that it has musical numbers? Word.
A Facebook friend had opined that Glee was the most fun and engaging first show they've seen since Pushing Daisies. I'm not sure I'm ready to pour that much love on it quite yet but it's not far off the mark. How can you not love a show that drops a performance of Mr. Cellophane and I Kissed A Girl in the same segment?
But therein lies the sigh.
Because if Fox as a company has showed us absolutely anything at all, it's that they can't be trusted with a property worth having. See: Firefly, Arrested Development, Wonderfalls among others. And my immediate reaction upon watching this magnificent piece of television was...
"How the hell did they get Fox to approve this pilot and how the hell will it survive more than three episodes?"
My faith in Fox has never been lower [even after the Dollhouse renewal] so I'm not hopeful that this show will be around past the fall of 2009 so I'll opt to enjoy the time with it that I get and hope for the best.
If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and go check it out.
That's the best word I can use to describe my feelings after seeing the pilot for Fox's new show Glee (available at last glance for free on the Apple iTunes Store.)
I loved it. Absolutely adored it. No surprise for those of you who recall my "affinity for musicals", I'm sure. It was cute, charming, well-done, quirky, had likable characters that you could relate to, and all those little things that make shows so much fun. Plus, did I mention that it has musical numbers? Word.
A Facebook friend had opined that Glee was the most fun and engaging first show they've seen since Pushing Daisies. I'm not sure I'm ready to pour that much love on it quite yet but it's not far off the mark. How can you not love a show that drops a performance of Mr. Cellophane and I Kissed A Girl in the same segment?
But therein lies the sigh.
Because if Fox as a company has showed us absolutely anything at all, it's that they can't be trusted with a property worth having. See: Firefly, Arrested Development, Wonderfalls among others. And my immediate reaction upon watching this magnificent piece of television was...
"How the hell did they get Fox to approve this pilot and how the hell will it survive more than three episodes?"
My faith in Fox has never been lower [even after the Dollhouse renewal] so I'm not hopeful that this show will be around past the fall of 2009 so I'll opt to enjoy the time with it that I get and hope for the best.
If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and go check it out.
2009-05-23
2009-05-22
What A Game!
That really could apply to any of the Conference Final games so far, huh?
We caught the end of the 3rd and all of the 4th of Magic/Cavs Game 2 at the sushi place tonight. The place went a little nutty when the Magic took the lead with one tick left on the clock and then lost their collective shit when King James sunk the 3 to take the win.
Now, don't get me wrong - it was a great shot under pressure.
But really?
REALLY?!
What kind of mental/defensive breakdown does a team have to have to let that situation unfold?
Up by two. One second left on the clock. There's only one thing you don't want - a three pointer. And there's only one person you don't want shooting it.
And who was shooting? Exactly.
How the hell does that even happen? Hell, a five on one cover of James to let anyone else in the team shoot would have been a better idea than that. I can't believe they didn't at least put two guys on him to prevent the ball from getting in his hands.
Alas, they didn't and the series is tied.
But is it just me or does anyone else find their big celebration on the floor a bit... well, dumb?
Why give your opponents any more motivation to drill your asses through the floor in Game 3? And shit, it's not like you've won anything yet. Save that shit for a parade if you make it that far.
Here's hoping Dwight Howard goes for 40/20 in Game 3 and throws down a dunk that shatters the glass.
The more important Game 3 is tomorrow though. Cross your fingers - it's gonna be a rough one.
We caught the end of the 3rd and all of the 4th of Magic/Cavs Game 2 at the sushi place tonight. The place went a little nutty when the Magic took the lead with one tick left on the clock and then lost their collective shit when King James sunk the 3 to take the win.
Now, don't get me wrong - it was a great shot under pressure.
But really?
REALLY?!
What kind of mental/defensive breakdown does a team have to have to let that situation unfold?
Up by two. One second left on the clock. There's only one thing you don't want - a three pointer. And there's only one person you don't want shooting it.
And who was shooting? Exactly.
How the hell does that even happen? Hell, a five on one cover of James to let anyone else in the team shoot would have been a better idea than that. I can't believe they didn't at least put two guys on him to prevent the ball from getting in his hands.
Alas, they didn't and the series is tied.
But is it just me or does anyone else find their big celebration on the floor a bit... well, dumb?
Why give your opponents any more motivation to drill your asses through the floor in Game 3? And shit, it's not like you've won anything yet. Save that shit for a parade if you make it that far.
Here's hoping Dwight Howard goes for 40/20 in Game 3 and throws down a dunk that shatters the glass.
The more important Game 3 is tomorrow though. Cross your fingers - it's gonna be a rough one.
2009-05-21
2009-05-20
Random Thoughts
It's been a few days [okay, maybe more] since I've gotten to post anything of substance so this seems like a good chance to drop a few thoughts on "paper."
** Just finished watching the Idol finale which I thought was actually the best Idol finale I could remember in some time. I was happy that Kris won as I would have had to seriously rethink any future plans to watch the show if the result went the other way. That being said, I definitely thought that Adam's songs tonight were much better fits for his vocal style than most of the season. Just please, please, please keep the sitar in the closet.
** Two close games in two nights? The Conference Finals are shaping up to be something amazing to see. I missed the game tonight due to work but it looked damn fun and I know I had a heart-stopping blast watching last night. I can't wait for tomorrow night.
** The Dodgers sweep the Mets. I repeat - the Dodgers sweep the Mets. Yes, "it's still early" but...
** The WWE/Nuggets thing has been a blast to see unfold. The Nugs owner made a bonehead move and deserves to get called out for it and there's no one better at playing someone else's mistake into a big media feeding frenzy for him than Vince McMahon.
** Just finished watching the Idol finale which I thought was actually the best Idol finale I could remember in some time. I was happy that Kris won as I would have had to seriously rethink any future plans to watch the show if the result went the other way. That being said, I definitely thought that Adam's songs tonight were much better fits for his vocal style than most of the season. Just please, please, please keep the sitar in the closet.
** Two close games in two nights? The Conference Finals are shaping up to be something amazing to see. I missed the game tonight due to work but it looked damn fun and I know I had a heart-stopping blast watching last night. I can't wait for tomorrow night.
** The Dodgers sweep the Mets. I repeat - the Dodgers sweep the Mets. Yes, "it's still early" but...
** The WWE/Nuggets thing has been a blast to see unfold. The Nugs owner made a bonehead move and deserves to get called out for it and there's no one better at playing someone else's mistake into a big media feeding frenzy for him than Vince McMahon.
2009-05-19
2009-05-18
2009-05-17
2009-05-16
Checking in
At the Mirage...
Losing money - down more than I'd like to be at this point of the
weekend...
Standing by the club entrance watching people dressed to impress and
remembering one of the things I DON'T like about Vegas...
Sent from my iPhone
2009-05-15
Enjoy Your Weekend!
Can't write anything tonight cause I'm heading off to sleep. We're going to Vegas for the weekend and plan to leave VERY early tomorrow. I'll try to post stuff over the weekend on here but they're likely to be very short posts.
I think I might also experiment with Twitter over the weekend. I started a Twitter account months ago and never did anything with it but this seems like a good opportunity to do that. So, if you get lonely, you can follow me this weekend on Twitter at @youremyboyblue
See you on the other side, peeps.
I think I might also experiment with Twitter over the weekend. I started a Twitter account months ago and never did anything with it but this seems like a good opportunity to do that. So, if you get lonely, you can follow me this weekend on Twitter at @youremyboyblue
See you on the other side, peeps.
2009-05-14
2009-05-13
Lost
Ho. Lee. Shit.
Can't think. Can't process. Brain... doesn't... work... at... normal... speeds.
2010?!?!
That's just plain mean.
Can't think. Can't process. Brain... doesn't... work... at... normal... speeds.
2010?!?!
That's just plain mean.
2009-05-12
Celeb Sighting
So, the store was graced today by yet another celebrity that I couldn't have picked out of a lineup - Noodles from The Offspring.
His arrival had a few of us standing around reminiscing about The Offspring and seeing them in concert. Of course, since I'm one of the "elder statesmen" of the store, I have a longer history to draw from. Some folks were talking about seeing them on Warped in 2004 or some such. I predate that by close to a decade.
But as I stood around and really thought about it, I recalled some strong Offspring-related memories that brought a smile to my face.
Someone mentioned that Smash was the first CD they ever bought and that they bought it at Tower Records for some horribly marked-up price. I couldn't remember when I bought it. But I did very vividly remember someone else buying it. It was the summer of '94 after high school graduation and I was on my way to first concert (Stone Temple Pilots, by the way) in a venue that now is just down the street for me - the place formerly known as Irvine Meadows. There were four of us in the car that day. My friend Danny and his sister Amy, my friend Brian, and myself. We stopped at the Virgin Megastore in Costa Mesa on our way to the show. It was my first time at the store and I was overwhelmed. In the end, our poor asses settled on one CD each. I couldn't tell you what Brian bought but Amy bought the Weezer album, I bought a Beastie Boys album [that I long ago sold] and Danny bought Smash.
Offspring was also responsible for my first and only concert-related vomit. It was Offspring at the Olympic Velodrome at Cal State Dominguez Hills. There was a pit that I was circling, circling, circling - until I took a sucker punch in the gut and hurled right in the middle of the pit. It was the last song and I simply staggered to the side, shoved my way clear, and slumped down to sit on the ground until the show ended. Good times.
Offspring was also "in the house" for the Missus' first "real general admission" show. She didn't know what to expect - something I quickly realized when she showed up for a show at the sweltering Hollywood Palladium in a sweater. I had to physically yank her out of the way of a pit opening up a few feet in front of her as she got soaked in beer. Again, I say... good times.
Oh, and Offspring was responsible for me getting to see the Beastie Boys... sorta.
His arrival had a few of us standing around reminiscing about The Offspring and seeing them in concert. Of course, since I'm one of the "elder statesmen" of the store, I have a longer history to draw from. Some folks were talking about seeing them on Warped in 2004 or some such. I predate that by close to a decade.
But as I stood around and really thought about it, I recalled some strong Offspring-related memories that brought a smile to my face.
Someone mentioned that Smash was the first CD they ever bought and that they bought it at Tower Records for some horribly marked-up price. I couldn't remember when I bought it. But I did very vividly remember someone else buying it. It was the summer of '94 after high school graduation and I was on my way to first concert (Stone Temple Pilots, by the way) in a venue that now is just down the street for me - the place formerly known as Irvine Meadows. There were four of us in the car that day. My friend Danny and his sister Amy, my friend Brian, and myself. We stopped at the Virgin Megastore in Costa Mesa on our way to the show. It was my first time at the store and I was overwhelmed. In the end, our poor asses settled on one CD each. I couldn't tell you what Brian bought but Amy bought the Weezer album, I bought a Beastie Boys album [that I long ago sold] and Danny bought Smash.
Offspring was also responsible for my first and only concert-related vomit. It was Offspring at the Olympic Velodrome at Cal State Dominguez Hills. There was a pit that I was circling, circling, circling - until I took a sucker punch in the gut and hurled right in the middle of the pit. It was the last song and I simply staggered to the side, shoved my way clear, and slumped down to sit on the ground until the show ended. Good times.
Offspring was also "in the house" for the Missus' first "real general admission" show. She didn't know what to expect - something I quickly realized when she showed up for a show at the sweltering Hollywood Palladium in a sweater. I had to physically yank her out of the way of a pit opening up a few feet in front of her as she got soaked in beer. Again, I say... good times.
Oh, and Offspring was responsible for me getting to see the Beastie Boys... sorta.
2009-05-11
Are You Ready To Fight?
I haven't posted much MMA stuff lately but this crossed my Google Reader and was too awesome not to share.
Apparently, Bellator Fighting Championships in Dayton, Ohio has had back-to-back shows with YouTube-worthy fight finishes.
This week's was a BIGTIME spinning backfist by Yahir Reyes that made me rewind it a few times to make sure I saw it right:
Last week saw a rare submission - an inverted triangle choke. Too cool for school and possibly the most amazing submission I've ever seen in MMA.
Apparently, Bellator Fighting Championships in Dayton, Ohio has had back-to-back shows with YouTube-worthy fight finishes.
This week's was a BIGTIME spinning backfist by Yahir Reyes that made me rewind it a few times to make sure I saw it right:
Last week saw a rare submission - an inverted triangle choke. Too cool for school and possibly the most amazing submission I've ever seen in MMA.
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