Caleb sure knows how to buy stamps!

There is something to be said about walking home at 4 AM carrying a leftover chunk of the frozen pizza you made earlier and an umbrella you don't need to use because it stopped raining hours ago.

Except I didn't walk, I drove, but since the Music City Marathon is tomorrow, parking is prohibited in all the usual places. So I had to walk a ways. It was a great walk.

I am really happy with myself for the first time in what seems like forever. And it only gets better, because in a matter of weeks I have Joe's bachelor party, NYC, and then London.

Enjoy it while it lasts, people. I'm sure I'll be back to my usual cynical self before too long.

Subservient Chicken

I don't know what the significance of this is, but I keep finding weird Burger King websites. First, there was the atrocious Pimp My Burger, and now we have Subservient Chicken. It's basically a fake webcam setup where you can type commands in the box and the chicken will perform them. I was surprised how many different things he would do. (They were also smart enough to get him to react when you tell him to do something, er, inappropriate. Try it and see!)

This entertained me for a good 15 minutes. My favorite commands are "dance", "exercise", and of course, "rock out". If you tell him to "get dressed" he goes and stands on the couch. If you tell him to "breakdance" he does just that. Priceless.

The terms "X-wing" and "Y-wing" and "TIE fighter" were used by ILM effects guys to distinguish the fighters. These terms are not used in this film, though they were incorporated into the sequels. They also became popular with the public after the toys and the Making of special aired on tv. In addition, ILM's special effects staff nicknamed the Millennium Falcon "The Porkburger" but this never caught on.

I like the part at the end where they warn you about spoilers. Watch out! Don't ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't seen it!

See also:

Star Wars goofs
Episode V trivia and goofs
Episode VI trivia and goofs

Review of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" movie

I really hope this is a good movie, but if it's not, I'll suck it up and won't complain out of respect for Douglas Adams.

"Virtually everything we were told in Indonesia turned out not to be true, sometimes almost immediately. The only exception to this was when we were told that something would happen immediately, in which case it turned out not to be true over an extended period of time." - Last Chance to See

What a miserable day. Last night was great; CAKE rocked the house. Their set was a little too short for my liking (just over an hour), but whatever. And no Mr Mastodon Farm.

Meanwhile, I found out why I have never heard of Gomez, even though they've been around since 1998. They suck.

Today, as I have said, was miserable - but only because of my issues with Student Financial Services. We used to get along so well, but now I just want to go down there with a big fat brick and chuck it through the top of their copier. (Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but they don't have any windows.)

The only saving grace so far has been the "God Save the Manics" EP, which is available as a free download on their website (linked above). It's in a protected Windows Media format, which of course I hate, but it's under a free license so I can't complain. It's good. "Secret Society" is a great anthem, if a bit anarchic and noisy.

I want one of these so bad

Real bad. Philanthropists, take note!

More info about the inventor

I discovered some things yesterday. First up is Music Brainz, a website dedicated to establishing a universal database for identifying music files - CD, MP3, etc. It's a wonderful premise, and they even offer a program you can download that will automatically identify your music files and make corrections to the ID3 tags (data encoded in the music file that includes the artist name, song title, and so on). So, being the curious individual I am, I decided to try it out.

What I didn't know was the program also RENAMES music files according to a default setting. So now all of my files have album names and crap appended on to the filenames, and none of my playlists work anymore. Now comes the tedious task of renaming them all back the way they were. Bummer.

Next up is Audioscrobbler, which makes up for the stupidity of Music Brainz by being really really frickin' cool. Create an account, download a small plugin for your media player, and watch in amazement as your listening habits are catalogued on a website for all the world to see. (The service does not log what kind of file you are listening to, so all you pirates are safe. It only tracks artists and song titles.)

My user name on Audioscrobbler is "stateside", in case you're interested.

The best part is the website will generate all sorts of statistics for you, and even pair you up with other people whose musical tastes match your own. I think it's what the fathers of computing must have imagined as the ultimate purpose for their collective brainchild.

Disappointing, to say the least.

Your Inner European is Dutch!

Open minded and tolerant. You're up for just about anything.

Who's Your Inner European?

You May Be a Bit Schizotypal ...

A bit odd and socially isolated. You couldn't care less of what others think. And some of your beliefs are a little weird. Like that time you thought you were Jesus.

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Your Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English

20% Yankee

10% Dixie

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Update: I haven't found the Rolling Stone list, but I did find a pretty cool list here. This concludes my billionth post of the day.


"And that's the fake news!"

Steve Albini tells it like it is

This is a pretty scary article. The numbers he uses make sense; if anything, they're on the conservative side for a major label deal (not sure how long ago this was written). Of course, Steve-o used to be in a hardcore band (one with a very funny album cover that I'll leave it to you to find), and he produced Nirvana, so I'm not sure I can take his advice. Not that he's giving any advice in this article - unless the unspoken message is "never sign a record contract" - but you know what I mean.

Interview with Brandon Flowers of the Killers

So he's a Mormon. Who would have thought? I highly approve of his answers.

Meanwhile, I'm looking for the Rolling Stone list of "100 Best Albums of the 80's". Anyone know where I can find it? (Hint: rollingstone.com is not the correct answer.)

NOT FAIR

Reading & Leeds Festival 2005

I was not prepared for this.

First of all, apparently Leeds and Reading run concurrently, which is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. The only plus I can think of is being able to maintain a consistent lineup.

Secondly ... the Offspring? The Hives? Jurassic 5? Reel Big Fish? MORRISSEY? Franz Ferdinand? The Roots? The Streets? Supergrass? Those are just the groups I really want to see. It's fair to say I'd pay $20 to see any one of them. I already paid twice that to see the Mozzer.

Anyway, the part that isn't fair is this all takes place at the end of August, long after my trip to England is over.

Glastonbury Festival

What the ...? Another great festival? This one featuring the Killers, Brian Wilson, and Van Morrison? What's that you say? IT'S IN JUNE?!?!

Suck it, British rock festivals!

You wanna hear something bizarre? Check out James Taylor singing the Sam Cooke classic, available as a download from his website. (Don't listen to it if you don't know the original - go find a recording of that first.) Somehow, JT can take a song about black oppression and civil rights and "whiten it up" in his trademark style and next thing you know, he gets to sing it on the West Wing.

I like the song. It's a great karaoke tune - especially the original - but I wouldn't want to sing it out of respect for the lyrical content. Just like I wouldn't want to cover NWA, as much fun as that would be. It doesn't feel right.

"A Change is Gonna Come"
written by Sam Cooke

I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like the river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky

It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me, "Don't hang around"

It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother
And I say, "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees

There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

Behold, the power of pirates

Take that, student government!

We'll make this the last one for a while. Which means until I find another one.

1. What time did you get up this morning? Mornings are for losers. It was supposed to be 8 (ha!) but ended up being about 10:30. That's much earlier than usual.
   
2. Diamonds or pearls? Pearls? I think? I wouldn't really wear either but if I was buying for someone I would go for pearls
   
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? "Sin City", if it was a dessert it would be quite violent and delicious, something like Cheesecake a la Giant Spikes
   
4. What is your favorite TV show? Arrested Development, The Office
   
5. What did you have for breakfast? A glass of orange juice (the usual)
   
6. What is your middle name? Octavian - I wish. James
   
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Thai. This includes other types of cuisine prepared in Thai style, or just about anything with peanut sauce on it
   
8. What foods do you dislike? There are very few things I will not eat. Tofu and mushrooms are but two of them
   
9. What is your favorite cd at the moment? The Manic Street Preachers catalog has grabbed my attention again lately
   
10. What kind of car do you drive? A wicked '88 Buick LeSabre, Olympic Edition
    
11. Favorite sandwich? I like complicated sandwiches with lots of things on them. I used to love going to Don's Hoagies when I was in Melbourne. Sometimes, I like a simple grilled cheese or PB&J.
    
12. What characteristics do you despise? Dishonesty, a Tucker Carlson-like smugness
    
13. Favorite item of clothing? My super cool, genuine cowboy hat I never wear because I hate wearing hats. Even a cool hat makes me look funny and messes my hair up
    
14. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would it be? Jurassic Park
    
15. What color is your bathroom? Off-white, and more so by the day!
    
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Is Goodwill a brand?
    
17. What was your most memorable birthday? I don't really have one
    
18. Where were you born? St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain, OH
    
19. Favorite sport to watch? Florida State football
    
20. What fabric softener do you use? Whatever happens to be on sale
    
21. Coke or Pepsi? I used to only like Pepsi, but I think I like Coke more now
    
22. Are you a morning person? If by "morning" you mean ... oh, forget it. I can't possibly fit anyone's definition of a "morning person"
    
23. What is your shoe size? 12, 13, somewhere around there
    
24. Do you have a pet? No
    
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with your family and friends? Uh, I took a survey?
    
26. Is love all it is cracked up to be? It's definitely pretty cracked up
    
27. What makes your soul soar? Sandpaper? Nails? Sharp things on the floor?

The Dude You scored 88%

You had it all figured out by the end. Well, not quite all of it, but considering the strict drug and alcohol regimen you've been adhering to, and all those concussions you sustained, you've done exceedingly well. You're clearly a fan, and I commend you on your sophisticated grasp of Lebowskian detail.

Link: The Big Lebowski Test written by JoeCoolJoe on Ok Cupid

I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.

Sometimes I like to listen to the same song over and over. Usually it's one I haven't heard in a long time and I'll play it in the background while I'm working on something, singing along and listening to the different parts. It's almost always a mellow song - James Taylor, Travis, et al. Right now it's "The Long and Winding Road" which I am surprised to hear has some weird bass stuff going on, with Paul apparently getting bored and doing all these crazy upward slides at the end of his phrases.

That's about it. I have to go to a crazy gig in Gallatin tonight. It's really the most unusual event I've ever played. Then I've been invited out to a place called "The Flying Saucer" where Dave M. will buy me drinks as a favor for playing on his recital today.

My new favorite band. Ha!

01. Total volume of music files on my computer? This question is dumb.

02. The last CD I bought was: the new Copeland (gag me), The Holy Bible 10th Anniversary Edition by the Manic Street Preachers (Rachel, remind me to let you hear these guys. You would like them. They're socialist), and the Skatalites' Greatest Hits

03. The last song I listened to before writing this was: The Killers - Mr Brightside

04. Song playing right now: nothing

05. Five songs I listen to a lot or that mean a lot to me: (see previous entry 4/4/05)

06. Five albums I listen to a lot or that mean a lot to me: First of all, if I took any classical to the proverbial desert island - and that's a big "if" - it would be a recording of Mahler's 2nd. Four albums behind that are Pet Sounds, Smiths - Singles (yes, it counts because of the b-sides), Weezer - Pinkerton, and Wallflowers - Bringing Down the Horse.

07. Which 5 people are you passing this baton to, and why? Nobody. Forget it. This survey stops here.

Originally, the film was going to include the story featured in the "Sin City" maxi-series "To Hell And Back", with Johnny Depp in the lead role as Wallace. This was scrapped before production began but will most likely be filmed for a sequel as Rodriguez plans to film all of Miller's stories at some point.

Sweet!

"Finally, I saw what I came for: People ... dressed as food ... dressed as Star Wars characters."

Finally, a survey worth taking. Not an all-time list, just my favorites at the moment:

1. Favorite Beatles song: She Said, She Said
   
2. Favorite Rolling Stones song: Beast of Burden, Street Fighting Man
   
3. Favorite Doors song: I hate the Doors. "The End"
   
4. Favorite Bob Dylan song: Desolation Row
   
5. Favorite Clash song: Safe European Home
   
6. TV Theme Song: Matlock, Magnum P.I., Night Court
   
7. Favorite Prince Song: I've always been partial to "Kiss" and "When Doves Cry"
   
8. Favorite Madonna Song: Express Yourself
   
9. Favorite Michael Jackson Song: Billie Jean
   
10. Favorite Metallica Song: I hate Metallica. "Master of Puppets"
    
11. Favorite Rod Stewart Song: Young Turks
    
12. Favorite Black Sabbath Song: I hate Black Sabbath. That time the Flaming Lips and Cat Power covered "War Pigs" was pretty cool.
    
13. Favorite Britney Spears Song: N/A. I have no animosity towards her; I just don't like her music
    
14. Favorite Song from a cartoon: Animaniacs always had great music
    
15. Favorite Depeche Mode song: Personal Jesus is the only one I can think of
    
16. Favorite Cure song: I hate the Cure. "Just Like Heaven"
    
17. Favorite song that most of your friends haven't heard: Most of the Manic Street Preachers catalog, specifically "Yes", "Ifwhiteamerica...", and "PCP". And their wicked cover of "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head"
    
18. Favorite New Order song: Bizarre Love Triangle, other than that I never could get into them
    
19. Favorite Beastie Boys song: Sabotage, if only because some people in this world know me only by my performance of that song
    
20. Favorite Aerosmith song: I hate Aerosmith, but back in junior high I was nuts about "Deuces Are Wild"
    
21. Favorite Police song: Driven to Tears
    
22. Favorite Bon Jovi song: Blaze of Glory
    
23. Favorite Beach Boys song: God Only Knows, or Wouldn't It Be Nice. I'm so mad, I broke my copy of Pet Sounds today
    
24. Favorite Def Leppard song: Pour Some Sugar On Me
    
25. Favorite song from your favorite movie: A tie between "The Man In Me" from the Big Lebowski and "Search and Destroy" from The Life Aquatic
    
26. Favorite Duran Duran song: A View to a Kill
    
27. Favorite Blondie song: smeh ... "Maria"
    
28. Favorite song from an 80's one hit wonder: "True" by Spandau Ballet
    
29. Favorite song from a videogame: Final Fantasy I ... delicious. Shining Force and Warsong both had great soundtracks
    
30. Favorite Ramones song: Judy is a Punk
    
31. Favorite Radiohead song: Like Spinning Plates, Airbag
    
32. Favorite Led Zeppelin song: In My Time of Dying
    
33. Favorite INXS song: Need You Tonight
    
34. Favorite Weird Al song: Any of his polkas
    
35. Favorite Billy Idol song: Dancing With Myself
    
36. Favorite country song: "Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight" by Whiskeytown
    
37. Favorite Pink Floyd song: I hate Pink Floyd. "Interstellar Overdrive"
    
38. Favorite cover song: Rod Stewart's cover of "Downtown Train" (sketchy, I know)
    
39. Favorite Oasis song: I hate Oasis. "Champagne Supernova"
    
40. Favorite dance song: does "Idioteque" count?
    
41. Favorite U2 song: still, after everything else, "Where the Streets Have No Name"
    
42. Favorite song from an actor turned musician: I'm drawing a blank, but I'll vote for Lindsay Lohan
    
43. Favorite disco song: Disco Inferno, just because fire makes everything better
    
44. Favorite Guns N' Roses song: "November Rain", "Civil War"
    
45. Favorite Dr. Dre song: "California Love"
    
46. Favorite Elton John song: Levon
    
47. Favorite Wallflowers song: "God Don't Make Lonely Girls", "Letters From the Wasteland"
    
48. Favorite Weezer song: "Tired of Sex"
    
49. Favorite Pearl Jam song: "Tremor Christ"
    
50. Favorite song overall: right now the distinguished honor goes to "Change Your Mind" by the Killers

It's been a good week. Each one brings me closer to the end of the term, to NYC in June, and to London in July. The opera is coming along all right, although I don't think it will be done any time soon. There WILL be a record done this summer. I'm getting antsy about being away from the studio for so long.

In the meantime, please enjoy this picture of the Swedish Chef.