Useless Thoughts from a Useless Mind

Nostalgia Project: Album One

2012-01-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

Nostalgia Project: Album 1

Artist Name: OK Go

Album Name: OK Go

Release Date: September 17, 2002

Stumbled Across: Somewhere around 2003-2004 (I think??)

What I Remember About The Album Then:

I'm not quite certain when exactly I purchased this album. I know that it definitely pre-dates the "Here It Goes Again" era of OK Go. My brother downloaded "Get Over It" onto our computer, I found it, loved the sound, and immediately decided to download more...which finally led to me buying the whole album. I know I was in high school, because I can remember driving the old Escape around and listening to this.

What I Think About The Album Now:

This album holds up. Really, really, really well. I don't have any emotional ties to any of these songs (meaning singalongs with friends and such)...it was just an album I'd listen to on my own. This means that there's absolutely no bad ties (or good) that go along with it.

I do, however, think the album art is still as hideous as I did back then. But...that's minor.

I know that OK Go got real big with their videos, but back in the day of dial-up, I didn't really have fast access to videos, so I discovered them merely by sound and not by level of video awesomeness.

Which, for some reason, makes me love them even more.

Notable Tracks:

"Get Over It"

"Don't Ask Me"

"What To Do" -- featuring one of my absolute favorite lyrics of all time..."Mediocre people do exceptional things all the time."

"Hello, My Treacherous Friends"

"Bye Bye Baby"

Nostalgia Project: A Brief Introduction

2012-01-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

In order to get myself back in the blogging spirit, I've decided to start a new train of thought series of blog posts...

Without further ado, I bring you the Nostalgia Project. I'm going to be digging through old CDs, movies and books that I fell in love with years ago and re-evaluating whether or not they still hold up today.

So stay tuned...I'm excited and hope you are too...

Ultimate Top Fives of 2011

2011-12-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Apparently my blogging only got worse compared to last year...but...oh well. C'est la vie, I suppose.

Without further ado, here's this year's Ultimate Top Five List for 2011...notice that I've jumped the TV category from 5 to 10. I realized this year how much I absolutely love TV shows. There were way too many good ones to pick just five.

And...begin.

Top 5 Movies

5. Crazy Stupid Love
Ryan Gosling? Check. Ryan Gosling shirtless? Double check.
This movie was so good on so many levels. It could have wavered into sappy chick flick territory, but it did a fantastic job steering clear of that. Well written, amazing cast...'nough said.

4. Super 8
I am pretty much in love with everything that J. J. Abrams does, so it's no wonder that I loved this movie. It had a Cloverfield vibe to it, but way more heart.

3. Horrible Bosses
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was for this movie to come out. Charlie Day AND Jason Bateman? Jennifer Aniston playing against character? Co-written by the one and only John Francis Daley? This movie totally didn't let down. Only Charlie Day could make accidently breathing in copious amounts of cocaine on accident look like a blast.

2. The Muppets
Two of my favorite things in the world in one movie: The Muppets and Jason Segel. Plus all those cameos (most importantly Jim Parsons!!!) and total campiness? I loved this movie. It made me feel like I was ten all over again. Plus, I was totally the oldest kid there with their mom. I should get points for that.

1. Bridesmaids

For a brief second, I had The Muppets taking the Number 1 spot under movies, but this one quickly knocked it out of the way. Kristin Wiig deserves serious points for co-writing what was the absolute smartest and most heartfelt comedy of the year. I found myself crying during Bridesmaids both out of happiness and sadness. This movie perfectly captured so much of what I was feeling this year. Perfection.

Honorable Mentions:
Scream 4 (...The killer reveal was just too simple)
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Those mermaids were so badass)

Top 10 TV Shows

10. 2 Broke Girls
Kat Dennings won me over in Nick & Norah's Playlist as one of my absolute favorite literary characters come to life. In this show, she has such epic comedic chemistry with Beth Behrs...that it only solidified the year that the girl comediennes proved they can do it just as well, if not better, than the dudes.

9. Raising Hope
HMin 2010
This show makes me feel like my family is not the weirdest one out there. It's nice to be reminded.

8. Bones
Number5 in 2009, HM in 2010
Congrats to Emily Deschanel for getting knocked up by her husband ~~Rickity Cricket~~ David Hornsby, forcing the Bones writers to FINALLY go there with Booth & Brennan. I love how much heart this show has for being a one hour crime procedural.

7. The Big Bang Theory
Number 1 in 2010
Can we just discuss how thrilled I am that this show is syndicated finally? It doesn't matter that I've seen every episode and have every past season on DVD, I'll still replay them over and over and over. This cast is fabulous and I seriously loved Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki.

6. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Number2 in 2008, Number 4 in 2009, Number 1 in 2010
This show may have placed a little lower, but finding out Mac's name this week kicked it back up. Really, Sunny still has done no wrong -- it's still amazing -- but there were so many other amazing shows to come out this year. A few more high school reunions could kick this show back up to the top next year.

5. Awkward
Awkward is the only remaining thing that MTV has going for it. For anyone who mourns the fact that My So-Called life was so short lived...check this show out. It's so well written and well cast. High school Jenna reminds me of high school me -- but with way more guts. It's honest and heartbreaking and hilarious.

4. How I Met Your Mother
Number4 in 2008, Number 3 in 2009, Number 4 in 2010

How I Met Your Mother can thank it's gain in this year's competition to the one and only Mr. Jason Segel. I mean, we all knew that I loved him, but this past season he finally got some moments to stop being the comediac foil. By doing the ballsy thing by killing off Marshall's dad, they elevated this show to another level -- one that made its characters flawed and way more human. Last season made me fall in love with this show all over again.

3. New Girl
This cast is seriously amazing. Sure, we all know Zoey Deschanel is quirky and all that...but her fellow castmates are just as (if not more) stellar than she is. Plus has anyone else taken a really good look at Jake Johnson? Um...I'd be all over that, thanks.

2. The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead got a little wordy this season so far...but then it also has been completely game changing. Shooting Carl in the first episode of season 2? Shane being a total psycho? Little girl zombies? And can we just discuss my absolute favorite character -- Daryl Dixon -- for just a few moments? This guy in ONE EPISODE fell off a horse, fell down a cliff, had an arrow go through his stomach, climbed cliff to get to the top, FELL DOWN THE CLIFF AGAIN, hallucinated, woke up to find a zombie gnawing on his shoe, pulled the arrow that was stuck in him out and then shot the zombie gnawing on his shoe in the head, ate a raw squirrel, wore zombie ears as a necklace, climbed back up said hill, walked back through the woods and upon returning back to camp got SHOT IN THE HEAD...but even more amazingly SURVIVED? I would watch anything with Norman Reedus' Dixon in it. He is pure genius...and probably the only one of those people who I'd want to hang out with during a zombie apocalypse. (He could actually bathe though. I would appreciate that.)

1. American Horror Story
Bear with me for a minute. This will go full circle.
Last year was the year that Glee got shitty.
This year was the year that Glee somehow surpassed shittiness and turned into one of the worst television programs ever (which is a shame because its first season was so good).
The same thing happened with Nip/Tuck for a year while Ryan Murphy was filming Running with Scissors...then again when he left to go work on Eat Pray Love and Glee.
So I was wondering, "What the hell is Ryan Murphy working on that is making his current work so terrible?"

Because I've uncovered a formula:
Ryan Murphy putting all his effort into one program = Gold
Ryan Murphy putting his effort into a new program thus abandoning old gems = Shitty old programs...with whatever he's working on usually being pretty epic

Then I got my answer as to what he'd been spending his time on:
American Horror Story

And holy shit. Ryan Murphy can abandon Glee now as much as he wants because this show is incredible. It surpasses even Nip/Tuck in disgustingness at times (which I never thought was possible). The cast of AHS deserves numerous gold stars -- especially Jessica Lange, Connie Britton and Evan Peters (who is my favorite character and now I feel incredibly guilty because he's gone from being someone you feel genuine sympathy for...then discover he's practically the devil -- and how can someone like that be someone you still really like???). This show has so many twists and turns...and I hope that Murphy can keep up it up to the high bar that it's set at.

Honorable Mentions:
Dexter (Not as good since the Trinity season) - Number1 in 2008 and 2009, Number 5 in 2010
Once Upon a Time
So You Think You Can Dance
The Middle
Project Runway
The Killing (This would have made the Top 10 hadn't it been for that ending...)

So over…Glee

Top 5 Albums

5. Taking Back Sunday – Taking Back Sunday
“New Again” Number 3 Album of 2009
Taking Back Sunday somehow never seem to disappoint me.

4. Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials
“Lungs”was 2010’s Number 3 Album
Love, love, love her voice.

3. Alkaline Trio – Damnesia
The last few Alkaline Trio albums have bummed me out as they've failed to hit me as hard as their earlier work. Damnesia went back to those earlier albums and stripped songs down that I'd loved so much to begin with by putting an acoustic twist on them. This album was smart and it made me fall in love with Alkaline Trio all over again.

2. Amy Winehouse – Lioness: Hidden Treasures
RIP to one of the greatest singers of my generation.
This album may not be as personal as Back to Black but it's just as powerful. It serves as a reminder of the type of artist that Amy was and shows the world what it'll be forever missing from now on.

1. Britney Spears – Femme Fatale & Adele – 21

Two completely different artists and albums, but I refuse to pick between them -- especially since the two of them have such respect for one another.

On one hand you have Britney who has made one of the best albums of her career. It's pop with a European flair and it makes you just want to get up and dance.

On the other hand you have Adele -- who let's just admit it -- owned the entire year musically. Her album is so personal (it made me absolutely lose it on the way to work this past week) and heartfelt.

These two albums defined my year: upbeat but serious. I couldn't have found two better albums.

Honorable Mentions:
The Sounds – Better Off Dead -“Crossingthe Rubicon” Number 2 Album 2009, “Beatbox” Number 1 Song of 2009, Top Concert2009, “Beatbox” Number 1 Video 2009
Ryan Adams – Ashes and Fire - RyanAdams & The Cardinals’ “Cardinology” Number 2 Album of 2008
blink-182 – Neighborhoods
Cobra Starship – Night Shades - “HotMess” Number 5 Album in 2009, Number 3 Live Act 2008
Pixie Lott – Young Foolish Happy

Top 5 Singles

5. “Immigrant Song” – Karen O feat. Trent Reznor
This song only amps me up even more for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I loved this song to begin with...but I love it even more now that Trent Reznor got his hands on it.

4. “Radioactive” – Marina & the Diamonds
“Oh No” was Number 1 Song of 2010
This song is so different from Marina's "Oh No" that it could be from a completely different artist...but it's just as hard hitting. Love it.

3. “Love You Like a Love Song” – Selena Gomez & the Scene
I know. Selena Gomez?! But seriously. This song...is...perfection. It's catchy as hell. Plus, major props to Selena for doing a Britney tribute at her concerts this year...plus she has Pixie Lott on her latest album. This girl is seriously underrated -- plus she's way too good for Justin Bieber.

2. “Set Fire to the Rain” – Adele
Sure Adele had other songs with way more radio play this year...but this single was the best of any she released. It's haunting.

1. “I Wanna Go” – Britney Spears

I dare you to find a song catchier than this one. You won't find one.
Plus the video was pure fabulousness.

Honorable Mentions:
“Hello” – Martin Solveig f. Dragonette
“Nose Over Tail” (Acoustic Version) – Alkaline Trio
“Yeah Yeah Yeah” – The Sounds
“El Paso” – Taking Back Sunday
"In the Dark" -- Dev
"Like Smoke" -- Amy Winehouse

Top Artists

5. Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams returned to form this year with Ashes & Fire. Amazing.

4. Cheryl Cole

Anyone who's read the post beneath this already gets it.

3. Amy Winehouse

2. Adele

1. Britney Spears

“3” HM Song 2009, Top Concert 2009, “3” Number 4 Video 2009, “Circus” Number 1Album of 2009, “Circus” Number 1 Video of 2008

Top Concerts

Britney Spears (with Nicki Minaj)

There was only artist that I saw in concert this year: the one and only Britney Spears.
And she was the only concert that I needed.
I spent one epic weekend with Honkus doing a mini-Britney tour on the East Coast, first in Philadelphia where we met Britney herself (!!!!!!!!!!!!) followed by an incredible show in Washington DC. First and third row seats meant that we were practically IN the show.
I can't even put into words how incredible the whole experience was.
So Honkus, if you ever find yourself reading this, thank you. It was such a fabulous time and I couldn't have done it with anyone else. Ever.

Side Note: I also saw Brit in Pittsburgh and while she was great, Nicki didn't open for her...which was a shame. Because Nicki was amazing. Instead, we got Pauly D from the Jersey Shore...and after seeing Nicki Minaj, Pauly D was a huge let down.

Top 5 Books

5. We Need to Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver
After finding out that this was going to be a movie, I decided that I had to read the book first. While it took a little bit of a shove to actually get into, it ended up paying off big time. It was heartbreaking and shocking and a book that more people should read. Kevin's main plot points are things that everyone should be discussing, not just a few of us.

4. Sisterhood Everlasting – Ann Brashares
I finished the fourth book of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series the night before I flew off to London, so that book has always had a nostalgic hold on my heart. So when I found out that Brashares had written a final book I was kind of skeptical. The fourth book had done such a good job wrapping the series up, what more could she have to say?
I should never have doubted her.
She forced her characters to grow up, which meant that they were once again my age.
Needless to say, fifty pages into the book I was crying.
And I cried through the whole damn thing.
But I loved it. THIS was the perfect way to end this series.

3. Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead – Neil Strauss
Strauss won be over when he helped Jenna Jameson write one of my favorite autobiographies: How to Make Love to a Porn Star. So when I found out that he was releasing a book of various interviews he'd done...I was in. While it wasn't life changing, it was entertaining and a side of some entertainers we never get to see.

2. Devil’s Knot – Mara Leveritt

This book came out a few years ago, but I just found it this year.
Based on the West Memphis Three, Leveritt digs deep into the murders of three Arkansas children and then into the trial that sends three young men to jail -- for a crime -- which I agree with Leveritt -- that they did not commit. But that...you will read more about at the bottom.

1. In the Woods – Tana French
When I finished French's first novel, I was absolutely furious.
Angry. Mad. Almost hateful.
But the more that I got to thinking about it, the more that I actually appreciated this book.
It's been so long since a book brought out that kind of emotion in me that I was almost thankful that she ended that novel the way that she did.
French has released two novels with supporting characters from each taking the protagonistic role...they're just as amazing (but didn't make me as irritated).

Honorable Mentions:
What Happened to Goodbye? – Sarah Dessen - “Alongfor the Ride” Number 5 Book 2009
Double Dexter – Jeff Lindsay (I won't lie -- I haven't read this yet. But I'm assuming it deserves this place) - “Dexteris Delicious” Number 3 in 2010, “Dexter by Design” Number 2 in 2009
Megan McCafferty - Bumped

Top Idols

Cheryl Cole
Britney Spears
Lily Allen
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Adele
Chelsea Handler
Kate Middleton

Top 5 Boys

5. Ryan Dunn

RIP to my favorite Jackass cast member. You'll be missed.

4. Ryan Gosling

Those abs. That humor. Ugh. I hate how much I love him.

3. Charlie Day

Number4 in 2010
Only Charlie Day can make being totally manic totally attractive.

2. Norman Reedus

I loved Reedus in Boondock Saints...so imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered he was on The Walking Dead. Reedus partially has to thank his on-screen counterpart Daryl Dixon for this distinction, as at times I really think Dixon is real.

1. Jason Segel

Number1 in 2010, Number 1 in 2009, Number 5 in 2008
Seriously. Shut up and marry me. I'm willing to adopt Muppets. Why not?

Honorable Mentions:
Ryan Adams - Number2 in 2010, Number 4 in 2008
Jason Statham (I don't remember a lot about Halloween this year, but I remember making a horribly inappropriate comment about him, which has earned him this spot)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Number3 in 2010
Beau Mirchoff (Team Matty all the way)

Top 5 Oldies, But Goodies

5. Linkin Park & Jay Z – “Collision Course”
When I get my ass out of bed on Saturday, this is the album that I put on first. It makes me feel powerful. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's so true.

4. “Layla” – Eric Clapton

We listen to a ton of classic rock at work on Pandora...
Which is how I re-discovered this song.
Thanks to Clapton's Layla, I think I now have yet another name for my unborn children.
My parents say all the time that they don't write music the same way anymore. With "Layla" that statement has never been more true.

3. Se7en

WHAT'S IN THE BOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX?!
This movie only excites me even more for David Fincher's version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

2. Cheryl Cole’s “Tiny Little Raindrops” & “3 Words”
Total Eurotrash perfection.

1. Pride and Prejudice

Um. So I have a confession. In the last two weeks, I've watched this movie ten times before going to sleep. I want my own Mr. Darcy...especially if he looks like Matthew MacFadyen.

Honorable Mentions:
Martin Solveig & Dragonette’s “Boys & Girls” Video (This video is SO fun)
The Zombies (More classic rock goodness for you)
Original Scream Trilogy

Ted Bundy True Crime Award

I know. I have a serious true crime problem. So much so that I've created a new category this year for my latest "thing." First it was Bundy, then Columbine...now I've invented this new yearly category...and I've named it after Ted Bundy - who I feel is the most interesting serial killer ever.

But what makes this year different from those in the past is that the cases that really grabbed my attention were ones with people who were wrongly convicted or were victims that overcame huge obstacles to get on with life.

So without any further interruption, the number one case that grabbed my attention:

The West Memphis 3

The more research I do on the West Memphis Three, the angrier I get. What happened in West Memphis was something we hadn't seen since the Salem Witch Trials. Shoddy forensics only "solidified" a conviction of three boys where the evidence relied heavily on the fact that the boys wore black clothing and listened to Metallica.

Years later, two of the men are sitting in prison for life and the other is on death row.

And this August...

A plea bargain lets all three of them out of jail.

The whole thing is incredible and super interesting.

I'll shut up now.

Honorable Mention:
Amanda Knox -- Unlike Casey Anthony, I don't think Knox "got away with murder." (Side note: They never should have gone for the death penalty with Anthony...that killed their whole case)
Jaycee Dugard -- What an inspiring story of overcoming the odds. She's seriously someone who we could all learn a ton from.

Top 3 Favorite Nail Polish Colors

3. Rainbow Connection

2. Yodel Me On My Cell

1. Awakening

Eurotrashtacular 2011

2011-11-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

2011 wasn't the year that I learned how to ride BMX or do magic tricks so that I could become a millionaire by performing them at a boardwalk somewhere. It's not the year that I learned how to make souffles the way that Top Chefs do or the year that I became a Real Housewife. I didn't learn how to do a backflip off of a pier or buy a pet donkey. I didn't rename every color in a box of Crayolas or find a way to charm snakes (so that they'd trust me so that I could train them to bite my enemies).

In the scheme of things, 2011 wasn't a gamechanger for me. It just simply...was.

But 2011 was different in one way...

2011 was the year that I totally, completely 120 thousand percent fully discovered and fell in love with...

Eurotrash.

Excuse me, European pop music.

I know what you're thinking. But Julie, we know you love British music. You're still listening to All Saints ten years after they've stopped being relevant.

But it's gotten so much worse.

So without much more blathering on my end, I present to you, the most defining part of my 2011: Eurotrash. European pop music is so innovative and fresh that it's finally spreading across the pond and giving American pop music the kick in the ass it needed (Hallelujah! It put Britney's Femme Fatale album on a completely different level than Circus). PLUS...this was yet again the year that Adele kicked ass on the charts for one of the most amazing albums ever.

So...

This is my long awaited blog to you.

You're welcome.

Eurotrashtacular 2011

This compilation (click the title above -- it's a link to download the wholeeeee playlist) features just a few of the songs that I've had on constant rotation this past year. But get it now, because once the default number of days pass on MediaFire, it's gone. I'm too poor to pay for that stuff.

Start fine print:

Oh...and always, this is just a sampling. If you fall in love with it, you really should support the artist and buy their music.

End fine print.

Tracklist:

1. "Promise This" - Cheryl Cole

2. "All About Tonight" - Pixie Lott

3. "Yeah Yeah Yeah" - The Sounds

4. "Guns and Horses" - Ellie Goulding

5. "Set Fire to the Rain" (Skrillex Remix) - Adele

6. "Beat of My Drum" - Nicola Roberts

7. "3 Words" - Cheryl Cole feat. Will.i.am

8. "Shake It Out" - Florence and The Machine

9. "What Do You Take Me For?" - Pixie Lott feat. Pusha T

10. "This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)" - Ellie Goulding

11. "Hello" - Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette

12. "Come Get It Now" - Pixie Lott

13. "Like Smoke" - Amy Winehouse feat. Nas

14. "Radioactive" - Marina & The Diamonds

15. "Fight For This Love" - Cheryl Cole

16. "Promise This" (Cheryl Cole Cover performed on Live Lounge) - Adele

BONUS TRACKS:

(Meaning that they're not by European artists, but they feel so Eurotrashy they deserve a place on this playlist)

1. "In The Dark" - Dev

2. "Faster Kill Pussycat" - Paul Oakenfold feat. Brittany Murphy

3. "I Get Around" - Dragonette

4. "Love You Like a Love Song" - Selena Gomez & The Scene

Track Breakdown (By Artist):

The Artist: Adele

The Tracks: "Set Fire to the Rain (Skrillex Remix)" & "Promise This" (Cheryl Cole Cover)

The music charts this year BELONGED to Adele. The tracks that I've chosen here are kind of unconventional...but Mari got me hooked on the Skrillex remix...and Cheryl Cole is practically the British version of Britney Spears for me. So Adele covering her music is pure gold.

The Artist: Amy Winehouse

The Tracks: "Like Smoke"

2011 saw a lot of my favorite people dying...Ryan Dunn. Amy Winehouse. I know that people aren't immortal (especially if their past behavior or risky events leading up to their deaths puts their life as well as other in danger), but it still really surprised me. I mean...Amy Winehouse did horse tranquilizers. HORSE TRANQUILIZERS. And they didn't kill her then. I mean, how many people have two syringes of adrenaline shot into their heart and still manage to survive? Anyway...say what you will about her, but I still say her voice is unlike anyone else's in the best possible sense. "Like Smoke" is on her forthcoming album and all it manages to make me do is get really depressed over the fact that she's not around to create anymore incredible music.

The Artist: Cheryl Cole

The Tracks: "Promise This" & "3 Words" & "Fight For This Love"

Cheryl Cole became one of my absolute favorite people this year. I discovered Girls Aloud a few years back, but just stumbled across Cole's solo work this year...and couldn't stop listening. In the spring, it was announced that she'd cross the pond and become a judge on the US version of the X-Factor and I was so ecstatic...then just as quickly, Simon canned her...which is why I boycotted all things X-Factor this year (minus the awesome commercial Pepsi did for them where they revived Britney's Pepsi commercials...). Love her music, love her. The end.

Oh...one more thing: Cheryl Cole is the covergirl for this mix. In case any (none) of you were wondering...

The Artist: Dev

The Tracks: "In the Dark"

Honkus has been a fan of Dev for awhile...but it took me awhile to warm up following her contribution to Far East Movement's "Like a G6." Terrible songggggggg...and it's not even because of her. But...nonetheless, this song all but poked at me to download it...and it sooooo hasn't disappointed. Here's to hoping her latest album is just as awesome as this one song is.

The Artist: Dragonette

The Tracks: "I Get Around"

Yeah you do...

Um. Anyway. Infectious song, infectious chorus. Another great Dragonette song that feels less Eurotrashy but is still awesome: "Jesus Doesn't Love Me Anymore."

The Artist: Ellie Goulding

The Tracks: "Guns and Horses" & "This Love (Will Be Your Downfall)"

Her voice is just so...haunting. And I don't mean haunting as in American Horror story Rubberman/Walking Dead Zombie Biting Your Face Off. But it's not far off. I love it.

The Artist: Florence and The Machine

The Tracks: "Shake It Out"

Love love love this song.

The Artist: Marina & The Diamonds

The Tracks: "Radioactive"

As some of you know (Mari), I was obsessed not long ago with Marina's "Oh No!" This track is almost completely different, but still way Marina & The Diamonds worthy. It's a bit more mellow, but it's got one hell of a beat.

The Artist: Martin Solveig

The Tracks: "Hello"

This song has had radio play in the U.S. but I still love it anyway. Solveig also stole Dragonette away for another song called "Boys and Girls" which is worthy of looking up on YouTube. The video for it is fan-freaking-tastic.

The Artist: Nicola Roberts

The Tracks: "Beat Of My Drum"

Nicola, like Cheryl, is also a member of Girls Aloud. I read online before getting this album that it is "the best album of the year." I don't agree...but I do agree that this song is superrrrr infectious.

The Artist: Paul Oakenfold

The Tracks: "Faster Kill Pussycat" (featuring Brittany Murphy)

This song is a few years old, but it's still just as good as it ever was.

The Artist: Pixie Lott

The Tracks: "All About Tonight" & "Come Get It Now" & "What Do You Take Me For?"

Lott's "All About Tonight" is one of my favorite songs of the moment. Plus it helps that Selena Gomez is also a Eurotrash fiend and has Lott on her latest album.

The Artist: Selena Gomez & The Scene

The Tracks: "Love You Like a Love Song"

As stated above, Gomez seems to be in on the Eurotrash trend...which is why I think this song is pretty close to perfection.

The Artist: The Sounds

The Tracks: "Yeah Yeah Yeah"

Need you even ask why??

Love eCards

2011-11-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Wow...

2011-11-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

I've really sucked at this blog thing lately...slowly starting to piece together the top 5's of 2011...let's hope I can at least do THAT this year.

Rest in Peace Ryan Dunn

2011-06-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

I cannot even begin to tell you how shocked I am at Ryan Dunn's passing. It's weird that these guys from "Jackass" can do all kinds of haggard shit to themselves and in the end, it's something that you don't see coming that kills you.

Granted, no one knows for sure yet exactly what happened. If he was driving drunk, I can't condone that, but I can offer my support and sympathy to his loved ones.

Ryan, you were a one of a kind asshole...and you will be missed.

Electric Heartbeats

2011-03-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

2011's music is already kicking 2010's ass hardcore badly. This March alone there are two new releases from my two main music loves: Britney Spears and The Sounds. Both are electro-trashy goodness and both keep me dancing no matter where I am.

Britney Spears

Femme Fatale

Britney said in a recent interview that "the bitch is back and better than ever." Truer words have never been spoken. Say what you will about how guarded she is, but all I see is a mom who wants to have a career and her kids...leave thegirl alone.

Especially when she's making music this fierce.

All I'm going to say is that I can't wait to see how she outdoes herself yet again live.

Love, love, love this album.

Best Tracks: For real...there's only one track on here that I skip...but if you're looking for the ones that get that five minute drive to and from work replay, look no further than "How I Roll" which is so un-Britney and is so why I love it so much, "Criminal" which with my true crime spree as of late is no surprise, "Gasoline" which is really very punny in the best possible way, "Trouble for Me" which is just too damn catchy and "Inside Out."

The Sounds

Better Off Dead

While I totally respect The Sounds for the direction that their last album took, it's not one that I put on and just want to dance, except, of course, for "Beat Box" and "Four Songs and a Fight."

But they, too, are back and better than ever.

With an edgier, darker sound, The Sounds are doing what they do best: Making you try to sit still in your seat. Because you can't. Really. It's quite impossible.

And really, Maja Ivarrson really can't do any wrong. Plus the keyboards on this album? Siiiccccckkkkkk.

Best Tracks: "It's So Easy" which is really just an extended intro to the disc but is catchy as all shit, "Dance with the Devil" because who wouldn't want to..."Better Off Dead" for it's epic build up, "Something to Die For" for it's awesome chorus, "Yeah Yeah Yeah" for nothing other than the line "You don't float like a butterfly or fight like Ali...Dress like Prince but to the lowest degree." "Wish You Were Here" deserves huge props because it's so subtle, but entirely perfect.

"The bitch is back...and better than ever."

2011-03-09T14:39:00.001-08:00

Britney's been choosing her magazine interviews lately, to me, very smartly. Between "Out" and "V" she's gotten the chance to be more aware and more her. It's the most genuine she's felt in years...

Not to mention that the following paragraph from "Out" is so fabulous, that I had to post it here:

There are few things our culture has come to relish more than fattening up a pop star on a greasy diet of hype and frenzied devotion, only to then turn around and eat her alive an album or two later. It’s become a national pastime we practice in the less savory corners of the Internet or while unloading our Aquafresh and baked Cheetos onto the check-out line conveyor belt. Nobody knows this better than Britney Spears.

Ever since she snarled onto the scene in her Catholic school girl uniform in 1999, Spears has been the go-to girl whenever the world is looking for a punch line or a punching bag. At first it was "her music has no substance" or "she’s lip synching" and then there were the darker, more troubling episodes in her life to mine for material. But we have a confession to make: We love Britney.

We love her because she gives us the kind of pop music we demand for our workouts and woozy weekend nights, and because she has never tried to play the guitar or wandered off to make a country album. We love her because she’s a survivor, and for all of the shit that’s said about her, she still glides to the top of the charts whenever she releases an album. We love her because she has a "BS Alert" on her website to squash the almost daily rumors of new pregnancies, marriages, or demands to someday be cryogenically frozen. We love her because even the Super Bowl’s rabid, testosterone-drunk fans couldn’t keep her from being the top trending item on Twitter on the biggest sports Sunday of the year. We love her because she loves strawberry Frappuccinos and grits blanketed in Velveeta cheese. We love her because in 2010 she raked in more money than Lady Gaga even though her latest album, Circus, was already well over a year old. We love her because for all the pythons and pyrotechnics and red vinyl cat suits, she still feels like someone we could dish with about boys over a basket of bread sticks at the Olive Garden. We love her because she keeps us dancing, she keeps us guessing, and while the other famous former Mouseketeers have dried up, bombed out, or otherwise failed to keep our interest, Britney still has us coming back for more.

To quote the Queen herself,
"Pure. Satis. Faction."

The Bird. With Teeth.

2011-03-02T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ultimate Top Fives of 2010

2010-12-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

My lack of blogging has led up to this...my ultimate post of 2010. Lack of blogging to epic blog post? Whoa...watch out.

It's important to note that not everything on this list came out in 2010 -- sue me. If I became obsessed with it and it was fairly recent...it's fair game.

Without further ado...

Top 5 Movies of 2010

5. Jackass 3D
There's nothing that I love more than senseless, brainless humor. Jackass was full of it. The 3D was pointless...but the rest of it was wonderfully amusing.

4. Easy A
Emma Stone has only continued to impress me with each and every movie that she's in. She's a great actress and the dialogue in this film was some of the most original and fresh that I heard in film this year.

3. Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton + Alice + Johnny Depp = Pure Magic.
This is one of my favorite childrens stories of all time. Love, love, love it.

2. Shutter Island
The only thing better than Lehane's novel? Seeing it on the big screen. They did an amazing job adapting it to film...and I love Martin Scorsese.

1. Inception
Really? What can I say about Inception that hasn't been said already?
Brilliant. 100% original.
The best of the year.

Honorable Mentions:
Burlesque
Due Date
The Switch

Top 5 TV Shows of 2010

5. Dexter
Number 1 in 2009; Number 1 in 2008
I really haven't fairly judged "Dexter" this year...as I have only seen a handful of the episodes from this season...but let's face it. It's kind of hard to top John Lithgow as your Big Bad.

4. How I Met Your Mother
Number 3 in 2009; Number 4 in 2008
This show is my steady every year. Great writing. Great cast. Last season took a dip, but the writers have certainly picked it back up and made it wonderful again.

3. Fringe
Fringe has pulled away from those X-Files comparisons and become a show of its own. Great cast, great writing, great storyline this season. Plus, Joshua Jackson has proven that he's come a long way from the "Creek" -- in an amazing sort of way.

2. Sherlock
When I heard they were updating Sherlock to modern times, I was skeptical. Then I heard Steven Moffat was on board to produce and write. And then when I saw it...I was hooked. My only problem with this series is that it's too short -- three episodes. And that cliffhanger...

1. The Big Bang Theory
&
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Number 4 in 2009; Number 2 in 2008
I really couldn't pick a favorite between these two for this year...

Big Bang's writers somehow manage to make it's show hilarious, without becoming too vulgar (I'm looking at you, Two and a Half Men). The cast works so well together and there's nothing else like it on TV at the moment.

Sunny always starts out kind of slow for me every season, but then suddenly there's an episode that goes beyond being hilarious into side-splitting territory. See the episode with the bird with teeth. See the episode where Charlie thought that the sperm ate the egg. Looooove.

Honorable Mentions:
Bones -- Number 5 in 2009
Bones, you cannot continue to keep me on the edge with Booth and Brennan's will they/won't they drama and expect to make my list. That 100th episode broke my heart. And I hate Booth's girlfriend. The end.

Glee -- Number 2 in 2009
I have my reasons for not having Glee in my Top 5 this year...and it stems from the fact that the storylines this season have felt...well...stale. Off. Sure it's had its moments (Britney! Gwynth! The Christmas episode!)...but other episodes have only become one long cliche. Plus, with all these "series regulars" taking over, it's hard to really get involved with any of the characters this season. Not nearly enough Rachel or Finn. Way to forget who your main players were last season by underusing them. For shame.

Raising Hope
If this show can find its staying power...it could very well be in the Top 5 next year.

Top 5 Albums of 2010

5. 30 Seconds to Mars -- This Is War
Jared Leto...we know how much I love you in "My So Called Life."
This album is perfection.

4. Christina Aguilera -- Bionic
I still don't think this album deserves to be considered a "flop."
I dare anyone who says otherwise to put all the press out of their mind and listen to it.
People were comparing this to Gaga all over, which isn't fair...because if you're going to do that, then you need to compare Gaga to Roisin, Britney, Madonna, and Kylie. They were all doing it before she was (especially Kylie -- respect).

3. Florence + the Machine -- Lungs
I can't give Florence more credit.
This album makes my ears smile.
Seriously.

2. Rihanna -- Loud
Rihanna's "Rated R" was Number 4 in 2009
After the dark turn Rated R took last year, it was nice to see a sunnier, happier Rihanna (though that album is still genius if you ask me). Loud is fun and exciting and a fantastic listen.

1. Robyn -- Body Talk
Bow down to Robyn. For real.
No one does it how she does...thank God.
Body Talk is the "Inception" of albums this year. NOTHING compared.

Honorable Mentions:
Marina and the Diamonds -- The Family Jewels
Mumford & Sons -- Sign No More

Top 5 Singles of 2010

5. M.I.A. -- "XXXO"
Catchy, catchy, catchyyyyyy.

4. The Bloodhound Gang -- "Altogether Ooky"
& Christina Aguilera -- "Bionic"
The Bloodhound Gang makes this list alone for talking about smelling boxers in Red Lobster. Aguilera makes it for getting stuck in my head for hours on end.

3. Luciana featuring Bodyrox -- "What Planet U On"
Mari -- this is all your fault.
This song sounds like an infectious video game theme.
LOVE it and it makes me think of my epic summer vacation.

2. Robyn -- "Dancing On My Own"
&
"Hang with Me"
I already did my Robyn explanation. I'm not going to run it into the ground.

1. Marina & the Diamonds -- "Oh No!"
Catchy. As. Hell.
I listened to this song only for three days straight.
!!!!!

Top Concerts of 2010

There was Stone Temple Pilots and Lady Gaga and Cage the Elephant and Styx and the So You Think You Can Dance Tour...but the best things that I saw all year were...

Conan O'Brien & Chelsea Handler
Sure, they weren't musical acts -- though Conan DID have the Dropkick Murphys -- but these two were seriously in a league all of their own.

On one hand, there was Conan in his hometown of Boston, showing that NBC can screw you over, but your fans are still going to love you without the Late Show. He was funny, self-deprecating and spot on.

Then there was Chelsea, who was brash and bold and, yes, made those disparaging Angelina Jolie comments (she's SO right, you know)...that she moved to the top of my idols list.

Both of them were truly unforgettable.

Top 5 Books of 2010

5. Ann Rule -- "The Stranger Beside Me"
Sure, this book came out in the 80s and has been updated numerous times over the year...but this was the year that I got hooked on true crime novels. I love knowing what makes a person tick -- and Rule's novel was True Crime like it rarely gets to be done -- personally. Rule KNEW Bundy which made her insight different from all the Bundy books that followed.

4. Dennis Lehane -- "Shutter Island"
Which was better? Book or movie?
I can't decide. Both are brilliant.

3. Jeff Lindsay -- "Dexter is Delicious"
Lindsay's "Dexter by Design" was Number 2 in 2009
I love Showtime's "Dexter." Really, I do...
But Lindsay's Dexter is just so much more devious.
Not to mention, Lindsay didn't kill off Dexter's brother -- Bryan, which means he was fair game to come back in this book. Plus Deb knows Dexter's secret. It's like an alternate universe...but not a creepy bad one, like this season's "Fringe."

2. Stieg Larsson -- "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
It really is a shame that Larsson died before he got to see how beloved his novels have become worldwide.

1. Dave Cullen -- "Columbine"
This book was heartbreaking...
But it was refreshing to hear what REALLY happened and I give Cullen a lot of credit for stepping up and admitting all the mistakes that the press made, while giving the story of what happened at Columbine truthfully.
A hard read, but a great one nonetheless.

Top 5 Idols of 2010

Lily Allen
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Chelsea Handler
Leighton Meester
Britney Spears

Top 5 Boys of 2010

5. Mike Rowe
Number 3 in 2009
Last year, I told my mom that all I wanted for Christmas was Mike Rowe. I may not have gotten him, but he did grace my screen in new episodes of Dirty Jobs, a series of Ford Commercials ("Picture Yourself in a Ford" -- I'll picture you somewhere, Mike Rowe, but it won't be in a Ford -- unless it's my Focus, that is...) and a series of Wrangler Jeans commercials. Ahhhhh...

4. Charlie Day
Hands down my favorite actor on Sunny.

3. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Levitt has proven himself this year and gotten himself fully out of that teenage heartthrob box. He kind of made "Inception" for me. Those tilting fight scenes? Fantastic.

2. Ryan Adams
Adams has been lying low ever since marrying Mandy Moore...but still posts regularly on Facebook for his fans. I give him props for doing what he wants and keeping it classy.

1. Jason Segel
Number 1 in 2009; Number 5 in 2008
I'm serious. Marry me already, goddammit.

Honorable Mentions:
Lee DeWyze
Leonardo Dicaprio
Michael C. Hall -- Number 4 in 2009; Number 3 in 2008
Bam Margera
Conan O'Brien

Top 5 Oldies But Goodies of 2010

5. Brand New -- "Deja Entendu"
I re-fell in love with this album.

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Warner Brothers is making the stupidest move ever by 'reinventing' this series. Will massively boycott it the way that I did the "Donnie Darko" sequel.
Classics should never, ever be touched.

3. Serial Killers & True Crime
I love learning what makes people tick and how the mind works.
I especially love learning how things that happen during childhood can decide whether one becomes a respectable adult human being...or a sick, sadistic serial killer.
I know one shouldn't have a "favorite" serial killer, but Ted Bundy's totally mine.
He redefined all serial murders and the way that they were investigated after the 1970s.

2. Coupling
Just as wonderful as I remembered it ever being. Plus, Jeff Murdock? One of the best television characters ever written.

1. Arrested Development
Introduced to me this year...
And so, so, so worth it.
Great cast, great writing...great jokes. That giant mole? The Blue Man Group? Bob Loblaw's Law Blog? Make a damn movie, already.

Currents as of Mid-September

2010-09-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Been a busy few weeks. Stone Temple Pilots and Cage the Elephant. Gaga. Mario Lemieux. 4.45 am visits from the cops to my house. Be jealous.

Without further ado...

Current Listening
Cage the Elephant
Saw these guys with the Stone Temple Pilots (what a strange experience) and while they're good live, I almost think they sound better on an album. Have some real faves on this one.

Robyn : Body Talk, Parts 1 and 2
Robyn is the ultimate proof that just because you hit it "big" super early on in a career...that you can't evolve so much that your later music career is even bigger than your start. These two albums are fan-freaking-tastic. They're Eurotrash to the extreme and I absolutely love everything about them.

Currently Reading
Serial Killers : Peter Vronsky
I admit it. I'm obsessed with true crime. I cannot stop reading about it. Vronsky's book was great because it's full of great info, but twists the "case studies" in effortlessly.

Dexter is Delicious : Jeff Lindsay
Jeff Lindsay still has me completely enthralled years after reading my first "Dexter" novel. Though it's extremely weird to read his novels with Rita very alive and Astor and Cody working as aspiring little monsters. Love, love, love it.

Currently Watching
Buffy the Vampire Slayer : Season 5
Sigh. Buffy. Still.

But...tomorrow I'm buying the second half of the first season of Glee, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the Big Bang Theory...so I'm gonna have tons of stuff to get me unhooked.

I'm super excited about new TV shows starting in a few weeks...("Sunny" starts this Thursday!!).

New blog look...

2010-09-01T15:24:00.001-07:00

It may be a little creepy, but I love it. The image in the header was taken from a photo shoot that ran in Entertainment Weekly of Sarah Michelle Gellar recreating scenes from famous horror films and pictures that just embody the horror genre itself. I absolutely love this photo shoot just as much, if not more, than when it first arrived in my mailbox years ago. The photography is really, really well done. Plus, it's only fitting since I've started watching Buffy again.

Take a look at some other shots from the shoot.

SO EXCITED

2010-08-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

And to think that once vacation was over, I was worried there'd be nothing exciting to look forward to. I was so wrong.

Late August
Stone Temple Pilots

Early September
Lady Gaga

Late October So You Think You Can Dance

Early December Chelsea Handler

Pure Perfection

2010-08-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

After my trip to the tumor doctor on Friday, we hung around the southwestern PA area and went to Fallingwater. Fallingwater was a "country" home built for the Kaufmann family in the early 1900's and was designed by (be still my heart) Frank Lloyd Wright. It was absolutely beautiful and I am completely jealous that I cannot live there.

Most. Epic. Horoscope. EVER.

2010-08-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago in July...after the roller derby, we found ourselves at a very cool dive bar for the derby's after party. After a few too many drinks, the Pittsburgh City paper was opened...and I had the most EPIC horoscope ever written. I was also way too inebriated to understand a single word of it. So after ripping it out of the paper (with some help), I was able to save said horoscope and read it later...and even sober, I'm convinced it's the most epic horoscope ever...Now, after much traveling in my purse (where it ripped in half) and being buried under tons of loose change and other junk, here it is, in all it's glory. Enjoy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

In 1965, two Russian cosmonauts orbited the Earth in the Voskhod 2 spacecraft. Due to equipment problems, they had to land the vehicle manually. Instead of hitting the target area, they mistakenly set down in rugged mountainous country covered with deep snow. While they waited overnight inside their capsule, wolves gathered outside, howling and pacing. But the next day their recovery team reached them and scared off the hungry predators. Soon they were safely on their way back home. Let this little tale be an inspiration to you, Cancerian, as you come in for your landing. Even though you may not end up quite where you intended, there'll be a happy ending as long as you wait for your allies to be ready for you and you don't try to rush your re-integration.

LOVE it. Epic squared.

Currents As Of Late July

2010-07-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile...first there was Conan in Boston...then there was my totally epic trip/reunion with some of my most favorite people ever in Las Vegas and LA (miss you bitches!!!). But here it is finally...a blog update of what I'm loving most right now.

Current Listening
Maroon 5 - "Misery"
I have this real love/hate relationship with Maroon 5. I love their faster stuff but hate what they consider to be a ballad. This song is fantastic...but what makes it even better is the video where Adam gets his ass kicked.

Bodyroxx featuring Luciana - "What Planet You On"
This is all Mari's fault for introducing me to a song that is so simply Eurotrash that I cannot stop putting it on repeat.

Stone Temple Pilots - Thank You
Off to see them on the 28th. Starting to get really pumped about it.

Currently Reading
About five different things right now. Nothing really worth writing about.

Currently Watching
Coupling
I really fell in love with Coupling the semester after I got back from London...and finally just bought the 2nd season on DVD. Either I just forgot about some really epic episodes (not likely) or I just really never saw them all...but some of these are new to me...which only makes me love it even more. It really bums me out that the seasons aren't longer.

Inception
Best movie of the summer, hands down. Hell. Best movie of the year, hands down. I've loved Christopher Nolan ever since the first time that I saw Memento in high school. Inception only upped its game. Plus it had Joseph Gordon Levitt in it...and I'm convinced that he's been nothing but pure love since (500) Days of Summer (okay, so he's kind of been pure love ever since 10 Things I Hate About You).

Thank God...

2010-07-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Daniel Craig's been cast as Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincher's adaptation of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

Brad Pitt had reportedly been up for the role and if he would have been cast, I would have totally boycott everything to do with the American adaptation of the book.

So excited to see what Craig does with the part!

Currents as of Late May

2010-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Current Listening

Santogold - Self Titled
I've had this album for almost a year now...but I didn't grow super obsessed with it till I listened to it on repeat at work. Love, love, love it.

M.I.A. - "XXXO"
Her new album is great...but "XXXO" is one of the songs that shines the most on it. Catchy as hell.

Currently Reading
Stieg Larsson -- "The Girl Who Played with Fire"
Trying my best to keep this one for the plane ride to Vegas...but it's hard. Love Larsson's novels.

Tess Gerritsen -- "Ice Cold"
The only problem that I had with Gerritsen's new novel was that it was far too short. Her writing is so great and this series is so unlike all the other formulatic murder mysteries out there. Gerritsen really puts a lot of thought into her work and a lot of heart into her characters. I'm a little worried about the TV version they're working on...but if I hate it, I can pretend like it never even existed.

Currently Watching
So You Think You Can Dance (Dance Dance)
For real. It's the summer. And yes...Kayla, the dancer I chose to highlight above isn't on this season...but I'm still really bitter about her not winning Season 5. Look at those friggen lines. Unreal.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
My new old show to watch while passing out at night. Pure pop culture fabulousness.

Hallelujah, Entertainment Weekly!

2010-06-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

With "Radar" defunct and even further away from a revival..."Entertainment Weekly" has once again captured my heart fully. As if this week's cover with "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" didn't have me fully in love (SERIOUSLY?! A cover about a book that wasn't "Twilight" or Harry Potter!?! AMEN!)...this quick article in "News and Notes" did. FINALLY...someone snarky and absolutely amusing...

Alas I bring you yet ANOTHER article about current pop stars who need to put some clothes on...I still don't get this leotard thing. If you're not practicing for a dance recital...at least wear a pair of booty shorts. Talk about uncomfortable.

*****

Public Service Announcement
Hey, Pop Stars! Put Away Your Privates, Please!
Lisa Greenblatt

Musicians have been scandalizing the masses since Elvis and his Tilt-a-Whirl pelvis first gyrated onto The Ed Sullivan Show.

But pop-star provocation may have finally reached its fatigue point, thanks to the recent shenanigans of Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and that tireless mistress of shock and awe, Lady Gaga. First, Aguilera capped off an MTV Movie Awards performance of her oral-sex ode "Woohoo" with a neon heart pulsing over her own woohoo. Then came Gaga's much-anticipated "Alejandro" video -- a seemingly subtext-free slurry of sex and religious imagery that, 21 years after Madonna's "Like a Prayer," didn't have much to say besides "Lookit! If there are machine guns hot-glued to my bra, it must be art!" Finally, Perry's Wonka-esque "California Gurls" video found the singer -- incidentally, the daughter of two pastors -- shooting twin plumes of white stuff from her sequined showgirl bustier. When Rihanna subsequently wore what looked like Spanx and a pair of suspended coffee-filter cones on stage at a festival in Spain, it actually felt...quaint.

Do we need to have an ob-gyn level of intimacy with these girls' ladybits to continue buying their music? Outsize sexuality is of course a pop star's prerogative, but it also tends to both obscure and cheapen their genuine talents: Aguilera possesses one of the best voices in the business, and Perry and Gaga consistently write their own hits. Sure, the're just responding to the public's seemingly unslakable third for fresh stimulation: To not play the vixen game is, more often than not, to be cut from the A-team. It would be nice, though, if for once they didn't feel compelled to streak the field.

*****

I couldn't have said it any better. Amen, Lisa Greenblatt. Amen.

My Wardrobe's Latest Addition

2010-06-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

I've got a few social engagements coming up...weddings, parties, etc...and I came across this awesome dress in Avon. You can totally wear it 8 different ways...and I'm so excited to wear it.

I am, however, not excited about how to figure out HOW to wear it...but that's what I'll have good friends getting ready with me for!

I Will Possess Your Heart...

2010-06-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Stole this from Mari Mari...

Three names I go by:

Julie
J
Grace (After a not so graceful tumble on my ass at work last year)

Three jobs I have had:

Playground Supervisor
Cashier
Artist

Three places I have lived:

London
Pittsburgh
Warren

Three favorite drinks:

Mountain Dew White Out
Diet Coke from Wendy's -- Best Syrup/Soda Ratio Ever
A really well mixed Long Island Iced Tea

Three TV shows I watch:

Dexter
Glee
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Three places I have been:

Boston
London
Barcelona

Three places I would like to visit:

Greece
Scotland
Amsterdam

Three people who text me regularly:

Honkus
Mari
Kelli

Three favorite old TV shows:

Blossom
Golden Girls
Salute Your Shorts

Three favorite dishes:

Thai Chicken Fried Rice
Three Cheese Grilled Cheese from Kim's Cafe
Ice Cream

Three makeup/beauty products I cannot live without:

A really bitchin' nail polish
For real...a really awesome nail polish.

But not the horrid color on my toes right now. For real. Look: Three things I'm looking forward to:

Stone Temple Pilots in August
VEGAS!!!!!
LA

Currents as of...Well Awhile (April-May)

2010-05-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Current Listening

Christina Aguilera -- "Bionic"
Freaking genius. Seriously. All comparisons aside, Aguilera's album is fresh and exciting. I've heard the comparisons and I don't see Gaga here. Aguilera's spun off in a new direction and kudos to her for it. It's dirty and it's going to probably spark some controversy...but dammit, it's fun.
Best Tracks: "Woohoo" and "Bionic" though "I Hate Boys" is pretty fab too.
Lee DeWyze -- "So I'm Told," "Slumberland," and His Idol Covers
I really wish everyone would get on board for this guy. He won Idol...and it WAS NOT only because 13 year old girls voted for him. Don't get me wrong, the guy's pretty...but his talent only makes him that much more attractive.

I could go on and on about how I didn't really care who won Idol. I'll support both Crystal and Lee because they're just such individual, brilliant artists...but the game with Idol is to vote for who you like the best. Lee got the votes...Crystal didn't. And it's not just because he's attractive. Crystal obviously supports and respects Lee...why can't everyone else just follow her lead? I'm not saying you have to LOVE the guy...but you can't deny his talent...especially after hearing his two pre-Idol albums.

Hall and Oates...and...
The Bird and the Bee -- "Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall & John Oates"
I don't know what it is about Hall and Oates...but I'm loving their music. I'm especially loving The Bird and the Bee's take on it.

Currently Reading
Stieg Larson -- "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
I'd been avoiding reading Larson's series of novels because there was so much hype behind them...and we all know how much I love hype and just chase after it to get my pop culture fix...

But I faced a really great sale at Borders yesterday and decided to take a chance.

And holy shit, has it been worth it. It was a little rough to get into...but so far, really good and I'm happy that I chose to read it.

Ann Rule -- "The Stranger Beside Me"
I've gotten really into true crime novels. I don't know if there's some dormant part of me that wants to be a detective or what...but I've gotten hooked on reading about crime and the people who solve them.

I just finished Rule's book on Bundy...which was really well written...but the fact that she KNEW Bundy personally seemed to make it even more hard hiting. Fantastic.

Stephen King -- "Just After Sunset"
By default, I love Stephen King's earliest works the best. I don't feel he's ever started to chase a formula...but King in his early days was at his best. "Carrie" and "The Shining" are by far two of his best works...Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying all his older works suck..."The Green Mile" is absolutely fantastic...and even "Under the Dome" was pretty good...

But even with the aforementioned novels, I still think that King is at his best through the short story medium. In, out, done. And this collection is just as fabulous as his previous works.

Currently Watching
Glee
For real. This can't surprise you.

The Big Bang Theory
We all know that I love "How I Met Your Mother" but this past year, Big Bang surpassed it. I don't know if HIMYM just hit a creative slump (I'll still watch it) or if Big Bang just blew it out of the water in comedy and heart. I love this show. There's really nothing else like it on TV.

Listen Up All Pop Music Fans!

2010-04-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely worn out and sick of all the bickering between all the current female pop star 'super fans.' All the Britney fans are sick of Gaga fans for labeling her Madonna's protege and stating that Britney is quite simply...over. Gaga fans are pissed because everyone "keeps copying Gaga." This artist is better than another artist. This artist stole that artist's idea.

Current example: Christina Aguilera's latest video for "Not Myself Tonight." Everyone jumps on the Christina stole Gaga's thunder blah blah blah bullshit -- yes, I'm pointing my finger at you Perez Hilton. I'll admit that "Not Myself Tonight" is truly a take-notice video. It makes me feel like I have to bathe in bleach after watching it.

But what her new video brings to mind is NOT Gaga, but the TRUE Queen of Pop herself...MADONNA.

For real. Think about it. If Britney (whom we all know I absolutely adore), Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera are copying ANYONE, it's clearly Madonna. "Not Myself Tonight" has visions of early Madonna videos, NOT Gaga.

And I'm not the only one seeing it. EW.com put it best by stating: "Truly, though, there’s another pop-diva influence clearly going on in this video, and her name starts with M. Could it be…Madonna? Yes, of course. Aguilera’s dominatrix outfit seems to be a clear nod to Madge in “Human Nature.” And those times where we see Aguilera amid mist at the top of those stairs, dressed as a German schoolmaster are reminiscent of Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” no?"

They continue to make an ever BETTER point, stating: "The retort to this whole line of criticism, however, includes two arguments: 1) When it comes to Madonna, nearly every pop star has taken pieces of her performances/styling/etc. So there’s that. And then 2) With the Gaga argument, can we really fault Christina for taking from Gaga, when Gaga herself has so ripped from a variety of other artists?" Um...Gaga ripping off artists like Roisin Murphy, anyone??

EW also makes a FANTASTIC point that Christina was always the one artist zigging when every other artist was zagging. And that's true. Christina was the artist who was constantly re-inventing herself. Her biggest issue is that she takes SO long to put out new album. She used to be able to give the pop world the jolt it most needed to work it in a different direction...but maybe this time she's too late.

But none of that is neither here nor there...or the point that I'm trying to make.

Which to boil it down and drag it truly home...what people need to get is that...

NO ONE IS TRULY ORIGINAL IN POP MUSIC ANYMORE.

That's why it's POP music.

The brilliant thing about music is that someone brings something new to the table that reinvigorates an oversaturated genre...others take from THAT and mold it in their own ways to make it interesting. It's become a neverending cycle of evolution.

Let's face it. Without Madonna, there would be no Britney. Without Britney stealing the music thunder from female singer/songwriters in the late 90's, pop music wouldn't have gotten its wake up call and gotten its Christina or...SHOCK...Lady Gaga (who has admitted COUNTLESS times that Britney is a HUGE influence...she did, after all, stand outside TRL whenever Britney was a guest. If that's not dedication or admiration, then what the hell is?).

These artists all have one another to thank, not one another to blame. It keeps the music scene interesting and relevent and exciting. It makes them all strive to be better and way more relevant.

So get off your high horses and get the hell over it. It's not going to change and bickering only makes you look like assholes. I'm not saying you have to love everyone as an artist, but the least you can do is respect them.

Oh jeez oh man...

2010-04-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

It has been FOREVER since I've blogged. Things got hectic at work, I lost all form of a personal life, I went to Pittsburgh and discovered the roller derby and reassembled the tripod, I've been exhausted. All of those are viable reasons. A big one being that when I get home from work, my wit is all gone. :(

So to make up for it...here's an uber-post of awesomeness of all the things I've fallen in love with lately, plus random thoughts and takes on things.

I'm Totally in Love With...
Lee Dewyze.
The only thing that bums me out about "Idol" this year is that there are a lot of talented singer/songwriters...and none of them get the chance to actually show their talents. Lee's two previous releases are way more impressive than anything he's been able to show on "Idol" because they're his songs and they're personal. Love his original music.

Totally Bummed About
Jenna Jameson.
Girl needs to get her shit together. First there's reports that Tito beat her...and hours later she's talking to the press? And suddenly, he's saying she's got a drug addiction? Something isn't adding up. Plus, she's looking haggard again, which worries me. She's been through so much and pulled out of it...hopefully she has the strength to do it again. Part of what's always made her so fabulous is how strong of an independent woman she can be. She's finally a mom...Here's to hoping things start to look up for her no matter what the situation.

I'm Reading...
A ton of "true crime" books lately. Working on "Green River, Running Red" by Ann Rule which is all about the Green River murders. Super interesting...but...

I Cannot Stop Thinking About...
Columbine by Dave Cullen
Seriously. I haven't ever had a book resonate with me this long.

I Was (And Still Am) Amused By...
Arrested Development.
Thanks a lot, Honkus.

I'm Really Excited About...
LAS VEGAS in JULY!!!!
LA too...but Vegas is first...so I'm way more pumped about it.

I'm Way Over...
Ke$ha
Girl can sing...but it seems like all she does is speak sings. Try something new. It all sounds the same...

I find these lyrics to be brilliant...
"You always were my favorite drug.
Even when we used to take drugs."
I love the Stone Temple Pilots. LOVE them and love that they're addressing Weiland's crazy addiction.

I'm Going to See...
Conan O'Brien in Boston.

And then in August...I'm going to see...
Lady Gaga with a ton of people...again, thanks Honkus. :)

I'm Still Totally Loving...
The "Glee" take on Madonna.

And Don't Know How I Lived So Long Without...
My satellite radio. Love.

Oh Lee DeWyze...

2010-04-06T19:09:00.001-07:00

I may be going through excessive "Glee" withdrawl...but thanks to you, the wait seems a hell of a lot less painful.

Say what you will...

2010-03-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

About Dave Cullen's "Columbine." Call it "conjecture" or a "work of fiction." But what Cullen has done in 200 pages (I haven't finished yet) is give the events of what happened at Columbine a more realistic feel. To those of us growing up in a CNN infused media where reporters often spin more lies in the first twenty minutes of breaking news, it's refreshing to hear a journalist admit they screwed up...And it's daring that he's taken ten years to sit down and try to piece together WHY the event happened. It's daring, it's surprising, and it's ballsy.

It's also a very worthy followup to Lehane's "Shutter Island."

After this, I'm going to read "Never Let Me Go" again. They're turning it into a movie starring Keira Knightly and Carey Mulligan (seriously loving her style right now)...and I need to brush up on its awesomeness before its release.

Tonight the doors of McNamara/Troy close for good...

2010-03-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Ryan Murphy's first hit series "Nip/Tuck" ends tonight and the feeling I'm left with is completely bittersweet. On one hand, the show has kept me glued (except for that crap fourth season and the fact that I've fallen asleep for half of this season) for the past four years...I can remember getting hooked sophomore year of college. And it being downhill ever since.

Nip/Tuck was fearless television with an incredible ensemble cast.

Let's stop and remember a few of my favorite moments from this gross-over the top-awesome television series.

Kimber being in the very first episode of the series...and the producers loving her so much, they keep her around for the rest of the series, her storylines getting more and more ridiculous every week. That's staying power.
Matt giving himself a circumcision in the first season. Still makes me want to kind of vomit. Could you imagine finding your kid like that?
The Carver in Season 3. Season 2-3 were the best of the series. This storyline tied all the grossness together and made it a lot less jump-the-shark.
Two words: Julian. McMahon. Pure. Hotness. Naked. A lot.
The absolutely batshit surgery storylines that gross you out entirely...to those that are real bummers...to those which are thought provoking. See last week's episode with the Holocaust victim and the Nazi tattoo artist.
The sense of family. No matter what happened, they always wound up together...which is why I think tonight's show will end with one more famous family table dinner moment.

So while I feel bummed that yet another wonderful television series is ending, I'm happy at the same time. They could have kept on and made the show tank out till they cancelled it, but they haven't. They've tied up story lines in fabulous ways.

So thank you for all the memories. As vomit inducing and shocking as some of them were, it was definately worth the crazy ride.

Pure-freaking-Genius

2010-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

This past week I read "Shutter Island" by Dennis Lehane. As someone who reads -- avidly -- I hadn't read anything super original in awhile. Then this novel fell into my hands. What was meant to last me a week reading (at least) was finished in 2 days. Amazing, amazing book with a brilliant ending.

I cannot wait to see what Martin Scorcese's awesome mind does with it.

Huh.

2010-02-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

So I was just attempting to sleep on that couch and listening to my iPod...I gave up and finally downloaded Lady Gaga's "The Fame Monster" because Honkus got me hooked on "Teeth" and while I was nearly asleep, I thought, 'Huh. This sounds familiar. The more and more that I listen to it, it reminds me of something.'

And then it finally, FINALLY clicked.

Roisin Murphy.

Be forewarned -- this is not a long rant on Roisin vs. Gaga...there is a point. And after some explanation...I'll get there.

Now to most of you, Roisin Murphy's name won't mean anything. But to some (AKA me)...lover of Europop and avid watcher of "So You Think You Can Dance," it means quite a bit. You see, Roisin Murphy is an Irish electropop singer...and Wade Robson (Best. Choreographer. Ever.) seems to just love her...as shown by the number of dances he's choreographed to her music on "So You Think You Can Dance." ((Best Roisin/Wade dance mashup ever: "Ramalama Bang Bang"))

In fact, it was "Ramalama Bang Bang" that I was thinking of so intently while listening to "Teeth."

So I got online and decided, "I'm going to type both of their names into Google and see what I come up with."

And lo and behold...I'm not the first person to seek out this comparison.

Especially once you look at Murphy's style...a style she was rocking before Lady Gaga ever did.

So then I hit paydirt. Apparently Murphy thought the same thing...and commented on it. But then retracted said harsh statement stating she does love Gaga.

But seriously. It's uncanny once you start watching Roisin's videos, listening to both Gaga and Roisin's music and comparing their styles. Then remember that Roisin's been doing this stuff since 2004.

Case in point:
But my point is not about Lady Gaga's style, as I stated above. My point is this...

There is no "true originality" in music anymore. What Gaga borrows from Roisin, Roisin has somehow borrowed from someone else down the line (um...Madonna's ballsiness, anyone?? SHE was probably the only "original" female pop star. Everyone's been copying her ever since by pushing the boundaries the way that she did).

One thing that does bother me is that what crosses the pond commercially here and succeeds isn't necessarily the best that Europe has got to offer. For all the Roisin's, Little Boots, and Florence and the Machine's that Europe can hold close to them and keep locked up like tightly like the hidden family gems that they are, others come along and inevitably mold some similar vision of them into our own popular culture in the United States (without the American public ever even realizing it). And I'm not saying that we're only evolving from Europe and that America is a bunch of copycats. They've evolved thanks to us as well. It's a give and take sharing process.

It's evolution. And it can be very, very exciting for a music fan. After all, without Madonna, there never would have been a Britney. Without Britney...there wouldn't be the female pop star revolution that still continues today. These icons just shape the land for things to come...inspire others with their style and keep the evolution rolling.

So I will continue listening to "Teeth." And I will continue loving "Ramalama Bang Bang." But I will sleep better at night after finally connecting all these dots. Especially since I can't wait to see where pop music is headed next.

Mari did this, so now I have to too.

2010-02-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Apparently there's some huge UrbanDictionary.com name shite going around on Facebook. But since I hate posting things like that as my status...I'm doing it here...just like Mari did. :) Of course, having one of the most common names means that I have pretty much a dozen of these to choose from. Here are the best ones.

1.	Julie
	Sweet and downy haired girl, changable, and often misunderstood and complex. A fearful creature as well as highly loyal. She will rule your affection and once you have hers it will be forever. You will love Julie forever.

3.	Julie
	1. A popular French name meaning youthful, soft-haired and vivacious. 2. A woman who is hated by woman due to her care free ways and ability to have men swoon at her very sight. Julie. You know which!!!

7.	Julie
	Julie is the name only given to those who deserve and respect it. There is no such thing as simply "A Julie," as anyone with the name of Julie deserves special recognition, because, obviously, it is the best name in the world. Anyone named Julie should be addressed as "The Julie" because no Julie is ordinary and each and every Julie is worthy of such a title; their name is Julie.

How completely badass is this My Little Pony??

2010-01-31T14:52:00.001-08:00

Went to Williamsport this weekend to see my BFFF Honkus. We did the Christmas swap...and she bought me the most absolutely badass My Little Pony.

Apparently, the folks at Hasbro released this totally genius artistic line of My Little Pony in 2008 and Honkus bought me one. I freaking love it. Definitely one of the most awesome gifts ever.

My New Year's Resolution...A Month Late

2010-01-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

It took me a total of 20something days to figure out what it is that I want to resolve this year...and the answer was so obvious that I don't know how I didn't think of it soon before.

My resolution for 2010 is to quit wasting so much of my time on stupid technology (AKA texting) and bettering my real life person-to-person communication skills.

For real, think about it.

It seems that more and more lately, technology has made personal relationships way, way too easy. IMs. Facebook. Twitter. Texting. Ten years ago, if you wanted to make plans with people, you had to pick up your actual home phone and call someone.

Now, we can be contacted literally anywhere, anytime. Driving down the road? Check. Going to the bathroom? Check. Cutting down a tree in a forest somewhere? Check.

But while anyone can now call you anywhere...there's also texting.

Which eliminates the truly personal aspect of the phone...and makes things so much more difficult. Text. Text. Text. About everything. Lunch. Someone by you on the bus. If you're mad at someone.

Cell phone technology has broken down these forms of communication so much.

And lately, I've realized that I really, really miss them.

So while I don't plan on giving up my cell phone, I do plan on cutting back on the texting. Small texts here and there about random thoughts, fine. Huge text messages about something that happened the night before or to tell someone you're mad at them? No more.

From now on, I'm not playing the get half the story in 160 characters or less game. And if making plans continues to be such a huge mess via text, I may start only accepting invites via actual phone calls.

I am just so sick of the communication break down. How have we come this far? Why the hell do I see 8 year olds with cell phones? What's wrong with having an old fashioned land line conversation...or hell, a real conversation in person with someone.

And don't get me started on texting and driving (or holding your phone and driving). Thank God, I have Sync in my car.

So this 2010...I'm reverting to the way the dinosaurs did it...the way that's dying. Because maybe if a few more of us quit tapping out our messages and talking to someone, maybe, just maybe, the world would be more well informed, a little more understanding and a hell of a lot less confused.

Jay Leno is...Hitler?! And Conan...

2010-01-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

This article from "The Wall Street Journal" has got to be the most creative, entertaining narrative to arise from this Leno/Conan debacle and will be the only post I make on the topic that has pissed me off immensely.

See you in Fall of 2010 on Fox, Conan. At least there, you'll be able to push those boundaries without worrying that people will go back on every damn thing they said.

This. Is. Perfect.

2010-01-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today at work, Neff passed along a link to me...the most wonderful link to a site that I completely adore, thanks to my job and the people that I have to deal with on a semi-regular basis.

Clients From Hell is a site dedicated the horror stories of clients that designers have to deal with. And it only solidifies to me that stupid people are indeed everywhere. So I guess I better just accept the fact that no matter where I go, I'm going to want to constantly rip my hair out.

Some of the real gems:

"Could we print the brochure in RGB? You know, it would be cheaper if we use one color less…"
"Our client’s competitors has put something on their website that we don’t like, can you take it off there?"
"The woman in this photo is perfect, but she needs to be disabled. Can you photoshop her so she only has one arm?"
"All these drawings about dinosaurs… Why can’t we have photos?"
"I like how the poster looks, the illustration, the font, everything, but….can you do it again but better?"
"The logo with the goose and buoy should be the main focus of the ad. Make sure to have some fried chicken legs somewhere. Add a few lady bugs, maybe two or more? The company’s main color is yellow. Also, please make this christmas themed."
"Can you make it red, but not red, you know? And maybe try a primary color, like green."

Post #100

2010-01-18T18:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of this being my blog's 100th post...I've decided to spotlight some of my favorite blog posts thus far.

"Apparently I have a Talented Cervix"

A post dedicated to the wonders of my spamming cervix. Still the best e-mail that I have EVER received.

"Obsessing on Star Culture"

This was an assignment for my magazine writing class...and to this day, still rings 100% true.

"Flirt (...Or How To Have a Very Dirty Vagina)"

As if the title isn't fantastic enough, there's a Photoshopped picture of Nicole Scherzingergergergergerwhatever and a pile of dirt.

"Dirty Pretty Boys"

Still love the dirty, pretty boys.

"Why Doesn't Anyone Wear Pants in Music Videos Anymore?"

This one also rings very, very true.

And my two Year in Reviews.

To 100 more...maybe.

Three Years Ago Yesterday...

2010-01-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

I left my heart in London.

This Makes Me Insanely Happy

2010-01-06T17:24:00.001-08:00

I am...

2010-01-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

So sick of football.

Off to have a Glee marathon in my room.

Something Totally Nerdy That I'mTotally In Love With

2009-12-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

Kinetic Typography.

Kinetic Typography.

Kinetic Typography.

The more that I type it, the more that I love it.

Last night, I was YouTube-ing for hours...first it was X-Files videos, then Buffy, then Dexter...which led me to the discovery of kinetic typography.

Pretty much all it is is setting words to sound clips and/or music. It can be put to songs or TV show or movie clips.

And I think it is the most ingenious, creative thing that I've seen in a long, long time.

I have a whole playlist of the stuff on YouTube...but below are some of my favorites.

Dexter

Fight Club

Boondock Saints

Mitch Hedberg

The Hush Sound

Breakfast at Tiffany's

The Hangover

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Don't Stop (But Maybe You Really Should...)

2009-12-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Been listening to an awful lot of Internet radio lately...which means that new artists are constantly bombarding me. Alternative artists, pop artists, crappy R&B artists. We listen to it all at work.

Which is how I first heard Ke$ha's "TiK ToK."

Bad spelling and horrible punctuation aside (along with disregarding the money sign in her name), as infectious as the beat and chorus are...there are quite a few problems that I do have with the song...and they all reside in the lyrics.

Lyrics in Question:

Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy.
Okay, first of all, if you're waking up and feeling like P. Diddy, I'm extremely worried. Unless you really are P. Diddy. If he woke up as, say, Britney Spears, then I'd be worried about him. But Ke$ha (God, it makes me cringe to write her name that way), you're about as far away from P. Diddy as you can get. You have a vagina. You're nearly albino (I think. I don't feel like Googling photos of her right now). You don't really rap. I'm not sure what it is that I'd call your music. Speak singing, I guess. More singing, but definate speaking. But not rapping.

Before I leave, brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack.
Now, I know this is Jack Daniels. And that's disgusting. Is she like dipping the toothbrush into a bottle of whiskey? Or just swigging it? Because either way, I really don't think that her dentist or the ADA are going to be thrilled that she's advertising such horrible dental practices.

Boys blowing up our phones, phones.

Clearly she's hanging out with the wrong boys. If the group of guys that I was around was blowing up my phone, I'd be pissed.

Trying to get a little bit tipsy
Shouldn't be a problem if you're brushing your teeth with Jack Daniels.

And now, the dudes are lining up cause they hear we got swagger.
But we kick em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger.
For real? Mick freaking JAGGER? That's who she's looking for?! Oh the friggen disappointment.

Boys tryin' to touch my junk, junk.
Um. Junk as in you're not really a girl kind of junk? Or junk like old tuna cans and Popsicle sticks?

The song then goes on to turn into a love song pretty much to the DJ. Which I don't get. She has all the above wonderful lines and then it's all about how she likes the song that the DJ is playing. I don't get it.

I don't get what it takes to make it to radio airplay.

And I don't get why they put these songs to such infectious beats so that I won't quit listening to them.

I'm screwed.

I knew there was a reason...

2009-12-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

Why I loved Jason Segel so damn much...

Ultimate Top Fives of 2009

2009-12-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...time for my favorite pop culture...crap. Scientifically and meticulously calculated (but not really).

So here you go...my ultimate list of top fives from the year. Top movies. Top albums. Top whatever I feel like topping. And if that sentence looks like I ripped it off last year's list...well you're correct. It is the same.

But alas...here it is...the new improved (NEW CATEGORIES!) list!

Top Five Movies of 2009
EDITED 12/25/09

5. Where the Wild Things Are
I've always loved the darker childrens stories. This was perfection and made me absolutely cry my eyes out in the end.

4. Drag Me To Hell
So cheesy. So disgusting. So creepy. Beyond words.
And what an absolutely fantastic ending.

3. (500) Days of Summer
This movie was absolute, beautiful perfection. Heartbreaking, funny, simple, complex. Loved it.

2. I Love You Man
Not only does it have Jason Segel in it...but it was fantastic and a new twist on a typical male bonding comedy. Plus, I did mention the genius that is Jason Segel, didn't I?

I also think what made seeing this movie in the theater so worthwhile was the woman sitting in the front laughing at every little nuance. Usually that annoys the shit out of me, but her laugh was AWESOME.

1. The Hangover
All I can do is shake my head. What a great way to start an otherwise crappy summer movie season. Sadly, nothing lived up to its caliber.

Honorable Mentions
The Fourth Kind
Sorority Row (SO BAD that it was good)
Jennifer's Body
Taken

Top Five TV Shows of 2009

5. Bones
Back when I was obsessed with watching every season of Buffy from beginning to end (much like my current predicament with the X-Files), I really never saw the appeal of David Boreanaz. I was a total Buffy/Spike fan and thought Angel was just...a wimp (until he and Buffy did the nasty and that whole happiness gypsy curse kicked in). And I didn't get the appeal.

Thanks to Bones...I get it.

This show is just so well written and Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel are just so well suited for one another. It's humorous. It's entertaining. And it's a must for this year.

4. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Number 2 in 2008
Damn you Mari. Still. For getting me hooked on this show.

And damn those Sunny kids for having some of the best moments EVER on this show in Season 5...the best by far being Charlie's "Kitten Mittons." Thinking about it STILL cracks me up.

It's so socially unacceptable, which is, of course, what I love so much about it.

Not to mention that the gang released "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas" which puts a much needed humorous tone to a household where my father watches countless Hallmark Christmas movies. Charlie biting Santa? Mac's dad stealing their Christmas gifts? Classic.

3. How I Met Your Mother
Number 4 in 2008
Jason Segel reference 2.

Now that that's out of the way. Still loving this show. Still loving the heart and the acting and the chemistry between the cast. They finally got nominated for their Emmy Nomination this past year...and while they may not have won, it was still awesome that this show finally got recognized for being as awesome as it is.

2. Glee
My only problem with Glee is that when it's over, I'm amped up and ready for the next show.

There are so many reasons why this show shouldn't work...it's cheesy. It's got random burst-into-song moments. It's got every cliche in it: the cheerleader, the pregnant girl, the classic Footballers rule the school ideal.

But it works. Oh how it works.

I love this show. Love it. And am super pissed that after this week's Mid-Season finale, I'm going to have to wait till April for new episodes (DAMN YOU IDOL).

But while Glee's fantastic...it's still not enough to beat out...

1. Dexter
Number 1 in 2008
I know I've mentioned this before. Season 1: Perfection. Season 2: Horrid. Season 3: Slowly getting better. But Season 4? Season 4: Better than ever. John Lithgow's story arc breathed new life into the series and gave it the jolt that it needed. And Michael C. Hall? Better than freaking ever as Dexter. Jeff Lindsay's characters got the respect they deserved back (except for Rita maybe...). With 2 episodes left of the season that's shocked me (and a finale that's supposedly going to be even more shocking {Please, please, please have either A. Deb find out about Dexter's pasttime or B. Go with the Dexter book storyline of the kids -- or one of them, at least -- starting to show some serial killer tendancies}), I cannot get enough.

Honorable Mentions
Fringe (Just Missed the Cut Off)
The Big Bang Theory
So You Think You Can Dance (Not in the top 5 because I'm still bitter about Kayla's loss)
Harper's Island
The United States of Tara
Project Runway (See SYTYCD analysis and replace Kayla with Carol Hannah)
Nip/Tuck (Almost, but not quite) -- Number 5 in 2008

Top Five Albums of 2009

5. Cobra Starship -- "Hot Mess"
Cobra Starship is a band that I have always felt like I should dislike just by the concept alone, but dammit if I don't absolutely love their music. It's just too catchy and fun. And Gabe Saporta? You can tell the guy totally loves what he's doing he. He may be one of douche bag Pete Wentz's BFFs...but it's nice to see him stick to his guns. He knows his music isn't about the seriousness...but the fun. Plus, having Leighton Meester sing the the first single off the album? Ballsy. And so very epic.

4. Rihanna -- "Rated R"
A few years ago when Britney was going through her mental crisis and absolute manic behavior..."Blackout" arrived. It was the diamond in the rough of that period of her life and to me...her best album to date.

To get to my point..."Rated R" is to Rihanna what "Blackout" was to Britney. After the year that Rihanna's had comes this album. Is it heavy? Yes. Do any of the songs scream "Umbrella Part II" (except for parts of "Hard")? Not really. But maybe that's why I love this so much.

"Good Girl Gone Bad" was a fantastic album, but certain songs on it didn't really flow. While a few here don't either...it's still a fantastic listen.

3. Taking Back Sunday -- "New Again"
Love Taking Back Sunday. Love this album. TBS still has yet to disappoint me.

2. The Sounds -- "Crossing the Rubicon"
It may not be "Dying to Say This to You" or a few songs off of "Living in America," but this is still incredible and plays really incredibly well live. And "Beatbox"...Well...Just wait.

1. Lily Allen -- "It's Not Me, It's You"I. Still. Love. This. Album.

Not only do I love Lily herself...but her music is just so different from anything I listen to. I also love the fact that when she sings she keeps that British accent of hers. I think part of why I love her so much is that when I listen to her...I can close my eyes and just feel like I'm back in London.

But love for Lily aside, I love the song content on this album. From talking about the prescription drug love affair in "Everyone's At It" to culture being shaped by media in "The Fear" this album is just incredible. Every song's different, but cohesive. Want catchy but witty? Check out "Fuck You" (the catchiest chorus on the disc). Ever sat and wondered what God's really like? Try "Him." I love the way that she sings and sounds just so...pleasant...when the lyrics can just be so incredibly dark and thought provoking.

Just...absolute perfection.

Honorable Mentions
Natalie Imbruglia -- "Come to Life"
Allison Iraheta -- "Just Like You"
Kris Allen -- "Self-Titled"
La Roux -- "Self-Titled"
Little Boots -- "Hands"

Top Five Singles of 2009

5. La Roux -- "Bulletproof"
Go ahead. I dare you not to move a single muscle listening to this song. Sure, this was the year that I fell in love with "Eurotrash" (AKA what I call European pop music), but this song would still be fantastic if I hadn't. Pure originality.

Best Lyric: I'm not turned off to love until it's cheap.

4. Metric -- "Help, I'm Alive"
Blogged about this (and many of the other things) on this blog already. Love the lyrics. Love the music. Etc. Etc.

Best Lyric: Help I'm alive/My heart keeps beating like a hammer.

3. Little Boots -- "Remedy"
Love the remix of this...the radio remix. The album version is still good, but the radio remix is just...harder and more dancier.

Best Lyric: Spin me faster like a kaleidoscope/All I've got's the floor./Yeah, you can try but I've found the antidote,/Music is the cure.

2. Lily Allen -- "The Fear"
See above, thank you very much.

Best Lyric: Forget about guns and forget ammunition/Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission./Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner/And everything's cool as long as I’m gettin thinner.

1. The Sounds -- "Beatbox"
While Rubicon is a good album and all...this is, by far, the best offering on the entire thing...and comes THIS close to beating out "Queen of Apology" as my favorite Sounds song. From it's beat, so the lyrics, it's just TOO damn catchy. Whenever it comes on and I'm in my car, it's the one song that no matter what mood I'm in, I MUST dance to. LOVE IT.

Best Lyric: So turn it up and break it down./Come on bring that beatbox back./Tell me do you feel it?

Honorable Mentions
Little Boots -- "New in Town"
Britney Spears -- "3"
Lily Allen -- "Everyone's At It"
Rihanna -- "Russian Roulette" & "Hard"
Kris Allen -- "Live Like We're Dying"
Kate Voegele -- "99 Times"
Leighton Meester -- "Somebody to Love" & "Body Control"

Top Concerts of 2009

No Doubt
It was like a flashback to the 90's. A GOOD flashback to the 90's.

Plus, hello?! Gwen Stefani totally looks like she hasn't aged a day since then, let alone had two kids.

The Sounds
Worth the shotgun trip to Pittsburgh and being exhausted the next day.

Front row, bitches.

One of the best experiences of my entire life. Even if I couldn't hear properly for a good three weeks afterwards.

Britney Spears
I vowed to shut up about her for awhile. Especially since this concert got it's own post wayyyyy back in March (or maybe it was April).

Somewhat Slightly (Make That Very) Irritated

2009-12-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

Normally I absolutely love Entertainment Weekly, but I've got to express some irritation at the fact that the magazine named Beyonce one of their 15 Entertainers of the Decade (and Justin Timberlake too), but make no room for Britney Spears on their list.

Spears has been THE spotlight "It Girl" for the past ten years. And in the past year, she's been the top concert grosser.

EDIT

Chopped a huge hunk of this rant out. I don't want to seem petty or sour...so instead, I just sent EW this e-mail, which I think sums things up nicely.

Entertainment Weekly:
As spot on as some of your "Entertainers of the Decade" selections were, I couldn't help but notice a huge gaping hole where Britney Spears should have been. Not only has Spears been ranked as the eighth best-selling female recording artist in the United States, she's also the fifth best-selling artist of the decade, as well as the top-selling female artist. Sure she's been tabloid fodder for the last ten years, but she's also been a trendsetter and an amazing entertainer that love her or hate her, still has people talking. The only thing that made your list bittersweet for me was the fact that EW's readers seem to realize her pop cultural relevance these past ten years by demanding you give her a place on your Readers' Choice Entertainers of the Decade list. It's nice to know that my fellow readers know what constitutes a real "Entertainer of the Decade."

Off to steam some more.

Things That I Am Thankful For...

2009-11-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I really dislike Thanksgiving. First, I thought it was pointless. Then a few years ago, my memories of Thanksgiving got sad. But so not the point. The point is that we're supposed to be 'thankful' on this day...and here, dear friends, is what I'm thankful for.

-My Family (Really. Enough said.)
-My Friends -- From the Ladies of 1615 to my Londoners to my Warrenites to everyone else...thanks for the amusing times and all the laughs and loves. I'd be seriously lost without you guys.

Serious thanks aside...here are some random things that I'm thankful for:
-Season 4 of 'Dexter.' One was fantastic. Two sucked. Three started to get better...but four? Oh boy. The fourth season is just FANTASTIC. Michael C. Hall acting perfectly as my favorite serial killer? Check. John Lithgow in one of the creepiest, most fantastically written roles ever? Check. HUGE cliffhanger at the end of Episode 9? Serious check. LOVE this show.
-Wendy's Diet Coke. I swear, this stuff is part syrup, part fizzy stuff and part magiccccc.
-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's "A Very Sunny Christmas." I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it is when the censors are gone. It went from being super funny to whatever is past that. That but still wonderful.
-My Ford Focus. My car is wonderful. The Sync in it is wonderful (if only Apple and Microsoft would work out that stupid kink that makes Sync hate my iPod Touch). The crazy ambient lighting is wonderful. It's just a wonderful car.
-London. And the fact that I'm seriously considering grad school there...
-My iPod touch. For keeping me sane at work.
-Smirnoff Lemonade. Not the ones you get at the bar, but the pre-mixed vodka/lemoncello that my favorite vodka company has started mass producing. Fantastic with Sprite.
-Sleeping in. As I've done so little of it lately.
-Ryan Murphy. Um. Hello? Glee? The rejuvination of Nip/Tuck?
-Mmm...Jason Segel. :)

And now...on the flip side, here are some things that I am NOT thankful for:
-MTV thinking that "The Hills" really can continue without Lauren Conrad. Hello. I wasted enough time with that show. Do you really think I'm going to want to continue wasting time with it AFTER the character I hated the least left?
-Hype. Over certain music and pop stars. Over it. Peace out, Miley. But don't worry. You aren't alone.
-Getting that stupid "Single Ladies" stuck in my head. Repeatedly.
-The fact that once shows stop in the middle of December...half my favorite shows won't be back on till April. Thanks a lot, American Idol. Way to fuck things up.
-My cell phone at the moment. And Verizon...who promised my new phone battery would be here Tuesday. Way to make my phone useless even more.
-Working overtime and having no time to recuperate so I keep getting more and more burnt out.

Um...

2009-11-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry Popeater. You're about 9 months too late.

Current Playlist as of November 8, 2009

2009-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Non-Stop Play Action, Mind You
-Rihanna - "Russian Roulette" (Love, love, love, love, love this song. Usually the slower songs don't catch my attention...but I love this)
-Taking Back Sunday - "Liar (It Takes One to Know One)" / "MakeDamnSure" / "Cute Without the E (Cut from the Team)" / "Sink Into Me" ~ Live from Bamboozle 2009
-Glee - "Sweet Caroline" / Mash-Ups
-Kris Allen - "Live Like We're Dying"
-Little Boots - "Remedy (Kaskade Radio Edit)"
-30 Seconds to Mars - "This is War"
-La Roux - "Bulletproof" ~ Damn you, Neff.
-Halifax - "Straight Up (cover)"

For some reason, I'm really into what I'm calling Euro-Trash...AKA Euro Pop music. Going to be time to have a rave reaaaaaaaaal soon.

And the songs I'm hanging my head in shame over:
-Kanye West - "Love Lockdown"
-Beyonce - "Ring the Alarm"

Also...really not getting why artists are releasing "Extended" versions of their albums. Rihanna did it a few years ago with "Good Girl Gone Bad" and granted, it did give "Take a Bow" (which I didn't fall in love with till "Glee" but now can't get enough of) and "Disturbia" the chance to see the light of day. And granted, those two songs were fantastic. But now there's a whole slew of artists doing it. Taylor Swift. Lady Gaga. And to me...in order to do that, the songs you're releasing with them better be absolutely kickass (the way "Disturbia" was). And I'm really just not digging the new tracks. Not enough to see why they don't just quit releasing these tracks and go into the studio to record NEW full-length records. I mean, Brit, I love you...but did your team have to release "The Singles Collection" so soon after "My Prerogative"? We've only had two albums since then. Don't get me wrong, I'll buy the SC because I'm such a fan...but as for the other above releases...get over the album you're trying to promote so hardcore. I'm sick of it. Sick of radio airplay. Sick of what the radio thinks I should like. I don't want to hear the same Kings of Leon song over and over. I'm sick of crappy R&B tracks that all sound the very same. I don't want to hear someone attempting to sound all European. I'd rather have the real thing.

Going to sink into my hard-to-find Eurotrash obscurities and dream of having a rave in my head.

Oh God. I'm becoming a music bitch again. Fantastic.

A Revival!

2009-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love when bands/singers/groups/etc. that were popular in the 90's-early 00's make new albums years later (like now) that are just so incredibly fucking amazing that it makes me question a.) where the hell they've been, b.) why the hell the music they created years ago wasn't more like their new stuff, and/or c.) if they HAD been culturally relevant whether or not this amazing new ear candy would still be as wonderful.

Case in point: Natalie Imbruglia's "Come to Life."

Where the HELL did this album come from? Imbruglia, who's only real "hit" in the United States was "Torn" (love that song) seemingly fell off the radar when the afterglow of the song left radio play.

And eleven years later, this totally incredible album comes out.

My eardrums get so happy just listening to this new music because it's just different from everything else out there.

Now I know Imbruglia's had other albums out since "Left of Middle," but they haven't hit it big here (I'll probably try to find them anyway...just to check them out)...so if it took an eleven year lapse in my life only to be treated with this new music...I'm for it.

I haven't been this excite about one of these "revival" artists since All Saint's "Studio 1" -- which I still maintain is their best album to date. Love that CD.

What a nice surprise for a totally mundane day.

Currents as of Late September-Early October

2009-10-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Current Listening
Britney Spears -- "3"
Other people may not like it, but damn, is "3" catchy or what? I'll admit it...there's something somewhat terrifying about a mother of two singing about threesomes...but hey...with the catchy "one, two, three" throughout the song...it cold also be a jump start to teach your kids how to count.

Various Artists -- Jennifer's Body OST
A lot of critics hated this movie...but I thought it was pretty fantastic. It just couldn't be taken too seriously. But whatever...the soundtrack is pretty fantastic. Florence and the Machine...Little Boots...love, love, love it and can't stop playing it.

Madonna -- Celebration
Love old school Madonna. Love hearing it remastered.

The Sounds -- Dying to Say This to You
Three words: Front, row, bitches.

Currently Reading
Jeff Lindsay -- "Dexter By Design"
While I love "Dexter" the TV Show...I LOVE Dexter as written by Jeff Lindsay a few hundred times more. The writers of the show have found a way to give Dexter a heart (love Michael C. Hall), but Lindsay has managed to keep him as this shell of a being...who always borders upon feeling an actual emotion, but never quite managing to pull it off. It's creepy, it's beautifully written, and it's unlike anything else in the over-saturated genre where it resides.

Currently Watching

No. Not another season of The X-Files. I watched 8...it took me forever...and decided to watch the Series Finale and skip the rest of the final season. So that ship has sailed (until I feel like going back through and watching with all the extended scenes and such).

Fall TV's picked up again...so right now, I'm soaking up new episodes of House, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, So You Think You Can Dance, Glee, Project Runway, Bones, Dexter, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Fringe.

New episodes of Nip/Tuck start soon too.

Also bought the latest seasons of Philly and HIMYM. Good things to pass out to.

Damn You Ryan Murphy

2009-09-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am officially obsessed with "Glee."

First Nip/Tuck...and now...this???

God, I love you.

Currents as of August 2009

2009-08-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Current Listening

The Sounds -- Entire Discography

I am completely, thoroughly obsessed again. I know it's all because I'm getting to see a whole show LIVE after being teased so much when they opened for No Doubt.

I can safely say that The Sounds are not one of my favorite bands...they ARE my favorite band.

Discuss.

Suggest Listening: All of it...unless I hate you and don't want you to like my band. Then none of it. I'm very protective of them...

Cobra Starship -- Hot Mess

There's a reason I've given up on Fall Out Boy...but stuck with Cobra Starship. The band's never strayed from what it originally set out to do...fun punk/dance/electro pop music meant to entertain...not re-define a genre. The music isn't something that's going to change my life...but I don't expect it to. It's fun to listen to and a much needed distraction at work.

Suggested Listening: "Hot Mess" - "Living in the Sky with Diamonds" - "The World Will Never Do"

Various Mashups

The current "winners" of the moment are Muse vs. Some Other Pop Artist (usually Brit). I found a great Muse/Brit mash up with "Unusual You" and a great "Break the Ice" vs. "Supermassive Black Hole." The only thing better than a great mashup...a great title for a great mashup. "Break the Supermassive Black Ice" and "Dirrty Black Hole" win the prize.

Also found another great Linkin Park/Britney mashup ("What I've Done to Circus"). Something about Brit and Linkin Park just seems to go together ("Faint/Toxic" anyone??).

Current Reading
Sloppy Firsts -- Megan McCafferty

Re-reading them only makes me fall more and more in love with McCafferty's novels.

They also make feel feel better...especially when I read things like...

L.A. Candy -- Lauren Conrad

Yes. I read it. Yes. I loved "The Hills" and watched it every week when Lauren was on. Yes. I watched "Laguna Beach."

No, I will not watch it without Lauren in it this fall.

Yes. I will never speak of this book ever, ever again.

Current Watching
The X-Files -- Season 7

And only a few eps of 7 left. I bought 8 and 9, but let's face it. The X-Files is NOT the same without Duchovny. I am not looking forward to shoving through them...but know I have to watch the whole she-bang now that I've started.

I Love You Man

For real, Jason Segel. Would you just marry me already?

September 14

2009-08-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

Let the countdown officially begin...

Must Playlist for August 2009

2009-08-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Track One
"Help, I'm Alive" - The Metric
I found this band thanks to Pandora...and then proceeded to download all of their music. The jury is still out on how I feel about all of their music...but I do love this song. I love the beat and I love the parts that sound like they're hospital heart monitors. Pretty damn creative.

Track Two
"She Wolf" - Shakira
God. I hate how much I love Shakira's totally strange, bizarre pop music. And something about Shakira herself. She's insane. Don't believe me? Um. Try watching all the contortions she manages to bend her body into in the video for this song.

Track Three
"99 Times" - Kate Voegele
While the radio is saturated with crappy Miley Cyrus songs (sick of people thinking she can sing...so don't get it whatsoever...) and the same old Taylor Swift songs (love her...but think her music all sounds the same), there's also room for Kate Voegele. Thank God. Love this song...love the boy domino fall at the end of the video too.

Track Four
"Beatbox" - The Sounds
Um. So STOKED that The Sounds FINALLY released new music and I can't get enough of this song. Super bummed that they won't be anywhere near me this fall when they tour...but I can just blare this song in my car and pretend I'm there.

Track Five
"Don't Believe a Word" - Third Eye Blind
I can't believe Third Eye Blind is releasing a new CD. I'm so super stoked. They're totally one of my favorite 90s bands.

Track Six
"Poker Face" - Chris Daughtry
I was totally getting sick of hearing this song on the radio (the Lady Gaga version). But a great cover can make you fall in love with a song all over again. Chris Daughtry...I'm still pissed you got sent home so early on Idol.

Track Seven
"Body Control" - Leighton Meester
Do believe I already blogged about this song.

Track Eight
"A-Punk" - Vampire Weekend
Discovered Vampire Weekend thanks to the "I Love You Man" soundtrack. Normally isn't my type of rock/alternative/whatever. But I'm totally loving them.

Track Nine
"22" - Lily Allen
No longer 22...but love the sad message in this song. And love the totally

Track Ten
"Radar (Bloodshy and Avant Remix)" - Britney Spears
Just when I was getting sick of this song (again), Honkus goes and sends me this remix by Bloodshy and Avant (the geniuses responsible for "Toxic" and "Piece of Me"). Dammit, now I'm hooked again. I still hate that long commercial for Candies...erm...I mean music video.

Track Eleven
"Good Girls Go Bad" - Cobra Starship
I hate how much I love Gabe Saporta's band's crazy pop rock dance electronica music. There's a reason why I've seen them twice in concert...and why I would go see them again.

Track Twelve
"That's Not My Name" - The Ting Tings
Steph, Kate and I are STILL jamming out to this song in the car. Shite.

"Screws fall out all the time, sir. The world's an imperfect place."

2009-08-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

And it's a little more imperfect today...

R.I.P. John Hughes

I can't even put into words how shocked I am that the man who made the films that shaped my adolescent years long after they were created has passed.

Super, super, super bummed.

Great EW.com perspective over HERE.

Here's Something America Should Get Right

2009-08-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

(But which I have a horrid sinking feeling that they won't...)

Um. Can we just stop for a moment and discuss what a totally awesome, amazing, flawless dancer Kayla is from this season of "So You Think You Can Dance"??? Please???

And how she's totally worthy of being the second girl ever to win this show?? Her lines...her extensions, her constantly thorough performances throughout the WHOLE season...not just the past few weeks?

The girl who survived after countless partner changes? The one who doesn't annoy the shit out of me when she dances because she just seems so fake and over rated? The one who's the most organic on this show?

Part of me thinks Brandon will take the title tonight. Which is also very justly deserved. But if it comes down to a female contestant and America happens to get it wrong...

I'm not even going to think it.

Kayla FTW people. PLEASE.

UPDATE: Told you so. Wrong. Wrong. WRONG.

Damn You Leighton Meester...

2009-07-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

For making Cobra Starship's latest single so addicting...

And for making me listen to your stupid leaked song over and over and over because it's just too damn infectious.

And for somehow becoming yet another idol...

Argh.

...addicted.

2009-07-15T19:59:00.001-07:00

Blogging has taken a back seat to one of my favorite shows. Season 4, here I come.

Scary how much a songs lyrics can strike a chord in you...

2009-07-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

I was driving home from work last nite and listening to Lily Allen's "It's Not Me, It's You." I've listened to it countless times...but isn't it funny how you can hear a song sandwiched between others and never really listen and let the lyrics sink in.

Last nite..."I Could Say" totally hit a note in me...one that I haven't been able to fully grasp until last nite...when the words struck a huge chord in me and finally brought forth the final steps of closure.

Finally.

"I Could Say"
Lily Allen

I could say that I'll always be here for you,
But that would be a lie and quite a pointless thing to do.
I could says that I'll always have feelings for you,
But I've got a life ahead of me, I'm only 22,

Since you've gone I've lost a chip on my shoulder.
Since you've gone I feel like I've gotten older.
And now you've gone it feels as if the whole wide world is my stage.
And now you've gone it's like I've been let out of my cage.

You always made it clear that you hated my friends.
You made me feel so guilty when I was running around with them.
And everything was always about being cool,
And now I've come to realise there's nothing cool about you at all.

Since you've gone I've lost a chip on my shoulder.
Since you've gone I feel like I've gotten older.
And now you've gone it feels as if the whole wide world is my stage.
And now you've gone it's like I've been let out of my cage.

Thank you, Lily Allen. Thank you.

LOVE This...LOVE IT.

2009-06-22T17:23:00.001-07:00

How NOT to Write a "Summer Hit"

2009-06-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

As someone who will willingly admit to loving some absolutely terrible pop, rave and dance music (the dirty corner of my eclectic music taste), it takes quite a bit to really make me turn off a radio station or question what the hell was being thought when a song was written. We know I love Britney ("seeking" Amy or womanizer, womanizer, womanizer, anyone??). We know I love some Lady Gaga (especially songs about poker and disco sticks). We know that I love various PCD songs about dirty vaginas...But sometimes a level of absolute stupidity comes along when a single is released...and for some reason, that song absolutely blows up the charts.

Perfect case in point: LFO's "Summer Girls."

Every year at this time, this 1999 summer hit gets resurrected on the airwaves, in the malls, in public places where I never have headphones. And it wasn't until a recent close listen that I really began to question why this song could have been so popular. It's lyrics are so incredibly vapid and materialistic that I'm convinced it was written as a ploy to get some cash from Abercrombie & Fitch.

And so begins...the "Summer Girls" breakdown...

"Summer Girls" -- LFO
Note: I will not be providing a link to this song and/or video as I'm not going to be responsible for making you listen to it again. No one should have to.

"Yeah, I like it when the girls stop by...In the summer."

Something tells me that they wouldn't like it when the girls stop by in the winter. They're too covered up...wearing parkas and scarves and such.

"Do you remember? Do you remember? When we met that summer..."

No. No I don't. This song was released in 1999 when I was 13 years old. I can't remember as I'm now almost 23 and have forgotten everything that happened ten years ago. I'm just so old and ancient now. I don't remember. Or I wish I didn't remember (especially how lame I was at 13)

"New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits."

Yes. Yes they did. A bunch of hits. Something LFO never had. Especially after a similar song titled "Girl on TV." After that, they just fizzled out. They never got the NKotB reunion that's still ongoing from last summer and just needs to stop. Now. For real.

And it's not like they even age all that well. Case in point:
The New Kids on the Block did not get better looking as they aged (like David Boreanaz -- didn't get his appeal on "Buffy" but now totally get it on "Bones")...and their fans haven't gotten younger . They've simply grown up with them. But alas, this isn't a rant about NKotB (still love "The Right Stuff"...).

"Chinese food makes me sick."

Um. Seriously? Seriously? We're going to discuss how Chinese food makes you sick? And please. With Chinese food...it's not headaches or leg cramps. It's total gas and bloating and poop issues. So you know...the reason why she probably doesn't remember "that summer" is because you were the guy with IBS. Either that...or reminding her that Chinese food makes you shit is going to trigger some really romantic memory. Congrats. You've officially disgusted us all.

"And I think its fly when girls stop by for the summer, for the summer."

You know what I think is fly? The Sounds. Sarah Dessen's latest novel. Fringe. The resurrection of Joshua Jackson's career. The Hangover. Diet Coke. Regular Pepsi. My Nintendo DS. English Breakfast Tea. British boys. London. Travelling Europe. My Ford Focus. Britney Spears. The X-Files. Jason Segel. How I Met Your Mother. Strawberries.

Not girls stopping by for the summer.

"I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch."

Apparently, so do they...Girls who wear Abercrombie & Fitch...and threesomes.

I can safely say that I've never worn a piece of Abercrombie & Fitch in my life. So it's proof that that this blatant product placement didn't work on me. Thankfully I realized that I did not need to find a boyfriend who was more concerned with the brand of clothes I was wearing. And if he was worried about that...then I'd be worried about him.

"I'd take her if I had one wish."

He wouldn't date her...he'd "take" her. As in kidnap. Or Harlequin Romance boddice ripping animal romp with her. If this girl is as stupid as she sounds, however, she'd probably totally be into being "taken."

Oh God...Oh God...is he supposed to be NAKED in that? Oh God. Oh God. Look how hairy his legs are...that's just FANTASTICCCCCCCCC.

"But shes been gone since that summer, since that summer."

Something tells me the Chinese food incident scared her away. Far, far away.

"Hip-hop mama laid spic & span."

Hip hop mogul by day...secret office cleaner by night!!

"Met you one summer and it all began."

And now we have to hear about it forever and ever and ever.

"You're the best girl that I ever did see. The great Larry Bird, jersey 33."

So begins the series of phrases that are so incredibly random for the sake of rhyming. For example, here's a random rhyme that doesn't make sense from line 1 to 2: I have never been to Prague, Do you own a tap dancing dog? OR I once lived in London, My dad owns a whole bunch of guns. Do you see what I mean? It's like he has sporadic, random thoughts. And I bet that Larry Bird hates being mentioned in this song.

"When you take a sip, you buzz like a hornet. Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets."

The juxtoposition here just amazes me. But let's split those lines up, shall we?

First of all...what the hell is she drinking that makes her buzz like a hornet? I can safely say I've never had a drink and then pretended to flutter about and act like a bee. Maybe I've done some stupid things inebriated...but this is totally not one of them.

Secondly...BILLY Shakespeare wrote a whole "bunch" of sonnets. How many? Why a "bunch" of course. And I'm sure that good old Bill loves being included in such a beautiful song...someone who is so closely studied today and is a member of Literature and Poetry canons everywhere probably loves his position in this song the most of them all. Please.

"Call me Willy Whistle cause I can't speak baby."

Um...Willy Whistle? He can't speak...but he can tell you to call him Willy Whistle...something that some guy would probably love to christen his penis. Unless his name is really Willy Whistle...which is just unfortunate.

Oh God...and don't Google Image the phrase "willy whistle" because you will get nothing but pictures of whistles in the shapes of penises. *Covers Face* I should have known better than to Google that.

"Somethin' in your eyes went and drove me crazy."

I'll bet this song went and drove her crazy. That's why she left your ass.

"Now I cant forget you and it makes me mad. Left one day and never came back."

Um. Is anyone else starting to realize how stalkerish this song sounds? Like this girl didn't even know that this guy existed and he used to sit outside in her bushes until she found out one day and got a restraining order...or had to join the witness protection program? Which is terrifying. Because we know all about this guy and how he operates. He's a psycho pervert who digs girls in Abercrombie, writes bad lines, named his penis Willy Whistle, all because his OCD hip hop mogul mother used to abuse him. But never fear ladies...he does have a weakness...CHINESE FOOD!

"Stayed all summer then went back home. McCaullay Culkin was in Home Alone."

My dad LOVES "Home Alone." We always have to watch it when it's on TV. I much prefer in Culkin in "Saved." That's a fantastic movie.

"Fell deep in love, but now we ain't speakin."

I'm beginning to think that there's a very good reason for that.

"Michael J. Fox was Alex P. Keaton."

Oh that's a fantastic screen cap. Heh

And has anyone noticed that we aren't even through the first verse yet? Good God.

"When I met you I said my name was Rich."

But I thought you said your name was Willy Whistle!!! God. Does this guy have multiple personalities too?

"You look like a girl from Abercrombie and Fitch."

Ummmmmmmm...look at this fantastic store front for A&F!!!

Now open for business...that guy's crotch!

Talk about an awkward bulge placement...

"New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits. Chinese food makes me sick."

I bet that the New Kids hate being in this song...unless it made them relevent for the first time since the early 90s again...and this song is making me sick.

"And I think its fly when girls stop by for the summer, for the summer."

More things that I think are "fly": Pandora.com. The Metric. Google. Loud music. Casinos. Lottery tickets. Winning cash. Good Italitan Food. Thai Me Up. Pittsburgh. Q-Tips. Metallic and obnoxious nail polish. Lego Batman and Indiana Jones DS games. My purse. Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series. Jenna Jameson's autobiography. Russell Brand. Accents.

"I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch."

How terrifying is this girl???

"I'd take her if I had one wish."

Heh. Heh. Heh.

Didn't Fabio get hit in the face by a bird on a roller coaster???

"But shes been gone since that summer, since that summer."

Yes. WE KNOW.

"Cherry Pez, Coke, crush rock, stud boogie."

Okay. So he gave up on the lame rhymes...and now is going to list the first five objects that come to mind. I can do that too. Clock. Banana. Crime fighter. Rocketship. Toe. Do I win?

"Used to hate school, so I had to play hookie."

...Stalking is such hard work. You have to sleep at SOME point.

"Always been hip to the b-boy style. Known to act wild and make a girl smile."

No way is he a b-boy. I watch SYTYCD. I know what a b-boy looks like. He's not one.

And I bet that the smile she's giving is one that's awkward and uncomfortable. Especially after eating Chinese food.

"Love New Edition and the candy girl."

Um...bet New Edition felt like NKotB being mentioned in this song.

And "the candy girl." Starts to sound cannibalistic...and he better watch out. If he thinks that Chinese food will make him sick...I'm sure eating his loved one won't help matters.

"Remind me of you because you rock my world."

The phrase "rock my world" has always seemed extremely cheesy to me for some reason. Then again...things used to "rock my socks." So I guess I'm not much more advanced.

"You come from Georgia where the peaches grow. They drink lemonade and speak real slow."

First of all, peaches do not only grow in Georgia. California and South Carolina are also huge producers of peaches in the United States (thanks Wikipedia!!).

Secondly...my friend Mari lives in and grew up in Georgia. She does not talk real slow. I've been to Georgia. The people there seem to talk the regular speed.

And finally...I drink lemonade, so that's another thing that's not just for Georgians, thank you.

So in conclusion...I doubt my friend Mari would be very happy to be labeled as a Georgian who talks slow and is one of the few who's ever had the opportunity to drink lemonade. Georgia isn't Pluto. ((Although New Jersey comes close))

"You love hip-hop and rock & roll."

Great. Buy a Linkin Park or 3OH3! CD!!

"Dad took off when you were 4 years old."

Um. So this line rhymes with the hip hop/rock and roll line. And if they think that somehow hip hop and rock and roll make her feel better about that...unless her dad was a hip hop/rock and roll artist. Which means that she probably wouldn't like that music very much because it would remind her of him. But yeah. Why is such a downer line in such a "fun" summer song?

"There was a good man named Paul Revere. I feel much better baby when you're near."

THIS rhyme is my favorite of the entire song. One second we get to hear all about how great Paul Revere is...and all I can think is, "Why do you think that?" But I never get the answer...because instead of telling me why, I hear all about how the girl makes him feel better when she's near.

PS: Doesn't Paul Revere look like Jack Black in that painting?

"You love Fun Dip and Cherry Coke."

Work two summers in a concession stand. You won't love Fun Dip OR Cherry Coke very much by the end of it. You also won't like the kids who come up with seven cents and ask what they can buy for that. Or the ones who want to purchase three hundred Tootsie Rolls.

"I like the way you laugh when I tell a joke. When I met you I said my name was Rich. You look like a girl from Abercrombie and Fitch."
Good God. This song is long.

"New kids on the block had a bunch of hits. Chinese food makes me sick. And I think its fly when girls stop by for the summer, for the summer."

More things I like: Not this song. It's way too fucking long. Headphones. iMacs. Fun music videos. Naps. The Pixies' "Where Is My Mind?" Fight Club. Brad Pitt pre-Angelina Jolie. Facebook. Pull off tickets. Flip-flops. English classes. Fun beats. Dance. Showers. My massive DVD collection. My cell phone (sometimes). Nip/Tuck. Fun jewelry. The beach. Pennsylvania.

"I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch."

At least...I THINK that's a girl...

"I'd take her if I had one wish."

Nice boots. These covers are ridiculous. I love it when I see people reading them in public. I always feel embarassed for them...since they obviously aren't. I'll do the work for them.

"But she's been gone since that summer, since that summer. In the summertime, girls got it goin on. Shake and wiggle to a hip-hop song."

Oh...the Wiggles. How creepy you guys are...

My brain is seriously shutting down. I have started running out of witty things to say...

"Summertime girls are the kind I like. I'll steal your honey like I stole your bike."

Okay. So not only is he a stalker...he's a thief too. Maybe he knows the assholes who stole my iPod...

"Boogaloo, shrimp and pogo sticks."

Braindead. Donkey ass. Cake maker.

"My mind takes me back there oh so quick."

I really am starting to wish that it wouldn't...

"Let you off the hook like my man Mr. Limpit."

...I thought you were busy playing hooky?? Suddenly you're in school. In out in out...make up your fucking mind. Stop doing this for the sake of rhyming!!!

"Think about that summer and I bug cause I miss it."

According to urbandictionary.com...the "bug" listed above means pester. Don't you think that pester would have been a much better choice for this line? It would have made it sound English. "Think about that summer and I pester cause I miss it." Heh God. It makes about as much sense as the real line.

"Like the color purple, macaroni and cheese."

I LOVE macaroni and cheese...but have not had it in what feels like AGES. Kraft is the best (unless it's the homemade stuff that my mom makes). That stuff is FANTASTIC.

And you know what they say about guys and purple...

"Ruby red slippers and a bunch of trees."

Oh Good God. First purple...now ruby red slippers.

And before...the line scheme went Line A = Stupid fact about something he likes and/or random words. Line B = Something stupid about the girl. Now we aren't even following that. Now it's just two lines of the most random shit ever. Purple. Macaroni and cheese. Slippers. Bunch of trees.

I mean, he does discuss how Chinese food makes him feel. So why not go for a line like...

"Like the color purple, macaroni and cheese. Thinking about you really makes me sneeze."

That'd probably be too much of an improvement.

"Call you up, but what's the use?"

Defeatest. Unless what's preventing you from calling is that huge restraining order...

"I like Kevin Bacon, but I hate Footloose."

Lucky you!!! Because it's being remade with Chase Crawford in Bacon's shoes. Maybe he'll appeal to you more in the remake than Bacon did.

"You came in the door, I said it before. I think I'm over you, but I'm really not sure."

See. This is where the song gets hypocritical. She just "disappeared" one day. Why is she appearing at his door then? And I thought he loved her. So now she comes to see him, but he's over her. I just don't fucking get it. This song is such a mishmash of random words from the English language. And there's this vague storyline about summer girls. And how he loved one...probably even stalked her...or at the very least told her to call him Willy Whistle. And now...now he wants her gone. I don't get it.

"When I met you I said my name was Rich."

Go fuck yourself, Rich.

"You look like a girl from Abercrombie and Fitch."

Erm...You know what they say about band camp...

You know. From here on in...the song repeats itself. Over. And over. And honestly. Am I ever going to top that last photo??

The verdict: I can't even FINISH breaking this song apart for its stupidity. I've been at it for TWO hours and all I am now is completely exhausted, pissed off, and slightly amused.

I'm off to stimulate my brain and hopefully reincarnate some of the brain cells I just lost.

Thank you.

And electric bugaloo shampoo your mom.

Yeah. I said it.

Currents as of June 2009

2009-06-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Current Listening

The Sounds - "Crossing the Rubicon"
What would I do without The Sounds? For real. They make my day so much brighter and happier and work so much more tolerable. While "Rubicon" may not be "as good" as "Dying to Say This To You" or "Living in America" -- it comes damn close. Can't wait to see them hit the road this fall. You can bet I'll be there.
Best Tracks: "4 Songs and a Fight" and "Beatbox"

No Doubt's "Stand and Deliver"
I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing of a show No Doubt puts on. FAN-TAS-TIC. Plus, I love their newest single. It's fun and it's dancey. Also loved how they brought out their opening bands to perform it with them for their encore.

Current Reading
Sarah Dessen - "Along for the Ride"
Love Dessen almost as much as I love McCafferty.

Current Watching
The X-Files - Season 2
Steadily working my way through all of the seasons. I've got 3 & 4 already and watch at least an episode before I pass out (it's usually 2-3). I loved this show when it was on and I love watching it in order to rekindle the awesome story lines. Plus, Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have that certain chemistry that just works that so many shows ever fail to find. Without Anderson's Scully and Duchovny's Mulder...this show would have sucked hardcore. Love, love, love.

The Hangover
Words cannot express how fantastically awesome and funny this movie is. Everyone else loves Bradley Cooper nowadays...but I've got to say that Zach Galifianakis totally stole the show.

Inner Nerd Post

2009-06-17T15:59:00.001-07:00

This was Honkus' graduation gift. It was a poster that measured 16x20 inches and was composed of over 1,200 images. The whole thing took 20+ hours (and a lot of heart) and to this day, is one of (what I consider) my best creations.

Idol Worship

2009-06-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

In two days, I will be (finally) seeing one of my favorite bands live. I fell in love with The Sounds when I was a junior in college (they're one of the bands I hold close to my heart and don't like to share). I missed out on seeing them when I was in London...but Saturday, I'm finally going to see them live. Sure, they're only opening for No Doubt. But I can't tell you how much more excited I am to see the opening band than the main act.

Needless to say, Maja, The Sounds' lead singer is totally one of my idols. So in lieu of this exciting venture, I bring you "Idol Worship" -- a list of all the female figures that I admire (some of them, for very strange reasons...).

Maja Ivarsson

As I stated above, Maja is the singer of The Sounds. Love her voice, love her stage presence, love the fact that she was a clasically trained violinist, love the fact that she's Swedish. It's nice to see another girl (besides Gwen) hold her own in an all boy band. Plus, I can't get sick of her band's music. It's fun, it's dancy, and it's unlike anything on the radio right now.

Britney

I have exhausted the Britney topic. You should all just get it by now.

Jenna Jameson

It has nothing to do with the porn. I don't even watch the porn. It has nothing to do with the porn, but everything to do with her novel "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale." The shit that life has thrown at Jameson is incredible: two rapes, growing up without a mother, a horrible drug addiction, asshole boyfriends, a father who's a cop, but still manages to get in trouble with her brother and then run away for months at a time. What's amazing is that Jameson managed to proverbially fuck all these people over on her terms. I'm sure there's a longer blog post in this once I re-read the book for the thousandth time...but honestly. I can't get over it. And congrats to her. She just gave birth to twins this spring.

Chelsea Handler

This bitch already got her own post.

Megan McCafferty

Love, love, love McCafferty's writing. I even got to interview her for a student story piece when I was a freshman in college. Love that she started out in magazine writing/editing and became a bestselling author. A girl can dream. :)

An Open Letter to the Asshole(s) That Stole My iPod

2009-06-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Asshole(s) That Stole My iPod,

First and foremost, fuck you for breaking into my car and taking my new baby away from me. I don't care so much about the twelve dollars in change, but I do care about the one thing that keeps me saner than sane in this world. I had that new iPod ONE month before you fuckers took it away. And it wasn't yours to take.

I really don't understand people who steal...especially around here. I lived for FOUR YEARS in Pittsburgh without incident, but I can't even keep an iPod in a LOCKED CAR without someone breaking in to steal it. This town is full of meth heads and assholes who would rather take someone else's property than work a hard day in their lives.

Secondly, thank you for taking away my security. I feel like my privacy has been super invaded now.

And thank you so much for making me look like a convict at work with two cops following me to the parking lot today.

Finally, I know I said it once before, but fuck, you deserve it. FUCK YOU. GET A REAL JOB MOTHERFUCKERS. AND STAY THE FUCK OUT OF MY CAR.

-Julie

To my lost iPod: I hope I find you again...but I'm fearing that I won't. I love you and miss you and hope the meth heads aren't scaring you too much. Shit.

Oh screw you, Kanye

2009-06-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

You know...for being a terrible singer and a mediocre rapper (everyone thinks he's "genius" and I just fail to see it...it's sad when the winner of "American Idol" does a cover of your song on national TV that I hate the original of, but love the cover...yeah...great music...), Kanye West has gone and pissed me off again. His hypocrisy is just ridiculous.

According to Reuters, West (whose late mother was an English professor) "does not read books or respect them" and feels that books are "wordy" and make the author seem "self-absorbed." He then went on to state that he would never want a book's autograph.

Yet, West has written a "book" of sayings.

Let's count the ways of hypocrisy here.

-Kanye doesn't read, but he wrote a book. 'Nough said.
-Books are wordy...what is his music made of? It's not all beats. It's words. Maybe not the "written word," but spoken "word" is just as important...if not worse at times. If I get irritated with a book, I can close it. You can't turn an annoying person off.
-Books make the author seem "self-absorbed."
Quotes from Kanye himself:
1. "I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice."
2. "Put this in the magazine: There’s nothing more to be said about music. I’m the fucking end-all, be-all of music. I know what I’m doing. I did 808s in three weeks. I got it."
3. “I am God’s vessel. But my greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live.”
4. "Come on now! How could you be me and want to be someone else?"

I think that his quotes say it all.

I just can't get over the hypocrisy going on here. I can't get over the way that he acts. And I love that he goes so far to talk about how he dropped out of college because books were boring. If that's the reason one drops out of college...good God.

As for getting a 'book's autograph' Mr. West...well I'm sorry. The last time I checked, books were inanimate objects. They can't autograph themselves, dumbass.

I just...I can't even put my annoyance into words.

Kanye West is a huge hypocrite. And I've already devoted entirely too much time to him.

I'm off to listen to Kris Allen perform his music thirty thousand times better than he does and read a few books...you know. Those arrogant, mouthy, self-absorbed pages. What must I be thinking?

...I have yet another idol...

2009-05-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Can we take a few moments to discuss the genius that is Chelsea Handler?

I just finished both her memoirs -- "My Horizontal Life" and "Are You There Vodka, It's Me Chelsea" over the past week...and they're both brilliant.

I always just saw her as some sassy talk show host who I'd watch when there was nothing else on...but I'll most definitely be checking it out more often.

While she's animated and amusing in person...through written word, she's incredible. Her personal stories made me laugh so hard that at times, I was completely crying my eyes out.

What the world needs are more Chelsea Handler novels. Maybe then we'd learn not to take ourselves too seriously.

America Got Something Else Right for Once...

2009-05-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Wow. Two things in seven months. America voted Obama into the White House...and voted Kris Allen in as their new American Idol.

All I can say is...thank God.

I haven't been super blog posting lately...but I can recall in two of my blog posts a certain disdain for Adam Lambert -- starting from the moment the Top 13 hit the stage.

Let me clear this first...I didn't dislike Lambert because he was so obviously gay. That's a moot point, as far as I'm concerned. If anything bothered me about his sexual orientation...it was that he wasn't open about it throughout the competition. If that's a part of who he is and he can own up to how wonderful he is at other things...just admit it. And be proud of who you are. Gay, straight, I honestly don't care. But for someone who claimed to be such an "individual" and so "comfortable in their own skin." Meh.

No. My problem with Mr. Lambert was in the fact that whenever you watched him onstage...you just didn't feel it. Oh sure, his theatrics made him fun to watch. I can't say I was a fan of the screeching/screaming that was constantly coming out of his mouth...or the way he was considered a "genius" for slowing down Tears for Fears' "Mad World" (um...Gary Jules' cover from "Donnie Darko" anyone???). That...and the fact that he was obviously born to perform on a theatre stage. He's so musical theatre that I doubted his whole "rock" persona. Going to school with those musical theatre kids...you see them transform themselves all the time. That's not necessarily who they are (some of them are...I can see the controversy starting at about this point in what I'm saying). What I am saying is that a lot of actors hone their craft to one part so that they excel in it greatly.

And that's the feeling that I always got from Adam Lambert.

He'd be better suited on Broadway than he would being this glam rock star for the rest of his life. Something tells me that his vocal cords would agree with me there.

But alas, this post is not about Adam Lambert...though I have finished my rant there.

It's about the genius that is Kris Allen that I've slowly been falling in love with all season.

Where Adam did strange versions of songs...Kris did them as well...and to me, they were more suited to blast through my car stereo.

I have to admit. From the start...I couldn't remember Kris. I was all about Danny and 16/17 year old Allison. But he slowly started to win me over. Choosing "Falling Slowly" during Movies week when everyone else was picking Billboard Topping anthems you wish they would stop playing..."Ain't No Sunshine" anyone? But it was during disco week when he took Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money" and turnedit into an acoustic jam fest? It was then that I knew this guy had something. When it came down to the final four...I would have been perfectly fine with Allison, Danny or Kris winning. Then Allison left. Then Kris performed Kanye West's "Heartless" (absolutely incredible) and Danny left.

And then it was down to the final two.

I've read countless posts this morning from fan girls saying this thing was rigged. That Adam will have a better career than Kris. And honestly, good luck to him. I probably won't be buying the CD.

I'd rather get it from the guy who you can feel LOVES what he's doing on stage. A guy who's comfortable behind a piano and a guitar. A guy who's been shy all season and didn't think he was going to win (because people kept thrusting Adam into their faces). A guy who deserves the Idol title.

So congratulations Kris Allen. You honestly deserved to win. Don't let the haters tell you any different.

Currents as of May 2009

2009-05-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Current ListeningTaking Back Sunday - "New Again"

Love the energy that TBS rediscovered in this album. LOVE IT.

Kris Allen
I swear. If he doesn't win 'Idol' (which he probably won't...it'll probably be squealer annoyingly unfabulous Adam Lambert), then I'm gonna be pissed. Sure, Kris Allen will probably go somewhere with his music...I mean, the guy's a genius with an acoustic guitar. "She Works Hard for the Money" and that cover of Kanye's "Heartless"? Brilliant.

CKY - "Carver City"
I'm not usually a huge metal fan...but I love CKY because their lyrics are different, there isn't any screaming and the instruments on it are fully original. This album also listens better for me than "An Answer Can Be Found" (which I do love nonetheless).

Current Reading
Nothing interesting at the moment...but soon to be Chelsey Handler's memoirs.

Current Watching
Used to be that I'd watch "How I Met Your Mother" before falling asleep. That's recently (until HIMYM Season 4 gets released on DVD) been replaced by "Viva La Bam." I took a break from the Viva boys for awhile...but god, it's good to be back.
Especially since Ryan Dunn and Bam Margera are finally, finally hanging back out together.

...Oh man.

2009-05-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Something about this SNL skit is absolutely positively absolutely hilarious to me.

God...

2009-05-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

I swear I'm going to start posting on a more regular basis. I am. I need to write about the obnoxious nail color of the week that I've started...and about celebrity gossip...and TV finales...though, the latter may be dated.

Or I could just say that work has been insanely busy and blogging has taken a backseat. My portfolio is really growing...and a project that was my baby way back at the end of January...ended up winning 2nd place in an ad contest for the PA Newspaper Association.

:)

Anyway...more is coming. Life just needs to slow down...and summer just needs to arrive. Ciao!

-J

PS: I got a new 16gig black iPod nano last Friday nite. Miss old blue...but totally loving the newer model of a classic. :)

R.I.P. Nameless iPod

2009-05-08T05:38:00.001-07:00

December 25, 2006- May 7, 2009
You and I had so many adventures together. You kept me sane in London and fueled my love of music with my friends there. You kept me sane at my summer job when the kids were way, way too loud. You kept me sane in airports, waiting for flights with layovers that seemed to drag on and on. You kept me sane on said planes...so that I did not have to hear the rumble of the engines and think about the fact that I was actually very, very, very high in the air. You kept me sane my entire senior year of college. Long gone were awkward shuttle rides with the academic student sitting quiet and nervously amongst the theatre kids...long gone were the quiet waits for classes to start with people I did not know in them. You kept me entertained in cars with friends and on road trips with my best friend. You helped me fuel my passion for music without forcing me to carry large bulky CD players and cases around.

You will be greatly missed because you were the first non-surprise-surprise Christmas gift that I ever received that has brought me countless amounts of joy in the amount of time that I had you. You were durable, you were full of hours of entertainment, you were blue.

I will miss you, 2nd Generation iPod encased in blue steel.

I will miss you.

Yet another stolen survey...

2009-04-26T18:08:00.001-07:00

A - Age: 22

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning my room.

D - Dog's name: I don't have a dog...but my brother's dog's name is Benny.

E - Essential start your day item: Clothes.

F - Favorite color: Blue and black and silver

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5' 3 and 3/4...but it's rounded on my driver's license to 5'4"

I - Instruments you play(ed): Piano

J - Job title: Artist in Creative Services

K - Kid(s): Zee-ro.

L - Living arrangements: Back home for now

M - Mom's name: Denise

N - Nicknames: I don't really have any...but Honkus calls me J...and I actually kind of like it.

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Never.

P - Pet Peeve: Don't want to write it here. Am not getting myself in trouble for the rant on it. They had to hear it at work last week and I know people who do it. So pleading the fifth.

Q - Quote from a movie: It's a two-parter from a straight to DVD movie called buying the cow.

Mike: You see, scummings like fishing. If you're dream girl were a fish what would she be?
David:I don't know, tuna?
Mike: Yeah! No. A marlin. A big trophy fish.

Later on...Mike takes David to a strip club and David inquires about which of the strippers would be a "marlin."

Mike: We're not fishing anymore, we're at the aquarium now, looking at all the exotic fishies. OOH, look they even have a petting tank.

Still cracks me up years later. I love old Ryan Reynolds (he played Mike).

S - Siblings: Greg.

T - Time you wake up: My alarm is set for 8:06 AM...usually get up for real between 8:20 and 8:30.

U- Underwear: I wear them, yes. Not wearing them is so unhygienic.

V - Vegetable you dislike: Peas and lima beans.

W - Ways you run late: Hate being late. Hate it, hate it. I'm usually only late if the person I'm with is running late. Otherwise I'm early or on time.

X - X-rays you've had: Teeth, foot...have had a CAT Scan and MRI, however, thanks to the good ol' brain tumor.

Y - Yummy food you make: Desserts...apple and pumpkin pie.

Z - Zoo favorite animal: I like the fish. Fish are therapeutic to me.

Currently Reading...

2009-04-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Right now, I'm currently...

Reading...
Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty
"Perfect Fifths" is the fifth (duh) and final book in McCafferty's Jessica Darling series...the first two novels of the series "Sloppy Firsts" and "Second Helpings" are two of my favorite books of ALL ALL ALL ALL time. Jessica is someone I can totally relate to and I feel like I've grown up with her as one of my closest friends. I've meant to have this finished for awhile now, but have been too busy to get it done.

My Booky Wook by Russell Brand
Love, love, love, love, love Russell Brand. Started reading this book today and so far love, love, love it too.

I also found a special clearance on the "Best Short Stories" and "Unrequired Reading" anthologies at Borders in Grove City today...and totally bought four of them. So I'm sure I'll be tackling those too.

AWESOME!

2009-04-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

I won Judge's Pick for Best Cliche at the SKoW (Some Kind of Wonderful) Fiction Awards!

WEEEE!!!

My Current Obsession: The Whitest Kids U' Know

2009-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Something about the complete inappropriateness of this show totally suits me.

Um...holy shit.

2009-04-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Can we discuss the shocking death on "House" last nite? The one where, without warning, Kal Penn's character Kutner shot himself in the head with no warning?

Today, I got EW.com to read the reactions of my favorite magazine...and there, on the first page, was news that I thought was even more shocking. Not only was it Penn's decision to leave (he asked), he asked to be let go from a show he loved to go work in the White House.

Best of luck to Kal (who will always be Kumar in my eyes) and well done to the great writers who made it shocking, but still believable.

My Last Britney Post...For Awhile (I Think)

2009-04-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

I know that my blog posts have been a little one tracked lately. Instead of logging on to read about amusing things that have happened or that I've dealt with, you've gotten plastered with Britney, Britney, Britney!

And after this, I promise, I am done for awhile. I'll go back to my sarcasm and my cynicism and my quick (at times) wit.

I have to admit, I battled back and forth over even writing a review for Britney's concert. But here it is. It was requested...and I felt the need to write it down...and give my awesome memories some permanence.

So without further ado...

A Useless Review from a Useless Mind
of The Circus Starring Britney Spears
at Mellon Arena on Friday, March 27, 2009

Thursday night, I drove to State College to meet up with my BFFF Honkus. The drive took place after working a full day and not sleeping a whole lot the night before. Plus, it rained all day. I made it there around 8 and after a late dinner (and almost pissing myself twice on the drive there -- thanks Mari for distracting me from that first mishap), Honkus and I settled in with a few Strongbows and championed our way through watching every Britney tour that she had on DVD.

After another night of little sleep, I hoped I'd wake up enough in time for the concert. Stacey, Honkus and I drove to Johnstown to pick up Honkus' mom...and in an almost Brit-like moment, Honkus (this is the girl who drunk texted me "Ah ur mom!!! ah britney spears soon ah she is my hero ah she is a phonix rising fromthe ashes she is fucking god...I'm not a catholic I'm a britolic...she is my anti-drug, my mother, jesus maybe sean and jayden are jesus" -- yes, Honkus, I did just write that text out in my blog. I even spell checked it for you...:)) , tried to drink a Diet Red Bull. I shouldn't say tried, because she did drink it. But she had a hard time doing it. Semantics of the English language.

Anyway...we got to Pittsburgh, checked into the hotel, ate dinner, and then caught the T to Mellon Arena. On the way there, Honkus decided to check BreatheHeavy on her phone.

BreatheHeavy is my absolute favorite Britney fan site. It tells me more about her than her so called "Official" site. Jordan does a fabulous job with the site at bringing people up to date Brit news...the good and the bad. And that day there was bad news. Due to some really shady shit, Jordan announced he had to shut the fan site down. Something about "Copyright Infringement" which is absolute bullshit...but anyway. My ranting about BreatheHeavy's Demise (even if Jordan is doing roundabout things to continue posting) isn't the point of this whole review (we haven't even gotten to Mellon Arena yet). So that kind of put me into a somewhat shit mood on the way to the Arena. Yet again, Britney's dad and his controlling ways had trumped my mood. (I was all for the Conservatorship...but she's ready to be on her own. Touring the way she has has proved that). Anyway...

We got to Mellon Arena and picked up our tickets. After the ticket drama (which I'm not going to write about because it was long and involved and involved scammers in Africa of all places...reminded me of the Fall Out Boy ticket fiasco we went through in London), it felt nice to have real official tickets in our hands. After seeing Brit's tour bus (yes, that cotton candy pink monstrosity), we entered the venue. I love Mellon Arena. I've seen hockey games there. Hell, I graduated there, right on the ice. So the place holds some fond memories.

And it was pure chaos inside. There were so many people. It was way worse than any other event I'd ever been to at Mellon arena. The social anxiety inside of me was thanking logical me for taking an extra Zoloft that day.

We decided to find our seats before picking up our merchandise...and the seats Honkus got us were INCREDIBLE. The only way we would have been closer was if we had ring side seats. Otherwise, we were totally front row. Right in front of us, was a walkway and off towards the right was an entrance where the dancers went to get access beneath the stage and stagehands used it to take props away after they'd been used on the stage.

I was worried I was going to hate the fact that the stage was pretty much a huge circle...but I ended up loving it. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

Honkus and I went to buy our merch, which was, not surprisingly, super costly. We ended up only getting shirts and programs...which ended up being fine, because our VIP seats came with some serious swag (messenger bags, laminated ticket stock, fake backstage passes, clings, pins, on and on). The line was ridiculous for the stuff, but Honkus stuck it out like a pro.

So then we went back to our seats to sit down and wait for the Pussycat Dolls. The wait wasn't long at all before they took the stage. Now, we all know how I am about the PCD. I love their dance music...but really don't understand some of it. Anyway...

They were FANTASTIC. They were also a great way to realize how close we literally were to the stage and what a fantastic view we had. They kept the crowd energy high and even remembered where they were performing (Pittsburgh...how bout them Stillers).

Before Brit took the stage, I figured I'd better go pee (I know my bladder too well), so I hurried in between sets to do just that. After witnessing a near fist fight in the bathroom and getting interviewed by a girl who worked for MTV, I made it back in time to catch the end of the Big Apple Circus performers keeping the crowd alive before Brit took the stage.

So we're sitting there...just minding our own business, acting super excited because we were...and then Larry Rudolph, Brit's manager, walked right in front of us. Honkus and I looked at each other and somehow we communicated that yes, Larry Rudolph was really just five feet away from us. We could have touched the man.

I think that was what made the fact that we were at a Britney Spears concert with amazing seats so real. The fact that the man who is her right hand was right there. He's seen her through so much (even if I have mixed feelings for him)...her rise to stardom, her divorce from Kevin...true, they broke off relations during those few dark years of her life...but he's back now and is one of the reasons why she's been able to reclaim her throne so easily.

But then we didn't have time to really think about it anymore, because the lights dimmed and Perez Hilton dawned the video screens...and it was finally time.

Years of dreaming about it...and here I was...actually about to see Britney Spears perform.

Now I could do a song by song breakdown of the show, but honestly, that'd ruin it for me. What you need to know, is that Britney was incredible. Long gone was her hesitation to performing. You could just watch her face and tell that she was up there doing the one thing that she loved to do.

The costumes were incredible. The dancers were honestly super amazing (and Brit's supposed new boytoy dancer Chace is hot as hell). The dancing was off the hook. The mixing of the music was fantastic (way to make me LOVE "Me Against the Music" guys...I'd given up on really enjoying it).

I've been asked quite a few times since I got back if she lip synched, which to me is a stupid question. It's Britney Spears. Of course she lip synchs. As a fan, it's just something you know. With all the high energy she has going on up there, you either worry about your vocals or your dancing performance. And let's face it. Brit's an entertainer. She doesn't have the pipes that Christina Aguilera has...but she's twice the performer. When she goes on tour, it's a show, a spectical...which is what I think puts her on a different plane than other female performers.

But rant aside...

It was amazing. I loved the props and just...damn. Everything. It was amazing. It was something you just had to experience. I could write about it, but it wouldn't even touch how amazing the whole thing was.

The only worrysome moment we had the entire show was during "I'm a Slave 4 U" (props to Jamie King -- tour director -- for keeping parts of the original dance...loved that it stayed original, but new at the same time), when Brit went up on an unsteady platform while fire erupted in a circle around her. We could only see her from behind (remember the stage was a circle), but from the way she just stood there, with her knees pulled together and her arms out, you just knew something was wrong. (YouTube it...I have a vid of it...but haven't gotten around to putting the stuff up yet) When her feet were firmly on the ground again, she turned around and approached our side of the stage. You could just read on her face how pissed she was about the mishap. She walked through the final motions of the song and left the stage...

And I'm going to admit it. From just seeing that expression on her face, I was worried that she'd just call the whole thing off.

But I never should have doubted Britney.

She did come back on stage...and was back to being the professional performer that I've grown to love. Once again, she was spot on and one hundred and fifty percent into her performance.

After the "Womanizer" encore, a goofy dance circle, and massive amounts of confetti, the experience was over.

It was a super bittersweet moment.

For months, years even, we were looking forward to this concert...and it was over.

But on the other hand, it was absolutely, without a doubt, the best show that I have ever been to. Its energy and Brit's performance itself was a reaffirmation.

She may have hit the rocks for a few years there...but the bitch is back.

And I'm serious in saying that she's better than ever.

The end.