Hiatus

It has been far too long since I have posted something. Namely, I just didn't know what to do anymore. I had an idea for this blog, that it would be my opinion on the things I love (i.e., movies, music, funny stuff, electronics), but I found myself thinking how self-absorbed I was for putting my opinions out there as if they were some signifier of what was good.

I am retooling in my head what I want to do with this blog. I want to make a mark on the same things as before but maybe with a different twist. More to come while I contemplate.

In other news, there are a slew of good movies coming out this summer. Get ready for one of the better summer cinematic experiences that's come around in a while. Good times...

TFLN

When you want your laughter to spread faster than herpes. I discovered this AMAZING cultural icon otherwise known as TFLN (Texts From Last Night for those not down with the lingo - or born before 1982).

Basically, it is what it's called. People all over the nation (sorry the rest of the world) submit either their own or other friends'/enemy's texts to the Web site, hoping for a shout out.

Now, prepare yourself. Some of these can go from funny to raunchy faster than Ashton Kutcher can tweet so be wary.

Enjoy... and here is a sample:

(281): my little brother just told me that I should start chasing my vodka with slim fast. genious. http://tfl.nu/99ri


(860): Walk of shame... his parents made me go to church with them first. in my club top sweat pants and slippers. i just slapped god in the face http://tfl.nu/cojx


Texts From Last Night (NSFW)

Super (Bowl) Movie Trailers!

The real reason to watch the Super Bowl. Now that the hoopla is over and America's fascination with pigskin will geaux away for a while, I wanted to showcase some of the hyped movies coming out this summer. As always, the Super Bowl gets their hands on these expensive ($80,000/second) trailers and further entertains the masses.

Alice in Wonderland



Avatar: The Last Airbender
 


Prince of Persia



I didn't bother showcasing Gladiator, I mean Braveheart, I mean... Robin Hood. Take that as you will.

Saturday Sounds

You're only late if you were expected. Sorry this didn't happen on a Saturday rather than a Sunday (given the title), however, here is my weekend sound fix.

Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear off of their recently released EP Veckatimest. VERY weird music video but credit for the ending. If only I could shoot light out of my mouth - how popular would I be in a bar/parking lot/forest yet hated in a movie theater.

The Oscars Cometh

Oscar Style... more to it than crab meat, asparagus, & béarnaise. Announced in the wee hours of this morning, acting/directing/marketing hopefuls woke up to find themselves judged (don't we all). As is the annual tradition of evaluating the cinematic goods offered up to the masses, the Academy Awards look to be very interesting this year.

I won't bore you with reiterating the nominations (click here to see them all). I will, of course, give you my opinion. Brace yourselves...

Avatar and The Hurt Locker are neck in neck with a total of 9 nominations each. This should be interesting for the once married James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow come March 7th despite the fact they've mentioned they're each other's "cheerleaders." Gag me like a bulimic.

The brutal Precious and history-reinvensioning Inglourious Basterds follow closely with 8 nominations each, followed by the WASPy Up In The Air and treacly Up with 6 and 5 nominations each, respectively. Up managed to snag nods in both the Best Picture and Best Animated Feature categories (the first for any film). Additionally, Up is the second animated feature to receive a nomination in the Best Picture category, the former being Disney's own Beauty & the Beast (no doubt aided by the 10 film spread this year in lieu of the traditional 5).

While I did love Up, I feel it is getting a little too much attention whereas other great animated films (my condolences, Ponyo) were completely snubbed. Gotta love those xenophobic Academy voters with a hard on for ventures of the geriatric kind.

Avatar's wave of superstardom should crest soon as ticket sales trickle off since, by now, everyone on the planet has seen the film (at least once anyways). Again, love me some Avatar, but let's not get too enthralled with special effects - despite their groundbreaking and genre-changing implications - that we lose the art of storytelling.

While the populist in me wants Avatar to take home the little gold man come early March, the elitist in me wants either The Hurt Locker or Inglourious Basterds to out-pace the black hole of adulation that is Pandora.

Gatsby, How Art Thou?

Stop... It's Grammy Time

The night when music artists warble their way into YouTube admiration. The 2010 Grammy's made their annual performance this past Sunday, January 31st, rife with self-indulgent acceptance speeches and bombastic performances (as to be expected - and LOVED).

The performances are really what makes it worth the 3+ hours. Here were my favorites of the night (P!nk wins though, hands down):

Pink - "Glitter In The Air"



Beyonce - "If I Were A Boy / You Oughta Know"



Lady GaGa / Elton John - "Poker Face / Speechless / Your Song"

Bday Wishlist Entry #1

April 4th isn't too far away... hint, hint. Sony just came out with their new digital camera from their Cyber-Shot line and it has moved to the top of my list. As I am in the market for a new, fun device, I saw this and had to have it.

At 10.2 Megapixels, a 3.5" touch LCD screen, and 4x optical zoom, this little baby has become my new fixation. At $399 USD, however, it looks as though it will be a birthday present to myself.

Here is a weird Japanese commercial for it...



Here are some pics of the device (I would get silver, of course)...

My Passion Pit Obsession

Electro-alternative band Passion Pit is catchy... like herpes. The Cambridge, MA group is gaining traction with the masses and their first single "Sleepyhead" is featured in the current Palm Pixie mobile phone ad. See below...



I currently am obsessed with the band and think their sound is modern and unique. My favorite at the moment which I hope will make it to the mainstream airwaves is "The Reeling." It has a great beat and vibe. There are already some good remixes of this single out there now. Check the original cut here...




Their latest single, "Moth's Wings," will soon be featured on Big Love and Gossip Girl. Can't wait! Their latest CD entitled Manners is available for download on iTunes now.

Saturday Sounds

Sound off. This weekend's fortunate fixation is "Shampoo" by Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson. Yes, the actress... and yes, she can sing. This just puts me in a good mood. Check out their album "Break Up" on iTunes for some other great tracks.

Here is a live recording of the two at Spinner's The Interface.