This film is brilliant.
Please watch it.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Strange.
Today was a strange day. I had such an off day at school. I kept thinking it was Tuesday for some reason, and that we had a ten minute passing period. It was very weird. I was late to my 5th block class, because I went to my 6th block class instead(yes, we call them blocks rather than "periods"), thinking it was the end of the day. Then after school, I had the strangest feeling. I don't know what's up with me today.
But aside from that, I shall tell you what I have been up to.
Lately, I have been inspired to get a bit more creative with my clothing, and I am quite content with the outcome.
On a more cinematic note, I suggest you all watch Roman Polanski's film The Pianist. While it was released six years ago, I still feel it is worth recommending. It's beautiful.
I've been listening to a lot of Yann Tiersen lately. (Specifically, the Amelie soundtrack). Yann's piano playing (along with other instruments, but especially piano) never ceases to amaze me.
that is all.
Oh, and, one year ago today I was at the Hollywood Bowl watching M. Ward, Yo La Tengo, and Bright Eyes perform. Bright Eyes performed with the Los Angeles philharmonic. T'was lovely. I really can't believe that time passed that quickly. I'm always fascinated by the passage of time, and how it seems to go by faster every year.
But aside from that, I shall tell you what I have been up to.
Lately, I have been inspired to get a bit more creative with my clothing, and I am quite content with the outcome.
On a more cinematic note, I suggest you all watch Roman Polanski's film The Pianist. While it was released six years ago, I still feel it is worth recommending. It's beautiful.
I've been listening to a lot of Yann Tiersen lately. (Specifically, the Amelie soundtrack). Yann's piano playing (along with other instruments, but especially piano) never ceases to amaze me.
that is all.
Oh, and, one year ago today I was at the Hollywood Bowl watching M. Ward, Yo La Tengo, and Bright Eyes perform. Bright Eyes performed with the Los Angeles philharmonic. T'was lovely. I really can't believe that time passed that quickly. I'm always fascinated by the passage of time, and how it seems to go by faster every year.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Record Stores.
We need more record stores in Southern California. Something reminiscent to Rasputin in Berkeley, or Aquarius Records in San Francisco (quite possibly my favorite). Sure, we have one Amoeba in Los Angeles. Sure, we have a few random places around. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.
It's a shame when big chain stores that don't even specialize in music, but just happen to sell some random cds, dominate, but such is life.
And they closed Noise Noise Noise in Costa Mesa. I am disappointed, because I never actually got to explore the jungle of music there.
Sure, Second Spin remains.
But, really now...
Why can't more people appreciate the art of music? And vinyl?
Oh, the digital age. We love and hate you simultaneously.
Some remaining record stores that I have found and/or heard of in Southern California:
Dr. Freeclouds Mixing Lab
(Fountain Valley)
http://drfreeclouds.com/index.php
Second Spin
(Costa Mesa, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica)
http://www.secondspin.com/
Vinyl Fetish Records
(Hollywood)
Amoeba Records (the most obvious choice)
(Hollywood)
http://www.amoeba.com/
Poobah Records
(Pasadena)
http://www.poobah.com/
Lou's Record Store
(Encenitas)
http://www.lousrecords.com/
Mad Platter
(Riverside)
AND
Rhino Records
(Claremont)
CAN BOTH BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.rhinorecords.cc/index2.php
It's a shame when big chain stores that don't even specialize in music, but just happen to sell some random cds, dominate, but such is life.
And they closed Noise Noise Noise in Costa Mesa. I am disappointed, because I never actually got to explore the jungle of music there.
Sure, Second Spin remains.
But, really now...
Why can't more people appreciate the art of music? And vinyl?
Oh, the digital age. We love and hate you simultaneously.
Some remaining record stores that I have found and/or heard of in Southern California:
Dr. Freeclouds Mixing Lab
(Fountain Valley)
http://drfreeclouds.com/index.php
Second Spin
(Costa Mesa, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica)
http://www.secondspin.com/
Vinyl Fetish Records
(Hollywood)
Amoeba Records (the most obvious choice)
(Hollywood)
http://www.amoeba.com/
Poobah Records
(Pasadena)
http://www.poobah.com/
Lou's Record Store
(Encenitas)
http://www.lousrecords.com/
Mad Platter
(Riverside)
AND
Rhino Records
(Claremont)
CAN BOTH BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.rhinorecords.cc/index2.php
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A cure for the pain
Research shows that "beautiful" works of art can ease the pain.
Read the article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/09/17/sciart117.xml
Read the article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/09/17/sciart117.xml
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
They can finally see our thoughts on screen.
Thank you dedicated members of current.com for always posting interesting news.
MUMBAI, India: The new technology is, to its critics, Orwellian. Others view it as a silver bullet against terrorism that could render waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods obsolete. Some scientists predict the end of lying as we know it.
Now, well before any consensus on the technology's readiness, India has become the first country to convict someone of a crime relying on evidence from this controversial machine: a brain scanner that produces images of the human mind in action and is said to reveal signs that a suspect remembers details of the crime in question.
For years, scientists have peered into the brain and sought to identify deception. They have shot infrared beams through liars' heads, placed them in giant magnetic resonance imaging machines and used scanners to track their eyeballs. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States has plowed money into brain-based lie detection in the hope of producing more fruitful counterterrorism investigations.
The technologies, generally regarded as promising but unproved, have yet to be widely accepted as evidence — except in India, where in recent years judges have begun to admit brain scans. But it was only in June, in a murder case in Pune, in Maharashtra State, that a judge explicitly cited a scan as proof that the suspect's brain held "experiential knowledge" about the crime that only the killer could possess, sentencing her to life in prison.
Psychologists and neuroscientists in the United States, which has been at the forefront of brain-based lie detection, variously called India's application of the technology to legal cases "fascinating," "ridiculous," "chilling" and "unconscionable." (While attempts have been made in the United States to introduce findings of similar tests into court cases, these generally have been by defense lawyers trying to show the mental impairment of the accused, not by prosecutors trying to convict.)
READ MORE HERE: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/15/asia/15brainscan.php
MUMBAI, India: The new technology is, to its critics, Orwellian. Others view it as a silver bullet against terrorism that could render waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods obsolete. Some scientists predict the end of lying as we know it.
Now, well before any consensus on the technology's readiness, India has become the first country to convict someone of a crime relying on evidence from this controversial machine: a brain scanner that produces images of the human mind in action and is said to reveal signs that a suspect remembers details of the crime in question.
For years, scientists have peered into the brain and sought to identify deception. They have shot infrared beams through liars' heads, placed them in giant magnetic resonance imaging machines and used scanners to track their eyeballs. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States has plowed money into brain-based lie detection in the hope of producing more fruitful counterterrorism investigations.
The technologies, generally regarded as promising but unproved, have yet to be widely accepted as evidence — except in India, where in recent years judges have begun to admit brain scans. But it was only in June, in a murder case in Pune, in Maharashtra State, that a judge explicitly cited a scan as proof that the suspect's brain held "experiential knowledge" about the crime that only the killer could possess, sentencing her to life in prison.
Psychologists and neuroscientists in the United States, which has been at the forefront of brain-based lie detection, variously called India's application of the technology to legal cases "fascinating," "ridiculous," "chilling" and "unconscionable." (While attempts have been made in the United States to introduce findings of similar tests into court cases, these generally have been by defense lawyers trying to show the mental impairment of the accused, not by prosecutors trying to convict.)
READ MORE HERE: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/15/asia/15brainscan.php
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pink Floyd.
Richard Wright, the founding member and keyboard player of Pink Floyd, died today at his home after battling cancer. He was 65.
There is no doubt that Pink Floyd was an influential band that emerged in a very important time for rock music.
I will not sit here and say that I was an avid listener of Pink Floyd. I never was. I listened to them form time to time, and I caught some of Roger Waters's performance earlier this year at the Coachella music festival. But I respect their work, and whenever someone in the music community passes, I reflect and want to know more about who they were and what they contributed to the music community.
I found this video on youtube.
Pink Floyd in Pompeii.
enjoy.
There is no doubt that Pink Floyd was an influential band that emerged in a very important time for rock music.
I will not sit here and say that I was an avid listener of Pink Floyd. I never was. I listened to them form time to time, and I caught some of Roger Waters's performance earlier this year at the Coachella music festival. But I respect their work, and whenever someone in the music community passes, I reflect and want to know more about who they were and what they contributed to the music community.
I found this video on youtube.
Pink Floyd in Pompeii.
enjoy.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sea Wolf
I find that listening to Sea Wolf brings me a bit closer to the Fall season. Sea Wolf is best suited for autumn and winter listening.
I really enjoy their album Leaves In The River. Even though the album has been out since last year, I figure it's never too late to talk about music you enjoy no matter how old.
Listen to Sea Wolf.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Arts & Crafts
There are various musical gems scattered about the United States.
One such place would be in the state of Missouri, where Arts & Crafts reside and create.
Arts & Crafts are two teenagers, Ryan and Chris, who are capable of making some nostalgic/emotion-inducing/makes-you-think-and-wows-you-music. At least that has been my experience.
I think that any explantion I give can't fully define them, but I will tell you this; when I was exposed to Arts & Crafts about a year and a half ago, there was no turning back. I got excited about their music, and from the more recent tracks I've heard, it's only going to get better and better.
The "Pincones ep" is comprised of seven tracks (most of which don't have "actual" titles) that take you on a mental journey through space and then gently places you back on planet Earth in a grassy field somewhere. It makes you feel well. It makes you feel...something. My favorite track on the ep is "Pinecone", and I think it's my favorite Arts & Crafts track of all time.
Other songs you won't find on the ep include "Tay Tay Luxurious", "Brightly Blue", and "Almighty Dollar". "Almighty Dollar" is the newest track I've heard, and if it's any indication of what the future of Arts and Crafts will sound like, then I am extremely content.
One might say that their "experimental" tracks are reminiscent of Panda Bear.
But I leave all of that up to you.
myspace. click here.
last.fm click here.
(you can download their Pinecones ep on last.fm)
One such place would be in the state of Missouri, where Arts & Crafts reside and create.
Arts & Crafts are two teenagers, Ryan and Chris, who are capable of making some nostalgic/emotion-inducing/makes-you-think-and-wows-you-music. At least that has been my experience.
I think that any explantion I give can't fully define them, but I will tell you this; when I was exposed to Arts & Crafts about a year and a half ago, there was no turning back. I got excited about their music, and from the more recent tracks I've heard, it's only going to get better and better.
The "Pincones ep" is comprised of seven tracks (most of which don't have "actual" titles) that take you on a mental journey through space and then gently places you back on planet Earth in a grassy field somewhere. It makes you feel well. It makes you feel...something. My favorite track on the ep is "Pinecone", and I think it's my favorite Arts & Crafts track of all time.
Other songs you won't find on the ep include "Tay Tay Luxurious", "Brightly Blue", and "Almighty Dollar". "Almighty Dollar" is the newest track I've heard, and if it's any indication of what the future of Arts and Crafts will sound like, then I am extremely content.
One might say that their "experimental" tracks are reminiscent of Panda Bear.
But I leave all of that up to you.
myspace. click here.
last.fm click here.
(you can download their Pinecones ep on last.fm)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
/ / / /
My posts are kind of all over the place.
Initially, this was supposed to be a music/art blog.
Now, it's just a blog filled with sundry thoughts from my brain.
I think that a jam session is in order.
That would be fun.
Those are always fun.
I need to start doing more reviews.
Actually, I have some coming up about some bands that I enjoy from the midwest.
stay...tuned...
Initially, this was supposed to be a music/art blog.
Now, it's just a blog filled with sundry thoughts from my brain.
I think that a jam session is in order.
That would be fun.
Those are always fun.
I need to start doing more reviews.
Actually, I have some coming up about some bands that I enjoy from the midwest.
stay...tuned...
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Cold Wind.
I dislike hot weather.
It's been pretty uncomfortable lately, and I am only but a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Though I am sure it is much worse for those in the desert. In the morning if I am wearing a jacket, it becomes almost unbearable to wear. It's just too humid.
I am complaining about the weather. It's a bit silly. As if blogging about it will perpetuate a more rapid arrival of the Autumnal season.
But more importantly, Winter. Winter is glorious. But really, once Thanksgiving hits, I am free to listen to my Sufjan Stevens Christmas Box Set however many times I please, and that brings me just a little a bit closer to all the Winter/Christmas glory that only Sufjan Stevens could create ever so magically through musical expression.
Sufjan, where are you now?
Resurface!
I am ready to bring out all my scarves and sweaters (even though I tend to wear them during the warm seasons, ever so stubbornly). This is why San Francisco was wonderful in the summer.
end of rubbish post.
It's been pretty uncomfortable lately, and I am only but a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Though I am sure it is much worse for those in the desert. In the morning if I am wearing a jacket, it becomes almost unbearable to wear. It's just too humid.
I am complaining about the weather. It's a bit silly. As if blogging about it will perpetuate a more rapid arrival of the Autumnal season.
But more importantly, Winter. Winter is glorious. But really, once Thanksgiving hits, I am free to listen to my Sufjan Stevens Christmas Box Set however many times I please, and that brings me just a little a bit closer to all the Winter/Christmas glory that only Sufjan Stevens could create ever so magically through musical expression.
Sufjan, where are you now?
Resurface!
I am ready to bring out all my scarves and sweaters (even though I tend to wear them during the warm seasons, ever so stubbornly). This is why San Francisco was wonderful in the summer.
end of rubbish post.
Friday, September 5, 2008
If knowledge is power...
I am astounded at the lack of knowledge my generation has about the world.
I am astounded by the high percentage of people who are illiterare in this country, the United States.
It baffles me.
So much for a "first world country", huh?
I feel like we aren't progressing as a nation.
And it is my hope that whoever enters office in January will evoke a wave of progression for the better.
I have my preferred candidate, although I am not a Republican or a Democrat.
I do not belong to any party.
My point is...every human has the right to education. A GOOD education. One that won't leave them illiterate or ignorant.
I am amazed at the ignorance that exists here in this country.
Whoever becomes the next President of the United States, I hope that they can do something to make a great difference and educate the people. No one should be left behind.
Today in my U.S. government class, we were given a list of 100 questions that one applying for American citizenship would have to answer. I was amazed at how much the kids in my class did not know. I didn't know ALL 100 questions, but I knew a majority of them. But that is not the point...I am not here to brag about what I did know or mope about what I didn't know.
Questions such as "Who is our Vice President?" and "What do the 13 stripes on our flag stand for?" should NOT be asked by 12th grade high school students. We're supposed to know this! It might not be the most important thing in the world if you look at the grand scheme of things, but if we were born here and intend on being here, we should know a few things about our country.
I think it's absurd how intelligence is looked down upon by some people. I will not have that. I want to continue my education. I am a life-long learner. I want to know as much as I can, and I want to pass that on to others, as well as learn from others.
I am astounded by the high percentage of people who are illiterare in this country, the United States.
It baffles me.
So much for a "first world country", huh?
I feel like we aren't progressing as a nation.
And it is my hope that whoever enters office in January will evoke a wave of progression for the better.
I have my preferred candidate, although I am not a Republican or a Democrat.
I do not belong to any party.
My point is...every human has the right to education. A GOOD education. One that won't leave them illiterate or ignorant.
I am amazed at the ignorance that exists here in this country.
Whoever becomes the next President of the United States, I hope that they can do something to make a great difference and educate the people. No one should be left behind.
Today in my U.S. government class, we were given a list of 100 questions that one applying for American citizenship would have to answer. I was amazed at how much the kids in my class did not know. I didn't know ALL 100 questions, but I knew a majority of them. But that is not the point...I am not here to brag about what I did know or mope about what I didn't know.
Questions such as "Who is our Vice President?" and "What do the 13 stripes on our flag stand for?" should NOT be asked by 12th grade high school students. We're supposed to know this! It might not be the most important thing in the world if you look at the grand scheme of things, but if we were born here and intend on being here, we should know a few things about our country.
I think it's absurd how intelligence is looked down upon by some people. I will not have that. I want to continue my education. I am a life-long learner. I want to know as much as I can, and I want to pass that on to others, as well as learn from others.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
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