The Calm Before the Storm
Before my long post regarding the pros and cons of the results of Tuesday's election day results, I wanted to take care of a few more "fun" topics (at least for some). First, an update on the press surrounding the Langdon Street neighborhood watch organized by the Greek system (my fraternity included) in Madison. Check out the following links for more:
Channel 3000 Story
Badger Herald follow-up News Story
Wisconsin State Journal News Story
Not much to comment about them -- its all mostly been said before in my previous post. Although the one comment on the Herald story did get my blood boiling. To insinuate that a group of men cannot take even one day off from drinking and that all fraternity guys are immature, asshole rapists is frustrating, to say the least. Unfortunately its a sentiment we are subjected to all too often -- both in the media and in personal interactions. This even despite all our efforts at community service and philanthropy. People often ignore such positives and only focus on the negatives. *Sigh* Oh well, such is the nature of the beast in the Greek system.
Moving right along, it's time for today's installment of "heard on a Madison street." I was walking to class today (on the sidewalk, actually) and was only able to pick up this snippet of a conversation between two girls before they walked past me and were out of earshot:
He is without a doubt one of my favorite comedians of all time. Right up there with Mitch Hedberg. Don't know who Mitch is? Then watch this for some highlights. Now if only he hadn't died from a drug overdose -- not that you can tell he was on the sauce in his stand-up or anything...
Went to see Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan last night with the veritable 'goon squad' of 8 guys at Marcus Cinema in West Towne. My thoughts? I liked it. Maybe its just because I haven't actually gone out to watch a movie at the theatres since V for Vendetta opened over the summer (amazing movie, but its tough to justify spending $8.00 on a movie when you're on a limited budget, not to mention the fact that I don't have a car at school, so transportation is reliant on my roommates a
nd their schedules), but I was genuinely entertained for almost the entirety of the relatively short hour and 20 minute running time. In fact, during some parts, I've never laughed so hard in a long time. There's just something completely absurd about Cohen's performance as an immigrant and his complete and utter flagrant disregard for cultural norms. He knows how to challenge them to high comedic effect. Still, during some parts of the movie (such as at the rodeo in the deep south where a cowboy expresses his hatred for gays and promotes hanging them, or during the Pentecostal church scene, or as Borat meets a group of Chi Psi stereotypical 'frat boys' from the University of South Carolina who actually believe we should have slavery again) his challenges or societal norms becomes all too real. After all, these are real people being filmed in the movie, and they actually believe what they are saying. As my friend pointed out, that in and of itself is scary and disconcerting, to say the least. Still, who can stifle a laugh as Borat wanders New York and Hollywood streets (and everywhere in-between), hitting on feminists, challenging perceived gypsies, inviting African-American prostitutes over to a lavish southern estate, and running naked through posh hotels? For my money, comedy doesn't get much more low-brow than that, but who wants to be forced to think about movies (and especially comedy) all the time? Sometimes its nice to get away from the kinds of films I'm watching in my independent film class. A breath of fresh air, if you will.
Lastly, an update on my musical tastes. Most of you don't care, so you can stop reading now. But for those who do (or share my taste in music), read on, brave soul. On my iPod and iTunes right now:
Inkwell - "Ecuador is Lovely This Time of Year" -- found on the NHL '07 soundtrack. 'Nuff said.
Third Eye Blind - "Can't Get Away," "Forget Myself," and "Tatoo of the Sun" -- all old songs, but I found them o
n a newly released compilation album the band released
Tenacious D - "Pick of Destiny" -- just plain rocks (Kyle Gass and Jack Black, at left). Their new movie is coming out too, but there's no way it'll be good. Again, just not worth $8.00 when there are things like DVDs, video-on-demand, TiVo, and premium movie channels in existence.
Jimmy Eat World - "disintegration" -- possibly one of the best "jewels" of obscure songs by bands I absolutely love that I have found in awhile. Its off a new EP they just came out with (album art for it pictured below) that has a bunch of tracks that didn't make it onto Futures. I mean, I just love the drums and slow, wailing singing on it, not to mention the lyrics and the repeated 'Lie, lie, better next time, stay on my side tonight' at the end. I mean, just read these lyrics:
Channel 3000 Story
Badger Herald follow-up News Story
Wisconsin State Journal News Story
Not much to comment about them -- its all mostly been said before in my previous post. Although the one comment on the Herald story did get my blood boiling. To insinuate that a group of men cannot take even one day off from drinking and that all fraternity guys are immature, asshole rapists is frustrating, to say the least. Unfortunately its a sentiment we are subjected to all too often -- both in the media and in personal interactions. This even despite all our efforts at community service and philanthropy. People often ignore such positives and only focus on the negatives. *Sigh* Oh well, such is the nature of the beast in the Greek system.
Moving right along, it's time for today's installment of "heard on a Madison street." I was walking to class today (on the sidewalk, actually) and was only able to pick up this snippet of a conversation between two girls before they walked past me and were out of earshot:
Girl: "...me and my illegitimate mechanical love child..."Now, honestly, what in the hell could she have been talking about?!?! In what context do those 6 words ever make sense? Try as I might, FOR THE ENTIRE REST OF THE DAY IN FACT, I just couldn't imagine a scenario where a conversation would develop to that point. Seriously. I sat in my geography class for an hour and 15 minutes afterward (still taking notes but otherwise not paying much attention, I'm taking it pass-fail) trying to come to grips with a legit situation where someone could utter that. It reminded me of this Lewis Black sketch.
He is without a doubt one of my favorite comedians of all time. Right up there with Mitch Hedberg. Don't know who Mitch is? Then watch this for some highlights. Now if only he hadn't died from a drug overdose -- not that you can tell he was on the sauce in his stand-up or anything...
Went to see Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan last night with the veritable 'goon squad' of 8 guys at Marcus Cinema in West Towne. My thoughts? I liked it. Maybe its just because I haven't actually gone out to watch a movie at the theatres since V for Vendetta opened over the summer (amazing movie, but its tough to justify spending $8.00 on a movie when you're on a limited budget, not to mention the fact that I don't have a car at school, so transportation is reliant on my roommates a
nd their schedules), but I was genuinely entertained for almost the entirety of the relatively short hour and 20 minute running time. In fact, during some parts, I've never laughed so hard in a long time. There's just something completely absurd about Cohen's performance as an immigrant and his complete and utter flagrant disregard for cultural norms. He knows how to challenge them to high comedic effect. Still, during some parts of the movie (such as at the rodeo in the deep south where a cowboy expresses his hatred for gays and promotes hanging them, or during the Pentecostal church scene, or as Borat meets a group of Chi Psi stereotypical 'frat boys' from the University of South Carolina who actually believe we should have slavery again) his challenges or societal norms becomes all too real. After all, these are real people being filmed in the movie, and they actually believe what they are saying. As my friend pointed out, that in and of itself is scary and disconcerting, to say the least. Still, who can stifle a laugh as Borat wanders New York and Hollywood streets (and everywhere in-between), hitting on feminists, challenging perceived gypsies, inviting African-American prostitutes over to a lavish southern estate, and running naked through posh hotels? For my money, comedy doesn't get much more low-brow than that, but who wants to be forced to think about movies (and especially comedy) all the time? Sometimes its nice to get away from the kinds of films I'm watching in my independent film class. A breath of fresh air, if you will.Lastly, an update on my musical tastes. Most of you don't care, so you can stop reading now. But for those who do (or share my taste in music), read on, brave soul. On my iPod and iTunes right now:
Inkwell - "Ecuador is Lovely This Time of Year" -- found on the NHL '07 soundtrack. 'Nuff said.
Third Eye Blind - "Can't Get Away," "Forget Myself," and "Tatoo of the Sun" -- all old songs, but I found them o
n a newly released compilation album the band releasedTenacious D - "Pick of Destiny" -- just plain rocks (Kyle Gass and Jack Black, at left). Their new movie is coming out too, but there's no way it'll be good. Again, just not worth $8.00 when there are things like DVDs, video-on-demand, TiVo, and premium movie channels in existence.
Jimmy Eat World - "disintegration" -- possibly one of the best "jewels" of obscure songs by bands I absolutely love that I have found in awhile. Its off a new EP they just came out with (album art for it pictured below) that has a bunch of tracks that didn't make it onto Futures. I mean, I just love the drums and slow, wailing singing on it, not to mention the lyrics and the repeated 'Lie, lie, better next time, stay on my side tonight' at the end. I mean, just read these lyrics:
I've spent my last nights, Strung up and pulled tightDo yourself a favor and buy the song or download it ASAP if you like Jimmy Eat World. If not, well, you just suck. That's all for tonight. I apologize to those who are still expecting my politically charged ramblings about Tuesday's election results (both pro and con). I wanted to post it tonight, but didn't want to do so before all of the returns were in and we knew whether the dems had gained control of the senate as well as the house (lofty dreams, methinks). Look for it tomorrow night, hopefully. Needless to say, I am pleased for the most part, but the results of the gay marriage referendum deeply trouble me and make me extremely disenfranchised with our state. So, until then, keep on keepin' on.
Holding out, sleep and grow
An answer comes without a please: 'Do what you want'
Chorus:
Wonder why I'm so caught off guard when we kiss?
Rather live my life in regret then do this
What happened to the love we both knew, we both chased?
Hanging on a cigarette, you need me, You burn me, you'll burn me
Hushed with a finger, Don't say you'll never when you might
Or just another time
This poison comes instruction free, Do what you want, but I'm drinking
Lie, lie, better next time, stay on my side tonight
posted by Lank-Sauce at 1:37 AM
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