Another productive Friday night here in Midtown, spent endlessly uploading the spoils of DCI's spanking new video download service onto my iPod Touch, half listening to CNBC in the background, and stumbling from link to link like some deranged sherpa ... don't judge, lest we talk about your peccadilloes.
I thought so.
But I did find something in all that madness that made me laugh really, really hard. Of all things, it's a video game reviewer from Australia. Bear with me now, this actually goes somewhere:
It's not that I am a video game addict or fanboy of any particular console/franchise/platform. (Complete disclosure: my personal XBox library consists of Halo, Halo 2, and The Simpsons: Road Rage) I am, however, something of a tech geek, and so I browse in the same circles as people for whom the Halo novels are akin to the bleeding Silmarillion. Through this odd cross-pollination, though, came my exposure to some of the most wickedly funny journalism I have ever seen. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to watch.
Zero Punctuation reviews Guitar Hero III
Note: NSFW at all. Not even a little.
This particular review is made that much more acutely funny by the fact I have actually played Guitar Hero II in the past (the kids love to bring in their PS2's and play the game through the band hall sound system during finals week). My skill goes beyond terrible, admittedly. Though I throw down on YYZ on easy. I know Jim Bonney would be proud... kind of.
My personal favorite aside I have heard him use (not in this review) is that someone has been bound and "beaten about the head by a bat of frozen stupid." All with that acerbic British accent. Hilarious.
Anyway, off to bed so I can be well rested (read: not nodding off during) the TBA clinic I am going to tomorrow. For someone who loves learning, I am such a terrible student.
Oh well - take care. Adios!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cloverfield
I was never really much for Godzilla growing up. Sure, I thought the horrendous dubbing on the movies themselves was good for a laugh, but the production quality just wasn't up to the stratospheric standards Star Wars, Aliens, and Star Trek had established for my 12-year-old palette. As with most childhood prejudices, this one stuck around and I gladly avoided the box-office bomb that was 1998's Godzilla re-make. Just watching clips is enough to affirm that as a good call.
But when I began hearing rumblings in the fall of a JJ Abrams produced movie (then labeled "1-18-08") my interest was piqued. Sarah and I both are fans of Lost, and I was a little late to the game for Alias, but really liked what I saw - so Abrams producing a horror-type-movie sounded pretty interesting. Fast-forward to the present, and I must say that Cloverfield definitely lived up to its hype. Art-film it isn't, and it certainly didnt' have as deep an impact on me as Requiem for a Dream or Kids, but it's a good horror/sci-fi thriller done in an innovative fashion. It takes what was done with Blair Witch and moves it into a whole new realm of possibility. I think this guy said it all very well.
Anyway, off to the wedding venue today to firm up a date and put lots of money in their pockets. After that - more score study, lesson planning, and pretty cool TV. Great day off! Have a good one!
But when I began hearing rumblings in the fall of a JJ Abrams produced movie (then labeled "1-18-08") my interest was piqued. Sarah and I both are fans of Lost, and I was a little late to the game for Alias, but really liked what I saw - so Abrams producing a horror-type-movie sounded pretty interesting. Fast-forward to the present, and I must say that Cloverfield definitely lived up to its hype. Art-film it isn't, and it certainly didnt' have as deep an impact on me as Requiem for a Dream or Kids, but it's a good horror/sci-fi thriller done in an innovative fashion. It takes what was done with Blair Witch and moves it into a whole new realm of possibility. I think this guy said it all very well.
Anyway, off to the wedding venue today to firm up a date and put lots of money in their pockets. After that - more score study, lesson planning, and pretty cool TV. Great day off! Have a good one!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Cerluean Skies
Back in glorious, muggy, congested Houston.
Area was good - none of our students advanced to State, but we are in a pretty competitive Area. They all performed well, as well as identified the weaknesses in their personal auditions - which is successful in its own right, I think.
Currently I am taking a short break from a great documentary I rented tonight (since the better half is away at a wedding, I can indulge these guilty pleasures) - The Sketches of Frank Gehry. If you are at all interested in creative people, the creative process, or just Frank's buildings - go pour yourself a scotch (or beverage of your choice), sit back, and enjoy. It is completely spell-binding just to watch someone that amazing at their craft at work. In addition to that, it's chock-full of architecture porn, which I am shameless addict of.
Guggenheim Bilbao, i think.
Also, as I type this, I am listening to Maria Schneider's newest album Sky Blue. I have been a huge fan of hers since my friend Andy Waldukat turned me on to Hang-gliding several years ago, and this album easily an equal to Allegresse. Wonderful music to completely chill out to - she is just an amazing artist. And she's smokin' hot, to boot.
A good evening, all-in-all.
Adios!
Area was good - none of our students advanced to State, but we are in a pretty competitive Area. They all performed well, as well as identified the weaknesses in their personal auditions - which is successful in its own right, I think.
Currently I am taking a short break from a great documentary I rented tonight (since the better half is away at a wedding, I can indulge these guilty pleasures) - The Sketches of Frank Gehry. If you are at all interested in creative people, the creative process, or just Frank's buildings - go pour yourself a scotch (or beverage of your choice), sit back, and enjoy. It is completely spell-binding just to watch someone that amazing at their craft at work. In addition to that, it's chock-full of architecture porn, which I am shameless addict of.
Guggenheim Bilbao, i think.Also, as I type this, I am listening to Maria Schneider's newest album Sky Blue. I have been a huge fan of hers since my friend Andy Waldukat turned me on to Hang-gliding several years ago, and this album easily an equal to Allegresse. Wonderful music to completely chill out to - she is just an amazing artist. And she's smokin' hot, to boot.
A good evening, all-in-all.
Adios!
Friday, January 4, 2008
SETI in SATX
I can think of better ways to round out Christmas break than judging the Area E Band auditions tomorrow, but it's part of the job. Not the most glamorous part, but a part nonetheless.
I do get to stay in a hotel on the district's dime, though.
There is something to be said for clean sheets, continental breakfast, and free wi-fi. While no Hyatt Regency (the one I stayed at in Chicago was amazing), it's alright.
If the entry title confused you, SATX is a common abbreviation for San Antonio TeXas (liberally borrowed from Montoya), and SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) is in reference to this great short story I came across whilst winding down tonight:
http://www.terrybisson.com/meat.html
I had heard of Terry before, but never read anything by him. Excellent story.
Found via StumbleUpon
Off to bed now - adios!
I do get to stay in a hotel on the district's dime, though.
There is something to be said for clean sheets, continental breakfast, and free wi-fi. While no Hyatt Regency (the one I stayed at in Chicago was amazing), it's alright.
If the entry title confused you, SATX is a common abbreviation for San Antonio TeXas (liberally borrowed from Montoya), and SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) is in reference to this great short story I came across whilst winding down tonight:
http://www.terrybisson.com/meat.html
I had heard of Terry before, but never read anything by him. Excellent story.
Found via StumbleUpon
Off to bed now - adios!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
I neglect this thing way too much. Sorry about that.
Things have been decidedly hectic the past few... well, months. Starting school later really backed up so many events that, in the past, have seemed a little more well-spaced. Making it to the 4th round of football playoffs (while admittedly a cool thing) probably added to that a bit.
Well, more than a bit - but I digress.
Some cool things that have occurred in my absence are...
... Waller HS qualified for and competed in the school's first ever State Marching Contest. The kids performed better than anyone expected them to (especially considering their grueling schedule in the days leading up to the performance - BOA San Antonio and quite a bit of rehearsal) and they had a great, great time of things. Loooong days, traveling back and forth to San Antonio, but I think everyone went home a tad tired but happy. Video embed below:
... Shortly after that, I decided to take my only semi-free weekend in November, plan out an elaborate scheme, place clues across Midtown Houston, get down on one knee, and propose to Sarah. She said yes.
... Sarah and I made our way up to Indianapolis to check out BOA Grand National Championships. Great performances, great seeing old friends, and hanging out in a pretty hip city (even if it is cold as hell...)
... Thanksgiving was great - spent with Sarah and her family. Food was awesome, just having a break was pretty amazing... only marred by a very, very cold playoff game. (I am a northerner, and this was cold).
... December was a good month - concerts galore, Cavaliers auditions, Region Band auditions, more playoff football, Spring band auditions... atop Christmas shopping! Oy vey...
... Attended Midwest (sadly, sans Sarah). It was wonderful to see some old friends, make some new ones, get a scolding from one of this blog's two readers, and just generally recharge. Big congrats to Steven Bryant on Radiant Joy being awarded the NBA/Revelli Award - kudos! Marcus HS and Harrison HS stand out as absolutely great performances, and huge props to Michigan State's Wind Ensemble for an excellent performance (and interpretation) of Newman's As the scent of spring rain... (Which stood up very well against its equally well-performed pyrotechnic program predecessor Slalom) Sadly, I do not think I will have the chance to go back next year - as Midwest falls a little too close for comfort to the wedding.
... Break was great - flew home to PA for Christmas. Sarah came up to join us from Cincy shortly after. Tried to take advantage of the no-sales-tax-on-clothing bonus of shopping in PA, but $400.00 for a tux is a little more than I had bargained for. Keep saving the pennies, I guess!
Seeing the family is great - never really get to do it as often as I would like, but that's the price of living where there are two seasons to pick from (hot and slightly chilly). As you can see, we attempted to pack in quite a few activities beyond the normal Christmas fare:
The Meals children, circa Christmas morn 2007. That's Loo in the middle. Don't ask about his name, there are only a few who would understand its origins or meaning.
My parents held a "Meet Sarah Dinner" while she was in town. My friends Brenna and Mark stopped by to give their approval and visit.
My parents took us up to the Presque Isle Downs... not nearly as cool as some other casinos that I have seen blogged about, but Sarah plays a mean nickel slot. I think we were up $30.00 at one point... only to lose it all. Sadly.
Things have been decidedly hectic the past few... well, months. Starting school later really backed up so many events that, in the past, have seemed a little more well-spaced. Making it to the 4th round of football playoffs (while admittedly a cool thing) probably added to that a bit.
Well, more than a bit - but I digress.
Some cool things that have occurred in my absence are...
... Waller HS qualified for and competed in the school's first ever State Marching Contest. The kids performed better than anyone expected them to (especially considering their grueling schedule in the days leading up to the performance - BOA San Antonio and quite a bit of rehearsal) and they had a great, great time of things. Loooong days, traveling back and forth to San Antonio, but I think everyone went home a tad tired but happy. Video embed below:
... Shortly after that, I decided to take my only semi-free weekend in November, plan out an elaborate scheme, place clues across Midtown Houston, get down on one knee, and propose to Sarah. She said yes.
... Sarah and I made our way up to Indianapolis to check out BOA Grand National Championships. Great performances, great seeing old friends, and hanging out in a pretty hip city (even if it is cold as hell...)
... Thanksgiving was great - spent with Sarah and her family. Food was awesome, just having a break was pretty amazing... only marred by a very, very cold playoff game. (I am a northerner, and this was cold).
... December was a good month - concerts galore, Cavaliers auditions, Region Band auditions, more playoff football, Spring band auditions... atop Christmas shopping! Oy vey...
... Attended Midwest (sadly, sans Sarah). It was wonderful to see some old friends, make some new ones, get a scolding from one of this blog's two readers, and just generally recharge. Big congrats to Steven Bryant on Radiant Joy being awarded the NBA/Revelli Award - kudos! Marcus HS and Harrison HS stand out as absolutely great performances, and huge props to Michigan State's Wind Ensemble for an excellent performance (and interpretation) of Newman's As the scent of spring rain... (Which stood up very well against its equally well-performed pyrotechnic program predecessor Slalom) Sadly, I do not think I will have the chance to go back next year - as Midwest falls a little too close for comfort to the wedding.
... Break was great - flew home to PA for Christmas. Sarah came up to join us from Cincy shortly after. Tried to take advantage of the no-sales-tax-on-clothing bonus of shopping in PA, but $400.00 for a tux is a little more than I had bargained for. Keep saving the pennies, I guess!
Seeing the family is great - never really get to do it as often as I would like, but that's the price of living where there are two seasons to pick from (hot and slightly chilly). As you can see, we attempted to pack in quite a few activities beyond the normal Christmas fare:
The Meals children, circa Christmas morn 2007. That's Loo in the middle. Don't ask about his name, there are only a few who would understand its origins or meaning. 
My parents held a "Meet Sarah Dinner" while she was in town. My friends Brenna and Mark stopped by to give their approval and visit. 
My parents took us up to the Presque Isle Downs... not nearly as cool as some other casinos that I have seen blogged about, but Sarah plays a mean nickel slot. I think we were up $30.00 at one point... only to lose it all. Sadly.So that's been the goings-on of late here. Definitely looking forward to 2008 - the band will be fun this semester. Having my weekends back (to an extent) will be nice, too!
Also, very glad that some things on the national stage are looking up.
Lastly, keep Kenya in your thoughts and prayers - one of Sarah's good friends is there with the Peace Corps, and things are not going so well for them. Light a candle or two...
Also, very glad that some things on the national stage are looking up.
Lastly, keep Kenya in your thoughts and prayers - one of Sarah's good friends is there with the Peace Corps, and things are not going so well for them. Light a candle or two...
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