cold emphasis: 7/19/09

Friday, July 24, 2009

We're Gonna Need a Bigger Blog

This HD is killing me. Again, the video is too wide for this blog. This is what I pictured in my mind before I went to the supposedly awesome Boston aquarium years and years ago. This is NOT what the Boston Aquarium is like:

The video is here.

U Can't Touch Vader

What I really want to know is what happened AFTER this little number? Was this part of an extended performance? A guided tour? A battle re-enactment?

Total Eclipse of the Sun

There was a total eclipse of the sun a couple of days ago, visible only in asia, and fortunately, their camera technology has advanced beyond my iPhone. Since the video is too huge and awesome for my narrow little blog, you'll have to follow the link.

And what about our comptroller?

The latest news is that the Naked cowboy is running for mayor of New York.

"No one knows how to do more with less than yours truly, and that's the kind of thinking I plan on sharing with my fellow New Yorkers when you elect me," said Robert Burck, announcing his bid to run against Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

I'm sure that Michael Bloomberg is actually very happy that the Naked Cowboy's candidacy may cut into Reverend Billy's support base; nobody knows what William Thompson thinks about this development, though he will only find it even harder to get in a word edgewise, running against a billionaire, a street preacher, and a cowboy in his underpants.

Turns out, the Cowboy has some political roots.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Some Words from Woody Guthrie

So I've been away a little while (I'll post a photo of the kidney stone soon). Here is a letter from Woody Guthrie to the Library of Congress. Note the return address in the upper right:

Some things that I saw, heard, felt, went to, or did recently (and maybe you should check out, too)

Victoire has put out an EP (A Door Into the Dark) over at eMusic. You can only get it at eMusic for now. Their review:
The band's combination of chittering electronics, found sound and repetitive string and woodwind lines eloquently conjures how it feels to helplessly grope for words that don't exist to describe disquiet we can't place, how it feels to be left alone with only the colors of our own thoughts for company.
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Gomorrah, a new film (in the U.S. at least) by Matteo Garrone.
This is playing at the IFC Center in New York. I think its been a hit there, so it may play in other cities. As well it should.

It is worth watching the film just to see some of the settings (like the ruined concrete ziggurat-like housing projects) and puzzle over them (there were so many times when I was pleasantly at a loss to grasp what was happening in the background of some scenes).

Go and see it if you can.
If you need more prodding, here is the review that tipped me off to the film in the first place.

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David Byrne at Radio City Music Hall.
I thought it was great: he's still got it, and Radio City is an incredible space (I am a sucker for red velvet walls and gold trim, and I don't like using "restrooms" - I prefer "Lounges").

The New York Times didn't seem to like it, but David Byrne doesn't care. If you missed the show, then you should at least check out his site; he keeps an interesting journal of his thoughts, his bicycling adventures, and his world travels.

cold emphasis