There's lotsa undesirable types in the world: racists, sexists, homophobes, xenophobes. There's murderers, rapists, pedophiles, drug abusers, inveterate woman beaters.
The shelves that hold my CDs, DVDs and books contain works of art made by a variety of undesirable types. If Michael Jackson did in fact molest young boys--and it's amazing how many people are convinced that it is a fact, how they seem to want it to be a fact--then his albums remain a part of my rotation. I can no more get rid of it then trash books by Burroughs, music by Miles, or films by Polanski.
There's art. There's the artist. Inextricably linked? To my mind, no.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Sorry I Been Away, Ay!
Book is killin' it right now.
Reviews are implying that Larry David as directed by Woody Allen is just way too much Hebrew neurosis. Next time, Woody, use Don Rickles.
So Boo-Boo makes it and Shaggy doesn't? That scraggly stoner always got on my nerves.
If the Nats had swept the series, the Yankees would have been relocated to New Jersey. As a DC baseball fan, that made my entire year. I am officially uninterested in the remainder of the baseball season.
Reviews are implying that Larry David as directed by Woody Allen is just way too much Hebrew neurosis. Next time, Woody, use Don Rickles.
So Boo-Boo makes it and Shaggy doesn't? That scraggly stoner always got on my nerves.
If the Nats had swept the series, the Yankees would have been relocated to New Jersey. As a DC baseball fan, that made my entire year. I am officially uninterested in the remainder of the baseball season.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
After an Eternity
Record sales are like the old gray mare, but damn it's nice to see Sonic Youth's new album debut in the top 20. The first weeks sales of 19,000 even improve over their last album, 2006's Rather Ripped, by two grand.
Nothing will quell your happiness and sense of justice served quite like seeing Black Eyed Peas at number one, though.
Nothing will quell your happiness and sense of justice served quite like seeing Black Eyed Peas at number one, though.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Golden Boy
Gary Bettman must be very happy. Not only did his pet Sidney Crosby win a Stanley Cup, but he's taking Lebron James lessons in sportsmanship.
Favorite quote:
"Nobody respects the traditions of hockey more than Sidney Crosby," team vice president Tom McMillan said.
Understand that? No one. On Earth. Gordie Howe? No. Wayne Gretzky? No. Bobby Orr? When it comes to the grand traditions of the grandest game, Bobby Orr is lookin' out for Ray Bolger!
Favorite quote:
"Nobody respects the traditions of hockey more than Sidney Crosby," team vice president Tom McMillan said.
Understand that? No one. On Earth. Gordie Howe? No. Wayne Gretzky? No. Bobby Orr? When it comes to the grand traditions of the grandest game, Bobby Orr is lookin' out for Ray Bolger!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A No Setlist Update
I've found an online publisher and am now using Microsoft Word to transfer and modify (appearance only, not the actual text...I have to live with that) my manuscript. Afterwards, I'll create the cover using the provided template and collage photo by one Patrick S.
To elucidate: I've seen 40 Sonic Youth shows since 1998. This book is a journal of those shows and times.
To give you a little insight, here are the page counts of my chapters so far:
ABOARD A LEAKY VESSEL--20 pages
THIS EXPERIENCE BLUE--8 pages
SCENE--5 pages
SHE'S ILLIN'--6 pages
BANANAFISH--6 pages
SO LONG SUCCOR--3 pages
HOT DOGS AND COOL SHEEP--11 pages
NATTY BOHS AND RATTY CLOTHES--6 pages
NOT EXACTLY HUMAN--5 pages
ON DISPLAY NOW--4 pages
PUNCH N TARTS--11 pages
MY MOM THE MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST--3 pages
IGNOBLE CHATS--8 pages
STANDING AND STINKING--10 pages
THE OVERWHELMED UNDERGROUND--24 pages
EVERYBODY'S SWEATIN' AT ME--7 pages
THE FLYING ACE VS. THE 9:30 CLUB--12 pages
KILL TIME--45 pages (damn near a novella)
RARING ROCK--4 pages
LOVE SICK--8 pages
PIPELINE--15 pages
REBOARDING A LEAKY VESSEL--12 pages
YES SETLIST--4 pages
A DAY AT THE FACTORY--4 pages
THE LUCK OF DIRT--6 pages
So that's 247 pages so far...it looks like this will go between 300-320. Fucking coolness.
To elucidate: I've seen 40 Sonic Youth shows since 1998. This book is a journal of those shows and times.
To give you a little insight, here are the page counts of my chapters so far:
ABOARD A LEAKY VESSEL--20 pages
THIS EXPERIENCE BLUE--8 pages
SCENE--5 pages
SHE'S ILLIN'--6 pages
BANANAFISH--6 pages
SO LONG SUCCOR--3 pages
HOT DOGS AND COOL SHEEP--11 pages
NATTY BOHS AND RATTY CLOTHES--6 pages
NOT EXACTLY HUMAN--5 pages
ON DISPLAY NOW--4 pages
PUNCH N TARTS--11 pages
MY MOM THE MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST--3 pages
IGNOBLE CHATS--8 pages
STANDING AND STINKING--10 pages
THE OVERWHELMED UNDERGROUND--24 pages
EVERYBODY'S SWEATIN' AT ME--7 pages
THE FLYING ACE VS. THE 9:30 CLUB--12 pages
KILL TIME--45 pages (damn near a novella)
RARING ROCK--4 pages
LOVE SICK--8 pages
PIPELINE--15 pages
REBOARDING A LEAKY VESSEL--12 pages
YES SETLIST--4 pages
A DAY AT THE FACTORY--4 pages
THE LUCK OF DIRT--6 pages
So that's 247 pages so far...it looks like this will go between 300-320. Fucking coolness.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Fantastic Friday
Penguins win the Stanley Cup (God save us) and unrelated to, kids are setting off firecrackers just outside my house. Meanwhile I'm trying to do meaningful things with words. Little shits.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A "No Hosea" Zone
The beauty of Bravo's new "Top Chef: Masters" is that the participants are head to toe boss. Rick Bayless. Wylie Dufresne. Art Smith. No one taking part is a weak link anywhere by any standard. This is one brilliant detour from the usual TC formula.
The other sublime twist is that with businesses to run and brands to sustain, these guys and gals can't afford to be sequestered in a condo. So each week four chefs battle it out, with one winner earning a spot in the finals.
This should be "Top Chef" as the fans really truly desire. Top notch food and food technique; genuine personalities (they've already reached the peak of their profession, no need to Danny Gagnon it up); and best of all, no retarded internecine romances.
The other sublime twist is that with businesses to run and brands to sustain, these guys and gals can't afford to be sequestered in a condo. So each week four chefs battle it out, with one winner earning a spot in the finals.
This should be "Top Chef" as the fans really truly desire. Top notch food and food technique; genuine personalities (they've already reached the peak of their profession, no need to Danny Gagnon it up); and best of all, no retarded internecine romances.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. You Can 6.8 MY ASS
Lassie is not timeless. Timmy's been outta that ravine for awhile now.
Apparently there is a Snoopy reference in the new "Land of the Lost" flick. Still won't be watching it.
Dance...Snoopy wonderland.
CVS is like a go-to spot for Snoopy. Five decades of the dog? Sounds very cool.
To answer your question...Vision Creation Newsun by Boredoms.
Read it. And this too.
Apparently there is a Snoopy reference in the new "Land of the Lost" flick. Still won't be watching it.
Dance...Snoopy wonderland.
CVS is like a go-to spot for Snoopy. Five decades of the dog? Sounds very cool.
To answer your question...Vision Creation Newsun by Boredoms.
Read it. And this too.
Friday, June 5, 2009
S.I.P.
Short for, "Snoopy Inventory Project". Before I leave for Montgomery County, my oldest sister and myself will be making an inventory of all my beagle goods for insurance purposes. As of now, my delights are all boxed up. Once I make my new home, they'll be on fabulous display.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Beatles Rock Band
In case you had any lingering doubts, the trailer is out, and yeah, this game is going to boot some ass.
Patrick dared imagine a similar career-spanning Sonic Youth game. Can you imagine the custom drumstick for the custom Drifter?
Patrick dared imagine a similar career-spanning Sonic Youth game. Can you imagine the custom drumstick for the custom Drifter?
Monday, June 1, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. More Genius
It can't end up much worse than the local student art exhibits hosted by the Washington County Museum of Art.
I like that dude felt he had to explain who Charlie Brown is.
A Saints fan reflects on the pain. And then another one? Straight spooky status.
Lets go Wings. Oh wait, they already are. HA.
In defense of Snoopy. And it links to new Archie Comics developments, making me nostalgic for the considerable collection I once had of the gang from Riverdale.
Is Cleveland the Charlie Brown of cities?
It's hero time.
I like that dude felt he had to explain who Charlie Brown is.
A Saints fan reflects on the pain. And then another one? Straight spooky status.
Lets go Wings. Oh wait, they already are. HA.
In defense of Snoopy. And it links to new Archie Comics developments, making me nostalgic for the considerable collection I once had of the gang from Riverdale.
Is Cleveland the Charlie Brown of cities?
It's hero time.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Live Blogging SY at Primavera Sound Festival
Thanks to WFMU's stream. They are a rare gem.
First hipped to this via the SYG, via one of my favorite people on there, then reminded a few hours later via Dave Markey's Facebook. The Internet helps us play.
The WFMU guys give us all the play-by-play as the band steps onstage. NPR wouldn't do that shit. They'd say Corin Tucker's son was a girl. Which they did. Apparently Corin had a daughter last year though, so it's all to the goodness.
--"Amish Heat", I mean "Brother James"! Steve is high in the mix. Thank Godfrey Jones. Kim just fucking showed every woman who steps in front of a microphone how to tear shit up, including the throat. Goddess.
--These pauses are fucking hot!
--Oh shit, I hear "Sacred Trickster" strumming. It must suck to be an SY fan at these festivals. Too many people, who stink, and the band is still working out the kinks. For these guys though, it's kinda doesn't suck, 'cause Kim just destroyed the planet Venus. I'll miss it.
--"Hey Joni", yes, of all DDN tracks to keep in the setlist, this was a brilliant choice. The new "Eric's Trip"? I sure hope so.
"K-k-k-kick it!" July hurry up. Please. Fuck Christmas.
What year is it really, dude? 2009. Sonic Youth are still so vital it hurts.
--"No Way". I still like it better on record. I remember seeing it in Brooklyn last year, and thinking it was a nice track, could definitely hear the Greg Sage-icity on it. Lee on the chorus with T-bone.
--"Calming the Snake". Also saw this in Brooklyn, and was far more impressed. No idea why they put the echo effect on Kim's vocals on the record. Well for the "chorus" yeah, it works, but totally unnecessary for the verses.
--Lee just put his "Delay King" crown atop his grey head and we go into "Antenna", probably my favorite off The Eternal. A little of the delicacy is lost live. Lee and Thurston sounding good together. Not like when they did "Unwind" live. I don't know what the hell was going on back then.
You know, if I wanted delicacy in my concerts I'd go see Moldy Peaches or some crap.
Lee is outta control.
--I didn't want the intro for "The Sprawl" to end, except I did, 'cause you know. They had the whole rest of the song. Those were the only parts that turned me on.
--"'Cross the Breeze". Sorry I'm not saying much, but I am at an utter loss when listening to beauty such as this. Such as them.
--"Once in a while, the guitars go out of tune."
Greenlight just posted the setlist on SYG. Kills the drama, but the dramas overrated.
"Anti-Orgasm" now and the hummingbird morse code "UH"s sound bliss.
Somebody just fucked up HARD. That whole second verse was anti-climax.
--"Leaky Lifeboat". Love the title, love the song, love Corso. I always called my body a "leaky vessel" after that phrase.
La la la la Thurston's jet-lagged.
Kim is the only one at this point. There she goes. Thurston, it's called DEVOTION, my dude. It's a lotion that Mark Mothersbaugh produces, USE IT ALL OVER YO' BODY.
--Lee's finest moment on the newie, finally. (And no, it's not "Walkin' Blue".)
No Kim on the chorus? Oh come on. I know she didn't sound ideal during the "Jools Holland" performance, oh here she is. Sounding better.
Lee just kinda mumbled that last bit. Haha, remember when Carrie Brownstein would just wing it during "Words and Guitar" at the last ever SK East Coast show? Haha, I'm bringing up Sleater Kinney 'cause that was a great show and they should come back 'cause music is 56% suckier without them. Resurrect the fucking Spells at least!
--Thurston is about to pass out. Was that "fuck for honesty"? I hope so. They've played "Tom Violence" 900 times and dude's blanking! Oh well.
--"Pink Steam" is interesting to bring back out. I'm on record as loving this song, and I do...'till Thurston starts in with that "lovely lover" shit. He won't forget these lyrics, trust. The instrumental passages though? Shiiiiiiit.
Wow, I don't recall "PS" being so...brash before. Thumbs skyward.
--Kim Gordon is ready to pounce someone. Thurston better hope it's him.
--Neil Young didn't give WFMU permission to broadcast his shit? What, you're better than them? You ain't even better than David Crosby, per Jim O'Rourke.
--Naomi just texted me. Just in time for "Bull in the Heather"!
--And now we're talking during "Expressway". Jealous much, bitch?
First hipped to this via the SYG, via one of my favorite people on there, then reminded a few hours later via Dave Markey's Facebook. The Internet helps us play.
The WFMU guys give us all the play-by-play as the band steps onstage. NPR wouldn't do that shit. They'd say Corin Tucker's son was a girl. Which they did. Apparently Corin had a daughter last year though, so it's all to the goodness.
--"Amish Heat", I mean "Brother James"! Steve is high in the mix. Thank Godfrey Jones. Kim just fucking showed every woman who steps in front of a microphone how to tear shit up, including the throat. Goddess.
--These pauses are fucking hot!
--Oh shit, I hear "Sacred Trickster" strumming. It must suck to be an SY fan at these festivals. Too many people, who stink, and the band is still working out the kinks. For these guys though, it's kinda doesn't suck, 'cause Kim just destroyed the planet Venus. I'll miss it.
--"Hey Joni", yes, of all DDN tracks to keep in the setlist, this was a brilliant choice. The new "Eric's Trip"? I sure hope so.
"K-k-k-kick it!" July hurry up. Please. Fuck Christmas.
What year is it really, dude? 2009. Sonic Youth are still so vital it hurts.
--"No Way". I still like it better on record. I remember seeing it in Brooklyn last year, and thinking it was a nice track, could definitely hear the Greg Sage-icity on it. Lee on the chorus with T-bone.
--"Calming the Snake". Also saw this in Brooklyn, and was far more impressed. No idea why they put the echo effect on Kim's vocals on the record. Well for the "chorus" yeah, it works, but totally unnecessary for the verses.
--Lee just put his "Delay King" crown atop his grey head and we go into "Antenna", probably my favorite off The Eternal. A little of the delicacy is lost live. Lee and Thurston sounding good together. Not like when they did "Unwind" live. I don't know what the hell was going on back then.
You know, if I wanted delicacy in my concerts I'd go see Moldy Peaches or some crap.
Lee is outta control.
--I didn't want the intro for "The Sprawl" to end, except I did, 'cause you know. They had the whole rest of the song. Those were the only parts that turned me on.
--"'Cross the Breeze". Sorry I'm not saying much, but I am at an utter loss when listening to beauty such as this. Such as them.
--"Once in a while, the guitars go out of tune."
Greenlight just posted the setlist on SYG. Kills the drama, but the dramas overrated.
"Anti-Orgasm" now and the hummingbird morse code "UH"s sound bliss.
Somebody just fucked up HARD. That whole second verse was anti-climax.
--"Leaky Lifeboat". Love the title, love the song, love Corso. I always called my body a "leaky vessel" after that phrase.
La la la la Thurston's jet-lagged.
Kim is the only one at this point. There she goes. Thurston, it's called DEVOTION, my dude. It's a lotion that Mark Mothersbaugh produces, USE IT ALL OVER YO' BODY.
--Lee's finest moment on the newie, finally. (And no, it's not "Walkin' Blue".)
No Kim on the chorus? Oh come on. I know she didn't sound ideal during the "Jools Holland" performance, oh here she is. Sounding better.
Lee just kinda mumbled that last bit. Haha, remember when Carrie Brownstein would just wing it during "Words and Guitar" at the last ever SK East Coast show? Haha, I'm bringing up Sleater Kinney 'cause that was a great show and they should come back 'cause music is 56% suckier without them. Resurrect the fucking Spells at least!
--Thurston is about to pass out. Was that "fuck for honesty"? I hope so. They've played "Tom Violence" 900 times and dude's blanking! Oh well.
--"Pink Steam" is interesting to bring back out. I'm on record as loving this song, and I do...'till Thurston starts in with that "lovely lover" shit. He won't forget these lyrics, trust. The instrumental passages though? Shiiiiiiit.
Wow, I don't recall "PS" being so...brash before. Thumbs skyward.
--Kim Gordon is ready to pounce someone. Thurston better hope it's him.
--Neil Young didn't give WFMU permission to broadcast his shit? What, you're better than them? You ain't even better than David Crosby, per Jim O'Rourke.
--Naomi just texted me. Just in time for "Bull in the Heather"!
--And now we're talking during "Expressway". Jealous much, bitch?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Purple Pride
Fran Tarkenton is a god among sad little children. He has said what so many of us in the Vikings fanbase believe, and the media castigated him for it. What a sad day when Marcellus "Sack Machine" Wiley can actually sit down in front of a camera and attempt to demean a Hall of Famer.
What does Tarkenton never winning a Super Bowl have to do with the content of his opinion? Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl, and no one gives a shit what he has to say. If Dilfer ever came up with a foolproof solution for correcting the current economy, he'd have to relay it through Mel Kiper.
Fran Tarkenton makes me proud to be a Vikings fan.
What does Tarkenton never winning a Super Bowl have to do with the content of his opinion? Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl, and no one gives a shit what he has to say. If Dilfer ever came up with a foolproof solution for correcting the current economy, he'd have to relay it through Mel Kiper.
Fran Tarkenton makes me proud to be a Vikings fan.
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Music and Heroes of America
AIRDATE: 5/23/89Schroeder is ready to give the most fantastic school report on music ever, utilizing the same stage featured in It's Magic, Charlie Brown to teach his classmates about the rich history of American tuneage. While initially agreeing to let Snoopy help, the towheaded wunderkind had a change of heart when he remembered how performance-prone the pawed one was. It took the pleading of Charlie Brown and the hysterical tears of the wronged dog to sway Schroeder.
With a full band rocking shit (check Patty's bow in the crowd!), Schroeder is doing a great job entertaining his peers. When Lucy comes on the stage, however, he loses his crap. Almost literally. See, Lucy and the girls have a report of their own due: the heroes of America. The teacher on the scene (who sounds like a muted trumpet, to the thrill of those who were rendered apoplectic by the talking grown ups found elsewhere in the miniseries) deems that both reports shall take place onstage, with each giving equal time to the other. Lucy is beyond happy with the compromise, while Schroeder blood pressure shoots up to stroke level every time the girls are ready to present. He's so annoying.
ANIMATION: Disappointingly washed-out, without much life. Guess they thought the non-stop soundtrack could salvage it? 6
MUSIC: Well...pretty much it does. Ed Bogas and Desiree Goyette (Lou Rawls with the vocal assist!) get a 10 simply for the variety of songs on display.
"I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" - Stephen Foster
"O Susanna" - Stephen Foster
"America the Beautiful" - Katherine Lee Bates & Samuel Ward (which absolutely should be the American National Anthem)
"Stars and Stripes Forever" - John Phillip Sousa (best version not featuring Lisa Simpson on sax)
"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" - George M. Cohan (did anyone else have to watch Yankee Doodle Dandy in Music class? That shit took forever)
"Alexander's Ragtime Band" - Irving Berlin
"Maple Leaf Rag" - Scott Joplin
"St. Louis Blues" - W.C. Handy (I'm sure hockey nut Schulz appreciated these two back-to-back)
"When The Saints Go Marching In"
"Where Have All the Flowers Gone"
"Hound Dog" (not the Elvis version; the remake is bad, but brief)
"Linus and Lucy" - Vince Guaraldi (yes; Charlie Brown says this is his favorite song. You'll never hear a more 80s version of it, for better or worse)
VOICES: Erin Chase and Curtis Anderson get 7.5's for Charlie and Schroeder. They're about as dull as the animation. The latter in particular is trying way too hard, my dude.
8's for Marie Wise as Marcie and Jason Mendelson's Pep Pat (sounding here the most boyish the character ever would). Erica Gayle's Lucy brings up the rear at 6, while top honors are shared by Hakeem Abdul-Samad's Franklin and Brittany Thornton's Sally each earning a 9. The former sounds awesomely Gary Coleman-ish.
SONIC YOUTH
--
The banjo is almost always the coolest instrument in any band. Unless someone else is playing the contrabass sax.--Of course, Lucy's first heroes are great American women like Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, and Amelia Earhart. To celebrate the last of those, Patty gets her Ace on. I don't know if it was intentional, but after this segment, Schroeder and the boys talk about "America the Beautiful", one of the great accomplishments by a woman ever.
--
For what I believe is the only time in the history of the specials...the word "peanuts" is uttered.MODEST MOUSE
Pretty much.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Hai Agn
And they ain't rootin' for Sidney goddamn Crosby either.
That's one of the most blah headlines ever.
40 years ago, the first non-Russian dog in space!
Follow the link within the article.
New Peanuts book aims to affirm, while new Monte Schulz novel promises to awe.
Awesome article that debunks a bunch of garbage "facts". Read it and remember it.
That's one of the most blah headlines ever.
40 years ago, the first non-Russian dog in space!
Follow the link within the article.
New Peanuts book aims to affirm, while new Monte Schulz novel promises to awe.
Awesome article that debunks a bunch of garbage "facts". Read it and remember it.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Give Up the Goods
I visit Ebay only once every couple months. I can't afford a greater frequency of pop-bys. Here's some items I've been snooping at.
Snoopy Ornament Set, 28 items. Collectible box for the runaway win.
Snoopy World Tour, also 28 strong. Another beautiful Chinese collectible.
I wanna buy this tee and rock it front row when SY plays DC--both nights.
Snoopy Ornament Set, 28 items. Collectible box for the runaway win.
Snoopy World Tour, also 28 strong. Another beautiful Chinese collectible.
I wanna buy this tee and rock it front row when SY plays DC--both nights.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Hate To Disappoint the Lee Ranaldo Fanboys, But...
Even with their white-haired poet at Cannes Film Festival, the three other Sonic Youth-ers hooked up with Bill Nace to deliver 20+ minutes of screaming hell. I deliberately use textual economy here, 'cause, well, the review of No Fun Fest is the last chapter of No Setlist. So you'll have to wait, but not for long.
In the meantime, help yourself to these short clips shot by yours truly.
In the meantime, help yourself to these short clips shot by yours truly.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Push Push in the Bush
People need to get paid.
My two favorite sports teams--the Vikings and Capitals--are perennial could-bes. The difference being, the Caps will win a Stanley Cup within three years. The Vikings will need more than a washed-up hick to get there.
Whoa, someone knows their shit!
Someone else does not.
The football gag is easily recalled, but remembering the classic McCovey lament is special.
My two favorite sports teams--the Vikings and Capitals--are perennial could-bes. The difference being, the Caps will win a Stanley Cup within three years. The Vikings will need more than a washed-up hick to get there.
Whoa, someone knows their shit!
Someone else does not.
The football gag is easily recalled, but remembering the classic McCovey lament is special.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Off To New York
For music (No Fun Fest), friends (Derek for sure, Annie I hope), walking and Thai food.
See y'all Monday.
See y'all Monday.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Overtime
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad

AIRDATE: 2/10/89
STORY: Remember trains, kids? This installment of This Is America, Charlie Brown is dedicated to the First Transcontinental Railroad, 1800 miles between Nebraska and California, completed in 1869. It's arguably the most involving and therefore moving story in the entire miniseries, and I recommend it most highly. Charlie Brown narrates this true tale in the straightforward manner it deserves, hailing the bravery and ingenuity of the many thousands of workers while not whitewashing over the difficulties initially faced by the Chinese workers who provided the greatest support of all.
Kids can get a real appreciation for what a feat this was. "Back in my day" is a hoary phrase intended to make younger generations somehow get it around their knuckle heads that what they see as hardships now are really not all that trying compared to the effort, will and risk required by such projects as this. The very idea of so much manual labor required will probably make your average Twittering teen pass out and break their Iphone.
It's also a good reminder of what can be great about America, and how much undeniable good its people have done in the name of unity. The competition between the Central and Union Pacifics captivated the country in a way that really only half-brain reality shows and overblown health risks can do nowadays.
There is of course much undeniable bad done in the name of patriotism. There are films out there that deal with those dark events. This is not one of them. 10
MUSIC: Harmonica-driven soundtrack that perfectly fits the visuals, but the stars here are the Winans, who harmonize such standards as "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "The Battle Hymn of the Old Republic". It's very tasteful, and helps provide the viewer with a real feeling of the lesson in community that lies at the heart of this story. 9
ANIMATION: 9. Lots of nice color on the trains. Not exactly sharp drawing, but not slipshod either. The spike-driving "anvil chorus" is a recurring scene done superbly.
VOICES: Erin Chase as Chuck, Brandon Stewart as Linus, and Curtis Anderson as Schroeder all get 8s. All do well, especially Chase, who has by far the most to say of all the kids. I like how old-school Schroeder sounds, though.
THE GOLDEN SPIKE
--In addition to the usual array of original pictures from the various sites, the producers also reveal for the very first time who drove in that final golden spike in Utah. Shit is mad historically accurate!
--Must kill cactus! Weeee!
--The only real "hey don't forget this is a cartoon" silliness comes when Spike happens upon a saloon and treats the fellas to a harmonica gig. Promptly getting tossed out on his emaciated puppy ass when he knocks over a table.
PILES OF DEAD CHINESE WORKERS
--

I'm scared.
--This special shows the famed picture (shot May 10, 1869) of workers gathered at Promontory, UT to celebrate the railroads completion. Mention is made of the fact that none of the Chinese workers appeared in the picture, and it is suggested that racism was the cause of their exclusion.
This FAQ shines more light on the subject, citing several sources that claim the Chinese were not included because, simply, they were not there.
--You know what would be a great American project? Finishing I-70 so that it goes into California. Fuck Cove Fort.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Freedom of Speech, Just Watch What You Say
Some 17-year-old Penguins fan from Chambersburg, PA got real mad after the Pens lost Game 2 of their NHL Eastern Conference semifinals matchup to the Capitals and made a death threat against Caps superstar Alex Ovechkin on a Pens message board. A regular poster on the Capitals message board read it and brought it to everyone's attention, even asking who in law enforcement should be contacted. The general vibe was that this was some young, bored, overemotional douchebag with a mental disorder. I mean, posting on the message board, making death threats, rooting for the Penguins? It all adds up to one disturbed individual. But not all off-kilter people in this world take the lives of others. I read it and thought, Meh.
Yeah, meh.
But the threatening post was brought to the attention of local police by...not Caps fans...not only the Caps front office...but also by the Penguins front office. Which makes all the Internet bitching by Pens fan about the Capitals blowing this out of proportion laughable.
Yeah, meh.
But the threatening post was brought to the attention of local police by...not Caps fans...not only the Caps front office...but also by the Penguins front office. Which makes all the Internet bitching by Pens fan about the Capitals blowing this out of proportion laughable.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I Can Haz Hat Trick?
Thank the hockey gods I couldn't watch the Pens/Caps game 2 last night. Game 1 on NBC was nervewracking enough.
Greater thanks are due for the result, a 4-3 victory for the Red team that puts DC up 2-0 in the series. It unfolded like some divine dream for the National Hockey League, with all three of Pitts goals coming from the stick of golden Canadian boy Sidney Crosby and three of the Caps goals (including the game-winner) from the stick of Russian rock star Alex Ovechkin.
Crosby is great.
Ovechkin is greater.
Don't be a hating-ass hater. In regards to either player.
Sid the Kid was the only dude what showed up on his squad. For awhile it seemed like he could do it all on his own.
And then...Lucy pokechecked the puck away.
Snoopvechkin was waiting.

Of course, we can't forget the third elite-level player in this series, Evgeni Malkin.
Greater thanks are due for the result, a 4-3 victory for the Red team that puts DC up 2-0 in the series. It unfolded like some divine dream for the National Hockey League, with all three of Pitts goals coming from the stick of golden Canadian boy Sidney Crosby and three of the Caps goals (including the game-winner) from the stick of Russian rock star Alex Ovechkin.
Crosby is great.
Ovechkin is greater.
Don't be a hating-ass hater. In regards to either player.
Sid the Kid was the only dude what showed up on his squad. For awhile it seemed like he could do it all on his own.
And then...Lucy pokechecked the puck away.
Snoopvechkin was waiting.

Of course, we can't forget the third elite-level player in this series, Evgeni Malkin.
Monday, May 4, 2009
If You Don't Think This Is the Worst Song Ever, I Will Fight You
Sickly, treacly 70s suburbanite sex fantasy as written by some backwoods yokel who thinks fishing metaphors are the height of Eros. There are people who claim that this song is a camp classic, that it can be enjoyed ironically, that it's so bad it's actually good. That despite being shapeless and spineless, this track is somehow a free-spirited ode to the good life. I blame Anchorman and Boogie Nights for the perpetuation of this utter falsehood. Even South Park must share be held accountable; "After School They'll Fight" is hilarious, but it seems to have somewhat validated the source material.
Put your keys in the punch bowl, and whoever you hook up with, you end up writing some bullshit song about how great it is to fuck on your lunch break. Get the fuck outta here.
And that cheeseball with nuts effect in the chorus? Oh my hell no.
"Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
and the thought of rubbin' you is getting so exciting."
Put your keys in the punch bowl, and whoever you hook up with, you end up writing some bullshit song about how great it is to fuck on your lunch break. Get the fuck outta here.
And that cheeseball with nuts effect in the chorus? Oh my hell no.
"Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
and the thought of rubbin' you is getting so exciting."
Wait...do the stones represent the vagina? Terrifying.
I thought short and hard about whether this or "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith was my most hated song of all time, but it's gotta be "Afternoon Delight". Aerosmith's turd at least has that Diane Warren bombast to really give you some substance to hold onto and hate hate hate. But "Afternoon Delight" is just flavorless cotton candy. Bleh.
I thought short and hard about whether this or "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith was my most hated song of all time, but it's gotta be "Afternoon Delight". Aerosmith's turd at least has that Diane Warren bombast to really give you some substance to hold onto and hate hate hate. But "Afternoon Delight" is just flavorless cotton candy. Bleh.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Merzbow Endangered By Wilbur
Snoopy sez, "C.C. Sofatsia is overpaid." He also nods in the general direction of his owner's MLB manifestation.
Charlie Brown's yellow-and-black tee is just a ruse, trust me. He rocks the red, and the Penguins are straight Shermy status this round.
I'm going to stop pulling for the Sharks as my go-to West team. Mama Cass never choked, but they sure do.
Rest in peace to another Snoopesseur. We're a special group.
Jim O'Rourke has always struck me as the modern-day Schroeder.
Recipe for success: don't be like Chuck.
This always appealed to me about the writer life.
Interesting piece.
Teacher of the year!
Fucking classic. I await further installments.
More Reunion reviews. That one was good; here's one that's not.
Charlie Brown's yellow-and-black tee is just a ruse, trust me. He rocks the red, and the Penguins are straight Shermy status this round.
I'm going to stop pulling for the Sharks as my go-to West team. Mama Cass never choked, but they sure do.
Rest in peace to another Snoopesseur. We're a special group.
Jim O'Rourke has always struck me as the modern-day Schroeder.
Recipe for success: don't be like Chuck.
This always appealed to me about the writer life.
Interesting piece.
Teacher of the year!
Fucking classic. I await further installments.
More Reunion reviews. That one was good; here's one that's not.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The One Where My Life Gets Flip Turned Upside Down
Come the end of June, I will be leaving my current position as a title abstractor. July will be dedicated to Sonic Youth concerts, then by August I'll have hopefully parlayed connections into a new abstracting position in Montgomery County. There's a lot bubbling right now, but it would be very foolish of me to presume anything as of the moment. I will be in Montgomery County as a permanent resident by the end of summer, this I can guarantee. No one is happier to hear that news than me.
By the end of June, No Setlist should be ready for print. I could not be more thrilled to get my writing out there for any and all interested. Even if they don't know they are yet.
Cognizant of the fact that my new, non-fam boss will likely not accommodate my proclivity towards SY live overload, I'll be enjoying this tour like it's their last. My current SY tour plans (my blog will house the reviews and pics of all future SY shows) are as follows:
July 3--NYC
July 5--DC
July 8--Richmond
July 23--Boise
July 25--Seattle
July 28--Portland
July 30--Salt Lake City
July 31--Denver
August 2--Oakland
Any future NYC, DC, Cali, or possible Vancouver gigs, well...just add 'em on.
Sonic life is eternal.
By the end of June, No Setlist should be ready for print. I could not be more thrilled to get my writing out there for any and all interested. Even if they don't know they are yet.
Cognizant of the fact that my new, non-fam boss will likely not accommodate my proclivity towards SY live overload, I'll be enjoying this tour like it's their last. My current SY tour plans (my blog will house the reviews and pics of all future SY shows) are as follows:
July 3--NYC
July 5--DC
July 8--Richmond
July 23--Boise
July 25--Seattle
July 28--Portland
July 30--Salt Lake City
July 31--Denver
August 2--Oakland
Any future NYC, DC, Cali, or possible Vancouver gigs, well...just add 'em on.
Sonic life is eternal.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The New Sonic Youth Album
Is incredible. Slays. Best since A Thousand Leaves.
You want more in-depth review action from me, well, you'll just have to wait till June. The wait will be worth it though, when you see what I have in store.
You want more in-depth review action from me, well, you'll just have to wait till June. The wait will be worth it though, when you see what I have in store.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Peanuts Is Timeless, Pt. Wilburs Revenge
Snoopy dance?
Seems like all the dudes on The Simpsons staff know their Nuts.
Liz and Linus.
Yeah, but where's her Marcie equivalent?
How did I never play this game growing up? I played The Empire Strikes Back one to death after death.
This site looks absolutely incredible. I look forward to delving tonight.
More ball gags. Ya pervs!
I'll be moving and getting a new job this August. Still doing the real estate, kid.
Some Snoopy's Reunion reviews, ranging from yet another guy who traffics in preconceived notions about what he thinks a thing he did not create should be to people who just review the product.
I love when the ball gags are related to sports. Bart gets to sit up front 'cause he's a good guy at sports!
Seems like all the dudes on The Simpsons staff know their Nuts.
Liz and Linus.
Yeah, but where's her Marcie equivalent?
How did I never play this game growing up? I played The Empire Strikes Back one to death after death.
This site looks absolutely incredible. I look forward to delving tonight.
More ball gags. Ya pervs!
I'll be moving and getting a new job this August. Still doing the real estate, kid.
Some Snoopy's Reunion reviews, ranging from yet another guy who traffics in preconceived notions about what he thinks a thing he did not create should be to people who just review the product.
I love when the ball gags are related to sports. Bart gets to sit up front 'cause he's a good guy at sports!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bea Arthur
Tall smart-ass broads are a breed apart. Bea Arthur had a sense of humor so dry her line deliveries were positively arid. She always struck me as one of those celebrities that I couldn't be paid to approach, not even to utter the words "Big fan" and scurry away with my forehead toward my feet. Total non-brooker of nonsense. That's the consistent vibe I got.
The two funniest Golden Girls are gone. Damn damn.
The two funniest Golden Girls are gone. Damn damn.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Not To Be Confused With, "The Despairing of Apartness"
Let it be known, I am a big fan of the rapper Redman. Despite the fact that he has for seventeen years extolled little else other than the joys of marijuana--ecstasies that I am intentionally ignorant of--I look forward to his verses like the cast of The Girlie Show looks forward to Sandwich Day.
The impending Method Man/Redman album Blackout 2 means promotion. Which means interviews.
“Marijuana has always been that drug that united people. It’s always been on the verge of being legal. It’s hardly a drug really. When people look at marijuana, they look at it as an enjoyment of connecting,” says Redman.
A couple li'l things here.
I cannot stand when defenders of the "sacred herb" state that it is actually not even a drug. When it is. We here at Trapper Jenn MD (which is, um, me) normally approach citing Wikipedia with trepidation, but some of the articles on the site are credible. Whether you partake of it or not, you should be able to admit that marijuana is a drug.
Then we have that whole "enjoyment of connecting". I get what Red's trying to say here, but the terminology is hilarious. I've heard of "enjoyment by connecting" and "enjoyment while connecting", but never "enjoyment of connecting" by itself. "Enjoyment of connecting the input cable thus being able to hear the audio", yeah, that I get. But just those three words all by their lonesome, how pseudo-Zen.
The impending Method Man/Redman album Blackout 2 means promotion. Which means interviews.
“Marijuana has always been that drug that united people. It’s always been on the verge of being legal. It’s hardly a drug really. When people look at marijuana, they look at it as an enjoyment of connecting,” says Redman.
A couple li'l things here.
I cannot stand when defenders of the "sacred herb" state that it is actually not even a drug. When it is. We here at Trapper Jenn MD (which is, um, me) normally approach citing Wikipedia with trepidation, but some of the articles on the site are credible. Whether you partake of it or not, you should be able to admit that marijuana is a drug.
Then we have that whole "enjoyment of connecting". I get what Red's trying to say here, but the terminology is hilarious. I've heard of "enjoyment by connecting" and "enjoyment while connecting", but never "enjoyment of connecting" by itself. "Enjoyment of connecting the input cable thus being able to hear the audio", yeah, that I get. But just those three words all by their lonesome, how pseudo-Zen.
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