7.29.08

The Dark Knight... SPOILER ALERT I guess it's safe to talk about The Dark Knight, right? I figure everyone and their dog has seen it 3 times over again (or if you're lucky enough to have a bootleg copy you can watch it as much as you want). Wasn't it AWESOME?! If you didn't think so, don't answer the question (I am in an anti-haters mood). Here's my questions: Did you really think it was "that dark"? I was expecting it to be a Psycho-Thriller. I personally thought The Joker provided some much needed comedic briefings. Did anyone else have difficulty looking at "Two-Face"? I am glad that he died, because I couldn't watch a whole movie with that face. Along the "Two-Face" lines, Are these prequels supposed to link up in anyway to the other Batman movies? Cuz, that character doesn't really fit. Sadly, I never thought I could ever say this, but Katie Holmes-Cruise plays a better love interest than Maggie...so I am glad she's gone. I can't think of any other thoughts at this time... Thanks!!

7.28.08

The Osmonds...This past weekend I went and saw The Osmonds in concert. It was hilarious. No really, it was hilarious. Look how old they are and they cam out on stage as though they were still 15. They still have decent voices (for their age). But those dance moves that were "cool" in the 70's are not cool in their 70's. Highlights of the concert were "Bad Apple" and "Yo-Yo." The reason for their highlightness?? Watching the Sign Language interepreter express the emotions of a 70's teeny-bopper song. Oh, another higlight? Marie Osmond in the "Ice Princess" dress. Kidding aside, The Osmonds are a pretty amazing family. Most entertaining families hate eachother by now. They come off as very genuine and with a desire to do their best and to honor their parents legacy. WTG!

7.27.08

Britney Challenge (Week 5)... How fitting that her latest album (and the last for this challenge) is titled "Blackout." Many commentators and reviewers have joked that either Britney blacked herself out during the recording of this album or the record company did. They joke, because it's a great album. They are surprised that someone so out of it could put themselves together long enough to have done it. Well, she did. Now, the cover is terrible looking and looks like something I could create with the paint program that is pre-installed on your computer. So, joking and cover aside, this album should be enjoyable....or at the very least semi-enjoyable, because it is the last week of the challenge.

7.26.08

Britney Challenge (Week 4)... I'll be honest, I didn't give this album the attention it deserved this week. Don't worry, I still followed the rules, but I didn't give any focus listening to lyrics or trying to memorize the parts where she sing/talks really fast (it's been a goal). I already liked the album, I didn't need to prove it to myself. If you have ever listened to this album you know that it is a far cry from the bubblegum pop days of "...baby one more time." The notable tracks include:

Me Against the Music (still a very strange concept, how do you compete with music?)
(I Got That) Boom Boom (this one is good listened to at a loud level)
Early Mornin' (Another example of a song where I can't really understand what she says)
Toxic (probably the top song (in my mind) of Britney's career, I could listen to this song on repeat and never get tired of it, I think this might just be my favorite pop song of all time, but I am not dead yet, so, who knows?)
Even other artists like it (I already know everyone loves Britney, they just refuse to admit it). Check out these covers of Toxic:

Yael Naim (she sings the "New Soul" song for the Apple Commercials)
Nickel Creek (Puts a bluegrass touch to the song)
Blowsight (Hard Rock - Not a Huge fan, but it's different, they do that annoying scream-O)

Outrageous (I enjoy this song, but I find the "Junkie Xl's Dancehall Mix" of this song to be better, which is surprising, because remixes rarely out do the original)
The Hook Up (A good jam, with a reggae vibe)
Brave New Girl (Every once in a while a filler on an album surprises you, this is one of them)
Everytime (Have you ever seen the video? This is just a sad song. She was crying out for help and no one cared)

As you can tell, I am at a loss for words for Britney. One more week to go....

7.23.08

Bollywood... If you haven't experienced it, It will be difficult to explain, but I LOVE IT!!! Most (if not all) of the movies that hail from Bollywood (India's answer to Hollywood) are musicals. They aren't the musicals that we are used to. They don't shy from the fact that the musical numbers in the movies sometimes have nothing to do with the movie's story or that they are obviously lip-synching (because the voice never matches the actor's voice). Most of the music that is played on India's top radio stations come straight from these film's soundtracks. I know that the sound of the music takes some getting used to, but it is definitely worth it. One of my favorite Bollywood films is "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (or K3G). Some of my favorite musical numbers are "Deewana Hai Dekho" and "You Are My Soniya" (Click on the links to view). If you ever get a chance to rent this film, do it! But, make sure you have a day to finish it, I haven't come across a Bollywood film that isn't at least 3 hours.

7.22.08

Mayer Concert... Some concerts far exceed their expectations. First off, shout out to the Mom's out there that are able to let loose and have a good time. The concert started off with traffic, but not as bad as we all anticipated (a plus). We ate at Ab's Drive In, pretty good food, excellent Coke, and I didn't get sick (a plus) We got to park in the Carpool parking lot, which is actually worth it, because you are closer to the exit (a plus). We won some t-shirts (a plus). The ticket taking people made us shake out our blankets, that's lame (a negative). They make you walk all around the venue to get to the grass (a negative). We were able to spread out 10 blankets for 5 people (a plus). The sun was out, but it was HOT! (split). USANA has no real bathrooms to speak of, you'd think by now they would (a negative). The opening acts were very good and got us in the perfect mood including some dancing caught by the people sitting behind us Check It Out. They should have gotten more, but I can't complain, it's just that we look like idiots just swaying in the videos they have posted (split, but mostly a plus). Molly shaking hands with John Mayer (a plus). John Mayer is an excellent performer with much talent that can't be ignored (a plus). We took the opportunity to continue interpretting his music through dance. I swear you'd think we were drunk, but we weren't ( a plus). The Moms were convinced they had a secret way of getting out of the parking lot quicker by taking the Tahoe up and over this dirt mountain, it was fun, but the gate was locked (a plus for the fun factor). Listening to Newsies on the way home (a plus). The first Sonic Drive In who was out of bananas (a plus). The second Sonic Drive In who had bananas (a plus).... we had banana splits (a plus). Getting home in the same looney mood that we left in (a plus). Going to bed at 1 AM (a negative).... At least we had fun (a plus).

7.20.08

Britney Challenge (Week 4)..."All My people in the crowd, grab a partner take it down!!" We've arrived at the peak of Britney's career to what I believe is her best album for various reasons that I can blog about later (as if you care). Britney [essentially] declares that she has taken on the entire world, but NOW she is going to take on music itself in "Me Against the Music." (As though music is a person that you can actually take on). She even goes as far as to take on a pair of inanimate speakers...."I'm up against the speaker, trying to take on the music, it's like a competition, me against the beat.... I wanna get in the zone!"

7.19.08

Britney Challenge (Week 3)... I know what you're thinking... Kyle, you are still doing this stupid challenge? The answer is yes. This album comes with great confusion:

First, The album, Baby One More Time states that her loneliness is killing her.
Second, The album, Oops! I Did It Again states that she is stronger without anyone.
Third, This album, Britney states that she is a slave?? ... BUT then two tracks later she rationalizes again, that she is not lonely....and then again states that she can't live without boys in the track "boys."

No wonder Britney has the issues that she has. She can't even decide who or what she is or what she wants to be and makes that pretty clear in the song, "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman." Oh, well.

This album is completely different from the previous two albums. It included some good tracks that I became equally sick of due to over listening:

I'm A Slave 4 U (I love when pop artists replace words with numbers, I think it really highlights their creativity...This song also includes some slurred lyrics that I still can't figure out)
Overprotected (If I had a Britney Top 10, this track would definitely be included, I never got sick of it)
Lonely (listening the first time, it's good)
I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman (Britney's voice is not meant for singing, but pop sing/talk. She gets away with it in this song, because it has a decent melody that's easy to sing along)
Boys (I like this song and at the same time not, I think I like the remix better with Pharrell)
I Love Rock & Roll (Another great updated cover, I think this is her last cover)
Bombastic Love (What exactly is "bombastic"? I don't know, but it makes good pop.)
What It's Like To Be Me (I had no idea that Britney did a song with her former boyfriend Justin Timberlake, He isn't even credited as such, but he clearly is singing with her throughout the song, the song actually sounds like it belongs on NSYNC's "Celebrity" album. Justin showcases his semi-impressive-Blake Lewis copying-beat boxing skills)

PS... Thanks to a friend, just found out what Bombastic means. Check It Out.

7.18.08

S'Mores... I decided today that I don't really care for s'mores. I like the components of s'mores separately, but not so much together. What I did discover, however, is that I like to burn things (not necessarily eat them after they are burned).... just to burn them. It's fun to play with fire. It's fun to be around other people as you are burning things, it's just not that fun eating the things that you can't seem to roast just right. My sister informed that it is quite a debate on the order of s'mores. Is it Hershey's chocolate then Kraft Marshmallows or is it Kraft Marshmallows and then Hershey's chocolate? Does it matter? Probably my biggest hangup with it all is that no matter the order, it's always gooey and sticky... nothing worse than gooey and sticky when there is no soap and water around.

7.16.08

Boondoggle... I had thoughts of working at Summer Camp today. The many hours spent re-teaching myself how to do boondoggle, teaching it to 5-8 yr olds (not easy), becoming addicted to the art, and then ignoring the kids. Like most cycles, it was a vicious one. Sadly, I am back to having to re-teach myself how to do it...again. I (somehow) have all of these spools of boondoggle and nothing to do with them... It reminds me of one of my favorite songs from the musical, "Children of Eden." Here is an excerpt:

The spark of creation, may it burn forever
The spark creation, I am a keeper of the flame
We think all we want is a lifetime leisure
Each perfect day the same Endless vacation
Well that's alright if you're a kind crustacean
But when you're born with an imagination
Sooner of later you're feeling the fire get hotter and higher
The spark of creation!!!

So, go out and create something!! Exercise the gifts and talents that God gave you and discover your spark of creation, for some inspiration, check out this girl singing Spark of Creation. She has an incredible voice.

7.15.08

Mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip... Which is it? Growing up it was always Miracle Whip, but it had to be the light variety. I don't know why, because my family was never the type to spend money on the diet sodas or light foods. I for one don't mind mayo or miracle whip. But to some, this is very important and makes a distinct difference. In fact they become quite heated about the topic as was displayed at work the other day. I will only eat one potato salad and that is my mom's potato salad. I think the true secret to her successful potato salad is the use of miracle whip light. She doesn't use a lot, but it is still delicious. So which is it in your households? Mayo or Miracle Whip. PS... Mayo ages weird and separates funny.

7.14.08

Stain Remover... I know I have discussed stains, but did I mention how grateful I am for the removers that get rid of them? I really didn't. I spilled on my pants yesterday. It was semi-embarrassing. Only semi, because I don't usually care what others are thinking, but this happened at church. Yeah, church... Actually, thinking about it. Stains in life and stain remover have a religious undertone to them. Wow, I didn't really think about that till now. What's even more ironical is the fact that I attended a baptism....weird. Coincidence? I don't think so.

7.13.08

Britney Challenge (Week 3)...It's only been 3 weeks?! For some things this month is going by fast and for other things it's going by slow. Is that a mattress in that pic? I am interested in this week's challenge. I have never really listened to this album (true story). I only know 2 or 3 songs from this album. It will feel like new material (but not, get it?). Here is to a new week! Have FUN!

PS... She looks like a meth addict...Maybe this was the beginning.

7.12.08

Britney Challenge (Week 2)...Ok. So she starts off her debut, ...Baby One More Time, and her lonliness was killin' her (deeply). Just notice how far she has come after that? Now, She's stronger. This album is full of funny songs and even funnier interludes, one of my favorites is right after "Don't Go Knockin' On My Door," it goes a little something like this:

Britney & Friend: Hahahahahahahahaha
Britney: Ok, ok ok ok so listen listen, so then he goes no matter what I do for you it never seems to be enough... Eww I can’t believe he said that. You don’t think I'm like that do you?!?!
Friend: Well you are??
Britney: What?!?!? Don’t tell me you agree with him?! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!
Friend: Well I mean everything was fine next it’s your freaking out it’s like you’re never satisfied.
Britney: Well I know I’m a little picky.. but, hey I just know what I want

And then she sings a cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." What this creates is pure pop hilarity. There are higlights on this album, however:

Oops!...I Did It Again
Don't Go Knockin' On My Door
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know
What U See (Is What U Get)
Lucky
One Kiss From You

I actually enjoy Lucky a lot. But, I still have difficulty with her enunciation of "lucky" and "lovely"... It's always a surprise as to which word she is going to sing.

For fun, I did a little mini tally of typical pop words found on this album:
Baby: 27
I: 225
You: 147
Oops: 5
Yeah: 45
Love: 25
Lucky: 10

7.10.08

Checks... I hate 'em! Sure, i like getting money, but I hate having to go to the bank and deposit checks. I still have that rebate check I blogged about forever ago (Don't worry, it expires in September). I even hate writing checks This is usually because your spending money on bills when you write them. No one (I think) likes paying bills. I also write kind of big, so when I write a check I always run out of room and it bothers me. To top it off, I somehow question my check writing abilities every time I write a check. I either spell out the amount wrong or forget the "and xx/100" OR forget to move that plastic guard thing, so my check is on all of the remaining carbon copies. It would be nice if everyone had a credit card swiper on them and you could just pay them back that way. Can you imagine??

7.09.08

Gangs... What is the deal with gangs? Why do they materialize and find themselves? We got on the topic of gang signs at work and a co-worker found a graphic describing various gang signs. It's amazing what you can find online. Anyway, Why is it people find it fun & exciting to cause havoc with no care or respect for others but themselves? Don't people ever grow up and have the desire to do something better with themselves? Just recently in our city we had a drive by shooting where an innocent 7 year old was killed. I find it very hard to believe that those responsible really feel they have accomplished something. For a society as "advanced" as this, you'd think we could take care of each other a lot better. This entry obviously raises a lot more questions than it provides any answers... One last question, why is the kid pictured above wearing sandals with socks?

7.08.08

IBS... I am firmly (not really) convinced that I have IBS. Not really, but I think that I may have a selective form of hypochondria and it only applies to any stomach related issue. I am always in a constant worry that I will have some stomach issue and I won't make it to a bathroom in time. This may stem from experiences in Fiji, I am really not sure. The funny thing about this made up illness of mine is that because I worry about it, it only complicates and multiplies itself. Now you're wondering, why in the world would I want to blog about this... Well, if that's the case, you haven't read enough of my blog entries. All you have to do is read 1.17.08 to know that I like to talk about this. I am still talking about it and that's just part of the problem. Oh, and I used to think that TUMS could never help. I have changed my mind, they can help. K's, nuffs abouts thats.

7.07.08

Coca-Cola (Coke)... I just did a search on my own blog, and I have never spoke of my love for Coca-Cola Classic. Frankly, I am shocked at myself. When I was younger, I would collect Coke memorabilia. I don't (like most things) have a reason for my collection. I think it started with a Coke bottle i bought back in 1994 to commemorate the NBA All-Star game that was in Utah. Actually, I think I had one from Christmas 1993. It doesn't matter. Coke is great. I don't like the many derivatives of Coke (Coke II, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Cherry Coke, C2, Coke with Lime, Raspberry, Lemon, Coca-Cola Blāk, etc.) There is only one spot for a soft drink in my life and that is Coca-Cola Classic. And don't think that because Britney Spears was a spokesperson for Pepsi that I ever even thought about switching... The rumors are just not true!...You Can't Beat the Real Thing.

7.06.08

Britney Challenge (Week 2)...I'd be lying if I didn't sound a little remorseful for choosing this challenge for the month of July (or any month). But, i must go forward. This should be interesting, because I don't really care for this album. Although, according to many music sources, this and "Britney" are arguably her best albums. We shall see.

7.05.08

Britney Challenge (Week 1)... What a week! I can honestly say that I am sick of this album. I also have my doubts that I will be able to make it through the rest of this month's (silly) challenge. Having said that, I did find out (on Monday) that I do actually like (some of) the songs on this album. Sure, they are (entirely) amateurish, but it's a (freshman) pop album.

(Semi) Notable Tracks:

...Baby One More Time
(You Drive Me) Crazy
Sometimes
Soda Pop
Born To Make You Happy
From The Bottom Of My Broken Heart
I Will Be There
Thinkin' About You
The Beat Goes On

So, that only leaves 2 tracks that really should have been scratched as they are only heard as junky filler... I Will Still Love You and E-Mail My Heart. The whole thing really is filler, but come on, "E-Mail My Heart"??! What strikes me as even more funny about this album (and most pop albums) is the fact that there is no way at the ages of 14-16 that Britney could have experienced some of the "life lessons" that she sings about in this album.

7.04.08

Independence Day... I guess on July 4th it is appropriate to wish a Happy Birthday to our Declaration of Independence. It feels a little strange wishing a happy birthday to a document. Not to mention that it is a month off. If I am not mistaken, the document wasn't signed in its entirety until August of 1776. I could be wrong. Either way, we have the day off, which is always a big plus in my book. I hope your day is full of BBQ, fireworks, family, friends, True Patriotism (not the kind used for political spouts and gain). After living in a foreign country for a couple of years, I have love for this country and I am grateful for those that serve our country with true honor. THANK YOU and God Bless America.

7.03.08

People Watching... Last week I went to the Utah Arts Festival. Yes, I like art, but more than art, I like people watching at the Utah Arts Festival. My two favorite spots for People Watching is the Utah State Fair and the Utah Arts Festival. They both pull the most diverse groups of people together for me to watch. The Arts Festival is full of the eclectic and the eclectic wannabes. Mostly wannabes. You know the kind? The kind that want to be seen at the Festival and looked upon as a "true" supporter of the arts because they shelled out $10 for an entrance ticket. What they don't know is most of that goes to the overhead to actually put on the festival. Besides all of that, they end up spending more on Beer & Wine than they do on art, so to even it all out they spend some more cash on some face painting for their (1) child that they ignore and sometimes neglect throughout the night. Of course I am making a steep generalization. BUT, that is what people watching is all about. Deal with it. So, was I there for the art? Not necessarily. Did I "take part in art"? Not Really. Did I have fun? Yes. I also discovered what might be more interesting than people watching... watching other people - people watch. Give it a try at your local arts festival or another local fair.

7.02.08

Convenience Fees... What is up with convenience fees?! Who are they trying to be convenient for? I, for one, don't find convenience fees to be very convenient. In fact, I find them to be very inconvenient and flat out annoying. If you are going to charge such a fee, just raise the ticket price. For example, in the above scan, the ticket was $7 and the convenience fee was $1. I asked the ticket attendant why this was so... They didn't have an answer. So, I said, "Why don't you just charge me $8 and make no mention of a "convenience fee?" It makes much more sense and it doesn't annoy.

7.01.08

Video Camera... I have some wide & varied hobbies. One of them is video editing. This scan is one of my old video cameras. The sad thing is, I haven't flourished this hobby in a while. Is it the fact that I don't care about it anymore? Is it that I am getting older? Is it that I am lazy? Or a combination of all of those things.
When I bought my new computer, I made sure it had a huge amount of processing power and a great video card, and I have never used it. To this day, I use this computer for ... well, this. I need to get myself involved in it again. You don't want to lose the talents that you have worked so hard on. I am sure some of you remember some of the titles that I have been a part of in the production:

Daddy's Little Friend
Chance of a Lifetime
It's Orphanage Time
Kid's News
Power Puff Girls (1&2)
Schmidt Happens
JFK
KFC
Tornado

As I create this list, I am laughing, because some of these videos are hilarious. If I wasn't too embarrassed, I would post one of these movies.... someday (maybe).