Don't call this jumping on the bandwagon because this isn't praise piece. In the past month or so,Charlie Sheen has gone from a blip on the radar, the star of the uber-successful show that nobody actually admits to watching, Two and Half Men, to a cult hero. Whether it be tongue in cheek, having fun, or totally for real,people have lined up to worship at the altar of Sheen.
I....unironically...am one of them.
It began simply enough. A weekend long bender with enough cocaine to make George Jung blush, and more porn stars than a Vegas condo community. Sheen, in his unmasked,gold toothed glory, was smoking pure cocaine from a bong and having sex with jail bit porn star Bree Olson. The part eventually ended though, one $30,000 check and overdose scare later, and Sheen supposedly went off the radar to clean up his act.
Wrong. Instead of playing the media game, Sheen instead responded with a whacked out, random, downright nerdy tirade proclaiming his dominance and shitting on Three and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre. A star, and a million catchphrases, were born.
At first people were worried that he was becoming unhinged, but it has since come to seem that Charlie was playing everyone. Sure, the intial tirade might have been drug induced, but once he came down, he probably listened back and said, "I have a gold mine here", and has since taken it and ran with it.
And yet most of America, the supposed "moral" people, want to bash him. Because their pseudo Chrstian lifestyles are so much better...since they preach wholesomness and carry on affairs...have racist opinions...beat their wives...whatever. Whatever it is, everyone has something they wanna hide. But Sheen said fuck it, let me turn myself up to 11 and fuck with people. And people cannot handle it, because in this day and age, the truth is unacceptable. Everyone has to tow the line.
Thats why I support Charlie Sheen. Not only because his pompous, bombastic attitude (act or not) is hilarious...but because he is toying with what people are scared to admit, and it makes the world uncomfortable. And anything that disrupts the stagnant, sterile status quo....I'm all for it.
Well, it's been nearly a year to the day since I last updated this blog, and what a difference a year makes. So much has happened in my personal life that it would take up an entire blog entry in and of itself, so we'll just leave it alone for now. Those of you reading this probably already know the deal anyway so, no need to beat a dead horse. I am a man of many grand ideas that I usually tire of and move onto the next thing, but for now this blog as become my main hobby once again. Hopefully I will able to provide you with engaging, humorous content. Let's get the ball rolling with a couple random topics:
The Fighter: (2.5 out of 4 stars) Major hoopla surrounding this movie and I was anxious to see it since I first saw the trailer. Due to laziness and pretty much the desire to spend my money on anything but going to the movies lately, I waited paitently for this one to drop on DVD this past Tuesday. Nominated for seven Oscars, The Fighter is the true story of boxer Mickey Ward's rise into the sport, being trained by his fallen hero brother, boxer Dicky Ecklund. Yes, I know I thought it was funny that the (half) brothers were named Mickey and Dicky and as my friend Gavin so eloquently put, that's what they should have named the movie (haha). I really wanted to love this movie, as I'm a sucker for underdog/redemption stories and this movie had both...but truthfully it was average at best. Christian Bales turns in a solid performance as Ecklund, a crackhead washout boxer who trains his brother but often let's his demons overshadow his priorities. Parts of the character are well portrayed, I mean, Bale has the look and mannerisms down (due in part to his commitment to losing serious weight for a role yet again) but then other times it comes across cartoonish. That's where this movie suffers alot in my eyes, the cliche, over the top acting. I was also disappointed that they did not cover what made Mickey Ward famous, his battles with Arturo Gatti. I understand the film is about his early years and I guess more so his relationship with his brother, but it would have been nice to see how the fireworks of those matches played out on the big screen. At the end of the day, The Fighter just didn't live up to the hype. If it didn't have the Oscar stigma hanging around it's neck, I likely would have enjoyed it much more. When you are drummed up as one of the best pictures of the year, you're gonna have to hit a little bit harder than this did. Watch for Christian Bale and the well-shot/staged boxing sequences...other than that, a decent film but a letdown in every sense of the word.
In other news, the hip-hop world lost another legend as one of it's most prolific and classic voices passed away on March 15th. Nate Dogg was THE go to guy for a hook in the 90's to the early 2000's, adding that extra something to a track that was undeniable. Basically he was the Akon or T-Pain of his day, except actually talented. Nate blessed hits for everyone from Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Dr. Dre to Fabolous, Jadakiss and Shade Shiest (hahaha, bet y'all don't remember him). Nate also dropped a handful of solo albums that were very good, but heavily slept on. Health complications due to stroke kept Nate out of the limelight in recent years, and it's truly a shame. I feel if he was able to perform at the top of his game still, we might have been spared the Auto-Tune bullshit. Think about it...Nate disappeared, there was nobody viable to step into his spot, so rappers started doing it themselves to often disastrous results. If I were to pinpoint my favorite Nate Dogg performance, I would probably choose "Xxplosive" by Dr. Dre. The beat is pure porno movie soundtrack goodness and Nate's butter smooth vocals compliment the track to perfection. RIP Nate, you will certaintly be missed, hell...you were missed waaaay before you were actually gone. Hip-hop certainly will never have another voice like yours, and the world of music as a whole lost a truly iconic voice.
SONG OF THE DAY: "Desperados" by The Firm
I was thinking of a doing a full length article on The Firm's self-titled 1997 album, and I still may, but here is a classic from that disc. Nas, AZ, Nature and Canibus...lyrical warfare, takes you back to a better time.
That's all I got for today. Bear with me as I shake off the cobwebs and get back into this writing shit. Once my brain gets going it's an impossible thing to stop, and I will return this blog to it's former glory! Have a good weekend.
Hey look, a new blog entry! Yes, I'm still alive, but other endeavors have been occupying my time as of late, as you all probably know. The first and most important being my grandmother battling cancer. I took a brief sabbatical to go visit her in North Carolina. It was after that I resurrected my rapping career by being reborn as NoMAD, which has consumed me almost entirely as I try to put together some quality material. So yeah, for the past four months this ol' blog has remained dormant. I plan on changing that and cranking out entries more regularly again, but don't hold me to it. Today, we examine a show that I never watched obsessively until this year, American Idol, and the quirky little piece of heaven who stole my heart, Siobhan Magnus.
AI has been around for I think...eight or nine years now? I'm sure a quick check on Google would gimme the answer but I really don't care enough to check. Who woulda thought that this glorified talent show/karaoke fest would become a PHENOMENON and launch the careers of such megastars as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, and Justin Guarini (alright, maybe not the last one, haha). Combining the cool rags to riches spectacle of it all, and allowing the public to choose their next signing star, AI struck a chord with viewers and continues to be a ratings dynamo to this day.
After Adam Lambert raised the bar (then broke it in half and tossed it aside) last season, it would be difficult to top with this year's batch of hopefuls. Early front runner from the get-go was hippie single mama Crystal Bowersox. With the messed up teeth, dreadlocks, sweet bod and Janis Joplin voice, she seemed like the type of woman I'd pick up at a bar and have a real good time with. She just owns every song she sings and has a raw authenticity about her that has been lacking alot on this show.
There are some other interesting characters on the show including bundle-of-nerves/low self-esteem poster boy Lee Dewyze and blues rocker Casey James. Both I think have a shot at winning but there was one more wild card that had to emerge from the pack. During Hollywood week, a mousy, offbeat and different young lady emerged who was totally off my radar. Her name was Siobhan Magnus. At the time, I hadn't remembered seeing her audition, and honestly was just another face in the crowd. Until I heard her angelic voice.
She is bright shining star from a small town in Massachusetts. Her father looks like a true blooded Irishman who would share a pint of Guinness with you but be quick to knock your teeth out as well. Her grandfather looks like the Gordon fisherman, with a beard so epic that it could inspire men to be Gods. All jokes aside, Siobhan Magnus looks like she came from a solid family that nurtured and supported her dreams and who she was, molding her into this undeniably unique person she is today. Nothing fake or phony about her, at only 19 years of age she has already appeared in over 40 musicals in her hometown. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!
This woman embodies everything I look for in a lady, from her appearance, to her taste in music to her attitude. Her hair is a thing of beauty, and her warm, genuine smile could melt the polar ice caps. I wish she would wear her glasses more often, but alas, I am not a stylist so what do I know. I could really see her fronting an Evanescence/Withing Temptation/Nightwish type of band, with her theaterical, classic styled voice and I'm really hoping that is the direction she decides to take musically. I connected with her immediately and now remain glued to my TV set every Tuesday and Wednesday night, waiting to see what she is gonna cook up next. Take a listen to her goosebump inducing rendition of "House of the Rising Sun":
If she gets voted off I will resume my boycott of this television show. There is no reason why Siobhan Magnus should not be your next AMERICAN IDOL. Tune in on FOX every Tuesday and Wednesday and cast your vote for this rising star.
The late night talk show landscape is no stranger to heated rivalries. Way back when, Jay Leno and David Letterman competed for the coveted "Tonight Show" seat being vacated by the incomparable Johnny Carson (IMO, the greatest talk show host of all time). Letterman had for all intents and purposes been given his big break thanks to Carson, who used Letterman as a regular guest host on the "Tonight Show" in the '80's. When Carson vacated the "Tonight Show" throne in '93, everyone was expecting Letterman to get the gig but it instead went to The Chin, who ruled it with an iron first for almost 17 years. Letterman bounced to CBS and made history of his own, but his bitterness and anger towards Leno at the time (and even showing flashes of it now) is eerily similar to a certain pale skinned red-headed Irishman by the name of Conan O'Brien.
Let me go out of my way and say Conan is the fuckin' man. I watched Late Night with Conan O'Brien RELIGIOUSLY through high school and the early part of my college days. From the early days with Andy Richter, to the Masturbating Bear and the Coked Up Werewolf, Conan spoke directly to my sense of humor. His random, off kilter style that was shown brilliantly during his time as a writer on The Simpsons was a breath of fresh air when compared to the tame, family friendly garbage that Leno was providing. Leno may have worked for the baby boomer and older crowd, used to the cheesy comedy stylings of yesteryear from people like Milton Berle, Bob Hope and the like. But it was the 2000's baby. People liked their comedy smarter, edgier and wiser. Mr. O'Brien provides that in spades. Shit, ya know the whole Chuck Norris craze? You can pretty much credit that to Conan O'Brien, as he was the first to truly lampoon Walker, Texas Ranger and bring it back to the public conscience. Here, take a peek:
Anyway, by now we all know the story...back in 2004, Conan signed a deal declaring that he would be taking over the "Tonight Show" in 2009. Jay Leno would step aside gracefully and all would be right with the world....except it wasn't. In 2008, almost at the 11th hour, it was announced Leno would in fact be getting his own primetime show, five nights a week, from 10-11. But it was gonna be like, so totally different from the "Tonight Show" so don't worry, Conan. Except, motherfucker...IT WAS THE EXACT SAME THING. Sure, they stretched out the monologue and added a few more ridiculous skits to pad time, but there was Kevin "I'm a Stooge Ass Uncle Tom Who Laughs at Anything" Eubanks, and the set looked similar, and there were still guests...if I didn't know any better, this was just "The Tonight Show" but airing at an earlier hour so the aging geriatrics who enjoy Leno's humor didn't have to stay up later anymore. And they sure didn't because Conan's ratings went right into the toilet. But so did Leno's...because people had no desire to watch a comedy program of that nature five nights a week in that timeslot. That time was usually reserved for "Law and Order" or powerhouse shows like "ER". People like their comedy and talk in the late night hour...so not only did Leno bomb, Conan took a bullet because of it as well.
So what does NBC do? Why, what any other cash-strapped major network would do: panic and try to put things back the way they used to be. This in turn means giving Conan O'Brien the old shaft right up the cornhole. I am not gonna break it down for your blow by blow, as if you are taking the time to read this, you probably have a vested interest in the proceedings and don't need the backstory. But the skinny of it is that Leno is going back to 11:35, and Conan is the odd man out. The entertainment world has been rocked by these developments, and the vast majority have joined Team Conan (yours truly included, although I consider myself an original member).
Stepping to the plate for Conan is the wild-card. The third wheel, if you will, in all this. I'm talking about Mr. Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy is a helluva guy, a genuine nice guy. I read an article on him in Playboy a year or so ago, and he is a caring, real individual who enjoys sports, cooking, and being with friends and family. The type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. Plus he is funny as hell and at one time (perhaps still is?) was banging Sarah Silverman. For those not familiar with Ms. Silverman, soak this in for a second:
That's a hot Jew.
First, Kimmel fired a shot by impersonating and lampooning Leno for entire episode of his late night program. The next night, Jay had Kimmel on an episode of his show on the "Ten at Ten" segment. Things seemed to be going smoothly until Kimmel squeezed in a few well-placed digs at Jay that had Leno and the audience squirming. It's pretty obvious that Jay Leno is not winning many new supporters, and that being exposed as the politicking, back-door dealing backstabber he is is leaving a sour taste in a lot of people's mouths. Here's Kimmel laying into Jay on last night's show:
So where does this leave Conan? My hopes is that he quits NBC and goes elsewhere. There had been talk of him moving to FOX but apparently those rumors were squashed. Seems the NBC brass are now angling to keep O'Brien off the air for the next three years until his contract expires. Smart move on their part as it seems one way or another they will have to pay Conan the remainder of his contract, and obviously, they wouldn't want to do so as he works for a competing network. If I was Conan I would go to Comedy Central and try to bolster their comedy line-up. Could you imagine the triple-threat of Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Conan O'Brien? It's a comedy nerds wet dream, and I think would be amazing. However, Conan is used to that network TV money, so it's a safe bet he stays on one of the major networks.
At the end of the day, this drama has provided everyone with some great comedy and intrigue. Hell, the ratings for Conan's show have gone through the roof in light of this. Perhaps it's all a big publicity stunt? Nah...I would like to think not, but how cool would it be if it was? In closing, I just wanna say to Mr. Leno, your comedic style was outdated ten years ago, you are a relic of a bygone era. You have failed to adapt with the times, yet cannot let go of your spot and let the next generation through. You remind me of someone like Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, an old dinosaur who refuses to let go of the limelight and dies a slow, painful, unfunny death right before our eyes. Take your "Headlines" and go "Jaywalk" into oncoming traffic...your behavior is despicable.
So what have I been up to? I kinda went off the grid the past week or so due to some shit in my life that, thankfully, I overestimated. I was curious if I had a health problem or a disease or something, as I haven't been feeling quite up to par. Pain in my feet, my left knee has a huge lump over it that seems to cause me much discomfort some days, and almost unnoticeable others. Couple that with the general apathy I have towards my day to day grindings, and you have a pretty potent "sad panda" cocktail. So I do what I usually do in times of duress and burrow into my mind and disappear for a little while to sort things out. After some soul searching and resting I came to some pretty interesting conclusions, and watched some good movies (have to tie in the pop culture aspect of this blog somehow, right?). So let's get down to some good ol' fashioned musings shall we?
I came to realize that the world is quickly decaying. In the past ten years, hell, even five years, I've seen drastic and unsettling changes. My beloved music and print industries are decaying and becoming obsolete. Lord knows my main talent has always been a knack with the pen or quick with a rhyme or melody. Regardless of how you feel about my childish bullshit rap music from high school, I matured into a pretty prolific, introspective artists. But the ruination and corruption of the industry I once was obsessed with and dreamed of being a part of ripped that part of my heart out pretty much for good. Nobody buys music anymore...and the music that does sell is mass-marketed, easily consumable drivel. Not unlike the employer I currently work for. It's easy shit that people don't have to think about...being a one hit wonder is actually something people vie for now. The days of real artists and complete albums is virtually over. At least as far as mainstream goes...but how long will these great indie acts really stick around if there is no money to be had? Before we know it, there will be no songs left to be heard.
Then I see magazines and books being eschewed in favor of the internet. Now, look, guilty as charged. I spend quite a bit of time online and shit, look at me, I am writing a blog of my own. But the days of print are coming to a close. And truthfully, why would there be a need to pay writers? Reporters? Every Joe Blow has a blog, vlog or a website nowadays. News and insight and everything is available to us instantaneously, and everyone now has their chance to voice their opinion. It's sad to see the two things I valued so much basically wither away to nothing.
I worry about what there is gonna be in the future for my siblings and nieces. The days of becoming a do-it-yourself millionaire seem to be over. The dot.com boom has long since come and gone. The stock market or other investments? Laughable. I remember like, five or six years ago, getting your real estate license and being a decent salesman seemed to be the fast way to making some good coin. Now everything is in foreclosure or selling for fractions of it's actual worth. With the government encroaching further and further into day-to-day business, what is going to be left? Is there any idea out there that hasn't been done that someone could strike gold with? The American Dream has become a nightmare...
So where does that leave me? Stuck at that crossroads in the purgatory of "what you have made of your life" with "what society expects of your life". I've come to the conclusion that, this is what it is. I have made my bed, and lie in it I shall. Certainly didn't expect to end up where I am, but who ever does? In my eyes, it's a letdown...a failure. But at the same time, it's a triumph, compared to some of the shit I have been thru. But when I see my sister married with kids, and my friends all marrying and have good careers, and me having interest in none of it for myself, I wonder what it is that I did wrong, or why I think that way? Why do I relish being alone, disliking most everyone? Why do I find joy in bitterness and seclusion? I don't know, but people may look at me like I'm depressed or angry. But truth be told, my bitterness and willingness to remove myself from "normal society" has made me happier than I have ever been. No longer do I have to run with trends, put up with people who pretend to like me, deal with evil, heartless women or be involved with any of this nonsensical, unintelligent bullshit that society just accepts as a good way of living. I sit back and watch people become dumber, more ignorant, and just plain lazy. And I revel in the fact that I am nothing like you. So at this crossroads of my life, while many may look at me as a lost cause or a failure, I am happier in my own seclusion than any of you preening motherfuckers who have to deal with the pressure of the way of life you hold as the "right" one.
On a lighter note, I watched the movie "500 Days of Summer" and man, what a homerun on all accounts. Beautifully directed and filmed, well-acted and the script--perfect. If you have ever been in a relationship, in love or wanted more from someone you just couldn't have, you will love and relate to this movie. Easily the most realistic and relatable look at love I have ever seen in my life. Go see it now, or live to regret it. Hoping to catch "Youth in Revolt" sometime next week, so if all goes to plan, we should be back to normal on here by then. Thanks for bearing with me. It will be well worth the ride.
It's been a little while since I have posted anything so I feel almost obligated even though I haven't got much to talk about. The holidays came and went with a whimper, and already it's back to just slumming it along with my daily routine. Got to see some family and friends and get a few days away from the workplace, but overall it was quite anti-climactic.
Seeing as this blog mainly focuses on pop culture stuff, and I don't feel inspired enough to talk about one particular topic in great length at the moment, here's a quick rundown of some of the shit I have seen/listened to/enjoyed recently and my unadulterated thoughts on the subject:
Ke$ha, Animal: After proclaiming her the next big thing in pop music over the summer, her song "Tik Tok" finally blew up over the past month or two. Well, her full length album finally dropped today and after having a week or so to mull over it, I gotta say if you were expecting mindless dance pop mixed with some shitty white girl rapping, then Ke$ha delivers in spades. Most of the tunes feature catchy hooks, despite the subject matter being the same throughout. I gotta give Ke$ha credit for pretty much just sticking with what works and not trying to branch out and try anything that could be perceived as a stretch. She knows her limitations, and sticks to them. If Lady Gaga is too high concept for you and Fergie too mature, then Ke$ha will satisfy your needs perfectly. Songs to download: "Tik Tok", "Your Love is My Drug", "Blah Blah Blah" (featuring 30H3) and "Kiss N Tell".
Sherlock Holmes- Got a chance to check this out on New Year's Day with my buddies Gavin, Jared and Michelle. Probably due to the ridiculously late night I had beforehand, the dim lights and comfy chair of the theater caused me to doze off for about ten minutes in the midst of this highly entertaining and engaging film. Robert Downey Jr. knocks it out of the park as Holmes, bringing an eccentric and just below over-the-top version of Sherlock Holmes to the big screen. Jude Law plays the straight man as Dr. Watson, but he shines as well. The blatantly gay undertones to the Holmes-Watson partnership was a bit puzzling at times, and I'm not sure what they were going with. I wish I hadn't fallen asleep as I missed out on a couple big clues, but the action/fight sequences were awesome, as were the sets and costumes. The big reveal at the end sets up the inevitable sequel nicely, and I am looking forward to a well-rested second viewing of this movie. Not quite as good as Avatar but definitely worth your time and effot. RATING: 3 out 4.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel: Cute/awesome title aside, this movie let me down BIG TIME. I was a huge Chipmunk fan as a youngster. I enjoyed the cartoon series and the animated movie where they had to travel the globe searching for the dolls. I remember a particularly touching musical number involving a baby penguin as well. Well, fast forward to a couple years ago when the first Alvin movie bum-rushed the movie going public. I was not expecting much from it, but enjoyed the hell out of it on DVD so when they announced the sequel (or squeakquel) I decided I'd rep for the 'Munks and show up at the theater this time. In the world's of Arnold Schwarzenegger, "Big..mistake." This movie marks the "live action" debut of the Chipettes (Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette), the female counterparts of the Chipmunks. The movie centers around evil music exec Ian Hawke (a hilarious David Cross) trying to manipulate the Chipettes to bring about the demise of the Chipmunks. If your IQ is over 5, you will probably be able to figure out how the movie ends. Despite a severe lack of Jason Lee as Dave Seville, the movie has a few cool segments (the musical numbers are always good, and the Theodore "Dutch Oven" sequence made me laugh out loud). The problem is the movie is about 84 minutes long, and rushes along at a breakneck pace, and overall I felt like they skimped in certain areas making the movie a pretty big letdown. Maybe if I waited for DVD or downloaded it illegally I woulda enjoyed it more...but for $8, I expected so much more. RATING: 2 out 4
I heard rumors of this bubbling for a long time, but I had no idea that it was right on the horizon. A remake of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid, this time starring Will Smith's son Jaden in the Ralph Macchio role and Jackie FREAKIN' Chan stepping into the giant shoes left behind by Pat Morita, God bless the dead. I cannot fathom for the life of me who thought this was a good idea. The Karate Kid is an iconic movie. Not Oscar caliber, but it's a landmark movie, filled with so many memorable scenes, lines and characters. The chemistry between Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi could never be duplicated. The training sequences, the crane kick, the COBRA KAI, "Get him a bodybag!", "Sweep the leg", "NO MERCY!", etc. These things do not deserve to be fucked with, and should be preserved.
Now, after watching the first trailer for the updated Karate Kid, it looks mildly entertaining. I think kids of this generation will enjoy it. But I have a several gripes. First off, the kids in the movie are too young. Ralph Macchio as the teenage Daniel was perfect. The romance angle was right, and it seemed logical that Miyagi would beat up a bunch of teenage Cobra Kai members when he originally saves Daniel's ass. In this new trailer, when you see Jackie Chan mop the floor with a bunch of nine years olds, it's not cool or dramatic. It's like, "Yeah, I would hope Jackie Chan could beat up the Asian cast of 'Barney'". Plus seeing a bunch of pre-teen kids beat the shit out of eachother just doesn't sit right with me.
I also could've done without the shitty Ft. Minor music used in the trailer. If this is a sign of things to come, count me out. If you're gonna rape the legacy of one of my favorite films, YOU BETTER use Bill Conti's epic score and perhaps an updated version of "You're The Best Around" but whatever teeny bopper band is hot these days. All Time Low or Paramore or some shit...I would be cool with that. But shitty ass Linkin Park's off-shoot jerkoff band? I'll pass.
I don't know, I just don't like the looks of this. It's ruining the legacy of Karate Kid. Without Pat Morita, or Ralph Machio, or Martin Krove as JOHN FUCKIN' KREESE, it's the same. Hell, you need WILLIAM ZABKA to reprise his role as JOHNNY LAWRENCE. And I'm sorry, no piece of ass was hotter than Elisabeth Shue in the 1980's. NOBODY. So on that note, I am a bit disgruntled and bitter about all this. But don't take my word for it, watch the trailer yourself.
