Today's track isn't so much a mashup per se, more of a remix. It comes courtesy of hometown DJ, and personal favorite, Z-Trip. In honor of Freddie Mercury's 65th Birthday (see a common thread to today's posts), I thought I would post a mix of my wife's favorite Queen tune. Ladies and gentlemen, I present 'Fat Bottom Girls'.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Quote Of The Day II
"These current defacements are just the beginning. Today, engineers with their computers can add color to black-and-white movies, change the soundtrack, speed up the pace, and add or subtract material to the philosophical tastes of the copyright holder. Tomorrow, more advanced technology will be able to replace actors with "fresher faces," or alter dialogue and change the movement of the actor's lips to match. It will soon be possible to create a new "original" negative with whatever changes or alterations the copyright holder of the moment desires."- George Lucas, speaking before Congress on March 3, 1988, the last time he was known to be of sound mind and body.
In all fairness, Lucas created the 'Star Wars' trilogy. It's just that he has tinkered with it so much, that it is practically unrecognizable from it's original theatrical version. He is releasing 3D versions of his movies in theaters, and then on Blu Ray, in order of "Episode", every year, starting in 2013. Which means it will be 2019 before 'Return of the Jedi' will be released in 3D. By then, Darth Vader will have laser beams coming out of his eyes, and Luke Skywalker will be digitally replaced by 'X-Men's Wolverine.
Tweet Of The Day
As governor of Texas, Rick Perry has taken a very moderate stance in regards to illegal immigration. He supported the DREAM Act. He even sought ways to create a pathway to citizenship for those undocumented workers currently in the country. Now that he is courting extremists like Arpaio, it's almost as if he's changing his belief system in order to get Republican support.
Interesting fact: Between 2007 and June 2010, the United States deported a total of 115,841 illegal immigrants. Arpaio's office was responsible for 26,146 of those deportations, a whopping 22.5%. If that isn't extremist, I don't know what is.
Quote Of The Day
"When I'm dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance."- Freddie Mercury of Queen
I'd say he got what he wanted. Happy Birthday, Freddie.
My personal favorite...
Video: Google Remembers Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury would have been 65 years old today. To celebrate, Google UK has put together a doodle in tribute of the bisexual rock icon. He died on November 24, 1991, from complications from the AIDS virus.
On a personal note: When playing the Google video for the first time, my three year old ran to my laptop and screamed, "Is that Freddie?". She has never heard that particular Queen track before. Yes, we play that much Queen in our home. In fact, she has known all of the words to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' since she was 18 months old.
Secondly, am I the only one that can't hear 'Don't Stop Me Now' without thinking of 'Shawn of the Dead'?
On a personal note: When playing the Google video for the first time, my three year old ran to my laptop and screamed, "Is that Freddie?". She has never heard that particular Queen track before. Yes, we play that much Queen in our home. In fact, she has known all of the words to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' since she was 18 months old.
Secondly, am I the only one that can't hear 'Don't Stop Me Now' without thinking of 'Shawn of the Dead'?
Photo: Is Lil' Wayne WWE's Newest Wrestling Star?
This is a photo of Lil' Wayne performing at last week's MTV's Video Music Awards? Is it just me, or does it look like he is calling out Hulk Hogan to a steel cage match?
In a related story, Tripp NYC, a clothing manufacturer, went to their Facebook page last week to thank Lil' Wayne for wearing their leopard print women's jeggings during the performance. I see an opening in Lil' Wayne's entourage soon.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday Confessional: My First Job - The One I've Never Talked About
Note: I've never been a believer of "The names have been changed to protect the innocent". Fuck the innocent. If they were so innocent, I wouldn't be writing about them.
When I talk to people about my first job, I tell them that I worked at a men's clothing store in the mall. I sold suits and dress shirts for $5.75 an hour, starting the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school.
The truth is, I had another job earlier that summer. I went to work for a business that was owned by one of my Jehovah's Witness "brothers". He made working conditions so unbelievably horrific, I was forced to quit after three days.
I was talking to an old friend a couple of weeks ago, and she brought up Bill Sturgis. Immediately, my shoulders tensed up and tears started to fill my eyes.
When I talk to people about my first job, I tell them that I worked at a men's clothing store in the mall. I sold suits and dress shirts for $5.75 an hour, starting the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school.
The truth is, I had another job earlier that summer. I went to work for a business that was owned by one of my Jehovah's Witness "brothers". He made working conditions so unbelievably horrific, I was forced to quit after three days.
I was talking to an old friend a couple of weeks ago, and she brought up Bill Sturgis. Immediately, my shoulders tensed up and tears started to fill my eyes.
Video: Jay-Z & Kanye West 'Otis'
It sounds like artists have finally gotten wise to the mashup sound. 'Otis' takes a sample of Otis Redding's 'Try A Little Tenderness', and flips it on it's head. It's an example of brilliant sampling, pieced together with an amazing set of rhymes from Jay-Z and Kanye West.
The video, directed by Spike Jonze, is pretty damn good too.
Mr. Redding would be proud.
The video, directed by Spike Jonze, is pretty damn good too.
Mr. Redding would be proud.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
You'll Never Guess What Tucson Area Republicans Are Raffling Off
On January 8, 2011, Jared Loughner approached a crowd that gathered at a meet and greet for Representative Gabrielle Giffords at a Tucson area Safeway parking lot. He pulled out a 9mm Glock 19 handgun, and killed six people, including a nine year old girl and a federal judge. He shot Giffords and twelve others.
Six and a half short months later, and the fine Republicans of Pima County, Arizona, decide to hold a raffle to raise money for the party. Take a look at what's up for grabs.
Six and a half short months later, and the fine Republicans of Pima County, Arizona, decide to hold a raffle to raise money for the party. Take a look at what's up for grabs.
Video: The World's Youngest Preacher
The National Geographic Channel is planning on airing the following footage at some point in the future. It shows four year old Kanon Tipton of Grenada, Mississippi, preaching at his father's Pentecostal church. His father claims that he is "moved by the Holy Ghost". I say, along with many others, that it's a matter of imitation and brainwashing. You be the judge.
It is a bit of a lengthy clip, more than eleven minutes.
A couple of key quotes from Kanon's father that I picked up during the clip:
I gave my first "sermon" at church at the age of four. It was on a Tuesday night. I was enrolled in what is called the Theocratic Ministry School. It is where Jehovah's Witnesses give regular sermons in front of the congregation, and receive constructive criticism as to how to improve in their speaking abilities. The goal is to essentially create the perfect door to door foot soldier.
My first sermon was five minutes in length, and was a review of the Gog and Magog prophecy of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. I had no clue what I was talking about. It was solely coaching by my parents and memorization. From what I told years later, even while reading the entire two chapters of Bible text (I was reading at three), I was looking up from my Bible and staring at my mom.
So, is this little boy "filled with the Holy Spirit", like his dad believes? Or is it much more likely that this is a little boy that really wants to make his mommy and daddy proud of him, and enjoys the praise and attention that he receive from his dad?
Call me a skeptic, but I'm guessing the latter.
It is a bit of a lengthy clip, more than eleven minutes.
A couple of key quotes from Kanon's father that I picked up during the clip:
"It's not brainwashing. It's training. It's only brainwashing when it goes against your morals."And...
"I believe that god gives him the words to say, even though it's simple and we can't put it together."Interesting take on brainwashing. Of course, that is the point of view from the washer. Let me give you a perspective from someone that was also brainwashed into a religion.
I gave my first "sermon" at church at the age of four. It was on a Tuesday night. I was enrolled in what is called the Theocratic Ministry School. It is where Jehovah's Witnesses give regular sermons in front of the congregation, and receive constructive criticism as to how to improve in their speaking abilities. The goal is to essentially create the perfect door to door foot soldier.
My first sermon was five minutes in length, and was a review of the Gog and Magog prophecy of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. I had no clue what I was talking about. It was solely coaching by my parents and memorization. From what I told years later, even while reading the entire two chapters of Bible text (I was reading at three), I was looking up from my Bible and staring at my mom.
So, is this little boy "filled with the Holy Spirit", like his dad believes? Or is it much more likely that this is a little boy that really wants to make his mommy and daddy proud of him, and enjoys the praise and attention that he receive from his dad?
Call me a skeptic, but I'm guessing the latter.
Video: Rise Against - 'Make It Stop' (September's Children)
September 2010 was a horrific month for LGBT youth. It seemed like every day, there was a report of another gay teen that had committed suicide to escape the bullying from other kids at school. A year later, the names of some of these young men still are fresh in are memory - Seth Walsh, Tyler Clementi, Billy Lucas and Asher Brown.
With the advent of It Gets Better, hopefully some lives have been saved. I would like to think the large number of pop songs on the market has helped to bring a positive message to those feeling desperate and at their lowest point. P!nk released 'Fuckin' Perfect'. Katy Perry came out with 'Firework'. And, of course, you can't forget Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'.
Support also came from the rock industry. Rise Against, who are activists in their own right, recently released 'Make It Stop'. In my opinion, it has much more substance than any of the other songs that have come out referencing the issue. Take a look.
With the advent of It Gets Better, hopefully some lives have been saved. I would like to think the large number of pop songs on the market has helped to bring a positive message to those feeling desperate and at their lowest point. P!nk released 'Fuckin' Perfect'. Katy Perry came out with 'Firework'. And, of course, you can't forget Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'.
Support also came from the rock industry. Rise Against, who are activists in their own right, recently released 'Make It Stop'. In my opinion, it has much more substance than any of the other songs that have come out referencing the issue. Take a look.
Video: KY Airing National Commercial Featuring Lesbian Couple
For years, we have all seen the clever commercials for KY products. They all vary to some degree, but usually, they feature a heterosexual couple talking about "the big moment". Well, starting September 5th, "Alex and Emma", the line's first lesbian couple, joins their ranks. From KY:
Why KY Intense? It's engineered specifically for women. They like to call it the "Intense Effect". It has worked on 75% of their test subjects.
I'm curious to see if the commercial will ever see the light of day on primetime television. If and when it does, I'm sure the boycott police will be in full force. "Boycott the network that aired this commercial." "Boycott the program the commercial aired on." "Boycott every store that KY Intense is sold in." Great in theory, except KY Intense is sold in every major drug store chain - including Target and the fundie beloved Walmart.
There is only one reason why the evangelical right haven't blown up the airwaves about this already: This is very low on their radar. It's not like they're monitoring the advertising campaigns for sex lubricant products on a regular basis.
Dear lord, I hope not. I'd hate to think that I have something in common with the evangelical right. ;)
"K-Y® Brand has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community. Since 1998, it has sponsored dozens of LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations and has also participated at LGBT Pride celebrations and other community events. Gay male couples have been featured in print advertising since 2008 and now the brand is continuing its tradition of support and visibility with advertising that is inclusive of lesbian couples."Here is the commercial. Short but sweet.
Why KY Intense? It's engineered specifically for women. They like to call it the "Intense Effect". It has worked on 75% of their test subjects.
I'm curious to see if the commercial will ever see the light of day on primetime television. If and when it does, I'm sure the boycott police will be in full force. "Boycott the network that aired this commercial." "Boycott the program the commercial aired on." "Boycott every store that KY Intense is sold in." Great in theory, except KY Intense is sold in every major drug store chain - including Target and the fundie beloved Walmart.
There is only one reason why the evangelical right haven't blown up the airwaves about this already: This is very low on their radar. It's not like they're monitoring the advertising campaigns for sex lubricant products on a regular basis.
Dear lord, I hope not. I'd hate to think that I have something in common with the evangelical right. ;)
Photos: My Spine Is Much Worse Than Imagined
Note: The images below are of my body. They are the property of myself and my respective doctors. They may not be reproduced without my consent. Thank you for understanding.
As you know, I had a discectomy on June 20th. I had a couple of minor complications, but things seemed successful.
Within the first two weeks, however, the pain came back with a vengeance. Pain medication quickly had no effect. I started receiving regular epidural injections. Every two weeks. At some appointments, two at a time. No effect.
With every passing day, my mobility worsened. I started collapsing like I had before. I'm at a point now where I cannot walk without a cane. My spinal surgeon scheduled another set of surgeries for later this month. He had me complete an MRI last week to get an idea of what we were looking at. I had a chance to take a look at them yesterday morning. What I saw was so much worse than what anyone could have imagined.
As you know, I had a discectomy on June 20th. I had a couple of minor complications, but things seemed successful.
Within the first two weeks, however, the pain came back with a vengeance. Pain medication quickly had no effect. I started receiving regular epidural injections. Every two weeks. At some appointments, two at a time. No effect.
With every passing day, my mobility worsened. I started collapsing like I had before. I'm at a point now where I cannot walk without a cane. My spinal surgeon scheduled another set of surgeries for later this month. He had me complete an MRI last week to get an idea of what we were looking at. I had a chance to take a look at them yesterday morning. What I saw was so much worse than what anyone could have imagined.
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