Thursday, April 13, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Victory is mine. Victory is mine. Great day in the morning, victory is mine.
"Spiteful adj. 'Vindictive in a petty way'"
Yup, that's me. My proudest moment as a journalist has arrived as I finally take the opportunity to deliver a low and completely unneccessary blow to pasty-faced, poncey arse-bandits Keane in a review, of all things, of a Dirty Vegas album. Most of you will probably be surpised that it's taken me quite so long to crowbar an assault of this nature into my work but it's such a satisfying senasation that it's been worth the wait. Particularly pleased that the term "bed-wetting" made it past the censors.
Sadly my description of the Arctic Monkeys as "miserable British fucks" did not. And the published picture that I took was captioned "Courtesy Tower Bride Exhibition". But the review itself, despite a fair mauling from the editors (which I actually can't complain too strongly about; most of the cuts were reasonable enough). The show was actually broadcast live on National Public Radio and if you'd like to give it a listen, can be found here. Enjoy
Yup, that's me. My proudest moment as a journalist has arrived as I finally take the opportunity to deliver a low and completely unneccessary blow to pasty-faced, poncey arse-bandits Keane in a review, of all things, of a Dirty Vegas album. Most of you will probably be surpised that it's taken me quite so long to crowbar an assault of this nature into my work but it's such a satisfying senasation that it's been worth the wait. Particularly pleased that the term "bed-wetting" made it past the censors.
Sadly my description of the Arctic Monkeys as "miserable British fucks" did not. And the published picture that I took was captioned "Courtesy Tower Bride Exhibition". But the review itself, despite a fair mauling from the editors (which I actually can't complain too strongly about; most of the cuts were reasonable enough). The show was actually broadcast live on National Public Radio and if you'd like to give it a listen, can be found here. Enjoy
Monday, April 03, 2006
Warning: Gratuitously Unadulterated Display of Wussiness
Don't say I don't listen to my audience. From the many many emails I've received, and from the conversations I've had with some of you over MSN, it seems that I'm a little too abstract in the content of my blog postings. Apparently all you want to read is gossipy literature of the Heat variety and actually have no interest in my fascinating reviews of the latest tATu album or musings on the moral validity of marketing as a career path.
Oh no despite hundred of academic qualifications between you, and most about to graduate (I assume, although some have been somewhat silent) all you vile voyeurs want to hear about is DA LAYDEEZ. To quote Chris Storie, "bonned any pretty/alright looking/i was drunk, so she looked ok/ ugly birds of late....?! i did the other week, and she was neraly 30....:) ha... i was very drunk.. !!" Born romantic innee? Dunno quite what he's getting at there but does anyone expect anything more from the oh so sweet Chilean? Anyway I guess it IS time you were filled in on such matters but since my family read the blog more than most this is the nice/sickeningly sweet version of things. If it's not good enough for you , well, may I point you in the direction of amazon's ADULT section..... So i'm including a photograph which may make some of you go "awwwwwww" and the rest of you vomit into your keyboards. If you feel you may fit into the latter category I recommend you don't scroll down.
So this is the laydee. Yes yes I look like an arse, need a haircut etc, but doesn't she look cute? Name of Christina, from Seattle. And that's all you're getting from me for now. (And NO, not just cos that's all I know! - gimme SOME credit puhleeeze)
p.s. For the geeks amongst you (i.e. Franny) that is indeed a JBT poster in the background. They're playing at 9:30 Club on Thursday. Should be a cracker.
Oh no despite hundred of academic qualifications between you, and most about to graduate (I assume, although some have been somewhat silent) all you vile voyeurs want to hear about is DA LAYDEEZ. To quote Chris Storie, "bonned any pretty/alright looking/i was drunk, so she looked ok/ ugly birds of late....?! i did the other week, and she was neraly 30....:) ha... i was very drunk.. !!" Born romantic innee? Dunno quite what he's getting at there but does anyone expect anything more from the oh so sweet Chilean? Anyway I guess it IS time you were filled in on such matters but since my family read the blog more than most this is the nice/sickeningly sweet version of things. If it's not good enough for you , well, may I point you in the direction of amazon's ADULT section..... So i'm including a photograph which may make some of you go "awwwwwww" and the rest of you vomit into your keyboards. If you feel you may fit into the latter category I recommend you don't scroll down.
So this is the laydee. Yes yes I look like an arse, need a haircut etc, but doesn't she look cute? Name of Christina, from Seattle. And that's all you're getting from me for now. (And NO, not just cos that's all I know! - gimme SOME credit puhleeeze)
p.s. For the geeks amongst you (i.e. Franny) that is indeed a JBT poster in the background. They're playing at 9:30 Club on Thursday. Should be a cracker.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
(Arch) Bish Bash Bosh
All my own work. 
Who would win in a fight between the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury? A question I didn't summon up the courage to answer at Monday's roundtable forum, introduction to a series of inter-faith seminars here at Georgetown.
As you can see, I've begun taking pics as well as writing pieces for the paper. Not entirely without ulterior motive. Yes a girl was involved.
Who would win in a fight between the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury? A question I didn't summon up the courage to answer at Monday's roundtable forum, introduction to a series of inter-faith seminars here at Georgetown.As you can see, I've begun taking pics as well as writing pieces for the paper. Not entirely without ulterior motive. Yes a girl was involved.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Point Break
This week's paper piece
Aaaaaand the director's cut:
"Oh to have been lurking under the desk when this one was being pitched to the Hollywood execs. Might the scene have unfolded like this?
The writer creeps into the enormous boardroom and begins his spiel: 'I'm thinking Keanu Reeves....' – Mr. Burns-type reaches a bony finger towards the button marked "TRAP DOOR" - '.... as a super-sleuth FBI detective who goes undercover to apprehend a gang of uncatchable bank robbers'. The money-man taps the button and the screenwriter disappears through the floor. Hmm, perhaps a different approach was required: How about 'Keanu Reeves as a surfer. Gary Busey as a fat guy. Patrick Swayze as a hairy guy. Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers front-man) as a guy who hops around?' [Dramatic pause] 'SOLD'. And there we have Point Break.
There are those who may attempt to intellectualize this film in order to justify its presence on their top 10 movies of all time list and they are foolish to do. Check out the tag-line: "100% Pure Adrenaline". Anyone who sits down with the DVD expecting their thoughts to be provoked and their synapses to be stimulated is more than a little naive. While there is the suggestion of depth and "message", this is nothing but the quintessential action movie - heavy on visuals and light on meaningful dialogue - NOT Mulholland Drive. And no less than perfect for it.
PB does indeed see a fresh-faced Reeves - in between Bill+Ted movies, perfect timing - as all-star college athlete-turned Federal Agent Johnny Utah (you really can't make this stuff up, although obviously SOMEONE did). He dons a wetsuit and grabs a long-board as he hunt down a gang of rubber mask-wearing wave-riders, calling themselves "The Ex-Presidents", ruthlessly robbing banks and pursuing "the endless summer".
It's simple. It's dumb. You gotta love it.
The surfer-role was one Keanu Reeves was surely born to play. When his character is summoned in to the field office to report on his progress, with the level of dead-pan none but Mr. Reeves is capable of, his response is simply: "I caught my first tube today... sir".
Through his immersion in the hedonistic world of boards and babes Utah finds himself torn between business and pleasure, falling not only for a foxy surf chick - an unnecessary tag-on that perhaps serves to counter all the testosterone on display- but for the life of the adrenaline junkie. He is drawn increasingly closer to his quarry until he's suddenly at the center of the action as a ruggedly studly Bodhi (a post-Ghost Swayze) and his crew take bigger and bigger risks. Supporting characters are disposed of and impossibly cringe-worthy lines are delivered: "Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true." a particularly amusing example.
120 minutes of exhilaration: surfing, skydiving, bank robberies, car chases and Messr Keanu going "Dude, woah, shit!". With all these political movies out Point Break is the perfect antidote; as deep as a puddle, as undemanding as can be and for me, as satisfying and straight-forwardly fun as cinema gets. Maybe I'm too young to say this but, they just don't make 'em like they used to."
Aaaaaand the director's cut:
"Oh to have been lurking under the desk when this one was being pitched to the Hollywood execs. Might the scene have unfolded like this?
The writer creeps into the enormous boardroom and begins his spiel: 'I'm thinking Keanu Reeves....' – Mr. Burns-type reaches a bony finger towards the button marked "TRAP DOOR" - '.... as a super-sleuth FBI detective who goes undercover to apprehend a gang of uncatchable bank robbers'. The money-man taps the button and the screenwriter disappears through the floor. Hmm, perhaps a different approach was required: How about 'Keanu Reeves as a surfer. Gary Busey as a fat guy. Patrick Swayze as a hairy guy. Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers front-man) as a guy who hops around?' [Dramatic pause] 'SOLD'. And there we have Point Break.
There are those who may attempt to intellectualize this film in order to justify its presence on their top 10 movies of all time list and they are foolish to do. Check out the tag-line: "100% Pure Adrenaline". Anyone who sits down with the DVD expecting their thoughts to be provoked and their synapses to be stimulated is more than a little naive. While there is the suggestion of depth and "message", this is nothing but the quintessential action movie - heavy on visuals and light on meaningful dialogue - NOT Mulholland Drive. And no less than perfect for it.
PB does indeed see a fresh-faced Reeves - in between Bill+Ted movies, perfect timing - as all-star college athlete-turned Federal Agent Johnny Utah (you really can't make this stuff up, although obviously SOMEONE did). He dons a wetsuit and grabs a long-board as he hunt down a gang of rubber mask-wearing wave-riders, calling themselves "The Ex-Presidents", ruthlessly robbing banks and pursuing "the endless summer".
It's simple. It's dumb. You gotta love it.
The surfer-role was one Keanu Reeves was surely born to play. When his character is summoned in to the field office to report on his progress, with the level of dead-pan none but Mr. Reeves is capable of, his response is simply: "I caught my first tube today... sir".
Through his immersion in the hedonistic world of boards and babes Utah finds himself torn between business and pleasure, falling not only for a foxy surf chick - an unnecessary tag-on that perhaps serves to counter all the testosterone on display- but for the life of the adrenaline junkie. He is drawn increasingly closer to his quarry until he's suddenly at the center of the action as a ruggedly studly Bodhi (a post-Ghost Swayze) and his crew take bigger and bigger risks. Supporting characters are disposed of and impossibly cringe-worthy lines are delivered: "Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true." a particularly amusing example.
120 minutes of exhilaration: surfing, skydiving, bank robberies, car chases and Messr Keanu going "Dude, woah, shit!". With all these political movies out Point Break is the perfect antidote; as deep as a puddle, as undemanding as can be and for me, as satisfying and straight-forwardly fun as cinema gets. Maybe I'm too young to say this but, they just don't make 'em like they used to."
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