Saturday, July 4, 2009
Best. Sloppy Joes. Ever.
If you haven't settled on what to eat tonight, you're welcome: Buffalo Chile Con Carne (aka gourmet sloppy joes) courtesy of Chef Dave.
Eumir Deodato "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (theme from 2001)
Happy 4th phanners.
I vote this as our new national anthem - it kicks the shit out of the current one.
(H/T The Butter Room)
I vote this as our new national anthem - it kicks the shit out of the current one.
(H/T The Butter Room)
Dear Phish: Halloween 2009
Many of you regularly bathing, upstanding citizens might not be aware of the magnitude of Phish's recently announced 3-Day Halloween Festival, which is all-but-confirmed to take place in Indio, California October 30-November 1.
Beginning in 1994, Phish began one of their greatest traditions by putting on their "musical costume" and covering someone else's album in it's entirety on Halloween. In 1994 they covered The Beatles' White Album, in 1995 The Who's Quadrophenia, in 1996 the Talking Heads' Remain in Light, and in 1998 the Velvet Underground's Loaded (with a surprise rendition of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon two nights later).
As to be expected with such a dedicated (mildly obsessed) fan-base, speculation is running rampant as to what album Phish will choose for their first Halloween show in over a decade. Here's my personal wish list, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced
All that I need to say is: "Purple Haze > Manic Depression > Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary > Fire > Third Stone From the Sun > Foxy Lady."
2. Led Zeppelin - II
"Heartbreaker > Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman) > Ramble On > Moby Dick." If they could swing the vocals on this one it could be incredible.
3. Grateful Dead - American Beauty
This would be so good that it will clearly never happen.
4. David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Do I even need to list all of the ways this would be awesome? I'm skeptical as to whether Phish could pull this one off vocally though.
5. Frank Zappa - Joe's Garage
According to legend, Joe's Garage was initially selected for Halloween 1995, "but with insanely complex overdubs, potentially offensive lyrics, and several tunes (esp. Watermelon in Easter Hay) that Zappa had requested never be performed live again, the band (after learning a considerable amount of it) decided they just couldn't make it sound like it should and chose to instead play Quadrophenia."
While unlikely, I think the distinct possibility of Phish covering a double album over the span of two nights deserves mention:
Pink Floyd - The Wall
So what if Phish already covered Dark Side of the Moon? The Wall is one of the greatest albums ever made; "In the Flesh?" is one of my all-time favorite openers and songs like "Mother" "One of My Turns" "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell" are just begging to be played by this band.
Guns 'n' Roses - Use Your Illusion 1 & 2
While some of the songs off these albums could be outstanding, most forget that there are 30 tracks between the two albums, and, honestly, only about 10 worth covering. This would be a lot of new material to learn and I'm not sure if Phish can match off Axl Rose's vocals.
Finally, no list would be complete without mentioning Michael Jackson's Thriller. While I could see Phish pulling a fake-out and opening with "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin" - but beyond that playing the entire album might be beyond their vocal (and dancing) abilities.
Beginning in 1994, Phish began one of their greatest traditions by putting on their "musical costume" and covering someone else's album in it's entirety on Halloween. In 1994 they covered The Beatles' White Album, in 1995 The Who's Quadrophenia, in 1996 the Talking Heads' Remain in Light, and in 1998 the Velvet Underground's Loaded (with a surprise rendition of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon two nights later).
As to be expected with such a dedicated (mildly obsessed) fan-base, speculation is running rampant as to what album Phish will choose for their first Halloween show in over a decade. Here's my personal wish list, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced
All that I need to say is: "Purple Haze > Manic Depression > Hey Joe, The Wind Cries Mary > Fire > Third Stone From the Sun > Foxy Lady."
2. Led Zeppelin - II
"Heartbreaker > Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman) > Ramble On > Moby Dick." If they could swing the vocals on this one it could be incredible.
3. Grateful Dead - American Beauty
This would be so good that it will clearly never happen.
4. David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Do I even need to list all of the ways this would be awesome? I'm skeptical as to whether Phish could pull this one off vocally though.
5. Frank Zappa - Joe's Garage
According to legend, Joe's Garage was initially selected for Halloween 1995, "but with insanely complex overdubs, potentially offensive lyrics, and several tunes (esp. Watermelon in Easter Hay) that Zappa had requested never be performed live again, the band (after learning a considerable amount of it) decided they just couldn't make it sound like it should and chose to instead play Quadrophenia."
While unlikely, I think the distinct possibility of Phish covering a double album over the span of two nights deserves mention:
Pink Floyd - The Wall
So what if Phish already covered Dark Side of the Moon? The Wall is one of the greatest albums ever made; "In the Flesh?" is one of my all-time favorite openers and songs like "Mother" "One of My Turns" "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell" are just begging to be played by this band.
Guns 'n' Roses - Use Your Illusion 1 & 2
While some of the songs off these albums could be outstanding, most forget that there are 30 tracks between the two albums, and, honestly, only about 10 worth covering. This would be a lot of new material to learn and I'm not sure if Phish can match off Axl Rose's vocals.
Finally, no list would be complete without mentioning Michael Jackson's Thriller. While I could see Phish pulling a fake-out and opening with "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin" - but beyond that playing the entire album might be beyond their vocal (and dancing) abilities.
Cannabis Quotes
In trying to verify whether this Secret Societies show on the History Channel was full of shit, I stumbled upon these quotes from various historical figures on Cannabis. Some highlights:
"Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica." - Abraham Lincoln (from a letter written by Lincoln during his presidency to the head of the Hohner Harmonica Company in Germany)
"The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world." - Carl Sagan, renown scientist, astronomer, astrochemist, author and TV host
By the way, where are you President Barack "I inhaled frequently. That was the point" Obama? If only he had the balls to say this again, except this from the White House:
"Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica." - Abraham Lincoln (from a letter written by Lincoln during his presidency to the head of the Hohner Harmonica Company in Germany)
"Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country."
- Thomas Jefferson, U.S. President
"Make the most you can of the Indian Hemp seed and sow it everywhere."
- George Washington, U.S. President
"The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world." - Carl Sagan, renown scientist, astronomer, astrochemist, author and TV host
By the way, where are you President Barack "I inhaled frequently. That was the point" Obama? If only he had the balls to say this again, except this from the White House:
"The war on drugs has been an utter failure. We need to rethink and decriminalize our nation's marijuana laws." -Barack Obama, January 2004
Or we could just listen to Mark Kirk.Thursday, July 2, 2009
Should I Go To Law School?
If you find yourself wondering this very question, check out this thread on Phantasy Tour. While a Phish message board isn't always the first place you should go seeking legal advice, what's being said is more accurate than any "should I go to law school" response I've ever seen (in case you don't know this yet, 90% of everything you've ever heard about law school is complete bullshit.)
Some highlights:
"[if i do go to law school, i dont necessarily have to practice law... lobbying, politics, etc are all things that i also have an interest in...] is also a complete crock of shit. I'm convinced that the best law school deans in the country got together one summer 35 years ago and said, "let's tell people they don't necessarily have to practice law, and that a law degree is super versatile, etc...then they'll come in droves." Well, it worked. The problems it that it is a total ruse."
"As a BK attorney...I see every day how the "non-dischargability" of student loan debt is used to abuse people who can't possibly earn a living with the salary they might hope to earn by the student loans they have created by getting a doctorate in whatever it may be...it's almost comical a few that I've seen. Student loans, next to Mortgage Servicers are high on my list of 2009's list of corporations most closly aligned with Tony Soprano..."
"I am studying for the bar as we speak. Most people in my graduating class are not happy about their choice to attend Law School. I am not one of them. The job market sucks and people are pissed they don’t have jobs, have a ton of debt, and most entry level jobs don’t pay more than $60,000. Getting your J.D. is not really a gateway to making lots of money anymore. Only go to Law School if you are sure it’s for you. Getting a J.D. really isn’t that hard and doesn’t give you that much of an edge. On the other hand, if you are a super good student and are mature enough to get good grades then you should go."
"By the way, litigation is the key to being happy. Find a public interest job that lets you litigate and your life will be worth living. You can make enough money to live comfortably and be happy. After 10 years, no more loans and you have enough trial experience to write your own ticket."
Here's my contribution
I will be a 3L this year. I spent the first two years HATING EVERY MINUTE of law school.
Right now I work at a small firm and the odd thing is that I really like my job and am kind of excited about being a lawyer. I'm lucky to have great bosses though- most people in law school are pretty douchey.
Considering I only have a year left I'm pretty happy right now - I might not feel this way when those loan payments start becoming due!
SERIOUSLY, don't go for the wrong reasons (parents, can't think of anything else, etc.) - it really sucks to pay 30k a year to hate what you do every day when you didn't really even want to be there in the first place.
Some highlights:
"[if i do go to law school, i dont necessarily have to practice law... lobbying, politics, etc are all things that i also have an interest in...] is also a complete crock of shit. I'm convinced that the best law school deans in the country got together one summer 35 years ago and said, "let's tell people they don't necessarily have to practice law, and that a law degree is super versatile, etc...then they'll come in droves." Well, it worked. The problems it that it is a total ruse."
"As a BK attorney...I see every day how the "non-dischargability" of student loan debt is used to abuse people who can't possibly earn a living with the salary they might hope to earn by the student loans they have created by getting a doctorate in whatever it may be...it's almost comical a few that I've seen. Student loans, next to Mortgage Servicers are high on my list of 2009's list of corporations most closly aligned with Tony Soprano..."
"I am studying for the bar as we speak. Most people in my graduating class are not happy about their choice to attend Law School. I am not one of them. The job market sucks and people are pissed they don’t have jobs, have a ton of debt, and most entry level jobs don’t pay more than $60,000. Getting your J.D. is not really a gateway to making lots of money anymore. Only go to Law School if you are sure it’s for you. Getting a J.D. really isn’t that hard and doesn’t give you that much of an edge. On the other hand, if you are a super good student and are mature enough to get good grades then you should go."
"By the way, litigation is the key to being happy. Find a public interest job that lets you litigate and your life will be worth living. You can make enough money to live comfortably and be happy. After 10 years, no more loans and you have enough trial experience to write your own ticket."
Here's my contribution
I will be a 3L this year. I spent the first two years HATING EVERY MINUTE of law school.
Right now I work at a small firm and the odd thing is that I really like my job and am kind of excited about being a lawyer. I'm lucky to have great bosses though- most people in law school are pretty douchey.
Considering I only have a year left I'm pretty happy right now - I might not feel this way when those loan payments start becoming due!
SERIOUSLY, don't go for the wrong reasons (parents, can't think of anything else, etc.) - it really sucks to pay 30k a year to hate what you do every day when you didn't really even want to be there in the first place.
Friday, June 26, 2009
3 Day Phish Halloween Festival
I could not be more excited.
Phish, the greatest band to ever grace this Earth, just announced a 3 day festival over Halloween weekend (10/30-11/01) at a location to be announced (Vegas?).
Having just returned from 4 awesome nights of Phish and gearing up for another run in August, I was just starting to wonder when Phish would make their Halloween plans. Considering Michael Jackson's recent death, it wouldn't be that surprising if Phish covered "Thriller" in it's entirety on Halloween - but that might be a little too predictable. Personally, I would kill to hear them attempt Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage" - but I doubt that as well.
What will they play? Who knows. I'm sure I'll revisit this topic. I'm just ecstatic that they're playing.
Phish, the greatest band to ever grace this Earth, just announced a 3 day festival over Halloween weekend (10/30-11/01) at a location to be announced (Vegas?).
Having just returned from 4 awesome nights of Phish and gearing up for another run in August, I was just starting to wonder when Phish would make their Halloween plans. Considering Michael Jackson's recent death, it wouldn't be that surprising if Phish covered "Thriller" in it's entirety on Halloween - but that might be a little too predictable. Personally, I would kill to hear them attempt Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage" - but I doubt that as well.
What will they play? Who knows. I'm sure I'll revisit this topic. I'm just ecstatic that they're playing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Review: Transformers 2
I couldn't have been more excited when I found a bootleg copy of Transformers 2 at www.surfthechannel.com last night. I've been a huge Transformers fan since I was a kid, and have been greatly anticipating the new movie.
Boring. Awful. Terrible. Insufferable. Zero stars.
Those are the only words that come to mind to describe this movie. Granted, the first Michael Bay Transformers movie wasn't the best movie I've ever seen by any means, but this was just unbearable. It was so bad that I'm just going to leave it at that without discussing in grueling detail how terrible each particular aspect of the movie was.
I will now re-watch the original, animated, perfect, 1986 Transformers movie until I forget that Transformers 2 ever existed.
Boring. Awful. Terrible. Insufferable. Zero stars.
Those are the only words that come to mind to describe this movie. Granted, the first Michael Bay Transformers movie wasn't the best movie I've ever seen by any means, but this was just unbearable. It was so bad that I'm just going to leave it at that without discussing in grueling detail how terrible each particular aspect of the movie was.
I will now re-watch the original, animated, perfect, 1986 Transformers movie until I forget that Transformers 2 ever existed.
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