I really wanted to stop putting pictures of cartoon birds on my twitter machine every week. In fact I wrote this in my post last Tuesday.
The first thing my wife said "I like the pictures of birds. Why did you stop doing that?"
I stopped because it really is a pain to find a topical cartoon bird every week. Or any cartoon bird without repeating myself. I don't see why they're needed in every Twitter Machine post, so I'm sticking to my guns and not including them from here on. My wife will have to get over it.
Welcome back to the Machine.
-I forgot how addicting Streak for the Cash is on ESPN.
-@erinsgirls is on-board with it too. She just wants me to get to 27 wins so we can win $50k
-30 Rock is back this week! With Parks and Rec, 8-9pm Thursdays may be the best hour on TV
-We've knocked out the entire first season of The West Wing in just over 2 weeks #dedicated
-Grace loves hitting Ana in the head with plastic hangers. I told her No and she smiled and kept on hitting her #violent
-Spoke to my old boss the other day about an unemployment hearing. Don't miss that.
-People who play made-up words in Hanging and Words with Friends have earned a special place in hell
-That last one was a little harsh. Maybe a special place in purgatory.
-Ana has been pretty anti-sleep over the last week or so. She likes to yell from upstairs for 30-45 min after bedtime. #fun
-Probably too old for it now, but damnit I want to go to Coachella #blackkeys #arcticmonkeys #radiohead #theshins #dreandsnoop #florenceandthemachine #COMEON
-I didn't even know the Golden Globes were this weekend, and I'm okay with that
-One band that didn't make my criminally underrated list: Fleet Foxes. Maybe a little too well known.
-I also have quite a few more movies that are relatively unknown to share down the road
-Our girls are quite fond of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons #whowouldathought #jerseyboys
-Pre-sale for The Hunger Games go on sale just in time for Erin's birthday
-Maybe she'll like that instead of massage #notlikely
-Reading Mercury Falls on the Kindle. Pretty good book that reads a little like Douglas Adams.
-Saw some commercials for the movie Chronicle with Wallace from The Wire #intrigued
-I got invited to Google+. I just don't think I need one more piece of social media to distract me.
-New Snow Patrol album. Yes please.
-Ana likes to bite when she gets excited. We'll be playing or tickling and out come the chompers.
-Bud Selig needs to be shown the door not offered an extension
-I think I'll be starting to read longer bedtime stories to the girls very soon. Maybe tonight.
Hope you all have a wonderful week.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Criminally Underrated 2.0
I wrote a post in the past about music that I find criminally underrated. I feel like it's time to breach that topic once again and expand it to all of pop culture.
So below is my list of bands or movies or books or whatever that should be enjoyed by so many more people. If you've already given these a chance, good for you. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and give these a shot.
Music: We Are Augustines
I listen to We Are Augustines' first album and hear so many emotions coming from the lead singer, Billy McCarthy. Mostly a lot of pain and uncertainty comes through. Come to find out that the concept was inspired by his mother and brother both being diagnosed schizophrenic and his brother later committing suicide. Now I really get it. McCarthy bares his soul on this album. His lyrics only hit home that much more because of the incredible voice belting them out. He is incredible. I hope this is just the first of many great albums by this band because I plan on being a huge fan for many years to come.
Music: Telekinesis
Telekinesis reminds me of all the things I love about The Cure. Catchy hooks and pop chords that grab hold of your ears like they're holding them hostage. All the while the lyrics stem from a bad relationship or losing out on love. But isn't all great pop music a result of some relatable pain? Powerful and catchy all from a one-man-band. His second album (12 Desperate Straight Lines) is all I've heard to this point, but I'm definitely ready to give anything he's put out there about 50 listens.
Movie: The Iron Giant
There are a lot of people that have seen The Iron Giant, just not nearly enough. Everyone I know that has seen it, loves it. It doesn't dumb itself down just because its an animated movie. It respects the intelligence of the audience and understands that a kid's movie needs to appeal to the parents too. It has themes that work for kids: friendship, not fitting in, respecting those who are different, etc. It also has some very adult themes: fear-mongering, respect for life, war, paranoia, etc. The voice acting and animation is fantastic. You could see that Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) was headed for greatness when you watch this movie. I'll just warn you that you should be ready to shed a tear or two when you do finally give it a shot.
Movie: The Salton Sea
The description of the movie via IMDb reads: After his wife is murdered, a man drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies. To tell you anymore than that about the plot would ruin it. I guess that's part of the reason it failed at the box office. Just know that it has Val Kilmer in a phenomenal performance. It features Vincent D'Onofrio in a crazy role as a manic, tweaker, drug dealer. Luis Guzman, Adam Goldberg and Peter Sarsgaard also give fantastic supporting performances. I know what you're thinking: "All these great actors are in this movie? Why didn't I see this one?" Exactly.
TV Show: Sports Night
There are many shows that don't find an audience that they truly deserve and get cancelled long before they should have been axed (see: Freaks and Geeks, Firefly, Arrested Development). But few are as good as Sports Night. The West Wing was Aaron Sorkin's greatest work, but Sports Night isn't far behind it. It's a show about the inner-workings of a fictional sports show like SportsCenter on ESPN. The dialogue is hilarious and very smart. It also comes at the viewer at breakneck speeds. All the Sorkin-isms are there from the walk and talks to banter you'd expect in a Howard Hawks movie to perfect pitch dramedy. It also has a wonderful ensemble that you'd expect from a Sorkin show. Everyone brings their A-game throughout the run of it's 45 episodes. I never understood how it didn't stay on the air, and you can wonder that yourself since it is available on Netflix Instant Queue.
That's it for now. Go out and listen or watch. If you give a chance to anything I've listed here and enjoyed it, let me know. If you hated it, let me know. At least they'll get some sort of audience.
So below is my list of bands or movies or books or whatever that should be enjoyed by so many more people. If you've already given these a chance, good for you. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and give these a shot.
Music: We Are Augustines
I listen to We Are Augustines' first album and hear so many emotions coming from the lead singer, Billy McCarthy. Mostly a lot of pain and uncertainty comes through. Come to find out that the concept was inspired by his mother and brother both being diagnosed schizophrenic and his brother later committing suicide. Now I really get it. McCarthy bares his soul on this album. His lyrics only hit home that much more because of the incredible voice belting them out. He is incredible. I hope this is just the first of many great albums by this band because I plan on being a huge fan for many years to come.
Music: Telekinesis
Telekinesis reminds me of all the things I love about The Cure. Catchy hooks and pop chords that grab hold of your ears like they're holding them hostage. All the while the lyrics stem from a bad relationship or losing out on love. But isn't all great pop music a result of some relatable pain? Powerful and catchy all from a one-man-band. His second album (12 Desperate Straight Lines) is all I've heard to this point, but I'm definitely ready to give anything he's put out there about 50 listens.
Movie: The Iron Giant
There are a lot of people that have seen The Iron Giant, just not nearly enough. Everyone I know that has seen it, loves it. It doesn't dumb itself down just because its an animated movie. It respects the intelligence of the audience and understands that a kid's movie needs to appeal to the parents too. It has themes that work for kids: friendship, not fitting in, respecting those who are different, etc. It also has some very adult themes: fear-mongering, respect for life, war, paranoia, etc. The voice acting and animation is fantastic. You could see that Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) was headed for greatness when you watch this movie. I'll just warn you that you should be ready to shed a tear or two when you do finally give it a shot.
Movie: The Salton Sea
The description of the movie via IMDb reads: After his wife is murdered, a man drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies. To tell you anymore than that about the plot would ruin it. I guess that's part of the reason it failed at the box office. Just know that it has Val Kilmer in a phenomenal performance. It features Vincent D'Onofrio in a crazy role as a manic, tweaker, drug dealer. Luis Guzman, Adam Goldberg and Peter Sarsgaard also give fantastic supporting performances. I know what you're thinking: "All these great actors are in this movie? Why didn't I see this one?" Exactly.
TV Show: Sports Night
There are many shows that don't find an audience that they truly deserve and get cancelled long before they should have been axed (see: Freaks and Geeks, Firefly, Arrested Development). But few are as good as Sports Night. The West Wing was Aaron Sorkin's greatest work, but Sports Night isn't far behind it. It's a show about the inner-workings of a fictional sports show like SportsCenter on ESPN. The dialogue is hilarious and very smart. It also comes at the viewer at breakneck speeds. All the Sorkin-isms are there from the walk and talks to banter you'd expect in a Howard Hawks movie to perfect pitch dramedy. It also has a wonderful ensemble that you'd expect from a Sorkin show. Everyone brings their A-game throughout the run of it's 45 episodes. I never understood how it didn't stay on the air, and you can wonder that yourself since it is available on Netflix Instant Queue.
That's it for now. Go out and listen or watch. If you give a chance to anything I've listed here and enjoyed it, let me know. If you hated it, let me know. At least they'll get some sort of audience.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Daddy Daughter Days
It seems as though I haven't written one of these in quite some time. Must be because I've gone in to work almost every Thursday for the last couple of weeks. Well I'm back for another installment this week.
Let me first apologize to anyone that follows me on Instagram since you'll be seeing all the same pictures that posted throughout the day. Also get over it.
The day started like every Thursday does. The girls snuggling on the bed/floor in our bedroom with me. It may be the best part of my life. That isn't hyperbole. I actually think it is the best part of any day and therefor the best part of my life.
I mean wouldn't wake up to this be the best part of your day too. Ana loves to play. Even when she is having her morning bottle (as you can kind of see in the bottom right corner above).
There also seemed to be a theme of Grace being obsessed with clothes throughout the day. Also she was in a very helpful mood.
Here she is "helping" reorganize one of the dresser drawers in her bedroom. Diaper covers and pajamas apparently go on the floor now.
Here she is wearing a hat that supposedly came from Peru. She cannot get enough of this hat. She digs into baskets to find it and tries to put it on when she does. Her idea of putting it on is just throwing it on top of her head until it falls off. Then she throws it on there again. Normally her and Ana will pull off whatever we put on their heads immediately, but this hat is special. Grace will keep it on all day. Also how am I ever supposed to say "No" to her about anything?
Here Grace is helping with the laundry. Very good folding kiddo. Erin already thanked me for posting a picture of her underwear to the internet. Of course that was on Instragram where my pictures are private. Now it's really on the internet, and you're welcome.
We loaded up the car and I drove extra carefully to Target to avoid any puke-splosions. We had some normal shopping to do, but there was one special fun item for the girls. New slippers for them to wear around the house.
After we got home it was time for afternoon naps. Not according to Grace. It was time for her to stay awake, yell and play with dad.
We purchased magnetic letters for the girls for Christmas. It didn't take long for things to get inappropriate. I'm sure everyone is very surprised by this. You know since I'm such a mature adult and will serve as a constant and positive example of decorum and good taste for my girls. That second one was all for Erin, Kim, Dani and Janelle. Yes, it was an inside joke so inside that it was on my fridge.
As always it was my favorite day of the week. I'm glad to share a piece of it with all of you.
Let me first apologize to anyone that follows me on Instagram since you'll be seeing all the same pictures that posted throughout the day. Also get over it.
The day started like every Thursday does. The girls snuggling on the bed/floor in our bedroom with me. It may be the best part of my life. That isn't hyperbole. I actually think it is the best part of any day and therefor the best part of my life.
I mean wouldn't wake up to this be the best part of your day too. Ana loves to play. Even when she is having her morning bottle (as you can kind of see in the bottom right corner above).
There also seemed to be a theme of Grace being obsessed with clothes throughout the day. Also she was in a very helpful mood.
As always it was my favorite day of the week. I'm glad to share a piece of it with all of you.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Awaiting Further Instructions
I am dumb.
Actually let me clarify that. I am not good at reading instructions. So me being dumb isn't because of a lack of intelligence. It has more to do with me not doing appropriate research.
So more accurately I am lazy which can easily be confused with stupidity to the untrained eye.
You may be wondering what the hell I'm talking about which is fair because to this point I've presented a very poorly laid out post with no background information (Once again lazy).
I've written a few times about Grace and her new carsickness issue. It's pretty gross what with the vomiting and such. You'd think I'd be used all the bodily functions by now, but we've been lucky with our girls when it comes to throwing up. It just hasn't been issue until now.
After this issue came up before, I figured the obvious solution was taking off the cover on the car seat and throwing it in the washer and dryer. I mean it's fabric. Fabric can go into a washing machine. That would clean it and kill the smell. Win-Win.
Not so much.
Apparently the instructions on the car seat go out of the way to tell you not to machine wash them. As I covered earlier, I don't read instructions, so I of course didn't know that Britax recommends to hand wash their covers. After removing them from the dryer I found out why.
The cover is completely frayed and falling apart. It looks like two dogs thought there was roast beef hidden inside and decided to fight over it. I never thought my washer and dryer were such a destructive force.
Now we can either crudely stitch it back together or buy a new cover for a staggering $60. Obviously we're leaning toward the former. But all this could have been avoided if I simply read the instructions. Or if the kid didn't throw up in the first place (yeah that's me blaming Grace in a roundabout way).
Actually let me clarify that. I am not good at reading instructions. So me being dumb isn't because of a lack of intelligence. It has more to do with me not doing appropriate research.
So more accurately I am lazy which can easily be confused with stupidity to the untrained eye.
You may be wondering what the hell I'm talking about which is fair because to this point I've presented a very poorly laid out post with no background information (Once again lazy).
I've written a few times about Grace and her new carsickness issue. It's pretty gross what with the vomiting and such. You'd think I'd be used all the bodily functions by now, but we've been lucky with our girls when it comes to throwing up. It just hasn't been issue until now.
After this issue came up before, I figured the obvious solution was taking off the cover on the car seat and throwing it in the washer and dryer. I mean it's fabric. Fabric can go into a washing machine. That would clean it and kill the smell. Win-Win.
Not so much.
Apparently the instructions on the car seat go out of the way to tell you not to machine wash them. As I covered earlier, I don't read instructions, so I of course didn't know that Britax recommends to hand wash their covers. After removing them from the dryer I found out why.
The cover is completely frayed and falling apart. It looks like two dogs thought there was roast beef hidden inside and decided to fight over it. I never thought my washer and dryer were such a destructive force.
Now we can either crudely stitch it back together or buy a new cover for a staggering $60. Obviously we're leaning toward the former. But all this could have been avoided if I simply read the instructions. Or if the kid didn't throw up in the first place (yeah that's me blaming Grace in a roundabout way).
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Twitter Machine Tuesday
I don't get the whole New Year's Resolution thing.
I mean I understand trying to be a better person or lose weight or eliminate all your vices, but why does a day on the calendar have to precipitate this? It may be a little Pollyannaish of me to say, but wouldn't it be much more of an accomplishment to give up drinking and eating poorly during the holiday season? That would really show some resolve.
My resolution is to stop putting pictures of cartoon birds on my Twitter Machines.
Twitter Machine time!
-I think my frustration about resolutions stems from trying to go to a gym the first week of the year.
-Grace is getting car sick on regular basis which worries me. Possible inner ear issue?
-Erin and I talked about doing a cleanse to start the year #nothappening
-Instead I'm drinking more V8
-I'm just going to say it: See's Candy is a little overrated. It's like panning for gold and only getting nougat.
-Give me a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup all day long over anything See's offers.
-46 days until pitchers and catchers report #sfgiants
-I suggested to my wife that we do a beer cleanse where we drink nothing but beer #BRILLIANT
-Anyone that doesn't giggle every time they say caucus is entirely too mature for their own good
-Celebrating the new year with a cold.
-Erin keeps telling me mind over matter. I'm pretty mentally strong, but I can't think my way out of a runny nose.
-I hope the girls don't get sick
-Mutterings of Eringirl is coming back in 2012!!! I love when my wife blogs.
-Reading Moneyball on the Kindle thinking how much smarter everyone in that book is than me.
-It's funny to read about these prospects that were drafted that actually didn't amount to anything
-Maybe they aren't that much smarter than me after all
-It's funny to see reactions from people when you put on a tie and you don't normally wear one.
-I'm reminded every time I watch The West Wing that I don't have to like the politics to love the show.
-Also Josh Lyman is one of my all time favorite TV characters. #thewestwing
-And I think in spite of my politics that I'd still probably vote for Jed Bartlet #thewestwing
-I keep thinking The Hunger Games is so far away until I realize it is about 2 months from now
-Ana refused to go to sleep the other night, but she enjoyed watching The West Wing with us. #goodtaste #getsitfromherdad
-Did the Mayans have a track record with predictions? Why do we just trust this end of the world one?
-That being said you better believe I'm looking for John Cusack when this all goes down. #2012 #endoftheworld
-Saw pictures of the Acura NSX made for The Avengers movie #wow #beautiful #wantone
-We had an entire conversation the other night about Garrett's popcorn and how wonderful it is.
-Popcornopolis is good too, but I don't know that it ever stood a chance #cheesecorn #FTW
-It's times like these where my grandad would insist that I "need a steam" to fix my sickness. I'd go for it.
I'm going to drink a gallon of theraflu now. Yay for my first 2012 post!
I mean I understand trying to be a better person or lose weight or eliminate all your vices, but why does a day on the calendar have to precipitate this? It may be a little Pollyannaish of me to say, but wouldn't it be much more of an accomplishment to give up drinking and eating poorly during the holiday season? That would really show some resolve.
My resolution is to stop putting pictures of cartoon birds on my Twitter Machines.
Twitter Machine time!
-I think my frustration about resolutions stems from trying to go to a gym the first week of the year.
-Grace is getting car sick on regular basis which worries me. Possible inner ear issue?
-Erin and I talked about doing a cleanse to start the year #nothappening
-Instead I'm drinking more V8
-I'm just going to say it: See's Candy is a little overrated. It's like panning for gold and only getting nougat.
-Give me a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup all day long over anything See's offers.
-46 days until pitchers and catchers report #sfgiants
-I suggested to my wife that we do a beer cleanse where we drink nothing but beer #BRILLIANT
-Anyone that doesn't giggle every time they say caucus is entirely too mature for their own good
-Celebrating the new year with a cold.
-Erin keeps telling me mind over matter. I'm pretty mentally strong, but I can't think my way out of a runny nose.
-I hope the girls don't get sick
-Mutterings of Eringirl is coming back in 2012!!! I love when my wife blogs.
-Reading Moneyball on the Kindle thinking how much smarter everyone in that book is than me.
-It's funny to read about these prospects that were drafted that actually didn't amount to anything
-Maybe they aren't that much smarter than me after all
-It's funny to see reactions from people when you put on a tie and you don't normally wear one.
-I'm reminded every time I watch The West Wing that I don't have to like the politics to love the show.
-Also Josh Lyman is one of my all time favorite TV characters. #thewestwing
-And I think in spite of my politics that I'd still probably vote for Jed Bartlet #thewestwing
-I keep thinking The Hunger Games is so far away until I realize it is about 2 months from now
-Ana refused to go to sleep the other night, but she enjoyed watching The West Wing with us. #goodtaste #getsitfromherdad
-Did the Mayans have a track record with predictions? Why do we just trust this end of the world one?
-That being said you better believe I'm looking for John Cusack when this all goes down. #2012 #endoftheworld
-Saw pictures of the Acura NSX made for The Avengers movie #wow #beautiful #wantone
-We had an entire conversation the other night about Garrett's popcorn and how wonderful it is.
-Popcornopolis is good too, but I don't know that it ever stood a chance #cheesecorn #FTW
-It's times like these where my grandad would insist that I "need a steam" to fix my sickness. I'd go for it.
I'm going to drink a gallon of theraflu now. Yay for my first 2012 post!
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