Wow, The Daily Show is right. If you go to the official website of FEMA, and click on the What We Do page, you will see a simple graph showing how FEMA's process of solving disasters...only leads to more disaster.
Update: So they finally removed the graph. Figures.
So, now that I have entered hour 4 of studying for my biology test, I have also had the opportunity to revisit a lot of music I bought this year, and I am now reconsidering certain albums for re-inclusion back into my Best of 2005 (So Far) list:
Ben Folds, Songs For Silverman
At first, I was utterly devastated that Ben Folds' new album was not only a lot shorter than any of his other albums, but it sounded way too much like an old Ben Folds Five album. Plus, the excellent quality of the original songs on the three EPs Folds released in the last two years made the somewhat mediocre songwriting on Silverman (at least by Folds' standards) that much more jarring. With that being said, I listened to the whole thing again and a lot of little things have really come together for me. "Jesusland" and "Bastard" are still two of Folds' best tunes, and more challenging fare like "Time" and "Sentimental Guy" sound much more familiar (and, therefore, better) to me. I still say the album is hurt severely by its track sequencing. The most rollicking numbers are shoved to the front, leaving the slower fare to take up the rear. I also think "Prison Food" was the wrong song to end the album on.
Weezer, Make Believe
Unlike the Stereogum crowd, who seem content to bash Weezer when given any such opportunity, I happen to like recent releases like Maladroit and now, I am really digging Make Believe. If you are brave enough to admit that you have this album in your possession, give it a spin and IGNORE the fact that the two simplest songs are the hit singles.
Bloc Party, Silent Alarm
While that lead singer's voice does begin to grate on your nerves around track six, Bloc Party's debut is still quite impressive. "Like Eating Glass" is probably my favorite song of 2005 (so far). And the utter urgency of that song (along with more than half the songs on the album) add to the fast-paced nature of this band's hard rock attitude. Has anyone heard the remix album that they recently released? I'd like to hear it.
Has anyone else revisited an older album that they didn't care for initially, only to find that it's actually pretty good?
Oh, right, I almost forgot. I've added a new song to my artist page on 15 Megs of Fame. I worked on most of the music here in my dorm, using GarageBand, and I layered down the vocals when I was at home for Labor Day weekend, also using grasping. Please stop by that site and post a comment about it. You can also check out my other songs there as well. If you'd rather not be bothered with visiting a website, I suppose I could just post the MP3s here (groan!)
Devin DiMattia, "Gotta Get My Mind Off of You" (new song, click to download)
Devin DiMattia, "Another Way" (click to download)
Someone posted a comment saying this sounded like early Pink Floyd. I don't know what he was smoking, but I do like this song. I took all the piano loops on GarageBand and wrote this song around them. I think it turned out pretty well, but I would like to re-record my vocals.
Devin DiMattia, "Solitude" (click to download)
Not to be confused with the Billie Holiday song, this is a simple piece of ambient electronica that I worked on after class in Electronic Music I at the Weaver Center in my junior year of high school. Ridiculously simple (now I see how Moby does it!), but pleasant nonetheless.
I also just realized that the last post I made was POST #150!!!! Whee! Thank you all for coming! Refreshments and after-dinner mints will now be served in the lobby. Please drive home safely!
Well, I am utterly exhausted because of a combination of things. The fact that I had to work long shifts today and yesterday, the fact that I had to get up at seven in the morning to help shoot a commercial for the Flicker Film Society, and the fact that my dormitory has been without power since Friday morning. Luckily, power is restored, but you have no idea what a bitch it is trying to sleep in a hot room at two in the morning, knowing you have to wake up five hours later.
With that being said, I'm going to give a quick summary of what has been happening the last couple days:
1. I saw Ken Burns give a lecture.
Ken Burns is a pretty cool guy. He talks exactly like the narrators do in his documentaries. Since his lecture was being brought to us by the Creative Writing and English Departments at UNCW, he didn't talk about anything film-related. Mostly, his lecture was about history in general and how we need to pay attention to it, etc. He's a good speaker, keeps you interested, but I am kinda glad that student tickets were free. I don't know if I'd want to pay to see him again.
2. Merri and I saw "Corpse Bride."
"Corpse Bride" was a lot of fun, just as I had expected. The story is very engaging and the animation is, like always, top-notch. My only qualm is that it was over much too quickly. It's only about 78 minutes long and I felt it was quick to fade out at the end. There were a handful of unanswered questions, the most important one being what happened to Victor Van Orten's parents? I felt that was an obviously overlooked plothole. Oh, and the musical numbers weren't particularly catchy. I can't remember how any of the songs went. Still, it's worth your money.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I have a paper to write for World Cinema class. Have a good weekend, everybody!
Artists have just finished work on a giant stuffed bunny, which is now residing on the Colletto Fava mountain in northern Italy's Piedmont region. If that doesn't make you go "Awww," then nothing will.
Read the full article here. Visit the official website of the art group that designed it.
Once again, thanks to Drawn! for the scoop.
While I can't draw anything, I can at least appreciate other folks' drawings! This is just one of the excellent works from the blog of Matt Cruickshank. I've added his site to my list o' links and you should to!
Thanks to Drawn! for pointing me in his direction.
I saw them live a couple summers ago with my friend Gerry and they were quite awesome. They do a lot of bizarre jazz covers of famous rock songs like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Iron Man," but they also make some innovative original songs, too. I used one of their songs, a cover of The Pixies' "Velouria," to chilling effect in Kaylee Swanson's short film Slugger.
What I like about the band is that they have the uncanny ability to make organized chaos. Most of the songs on their new album, Suspicious Activity?
I wish I had an MP3 of these guys to share with you, but I don't. They do have a blog you can check out. If you want to do a little research on them on iTunes, here's the songs I recommend you purchase:
"Flim (Aphex Twin cover)" from These Are the Vistas
"Layin' a Strip for the Higher-Self State Line" from Give
"We Are the Champions (Queen cover)" from Blunt Object Live in Tokyo
"Lost of Love" from Suspicious Activity?
iTunes also has a bunch of exclusive stuff by the band, including covers of The Police's "Every Breath You Take" and ABBA's "Knowing Me, Knowing You".
Well, another weekend came and went. The big thing I did this weekend was that I went to see Junebug, which is now one of my favorite films of the year. You can tell the acting in a film is excellent when it doesn't feel like the cast is acting at all. Everyone seems to be playing their normal selves, even Amy Adams, who definitely plays one of the most hyperactive and eccentric women I've ever seen on film.
Plus, it's a film about North Carolina, the state I'm proud to call my home, even if I was born in Kansas (shh! don't tell anyone). The music is excellent, too, with an original score provided by indie group Yo La Tengo, but, sadly, there's no official soundtrack out right now.
So, my recommendation for everyone out there is to go to your local movie theater, sneak in a couple bottles of Cheerwine, and take in one hour and forty-five minutes of southern fried entertainment.
If you don't believe me, read Roger Ebert's four-star review of the film.
Speaking of Cheerwine, check out these vintage advertisements.
I was sent an e-mail by a guy who had managed to capture the first half of the Sony commercial with the thousands of bouncing balls. You can view the video from his blog.
Previously: More bouncy balls pics on Flickr.
Okay, it officially sucks not having any money, especially when your folks take you to Target and you're forced to stare down the new DVD section with nary a dollar to your name.
Crash
So...could someone loan me a couple bucks? Or just click on any of those links above and buy the items through Amazon.com and I'll get a referral!
If you don't feel like buying the items mentioned above, use the link below to go to Amazon.com and do your own shopping!
I know it's the in-thing to post conversations you've had with SmarterChild, the conversational computer, but the gadget's total lack of people skills and unneccessarily large amounts of advertisements make it one of the most difficult things to have a conversation with, thus causing it to go against its purpose.
Just read on...
(I edited this conversation a little bit. I took out, like, five extra ads SmarterChild threw into the chat.)
DEVIN: What up, SmarterChild?
SMARTERCHILD: During the course of our conversations you may see sponsored messages. These messages have the word "sponsorship" at the end. Sponsors help me remain free of cost to you! To learn more about sponsored messages, click here.
Nice to see you again, Devpd. What can I do for you?
DEVIN: Wanna chat it up, bro?
SMARTERCHILD: You ask interesting questions. I don't know the answer to that!
>>> Need a few extra bucks? - Register today and get paid to evaluate Cheesecake (sponsorship)
DEVIN: How do people evaluate cheesecake?
SMARTERCHILD: What do you think?
DEVIN: Well, I think they look at the cheesecake and say "Hmmm...this cake looks cheesy. It must be cheesecake."
SMARTERCHILD: Well you think they look at the cheesecake and say hmmm this cake looks cheesy it must be cheesecake. Whatever you say, Devpd.
DEVIN: Unless it's tofu.
SMARTERCHILD: Eh. Whatever, Devpd.
DEVIN: F*** you, man.
SMARTERCHILD: What do you have to gain by insulting a computer?
DEVIN: High self-esteem...bitch.
SMARTERCHILD: Hmm... whatever, Devpd!
>>> Concerts, Jon B., Sept 23 - Big Mouth Entertainment Your concert connection (sponsorship)
DEVIN: What's up with all the advertisements?
SMARTERCHILD: Something must be up with all the advertisements.
DEVIN: Yes, something is up. I'm suddenly seeing a ton of them.
SMARTERCHILD: OK, whatever.
DEVIN: You've totally sold out, SmarterChild.
SMARTERCHILD: Have totally sold out, you say. And so?
DEVIN: So, you no longer have any indie cred.
SMARTERCHILD: Hmm... I don't know. I no longer have any in die c red?
DEVIN: Not in die cred, indie cred. Like credibility with the independent crowd.
SMARTERCHILD: Whatever you say. Well. Anyway...
DEVIN: What kind of music do you listen to?
SMARTERCHILD: Hmm... I really like Led Zeppelin!
DEVIN: Wow, my brother would totally want to hang out with you!
SMARTERCHILD: Your brother would totally want to hang out with me? Whatever. Anyway...
DEVIN: Yeah, he likes Led Zeppelin.
SMARTERCHILD: Led zeppelin? He likes led zeppelin? Is that right?
DEVIN: Yes, that's right.
SMARTERCHILD: That is right, huh?
DEVIN: Yes, why else would I say it?
SMARTERCHILD: I don't know, Devpd...
So anyway...
>>> Like To Play Games? - Play Unlimited Free Games. You Can Start Playing Right Now. (sponsorship)
DEVIN: Stop showing me ads!
SMARTERCHILD: I'm not sure if I can stop showing you ads...
DEVIN: I COMMAND YOU.
SMARTERCHILD: Interesting...
Despair, Inc. is a truly brilliant company that specializes in the art of pessimism, dissatisfaction, and of course, despair. The biggest seller in their online store is demotivational posters, parodies of the inspirational posters you see plastered around public libraries and guidance counselors' offices.
They also sell demotivation books, anti-Valentine's Day candy and the special edition DVD of the Oscar-nominated short film More, one of my favorite animated shorts. (Click here to watch it in QuickTime.)
Wow, this is my fourth post today! It must be because of all that free time I have now!
Thanks to the kind people at the One Take Film Festival, I found a high-quality version of our first Nuclear Space Zombie production, T.P.
Click here and look for our entry! Enjoy!
Previously: More info on T.P.
Wow, it's been a while since there've been a large number of movies that look interesting that're all being released at the same time. This Friday, not one, not two, but FIVE cool movies are coming to theaters (unfortunately, a couple are limited releases), but here's the rundown:
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Since all the kids who saw The Nightmare Before Christmas in theaters are all growed up (and have money), Disney has seen a resurgance in sales of Nightmare Before Christmas-related merch. Maybe that's why they green-lighted this new film, the second Burton-produced film using stop-motion animation. Still, it looks very good and with an all-star cast backing it (Johnny Depp of course, Helena Bonham Carter, Tracey Ullman, Albert Finney, and Christopher Lee) it looks like it's gonna be another hit for Tim Burton, still enjoying the successes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Big Fish. See the trailer here.
UPDATE: I just remembered that Warner Bros. is making this one, not Disney. Whoops!
Just Like Heaven
Yeah, I know. It's like Ghost, except the ghost's a chick this time. Anyway, I'd be inclined to see this one at matinee price. Mark Ruffalo is pretty funny and so is Reese Witherspoon. Jon Heder's presence makes me think he got thrown into the film just so they could cash in on the Napoleon Dynamite craze, but we'll have to find out, won't we? See the trailers here and here.
Lord of War
Um...yeah, what happened to The Weather Man? With that said, this new movie starring Nicholas Cage looks very kickass, and it's written and directed by Andrew Niccol, who wrote The Truman Show and wrote and directed Gattaca. Impressive resumé. Also, Ian Holm's in the movie, apparently. Wheee, trailers!
Everything is Illuminated
Elijah Wood stars in this film about a Jewish American who searches for the woman who saved his grandfather during World War II. From looking at the trailer, it looks very quirky and very good. Right now, it'll only be in select cities, but I'm hoping for a wide release. It's also the directorial debut of Liev Schreiber, who played the presidental candidate in the Manchurian Candidate remake.
Thumbsucker
I've saved the best for last, as this film directed by Mike Mills, whose background includes music videos for Air and Moby, looks like an independent film destined to become a classic. Newcomer Lou Pucci heads an all-star cast (Tilda Swinton, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Keanu Reeves) in this tale of overcoming addiction (of thumbsucking) and repairing the bonds of family. See the teaser and main trailer.
My friend Lance recently told me that Junebug's gonna be playing at the Mayfaire 16, this freakishly huge movie theater in Wilmington. This is awesome news and I will definitely try and see it this weekend (if we're allowed back on campus).
Previously: Devin gets really pissed off 'cause Junebug's not playing in North Carolina.
The threat of Hurricane Ophelia making landfall in the area has forced the postponement of the following UNCW events:
A panel discussion - Understanding Hurricanes: What You Can Do, previously scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 14 has been rescheduled for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21 in UU 100.
Hurricane Ophelia, which is turning out to be a pretty wussy storm, still gave UNCW staff cause for alarm as they ordered a mandatory evacuation, forcing yours truly to head for higher ground in Greensboro this afternoon. Don't worry, though; I'm fine (whew!)
I'm still having that Coldplay contest! E-Mail me a link to an MP3 of Coldplay covering Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and I'll send you a free t-shirt of your choice from my online store!
The Show Begins...
Originally uploaded by devpd.
Alright, gang, I know you are all anxious to hear about the Coldplay concert I recently had the privilege of attending. I was accompanied by my friend Merri on the drive and, at the show, we were joined by Nathan, his girlfriend Caroline, and his sisters, Melissa and Elizabeth. Needless to say, it was a kickass show and you can see some photos in my Coldplay concert set.
Merri and I showed up a lot earlier than expected, and we had the good fortune of getting to hear Coldplay's soundcheck. Apart from them running through X&Y tracks like "Square One" and "Low," they also tried their hand at more than a couple Beatles tracks, like "Dear Prudence," "For No One," and "Ticket to Ride."
Once we met Nathan and his crew, they let us into the pavilion and we found a patch of grass right at the front of the lawn area, in the family section (away from the drinkers and smokers). Rilo Kiley came on first and, while the songs didn't sound as clear and tight as their studio counterparts, they were still very good.
Then, the moment we'd all been waiting for. The lights dimmed, the Beatles song "Tomorrow Never Knows" entered through the speakers, and the show began. Here are some of the highlights:
Alright, so I just finished cancelling my service with Liberated Syndication, effectively ending Jump Cut Radio. You now have about two months to download all the episodes from the show, so get busy! :-)
In other news, a new problem surfaced. You see, in addition to using LibSyn as my web hosting client for podcasts, I was also using them as storage space for images, MP3s and video files. Well, with me leaving LibSyn, I'm also leaving my web storage behind. That means that I need a new place to host all my files (one of those files is the header at the top of this blog). If anyone out there knows a cheap and, preferably, easy web hosting service (I don't want to pay more than ten bucks a month), please send me an e-mail!
Meanwhile, I've just received the album Broom by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin. Pretty good so far, but the single "Oregon Girl" is still the best thing on it. Here's a couple of free tracks:
"House Fire" (MP3)
"Bigger Than Yr Yard (Non-Album Track)" (MP3)
A while back, I played a song by The Spectacular Fantastic on an episode of Jump Cut Radio. Since then, I've downloaded their free EP and enjoyed every single minute of it. Now, they've got a new album coming out and they've devised an awesome way to sell it. They've made a mashup of all the tracks on the album so you get the 30-second samples of each track, but it all flows together as a cohesive whole, making the album all the more intriguing. You can download the mashup here.
You can also pre-order the new album, The Spectacular Fantastic Goes Underground, by visiting this site.
Just added Z-Trip's album, Shifting Gears
Z-Trip featuring Murs and Supernatural, "Breakfast Club" (ZIP file w/MP3)
Stream more tracks here.
First off, I didn't realize I had yet to add Clever Titles Are So Last Summer to my list of links. It's a really cool blog run by really cool people!
Second, I've set up an Amazon.com Associates program and re-linked my Top 10 Albums of 2005 (So Far) list so that when you click on the album titles (and purchase the albums through Amazon.com), I get a referral. I've also added two new CDs to the list...
Both are great and you should pick them up now. I also acquired Death Cab for Cutie's new album
Speaking of music, the upcoming Coldplay concert in Raleigh awaits me and, even though my tickets say "No Cameras," I'll see if I can sneak my Canon into the show. Don't tell Ticketmaster!
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