All These Things That I've Read

Everybody knows that summer is the best time to read. You don't have to worry about going out in the hot sun and getting a pesky tan while you stay pale in a cool, air-conditioned house. That being said, I have started the summer off with a bang in the reading department. Two weeks in and already three books down. Furthermore, those three books have been three of the most entertaining books that I have read, and here they are.

In order of reading:

• I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe -- a rather lengthy book (688 pages) that tells the story of a southern girl who goes to a big college and discovers that it is just the same as the "cool kids" from high school. The book chronicles the freshman year of the title character as she tries to maintain her sense of self and character. Its really an enthralling read that kind of makes you realize how weird everything is in college. And if you were wondering, I've decided the Benedictine equivalent of Charlotte Simmons is Josie Judd.
• Choke by Chuck Palahniuk -- from the author of Fight Club comes another twisted book. (For the record, as always the book was better than the movie) In this book, a twentysomething guy has to care for his mother in a mental institution. In order to pay for her care he pretends to choke on food at restaurants and then the people that save him feel a responsibility for him, therefore they send him money, gifts, etc. However, the biggests mysteries involve religion, birth, and parenting. A good read for fans of Fight Club, both book and movie.
• Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman -- its books like this that help define people. Klosterman is a dynamic author whose views on music and pop culture and their intertwinedness are terrific. He is the main reason that I had the desire to right the music section for the school newspaper. He's hilarious and smart and clever and insightful and so many things that every author should be. This book, which preceded his other outstanding book Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, is a commentary on music as a whole, not just heavy metal. Though the main part of the book is indeed about metal, there are so many more things that he delves in to. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to music fans and pop culture devotees.

Street Cred

• His blog may be poop, but clearly his musical tastes are not. You may remember when I shouted the praises of this band a month ago.
• Here's a nice article on how the Suns have saved the NBA. Too bad they aren't going to get to the Finals.
• Audioslave get a 6.8 on the Pitchfork scale. The review itself gets a 10.0 on the funny in a weird way scale.
• Kurt Cobain's daughter Frances Bean was out with some crazy lady. Frances looks a little like her daddy. (courtesy of Stereogum)
• What happened to Lindsay Lohan? (courtesy of the Superficial)
  

Your Cheatin' Heart Will Tell On You

Yesterday, I saw the show Cheaters for the first time. I would have to say that this is the worst show that I have ever seen, but its pretty hard to turn off. The way it works is that a person submits themself to the show because they think their significant other is cheating on them. Then a team of private investigators checks everything out and takes videotape of it. When they catch the person that is cheating, they then go to the person who applied for the show and let them watch the tape. After this they go and confront the cheater. This is where things get ridiculous. The host won't just let the people calmly discuss what is happening. He continually eggs the people on by saying things like: "Sorry is all you can say?" or "How could you do this to her? You've lived together for 2 years." This is what really irked me. This has to be one of the most traumatic moments of a person's life, and there is a huge crew there and the host is just exacerbating the situation. Nonetheless, the show is like a car crash, you just have to look and watch what is happening even if it's weird to.

Street Cred (Jessicas Edition)

• E! Online reported last night that Jessica Simpson had filed for divorce from Nick Lachey.
• However, they pulled the story 30 minutes later, after Simpson denied this.
• Now US Magazine has a thing about Jessica's denials.
• In other Jessica news, Ms. Alba will be working for free in order to help charities. But she won't want to work with Bruce Willis and Mickey O'Rourke.
• And of course, the beautiful Jessicas: Alba and Simpson.

Links courtesy of the Superficial and Goldenfiddle.

Don't Stop the Beat

Clearly I underestimated the marketability of Junior Senior. Yesterday, as me and Mackenzie made our way to the mall I played her "Move Your Feet" on Tots the Pod. I told her she probably hadn't heard this song, since I'm really cool and find music that not a ton of people know. I think this is a great song, as does Nick Logalbo (it makes him happy). Anyways, we're at Fox Valley when what song comes over the mall speakers? You guessed it, "Move Your Feet." Naturally, I did what the song instructs and began to dance, to the dismay of Kenzie. That was weird enough, but when we came home after the unexpected ER trip to see our Mom something that compounded the weirdness happened. I was watching International Music Feed (my third favorite music video channel) when they had a commercial featuring "Move Your Feet." I couldn't believe it. That song was my life's soundtrack yesterday. Though the song came out a few years ago, it's nice to see important people discover a great song.

Street Cred

• It seems as if Brad and Angelina are getting closer to making their relationship public. Furthermore, it seems as if a Jennifer Aniston nervous breakdown is on the horizon. (courtesy of the Superficial)
• Finally, the Goldenfiddle has made it's return.
• I want to read about half of these books.
• Here is a review of the hilarious Will Ferrell SNL. And yes, I do like luxury.

Movies I Saw (Last Week)

Kicking and Screaming - starring Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Mike Ditka, and soccer
I'll come out and say it, Will Ferrell can make anything funny. Take soccer for instance. A game that is being pushed down the throats of American children at a ridiculous amount. The game itself has no inherent fun to it, I mean a 2-0 game is practically a shootout. Nonetheless, Ferrell makes it funny. However, I wouldn't recommend seeing this movie if you have a serious dislike for Will Ferrell since he is in just about every seen doing typical Will Ferrell things, like yelling at kids, getting hurt, and having a weird body. The most surprising thing about the movie is the unexpected acting talent of The Mike Ditka. It should be noted that he is playing himself, but still, he seems more Ditka then when he coached the Saints and was on the cover of ESPN Magazine with Ricky Williams in a dress.

Star Wars Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith - starring Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Yoda, and special effects
This is easily one of the most heavily produced movies ever. It is easy to tell that every scene has been touched by special effects via computer in some way, and the movie is better for it. A real movie critic would say that it is "visually stunning," but I'll just say that it looks really really cool. Plotwise, the movie is as good can be expected for a story where you already know the fate of every character. The acting, which was a definite problem in the last installment (Attack of the Clones), is greatly improved. Christensen shows that it really was George Lucas' fault that he seemed like a high schooler in the last movie, and the scene where he finally arises in the black Darth Vader suit literally gave me the chills. The weird thing about the movie is that it is weird to see a movie where Natalie Portman gives the worst performance and Samuel L. Jackson isn't the coolest guy. But McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi is awesome. This movie soldified Kenobi as my favorite character throughout the six episodes.

A Day In the Life

Here's what I'm excited about doing today:

• putting a recording studio in my basement
• seeing Star Wars III:Revenge of the Sith

Put those two things together and it makes for a pretty decent day and night. With that being said, I have no idea what to call my studio so if you have an idea, post it in the comments.

Street Cred

• One of my favorite websites, the Goldenfiddle, has been inactive for a long time and that makes me sad.
• Quentin Tarantino is directing tonight's season finale of CSI, ergo, I will be watching what will be only my third episode of CSI. It better be Tarantino good.
• Dance like Napoleon.
• Neil Young to rap?
• More concerts I want to attend: Intonation Festival and Devo.
• In honor of Star Wars, here's Natalie Portman in Closer.

Survivor Finale

So the survivor finale was Sunday night, and it was a good one. Combined with the reunion aftershow, there was three hours of Survivor goodness. The episode started with Ian, Tom, Katie, and Jen(n). Initially, Ian, Katie, and Jenn had decided that if Tom were to lose immunity, then they would all get together and vote off Tom. However, Tom of course won immunity. And then, in what had been happening more and more often, Ian opened his big mouth and talked far too much. He told Tom that if he had won immunity it would have been a hard choice to decide whether or not to keep Tom around. Tom obviously didn't think it was a hard choice at all. Ian broke what I consider to be the number 3 rule of Survivor success: "Don't say anything regarding thinking about voting someone else off." Of course the first two rules are 1)Get in an alliance and 2) Don't reveal your strategy. Then the weirdest thing ever happened during the second immunity challenge. Since Ian had hurt both Tom and Katie while out there (his two closest friends), he made the deal with Tom that if Ian stepped off the pole then Tom would take Katie to the final two. This was after Tom offered to take Ian to the final two if Ian were to step off. Ian said it meant more to him to make up with his friends than win a million dollars. And that is the fundamental reason why he didn't win. If you seriously play Survivor to win, you have to realize that these are 15 people you've never met and you're all going after the same thing. It is important to make friendships, but you have to realize that they would stab you in the back the first chance they get as well. At the final tribal council, Katie took a beating like I've never seen before. Everyone came out and assaulted her for not doing anything in the game but riding coattails and being catty. Hence, the winner of Survivor:Palau is Tom. And based on his challenge performances, I don't know if there has been a more deserving winner.

Street Cred

• Sadly, Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer. (courtesy of PItNB)
• Also sadly, Britney Spears' TV show debuts tonight.
• This lady is quite attractive. (courtesy of Thighswideshut)

A World Gone Mad

I'm pretty sure the world is going crazy right now. It all started with the Fire Alarm Fiasco 2005. Dr. Mascarenhas made the rule that if someone pulled the fire alarm during our organic chemistry lab final that we would stop taking the final and count our lowest quiz grade two and a half times as the final. Lo and behold, said fire alarm got pulled. So that's great. And now after trolling the internets I have been finding the weirdest stories.

Weirdest Street Cred Ever

• Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney got married? What happened to Jack White?
• Natalie Portman shaved her head? She's too pretty for that, but at least its just for a movie.
• There is an Orgasm Day?
• Brad Pitt is moving to London to be with Angelina Jolie? That's quick. It must be the wild animal sex.
• Heidi Klum and Seal are getting married? Seal? Are you kidding me? Heidi Klum is a SUPERMODEL!!!! Seal sang "Kiss From a Rose."

Finalsly

Ahhhh Finals Week. The last week of school before we get to "relax" for the summer. For some, it's a time to get their work done and get finished. For me, it's a time to freak out about not having anything to do this summer and have a ridiculous amount of tests. It's Monday now, and I just finished (hopefully) Organic Chemistry II and guitar. Now I'm sure I did good on the guitar because, obviously, I rock really hard. Organic Chemistry on the other hand. What a pointless subject. The only people who I can see benefitting from taking this class are chemistry majors, to a small extent the future pharmacists of the world, and of course, my personal favorite, the operators of underground drug labs. But as I said before, I am done with the lecture portion of Organic. Now normally this would be cause to celebrate, but instead, I have three finals tomorrow. Now that would be easy if my classes were Rock Appreciation, Intro to Environmental Science, and Being Awesome. But since I already successfully completed those classes my finals are in Immunology (what many consider to be a made up word), Organic Chemistry Lab (lecture's slightly nicer sister), and Comparative Animal Physiology (nothing witty to say). And then after that, I get to write three five page papers for Biomedical Ethics!!! If I make it out of this alive, I plan on doing nothing but chilling gangster style for the week before graduation and listening to the Go! Team to celebrate the happiness that is, being done.

Street Cred

• "She just had some new tits." --Ozzy Osbourne after Sharon Osbourne had breast enhancement surgery. He's classy. (courtesy of PItNB)
• The little kid from Jerry Maguire's head may now weigh upwards of 32 pounds. (courtesy of PItNB)
• Of all the people I would not want around guns, Jessica Simpson is quite close to the top of the list. (courtesy of the Superficial)
• Jennifer Garner is pregnant. And no, it's not mine. It's Ben Affleck's.
• The Bad Timing Award goes to former Dawson's Creek semi-hottie Michelle Williams. She's pregnant too. And no, its not mine... or Affleck's. Its Heath Ledger's.
• For being so hot, Jessica Alba sure looks cold.
  

There Lived a Young Boy Named Rocky Raccoon

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Or as I like to call it, the one year anniversary of one of the coolest events in my time at BU. Last May 5th, me and the one and only Tom Poro were making a late night trip to Jewel to pick up some Mexican refreshments. Having nothing better to talk about, the subject of hitting animals with cars came up. And while neither of us support the needless killing of these unfortunate animals, we both had limited experiences. Mine being the maiming of a cat on the way to Lindy Wade's house a few summers back. Anyhow, as we cruised along Maple Avenue towards Jewel, no later than one second after talking about roadkill did a raccoon with a serious death wish dart in front of my car. Not only did he do said darting, there was no turning back. He didn't just run in front of the car and regret it. No, he kept running until he had passed Tom in the passenger seat and had reached the driver's side front wheel. I forgot to mention we were in the left-hand lane. Needless to say, there was nothing I could do. But the strangest/coolest/most amazing thing about the whole situation was that both Tom and I got a clear look in to the raccoon's eyes, and possibly, his soul. Tommy's reaction and the look on my face said it all. So today, May 5th 2005, I respectfully remember you Mr. Raccoon, and I thank you for providing me with one of the best memories I have of BU.

Street Cred

• I wish Dave Chappelle would hurry up with his show. But supposedly, it comes back May 31st.
• After reading this, maybe 1997 was the best year in music. (courtesy of Thighs Wide Shut)
• Tobey Maguire is enormous. The ever beautiful Jessica Alba agrees.
• Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie hook up again.
  
• The headline says it all, Krista Allen is really, really, really pretty. (courtesy of the Superficial)
  

Here to Rock the Microphone

Sometimes you have a truly awesome day, and for those days you need truly awesome happy music. Fortunately, we have the Go! Team. It's pretty much impossible to describe their music fully, but I would say the best guess is experimental rock. Just imagine the Velvet Underground and then think of the exact opposite. Needless to say, I think they are awesome. All kinds of weird samples, a girl rapper (named Ninja), noisy guitars. If I had to recommend one song I would choose "Ladyflash." Or "Friendship Update." I don't know. But if you're having a wicked awesome day, definitely listen to these guys. Sadly, due to sample clearing, their album Thunder, Lightning, Strike isn't available in the USA yet. Since that's the case, I'm off to go on a massive downloading spree.

Street Cred

• Ultragrrrl, a.k.a Sarah Lewitinn (whom I had the pleasure of interviewing) has a book coming out soon. More than likely it'll be totally awesome. (courtesy of the Modern Age)
• I'm not sure if this is true about Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, but I wouldn't be surprised. (courtesy of PItNB)
• Albert Hammond, Jr. is cool. Roller skating I'm not so sure about. (courtesy of Goldenfiddle)
• The Encylopedia of Hollywood Lesbian Haircuts.
  
• How to fold fitted sheets. I am terrible at this task.
• Jessica Alba. What a delight.
  

This is the Sound of Settling

Do you ever take a look at your life and realize that you're doing a number of mind-numbing things just so that you don't have to worry about important stuff? This seems to happen to me all the time. I get so entranced in something just to take my mind off of the stuff that's driving me nuts. I guess it's some sort of coping mechanism, but I think that I feel that if I do all of these extraneous things then I won't have to deal with anything. It's probably not the best thing to do. Nonetheless, I don't think it's entirely bad. I mean what's so terrible about having distractions. Just because I don't want to deal with pointless stress, does'nt mean that I can't. I just choose not to. Anyways, I think what I'm getting at is that sooner or later you have to realize that all of the stuff going on in your life will be dealt with. It's just the passage of time that's different for people.

Street Cred

• Chuck Klosterman has a new book coming out. I plan to buy it.
• The Goldenfiddle has an interview with Project Greenlight director John Gulager.
• True or not, Kevin Federline is a scumbag. (courtesy of the Superficial)
• Ben Gordan won the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Too bad Dragonball hates him.
• In case you were wondering, here are the top 10 best lesbian scenes.
  

I've Just Seen a Facebook

In the world of addicting things, I would imagine the order goes something like 1)Heroin 2)Crack 3)The Facebook. Thankfully, one of these things isn't that dangerous -- crack. But seriously, this thing is the worst possible thing that could have happened the week before finals week. Yesterday I spent roughly 5 hours just messing with it. If you want to Facebook me go for it. This thing is pretty much like Friendster for college kids. I think it'll be a pretty great tool for keeping up to date with the Fites after graduation. But for now, it distracts me from my studies too much. Even to the point that I left class to go to the bathroom today, but before going back I logged on to a campus computer and checked my Facebook (I had a new friend!). It's sad really.

Street Cred

• Justin Timberlake is going to "be" a character in Shrek 3. In related news, Chris Kirkpatrick has resumed his job as Goofy at Disney World. (courtesy of PItNB)
• Accidentally hilarious cover of the Sun Times. Expect Tom Cruise to sue ..... right about now.
• This guy is hilarious. Here is his new article.
• Paris Hilton had a commercial banned because she is too much "pornographic." (courtesy of the Superficial)