I have a 3 day craft fair starting tomorrow a.m. That translates into these post every day for the month of December posts being less than meaty and full of filler. So, the Eels have released a new video for one of the songs on the new album “End Times.” Here it on YouTube. To be honest, I’ve not even listened to it yet – I just watched it with the sound off – I’ll have to catch it later when I can pump the volume up to audible.
I have heat! I have a huge repair bill but I have heat in the house! Now I’m worried about paying the gas bill when it comes so I’m using the heater sparingly. The only reason I consented to the repairs was that the air conditioning wouldn’t work either without replacing the board and transformer. (Yes, I thought about Optimus Prime too when he told me that – I’ve been hanging around little kids too much).
Speaking of bills to pay, Capt’n … buy a flow’r off a poor girl? No? How about a flower fairy crayon instead then, eh? Click on the link to go to the Etsy shop and purchase at will. They make lovely little stocking stuffers ..
I created the mold from a fairy image I purchased long ago, so I think I can be pretty safe in saying they are one of a kind. I melt the crayons (100% Crayola so I know they’re safe for kids) in the molds (also non-toxic silicone molds that I made so I know they’re kid friendly) and package them up just for you. I have the crayons available in other colors – just drop me a note. So go, go to the store before I throw your slippers at you. Sorry – I’m in a My Fair Lady frame of mind tonight….
…. and not for Godot this time. … at least I hope not.
Day 3 of this posting every day stuff and I’m already getting a bit bored with it. I really don’t have that much to say. I’m waiting for the heating/cooling repairman. Its cold in here today. Its so cold its snowing! Cool – look you can make the snow move around when you move your mouse over it. Okay, so I’m easily amused…. It is cold but it is livable. Its not like I’m in Minnesota (about 50 degrees outside and in). But it kind of makes you not want to do anything other than leave the house which I can’t cause I’m waiting for the repairman. It makes me realize just how lucky I am. So many people don’t have shelter or heat or warm clothes or enough food not only in far off corners in the world but right where we live. We take for granted so much and complain bitterly about our jobs, the traffic, the Christmas rush. There are so many people in the U.S. and abroad who would be thrilled to have a job, be stuck in a car (not everyone has that luxury and it is a luxury) in traffic or have enough money to go out Christmas shopping and be rushing around to buy presents for loved ones.
Sorry for the sermon, its aimed more at me than you (whoever you may be). I’ll make it up to you – here’s a video of Dean Martin singing Its a Marshmallow World. I love the version of him and Frank singing this but this, well, this you can’t beat – Dean with a cigarette in his hand singing the song with less than heartfelt sentiments. I can almost hear him thinking – is it over yet, roll commercial, oh geez more lyrics on that teleprompter ….
I saw this over at the Radical Radish blog and it just made me laugh out loud. It is very well done and very funny – I never realized how truly weird the video to this song was … what the hell were they originally trying to imply with the video to this song anyway? Take a look – its called a Literal Video….
This post is going to be a little of this, a little of that… and speaking of little – have you ever eaten a kumquat? I hate to admit that at this stage of the game I had never tried one up until yesterday. I remember talking about them and having them described to me many, many years ago when I was in college by a fellow student, Amir (I think he was from Yemen). He plucked one from a tree (or was it a small bush) on campus and told me they were eaten in his country. Fast forward to yesterday when while strolling through Trader Joe’s, I picked up a little container of kumquats thinking it would be something different to have my little niece and nephew try. The kumquat looks like a miniature citrus fruit - adorably cute and enticing. The kidlees were drawn to them right away since they look like toy fruit (the kumquats, not the kids). They properly examined the fruit, assessing it was a mini-orange. My nephew asked if he should peel it first and I told him its eaten with the peel. My niece and nephew took one bite of the fruit, squenched their little faces as the sour taste hit their tongues and spit the fruit out immediately into my hand. Yes, on first bite they are sour, very sour and almost salty but once you get over that initial burst , the sweet rind mitigates the sour and makes this wonderful blend of tastes in your mouth, so much so that you find yourself reaching for another. At least I did. I had quite a few today. I’m glad I finally picked them up and tried them. You just never know do you what you like until you try stuff.
Sometimes it takes a long time to figure out what you like and sometimes you need to distance yourself from things that leave a bitter taste. “Burning bridges” is such an antiquated term. Here is some interesting information from answers.com:
I’m more of the opinion that if the river should need to be forded again, a bridge can be rebuilt or a different manner of crossing the gorge can be found, it just takes a bit more time. But for now I can sit on my side eating kumquats. I am not the only builder of bridges – although sometimes it has felt that way.
Inscrutable enough of a post do you think? Here is a link to an interesting NPR piece on kumquats with some recipes at the end: Kumquat
And here is one of my favorite movie bridge scenes:
I may have to start doing a daily Monty Python video posting … let’s see if I can find a Monty Python kumquat reference… tah…
Perhaps my judgment with regard to the new Eels video is clouded by age, high expectations or maybe I’m just way too uncool. Take a look at the new video first – I can’t embed it – you’ll have to go here if you’re interested Fresh Blood Video
I understand what is being attempted and I like the bit of humor - I get the werewolf references, and the Jack the Ripper undertones (with a smattering of Lucha Libre and the slight “Touch of Evil” feel) but ultimately my total reaction was - feh. I like the song but at first viewing the video seemed just amateurish.
I researched the talent behind the making of the video – and its Jesse Dylan – an accomplished filmmaker (and son of Bob).
So, I must therefore come to the conclusion that its me, not them. How can I question the judgment of Dylan and Everett in giving us this ruby-toned jewel of a video? Its just not my cup of tea – particularly the bikini swim scene (reminiscent of Flyswatter doncha think) – but I am most likely not the demographic they’re aiming at.
I’m buying Hombre Lobo when it comes out because I think I’ll enjoy the music. The videos to the songs… well, perhaps we could get more imagery like we got in Tremendous Dynamite in the next one.
And with this, I have gained even more respect for E and/or the Eels – posted at their website:
4/24/2009- NO TWITTER FOR EELS:
EELS have abandoned their Twitter account. “The only tweeting I wanna hear is in my backyard. This shit is not for us,” says EELS leader E.
Call me old and not with it – but I don’t get the Twitter thing. Here’s an Eels video that truly twitters (I apologize – I seem to be in Forry Ackerman pun mode today)
Since I have been asked by my “Loyal Reader” to lay off the Harry Potter material, here’s a little something I think will interest LR (even if you can’t hear the audio – the visuals are worthwhile)
…obsessed. It just so happens that the new trailer came out on the same day I happened to have a posted a Potter related blog post. Oh, here just watch the newest trailer:
If you want a higher def/better version of it go here: Yahoo or better yet – go to the Leaky Cauldron. They have the trailer in all sizes, all the new banners, and hopefully soon screencaps: The Leaky Cauldron Online Full Trailer They also have new posters – this one of Ron is particularly nice I think and it has the date of release correct on it (unlike the trailer): Ron Promo Poster – sorry couldn’t get it to embed.
I was recently discussing with a friend whether they would include the first chapter of the Half Blood Prince with the prime minister and it looks like from this that they might. I’m trying to remember if that Snape line “Its over” is from the book or not. I’ll have to check and get back to you on that…. no I’m not be obsessive … just thorough….
I once again had the good fortune of catching something on PBS last night that I wasn’t expecting to see – a documentary from 2007 on Philip Glass directed/filmed by Scott Hicks (who also directed Shine). I had forgotten just how much I like his music. My first introduction to Mr. Glass’ music was through the Paul Schrader film ”Mishima.” The movie was visually stunning and the soundtrack was glorious. It is a biography of sorts on the life (and death) of the Japanese writer Yukio Mishima. To be honest, all I remember of the film is the score and the theatrically perfect visual designs of Eiko Ishioka. I found this at YouTube but you really need to see the whole film to get the sense of beauty. Take a look and a listen:
Glass’ music is mesmerizing. His work has graced many films, operas and I think even Sesame Street. Here is a link to his website where you can hear more of his work: Glass Audio (my recommendation are the “Etudes for Piano” and Koyaanisqatsi - another film worth seeing and hearing). I had the privilege of seeing him perform in person many, many years ago – just him and the piano on a wooden floor.
I’m not sure why I’m being drawn to music as of late, and a variety of music at that (Elton to Eels to Glass). Most usually I am a visualist – I become engaged with images and colors. Go figure – perhaps I’m trying to hear as much as I can before I totally lose my hearing?
Below is some Glass from Mishima:
