Last night I had the worlds worst case of insomnia. We are talking wide awake at 4:30 AM.
I decided to watch JULIAN SCHNABELS- THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY. I was dying to see it in theaters but never got around to it. Thanks to ITUNES, I downloaded it and watched it in silence with headphones on my computer. I have never seen art direction like this in my life. The story is about JEAN DOMINIQUE BAUBY the old editor of FRENCH ELLE who suffers a stroke, and as a result is plagued with "locked in" syndrome. He is completely paralyzed speech wise and physically, yet his brain works perfectly fine. He eventually learns to communicate with others by blinking one eye acknowledging letter by patters of blinking. It was the most tragic thing to watch unravel. He eventually went on to write a book via the blinking method, communicating it to an interpreter. Never has a movie tapped so hard into my soul. SCHNABEL's execution was flawless. The heavy integration of nature was magnificent. The juxtaposition of art and film directing on SCHNABELS end is completely mind blowing. He made me feel as though I was living it visually and mentally. Its hard to put into words just how visually beautiful the film was. I clung on to each thought of his as if it were a prophecy being delivered to me. I cried a few times throughout the film. The music selection was blissful as well. This film is not for everyone. It is extremely depressing but conveys a beautiful message of hope and perseverance.
After the movie was over, I was one emo ball of speechlessness. Thankfully N indulged me in some back and forth texting of BRIGHT EYES lyrics. It was just what I needed. I think I might start texting from now on in lyric form. Its a lot of fun. I recommend trying it.
Hello, my name is, well you know what it is, and I dont like relying on anyone for anything. Its annoying and its super frustrating for real. The only thing worse than having to rely on someone is when those someones remind you what they have done for you. My advice is try your hardest to not have to rely on anyone for anything. If you do, make sure to let them know how much you appreciate their helping you out.
Moving along..
The other night I had the craziest case of the hiccups and I was flipping out. B assured me that he could help after I complained to everyone and anyone that would listen. He pulled me aside on the sidewalk and told me to focus straight into his eyes. Naturally I thought it was silly and creepy but he assured me that it would work. I started for like 20 seconds and then I heard "Rach!" someone yelled, I looked to the left. "NO!" B said, look at me and only me. I resumed. "tell me when you have the urge to hiccup" "right now" I said, like a kid learning how to ride a 2 wheeler for the first time, anticipating their fall. "Really?, k, just keep focusing into my eyes" Nothing came out. "Wait, now" I screamed, again nothing. After 2 solid minutes of intimate/awkward soul gazing, my hiccups were gone. It was riveting. I was shocked that I was able to even hold the stare for that long because I have a very hard time looking anyone in the eye for more than a few seconds. I find it to be very intimate. Anyway- B rules to the max.
Obamas speech tonight took me back to my HS days when we watched the Martin Luther King footage. His voice was so loud and intense, I was convinced that he was MLK reincarnated. I was just waiting to hear the gunshots in the background. Thank gd they never came. Ill leave the politics talk for tomorrow nights dinner.
I love DVO. Hes seriously one of my most favorite people in the world. Always game when I am.
Labor day weekend is approaching and already I have chest pains. There's nothing worse than having to pack, move, go to a party or two or 4 and be in school at 9am Tuesday all bright eyed and bushy tailed. It going to be a real disaster.
E and El told me that I say the word DISASTER a lot. I never noticed that I did, but I guess theyre right. A couple of weeks ago, I was with a few new friends and apparently I said it and they started looking around outside and in the sky asking me "where?!" "oh no" as if they were missing a tornado or hurricane out the window. They had to explain that I wasnt referring to a natural disaster, but that a disaster was just something I found annoying or bad. Sometimes even referring to a bad meal, movie, person or whatever as a disaster.
DISASTERS..
my cough this past week. my foggy mood yesterday. the black and blue on my a**. AMY WINEHOUSE. my mon and tues class schedule. the ride in Els car with bad tunes. sunday night. the internet connection in NJ. the disappearance of my 3 sharpies. my wrist. HILLARY CLINTON. the popcorn at KIPS BAY movie theatre.
Suddenly, its beginning to hit that the summer is pretty much over. I cant stand people that start saying it from August 1st. Its screams that their glass is half empty if you will. But, its the 24th and next weekend is the last one of the summer. I guess it really hit me when I realized that today was the deadline to drop classes for this semester. For anyone who cares, I dropped Historical Styles II, wasnt feeling it. This means that I have a $1300 credit coming my way to blow on music and shoes.
Been Listening to the BEATLES non stop all weekend... Nothing screams summer like a nice BEATLES mix by the pool.
A sent this link this AM, It is creepy slash gross...
Courtesy of http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D92L5SVO0&show_article=1
"SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - A Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing—even in death. A funeral home used a special embalming treatment to keep the corpse of 24-year-old Angel Pantoja Medina standing upright for his three-day wake.
Dressed in a Yankees baseball cap and sunglasses, Pantoja was mourned by relatives while propped upright in his mother's living room.
His brother Carlos told the El Nuevo Dia newspaper the victim had long said he wanted to be upright for his own wake: "He wanted to be happy, standing."
Does anyone else find this to be extremely disturbing?? What next.. A voice recording greeting visitors? Him holding a tray of refreshments? Jeeezuz..
Go to the link to read more. Pics there too. Barf like whoa.
Today, the last tie was completely severed. Its a good thing but a real pain in the ass dealing with whats to come over the next few weeks.
My throat is killing me. I hate feeling sick. Ooh I also cant stand burnt potato chips. Yuck. Love fun dip, seriously the best sugary snack known to man.
I think Im going to start a book club. Quirky weird people only apply. I want a different mix of people. Lets get into heated debates and pen cap chewing discussions over a good book in a weird coffee shop. Yes?
Filter magazine has a great interview with CONOR OBERST this month. Check it out if ya want.
Had to endure music on the radio all day. Kill me.. Not gonna lie though, I like the song CLOSER by NE-YO? Is that what his name is? What kind of name is that? The plus of the day though, was hearing the song AMAZED by LONE STAR. I love that song.. It takes me back to my adolescent years.
I either want a crazy bad ass pick up truck or a super swanky classic car. Hmm. To be continued I guess.
I think Im going to start listening to audio books in the car. Yeah, right. Who am I kidding..
PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE line of the day by mom-
How funny is this picture, btw?
I closed my eyes for a sec while I was lying on the couch after dinner.
"Maybe you should go upstairs to sleep if you arent feeling well, ya know so youre more comfortable in your bed"
I got it Mom, you dont want me hogging one of the couches when the whole family is here hanging out. Just tell me to stop hogging the couch and go upstairs.. Hahaha I love her.
So im officially obsessed with OKKERVIL RIVER. I love music that is great for driving, and their tunes rule at that. I know, I know, I just wrote about them.. Im just sayin.. Amazing album.
Been loving my uke as usual. Cant wait to be a ukulele gd one day.
The other day at the post office, I came across the strangest people. Ive decided that any public establishment that has long lines is a place for blog material. The plethora of smells and different breeds of people is mind blowing. Exhibit I- There was an asian dude that had a mole right below his lip. Yes, we have all seen a hair or two growing out of a mole that makes us want to grab a tweezer and yank it out for them. But- this dude had almost a full head of stick straight hair sprouting out of this huge mole. I couldnt stop staring in horror. The hairs were a good 2 inches long. No joke. His friends were there with him. HOW DID THEY NOT TEL HIM that he had a CHIA PET growing out of his chin.
Then I overheard the woman behind me divulging her awful PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE plan to the person on the other end of the line. I think Im going to add a new feature to this blog called "PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE line of the day" Nothing bothers me more than passive aggressive behavior. As far as im concerned, if you have something to say, say it. Everyone is human and I know we can all get caught up in it, but... It is heavy on the annoying,
So without further disruption- here is the
PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE LINE OF THE DAY-
"Im gonna go, Im just gonna be really cold- I decided that Im not gonna say anything but, if I get the opportunity to throw my digs in.. I WILL, my mom thinks thats the way to go"
Yeah, go for it. Good luck with that lady. By the way, youre well over 30, your mom shouldnt have to coach you through this one.
Woke up today with a massive eye headache, I think they call that a migraine... Hate when that happens.
It seems that FACEBOOK and its honesty box application has people running for cover. Everywhere I go theres another scandal due to the malfunction on friday. Yep, turns out the honesty box feature got a lil too honest and unlocked the anonymous feature. I honestly, (haha no pun intended there), believe that unless youre gonna say it to the persons face, theres not much satisfaction in hiding behind an anonymous shell of meanness. Its just cheap, unless of course- youre going to write something nice thats going to make the person feel good. Then of course, its a cute little feature. Anyway... MYSPACE is the real deal.
Was thinking about things that im afraid of. I dont remember why, but I cant help but make mental lists in my head constantly. So here we go..
Vermin- that stuff freaks me out. Mice especially. Cockaroaches, wleuuhh, yes I know I say it wrong. So yeah, wanna see me cry and shake, drop one of those in my face. Instant bawl-a-thon.
People missing more than 3 to 4 teeth, for obvious reasons.
Bats- are scary. I hear those things can get crazy stuck in your hair and they have webbed I dont even know whats..
KISS- Those guys are just scary. Im sorry. They are. Face paint is scary on anyone over the age of 6. This includes scary clowns too.
Cilantro- the smell of it is extremely scary. Im always afraid of buying it instead of parsley at the supermarket.
BIC razors- scary, blood bath style.
The constant dream I have about being locked in a car and at a lunatics mercy. Im afraid of nightmares.
People who sleep with their eyes open. How is that freaking possible?
Men with long fingernails.
Im a tough mother you know whater. I can take pain. I can be a rock. Few things scare me. The above, though, mess with me.
PS the END LIVES section in todays NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE gave me the chills. The last page of the magazine. Check it out here- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/magazine/17lives-t.html?scp=1&sq=lives&st=cse
For some reason, lately everything of mine is missing...
1. My bikini top to a brand new bathing suit worn once. 2. My usb cable for my camera. 3. My emails from my blackberry. 4. A Charlotte Ronson dress that was never worn.
All just GONE.. WTF?!
I hate when I cant find stuff. So annoying.
Loving the new OKKERVIL RIVER album. Shhh.. Yes I have it. MWAHAHAHAH- Thanks el and z. Its called THE STAND-INS and its pretty much amazing. Dare I say, a more upbeat album hailing after STAGE NAMES and BLACK SHEEP BOY. WILL SHEFF's voice is chameleon like. He can basically cover any range, varying from MORRISSEY to CONOR OBERST. I find their lyrics to be beautiful and unsettling at times, in a good way, of course. I love when lyrics make me squirm. The first time I heard their music was a few years ago. I remember listening to FOR REAL off of BLACK SHEEP BOY and finding it to be so raw. I had never heard anyone sound so emotionally invested in a song. His voice was very original and I immediately became a fan. He basically sounded like he was pouring out his heart in his songs. His fan base includes legendary performers like LOU REED and ROKY ERICKSON- need I say more on this one?
My favorite songs off of the new album so far is LOST COASTLINES, SINGER SONGWRITER and ON TOUR WITH ZYKOS. I love that one of the tracks on the new album is called CALLING AND NOT CALLING MY EX.. So good/bold. The instruments on LOST COASTLINES start out subtle and build slowly into a delicious explosion and steady paced greatness. He channels his inner MORRISSEY. This dude can hit some crazy notes and his band members are just as amazing. I cant wait to see these guys live.
Im going to urge you to buy STAGE NAMES, BLACK SHEEP BOY and THE STAND INS (when it hits the masses on Sept 8th). In the meantime Ill post some of my favorites.
HERE WE GO... OLDIES FIRST
FOR REAL
A STONE
ANOTHER RADIO SONG
LOST COASTLINES- NEW ALBUM
Cant put the other new ones up.. BUMMER. I stink at streaming.. Ill get back to you on SINGER SONGWRITER..
Only because I havent been near a computer the last few days.
Anyway- Im back and blogging. Saw CONOR OBERST play at BOWERY BALLROOM! He was great. Unfortunately the people we were next to were really anal and up tight. Anytime we uttered a word they looked like they were going to get violent and snap. Seriously, some people need to just get a life. Its a concert- not the presidential inauguration. This one dude in his forties was such an ass. He made this hand gesture and his puppet wife knew to hand him the camera. He silently snapped away never even cracking a smile. El was freaking out- saying "I love him but I hate his fans". We then went downstairs to vent about the freaks to anyone who would listen. Chris cared- I was talking about my blog to Matt who turned into the evenings photographer. I made him take a picture of the crazy sweaty obsessed fan standing next to us who was swaying, crying, holding his heart and singing along so hard- I wanted to alert security. Fans like those scare me. He totally has a CONOR shrine in his bedroom. They make movies about people like him. Scary day... PS he was a good 40 years old.
Im thinking of adding pictures to this blog. Supposedly it will personalize my blog a log and make it more entertaining. We shall see. Dont need any sweaty groupies. Well strike that, I guess any kind of groupie is okay.
I met John Norris from MTV outside and he made us go back in to watch the rest of the show with him. He was super cool and really nice. I told him that I loved his interview with OBERST and he was tres flattered. The people were a lot more chilled in his area. MILK THISTLE was my most favorite track during the performance. You could hear a pin drop, the audience was so mesmerized. Wish I couldve picked his brain a bit more. I really respect him and his interview style. You can check it out here.
Anyway, the EVANGELICALS opened for them. They were really cool. I liked their sound. Different which was refreshing. Amazing stage presence. Worth checking out for sure.
SO yesterday- CONOR OBERSTs (my future husband) self titled album was released to the masses. If you know me, you know that this man can do no wrong in my eyes. As far as Im concerned he is one of todays most talented songwriters and will continue to wow us for a long long time. So just sit tight through this post- Because, yes, I will be reviewing it in great detail which basically means -- BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!!!
Shall we?
Ive had DANNY CALLAHAN and MILK THISTLE for some time now and I really liked. But lets just say this album in its entirety is just about perfect.
The first track on the album -
CAPE CANAVERAL, sets the tone calmly. We right away recognize his voice and style but it just sounds a lot more polished. His lyrics are melancholy and reflective, yet not as somber as his BRIGHT EYES tracks are. I like this line- "I watched your face age backwards -Changing shape in my memory -You told me victory’s sweet -Even deep in the cheap seats" He just has a way with words..
SAUSALITO, is an upbeat track, feels happy and we start to hear THE MYSTIC VALLEY BANDS presence along with a bit of a TOM PETTY influence- with OBERSTS famous harmonies- which always sound perfect.
GET-WELL CARDS is THE one. Yes- the one where hands down all will compare him to DYLAN. I know that we have heard this many times before, but I definitely hear it here. Even the way he manipulates his voice and enunciates each letter. Particularly when he says "Hes got a get well letter- to deliver" and when he sings- "hes gonna do it" I dont care who he sounds like- hes still his own. I LOVE THIS TRACK.
LENDERS IN THE TEMPLE- Good track- not my most favorite honestly. Now I feel spoiled by his newness that this just reminds me of other BRIGHT EYES tracks. Lyrics are still nice and beautifully put together.
DANNY CALLAHAN- This one can easily be off of his last CASSADAGA album but I really like this one too. His use of the piano on this album is showing itself more and more, which I really like. Its refreshing. This song is about a boy who is ill that he saw in a drug store. Its a sweet song, sad too, but the music doesnt drag you down with the story.
I DONT WANT TO DIE IN A HOSPITAL- Great track. Makes you want to get up and dance kinda silly along with it. Here, again, the piano has a huge presence. Feels like youre in a dark old worn in wood bar somewhere in the dessert out west, where all they serve is been and whiskey (got the visual?!). Again the song talks about not wanting to die in a hospital, something we can all relate to. Its not a light subject, yet you dont feel and ounce of gloom listening to it.
EAGLE ON A POLE- I love the first line of this song. True CONOR track. Minimal- its all about his voice- In an interview I watched, he said that this song was created on a bus with his friends and band mates. They had a contest to see who could write the best song with a line that his friend said in passing- "I saw an eagle on a pole, I think it was an eagle" Clearly CONORs won, because here it is.
NYC, GONE, GONE- Love this song- almost has a FLOGGING MOLLY/ RIVERDANCE vibe. One of my favorite tracks on the album. Simple to learn and sing along to. Easy and fun.
MOAB- "Theres nothing that the road cannot heal" I love this line because I agree. Im a road tripper.
VALLE MISTICO- Reminds me of the SHOFAR being blown on ROSH HASHANNAH. Aright, I guess. Makes me want to close my eyes because thats what youre supposed to do when you hear it. Just horn blowing.
SOULED OUT!!- A pun. Another enjoyable track, Easy listening. Love the harmonies on this one. This track is his most mainstream one for sure. I can see my little sister liking it and singing along to it. Theres the added talking, giggling and interference that we sometimes hear on BRIGHT EYES tracks. Towards the end he does a DESPERACIDOS rant, but more subdued- as if hes moved on from his angsty screaming and has now matured. Really good song.
MILK THISTLE- A song about alcoholism. Milk thistle is a hangover remedy. A nice way to wind down on this album. Not too depressing- just matter of fact. He reminds us that he is his own but he will always be BRIGHT EYES- the band we all love that made us buy this album.
All in all.. This album is a beautiful work. He can certainly hold his own, but we always knew this. Obersts lyrics are always insightful as if hes a man of 80 years reflecting back on his life and his wounds of war- yet- hes 28. Musically- I love the steady presence of the keys and the abundance of instruments throughout- without shutting out the accoustic side that we have all grown to love and expect from him. There are ups and downs on the album- but they feel right and just make sense..
Today was one of the nicest days of the summer. Hung out by the pool and took it easy. At the end of the day I went to a fundraiser for my parents best friend who sadly passed away almost 2 years ago. It was the most beautiful event and the turn out was astonishing. Elliot was my dads bestest friend- sadly he lost his battle with lung cancer at a very young age. He was one of those people that had charisma, charm and a sense of humor like no other. He was also a person that was always warm- which meant a lot to me as a kid around my parents friends. My dad is still not over his passing- I dont think he ever will be. He was a man who gave of his time and heart selflessly. He was the kind of guy that left a lasting impression on eveyone he came into contact with. One of his hobbies was flying kites. The event supplied kites for people to personalize and fly in his memory. It was not a windy day and people were struggling. Just as we were about to throw the towel in, someone nonchalantly said to his friend- "We should ask Elliot to help us out". He then said, "Cmon Elliot, send us some wind over here" Suddenly, I kid you not- a huge gust of wind blew over the water and the kites went soaring. As my body became covered with goose bumps- I got teary eyed and smiled up at the sky. It's moments like those touch my heart and soul- and make me want to burst. Its too bad hes no longer with us. Like BILLY JOEL so brilliantly sings- ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG. I truly believe that. Its good to know hes up there though, watching it all. His wife and children put together a really spectacular day and I was glad to attend and support Elliots legacy.
In memory of ELLIOT CHALME. Click the link below to donate to his cause and take part in fighting lung cancer at ELLIOTS LEGACY
Today is the first of THE month. Big day. I wont get into it. It just is. So- CHEERS.
I almost melted over lunch today with D. It was soo hot out. I actually got some color without burning my skin to a crisp first. Thats kinda monumental for me. I almost died when I heard him order his food with "nothing green on it" I order the same exact way. I always get a kick out of it when he says that. It seems that im not the only freak in this world who detests parsley or any kind of garnish sprinkled on their food.
I realize that I use the phrase "you have no idea" a TON. You have no idea how many times a day I say it.
I have this crazy urge to play SCRABBLE.
My mentor gave me a book to read. Im so flattered that he thought of me and actually went as far as buying it off of EBAY for me. The book is out of print, so I got an old worn in one. So yummy.
Sometimes I have bloggerhea, Sometimes I dont. Today- I do not.
MTV