The Lyrical Styleeings of 311

So it's pretty clear that I have a obsession with the band 311. Even the title and subtitle of this blog are direct quotes or inspired by 311 lyrics. I thought in my tradition of quoting lyrics I would have an edition dedicated to 311 songs. Aside from the great music, I have always appreciated 311's lyrics. They really are inspiring and make you think. Let's start with the song that inspired the blog title (aside from the subtitle lyric):

• Beautiful Disaster (from Transistor)
  

Today seems like a good day to burn a bridge or two
The one with old wood creaking that would burn away right on cue
I try to be not like that but some people really suck
Some people need to get the axing, chalk it up to bad luck

• I'll Be Here Awhile (from From Chaos)
  

Far is solace in the maddening pace
Sad state written on my face
Not a tight rope walk but dance
Uncertain game of chance
But I'll see it through in time...

And if a person place or thing can deliver
I will quiver with delight
Tempted by the hand that could
Blind my vision and sight
But at twenty years of age
In frolic and in rage
I will see it through in time...

But the dawn has come into the endless night
And everything's gonna be alright
But at thirty years of age
Through frolic and in rage
All regressed and healed in time

• Flowing (from Soundsystem)
  

Tick, tick, tick the clock bludgeons your mind
Endlessly replaying times that were unkind
Go away sun, I'm not prepared for you today
It seems you are, it seems you are, huh!

• Creatures (For A While) (from Evolver)
  

My name is volatile
I've been this way a long while
I'd surely like to rest
But energy get's the best of me
It's been a wild ride
I wouldn't change a minute
I can't slow down inside
Guess that's why I live it
To the extent that it's absurd

• Beyond The Gray Sky (from Evolver)
  

It is a gift I know
A moment of bliss that we hold
A firecracker flash of light then on
To the next plane soul remain
Come along if you dare
It's gonna be that you're scared
Lovely life I thank you
For the reason to see the pain through

• Visit (from Music)

He wouldn't say he cared at all if you asked him
You're heading for a fall brother, it goes right past him
In another world, he's in another place
You know the need for speed's just another form of greed

But when you're Jones and your brain's frozen
You're not thinkin' 'bout the choices you're makin'
You're just rollin' on and on, it's anybody's guess
'Cuz no one's at the wheel, at the front of that mess, yes

• Omaha Stylee (from Grassroots)
  

Omaha stylee didn't think there was one
Where you know the radio's weak and the shows are more fun
But you know we fucked up the dance since 1988
Many did not think when they hear that we come from this state

Okay I think I've done them justice. We've covered most of the best albums (in my opinion). Notably I have left off the self-titled 311 album, but honestly if you haven't explored those songs, you probably have never even heard of 311 and might be a lost cause.

State of the Union: Lyrics Style

Those of you who frequent the blog know that I love music, and even more so, I love reflecting on the poignant lyrics. I was inspired by a great trip to the gym, where the ipod's random mix came up with some great songs that seem to reflect my mood as of late. I got a great workout out of it and you get a great new blog post:

• Never Win by Fischerspooner

If I was not me
I would hate me too
Just like you do
I don't need to need you
Tell me what to do
Tell me what to say

It's all made worse by a simple scheme
You're slipping away from me
Can't decide sometimes if it's worth the point
The point is the struggle, insecurity

Hopefully, you make no mistake
If you learned from what you've got to take
Good or bad, it's all going to add up in the end, but
You can never win

• Gold Guns Girls by Metric
  

I remember when we were gambling to win
Everybody else said better luck next time
I don't wanna bend like the bad girls bend
I just wanna be your friend, is it ever gonna be enough?

• Passenger by Deftones

Roll the windows down
This cool night air is curious
Let the whole world look in
Who cares who sees what tonight?
Roll these misty windows down
To catch my breath again
And then go, and go, and go just drive me
Home and back again
Here I lay just like always
Don't let me go
Take me to the edge

• Clark Gable by The Postal Service
  

I want so badly to believe that
"There is truth, that love is real"
And I want Life in every word
To the extent that it's absurd

I know you're wise beyond your years
But do you ever get the feel
That your perfect verse is just a lie you tell yourself
To help you get by?

• Rockstar by N.E.R.D.

Something on your chest
Better get it off
There'll be no one left when we set it off
We ain't gonna take it no more
Since

It's almost over now
Almost over now

You don't succeed cause you hesitate
You think we're fly
But we levitate
Just be yourself
Don't ask us why
Cause if don't we'll make you fly

• Send the Pain Below by Chevelle

I liked having hurt
So send the pain below where I need it
You used to beg me to take care of things
And smile at the thought of me failing

But long before, having hurt
I'd send the pain below
I'd send the pain below

Much like suffocating...

• When Did Your Heart Go Missing by Rooney

I meant every word I said
I never was lyin' when we talked in bed
I'm retracin' every step in my head
What did I miss back then? I was so misled, oh

Hope you enjoyed these inspiring nuggets. As I was compiling these I noticed 1) it seems like most songs really do center around love themes (let's mix it up "artists") 2) some of the lyrics of the songs that I listen to are a little disturbing when you actually pay more attention (not these), and 3) It takes a really long time to create these lyric posts, but it's worth every second.

Love, success, and happiness~

"Modern Marvels"

I have made no secret about the fact that I watch a lot of trashy TV. It's entertaining, relaxing since I don't need to think & end up feeling better about myself, and I get to yell at the TV. However those that know me also know that I watch a good amount of educational programming and reading. Hello, do you think all of this interesting conversation and factoids come from nowhere? The History Channel, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, PBS, etc. yo! Plus, and I cannot stress this enough, TWITTER IS NOT JUST FOR INANE STATUS UPDATES. It's not just about whether or not Ashton Kutcher just got off the pot. Seriously people, depending on what and who you are following it can be a nonstop stream of interesting articles, pics, and tidbits customized to what really interests use. Avail yourself to the wealth of content.

As usual I digress. The point is that one of my favorite History Channel shows has gone down the tubes (no pun intended). I remember when I used to see Modern Marvels on the Comcast guide and what I was going to watch was a no brainer. Now I have to go and see what the topic is before I "give it a try". The topic used to just be the surprising bonus after you had already changed the channel.

The topics of the shows really is where the problem lies. They used to have storied about the latest, tallest skyscrapers, or an incredible bridge, or the latest space technology. All things that I know nothing about, are completely fascinating to most people, and served up in a manner that does not make me feel as if I am trying to get my doctorate in physics. AWESOME. Slowly I have seen a decline, almost as if they are running out of topics. I have written down some of the worst that I have seen lately and they are as follows:

• Coffee
• Corn
• Shovels
• Truck Stops
• Super Steam

If you are not on the page with me yet, those are all super lame. Let me just say that some of these episodes can be interesting. You know in that, "things you didn't know about seeming mundane topics," kind of way. You know what? I basically know how coffee and corn get to our pantries. What's being buried by a shovel is generally more interesting than the tool. I don't need to know any more about the "interesting" things that happen surrounding truck stops, and no matter what you do with steam it is still just water and heat! There is nothing particularly modern or marvelous about any of those things. You have set a higher standard by virtue of your title. Save that pedestrian shizz for an 8 minute segment on How Things Work where they belong.

Quote of the Week

We have a double QOTW this week. Yay!




"Did you ever think when you were a little kid you would be in a RuPaul video? I thought I was going to be a doctor."

-Jujubee RuPaul's Drag Race

Quote of the Week

Sorry I'm a bit late but it has been a hectic week. Keeping with the Grey's Anatomy theme:



"I used to have sex injuries with Mark. Mark would always give me great sex injuries "

-Lexie "Little Grey" Grey on Grey's Anatomy


Seriously what is wrong with this woman? I have a feeling one of these "great sex injuries" was a headboard blow to the head.

Quote of the Week

I'm starting a new feature on the blog called Quote of the Week. It will be a funny pop culture quote that I have heard during the course of the week. It will likely come out every Friday, but may be more frequent. Something for you to look forward to. The first is:


"It's okay because we've had sex before. It was recycling. It's like... good for the environment."

-Lexie "Little Grey" Grey on Grey's Anatomy

See I'm Not Shallow. I'm Über Deep Yo

So far this year has been fairly interesting. One of the biggest outlets that I have had has been music. I have always been really interested in music and for the most part have pretty diverse taste (particularly for a Black man ;) ). Many of my friends are the same way (word up Amanda & how should I put this?... others).

Lately I have had a bit more of a specific taste. A lot of the songs are not new. I think that it is mostly inspired by groups like Metric and Stars. A bit more melodic, sometimes slower, some might say at times a bit emo, but not necessarily. A common theme would be some powerful, thought provoking lyrics and a dynamic sound. In the interest of expanding your musical horizons I wanted to list a few of the songs that I have been listening to in 2010, and some of the lyrics that I have resonated (as I sometimes do):

• London Halflife by Metric

Oh watch out, you're only better off with half your life
Otherwise wasted
House of cards, you fall hard

• Midnight Coward by Stars
  

Sweetness, sweetness never suits me, when I get up to take you home
Maybe it's love, love at first slightly drunk
Now I'm walking with the sun in my mouth

• The Reeling by Passion Pit

We dug these holes we crawled into, now they're my home
Now here I cannot feel the wind, can't feel the rain oh no
And I believe in gentle harmony
Well how I loathe all this obscenity
Is this the way my life has got to be?
Have I a single opportunity?

• You Didn't Fucking Mean It by Electric Valentine

If you loved me
Half as much as you said you did
Why'd you leave me?
Break my heart then come back again
If you loved me,
Turn around and just let me go
From the first time
Hurt more than you could ever know

• Wanderlust by Björk

Lust for comfort
Suffocates the soul
Relentless restlessness
Liberates me (sets me free)

I feel at home
Whenever the unknown surrounds me
I receive its embrace
Aboard my floating house

• Everybody's Changing by Keane

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing and I don't feel the same

Here are some other songs I have enjoyed lately, but are less poignant/your emo hearts and this blog are about to explode from lyric overload:

Elevator Love Letter by Stars
Soft Shock by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
White Gold by Metric
Gold Guns Girls by Metric
Cheryl Tweedy by Lily Allen
Take it Off by Ke$ha
Ima Be by Black Eyed Peas
California Soul by Marlena Shaw

Okay we're done. That was a lot of work. I going to have a piece of cake as a reward. Ciao!

To Tweet or Not to Tweet

The other day I was watching a commercial for Kirstie Alley's Big Life... ok then later I watched the show. The point is the show was about her Twitter addiction. Again last night I was watching Chelsea Lately and her and Taraji P. Henson were talking about how they were reluctant to Twitter and first and now they love it. These moments in my life of pop culture brought me back to something that I have been thinking a lot lately: Why is that so many of the people I know my age are afraid of Twitter? Wow now I need to ask why this sounds like a Sex and the City?

I could count on probably 1 hand the number of people who are my friends and are actually active on Twitter. I know that Twitter is not a phenomenon of the young (<24 years old), and 35+ has been what has driven the platform, but 25-34 is fairly high indexing. Plus I have never really been a first adopter of technology amongst my friends. Twitter would probably be the first time, and not just because it was my job. Why do people seem to be so afraid?

I have been asking a lot of people in the age group in question (perhaps because it relates to my job), and the answer to "Why not Twitter?" seems to be that people do not need to know everything about their life. "I'm at the grocery store." "I'm chewing gum." "I'm dumping the body."

Really people? Are you not more creative than that? This is not Foursquare we are talking about (BTW do not get me started on getting my friends involved in that). You're not afraid of status updates on Facebook. Pretty similar. More importantly I use Twitter & my addiction to TweetDeck to keep me up to date with everything in the world that I am interested in. Little bits of info and news just blip on my screen like a stock ticker, ready for me to interact. I read, I share, I take the meal deal at the restaurant nearby, while planning for the hot concert that is happening later that night.

It seems like Kirstie, Taraji, & Chelsea have discovered all of this joy and information. Not sure what is up with my friends, but maybe soon they will grow up ;)

These Are a Few of My Favourite Shows

I had a conversation this weekend, and happened to have noticed myself right before said conversation, that I had not written a blog since January. Sorry guys. I am going to try to do something at least once a week. I have "blogging" as a recurring Task in Outlook & I always do what Outlook tells me... I hope it never turns sinister (at least more so).

Anyway, I thought I would discuss my thoughts on some the current crop of TV shows. I watch a lot of trash (mostly reality) TV shows. Whether you like them, or like them because you hate them, they are a great escape and excuse to yell at the flat screen.

I am going to start with the shows that I have major beef with.

The Biggest Loser
At first I enjoyed that they were playing the game in such a fair manner and looking out for who needed the house more, health wise. However at this point in the game, I am going to need some cutthroat competitive spirit. You are all skinny(ish) now, and therefore should slowly be transforming into self-involved douches that want to prey on the weak.

Gossip Girl
Oh Gossip Girl, you know I love your Cruel Intentions style qualities, but I am about to break up with you. Attention Upper East Siders: What WB series, that thus should consider itself privileged that we would even tune in, is angering its fans because it will not have 3 new episodes in a row? GG, better watch out, or else its ever dragging 2nd season might be it's last.
XOXO Manpretty Calamity~

America's Next Top Model
I am so bored with you. Even the girl covered in scars made me yawn. I guess next season you are only going to have girls 5'7" and under. I believe that that will be Cycle 13 and I only have 3 words for you: JUMPED THE SHARK!

For the Love of RayJ & Bret Michael's Bus O Hos
Even I can't bring myself to watch these. I guess we need feeder shows for new contestants & challenges on I Love Money.

Now on to everything else.

I Love Money 2
Yes! Finally a show that makes no bones about its money grubbing, fame whore contestants. Becky Buckwild and Saphyrie need their own show after this (oh I am so writing a letter now). However, their hookups (with Frank the Entertainer and It respectively) have been highly questionable.

Dancing with the Stars
AKA Next Stop For So You Think You Can Dancers (NSFSYTYCDrs). I watch it, but I think I watch for the dancers more than the "celebrities"... well and of course the next crazy, sexually inappropriate comment from Bruno. Seriously I think Bruno's name is a bit off too. When I think of the name Bruno I am thinking pit bull or rottweiler. If he were a dog he would one of those tiny Chinese bald dogs.

Tough Love
Oh how I love this show. Let's find every kind of girl psychosis that ruins relationships and scare men away (Golddigger, loner, skank, clueless, drunk, loser lover, etc.), brutally tell them what is wrong with them on national television, & put all of that crazy under one trainwreck of a roof. I keep thinking that they vote people off every week, but seriously someone just loses it every week and has to go home. Literally this last week after Airen (yes pronounced like the skinhead nation) could not stop being a skank and having panic attacks when they tried to call her out on it, they recommended that she needed serious therapy and they could not help her. Kind of sad, especially since I was always waiting for her and host Steve Ward to make out.

Real World/Road Rules The Duel2
Yes, we have gotten to MTV. Seriously these people need work. Go on to some trash VH1 love show so you can go on I Love Money since they have much easier challenges. You know I will still watch though because these people are seriously insane and know what we all want. The Challenges are just an excuse for them to let loose so the producers will bring them back... yet again.

The Hills
Oh my baby! So the show is clearly "reenacted", but the production and story quality make you not care. This season is by far the best, even better than Laguna Season 2. Basically the show goes like this: Major confrontation where they pay off Stephanie to put people in the most incredibly awkward situations that thus implode. Once the mushroom cloud has settled, MTV pays all of the key players to have one on one confrontations with the people that have wronged them during the main event and then follow up confrontations based on that confrontation. This builds to the climax confrontation that ends in tears/sets up the next episode's disaster event. Heidi's storyline is particularly hilarious this season as basically everyone that she comes across tells her that Spencer is the planet's biggest douche and that she should leave him/asks why she is with him. Heidi's response is always to nod with a facial expression as close to pensive as she can get. Seriously guys, I say this every season, but you have to watch the After Show online. Canadians get together and make fun of them and then invite a key cast member from that episode to discuss what they have just seen. It is worth watching the show just to be ready for the After Show.

Facebook is the TMZ of Social Networks

As I have mentioned in a previous blog, I joined Facebook and I really wasn't too keen on the whole "scene". I liked the fact that my MySpace page was unique as opposed to the sterile Facebook standard page.

My tune changed a bit. Facebook has a huge advantage: the gossip factor. Seriously Facebook is like a stalkers dream. Everyday I login to see what is the latest drama amongst the group of my cyber friends. What are people up to? Who's been talking schmack? What cryptic message do i need to follow up on? What dirty details from the weekend are being shared?

Then there are the moments when you login and you see the holy grail of symbols on your homepage: the relationship status heart. No matter what, it is going to be good. Did someone finally get locked down and/or forced to change their status? Did someone break up (scandalous)? Is someone in an open relationship (even more scandalous)? I also enjoy the "It's complicated" status, which should really be everyone's status. I also love everyone's comments in response to a status change. Talk about shock and awe.

Seriously, it has really gotten to the point that just about any time anyone asks how anyone knows about anything the answer is Facebook. And why didn't you know? Either you're not on Facebook (in which case we will start a group to force you to join, Lindsey), or you didn't have time to check it. How did you know about that party? Facebook. How did you know they broke up? Facebook. How did you win the interactive Christmas card kissing contest? Facebook. Are they really together? No, their Facebook pages have not been updated yet (true sign of commitment). Based on the conversation string on Facebook, I think this is what really happened. Facebook.

It is a bit crazy, but if I am going to read about the details of people's life on the internet, and of course then judge them, it might as well be about people I actually know, right?

Update: I wrote this post at the end of December 2008 and needed to repost because of some formatting issues, so if you are feeling some deja vu there is a reason. I think that this blog is a funny little piece about the current power of social networks. Today was actually a banner day with 4 relationship status updates on my homepage (one I actually witness the demise of this weekend), however I think it is valuable to note that Facebook, and social networks in general, are powerful deseminators of information. Yes, some of it is personal and gossipy, but I find so much more then that as well. I have really reconnected with many of my high school classmates because of Facebook. I'm not talking about that, "Hey, what are you up to?" superficial post. I am mean actually have gone to hang out with them... more than once. Many of the social events that I have gone to lately, both personally and professionally, were a result of Facebook. I think that you get my point. Social networks can be what you want them to be, and at different times. It seems as though the Internet is starting to reach its potential, just in time for the bar to be set higher.

Double Whammy

That's right folks not only do we get the Clay Aiken "baby" photo in the new People Mag, but in true Lance Bass fashion he also comes out of the closet!!! Well it's about time. Seriously he would be a really weird guy if he were straight. But what is he going to do now? He has a baby with a much older woman (how very Will & Grace), so how can he sow his rainbow oats? I don't know, but I have a feeling a relationship with Josh Groban is on the way. Stay tuned...

Update: One of Clay Aiken's fans had this to say in the ClayManiacs "Shoutbox" section:

"This is really shocking news as I had no idea he was gay," read a comment posted by "Sheridansq." "And now I have to deal with this. I am not sure what to say to people who know I was a fan. ... I didn't go to work today and am not answering the telephone."

LMAO, are you kidding me? What are people who knew you wrote this post going to say? I have a few ideas. If you had balls enough to tell people you were a Clay Aiken fan, then I think you can deal with this humiliation. Plus I'm sure they already know you're a moron as you couldn't tell HE WAS CLEARLY GAY!

Oh Lord, Here Comes Crazy.

Okay so I may talk to the television a bit... Okay I'll be honest. I scream at the TV. But how can I help it? People on TV are crazy/bitchy/stupid/ridiculous/worthy of a word of concern. Plus, if I weren't always alone maybe I would simmer down, and if I didn't at least I would be talking to someone else. Right? Okay, maybe I have just a touch of the crazy... and I need to get out more.

The Jonas Brothers

I am a pretty open guy when it comes to poppiest of pop music, but I really do not get the whole Jonas Brothers crazy. Really they are just awful.

Oh You Dumb Bitch

Most of you know how much I love trashy television. One of the trashiest, yet funniest shows is Keeping Up With the Kardashians on E! One of my favorite episodes is when Khloe (you know the frumpy one that has never been on a reality show, or done anything worth fame other than having a sister with her ass insured) gets a DUI. Of course as happens with that situation, it devolves into a horrible mess trying to get people out of jail and hide it from parents for as long as possible. Inevitably the parents need to find out, and their mom Kris says something that I love as she is furious that they wasted so much time trying to hide everything while just letting Khloe sit in jail. She says something to the effect of, "What?!? You're just sitting here while Khloe's in jail?!? You know we call Robert (Shapiro) and it's over!" She illuminates the fact that they call their high powered attorney who served on the OJ defense team with their dad, and everything is taken care of.

Kris was right and everything was taken care of... Until now. Khloe apparently didn't not want to stick to the terms of her probation (like go to an alcohol treatment class), so now she has to go to jail. Oh Khloe, you are so stupid. In an article I read about this, in mainstream media nonetheless, they specifically mention that other "more famous" celebs have gotten out of jail early in situations like this because of overcrowded jails, essentially saying she probably isn't famous enough to get the celeb treatment... which she's not. Khloe just go to the class! You had nothing else to do. Higher some other monkey (or the sisters that are actually suppose to be the other monkeys) to run DASH for the day.

Anyway, that was not the point of this post. Actually I was just impressed that there was a decent picture of Khloe out there. She almost doesn't look like a lesbian don't you think? Perhaps jail will work for her.