Friday, November 5, 2010
Billy Bob Thornton 'Blow Up' on Q TV
13 minutes of crazy awkwardness from Billy Bob Thornton, which really needs to be watched to believe. What a hot mess.
Subdivisions - Rush
Sure, everyone can link "Tom Sawyer," and "Closer to the Heart," and "Spirit of Radio," but why not enjoy the synth-driven nerd message of "Subdivisons?"
Just Sayin'?
Is this officially a meme? It seems like every other facebook post I see now has someone's casual observance, ending in the now popular post script "...just sayin'" with various scatological tenses and punctuation used.
The first time I ever saw this occurrence was in posts on ESPN by fantasy sports writer Matthew Berry, who used it to good effect and which I thought was somewhat clever.
Now it seems everyone is using it to punctuate their thought of the day.
If we really want to trace it back to a variation of its usage, in a much more relevant literary iteration, let us visit with our good fried William Carlos Williams:
THIS IS JUST TO SAY
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold.
That's how it's done I believe. Just saying.
The first time I ever saw this occurrence was in posts on ESPN by fantasy sports writer Matthew Berry, who used it to good effect and which I thought was somewhat clever.
Now it seems everyone is using it to punctuate their thought of the day.
If we really want to trace it back to a variation of its usage, in a much more relevant literary iteration, let us visit with our good fried William Carlos Williams:
THIS IS JUST TO SAY
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold.
That's how it's done I believe. Just saying.
Kyle Whelliston: On(,) Writing
The Mid Majority
Kyle Whelliston owns, operates and runs The Mid Majority, a blog specializing in mid-major basketball. As a fan of the little guy, and Siena basketball in particular, it's a constant stop on my daily world wide web maneuverings.
Kyle's a great writer in general, and always leads up to the college basketball season with a series of essays and ends the season once the last "sub red-line" team gets ousted from the field of 64 in March.
He has just begun his seventh season documenting the epic journeys of mid-major collegiate basketball teams, and the first essay is particularly good and relevant to those of the literary ilk.
Enjoy.
-JW
Kyle Whelliston owns, operates and runs The Mid Majority, a blog specializing in mid-major basketball. As a fan of the little guy, and Siena basketball in particular, it's a constant stop on my daily world wide web maneuverings.
Kyle's a great writer in general, and always leads up to the college basketball season with a series of essays and ends the season once the last "sub red-line" team gets ousted from the field of 64 in March.
He has just begun his seventh season documenting the epic journeys of mid-major collegiate basketball teams, and the first essay is particularly good and relevant to those of the literary ilk.
Enjoy.
-JW
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon
Probably the most beautiful, most perfect song The Tragically Hip has ever recorded. Seek them out, and bask in their magnificence.
Porch (Winter)
The night is drawing cold again,
and fall is in the air.
The azure blue of summer’s twilight
dwindles in despair.
Memories of good and bad
and somewhere in between.
Living in October gold
and Autumn’s glistening gleam.
Cold gray days with barren trees
assembled as to march -
Portraying grand processions
that wither in the heart.
Memories of good and bad,
some may come and go.
Feelings freeze in morning’s frost,
waiting for the snow.
A chill runs through my body
as I simmer and I stare;
My soul discovers pieces
which I forgot were there.
Within a season that used to bring
such sorrow low and fair -
My soul revives reborn again
and so I do prepare.
-JW 1995?
and fall is in the air.
The azure blue of summer’s twilight
dwindles in despair.
Memories of good and bad
and somewhere in between.
Living in October gold
and Autumn’s glistening gleam.
Cold gray days with barren trees
assembled as to march -
Portraying grand processions
that wither in the heart.
Memories of good and bad,
some may come and go.
Feelings freeze in morning’s frost,
waiting for the snow.
A chill runs through my body
as I simmer and I stare;
My soul discovers pieces
which I forgot were there.
Within a season that used to bring
such sorrow low and fair -
My soul revives reborn again
and so I do prepare.
-JW 1995?
Blocks and Avenues (Winter)
The street waits for everyone -
People awake and watching TV
Families asleep and tucked away
along the row.
Hearths burn warm,
the scent brings me back
to woods and campfires.
I feel the warmth as I smell
the beauty of wood
and burning in the night.
The snow invites me to stay
alive on asphalt
covered in white and wet.
Footprints show me
where I’ve been
if only for a moment.
Pausing where I’m not supposed to,
rebellious in a minute’s breath
feeling flakes upon my face’s warmth.
My eyes flutter in a
flurry’s caress.
There are no straight lines
in neighborhoods,
only corners.
-JW 2009?
People awake and watching TV
Families asleep and tucked away
along the row.
Hearths burn warm,
the scent brings me back
to woods and campfires.
I feel the warmth as I smell
the beauty of wood
and burning in the night.
The snow invites me to stay
alive on asphalt
covered in white and wet.
Footprints show me
where I’ve been
if only for a moment.
Pausing where I’m not supposed to,
rebellious in a minute’s breath
feeling flakes upon my face’s warmth.
My eyes flutter in a
flurry’s caress.
There are no straight lines
in neighborhoods,
only corners.
-JW 2009?
Rush on Q TV
An interview with my first favorite rock band, the band that was the first live concert I ever saw, and the band who I love today as much as I did the first time I heard them. Enjoy the dorky musical gods, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, talking about their endless oeuvre.
The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie on Q TV
This is my first Tragically Hip post, and it's an hourlong interview with rock god extroardinaire Gord Downie. The next post will be an interview on Q TV with Rush, my next heretofore link addiction for the blog. These Q TV interviews are really outstanding.
Kurt Elling - Nature Boy - Jazz and Orchestra
Again, when on the road with the Miller band, I discovered Kurt Elling, thanks to a couple of bandmates. I saw him at the Green Mill over New Year's break when we were in Chicago, and I fell in love. There's not a better jazz vocalist out there today, and he instantly became an important influence on me, which continues today.
Keith Jarrett Trio - When You Wish Upon a Star
When I was on the road and singing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, this became one of my favorite tunes to sing. So simple, and so beautiful, I never knew that the tune I listened to Jiminy Cricket sing as kid a could become so transcendent as an adult. Keith Jarrett is one of my all time favorite piano players in the world (don't call them pianists, they hate that.) Enjoy the beauty of the jazz trio playing a subtly beautiful tune.
(In HD)Beethoven Sonata Op 57 "Appassionata" Mov1
As you may come to learn, I'm a huge Beethoven-phile. I don't think it's just from the fact that my first real musical influence, Billy Joel, idolized him, but my time in conservatory and music school informed everything I know about him, and everything I've learned to love about him. An incredibly idealistic man with unmatched musical prowess, Beethoven is and always will be one of my all time loves. The Appassionata is one of my favorite works, and clearly my favorite of his piano sonatas, and this woman plays it incredibly well. It's nine minutes of your time to listen to it, and it's well worth it. Listening to this makes all the CNN, Fox News, and media exposure possible - it's a real world analgesic. Enjoy.
Erykah Badu I Want You live au chappelle show
I'm a sucker for Erykah - beautiful, talented, and soulful. One of my favorite songs of hers, performed brilliantly on the Chappelle's Show.
Dedication
I can’t describe how good this feels.
Don’t misconstrue
the tear falling
down my cheek
as sadness –
it holds more joy than I’ve felt in years.
Disconnected from the signal calling
me to pursue my
dreams of youth.
Misguided blind devotion
to pursuit of fame,
handcuffed creativity
at the hands of fortune too.
Currents coursing through my veins,
Running red with passion now, and
Days of wine and indiscretion
put to bed,
Replaced with head running
hot, unleaded apprehension
Getting high off adrenaline.
I’ve bathed myself
in self deception
and cleansed my motivation
with responsibility.
I stand before you
naked and broken
and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
-JW, 2008?
Don’t misconstrue
the tear falling
down my cheek
as sadness –
it holds more joy than I’ve felt in years.
Disconnected from the signal calling
me to pursue my
dreams of youth.
Misguided blind devotion
to pursuit of fame,
handcuffed creativity
at the hands of fortune too.
Currents coursing through my veins,
Running red with passion now, and
Days of wine and indiscretion
put to bed,
Replaced with head running
hot, unleaded apprehension
Getting high off adrenaline.
I’ve bathed myself
in self deception
and cleansed my motivation
with responsibility.
I stand before you
naked and broken
and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
-JW, 2008?
Stephen Fry on Catholicism, from the Intelligence Squared debate.
Stephen Fry is an outstanding actor, and from this video I've learned he's also an influential intellect. As someone still struggling with religion, theology, and the constant dialectic of "why are we here," Mr. Fry posits a well thought out debate for all of us on the virtues of religion and existence in our society today.
Phish / Watcher Of The Skies Genesis Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tribute
Genesis has always been a favorite of mine, and a huge influence on me. Needless to say, seeing Trey and Phish induct them was cathartic. I still love Phish, go to shows when I can, and listen to them constantly. This is wonderful tribute from fans of a band to a group that has been incredibly influential in the rock consciousness for years, and years to come.
The Fender
I need to sell my false guitar –
the one that lies in its case
against my bedroom wall.
Candy apple red
and beautiful as all
and any woman I’ve ever seen.
But there is no love,
the time has come,
for it to pay the toll.
My real guitar
sits idly by the couch,
with persistent patience.
Words do not write themselves,
nor do guitars play alone,
and neither pays the bills.
The time has come,
for roads been run,
to end this subtle bleating.
My hands do hold,
and words cajole,
a pure and simple meaning.
-JW, 11/04/2010
the one that lies in its case
against my bedroom wall.
Candy apple red
and beautiful as all
and any woman I’ve ever seen.
But there is no love,
the time has come,
for it to pay the toll.
My real guitar
sits idly by the couch,
with persistent patience.
Words do not write themselves,
nor do guitars play alone,
and neither pays the bills.
The time has come,
for roads been run,
to end this subtle bleating.
My hands do hold,
and words cajole,
a pure and simple meaning.
-JW, 11/04/2010
Dreams
Dreams enthrall me,
dreams that I’ve had
and dreams that I’ve not.
I am not daunted by dreams -
they propel me.
I’ve seen winning lottery numbers,
I’ve owned Boardwalk,
I’ve loved women whom I
never should and never have.
When I wake I am
never regretful,
but sometimes scared
when I’m woken by
falling from a
too tall tree.
-JW 11/04/2010
dreams that I’ve had
and dreams that I’ve not.
I am not daunted by dreams -
they propel me.
I’ve seen winning lottery numbers,
I’ve owned Boardwalk,
I’ve loved women whom I
never should and never have.
When I wake I am
never regretful,
but sometimes scared
when I’m woken by
falling from a
too tall tree.
-JW 11/04/2010
My Heart
My heart beats faster than it
used to –
I don’t think that’s because
of excitement,
it’s probably the smoking
which I only do when
I drink,
which I only do
when I’m thinking
of doing something
about getting in shape.
-JW 11/04/2010
used to –
I don’t think that’s because
of excitement,
it’s probably the smoking
which I only do when
I drink,
which I only do
when I’m thinking
of doing something
about getting in shape.
-JW 11/04/2010
Today
Nothing particularly good happened,
I can’t be sure
that Today
was any better
or any worse
than tomorrow may be.
I can’t even think
about Yesterday.
-JW, 11/04/2010
I can’t be sure
that Today
was any better
or any worse
than tomorrow may be.
I can’t even think
about Yesterday.
-JW, 11/04/2010
I drink your milkshake...
I was taught in college, when I finally went to finish in my early thirties, by a now good friend that everything is literature - the movies we watch, the books we read, and the music we listen to. I also ventured forth in to the higher realm of education to pursue a degree in English without any desire to learn about, read, or write poetry. I wanted to delve in to deeper, more "profound" genres like the great American novel and film.
I emerged with a degree, however, and a newly discovered love for poesy. I can only think that what I read, write, listen to or watch, can all be used to make what I would call a literary milkshake - and instead of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, I can use William Carlos Williams, David Fincher, and Ben Folds.
This blog, one of a few that I've started (and of the many, I have yet to really stick with one) will serve to create an amalgam of genres and influences to create varying blends of sweet and savory goodness. The pathos of Dickinson to the bareness of Cummings, the Romanticism of Keats to the audacity of the Beats.
Stop in to say hi, say a kind word or not for my own works, and search out that which you find meaningful.
In the immortal words of Daniel Planview, "I drink your milkshake. I drink it up." However, I won't be here to beat you over the head with a bowling pin. I'll just have some Ezra Pound to throw at you.
Best Regards,
JW
I emerged with a degree, however, and a newly discovered love for poesy. I can only think that what I read, write, listen to or watch, can all be used to make what I would call a literary milkshake - and instead of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, I can use William Carlos Williams, David Fincher, and Ben Folds.
This blog, one of a few that I've started (and of the many, I have yet to really stick with one) will serve to create an amalgam of genres and influences to create varying blends of sweet and savory goodness. The pathos of Dickinson to the bareness of Cummings, the Romanticism of Keats to the audacity of the Beats.
Stop in to say hi, say a kind word or not for my own works, and search out that which you find meaningful.
In the immortal words of Daniel Planview, "I drink your milkshake. I drink it up." However, I won't be here to beat you over the head with a bowling pin. I'll just have some Ezra Pound to throw at you.
Best Regards,
JW
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