Cloverfield Review

January 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I’m ordinarily not one to post movie reviews, or recommend what flicks people should or should not see, because usually, most movies leave me flat. Anyone who talked to me after I saw the last lack-luster (blockbuster) movie I saw knows that.

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Posted by seth | Filed Under Blog 

Who the heck is Matt White and why does

January 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Mtv think that I should be listening to his music.

Ordinarily I don’t pay attention to stuff like this. Ordinarily I don’t watch what used to be “Music Television.” But this morning, the program Sarah and I usually watch while riding our bike trainers — SportsCenter — was in a heavy half-hour rotation.

So we opted for Mtv.

We were hoping for music. Over the course of a little more than a half hour, I think we only saw 5 music videos.  The rest of the time was dedicated to promoting upcoming Mtv programs, advertisements, and introspective pieces on Matt White.

Now, I don’t want to discourage anyone from enjoying Matt White’s music. Perhaps if I heard it in a coffee shop, or while driving I might actually enjoy it.  But when it’s packaged as the next big thing, or the next artist I’ve never heard of before that I should be listening to, I tune out.

I wonder if this approach really works.  It used to be that I heard about music from friends, or the radio, or maybe from a movie soundtrack. Obviously times have changed, and that does make me feel old.

Before you pencil me onto the official “unhip” list, spend a little time and watch Mtv.  You’ll see what I mean.  5 videos in 30 minutes.  Two were from artists I have never heard of before: Spilled Canvas, Chris Brown and some hip-hop group called Flo Rida, whose song “Low” sounded remarkably like Nelly. The song had a pretty infectious beat. . .and the lyrics, well, I couldn’t understand more than the part about “baggy sweatpants and the Reeboks with the straps.”

Apparently I was not the only dude who couldn’t understand the lyrics.  Someone else posed the question in Yahoo Answers.

But don’t take my word for it. . .listen for yourself. I’m just an old unhip white dude.  And I’m never watching Mtv again.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Blog 

The lifeguard shivered when we jumped into the pool

January 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Not because the water was freezing, but because the air temp was less than the water.

And you see, Sarah and I were swimming 3100 yards. That’s about an hour worth of swimming, and when you’re a skinny teen lifeguard, that means you have to brave it poolside until the wackos get out of the water.

I felt the guard’s leering “get the *$@!& otta the water” stare once we were done and hanging out in the water, working up the courage to jump out, get dressed and get home.

I hopped out first, the lifeguard’s teeth chattering now keeping time to the Bon Jovi concert promo playing on the radio. Sarah finally began to get out of the water, and before she could grab her towel, the small, waif like guard disappeared in a flash.

This is the second time we essentially closed the city pool near our house. The first time, a couple of weeks ago, was on a Friday night, and the guard was some teen guy who couldn’t stop pacing. On both occasions, most of the pool was tarped — a you’re no longer welcome here signal, if I have ever seen one — before we got out of the water.

Training is going well. . . .we had a rest week the first week of the year, during which I lived Conehead style and consumed mass quantities. This week I don’t seem to be too worse for wear, but the real test comes Sunday when we race a half marathon.

Posted by seth | Filed Under Triathlon, Blog 

Must Watch TV: Anthony Bourdain-No Reservations

January 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The difference between traveling and a vacation is that the travel experience can be highly unpredictable.

You may not know the language and customs of the country you are visiting. There is no guarantee your accommodations are going to be what you are used to at home. The food could be a total crap-shoot. The elements that could potentially derail your trip are staggering. But when it’s good, it’s a total rush.

And that’s what chef Anthony Bourdain does so well. He samples fermented shark in Iceland, sheep’s head at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in NYC, and other local fare around the globe.

Good or bad, he is always honest about the food. When it’s good, he’s a gentleman; when the food stinks, he is pretty funny about it.

I highly recommend you watch this if you like travel and food.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on The Travel Channel

Posted by seth | Filed Under Food, Blog 

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2008 | 1 Comment

Hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year’s Eve / Day.  Sarah and I went out for sushi, and talked a lot about 2007.  It was a banner year for both of us; topped off with our engagement. Read more

Posted by seth | Filed Under Blog 

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