Sometimes You Have To Scratch That Itch

Last night’s “itch” was dinner. For over a week I have been craving that wacky Thai Chicken Pizza from Slice Pizza (Seriously Slice, a Comcast homepage? C’mon…) in Glenwood Park but have been denying myself. When I finally cracked last night I was so glad that they didn’t let me down. The dinner was nearly perfect (especially once the whining kids went outside) with the exception that the restaurant was freezing inside (which is what ultimately forced the family outdoors). I know that my lack of a/c has made me a bit sensitive (appreciative?) of the modern-marvel that is cold air in summertime, but Jesus there is no need to make the building that cold.

ITP Flickr Pic
Hasher, Multi-Sport Athlete, Soap Box Derby Racer

Wil (You Suck!)

Talk TV With Me
Do you know that now that CBS has bumped Pirate Master to Tuesday nights I almost have a RealiTV show for every day of the week?

Sunday: Big Brother 8
Monday: Hell’s Kitchen
Tuesday: Big Brother 8, Pirate Master
Wednesday: Top Chef
Thursday: Big Brother 8
Friday: none
Saturday: none

Last night I watched Hell’s Kitchen (because last night was Monday — see how that works?). I really thought that last night’s episode was good. Not only do I think that the right person was kicked off, I was amused to hear how accomplished a chef Jen is and to see Rock lose his temper when his team lost the challenge. I think we’ve identified our Final Two.

Are You Flying With The Conchords Yet?
It’s the Indie Buzz of Summer ’07 — Flight Of The Conchords. I’ve been on board since its inception, although somehow I managed to miss the first of its four episodes. Luckily this episode (and perhaps the other three by the time you read this) is available on iTunes (I will also bet that all episodes are out on a BitTorrent site somewhere).

Flight Of The Conchords is a comedy about a band (Do I need to give their name here?) composed of New York to New Zealand transplants Jermaine and Bret. In each episode we are usually reacquainted with the band’s inept manager, as well as the band’s only fan, who is also the sole member of the band’s fan club.

The best way that I can describe the show is “quirky.” Each half-hour episode usually contains two or more clever songs which interweaves with the plot line of the episode. The writing is smart and sometimes uncomfortable as in the case of the latest episode where Jermaine tags along on all of Bret’s dates with his girlfriend Coco (and don’t think that the fact that her name rhymes with “Yoko” a coincidence).

Some may find the show slow, and I can’t guarantee that the won’t grow repetitive quickly, but I find it refreshing to find something different from the norm on tv and suggest that you check it out.

Inside Of Old Smokey
Tonight I’ll be at The EARL. I’d have to scan through my activity list to tell you the last show I’ve seen there. It seems that I have not gone to many shows recently for one reason or another. Tonight’s show is Jason Isbell, former guitarist for Drive By Truckers now striking it out on his own. I don’t know what to expect for tonight, but I do know that I’ve decided not to bring the camera gear and just have a relaxing time.

CD Pick Of The Week
There are numerous titles that catch my eye this week. And, unlike in previous weeks I’ve done some homework. Last night I listened to the new Spoon, Bad Religion, They Might Be Giants, and Smashing Pumpkins/2 (only half of the original lineup recorded this cd so I only give them half-credit), all thanks to AOL’s Full CD Listening Party. (note: I am no shill for AOL, I just think that this service rocks! Well, almost rocks. This morning I tried to get on to listen to the new Interpol, but the service choked the hell out of my aging iBook.)

I would have given the new Buffalo Tom disc a listen as well if it was on AOL’s page.

My (Now-Trademarked) One-Listen Reviews
Spoon (“Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga”): I’ve panned Spoon in the past, mostly for their live show. I’ve not seen the genius that others have recognized. That being said, I enjoyed this recording although it got a bit repetitive to my ears toward the end.

Bad Religion (“New Maps Of Hell”): Listening to Bad Religion I can’t tell if it’s 2007 or 1999. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s not. I really like Bad Religion’s energy and this release is full of energy, but I can’t help feeling like I’ve already heard this Bad Religion CD.

They Might Be Giants (“The Else”): The two Johns have put together another solid, quirky, TMBG record.

Smashing Pumpkins (“Zeitgeist”): This is standard Billy Corgan. While I loved this music very much in the early-to-mid nineties it doesn’t have the same attachment to me as then. I’ve tried listening to this disc a couple of times and have become bored quickly each time.

My overall assessment of these is that if you liked the previous music from each of these bands odds are you are going to like these releases.

It’s a toss up for me today, but based on what I’ve heard I think that your best bet is either the Spoon or They Might Be Giants offerings.

And now for some ideas stolen from LiveJournal…
Current Mood – feeling like things are coming together
Current Music – Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 26 playing Editors — “Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors”
Website Of The Day – How could I not link to a blog called I Hate Crocs. There, I feel much better.
Exercise (b)Log – none
Mode Of Transportation To Work – My car

July Goals
0) Celebrate my 42nd birthday
1) Get my first Ruby / Ruby on Rails program written
2) Get my photoblog up and running

Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]