As an actress said to a bishop...
D'Accord (My new favourite French word)!
This here represents 500 posts in This Old Shack, at least 350(+) of which are "quizez" or repostings of other non-original material. I have noticed that there are a lot of websites and semi-professional production companies which play with the whole "Not Really Trying" vibe, which I can assure you is entirely fun and understandable, as it allows you to look like you weren't even hinting at your true potential when you do accomplish something remarkable, and slough responsibility when you post.... say roughly 350(+) posts of "quizez" and repostings of other non-original material.
Jenny recently asked if I had any New Year's resolutions. I didn't particularly, as I never tend to keep the arbitrary ones I make anyhow. In the last 9 years I have not gotten a tan, worked out regularly, or stopped eating junk food. Probably won't happen by making a promise to myself in early January. It still amuses me that gym memberships skyrocket in January and February and then fall off drastically in March. I simply do not have the will power required to do such a thing, especially in this kind of wavy-gravy, unstructured lifestyle I've had over the last many many years. Don't get me wrong, I certainly admire the people who do manage to live truly healthy lifestyles. Those people have more discipline than I do, and I'm prepared to accept that. I have, in fact! Woot.
But, let me show you something. It is a music video for the song "Samson" from the album Begin to Hope by Regina Spektor (though she looks more like Tori Amos than I've ever seen). It's only about 3 1/2 minutes and very striking so I urge you not to skip it.
I have been experimenting with short stop-motion films lately. It's fun and a cheap way to spend an evening. More than that though; it's rewarding. I'm just fiddling about with tiny felt owls and multi-coloured Sharpies, but I like to think of it as art. The above video is WAY beyond my scope at the moment, but I feel like if I can create anything that is even a quarter of how gorgeous that is then I'll really have something.
All this is leading to a decision I've made. I suppose it doesn't quite fall into the category of a New Year's resolution, because I didn't make it with New Year's in mind, but it IS that time of year.
I am through with this "Not Really Trying" vibe. It's true that sometimes I don't plan on coming up with something "good," but I think I have come up with at least a few "good" things, and I think I need to start taking credit for them instead of dismissing them with a cavalier attitude. Again, you can't always plan for something good, but most of the time coming up with something good takes a lot of hard work and that's worth acknowledging, if only to myself.
I have been saying for years now that I would like to be a writer, and then (sometimes actively) not writing. In a way this is because I have been afraid to put my own stuff out there. My mindset was that the captial "C" Canon was the only thing that could be considered capital "G" Good. And it's hard to have someone else read your words and offer their honest opinion, especially if it's someone you don't know and you feel will be judging you (which I felt about everybody).
But I'm writing something. It's a play. I'm really very happy with how it's turning out. I think this is something "good."
And of course I more than likely should have gotten to this point before now (I'm nearly 25), but the point is that I'm here now. And I feel good about that.
"Stop typing 'teh'" would be a good New Year's resolution.
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So all that being said, this forum probably won't change too much. This old shack has always been a hide-away for bric-a-brac and a place I can come to make me feel warm and fuzzy. So because quizez are fun, they will continue. But the above video brings to mind something which desperately needs updating, if only to include the phenominal artist above.
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Modern Goddesses of Rock & Roll.
It's been 15 months since this list was last updated. Shame shame on me.
Original List (October 2005)
Updates as of Sept 2006
Here are the changes. I am actually going to take Serena Pruyn off. She has the opportunity to regain her place on the list if her g.d. band would only put out their album which they've been promising for 2 years now. Because that is just getting to be a piss off.
Newest Additions: December 2007
It has been a long time since any artist has made me melt so many times with their lyrics and vocal performance.
How have they not been on this list since the beginning? Already undeniably cute, they really care about the environment. Possibly the best couple in music today.
Again, what have I been doing that she is not on this list yet? Haunting vocals over simple, yet unique accompaniment. It's amazing to hear her voice progress over the course of her albums
Admittedly I enjoy her solo work more than her work with Rilo Kiley, but in either setting she can really do a number on you.
I have given myself a huge slap on the wrist for not acknowledging this immense talent. If this was listed in some order which ranked value (which it's not) Joanna Newsom would be if not at, then near the top. She is like Shakespeare with a harp.
A delicate sound and a very distinct voice. She may not want to be, but she's truly classic.
These girls are every bit as fun, sassy, and GOOD as they claim they are.
Many of these have been inexcusable omissions! Dammit Andrew! Pull it together!
Honorable mentions go to the girl from Blonde Redhead and the girl who tours with The Decemberists.
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While we're on the subject of girls/women who play music, that is a huge turn-on, and I think you'll be hard pressed to find a man who doesn't agree. Therefore, in the spirit of "Why not?" I present my "List." You know, from Friends where you get to have a list of 5 celebrities you can sleep with and not have any consequences? This list in entirely in flux (except for the top position) and will probably change before tomorrow. It's also just for fun.
1. Meg White
2. Audrey Tautou
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Kiera Knightley
5. Pam & Karen from "The Office"
I know the #5 slot has two people in it, but an outside source has confirmed that this is not a problem. The rules however make it very clear that it is not ok to sleep with only one of them. They must both be present. As you can see, this list is entirely imaginary.
Who's on YOUR list?
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Speaking of The Office, that is an amazing show! I first acquainted myself with the British version and then transferred over to the American. Both have their merits. I have been trying to avoid getting into a debate over which is "better" for a long time now. So far this has been a success.
This is my philosophy on the shows: The British version (despite being what is essentially a sit-com) is like a piece of art. It's original in it's simplicity and ingenius in it's delivery. The American version is an amazing adaptation, neither better nor worse. It takes the storyline much further than the British version (which unfortunately only ran for 2 seasons) and develops the characters further. You can have a relationship with the American version. The British version gives you much more of an atmosphere.
It has been years since I've been this sucked in to a tv show. Years.
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I actually don't know what else there is to say right now.
posted by Phinneas Q Jacksmith @ 8:13 p.m.
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