Have I mentioned that this new city of mine is slowly winning my heart over?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Lake Austin Love
I went downtown along the Colorado River this weekend. While there, I just happened to catch this sweet moment between a couple on the dock. I was up on the steps and just happened to have a perfect view. Judging by the reaction of the girl and the friends that were hidden nearby, I'm guessing she said yes.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
PoP, Edition 20
Because I'm in Austin and insist on nurturing my hipster tendencies, I jumped at the opportunity to see the 2011 Oscar Shorts last night at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Regular reviews follow.
Short Reviews of the Oscar Nominated 2011 Shorts
The Confession--Super creepy and supremely well-made. Will probably win the Oscar.
Wish 143--Surprisingly sweet film about a boy with cancer that has an unconventional request for the wish foundation.
Na Wewe--Never loses its tension for the sake of the message that we're all alike.
The Crush--Kids are cute. Also, they can be kind of freaky. Especially if you're a grade school teacher.
God of Love--Hysterical look at love from the viewpoint of a modern-day mythology. If I were in the Academy, this is the one I'd vote for.
Books
Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel
I'll be honest, I like Kenneth Oppel much better as a fantasy mastermind than as a slightly preachy YA writer. As the cover implies, Half Brother is the story of a family that "adopts" a chimpanzee as part of a language experiment. The book is narrated by Ben, who is thirteen and figuring out his personality, social status, and hormones.The story itself is interesting enough to keep you reading, but I never connected with any of the characters. One detail about the book is that it takes place in 1973, but is written so that it could be applied to any day and age. Only a few scattered pop culture references serve to remind you that it doesn't take place today, but that the message of acceptance and respect is the same for everyone in every time. I'd have to say that the two redeeming factors were...
1) Zan, the chimpanzee, is by far the most amusing and endearing character, which was probably the point. You'll learn a lot about chimp behavior by reading this book. (And I know this wasn't the author's objective, but oh my gosh do I ever want a baby chimp now!)
2) It took place in Victoria, BC in the EXACT SAME NEIGHBORHOOD where I lived for six months on my mission. So this was more for personal reasons...
You know what's intriguing? I predict that of all of his books, this is the one that will be remembered 50 years from now.
Matched by Ally Condie
While I was in the middle of reading Matched, I enjoyed it. I liked Cassia's inner monologue as she struggled with the confines set by the Society. I liked how the control that the Society had over its citizens was illustrated through simple things, like how Cassia had never eaten pie. Pie, people! How horrible would that be? I liked the creepy, Big Brother mood that was so pervasive through the whole book and I LOVED Ky. (This might be a controversial statement, but I think the book would be a million times better from Ky's POV.) But since I finished, the book feels like it's lacking--like we haven't actually gotten to the real story yet. Condie has set herself up for some major action in the next book and since Matched wasn't terribly action-packed, I'm concerned for how she's going to handle it. I will certainly read Crossed when it comes out, but color me skeptical.
Music
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
New favorite album of the moment, all thanks to Jorge and Alexa and their ubiquitous video cover of "Home." The rest of the album isn't quite as pop-sounding as that song, but man, is it ever resonant. The songs have this ability to sink in and stay with you even after you're finished listening.
Movies
Leap Year
About 15 minutes into this movie, I started keeping a list of "Romantic Comedy Tropes!" that Leap Year shamelessly used. No joke, guys, by the end I had a list of 48 and that's not counting multiples like "a weather problem stands in her way" (three strikes) and "klutzy moment that's supposed to make her seem more endearing" (a whopping six strikes!). To be fair, I also made a list of "Things That Worked For Me" and came up with seven. Two of them shouldn't even count because 1) you could see the Lucky Charms line coming from an ocean away but it still made me genuinely laugh and 2) her first travel outfit was so freaking adorable that I couldn't help but write it down, even if it was insanely impractical. Maybe I'll start a blog where I watch rom-coms and rip them apart. Doesn't that sound like fun?
TV
Parks and Recreation, Season Two
I know I had this on my list for last week, but I just had to tell you that Parks and Recreation is seriously the funniest thing on TV these days. Season One nearly turned me off completely, but then I watched Season Two. And there was something there wasn't there before! ("She glanced this way...I thought I saw. And when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw!") Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope turned into less of a Michael Scott knock-off and more of a goofy, hopeful, and likable public servant. Each and every cast member really comes into their own as they're made more human all without sacrificing the opportunities for humor. (In my ever-so-humble opinion, the only weak link is Mark Brendanawicz and by the end that isn't even an issue.) I don't know what it is about Greg Daniels, but when you take Parks and Rec and The Office, that man has the Midas touch when it comes to second-season-shows.
Short Reviews of the Oscar Nominated 2011 Shorts
The Confession--Super creepy and supremely well-made. Will probably win the Oscar.
Wish 143--Surprisingly sweet film about a boy with cancer that has an unconventional request for the wish foundation.
Na Wewe--Never loses its tension for the sake of the message that we're all alike.
The Crush--Kids are cute. Also, they can be kind of freaky. Especially if you're a grade school teacher.
God of Love--Hysterical look at love from the viewpoint of a modern-day mythology. If I were in the Academy, this is the one I'd vote for.
Books
Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel
I'll be honest, I like Kenneth Oppel much better as a fantasy mastermind than as a slightly preachy YA writer. As the cover implies, Half Brother is the story of a family that "adopts" a chimpanzee as part of a language experiment. The book is narrated by Ben, who is thirteen and figuring out his personality, social status, and hormones.The story itself is interesting enough to keep you reading, but I never connected with any of the characters. One detail about the book is that it takes place in 1973, but is written so that it could be applied to any day and age. Only a few scattered pop culture references serve to remind you that it doesn't take place today, but that the message of acceptance and respect is the same for everyone in every time. I'd have to say that the two redeeming factors were...
1) Zan, the chimpanzee, is by far the most amusing and endearing character, which was probably the point. You'll learn a lot about chimp behavior by reading this book. (And I know this wasn't the author's objective, but oh my gosh do I ever want a baby chimp now!)
2) It took place in Victoria, BC in the EXACT SAME NEIGHBORHOOD where I lived for six months on my mission. So this was more for personal reasons...
You know what's intriguing? I predict that of all of his books, this is the one that will be remembered 50 years from now.
Matched by Ally Condie
While I was in the middle of reading Matched, I enjoyed it. I liked Cassia's inner monologue as she struggled with the confines set by the Society. I liked how the control that the Society had over its citizens was illustrated through simple things, like how Cassia had never eaten pie. Pie, people! How horrible would that be? I liked the creepy, Big Brother mood that was so pervasive through the whole book and I LOVED Ky. (This might be a controversial statement, but I think the book would be a million times better from Ky's POV.) But since I finished, the book feels like it's lacking--like we haven't actually gotten to the real story yet. Condie has set herself up for some major action in the next book and since Matched wasn't terribly action-packed, I'm concerned for how she's going to handle it. I will certainly read Crossed when it comes out, but color me skeptical.
Music
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
New favorite album of the moment, all thanks to Jorge and Alexa and their ubiquitous video cover of "Home." The rest of the album isn't quite as pop-sounding as that song, but man, is it ever resonant. The songs have this ability to sink in and stay with you even after you're finished listening.
Movies
Leap Year
About 15 minutes into this movie, I started keeping a list of "Romantic Comedy Tropes!" that Leap Year shamelessly used. No joke, guys, by the end I had a list of 48 and that's not counting multiples like "a weather problem stands in her way" (three strikes) and "klutzy moment that's supposed to make her seem more endearing" (a whopping six strikes!). To be fair, I also made a list of "Things That Worked For Me" and came up with seven. Two of them shouldn't even count because 1) you could see the Lucky Charms line coming from an ocean away but it still made me genuinely laugh and 2) her first travel outfit was so freaking adorable that I couldn't help but write it down, even if it was insanely impractical. Maybe I'll start a blog where I watch rom-coms and rip them apart. Doesn't that sound like fun?
TV
Parks and Recreation, Season Two
I know I had this on my list for last week, but I just had to tell you that Parks and Recreation is seriously the funniest thing on TV these days. Season One nearly turned me off completely, but then I watched Season Two. And there was something there wasn't there before! ("She glanced this way...I thought I saw. And when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw!") Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope turned into less of a Michael Scott knock-off and more of a goofy, hopeful, and likable public servant. Each and every cast member really comes into their own as they're made more human all without sacrificing the opportunities for humor. (In my ever-so-humble opinion, the only weak link is Mark Brendanawicz and by the end that isn't even an issue.) I don't know what it is about Greg Daniels, but when you take Parks and Rec and The Office, that man has the Midas touch when it comes to second-season-shows.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What time is it? It's Valentimes!
What are we gonna get? Lots of boys!
How are we gonna get 'em? Uhhhh...ummmm.
(Preach, Teen Girl Squad.)
Everyone's favorite holiday of loooooove is right around the corner. Why don't you tell someone how you feel with one of these handmade cards from etsy?
This hand-stamped Admiral Ackbar card reveals your true feelings about love. Open it up and it says, "...it's a trap!" $2 (I'm also a fan of their narwhal heart card.)
Still on the fence a little? That's okay! People like it when you can define your commitment in terms of percentages. Or maybe that's just me. $5
Ah, the four little words that every girl longs to hear. "I like your face." $4
Wildly inappropriate? Yes. And I lose it every. single. time. $4
It's a tale as old as time...a young calf falls in love with a steak, but they just can't be together! $4 (Check out papermichelle's other adorable cards for a good time.)
Give this to your geeky boy or girl. Singularities make them swoon. $3.75
Now that's true love. (Open it up and it clarifies "*for the weekend.") $4
Music makes all the difference. This would work well as a Valentine's card for anyone that shares your love of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. $4
In case your love has any doubt about how much you love them, this should clear up any questions. Because it means you love them A LOT. $2.50
Update: If digital cards are more your style, be sure to check out these NPR-sanctioned Valentines. The All Things Considered card is terribly clever.
How are we gonna get 'em? Uhhhh...ummmm.
(Preach, Teen Girl Squad.)
Everyone's favorite holiday of loooooove is right around the corner. Why don't you tell someone how you feel with one of these handmade cards from etsy?
That's a clever way of putting it. Also, can we just take a second to admire the impeccable letterpress on that accordion? Gorgeous. $4
Update: If digital cards are more your style, be sure to check out these NPR-sanctioned Valentines. The All Things Considered card is terribly clever.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Mega-PoP, Edition 19
So, you may have noticed that I completely fell off my review wagon. Like, side-of-the-road, splattered-in-mud fell off the wagon. But given that I feel the need to obsessively catalog my media, I'm just going to post this list of everything I read/watched/heard in the past three months and then NEXT Wednesday I'm going to start back up with my regular Proselytizer of Pop reviews. Whew.
*Asterisks indicate my favorites of the bunch.
Books
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
The New York Regional Singles Mormon Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest For True Love and a Cooler Haircut by Rob Sheffield*
If I Stay by Gayle Forman*
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins*
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett*
The Help by Kathryn Stockett*
(Book reviews have been posted on my GoodReads page)
Music, a.k.a. Mostly music I bought during Amazon's $2 Cyber Week Sale
Hands All Over by Maroon 5*
Kaleidoscope Heart by Sara Bareilles
I'm Having Fun Now by Jenny & Johnny
Wake Up! by John Legend and the Roots
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire*
Aim & Ignite by Fun.
Tiger Suit by KT Tunstall
The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga
High Violet by The National
Save Me, San Francisco by Train
Transference by Spoon*
XX by The XX
The Rock and the Tide by Joshua Radin
Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine*
Lungs by Florence & The Machine
Movies
RED
My Girlfriend's Boyfriend
Morning Glory
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
Easy A
Twilight Saga: New Moon
Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Megamind
TRON
True Grit*
How Do You Know?
Tangled*
TV
Better Off Ted, Season One*
The Big Bang Theory, Season Three
Corner Gas, most of Season One and Season Two
The IT Crowd, Season One*
The Office, Season Six
Parks and Recreation, Season One (again)
Parks and Recreation, Season Two*
*Asterisks indicate my favorites of the bunch.
Books
Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
The New York Regional Singles Mormon Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest For True Love and a Cooler Haircut by Rob Sheffield*
If I Stay by Gayle Forman*
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins*
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett*
The Help by Kathryn Stockett*
(Book reviews have been posted on my GoodReads page)
Music, a.k.a. Mostly music I bought during Amazon's $2 Cyber Week Sale
Hands All Over by Maroon 5*
Kaleidoscope Heart by Sara Bareilles
I'm Having Fun Now by Jenny & Johnny
Wake Up! by John Legend and the Roots
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire*
Aim & Ignite by Fun.
Tiger Suit by KT Tunstall
The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga
High Violet by The National
Save Me, San Francisco by Train
Transference by Spoon*
XX by The XX
The Rock and the Tide by Joshua Radin
Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine*
Lungs by Florence & The Machine
Movies
RED
My Girlfriend's Boyfriend
Morning Glory
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*
Easy A
Twilight Saga: New Moon
Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Megamind
TRON
True Grit*
How Do You Know?
Tangled*
TV
Better Off Ted, Season One*
The Big Bang Theory, Season Three
Corner Gas, most of Season One and Season Two
The IT Crowd, Season One*
The Office, Season Six
Parks and Recreation, Season One (again)
Parks and Recreation, Season Two*
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