October 25, 2008

O T H E R

1. The Amazing Flex-O-Ladder. I know I want one.
2. The coolest restaurant ever. I don't really get what the concept behind this place is, but I really want to go. Edible menu? Mint syringe mohito? Amazing.
   
3. Dear People-From-The-Coasts: I swear the midwest isn't all like this. 

M U S I C

1. LADY GAGA. Remember how I said that Janelle Monae was going to change the music industry? Lady Gaga's already at it. Imbued with Madonna's eye for showmanship, Britney's consistently catchy songs, and Gwen Steffani's crazy ecclectisism, Lady Gaga is a highly entertaining poptart with a fantastic flair for showmanship who pumps out genuinely interesting music. Here is the new video for BEAUTIFUL DIRTY RICH, which is not my favorite song of hers but full of such awesome images. If you don't know her, get her cd. It has an incredible range of styles and is consistently enjoyable. She also made this random short film to preview her album that is a music video of a medley of her songs. So great and random. She just has killer style. Check out all her music videos. Here's another song I love (AGAIN AGAIN; she's got a voice, she's not all trimmings and packaging.) And she's not just a video artist, even her live performances are stellar (singing live and mostly in tune on SYTYCD this season!)
   
2. PSAPP. I don't know anything about this group, but I think this song and video are absolutely contagious and adorable!
3. Mark Ronson and Florence (& the Machine) cover Kelly Clarkson. This video is super simple. Not a great voice, no fancy effects or instruments. Yet I really love something about it.

A R T / D E S I G N

1. The most fun calendar ever. I don't think anyone could only pop one a day.
2. Time-release calendar. Remember in 4th grade where you do the experiment where you put the strip of paper in colored water and watch it move up, defying gravity? Yes, the experiment where you learned about capillary action? (Thanks Mr. Hawker of 4th grade science!). That's what this calendar uses. Pretty sick, right?
3. Person-to-Ad Video. A time-lapse video of what happens to models before we see them in magazines. Pretty crazy, especially considering how totally average she looks pre-makeup.
4. Heat-sensitive coffee table. I want one. Mainly so I can scare cats everywhere.

M Y  F R I E N D S   A R E    T A L E N T E D.

Seriously, you should check them out.

1. The Main Drag has a new song, and you can listen to it for FREE! Definitely look into this area band, populated by several uber-talented Harvard grads. They also play all the time around Cambridge/Boston so look for upcoming gigs!
2. Jill Goodman calls it like she sees it. Check out her latest column, appearing every other Friday in the Crimson! Also, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist = infinitely overrated. Not something i like.
3. Enjoy the dulcet-tones of Harvard grad JC CASSIS. Sadly this video offers no red paint, but it does feature some sweet computer art. Love it.

October 21, 2008

So I was on hiatus for awhile. Apparently I stopped liking things. But now I've got a bumper crop.

M U S I C

1. My absolutely most favorite thing of the moment is iTUNES GENIUS. This new application is automatically installed if you get the newest update of iTunes and trust me, my friends, it is totally worth the time it takes to load. To use Genius, all you do is click a song that you want to hear, and it will construct a playlist of up to 100 songs from your personal music library "similar" to that song. Now I realize this is what Pandora perports to do, but anyone who has used Pandora realizes that after about 20 minutes in you think to yourself "why am I suddenly listening to 90s heavy metal? this has nothing to do with Kelly Clarkson!" But iTunes Genius is unbelievably accurate. It distinguishes not only between genres of artists, but even seems to recognize what feeling of song you pick. I love love love it, thanks to jmorcos for enlightening me.
2. BEYONCE news! Now I loves me some Beyonce. People like to hate on my girl because you can't go anywhere these days without hearing about her and so people assume she is overrated. That and she is a terrible actress. But when it comes to pop music, nobody does it like Ms. B. She is an unbeatable vocalist (including live, tune in to the second half of this one), who can get her dance card punched with the best of them (and sing while doing it! what pop stars can you name that sing live anymore?). Plus she is absolutely gorgeous. If you're wondering if this double album will result in an over-saturation of B, I simply ask you: have you seen the video for SINGLE LADIES yet? Because if so you would know that there is no such thing! No flashy effects here, no snazzy outfits. Nothing to distract you from her pure talent...in a leotard.
3. I'm in no way an especially huge Marvin Gaye fan, but how can you watch this live, a cappella rendition of HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE and not be awed? Thanks jrugani.

A R T / D E S I G N

1. Banksy's Village Pet Store and Charcaol Grill. Many of you are probably familiar with Banksy's public street art, but this new installation is a whole new level of genius. My favorite is the leopard coat.
2. Best Week Ever covers the new Urban Outfitters catalogue
3. Sonia Bravia commericals. I include this one only because it is the newest, though this is my favorite one. Though there are 5 that I know of and they are all incredibly worth watching.
4. Connect-The-Dots tattoos
5. Martyr Lamp
6. Gawker's response to this vintage ad.

P O L I T I C S

1. What the first presidential debate should have sounded like. Let's be honest, folks. Who doesn't want to party with Putin?
2. Is Sarah Palin confused or just stupid? Rachel Maddow: the best lesbian journalist since Robin Roberts.
3. Wanda Sykes-Hall and Hilary Duff take a stand against homophobia

P E O P L E

1. Ok, so I'll admit that I never watched Gilmore Girls. But I always thought that Lauren Graham is so beautiful. I never knew that she is adorable to the point of insanity. (As in, litearlly is she out of her mind?) Thank you Ellen for teaching me. I swear all 8 minutes of this are a delight, wait til she talks about the idols and the dieting. 

T H E A T E R

1. Audra Mcdonald performs with Barabara Cook to raise money for Obama. What's not to like here? We're talking about the greatest living musical theater artist, and no I don't mean Ms. Cook (though mad props to her, as well). Audra McDonald may be at the apex of Things I Like. I cannot even begin to elaborate...she is just the greatest performer I have ever encountered. I nearly failed my Science-B exam when I found out at the last minute she was performing at Sanders my freshman year...totally worth it.  And I told her so the next time I saw her, in 110 in the Shade(ack she just breaks your heart). You may recognize her from Private Practice, but hopefully you know her from these, some of my favorites (though it's impossible just to choose a few): she belts (though really not anymore, so enjoy it here), she sings opera, she sings pop (kind of), she makes you cry (also something I like: The Allen Room at Columbus Circle, where she's singing)...more crying. 
   And here is her being gracious and gorgeous (she seriously gets more beautiful with age) on The View.
   
   If you're interested, you can watch the entirety of her performance in Sondheim's PASSION (also featuring Patti Lupone and Michael Cerverus) and both her Build a Bridge concert for Jazz at Lincoln Center and her Songs From Movies New Year's concert on YouTube.
   
   Sorry for rambling on about Audra, especially if you have no interest in theater singing. But I can't contain myself.

Hope this provided some pleasant distraction from midterms and papers!

The last thing I like: the cast and staff and pit of NINE! Amazing readthrough the other day and I can't wait to start rehearsals...as soon as I make the schedule...which begins...NOW!

October 11, 2008

anyone know how I can attach files to a post...such as a song?

1. WEEKEND UPDATE THURSDAY. SNL is on a roll this season, managing to stay topical and consistenty funny. I was worried they'd burst their bubble by oversaturating viewers with a half-hour installment this Thursday, but watch it in its entirety here and you will not be dissappointed. Particularly genius is the "REALLY" segment.
2. THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES (Trailer). I remember liking this book, but not being overwhelmed by it. But I am so excited for this movie!!! Dakota Fanning successfully navigating through the awkward pubescent years, Queen Latifah being amazing, that woman from Hotel Rwanda who is great, and Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys doing their best to hold their own. You cannot tell me this trailer does not make you want to see this movie! Maybe people will finally realize that Jennifer Hudson is an atrocious actress and her oscar is a sham. You know what she is good at, however? Singing. Here is a clip of what appears to be her just singing on set for the crew. It's amazing. I'm going to see this movie next Saturday...who's with me?
3. Animation of Eleanor Rosevelt's Universal Declarations of Human Rights. Almost hypnotic use of shape and text to tell a story.
4. Jason Mraz performed last night at Radio City. This incredibly exciting in and of itself because Jason Mraz is something I really, really like. He is a phenomenal lyricist with voice that you just want to crawl in and stay and really fantastic and interesting stylizations (he also studied at AMDA, along with Janelle Monae). But to TOP THAT...guesss who sang back up behind him???
   GAVIN CREEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   Gavin Creel probably has the best voice ever. He just does. I can't really accurately put into words how much I love him. Because I know that I said that The View was something Barry Likes, but Gavin Creel is just in another category altogether. If someone were to ask me what I want to be when I grow up, Gavin Creel is an entirely possible answer. I wish I could attach files of him singing, but I can't figure out how. But check him out. He is one of the most coveted male singers in theater today, as he is on the demo for nearly every show in the past 4 years.
   Gavin Creel singing RAINBOW CONNECTION
   Gavin Creel in HONK, singing "Different," an adorable song from this kid-friendly show
   Gavin Creel in BOUNCE singing "Talent", which is now renamed and at the Public.
   Just check him out...I cannot possibly limit myself to a few songs when Gavin Creel is concerned.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

October 9, 2008

Inspired by my recent love of all things Kathreya, I've decided to create my first theme blog. The theme is: Foreign People are Funny.

1. Kathreya gets fit. Remember that episode of Saved by the Bell where the girls create the fitness video? Well this is abolutely nothing like that. But equally hilarious. Also, apparently Kathreya too finds foreign people to be funny.
2. Korean Karaoke. This is the first youtube video I was ever obsessed with. And it is genius. The girl on the right has some pretty spectacular moves about halfway through. I think she is the female, asian Chris Farley equivalent.
3. Armi and Dani. This Grease-inspired music video is just genius. One day I hope to learn all the choreography and perform it
4. Meet Charity. I don't know if this girl is really "foreign," but she is asian. And clearly from another planet. I would be embarassed if you knew how many times I have watched this video...

and some O T H E R   S T U F F:

1. ADELE covers The Coral's DREAMING OF YOU. I posted about Adele last week, the amazing singer who whorishly cancelled her Boston show in September. But if you don't know this song by THE CORAL (here's the original music video. the video is dumb. but what's not to love about the song?) you are definitely missing out. And here it is covered by the magic of Adele.
2. Water droplet art
3. Watch someone get shot wearing a bulletproof jacket. It's very suspenseful.
4. Ladies and Gentleman, Betty White. She is a winner. What's not to love about old ladies rapping? Though it gets a bit slow towards the end...
5. Things I like: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My hometown. You know who else likes it? Esteemed nexus of journalism, The New York Times. Here's a list of fun things to do in the City of Barry's Birth. Granted...I haven't been to or heard of most of these things. But they sound dandy! Slash our art museum is pretty sick.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Don't miss your last chance to see STOPKISS in the EX!

October 8, 2008 2.5

I really swear I'm going to bed.
I also swear I'm not a racist and don't simply enjoy laughing at foreign people. But this girl is just really funny. Or, in her own words, HIRARIOUS.

i really hope this is still funny in the morning...

October 8, 2008 2.0

oh no the clip from THE SOUP didn't load!
Here it is again.
Yes, it is still hilarious

KAT NEEDS COOKIE!!!!

October 8, 2008

things I apparently don't like? sleep.
but once I start a blog I just cannot stop!
Happy Hump Day everyone! Also thanks to everyone for inviting me to gilt.com. Who knew anyone read this?


N E W S...?

1. Something I love: The View. I'm not ashamed to admit it, I love watching those middle-aged ladies bicker about the news and their own ignorance. I'm sad that they kicked Rosie off, but Whoopie really is a star. Notice how any time she says anything, all the other women shut up. And I think Joy Behar is funny. Yes, I like Joy Behar. What? I said it! Here is this week's brief heated political clip, which devolves into tears (the best ones usually do). While I think Elizabeth Hasselbeck is a total nimrod, I DO wish they would at least give her a chance to finish her idiotic, crazy points before tearing her apart. They should honor the fact that she is the only dissenting voice. Also dissenting? Sheri Shepard. Less because she has a different point of view and more because she's a total moron. But a funny, sassy moron, which cannot be said of EHasselb. Also here are her views on gay/transgender issues. They are also stupid.
   
2. Quotes from SARAH PALIN, courtesy of David Letterman.
   
3. Hard to imagine a time before "internet". Well here it is, thanks to CBS News circa 1993. Crazy, no?
4. A spot-on, witty, facinating, and sexy article by Sachi A. Ezura ('10), proving that great things can come out of even jobs you don't super love (yet!). Stop being so good at things and quit your job and come move back into Quincy!

A R T / D E S I G N

1. Street Art: PAPER BAG ANIMALS. Testament to the fact that amazing art things can come from extremely modest means.
2. Another awesome creation based on cheap materials (skip the first 30 secs): POST-IT MONA LISA
3. I would be so good at this shelving.
   

F U N N Y

1. ALL THIS TIME, THE SOUP HAD A BLOG AND NO ONE TOLD ME? Think of the countless hours of Joel McHale hilarity I have missed out on. THE SOUP is definitely something I like. In fact, I find it nearly impossible not to like. Sometimes people say they don't like it >>cough, cough CHRISTINA<< style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_soup/b32873_kat_need_cookie.html?sid=rss_thesoup&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_thesoup">EUROPEAN BIG BROTHER. I don't know why, but I almost pee myself every time I watch it. I apologize in advance beacause, admittedly, it's not that funny. But it's something I like.
   
2. A humorous gem, suggested by arich (even though she never reads this) featuring who could be considered SNL's reigning king and queen of the funny. Love the shoes. Though why does it get so wierd in the second half?

M U S I C

1. I really love Kanye's new song, LOVE LOCKDOWN. In fact it's my current ringtown (so I can signal to the world how my cred I have. word.). Why is the video so crazy shitaceous? He set the bar so high with his last one, which featured animated teddy bares from the future directed by Takashi Murakami. Though I guess those are hard to surpass.
2. One of my favorite artists of all time, MARC BROUSSARD, is coming to Paradise in Boston on Tuesday, November 11. And the tickets are under $20. It's like a dream come true. If you don't know him...get on it, people! His first widely released album, CARENCRO, is just amazing. He they released S.O.S. which consists entirely of covers of old soul tunes. Who doesn't love those? And his new album, KEEPS COMING BACK, came out in September and, while not as good as Carencro, is still growing on me (appropriate album title, I suppose).
   My two favorite MARC BROUSSARD songs of all time (if you haven't deduced yet, I like his ballads)
   - GAVIN'S SONG. A song he wrote for his son in case he dies. Holy lord.
   - LET ME LEAVE. Ugh I'm sorry I couldn't find a full clip that doesn't have audience members singing. Please download this one.
   

....please give me more cookie big brother?
IT'S SO FUNNYYYYY I LOVE HERRRRRRR!!!

October 6, 2008

this post is long. and poorly organized. and full of awesome things.


M U S I C

1. Harken back to my first post, which featured the outrageous talents of newcomer JANELLE MONAE. Well, guess who is going to her concert this Sunday? Yes, it's true. So stoked. She's opening for JAMIE LIDELL, who I don't know very well but his music is starting to grow on me. Check out this video for ANOTHER DAY. The song is really great. The video, however, is an interesting mix between quirky/adorable and terrifying. Why do they have masks? Where is that asian girl's mouth? Didn't MJ already do the light-up steps thing? Some questions seriously need answering.
   Hopefully this concert will fill the void ADELE left when she cancelled her concert in September. (Adele's live cover of TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE = stellar.)
   (also stellar? people dancing to Adele.)
   

V I D E O

1. Remember last week's post about Anne Hathaway and all of her awesome? Further evidence here from SNL this week (also check out her as Mary Poppins, her Julie Andrews is spot on). Clearly she's not the star of this sketch but just being involved in anything this enjoyable deserves praise. And I give it. You know who doesn't deserve any? Casey Wilson. She may be the least funny person ever to be on SNL. Seriously, get rid of her.
   
2. Still can't figure out why I find this sketch of Mark Wahlberg talking to animals so funny. But I have watched it 4 times. And laugh every time. And you will too. SNL is back with a vengeance this season. Hopefully they will find some more funny ladies!
   
3. Ever wonder what it looks like when someone gets punched in slow motion? Well, watch to the end. It's worth it.
4. Swimming. Just love me some swimming. Really, any sports. I love sports. Also this video. Which, no, is not a joke.
   

R A N D O M:

1. Things Barry Likes and Wants: A PROJECTOR. Quincy 615 would rock a projector so hard. Why do they have to be so damn expensive??? This is the cheapest one Rachel could find on ebay, and it still seems a bit heavy in the pricetag region. Anyone have suggestions? Or a projector they don't want? Or been agonizing over what to get me for my Birthday several weeks ago? Well there's an idea to ponder over.
2. Ever really want a peanut butter sandwich, but find the idea of applying the peanut butter much to arduous? Really, never? Well, me either. But apparently there is a market for people who do. Thank god we know have PEANUT BUTTER SLICES. They seem to completely defy logic and gravity and thus must be inventions of the devil.
   

A R T / D E S I G N:

1. I'd love to one day be able to work for a design firm that works on creating and implementing brand identity. PENTAGRAM is one of those, and they have a really interesting blog where they discuss the evolution of their projects. This post is about the new Museum of Arts and Design which opened in Columbus Circle this year and I cannot wait to visit. Interesting how much thought goes into logos and company aesthetics which, when successful, become an intergral part of our conception of that entity which we forget to think about. Here's another link about the evolution of some other common logos if you happen to be at all interested in this.
2. An eco-friendly bag with an attitude.
   

F A S H I O N

1. Want the awesome discoveries of thrift shopping without having to sift through all the crap? Well, A FINE TOOTH has done just that and made best finds easy to find. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the pictures are great. It's mostly menswear but there are a few items for ladies. I've always been wary of buying clothes online but I just might invest in some of their ties.
2. SHOP IT TO ME. The concept is simple: choose from several hundred brands (ranging from top designers to basic retail) and they will email you in weekly installments (or biweekly, monthly, etc.) letting you know when any item that you specify interest in under the brands you select goes on sale. Check it out, I swear it's less complicated when you sign up. Again, never actually ordered anything from it...but I highly recommend its selection. Also tell me if you are registering b/c if I recommend enough friends I get a free coupon, and lord knows how I loves me some free stuff!
3. Speaking of discount things join: GILT.com. They boast luxury brands at ridiculous prices. Sadly you have to be invited to join. Anyone happen to be a member already? DON'T SHUT ME OUT, GILT!
   
4. MON TSUKI. Loving this collection. Not sure how I feel about the faceless models, however.
   

October 5, 2008

H U M O R / P O L I T I C S (they're one and the same these days, no?)

1. The newest installment of TINA FEY AS SARAH PALIN. I realize it's long, but I promise the second half is completely worth it. The sad part is, Simon Rich is only vaguely doing his job; most of this is a direct (read: almost direct) transcript of the debate. Notice how Biden is never funny? Because his performance was stellar beyond mocking.
2. Speaking of the debate, I think this is the most astute critical analysis I have yet encountered:
   

   Her understanding of major policy issues is clearly paper thin; her answers sounded like strung together talking points that were often incoherent and contradictory; aside from energy-related issues, she offered almost no actual policy solutions; and more often than not she failed to answer the moderator’s questions — a point she even boasted about — relying instead on sound bites, catch phrases and folksy expressions...
   Her answer on the responsibilities of the vice presidency was downright bizarre. First she said that “I’m thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president’s policies and making sure too that our president understands what our strengths are.” Then she said. “Well, our Founding Fathers were very wise there in allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office of the vice president.”
   In fact, the Constitution does nothing of the sort and describes only one responsibility for the office: president of the Senate. But this was par for the course last night: Ms. Palin’s answers were platitudinous and generally devoid of substance. To reread the transcript of Ms. Palin’s performance is revelatory; she simply does not have a keen grasp of the questions being asked of her and doesn’t show any of the policy awareness that Mr. Biden displayed. It is increasingly unclear whether Ms. Palin has the necessary qualifications and capabilities to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

3. Best/Worst Cover of all time
4. Healthcare economists on Obama, as told by astute economic analyst Jason Shafrin.

A R T / D E S I G N:

1. Typewritten Portraits. Who knew the things microsoft word could do?
   
2. A submission from reflynn: Eyeball Jewelry. I told my Dad to look into expanding his business into this. His response: "I think it should be given out free to parents after the Harvard tuition bills are sent." Fred Shafrin, ladies and gentlemen.

S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T:

1. Gay Virginity Auction. Think last year's Widener girl + economic downturn = legalized prositution. hooray!
2. Michael Ian Black's blog. It is endlessly hilarious. This one isn't even that good, but check out some of his other posts because he is truly a gem.

T H E A T E R:

1. What kind of blog of things I like could not include Audra's upcoming concert?
   ...I want to go. So badly. I love her.
   

October 3, 2008

thanks for all the positive feedback! I'm glad people are enjoying the things I enjoy. But PLEASE comment/email and share the things you enjoy so I can enjoy them as well!

this is what I'll be enjoying for the next two weeks in the EX. People are giving some really fantastic performances. Plus it's about lesbians. So definitely come by! Just email for tickets.


STOP KISS
by Diana Son

directed by Olivia Benowitz
produced by Tiffanie Hsu and Tara Moross

starring: Jack Cutmore-Scott, Christina Elmore, Rachel Flynn, Alison Rich, Charlie Riggs, and Barry Shafrin

featuring design by Kevin Davies, Rachel Flynn, and Michael Zellmann-Rohrer

-------------------------------------

On the tenth anniversary of its Broadway debut, HRDC presents Diana Son's moving play Stop Kiss in the Loeb Experimental Theater:

Callie is a savvy, if unfocused, radio traffic reporter living in New York. Her life is comfortable and simple. But when Sara, an idealistic teacher from Missouri enters her life, everything becomes just a bit more complicated. When an unlikely friendship develops into unspoken attraction, a stolen kiss sparks a random act of violence that changes both their lives forever. In this moving play, Diana Son crafts a truly heartwarming story about finding love in unexpected places, and how one person can inspire enormous change in another.

Show times:
This Friday, Saturday, and Sundy @ 7:30 and Saturday @ 2:30
AND
Next Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30

in the Loeb Experimental Theater. Please e-mail stop.kiss.hrdc@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

---------------------------------------------