The new mix-tape

"The real beauty behind the making and the receiving of a compilation tape is far beyond that of the songs itself. A good mixtape facilitates a wonderfully diverse type of communication, where each selected song sings its poetry within the context of a greater meaning."

"The making of a great compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do and takes ages longer than it might seem. You gotta kick off with a killer, to grab attention. Then you got to take it up a notch, but you don't wanna blow your wad, so then you got to cool it off a notch. There are a lot of rules." High Fidelity (great review of the movie)

I think any of us who love music also love sharing it with others. Unfortunately, in recent years, the amazing technological advances, which seemed to promise greater ease and freedom for sharing music and ideas, have been squashed, shut down, or restricted. Yet, the original art form of creating a mix-tape has carried on in essence, even if not in reality.  I doubt there are many cassette tapes being used or made these days, but a mix CD is easier to make than ever.  And beyond that, there are ways to share playlists online, allowing for immediate sharing as well as a limitless number of tracks.

So, since I love music and the way it moves me and inspires me at seemingly just the right moment, I wanted to share that with family and friends.  Do I burn countless mix CDs?  Maybe... I am still willing to do that, but this time I thought I would try the newest mix-tape evolution, the iTunes iMix.  This allows you to publish your playlist to the iTunes store for others to view, listen to previews, and download the songs.

It's definitely not the same as a mix-tape or CD, because really, it ends up being just the track listing of your musical poetry collection, coming with only 30 second preview clips.  You don't get the satisfaction of giving another person a piece of yourself and the soundtrack to your life.  All that time invested into planning and deciding which tracks go in what order, when to "take it up a notch" and when to cool it down, seems wasted because your audience doesn't get to listen to the whole song and go from one track to the next, the aura of the previous still hanging in the air.  So, just to be clear, the iMix does not replace the mix CD, nor does it really capture the mix-tape art in its presentation, but during the creation process it is still there.

But, since I don't have a girlfriend to share my thoughts and feelings with through the musical poetry of a hand-made mix CD, and since I want to share my favorite songs with everyone immediately without having to burn CDs and mail them... I'm gonna give the iMix a try and see if it can communicate a fraction of what I'm feeling.

January Song-a-Day | And we're off to the races...

This iMix is a collection of the songs that have recently hit me and moved me, whether because of how I was feeling at the time or a particular lyric seemed to echo throughout me or as I drove, it matched the scenery perfectly.  For whatever reason, these are some of my current favorites.  I decided to pick 31 tracks, one for each day of January, kicking off 2008 in style.

Like I said, I would much rather be handing you a CD of these songs (well, it would have to be more than one CD) and letting you experience and explore the music.  Who knows, maybe I still will.  But for now I wanted to get this up, maybe whet your palate for the whole thing.  Lemme know if you're interested...

Oh Dana...

ESPN sports anchor and co-host of ESPN2's First Take, Dana Jacobsen, has been suspended for comments made earlier this month at a roast of ESPN's Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg (of ESPN Radio "Mike & Mike").  Many reports from the roast have confirmed that Dana was drunk and "made an absolute fool of herself."  Mike and Mike were both visibly embarrassed as Jacobsen drank vodka straight from the bottle and cursed like a sailor.

Most notably, also the reason for ESPN's disciplinary action, Jacobsen (University of Michigan alumna) said to Golic (former Notre Dame football star) "F--- Notre Dame! F--- Touchdown Jesus! F--- Jesus!" (click here for more of the story) I think ESPN was right and acted appropriately.  This was inappropriate behavior and she deserved to be punished for it.

Most interesting to me is the general public reaction.  It has been varied, to say the least, but consistently I have heard and read people saying things along the lines of "It was a roast, all bets are off, stop being a party-pooper" or that since she wasn't on the set of First Take, she can do whatever she wants.  Others think that it is about political correctness and Bible-thumpers having too much say in politics and media in our country.

But really, in my opinion, it comes down to appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior.  You're right, in general, if you are of legal drinking age and you want to have a drink after work, your job shouldn't punish you for your behavior.  But the thing is, Jacobsen is a public media figure, a face on TV, and she was attending a public event hosted by her company honoring some of her co-workers.  So whether you like it or not, you're still at work, and your behavior should reflect that.  A public ESPN event is not the place to get trashed and curse out other guests, let alone Jesus.  Show some restraint, conduct yourself with dignity, maybe even try acting like a lady.

And secondly, just because you're at a roast, that doesn't mean anything goes.  Please note, this was an ESPN roast for radio hosts, not a Comedy Central roast of a comedian or actor.  Inherent in that is that this roast would not be as vulgar or obscene as the Pamela Anderson roast, for example.  Secondly, it is one thing to say that a comedian's material for "that" kind of a roast has no limits, but as an anchorwoman going to a roast is not the equivalent of a vacation in Vegas.  What happens at that roast does not stay at that roast.  You still have to act professional and not like the world is without consequences.

Look, she made a mistake, she made a fool of herself, she made some offensive remarks, and embarrassed herself, the guests of honor, and most importantly, her company, the hosts, ESPN.  She deserves to be punished and possibly even fired if ESPN deems this as damaging enough to their reputation and appearance.  It's not about religion or the Catholics in control.  It is about inappropriate behavior at a public event and the just punishment for that.

The Fuhrer on Amerikanische Fussball

Funny video of Hitler's reaction to the NFL playoffs.  Even "ze Germans" know that dating a celebrity like Jessica Simpson doesn't work for an NFL quarterback...

Oh snap!

Well, as sad as I am that the Packers' post-season hopes, and that of seeing Favre in the Super Bowl against The GQ-B, Brady, fade into the cold Wisconsin night, the one thing that does make me happy is the thought of Tiki Barber eating his words.  Back in August, in his newly-acquired lucrative role as NBC football analyst (as if I didn't hate the new Sunday Night Football enough...), Tiki used the platform to bad-mouth his former coaches and teammates, with direct attacks at Eli Manning's ability to lead.

I never really liked the arrogant, former Cavalier running back in the first place, seeing as he had quite a few big games against the Redskins over the years.  But to spend your career working hard to get a chance to start, have teammates and coaches support you and believe in you when you were struggling (am I the only one who remembers how much he fumbled back in the 2002 and 2003 seasons, which ultimately led to the firing of coach Jim Fassel?), and then halfway through the season announce that you're going to retire and 

then stab your coaches and teammates in the back once you become a corporate-hired suit on Sunday?  It aint right Tiki... How can you rip on Eli's leadership abilities when you were one of the team's leaders and you backed out and let your team down halfway through the season?

Either way, it's not right to come out of the NFL (or any team sport for that matter where other players trust and count on you) and turn right around and spit in the face of the organization that got you where you were.  Publishing a book, getting on talk shows and magazine covers, all because you stabbed your brothers in the back.  It's shady at best, but I guess that's what they teach down in Charlottesville...

And for these reasons, I am thrilled that the Giants are in the Super Bowl.  Yes I would rather have Iron Man Favre in there, fighting the good fight and riding off into the sunset, but I hope this is just a solid slap in Barber's face.  Because what really got the Giants into the playoffs and now through to the Super Bowl was Eli Manning's calm, cool leadership under pressure.  In the freezing cold of Lambeau, Manning put together some very impressive drives, was throwing the ball really well, and had excellent control of the game.  His stats would have been even more impressive if his receivers would stop dropping passes.  So, good for you Eli, and as for as you go, Tiki, how does that foot taste?

Same route, new adventure

Last weekend, I took a random, spontaneous trip South to visit and revive a too-long neglected friendship. But what I found along the way was unexpected.  It wasn't just a 4 hour drive through the middle of nowhere, this was an emotional, and somewhat painful at times, trip down memory lane through some of Virginia's most beautiful real estate.

The trip along Route 29 South from DC or from the I-64 interchange in Charlottesville is soaked with memories and the Deja Vu gnomes lurk around every corner.  But the circumstances were much different this time.  These familiar sights, sounds, and smells no longer build a sense of anticipation, excitement, and joy.  Instead it filled me, as I drove sans-passenger, with a sinking feeling of dread and sadness, a drenching aura of loss and nostalgia.  Dreading the light at the end of the tunnel, knowing that the light burns.  It was somewhat akin to driving by the site of a car crash that claimed the life of a friend.  You remember the life of that friend, the good times that were shared, and the feeling the first time you drove past after the accident.  It is the kind of sinking feeling of sadness that seems to push the slow motion button and turn the radio volume down a few notches.

Once I pulled out of that oddly-appropriate-song-induced haze, the rest of the drive was wonderful.  Route 29 South and then Route 15 South take you through the heart of Virginia.  You skirt the Blue Ridge off to the West and pass through town after town, each rich with stories and character.  So many little general stores, antique shops, and watering holes.  Small brick houses with rocking chairs on the porch.  Old, run-down houses that undoubtedly hosted family and friends in years past, but now are only containers where films about ghosts reside, remembered and referenced occasionally many miles away.  But they have character, they have substance.  Southern Virginia isn't plagued by McMansions overlapping each other and popping up every month.  No, the pace of life is slower, the things valued don't have a brand name or a price tag.  It was just nice to see a part of the Old Dominion that I feel more connected to and enjoy more than Northern VA.  

Not to mention the beautiful scenery and the accompanying music.  All in all, the trip was fabulous.  In spite of getting lost on Memory Lane and winding up in a dark alley, the clouds and sunset and great music paired perfectly with the constant hum of the road and the bastions of tradition along the roadside.  Route 29 and Route 15 south, definitely a drive I recommend.

Don't like it one bit!

Big Brother is Watching... You Surf

Frightening article about net neutrality issues and the power corporations and ISPs will soon be given (or maybe they will just take it).  It comes down to our civil liberties and right to privacy.  The big suits see something that people enjoy and use often for entertainment, education, and socializing, and they want to get their hands on it and control it (and us by association).  Who is standing up for the consumer's rights in all this?  Who believes that the internet should be free and open for all to use (however they wish)?

And really, on the issue of media piracy... you are fighting an uphill battle.  Do you really think you are going to beat it?  NBC, you shouldn't be complaining because you're the one that cut its nose off to spite its face by ditching a contract with Apple and iTunes for all your shows, not to mention your heavy hand down on YouTube.  And why?  Because people were enjoying your videos through some other medium than your own website??  Note: on iTunes, they were paying for the episodes.... the exchange was that the consumer got to watch the episode they paid for whenever they wanted to without commercials.  I guess that was too much of a concession to the viewer.  

Don't you people see that this whole issue of media piracy isn't all bad?  People hear about new bands, share songs, share videos, and in doing so share excitement and passion and a part of themselves with their friends and family.  What do you (and your brilliant marketing execs) think is the best form of marketing?  Your annoying, repetitive, bludgeon-me-to-death TV commercials?  Or a friend saying "hey you should check this out."  You just don't get it.  Look at viral videos.  People have tried to create videos to "tap" into this viral craze, but it doesn't work.  If something is good, or funny, or entertaining on some level, people will enjoy it and then will want to share it with friends.  Stop trying to hinder the consumer from enjoying and sharing your product with other consumers.  

Look at Radiohead....  They essentially gave the finger to the music industry and all the crap they are pulling with copyrights and sharing restrictions, and instead they focused on what matters, the fans.  Before releasing the hard copy of their latest album "In Rainbows," they offered a digital copy of the entire album on their website for download.  The pricing, they left it up to the fans, who could decide how much they wanted to pay for the download, or pay nothing at all.  Essentially, Radiohead was saying, "Here is some music we made because we are passionate about music, and we think it is really good.  If you like it too and want to support us as a band, then pay what you would like."  This revolutionary way of releasing an album is almost close to a charity accepting donations, yet I think the message hits home.  It shows confidence in your material, respect and appreciation for your fans, and it also makes the consumer really think about what it means to buy music.  

It makes you think about the work and creativity that goes into a full length album and about the fact that the artists should be compensated for that.  Or maybe you want to listen to the digital version for free and then buy the CD when it comes out, either to support the band or to have the full-quality studio recording.  But regardless, whatever Radiohead did, they must have hit a chord or found a niche somewhere, because in spite of the open digital release, "In Rainbows" is #1 on the music charts. (see also NY Times article) And that is the CD, list price of $13.98.  See?  Letting the consumer decide doesn't undermine the music industry, in fact, it seems quite the opposite.  How much would you pay an artist for an album if you could buy it for free?  What if you new the majority of the money was actually going to the band and not to the label?

Anyways, from internet censorship and filtering to Radiohead and the music industry, I think we've come full circle...

I don't buy it...

It seems the end of the road is near for Hillary Clinton.  For whatever reason(s), the voters have shifted their approval away from her and now support Obama and Edwards.  The momentum is definitely not on Clinton's side.

Yet on Tuesday, in what seems to be a last ditch effort to redefine herself and save her campaign, she didn't talk politics from a podium, she spoke from the heart, with emotion, to a small group of voters in a coffee shop (see video here).  Ok sorry... I can't keep that up any long... and I think I might have just thrown up a little bit in my mouth.  I can't keep up the facade and try to talk about this photo op PR scam as if it were merely a "moment of weakness."  Come on!  It was planned, calculated, fabricated acting meant to tug at the emotions of voters and make them feel sorry for her.  Clinton is campaigning for sympathy votes now.  Wow, that is really reassuring. She is running for the President of the United States, right?  Not junior class SGA rep?

The tears and emotion look so fake and so rehearsed that it is as comical as it is underhanded.  The setting is of course staged as well, a small, intimate coffee shop setting, where she will supposedly be able to "let her hair down" and interact closely with the women joining her there.  ABC news had a reporter stationed there as well, whose article is very clearly pro-Clinton.  It is a step short of campaign propaganda.  Is ABC on the Ice Queen's payroll?  Or maybe they just expect to be able to cash in on covering her favorably and Obama negatively when (if) Clinton reaches office.

Another disturbing part of this, ya know apart from the blatant, almost-begging, nature of this latest campaign stunt, is that she is targeting women so hardcore.  It is as if she has decided to just focus on the female vote and try to go after that.  She warms up those Clinton lying and acting genes (she did learn from the best after all) and goes right to work, convincing these women that she is human and emotional and that she is really having a tough time campaigning.  She is trying to remind them, "Hey, remember, I am a woman over here?  You should be voting for me cause you're a woman too."  The implicit message is that she sees herself as a viable candidate only to the female population and is now complaining, almost whining like a spoiled little girl who didn't get her way, because the big, bad men are picking on her.

During the video she repeatedly says "us" when talking about struggles and things that need to be changed in the country.  It sounds like she is talking about the nation as a whole, but I think the double meaning or perhaps actual meaning, the context of which this clip has been plucked from, is that she is speaking to the women in the room and all female voters, trying to rally them around her as a "band of sisters" who need to care for each other and support each other. It has now become an "us" vs. "them" battle that is no longer Democrat-Republican, Liberal-Conservative, or even Obama vs. Clinton. Instead she tried to paint a new dichotomy, female against male, to inspire women to vote for her as a step of unity and empowerment against male societal and political bullying.

It is no longer about comparing candidates on their character, experience, policy stances, or even past record.  She is shedding some "woe-is-me" tears and trying to get the female pity vote.  More so than ever before, I can see that she isn't fit for the office of President.

Time to step down...

While ringing in the New Year with some friends, the consensus was that Dick Clark needs to stop hosting the New Year's Eve countdown show. I thought that after the pitiful performances the last two years, the TV execs would realize that it was time for Dick to retire. After his stroke in 2004, Dick hasn't been the same. He has returned to TV for a couple appearances, none of which have been good. He doesn't look or sound the same, once known as "America's Oldest Teenager," Clark is now barely able to put together a sentence, read from a teleprompter, or keep from slurring his words. This video confirms that he actually said "Happy Dew Year!" which may in fact be Mountain Dew's new promotional slogan... It is really sad, depressing, and painful to watch him struggle and ultimately fail to coherently host his popular (still?) New Year's show.

I am really sad that he suffered a stroke, but as he was recovering, everyone should have been able to see that he was no longer fit to be on television. That is a fact. That isn't being inconsiderate or discriminatory or anything like that. It is a fact. There must be some publicity agent or fit-for-film filter to put a stop to this. Just let the man retire and let us keep the memories of the eternally youthful Dick Clark who hosted a cultural tradition every year with incredible energy. As much as I hate Seacrest, if he is going to be the heir to the throne, let him take it now. Dick, it really is time to sign off.