RROLL

Best album I've heard this year

2012-02-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Just listened to Temple Beautiful by Chuck Prophet. Excellent.

I like the melodies a lot. The songs are honest and direct. There are some dark turns lyrically, along with a coy wit, but these pieces are so exuberant it's easy to just get caught up in the momentum of the tune.

Temple Beautiful makes me smile in the same way Jonathan Richman's albums used too. It sucks that I'm stuck in the Midwest; I'll probably never get a chance to see Prophet and the Mission Express play...ah that sucks....

You should go to iTunes and buy this album now.

It's a new day

2011-09-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yes. It is a new day...please stay tuned for new fresh perspectives from the old ironlung, himself...

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

2008-08-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

Diaz has a talent for prose that allows him to balance the atrocities of Trujillo in one hand and the adolescent struggles of his characters in the other--without weighing the reader down with either. His prose is funny, detailed, and emotionally taxing. A damn good read.

Tree of Smoke

2008-01-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Quickly, I am over half-way finished with Denis Johnson's new book. It is the best, most-well-rounded view of the Vietnam War ever put into the novel form. I was overwhelmed at first by the detail. But this book quickly grew on me. I highly recommend it, if you're not afraid of a serious work of art.

Review from The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/books/review/Lewis3-t.html?scp=4&sq=tree+of+smoke&st=nyt

Yard Sale - 10/13 - 10a-2p - Fashion & Accessories

2007-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm celebrating David and Rachel's wedding day with a fashion sale. Women's clothing and accessories $1/per item! Great brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor!!!

Tell a buddy, bring a friend.

Link to classified ad:
http://cincinnati.backpage.com/buyselltrade/classifieds/ViewAd?oid=oid%3A537271&name=yard%20sales

Bergman

2007-07-30T08:10:00.001-07:00

I read that Ingmar Bergman passed today. And while I was not aware that he was alive, the news still saddened me. Bergman made some of my favorite movies: The Seventh Seal, Persona, Cries and Whispers, Fanny and Alexander. In the last few years several of these have been released or re-released on DVD. I hope that his death will at least renew interest in his work.

On a lighter note, I can't help but think of The Seventh Seal and Max Von Sydow playing chess with Death. Near the end of their match, Death accidentally knocks over the pieces. Von Sydow's character is furious. "You cheated," says the knight in a thick Swedish baritone.

Additional content: nytimes.com, allmovie.com

Tapes N' Tapes - The Loon

2007-07-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Great album. The Pixies/Pavement/Modest Mouse comparisons are deserved but a little shallow. (I love those bands, but am sick of the pigeon-holing). The lyrics are cryptic, weird, and passionate. The production is low-fi, but works well with the general aesthetic of the recording. Nice mixture of sounds--a twinkling keyboard here, a few chimes there--to balance out the garage tones. The best part of the album is the composition of the songs--great melodies and enough left-turns to keep things interesting.

I'm not sure why some reviewers say that this recording is rough around the edges; the band is incredibly tight. I think a lot of them have confused the musicianship of the band with production values. The songs could hardly be played better.

The Real World

2007-05-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

So, Andrea and I had the first party at our new place, a shower for a couple of our friends. Everything went well. Better than I thought it would. I forgot how much I liked parties, and Skull--he forgot how he liked petite quiches.

As my wedding approaches, I keep thinking about how much I need to do. I'm still convinced that the reason why I'm stressed is because I'm paying for it. I don't think I get very stressed about anything but money these days. I do get sad when I get the No's back in the mail. I completely understand why people can't make it. And, frankly, since I'm paying for it, I should be relieved. But not really. I want all my people there. It makes me a little sad.

Skull is anxiously awaiting the wedding; he's already got his tuxedo picked out and has even prepared a speech. I've got to say I've never seen his cheekbones stick out and his teeth chatter so much. He's disappointed we aren't having an outdoor wedding so he could wear his sunglasses, but he told me that as long as the martinis are flowing, he'll be fine...

It's like Whitney Houston is singing from out in the distance: "Welcome to the real world, welcome to the rest of your life..."

Robert Maxwell - A Strange Life (Continued)

2007-02-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

There is a new Robert Maxwell book available:

http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Maxwell-Israels-Superspy-Gordon/dp/0786712953/sr=8-1/qid=1171646739/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3264376-5612743?ie=UTF8&s=books

I would highly recommend reading it. I also suggest this Robert Maxwell book:

http://www.amazon.com/Maxwell-Rise-Fall-Robert-Empire/dp/1559721235/sr=8-1/qid=1171647077/ref=sr_1_1/104-3264376-5612743?ie=UTF8&s=books

Skull

2007-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a moment to recognize my alter-ego, an invisible skull that sits on my shoulder and speaks to me (and through me) in the voice of Michael Jackson. Skull and I have been together for a long time. I can't remember the first time I heard his voice or felt the shaking of his chin against my shoulder, but ever since my life has been different. Between vacations in Cabo and Negril, Skull is always there for me...with Super Bowl picks, a secret recipe for gaucamole, and always a kind word of encouragement.

We've had some rough times together, too. Last year I thought I'd lost Skull forever. During a parasailing contest off the cost of Puerta Viarta, Skull took one in the skull and suffered brain damage. As he was lying in-between half-consciousness and reality, he mumbled these words, "Rob, I'm going away for a while. Sigh..." and then he fell into a deep sleep that lasted about 10 months. In that time, I felt like a piece of my life was missing. Like someone had taken away my heart. Fortunately he's back, feeling better, enjoying life like never before.

And since he's been back, the jokes are back, the ribbing--I feel whole again.

I just wanted him to know that I'll always be there for him. Like I know he's there for me.

Gerry Ford

2007-01-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Gerald Ford makes me proud to be an American. And his arthritic knees provided the inspiration for many entertaining SNL moments. Thank you, President Ford.

Marriage

2006-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I'm ready, but I'm takin the plunge. Actually I think I'm ready. I'm ready not to live in an apartment anymore, pay rent, listen to my neighbors walk on my ceiling, listen to myself trying to be quiet so as not disturb the neighbors. I'm ready to be loud. I'm ready to make as much noise as I want to--I think I've earned that.

New Year's is overrated. I'm looking forward to spending the night inside, by the fire, drinking a couple of beers and holding my baby. I don't need to leave the house. I got enough of that for the past 15 years or so. And all I've got to show for it is a lot of foggy memories and bad headaches. I can't wait to sit in front of the TV and make all my memories there...are they going to cart out Dick Clark this year?

Booger Time

2006-11-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season. The season where the snot flows freely and the boogers are plentiful. Free flu shots were available in my building this week. I had to decline. If I'm going to get sick, I'd like to do it on my own. No help from the hyperdermic needed.

It's this time of year that I get all teary-eyed and remember what I was doing this time last year: whipping other's asses in my fantasy football league. Sadly, the league was disbanded, the manager left for the sub-Canadian wasteland; I don't see the old gang that much anymore. I don't know if I would be much up for it anymore, anyhow. My girlfriend has softened me. She doesn't like me talking about asswater and dropping turds. She likes for me to talk about picket fences and diamond rings. Ahh....but if only I one more day in that glorious league...someday...

Phil Heimlich

2006-11-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm glad to see that David Pepper beat Phil Heimlich. I don't know if it will do anything for the greater good of humanity or raise Cincinnati up to the level of one of those hip, up-and-coming cities like Portland or Austin or wherever, but I'm not shedding tears that we won't have Heim to kick around anymore. Maybe he can go find someone who's choking and offer to expel the chicken-wing from their throat. Maybe he can go help the KKK straighten their cross on Fountain Square--assuming the construction's over by then. I don't know about you, but he always seemed a little crooked. One of my friends once referred to him as a Nazi. That's not really fair. I prefer just to think of him as a schmuck.

Nap Time

2006-10-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to think that those Japanese businessmen who spend their lunch at morgue-like sleeping facilities are onto something. I could go for a nap on a chaise lounge right now. Lunch should be invigorating. Is there anything more invigorating than a nap? Maybe a massage and then a nap. A lunch-time massage followed by some gentle music to drift off to...

I'm really enjoying the recent political campaigns. Steve Chabot, Bob Cranley, David Pepper, Phil Heimlich--God bless you all. Your willingness to saturate the airwaves with sleaze has brought about a renaissance in local t.v. commercials that was much needed. I'm now doing the two minute trip to the bathroom during the shows rather than the breaks so I don't miss what's coming next.

On Dylan

2006-09-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to listen to Bob Dylan's new album the other day, "Modern Times." There's nothing new going on here--the album is excellent, probably a little better than "Love and Theft" simply because it works better as an album. I wouldn't be suprised to see it win a Grammy or at least get nominated. Dylan plays in a variety of styles from Western Swing to Country to straight-ahead Blues. He pulls these styles off with aplomb. He's comfortable and confident. But there's nothing new going on here. And there hasn't been anything new going on with Bob Dylan for about 40 years. He is the father of confessional song-writing, the long song, folk-rock, etc., etc. But now that most of his influence has been swallowed up by the rock establishment, listeners no longer pick up his albums expecting revolutionary music--they come to listen because they like his music, his voice, his style. If you aren't into those facets of the artist, you're not going to find much to like here. The groundbreaking stuff ended a long time ago.

Riverfront

2006-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

When I watched the blue and yellow tents go up in between the Freedom Center and Great American Ballpark for Cirque du Soleil, it got me thinking: why don't we scrap the whole "Banks" idea and just have a carnival in that space during the summer? This would also buy more time for the politicians and developers to decide what they really want to do with this space. Right now, it seems like it's destined to be a parking lot. And that really is a shame. Personally, I think they’re afraid to put anything there because they're afraid that if they put together something temporary, it will probably become permanent. And they've got a huge hole west of Fountain Square that serves as a testament to that sort of thinking.

Comair

2006-08-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

The end looks to be near now. This morning's Enquirer lays it out there pretty well, I think. Since I don't work there any more and don't have to be supportive for morale, I'd like to say that the flight attendants are selfish jerks who have an inflated opinion of themselves and their role in the larger scheme of the company. The fact that they won't accept a pay cut when everyone else in the company has is asinine. They are getting paid higher than the industry standard, the company is bankrupt, and they are complaining that their salary will be affected. I'm sure it's tough being out there on the frontlines everyday, but so is working for a company that is losing money. Generally speaking, if you want to stay with someone who is broke, be prepared to lose a little money. It's pretty much game-over now anyway, but I needed to get that off my chest.

Steve Stewart

2006-08-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to see Steve Stewart leave the Reds radio booth. I knew with Marty's ego, he wouldn't have a chance--I saw that one coming three years ago. But I'm still sad. It was nice to hear someone just call the game right. Between Joe's beer belch's and forgetfulness, and Marty's tired phrases--how many times a game do you need to say "somewhat belatedly"?--it's become somewhat annoying to listen to the Reds on radio. I was actually happy when I tuned in and Stewart was calling the game. I felt like I was listening to the Reds, the game. Now it looks like there will be an analyst--formerly known as the color guy, an ex-jock. God knows who that's going to be. If it's Tracy Jones, I might stop listening to the games all-together.

Bengals season's only a few weeks away.

Downtown

2006-08-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

Working downtown again for the first time in several years has opened my eyes to a few things: it is expensive, there aren't as many food options as you would think, drugstores smell like bathrooms, and there is a lot of egregious horn-blowing. Beside all that, it's highly addictive. Having been stuck in corporate park world for the last 9 years, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed just walking around. The city smells bad, but in an cute, "I just farted," sort of way. My sinuses are probably paying the price for all of this, but I have to say, it's better than smelling jet fuel and driving 5 miles to lunch every day.

Is it just me or does the plan for Fountain Square look like the old Fountain Square? I don't know why the change was needed. Seems like they're just adding more trees. Woo-hoo.

Is it just me or is Chip Away the best undiscovered game on Mega-touch

2006-08-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Have you played this game? It's like a cross between plinko and tetris. I love it. My friend Dave turned me onto it the other day and I've got to say, it's starting to replace Card Bandits as my favorite game.

I listened to a few cuts from Joey Ramone's solo album the other day. This may be one of the great undiscovered gems of the last five years. Can you beat hearing him do "What a Wonderful World?" At warp speed? Lovin' it.