Proudly Open 24 Hours To Serve You
2 AM, sirens down the street, nothing out of the ordinary. Haven’t been sleeping much, not really for the last 26 hours or so. Been recording a lot, can’t get God Only Knows out of my head, the Wrecking Crew, lush 60’s sonics. Came across a tribute to Ike Turner earlier today, didn’t mention him beating the shit out of Tina.
The Turkish air force bombed PKK targets in northern Iraq yesterday. They’ve claimed that the United States gave them “tacit approval by opening Iraqi airspace for the operation”. That doesn’t come as surprise, nor do US denials that it backed the raid. According to the Turks, 50 planes spent three hours pounding targets inside Northern Iraq. The Iraqi government’s response was to summon the Turkish ambassador and remind him that such actions could result in strained relations – which is pretty much the Iraqi government’s authoritative limit. A US embassy official later remarked that they knew it was going to happen – and that’s about it.
The Turks, it seems, didn’t get the memo to keep their mouths shut in time…
“Turkey’s most senior general, Gen Yasar Buyukanit, said the US had given “intelligence” that aided the operation.
“But what is more important is that the United States last night opened northern Iraqi airspace to us. By doing that, the United States approved the operation,” he said.”
What to watch next…
Just watched The Queen for the second time. Got over 500 films and I’ve seen them all so many times that trying to pick something has become exhaustive. I dunno, maybe some South Park. Funny how one of the only genres left that speaks truth to power is animation. Then again, maybe it’s not so funny.
December 17th, 2007 at 4:39 am
woops…
damn those Turks, eh???
telling all the US’s secrets and such…
never seen The Queen…still trying to watch Schindler’s List in it’s entirety (because I never see movies in their entirety…just doesn’t pan out).
December 17th, 2007 at 4:50 am
Matt, Listen to Joseph Arthur’s In the Sun.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:07 am
Matt…what are you recording with Porta-studio/pro-tools…..???
December 17th, 2007 at 5:26 am
George mentioned a bit about Ike Turner on the Strombo show today, brought up how he beat his wife. His guest (can’t remember his name) said there should be a point made in the rock and roll hall of fame to mention how Ike was a bad person. I think George basically said personal life should be left seperate.
Gonna have to agree with George.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:51 am
[quote comment="35778"]George mentioned a bit about Ike Turner on the Strombo show today, brought up how he beat his wife. His guest (can’t remember his name) said there should be a point made in the rock and roll hall of fame to mention how Ike was a bad person. I think George basically said personal life should be left seperate.
Gonna have to agree with George.[/quote]
I disagree to a certain extent.
Firstly, I think that a man who hits a woman has no place in any hall of fame.
More importantly, we cannot pick and choose which parts of our personal legacy are to be celebrated and which are to be forgotten -whats to be known and whats to be erased from history. I believe we all reap what we sow, and if his personal life should be out, then what? No one is to blame, but Ike Turner.
Now, should this abuse be mentioned in the Hall of Fame?
No. It’s a simple matter of respect for the dead.
But should we continue to deify people based on their false image, and keep hush hush when they do shit like this? Keep on with the token “He was an honorable man” crap?
If only hiding bruises was as easy.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:04 am
”A US embassy official later remarked that they knew it was going to happen – and that’s about it.”
Funny how they always seem to know everything beforehand….
December 17th, 2007 at 6:27 am
My I suggest Flight of the Conchords on DVD? Great show from HBO and an excellent way to spend an afternoon.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:42 am
What makes you smile? What makes you want to keep on going? Whatever that thing is, do it, and do it regularly. For me it’s the simple things….the smell of my daughter’s breath, a sip of coffee with a little bit of cinnamon flavor, making eye contact with someone on the street and smiling and saying “hello”. We could all use a break from the world around us, especially this time of year.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:47 am
I am notorious for missing the end of movies. Although I’ve seen many an animated feature multiple times.
I bet there’s not one Pixar or Disney film in your collection. :-/
December 17th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Secrets on so many levels.
It’s funny how that goes?….paying “tribute” to a wife beater. I read that he forgave himself - how nice. Having been in that situation for many years, I don’t have much “respect” or feel the need to pay “tribute” to someone who inflicted physical pain on another. Sure, some do get help and stop and that’s great. But you just can’t forget or erase something like that because the victim carries it with them for years, in so many different ways.
I rarely sleep more than 4-5 hours a night. My favorite awake late at night movies to replay: A River Runs Through It (I find parts of it very calming) or anything with Anthony Hopkins in it (Legends Of The Fall & Silence Of The Lambs in particular).
December 17th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Maybe Tina is past it. Maybe we can get past it, too.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I haven’t been sleeping well either lately. I have the first five seasons of 24 here if you want them.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:18 am
[quote comment="35779"]
Firstly, I think that a man who hits a woman has no place in any hall of fame.[/quote]
Put him in a Hall of Shame… right next to child-abuser, Bing Crosby. Let them be known for the people they really are — undermining instead of celebrating their contrived public personas.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:26 am
[quote comment="35780"]”A US embassy official later remarked that they knew it was going to happen – and that’s about it.”
Funny how they always seem to know everything beforehand….[/quote]
that’s exactly what i thought…
the queen was a very interesting movie. helen mirren’s portrayal was excellent.. even flawless.
matt, have you seen blood diamond? really good movie.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:54 am
[quote comment="35791"]Maybe Tina is past it. Maybe we can get past it, too.[/quote]
Past it? That sort of thing you can’t ever really get past. You can cope, live a normal life but in the end that is always with you. As a society we are all too willing to look past , around and over this kind of thing. I’ve watched it from every angle. During and after. It’s been thirteen years since my mom left my dad and most people have forgot exactly what he did even though everyone knew. but it is still imprinted on me and my brother. I see him in my brother in the worst ways. It doesn’t matter if your on welfare or a celebrated musician, you should be held accountable for the person you choose to be.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:23 am
There’s always teh Bob & Doug McKenzie 24 Anniversary Special to watch.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:36 am
The curse of insomnia has been upon me the past few days too.
You need some good BBC comedy on DVD…old stuff. The Young Ones is out (the other day I saw an episode with terrorists - the mid-80s take on it is really interesting to look at now, plus, it’s fucking funny)…too bad Alexei Sayle’s Stuff isn’t available.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Sweet Jesus, if the insomnia has anything to do with your picture, go the hell to bed.
My suggestion. Have sex with someone and then fall the fuck to sleep. Its not healthy man.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:11 am
[quote comment="35794"][quote comment="35779"]
Firstly, I think that a man who hits a woman has no place in any hall of fame.[/quote]
Put him in a Hall of Shame… right next to child-abuser, Bing Crosby. Let them be known for the people they really are — undermining instead of celebrating their contrived public personas.[/quote]
Absolutely. If we are going to celebrate those who pass on, it’s better to remember them for everything that they were, not to ignore parts of their life, or to gloss over them.
I feel that telling the truth about the dead is the best way to remember them, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
December 17th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Animation is and always has been the ideal medium for social and political satire for one reason; reality is no longer a hindrance. You can depict any person or situation you want without actually having that person guest star, or filming on location. You can create exaggerated dialogue and actions that exemplifies certain prejudices or hypocrisies that people have in an entertaining, cynical and sarcastic manner. It took South Park less than one season to figure that out, now they’re fucking golden.
However, while it’s still better than most TV out there, I must say I’ve been disappointed with the last two seasons in comparison to some of their classics, like ‘Child Abduction Is Not Funny’ and ‘Ladder To Heaven’. Been a few pretty good episodes, but mostly mediocre in the humour department. Good messages, but they are fully capable of doing episodes that are both hilarious AND thought provoking, lately it seems to be either or.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
God knows - I ain’t sleeping…
December 17th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Sleep is overrated.
December 17th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Hhhhhmmm…some movies to check out:
A few i like to watch:
Amelie, Pan’s Laberinth (El LAberinto del Fauno), American History X, Snatch, Fight Club, Fear and Loathing, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Eternal Sushine of The Spotless Mind, American Beauty, Fight Club, Boys Don’t Cry, Million Dollar Baby(!!) , The Departed, Scent of a Woman, Braveheart, Unforgiven, Donnie Darko, Requiem for a Dream, Trainspotting, Good Fellas, The Usual Suspects, Tigerland, Shawshank Redemption.
Or maybe you want somethign a little more old school/ classic: Scarface, Citizen KAne, Taxi Driver, Full Metal JAcket, A Clockwork Orange, or Apocalypse Now
There is a bit of everything…hopefully one of those will blow your hair back…Good luck with the sleep…I feel your pain…When I get into work mode or have somethign on my mind, nothing shuts my mind off. But try to catch up- your immune system and well being will suffer if you lose too much:0)
December 17th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I feel like wathing Some Like It Hot for some reason… Right, because I just got home from Grouse where it was smokin freezin.
p.s. A tribute to Ike Turner? Jesus, why?
December 17th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
A man’s greatest accomplishment is that of son, husband and father. The memories we leave are the greatest treasures as they are given to others. Fame is for self, often taking from others. I don’t see the point of halls of fame (who’s the judge?, who’s missed? or unjustly placed?). I don’t see the point of a movie that makes you feel lousy and I don’t see the point of watching a movie more than once. Simplicity is the hardest thing to find yet the most rewarding. Anything that grows true of nature is worth savouring (Love, Children, Family, Animals, Trees, Flowers, Gardens, Fires, Rivers, Lakes, Snowy Hills)and kind of makes a hall of fame look like crap.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Have you seen the show Extra’s from the BBC? I’m always ‘havin’ a laugh’ about that one. Ricky Gervais is a brilliant comic. While Ike may be a wifebeater, Rock (in all of it’s forms) is full of some pretty questionable characters and whilst his image is tarnished he is still the first man to record a rock & roll track and that can’t be overlooked.
Also on my list of must see TV is Joe Rogan standup. Surprisingly funny stuff.
When are the Seattle dates being announced?
December 17th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Goodness Matt! That picture is freaking scary!
I am having effed up sleeping patterns this past week - every night try to sleep at midnight and every morning up at 4:20 am - I shit you not! What does that say about me?!
My suggestion for something to watch - Band of Brothers has gotten me through much of the past week and weekend - It is also providing me with some lesson plans as I am teaching WW2 right now (today I taught my applied kids the concept of the Blitzkrieg and how the French were so unbelievably , laughably unprepared for it ! Maginot Line pffft!)
I have also watched 7 of the 12 disc BBC DVD set on WW2 and I recommend the Dunkirk and Auschwitz discs.
I am so looking forward to Christmas break.
Trish (sounding a little like Miss Reid……)
December 17th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Dude, that DVD story screams for netflix. I can run my copy of It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World or The Milagro Beanfield War over.
No doubt in my mind that the US green lighted that air strike.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
In remarks about Turkish plans to attack Kurdish ‘rebels’ hiding in northern Iraq, Bush said, AND I QUOTE… (this was October 17, 2007)
“We are making it very clear to Turkey that we don’t think it is in their interests to send troops into Iraq.”
“There’s a better way to deal with the issue than having the Turks send massive troops into the country.”
(read in: “Go ahead and bomb the shit out of em….”)
Cok Iyiym!…..(Turkish for ‘Very Good!)
December 17th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
[quote comment="35808"]Animation is and always has been the ideal medium for social and political satire for one reason; reality is no longer a hindrance. You can depict any person or situation you want without actually having that person guest star, or filming on location. You can create exaggerated dialogue and actions that exemplifies certain prejudices or hypocrisies that people have in an entertaining, cynical and sarcastic manner. It took South Park less than one season to figure that out, now they’re fucking golden.[/quote]
The only problem I have with this comment is, as much as I love the art form known as animation with a passion (and watching a documentary about Chuck Jones recently confirmed that for me), it takes a certain kind of appreication for the art and an open mind to get the message across. Quite often in my area, the opporunity to discuss exactly what was represented on South Park is hard to come by without the mention of the vulgarity. A shame to say the least and definitely a pain in the ass. But I gess that’s why I stick to his blog.
Oh, and on a footnote: if you want animation that is extremely representative the extremely warped society of the day that gets people talking 70 years later, try the “Cencroed Eleven” This guy is a little annoying, but it gets the history and information across: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn6zuBbAnQM…alternatly: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censored_Eleven.
The only movies I can recommend right now are A Hard Day’s Night and Help! What can I say? The Beatles couldn’t act to save their lives, but it really never mattered.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
[quote comment="35797"][quote comment="35791"]Maybe Tina is past it. Maybe we can get past it, too.[/quote]
Past it? That sort of thing you can’t ever really get past. You can cope, live a normal life but in the end that is always with you. As a society we are all too willing to look past , around and over this kind of thing. I’ve watched it from every angle. During and after. It’s been thirteen years since my mom left my dad and most people have forgot exactly what he did even though everyone knew. but it is still imprinted on me and my brother. I see him in my brother in the worst ways. It doesn’t matter if your on welfare or a celebrated musician, you should be held accountable for the person you choose to be.[/quote]
What I’m suggesting here is that it’s ok to acknowledge what sort of person Mr. Turner has been. It’s not necessary to forgive him (Not your place) and you don’t need to forget what he’s done. Just accept it and move on, Ike’s not your dad.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
I would like to suggest watching or perhaps re-watching the series of “6 Feet Under”, the most creative and artistically/emotionally well put together finale I’ve ever seen in my life through HBO…it made me weep uncontrollably…but I think thats the beauty of its impact…a beautiful masterpiece of life and death, intertwined.
Or the movie “Crash”, or even the book by JG Ballard is good too. Or his novel “The Drowned World.”
December 18th, 2007 at 12:05 am
the new york post reported ike turner’s death with the following headline:
Ike Turner “beats” Tina to death.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:09 am
[quote comment="35817"]A man’s greatest accomplishment is that of son, husband and father.[quote]
That’s an opinion, not a fact.
December 18th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
[quote comment="35860"]the new york post reported ike turner’s death with the following headline:
Ike Turner “beats” Tina to death.[/quote]
You’ve gotta be shitting me… THAT IS HORRIBLE.
On a different note: speaking of books.. Downtown last week, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting a Vancouver author and his wife. His name is Chris Needham. He’s from North Delta, where I went to highschool, so kindof a nice side bonus to have something in common with him.
I plan on reading his book soon….
For anyone wanting to check out something different.. : (his next novel comes out in early 2008)
This is his current release: http://www.nonpublishing.com/nonfiction_page_2007.html
December 19th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Have You seen the Film….” Closer”….???
Good one for sleepless Nights….
It’s an odd Choice…..but there’s just Something about it….
that’s irresistible….
December 19th, 2007 at 9:52 am
A total mind screw; that movie stayed with me for weeks.. the Clive Owen character made me wanna jump in the screen and slap him. Well, at times, I wanted to slap all of them.