So you may be sensing a trend by this point. I'm Ryan. I live for this stuff.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Today's Special vs. .38 Special
First, if you understand the title to this post, then we'd probably get along very well.
I wanted to take this opportunity to compare and contrast these two highly culturally significant icons of the eighties. Seriously, they were, right?
WHO'S MORE SPECIAL?
We'll start with .38 Special. I mean, their melodic rock hits, although somewhat poppy, were catchy as all hell. You might remember such smash hits as Hold on Loosely, and Caught Up In You. But don't forget about this rad video:
Hold on Loosely is especially important. It's just so damn true. Not bad for some Florida boys who, although often labeled as Southern Rock, or Arena Rock icons, I like to refer to them as "Camaro Rock". I place them in the top three classic examples of Camaro Rock, sandwiched in between Molly Hatchet and Eddie Money.
Now for Today's Special. I hope everybody remembers this show. It featured Jeff Hyslop as Jeff, a mannequin at a department store that came to life when he put on a magic hat and a mouse puppet named Muffy uttered the magic words "Hocus Pocus Alamagocus." wow. I just read that sentence...
It's not as weird as it sounds. It was just Canadian. That kind of stuff happens there. It was a children's show that ran from 1982-1987, and featured storylines that revolved around guest characters or objects that interact with the main characters and end up teaching the viewers a lesson. The lessons ranged from alcoholism to hats. It was a broad range of subject matter. The main characters are as follows:
Jeff: The dancing magic mannequin man is very sensitive and enjoys illustrating life lessons through his own learning experiences. These qualities, along with being a mannequin, makes it safe to assume he had no actual boy parts.
Jodie: The store display setter-upper often enlists the aid of her friends to help her set up her displays at the store. In exchange, she helps them with their issues.
Sam Crenshaw: The clumsy old puppet security guard. Every show should have one of these. He's like a grandpa.
Muffy Mouse: The ditsy mouse puppet is the smurfett of the show. She only speaks in rhyme, and is responsible for bringing Jeff to life when she says "Hocus Pocus Alamagocus." She rides a scooter and loves snacks.
So here we have it. The show, while never reaching the popularity 38 Special did, has a lot going for it. It teaches kids life lessons via an androgynous mannequin and some puppets. The band just makes you wanna grab box of Coors Light and hang out on the hood of your Camaro and have some good old fashioned glory days. So pretty equal right? Well if it's close, here's the clincher:
That's right. In case you forgot, 38 Special did the theme song to Revenge of the Nerds 2: Back to Paradise. ... and they're named after a gun.
Sorry, Today's Special. .38 Special is more special. Hold on Loosely ftw.
I wanted to take this opportunity to compare and contrast these two highly culturally significant icons of the eighties. Seriously, they were, right?
WHO'S MORE SPECIAL?
We'll start with .38 Special. I mean, their melodic rock hits, although somewhat poppy, were catchy as all hell. You might remember such smash hits as Hold on Loosely, and Caught Up In You. But don't forget about this rad video:
Hold on Loosely is especially important. It's just so damn true. Not bad for some Florida boys who, although often labeled as Southern Rock, or Arena Rock icons, I like to refer to them as "Camaro Rock". I place them in the top three classic examples of Camaro Rock, sandwiched in between Molly Hatchet and Eddie Money.
Now for Today's Special. I hope everybody remembers this show. It featured Jeff Hyslop as Jeff, a mannequin at a department store that came to life when he put on a magic hat and a mouse puppet named Muffy uttered the magic words "Hocus Pocus Alamagocus." wow. I just read that sentence...
It's not as weird as it sounds. It was just Canadian. That kind of stuff happens there. It was a children's show that ran from 1982-1987, and featured storylines that revolved around guest characters or objects that interact with the main characters and end up teaching the viewers a lesson. The lessons ranged from alcoholism to hats. It was a broad range of subject matter. The main characters are as follows:
Jeff: The dancing magic mannequin man is very sensitive and enjoys illustrating life lessons through his own learning experiences. These qualities, along with being a mannequin, makes it safe to assume he had no actual boy parts.
Jodie: The store display setter-upper often enlists the aid of her friends to help her set up her displays at the store. In exchange, she helps them with their issues.
Sam Crenshaw: The clumsy old puppet security guard. Every show should have one of these. He's like a grandpa.
Muffy Mouse: The ditsy mouse puppet is the smurfett of the show. She only speaks in rhyme, and is responsible for bringing Jeff to life when she says "Hocus Pocus Alamagocus." She rides a scooter and loves snacks.
So here we have it. The show, while never reaching the popularity 38 Special did, has a lot going for it. It teaches kids life lessons via an androgynous mannequin and some puppets. The band just makes you wanna grab box of Coors Light and hang out on the hood of your Camaro and have some good old fashioned glory days. So pretty equal right? Well if it's close, here's the clincher:
That's right. In case you forgot, 38 Special did the theme song to Revenge of the Nerds 2: Back to Paradise. ... and they're named after a gun.
Sorry, Today's Special. .38 Special is more special. Hold on Loosely ftw.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
How to Train Your DragonKitten
I finally saw "How to Train Your Dragon". I'm kicking myself for not seeing it sooner, but I had wanted to since hearing about it.
Wow. I know I say that about a lot of stuff, but I really mean it. Wow. I loved it. All the way. I can't wait to see it again, which is a sentiment I haven't had in a long time. I have to be honest, it probably hasn't happened since Wayne's World.
The story, the artwork, the script, the acting, the animation... Everything about this movie worked. ..."Worked" is such a lame descriptor. This movie was effing mint. I actually had chills in several scenes, and there was even an emotional scene towards the end that kinda got to me. It will get to you to if you have any father issues at all (so every girl ever will tear up a lil).
It cheated a little bit. They liken Dragons to kittens, which, for anybody who knows me, is everything I ultimately stand for. Add some vikings and battles, a little humor, and hot chick who's basically dressed as a slightly modern scene girl, then you have yourself one of my favorite movies of all time.
As an added bonus, Toothless looks just like my kitten, Maiden.
Wow. I know I say that about a lot of stuff, but I really mean it. Wow. I loved it. All the way. I can't wait to see it again, which is a sentiment I haven't had in a long time. I have to be honest, it probably hasn't happened since Wayne's World.
The story, the artwork, the script, the acting, the animation... Everything about this movie worked. ..."Worked" is such a lame descriptor. This movie was effing mint. I actually had chills in several scenes, and there was even an emotional scene towards the end that kinda got to me. It will get to you to if you have any father issues at all (so every girl ever will tear up a lil).
It cheated a little bit. They liken Dragons to kittens, which, for anybody who knows me, is everything I ultimately stand for. Add some vikings and battles, a little humor, and hot chick who's basically dressed as a slightly modern scene girl, then you have yourself one of my favorite movies of all time.
As an added bonus, Toothless looks just like my kitten, Maiden.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Too much fun?
03/24 - 04/06 – I got to watch Corey’s awesome new home and her awesome pups, Pete and Maggie. The place was hidden up in the hills, and didn't even feel like LA. It was ... quiet. This was so great. Like a cabin in big bear or something.
03/15 – 04/04 – script coordinator on David Walpert’s Pilot “Most Likely to Succeed.” This was awesome. Great crew, great boss, great cast... can't believe they pay me for that...
03/27 – Ran a half marathon with Nadine after working till 2 am. 4 hours sleep. But Nadine’s soooo much fun! And a complete nutbar! It was all hills and my time was 2:10. It hurt! I love Nadine.
03/27 – after the half marathon, we went to Helena’s bday party in Venice. It was beautiful. Jen has an amazing house RIGHT ON THE BEACH. Just like heaven.
03/28 – Went to see Rhiannon in LA derby dolls. Yes, roller derby, here in LA. She kicked soooo much ass. So much fun to watch, you should all check it out. Most of 2 ½ Men were there. We went downtown after for drinks, where I hung with hot derby chicks. *awesome* tights are neat.
03/31 – had to sell my Megadeth/ Testament tickets because we were shooting late, and it was the last day of the pilot. It’s cool tho, got to sell em to some dude who couldn’t find ticks cause they were sold out. I gave them to him at cost. \m/
04/03 – went on a midnight ride around downtown LA with Barry and Matt. It was awesome. saw a bunch of bands, drank a bunch of beer, rode a bunch of miles - on bicycles. Barry made it a music video, which you can check out here:
4/4 – Easter! Church with Tom, then I came home and made eggs benedict for Chuck, me, Barry, and Jenina. Then we went down to Santa Monica for drinks with Betty. Such a good day. Then I went to Sean Lavery’s place for fun and food. I love that guy. Ate a crapload of Easter candy. Best holiday candy imho.
4/5 – went to the Cougar Town wrap party. Immediately got shitfucked when the first 3 people I saw fed me shots of tequila. Saw some pics from that night that I don’t remember. I missed Jessie.
4/6 – Corey and Jason came back and they took Pete and Maggie back. :(
4/7 – Went to see Nadine’s show at the improv and it was awesome! She is so freakin funny. Especially with a mullet, unibrow, and sweet ugly sweater. Met Beth, a hot blonde doctor who is single. I got her phone number. I like apples.
4/8 – OPETH CONCERT. Amazing. Words can’t explain. This gets its own entry, which I will post soon. I was all the way up front, and moshed. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Check them out please. It WILL change your life.
4/9 – Two and a half men wrap party. I was lovely Rhiannon's plus one. After the party, Carey invited me to come back in the limo with them and Re and party at their house. shyah! Right! and maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt, I said. So we all went back and had beers and I got to jam with Angus for a few hours. That dude's awesome, and so is his collection of guitars. so much fun.
4/10 – nothing! Did my taxes and met with Tim Greer re: my new cartoon. Pretty hung over.
4/11: Rhiannon's Birthday Bowling Country Club Preppy Bashtravaganza! Barry made a music video! ridic amount of fun. Real ridic. That girl can throw a party.
Video by Barry.
4/15 – Cleaned my room and threw a bunch of crap out! A lot! It looks awesome! No clutter! I’m a person!
Alright, I guess that last one doesn't sound like much fun, but stuff piles up when all you do is play. Cleaning rampages are not nearly as fun as regular rampages.
I just want to thank all my friends who truly make it possible for me to have a life this awesome.
03/15 – 04/04 – script coordinator on David Walpert’s Pilot “Most Likely to Succeed.” This was awesome. Great crew, great boss, great cast... can't believe they pay me for that...
03/27 – Ran a half marathon with Nadine after working till 2 am. 4 hours sleep. But Nadine’s soooo much fun! And a complete nutbar! It was all hills and my time was 2:10. It hurt! I love Nadine.
03/27 – after the half marathon, we went to Helena’s bday party in Venice. It was beautiful. Jen has an amazing house RIGHT ON THE BEACH. Just like heaven.
03/28 – Went to see Rhiannon in LA derby dolls. Yes, roller derby, here in LA. She kicked soooo much ass. So much fun to watch, you should all check it out. Most of 2 ½ Men were there. We went downtown after for drinks, where I hung with hot derby chicks. *awesome* tights are neat.
03/31 – had to sell my Megadeth/ Testament tickets because we were shooting late, and it was the last day of the pilot. It’s cool tho, got to sell em to some dude who couldn’t find ticks cause they were sold out. I gave them to him at cost. \m/
04/03 – went on a midnight ride around downtown LA with Barry and Matt. It was awesome. saw a bunch of bands, drank a bunch of beer, rode a bunch of miles - on bicycles. Barry made it a music video, which you can check out here:
4/4 – Easter! Church with Tom, then I came home and made eggs benedict for Chuck, me, Barry, and Jenina. Then we went down to Santa Monica for drinks with Betty. Such a good day. Then I went to Sean Lavery’s place for fun and food. I love that guy. Ate a crapload of Easter candy. Best holiday candy imho.
4/5 – went to the Cougar Town wrap party. Immediately got shitfucked when the first 3 people I saw fed me shots of tequila. Saw some pics from that night that I don’t remember. I missed Jessie.
4/6 – Corey and Jason came back and they took Pete and Maggie back. :(
4/7 – Went to see Nadine’s show at the improv and it was awesome! She is so freakin funny. Especially with a mullet, unibrow, and sweet ugly sweater. Met Beth, a hot blonde doctor who is single. I got her phone number. I like apples.
4/8 – OPETH CONCERT. Amazing. Words can’t explain. This gets its own entry, which I will post soon. I was all the way up front, and moshed. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Check them out please. It WILL change your life.
4/9 – Two and a half men wrap party. I was lovely Rhiannon's plus one. After the party, Carey invited me to come back in the limo with them and Re and party at their house. shyah! Right! and maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt, I said. So we all went back and had beers and I got to jam with Angus for a few hours. That dude's awesome, and so is his collection of guitars. so much fun.
4/10 – nothing! Did my taxes and met with Tim Greer re: my new cartoon. Pretty hung over.
4/11: Rhiannon's Birthday Bowling Country Club Preppy Bashtravaganza! Barry made a music video! ridic amount of fun. Real ridic. That girl can throw a party.
Video by Barry.
4/15 – Cleaned my room and threw a bunch of crap out! A lot! It looks awesome! No clutter! I’m a person!
Alright, I guess that last one doesn't sound like much fun, but stuff piles up when all you do is play. Cleaning rampages are not nearly as fun as regular rampages.
I just want to thank all my friends who truly make it possible for me to have a life this awesome.
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