Earlier this afternoon, as most days when I decide I need to go to my barber for a haircut, I quickly called the shop to make sure Roy would be there until 6 o'clock (the usual closing time). The place is located closer to my parents' house - it's usually a time crunch for me to get there in time and he is kind enough to not lock me out when I need his services. There aren't any appointments in a place like this, and I typically have to wait behind one or two customers who arrived earlier.
I walked in and noticed someone was already in his chair - and I plopped down in a waiting area chair more than content to wait. Less than an hour earlier I had walked out the door for the last time that I had been walking into for seven years and was exhausted mentally and emotionally. My hair accurately reflected my state - my new job at a new company starts Monday and new coworkers might not be as accepting of my "crazy hair" that is a regular result of a stressful workday.
My first words to Roy... "Big day."
Midway though my reveal of my employment change, my entire train of thought was derailed - I noticed a note pinned to the other side of the wall:
"AFTER 50 YEARS OF CUTTING HAIR, I AM RETIRING TO SMELL THE ROSES ON MAY 19..."
Roy has diabetes. He's had it for about seven years. I didn't know these two facts before tonight. Suddenly my nervousness and worry about my future felt very small and petty. Roy's health had started to become a larger concern, and he wants to travel with his wife while his kidneys won't make it too cumbersome. The chapter of my life spanning the past seven years - unquestionably the best seven years of my life - were at an official end. But that same time my trusted barber has not had as great of luck. In addition to another superior haircut, I received a much needed shampoo of perspective (please pardon the horrid pun-metaphor).
Exactly one month from this new haircut Roy will leave me a barber widow. Chances are high that I'll make my way back in there just for one last cut while I search for another barber.
A quick rundown of the barbers who have cut my hair successfully on multiple occasions:
Don
Jim
Tom
Don (different guy)
Vic
Roy
A quick run down of the barbers who have been horrible:
Mike
Mary
John
The trend is clear. I need a barber that has a 3 letter name. This is non-negotiable.
This year, I'm not going to Grant Park for Lollapalooza.
Actually, I've never gone...
A few months ago, when Björk and Radiohead were rumored headliners, I was all set to break the seal. More recently, when the rumors were all but verified that both won't be at Lolla, my non-attendance was solidified. And thankfully Radiohead announced their own separate show - and I got tickets - so you can close the book on that chapter.
Without really wanting to see the big names at the end of the day at Lolla, I can't justify spending that amount and enduring the entire day(s). At best, I'd see a third of the acts - and it's not like any Lolla act won't be coming back to Chicago any time soon.
Two years ago I went to an official Lolla Aftershow - Cut Copy at Metro (here's my review of their Postapalooza performance) - and it was amazing. The announcements of those "Postapalooza" after shows is what I'll be focused on now, hoping there won't be time conflicts and sellouts blocking me. With yesterday's news of the official Lolla lineup, and today's news of Spotify playlists now available to embed in blogs: here's my personal Lolla Aftershow Wishlist
Sally Draper: Not mad, and not men, but awesome (via)
I am current on Mad Men, ready to start watching "live" tomorrow night when season five starts. Nothing in this post will spoil anything for non watchers - for this is more for them (as I was one just two months ago).
First and foremost, I will always appreciate Mad Men's existence for the simple fact that it paved the way for Breaking Bad, the best show on television today. Its success helped reinforce AMC's dedication to original programming.
In the past, I've made attempts to watch this show - failed attempts caused partly to the late night nature of the marathons on AMC before I owned a DVR and partly because season one is bad* and sleep inducing. But since a friend owned the entire series on DVD, I was able to rededicate an effort to get caught up. After all, Mad Men has won 4 Emmys for Best Drama (placing it in a tie for most all time with Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and West Wing). Note: all four shows can be considered workplace dramas.
*Season one is bad. People got ultra sucked in by the retro of it, the setting's authenticity, the gloss of a partially unknown but always respected era. It was glimpses of this first season that fueled my adamant stance against watching the show. Often, I would launch into my crude impression of every episode when someone (especially a coworker) wanted to know why I didn't watch it. The impression was just me picking up my phone and barking orders to an imaginary secretary named Trixie for scotch and smokes. After watching all of season one, I stand my the claim. For your review, a one line summary of each episode as viewed by the objectification of women referred to as "Trixie."
Trixie needs to show her legs
Lie down Trixie and tell the shrink all your problems
Where is Trixie walking, hopefully to get that Sara Lee from the freezer
Daddy doesn't love you, but loves Trixie
Trixie best not gossip about boss' privates
Trixie needs help getting zipped up
Burning the midnight oil is bad for Trixie's skin
How do you like your scotch Trixie
Trixie get your gun
Double the Trixie double the fun
Trixie likes the vibration sensation
It's not fair, Trixie
Congratulations, twice, for Trixie
Yes, that's harsh - and I'll back away from my "bad" comment and say that it was a well produced set piece with sub par content. It should have lost to Dexter that year (back before Dexter became reduced to a CBS procedure devoid of suspense). As the show went on, its depiction of women (or the importance of the female characters) changed. Perhaps it was a microcosm of the decade in general.
But seasons two and three were great. And I will also admit that I would not have enjoyed them if not for the character investment from season one. It's when I realized my fundamental problem with the show, and was able to adapt. I prefer shows with main arcs that result in a deep story from a far distance. Mad Men devotes nearly all its time to character development and is not afraid to sacrifice plot. Soap Operas were able to build decades of success by constructing a fully flushed setting and having it's characters move and interact based on their own motivations - and Mad Men follows suit accordingly. Nearly everywhere plot drives its characters - but not here. Season three is also when I realized my favorite of all the characters is Sally Draper, for reasons I will not post in order to maintain the spoiler-free spirit.
Thankfully I was not watching live at the end of Season 3, for its season finale was one of the more exciting well paced hours of the show - and a beautiful set up for Season 4. I would not have been able to handle that hiatus (which wasn't even as long as the one about to end tomorrow). Season 4 had more doses of Sally being Sally and proved that the show was dedicated to be as dynamic as the decade it chooses to spotlight.
I'm not ready to vault it into my top five favorite shows right now (especially with Justified just kicking major Kentucky ass right now), but I'm excited to finally be current near the water cooler.
This picture may be sad looking, but I've chosen to watch today's game alone for a few reasons.
I want to watch and pay very much close attention to the game. It's not as bad as Super Bowl parties where few are watching and some have zero clue what's at stake on a play to play basis. Yes, it's the greatest sports event of the year, but more importantly to me it's my favorite team's game.
Last year MU was a #11 seed - playing with house money - and I wasn't under the public exposure of a potential upset. Now that we have a #3 seed, and expected to win, I don't want my misery on display in a worst case scenario.
Adding on to that last point, I'm a total maniac during games. Yelling profanities and passionately stringing odd words together such as:
"Fast Man Driving Hard Fast Man Driving Hard"
"Go To Work Fat Man"
"MAN BALL! THAT'S MAN BALL!"
You might not like me making this scene. You might find my zeal funny, but it won't be to strangers in a bar setting. Last year I know there were people in Vegas rooting against MU because they were getting pissed at my joy.
As far as me coming over to your place to watch the game? I value our friendship too much to put that in jeopardy.
Shortly after watching the latest episode of Justified, which is already hitting its stride early its new season, I realized that not enough people are mentioning the Kentucky set FX drama among TV's best. The thought also made me realize that I didn't share my Best of 2011's TV. Better late than never? Here are my top 11 shows of 2011:
11) Parenthood Pure and simple my feel good TV show. Although it won't fill the void left by the #3 show on this list, it consistently reminds me of it (which makes sense because they're both run by Jason Katims). It's one of the more expansive casts on this list, and I'm on record saying I love my own family very much, but if I had to choose another - I'd choose the Bravermans. If NBC wants a hit, they should consider spinning off a show with the oldest granddaughter away at a college (Felicity 2 anybody?)
10) Shameless
Emmy Rossum is a star. Yes, William H. Macy is at the top of this show's call sheet - but Shameless is nothing without Rossum. I first fell in love with Rossum as the cause for one of the cheesiest movie smiles of all time (Dennis Quaid's reaction to her head on Jake Gyllenhaal's shoulder - watch it, trust me, it's awesome). But she is not playing some sweet young smarty pants in this Showtime TV-MA Drama - she's one of the strongest, sexiest, characters on TV today that is also vulnerable and caring.
9) The Walking Dead
I don't read comic books and I don't watch zombie movies, but I really like The Walking Dead. It's a perfect show for me in a post-Lost world. Lost was a show about survival, and living with what you have left - only to have a bunch of unexplained craziness introduced later. The Walking Dead is right up front with its insanity: A Global Apocalyptic Event occurred, there are now zombies, that's what's happening - deal.
8) Game of Thrones Similar to what I wrote about zombies - I feel the same way with the fantasy genre. I went into the show with a cynical preconceived review of "Lord of the Rings with Boobs" but it's much better that that. Its season finale was remarkable. It's been a long time since a show was as daft at finishing loose storylines while also setting up a next season arc without resorting to hack cliffhangers. I can't wait for the new season.
7) Louie Louis C.K. is a stand-up-auteur. Louie is a lighthouse of creativity that is the perfect example of how a Network should exhibit trust to their talent. Of course I've never literally stood up off my couch and given a scene a standing ovation - but I've never come as close than after the below embedded scene. This show is a comedy, but this example shows how Louie is not afraid to show excruciating real life
6) Justified I enjoyed Justified's first season, but it's second was leaps and bounds better. Thankfully the Emmys got it right giving Margo Martindale the award for Best Supporting Actress, because she was brilliant. The show is fantastically written - it's able to have stand alone episodes work as well as season long arc builders. It's lead character is easily the most likeable character in recent FX history. The Network, starting with The Shield, seems hell bent at placing flawed and wrong minded people at the head of its dramas. But U.S. Marshall Givens is a good man and awesome.
[We interrupt the countdown to point out a program that didn't make the cut]
This list was initially posted as a Facebook Status Update with no further explanation - just the show titles. Friends quickly commented that I should check out Sons of Anarchy on FX. I've seen every episode of SOA, I've been with it from the start. The show wouldn't even make my top 15 (I'd place Boss, Check It Out with Steve Brule, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The League ahead of it. It's Sons of Lower Class Sopranos at best and Nip/Tuck with Tattoos at worst. I have problems with how storylines get dragged out and how its characters are immune from consequences. But, I will continue to watch this show until it's finish.
5) Boardwalk Empire My friend recently described Boardwalk Empire's beauty as, "There are scenes that you just want to hang up on your wall as art." The show is a technical marvel, and a cinematic masterpiece. It's a full meal of a show, with thick character development and strategic plotting. I'm not ashamed to admit that I love reading episode recaps of this show - I study it like I'm going to be tested on it.
4) Homeland This show is 24 for grown ups, and I mean that in the nicest and most Jack Bauer complimentary way possible. Ten years ago I bought in on 24 and it became one of my all-time favorite shows. But I'm no longer in my early 20s ready to fist pump during action scenes. Homeland is a real slow burn pressure cooker that builds suspense better than any show not named Breaking Bad. I don't know how the characters will work in season two, but they've more than earned my trust.
FNL is one of the best
examples at showing people wanting to be better, and the struggles
inherit in such a choice. For some, it means fighting against what they
consider their fate or circumstance. For others it means a long journey
to figure out what aspects of their life
are most important to them (self-worth / inner-potential, family
obligation, purpose and love to name some but not all).
At the
show’s heart is a family. By no means a perfect family, it’s a working
family – one that bends but never breaks. It’s a study of what we want
America to be, especially in an America in which we realize what it is
not.
It is the perfect flipside to Breaking Bad. BB is a show
that must be watched after the sun sets – a show that makes you face the
ramifications of indirect and direct evil. However, FNL can be a
beautiful thing to watch on your couch any Saturday afternoon – and it
will make you step out into the world and finish strong. Breaking Bad
shows you what you can lose and Friday Night Lights shows you what you
can gain.
Every time I convince someone new to undertake watching Breaking Bad (FROM THE START) I take great pride and consider it a personal victory. It must be what preachers feel like when they convert people to a new religion.
If you're not watching this show, I earlier wrote three reasons to start. All the seasons are available on NetFlix Instant and I suggest you hurry. The show has a definite end point - exactly 16 more episodes that AMC will likely split into two mini seasons. You will want to catch up to be "live" with all of us when it returns in the summer. At the very least - it's the best way to save yourself from spoilers because your social network will explode with us vocal fans after it's finale.
In 2011 I stopped watching Jersey Shore. In my mind, it is an accomplishment that I stopped before the Italy Season. I had cleaned some of my DVR series recordings before leaving for Sri Lanka (mainly to insure that nothing would prevent Breaking Bad, and thankfully also Louie, from recording). I've never looked back and regretted quitting Snooki & Co.
Dexter is not a good show [anymore]. The most recent season ended where it should've began, but instead we got a full season with twice the number of cartoonish villains providing zero suspense along with every character not named Dexter without a reason to be on camera.
To a lesser extent, Modern Family is nearing its end in my DVR. Its first season was great, but ever since then it has been a poor copy of itself and is no longer a must-watch-within-24-hours. If NBC put Up All Night against it, I would choose Pappa Bluth and Mamma Bundy.
The Bachelor continues to make me laugh while The Bachelorette will always make me furious.
Sadly, the entire initial seasons of Hell On Wheels and The New Girl were lost in a DVR death. Through no fault of their own, I will probably never see an episode of either (nor will I make an attempt to give them a shot).
I don't watch Mad Men, but I will most likely try again (which would now be a third attempt).
I don't watch Community (very long story), but have changed my mind and need access to all its episodes (same goes for Happy Endings)
There is no scientific reason why someone with my tastes would not love 30 Rock, but I don't watch it and have very little desire to start.
Finally, I don't watch Fringe, Chuck, House, or any show on Bravo, TLC, or CBS.
This past weekend someone asked me what upcoming shows I was planning on attending. The answer was disappointing because it only consisted of the M83 show, which isn't until the first Friday in May. Typically the first few months of a year are concert-free as I'm focused more on either going to college basketball games (or rather watching them on TV). Meanwhile, it usually takes me a couple months to thoroughly sift through various Best Of Lists from the prior year. Essentially, I'm scouting for which acts I want to target as they visit Chicago.
Here are some examples of acts about to come to town that I have not yet purchased tickets, but am strongly considering attending. Please let me know if any of these hit your ear well and want to make next year's spreadsheet.
Miniature Tigers @ Schubas Friday March 30 ($14) (with opening act: The Chain Gang of 1974)
I've fallen deeper and deeper into the genre I lovingly call "techno pop." It's a label that nobody else would self apply, because it's a reference to how Maude Lebowski described a music group comprised of three Nihilists. But I see you're anxious for me to get to the point...
"EDM" seems to be the preferred nomenclature. Standing for "Electronic Dance Music" it can be applied to a vast array of music. For a while I've enjoyed Cut Copy - and most recently Holy Ghost and Washed Out, but Spotify has steered me further into this genre. Here are three examples:
Bag Raiders
Toro Y Moi
Miami Horror
Finally, I can't post without mentioning M83. By far, the most listened artist since joining Spotify on December 1. This is a party that's not too late to join! The breakout "Midnight City" track will easily make its way onto my Decade's Best list. (For the record - I would've made this statement even if Victoria's Secret didn't use it for a recent ad campaign). Thankfully I was able to get tickets to their early May concert after the sold out show was moved to a larger venue. I recommend everyone also check out "Couleurs" but I will instead post the closing track from the recent Hurry Up, We're Dreaming double album because it was recently set to an amazing time lapse video shot at Yosemite National Park:
