Lyrics

I heard these lyrics from the new Metallica album today:

Say, is that rain or are they tears that stain your concrete face for years?

I just think that's cool!

It's Time to Vote!

A local radio station here in town, Z-Rock 103, has a daily feature called "Thumbs Up or The Finger" where they showcase new music and let the listeners give the song a Thumbs Up or The Finger.

A while back I mentioned on here that Timbaland was producing Chris Cornell's new album, due out this fall. I ran across a clip of the first single, "Long Gone", on YouTube. I haven't decided if I like it or not. So let's have fun with it. Take a listen and give it a Thumbs Up or The Finger in the comments section. I'm curious to see everyone's reaction.

By the way, this clip was obviously lifted from the Ryan Seacrest show, thus all the annoying soundbites throughout. But you'll get the idea.

Congratulations Patch and Sara

This weekend my friends Patch and Sara tied the knot. I had the honor of playing guitar during the ceremony, which was really cool. How many chances does one get to play a Van Morrison song and an Avett Brothers song in a wedding? Great song selection!! It was a real pleasure!!

In all seriousness, though, I am so happy for these two. I've been around many many couples throughout my life, but I have to say I don't know any two people more suited for each other than Patch and Sara. You guys make a relationship look really easy - even effortless. So good luck to you and may God bless you throughout the rest of your lives!

As If I Didn't Watch Enough Television Already...

Here are some of my new favorites. I really need to get out more...

The Dark Knight

I saw the latest installment in the Batman franchise, The Dark Knight, on Friday. My only concern going into the movie was that it might be overhyped. No worries. I sat stunned and motionless for 2 1/2 hours. This is by far the best movie experience I've had in - well, forever. As the ending credits rolled, I looked over at my buddy J 1-Time and said, "Holy ____!" I'll let you can fill in the blank...

We all knew from Batman Begins that the casting department knows what they're doing. Christian Bale was a great Batman/Bruce Wayne, Michael Caine was a great Alfred and Gary Oldman was a great Gordon. The world wasn't prepared for The Joker.

Sure Heath Ledger's performance got a lot of attention due to his unfortunate overdose and resulting death, but was the attention, the hype, the buzz all justified? ABSOLUTELY! Don't get me wrong. I love Jack Nicholson as much as the next fella. His portrayal of The Joker in Tim Burton's Batman was superb. However, it was exactly what you would expect when someone says, "... and now, ladies and gentlemen, in the role of The Joker - Jack Nicholson!" Heath Ledger took a classic villian and made it his own. From now on, when people think of The Joker, they won't think of Cesar Romero or Jack Nicholson, they'll think of Heath Ledger.

In my opinion, Heath Ledger reached a Johnny Depp level of acting with this role. Depp will always be remembered as Captain Jack Sparrow. Ledger will always be remembered as The Joker. He was so good that if I didn't know who was playing the role of The Joker, I couldn't have guessed it. The voice, the demonic laugh, the attitude, the swagger, the evil, the humor... all unmatched.

I know this is sounding like a Heath Ledger love-fest and for that, I apologize. I just can't get over how great he was in that role!

The movie itself was fantastic. It wasn't at all comic book-ish (not that there's anything at all wrong with that). It was a crime drama with classic comic book characters in the starring roles. Imagine Heat with Batman and The Joker in the Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino roles. I know that's a really lousy comparison, but work with me, OK?

Two thumbs way way way up for me. I will most definitely see this movie again. And again. And again. And...

My New Favorite Old Radiohead Song

If you're anything like me, every now and then a song will get stuck in your head and you can't seem to shake it. This happened to me on the way home from work last week. The song in question was a great tune from Radiohead's 2003 album Hail to the Thief called "There There". Sit back and enjoy the soothing sounds...

By the way, the bit that was stuck in my head starts at the 3:22 mark...

Today's the Day!

Happy Batman Day everyone!

Stay tuned... My review will be up later.

Cat Sitting

My friends Chris and Cher are away this week basking in the paradise of the Bahamas. In their absence, I have been keeping an eye on their house, picking up their mail, and, probably most importantly, feeding their cat, Slicker. I have never owned a cat. I've always been more of a dog person. But I must say Slick-Nasty (as I like to call him) is a pretty cool cat. He's pretty laid back, stays quiet, and doesn't scratch you unless you provoke him. For some reason, Slicker has always loved me. Every time I'm at Chris and Cher's, Slick always weaves his way in and out around my ankles and climbs up in my lap if I'm on the couch.

So, this blog post is simply my way of easing Chris and Cher's minds about the safety of their cat. As you can see he is alive and well...


Here he is hanging out on the counter ( I tried to get him down but he wouldn't listen, so I just let him stay up there)...

As you can see, his food and water bowls are full...

And I even cleaned out the litter box...

So, Chris and Cher, if you tear yourself away from the beach for a second and happen to be online catching up on emails and blog posts, rest assured that Slick is happy, healthy, well-fed, and he has a nice, clean place to "dump out Butchie instead." (Inside joke for the John From Cincinnati fans out there...)

The New Whitesake Album Is...

Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome

Seriously though... I didn't even realize they had released a new album until my buddy Chris told me. Since then, it's been in heavy rotation at Casa De Layne. For the guitar players out there, this is a 59 minute riff fest!

I love it!

Why Netflix is Awesome

Below is a list of movies and TV shows I've watched over the past month or so. Yes, it's true... I have no life!

This could also explain the lack of posting lately!

Dexter (Season 1)
The Tudors (Season 1)
Half Baked
Charlie Wilson's War
Zodiac
Jumper
Knocked Up
The Bourne Ultimatum
Paradise Lost 2: Revelations
Arrested Development (Seasons 1-3)
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills
Into the Wild
Weeds (Seasons 1-3)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Cloverfield

Jib Jab Election '08 Video

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One of my new favorites

Since becoming a Netflix subscriber, I've had the opportunity to get caught up on several shows. I am currently watching the Showtime original series The Tudors. In short, two big thumbs up from me so far.

I have always been a huge fan of historical dramas. HBO had several of these - Rome, Deadwood and even a mini-series event, John Adams. All were awesome in my opinion. But I have to say that The Tudors may be my favorite. Great cast, great writing, great direction, great wardrobe, great score, great stories - just overall greatness, OK?

Highly recommended.

Cincinnati Reds Mid-Season Update

At the All-Star break, my beloved Cincinnati Reds are 46-50, four games under .500. You know what that means, don't you?

112-50! You gotta believe!

James Bond Trailer

I had to take the James Bond trailer down for fear of legal action... Boo!!!