Entries in oddFrogg (42)
Friday, August 14, 2009 at 11:10PMTime keeps on slippin...
With sadness, today we say goodbye to one of Wisconsin's gifts to the world: Les Paul. Les (who by the way was Steve Miller's Godfather) was not only a true master of the guitar, he also invented two of the most important innovations of modern recording: overdubbing and multitrack recording. Had it not been for Les, there would not have been a little, insignificant album in 1967 called "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and all that has proceeded from that astonishing 8-track recording process. And, of course, there's the Les Paul Guitar, the preferred guitar of rock gods such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.
The world of music was made different, and much better, thanks to Les.
Why are we so fascinated with vampires...
Photo by: Everett Collection(3); Newline / Wireimage; Summit Entertainment
Why exactly are we so fascinated with vampires? Perhaps it is because they are human and yet they are monsters. On the other hand, they are monsters who are also human. So we can see ourselves in them. They, for the most part, look like us, they walk and talk like us (although we may be disappointed if they do not speak with a thick Euro or Emo accent). They dress like us (although we prefer them in elegant evening wear). So part of their appeal is that right now, at this very moment, they could be among us; sitting beside us on a train or bus, next to us at a theatre, or even, famously, a vampire could be that pallid high school hunk sparkling in the sun light as he sits next to a dreary goth wannabe in science class.
In most neighborhoods, the bug-eyed alien or drooling blood-soaked psychopath would be instantly recognized for the fearsome threat they are. Not so the vampire. Whether the suave, courtly European, the futuristic warrior, or the angst-ridden teen, they are among us. Be afraid. And be safe.
What would the '80's have been without John Hughes?
So I was home alone, having a club sandwich for breakfast. I was tired, having just gotten off the plane from my European vacation (although I looked pretty in my pink dress). Then I heard the news. So I listened to some Beethoven, lit 16 candles and took the day off.
Goodbye John. R.I.P and thank you very, very much.
What's your favorite John Hughes movie?
On being stuck: Will it go round in circles?
This is my first attempt at building a web site and my perfectionistic ways have me spinning 'round in circles. I can't seem to get the home page finished. I'm stuck. Everyone says, "Just put something up there, you can change it in time." Of course they're right, yet I spin and while away the hours sussing out beautifully designed sites that strike just the right balance of uniqueness, functionality and beauty. I see an amazing site in my future (next year's budget!).
In need of a 'whack on the side of the head', I pulled out my Creative Whack Pack for a bit of inspiration. Then I did a bit of yoga. Then I took a nap. Then I decided to step away from it. Sometimes you have to just slowly back away from the project. Nobody move, nobody gets hurt. I'll enjoy the rest of my evening, sleep on it, and hope to wake up tomorrow with one or two really good ideas. I mean, really. It's time to get this done!
What are your methods for getting unstuck?
Saturday afternoon baseball...
I adore rainy, stormy Saturday afternoons. I'm chilled out (I use this term way too much), and enjoying the creative process while watching Saturday afternoon baseball. I ask you, does it get much better? Hope you're also chilled or, maybe better yet, out having entirely too much fun. It's all good. If you're inclined, here's a Saturday afternoon haiku, baseball style and just for you!
Afternoon Baseball
Queen City Versus Chi-Town
- Run Reed! Run! Slide! ...Safe!
Y'all know that center fielder, Reed Johnson, is one of the best old-school players in the game today. Right?
Sunday evening sunshine...
As a great weekend winds down, I'm getting my Twitter on and truly digging the zenned out tweets of Russell Simmons, the philanthropic, spiritually mindful, mega-successful entrepreneur who helped put hip hop on the map. Yoga on the beach with Rodney Yee? Wow!
I'm inspired to try my hand at an oddFrogg haiku, chilled out style and just for you!
The Mirror Sees You
Bask In Reflected Glory
- Love Yourselves More. Now!
