So... many people are flabbergasted when they hear I have never seen the movie Office Space. To be honest, I've seen bits and pieces throughout the years (Thank you TBS), but I never seem to see the whole thing. It has never really kept my interest enough to overpower my addiction to changing channels during commercials.
I kinda feel like it might be because the movie has never really applied to me on a personal level. I was in High School when it came out, in college when it hit its peak popularity and now that I am in the working world, I haven't worked anywhere that was terrible. In fact, most of the places I have graced with my incredible talent and unyielding intelligence for hire have rejected the Office Space clichè of Hawaiian shirts and facsimile machine malfunctions.
Holding true to this track record of excellence has been my current and hopefully long time employer NGAGE.
Check out our new office in downtown St. Louis.
You can find out more about my company here if you want. We just recently launched our new website as well, it's pretty awesome.
Last year's dominant record, at least in my iTunes, was Vampire Weekend's Vampire Weekend. Their use of multiple instrument and musical styles combined with smart lyrics and a pop sensibility that is often lost on the most quality Indie bands, make them a force in the music scene. I look forward to seeing what the next few years brings for them.
But one of their best tracks of the album came in Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. The song has international influences including African and Indian. You can hear it here on The Hype Machine.
When I was in college I was witness to the birth of the online video site.
From the earliest existence of Collegehumor.com (where funniest videos were selected and added by the sites advisors) to the now global domination of Youtube.com (where anyone and everyone can post and watch), and everything in between.
It was at this part of my life that I discovered The Lonely Island, their Fox canceled sketch comedy show "Awesometown", and subsequent video website.
Here is a particularly stand out video featuring some Nintendo classics:
Well the guys may have been cancelled on Fox but life hasn't been so bad. They have all been picked up by SNL, but you may have only seen Andy Samberg. However, all three "Dudes", Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg, were hired as writers and have been a big part of the few skits of the past few years that were any good. They are funny all around, but have garnered most of their success by combing their uber-white boy demeanor with hardcore hip-hop music. Think "D**k in a Box" "The Bing Bong Bros." and "J**z in my pants".
Now they are back with an album of their own out, and the first single off it is maintaining their viral success story and combining it with their mainstream SNL hype. Here's one of the first singles:
I got the entire album called Incredibad and it's worth a listen or a download. Definitely a good one to send to your friends for a laugh.
I'll leave with a taste of classic "Awesometown", and "The Dudes" spoof of the show The O.C. Its called The 'Bu (short for Malibu), and this episode was brought to us in 3D!
I'm putting forth a Non-Binding Resolution in the city of St. Louis. Are you ready?
Anyone within reasonable proximity (~30 sq. mi.) to the highly Italian American populated St. Louis Neighborhood known as The Hill should rule out every restaurant on The Hill before choosing a chain restaurant like, but not limited to, The Olive Garden, Carabas, Maggianos Little Italy or Macaroni Grill.
It baffles me that in a town with some of the best Italian food you can get in the country, many of my neighbors and friends choose fake stucco walls, ridiculous terra cotta roofs and whatever the hell an "italian margarita" is instead.
What possible reasons could one have for not choosing the experience you get on The Hill?
Maybe someone isn't into way better tasting Italian food, authentically prepared, and usually by someone who actually speaks Italian.
It could be that they don't think about the benefits of supporting the local community and helping to boost the St. Louis economy.
Some individuals might be self conscious about having to read from a menu that doesn't simplify the names of the items to begin with a well known Italian city and end with the type of meat or pasta in the dish. Tuscan Chicken. Sicilian Scampi. Florence Filet.
Or maybe someone from out of town gave them gift cards to one of the chains for Christmas. Which is exactly what happened to me this weekend. I actually got a really good compare and contrast. Saturday night I was on The Hill at Cunetto's House of Pasta for Valentines Day. Sunday I went Gift Carding at The Olive Garden. The experience only solidified my stance, and actually made it a lot more stedfast.
Winner is Cunetto's. Believe it or not, I take solace in the fact that probably 75% of people that were confronted with a three hour wait at Cunetto's stayed. It's a testament to the food and service, or maybe it was just the bar... either way.
Atmosphere: Cunetto's - Rat Pack | Olive Garden - Fake
Winner is Cunetto's. Don't get me wrong O.G. was beautiful, pristine, clean... all that. It was just fake. From the flowers, to the paintings all the way to the balcony seating for two that was not actually accessible by anyone. Cunetto's is dark and plain, but sophisticated. Not pretentious. The set decorator for The Sopranos couldn't ask for a better template.
Winner is Cunetto's. You knew where this was going. O.G. was good, and as I said friendly, but it was stereotypical chain restaurant service. Our waitress was missing teeth. Her missing teeth were not her fault, what can be faulted to her was the fact that she didn't know how to pronounce many of the items on the menu. And apparently neither could her counterpart serving the table behind us. The special of the day was Gnocchi (NYOH-kee), not NOTCH-ee, as both of them kept calling it from table to table.
Cunetto's server got everything right, though I probably didn't. The service was impeccable. Even during our wait, the busy hosts were patient with folks checking their status in the queue. And the best and most telling moment of the night happened when we were leaving (close to four and a half hours after arriving). The owner, who I had seen, but not spoken to throughout the night, thanked me by name, "Mr. Hutti," and then proceeds to assure me that the next time I am in he will, "Take care of me".
Awesome. Talk about a stereotype I am okay with being reaffirmed... great Italian service and class.
So, next time you're wanting Italian food consider The Hill first; maybe consider Cunetto's House of Pasta. If you can't get there and settle for a chain, I guess thats ok. I think MSG can taste really good with some Italian seasoning.
PS. I am against Olive Garden on principle also due to their rediculous comercials. See what I mean:
I got a text today that said simply, "Half Naked Girls at 8th and Olive". So after rounding up a posse from the office, to help alleviate any self-conscious thoughts of being a pervert, we went to check it out. Contrary to what you're thinking, I wasn't going for any type of voyeuristic sexual purpose. I had heard that PETA was out in Downtown St Louis to protest fur and support loving animals for Valentine's Day.
I always try to support anyone trying to make our fair city more city like. What wouldn't qualify as a teenage prank in New York City can fairly be called a Guerilla Marketing Event in the STL. And I support that. Here's an example.
The four block walk was chilly and brisk, but it wasn't long before we were confronted by cold, but spirited, animal lovers strutting their stuff in the name "furlessness".
The photo above originally featured a coworker, but out of privacy for her I have replaced her head with that of Joaquin Phoenix. A former PETA supporter and spokesperson, now resident lunatic trainwreck in Hollywood.
Those PETAish/GoVegitarian type people are persuasive. If you ever get a chance to watch Meet Your Meat, DO IT... or DON"T DO IT. You have to be all in or all out, because it'll have an impact. If it doesn't decrease your Meat consumption, It'll at least make you think about what kind of meat you eat and where it comes from.
Do you ever see something and can't help but say to yourself "Are you kidding me?" Or, "Is this a joke."
The newest movie by Director Quenton Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Jacky Brown, Kill Bill) is called Inglorious Bastards and tell the story of American soldiers killing Nazis with little to no remourse or inhibitions. And it stars, along with some of Tarantinos regulars, one Mr. Brad Pitt.
Now, I am not a guy scared to admit I am indeed a fan of Brad. Hell, I even like "Meet Joe Black", and like owning the iPod Photo, I am the only one I have ever met with that distinction. That said, "Are you kidding me?" "Is this a joke?"
I know I'm gonna love this movie. Just from the bits of the cinematography I could see from the teaser, I know It'll be beautiful. Quentin's writing and directing demands and generates the embodiment of "Cool", thus the movie will be as such.
But Brad, WTF?
First of all, put your eye brows down. I haven't seen someone furrow their eyebrows as much as I have seen him doing it lately. Its like someone "Mr. Potato-headed" a furrowed brow to his face ever since he grew his "WWII stache".
Case in point.
Second, Stop with the voices in movies. I already sat through two hours of you sounding like an elderly goblin doing his best impression of Gambit from the X-Men in "...Benjamin Button", now this? A cross between "Slingblade" and Christian Bale's Batman Voice.
Thirdly... ok, damn it, this movie is going to be awesome... And everything I am saying is pointless. Tarantino could direct a game a Yahtzee and I would love it. And I am probably missing the tone of this film and jumping to crazy unsubstantiated conclusions before seeing it.
I read this on Uncrate yesterday, and would go tomorrow if I could.
Will, reprising his role as the United States most bewilderingly controversial President of the last 50 years, George W. Bush. On stage at the Cort Theater in the great city of New York, NY.
It's sure to be hilarious.
If you can't make it to NYC before March 15th, when the show ends, fear not. HBO, or the Home Box Office as I like to refer to it, will air the special.
However the Guardian, one of the UK's most respected newspapers, gave it a scathing review. And the Brits really hated Bush, so that's saying a lot. This critic said that the jokes were a bit stale and the show offered nothing original. You can read the review here:
But who cares. Its Will Ferrell on Broadway playing "Dubya".
I was reading from a blog I frequent from artist Scott Hansen, and he had posted the trailer to Objectified.
This is Director Gary Hustwit follow up to the critically acclaimed (among designers anyway) Helvetica.
The film appears to take a look at products and everything that goes into bringing them to fruition. It focuses on design, and it's forward looking nature.
Check it out, I'll probably see it. I'll probably love it.
My buddy Scott Lichtenauer has for a long time been one of my Best Friends and biggest enemies. If this was TMZ I would refer to us a "Frienemies". I love him like a brother, but he makes me furiously mad due to his constant drive to argue. The worst part is that he is really good at it. Like "James Carville" Good. "Scientologist" Good. He is altruistic on the most ridiculous topics, including the existence of "Lemon Juice" as his favorite juice. What is Lemonade?
Sugar + Water + Oranges = Orange Juice.
Thus Sugar + Water + Lemons = Lemon Juice.
Done!
Well Scott has taken it into the digital space with some friends, and he's already got me fuming. Its called The Surly Birds, and I think its awesome. This is a great blog for good conversation, but probably "arguments" is a better word.
You might ask the question, "are they just trying to argue or do they really believe the stuff they post." The answer is yes, they do believe everything they post, and they'll probably have you convinced soon as well.
This time of year “Top 10…of 2008” lists are all the rage. Yahoo and blogs everywhere have made them a staple of their business model, and I gobble them up like that fat kid in Willy Wonka’s factory. Top 10 Crazy Celebrity Meltdowns, Corruption Scandals or, my personal fave, the Top 10 Albums of 2008.
However I am finding the whole thing a bit clichè. It’s been done. So, this year I sat down and took a look back at the Albums and Songs that I RE-discovered this year.
To be honest, I started listening to this album for one reason and one reason only. ‘You Got It’ is quite possibly one of the great songs of my ears’ time. One of 2008’s most talked about albums Girl Talk’s “Feed the Animals” features the song in the track ‘In Step’ and made me take a look at the entire Orbison album. Its deep emotion, full sound and pop accessibility make this a giant track on a great album. Other notable tracks are ‘California Blue’ and ‘The Only One’. A must listen for all, but especially Ryan Adams fans. I think Ryan might be ripping Roy off… or maybe great minds think alike.
Ok, I get it, greatest hits albums can’t be considered an “Album”. I’ve heard the argument. But I come from a generation that got their music one track at a time. So while I respect the sanctity of the “Album," for my purposes they are allowed. I’ll say it short and sweet. I don’t know what I am more upset about; the fact that I like ABBA, or the fact tat I haven’t been listening to them for my entire life. If ‘Take a Chance on Me’ doesn’t make you dance… check your pulse!
This album, and band for that matter, makes me proud of my generation musically. ‘When You Were Young’ and ‘Read My Mind’ have an energy that carry your mind, and lyrics that feed you as you go. A+ album for a band that also put out one of 2008’s Best “Day and Age."
This one isn’t even fair. It’s on almost everyone's list. But then again, there’s got to be a reason for that. If ‘You Can Cal Me Al’ doesn’t put it on there by itself than ‘Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes’ or the title track ‘Graceland’ guarantee its spot as one of the best albums of all time. I rediscovered it this year after seeing a live performance on PBS with the full African chorus Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Amazing talent from such a little man.
I know… again with the greatest hits. But this favorite of my parents has now become a favorite among my friends and me. Perfect combination of Soul, Funk and Vocal force… plus I’m a sucker for the Organ. The day after Barack Obama won the election ‘Black and White’ was on my Pandora Internet Radio playlist, it just felt like the right song for the right moment. It forced me to look beyond the classics like ‘One’ and listen to ‘Shambala’ and ‘Never Been To Spain’. Awesome.
Bruce Hornsby made up a good majority of the soundtrack of my childhood. At the same time, I have a love of bluegrass that stems from my family’s Kentucky roots. So for me, when you combine Bruce Hornsby and Ricky Skaggs on one album, you can’t go wrong. The bluegrass version of ‘Mandolin Rain’ is a particular favorite, while ‘Hills of Mexico’ and ‘Come on Out’ represent everything that I respect about bluegrass music.
This band pairs big sound with comfort of house party. When lead singer Craig Finn sings you feel as though he is speaking directly to you, but you happen to be standing in the middle of 100,000 people. And everyone is partying. I’ll admit I get a “Dude, did you see The Hold Steady at Bonnaroo… Whoa…” vibe from the band in general, but I can handle it because the music is really good. They party.
Spoon’s sound is somehow unique and familiar at the same time. “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” illustrates this perfectly, taking sounds from Grunge Rock to Motown and making them their own. ‘Cherry Bomb’ makes me jump around like a five-year-old that has to use the bathroom.
I heard whispers about this album, and even listened to some of the tracks without giving it due attention. Apparently mine ears were not ready for the perfection that is this album by one of the premiere DJs and Producers of today. ‘Valerie’ featuring the soon-to-be late phenom Amy Winehouse feels as though it was ripped directly from the 60’s, but doesn’t miss a beat as a contemporary pop song. ‘Stop Me’ ft. Daniel Merriweather and ‘Oh My God’ ft. Lilly Allen are also standouts on this masterpiece of an album. Perfect album for a classy party.
Check them out, and take a look back to see what you might have RE-discovered last year.
We were talking about going paperless the other day at NGAGE, and the exception to the rule came in the form of when we go to clients with decks/presentaions. We always want to have a back-up for the projector that doesn’t work.
Might just make you look cool in meeting to pull out you pocket projector and show people work and what not. Photos of your kids, a website you are really into, hardcore pornography… what ever you’re feeling at the moment.
Pretty cool I think, especially with how mobile/iphone-tastic we all are.
A few weeks ago my boss Dan Curran of NGAGE gifted a few of us at work with a case study of Bonobo’s, an online pants retailer for men. They brag about avoiding, “the khaki diaper butt problem”running rampant in mens trousers these days. Anyway Inc. Magazine ran an article using their website as a case study of what is right and wrong with this successful start-up, and their website.
Well I took a screenshot of the site after reading the article and was going to use its elements for the Kristin Kahle site, which I might be redesigning. You can see it above.
Well, recently Bonobo’s took the advise and you can see where they have directed their site just since before November 2008. Its not radically different, but the changes make a big difference.
I recommend that everyone read the article. It is very helpful and useful to anyone interested in the direction that successful digital marketing and branding is going. Actually read the whole thing, its great. Then take a look at the direction they went in, and what elements of the critique they focused on.
I have made no excuses or aversions to the fact that I am an NPR addict.
Over the last year I have become an avid follower of the show Radio Lab. They have an interesting explanatory/journalistic style, and incorporates sound in really effective and often abrasive ways.
Season Two just started up in the last few weeks.
While I think all the Radio Lab shows can apply to all of our lives, the show called “Choice” that aired last month applies especially to advertising (my chosen means of frustration for pay) and my company NGAGE in particular. It deals with why people choose, how they choose and and the utter randomness of the whole thing.
Here’s the discription form them:
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood and… and… how the heck did you decide which one take? This hour, we explore Choice. Why do some people seem better at making decisions than others? Should you listen to your head or your heart? We turn up the volume on the voices in our heads and try to make sense of the babble. Forget free will, some important decisions could come down to a steaming cup of coffee.”
Do check it out. Listen while working or driving home or whenever. You can find it at their website or download the Podcast on iTunes, they’re both FREE of course.
Malcolm Gladwell, the buddah of consumer behavior is interviewed a lot. He's kind of awesome. Very interesting.
It’s a great way to soothe your ears for an hour, enjoy!
