Monday, July 31, 2006

Songs You Should Know- The Ramones cover the Spider-Man Theme

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I'm in a festive mood right now. I've done a major overhaul on the blog, let me know what you think. Since most of you will be listening to this on a shitty Monday Morning, here's something to get your blood pumping. This particular cover is from "Saturday Morning Cartoon's Greatest Hits" which was one of my favorite albums a decade ago. It had a bunch great Cartoon theme songs, like Matthew Sweet's "Scooby Doo", Sublime's "Hong Kong Phooey",the Murmurs "H.R. Puff N. Stuff", and Juliana Hatfield and Tanya Donnely's "Josie and the Pussycats. This one was my favorite though. It makes me wanna ass punch bad guys!

Here's the Ramones covering the Spider-Man themesong:



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Friday, July 28, 2006

The Rant- Miami Vice

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annnnnnd WE'RE BACK!!!!

Okay the bad stuff first. There is no Crockett in this movie. I don't know what happened but Colin Farrell just didn't get the character. He's jittery and a teeny bit manic in some parts of the movie and that's not Crockett at all. Crockett had two settings ultra-cool and hothead which was more often than not prefaced by a "Listen, Pal!" Colin Farrell doesn't hit either of those two levels. In fact there is only one true Crockett moment in the entire movie and it comes near the end.

Jamie Foxx is too good an actor for the part of Rico Tubbs and it showed. His screen presence busted through all the limitations placed on him by past portrayals and he is just bigger than the role. I read a review that said neither of the two actors could hold a candle to the originals...total and utter bullshit. In Colin Farrell's case it's true but comparing Jamie Foxx to Philip Michael Thomas? PUH-LUH-FUCKING-LEESE. Two things that prove this point. Not once in the movie did I say to myself "Man, Tubbs sucks". Try that in ANY Miami Vice episode. There is at least one Tubbs sucks moment. If Tubbs is in it he'll suck at some point. Another thing Philipp Michael Thomas, other than Tubbs, is only known for one other thing , voicing over a Tubbs like character in Grand Theft Auto Vice City. Jamie Foxx could be reprising Wanda the Ugly Woman and still out act PMT.

The reason I have this as a negative is that it really does screw with the dynamic and it bugged me.

Castillo's death stare was replaced by the jowells of doom. Not necessarily bad but thank goodness the Lt. isn't a schmuck.

On the negative side, this movie is totally devoid of humour. I guess Miami is too cool for a few laughs in the oh-six.

The plot fell apart in the last 1/3, but you know that's what sequels are for.

The Good Stuff:

This plays like a big budget modern day movie length version of a Miami Vice episode. Nothing more, nothing less. From the very beginning after the first ten minutes or so you expect the scene to cut to the Jan Hammer theme music. In fact there are quite a few shoutouts to the original series in the plotline. I'm also pretty sure some locations are the same as some classic Miami Vice episodes. Really, it's all there, even the "I just met you, you're one of the bad guys, let's fall in love" subplot.

Visually the movie is amazing. From the angles, to the choice of camera work, to the
depictions of certain scenes, it's absolutley mesmerizing. That more than anything kept me engrossed.

The supporting characters are all there. Trudy gets most of the work. A skinny Gina gets the best line of the film, and Zito..is there. Also perfect casting award for Herc from "The Wire" being cast as Switek.

I have a newfound appreciation for the original series, so I absolutely enjoyed this movie. I can't say how this will play out to those not familiar with with the original. If you hated the original...why are you even reading this?


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The Rant- Miami Vice The Pregame show

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I was going to avoid this movie like the plague, but after being bombarded with the commercials for the last week and having completed watching seasons one and two in the last few months AND the occasional rerun on Sleuth, I'm giving in. Nostalgia is powerful stuff. This movie is sucking me in like the phone sucks in Mikey from "Swingers". It's probably going to be a bad idea but I can't help it.

The buzz: I've read that this movie is supposed to be horrible and it's a complete disaster and that Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx have no chemistry.

What PAJ needs:
1) Crocket has to be WAAAY cooler than Tubbs. If they are on equal footing it will blow the dynamic. If you thought that they were on equal footing in the original, watch those episodes again. Tubbs was dorky and terrible and it was clearly Crocket's show. Is Jamie Foxx gonna play a second fiddle effectively?

2) Their supervising officer has to be hardcore. If he's a schmuck it blows the dynamic. One of the best things about Miami Vice was that when Crocket and Tubbs went off on their own you KNEW they were fucking up and that Castillo was going to have their asses.

3) A bad soundtrack can break this movie. Miami Vice ushered in MTV style filmmaking. I'm expecting many scenes will be carried by the music. If the music sucks those scenes will suck.

Oh crap gotta go if I'm gonna make the showing. I'll be back soon for the actual rant.


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Thursday, July 27, 2006

So You Think You Can Dance - Top 8 Results Show (I H8 this show!!!)

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I just got in to catch the results show. My DVR only caught the first four minutes of the episode so I can't do a full recap, but what does it matter now because ALLISON WAS ELIMINATED!!!! I can't f'n believe this.

I hate this show now. Seriously, she was my favorite by FAR of the remaining dancers and is the only dancer on the show I would actually pay to see dance...somehow that just sounded so inappropriate...

My sister tried to explain it to me like this. "All the girls who love Ivan, hate that B!" I guess that's as good a reason as any. This show sucks now! Maybe next week I'll go "Hassle" the "Hoff" (don't get me started on that shithead)

I haven't been this disappointed in a reality show since Tamyra Grey was eliminated in favor of Nikki McKibbin! Hate you so much right now Ameriker!!!

Oh yeah Ryan was eliminated too. I don't have a screenshot but just imagine him showing you his taint.

I will now play my own personal goodbye montage to Allison in my head, to ABBA's "Dancing Queen"

L8er
H8ers!


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Monday, July 24, 2006

YouTube Mix Tape Vol. 2

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Okay this is actually one of my favorite features to do, because 1) I get to put alot of great stuff for me to listen to all in one place and 2) I always get to discover new things every time I delve into youtube.

I figure I'll do these every month or so from now on. This one's got a definite early 90's flavor to it. I guess I was just in that kind of mood. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Once again all shoutouts are intentional.

Geto Boys -Mind Playin' Tricks on Me
Now you might remember that the Geto's "Let a Ho be a Ho" was the first ever "Song You Should Know". As much as they could get raw and vulgar and downright nasty, this song solidified their status as legit artists back in the day. It really captures a reflective mood on some fucked up subjects.


Sonic Youth - Bull in the Heather
Captures a totally different mood...that's all I'm gonna say. Kathleen Hannah from Bikini Kill is the girl jumping around in the vid. She was totally my type of woman back in the day, cute, cheeky, but just as likely to slit your jugular vein if you crossed her...fine maybe it still is my type of woman...haters!


Cypress Hill- How I could Just Kill a Man
Speaking of slicing jugulars...I loved this song so much I had a Cypress Hill sticker on the original PAJ Roller..and yes, before I get busted by old friends I also had a House of Pain and a Cure sticker as well. I'm never gonna be able to get away with anything on this blog.


Fugazi - Waiting Room
I really really really hate how the term "Emo" has evolved into what it is now. The term orginated to describe a set of Fugazi-inspired bands and has evolved into something synonymous with 90's goth...a term I also hated. Sit back and let the hate just build suckas...mmmm juicy hate!


N.W.A. - 100 Miles and Runnin'
The perfect song to play when drivin' and runnin from five-oh or I guess as the kids these days call it, the Po-Po. I can't really call it TRUE N.W.A. since this was post Ice Cube, but MC Ren shines here and Eazy E hit cleanup better than any MC who ever lived. Note the Warriors inspired spot in the middle of the song. Just a true hip-hop classic


Violent Femmes - Add it Up (Live)
They were the "gateway" band for me, which led me away from Huey Lewis and the News and the Outfield. My favorite Femmes song...you might remeber Ethan Hawke in Reality Bites covering this song before he gets punked by Winona Ryder. Awesome version here.


Spinal Tap - Listen to the Flower People
Great movie that I need to revisit. Harry Scherer has me on the floor during this clip.


Wyclef Jean- Perfect Gentlemen
I was in Vegas last week, and had one of those nights where we exited the strip club to sunlight. We also got the complimentary party bus ride back to the hotel. I can't get this song out of my head now. "I called up my Mamma said I'm in love with a stripper, yo!"


The Moldy Peaches feat.Chris Barron- Two Princes
This is such a fun clip. It was one of those hidden gems of youtube. I was looking for the Peaches "Downloading Porn with Dave-O" but instead found this. Anyone who lived through the Spin Doctors should pardon Chris Barron for past sins for this particular version...and yes, I've actually seen the Spin Doctors live...twice.


L.L. Cool J - I'm That Type of Guy
So many great cocky lines lines here. L.L. showes his true awesome colors here. I always like to imagine that this is the song L.L.'s girls hear a week after "I Need Love"


They Might Be Giants -Don't Let's Start
One band I must see live, but haven't yet. One of my all time favorite songs.


XTC- Senses Working Overtime
Mandy Moore covered this song sorta recently. I wanted to stab her in th jaw. This was the song playing the first night I dicovered Indie 103 on a drive to LAX. This was tonight's upload to youtube and PAJ's way of giving back.


Out for now suckas!



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Saturday, July 22, 2006

The Rant- Clerks 2

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After deciding a few weeks ago to pass on seeing it in the theaters, I changed my mind went to an early matinee showing of Clerks II. Don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of Kevin Smith's ViewAskewniverse and I've had regular viewings Clerks through J and SBSB and the DVD commentary that accompanied the movies over the last ten years or so. It's just that I am tired of seeing works that meant so much to me being rehashed a decade later in works that fail miserably and also taint the original work in the process. So after experiencing the last three shitty Star Wars Movies, Rocky 5, Godfather 3, andf the recent relaunch of Extreme Championship Wrestling, I thought it might be best to leave this sequel alone and just rewatch the original.

What really added to my cynicism was Smith's swearing up and down that J and SBSB was the final film featuring the ViewAskewniverse characters and that J and SBSB was his love letter to his fans. Of course, one failed film and several grounded projects later he comes back to Dante and Randall. Factor in the self-indulgent seminar DVD's and the Degrassi appearance where he finally gets to kiss his childhood crush Caitlyn Ryan, this sequel had "exploit" and "quick buck" written all over it.

Now I would love to come on here bitching and raving about how much I hated it, but I won't because I didn't. I can't recommend it to those who aren't already Kevin Smith fans. For those reading this who are, if J and SBSB was our love letter from Kevin Smith, then Clerks 2 was the Post Script where he eases up on the cameos, self- references, and farce and goes back to his bread and butter, which is strong dialogue, pop-culture obsessed thematic, and extreme "dick and fart" jokes. So those of you who loved Clerks, should definitely see this movie

I'm not going to spoil anything at all about this movie, just a little caveat though. If parts of the movie seem a little un-Clerks or Kevin Smith like, just think back to ten years ago, chances are you aren't as angry, bitter, or cynical as you used to be. I have a feeling Kevin Smith and his characters don't want to be that way either, but there's still that spark there through most of the film.

Fine, one spoiler...ass to mouth!


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Friday, July 21, 2006

La Choy Soy Sauce has a new Bottle

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It's rare that I throw a tantrum in grocery store. Okay fine, every few months or so I throw a tantrum in the grocery store, but I'm working on it. Well, I had an honest to goodness. "NO! How could they DO this...but ti ti ti...NO!" moment today in the Asian foods section of my local grocer. I've had a long week so I wanted to treat myself to my favorite dish. "PAJ's Ground Beef and Rice". So, I was gathering the three main ingredients and I'm looking in the sauces section, when my eye which is trained to see this:

Instead gets an eyeful of this:

THEY F'N CHANGED THE LA CHOY SOY SAUCE BOTTLE! The ridges on the bottle are fucking gone! The La Choy bottle has had ridges my entire life and now they are gone JUST LIKE THAT. My culinary sentimentality is in hyperdrive right now. I mean, I bleed La Choy and I feel like my loyalty has been betrayed. It really isn't just about aesthetics either. It was effective, practical, packaging and they had to go and fuck it up.

I swear you don't know how many times I've asked friends or significant others to pick up some soy sauce for me. After saying, "Paj, I am not the Mayor of your shit" they ask, "What kind?" I say "La Choy" and they respond with an I'm-intimidated-by-anything-ethnic-I-can't-read-a-label-with-six-goddamn-letters "Huh?" Then I clarify, "the bottle with the ridges" and then they say "Okay."

What the fuck did they replace it with? A smooth bottle with Chinese characters. Oh yeah, that's really distinctive packaging for SOY SAUCE motherfuckers!!!!! What, a dragon or chopsticks was too much trouble?!?! How about next you add a goddamn bowl of rice...FUCK!!!

This is such BULLSHIT!!! Right, you might not think this is a big deal, but how the hell am I gonna make sure that my next dumb-ass girlfriend doesn't come strolling' home with a bottle of punk-ass Kikoman???? That's a blowup just waiting to happen with me and my hypothetical girlfriend. I can just see it now, I get pissed off, she cries and I have to pull the Tim Meadows doing Ike Turner "I'm sorry, baby...I didn't mean it" which I loathe...and it's ALL YOUR FAULT LA CHOY!!!!

What am I supposed to do, keep the last bottle with ridges that I have and transfer it out of the new bottle with a tiny-ass funnel? I have to fight the battle of Principle vs. Laziness every time I run out of soy sauce now? Fuck you, La Choy!

Seriously, I'll always stand by you, La Choy, but the first time that I'm going to town on a stir fry like Iron Chef Kenichi and that new smooth bottle of La Choy slips out of my hands...mark my words ...it's on beyotch!


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Thursday, July 20, 2006

So You Think You Can Dance-The Top 10 Results Show

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Aight suckas, after that marathon show last night with TWENTY performances I think tonight we're going to ease into it a little tonight. Some notes and rumors first. I'm still kicking myself for not including a "Now that's how he rolls" line during Ivan's solo on heelies. I swear I use that line at least five times out loud a day and twenty more a day in my head and I dropped the ball. Word on the street is that Natalie was injured during last nights performance and it may be serious.

Okay, time for the group number...and it looks like they've raided Adam Ant's closet ...and they have makeup on that makes them look like zombies. Okay the guys come down the staircase 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

Now the girls come down staircase and Natalie isn't one of them.


The dance is like that Backstreet Boys' video where they are all monsters, crossed with Prince's 1999 and Thriller. It also reminds me of the Mr. Show sketch where a College Professor describes what would happen if a bunch of monsters actually gathered together. "They wouldn't have a party...they would have a gruesome battle." He's wrong, the zombies have a pretty mean hoedown.

Of course, I would have ended it with them all spilling into the audience feeding on teenage brain, but that's just me. After the zombie jam it turns out Wade Robson choreographed that piece. I only know him as the guy who called bullshit on a tie and helped force Wade's Crew and the Li'l Saints to battle at the end of "You Got Served"

Cat looks like she's spent way too much time under a tanning bed as she's looking like a rare steak tonight. We talk to the jidges who don't have to go out on the cheezy ass steps tonight. Nigel trumpets SYTYCD finishing #1 in the ratings over all the other reality shows last night.

We do the recap of last night interspersed with new behind the scenes footage again. Nothing too noteworthy except that they really show that the judges really had it in for Martha, Ryan, Dmitry, and Ivan.

They start by bringing the female dancers out one at a time. and instead of Cat simply saying that they are safe or not safe she incorporates a positive or negative phrase from the judges recap to indicate if someone is safe. It's really fucking annoying. It detaches Cat from the dancers, robbing her of her only strength as a host. Take that away and she's just a bird who wears fucked up dresses every other week.

Donyelle is up first and as if Benjelle isn't solidified enough you can see Benji standing up to cheer Donyelle on as she goes up for her result. Knock it off you two! Ameriker voted Donyelle "Hot" so she is safe. Martha is next. She is reminded that Nigel predicted the loser pit for her. Ameriker voted and "Nigel was right". No real surprise there. Allison is next. Ameriker voted and "she can keep smiling". Yay! Um...I mean Natalie and Heidi come up together and one of them has to go tot the loser pit.


Cat tells Natalie that last night "They didn't love you". Heidi is safe. Kind of a mild surprise there. Natalie has a wrap on below her knee so that's something. I really don;t understand this result...could it be that she had the nerve to be paired with Benji and is getting Benjelle backlash?

They show a shot of the guys before the break...kind of a telling look on Ryan's face.

The guys go up and Ryan is first. Ameriker voted and to no one's surprise he's in the bottom two. Okay that must mean the next two are safe. Travis? Safe. Benji? Call him Ft. Knox yo, he's safe. So we're left with Ivan and Dmitry. To my surprise Ivan is safe and Dmitry is in the loser pit. Wow, the torso couldn't save him. Looks like the voting really does skew younger for this show. They show a shot of Allison who covers her mouth but is beaming because Ivan is safe. Take that Benjelle!

All four of them do their solos from last night again.

Martha dances without the green hat and looks great. If she only had a time machine...

Ryan shows us his taint for perhaps the last time.

Natalie does her solo with the wrap. In all seriousness that shows a lot of guts. I'm impressed.

Dmitry does his BEP solo and decides to keep his shirt on. Apparently he only takes his shirt off when it counts.


Some dude sings and dances.

We come back and Cat's all ready to read the results for the women. No surprises here, it's Martha who's going home.

They give her a really nice sendoff and let her dance her solo for the third time in 24 hours. She plays around with it a bit and looks so relaxed and at ease. She does a her trademark shoulder wiggle. It's really a shame that the energy and spark that was deemed lacking, all came back now.


Now the guys...Holy crap it's Dmitry!!!

Kinda of a shocker there. i really didn't expect that. See what happens when you interfere with the Benjelle? In a cool display of closeness the remaining dancers all give Dmitry wolf whistles and basically yell for him to strip and dance for them. I think I saw Travis throw him a $20.


That's all for SYTYCD this week...wait, did I hear them say tour????


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So You Think You Can Dance -The Top 10

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Last week we saw the departure of street dancers Ashlee and Musa. Coincidentally, the Dance Powers that Be decide that this is the week that everything gets shaken up. This week all the couples are broken up and a NEW partner is chosen at random. The new couples will dance two routines. Additionally, each dancer will perform a solo. Looks like I picked the wrong week off. The judges only offer input tonight and the dancers will be eliminated on the basis of votes. Got it? Okay our figurehead jidges with absolutely no direct effect on the outcome are Nigel, Cicely and Olisa, and Jean-Mark Generaux. Here we go...Soyouthinkyoucandance


Cat's hair looks like she was tussle before the show...it looks good on her, thank goodness for no filler this week

We start the couples break up this week with Ivan. Too bad, I really liked the pairing of Allison and Ivan and after seeing their contemporary piece last week, I thought they had a ton of momentum. They displayed so much chemistry that apparently there was some message board smacktalk directed towards Ivan's girlfriend which he wrote about on his MySpace
He chooses Martha and she's not too psyched about leaving Travis as a partner. Now I had a feeling that the partner switching would suck a lot of the fun out of the show and it's starting already.

They are doing a hip hop routine by Shane Sparks which is what enjoy most on this show. I mean, I had a jonesing so bad for Shane Sparks choreographed "You Got Served" a few weeks ago that I ended up watching it...in Spanish...it was actually better that way. Martha's attitude is reminiscent of Jessica in that her attitude just acts like an anchor to mood of the piece. The routine itself is very laid back and Ivan is a really strong hip-hop dancer and Martha just seems to be going through the motions. I was disappointed that the song Cassie's "Me and You" was laid back and not about booty, gettin' crunk, or dimes that are top of the line.

Nigel thought Ivan danced very well and Martha allowed Ivan to outdance her and that Ivan shone. Olisa says Martha has just stayed the same level and Cicely wants her to pull the blood out of her heart. They agree that van was great. Jean Mark Generaux...sound a lot like Joe f'n Pesci and he was looking for more.

Next up we have Donyelle doing her first ever solo. Word is that she has a broken toe. We'll see how this affects her dancing. She does a hip-hop routine to "Git it" By BUN B featuring the Yin Yang Twins...here's the hip hop song I was looking for. Have the Yin Yang Twins ever done a song about anything but strippers?

Donyelle rocks it and looks good. She's wearing army boots and that's gotta hurt on a bad toe. She limps over to Cat. Nigel says that she was brilliant. Cicely shook her junk in approval. Olisa says she's a natural dancer. Jean Mark says she's a money player when it's time to perform and "the two utes your honor."

Dmitry's solo is next. Now if you'll remember last week, Nigel warned Dmitry that he's gonna have to do more than show his abs and that he needed to step it up. Dmitry, the ballroom specialist, does his solo to Black Eyed Peas "Pump It"...k. It's just a bizarre 30 seconds until the end when in an act of defiance Dmitry rips open his shirt. Heh a blatant FU to Nigel. Nice work.

Nigel laughs it off and says sarcastically that ladies aren;t going to pick up the phone for that. Cicely and Olisa give him a that was great and a Stran-jay! Jean Mark says that he has added more personality to his body and cover up. He also says: "I mean, funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh... I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?" Okay I'll stop now...

Next up is Travis and Heidi and they should be a strong couple. They pick Paso Doble choreographed by Mary Murphy. For those new to the show Paso Doble is the Latin dance in which the man is the matador and the woman is his cape. Travis spends the rehearsal clip working on making his macho face mas macho. Mary says that this dance is so intense that at the end "someone may die" Oh STFU Mary geez.

Travis and Heidi compliment each other well and just seem to fit together. For a matador-cape dance they sure spend a lot of time apart. The dance finishes with no casualties. Nigel thought it was stunning and the technique is brilliant and says the chemistry was there. Cicely says she saw a bull and a cape. Olisa highlights the intensity. Jean-Mark said they rocked. Someone in the audience had this sign...why?

My favorite to win this whole contest, Allison, has been paired with Ryan this week. The two contemporary dancers get...Contemporary. Mia Michaels is choreographing this piece and as Nigel put it "represents the art" on this show. Mia is a taskmaster and Allison and Ryan are frustrated with the moves they have to perform. At one point Ryan smashes his face into Allison's butt. Is it just me or is he always getting poked in the eye or something. Anyway his teeth marks end up on Allison's backside and yes my mind is going there, but I'm trying to be good.

Okay, I've seen a lot of things...but WTF? Allison Ryan come out wearing all black and...eyepatches? Why? Did they both have monocle accidents? Anyway they jiggle all over the stage violently. Ryan reminds us that his taint is just insane. They end by leaping off the back of the stage. Seriously yo, I didn't get it at all.

Nigel didn't seem to get it either, but he thought they gave it 100%. Olisa thought it was crazy and wanted Ryan needed to melt into each move. Allison nailed it. Olisa thought they did really well, but needs Ryan's insides to come out. Jean-Mark called them both true artists.

Martha does her solo to Gwen Stefani's "What you Waiting For" that just seems flat. The big-ass green hat was a terrible idea. Nigel thinks that Martha is in trouble, Cicely and Olisa need more from Martha as well. Jean-Mark liked it a little more than the others and likes her smile.


Ivan is up next with his solo to Donnell Jones' "This Luv" and Holy Crap he's wearing heelies, the shoes with the roller skate wheel in the heel. He does a pretty good hip-hop solo while skating around the stage.

Nigel thought It was fun but gimmicky, but reminds people he was great last week. Olisa thought he needed a bit more personality. Cicely wants him to connect more. Jean-Mark thought it was fun but thought he could do better. Ivan takes the biggest risk any reality show contestant can take, by opening his goddamn mouth. He said he wanted to entertain and thought he did. Eh. Not gonna hurt or help too much.

Next we have the destruction of Ameriker's Sweethearts Benjelle. Dmitry selects Donyelle and she is very happy about it she says she loves Benji but she also loves Dmitry. She fondles him to the point where Natalie starts speed dialing her Intellectual Property attorney for possible infringement. They get the Lindy Hop choreographed by Nick Williams and Kristin Sorci. I'm not sure if they were two of the Lindy Hop performers earlier in the season, but really does it matter?

I can't help but pay attention to Donyelle and her broken toe. I have no idea how this is supposed to be danced but I swear she looks flat-footed and it bugs. It's a routine that's fun to watch and I swear that Dmitry's the only guy left in the competition that could have made this work.

Nigel thought it was fantastic to watch but Dmitry didn't have the double bounce. He thought Donyelle was dynamite. Cicely said Donyelle was good but Dmitry didn't have the character of the dance come across. Jean-Mark thought it was just okay.

So that leaves us with Natalie and Benji and the irony that the couple that thousands wants to see hooked up are now paired with Dmitry and Natalie who have both relied heavily on teh sexay. I swear I heard the angry "whatever" of a teenage girl off in the distance. They get jazz choreographed by Tyce D'orio. Natalie has focus problems and Natalie has toned down the French Maid attitude which is probably the best thing she could have done.

The routine is to India Arie's "Wonderful" lot's of leaping and prancing but not a lot of dancing together. The wardrobe people did wonders for making Benji look more normal. At one point they seem to be dancing over conversation. Nigel thought it was joyful. Cicely thought they felt the music. Olisa thought they meshed well. Jean-Mark thought it was great.

Heidi's next with her solo and like Dmitry pretty much does a pairs dance by herself for her solo. It's to "Dum Diddly" by Black Eyed Peas where Fergie lifts the "Pass The Duchee" line. I dunno something about Heidi just bothers me. I ain't feelin' it.

Nigel thought the solo was well thought out. Cicely said she dances with strength and power. Olisa starts a spunk chant. Jean-Mark though it was a smart solo.

Second round and we're gonna breeze through . Martha and Ivan get the smooth waltz for the second dance. They make a point that Martha is buffer than Ivan. They waltz to a Dolly Parton song and it really looks like Ivan has problems with the lifts. It really is just MEH.

Nigel didn't expect much and get much from the pair. He says the lift wasn't there. Cicely says their feet left the floor when they shouldn't have. Olisa didn't think it wasn't the best. Jean-Mark thought the frame wasn't there and thinks they will need some help.

Travis does his solo to "Belief" by Gavin DeGraw. He really gets to show case here and he really is the strongest male dancer left. Too bad he doesn't have a chance against Benji in the fan's eyes.

Nigel says he's one of the best dancers ever on the show. Cicely says he's doin it fer real. Olisa loved the turns. Jean-Mark was very happy.

Allison gets to work with Tyce D'Orio again as she and Ryan get Broadway. He says it's quirky, cute, and fun which seems to be right up Allison's alley. They Dance to "Bye Bye Blackbird" sung by Liza Minelli. They are wearing fedoras which screams FOSSE! There's a bit where Allison loses her fedora, stays in character and picks it up in stride. Seriously yo, adorable.

Nigel doesn't think Ryan got the nuances which Allison did. Nigel brings up the hat bit. Olisa didn't think Ryan was playful while Allison gave it what it deserved. Jean-Mark said that he doesn't know if they felt the performance in the back. This, of course, leads to a standing ovation from the back to which Jean-Mark calls out as bullshit.

Natalie's solo to "Lamentation" by Leah Andreone is next and she takes about ten seconds to start. She's crying so I guess she was plucking a nose hair or something. I know it's not fair but everything now seems contrived with that girl. It also doesn;t help that the song sucks ass.

Nigel thinks she's sensational. Cicely thought it was great. Olisa thought there was alot of emotion. Jean-mark calls her electric.

Benji's up for his very first solo ever. He dances to "Land of 1,000 Dances" but it's not done by the WWF All-Stars so this doesn't count. I swear every time I hear this song I keep expecting Mr. Fuji to start out with "You got to know how to poh-kneee" Benji ends with a butt wiggle and a Dr. Evil pinky. He gets a hayooge Benji chant at the end.

Nigel says he actually looks like a solo dancer. Cicely says "great balls of fire" Olisa threatens to smack dat azz. Jean-Mark said he owned it. Nigel snarks about wheels and open shirts.

Donyelle and Dmitry dance the samba. We get an Artem sighting and Dmitry threatens "You want some samba, I'll give you some samba". Boo. They samba to the THIRD flippin' Black Eyed Peas song "Hey Mamma", the steel drum version. I don't buy it. It looks like a political fundraiser gone wrong.

Nigel says a woman must dress Dmitry and that Donyelle must be a fan. Nigel compliments Donyelle's facials. Jean-mark thought it was a great performance. Cicely thought it was excellent. Olisa ...gets her comment cut.

Heidi and Travis get sucked into the world of Mia Michaels and Heidi has a meltdown when she can't really adapt to contemporary all that well....WAAAHH suck it up! Hell, even Jaymz never actually cried. Anyway they dance to "Calling You" to Celine Dion and it revolves around an innocent, awkward, courtship on a bench, well I have other theories but I'm tired. It is a "gettable" piece though.

Nigel says that he was touched by the piece. Said that Heidi grew the way Ivan grew last week. He credits Travis a lot as well. Cicely said that made her fall in love. Jean-Mark says that it was very deep and fantastic.

Allison solos to "We Belong" by Pat Benetar. Lost points with me there. She flows through the 30 seconds and looks great. She leaves her soyouthinkyoucandance shimmy at home though.

Nigel says she needs to emote more. Cicely says she needs to show her funky more. Olisa thought it was good. Jean-Mark uses this opportunity to say the ladies are ahead of the men.

Benji and Natalie are our last pair and they get Shane Sparks and Hip Hop. NAtalie learns the intricacies of booty poppin'. Shane wants Nat to get the booty bouncing to the music down. They get "She's Freaky" by Pitbull. Reggaeton in the hizzay. Lots of energy, but once again they fail to "coordinate". Natalie's hip hop was off last week, it's off again this week. Maybe it was her and not Musa whoo couldn;t get counts in the hip-hop right. We're also deprived of seeing the booty pop since she's wearing coveralls.


Nigel says it wasn't very good and gets booed lustily. He also said there was no chemistry. Cicely said as a couple was not together. Olisa said Benji was believable. Jean-Mark loved it and said the movements were sharp.

Ryan is in the pimp spot this week and he's dancing to the Napoleon Dynamite song...can we please retire this song from this show please??? Or at least make everyone who uses it wear a "Vote for Pedro" shirt...GOSH! Yes you can make me retire that last bit too.

Nigel says Ryan can be a soloist for most companies in the country and should have a good solo career. Olisa said he's great in his element. Jean-Mark says he needs to pick the right element to sell what he wants to sell.


Predictions

Girls: I'll be shocked if it isn't Martha

Guys: Toss-up between Dmitry, Travis, Ivan, and Ryan. The only lock is Benji. If I had a choice I would say Ryan based solely on the likeability factor.


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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Songs You Should Know- Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) Cobra Starship

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In the book of PAJ, in order for a theme song to be considered truly great, it has to have at least TWO of the following three elements.

1. It has to include the title of the project in the actual lyrics.

2. It should accurately describe the theme of the movie, with bonus points if the lyrics actually include plot points.

3. You should be able to visualize the song being sung by by the one of the main cast members, bonus points if the song is actually sung by a cast member.

Off the top of my head, here are some examples of the theme songs that meet this criteria
TV: Three's Company, Facts of Life, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Silver Spoons, Love Boat, WKRP, Saved by the Bell, Duck Tales, Growing Pains and Kids Incorporated. I would include Gilligan's Island, but that Applebee's commercial sends me into a blinding rage.

Movies: Footloose, Ghostbusters, Fame, The Rose, 9 to 5, Jailhouse Rock

Recently, movie theme songs have been lacking in meeting these criteria, with maybe "Lose Yourself" from Eminem's 8 Mile being the best non children's movie example. I guess it's easier to buy a hit song and attach it to a movie rather than follow the theme songs rule which may hinder a soundtrack's marketability.

This is why I LOVE anything associated with Snakes on a Plane and it's rejection of taking the safe path and throwing all self-importance out the window. Starting with the story of Samuel L. Jackson's refusal to have the name changed and the birth of the catchphrase described here The movie's "you know it's going to be bad, we know it's going to be bad, let's have some fun" approach has been so refreshing. I really hope that this becomes a hit so we see more of this in Hollywood. Otherwise, we'll end up with more movies like The Descent...wait haven't heard of it? It's the one with the hot chicks that go into a scary cave. Which of course begs the question, why didn't they just call it "Hot Chicks, Scary Cave"? Well maybe they could come up with a less porno-y title, but still...I might respect the film more and actually watch it.

Anyway, as usual, I digress. Here's the video that I can't stop watching. All it needs now it a white guy as one of the co-stars and this might hit the theme song trifecta. Here's Snakes on a Plane (bring it) by Cobra Starship.


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The Return of the Fabulous JP's...sorta

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Okay, one of the few things about my recent trip to Vegas that I can discuss, was the reunion of the Fabulous JP's. Now you long time Tortilla Chips and Milk readers might remember me discussing the Fabs here, here, here, and here. I'll give you a second to catch up...ready? Good. As you've figured out I am a longtime fan of the Fabs, so knowing I was going to be in the same city as Stan and Steve was gonna be a treat. Unfortunately, there was no reunion concert. However, I did get rough copy of their latest collaboration, "Where is my Harmonica?" which I have to share here on Tortilla Chips and Milk.

First some background information about the song. The Fabs, who are Stan, Steve, Big Money and Egg, cut their teeth playing a place called the Basement in central Kentucky. After their last show ever in this venue, one of the many "Fifth JPs" Dangerous D lost his harmonica and went on a drunken rampage that can only be described as awesome! The Fabs have now captured that moment in song and are sharing it with the world. CAUTION: There is a lot of ranting and strong lanuage used. It is definitely Not Safe For Work...hell, it's probably not even safe for the home. Check it out at www.myspace.com/thefabulousjps


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Sunday, July 16, 2006

Are you there, Mr. T ? It's me, PAJ! - Mr. T set to star in advice show

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From the National Post:
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=9279e3ca-bab1-4e70-ad2b-22d6b05dbab4&k=13569

Mr. T aspires to be Dr. Phil -- without the tears

Rob McKenzie
National Post

Saturday, July 15, 2006

PASADENA, Cal. - "Father, bless this food I'm about to eat and give me strength to grow stronger in love. Father, bless the people who don't have food on their table and bless the people who are less fortunate than myself."

That is what Mr. T says when he prays. He has other prayers for other occasions, but that's the one for mealtime.

Two decades ago, Mr. T fulminated his way to fame as Clubber Lang in Rocky III and subsequently as mohawked mercenary B.A. Baracus on The A-Team. Now 54 years old, he is returning to the airwaves as a self-help guru in I Pity the Fool, that being his catchphrase as Baracus.

He aspires to give Dr. Phil a run for his money, and on that subject observed: "My show ain't no Dr. Phil where people sit around crying [at this point, Mr. T affected a whiny voice], 'What's wrong with me, Dr. Phil? What's wrong with me, Dr. Phil?' You are a fool. That's what's wrong with you."

Similarly, when asked how he would counsel Tony Kornheiser, the Washington Post sportswriter who is afraid of flying but has taken a travel-intensive job in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth, Mr. T said: "Straighten up and stop being a coward. Don't be no fool. Get on that plane and fly, fool, fly."

Perhaps the best question of Mr. T's appearance this week before the Television Critics Association, a question admirable both for its cheek and succinctness, was: "Mr. T, why do you pity the fool?"

"That is a good question. That is a good question and a legitimate question," Mr. T replied. "And I'm the man to answer it. You pity the fool because you don't want to beat up a fool. You know, pity is between sorry and mercy. See, if you pity him, you won't have to beat him up. So that's why I say fools you gotta give another chance because they don't know no better."

Mr. T blusters and improvises -- at various points during Thursday's session, he said the T in his name stands for Tender, Tough, On Time, and Temperature (because he brings the heat); he also opined that "Every superhero is supposed to have a fear. Superman feared kryptonite. Batman feared [pause] Batwoman" - but he also hews to an unreconstructed morality. He worships his mother, and time and again cited her teachings to him. He is grateful to God. He wants people to, in brief, "Do good. Be nice."

After Hurricane Katrina he rid himself of his gold chains because they felt like a sin. Anyway, he said, "The gold is in my heart."

In the snippets of I Pity the Fool shown to critics, Mr. T visits a car dealership in New York where the work atmosphere is poisoned. There is tension between the gruff and ungiving man who runs the place and the son desperate to please him. Mr. T exhorts them to listen to one another, and in the end the son cries as the father says how highly he thinks of him.

And so here is another of Mr. T's favourite prayers: "Lord, when they see me, let them see you. When they hear me, Lord, let them hear you."

- I Pity the Fool premieres on TV Land in the United States on Oct. 11. A TV Land official said the show will run in Canada but details are still being worked out.


Oh Em Gee! I have a new favorite show and I haven't even seen it yet. Maybe if the show does well he can replace his gold for some real platinum bling, yo!

This article does bring about some sadness though, as the whole mystique of the phrase "I pity the fool" has been shattered. I never thought that the phrase was meant, as T claims here, as a gesture of tolerance, benevolence and redemption for those who lacked wisdom. I always took it as a clairvoyant statement of future feelings towards said fool. For example, "I pity the fool, who took T's Capri Sun" would mean I will have great sympathy for the person who took Mr. T's convenient and tasty juice in a pouch. Because after I find who took it, I will give them a monumental ass-stomping and stick the Capri Sun straw of death up his pee-hole. Using the "correct" meaning it would mean that he would identify the fools mistake, reprimand him, and then give him another chance where the fool may or may not cause Mr. T. to go thirsty once again in the future. Not quite as menacing is it? Sigh. I've been using the phrase incorrectly these last 23 years or so. I feel so dumb. Please show pity on this fool.

By the way, did any of you as kids notice that when the old Capri Sun Pouches were really poofy that you could get a buzz off drinking the fermented juice. Yeah...me neither.

At least nothing can take away Mr. T's "Hey, WO-man" speech to Adrian in Rocky III, which is still the greatest callin' out scene ever in a movie. Hmmmm I think I'll just use that phrase in "I pity the fools" stead. I hear that the ho's really dig it when you refer to them as a "WO-man". I guess I owe you thanks once again Mr. T. You're the greatest!


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Thursday, July 13, 2006

SYTYCD Recap and dedications

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Okay, it's been a long time coming, but here's the recap of what may have been the best SYTYCD ever. But first, I have a dedication:


To the Sexy Six:
The fancy cars, the women and the caviar, you know who we are, cause we pimpin all over the world, The fancy cars, the women and the caviar, you know who we are, cause we pimpin all over the world

To Paj:
See I'm the man of this town, and I hope you would'nt mind if I showed you around, so when you Go to certain places you'll be thinkin of me, we got people to meet and many places to see,


And to the ladies in Vegas:
You hear the song so dance, don't always think I'm tryna get in your pants, cause see me my Pimpin's in 3-D, I'm takin you places you only see on T.V., tryna show ya that livin is trife,
How many guys you know that can bring the travel channel to life, one day we on the autobahn Swervin drivin, next day we in the sun on the Virgin Islands, if you wit me ain't no time to
Sleep, especially at wet willies on Miami Beach, but I drive you off and pay you no attention if
I make it to Atlantas Brina Brothers convention, then jump in the car and just ride for hours, Makin sure I don't miss the homecomin at Howard, Hawaii to D.C. it's plenty women to see, so if Yo ass don't show up it's more women for me, Heyy

Now, on to the recap:

The show begins with Cat as always, who appears to have borrowed Heidi's fringe dress from last week. Our first couple will be Natalie and Musa, dancing Hip Hop to Promiscuous Girl by Nelly Furtado. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase how good these two would look having sex together and they take full advantage. Musa finally gets to dance in his element and does it well, but Natalie mostly walks around in hot pants and plays with her new hair extensions. Unfortunately, America will probably keep these two out of the bottom three again.

Up next are Heidi and Ryan, dancing to Sex Bomb by Tom Jones.
Of course we know the minute the style comes out of the hat that Heidi is going to rock it, and Ryan is nervous because he's never done this before. Unfortunately during the rehearsal footage Ryan has to return to his former catty, Heidi-hating self and comment that she's dancing with the instructor more than him--"Great partner." I would vote these two into the bottom three just to get rid of him. Then the performance begins and...

HOT, HOT, HOT! Heidi is ridiculously good, and they do this move where she sits on Ryan's lap and he slowly pulls her legs together that is pretty steamy. Ryan is definitely the weak point, but she may have pulled him through. Lots of congratulations from the Judges.

Ivan and Allison perform contemporary to Annie Lennox, choreographed by Tyce DiOrio, and it was incredible. definitely the performance of the night. Ivan could use a bit more confidence when it comes to hitting the lines and pointing his feet, but he was way better than half of the ballet dancers I know. Mary cries her eyes out, and Seabiscuit is still in the race.

Well, we needed a little dose of reality, and we get it with Dmitry and Ashlee. It's a pop routinge by Dan Karaty. She is sporting some frightening hair (as most pop routines seem to require). I give it a resounding, "Not pimpin'."

The unisons were way off, and for the first time Ashlee is better than her partner. Nigel pretty much agrees with me, but Mary must still have tears in her eyes because she actually compliments their performance. Crazy lady. Brian gives some good criticism, and actually gives Dan K a little slam. Cat tries to call him on it, asking if the choreography is the problem here, but he pusses out and won't say. Boo.

Now it's time for Martha and Travis, doing the fox trot choreographed by the crazy Frenchman. Sure, he can choreograph, but can he head-butt?

Anyway, LOVE THEM. Seriously, other than one unfortunate shot of Martha licking her teeth, it was beautiful. Also, Martha and Travis should know that to get the kind of detailed critism from judges (focus more on your line, make sure your foot is pointed on that move, etc.) is a great compliment. They're just so close to perfect it's easy to identify the only problems they have.

And now for the last couple of the night--Benjelle, doing BROADWAY!! I can hardly contain my excitement at this point. The music from Hairspray begins and, hmmm. On any other night I would have raved over this. Maybe it's because I've seen the original production in New York, but I wanted more. One thing this did achieve was to make me think Benji might actually be able to handle a solo. I almost want these two in the bottom three just so I can see them solo.

Overall, there were so many great performances the bottom three could be tough.
My thoughts on the bottom 3:
Heidi and Ryan
Dmitry and Ashlee
Natalie and Musa

Eliminations:
Ryan and Ashlee or
Dmitry and Ashlee.

Anyway, that's all I've got. Even though I'm posting late I haven't seen the results show--looks like I have a date with my TiVo tonight.

Welcome back, Paj.


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Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Strictly for my homies

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Okay, I've been to numerous bachelor parties and I've been to Las Vegas at least twice a year for the last eight years. In less than 24 hours I'll finally get to experience "Hey, your bachelor party is in my Las Vegas." "Well, your Las Vegas, is in my bachelor party!" It'll be like a four day long Resse's Peanut Butter cup, except a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup never took my money or gave me syphilis...well once, but that's a whooole other story.
So, I'll be spending the next few days with the Sexy Six plus three. There's still a rumor floating around about the Fabulous JPs reunion concert that may or may not happen. It's going to be such an event even former Imaginary Wrestling Association Six-Man Tag Team Champs will be there!



I always wanted to post this picture up, indulge me for a bit, beloved readers.

E-Rizzle will be taking over the So You Think You Can Dance Duties for tonight. Make her feel at home, y'all!


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Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Tales of Overheard Conversation - A catch phrase deferred

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Okay, this anecdote was actually told to me over the phone a few years ago by a buddy of mine who lives in Austin...no not Austin, Kansas...Austin, Texas mofos! I was reminded of this the other day and I had to put it in Tortilla Chips and Milk. The story goes, he was out on 6th Street and he was passing these two guys. They apparently had just parked and one guy was trying to lock his car up while the other guy was doing that thing where he realizes EVERYTHING in his pockets needed to be emptied and reassessed for whether or not it should be left in the car.

The guy must have been wearing cargo pants or something because he was continually handing his friend keys, wallet, cel phone, PDA, etc. Anyway the friend had finally had enough and blurted out:

DUDE! I am not the MAYOR of your SHIT!!!!


When he told me this over the phone we both agreed that this was the greatest phrase used EVER! We discussed the versatility of said phrase for about an hour. Whiny friend bringing you down incessantly with their problems? I am not the Mayor of your shit. Someone needs you to run an errand for them? I am not the Mayor of your shit. Someone tries to involve you in their personal affairs? I am not the Mayor of your shit. And so on...

Since it was coming from a trendy city, we both watched and waited for "I am not the Mayor of your shit" to seep into the culture. Sadly, it never did. I say it's time we change things, yo!


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Monday, July 10, 2006

The Pitch - TNBC Ya grows up,ya grows up, ya grows up

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With the death of Aaron Spelling there's now a vacuum for cheesy prime-time Soap Operas in the mold of Dynasty or Melrose Place. Desperate Housewives doesn't count since according the shows creators its a comedy...whatever. Anyway, I'm nominating one man for the position of heir to the throne. That man is Peter Engel, the King of TNBC, producer of Saved By the Bell, California Dreams, Hang Time, and City Guys among other classics. He's got a huge cast of characters that he can draw from that already have their own built in fan-base. A modern-day nitetime soap using TNBC characters is a can't miss!

Here's the pitch:

The show would be set in Los Angeles. Our focal characters, naturally, will be Zach Morris and his recently separated wife Kelly Kepowski. Zach is now an agent in Hollywood whose clients include, Ultimate Fighter AC Slater, retro 90's lounge act The California Dreams, relocated Morning Show DJs from New York Chris and Jamaal (City Guys), and Jessie Spano who ironically hosts a Martha Stewart type homemaking show while dating WNBA star Julie from Hang Time.

Zach's contemporaries in the Agent World include, Lisa Turtle of the Lisa Turtle Modeling Agency, Al Ramos (City Guys), and Sly Winkle who still habors resentment towards Zach for having the California Dreams stolen from him.

The Maxx,owned by L-Train, is now a restaurant-nightclub and is where many of the shows scenes take place. L-Train would be the moral center of the show ala Nat from the Peach Pit/Isaac from the Love Boat.

Seriously, the show writes itself from here. I dare you to tell me you wouldn't watch if you saw this in your TV Guide:

Kelly's road to reconciliation with Zach is blocked by former Lambada champion Melvin Nerdly. Sly steals Zach's Blackberry and Zach is forced to use his big-ass celphone. Jessie finds coke in Lisa's purse and has to face the ghosts of her own past addictions. Teddy and Julie enter the Venice Beach two-on two basketball tournament. Guest Starring: Mutha Fuckin' Snakes on a Mutha Fuckin' Plane's Anthony Anderson as Teddy


Seriously, yo...GOLD!

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Sunday, July 09, 2006

Songs You Should Know- "Somebody is Waiting For Me", Juliana Hatfield

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Tortilla Chips and Milk has been around for about four months and I just realized that I've only had one Juliana Hatfield-centric post. Well the drought ends here, right now, mofo's. I think I first came across the wonder that is Juliana when I was flipping through an issue of SASSY magazine that my sister had lying around. I vaguely remember that it was article about indie rockers sharing an apartment. Her roommate at the time was Evan Dando of the Lemonheads and I think it had a recipe in it or some shit like that. I just recall thinking at the time that she was gorgeous. Follow that with 120 minutes showing the video for "Everybody Loves Me but You" and a celebricrush was born.

I had my first opportunity to see Juliana Hatfield live when I was studying in London. She was sandwiched on a bill with the Posies and Teenage Fanclub. The Posies I was familiar with only because of the single "Dream all Day". Meanwhile, Teenage Fanclub was the indie act du jour and were touring supporting their album "Bandwagonesque", which Spin Magazine named album of that particular year, beating out Nirvana's "Nevermind". Let that soak in for a sec...

Now there is nothing better for me than seeing a concert in a medium-sized, converted theater with general admission and an inclined floor. This let me get pretty close to the stage which was key. Now the Posies set was memorable for one particular reason. They had performed "Dream All Day" in the middle of their set, which was probably the only Posies song the majority of the crowd knew, me included. Maybe two songs after, some jerkoff in the crowd starts singing the chorus to "Dream All Day" in the middle of one of their other songs. To this day it's still the worst burn I've seen at a concert.

During Juliana's set, two things stood out, she sounded nervous at times and she could really play the hell out of a guitar. My admiration was cemented when she sang the song "Nirvana" where the combination of her little-girl voice and the lyrics "makes me wanna go fuck shit up" was overwhelming and inspired life-long fandom.

Depending on who you ask she's most well known for either "My Sister" or "Spin the Bottle", but she's released some excellent work as she's drifted further and further from the mainstream. Her 2000 album "Beautiful Creature" stands out especially. The single I'm choosing from that album is the perfect showcase of why I love her as an artist. The song is such a mix of optimism and melancholy that's just amazingly genuine. Factor in that it's sung by, pound for pound, the most attractive woman in the universe and you've got a song that suckas got's ta know. Here's "Somebody is Waiting for Me"





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Saturday, July 08, 2006

Fashion trends I wanna see - The Monocle

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For the last few months, Tortilla Chips and Milk has neglected the fashion world. Well, the silence is broken, Mofos! In the premiere column of "Fashion trends I wanna see" we're going to take a look at an accessory that screams sophistication, wealth, and importance. Yes my beloved readers, we're going to take a look at the monocle. The presence of a monocle says one of two things, one, "I'm not going to bother wearing anything over an eye that has perfect vision." More importantly, it could also say, "I only need perfect vision in one eye to rock the house, beyotch!". Sure, you think I'm just being ridiculous in calling for a monocle revolution, but in my lifetime, I've seen urban trends appropriate many other antiquated pieces into the culture , such as the walking cane, newsboy hats, and chalices to name a few. Why not the monocle?

It makes perfect sense if you think about it. Seeing a monocle on someone automatically heightens your expectations. If you see two people in military uniforms and one of them has a monocle, who do you think has the higher rank? The guy with the monocle, of course. You see two well-heeled men in suits, one has a monocle, one doesn't, who do you assume comes from older money? Mr. Monocle. Seriously , you think that Planters didn't know it was doing when it stuck a monocle on a peanut? Quick, then name another peanut company, asses!

To further my point , if you see someone with a monocle, you just know that when they open their mouths they're not gonna sound like Stu Shithead. You're expecting a voice that's regal, continental, or suave. The monocle reduces your chances of being thought a trifling' punk-ass on first glance to almost nil! Any schmuck can rock the platinum bling, but a platinum monocle, shoot man, I'm gonna hang wit you!

The possibilities are endless with the monocle as a fashion accessory. Platinum, jewel encrusted monocles, multi-colored lenses, monocles with blinking LED lights that say custom messages, monocles without lenses but with dollar signs, Air Jordan, Gucci or Louis Vuitton logos...really my imagination is makin' so much bank right now.

Imagine the hilarity in an upcoming sitcom on the CW, when guest star, (insert latest rap sensation) is told that they've been bootlegging' his album on the street five months before it's release and in his shock and surprise, his ruby monocle falls into his pimp cup and splashes all up in his hyphy juice. Seriously yo, that's comedy gold right there.

Of course, I realize the dangers of the monocle in today's world. Step up to the wrong dime in the club and if her dude decides to "DOT" that monocled eye...man, it's all she wrote.

It's aight though, you can always be retro and rock the Slick Rick look. Ain't nothing' wrong with that, suckas!

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Friday, July 07, 2006

Rent It! Mr. Show

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One of my million and one annoying (but endearing, right?) habits is that even in company of friends or in the middle of conversation, I will, for no apparent reason whatsoever, start laughing out of the blue. It's a problem and its rude and I've tried to explain myself to people, but I can't help it. For example, a few years ago I was in a museum with this absolutely lovely girl, who really should have had my complete attention at the time. As it was, my habit for zoning out with horrible timing combined with spontaneous laughter got the best of me once again.

We were looking at a painting by Edward Hopper. I don't remember what it was, but it wasn't Nighthawks, but since it's the work of his most people are familiar with my mind went there. Then, I went on a further tangent to the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"which is such an artistic horror show that it makes me angry just thinking about it. The third tangent went to comedian Jerry Minor's commentary on a Mr. Show DVD, who was doing a surreal impression of Billy Dee Williams at the time. For some reason he referenced "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and said he had a version of that painting that replaced Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean with Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, and Martin Luther King Jr. To be reminded of that sequence, especially in the context of a Billy Dee Williams impression was to much and I just started laughing. Of course, there was no way I could explain this so I just had to eat it and look strange. The point is that it's quite a common thing for me and in the last few years the final tangent that makes me break out in spontaneous laughter more often than not is Mr. Show.

Since wikipedia does such a fine job of summarizing the show here's wikipedia's entry on Mr. Show What I love about this series is that it slowly and subtly creates this absurd, bizarre alternate universe, which is just like ours but titled just slightly. The comedy is so anti-convention, mainstream mocking, and irreverent, that it feeds my inner-contrarian. The longer you stay in this universe the more accustomed you get to the humour. It's definitely vulgar at times and like anything else worthwhile, its often challenging. The sketches topics range from the banal ( "The Burgundy Loaf" restaurant who's chairs also function as toilets) to attacking of timeless institutions. Even though the series ended in 1998 it's observations are often foreshadowing such as the white soul duo 3 Times One Minus One and the particular clip I'm going to post here, dealing with blowing up the moon, which even in 1997 can accurately lampoon modern day attitudes.



All four seasons are available on DVD. They are also shown on Comedy Central, but watching it watered down with commercial breaks is almost as atrocious as "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"

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So You Think You Can Dance- The Top 14 Results Show

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Not much breathing room here between my take and E-Rizzle's take. For some strange reason if you're reading this post and haven't read the last TWO posts...screw it just read the last two posts to get caught up. We start tonight's show with a group performance of Footloose. All the guys are wearing black sleeveless T's, even the ones that shouldn't...I'm looking at you Benji and Ivan!


The girls are extra saucied up this week and I'm not complaining. A few things wrong when using Footloose, first they should have given someone the opportunity to give a Chris Penn tribute, They also didn't have a continuous stream of glitter falling from the sky, no one did the "Let's Dance" head bobby movement, and the whole thing is too much like a hoedown for me. I'm like Dana Whitaker from Sportsnight when it comes to hoedowns. I hate 'em.


On with the show, Nigel backtracks over last weeks comments about improvising being a bad thing he says something to the effect, that if you make an effort to think about your dance then improvise then it's okay. Seriously, did he think that last week's solos were without thought? Whatever. He closes with saying you won't get away with endless pirouettes and you won't get away with falling off the stage.
I guess in England "won't get away with" means something different because THE GUY THAT FELL OFF THE STAGE DIDN'T GET ELIMINATED! I think that means he got away with something.

Anyway, this weeks bottom three couples are Heidi and Ryan, Jaymz and Jessica, and ...no f'n way...Ivan and Allison. My 18 votes for Dmitry and Ashlee backfired in a major way. I'm going to have to have a meeting with the PAJ voting block of one to rethink things. I thought Martha and Travis were flat, and Musa and Natalie did nothing to impress the disco ruler. Wow...I'm actually in danger of being disappointed this week. I didn't think there was any ay this would happen. My faith in the voting public is shaken, yo. Yes, I am being hypocritical. Shut up! Once having a roommate who owned a disco ruler affords me such privileges.

Quick overview of the solos. Heidi, shimmies in a dress that's made from the leftover fringe from Allison's pants. Jessica is in toe shoes and does some really graceful looking ballet. Allison rocks the house and does her soyouthinkyoucandance booty shake from week one. Seriously, y'all the girl is too cute.

Ryan does some contemporary to R&B and does a "look here's my taint move". Jaymz does a solo Paso Doble complete with matador cape. He stays on the stage this week. Ivan does some awesome pop-lock and gliding. I have a sick feeling in my stomach. I can't believe I'm actually nervous.

The judges go out to the steps of deliberation *cough* seriously this is the cheesiest part of an already cheesy show. Some dude sings.

Girls first again. Allison gets called up and is let off the hook immediately. Nigel sings her praises and says she's one of the best all around dancers on the show. Jessica gets complimented on her solo and says that the personality still hasn't shown up. Heidi gets called out for overdoing it with her personality and goes too far. Her technique is there and they are keeping her. Jessica is eliminated. On the bright side at least she can get started on those hip-hop classes

Now it's the guys turn and holy crap am I nervous for Ivan. Nigel states that there was a split in the guys voting Nigel and Dan had to convince Mary into eliminating one of the dancers.

They call Jaymz up first when it's revealed that his specialties are lyrical and hip-hop. He confirms this...lyrical and HIP-HOP...the guy who whined he only had a few days to learn a hip-hop routine SPECIALIZES in Hip Hop. I start pressing the imaginary trap door button on my remote, but to no avail he's still on my screen. Nigel goes another direction and wonders why he would do a Paso Doble for his solo when it's not his specialty. Jaymz says..SHUT UP JAYMZ. They ask him to step back. Ryan steps forward and is reminded that his performance skills aren't meeting his technical skills. Ivan steps forward. Nigel says he isn't a great dancer... yet, he gets props on his solo and Nigel says the solo saved him. Ivan is off the hook. I am way too happy about this. I feel like punching myself in the face.
Ryan is called up again and is told Mary was going to vote him off and that he'd better bring it next week. He's safe. Jaymz is out of here!

I'm not saying another word.




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