M:tG resurrected

So, I guess I can add a new topic that may encourage me to post a little more often (though it may only be interesting to a select few nerds like myself): Magic: the Gathering. I had not played for quite a few years, but recently got together with some friends who were interested in the game and brought by cards out of storage. I am quite happy I did...it really is a fun game, plus it makes my think. It is always a challenge to get better or overcome a new situation, and I can really enjoy challenges.

Right now, it is primarily a group of four playing duals and multiplayer free-for-alls. However, as we get more comfortable, who knows...play with strangers at the local game shop, enter tournaments, whatever. We are also trying to plan a M:tG-themed geocache. Yeah, I know...Uber-nerds...but, we are having fun, and that is what matters. You have to be true to yourself, and I am most certainly a dork!

Peace,
Alphadork

Death of the Album?

In a recent New York Times article, The Album, a Commodity in Disfavor, the future of the album is discussed. With the vast majority of music now being downloaded in the form of single songs, music labels are beginning to sign acts to record one or two songs, not full albums.

I have trouble thinking that iTunes and digital music overall with transform the industry so much that labels will stop releasing albums. I certainly hope it doesn't. That is one area in which I do not feel so willing to accept change. I choose to be old-school; I like my albums; I like my tangible CDs, the inserts, the artwork, the hidden tracks.

It is no doubt that these technological advances have changed the industry. However, when you really think about it, you realize that the changes are to the pop sector of the industry, where the "young people" are, for whom everything is digital. One of my initial concerns was, "what about artists who build around an entire album, who tell a story?" I realize I answered my own question, they are artists - they will still release an album. They aren't pop acts, meant to push cookie-cutter music and merchandise down the throats of the country's youth - those will be the digital acts, because it is "hip," and they have to be too.

My next question is, how can an act signed for one or two songs ever make it? If one of those songs goes big, it's not like they can tour; who will go to a one- or two-song concert? I guess that may all change as well - concerts will become a display of 5-10 different pop groups.

Well, it's something to watch.

Peace,

Alphadork

Roller Coaster

I just came up with this one. It isn't amazing by any means, and it certainly will not be inscribed in the annals of history be read by future generations, but I enjoyed it:

"Life is a roller coaster, designed by Circumstance...Circumstance flunked out of engineering school."


Things have made little sense lately, and I certainly feel like I have been upside down and sideways quite a bit. I will survive, and I will learn from it, but that doesn't mean I won't come out with a headache.


Peace,

Alphadork

Wincing is One Thing I'm Not Doing

It's been awhile, I know, but I have finally come up with a new recommendation - Wincing the Night Away, by The Shins. It is more great indie rock. James Mercer is an intriguing songwriter - the music is constantly fabulous, and the lyrics are interesting, though sometimes they seem nonsensical (though that may just be my thick skull not letting the real meaning in). This album features some poppy work, like "Phantom Limb," some funky, like "Sea Legs," and almost all works of art, such as the water-drip sound that resonates like a steel drum on "Red Rabbits". A few tracks get some instrumental assistance from The Decemberists' Chris Funk. All in all, this is a really good album that I haven't been able to stop playing for awhile. I've also heard it isn't nearly as good as "Oh, Inverted World." Well, if this is mediocre, I really need to get a copy of "Oh, Inverted World"!

On a related note, I finally watched "Garden State" this weekend (this movie helped The Shins gain popularity, for those who don't know). I cannot seem to explain why, but that movie was amazing. Go watch it, if you haven't already.

Peace,

Alphadork

BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!

What idiot decided it was a good idea to make a smoke detector beep when you install the battery? One of my detectors was chirping last night to indicate a low battery. This particular detector had been placed on the ceiling in the hallway, so I was standing on a chair to reach it, which got me a little closer than an arm's length away. I didn't think that a big deal at the time. I pulled out the old battery and set to put the new one in. As soon as it made contact, the detector let out three piercing screeches in that wonderfully ill tone only a smoke detector can make. Needless to say, I was not expecting that, so it scared the shit out of me and my ears rang the rest of the evening. So, thanks to whoever made that brilliant decision!

Peace,

Alphadork