Make Some Noise.

Because I don't really watch music television anymore (Much Music or MTV or whatever other stations are broadcasting music) I don't get the chance to see many music videos (granted "music" television nowadays is notoriously known for not even playing that much music anymore). Recently however I came across an awesome new music video for the Beastie Boys's single Make Some Noise off their latest album "Hot Sauce Committee Part Two". Make Some Noise is probably one of the best music videos I've seen in a while. Any movie or television geek will love the video for all the celebrity cameos that appear in it (and essentially it is these cameos that make the music video so special). The video can be found below:

The set of this video reminded me of another cool music video I saw a while ago. This video (released in March) was for LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem and it spoofs the film 28 Days Later. The Party Rock Anthem video can be found below and is worth watching in its own right: 

That's all that's on the docket today folks! Just a couple cool music videos I felt like sharing with you. If the music industry hopes to have any continued relevance on the televised medium entertaining music videos like the above two are necessary.

Blog changes (again).

In my perpetually impossible attempt to have myself be content with this blog I have once again changed the template and other things for this site (as you can see).

There are a couple things I wanted to note with these changes. All of my old posts will now contain links that are in yellow as opposed to the new link colour I have chosen. I have changed some of the links in my older post to this new colour but I really don't feel like going through all my old posts and doing it (although who am I kidding, we both know that I'm going to do it eventually).

I also wanted to note that my previous comments on my posts have a fragmented "error" as my image due to some confusion I had upon initially analyzing Google+ (I accidentally deleted all the images from my blog). Also on this note it has come to my attention that some of you are having difficulty posting comments on my newer posts. I don't really know how to explain this or why it's happening but if your trying to post comments and it's not working just know that it's Blogger's fault, not mine, in all likelihood.

Every day I come closer to having 1000 all-time views. I'd once again like to thank everyone who reads this blog and I'm trying my hardest to make them less boring (admittedly something I have failed to do with this entry).

See you soon!

An Eventful Night.

Tonight two very special things occurred. One dealing with the end of something, another signally rebirth. Both are very important to me as they have greatly influence who I am, and both are prominent fixtures in the popular culture of my generation. I could write two whole blog posts about these things individually, and I probably will, but for now I aim to write in the moment.

First the end.

At midnight tonight the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was released to the general public, marking the supposed end of Harry Potter as a franchise in its current incarnation (I say "supposed" and "current incarnation" as I am a firm believer that we are not done with Harry Potter quite yet. There is simply too much money on the table with regards to the Harry Potter franchise that someone in some way will continue with the franchise. The storyline dealing with the character Harry Potter may have ended with this final film, but I am sure that the Harry Potter universe will continue to exist in one way, shape, or form. Indications of this are already present with J.K. Rowling recent announcing of Pottermore, and only time will tell what lies in the future for this beloved franchise, but I am sure it has a future). I, like many of my generation, am a huge Harry Potter fan. Ever since I began reading the series at the age of 11, I have grown up with the books and, like many others, feel a strong connection with the story and the universe. Whenever I think about the fact that the Harry Potter universe is a fictional place, one that doesn't and will never exist, always out of reach despite it feeling so close, I actually get saddened. The fact that the Harry Potter universe doesn't exist in reality puts me into slight despair. No other fictional entity has done this to me before and I think this notion adequately demonstrates my love for Harry Potter and all it is and represents. I don't really know how to convey my fandom for the series anymore than this.

I doubt it will ALL end.

With that being said, the final movie was not a life-defining moment for me. I was not one of those in the theater crying throughout the film (a reaction I understand, there are some out there who are even more attached to the franchise than myself, in many cases a lot more) and the ending of Harry Potter marks the end of a cultural-phenomenon. A piece of my generation is now over (again, for the time being). For me, this feeling was more prevalent during the release of the 7th and final book back in 2007, so the movie was a nice extension of the Harry Potter universe, but it was not the end of it. The film itself was decent enough, probably the best Harry Potter film since the Deathly Hallows Part 1. If you're a fan of  Harry Potter you'll thoroughly enjoy it, and if you're not a fan of Harry Potter then you should be. There really isn't anything more to be said about it. You pretty much have to have been sold on Harry Potter in some capacity (either through the books or the films) to enjoy this movie (and you definitely have to be familiar with the last film in order to know what's even going on in this one). Finally, despite this being the end of a storied franchise, it featured a lot of personal firsts. This was the first time I went to a midnight screening of a movie, or at least I think so, I may have went to see Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith at midnight but I don't really remember (I drink), but this was definitely the first time I waited outside the theater for a movie for more than 20 minutes (our screening was at 12:30, my group got to the theater around 9:30). It was also my first time seeing a movie in 3D, so that was exciting as well.

Onto rebirth.

Tonight also saw the release of Blink-182's new single "Up All Night" which is to be on their forthcoming album to be released sometime later this year. Blink-182 is one of those bands (like many I write about on here) which I consider to have had a major influence on my youth and therefore on who I am today. While I have never been an extensive Blink fan, only really getting into their music from Enema Of The State onwards, Mark, Tom, and Travis have always held a prominent spot in my CD player, my computer playlist, or my iPod. They're a part of  that mid-90s/early 21st century group of pop-punk bands whose music dealt with the lifestyles and attitudes of white suburban teenagers (so pretty much my exact demographic). In their popular music leanings a lot of Blink's songs are catchy and easy to listen to at any time, while the punk genre is present in some of their more meaningful songs and in Blink's attitudes towards society, relationships, youth, and life in general. I could go on to discuss which songs in particular meant a lot for me and why but I won't bore you with that here (I'll save it for another post). Ever since the band went on an "indefinite hiatus" back in 2004 I have followed the acts that came about - Mark and Travis's +44 and Tom's Angels & Airwaves, but the music scene really did not feel right without Blink proper. In 2009 Blink-182 announced that they were getting back together and with the release of this new single, the fact that a new Blink album is on the horizon is readily apparent and highly exciting.

Blink-182 circa 2001's Take Off Your Pants And Jacket. A couple years after the album's release was when I really started getting into their music.

"Up All Night" - despite having an ironic title: it being 4:30am as I write this - is a pretty catchy tune. It reminds me of Blink's 2004 self-titled album in sound and style, with obvious influences by Angels & Airwaves in the guitar riffs, breakdowns, and background ambiance. It's a solid track, and I am happy that Blink-182 is back. I have the privilege of seeing them play live in August, an event I am very excited for. I am hoping to get a better taste of what their new album may have in store at the concert. Having Blink back is like renewing a relationship with an old friend. He may have changed a bit in style and appearance, but at the core it's the same person. I welcome Blink back into my life. In a lot of ways they have never left.

Edgefest.

Yesterday I attended Edgefest for the first time and had quite the experience. As I write this I am exhausted, smell like smoke (cigarette and otherwise), possibly suffering from heat stroke, and a couple hundred dollars poorer, but it was all worth it. Going to Edgefest this year shook me out of a lack-of-concerts funk that I've been in over the past year or so, and I am happy to be back. Edgefest is my second music festival experience (the other being 2008's Rogers Picnic) and attending the event reminded me of why I am attracted to these big events.

Toronto generally doesn't get too many big music festivals. I find this odd as other comparatively sized/culturally prominent North American cities do (Montreal's Osheaga, Chicago's Lollapalooza, and San Fransisco's Outside Lands to name a few). Toronto, with 2.5 million people in the city proper and 5.5 million if you include the GTA, should be home to a big music festival. The population is definitely there, and as the line goes, "if we build it, they will come". There must be some bureaucratic reason why Toronto cannot hold such events and it's a real shame as these events - which usually last for multiple days featuring some of the biggest/emerging names in rock and alternative music (and all their sub-genres) - seem like a good time and would provide for an amazing experience. 

But onto what we do get - Edgefest. 

The main stage.

It was amazing yesterday. Two stages, tons of people (I heard that they were expecting about 15 000, and it was definitely packed, the space allocated for the festival wasn't all that big. All the bands I wanted to see put on terrific shows - those being the Arkells, Tokyo Police Club, and Rise Against - and the rest of the acts I caught were great as well - The Weakerthans, A Perfect Circle, and Hollarado being the ones I distinctly remember. Tokyo Police Club really impressed me, probably the best set I've seen them play - this was my 4th time seeing them live - and Rise Against impressed as well, but that was expected (yesterday was my 2nd time seeing them). I had never even heard of the band Hollarado until their set on the XM Side Stage yesterday evening and they put on a terrific show and can consider me a new fan. 

Edgefest is an event made for bigger groups. While it was fun going with three people (myself, my girlfriend, and my cousin - it was his first concert and he was treated to quite the show. My first concert (with friends, i.e. away from mom and dad) was at The Phoenix many years ago (I think I was 15) where I saw A Static Lullaby and the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (plus others), a decent show in it's own right I suppose but nowhere near the epic scale as offered by Edgefest), it would be awesome to go with a big group next time. At least 5 people or so, that'd be ideal. Although granted throughout the day we met up with others so our little group grew and shrank as the day went on.

One thing that surprised me about the event were the number of people who smoked. I am not oblivious to the fact that - despite the repeated warnings and education about the potential hazards - people still smoke (many of my friends do, and I on occasion feel like I would like to) but I was surprised at the amount of young people that were smoking, especially the younger women. I know people attended Edgefest to have a good time, but I would've thought that - in today's age - the general attitudes towards smoking would have affected some change in people's habits. People were also smoking other (less legal) substances, and I'm generally fine with that. It was just the sheer amount of cigarettes in people's mouths is what surprised me. 

I also found the litter everywhere highly ironic. This year the law in Ontario changed, allowing people to take their alcoholic drinks with them wherever they go at concerts (as opposed to being restricted to beer "tents" or "gardens"). This led to the ground being littered with discarded plastic cups (among other things). The irony is that the headlining and most popular act - Rise Against - are steadfast environmentalists, and I couldn't help myself but wonder what'd they think about people's disregard to keeping the Earth clean. 

Rise Against.

Overall Edgefest was a great experience and despite being hesitant about attending initially, in the end I'm quite glad I did. It couldn't have been held on a more beautiful day, and it had all the fixtures of an epic rock concert (two stages, tons of people, crowd surfing, $8 beers, mosh pits, a few fights, etc.). One of the funnier/more annoying experiences I had was when a couple guys near me were trying to mosh to Tokyo Police Club's "Your English Is Good". It reminded me of people trying to mosh at an Angels & Airwaves concert I went to awhile back. Just not the type of music. There is a time and place for everything. I guess alcohol will do that to people. 

I didn't take many pictures or video of the concert, at least when compared to when I was younger. As I've grown older, and had gotten more and more concerts under my belt, I have simply grown tired of constantly having a camera in my hand, holding it up as the band I want to see plays. I want to see the band, not worry about getting a cool photo or full video (although when I do, it is pretty awesome). However if you'd like to see the pictures I did manage to take, you can see them here.

Edgefest 2011 was awesome. Definitely a highlight of my summer thus far.

Happy 144 Canada!

Today is Canada Day! Time to grab some beers, chill with good friends, and light a few fireworks. In honour of Canada Day I'd like to share with you all a video made my one of my favourite Youtubers, KassemG. The video is a part of his "Califronia On" series and in this installment he quizzes pedestrians at Venice Beach with questions about our Great Nation. A little insight into what some of our American friends to the south know/think about our country perhaps?

Happy Canada Day everyone!

Hume's 300th.

This year philosopher David Hume turned 300. Ever since I began studying philosophy seriously upon entering university, Hume's skepticism, critical thinking, and logical analysis has always appealed greatly to me. If you are not familiar with Hume's work I highly recommend you check some of it out. The Royal Society of Arts recently posted a video discussion on Hume and the breadth of his philosophical influence in commemoration of his 300th. I've decided to share the video with you here:

Floradora.

Today I have another drink recipe I'd like to share with all of you! It's called the Floradora and it is quite the splendid beverage. I first heard about this drink on IGN's Gamescoop! podcast and - due to praise of the drink by the fine IGN editors Daemon Hatfield and Greg Miller - I decided to check it out for myself.

I was not disappointed.

Since learning the recipe I have made the drink numerous times for a good number of people. I have only recieved positive feedback thus far so I figured I'd the post the recipe on my blog so to assist anyone else who may be interested in making this delicious concoction.

This is what you'll need.

Ingredients: 

- Gin

- Framboise liqueur 

- Lime juice

- Ginger ale

- Lime wedge

- Ice

Process: 

1) Mix 1.5 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of framboise liqeur, and 0.5 oz of lime juice (I used a mixer and mixed these three ingredients together before pouring it in the glass. Not a necessary step, but if you have a mixer on hand then I recommend it. If not, simply pouring each ingredient into a glass - with ice - is fine. I also, once again, used a shot glass to measure the ounces). 

2) Pour the mix into a glass filled with ice (preferably a highball glass).

3) Top the mixture with ginger ale.

4) Garnish with a lime wedge. 

The end result should look something like this: 

There you have it folks, a fairly simple recipe that makes quite the excellent drink! The Floradora may seem a little girly to some - I mean, look at it - but rest assured that if anyone questions it all you have to do is offer them a sip and they'll understand why you're drinking it. It's light, cool, and refreshing. A perfect summer drink!