Captain Obvious

So, it's no surprise that I am a massive fan of the Olympics, especially the Winter Olympics. Nothing gives me more joy than watching athletes dress from head to toe in tight tight spandex and throw/hurl/huck/propel themselves off of steep slopes/chutes/ice sheets as fast and as recklessly as humanly possible. True, the Summer Olympics and the athletes may be more scantily clad, tan and aesthetically appealing themselves, but it takes a special person to be a Winter Olympian. More often than not, these are the kids who never turned down a dare. Weather it was doing a back flip off a jump or wearing a sequined flamboyant feathered outfit... these are the people that when faced with obstacles that most sane people run away from (like copious amounts of ice and snow... or sequins), winter athletes embrace. While most people travel south to warmer sunnier climates for the winter, these athletes head north, up high towards the cold, the hard and the fast.

The interesting thing about the Winter Olympics, as opposed to the Summer Olympics, is that it's compelling in a very exclusive way... meaning not that everyone can do it. Ideally, all fit and able bodied people can watch the Summer Olympics at home and then inspired by the events on TV, rush outside to play soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, run, swim, bike, play tennis, etc... as I did; however, for most people, this is not an option for the Winter Olympics. It its pretty much a fact that in order to be a Winter Olympic athlete you have to have access to proper terrain, cold enough winters, ice rinks, and gear to participate. Which sadly also means copious amounts of money, a sugar daddy, or communist country that told you it was your job (that is unless you are the Jamaican Bobsled Team... and that's another story). As a result of this adversity, the majority of citizens of the world cannot participate in said Winter Olympic events and thereby, do not really understand the nature and rules of sports themselves.

In the Summer Olympics, seemingly everyone is a critic. Every Joe Six Pack can watch an event and say to themselves... "Man, I could have done that better than that dude. I mean, like back in high school when I used to high jump, before I got that job. If I had only practiced a little harder, been more dedicated, I could have been there." In the Winter Olympics, there is far less personal guilt involved as majority of people watching, can only regret not living in a place conducive to those sports. This regret is nothing that should really keep us up at night since most of us at a young age, had no say in where we grew up. You either lived in one of those places where they did those sports and your parents allowed you to participate... or you lived in Southern Ohio and didn't have a chance to start with.

In the Winter Olympics, the majority of the population has to rely on the TV announcers to be the critics and the experts. We need them to explain the rules and protocol for biathlon, ski jump and curling. While quite often they'll bring in expert analysts (also known as former Olympians who need a job and are kinda still familiar to the general public from their short stint on a Wheaties Box), it's up to the full time announcers to carry the weight of the broadcast. Some of the TV announcers themselves, are also kinda unfamiliar with the games and thusly, have to fill in the silence between drama and action with words. As a result, they are more prone to say dumb-assed things when trying to avoid not knowing what they are really talking about.

Take for example... while watching figure skating the other evening, one announcer actually said: "you know, the Canadian couple thought they had a pretty good shot of winning till they fell." Or in the nordic combined as the athletes were entering in their final lap on the course and an all out sprint ensued... one announcer said "so-and-so would have a pretty good chance of catching up with the lead pack if only he wasn't so tired."

No shit.

Thank you Captain Obvious.

it sounds a lot like.....

Speaking of Celine Dion... the other week while out for pizza, the song Alone came over the speakers and my table had a debate over who was singing it: was it the cast of Glee, Carrie Underwood, Celine or perhaps Heart? I was cheering for Heart, but not because I thought it was their version of the song... but because I thought that it was a completely different song. From the first chords I was thinking it was Heart's classic song.... "What About Love?" (Not to be confused with the Meat Loaf song off of the Bat Out of Hell 2 Album)

Listen for yourselves.....

Heart - Alone

Which sounds a lot like...

Heart - What About Love

Which sounds a lot like...

Cher - If I Could Turn Back Time

it's all coming back to me now...

I apologize for anyone who has heard me say this or write about it before, but every once and a while I find myself listening to music from the 90's and I ask myself... hmm, is it just me, or.... is that Cher or Heart? Is that Heart or Celine Dion? or is that Celine Dion or Meatloaf?

You think I'm kidding that sometimes these things confuse me, but really watch these two epicly long videos and think to yourself how similar they are:

It's All Coming Back to Me - Celine Dion

I Would Do Anything For Love - Meat Loaf

Shall we count the things they both have in common?

• motorcycles
• big creepy houses
• lots and lots of candles
• big flowy curtains
• big beds
• large framed paintings/photos/mirrors
• reflections in "said" objects
• lighting/rain
• flashbacks
• wind
• smoke/fog
• people running
• disappearing people
• things crashing, etc

Well, the songs have more in common than their videos; in fact, they were both written by the same guy, Jim Steinman. Actually, the song "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" song was first chosen to be sung by Meat Loaf to appear on his Bat Out of Hell 2 album. However, the writer Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf decided to put "I Would Do Anything For Love" on Hell 2 instead and save "Back to Me" for Hell 3. Speaking of Jim Steinman... he also wrote this other classic slightly (VERY) creepy big house and candle song (and video).

FUNNY WOMEN: Kristen Wiig

So, last night over drinks my friends and I were talking about TV and someone mentioned Kristen Wiig. "OMG!" I exclaimed... "she is soo funny on SNL!". However, my friends greeting my excitement with blank stares as it seems the only things they've seen her in has been her roles in recent movies like Extract and Whip It. Well then, I thought... I better educate my friends as to some of my favorite Wiig SNL moments.

Lawrence Welk Show

Engagement Surprise

Virgana Horsens Pony Express

Virgana Horsens Hot Air Ballon Ride

Crazy McCain Lady

Target Lady

Gilly

RE: Starbucks and Epcot.

Last September I posted a blog about how Starbucks was trying to steer away from their familiar green apron in an attempt to compete on a more local scale. Now, several months later, the NYTimes reports on whether or not it seems to be working. The Starbucks company reported on Wednesday that in the first quarter (which included the important holiday season) net income was $241.5 million, up from $64.3 million in the year-ago quarter. So, something seems to be working.

RE: my beef with the outdoor industry... aside from Rapha that is.

In response to my post from earlier this week regarding the outdoor and sporting goods industry and their seemingly overwhelming desire to make things catered towards women by making them pink and curvy... I can safely say there is a breath of fresh air on the horizon.

As you may recall, I had mentioned that Rapha, the men's cycling clothing line, was gearing up to release a new line of women's clothing later this spring and I was curious to see if they would stick with their same classic and suave designs and colors that they make for men.... or would they throw in a lot of pastels and butterflies in an attempt appeal to women in the same ways that it seems most other companies do? Well, apparently Slate Olson, General Manager of Rapha (USA), happened upon the post and in response, was kind enough to share with me some photos straight from their recent shoot in italy of the new women's line. And what from what I see.... I'm very very pleased.

(thanks... Slate for the first look!)

As you can happily see, Rapha went with their same classic approach to cycling apparel: a form fitting feminine cut with strong bold classic colors and touches of pink here and there. And... while you may think I initially cringed at the pink inclusion after my last tirade...the cool thing about their usage of pink is that its actually a fairly prominent accent color for them (not only in their menswear, but their website design and graphic elements that they use overall). Much like Bianchi's celeste blue bikes, it's a signature flair aimed at the initial target market (men) and not as something to make women like the item more (I love it!). Rapha also plans on introducing a mens Stowaway Jacket later this year... totally in pink. Granted, while they hope a few women might be interested as well.... their main focus is the dudes.

Thank you for sharing Slate and thank you Rapha for recognizing the athletic women out there who want the same cool stuff as the dudes... but we want it to fit us. Thanks!

Now... i just need to save my money to get some cool stuff. :)

Top 5....

By request, I've been asked to share my 5 favorite albums and live concerts that I went to from 2009. And... well, I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but as a fervent music listener, I'm not much of an "album buyer". Honestly, I'm more akin to listen and sample an album and tracks on line at such places like the Hype Machine or lala.com and then buy the two or three songs that I like the most. Generally then... those tracks will make their way to my ipod and be listened to from home, at work, at the gym and will eventually end up on a mix CD that I use in my car for road trips. On the converse though... I love love love going to see live music and will gladly shell out $15 or more dollars for the one time opportunity to see a band, live in concert. This is also a big reason as to why I moved to Portland, Oregon. On almost any given night of the week you can go out and listen to your favorite band or find your new favorite band. Having said all of that... here goes:

FIVE FAVORITE MUSIC RELEASES of 2009

As stated....I don't buy hard copies of music too much because I'm hardly ever sitting still in one place long enough to listen to them. As well, little plastic cases start taking up a lot of room in my tiny apartment real quick. However, having said that... I will pick up a disc if it's an artist I have an undying love and adoration for. And, luckily... two or three of these "said artists" happened to release new albums this year:

1. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I've been waiting for Neko's new album to drop for forever it seems and Neko never fails to disappoint. Not only do I love just about every single word that drips from her mouth... but she puts a lot of creativity into her album artwork as well. I was especially pleased with the work on this one, as Neko and her art director, Kathleen Judge, have been nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package. As well, she also included art work from Amy Casey, a painter out of Cleveland who's work I love. My favorite track on the album is probably "I'm An Animal".

2. Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost

To anyone who knows me... this is no big surprise. I have been a massive fan (my friends refer to me as a "super fan") since 2004 and I was pretty much salivating waiting for this album to drop. I like the flow of the album and vibe it gives - starting out from the rocking opening tune with Amy Ray "Looking Out" all the way to the sweetness of "Oh Dear". While I've seen Brandi "trying out" her new music for the past couple of years, there were no massive surprises on this one, however... the tune "I Will" struck me pretty hard on the album and it was one that I missed. I'd say it's my favorite from the album.

3. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood

Like most Tegan and Sara albums, I need to listen to it a few times for it to really sink in. There latest album, Sainthood, took MANY relistens... but once it set in, holy shit it didn't let go! I found myself listening to it over and over and over again and pretty much every song on the album made my workout playlist. My favorite is "Someday".

4. Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere

I have Brandi Carlile to thank for introducing me to Gregory Alan Isakov. It was a little more than a year ago last February that I traveled up to Bellingham, WA to see him open for her. While people milled about and chit chatted during his opening set... I sat, listened, and took in his wonderful soothing voice. Even better, was when Brandi came out and sang with him.. their harmonies worked so well together that I couldn't wait for his album to be released a few months later (as Brandi joined him for vocals on it). I'd have to say that even though it's a cover, my favorite song on the album is Leonard Cohan's "One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong". It's such a hauntingly beautiful song that I find myself repeating it frequently and taking something different away from it each time.

5. Vetiver - Tight Knit

This is one band that's been swinging around for a few years, but it took me until this summer to find them. I love their vocals and harmonies. It's what I'd call "easy and breezy"... you can play it in your car driving to the beach, have it going while you're sweeping the floor, background music for your porch party playing four square... you name it, if you want to be happy... listen to this. Overall, I just really enjoy their music. "Everyday" and "More of This" are excellent tracks to sample from this album.

FIVE FAVORITE LIVE MUSIC VIEWINGS of 2009

While a few weeks ago I wrote a blog to a similar theme (but it was more or less based upon the shows I videoed) I will share with you my favorite live shows from last year. Luckily, in all of them but two (Neko Case at the Crystal Ballroom and Raise the Roof) I have video that I shot.

#1. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

No Depression Festival, 7.13.09 Seattle, WA

I've pretty much been waiting my whole life to see Gillian Welch live and this past July I got the chance at the first ever No Depression festival. The whole day was a great venture in live rootsy music getting to hear everyone from Zee Avi, to Sera Cahoone, Justin Townes Earle and Iron and Wine, but by far my favorite act of the whole night was the last act. I'm looking forward to their new album that's gonna be released soon.

#2 Neko Case - Middle Cyclone Tour

6.5.09, Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR

While I sadly don't have any video from this show (I'm thinking they had a pretty fierce camera policy or maybe actually for once I wanted to see a show without my camera and just take it all in - which I can't imagine me actually thinking that but anyways), I got to the venue late due to some personal drama and fought my way to the front of the stage. I apologize to those I left behind, but no way in hell was I going to miss this show. NO WAY. Needless to say, I pretty much loved everything about it. Neko had great set decor and cool backdrops (thanks to Judge again) and she and co-singer Kelly Hogan are pretty much a riot on stage with their witty banter and dialogue.

#3 Brandi Carlile - Give Up the Ghost Tour

10.22.09, Schnitz Hall, Portland, OR

When I sit down and think of it, I saw Brandi perform about six times last year. I'd like to say that every show is amazing and it blows me away... but after a while honestly, many aspects of many shows tend to run together. Ideally I could write a blog just based upon my top five Brandi shows of the year... however, I'll just limit Brandi to two entries here. I'm choosing this show over the other ones for the fact that it was the most memorable based upon the music that was played, where I was sitting, who I was sitting with and the video I got. Thanks to a kind friend I wheeled and dealed and received two last minute two front row center seats to the sold out show for my gf and I. I was most looking forward to seeing Katie Herzig sing a duet with Brandi that I had heard, was pretty friggin amazing. And... it was. Secondly, since the release of Brandi's new album... I'd been captivated by her new song "I Will". I managed to turn my camera on and film it and was treated to one of the most moving performances I've ever witnessed from a singer.

#4 Brandi Carlile - Raise the Roof Benefit Show

09.06.09, Triple Door, Seattle, WA

This show gets its billing based upon, not Brandi and the Band, but the amazing people who joined me at this concert and pooled together to raise money for a great cause (while getting to take the stage and steal the show from the band at the same time). Friends of mine from all over the US flew in to attend and help raise money for the Looking Out Foundation. A non-profit that Brandi put together which since it's creation, has helped fund local music programs in public schools, help families in need, sent money to Haiti, and also helped women fight for their lives in the face of violence. Add in all these great things, my friends, good music, and a swell poster design by moi, and you have a recipe for a memorable evening.

#5 Chris Pureka

04.16.09, Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR

I love Chris Pureka and I loved this show of hers. Normally Chris just plays solo, but on this tour she was joined by some friends on stage who had a banjo and a violin. There was a great energy in the room that night. Maybe it was coming from Chris and her friends or maybe I just felt it since I was with all my friends that night too? Maybe we all just fed off of one another? It's hard to say, but it was a great night of music.