Distracted By Something Shiny

...scribblings of random musings...

Sunday, March 30, 2008

So Predictable

Surprise, surprise! I cut my hair. It's like clockwork. This always happens. I cut my hair, then start to grow it out for a year or two, then realize I'm not really doing anything with it besides pulling it back (as I don't have the energy to actually style it), so I get it chopped again.

So I got a bob... longer in front, shorter in back. I love it. Just got it done yesterday so I haven't washed it yet because I want to keep the fresh-out-of-the-salon / blown out / straightened look as long as possible. Then laziness will take over and I'll most likely be wearing it curly most of the time. But I still should probably invest in a decent straightening iron...

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Did You Hear That?

Stumbled upon this (literally) and decided to actually pause to check it out. An audio illusion? WTF?

So I put on my headphones as instructed and closed my eyes. It's incredible. You have to hear for yourself. One can only imagine how they could apply this for 3D movie watching...

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Wise Words From Wilder

SF Sketchfest hosted a "Salute to Gene Wilder" tonight at the Castro. They showed Young Frankenstein (FRONK-en-STEEN!) and Gene came out afterwards for an onstage conversation/Q&A session.

It was pretty great. He talked about his career, the people he's worked with, though the one thing he said that really stuck with me was not about acting or comedy. He was talking about how he was a cancer survivor and how he goes to a reunion every October for people who have had stem cell transplants, and just how amazing it was to see everyone and how happy they were to be alive.

Basically, he said, you see that and you think how silly it is to worry about the little things. Don't be morose, don't hold back love -- life is too short.

That definitely is my MO and I just enjoy it when others articulate it as well. Richard Dawkins said something similar when I saw him lecture at Berkeley a couple weeks ago. It can be so easy to get caught up in the daily grind... work, bills, etc. But if you just stop and think about how absolutely amazing it is just to be alive...

I realize of course you can't be happy all the time. That's impossible. But you know what the Monty Python boys say, right?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Gondry

There's a film out in theatres right now called Be Kind Rewind, which isn't really important and not what this post is about.

What is of note is that the film is directed by Michel Gondry.

While as of late Gondry's been associated with his feature film work like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (I've seen it once and it didn't change my life, though I willing to give it a second chance) and The Science of Sleep (I'll get around to watching it eventually), I can't help thinking of his amazing video collection whenever I hear his name.

Mind you, of course, I don't watch MTV or music videos now and haven't for years, but a few years back my roommate had a copy of the collection of music videos that Palm Pictures put out from directors Chris Cunningham, Spike Jonze and, of course, Gondry.

Even though I haven't seen them in years, Gondry's videos stuck with me. I remember being particular stunned by his video for Kylie Minogue's "Come Into My World":



(the phrase 'wait for it... wait for it...' applies perfectly)

EDIT 3/19 - browsing thru the SWPL archives I realize this post may have been influenced by more than just the current movie listings

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Passing Thought

You should never change who you are just to please someone.

But that shouldn't prevent you from trying to improve yourself.

There is a difference.

The important thing is figuring out your motivation.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Stereotypes ARE True

I have proof.

This is all sad, hilarious and true.