::.Autumnattic.::

2008-03-12T02:05:00.001-04:00

Cultural Attaché Head Case: Super Producer’s Thirst for Endless Knowledge

Here’s one the UTA job list conveniently left out this week:

Cultural Attaché needed for A-List producer at major production company. Qualified candidates will be well versed in knowledge in general, several languages, heavy phones, submissions, calendar, travel, be personal friends with a vast array of physicists, Nobel Laureates, Trained chefs, soap makers, veterans and artisans and be fluent in explaining exactly what it is that a “delegate” does. Responsibilities include teaching, expanding, translating and philosophizing on everything that an intelligent producer should probably know, you know? Must have three years agency experience. Top five preferred. Salary DOE – which is a lot because you have experienced pretty much everything that life has to offer. Send cover letter, easy to understand definition of “delegate” and proposed schedule of intelligent cultural icon interviews to resumes@imagine-entertainment.com. 3/7

Waxy haired super producer Brian Grazer is hiring – and no, it’s not an executive assistant position. It’s a cultural attaché position. What – you haven’t heard of that? It’s one of those gigs that pretty much most agency partners and high profile studio heads are privy to. Hell, even ol’ Lew Wasserman had a cultural attaché back in the day! In fact, Wasserman started the cultural attaché mentorship program, where aspiring attachés could intern in the famed MCA building, and learn to cover scripts, procure knowledge, answer phones and expound endless tidbits of art, medicine and politics to high power executives at the drop of a hat.

While the Beautiful Mind producer’s staff of twenty continues to meet with candidates, Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment partner Ron Howard continues his search to replace his long-standing, traveling personal novel condenser and urban planning consultant. [Variety]

2007-02-08T19:17:00.000-05:00

Hi Young Folks,

Are you still there?

Didn't think so.

Anywhozzle, I'm going to take this opportunity to put an unofficial stamp of hiatus on Autumnattic (in case you haven't figured this much out already).

In the meantime, I'll try and figure out the best way to hone my blogging skillz and return to my faithful reader(s) with a vengance.

Until then,

I'll enjoy some Darjeeling.

Ak

i candy

2006-05-27T22:01:00.000-04:00

halftime of pistons/heat game #3 really means it's time to recap.

rather than blocks of text to blur your eyes, feast on a few pictorial highlights from the previous week.

and here's a few items purchased by milly and myself on our day off in charlevoix in order to solidify the unit director aesthetics:

(2) bikes [one refurbished, one brand new; both under $80.00]
(1) coffee maker
(2) motorola talk abouts
(1) insulated mugs

file under: lists

2006-05-24T20:23:00.000-04:00

the fifth (5th) day of precamp comes to a close.

that should formally solidify the first official work week.

you see, camp is really all about lists. and communication. i'll now take those two elements and fuse them for a concise and informational post. without further adieu (sp?); a list:

items and areas of camp unpacked thus far (most with really intensive manual labor):

1) raked/cleaned/spruced up (3) large campsites
2) assembled (3) docks (very big)
3) inventoried (2) athletic sheds; cleaned said sheds
4) unloaded upwards of (25) boats/canoes on to the waterfront
5) assembled volleyball net, badminton net, archery targets
6) assembled stage (very large)
7) rearranged and cleaned the following instructional areas: arts & crafts, mtn. biking, climbing, horseback riding
8) and (plenty) small but no less important tasks to bring camp to a chugging pace.

as you can see, i chose to number my list. if you think about it, however, the possibilites are endless. it's the beauty of the list. there's the (-) or the (*) or the (~) or the (DOT). lists, my friends, are very functional. try your very own today and describe it in the comments.

one chalkboard in the mess hall. one list per day. productivity, people. that's how it's done.

let's get those 'stones back into shape for tomorrow night so us camp folk'll have something to look forward to after a hard day's work.

now it's time to get lost.

pik up stiks

2006-05-21T23:16:00.000-04:00

and thus marks the end of full day #1 of precamp 2006.

for those reading at home, this next batch of autumnattic posts will attempt to sum up and pick apart the preparations necessary in grooming a summer camp for a successful summer. consider this a lesson in appreciation. we'll go from a frosty, barren landscape wrought with fallen leaves, branches, bolted up cabins, seaweed and no equipment to a welcoming community of shiny equipment, mowed grass and freshly painted signs (yeah, right).

stat tracker #1: as of today at 6:30 p.m., the numbers break down like this:

total staff: 14

(2) owners, (2) directors, (3) unit directors, (1) waterfront director, (4) specialists/general counselors, (2) cooks

(2) children, (4) dogs, (2) cats.

it remains the time where everyone anticipates the myriad of virgin camp tanuga faces slowly trickling in by the day. new faces to remember and names to forget. "where are you from? how did you hear about camp? cool! you'll like it here. it's really great. welcome to the vacuum, bitch."

here's a few highlights from day #1:

5,6...you know the rest. how's this for behind the scenes? we virtually places sticks in the forest for campers to find later in the summer and proverbially pat themselves on the back. all of the fallen branches, sticks and even some twigs were thrown into tangled piles on top of the impossibly old tractor. aaron learned to crank the tractor today. don't laugh.

after the staff wenches tired out, 'grizz'ly decided to take a stab at it. as you can see, it's tough for him to place the sticks in the pile because, well, he likes sticks. a lot.

adam lined up paddles. note to selves: war canoes are heavy, and gas is expensive.

at the end of the day, cuts and blisters covered our hands but the pistons win mended our hearts.

baby parker appreciated their effort as well.

now that we've removed the sticks from the ground, i think we'll go rake some pine needles. isn't precamp great?

projected overnight temp in kalkaska, mi: 25 degrees.

**service note: due to the wireless capabilties at camp tanuga, the pictures for this post could not be loaded. please use your imagination until i figure out a more efficient way of getting the eye candy online.

good morning.

2006-05-20T01:05:00.000-04:00

starting today, you can reach me at:

6874 Camp Tanuga Rd. NE
Kalkaska, MI
49646

it's time to embark on what could very well be my last stand at camp tanuga. after thirteen full summers (fifteen if you count family camp!), camper to CIT to counselor to program director, i've finally got nowhere else to go. so i'll be the boy's unit director.

"what? you? funny, aaron."

i know, i know. everyone's favorite enemy. the ball buster. the buzz killer. not this summer, naysayers. just wait and see what's in store for the 2006 season.

call it shmaltzy, sure. call it nostalgic, why not? for the next fifteen (15) weeks it's all of the above and lots of wet, hot kalkaskan summer antics. stay tuned. there'll be plenty to report.

recipe for ice/sound

2006-05-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

sigur rós brought their euro/iceberg/ambient/ear melding show to the state theater last night. coupled with incredible visuals (maya deren, much?), transparent screens and perfectly sequenced lights, the group (seven onstage including the opening classical vixens amina ) tore through a majority of their newest album, takk, as well as some gems from ( ) and Ágætis Byrjun.

without more than one word of stage banter for the entire show (it couldn't possibly be a language barrier), frontman Jon Por Birgisson used his traditional violin bow to cut away at his white les paul and screamed his angelic falsetto to the point where it could've easily been that of a five year old girl. ironically, the giant screen was filled with what appeaed to be avant garde renderings of five year old boys.

there were bells, piano, ensemble violins, impeccably precise bass notes and a whole lot of mesmerized people. at one point, bassist Georg Holm started a song by tapping a drum stick against his bass and creating a faint beat that started small, but ended in an ear splitting montage. Birgisson knows when to hold his tongue, and the crowd knew exactly when to be pin drop silent to catch the smallest whisper that morphed into a crashing crescendo of sound.

the perfect way to describe a sigur rós show? ron said, "patience". i say, "a patient mountain of varying temperatures invaded by horsehair, fits of epilepsy, ice, sugar, tears and horn-rimmed glasses." repeat and stir. result: incredible.

whathowwhyamazingshitohmygodflowcrazysadhappydepressedfriendscampannarbor

2006-04-29T19:49:00.000-04:00

today i graduated from the university of michigan.

what's next?

one word, aaron. plastics.

one word.

don't forget!

2006-03-28T10:45:00.001-05:00

<3

AK

on a more serious note

2006-02-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

this past weekend, university of michigan freshman john mitchell passed away after being in a drug induced coma from a snowboarding accident up north. after two suicides at the university in the past month, it is difficult for me to even ponder the amount of loss, heartbreak, pain and frustration those that were close with the people involved have felt.

i came across mr. mitchell's facebook profile, and was overwhelmed to see the way friends and other students have reached out and used the site as a coping tool and a way to pay their respects. this is one of the most fascinating and bizzarely moving things i have seen in a long time, and i felt the need to post it to illuminate the power a website has to create a posthumous shrine. here is a sampling of what mr. mitchell's wall looks like. it is painted with love and kind words that truly touched me as i did something so mundane as log in to the facebook.

[names have been hidden to protect identities]

____ (MSU) wrote
at 3:33pm
john i didnt know you all too well but from what i did you a great person. i know you are up there smiling down on the ones you loved RIP ____
Message

____wrote
at 12:06pm
John, I remember the Observerland meet when you had a pulled hamstring and you fought through it, and helped Stevenson win Long Jump. You were an amazing athlete and an even better friend. You encouraged me even when I was your competition; you supported me when no one else did. You will never be forgotten. -____
Message

____(Ferris State) wrote
at 3:13am
I dont know what to say man. Everyone that knows you loves you. you were the best of the best. it will never be the same. i'm going to miss u and i cant wait to see u again. I love u bro.
Message

____ wrote
at 9:17pm February 19th, 2006
John, I'll never forget the great times I had with you at Michigan. You are a such an amazing person in every way. You are smart, athletic, and one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. We are all deeply saddened, and you will be forever loved and missed. You truly made the world a better place. Miss you Johnny, rest in peace... ____
Message

____ (Albion) wrote
at 4:26pm February 19th, 2006
I..don't even know what to say..you were a great person. I wish you could see how much you will be missed. peace
Message

____ wrote
at 4:10pm February 19th, 2006
John...I really don't think its hit me yet what it means that you're gone. I honestly don't think I've ever met a nicer guy, you were such an awesome friend and I'm going to miss you tons. Thanks for always being there for me...I know someday I'll see you again. Everyone here loves and misses you so much!! R.I.P.
Message

____ (Northwood) wrote
at 1:58pm February 19th, 2006
There will never be another person like you John. You were truly a great person. A person who would go great distances for other people. You had everything going for you and it is not fair becuase you had the whole world coming to you. You will forever be missed!!! I will never forget you my friend. R.I.P.
Message

____ (Grand Valley State) wrote
at 11:55am February 19th, 2006
Wow.... I really don't think it's hit me yet that you're gone. It's times like these where I really question what possible reason God could have had to take you away from us. You had so much going for you and were one of the nicest guys I've ever met. We'll all miss you more than you could possibly imagine, and your family and friends are in my prayers...... R.I.P John......
Message

____ (Central Mich.) wrote
at 11:02am February 19th, 2006
You were a really nice person I can't say anything bad about you. i will definatly keep you in my prayers. RIP John ____Message

____ wrote
at 4:28am February 19th, 2006
John, you are a great person. Everything that you did reflected that. I will miss you very much along with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you. We know that you are in a better place but dont ever doubt that we miss you here. Love you!...and you will NEVER be forgotten!!!
Message

____ (MSU) wrote
at 1:04am February 19th, 2006
John, I miss you so much already. It's not the same when the group gets together anymore. When Lia came into the house today it was hard for me to think you wouldn't be following her close behind. You were an amazing friend and one that will never be forgotten. We love you and we miss you. See you when we get there...
Message

____ wrote
at 12:45am February 19th, 2006
John, you have been and still are in all of our prayers. We all miss you so much.
Message

____ (MSU) wrote
at 7:47pm February 18th, 2006
john u will always be here in spirit! i'll miss you tons buddy...tear! RIP
Message

____ wrote
at 7:38pm February 18th, 2006
John, Life is not always fair. You are one of the nicest kids I've ever known, and I will miss you. It was awesome playing basketball with you bcuz you always worked hard and got along with everyone. You made every day of practice so much better. I wish we wouldv'e stayed in touch more after basketball, but I know you are going to a better place now. Everyone is going to miss you so much. We need to think about all the good things you brought to others and stay strong bcuz you were one of the strongest, smartest, nicest, most sincere human beings I have ever been around. I'll miss you John! RIP
Message

____ (MSU) wrote
at 5:45pm February 18th, 2006
John~ i dont even kno where to begine...we didnt really know eachother very well but we've hung out here and there. I have known lia for a very long time and what i do know about you is that u made lia soooooo happy. life isnt always fair, but i beleive that everything happens for a reason...you will never be forgotton love you, mo
Message

____ ♥ (MSU) wrote
at 5:14pm February 18th, 2006
I will always remember eating ice cubes with you after tennis. :) Sorry I never held your hand roller skating when we were little, when you asked. I really did want to. You will never be forgetten. :) You are amazing.
Message

____ (Central Mich.) wrote
at 4:41pm February 18th, 2006
come june, ill celebrate for the both of us. but i kno ull b there in spirit. ill miss ya
Message

____ wrote
at 4:34pm February 18th, 2006
we'll all miss you tons ♥ you're one of the best
Message

____ (Creative Studies) wrote
at 4:28pm February 18th, 2006
dear johnny...
Message

____ (E. Michigan) wrote
at 4:26pm February 18th, 2006
you'll always be with us John!!

kugel-much?

2006-02-20T00:24:00.000-05:00

if you've ever wondered what an ultra-successful kugel competition looked like, why then look no further.

on saturday, the shmooze group held the malka & elimelech kugelov kugel-off at our house. the event surpassed all expectations, and was a great showcase of jews making, eating and shmoozing kugel.

do take notice of the fantastic varieties of bubbe-faves: the delightfully colored "squash kugel", the ever popular "crumbler" [*WINNER], the festively fruity "jersualem kugel", the post modern mashup "seven layer kugel", the drab, tasteless but pareve for pesach "passover kugel" and of course, the salty "piping hot potato kugel".

quite the carb-filled, nap inducing, ech ech ech afternoon, if i might say.

for more information on kugel and kugel-making competitions, see ruby's elaborate effort .

my bloody valentine

2006-02-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

here is a nice valentine card from an artist i truly admire. his name is david shrigley.

so, by the transitive property, had i a valentine this year, this would go to you.

also, for the sentimentalist readers on this hallmark day, go here . you won't regret it.

happy happy and all that, i guess.

misshape'd fur coat

2006-02-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

jenny lewis may have been spinning in style at misshapes on saturday night, but what you didn't know was that my review of rabbit fur coat (which i wrote two weeks ago, go figure) finally ran in yesterday's daily.

i am in the process of booking all sorts of spring break mayhem, including jackson hole for skiing & cold-hot tubbing and of course a visit to bema in "del boca veesta, flawrida" (pronounced like a real midwesterner). helping me do this are the wonderfully serio-comic sounds of jens lekman and the electro-dreamy electric president.

*fabulous nostalgia = an uncovering of very special brand new demos from their supposed 2006 release. word is these tunes are not going to be on the album (that's been in production longer than g n r's chinese democracy), but at least it's some sign of life.

grizzly dog

2006-02-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

lola, my beautiful golden pup, really loves television. and bears.

tonight, she was enamored by timothy treadwell and his amazing story in the 2005 documentary, grizzly man.

she's probably thinking, "i could take those grizzlies. but i don't have to. i have a nice home right here."

invite everyone

2006-02-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

it looks like the new pornographers / belle & sebastian double power tour has some friendly competition. go oc style and bring your friends to the 2006 franz ferdinand / death cab for cutie super mega reformed indie tour: [dates via brooklyn vegan]

DEATH CAB & FRANZ FERDINAND DATES
3/22 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
3/23 Sacramento, CA Memorial Auditorium @ Sacramento Conv Ctr.
3/24 Reno, NV Reno Hilton Pavilion
*3/26 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
3/27 Tucson, AZ Centennial Hall @ University of Arizona
3/29 Austin, TX The Backyard
3/30 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3/31 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre
*4/1 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
*4/3 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
*4/4 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
*4/5 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
4/7 Durham, NC Cameron Stadium @ Duke University
4/8 Camden, NJ Tweeter Indoor Theatre
4/9 Ithaca, NY Barton Hall @ Cornell University
4/11 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
4/12 Boston, MA Agganis Arena at Boston U.
4/13 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
4/14 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
4/15 Montreal, QC Cepsum @ University of Montreal
4/17 Toronto, ON Ricoh Coliseum
4/18 Detroit, MI State Theatre
4/19 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
4/20 St. Paul, MN Northrop Auditorium
*4/21 Madison, WI Orpheum Theatre
4/23 Winnipeg, MT Burton Cummings Theatre
4/25 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center
4/26 Calgary, AB Stampede Corral
4/28 Vancouver, BC TBA

* indicates Death Cab for Cutie only shows

i mean, really

2006-02-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

it's shmucks like this guy that aren't really helping the case that ang lee, heath ledger and jake gyllenhal so adventurously tried to quell with a film like brokeback mountain. more hate crimes in the ~~south~~ massachusetts really shows why most of them never took their confederate flags off their sleeves.

i know we all want to see less homeless people in ann arbor (except the "spare any change my good friend?" man, of course).

but why, oh why, would these deliquent kids want to literally beat homeless people? now they're charged with first degree and attempted murder, and i really hope they spend the rest of their lives in a 3 x 3 cell.

queer battle

2006-01-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

2006 oscar nominations are here. nothing out of the ordinary, save for my girl kiera knightley's nod for pride & prejudice. expect my predictions in due time, but for now, i'll say this: go team baumbach! [i still love ya, woody.]

detroit rock surge

2006-01-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

the raconteurs are finally here!

listen to the streaming 7" on their website (which, btw, is an amazing throwback). [image courtesy of stereogum]

jack white + brendan benson + patrick keeler + jack lawrence = highly anticipated 2006 shizz

oh, and check out my top ten albums of 2005 (i know, i know, very belated) in today's michigan daily

rumours come true

2006-01-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

that's right. last night in the ripe musical landscape that is manchester, UK, 1/2 of the smiths reunited onstage at the manchester vs. cancer charity event. johnny marr and event organizer andy rourke haven't played together in nearly twenty years! unfortunately, only a prayer in miserable heaven would bring morrissey himself back to join the pair. oh well, we'll have to sit on our heels until he unleashes ringleader of the tormentors on april 4th.

also, the arctic monkeys continued their war of the worlds-esque takeover (slated for the US in february: take cover) with a giant spread in the arts section of the new york times today. prepare for the masses. ew.

shmorgasBlog

2006-01-26T20:09:00.000-05:00

okay so here's the deal.

no updates lately, for i've been a busy, busy real boy. i'm ironing out the treatment for my new screenplay, which should be a really cool drama (even though keith mitchell gave me a critical lashing when i pitched to him). look for a completed first draft in april.
match point will rock your world, bitches.
shmooze had their first event ever on tuesday evening! ian helped organize a screening of the 1999 documentary 'one day in september', a stunning look inside the munich olympics massacre in 1972. afterwards, there was a discussion and q/a with colonel. kami robinson, a former member of the israel defense force. though i understood his qualms with the portrayal of israelis in 'munich' i still enjoyed the movie and will defend kushner and spielberg for their tireless efforts.
feist played immediately after the shmooze-fest, so i had to scurry over to the blind pig to make it on time. feist was cute and charismatic and all, but her show didn't floor me like i suspected. also, her band members are creepy mcCreepertons.
and finally, i write this post from the arts editor's desk michigan daily. it's jeopardy night: the final hurrah for the seniors. a night to make an absurdist paper, drink, say goodbyes, go in the attic, drink and play jeopardy. i've never totally involved myself with daily activities, but i've paid my dues. fuck it up.
finally, i head to charlevoix this weekend for hopefully one of many more northern michigan romps in 06.

__

boa hamster vs. python

2006-01-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

who wants to write this screenplay? i bet disney would option it for a lot of money.

sniffle.

a quick recap

2006-01-17T00:40:00.000-05:00

alissa and i went to see hostel tonight. i must admit, after eli roth's previous camp fest 'cabin fever' (and with tarantino attached as a producer), i was highly anticipating this gorefest. unfortunately, it wasn't up to par. the characters were weak, the gore was less than intense and the story fizzled away after about thirty five minutes. the one thing roth does well, however, is whisk the viewer into an environment in which they feel familiar, but the creepy secondary characters promptly change that.

please direct yourself here for a compact and number crunching review of the 1023 church impromptu party gig on saturday night. pictures included! thanks, deeg.

they were scientists

2006-01-16T16:31:00.000-05:00

we are scientists rocked the magic stick last night. though they only played for about 45 minutes, it was very high on the funkydanceabilitymeterscale.

i took only one poor picture, and will therefore post a similar shot from a show i very clearly was not at (yeah hard rock!). the band, as pointed out by katy, succumbed to a few off beats while they seamlessly segued from one "with love and squalor" tune to the next. i guess they can be forgiven. the bassist, after all, did have a mustache and raquet ball goggles on. i think adam enjoyed it as well. ran into a few old friends as well as some who i didn't really want to see or talk to.

it felt a little like the spring 2005 bloc party show, simply because W.A.S. seem to garner similar buzz, and the venue wasn't even that packed. will they be back for an encore at the royal oak music theater? it think it's possible, particularly given their label and timing. fox and josh schwartz are always ready to whore out another decent dance rock trio to the panting public.

oh, do check out the thighs wide shut top movies of the year and laugh your ass off while you miss the golden globes tonight.

good day.

test audience

2006-01-14T19:49:00.000-05:00

a quick update

here's a link to a new shins song that'll probably be on the new record (according to james mercer at a 1/7/06 show down under). decent quality, and a nice preview to what is one of the most anticipated releases of 2006.

half-ass fridazed

2006-01-14T01:19:00.000-05:00

just in from the east quad music co-op's first big show of the semester. it's a really cool venue in the east quad basement on chuch street. the house was rocked by tyvek, the avatars & the hard lessons. there are some great shows coming up in the next few months, i'd highly recommend takin a few hours out of your friday night and checking it out.

i only got to see the last half of the hard lessons, but the half-ass inn was packed and it seemed like everyone was having a great time. i only wish i might've started coming to these shows earlier. props to jenn and crew for a very successful night.

also, check out a preview i did for 'green eye's, a musical organized entirely by school of music kids, and orchestrated by my amigo, the multi-talented eli zoller.

clap your hands say tour

2006-01-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

4/7/06

blind pig, ann arbor, mi.

who's comin' with me?

this is all.

tight with an even bigger bulge

2006-01-12T17:31:00.000-05:00

oy vey, how i love levis, but now a built in ipod jean? really. what's next, a headphone strap thong? a nano connector affixed to your eyeglasses?

could be kinda cool.

oh, tink.

2006-01-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

this is truly hilarious.

[courtesy of Yeeeah! ]

why we like mlk, or, thanks sarah s.

2006-01-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

(everyone knows martin luther king used to fart in the car with his family and then turn the heat up and lock the windows. bastard.)

since the forecast looks snow-less and gloomy for the annual mlk ski weekend up north, there might be a need to find other entertainment(s) this coming weekend. let's take a look at some great opportunities if trout creek falls through:

thursday: arbor brewing company beer tasting promptly @ 7.

friday: contemplate ways to make more $ to buy the scrumpscious new macbook.

saturday: movie catch up marathon: glory road, hoodwinked, last holiday, the libertine. eh, hostel it is.

sunday: we are scientists @ the magic stick!

monday: arrested development marathon?

i can do better than this.

i hope you have a tremendous weekend. but even more than that, i hope i can go up north. wah.

attention ann arbor bloggas!

2006-01-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

big roundup shindig tomorrow @ Leopold's .

Other A2 bloggers? How will everyone communicate? The unsociable unite for a night of beer drinking and awkward introductions that have way to much domain name for an average conversation.

steve holt!

2006-01-08T16:58:00.000-05:00

today was the first daily arts meeting of the new year. that means new subeditors, associate editors and me. no, i'm not new, just the only senior writer still there who hasn't really moved on or "graduated" from the daily. patterns?

anywho, it'll be an interesting and fertile semester for music reviewing for myself and the rest of the daily artsies. check out the way i started the year off right with a review of the strokes' flawed masterpiece first impressions of earth

the mysterious production

2006-01-04T21:43:00.001-05:00

sorry for the lack of updates, folks.

back from london in time for new years -- a fitting end to 2005.

stay tuned for piratekacz year end lists.

for the time being, do the following things:

1) read larry david's op-ed piece (reg. required!) from the 1/1 times about brokeback mountain, and why he won't see it. proceed to discuss this with me.

2) go see brokeback mountain and revel in it's impressiveness.

3) find a leaked copy of arctic monkeys "whatever people say i am, that's what i'm not".

4) dance.

5) cool down with andrew bird's "the mysterious production of eggs"

good day.

cuban blog-ar

2005-12-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

this may be a little outside of the expected content of autumnattic, but thanks to my techno-hipster (read:TECHNO) roommate zach, i feel important to bring light to the debate surrounding dallas maverick owner / billioaire tech guy mark cuban and the allegations brought upon him in a recent new york times editorial. everyone has a right to respond to those columnists who feel that someone money and success came not from knowledge, strategy and good timing, but from dumb luck. hell, i'd be pissed, too.

without getting too dense, i'd simply like to point in the direction of mr. cuban's response.

amidst all of the tech talk and angry backlash, he brings up very valid points about the integrity of this whole blogosphere and it's hoodrat inhabitants.

verdict's in

2005-12-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

some of you know that i was fortunate enough to be faced with the decision of having two amazing ways to spend the summer after i graduate from college.

the decision between unit director at camp tanuga and bus leader on the teen mission 2006 caused many a sleepless night during this last week of final exams.

upon great deliberation, almost to the point of exhaustion, i have finally arrived at a choice that i am happy with.

there was no easy way around the pain and regret of choosing one over the other.

i am eternally grateful and appreciative for being recognized by the federation (and camp of course) for the hard work i put forth in my summer endeavors year after year. the looming decision i had only five days to make made me consider every positive and negative aspect of the past seven summers, and what i felt was the most important decision came not from the most enlightening trip i went on or the most fun i had, but rather from the potential i felt i had to teach to others.

if one thing can be learned from the stress of this process, it's that, god damn am i dedicated to camp tanuga.

try!

2005-12-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

here are a few tunes that have guided my intellectual path during 2005 caffeine-addled work spurts on papers, essays, cramming, reading, procrastinating [what i'm doing now]:

[sorry i can't post the mp3's, however if you're interested, let me know and i'd be happy to enlighten you]

jose gonzález - heartbeats
sigur rós - hoppipolla, untitled 2
stars - celebration guns
seu jorge - life on mars
colin meloy - pregnant for the last time
the album leaf - thule
devendra banhart - chinese children
frank black - i burn today
four tet - sun drums and soil
iron & wine / calexico - 16, maybe less

i don't often do work while listening, but these soft delicacies are perfect typing fuel.

b.y.o.k.b.

2005-12-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

in the disgusting, bacteria-laden environment of the fishbowl, i type furiously and notice a coarse, twisted brown hair in between the 'x' and 'c' keys [thanks, david].

an idea hit me, at this point, and i thoroughly encourage everyone with a functional USB keyboard to try it. b.y.o.k.b. seriously, why would anyone NOT bring their own type pad to assuage any notions of pubes, food, semen, virulent viruses, etc.? i haven't tried it yet, but i will. oh, i will.

it makes perfect sense, friends.

for the in you

2005-12-17T14:07:00.000-05:00

exactly.

here's a tremendous movie by francois truffaut. the wild child [1970] explores a scientist's determination to cultivate a well behaved, sociable human being out of an uninhibited, ape-like kid found in the forest in 1798. expect trademark truffaut simplicity, lots of temper tantrums and even some kong-like empathy. in fraynch!

i'm also writing a final paper on truffaut's portrayal of children. stop thinking about that terrible tim allen movie 'jungle 2 jungle' and watch this instead.

oh, and please adjust ya'll radars to two brand-spankin' new blogs from close friends.

the new banality [note steve's link to my blog. cute, steve.]
ser vs. estar [bringing the caffeinated argentinian updates.]

anyone you want to ask for forgiveness?

2005-12-04T22:55:00.000-05:00

i guess it's because he can.

fifteen minutes short of an hour -- that's when larry david and the creative team behind season five of curb decided to end the season finale. and why not? tonight larry had solved two of the major plot points of the season (kidney, adoption) in the first ten minutes, and the latter half of the episode was devoted to -- larry's death?

this sort of figurative middle finger to his loyal followers really is fitting. larry doesn't care. about anyone, really. satisfying viewers? who needs to? get this, get this guys, let's just end the episode early because larry already traversed memories of his prick-ish behavior over the years (a la seinfeld series finale), died, came back because he was rejected from heaven (but didn't go to hell?) and misused his handicapped privilege to close out the season on an "oh, larry" head shaking note.

some clues might lead us to the conclusion that this could end curb. a secretive series finale? a huge fuck you to the viewers who would eat up the fifteen minute cut either way? i'd like to think not, and that larry's summers in martha's vineyard will harvest years more of the delightfully cringing defining moments. tonight, larry was gentile, humanist, loving, tender, god-faring, unforgiving and dead. pretty good.

ech!

2005-11-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

friends, hanukkah is approaching very shortly. this year, in fact, the blessed eight crazy nights overlap with the big birthday bash itself. who planned that? how will the chinese restaurants accomodate?

either way, i'm going to start posting a few things for you, dear readers, that would really make my festival of lights especially joyous.

please.

gelt is overrated,

A S K

how much fun can we have recollecting those ridiculous sign-in boards and untouchable desert tables? socks on stocking'd feet? glow sticks? the motzi? yes!

a spot on microcosm of why americans and french are hilariously connected.

kosher sow

2005-11-28T23:27:00.000-05:00

i am sorely upset with myself for attending only 1 of the 3 highly anticipated blind pig shows that i have affectionately coined as part of as "filet of pig" week.

saturday night: rogue wave
monday night: dinosaur jr. special intimate performance
friday night: brendan benson

i'll be at brendan benson, but due to the hairy weather of thanksgiving and the even hairier work load this week, brendan was the only plausible option.

oh, and do check out the 1023 boys' movie blog here . it features reviews and funny bits overheard in the course of daily church street procrastination.

on a private stage in michigan

2005-11-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

yes, the michigan theater sucks if you're more than twenty rows from the stage. no, it is not the most conducive environment for jeff tweedy/wilco fans.

this was proven true last night as mr. tweedy held ground for 2+ hours (including 3 encores with 13 songs total) at the m t. it was an intimate evening of wilco and billy bragg/tweedy material.

jeff wasn't so talkative, but on the other hand, the crowd seemed to know not a lick of any of the material. this was surprising given the generally wilco-friendly population in ann arbor and their stellar hill auditorium show last year. they were mostly pin drop silent (good for a performer i suppose), but not very enticing for sing along situations.

highlights included: spiders (kidsmoke) opener, heavy metal drummer, mountain bed, i am trying to break your heart, was i in your dreams, summerteeth, and a multiple song duet with opener glen kotche on drums.

kicking television,

ak

jesus is magic shuffle

2005-11-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

this is something i won't do. still cool, but not for me. [courtesy of LHB ]

where's the star of david version?

apologies to the queen mary

2005-10-09T13:13:00.000-04:00

...is a tremendous album. wolf parade hits the magic stick next sunday.

speaking of apologies, i am sorry for not keeping the updating word i promised on the eve of the sigur rós performance at the michigan theater some odd weeks ago. i had a unique experience standing outside the stage door that you'll have to ask me about sometime. shows start to pick up again this week, only now i have a screenplay outline to write.

yom kippur falls on my birthday (wednesday) this year. i broke a mirror a few weeks ago in my room, but this couldn't have anything to do with it because the calendar year was clearly set before i smashed that mirror to bits. maybe it's not so bad as i thought.

food for thought.

i have a few stories coming up in the daily these next few weeks. i made my triumphant return this past monday and tuesday with reviews of the double's 'loose in the air' and franz ferdinand's 'you could have it so much better.' check 'em out here .

¡ak!

remember me?

2005-09-20T18:06:00.000-04:00

tonight marks the beginning of a stellar run of shows at ann arbor's own michigan theater.

sigur rós kicks it off. this begins their north american trek, marking a great honor for ann arbor. an internationally reknowned band. a sweeping icelandic sonic landscape. one smallish theater with uncomfortable seats and creepy gothic adornment.

tickets would be nice. is that a problem?

welcome back, autumnattic.

yellow bastard

2005-03-31T23:26:00.000-05:00

sin city is a beautiful film.

no, it is not the most perfect cinematic experience of 2005. but it's close.

it's exquisite mix of stark black and white and brilliant color are eye popping.

it's postmodern in every sense of the word. yeah, i said it. postmodern. the mimicry of an art form to the most minute detail is brought to life in a gritty world of thud punches, voluptuous blood red lips and yellow spurts of intestine. even if i did get stuck with the clive owen 'dwight' poster.

and in this corner. .

2005-03-29T18:15:00.001-05:00

feud! brandon flowers (who thought he had any smidgeon of dispute in him?) has lashed out against pseudo disco-rockers the bravery (who's s/t album dropped today). new-wave mash up----the new 50 v. the game, ya'll!

see aaron's review of bredan benson's 'the alternative to love' here !

emptee pawkets

2005-03-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

check out the breadth and width of new music tuesday for 3/22/05:

m.i.a. - arular
prefuse 73 - surrounded by silence
bloc party - silent alarm
brendan benson - the alternative to love
copeland - in motion
the decemberists - picaresque
louis xiv - the best little secrets are kept
queens of the stone age - lullabies to paralyze
ben fold five - whatever and ever amen [remastered]
yo la tengo - prisoners of love: a smattering of scintillating senescent songs 1984-2003

dang sri-lankan mc chicks to detroit popster to a grimy debut from sing-speaky lads named after the prolific king.

see also: ingoodcompanyallstar topher grizzace will star in a movie based on, yes, web-sation of 2003 'friendster'. uh huh, that's the online community. so, damn. [via goldenfiddle ]

more on awkward walking etiquette: you see a distant friend while strolling with your iPod on. they have caught your eye with sufficient time to contemplate taking out your apple-headphones, disrupting the flow of a great tune. but you'd rather not say anything to them, and go on listening to your sweet lil 'pod. so you pass them, and half-ass take one ear-piece out, and look very strange in doing so. you have a short, standard exchange of words (while holding the said ear-piece), and then place it back in. damn, you missed the good part of the song.

dawn of the lucas :: mature edition

2005-03-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

after a sneak peek during last night's 60 minutes , everybody's wondering whether or not the mpaa will smack star wars III: revenge of the sith, with a pg-13 rating. ol' lucas says it's the darkest yet, complete with violent saber fights and hellish imagery. though a "13" would be ground breaking for the saga, does it really make a difference? is lucas after one last hurrah (or fuck you) to the legions of rabid nerdy kids and film buffs? does anakin's turn to the dark side really neccessitate blood red and soot black color themes? the answer, good friends, is yes. to everything. a resounding yes.

the only real food group.

2005-03-13T21:53:00.000-05:00

thanks to a wonderful sales speech at this weekend's annual groves forensics retreat, i have come to discover the beauty that is [cereality] . explore this dream-bar of cereal as soon as you can. word has it it's coming to ann arbor, but that wouldn't be good because then my diet would turn to only cereal and cereal related foods, like jordache. a fast food restaurant based solely on concocting ice-cream sundae bar style morning meal delectables. all types of crunchy flakiness. cereal bars. flavored milk (EDIT: sick). why didn't i think of this? hats off to cereality, or at least the idea of it.

title me

2005-03-12T12:53:00.001-05:00

so the amazing number of anticipated albums that are arriving between now and summer have one little quip in my mind:
i just can't seem to grasp the appeal or interest level of their respective titles. self-titled albums are a poor foray, and the rest seem like weak jaunts and overly stated minimalist phrases. does coldplay have a fascination with patterns of single gene inheritance? weezer already had enough made up muppet shenanigans. give me puns, give me complex prose, give me something more than the flippin' band name as the name of the record. that said, here's a short list of up and coming records that are sure to land secure spots in the autumnattic spring/summer rotation (but nevertheless, are poorly titled).

the bravery - the bravery
coldplay - x & y
hot hot heat - elevator
weezer - make believe

stay tuned for the well-titled spring album edition later this week.

¡vale!

2005-03-06T22:52:00.000-05:00

well now that i've returned from the land of jamon and restored churches, i can continue to hack away at the buzzing world of million dollar baby-oscarolopy, mars volta-controlled industry skeez.

stay tuned for peektures.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

2005-02-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

loyal subscribers,

i can only offer my greatest apologies for the lack of updates in recent weeks. suppose i use the excuse of midterms, but even that doestn't clean up for the number of bloglogged days i've missed. i can however, tell you that autumnattic will be back in full after my trip to spain (for which i leave in the morning). until then, i can only sulk in my poor blog-tendance and hope for a bright return.

lovelorn and hilton sidekick-gate washed over twice with lohan's already abandoned number,

aaron autumnattic

brazilian dancin'/fightin' 'round the world

2005-02-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

much props to this weeks edition of metro times for cover-shooting the dance-kick ass-hybrid of brazilian capoeira. though my stint with this practice of exercise lasted little more than 3 hours, it remains close to my heart and very honorable to all those who participate. word has it this'll be the newest trend at the orchard mall for those overflow bandwagoneers that can't get into the morning drum yoga class. read about it here .

if anyone checked out lloyd's furious five in the daily today, they were treated to a bevy of pitchfork alternatives. no mom, not other uses of farming tools, try junkmedia for more deliciously elite indie music websites with new insight to the same 7.8 scored albums you're used to seeing from the pitchfork crew.

more tunes from autumnattic's iTunes lists, you ask? since louis xiv got a shout out this week, i figure it's time for another radar-licious band to grace the reader's tasteful pallets. tilly and the wall are a nebraskan quintet off of saddle creek records who craft acoutsi-pop-tamborini-harmoniously lovely tunes. after successful tours with rilo kiley, bright eyes, and overseas with rem, they are ready for oc-background music stardom (but that'd be bad?). either way, the album 'wild like children' rocks and should be in your iTunes rotation, my friend.

more like superBORE, and umbrellas

2005-02-07T15:45:00.000-05:00

the longest yard, sahara, the pacifier, and war of the worlds saw major cinematic commersh time between rompings at the superbowl last night. why would adam sandler touch a football movie again? even if it is a remake and it has burt reynolds? i'll say memorial day hit, critical flop--but who am i to judge? if you ask me, the commercials were poor, the game was worse, and the peek of 'american dad' was decent for maybe a one-episode run. be like ameriquest, and don't judge.

autumnattic has been loving louis xiv lately (no, not the rudimentary figurehead, the flippin' band), so do yourself a favor and check out the 'illegal tender ep'. thank ultragrrrl and see them with hot hot heat in march.

check out my review of the secret machines / moving units / autolux show from last thursday night here .

on a related rainy note, i would take a moment here to discuss umbrella etiquette while walking on a crowded street. obviously, one needs a certain amount of room to walk with an umbrella in an uncomfortable downpour. for some reason, though, folks in ann arbor seem to crowd the umbrella-enthused public unnecessarily. when you begin bumping other umbrellas, it can get very tedious, wet and annoying very fast. it also does not help if your umbrella does not close all the way, leaving one stuck at any indoor destination with a fully elongated umbrella. it does not cross your mind until it happens, let me assure you that. so keep those umbrellas handy on days like today, and be sure to test their open and close capabilites. you don't want to get caught in a torrential downpour.

its a god awful small affair

2005-02-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

fuck finding neverland. vague details have emerged concerning the lucrative sequel (and third installment!) of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. 'potc : deat man's chest' is due in summer 06, with a third to follow in 07. deets here .

check out detroit transplants a la london disco fire rockers electric 6's new album @ the enemy .

just when you thought the crooked rain reissue was running dry, stephen malkmus has announced a new album slated for may. he's also going to have a baby. this is xxxciting, even though he is sans the jicks. he will NOT be at coachella, rumor-mongerers. oh, and ben folds is paying homage to my dear friend danny (or any other jew in the us) with 'song for silverman' - due in april.

today is the tsunami benefit day at the michigan theater. please stop and see 'hotel rwanda' or 'avery long engagement' and give your daddy dollars to those without a home or family. or just see the movies and feel good about it.

watch for a review of the secret machines / moving units / autolux show tonight in tomorow's daily by yours truly.

dyed bangs to the desert

2005-01-31T15:42:00.000-05:00

oh my awesome .

[image via grambo ]

this is dr. kahn-->

2005-01-26T23:41:00.000-05:00

not long ago, i made a vow to myself that i would find a way to amass the entire series of episodes of nickelodeon's classics 'salute your shorts' and or 'hey, dude' and or 'are you afraid of the dark?'. this ongoing internet search has left me basically empty, until today when i found this incredible site with sound clips from 'salute', as well as a map of camp anawanna. donkeylips- don't hold your out of breath breath, i'll have you someday.

the season premiere of mtv's brilliant sisterly reincarnation, the ashlee simpson show, left a cliff hanger at the point when ashlee went all acidreflux on snl viewer's asses. oh beautiful hair dye. show highlight: ashlee and snobby cronies eating at TAO in NYC right before the broadcast. i ate there with the fam (hi mom!), and it was truly delectable.

check out my review of the latest album from wussy-folkers clem snide here .

in the hazardous walking conditions of ann arbor, mi. at this time of the year, i feel it is adamant that you keep a close eye on your shoes as you walk. if you don't, you will end up falling victim to the infamous 'slip'. you know, the one where you don't wipe out totally, but do indeed lose your balance by throwing one foot in front of the other. you are scared for a split second, then embarrassed as you regain your composure. i'm sure this has happened to you. keep your eye on the ground, and your dignity up; if you fall victim. like i did today. in front of dennison and a lot of passerbys.

if you don't fall to oblivion in the icy winter rush, come to the HOT HOT HEAT party set for 3/5/05 @ st. andrews. rejoice!

so they finally deserve a plug

2005-01-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

see these fashionable jews tomorrow night at Knights of Columbus in Warren @ 6PM. The Valiant will open for local emopunkers the weakend; in what is sure to be their most influential show to date. plus, the drummer will give all everyone who comes and namedrops autumnattic a crisp $50 bill. how's that?

video of the year? check out jared hess (napoleon dynamite)'s video for the postal service's 'we will become silhouettes.' then later, i will write a 500 word essay on the beauty and significance of this song. [viastereogum]

Trump wants to turn the Apprentice into a musical . What UMich theater school grad will aspire to play george? Stop it, Don. [viagoldenfiddle]

buzz lightyear to starcommand: disney is going for toy story 3, but SANS PIXAR. i heart disney, but man, PIXAR-less animation could drive this one to crash and burn.

might tonight be the night marissa makes the plot thickening dramatic turn to lesbianism? join the rest of suburban america @ 8 on fox-y.

and make sure to get tickets to bloc party @ the magic stick, april 1, 05.

honey, I want a. . . .

2005-01-12T21:40:00.000-05:00

Somebody organize those custody papers.

We want a clean rip down the center of the Disney / Miramax marriage / divorce scandal.

Tell Harvey he can have the untitled Tarantino project. Tell Bob he can keep the Spykids franchise (who wants it anyway?). The Weinsteins (don't you feel like you know them personally?), collectively, are some of the most powerful fat guys in H-Wood. At some point, they will have to take Eisner and simply put the kabosh on their arguing, sleeping around and script looting. Not that I have the slightest clue, but I'd like to see a peaceful resolution to this divorce of two monumentally enjoyable companies (except for Dimension Films, they are a shitty subsidiary anyway).

Oh that, and Bob Marley is going to be--ahem-- "Beatrix Kiddo'ed", straight outta his tomb , this month.

how come all the other unicorns are dead?

2005-01-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

On this day of horrific mudslides, we say RIP to those lost beneath the brown abyss--and not to be forgotten are the newest bands on the breakup bandwagon MCLUSKY & THE UNICORNS. Perhaps the Unicorns really had the "I write the songs!" argument. Either way, both sad losses in the realm of the indie. RIP, ya'll.

Welcome back, ye gods of the radar PITCHFORK MEDIA. We are exerting refrain as well as we can for the hiatus, for Autumnattic is no stranger to long breaks. Check out the featured "LIFE AQUATIC SOUNDTRACK" review from them, and then do the same with the review by YOURS TRULY.

Today was MACWORLD 05, the holy grail of tech conventions for apple nerdies. Steve Jobs, coolly clad in blue jeans and a sweater, unveiled such gizmos as the minimac, iLife 05, OSX Tiger, and of course, the mp3 flash extravaganza iPod shuffle. RUNNERS REJOICE!

Modest Mouse, Interpol & Arcade Fire have all announced fabuloso 05 kickoff tours around the US. Only problem is none of them chose to grace the broken glassy corners of the D. They figured the Detroiters got their fix already, eh? For shame.

Note the above names, and make a blueprint. A blueprint you say? Yes, hear BLOC PARTY, 05s sensational breakout (everybody is calling it, man) here .

distinct with an aged new year

2005-01-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

New year, even newer insight. that's right, autumnattic has returned. after nearly a month of hiatus, the comeback of 05 has finally happened. Amidst hours of classes, the Daily Arts section, and a pending screenplay, we are still committed to bringing the most potent of pop coverage on the ol' "the internet is on computers these days."

First off, props to goldenfiddle (get well soon), for predicting the BRADJEN breakoff. Heartbreak is so 03, though. What about the BABY? The most genetically perfect specimen since Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards had KID ONE! NO!

"America: THE BOOK" has been banned in Mississippe libraries. Satire aside, this may be the most disturibng ban since they stopped production of the "Little Mermaid" VHS cover with a penis hidden in the palace architecture.

He wins: Ian Curtis, the late sparkly Joy Division frontman, will get his very own BIOPIC major motion picture sometime next year. It will NOT, be in black and white (we hope). Biopics are so 05, though. [thanks to ambitious-outsiders for the tip]

Major tsunami relief effort concerts coming up, from indie-studded revues in the UK [snow patrol, badly drawn boy], to pop punker marathons in Jersey [the starting line, etc.], to the ethnic dancing and asian inspired dancing of the middle-eastern studies department at UM.

Theater kids, send your get well cards. The star of "Wicked" fell through a trap door and broke a rib. No, seriously.

Former further seems forever frontman chris carrabba will reunite with the band for one show in April, at some warped tour copycat show in garden state.

Gotta start off slow, folks. Build momentum. It's good to be back.

ahnold to return to big screen nex year

2004-12-14T14:01:00.000-05:00

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

this is probably my son, ned

2004-12-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou is an enjoyable film. Don't let anybody tell you different. While it may fall short to other Anderson features, it still has it's own quirks and beauties that have been overlooked in the mediocre reviews. It is one of the most vibrant and visually pretty films of the year, and Bill Murray is truly outstanding. The story may lag at times, but thus is the nature of a Wes Anderson film, people. Stop complaining, what more can you ask for? It is not the best film of the year, but it certainly should remind everyone that a fresh and witty man like Anderson is still pushing the dark comedy to it's extremes. And the soundtrack rocks, because I am reviewing it for the Daily [Bowie covered acoustically by a Portugese black man? Yeah bra.]

Everybody wants Scott Peterson dead. this is justice at it's finest.

Everybody also knows that the Golden Globes reflect the forthcoming Oscar nods almost identically. The definitive list is led by masterpieces like Sideways and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

James Brown having cancer = can't make fun of him for beating his wife? Oh, what serious illness will do to a public image. I see a "James" biopic already in the grimy hands of Paramount execs.

The Killers appear on TV again? Oh my! Suck in the pangs of elitism and watch the reruns of "Hard Rock Live" -- a much better treat than their blase performance on Conan or their contrived cameo on the OC.

once again, i am superiorior to steven m. zacks

2004-12-08T17:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, all of you fanatical reader's of my trusted friend Steven M. Zack's "Lohanified" blog Banality, Autumnattic's got a one-up for you. Well, sort of. Once again, actually, Autumnattic is superior to Banality, simply because he has black lungs, whilst mine are oh-so-pink. Say, speaking of Miss Lindsay herself, how about the time she lost her purse after a drunken Thanksgiving, and then was shocked to find THESE scans of her California license and highly overused credit card floatin' on the netski. Lindsay's new ALBUM, uh, "RUMORS," dropped yesterday. Hmmm. Publicity stunt? Nah, that'd be taken care of by her appearance on TRL yesterday. Ah well, enjot her license picture, which coincidentally, they could not airbrush as well as her Rolling Stone cover this summer.

Today's campus "Current" magazine has a bland interview with acclaimed Facebook nerd/creator Mark Zuckerberg. He seems like your average dry computer programmer, but so much more, really. I mean, he like, INVENTED, the facebook! Seriously, you HAVE to facebook me. I have SO MANY friends. Whatever, Friendster was novel, this is just a rehash [i'm close to an addict, mind you].

REMAKE RUNDOWN! Here are a few first ever pics of Peter Jackson's secret remake of "King Kong," starring Adrian "I haven't been in anything since I won an Oscar for playing a Jew, except for that special ed guy in that M. Night Shyamalan flop" Brody, Jack "Where the fuck has Tenacious D been" Black, and Naomi "I was only sort of hot in Huckabees" Watts. On a related note, the "Return of the King" extended 8 hour special edition DVD drops next week. [via goldenfiddle]

ELECTRIFYIN'! Details sort of emerge on The Darkness' follow up to "Permission to Land"

OY! Motley Crue to join the reuniting bandwagon. Right after, of course, Tommy Lee graduates from that one university and closes up his private Starbucks. They play the palace in February.

Happy Chanukah to all who wished it to the 13291/2!

chanukah bathroom reading

2004-12-06T18:23:00.000-05:00

Since it is the eve of the first night of Chanukah, I've decided to share with you, Autumnattic loyal readers, two of my all time favorite Chanukah books. Mother will read them year after year, and believe me, they DO NOT get old. Buy them now. C'mon, don't jest. Read for CHANUKAH!

Somebody explain how National Treasure is at #1 again.

Autumnattic was treated (?) to a special advance screening of the upcoming Coach Carter, starring Samuel L. Jackson and "Spanish" from Old School (& Ashanti, GIRRRRL!). Though it was a mix of Dangerous Minds and Hoosiers, Remember the Titans and The Brothers, it is mildly entertaining, but nothing exceptionally fresh. What'd you expect? But in more important screening info, Wes Andersen's anticipated "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" will be shown this Friday, 12/10 in the Natural Science Auditorium. It WILL be packed, so get your cheap little butts there early, son.

Batman Begins begins with an amazingly cool teaser poster. Touche, Jack Kelly from Newsies, touche.

Hot O.C. rumorsCOLLIDE. Word has it lip serviced, poor acting rich ninny Marissa is gonna lock lips with another female character in an exploratory lesbian scene. TiVo on alert, teenagers of America (& college kids)

Look, I am not going to lie. I browsed the cover article in this month's Alternative Press, and it got me really excited for my guilty pleasure "wack emo band" records coming this spring and summer. A great cover story on everyone's favorite Long Island wordsters Brand New, as well as info on other bands critically hated but closetly loved by those elite critics: Coheed & Cambria, Yellowcard, Alkaline Trio, Fallout Boy, Bright Eyes, Motion City Soundtrack, Deftones, and so many more.

Check out who won in the "Cheesiest Movie Line Ever" awards. Coach Carter, though a perfect candidate, had to be left out due to time constraints.

elevator up

2004-12-03T20:09:00.000-05:00

Been a busy few days--

Anyway here are a slim pickin' of tidbits for the culture club burning in your little finger tips:

Hot Hot Heat has announced their NEW ALBUM, titled "Elevator" will be out some time in April. This will be their first album on Warner Brothers (bah), and will hopefully cover the same dance-able twitch rock as their previous gems. Here is an early tracklisting:

Running Out of Time
Island of the Honest Man
Dirty Mouth
You Owe Me an IOU
No Jokes - Fact
Goodnight, Goodnight
Middle of Nowhere
Pickin' It Up
Ladies and Gentlemen
Elevator
Shame on You
Soldier in a Box
Jingle Jangle

"CLOSER" - the new star crossed lovers film from helmer Mike Nichols hits theater today. Though Natalie Portman will not appear nude like the rumor claimed last year, I will still surely catch this one this weeked. Hey, Rotten Tomatoes approves.

Nirvana's Krist Novoselic is pulling a TRISHELLE and auctioning his time off on eBay. My guess is some crazy alt.rock obsessed mid 90s douche will actually do this. Wait, I just might also. Fuck.

Word from Uncle Grambois that Tara Reid and Kid Rock were on hand at Ann Arbor's own Yost Ice Arena last night for a chairty hockey event. This just means more now that we have all seen Tara's grossly obtuse nipple. 'Atta boy Federov. Jeez what a whore she is. Come to think of it, why didn't she show up Skeeper's last night?

Finally, Alex + Aaron awed Andover with a short set Thursday night. Look to Autumnattic for more updates.

jeliquette

2004-11-30T19:52:00.001-05:00

I would like to begin today with a spur of the moment insight on what I may hereby refer to as "Jeliquette." We have recently become the proud recipients of a cashew-container full of colorfully delicious Jelly Belly jellybeans. Clearly, every inquisutive little finger that graces the insides of this container are after one of their favorite flavors of jelly bean [be it tutti frutti, watermelon, hot orange, jalapeño, buttered popcorn, etc.]. I know it is important to get the absolute best flavor every time you dip your hand in the container for more sugary sweetness, but this, of course, leads to poor Jeliquette. Here are a few rules that Buddy Rube came up with to remedy this painfully peevish situation. To avoid roommates who "HUNT AND PECK" [CLASS: HUNTEROUS slash PECKEROUS], who dirty the container and narrow the selection of jelly beans for the rest of the housemates, make it known that hunting and pecking is strictly prohibited. Instead, try a nice little "AIM" [CLASS: AIMEROUS COURTEOUS] and grab a few at a time. Do not hunt and peck for jelly beans. That is just bad. It narrows the selection and leaves only ugly colors for the polite people who aim for their jelly satisfaction. Now, go choose CAREFULLY and mind your Jeliquette.

Though I am hesitant of biopics, Autumnattic highly recommends Liam Neeson's "Kinsey". It's a great look at some of the most liberal and sexually obsessed researchers the world of science has ever seen. Often times grotesque, mark this as the better nemesis of "Ray".

Spiderman 2 swung into Meijer last night @ midnight. For $14.99, this summer spectacular was a must-buy (even at 1:30 am last night)

CRAZY RUMOR DAY:

1) New Coldplay album tentatively set for March, 2005.

2) Coachella 2005 rumored lineup (RUMORS, people, but WOW) [via ambitious-outsiders]

APRIL 30TH

DAVID BOWIE / NINE INCH NAILS / PJ HARVEY / INTERPOL / THE FAINT / FRANZ FERDINAND / THE POLYPHONIC SPREE / BOARDS OF CANADA / TV ON THE RADIO / YEAH YEAH YEAHS / SQUAREPUSHER / CLINIC / FRENCH KICKS / SECRET MACHINES / PHOENIX / BEEP BEEP / DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS / DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 / THE HELIO SEQUENCE

MAY 1ST

R.E.M. / TEARS FOR FEARS / WILCO / MODEST MOUSE / BRIGHT EYES / JIMMY EAT WORLD / MOS DEF / BADLY DRAWN BOY / THE STREETS / SPOON / CAKE / THE POSTAL SERVICE / THE SHINS / SLEATER-KINNEY / RILO KILEY / RADIO 4 / DOVES / IRON AND WINE / THE ARCADE FIRE / MOVING UNITS

To go along with their appearance on the O.C. on Thursday [MEH], the Killers perform on Conan tonight.

Is it me, or does Paris' wig/new color make her look strikingly like Stifler's mom with brown hair?

i will eat leftovers all week! i'm rich!

2004-11-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Great SCOT! Franz Ferdinand bassist Bob Hardy (hee,hee) has been hospitalized in the highly efficient country of JAPAN. The skinnies had to play acoustic to raving Japanese people, who may or may not have been similar to those Banality referred to as Peelander-Z (who opened for Electric 6 in Detroit last week). As they said, "I rove Franz Ferdirand, they lock!"

Rilo Kiley's amazingly honest-voiced sexpot Jenny Lewis is goin' SOLO. Not really, but she is in the process of recording a solo album, due summer '05, in time for R K to play the highly anticipated Coachella 2005. Jenny, please make this worthwhile and don't go all Gwen Stefani on us (Love, Angel, Music, Baby, what the fuck?)

Julia Roberts has given birth to twins. All I really have to say about that is how inconsiderately planned the conception with Danny Moder was, because they had to cover her growing belly in all of her Ocean's 12 scenes. That is R-U-D-E, Jules. Anywho, hopefully Ocean's 12 will not be as bad as the trailers make it out to be.

READY? SIMULTANEOUS LAUGH! "Alexander" only made $13.4 million opening weekend. Enough said-Brad Pitt sells better than Colin "I finally scored with Paris Hilton" Farrell in the dress and sandals, though I hear Rosario Dawson appears naked in one scene. She was one of the more polite PUNK'D victims, don't you think?

This may be old news, but crikey, somebody fly me to the UK for the premiere of the SMITHS inspired musical, featuring over 20 songs from their catalog. As reported, mayhem will ensue as crazy Brits try to grab the star's crotch and drag themselves shamelessly onstage. Wait, aren't theatergoers better behaved than Moz-heads? We'll see!

I have begun the doosy of an adventure that so many Americans began last week after BLACK FRIDAY. 1 episode of Seinfeld per day, until seasons 1-3 have been consumed. It's ambitious, but dammit, I will PERSERVERE.

If you have not seen "A Stoop On Orchard Street"-- Go SOON, BITCHES! Nothin' like the 1910's (yeah, NEWSIES!)

Thursday, December 2nd, 2004: Alex & Aaron bring live sounds to the Andover Battle of The Bands @ 7 pm. Make the commute, as Alex sings originals and Aaron tries to figure out why their is a microphone inside Alex's guitar, and looks very funny in the process.

everyone i know is watching elf with their mom

2004-11-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

want to know what i am thankful for?

ann arbor's quiet pre-thanksgiving

2004-11-23T13:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, folks. Been a busy weekend with so many shows to attend and papers to write. Now that it's all over, rest assured Autumnattic will be at home, awaiting the X-Mas season eagerly, and bringing you the worthless pop culture fixin' you don't want to hear about. Anyways, here's a bit of a quasi-weekend-review of my favorite stories:

Irish arena fancy-boys U2 got their groove on in a free concert yesterday in Brooklyn. Word has it 30,000 people showed up--coincidentally this was the day before "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb," the highly-anticipated follow up album to 2002's All That You Can't Leave Behind. My question is, how many of those people that showed up for the free gig will buy the album? Didn't they already have the pirated copy floating around weeks ago? Here is the setlist from the strangely intimate yet mega-sized super event [via productshopnyc]:

U2
Ferry State Park, Dumbo, Brooklyn
November 22, 2004

Vertigo (Take one)
All Because Of You
Miracle Drug
Sometimes You Can’t…
City Of Blinding Lights
Original Of The Species
She’s A Mystery To Me
Beautiful Day
I Will Follow
———-
Out Of Control
Vertigo (Take two)

In a post-election era of declaring Canadian residency, the gentle n"eh"bors have gone all anti-pop-icon on us. Some guy threatened to KILL Michael Jackson [via e-mail], but was sentenced to a year of cleaning Canadian mounty's horses for it. I'm sorry, Jacko, perhaps you could have a SLUMBER PARTY! YAY!

Word has it "Alexander " is a fucking major-cinema flop. Will this reflect in box office numbers? Or will American audiences be dumbed down by another Troy like adventure with men in dresses and women that would clearly not be that beautiful so many years ago?

Thanks to Uncle Grambo, we have a very peculiar picture of NBA-con Ron Artest on the Today Show. Why is he so happy? You are not getting paid for nearly a year, buddy! Though I side with him in the conflict over the fans, he is still a majorly sour, unapologetic JERK. Aside from that, I'd love to hear his rap album when it is finally released.

Bright Eyes has announced a dual-date tour for their dual-release albums 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning' and 'Digital Ash in a Digital Urn.' The first tour, which will support the 'Awake' album, runs through ANN ARBOR on 1/18/2005. The Faint will be opening, as well as backing Conor up in the headlining spot. Wait, it's the same night as Scissor Sisters? SCUFFLE! I'll be in Ann Arbor, rest assured.

The Killers have filmed their new video for "Mr. Brightside" with Julia Robert's brother.This song is soon to be FLOODING alternative radio (and perhaps top 40?) near you, so get your jealously fixes in before it's too late. Oh who am I kidding, you can't get sick of that fucking gem.

Pixies rocked the State theater last night for the third and final night in Detroit. It was a treat to see the reunited members joking around so nonchalantly on stage. They opened with Neil Young's "Winterlong" and kept those in attendance (incl. Jamie, Jaki, Lacey, myself) writhing weirdly to high quirky dark-pop all night long. The "Gigantic" closer topped it off perfectly, with Kim Deal stealing the spotlight with her oddly angelic voice.

It's the time of year when all of the busybodies of Ann Arbor take their long-booked flights home, two full days before classes really end. This irks me, because as a resident of Michigan, I stay here until the end and revel in the ridiculous quietness of the streets. More on Thanksgiving later in the week.

some people just can't handle their fanship

2004-11-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

Now this may not be my particular area of specialty/interest, but I felt it necessary to comment on the events that occurred at the Palace of Auburn Hills last night. To be a rabid sports fan is in some ways like being a rabid music fan. I find a certain parallel in the douchebag music fans at shows who are drunkenly rude to the performers and to fellow show-goers and the out of control sports fans who embarass those around them with player and ref heckling. Now, in a case like last night's where Indiana Pacer's players were ATTACKED by Detroit fans (with beer, popcorn and fists) after a relatively normal court scuffle, it makes me feel like these are all the same people commiting these heinous acts of embarassment. I am sickened to be a Piston fan, and even more sickened at those who incited the riotous behavior that got Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson and Ron Artest suspended indefinitly. This should NOT be blamed on any Indiana Pacer, but rather at those moronic and out of control sports fans who felt it necessary to tamper with a sacred boundary between players and fans that also exists at musical concerts. There is a fine line, and throwing a full beer cup on a player is simply unacceptable. You disgust me, and to the fat man that was laid out by Artest, you deserved even worse.

Fox is in talks to do a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire. If this were time-savvy, it would take place in heaven, for old Mrs. D would have croaked already. Good luck, Robin.

The Arcade Fire show on Thursday night was phenomenal, though derailed by events that make me sad to be involved with such a despicable city as Detroit. Ted Leo, who played last night at the Stick, seemed unusually stumbling and awkward. The show was preceded by hideously terrible acid-irish-folk-jig band the Tossers, who Jaki and Lacey both agreed needed to be gone after 1/2 of one Irish jig-ditty.

Play a fun game where you get to beat up Timberlake and Diaz as a low down dirty Paparazzi. [via defamer]

In response to deeg's post In response to a deeg entry, the infamously hott Facebook is something beautifully sculpted but culturally inept greek-students get their "i was too late for friendster or myspace" fix. granted, it is addicting to go through and look at their pretty faces and bland interests, it is still something truly, truly outdated. [this is a beckoning for lots of "friend" requests for me, hint hint hint]

also, a very happy 50th birthday (NOVEMBER 19th) to Dr. Bruce K, me papa!

heat wave of mutilation!

2004-11-18T15:40:00.000-05:00

Okay so just what the fuck is going on with this heat?

Mere days ago I was wearing my winter jacket, snuggled happily against the faux-fur and today I'm in a tee shirt and my nose is sweating (and I haven't even eaten anything remotely spicey!). If Thanksgiving is one week away, I do not expect it to be nearly 65 degrees and sunny, sweating out the details of all two of my Thursday classes in discomfort. Give me 32 degrees and crisp and I'll be happy. I want to smell winter. Winter smells amazing. I do not want to have to turn the air conditioning on in my temperature challenged little attic room on a day damn near the first of December. In response to Buddy Rube's entry some days ago, I call for a change in climate--AND FAST.

How cute are ANIMALS CLOSE UP WITH A WIDE ANGLE LENS? I mean really, they're addicting! Who better to make this obvious factoid available and funny but Trey Parker and Matt Stone from last night's "Quest For Ratings" episode. Touche.

Apparently Ol' Dirty Bastard's memorial service was quite the tear jerker. Seriously. Who can win in this rap game (okay, Jay-Z, but who else?)? My question is where were Method Man, Redman, Ghostface Killah and the rest of the crew? Making deoderant commercials?

Helmer of the Spiderman's (#2 to be released on DVD 11/30) SAM RAIMI has revealed he will remake the horror cult classic EVIL DEAD! This is simply the greatest news since I found out that Mopsy (camp cook), drives a semi with her husband across the country between September and May (or something like that). Thanks to everybody who offered their imaginative thought as to where the hell she goes.

AUTUMNATTIC EXCLUSIVE NEWS : whether you care or not, Big Ticket Productions and U of M Hillel are going to be bringing emo-stalwarts Jimmy Eat World to Ann Arbor on April 7th. BIG OPENERS for the JEW's will be none other than the mic-swinging skinnies Taking Back Sunday. This is news that nobody really knows yet, except for the two to three people that read this blog. Anyway, though this is not the traditional lame jam band show that UM gets, I trust there will be an abundance of Greek life assholes there for me to scorn. That said, I think I may be able to free some space in the ol' calender for that April. Right after John Stewart--man I'm fillin' up fast.

hot buttered cream

2004-11-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I continue to post rumored reunitings of classic rock bands, but here ya go: Cream is set to play a few gigs in early '05. How happy would William Miller be?

Word on the fantasy street is that Warner Brothers execs have hired a new scribe for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. If you ask me, everything soured after Chris Columbus left and Richard Harris croaked. Bummer.

Screamo-proggers My Chemical Romance, who seem to have an unusal amout of street cred considering their watered-down genre, got in a tiff with California cops at a free parking lot performance at Best Buy. If they weren't hired by some scum suckers at "make emo-mall-punk-bigger-than-life-for-profit" promotions, they wouldn't have caused such a corporate ruckus and thus been left alone by the bothersome cops.

In the second day in a row of beating a dead horse, decent doo-wop rockers TV On the Radio have won a $10,000 Shortlist Music prize. Hopefully they will use that money to hire more white people to be in their rock band.

Liberals rejoice and stop whining : kerry may run again in '08 . Perhaps by then his face will have literally begun sliding off of his skeleton. At least there'll be no incumbent to influence worthless states like Ohio.

I am going to start doing more personal references on this blog [sorry]. Here's my first attempt. I have always wondered what summer camp cooks do in the winter. Clearly they have no marketable skills in the real food industry, be it the Chop House or Wendy's. I mean, who really would EVER put gummi worms in burnt-chocolate chip cookies? Just because something is lying around the kitchen, doesn't mean you just throw it in. With this said, I can only wonder how they spend their winter months. Are they cold? What do they eat? Do they sneak into the camp kitchen? This is dedicated to Mopsy and Gary specifically, but those K-Staff employees should also consider these things. Mopsy, if you are ever in the Kalkaska public library and stumble, at dial-up speed, to my blog, please respond by telling me exactly what you do between September and May. Thanks!

the sound of settling [a major label deal, that is]

2004-11-16T18:24:00.000-05:00

And now, to beat a dead horse: Death Cab for Cutie have signed with Atlantic Records . This move is not shocking, yet also seems like a glimmer of a letdown for the thousands of handsomely introverted DCFC fans. Think of it, as, say, Ray Charles moving to the big leagues and making his country western album. Oh God no, DCFC, don't go that route. But you have Autumnattic's support.

Now this is just fucking unbelievable. TRISHELLE of Real World : Las Vegas is auctioning her precious time on Ebay . To spend a day with her (happy ending not guaranteed, but rather likely), you must drop at least $1,000. This price will go way up, too. And that's the sad part of our nation. Guess that's where you go after Real World and Surreal Life end, though don' t let the fact that I did wait in line to meet her two years ago at the Michigan Underground (but god dammit she was on the show then). Disclaimer--I will NOT be bidding, thank you very much.

Gear Up! This Thursday is Bear Hug Foundation Bar Night @ Dick O' Dows on Woodward. It's only $10, and you can finally see the administrators of Camp Tanuga in their element. Hell, I'll be there, why not?

Want to get me something for Hanukkah? Look at the KROQ 106.7 lineup of "Almost Acoustic Christmas" on 12/11 and 12/12. Could a radio-fest get much better? If not, I'll take a girlfriend! Californians always do it bigger and better, sheesh.

Let me vent one frustration on here: I have to complete both my English and Film/Video requirements by Spring 2006, right? Well I found out today I have more classes to take than I have time, so I will either have to sacrifice by doing spring term or stay, GASP, another semester. Not like I don't hang out with high-schoolers anyway, but COME ON! [POUT]

my cabinet is also shrinking

2004-11-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

LET THE SEASON BEGIN! An uber-cool re-recording of the Band Aid X-Mas charity single "Do They Know It's XMas?" is being laid down as we speak. It's happening in the UK with lots of bodacious bands, singers and hip hoppers [single out 11/29]. It features THE DARKNESS. Think of it as the XMas UK version of the Marvin Gaye mish mash remake "What's Goin' On?" with all those pop tarts a few years back. [from stereogum ]

Did anybody even watch the American Music Awards last night? Word has it Anna Nicole Smith slurred her intro for Kanye West in a drunken stupor, but the bottom line is, no one gets or cares about AMA's except, like, Usher and Destiny's Child.

Art punk cult heroes Gang Of Four are reuniting for a short tour overseas! US tour slightly possible, marking their return from a stage hiatus since 1981! Before Autumnattic was even BORN. Booya!

Look Ma! I'm in da paper. Read my Mates of State review here (there are typos, courtesy of those darned editors, not ME)

Colin Powell resigns , making him the fourth cabinet member to do so since Bush's re-election, who sees a pattern? But really, Powell leaves a highly regarded and respected position up for the taking. It is probably the most disheartening thing since Bush won or since ODB died. Who will replace him?

Learn physics with Brit ! Surely she has never heard of conductors, vectors or cell structures. She can, however, digress about Marlboro's and Cheetos.

In a battle of the coolest computer animation, the Incredibles once again wins the week by derailing the mediocre Polar Express at the box office. Seriously that movie went nowhere once they got to the North Pole, not even for the inkling of Xmas cheer we Jews have inside of us.

In an astonishing turn of events, I have no one to go to Arcade Fire (Thursday) or Pixies (11/22) with. Takers?

bitch, gimme my money 'fo i croak

2004-11-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

R I P : O D B : 1969-2004

Ol' Dirty Bastard, Dirt McGirt, Big Baby Jesus or whatever the hell your name was, I hope you are now living happily in purgatory with plenty of, how would you say, bitches, hos and coke and syringes and shit. Ladies and gentlemen, a fond farewell to one of the founding members of Wu-Tang Clan.

In other news, it looks as if our old travel buddy Dave Matthews has played another wedding/reception/barmitzvah/benefit type gig, this time for some Real Networks exec. Any guesses as to the high bid price tag of the night?

PS - if you have not heard of the neo-garage dream band The Futureheads , Autumnattic highly suggests you give a listen.

he had it comin'--he had it comin'

2004-11-13T15:58:00.000-05:00

it's about time crazed murderers like scott peterson got what they deserved. after months of trials, and a case in which nobody doubted the apparent killing of his wife and unborn fetus child, scott peterson has been convicted of first and second degree murder. i hope he gets the death penalty. personally.

remember a few weeks ago when the pre-halloween box office blunder "surviving christmas" was in theaters? guess what? ben affleck's latest stinker was so poor in the box office that they have decided to rush it to DVD for an Xmas release (the fastest in movie history). if that's not an honor or a ridiculous ho out, i don't know what it is. damn ben sucks.

last night the Mates of State roused a half full magic stick with their twitchy, shouty organ anthems. look here on monday for the full review from kacz for the michigan daily.

is it too eary? dreamworks' brian grazer and ron howard have bought the rights to make an 8 hour tv movie about the 9-11 commission report. call that bad taste, in my opinion. at least wait the usual 9 year period before turning it into, not a tv lackluster, but a full-on "independence day" movie complete with million dollar cgi. sorry.

autumnattic actually recommends: ALFIE. quirky, funny, and scathingly real.

make plans early + lohan has freckles/no fez

2004-11-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all you smart-ass Daily Show fans, listen up. Jon Stewart, the man who would have won the election himself if it were up to twenty-something college stoners and snooty both-wing haters, is coming to the Detroit Opera House on April 2, 2005. Granted that is five months away, it's never too early to score tickets to what is sure to be a night of humorous political and cultural satire. You know I'll be there, so maybe we can meet up and, like, have a Jon Stewart tailgate. Uh, nevermind.

Who remembers "Wet Hot American Summer"? The writers/director/star of the summer camp cult smash will be in Ann Arbor tonight as the "Stella Comedy Show." Autumnattic and Banality's Steven M. Zacks highly recommend their off-kilter-not-really-sketch-or-stand up routine. There are two shows, 7 and 10, so pick one and get there on time. I would be there, had I not made previous plans to rock with the married-couple Mates of State at the Magic Stick.

One might assume the University of Michigan has intelligent students. To counter this, please read today's "Letter To the Editor" excerpt from the Daily. Drop jaw in awe.

Michael Moore has announced plans for a sequel to "Farenheit 9/11". It will be out in time for the 2008 election, so he can stop Bush--hey wait a minute, he can't run again anyway. C'mon, Michael, go back to more meaningful films like poverty in Flint or something.

The Who have possibly announced plans for their first album in 23 years . Now that Pete's sort of lived out his total perv stature, he can make a record and make the fictional characters on "Freaks & Geeks" pee in their pants.

Finally, here's to hoping for an Us Weekly cover story of the supposed breakup of Lohan and Fez. Say it ain't so.

fake plastic humans

2004-11-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

In light of Yasser Arafat's death, CNN posed a "what if" scenario that basically explained how Arafat's gravesite will be mobile, just in case East Jerusalem ever becomes a Palestinian state. Naturally, we can expect Arafat's decaying corpse to remain in the same place for the rest of eternity. Unless they move it to Graceland. For insightful banter into the psyche of Yasser, visit buddy Rube.

Those of you who missed the open mic last night missed a gem of a performance from Alex and Autumnattic's Aaron. They played Fallback Girl onstage, and then an encore of Voices Fade after the Underground had cleared out. There was also a featured performance from the Valiant's golden hearted Jamie Schefman. Look for the Valiant to rock some worthless frat house in East Lansing on Friday. Stay tuned for information on upcoming appearances. Look to Autumnattic for the first word.

It seems that the University of Michigan has found a remedy for the alarmingly high volume of file-shareres on campus. The U will now allow for monthly fee to be paid in exchange for unlimited access to their million song library. What this library consists of, I am not sure. It could, for that matter, be full of classical albums and books on tape, but I'm sure you can find an occasional Dylan album or, GASP, Sex Pistols record. Spend away, penny pinchers.

Bright Eyes has the #1 and #2 singles in the COUNTRY! Your eyes do not deceive you. He has beat out the likes of Alicia Keyes, Usher, Britney, Ashlee, Chingy, or any other popster with his double EP preview of his forthcoming double LP release in January. Way to go, Conor, but hey, don't let it go to your head ya indie bastard.

Okay, the Polar Express has opened to mediocre reviews. Some say it's legendary Xmas lore, others call it zombified, humans dipped in some plastic like subsatnce. What will happen when Bob Parr of the Incredibles goes face to face with Tom Hanks' train conductor? Disney/Pixar obviously has the edge, but the Polar Express seems to have an unfortunate grip on those longing for another "Santa Clause."

Finally, because it's a guilty pleasure, go watch the fucking "I Don't Wanna Know" video.

R.D.R.D. (release day rundown)

2004-11-09T14:10:00.000-05:00

tuesday's are always fun. let's take a moment to look at some of the major music releases for today, November the 9th, 2004:

Britney Spears - My Prerogative - If now isn't a perfect time for Mrs. Federline to lay even lower than she has been on her roller coaster of an anuller/wife/lazy performer/smoker/junk-food loving lifestyle, then I just don't know when is. This album is apparently for those Brit fans that cannot make a mix on iTunes (with a few extra "co-ed" remixes), and is clearly a winning pre-holiday package for Jive. Eat your heart out, Shar Jackson.

Various Artists - The Spongebob Squarepants Movie Soundtrack - Now we have a bemused attempt at marketing to others aside from the Nick cartoon loving young child with contributions from respectable indie stalwarts like the Shins, Wilco, Flaming Lips and Ween. But who the fuck wants to hear Avril Lavigne yelp the Spongebob theme song? This has gotten poor reviews, though you can count on James Mercer and friends to propel the box office numbers to the sky.

Ja Rule - R.U.L.E. - What could R.U.L.E. possibly stand for? Nobody likes Ja Rule, anyway.

Vanessa Carlton - Harmonium - Okay, the trailer for "White Chicks" really made me feel guilty about liking that thousand miles song. Is that wrong? Either way, expect well-crafted-bland pop from Vanessa, who was aided by her boyfriend from the band that was awesomely dropped from their record label earlier this year, Stephen Jenkins and Third Eye Blind.

So there you have it. Just a sampling of the morbid releases from America's powerhouse big labels. Granted, there are better offerings from Polyvinyl's Mates of State with their new EP, All Day, but it is also important to look at major releases that are garabage from time to time.

HUSBANDS/WIVES!Watch the very-rough trailer from the new Pitt/Jolie thriller "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (courtesy of whatevs.org) - This is an exclusive look at the trailer!

Remember, open-mic night, tomorrow @ 8:30 at the Michigan League Underground, featuring Alex Winston and some other guy.

nipplegate + wonka + n y c

2004-11-08T19:07:00.000-05:00

I have returned from New York City.

After a weekend of Big Apple debauchery and hanging with the likes of the fambly and Jordache, Autumnattic returns with a fiery vengance. I was finally able to attend MisShapes, the hippest of hip dance parties on the West Side block. I even met Ultragrrrl, and she signed my chest. No, not really, but it was stellar. Of my few purchases, the standouts were bootleg copies of "The Incredibles"(!) and "Team America" and a wealth of, YES! Pashmina! God's gift to the scarf enthusiast.

It would be nearly impossible to detail all of the pop and politics from the weekend, so here goes a list of some noteable happenings and headlines deemed important by Autumnattic.

Tara Reid transgressed the beady eyes of peepers all around the globe with her rendition of Nipplegate 2. She boasts horrific scars from implants, if you couldn't already tell from, oh wait, she hasn't been in anything lately.

Alas! The teaser poster for Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's masterpiece remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been unveiled. Watch out, Gene! Heeeeer's Johhny, err, WILLY!

LEAKS! Highly anticipated November albums from Eminem and U2 have leaked to bittorrent enthusiasts everywhere. Autumnattic has copies of both, and U2's "How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" seems paltry upon first listen, but with gems like "City Of Blinding Lights," the album may still have an inkling of hope.

There was a suicide at Ground Zero on Saturday morning, which is actually the morning I visited. No, I did not see it, but it was fairly haunting anyway, and it is said to be a protest to the re-election of President Bush, among other things. Don't make me review my rant from the post-election commentary, people.

New @ Autumnattic! Check out the sidebar for Kacz recommendations of events, objects, people and attractions worth my dollar, time or obsession. And you, too.

Finally, be there or be SQUARE-U-LAR. Wednesday, November 10th @ 8:30 p.m. in the Michigan League Underground. Alex Winston will be performing originals at the open-mic night with special guest, Autumnattic's own Aaron Kaczander joining her onstage. Do not miss this well-crafted night of well-crafted music that has been crafted to perfection. Check out Alex's craft here.

he's not dead, oc readies US takeover

2004-11-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

[UPDATE] The OC premiere has officially came and went, and here is an autumnattic up to date review: Without an overly shmaltzy introduction recapping last season, we were welcomed into the under-rennovation home of the Cohens. To sum things up, Seth is still gone, Kirsten is still very upset, Sandy is taking it lightly, Ryan is working construction and seemingly unhappy with Theresa, she fakes a miscarriage to allow Ryan to, yep, come back with Seth to Newport. Summer still wants Seth, but is trying too many head games to rid herself of his London Calling vinyl and Mr. Oates toys. Read--this may be over, but will continue to fool us all season. A stereotypical "hot" gardener has taken up background shots of Marissa, Julie and Caleb's mansion, leading us to believe she will indeed be hooking up with him very shortly. BUT not before getting re-sentimentalized (you like that word?) with Ryan. Caleb is under some sort of investigation and Haylie and Jimmy are going strong. Overall impression--mediocre episode but good job at setting up the structure of the season. Slow moving, little wit and more sap, yet it still seems like everything will be okay. I am under the esteemed impression that we are in store for a hip new rock club with performances by [gasp] the Killers, the Walkmen and the Thrills. JOY! More overexposing of solid new bands for the masses. Oh well, count me in on the gimmicks, because regardless of a slow start, ya'll know the OC is just heating up.

There are a variety of hot picks happening in the entertainment world today. Your favorite west coast guilty pleasure the OC begins season #2 tonight at 8. Here are some of the new characters you might be introduced to. All beautiful, all fit to be a perfect addition to the superficially perfect world with a questionable mix of indie rock.

Adding to this excitement, dot com backslash spoilers, one of Autumnattic's most treasured and anticipated trailers of the year, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, premieres this afternoon on the internet, later on tonight on Access Hollywood, and tomorrow in front of The Incredibles. This is NOT, I repeat, NOT, the movie itself. This is only the short teaser trailer that really nobody in their right mind should care about. Star Wars nerds across the WORLD, mind you, are virtually shaking in their boots for what is sure to be a highly water-coolered minute and a half.

Snow Patrol is going to open for u2 on their 2005 World Tour!

Interesting faux-law suit of the day: The Postal Service, yes, the indie darling super collaborators Jimmy and Ben, have settled a discrepancy with the real United States Postal Service. Last year, the USPS expressed distaste in the usage of the electronica duo's band name. In an everybody is kind of happy resolution, the USPS may feature some P S in their television ads, and you may see a copy of their debut LP, Give Up, on the shelf of your local post office. Lastly and most interestingly, the duo has been tapped to play at a USPS annual conference. Lucky-ass executives! Thanks to Pitchfork for the tip.

How can I continue today's post without word on the ailing condition of Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat.. Amidst claims of his death, a French military spokesman at the hospital in which he lays comatose commented: "Arafat is not dead." Indeed, very informative news on his condition. If death ensues, two questions pop into my mind: who will be his successor and lead in attempts at peace with Israel, and will he crap his pants upon dying? I hear this is the new trend.

concession stands

2004-11-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

As I watched Bush's victory speech today in American Film Comedy, we were given a choice to watch either our fearless leader stutter and stumble, or video clips for the day's lesson, which was the influence of the Three Stooges. Irony, you say? Nah. Regardless, can Ohio do anything right? I'm thinking it's seriously not in the cards. Those upset about the election results will simply have to stop whining sooner or later, and that includes myself. But honestly, I mean, it's not like the country is going to come to a crashing halt, people. If that were to happen, it may as well have been last night as we sat poised in front of the television watching older men with undeniable coiffs preach different electoral vote counts on every channel. In a wrap around butt grab of a move, Senator Kerry has conceded and Bush will reign for another four years. Even with two television screens and a real time computer, my colleagues and I were totally confused as to who had the right count. Damn you, Tucker and CNN. 'Twas a fight worth remembering, and though I am saddened by the Kerry campaign loss, I am not going to sit and pout about it for days like the other liberal weenies here in Ann Arbor. The only thing to do besides move to Canada with the diminuitive Avril and the radical Arcade Fire is to trust Bush's linguistics and continue to hope he does what is right.

Inevitable law suit of the day: R. Kelly is apparently suing tourmate and collaborator Jay-Z for a hefty $70 million dollars. Tension was rising on their 'Unfinished Business' Tour, with Kelly claiming that Jay-Z was taking all of his urinating limelight. The supposedly retired Jay just released a chart topping album of material with Kelly, and the tour was in full swing when it was nixed before the Madison Square Garden gig earlier this week. Such a pity--perhaps the Jay-Z camp can reap the profits of "Fade To Black," which his theater's trans-continent this Friday.

stevO515 (11:32:56 PM): Hey, if there's a draft, wanna move to Switzerland with me?
stevO515 (11:33:14 PM): I'm putting together a group, maybe we can get cheaper plan tickets or something
k A c Z 6 4 (11:33:25 PM): sure, we can snowboard and speak german right
k A c Z 6 4 (11:33:30 PM): there will be no draft
stevO515 (11:33:34 PM): yeah, and eat chocolate
stevO515 (11:33:54 PM): well, I kind of hope there is, so I can move to switzerland and have a reason

Polling Places, Fuck Yeah!

2004-11-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

I am wearing a sticker that states simply: I Voted. It felt really good. The line was a paltry hour and a half. There were volunteers playing Trivial Pursuit with boredom-stricken voters in line. There was an aura of true patriotism. The "no candidate endorsement" law within 100 feet of the polling areas was certainly novel. After months of careful consideration, Autumnattic endorses Senator John F. Kerry, and looks forward to a night of sitting in front of the television. So go take those candidate signs off your lawns and stickers off your cars, because you know they will not be nearly as influential or even meaningful in about a week. Congratulations, America, on surviving months of grueling, cutthroat, asskissing douche vs. turd sandwich campaigning.

Not surprisingly those bad boy UKsters the Libertines are gonna take a much needed break. Apparently, they cannot survive on the road without heroine-friendly front man Pete Doherty. They will continue gigging until the end of December. Share your sobs here. Ain't nothing like some more press for the Kings of Leon to milk and meld into their own stories.

"Elevate Me Later"

2004-11-01T23:42:00.000-05:00

That was the tentative title to this supremely overdue endeavor of cultural critique.
Unfortunately, Pavement's strangely quirky and familiar city song was unavailable as a way to recognize my additions to the world of friendly ex-friendster bloggers. Regardless, the attic is where I sit, holed off to the majority of Ann Arbor. I will not cease to provide insight from this cultural vaccum of a third floor. Do stay tuned, you may find it beneficial to your crooked little fingers to read what this will have to offer. Welcome to Autumnattic.