For anyone thinks E.T. is friendly, think again.
Throughout my 23 years of life, I’ve constantly (and by constantly I mean whenever someone randomly brings up the 80′s hit E.T.) had to explain why I hate/fear/abhor (<—that’s a strong word) that Reese’s-loving-alien.
It all stems from when I was a child. I actually have memories of liking the thing. My dad brought me a poster home one day, of Elliot on the bike with E.T. poking out from that blanket in the basket. I have a vivid memory of a even more vivid dream I had one night; in this dream the poster came alive and instead of Elliot, E.T. was driving the bike. He proceeded to run me over and then put me in the basket and ride away into the night.
The dream doesn’t still scare me (give me some credit…ahem…Rocco) but it caused a severe dislike of E.T., and I felt I saw his true colors.
E.T. definitely wants to kill everyone and take over the planet. He’s creepy, and a bit too friendly for an alien, if you get my drift. Everyone’s always like “OMGwhy?! How could you hate something SO CUTE???” Well. Here’s my top 5 reasons why.
5. His “cute-ness” is too much; so much so that it makes him creepy. The bugged out eyes, the way he waddles? The way that he looks emaciated and his heart beats/sticks out? EW. Ew, ew, ew. That heart does nothing on my emo-soul. And trust me, I’m pretty emo.
4. The noises he makes are insane, and altogether creepy. “Phone Home” doesn’t sound remotely cute. It sounds like alien-speech for “I’m going to kill you.”
3. The way that his neck can extend is DISGUSTING. And definietly phallic (more on that later).
2. He hides around in your stuffed animals, pretending to be a “toy”, and secretly watches you and plots your demise.
1. He just LOOKS disgusting. And, mind my french here, but…he basically looks like a mixture of a turd and a penis. If you took those two and made a baby, it would be E.T. So altogether, gross. You cannot deny the fact that he looks like a little genitalia running around covered in poo.
I was thinking at the end of this post I should post a funny picture of E.T., just so you could have something funny to look at after.
I can’t even bear to google image search him.
I Swear I Will Blog more, via 2011 resolutions.
So when I logged on WP today (after having neglected to do so for many days because of holidays, New Year’s, stress, etc.) I was greeted by a little link that said, “Want to blog more in 2011?”
I said, why yes!! I do!!
So I found out about the postaweek2011 and postaday2011 challenges.
And my promise to you, and myself, is to do….(drumroll please)
…the postaweek2011. So here goes nothing. Just kidding. Here goes SOMETHING…something great!
Love,
Mellen
PS – This blog should be dedicated to my good friend Rocco (go to here blowing-up blog on pop culture HERE) because she did SUCH a lovely post, making fun of me and my fear of E.T. (yes, the alien) and also told me I should blog more. Watch out Rocco!
Four Loko Ban is No-Joko
So in case you haven’t heard, the lastest drinking craze that has hit the nation is 4 Loko. It’s an alcoholic/energy drink – inside it has the equivalent to about 5 beers and a helluva strong cup of coffee. Oh yeah, and it sells for about $3-4. AKA a wonderful price for all the broke people of the world who enjoy going out.
Mmm Loko.
The FDA is in the talks from banning the sale on all energy drink/alcohol combination beverages. Senator Chuck Schumer said this is “a giant step forward in keeping our kids safe from these toxic and dangerous brews.” Actually Chuckie m’boy, I couldn’t agree less.
I completely understand that the combination of a depressant and a stimulant is no bueno. However, what I feel really annoyed about is the fact that it’s the drinks themselves that are being attacked; the irresponsible behavior of underage drinking and selling of alcohol, etc. surrounding 4 Loko should be the main issue here instead.
Because let’s face it; irresponsible drinking is irresponsible drinking. You have to know how much you can handle. Whether it’s 4 Loko or a crazy amount of shots, if you throw caution into the wind, either way you may end up sick from alcohol. Underage drinkers will get their alcohol still, mark my words. It just happens that Four Loko was an insanely cheap option for them.
I just don’t get how the banning of sales of 4 Loko (from technically legal adult drinkers…) will stop teenagers from dying over another alcoholic product and or fad. I mean, just a few months back, I heard the stupidest thing in the world: in order to get drunk faster, kids would pour vodka into their EYEBALL. I mean…REALLY? Obviously the problem lies a LOT deeper than Four Loko. (I can’t make this stuff up, for serious…if you are not faint of heart, look up videos of this on youtube!)
Because here’s the thing…crazy youth will always be crazy youth. And if you ban Four Loko, it’ll just be something else in a couple of months. I don’t think a ban is the right step towards improvement. Banning the drink may stop a certain number of people from attaining the drink; however, it does nothing to teach good judgement.
I’m curious to see how this all goes. What will come next? Are they going to prohibit bars and clubs from making the ever so popular alcohol/caffeine combos such as Vodka/Red Bulls? Rum and Cokes? It’s pretty much standard knowledge that caffeine and alcohol have been drank in combination for a long, long time.
They may take their Four Lokos, but they’ll never take their FREEDOM…to continue drinking caffeine/booze cocktails elsewhere.
The Next Ok Go?…Hollerado at me.
I know that in previous blogs I have stated my love for the crazy shenanigans and videos that Ok Go comes out with. I thought that their videos would be hard to top….
…however, a good friend sent me a link to this video from the band Hollerado today…and it got me thinking…they’re talented. Watch out Ok Go! The song is gritty and fun in itself, but the video (and it was all done in one take) is mind-blowing.
Take a look for yourself!
A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I don’t really watch music videos, despite my raging love of music itself. I get bored with them after a while. Yes I understand you look pretty, and hot damn I wish I could dance like you. I get it.
But I love it when something so crazy and original like this comes around. And it’s not just the Nyquil talking.
What HAPPENED last night(s)? Great music, that’s what.
CMJ.
Those three little letters hold a lot of weight within them.
Anyone who has ever been involved know that it is batshit crazy, in a good way.
Anyone who hasn’t….let me introduce you to CMJ week (College Music Journal) here in NYC. It’s an annual music marathon that happens for one full week in the beautiful fall weather. It’s kind of like what SXSW is to Austin.
For anyone who has been to music fesitvals like Bamboozle, or even Warped Tour, where there’s many stages and you have to plan which bands to see at what time and at which stage….well you can kind of imagine CMJ like that.
Except that the “stages” are 100s of venues.
And it’s held not in the parkling lots of a giant stadium…but in the expanseless New York City.
And the bands and times are countless….beginning at 5pm and going til 5AM….well, you can imagine how many options you have.
And it continues for not one day, not two, but SEVEN.
So think about how hard that is to plan out. Especially when you throw in open bars and madd drink specials into the mix? Yeah. You’re not thinking too much then.
Therefore, what I happen to love most about CMJ is the randomness that always occurs. It’s the best way to find out about some of the most insanely awesome bands that otherwise you might have never had a chance to experience.
So what I’m going to try and do for you, dear reader, is to tell you about some of the gems I’ve seen so far.
First and foremost, without further adieu, I need to introduce you to Down With Webster.
I don’t know if this will make any sense, but this band (originally from Canada) instantaneously had that sort of go-crazy-dance-like-you-got-swagger-while-alone-in your apartment type feeling on me. But I was in public. Think 7 dudes – all ranging from size and style, smushed on this small stage. Studying them as they walked on, I see a guitarist/singer with a leather bomber on and a jerry curl (oh hey Grease)…a very, very tiny young man with madd Raiders gear on (later I learned his title is the “HypeMan” – aptly named)…a guy donning aviators and a classy khaki jacket and some bling who could have easily won a Daddy Yankee lookalike contest…a drummer with the hugest afro you’ve ever seen….another guy with kicks, a backwards hat, and huge earphones linked around his neck…
I could continue, but I think you get the point (or are just getting tired of reading about their description). I wondered to myself, what sounds would come from this? Well my mind was blown, re-pieced back together, then blown again.
Their sound is beyond. I would just describe it as wonderfully energetic and slightly insane. It’s really hard to pinpoint what they sound like, and I’d highly recommend going to see them live the next chance you get. It’s a mixture of really solid rock n roll (with some sick electric guitar solos), rap, hip/hop…and throw in some live horns in the mix to boot.
I looked over at my friend Jess, and mouthed….”It’s not just the beer, right?” and she mouthed back “No…they’re GOOD.” And we proceeded to throw our hands in the air. The effect of their hype got the whole crowd going, and everybody was lovin’ it (I hate that I can’t say that phrase now w/o thinking of McDonald’s). As the fantastical Timbaland said, “The illest group I’ve ever seen live…that group is the most amazing and creative, innovative group that’s going to come out in 2010.” Well played Timba, well played. I concur completely with what he says and demand you go see a live show of theirs nearest to you as soon as you can. Considering they’re going on a huge national tour with 3OH!3 this fall, I better see your faces rocking out.
You may ask, “How will she even know if we go; she can’t actually ‘our faces rocking out’.”
I am omniscient.
(to be continued…)
(aka I have to get off the comp and gots to go to work, get them dollars, so I can go spend them dollars at more shows…)
Over It: 3D
Haha – had you fooled.
If you thought this was going to be a blog about some rando movie called “Over It” in 3-D, you’re quite mistaken.
I merely picked a funnyish (or at least I think so) blog title to express my opinion of how tired I am of 3D movies.
Movies are expensive as is – at least here in NYC, prices run about 12 and change for a single ticket. Throw the glasses in the mix, and its 15 and change usually. Say what?!
Not to mention I’m a bit of a hoarder, and have about 15 pairs of 3D glasses back here in my apt. Okay, I’m not a hoarder…but they’re fun to have and wear to clubs and take pictures in.
But here’s the thing – if I already have all these glasses, why should I have to pay more for them in the theatre? Can’t I bring in a pair and tell them to hold off on the $3?
Now don’t get me wrong here – I do see the beauty of movies in 3D. But only certain movies. Avatar? Beyond beautiful graphics (note that I did not include the plotline in this praise) – a true movie where 3D was a bonus. It accentuated the movie in itself.
But I mean, all these animated/horror movies that are now in 3D as well? Despicable Me? Saw 27? That man-eating fish thing? I have seen some of these (I have a soft spot for kid’s movies, so sue me)….but is the extra D really necessary here?
I honestly don’t believe so. At all. All those types of movies that came before (ie: Shrek, Freddy VS Jason)…aren’t they just as good? So yeah, the 3D gives you a bit more of a jump, or a bit more of a wow factor some animated scenes. But I dislike how it’s literally taking over the world. They’re creating new specialized television sets, and even video game consoles. I hope this is just a phase….I don’t want have to shell out extra moneys (hello recession?) in the future if all TVs eventually make the switch.
Hell…even JOHNNY DEPP bought into this 3D thing. They’re doing a Pirates of the Caribbean 4….3D!
Call me crazy, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of things before technology.
I mean the other day….I had a rando flashback…back in high school (yes, I’m that old that cell phones were NOT big in my days in high school)…I had to remember everyone’s number. Crap! I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast today. Maybe. Only if I tweeted it….
Am I the only one who feels this way?
Pot versus alcohol; the age-old debate.
Now I can hear you saying to yourself, “This girl likes to blog about Bieber, hoodies, and music. Why is she writing on a heavy topic such as marijuana legalization?”
My answer is that I find the topic interesting – and also…I fooled you! It is about music – specificially a song, by the British rap group called The Streets.
Their song “The Irony of It All” is clever as all hell; it’s a conversation between a pothead named Tim and a gentlemen with a penchant for drinking named Terry. While it’s meant to be witty and perhaps make you chortle (I like using fun synonyms for “giggle”) it drives home many serious points. Here:
Hello, Hello. My names Terry and I’m a law abider.
There’s nothing I like more than getting fired up on beer.
And when the weekends here I to exercise my right to get paralytic and fight.
Good bloke fairly.
But I get well leery when geezers look at me funny.
Bounce ‘em round like bunnies.
I’m likely to cause mischief.
Good clean grief you must believe and I ain’t no thief.
Law abiding and all, all legal.
And who cares about my liver when it feels good.
What you need is some real manhood.
Rasher Rasher Barney and Kasha putting peoples backs up.
Public disorder, I’ll give you public disorder.
I down eight pints and run all over the place.
Spit in the face of an officer.
See if that bothers you cause I never broke a law in my life.
Someday I’m gonna settle down with a wife.
Come on lads lets have another fight.
Oh hello. My names Tim and I’m a criminal.
In the eyes of society I need to be in jail.
For the choice of herbs I inhale.
This ain’t no wholesale operation.
Just a few eighths and some Playstations my’s vocation.
I pose a threat to the nation.
And down the station the police hold no patience.
Let’s talk space and time.
I like to get deep sometimes and think about Einstein.
And Carl Jung And old Kung Fu movies I like to see.
Pass the hydrator please.
Yeah I’m floating on thin air.
Going to Amsterdam in the New Year – top gear there.
Cause I taker pride in my hobby.
Home made bongs using my engineering degree.
Dear Leaders, please legalise weed for these reasons.
Like I was saying to him.
I told him: “Top with me and you won’t leave.”
So I smacked him in the head and downed another Carling.
Bada Bada Bing for the lad’s night.
Mad fight, his face’s a sad sight.
Vodka and Snake Bite.
Going on like a right geez, he’s a twat.
Shouldn’t have looked at me like that.
Anyway I’m an upstanding citizen.
If a war came along I’d be on the front line with em.
Can’t stand crime either them hooligans on heroin.
Drugs and criminals those thugs on the penny coloured will be the downfall of society.
I’ve got all the anger pent up inside of me.
You know I don’t see why I should be the criminal.
How can something with no recorded fatalities be illegal?
And how many deaths are there per year from alcohol?
I just completed Gran Turismo on the hardest setting.
We pose no threat on my settee.
Ooh the pizza’s here will someone let him in please?
We didn’t order chicken; not a problem we’ll pick it out.
I doubt they meant to mess us about.
After all we’re all adults not louts.
As I was saying, we’re friendly peaceful people.
We’re not the ones out there causing trouble.
We just sit in this hazy bubble with our quarters
Discussing how beautiful Gail Porter is.
MTV, BBC 2, Channel 4 is on until six in the morning.
Then at six in the morning the sun dawns and it’s my bedtime.
Causing trouble, your stinking rabble.
Boys saying I’m the lad who’s spoiling it.
You’re on drugs it really bugs me when people try and tell me I’m a thug
Just for getting drunk.
I like getting drunk.
Cause I’m an upstanding citizen.
If a war came along I’d be on the front line with em.
Now Terry you’re repeating yourself.
But that’s okay drunk people can’t help that.
A chemical reaction inside your brain causes you to forget what you’re saying.
What. I know exactly what I’m saying!
I’m perfectly sane.
You stinking student lameo.
Go get a job and stop robbing us of our taxes.
Err, well actually according to research
Government funding for further education pales in insignificance
When compared to how much they spend on repairing
Leery drunk people at the weekend
In casualty wards all over the land.
Why you cheeky little swine – come here
I’m gonna batter you. Come here!
I honestly won’t even be writing to you that much during this blog my dear readers; the lyrics say it all. Everything that Tim says makes 100% perfect sense. If you are against both drinking and smoking, well that’s a-ok; at least you’re in the same boat. But if you blaspheme all potheads, while you yourself enjoy getting your drink on, think about it.
I’m not saying go out, buy a piece, wear a Bob Marley t-shirt, and smoke the reefer (Super Troopers anyone?). All I’m saying is think about it, and the irony of it all.
-M.Ellen
Hoodies. Enough said.
Who doesn’t love hoodies?? I mean…tell me, WHO!?
(minus people who live in the Bahamas, etc. who probably don’t need them)
Hoodies are my #1 favorite article of clothing.
a) They are ridiculously comfortable.
b) They are ridiculously affordable.
c) They can be dressed up, or down. AKA worn in any situation/event.
Going out to grab a bite to eat with a friend? Or just to even get a little walk in…but know the night is getting colder? GRAB A HOODIE.
Going to a spectacular concert, and want to wear something a little warmer, but still stylish, and take-off-able if you get too hot? GRAB A HOODIE (maybe in this case, a neon colored one)
Need to escape a first or second story window and don’t have sheets? GRAB A HOODIE.
Feeling a little bit under the weather and want to curl up in a ball and become a zombie? GRAB A HOODIE.
You have over the head hoodies, zip-up hoodies, plain colored hoodies, patterned hoodies, high-neck hoodies, v-neck hoodies, over-sized hoodies, weird hoodies that are like half hoodies, hoodies that rep, hoodies with goodies (ie: built-in earphones).
ie: wearing a hoodie while hanging with your bff cuz its cold out
ie: wearing a hoodie and sunglasses and hanging with rockstars
Running around $25 a shot (unless you want your uber expensive and oh-so-hipster Americal Apparel shizz), it’s easy to understand why one can collect so many. I have an embarrassing amount, probably at least one of all the examples I’ve listed up there (minus striped hoodies…I don’t look good in stripes). Most recently from stores like Target, Forever 21, or my all time favorite – H&M.
Some I haven’t touched since high school, but they will forever remain dormant in my closet as I refuse to give them up, saying “I’ll wear it one day…” (FYI, this probably won’t ever happen. I used to think Volcom and skater-esque brands were the bombdotcom in high school and would feel very outdated to be running around in Billabong.)
Okay, so this is probably the dumbest/shortest blog, but you know what….I don’t care. I wanted to write about something (I’ve been sucking on the updates) and I had a conversation with some friends about the fantastic fall/hoodie weather coming up, and decided to dedicate this blog to something I find quite awesome.
Seriously, you simply cannot beat an article of clothing like that (nope, not even that simple black dress can; suck it simple black dress). Plus….put the hood up and combine it with stellar rockstar and/or celebrity sunglasses? Well, I’ve never had more of a crush on you.
One of the best underrated bands.
JUSTIN BIEBER.
Sup.
JUST KIDDING.
Haha. Well, it made me laugh.
Anyway. The honest answer?
OK Go.
I’m serious. I can hear in your head – oh, are those the guys that did that music video 10 years ago with the treadmills?
Why yes, you are correct. However, it was only 4 years ago, and that is only the tip of the iceberg of their creativity. I mean, do YOU know anyone that can dance on treadmills like that? Point prooven.
I have decided to write this blog to help enlighten you, dear reader (aka my friends and perhaps a few random strangers), about the other fantastic music videos from Ok Go. At the end of this, please remember to push your chin up and close your mouth, or else you’ll end up walking around looking like a surprised idiot the rest of the day.
This is their song, “A Million Ways”. What people don’t realize is that this dancing beauty came out before their infamous treadmill video for “Here it Goes Again.” I will state here, first and foremost, it’s completely cool if you don’t like their musical style…as stated from previous blogs we’re each to our own…but you cannot deny this is a) hilarious and b) talented as BEEP. Damian’s (lead singer) sister is a choreographer and helped them set up this entire song. Little known fact: my good friend Becky and I once memorized parts of this, and were pretty damn good at it, and would perform it (for a price) at parties.
This is a fun story. See…this song, “This Too Shall Pass”, has TWO videos. There’s this one, which is fantastic and so talented/creative in it’s own band-geek and chewbaca creatures from the ground kind of way….and then they said to themselves….”Hey. We’re just so imaginative…I don’t think this video cuts it. Let’s do ANOTHER!!!!!”
Resulting in the coolest music video ever:
Don’t scoff – this is 100% real…no CG stuff - they spent countless hours creating all the machines and setting up entire warehouses so that they could pull this off with one take. I mean, just THINK about that. My favorite part is at 1:28 where they have glasses filled with water that play a part of the song for ya.
That reminds me of a time I saw them play live at Toad’s Place, in CT. They played one of their songs, “What to Do”, using only special hand bells and chimes. Just because I’m SO nice, here’s a video some fellow concert-goer took! (Last vid, I swear)
Fact….I am the voice that can be heard many times throughout this song/video, most notably at 0:12 yelling “Damian!” (I have an infatuation with him and his uber plump lips), 0:57 saying “STFU” to someone, and then again at just past 2:00 saying, “I love them!”.
I have no shame. And for that (along with my fantastical skills of getting to meet and hang out with bands), I present you this:
I’ve been in love with these guys for years. And hopefully after reading this blog and watching these videos, you will agree that there’s no denying that they are some of the most talented and super creative gentlemen out there that are completely underrated. Most people just remember the treadmills and haven’t bothered to keep their eye on them. Spread the love 
