Friday, February 29, 2008

Let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing...


Alright. I love movies. I'll admit that. While I'm not as big into comics, the marriage of the two seems destined. My two favorite comic heroes have always been Captain America and Iron Man. Kinda got a little conflicting during the Civil War arc, and while Cap got a bullet, Iron Man got a new movie. Iron Man debuts in theaters on May 2nd. While we wait, let's enjoy the new badass trailer, complete with heavy metal soundtrack.

Iron Man Exclusive Trailer

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

PostSecret

Sometimes, I surf the web looking for something that catches my eye. Today I found a blog called PostSecret.

PostSecret bills itself as "an ongoing community art project, in which people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard." It's exactly what it sounds like. It appeals to the inner voyeur in everyone. I actually think it's a very interesting, and the idea of anonymously sharing your emotional burdens with the world seems very cathartic.
The blog has released four books since its inception in 2004. Each filled with the things that people would never say to the rest of us.

The secrets range from the funny...









To the embarrassing...










To the subtly profound...







If you're curious, you can find PostSecret at PostSecret.Blogspot.com. Every once in a while you might find something like this...


This secret just ripped my heart out. For those of you who are separated from your loved ones in the service, don't ever do this. As much as it hurts to confront this situation, we rely on our loved ones back home. Communication with you keeps us grounded, keeps us sane. It reminds us that no matter how bad things are, we still have something to fight for. You are our strength, our reason for service. Please, don't abandon us when we need you.

Getz/Gilberto


Premier among Brasil's contributions to the international music scene is Bossa Nova. The six years from 1958 to 1963 produced over a dozen Jazz Standards, making Bossa Nova one of the most influential jazz movements, despite its brief duration.

Getz/Gilberto is the Magnum Opus of the Bossa Nova movement. Of the dozen or so Jazz Standards to rise from the Bossa Nova movement, three are found on the eight tracks of this album.

Traditionally, Bossa Nova is played with an unaccompanied guitar and vocals. However, Stan Getz, an American saxophone player from the "Cool Jazz" movement of the 40's and 50's, took an interest in the sound. He met with Joao Gilberto, guitarist and creator of the Bossa Nova beat, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, a famed songwriter from Rio de Janeiro. Together they worked out a fusion of Getz's saxophone skills and Gilberto's deft touch on the guitar that was unlike anything before it. They spent two days recording this album, and played their way into music immortality.

Getz/Gilberto took the world by storm. At the 1965 Grammy Awards Getz/Gilberto won Album of the year, Best Engineered Album, and Best Jazz Instrumental. The first single, "The Girl From Ipanema", won Record of the Year. To put the significance of winning Album of the Year and Record of the Year in 1965 into perspective, The Beatles released their American debut that year.

Getz/Gilberto is the perfect music for enjoying your leisure time. I often put it on when enjoying a good drink or meal at home, entertaining guests, or reading a good book. The three tracks that went on to become Jazz Standards, Girl From Ipanema, Desafinado, and Corcovado, are particularly sublime.

I recommend this album to everyone, regardless of their being a jazz aficionado or not. All people can enjoy its relaxing, tropical quality.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Welcome...

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I am the Renaissance Man. I am a soldier, a student, a critic, an athlete, a gamer, and many other things. I intend to use this blog to cover anything that catches my interest. From drinks, to books, to games, nothing is off limits here. Please, enjoy your stay.