September 30th, 2006

Current Music: Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek Subject: I'm alive. Time: 04:22 pm Current Mood: lazy

Yeah, I know. I never post to this thing any more. One of these days I'll purge it all, write a 600 page entry complete with pictures from the last 3 months and collectable bookends. I feel a bit empty not tending to this thing as much as I used, not cos you nothing to read to somehow gain insight into my psyche, rather cos it is a bit thereapeutic, even if the posts are just reviews or pictures or general ramblings. The reason I'm here is that on Tuesday Oct 3rd, "Thank You For Smoking" comes out on DVD. See it. It's easily my frontrunner for best film of the year, a rare comedy that actually makes you feel somewhat empowered as you laugh. Go, see, discuss. Back in a jiffy... -philhouse

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August 10th, 2006

Current Music: Nathan Johnson - Emily's Theme Subject: Hey you! Yeah, you! Time: 01:51 pm Current Mood: refreshed

You like movies? You like film noir? You like film noir set in a high school? Then see Brick. One of the best films of the year, lengthy review coming soon...until then...see it. -philhouse

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July 12th, 2006

Current Music: TV on the Radio - Dreams Subject: Nintendo just sold me on the Wii... Time: 11:29 am Current Mood: surprised

They're making a Bob Ross videogame. They're making a Bob Ross videogame. They're making a Bob Ross videogame. They are...MAKING...a...BOB. ROSS. VIDEOGAME. -philhouse

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July 11th, 2006

Current Music: The Books - That Right Ain't Shit Subject: Broken Lizard Time: 05:17 pm Current Mood: excited

Beerfest, the new Broken Lizard movie! -philhouse

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Current Music: This post? Subject: He's back Time: 12:46 pm Current Mood: aggravated

Jarvis Cocker, lead singer of Pulp, just released a solo track called "Running the World," or "Cunts Are Still Running the World" if yer not a pussy. Easily one of the finest lyricists of our time, he knocks this one out of the park. I highly recommend it. Listen here. And since Myspace sound quality is awful, and half of you will complain you can't understand a British accent, the lyrics: Well did you hear, theres a natural order. Those most deserving will end up with the most. That the cream cannot help but always rise up to the top, Well I say: Shit floats. If you thought things had changed, Friend youd better think again, Bluntly put in the fewest of words, Cunts are still running the world. Now the working classes are obsolete, They are surplus to societies needs, So let em all kill each other, And get a maid overseas. Thats the word dont you know, From the guys thats running the show, Lets be perfectly clear boys and girls, Cunts are still running the world. Oh feed your children on Cray fish and Lobster tails, Find a school near the top of the league, In theory I respect your right to exist, I will kill ya if you move in next to me, Ah it stinks, it sucks, its anthropologically unjust, But the takings are up by a third, Oh So Cunts are still running the world. The free market is perfectly natural, Do you think that I'm some kind of dummy? Its the ideal way to order the world, Fuck the morals, does it make any money? And if you dont like it? Then leave. Or use your right to protest on the street, Yeah, use your rights but dont imagine that its heard, Oh no no, Cunts are still running the world... -philhouse

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July 3rd, 2006

Current Music: XTC - Generals and Majors Subject: Christ. Time: 02:21 pm Current Mood: jubilant

Ok, so these are three clips from a Japanese prank show that easily trump "Candid Camera," "Jackass," or any other prank show you have ever seen. This is mind-blowingly funny stuff. If anyone can tell me the name of this so I can somehow import some DVDs, I'll buy you lunch. - "Wake Up" - "Toilet" - "Massage Chair" -philhouse

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June 30th, 2006

Current Music: TV on the Radio - Dreams Subject: Massive Picture Update Time: 10:54 am Current Mood: happy

Ok, so...haven't made one of those picture entries in like two months, which obviously means I've been doing nothing. WRONG! I've just been lazy. So here's a very sporadic summation: John Orr, absolutely wastecrammed on his 24th. This pic simply doesn't capture the sheer magnitude of his drunkitude (sorry, I just watched "When We Were Kings." That joke is going to be funny to only Brent and hopefully Rob). Jorr launched vomit all over the floor at Nippers literally seconds after I looked at the bartender and went "Oh, no, he'll be fine." And he made this noise like a goddamn demon from the 7th level. THE ENTIRE BAR HEARD IT. Also featured here is co-worker Matt, who can make babysitting a drunk look stylish and Andy, whose reupholstered and customized van was in serious jeopardy of being vommed in. But it wasn't. I went to Cahill, Nick and Aaron's final Bubble show and Roast...and the only picture I took was of Farts Alexander's bloody nose. Does he even have a real name? Lawrence? Justin? Marc with "C"? Me with Louis CK. Man absolutely slaughtered Crackers. You should watch his HBO show. Went to a Cubs\Tigers game at Wrigley the other week. This is Ryan deep in the 8th inning, still yelling and flicking off Magglio Ordonez. In 8th inning. He started when the game started. This was the 8th inning. By this point, Tigers fans were making fun of my "pretty glasses" and Ordonez was just laughing. By the way, we're on a mission to make "Magglio" an insult., so please start the trend. Example: "You forgot the beer? You fucking Magglio!" Had a "Dude's Night Out" complete with T-shirts. Notice Bria as "the girl." It was sort of a bar crawl, with no real "plan" in mind. We made it to two bars, closed the second. So there you go. Notice how none of these are in focus? I need to start taking pictures when I'm sober. I don't know when the hell this was, it coulda been fucking December. But it's never been on this page, so here it is, in total glory. Seriously, I don't remember when this happened. That's bad\awesome. Remember when I said I took one picture at Roast Night? I lied. Here's Loman roasting Cahill, another in a long line of Bubble Roasts that end with lots of crying. You really have no idea how amazing those are. I've never seen close friends be able to call out each other's bullshit and then get sappy on such a dime before. You should really experience one sometime. Oh, and Farts Alexander's real name is Gordon. Kidding. It's Brett. Really. Here's one from the vault. Took this pic of Rob at one of Jorr's Starbucks shows. Touched it up, upped the contrast, etc. I miss taking pics like this. John Saxen, drunk at 11.30 at Woodland Bowl. You can't see the rest of place which is TOTALLY FUCKING EMPTY. There's nothing classier than closing down a Carmel bowling alley. Also in attendance were Jamie and Cameron. In case yer wondering (and you are), this is Cameron...if you didn't know, now you know. And one more for good measure. She's the best... -philhouse

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Current Music: TV on the Radio - Dreams Subject: Pleasure Overload Time: 10:36 am Current Mood: awake

1. Is there anything sweeter than getting an e-mail from Netflix where the subject line is simply: For Fri: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipmunk Adventure? 2. Rob sent me the "Transformers" teaser over YouTube today. I think I may consider revisiting mild hallucinogenics in order to be able to fully process the idea of a live action "Transformers" flick. Imagine this coming out when we were like 7. Sex would have become absolutely meaningless! Forever! -philhouse

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June 15th, 2006

Current Music: U2 - 40 (live) Subject: A tune-up Time: 05:52 pm Current Mood: thoughtful

For some reason, the ol' LJ doesn't work unless I make this entry. It's like a car, I guess...puppy's been runnin' well for a few years now, finally gotta give it a tune-up. To save this from becoming a worthless entry, I just watched "Lord of War," which was surprisingly fantastic. A few friends had recommended it, and I was unaware it was written and directed by Andrew Niccol, who is responsible for "Gattaca" and the script for "The Truman Show." If I would've known that, I would've seen it sooner. Reminded me a lot of "Thank You For Smoking," in that it profiled a man who profits from death and human error. Both films referenced the other's vice as being worse, so...that's fun! Sent in a DVD to the New York Underground Comedy Festival in attempt to muscle into their Emerging Comics Contest. Any news will be good news... -philhouse

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June 9th, 2006

Current Music: Rolling Stones - Moonlight Mile Subject: Wowzers Time: 10:02 am Current Mood: excited

For all interested parties: Amazon lists the DVD as having a release date of JULY 25TH, DAYS AFTER THEY PREMIERE ON COMEDY CENTRAL! THAT IS FUCKING INSANE! -philhouse

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June 8th, 2006

Current Music: Gunther - Ding Dong Song Subject: The light! Time: 12:21 pm Current Mood: inspired

Today I checked out allofmp3.com, the pride of legal loopholes and the Russian mafia, and this album was in the "recently added" section: Listen to samples here. Every song title is absolutely priceless. The part of me that's saying "this can't be real" is also hoping that it is. Big ups to anyone that joins allofmp3, pays the $1.24 and uploads the files for me. God knows I may get drunk and do it soon. In other news, I've been away from this thing for a while. Stuff's been good. Everything I was planning on three months ago has gone out the window, in a strange, great way. Sorry for the vague nature, but...yeah. It's looking like I won't be leaving town anymore, I have strong reasons to stay cos of friends and family, and the comedy game is gonna take an interesting turn. Nothing is final, nothing is certain, but the ride is good. -rob a jewelry store and tell 'em make me a grillhouse

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May 24th, 2006

Current Music: The Rakes - Open Book Subject: Orange Time: 11:00 am Current Mood: bitchy

You know what? Fuck Apple and fuck the iPod. And here's why: Before I launch into a tirade, those of you who use Macs out of personal preference, that's fine. You like them, they like you, I understand. But those of you who use Macs and iPods and push them on us like the San Franciscans in the "Hybrid" episode of South Park, you can lick my goddamn balls. After that lame new Mac commercial where Apple makes PCs out to be a bunch of lame white guys, and Macs super hip shaggy haired dudes who speak Japanese, that was it. Look: Apple is just as monopolistic as Microsoft. I would've joined iTunes a long time ago. Oh, but wait, I need an iPod to listen to iTunes downloads. Really? Creating one product to sell another? Apple has not allowed support of iRiver, one of its top competitors. Not only that, once I pay for my downloads, I don't even have complete control over what I do with them. With stricter DRM requirements, you can now do LESS with yer downloads. Oh, and Apple usually takes 60 cents on every iTunes download. Way to "support the artist," who, after record company expenses is getting less than a dime for the song you just downloaded that's so full of digitial copyright restrictions, that you may as well let Apple co-sign on it. Again, if you like iPods and Macs and whatnot, fine. Just don't preach yer bullshit about how they're not the evil empire of Microsoft. It's sad that they're just as bad, they just know how to market themselves as the good guys. And if you want a better music download service, supported my indie labels, with no DRM, join emusic. I've been on for two months now and its fabulous. -philhouse

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April 27th, 2006

Current Music: Kronos Quartet - Heat Subject: Entry marathon Time: 02:14 pm Current Mood: frustrated

So there's this thing that always happens to me: I find out about a really amazing show or movie, whatever it may be, I buy tickets, wait in anticipation, get everyone hyped, and then I finally get to see it, I love it, freak out, talk about it forever...and then I get really down. I just want to see it again and again. Why is that? Does it happen to anyone else? Last nite's Comedians of Comedy show was incredible, fantastic, inspiring, it completely solidified my desire to be a better comic. I watched four comedians in their prime, was in awe of the whole thing, learned a lot, got to meet and schmooze...yet today, I feel sort of empty. This happens every time I see an amazing show. It's also happened when I perform and kill. It's almost like cocaine...the second you crash, you just want to reach those heights again. Maybe it's a testament to how great music, comedy, and film really are. -philhouse

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Current Music: Maria Bamfrd - Burning Bridges Tour Subject: Drunk pictures...what's it to ya? Time: 12:33 pm Current Mood: awake

Hey, look another batch of pictures of Bloomington drunken debauchery! You don't say! Onward with Boy in the Bubble Alumni Show Weekend in Still Life! Nate, with a look of total satisfaction after succesfully getting something like 12 people high on brownies in his house. Was I one of them? Obviously, yes. That rope light in the last picture flooded the frame with light here. That's Amy and Matt coloring on the right. Ok, so...Nate has this fake prop guitar from 1980s music video, really, that starred Harrison Ford. He doesn't know what video it was, but if you can figure it out, we'll all love you. Side note, imagine hearing this information while stoned. Incredible. Me, Amy and Big Daddy Wapes looking towards the future. Roberts commanding the future. Kasey and Hanna loaded. Christ. Mhmm. Josh with Matt, who looks like his 2nd grade school picture. Cahill unleashed. Don't ask. Luke Doler, livin' in the red. Ok, so. Lots of things goin' on here. Roberts and Hanna...maybe dancing, maybe fighting, maybe about to make out? Joshua, drunk. Look towards the back and notice Matthew. He either just had a foursome with three ugly chicks, or he's about run out into the street and yell at cars to slow down. Or he's just drunk. Roberts and Loman, no prisoners. Hanna said "look sexy," and while she delivered, I look like a 14 year-old trying to take a myspace picture. Wapes look for some sort of affection, but I'm a cold motherfucker. -philhouse

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Current Music: Patton vs Alcohol vs Zach vs Patton Time: 11:18 am Current Mood: satisfied

Saw the Comedians of Comedy last nite, had a total blast. Went to a small instore at Luna before the show, talked to Patton about "The Wire," and Brian played us some Caninus, which is a pit-bull fronted grindcore band (seriously). As for the show, easily the best live comedy I've ever seen. I've never seen Eugene Mirman, but he was absolutely fantastic, and I felt kinda bad that no one paid him that much attention during the instore and aftershow signings, but that's ok cos he'll be just as huge as the rest of them soon. Everyone did mostly new stuff, but all did my favorite classic bits (Patton's "Steak", Maria's "Baby Look Pretty Now Mommy?"). But yeah, just an amazing amazing show. The command the comics had over the crowd was great, it seems like all of them have gotten even better. Ironically enough, Brian did a bit that I did almost exactly like a year ago, which was really really bizarre. I got to meet Henry Owings, who basically is Chunklet Magazine before the show while dropping a record 75 dollars at the merch table. After the show I got to meet Maria Bamford and was a borderline blabbering idiot. Anyways...on with the pics: Eugene, Brian and Patton at Luna. Brian Posehn and I closing a business deal. Patton Oswalt and I closing a real estate deal. Maria Bamford, the most instaneously nice person ever. Ok, I'm done. -philhouse

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April 3rd, 2006

Current Music: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The Skin of My Yellow... Subject: Fight. Time: 04:33 pm Current Mood: restless

Fascinating and fairly unbiased article about the RIAA and filesharing here. -philhouse

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March 28th, 2006

Current Music: Band of Horses - The Funeral Subject: Sob Bagget Time: 09:23 am Current Mood: anxious

The Bob Saget rebirth will hopefully come to complete fruition with this. -philhouse

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March 27th, 2006

Current Music: This. Subject: Wha Time: 10:18 am Current Mood: impressed

Listen to this and listen to it now: Band of Horses - The Funeral. -philhouse

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March 24th, 2006

Current Music: Joe Walsh - In the City Subject: Linky-poos Time: 03:40 am Current Mood: relaxed

1. Remember that "Shining" trailer romantic comedy spoof? This one's even better: Blue Velvet as a romantic comedy. Bam. 2. Stolen from agreatnotion: Wrestle for Jesus. JP, I'm looking at you. The roster gets me everytime. -philhouse

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March 23rd, 2006

Current Music: Fuck. Subject: Ass. Time: 04:46 pm Current Mood: Shit.

Hey! Guess who got picked for fucking jury duty the day he has to go do a comedy showcase in Louisville?! THIS GUY! -philhouse

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March 21st, 2006

Current Music: Marijuana-logues Subject: Thanks JP Time: 06:47 pm Current Mood: indescribable

Who the fuck isn't excited about this? Times like these, I'm glad I have Netflix and access to pot. -philhouse

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March 20th, 2006

Current Music: Moby - When It's Cold I'd Like to Die Subject: Snakes on a Muhfuckin' Plane!!! Time: 09:37 am Current Mood: awake

A few things: 1. Sopranos is kicking ass like crazy. Last nite's episode had so many things I love about the series going strong. Except there wasn't enough Syl. There never is enough Syl. 2. Read this terrifying article about Scientology here. The letters at the end really do it. 3. Footage of Snakes On a Plane has been posted. I still have no idea what is going on, but it's hilarious. See it here. -philhouse

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March 16th, 2006

Current Music: NCAA on CBS Subject: Beck Time: 03:58 pm Current Mood: excited

Last nite we got super stoned and eventually turned to VH1 to see Beck performing on "Live @ VH1.com." He played with 7-9 dudes , who I'm presuming make up his new band, in this hippie-esque drum circle, complete with a modded Speak-n-Spell. It was absolutely fantastic...so much so that I jumped online to find out it wasn't available anywhere as a download, but was streaming on VH1.com. After some fenagling and technical prowess, I managed to record the stream and turned it into some quality mp3's and now have the whole thing ready to DL. If you have even a remote interest in Beck, I highly recommend DLing this. The clear highlight is "Golden Age," where the band is having a dinner party as Beck plays alone, and gradually joining in by resonating wine glasses, clinking forks, spoons, and water pitchers. Eventually the whole dinner party breaks down into a version of "Clap Hands" that is simple and exciting. I suggest watching this on VH1's site before just listening. Anyways, enough talking...on with the goods: Live @ VH1.com official site (click Beck...obviously) Zipped folder containing all 7 tracks on mp3 (click the "Free" button, wait thirty seconds, download, enjoy) Tracklist: 1. Black Tambourine 2. Girl 3. Guess I'm Doing Fine 4. Golden Age (with Clap Hands breakdown) 5. Tropicalia 6. Lost Cause 7. Jack-Ass I don't know what the proper order was on the show, so I assembled the track order on my own. I'll stop talking now. -philhouse

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March 14th, 2006

Current Music: Johnny Cash - I Hung My Head Time: 10:35 am Current Mood: awake

If it hasn't been abundantly clear, it will be now: I love Roger Ebert. He's the only film criitc who's opinion I actually take interest in, not because I agree with his reviews (although I'd say I do about 80% of the time, so that helps) but because he writes reviews with purpose and eloquence that justify his decisions. Ebert loves movies to no end. When he writes a gushing review, it's wonderful. When he hates a film, the reviews are sometimes hilarious. I go to his site at least twice a week for not only reviews, but discussions, essays from other critic's, etc. It's a haven for good film discussion. And even when I don't agree with his choices (Crash as best film), I love to explore them, because they are clearly written by someone who is fully aware of tastes and choices. Anyhoo, enough with the cocksmoking. Ebert just posted a response to Isaac Hayes quitting South Park. Read it. -philhouse

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March 9th, 2006

Current Music: J. Geils Band in my head. Subject: None. Time: 01:15 am

Little Fat Pants: ive always wanted to have someone standing behind me onstage with a shotgun firing blanks into the air to signify punchlines IScream4Lobsters: hah hah hah Little Fat Pants: i tell lame street jokes..."skeleton walks into a bar, orders a beer and a mop" KABLAM! IScream4Lobsters: lol IScream4Lobsters: the shotgun guy should look totally dead serious IScream4Lobsters: it should be a huge biker dude Little Fat Pants: thats exactly what i was about to say! IScream4Lobsters: who just glares at the audience Little Fat Pants: no, just outward Little Fat Pants: like hes in a trance IScream4Lobsters: lol IScream4Lobsters: like he's trained his whole life for this IScream4Lobsters: that's so funny Little Fat Pants: especially if i dressed really flamboyant Little Fat Pants: like a bright green shirt with capris pants and sandals Little Fat Pants: and hes this biker Little Fat Pants: jesus, i wish i could feasibly do that IScream4Lobsters: you should have your hair slicked to the side really greased like Little Fat Pants: haha IScream4Lobsters: yeah, that would be incredibly loud in crackers IScream4Lobsters: in possibly illegal Little Fat Pants: yeah, and most likely illegal Little Fat Pants: ha IScream4Lobsters: wow Little Fat Pants: im gonna pitch it next tuesday. grab the owner..."hey, you mind if i bring a loaded gun next time? it'll be FUCKING HILARIOUS"

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March 8th, 2006

Time: 12:23 pm

I should mention that I do have a myspace page, where I post all my comedy and whatnot. Go here, add me, comment, validate my existence. -philhouse

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Subject: "Crash" and burn Time: 11:08 am

A fantastic article on why "Crash" shouldn't have won Best Picture. The more I think about it, the more I'm beginning to hate it. In a year where there were four other films that explored complexities of controversy, a film that made racism idiotically simplistic won. Before, I thought it was an alright flick. Had it's moments. But after much thought and discussion, it's awful. Not one person in the film reacts in any real fashion, everyone is a pawn in its thesis. A film like "Brokeback" that could've easily fired off an on agenda, pounding the audience with ideology and even propoganda, chose to let it's politics take a back seat and it was a better film. I'd like to add that, while I enjoyed "Brokeback," any other of the four films that were not "Crash" could have won and I would have applauded the Academy (In fact, I was rooting for "Capote"). But they didn't. This could have been a fine year for the Oscars, a great one. Instead, it just showed the a) liberal Hollywood loves Jon Stewart, until he takes his real social commentary and applies it to them and b) the Academy is a bunch of pussies that awlays take the safe way out. Moulin Rouge? Pulp Fiction? Shawshank? Saving Private Ryan? CITIZEN FUCKING KANE? All snubbed for safe choices. At least Hoffman won. Class act. -philhouse

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March 5th, 2006

Current Music: Johnny Cash - A Satisfied Mind Subject: Last Comic Standing Time: 02:06 pm Current Mood: disappointed

I went to audition for NBC's "Last Comic Standing" and here's what happened: Peter Kremidas and I got to Chicago last nite, went out for a bit, saw an Improv Olympic show, and went to sleep. We woke up at 5 am and were outside Zanies Comedy Club at 6 am in line, prolly 120-130 people back. After about twenty minutes, a security guard came outside with a box of applications. Rather than handing the applications out to the people in line in order, he just let everyone bum rush him and snag apps for anyone who could get to them (and for their friends). 150 apps gone in seconds. There were people who were camped outside the club at 3 am who didnt get an app. There was a couple, I shit you not, who flew in from I-DA-HO (IDAHO!) to audition, and they didn't get an app (IDAHO!). After two hours of much speculation, we were told that if we didn't have an app in our hands, we needed to go home. Our consolation was an address to send in a tape by Friday. But honestly, I'm not upset. We had no expectations going into this thing, and we had a good time in the city nontheless. Peter and I had some great talks about comedy and theory and all that elitist humor bullshit we love to spout on and on about, and more than once had each other on the fucking floor laughing. Carrie Voigt was a gracious host, we had some mad din-din at a joint called The Raw Bar in Wrigleyville, where I ate octopus for the first time, and I got to see Carrie's dude Jeff and Brian Eagles. Sorry if this entry is a bit short, but I got fried chicken to eat, videogames to play and a DVD to burn of my material before I head off to Cincinatti in the morning to then travel to Columbus with Scoots and the Newport Fish Market crew. Word. -philhouse

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March 4th, 2006

Current Music: This post? Subject: Kingdom Come Time: 11:35 am Current Mood: anxious

So, I don't know how many people actually know about this, but Coldplay wrote a song for Johnny Cash. They recorded their bit and waited for him to come record his, but alas, Cash died before the whole thing could come about. Rather than scrapping the whole thing, they tacked it onto the lackluster "X&Y" as a hidden track with Chris Martin on vocals. Since there are a lot of Cash fans that read this, I'd figure I'd post it here, cos it's an amazing song that still holds weight even without Cash's vocals. It's eerie to listen to after watching "Walk the Line" as Martin (the most underrated overrated songwriter out there) wisely chooses to focus on the Cash\Carter relationship. Just imagine what it could've been... Coldplay - 'Til Kingdom Come -philhouse

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February 22nd, 2006

Current Music: Free Bird (yes, Free Bird) Subject: Badass. Time: 10:36 am Current Mood: awake

These are dudes are amazing. -philhouse

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Current Music: Sigur Ros - Untitled 8 Subject: Movies Music and Shit Time: 02:27 am

A quick fire off entry: -Saw Boy in the Bubble perform Saturday nite...an excellent show with some really challenging sketches. The group is taking risks that it wouldn't have before and it's paying off well. Big ups. Side note, the post party at Nate\Mclain's was fantastic, with uber-college drunkening upstairs, and super hippie smoking everywhere else. I achieved a rare buzz, where I was simultaneously clear-headed and incoherent. Mucho thankos. -Saw Sigur Ros at the Murat last nite. Impressive show, didn't hear everything I wanted to, but the experience was definately like none other. It was a good show, redefined as great after the band came out and closed with only with "Untitled 8" from the ( ) album (save the pretention comments, please.) Easily, by far, the single greatest performance of a single song I've ever seen. Everyone in the place was floored, the whole experience being summed up by one guy saying "I'm gonna need a few hours to really take this in" (again, save the pretention comments...I'm well aware. I coulda gone to the show stoned and immediately come home and written about the sanctity of Sigur Ros for four pages). I'd pay the 45 dollars again if I was guaranteed to see that piece just one more time. They could fart on their hands for two hours beforehand, as long as I would be able to see it again, I'd be ok. If yer unfamiliar with the song, it's available as a free download from the band here. -Did yet another (unexpected) 10 minute set at Crackers, went very well, and recieved a fabulous progress report from Amateur nite ringleader, Matt Holt. He basically told me to 1) not dumb down my material, as it just has to find its crowd (Indiana isn't flavor country when it comes to any sort of stand-up), 2) start doing shows at other clubs around the midwest to start building the foundations to get real work, and 3) get the hell out of Indiana. Done and done. -I'm not promising anything, but I may be doing a short set at Comedy Caravan at Bear's place in Bloomington really soon. There's some red tape to get through, but yeah...could be super rad. -Aaaannnd movie review time! 2001: A Space Odyssey: I know, I know, shoulda seen it like ten years ago, but didn't. I always enter "classic" flicks with my guard up, just cos the hype machine has usually done a lot to water them down, but this blew me away. The effects still hold after almost forty years (!) and Kubrick's composition and editing choices are flawless. Battle Royale: This move was hyped to me by a few people and honestly I was disappointed throughout. An interesting premise: a class of forty Japanese ninth graders, who have gone to school together their whole lives, are randomly selected to fight to the death on a deserted island, and if more than one is alive after three days, they all die. A fruitful idea full of promise and possibility, completely wasted. Everything in the movie is two dimensional, motives and reasons are watered down to thirty second explanations. There are so many opportunities for social commentary and character study, but none are explored. The movie could've gone the other way as a black comedy and achieved another sort of impact but it wasted that as well. Bummer. I'd like to see a remake...or just go reread "Lord of the Flies." Side note: I'm fully aware I'm accusing an action flick of being two-dimensional when I have the largest collection of Jerry Bruckheimer flicks out of anyone I know. I'll justify this by saying that we all have a soft spot for some sort of garbage cinema in our libraries. It's just a matter of what yer poison is. If you like Battle Royale, I won't blame you...but I'll never understand why. Just like you'll never understand my proclamation that "The Rock" is the best action movie ever. And no, I'm not gonna fight about it. I know, I know....you like Raiders of the Lost Ark more. I know. Bubble: Steven Soderbergh's highly touted experiment, where he and his screenwriter formed a plot, found a town and locations, then cast local, unexperienced townsfolk as actors and incoporated their stories into the characters and relatively simple plot. A fantastic exploration of the mundane, with most of the dialogue taking place over fast food, focusing on the painfully stationary lives of the lower middle class. This is a film that requires extreme patience, but rewards anyone that gives themselves over to it and embraces it's simple yet poigant production design, everyday dialogue, and voyeuristic cinematography. The extras on the disc are equally interesting, exploring the unexperienced actors' lives. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a film that operates as much as an excersise as it does a story. Great, great flick. That is all for now...keep yer heads up. -philhouse

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February 10th, 2006

Current Music: Ying Yang Twins\Cure Mashups Subject: Booze. Time: 09:07 pm Current Mood: relaxed

Leave one drunken memory of you and me together as a comment. It doesn't matter if I know you a little or a lot, anything you remember. Leave a comment. Next, repost this and see how many people leave a drunken memory about you. -philhouse

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February 7th, 2006

Current Music: Gah? Subject: Zah? Time: 04:20 pm Current Mood: Bah?

Wait wait wait...lemme get this straight: Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson were photographed naked together and I wasn't informed? Invited even? And who's that dude? Why didn't anyone say, "Where is Phillip Kijak? He needs to be here!" How did this lapse of judgement occur? I ask you: how? And Rachel Mcadams was supposed to be in the picture, but bailed? Who dropped the ball on that one? What soulless being let that happen? How can we live in such a world? -philhouse

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January 30th, 2006

Current Music: ACDC - Rock n ROll Ain't Noise Pollution Subject: Update! Time: 07:58 pm Current Mood: bored

Two things: 1. Comedy show at Crackers tomorrow, Tuesday the 31st. COntact me ASAP for details. If you are within 200 miles of Indianapolis, you have no excuses. I'm kind of a big deal...JUST SAYIN'. 2. I still have not gotten enough of cuteoverload.com. Here are some highlights: There is gonna be a homicide if the cuteness isn't contained. I need to sit down... -philhouse

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January 22nd, 2006

Current Music: The Cloud Room - Hey Now Now Subject: The Top 5 Time: 05:36 pm Current Mood: tired

Bearing in mind there are still a few flicks I need to see (most notably "The Squid and the Whale," "Oldboy," "Walk the Line," "Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit," and "A History of Violence"), here's my top 7 movies of the past year...I tried to do 5, but this year was too good...which is ironic cos it was such a "disappointing" year the box office. That's what happens when you don't release a controversial Jesus movie that gets everyone in the seats...but I digress... 1. Capote "Murderball" had the top spot, it really did...but I finally got around to seeing this and was completely blown away. All the hype did not prepare me for the complexity of Hoffman's performance, nor the fantastic cinematography, production design or score. An incredibly dense, suspenseful and undeniably honest film. There are so many factors at work here: huge character development and exploration, an objective ethical analysis of the death penalty and the clash of small town\big city mentalities...all written by Dan Futterman. Dan Futterman! From "The Birdcage!" What the fuck?! No one deserves an Oscar more this year than Philip Seymour Hoffman. 2. Murderball Ever since joining Netflix, my insatiable desire for great documentaries has grown. This movie could've easily fallen apart and become sterile, PC or soulless exploitation. Rather, it's honest in such a way that incites a feeling of brevity with the characters that is entirely unexpected, but completely intended. It explores virtually all the questions that arise throughout its course, trimming away all the fat to create a movie full of fascinating profiles, constantly toying with its own generic implications: it meanders through an extreme sports expose, a deeply emotional drama and a very straightforward "60 Minutes" piece, never once compromising one with the other. The filmmakers clearly knew exactly what they wanted to say and knew how to say it. 3. Sin City Christ, how good was this? I mean...fuck. Robert Rodriguez grabbed his nuts and ran down the street holding them above his head with this one. Any faults are excused for just how undeniably cool it is to sit and watch this. 4. Good Night, and Good Luck George Clooney made a movie that told one story, without any burdens or distractions to compromise it; a movie about journalistic integrity and the quest for truth that was so well written and directed, a moose could've played Edward R. Murrow and it would've been a great film. Not to say that David Strathairn's performance wasn't incredible, because it was (if he beat Hoffman for the Oscar, I really couldn't debate it), but the entire time I watched I felt I was in the hands of a filmmaker that was committed to exploring a story and portraying the couragious characters within it. Clooney is a dark horse for best director, but he'd deserve it. 5. King Kong Uh, did you see this? No explanation neccesary. Peter Jackson owns all, he'll go down as the best blockbuster filmmaker of all time. Yes, better than Spielberg or Lucas. Spielberg cos Spielberg's real talent lies in more subtle films, and Lucas because Lucas has never really known how to make an intensely human movie aside from the original "Star Wars" Trilogy. "Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong" fully demonstrate that Jackson knows how to wow an audience with both effects and stories. He clearly loves his characters and he knows how to project that love into the audience. 6. Batman Begins Too many people have forgotten about this already...easily the best comic book film ever. People can talk and talk about the Burton flicks or "Spider-Man" or any other of the hundereds of comic book movies, but none of them ever made the valiant attempts to transcend the genre into the realistic and logical places that Christopher Nolan did. I was a little disappointed that the film didn't induldge in production design or cinematography (both felt a bit blande) but the script, Christian Bale's undeniably amazing (and best) performance of Bruce Wayne\Batman, along with some awesome soundtrack cuts by Hans Zimmer that drive this movie. With the impending sequels, this series simply cannot fail. It would be a crime. 7. Brokeback Mountain At no point does anyone in this movie preach or make some broad statement about homosexuality or love or social norms. It simply acknowledges all of them, that they affect the characters within the movie, and it lets the events unfold with utmost respect and curiousity. The dichotomy of the typical American Cowboy image merging with ideas like repression and romanticism create something ultimately fascinating, heartbreaking and truly beautiful. Ang Lee continues his tradition of brilliant characterization and ambience here, with amazing pacing, cinematography and music to create a film unlike any other. This is not a movie about social politics, it's a movie about humanity and desire that says more than any other romantic film in the last ten years. Honorable Mentions: -Munich - provokes lots of questions, provides little answers, all while carrying itself as a legitmately suspenseful spy flick along the lines "Mission: Impossible." -Broken Flowers - Bill Murray plays the same part he's been playing for three years, but hey, it's great. -Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - anyone that talks shit about these is seriously missing out. Every film gets better. Disappointments: -Crash - by no means a bad movie, but way way too over the top in its portrayal of racism. The grey areas simply exist as buffer zones for the clashes between black and white charicatures. "Oh look, honey, the white cop sexually assaults a black woman and then 20 minutes later saves her from a burning car. What commentary!" Again, some great stuff here. As a whole, it works pretty well, but my God, a four year old could figure it out. -Syriana - again, not a bad movie, but still...not one fucking person can explain it, without hiding behind the "that's the point excuse." Watching this reminded me of watching "Mulholland Drive," and that's bad and good. Good in that I felt like there was a larger point I wanted to find after walking away from it. Bad, cos I never figured out what that point was. BUT THAT IS THE POINT, RIGHT?! Everything this movie tries to do was done better in "Traffic," which "Syriana" director Stephen Gaghan wrote. In all fairness, I will be giving this one another shot once it hits on DVD. -philhouse

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January 18th, 2006

Current Music: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago Subject: Mega! Time: 11:49 am Current Mood: toxic

Some amazing links to enjoy: The Garfield Randomizer     Displays random Garfield panels to create surreal cartoons that are infintely funnier than the actual strip itself. Mega Jersey Dudes    I cannot explain the sheer joy of this. Just look at the picture in the first post and that's all you really need. This is the new Icy Hot Stuntaz, except 10 times better. So better. So good, I wanna throw a party where we all have to dress like this. I may just alter to wardrobe and lifestyle to be these dudes. The best part is that this is posted on a mixed martial arts messageboard. The World of Nintendo Catalog     A scanned Nintendo catalog from 1990. Hilarious for its balls-out marketing, unbelievable fashion, but mostly for the caption on the first page about the Power Pad. -philhouse

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Current Music: Frank Sinatra - My Way Subject: Whoo! Time: 11:25 am Current Mood: awake

I'm finally getting around to posting the pics from our Mafia New Year's Party...for all those that missed it, 'twas fantastic. Onward, upward, etc... Matt, who either looks like a mafia soldier or a dude at a gas station who tries to hustle you through aggressive muffler sales...or both! Mike rocks the Guy Ritchie-esque look, while Cam elects to be the victim of a mob hit. Big ups for the cement shoes. Doesn't Jorr's outfit make you think that he ended every sentence with "...see? Myeah!" He didn't. Amy, who looked stunnigly like Aidrianna from the Sopranos, minus all the Jersey trash. Rob. What? I don't have to explain anything! Nametag does it for me! John and Liz who, along with Brent and Melissa, came as a team of European assasins. Good game. John Saxen, getting shot outside the Merrymark Theater, Chicago, 1938. Amy, Cam, and Peggles, getting down Glenn Miller. Maybe. The gang in full force. Notice that Brent didn't get the memo that everyone mean mug the camera. He wins the award for friendliest assasin who could rip yer arm off in three seconds. Me with Barret, the one with the balls to come as the big boss. This one gets a little more space cos it's so awesome. Paul the hitman gets the drop on Hunter, who has resigned himself to his fate. I am so not drunk in this picture. A few minutes after the ball drops. Guess who's sober! Nice.

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December 15th, 2005

Current Music: My own screams of terror\joy Subject: CUTE FUCKING OVERLOAD Time: 04:47 pm Current Mood: floored

Cuteoverload.com Try to browse this site for 15 minutes without wanting to slit yer wrists out of fear that you may never see something that adorable again. For real, if there's anything cuter than a kitten wearing a fucking frog hat: ...then I don't even want to hear about it, nor even conceive the very idea it may actually exist. -philhouse

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December 12th, 2005

Current Music: Deep Blue Something - Tonight (thanks Doler) Subject: Drinking Time: 12:01 am Current Mood: satisfied

I went to Bloomington on Saturday, watched Bubble deliver their best show I've seen since leaving the group...actually, one of the best I've ever seen the group produce. Then I went to the Atwater (a worthy challenger to the throne of 415, although not quite there. No matter what they do, that bar will never match the Oehler-produced bar...Oehler woodwork is like Hanzo steel) and got proper drunk after roasting Emily. I mean...Christ, the term "roaring" is all I can use. Enjoy the pictures. Notice none of them have captions...you know why? Cos they don't need any. "cos tonight will be the night of my dreams tonight I won't feel anything" -philhouse

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December 11th, 2005

Current Music: Joe Walsh - Life of Illusion Subject: Art and shit. Time: 11:18 pm Current Mood: contemplative

Roger Ebert reviewed "Doom" and said something about videogames, and was very uppity and elitist about it, and of course, got a slew of emails back. He somewhat retracted a bit, and encouraged well thought out arguments to be submitted. It's been an interesting discussion, as the similarities between film and gaming have been tossed around a lot. This letter was easily the best of the crop, everything the guy saus about "Mulholland Drive" is spot on: -- I read the responses to your comments about video games with interest, and see that you have not yet responded. I'm a video game player and also a movie critic; let me see if I can't mediate the discussion somewhat. First, the big concession: You ask for examples, saving "I have recently seen classic films by Fassbinder, Ozu, Herzog, Scorsese and Kurosawa, and have recently read novels by Dickens, Cormac McCarthy, Bellow, Nabokov and Hugo, and if there were video games in the same league, someone somewhere who was familiar with the best work in all three mediums would have made a convincing argument in their defense." This is a high standard to achieve, and would be similar to someone in 1927 asking whether any products of the past 30 years of filmmaking had equalled Hugo. I know you, if asked, would cite movies that did do just that, but you are also speaking from a vantage of 80 years later. Did anyone in the first quarter of the century really think Greed was on equal footing with great literature? I argue that games are an art form, and that video games are a subset of that form. You say, "That a game can aspire to artistic importance as a visual experience, I accept," which is an interesting concession given that movies aspire to artistic importance as a visual experience, and the best movies aspire to that more than they aspire to artistic importance as a narrative experience. Regardless, video games are neither a visual nor a narrative art form, although they can demonstrate both visual and narrative art, and many aspire to this. (Many movies feature great scores, but that is just one element of the whole enterprise; the movie is not just the vehicle for the score ... or, as I've just suggested, the story.) Games are an art form unto themselves, and what gives them artistry is the way in which the designer allows the player to explore the game's rules. This is true of all games, and also of video games. In video games, the designer sets up "the rules" and then creates situations that tax the player's ability to solve problems based on the constraints of those rules. This is true of Pac-Man, Tetris, Super Mario Bros. and Grand Theft Auto -- and it's also true of chess and poker. If something looks like a video game but doesn't create rules-based complications -- like, say, a flight simulator -- then it isn't a game. Now, whether a game can communicate the kinds of things that a novel or movie can is an interesting, and perhaps unresolved, question, as is whether you would curl up in an armchair with a game in the same way that you would a book, but surely you have played enough games of any stripe in your life to say that they are not, prima facie, a waste of time. You say, "I did indeed consider video games inherently inferior to film and literature. There is a structural reason for that: Video games by their nature require player choices, which is the opposite of the strategy of serious film and literature, which requires authorial control." This is a canard; art can be intended to stimulate a response, but unless someone receives that stimulation, it's inert. Yes, film and literature require authorial control, but no more so than a video game. Authors are not obligated to divulge every facet of a narrative, or describe everything, or resolve every ambiguity -- there is an expectation that the engaged reader will apply her own intellect to the challenge, and a reader must be satisfied with whatever is left unsaid. In film, wasn't this what Andre Bazin advocated -- that directors present longer shots and compositions that let viewers decide what they want to look at rather than subject them to rigorous montage? The nature by which a video game engages a player is certainly distinct, but there is no forfeiture of authorial control, because the author created everything that there is to be beheld. If a game's author, by the nature of her medium, must sacrifice the enforced pacing of a movie -- Annie Hall will always run 93 minutes -- she is able to compensate with a more fully described world that rewards exploration. (Now, there's the issue of whether a player is capable of completing a game, but more on that in a moment.) So imagine if Raymond Chandler's The Lady in the Lake had been a Choose Your Own Adventure book -- the story is putatively based on deduction, so letting the reader choose at some point whether Marlowe should investigate the Prescott Hotel or the Chess cabin is within the realm of reason. (This robs Chandler of authorial control insofar as it assumes that the reader's reasoning is comparable to Marlowe's reasoning, and furthermore, he didn't write it that way, and wouldn't write it that way ... but let's posit for the moment that he *could have* written it that way.) You might argue such a strategy would violate his qualifier of "serious" literature, and you'd be right, because we're changing the nature of the audience's interaction with the art object. It has turned from a novel into a game. However: Within that game would be a great story. It would also contain lesser stories, and bad stories, but a series of "correct" reader decisions would yield a great novel. This may seem like hairsplitting and strawman arguments, but let's think about Mulholland Drive -- this again requires a series of "correct" viewer decisions to yield a great movie. The decisions do not affect the way in which the celluloid unspools, but Mulholland Drive is not simply about putting forth a narrative for everyone far and wide to look upon and instantly absorb. You must struggle for comprehension. A video game applies a different strategy in its demands on the player, but does not sacrifice authorial control. One problem with the experience of playing games is that, unlike film, you are not guaranteed to experience the entire production -- there is often skill involved, and that creates a kind of meritocracy about who enjoys games most. Let me say two things: First, a player may not be capable of beating a given game, but a viewer may not be capable of "beating" a given film, either -- consider Mulholland Drive again as an example. Good games, like good films, are not pasteurized so that everyone takes away an identical experience of them. Second, I played video games as a child and then didn't play them for about 10 years because I was put off by the complexity of their controllers. I've gotten back into them this past year, but that doesn't negate the fundamental issue that video games are designed for people that play video games, and this more than anything has hindered that industry's ability to produce games that might be creditably considered art on par with the work of the geniuses of film and literature. Some forces within the industry are trying to change that, but there can be no question that the overwhelming majority of video games rely, and indeed over-rely, on twitch reflexes and manual dexterity. Now, I don't mean to impugn the manual dexterity of someone who could get Lloyd's of London to insure his thumbs for much more than the $1 million for which Betty Grable insured her legs. But even as someone who grew up with video games, I looked at the past 10 years of games and was entirely put off by my inability to use the controller to make something meaningful happen to my character. This can't be the issue blocking people as thoughtful as you from considering video games as an art form -- and I know you didn't say that it was, but I know that it is a high barrier to entry for anyone who would otherwise be receptive to the idea that games could be art. I cannot recommend better video games to you than those that appeared in the Dec. 6 article on rogerebert.com: The experience of playing Full Throttle, Pikmin, Ico or Shadow of the Colossus would, I think, convince you of their creators' artistic seriousness and convey the creative and artistic genius at work in them. (Reader Chris Remo's suggestion of looking at Pikmin while thinking of creator Shigeru Miyamoto's interest in gardening is a terrific one.) If you are curious but would like to actually see and play a quality video game with these thoughts in mind, I would be happy to drive down from Madison with my Gamecube and two controllers in tow. Best, Sean Sean Weitner Film Editor Flak Magazine

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December 10th, 2005

Time: 05:05 pm

Richard Pryor                1940-2005 Whenever I hear "Come Sunday" by Duke Ellington, I always think of Richard Pryor...so here it is, if yer up for it. Thanks, Rich... -philhouse

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Current Music: Duels - Potential Futures Subject: Zah? Time: 01:09 pm Current Mood: wow.

If anyone is looking for any last-minute gift ideas, Vincent Gallo is selling some personal belongings that could make EXCELLENT suprise gifts for you and yours...including a vial of his semen. Yet another entry in the "things that would qualify Phil as a genius if he had made them up." Click here for the goods. -philhouse

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November 21st, 2005

Current Music: Embrace - Ashes Subject: An Act of God Time: 10:21 am Current Mood: excited

The possibility of a Bears\Colts Super Bowl is becoming much more of a possibility. I always said that if it happened, if my two teams met, it would be like having my two children fight with axes to the death. I need to do something completely irrational if it does indeed happen. Suggestions? -philhouse

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November 12th, 2005

Time: 03:05 am

"Arrested Development" was cancelled again.  Do yer part and SAVE IT -philhouse

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November 9th, 2005

Current Music: The Campbell Brothers Subject: Europa Time: 01:18 am Current Mood: listless

Back from where all the history comes from, had a grand time. Let's go ahead and skip the bullshit and dive into the meat and potatoes: ( Picturetime! ) -philhouse

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October 29th, 2005

Current Music: Godspeed You! Black Emperor Subject: Polska, bitches! Time: 06:15 pm Current Mood: enthralled

Greetings from the land that got me drunk at 9 a.m! I fucked jetlagged in the ass, flying out from Chicago at 4 in the afternoon and not sleeping until 10 p.m. Polish time last nite...with the time change, that adds up to about 32 straight hours of awesome. We were making great time on the road until we were stuck in construction traffic for 100 MILES! 100! How am I supposed to defend Polish people against jokes when their engineers schedule construction for one hundred fucking miles?! In better news, I'm chilling at my uncle's house, getting loads of rad pictures and trying to turn my cousins onto some music. I'll prolly be able to check the LJ once or twice while I'm in the motherland, so drop me a line. I'll prolly be back in Berlin on Friday and my goal is to find some David Hasselhoff posters. If anyone would like one, do speak up. Jess, I'm looking in yer direction. I'll ne sure to get you a 3' by 6' subway size if so inclined. Also, bad news...no dice on Amsterdam. I'm pretty bummed I won't be able to smoke the stickiest icky, but oh well...I'll be doing lots of that once I get home to combat the jetlag. Whoever wants to burn one and watch "The Neverending Story" with me and Jorr once I get back, speak up! Feet weed! Loman and Brent...I just snapped a picture of a Polish edition of the original Sin City book. If I knew where to buy one, I'd score one for you's guys. Ok, back to being among the Kijaks. M-A-R-S. Mars, bitches! RED ROCKS! YAY-YAYEE! -philhouse

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October 22nd, 2005

Current Music: Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla Afturabak Subject: It's Trippy, trippy, TRRRRIPPY Time: 03:40 pm Current Mood: tired

I leave for Europe on Thursday (Chicago Wednesday). The only confirmed stops are Berlin, Krakow, and Prague. Other possible hits during the 10 day trip are Amsterdam and Vienna. If anyone would care for some Pope John Paul II paraphenelia or an obscure German Oingo Boingo bootleg, please speak up. Oh, and uh...picture update coming soon...sure. -philhouse

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October 13th, 2005

Current Music: Led Zeppelin - That's the Way Subject: Wooo! Time: 02:49 pm Current Mood: chipper

It's been like 800 days since my last entry, but alas! I'm still alive! Merriam and the children are healthy, by God, and although our wagon lost two wheels in the encounter with those rogue Miamis, we had Cedric along to fashion us some replacements from an old oak that had fallen near our path. There's a mega-update coming with months of pictures and stories and beer and tits (maybe, if you provide some boobshots). But until then, read this article about Roberto Benigni totally going off the deep end. -philhouse

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September 14th, 2005

Current Music: Franz Ferdinand - The Fallen Subject: Last NIIIIIIIIIITE Time: 09:49 am Current Mood: giddy

Big thanks to everyone that came to my stand-up show last nite...every show keeps getting bigger and better than the last, which is amazing and terrifying at the same time. -philhouse

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August 14th, 2005

Current Music: Gorillaz - O Green World Time: 09:08 am Current Mood: awake

HYPERUPDATE! 1. Thanks to all who came to my show at Crackers on Tuesday. It was, by far, the best set I've produced yet. Extremely tight, great material, and I had that swagger that I'm trying oh so desperately to hone. I'm gonna start making lengthy posts about comedy as a personal journal to track my progress here soon so you can read about the elusive process (trust me, it isn't that interesting. It just involves a lot videogames and some writing.) 2. Interesting postscript to the show: There's this kid Andy at work that's making a small independent film (with a budget of $100,000), in which I've been cast in a small, albeit funny part. The flick is written by his buddy Matt Thompson, who is also the webmaster for Bob & Tom, who also sees dozens of professional comics a year, who also came to the show on Tuesday, who also gave me some major encouragement by saying that if I stay on my present growth course, I'll have the chops to be an opener within six months.  I could sit and brag about it, but it just makes me wanna work harder. 3. I joined Netflix. It's prolly the closest thing to a legal Columbian Drug Ring you can find. I highly recommend it. And since I'm consuming more movies, it means it's time for more reviews. Onward! For All Mankind - Documentary about the Apollo moon missions made up entirely of official NASA footage and astronaut narration...all set to Brian Eno. Extremely poetic, heavily tranquil and really really amazing. Highly recommended. Gates of Heaven - The movie Brent and I chased for like seven years like it was the fucking Ark. Another doc, this one about pet cemetaries. Lots of unintetionally hilarious moments, the occasional neat visual, and brilliant direction by Errol Morris, easily the greatest living documentarian...maybe the best ever. Good if yer in the mood for something offbeat. Not Morris's best, but worth seeing. Gimme Shelter - Is it me, or did I miss something? This was the third documentary (video stores never carry this shit, I had to go nuts! I was like an American at an Amsterdam whorehouse!) I got from Netflix. About the Rolling Stones, I watched the first 45 minutes and then fell asleep. Why? Prolly cos I didn't wanna watch some sub-par, out of tune performances by the Stones punctuated with footage of them WATCHING THE DAILIES OF THE MOVIE. HOW FUCK IS THIS MOVIE CONSIDERED A CLASSIC. Made by Maysles, no less! I had already seen the Altamont footage so I wasn't in it for that, I wanted to see the rest. And what did I get? Keith Richards laying on the floor listening to the entirety of Wild Horses. Hey, great. Spirited Away - Proof the Japanese are so far ahead of us, yet so goddamn crazy. If it was revealed that the country has been run by mad scientists the last 50 years, I wouldn't be surprised. Highly imaginative, completely illogical, really cool. The Wedding Crashers - Funniest movie of the year. Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story - I broke down  and DLed it and I've watched it three times and I'll be buying it. It's not the splooge-fest you want it to be at first, but the more you watch it, the more you want to home school yer children to its teachings. That's enough for now. -philhouse

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