I've stopped blotting my lipstick.

PSA

2010-05-15T04:26:42Z

Hi, guys. Y'all know I love lj, but I'm trying out tumblr for In My Name stuff. I'm new at it, and I have very little clue how to make the most of it right now. Definitely not as intuitive as lj. But, then again, I've been using lj for, like 8 years. Anyway, check me out at tinyholidays.tumblr.com, and let me know your username here, so I can follow you or whatever people do on there.

Thanks!

Mr. Hodgman, Mr. Mercer, and Mr. In-Between

2010-05-14T18:06:15Z

Let me pleasure you.

John Hodgman's Blog

Or let me let John Hodgman pleasure you.

He doesn't do it every day, but the Hodg-Blog does the deed well.

HAHA get it?? This is innuendo!

By the by, there were a lot of fantastic things about MaxFunCon, but Hodgman's benediction, complete with ukelele, "Accentuate the Positive," and the traditional Passing of the Malort, was certainly a highlight. Hodgman knows what's up. Anyone who knows all the words to "Accentuate the Positive" and thinks "Don't mess with Mr. In-Between" is one of the greatest bits of lyric ever written knows what's up.

(Just in case you don't know what's up, friend.)

Another great set of words by Johnny Mercer. Thank god for Johnny Mercer. I'd love to do a Johnny Mercer show or album or something sometime someone something sometime. I mean, check out the provisional set list: "Lazy Bones," "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "Satin Doll," "Jeepers, Creepers!," "Moon River," "Fools Rush In," "Charade," "That Old Black Magic," and "Skylark." WHAT A SHOW! And "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," of course.

Don't be afraid to be young and free.

2010-05-13T21:23:36Z

Today, friends, I have two steps for you.

1) If you're not listening to the podcasts of MaximumFun.org, fucking what are you doing?

2) If you are listening to the MaxFun podcasts, then do like I did, and donate! It's MaxFunDrive time!

Next!

2010-05-11T17:01:42Z

Hey, y'all. It's been about a month and a half since I last posted. I just got back from MaxFunCon, where I had one of the greatest days ever and a super weekend in general.

I finished my second semester of my MA in English here in Montana, and... I'm ready to get out. I'm thinking about moving to Seattle or San Francisco. Like, soon. Like, ASAP. Figuring out how to make that feasible.

For all of you lj folk:

The first episode of The Maria Bamford Show. My hero. This weekend, she said some very sweet words about my stand-up routine. I am still riding the joy of that.

Life's a laugh, and death's a joke. It's true.

2010-03-29T15:31:53Z

Happy 65th birthday, Eric Idle!

What's your favorite Eric sketch?

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Westerns Marathon: Stagecoach

2010-03-19T19:46:37Z

Hey, y'all. I've been spending a lot of time over on the Filmspotting forums lately, and it has once again awakened my shame over being really unfamiliar with the westerns genre. So, I've planned a film marathon to fill the gap of my knowledge.

Here's the plan:

1. Stagecoach (1939)
2. Red River (1948)
3. High Noon (1952)
4. The Searchers (1956)
5. Rio Bravo (1959)
6. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
7. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
8. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
9. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
10. Silverado (1985)
11. The Proposition (2005)

And, since it's streaming on Netflix, I watched Stagecoach this morning.

1939. Directed by John Ford. Screenplay by Dudley Nichols.

"Geronimo. Nice name for a butcher."

Within minutes of beginning John Ford's Stagecoach, I realized what a terrifically classic storytelling conceit it offers. Basically, you get a bunch of different people from different social classes and with various problems together in a tight space, and you make them stick together. Add an element of danger, and the setting becomes combustible in more than one way. Even though the stagecoach faces an Apache attack, the real tension in the film comes from within the passengers.

And what a group of passengers! Everyone here, except for maybe poor Mr. Peacock, whose only purpose seems to be a sweet guy who carries the liquor, has oodles of backstory. Since is the West, we don't go too far into any of these backstories (even in modern Montana, people don't like that), but they're there, and they're informing the characters' motivations. Whether the Civil War, crime, or prostitution, history does not stray far from the present in Stagecoach.

John Wayne being cool.

The love story between Dallas (woman of uncertain morality) and Ringo (cowman of uncertain morality) serves as the heart of the film. Played by the beautiful Claire Trevor (who has now given me a reason to watch Key Largo), Dallas faces judgment and rejection from the other passengers of the stagecoach. However, when Ringo (John Wayne) shows her kindness and respect, she glows with warmth. While Wayne, in his early 30s at this point, appears comparatively young in this film, I felt a little silly whenever anyone referred to him as "the Kid." By this time (according to IMDb), he had already made at least 50 westerns. Whoa. But, I guess nicknames tend to stick.

I did a double take.

Before finishing this review, I also need to recognize the use of light and shadow and the composition of the smaller moments of this film. While, for the most part, Ford presents this story in a straightforward way, there are many pleasant surprises, and, more than once, I had to stop to say wow. He takes the time to show the beauty of seeing what's there and acknowledging the unexpected. I'll be breaking from Ford to watch Red River and High Noon, but I'm looking forward to getting back with him again in 1956's The Searchers.

Face rating:

(Happy and Satisfied.)

I hope y'all don't mind the face ratings. Doing stars or numbers or grades always feels inhuman to me. So, I'm gonna try this out.

Watch it to the end, my pretties.

2010-03-18T15:50:07Z

I feel as if I know these people.

JJ should have listened to the old lady

2010-03-13T22:41:59Z

~~Dear~~ Skins writers,

We are not on speaking terms. Please do not try to contact me. What you have done is unforgivable. And you didn't even apologize or try to explain yourself. And I thought your bullshit in the 2nd season sucked. Turns out, you were just gearing up for more insanity. Jesus, how high can the death rate of teenagers be in Bristol? These are some seriously in danger young people. Oh, are you trying to show us that there are stakes? That the stakes are high on this show? Well, you can toe that line, but, when you step over it, you make what you're doing ridiculous. Congrats, you've accomplished that.

And, the thing is, I wouldn't be upset about the over-the-top melodrama if you hadn't been doing so well at staying grounded of late. What kills me is how you cradled me in your palm in the "Freddie" episode and then dropped me on a pile of clown knives in this "Effy" one. That? Before? And even up to the midpoint of this past episode? I connected with that. A lot. Too much for me to be comfortable. And I was proud of you for making me uncomfortable. But then you took that trust and respect that you had earned (back from all your previous fuck-ups) and you flipped it the bird and yelled "Fuck you! Fuck you for caring!" in its face. And that's not an okay way to treat people. And that's why I can't go back to you.

I hope you're happy.

--tinyholidays

PS: In the words of Sue Sylvester (who lives on a show that also has problems maintaining tone): "I will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty-cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty-cat; and then on some dark cold night, I will steal away into your home and punch you in the face."

PPS: Thanks woodycakes for reminding me about 12x12. I did take the photos yesterday. I just have to get them onto my computer.

you're gonna reap just what you sow

2010-03-02T16:25:54Z

Happy 68th Birthday, Lou Reed!

I'm not sure why the above is happening, but how could you see a title like that and not watch.

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Good Mornin'!

2010-03-01T14:13:34Z

I'm easing back onto the LJ swing with embedded video. Enjoy it, folks. ENJOY IT, I SAID.

Sabbatical: Feb. 2/22 - 2/29

2010-02-22T17:50:08Z

vi
Hello, dear readers.

tinyholidays will be on an internet break this week.

I need to make more of an investment in my grad school work.

Else I will end up running away to work on an organic farm.

They won't let me have heels on the farm.

It would be a disaster.

I'm sure you understand.

Till later, <3s and bunnies.

verb of the day: se moquer

2010-02-18T14:52:13Z

And now, the French laugh at Americans.

Court Convicts 12 in Pinot Noir Fraud Scandal

Basically, wine producers have been mislabeling their wines as pinots to raise prices, even though they don't use the delicate grape.

In the radio story, one of the perps said that it was a victimless crime, since no American ever complained.

Meanwhile...

Move Over Cupcake: Make Way for the Macaroon

Americans' newfound obsession with macaroons has led — perhaps inevitably — to some ridicule from proper French pastry chefs. Restaurant Eve's Ed Jiloca says one of Paris' best-known macaroon makers, Pierre Herme, invented a macaroon that makes gentle fun of Americans and invites comparison with the cookie's hamburger-like shape.

"A ketchup macaroon — and he puts a bit of pickle on it," Jiloca says. "He did it as a joke, but it's become this staple, popular macaroon."

For sexy times, make it Suntory times.

2010-02-16T19:02:44Z

Happy 73rd birthday, nylon stockings!

They're impractical, but they sure look sexy.

Under the table!

Calf fetishist.

I pulled this and a couple of other of this images from AdClassix.com.

I like her haircut a lot. Oh. You're probably not looking at her hair.

Marylou had never warn stokkings b4, so she aksed Cindymarie to help her try them on. My, wat nice legs u have, wissperred cindyMarie.

<3

In voluptuous color!

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turned to astronomy after flunking his audition for the role of mad-eye moody

2010-02-15T18:21:42Z

Happy 446th birthday, Galileo!

You're funny looking. Is that what made you a scientist?

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which beard what?

2010-02-15T00:05:14Z

I'm sure I'm late to the game on this, but what??? Someone write a fic about rpattz being adult birthed out of a 17-year old model's vj. STAT!

Weekly Wrap-Up: February 8-14, 2010

2010-02-14T18:23:25Z

The above image is from Life Magazine

Hey, y'all. So, I was a good little blogger this week and blogged my little <3 <3 out every day. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I brought it. (Despite having a lot of defriends this week. Like. A lot.)

So, in case you missed out on some of the action, here's a week-end wrap-up:

Pretty pictures and thoughts about my ideal future life as a bum in an rv park.

Robin Hood, best Disney film ever?

An opportunity to hear to me sing a song I like.

Canned Foods Month, now with maximum gross-out factor.

Ted Leo and downloading music.

An incident involving my deodorant.

Camwhoring with my new iPod.

Tennessee Ernie Ford's birthday. He's amazing, and you should learn about him, if you don't know.

LET'S MAKE IT ALL FOR ONE AND ALL FOR LOOOOVE. Possibly a new tiny holidays feature.

Now you're all caught up, my lovelies.

round round get around

2010-02-14T14:35:26Z

Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

George Ferris, inventor of the you-know-what, was birthed out of his mother today in 1859.

Aren't Ferris Wheels so pretty and fascinating to look at? Digging through Ferris Wheel photos was like looking at porn for me. Without the sexual gratification. ...So not much like porn after all, actually.

I keep thinking back to this scary incident in a Ferris Wheel in Haruki Murakami's novel ~~The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle~~ Sputnik Sweetheart (thanks, haplily). Read it, if you haven't.

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I can't let VH1 have all the slap-bracelet fun.

2010-02-14T05:47:11Z

I want you all to think back to 1993.

Remember this song?

Haha. Hahahaha. See? I made you think about it. Such is my power.

I don't remember why this song came up at the bar tonight. I couldn't think of the third singer. I knew Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams. But Sting. I was missing Sting. And cha-cha wouldn't work. So I had to internet it when I got home. And now you all must participate.

But guys I kind of loved this movie for realsies when I was eleven. I loved it in a very Casper and The Rocketeer sort of way. Before I needed movies to show grit. And, sure, The Three Musketeers was my favorite book as a child, thanks to Great Illustrated Classics (and, wow, I really should do a post about that soon. Total hipster nostalgia porn [trademark Filmspotting].). But something about that movie really worked. I should watch again and see what I think now.

In fact, let's follow through on that idea together.

Here's what I'm thinking. I've put The Three Musketeers (1993) at the top of my Netflix queue. When it arrives next week, I shall initiate a rewatch. I'll talk in-depth about what I used to like about the movie, what I didn't notice as a kid, what I think now, and we can decide whether I used to be an idiot. Maybe it can be a new tinyholidays feature: Kid Taste Revisited. Hmm. That sounds rather cannibalistic, actually. I'll need to work on a better title. Let me know if you have a better title.

View Poll: #1525311

Born 1919, would have been 91.

2010-02-13T17:05:27Z

Happy birthday, Tennessee Ernie Ford!

You've probably heard his voice, even if you don't know that you have.

You know that song. Please to ignore the cuts to audience members snapping.

If you don't at least smile, I'm gonna need you to check up on your soul status. Still got one? Okay. Moving on.

One of my favorite songs ever. I do tend to prefer folksier versions of it, but today is Ernie Ford day, SO THIS IS WHAT WE WILL LISTEN TO.

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and, one day, we shall battle for dominion over the swingsets

2010-02-12T02:17:05Z

I'm headed out to see Fantastic Mr. Fox again tonight. It was my favorite film last year, LET'S SEE IF IT HOLDS UP. Now the pressure's on. It could lose its place to The Time Traveler's Wife, haha hahaha hahahahahaha. Oh.

It's been a pretty foxy week, eh? Robin Hood, this, other situations in which I have made references to THE FOX AS AN ANIMAL.

Also, I keep hearing an ice cream truck outside. I live in Montana. It is winter. This leaves me with only one possible conclusion.

Someone in my apartment building fetishizes ice cream truck music and is currently using it to masturbate while sniffing the wrapper of a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bar.

TL;DR stands for Ted Leo; Don't Rip

2010-02-11T22:39:34Z

While we're here being honest, I stole the above photo from stereogum, which is a pretty cool site, if you haven't been.

As, specialcamper noted, the new Ted Leo & the Pharmacists album, The Brutalist Bricks just leaked.

If we've been lj friends for awhile, you know how I care about Ted Leo's music. A lot. I care a lot. If we haven't been lj friends for awhile, well... you get the picture.

"Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?" off of Hearts of Oak, the song that got me into Ted Leo. I love the repetition and the round. Live, he usually plays this faster, so this vid feels a little laggy to me, but it has much better sound quality than any of the performance vids.

I've read Ted Leo describe himself as someone who can make a living off of his music but probably isn't going to get rich from it. He sings about struggling to make it work. He sings about fatigue and thinking about giving up. He sings about health care. No really, he does.

"Treble in Trouble" from an eponymous EP. If you haven't heard this song before, you might have a hard time picking up the lyrics, but I'm pretty sure that the emotions come through.

As I mentioned up at the top, The Brutalist Bricks has leaked, and, with almost a month until the March 9 official release, I felt mighty tempted to download it. I mean, downloading music is a fact of life, right? There's no way to shut the floodgates of music downloading sites. And it's actually a great way to establish word-of-mouth, even if you're not getting paid.

"Biomusicology" from The Tyranny of Distance. The line "All the songs you hear -- down there they have a purpose" is one of my favorites from any song. I actually do a piano version of this, which I'll record and upload one day, if I can ever have my laptop working and access to a room with a piano and ok acoustics.

Yeah, I download music too. It's so easy. But I just want to maybe put this out there, in case no one's mentioned it in the past few days of your life. If you care about someone's music, would you consider paying for it? Okay, yeah, you pay to go to shows. Nice.

"Little Dawn" on Shake the Sheets. In 2005, I had dropped out of college and was working as a receptionist for a shady warranty company in Jacksonville. Every time I got off work, I would listen to this track, listen to "it's alright it's alright it's alright" over and over. I'm pretty sure this song saved my life. I figure the least I can do is pay for a cd.

Well, that's not true at all. The least I can do is sit on my ass and stare blankly at the wall while drool wobbles down my slack jaw. But, what with The Brutalist Bricks next month and the new Joanna Newsom at the end of this one, I thought I would stir this cranky pot again.

<3 <3 bunnies,

tinyholidays

this grocery bag contains holidays!

2010-02-11T14:55:42Z

Today marks my 1-year anniversary of being tinyholidays. I be like Zorro, putting on a mask, saving the peoples. The fox so cunning and free! (Or is that Robin Hood?) I noticed this anniversary fact as I conducted my top-secret research into what possible holiday I could share with you today. And, my sources, who wish to remain off the record (they be like Deep Throat), informed me that today is, once again, the Japanese National Foundation Day.

So, now we're on to a whole new round of holidays, but I'll probably also link bank to the old ones, you know, at the appropriate time. Turns out, the tinyholidays liturgical calendar only contained 44 holidays last year, so there's plenty of untread territory still.

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put there by a man working in a factory

2010-02-10T16:18:47Z

Happy Canned Foods Month!

What's the best canned food you've ever put in your mouth?

This, maybe?

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i home record.

2010-02-09T18:12:52Z

Hey, y'all. So, I finally uploaded my recording software on my new laptop. I spent some time this morning recording "Can the Circle Be Unbroken?" in two parts. And... I uploaded it to YouTube, disabling comments because I'm a cowardly coward. It's just sound, not vid. For some reason, it's easier to upload video onto the internet than it is to just do mp3s. Whatevs. So, the photo is of my great grandfather. My dad scanned it from a box of negatives my grandma brought out at Christmas.

Listen if you like. I want to redo it, because the last verse isn't so great.

oodelally oodelally

2010-02-09T01:29:03Z

I have noticed something. I will share it now with you.

People whose favorite Disney flick is Robin Hood tend to be peculiarly terrific.

Agree? Othergree? Discuss.