It's Been To Long...

...and shit has been going crazy. Let's be honest, this is my first post in a little over two months. Any readers I had have lost hope by now. Hope of what, I'm not really sure. This has turned into me screaming at a brick wall, which can be very therapeutic. But first, the wall needs to get caught up...

I'm not working at the big blue box anymore.

We have parted ways amicably and I couldn't be happier. I will miss the discount and... that's about it. My new employer is United HealthCare, and I am a customer service associate. It's full time, pays well, great benefits, and should be a great career move (as opposed to wasting away at that shitty retail job). That's right, I'm actually doing what I went to school for! Very excited. After gaining some experience I should be able to really get out and live.

So my life now consists of working and saving money so I can get out of Wausau for good. God damn, walls can be great listeners...

Sorry.

I was gonna post some sweet pictures and memories from my second batch of the brewing adventure...

but I got too drunk watching the Packer game. I also figured out that my parents aren't used to my drinking habits (i.e. drink as much as I can as fast as I can, then skate around in the garage until I eat shit and mess up my elbow). But don't worry, eager readers, I will post the pictures and the follow-up soon.

One step closer to the Super Bowl baby! Can't wait until Favre gets crippled and #12 brings the trophy home!

Bucket List Cut Down

Not because I accomplished something, but because any possibility has closed for now. ISIS broke up in May. I had no idea, and for this news to reach me now months later makes me pretty bummed. This band was the single greatest post-rock/metal/sludge band ever, possibly even creating the genres I stated earlier as some could argue. Here is the first song I ever heard by them, a song I love so much that I learned it on drums, from the album that pushed metal so far from where it was, "The Beginning and The End" from the album "Oceanic"

Brewmeister Ben

I've been experiencing a little cabin fever over here in the 'Sau, a little "slow death in the Midwest" if you will. Rather than dwell on this too much, I have started branching out in my hobbies. Watching LOST and playing Oblivion 24/7 isn't just cutting it anymore. Anyways, I'm brewing my own German hard cider called 'Apfelwein'.
Like the name states, it's sort of an apple wine type drink that is supposed to be REALLY good. Here are some pictures of the brewing process so far:

Notice the foam at the top. Now, I don't know if this is part of the fermenting process, but that foam will regularly disappear and reappear throughout the day. The picture on the left is before, the picture on the right is about an hour or so later:

I'm pretty excited to see the final result. Apparently it's supposed to be quite delicious and quite strong. One batch is already underway as you can see, but I plan on brewing another very soon so I can let it sit for a while. Wine is just like women, they only get better with age :)

What a vacation!

This is why you won't find me on a cruise in the near future... Give me solid land any day, filled with sand and fruity liquor!



This was a cruise ship being hit by 25-ft-tall waves and 50-knot winds. Yeah, doesn't look that fun, especially near the end.

Tweet the truth

Kanye West's apology tweets, compiled and ready to read:

http://gizmodo.com/5630204/kanye-wests-tweeted-apology-edited-into-letter-form

If you ask me, this is good for his pop-star image. But it seems to be a too-little-too-late situation for me. Kanye is still the man, but he is playing to the wrong audience. His 'fuck you' attitude is what I dig. We'll see what kind of backlash this starts.

On a side note, his new single 'Power' is fucking crazy. I mean, who samples "21st Century Schizoid Man"?!?! Fucking love it.

The Next Step: Full Episodes

If you don't remember the classic Canadian sketch comedy show The Kids In The Hall, then we can't be friends.

Self-Sustaining Tropical Getaway

Check it: a tropical bungalow in Costa Rica that is completely self sufficient. If I had the money, it looks like it would be very cool to stay at.

http://gizmodo.com/5609575/someone-built-the-perfect-green-house-in-a-perfect-paradise

New Album To Get Excited About

So, completely out of the blue (at least to me because I apparently live under a rock) Nick Cave's noise/blues band Grinderman is release a new album next month titled "Grinderman 2". Really creative name right? Anyways, it also turns out that they are playing a show at First Avenue in October. Definatley going to that. I remember I bought the first Grinderman record at Innersleeve off a whim, just hearing from my buddy Chris that Nick Cave was incredible. The album did not disapoint. Check out one of my favorite tracks here.



Anyways, the new album looks to be just as awesome. I have a feeling that these guys can put on a fucking awesome show. Here's a link to the first single off Grinderman 2 in video form!

Dreamer

Let's suppose you were able, every night, to dream any dream you wanted to dream, and that you could for example have the power to dream in one night 75 years worth of time.

 Or any length of time you wanted to have. And you would, naturally, as you began on this adventure of dreams, fulfill all your wishes. You would have every kind of pleasure you could conceive.

And after several nights of 75 years of total pleasure each, you would say 'Well, that was pretty great. But now let's have a surprise. Let's have a dream which isn't under control, where something is going to happen to me that I don't know what it's going to be.' And you would dig that, and come out of it and say 'That was a close shave, now wasn't it?' Then you would get more and more adventurous, and you would make further and further gambles as to what you would dream, and finally you would dream where you are now. You would dream the dream of the life that you  are actually living today

Better Mason Proffit

Like I said earlier, this is a very cool old band. Here is a better song by them in my opinion. Again, it's a video of a guy playing the record, so the sound quality is a little shitty. But yeah, here is "Voice Of Change" by Mason Proffit, off the album "Wanted".

Two Hangmen...

Bought this CD for my dad the other dad after I found the song for him and it turns out to be a pretty great record. The band is called Mason Proffit, and the album is called Wanted. Apparently this band pretty much started the 'classic' country rock sound, almost like CCR. Check out "Two Hangmen", the big hit from the album.



I wish I could find a better version, because it sounds like this video was made with the vinyl (and you can tell). It's actually a pretty cool protest song.

New Diamond in the Record Collection Rough!

So my buddy Chris found 'EVOL' by Sonic Youth on vinyl the other day, and I have have it in my position. Holy shit, if there was ever an album to have on vinyl besides 'Daydream Nation', this would be it. Seriously, any other Sonic Youth records I find are just for show. Daydream Nation and EVOL are two of the best representations of their work. If I had 'Goo' or 'Dirty", then it would be perfect. But yeah, I'm pretty drunk and EVOL is an amazing record. Just sayin'.

Happy Fourth Of July, Everyone!

First, the obligatory celebration of America in all its glory:



Now, the edgy critique of America, but still in good taste:



Have a safe and wonderful Fourth Of July.

Love, Ben

This is the point of the actual game, right?

I'm going crazy here. Two posts in one day. I know, I know, it's too much for everyone to handle. But I found this video on Gizmodo of some guys fixing up a Tony Hawk RiDE peripheral with trucks and griptape, actually making it skatable. Ends up being pretty fucking sweet, especially because these guys can shred. Check it out!

The Classics Never Get Old

Oh yeah, thats what I'm talking about. Not really that old, but god damn is this game sweet.  Had to share my love for it. Use to play it all the time in Eau Claire with my roommates and it would get INTENSE. Nothing like spinning some records and laying the smack down on the ice. Best part? Only $20 used. Cha-ching.

Rock N' Roll to fuel a road trip.

Not exactly a huge road trip, but I am heading down to Point this afternoon for a little vacation. Going to see some old friends, which is always fun. But let me get to the point: this new band, Wolf People, is a refreshing blend of 70's English psychedelic rock with a freak-folk twist. Here's the most rocking track on their debut album, Tidings, out on Jagjaguwar Records. Check it!

HUM: The best band you've never heard off (but should!)

Oh man, I seriously love this band. They play alt-grunge-shoegaze rock, almost like Smashing Pumpkins but without Billy Corgan's distinct tone (which can be a good thing). All of the lyrics are associated with space and love. It's pretty cool. They're also from my dad's hometown, and are playing a reunion show on July 25th... Fuck, I want to go. BBBAAAAADDDDD. I mean, here's a video. Tell me that would be awesome live.

Day Nurse/Night Work

OK. Now this is ridiculous. Time and time again I have tried to tie my blog together with a theme, or have a series of posts that all have something in common. I realize now that it might now be possible for me. But there is a good reason I haven't explored downtown as much as I have wanted: last week Tuesday my dad had a ball implanted in his hip. He got this:

implanted into his hip so it looks like this:

Yeah, so it was some pretty intense surgery. Luckily, he has come through with flying colors. However, since I now work nights all the freaking time, I have become his day nurse. Which isn't actually that bad. I've been able to get some good movie watching in. The last one we watched was called Sukiyaki Western Django, directed by Takishi Miike of Audition and Ichi The Killer fame. Wasn't that bad, just borrowed heavily from classic spaghetti westerns, which was very cool because my dad recognized a lot of the lines and themes. And it was just plain cool, to be honest.  But yeah, that is what I do now. Modern Warfare 2, movies, and reading. I will leave you with a very cool band I recently discovered called Sleigh Bells, and the album is called Treats. It's like M.I.A. started listening to No Age. Check it!

The Big Trip or How I Got Here: The Story Of Shifty's Relocation

So, as most of you close to me know by now I am no longer living in Eau Claire. I know, I'm pretty bummed out too. For now I am taking up residence in the quaint little city of Wausau.Yeah, pretty awesome, right? Sort of. All I do now is watch True Blood and play Modern Warfare 2.  I've decided to try and make Wausau life enjoyable though. So from now on, this blog will be about me trying to start my career and have some fun in Wausau and the surrounding area. Wish me luck. I will leave with a picture of downtown Wausau which has recently been renovated and I will probably be frequenting a lot:

P.S. Notice anything about the subtitle of the blog?? Yeah, I totally graduated. Good grades too.

Party Time + Classic Tunes

Well, last Friday was amazing to say the least. Good Grief, our friends from Stevens Point, came to put on a show and boy did they deliver. I've never had that much fun at a house party. Seriously, check these guys out because they write some great tunes. Here's a link to their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/reallygoodgrief

Great guys, too. I mean, really friendly. Couldn't have asked for a better time.

Anywho, after such an awesome weekend, I've had to let it cool down slowly, so as not to get burnt out on the awesomeness. And Swervedriver is a great band to listen to when you need to slow it down without losing too much awesomeness. Here is the video for 'Last Train To Satansville', in all it's 90's alt-video glory. Enjoy!

Finally, My Reparations!

What has two thumbs and got their tax return today?

^ this guy

Guess what TV I'm gonna buy?

^ this one

Yeah, so I'm really excited. All my bitching and whining about the feds taking money out of my paychecks has finally paid off! The only issue is going to be not opening it right away, since it's meant to be for when I move back to Wausau. We'll see how it goes.

Sorry Paper, But I Am So Easily Distracted

http://worldfamousdesignjunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/super-mario-crossover.swf

Yep. Tried to start writing a paper, but ended up finding this instead. Ouch.

Pretty sure there was more than beer in that cup...

So this is a video of a guy partying hard at Coachella... Man, this guy looks FUCKED UP. You can tell he's a little more than drunk when his flip-flop is just a little too far from his reach lol. I love when the 'good samaritan' kicks the flip-flop over to him in the middle... But in all seriousness, I would love to go to Coachella one year. I would get messed up, but not to the point of this guy. Check out the Coachella documentary if you get a chance, you'll see why I want to go so bad.

Hell Yeah...

Drinking beer, sitting in my room. Fuckin life, man. No desire to do anything anymore. Nothing is going anywhere, and it pisses me off. I don't want progress for the sake of progress, but I want more than what I'm being handed right now.

Ben Needs Help...

...Finding this drink:

I guess it's supposed to be awesome. That guy on the front is Arnold Palmer, a really really really old golfer. Not that he sucks or anything, he's actually legendary amongst the golfing community. My guess is that he's banging chicks left and right like Tiger Woods.


Anywho, yeah I want to find this. If anyone knows where I can purchase this in Eau Claire, LET ME KNOW. It's a mix of iced tea and lemonade, which sounds pretty delicious. On a side note, it's actually supposed to be very good mixed with bourbon. Call it a 'John Daly'. No idea who that is though. I'll look it up on Wikipedia.

Living My Dream

Man, it would be so awesome to be in a house band at some bar in Florida and play music like this... I mean, I think that would be a pretty sweet gig. Either way, this guy is pretty cool and plays some very interesting tunes. Check it out. (Thanks to my friend Chris for showing me this)

I would totally pay money to see this.

This would only be more perfect if there was a love scene.

Lol Wut.

So yeah, Christoph Waltz won Best Supporting Actor... Not sure if pseudo-intellectual German art films are the best career move for him right now...

You Know Who You Are

Who... Is... This...? Intrigued and Excited

I don't know how many of you are into the viral marketing thing, but some mysterious videos have popped up on youtube recently. Now, I'm not sure who this is, but the internet buzz is saying it's Christina Aguilera (wtf?!?). If that is the case, then let me be the first to say HOLY FUCKING SHIT CHRISTINA AGUILERA IS AWESOME. If not, then it's not as crazy. I do hope it's a new Trent Reznor project. If it's Trent Reznor and Christina Aguilera, then the world might implode. Anyways, here are the videos in the order that they were posted on youtube. Good luck trying to figure this shit out. (BTW, I think the third & fourth videos have the coolest tunes).














I guess people are trying to analyze the numbers in relation to different alphabets and whatnot... Huge crazy conspiracy. If you want to follow up on it, the user posting the videos is named iamamiwhoami on youtube. Please God don't let this be Lady Gaga, though. I just can't stand her.

Dada Trash Collage

Just saw this band play at The Cabin on campus. Usually they are a duo, but the drummer wasn't there for some reason. Didn't cut back on the quality, though. The lead singer seemed like a really talented guy. Musically, it's closer to Animal Collective jams minus the folk. In other words, newer AnCo. But this is definitely not a bad thing. I really enjoyed the stuff he was playing. Had a really good voice. Check out their new EP, Rain War, on their website www.dadatrashcollage.com I have it and I've been spinning it non-stop. Bought their last full length at the show, once I give it a couple of listens I'll give yall a verdict.

In other news, I have been playing a lot. Actually gonna start playing with some different people too. I'm really looking forward to it.

Add Another Notch To The Belt

Story about Dick Cheney having a mild heart attack...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124012214

Who cares, right? I was just browsing until I saw that it was his 5TH HEART ATTACK SINCE AGE 37.

Clearly, someone wants this man dead. Just solidifies my theory that he did in fact die twenty years ago. Now he is keep alive by a concoction made of the tears of children and the blood of the innocent. Whodathunk.

Nyeeer... I need babies!!!

Old Addictions Replaced By New Ones

No joke. Back to my old habits, watching TV and playing vids non-stop. Instead of Ratchet & Clank, or skate 2, or Lost Odysey, it's Bioshock.

Man, I seriously cannot get enough of this game. After a while, it just sucks you in. It's hard enough working all the time and getting through school, but man. Too much fun. I'm about 4 hours deep, and I can't get enough. At first, I thought it was kind of lame, but once you really get into the story, you can't get out.

When I'm not playing Bioshock, I'm usually watching Lost.

I had been warned not to get into this show, because it's addicting, and well... Let's just say I started about two weeks ago and I'm already a season and a half in. I just can't stop. They have the entire series on Hulu, so it's very easy to get into it. I've gotten really attached to the characters and what is happening on the island... I know it sounds pretty pathetic. But I'm just a scared kid trying to find his way. Still haven't found a job for after school, still haven't found a place to live. The longer I wait, the worse the anxiety gets. The worse the anxiety gets, the more I want to jump off the wagon. But I haven't.

I've gotten into this habit of always giving people the same answer when they ask me how I am doing. I always tell them "I'm living the dream". And you know, I think it's really starting to sink in. I'm trying to stay in a really positive state of mind. Let's hope it works.

I love Hunter S. Thompson.

And I fucking wish that he was still alive. And he called the Best Buy that I work at. And he left this message.

ARCHER: Fucking Hilarious.

If you haven't seen this show, get on it. Because this shit is funny as hell. It's by the same creator as Frisky Dingo, but Archer is (at least to me) way funnier. Frisky Dingo got laughs because it was weird, but this gets laughs because it's just plain funny. I just wish that FX would put more episodes on Hulu. But seriously, check this out. You won't be disappointed.

On a side note, I've started doing a lot of research on Facebook and it's impact on relationships. When I say relationships, I mean in general terms not just intimate. It made me think: why do I have so many 'friends' on Facebook? Would any of them help me in any sort of way? I mean, I wouldn't expect any of them to take a bullet for me, but how many say "Hi" to me passing by? After much thought, I purged my 'friends' list. Recently I've grown uneasy of how many people can access information about me when they don't really know me. So yeah. Next part of this little 'experiment' is to see how long I can go without logging on. Starting now.

Stay in school kids, what else is there to do.

This cartoon hit a little to close to home. Or at least I think it will, in ten years.

I'm thinking about moving to Seattle this summer. I know a girl that lives there. Haven't told anyone yet. Let's see who actually reads my blog.

OSCAR TIME BITCHES

It's that time of year again folks! Time to see the cream of the crop in terms of awards shows... Or, at least, MY favorite awards show. Some would think I would watch the Grammy's but no. That shit is so fucked up that I can't stand it. BUT I love watching the Oscar's because it is political and messed up. These are legit. SOOOO let's get to my picks! (Oh yeah, for this I will put what I want to win in red then put what I think will actually win in gold).



BEST PICTURE: Inglourious Basterds, The Hurt Locker - I actually wouldn't mind seeing either win. What I really don't want to see is Avatar win. Yes, the effects were great, it made millions, but the story sucked. Seriously.

ACTOR: George Clooney, Morgan Freeman - I haven't seen either of the movies they were in, but I heard both performances were excellent. I have a feeling Morgan Freeman might take it for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela though.

ACTRESS: Gabourey Sidibe - I honestly haven't seen any of these movies. But I can't stand Sandra Bullock. I hope she doesn't win. The power of Oprah will win this for Ms. Sidibe.

SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Waltz, Christopher Waltz - Come on. Best fucking performance in a movie last year. This guy should have been the name on the billboard, not Brad Pitt. If he doesn't win, I will be PISSED. I mean, Matt Damon? Really?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Mo'Nique - Again, I can't really judge because I haven't seen a lot of these. But Mo'Nique has been cleaning up at all the other awards, so I'll bank on her.

DIRECTING: Quentin Tarantino, James Cameron - Gotta give it to Quentin for being a fucking genious in terms of 'classic film', if you will, but I'm guessing they'll give it the James Cameron see he did something no one has ever done before.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: District 9, Precious - I thought District 9 was an awesome sci-fi movie. It's been a while since a science fiction movie has been a contender for Best Picture, but I'm guessing the academy will go with Precious. Not my type of movie, but hey; I guess it's supposed to be good. In all honesty, though, District 9 had a great story.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Inglourious Basterds, The Hurt Locker - Guess who's a Tarantino fan? Basterds was just perfect. The Hurt Locker was very well written, however. I'm guessing which ever one doesn't win best picture will win original screenplay.

ART DIRECTION: Avatar, Avatar - Go see the movie. You'll know why.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Avatar, Avatar - Again, self explanatory if you have seen the movie. It's just amazing, you feel as if you're in another world.

SOUND MIXING: Inglourious Basterds, Inglourious Basterds - I could just listen to this movie and still enjoy it. When Hans Landa is choking Bridget Von Hammersmark, and all you hear is feet kicking and leather stretching... fuck, man. Great stuff.

COSTUME: The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus, The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus - The lead actor died in the middle of filming (RIP Heath Ledger). Instead of botching the film, they edit the story to make the main character change. Definitely an amazing effort.

VISUAL EFFECTS: AVATAR - No way in hell will Avatar not get this. The movie is revolutionary in terms of visual effects. 75% of the movie is amazing CGI for Christ's sake.

There you have it! Good luck to all the nominees! And hopefully the hosts (Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin) won't suck!

Dude... What Happened To Kermit?

This is incredibly funny. It's a cover of an Elliot Smith song, and the video is based on the scene in The Royal Tennanbaums that uses the song. If you've seen the movie, you'll crack up.

After doing a little more research, it turns out that there are more "sad Kermit" songs, including a cover of 'Creep' by Radiohead and 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails. Awesome.

Religous Extremists Can Be White, Too!

I heard about this a while ago, and I can't believe how calm and collected this guy acted. Scott Roeder was convicted and found guilty of shooting Dr. George Tiller, an abortion specialist. Roeder said he was saving the lives of hundreds of unborn children. Man, what have we come to? Check out the full story here.

Stuff like this really scares me. I can't believe that someone would be brainwashed enough to commit such a vicious act. May this be a reminder to everyone to keep an open mind, not matter what you believe.

Last First Day and Updates...

So it was my last 'first day of school' today. I thought it would be magical... Instead, I worked in the morning and had an hour to get home, eat lunch, change, and get to school. I guess you could say that I'm hitting the ground running on this semester. So far so good, though! My first soc class looks to be pretty fun. Anywho, remember my resolutions? Here's an update:

1. Drink Less Soda: FUCK this one is hard. I'm proud to say that I haven't had a soda in two whole days though.

2. Start Working Out: I will. Just wait.

3. Cut Back On Partying: Now that school has started, my partying will pretty much stop. I have to end on top with this semester.

4. Dick And Fart Jokes: I humped a range that was in the warehouse the other day. Oh yeah.

bleh.

losing more leaves every day.

AltBingo: For The SelfAware AltBro.

Saw this on hipsterrunoff. Fucking hilarious. I've never been to a party where I could have won, but I have been to plenty of concerts that would have black out 3/4s of the thing. If you don't read HipsterRunoff, read it. It's just some 'alternative culturally relevant' blogger named Carles that blogs about hipsters and scenster, just the whole 'alternative/indie' lifestyle that is so popular these days. Some of it is hilarious, some of it is actually quite insightful. Check it. And next party you go to, if you live in a altheavy area, bring the bingo board. I will.

Repo Men Redband Trailer

I stumbled on this while watching random movie trailers. Looks to be a pretty cool action movie starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. The RZA makes a cameo too! Check it out!

I Think Ur A Contra

OH man, the new Vampire Weekend album just leaked, and DAMN! It's really good! They haven't changed their sound too much which is a good thing. They've just 'thickened' their sound, if you will. Instead of the bare bones afro-pop jangle they had on their first album, they've layered more effects on their guitars. On the opening track, Horchata, the first thing I thought was "Did they jam with AnCo?". This album sound like VW listened to Merriweather Post Pavilion a lot, but that ISN'T a bad thing. You can hear the influence, but it's not a complete clone (see Interpol 'Antics' & Editors 'The Back Room'). The cover art is also very cool, in the sense that it captures the whole VW 'college prep' / 'indie' vibe with the Helvetica font and chick in a polo. Overall, great album. Only bad thing is that VW is a perfect soundtrack to any summer, and right now it's 8 degrees Celsius outside and I have a fucking cold. It sucks.

New Year, New Plans

So. Here goes a typical list of resolutions, all of which seem possible but by March I'll probably say fuck it:

1. Drink Less Soda-

For realsies. I drink way too much Mountain Dew, and I've cut back on it a lot since high school but it's still a problem. This will be the hardest thing I've ever done, no joke.

2. Start Working Out-

Everyone says this, but I really want to. Not like go to the gym and pump iron, but do stuff at home so I can drum longer and bike up hills and what not. I want to start running too.

3. Cut Back On Partying-

Yeah, I'm sure every college student says this. But as I'm about to graduate, I need my mind and body cleared up. I won't be able to find a place to live or a job in the haze I go through now.

4. Don't Let Dick And Fart Jokes Become Unfunny-

Seriously. I may be graduating and turning 22 this year, but I will always burst out laughing whenever a person adds 'DEEZ NUTZ!' to the end of a sentence. Laughter is the best medicine, people. Also, I won't let my sense of humor become 'politically correct' because that would be gay.