The Variety Times

Break Time

2009-12-10T22:11:00.001-06:00

Because I am currently swamped with other work, I will need to quit posting for a little while. Posts will probably resume in around a week or two.

Sorry about the delay,
Seth

TV Show: Scrubs

2009-12-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

For many people, this show requires no explaining. Enormously popular, Scrubs presents a kind of humor that is overdone but clearly based on real life situations. The show follows the life of JD, first a medical intern, later a resident and finally a doctor, and his friends at Sacred Heart Hospital. JD is a distracted and likable character played by Zach Braff who, accompanied by a complex cast, experiences tastes of love, death, pregnancy, marriage and many other things that pretty much everyone comes across eventually. Some of the characters, such as Dr. Cox, the doctor who is sort of a evil mentor to JD, are surprisingly multi dimensional. If you haven't already seen it, give it try, though I would stay away from the latest season, which follows different characters and isn't quite as good. I have yet to meet somebody who does not like, or at least appreciate, Scrubs.

Sorry about missing a few days,
Seth

Book: Ishmael

2009-12-02T19:14:00.000-06:00

A book by Daniel Quinn, Ishmael is the story of a man talking to a gorilla about life in the style of Plato's dialogs of Socrates. Deeply philosophical and thought provoking, Ishmael also manages to be interesting, something many philosophers were unable to put into their writings. Through various anecdotes and examples, a telepathic gorilla presents his thoughts about life, humanity and purpose. What, for instance, makes us any different, or ultimately better than, say, a jellyfish? Is our species nothing more than a collection of self absorbed, self serving animals? But the book is not pessimistic. Sure, it has some of those elements, but I like to read them as challenges to answer the question yourself, to find out what makes us different on my own. If you're an intellectual or into philosophy, history or anthropology, give it a read. I hear there is also a sequel, which I can't wait to read and will probably be featured on this blog in a few months.

On a personal note, I am getting a little cold over here in Madison, WI, and am disappointed by the continuing lack of snow. I believe many of us are slightly annoyed by Obama's continued aggression in Afghanistan, but we shouldn't despair in the administration yet. Heck, it hasn't even been a year.

Holiday's here we come,
Seth

Album: Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall

2009-11-30T21:14:00.000-06:00

Miles Davis is an excellent trumpeter and he shows it on this album which is sort of similar to Kind of Blue, though more upbeat and varied. You get the classic jazz style (this was before Miles got into the more experimental stuff that constitutes his later works) and a nibble of up and rising free jazz. One of my favorite aspects of this album is that its both new and entertaining to listen to, but it also makes for great background. I am an avid jazz listener, but I also like to have it on while I eat dinner and that doesn't really work with Mingus or other wild jazz artists. In the end, if you haven't heard it already, and you're a jazz fan, check it out. There's nothing not to like.

Happy Cyber Monday,
Seth

Movie: Risky Business

2009-11-29T22:49:00.000-06:00

If the title doesn't ring a bell, maybe this will: Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear. This was, hands down, one of the best movies I have ever seen, and certainly the best I've found on the Netflix play on you're computer list. Original, hilarious and risque, Risky Business must be one of Tom Cruises best works to date.

The story is that of a high school senior who's parents go out of town. Urged on by his friend, Joel goes all out, joy riding his fathers Porsche and hiring a call girl. But Joel is quickly met with one of the biggest fiascoes of his life when the call girl demands three hundred bucks for the service. What ensues is a satirical and outrageous sequence of worst case scenarios and a very liberal view of the prostitution business. Put this one on your must see list.

Stay warm,
Seth

TV Show: Modern Family

2009-11-29T11:58:00.000-06:00

Modern Family is most easily summed up in the phrase moderately likeable. Despite efforts, the show fails to provide deep and engaging characters, though the actors do a reasonably good job (I should point out Modern Family is very deep compared to the majority of sit-coms on TV, I am simply grading it on a tougher scale). The plot of the story is generally predictable after the first quarter of the show. In terms of comedy, you’ll be fed your share of laughs. Like The Office, it creates awkward situations that you either find uncomfortable or hilarious or both. In the end, its hit or miss, you’ll like the show or you’ll hate it, but definitely give it a try.

Happy Sunday,

Seth

Break Time

2009-11-27T15:26:00.000-06:00

Sorry to have to stop so soon after I started, but I won't be posting over the Thanksgiving break. You'll start seeing new posts on Sunday.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Seth

Book: The Mother Tongue by Bill Bryson

2009-11-25T21:12:00.000-06:00

The Mother Tongue is the story of the origin and evolution of the English language. Now, if I were walking through the book store and saw a book about the origin of English, I would usually breeze right by. I mean, that sounds like one seriously boring subject. This brings me to Bill Bryson. The man has a way with words that can take the most excruciatingly dull and lackluster topic and turn it into a light and enjoyable read. And after you’ve read it, you realize that the topic isn’t so dull after all.

As well as his magical ability to make anything entertaining, Bill Bryson’s writing is also very good from a composition standpoint. He establishes a topic and then wanders through it. It’s less of a web and more of a straight line of one topic leading to another and then another. The first point may be entirely unrelated to the last. I suppose I’m describing it poorly, but its actually quite fun, like watching the mind wanderings of a very intelligent man.

All in all, the book was enjoyable and I learned a lot about a topic that I originally did not care for. Its not a life changer and it doesn't have you gripping the edge of your chair but it elicits chuckles and is a fine thing with which to pass the time.

Whats up

2009-11-25T20:05:00.000-06:00

I have created this blog simply for the purpose of sharing my opinion about various mediums of entertainment that cross my path, from books to movies to music. You don't have to agree with me, and if I completely bash something, go ahead and read it anyways. Maybe you'll like it. There have been times where I've seen movies that have been bashed by critics and loved them. And if you agree with me, great! Maybe you'll discover some new books or movies that way. Anyway check it out and happy thanksgiving.