Soul Thumping

Things I Found Aesthetically Pleasing Today - Day 2 Bombadil Illustration on the Independent Weekly

The Independent Weekly, a weekly entertainment guide for the Triangle area (Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham) in North Carolina did a cover story on one of favorite local bands, Bombadil.  They have just released a new awesome CD!  I'm not reviewing the CD (though I will be at the CD release show at Cat's Cradle on Saturday), I just love the illustration on the cover of Indy Week by Andy Perez.  It gets my vote for "Things I Found Aesthetically Pleasing Today."  Thank you Andy!

--Fortuitous Observer

What Generation X Watched Monday Night on TV in 1984

Today some of my coworkers were discussing current television shows running on the major networks and cable and for a minute I was so overwhelmed with the show titles folks were spewing that my head began to throb.  Egads.

How is it possible to keep up with every show on all networks, and cable?  I haven't seen a TV guide in years (do they still print those things?), and the only show I know is House on Monday night and sometimes I can't even remember if it is on at 8pm or 9pm.  Seriously.  Am I the only Xer who doesn't keep up with TV because I'm, well, too tired to keep it straight (and underwhelmed by the offerings)?  I can't be!

Now, imagine if you will, Generation X, the year is 1984 (just a random year I've selected, no real significance).  ABC, CBS, and NBC.  That was it, until FOX was added to the mix in 1986.  I knew what was on the idiot box (television for those youngsters out there) every morning/afternoon/evening and the times.  I was a walking TV Guide.

Now there are so many cable channels in the fray, and I believe I've simply thrown in the towel.  I don't want to know what is on because my short-term memory isn't what is used to be and I have too many important things to remember, like eating, sleeping, walking, breathing, etc.  There is no room in my head for such trivial data at this point.

So, welcome to a cold, grey Monday evening.  What is on TV tonight you ask?  I have no idea (except House is on at some point tonight, I think), but I can tell you what was on Monday night in the fall of 1984 (thanks to Al Gore's invention of the Internet).  Here it is Generation X...what we watching on Monday night in 1984.  I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl, and this is my other brother Darryl. 

MONDAY NIGHT LINEUP - 1984

ABC - 8pm Call to Glory; 8:30pm ABC NFL Monday Night Football

CBS - 8pm Scarecrow and Mrs. King; 9pm Kate & Allie; 9:30pm Newhart; 10pm Cagney & Lacey

NBC - 8pm TVs Bloopers & Practical Jokes; 9pm NBC Monday Night at the Movies

 

--Fortuitous Observer

A Gen-Xer's Delima: Atari or Wait for a Nuclear Bomb?

A few weeks ago I posted some inaniloquent musings about things I miss (mostly from my childhood in the 80s), and my Generation X nostalgia crept in again this morning with flashbacks of everything "80s" like television shows, games, friends, playing outside, nukes, and of course our Atari system.

Growing up as an Xer during the Cold War was such an anxious time (at least for me) because the threat of nuclear annihilation lingered constantly in the back of the mind, like that musty smell in an attic that no amount of mothballs can shake (I honestly prefer the musty smell to the mothball smell).  I remember riding my bike one evening and the sky looked strange, purple and dark grey, and I thought, "Oh, know, the bomb has been released and I'm going to die."

Doom and gloom were always present in me, so when Atari came along, and my parents decided to buy the system for us, it was something new and wildly exciting that took my mind off exploding into a million radiated bits.

My parents (like many parents at that time) were worried that we would no longer want to play outside and that we would become zombies, addicted to this new fangled machine with it's hideous graphics (I'll be honest, we didn't find those graphics hideous at the time because we had nothing to compare them to, except Pong, and hands down, Atari graphics were much better), replete with sound effects.

It turns out, our parents didn't need to worry about coercing us into video gaming rehab or force us to go outside and get some fresh air.  We wanted to be outdoors.  Sure, trying to figure out the new Raiders of the Lost Ark game or improve our Missile Command skills was fun stuff, but after a while, the outside world called our names, boredom with the Atari system would set in and we would be jonesing (now there is a lost but not forgotten 80s term for you) to get outside and pass the football around, or build a tree house, or dig in the dirt.

Being in the outdoors seemed less scary after playing indoors with the Atari, though I'm not sure why.  The foreboding war still loomed in the background as before, but perhaps my desire to "live" or my bravery intensified after experiencing being shot at by space creatures, dodging barrels hurled at me by King Kong, or swinging over a pit in the jungle to escape deadly scorpions?  Game Over.

 

--Fortuitous Observer

Generation X Halloween Specials

Summer has passed (or on her last leg anyway), so this sun bunny has to switch gears and cozy up to autumn now.  It's ok, I can do it.  At 42, I don't trick-or-treat anymore (no one wants to see that), but I still love halloween in all its macabre glory, and nothing says feel-good frights like curling up with some popcorn and watching those great animated TV halloween specials!

Two or three years ago, I wrote an online article about the halloween TV specials that our generation grew up with in the 70s and 80s.  Rather than re-write the article, I will just point you to the link...here it is:  Top Halloween Specials for Nostalgic Generation Xers!  Enjoy, Gen Xers (and everyone else)!

P.S.  I think my favorite is still Witch's Night Out.

 

--Fortuitous "Spooky" Observer

The Rialto - Raleigh's Gem of a Theater

Poseidon and I met our pals N & T on Saturday afternoon for a matinee at the Rialto.  Why am I blogging about this, and who cares?  Because the Rialto Theater is one of the grooviest, primo places on the planet (truly, it is...should be one of the wonders of the world...I'm still petitioning).

For those not fortunate enough to live in the Raleigh, NC area, I will attempt to describe this theater, though I will not do it justice, that is a given, so you will just have to get in your car, hop on a plane, or whatever your desired mode of transportation may be, and come see for yourself.

First and foremost, the Rilato serves beer, and not crap beer, but realbeer (on tap), and wine.  Yup, many of my friends in other states can't believe that NC is so progressive when it comes to cinema enjoyment.  Well, you won't find beer at the ginormous theaters in Raleigh, only at a handful of hip little movie houses, the Rialto being my fave.

The Rialto has only one theater, so only one movie, usually for a week or two.  Here is the best part:  they only show foreign and independent flicks, AND, they still show The Rocky Horror Picture Showevery Friday at midnight.  Sorry Spiderman 14,  Iron Man 8, and even Harry Potter.  You won't get any face time at the Rialto (no offense to Harry...I'm a huge HP fan).

The theater itself (originally built in 1942), though recently renovated, drips in vintage beauty with nice velvety seats, and even if you arrive late and have to sit in the first row, you won't have to pay the chiropractor a visit afterwards (seriously, I thought I was going to have to do that after seeing the last Harry Potter flick at one of the "huge" cinemas...we were in the first row and I was envisioning permanent neck injury from looking straight up, literally, straight up, at the screen). 

Oh yeah, before I forget, the Rialto is a cash-only venue, so don't forget to knock over an ATM before your Rialto outing.

 

--Fortuitous Observer

Me and Some Phishies...Smells Like Old Times

I may be 41, but I'm reliving my twenties and thirties this summer.  How?  Well, because Poseidon and I have tickets to see Phish tomorrow night (we paid a great deal of money per ticket I might add...I considered selling my eggs to pay for the tickets, but at 41, I don't think I'll get much for them).  I've traveled to quite a few Phish shows in my day, including all the way to Europe for the summer 1997 European tour.

I was very sad when the "broke up" though I knew it would not be permanent.  That is just what happens when iconic groups feel they can branch out to try their hands at solo careers and be just as successful, but of course, that doesn't happen, and they get back together for some reunion shows, etc.  I'm not complaining or criticizing.  I'm a big Phish Phan, so I'm fine with them needing to make some money and putting together a tour.

I've already pulled out one of my most hippie chick dresses (I actually wore this dress to a Phish show in Camden, NJ, and I can still fit into it!) and I'm so ready to relive my 20's:  barefoot, hippie dress, drinking some great beer, watching the kids stare at the grass for the entire show because they've scored some acid and took too many tabs, buying homemade grilled cheese sandwiches from the dirty dread-headed kids who bring their hot plates and their bags of Wonder Bread and American cheese singles and peddle their creations in the parking lot, swaying like a tree to those awesome summer jams, etc.

I can't wait, really.  If Dr. Seuss were still alive I would email him and ask him to rewrite a classic for all those Phish Phans out there:  "One Phish, Two Phish, Red Phish, Blue Phish."

--Fortuitous "hippie chick" Observer

If I Had Only to Worry About a Radio Station...

One night while Poseidon and I were driving back from somewhere, we were listening to the local classical station and he was giving me some background on this particular station.  A few years ago, some people were up in arms when a rivaling classical station went off the air.  There was a big to-do because now there was only this classical station and the station seemed to cater to the "blue collar" classical station listeners because they only played well-known pieces, nothing avant garde.  This of course upset the ruling class in the area because they would not dare bring themselves to listen to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy."  That "pop" piece is for "commoners." 

This story annoyed me.  At the time I was going through a great deal of personal stress, with having been unemployed for the better part of the year and worrying everyday whether or not I would lose my new house, my sanity, and if I would have to start pilfering the neighbors' garbage cans on Monday nights (Tuesday morning is trash day in my neighborhood) in order to eat.  I'm a bit of a music snob myself.  I don't like "pop" or "rock" stations much, preferring college stations playing indie and non-mainstream stuff, but that's my preference.  I'm not going to throw a fit if another pop music station comes on the air.  The majority of people listening to radio prefer those stations.

Of course things are better now, I'm employed and I've been able to go to Kroger for my groceries instead of fighting my neighbor's dog for his scraps during the middle of the night, but I'm still annoyed by this story.  If the only thing in my life I had to stress about was a radio station, how wonderful would life be?  The existing station plays classical music that some listeners, who aren't particularly educated in every nuance of classical music, but have listened to a little of it, can enjoy (thus having expanded their horizons).  I think that is awesome.  How great it must be to be a member of the "ruling class" in this area, since their lives are so obviously stress-free that they can devote their time to worrying about the lower classes enjoying a bit of Bach.  Let them eat cake.

--Your humble servant, Fortuitous Observer

My First Time at the Roller Derby

Women in tights and sometimes curious costumes, racing around the hard flat track on roller skates with pernicious expressions on their faces, knocking each other down, flip-flopping across the cement floor.  That is the roller derby folks and it is awesome!  I had the pleasure of attending my first ever roller derby on Saturday and I could quite possibly become hooked.

I won't go into the history of the sport because there are other sites that do that better, including the entry on Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_derby so check that out for a foundation/history for the derby and why it is so engrossing.

I went to the match not knowing anything about roller derby except from what I remember on Saturday afternoon television in the 80s.  When we walked into the arena, I spied women with punk hair and clothes walking around with signs reading "Ask Me" and fans milling about with mohawks and plaid.  I have now been introduced to the subculture of roller derby!  I'm in Raleigh, NC, so the local team here is the Carolina Rollergirls.  Their team colors are black and red with a logo of a skull and crossbones wearing a derby helmet!  Keenly punkish.

The match program handed out upon entry includes the rules and an overview of how the derby works, the positions (jammers, pviots, and blockers), scoring, legal and illegal blocks, the difference between a major and a minor penalty, etc.  The referees are just as "flamboyant" as the derby gals themselves and are just as entertaining to follow around the track.  It is impossible to sit still and not cheer along, even if you are still trying to figure out the rules of the game.  I discovered there is an infectious fever of fanship at the derby.

The derby girls on the teams have witty names.  The Carolina Rollergirls team includes Daisy Rage, Deviled Legs (she is quite tall), Trudy Struction, and Holly Wanna Crackya (just to name a few).  They are part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and they are a not-for-profit organization, so it's all about the sport, not the money and flashy advertising, which gives the derby a grassroots cooperative feel.

People-watching is a secondary attraction at the roller derby.  I consider myself an avid people watcher and I was in my element on Saturday.  The spectators are just as inspiring as the derby girls and refs.  Some of them dressed in their own punk attire, others ran around the track waving flags or harrassing the opposing teams mascot.

The derby girls, the referees, the fans, there is something about the roller derby that had me from the time we entered the arena.  I suggest everyone find out if there is a team in your area, and if so, jump on the bandwagon and go!  The tickets are relatively inexpensive and a fun time is guaranteed.  Just be careful if you sit on the floor next to the flat track.  Sometimes a derby girl can get knocked out of bounds, possibly right into your lap!

This is a great blog I found on the "new" roller derby, so check this out:  http://rollerderbydisorder.blogspot.com/ 

Ride, Ride, Ride to Your MP3 Player

I wouldn't call myself an iPod fanatic, but I do own one and it is full.  I also have a collection of almost 600 CDs by artists from many genres.  I can thank my parents for introducing me to different music when I was kid, and by different, I mean not popular.  We didn't have enough money for my sister and I to go buy the latest albums, so the music we were exposed to was considered "lame" by our peers.  Although I don't think the word "lame" was used back then.

For example, my peers at the time would not know Lynn Anderson, but their parents' may have.  Lynn Anderson had a hit in 1970 or 1971, "(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden".  My sister and I were 1 or 2 at the time it was released, but my parents were still playing the album when we were 6 or 7 and we loved it.  There was another song by Anderson called, "Ride, Ride, Ride" and my sister and I would play this song and gallop around the room, pretending we were on horses.  I'm rejoicing that no photos exist of these impromptu rodeos.

Fast forward to present day, 2009.  I'm 40 years old and would you believe I have the song "Ride, Ride, Ride" on my iPod?  I do, I swear.  I have an eclectic mix of music on my iPod, some songs, including Ms. Anderson's, are there for sentimental reasons.  It's OK.  Your MP3 player is your sanctuary, and it's OK to have whatever you want on there, no matter how goony!  My iPod is full of indie, folk, dance, electronic and ambient tunes, but every once in a while, on shuffle, these sentimental "uncool" tunes pop up, and I pause to sink back to my childhood (I seem to be doing that a lot lately) for a brief moment, fiercely suppressing the urge to take off galloping in public.

--Fortuitous Observer

You Haven't Made it Unless You Were a Guest Star on Scooby-Doo

I've had the song "Pretty Mary Sunlight" stuck in my head for weeks now.  I only know this song from watching Scooby-Doo as a kid.  Remember the season (I think the name was changed to ("The New Scooby-Doo Movies") when the gang had famous guest stars join their capers?  Don Knotts, Sandy Duncan, Sonny and Cher, Mama Cass, Davy Jones from the Monkees, and Jerry Reed!  The Jerry Reed episode included him singing "Pretty Mary Sunlight."

I've been listening to old TV soundtracks again (The Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, etc.) to appease my inner-child, and I must have summoned this song from the deep creases of my aging gray matter.  I remember dancing around (when no one else was looking) the family room to "Pretty Mary Sunlight" whenever that particular episode aired.  It was kooky!  So, for all of you Gen Xers out there, click play and relive it with me!

You might also want to check out this blog about Saturday morning cartoons:  http://www.blogtoplist.com/entertainment/blogdetails-32665.html

--Fortuitous Observer

Please Note:  This clip comes from YouTube.com.  I am in no way claiming it as my own.