Features

Keeping Up (Vol. 7)

by Darren Paltrowitz

Here are 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

ALBUM: The Stills / Oceans Will Rise – In recent years, attention has been drawn to Montreal as a “new Seattle” for its export of great bands. The Stills is among the noted pack with The Arcade Fire.  I first discovered The Stills a few years ago when a track of theirs (“Changes Are No Good”) was bundled with a download of Winamp.  Well-textured, lush rock to say the least.  If unfamiliar, use “Being Here” and “Don’t Talk Down” from their MySpace page as starting points. (myspace.com/thestills)

BOOK: Chris Jericho / A Lion’s Tale: Around The World In Spandex – Although known today as a WWE superstar, cable TV personality, and recording artist, things weren’t always so rosy for Chris Jericho.  Chronicling his early years as a pro-wrestler, A Lion’s Tale primarily focuses on Jericho’s work in Mexico, Germany, Japan, and the lower-tier organizations of United States and Canada before making it to the big leagues.  Always looking at hard times with a laugh, this autobiography is full of amusing anecdotes and what-not-to-do’s.  Ultimately, this is a fast read and one need not be a wrestling fan to finish reading it in the matter of days.    (chrisjericho.com)

SHOW: “duder.” – Simply billed as a “web comedy series,” “duder.” is the creation of New York City-based writer/producer Matt Kirsch.  A staff writer for The Onion, Kirsch also stars in the show as Glen.  Perhaps a bit coarse for the Bible Belt, “duder.” is likely to appeal to fans of shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”; its characters look and sound like everyday people.  All episodes are available for free streaming.  (dudershow.com)

TOOL: Genius – Have you downloaded the latest version of iTunes?  If so, have you used the Genius feature?  If you have, then you can move to the next pick.  If not, it is surely worth your time and attention.  As requested, the feature makes recommendations and creates playlists based on what is in your library.  In turn, it takes little effort to stay current, or even enjoy what you have.  (apple.com/itunes/whatsnew)

ARTICLE: Tom Hoobyar “Tom’s Twelve Laws of Life” – It seems that most people are under the impression that there is a time for business and a time for one’s personal life.  But Tom Hoobyar – a former Silicon Valley CEO – has written a list of “laws” to apply to one’s life.  Nothing applies to everyone, but Hoobyar puts in these in perspective to his life and challenges readers to do the same.  At worst, you have yourself a little conversation for the dinner table. (nplco.com/news/2008/12/11/toms-twelve-laws-of-life)

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, Happy Holidays to you and yours.  Stay tuned for another 5 picks...