Biscuits

The new year is upon us. With the new year, I plan on creating a new look/brand (for myself at least). So I am contemplating a few different looks.

1. The First one is a combination between vaquero mexicano and the American cowboy. It would include the hairstyle of Travis Tritt or Joe Diffie from the 90's. I prefer the bangs that Joe Diffie was sporting in the music video "Pickup Man" combined with the long, flowing mullet of Travis Tritt. I would then combine this hairstyle with the sweet suits (trajes de naco) you would find on each member of Los Originales de San Juan or Los Capos de México. You be the judge.Travis TrittJoe DiffieLos Originales de San Juan
   

Finals

I Wanna Know
There are four days left of classes, then finals. I'm pretty excited to be done with this semester. As for me, there is nothing new, but here is a pretty cool video for the Museum of Bellas Artes track "Who do you love".

The Calm Before the Storm

For the first time this semester I get to relax a little. I turned in the second research design on Wednesday, which was a big relief. Now, I don't have a major assignment in that class (Psci 200) due until December 2nd. It is pretty nice, but it won't last. Since I have some time, I thought it would be appropriate to update everyone on what is happening. Because I have learned to be more concise in my writing, I will do it in one word; nothing. That's right, nothing is going on. I am just doing my usual routine, and that is awesome. However, on Halloween I did something I absolutely enjoyed. Lance and a few of his friends from Highlands Ranch put together a haunted house. Luckily for me, they needed some help and I was able to fill the role of a crazy clown. At first I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but it sure was fun. The best part was scaring the guys who were desperately trying to impress their girlfriends/dates. Lance and his friends really did a good job with everything. It was too fun.
We were a lot scarier in action.As you can see the haunted house was a success. This was the line on the second night.

HBLL
At this moment, I am sitting here in the library working on an assignment for Psci 200. It is interesting and boring at the same time. It is very time consuming. After a few hours of looking up sources and articles about Mexican drug policies, I have decided to take a break and update the blog. This semester has been far better than last semester. It's amazing what an attitude adjustment can do. Also, I have been a lot busier this semester which has helped. Now it is time to iron out a few wrinkles and keep "echando ganas". So part of this break includes looking at videos on youtube, and I have decided to put this one up. La Malagueña is a classic song in Mexico. This one just happens to be my favorite version, sung by Miguel Aceves Mejia.

Video of the Week
Every Friday, in my Psci 200 lab, our TA shows us a video. This week he showed this one. It is pretty funny. Definitely made my day.

Twilight...No, I am not talking about that tween fetish, the horrid Twilight Book series written by some lady. I'm talking about the Twilight Concert Series in Salt Lake. Thursday, to my enjoyment, I went with a few friends and fell in love with a band. Okkervil River, the amazing band from Austin, gave a pretty cool performance. It was so good, it almost made me forget about the annoying tween behind me calling Lauren Gurgiolo a goddess because she played so many different instruments. She was pretty good though. Iron & Wine also played at the free show. He was good, but he didn't make me want to dance like Okkervil River did.

Up next
Next stop, Idaho. I'm leaving tomorrow for Idaho. My dad, Todd, and I are going camping. Should be fun.

Fun in the Sun
The trip to TX has come and gone. It was good. Here are the highlights.

1. 
2. A Flirty Austrian
3. Sun, tube, and a few hours on the river
   
4. Rounders- Austin, TX
5. The Faint...

All in all, it was a pretty good trip. I got a little too red though, which really sucks.

I'm not Texan

No, I am not Texan, but I am going there. One week from tomorrow, I will be doing some pretty chill stuff in the Dallas and Austin areas.

Pond

We spent another day and a half working on the pond. We finished the first half of the perimeter around the pond, but we still have quite a bit to do. Nos falta la cascadita y algunas otras cosas. The small waterfall and a stream are still in the future. You can see where the waterfall is going to be, hopefully it will all work out.

I haz style

Over the last year, I have sported some sweet styles. Even if you don't like them, you have to admit they are unique. They are ME.My most recent Fu Manchu/HandlebarsThe Unforgettable Costanza El Vaquerito
The Vicente 'Stache with eye protection

Wish list
I have been thinking of things I would like to own, here are a few of the random ones.

1. A suit like the ones these guys have on
2. A Bulldog
3. Mustache Wax
4. A date with Natasha Khan
5. A trip to México Lindo!!!
6. Tickets to a Green Bay Packer Game
7. A good nights sleep
8. A poster, any poster
9. A heavy duty trashcan
10. Una chica guapetona

Miguel Jackson
With the death of the pop icon, all I have heard is how he broke down racial barriers. I ask, What barriers? Instead of giving him credit, we should give it to those who came before Michael. If there were no Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, or The Platters then there would be no Michael Jackson. Besides, they were way better than he was, and for the most part, did it before the Civil Rights era (Is that not breaking down barriers?). Michael was not the first, surely not the last successful African-American artist.

Recuerdos...
Recently, just like in times past, my mind has reflected a lot on the time I spent in México. Sure, it has been more than a year, but sometimes I miss it. I've got México on my mind. I think what I miss the most is the people. People like the Hna Guille and her family, or Saul and the crew in Colima. I even miss the Plata family (TJ's), or Sergio (the wierd atheistic/who knows). There was just something about it all.

The Pond

I kind of talked my dad into redoing the ponds this year. We finally got the "okay" from the Jefa. We took out the preformed molds that were in and replaced them with pond liner. Now, instead of 3 ponds, there are 2. I don't want to steal the thunder from my mom (she will probably post on this later), but here are a few fotos. It is not done yet, we still have to put rock around the perimeter, and clean it up so it looks nice and purrrty.

Summer Fun
Thanks to Dr. Black, my Bio 100 teacher, birdwatching has become one of my "gustos". I have been a few times this summer, and here are a few pictures.

Lost FrogIt has been hot lately, but you won't hear me complaining. Heat>Cold. Some people would argue that cold is better because you can put clothes on, while in heat, you can't take clothes off. I beg to differ, I don't mind removing a few articles of clothing. If you only knew of the nicknames they gave me during the mission. Summer is here and that means heat and yard work. This week I have been helping my dad redo his ponds. We decided it would be better to have one bigger pond with a few amenities. Here is a good summer tune that is pretty chill, and a good one to put on while working in the yard. The Eels

4th of JulyIt was brought to my attention that posting Banda on the 4th is unpatriotic, so I found this.

Happy Day
Since today is a special day, I though I would put up a special video. Julion Alvarez made this video, which is FINE, FINE, FINE, VERY GOOD, VERY GOOD, VERY GOOOOD!!!

Things Will Be Different
In the words of DJ Born Sweaty, this video "is ridic". I must agree, but the guy on the keyboard just made it irresistible to post. Another highlight is the dancing. All moms should like this video, especially because it teaches your children the evils of the Ouija board via the possessed girl playing with a Ouija board. Probably about as child appropriate as the film developed around those crazy talking toys from my childhood "Transformers". Now they are so hip, with gold teeth and all. Anyway, here is Bloc Party with One More Chance.

Procrastination

Lesson learned; procrastination costs more $$$. So I finally bought my ticket, but at a higher price. I think I checked prices yesterday, and it was $99.60. Today I bought it, but at $124.60. So "en pocas palabras", procrastination cost me $25. The good news is that a few months ago I did NOT wait. I applied for scholarships and luckily I got one from BYU. That helps with a little bit of the stress, and now a little floating on a river in Dallas will do some good too.

Holy Ghost!
Just saw this Video and loved it. It is Holy Ghost-I Will Come Back. It's amazing. Download it for free at GreenLabelSound.

Nuff said

I Have The FEVER.
Other than the often over-used word, creepy, I can not find a good word in my vocabulary to describe the videos or songs of Fever Ray. I like them and find that the videos are delightful. If you are not familiar with the Videos, you probably won't watch this one in it's entirety. It is Triangle Walks, my personal favorite. Here are the links to the other videos, If I Had A Heart and When I Grow Up.

Viaje???
So, my friend corpsie and I have put our brains together and came up with a crazy, yet attainable idea. All I am going to say is Dallas\MTY\Dallas\Denver\Provo. Hopefully it will work out, but we will have to see what the bank account says at the time. On the flip side, here is a video I saw on Kanye's blog.

Here
Is a video by Jenny Wilson that I saw on Pitchfork.

JOBS
After about a month or so of looking for a job, I don't know what to do. I don't even know how many jobs I have applied for, both kinds, the ones I want, and the ones I don't. So far only 2 calls, and they were just to tell me I that I was not going to get the job. So now desperation is starting to set in. Kind of sucks, especially seeing as how I need one to pay for school. So who knows, ¿Quién SAAABE? Hopefully looking for a place to stay next year at school will hopefully be better than trying to find a job.

UMM...
So, Dave from the city called, turns out he wants someone who can stay until October. Unfortunately, I leave for school at the end of August, so you know, a month makes a big difference. Kind of stupid, but oh well. With that, i am still jobless, and am now considering several other options.

1. Moving to Mexico permanently and traveling the beaches until I am broke (probably a week) then teaching English for money.
2. Moving back to Utah and trying to find a permanent job or something to do so I can earn a few $$$.
3. Gaining 200 pounds and then becoming a contestant on that hit T.V. show, "The Biggest Loser", winning a lot of money of course.
4. Going to Vegas and gambling all the money that I have, hoping to win big $$$, or at least enough to pay for school, or something like that.
   

Esperando
I'm still waiting to hear from the city, waiting is no fun. A while back, I posted on Anjulie, the Canadian singer/songwriter. She, much like Natasha(Bat For Lashes) is more than post-worthy. Here is the video to Boom, her single released back in November, 2008.

Anjulie | Boom from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

A little luck

So, I might have a job (fingers crossed). An opening with the city came up and I applied. Hopefully I will get the job. If I do, I will be doing the same thing I did last summer; taking care of the city parks, and working the city festivals. Honestly, I have been thinking about Mexico a lot lately, and I must say, I really want to go back and visit everyone again. That means I accepting donations to help fund this trip... please be generous. Here is a video of a song heard many times while in Mexico. Mana-Muelle de San Blas.

LITTLE BOOTS

So, still no luck in finding a job, I have applied at a few places, but no luck. Hopefully something will come my way. But here is Little Boots, New in Town

Old Skool
Well, after another long day, with no success (jobless still), I thought I would kick it old school. By old school, I don't mean the Mamas and the Papas, or The Platters. What I'm talking about is some Valentin Elizalde. This guy was on fire in Mexico at the time I arrived in 2006. The only song I ever heard while walking the streets of Taretan was his hit "Como Me Duele". Too bad it all ended when he was shot dead in the streets of Reynosa in November of 2006. He had some catchy stuff, and much like Biggie and Tupac, still sings from beyond the grave as he released a few records post facto. En Paz Descanse. This is "Soy Asi" from his CD of the same name. Video quality is not great, but "La canción habla por si misma".

Escape
Have you ever had one of those moments where you just need an escape? It could be anything; the constant nagging of that loved one, finals week at school, those awkward moments when you see the flashing lights of Officer Everett's Wyoming State Patrol cruiser, or just a boring day looking for a job. Whatever it is, here is your escape. Bon Iver with an a cappella version of For Emma.

Crushin'
If it isn't obvious enough, lately I've been crushin' on Bat For Lashes. Just can't get enough of it, so I decided to take a break from job searching, and post this Live Video. Here is a link to the actual music video for 'Daniel' which is also a must see.

I Came, I saw

Here is a good song, with a good feel to it. Black Lips-Veni Vidi Vici.

8 Hours of Reflection

The long drive through Wyoming gave me a lot of time to reflect and think. Unfortunately, i also helped the state fill one of its quotas, but it was good for me. Now, I am home and have the summer ahead of me. Who knows what is going to happen. First thing is first-- JOB. Well, here is yet another movie that I saw in one of my classes this semester. It is the 1957 film by Ingmar Berman, Wild Strawberries, is an excellent movie. Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström) and his daughter-in-law, Marianne (Ingrid Thulin), travel to Lund University for a ceremony held for Isak. On the way, there are several oportunities for Isak to reminisce and reflect on his past choices and what they have brought him in his advanced age.

Boring

Since my last post was so boring, I decided to spice things up with one of my new obsessions, Golden Filter.

And now some Bat for Lashes

Ranting and then some.

I thought I would take some time out of "studying", (which in college terms means facebooking, blogsurfing, and texting) in order to update this . So far, so good; two finals down, two maybe three tomorrow, and one on Monday. Life is good, frustrating at times, but good. I am excited for summer, but kind of anxious to see if I can actually find a job in Colorado. Also, it will definitely be a welcomed break, not only from school, but BYU in general. I maintain that I don't hate BYU, however, I AM indifferent to a lot of the things I see on campus. I am tired of the "herding" that I see daily, everyone trying to keep up with fashion, wearing a mini-skirt with spandex (apparently making it modest), or the guys who can't wear anything unless it is Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, or Polo. It is sickening how everyone seems to fall for that, even though it reaks of superficiality. Well, it seems that I have gone on another tangent, rant, or whatever you would like to call it. Lately I have been reminded that no matter how one fights trends and or becoming one of the aforementioned, they still fall victim to what they are fighting. You try to be so different that you yourself follows a trend, spending hours just to find that shirt that is "different", or those shoes(normally moccasins), and those pants that fit oh so tight--around the ankles. All I have to say is that we just need to forget about classifying ourselves, or trying not to be classified, but rather be ourself, whatever that is. The good thing about life is that there are people who help you remember who you are, regardless of what you are trying to be. Life just seems to work itself out. Anyways, here is a cool video. Simon has a new crush, and the rest of them are crying...
Kind of like Paul.

North America South America

N.A.S.A. - New Music - More Music Videos

Aboutz Me

So I guess a few people actually want to know what is going on with me. Well not much, this last weekend was interesting to say the least. I went home to help with the basement project. It is always fun doing things twice or even three times just to get it right. I also learned some good things to know about certain people, and about myself. Guess I need to lay off sometimes and let people breathe...lesson learned. As far as school, it isn't that great, I don't really enjoy being here in Utah, or at BYU. Just something about it that bugs me...the people. (I mean no offense by that to those from Utah). As far as school, I am not doing the greatest, but not so shabby either. I just need to apply myself a little more, which is kind of hard right now because I am worn out. I can't wait for the semester to end, it will be a welcomed break. I'm going to go home and work, hopefully earning enough money for next semester. I know, I live an interesting life, more so than I lead on, but for the sake of your health, I won't go into detail.

EFTER BRYLLUPPET(2006)
"AFTER THE WEDDING"

Back in August I was in Mexico on a bus and I saw this movie. I meant to write the name down, but I didn't and then forgot about it. Today I was thinking about it for some reason and could not remember the name so I googled it, using the words Denmark, Orphanage, India and Movie. I found it, and watched it again. It is definitely not your cheesy, make you laugh and feel good film, but depicts some of life's most depressing moments in a way that you will truly feel it. It is not overbearing like most films which use excessive music and displays of emotion, but does so in a way that makes it more real and believable. It was done by Susanne Bier and was up for an Academy Award which it didn't win (It went to the German film, The Lives of Others). It was produced by none other than Lars von Trier's production company, Zentropa.
IMDB

Handsome Furs--I'm Confused

Handsome Furs "I'm Confused" from Sarah Marcus on Vimeo.

Kutiman- I'm NEW

****Kanye**** Singing his Growth.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip
He is growing. You have to appreciate the man's style.

DeathCabForCutie

Grapevine Fires

The people I admire.

WHOMADEWHO

This is "The Plot". An interesting video that I liked and so I posted it. Enjoy.

Matt and Kim-Jesse Jane??

Matt and Kim - "Jesse Jane" from df. on Vimeo.

Some more Matt and Kim, with the sweet style and rhythm.

Fleet Foxes

White Winter Hymnal from Grandchildren on Vimeo.

I don't know if I can get enough of these guys.

YEAH YEAH

So I am here in Colorado, searching the internet and I found these guys. Pretty sweet stuff. Don't worry, this isn't the only thing I have been doing. I have done some other stuff...met some new people. Okay I haven't met anyone new, but someone I hadn't seen in like 5 or 6 years. It is definitely interesting, but nice.

New Villager-Rich Doors

If I had a choice, and actually new something about music, I would write and tell you all about the funky sounds and rhythms and all that other stuff, but all I can say is that I like these guys. I like the beat and all that stuff.
Download

Swagger like us.

So this is probably one of my favorite places in the world. The home of the Familia Hernandez in Taretan, Michoacán. They sure do know how to make someone feel at home, plus she made some killer tortas.

BON IVER

So my compadre introduced me to this guy, or at least his music, and I really do like the sound, nice and calming.

More than Just Marley....Steel Pulse

¡MUSICA!

Lars von Trier

"American studios give money to directors to educate them away from their creative fingerprint, even if that's the reason they wanted them in the first place. I've avoided that fate by making movies here. You have to fight the urge to do a big action movie. You avoid 'Batman.' The bigger it is, the worse it is."-- Lars von Trier
Biography and Films

A little about NOW

So what is going on in my life? Nothing. I am just studying, watching movies and working. To some this might sound boring, and i ask them, have you seen Dogville? Of course not. Les invito que lo vayan a ver. That is about all that is going on. I might go up to Idaho this coming weekend as it is a 3 day weekend, but I kind of doubt it. So who knows what is going to happen. One thing is that........well nothing. So just enjoy life.

Fleet Foxes

Mykonos from Grandchildren on Vimeo.

Music Go Music -Warm in the Shadows

I LOVE THIS SONG.
Warm in the Shadows

The Five Obstuctions.

If you are looking for a good movie to see, and you don't mind subtitles, this is the one for you. We watched in in my German and Scandinavian Film class. It is different and unique, and quickly moved its way on my list of favorites. It came out in 2003, so it is not new, but it may be to you as it was to me.

View the trailer here.

DEAD DISCO

Delicious! Delightful!

Quote of the Day

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion;... no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till."

Ralph Waldo Emerson from Self-Reliance (READ)

In other words, be yourself, and work hard.

Too funny.

On My Own (Promo Video) from thecocknbullkid on Vimeo.

She's got style!.!.!

thecocknbullkid has style. I mean I know nothing about music, but my ears start dancing when I listen to her song.


http://www.thecocknbullkidofficial.com/home/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNC3zHFeShg&eurl=http://this.bigstereo.net/

Friendly Fires-Skeleton Boy

Friendly Fires 'Skeleton Boy' by Clemens Habicht from Nexus Productions on Vimeo.

Mickey Gang- I was born in the 90's

Thinkbot

Bien hecho. This month started interesting, then faded into the abyss of boring. I guess I can't really say that because it has been fun in the very unexciting way. We went down to Mesa, AZ for the wedding of the midgets... in other words my friends Skylar and Kaitlin. That is where I joined a biker gang, actually I founded it. I am calling it 'Los Gachos". We returned, and started school. Let me be the first to inform you it is entertaining....So entertaining that we went to Sundance and saw the movie Rudo y Cursi. It was totally worth it. Also I am trying to figure this whole blogging thing out, you know I need to dress this up so I have a chance at dating that one hot chick in my political science class. You know the one who sits up front and answers all the questions. Oh yeah, then I watched the inauguration. Pretty good stuff ( other than that awful rendition by Aretha Franklin). I mean I don't want to offend anyone, but would it hurt her to just sing, and not yell or spaz out on stage? But the speech by President Obama was a good one. No, Really. I enjoyed it, and felt that rather "patriotic feeling" rising in my gut. Honestly, I look forward to these next few years. For one, now I won't have to sit and listen to mind-numbing comments from Hollywood celebrities about the war in Iraq, or President Bush. I mean George Clooney's movies suck, and don't even get me started on Ben Affleck or Barbara Streisand. People like them bug me, and as a matter of fact, bug America. What is the problem with our grand country...mentes bien cerradas. More Coming.