Turd Ferguson
Here are my threeves.
CDs
1. Beatles -White Album
In my opinion, absolutely the best album ever. This album encompasses the amazing range of sound that the Beatles so flawlessly produce without ever seeming disjointed. I love this album.
2. Guster -Keep It Together
An awesome CD. Relaxing, thought provoking, wistful--everything an indie band should be.
3. Frank Sinatra vs Notorious BIG -Blue Eyes Meets Bed Stuy
Somebody took clips Frank Sinatra songs and used them as the choruses during Notorious BIG songs. Brilliant. It demonstrates that no matter what kind of music you sing, you can still marginalize women and abuse chemical substances.
4. Brand New -Your Favorite Weapon/Taking Back Sunday -Tell All Your Friends
These CDs are good when you listen to them separately. But when you listen to them together, these albums become something entirely different. Written by two best friends about the girl and the fight that tore them apart, these CDs explore the depths of betrayal, pain, and the fine line between love and hate.
Movies
First of all, I can't argue with Ryan's choices. Probably because he was one of the formative influences in my movie tastes. I think that those are five of the best movies ever. They would all make my top fifteen. But here is threeve of my favorite dramatic movies.
1. Pulp Fiction
Tarantino's best work. Reservior Dogs is more graphic, Kill Bill is visually stunning, Jackie Brown is crappy, but Pulp Fiction is just amazing.
2. The Godfather Part One
Do I really even need to explain myself on this one?
3. Fight Club
This is one of my favorite books, and oddly enough, I think it works equally well, if not better, as a movie. Brad Pitt and Ed Norton are two of the best in the business, and they are both at the top of their game in this movie. Visceral, raw, and uncompromising, this movie is amazing, but not for the sheltered or morally sensitive.
4. The Matrix Part One
This movie is kind of an action movie, kind of a sci-fi, and kind of a philosophical statement. I really like the way it is all blended with groundbreaking visual effects to produce a complete package.
5. Full Metal Jacket
Really the only military movie that really expresses the paradox of military service for an honest intellectual. And Stanley Kubrik rocks. But that's a different post.
Funny Movies
This is a totally different category, simply because in a funny movie, the emphasis is not on acting or cinematography, but on funniness. I know this is a difficult concept, but think about it for a while-- I'm sure you will understand eventually.
1. Zoolander
I just love this movie. I could watch it everyday and still laugh through the entire movie.
2. Office Space
The humor lies in the fact that we all know someone from this movie.
3. Anchorman
Will Ferrell plays a jazz flute and rides a unicorn in this movie. And Steve Carrell stabs a man in the heart with a trident.
4. Kung Pow: Enter the Fist
This movie is hilarious. Words cannot describe the hilarity. You should probably just go watch it, because I really can't describe it.
5. Dodgeball
"I don't think Hallmark makes an 'I'm sorry your dodgeball coach was killed by 2,000 lbs of irony' card." You could literally quote any line from this movie, and it would be hilarious in its own right. Plus, you have to respect a movie that includes cameos from Lance Armstrong and Chuck Norris.
Random Movies
Movies that don't fit into either of the above categories but that I think you should watch anyways.
1. Thank You For Smoking
I just watched this and laughed through the whole thing. But it really wasn't just a funny movie. It was so absurd and yet possible that it touched one of the latent fears of every idealist--a government that is as capitalistic as Carnegie and Rockefeller.
2. Napoleon Dynamite
Even though I still think this movie is funny and eminently quotable, I find it overwhelmingly ironic and sad that a movie about someone on the outer fringes of popularity has turned into a juggernaut of popular culture. What was a hilarious and delightfully indie movie is now sickeningly popular. Trendy young girls everywhere are wearing '80s snow boots and jocks are wearing "Vote for Pedro" t-shirts. Wasn't the point of the movie to examine the life of someone wanted to prove he didn't need the validation of the "cool kids" to be cool?
3. Saved!
An enlightening satire of evangelicalism and Christianity as it is viewed by mainstream society. It will make you laugh, step on your toes, and leave you feeling attacked and vindicated at the same time.
4. Hero
This movie would have made it into the top dramas except it is in Chinese. Beautiful cinematography, amazing use of color as a thematic tool, and a powerful meassage. Whatever you do, do not watch this with the English dubbing. Please, for your own sake, read the subtitles. When you listen to it in English, it just feels like a live action Pokemon movie.
Animated TV Shows
1. Family Guy
I love this show, and if you have seen it, I don't need to explain myself.
2. Looney Tunes
The basis of all of modern popular culture. Period.
3. The Simpsons
The basis of the next generation of popular culture.
4. The Boondocks
Aaron McGruder is one of the unrecognized giants of satire. In a world where random spoofing and mocking of popular culture is the norm, his work is textbook satire in its purpose, its characterization, and its execution. You need to read his comic strip and watch his show.
Books
That aren't the Bible.
1. Pardise Lost by John Milton
The most powerful use of the English language that I have ever read.
2. Republic by Plato
The basis of all Western philosophy.
3. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
If you haven't read this, I don't want to talk to you anymore. If you want to read it, let me know. I have three copies, just in case.
4. Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
I haven't actually read this book, but I want to, and I think that if it was one of the threeve I had left, that I could discipline myself to actually read it.
5. America: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by the writers of the Daily Show
It's like the Daily Show does history class. And economics and political science. All in one.
Random Favorite Things To Do
1. Ride my motorcycle
0-60 in less than 3 seconds. Any questions?
2. Watch tv with one hand down my pants
It's not as perverted as it sounds. Think Al Bundy from Married with Children.
3. Mispronounce commonly used Spanish words
Like gracias, taco, fajita, and quesadilla.
4. Pirate music
Arrrgh.
Worst Paperback Novels I Have Ever Read
1. Anything by Louis L'amour
I read something of his while I was in Iraq during a particularly depressing time, and the book almost convinced me that the American way of life wasn't worth fighting for.
2. Deception Point by Dan Brown
Actually anything by Dan Brown before Angels & Demons and DaVinci Code is really, really bad. But Deception Point wins hands down because it includes guns that shoot bullets made of ice. The bullets then melt and are undetectable to police. Umm, yeah.
3. King of Torts by John Grisham
The book isn't actually that bad--it's pretty standard Grisham--but who would look at the title "King of Torts" and think, "Wow, I bet this one's a thriller!" Seriously. I think it is quite possibly the worst book title ever. Textbooks for upper level accounting classes have more seductive names.
4. Batman Begins, novelization by Dennis O'Neil
Ok, whenever the front of the book says "novelization by somebody, based on the original screenplay..." you should realize what is coming. And I guess I did. But I read it anyways. Now, I liked the movie, but if you are just novelizing a screenplay that depends on Katie Holmes to hold up half of the movie, you are in trouble. I am actually surprised this guy allowed his name to be put on this book.
Mustaches
I had already been planning this category even before Slim mentioned it in his comment. Their names are links to their pictures.
1. Rollie Fingers
If you know baseball history, I don't think I need to explain this. At all.
2. Adam Morrison
I know we all heard enough about this during March, but I still think it's awesome.
3. Lanny McDonald
Apparently, Lanny was a really good hockey player in the early '80s with the Calgary Flames. I couldn't care less. But look at the lip carpet on this dude.
4. Rusty Jones
I know, he is just a cartoon product logo. But I think he may give Lanny a run for his money.
Honorable mention: Kyle Orton- I firmly believe his facial hair was the key to the Bears success last year. In the huddle, the whole offense could nestle in his neck beard and stay warm, thus giving them an advantage over their opponents.
CDs
1. Beatles -White Album
In my opinion, absolutely the best album ever. This album encompasses the amazing range of sound that the Beatles so flawlessly produce without ever seeming disjointed. I love this album.
2. Guster -Keep It Together
An awesome CD. Relaxing, thought provoking, wistful--everything an indie band should be.
3. Frank Sinatra vs Notorious BIG -Blue Eyes Meets Bed Stuy
Somebody took clips Frank Sinatra songs and used them as the choruses during Notorious BIG songs. Brilliant. It demonstrates that no matter what kind of music you sing, you can still marginalize women and abuse chemical substances.
4. Brand New -Your Favorite Weapon/Taking Back Sunday -Tell All Your Friends
These CDs are good when you listen to them separately. But when you listen to them together, these albums become something entirely different. Written by two best friends about the girl and the fight that tore them apart, these CDs explore the depths of betrayal, pain, and the fine line between love and hate.
Movies
First of all, I can't argue with Ryan's choices. Probably because he was one of the formative influences in my movie tastes. I think that those are five of the best movies ever. They would all make my top fifteen. But here is threeve of my favorite dramatic movies.
1. Pulp Fiction
Tarantino's best work. Reservior Dogs is more graphic, Kill Bill is visually stunning, Jackie Brown is crappy, but Pulp Fiction is just amazing.
2. The Godfather Part One
Do I really even need to explain myself on this one?
3. Fight Club
This is one of my favorite books, and oddly enough, I think it works equally well, if not better, as a movie. Brad Pitt and Ed Norton are two of the best in the business, and they are both at the top of their game in this movie. Visceral, raw, and uncompromising, this movie is amazing, but not for the sheltered or morally sensitive.
4. The Matrix Part One
This movie is kind of an action movie, kind of a sci-fi, and kind of a philosophical statement. I really like the way it is all blended with groundbreaking visual effects to produce a complete package.
5. Full Metal Jacket
Really the only military movie that really expresses the paradox of military service for an honest intellectual. And Stanley Kubrik rocks. But that's a different post.
Funny Movies
This is a totally different category, simply because in a funny movie, the emphasis is not on acting or cinematography, but on funniness. I know this is a difficult concept, but think about it for a while-- I'm sure you will understand eventually.
1. Zoolander
I just love this movie. I could watch it everyday and still laugh through the entire movie.
2. Office Space
The humor lies in the fact that we all know someone from this movie.
3. Anchorman
Will Ferrell plays a jazz flute and rides a unicorn in this movie. And Steve Carrell stabs a man in the heart with a trident.
4. Kung Pow: Enter the Fist
This movie is hilarious. Words cannot describe the hilarity. You should probably just go watch it, because I really can't describe it.
5. Dodgeball
"I don't think Hallmark makes an 'I'm sorry your dodgeball coach was killed by 2,000 lbs of irony' card." You could literally quote any line from this movie, and it would be hilarious in its own right. Plus, you have to respect a movie that includes cameos from Lance Armstrong and Chuck Norris.
Random Movies
Movies that don't fit into either of the above categories but that I think you should watch anyways.
1. Thank You For Smoking
I just watched this and laughed through the whole thing. But it really wasn't just a funny movie. It was so absurd and yet possible that it touched one of the latent fears of every idealist--a government that is as capitalistic as Carnegie and Rockefeller.
2. Napoleon Dynamite
Even though I still think this movie is funny and eminently quotable, I find it overwhelmingly ironic and sad that a movie about someone on the outer fringes of popularity has turned into a juggernaut of popular culture. What was a hilarious and delightfully indie movie is now sickeningly popular. Trendy young girls everywhere are wearing '80s snow boots and jocks are wearing "Vote for Pedro" t-shirts. Wasn't the point of the movie to examine the life of someone wanted to prove he didn't need the validation of the "cool kids" to be cool?
3. Saved!
An enlightening satire of evangelicalism and Christianity as it is viewed by mainstream society. It will make you laugh, step on your toes, and leave you feeling attacked and vindicated at the same time.
4. Hero
This movie would have made it into the top dramas except it is in Chinese. Beautiful cinematography, amazing use of color as a thematic tool, and a powerful meassage. Whatever you do, do not watch this with the English dubbing. Please, for your own sake, read the subtitles. When you listen to it in English, it just feels like a live action Pokemon movie.
Animated TV Shows
1. Family Guy
I love this show, and if you have seen it, I don't need to explain myself.
2. Looney Tunes
The basis of all of modern popular culture. Period.
3. The Simpsons
The basis of the next generation of popular culture.
4. The Boondocks
Aaron McGruder is one of the unrecognized giants of satire. In a world where random spoofing and mocking of popular culture is the norm, his work is textbook satire in its purpose, its characterization, and its execution. You need to read his comic strip and watch his show.
Books
That aren't the Bible.
1. Pardise Lost by John Milton
The most powerful use of the English language that I have ever read.
2. Republic by Plato
The basis of all Western philosophy.
3. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
If you haven't read this, I don't want to talk to you anymore. If you want to read it, let me know. I have three copies, just in case.
4. Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
I haven't actually read this book, but I want to, and I think that if it was one of the threeve I had left, that I could discipline myself to actually read it.
5. America: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by the writers of the Daily Show
It's like the Daily Show does history class. And economics and political science. All in one.
Random Favorite Things To Do
1. Ride my motorcycle
0-60 in less than 3 seconds. Any questions?
2. Watch tv with one hand down my pants
It's not as perverted as it sounds. Think Al Bundy from Married with Children.
3. Mispronounce commonly used Spanish words
Like gracias, taco, fajita, and quesadilla.
4. Pirate music
Arrrgh.
Worst Paperback Novels I Have Ever Read
1. Anything by Louis L'amour
I read something of his while I was in Iraq during a particularly depressing time, and the book almost convinced me that the American way of life wasn't worth fighting for.
2. Deception Point by Dan Brown
Actually anything by Dan Brown before Angels & Demons and DaVinci Code is really, really bad. But Deception Point wins hands down because it includes guns that shoot bullets made of ice. The bullets then melt and are undetectable to police. Umm, yeah.
3. King of Torts by John Grisham
The book isn't actually that bad--it's pretty standard Grisham--but who would look at the title "King of Torts" and think, "Wow, I bet this one's a thriller!" Seriously. I think it is quite possibly the worst book title ever. Textbooks for upper level accounting classes have more seductive names.
4. Batman Begins, novelization by Dennis O'Neil
Ok, whenever the front of the book says "novelization by somebody, based on the original screenplay..." you should realize what is coming. And I guess I did. But I read it anyways. Now, I liked the movie, but if you are just novelizing a screenplay that depends on Katie Holmes to hold up half of the movie, you are in trouble. I am actually surprised this guy allowed his name to be put on this book.
Mustaches
I had already been planning this category even before Slim mentioned it in his comment. Their names are links to their pictures.
1. Rollie Fingers
If you know baseball history, I don't think I need to explain this. At all.
2. Adam Morrison
I know we all heard enough about this during March, but I still think it's awesome.
3. Lanny McDonald
Apparently, Lanny was a really good hockey player in the early '80s with the Calgary Flames. I couldn't care less. But look at the lip carpet on this dude.
4. Rusty Jones
I know, he is just a cartoon product logo. But I think he may give Lanny a run for his money.
Honorable mention: Kyle Orton- I firmly believe his facial hair was the key to the Bears success last year. In the huddle, the whole offense could nestle in his neck beard and stay warm, thus giving them an advantage over their opponents.
posted by oneweekend at 12:47 PM
5 Comments:
Frank Sinatra vs Notorious BIG
That's crazy. I'm going to have to look for that.
What in the world does Visceral mean? I know the dictionary definition I'm just curious as to why it always ends up describing edgy film/music.
Yeah Dale, Josh was really bothered by your use of the word "visceral." But whatever. I agree with you on the mispronouncing Spanish words. No other language lends itself to murderous pronounciation attempts as satisfyingly as Spanish.
As a side note, I think it is important to distinguish that these are not necessarily my favorites. These are merely the threeve that I would choose if I couldn't have anything else.
Something about Kant- Piper cites some stuff from Lewis about him in the first couple of chapters of Desiring God. Look for the Lewis quotes under his second reason he became a "Christian Hedonist" (kind of an odd expression I think to use, even after reading his reasoning behind that....)
BTW, anyone tried reading French without knowing an ounce about the language? I could almost wager some proverbial money that it is much easier to slaughter that language than Spanish (assuming you know nothing about how to pronounce words in either language). "Parlou...parlee...parfait...parvoua...what was that word again?" Not an exact quote, sadly, as I've only seen the movie 3x.
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