In line for Star Wars
I finally had the chance to post our photos from being In Line for Star Wars.
Another way to view them is by viewing them chronologically by date-taken. Flickr you’re the best!
If you have any photos from when you waited in line, please post them to our Flickr Group.
Audioslave - Out of Exile
Audioslave is a super-group that actually delivered on their self-titled debut album. No one knew how Rage Against the Machine members minus Zach de la Roca would mesh with former Soundgarden frontman, Chris Cornell. The hype was there but usually that yields unmet expectations and dashed potential. I think everyone was pleasantly surprised when the whole thing turned out to be a hit both critically and with fans.
The amazing thing is that lightning struck twice. Audioslave has come “Out of Exile” on their new album. I was surprised to find how fitting and true to that title they really were. Audioslave has managed to make a record that sounds similar to their last while being COMPLETELY different. Cornell suddenly has become a very happy man and has turned into a softy.
This is one happy album, with almost every song being motiviational. The riffs are similar but are a little softer and subtler. I thought Cornell would leave the sap for the trees, or the single in this case. I mean I knew after hearing “Be Yourself” that he turned a little softer than usual. I thought they did this just for radioplay, which is understandable, but I thought they would return to their standard style with the rest of the album. But my shock was hearing two other songs that were filled with just as much sap as “Be Yourself”. “Doesn’t Remind Me” and “Dandelion” are two songs that are completely different than what I have heard from Cornell in the past. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean bad.
There is a good side and a down side to this album. I really enjoy the lighter side of Audioslave, even tho I usually enjoy angrier type music and lyrics. It was a pleasant surprise to hear this from bands (RATM/Soundgarden) that have been known for their darker and grittier style. From a couple listens I don’t even think there is a single curse in the whole album. The downside tho, is that I would like to hear at least one or two songs that were as explosive as “Exploder” (pun intended) and “Set It Off”.
With that all being said I don’t know which of their two albums is better. Its a tough call for me to make. While I think that their self-titled debut contained two or three GREAT songs I think it was lacking on quite a few. However, I think this album is a more complete and mature album. Whatever your opinion you can’t go wrong with either of their albums.
There are a few stand-out tracks that should be mentioned if you want to give them a listen before you buy. “Your Time Has Come” is a great, heavy start to the album followed by the exceptional title track. “Dandelion”, mentioned previously, is a very nice song and altho I don’t like to admit it I really like it. “The Worm” is a swell little diddy of a reformed man that has a heavy riff and is one of the best tracks on the album. The best and last song is “The Curse”. The chorus is by far the best and is a great way to end a great album.
Sidebar: One complaint. I love Tom Morello. I think his style is original and creative. Many have even called him revolutionary when he introduced his style with RATM. However, its not the same anymore. Its not as new and fresh and I hate to think of him becoming a one-trick pony. I want him to get through one song that contains just a plain, simple, old-school solo. Tom, you don’t have to resort to the distorted tapping and scratching that is your trademark EVERYTIME. Just ease up a bit next time. It used to be something that I looked forward to, but it was done too much on this album and it became a bit repetitive.
$10 Tshirts
Threadless is doing that $10 Tshirt thing again. I suggest checking it out, simply because I earn street cred. Oh yeah, and $10 for a Threadless Tee is simply a steal.
Ramblings
Before my chiropractor’s appointment I thought I’d give you some quick updates since lately the only things I have been posting has been my thoughts on music (which ironically will be included in my ramblings.)
Star War’s Weekend
I got a chance to see Star War’s for the second time this weekend. I must say, the second time was definitely better than the first. I loved the movie the first time I watched it, but honestly, did have a couple issues with some of the things I saw going on. The second time watching it was easier to forgive some of those flaws because I was expecting them and didn’t react to them as harshly. Overall, I think this movie was better than “Return of the Jedi”, but not the best since “Empire Strikes Back” as some are saying. There were definitely cheesey moments but not enough to ruin the movie for me. The story and not the special effects are what make the movie for me, so don’t go in with the highest expectations of seeing the coolest things you’ve ever seen. Definitely check it out (as if I need to say it, even if it sucked everyone would still watch it.)
Also, had a nice little trip to Grantville for a relgious convention and it was a good time. The weather was very nice and the taco bell was delicious. There were also some amusing moments (refer to picture below).
New Releases:
I think I might start giving you guy’s a heads-up on some of the new releases I’m excited for that are coming out each week or whenever I feel there are some worthwhile ones. You might hate my taste in music, so in that case you can stop reading now. For those who are still here check these out:
- Audioslave - “Out of Exile”
- Gorillaz - “Demon Days”
- At The Drive-In - “Anthology - This Station is Non-Operational”
- Colin Hay - “Going Somewhere”
- Belle & Sebastian - “Push Barman to Open Old Wounds”
Macworld magazine
First off, if you do not have a subscription to Macworld magazine, I sincerely suggest you get one.
I’ve been subscribed to Macworld for over 1 year, which may seem like a very small amount of time to some, but I assure you that I have benefited greatly from it’s contents. Macworld magazine is filled with some very good articles dealing with some very important topics in technology. Although Macworld magazine is directed towards the Mac enthusiast, it was instrumental in my transition to Macintosh from Windows.
The articles found within Macworld magazine are professional, yet informal enough, which makes the magazine extremely enjoyable to read. Its main focus, in my opinion, is to help the reader become better users of the Macintosh platform. The entire magazine is chocked full of tips and hidden tricks that you may never otherwise be aware of. Also, you’ll find yourself having several “light-bulb” moments when you read about tasks that you have been doing everyday in a manner which may not be considered efficient.
Personally I have been able to pick up many methods of Mac use which may have otherwise taken many years experience to acquire. I remember, after using Windows for about 10 years prior to using Macintosh, I was able to move around Windows without even looking. Still to this day I can walk someone through just about any wizard or process on Windows without having a Windows machine in front of me. However, on the Macintosh I felt as though I wasn’t really getting my hands dirty for the first few months. All that changed when I got my subscription to Macworld.
This isn’t to say that a subscription to Macworld magazine will instantly make you a Macintosh guru - because I still consider myself merely mediocre at Macintosh administration. But having a strong desire to learn, and friends that are willing to help are definite advantages.
Product reviews
Macworld’s product reviews are extremely beneficial if you are working with a budget. Often times I find myself wanting to purchase 2 or even 3 similar products because I’m unsure as to which one will work best for what I am trying to do. Well, with Macworld, I can generally dive back into my, still small, collection and find the products that I am thinking of buying and see how they rated the product. This, no doubt, saves many people countless dollars and time doing their own testing.
A lot of times, you’ll see entire issues dedicated to specific product lines. In front of me I have issues pointed at Portables, Printers, Digital Cameras and Music Players. Not only do they review how these devices work with Macintosh, but they also thoroughly test out the device itself.
Reader Feedback
If you have a question, you can write Macworld and they will answer it in their next issue. I’ve seen hundreds of questions answered which matched my questions very closely. It’s like having Tech Support without ever having to ask.
Productivity
Much of the last half of the magazine is geared towards making yourself more productive on Macintosh. Utilizing features you may have never realized existed, you can do many things with your Mac to help you get things done quicker. These tips range from software product reviews, feature hints or even hacks.
My personal favorite productivity tips come from the Help Desk Mac 911 section which has hints ranging from burning photos in iPhoto to writing Macros in Microsoft Office to help you remove Word’s annoying line breaks.
Conclusion
Although I have not covered nearly all that each issue of Macworld magazine contains, I urge anyone out there interested in Apple’s products to pick up a subscription and make your technology life easier and more enjoyable.
Photos coming soon
I have a ton of “In line for Star Wars” photos to upload to Flickr, and will be trying to get them up over this weekend, but for some reason I’m having a ton of trouble with the Flickr Exporter for iPhoto.
I’m unsure if its something on Flickr’s side or with Flickr Exporter itself, but once its resolved I’ll get them up.
Related sites
Recent features
The Format - Give It Up
Coheed and Cambria - The Velorium Camper II: Backend Of Forever
Leah Andreone - Break Your Fall
Song of the week
Sara Bareilles - Between the Lines
Sara Bareilles' "Between the Lines" is the Song of the Week for April 20 to 26.
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