In my mouth. Thanks to the dentist.
- Went to Six Flags Great Adventure last Friday. The place wasn’t too packed, but crowded. We were there from open to close. This was the most fun I’ve ever had at that park. All except the food service at the fucking shit Character Cafe was excellent.
Best ride of the day – Medusa. Can’t believe that thing is almost ten years old. It still packs a punch. Smooth, fast, intense, scary (especially in the front row). I will always love this ride. Next best – El Toro. This thing is just ridiculous. It’s fast, intense and has the best first drop I’ve ever experienced. It just yanks you over. I wish I’d gotten to do this one again, it was just an absolute blur the first time. Third best ride – Nitro. Always fun, and the best ride ops in the park make it even better.
Also good – Superman and the round tube water ride, which got us all completely soaked. We didn’t do Kingda Ka because I was fucking exhausted by the end of the day, we’ll get it next time.
- Went to Kimmel Center’s Summer Solstice event last Saturday night. This is basically an indoor festival, featuring all kinds of music from indie rock to classical. It was very well done. There was no artist that totally blew me away, but the Xande Cruz and the Batukis Band (Brazilian party jams) and Philly’s Buried Beds (indie folk) were very good. The Lion King cast cabaret and Josh Komorowski were also fun. I just love the Kimmel Center as a venue. This really made me wish that this building was used for such diverse music throughout the year. It’s nice to see the median age of the visitors drop below 65. Every night that the Philadelphia Orchestra isn’t playing Verizon Hall should be hosting medium-sized rock shows and the Pearlman Theater (the acoustics in there are insane) would kill with smaller shows. I can’t imagine hearing a band like Radiohead in Verizon Hall. I mean, it would just be otherworldly.
- Saw Superman Returns last night. 2 stars out of 5. The good – the special effects and that plane scene in particular. Just wow. The film is beautiful.
Unfortunately, the plot is fucking terrible. Ok, I don’t read comic books. Never have. I go to the comic book movies though because I want to have fun in a movie theater. I like how popular and communal these films become. I don’t just these films by the past or by the mythology. It’s fun, when it’s good. This one wasn’t. I have many questions.
Why does no one die? Ever? On the plane, why doesn’t anyone die? Is Lois Lane also superhuman, because she slammed into every wall of that motherfucker without even getting a concussion. During the earthquake, why doesn’t anyone die? What about the car sequence? Why doesn’t anyone fucking curse? I mean, come on!
Why is Kumar from Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle in this? Why does Lex Luthor’s plan make no fucking sense whatsoever? Why would anyone want to have beachfront property on a fucking alien planet? What is the point of Kitty? That was the worst character in a film I’ve seen in ages.
And most importantly, how is it that no one can recognize Superman when he puts on a tie and glasses, and combs his hair down? How can that be the premise of this film? He has no mask! This one concept just ruined the film for me. Maybe you Americans have grown up with this ridiculous suspension of disbelief and have been brainwashed to accept it. Well, I haven’t. It’s stupid. Just like this film, for the most part.
Oh, and why is the ending so damn boring?
- The World Cup returns tomorrow, should be two great games. Germany v. Argentina has been anticipated since the draw came out – I pick Argentina thanks to Messi. And then, the Motherland goes for broke against those cheating Italian fucks, who got so lucky in their last game, winning on a bullshit penalty. Of course, Ukraine played awfully last time also, but maybe that miracle penalty kick shutout will inspire them to not play boring anymore.
- This Fox News clip is just unbelievable. “You can’t pay your taxes, you can’t do anything else, IF YOU’RE DEAD!”
- Watched the NBA Draft last night almost all the way through. Rodney Carney might not end up sucking, but he’s too similar to Iguadola so I think the Sixers fucked up again. I would have liked them to trade up for Brandon Roy or Randy Foye (that pick would have been adored in the city and might have allowed them to get away with trading Iverson). Otherwise, the Draft was just hilarious television. The Sports Guy has the perfect recap. My favorite moment – Stephen A. Smith yelling that the Knicks need to draft a “dog”.
- Finished the second season of The Wire. Sheer brilliance. I mean, it’s just amazing television. Far and away my favorite show right now. I’m already into the third season – not as good simply because the incredibly compelling dockworker storyline blows away the wily politician arc. Still, brilliant.
- The authors of one of the most perfect albums I’ve ever heard, Arcade Fire, are working on a new album, according to Win Butler’s online journal. They are using a whole bunch of new insturments, a full orchestra, and a fucking organ! I mean, I just can’t wait for this album. Get these guys in the Kimmel Center!
I’m off to HH on Saturday. It’ll be three weeks of pure joy.
For now, go Shevchenko!
