tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53290799425740263762012-02-04T08:04:49.084-06:00Ahren SieversAhren Sieversnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-37900351298302616622011-11-14T20:32:00.000-06:002011-12-04T21:01:51.159-06:00

Originally published 11/14/11 Did you love the 80's? Do you like MMORPG's?If you answered yes to both questions you should stop reading this immediately and go read Ready Player One.If you're not into MMORPG's (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games, like World of Warcraft or EverQuest) this book may not be entirely lost on you. As long as you have a basic understanding of what they

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-1707535042482136432011-11-02T20:26:00.000-05:002011-12-04T21:02:03.172-06:00

Originally published 11/2/11 As a novel that wears it's premise on it's sleeve (in it's very title, even) Robopocalypse is not necessarily just a one-trick pony. Obviously you can surmise that this book is about the end of days as brought about by ceaseless and unflinching machines. However, Robopocalypse succeeds in taking a familiar formula--killer robots, humanity coping (or not coping)

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-1375292434255047772011-08-14T20:21:00.000-05:002011-12-09T15:42:15.277-06:00

Originally published 8/14/11 With every property getting a reboot these days 007 was one that sorely needed it. The resulting work ushers in a new era for James Bond and modernizes his world to be contemporary, complex and compelling. Carte Blanche re-establishes James Bond for 2011 and gives us actual insight into his character. A veteran of Afghanistan, recruited into an off the books

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-5508469372322971452011-01-11T12:04:00.001-06:002011-01-11T12:05:39.563-06:00

This blog has moved to www.neopologist.com. "According to my thesaurus, an apologist is the opposite of a critic but that sounded a little too defensive.  Neopologist, made me think of anthropology, the study of humankind and 'neo' made me think of the future (something I often find myself thinking about).  Neopology seemed like a good name for the study of the future (latin pre-fix

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-9447947502527802412010-12-13T21:02:00.000-06:002011-12-04T21:06:53.208-06:00

Recently, I've been playing Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.  I've progressed almost to the end of that game, but decided to put it down for the next week so I could play Tron: Evolution before the new Tron movie comes out. Let me start off by saying that I think both games are pretty good.  But it has been fascinating playing both games so close to one another because they are so similar and

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-35253125558743900562010-09-12T21:07:00.000-05:002011-12-04T21:08:49.603-06:00

The addition of vertical cover was a much ballyhooed innovation to the game.  Although it isn't quite as amazing a feature as the developers would have liked us to believe, it is still an interesting mode of cover and makes for some fun moments in the game.  Basically, whenever Will encounters a cliff face (or an assembled facsimile of a cliff space, like a reactor core or the side of a

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-56640509093032250032010-01-22T09:24:00.001-06:002010-01-22T09:29:44.824-06:00

Back in 2004 a relatively unknown hip hop producer came up with a mixtape that combined Jay-Z's seminal (and supposedly final) album, The Black Album with The Beatles' classic 'white' album. The mixture went beyond the simplistic crossfading of normal mash-ups in that Dangermouse sampled and re-invented the instrumentation of the Beatles record to create new tracks for Jay-Z's a capellas. The

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-42612965532442298312009-12-29T11:06:00.000-06:002009-12-29T11:06:28.469-06:00

Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn My rating: 3 of 5 stars While not as engrossing as the first book (since Across the Nightingale Floor has the origin story), Brilliance of the Moon is much more entertaining than the 2nd book, Grass For His Pillow, and works to assuage some of the frustration built up in the narrative of the second book. Originally, Tales of the Otori was a trilogy and this

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-5334634069083750532009-11-24T21:51:00.000-06:002009-11-24T21:51:33.884-06:00

Adaptations of movies into video games have always been hit or miss.  Which is why it's always a massive shock when a game based on a movie can come along and have the audacity to be good.  Gamers were floored after playing The Chronicles of Riddick, GoldenEye 007 or even Aladdin for the Super Nintendo.    Now, add to that list X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the video game based on the 2009 summer

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-46850582826268566412009-10-30T10:18:00.002-05:002009-10-30T10:20:46.217-05:00

Not available yet, but soon to be released on Grid Records, this track is Eyes Closed by Netsky. Netsky's warm tones and sparse, repetitious vocals flow like a ribbon pulled by a current.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-21339425349142245612009-10-27T19:34:00.003-05:002009-10-27T19:39:08.744-05:00

With the release of Uncharted 2 just a few short weeks ago, I would imagine many people who missed out on playing Uncharted: Drake's Fortune are wondering if they should go back and give it a try before playing the hotly anticipated sequel. The answer yeah, kind of, at least for a little bit. Before, I continue, let me just state, unequivocally that Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is a breathtaking

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-34164226458082969382009-09-17T08:56:00.007-05:002009-09-17T09:24:39.591-05:00

We have been waiting forever for this tune to drop and now it is finally available to the masses! Accidentally leaked by Tony Coleman on his Hospital Records podcast (link opens iTunes) 87, I have been anxiously waiting for the day I could get my hands on this track.California doesn't really do anything that you haven't heard before. It follows the Drum 'n' Bass formula popularized by the likes

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-22288554932798297732009-09-10T13:54:00.004-05:002009-09-10T14:04:47.409-05:00

The nostalgia has been pretty potent recently, between yesterday's launch of The Beatles RockBand and its accompanying CD box set, and the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, celebrated just a few weeks ago.To help put things in perspective, The New York Times has put together an interactive highlight reel of the entire year: 1969. Check it out.-ReadVia Flavorpill

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-77097550635031287022009-09-07T21:22:00.010-05:002009-09-08T10:14:37.984-05:00

Since the days of E.T. movie-based video games have been known for one thing above all others: sucking. Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince is not without merit, but given the nature of interactive entertainment and the fact that it is not uncommon for a game to provide 40+ hours of gameplay, it is baffling that Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince doesn't borrow more from the 800 page novel on

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-42243327001005537122009-09-07T11:13:00.005-05:002009-09-07T11:27:21.998-05:00

Ever wondered what Manhattan had been like back in 1609? No? Well now you don't have to wonder; The Wildlife Conservation Society in conjunction with Pond Media & Design has put together a Google Maps mash-up of sorts called The Mannahatta Project that shows a satellite view of what the city looked like when it was teaming with wildlife rather than people. When it was a real jungle, rather

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-10019872748399373942009-09-03T10:41:00.001-05:002009-09-03T10:43:03.867-05:00

ARTIFICIAL PARADISE, Inc from Jp Frenay on Vimeo.Via Abduzeedo

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-29907650353798767712009-06-09T20:15:00.002-05:002009-06-09T20:17:53.125-05:00

It is impossible to talk about Tomb Raider: Underworld without mentioning the game's predecessor, Tomb Raider: Legend, and to a lesser degree, Tomb Raider Anniversary. These three games now as a trilogy, with Legend and Underworld being completely interwoven and Anniversary serving as back story. These 3 games are also the new Tomb Raider games developed by Crystal Dynamics, and serve as kind

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-35230136534963928712009-05-28T20:54:00.003-05:002009-05-28T21:02:52.313-05:00

By now, you all should have seen J.J. Abrams' re-imagining and re-invigoration of Star Trek. The film was fantastic, no here’s the low-down on the score by Michael Giacchino. At first I was disappointed that J.J. Abrams and Michael Giacchino didn’t use the “official” Star Trek theme, scored by Jerry Goldsmith, as the main theme to the movie. But, as I listened to it more, I came to

Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04584988504536434277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-64095744187517922752009-04-15T20:49:00.007-05:002009-04-15T21:22:09.442-05:00

This Week In TechnologyExoskeletons seem to be everywhere I turn these days.  Engadget has posted several stories in the last week about independently powered exoskeletons.  The first came a few days ago with a story about the ominously named Japanese corporation Cyberdyne's new HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) suit.  The suit appears to be primarily geared towards heavy lifting.  Cyberdyne claims the

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-38401330261763698432009-04-08T20:18:00.009-05:002009-04-08T21:23:50.165-05:00

Time once again for This Week In Technology.In keeping with our April Cyberpunk theme, I couldn't help but marvel at the fortune of finding Bruce Sterling's new novel on the new releases shelf at my library. Bruce Sterling for the uninitiated is often mentioned in the same breath as William Gibson and all of the other luminaries of the sub-genre. In short, he's totally O.G. I haven't really

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-9495385044089755492009-04-01T20:20:00.009-05:002009-04-01T22:14:11.821-05:00

A couple years ago, I declared that April would be the month that we celebrate the science fiction sub-genre known as cyberpunk. It started out as just an excuse to wile away my least favorite month with my favorite kind of fiction. Now, it's something I look forward to every year, as both an opportunity to re-enjoy my favorites but also catch-up on old classics I may not have gotten around to

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-23475781279384035872009-03-11T19:23:00.006-05:002009-03-11T20:54:53.180-05:00

T.his W.eek I.n T.echnologyPSNI don't know about you folks, but up until recently my default platform for online video purchasing and downloading was iTunes. That all changed when I got my Playstation 3. The Playstation 3 is hooked up to the TV in the living room, which immediately makes it more enticing than watching videos on my computer. I've never minded watching video content on my

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-53267495620543426142009-03-04T20:34:00.006-06:002009-03-04T21:33:17.940-06:00

Science fiction is on the menu this week.  We're talking about the new Friday night line up of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Joss Whedon's new project Dollhouse.  I'm not going to bother talking about how putting these shows on Friday is not only insulting to science fiction fans (yes, we know we don't have lives and we don't go out on the weekends, thanks for reminding us) but also

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-23248410670305665652009-02-25T20:09:00.004-06:002009-02-25T21:00:19.943-06:00

I thought I was all done talking about Flower (PSN), until I saw this article and it made me laugh.  It's not that the article was bad, quite the opposite in fact.  Clive Thompson's look at Flower makes some really good observations, but it made me think of something that I forgot to mention in my initial write up.  I always used to laugh at my classmates in all the college lit classes I took (

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-38682033391614423962009-02-18T20:16:00.008-06:002009-02-19T10:25:38.349-06:00

This Week in Technology has been an interesting one. My time has been increasingly devoted to video games. Most notably Flower for the PSN. Released last week, I didn't actually pick it up until the weekend. A fitting Valentine's Day purchase. I played through the entire game over about two or three sessions. With only 6 (technically 7) levels, it's a pretty short experience. Despite that,

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-45087152546149627062009-01-13T20:40:00.004-06:002009-01-21T20:23:44.849-06:00

Now that we've covered my most-played singles of 2008, it's time to do something a little different and run down my top albums of 2008.  Whereas my list of singles of 2008 are always simply songs I added to iTunes in 2008, this list will be comprised solely of albums that were released in 2008... which is probably much less confusing.Anyway, these albums are in no particular order, they are

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-76199313258356106642009-01-13T20:15:00.005-06:002009-03-19T16:49:25.116-05:00

Time for the annual list of my most played songs of the year. This time, we are shortening the list even more and just going for my top 10 most played songs of 2008.10. Honey - Junkie XL9. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz8. Trapdoor Man - David Holmes7. Not Their Fight - David Holmes6. From Bath With Love (featuring T-Lace) - Danny Byrd5. Jacques Cousteau - Erasure4. Thundersounds (featuring Percee P.) -

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-64389625595697185832008-10-28T13:19:00.008-05:002008-10-28T14:00:01.850-05:00

It seems that CoolIris has been around for a while, but I just became aware of it a few days ago when they launched their iPhone app. While the iPhone app is fine and dandy, the serious coolness of CoolIris takes place on the desktop. Available as a browser plugin for Safari, and Firefox for Mac and PC as well as IE7 for Windows, CoolIris is at its core just an image browser. However, it is a

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-47433771762545370672008-10-26T20:53:00.007-05:002008-10-26T21:42:24.131-05:00

High on my cool meter right now is the music video for the "Another Way to Die" by Jack White and Alicia Keys for the upcoming Quantum of Solace.  The song has taken some time to grow on me. It seems that every Bond song goes one of two ways in its' first impression.  Either it sounds too commercial and not enough like a Bond song or it sounds "too Bond" and the consummate Bond fan worries that

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-59663271497998210332008-10-01T10:55:00.003-05:002008-10-01T11:01:13.548-05:00

World seems right againEverything falls into placeSolar Fields effect

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-36267529347705952732008-09-17T17:12:00.000-05:002008-09-17T17:13:47.754-05:00

Adam Kimmel presents: Claremont HD from adam kimmel on Vimeo.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-74745520471390059662008-09-15T11:04:00.001-05:002008-09-15T11:07:35.302-05:00

Exciting stuff from the Chemical Bros.http://www.youtube.com/thechemicalbrothers

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-46269124808793662802008-08-27T22:52:00.002-05:002008-08-27T23:02:31.879-05:00

My iPod died this morning.Purchased in the summer of 2004 as a replacement for my original 1st gen iPod, this 20 gig trooper served me faithfully for the last 4 years.Truthfully, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.Godspeed little doodle. You will be sorely missed.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-83251086035842069512008-06-25T23:18:00.001-05:002008-06-25T23:19:43.275-05:00

The Lonely Island crew is the best thing to happen to SNL since Will Ferrell.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-92045384317318079352008-06-13T13:25:00.003-05:002008-06-13T13:28:50.885-05:00

There's no need to 'Blog Like It's The End of The World' in Cedar Rapids, because I imagine for most residents it's looking a lot like the real thing.For those of you who don't know me personally, I grew up in Cedar Rapids. The flood has hit the heart of the downtown area and you'll see images of a flooded Mercy Hospital in the following video, I went to school across the street from that

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-30945710581841965902008-06-13T13:09:00.002-05:002008-06-13T13:18:27.852-05:00

It's 'Blog Like It's The End of the World' Day where many bloggers will blog from the perspective of being in the middle of a zombie outbreak.I had a lot of fun with it last year, I am going to sit this year out.While I am not participating this year, due to my schedule, I thought I would point to the people who were, and point to my contribution from last year (scroll to bottom).Happy BLITEOTW

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-6127499873695570132008-05-14T21:45:00.003-05:002008-05-15T00:46:58.511-05:00

Last night I went to see Speed Racer and live tweeted the entire film.  If you missed it, here are my thoughts about the movie in a much less digestible, non-bite-sized form.July 4, 2007 I found myself sitting in a crowded theater eagerly awaiting the event of the summer.  As the lights went low, a spacescape came into focus on the screen and the voice of Optimus Prime (Peter Cullin) boomed,

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-45532595048921821342008-05-13T14:32:00.004-05:002008-05-13T14:47:23.898-05:00

I have agonized over this decision for most of yesterday and today and I have finally made my decision. I'm going to go see Speed Racer.I know what you're thinking: "Don't do it!" "It's a trap!" "Save your money, fool!" "What are you fuckin' retarded?!"But the sad fact is that I am a victim. A victim of hype. I NEED to see this movie. I know it will suck, I have no illusions about that.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-10054208008218013382008-05-02T14:56:00.003-05:002008-05-02T15:09:32.257-05:00

Say what you will about Barack Obama. I've looked at the policies he's laid out on his website, I've done my research, and I agree with his stances on all of the issues that are important to me.But what's more, his eloquence is inspiring and I look forward to a time when I no longer have to be embarrassed by the words (or made up words) that my president chooses. Hearing Obama speak makes me

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-64839582688919238182008-04-30T21:23:00.004-05:002008-04-30T21:43:47.877-05:00

I'm putting this out there because I Googled "Nuclear Punching Match" in quotations and nothing popped up.  Now, hopefully whenever someone searches this in the future it will send them here.Hi!  Welcome to Super. Mega. Ultra.  Feel free to peruse the old posts or click on some of the links in the "This Just In..." section.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-402352177585501072008-04-18T10:54:00.011-05:002008-04-18T12:15:05.683-05:00

Just in time for Cyberpunk Month comes news that Dreamworks has acquired the rights for, and plans to make, a 3-D live-action Ghost in the Shell movie.Boiled down to the essentials, GITS (as the kids call it) takes place in a world where humans and computers have finally taken the final step of convergence. Most people are augmented with cybernetic implants but some have completely replaced

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-74448334666796635292008-04-17T08:29:00.006-05:002008-04-17T09:29:02.313-05:00

Well, April is officially underway and this year's celebration of all things Cyberpunk is a little more low key than last. I still haven't gotten around to watching The Terminator Trilogy (not to mention the obligatory screening of all things Matrix), but I have delved into a few new things.First up is Serial Experiments: Lain, an anime series that originally debuted back in 1998. For being 10

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-82074090023693571072008-04-11T19:02:00.001-05:002008-04-11T19:09:44.403-05:00

"Fake & Shake"Fake & Shake describes any restaurant, sign or billboard that is decorated in red with black and white checkers or otherwise made to resemble a Steak & Shake restaurant.Dude #1: "Hey! Pull off at this exit, there's a Steak & Shake!"Dude #2: "False alarm, man. That's just a Fake & Shake."Dude #1: "Aw, what the frak!"

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-89241670383989580422008-04-03T17:28:00.002-05:002008-04-03T17:35:02.905-05:00

Plugged & Rugged (pronounced Plug-ED and Rug-ED)Used to describe a hot or live connection.Dude #1: "Is it ready to go?"Dude #2: "Hell yeah, man! We are plugged and rugged!"

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-17353026202085508592008-04-03T12:52:00.004-05:002008-04-06T20:53:00.475-05:00

So, I've been out of action for a couple days now. I got myself sick, and I'm kind of pissed at myself for it.I'm better now (still not 100%), but still afraid to go outside, which is a shame because the last two days have been gorgeous.Anyway, just to catch up on some things:for the love of god click the links to watch the trailers for Pineapple Express and Step Brothers (they're just over

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-79696903757701849532008-03-27T23:12:00.001-05:002008-03-27T11:18:50.025-05:00

I woke up on Monday and found that my building had been graffito-tagged by someone named Traitor. Which, first, let me say that given the sheer idiocy of this act, I am really impressed that 'traitor' was spelled correctly.Monday was the day after Easter Sunday so when I came out of my apartment that morning I thought maybe it was like a religious thing. You remember that part in The Ten

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-16359611314717360032008-03-21T09:26:00.005-05:002008-03-21T09:34:01.838-05:00

In honor of the lovely 6-8" of snow we are expecting in the Chicagoland area today I thought I would post this gem of a video.If you ever hear me say "I kinda wanna go skiing" as a euphemism for "I'm over it, already", now you know what the hell I'm talking about, and you can thank Jeff Gerstmann for starting it all in the first place.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-6106501081516545042008-03-19T14:47:00.004-05:002008-03-19T18:15:45.481-05:00

So, this post doesn't really have a point. I'm just trying not to work and this seems like a halfway productive non-working exercise that I can engage in.This week I have been completely destroyed by the weather. I am not generally one who's mood/demeanor is dictated by the weather. I love bad weather and good weather about equally. After a long and cold winter, enjoyable as it may have been,

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-13163562669140117992008-03-18T07:37:00.002-05:002008-03-18T07:46:00.028-05:00

I threw this together as a test for recording drum audio and video simultaneously. It also served as a good intro to learning the newest version of iMovie.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-69226010125380970972008-03-14T01:39:00.003-05:002008-03-14T11:16:36.796-05:00

So, about 2 weeks ago, my laptop died. I've had the thing for almost 4 years, but for some random reason it just won't operate without freezing any more. From what I understand it was some crazy logic board problem only occurring in my specific model.Whatever.In the meantime, I ordered a new computer (a desktop, for a change) and after many calls to the bank trying to convince them that I was

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-83215881407334912712008-02-14T08:21:00.003-06:002008-02-14T08:43:29.361-06:00

I had a conversation with my fiancée the other week in which she professed her amazement at the effectiveness of state-sponsored corporal punishment. It was a fairly innocuous, half-serious conversation but it still left me briefly suspecting that I might be marrying a fascist.Of course, I know that she's not, but hey, let's face it if there was ever one group of librarians that would love

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-24544984166242185792008-02-09T16:57:00.000-06:002008-02-09T18:34:57.149-06:00

Here is the final installment of the Top 20 of 2007!7. Numb/Encore - Jay-Z & Linkin Park6. Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix) - Nina SimoneIt's fitting that these two songs should be side by side, because that's how they're featured in one particular scene from Miami Vice.5. What Ever Happened - The Strokes Perhaps it was nostalgia or perhaps it was Shia LeBoeuf's t-shirt in the

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-26077304643794669512008-02-05T21:33:00.000-06:002008-02-05T21:39:58.325-06:00

Continuing from where we left off here are more of my most played songs of 2007.14. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park Not my favorite song on this disc and definitely not one of my favorite albums of 2007. Got a lot of play, regardless.13. Electronic Battle Weapon 8 - The Chemical BrothersI first heard this song in January on the phenomenal House music radio podcast Dance Department and I hunted and

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-77603974625824396302008-01-17T14:49:00.000-06:002008-01-17T14:53:51.785-06:00

Just go here and read. Then watch the video. It's funny. I'm a librarian and the video is funny and relevant to my profession while still being worthy of Internet pop culture. Joy! Whatever.DoofyCrap.com - You Cannot Eat a PurseReading is still for losers.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-14685855683989206422008-01-16T22:24:00.001-06:002008-01-17T15:44:54.511-06:00

This year, we're going to break down the top twenty list into sizable bites. Starting us out this week are numbers twenty through fifteen:20. Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili PeppersI pretty much dropped RHCP after that one album that had "Aeroplane" on it. This song got stuck in my head after last year's Macworld keynote presentation by Steve Jobs. He used "Snow" during his demo of the iPhone

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-23013413750413592702008-01-15T22:40:00.000-06:002008-01-16T10:09:38.856-06:00

One thing I love about living in the Internet age is the fact that ephemera is now ephemeral. We used to lose our pop culture to the abyss of time but now nothing can be forgotten or erased.Arguably my favorite cartoon from childhood, M.A.S.K. was kind of a cross between G.I. Joe and Transformers. I ended up with almost every single M.A.S.K. toy, although if I remember correctly, I never really

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-27112950950381628482007-12-19T10:45:00.001-06:002007-12-19T12:15:41.441-06:00

I just stumbled on to a website/film project about stuff. Namely The Story of Stuff. While it didn't really tell me anything that blew my mind, it was very interesting. The film is about 20 minutes long and pretty much lays things out. The ideology isn't in your face. It isn't pinko, commie bullcorn, but it talks about sustainability and the need for a better system.Honestly, I feel like

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-40375798551190485522007-12-19T08:39:00.000-06:002007-12-19T12:41:31.108-06:00

SWAT team's mistake leads to terror for Minneapolis family - NationThis is crazy.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-3528188702340382002007-12-17T14:03:00.000-06:002007-12-17T14:29:53.336-06:00

One of the perks of going to see I Am Legend at the IMAX theater was seeing the extended trailer for the upcoming summer blockbuster Batman: Dark Knight.The trailer was nothing short of amazing, and really has me excited for the release. Now, another trailer has been released on the Internet.Find a link to it: here.The trailer makes everything look great, and living in Chicago, I can't help but

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-22801994203705494502007-12-12T08:32:00.000-06:002007-12-12T08:34:38.892-06:00

I never saw the original SNL episode that this was on, but I am kicking myself now. Andy Samberg and the Lonely Island crew are the best thing to happen to SNL since Will Farrell. Look out for the Double Punch and the Jovi Punch. Oh yeah and there are zombies too. A little something for everyone!

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-88589866955166957932007-11-29T12:36:00.000-06:002007-11-29T14:05:04.481-06:00

I have a BA in journalism, and here is a list of rules entitled 'Journalism 101' that explain perfectly why I am a librarian and not a reporter.Here are some highlights:3. ...During wartime journalists must be patriotic and not write anything that might undermine the government or the war effort or lower morale. Wearing a flag pin on one's lapel is a good way to demonstrate [this]. Reporters

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-79285563721246206682007-09-18T10:53:00.000-05:002007-09-18T12:35:47.364-05:00

In a few weeks, Apple, Inc. will roll out a new service to users of its iPhone and iPod Touch. For the first time, these WiFi enabled devices will be able to access the iTunes Music Store from any wireless hotspot on the globe.The other day, I found myself in an Apple store (that iPhone rebate was burning a hole in my pocket!) and I decided to check out the new line of iPods while I was there.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-34708064976798561432007-09-05T22:07:00.001-05:002007-09-06T07:44:53.580-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAO4EVMlpwM

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-74172154506394141272007-09-02T22:03:00.001-05:002007-09-03T10:54:21.299-05:00

I heard a lot of harmonicas this weekend, oddly enough. This one was certainly the illest.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-46970706943355418242007-08-30T21:42:00.001-05:002007-09-03T16:21:40.143-05:00

In the last two months I have spent close to $400 on trousers.I'll let that sink in for a second. Four. Hundred. Dollars. After spending that kind of money, just guess how many pairs of pants I now own. I'll give you a second to do the math. Ready? The answer: 2. How many of two pairs of pants I came away with actually fit? 1. How many of the pants that fit that I came away with fit

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-32009650248821355852007-08-27T22:02:00.000-05:002007-08-27T22:28:34.121-05:00

I was watching Minority Report on my iPhone today and I noticed that the retinal scanner makes the exact same noise that the iPhone makes when you connect it to a power source.You can hear for yourself in Chapter 5 of the DVD at about the 25 minute mark when Anderton (Tom Cruise) passes through the retinal scanner.Is the iPhone taking retinal scans through its ambient light sensor? Is Apple

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-81176106701866576242007-08-27T21:47:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:08:18.056-06:00

Picking up where I left off last time (see here), with so much new music coming my way this summer, here's another quick round up of some more great tracks that are really tripping my trigger this season.UNKLE - War Stories The slick glossy orchestrations of Never, Never Land have given way to a grainy and driven bout of fuzz-rock. UNKLE's music was never exactly "uplifting", but War Stories is

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-6091726080784650922007-08-17T08:54:00.001-05:002007-08-17T08:58:28.678-05:00

I'm putting in an app to work at this dude's office.One thing that has always bothered me about my work place is the lack of totally extreme death metal. It's in my face!Check out this guy's blog at www.pud.com. I think I have a new hero.Happy Friday, bitches!

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-75909994167209299192007-08-15T08:58:00.000-05:002007-08-15T09:13:38.178-05:00

What's in Your Go Bag? Lifehacker.com put out a call for submissions on Monday to ask that very question.Here's my response. What's your's? Go to Lifehacker.com on Thursday to see the 'Show Us Your Go Bag Screenshot Tour'The Librarian's Go Bag. Liberated from a group of bags designated for our library's laptops. This is my new go bag, replacing the one I had in school with something a bit

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-40078541857715007352007-08-07T23:22:00.000-05:002007-08-07T23:22:21.311-05:00

The Chemical Brothers - We Are The Night Not writing a full review of We Are The Night would really be doing The Chemical Brothers an injustice. I have been following the Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands as The Chemical Brothers for almost 10 years now and they remain one of my all-time favorite groups. I have been hotly anticipating their new CD ever since I heard the single "Saturate", known as "

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-11337117852586757272007-08-06T23:22:00.000-05:002007-08-06T23:22:17.436-05:00

With so much new music coming my way this summer, I find myself hard pressed to review each record separately. Instead I have put together a round up of sorts of the tracks that are really tripping my trigger this season.The Beastie Boys - The Mix-UpOne of my biggest gripes with 2004's To The 5 Buroughs was its lack of the trippy, funktastic grooves that made 1992's Check Your Head my instant

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-19058898811727644372007-07-31T20:40:00.000-05:002007-07-31T20:44:37.838-05:00

No explanation necessary. It's just Art. Meridians from matt owens and VimeoThanks to Beautiful/Decay for the find.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-85955045454552686752007-07-29T19:32:00.000-05:002007-07-29T22:19:23.165-05:00

Nobody watches the news, right? Why? It has been suggested that the reason is because people are apathetic toward politics, current events are too hard to understand, people's attention spans have shrunk, and because the news is too depressing. If you ask me, I would suggest it's because the news sucks. Broadcast journalism is in the toilet right now and is steadily growing worse as more and

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-69452207910229721552007-07-26T12:30:00.000-05:002007-07-26T12:41:59.809-05:00

Christ-bringer. adj.This word is generally used to describe an event or action so powerful, important or noteworthy as it would single-handedly return Jesus Christ to Earth.Dude #1: "Hey did you hear that [insert completely unbelievable event here]?"Dude #2: "Holy crap. That's a Christbringer if I ever did hear one."

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-66514368645350108322007-07-24T15:48:00.000-05:002007-07-24T16:16:11.723-05:00

Well, I missed out on iCal Day but I can see that and raise with Charles Webster day.Yes folks, a day dedicated to Webster's 2001 album Born on the 24th of July is the only album he ever released. So if you haven't heard it today's the day to find it and if you have heard it, today's the day to dig it out again.Okay, actually the album isn't all that great. It's decent downtempo techno that I

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-53354365101354452462007-07-02T20:08:00.000-05:002007-08-07T10:30:52.694-05:00

Well, John asked me if it was possible to post to blogger on an iPhone and what better way to show than by doing. Of course to be fair, I was already able to post from my previous phone by sending an email with my post in tow to a super top-secret e-mail address, but this right here is the real deal, baby!Putting on the HTML tags by hand is a bit difficult so I think I'm going to just skip all

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-5417443235473575332007-06-23T16:08:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:14:36.496-06:00

Over the years, I have met many people who don't like electronic music. One sub-genre in particular I have noticed is especially hard for newcomers to appreciate is drum & bass. It's an extremely polarizing style of electronic music. You basically either love it or you can't stand it and there's not much middle ground.One of the reasons I think that is so, is because it's just so overwhelming

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-58929715903790868182007-06-21T13:01:00.000-05:002007-06-21T13:20:19.989-05:00

me: today was the wrong day to wear a black shirtBrooke: i am wearing black toome: hopefully you are not covered in dustBrooke: i am sure someone there has a lint rollerme: it's no big deal. I will be down here for the rest of the dayno one will see my shameBrooke: in your dungeon?me: ye3sBrooke: i am not ashamed of you, but your brother iswhat are you doing now?me: trying not to inhalewhen do

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-22462978173293691712007-06-18T11:11:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:15:59.972-06:00

It appears that I am too late! Someone named Davidissimo has gone back in time four years and coined my new word right out from under me!As I try to figure out how he was able to construct a time machine able to read my thoughts and then travel back to the year 2003 and post them on the Internet, I will go ahead and post the word here, anyway.(Actually, I was already aware that this word has

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-89308047674853130222007-06-14T10:22:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:17:09.408-06:00

Well, it looks like June 13th - National 'Blog Like It's The End of the World' day was a huge success.I have to admit I had no idea about this phenomenon until yesterday morning. It took me by surprise and I just got caught up in the act. I judging by comments on My Elves Are Different, that happened to a lot of people. I think it's kind of funny how blogging about a false zombie attack swept

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-1314532647544025802007-06-13T14:08:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:20:53.563-06:00

You can read Mr. Wizard's final interview here.At least the zombies didn't get him, I guess.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-83845388916969639432007-06-13T11:02:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:29:50.035-06:00

By the power of grayskull. I made it. Obviously, since you're reading this. I freakin' made it!It was seriously messed up though. I was about to leave when I figured I'd try to take a look out the window. See if the coast was clear. Stupid, I know. I saw 28 Weeks Later and it went down just like that first scene. I pulled back the blinds just a little bit, but it was already, like, right

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-80152330268103355572007-06-13T09:34:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:32:44.937-06:00

Just outside Chicago in Elmwood park.I woke up this morning like every other morning. Alarms blaring, hitting snooze over and over again until 7:30 rolls around. I stumbled out of bed like a zombie, made the coffee opened the blinds, turned on my computer for e-mails and feeds.In retrospect, I can't believe I made it through the morning. I live in a basement apartment, so I can see people's

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-66257160593127956532007-05-31T18:31:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:33:58.297-06:00

Junk Farmer (noun)A Junk Farmer is slang for those individuals that drive around in old beat up pick-up trucks searching for scrap metal, old appliances and just generally junk in general.These trucks are usually recognized by their extremely poor condition and the insane amounts of "junk" piled in the back, which often requires special rigging and/or improvised side-rails to contain it.Dude #1:

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-2539182008432444362007-05-29T22:58:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:35:08.620-06:00

Almost a month after my last blog entry, so much has happened. So here's the lowdown:I graduated. Got my Masters degree in Library Information Science.I got a job. My library hired me fulltime as their Technology Librarian. I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do and couldn't be happierOkay, well that's about it for the big changes, but isn't that enough?!. No, in all seriousness, though after

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-82522243598383055162007-04-30T12:22:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:36:15.736-06:00

I am six days away from graduation.I have two assignments left to complete.I am loosing my mind.WARNING: MATURE/BIZARRE/F***ED UP CONTENT

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-86193667661175990022007-04-24T09:41:00.000-05:002007-04-24T09:44:26.435-05:00

I had to teach Power Point to my computer class on Saturday. So this strikes me as being extra funny. Man, do I hate Power Point.Legiticorp: MMO Pitch

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-16190877619497417502007-04-21T00:03:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:38:41.385-06:00

Let the record state that I was completely right about April being the craziest month of the year.And I don't even have to mention the other big story. Now kids want to be able to carry guns around campus to make themselves feel safer?I don't want to get into a whole big thing here. I have my opinions, but with all of the media overload that's been going on, I have no desire to add to the

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-65051201683624001322007-04-20T18:03:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:40:31.839-06:00

Words. Fail. Me. All I can say is, turn up your speakers.Neil Peart drum solo (Buddy Rich Memorial concert)

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-50854456544519366932007-04-17T12:23:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:44:36.110-06:00

Ozomatli is all about the party. Or at least they once were. The L.A. ensemble noted for their fusion of hip hop and salsa were always blending styles, instrumentations and even moods, from party jams to somber ballads to conscious hip hop. The band's previous album, Street Signs, was a solid release but reflected more of the ballads and conscious hip hop mentality with much less "party".

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-73847248055698420932007-04-15T18:16:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:46:01.671-06:00

After just declaring April to be Cyberpunk month, it's only fitting that this little video makes its way down the pipeline. It's an advertisement for Intel, but not for any product that they have available right now. This is one of those daydream commercials where a company tries to impress us with stuff that have not even produced yet. I'm not sure how that helps sell existing products or

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-8757656976738166852007-04-12T14:05:00.001-05:002009-04-01T20:19:18.509-05:00

April: the calendar year's creepy next door neighbor.If there is one month out of the year that I don't like (as ridiculous as it may be to declare disdain for an entire month) it would be April.Why? Because I hate Spring and sunshine, and Easter bunnies? Of course not! I don't like April, because that seems to be the one month of the year where people go a little crazier than normal.Think

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-42605051244137837562007-04-11T22:10:00.000-05:002007-12-26T16:57:18.651-06:00

Talk to the BlogAn expression used out of exasperation after having spent hours crafting a lengthy, informative, and well-written blog entry. Generally used to respond to someone who asks a question that pertains to a blog entry you wrote that they have not read.Could also be used in a situation in which one is unable to articulate his/her point after doing so exceedingly well in blog form.Dude

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-26334414678871781342007-04-03T13:13:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:00:48.736-06:00

With all this talk about DRM (Digital Rights Management) lately (see here), I think it's great that we may finally be on the verge of getting rid of DRM'ed music (despite the fact that I don't think we should have to pay extra to get it).But what about all that music that you've already invested in? Surely, Apple and EMI would love nothing more than to have you download it all over again. But

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-86772108421367446442007-03-31T20:40:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:02:51.739-06:00

Last night, I went down to the Gene Siskel Film Center to check out Justin Lin's (Better Luck Tomorrow, Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift) new film Finishing The Game at the 12th Annual Chicago Asian American Arts Showcase.I had originally heard about the movie from a round-up of the Sundance entries done by G4tv (search: "Sundance", then click on the first result). Set in the 1970's during the

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-91870041514958709512007-03-29T19:55:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:03:36.366-06:00

Hero Version (adj.) used to describe one in a series of items that is of good quality.Taken from film prop terminology in reference specifically to swords, the hero version was one of several versions of the same prop that was made to stand up to up close scrutiny. The hero version of a sword generally looked real while the others were made of wood or rubber or something not nearly as cool.

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-6651483221668865492007-03-25T23:51:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:06:16.115-06:00

So I just came from the theater having seen the movie "300". The movie was pretty good. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't without clichés or shortcomings. I am ashamed to say I have not read the Frank Miller graphic novel on which it was based, but you can certainly see Frank Miller's style present in the imagery. From what I've garnered from others, it is extremely faithful to his original work.I

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-46869215333241336462007-03-21T12:15:00.001-05:002007-03-21T15:40:24.708-05:00

Tactical: being sensible, useful or utilitarian in nature.A lot of people misunderstand my use of the word tactical.  Regardlessof the normal definition, tactical in this sense refers mostly to clothing and gear.Inspired by a line from Blade (Wesley Snipes) in the movie "Blade: Trinity".Examples of things that are tactical:-clothing w/ pockets-bags/backpacks w/ expansion capabilities -any

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-89784526274526472412007-03-20T10:09:00.000-05:002007-03-20T11:02:35.224-05:00

I just found this... well, I'm not going to tell you where I found it. It's hilarious. So watch it. Or George Washington will punch you apart.WARNING MATURE CONTENT

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329079942574026376.post-84790410006266274212007-03-19T16:16:00.000-05:002007-12-26T17:11:38.104-06:00

Incubus' sixth studio album 'Light Grenades' (released in Nov. 2006) is a a solid release that any fan of Incubus' previous three albums should enjoy and exalt.Arguably, Incubus fans were split in 1999 when the band released 'Make Yourself' and made a go for mainstream notoriety. In 2001 the group released 'Morning View' further refining their new sound and creating one of this reviewer's

Ahren Sieversnoreply@blogger.com0