Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Good Life (Sort Of)

It's Memorial Day Weekend here in the US of A, and we've spent it jollying around on a boat, eating and drinking a lot, and indulging in the sunshine that has finally emerged after a few weeks of rain.  This is after several weeks of visitors and overindulgence generally.  It's not been particularly taxing except on our bodies, which are feeling a tad flabby and underexercised, and our psyches, which are feeling tired and flabby and slow.  So, despite several events that we're already committed to in the upcoming weeks, a month of austerity - financial, physical and emotional - sounds good, if only to provide a contrast to the previous month in which I've been a little out of control.  

So my aim is, for each week:
  • Exercise: two boxing classes; one yoga class; and one football match (or equivalents).
  • Food & drink: No processed white carbs (i.e. bread, pasta) during the week; no beer during the week; one glass of wine per day maximum.
  • Reading: each day I am to read all of one way on the subway (as opposed to procrastinating and listening to podcasts).
  • Movies: one a week.
EEEEEEK.  I'm sure I can do it.  Surely.  

Friday, May 04, 2012

I want to offer my love and respect to the end

Today, it was announced that MCA of The Beastie Boys passed away, at the age of 47.  It's one of those strange times that, thanks to what we call Social Media (twitter, facebook and, I'd argue, google reader), that I know so quickly, and that I can share in the mourning and reminiscences with people I know well, acquaintances, and strangers I've never met.  It's a remarkable thing; despite discussion about the loneliness and isolating qualities of the web and Social Media, I feel part of a community.  People I never knew even liked The Beastie Boys are sharing their sorrow with me, and that feels soothing.

In response, I've been doing what I always do - trying to compile a list of my favourite Beastie tunes.  I can't do it just yet - too much.  But I've compiled some of the best things on the interwebs about MCA, and they're brilliant.  Note:  If you don't know, Nathanial Hornblower was Adam Yauch's alter ego director - responsible for So What'cha Want and Intergalactic, two of their greatest videos.

 I'll probably add more as they get published.