Parking Courtesy Fail

If you don’t know or can’t figure it out, allow me a few seconds of your time to tell you.

Xan and I went to see Limitless yesterday afternoon (which was great, BTW), and decided to pick up some pizza on the way home.  As we walk into the pizza place, I look behind us as see this Hummer H3 pull into the parking lot and park RIGHT NEXT TO OUR CAR.  Now, while there’s nothing wrong with this in and of itself, I think it’s a bit discourteous.  Why, you may ask?  Because as you can plainly see, there are literally a dozen other spaces in the parking lot NOT next to our car.  It wasn’t busy, so Mr. Hummer easily could have parked elsewhere.  What chaps my hide even more is that fact that he pulled into a spot that had our car AND a lightpost next to it.  So, it was probably the tightest spot available, and yet he felt the need to park his oversized SUV in this specific spot.  It blows my mind that simple public courtesies like a parking buffer (when applicable, of course) go unfollowed.  If this were an isolated incident, then perhaps I’d let it slide (OK, probably not).  But it happens far too frequently in Lowell.  GET.  AWAY.  FROM.  MY.  CAR.

Here’s why it bothers me so much: There are certain social protocols that need to be recognized and followed.  Plus, it’s discourteous, plain and simple.  I’m big into simple courtesies, like waving thanks to someone who let you into their lane, holding the door open for someone following you, or giving up your seat to an elderly or disabled person.  These acts aren’t law, but they’re NICE.  And there’s nothing wrong with being nice.  Like saying “please” and “thank you.”  It shows awareness, it shows courtesy, it shows respect.  Unfortunately, not everyone knows this.  But everyone should.

There, I said it.

First thing’s first: NLOTH is a slow burner.  That is, it takes a little while to “get it.”  It’s a much more lyrically and musically conceptual album than the other two albums from this style period, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004) and All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000), which is good and not-so-good.

Nope: The so-so stuff first.  NLOTH doesn’t sound like any previous U2 album in terms of overall feel.  It’s got the signature U2 elements, to be sure, such as The Edge’s echo, Larry’s signature drums, and Adam’s pulsating bass.  Perhaps the disjointed feel has to do with the order of tracks.  I’m OK with “No Line On The Horizon” starting the record and “Cedars of Lebanon” finishing it, but I think several tracks in between are out of place.  ”FEZ-Being Born” doesn’t feel quite right as track #8.  It’s a two part song, with the first half a slow, quiet cacophony of street sounds, some organ lines, and an echo of the “Let me in the sound” line that is first heard in “Get On Your Boots,” and the second part is a more energetic run towards its end.  I think “FEZ” would have made a great opening track, especially considering its two-part construction and the conceptual nature of the album as a whole.  It would have made the perfect introductory track.  As track #8, however, “FEZ” feels more like a non-sequitur that comes out of nowhere, especially following two rockers like “Boots” and the Led Zeppelin-esque “Stand Up Comedy.”  Here’s a revised track listing that I think would have helped the album’s flow:

1. FEZ-Being Born
2. Get On Your Boots
3. Magnificent
4. Breathe
5. Moment of Surrender
6. White As Snow
7. Unknown Caller
8. Stand Up Comedy
9. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
10. No Line On The Horizon
11. Cedars of Lebanon

With this track order, there are two distinct halves to the record, with the “O Come Emmanuel”-based “White As Snow” functioning as the dividing line.  This track order would give the record two distinct peaks (“Breathe” and “No Line”), and both halves would end with slow songs (“Moment of Surrender” and “Cedars”).  Radical, I know, but I think the order works to give the listener more of a literary exposition-conflict-climax-denoument impression than the scattered original order.

Yup: With all that being said, I think the record is a solid one overall.  The good tracks are really, really good.  Originally, I thought “Magnificent” would the next great U2 song, following in the footsteps of “Pride,” “Where the Streets Have No Name,” and “Beautiful Day,” to name but a few.  But as I lived with the album, it wasn’t “Magnificent” that took the mantle, rather it was “Breathe.”  A song of hope (“Every day I / have to find the courage to / walk out into the street / with arms out / got a love you can’t defeat”) and defiance (“Neither down nor out / there’s nothing you have that I need / I can breathe”) and courage (“The roar that lies / on the other side of silence / the forest fire: / that is fear, so deny it”), “Breathe” is a rocker that I can easily play on repeat and not get tired of it.

“Magnificent,” while not holding up quite as well as I thought it would, is still a great song.  You want the trademark U2 sound?  ”Magnificent” has it all: long, dramatic introduction; Adam’s rich, powerful, active bass line; The Edge’s signature echo; Larry’s driving drumbeat; Bono’s soaring lyrics about love; dynamic use of the stereo field; a wide open, spacious sound.  This is, perhaps, the most easily accessible song on the record.  That is, it would appeal U2 newbies (U2bies?) as well as longtime U2 die-hards.

The lead single, “Get On Your Boots,” got a lot of criticism, for reasons I can’t understand.  Listen to the song carefully: It’s “Vertigo Part II,” and I think that’s a good thing.  The texture, form, lyrical content (“Let me in the sound” is a perfect introduction to the artistic direction of this record) are all very similar to “Vertigo,” and that song rocked the house.

Hidden Gem: ”Unknown Caller.”  This song is amazing, but it’s not for the uninitiated.  Like the record as a whole, this one took a little bit to grow on me, but after a while, and especially after seeing it live on the 360 Tour, I’m adding this one to the “Must Listen” list.  It’s a complex song, but the ambiguity reflected by the title is clearly represented in the music and lyrics.  What “accident” is Bono referring to?  Where is the protagonist?  We don’t know for sure, and I think that’s the whole message of the song.  It’s a conversation between the narrator and someone or something else (the devil?  his conscience?  an angel?) at some undisclosed, nondescript location.  He’s at a crossroads in his life and he’s searching for meaning.  This song could even be interpreted as a metaphor for the band themselves.  After such a long and distinguished career, U2 are at another crossroads.  Where do they go from here?  The uncertainty is never resolved: the song’s ending is harmonically open-ended, suggesting that there’s more out there for the protagonist (U2?).

Album Hero: Without a doubt, the hero of this album is Adam Clayton.  His bass lines on this record are simply amazing.  There is hardly a track on which Adam’s lines aren’t front and center.  His tone is big, thick, and rich, without being overpowering, providing the perfect foundation upon which The Edge and Bono can flourish.  Check out the chorus sections in “Breathe,” “Magnificent,” and “Unknown Caller.”  He give heft and gravity to the verses in “Get On Your Boots,” “Stand Up Comedy,” and “Cedars of Lebanon.”  30 years on, and Adam has never sounded better.

Must Listen: “Magnificent,” “Unknown Caller,” “Breathe,” “Stand Up Comedy.”

Overall impressions: This is a good album.  I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a great one, especially in light of some of U2′s other efforts.  But it’s a solid upper-midlevel record.  The way I see it, it’s definitely not for U2 newbies.  But for seasoned vets who know what to listen for, this one has got some good stuff.

The new iPad 2. (image from Apple.com)

So, the iPad 2 was announced yesterday, and the internet was (still is, really) abuzz with specs and opinions and galleries of the latest product coming out from Cupertino.  If you’re not an Apple fan, then there’s really nothing I or anyone else can say that’ll change your mind about the device.  Same goes for the fanboys, too.  But if you’re on the fence about the product, allow me to throw my two cents into the ring.

Many reviews out there are calling the iPad an “evolutionary” update rather than a “revolutionary” one, referring to the fact that, while the device got a spec upgrade (new processor, better graphics, cameras, thinner design), nothing major about the device is new.  And a lot of those evolutionary reviewers are disappointed at that fact, as they were expecting major changes.  Here’s the thing though: Apple didn’t have to overhaul the device because it’s the industry leader.  The original iPad is still the niche-defining device, with over 90% of the market share.  Competitors are coming out with their first wave of tablets (e.g. Motorola’s Xoom, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab) and they’re supposed to be pretty good.  But none has yet matched the usability, form, and design of the first iPad…and now the second generation iPad is hitting shelves in about a week.  What Apple has done has improved the already class-leading product, so the gap between the iPad and the other tablets out there just got even wider.  As Cult of Mac has pointed out here, “The iPad 2 is pure Apple: it proves that Apple is its own most ruthless competitor…Apple’s competitors are dead in the water.”  The iPad itself was a revolution, and according to the sales numbers and customer stories I hear at work, the revolution is just getting started.  iPad 2, which physically an “evolution,” will continue to revolutionize how we stay connected and share information and get things done.

I’ll admit it: I was skeptical when the original iPad debuted last year.  I wasn’t sure how it would fit into my life.  It is, by no means, an essential device.  That is, it’s a gap-fill product, meant to bridge the gulf between perhaps the two most important electronic devices in most people’s lives: their smartphone and their computer.  That being said, with more exposure to it at work, and with one at home, I can see that it’s an awesome device.  I want one for myself (the one we have at home is Xan’s).  There, I said it.

For those who are on the fence about the iPad, go to an Apple store and check one out for yourself.  Seeing it online and reading reviews is one thing, but the way I see it, actually holding one and using one is an entirely different thing altogether.  It’s a device that really needs to be experienced in person.  For the “haters” out there, despite my scoffing at Xoom and Galaxy Tab commercials on TV, I really do hope your devices are great ones, if only because that’ll make future generations of the iPad that much better.  But I’m not holding my breath for you: you’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Yes, you read that correctly.  DIABEETUS.  Initially, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cringe, but eventually decided to laugh out loud about it, as did everyone else at my table.  The way I see it, someone spelled the name of the network like that intentionally.  Right?

Oh well.  Either way, it’s hilarious.

WTF, Windows Phone 7?!?

I’m cheering for WP7 (and Android, for that matter) because good products from competitors only make Apple products better.  It’s like elite sports: good competition makes for better products.  Excellent WP7 and Android OSes will make iOS even better, just like the slew of really good smartphones released in the past 18 months has pushed the engineers at Apple to make the iPhone even better than it already is.

The same goes for the seemingly countless tablets being released this year.  I really do hope that several of them bring some heat to the iPad, in terms of both hardware and software.  Not that I mind seeing the iPad dominate the market, but the way I see it, healthy competition is good for everyone, challengers and champion alike.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Since when are wristwatches NOT useful?  Are they non-utilitarian because they “only” tell the time?  What, not multitasking?  Ugh, that’s soooo last-century!

Sorry Adrian, but I must respectfully disagree with your opinion that a watch on your wrist is redundant thanks to the clock on your phone.  See, the thing about a watch is that it’s about more than “just” telling the time.  It’s a reflection of several aspects of the wearer’s personality: fashion sense and style (or lack thereof), utility, pragmatism, ostentatiousness, attention to detail, and an eye for quality.

In compu-speak, it’s like the difference between computer users who regularly use keyboard shortcuts and those who don’t.  Sure, the mouse is easy to use and convenient and right there on your desktop next to the keyboard.  But when I’m in the throes of writing a paper or a blog entry, the last thing I want to do is stop writing, for whatever reason.  I want the least amount of distraction and the maximum amount of efficiency in my workspace.  Using keyboard shortcuts for simple commands like bolding text or saving or printing can help keep me in my writing flow, leaving my hands on the keyboard where the belong instead of shuffling back and forth to a peripheral.  The same can be said for using a wristwatch instead of a phone for timekeeping.  In one motion, it’s easy for me to tell the time with minimum effort.  I don’t have to reach into my pocket, pull out a device, and push a button when the time of day is already on my wrist, ready to be viewed at a moment’s notice.

Of course, it could just be that I’m just a traditional kind of guy when it comes to stuff like wristwatches.  The way I see it, my watch is more than just a part of my wardrobe.  My watch silently speaks volumes about me.  There have been several occasions that I have left the house without a watch on and felt totally out of my element, just like I do when I accidentally leave my phone at home.  So, I guess what I’m saying is that my “old-school” wristwatch is useful.  It always has been and it always will be.  I don’t need it to tell me the weather or control my iPod or change slides on a Keynote presentation.  I need it to tell me the time, quickly and accurately.  I have my phone for everything else.

9:58 a.m. - Yup, totally slept on the couch last night.

10:20 a.m. - Killed the OJ. Few things are more refreshing than ice-cold orange juice. Simply Orange = my favorite.

11:20 a.m. - Decided to noodle around a bit in GarageBand. The '09 version is pretty powerful, especially for a pre-loaded program.

1:36 p.m. - Nerding out with a little "Champions of Norrath: Return to Arms." Oh, how I love this game.

5:23 p.m. - The requisite Facebook status update. It really was a lazy day.

5:48 p.m. - How was I supposed to be motivated to do anything productive on a grey day like this?

6:32 p.m. - On the way to Mike's to pick up Oreo, the sun peeks through the clouds. Beautiful.

7:02 p.m. - Mike got two new monitors. He's now surrounded by screens. Quite literally.

7:40 p.m. - Screenshot of Xan's FlightTrack info. The plane flew way off course to avoid inclement weather, causing her a delayed arrival.

7:50 p.m. - On the way to the airport, U2's "Gloria" (from 1981) played on the radio. Anyone still doubt the band's relevance and longevity? Well done, 92.5 FM "The River."

9:07 p.m. - Keeping myself busy in the Cell Phone Lot at Logan with a round of "Plants vs. Zombies."

BONUS PIC #1: Oreo, passed the eff OUT!! Seriously, people, cutest dog I've ever seen.

BONUS PIC #2: Oreo, awake and showing her Seminole pride. She's not only cute, but a loyal FSU fan! Man, those eyes get me every time.

Shock me like an electric octopus.

Reading an article on Wired.com this morning about new species of octopuses (from whence the above image came), I was stunned that the author and/or editor used “es” instead of “i.”  The grammarian in me was SURE the plural was octopi; after all, that’s how I learned it.  However, in these rapidly changing times, where technology changes in the blink of an eye and the English languages seems to change almost as quickly, I had to look it up for myself.  Lo and behold, what did I find on Dictionary.com but octopuses listed first.  Not only that, but “octopi” is actually incorrect, due to the word’s Greek origin (words with Latin origins ending in “-us” get the “-i” plural ending).

Needless to say, I’m shocked.  So shocked, in fact, that I had to look it up in The Oxford American College Dictionary (yup, that’s right: a paper dictionary.  Hardback cover and everything!  Ah, old school.) just to make sure.  Here’s what I found:

My world = thrown for a loop.

Whoa.

Utterly.  Flabbergasted.

Yeah, I know, it’s only the word octopus, but the way I see it, since I’m usually a stickler for proper grammar, this is blowing my mind.  I wonder how many other “rules” I’ve learned incorrectly.

If you know of any such errors, please enlighten me.

9:13 a.m. - No, this is not when I got up this morning. It's the time I remembered that it was the 12th of the month.

9:34 a.m. - Our desk was not holding up to the weight of the computer stuff. Staples, here I come!

10:41 a.m. - After taking my sweet-ass time to decide on a new desk, the thing wouldn't fit into my trunk. Speaking of which: I really need to clean my car!

10:47 a.m. - Tried to Shazam a song on the way home from Staples and got this message. I have to pay for more than 5 tags per month?!? Boo, Shazam! Your "favorite app" status has been revoked!

11:54 a.m. - Finally hung up the MJ poster we found at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the badass pics of Edge and Bono.

12:34 p.m. - From our new place, I can now walk to the gym. Bonus!

1:42 p.m. - Taking a break from the racquetball drubbing Mike was giving me to take this pic.

5:34 p.m. - Out for a quasi-early Mexican-food dinner. I WHOMPED on my food.

8:30 p.m. - The new desk, unwrapped and awaiting assembly. Mmm, adult Legos.

11:33 p.m. - 3 hours and one headache later, the new desk is up and in place. I'd be up for another 2 hours putting the computer stuff back together again.

1:20 a.m. - This is why the desk couldn't fit into my little Civic's trunk: The box was HUGE!

* All photos (except the last one) taken with my new iPhone 4.  Yeah, buddy!!

BONUS Oreo pic:

Too. Damn. Cute.

6:18 a.m. - The sunrise coming up over the blossoming trees...and the Dunkin Donuts.

6:25 a.m. - Spring is here!

8:57 a.m. - Setting up the DocCam for Theory 2.

10:34 a.m. - The view from the piano after my Aural Skills 4 singing exams.

12:14 p.m. - Making up the Aural Skills dictation exam sheets for Wednesday.

12:48 p.m. - Mmm, lunch!

5:43 p.m. - CUBS WIN!!

6:24 p.m. - We went Outback last night. Unfortunately, the dinner wasn't very good.

7:13 p.m. - The Nutter Butter pie dessert, however, was delicious. It didn't stand a chance.

7:33 p.m. - Before the movie, Xan waited patiently as I listened to the classical radio station, trying to identify the composer. I correctly ID'd the piece as a Haydn symphony (No. 96, to be exact, which I had never heard before). Go me!

9:51 p.m. - On date night, we saw "Date Night." Much like the food earlier in the evening, it was disappointing.

10:57 p.m. - Wrapping up my evening with some Cubs highlights and a little CV updating.

BONUS PIC: Oreo, looking attentive in the sunshine.

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