Top Ten New Bands of 2010
I really only took one factor into account when figuring out what constitutes a new band in this list: their first full length album was released in this country in this calendar year. So you may try to argue that some of these bands don’t count. I realize that Mumford & Sons’ album was released last year – in England; and that Suckers released music in 2009 – in the form of an EP. You may try to argue that some of these... Read More
Top Ten “Shit My Dad Says” Tweets
I do not “do” the Twitter. I don’t lead, or follow, or Twit, or Twat in 140 characters or less. In fact, I generally think of the service as nothing more than yet ANOTHER venue (first came “pop culture” blogging) for jobless vainglorious idiots to express their pathetic existences (with some notable exceptions). Today, I realized what it’s all about. 10. “The worst thing you can be is a liar….Okay fine,... Read More
The Kinks Konspiracy
About 50 years ago, the British Invasion introduced us to acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who: bands that have been time-tested as some of the most influential of the 20th century. But few people know or remember The Kinks. Sure, the Fab Four moved the world with their evolving style and prolific songwriting; and the Stones still sell out arenas all over the world; and The Who’s rock operas are second to none. But too... Read More
Top Ten Videos Showing the New Iranian Revolution
There is open revolt in Iran right now. I have seen it. For the last two days videos of the people asserting their freedom in the face of tyranny have appeared on youtube. The online video sharing site is a bastion for freedom. Iranians may not have the freedom of speech, but they speak. The government is powerless silence them. These are the top ten videos of the Ashura protests in no order They are hard to watch and have some horrific moments.... Read More
Top Ten Signs the World is Coming to an End (Part 1)
It’s been predicted by everyone from John the Revelator to Roland Emmerich, and the evidence is stronger than ever that The End is Nigh. Here are the top ten signs from the last decade that the world isn’t long for this world. 10. The Y2K Bug It could be argued that the Y2K scare wasn’t really part of this decade, and it could also be argued that since it turned out to be a total non-event, it doesn’t belong on this list,... Read More
Top Ten Political Snafus of the Decade
What a decade it has been for the political. From “Captain Earth-melt” Al Gore conceding the 2000 election to George W. Bush and the subsequent butchery of the English language that followed, to an historic 2008 Presidential campaign, tea baggers, and an aura of tomfoolery that grasped onto our politicians and just would not let go. The 00s had it all, baby, and I’m not talking to you John Edwards’ bastard child! Without further interruption... Read More
Top Ten Technological Advances of the Decade that Changed My Life
It is really hard to remember what life was like when 1999 turned into 2000. When I try to think back I realize that nearly everything thing in my life has changed. While I would like to take credit for all the changes, I cannot. Advances in technology allow me to do things today that I would have thought impossible ten years ago. Today my daily life is constantly being reshaped by what technology enables me to do. So I took a moment and... Read More
12.07.09 My Top Ten Broadway Musicals of the Decade
The Best of the Broadway Musicals OF THE DECADE 1. Sondheim Festival at the Kennedy Center (2002) I only managed to see two of the six shows that played in repertory over a four-month spell, but it was enough to realize how Sondheim changed the landscape of musical theater with his complicated but always gorgeous lyrics and music. Sunday in the Park with George was a bit muddled as a production, but thanks to Raul Esparza in the lead, became a... Read More
Top Ten of the Decade: All-Star Directors
Here’s a little taste of what may (or may not) end up on what is fast becoming an unintentionally ambitious (and perhaps unnecessarily long) Top Ten Films of the Decade list. These lists are incredibly exhausting to think through, but I know they’re super fun to read. So rest assured… there will be genres… and an accompanying screen performance list (you get 20 of those). And I will attempt to provide the years for all... Read More
Top Ten Celebrity Meltdowns, Scandals, and Oddities of the Decade
This decade allowed for us to revel in our favorite celebrities making complete fools of themselves. From saying things we were amazed by to doing things that were downright shameful, this decade allowed us the power of YouTube, and the world of repeat, remix, and defame will never quite be the same. Transparency has only really begun, and we’re going to see more amazing feats come out of this yet. Below are some of the best meltdowns, scandals,... Read More