Pelican - Final Breath Video

Pelican are an instrumental post-rock/post-metal band that hail from Chicago, Illinois.  Their sound is reminiscent of some of the genre's most influential bands, such as Isis, Neurosis, Red Sparowes and Russian Circles.  The band has released four full length albums and four EP's, with the well-received What We All Come To Need (2009) being their most recent work. 

Here is the video for "Final Breath", from What We All Come To Need - incidentally, it is the only Pelican track to date with lyrics - great song, great clip...

"'Til the seas run dry..."

Anthony Pettis' Amazing 'Matrix Flying Head Kick'

As commentator Stephan Bonnar mentions in the following clip, MMA fighter Anthony Pettis "ran off the wall like a ninja" with a flying head kick that looks something out of a Kung Fu film.  Pettis, a young but highly regarded lightweight, was fighting Benson Henderson at WEC 53 (World Extreme Cagefighting) for the WEC Lightweight Title on December 16, 2010. 

As in all MMA title fights, this contest would be five three-minute rounds - going to the judges scorecards if no result after the fifth round.  Also of importance was the recent UFC/WEC merger, which meant the winner of this fight would receive a future UFC Lightweight Title shot.  With so much on the line, it was no surprise that the two battled it out, back-and-forth, for all five rounds.  But it was one incredible move in that fifth round that would define this fight: after being taken down by Henderson (highly-ranked in the lightweight division), Pettis got the fight back standing and, out of nowhere, he jumps up and pushes off the cage with his feet, scales the cage and delivers a kick to Henderson's face!  It really is something that has to be seen to be believed.  It was no knockout as Henderson would survive the round, but the unanimous decision and lightweight belt would go to Anthony Pettis and his 'Showtime Kick Heard Round The World'.

Bill Hicks - On the Fall of Communism

"In the midst of all the elation over the fall of communism in the Soviet Union, one important fact has been overlooked - the United States has lost its 'Bogeyman'. Without the Soviet Union, who will fuel our latest paranoia? Who will the CIA spy on? Ok - its own citizens like it always has, but now how will they justify it? Saddam Hussein of Irag? I think not. Sure, he has the look of a first class villain. But if looks were all it took, every other month we could just kick the tar out of Jack Palance. No, we need a country that not only has its own nuclear weapons, but also represents a threat to democracy. In other words, we need The United States of America. That's right - our next Cold War ought to be with ourselves. We're the logical choice. After all, who possesses the biggest danger to the American environment - we do. Who's responsible for our venal and corrupt government - we are. Besides, we could save if we were our own worst enemy - for instance, the Hotline would become a local call. And if you thought McCarthyism in the 50's was irrational, think of the fun we could have asking Americans if they are now, or have ever been An American. Done right, we could blacklist seventy-five per cent of the people working in television and film. Just think, that's all but one of the Golden Girls. So turn those missiles around 180 degrees and remember - Better Dead Than Us."

(undated)

Oustanding goal...announcer goes ballistic!

Here is a quick clip from a recent Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Lecce. Napoli's Cavani gets a pass, makes a few nice moves and then unleashes an absolute laser of a shot into the top corner of the net. He seems excited judging by his own celebration...but that's nothing compared to the reaction by the game's commentator, Carlo Alvino, who then completely loses his shit!  This is good/funny stuff - but no doubt this guy is passionate about his job. I don't know if I've ever heard someone THIS elated during any  broadcast...certainly not during an American sports broadcast.  Try picturing Joe Buck pulling one of these off...

The Films of Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999) was an American film director, producer and writer who created some of the most memorable movies in his five decade career. He created a style of his own and his films have truly stood the test of time. Stanley is one of the most accomplished and innovative filmmakers in the history of cinema.  Although he took his time perfecting his craft, there is no doubt his body of work has had an unmatched influence on the industry.

There are so many details to pick out of each of Stanley's films, each viewing bringing out something new to pick apart and dissect.  His meticulous attention to detail, originality, working under no boundaries and visual style in each of his films are trademarks.  He brought out the best in every aspect of his productions, from the writing/producing and screenplays to the unforgettable acting and soundtracks.

Also of note, I can't think of another director who made so many great films in so many different genres - war, historical drama, science fiction, horror, and even comedy.  And then of course there are the films themselves, all classics in their own right - of note: Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, Full Metal Jacket and The Shining.  Many of these mentioned are among my favorite films; Stanley was a true visionary, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time!  And so, here is a nice compilation of the films of the legendary Stanley Kubrick:

"One man writes a novel.  One man writes a symphony.  It is essential for one man to make a film."

Craig Gordon - Save of the Year Candidate

Ok, so maybe not the "save of the century" as mentioned in the clip, but Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon showed amazing reflexes and timing to make this save against Bolton in their English Premier League match.

Four of the Best Songs of 2010

These are four of my favorite songs of this year (alternative genre and probably overall): First is the stunning Helicopter by Deerhunter, off of their Halcyon Digest album. Incredible song, maybe THE best of the year!



Next is the title track from Band of Horses' newest release, Infinite Arms - great song and one of their best in my opinion.



Another solid release this year from Arcade Fire, The Suburbs had many great tracks to choose from. I'm going with Ready To Start...



And finally, another excellent album - this one came out of nowhere! Gorilla Manor by Local Natives is superb throughout. Again, tough to pick just one, but I have to go with Sticky Thread as the best of the bunch (no actual video for this one, but absolutely worth a listen anyway!)...