the_thaw's Journal

8:55PM - Electronic Thoughts

This summer in LA I went to the huge, famous Amoeba Records. While I was aware of the place, which is often mentioned in various media by people whose tastes I respect, I didn't have plans to go because I've pretty much entirely given up buying non-digital music. Aside from a very select few albums, most of which I buy at shows (music and comedy), I frequent itunes, and, yes, keep Pirate Bay's advertisers in the business of pumping out sci-fi-porn banners. But when I went to the Arclight Cinema, which was on my list of must-dos, I saw Amoeba down the street and decided to go in. The experience basically made me remember what it was like to shop in actual record stores. I've never been an audiophile to the degree that I have a problem with digital music, and often roll my eyes at people who wax poetic about the Simple Things lost to our ADHD-esque online generation. However, clicking through Amoeba's used CDs with all the hipsters (and Jenny Lewis!) made me reverse a few of those rolls. I forgot how fun it is to browse aimlessly, listen to whatever the hipper-than-thou employees have on the stereo, shuffle by strangers awkwardly. And I'm not just saying this because I came across a beautiful limited-edition David Cross album with a black velvet cover. There was a Whole Thing: the timing was good - since the beginning of my trip I had been catching up on episodes of Tom Scharpling's radio show/podcast, The Best Show on WFMU. In a addition to being a whip-smart, hilarious, addictive host and comedy writer, Scharpling is something of a music expert. Witnessing him and Jon Wurster (Scharpling's comedy partner, fellow music geek and drummer of The Mountain Goats and Superchunk) trade pieces of rock n roll trivia is like...witnessing two people enjoy themselves and connect with each other by discussing things they both know a lot about. I think that analogy is spot-on. That's why I majored in English, folks. Anywho. I had been listening to hours and hours of Scharpling's "music, mirth and mayhem," and had compiled a mental list of Tom's Top Bands for me to check out, ostensibly in the interest of adding to my library and developing my taste, and probably mostly because I've got that thing where I feel very close to the people in my headphones (Scharpling in particular - I truly adore him) and want to fool myself into thinking we could be friends based on similar interests. We really could, guys. So I wandered the Amoeba aisles, picking up cheap used copies of albums by Superchunk, Unrest, Big Star, and Ted Leo, all based on stuff Tom plays on the show. Then I discovered their huge comedy section, and had to come back the next day to tackle it. I found so much great stuff, including a super cheap vinyl copy of a Tracey Ullmann album I listened to non-stop as a really young kid - one of my first forays into comedy, I guess. Coincidentally enough, I came across a very, very cheap copy of "The Art of the Slap," an album of recorded conversations between Scharpling and Wurster (the latter as various Best Show characters). Scharpling and Wurster are hilarious in these calls, and despite already owning the album, I bought it with the intention of gifting it- I always like to force my interests on my friends on their special days. So, this was a special little stack - both replete with quality goods and meaningful based on my LA soundtrack. And then. A couple days after I got home I got around to unpacking my haul and opened up the Scharpling and Wurster album, only to discover:

Why, could this 'Paul' be the one and only Paul F. Tompkins, good friend of Tom Scharpling and The Best Show, not to mention comedic legend? One of my own all-time favourite comics? He couldn't possibly have sold a gift from a beloved friend! Hey Twitter, can you help solve this conundrum? I said:

Then Tom (@scharpling) said:

After I confirmed the CD was purchased in LA, Paul (@pftompkins) said:

A few other notable friends of The Best Show chimed in as well, including Strangers with Candy funnywoman (and wife of Andy Richter) Sarah Thyre and comedy director (and husband of Jen Kirkman) Neil Mahoney, but I'm too lazy to find those tweets - they were along the lines of 'haha, PFT is busted! Damn, girl! Let's be friends!' (as far as I remember.) Even Tom's wife, the incomparable DJ Terre T chimed in:

So, I guess Tom ultimately gave Paul two copies of the disc, one of which had this note attached, Paul had a financially dark day (or watched one too many episodes of Hoarders - been there), and one of the discs ended up at Amoeba, and then in my hands. I won't lie - it was extremely cool to have a little flurry of e-activity involving my heroes also involve me in any way at all. But that's not my point here. My point is that this little discovery of treasure was something so totally unique to record-store shopping that the end result is inextricable intertwined with the experience of it - every time I pass the stack of albums still on my desk (waiting to be ripped into itunes, admittedly), I'm transported back to not just shopping in Amoeba's aisles, but the whole LA trip. It's an object completely tied to the experience of obtaining it, associated with a location, an engagement with the world. I'm no Roger Ebert (his tweets about the tragic advancement of e-readers made me unfollow him - and this from someone with a serious used book-buying problem/devotion), but the whole thing made me think about shopping trips of days gone by that have disappeared from my life due to my digital awakening. I remember very clearly going into Encore at least once a week in high school, checking the Tori Amos imports and singles first thing, of course, and then browsing for incredibly long periods of time. Looking at the boys looking at the music.

I thought about this stuff again when I heard that Blockbuster declared bankruptcy. It's not that I'll miss THE MAN renting me videos, but it is representative of another entertainment-related shift: while I still frequent Queen Video/Film Buff (even though I pretty much hate the staff at both these places - give me fake Blockbuster corporate cheer over open hipster disgust and misogyny any day) fairly often for TV-on-DVD needs, this happens far less often than it used to, and I almost never rent movies anymore. I can watch them much more conveniently and cheaply in other ways. But, man...I remember going to rental places on a weekly basis, at least. Eftyhia and I used to wander around these places choosing movies every weekend from childhood to adulthood, her magnetically drawn to new arrivals back in the day, me to goofball older stuff, both of us opposed to romantic comedies (always, though many snuck in). I remember lots of browsing with certain boys as well, laughing at various odd titles and cover art, eating the stale free popcorn at Jumbo Video. The enjoyable challenge that is finding a movie Ellie and I agree on. There was also a lot of browsing alone, especially towards the end of my time in KW, sometimes just because I felt like a movie, sometimes because I felt like I needed a movie to save me. I never, ever thought I'd feel sentimental about something so commonplace and insignificant as wandering amongst the plastic, but it's another instance of experience and activity extracted from consumption. It seems particularly meaningful in this period of relative isolation I feel like I'm in. Physically social experiences are harder and harder to come by (in my leisure time - my days are social by definition). However, at the same time - I'm not complaining. Every day I'm pretty amazed by what the electronic world offers me. So, in conclusion, I take back everything. JK. In conclusion, we live in a confusing, awesome time. There's another example of my english degree at work. "Since the dawn of mankind..."

Dudes, seriously, check out the world of Tom Scharpling. Go here: http://www.scharplingandwurster.com.

12:40AM

Hey friends! I'm lonely but okay. I miss grown-ups but my kindergarten children are tiny pieces of personified joy.

Hey, I blog! Pleeease read and tell your friends? Sorry. http://www.meaganlikesjokes.blogspot.com.

Also, I wrote this for MONDO: http://www.mondomagazine.net/2009/review-david-cross-does-toronto/

Sorry for the self-promotion!!

11:38PM

Trying to get back into blogging. Of course, I don't mean THIS blog. http://meaganlikesjokes.blogspot.com

12:07AM

I'm so lucky and grateful to have the amazing friends I do. I've been in the midst of a relatively melancholy period brought on by a combination of serious work stress/exhaustion/consistent health problems and no time to get new health card/other more potent but more embarrassing issues, but I dragged my butt out of it to go to Waterloo last night, and it was so worth it. Thanks, friends.

Last week of my summer job, then right into my internship/classes/council/other. Can't process this quickly approaching and demanding transition, so won't bother trying until I absolutely have to - probably the bus ride on the first day, if I'm not too distracted by my podcasts.

Really excited for new and returning TV, though. Tuesday's the new hump day.

7:24PM

Friends and comedy fans:

Blogged about the unfortunately lacklustre viewership of the Michael and Michael premiere Wednesday night - pass the word around if you love good comedy! We won't ever get to see the show in Canada if American so-called comedy nerds don't step up! http://meaganlikesjokes.blogger.com

11:20AM - time, time, time

This past month has been so nice. Although I had a bunch of super-annoying papers to write, and although I still had to get up way too early every day (which I've actually become very used to), and although working full-time in the JK room is completely exhausting, I've loved the job, I've loved not having classes to take, I've loved the lack of practicum-related stress, and I've loved having more time to do things besides homework and lesson plans (and stressing out about practicum). Yes, the other things may include playing hours of tetris (217 lines, nerds) and watching youtube clip after youtube clip, but this is the stuff I always wish I had time for when all my time is sucked up by other stuff. I shouldn't complain, because I'm lucky to not mind or even enjoy the stuff that sucks up my time, and lord knows I like to keep busy, but I was just getting to the point where having a few hours to myself didn't make me seize up in terror, and now I anticipate having no time once again. On Monday I start two night classes a week, which adds up to six hours of class, which adds up to a bunch of hours of homework, on top of the JK job. It's only now that I'm realizing that my relaxed Spring/Summer isn't going to be as relaxed as I envisioned. Better than Fall and Winter, definitely. And seriously, no complaints about the JK job. I just wish I didn't have to take classes...groan. I should have a couple weeks off (with papers to write) at the end of June which will be nice, and then the Nanny job should be more relaxed. It will be busy, and there will be very early mornings, and I'll have two night classes again, but at least I don't have to wear work clothes and I can hang out with the kids in the heat and go out with them and stuff. Looking forward to that.

Read my blog! http://meaganlikesjokes.blogspot.com

11:18PM

I got a part-time nannying job for July and August! I'll be taking care of a delightful girl from my JK class and her lovely 7 year-old brother in Parkdale three days a week, days that don't interfere with my classes! I'm psyched. I'm also making $4 more an hour in the JK classroom than I thought! I have always been so lucky with work. I have, of course, had a couple bad jobs I've had to quit and have even been fired once, but for the most part I have always had people pulling for me, and have always been given great opportunities. So lucky.

This past year (including last summer, when I got to see my friends as much as I wanted) has definitely been one of the top three best years of my life. I know I'm just asking for the universe to kick me in the butt by saying this, but I feel really happy these days.

Read my blog! meaganlikesjokes.blogspot.com. I'll get more time for it eventually, I swear. Man, that's my motto.

6:51PM

Still totally living in school's stomach, but here's some exciting news I didn't post: I got a job at ICS for the Spring! For real money! Assistant teaching in the JK class for the rest of the year. I'm also taking one class in May/June. I'm taking a class in July/August too, and hoping on a Nanny position. Only part-time, though. Momma needs a break.

I don't even have time for twitter, celebrity gossip, comedy blogs, nothing. That ought to tell you something. a) I don't know what's going on in the world (or at least MY world) b) I'm really, really, really busy. Will get back to the fun stuff (and comedy blogging!) in a few days.

12:54PM

OMG! School is consuming my life! etc.

No one posts here anymore! Everyone should join Twitter!

10:32PM

Hey, I blogged! meaganlikesjokes.blogspot.com

8:43PM - Heeeelp!

Hey, computer nerds:

How come all my photos are back excepts my gifs?? The titles are still there, but when I click on the empty box nothing opens, but the information about the picture is still there. Are they gone forever? I had some treasured gif photos! Curses.

12:49AM - Schwartz is German for Black

WTF is with Funny or Die's annoying new pop-up advertising on shared videos?? At any rate, here is a fantastic new video of Zach Galifianakis interviewing Jon Hamm:

As much as I love Zach's stand-up, seeing him interviewed by Mike Birbiglia on Thursday night reminded me how much funnier I find him when he's improvising. He's so sharp.

Also, for your viewing pleasure, the brand new Stella short I saw at their show on Wednesday night has been posted on My Damn Channel, also home to David Wain's awesome Wainy Days. The only difference is at the show they used Fire and Rain at the very end, calling back to previous Stella Shorts, but now that this one will be higher profile, they couldn't risk copyright issues. I'm curious whether or not they've changed any of the many copyrighted songs on the Shorts DVD for this tour, or if they will change it and finally post them all on the internet. Caroline will be able to tell me, since she bought it at the show. I find the video much funnier with Fire and Rain, but that's probably just because I recognized the callback.



I'm back. NYC was an incredible experience. I laughed, I cried (well, at least while watching Amy Poehler's goodbye speech on SNL in the hotel room), I ate, I shopped. But I mostly laughed. I saw Stella, Eugene Mirman, Mike Birbiglia, Zach Galifianakis, Bobby Moynihan, Dave Hill (!! guest monologist at UCB), John Lutz of 30 Rock and SNL fame(!! also at UCB), and many other amazing comedians. It was incredibly inspiring. Watch out for my new comedy blog coming in the new year! You'll get all the shared videos, none of the drivel about my personal life!

Pre-ordered Eugene Mirman's upcoming book today, as well as (FINALLY) the upcoming Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! second season DVD. Michael Ian Black also has a children's book coming out in a few weeks. Check out the latest Michael Showalter Showalter to see the latter Michael interview the former, who is dressed as a chicken in honour of the book. Oh, fine, I'll find it for you. By the way, I wish Showalter would go with My Damn Channel or something other than College Humor, but I guess they owe CH for the days when they had the Shorts posted on the website. Anyway, watch out for a rare appearance of Showalter's snaggletooth at the very end:



By the by, they're both even more beautiful in person.

I am 26 as of...right about now, actually. Old is as old does, right? Unfortunately, I am spending my birthday in my apartment alone, writing essays. It's the price I am paying for the NYC trip. Worth it, especially since I'll get to see my homies on the weekend.

2:32PM - a comedy wet dream

I should be asleep right now, because I've had about seven hours over the past two nights, but I can't sleep because I'm in New York Cittaaay!! Having an amazing time. Three more minutes on internet, so here are some jot notes, equation style:

- Stella = more amazing than I even imagined. Paul Rudd came. Met them all. Sixth row. Michael Showalter remains my future husband, unless David Cross beats him in some sort of showdown. Joke-off!!

- Last night = Mike Birbiglia and Zach Galifianakis, front row of teeny theatre. Fantastic. Zach remains the funniest, cutest, bearded-est Greek man alive today. Couldn't take pics, unfortunately.

- Tonight = Bobby Moynihan at UCB

- Tomorrow night = SNL, if the luck of the Irish strikes us (not getting my hopes up)

- Sunday night = ASSScat3000 at UCB!

- Sunday afternoon = Amy Sedaris at BUST's Craftacular!

- Shopping bags = full of ghetto gold, Obama buttons, and "DESIGNER" purses, purchased in scary dark back rooms!

- Taste buds = constantly blown!

- Caroline = owning NYC with her navigational skills!

- New Year's resolution = coming here every year! Oh yeah, and curing insomnia forever.

Probably can't come home for birthday because not getting enough work done here. Boo, hiss. I'll probably be home on the 19th or 20th to party with my favourite people at LONG last.

10:05AM - last night I sawr a film

Okay, everyone watch before the NBC youtube nazis take it town in half a second!!



Caroline and I are so hoping to get a standby ticket next week when we're in NYC and Kanye is the musical guest. Cross your fingers for us, then keep them crossed that we get into an afterparty so I can roofie Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, Will Forte, Jason Sudeikis, Seth Meyers, and/or Billy Moynihan.

1:51AM - for tim and eric fans

Seasonal and hilarious! And you get to hear Tim and Eric swear for a change. As some of you may know, I like my comedians as obscene as possible. (A bit slow to start, then gets good)

3:04AM

Oh my goodness, exciting days for me. Have tickets to Stella and Amy Poehler's Asssscat show (though she probably won't be there, but who knows) in NYC, then Aziz Ansari at the Mod Club, then Tim and Eric in Detroit! Any joiners are welcome. Stella has been doing signings after all their shows. My life gets closer to complete every day!

School is done except for papers, grade threes were precious and sweet, I'm going to be part of my favourite JK's IEP, NYC on Wednesday, birthday immediately after that, Christmas after that, and so on. FasciNAYting!

I literally LOLed at both of these:

10:47PM - Dr. Mrs. Paul Rudd

I'm just posting so I can show you these wicked gifs I stole. It's a good thing I don't know how to make gifs, because I'd be making them all the time.

Caroline and Dan slept over this weekend and last weekend, which was AWESOME. I love being here with my peeps.

12:10AM

I have not posted in a while...that's because there is just too much to say! I thought my life was full before. I thought my mind was constantly blown before. Now? Fuller, blowner! In a nutshell: though the workload is truly insane and I don't always love being a student again, I feel so lucky to be in this fantastic program. I'm learning a lot of very valuable things that will make me an awesome subversive teacher, destined to struggle with administrations my entire life. I'm working with two classes I love, one JK and one grade three. I love being in this city. I love the old mansion that is ICS. I love living alone. Jeez, I always feel like Pollyanna when I write on here. It doesn't necessarily reflect my day-to-day attitude: I really, really miss my friends, my beloved cat just died, the TTC can be annoying, the family upstairs is noisy, I work even more than I did before I moved here, I still suffer from insomnia and have to wake up earlier than ever before, I still miss my grandparents constantly. Those things can add up and cure my pollyanna syndrome more often than I'd like to admit. But when I take stock, man. I'm lucky.

NYC December 10th! Soo excited.

11:22PM - Michael, could we please discuss this out on the terrace?

No matter how many times I watch the Stella shorts or the Stella series episodes, they never stop making me laugh. And I've watched them all a lot of times. A LOT. I just love the minds of these men. And now I get to see them perform live! In NYC! In December! I am so thrilled. Could not be more excited.

I'm reading a great book about John Belushi. I always thought he was Greek, but he was Albanian. Burn. The book is pretty inspirational, in a non-cheesy way. Last night I dreamt David Cross was John Belushi and he had kids who got taken away because of his drug use and they were given to me! I can only wish those imaginary crack-babies were mine.

Starting with the grade threes tomorrow! Eeeek.

5:13PM - Silverman

For anyone who doesn't understand my love of Sarah Silverman, or for those who are already fans, I highly recommend reading the cover article about her in this month's Bust, in which she discusses her unique brand of humour. Here are a few choice snippets:

"Even Silverman has a few boundaries. One, for example, is making fat jokes about women, which she avoids because body-image issues and the double standards for men and women just aren't funny to her. 'Fat men in our society still deserve love, and fat women don't,' she says with frustration. 'So what's the appeal of making fun of that?'"

"Silverman, who recalls being 'disappointed in the [Vanity Fair] article's focus on looks, says she was even more annoyed at the women left out of the piece. 'When Kathy Griffin wasn't there, I was horrified,' she says. 'I think because she's a loudmouth, people don't respect her for how brilliant she is.'"

"Silverman draws loose comparisons between her jokes - which at times can sound shockingly insensitive in their gross generalizations of race, gender, and sexual orientation - and performance art, insisting that her jabs double as social commentary. 'The things I say are not always how I feel; more often than not, it's the opposite. It's just the more interesting take,' she explains. 'If I were to say George Bush is an idiot, it's like saying the sky is blue. It's more funny to say he's a genius - and say it earnestly.'"

"'You can't defend comedy. It's subjective. The best I can do is say sorry - and it's a sincere sorry. Something is always going to offend someone'"

Love her. Margaret Cho is also featured in the issue, who I'm seeing with my favourite funny ladies (and gent) on Sunday night! Yay.