So this weekend I watched one of my favorite movies. "Back to the Future" I have now subsequently watched all three of the movies since Sunday. Or rather I put them in my DVD player and went to sleep.
Now my question to you-reader-is this. How do Marty (Michael J. Fox) and Doc (Christopher Lloyd) know each other?
The movie series never addresses this issue. How in the world do a crazy senior citizen scientist and a 17 year old rocker cross paths?
My only hypothesis is this, and I've thought for quite a while about this question.
At the beginning of the first movie, Marty goes over to Doc's lab and plugs into a huge amp. My thinking is that Doc met Marty through a want ad seeking guitarists for a science experiment or because Doc was hanging around a local guitar shop and approached Marty to help him with said experiment.
Now there is another theory I have where they met through a school project, but it seems less likely. Although we do know that Principle Strickland asks Marty if he is hanging out with that crazy Doc Brown.
Another scenario which coincides with the above guitar related scenario is that Marty approached Doc to build him an amp.
These are just some of my ideas, if anyone else has any I'd be excited to hear them.
Zac
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Off the grid
So a friend of mine had an interesting observation, AIM has fallen to the wayside. Which got me to thinking.
To paraphrase Steven, in high school everyone used AOL/AIM, once everyone got high speed internet and started to stay connected all the time they started to use the away message. (Brooks 2008). Somewhere along the way Tom started Myspace, and some Harvard kids started Facebook, and then the battle began for obtaining online friends. At the same time cell phones were becoming common place and eventually texting became the primary form of communication for some people.
Now this all leads me to the point that we are forever and always connected to the world around us. In some cases this is a great thing, I'll even go so far as to say that this is generally-90% of the time a great thing. If I want to talk to a friend who lives in California, New York, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, or Sydney Australia I can do that almost instantly.
Being connected to the world around you is a great thing. What is not a great thing, is being so virtually connected through cellular conversations - both verbally and non-verbally (ie. texting) - that you neglect the people around you. I understand that it's necessary to make phone calls, and to take phone calls while in someone else's company. What I don't understand is when I'm hanging out with someone and they constantly go to the phone for a text message or to answer a call.
Now like I said, I've got nothing against people who take phone calls. I do it, we all probably do it. But if you'll notice, whenever I am hanging out with you and I get a phone call that I need to take, I will get up and answer it in the other room. I won't stand around in front of a bunch of people and chat on the phone, unless I absolutely have to.
Which leads me to my next point.... I think every now and then, it's good for the mind body and soul, to turn your cell phone off. Not if you're expecting a call or anything like that, but seriously try it sometime, don't tell anyone and just turn your phone off. I did it last night, of course I ended up thinking, "I wonder if anyone called?" And no one did but regardless it felt good.
Try it some time, go off the grid.
To paraphrase Steven, in high school everyone used AOL/AIM, once everyone got high speed internet and started to stay connected all the time they started to use the away message. (Brooks 2008). Somewhere along the way Tom started Myspace, and some Harvard kids started Facebook, and then the battle began for obtaining online friends. At the same time cell phones were becoming common place and eventually texting became the primary form of communication for some people.
Now this all leads me to the point that we are forever and always connected to the world around us. In some cases this is a great thing, I'll even go so far as to say that this is generally-90% of the time a great thing. If I want to talk to a friend who lives in California, New York, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, or Sydney Australia I can do that almost instantly.
Being connected to the world around you is a great thing. What is not a great thing, is being so virtually connected through cellular conversations - both verbally and non-verbally (ie. texting) - that you neglect the people around you. I understand that it's necessary to make phone calls, and to take phone calls while in someone else's company. What I don't understand is when I'm hanging out with someone and they constantly go to the phone for a text message or to answer a call.
Now like I said, I've got nothing against people who take phone calls. I do it, we all probably do it. But if you'll notice, whenever I am hanging out with you and I get a phone call that I need to take, I will get up and answer it in the other room. I won't stand around in front of a bunch of people and chat on the phone, unless I absolutely have to.
Which leads me to my next point.... I think every now and then, it's good for the mind body and soul, to turn your cell phone off. Not if you're expecting a call or anything like that, but seriously try it sometime, don't tell anyone and just turn your phone off. I did it last night, of course I ended up thinking, "I wonder if anyone called?" And no one did but regardless it felt good.
Try it some time, go off the grid.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
So Steven made the astute observation that I haven't posted in a while. Well I've been busy but it's time for another post.
Somewhere along the way I thought to myself..... "Self, going to graduate school would be a great time." This was mainly with encouragement from my parents, especially my dad. Also because I want an advance degree and because said degree will help me attain a job I truly want.
So again somewhere along the way, I thought to myself working at a college in student activities or student affairs would be great. I'd get to work with students and I'd get to be around college kids and hopefully retain some reflexive youth from them.
Then I decided that wasn't for me. Yadda yadda, communication, yadda yadda, I came back to wanting to work with students. Then I thought maybe graduate school for communication. And somewhere along the way, I had what I thought was a great oppurtunity present itself to me, so I applied to UT to pursue said oppurtunity. Well that oppurtunity passed by, and I still hadn't heard from school.
So last week I emailed the head of the department to which I applied and yesterday afternoon at 5:05pm I received an email, welcoming me to the fall class of UT's College Student Personnel program.
So in summation, you're boy is going to graduate school. I can't wait. The opportunity to further my education, and learn how to enrich student lives is what lays ahead and I'm beyond excited.
"So here's to you old Tennessee our Alma Mater true...."
Somewhere along the way I thought to myself..... "Self, going to graduate school would be a great time." This was mainly with encouragement from my parents, especially my dad. Also because I want an advance degree and because said degree will help me attain a job I truly want.
So again somewhere along the way, I thought to myself working at a college in student activities or student affairs would be great. I'd get to work with students and I'd get to be around college kids and hopefully retain some reflexive youth from them.
Then I decided that wasn't for me. Yadda yadda, communication, yadda yadda, I came back to wanting to work with students. Then I thought maybe graduate school for communication. And somewhere along the way, I had what I thought was a great oppurtunity present itself to me, so I applied to UT to pursue said oppurtunity. Well that oppurtunity passed by, and I still hadn't heard from school.
So last week I emailed the head of the department to which I applied and yesterday afternoon at 5:05pm I received an email, welcoming me to the fall class of UT's College Student Personnel program.
So in summation, you're boy is going to graduate school. I can't wait. The opportunity to further my education, and learn how to enrich student lives is what lays ahead and I'm beyond excited.
"So here's to you old Tennessee our Alma Mater true...."
Thursday, April 03, 2008
A look at the best bands in the universe, Zac Johnson Edition.
So I just found out that one of my favorite bands (Over It) is apparently on hiatus, or something. Although no official statement has been released, it seems pretty clear, because half the band is in another new band. Now while I'm really bummed that Over It is apparently no more, and I'll probably spend the next month listening to their records on repeat, I must say this new project they have (Runner Runner) sounds like it will be awesome. I can't wait to get somewhere that I can listen to the songs (www.myspace.com/runnerrunnermusic).
First off, it's the singer/guitarist, guitarist, and drummer from Over It - the singer/guitarist from Don't Look Down, and the Singer/Guitar player from Rufio. I don't know who is doing what. But suffice it to say, I love all these bands so I'm really stoked to check out Runner Runner.
By the way if anyone was wondering I hate the favorite band question. I think it's trite, overused, and uninformative. I have favorite bands but to single one out, I feel would be almost impossible. So after years of thinking, I have an answer to the question, "Who is your favorite band?" And my answer is without a doubt - Less Than Jake.
I could listen to anything they put out at any time and seriously be in another world instantly. I could gush for pages and hours and days even, about how much I love this band, but let's suffice it to say, when I listen to Less Than Jake I want to drive as fast as I can, as slow as I can, scream, laugh, cry, make new friends, call old friends, forgive forget remember, sing at the top of my lungs until my voice gives out, just let the music wash over me, and most importantly live. That's what LTJ means to me. Cheesy? Yes, incredibly. True? Every word of it.
Also on the favorite band list would be (insert drumroll here)
(wait pause drumroll)
And before I get to the list, let's define favorite band real quick. A favorite band is a band that you love no matter what, they can't release anything bad in your opinion can do almost no wrong. That's not to say that you can't think they released a bad album (but a bad album from your favorite band is still better than most albums on their best day.... make sense?), but it does mean you'll be there first thing Tuesday morning when they release the next one. And you always defend your favorite band, you most likely judge people if they don't like your favorite band (although you can admit that said favorite band might not be for everyone). Also you won't stand for trash talk of said band, even if you thought the last album was rubbish you still enjoy it on some level and you won't stand for people dismissing it or the band. You'll respond to any such talk with statements like, "They were a little of their game, but it's still a solid record," or "Yeah it's not as good as their old stuff, but I bet the next one kills." (note if you vehemently deny the lackluster-ness of a crappy album, then you're opinion is written off). I also think it's impossible to say a band is truly one of your favorite until they've released at least, and we're talking a minimum here people, of 2 full length albums.
(ok, so where's that drumroll again?)
Top 8 List (no particular order)(Top 8 because I ran out of steam, and because I figure if they don't come to mind immediately they aren't a favorite band)
You'll also notice that only one band on said list is a band no longer making new music (Mr. Lewis and his News), with the exception of Over It, who just actually released a B-Sides album and whose current status is unclear. Also Cartel is an excellent example of a favorite band who let me down on their last album, but when the next one comes around I'll be there Tuesday morning to pick up the new album because I don't think they can let me down twice.
Also just for grins and craps, let's do a top 4 bands to watch and if they had more albums out then they might be on the list, but due to my own criteria I can't put them on the list yet as they only have one release, or rather one official release.
1. Four Year Strong (technically they have two full lengths or maybe it's a full length and an EP, but only one was released nationally)
2. Valencia (one full length and a full length from the singer that is acoustic says when they release the new album this summer they will be a band I tell everyone about)
3. All Time Low (1 EP and 2 full lengths, but again only one of the full lengths was released nationally, so they're still on the watch list, but the singer kid Alex, he's got pipes, and he does guest vocals for everyone)
4. Forever the Sickest Kids (just the one EP, but they've got a full length coming out April 29, which should be great, but time will tell)
Expect an extrapolated look at all these bands in the near future, and also a list of top 10 defunct favorite bands.
Rock, check out one of the bands listed, you might find something you like.
First off, it's the singer/guitarist, guitarist, and drummer from Over It - the singer/guitarist from Don't Look Down, and the Singer/Guitar player from Rufio. I don't know who is doing what. But suffice it to say, I love all these bands so I'm really stoked to check out Runner Runner.
By the way if anyone was wondering I hate the favorite band question. I think it's trite, overused, and uninformative. I have favorite bands but to single one out, I feel would be almost impossible. So after years of thinking, I have an answer to the question, "Who is your favorite band?" And my answer is without a doubt - Less Than Jake.
I could listen to anything they put out at any time and seriously be in another world instantly. I could gush for pages and hours and days even, about how much I love this band, but let's suffice it to say, when I listen to Less Than Jake I want to drive as fast as I can, as slow as I can, scream, laugh, cry, make new friends, call old friends, forgive forget remember, sing at the top of my lungs until my voice gives out, just let the music wash over me, and most importantly live. That's what LTJ means to me. Cheesy? Yes, incredibly. True? Every word of it.
Also on the favorite band list would be (insert drumroll here)
(wait pause drumroll)
And before I get to the list, let's define favorite band real quick. A favorite band is a band that you love no matter what, they can't release anything bad in your opinion can do almost no wrong. That's not to say that you can't think they released a bad album (but a bad album from your favorite band is still better than most albums on their best day.... make sense?), but it does mean you'll be there first thing Tuesday morning when they release the next one. And you always defend your favorite band, you most likely judge people if they don't like your favorite band (although you can admit that said favorite band might not be for everyone). Also you won't stand for trash talk of said band, even if you thought the last album was rubbish you still enjoy it on some level and you won't stand for people dismissing it or the band. You'll respond to any such talk with statements like, "They were a little of their game, but it's still a solid record," or "Yeah it's not as good as their old stuff, but I bet the next one kills." (note if you vehemently deny the lackluster-ness of a crappy album, then you're opinion is written off). I also think it's impossible to say a band is truly one of your favorite until they've released at least, and we're talking a minimum here people, of 2 full length albums.
(ok, so where's that drumroll again?)
Top 8 List (no particular order)(Top 8 because I ran out of steam, and because I figure if they don't come to mind immediately they aren't a favorite band)
1. Less Than Jake
2. Over It
3. Huey Lewis and the News
4. Punchline
5. Cartel
6. RX Bandits
7. Anberlin
8. Tokyo Rose
2. Over It
3. Huey Lewis and the News
4. Punchline
5. Cartel
6. RX Bandits
7. Anberlin
8. Tokyo Rose
You'll also notice that only one band on said list is a band no longer making new music (Mr. Lewis and his News), with the exception of Over It, who just actually released a B-Sides album and whose current status is unclear. Also Cartel is an excellent example of a favorite band who let me down on their last album, but when the next one comes around I'll be there Tuesday morning to pick up the new album because I don't think they can let me down twice.
Also just for grins and craps, let's do a top 4 bands to watch and if they had more albums out then they might be on the list, but due to my own criteria I can't put them on the list yet as they only have one release, or rather one official release.
1. Four Year Strong (technically they have two full lengths or maybe it's a full length and an EP, but only one was released nationally)
2. Valencia (one full length and a full length from the singer that is acoustic says when they release the new album this summer they will be a band I tell everyone about)
3. All Time Low (1 EP and 2 full lengths, but again only one of the full lengths was released nationally, so they're still on the watch list, but the singer kid Alex, he's got pipes, and he does guest vocals for everyone)
4. Forever the Sickest Kids (just the one EP, but they've got a full length coming out April 29, which should be great, but time will tell)
Expect an extrapolated look at all these bands in the near future, and also a list of top 10 defunct favorite bands.
Rock, check out one of the bands listed, you might find something you like.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
