21 movie preview
March 18, 2008 by Cash · 4 Comments
Just over a week until the big screen adaptation of Ben Mezrich’s awesome “Bringing Down The House” opens. I’m more than a little excited. Not only was the book instrumental in kick starting my own card counting interest and subsequent obsession, but the movie’s being produced by, and stars, Kevin Spacey. “21″ chronicles the mid nineties rise and fall of the infamous MIT Blackjack Team, who won millions of dollars in Las Vegas and around the world through an ingenious combination of card counting and division of labor.
For a primer on the technique and back story, check out Wired’s excellent “Hacking Las Vegas” (apparently the article that got Spacey interested to begin with)
Then, check out the trailer and other tidbits at the official site
steampunk mac mini mod
Getting more excited by the day about my pending upgrade to a mac mini, I’ve been coming across all sorts of cool stuff online.
For instance, this steampunk mac mini mod that Dave Veloz made as a wedding gift for his bride to be.
It’s a jawdropping work of art that reminds me of one part Mirror Mask, one part Tim Burton.
Do yourself a favor and check the rest of the pics here
Florida Skunk Ape
Recently while watching a rather strange bit of programming on Animal Planet I learned about the disputable existence of Florida swamp monster the Skunk Ape. I prefer the variant Stink Ape, providing both fun and accurate description when applied to the vagrant bartenders my temporary roommate charitably brings home to host on our extra couches. Read more
u23d movie review
February 29, 2008 by Cash · 4 Comments
Several years ago, during the first leg of their “Vertigo” tour, I saw U2 at the Pepsi Center. Well, ’saw’ isn’t exactly the right word. Through an entirely unfunny ‘comedy of errors’ getting our $85 tickets, we ended up sitting behind the stage.
Waaay behind.
As in, behind the stage AND behind a two story stack of speakers/screens/equipment that completely obstructed our view of the entire show. We tried to drown our sorrows in $7 frozen margaritas, but coming from past experiences being up close and personal with Bono and the boys (I was 3rd row center @ PopMart, as one example), it sucked.
Thank goodness then for U23D; the next best thing to being in the front row and at $12.25, approximately 92% cheaper too.
name that picture
February 22, 2008 by Cash · 5 Comments
At my old place, I used to like leaving a strange/interesting picture on my countertop, along with some paper and a pen. When people would come over, I’d ask them to jot down their thoughts on it. Some would try to title the ‘piece’, others would just comment. Here’s your chance to join in the fun.
Comment away.
preview: inspiring impressionism @ the denver art museum
February 19, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
If there’s one thing I miss, it’s my membership to the Denver Art Museum. I received one as a gift years ago and used it constantly. For quite awhile after that, I bought one annually and took advantage of the great savings it offered. Its value was most apparent when blockbuster travelling exhibits arrived.
An example?
“Inspriring Impressionism”, set to take over DAM for a 3 month run starting this weekend. Inspiring Impressionism features works from the likes of Cezanne, Pissaro, Monet, and several other masters of the form. Their works will be placed next to the original pieces that inspired them, allowing viewers to compare and contrast the two.
sleeveface
February 14, 2008 by Cash · 2 Comments
Morrissey Album Cover Picture - Sleeveface
Some internet phenomenons almost pass me by. “Sleeveface” for instance. The name pretty much says it all. Check out the Sleeveface pool on Flickr for more.
Mad props to Mike, who’s discovering gems like this when not busy racking up frequent flyer miles chasing Depeche Mode around the globe.
See another UM approved example below:
reader input: m. night shyamalan / the happening
February 8, 2008 by Cash · 8 Comments
There was a time when M. Night Shyamalan could do not wrong in my scary movie loving eyes. The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs are all classics for me. Then came The Village. Unnerving trailer, excellent concept, great cast: completely pissed away by the most ridiculous ending perhaps ever.
Totally bewildered at his sudden decline, I skipped “Lady in the Water” entirely.
Now we have a trailer for his next film, and I’m equal parts ecstatic and horrified.
you’re a pervert
Here I am, linking perfectly innocent footage of an artiste crafting adorable family-friendly drawings, and you’re over there snickering at the completely coincidental anatomical shapes. For shame.
Props to Donnie and his untarnished halo for the link
simian mobile disco - hustler video
February 6, 2008 by Cash · 3 Comments
update: the embed was messed up, the above link should work
Another electro-erotic video for your viewing pleasure, this time from SMD. “Hustler” starts out as an innocent game of ‘telephone’ played at what appears to be an American Apparel model slumber party. Before you know it, a full on lesbian make-out fest. Two little hipsters sitting in a tree.. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
waterfalls in nyc
January 28, 2008 by Cash · 3 Comments
I can’t imagine a more surreal, amazing sight than hundred foot waterfalls in New York City. Thanks to the creative genius of Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, as of this summer, I won’t have to. Read more
poll: christina ricci vs. rose mcgowan
January 21, 2008 by Cash · 5 Comments
Christina Ricci vs. Rose McGowan
I’ve always had a thing for gothy looking girls with an evil streak. Call it a blessing or a curse. A blessing when leather, corsets and 6 inch stiletto fuck me boots come out of her closet for the night. A curse when her soul numbing insecurity appears and leads to years of stalking, restraining orders and all other manner of fatal attraction fun.
On the big screen, two girls who’ve always done it for me in this regard are Christina Ricci and Rose McGowan. Last night after an, uh, interesting night carousing at the club, I was having a discussion with some good friends when the question came up:
Read more
radiohead - in rainbows review
January 7, 2008 by Cash · 5 Comments
Radiohead. You either get em, or you don’t. I’m happily one of the former. Their music has always seemed to cast a surreal light on my experience. I remember Kid A serving as the icy soundtrack several years ago for a dangerous, blizzard blurred drive over the winding highways of northern Arizona. Racing towards Las Vegas for New Year’s eve, the songs pushed us on with equal parts excitement (for the trip), and fear (of what might be lurking just beyond the foggy windows of our frozen car). Radiohead is like that. A study in dichotomy. For every spooky piece of “How To Disappear Completely” melancholia, there’s a subversive anthem like “I Might Be Wrong” ready to rock.
It’s kind of surprising then that they return with “In Rainbows”; their most consistent, and consistently amazing work yet.
Horse Haters
January 4, 2008 by Greg · 5 Comments
I had to put off the usual Friday Youtube post because I got way too much joy out of this blog.
Look, this is a website about horses and how much we hate them. They are gross and stupid and disgusting and smell like shit. There are flies all over them and they make dumb noises. HORSES ARE TERRIBLE!!!
block lamp : moma store
Greg’s post about Silicone Placemats reminded me of my own discovery @ NYC’s Museum of Modern Art store. Harri Koskinen’s urban masterpiece “Block Lamp” is not only industrial-chic-essential for any well appointed loft, it’s also a practical way to add a classy touch of accent lighting just about anywhere.
Silicone Placemats
While visiting the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art’s gift shop, I ran across these very cool silicone placemats. Modern, hip, and accessible to guys who aren’t in to the phrase “table linens.” Read more
a feminist in favor of porn
December 19, 2007 by Cash · 2 Comments
The often interesting “Letters from a Broad” blog offers a somewhat startling (in my experience with feminist leaning women anyway) view on porn.
In fact, she goes so far as to suggest
I am absolutely convinced that porn decreases hostility towards women, increases acceptance of women’s sexual autonomy, and makes ordinary women safer
cool christmas gifts: archie mcphee
It started with a cryptic email from an old friend. Pop-culture savant, bone dry humorist and lady killing beefcake all in one, Sean’s never failed to deliver the interesting goods. Imagine the intrigue then when this comes down the ol’ Gmail pike:
also, please check out this link, it may be the most important thing ever!
Without hesitation, I clicked. What I saw made me snort:
2 Girls 1 Cup
November 30, 2007 by Greg · 4 Comments
This is our 1,000th post here on urban monarch. That’s a lot of links, a lot of trolls, and a lot of attempted flame wars. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with the latest internet phenomena, 2 Girls 1 Cup. While nothing in this post is really appropriate for work, the reaction clip above is ok, and the song after the jump contains a little vulgarity and rather vivid descriptions. You’ll have to find the original clip yourself if you’re that curious you perverts. Read more
Mister Splashy Pants
November 28, 2007 by Greg · 5 Comments
I spent a good hour of my day laughing about Mister Splashy Pants. It would be wrong for me not to share such joys in my life with you all. I found and ordered some pins, but I can’t seem to find a t-shirt. Here’s the dirt.
Speaking Like a Japanese Girl
November 27, 2007 by Greg · 2 Comments
Today in world news for men, we realize that Japan has a dialect for each sex.
Wherever you go, men and women tend to speak differently. But in Japan, those differences are more pronounced than in many places. Among the multilayered rules of grammar and usage governing spoken Japanese, there also exist underlying concepts of “men’s Japanese” and “women’s Japanese.” By the end of my 2-1/2-year stay there, I had unwittingly become conversant in the latter form.
