Record Cozy

Summer Blockbuster: Cardi Cozy

2011-05-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I make myself forget how much I like things. I refused to read the first three preview chapters of the latest Charlaine Harris book (the author of my favorite, Club Dead), I saved the last two episodes of Deadwood (latest late-discovery obsession) until after finals were over, and I haven't touched a serious knitting project all year. I love knitting. Like a ridiculous lot. My summers are usually spent knitting from the time I wake to the time I go to sleep, much to my carpal-tunnelly wrists' dismay. So, part withheld gratification in favor of academic productivity, part fear of carpal tunnel tinglies have brought my knitting to a grinding halt.

What is it about real life that makes you feel like you have to abandon your knitting? It's therapeutic as hell when you're not cursing the yarn gods for tangled strands or if someone interrupts your counting.

I love college. I love my little cell of a room. I love my solitude. I do like being around cute college boys. It's a perk. But there are some things I miss. I always feel the need to put it on the back burner during the year, along with my recreational reading, heavy television marathons and general slothiness.

Did I mention that summer's here? It is! I've allowed myself to read Dead Reckoning in full, finish all of Deadwood and Timothy Olyphant's entire body of work (not quite, but close enough), and organize my Ravelry account, window shop a few (see also: hundreds) patterns with techniques I've been dying to use. Bobbles! Beading! Cables! Short-Rows!

All those results and no, well, results... I was at the end of my rope. I couldn't find the summer project. The dramatic music played on, the sky flashed with lightning, rainwater poured down my face and onto my keyboard as I typed.
"Why?" I screamed, to no one in particular.
"Why must I go on?" I shook my fist at the sky and scowled, scowled like the wind.
"This hat is too small! These fibers, inappropriate for summer! These needles are in use! I want something more challenging! But not too challenging! This weather is ridiculous!"
(Music swells.)
I typed, I cried, I narrowed search results -- 10,000 -- 4,000 -- 43 -- 1.
The sky cleared. A wonderful silence emerged, a birds chirped in the distance. I cleared my eyes and smiled.
It was a sweater. A lovely sweater. Cardigan. Lightweight. Cables. Lacey, yet sturdy. Challenging, yet simple. My style entirely. My favorite example project was modeled by a grandmother.
EUREKA.

A few more clicks and I'd requested the book from the library. And in that surge of purpose I had a summer goal. I will find you, love you, marry you, and knit without shame, Cardigan. (Just finished Atonement and I'm feeling emotional.)

This will be my summer blockbuster. I will atone for the knitting and blogging negligence of the past. I will knit the crap out of that thing. Yes, all the while, I will have to defend my life choices to my parents who want me to be either one of the girls on The Jersey Shore or Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock (they haven't decided yet). But I can't deny the thrill of the knit. Or my fondness for television.

Summer is a time of super attractive people on super hot summer shows. Game of Thrones is keeping my interest lately, though slightly less so after the melting of Harry Lloyd (though a creeper, a long-time favorite on Robin Hood -- so it's legit). And God knows I'm counting the days until True Blood, Torchwood: Miracle Day and Haven. If it weren't for Doctor Who on Saturday nights, I might have to admit to not having much of a nightlife.

This summer, I just want to knit my nights away, sharing plot theories with my friends over instant messages, warming my hands against the total-lack-of-cold with a cup of tea. And have a lovely sweater at the end of it all.

I saw the Cozy Cardi from Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines and I thought, "I want you on my body." Let this be one thing I refuse to procrastinate. This is love. I have two hanks of Gypsy Shadow Tonal and a pair of idle hands. You know what they say about idle hands... they love to knit.

Your Cuddle Bunny's Waiting for his Jam.

2010-01-07T00:18:00.034-05:00

Record Cozy. It has been a while. (Please feel free to read that in an Eric Northman circa "Plaisir d'Amour," True Blood Season 1. I know I did.)

Because I could look at him all day. Let's do that now.

So. Here we are again. I'd like to say it's something flashy, something exciting or humorous, but really it's completely normal. Or at least I hope it is for you.

I'm not talking about something in the TMI zone, no, I'm talking about music. I don't just mean music as back ground noise or something you can move to. But music as your life's blood. As part of your life, your memories, your happiness. Hardcore. I said that, but I'm not a hipster, I swear.

It's why music people look down on non-music people. Or at least choose not to associate with them. Can you imagine going a day without listening to music at least once? Even elevator music or the bass of a car stereo as some teenager blasts their rebellious noise? I can't.

When you hear a good song, there's something about it that just makes sense. You close your eyes, you dissect the layers or you listen for that one note. You know that song forever. When you hear that one unforgettable line, it's the most lovely feeling in the world. It's just right. Warm fuzzies.

Then the songs are everywhere. You hear a certain phrase and it's never the same again. As Spike once asked Buffy on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Who you gonna call?" and after a deliberate pause he said, "That phrase is never going to be usable again, is it?" And it won't.

Music's way sneaky. I know that I can't stop giggling when I try to enjoy a hot beverage, because as soon as I think, "Tea or coffee?", I'm compelled to finish with, "Chocolate Cake or Biscuit?" from a Patrik Fitzgerald song I was listening to (obsessively) a few weeks ago.

You'll hear that song again, and you'll remember the first time you heard it, what the weather was like that day, what you did, how you felt. And that's a mixed bag. Rule #1: Never listen to an excellent song if you believe your boyfriend will break up with you.

That's not really a rule. You can listen to country music. "The music of pain," according to Xander Harris. (I'm feeling the Buffy references tonight for some reason.) Xander Harris: Music person. You don't spend your youth at a music club if you don't get it. The Bronze had some nice 90's stuff. Alt-rock at its best. That poppy goodness means fun times with your buds. Country means pain.

If you've ever had a song stuck in your head, there's probably a reason for your music needs. Today, that song is "The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen. For me, that is. Why? It's a bit snowy, but there's slush on the ground. It's the first week of classes. It's drab. The streets feel still when it's cold. Those faint notes just sound so desolate, yet the lyrics are strangely romantic.

There's something about the lyrics that can't quite fit anywhere comfortably. There's an edge. "Fate /Up against your will/Through the thick and thin" with its almost cathartic melody alongside it, just melts the drab day away. It's like seeing snowflakes fall in front of a streetlamp. Pretty, but it's going in your rain boots. Your socks are wet, but you're too happy to care. It's a night where your breath curls from your lips ("a magic world"), and you feel like you're just about in Narnia. Not exactly what it means. But that's OK.

When the music moves you, it does more than move you, physically. You're a poet, you're an artist. And your a character in your own movie. You can be giddy or angry at the world, or a hopeless romantic. You just need the right song. And the will to move that sentimental cuddle bunny in your heart. He's waiting to hear his jam. Don't make him cry.

If he's not burning up your tummy waving a bunny-sized lighter of joy and warmth that makes you smile, you're not doing it right. Embrace the bunny. He is your friend. And music, she's like a superspy, but she's got your back. Check back for concept art: Cuddle Bunny and Music Spy. (Not really, but just picture it. And get listening.)

Kele of Bloc Party just became your Cuddle Bunny.

Or if you prefer the literal images...

Moyer Gets Wet in Armor, Fights Vikings.

2009-10-18T00:07:00.003-04:00

How do you know you're a diehard Truebie? Well, you're so intrigued by one fan's comment at Comic-Con that you reserve your very own copy of Prince Valiant at the library.

But there's a problem -- No, it isn't that you've checked out a movie based solely on the fact that Stephen Moyer appears in it (especially when you're an Eric girl), but that you misread the text online and reserved a VHS tape.

That's right, I'm real high-tech and no longer have a VCR. So I have to call Rachel and subject her to the cheeseball fangirl fest. And what does she do? Explains the plot to me when I'm too busy laughing and provides Moosetracks ice cream for me to enjoy.

It's 1997 and pre-True Blood for Stephen Moyer, and pre-Grey's Anatomy for Katherine Heigl. (This movie also features Hellboy and Professor Flitwick from the Harry Potter films.)

King Arthur has a daughter, Princess Ilene (Heigl), who wants to be a knight. Valiant (Moyer) impersonates his squire in a jousting match because he isn't able to fight. Arthur enlists him to take Ilene to a safe place because they are being invaded by the Scottish (but it's really the Vikings impersonating the Scottish).

Meanwhile, the villans have dug up Merlin and got his spellbook so they could get Excalibur. They remind me the ones in Power Rangers. Yes, I was a kid in the '90s. And those guys really like the eyeliner. But it's shown that only Valiant can release it. (He's a squire because he was orphaned and raised in a monks, who named him Valiant.)

The one requirement for Valiant's quest? That he get wet while wearing armor and possibly have a swordfight. (4:08)

Much better hair like this. Not that "ridiculous mullet." - Stephen's words, not mine.

Pretty much every scene includes Valiant with wet hair and armor. You'd be surprised how many situations call for that.

Then, epic battles ensue. Vikings are barbaric and wear funny hats.

Epic battles, freeballing it to victory. (Sorry Belles, we're not talking Moyer.)

Rachel rewound the part at :25 about three times. Let me just say, this really made me wish that Alex was Thagnar, there. We all know he's Scandinavian, Godammit. They "love to be naked."

But there's a anti-Viking slant going on. Valiant and his people are rightfully pissed at the Vikings. They stole his home and tried to harem-up his woman. UNTIL we find out that Valiant is a Viking, but the good kind.(About 1:13)

You got a thing for proposing to blonde girls, Moyer?

Sound familiar? He's a Viking, but a good one. He hates his own people because they've wronged him and stolen away his family and his rightful life! Some big Viking is trying to sex up his lady and take his spot, so he fights and uses armored alligator heads as lifts!

There you have it. Stephen Moyer is a secret Viking, this movie would have been pop culture gold if Alexander Skarsgard was cast as the evil Viking and all us Truebies could have died happy.

Instead, we'll just have to watch this sometimes live action, sometimes animated, sometimes ridiculous movie of awesome much in the style of Mystery Science Theater 3000 with a friend. Just make sure it's a friend who will not only accurately finish the sentences of the movie she's never seen, but offer to be on a screenwriting team for awesome medieval '90s movies with you.

This movie is a must for Moyer fans, for sure. But fans of alligators in armor and PG-13 innuendo would like it too. Or at least have a good laugh. Stephen did. (4:15)

Thank you, Random Fangirl. You made my Saturday.

I'm Sorry, Blog. I'm Cheating with Tumblr.

2009-10-17T11:55:00.013-04:00

Yes, I am a horrible person.

I have been away too long. I have one of those dead blogs now. But I have a good reason. It's called Tumblr.

Tumblr is the best time waster ever. It's a visual blog, which means there are many many reasons to stay and stare at certain handsome Swedes.

Reasons I Haven't Been Posting Here Lately:

1. School Hates Me Sometimes.

It's a lame excuse, but I'll use it. There is life beyond the internet. Possibly. That's my planner. That's a full week.

2. Tumblr has things like this.

Do you know how much picspam there is? A lot. And it's delivered straight to my computer screen with very little effort on my part. Type. Click. Awesome.

3. And posts like this.

Which lead to more time wasting opportunities. Like watching my Generation Kill DVDs with commentary...

So, I apologize, Blog.

It's not you, it's me. We can still be friends.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've started about a dozen posts. I'm going to post them retroactively. (Including one for the True Blood finale, I am most embarrassed about that.)

I'll be posting here at least once a week, but I'll be on Tumblr, in the meantime.

Now that cheating metaphor just got a little strange.

Skarsgard Fix -- I'm Just a Craving Skars Girl, Baby. Watch Generation Kill, Baby with Me.

2009-09-19T19:15:00.021-04:00

I've horribly neglected my blog this week, but I promise to deliver on the True Blood finale and everything else later. Right now, I am going through horrible Alexander Skarsgard withdrawl, for no apparent reason.

So here we are.

My birthday's next month, and I really cannot wait to have another video of the Skars to pop in any time I want.

What's my random craving today? Some Iceman. And what's going to cure that? Some singing clips from Generation Kill and other lovely, lovely GK-themed clips. Yes.

You love to see it. These guys are so heart-breakingly cute.

The only downside? You have "Teenage Dirtbag" stuck in your head all day. It's worth it.

And ASkars is miles away from Jason Biggs, sorry to say. I like his version better. Mainly because I get to look at him. You know how that goes.

I bring you clips from Generation Kill:

Singing. It's awesome when ASkars does it.

Impressions.

Lots of nice Iceman, but skip to 3:50 for the drool. Sigh.

I need to get this DVD. Like now.

I'm just craving Skars girl, ba-by. This might help until sum-mer, ba-by with me! Ooooooooo.

But I still want more Eric next season.

Vickie Howell Says Repost, You Repost.

2009-09-16T09:42:00.007-04:00

Vickie Howell will host a Twitter Party tonight. The details can be found below. Here's the same post on Vickie's Blog and one here which details that for every blog that reposts this information, Lands' End will donate yarn to Warming Families. So join in. It's about yarn and knitting awesomeness!

Commence plug:

Join Me & Lands' End for a Twitter Party!!

Join Me & Lands’ End for a Twitter Party to celebrate the kick-off the FeelGood Campaign! The party will feature more than 20 fun giveaways ranging from the FeelGood sweater and my books to Lands’ End gift cards and FeelGood yarn. Here are the details:

Lands’ End FeelGood Twitter Party

Date: Wednesday, September 16th

Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST

Location: #landsend

What IS a Twitter Party?
A Twitter Party is where a group of people can discuss or “Tweet” about a specific topic in their own little chat room. To participate in the discussion you’ll need to sign up for a free Twitter account (instructions are listed below).

Why Attend?
Twitter parties are a great way to connect with other people while chatting about a specific topic. Lands’ End will be hosting a two-hour Twitter Party to kick-off the FeelGood campaign – complete with fun and giveaways.

Twitter Party Hosts
Twitter Party Hosts oversee the event, answer questions, and keep the flow of the party going.

How To Participate

1. Twitter Account - Go to www.twitter.com to sign up for a free Twitter account.

2. Find and Follow any or all of Lands’ End Hosts:
@LEPRMichele
@LandsEndPRKira
@LEPRAmanda
@LandsEndPRAdam
@VickieHowell

During the party if you want to address one of the hosts directly, be sure to use their entire Twitter handle (ie @VickieHowell).

Hashtag – The Twitter world calls a pound sign (#) a hashtag. A hashtag is a code used to mark a specific topic. The Lands’ End FeelGood Twitter Party is marked and happening at #landsend. You can search for #landsend to participate in the party and see the party tweets.

Set Up TweetGrid - On the day of the party, use TweetGrid.com or another Twitter application such as TweetDeck to follow all of the “tweets” marked #landsend and participate in the party.

On TweetGrid - You can comment, reply and read all at once in TweetGrid, and it even puts the hashtag in your comment for you.

Click here for a TweetGrid tutorial list. The Twitter Party Tutorial should be #8.

Fast Followers – Something to note, Twitter parties are fun and fast!

Hope to see you there!

Craft.Rock.Love,
Vickie

Record Cozy Tumblr -- Enjoy The Diet RC.

2009-09-14T23:48:00.012-04:00

So, I've been neglecting the blog a little lately. I feel ashamed. BUT... I will have a True Blood reaction up tomorrow, and a playlist pretty soon.

But -- News. Which may not be news if you know it already, but Record Cozy is now up and running on Tumblr as Record Cozy Lite.

What does that mean? Random, but lovely things that are related to regular ole Record Cozy, but not post-worthy.

I don't know if I can promise the suggestive fun times of that there Diet soda, but I can promise way more ASkars than you can handle and a few of my best-ever things: Conversations, Tweets and Top Searches which lead people to Record Cozy (only the amusing and bizarre).

Wasn't it magical the way they all just fell down like that? Dirty mannequins!

I'm especially interested in getting a few more knitting peeps to follow. So, let me know if you love yarn! Woot!

Please enjoy Record Cozy Lite, and we'll be up and running when I get something accomplished academically and can tear myself away from Alexander Skarsgard pictures and Miniature Tiger songs on repeat.

Someone help me. That combination is effing lethal.

Sooooo pretty...

Mom, Porpoises Were Bound to Come Up.

2009-09-12T22:32:00.018-04:00

This post is probably one of the most random I've ever had cause to write. It's also a few weeks off, but hey, college.

I don't know if you could call it a college road trip tale, but it was a trip to college. That's 5 and a half hours of quality car time with my mother.

Let me tell you a story.

It's a trip, so things are going to go wrong. Maybe in this case, so wrong it's right. About half an hour out and we discover that the iPod speakers aren't charged. Now, I was armed with my iPod and headphones anyway because I don't particularly enjoy my mom's music, which tends towards the extra folky, feminist-type style. But I'd choose that over what we got any day.

We're on the way to Pittsburgh and subject to hours of good ole pan-and-scan radio. That's through Western Pennsylvania.

What does that mean? Some weird shit. And a hell of a lot of country.

I think I've had some of the weirdest conversations of my life in those few hours. It's funny how a certain song or sight sparks a conversation. And also leads you to strange and comical places.

Conversation #1: Alison Sees a Boy with a Dog By the Side of the Highway

A: "There's a boy playing with a dog."

M: "How Americana."

A: "It was a German Shepard."

Conversation #2: Alison Stops Scan on a Kings of Leon Song

A: "Oh, wait. This is Kings of Leon. This station might be good. It might not, though, they've recently crossed over."

Radio: That was Kings of Leon, and now, Lady Gaga!

M: *Eyes*

A: "Okay, yeah."

Conversation #3: 70's Porn Music

M: "God. That sounded like something from a 70's porn movie."

Alison hears "Porpoise" in there somewhere. Pictures Porpoise with 70's pornstache.

M: "That was pretty bad."

Alison tries not to giggle.

LATER AT THE HOTEL...

A: "You don't even understand why that was so funny. I need help."

I so do.

There's something about my brain that just has to put things together. But I guess it runs in the family.

Maybe that's just one more lesson learned. The other? The hits of great bands are not always the best of the best. But you knew that. I think I heard the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" about 400 times on that trip. Don't they know that "Closer" is loads better? It's about vampires. Even "Sex On Fire" lends itself for Eric Northman mistaken identity. (Racerback.) I've done this at least twice.

Pan-and-scan is good for one thing, and one thing only: Amusement at the absurdity.

In the same block I heard a radio ad for an event that was described as fun for everyone, and I quote, "country to rock to clowns and magicians." Those clowns know how to party.

But the best radio find had to be this gem from the 80's. Yeah. That's right. "Sunglasses at Night." Please watch this video. It's even better than the song itself. The earrings. The lady cop uniforms. The singing into pay phones. Random thy name is Corey Hart.

The country, the swinging 80's hits and synthesizers, it was a little excruciating. But at least I have a story to tell.

One thing's for sure, I didn't expect the "Porpoise" conversation to come so soon. I should have known. A 6-hour drive. I guess porpoises were bound to come up.

An Appreciation for Manly Tank Tops. Yes.

2009-09-11T19:16:00.055-04:00

There is something that I'd never thought I'd admit in public: I have an appreciation for boys in manly tank tops.

What I'm saying is that I've really enjoyed watching Eric Northman this season of True Blood, and it's not just because Alexander Skarsgard is the sweetest guy ever. (Although he is.)

Seriously, how could you say no to that? Right about 2:12. There are no words.

While Eric Northman was positively mouthwatering at times, I can't say he was the first cute guy to catch my eye wearing one of those gun-showing shirts.

You're probably going to laugh when read this, but Cillian Murphy held his own in 2007's Sunshine. Why are you going to laugh? Both guys are very attractive, but in different ways. The Skarsgard is let's say, just a little more gunny, than Mr. Murphy. (Nice tank shot at :16.)

I saw Sunshine in theatres when it first came out, at a place which shows what we like to call in our family, "artsy movies." And I loved it.

I don't love many movies. I hate the movie theater, which probably stems from my dislike of crowds and sticky things. But this one, I came out saying wow. Some might say I'm picky, but I'm nothing if not loyal to my favorites.

Not only is the movie great, but I can remember being distracted by the wardrobe choices a little. That is an attractive guy. I can't say I wasn't entertained.

This is actually the first time I've watched it since that first time because, let me tell you, it's sad. This video pretty much sums up the way you feel at the end of the film:

That's pretty sad. Counting Crows sad. But the rest of the movie I'd liken to Alien. Especially the dinner scene at the beginning of the film. You're practically like, "Oh shit. Someone's having an alien baby before this scene is over." Okay, maybe not. The idea's pretty similar.

I love that Sci-Fi stuff. My one complaint about Alien? It brought out the crazy cat lady in me. I spent a lot of time near the end worried about the cat. Let all the people die, but I worried about the cat. Oh, CCL me. There's a reason it's a classic. I can't say that the volumes after Aliens lived up to that, even with Joss Whedon's involvement (Alien Resurrection), which usually turns things to gold.

It is a really great movie, but pre-tank Northman, I was pretty interested in seeing a little Cillian gunniness. I still am. Although with more of a Northman Junior spin.

You have to appreciate the manly tank top. Not everyone can pull that off. Maybe that's not the best word choice when I'm putting all this man hotness in front of you. Ahem. The only time Eric pulls off (his own?) racerback is when he's crying.

But we all know he's a GQ MoFo (And so is Alex...) who cries a little, than has a bite of Sookie Stackhouse. You can forgive the tears for that. And the countless manly tank tops.

Oh manly tank tops, the winter will be bleak without you.

Skarsgard Fix -- Best Thing To Say Ever.

2009-09-10T21:53:00.034-04:00

I think I pretty much have the best friends ever. It's not huge gestures or even insane amount of time spent together that makes them great. I'd have to say it's the times when they say just the right thing to make me laugh spontaneously at one random word or phrase or image. Or to understand the obscure references I sometimes like to use. That's good enough for me.

I'll tell you how this little tech conversation went earlier today on Facebook:

(Status Update)
Rachel is *not* listening to the avett brothers on repeat and looking at pictures of ireland. she's clearly doing something to enrich her mind. or her GPA. yeahhh.

(Alison Comments)
Yet again, sub Sufjan Stevens and Miniature Tigers and Alexander Skarsgard... I mean... look at this essay I'm writing!

(Rachel Comments)
i love that i know exactly which blanks those go in. ha. someone is going to come by and find you staring motionless at your walls, only to realize you aren't in fact dead, just in a skars trance.

That's the end of the exchange. Just that little bit of dialogue. And it made my night.

Oh and seriously, can you blame me for Skars trances when you put all of this in front of my face? Sigh. (Yeah, I chose that one. I like the way he scrunches his nose up. Cute. Bloody eyes. Less cute.)

Finer Details:

1. Rachel knows that I recently put the TV Guide Scene Stealer article with The Skarsgard on my wall.

2. This is the first time that she's called him Skars. It's obviously not the first time she's heard it. Not from me. Psh. Yes from me.

3. She's not a True Blood girl. Although I immediately offered my DVDs (spread the wealth, right?), she declined because, and I quote, "I don't need to get addicted to another show."

Probably true. I spend a lot of time thinking about Viking vampires. I'm not going to tell you what I'm thinking about. Let's leave that a really transparent mystery.

There might be something to this staring at the wall thing. Or at my laptop. Or at the television.

Maybe I should wear a sign around my neck that says, "Not dead, just looking at Alexander Skarsgard."

Rachel and Nyssa: Thank you for understanding me enough to make me laugh at one-sentence typed responses. You always find the best things to say. Ever. I spend a lot of time giggling. It's your fault.

Well, you and Alexander Skarsgard.

UPDATE (9/11/09 at 11:23 a.m.):

I just had a thought about The Skars. Shocker. I can recall a conversation with Nyssa which she started with, "I was thinking about Eric in the shower this morning." (A reflection on the Eric-Sookie relationship in the books, completely logistical.) to which I replied, "You were thinking about Eric in the shower? You slut!"

But really, that was the tea cozy calling the amigurumi cute and superfluous. I was thinking about this post, and indirectly, Alexander Skarsgard, earlier. And I realize that I can't get through the day without calling myself a "Skars Perv." Because really, who wouldn't be?

I think we need another Skars Fix, because I can't be the only one pining in the morning. That's me. Cute and Superfluous. Just don't tell anyone.

Washington Irving -- Not Like Wishbone.

2009-09-09T00:07:00.016-04:00

I'll tell you one thing, folks. Wishbone lied to me. Every piece of literature seems pretty incredible when it's re-enacted by a talking dog. Well, he sort of talks. But really, what's the story, Wishbone? It's that Alison can not finish "Rip Van Winkle" to save her life. Instead, I'm pretty sure that watching catchy theme songs with dogs in costumes is a favorable alternative:

The other point of this story? "Rip Van Winkle" yields kid-friendly edutainment. I found this rendition of "Bat Van Winkle" by alexbrandonclark as well. You can tell why: I was intrigued by the music choices. That's Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, kids! And I have a soft spot for bats. Ever since I read Silverwing.

I was such a literary kid, and what am I now? I'm a college girl, a Skars-craving, selective vampire fiction reader and Eric-watcher who can't get through a short story assignment. It's times like these when I realize why people always said they hated English classes in high school. Well, in college, not much has changed.

What's a girl to do when they don't present classic literature with the easy-to-digest spunky terriers and cartoons?

Um... I guess, type up yet another nostalgic blog post about the bygone pop culture days of my youth? Spend a little time searching YouTube videos and discovering that Jensen Ackles was on Wishbone (4:40)?

That sounds about right.

UPDATE: Finished that... thing. It got better after he got all old. I must say that the bats helped me keep the story straight in my head. I can't say I recall so many trippy bats with pirate eye patches, though. There was just the one...

True Blood Finale Promo -- Depeche Mode!

2009-09-08T12:54:00.012-04:00

I wasn't going to post this, despite Eric's awesomeness, but I feel I have to because of my awesomeness. I've got the music senses of a bloodhound sometimes. I mean, your ears prick up and you're like, "Hey! That's Depeche Mode." Which is followed by, "I effing love True Blood."

I give you the finale teaser, which is basically many of the previous promos mashed into one. Except Eric seems to be dining a little less politely. He didn't even check to see if he had blood on his face!

Sadly, you don't learn anything new, except that someone on the True Blood staff has excellent taste in music. But you knew that already.

That's "Corrupt" by Depeche Mode, btw, from their latest album, Sounds of the Universe.

Brave Little Toaster -- Cheerful Appliance!

2009-09-08T00:00:00.007-04:00

I have a few ideas lined up for today and the near future, but I am too lazy. So I bring you probably the first of many entirely random, quick and dirty blog posts. I'm sorry this looks kind of strangely wrong next to the heading for my Wool 100% post. I think The Brave Little Toaster's virtue can remain unsullied, even in close proximity to that 3-letter word.

I feel like I've made a lot of Brave Little Toaster references lately. I can think of at least 3 in the past few days, the most recent in this tweet from only a little while ago.

I feel like there aren't enough Brave Little Toaster references floating around. This was another one of my favorite films, The Brave Little Toaster.

What can I say, I'm all about nostalgia. Yet another movie that made my childhood awesome. And made me appreciate the more cheerful of the kitchen appliances.

This is kind of scary as hell. I remember the fear. That air conditioner makes me happy that my dorm is low-tech. The Brave Little Toaster is optimistic and full of hope while other appliances are conspiracy theorists.

There are no Brave Little Toaster dancing to "Tutti Frutti" videos that I've found. I think the search will have to continue. Because that dance is the basis for many a Brave Little Toaster reference. It makes me sad not to share it with the world.

Everyone knows that the dance of The Brave Little Toaster makes people spontaneously happy. Just because. He's a toaster. Who dances.

UPDATE: Just for funsies, thanks to Nystacular for this one. Random, yet awesome. Who are you? I'm sure you've been dying to find out.

It won't let me see the result, but I'm sure I'm a toaster. I enjoy bread too much to be anything else. Although, I'll get offended if you call me "Slots."

Wool 100% -- How is Knitting Like Sex?

2009-09-07T11:03:00.033-04:00

I wanted to write up a post on Wool 100% when I saw it two weeks ago, but I got a little busy. It's an interesting film, albeit sort of loud and makes you paranoid that your neighbors think you're having a rave in your room or something. Although Vogue Knitting wrote a small piece about it last winter (which I discovered later), I don't think many knitters know about it. Let me tell you a story.

Nystacular and I were getting pretty crazy and going anti-hermit for the day. Our big outing? Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in IMAX 3-D. Big let down, btw. And not in the awesome Radiohead way. That's the 3-D, not the movie. I love Harry Potter. Awesome knitwear.

So we're waiting for the movie to start, our giant yellow plastic glasses sitting on our laps amidst a crowd of families and nerdy college kids. Nyssa turns to me and says, "Let me tell you about this movie I saw." We had discussed the film earlier, at one of our nerdy hermit days (Scrabble, Food Network and Cartoons. Very often insanely short games of 2-person Clue or Gobblet, which I always lose.)

As a knitter, I'm intrigued at any movie about wool (obviously). Nyssa tells me that it's really weird. These two old ladies collect junk and they have cute hairstyles. They take care of their finds and clean them up. There's a garbage man--but cute who these sisters both like when they're young. They like him, so they're going to knit him a baby.

Why are they going to knit him a baby? Because when they were young, their mother was pregnant, and as she finished a piece of knitting (which laid across her stomach), her belly grew. So knitting=babies. (She didn't tell me this part.)

Now, don't think I'm giving away too much, because I didn't even get the ending until I saw the preview again just now. If you don't get it, just shoot me an email at recordcozy@gmail.com and I will explain it to you, if you'd like.

So this morning, @knitthecity reposted a link to something about "How is knitting like sex?" Of course, it was a humorous answer. But my mind went straight to Wool 100%, "Because they both make babies?"

Yes.

I think if you're a knitter, you'll identify with Knit-Again, a girl who appears after the women find a bunch of red wool. Her mantra is, "Damn it! I have to knit it again!" That comes out like a siren, and the old ladies cover their ears as Knit-Again rips off her asymmetrically knit red dress and starts frogging.

She's always knitting, and she gets pretty pissed when it's not right. I know how that goes.

It is weird as hell, but I liked it. If you're like me, you'll be jealous of Knit-Again's awesome yarn the entire movie. Go see it. If your library's as cool as mine, they might have it in stock.

There's a lesson, a moral, if you will, and I will close with Nystacular and my Twitter conversation the next day on the subject:

Just watched Wool 100%. Knit-Again messed up my knitting rhythm. And I think she also scared my neighbors. #knitting #movies

Nystacular@recordcozy did it leave you confused? because it left me wondering. I grew to love knit again, but then I hated her in the end

recordcozy@Nystacular Why'd you hate Knit-Again? Because she kept stabbing things with knitting needles or because she would spontaneously get naked?

Nystacular@recordcozy because knit again tried to kill the ladys I think? but really, can you ever be sure with anything in that movie

Nystacular@recordcozy or maybe she was just a physical metaphor for spring cleaning

recordcozy@Nystacular She didn't try to kill them. Just liberating them from the evil clutter demons! So I guess it is about spring cleaning. & fire.

Playlists -- Sufjan Stevens. He Knits.

2009-09-05T23:32:00.072-04:00

I really kind of love Sufjan Stevens. I have yet to hear a song of his I didn't like. I haven't been listening to him long, but it's been quality time together. I think his insane awesomeness is multiplied by the fact that he's a knitter. There aren't many men who own up to being purl friendly. He also teaches knitting to the blind. You can probably guess how I feel about men with a charitable nature.

The only other knitting dude I can think of is that guy who knits with drum sticks -- Oh, wait. He drums with knitting needles. Much less impressive. (Not really. I just like to kid.) Him, and Michael Kors. There's others, but I like to pretend that it's only Sufjan Stevens and me. Oh, Sufjan Stevens and your yarn.

Let's admit it. He's super cute. (Evidence: Choose one. Preferably with the ties and tidy-messy hair.)

But that's not why this is a Sufjan Stevens-only playlist day! It's because Alison is lazy! Who said that? No, it is because someone should point it out when people are awesome. Maybe not in those exact words, but everyone loves a little recognition. Even occasionally bed-headed musician boy knitters. Especially.

The Lineup:

1. "Demetrius" by Sufjan Stevens (last.fm)

2. "A Sun Came" by Sufjan Stevens (Sound Only -- The end of this one is like someone's headache. It makes me laugh.)

3. "The Oracle Said Wander" by Sufjan Stevens (last.fm -- The only video for this doesn't have the whole song. It doesn't make much sense to me. Now I've probably enticed you to watch it anyway. I hope you like teeth.)

4. "A Winner Needs a Wand" by Sufjan Stevens (Fanvid for Sufjan Stevens and No Country for Old Men)

5. "Dumb I Sound" by Sufjan Stevens (Sound Only)

Video. "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens (Audio Only with very nice pictures! I think I did a live one of this before, but that's okay. You can never have enough.)

Video. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Sufjan Stevens (Unofficial -- Dioramas Animals from Natural History Museums. No wonder I like it. The Natural History thing, not the dead animals thing.)

Video. "The Lord God Bird" by Sufjan Stevens (Unofficial -- Fields of flowers. Blond chick frolicking.)

A & Me -- Alison, This is Your Life.

2009-09-03T21:01:00.005-04:00

You ever just have a sudden weird reflective moment? Well, I just did. Let me tell you a little about my evening.

I'm in college, so there's bound to be assignments piling up. That, and laundry. I took care of both, reading several chapters about grammar while feeling delighted that I didn't have to sucker punch anyone for a dryer.

Then I came back to my room, had a little dinner, and worked on some reviews I have for this week for The Pitt News. I make a lot of connections to cartoon characters when I really think about things. One Colin Hay song sounded like something Chef would sing on South Park. I don't think I'll be printing that.

Break time and what do I do? Watch some Ghost Hunters and work on my Bella's Mittens!

The combination of activities in itself isn't exactly regular, but I think my own enjoyment in the activity is what scares me the most. What's interesting about these mittens is they're knit by the Magic Loop method, at least in part.

Magic Loop is something I've never tried before, and I am kicking myself for it. Double-pointed needles can be annoying and even if I'm extra careful, I still get slight laddering in stockinette stitch. Magic Loop makes it so much easier to knit in the round! It's a little tricky, but definitely not as cumbersome as 5 needles at once. I always have a problem with dropping the one loose needle in the couch cushions or the cat stealing one. Here, no muss, no fuss.

It's not much yet, but it's looking good.

So, how do I spend my evenings? Tucked in my room with my paranormal investigators, new and exciting knitting techniques and drowning out my neighbors with headphones and a loud and lovely dose of Good Shoes.

Simple? Yes. Boring? To anyone else, yes. But for me, it's the perfect time to reflect on the weirdness that is my taste in culture. And my life.

"When the Sun" -- Cabled Seed Stitch Scarf

2009-09-02T00:09:00.001-04:00

This is something I designed to match a hat ages ago, but decided to dust off the pattern to help my poor college kid wallet. So, THUS begins my Etsy adventure. For real this time.

The Stats:

The Pattern - My Own Design
Yarn - About 1.5 Skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Lemongrass
Needles - Size 15 24" circs by Susan Bates (Knit flat, obviously.)

Source - Stitch Dictionary and Alison's Brain
Price - Free as Alison's Crazy Thoughts.

Songs*[rep] to end. - "When the Sun Grows on Your Tongue"

This scarf to me screams seventies, although I didn't actually plan it that way. It reminds me of this book of crazy knitted fashions too. So to accompany this little decade-inspired accessory, I chose my favorite psychedelic band. That would be Black Moth Super Rainbow (from Pittsburgh!). "When the Sun Grows on Your Tongue" comes from 2007's Dandelion Gum. I had originally considered "Iron Lemonade" since it's probably my favorite song from their new album, but the seventies flair just isn't as noticeable in that one. And if there's one thing this Lemongrass green marvel needs, it's more flair.

Cable Pattern:

Let's Get Cozy - Cabled Seed Stitch Scarf (CO 8/28/09, FO 8/31/09)

Ravelry Listing

Etsy Listing (Coming Soon)

This is just a simple pattern I whipped up when I wanted something to match a hat I had made. I really love winter accessory sets. If I make a scarf, I want a hat and gloves to go with it. If I have enough yarn, there's going to be a matching set. The purpose of this particular scarf was to sell it on Etsy. Since I'm on my own for spending money now, it became clear that I needed to get cracking on my designs to supplement my income. I also love super bulky yarn. I know that I can knit something fairly quickly and be pleased with the results.

You have no dreams, little yarn ball.

Everything has gone well with this design so far. My only complaint is that I got a skein of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick that wishes it was slub yarn. Now, I love slub yarn, but it's kind of cramping my style. Hear me now, Wool-Ease Thick & Quick: You are what you are. I have no patience of the dreams of skeins of yarn! Mwahahahaha! (Evil Overlord Voice. Yes, I am a yarn overlord.)

Look for the Etsy Listing soon. I'll have a space for the Etsy Merch on the sidebar when the time comes.

I heart yarn, but when it starts to think for itself, I start to get paranoid. Maybe it's a side effect of the psychedelic rock I chose for inspiration. Pretty Pattern + Yarn + Paranoia = Cabled Seed Stitch Scarf. I'll take it.

What About Eric?! -- Still Sexy in a Dress.

2009-09-01T17:28:00.004-04:00

Well, as always with True Blood we start off with the other end of the cliffhanger from last week. "Frenzy" started pretty much how I suspected, with Sophie Anne feeding from a human.

Sophie Anne was interesting. She's a lot more colorful than she was in the books. There, she was sort of demure and dressed too old for the age she looked. Although she did enjoy the company of women, there was no real mention of the virtual harem she had at her compound.

I found it interesting that she used the phrase, "That's random," one which even my parents don't use. I guess Sophie Anne's a "hip" vampire?

But what I found most curious was the absence of Andre. I actually said it in my head like this, "What happened to Andre? Where's Andre?" *Tim Gunn Voice*

But seriously folks, no. I really hope that they keep Andre in the show. There are some of the best scenes later in the novels that directly or indirectly relate to him. The main thing is, he's never supposed to leave the Queen's side. The same goes for the Berts, but they're not quite as important until later.

What we find out from Sophie Anne is that Maryann was human and can be killed in a certain way. In the novels, they don't kill Maryann, she leaves voluntarily. The only reason I can see for killing her off is they want any possible return of the Maenad to be crushed. Why is that? Boring? Who said that? Oh, yes. Me. And a million other fans of the show.

Meanwhile back in Bon Temps, Tara wants to rescue Eggs, like an idiot. But the main problem I have with this situation is what Tara says to Sookie. She says, "How many times have you put yourself in danger for the man you love?" Well, realistically, some, but not the big one. Not the one that she'll feel the worst about when the truth comes out. Not yet. I'm beginning to think that they have no intention of following one of the biggest plot points of the books. Every chance they get to paint Bill in a positive light, as a victim, they take it. And I can only say, "It didn't happen like that."

Sam reveals he's a shifter to Jason and Andy, an increasingly strange and entertaining pair, btw. I have to say, I really love the stupid Jason lines. The best one this episode: "This is Armageddon. This is a book. This is The Oral History of the Zombie War." That's a fictitious book about zombies. A parody. That was priceless. Also, "That's in The Bible or The Constitution." I really love dumb Jason.

And Lafayette's having sex dreams about Eric as well. Although he doesn't enjoy them nearly as much as Sookie. "Somebody needs to slap that bitch." "I already have." was nice. I like how Sookie shares blood bonding stories with Lafayette like she's sharing complaints about frequent runs in each other's stockings.

Can I just say something about Lafayette's flashback things? I know they are not supposed to be funny, but I can not stop laughing until I cry when I see one. Andy Bellefleur was super weird, but it was hilarious. I'll tell you why. Alexander Skarsgard is a crazy good actor, so it's not just him in a dress, it's him acting like Lettie Mae. And I kind of love it. And I won't feel bad for laughing when Laffy is cowering in the corner.

And I also completely thought Alex was joking when he said he wanted to wear a dress on the show at Comic-Con (clip here). The saddest part about that scene? He was still sexy. I still say that that man is unfair to the entire male population -- and, strange and sudden revelation -- to the man who tries on Sookie's Fangtasia dress. I'd expect not being able to pull that one off is especially heartbreaking. Alexander Skarsgard: He's too dreamy.

Jason using the term "lady dog" amused me. He would think about that. Oh, Jason. You perv. The idea of Sam laying eggs and eating them was kind of strange as well. I found myself yelling at the screen, "He's not a lady chicken, Jason!" Not that he heard me.

When Sookie tells Lafayette she's going to do something, I fully expected some more weird telepathic glowey magic stuff. No, it was just a statue.

I'm a fan of whenever someone suggests that they go see Eric. There are actual cheers over here. Sam takes advice from Coby and Lisa, obviously not thinking too clearly lately. Missed that one himself. At Fangtasia, we have the very awesome Closed sign, "Sorry We're Dead."

Tara breaks away, thanks to bitchy Lettie Mae, and gets black-eyed again. Shocker. And she also summoned Maryann with her fake demon. Lovely. Best thing about this scene? Maryann's angry gerbil noise!

Sookie and Lafayette are storming the castle, so to speak, and all I can think is, "Sookie, what is in your purse?" You didn't drive, you're not going to tip the maenad for the lovely meat tree or the house sitting, why? At least use a messenger bag when you're battling to the death. Hands free is the way to go in this girl's opinion.

So, Sam asks Eric for help at Fangtasia, and he lounges there like he's in a photo shoot for GQ, smouldering at the youngins. Eric asks Sam if he could give him Sookie, calling it a "tribute," which I found interesting. In the books, Maryann asks Eric for a tribute directly, through her attack on Sookie. I can't recall Maryann calling hers a tribute quite so often as she calls for a "sacrifice." And it's not even for herself (as in the novels), but for another god.

Eric's interaction with the children has been a big hit, particularly the phrase, "teacup humans." I guess you would call this bittersweet if you're an Eric fan, counting the winking, the showing off his vampiric skills and not eating the children, but calling them "delicious" all the same. I'm sure the chatter on the Bill-friendly sites isn't nearly as light and "Aw. Eric! You rascal."

The flying scene was a bit anticlimactic, really It looked just the same as when they use the effect on Heroes. With this (above), I expected something flashier. Not that (below). In the books, I always pictured something more along the lines of hovering than actual Superman-style flying. I was more satisfied with the zoomy moves of last season, even if they were a bit cheesy.

Sookie pretty much walked into one of those cheesy haunted houses that they do for Halloween, only real. That's all I could think of when I saw it. Move from crazy hand chopping woman to intestine man to frisky coroner, all in the dark. And to the tune of screeching violins so you know you're supposed to be creeped out.

Of course, I thought, "Sookie's going to let him spoon her?" I had a yay Sookie moment when she was all, PAN FACE! Sookie's Fangtasia dress was also weird and amusing, but I thought the whole walk through was a little fake-looking.

Really perplexed by the egg. And the nest. Still.

About Lafayette and the last stand, or whatever you want to call it. Just another wtf, Maryann?! With the frickin' Wonder Woman powers.

Bill's visit with the Queen was something about which I was really concerned. I thought revealing that Bill had met Hadley would speed up the plot too much, but really, I don't think it revealed much of anything. At least not what it was supposed to. I'm worried that Bill's big downfall is just going to fizzle into a mix of information we already know and a man that's all tortured and conflicted and a victim of circumstance. That's not really what Bill is. But at this rate, I could see that happening. And I will not let the Bill fans be proved right. Not when I'm sure that they're wrong. I'm wacky that way.

I know the Bill or Eric debate is one for the ages, and a controversial one at its core, but I'm losing my faith in the writers' ability to convey the dickishness that makes Bill Compton the man we all know and compare to Eric.

Right now, I want to like Bill. I like Stephen Moyer and it pains me that we're going to see less of him as the seasons go by. If it weren't for the prospect of more Eric smirks, winks and tasty flesh (Zombie moment? There is a war brewing...), I might be more conflicted. But, what can I say? I take things for what they are. Only right now, what they are is wrong and colored with the positive spin of which I just can't approve. But revealing this big secret now would be ridiculous. That years of dramatic irony that would be a Maryann situation all over again. What is she? She's a maenad. Well, let's talk about it for two seasons. Then we'll tell you. That would be very bad, and boring and lose it's effect.

I guess I just want some book stuff to stay the same. There's things I love about certain books in the series and it just feels wrong without them.

So, lastly, we have the big Eric/Bill exchange, which is always just a big pissing contest. I especially like to watch Bill try to be tall next to Eric. Eric's flying hair is pretty brilliant, including the show of his vanity with the hands running through it, smoothing down.

Of course, Eric threatens Bill about Sookie, and Bill threatens Eric about the "V" dealing. It's strange that Eric is doing something the Queen doesn't know about. I think it's important to note that Bill admits to having given Sookie his blood, and that Eric is curious enough to guess that Bill had done so, presumably based on what he saw after Sookie's attack, or the fact that vampires often exchange blood with their lovers. This was something that many people commented on about the dream sequence. Eric looked very human-like because he had taken Sookie's blood earlier, whereas in real life, Bill had done the same and still looked very pale.

Overall, I feel the same way about this episode that I feel about most True Blood episodes. I'm extremely anxious to see it, obviously, but there's always a hint of apprehension attached. Maybe it's because I love the novels so much that any editing makes me sad. But I just can't feel right about the deletion of my favorite scenes (The Bill-Sookie hotel scene where Eric asks for a nightcap "Warm from the vessel," and mostly the Lycra. I will miss the Lycra.) in favor of the boring, repetitive and confusingly mysterious Maryann stuff. At least if they kill her off, we'll have a little peace from giant eggs and other similar wtf moments.

Episode 12 -- Eric! That's not Sookie!

2009-08-31T11:28:00.005-04:00

Two weeks until True Blood's season finale, "Beyond Here Lies Nothin'." (That's September 13.) I know she's the Queen and all, but Eric! That's not Sookie! I don't approve of vampire/vampire kissage when it comes to Eric and Sookie. Tsk tsk.

I hope they explain the egg, because I am very confused by the egg. Sometimes book to show changes make no sense to me at all. You think when Charlaine Harris thought, "Maenad," she also thought, "Giant egg."? I think not.

Bill's being painted really positively now, but I'm not so sure how sacrificing Sam will go over with Sookie. There's no way they're killing Sam, btw. Maenad, or no. I'm mostly concerned about Eric and Sophie-Anne. Which now that I think about it, did we even hear her name yet? I can't recall.

All I can say is, two more weeks, people. Two more weeks. And there were too many quick cuts in this one, not enough dialogue snippets for my taste. I guess we'll have to wait to find out what happens later. Two weeks. Frowny face.

UPDATE (9/7/09 at 9 p.m.): I'm not so sure I can enjoy these scenes with Eric and the Queen in the finale now. Not after rumors of Alexander Skarsgard and Evan Rachel Wood dating for real surfaced here. I said on Twitter earlier today, "This is worse than when I found out our zodiac signs were incompatible." It's still true. Although, I'm slowly convincing myself it's just a rumor. Please?

A & Me -- Cut Off My Arm, College.

2009-08-30T23:31:00.002-04:00

It's 11:31 and I'm feeling shyt. I'm sitting home alone tonight. And I can't even watch True Blood online. (To the tune of "Backfire at the Disco" by The Wombats, if you please.) Note: This video is brilliant. People are jerks. I love Frosty's.

But seriously. Quirky song lyrics aside, I have something to say: I hate college. Why do I hate college? Well, for 3 weeks (2, but I'm blaming it for them not broadcasting on Labor Day as well) I hate it for keeping me away from my HBO. And my True Blood.

There are several things I've learned while REALLY waiting for True Blood. That's past Sunday, past 9 p.m. and past the point of my sanity. And I took the time to write them out in 10 colorful steps. You can actually pinpoint the moment I lost my mind.

Here I am, in my room in the semi-darkness in front of the computer, pacing back and forth stuffing my face with green grapes and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish (Original Style, fyi). And I feel like a mental patient. I'm compelled to eat these grapes, which are just sitting in my fridge, and I'm reminded of a story about my brother.

When he was little, after returning from the grocery store with my mother, he sat in front of the television with a bag of green grapes. He proceeded to eat the entire bag in one sitting and then threw up the same grapes all over himself.

Now, why am I reminded of this story? Because I'm getting pretty crazy. That is, I've eaten an entire bag of Goldfish and the grapes are just sitting there looking at me. I know that road leads to green vomit, but lack of True Blood has addled my brain.

But there are still lessons learned from this experience:

1. I thought waiting a week to watch True Blood was bad. Watching the hour between 9 and 10 o'clock tick by while you stare at the wall because you have no HBO is like watching someone cut off your arm and repeatedly beat you with it.

2. No HBO is the equivalent of being exiled to a Leper colony. At the time when you most want to vent, you're banned from all online outlets. That means Facebook, your favorite blogs and ESPECIALLY Twitter. (That includes BlogTalk. Frowny face.)

3. When you're waiting for an upload, sitting in the dark in front of your laptop, refreshing web pages every 40 seconds seems like a good idea. (For 3 hours.)

4. This waiting period feels somewhat like I'd imagine labor feels. There's shaking, sweating, mood swings, cursing and a sudden need for drugs. (Drugs = True Blood in this case.)

5. No True Blood Sunday at 9 p.m. makes me want to eat chocolate and ice cream more than any failed relationship ever could. If it ever gets cancelled, I'm padlocking my fridge or gaining 45 pounds.

6. Never knit while you wait. True Blood anxiety = Many dropped stitches and unhappy feelings.

7. People talk about masturbation in chat rooms more freely than they should. They're also stupid, mean and have terrible spelling and grammar.

8. I'd feel better about humanity if they didn't talk so much about boobs.

9. I get angry at people who just like Eric for his hotness or jumped on the bandwagon late in the game (after the dream sequence, much?). Chat names are usually something along the lines of Ericslover, Eric4Me and EricsBoyfriend. I feel like the best girl friend seeing her boy date another girl (or guy) when she wants him for herself.

10. I hate college. But only when it comes between me and my True Blood. Like sisters. I think those girls would be ripping off each other's heads if their man was Eric Northman.

There will be a recap when frickin' Niall Brigant sends a miracle my way. I've been working on the Newlin angle, and I think all that'll save me now is a little Fairy magic.

Sayonara from getting beaten by my own arm by my stupid education. More people would go to college if there was HBO. Hey, it goes along with my theory that taping Skars to my homework will improve my GPA. Melancholy thy name is Alison.

UPDATE: The end of this story? It's 1:04 a.m. I watched a jumpy grainy video with (thank God) good audio after several anxious hours. I also missed the last 15 minutes. Which I'm pretty sure was mostly Eric. And I'm also pretty sure that this time, that last bit of lovely True Blood actually exists. Unlike last week.

The end. Still armless. Like frickin' Jane Bodehouse when she's finished with that machete.

UPDATE: 11:15 a.m. Monday. Saw it all now. Recap will be up later tonight. Wtf, True Blood? Wtf. Giant egg?

Think Helicopters = Hot Swedish Pilots.

2009-08-28T00:39:00.035-04:00

It's now twenty minutes of one and all I can hear out of my new dorm window is helicopters. And what do I choose to think about? What I always choose to think about. Pop culture references. There, I was feeling a little Pinky and The Brain action. In this case with the helicopterus interuptus, a little of this:

"The Drinking Song" by Moxy Fruvous:
I can't explain this except for my mom took me to a lot of folk fests as a kid. I still heart the Fruvous. Live Noise especially.

"Helicopter" by Bloc Party:
In my head it's this version by RAC. -- Free download for the album at Stereogum, btw and it's brilliant.

Hjartslag:
Short Film with Alexander Skarsgard -- Because I'll use any excuse... Did I mention it's a musical? And he wears a uniform and is a helicopter pilot? Interested now? I think so.

I can't sleep, but not bad. Not bad at all. I'll take a little Skars any day. Or a lot of Skars. I'll take some randomly literal pop culture references in there as well. Moxy Fruvous and Bloc Party may not make sense together, but why not? I try not to question my brain's connections. Maybe that's why I see a little True Blood in everything.

Oh, Skars. Is there anything I can't connect you to? Helicopters = Hot Swedish Pilots. I like it.

"Porté Disparu" -- Super Bulky Cabled Hat

2009-08-26T00:47:00.003-04:00

Every knitter has stash problems. Or that's what I like to tell myself. Like most knitters, I have an unusual fondness for yarn. I try to buy yarn project by project, but there's a sale or a certain color catches your eye and it's bye bye budgets... helllloooo yarn. This is a stash busting project that I've made before with success. I thought it was time to revisit the good old Super Bulky Cabled Hat.

The Stats:

The Pattern - Super Bulky Cabled Hat
Yarn - (substitution) 1 Skein Lion Brand Landscapes in Country Sunset and 1 Skein Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Fig (used about 1/4 skein Thick & Quick)
Needles - Size 13 needles (Knit straight not in the round, but I usually use circs anyway.)
Source - Online at abmatic/k
Price - Free Online

A little WIP action...

Songs*[rep]to end. - "Porté Disparu"

I've chosen Malajube's "Porté Disparu" from their latest, Labyrinthes because I think it pretty much embodies my yarn stash craziness both in the insane situations and color palette. I kind of love that this video is in French, so the obviously quirky video idea seems that much more absurd with the incomprehensible song lyrics. Dead chickens, murder and colored suits. Yes, that is my life. And bonus points for disappearing like my yarn stash!

Cable Pattern:

Let's Get Cozy - Super Bulky Cabled Hat (CO 8/13/09, FO 8/23/09)

Ravelry Listing

I just want to start out by saying that the time it took me to complete this hat is completely unrealistic. I would have finished it in one day if I hadn't lost the second ball of yarn. Sometimes you have to factor in the crazy misplacement time. This hat is knit flat and then sewn up at the end. They recommend that you use a mattress stitch, but I usually use a whip stitch because it was the first way I learned to sew up a hat. It works just fine. I used the Fig for the band and then for the last 4 decrease rows at the top. I've considered adding a pom-pom, but for now it's been left plain. This is just a simple, quick hat. I'd recommend it for using up your stash. I'm thinking of turning it into a gift, but we'll see what happens.

So, 2 skeins down and a (number that I will conceal from my parents) of skeins to go. I can only pray that my weakness for pretty wool doesn't translate into a fondness for felines. It's a slippery slope from, "Aaawww kitten!" to "I have 17 cats and they're all named Chester Cheetah." I'm keeping tabs on myself. And on the number of litter boxes I have the urge to purchase.

Playlists -- I'm Not The Grasshopper.

2009-08-25T00:53:00.000-04:00

I come to you in a sort of moving back to school depressed limbo. It's almost the end of the summer, and I will soon be forced to stick to normal human hours. That's instead of the Vampire Bill circa beginning of Club Dead full-on computer junkie vampire hours. So it's a sad and weird time which requires some last hurrah summer music. And so I bring you, "I'm Not The Grasshopper." And if you don't understand that reference, then you're probably starving to death this winter too. Welcome, my fellow Ants. It sure was worth it.

The Lineup:

1. "Grasshoppers in Honey" by The Meligrove Band (last.fm -- Remember the grasshopper from Aesop's Fables? Yeah, I'm the other guy. Life lesson I didn't follow here.)

2. "The Carnival" by The Spinto Band (Live in a Lighthouse)

3. "Swimming Pool" by The Submarines (Live at Paste)

4. "The Ocean (Is Bleeding Salt)" by Margot & the Nuclear So and So's (Live)

5. "She's Only Happy in the Sun" by Ben Harper (Live)

Video. "Black Sand" by Jenny Lewis (Live - partial)

Skarsgard Fix -- Happy Birthday Mr. Eric!

2009-08-25T00:00:00.006-04:00

Alexander Skarsgard (Better known as Sheriff Eric Northman to Truebies) turns 33 today and I thought that would be the perfect opportunity to ogle him. Actually I think any day would be perfect the perfect opportunity to ogle him, but that's beside the point. There are an insane number of Skars videos out there to choose from, but I wanted to have kind of a celebratory video post. I've been saving these gems up for a special occasion. So here's what I have to offer: Alcohol!

The first clip comes from Om Sara, and shows Alex's character celebrating a victory in a football (soccer) match. This is the Alex that Nystacular affectionately calls, "Drunk Alex." (Right about the peace sign... watch for it!) So I thought it would be appropriate.

Now, coming from someone who doesn't drink, this probably seems strange. But I pretty much died the first time I saw this. There's something about the Chicken Dance that makes multiple expletives in succession extra hilarious. You have to marvel at the awesome editing skills in this clip. It's entitled, "True Blood Drinking Game" and it's got Alex in spades! Smirking, anyone?

Happy Birthday Alexander Skarsgard! You couldn't be a better Eric Northman or guy in general. Cheers!

Let's end with a little tribute video. Because you can never have enough of The Skarsgard.

There is a Virtual Birthday Party in the works for Alex, thrown by his fans. It's happening at 9 p.m. E.T. Visit True Blood Net for the details here.

Videos by SkarsgardChannel, Tru3Silva2 and barbarah4 via YouTube.

Episode 11 -- It's Eric! He's snappy.

2009-08-24T14:06:00.014-04:00

In next week's True Blood, called "Frenzy," there's a war a-brewin'! And among other things, we get to see Sam take a trip to Fangtasia and see Eric on his throne in a snappy suit (Lucky dog! Har de har.) and Pam in a sparkly red catsuit. I'd love to hear the story behind that one. Eric tells Sam that he "May know someone who might be able to offer something useful." Who? Who knows. Maybe the Queen, but we all know that Bill's tighter with her than Mr. Northman. Maryann's pissed (Shocker.) and still demanding her sacrifice. Well, everyone who isn't a zombie is going to ban together to save Bon Temps! And get rid of this season's most boring plot line. Get rid of Maryann? Yes, please.

What About Eric?! -- He's Dreamy. Bite me.

2009-08-24T01:45:00.008-04:00

Well, I'm not as jazzed as I usually am right about now. I know, GASP at that for a moment, but it has a lot to do with the fact that this week's True Blood, "New World In My View," ended 15 minutes early this week! So there I was, sitting on the couch, all ready for a little more Eric screen time and cut to credits. Frowny face. How about 15 minutes of gratuitous Eric flesh? I don't think anyone would have complained about that, HBO.

Can I just have an aside for a moment? What are they thinking over at the show? First, they cut many of the memorable scenes from the novel while adding in hours of really boring Maryann stuff (basically an excuse for orgies.), then they give us a little more Eric. And we thank you. But the thing is, for most people, Sookie's sudden fondness for him comes completely out of left field. You can't blame it all on the blood exchange, either.

I can understand the idea of putting Eric in more scenes and having more of a romantic interaction between he and Sookie, but why would you cut all of the smaller instances of flirtation in Book/Season 1 and heap it all on us in the last few episodes?

I love the idea of Sookie dreaming of him, but the fact that Sookie comes downstairs and finds Eric crying and HE'S SHIRTLESS, the "This is a Dream" flags go straight up. At least leave a little mystery in there. The best thing about the Eric-Sookie dialogue in the book is the flirting, the joking, Eric's leers. I can't understand why there's nothing and then everything.

UPDATE: (8/24/09 9:26 p.m.) After watching this clip again, I want to point out a few more things. How cute is it the way his nose twitches when his fangs come out? And I'm going to amend what I said before and say that we do see a little more of Book Eric here, in that Sookie goes to pull away from a kiss and he grabs her hand, pulling her back. Sookie always needs that extra push over the edge if she's doing something she's not sure is a good idea, and Eric knows just when to help her along and when to passively flirt.

I'm glad they're finally putting more Eric into the episodes and creating this love triangle, but you can't just throw us Team Eric people a dream sequence every once and a while and expect us to be happy. There's this Big Scary Eric and there's the Sensitive Eric, with no happy medium. There's no impish flirt that we've come to love. I'm still waiting, HBO. Still waiting. End Eric rant.

So here we are, with Sookie, Jason and a becoffined Bill heading back to Bon Temps. They run over a couple of the locals (who are Sam's captors from an earlier episode, if you recall.). But basically the whole town's all gone to hell. And Maryann's a kid in Candyland. She's all "MORE MEAT!" for her, well, what Andy from Blood Work called a "Giant Meat Tree" on BlogTalk tonight. She's still a diva. And can anyone else appreciate those Dr. Seuss flowers (Beginning 1:55) she stuffed in there? It was like the frickin' Lorax (There he goes with his moustache.).

The influenced Eggs was sort of creepy in a overly positive kid's show actor way when he says, "So it's extra fresh?" after Maryann calls for organs and murder. Alright kids, what color is the spurty blood coming from Sam Merlotte's heart? Red! Gold stars!

I loved Andy and Sam together in this episode. Andy's she's a "She's a MAY- WHUT?" was pretty classic. And Sam's "I think she wants to cut out my heart while a bunch of naked people watch," was up there too. For a "sometimes nudist," Sam sure doesn't show the free hippie zombie devil people much love.

The regular cast was looking really good this episode. I don't know whether that was because everyone else looked so horribly mussed and haphazardly clothed (if at all), but I did have a problem with Bill's Johnny Cash outfit earlier in the episode. But all I could think as Maxine Fortenberry was standing there in her fuchsia Hawaiian shirt playing Wii was that Sookie looked like she stepped out of an Ann Taylor ad.

I guess I should mention the fact that Jessica's had enough of ole Maxine and takes a bite out of her. I thought that Hoyt was going to throw himself in front of her or something, but we'll see how that plays out. I'm really glad that they went with having Maxine go after Jason, because I was cringing those scenes with the Jocasta set-ups there. I don't think I could have taken it.

There was a lot of instances when you weren't sure who was going to be affected and who was not. It was like a zombie movie. But, c'mon Sam! You knew that was a trap. How could it not be? And he and Andy go into the freezer. I especially love when Andy stops to grab the liquor bottle. Another great Sam-Andy line? Sam: "These are our friends and neighbors." Andy: (mutters) "And customers." Oh snap! Andy tells it like it is.

SPOILER for non-novel readers: We knew that Jason would be immune in the same way that Sookie was because of their lineage. But how that genetic quirk translates into full-on pulsing life force glowing thing... I don't know. I think that's an addition that lays on the, "WHAT?!" or so I like to yell at the T.V.

Are we just meant to assume that someone told Sookie that her house was now Maryann's house? Because she seems surprised when Maryann shows up and when Lafayette tells her to leave. But there she shows up at her house looking for Maryann after Hoyt says, "Party at Maryann's," etc. etc. That's a little fuzzy. And how are they going to bring Sookie's house back to normal for next season? I wonder if they're going to cop out and explain everything mystically. Like poof! Back to normal. There's a few "in the kitchen" scenes next season. I can't picture homey Southern life around all the vines and scum.

UPDATE: I think I expected a bigger reaction when Sookie found out about her house being orgy party central. About the time Bill, Sookie and Jason arrive, Hoyt mentions that Sookie's house is Maryann's house. All Sookie says is, "What?" As if Hoyt had just told her he ate the last Oreo. Actually, I would expect a bigger response for that. She reacted as if Hoyt told her he used the wrong setting on the lawnmower. This one line of dialogue slipped by me amid the saucer-eyed Maxine Fortenberry Wii fest. Apologies.

Another question about immunity to Maryann's influence: Why is Lettie Mae immune? At first I thought the reason Maryann allowed some people to be controlled and others not was so that it would keep up the charade. She left out the outsiders, so to speak. Think, there's: Lettie Mae (Drunk), Lafayette (Gay), Andy (Drunk), Sookie (Telepath = Weird/Crazy Sookie). -- That would be before we knew about her immunity. It would make sense for her to selectively influence people, but I'm not quite sure where they're going with this whole thing. I just hope it ends somewhere close to Eric in pink Lycra... (If you want a Lycra spoiler, it's the last paragraph of the plot summary here.)

Sadly, probably not, but a girl can hope.

Maybe I'm watching too closely and too frequently, but I feel like they're hitting you over the head with a lot of the maenad clues this season. Bill's reading that book in the flashback about Greek Myths after we already heard Maryann talking about Greek maids and gods. Then, OH! HELLO AUDIENCE! THIS IS IMPORTANT! There's something wrong in there. It's getting a little too obvious with the foreshadowing.

Since I talked about the Sookie's Moon Tiara Magic! (har de har... Maybe I wasn't that far off last week...) in the spoiler part, let me just say that the first thing I wrote in my notes after that scene was BULLSHIT! Seriously? How does Sookie's telepathy translate into blue glowey psychic force field magic?!

Of course, Bill drinks from Maryann, and gross vomit scenes ensue. Is it weird that I thought that Bill vomited with an accent? Oh, was that just me? And then just as I'm thinking, well, yelling at the T.V. again, "WHY DON'T YOU CALL ERIC?!" Sookie says, "I'm callin' Eric." It's nice when the television is interactive.

I really enjoyed the, what a lot of the chatters have been calling, "Jambo" scenes. Jason with a bandoleer, nail gun and chainsaw. Oh boy. And the set dressing at Merlotte's was pretty priceless too. Notice the bobcat and goose stuffed animals with Mardi Gras beads around their necks? Nice touch. My main thought during the Jason scenes was, "Wtf is he going to do?" The answer: Slice a stereo in half with a chainsaw. I should have known.

Terry Bellefleur's part was amazing, and although I'm a non-smoker, I loved the way his cigarette moved when he talked, with the black eyes and everything. Pretty awesome. He really took charge of the situation. Good for him. If his main objective wasn't to fillet Sam, I'd be cheering right about now.

When Bill and Sookie head over to save Tara and Bill goes all fangy for the V-buyer, I had a "Yay Bill!" moment. Shocker. Bill does scary well. The fangs help. And Lafayette isn't afraid to let it slip that Eric's pushing him to sell the stuff. Which is probably a mistake. Has his basement time taught Lafayette nothing?

Black-eyed Tara is super creepy. Like really creepy. Bravo, Rutina. That laugh gave me chills. And did you notice that the go-to insult for Sookie's enemies is the "C" word? Think about it: Steve Newlin, Zombie Tara and Denise Rattray come to mind. Sookie saying the Latin phrase that all the zombies were repeating in her accent was a nice moment for me. I had a giggle at that. This scene was a chance for Sookie to play a more active role (in her own frickin' show...) but I don't know if I'm 100 percent happy with it. The tag team saving thing was interesting, but again, I have to say that I'm not so sure they explained it well.

For book folks, we know that Sookie has a sort of hypnotic power that is introduced at the beginning of Living Dead In Dallas, when she helps interrogate vampire bar employees in Dallas to help find Farrell, the missing vampire. Godric actually lures the Dallas vampire to be kidnapped and taken to the Fellowship. But that scene was left out in the show, and the magical Tara-saving was explained away with one throw-away line. They're just relying on the fact that people know the story too much. There's confusion when they leave out large chunks of the novel.

In other Jambo news: I effing love Jason. He uses his "I'm scary!" gas mask that he used to scare Amy Burley last season (Look for it at :52). And is shirtless. And exclaims, "It's me! The guy who comes!" and at Terry Bellefleur's "Bullshit. God has horns!" adds a nice pair of tree branch horns. I had to ask myself, "Why flares?" in there, but I guess the actions of Jason Stackhouse cannot be explained.

Sam's "Smite me!" was perfect with the twitching and the flashlight going. That was hilarious. I think that really saved the whole episode for me. I did wonder where Sam got that apron, though. It's not like Andy's never seen him in the buff before. Plus shifters aren't the most modest people.

Although that scene was really funny, in the end, there was just not enough Eric, and a little too much Maryann, and a lot of weird shit happening without any real explanation.

Visiting the Queen's compound was pretty epic (Note: I just typed Eric there. Not even thinking about it. Have Eric typing syndrome.). Bill's in slow motion and as Dallas from Loving True Blood in Dallas said on BlogTalk, The Queen's compound was also "badass." I wrote that exact word in my notes. So it must be true. I like how the queen has secret service people. In the book, I always pictured them as more like guards. Like military style. This was more political. So that's a surprise for me.

Well, we're back to square Season 1 in the Eric department. Let's hope he's not just a glorified extra next episode. At least this one proved what we've been saying all along: Eric's dreamy. Only now, it's literally. Eric dreams? I'll take one please, extra shirtless. And a little bite never hurt anyone. At least not anyone who lived to tell about it.

Oh, and people, after next week's episode, we have to wait until SEPTEMBER 13th for the finale! Suckfest, right? Think happy bitey Eric thoughts until then.

The Strange Phenomenon -- Blood Pop or Cake?

2009-08-22T23:35:00.010-04:00

There's something going around. And it's not the carousel in Schenley Plaza. (Or a record...) No, it's True Blood fanvid makers and an obsession with Evanescence.

I was searching some YouTube videos for my last post earlier and I kept seeing the same things pop up on my search. Every other set-to-music clip I clicked on was from Evanescence. In just a few minutes of searching, I found 10 different clips that used an Evanescence song. 10. And it's not over yet. I can't add them to my playlist all day, so here are the search results. That's a lot of that... stuff.

Okay, I dimly recall Evanescence being one of Sookie's songs to sing in the car, but unless all those people read so closely that they all remember that one line from one book (which I doubt), and made the connection, I'd understand. But if that were the case, we'd have The Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood over Eric's smirking and Sookie's glares. And I'm sorry to say so, but Book Sookie does not have as rich a music palette as does Show Sookie.

Now, I'll admit it. I am a music snob. You can clap if you want, offer me buttons and party hats and cake, but I'm not going to quit being one. I will forever be a music snob, but something that I'm willing to change? You people, and if I could, Book Sookie Stackhouse. But don't get the wrong idea. I just want to help.

Here's my theory for the Evanescence/True Blood phenomenon:

You're listening to Top 40, MTV before they discover the indie stuff after the album's been out for a year or two and someone decides to use it in a movie... Exhibit A: M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes," (Original and Pineapple Express) Exhibit B: Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole." (Original and Twilight - still don't understand this, btw. Listen to the lyrics. Think of Edward and Bella. Oh yeah, that's them. Oh, and just to prove my point about the overexposedness here's a video from the baseball scene with what? EVANESCENCE.)

You need some dark pop to match up to your dark and dirty vampire show. Think about it. What is out there? I'm no popular music connoisseur, but I can't think of one other than Evanescence. Again, another movie soundtrack pick up (Daredevil), but the difference between Evanescence and Muse is that one is good and the other is... not. The first set of videos contain the song probably the one you'll remember from Daredevil, "Bring Me To Life." The second set features "My Immortal" over an actual scene from the film.

But I don't blame you if you like them, or if you use them in a True Blood video. You're already a better pop culture person in my estimation because you care enough about True Blood to post a video (unless it's about Bill... just kidding. I want to like Bill, but Eric keeps winking at me.). Anyway, you don't know anything better.

I'll tell you a secret: Once upon a time, I listened to some pretty embarrassing music. And I will not utter those words here, but let's just say I was a kid in the 90's so you can probably guess my shame. It actually took good television soundtracks for me to make that transition from what I would now call, "I'll never tell and will deny it if it gets out," to "I like that song I heard on T.V." to "I have no idea who they are." You'll be hearing that last one in no time. And you'll be hearing those shame bands... never.

Here we go:

Alison's Lessons in Dark Pop/Rock, What to Apply to True Blood Scenes, and How It's Already Been Done Right

How It's Already Been Done Right:

My choice for the True Blood music video done right is this one by smvgrey74. It's a tribute to Godric set to Band Of Horse's "The Funeral."

I'll you why this is such an amazing video. Check the comments. At least 3 people's first comment was, "What's the song?" The fact that smvgrey chose a more obscure piece means several things:

1. Her work is unique. -- Check the number of True Blood fan videos that use an Evanescence song. Now check the number that use a Band Of Horses song. Well, here are the results, and as far as I can see, besides smvgrey's, there's zero.

2. She's using music to its full advantage. -- The best fanvids match up both music and lyrics to the clips. Anyone can choose a song. It's not that hard. Choosing one that fits means a lot more. It will strengthen the emotion, the humor and the romance. There's nothing like a good song.

3. She's exposing people to new music. -- One of the reasons I love True Blood so much is the amazing soundtrack. Now that's not only the score, but the songs chosen by the professionals. Let's not forget that every episode title is a song. That's True Blood at its core. It's about good music. The same goes for a fan video. Maybe I'm a little biased about her song choice since I know and love the band already. But it makes me smile to see that so many people loved it too.

It's like smvgrey made a big cake and she's sharing the new recipe with everyone. That's how the indie goes mainstream. It's word of mouth at first. Sure, now most of that word of mouth is actually typed and beamed out to millions of people on the internet, but there's still your good old magazines and radio. They know what's what. I'd go on to say that great underground music is just as delicious and elusive as Caroline Holliday Bellefleur's chocolate cake. And if you've read the novels, you know how amazing that is. You only get it when someone dies.

What to apply to True Blood scenes:

I'd say that more than music style, it's the lyrics that you should concentrate on. I'm not saying that it's a good idea to set romantic exchanges to yodel music if they're talking about something similar, but it's better to stray musically than lyrically. Think about it this way: You're telling a story, they're telling a story. You just want those stories to mesh well. The music added to a scene isn't telling the story of what you're watching onscreen. It's telling the story of what the characters are feeling. You can tell that Bill's a vampire just by looking. You don't need to chose a song that says, "I'm a vampire," literally. Although that isn't always a bad thing. Choose the feeling behind that. The "I'm tortured," "I want to be loved," or "I'm emo." (That last one was a joke. I'm making friends all over the place today.)

Alison's Lessons in Dark Pop/Rock:

Maybe these won't all help you out with a video, but they'll help your playlists. If you're looking to expand your dark-themed pop/rock and more specifically, your True Blood fan video tracks, I'd start with these:

From a general vampire place: Radiohead -- An oldie but a REALLY goodie. Maybe with Thom Yorke's vocals you can't always understand the lyrics, but they're dark and clever and amazing. I'd point to "We Suck Young Blood." Queens of the Stone Age -- Tend to be heavy on the rock, but I'd suggest "The Blood Is The Love" for Vampires. (For more vampire songs see my old Playlist post: "A Fangy Salut.")

From a character-based POV: The Twilight Sad or Yeah Yeah Yeahs -- "Modern Romance" A good Bill and Sookie one, originally sung by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but covered by The Twilight Sad. (Lyrics here.) Neither band is usually this mellow, but this is a sort of a track by track and not blanket rule deal.

The best Evanescence replacement I can suggest, both in general and from a True Blood fan video standpoint is Bat For Lashes -- That is, if you're looking for something a little closer to Evanescence's brand of pop (If Evanescence and Cat Power had a baby that was smarter than one of them...). For TB I'd chose "I'm On Fire" (Lorena and Bill, anyone? From Sookie's POV. It's also a Springsteen cover altered a bit.) or "What's a Girl to Do" (For some Bill/Eric reflection! Plus the video is weird and I love it.) or "Glass" (From an FotS place, sort of a Sarah Newlin finding her knight, Jason questy feel.) (All lyrics here.)

Reason You Should Not Hate Me:

Listen. I'm sorry if this offends you Evanescence lovers out there. But if you can't giggle at the sheer volume of Evanescence/True Blood fanvids, then there is something wrong with you. I'll tell you right now, it's not because they're the best band ever. It's because they're more exposed. I also really like all the Evanescence fanvideos I chose, excepting the music. If you're uncomfortable with the way I've used your work, contact me and I'll take it down. I hope you understand that I'm not criticizing anyone personally. Except for Evanescence. And I hope you'll think about these alternatives for future videos or search out the more obscure of the genres.

P.S. If @SookieBonTemps does another song contest, I'm screwed. I'll have a lot more competition if anyone actually reads this.

Playlists -- Yes? Yes? Yes?

2009-08-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

Just a couple of songs based on a song title and the ultimate monosyllabic answer. That is, if you only say it once and not three times... Unless the question is "Don't you hate True Blood?" or "Want this pack of Necco Wafers?" (They taste like old antacids.) That is all.

The Lineup:

1. "Hell Yes" by Beck (Official -- I love this. Dancing robots? Hell Yes.)

2. "Yes/No" by The Futureheads (Sound Only and "Toddler Style" -- Man, isn't it hilarious how all little kids do the same dance? Giggle, bend knees, raise arms, jump!)

3. "And Then I Dreamt of Yes" by The Dandy Warhols (Official)

4. "Yes" by Coldplay (Live)

5. "Yes I Am" by Radiohead (Live)

Video. "Say Yes" by Elliot Smith (Live)

Video. "Yes? Yes? Yes?" by Flamingo Crash (Official)

Episode 10 -- Jason's Gettin' Soldiery.

2009-08-21T17:00:00.013-04:00

It's in linky form for right now over at E! Online, but the sneak peek for this week's True Blood, "New World in My View" is here. (Or you can see it on HBO's site here, along with the full preview.) This one's all about Jason Stackhouse and his heroics, which aren't very smart. Leave it to him to be interested in a new waitress over the idea of a clawed monster running around. Jason is nothing if not consistent. I also enjoy the Jason's "gettin' soldiery" music.

There's also an interesting video playing in background. Possibly Bill's Wii? I thought I saw some sword action going on.

Anyway, I'll put up the HBO video, but they never work for me for some reason. It's worth a try.

UPDATE: Video's no longer wonky and is posted below (I left the original link above), but in a related story, @SookieBonTemps posted this link for a video explaining the game playing in the background of the scene on Bill's Wii is called Dead Space Extraction (Released Sept. 29) and from the clip it looks more like zombie-ish creatures than sword-wielding anything. I guess I've got swords on the brain. And did you notice that Hoyt's also been pretty observant? I guess with Jason gone, he had a lot of time on his hands before Jessica showed up.

Eric Tees -- Sigh. And Not the Good Kind.

2009-08-21T00:40:00.006-04:00

I both love and hate to tell you this. They are now selling Eric Northman and True Blood t-shirts at Hot Topic. Sigh. (An exasperated one, not the good kind.)

Why do you ruin everything I love, Hot Topic?

Let me tell you. For now it's okay, but the first time I see someone wearing an Eric shirt who wouldn't know Eric's ceremonial dagger from his bic, I may have to scream.

When they start printing GP jokes on them, I may have to off myself. And any girl who pronounces his name any of the following: Saarsgard, Skarskard, Derrick or Alec. And I'm throwing in "That guy." for good measure.

You have been warned. And when I pass the store in the mall, I may have to fall to my knees and cry bloody tears when I scream, "HBO, don't do it. Please! Please! Please. HBO," in Old Swedish. (Too soon?)

Not that it'll help anything, but maybe @EricNorthman will eat any of the people who are unworthy. He'd enjoy the sport.

Maybe it was naive of me to think that True Blood would have a cult following forever. But it looks like our favorite Viking is going to populate those dark-colored shelves with our favorite Sparkly Pansies. And then I will die a little inside. And it won't be from sexy Eric bites.

UPDATE: Friends are the best. Now, I was feeling all sad about the prospect of Eric Northman becoming a Hot Topic commodity but Nystacular knows just what to say. "Think of it this way, she's just a fangbanger." To which I could only reply, "Awwww. Because then we're Sookie Stackhouse and Eric loves us! (Mostly me.)"

You know you're friends are awesome when they make you feel better with obscure pop culture references. So, I'm spreading the love around. There is hope. Don't worry. The zippered Hot Topic girls are the Gingers and the ones who really appreciate him are the Sookie Stackhouses. Best idea ever.

Sailor Moon -- My Grade School Sookie

2009-08-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

After revisiting my childhood pop culture faves with last night's post and An American Tail, I looked up another one. I used to love Sailor Moon. I even had the theme birthday party with the cake, cups and the paper plates with Sailor Moon winking up at all my party guests. I can remember watching it with my friends and lusting after stuffed Luna dolls at the mall.

But what I didn't remember was the villain seen in the video below is sporting some nasty fangs, then turns into an evil-looking corpse dressed in a harem outfit. That very well may have been my first vampire, but a saw more of a connection to Sookie Stackhouse's role than to any of the True Blood vampires.

Unless you count them as objects of my affection and fictitious character crushes. Oh, Tuxedo Mask, why don't they wear the capes anymore? Oh, yes. Maybe this is why. Racerback tanks are more badass.

Sailor Moon was my grade school Sookie Stackhouse. It's not just because they're both tough, spunky blondes, it's all they represent: A strong female role model. Of course, True Blood doesn't always paint Sookie as she was written. There's a lot more "Save me, Bill!" than I can remember reading, but the principle's the same. Like Serena, all Sookie needs is a little motivation and she saves the whole world. Even if she sometimes gets distracted by the cute guys. (Note the fact that Tuxedo Mask is the gentlemanly tall, dark and handsome, Sailor Moon's the fair-haired heroine and the evil guy's a blond with similar new Eric hair?)

Lessons Learned from This Rediscovery:

1. Eric Northman still trumps every fictional character (and real-life?) crush I've ever had.

2. Sailor Moon was probably the reason for my elementary school obsession with Feminism.

3. Luna was responsible for my Crazy Cat Lady tendencies. (I thought I might be a Sailor Scout.)

4. Cartoon hair is ridiculous. And awesome. (And sometimes talks to you?)

5. It's okay for heroines to cry and wear skirts and short shorts if they get results.

6. Whether it's a tiara or a chain, my girly role models can turn bitches to dust, save their worlds and their loves.

There's someone to teach you about life through pop culture at every stage of your life. Sailor Moon set a standard for me at a young age. She's all about justice and love and cute outfits. Without that, I can't imagine that I'd feel the same about Sookie.

UPDATE: I can't stop watching this Sailor Moon clip. Old habits die hard?

No Eric?! -- Of Mice and Stackhouses

2009-08-20T00:01:00.006-04:00

Maybe I'm having too much fun with last week's episode of True Blood, "I Will Rise Up," but when these things occur to me I usually just giggle to myself. Now, I feel compelled to share them with the world or at least with the people who find this blog. This is yet another installment of "What About Eric?!" but without the Eric. Sadly.

Anyway, I got to thinking about Sookie and Jason's heart to heart. I don't think I gave it enough time. I was too busy spazzing over Eric. (Still am.)

But after I thought about that scene, all I could think of was this scene from An American Tail where Fievel and Tanya Mousekewitz are trying to find each other. A movie which I saw again recently after watching it incessantly as a kid... and finally understanding the Communist references (Beginning 4:36).

The mice sing about love and family togetherness and cute mouse things. And I always thought it was a little too romantic for siblings, what with the moon and the stars and the orchestral music... At least both of them are fully clothed. And also mice.

Maybe that was the inspiration for last week's scene. Can't you just picture Sookie in that babushka?

Playlists -- I MUST Have the Beat.

2009-08-19T23:42:00.009-04:00

Today, I am trying very hard not to fall asleep after setting my alarm at an insane 6:30 a.m. after months of vampire sloth-like hours. Ask any college student that isn't slightly strange and you'll understand the hardship of getting up before 9.

But seriously, it isn't just coffee that gets me going (although my cup was delicious with my banana brown sugar oatmeal...). It's the music, duh! Maybe it's not "Macho Man" (See Clip from "Witch" below or watch full episode on hulu -- Actually one of my favorite episodes of Season 1) and I'm not hyped up on blood spells, but I still "I MUST have the beat." (That one's from "The Dark Age," opening scene but full episode is below.) Oh, Buffy reference. Sometimes I scare myself.

OK, have the beat. Or at least the upbeat.

The Lineup:

1. "Paris" by Friendly Fires (Official)

2. "Magique" by We Are Wolves (Official -- I feel like adding only We Are Wolves right now, but that's not a proper mix! Bad Alison.)

3. "To Kingdom Come" by Passion Pit (Official)

4. "Hummer" by Foals (Official -- I wanted "Tron," but last.fm hates me.)

5. "It Don't Move Me" by Peter Bjorn and John (Official)

Video. "All in My Head" by Good Shoes (Official)

Skarsgard Fix -- Zodiac, Heartbreak

2009-08-19T09:11:00.013-04:00

This article recently appeared on The Vault about the Zodiac signs of the True Blood stars. I'm posting it here because I found it very amusing that I share a sign with Stephen Moyer, a Libra. (This isn't an invitation to pinch my butt, but, by all means, take it as one to pinch Moyer's.) What conclusion did I draw from this? Well, the fact that Virgo Alexander Skarsgard and I are not meant for each other. You hear that? It's the sound of hearts breaking... Yes, the hearts of Skars-loving Libras all over the world breaking. Today is a sad day.

I don't think heartbreak is too much of an exaggeration, do you?

What have we learned from this? It's okay to be jealous of Leo Anna Paquin for one more reason. Luckiest girl ever. And her lucky day is Sunday. Imagine that.

P.S. Today is my friend Nystacular's birthday! Head over to her blog to send happy thoughts and listen to some retro Happy Birthday tunes! (She's a Leo too. I dare say, her compatibility with The Skarsgard very well may ruin our friendship.)

UPDATE: 8/21/09 9:56 p.m.

The Vault just posted a new Zodiac reading for Vampire Bill and Sookie based on novel birth date info. Sadly, no Eric. And I'm still bummed about The Skars. I'll go back to my crying...

What About Eric?! -- Proof of Bill Wickham!

2009-08-18T18:27:00.024-04:00

Now, I'd like to add onto my earlier "What About Eric?!" post and add some visual aids to strengthen my Pride and Prejudice Eric-Darcy/Bill-Wickham argument. I'm not saying too much because I don't know exactly how the story will play out book to show, but I will put up these little snippets for your consideration.

Take a look, my friends. See any similarities? Add in a couple of leers and a pair of fangs and you've got Mr. Northman. Although I don't think Mr. Darcy would be quite so vocal about wanting to get into Elizabeth Bennet's petticoat. Oh, and take a minute to picture Alexander Skarsgard in those pants. What was I saying again?

And Mr. Wickham, where did you get that haircut? At Vampire Bill's House o' Sideburns? I think so. And you don't have to picture Stephen Moyer in those regimentals. His Civil War duds are close enough aesthetically. (P.S. I kind of love the screen caps for these videos side by side. It makes me right. Down to the letter. I am observant.)

UPDATE: Darcy and Elizabeth are also really big on the eye contact, as you can see. And while he has many admirers, seeks to have the best woman or none at all. I'm pretty sure Eric Northman would enjoy a country dance just about as much as Mr. Darcy does initially, but I don't think he'd mind feeding on a few ladies' femoral arteries for his trouble before he scowls and goes to chat with Pam. What would Vampire Darcy do? That remains to be seen. (They already fought the zombies!)

Webtastic -- Date My Avatar

2009-08-18T00:04:00.007-04:00

I love The Guild. It's the pet project of Felicia Day (Of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and last season Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame). Here's a new music video from The Guild folks called, "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar." This is so funny. And I am jealous of their outfits. What does that say about me? I don't know, but I might be frightened if I wasn't laughing so hard. See The Guild on YouTube here or on The Guild Website here. New season August 25! (Also Alexander Skarsgard's 33rd Birthday!)

Now you can also see all of the videos featured on Record Cozy and some that are personal favorites of mine, or just plain amusing, on the new Record Cozy Channel on YouTube. I hope I inspire much time wasting! (Videos for knitters, music enthusiasts, Truebies, Skarsgard fans, and more await!)

Episode 10 -- It's Eric! Possibly Shirtless?

2009-08-17T15:35:00.008-04:00

Next week's True Blood is called, "New World in My View." Oh, more Maryann. My favorite. Maybe it'll all be worth it to see Jason wielding a chainsaw. Maybe he'll chop his arm off! I hope not. Who's idea was it to give Jason a chainsaw? And... I just noticed the colorful graffiti. The residents of Bon Temps have turned into the dude from Superbad (Exhibit A beginning 3:12). Only one flash of bitey Eric... but very possibly shirtless?

What About Eric?! -- It's Wickham and Darcy.

2009-08-17T02:28:00.008-04:00

This post is coming a little later than usual because I, like I suspect many of you, needed a moment or two to collect my muddled thoughts. And to stop drooling. And spazzing in front of the TV. I also felt it was quite necessary to watch the dream sequence again, not only to enjoy the... splendor... but to catch the lines of dialogue due to my distractedness during the first viewing. Oh, Eric. Yes, please.

In Episode 9, "I Will Rise Up," we saw a bit more emotion, and a focus on the family units in True Blood. That means there was Lettie Mae Thorton and Maxine Fortenberry acting maternal. (Surprisingly strong in Lettie Mae's case and unsurprisingly bitchy in Maxine's.) The babies remark from Mamma Hoyt was a low blow. But we know she's "full of hate."

But I can't contain myself any longer over the Eric scenes, and the explosion, so I must leave the family stuff for later.

How incredible was the bullet suck? I have been on pins and needles waiting to see if that scene would be cut in the book-to-show transition. Gladly, it remained, with a little tweaking.

So, the bomb goes off and there's squishy guts everywhere. And there goes Eric, covering Sookie. To protect her... maybe. Or because he's "opportunistic" (wink wink)? In the book, I imagined this as a face-to-face positioning, and I think it was. But, it worked out well here. When Eric leans back and grins fangily, I swore he was about to wink at the camera. I wish he had.

I lament the omission of the book Eric-Sookie kiss, after Eric's lust is kindled by the blood and Sookie taking his, where he says, "Your lips are bloody," and proceeds to... rectify that situation with his own.

Bill then explains that Sookie and Eric will have a blood bond of sorts. Sookie reacts to this by girly punching Eric and calling him an "A-hole." I kind of love it when he's all, "Yes, Bill, I do believe I can sense her emotions." and after she calls him a "monster," there's the classic, "I think I'm gonna cry." I love Eric.

Things I don't understand: Bill grabbing the Fellowship dudes and biting then claiming to have shown mercy. Hey, I guess he didn't chain them up in a basement or rip of their extremities, but he's no Mother Theresa.

Oh, and Bill: Why did you have to say SEXUAL like someone's Health teacher? No complaints about Eric and SEXUAL anything, Mr. Compton. At least not from me. His attractions are working without that blood bond, unless you know something I don't. The way Bill talks about it, you'd think Eric was frickin' Quasimodo or something.

I loved Jason's thumbs up for guts! I eeeewwwed after Luke's severed hand, of course it was the honesty ring one. (Sidebar: You know you're Twittering too much when you see a severed hand and think, NEW Twitter account for someone! @LukesHand... Hey, there's @EricsButt.)

Sookie and Jason's hotel conversation was very real, and touching, if not a teensy bit sullied by the fact that Jason was in a robe and chatting about his "sexual abilities." Maybe I'm more of a prude than Sookie, but I don't think I'm cool enough to be comfortable with that kind of talk with mon frere.

Lafayette was a big hero this week. He may be a "person of low moral character," but I loved him for being a good cousin and for taking Tara out of a bad situation whether she wants to be taken or not. The mix of emotions you felt when he tossed Tara over his shoulder pretty much embodied the show's appeal for me. It was a little funny, but it was sad and also strange and creepy with her hollering and black eyes.

So sick of Maryann, btw. And give Sam something better to do than run from Maryann. Or be a fly. Yeah, that was Sam Trammell's best performance so far! He really pulled off the fly. Geez. I like Sam, not every woodland creature that is good at fleeing from mobs and maenads.

Maxine's culinary prowess astounded me. Yeah. It was cheese toast with chips. And it was even the plastic cheese. Hoyt standing up for himself made me smile, and the fact that he's all, "I'm a grown-ass man!" ...but I'll take this sandwich!

I'll admit that I thought he looked a little more attractive to me standing up in that room with the low ceiling. Is Eric Northman inspiring tall guy fetishes? What? Who said that? For a moment, I thought Hoyt would deserve a card on Blood Work this week over Eric, even with the bullet suck. Little did I know...

Listen, I took notes during this scene, and just for a picture of how muddled my thoughts were, I will type them out verbatim, and then translate/elaborate with my real, second viewing notes.

Alison's notes, Take 1: HOLY CRAP! Hard to focus on dialogue... AAAAH! Hair. Just a taste of later. "There's love in you." "Only for Sookie." HE DESERVES A CARD. Guilty sex! Good Lord that was hot.

So, let's translate that, and add in my real notes (albeit still forcing my brain to focus when there's naked Skarsgard): I fully expected a guilty sex scene when Sookie wakes and turns to Bill. But, I guess that'll happen later, since it follows the formula (See the original post at Blood Bonds Blog).

NOTE POSSIBLE SPOILERS for non-book readers this paragraph... One of the things about the dream sequence is the fact that you pretty much could have taken it out of Dead to the World. And I appreciate the fact that they dropped another hint at Sookie's lineage. "Can't trade the sun for the moon and the stars."

You'll notice that he didn't bite her, which I expected, but they really meant to humanize him, yet again. But isn't this all coming at once for people who haven't been waiting all this time for Eric's real personality to come out? There weren't as many breadcrumbs left to lead you home to our "sense of humor" or love for "only Sookie" Eric. The first we saw of him was last episode. Hell, I loved it. But that doesn't mean everyone else will if you didn't set it up from day one like Charlaine Harris did.

This episode really showed the Eric I loved since Loving Dead in Dallas. The impish flirt, the loyal, the sensitive and noble man. He smirks and plays at a time when many of his brethren are dead. Bill punches Eric at a really, really bad time and he walks away. He cares for Godric enough to cry in front of Sookie, enough to offer himself to die in support of his maker. The dream Eric is really our future Eric, and the one we know is in there, it's both touching and painful, to see him like that now. Let me tell you, there are going to be a lot of red faces come two years from now, if there is a True Blood god.

The Godric parts were emotional, and I'm not a Godric fan, but you really saw the Sookie that Charlaine Harris wrote, come out. Maybe that's because the "Meeting the Sun" scene was done very similarly in print. I loved Sookie for taking Eric's hand and crying while Godric burned. And I loved her for being herself and doing what was right and not hiding behind Bill, for once.

I've talked to people who only watch the show and they ask me why when I say Sookie is my favorite character next to Eric. Well, this is why. I like the flirting with Eric-Sookie and the crying for Godric-Sookie and the cares for her brother-Sookie. I even like the cares for Bill-Sookie. But enough is enough. You are your own woman, Sookie Stackhouse, and it's not your job to run to Bill every time something goes south! At the very least you should run to Eric. He's not going to coddle you.

You know what my Bill and Eric philosophy is? Why would you want Mr. Wickham when Mr. Darcy's right there? I mean, HE'S GOING TO MARRY YOUR SISTER! Metaphorically speaking, Ms. Stackhouse. Wake up and smell your Mr. Northman. Preferably naked. Take a note from Elizabeth Bennet. She got it right, and I'm getting tired of waiting for you to follow suit.

Playlists -- Boy's Names

2009-08-17T00:03:00.002-04:00

I'm an equal opportunity poster. And I like boys. So, here we are. There's one name we all know on there! And it sounds just like his Fellowship days... or at least the part about the sun (It's son, but I don't care!). Oh, Jason. I like you so much better when you're fighting bigotry with paint balls than when you're the bigot. And it doesn't hurt that you're pretty.

The Lineup:

1. "Alfie" by Lily Allen (Official -- Puppets are creepy. Except for Angel puppets. I still love "Smile Time" best.)

2. "Phil & Don" by Camera Obscura (last.fm)

3. "Saint John" by Cold War Kids (Live)

4. "Georg Bendemann" by Siberian (Sound Only)

5. "Jason" by Sufjan Stevens (last.fm)

Video. "Jimmy Fallon" by The Willis (Live -- I think I needed a famous one. Burn a CD-R.)

Video. "Oh Larsen B" by British Sea Power (Live -- So it's a male Antarctic shelf. Because I say so. -- For poor audio... Lyrics.)

Playlists -- Girl's Names: Part 2

2009-08-16T00:28:00.029-04:00

Now for Part 2 of our 2-part Playlists series, "Girl's Names." (See Part 1 here.)

The Lineup:

1. "Ruby" by Kaiser Chiefs (Official -- You know half the song lyrics if you know the title.)

2. "Annie Oakley" by Miniature Tigers (last.fm and Real Annie Oakley shooting -- True story - I used to love Annie Oakley when I was little. That's why this liberal vegetarian knows things about "Little Sure Shot," I'm not a secret gun enthusiast. Another True Story - Related video to that one? "Hotties Shooting Guns." Yay Feminism!)

3. "Dammit Anna" by The Morning Benders (Official)

4. "Vivian, Don't" by The Spinto Band (Live -- Yes, Vivian is a popular name.)

5. "Mariella" by Kate Nash (Sound Only with Kate Nash Photo Slide show)

Video. "Luna" by Malajube (Official -- Luna girl has some nice hooded knitwear! Chlorine and knits don't mix. What happened to the sweater? I'm concerned.)

Skarsgard Fix -- He's a Hustler.

2009-08-15T01:03:00.017-04:00

Thanks to Eric Northman.net for posting this Access Hollywood article (and photos!). The distracting videos are also awesome, mainly when Mr. Skarsgard talks about Eric and Lafayette, "A Love Story with Two Hustlers." Love it.

And because, couldn't you use some? A few photo tributes. Set to U2 (with only minimal weirdness at beginning...) and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Let's look at pretty things.

Playlists -- Girl's Names: Part 1

2009-08-15T00:44:00.004-04:00

There's a reason it's a classic. And there's a reason this is a 2-part series... and that would be that I love Interpol and Malajube's music videos and could not choose between the two. Moving on... Whether it's love or the aftermath, every girl has a song with her name in it. She can only hope it's something along the lines of Mobius Band's "Hallie" and not Nerf Herder's "Annalee." Although they're both pretty catchy. Maybe she'll take the "streetwalker shoes" over nothing at all.

The Lineup:

1. "Hallie" by Mobius Band (Live)

2. "Ann Disaster" by Ben Kweller (Live - Solo, last.fm)

3. "Mary" by The Maccabees (Live)

4. "Vivian" by Nerf Herder (Live)

5. "Emily Kane" by Art Brut (Official)

Video. "Stella Was a Diver" by Interpol (Live)

Episode 9 -- It's Not Eric! Family Times.

2009-08-14T21:04:00.014-04:00

There's no Eric in our extra previews this week's True Blood, called "I Will Rise Up." But it seems like there's a whole lot of family drama going on. And who are our resident family people? Ones with Mama issues. That's Tara and Hoyt. Can't they ever catch a break?

A & Me -- True Blood Swag!

2009-08-14T20:49:00.006-04:00

This section is basically an excuse for me to say something relating directly to myself and indirectly to one of my blog topics. I call it, "A & Me" because it's quite exciting to me and may be to those A & E lovers out there, but probably not. It's at least as exciting as one can express these things via blocks of text. Maybe this would be more appropriate, :D Emoticons, what would we do without you?

Guess what I got in the mail yesterday?

True Blood Swag Bag!

That's right, my prize from the Songs for Sookie Contest! (See Part 1, Part 2 there, Parts 3 and 4 coming soon.)

True Blood Season 2 Notebook (left)
Back of True Blood Tee (right)
Front of True Blood Tee (bottom)

But wait! There's more!

A new tie-in copy of Living Dead in Dallas

And a Tru Blood Postcard

And because Sookie Stackhouse is awesome...

... she signed my copy of Living Dead in Dallas!

"Real vampires don't sparkle. Ever."

That's right, no Cullens over Northmans here!

It seems my permanent attachment to my iPod and obsessive True Blood watching and Sookie Stackhouse Novel-reading has finally paid off. In a way that feeds the addiction...

Thank you, @SookieBonTemps! Great contest!

Playlists -- It's Brit, not Bret.

2009-08-13T00:20:00.003-04:00

Music has to fit your mood, right? Or at least the mood you'd like to be in. As I'm packing away my things for school (or pretending to), I need a little upbeat tune to help me out. (I was thinking, help me whistle while I work, but that sounded a little too Disney.) Anyway, I've found some pop/rock songs from Britain work well for me. Why? Who knows? And "It's Brit, not Bret." because I'm American and do not confuse girls with my New Zealand accent. It's Brit.

The Lineup:

1. "First Love" by The Maccabees (Official)

2. "Death to Los Campesinos!" by Los Campesinos! (Recording)

3. "Eddie's Gun" by The Kooks (Official)

4. "A Love to Die For" by The Rifles (Sound Only - with annoying beginning ad)

5. "News and Tributes" by The Futureheads (Sound Only)

Video. "Thank You Very Much" by Kaiser Chiefs (Live)

Skarsgard Fix -- TMZ Special

2009-08-12T22:10:00.012-04:00

I know these are old, but they always make me laugh. They're also good if you need a Skarsgard fix with shades and smiles. I think it's pretty awesome how they call him "Crazy Named Guy" because they can't wrap their heads around Skarsgard. As if it isn't phonetic. This just wracks up the TMZ=Stupid, Alexander Skarsgard=Awesome points. At least they wise up in the end and say it right the first time. Or is it Saarsgard? Or Skarskard? Why do I know that name?

Playlists -- Radiohead Covers: Part 2

2009-08-12T00:15:00.000-04:00

It's been fun, but here's the final chapter in my 2-part playlist series of Radiohead covers (See Part 1 here). Goodnight and good Computer. OK? (Har de har.) Thank you, Stereogum!

The Lineup:

1. "Fitter Happier" by Samson Dalonoga (Feat. The Found Sound Orchestra) (last.fm and Original Unofficial Animated) -- P.S. There is speculation that Samson Dalonoga is really David Cross.

2. "Electioneering" by Cold War Kids (last.fm and Original Live Jay Leno)

3. "Climbing Up the Walls" by The Twilight Sad (last.fm and Original Live)

4. "No Surprises" by Marissa Nadler (Feat. Black Hole Infinity) (last.fm and Original Official Vid)

5. "Lucky" by My Brightest Diamond (last.fm and Original Live)

Video. "The Tourist" by Radiohead (Live)

"The Tourist" by Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble (last.fm)

"A&E" -- Button Skull Cap

2009-08-11T19:33:00.081-04:00

UPDATE: So, according to this thread on Etsy, it looks like I'll only be selling original stuff from now on. I'm glad I read that before I knit my heart out. Apologies for even thinking of Etsying something I didn't design. I feel bad, and I didn't even do it. Still look out for some Etsy things though, Alison originals (Maybe these ones I've put on the backburner.).

Find Ravelry Listing here and Etsy Listing will be up when I stop being a lazy bum and work on some of my design ideas.

Thus begins my Etsy adventure. So, this is the second piece I've made to get rid of my stash before I start selling some designs of my own on Etsy, a web site on which you can buy and sell handmade items. It's a Skull Cap from an old Knit.1 Magazine I had and it was pretty successful, in my opinion. I found that the first one I made was a bit too small, so I modified the band a little and chose a new yarn. Exciting.

The Stats:

The Pattern - #23 Cabled Hat or Skull Cap
Yarn - (substitution) about 1.5 Balls Knit Picks Merino Style in Asparagus
Needles - Size 6 DPNs from Knit Picks in Harmony Wood and a cable needle
Source - Winter 06/07 Knit.1 Magazine
Price - Originally $5.99 or Back Issues $8.99

[Songs]*rep to end. - "A&E"

"A&E" by Goldfrapp from Seventh Tree reminds me of this hat. It may be preppy cables, but it sure is green and that makes me think of nature sounds and shrubbery. Maybe it doesn't remind me of dancing leaf monsters, but if your hat does a little choreography, I won't charge extra.

Cable Pattern:

Let's Get Cozy - Button Skull Cap (CO 8/7/09, FO 8/11/09)

I'm very pleased with how this pattern worked out. My mods came out wonderfully, and the Merino Style shows off the cables and isn't at all itchy. I didn't run into any problems along the way. I've decided to add some buttons from my button jar, which is just a big jar of found buttons, but only after asking the buyer first. So I took some photos of the hat sans buttons, and some with the buttons against the fabric. If it was me, I'd add them, but I want to keep my options open. I was thinking of adding 3 in graduated order.

Buttons Available:

Playlists -- Radiohead Covers: Part 1

2009-08-11T00:13:00.037-04:00

I had originally planned something different for tonight, but instead, I've found myself unable to stop listening to this collection of covers. These Radiohead covers from some of my favorite artists were originally available as a free download on Stereogum. Then they lost the rights. BUT now, I find in my linky research that it's available for download once again! Here are some of the artist notes, and of course, the download. So, now it's streaming (among other places) on last.fm and I can bring it to you. These covers of Radiohead's OK Computer were collected on the tenth anniversary of the album's release. And boy are they awesome. So here we go with Part 1 of my 2-part playlist series of Radiohead covers. Enjoy!

The Lineup:

1. "Airbag" by Doveman (last.fm and Original Live)

2. "Paranoid Android" by Slaraffenland (last.fm and Original Jools Holland)

3. "Subterranean Homesick Alien" by Mobius Band (last.fm and Original Live)

4. "Exit Music (for a Film)" by Vampire Weekend (last.fm and Original Live)

5. "Let Down" by David Bazan's Black Cloud (last.fm and Original Live)

Video. "Karma Police" by Radiohead (Above is Live and Left is Official)

"Karma Police" by John Vanderslice (last.fm)

Episode 9 -- What, No Eric?!

2009-08-10T00:03:00.016-04:00

Relax. Relax. Of course there will be Eric in Ep.9 of True Blood, "I Will Rise Up." Just not in this preview. It looks like we'll see a lot of mamas next week. Both Lettie Mae Thorton and Maxine Fortenberry make an appearance. Bill doesn't look too happy about the explosion and Maryann needs herself a sacrifice in the form of our favorite shifter. There's no Eric, Sookie, Jason or Godric in it though. Can anybody say, cliffhanger? But, is it really? Goodbye, Sookie Stackhouse and Eric Northman or Hello, really gullible people?

What About Eric?! -- The Dweeby Debonair

2009-08-09T22:58:00.055-04:00

Where to begin this week? Any where's good, but at the beginning is best when I'm so excited and ready to gush. I believe this was my favorite True Blood episode to date. This week's, Ep. 8, "Timebomb" was a Beck song, which made the music lover in me all warm and fuzzy at the thought ("Timebomb" music video here). But they really pulled out all the stops.

Let's get to it. This was basically the Jason Stackhouse episode. I think his response to a paintball crotch shot by Sarah Newlin was pretty priceless. "Sweet Jesus!" And then, to dumb FotS member who questions, "Is that a paintball gun?" ... "Um... yes." Classically Jason Stackhouse, all puffed up and heroic, but still sort of stupid.

I rather enjoyed seeing Jason still defending his sister, knocking Sarah Newlin over and shooting Steve Newlin in the hand and face with the paintball gun.

I kind of loved his moment with Bill where he describes his FotS insanity as "sucked out my brain and put their own babies in there." And Bill was a little bit of a jerk to him with the hug, which granted, vampires don't do, but how many times as Bill hugged Sookie? He can't accept a hug from her brother?

And as a segue, let's address the cute-but-scary Eric-Jason conversation, which was kind of a threatening big brother talk in reverse. Jason should be the one putting Sookie's would-be suitor in his place, but Eric all but pats poor Jason on the head. (You ever notice how Eric episodes are usually Jason episodes? Both "Plaisir d'amour" and "Escape from Dragon House" in Season 1, for example.)

How hysterical was Human Eric? (Starting 4:18) I think I just about lost it when he all smoothly leans into Sookie and whispers seductively, "Trust me." and proceeds to hang his head, shrug his shoulders and use the word "dang." That moment explained a lot about Eric. He sees humans as sort of bumbling nerds, apparently. And I kind of love it.

I had a Home Alone moment when Eric walks away all, "I'll be fine." (One of his lines from Generation Kill, I hear, but don't remember. Too much time spent oogling to remember lines?). Even though I've read the books, I feel like anything can happen. Maybe Eric won't die, but there might be some damage to his pretty face and we can't not worry about that. Anyway, what I found most interesting about his sacrificial moment was that after Bill comes into the church and the FotS members are basically defeated, Sookie doesn't fall into Bill's arms, but runs to save Eric from the silver chain.

We saw Eric smile more in this episode than in any so far, and what a treat it is, fangs or no. And at the party, Eric's entrance into the Bill and Sookie conversation also had me cracking up. "Mmmmm. Heard my name. I hope you were speaking well of me." I don't know how Eric can be this incredibly sexy, powerful force and also sound something like that annoying dude who can't take a hint. I think if I didn't love Eric so much, I wouldn't insanely laugh every time they make him say something a little nerdy. I like the idea of him being so confident in himself that he manages to be menacing, dweeby and charming at the same time. Pretty much perfect.

What was Sam thinking? I can't figure out his reasoning, wrapping her halfway up in a trash bag, like some kind of trash bag mermaid and then calling the police. And in other Daphne news... we finally found out what was in the weird stew served at the orgies, and in this case, in a souffle served to Eggs and Tara.

That whole scene was very bizarre, and I'm still sick of the Maryann stuff. They've drawn out that story way too long. They've dropped so many clues that I feel like I'm watching a blue cartoon dog. Tara and Eggs: Searching for Paw prints... and slapping each other in the face.

But you had to love that shot of the souffle. I mostly enjoyed the noise that the knife made as it cut and the blood spurted out. I understand that Eggs and Tara were compelled to eat once they took a bite, but the first one? You can't help but think, why would you eat that? It doesn't look good. It looks like blood. You wonder why they would even touch it.

Oh, and Maryann? You're not supposed to cut meat on a wooden cutting board! You'll give yourself foodborne illnesses! No one wants to do nasty, lusty things while their food spurts out of both ends, Maenad!

The only thing I can say about the Hoyt-Jessica scenes is, ew. While I thought, geez, he got those buttons undone fast, then said awww that his shirt had snaps, there was a t.m.i. moment in there. Enough said.

I also have a problem with Godric. I don't understand their reasoning for him without the book's explanation. I think without that, his being there makes no sense. His apprehension of Gabe makes no sense. I can't wait to see their reasons for his whole deal beyond, "They kidnapped me, I didn't want to kill them." It just doesn't jive with the hints dropped earlier, unless that was meant to mislead the novel readers.

The Lorena-Sookie scene was yet another example of where Godric (who isn't supposed to be there) intervenes when it could have been Eric. I wanted it to be Eric. Sometimes, it just doesn't feel right when people who weren't there in the scenes in the novels are there in the show. Most of the time, I say to myself, that wasn't better than it was done in the novels. It was just different for the sake of being different. (AND what was with Lorena's hair...?)

I suppose any book-to-show changes can be forgiven this week with the insertion of Human Eric. That was just brilliant and hilarious and soooo worth it.

You have to love when they give the people what they want. (More. Eric.)

Playlists -- Art Brut

2009-08-09T16:18:00.009-04:00

Just because I've gotten lazy and I want to put up a new playlist, I give you Art Brut. If you haven't heard of them, they're all about rock 'n roll and "Yes. That is my singing voice." Because they "formed a band," yes, they "formed a band." End of my fun. If this makes no sense, refer to "Formed a Band." If you don't like it, I'll tell you right now that neither did I when I first heard it. But if you don't laugh when they say, "I've seen her naked... twice!" you're made of stone. Or you just don't get Art Brut.

The Lineup:

1. "Formed a Band" by Art Brut (Live)

2. "St. Pauli" by Art Brut (Live)

3. "Alcoholics Unanimous" by Art Brut (Official)

4. "The Passenger" by Art Brut (Live on KEXP)

5. "Direct Hit" by Art Brut (Official)

Video. "Pump up the Volume" by Art Brut

Playlists -- Knit Knit Play

2009-08-08T00:04:00.002-04:00

It's high time I chose some songs for knitters. So here we are, a collection of songs closely and less closely related to knitting. I've included a knitting pattern after each song or a helpful video. Get knitting!

The Lineup:

1. "Socks and Shoes" by Four Fifty One (Live -- in a fishtank and How to Turn the Heel of a sock)

2. "The Sweater Song" by Weezer (Official and from How to Pick Up Dropped Stitches and Drop Stitch Vest from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation)

3. "Pink Sweater" by Noisettes (last.fm and This awesome Pink Sweater from Stitch 'n Bitch and Knitty Gritty)

4. "Wise Man" by Liam Finn (Live and ...Is he a knitwise man or a purlwise man?)

5. "Over" by Portishead (Official Vid and Use Yarn Over in this pattern to make a holey shawl! -- Opens pdf.)

Video. "Ball of Yarn" by Birdmonster (Live in NYC -- at beginning -- and Baby Cashmere Merino Silk Yarn by Sublime. Yes, please!)

Video. "Three Seed" by Silversun Pickups (Live and How to make Seed Stitch -- This easy Seed Stitch Scarf)

Episode 8 -- It's Eric! I don't understand.

2009-08-07T10:48:00.009-04:00

So Eric's finally becoming the big deadly teddy bear we've come to love from our Sookie Stackhouse Novels. And Sookie gets all insightful. What's next, Eric admits he has feelings? I hope so. (Clip posted to Alexander Skarsgard Fans Blog yesterday.)

Playlists -- Writer's Block

2009-08-07T00:07:00.006-04:00

The idea for this stems mostly from the fact that I happen to love "Kurt Vonnegut" from Born Ruffians and I wanted to do a writer's playlist around that. So it's about the process, the products, the greats. There's a live version at the top, and a sound-only link at the bottom. (They didn't play the whole song on the first vid.) Sharpen your pencils!

The Lineup:

1. "Handwriting" by Bottom of the Hudson (Unofficial Vid -- In the olden days.)

2. "Cut Cut Paste" by Tokyo Police Club (Live -- Something I always do when I write...)

3. "You Could Write a Book" by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Live -- ...If you were Kurt Vonnegut?)

4. "& So It Goes" by Albert Hammond, Jr. (last.fm -- Not sure if it's meant to be, but I always thought this came from the saying in Slaughterhouse-Five.)

5. "Kilgore Trout" by The Appleseed Cast (last.fm -- Science Fiction writer in Slaughterhouse-Five)

Video. "Kurt Vonnegut" by Born Ruffians (Live and link at left to Sound Only Vid)

Songs for Sookie -- Ben Kweller

2009-08-06T12:34:00.002-04:00

This is Part 2 of the 4-part, "Songs for Sookie" series. Here we go with a little Ben Kweller and a little graveyard romance. Enjoy. (See Part 1 here.)

2. One song that helps Sookie stay strong through the ordeal.

"Sundress" by Ben Kweller (Lyrics)

I thought that the main thing Sookie would be thinking about while she was imprisoned, and why she was, was Bill. So, to get her through the ordeal, I chose "Sundress." This song is very romantic and is how I imagine Bill thinks of Sookie. Let's not forget that she wore a sundress to their first date even though it was at night. Plus there's the whole, "I can smell the sunlight on your skin." thing. It seemed like a good choice.

The line, "I do everything you want me to," while somewhat contradictory to Bill's wishes (more like Eric's), fits in with Sookie doing what she believes is best for both of them. Sookie often said in the books that she changed when she met Bill ("From the inside-out/You've changed girl, you know you have.").

Even in the show, that everything that happened to her since she met Bill was for him, that without him none of it would have happened. "I chose it when I chose you." That's got to be on Sookie's mind. Why else is she doing this?

Alexander Skarsgard -- Hot Captain Planet?

2009-08-06T00:20:00.006-04:00

I decided not to post every new development on Mr. Skarsgard, but how can I not share the good news when Alexander Skarsgard turns out to be a hot Captain Planet?

I can't help but be impressed by his environmentalism. He recently joined "Tails for Whales," and now the good people over at Skarsgard News are making copies of his anchor jewelry and donating the profits to the cause! So, it's got Alexander Skarsgard, it's got whales and saving the environment. Read the story here (... there are also some shirtless pics if that's more of an incentive.)

Funny story about this necklace? I recently had a discussion with a friend about it. After seeing the recent pictures of the actor in LAX, she said to me, "You remember the necklace."

Of course, I did not remember. So I asked her to show me where I'd seen it before. Well, it just so happens that the one place I'd seen it was in those shirtless pics... in the form of the Facebook Application, "Alexander Skarsgard," in one very aptly titled, "Grr. Alex." So there you have it.

The only thing I could say was, "I totally missed that. I was a little distracted. And not looking at his accessories. Or at least not his jewelry."

UPDATE: (8/23/09 7:42 p.m. -- TRUE BLOOD SUNDAY!) The necklaces are now available for purchase here for $185 with all proceeds going to Tails for Whales. Read the story from Skarsgard News here.

Playlists -- Bands with Animal Names: Part 2

2009-08-06T00:20:00.003-04:00

And now the exciting conclusion of our 2-part playlist series, "Bands with Animal Names." (Find Part 1 here.) Here we go.

The Lineup:

1. "Wasting My Life" by The Hippos (Official Vid and Real Hippos -- Why are animals always more amusing when set to music? and Animated Hippos in Tu-Tu's -- "They don't unnerve me like they used to." ... For you Oz fans.)

2. "Teenage, Bats & Anthropology" by We Are Wolves (Live and Real Wolves -- With Pan flutes! Or some kind of pan flute-like instrument...)

3. "Lolita" by Elefant (Live and Real Painting Elephants -- More talented than me.)

4. "The Wedding Song" by Das Llamas (last.fm and Real Llamas and Murderous Animated Llamas -- Kaaaaarrrrl.)

5. "Lord Leopard" by Caribou (Unofficial Vid -- Animated and Real Caribou -- Fighting Grizzlies. If this happened in the music world, it would either be a lot less or a lot more exciting. I haven't decided yet.)

Video. "Let's Dance to Joy Division" by The Wombats (Real Wombat -- This is sad and cute at the same time.)

Songs for Sookie -- Cold War Kids

2009-08-05T17:05:00.027-04:00

Everyone knows about the Twitter/Facebook True Blood personalities. It just so happens that Sookie Stackhouse decided to throw a contest for a True Blood swag bag from one of the parties at Comic-Con this year. What was the contest? Choose four songs for Sookie's time in the FotS basement.

Could this be more for me? I think not. Why do I think that? Because I won! (End gloating.) Here are the original rules to the contest and here is the winners announcement.

But I thought this would be the perfect time to explain my song choices based on the parameters given and share the media here. That means a clip of the show which was my inspiration, the song video and lyrics with explanations. And because I'm sure nothing exciting is going to happen before Sunday, I'll make this a 4-part series called, "Songs for Sookie." (btw, as I am writing that statement, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer get engaged... Alexander Skarsgard will not be naked in next week's True Blood. C'mon magical contradictory powers! It's worth a shot, right?)

1. One Song that reflects Sookie's state of mind on imprisonment.

"Something is Not Right With Me" by Cold War Kids (Lyrics)

The video I had originally chosen was taken down for infringement, I guess, so instead I offer the actual Barry-maiming as my aid. I chose Cold War Kid's "Something is Not Right With Me" because it's how I imagine Sookie sees her infiltration of the FotS and her following imprisonment. "Something is not right with me/Trying not to let it show" is exactly how Sookie sees her telepathy, and especially in this situation, she has to keep a straight face, even knowing the horrible things Steve Newlin and Gabe want to do to her.

I think that the line "the people who are sleeping late into the evening/Reach behind they can hardly find their spines" described the Fellowship members and how they see the world.

The other part I thought fit well is, "I tried to call you... but you would not accept...your friends are laughing" It's modified a little, but it made me think of the Bill-Lorena scene where she smashes his (weird-looking) phone. Bill can't accept Sookie's telepathic call through Barry because of Lorena.

"You find out who's dating who,/But when it comes to you/One's pulling us in different ways in the mind" Is excellent to describe, not only Sookie's telepathy, but her tendency to rack up the male suitors.

And lastly, just for my fun, which no one probably got, "It was smokey but it died in your front yard," I thought was frickin' hilarious when applied to Sookie. If anyone has read the books, a lot of people die in Sookie's yard and some are even burnt up there.

Anna and Stephen are ENGAGED!

2009-08-05T16:54:00.005-04:00

I have to spread the word if I can! That's right, TV's Bill and Sookie are getting hitched! This is great news for Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. Congrats! (Let's just hope Bill and Sookie don't get any ideas... We need some room for Eric!) Read the MSNBC article here. Fan video with clips from good scenes and bad music below... (Ew.)

Playlists -- Bands with Animal Names: Part 1

2009-08-05T00:35:00.006-04:00

Tonight's playlist is inspired by the band, Fruit Bats which I saw on WXPN's My Morning Download today. (They're kind of like The Swimmers meets The Meligrove Band, if you need a frame of reference.) There is a certain problem when looking for videos for bands with animal names. You're looking for this and you find this. But AAAAWWWW. Maybe it's not a problem. Just because that was so much fun and kuuuuuute (I thank Chris Leavins for that one.) I'll link a corresponding animal video with the music one. Yay for confusion! I'm making this a 2-day extravaganza, so get ready to be dazzled by some vids! This has to be my greatest idea EVER.

The Lineup:

1. "Library Sex" by Flamingo Crash (last.fm and Real Flamingos -- Dancing fools!)

2. "Cherries in the Snow" by Elk City (Official Video and Real Elk and his Dog friend -- Born to be wild!)

3. "Ex-Girl Collection" by The Wrens (Sound Only and Real Carolina Wrens)

4. "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" by Frightened Rabbit (Live Acoustic in Philadelphia and Real Wheelchair Rabbit)

5. "Alligator" by Grizzly Bear (Live and Real Grizzly Bears)

Video. "Canyon Girl" and "Lives of Crime" by Fruit Bats

"Made It Up" -- Highlander's Stole... Take 2

2009-08-04T00:13:00.004-04:00

While working on the Highlander's Stole in my super lacy and fuzzy Suri Dream, I found myself wondering, "Why did I think this was a good idea?" So here we are: Me dropping stitches (which I never do) and cursing my decision versus having happy relaxing knitting time. In the end, it took me a very short time to decide that this version would not provide enough cover for a strapless dress, would not be fun to work with and would be all around bad. The Suri Dream will be some other nice thing of mine when the time is right. From here on out, I'll only post ideas and FOs. Everything else is sure to expose my tendency to change my mind. Here we go: Second verse, same as the first...

The Stats:
Same as the first except...
Yarn - (substitution) 2-3 skeins Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Black
Needles - (Which I neglected to mention) Cable needle

[Songs]*rep to end. - "Made It Up"
In honor of my indecisive nature, I choose this song about the indecisive nature of others sung by the one and only Ben Kweller. That would be "Made It Up" from Sha Sha, a great album. Ben Kweller has those tunes that just melt away the unhappy and leave only shiny music notes for your listening pleasure. The music on this album also epitomizes my knitting frustration. It feels really angry, but it's still knitting, so even the most frightening rages are softened by the presence of yarn. Or in Kweller's case, the presence of Kweller himself. Too cute to be angry.

Ben kweller make it up live la cigale
by agentshirley

Let's Get Cozy... again. - New and improved Highlander's Stole (CO 7/12/09, FO 7/16/09)
This project knit up super quick, although the blocking takes a little more time. The pattern uses a basketweave cable, which is really easy (just alternating a front, left cable and a back, right cable) and looks intricate and cool. It took me 11 cable patterns plus 1 up-to-row-4 one to reach 50 inches exactly. I've paired mine with a vintage brooch and the knitted fabric has yet to snag or refuse to fit in the clasp, despite the super bulky yarn weight. I couldn't be happier. It's the picture of style and function. It's a stole in the fall and it can double as a bulky scarf when it's snowy and slushy! It's practically magical.

That magic is thanks in part to the yarn, which the cashier at JoAnn Fabrics remarked, "That's really soft, isn't it?" So you know it's awesome. Thick & Quick is a yarn that I've used often. It's fairly inexpensive, washable, looks good, easy to work with and comes in fun colors. That last point obviously doesn't apply to this project, of course in the dark, colorless color Black (creative name, Lion Brand). Anyway, it's a good choice. For real this time. I know from previous projects that cables are easy-peasy with this yarn. Crisis averted, for the time being. Let's hope for the best and see where this yarn and this little stole takes us. I bet it's somewhere exciting. It is yarn, after all. I'd like to think Paris, France but it's more like My Futon, Pennsylvania. That sounds French, right?

Anyway, as it turns out, the cable pattern tends to make the piece a bit tight around the middle, so blocking is quite necessary. It may be a quick knit, but my putting off the blocking... Well, that takes a wee bit longer. There's a good article on blocking from About.com here. Then you'll be extra pretty. Or at least une jolie futon.

Playlists -- The Game of Clue?

2009-08-04T00:09:00.003-04:00

Okay, maybe that's just a nice way for me to say all these songs are about murder. Why are there songs about murder today? Well, me tell you a story. This morning, I ate cereal for breakfast and that made me wonder if anyone liked cereal enough to write a song about it. The answer? No. No one except the Post company. But who did write a song about cereal? Method Man and Redman. The only thing was, they wrote about a "cereal killer" in a song called "Cereal Killer." (No I am not making this up.) So, of course, I laughed about that for a while. I am completely convinced that that song title made it all the way to the album just for my fun. Anyway, I also noticed that there were a lot of songs about murder and killing and weapons. So why not share them with you folks? My top choice for killer songs would have to be "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads. It's been covered so many times and it's still awesome.

The Lineup:

1. "Knife" by The Briefs (Live -- Sorry, crappy audio.)

2. "Cold Blooded" by The Horrors (last.fm)

3. "To the Kill" by Violent Femmes (Live)

4. "Murder Me Rachael" by The National (Live at SPIN)

5. "Kill" by Sufjan Stevens (Unofficial Fan Vid)

Video. "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads

Episode 8 -- True Blood + Beck = Love

2009-08-03T15:38:00.010-04:00

BECK, bitches! If I didn't already love True Blood, this would be a reason for me to. Oh, True Blood. Is there anything you can't do? Promo for Episode 8, "Timebomb."

And just for fun, here's Beck's "Timebomb" -- because if you don't like Beck, you should. Not my favorite Beck song, but still frickin' good. How can you say no to animated color block Tetris hamsters? Genius.

UPDATE: Someone posted this video to YouTube, more lovely music/True Blood mashing. I feel like this pairing causes kittens to purr and the stars to twinkle and people to hold fondue parties and makes it rain blood orange soda beverage onto shirtless Alexander Skarsgard. What was I saying? Oh, yes. We were talking about True Blood.

Playlists -- A Fangy Salut

2009-08-03T00:20:00.005-04:00

Well, just because I've got True Blood fever, I thought I'd get a head start on my playlist for tonight: Vampire Songs. Record Cozy's playing Connie the Corpse from K-DED for the night ;) First of all, because last.fm doesn't have a clip or full-length version of Say Hi's "Angels and Darlas" I have to include the link here. (That would be the Joss Whedon characters for those of you who are unfamiliar.)
And because I think it's important you know your band history (even recent history), below is the trailer for the movie Vampire Weekend. One I'm not sure was ever made. Sure, it's pretty low budget, but it had to have the best soundtrack EVER. In any case, it is the namesake for that hipster favorite, you guessed it, Vampire Weekend. They don't really sing about vampires, but they deserve some representation. Don't you think? (And yes, that is Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend and Wesley Miles of Ra Ra Riot. I know, I love it too.)

The Lineup:

1. "Georgette Plays a Goth" by Tullycraft (Official Vid -- Animated)

2. "Fresh Blood" by Eels (Official Vid)

3. "Blood" by Editors (Official Vid)

4. "Closer" by Kings of Leon (Live -- Everyone sing along!)

5. "We Suck Young Blood" by Radiohead (Unofficial Vid with Paper Cut-Outs)

Video. (Linked) "Angels and Darlas" by Say Hi

What About Eric?! -- Tears and Tender Moments

2009-08-03T00:00:00.006-04:00

I think I awwwed more than I ever have in my life tonight. There were so many tender moments in this week's True Blood. There were also really horrible and disgusting moments, but still. Let's talk about the touching moments and leave the upsetting stuff for later.

It's pretty much a requirement that I start with Eric, and in Episode 7: "Release Me," we see Eric's first blood tears. Again, it's over Godric and the realization that he might be dead.

But that wasn't Eric's only tender moment. He also was more than merely curious about the appeal of human-vampire relationships in his conversation with Isabel. She calls him on his fondness for Sookie and his response is, "Stop looking at me like that." A very manly show of emotion.

In another human-vampire relationship, Hoyt and Jessica really made us smile again with Hoyt's romantic gesture of candles (blood-scented...) and rose petals and Jessica's understanding nature. The mood of the scene was no less cute when Jessica warns that she might "look dead" while they cuddle.

That scene sort of segued us into the Bill-Lorena scene where both vampires attempted to go without their day's rest and proceeded to bleed from their noses and ears. Lovely. This differs from the novels, in which vampires very literally die, or at least are in such a deep sleep they cannot be roused. The change in the rules makes sense for the show so that all the characters can be active at all times. We can't watch Sookie run errands and work at Merlotte's all day. At least in the books we gain a little insight into feelings and motivations of Sookie's and other characters through her meditations and telepathy. That's just not doable in the show.

We also see a little more of Bill's past, about 10 years later than the last flashback. Bill's wearing his smoking jacket and Lorena and tap dancer girl have really strange eyebrows, but more importantly, Bill is refusing to be a monster for Lorena and is released from her and that life so he won't kill himself. More tears from his Maker.

Really, this is making the audience much too sympathetic towards Bill for what comes later in the story line, if you ask me. This different direction makes me wonder if they will even follow one crucial element of the later novels. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I'm quite pleased with the way the Sam-Daphne-Maryann-Tara thing has played out. It was especially gratifying to see Sam sock Daphne in the face. The entire opening sequence, through when Sam runs from Maryann and shifts into an owl was the best Sam scene so far this season. It goes to show what amazing actors they hired when you see something so incredibly unreal and it feels real because it's ugly and terrifying in a very human way.

Sam got a few aws too. Like when he poured his heart out to Daphne. Then Daphne, well, she poured out her heart into Maryann's hand. And her blood out of her back-stabbing mouth. I'm not too sad about that one. What does that say about me? That was a little less tender, or a little more, but in a Hannibal Lecter sort of way.

It's nice to know that Tara has at least started to come to her senses. You can see the gears turning in there, but there's still something wrong with that whole picture. I definitely had a moment of frustration when Maryann comes into the house with the rabbit carcass barefoot and covered in blood and dirt and Eggs and Tara just say, "She's weird." and "Poor bunny." I really wanted Tara to do something, anything involving her screaming some sort of expletive and running off. No joy. Or maybe too much on the Maryann front.

The Fellowship of the Sun basement stuff came pretty much verbatim from the book, with the exception that Hugo Ayres was a vampire lawyer who went to the FotS, not just a fangbanger. His cover story was different and he didn't want to become a vampire at all.

The Barry the Bellboy stuff was the same, although we only heard saw it from Sookie's end and there was no Lorena to interfere (She's introduced in Club Dead). Even though I knew Godric saves Sookie from Gabe, I still almost thought it was Eric coming to her rescue. I think that was just because I wanted to be.

Jason's story actually fit perfectly with the Fellowship parts, but I wonder how they're going to have he and Sookie meet up in the current situation, and with how the book events occurred. He's obviously not shot by Sarah Newlin, and I know this mainly because the "Rest of Season 2" Comic-Con promo showed the next scene with a paint ball mark on his shirt. This also happened before Season 2 aired, when they revealed in one promo Sam laying the ton of cash at Maryann's feet before that particular mystery was solved. Maybe they don't count on people remembering every little thing from every 30 second promo.

And of course, we finally find out that Maryann is a maenad and THANK GOD for that. Us novel readers, we're about ready to poke our eyes out during those scenes. (Greek Tragedy reference, get it? I shouldn't make eye gouging jokes. Too late.)

Overall, this episode was excellent. The parts that bored me previously were amazing and suspenseful and the parts I've always enjoyed got even better. This may be my favorite episode of the season. I really cannot wait for more. Not that that's anything new. Maybe a little more Eric? (Because I have to.)

Life Begins at Night -- Waiting for True Blood

2009-08-02T19:15:00.005-04:00

Here I am on another Sunday, trying to keep my mind off of the MANY hours before this week's True Blood. Well, I'm tired of it. But I'm a humanitarian, so I'm going to help out all you folks out in Internet land and give you my tips for wasting time until 9 p.m.

Tip #1: Read your Sookie Stackhouse Novels
A tried and true method to beat the not-nine-yet blues. What better way to forget about seeing your favorite characters on screen than seeing them in your mind's eye? You can either read the passages covered this week (something in Living Dead in Dallas for tonight's) or read your favorite scenes over (and over and over...) again. Not only will it help you better understand the plot line of the week, but you can relive those which didn't make the cut. For me, that's all about Eric. Oh, Book Eric. You always know what to say. And do. And how to look. Viking.

Tip #2: Utilise YouTube
What's not on right now? True Blood. What is on all the time? Every video clip ever that has to do with the show, the characters, the actors and the fans. My top picks:
The Best of Eric Northman - That's all Eric, all the time. The best of every episode. Blood lusty Eric is almost as good as lusty Eric. And also very similar... The below is from "Scratches." Happy memories.

You're also sure to enjoy SkarsgardChannel, which hosts, not only Alex's True Blood clips, but clips of his Swedish films with English subtitles. I would listen to him talk about steel any day. This one's a clip from Iron Angels.

Panels and Interviews are always welcome. Maybe you'll glean a little of the week's plot or see the beginnings of an especially scandalous exchange. This one's not real, obviously, but I still like it. Sookie Stackhouse gives an interview. Oh, for when Blood Copy didn't suck. I meant when it wasn't just for vampires!

Tip #3: Twitter
You follow your favorite True Blood sites? Well, you should. They provide episode countdowns and up-to-the-minute news when you're feeling uninformed. You want to talk to the Bon Temps crowd? Well you can, almost. Maybe Sookie herself will tell you that it'll all be alright when the show comes on, or maybe it'll be less comforting. Sookie doesn't always get in the safest situations (Fellowship basements? Open graves? Vampire love triangles?)... But most of all, it acts as a sort of Truebie support group. Anyone who's talking about True Blood is probably saying, "3 more hours!" just like you. It's practically warm and fuzzy.

Tip #4: The Rerun
Tape each episode of True Blood and you can watch them whenever you want. To pass the time, I always watch the last episode before the new one. It helps me keep up, notice new things and satisfies that craving like a nicotine patch.

Tip #5: Watch vlogs and read blogs
People are talking about True Blood 24/7, and typing about it, and thinking about it. It's all out there. It's interesting to read others' impressions, their favorite moments and characters. That helps you see the old news in fresh ways. There's always something to look for. My top picks: Camp Blood's Blood Work, The Vault and Loving True Blood in Dallas. There is nothing funnier than Brian and Andy talking True Blood. It's brilliant in this girl's humble opinion. And if you want True Blood news, you can't go wrong with The Vault and Loving True Blood in Dallas. They post everything, and I mean everything you could ever want to know.

I hope these tips help you pass the time until True Blood's on. I know writing them has helped me ;) and I've used all of these methods myself. They're tested.

Any True Blood fan knows that "Life Begins at Night." For us, that's Sunday's at 9. For everyone else, who cares? Anyone want to come to Fangtasia with me to watch Eric text message people? Tru Bloods are on me. If only...

And True Blood's on in T-minus 2 HOURS.

Playlists -- Scary Storms!

2009-08-02T12:23:00.006-04:00

Now, I'm writing this post after the fact because I wanted to explain my song choices for this day. On this particular Sunday, I was in my house waiting for True Blood to come on and there was an insane rainstorm outside. The power was flickering on and off, the driveway was practically flooded and the trees looked like they were about to be uprooted, the wind was blowing so hard. So there I was, thankful for my laptop's battery, and choosing some songs about the rain. End of story time.

Asobi Seksu's "Blind Little Rain," a little happier than my rainstorm, but the water's still "not safe to go in today." That's a little serious.

The Lineup:

1. "Sound of Thunder" by Duran Duran (Live)

2. "Swimming in the Flood" by Passion Pit (Sound Only)

3. "Mind Flood" by Sam Roberts (Live -- Yee-haw!)

4. "Just Stay In" by Annuals (last.fm)

5. "I Am a Lightning Rod" by Margot & The Nuclear So & So's (Very Casual Live Vid)

Video. "Blind Little Rain" by Asobi Seksu

Can't Even Go to the Movies -- Love, Cables

2009-08-02T00:00:00.004-04:00

I just saw the new Harry Potter film IN 3D! Well, the first 10 minutes and the previews were in 3D. But, as any good knitter will, I spent the entire movie not concerned over magic and Death Eaters, but moreso with the knitted items the cast wore.

Though I did identify the various techniques used to craft Ron's sweater and admire each girl's cardigan while longing for some cooler weather, I was most intrigued by Hermione's hat, a simple cable and lace beanie.

This clip shows Hermione and her handsome hat quite -- quick and blurry-- but it's there. Yay for videos! (Marker 2:20 or so maybe a little later.)

Of course, I came home and immediately started my search for duplicating this pattern. So far I've found that some other knitters have made their own Hermione hats. Here, JL Yarnworks crafts a nifty little hat in Patons Classic Merino, a worsted weight yarn and Size 5 circs and DPNs (pattern on linked page).

But I was thinking of basing the pattern off of the Winter 06/07 Knit.1's Skull Cap Cabled Hat (one variation of mine here on Ravelry), which uses DK weight yarn and only Size 6 DPNs. Although this pattern uses a 4-st cable with 2 sts in between the cables, a slight (or not so slight) modification of the number of stitches in the non-cable panel to 3 to account for the lace pattern. This adjustment doesn't worry me because the original cable pattern came out much too small the first time I knit it. I'll double the band size of the Skull Cap to match Hermione's, of course. I'm thinking of a deep red for the color, like Cranberry. Then we're cooking! Or knitting!

I've make several different versions of this hat with different DK weight Knit Picks yarns including Swish DK and Elegance. I think it'll be just as awesome as a nerd hat can be. I'm especially excited to start working on this one because Knit Picks just released new weights of their Gloss yarn (like the extra perfect Gloss DK-- shivering with knitty joy!). That means soft yarn and super warminess!

Oh, knitters. You can't even watch a movie without thinking about cables. You can't even watch cable with thinking about cables. What am I going to do with you?

Playlists -- Robot Songs

2009-08-01T22:20:00.012-04:00

Why robots? Just because I can.

The Lineup:

1. "Robot Rock" by Daft Punk (Official Video -- "We wanted ones like Daft Punk." Yo.)

2. "Citizens of Tomorrow" by Tokyo Police Club (Live)

3. "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead (Jools Holland)

4. "Sad Robot" by Stars (Live -- "Do you like the ambient noise box?" Random, and yet, I heart.)

5. "Doyle is Dead" by Apes & Androids (Live)

Video. "Robots" by Flight of the Conchords (clip from the show)

The Guild -- +5 Awesome

2009-08-01T19:51:00.028-04:00

UPDATE: I was originally going to post this alone, but when "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar" sprung up, I went for that instead. But I can't keep looking at this post anymore, so I'm going to pretend I published this way back when and not on (8/21/09 12:06 a.m.) Really it says... (8/1/09 7:51 p.m.) Timestamping, you both save and ruin me. Please enjoy. (See more recent post here.)

Old news is news, right? I just heard of this web series with Felicia Day (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog) about a World of Warcraft-type game and the gamers who play it called The Guild. And the first two seasons are available online here. I heard about it on Felicia Day's Twitter page, oddly enough.

It's pretty neato, good for nerds and great for people with short attention spans. The episodes are about 5 minutes long. Web series are sometimes not great (I'd point to the NBC web-series that attempted to make the primetime transition, the name of which I cannot remember -- chick who wanted to be an actress?). But there's the insanely awesome, which is one label I'd affix to Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible and the amazing performances by Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day and Nathan Fillion. And it's not just because of my fondness for frozen yogurt (Spot at 1:45!).

The web series is currently for sale on DVD at Amazon, but for now, enjoy the episodes for free online. That's whether you identify with the weak-stomached and nerdy Codex or the Wade, the studly stuntman. Odds are, you're more of a Codex crowd. I don't judge. I'm one of you. Just maybe not as much as my nerdy brother. It's okay. He doesn't read this. Anyway,This Oblivion elf appreciates the cute clothes over the exploding heads, too, Sid! (I'm not that hardcore.) Yay for The Guild!