July 11th, 2008 by Evil Kitten

Recently I got back into Second Life, which seemed to be a much better time-waster than World of Warcraft was these days, what with guild drama and me wanting to kill everyone there (Not really, Secret Service!). So … back into SL. Corialote Dougall, my avatar since June of 2005. She’s so cute, I mean really: look!

Anyway … I have fallen in love with a new resident run feature of Second Life: Live Music. How is live music possible over the computer? You might ask. Well, let me explain. We’ve had internet radio for forever, where with ShoutCast servers can stream live music, talk, and whatever else we so desire over the “airwaves”. So a person (or two or three, depending on the setup) can stream, play his instruments or use backing tracks, and sing or whatever their little hearts wish. Second Life has the capability to broadcast these “performances” into the program itself so you can listen via “venues” in-world. You could also listen through Windows Media, WinAmp, or any other similar program. However, you would deny yourself the entire “virtual live music” experience.

How do you find these events? In a world that has 50,000 members in at any given time (much, much more during peak hours) how do you find this live music you speak of? Well, it’s the amazing SEARCH feature in Second Life:

You will see such goodies as “Soand so performs live!” And usually a little bit about them. If there’s not much, you can always check the artist’s profile for more information. If he/she is good and smart, they’ll have their profile updated. Now, this does not guarantee you’ll see and hear a high-quality performance, because unfortunately, like real life, when dealing with bands and artists you don’t know previously, you have to wade through a lot of total crap to get to the real gems. That’s what I’m here for! I’m out listening to all kinds of live music in Second Life, and I will give you guys the lowdown on who’s worth checking out, and who you should miss - lest your ears beg to be carved from your skull.

I’m going to give these artists their own blog entry, so they can be searched for better. But know that they’re coming. And I can’t wait to talk about them!

May 31st, 2008 by Evil Kitten

Everyone in the world knows my love for Battlestar Galactica. There’s no way I’d ever miss an episode, especially not in this fourth and final season. In fact, I took vacation on the weekend that BSG was not showing new episodes. Thanks for that little break, Sci-Fi Channel! Last night, however, the episodes were back and in full force. Last night’s episode was action packed and full of surprises. First off, how is nasty, smelly old Tigh going to get beautiful, amazing, wonderful Six (played by the most beautiful woman in the world, Tricia Helfer) pregnant? I cannot possibly figure out why they would even get the ball rolling in that direction. Couldn’t they just have said that Doc found some semen or something? That would make more sense.

The great thing is that Lee is now interim President. He’s going to do a great job, and his bono-lookalike lawyer friend Romo was definitely spot-on with that observation. I like the lengths that he went to in order to get him to see it, too. I’m also glad that Admiral Adama is finally admitting how he feels about Laura. That should make for some interesting times when she gets rescued.

One thing I didn’t like was in the previews for next week they show Deanna saying “How do you not know about the five when you’re one of them,” then cutting to a picture of Laura looking surprised. It’s obviously creative editing on BSG’s part but it irritates me that they want you to think that. It’s so not her. She’s not the last.

All in all? The last two episodes have been much better than the few before that, and next week’s is promising, that little editing spoof notwithstanding.

May 28th, 2008 by Evil Kitten

Working at home gives me a lot of time to be able to watch television. Much to Eric’s dismay, most of that time is spent on MTV Jams, MTV hits, or some other atrocious music channel. I know that it’s bad music for the most part, but I just get really sad if I do not have some sort of music going. It’s like a curse, or better yet, an addiction. Yes, it’s true. My name is Kellie, and I’m addicted to music. There are a few shows that I do not miss whenever they are on.

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that I am a die-hard Battlestar Galactica fan. Anyone that’s known me for more than ten minutes can tell you this. I didn’t get on board with BSG until the third season, when Eric brought over some of the Season one and two DVD’s and I pretty much inhaled them one after another. I love this series so much for so many different reasons. My favorite character is by far Kara “Starbuck” Thrace (played by Katee Sackhoff). She’s everything I want to be in a woman: tough, intelligent, beautiful, not afraid to get what she wants, and doesn’t take crap from anyone.

The struggle of Cylon vs. human in an epic struggle for survival makes for great drama. Season Four has been explosive in a way that makes me ready to tune in every Friday night waiting for what would happen. I have laughed, cried, gotten angry, and really sympathized with these characters during their trials, tribulations, and triumphs. I cheered when Callie died, and I rejoiced when Starbuck and Lee had a tender moment upon her return. Yes, I’m one of those fangirls that believe that Lee and Kara are meant to be lovers rather than brother and sister.

Before I go off on another tangent and this becomes a “Why Kellie loves BSG” post, I should move on to other TV shows. Though nothing will ever take the top spot over BSG, I also enjoy other shows. Doctor Who has been great this season, and it has the added benefit of being on right before Battlestar Galactica. Friday nights are like an awesome two-for-one special. I like Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs (though I’m pretty sure it’s finished now), ABC soaps, and Heroes. I haven’t seen a new episode of Heroes in forever though.

I like Reality TV such as American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Wife Swap, Supernanny, and various VH1 and MTV shows. I love Flavor of Love and Rock of Love. I just can’t help it! If I had to pick one guilty pleasure, it would probably be Degrassi: The Next Generation (Friday nights on The N). I watched the original when I was a kid, and I admit that I tune in on Friday nights to see what the gang does.

Are you appalled yet? Stay tuned to see what I say next!

May 27th, 2008 by Evil Kitten

So, now that I’ve decided that this Amazon gig might be in the works, I have decided to do a few articles here in my little blog place. My first article is going to be about the most important thing in my life: music. My father is a professional blues bassist, and I started playing instruments as a small child. From that, my love of music just grew and grew.

My favorite bands are ones that I’ve been listening to for years. The top five are tried and true for me, with songs and lyrics that make up the soundtrack to my life.

1. Better Than Ezra — This will always and forever be my favorite band. I remember the first time I really took notice of the band. They were on 120 minutes (remember that show?) and it was Travis’ birthday. They were having a concert that week in Nashville, and my best friend and I decided to go. I was definitely not disappointed. We met the band, and from then on it was complete and total love. I have seen them in concert thirteen times and own every CD they’ve ever put out. My favorite three songs by Better Than Ezra: Laid (A remake of the James song), Breathless, and WWOZ (Yes, off of Friction, Baby. What a great CD that was!).

2. REM — I’d not really taken the time to appreciate REM until I started dating my current boyfriend. He is a Superfan, and owns all of their CD’s. I quickly rediscovered them though, and I haven’t looked back. At times they rival Better Than Ezra with the frequency that I listen to them, but they’ll always be a strong #2. I love their meaningful, insightful but cryptic lyrics. I love the harmonies and counter-melodies that only REM can provide. My favorite three songs by REM: Fall on Me, Begin the Begin, and Disturbance at the Heron House.

3. Angie Aparo — I’m sure you’ve never heard of him, and he is a close third to REM and Better Than Ezra. I wish I could describe his music. It’s defintely magical, and almost haunting. It’s soulful and it’s moving. You might remember the song Faith Hill sang a few years ago, called “Cry.” He wrote that song, and actually performed it on one of his albums (which is how she found it). That’s not even the deepest song, and it has amazing, powerful lyrics. Can you imagine? It only gets better from there. My favorite three songs by Angie Aparo: Hush, Child You’re the Revolution, and It’s Alright.

4. Tori Amos - She’s brilliant, she’s beautiful, and she can sing and play piano. What more could you ask for? Her lyrics are deep, some taken from very personal and tragic experiences in her own life, including when she was raped after a concert. You can’t listen to this music without feeling something stir within you, though usually it’s that dark, disturbed place inside you singing along with the music. My favorite three songs by Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes, Pretty Good Year, and A Sorta Fairytale.

5. Ben Folds (Five) — He’s foul-mouthed, angry, loud, and at times obnoxious. I love his cover of “Bitches Ain’t Shit” and I love the way he captured the emotions in “Brick.” He’s an amazing pianist who uses classical influences (as seen in “Philosophy,” with samplings of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” sprinkled throughout). With the band or without, his music is a treat and the lyrics give great messages. He writes about personal things, such as the suicide of his little sister, his daughter, and the love of his life (one of them). My favorite three songs by Ben Folds: Landed, Learn to Live With What You Are, and The Luckiest.