New Music News

What the hell is going on 2012? I've been really disappointed in your music so far. I mean, we all have five weeks left to live and yet at this moment, Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift and the Gangnam style guy are all in the top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100 Songs. Actually, I can't hate on Taylor Swift this time, but I can hate myself. Her new single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is super catchy and I hate myself because I don't shut it off when it comes on the radio.

But I have come today bringing good tidings of great music, because there are some awesome things in the making:

Eminem:

If you don't like Eminem, it's not him, it's you. He may say some things that offend you, but you have to respect his talent. Unfortunately for hip-hop, his talent hasn't been around much lately, as his last release was two and half years ago.

On 11/19, Rihanna's new album, Unapologetic will be released and with it, Eminem resurfaces as a featured artist on the song "Numb". However, Mr. Marshall is not the biggest story here; Chris Brown, yup that Chris Brown, is also featured on the album. I really hope he was very careful choosing his words for this song. If not, critics and fans will come up with some very mean, albeit very clever things to say.

On 12/11, Eminem will again be featured, this time on a single by Wisconsin's own Skylar Grey, titled, "C'mon Let Me Ride". Eminem is also an executive producer for the album that will follow this single.

Kid Cudi:

Staying within the rap genre, Kid Cudi is going to release the album Indicud in early 2013. One song I've heard from this album, "King Wizard", is a huge step in the right direction for him and I hope to hear more like it on the rest of Indicud. Cudi has always had an unmistakable rapper's voice, yet his voice is really unique and distinguishable. Also his lyrics are above average and his cadences are refreshing. Still, I've always felt like Cudi's hooks needed some developing and I think the hook in "King Wizard" shows a good deal artistic maturity. Hype aside, the album should be unprecedented and a departure from his previous work.

blink-182:

After news broke that blink-182 had split with their label to go the independent route (pretty badass move I think), they surprised fans with the news of a new album, through various tweets from the band about recording in February of next year. It's such a big surprise because it's only been a little over a year since the release of their sixth studio album Neighborhoods. But, the band claims it has a new found agility after leaving Interscope, so hopefully this leads to a faster, more energetic album with perhaps a less melancholic tone than Neighborhoods or self-titled, while still maintaining the lyrical progress they've made since the days of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Then they announced, again via twitter (which is becoming their official press release), they were recording this month and releasing an EP before the end of the year as a Christmas present to blink fans everywhere.

Here are some of last week's photos of the band's most recent recording sessions:

(A prize will be awarded to anyone who can tell me what these lyrics are before the EP's release)

^DeMi is just a little pumped for this EP.

Here is the most recent article with news about the EP, set to be released December 18th.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1697322/blink-182-mark-hoppus-new-ep.jhtml

Angels & Airwaves:

Tom DeLonge is the busiest dude alive. Shortly after blink's announcement of a new EP, Tom tweeted about a new music video for a new song "Diary", dedicated to Critter. The one and only Jeff "Critter" Newell was Tom's former sound engineer, who died on New Year's Eve last year at the young age of 45. He is often credited with helping Angels & Airwaves find their unique sound and because of this, the band thinks of him as their fifth member. His very next tweet announced an upcoming double EP for AVA, named Stomping the Phantom Brake Pedal, also coming out December 18th.

Information about the double EP, including bundle contents, track list and prices can be found here:
http://www.angelsandairwaves.com/

Diary Official Music Video

-De

Young Beezy: The Man Behind the Legend

Capture 21 Album Art. (Credit: Jermaine Coleman)

Here at MoT we're pretty stoked about the release of Beezy's mixtape, Capture 21, that is dropping tomorrow. For those further unaware, De is the producer of the tape, and is also featured on a number of the tracks. We so excited.

Anyways this man is better than Rebecca Black.. here are some little known facts about Beezy "The Giant"

He has two middle names, depending who you ask they're always different. Me? Qualme and Ziggy

He's from White Caps: The biggest "ghetto" in suburban America.

In elementary school he was second best in kickball...to me. (deny it all he wants)

He grills Mongolian food better than the great Mongol Ghengis Khan himself.

Although never learning how to properly run, he is one of the best footballers (yes soccer) I've seen play.

Bernard's French name? Yes. It had to be said. Tres Noir.

But really, he's put up with a shit ton of racism and I respect him for that.

He would walk it out in gym class. But Mr. Guttormsen would still have more dance moves than him.


Anyways, I've got to hear a couple snippets of some of the tracks, and I'm pretty impressed by the tandem display (no homo) of De-Money and Beezy. Capture 21 marks Young Beezy's sophomore effort after his debut record, Hero vs. Beezy, which had a strong showing in the download charts. This mixtape features maturing lyricism, thoughtful and masterful producing, and plenty of local collaborators. Most will be surprised and entertained by the wide array of musical genres from which he selected his instrumentals.

Be sure to Capture 21 tomorrow! Beezy will have the (free!) download link on his facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-Beezy/168197189925080 tomorrow at 10:19am. Wish him a happy 21st while you're there!


We will also be sure to have it featured on here tomorrow night! Stay Tuned!

-Mi

Taxing the Rich

With this year's presidential debate heating up, there is often talk about economic and fiscal policy. Naturally, there are arguments about whether there should be higher taxes, lower taxes, or a different tax structure altogether. The conservatives arguing on the side of lower taxes, and the democrats arguing for higher taxes on the rich.

The argument against taxing the rich is flawed. Yes, in theory it would be beneficial to the economy if they ponied up 35% of their wages to the IRS. However, the wealthy do not simply have an income. They do not have one number that can be pointed to objectively as taxable income. The fact is, their wealth is distributed across a multitude of investments all over the world. The majority of it is probably here in the United States, but even then it's impossible to keep track of. 

It goes like this. A man with a million dollars owns a small business. He can harbor the money in the small business; he can harbor the money in many small businesses. These businesses don't necessarily have to be money laundering joints either. But with this business, the man can now report less and less income. Essentially he chooses his own "wage". And it follows that the lower wages he reports, the lower taxes he pays. 

So what happens when the rich are taxed more? Do they finally fork over that money to the IRS? No. They pass the burden of the hire taxes on to other people by imposing higher prices, stagnating salaries, or not hiring more people. Companies and people behave to maximize their utility. Period. If their utility is increased by being philanthropic, they will go ahead and do that, but not because the government imposes taxes on them. James, an avid reader, says, "The government thinks that they can take earnings from investors or companies and redistribute that wealth in other areas of the economy to stimulate economic growth more efficiently and faster than that investor or business can reinvest their own capital to contribute to economic growth through their own business."

My point is people throw around the notion that taxing the rich will generate more revenue for the country, but they also don't have a concrete plan to execute. "Close all the loopholes", they say. While I agree there needs to be regulations put in place so that there can't be huge tax write-offs on "gift ponies", loopholes or other means to divert money will exist.

Solution? A national sales tax that is closely monitored on the suppliers' side for all goods and services, except for food. You're able to buy a lot of clothes, yachts and electronics? Well that 40% sales tax sure does pave nice roads. The rich people might start importing their goods from overseas, but even then they would be creating jobs for the increased number of warehouse employees.


I believe it would be ideal to live in complete anarchy, if everyone was rational and didn't infringe on the rights of others. But one can dream.

-Mi

Catch by Transitive Property of Possession?

I don't want to talk about the play. I have to talk about the play and I've finally calmed down enough to do so. When I sat down to write this, my plan was to only write about the residual effects of the call, but there has been so much false information floating out there, I have to sort some things out in writing to at least clear my own head.

First of all, there is no controversy about whether it was a touchdown or not. I don't want to go through the play frame by frame, because I know the large majority of you either watched it or heard a hundred different renditions of what happened. It is painfully clear a touchdown should not have been called, especially now that the rules allow for all scoring plays to be reviewed. If you would like a more detailed account and analysis of the play, this edition of Sports Science is one of the best I've seen.

Sorry about the awful quality, this is only complete version I could find:

"After further review, it was a fucking interception!" A catch in the NFL requires three things: (1) Secure control of the ball. (2) Touch the ground in-bounds with both feet or any part of the body. (3) Maintain control of the ball throughout the catch. As the video explains, Jennings was the first to establish two points of contact on the ball with control; the basic definition of possession. Additionally, Jennings sustained possession by following through with the catch all the way to the ground by maintaining control and keeping two feet in bounds. It is not a simultaneous catch, because Tate doesn't establish a second point of contact on the ball (no is sure if he ever did) until after Jennings had possession. Therefore, there is no tie and Tate cannot be awarded the touchdown. 

People keep bringing up the offensive pass interference on the last play. While the interference did occur, it's not reviewable. Also, I've heard the argument that the precedent is to not call pass interference on Hail Mary plays at the end of games, so the refs were correct in not throwing a flag. The first part is actually true; however, the precedent (assuming the new refs even knew of it) is only in place because there are usually multiple instances of pass interference on such plays and a clear call is difficult to make.  This was not at all the case here. The defense played clean coverage until first contact with the ball was made; there was a single, clear-cut instance of offensive pass interference on the play. It should have been called, but the interference had nothing to do with the eventual ignorant interpretation of the rules.

This is probably the most trivial of all my points, but the second official did not signal incomplete, interception or to stop the clock. As far as I know, there is no signal for interception in the NFL, only a signal for a touchdown and a catch. The signal he gave was for a touchback, for which the only logical conclusion is an interception in this instance.

At this point, unfortunately, the facts don't make a difference. The league is firm in its decision to uphold the Seahawks victory and all the petitions and threatening phone calls to the commissioner's office aren't going to change anything.

But as I wrap this up, the real NFL season is now underway. The veteran refs are back and the replacement refs are back in their mothers' basements and their Lingerie League jobs. And as the Browns prepare to lose to the Ravens, I would like to point out that the first penalty called in this game was against the Browns defense in Baltimore. Good call refs. I guess the standing ovation before kickoff wasn't enough; way to set yourselves up for another round of cheers.

It thoroughly sucks that the integrity of the NFL demanded a Packers loss as a price, but the return of the refs is a huge relief for everyone and I'm thrilled it got done. One last awesome thing to come out of this debacle is all the memes. There are some really clever ones out there and I was inspired to make a couple myself:

-De

Why Music is the Universal Language

What's good MoT Nation and casual MoT readers? I hope you all are schooling responsibly.

During one of my slower nights, in between watching 30 Rock and editing vocals for a song, something pretty cool came to me. Maybe it's obvious to everyone else, but I've often wondered why music traverses across every culture of every continent on earth. Why does the need for music seem so fundamental and universally understood?

My first thought was the majority of music is the same. Even comparing eastern and western music styles, there are obvious similarities, similarities that make music identifiable as music. We're about to get really basic for a minute, but I promise this is going somewhere. All music has tempo and rhythm. Tempo is the thing that keeps the sound in time and rhythm is the subdivision and repetition of that tempo. Tempo is the first thing that separates music from noise. Now to anyone with a background in western music history, I'm aware that things such as rhythm and tempo weren't denoted in early notation, such as Gregorian chant. But the tempo and rhythm of a chant was still inherent in the aural tradition of the piece. Also, I'm not suggesting that all music has a constant rhythm or tempo. In modern terms, if you take a phrase such as, "It would be awesome if the Yankees don't make the playoffs this year", it's only a phrase until a tempo and rhythms are assigned, then it becomes rap. The next step is to assign melodies, both to the phrase and to an accompaniment. There can be other things like chords, form, dynamics and so on, but I feel like I've gone into way too much detail to explain my original point; music has a foundation that ties together all the different genres.

I would argue parallels can be drawn to the similarities between people. Music and people are 99% the same (don't do the math). Like music, there is a basic foundation that ties all people together. DNA, emotions, instinct and so on. This is why music is so basic across every culture and is such a need in our world. People "get" music. Regardless of language, music education and the era the music was written in, a song will provoke an emotional response in a person and it is often the common response. I believe without music, some paramount ideas that bring us together as a race would never be discovered. And now for one of my favorite quotes, take it away Victor Hugo:

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent"

Well said Victor, well said.

-De (and Victor Hugo)

We Regret to Inform You

DeMi regrets to inform you that the Top 10 is thus forth being put on an indefinite hiatus*...

-DeMi 

*hiatus here meaning a moratorium

Spoken Word with Mi 8-10-12

Yes, I am persistent.
This one is a bit edited however.
Enjoy

Spoken Word with Mi 7/27/12

The second installment. We have the selections:

Lyin' n' Cheatin'

Pickles and Cucumbers

The Dramatic Pause

-Mi

Friday Night Spoken Word With Mi 7-20-2012

This is a new segment. Forgive the box for its camera work, it obviously doesn't know how to frame very well. Let's just hope it doesn't try to commit any crimes...

And here is the first installment of Spoken Word with Mi:

-Mi

The MoT Top 10: The Twenty-First

Top 10 Reasons to Get Arrested

10) Looking like a pedophile in a school zone

9) Selling sea shells filled with cocaine by the sea shore. What the hell was Sally thinking?

8) Public nudity, even though you were only undressed as Adam/Eve for a costume party

7) Running a drug ring:

"But officer, I was creating jobs!"

6) Dressing up like a super hero and fighting crime

5) Getting an 808 for fellating too loud

4) Because the cops are jealous of how much fun you were having

3) Masquerading as the Messiah at the Vatican and a crowd of Jews following you with signs claiming they were right

2) Shut down busy streets by holding your own parade for an inane cause, like Hot Pockets.

1) Literally fighting fire with fire. That's got to be illegal right?

-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Twentieth

Top 10 Ways to Look Like an Idiot

10)  Walk in to Subway, ask for Jared. Next, after walking past all the obvious signs, ask them if they have any $5 footlongs. Finally, with an incredulous look, ask how much they actually cost.

9) Drive away from the gas station with the nozzle still in your gas tank.

8) Go to the grocery store and ask them to explain to you the concept of buy one get one free. After you wasted a sufficient amount of their time do not be afraid to go above and beyond! Inquire with intrigue if the children's buggies are car wash "safe"...

7) This guy:

6) Plead guilty after being sentenced "not guilty". Actually due to the economic downturn, this is solid advice. the 8th amendment guarantees you the right to dental care. Yeah, dental care.

5) Secure you flash mob location. For these purposes we will use an airport. But I am sure, most any location will suit your idiotic needs.

Go to Airport.
Point at the nearest security officer.
Say "THIS IS A SOLO FLASH MOB, GIVE ME ALL YOUR ATTENTION!"
Get tasered hard.

4) Do the Numa Numa dance in a glass elevator. Don't stop for anything.

3) Go to the park and boomerang with your Frisbee

2) Attempt to bargain for merchandise at any and all stores. For example, but not limited to:

"I'll give you this picture of my dog if you knock down the price of this lamp shade"


1) Go to any office building and ask the receptionist at the front desk:

"I was told the microsoft office was located in this building, could you tell me what floor it's on?"

-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Nineteenth

Top 10 Lyrics Used in Conversation

10) "set fire to the rain"- Adele

Let's do this! set fire to the rain, bitches!

9) "i'ma pick the world up"- Lil Wayne

1: Dawg, what you gon' do?

2: Bitch, i'ma pick the world up and i'ma drop it on your fuckin' head

8) "You spin my head right round" - Flo Rida

1: You, spin my head!

2: In what fashion?

1: Right round, of course!

7) "na na na na na na na"- blink-182

1: Guurl, do you like my weave?

2: na na na na na na na

6) "too strung out on compliments"- Drake

1: So why couldn't Joey make it to the gathering?

2: Alas, the poor chap is too strung out on compliments.

1: For shame.

5) "it's getting hot in here"- Nelly

1: Dude, why are you taking off all your clothes?

2: It's getting hot in herre...I am getting so hot.

4) "these are my confessions" - Usher

1: Girl, we need talk to talk.

2: Yeah!?

1: These are my confesssions..

2: Oh my god! I am so..caught up

1: Please don't...let it burn

3) "two trailer park girls" - Eminem
1: Yo, who'd you hook up with last night?
2: Two trailer park girls
1: Where?
2: Round the outside
1: Round the outside?
2: ROUND THE OUTSIDE!!

2) "starships were meant to fly" Nicki Minaj

The DMV told me my ride wasn't street legal, but I was like, fuck that! STARSHIPS WERE MEANT TO FLY!

1) "and now you're in my way"- Carly Rae Jepsen

1: Hey, I just met you.

2: Yeah crazy, and now you're in my way.


-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Eighteenth

Top 10 Ways to Make an Entrance

Alright put on those adult mind diapers, because you're gonna metaphorically shit your pants:

10) Scream aloud, "Oh my God, why am I naked?!" Boom, audience

9) Literally with bells and whistles

8) Bring your own herald

7) As little less Letterman, a little more Ferguson

6) With an entourage...........of helicopters 

5) On a Slip 'n Slide with a suit on

4) Start a game of "Duck, Duck, Goose" in the back of the room

3) From above, like Ethan Hunt

2) When it's an encore (Hold on, we'll be right back)


DeMi! DeMi! DeMi! DeMi!


1)  (cheering and elation) (it's ironic writing that in parentheses)

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE IS: (too Letterman of us?)


To the tune of the "Imperial March" in a storm trooper outfit


The MoT rejects/honorable mentions:

In a jumpsuit, like you just got sprung

With some brick and mortar, none of this hay or wood stuff those cheap ass pigs would use

Like Captain Underpants, that guy has the right idea

-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Seventeenth

Top 10 Reasons to Vote for Scott Walker

10)  His dad was a preacher. We all know preacher's children turn out perfect.

9) He doesn't have a Bachelor's Degree. The guy is so smart he doesn't need one...

8) He was an Eagle Scout. If the dude can scout out and recruit eagles, he definitely can find solutions to the state's problems.

7) Scott Walker hates to admit this because he doesn't want to win the election for unfair reasons, but Scott Walker is half Black.

6) Scott Walker can remember Pi to 1000 numbers after the decimal, therefore he should win this recall election

5) He's one of us; he uses Wikipedia for all his statistics.

4) In the last year he has improved to a fifth grade reading level from all the hate mail.

3) He launders money. Getting money to smell good consistently is no easy task.

2) Lost in the wilderness with nothing but a pitchfork, Scott Walker stayed alive for three weeks by making deals with squirrels. "I won't cut down your tree if you hand over that acorn."

1) Scott Walker will create hundreds of new jobs by enlisting specialized teams of pre-schoolers to create new accounting methods so he can quite literally "fudge the numbers".

Go vote, Wisconsin.

-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Sixteenth

We understand there has been a moratorium in the Top 10. DeMi do not apologize.

Top 10 Unexplainable Phenomenons

10) That a disproportionate number of people know of Justin Bieber. And further, that his net worth is 112 million.

9) Conan O'Brien's Hair

8) Juice that contains 0% juice..."I can't believe it's not juice!"

 (That's what the Commish said to Ryan Braun)

7) Nipples on men.

6) 90% of the History Channel doesn't live up to its name. Swamp People anyone?

5) $14 Trillion worth of debt with no plan of paying it back

4) Gay men and receding hairlines

3) Old people driving Buicks

2) That people still give their kids bowl cuts. When were they ever a good idea?

Yes, this is Aaron Carter. Here's looking at you JBiebs.

1) The amount of incompetent people with drivers licenses.

-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Fifteenth

Top 10 Things Mothers Are Better At

A very happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! DeMi are certainly grateful to have such wonderful role models in their lives.

10) Remembering where you last put your whatsit or whosit. So many times did they come through in the clutch five minutes before leaving for school.

9) Making food. Even if it's Kraft Mac and Cheese, her's is best. They've been good at it since you were breast feeding..'nuff said.

8) Doing your elementary school project. It's second grade and you have to make a model of a typical Native American abode..and your parent's can "help"....right...

7) Giving you lists of things to do when you have "too much free time". Mop the floors, mow the lawn, dust the shelves, clean the bathroom, wax your dad's head..wait what?

6) Giving you fun ideas by telling you what not to do. Sorry Mom.

5) Making staying home sick from school so awesome

4) Telling you really embarrassing stories about your dad

3) Reminding you that you're not as ugly as you think you are. "Because every kid is beautiful in their mother's eyes."

2) Forgiving you. Crashed the car? Might be grounded for "eternity", but that roof over your head sure is nice.

1) Teaching you important life lessons. Who else is going to teach you how to hotwire a car, or pickpocket people on the subway? But really, their countless platitudes might get annoying at times, but you know they've always got your back.

-DeMi

Amendment One

Yesterday, the state of North Carolina voted in favor of Amendment One in a rather large margin, 61% in favor to 39% against. For all you non Carolinians, Amendment One is an amendment to North Carolina's constitution that says marriage will only be recognized by the state if it is only between a man and a woman. In addition, it breaks up domestic partnerships, even heterosexual ones.

What this discussion always reverts back to is religion. With NC located in the "bible belt" it doesn't really come as a surprise. What is irritating, however, is that civil liberties, historically, are often struck down by religious beliefs of some sort or another. Discrimination propagated by religion dates back to the very first days of organized religion. It is a simple exercise to see this without even looking in to the history books. Most religious groups form a group and then cast out everyone else as "other". The "other" can have varying degrees of "bad" but they are not good, because they don't follow the set of the beliefs that the dominant religious group believes in. So there is an inherent inner discrimination towards the "others" that also distances the two apart. This instinctive discrimination by the religious group can only be seen as "right" because they are "normal" and their whole lives have only known what "normal" is.

We can apply some of this same logic to the justification of slavery.. Here is the logic that most likely went through some of these bigots' heads. I am an upstanding Christian. These people are black. They are nothing like me, they are not "normal". I am right, they are wrong, I own them religiously.

Same with women. (From the perspective of a man). Women were made from Men. Women should defer to Men. They are different, and therefore not "right". I own them in whatever way I can justify it.

Those might be gross generalizations, but remarkably it still holds today. (From the perspective of a straight person) I am straight, this is normal. I am taught homosexuality is wrong in the bible, and I feel that it is "wrong". Therefore I own their rights by outvoting them and don't feel bad because I am of higher moral standing.

Historically, the pressures of civil liberties groups have caused many Christian groups to change their stances on these very polarized issues. What was seen as "normal" years ago is now seen as downright oppressive and wrong. I know that 60 years from now gay rights will fall in this same category..pretty pathetic

It's funny because there's supposed to be a separation of church and state, but when the majority of politicians and voters are Christian there is hardly a separation. So my challenge for all those staunchly opposed to gay marriage is to first ask yourself: are you okay with interracial marriage? The answer is most likely yes. Now why aren't you okay with gay marriage in the sense of the law? Should you even able to make that sort of a decision for somebody else at the state or federal level? Because, no one is arguing to change the definition of what it says in the Bible. Last time I checked secular law doesn't change the practices or beliefs of a religion.

So now if you take the two apart and are still opposed to gay marriage in the sense of the law, that just makes you selfish and unloving of thy neighbors who are "normal" in their own right as they too were "created by God".

Go ahead, argue with me.
email is dehomi@gmail.com
or you know where to find me on facebook.

-Mi

On Wisconsin: Open Letter to Dean Berquam

Today we feature another guest-poster, Patrick from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This will become evident later, but for that lone reader in Iran, we're here for you. The Mifflin Street part has been a long standing tradition for the University since the 1970's, and it first started out as a protest against the Vietnam War. Now, it's an excuse to drink. But it all comes down to the same thing..freedom.

Anyways, Patrick, take it away.

-DeMi

______________________________________________________________________________

• Awhile back, you guys asked me if I would like to write something for MoT. Madison's Dean of Students has made public her opinion on the Mifflin Street Block Party, with a video, and an e-mail to follow up. I replied to her e-mail. Below is a link to her video(first posted), then her e-mail, then my e-mail.
  
  "
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f13Oz3IvrHk
  
  Students, 
  
  By now, I'm sure you've probably heard my feelings about May 5th
  Mifflin Street block party. Or seen the autotune or dubstep remixes.
  
  My video debut wasn't elegant, but I want you to know that I've spent the past
  week listening to your feedback about the event and how approach it this year,
  and in the future. Today, I have a few final thoughts about it, and you're free
  to agree or disagree with them. But I continue this conversation for one reason:
  As dean, I'm always concerned for your safety.
  
  I continue to believe there are many better things you could do with your
  Saturday than spend it at an outdoor drinking party. If you need inspiration,
  head to the lakes, go to the farmers' market or take a look at our campus events
  calendar: <http://today.wisc.edu/events/day/2012-05-05>
  
  I also understand that some students plan to attend the event, and I respect
  your right to decide. By this point, I think you're are aware of the risks
  involved, particularly after last year's serious issues. My goal is to see you
  stay safe while you're here and then go out and do great things in the world.
  
  I'd ask you to observe the city's rules of the event and listen to police and
  city officials. As you know, you could be liable for fines and my office will
  review your conduct should you be cited. You can find more information about how
  to stay safe here: <http://safeu.wisc.edu/protect/halloween-mifflin.html>
  
  Lastly, I'd ask you to honor everyone's right to live and feel safe in the
  Madison community, including fellow students and campus neighbors. Mixing
  Mifflin with ethnic stereotypes related to Cinco de Mayo isn't funny, and is
  actually offensive to many members of our campus community. Before you go out
  this weekend, ask yourself: By combining this event with Cinco de Mayo, are you
  honoring a culture, or are you reinforcing cultural stereotypes?
  
  Please look out for your friends and fellow students. Take care of one another
  this weekend and through the rest of this semester.
  
  Thanks for listening,
  
  Lori Berquam 
  Dean of Students"
  
  
  
  Dean Berquam,
  
  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your opinions with the student body, as well as describe to you my views on the matter, so that you may learn the perspective of a student here at the UW. In doing so, I hope to explain my perceptions on how the MAJORITY of the student body views the Mifflin Street Block Party.
  
  First, I would like to begin with thanks. Although I must sadly admit that I do not believe that most students care, I would like you to know that I feel blessed that my dean of students cares so deeply about my future, as well as the futures of those around me. I am very lucky to be able to say that my family has never fallen short in expressing their support for me, but this luck does not befall all of my peers. Selflessness is most certainly a virtue, and you show your selflessness through your passion for your students. The world often lacks this kindness, and I thank you for employing it.
  
  Now, on to the Mifflin Street Block Party. I believe that the MAJORITY of students do not see the party as an excuse to break the law without reprimand. This stigma comes partly from those who travel to our campus from nearby (or not so nearby) schools and high schools. I feel--and this may be an instance where I am not speaking for the majority--that an ever increasing proportion of these "visitors" are not under the same impressions as the typical student.
  
  It is my understanding that, apart from a stretch in the nineties, 2005, and obviously 2011, Mifflin has been a relatively safe event. Clearly, it would be wrong to call it a hands-down "safe" event, but it has certainly been one without malicious intent. A significant number of students drink enough to make them undesirable. While this may make the event uncouth, it does not necessarily make the event unsafe. As fellow Badgers--and I know that this IS an instance where I speak for the majority--we take care of one another. I have seen countless acts where a fellow badger goes out of their way to help another. In an instance where a student has had too much to drink, their friends never think twice about what to do; helping your friend, however short-sighted their decisions may have been, is the only option.
  
  Unfortunately, there are the bad apples coming in from out of town who do not understand the camaraderie present here on campus. In addition, there are a select few Badgers who DO see the event in a different light, in their minds attending a carousal, bordering on riot. These undesirables are often beyond the control of the student body and its given resources. It is my opinion that there should be as much coordination between the student body, the University of Wisconsin and it's board of regents, and the City of Madison as is possible. It certainly seems that there HAVE been attempts at this.
  
  Last year, the city attempted to provide a concession in that the street would be blocked off, and open containers would be allowed to those who were of age. I was appalled at the amount of people drinking on the street who did not have a wristband. I was even more appalled at the behavior of the officers, who seemingly ignored the crime. While I suppose they may have been pre-occupied with more important things, I believe that the event became much more rowdy, and therefore dangerous, than had the wristband policy been heavily enforced. This year, a new policy is in place, which seems decent on paper…however, I am not sure that it will play out so smoothly. I know multiple residents of Mifflin Street, and I know that all of them were hesitant to the idea of signing an agreement with the police. They felt as if it might be a trap, putting them in a situation where they were sure to get in trouble, regardless of their intent.
  
  All of this could be avoided if the event would just go away. Unfortunately, a crackdown by police, with the City refusing to acknowledge the existence of the event, would not work. I do not believe that the event can be forced into submission. The badger is an incredibly tough nosed animal, and the Badgers are likewise. Our adamant nature would keep the event in existence in light of any governmental action. This being the case, I laud the efforts of the UW and the City of Madison. At the end of the day, I am proud of the UW and the City of Madison for attempting to make things work. The only thing that upsets me is that I have never been asked to give my opinion on the matter. There may have been meetings, open to students, to discuss possible solutions, but I was not aware of any such meetings. If there were, it is partly my fault for not seeking them out, but it is also partly the fault of "the powers that be", for they did not value my opinion enough to seek it.
  
  In no way have I meant to make this a critique of the handling of Mifflin Street Block Party, but simply my impression of the opinion of the student body, so that you might better know our views on the topic. It is possible that I have failed in respect to the critique, but nonetheless, I feel that it is important that our views be expressed. I also feel that it is important that you understand how grateful I am for your passion. It makes me feel safer as a Badger, and a citizen of Madison.
  
  Thank you for listening,
  -J. Patrick H. Stephens
• 
  

  
  

The MoT Top 10: The Fourteenth

Top 10 Ways to Put on Pants

I know what you're thinking, no way are there ten ways to put on pants. We used to be as naive. Also, don't be misled. It's absolutely acceptable to not wear pants at all times. No one ever said no pants, no shirt, no service.

10) Paint them on

9) Go to the store without pants and find a suitable pair there. Maybe even a pant suit if it fancies you to be fancy

8) Head first

7) Two legs at a time

6) With the help of someone attractive

5) As part of your Irish jig dance routine

4) Like everyone else does, one leg at a time while listening to "Sexy and I Know It"

3) Ironically, while listening to Take Off Your Pants and Jacket

2) Slowly, after the store clerk tells you that only wearing shoes and and a shirt does not warrant you any service

1) Slowly and with pride, after sex

The MoT Top 10: The Thirteenth

Top 10 Nicknames for Your Privates

10) Han's Chinese brother often uses this one:
Hung Solo

9) Geography Themed?
The Dead Sea or Mariana Trench.

8) Whispering Eye
(that means vagina)

7) White, nerdy, and pervy?
Space Invader or Pac-Man

6) For all you gypsy women out there:
Snake Charmer (Verrrry niiicce, how much?)

5) MC "Jack" Hammer
It's Hammer Time!

4) Hot Pocket

3) Junkle Berries
Or really any type of berries, real or imaginary. Honeysuckle, Cow, Ollalie, Avocado, Choke, or Privet Berry. (These are actually all real)

Here we see the Privet Berry in its full form.

2) For the way overly obese man or woman:
The Final Frontier

And now, ladies and gentleman alike, prepare to have your favorite childhood snacks ruined:

1) Gusher(s) / Fruit by the Foot


-DeMi

The MoT Top 10: The Twelfth

Top 10 Things to Announce Over an Intercom

Alright, so we've all been in this situation: Unguarded intercom in a grocery store, hospital, DMV, what have you, and you are really tempted to use it. Well today we present to you a list to help you when you are presented with these rare situations. 

10) At an Amusement Park:: 

ALL HANDS NEEDED FOR CLEAN UP UNDER THE SWASHBUCKLER, BIOHAZARD SUITS REQUIRED!

9) At the Fast Food Drive-Thru: (Requires commandeering one of the head sets)

Don't worry, just because I'm in the bathroom doesn't mean your order won't be made on time.

8) At the Supermarket: 

ATTENTION CUSTOMERS: THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT OUR COUNTRY IS AT SECURITY LEVEL ORANGE. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ORANGES UNATTENDED! IF YOU SEE ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REGARDING YOUR ORANGE OR OTHERS' ORANGES PLEASE REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!

7) At an Army Base: 

WELCOME TO BOOT CAMP! IN THE NEXT 8 WEEKS WE WILL BE MAKING BOOTS OF ALL SORTS, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

6) At the Ballpark:

WHO"S ON SECOND? NO REALLY GUYS! WHO THE HELL IS COVERING SECOND, THESE GUYS'S HAVE BEEN STEALING ALL DAY!

5) At School:

WILL THE INSPIRED INDIVIDUAL WHO TEEPEED MRS. EMERSON'S ROOM ALONG WITH A GENEROUS SIDE OF EGGING PLEASE REPORT TO THE PARKING LOT AFTER SCHOOL TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD!

4) At the Airport: 

We will now be detaining all the white people. Y'all look extra pale today.

3) At the Museum:

There is no need for alarm, Ben Stiller was never here.

2) At the Club:

Will the real SLIM SHADY PLEASE STAND UP.

(Show yourself out the door on this one)

1) At the DMV:

We are now towing cars 292-300. Have a nice day!

Sorry for the clusterfuck (thank you and you're welcome, Nick) of CAPS. Things are funnier when you yell them. Try it sometime.

-DeMi

Under Cover Waitress: "Out of Context"

Today, we are pleased to feature a special guest, Under Cover Waitress. Please go and check out her blog to read all about the juicy, secret, and under cover life of a waitress. Do they really spit in your food? Are they real human beings? How can they carry so many plates at one time?
But seriously we are glad to have her!
-DeMi

Out of Context

Picture this:

You call a week ahead of time and make a dentist appointment for 4:15. On the appointed day, you arrive at about 4:00 just a wee bit early. You walk up to the front desk and announce your name and that you are there for your 4:15 appointment.

The receptionist smiles politely and says to make yourself comfortable. So far so good.

A moment later, she approaches and lets you know that the dentist is running about 20 minutes late. He will be able to see you at close to 4:35 instead of 4:15. However, you are welcome to continue to make yourself comfortable in the waiting room, and can she bring you some water or coffee?

You throw down the magazine you've been looking at and start pacing. You yell at the receptionist "I have a 4:15 appointment! I called ahead! I'm here on time, what is wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry, but the dentist is running a little late, and will see you as soon as he can."

Your response: "I am never making an appointment here again! I can't believe how unprofessional you people are! You will never make it in the dentist industry!"

Embarrassed by this customer's behavior? Me, too. And the receptionist is probably thinking about calling security at this point. Nobody wants this uncivilized ingrate's business, anyway.

Unless, of course, this isn't a dentist's office and instead is a restaurant. Instead of calling security and getting a restraining order, the hostess is placating the fool by offering him free food and drink to make up for the egregious error on the restaurant's part.

Be real, people. Something is terribly wrong with a society that thinks behaving like a spoiled two year old is worth a free dessert.

Nonplussed

Just a quick blurb on this interesting word.

This word has two definitions, one formal, one otherwise.

The formal definition of nonplussed is confused or surprised.

But as time progressed Americans got a little crazy. I think the logic went like this:

If something is in the state of being "nonplussed" then it can also be "plussed".

And since nonplussed was the original, and since plussed doesn't even exist then nonplussed must clearly be better.

Naturally.

So now nonplussed has flipped like an electron and can also mean unperturbed. However, it may not be accepted.... yet.

So for the sake of patriotism I propose that we make "plussed" a real word and make it mean confused. We then slowly do this with all words in the English and make the future generations really confused when reading "classic" literature.

I am gruntled, but not plussed.

-Mi

The MoT Top 10: The Eleventh

Top 10 Things Jesus Wouldn't Do

From MoT Nation, we present, with pleasure, the Aaron that is all Mann:

10) Impressions

9) See a doctor

8) Drink cheap wine

7) Go fishing and only catch one fish

6) Wear pants

5) Simon Says

4) Beget

3) Read this blog

2) Swim

1) Mary Magdalene


Thanks Aaron, you're the best!

-DeMi

The Hunger Games: A Casual Review

 

Finally got around to watching the movie yesterday, man matinee prices aren't what they used to be. Anyways, I thought I would write a review on my thoughts of the wildly popular movie adaptation of the book by Suzanne Collins. 

Having read the book beforehand, I delusionally come into these types of movies with high expectations. I am pretty good at picking out specific details in the book that are left out in movies which is more of a curse than anything, because truthfully I just want to enjoy the movie. I will say, however, that The Hunger Games remained reasonably faithful to the book, and of course I say reasonably.

I will start off with the cinematography and unwittingly pretend that I am a real movie critic. The camera work was sub-par. There were many scenes where I just wondered why they didn't use a stationary camera. It got really annoying when they would pan over the crowd and the camera would slightly bob up and down. #isthatreallynecessary? In addition, some of the editing was pretty choppy, but not too bad. I realize that was more to keep the movie rated PG-13 because of violence and increase revenue.

The set design/ location was great. As many of you might know much of the movie was shot in North Carolina, outside of Asheville. District 12 was spot on, and really was quite how I imagined it, with dilapidated houses, rampant poverty, and general signs of neglect. They did a very good job with the arena, the capitol, the little we see of district 11, and various other places. They also show some locations (President Snow's rose garden) that aren't seen until the 3rd book.

The acting? Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen quite frankly kicked ass. She played the role of care-taker turned murderous teen very well. Liam Hemsworth did a good job of playing Gale, though he wasn't in much of the movie. And Woody Harrelson as Haymitch was solid, yet at the same time he under-delivered. As a more established actor I expected him to provide a little more comedic relief than he actually did. Now for my least favorite actor: Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mallark. He was quite uninspiring to me. He was too small, even smaller than Katniss! He was supposed to be muscular, as he is described to be able to throw 100lb flour sacks with ease, but alas, this guys frame was pathetic. Beyond that, he didn't have the charisma that the Peeta in the book had. He made it hard to believe that Katniss and him had anything going on, when it's supposed to be the other way around.

And finally, film adaptation of novel. I really liked that only a few minor details were changed. For example in the book Katniss gets the Mockingjay pin from her friend, the mayor's daughter. Also, it wasn't Peeta's idea to hold hands mid-chariot ride, it was Cinna's to hold hand from the beginning. Beyond that, it told the story well. The violence was done very well. It was believable, yet not over-played. I specifically liked the scenes with the wall of fire, and the one with the trackerjackers. And I guess the suspense was well done too? I guess that's hard to tell because I knew exactly what was going to happen next. 

Overall, I give The Hunger Games a 7/10. Worth watching it once, but I wasn't impressed. However, I will watch the sequels, and it's most definitely better than Twilight.

-Mi

The One Where Mi Interviews De

Hey everyone, De here. Awhile ago, Mi was kind enough to submit himself to my interview questions and did so with grace and candidness. So if you've ever asked yourself, "What is a De?", this is your answer.




1) Where are you from? How does this shape who you are?


I lived in Kenosha as an infant, but I was born in Rockford, because of a car accident. I don't believe where I was born or raised has been especially significant in shaping the person I've become, but I think the car accident has. The day I was born, my father and my pregnant mother were in a car accident and as one might expect, there was immediate concern after the accident for my mother and myself. After the doctor's examined my mother, they discovered I was in distress since before the accident and needed to be delivered promptly via C-section. The doctor's told my mother after my birth, had it not been for the accident, my distress could have gone undiscovered and resulted in my death.

I don't remember if I experienced some sort of instant revelation after hearing this story for the first time. Honestly, I doubt it, but I've thought about it repeatedly. I have really big dreams for myself, dreams I don't think I'll ever give up on and this story of my birth has incited a tendency I have to look for the big picture in the details. While this may give me a good deal of perspective, I sometimes miss what's right in front of me.

2) Earning a bachelor's degree at Carthage is comparable to what?

It's comparable to doing what's expected of me. I really hope my degree benefits me at some point, but after a great deal of retrospection, I wish I had realized I wanted to produce, sing and write music before I invested thousands upon thousands on a private school. I sense a follow-up question.


3) What is your major and what do you plan on using it for?

I chose Business Management as my focus, with a minor in music, because many music majors and friends of music majors warned me of the lack of opportunity with a music degree. I hope to use what I've learned to make this website a successful business, where the ideas are free and the merch is good enough to be paid for.

4) What's the most fun you've had singing a song?


The best I can do is tell you the most fun I've had singing lately. I got this instrumental from a YouTube user for the Blink-182 song "Feeling This". I challenge anyone to not get pumped while listening to that song. So my original plan was to do a straight cover for this song, but then I thought, "Why not see if one of the rappers I work with is "Feeling This"?" You see what I did there. It makes sense, since Blink-182 is famous for their combination of pop-punk riffs and Travis Barker's hip-hop beats. So I asked the one and Young Beezy to give it a listen. And he, like so many before him, got hooked on this song. So I started recording the chorus and bridge the other day and Beezy is currently writing some killer rhymes. Next question.

5) Butter side up or butter side down? Would you consider yourself to be an optimist or pessimist?


It's the whole toe-may-toe/toe-mah-toe disaster all over again. No one says toe-mah-toe and I don't believe anyone spreads butter on the bottom of a piece of toast. It's unnatural, and like with Conan O'Brien's hairstyle, it must reject gravity and you look like an asshole. Anyway, getting back to where the analogy was going, I am a pessimist for the present and an optimist for the future.

6) What do you look for in a girl?

When it comes to her personality and other such attributes, I'm really choosy, as I think everyone should be.  I like smart girls who don't completely know how smart they are. I also appreciate a girl who balances an open mind with a willingness to stand up for her beliefs. As far as appearance, I'm not really a dimensions kind of guy, although I'll size it up if it's there ;). But seriously, a pretty face is what gets me.

7) What's the one thing in this world that just blows your mind?

So many things blow my mind, which is not to say I'm easily impressed. But since the cruelty of this interview forces me to choose only one; I'm blown away by lyrics that describe or even elucidate your feelings about something at a certain time, almost as if the words are your own. It doesn't need to be an ornamental arrangement of words, just honesty to the core. Alright, short story time. Gather 'round. One afternoon, I was taking a break during an entire afternoon of choir practice. Carthage students know how killer these can be. I remember listening to Blink-182's "Asthenia" and Tom sang the lines: "This place is bored of rehearsal and sick of the boundaries. I miss you so much." I couldn't wait to get out of rehearsal that day and this song made me realize what was bothering me so much. I have this friend, one of my best at the time, and she hadn't been around in awhile. What I've gathered to be the original meaning of the song is actually not worlds apart from my personal application of the words. "Asthenia" was one of the last songs written by Blink for their self-titled record. This verse in particular was written to describe how much Tom and the rest of the band wanted to finish recording and see their families.

8) Would you rather have a vacation igloo, tiki hut, or (pest-free) jungle tree house?


I can't consider anything to do with an igloo a vacation. With the tiki hut and jungle tree house remaining (neither which is ideal, due to their level of flammability), I will choose the jungle tree house, as it is the only option guaranteed to be pest-free.

9) Are you more introverted or extroverted?


Introverted. No, extroverted. Indecisive.......final answer. I suppose I can't say extroverted, being it would be a complete misjudgment of my behavior. I'm not sure I can say introverted either. I've heard introverts find social situations mentally and emotionally draining while extroverts are energized by such situations. I definitely lean toward the latter, so I'm going to say "undercover extrovert".

10) Sell yourself in 10 words or less. Be arrogant. I'll allow it.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, right on

-DeMi

On π and Irrationality

This now begins my formal proof on why Pi is an irrational number...hah

But really, here's something I was musing on while in my Econ lecture today:

Make an irrational payment, and you'll be tied down for life. Let's look at an example.

"I'll give you $π for that blueberry pie"

...

"Sure, I don't even like blueberries."

...

"Hold on, do you want $3.14 or $3.15?"

...

"Does it even matter?"

              ...

"...Damn right it does."

Alright, so I'm not going to win any awards in script writing any time soon, but the point is the internal OCD accountant of the first person will be forever on edge that the debt can never be re-payed.

Scenario Uno: You pay $3.15. You over-payed. Shit, that's ~ 84.1% of a hard earned penny you just forked over to this other person. Plus, the blueberry pie wasn't even that good, just some store-made run of the mill pie. You berate yourself for over-calculating the worth of it, and most likely fall into a cyclical depression.

Scenario Deux: You pay $3.14. You under-payed. Shit, besides feeling like a huge jerk you are now indebted by ~15.9% of penny to some person who doesn't even know how to pick out a proper blueberry pie, or even freaking decide what they like. 

But you're an ingenious and resourceful individual. So, in Scenario Deux (see above) what you do is offer the person 3 coupons, specifically highlighting the fact that they are worth 1/20 of a cent.

But...that's exactly where your ingenuity ends and your years of self-loathing begin. One does not simply square a debt of irrationality.

What if you're the person in Scenario Uno (see above)? After breaking out of your depression, you rise up. You become the leader of your country. You force your people into a totalitarian state. Have your hired goons find and kill him. What's a fraction of a penny to a dead person anyways, am I right?

What are you musingon?

-Mi

the worst article in the world

Just a little rant on this terrible article...

Source: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpps/news/scientist-black-holes-grow-big-by-eating-stars-dpgoha-20120403-fc_18991303 (Don't click on this and give this terrible article more page views than it deserves)

First off that title. My god. It's like saying "Doctor: Smoking Can Lead to Lung Complications"

Second, there's a grammar mistake in the second paragraph of the freaking article. I do that, but I also don't have  a paid editor, or get paid at all, shit.

Also, this person's writing style is simply horrendous. For example:

"Apparently, black holes increase in mass and diameter by on a [sic] hefty intake of stars. Research suggests that 'black holes grow enormously as a result of sucking in captured binary star partners,' according to Utah's Prof. Ben Bromley, who authored the study."

An 80 year old man has better flow than this person...c'mon. What the hell is a hefty intake of stars, anyways? Is that just a couple billion more pounds of stellar mass than usual? OM NOM NOM NOM

Does not belong to Musingsontap. Luckily you can find anything on the internets.

Lastly, this is nowhere near new news (quadliteration?!) NASA had a video of black holes eating stars a while back, and I'm pretty sure my Astronomy textbook (published in '07), had a section on this.

Charles Barkley says "this article is turrible"

You could point out this is Fox News, whatever, but if this person gets PAID to write shit like this, sign me up.

/rant

-Mi