Start with aardvark

Today, I set up my UC Davis ID(!), and that marks yet one more step I am closer to being a law student. Yes, very exciting, I know. But the process by which I had to set up my account was two parts hilarious, one part annoying.

I set my ID, and then I needed to set my password. But I was going to need to be a bit craftier in my password creation, in order to adhere to the UC Davis rules for password creation. That, reader, was no easy task. According to the rules, one must:

check must be seven (7) or eight (8) characters long
check must contain at least one uppercase letter
check must contain at least one lowercase letter
check must contain at least one numeral (0 through 9)
check must contain at least one punctuation character
check may not contain any spaces
check may not contain the first three characters of your LoginID, first name, middle name, or last name
check may not contain any doublequote ("), ampersand (&), semicolon (;), singlequote ('), or backquote (')

Somewhat comical, if you ask me. But doable, since I have a few select words that make up my passwords, and I could change them slightly to make it work.

Now, on my first attempt, which I thought would work perfectly, I included a word that I am most certain is not in a dictionary. That word? Sophia, the name of my cat (and don't worry - no passwords I use have this word in them, nor do I ever intend to use that word).

But, once I hit "Continue" at the bottom of the page, UC Davis told me this:

The password you selected appears to contain a dictionary word, which makes it too easy to guess.¹ Please return to the previous page and try a different password.

Needless to say, I was a bit taken aback. I mean, I'm all for security. But I have to make up a word to make a password? That seems a tad overprotective.

I finally ended up finding an acceptable password, but it uses something I don't use often. Hopefully, in its attempt to keep me secure, UC Davis doesn't force me into a password that is so hard, even I have a hard time remembering.

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1. Bolding added for effect

There's rules to this (stuff), I wrote me a manual

EDITOR'S NOTE: Hello world! This is my first formal review of any piece of music that has made it into the public eye. I wrote it in response to a call for reviews on FestFans, a Google Group for fans of Rhymefest, an emcee out of Chicago. Many of you readers are probably not hip-hop heads, but if you are down, give it a read and tell me if it sounds okay. It is certainly a sincere review, if nothing else. Anyway, thanks, and enjoy!

What I've always liked about Rhymefest is his candor. He is unabashedly upfront with his feelings and emotions, which has always made him a compelling figure in hip-hop. At any point, when I hear a wack rapper on the radio or on the Internet, I can hear Fest in my ear, talking with that rapper's mother, simply stating, "ma'am, I don't agree with that decision." But from "Blue Collar," his first wide-distributed LP release, to the present day and beyond, Fest is evolving as an artist, and his latest mixtape, "The Manual" (produced by Scram Jones) shows how Fest has really changed, all the while staying the same.

What's changed? For one, his tone. Songs like "Coolness" and several parts of the "Native Tongues Medley" series show a darker, angrier Che, especially with lines like "I wasn't ever homophobic 'til recently ... y'all confusing Internet buzz for love." These, combined with "SuperSonic (Chucky Cheese)," a slight at Charles Hamilton, show a resentment I have yet to see in Fest. For Rhymefest, the Internet is not a good thing, and neither is the evolving status of hip-hop fashion and attitude.

This translates into what seems like a more "serious" vocal range - gone are many of the shouts and continuous yelling that used to make Fest a fun emcee to hear. That's not to say he is no longer entertaining; this new delivery re-emphasizes the importance of his rhymes, forcing listeners to be serious about hearing his music, rather than allowing themselves to blend his usually more melodic voice into the background.

Fest also delves into a spat of homophobia that was entirely absent from anything we've heard him spit before. Personally, it is a bit disconcerting to hear the profuse use of "faggot" in several of the lines, especially when employed to reinforce such a stale construct of masculinity. Very Eminem circa, "The Marshall Mathers LP," meaning that it comes off as immature.

Even so, Fest seems to actually recognize the fact that he is deliberately using slurs, which makes his use of them more complex. At the beginning of "SuperSonic," he includes an audio clip of him being asked, "But why, when you kick the door down, do you have to trample over women and gay people?" His response is, simply, "Who? Did I trample over gay people?" The use of this clip seems to present Fest's argument that he is not hateful toward gay people, nor does he target them specifically. That does not necessarily exonerate him from his new use of anti-gay slurs, but it definitely adds a complexity that listeners should not be too quick to judge. Like I said, this is Rhymefest doing what he does best: being candid with the public. He is not holding back anything, be it prejudice or support for the various enterprises he encounters. This definitely makes for a more intellectually-stimulating hip-hop record.

In terms of the rest of the songs on the mixtape, Rhymefest continues his socially-conscious streak, with "Pulls Me Back," "Exodus 5.1" and "RNQ." All these songs are strong lyrically, with a "Exodus 5.1" employing a steady repetition of questions that really makes for a thought-provoking experience. This track also harkens back to "Bullet," with a seriously provocative set of topics that makes the listeners consider the state of things as they are. "Pulls Me Back" is notable for its use of the "Africa" synth sample for the beat, which, paired with the struggles described by Fest in the song, makes for an interesting expose on Midwest life during this economic depression.

There is also a bunch of fun songs, including the brilliantly-executed "Rhymefest vs Big Daddy Kane." Using the classic, "Warm It Up Kane," Rhymefest seamlessly weaves his battle rhymes in with those of Kane, and it provides for what is not a bad battle at all (I'd like to actually watch them go at it lyrically). "Party 4 Free" is a nice lyrically journey through a variety of topics, especially with lines like, "Happy Chanukah, I be styling in my yarmulke / On my Yahama, 150 on the speedometer," "Happy Graduation, congratulations / I heard you got a job at a gas station." This song really brings "Brand New" to mind, with Fest on a happier tip, just rhyming away and making fun left and right.

Overall, Rhymefst produces a solid performance with this cut. On his blog, he gave himself 4.5 out of 5 stars; on that scale, I think I have to give it a solid 3.5. In terms of his work to date, I think he is definitely on bar with much of it, but works like "Man In The Mirror" and "Blue Collar" just seem to stand out a bit more in terms of cohesion and entertainment. But this couldn't have been a better appetizer for "El Che," which promises to be his strongest performance to date. Assuming it is ever released.

If you haven't already, download the mixtape for free from the Rhymefest Store.

(Twittering) and ... Latituding?

Some of you may remember a post I wrote last October about Twitter, and how I thought it was a service where it tracked your phone and people could see exactly where you were at that very moment, on a map of some kind. When I realized that Twitter did NOT offer this service, I said it was kinda lame, but it also had a certain charm, and, somehow, I would keep using it.

Well, I certainly am a Twitterer to the fullest (though, instead of "Twittering," I refer to it as "Tweeting" [since that is somehow more acceptable?]). I freaking love Twitter for what it is. But that feature I thought it provided? The following of people on a map?

Well, folks, it's here. Meet Google Latitude.

Unfortunately, I cannot use the service, since I do not have a phone that qualifies. But it is EXACTLY what I thought Twitter did.

More than anything, I believe it will be the vehicle for myriad hilarious pranks. Or stalking. But even if I could use it, I don't know about having others "follow" me, in the literally sense. Like I wrote in October, literally following someone just rubs me the wrong way. Too Big Brother for my taste (though I doubt the actual Big Brother needs this service to triangulate my position at any time).

But, who knows? Maybe, just like Twitter, it could grow on me. Until I get a phone that works with it, I'll have to rely on you, faithful reader, to try the service with your phone and see if you like it.

Howlandwood Classics

What I just found on YouTube is a little scary. But it makes me think.

Every year, after the end of the national championship game in NCAA men's basketball, the winning team is shown its "One Shining Moment," a montage of clips of the winning team from the six wins it had during that year's NCAA tournament. The clips include audio from those moments, but the primary sound is background music - a song called "One Shining Moment" (hence the name of the montage).

This song is known by most sports fans as the NCAA basketball song, and coaches even reference it in their pep talks to their players before going into the final games (I just heard Tom Izzo refer to it before Michigan State's Elite Eight game). The reason the song fits so well, I surmise, is because it was written specifically about the NCAA tournament, rather than just being an atypical inspirational song.

It first aired along with the montage after the 1987 championship, and though it initially was a venue to show remarkable clips from all the games in the tournament, the focus has increasingly centered on the winning team. Now, every championship team is graced with its own "One Shining Moment," most of which you can find on YouTube now.

The current version is sung by the late, great Luther Vandross, and taken with clips of the winning team completing various razzle-dazzle stunts throughout the tournament, the montage is usually corny beyond corny, clearly a product of the late 80s/early 90s, with the music's piano-driven melody, synth horns and tones, as well as a catchy-as-all-hell hook.

But as lame as it is, it's tradition, and it is always fun to watch (especially if you were on/supporting that winning team [I only can speculate that the first option is true, since I've not actually been on the roster of an NCAA championship team]). I always look forward to seeing how they edit the clips together into a video scrapbook, for fans to always look back upon with pride.

As many know, I was extremely disappointed last year, when 24 minutes into UCLA's Final Four game, I realized that I wouldn't be watching a "One Shining Moment" for the Bruins two days later.

But, a year later now, I realize that I can.

One loyal fan, not content to see UCLA's season finish without the soulful sounds of Mr. Vandross's voice gracing clips of James Keefe and Russell Westbrook, decided to take it upon himself to give UCLA its own "One Shining Moment" for the 2008 tournament. I cannot say that I was not a little perturbed to watch it - it seemed like a desperate plea for recognition for a team with so much promise knocked to the side by bad in-game coaching.

But, as scary as this revisionist history may seem, it is still fun to watch. Mata with the trophy held high. James Keefe making amazing plays against Western Kentucky. Russell Westbrook's slam dunk at the end of regulation against Texas A&M. All of it only whets my appetite for the real thing. Now, more than even, do I want UCLA to rebuild and make a run to the title.

So here's hoping. But, even if it is next season or in 20 more, I can feel it in my bones - rather than just overzealous fans of Howlandwood, CBS will one day put together another montage for UCLA.

For now, enjoy.

(Freak, freak ... freak) tha security guards!

I haven't played with many toys in a while.

Okay, that's a lie, but I haven't played with this one yet. The PlayMobil Security Check Point.

I know. Wow. Ridiculous. But how ridiculous? To the point of awesomeness? Possibly. Though I find the awesomeness in the fact that this toy is ridiculous. People actually sat down and thought this would be a good toy. It reminds me of a new commercial by Amtrak, where kids act out the frustrations of flying and driving, while another kid with a Lionel train set has a wondrous time playing while his miniature locomotive.

But the best part of this toy is certainly not the toy itself. It is most certainly the reactions to this toy; specifically, the reactions of Amazon users on the toy's Amazon page. Beyond classic.

A great excerpt:

There's no brown figure for little Josh to profile, taser, and detain? Where are all the frightened plastic Heartlanders pointing at the brown figure as they whisper "terrorist?" Where are the hippy couple figures being denied boarding passes? And shouldn't someone be forcing a mother figure to drink her own breast milk?

Maybe the best line out of them all:

Thank you Playmobil for allowing me to teach my 5-year old the importance of recognizing what a failing bureaucracy in a ever growing fascist state looks like.

I stand corrected:

Today my kids can live in the dorms, attend class, and try to learn in an atmosphere that is not oppressive. However, if something like this, in some probative way, helped to keep either one of them alive, I'd favor them getting regular full cavity searches. ... Our constitution tries to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Is the relative order of those words an accident? Life comes first.

via CyberJoke3000

UPDATE (8:45 a.m.): PlayMobil has really outdone itself. Not only is this toy available, but also a Police Checkpoint and a SWAT "Mega Set 5-in-1." LEGO, don't sleep!

I'm 'bout to kick some Tricky Daddy next poetry night

Video, as promised. I got a hold of the DVD for the event, and ripped all of the videos to put on YouTube, so you can press the left and right buttons on the YouTube embed to see the rest. Big shout out to Ryan Ikeda for the DVD, and to Kalinda Price and the whole BSU crew for the event.

Faithful readers, give it to me straight - how bad is my second-line screw up? Bad? Or did you think I integrated the silence well?

I am going to edit my poem to improve. Zac, we need to have that poetry talk, and maybe hit up some open mics. Same invite to the rest of y'all. Let's get it!

They try to battle me with sandals and capris on?

I forgot how much I really enjoy writing poetry. I notice that, without a deadline of some sort for poetry (as in, a poem needs to be ready at a certain point for a contest, performance, etc.), I fail to produce much. But when I do have something compelling me to write and memorize, I really can get into the work.

That's what happened yesterday, when I entered the Los Altos High School Black Student Union Poetry Competition. It was a mini-Slam of sorts. Very mini. Only three students entered. And three staff, including yours truly. The staff and students were ranked separately, so I don't know where I ranked overall (maybe low, since two of the student poem KILLED it), but I placed second among staff entrants.

The reason I was second and my apparent brilliance was overlooked? Well, Mike Smith's poem was pretty damn good (and, between you and me, my former English teacher, Galen Rosenberg, also put it down in a poem that really made me think).

But I think part of my act lost points because of one fatal flaw: I forgot the second line of the poem.

Yep. Just completely blanked. I had been working on it near constantly for the past few days, and I just completely missed the second line. I got there and hit silence that I tried to parlay into part of the performance (about 10 seconds worth, and convincingly, as I learned from some audience members later). But man, if I had nailed it, I would have been golden.

In any case, it was still a lot of fun. That was the first time I'd be really nervous in a while. The kind of nervous the shoots through your spine and freezes your arms into perpetual shaking. Seriously, it was the truth.

Of course, I practiced. I didn't want to look all played out by having a piece of paper in front of me. I wanted to recite it from heart. Which meansssssssssss...

...I (screwed) up the second line.

Yeah. I know. Terrible. I fell into a 10-second silence where I moved about the stage (i.e. the front of the classroom), giving stern looks to audience members to emphasize the mood. Finally, I could recall the third line, and from there forward, I killed it. But it was that slip-up that cost me the championship. I placed second to Mr. Smith, who gave a solid performance with "Achievement Gap," and in front of Mr. Rosenberg, who I thought should have won for his reading of "Blood Brothers." Overall, a solid day of poetry for all.

And, just because I can't leave you hanging after all this talk, you get to read my poem. Enjoy, and please give feedback! I might want to use it in another Slam one day.

Redefinition
Derek Lipkin

Characterized by absence of light
Lacking hue and brightness
Absorbing light without reflecting any of the rays composing it
Involved or enveloped in darkness
Soiled or stained with dirt
Gloomy, pessimistic, dismal
Deliberate, harmful, inexcusable
Marked by ruin or desolation
Without any moral light or goodness

False

Of, pertaining to, or belonging to an ethnic group characterized by dark skin pigmentation
Pertaining specifically to the dark-skinned peoples of Africa, Oceania and Australia
The Negros, Negritos, Papuans, Melanesians and Australian aborigines
The dark-skinned, light-skinned, mixed-race peoples of the Americas, Europe, Asia, The World
The doctors, lawyers, athletes, teachers, pilots, musicians, innovators
The style-makers, beat-breakers, brass-section, cool-birthing jazzmasters
Marked by creativity and ingenuity
Hopeful, Elated, Thoughtful
The original people of the Earth, from whom we all descend
Involved in bringing light to the world
Absorbing light and reflecting any and all of the rays composing it to enlighten us all

Noun, adjective, state of being, symbol of pride

True

Black

A video of the event was shot, so I'll see if I can hook that up. I might make a recording of it, too. Man, the possibilities are endless! I love it. Expect a bit more of this sort of artistic production in the future.