By Blue Sullivan Am I the only person in the River Region whining about the weather? If you’ve been within earshot of me lately, I apologize. These cold, gray, sticky, wet days we’ve been having in spades are wreaking havoc on my dopamine levels. I haven’t gotten sick, yet I remain unduly affected by this uncharacteristically UV-free meteorology. Perhaps it’s the scarcity of vitamin D in my system (the sun is the primary provider of this essential vitamin) causing my winter malaise. Whatever the reason, let me start a petition for sunshine right now, if none exists. It would probably help both me and you, dear reader, if I would shut up about the stupid weather and perform the task I’m called here for—providing some wonderful new music, movies and websites that will shine a little metaphorical sunlight on the dull March landscape.
LOOK: Friends With Kids In Theaters March 9th This welcome March release is an ensemble comedy about the effect children have on a circle of close friends. As the last members of the group without children of their own, two friends (played by Adam Scott and the film’s writer/ director, Jennifer Westfeldt) decide to have a baby together. That they choose to do so while still continuing to date other people provides the comic friction for this well-reviewed film festival favorite. Also found in the great comic cast are Bridesmaids veterans Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph and John Hamm.
SURF: Know Your Meme Knowyourmeme.com This site is like the IMDB of internet fads, viral videos and various other web phenomena. A documentary history of every silly thing that ever captured the net’s attention for 15 minutes is available here. That means every moment of YouTube ignominy is at your disposal, along with more cute animal videos than any human being could logically ever need. Jump on and say goodbye to getting any work done for at least one afternoon.
RSVP Montgomery Magazine rsvp-montgomery.com I know I’m cheating a little with this one, but allow me to shill for the company a bit. Our website has been recently revamped from the clunky, hard-to-use mess that it’s been in the past, to a svelte, lovely, easy-to-navigate site that encourages repeat visits. Put it in your bookmarks now. It’ll become a vital part of your daily surfing.
LISTEN: Frank Ocean – “Strawberry Swing” In each one of these columns, I’ve tried to choose music that encapsulates the time of year in which it is written. This gorgeous cover of a Coldplay song (off their “Viva La Vida” album) does just that. It’s a goodbye to an old friend that possesses a rare ethereal beauty that almost perfectly encapsulates the chilly melancholy of this time of year. Get it on iTunes post-haste, and see if it doesn’t conjure the same feelings in you too. 42
RSVP MAR/APR 2012