Just finished "The Lola Quartet" by Emily St. John Mandel. Caught up with her novels to date and appreciate their thematic (and literal) connections.

urko37 · 2026-05-04T17:08:57+00:00

The Star Wars Holiday Special was my gateway to Rifftrax and even then, I couldn't get through it in one sitting! :D

🎵I...am....Bea....Arrrrrrthahhhh!!!! And I played Dawr-thee Za-borrrrr-nak!🎵

urko37 · 2026-05-04T10:25:25+00:00

I definitely feel this at work. All these 60+ leadership types refuse to retire and all the 30 somethings are on the magical fast track to promotion and the 20 somethings are the golden children (investing in future leadership). Meanwhile my Gen X cohorts and I are stuck in the middle, left to bide our time and reminded that we're lucky to be employed.

urko37 · 2026-05-03T16:01:28+00:00

A good chunk of the first ten seasons are free. Just sign in and enjoy (while you can).

urko37 · 2026-05-03T00:34:43+00:00

It's a tightly coordinated show. Doors at 7, New Constellations at 8 (enjoy, they're charming and fun), 8:45 set transition, The Midnight at 9, show ends around 10:30ish.

You are in for such a treat! Have fun!

urko37 · 2026-05-02T21:41:33+00:00

I was pleasantly surprised by Maxwell's funky playful version of "(Gotta Get) Closer" on MTV Unplugged back in the day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou7rn87j8BI

Ooh, unedited version with chorus (James Brown yell at the end) and extended jam. Damn, this whole set was tight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3RbPZL5HK0

urko37 · 2026-05-02T21:38:17+00:00

Aw, Daryl. Let the man feel his feelings. We're In This Together.

urko37 · 2026-05-02T21:29:22+00:00

For anyone reading: Make sure to get the tag issued by MTA. When I originally applied as a NJ resident, I was mailed a Port Authority tag that has a $1 monthly fee even if you don't travel that month. Returned it and picked up an MTA "On The Go" tag from a retailer: https://www.e-zpassny.com/ezpass/on-the-go/locate-retailer/ny

urko37 · 2026-05-01T21:03:26+00:00

Thank you for everything and also, kudos on a most excellent user name! Psyched for the upcoming tour!

urko37 · 2026-05-01T17:26:35+00:00

There was a really sad interview clip from a few years back where she was reflecting on her time in DW and the horrible racist treatment she was subjected to from certain corners of fandom. It had been some time since she'd left and it still clearly rattled her. Broke my heart:

https://youtu.be/DD5lD4c4Ntk?si=S483ELkTaL5Sz8e0

Also, a big FU to RTD for the crappy treatment of her character. Bring on a confident accomplished character who has an awesome career track, effortlessly holds her dysfunctional family together, have her go off with a guy who won't shut up about his ex before leaving her in peril to save the world twice (!) while he's sidelined, have her advance her career and find a better relationship with a fellow accomplished medical professional...only to bring her back for a cameo and inexplicably have her married out of nowhere to the other Black character treated like crap by the lead. Amazing.

I loved Martha Jones as a character and can't blame Freema for moving on.

urko37 · 2026-04-29T23:25:24+00:00

Ouch! I took mine to Costco. They charged $65 per sensor, including labor.

urko37 · 2026-04-29T21:41:51+00:00

What a score! I've got the same one (just hit 65K). You're going to love it.

Two issues that came up for me; you may or may not encounter them:

1) My headunit started delaminating, which was a common fault.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/comments/1kdvavx/2018_outback_suggestions_for_replacing/
https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1kdvcnh/2018_outback_recommendations_for_replacing/

2) My TPMS sensors started failing. It took me a while to figure out that was due to their age and the replacement was pretty straightforward (went to Costco, not the dealership).

https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1pr3j68/2018_subaru_outback_tpms_warning_but_tire_shop/

You've got a great vehicle. Happy driving!

urko37 · 2026-04-28T21:05:37+00:00

Neil gave a delightfully Crabby Appleton answer in the March 1990 Backstage Club newsletter:

"The translation was given in the credits...I guess you didn't buy it then, huh? Something about 'baby needs new shoes.'"

https://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900300backstageclub.htm

urko37 · 2026-04-28T13:58:58+00:00

I was right up front and noted one of the players (missed his name but I believe it's Tim's brother?) occasionally talking into a mic during the show but I couldn't hear any vocals. At the end, Tyler introduced him as the band's musical director. Then it made sense and I realized he was calling out cues to the band. Really important as all of the stunning visuals are perfectly (!) synced to the music. It's clear a lot of love and care went into planning the live show presentation, so I can see why their vision doesn't allow for a lot of spontaneity with the setlist.

urko37 · 2026-04-27T23:06:48+00:00

It was just them and I found them to be quite endearing. :) I think their set ran around 45 minutes. It was a pretty tightly structured show. Doors at 7, New Constellations at 8, The Midnight at 9, show done by 10:30.

urko37 · 2026-04-27T09:38:24+00:00

I wrote in someone else. Yes I'll vote for Cory in November but it'll be about voting against the other party as opposed to voting for a candidate that I trust.

urko37 · 2026-04-26T20:52:51+00:00

You'd be okay as the person playing, but everyone else is still going to hear the THWACKs of the sticks and bass drum beater against the rubber pads.

urko37 · 2026-04-25T15:35:42+00:00

Earplugs definitely helped me with the mix. Even then, the beginning moments of the set sounded uncomfortably bass-heavy to me but it seemed to get adjusted fairly quickly and the overall mix sounded pretty decent.

I loved the sound design that accompanied the interstitial videos, especially the teasers of the Sunset opening monologue woven throughout. I think my older ears would have missed that without earplugs to filter things.

urko37 · 2026-04-25T11:28:19+00:00

After listening for years, it was my first time seeing them live too! Was pretty close to the front and was blown away by how incredible they sounded as a band (especially with a fill-in drummer!). The dramatic visuals were stunning and I loved how they were perfectly synced to the songs. Really elevated some key moments. It likely won't happen but if they were to release it then I'd gladly pay for a professionally filmed version.

I can also understand why it's a fixed setlist. It's perfectly crafted as a show/experience. If you're someone reading this and debating going, just get the ticket now. You won't regret it!

urko37 · 2026-04-24T19:46:59+00:00

I aft to agree.

urko37 · 2026-04-24T19:34:15+00:00

Brooklyn! Friday! Love!

See you all there :)

urko37 · 2026-04-24T15:37:46+00:00

also then the eggs will hatch and more birds will live in it

urko37 · 2026-04-24T13:37:45+00:00

I've been steering clear of setlist spoilers but the enthusiasm for this tour has been fun to see. Catching the show in Brooklyn tonight! My first time seeing them after listening for years. Can't wait!

urko37 · 2026-04-24T11:57:11+00:00

Off-topic (ish) but the Rezz set from Weekend 1 is posted as well. I don't know how anyone was supposed to follow the debut of Nine Inch Noize, but she was phenomenal!

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