The Problem with “Feeling Creative”
Merlin Mann on why creative work is just as hard as "regular work."
Creative work only seems like a magic trick to people who don’t understand that it’s ultimately still work.
A Journal of Emotional Hygiene
On April 3, 2008, I stumbled upon what has become my favorite piece of comedic entertainment. You Look Nice Today: A Journal of Emotional Hygiene is an improvisational podcast co-hosted by Merlin Mann, Scott Simpson, and Adam Lisagor. The occasionally weekly audio program takes the form of a half-hour long conversation between three self-professed misanthropes who frequently attempt to think of ways to generate money for their show and follow random tangents to hilarious conclusions. Merlin, Scott, and Adam play themselves in what sounds like a audio-only and much wittier version of The Office.
Much of the show’s utterly specific humor is derived from the sarcastic, ironic, and ridiculous statements, bits, and interactions the hosts deliver interlaced with perfectly timed musical interludes and voiceovers by someone who is “not John Hodgman“. The trio earn each and every laugh with their impeccable timing, delightful wit, and the occasional slur, sexual, scatological joke. If I had to describe the show’s content to someone who had never listened, I might call it an improvisational romp of geeky, technical, and good old-fashioned humor from three of the funniest personalities on the Internet.
Of course You Look Nice Today is not the most “family friendly” piece of entertainment. Here’s a content advisory from the show’s About page:
Nota bene: You Look Nice Today is an audio program that has been prepared by and for “adults.” As a Journal of Emotional Hygiene, our program tackles many of the painful issues typically encountered by persons of this awkward age. Consequently, an uncontrollable level of candor and seemingly non-stop tsunami of profanity may be encountered by listeners. Please do not present this material to non-adults.
To fully understand the trios unique brand of humorous banter, you should to listen to show. I would recommend that the uninitiated begin at Episode 2: Morning Powder (Episode 1 seems to be missing) and listen to each episode sequentially via the convenient Episode Guide. You Look Nice Today certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely worth a shot.
{ 0 comments }
Personally Reinventing the Weblog Publishing Stereotype
Shawn Blanc on blogging with purpose and quality and the personal satisfaction of writing:
When I write something for shawnblanc.net and hit publish, I want to then open up my homepage and read my own article. And I want to really, really enjoy it.
Starting Over
Today, I decided to redesign my website, but instead of a traditional redesign I started from scratch. I even deleted all of my old blog posts because they represented a very different person. Typically I’m against this wholesale deletion of content, but I needed this kind of drastic change to get back into writing online. The previous version of MatthewBischoff.com was a business card pointing to my online services such as Flickr, Twitter, and others as well as providing contact information. I realized after a while that this site was not providing much value or experience in my quest to be become a better writer or user of the internet.
Wordpress
I’ve decided (at least for now) to use the new version of Wordpress 2.7 to manage my content because it’s familiar and the new interface feels almost as good as Tumblr for content management, albeit much more complex.
In Progress
The site you see right now is an in progress design, but the essentials are here, so feel free to poke around.
Feedback
Have thoughts, questions or suggestions? Post a comment.
{ 1 comment }
