Again, I come to this blog with a heavy heart.
I attempted to go Cincinnati this Christmas with Kristen. For some reason, the right tire kept deinflating. When we decided to stay, the tire was fine.
I received the message.
I learn yesterday that one of my friends (who I also worked with) died before Christmas. I don't know nor will venture the specific details of his death, but it was not from natural causes... nor was it his fault. I don't know what happened that night, but I'm going to know.
Could that have been me with a wrecked vehicle, lying there without any help? Worse still... could it have been Kristen?
I'm not sure what it is about the students who went to George Washington High School... Bart Monk, Rob Goldberg, Vaughn Suppa, and now Jason Farley all have passed. These were people I knew, all 30 or younger, highly intelligent... and now snatched away.
I played football (though I had no business playing there) with Bart and Rob. I was in JROTC (another place I had no business with) with Vaughn and Jason.
I knew Jason the best the four.
I went to junior high school and high school with Jason. Mostly, he was a surprisingly shy and highly intelligent person. At Marquee, I saw the nature of his intelligence... as he often spouted off these amazing bits of knowledge about history. Jason was remarkable in the breadth and diversity of his knowledge.
He still has a quote that makes me laugh. I'll never forget it as long as I live. I don't think it's appropriate to post now... not because it's dirty.
I really liked Jason, and appreciated talking to someone at Marquee Cinemas who I knew, went to school with, and had a passion for learning. Come to think of it, Jason's knowledge was the first real idea I had that I could actually go back to school and get my degree. I didn't have the spark until I met Kristen.
When I worked at Marquee, Jason never failed to share his knowledge or ask my opinion. Dare I say, I participated in my first level of higher thought with Jason... no debates, just talking. I got my B.A. in History... imagine that.
I feel sick. Have I reached the point in my life where I have to check the obituaries every day? I learned about all the aforementioned deaths (including Dr. Richards) late. Do I really have to start reading that... opening that page every day? It's like playing Russian Roulette.
I'm done for now.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Homelessness in WV
This makes me want to vomit.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200901120683
..."The number of homeless people increased in West Virginia between January 2005 and January 2007 more quickly than almost anywhere in the nation..."
No one has done anything to assist in this. Not one person anywhere. In an earlier study in mid-2008, WV also has the greatest gap between rich and poor than anywhere else in the country. Many often remarked, so what?
These things are why "so what."
No, I'm not going to sprout off about it being the government's fault, because we elected those fools in the first place. Now we see the tragic result.
It isn't just about the economy, because those with half a brain saw this coming. For years, we as a society (especially in WV) are delightfully clueless about what really happens in the streets. Otherwise, we wouldn't hear stupid things like "there are no such things as homeless veterans."
If you've never been hungry or spent a night on the street, then you haven't a clue. None. Granted, who would want to have such a thing? But it is the duty of those with means to assist those without.
I'm not talking about welfare here, because that's bullshit... and it doesn't freaking work.
Homelessness costs perhaps a good person a chance for a job, since employers require that individual to have a mailing address. Medical assistance is shoddy, and that shoddy expense comes to hit the taxpayer hard.
Not to mention crime... and the bitter cold of winter.
First of all, those without means are treated with a lack of respect, a lack of dignity. Events far beyond their control have often landed them in a sewer. Not everyone has a support system, or a nice car. We ignore the bum on the street, because they're dangerous.
If the fix means to raise taxes, then do it. If it means to start public works and to create more efficient health care, do it.
If we've got enough money to donate $20 to a DVD, or to an offering plate... then we can all chip in to help the people on the street.
Because if you've ever faced such a thing, you see life with different eyes...
...and it pisses you off.
We haven't too far to look into the mouth of hell.
This was one of the many things Dr. Richards was talking about... getting in touch with the community.
Are we brave enough to drop the stupid political jargon and execute... for the sake of each other? Are we strong enough to drop the act and make "Christmas donations" and everyday event? Are we diligent enough to force our leaders to declare war on poverty? Are we intelligent enough to remove those leaders who don't?
I hope so.
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200901120683
..."The number of homeless people increased in West Virginia between January 2005 and January 2007 more quickly than almost anywhere in the nation..."
No one has done anything to assist in this. Not one person anywhere. In an earlier study in mid-2008, WV also has the greatest gap between rich and poor than anywhere else in the country. Many often remarked, so what?
These things are why "so what."
No, I'm not going to sprout off about it being the government's fault, because we elected those fools in the first place. Now we see the tragic result.
It isn't just about the economy, because those with half a brain saw this coming. For years, we as a society (especially in WV) are delightfully clueless about what really happens in the streets. Otherwise, we wouldn't hear stupid things like "there are no such things as homeless veterans."
If you've never been hungry or spent a night on the street, then you haven't a clue. None. Granted, who would want to have such a thing? But it is the duty of those with means to assist those without.
I'm not talking about welfare here, because that's bullshit... and it doesn't freaking work.
Homelessness costs perhaps a good person a chance for a job, since employers require that individual to have a mailing address. Medical assistance is shoddy, and that shoddy expense comes to hit the taxpayer hard.
Not to mention crime... and the bitter cold of winter.
First of all, those without means are treated with a lack of respect, a lack of dignity. Events far beyond their control have often landed them in a sewer. Not everyone has a support system, or a nice car. We ignore the bum on the street, because they're dangerous.
If the fix means to raise taxes, then do it. If it means to start public works and to create more efficient health care, do it.
If we've got enough money to donate $20 to a DVD, or to an offering plate... then we can all chip in to help the people on the street.
Because if you've ever faced such a thing, you see life with different eyes...
...and it pisses you off.
We haven't too far to look into the mouth of hell.
This was one of the many things Dr. Richards was talking about... getting in touch with the community.
Are we brave enough to drop the stupid political jargon and execute... for the sake of each other? Are we strong enough to drop the act and make "Christmas donations" and everyday event? Are we diligent enough to force our leaders to declare war on poverty? Are we intelligent enough to remove those leaders who don't?
I hope so.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Golden Globes, 2009
- The most appropriate move yet in film awards history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar1qWdpU49g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar1qWdpU49g
Sunday, January 11, 2009
1/11/09: Ideas and Ravings
- I still can't get the loss of Dr. Richards out of my mind. WVSU would be very smart to set up some sort of memorial for him... say, rename Hill Hall.
---
- 4 million new jobs with the upcoming administration? We'll see. I'd consider a fraction of that a success.
---
- Christopher Nolan's trend of silence on "Batman 3" is bordering on the absurd. There's a point when building anticipation is replaced by tomfoolery.
Yet, if it will keep in the business of making great films Batman related... I'll take it.
---
- There's nothing like a good airhorn. Nothing. Seeing or hearing an airhorn always brings a smile to my face. And it scares the everloving crap out of everyone in its path. I'm just juvenile that way...
... tee, hee. I need to buy another one.
---
- I recently watched "The Black Cat" (1934). It's good. Not the best Lugosi work, but a very good one.
---
"Supernatural" is quickly shooting up the chart of my favorite TV show list. Rarely have I seen such care given into a storyline, and executed so efficiently. I highly recommend watching it from the beginning. If I had to rank my favorite TV shows, it'd go something like this...
1. Batman: The Animated Series
2. Married With Children
3. Supernatural
4. Justice League
5. Smallville/Pinky and the Brain
---
- As for Smallville...
...put Clark in the damned cape already. How many more pre-Superman stories can be told? I hear Tom Welling has signed for Season 9. In that case, give us a whole season of Tom Welling as Superman. Isn't one of Superman's many nicknames "Smallville?"
Smallville was one of the reasons why I started to actually like the character of Superman. He's fought off every 'B' villain imaginable. We've seen the Justice League. We've seen Doomsday and Brainiac.
Either bring in Darkseid or put him in the cape. Now.
---
- Why do I get the feeling that if Fox gets a hold of Watchmen, they'll turn it into PG-13? Though I stipulate Fox had merit in its case, I consider the timing more than suspicious. The whole DC vs. Marvel (WB vs. Fox) thing may have its first casualty. I have never read the graphic novel, but know the story. The fanbase is going to be pissed. I can't imagine a PG-13 Watchmen. It's a bit like the Schumacher/Batman films.
---
- By the way, bigotry is not indicative of a political party. I'd just like to clear that up. Pricks are pricks, and they come in all shapes and forms.
---
- I actually picked up the pages again of one of the worst books I've ever read... Benn's "China's Golden Age." I saw it on my shelf, thinking... "it can't possibly be this bad." Much like an Alzheimer's patient, I tried reading it again. I made it through 3 pages, and that was because I was trying.
Only history freaks like me would do such a thing. It sucked when it was required reading as an undergrad, and it sucks even harder still. I have rarely read such boring and suffocatingly dull dribble. I had fun more picking at my fingernails.
Smack the reader, arrest the author.
---
Why do so many history books suck? Crane Brinton and Robert Dallek don't suck. It is possible not to suck.
---
LB
---
- 4 million new jobs with the upcoming administration? We'll see. I'd consider a fraction of that a success.
---
- Christopher Nolan's trend of silence on "Batman 3" is bordering on the absurd. There's a point when building anticipation is replaced by tomfoolery.
Yet, if it will keep in the business of making great films Batman related... I'll take it.
---
- There's nothing like a good airhorn. Nothing. Seeing or hearing an airhorn always brings a smile to my face. And it scares the everloving crap out of everyone in its path. I'm just juvenile that way...
... tee, hee. I need to buy another one.
---
- I recently watched "The Black Cat" (1934). It's good. Not the best Lugosi work, but a very good one.
---
"Supernatural" is quickly shooting up the chart of my favorite TV show list. Rarely have I seen such care given into a storyline, and executed so efficiently. I highly recommend watching it from the beginning. If I had to rank my favorite TV shows, it'd go something like this...
1. Batman: The Animated Series
2. Married With Children
3. Supernatural
4. Justice League
5. Smallville/Pinky and the Brain
---
- As for Smallville...
...put Clark in the damned cape already. How many more pre-Superman stories can be told? I hear Tom Welling has signed for Season 9. In that case, give us a whole season of Tom Welling as Superman. Isn't one of Superman's many nicknames "Smallville?"
Smallville was one of the reasons why I started to actually like the character of Superman. He's fought off every 'B' villain imaginable. We've seen the Justice League. We've seen Doomsday and Brainiac.
Either bring in Darkseid or put him in the cape. Now.
---
- Why do I get the feeling that if Fox gets a hold of Watchmen, they'll turn it into PG-13? Though I stipulate Fox had merit in its case, I consider the timing more than suspicious. The whole DC vs. Marvel (WB vs. Fox) thing may have its first casualty. I have never read the graphic novel, but know the story. The fanbase is going to be pissed. I can't imagine a PG-13 Watchmen. It's a bit like the Schumacher/Batman films.
---
- By the way, bigotry is not indicative of a political party. I'd just like to clear that up. Pricks are pricks, and they come in all shapes and forms.
---
- I actually picked up the pages again of one of the worst books I've ever read... Benn's "China's Golden Age." I saw it on my shelf, thinking... "it can't possibly be this bad." Much like an Alzheimer's patient, I tried reading it again. I made it through 3 pages, and that was because I was trying.
Only history freaks like me would do such a thing. It sucked when it was required reading as an undergrad, and it sucks even harder still. I have rarely read such boring and suffocatingly dull dribble. I had fun more picking at my fingernails.
Smack the reader, arrest the author.
---
Why do so many history books suck? Crane Brinton and Robert Dallek don't suck. It is possible not to suck.
---
LB
Friday, January 9, 2009
Twilight (2008)
I'm not a big MTV guy. I think the concept of music videos is a good idea, but it never really pans out. I'm akin to the Lewis Black theory on this, so pick up one of his albums to see what all the fuss is.
Putting the letters "MTV" in front of it made me cringe a little. That and the very stupid "you brought a snack" line in the trailer. I expected loads of overacting, and a bad script.
I kept my expectations in the gutter. I haven't read the book, either.
However, I really liked it.
I won't do the usual lengthy review... just a few hits and misses.
Catherine Hardwicke did a fantastic job directing this film. Her vision is clearly laid out in each frame. Instead of providing simplistic dribble to satisfy teens, she created a beautifully drawn film. The studios are very, very stupid not to have her aboard for the sequel. I'd rather wait an extra year and have a great film... than to mass produce shit.
The script has problems. See the quoted line above. The vampires aren't scary, nor are they meant to be. They don't have the Hammer fangs, the Tod Browning menace, or the Coppola eroticism. This is a romance story. If you're searching for a parallel, try John Badham's Dracula (1979)... another underrated film. The story itself is unique and places itself well in the genre.
Overall, the acting was good. Robert Pattinson (veteran of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") and Kristen Stewart work well together. The wisdom of Peter Facinelli in the "father" role was a scene stealer.
So, what's the beef? One word. James.
Cam Gigandet plays this guy named "James," who's assumedly the primary antagonist. The look is a mix between Fabio and
He and the character flat out blow, and I'm saying that in the nicest way possible. Vampires are supposed to be intimidating.
I felt intimidated, the same level of intimidation I felt watching Blazing Saddles. And that pisses me off, because I love Blazing Saddles.
This ran through my head when I was watching the film. So memorizing was the idiocy of this character, so complete was the mediocrity... I had to see it again. I had to remind myself to tune James out whenever he leapt onto the screen.
His screen time is fortunately small, but it's something I can't overlook.
The Hollywood executive who approved this actor for this character in this script should be arrested.
...and we wonder why the French lopped off the cake queen's head.
It conjured in me the same rage when watching the Schumacher Batman films, Gods and Generals, and the TV show Charmed.
I'm better now.
I saw it twice, and I appreciated it more. Vampire films almost always have a good score, and Twilight is no exception. The music added a level of atmosphere without damaging the integrity of the assumed realism (however much you can get in this genre) of this film.
Twilight is a date movie, and I heard the girls (and one guy) in the theater swoon when Robert Pattison gave his best Rudolph Valentino impression.
If you go see this (and you should), don't expect a scare.
Oh, and tell the annoying kid in front of you to turn off the damned cell phone.
8/10.
Putting the letters "MTV" in front of it made me cringe a little. That and the very stupid "you brought a snack" line in the trailer. I expected loads of overacting, and a bad script.
I kept my expectations in the gutter. I haven't read the book, either.
However, I really liked it.
I won't do the usual lengthy review... just a few hits and misses.
Catherine Hardwicke did a fantastic job directing this film. Her vision is clearly laid out in each frame. Instead of providing simplistic dribble to satisfy teens, she created a beautifully drawn film. The studios are very, very stupid not to have her aboard for the sequel. I'd rather wait an extra year and have a great film... than to mass produce shit.
The script has problems. See the quoted line above. The vampires aren't scary, nor are they meant to be. They don't have the Hammer fangs, the Tod Browning menace, or the Coppola eroticism. This is a romance story. If you're searching for a parallel, try John Badham's Dracula (1979)... another underrated film. The story itself is unique and places itself well in the genre.
Overall, the acting was good. Robert Pattinson (veteran of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") and Kristen Stewart work well together. The wisdom of Peter Facinelli in the "father" role was a scene stealer.
So, what's the beef? One word. James.
Cam Gigandet plays this guy named "James," who's assumedly the primary antagonist. The look is a mix between Fabio and
He and the character flat out blow, and I'm saying that in the nicest way possible. Vampires are supposed to be intimidating.
I felt intimidated, the same level of intimidation I felt watching Blazing Saddles. And that pisses me off, because I love Blazing Saddles.
This ran through my head when I was watching the film. So memorizing was the idiocy of this character, so complete was the mediocrity... I had to see it again. I had to remind myself to tune James out whenever he leapt onto the screen.
His screen time is fortunately small, but it's something I can't overlook.
The Hollywood executive who approved this actor for this character in this script should be arrested.
...and we wonder why the French lopped off the cake queen's head.
It conjured in me the same rage when watching the Schumacher Batman films, Gods and Generals, and the TV show Charmed.
I'm better now.
I saw it twice, and I appreciated it more. Vampire films almost always have a good score, and Twilight is no exception. The music added a level of atmosphere without damaging the integrity of the assumed realism (however much you can get in this genre) of this film.
Twilight is a date movie, and I heard the girls (and one guy) in the theater swoon when Robert Pattison gave his best Rudolph Valentino impression.
If you go see this (and you should), don't expect a scare.
Oh, and tell the annoying kid in front of you to turn off the damned cell phone.
8/10.
Shots Without the Pots, 1/9/2009
-So the Florida Gators have won the national championship 2 out of the last 3 years.
There is no logical reason why the NCAA doesn't have a playoff system in place. Every other major sport on the planet has one. Utah had an undefeated season. I think they should be #1.
Prove me wrong.
If we had a playoff system, imagine the possibilities.
Now, we're not going to get that. So, add a +1. How does that help?
The likelihood of more than 4 teams (with conference championships) is slim. I don't know if it's ever happened at the end of the season.
Here's the qualifier. Even if you're a little school... you win, you're in.
That's where the BCS still plays out. The other slots (assuming they're not undefeated) are filled in by the highest ranking teams.
So, that would have meant...
Oklahoma/Utah vs. Florida/Texas
Yeah, yeah. Well, Texas beat Oklahoma. USC doesn't deserve a spot in that scenario.
+1 all the way.
----
So, Robert Marve is gone. I really liked him, despite the season mishaps. Problem was, Jacory Harris was at the very least... equal to him. And there's that badass comeback he had.
Now that it's hurt recruiting. I'm not irritated at 7-6. But here comes year three. Everyone, myself included, continues to expect improvement. The recruits are too freaking talented.
I'm not saying a 10 win season is next season. But 8 or 9 shouldn't be out of the question... not in the ACC. Now that Nix is gone, things should get even better.
----
My review for Twilight is coming next post. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
----
Who's gonna be Selina Kyle in "Batman 3?" Here's a list of some that I've ballied around, in no particular order:
Evangeline Lilly
Alyssa Milano
Rachel Weisz (the rumor train is plugging her hard)
Lena Headey
Anne Hathaway
Rose McGowan
Do you have a pick for Catwoman? Let me know.
LB
There is no logical reason why the NCAA doesn't have a playoff system in place. Every other major sport on the planet has one. Utah had an undefeated season. I think they should be #1.
Prove me wrong.
If we had a playoff system, imagine the possibilities.
Now, we're not going to get that. So, add a +1. How does that help?
The likelihood of more than 4 teams (with conference championships) is slim. I don't know if it's ever happened at the end of the season.
Here's the qualifier. Even if you're a little school... you win, you're in.
That's where the BCS still plays out. The other slots (assuming they're not undefeated) are filled in by the highest ranking teams.
So, that would have meant...
Oklahoma/Utah vs. Florida/Texas
Yeah, yeah. Well, Texas beat Oklahoma. USC doesn't deserve a spot in that scenario.
+1 all the way.
----
So, Robert Marve is gone. I really liked him, despite the season mishaps. Problem was, Jacory Harris was at the very least... equal to him. And there's that badass comeback he had.
Now that it's hurt recruiting. I'm not irritated at 7-6. But here comes year three. Everyone, myself included, continues to expect improvement. The recruits are too freaking talented.
I'm not saying a 10 win season is next season. But 8 or 9 shouldn't be out of the question... not in the ACC. Now that Nix is gone, things should get even better.
----
My review for Twilight is coming next post. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
----
Who's gonna be Selina Kyle in "Batman 3?" Here's a list of some that I've ballied around, in no particular order:
Evangeline Lilly
Alyssa Milano
Rachel Weisz (the rumor train is plugging her hard)
Lena Headey
Anne Hathaway
Rose McGowan
Do you have a pick for Catwoman? Let me know.
LB
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Random Continued, A Wednesday
Tuesday is better than Monday. Wednesday is better than Tuesday.
Yeah, affixed cliche above... but it's a long week.
I'm itching to play my new Scrabble board. Anyone want a go?
---
I think free time is just dandy. Sitting on your ass is a nice way to pass the time. At least I admit I like being lazy at times...
...gives me q.t. with my pretty girl.
---
It seems that TDK is getting a few more nominations. Awesome stuff.
---
Can someone please explain to me the attraction of the IPhone?
Yeah, affixed cliche above... but it's a long week.
I'm itching to play my new Scrabble board. Anyone want a go?
---
I think free time is just dandy. Sitting on your ass is a nice way to pass the time. At least I admit I like being lazy at times...
...gives me q.t. with my pretty girl.
---
It seems that TDK is getting a few more nominations. Awesome stuff.
---
Can someone please explain to me the attraction of the IPhone?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Random Musings
I'm still hit pretty hard about the loss of Dr. John Richards. I had the man twice for class, Origins and Social Networking.
I made this group on Facebook so people can talk about him... but I fear it doesn't do any justice at all.
I found out late.
Not once did I hear Dr. Richards raise his voice, have a frown on his face, or put someone down. The man saw me graduate, and that helps a little.
----
In that note, people care too much about stupid crap... myself included.
Politics do not freaking matter. The bad things, the things which rip society apart... are inconsequential. I wish I could be more articulate, but happiness is it... the Secret.
It doesn't take a stupid book to figure that out. Happiness is what matters. Damn the rest.
---
I began the work week finding out about this, and it's hard not to think about it. I can only imagine what those closer to him are feeling.
---
My employees are getting sick all over the place. I've commanded them to keep their distance, because the last thing I need is to get chummed by the murky nastiness.
I think I may keep this blog active more often than not... perhaps I may have something interesting to say.
---
Why are my neighbors always yelling? They seem to enjoy yelling at their dog, who barks. Funny, but the dog is quieter than the neighbors. I thought that it was perhaps the thin walls of the trailer.
I turned up the music full blast and walked outside. It seems that their rage is louder than the music. How best to be a good neighbor?
---
La Rosa's needs to deliver to my home. Now.
---
I'm really glad everyone liked my short film. If you're reading this, thank you for your kind comments.
---
Hitting the weights doesn't quite give me the energy boost I want, but it does relax me. The soreness in my triceps is gone... so I must be getting somewhere.
---
My little cat is going to the vet to get fixed. They've got some discount going on. I'm all about saving money.
---
I wrote a script for a short film. It's a comedy, and I'm wigging. I'm funny sometimes... but can I write funny?
---
I am still trying to replace my VHS tapes. I wish they would just... go away with DVD's.
---
I really miss Dr. Richards. Not to bang the drum, but it's hard not to think about someone that influential.
LB
I made this group on Facebook so people can talk about him... but I fear it doesn't do any justice at all.
I found out late.
Not once did I hear Dr. Richards raise his voice, have a frown on his face, or put someone down. The man saw me graduate, and that helps a little.
----
In that note, people care too much about stupid crap... myself included.
Politics do not freaking matter. The bad things, the things which rip society apart... are inconsequential. I wish I could be more articulate, but happiness is it... the Secret.
It doesn't take a stupid book to figure that out. Happiness is what matters. Damn the rest.
---
I began the work week finding out about this, and it's hard not to think about it. I can only imagine what those closer to him are feeling.
---
My employees are getting sick all over the place. I've commanded them to keep their distance, because the last thing I need is to get chummed by the murky nastiness.
I think I may keep this blog active more often than not... perhaps I may have something interesting to say.
---
Why are my neighbors always yelling? They seem to enjoy yelling at their dog, who barks. Funny, but the dog is quieter than the neighbors. I thought that it was perhaps the thin walls of the trailer.
I turned up the music full blast and walked outside. It seems that their rage is louder than the music. How best to be a good neighbor?
---
La Rosa's needs to deliver to my home. Now.
---
I'm really glad everyone liked my short film. If you're reading this, thank you for your kind comments.
---
Hitting the weights doesn't quite give me the energy boost I want, but it does relax me. The soreness in my triceps is gone... so I must be getting somewhere.
---
My little cat is going to the vet to get fixed. They've got some discount going on. I'm all about saving money.
---
I wrote a script for a short film. It's a comedy, and I'm wigging. I'm funny sometimes... but can I write funny?
---
I am still trying to replace my VHS tapes. I wish they would just... go away with DVD's.
---
I really miss Dr. Richards. Not to bang the drum, but it's hard not to think about someone that influential.
LB
Monday, January 5, 2009
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