So, I'm home sick again...coughing and blowing my runny nose with a frequency like David Spade saying something sarcastic. My nose is literally raw from so much contact with tissues. The good news is that I'm beginning to feel better. My throat no longer burns when I cough. Seems like a good start towards healing. Yay!
Some not-so-good news, however, is how I elected to pass some of my time while home sick.
This morning, I watched a movie. This should not be too surprising. Let me go on the record to say that I love the movies "The Sixth Sense," "Unbreakable," and "Signs." I thought that "The Village" was pretty decent as well as "Lady in the Water."
All of these films were written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. I'm not certain that I spelled his name correctly just now, but after what I just endured, I don't feel it's necessary to look his name up for accuracy.
I just finished watching "The Happening."
For those of you who want the short version, here it is: DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE!!! It is terrible and it warrants 484 Spartans on my Spartan scale.
Ok, you've been warned. For those of you who want to know why, I offer the top ten reasons why this movie was so terrible. (Spoilers will be included, so if you wish to defy me and see the movie anyway, stop reading now.)
1) The Premise: The Happening is about an airborne virus that is infecting people and leading them to commit suicide in gruesome manners. It is first thought to be some sort of terrorist attack. Later, the movie reveals the big, scary threat is trees. Yes, you read that correctly...trees. More specifically, trees, bushes, and even grass. The movie isn't completely clear on what types of trees, bushes, or plants are responsible...but just makes it seem that "Mother Earth" or "Nature" is striking back.
2) An airborne virus...yet no one seals themselves inside anything, they often go on the run outside...where the evil trees and wind can roam freely.
3) SCARY WIND! Since the movie never really has a visible antagonist, we are left with menacing shots of the wind blowing through the trees. Nothing like beautiful shots of nature to inspire fear!
4) The performances are just awful. Seriously, I don't think that any actor or actress spent much time rehearsing for this movie. Nearly every line is just muttered as if it's being read off the script for the first time. The only exception might be the creepy old shut-in lady near the end of the film. She's rather "over-the-top" creepy, and gives the lone memorable performance in the film. Plus, she had a really creepy doll in her bedroom that scared the begeezus out of me.
5) Meaningless subplots..."Joey" calls on the cell phone frequently and it seems like he'll become an important player at some point. Nope, he's just a throwaway, non-important background character whose only purpose is to demonstrate that Emma and Elliot are having trouble with their relationship. I suppose this is just to have a little extra "Awwww" moment when they work things out. (Complete with adopting little Jess and a pregnancy, yay!!!)
6) The symptoms of the effected people are just weird. For some reason, they all (well, almost all) stop in their tracks before finding a way to "off" themselves. Some of them even walk backwards. Weird...I don't get it. I suppose it was just supposed to be a "look how they're not acting normally" moment so that we can recognize who'd been effected later. Whatever...I found it jarring and annoying.
7) When the protagonists (those that are still alive) determine that the virus is airborne and being spread by the trees, they flee into the forest and fields. Yes, the forest and fields.
8) When Elliot is separated from Emma and Jess, he decides that "if we're all going to die, I want to be together." So he intends to brave the outdoors to move out of his building to the building where they are waiting. Once would expect a sprint across the field to be reunited with his loved ones. It could've been a moment of (albeit contrived) tension. Instead, he slowly walks out the front door with dramatic music backing him up. Jess and Emma slowly walk out of their building, too. Now they're all in danger of being infected. Fret not, though, as the virus has simply decided to "unexpectedly stop" as nature sometimes does...how convenient.
9) The annoying side-characters. I don't even recall the two boys names who somehow ended up with the main three. Who they are or where they came from is irrelevant. They were simply brought along to be fodder to show that crazy shut-ins like to shoot people with shotguns. I think it was supposed to be shocking, but I was, instead, thankful that we didn't have to hear from those two any more.
10) The foolish extra end scene...ugh, as if the movie wasn't bad enough. At the end of the film, we're left to wonder if this "happening" was something government related or "nature" fighting back. This was potentially the most interesting moment in the movie, as people were doubting the source of the "happening." As tv scientists explain their theories as we are watching, one suggests a government conspiracy since the "happening" only occurred near some rumored CIA facilities. If there had been outbreaks in other places, it would indicate that it was "nature" fighting back. Cut to three months later. We have the aforementioned "happy ending" with the young girl going off to school, a baby on the way, and everything is sunshine and lollipops. Except that in France, the "happening" is, um, well..for lack of a better word...happening again. Looks like "nature" really is striking back.
So, in the end, the movie is a pretty big "we need to take better care of our planet or it's going to rise up and attack us" propaganda piece.
(In my best David Spade voice) "Yeah, we need that like we need another Paris Hilton reality show..."
Seriously, avoid this flick unless you want to waste time. On the plus side, it was relatively short...
Much luv,
Rob
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Song of the Day: "Who Cares?" by Extreme
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
After studying hard, I've deduced that his name is Flipper...
As Juno's friend Leah once said, "Yo yo yiggidy yo." (I think that's some sort of greeting.)
So, today at work, I was thinking about the future. No, not about time travel, hover cars, or the fact that doom is seemingly impending (more so than normal) because a certain Obama is the president-elect.
No, I was thinking about the fact that I'd like to find a new job. I took an online "career finders" test and was astonished at the results. After just a few short minutes, this little test had matched the "top 20" careers suited to me.
So here they are, in the order given to me by the test, along with why none of these are the career for me:
Astronaut: What am I, six years old? Seriously, I don't even like roller coasters. There's no way I'm getting on board a space shuttle.
Electrical Engineer: Hmm...designing electrical things? Probably not my forte, and I wouldn't want to infringe on Mike's territory.
Civil Engineering Technician: Bridges and such could be fun to design...perhaps I should consider this.
Dolphin Researcher: Now, this result is puzzling. I mean, that's really, really specific. Note that it doesn't say "Marine Biologist." No, this is dolphin researcher. I figure the world only needs a few of these, and I am not to be one of them.
Computer Systems Analyst: I don't think I could handle looking at code all day.
Industrial Engineer: Again, this engineering thing might be somewhat up my alley. Maybe the test wasn't all bad.
Aviation Accident Investigator: I don't think I could handle looking at tragedies. Besides, I've seen Fight Club. I don't want to be responsible for deciding if it's "cost effective" to do a recall.
Equine Vet: A horse doctor? Me? I don't like small pets...no way I'd like big horses.
Civil Engineer: I guess this is more of the "theory" side than the technician...not necessarily a bad idea for me.
Neurosurgeon: Ick! Operating on brains? I hope my hands would be steady!
Auto Racing Mechanic: I do think that I'd like to be a mechanic. Auto racing, though? Sounds noisy.
Prosthetics Designer: Who knows...maybe I could be responsible for designing the prosthetic that the infamous one-armed-man uses to commit his crimes!
Computer Hardware Designer: Meh...not for me. I don't like computers enough for that.
Veterinarian: Pets bother me. I'm quite certain I'd have a hard time being sympathetic enough.
Acoustical Engineer: THIS is something that I should research. Seriously...the test was worth taking for this result. I love music, sound, and the technology behind it.
Cardiologist: No working on the human body. It's icky.
Arson Investigator: Burn victims? Tragedy? No thanks...although I could probably get a cool pair of shades like that CSI guy.
Industrial Chemist: Oooh! I could manage huge vats of steaming chemicals! Sounds...dangerous!
Telecommunications Manager: Is that like a phone operator? I wouldn't want to be responsible for communications systems. Nobody's ever happy when dealing with those people.
Computer Engineer: NERDS! But I'm ok with being a nerd...so maybe this isn't so bad.
Ultimately, I guess this just goes to show that I still don't know what I want to do...but I'm fairly certain that it's not dolphin research.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Here It Goes Again" by OK Go
So, today at work, I was thinking about the future. No, not about time travel, hover cars, or the fact that doom is seemingly impending (more so than normal) because a certain Obama is the president-elect.
No, I was thinking about the fact that I'd like to find a new job. I took an online "career finders" test and was astonished at the results. After just a few short minutes, this little test had matched the "top 20" careers suited to me.
So here they are, in the order given to me by the test, along with why none of these are the career for me:
Astronaut: What am I, six years old? Seriously, I don't even like roller coasters. There's no way I'm getting on board a space shuttle.
Electrical Engineer: Hmm...designing electrical things? Probably not my forte, and I wouldn't want to infringe on Mike's territory.
Civil Engineering Technician: Bridges and such could be fun to design...perhaps I should consider this.
Dolphin Researcher: Now, this result is puzzling. I mean, that's really, really specific. Note that it doesn't say "Marine Biologist." No, this is dolphin researcher. I figure the world only needs a few of these, and I am not to be one of them.
Computer Systems Analyst: I don't think I could handle looking at code all day.
Industrial Engineer: Again, this engineering thing might be somewhat up my alley. Maybe the test wasn't all bad.
Aviation Accident Investigator: I don't think I could handle looking at tragedies. Besides, I've seen Fight Club. I don't want to be responsible for deciding if it's "cost effective" to do a recall.
Equine Vet: A horse doctor? Me? I don't like small pets...no way I'd like big horses.
Civil Engineer: I guess this is more of the "theory" side than the technician...not necessarily a bad idea for me.
Neurosurgeon: Ick! Operating on brains? I hope my hands would be steady!
Auto Racing Mechanic: I do think that I'd like to be a mechanic. Auto racing, though? Sounds noisy.
Prosthetics Designer: Who knows...maybe I could be responsible for designing the prosthetic that the infamous one-armed-man uses to commit his crimes!
Computer Hardware Designer: Meh...not for me. I don't like computers enough for that.
Veterinarian: Pets bother me. I'm quite certain I'd have a hard time being sympathetic enough.
Acoustical Engineer: THIS is something that I should research. Seriously...the test was worth taking for this result. I love music, sound, and the technology behind it.
Cardiologist: No working on the human body. It's icky.
Arson Investigator: Burn victims? Tragedy? No thanks...although I could probably get a cool pair of shades like that CSI guy.
Industrial Chemist: Oooh! I could manage huge vats of steaming chemicals! Sounds...dangerous!
Telecommunications Manager: Is that like a phone operator? I wouldn't want to be responsible for communications systems. Nobody's ever happy when dealing with those people.
Computer Engineer: NERDS! But I'm ok with being a nerd...so maybe this isn't so bad.
Ultimately, I guess this just goes to show that I still don't know what I want to do...but I'm fairly certain that it's not dolphin research.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Here It Goes Again" by OK Go
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I hear it's good in a Frappuchino, too...
So...politics?
BOO!
Halloween?
BOO! (Seriously, I wouldn't mind National Costume Day. I really wouldn't, but all of the "death" and "horror" associated with Halloween just gives me the heebie-geebies...and not in the good way.)
Caramel?
YAY!!!
I recently discovered that caramel is the correct spelling for the word that I've been pronouncing "carmel" for ages.
According to dictionary.com:
Car-mel (noun)
1. Mount, a mountain range in NW Israel, near the Mediterranean coast. Highest point, 1818 ft. (554 m). 14 mi. (23 km) long.
2. a town in central Indiana. 18,272.
3. Also called Carmel-by-the-Sea. a town in W California, on the Pacific Ocean: artists' colony and resort.
4. a female given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “garden.”
Car-a-mel (noun)
1. a liquid made by cooking sugar until it changes color, used for coloring and flavoring food.
2. a kind of chewy candy, commonly in small blocks, made from sugar, butter, milk, etc.
3. a yellowish brown or tan color.
As a fan of both caramel and words, I thought it important to point out the significant distinction between the two:
One is a deliciously sweet morsel that sends a taster into a euphoric bliss.
The other is bunch of dirt and rocks piled on top of each other.
See the drastic difference? You wouldn't want to eat the wrong one. Blech! And you wouldn't want to climb on the other, you'd likely get stuck. May you never confuse the two again.
My name is Rob Mayer, and I approve this message. (See how I tied it back in to politics? Eh? EH??? Well, I amused myself, anyway.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
BOO!
Halloween?
BOO! (Seriously, I wouldn't mind National Costume Day. I really wouldn't, but all of the "death" and "horror" associated with Halloween just gives me the heebie-geebies...and not in the good way.)
Caramel?
YAY!!!
I recently discovered that caramel is the correct spelling for the word that I've been pronouncing "carmel" for ages.
According to dictionary.com:
Car-mel (noun)
1. Mount, a mountain range in NW Israel, near the Mediterranean coast. Highest point, 1818 ft. (554 m). 14 mi. (23 km) long.
2. a town in central Indiana. 18,272.
3. Also called Carmel-by-the-Sea. a town in W California, on the Pacific Ocean: artists' colony and resort.
4. a female given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “garden.”
Car-a-mel (noun)
1. a liquid made by cooking sugar until it changes color, used for coloring and flavoring food.
2. a kind of chewy candy, commonly in small blocks, made from sugar, butter, milk, etc.
3. a yellowish brown or tan color.
As a fan of both caramel and words, I thought it important to point out the significant distinction between the two:
One is a deliciously sweet morsel that sends a taster into a euphoric bliss.
The other is bunch of dirt and rocks piled on top of each other.
See the drastic difference? You wouldn't want to eat the wrong one. Blech! And you wouldn't want to climb on the other, you'd likely get stuck. May you never confuse the two again.
My name is Rob Mayer, and I approve this message. (See how I tied it back in to politics? Eh? EH??? Well, I amused myself, anyway.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Yeeeeaaaaah, boyeeeee...
Ha. Hehehe...
I'm such a dork.
If you could only see me now...
So, it's been documented that I love lists. Can't resist them. Tonight, I sit here and I watch as VH1 counts down the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Just sittin' here...bobbin' my head as LL Cool J, Eminem, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Salt-N-Pepa, and Jay Z fill the room with phat beats and cool jams.
It all reminds me of one thing:
I am so white.
Still, as a rhythm enthusiast, hip-hop has a special place in my heart. Right next to progressive rock and miles above country music.
I mean...MILES above country music.
I think that's what I'd like to discuss tonight. What's the appeal of country music? Is it the twangy voice? The way everyone's personal life crumbles to pieces in just about every song? There's an old joke that goes a little something like this:
Q: What happens when you play a country song backwards?
A: You get back with your wife, your dog comes home, your pickup trucks starts running again, and you get out of prison.
What other music is so associated with rodeos, too? I mean, hey...let's jump on a wild animal and see how long until it throws us to the ground and tries to trample us! And square dancing??? Don't even get me started on square dancing.
Blech...country music. Makes me want to wretch.
Which, coincidentally, looks the same as me trying to get my groove on to some hip-hop.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang
I'm such a dork.
If you could only see me now...
So, it's been documented that I love lists. Can't resist them. Tonight, I sit here and I watch as VH1 counts down the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Just sittin' here...bobbin' my head as LL Cool J, Eminem, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Salt-N-Pepa, and Jay Z fill the room with phat beats and cool jams.
It all reminds me of one thing:
I am so white.
Still, as a rhythm enthusiast, hip-hop has a special place in my heart. Right next to progressive rock and miles above country music.
I mean...MILES above country music.
I think that's what I'd like to discuss tonight. What's the appeal of country music? Is it the twangy voice? The way everyone's personal life crumbles to pieces in just about every song? There's an old joke that goes a little something like this:
Q: What happens when you play a country song backwards?
A: You get back with your wife, your dog comes home, your pickup trucks starts running again, and you get out of prison.
What other music is so associated with rodeos, too? I mean, hey...let's jump on a wild animal and see how long until it throws us to the ground and tries to trample us! And square dancing??? Don't even get me started on square dancing.
Blech...country music. Makes me want to wretch.
Which, coincidentally, looks the same as me trying to get my groove on to some hip-hop.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Howdy, partner...
Boy howdy...it's been a while, hasn't it? 'Bout six weeks since I wrote something, I reckon. (That sounds cowboy-ish, no?) I want to try to start writing again on a semi-regular basis...so here goes.
A whole lot has been happening for the Cloud Nine Kid (that's me, for the record). Love is in the air, I've got a first place fantasy football team (Go Bastardized Kittens!), and I was recently spotted in the front row at a Bear's game.
Life. Is. Good.
It stands to reason, then, that I should have much to say, right? I began to write a little, but then started to feel very tired. I was about to just shut the computer down and call it a night. It was then, in that moment, that Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom said a little something that inspired me to jot something down before turning in for the night.
"Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow."
Ok, that probably doesn't make any sense, but if I add the words, "Hey, hey, hey," that might help.
Still no? Check this out:
Smiling yet? Something about that nostalgia that just cheers the soul. I am suddenly filled with some extra energy and finding words to share.
Sure, this isn't the most poignant post ever, but I'm smiling writing it, and I hope you found something to smile about while reading it.
I reckon you did.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
A whole lot has been happening for the Cloud Nine Kid (that's me, for the record). Love is in the air, I've got a first place fantasy football team (Go Bastardized Kittens!), and I was recently spotted in the front row at a Bear's game.
Life. Is. Good.
It stands to reason, then, that I should have much to say, right? I began to write a little, but then started to feel very tired. I was about to just shut the computer down and call it a night. It was then, in that moment, that Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom said a little something that inspired me to jot something down before turning in for the night.
"Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow. Ba dum, boow."
Ok, that probably doesn't make any sense, but if I add the words, "Hey, hey, hey," that might help.
Still no? Check this out:
Smiling yet? Something about that nostalgia that just cheers the soul. I am suddenly filled with some extra energy and finding words to share.
Sure, this isn't the most poignant post ever, but I'm smiling writing it, and I hope you found something to smile about while reading it.
I reckon you did.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Smooth" by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
HEADLINE: Squirrel destroys hybrid...
Hmm...we're in one of our "slower" periods at work, so I thought I'd write a bit. This affords me an opportunity to take a break from the copious amounts of online crossword puzzles that I've been doing during the last few days at work. (It's a tough job, but someone's got to...hey, wait, it's not a tough job!)
So here I sit at my computer terminal, staring at the screen while listening to David's cd that he gave me to check out (see, David, I AM listening to it, finally) and am trying to figure out some sort of topic or theme about which to write. It's tricky, you know...these things don't always present themselves to me in such a normal way.
I suppose I could go on and on about the Bears, but I'm not feelin' it so much after last week's heart-breaking loss. (HOLD ON TO THE BALL, OLSEN!!!) It would've been easier a week ago after The Beloved knocked off the Colts in a game that caught most by surprise...maybe even me.
Still, I don't really feel so much like writing about the Bears right now, so I turned to my Red Hot Chili Peppers Friend, Frank, and asked him about what I should write. He suggested the following:
"the effect of rising gas costs on the various animals that WOULD have lost their lives to large SUVs but are now happily bouncing off smaller hybrids"
Interesting idea, RHCPFF...interesting. A little creepifying, but interesting.
Gas prices are pretty high, as everyone is well aware, and not everyone has a Party Prius. As such, getting to and fro has become rather expensive for some of us. (The sheiks on the other side of the world are probably getting around just fine, though.) For example, if someone were to drive from, oh...I don't know, Schaumburg to Springfield for some reason, it ain't cheap.
So here, without any real thought to long-term effects and repercussions to the economy, nature, or regard for human life are my solutions to the current gas price crisis: (say that three times quickly...) gas price crisis, gas price crisis, gas price crisis
1) In light of the recent rainfall, we need hydro-powered cars. Clearly we have an abundance of the stuff and there could be a handy straw protruding from the steering wheel for whenever the driver gets thirsty.
2) Skunks. There are far too many of them by my house. If we could use them to generate power to run automobiles, not only would we have a wonderful new fuel source, we could rid the Schaumburg area of them as well. Possums would make an acceptable substitute or, failing that, mosquitoes (when they're in season).
3) Windpower. No, I'm not talking about setting up those giant propellers in the middle of nowhere and using them to steal energy from the wind. I propose that we use the current political state of our country to capture a generous portion of the hot air being spewed from the left and right. All this political commentary wears upon my soul and could potentially propel our cars instead.
And that's just off the top of my head. (Evident by the lack of thought put into each idea, for certain.) I'll have to contact some engineers and they can tell me how foolish I sound.
I suppose it could be worse, though...I could still be doing crosswords at work instead of writing this...
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Blues Before Sunrise" by Eric Clapton
So here I sit at my computer terminal, staring at the screen while listening to David's cd that he gave me to check out (see, David, I AM listening to it, finally) and am trying to figure out some sort of topic or theme about which to write. It's tricky, you know...these things don't always present themselves to me in such a normal way.
I suppose I could go on and on about the Bears, but I'm not feelin' it so much after last week's heart-breaking loss. (HOLD ON TO THE BALL, OLSEN!!!) It would've been easier a week ago after The Beloved knocked off the Colts in a game that caught most by surprise...maybe even me.
Still, I don't really feel so much like writing about the Bears right now, so I turned to my Red Hot Chili Peppers Friend, Frank, and asked him about what I should write. He suggested the following:
"the effect of rising gas costs on the various animals that WOULD have lost their lives to large SUVs but are now happily bouncing off smaller hybrids"
Interesting idea, RHCPFF...interesting. A little creepifying, but interesting.
Gas prices are pretty high, as everyone is well aware, and not everyone has a Party Prius. As such, getting to and fro has become rather expensive for some of us. (The sheiks on the other side of the world are probably getting around just fine, though.) For example, if someone were to drive from, oh...I don't know, Schaumburg to Springfield for some reason, it ain't cheap.
So here, without any real thought to long-term effects and repercussions to the economy, nature, or regard for human life are my solutions to the current gas price crisis: (say that three times quickly...) gas price crisis, gas price crisis, gas price crisis
1) In light of the recent rainfall, we need hydro-powered cars. Clearly we have an abundance of the stuff and there could be a handy straw protruding from the steering wheel for whenever the driver gets thirsty.
2) Skunks. There are far too many of them by my house. If we could use them to generate power to run automobiles, not only would we have a wonderful new fuel source, we could rid the Schaumburg area of them as well. Possums would make an acceptable substitute or, failing that, mosquitoes (when they're in season).
3) Windpower. No, I'm not talking about setting up those giant propellers in the middle of nowhere and using them to steal energy from the wind. I propose that we use the current political state of our country to capture a generous portion of the hot air being spewed from the left and right. All this political commentary wears upon my soul and could potentially propel our cars instead.
And that's just off the top of my head. (Evident by the lack of thought put into each idea, for certain.) I'll have to contact some engineers and they can tell me how foolish I sound.
I suppose it could be worse, though...I could still be doing crosswords at work instead of writing this...
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Blues Before Sunrise" by Eric Clapton
Friday, September 5, 2008
Life between eight and ten...
Hmm...how 'bout that weather, eh? Normally, I don't comment on the weather much, but I've got a point to it, today, so hang in there.
It's been raining for about two straight days, and everything is soaked, including my new Chicago Bears window flag that flies proudly from my rear passenger-side window. (That window doesn't work quite right anyway, so why not support The Beloved from it?)
The sky has been gray, cloudy, and dreary lately due to all of the rain. According to what I could find on the internet (which must be right because ANYONE can write on it, right?), rain clouds are known as Nimbus (Greek meaning "yucky or rainy") and can be either Cumulus ("poofy") or Stratus ("like a pancake"). Ok, so I may have stretched things a bit there, but that's the basic idea.
Turns out that there are ratings for clouds, too. Some big fluffy clouds can reach as high as 30,000-40,000 feet and have the look of big, beautiful white mountains in the sky. These clouds are some of the brightest and most breathtaking. These fall into the classification known as "Level Nine," hence the expression "on cloud nine."
You see...that's where I feel I've been lately...cloud nine. The last month has seen more things go my way than I truly deserve, culminating with meeting a wonderful, wonderful woman.
Yes, readers, if you didn't already know, I've managed to find myself in a (gasp!) relationship...
And it's been great. We're struggling a bit with the 200 miles that separate us, but we're getting by. We have so much in common, most importantly our love for Jesus Christ. So far, the only thing we've managed to argue about is who will be the first to find something to disagree upon. (Vegas has me as the heavy favorite, though.)
Anyway, life's been unfairly good to me, but I'm not complaining. Not complaining at all.
Although I wish it would dry up outside...
Much luv,
Rob
_____________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
It's been raining for about two straight days, and everything is soaked, including my new Chicago Bears window flag that flies proudly from my rear passenger-side window. (That window doesn't work quite right anyway, so why not support The Beloved from it?)
The sky has been gray, cloudy, and dreary lately due to all of the rain. According to what I could find on the internet (which must be right because ANYONE can write on it, right?), rain clouds are known as Nimbus (Greek meaning "yucky or rainy") and can be either Cumulus ("poofy") or Stratus ("like a pancake"). Ok, so I may have stretched things a bit there, but that's the basic idea.
Turns out that there are ratings for clouds, too. Some big fluffy clouds can reach as high as 30,000-40,000 feet and have the look of big, beautiful white mountains in the sky. These clouds are some of the brightest and most breathtaking. These fall into the classification known as "Level Nine," hence the expression "on cloud nine."
You see...that's where I feel I've been lately...cloud nine. The last month has seen more things go my way than I truly deserve, culminating with meeting a wonderful, wonderful woman.
Yes, readers, if you didn't already know, I've managed to find myself in a (gasp!) relationship...
And it's been great. We're struggling a bit with the 200 miles that separate us, but we're getting by. We have so much in common, most importantly our love for Jesus Christ. So far, the only thing we've managed to argue about is who will be the first to find something to disagree upon. (Vegas has me as the heavy favorite, though.)
Anyway, life's been unfairly good to me, but I'm not complaining. Not complaining at all.
Although I wish it would dry up outside...
Much luv,
Rob
_____________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Bleedin' Orange and Blue...
So the olympics have come and gone. Michael Phelps is likely a robot, Chinese gymnasts are likely jr. highers, and synchronized diving is likely the worst sporting event ever created.
I mean, seriously...Synchronized. Diving.
Still, the olympics were fascinating and the opening ceremonies spectacle was amazing. I'm scared to think of what Chicago might do to compete with that presentation. What have we got to compare to that? I think our best bet is to just offer italian beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza while ushering people down pot-hole riddled highways and tapping their Ipass for money. It's just crazy enough to work.
Something else is holding my attention, though. Several things, actually. Right now, though, as September draws near, it's the time of year when a young man's thoughts turn to that one special thing...
Football.
I love my Bears. My love for The Beloved has been documented throughout this blog. This year it looks like we're putting Sexy Rexy on the backburner and turning control of the offense over to the one, the only, The Neckbeard. I'll be honest, I've always thought Rex had more potential. There was that six game stretch in '06 where he looked like and MVP candidate. Something went wrong after that, though, and he hasn't been able to regain that top notch form since.
Now Kyle Orton running the show, though, and you know what...he's looked pretty good. If the defense can step up and the special teams can continue to dominate, we just may be able to call The Beloved division champs this year.
I, for one, am excited.
And it has nothing to do with gold medals.
Much luv,
Rob
______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Compadre'" by Insyderz
I mean, seriously...Synchronized. Diving.
Still, the olympics were fascinating and the opening ceremonies spectacle was amazing. I'm scared to think of what Chicago might do to compete with that presentation. What have we got to compare to that? I think our best bet is to just offer italian beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza while ushering people down pot-hole riddled highways and tapping their Ipass for money. It's just crazy enough to work.
Something else is holding my attention, though. Several things, actually. Right now, though, as September draws near, it's the time of year when a young man's thoughts turn to that one special thing...
Football.
I love my Bears. My love for The Beloved has been documented throughout this blog. This year it looks like we're putting Sexy Rexy on the backburner and turning control of the offense over to the one, the only, The Neckbeard. I'll be honest, I've always thought Rex had more potential. There was that six game stretch in '06 where he looked like and MVP candidate. Something went wrong after that, though, and he hasn't been able to regain that top notch form since.
Now Kyle Orton running the show, though, and you know what...he's looked pretty good. If the defense can step up and the special teams can continue to dominate, we just may be able to call The Beloved division champs this year.
I, for one, am excited.
And it has nothing to do with gold medals.
Much luv,
Rob
______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Compadre'" by Insyderz
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
At first I was afraid, I was petrified...
I survived!
No death-avenging required, folks, but I know that you were ready should the need have arisen. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
Go ahead. Do it. I'll wait...
See? Don't you feel better now? How's the self-morale? Elevated, no?
I thought so...
What a weekend! It all started with a circus attempt to rent a convertible from the good people at Avis rental. There was a slight problem with our coupon, so it was going to end up costing more than the Primrose boys had thought, so we walked. (Not to West Virginia, mind you, but out of the Avis rental office.) Ready and willing to bail us out in our attempt were the Bruchmans. Big thanks to them for letting us use their Sebring. There's nothing quite like the wind in your face as you cruise down the highway at ridiculous hours of the night while rocking out to music from just about every genre imaginable. Good times.
Rolling in at 4:30 a.m. was just the beginning...
Saturday brought a day at the beach (complete with giant iceberg and trampoline!), some cricket, and (of course) delicious s'mores around a campfire. More good times.
Cricket was a new experience. It's a great game that can be played (seemingly) by any number of people. It'll be even better to play it someday on a flat surface that is less rock-riddled. I'm sure that there's got to be a better way for setting up the "wicket" (I believe that's what it's called) each time after the top pieces get knocked to and fro, though. Something akin to the pinsetters in bowling, perhaps...
Still, I feel like I learned something new, and despite what has previously been said about the dangers of learning something new, this was great! A classy game for the ages and one that I will certainly play again!
Sunday was the big day, though, whitewater rafting was on the schedule and nervous tension was on my heart. Not having ever done it before, I wasn't really sure into what I was getting. I believe my exact words, as I headed toward my boat and the on-site cameraman put his camera in my face, asking, "What's your name?" were, "You can call me nervous."
I was. (Although my calm, cool, unflinching demeanor wouldn't show it...and if you believe that I've got some land to sell you.) After signing, what seemed to be, a 1,300 page waiver you can't help but feel a little uneasy.
So we hopped into our raft, drifted out to the calm waters and began to practice following our guides directions. It all seemed easy enough. Then we were off...
Now, my mind is racing with analogies that might shine a light upon that which is whitewater rafting. I was going to compare it to football because it's on my mind. I thought that maybe I'd compare it to a movie because, well, my mind just tends to work that way. Perhaps I'd compare it to gas prices, because that talk is all the rage lately...
I think, though, that I'd like to relate it to a great spanish song of my liking. It's called Malaguena Salerosa. (Just ignore the video, listen to the music. Or watch the video for all of its cheesy glory, I don't care.) I don't have a clue as to the meaning of this tune, but it has a special place in my heart because it is...well...awesome. The song starts off pretty briskly, maintains for a while, has a guitar explosion around the 3:27 mark, and then calms back down. I feel like that song captures how I felt throughout the trip down the river rather well. (The Class V "Double Z" section of the river coinciding with the guitar eruption at 3:27.)
Yeah, I'm a strange person. I know this. You know this. Let's just move on.
Seriously, though, the rafting was a lot of fun, and I encourage any of you "I haven't ever gone whitewater rafting before" types to get out there and try it. If you're lucky, you'll end up in a raft full of awesome people (I was lucky!) who will make the experience even better...be it somehow managing to keep yourself in the boat "Chuck-Norris-Style" or grabbing onto the water cooler for dear life while screaming, it's a joy for your fellow rafters either way. Morale in our boat couldn't have been higher due, largely, to the frequent "paddle high-fives."
If you find that it is not to your liking, I'll...well, I won't do anything for you. Still, though, I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy it. You're reading this on the internet...the internet wouldn't lie to you, would it?
All in all, an awesome weekend. Great trip up...fun time there...awesome trip back...and I even learned a valuable lesson while there:
"Words mean things."
Think about it. Simple. Elegant. To the point.
Woah.
Anyway, that's my story from this weekend. I could go on and on and on and on and on...but I won't.
Not now, anyway.
In the meantime, you should learn the "Pirate Dance." (Draw the sword, drink the rum, walk the plank, kick the shark. Repeat.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (nothing beats belting this one out at the top of your lungs with your boys while cruising down highway 65 with the top down...obeying all posted speed limits, of course.) (Although the techno remix of "Listen to Your Heart" comes pretty close.) (There's a lot of info in this "Song of the Day" part today, no?) (I like parentheses.)
No death-avenging required, folks, but I know that you were ready should the need have arisen. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
Go ahead. Do it. I'll wait...
See? Don't you feel better now? How's the self-morale? Elevated, no?
I thought so...
What a weekend! It all started with a circus attempt to rent a convertible from the good people at Avis rental. There was a slight problem with our coupon, so it was going to end up costing more than the Primrose boys had thought, so we walked. (Not to West Virginia, mind you, but out of the Avis rental office.) Ready and willing to bail us out in our attempt were the Bruchmans. Big thanks to them for letting us use their Sebring. There's nothing quite like the wind in your face as you cruise down the highway at ridiculous hours of the night while rocking out to music from just about every genre imaginable. Good times.
Rolling in at 4:30 a.m. was just the beginning...
Saturday brought a day at the beach (complete with giant iceberg and trampoline!), some cricket, and (of course) delicious s'mores around a campfire. More good times.
Cricket was a new experience. It's a great game that can be played (seemingly) by any number of people. It'll be even better to play it someday on a flat surface that is less rock-riddled. I'm sure that there's got to be a better way for setting up the "wicket" (I believe that's what it's called) each time after the top pieces get knocked to and fro, though. Something akin to the pinsetters in bowling, perhaps...
Still, I feel like I learned something new, and despite what has previously been said about the dangers of learning something new, this was great! A classy game for the ages and one that I will certainly play again!
Sunday was the big day, though, whitewater rafting was on the schedule and nervous tension was on my heart. Not having ever done it before, I wasn't really sure into what I was getting. I believe my exact words, as I headed toward my boat and the on-site cameraman put his camera in my face, asking, "What's your name?" were, "You can call me nervous."
I was. (Although my calm, cool, unflinching demeanor wouldn't show it...and if you believe that I've got some land to sell you.) After signing, what seemed to be, a 1,300 page waiver you can't help but feel a little uneasy.
So we hopped into our raft, drifted out to the calm waters and began to practice following our guides directions. It all seemed easy enough. Then we were off...
Now, my mind is racing with analogies that might shine a light upon that which is whitewater rafting. I was going to compare it to football because it's on my mind. I thought that maybe I'd compare it to a movie because, well, my mind just tends to work that way. Perhaps I'd compare it to gas prices, because that talk is all the rage lately...
I think, though, that I'd like to relate it to a great spanish song of my liking. It's called Malaguena Salerosa. (Just ignore the video, listen to the music. Or watch the video for all of its cheesy glory, I don't care.) I don't have a clue as to the meaning of this tune, but it has a special place in my heart because it is...well...awesome. The song starts off pretty briskly, maintains for a while, has a guitar explosion around the 3:27 mark, and then calms back down. I feel like that song captures how I felt throughout the trip down the river rather well. (The Class V "Double Z" section of the river coinciding with the guitar eruption at 3:27.)
Yeah, I'm a strange person. I know this. You know this. Let's just move on.
Seriously, though, the rafting was a lot of fun, and I encourage any of you "I haven't ever gone whitewater rafting before" types to get out there and try it. If you're lucky, you'll end up in a raft full of awesome people (I was lucky!) who will make the experience even better...be it somehow managing to keep yourself in the boat "Chuck-Norris-Style" or grabbing onto the water cooler for dear life while screaming, it's a joy for your fellow rafters either way. Morale in our boat couldn't have been higher due, largely, to the frequent "paddle high-fives."
If you find that it is not to your liking, I'll...well, I won't do anything for you. Still, though, I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy it. You're reading this on the internet...the internet wouldn't lie to you, would it?
All in all, an awesome weekend. Great trip up...fun time there...awesome trip back...and I even learned a valuable lesson while there:
"Words mean things."
Think about it. Simple. Elegant. To the point.
Woah.
Anyway, that's my story from this weekend. I could go on and on and on and on and on...but I won't.
Not now, anyway.
In the meantime, you should learn the "Pirate Dance." (Draw the sword, drink the rum, walk the plank, kick the shark. Repeat.)
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (nothing beats belting this one out at the top of your lungs with your boys while cruising down highway 65 with the top down...obeying all posted speed limits, of course.) (Although the techno remix of "Listen to Your Heart" comes pretty close.) (There's a lot of info in this "Song of the Day" part today, no?) (I like parentheses.)
Friday, August 1, 2008
I'm invincible!!!
Ah, it was like old times...
Tonight I tasted the sweet nectar of nostalgia in the form of one of the greatest video games of all time. I've often claimed that "Kaboom" for the Atari was the greatest video game of all time. There's no winning in that game. The bombs just drop faster and faster until you lose, but accumulating an abundance of points is just flat-out good times.
Still, "Kaboom" was not the game of choice this evening. Tonight, I played some Goldeneye for the Nintendo 64. It only took a moment to select "Kissy" as my control style, Boris as my character, and "Facility" as my stage and I was thrust into the action, tossing proximity mines like crazy around a bathroom and watching my foes explode before me.
As I often like to say:
It...was...AWESOME!
What is it about playing an old game that brings such joy to my heart? Why is it so comforting? Is it the familiarity? The longing for some happy memories from the past?
Nah, I think it's the fact that blasting your foes with a rocket launcher in the "complex" level brings some joy that simply can't be found elsewhere.
Especially if that foe is being represented by Oddjob. I hate that guy...with his stupid hat, short stature, and smug look on his face.
Anyway, it was much fun, and I highly recommend digging up something fun from your past for another look. Good times.
Off to go whitewater rafting in West Virginia this weekend. If I don't make it back, please avenge my death.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
Tonight I tasted the sweet nectar of nostalgia in the form of one of the greatest video games of all time. I've often claimed that "Kaboom" for the Atari was the greatest video game of all time. There's no winning in that game. The bombs just drop faster and faster until you lose, but accumulating an abundance of points is just flat-out good times.
Still, "Kaboom" was not the game of choice this evening. Tonight, I played some Goldeneye for the Nintendo 64. It only took a moment to select "Kissy" as my control style, Boris as my character, and "Facility" as my stage and I was thrust into the action, tossing proximity mines like crazy around a bathroom and watching my foes explode before me.
As I often like to say:
It...was...AWESOME!
What is it about playing an old game that brings such joy to my heart? Why is it so comforting? Is it the familiarity? The longing for some happy memories from the past?
Nah, I think it's the fact that blasting your foes with a rocket launcher in the "complex" level brings some joy that simply can't be found elsewhere.
Especially if that foe is being represented by Oddjob. I hate that guy...with his stupid hat, short stature, and smug look on his face.
Anyway, it was much fun, and I highly recommend digging up something fun from your past for another look. Good times.
Off to go whitewater rafting in West Virginia this weekend. If I don't make it back, please avenge my death.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
Monday, July 28, 2008
Well, it's no cowbell, but...
Boy, it's been a while since I've written anything. Where to begin? I could comment on the new Batman movie (very good, but not the mind-blowing experience it was hyped to be...but the "magic pencil trick" was amazing). I could comment on the political scene. (Actually, I don't think I'm even capable.) I could comment on everyone's favorite topic...outrageous gas prices. (I think it's become the go-to topic when running out of things to say, edging out even the weather.)
None of that's really my style, though. (Well, maybe the Batman...but that's not where I'm going.) I'd rather comment on something smaller. Sometimes, it's the little things in life that somehow make getting through the day-to-day bearable. Not the "big" things that relate on a more grand scale, you know?
Then again, Gavin Rossdale sang that it's the "little things that kill," so maybe I don't know about what I am talking. (or maybe he doesn't)
That's beside the point, though. Today something little happened. Sure, there were some bigger things, such as jamming to Muse on Rock Band with the Laskey boys (they're so good at that game...), playing football with the junior highers, and Max Weinberg returning to The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, but those aren't what still has me grinning like a fool this evening.
This morning, while at work, I was listening to the Eric & Kathy show on 101.9, "The Mix." I often listen to their show for some good info, many laughs, and the amazing "Friday Song."
This morning they gave a report on something that had to do with lasers, and started playing a silly laser sound effect over all sorts of things, thereby making them, as we say in the shipping business, "better." It was cracking me up, especially when they played it during that new Coldplay tune that, I am rather certain, is playing on a radio station right now. (It's EVERYWHERE, but don't get me wrong...I kinda dig it.)
So anyway, time moved on, as it often does, and they, too, moved on from the amazing laser sounds to other less interesting non-laser-involving stories. I kept plugging away at my job, and decided that I needed something to give me a little lift...something to lift my spirits on a tired monday morning.
I knew what I needed...and I knew where I might be able to get it. I quickly hopped on the computer and sent an email to Eric, of the aforementioned Eric & Kathy Show. It was short. It was simple. It said the following:
Subject: MORE LASERS!!!
That's all...I just want more lasers, please.
And if possible, more cowbell.
Much luv,
Rob
What I got blew me away...approximately two minutes later, upon returning from a commercial break, I was stunned to hear Eric reading my email on the air, including my trademark "Much luv, Rob." (I don't know how that started, but that's how I've signed off just about every email I've ever written.)
Anyway...
Eric proceeded to apologize for not having cowbell, but then unleashed a bevy of hilarious sound effects, including more lasers, cows mooing, zippers zipping, etc.
I couldn't help but smile. Maybe you heard it on the radio, too. I hope it made you smile as well.
And if not, perhaps this laser-related video will make you smile. If nothing else, it's got a good song in it...
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________
Song of the Day: "Breath Into Me" by Red
None of that's really my style, though. (Well, maybe the Batman...but that's not where I'm going.) I'd rather comment on something smaller. Sometimes, it's the little things in life that somehow make getting through the day-to-day bearable. Not the "big" things that relate on a more grand scale, you know?
Then again, Gavin Rossdale sang that it's the "little things that kill," so maybe I don't know about what I am talking. (or maybe he doesn't)
That's beside the point, though. Today something little happened. Sure, there were some bigger things, such as jamming to Muse on Rock Band with the Laskey boys (they're so good at that game...), playing football with the junior highers, and Max Weinberg returning to The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, but those aren't what still has me grinning like a fool this evening.
This morning, while at work, I was listening to the Eric & Kathy show on 101.9, "The Mix." I often listen to their show for some good info, many laughs, and the amazing "Friday Song."
This morning they gave a report on something that had to do with lasers, and started playing a silly laser sound effect over all sorts of things, thereby making them, as we say in the shipping business, "better." It was cracking me up, especially when they played it during that new Coldplay tune that, I am rather certain, is playing on a radio station right now. (It's EVERYWHERE, but don't get me wrong...I kinda dig it.)
So anyway, time moved on, as it often does, and they, too, moved on from the amazing laser sounds to other less interesting non-laser-involving stories. I kept plugging away at my job, and decided that I needed something to give me a little lift...something to lift my spirits on a tired monday morning.
I knew what I needed...and I knew where I might be able to get it. I quickly hopped on the computer and sent an email to Eric, of the aforementioned Eric & Kathy Show. It was short. It was simple. It said the following:
Subject: MORE LASERS!!!
That's all...I just want more lasers, please.
And if possible, more cowbell.
Much luv,
Rob
What I got blew me away...approximately two minutes later, upon returning from a commercial break, I was stunned to hear Eric reading my email on the air, including my trademark "Much luv, Rob." (I don't know how that started, but that's how I've signed off just about every email I've ever written.)
Anyway...
Eric proceeded to apologize for not having cowbell, but then unleashed a bevy of hilarious sound effects, including more lasers, cows mooing, zippers zipping, etc.
I couldn't help but smile. Maybe you heard it on the radio, too. I hope it made you smile as well.
And if not, perhaps this laser-related video will make you smile. If nothing else, it's got a good song in it...
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________
Song of the Day: "Breath Into Me" by Red
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
We'll see...
So I just wrapped up watching a very interesting movie. It's called "Charlie Wilson's War." It's a story about, go figure, Charles Wilson, a Texas congressman who helped spearhead the "largest CIA covert operation" against the Soviets in the eighties. It was a very good movie...I think I'd give it 22 Spartans on my Spartan Scale.
After a trip to Pakistan and seeing the suffering that is happening there, "Good-time Charlie" decides that he simply MUST get involved. Wilson, though many different means, finds a way to raise funds to get "modern" weaponry into the hands of those who need it. This proves to be the turning point and leads to the crumbling of the communist occupiers.
Inadvertently, this also leads to supplying weapons to, what would later become, Al Queda. We all know what happens with them.
It was a very interesting, thought-provoking movie, and it's all based upon true events. Kinda scary when you think about it.
At one point, Gust Avrokotos (aptly played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman...seriously should've won an Oscar for his performance) tells a story to Charlie. It goes a little something like this:
There's a little boy and on his 14th birthday he gets a horse... and everybody in the village says, "how wonderful. the boy got a horse" And the Zen master says, "we'll see." Two years later The boy falls off the horse, breaks his leg, and everyone in the village says, "how terrible." And the Zen master says, "We'll see." Then, a war breaks out and all the young men have to go off and fight... except the boy can't cause his legs all messed up. and everybody in the village says, "How wonderful."
Of all the things in this movie, this is what sticks out to me. No, I'm not suddenly all into the "Zen" thing, but the "Zen master" in the story makes a good point. We don't always see the big picture. Everyday circumstances play a part in more than just the everyday. Sure, you may get what you want now, but at what cost in the end? We just don't know.
That may sound depressing when thinking about something "good" that you experience, that it may have a "bad something" to follow...and possibly even be caused by it. It's comforting, though, to consider how the bad things can work for good, too.
Ultimately, the movie concludes with victory over the Soviets, but things get held up when funding is cut for building schools. They mention that (and I don't remember the exact numbers)about 50% of the population is under the age of fourteen. By not following through and helping rebuild, we may have seriously dropped the ball.
As Charles Wilson put it:
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world...and then we f---ed up the end game."
Sobering thoughts. A lesson in finishing what you've started, but we'll see.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
After a trip to Pakistan and seeing the suffering that is happening there, "Good-time Charlie" decides that he simply MUST get involved. Wilson, though many different means, finds a way to raise funds to get "modern" weaponry into the hands of those who need it. This proves to be the turning point and leads to the crumbling of the communist occupiers.
Inadvertently, this also leads to supplying weapons to, what would later become, Al Queda. We all know what happens with them.
It was a very interesting, thought-provoking movie, and it's all based upon true events. Kinda scary when you think about it.
At one point, Gust Avrokotos (aptly played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman...seriously should've won an Oscar for his performance) tells a story to Charlie. It goes a little something like this:
There's a little boy and on his 14th birthday he gets a horse... and everybody in the village says, "how wonderful. the boy got a horse" And the Zen master says, "we'll see." Two years later The boy falls off the horse, breaks his leg, and everyone in the village says, "how terrible." And the Zen master says, "We'll see." Then, a war breaks out and all the young men have to go off and fight... except the boy can't cause his legs all messed up. and everybody in the village says, "How wonderful."
Of all the things in this movie, this is what sticks out to me. No, I'm not suddenly all into the "Zen" thing, but the "Zen master" in the story makes a good point. We don't always see the big picture. Everyday circumstances play a part in more than just the everyday. Sure, you may get what you want now, but at what cost in the end? We just don't know.
That may sound depressing when thinking about something "good" that you experience, that it may have a "bad something" to follow...and possibly even be caused by it. It's comforting, though, to consider how the bad things can work for good, too.
Ultimately, the movie concludes with victory over the Soviets, but things get held up when funding is cut for building schools. They mention that (and I don't remember the exact numbers)about 50% of the population is under the age of fourteen. By not following through and helping rebuild, we may have seriously dropped the ball.
As Charles Wilson put it:
"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world...and then we f---ed up the end game."
Sobering thoughts. A lesson in finishing what you've started, but we'll see.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
Monday, June 23, 2008
Toot, toot...
Whoo-weee! The creative juices are flowing tonight!
Ever just feel like your brain is racing a thousand miles an hour and your pancreas just can't keep up that kind of pace? Me neither, but I do feel excited at some of today's events. I even managed to pull myself away from a movie because I felt the urge to write a bit. (The Bucket List, for those who are curious.)
For those who do not know, I like to pretend that I can play the bass guitar. I am still pretty-much a beginner at the instrument, but I'm getting better. I play with the worship band at my church and have picked up some tips here or there. I suppose that I might someday even take a lesson.
I'm getting side-tracked, though...back to my point.
Tonight, I had an opportunity to get creative musically. A friend of mine wrote song and was playing it on his beautiful sounding twelve-string. As I was listening, I was singing along with the words on the page, trying to hear some harmonies in my head and think of a suitable bass line to accompany it. When he was done playing, he said, "You need to come up with a bass line for it, and we'll be good to go."
I hesistated not a second. I said, "Let's do it." I grabbed up a bass and we began to play. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I pulled out a few tricks from "Bass Guitar 101" and it worked! Not to toot my own horn, but I thought it sounded pretty good. It was all so very exciting.
When you hear "Let Us Not Forget" on the radio someday...that's Gary's song and I helped a bit.
I may not have done much, but it was more then I thought I was capable of doing. I guess you just never know until you try.
So give something a shot. You might suprise yourself.
In other news, 45 days until the Bears pre-season begins! I'll try to keep my naive, relentless, Bears-related optimism under control this year, but I can't make any promises. Let's just agree that they'll go undefeated and Mike Ditka will, in a suprise move, win the presidential election in a landslide.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Diverse City" by TobyMac
Ever just feel like your brain is racing a thousand miles an hour and your pancreas just can't keep up that kind of pace? Me neither, but I do feel excited at some of today's events. I even managed to pull myself away from a movie because I felt the urge to write a bit. (The Bucket List, for those who are curious.)
For those who do not know, I like to pretend that I can play the bass guitar. I am still pretty-much a beginner at the instrument, but I'm getting better. I play with the worship band at my church and have picked up some tips here or there. I suppose that I might someday even take a lesson.
I'm getting side-tracked, though...back to my point.
Tonight, I had an opportunity to get creative musically. A friend of mine wrote song and was playing it on his beautiful sounding twelve-string. As I was listening, I was singing along with the words on the page, trying to hear some harmonies in my head and think of a suitable bass line to accompany it. When he was done playing, he said, "You need to come up with a bass line for it, and we'll be good to go."
I hesistated not a second. I said, "Let's do it." I grabbed up a bass and we began to play. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I pulled out a few tricks from "Bass Guitar 101" and it worked! Not to toot my own horn, but I thought it sounded pretty good. It was all so very exciting.
When you hear "Let Us Not Forget" on the radio someday...that's Gary's song and I helped a bit.
I may not have done much, but it was more then I thought I was capable of doing. I guess you just never know until you try.
So give something a shot. You might suprise yourself.
In other news, 45 days until the Bears pre-season begins! I'll try to keep my naive, relentless, Bears-related optimism under control this year, but I can't make any promises. Let's just agree that they'll go undefeated and Mike Ditka will, in a suprise move, win the presidential election in a landslide.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Diverse City" by TobyMac
Monday, June 9, 2008
Settle down there, buddy...
So I've had something on my mind a bit lately. A little over a week ago, I went to a baseball game. It was a local Schaumburg Flyers game. On the very first play of the game, a routine fly ball turned into an inside-the-park home run when the fielder turned his ankle trying to make the player. Later in the game, the Flyers tried to steal home plate.
Neither worked out too well for the home team, and neither had I ever seen in a ballgame before. How very exciting for me...(not so much for the Flyers.)
But that's not really what's been on my mind. I've been thinking about personal responsibility.
I can almost hear you now..."WHAT?"
Yeah, something pretty heavy.
Here's the rub (never realized that's Shakespere before):
There was a guy sitting in front of me who was behaving inappropriately for much of the game. He was sending out "creepy old dude" vibes that were off the charts. I think you know what I mean.
The thing is, he was otherwise very friendly. His leering and lewd remarks towards the young ladies in the stands, dancing on the field, and anywhere else he could see, however, was less so.
So where do you draw the line? I was conflicted between saying something to the guy and just minding my own business. I'd love to say that he wasn't hurting anyone, except that his young son seemed to look up to him and I worry about what type of values he's learning from the "role model."
Still is it any of my business? Do I have any right to get involved?
In the end, I did nothing, and it's bugged me a bit ever since. As a fellow blogger once put it:
"At what age does a person become immature? Who decides this? I really would like to know the difference between having a good time and making an ass out of yourself."
Was this guy just having a good time? In his mind, yes. To me? It was more the latter. But who is to decide?
I don't know where I'm going with this. Perhaps it's just that I'm getting older and noticing how behavior effects more than just the one acting out.
I guess the message is...
HEY! BEHAVE YOURSELF!
In lighter, happier news...the Lakers are down 2-0. GO CELTICS!!!
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Lakini's Juice" by Live
Neither worked out too well for the home team, and neither had I ever seen in a ballgame before. How very exciting for me...(not so much for the Flyers.)
But that's not really what's been on my mind. I've been thinking about personal responsibility.
I can almost hear you now..."WHAT?"
Yeah, something pretty heavy.
Here's the rub (never realized that's Shakespere before):
There was a guy sitting in front of me who was behaving inappropriately for much of the game. He was sending out "creepy old dude" vibes that were off the charts. I think you know what I mean.
The thing is, he was otherwise very friendly. His leering and lewd remarks towards the young ladies in the stands, dancing on the field, and anywhere else he could see, however, was less so.
So where do you draw the line? I was conflicted between saying something to the guy and just minding my own business. I'd love to say that he wasn't hurting anyone, except that his young son seemed to look up to him and I worry about what type of values he's learning from the "role model."
Still is it any of my business? Do I have any right to get involved?
In the end, I did nothing, and it's bugged me a bit ever since. As a fellow blogger once put it:
"At what age does a person become immature? Who decides this? I really would like to know the difference between having a good time and making an ass out of yourself."
Was this guy just having a good time? In his mind, yes. To me? It was more the latter. But who is to decide?
I don't know where I'm going with this. Perhaps it's just that I'm getting older and noticing how behavior effects more than just the one acting out.
I guess the message is...
HEY! BEHAVE YOURSELF!
In lighter, happier news...the Lakers are down 2-0. GO CELTICS!!!
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Lakini's Juice" by Live
Monday, June 2, 2008
Hmm, I'll bet that burns...
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words...
First of all, who are "they," anyway? Are "they" the Men in Black? Tommy Lee or Will? Are "they" a coalition of worldwide fashion designers like in Zoolander? Or are "they" some conglomerate from some other group of movies?
Most likely, "they" are none of the above. (Although I'm watching you, Tommy Lee Jones...I know you're up to something.)
Regardless of who "they" are, it is my belief that they have seriously underestimated the word value of a picture. Behold!
Amazing, no? I found that picture over here.
I'd say that picture's worth about one hundred billion, zillion, gafillion, words.
Even made up ones.
To sum it up in just one word, though:
AWESOME!
Happy monday!
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "The Silent Man" by Dream Theater
First of all, who are "they," anyway? Are "they" the Men in Black? Tommy Lee or Will? Are "they" a coalition of worldwide fashion designers like in Zoolander? Or are "they" some conglomerate from some other group of movies?
Most likely, "they" are none of the above. (Although I'm watching you, Tommy Lee Jones...I know you're up to something.)
Regardless of who "they" are, it is my belief that they have seriously underestimated the word value of a picture. Behold!
Amazing, no? I found that picture over here.
I'd say that picture's worth about one hundred billion, zillion, gafillion, words.
Even made up ones.
To sum it up in just one word, though:
AWESOME!
Happy monday!
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "The Silent Man" by Dream Theater
Friday, May 30, 2008
And knowing is half the battle...
I had a conversation the other day about languages. After answering my phone in Korean, the caller started asking me about language. I said that I'm a pretty big fan a languages (English, especially, it is American, after all).
Way back in sixth grade, I took a summer school course on Russian. Couple that with two years of German in high school, and I realize that I've taken classes in three different languages, worked landscaping for seven years (picked up a little Spanish there), and learned some choice phrases in Korean from my sister-in-law. That's a lot of words. I love words. Although they can be dangerous...
I've been reading this hilarious book lately. Inspired by The Colbert Report (silent "t's"), I recently made a stop at the library and picked up Stephen Colbert's book, "I Am America (And So Can You!)"
It's quite funny, and today I just wanted to share one little passage about education and the emotional pain that it causes:
Let me ask you this: why were you happier when you were a kid?
Because you didn't KNOW anything.
The more you know, the sadder you get.
Don't believe me? By the time you finish reading this chapter, over a hundered dogs and cats in animal shelters around the nation will have been euthanized.
Bet you wish you could erase that knowledge. But it's too late. You learned a NEW IDEA, and it made you sad.
So you see...be careful what you learn.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel
Way back in sixth grade, I took a summer school course on Russian. Couple that with two years of German in high school, and I realize that I've taken classes in three different languages, worked landscaping for seven years (picked up a little Spanish there), and learned some choice phrases in Korean from my sister-in-law. That's a lot of words. I love words. Although they can be dangerous...
I've been reading this hilarious book lately. Inspired by The Colbert Report (silent "t's"), I recently made a stop at the library and picked up Stephen Colbert's book, "I Am America (And So Can You!)"
It's quite funny, and today I just wanted to share one little passage about education and the emotional pain that it causes:
Let me ask you this: why were you happier when you were a kid?
Because you didn't KNOW anything.
The more you know, the sadder you get.
Don't believe me? By the time you finish reading this chapter, over a hundered dogs and cats in animal shelters around the nation will have been euthanized.
Bet you wish you could erase that knowledge. But it's too late. You learned a NEW IDEA, and it made you sad.
So you see...be careful what you learn.
Much luv,
Rob
_________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Actually, it's a titanium-gold alloy...
Mmm...how 'bout that Memorial Day Weekend? I love me some mondays off, but it always makes tuesdays feel like mondays, and (therefore) wednesdays become tuesdays, etc.
Personally, I think that the only fair way to bring balance to the calendar would be to get the whole week off instead of just the one day, ya know?
Over the weekend, I made my way to the local cineplex and caught two more movies. On saturday afternoon, I went to see the latest installment of the Indiana Jones saga. It was not so great. I could probably rant and rave about what I disliked about the movie, but I think that the battery on my laptop would go dead before I finished, since it only has two hours of life left in it. Let's just say that I prefer fewer gophers, fighting monkeys, aliens, and nuke-proof refrigerators in my pulp-style movies.
Seriously, it's been 19 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released. 19 years...and this is the story that prompted the Lucas/Spielberg dynamic duo to make another story with our favorite whip-wielding hero. I think the movie featured a little too much Lucas and not enough Spielberg. The plot wandered more than a wide-eyed kid at a Toys 'R Us.
I mean...monkeys? Really? How do you make monkeys uncool? MONKEYS!!! That's on par with making lame pirates, ninjas, or pirate-ninjas.
So yeah, I didn't care for it too much. When I got to the theater and had to decide between Indy and Iron Man, I flipped a quarter to make the choice. It came up tails/Indy. Bad quarter, bad!!! I left the quarter on the counter at the theater to be rid of its curse when I purchased my ticket for Iron Man immediately after seeing Indy. I needed to see something good to cleanse the taste of Indy from my palette.
I feel a little bad for whomever picked up that cursed quarter...they probably thought it was their lucky day. Too bad it was UNluck.
Iron Man, on the other hand, was awesome. I won't say more than to just go see it. You'll find yourself smiling the whole time. Who knew that a glorified fire extinguisher could have such a hilarious personality? Go see it.
So on my Spartan Scale, I'll give Iron Man 24 Spartans. Indy? 244 Spartans. (Yes, it was more than ten times worse than Iron Man.)
Did I mention to go see Iron Man?
Much luv,
Rob
___________________________________
Song of the Day: "Jessica" by The Allman Brothers Band
Personally, I think that the only fair way to bring balance to the calendar would be to get the whole week off instead of just the one day, ya know?
Over the weekend, I made my way to the local cineplex and caught two more movies. On saturday afternoon, I went to see the latest installment of the Indiana Jones saga. It was not so great. I could probably rant and rave about what I disliked about the movie, but I think that the battery on my laptop would go dead before I finished, since it only has two hours of life left in it. Let's just say that I prefer fewer gophers, fighting monkeys, aliens, and nuke-proof refrigerators in my pulp-style movies.
Seriously, it's been 19 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released. 19 years...and this is the story that prompted the Lucas/Spielberg dynamic duo to make another story with our favorite whip-wielding hero. I think the movie featured a little too much Lucas and not enough Spielberg. The plot wandered more than a wide-eyed kid at a Toys 'R Us.
I mean...monkeys? Really? How do you make monkeys uncool? MONKEYS!!! That's on par with making lame pirates, ninjas, or pirate-ninjas.
So yeah, I didn't care for it too much. When I got to the theater and had to decide between Indy and Iron Man, I flipped a quarter to make the choice. It came up tails/Indy. Bad quarter, bad!!! I left the quarter on the counter at the theater to be rid of its curse when I purchased my ticket for Iron Man immediately after seeing Indy. I needed to see something good to cleanse the taste of Indy from my palette.
I feel a little bad for whomever picked up that cursed quarter...they probably thought it was their lucky day. Too bad it was UNluck.
Iron Man, on the other hand, was awesome. I won't say more than to just go see it. You'll find yourself smiling the whole time. Who knew that a glorified fire extinguisher could have such a hilarious personality? Go see it.
So on my Spartan Scale, I'll give Iron Man 24 Spartans. Indy? 244 Spartans. (Yes, it was more than ten times worse than Iron Man.)
Did I mention to go see Iron Man?
Much luv,
Rob
___________________________________
Song of the Day: "Jessica" by The Allman Brothers Band
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Pregnancy and other shenanigans...
So I just finished watching "Juno" for the (I believe) fourth time. I must say...I LOVE THIS MOVIE!
Everytime I watch it, I think that I love it even more. For those of you who don't know, "Juno" is a movie that is mostly about a teenage girl who gets pregnant. Sounds hilarious, right?
The movie, while being funny, doesn't make light of the situation, though. Juno is a confident young girl who has that aura of "untouchability" about her. Nothing phases Juno. She's always equipped with a sharp retort to anything anyone says to her. When this life-changing event happens to her, she tries to keep up her "tough girl" persona. Eventually, it gets to her, though, and she lets it effect her, as it should.
I think that's one of the things that I like most about this movie. Things change. At the beginning, most of the characters seem pretty stereotypical and one-dimensional, as Juno (a teenage girl) sees them. She's the spunky girl. Her step-mom, Brenda, is over-bearing. Her father, Mac, is focused on his work. Mark is the "cool guy" who watches horror movies and plays a guitar. Vanessa is an obsessive neat-freak and controlling wife. Paulie Bleeker is a geek. This is the world as Juno sees it and how we, as viewers, are shown her little world at the beginning.
As the movie progresses, though, every character actually develops. Brenda shows herself to be caring and sacrificial. Mac gets very involved in the adoption process and has some very good conversations with Juno. Bleeker stays a geek pretty much, but is shown to be very caring. Mark ends up being afraid to move forward with his life. Vanessa has been burned in the past, and ends up being very genuine. Juno lets her situation effect her.
Everyone changes...and that's just it. Life's events change people. Sure, it seems like an obvious message, but we don't really see it too often in movies. It's refreshing.
I suppose that there's one exception, though. Juno's best friend Leah is an idiot and remains an idiot throughout the movie. She does, however, say that she loves Woody Allen, which is hilarious in the context of the movie. So I forgive her.
I think my favorite scene in the movie, though, is when Juno is telling her parents about the pregnancy. After breaking the news and talking for a bit, her father says, "Junebug, I always thought that you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when."
She pauses for a minute, letting the thought sink in, and replies, "I don't know what kind of girl I am."
It's about growing up and how we continue to grow up, even when we get older.
All in all, great movie with sharp dialogue and an unbelievable soundtrack. I'll likely listen to it all day tomorrow now. Just catchy music that sticks in your head. (Except for that "Vampire" song...that one's awful.)
And you better believe that I'm figuring out how to play that "Anyone Else But You" song...(It's just two chords, really.)
So on The Spartan Scale, I think I give "Juno" 7 Spartans. It's just that good. Check it out if you haven't already.
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Tragic Comic" by Extreme
Everytime I watch it, I think that I love it even more. For those of you who don't know, "Juno" is a movie that is mostly about a teenage girl who gets pregnant. Sounds hilarious, right?
The movie, while being funny, doesn't make light of the situation, though. Juno is a confident young girl who has that aura of "untouchability" about her. Nothing phases Juno. She's always equipped with a sharp retort to anything anyone says to her. When this life-changing event happens to her, she tries to keep up her "tough girl" persona. Eventually, it gets to her, though, and she lets it effect her, as it should.
I think that's one of the things that I like most about this movie. Things change. At the beginning, most of the characters seem pretty stereotypical and one-dimensional, as Juno (a teenage girl) sees them. She's the spunky girl. Her step-mom, Brenda, is over-bearing. Her father, Mac, is focused on his work. Mark is the "cool guy" who watches horror movies and plays a guitar. Vanessa is an obsessive neat-freak and controlling wife. Paulie Bleeker is a geek. This is the world as Juno sees it and how we, as viewers, are shown her little world at the beginning.
As the movie progresses, though, every character actually develops. Brenda shows herself to be caring and sacrificial. Mac gets very involved in the adoption process and has some very good conversations with Juno. Bleeker stays a geek pretty much, but is shown to be very caring. Mark ends up being afraid to move forward with his life. Vanessa has been burned in the past, and ends up being very genuine. Juno lets her situation effect her.
Everyone changes...and that's just it. Life's events change people. Sure, it seems like an obvious message, but we don't really see it too often in movies. It's refreshing.
I suppose that there's one exception, though. Juno's best friend Leah is an idiot and remains an idiot throughout the movie. She does, however, say that she loves Woody Allen, which is hilarious in the context of the movie. So I forgive her.
I think my favorite scene in the movie, though, is when Juno is telling her parents about the pregnancy. After breaking the news and talking for a bit, her father says, "Junebug, I always thought that you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when."
She pauses for a minute, letting the thought sink in, and replies, "I don't know what kind of girl I am."
It's about growing up and how we continue to grow up, even when we get older.
All in all, great movie with sharp dialogue and an unbelievable soundtrack. I'll likely listen to it all day tomorrow now. Just catchy music that sticks in your head. (Except for that "Vampire" song...that one's awful.)
And you better believe that I'm figuring out how to play that "Anyone Else But You" song...(It's just two chords, really.)
So on The Spartan Scale, I think I give "Juno" 7 Spartans. It's just that good. Check it out if you haven't already.
Much luv,
Rob
_______________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Tragic Comic" by Extreme
Monday, May 19, 2008
Ebert and Roeper got nothin' on me...
So I've been thinking more and more about what to do with this blog. Sure, it's a handy way for me to expound upon the frivolous thoughts that come and go through my head, but how can I make it more interesting? How can I make it be somewhat useful to you, the reader, who clearly is looking to kill a few minutes?
I've decided that I'll offer up a bit of a service occasionally. No, don't worry, it'll be free of charge. What I'm offering you isn't all that valuable, but it just may save you some time, sanity, or even save your life. (Not likely, though.)
I've decided that I'm going to, every now and then, write up some movie reviews. I love movies. Good movies, bad movies, just-so-long-as-they're-not-forgettable-movies...I enjoy them all in their own way. I suppose it's the escapist in me who just wants to slip away from my chaos-riddled brain and focus on something that is, so completely, not me.
Before I do this, however, I need to explain how I rate movies. Some people will give a movie between zero and five stars. Some refer to a number of "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Rottentomatoes.com gives a percentage of positive reviews and calls them either "fresh" or "rotten."
I've got something better. (At least, I like it, anyway.)
My system was developed after seeing the epic pseudo-historical movie "300." Many people loved and doted upon the greatness of this movie. It made a killing at the box office. Sure, it had lots of action (blood) and fighting. However, I also felt it had lots of boredom-producing moments.
For starters, dude...what's with all the slow-motion? Every time an "action" scene was about to begin, the rock music kicked in and things slowed to a crawl so that we could see copious amounts of blood spurts as people were slain left and right. This carries on for the entire movie. I'm pretty convinced that if the movie had not had so much slow motion in it, it would've been five minutes long, and probably much more enjoyable, to boot.
Next, the yelling was an issue. Nobody just speaks in this movie. Everyone yells. All the time. Ok, so I exaggerate a bit, but it certainly felt that way. We get your point. You're a big, angry warrior. We don't need to hear you yelling "SPAARRRTTTAAA!!!!" every five minutes.
All in all, the movie was just not a pleasant experience. Former roommate and current Italian Nick said it best when we finished watching the movie as the over-the-top rock music played and the credits began to roll:
"Man, even the credits are annoying."
Well said, Nick. Well said.
It's not all negative, though. Remember how I said "300" helped develop my movie rating system? (You should, it was just a few paragraphs ago.) I've lately rated movies by, what I affectionately call, The Spartan Scale.
Here's how it works. I hated "300." So on The Spartan Scale, it gets a score of 300 Spartans. 300 Spartans = As bad as the movie "300." Movies that are worse than "300" will get more Spartans on The Spartan Scale. Better movies will get less. (It's like golf scores or the number of times you stub your toe...lower numbers are better.)
For instance, "Borat," one of my least favorite movies, I've rated at 500 Spartans. (My worst rating ever.) "Bio-Dome" comes in at #2 on my worst list and scores 490 Spartans. "Fight Club" nets 8 Spartans, because it is so awesome.
Make sense? Sure, it's not a perfect system, but I like it and think it's quite funny.
And you know there are certain factors that can influence the Spartan Scale. If a movie features Bruce Campbell...that's minus 20 Spartans right off the top. Tom Arnold? Add 20 Spartans.
You get the idea.
So there you have it. That's The Spartan Scale. I think it's awesome. I give it 6 Spartans.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hard Sun" by Eddie Vedder
I've decided that I'll offer up a bit of a service occasionally. No, don't worry, it'll be free of charge. What I'm offering you isn't all that valuable, but it just may save you some time, sanity, or even save your life. (Not likely, though.)
I've decided that I'm going to, every now and then, write up some movie reviews. I love movies. Good movies, bad movies, just-so-long-as-they're-not-forgettable-movies...I enjoy them all in their own way. I suppose it's the escapist in me who just wants to slip away from my chaos-riddled brain and focus on something that is, so completely, not me.
Before I do this, however, I need to explain how I rate movies. Some people will give a movie between zero and five stars. Some refer to a number of "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Rottentomatoes.com gives a percentage of positive reviews and calls them either "fresh" or "rotten."
I've got something better. (At least, I like it, anyway.)
My system was developed after seeing the epic pseudo-historical movie "300." Many people loved and doted upon the greatness of this movie. It made a killing at the box office. Sure, it had lots of action (blood) and fighting. However, I also felt it had lots of boredom-producing moments.
For starters, dude...what's with all the slow-motion? Every time an "action" scene was about to begin, the rock music kicked in and things slowed to a crawl so that we could see copious amounts of blood spurts as people were slain left and right. This carries on for the entire movie. I'm pretty convinced that if the movie had not had so much slow motion in it, it would've been five minutes long, and probably much more enjoyable, to boot.
Next, the yelling was an issue. Nobody just speaks in this movie. Everyone yells. All the time. Ok, so I exaggerate a bit, but it certainly felt that way. We get your point. You're a big, angry warrior. We don't need to hear you yelling "SPAARRRTTTAAA!!!!" every five minutes.
All in all, the movie was just not a pleasant experience. Former roommate and current Italian Nick said it best when we finished watching the movie as the over-the-top rock music played and the credits began to roll:
"Man, even the credits are annoying."
Well said, Nick. Well said.
It's not all negative, though. Remember how I said "300" helped develop my movie rating system? (You should, it was just a few paragraphs ago.) I've lately rated movies by, what I affectionately call, The Spartan Scale.
Here's how it works. I hated "300." So on The Spartan Scale, it gets a score of 300 Spartans. 300 Spartans = As bad as the movie "300." Movies that are worse than "300" will get more Spartans on The Spartan Scale. Better movies will get less. (It's like golf scores or the number of times you stub your toe...lower numbers are better.)
For instance, "Borat," one of my least favorite movies, I've rated at 500 Spartans. (My worst rating ever.) "Bio-Dome" comes in at #2 on my worst list and scores 490 Spartans. "Fight Club" nets 8 Spartans, because it is so awesome.
Make sense? Sure, it's not a perfect system, but I like it and think it's quite funny.
And you know there are certain factors that can influence the Spartan Scale. If a movie features Bruce Campbell...that's minus 20 Spartans right off the top. Tom Arnold? Add 20 Spartans.
You get the idea.
So there you have it. That's The Spartan Scale. I think it's awesome. I give it 6 Spartans.
Much luv,
Rob
________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Hard Sun" by Eddie Vedder
Saturday, May 17, 2008
This looks like a job for me...
"...nobody wants to see Marshall no more, they want Shady...I'm chopped liver."
Ah, words from that great and noble poet, Eminem, or Marshall Mathers, if you're nasty.
All that to say, guess who's back...back again!
I'd love to say that I used this time away from the blog wisely...that I accomplished such and such and conquered several small nations. That is not, however, the case. (Watch out though, Republic of Malta, I've got my eye on you.) Life carries on (as it usually does) much as it used to. I am now, though, thirty years old. As such, I'd like to think that I've grown up some, even if only a little bit.
To that end, I bring forth the following topic. Integrity. What is it? Why does it matter? How can integrity help me conquer small nations?
For starters, let's take a look at the definition of the word:
Dictionary.com (a favorite site of mine) lists three main definitions for "integrity"
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
While definition #2 may come in handy when establishing my dominion over Malta (later to be renamed Rob's Republic of Awesome), and definition #3 is good to understand for inevitable space travel (my shuttle better have plenty o' integrity), I believe that the "integrity" the I'm referring to is more in line with definition #1.
Moral and ethical principles. Sounds fun, right? I know that when I go to a party, the first person that I look for is the one with solid moral and ethical principles.
No?
Ok, so integrity isn't the most fun topic in the world, but it definitely matters. In today's world, most people are only interested in results. The ends justify the means.
Is that the way it ought to be, though? Should the ends, however they are found, really make up for what is lost in the method used to find them?
I'm proposing no. While it may not matter in each and every circumstance, integrity helps shape and mold you in a way that tells other people that you are trustworthy and honest. If we focus more on relationships, integrity will matter more and more.
Where am I going with this? I'm not really even sure. What I do know is that in the past week or so, my integrity has been challenged on many, many levels. I'd like to think that I handled things relatively well in most cases. In some of those cases, though, I know I fell short.
Fortunately, I know that part of integrity comes from perseverance. So it's time to press on.
So, how have you been? Miss me? (Feels good to write again.)
Much luv,
Rob
____________________________________________________
Song of the Day: "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan
Ah, words from that great and noble poet, Eminem, or Marshall Mathers, if you're nasty.
All that to say, guess who's back...back again!
I'd love to say that I used this time away from the blog wisely...that I accomplished such and such and conquered several small nations. That is not, however, the case. (Watch out though, Republic of Malta, I've got my eye on you.) Life carries on (as it usually does) much as it used to. I am now, though, thirty years old. As such, I'd like to think that I've grown up some, even if only a little bit.
To that end, I bring forth the following topic. Integrity. What is it? Why does it matter? How can integrity help me conquer small nations?
For starters, let's take a look at the definition of the word:
Dictionary.com (a favorite site of mine) lists three main definitions for "integrity"
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
While definition #2 may come in handy when establishing my dominion over Malta (later to be renamed Rob's Republic of Awesome), and definition #3 is good to understand for inevitable space travel (my shuttle better have plenty o' integrity), I believe that the "integrity" the I'm referring to is more in line with definition #1.
Moral and ethical principles. Sounds fun, right? I know that when I go to a party, the first person that I look for is the one with solid moral and ethical principles.
No?
Ok, so integrity isn't the most fun topic in the world, but it definitely matters. In today's world, most people are only interested in results. The ends justify the means.
Is that the way it ought to be, though? Should the ends, however they are found, really make up for what is lost in the method used to find them?
I'm proposing no. While it may not matter in each and every circumstance, integrity helps shape and mold you in a way that tells other people that you are trustworthy and honest. If we focus more on relationships, integrity will matter more and more.
Where am I going with this? I'm not really even sure. What I do know is that in the past week or so, my integrity has been challenged on many, many levels. I'd like to think that I handled things relatively well in most cases. In some of those cases, though, I know I fell short.
Fortunately, I know that part of integrity comes from perseverance. So it's time to press on.
So, how have you been? Miss me? (Feels good to write again.)
Much luv,
Rob
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Song of the Day: "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan
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