pixar

Pixar is a collection of GREAT storytellers. This montage is evidence that they definitely know what they're doing and they do it well.

everything I hate about the holidays...

The day after thanksgiving has a few simple traditions for me. I generally sleep at my parents house, I have pumpkin pie for breakfast, I watch movies and if family is over we play games. I avoid one thing like the plague, stores. This year, I enjoyed a little bit of online shopping but that is as far as I go. I genuinely loathe everything about 'black friday' shopping.

It's not the waking up early or waiting in the cold and rain, because I've done that kind of thing for movies or Disneyland rides. I think the video above sums up a huge part of what I loathe; the clawing and trampling to save. Apparently our semblance of civilization can be bought for a mere $30. We come off of a holiday filled with moments of thankful reflection and within a few hours we are out in the cold waiting to charge into the Kohls to grab clothes.

While discussing this with some friends, one mentioned that the economy has an influence on this pursuit  of early morning bargains. That may be true, but let's think about this. The stores put deals on Black Friday for excess merchandise that they want to put on sale, generally it's stuff that people don't really want and so it's being sold at a discount. People in the early morning rush, take a look at the item and make an impulse purchase because they are sleep deprived and have already invested so much time and effort, that they don't want to go home empty handed. The stores aren't celebrating a holiday today, they're doing this for profit. The consumers that line up early in the morning are simply cows headed to the slaughter.

So, if you are exhausted today because it's your day off but you chose to wake up early in search for deals, you may want to rethink your traditions for next year.

That's what I think, what are your thoughts?

Movie: Dave

Kevin Kline is a funny fellow that is currently under-utilized by Hollywood but in his sweet spot with the film Dave.

Remember this movie? It came out around the same time as American President, another Presidential Biopic. While American President is filled with great Sorkin Dialogue and is clearly a predecessor for West Wing, Dave is just a fun Ivan Reitman film. I'm not sure they make movies like this anymore but I find them very endearing. Today comedy is aimed at the Nickelodeon/silly, raunchy/gross or esoteric/hipster. I am not sure that a movie like Ghostbusters could get made today.

Dave is a guy that looks just like the current president and because of illness and conspiracy, he in essence takes office. Silly premise but it allows a guy with limits and innocence, become the most powerful man in the western world. I liked the hope that this movie conveys. I appreciate the simplicity it seems to bring towards politics. It is a simple man trying to do good. It is a film in which the good guy wins. It's just fun. I enjoy political intrigue very much, but I also enjoy a simple movie where a guy invites a childhood friend to help cut the US budget over bratwurst.

Movie: Zoolander

"Happy... Happy..."

Will Ferrel and Ben Stiller are ridiculous and it works.

I remember seeing Zoolander in the Theater. The reason I remember it was because it was a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks. I remember being in the theater and feeling like this was so ridiculous and Stiller was so inept that it was just what I needed. While I'd been pretty sick this last week it was far from the emotional funk 9/11 brought about. With that said, Zoolander had a similar effect.

It's interesting that movies like this are not strong as far as story, and have points where they lag. But, the quotability is through the roof and makes up for what is lacking. Zoolander is not for people that take life or movies too seriously. It is for those that are willing to laugh at the narcissism of the fashion world. Those that will enjoy laughing at a simpleton. I enjoy Will Ferrel's sophomoric humor, and this seems to be one of his strongest role. I feel like he has gone on to become his own worst enemy in the films that he makes, becoming self-indulgent (i.e. Semi-Pro {see review}).

I would like to see Ben Stiller make more movies like this, because I've grown tired of his Meet the Parents character that has become his default. Zoolander is silly, Ben Stiller plays that well. Watching this movie made me laugh, made me want to quote it with friends, it was just what the doctor ordered. I loved it.

New Series: Sick in Bed Cinema

When I'm sick, I really don't want to do anything. This last week I got hit hard with a sickness that kept me home for a few days. It's not fun, feeling gross, stuck at home. As days went by I kept having to cancel various social engagements, I kept having to push back work and have people fill in for me. This last weekend, I wasn't up to read or do anything productive, so when I wasn't sleeping I was watching movies. I took some interesting swings in cinematic moods; Zoolander to Hamlet within 12 hours is quite a swing.

So, for the next few days I will be posting some movie reviews with the label above. This indicates that they are a part of this series and that my judgement is heavily influenced by NyQuil and/or DayQuil.

Back to blogging...

Hit Play to listen to the song that I think is appropriate to this post.


The last season of blogging didn't really last, did it. 4 months in, I fell off the radar. I set a bold plan and communicated a recalibrating, but it fell to the wayside. I have a list of excuses

- I didn't like the format of the blog
- I didn't have time to write
- I didn't like blogging about American Idol anymore because the show had taken a dive.

This blog at one time was a source of revenue. There was a financial obligation to write. (That's a story for another time.) When that motivation disappeared, I was left to writing for the sake of writing. I enjoy writing but often it's a way to earn something or start conversation. Since I am not earning anything with the blog, I'd hoped it would initiate conversation. It doesn't seem to do that. People are not likely to respond to a post on here, yet if I say something silly in 140 characters, I get dozens of responses. Without the motivation of earning or conversation, I am left to purely enjoy it.

Let's see how it goes...

- trent

Jon Stewart has still got it!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Parent Company Trap
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Jon Stewart remains the newspaper watch dog of this generation and he does it with humor, candor and class. 

Idol

To quote the great pop group, NSYNC... "BYE BYE BYE"

Here are my comments made before the Judges...

Casey: You sounded like Huey Lewis & the news. Not inspirational

Lee: Good job for creed, it's a great song and a good choice. You're still Creed.

Tim: Bleh, not great. You're out of your league and it's showing again. You hid that last week, not this week.

Aaron: Um... you liked this song since you were 5? I was like a Senior in High School when this song came out. I am old. I can't really appreciate your song because I'm struck by my own mortality. Okay, back on track. This was not good. This was High School Talent Show circa 1997, and you wouldn't win. It look s like you're wearing dancer pants. Not skinny jeans, dancer pants.

Cinnabon: That was bleh. You are sassy with the judges, but it doesn't make you more talented. Being combative isn't being talented. It isn't a sassy competition.

Big Mike: I enjoy this song... you're not relevant though when you sing stuff like this. You sound like Seal and the world only needs one Seal.

Crystal: I LOVE THIS SONG... You had me at "people get ready". I haven't been a huge fan of you but I was a huge fan of you singing this song. WHAT... Crying??? Come on, be professional. Cry at the end, don't mess up the end of this song.

RESULTS: Oh man, I don't have time to give back, come on Idol just give me results. While fast forwarding I stopped for Wanda Sykes...

Okay, Tim got sent home. GOOD. Finally. Enough said.

Music: The Script

4/06/10 "This album is a delight. Good simple pop music. Make this purchase and enjoy."

They say in marketing people need to interact with your brand 7 times before making an investigation towards purchasing (looking into buying it.) So, before you try that sandwich you will need to see or hear about it 7 different ways; a few TV commercials, Web Banners and passing the restaurant and soon enough you'll be buying that sandwich. I had a similar experience with The Script and their creatively titled album, "The Script".  I'd heard friends mention them, I'd heard a song occasionally, I even showed up late to a concert and caught the last song in their set. Then I saw a tweet from John Mayer that raved about a specific song, "Breakeven". John said "Every band with a single this year has a mission: beat "Break Even" by The Script. Oh, yah... good luck.". So, I looked up the album on iTunes and sure enough the 30 second samples left me not even questioning the purchase price.

This album is probably my favorite since "Songs About Jane" by Maroon 5. It's got a well produced sound, just simple toe tapping pop music. If you're a fan of Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, that type of voice and style, then don't wait to hear about this band 6 more times...check out "The Script" right now. 

$7.99, iTunes, click here.

American Idol Season 9 Top 10

4/04/10 "I hate to say it, but this show is a sinking ship."

This season is lame... 

Exhibit A.

I am watching this in one sitting... I'm commenting before I hear judges comments.

Siobhan: This song isn't good, and you sound horrible. Seriously, bad. Everyone cheers when you squeal because that is your one trick. This was a horrible song choice and you did a really bad job. Pitchy. Bleehh.

Casey: This song felt like I was driving a car with stick shift. I don't know how to drive stick so it's a bunch of starting and stopping. You get going and then stop over and over again. I really like Sam and Dave for sure, but I think that was kind of blah.

Michael: Okay, this wasn't bad. Wasn't like what's her name singing somewhere over the rainbow (wasn't like that on a lot of levels), but it was good. The stage position is lame, sing on stage.

Didi: Crying during the video montage. I just don't like your voice in this song. Usually I like you but this is not very good at all. BUT your arms look enormous because of some shadow. My roommates and I are all agreeing that we think you are pretty but that is it. Ryan is acting like a defensive boyfriend in his post song interview, it's labored and annoying. This isn't a High School Talent Show, it's American Idol, show some professionalism. (AND back away from my lady!)

Tim: Please tell me the game is up. You barely deserve to sing at a Home School Graduation. (I've been to a few and each of the graduates perform something, this is that bad.) Tim, you are the personification of everything that is wrong with this season. You have no business being on the show, you shouldn't have been brought back. With all those mean things, I think you know this and aren't taking yourself that seriously and I can appreciate that.

Andrew: Okay, I really love that song. Really love it. That was a take on that song that seems like just what you need to be doing. I really like this performance. I want to hear you keep doing this, it's why people like you. Keep doing what you're doing.  Wait, Seacrest just ruined this moment by bringing your mom up. She's about unintelligible as my mom would be in that moment. My mom speaks english. 

Katie: You are only a few steps above Tim in my opinion. You are just average. You don't have anything to say as an artist. Since the Blake Lewis, David Cook, Kris Allen days, there is no room for a Diana Degarmo on this show anymore. Get a point of view or go back to singing in show choir. 

Lee (or as I affectionately refer to him as, Creed): While watching the video, when I heard what song you're going to do I thought "hey, good choice for you Creed." I was right, this was a good song for Creed. Now what I'm saying is that I've written this guy off for personal preference, I understand why people are voting for him. I also in a strange way understand why people bought Creed music a few years ago. I did too back then. If you like Creed and Lee, eventually you keep listening and think, what am I subjecting myself to?

Crystal: Watching the video, again I said...great song choice. I guess that song is just plain amazing. I mean that song is just good and she didn't get in the way. I didn't really see that as a big risk for her, it was just a good choice. 

Aaron: This is one of my favorite songs, so, no pressure. Pitch is wobbly at the start, this makes me nervous for you. This song was too big for you. I think you need to either be a phenomenal vocalist or be a decent vocalist whose experienced heartbreak, that isn't you. It's sad when people applaud for you after Simon says you're average. 

Usher: He did exactly what I think people in that seat need to 

RESULT SHOW TIVOED: 

I watch it on 2 fast forward clicks of TiVo, and here's what I observe:

- Seriously, this Clash of the Titans thing was horrific... I'm embarrassed.

- Ruben's dropped some weight. Unfortunately he didn't gain anything as far as relevance. 

- Brining "Big Mike" on stage with Ruben was obnoxious and lost Mike cool points.

- Are we really, still doing Ford Music Videos? 

- I think Ford even knows this is lame, because they barely show their product.

- Justin Bieber is going to become culturally irrelevant at the same time he's going through puberty, this could be bad,

- Usher is a good dancer but not a good lyricist, because I hit play when he was singing and I laughed for a few minutes. If you saw the show, you can guess where I stopped.

- Ryan just got handled by Mike. I kind of wish it went a little more WWE.

- WHAT!!! TIM LIVES?!? I can't believe that, AMERICA... WAKE UP!!!

- She isn't going to get saved with this song, it's just not a good vocal.

- Judges seem to be actually discussing this or where they're going for post-show dinner. 

Tonight's show, everyone is over explaining things. Judges are feeling criticism for their vague comments. It's not their fault, you give vague comments when the talent sucks but you can't say that. They are adding all this backstage stuff to make the show longer and try to mix it up. 

This R&B night has ZERO soul. It is really bad. I am afraid that Idol is going the way of 24... it's becoming irrelevant. I watch the shows a few days later and it doesn't matter. People aren't talking about it at work, it's just not a cultural thing anymore. I think the lackluster talent is what kills it. When your best vocal is Crystal and she is a quirky artsy type that doesn't really engage the audience, well, bad news. 

I am not blogging as often because I just don't care. Today I had a little vacation and so I was able to sit and watch the show while blogging. When I have a normal week, I don't have time for this business.  Sorry American Idol, but I think this season is a wash. We'll see what you can do in the Post-Simon Era, but at this point, I'd guess you will be gone by 2012. 

iPad

4/04/10 "First Impressions: I want one."

When the iPad was first announced I thought it was cool, but was like "ehhhhh". 

I didn't see it as something that I wanted. If I had a lot of money, I could see myself having one of these. I felt what the media was saying; this is an in-between product that doesn't fill a need. I see a need for a notebook computer, I see a need for a phone, I don't see a need for the in-between. When people talked about the prices being cheap, I thought to myself "$500 for something I don't need isn't cheap." It seems like this is the item of the future, but I don't think the future is here yet. When you watch movies set in the future, they all have a device like this that is passed around among people like it's a piece of paper. It just seems it's a bit ahead of the time.

Then I used one on Sunday, now, I want one. I'd venture to say I REALLY want one. Here are my first impressions...

- It's not light, sure it's only 1.5 pounds but it feels like you're holding something significant.

- The screen looks amazing, just downright AMAZING! I watched some HD files and wow.

- The functions that this could have, sky is the limit.

- It works to type on if you're sitting on a couch. Not working with iPhone style typing.

- The driving game I played was fun.

- The speakers are really good, they aren't like the iPhone, they seem to emit sound all throughout the device.

- Great email function. Very Simple.

- It's fast.

- Drawing on it is fun. I am not a drawer, but I am sketcher. I would like one of these for my office just to be able to sketch an idea on. 

- I still want a Kindle, but the book reading application is really nice. Turning the pages and seeing a book with illustrations is awesome. If I had kids, the iPad would be a GREAT thing to read books on.

- I want one. (an iPad, not a kid.)

I want one for my office to use in meetings. I want one for my house, to just have on the coffee table. I want to show people youtube videos on this. I'm big on legal pads and keep a stack of them in my office. I like a blank canvas that I can do anything on. This is the digital equivalent. 

I was skeptical, and you might be too, but I encourage you to grab one. I don't know if the Apple Store is going to be the place to get comfortable with this device. Go visit a friend who has one. I'm guessing you'll leave thinking, "Oh, that would be nice". 

Way to go Apple, way to go.

TV: 24

3/27/10: "I was right."


Fox Cancels 24.




2/17/10: "24: since we've broken up, let's be honest... it's not me, it's YOU!"

This picture is of Kim Bauer, the Daughter of Jack Bauer from the Fox television phenomenon "24", gazing upon a cougar. During Season 2 with intense operations of the Counter Terrorism Unit, we had a B-plot that involved the heroes daughter roaming the woods. I remember thinking, "this is BAD, really really BAD", but the rest of the show was so darn good I dealt with it.

"24" started for me as a solo experience. I borrowed the DVDs and knocked out entire seasons within a few days. Then, as the seasons rolled on, it became clear that friends watched the show also, so I began hosting a "24" night and we would enjoy it together. While I remember the ridiculous moments, we dealt with it together. I think that story-wise, 24 lost me when they had the bomb go off in Valencia in the first few episodes and there was no sense of consequences. Everyone just chugged along, even though a bomb went off a few miles from the center of LOS ANGELES!!! But, we stuck with it and "we" is what I think kept "24" on the map for me.

When a show is a shared experience, you tolerate a lot more. When I moved and lost "24" night, well I started noticing the flaws. I've talked with a few of my friends in my relatively new home of Long Beach about getting together for a "24" Night. Each response was the same, "Yeah, I use to watch that show but haven't seen it lately, it just got lame." When the day comes that they announce the last season of "24", I don't see people rallying behind this show because there won't be questions to be answered as is the case for "Lost".  I think we will all wonder if Jack dies and then that'll be it.

I am sad to see this show take a dive, I wish they'd end it 2 years ago with a film, but that isn't the case. In the mean time, it's now just that ex-girlfriend that I feel bad for when I see them randomly. I just wish they would get married so I wouldn't feel bad.* When I see advertisements for "24", I think "Oh, just get cancelled for goodness sakes."




(*no specific ex-girlfriend was considered while writing this. If you happen to be an ex-girlfriend and are reading this blog, please know that I enjoy randomly seeing you and don't feel bad about those encounters. I was able to write so specifically because I am creative, I promise, no really, I'm creative.)

Movie: Gran Torino

3/21/10 "This is without a doubt, one of the most horrible films I've seen in a long time."

Okay, we're keeping this RedBox series going and it's taking a turn for the worse. When I saw this title on the screen at my local RedBox I was happy, I was reminded that I wanted to see this movie when it came out but didn't have the chance. I'd heard that this was the last performance of Clint Eastwood so I was interested. The premise was interesting too; an old white man in a changing neighborhood who makes a connection with a young asian man who is being terrorized by a local gang. It had this appeal of an old cowboy who defends his homestead. I enjoy Eastwood as a director and thought this final film could be great.

Wow, was I wrong. This movie is horrific. The acting is absolutely horrible. Eastwood is worse than usual but his performance looks like a tour de force compared to the other actors. After a little research on IMDB I learned that most of the supporting cast was made up of local actors. It was embarrassing, below student film caliber. It was unbearably bad. Decent premise, had a predictable but powerful ending, but this couldn't redeem the film. If this was the way Eastwood wants to end his acting career, then I am sad for him. It's like Joe Montana ending his career in Kansas City. 

My advice, unless you plan on making fun of this movie in a room full of witty friends, save your time and money. I'm glad it only cost me a dollar. Other than that, this movie isn't worth a penny, it is genuinely horrible. I know I am being strong with my words, but I'll be honest... this movie is THAT BAD!

Movie: Precious

3/20/10 "This is the feel horrible movie of the year, and that's just what it should be."

Brutal. That is all I can really say about this movie. It was brutal. Spoiler alert, this movie isn't a feel good experience. In fact it was the hardest movie I've watched in a long time. It wasn't my regular RedBox faire. This film isn't perfect by any means, it is kind of slow at points and feels low budget/cheesy during some scenes, but that isn't there where it counts. It is absolutely gripping at points. I felt horrible for this poor girl, and absolutely loathed her mother... loathed.

Towards the end of the movie, after a powerful monologue I didn't find myself forgiving Monique's character. Instead I found myself hurting for a world that breeds these situations. This is a movie that you go into ready to feel sad and not redeemed. So, would I recommend it, yes if you know what you're getting into. I got my $1's worth, but I also felt sad for a few hours.

Movie: Law Abiding Citizen

3/19/10 "Law Abiding Citizen plays to a sense of justice, not to a sense of art"

Continuing the RedBox series, I picked up Law Abiding Citizen. I'd heard great reviews from friends, so I was hoping for a good movie. What I got was an average movie. In hind sight, I should have considered the reviews from friends. In general, when people described the movie, their tone of voice changed. It wasn't excited and up, it wasn't contemplative and soft, it was as if their tone was that of a vigilante. 


This movie opens with a father watching criminals torture and murder his wife and daughter. He spends the rest of the time seeking out revenge on his terms. He is unsatisfied with the justice system so only he can solve this. I think people recommending the film took on a voice because they like a "take it in your own hands" story. I also think they like to see some shocking deaths. It was as if "Final Destination" and "A Time To Kill", were in a room together and there was so much love they made a baby, and it was "Law Abiding Citizen". 


It was just blah. A series of scenes about chock, that's it. If you want to see this kind of thing then you will enjoy this film. For me, it was average. It wasn't great but I was entertained. The Verdict: I feel like I got my dollars worth, barely.

A Week of RedBox

This week, I will be blogging about films I've gotten from the RedBox. According to the scholarly source of wikipedia; "Redbox kiosks are located across the United States in fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The machines can be identified by their trademark red appearance and the slight arching of their top surface, as seen in the company's logo."

I haven't been this excited about a vending machine since the first day of junior high when I realized I had access to candy ALL DAY! Get a single DVD for a single night for a single dollar. AWESOME!

Redbox movies fill a valuable spot in my movie watching life. 

- Sometimes Netflix will take forever to get a movie to me... REDBOX! 

- Sometimes you're getting some groceries on the way home and see the movie "The Game Plan" with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and think, I want to see a movie and am willing to see a sub par movie, but I don't want to buy "The Game Plan".... REDBOX!

- Sometimes you are out with friends and a title comes up but haven't been in a video store in 6 years and don't want the hassle of creating a membership because you think you owe Blockbuster Video along with the people at Columbia Records, a ridiculous amount of late fees.... REDBOX!

Go online and find RedBox, see if there is one near you. If there is, then give it a shot. Also, come back every day for the next week and find a blog about a film I picked up at the RedBox... Find out what I'm watching and whether I'm getting my dollar's worth or not.

American Idol Season 9 Top 12

Well, It's Idol time. The time of year when those of you who love idol come out to the blog in droves. Those who hate idol, well avert your eyes to these posts. Tonight's American Idol Blog will be written directly to the contestants. It's a reminder that I am talking about people, so I should be kind of nice. I wrote each of these before I heard from the judges.

Mike- Not great but he's a lovable guy and will be okay. I wasn't rocked by last week when everyone else was. I felt like you seemed small on the stage this week. Open it up.

Didi- Good night for you. I don't think you're a fabulous but I think she is super cute and should call me.

Casey- Blah Blah you're handsome. But there are plenty of handsome people who can sing. You're not one of those people. You don't sound bad, but you don't sound great. I'm sure there is a barn dance that needs a band with a hunky lead singer, you may want to check this out.

Lacey- Ehhh, I knew I knew you. You're that girl that sings at church. I'm not too impressed. No offense, I'd enjoy hearing you sing in church but not on TV, and DEFINITELY not on my iPod. 

Andrew- I love that song. It sounded rough for SURE! I really hope you step it up because you have 2 more weeks before I stop saying "I liked that guy before" and move into "I really don't like that guy."

Katie- You have not really impressed me and I was as surprised as you that you made the top 12. Then again the bar isn't that high this year. 

Tim- It's a good thing you're liked by the ladies. I was SHOCKED you made it this far. I'll say that you've shown improvement, but I'm not sure you have anything to say as an artist. 

Siobhan- Your name is weird. I really don't care for the screaming but I actually liked the arrangement. I guess you just feel volatile to me. I look forward to seeing more about your hippy family.

Lee- Pride of Chicago? Not quite. I've been to Chicago and there are better things in that city than you. I don't see what people like about you? You are sounding less like Creed which is more better. I felt awkward during the post interview because you were so nervous.

Paige- I really wasn't impressed by you. Not bad, I'd enjoy myself if I was seeing a play with you singing but beyond that, blah blah blah. 

Aaron- You deserve to win a HS talent show. That's it. I really don't get why you're still here. I wish that dancer guy was still here. I don't remember his name but I remember liking him more than you.

Crystal- You are good. Not great, and not as good as everyone is saying you are, but you're good. I wouldn't mind seeing you as an opening band, but at this point, I don't have any desire to see you headline. Tonight's song was a good encore song, but not a great opening the concert song. At this stage of the game we need "opening the concert" songs. 

Overall, Ellen makes me laugh, good addition but may be too little too late. Simon is disengaged and I really don't see him outside of Idol, but I could be wrong. Randy is just Randy, predictable and not articulate. Kara seems more flighty since Paula left the show. I wonder if this is not an issue of Paula's drug habits, but the producers forcing that flighty element.

RESULT SHOW: Okay good... I'm glad we're getting rid of the bad people but honestly I'm not rooting for anyone. Bye bye Lacey, the churches praise team will welcome you back after you get done with the summer tour because you won't have a career to keep you busy.

It may be too late for this show. Not much wowing taking place this season and let's be honest, watching Idol is a commitment of time. 

FYI: Feed Your iPod

My friend emailed me this last week to ask for some musical tips. She is traveling to NYC and wants to fill her new iPod with some favorites. After writing her a long list I decided to put it on here. This list isn't exhaustive because I know she has other stuff, but these are things I know she doesn't have... maybe you don't either, so Enjoy.

INDIE TYPE STUFF
Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars
Northern Sky by Nick Drake
Let it be me by Ray LaMontagne
You Are the Best Thing Ray LaMontagne
Simple Things by Amy Kuney

a good EP is... The Tip Jar Volume 1- Obadiah Parker... only getting 2
songs? lame, you shouldn't but check these 2...
Let's stay together
Hey Ya

great album... 19 by Adele get the whole thing, but these songs are great...
Daydreamer
Chasing Pavements
Make you Feel My Love

album... Battle Studies by John Mayer is a CD that grows on you. I
likes a LOT... a few in case you can't commit.
Heartbreak Warfare
Friends, Lovers or Nothing
Who Says
Perfectly Lonely

Jason Mraz's new album is decent... I like these songs.
I'm Yours
Lucky
If it Kills Me
Make it Mine

500 days of summer soundtrack. If not the whole thing, these 5 songs...
Us - Regina Spektor
She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra
Hero - Regina Spektor
Mushaboom - Feist
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

FREE & FUN SONG THAT MAKES ME WANT TO SIP FRUITY DRINKSHorchata- Vampire Weekend (http://vampireweekend.com/horchata/)

REQUIRED HIP HOP SONG TO WALK THE NYC STREETS TOEmpire State of Mind by Jay-Z

OTHER GOOD HIP HOPImma Be by Black Eyed Peas
Thank you by Jay-z
Rising Up by The Roots (give this song a minute, it gets catchy and then you love it.)
Stronger by Kanye West
Umbrella Rihanna & Jay-Z

If you don't have The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill, that is a crime. Remedy this situation. Too Cheap? At least get these...
Lost Ones
Doo Wap (that thing)
Superstar
Every Ghetto Every City
Everything is Everything

YES, I OWN THIS AND YOU SHOULD TOO...
Party in the U.S.A. Miley Cirus
Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna

GOOD MORE ROCKIN THAN INDIE, BUT GOOD
Come on get Higher by Matt Nathenson
breakeven by The Script
Believe (Moon Version) by The Bravery
Conductor by We Were Promised Jet Packs
That's not my name by the ting tings
Shut up and let me go by the ting tings

whole album... no list of selections, just get it...

Only by the Night- Kings of Leon

GOOD SONGS TO WALK TO IN THE AIRPORT AND FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN A MOVIE

Rose Rouge (radio edit) by Analogue People
Around the World by Daft Punk
Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Mondo '77 by Looper

this commercial is nearly perfect.

I am buying this product, just to support the company that approves ads like this.

Book: Blink

2/16/10: "Interesting Read"

I was at Barnes & Noble to spend a gift card that I've had for nearly 5 years. (I'm not a fan of Barnes & Noble, wondering why? Click Here.) I wanted to get a book that would be fun and educational all at once. I'd read Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" a few years back and really enjoyed it. It is some basic psychology wrapped up in easy to understand terms. Very accessible and very helpful. I would strongly recommend "The Tipping Point". So, while walking the aisles of I recognized the font and look of the book. I am not a dust jacket guy, as soon as I buy a book I throw them away, but this purchase affirms the need for a good cover. As I walked towards the shelf my gut reaction was "stop looking, this is the book you're gonna buy." I looked it over and found it interesting, but kept searching.

Sure enough, 30 minutes later, I was buying this book. I had to blog this story of buying the book because it encapsulates what this book is about. I had a split second reaction that was on point. Blink is about how our brain makes judgments that are instinctive and often access our whole arsenal of experience within an instant. It is learning to explore that split second reaction because there is something to it. When I first understood the premise I was hesitant but the author makes it clear that those split second decisions can be poisoned by prejudice, and we need to develop our experience to correct such a problem.

Gladwell uses great stories to develop his points and this book is no exception. While it wasn't as good as "The Tipping Point", it was still enjoyable. I have to do a LOT of reading with work and school, but when I am in that place, I find I read more. During the summer or a break, if I am not reading for those things, I often won't read for fun either. Weird, but it's how I work. This book was a quick read (done in a week), and is a nice break from heavy reading. It's worth picking up if you like to consider the way people think.

Movie: Avatar

2/15/10: "I saw Avatar and I was right..."

So, I did it. I spent the money to go see this "amazing film". My thoughts can be summed up in a single word: "Ehhhhhhhhhhh...." It really was what I expected. The visuals were great but there was not much to the story. It accomplished the "make an effect not look like an effect" effect really well, and that isn't easy to pull off. I think it deserves all the praise for being visually stunning because it is. 

Now with that said, I am really bothered by the hype this movie is getting. Some friends attribute this to my "not liking things everyone likes" but I don't think that is true. I just thought the story telling in this movie was blah. It was long and drawn out, it was a cliche take on classic story elements, the only great thing was the visuals. The fact that this movie is nominated for best picture is downright ridiculous. This is by no means best picture material. 

I want to give everyone a right to hold an opinion even if its wrong. Avatar deserves an Oscar for Best Picture in the same way that the Water World Stunt Spectacular deserves the Tony for Best Play. Sure, Water World took place on a stage, is performed live with actors, and is fun, but that doesn't make it the best play. Same with Avatar as a film: cool to look at, you walk out having enjoyed yourself, but not epic.

My conclusion, see it in the theater for the visuals (3D - IMAX is the way to go), buy it to show off your new flat screen TV. Other than that, this movie is blah. 

1/1/10: "I haven't seen it yet, but I have thoughts anyway..."

I'm sure you've heard about this little movie called Avatar, I sure have. Since the buzz over the movie started back when I was in High School and I have spent the last 2 weeks reading status updates saying it was great, you'd think I'd be excited. I'm not.

After asking everyone who has seen it about the story they say... ehhhhh. "Visually stunning" they say, but everything else is sub-par. I feel an obligation to see this in the theaters because it's "visually stunning", so there is a bit of a ticking clock. But, I want a good story!

So, it looks like James Cameron has taken the Pocahontas story and used it as a framework for a 3D adventure. Maybe I will gather the $20 to see this on an IMAX screen, or maybe I will pass. Time will tell.

Movie: Lovely Bones

2/4/10- "Spoiler Alert, this movie is a waste of time."

I know that it's going to sound like I had a big glass of "Hater-ade" but I really don't know how else to approach this. I guess there's a side of me that wants to just walk away from this movie and not speak of it. Kind of like that ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend in your past with whom you have a developed a mental block; you just don't think about it and try to forget. But I can't do this. I just can't.

I work with students and I love it. I love their imperfections, their innocence, the good and the bad. One thing that students generally do is LOVE whatever movies they've seen recently. If I asked a group of young people between the ages of 12-14 what their favorite movies, I guarantee you 1/3 of them will name a movie that has been in theaters in the last 4 months. It's in their nature. The last few days I've been shocked... SHOCKED at how many of them updated their statuses of Facebook with a statement like this: "Lovely Bones, OMG so so good!"

This movie is garbage. I am going to ruin the plot, so be warned. It starts off decent; it looks good as far as cinematography, the characters have a nice family dynamic, it was going good. Then via the overused narration the girl makes it clear that she's going to die. Eventually there is no mystery, none whatsoever. You know who done it. So apparently this is a movie about watching a family go through grief. Well there isn't really time for that to be developed because every few minutes we have to devote time to watching this girl walk around a bunch of hippy paintings; Giant waterfalls, sun and moon, water becoming land. THEN you try and get back into watching this family mourn. Rather than a "who done it" story, it's a "will the bad guy get caught" story. Okay, so we go back and forth between these 3 elements;
1- boo hoo, family is sad.
2- yippee, the little girl is walking in a cosmic park with her new asian friend.
3- is the family going to solve the mystery?
(repeat)

Okay, so the family hurting issue just wraps itself up after time, no rhyme or reason, just time. THEN the Sister figures out the murderer, and tells the family the answer after a few minutes of greeting her returning mom. Those few minutes were crucial because it meant the bad guy got away. LET ME REPEAT THAT... The Bad Guy got away. The movie is called Lovely Bones and they never even find the bones. They are minutes from finding them, one psychic character is watching the bones being disposed and all she does is channel the victim girl so she can resolve a 2 week school crush of a 14 year old!

AHHHHHH.... I was sitting in the theater RIDICULOUSLY frustrated. Then, the final scene of the movie, the murderer is talking with a young girl at a roadside diner. There is an "oh no, not again" feeling for the audience. The girl blows the guy off and walks away. THEN, here's the kicker... the camera moves up and shows an icicle. I sigh as I think, "Oh great, the guy is going to die by nature. The 'universe' is going to get revenge." Sure enough the icicle falls and as it hits the guys shoulder and shatters, showing it was small and not deadly. The guy brushes his shoulder, saying ouch, and then stumbles a little backward. OOPS... he's standing on the edge of the quarry. Dude falls down and dies. And the credits roll. SERIOUSLY!!! Seriously, this is ridiculous. I am not a personal fan of the 'universe' getting random justice, I would have been happier if the icicle impaled the guy. Call me a violent stereotypical guy, that's fine but COME ON!

This movie was boring the whole way through, but the end was horrific. SO... why did I spend a blog to vent?
1. Because I have taken hold of the false belief that because I have a blog I can be uber-critical and it matters.
2. To redeem the money I wasted on this film so that at least I got a blog out of the time and money wasted.
3. To warn friends to avoid this movie by giving my opinion and ruining the ridiculous plot.

Be warned friends, be warned.

game show failures...

sometimes you need to be happy with what you've got...
(cough cough... too bold... cough cough)


dude, really... dude.


not technically a game show but a classic clip none the less.

Crying Wife

There are a few reasons why I am not married at this point in my life...

One of them (that I am pretty sure will never be remedied) is that I don't understand when girly folk get emotional. I'm not saying guys don't have weird stuff, but as a guy I feel like I understand our emotional issues. Not ladies.

One thing I don't really get is girls crying at the drop of a hat.

Exhibit A: CryingWife.com


I am sure she's a nice girl, but she's also a little nuts too.

(Kudos to Russell Barrett, creator of Outer Space Astronauts, for the link.)

MLK

Growing up, my dad was calculated with the things he had us do on Sunday Afternoons. Once a month we would visit some kind of museum. It was his desire that we be educated beyond our schools. He wanted us to consider the world; the complexity of science, the beauty of art, the gravity of history, all of it. I recall visits to the African-American Museum in Exposition Park. I can remember standing in front of a television in that museum the first time we visited and listening to Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech. I remember being around seven years old and thinking that this dream had been accomplished; I went to school with children of various races and didn't see the big deal. As I got older I realized that while progress had been made, we had further to go. Today when I searched YouTube for this speech and began to read the vile comments that were posted by ignorant anonymous fools, it made my heart ache.

I appreciate the day off, and am spending it like most people relaxing. But I did take a few minutes and listened to this speech below. I listened to the whole thing, not just the sound bites. I considered the words of Dr. King and how they remained true. My hope is that one day I can take my child to the same museum that I visited. That we'd stand before a similar display and that in that moment my son or daughter would also think that the dream had come true.  My hope is that on that day, they would be more right than I was in my youth.

Thank you Dr. King, for shining a light on the darkness that remains.

Conan vs. Leno

1/16/10- "It breaks my heart that the man for the job will need to find a new job."

(skip below for latest update)

1/9/10- "If this is really happening, then NBC is showing it is short sided and doesn't know how to program...again."

It was a bad idea. Plain and simple, the Jay Leno show at 10 was a BAD idea. Now they are going to remedy this bad idea by trying to put things "back the way they were", well that is a HORRIBLE idea. If you haven't heard, the hot rumor right now is that NBC is canceling the Jay Leno show at 10, and they want to move Leno back to 11:30. They are giving Conan O'Brien the option to stay at NBC and have a show start at 12, or to leave NBC. While this is all unconfirmed, NBC has made comments that seem to point to this being a real possibility. I am absolutely shocked at how this is going down.

First off, they never gave Conan the chance to figure things out. Leno struggled against David Letterman for the first 2 years he was on the Tonight Show. His ratings took a dip when Johnny Carson left, that just happens. The reason Conan saw a bigger dive is because NBC split his audience. He had people following him from Late Night, but Leno's audience didn't give him a shot because they weren't required to. It's funny how people are very firm in their distaste, yet will be won over time. Conan needed that time, those two years to establish himself with that audience.

The problem for NBC is those people may not come back. With TiVo, Hulu and a wide open field with basic cable TV viewers have more options. So, they left and very likely may not come back. Plus NBC is playing a short game that will harm the long term. Back in 2007, everyone looked at the Tonight Show as a great place for Conan. Unfortunately a few years later, Leno is not ready to retire and therefore has set his replacement up for failure. Johnny Carson was a class act when he left and you'd think Leno would do the same thing. I understand Leno sees himself as still being a viable option, and maybe he is an option in another slot. I bet if Leno had pursued a weekly comedy show, hour long gig, it would have had HUGE ratings! All the old people could watch their Jay Walking segments and Leno could knock it out of the park with a weekly monologue instead of a nightly monologue. I wouldn't of watched it because I really don't care for Leno, but I am pretty sure that of worked.

Instead, when Leno signed off in May of last year he didn't say goodbye he basically said "I'm off for a summer vacation and on in Prime-time, see you there." Take a look at how his predecessor operated...

Johnny Carson's Goodbye
"And so it has come to this: I, uh... am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I want to thank the gentlemen who've shared this stage with me for thirty years, Mr. Ed McMahon... Mr. Doc Severinsen... and... you people watching, I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you—and I hope when I find something that I want to do, and I think you would like, and come back, that you'll be as gracious in inviting me into your home as you have been. I bid you a very heartfelt good night."

That is a class act and Leno strikes me as a guy who is afraid of not working. Leno does stand up on the weekends, he doesn't have a night where he's taking a break. When he goes on vacation from TV it is just to do more stand up. He has to be working all the time, and in the Tonight Show, he found a job he loves. When the economy took a dump, and NBC was petrified to loose Leno to another network, the Jay Leno Show was born. This is a show that came out of fear. The fear of loosing Leno to another network and fear of the economic downturn and spending money on dramas. I watched the show a few times and while I admittedly don't like Leno so that makes me bias, the format just didn't work. It wasn't different enough, it was a standard Carson-style show but it took away a desk and it added awkward "young talent". By young talent I mean, they found other comedians to do bits on the show. Now, the bits were tired and clearly had a Leno style. Coming from non-Leno comedians, it seemed ridiculous. It was not very funny at all. And the "Hip/Fresh" talent was not very fresh or hip (i.e. "the dan band").

I am really bummed at these rumors, I am truly disappointed because I like Conan O'Brien and I want to see his show succeed. He was handling the House that Carson built with care, while putting his own stamp on it. This situation means everyone looses (except for maybe FOX). If O'Brien looses The Tonight Show at 11:30, well he is a victim of a man who can't grasp changing times and embrace time off. Leno, move on.

1/16/10- "It breaks my heart that the man for the job will need to find a new job."

It is nearly official, Conan is out and Leno is back in. I greatly appreciate Conan doing what he did. He took the high road and basically said If NBC doesn't want me as the host of 11:35, then they don't want me to host "The Tonight Show".

Here's Conan's Statement:

In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky. That said, I’ve been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over the Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Showinto the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of theTonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

NOW... there is a guy that is going to take the high road and do his best with the franchise he inherited. From what friends that work on the show have told me, Conan's greatest concern is for the people that work for him. Many people have said that this whole situation is show business and people get fired all the time. In general that is true but "The Tonight Show" is something very different.

Loosing the future of the franchise to squeeze a couple more years out of Leno is a mistake. NBC has been ridiculous in response to the situation, leaking things to the press saying that they are disappointed that Conan didn't get the ratings they wanted. They are making claims that he didn't listen to requests to broaden his appeal. It's a smear campaign and a way of making their mishandling appear warranted. I was shocked that Leno would have Jimmy Kimmel on his show (video here). Kimmel said some pretty blunt things about the situation and Leno just stood there and took it.

I assume that Leno is going to just take the slack for the next 6 months. He will make jokes about NBC (an easy target), but at the end of the day he is a man that went back on his word. Leno said he chose to exit because he didn't "want to see anybody ever have to go through that again." (If you are wondering what I'm referring to, take a look at the video bellow.)

I thought I had a great resolution to the situation, but my hypothetical didn't work out. I was reading an article that talked about how David Letterman had till 2010 on his contract and that he was indifferent about whether or not to renew hit. In essence he said he could do another year or not, and it was up to CBS. My idea was simple, have O'Brien take over for Letterman in the Fall. Letterman could become the Executive Producer and give him full support. Letterman owns "The Late Show" and licenses it to CBS, which gives him a lot more creative control which is a perfect situation for O'Brien. Back in June of last year, Letterman foiled my plan be renewing his Contract until 2012. That is a good fit for Conan and doesn't over-saturate the market. As of right now there are 3 white guys on at the same time during late night to tell jokes and interview celebrities. Conan elsewhere makes it 4, and considering this formula needs reinvention, I don't think it will work. The other issue is, Conan would go on at 11:00 on FOX, competing with The Daily Show which shares his audience. I'd say ABC at 11:30, but they've said in statements that they're sticking with their current late night line up with News and Kimmel. So, Conan is in a tough spot and I blame a single person... LENO.



I think this is the best way to sum things up...

Jay's 2004 Announcement - watch more funny videos

ding dong the witch is dead...

Ha ha ha ha ha... I couldn't be more excited about this. The NFL looked so good to Carroll that leaving his players and pending NCAA sanctions was too good to be true.

I think this sums it up and is more relevant today than ever before...

Random: Adam & Eve Art

I'm doing some work on series art for something we have coming up at church. Here's one of the paintings I found of the fall. While the baby heads with wings are great, my favorite is Adam. He's looking up to God and has the greatest look on his face.... "Whaaaaat? I didn't do anything??? It was the lady...." Very funny.

Education: Yale

1/4/10 "I'm going to Yale SUCKAS!!!"

So, it turns out Yale is providing online courses for FREE. Sure, you don't get credit and can't really justify wearing a YALE sweatshirt if you took a free class online, but STILL! I think it's great to know that one of the most prestigious universities in our country is just giving education away. I like the challenge of taking an Ivy League level class so I think I'm gonna take a class.

Now I am planning on starting next week when school starts for me. It may seem backwards to start this while I am doing grad school already, and maybe it is. But why not try it! If it doesn't work, I will try it in Summer. This semester I am thinking about taking Hist 119 about the Civil War and Reconstruction or Eng 220 about Milton. What do you think I should take? History or English??

Movie: You've Got Mail

1/3/10- "Sleepless in Seattle part 2, not as good as the first."

Today was my last day of vacation before getting back to it tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting back to work, but will miss the days of just going to the beach, reading a book and watching some TV. After watching a little football this afternoon I flipped the channel to E! to see that "You've Got Mail" was just starting. Now, there is something about catching the start of a movie on TV. Sure, you've got 200 dvds with far superior films 20 feet away, but you'll go ahead and watch this.

"You've Got Mail" is a film built on a formula and titled after an AOL trademark. (Remember AOL, it was the only way to get on the internet when you first started going on the internet.) {If you say, "What about Prodigy?" you're identifying yourself as being old and nerdy.} The movie is really based on the success of "Sleepless in Seattle", a good little movie in my opinion. 2 problems with this follow up explain why this movie fell short.

1. You've got the two people together the whole movie: Okay remember "Jaws", how you didn't get a chance to see shark until the end? It's the same thing with Sleepless in Seattle. You fall in love with the individuals separately and revel in the idea of them being together. You really theorize what their interaction together would be like, your imagination wrote the relationship. Remember "Jaws 2", where you saw the whole shark the whole time? I didn't think you'd remember that and that's a reason why "You've Got Mail" is forgettable.

2. An Endearing Tragedy vs. Corporate Greed: "Sleepless in Seattle" starts with the main character's wife dying, going right after your heart strings and showing the guys ability to love. This appeals to a persons desire to help the hurting. (i.e. "Mommy, I found this puppy, can he live with us?" / "Mommy, I'm dating this convict, can he live with us?") If it were not for this tragedy, we couldn't have the romance. It brings the Characters together. What brings the characters together in "You've Got Mail"? The fact that Tom Hanks character wants to move into her neighborhood with his giant book store. What redeems his character and makes him love-able? It's certainly not the Godfather quotes he makes all the time. Sure he's witty and still Tom Hanks, so that makes it bearable. What about the fact that Tom Hanks character is dating a horrible woman. Not a hapless nerd, like Bill Pulman's character in Sleepless. The characters don't come across as people ready to love each other. They spend most of the movie being negative to each other and that is what you walk away with.

This movie is sending a message to girls that they should just settle for that guy they already know but would never think about dating because he's probably the guy of your dreams. I know some of you are going to argue that this isn't a sequel and its just a good movie on its own. Well, I know it's saturday night and you're by yourself so you're a little bias. Put the half empty bottle of merlot and the completely empty carton of Ben & Jerry's to the side. Think about it. This movie is garbage. You  like the idea of romance, you like the two actors that play the main characters, you romanticize New York; that's all. The movie didn't win you over, the idea of the movie did.

I hate to be a downer in the New Year, but I'm keeping it real in 2010!