THE HOOTEE CHRONICLES

IT'S BAAAACK!!!

2006-06-12T23:49:00.000-04:00

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

it's June...I should say something

2006-06-01T13:06:00.000-04:00

been playing in myspace for awhile and neglecting this place.

so lets see here...what is what?

going on my first vacation in nearly 2 years...and of course I pick the place that would have the most haunting memories and give me the least likely chance to relax. i might as well camp out on my ex in-laws front lawn. But at the same time, i look forward to a face off with my dark thoughts. as draining as it can be, the better side usually prevails in the end.

the short short version---i'm going to New Jersey...south Jersey. In the late summer of '04, the initial shots that would spell the beginning of the end of life as I knew it were fired in that wonderful setting. Months later while trying to escape the trauma that life had become...I smashed up my car on the highways of the garden state. A place that used to bring me huge amounts of joy suddenly became a symbol of pain.

Now I hope to go back and reclaim some of the warm feelings I once had for it. I'm hoping that there isn't too much deja-vu...but I must be ready for that possibility.

OK...anything else????

yeah...HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.

super ass cheesy...and yet, I found myself hanging on every second of the flick. I went with a great deal of curiousity as to why it is such a phenomenon. And it sucked me in quick. Many will give me grief for liking it...but hey...actually that would be awesome considering that is the underlying theme of the movie. Do what you love and if the rest of the world tries to hold you back tell them to fuck off! Of course, it's a much more cuddly version of that...it is after all a made for the Disney Channel movie.

OK...I thinks thats it...oh wait...one last bit of proof that there is hope for a better tomorrow...
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The debut album by Oasis, the band that best spread the Britpop craze of the 1990s, has been voted the greatest album of all time in a major music poll published.

"Definitely Maybe," which featured chart-topping hits such as "Live Forever" and "Supersonic," beat "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the much-loved Beatles into second place in the survey of more than 40,000 music fans.

Another Beatles album, "Revolver," came third, followed by Radiohead's "OK Computer" and a second Oasis title, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?."

The poll to find the top 100 albums was organised by the book of "British Hit Singles and Albums" and music website NME.com, with votes coming from as far afield as New Zealand, Croatia and Colombia.

Fans were given no pre-ordained list to chose from in the survey, drawn up to celebrate 50 years of Britain's official albums chart.

David Roberts, editor of "British Hit Singles and Albums," said: "Usually these polls are full of records that people have only just bought because they are freshest in the mind.

"But this poll shows that the truly great albums always have longevity."

Only two albums in the top 20 were released in the past five years.

"Up the Bracket," the 2002 debut by drug-troubled bad boy Pete Doherty's former band The Libertines, is the newest album in 15th place.

Only two bands from the United States had an album in the best 20. Nirvana came sixth with "Nevermind" and The Strokes were 20th with "Is This It."

In seventh place was the Stone Roses' self-titled album, followed by Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" and The Smiths' "The Queen Is Dead."

"Definitely Maybe," which cost just 85,000 pounds (158,000 dollars, 124,000 euros) to produce, was released on August 30, 1994 and debuted at the top of the British chart a week later, with seven million copies selling worldwide.
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Way to go Brits!!!!

A man with shit loads of money finally listens to the people

2006-05-04T13:02:00.000-04:00

SWEET SWEET NEWS THAT GREATS MY EYES ON THIS GORGEOUS SPRING DAY.
September seems so much more sweeter now. I remember the 1st time I saw each of them...I saw them out of order(Empire 1st...sitting on my dad's lap in the theater because I was too small to see over the seat). There is nothing like watching Star Wars when you're seven and being completely confused because Han Solo is walking around.

And then, these funky fly glossy versions came out when I was in college. I was psyched. But when I got to see them...something was wrong. I don't know what. I still don't know what. But I was really put off by them. In fact, I fell asleep during Empire and Return.

I'm glad old Georgey finally decided to listen up. What am I saying...he's just making sure that 7 generations from now, his descendants will still be gazillionaires. God bless him anyway.

RETURN OF THE OLD SCHOOL: The original theatrical releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi finally coming to DVD Sept. 12, two years after fans blasted George Lucas for only releasing the digitally modified editions. The DVDs will be available only through Dec. 31, at which point they'll apparently be blasted off to a galaxy far, far away.

tHe COOLEST SHOW gets FUCKING COOLER!!!

2006-04-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

NEVER LIKED STAR TREK. COULDN'T STAND X-FILES. BUT THIS SHIT IS DA BOMB!

ABC has devised a way to keep fans of its hit show confused, guessing and on the edge of their seats during the lazy days of summer reruns. The network announced Monday the creation of an interactive multiplatform treasure hunt game called Lost Experience that will introduce a new story line but stay true to Lost's signature mix of supernatural and psychological mystery.

The Lost Experience will require players to trade e-mail messages and phone calls and check out billboards, TV commercials and websites to gather all the necessary clues.

The game's premise will be rooted in Lost history but ABC said that you don't need to have watched the show to get in on the game, which will feature new characters and delve deeper into the manipulative Hanso Foundation that was introduced in season two as the benefactor of the button-pushing Dharma Initiative. (Well, watching a few episodes beforehand couldn't hurt...)

There is no grand prize for those who manage to piece the puzzle together, but ABC promises that those who play will end up learning some of the island's better-kept secrets.

In a savvy stroke of synergy, the game's first clue, in the form of a toll-free number that you must call, will air during a May 3 Lost episode. The first clues for Others in the U.K. and Australia are being released May 2 and May 6, respectively.

One of the most exciting parts of the Lost Experience will be the interaction it fosters among people all over the world, according to Michael Benson, a senior VP at ABC. He said that Lost's writers, not ABC marketers, were responsible for plotting the game's course and that 19 other broadcasters in various areas of the globe would air the series of clues in different ways. ABC would like to see fans reaching out to each other to stay up to date on the latest Lost Experience info.

"We wanted to tell stories in a nontraditional way," Lost writer and executive producer Carlton Cuse told the New York Times, "and there were certain stories that Damon [Lindeloff] and I were interested in telling that don't exactly fit into the television show."

Luckily the worry that something might not fight hasn't stopped them from adding a host of complicated back stories, symbolism and numerical puzzles to the show for fans to writhe in exhilarated anticipation over.

"We purposely design the show with a big amount of ambiguity so people can theorize about what a certain scene means," Cuse said. "This allows the fans to participate in the process of discovery."

Cuse also offered viewers a tip for starting the Lost Experience off on the right foot:

"Watch the May 3 episode very carefully. You can TiVo it, but don't skip the commercials.

"You have to give the audience something to connect to," Benson told the New York Times. "I want to prove to the audience that this is something they will enjoy, that is organic to the show. I don't want the audience to feel like 'they are just selling to me or marketing to me.'"

This is not the first time that Lost has sent its faithful to other media platforms in search of answers. To up the eerie factor, the show's team created a website for Oceanic Airlines, whose doomed Flight 815 made our castaways Lost in the first place.

"What we discovered was that by creating additional content for this show, we could creative a marketing tool that would have fans more invested in the program, and if it was cool they'd share with their friends," Benson said.

ABC also announced earlier this month that it is making new episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives, Alias and Commander in Chief, available in May for free online viewing, although fans will have to sit through ads that they can avoid if they download commercial-free shows for $1.99 per episode from Apple's iTunes Music Store.

Lost, which has averaged 15.4 million viewers this season and is one of iTune's most popular TV downloads to date, will leave viewers staring into the dark hatch of summer hiatus with a two-hour season finale May 24.

road trip to the HOOd

2006-04-24T10:33:00.000-04:00

A trip home for the first of 4 weddings this year (hopefully no funerals).

Congrats to Jim and Amy Hilbert. more photos and insights below. but first, a trip to the cinema. (just the way the photos uploaded and I'm to tired to fight with blogger right now).

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auburn mall...still in the same look that it's had for decades. I enter and immediately, I am 7 years old again. it's nice when people leave shit alone, especially when it looks cool.

saw The Sentinel with CJ. not that good. all episodes of 24 are way better (for those of you that don't know...both involve Keifer Sutherland chasing bad people determined to kill the President of the United States). the flick never really tells you anything...they assume you won't care. there is more substance in Arnold's movies of the 80s then there is in this one. but still, they made me care enough to pay attention. Good acting will do that. but this is one you can wait for...till it hits TNT or or USA.

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the posse for good old Mynderse Academy is all in the same place for once...with the exception of Ford. we all gathered together for Jim and Amy's wedding. On earth day 2006 in a science museum. That made for quite the interesting reception. I never thought I would see the day when I could walk around with a beer in a museum...and even climb rock walls.

and even better then that, the music playing was almost all british. morissey, keane, the cure, coldplay, james....now that's my kind of wedding. a reception DJed by an IPOD hooked up to a intercom system. They even played Wilco. I have now heard Wilco at a wedding!!!

Now all I have to hear is Pavement or Bad Religion at one and life will be somewhat complete.

Definitely will go down as the most unique one that I have ever attended...and this includes Vegas.

take a trip in the depths of Lake Ontario.

send someone an e-mail postcard in a weird science setting.there is nothing like holding a cocktail in one hand and playing with a laser beam with other.

and I never thought I would be drinking Labatt Blue and looking at a mastadon (i hope that is how you spell it)

CJ climbs a rock wall.

i WILL Spoil THIS CHILD

2006-04-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

One of my bestest buddies had a son. And immediately, we bonded.

He screamed, he cried, and then he came to me...and chilled right out. I explained to him who the bad Yankees were and who the exceptible ones were (I've softened over the years). I then explained that the most important thing in life...is how you hold the remote control.

So cute. So innocent.

I pray the world brightens up for him in his lifetime.

Finally...a Church gets it right!!!

2006-04-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

There is nothing that bores me more in church then the music. I am a music snob and I can't stand to hear the same boring chord progressions and weak lyrics set to a pipe organ. For those that would get offended, I have nothing against the tone or the message that the words are trying to convey. I just don't like the flow. It's good occasionally in pop music but for the most part it comes across the same way a paint by numbers piece looks.

Now I read this, and I immediately want to get in my car and drive there this Sunday.

The Grace Episcopal Church in Rhode Island using the spiritual music of U2 as part of "U2 Eucharist," a special event aimed at drawing younger worshippers to services. The idea is part of a growing trend among churches nationwide.

I wonder if they play Discotheque during communion. That would kick ass!

Ahhh...Life is GOOD!

2006-04-11T18:06:00.000-04:00

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups---$1.00

Can of Sprite---60 cents

Digging through the trash in your car in hopes of finding change buried under the floor mats because you have no cash in your pocket and want to get a sugar fix....

And finding the exact amount!!! PRICELESS!!!

A Genius that needs YOUR HELP

2006-03-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

Every week I read where somebody is getting this honor. Sometimes they are more then deserving. And then there are others...DESTINY'S CHILD????

I'm talking bout a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This man needs to be there.

Please, help make it happen.

http://weirdalstar.com/

THERE MAY BE MONEY WAITING FOR YOU OR SOMEBODY YOU KNOW

2006-03-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

So you know that story about the guy or gal who watches something on television and then they go out and do what the people in the idiot box told them to do and it actually works...in a positive way (no not the crazy church cooks!!!)

For some strange reason I was watching Dateline...and for some strange reason, I felt compelled to watch all of Dateline. Nothing that amazing...until the last story.

Apparently, there is tons of unclaimed shit it every state in the union. The mother of all lost and founds. And this includes money. Old pensions, stocks, lost accounts, etc.

The story tells about the poor people of Mississippi after the Hurricaine and how some of them found that they had money coming to them that didn't know about...and it helped them get back on their feet. And it was sitting in a safe place for years.

Eventually, it ends up with the state. And they don't always call you to tell you it is there.
At the end of the story, they gave out a website...

WWW.UNCLAIMED.ORG

So for fun I decided I would go and look and see if anything was waiting for me. I had zero expectation, but it gave me an excuse to kill some time which is what I do best.

And low and behold, there is something. Some kind of pension from one of my many shit part time jobs from years ago.

I don't hold out much hope that it will be alot...but who knows. Once you find out that you have something, you have to fill out paper work. Gee...shocker!!!

But I'll do it. Who know what is waiting for me at the end of this?

Anybody who reads this might want to do the same. And have their relatives and friends do it and their relatives and friends do it and so on and so on.

This is not a joke. This is not a stupid chain email that originated with some cook in Idaho. This really happened. It involves money. DO IT!

is this a basic right?

2006-03-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

I rarely do this...I don't want to make a new enemy on the road. And most of the times, I'm too busy smoking or singing. But from time to time, I do let a few fly. Others I know make it a daily ritual...including my dear sweet mother. I never really thought of it being a case of anything other then instant stress relief. But now...I wonder. Is it a basic human right or disorderly conduct? I understand the courts have other matters to attend to...but this is pretty important.
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A Pennsylvania motorist is going to federal court to protect a very specific part of what he claims are his free speech rights: the right to show his middle finger.

Thomas Burns of New Castle, Pa., was cited for disorderly conduct last April after he became frustrated with a PennDOT traffic delay and he flipped his middle finger at a construction worker. The worker reported the gesture to a police officer in Beaver County, Pa., who cited Burns.

The citation was dropped in October when the officer and the offended construction worker failed to appear at a hearing Burns requested to fight the citation.

But now Burns is suing in federal court in Pittsburgh saying he never should have been cited in the first place and was maliciously prosecuted. He contends he was denied his First Amendment free speech rights.

Confronting Mortality

2006-03-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

It was always something that left me filled with fear.

I first realized it as a child and spent years confronting the cruel fact in my dreams.
Then...it all stopped. Did I forget about it? Maybe. I really don't know.

Then one day when I was in my mid-20s, it hit me again. I grew scared the same way I did when I was a child. And once again, it became something that haunted me for a few years.
And then...it all stopped.

A year ago, it came back again. But this time, it wasn't a daydream or a sleep dream. It wasn't a thought.

It was real.

A question to my doctor became a two week nightmare. I described strange ongoings in my body and immediately it became a "cancer" possibility.

I didn't really comprehend it at first. I guess that is how I respond when I'm in shock.
But after a few days, I was a wreck inside. I was scared shitless...and I was alone.

My world had been turned upside down just a few months before. Reality was cruel. It was dark. It was ugly. Now there was a chance that it was all going to end.

What hadn't I done? Where hadn't I gone? What was left to achieve?

Who was I? So many fucking questions.

And then...the waiting. You would think that if there was a chance that a person had a fatal disease that they would get the necessary tests right away. But no. It's easy to get your oil changed. But if you want an ultrasound, you have to wait.

A week and half later, it was time to find out the truth. On my way to the test, I stopped and ate two big macs. I would have loved to wash them down with a bottle of cheap vodka...but I had to go back to work after finding out my immediate fate.

And then just an hour later, I was laying on a cold metal slab. A machine was touching my skin to see if there was any sign of the disease in my body. I always thought that my experience with an ultrasound would be to determine the health of my unborn child...not my mortality.

It turned out to be nothing more then a side effect from one of the prescriptions I was taking.
For a time, there were 5 magic pills that helped me regain my balance after the collapse of my marriage. One of them made a doctor think that I might be really sick.

Nothing like a prescribed remedy that makes a medical proffesional assume you might be dying.

Needless to say, my opinion of medicine is forever changed. I definitely think twice before I head to the pharmacy for anything other then NyQuill. So many side effects. The stuff helps with one problem...but creates two new ones? Is that really how medicine is supposed to work?

My opinion also changed about life and death. And not the way I would have assumed that it would. I didn't attack my days with a new found desire to achieve. I didn't run after the goals at a faster pace. I didn't even quit smoking.

We are all going to die. No matter what you eat. No matter how much you exercise. No matter what medicine you take.

Science tries to make us believe that it has ways to extend our days. A diet, a prescription, avoid this, ingest that....and it always changes. There is no formula for success.

All I do now is try to be a little happier each day. If you gotta go...GO WITH A SMILE!

All I need is One good game a year

2006-03-09T23:22:00.000-05:00

The team hasn't been playing so well this year. I really wasn't giving them much of a chance for anything. Hope was not gone...but it certainly had one foot out the door.

But then, they went and made me love them again. They reminded me why they are the only ones for me.

God I love my Orange!
Note--They are still Orangemen as far as I am concerned.

As I sat at work plugging away at the latest batch of propaganda, I noticed that my boys were about to take the court against THE BEST TEAM IN THE NATION.

Well, maybe there's a chance. Maybe...just maybe they can pull off some kind of magical act.

20 minutes later, I was believing. I was also hopping up and down and making strange noises.
I was running around the building with serious adrenaline overload.

An hour later, I was louder and crazier. A very large lead had dwindled down to just two points.
I was not quitting on them...but seeing as how they had broken my heart many times before, I was ready to hang my head.

And then, they were losing. There were just a few precious seconds left. Why bother? Back to work I went. And then...LOUD SCREAMS OF JOY echoed into my avid suite. I work with a lot of Syracuse graduates, and they were being just as productive.

The game was tied. Overtime.

I could not bear to sit through overtime. I went to work. Suddenly, my focus was totally shifted and I could have cared what was going on.

3 and 1/2 minutes later I was out of my seat and in an office with 3 other men. While many tried to get the day in order, we sat at screamed like primates. And then...it was over.

The miracle had happened. Orange Victory!!!

I ran in jubilation...and knocked over a 30 gallon can full of recycled paper.

Embarrassed?? Yes. Nothing like stumbling in front of a gorgeous woman to get the natural blush going.

But I'll take the momentary loss of my dignity if it means Syracuse winning.

Thank you Gerry!!! You DA MAN!

Get up you son of a bitch...I didn't hear no bell!

2006-03-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

He's at it again. We thought we had seen the last of him in the street brawl with Tommy Gunn.

But no...the champ is back. And he's a philospher now.
Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_fullscreen?video_id=5II-BBVQMvU&I=65&fs=1&title=rocky%20balboa%20teaser

The Oscar quest...and my picks

2006-03-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

It began months ago...

Sometimes...you're lucky and you end up seeing a few by accident. But most of the time, you have to wait for the list to come. And then...it begins.

Many hours later, you might have an opinion or two. But can you really call anything that is art the best? I believe it was Dustin Hoffman who brought this to everyone's attention when he won his first best actor award for his performance in Kramer vs. Kramer. And I tend to agree with him. At the end of the Sunday night, you won't be seeing the best walk away with shiny gold naked men.

The best of the best in any art form is what the individual viewer or listener prefers. And there is a lot of people with a lot of opinions and tastes.

Why is the Academy the group that gets all the attention? I don't know.

But based on what they said...here is what I would do if I was voting.

***note...due to limited funds I was unable to see everything. I hope to catch a few more before Sunday at 8pm. My picks could change before then. If you are in a pool, do not use my opinion to try and win a few bucks.****

For best actress in a supporting role...the envelope please.
Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener. I don't quite understand how she is a supporting performer. She is THE WOMAN in the film. I would say more about her performance...but this is a thriller filled with lots of twists and turns. I fear that any extra information would spoil someone's viewing pleasure.

For best actor in a supporting role...the envelope please.
I love love love Paul Giamatti. He has been screwed countless times over the years. He is a treasure to spend a few hours with. That being said my pick is...
George Clooney for Syriana. He is one of the few real "stars" that we have. He could do his thing in any era. Reminds me a lot of Bogart...but with much better range. Many will argue with me that he always plays George Clooney. I disagree. He is constantly challenging himself and doing the broadest range of material. And he hit one out of the park with this one.

For best actress in a motion picture...the envelope please.
Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line. Normally, I am not a fan. Too much of that warm and fuzzy romantic comedy garbage. There is no need to fill the void left by Meg Ryan. But, it does get you job security. But...she and Joaquin saved this movie. It was filled with so many stupid and predictable moments. Shit that just made everything fit nicely together. Although I didn't know him, I am sure that Johnny Cash's life didn't play out that way. I thank god that Ms. Witherspoon burst on to the screen with pure grace and humor...and a killer singing voice. When you act and sing well, you get the nod from me always.

For best actor in a motion picture...the envelope please.
Playing a real person is a skill. Playing a real person well is remarkable. I give Reese the actress award because she saved the movie about a music god from sucking. But I won't be so kind to Joaquin. Or to Phillip Seymour or Mr. Strathairn. So that narrows down the list for me to two people.

Terrance Howard in Hustle and Flow or Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain?

The pimp or the gay cowboy?

I have to go with the gay cowboy.
Heath Ledger is just...simply amazing. I still get chills when I think about the performance.
Of all the nominees, this is the only one that I would have called the best of the year even without the list.

And finally...the best picture

BATMAN BEGINS!!!!!

But since that isn't nominated...

Brokeback Mountain. It is the perfect example of what should be the norm in films.

Unfortunately more often then not, we are stuck with hacks making crappy remakes of horror movies that weren't that good when they were first made. And if not, PG13 movies with lots of farting.

Maybe the people shouldn't have the power. They are the ones that keep letting these things get made. If you don't go, it might stop. The more you spend on it, the more the cycle will continue.

Sounds like the war on terrorism. Hmmm.

Windchills and hip-hop

2006-02-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

After many weekends spent in a normal routine...finally, a break. A reprive from my "Groundhog Day" existence.

Of course, the weather was no help. Hoth has returned with a vengence and is leaving a blanket of frosty hell. I made the mistake of walking outside without eye protection. Now the side of my left eye feels like Mike Tyson came to town. Or it is the beginning of a nice infection. Guess only time will tell.

At the begging request of a friend, I went to the "dancing" bar Saturday night. While I am no fan of the throbbing bass and the majority of the music, I figured it was time to check something else out besides my 25 inch screen.

So this is what I learned. One...there a many women who are light years younger then me that are...well, let's just say they all leave the house hoping they might find the Girls Gone Wild truck.
Fine figures...low morals. No thanks.

Two...there is only one dance now. Everyone moves around shaking and bopping to loosen up the muscles...and then when the time comes, everyone grabs their partner and starts to simulate da doggy style. And once they have started, they don't stop. They throb and thrust...throb and thrust. Everyone is basically just a stripper that doesn't get naked.

It is one giant fake orgy!

I'm sure I'll return from time to time. Not exactly gonna be the place to find Miss right...but it does make for good people watching...a favorite pastime of mine.

Don't take this a sign of me being some kind of righteous bastard. 6 years ago, I would have been jumping right in. But age and some first hand experience with a little "too liberal" a lifestyle has taught a few harsh lessons. I need not go through them again.

On the Oscar watch front, I got through 2 more nominated flicks this weekend. Murderball and Munich. At some point this week, I will elaborate more.

The quick version...rent Murderball when you have the chance.

Munich...great and powerful flick. But...well, it got too bland at the end. I guess it had to. Not every movie about terrorism can end like True Lies.

The Top Ten

2006-02-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

So I was reading a friend's blog and on it he had his top ten songs. And I got to thinking...why not have a top ten...but go further then music. I mean, I listen to a lot of tunes, but there is so much more to put in a top ten. So here goes.

Honorable Mention--- Back to Future 2. You get the future, the alternate reality, and the past all in two hours. And Marty gets to watch himself shred on the guitar. Sweet. Fuckin' sweet!

10. Rick Nelson. Fuck Elvis! He da man! And he didn't die on a toilet. He went out the way rock stars are supposed to go!

9. Bill Simmons and Chuck Klosterman. Two men that inspire me to write. Sports, music and movies all smashed together. Maybe my life hasn't been a waste.
http://espn.go.com/page2/movies/s/simmons/020830.html

http://espn.go.com/page2/movies/s/simmons/020827.html

8. MP 103.3. While I am not a fan of automation and lack of humans, I do like the fact that I can hear just about everything. Aside from when Boston or Rush comes on, the station pretty much plays like something I would program. More music and more variety. No crap morning show where people try to be shocking and funny and just end up sucking! No constant playing of the same bad song...something tells me that payola doesn't really fly here. You might hear a J Lo song...but you won't hear it 25 times in 3 hours. That is good. Now if only we could get videos on MTV. http://www.mp103.com/

7. Itunes video buys...it gets me caught up on lost...and gives me a copy of my new favorite episode where Sawyer shows just what kind of smart asshole he is! And it offers Knight Rider and A-Team seasons. I want an IPOD and I want to take a trip that requires at least 5 hours of flying...just so I can watch tv shows...I know, I am pathetic.

6. The treadmill---an evil machine becomes my new friend every morning.

5. Enemy of the State....why are so many people upset about wire taps? Ummm hello...Bruckheimer and Will Smith tried to prepare you for reality.

4. The Canon Digital Video Camera
I have a new toy that inspires me to get up and go to work everyday. It makes things look so beautiful. No more shitty video! No more shitty video! Like Nelson Mandela, I have been freed by my oppressor. Alright...bad analogy.

3. Huey Lewis- Do you believe in love A lost 80s classic.

2. The Constant Gardener---
Great thriller. Also, an eye opener. I don't know how much if any of the "inhumane" actions are true...but seeing Africa up close is just...well if you have a heart it will effect you.
And give Rachel Weisz the OSCAR. This is not a chick flick regardless of what the poster might make you believe.

1. The most cruel and funny thing ever. And when you are done watching it, click on other clips. Some things are down right wrong and disturbing while others are just really fucking funny. Remember, humor is born in pain.
http://www.gkko.com/videos/2085/dad-scares-son-on-computer

More fun with BODE

2006-02-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Thank god. That is all I have to say. Someone is finally honest. They aren't reading from some prepared Public Relations bullshit script. They aren't doing what they have to do to make everyone stay artificially happy.

Thank you Bode. Thank you.

"It is other people who want me to win medals."

"Fame is almost a poison. I couldn't care less, in fact I lived better when I was a nobody."

"Some people say I make mistakes, I just say that in fact this is the secret of enjoying life. I hate monotony. Why don't they leave me freedom of choice? People want to impose choices which aren't necessarily mine. That's the mistake people make."

"Sport is born clean and it would stay that way if it was the athletes who ran it for the pleasure of taking part, but then the fans and the media intervene and finish up by corrupting it with the pressure that they exercise."

"From this inhuman pressure doping is born because the athlete feels the imperative of having to be number one. I believe instead that sport should be a private pressure, a challenge for yourself."

This goes for life as well. You are nothing until you make more cash, don't have debt, live in a big house, drive a cool car, wear the right clothes, have a big television, etc.

You look around and see what inanimate objects you don't possess and let that fuel your desires...instead of tuning into your soul and seeing what is really important.

This is why people have mid-life breakdowns. They ran down easy road instead of the right road and when they got to the end, they realized there was something missing.

I am by no means perfect. I get sucked into these pressures from time to time. I think most people get pulled there at one time or another.

The goal is to not let it blind you so much that you forget what it is that you are all about. And chances are, it is not being a yuppie that has all the shimmering objects that capitalism tries to convince you are necessary.

I guess I'm my own Valentine

2006-02-14T19:14:00.000-05:00

The day has nearly ended...and there is no special someone to spoil. I shouldn't say that. There are plenty of special someones...but due to fate's continuing decision to ignore me, I sit here a single guy on this "hallmark" holiday.

But while others in my situation scoff at this holiday, I find myself strangely calm.

I never thought I would be in this predicament again...or at least not until really late in life. But hey, things change. Not a wave you want to go charging at...but you have to paddle hard or else you will get pounded into the reaf.

The wounds are pretty much healed. I guess that is better then chocolate. No, I know that is better then chocolate. I don't really like chocolate. And seeing as how I'm a guy...I'm not supposed to like flowers. And wouldn't you know it, I really...well I don't really have an opinion on those. Take 'em or leave 'em.

I know that the norm will return some February down the road. Until then, I am my own Valentine.

Gee...that sure is rosey!

What Better Way to say I LOVE YOU....

2006-02-13T12:57:00.000-05:00

***note***
this has nothing to do with anything from my past. Looking back, it might have been a better idea then roses or other gifts...but hey, I had to try and give her the benefit of the doubt.
----------------------------------------------------------

Came across an interesting artcile on my journey through cyberspace today. I am told that a good friend of mine who also happens to be the best damn reporter on television today did a similar story for his station in NYC.

Just goes to show you what kind of country the good old USA really is. Maybe satan is getting the better of us? Love replaced by mistrust and lies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

For many, Valentine's Day conjures up images of love, romance, flowers and chocolate.

But for detective agencies across the United States, the romantic holiday is a boon for business as it is the ideal time for a spouse to catch a cheating mate.

"Valentine's Day is the biggest day of the year for private investigators," Tony Delorenzo, of Private Detectives of America, a New Jersey-based company, told AFP.

"This year we're doing surveillance Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because if somebody has a lover it will be on one of those days to catch him."

Delorenzo and several other sleuths contacted said that in the run-up to the February 14 holiday, they had been overwhelmed with appeals by men and women seeking to find out whether their partner was unfaithful.

"Let me put it to you this way," Paul Dank, co-owner of Advanced Surveillance Group, a detective agency based in Michigan and with offices in 14 other states, told AFP.

"We're having a real, real difficult time finding anybody else that can assist us with surveillance right now and we are referring cases to other companies."

He said Valentine's Day was an opportune time to catch a cheating partner as it was the one day lovers would battle all odds to be with each other.

"People involved in a relationship tend to make a big ceremonial meeting on or near Valentine's Day to celebrate it," Dank said. "They feel they have to do something new, special so they go out and buy new underwear, flowers, candy and they get a hotel room with a Jacuzzi."

Telltale signs of a cheating spouse is the surprise "business trip" or late office meeting, unexplained gifts and the depressed friend who needs a shoulder to cry on.

"This is the one day when infidelity and extra-marital affairs reach their peak," said Ruth Houston, author of "Is He Cheating on You -- 829 Telltale Signs".

"Any man who is cheating has to buy his mistress a gift, there's no way he can get around that if he wants to stay in her good graces and in her bed."

She said men or women who suspect their partners need to be extra alert on Valentine's Day and look for credit card receipts, new jewelry or lingerie, and unusual appointments so as to nail their partners.

"If she's wearing a red lace bra and panties don't believe it if she says her girlfriend bought them for her," she advised. "And if he shows up wearing a Rolex, the guys down at the sports bar did not take up a collection to buy it for him."

Jeanine Davis, 41, said she nabbed her husband with another woman on Valentine's Day last year after hiring a private eye to track him down that evening.

"They followed him and found him having dinner with her at a restaurant and then they took pictures of them kissing in the parking lot and he spent the night at her place," Davis, who is in the process of getting a divorce, told AFP.

Private Detectives of America's Delorenzo said he was working on about 50 infidelity cases this year. He charges between 500 and 1,000 dollars to confirm to a client whether a spouse is cheating and 650 dollars for five hours of surveillance.

One spouse who may be in for a Valentine's Day surprise this year is a Michigan man whose wife spotted an email confirming his hotel reservation for Tuesday, when he was supposed to be undergoing a special training session at work.

"The job is booked and he'll be under surveillance Valentine's Day," Dank said.

selling a rebel

2006-02-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

I am not excited about the Olympics at all. They lost their appeal to me back in 1996. I don't know why...but after Atlanta, I ceased to care. Maybe I use them once and awhile to pass the time...the something different to watch show that isn't PBS...but overall, there is no grip on my soul.

It's just this vast wasted of time where people from all around the world seek to validate their life's work in the span of 16 days. And what are you if you win? A champion? Yeah...your the best at...wearing tights and sliding down ice? You rule at...sweeping ice and shuffleboard? You already make bazillions at your sport...but you are now even awesomer because you gave up two weeks in the office to play it for a hunk of metal?

All this pomp and circumstance for what? So we have something to talk about 4 years from now...like a sitcom or drama that makes a made for tv movie after it's been canceled. Wow...I really need a Full House reunion as much as a need a hole in my head. The same goes for biathalon.

That being said, I am extremely fascinated by Bode. Every magazine I subscribe to has had an in-depth article about him. I've seen him get trashed and praised. All of a sudden, there is a white Charles Barkley.

I only hope that he is speaking his mind because that is what he does. Everything that I have seen has lead me to believe that. But as I learned all too well just a little over a year and a half ago, the eyes and ears have a way of decieving the brain into thinking all is well and truthful.

Maybe one day this will all be exposed as a sham. We will all learn that Bode is a born again Christian who was held hostage by Phil Knight and forced to pretend to have Jim Morrison like powers.

But until that day, I'll play along. It is fun.

See what Nike is doing to get behind his swarmy ways.

http://www.nike.com/joinbode/

the thoughts in my head

2006-02-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

random musings from my brain....

-superbowls suck when you don't care who wins. normally I hate one team which makes me like the other one. or, my team is playing and that makes me even more nervous...cause they never win. but when there is no drama...it's a snoozer. commercials weren't even good...well the sprint ones were good. But I really liked Grey's Anatomy.

-Judge Judy is a plague on society. so is Howard Stern, Sex and the City, and Desperate Housewives. most choose to blame Bush. I blame these things. utter trash that warps fragile minds and helps put a stranglehold on morals and ethics. I don't wish harm upon anyone involved with any of these ventures, but I would love life if their time on the air would come to a quick end.

-everyone thinks they have the knowledge that will cure a cold. they all want to bumrush you with their prescription for success the second you sneeze or cough. I want to scream STOP PLAYING DOCTOR...but I lack the energy to do so.

that's all for now.

random stuff...i hate when work takes over

2006-02-02T11:48:00.000-05:00

Work has me by the balls. Too much stuff to get done. February is a huge month...and to make matters even more nuts...we get the Olympics this year. No longer are they a festive occasion for the world to showcase the wonders of sport. For me, they are just another event used to gain as much cash as possible. If only I could be that little 8 year old watching the summer games in 1984 again. I do believe that was the last time this thing any kind of purity for me.

That being said...GO BODE! I love it when God sends along a free spirited soul to piss off the world.

Anyway...a few bit of random things that I have come across in the past week.

1. Holy Shit!!! They did it right!!! They got it right!!! She looks...like she jumped off the page and on to the screen. Alot of times Hollywood screws the pooch when they make a movie that stems from popular fiction. And it don't get much bigger then Spiderman in the good old USA.

I have been disappointed by the first two flicks...too bright, and I really don't think I like Tobey Maguire as Spiderman. He isn't doing anything wrong...there is just something that doesn't work for me. Can't put my finger on it. Aside from the last 45 minutes of the second one, I haven't really been too big a fan of what the movies have done to Spidey.

But now...hello baby!!! The most important character in Spiderman stories is coming to the third flick...and the people in charge may have started to win me back.

I'm talkin bout Gwen Stacy. The tragic love of the web slinger. The one that...well for those of you that have never read Spiderman...I'll be nice and keep the story under wraps.

Man...Ron Howard's daughter. Thank you Ritchie Cunningham! The look is there...hopefully the words on the page are just as good. If you are unfamiliar with her work...check out The Village. Contrary to what the poopy head critics said...it is good stuff.

2. Oscar's #1 Contender is da bomb yo! I was curious as to how I would feel when I walked into the theater to see Brokeback Mountain. Gay cowboys in Wyoming? Why are people so in love with this flick. Two hours later I had my answer. I haven't been this moved by a performance in quite some time...I'm talkin bout Heath Ledger. He probably won't win the Oscar...but he should. What he did was so beautiful. So pure. So rigid. Man...I get chills thinking about it 4 days later. Everybody else in the flick is great as well...but the movie's success clearly rests on his acting. And man did he hit it out of the park.

If I could vote for these things...I would definitely call it best picture. A simple story told with such precision to emotion and look. A raw look inside what has to be a tortured existence. It sucks when you have to sit on the truth for fear of the consequences. Whether you are gay or straight, you can definitely relate to having to do that on some level at some point in your life. Imagine if you had to do it everyday for 20 plus years.

To the people that shy away from it because of the "nature" of the love...GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND GET TO THE THEATER!

this looks dope yo

2006-01-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

sometimes...the teen tv actors just fade away. and sometimes, they make smart choices to get back in front of the camera with the right material.

mr. third rock from the sun looks like he may have some chops after all.

saw an indie movie he was in recently called Mysterious Skin. quite disturbing....aliens, level 3 sex offender stuff....yikes, not what I thought was gonna be in it when I saw the cover. but I stuck with it because the acting was good. had to wash my mind out with soap afterwards...but overall, not a wasted evening.

now this flick...it looks freakin sweet. kinda story that i'd like to write someday. but we'll have to wait for the brain to get back into top shape before I can even dream about get a cool idea like this out on paper. try as I might...their ain't no cool ideas at the moment.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/brick/

Mel Mel Mel....god I miss Lethal Weapon

2006-01-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

A truly outstanding sight to check out. Some folks in this world are truly creative...and have way too much time on their hands.

http://www.melgibsonsblog.blogspot.com/

And for more insanity...see the trailer for his new flick.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/touchstone/apocalypto/

Ahhh...when action stars go nuts!

Arnold is in politics.
Sly is stuck in the 80s (Rambo 4 and Rocky 6 are on the way)
Mel is brainwashed by the vatican.

So sad...so so sad.

At least we have Jack Bauer!

Dancing in Heaven

2006-01-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

Shocking news came to me as I hit the internet this morning. A favorite character actor of mine was found dead. A bit of sadness runs through my body right now.

Most people know his brother Sean really well. That Spicolli guy. That Dead Man's Walking guy.
That dude who was married to Madonna and was the original paparazzi destroyer.

But I always liked him better.

The fella I refer to is Chris Penn. A cool cat who was in a bunch of Tarantino's early work
(Reservoir Dogs, True Romance), and had recently been seen as the fat guy informant type in Rush Hour and Starsky and Hutch.

But I will always remember the skinny country boy who had no rhythm and but wanted to dance. And with the help of his buddy Ren...he did just that.

Yup, me loves the Footloose. The characters in that flick are almost like family to me...except for the mean nasty teen who wants to beat up Kevin Bacon for taking his girlfriend away.

So now when I have the chance...which will probably mean weddings, holiday parties, and occasionally in my house...I will dance like Willard did way back in the mid-80s. And then I will look to the sky and smile.

Here's hoping your cutting loose in the clouds Mr. Penn

Rest in Peace...but keep on moving those feet.

So how do you WIN THIS CASE?

2006-01-24T19:30:00.000-05:00

I believe whole heartedly...but how do you get the proof this jackass is demanding?

If only Indiana Jones were real.

ROME -- Lawyers for a Roman Catholic priest have been ordered to appear in court next week after he was accused of unlawfully asserting that Jesus Christ really existed.

The Rev. Enrico Righi was named in a 2002 complaint filed by Luigi Cascioli after Righi wrote in a parish bulletin that Jesus did indeed exist, and that he was born of a couple named Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and lived in Nazareth.

Cascioli, a lifelong atheist, claims that Righi violated an Italian law against fraudulently deceiving people. He considers the Gospels biased and other evidence of Jesus' existence scant.

Cascioli added that his ultimate goal is the European Court of Human Rights, where he intends to pursue his case against the church for what he calls "religious racism."

From Hate to Love...and from Love to Hate

2006-01-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

The year is now 2006. Back in 2000 (jeez...weird saying that), I loved a woman and hated a specific basketball player. Now, it done gone and changed on me.

My my my....what a difference 6 years makes.

Slowly over time, roles have reversed. Some fences have been mended while others have been destroyed beyond repair.

I don't know why I felt so angry about Kobe Bryant. Probably because I was afraid of change.
You always want things to stay the same when you are at your happiest. Time must stand still.
Evolution must end. Lock it in and let it never differ from the current moment. And in basketball, there was a great run of 10-15 years that were spectacular.

Another reason he got under my skin was because he never payed any dues. He was a young punk who walked into my favorite sport...without playing and college (yes, that was a new thing back then)...with a strut and arrogance of a seasoned pro. And clearly, he had no identity of his own...other then pretending to be like Mike...(it's Jordan Dusty).

But over the years, I've mellowed when it comes to Kobe. He has grown into the game and year after year, he shows up with his A game. He doesn't take time to piss and moan too much. He is not part of the new "i must bring the hard core street thug" look into the league.
(he did record a rap album that never saw the light of day)

***note: I write about the sport. Not about what happens of the court. It's only about the game.
I don't know what happened in that hotel room in Colorado and that has no effect over what I see him do in basketball***

Then came last night. Like the classic romance tales I've seen and read, it was one of those evenings where your heart is forever swayed. You get the butterflies. You get giddy. You are had at hello.

DUDE Dropped 81 points in one game.

All of a sudden, I am the 9 year old who loves the Lakers. I am the child who is wowed by a true legend.

Hoops hasn't had one in awhile. I liken it to the time in music following Nirvana. There were bright spots...but overall, alot of people just looked and sounded the same as Cobain and his crew.

In basketball following Jordan, some playas tried and have been good...but they just never measured up to da man. Iverson...great, but just not godly. Shaq...talent, but how good would he be if he wasn't so large. Duncan...great for the team, but never rises above the rest.
Garnett...solid, but missing something.

Kobe...well you could call him a ball hog. He does shoot alot. But now, there is this aura.
There is this beauty.

I think I'm in love.

My name in Big Lights.

2006-01-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

So Hollywood went and took my name and used for a movie.

And wouldn't you know...it's a heartwarming tale about a bunch of rag tag kids running from the law because they're eco-terrorists. oh...the trailer doesn't make it look like that...but if you read between the lines, you can see that hidden message.

at least they are trying to save the owls.

http://www.hootmovie.com/

The Torture from behind the wheel

2006-01-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

So Friday I was at McDonalds. Instead of joining the long line of cars at the drive thru, I parked and headed inside. Mouth watering. Stomach growling. Must get Big Xtra. Must Get Fries. Must get orange soda....ahhhhhhhh.

Five minutes later, I had my scrumptous snack...and a big problem. Parked directly behind my car...was the biggest fucking Winny I've ever seen.

Now, I've been knocked around by the big rigs plenty of times. I've had plenty of SUVs play the bully routine.

But this one took the cake. The arrogance of the driver to park his home on wheels in the middle of the parking lot and blocking 10 cars in the process. This ain't fuckin Wal-Mart Hillbilly!!!!

But once again, the spirits used this inconvenience to teach me a lesson in patience. I ate my lunch, smoked my cigarette, and 5 minutes later, there was no winny.

------------------------------------------------

Now comes the new headache.

My car is uninspected.
And I have to drive it in order for it to get inspected.

For some reason, every time I want to take it in, my check engine light comes on. So the check engine light problem gets fixed...and the car remains uninspected. Because the computer gets re-set everytime the engine gets checked. In order for it to get checked out properly, I need to drive the car. If I drive the car, I get pulled over because the car isn't inspected. But I can't get an inspection if I don't drive the car.

Fun times happy times!!!

Everybody is Sick...and they never stay home.

2006-01-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

I am always amazed at the number of people that I encounter on a daily basis who have no business being at work.

Some can barely breath. Others are running to the bathroom every 5 minutes for god knows what. And then there is the headache brigade.

The pain inside has clearly knocked them back. They struggle to stand. They struggle to see.
They appear drunk and sleepy. Yet something inside of them says...so what? And then they proceed to slumber around like zombies and continue with the daily grind.

I am a lucky person. For the majority of my 30 years, I have been blessed with a better then average immunity system. I don't lead the healthiest of lifestyles...but I do not do much of anything in excess....except for smoking.

When I do feel like shit...I stay home. A reason to not leave my couch? Of course, I'll take it.

And what I can never quite understand is...why don't other people do this more often? Why do so many people force their bodies to endure the stress of the workplace when they're cleary in need of rest?

People wonder why the cost of healthcare is on the rise. Companies play russian roulette with their worker's policies on a regular basis and cry poor. When will they all just take a look at what is going on?

Day after day, the majority of society doesn't want to get better. They want to just keep going.

And slowly...they kill themselves in order to preserve meaningless moments of the present.

Somewhere, a couch is lonely. Somewhere, a remote is crying out.
Stay with me.
Stay with me.

Change the Freakin Song!!!

2006-01-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

A recent Harris poll showed that nearly two of three Americans don't know their national anthem.

Why?

Cause the song sucks! It's hard to sing. Time to get a new fucking tune.

My suggestions

-"We Will Rock You" (without the We are the Champions add on)
-"Pink Houses" (Any Mellencamp before he dropped the Cougar part of his name)

or America the Beautiful...but nobody is allowed to sing it.

Only recordings of Ray Charles performing it will be allowed.

Snooch to the motherfuckin NOOCH!!!

2006-01-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

All Rise! The Great Ones are returning!

Check it out.

http://www.clerks2film.com/teaser/small.html

WWE PICS 2- Men in Tights

2006-01-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

WWE Pics 1---love my DIVAS

2006-01-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

looks like my new camera works good.

X-MEN Continuing Coverage

2006-01-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

The new mutants that hit the screen this summer.

BEAST

JUGGERNAUT

KITTY PRIDE

ANGEL

COLLASUS

And...Callisto? Never heard of this one.

Well, they look right. Now...will they sound and act right?

Another dream of mine

2006-01-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

When this movie becomes a real tool for life...the world will be a better place.

Dusty, be sure to get some cool shit about this from your dentist...maybe tickets to the premiere!

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808715902/trailer

I wish every day could be a tripple whopper day

2006-01-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

I am one of those people who likes the eat the same thing all the time. If it were up to me, I would eat the same thing at the same time every day. I have never put much stock in a diet that has variety. Unfortunately, the rest of the world isn't up to speed with my plan. They want choices.

BOOOOO I say!

Give me a Triple Whopper for Lunch and dinner everyday! Sooooo Gooooood!

I am the Burger King...I can do anything!

More cool movies on the way

2006-01-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

Even though I am trying to quit...this shit is funny.

Along with American Dreamz...this year is shaping up to have some kick ass flicks.

Check it check check check check it out!!!!

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/thankyouforsmoking/trailer/

Goodbye '05. It was the worst of times and the Best

2005-12-31T19:07:00.000-05:00

As I get ready to celebrate the new year, I look back at where I was this time last year.

I didn't want to get out of bed. At certain times of the day, the noise in my head was so loud that I wanted so badly to just sleep for a long ass time. Not die...just sleep. I call it my Rip Van Winkle complex. Although as I recall, dreamland wasn't much better.

I spent last New Year's Eve working. While stuck in the middle of thousands having a gay old time, I got the urge to break alot of store front windows. I wanted to set fires.

You know how it is...if you're miserable, you want the world to suffer with you!

I was lucky. I had people around me. People I didn't want to let down. In the end, that saved me...along with a little faith...and a lot of music!

I never would have guessed that I would be where I am today a year ago. Able to put one foot in front of the other. Not having to remind myself to breath. Listening to music with words. Wanting to eat. Able to focus on moving video or film for more then 2 minutes.
That's why this year was so fucking sweet. I got see both sides of the coin.

Most days, you might take these things for granted. I know I did. And losing them for a short period of time was painful. But when it all starts to come back...it is a fucking blast!

There are still alot of ghosts and demons that pop up from time to time. Some days are pretty scary. But at least now I'm at a point where I can fight back and not take a serious beating.

To anyone who reads this...thank you. Even the total strangers that stumble upon this banter.
Because of people...that I know and that I don't know...I'm alive. I'm somewhat stable.
You all inspire me to keep on living the dream.

Keep on keeping on! Have a great 2006.

"Water is wet. The sky is blue. And old Satan Claus is out there."
"So what do we do?"
"Be prepared son...Be Prepared."

Real life at the movies...BOOOOOOOO!

2005-12-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

This past Christmas day, me and two friends journeyed to the theater for some post holiday entertainment. There is nothing like ending a fun filled 12 hours with the perfect movie.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen this year.

What we chose to watch was in no way, shape, or form a bad movie. From start to finish, the performances were top notch. The visuals were stunning. The dialogue...superb.

But to be honest...none of that mattered. The film failed me as a viewer because I've already seen it. In fact, I liked it better the first time when it was called Farenheit 9/11.

When I first layed eyes on Syriana, I had a great deal of hope in my soul. A film that dared to show the corruption and greed that goes on in this country in both business and politics. A film that shows how that greed and how it leads to others' desires to terrorize us. Wow, this could be monumental. A motion picture with true conviction.

Yeah...stupid idea on my part.

The picture is a bunch of stories that eventually will all connect. A financial wizard working overseas with a rich middle eastern man who is trying to reform his country. Oil tycoons trying to break the law to get even richer. A CIA agent caught in the middle of a cat and mouse game by his superiors and his conscience.

In all, it plays out perfectly. But I walked away with nothing gained. Just a fancier version of the same Bush bashing song and dance that I've seen and heard over and over again. I don't particularly like the President...but I am sick and damn tired of the same crap day in and day out.

Yeah, he sucks! Now get over it and go about your life. The only way it will ever get better is if we figure out a different approach to dealing with it. Getting in a pissing contest is exactly what they want. That is what they are prepared for. It's time to start thinking outside the box and it's time to start demanding that from our representatives.

Yeah I know...stupid idea on my part.

Do I recomend Syriana? I think my friend C.J. said it best.

"I'm glad I saw it...but it's nothing I'm gonna revist."

I don't need need a happy ending or a great car chase every time around. But I also don't need a long winded real-life like drama that has me wanting to go look for some Prozac to sprinkle in my popcorn.

The world is a shitty place sometimes. Do we really need to spend 50-100 million dollars to accentuate that fact?

What is truly sad is that the people who need to see this kind of movie to see this kind of story won't end up going. They can't afford the price of a ticket.

One truly bright spot...CLOONEY KICKS ASS!

Those who say he sucks may have to find a new song to sing after seeing this performance.

Rockin the Cathedral

2005-12-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Just a shade before midnight on Christmas Eve.

And where was I? In church.

In my family, it's all about what Linus said to Charlie Brown...and then some.

For as far back as I can remember, mom and dad have been singing in a choir. I think I knew the word choir before I knew what my foot was.

This year was no different. A little bigger then before though. It used to be a smaller scene every year. But now mom and pop have graduated to the big time. They're rockin the cathedral.
My mom is a school teacher...but I do believe that her whole life revolves around her voice. Can't eat this or my voice will be crappy. Can't drink that or my voice will be crappy. Gotta sleep or my voice will be crappy. It's a very strict regimine. Most professional athletes probably aren't this dedicated. My mom is the original choir diva.

Dad is the exact opposite. If he's stressed about a performance, then he sure hides it well. I swear the man is a descendent of Buddha. He is beyond chill.

Before the big show, the crew gathers in a tiny room in the basement to work out any last minute kinks. They check each note to see if there are any flaws with the pitch. And then, it's on with the show. And on Christmas Eve, it's a packed house. More folks then are in most of the sold out club show that I frequently attend.

The music is good...but it's not something I go after on a regular basis. It's very formal. It has to be. You got an audience walking into a specific setting expecting a certain sound. Not the time to start getting too trippy with the performance.

Still though, I dream that one day I will see someone strap on a flying V and play an opening hymn with the same kind of speed that Dave Mustaine had in the mid-80s. I know that deep down, god loves metal.

The Ghost of Capra...in my hometown

2005-12-25T14:41:00.000-05:00

Since a very young age, I have been fascinated with any and everything that has to do with movies. And wouldn't you know it, I grew up in a town with some pretty hefty Hollywood ties.

Growing up, this was what I learned about the town's history. It was the birthplace of Women's Rights in America. All the ladies that were pissed off with the way things were gathered in this cozy little town the same way that men had gathered in Philadelphia a hundred years earlier and drafted a consititution that spelled out the changes they were looking for. There's was a battle that would take another hundred years to get results. In fact, I'm sure in some ways that it's still being fought today.

Something to be proud about? You bet. But nothing that I would ever walk around bragging about at parties. Kind of like your child getting a B on the spelling test. You'll put it on the fridge, but you won't be telling your best friend Sal for fear that his boy did better.

In the mid-nineties I went to college. And that's when the history lesson began to change.

I arrived home one Christmas to find a new source of town pride. A link to Hollywood of the past.

My guess is that if I would have ever been a fan of the film that I would have discovered it sooner. But as a angst ridden teen, this is the last thing you are checking out on Christmas. Add to the fact that my parents were never big on the holiday movies...so there was no adult influence.

What movies did I watch at Christmas. Well, A Christmas Story...and Die Hard. Yeah, I know. But hey, the original and the sequel take place on Christmas Eve. Nothing wrong with a little explosion, terrorism, and Bruce Willis to go with your egg nogg.

The movie that most would consider THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC is IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

And wouldn't you know it, Bedford Falls looks a lot like Seneca Falls.

At first, I shunned this idea. I didn't want my hometown to be associated with some cornball feel good shite! And it wasn't like there was any direct proof. Frank Capra never stood up and said, "Yes, Seneca Falls is the place that made me dream up Bedford Falls."

It is known that Capra visited the town a few times in and around the time that the story was being conceived. In the movie, Elmira is referenced. That's about and hour and a half away from Seneca Falls.

Then, you take a walk through the town and two things seal the theory and make it fact.

The biggest example is the old mill. There is a scene where Jimmy Stewart is running along and directly across the way is a factory. And this is EXACTLY the way it is in my town.

The next example is the bridge.

Yes, this looks like any old bridge. But there is something on it that offers strong proof.

The bridge was built in 1915. Then, this happened in 1917.

Conventional logic says that Capra walked across the bridge and got the idea for Clarence.

That's enough for me. And apparently, it's enough for ZuZu also. The actress who played her way back when, Karolyn Grimes, comes by every year for It's a Wonderful Life Weekend. They even named a coffee shop after her.

I took a walk across the bridge when I was home this year. I thought that I might take a dive and see if I could go through the George Bailey experience.

But then I realized that it would just lead to hypothermia and a lot of explaining to my parents and the police force (half of which I went to high school with).

Maybe some other time.

A tradition returns

2005-12-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

It used to be a standard practice every holiday. After the presents have lost their luster...after dinner is digested...it's time for a MOVIE.

When I arrived in my hometown this year, I was greated by my family and my friends.
My boys took one look at me and said, "So what are we seeing on Christmas?"

Ahhh. It's good to know that some things never change. It's been a few years since we did a Christmas movie. When I search the cavern inside my head for a memory of the last excursion, I come up with Vanilla Sky. That was awhile ago. Shit! Gots to get back to the basics.

So what will it be?

Syriana?
King Kong?
Walk the Line?
Capote?

hmmmm.

By the way...best ever movie seen on Christmas at the theater?
HEAT!!!

My new favorite Christmas album

2005-12-24T19:08:00.000-05:00

So I had a few things to get today before the big "holiday" hits. Only place in my hometown that you can find anything at is Wal-Mart. I dread going there when I come home to see my folks. There is always the chance that the people you don't want to see from High School will be walking the aisles and then stop you to chat about what's going on. It's always the people you hated or avoided...never your friends. Awkward pauses follow...a few look aways...and then you are set free to go about your business.

Luckily on this Christmas Eve, I lucked out. I did spot a few faces, but I ducked away into the shadows.

After gathering the few items I needed, I went over to the music section of the store. I'm always in the mood for a CD. I always stop to look at least. Then, something caught my eye.

If you buy music at Wal-Mart, know that it is censored 99% of the time. All the cursing and references to dope and sex are gone just like on the radio.

On this day, I had spotted a CD with the sticker that said uncensored. No fucking way I thought. But why not see if another Christmas miracle could happen.

Sure enough, it did. All the fucks and shits are still in tact. And man does it sound nice in the car. Gotta love music recorded in a prison!
Fuck Jingle Bells! Give me the Cocaine Blues. Don't you wish you could shoot a man in Reno just to watch him die?

I'm glad the folks at Wal-Mart were smart enough to leave Johnny Cash alone.

A Return to the Garden State

2005-12-24T17:44:00.000-05:00

A year ago, I set out for Washington DC. I was looking to escape my troubles and spend a relaxing weekend in the nation's capital. In my younger years it was my second home. I would travel there at least once a year...sometime twice or three times. And now, I have a few compadres that reside just outside the city. Free lodging. A chance to walk through the monuments at night and clear my head. Gaze into the waters of the Potomac and see reflections of my past and present.

Alas, I never made it to Washington DC that weekend. Instead, I crashed in Jersey.

Note: It royally sucks when in the course of three weeks your wife walks out, 2 people in your department get laid off, and then you crash your car. I still have no idea what kept me alive back then.

Last weekend, I returned to New Jersey. My good pal Andy is a die-hard Golden State Warriors fan.

They were playing The New Jersey Nets in East Rutherford...across the street from where Jimmy Hoffa is rumored to be buried. They are owned by a bunch of white guys...and Jay-Z.

I guess in Jersey it's always about the gangstas.

I always wondered why they just don't dig up the end zone in Giants Stadium and look for Hoffa. It would settle the rumor once and for all.

I mean...it's not like the Giants or the Jets matter.

Andy, Chainsaw, me, and Andy's girlfriend Kristin set out from Albany. First we exchanged Christmas gifts. I got Ong-Bak and Rock School on dvd and a Slash action figure and a 15 inch Pee-Wee Herman doll.

Chainsaw got a bunch of stuff...including the complete guide to The Family Guy. He then proceeded to act out scenes from various episodes for a few hours as we sped down the New York State Thruway.

Chainsaw was also excited about the game. A friend of his from high school plays for Golden State. His name is Adonal Foyle.

My guess is they haven't been in touch in years. I would hope that if they were that he would do something to get poor Chainsaw out the shit hole that is Albany, New York.

When we arrived, we were forced to park and Giants Stadium and take a bus across the street.
Why? Nobody goes to basketball in New Jersey. It's not like parking was gonna be overflowing.

But who am I to argue.

The game itself wasn't much of a game at all. New Jersey had wrapped it up by the end of the first quarter. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter ran all over the Warriors and put the game out of reach. Baron Davis played well for Golden State and had some dazzling moments, but nothing much more then that. The game quickly turned into a contest of how we could entertain ourselves and what creative ways would could dream up to heckle from the highest point in the arena...we spent a whopping 10 bucks on the tickets and they were definitely the bloodiest blood nose seats I've ever parked my rear in.

I believe the final score was 115-90. We saw every player from both teams play. When you are starting to cheer for guys who usually only see the court once every two months, you know you are watching a blowout. Andy was sad that his team got hammered by the Nets. But, he was still thrilled that he had gotten to see them play again. In a few months, trips like these may not be so easy. Him and Kristin are gonna have a boy. I only hope that one day I can feel and look as happy as they both do.

The day wasn't all about sports though. As we walked around the arena, we came upon this poster. We didn't know what to make of it. And we are used to finding things that are quite bizarre.
I don't think that the average NBA fan would get excited about this. But it certainly does stop you dead in your tracks and make you think for a moment.

Forget the Turkey...

2005-12-24T17:20:00.000-05:00

This looks like the perfect Christmas Feast!!! Mmmmmmm!!!

I will eat one of these in the next few days just to see if it kills me or not.

A Christmas Surprise

2005-12-21T18:01:00.000-05:00

I didn't think this was possible. It's...it's a miracle.

SOMETHING FUNNY ON SNL?

I stopped years ago. But this looks promising.

Go to
http://www.nbc.com

Scroll down and look for this picture in the middle.

Then, click on the link and watch.

Funny stuff.

And no, I am not doing this just because I work for an NBC affiliate.

Save STELLA...PLEEEASE!

2005-12-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

Great television is always destined for one thing...an early death.

Freaks and Geeks
Boomtown
Arrested Development (this one might get saved by cable or ABC)
Sports Night

Shows like Yes Dear and Still Standing are allowed to stay on the air?

I am amazed that Lost and 24 managed to somehow survive.

Well, now comes word that another brilliant show may get whacked. And I beg of you all...
PLEASE DON'T LET IT HAPPEN.

Three funny guys...sketch comedy that SNL dreams of writing.

I'm talkin bout STELLA! To see it live is a treat I encourage all to experience.

Comedy Central gave them a show and it rules! Now they might take it away. Do we really need another half hour to re-run South Park? Do we really need to give the over-rated Chappelle more time after he turns his back on us?

No! WE NEED MORE STELLA!

Please, take the time to check out these links. Sign the petition. Do what you can!

Http://www.petitiononline.com/stella06/petition.html

http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml

http://www.stellacomedy.com

http://www.myspace.com/thestellaarmy

The world needs more laughter. These are the men that can save us!

CHECK THIS TRAILER OUT

2005-12-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/americandreamz/

sounds kinda cheesy...but it is anything but. Not since Will Ferrell has the president been so funny. Dennis Quaid of all people. Can't wait for April.

Awards Season has begun

2005-12-13T22:15:00.000-05:00

Last year it was all about chick boxers. This year...GAY COWBOYS!

Yee-haw!!!

Here is the globes nominee list. And once again, serious drama depressing stuff!!! Well, it's not like I'm not gonna see them. I'll just have to put some prozac in my popcorn!

Oh...and I'm boycotting Judi Dench. I've had enough of her taking a nomination from somebody else every year just because she's british.

Drama
Brokeback Mountain
The Constant Gardener (available on DVD 1/10/06)
Good Night, and Good Luck
A History of Violence (available on DVD 2/28/06)
Match Point

Actress, Drama
Maria Bello, A History of Violence (available on DVD 2/28/06)
Felicity Huffman, Transamerica
Gwyneth Paltrow, Proof (available on DVD 2/14/06)
Charlize Theron, North Country (available on DVD 2/21/06)
Zhang Ziyi, Memoirs of a Geisha

Actor, Drama
Russell Crow, Cinderella Man (currently available on DVD)
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Terrence Howard, Hustle & Flow (available on 1/10/06)
Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
David Strathairn, Good Night, and Good Luck

Musical or Comedy
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
The Producers
The Squid and the Whale
Walk the Line

Actress, Musical or Comedy
Judi Dench, Mrs. Henderson Presents
Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
Laura Linney, The Squid and the Whale
Sarah Jessica Parker, The Family Stone
Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line

Actor, Musical or Comedy
Pierce Brosnan, The Matador
Jeff Daniels, The Squid and the Whale
Johnny Depp, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (available on DVD)
Nathan Lane, The Producers
Cillian Murphy, Breakfast on Pluto
Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line

Foreign Language
Kung Fu Hustle, China (currently available on DVD)
Master of the Crimson Armor, aka The Promise, China
Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel), France
Paradise Now, Palestine
Tsotsi, South Africa

Supporting Actress
Scarlett Johansson, Match Point
Shirley MacLaine, In Her Shoes (available on DVD 1/31/06)
Frances McDormand, North Country (available on DVD 2/21/06)
Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener (available on DVD 1/10/06)
Michelle Williams, Brokeback Mountain

Supporting Actor
George Clooney, Syriana
Matt Dillon, Crash (currently available on DVD)
Will Ferrell, The Producers
Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man (currently available on DVD)
Bob Hoskins, Mrs. Henderson Presents

Director
Woody Allen, Match Point
George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck
Peter Jackson, King Kong
Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Steven Spielberg, Munich

Screenplay
Woody Allen, Match Point
George Clooney & Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck
Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco, Crash (currently available on DVD)
Tony Kushner &amp; Eric Roth, Munich
Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana, Brokeback Mountain

Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, Syriana
James Newton Howard, King Kong
Gustavo Santaolalla, Brokeback Mountain
Harry Gregson-Williams, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
John Williams, Memoirs of a Geisha

Original Song
"A Love That Will Never Grow Old" from Brokeback Mountain
"Christmas in Love" from Christmas in Love
"There's Nothing Like a Show on Broadway" from The Producers
"Travelin' Thru" from Transamerica
"Wunderkind" from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

long KONG!

2005-12-13T22:13:00.000-05:00

3 hours and 7 minutes.

The monkey better dance!!!

Pizza update

2005-12-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I wrote of my failed attempt to get Papa John's pizza.

Finally had some tonight. Yuck!

My Stouffer's french bread pizza was way better.

SAVING MONEY SUCKS THE BIG ONE!!!

2005-12-13T20:16:00.000-05:00

I know why people spend so much money at Christmas time. Cuz making homemade gifts really sucks.

In an effort to put away some green in hopes of one day taking a chunk out of the 40 grand debt that I have, I decided to get crafty this year with my presents. In the end, it will be some good stuff. But damn does it take up time.
---------------------------------------------
I know why people eat out alot. Cuz cooking sucks!

I can do it well...if I want to take the time. But I am not the most patient person in the kitchen. Plus, I see no reason to spend 2 hours making something kick ass when it will be gone in 5-10 minutes.

I miss McDonalds. But my wallet doesn't.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Coming up soon...save money by quitting smoking.

I know I am gonna hate that! I have a bad feeling that I am gonna be a real bitch come '06.

But, I must remind myself...it is nice to have a few extra bucks. It is nice to try and chomp away at the red with dreams of one day being in the black.

AHHHHH. Stupid adulthood! Stupid stupid adulthood!

I want to live in NARNIA!!!

2005-12-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

Wow wow wow!

Wow wow wow wow!

It isn't that often that I am blown away by a movie. I watch alot of them. But a few times a year, the light shines bright. The story sparkles with life. I smile a big smile.

Before I go as far as to put it in the Hootee all time top ten, I need to watch it again.

But I can say this.

GET UP OFF YOUR LAZY ASS AND GO SEE THE CHRONICLES OF NARNINA.

Maybe it's my love of all things british. Maybe it's my love of fantasy set against the backdrop of World War 2...I adore Bedknobs and Broomsticks also.

The story has some edge, but doesn't go too far. The kids are perfectly cast. And talking animals rule!

If I had the money, I would go every night!

And not only did the movie rule...but something else happened that was quite amazing.

Suddenly, a story started to form in my head. I can't write it fast enough. The ideas just keep coming. I think it will take a long while to get it right. But for once, I don't hate it after only 24 hours. That is usually the case with any fictional idea that I conceive.

This could be the story that I was meant to write. And if it isn't , it's a story that I won't mind hanging out with for awhile.

Sunday is my day

2005-12-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

The bible says that God rested on the seventh day...Sunday that is.
And so do I.

Lionel Ritchie says he's easy like Sunday morning. Why can't every day's morning be easy?

It is the only day of the week that I don't feel the need to do stuff. I move in slow motion and just shuffle slowly through the day.

I especially enjoy Sundays in the fall in winter. I'm never glued to the football...but it's nice to have it around.

Breakfast is usually a huge feast.

I can take an hour to drink my coffee.

The Simpsons are on at 8. Family Guy is on at 9. More football on ESPN if I choose.

Only thing that stinks about Sunday is the end of it...when I realize that I have to wake up and go to work the next day. That once again I will have to re-enter the grind.

I guess the trick is to figure out how to turn everyday into Sunday. Maybe someday with a little luck and a little money. Until then, I've got at least one day a week to look forward to.

Now...time to go check out The Chronicles of Narnia.

Yoko...I'm sorry

2005-12-09T17:51:00.000-05:00

This past week marked the 25th anniversary of the death of John Lennon.

Even though I was only 4 when it happened, I remember the time. It was the first time I saw my dad look sad. And even back then, Newsweek would come to the house. I remember the black and white cover and the face of a man that I was unfamiliar with. I remember going through the magazine and seeing the faces of other sad people. I knew that this guy must have been important or something.

It was a few years later that I was introduced to The Beatles. There were two greatest hits albums that were out in stores on record...yes, records! Me and my mom got my dad the red covered one that featured their hits from 1962-1966. Once it became a member of the music library underneath the stereo (which also featured 8-tracks), I would pull it out and listen to it from time to time. My favortite was Yellow Submarine.

Years later when I grew into my all music loving self, I went and got the other greatest hits album that covered 1967-1970. This time, the format was cassette. My favorite was Hey Jude.
At that point, I felt that McCartney was the man and that Lennon wasn't all that.

What I didn't understand was why people were so Beatles crazy. There stuff is good...but to me it wasn't the greatest thing in the world. Yes, they were supposedly the guys that got this whole rock'n'roll thing started. But here is something that most Beatle nut jobs don't know or won't admit. The only reason there was a Beatles was because of CHUCK BERRY! When they started, they were just 4 white punks doing covers. Sorry, I get real pissy when the credit goes to the white people who were just copying the stuff that racists refused to play.

Somewhere in my twenties, I discovered John Lennon's solo work. It...it was amazing. I felt bad for dissing him for so long. But now that I think about it, I wasn't. His Beatles stuff...it's alright. His solo stuff...now that is fucking amazing!

Even he thinks so.
"One has to humiliate oneself to be what the Beatles were, and that's what I resent . . . About all we can do is do it like fuckin' circus animals. I resent being an artist in that respect, I resent performing for fucking idiots who won't know -- who don't know -- anything. 'Cause they can't feel -- I'm the one that's feeling, 'cause I'm the one that's expressing what they are trying to. They live vicariously through me and other artists." Rolling Stone 1970

Then, a painful time in my life came. I was left to live alone. I had a lot of time to reflect. Car rides no longer had any conversation. And you can only talk on the phone for so long. But, I did have a lot of time to listen to music. I started mixing alot. Looking back, it was a very important tool for my survival. I went through every CD I owned. One of them was a John Lennon greatest hits compilation...yes I know, I need to go out and buy Double Fantasy!

I fell in love with one song in particular- Watching the Wheels. I now know that the song was about his deciding to be a dad rather then a rock star. But with any great song, the words can take on a whole different meaning for the listener. That was the case with me. I adopted it as my anthem.

"People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing,
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin,
When I say that I'm o.k. they look at me kind of strange"

Then, it the latest Rolling Stone, a new revelation.

There is a common belief that Yoko broke up The Beatles. I didn't know any better...so I subscribed to it also. Well...not so.

"What I did," he later admitted, "was use Yoko . . . It was like, 'Now I have the strength to leave, because I know there is another side to life."

Dude didn't want to be in the group anymore. So all you people that would love to brand Yoko as The Beatles killer, GIVE IT A REST!

The Beatles needed to go away...just like Zubaz pants!

God rest your soul John Lennon. And Yoko...well keep on doing whatever it is you do. He would have wanted it that way.

I have now achieved a dream

2005-12-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

When I was little, I always dreamed I would see this day.

I can't believe it finally happened. I am just so freakin happy.

I NOW OWN 4 TELEVISION SETS! YIPEEE YAHOOOO!

I'm sad to see a co-worker go...but I'm happy to get his stuff for dirt cheap!

Now...if only I could live across the street from a McDonalds.

Oh wait...I DO!

It is so freakin awesomely rad to be me!

HAPPY PSTV DAY!!!!

2005-12-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, a friend of mine tried to get today to be delcared PSTV day.

He was unaware of what other historic event occured in America on December 7th...he's from Canada. (for those of you from foreign soil that don't know... before September 11th, this was the Attack on America)

Needless to say, his request was turned down. His attempt became somewhat of a joke amongst his peers. (I'm sure many of them who were born in this country had no idea what day Pearl Harbor happened either and that makes them even bigger fools. That's right Jean-Marc...I got your back!)

But a funny thing happened along the way.

People started to say happy PSTV day every year on December 7th.

Wonder if this was his master plan all along?

Anyway, HAPPY PSTV DAY!

I need to see the world

2005-12-06T17:30:00.000-05:00

I've never seen foreign soil...and no, I don't count Canada.

I've been to a few states in big 48 section of America...but there's got to be more then Vegas, Orlando, and Washington DC.

Almost out of my 20s...and there just isn't enough miles on my odometer.

My friends look like they have fun. Time for me to get busy living.

More Super Hero Excitement

2005-12-06T16:19:00.000-05:00

I must admit that I don't know much about the X-Men. Many a friend that I have loves this rag tag bunch. I saw the cartoon a few times when I was younger and then played the Sega Genesis game alot when my parents decided they would allow video games in the house. I never got any! What about me? Wait...where was I? Oh yeah.

So now, the comic book movies are coming out by the truck loads. And the gold standard isn't Spiderman or even the latest Batman. It's X-2. Shoulda been up for some oscars...and not just for special effects. Acting, script, total awesomeness! It's fucking brilliant! The lines of fiction and reality collide and create the perfect fable.

I was scared when I read about the X-3. It didn't have the same people involved behind the scenes. More often then not, that can spell trouble. Contrary to what the public thinks, it is not about the superstars. It's about the crew!

Well...I just saw the trailer.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/x3/large.html

Fuck Yeah I say! Fuck Yeah! Summer '06 is looking like a nice time to be inside!

Weekend...full of totally fun stuff and my stupidity

2005-12-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

It was quiet. It was relaxing. Saw a bunch of flicks.

-Polar Express
Destined to be a Christmas classic. New style of animation that some find scary...I love it. Tom Hanks plays like 10 people in the movie...including Santa Claus. Wish the train would stop outside my house. YOU WILL BELIEVE!

-March of the Penguins
Yeah...I hate nature movies. Why? Cause cute animals always get killed in them. Always disturbs me. Not even Morgan Freeman's soothing voice could calm me down. To hell with nature movies!

-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Way fucking better then the original. Only thing that is cooler in the Gene Wilder version is the whole trippy poem in the boat ride scene...which was covered on Marilyn Manson's first album and done superbly. If you check out the DVD, watch the featurette about the oompa loompas. They only used one guy. Amazing stuff. And it wasn't all fancy computer crap. Lots of old school tricks. Oh...and the movie gave me my new favorite line to use when somebody says something stupid..."MUMBLER!"
-----------------

Speaking of stupid...have they made a prescription drug to cure stupidity yet. I see adds for sleeping, acid reflux, hair loss, sex enhancement, and other ailments. Why not stupidity? I need the medicine bad.

I opened up credit card bills this weekend...and low and behold, I discovered that I was really stupid. Then I went to look for my checkbook and couldn't find it...another case of stupidity.

I don't want to be stupid. I try hard not to be stupid. But somehow I end up being stupid. It's made me grow a pretty large debt and caused me a great deal of stress.

Well, the first step is admitting you have a problem.

Now if only there was a rehab for stupidity. If only there was a pill to help with stupidity.

Until there is, I will have to go on fighting my ailment!

HOOTEE ENEMY #1

2005-12-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

No...not Osama Bin Laden...but he is a pretty big asshole.

Nope...not the ex-wife to be...I will refrain from saying anything nasty(only because it could get me into legal trouble).

Nope...not the Yankees...those who know me would assume that because of past violence.

There is only one jackass that takes the cake. And if I ever meet him, he'd better get 20 sucker punches in.

His name is Scott Stapp.

I used to let his antics slide.

For years, I had to put up with his sucky music being blasted everywhere I went. If it wasn't on the jukebox, then it was being covered by a bar band. Painful, shitty rock. Most other folks at the time were crying over rap-rock. I was in my own personal hell, and Creed was the devil.

I got a Creed Sucks magnet for Christmas one year...it was awesome!

And then, joy. The other three guys in Creed realized the same thing that I did. This dude sucks! Pretty soon after, there was no more Creed.

YEAHHHHH!

Now, flash forward to Thanksgiving 2005. Old Scotty is in Baltimore. His new album has come out, and the world doesn't care. Maybe that should be a clue to him that he sucks.

So what does Scotty do? He picks a fight with 311.

Now, he has crossed the line. Now, THIS SHIT IS PERSONAL!

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517207/12012005/stapp_scott.jhtml?headlines=true

It was one thing to subject me to years of noise pollution.

It was one thing to hypnotize half the nation into believing that you mattered.

Now, you're fucking with 311? And their wives? Oh shit dude...not cool.

To quote the boys from Omaha...FUCK THE BULLSHIT IT'S TIME TO THROW DOWN!

We don't move in similar circles yet...but maybe one day we will. Hopefully, I will have calmed down by then. Hopefully, you will have realized what a complete and utter jackass you are and come clean to the world about your new found epiphany.

If not...well lets just say...YOU WOULDN'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY!

Reflections after RENT

2005-12-01T01:02:00.000-05:00

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes!

A month of working in overdrive has come and gone. I won't know for awhile if my efforts had any effect on the audiences across the hundreds of miles across three states. But I'm alright with how it went down. I've got a ways to go before I'll be pleased though.

Dinner was two nuked burgers, a handful of stale chips, and a bottle of Heineken. While I waited for the food and LOST to start, I sat through the last 20 minutes of Freddy. This has become my new dance with trash. Every Wednesday, I try to catch a little of it to remind me of why I don't watch sitcoms anymore.

LOST comes on...but the food is not quite ready. Need bread, need ketchup. Food is getting cold. Oh shit the begining of the show...well, guess dinner will be cold!

10 minutes later, cold burgers, stale chips, and cold beer...and the insanity of a group of strangers looking for life and reasoning on a remote island. Tonight, more dark secrets about the resident hottie chic.

45 minutes later...I grow sad. Nothing new for us to see until 2006. Only re-runs of stories that are still fresh in our heads. BOOOOO! Gotta watch the news everyday and that's F'n boring...gotta wait for LOST and that's F'n brilliant.

Well then, there is this free movie ticket burning a hole in my pocket. Off to the mall!

And the choice for me tonight...RENT. My last three trips here have been pretty good.

Jarhead was pretty cool...but nothing I didn't already know. War in Middle East stupid and for oil. Yeah...NO SHIT! Oh...you're mad cause you didn't get to shoot nobody. Poor guys. Do I recomend it? Yeah. Will I be pissed if it cleans house at award time? Yup.

Zathura was cool. What kid didn't want their house to be lifted into outerspace and then have to battle robots and aliens. But after awhile...the house gets a little cramped. Want to break free from the house...but the movie is about the house. Do I recomend it? Yeah...but I'll take Flight of the Navigator any day over it.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Best thus far...but a fucking joke compared to the books.

Now Rent.

Never saw the musical. Had no idea what this was about other then NYC, lots of singing, and Aids. Wow...talk about the feel good hit of the season!

You know what? It was.

Fuck the naysayers that scoff at people singing all the time instead of talking. I would kill to live in a world where everybody sings instead of babbling. A little dancing to.

Society needs more music and less talk! Didn't hear a lot of talking in the 80s. Didn't hear a lot of talking for the first part of the 90s. Then, assholes started talking all the time. Then, rich assholes started paying them millions to keep talking and to do it louder. Now, there are no rock'n'roll radio stations in NYC. BULLSHIT!

I would love to take a full 24 hours and just sing everything instead of saying it. But that would cause disruption. Something new for a change. People would be afraid. They would look at me funny. They would judge me. They would be scared. And then once the fear set it, they would get angry because they were scared. After all, that's all anger is. Fear on steroids!

Oh yeah...the movie. I've seen musicals before with lots of singing...but this one takes the cake! They just keep belting them out. The song ends, the scene fades to black, the screen fades back up and a character gets in half a sentence and then 20 people are singing again.

And not stupid singing either. Sounds like a cross between Zappa and Meatloaf. I dig it.

It's supposed to take place over a year...but it didn't really feel like one. Felt more like a week.
So I guess they messed that part up...but I'll let it go.

One guy writes a song. One guy films stuff. A bunch of people got the HIV and/or AIDS. They don't all live. The ending...well some may get pissy with it. Not me.

The words and the songs are about struggling. To pay the rent, to maintain street cred, and to survive a disease. While I have never suffered through any of these, I find myself relating to what they are singing about.

How do you measure a year in life?

How do you document real life when real life is getting more like ficition each day?

I see the guy shooting a year long documentary and I say...that would have been a cool thing to do a year ago. Then I remember that half of the movie would have been me shaking and sobbing in the dark like Golum in Lord of the Rings. Nobody needs to see that...but I would have loved to have a camera on me the weekend of Dusty's wedding when my mood shifted back to one of hope.

Or for the night I spent in the greatest bar ever in NYC.

Or for the night I sat on the side of the highway in the mountains and wrote lyrics to songs that I may never compose.

Or for the dance I did in Yankee stadium even though I can't stand the Yankees.

Or when my ability to watch movies came back after being gone for three months.

Or when I got the best birthday present ever from Chainsaw.

Or...shit this list just keeps growing.

How do you measure a year in life?

The song says love. And shit if they weren't right.

The weather here where I live is getting pretty damn cold.

But, I feel the heat of the future's glow. Wonder if I'll end up in Santa Fe? (See RENT).

Random Moments of the past 24 hours

2005-11-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

So I'm scrolling through clip after clip of Martha Stewart looking for just the right piece of video...when my cell phone rings. Somehow I had accidentally triggered the car mode, so an artificial voice that sounded like HAL on a dial up modum kept saying...MOM HOOT! MOM HOOT!

I found it quite hilarious for a few seconds...and then quite annoying a few quick moments later.

So I answered it. Normally, the conversation goes anywhere from God to my impending divorce details to the wacky adventures of my parents on the mean streets of Rochester.

Not today though. Today was different.

It started out the same. Mom as usual begins a story in the middle. Never a back story or a set-up with her. I sometimes wonder if she wrote Memento.

But today, Mom was not about the nuns, the priests, Wegman's grocery stores, or Nigeria.

No...today Mom was about INDY ROCK!

My guess is that she heard about it on NPR. Or my friend Andy for a doorway into her brain and is pulling the puppet strings (see Being John Malkovich).

All I heard was...band with Clap Your Hands in the title. I didn't know what to make of it. Mom getting excited about music that was written after 1836?

When the free moment finally arrived, I went online to check out what she was referring to.
Google sent me to the place I was looking for.

The band in question was called Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. But there was no streaming audio. Off to the ITunes store. Can't believe it's my mom and not Rolling Stone that has me on this wild goose chase.

I arrived at the meca of music and typed in the bands name in the search engine. Sure enough, they popped up. A few 30 second samples later and my journey was complete.

They aren't something I find myself attracted to. Sounds like Tragically Hip's lead singer backed up by a lo-fi quartet. Not my cup of tea...but kudos to mom. Way to channel your inner Seth Cohen (see The O.C.).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's a good thing that my roomate wasn't home last night. At 2am, I was crying like a baby.

Damn TV!

There has only been three things that I have ever seen that have made me cry like this.

1- The Last Unicorn

I was 7 or 8. I see a cartoon that appears to be a typical kid type thing. And then, it turns into freaking Terms of Endearment! I won't give the ending away...but it shouldn't be seen by kids. It ain't violent or filled with sex. It's just so fucking sad!

2- Father of the Bride 2

You are probably confused now. How? Why? A comedy? Yeah I know. It is pretty funny. Then comes the part where Mrs. Banks has problems with the pregnancy. Husband George looks scared. He gives the doctor this look. And at that point, I choke up. Something about the way Steve Martin does it that just...ahhh, getting emotional.

3- E.T.

Every time I see it or even just hear the music, I get weepy. Why? It always reminds of an innocent time. When shit was o.k. no matter what. And then, I realize it can never be like that again. The world gets pretty cruel and dark. Suddenly, I see myself in that damn alien. Alone and lost in the forest. Wanting to get back home. Wanting to find that comfort zone. And then, BAM! The flood gates open.

Well, now there is four.

I can't go into detail about it. It involves the show LOST. I am very passionate about this show. More then any other that has come before it.

It is quite frankly the greatest and bestest thing ever written and performed.

And well, two folks were reunited last night. I won't say anyting more. Just that I cried tears of joy for the fiction and tears of sorrow for me.

There is no crying in baseball. There is no crying in the newsroom. But it's perfectly fine on the pink couch.

D-LICIOUS

2005-11-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

Many years ago in a world that was a lot different, 3 men ventured do a scary state to see the greatest band ever!!!

It's always fun to come across cool pics from the past.

September 2001. We were so cute back then.

A FUN JOB

2005-11-28T23:23:00.000-05:00

So most days I try to persuade the public that watching local news is still a notion they should ponder. From time to time, I get to do other things as well. Why just this past Friday, I got to stand out in the freezing cold for twelve hours and record all the ongoings of the annual tree lighting ceremony. I can't complain...I need the fresh air once and awhile.

But today...now that takes the cake.

I get to read a movie script and help a friend decide if he should take a small role in it.

The flick stars Anna Nicole Smith and Chyna. It's about an alien invasion.

This should make for an exciting evening. Stay tuned...I'm sure I'll have something more to say about this.

The Death of a Teacher

2005-11-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

Alas...there will be no journey to Montreal this evening.

Miyagi wouldn't want me to do it. He would want me to be responsible. He would want me to find balance. (see A Year Later post if you find this confusing)

"First learn stand then learn fly. Nature rule Hooteesan...not mine."

I have just learned of the death of Pat Morita. I am sad.

Immediately, I travel back in time to 1984. It is my 8th birthday. I am surrounded by 6 friends...only one would stand the test of time. I eat pizza. I laugh. I open presents. And then, we go to the movies. Down the back road to a place where I find the most peace of mind.

Now Showing...The Karate Kid.

21 years later, that pan flute score still gives me chills. The shot of Danielsan balancing on the front of the boat floating in the middle of the lake with sun setting behind him. One day I want that picture blown up and in my family room.

And then I hear Miyagi's voice. The wisdom in his words rings up and down my brain. It comforts, guides, and protects.

Call me crazy for treating a character as a real person. I don't care. It's my world and that's how I roll.

When words are spoken as magically...when actions are performed as gracefully...a spirit is born.
It may be conceived in fiction, but for me it's as real as anyone else.

This could have never have come to life without Pat Morita. I can honestly say that I don't know who I'd be today without him. That movie triggered something in my soul along time ago.

Something that carries on to this day.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I feel a huge sense of loss today.

Thank you old man. Say hi to my peeps up there in the clouds.

A Year Later

2005-11-25T23:45:00.000-05:00

My head was on fire. I couldn't make it stop. Everything I saw through my eyes played in fast forward...like those sped up shots of traffic in Los Angeles. The sounds that echoed in my cortex were the like a thousands whispers all cranked up to full volume.

I shook as I lit and smoked cigarette after cigarette. I thought about calling someone, but I wondered if I would have made any sense. I drove to the store and bought a six pack of beer.

As soon as I walked back through the door of my apartment, I downed three in a minute and a half.

Up until that point, chugging was a skill I had never been able to achieve.

After about 15 minutes, things finally began to slow down. A much needed buzz kicked in.

I passed out.

Three hours later, I woke up. The same burning sensation in my head. The same voices in full volume. It was now early in the AM and there was no way that I was gonna call somebody at this hour. I thought about chugging more beer, but now I feared that it may have worked against me. So I decided to try and wait it out. Maybe it would all calm down on it's own.

I passed out.

Three hours later, I awoke. The same burning sensation in my head. The same voices in full volume. It was now slightly pass 5am. I was not gonna have beer for breakfast. But maybe, I could find my doctor.

It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so there was no way I was gonna get into his regular office. But maybe, he was having rounds at the hospital. I called the emergency room to see if he was working. Sure enough he was. I asked if I could come down there and if they could page him for me. They said sure.

45 minutes later, I was wearing a white gown and sitting in a white room. There was a guard 10 feet away. They had taken all my clothes and cell phone for fear that it may be used as a weapon.

Note to self...never describe your symptoms to a nurse as a possible nervous breakdown.

6 hours later, after they had sent me two doctors, a social worker (por que?), and Jimmy the peer counselor (felt like I was in a PSA or an after school special), I finally got to see my doctor.
He looked at me and shook his head. Then he wrote a prescription for a legal narcotic and sent me on my way.

It's a year later now and I'm a thousand light years away from that cloudy moment in time.
About a half hour ago, I was on my couch watching Rattle and Hum when I was struck by a thought. Dude...you need to do something cool that will totally put a new and better adventure into this time period. The Friday/Saturday after Thanksgiving can't always be engraved with that insanity. Find something better. Do it...DO IT!!!

And as Bono started to sing Angel of Harlem in Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee, it hit me.

Go see U2 in Montreal.

But how? Tickets...sold out!!! I looked on e-bay...way too fucking much. Plus, I don't trust the internet when it comes to that kind of stuff.

So how do I get in. Well, there is one way. Not sure how they view it in Canada, but I know how it is taken down here.

Is it worth the risk? Hmmmmm.

How much will it cost??? Hmmmm.

Your check engine light came on the other day when you were driving around. Hmmmm.

I'm really married to the idea now, so I don't know if there is any turning back. I've seen the band three times. I don't really like most of the new album.

But what if they play a song that I've never heard them play live? And when the album sucks, it usually sounds amazing live (anyone who bought POP and saw Pop Mart can back me up on this).

It is now 12:10 am eastern standard time. The band goes on probably around 8:30pm tonight.

A year ago at that time I was eating steak, enjoying a prescription high and watching Lawrence of Arabia.

Hmmm...what will I do?

THE SPIDER ON THANKSGIVING

2005-11-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

I was walking to my car today with some food and I spotted this fellow in the snow.

First I wondered what he was doing outside. Then I wondered if he had a place to go for dinner.

I thought for a second about picking him up and bringing him someplace better, but then I decided not to. After all, he (why am I calling him he? could be a gal for all I know) probably likes the winter weather.

Still, pretty weird to see a spider crawling through the snow.

KAL-EL IN DA HIZ HOUSE!

2005-11-23T17:41:00.000-05:00

I missed a trailer at the movies the other night. I was late getting to Harry Potter. While I was excited to see the further adventures of the boy wizard...I was more excited to see SUPERMAN!

I've watched this project dance from person to person over the last decade. I can't believe Nic Cage was gonna be the man of steel.

When this finally got off the ground for real...I was nervous. I mean, you're messing with the icon of all superheroes. Furthermore, you're messing with a cinematic masterpiece. Richard Donner's version back in the late 70s is the blueprint that every director making a superhero movie should use. In fact, Christopher Nolan, the director of Batman Begins (which destroys all other versions, including Burton's), said it was that movie that he drew the most from.

Only one other man has ever done this kind of material right...and thank god, he's the one that was chosen to do the new Superman. It meant sacrificing the X-Men franchise, but that's a sacrifice worth making.

I mean...it's Superman.

I found what I missed online today. It is beautiful. (you need quicktime to see this version)

http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?id=1394098&sdm=web&qtw=640&qth=400

Summer can't come quick enough.

If you are really geeking on this subject...check out this website. A video diary of the filming.

HTTP://WWW.BLUETIGHTS.NET

I feel blessed that I get to experience this for the second time in my life.

Not much to SAY...EXCEPT....

2005-11-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

Listen to THIS!!!

JUST KIDDING!

This is what you should get to make your ears happy.

So what if you don't like leftist progressive metal. It makes for a good time no matter what the occasion. I plan to play it at Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday. Mom will love the screaming in harmony.

All kidding aside...so good, so brilliant. Ahhhh yeahhhh!

Now if only I could find Mobile Armored Strike Command(M.A.S.K.) on DVD.

I just wasn't meant to get that Cheese Pizza

2005-11-21T20:01:00.000-05:00

Saturday night was quite an exercise in patience for me.

I could have snapped. I could have turned into a raging ball of fire. But in the end, I let it all go.

I even lost money as a result. I know that will have some who read this shaking their heads. But the way I look at it, I've already lost a ton of money this year for someone's ridiculous behavior...so I can let twelve bucks slide.

It all started when I ordered 2 pizzas and 24 wings. I clearly said to the woman on the other end of the phone that I wanted 1 cheese and 1 with half peppers and half mushrooms and make the wings mild.

When I got the resteraunt to pick the stuff up...there was only one pizza. On top of that, I got dissed by the pizza lady!

"You never said cheese!"

This statement came out without so much as a grumble from my direction. I worked in retail. I lived with someone who worked in food service. I got mad sympathy for them. People go to stores and resteraunts everyday and act like assholes. They have no control over their lives and they never will amount to shit, so they take it out on people who are paid next to nothing to serve them and take their shit.

After getting snipped at by this low level trogladite, I decided that my quest for a cheese pizza was still on. I would get one come hell or high water.

So I drove across the street to the new Papa John's that had just opened up. I have heard that this pizza is to die for. And apparently, so did a lot of other people.

I stepped up to the counter and before I even got a chance to order, I was warned by the cashier that it would be a 45 minute wait for pizza. I had the option of delivery.

I thought...well I have food, so I won't be starving. I can wait for the second pizza to show up. The gals eating with me won't eat much anyway, so they won't be missing it either. It'll be the second wave of food. The entree of the meal. Delivered fresh. Mmmmmmm. I paid the woman 12 dollars and headed out with head held high.

An hour later I emerged from the basement of my friends new townhouse to have a smoke. As I sparked the flame, I felt my pocket vibrate. I reached inside and pulled out my cell phone. The text read "three messages". Hmmm...guess "the network" didn't want to work right this evening.

All three messages were from the pizza delivery guy. 45 minutes? No, it was ready alot quicker. And we didn't here them knocking. They had called three times. It was now up to me to decide if I really wanted this cheese pizza.

Was it really worth the struggle? The mozerella, the fresh baked crust, the zesty sauce...well, it couldn't hurt to try.

So I called back...and they put me on hold for 5 minutes. Suddenly, this had turned from a craving into a challenge. I probably could have scored a pound of heroin a whole lot easier then this pizza (no, I wasn't even considering it!).

Once they got me back on the line, I explained what had happend. I offered to come get the pizza. They said they would have none of that. They said the pizza was on its way.

Yeah, and Sadam had weapons of mass destruction, Britney Spears has talent, and the next Deuce Biggalo movie will out gross Titanic.

An hour later, I was outside again. I was growing impatient. There is only so far a hungry man can take Buddhism. Then, a glimmer of hope. A shining beacon of optomism.

A Papa John's car drove by down the street.

I took off at speads that would rival a steroid fueled olympian. It was going to finally happen.
I was going to get my cheese pizza.

I reached the car. The delievery man looked up at me. He saw the look in my face. He knew what I wanted.

He rolled down his window. I told him my sad and tragic tale (about the pizza). I was sure he was the saviour. The chosen one that would deliver my joy.

NOPE! He didn't have it. Didn't know anything about it.

AND THEN HE TOLD ME TO CALL THE STORE!

As he drove a way, I spotted a rock on the ground. For a second, I thought of trying to smash his back window. Then he would feel my pain.

And then, the anger was gone. Don't know how. Don't know why. But all of sudden, I didn't care. It wasn't the I'm defeated and I'm surrending kind.

No, it was as though I had forgotten what I was upset about.

No pizza. Twelve dollars lost.

Guess it just wasn't meant to be.

Why are people so sad at Church?

2005-11-20T20:04:00.000-05:00

So this morning I got up and went to church. It was a Catholic one. I'm not Catholic. I only go to them because the hours of operation are more convenient. Nobody else wants to work after 10 am on Suday. I don't want to get out of bed before 10am on Sunday.

So I sit in church. I spend some quiet time with the higher powers...but then I start to look around.

The place is packed to the rafters. And usually when you are in a room with 200 or more, you would think that there would be excitement in the air. Think about it...usually a crowd that size means a concert, a movie, a rally, a sporting event...and usually at any or all of these, you find people who are generally happy and even excited to be there.

That was not the case this morning. The people were tired. They had no color in their complexion. A good portion seemed like they wanted to cry, but they were holding back because they felt ashamed to do it in front of so many.

It go me thinking. Why does this place make people sad? Why is the music so sad? From the preacher to the hymns, I kept getting this idea that life sucks until you die. And everyone seemed to be nodding and confirming this assesment.

And I just kept wondering...why the heck did I get up for this?

Good thing I can block this kind of thing out...but I feel that alot of other people aren't so lucky. They get in line with the crowd and follow it all the way to miseryville. Some of them continue on the psychoburg.

I don't blame God or anyone else in his crib. I really don't think he (or she if you like) can really do anything about the stupidity plague. And he (or she if you like) shouldn't have to. People really shouldn't be that stupid.

But they are. The watch shows labeled reality and think it's "real". They eat McDonald's everyday and then wonder why they are overweight. They let each day blend into the next and start to except that it will always stay the same.

They loose hope.

When you're a kid, you're taught to smile when you think of Jesus. By the time you're in your mid-twenties, he's making most people sad and afraid.

I feel sorry for the people that get that way.

I want to find the church that The Blues Brothers went to. That looked like it was way more fun.

I MAY NOT GET PAID A WHOLE LOT....

2005-11-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

But how many people get paid to do this to themselves? I may be in debt up to my ears, but when you can sit for an hour and do this kind of stuff, it seems so worth it!

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

2005-11-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

No...not Christmas.

Syracuse basketball on national television.

Even though I don't have cable...it's nice to know that the boys are back in town!!!

I could care less when my football teams lose. I could care less when my baseball team chokes.

But I bleed ORANGE! Not happy when Syracuse plays bad.

What I wouldn't give for a rematch with Vermont. The thought of all those hippies with smiles on their faces makes me want to puke.

My winter insanity has begun. GOOOOOO CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSE!

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

2005-11-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

Ralphie wanted an official Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in the stock.

I want a little bit more from Santa this year.

1. REGULAR RADIO TO STOP SUCKING

Wake up and realize your potential. You are so bad that people, like me, have to pay ten bucks a month just to hear a variety of music. I didn't want to do this, but you left me know choice. Anytime my hand comes close to the button labeled FM, I break into a cold sweat. Fear takes over. I quickly shout, find a happy place! Find a happy place!

Day after day, you succeed in disappointing the masses. You give people who think they're funny a microphone and three hours to display the antics of a 5 year-0ld who has not yet been potty trained. You replace rock'n'roll stations in NYC with talk? You make stars out of racists and pay them millions to do it. WHY?

And now you name a format after a person? And you choose the name Jack! Not something cool like Elvis, Johnny, or Lamar. You choose Jack! Why don't just call it what it is? Stupid music white people are too cheap to buy!

Don't die like the dinosaurs did. It is not better to burn out or fade away!

It is essential that you keep on Rocking in the Free World.

2. SAD MOVIES STOP WINNING AWARDS

Alright, I know life sucks. It's hard and it's full of pain. And yes, people like to spend millions of dollars to act out those shitty realities and then they try and get the masses to spend nine bucks to see the their love fest to pain. And quite often, those movies are good. They deserve praise.

BUT EVERY FUCKING YEAR?

Just once, I'd like to look at the list of possible Oscar contenders and not see a dozen movies that would drive the happiest person to a life of darkness and cheap whiskey.

I'm not asking that we embrace Jerry Lewis like the French do. But I don't know if I can take another year where assisted suicide, war, or a terminal illness get placed in the movies that we all must remember bin.

3. BRING BACK BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD

Now that King of the Hill is going off the air...Mike Judge...bring back Beavis and Butthead. Today's youth needs them more then ever. The current generation continues to prove that they don't know what sucks.

Plus, it would be nice to see videos on MTV instead of Laguna fucking Beach, Cribs, and Pimp My Ride!

4. OPRAH FOR PRESIDENT

Girlfriend...put the show down and clean up America.

You can get anyone to talk. You care about people (I hope it's not all about the ratings).

The friends you have on speed dial could single handly wipe out poverty in America and feed a 1/4 of Africa.

You made millions realize that....

1- Books existed

2- Reading some of them can actually be fun and mind expanding.

Bring Stedman and Gail along...but leave Dr. Phil where he is. He could really hurt your chances in the blue states.

Fuck Hillary. GO OPRAH!!! Democrats? Republicans? Hell no. Give me HARPO!

5. An IPOD

I've been asking for one for the last 3 years. I'm gonna keep asking until I get one. A shuffle, a nano...or preferably the U2 model. Just bring me one of them! That is all I ask.

YOU CAN'T IGNORE ME FOREVER FATMAN!

ONCE AGAIN I CLEAN...AND I LOSE!!!

2005-11-15T13:47:00.000-05:00

I don't think of myself as a messy person. I like to describe my space, whether at work or home, as "lived in". It is my personal opinion that spending too much time getting your space neat takes away from the time you have to enjoy having the space to begin with.

But occasionally, the piles get too high and I find myself spending hours navigating an never ending labrynth of junk mail, paperwork, and reciepts. Like Nicholson on the hunt for the little boy at the end of The Shining, I stumble and scream.

Luckily I'm inside or else I probably would freeze to death.

It's at that point that I try to whittle down my collection of dead trees. I sort, I shred, and I discard.

And that's when my brain fails...and I manage to destroy something that needed to stay put!

Up to this point, the stuff that disappears can be replaced or redone. For that, I am greatful.

But I always wonder what if. What if I had just left things the way they were? Why clean?

And then the vicious cycle begins again.

Someday, I hope that I can free myself from this painful dance.

OUT OF FOCUS

2005-11-14T18:10:00.000-05:00

It's days like these that I often find most puzzling.

I walk through them in a constant blur. I often wonder if the world sees me the same way Robin Williams looked in Deconstructing Harry.
(for those of you who never saw it, he was out of focus and everyone saw him like that)

I know I'm awake. I know I'm doing work. But I have no idea how it's all happening.

People are talking to me, but most of them sound like Charlie Brown's teacher. Maow Maow Maow! That's all I hear.

But somehow, I manage to stumble through the hours in my mentally drunk state and get the tasks of the day completed. Even though I'm slipping and sliding out of periodic moments of amnesia, I think I should be able to find my way home.

And it could be worse.

I could be this bird.

T.V. Engineer, Soldier, and ROCK STAR

2005-11-14T01:31:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, I took a short drive south to Peru, NY. I had heard through the grapevine that a co-worker of mine was playing with his band at a bar. I jumped at the chance to see it. I am a music junkie and I've played in a few bands. I always enjoy a live performance.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I could feel the excitement building. Then I saw this sign and I lost interest in the music for a few short minutes. I hope I get the chance to see this someday soon.

Then, I remembered why I had came. I headed inside and was immeadiately greated by the sweet sounds of the Allman Brother's classic Ramblin Man.

Now, I've seen a number of cover bands in my day. I played in the greatest cover band of all time. Peter James! You've never heard of them? You poor unfortunate soul. Weezer and Ugly Kid Joe never sounded better. But that was a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Back to the present time.

The band on stage was Branded. The night was filled with the songs of southern rock, country, and a nice potpurri of other classics...including La Bamba!

I'm not a huge fan of country music. I wouldn't know Chesney from McGraw if you played them both for me. But I will say that hearing the stuff live gave me a new respect for it all. Not the lyrics...those are still cheesier then Wisconsin ever gets. But the musicianship...that's some good stuff. You best give fiddle players some respect.

The highlight of the evening was when the bass player took center stage. I know him as Andrew the engineer. I know him as Andrew the soldier, who recently served in our operation over in Iraq and by the grace of God...made it back home alive and in one piece.

This night, I came to know Andrew as a master at the art of rock'n'roll. Why do I call him that do you ask? Because the man took a classic and did as good or better then band that made it famous. It also happens to be in my all time top ten greatest songs.

When I heard the intial chord progression begin, I got goosebumps. I always do when this song begins. This is the track that I've belted out a thousand times when driving or dancing around the house. I only wish I could sing it like Andrew can.

Oh yeah...the song is Wanted Dead or Alive. And aside from the time Jon Bon Jovi and Ritchie Sambora performed it accoustically at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, I have never seen it played or sang this well.

Hopefully I get to see them play it again some time. Along with some Molly Hatchet. I've never seen anyone cover Flirting with Disaster. I know the dream will come true someday.

DEATH OF A LEGEND

2005-11-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

I just learned of another tragedy in the world of professional wrestling.

I have been a fan of this since I was a small lad. By the time I was 9, I had grown sick of Saturday morning cartoons. And luckily, there was an alternative. The Superstars of Wrestling began at 11am on what was then the UHF channel. Hogan, Piper, Andre the Giant, Jake the Snake Roberts, The Million Dollar Man, The British Bulldogs, Tito Santana, The Ultimate Warrior... I'll stop there cause the list will take up way too much room. Every weekend was a joyous one for at least 2 hours.

Before I get to the death of Eddie Guerrero...I must get the following off my chest. For all you out there in the world that think this stuff is fake...IT IS NOT! Are the matches pre-determined? Yes. But the lengths that the men and women who participate in them have to go to are much harder and dangerous then in any other so-called real sport. What they do day in and day out is nothing short of miraculous. There is no "off season". There are no "time outs". There are no pads. You don't have to like it...but god damn it...RESPECT IT!

Eddie Guerrero was a warrior. A man who tackled his craft with a style that had never been seen before. He played the villain to perfection. He did it so well that he won the crowd over and made millions cheer for him to lie, cheat, and steal.

He was a high flier and master technician on the ground. Alot of guys who come into the squared circle occaisionally have entertaining matches. Eddie's were always show stoppers.

You could stick him in the ring with just about anyone and the results would be magical. Very few who are in this business can do that.

Outside of "the show" Eddie overcame the obstacle of addiction. It nearly cost him his career and his family. But he battled back...ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. I come from a family of addicts. I've seen what that shit can do to you. I have come face to face with people who have hit rock bottom. I have watched them struggle to make it back. To succeed on the highest level after having had to battle those kind of demons is amazing.

Now, wrestling fans have lost another great one. But more importanly, a wife has lost a husband and children have lost a father.

How did he die? Nobody knows that just yet. According to the authorities in Minneapolis, there were no apparent signs of foul play or suicide.

Whatever the cause, I will grieve. I will not spit on this man's legacy even if it turns out that his demons came back and got the best of him. Anyone who does is FUCKING ASSHOLE!

Rest in peace Eddie. And may god bless you, your family, and all the men and women who put their lives on the line to entertain us every week in the SPORT of Professional Wrestling.

50 years later...THE ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA DANCE

2005-11-12T13:20:00.000-05:00

It was 50 years ago tonight that these crazy kids realized they were in for a long and happy future together. Their first dance. Their first kiss. And their first encounter with their youngest son...even though there had been no sex of any kind.

And while these two lovebirds rejoiced in their new relationship, lightning struck the town's clock tower. I wonder if they ever fixed it or left it as is.

Anyway, when you get a chance, raise a toast to George and Lorraine. And play Johnny B. Good!

THIS SWEATER??? WHAT GIVES

2005-11-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

I have too many clothes. More then most women...I'm serious. I like to have something for all occasions...and a t-shirt for everyday of the year.

Now, most days I look alright I guess. I'm not too in love with myself, so I won't get all vane. And sometimes, people will tell me that they like the shoes, or the shirt, or the jacket or...well you get the idea.

Then came today. I put on this sweater.

I have owned this sweater for a few years. It's orange...I like to have as much of that color as I possibly can. I can't wear Syracuse gear everyday, but I can sport the colors as much as possible. GO 'CUSE!

I put it on with a somewhat baggy pair of jeans (most of my clothes are baggy after losing upwards of 60 pounds). Last, a scuffed pair of black shoes. Nothing special I thought.

I shaved the stubble of my neck to make the beard I'm growing a little more neat. Again, nothing special I thought. Don't want to be a total slob...well at least not today.

Then I got to work. And the eyes and the comments started coming my way.

Now, there are a few people I come across on a daily basis that are constantly polite with their words. Today, they were again. AND SO WERE ANOTHER DOZEN THAT RARELY IF EVER SAY THAT KIND OF STUFF.

So I guess this is my new "go to" outfit. I never would have guessed that while I spent 5 minutes looking at my wardrobe and dancing in my boxers to the Talking Heads that I would have stumbled upon something so profound.

Hmmm.

MY NEW ADDICTION

2005-11-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

I think I may have found something to take the place of smoking. While I love my nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide...and all the other ingredients...I love MUSIC alot more. And today, I finally joined the bazillions of humanoids in I-Tune land.

Like a kid in the candy store, I race through the selections. So much available...so much to choose from. Ahhhhhhhh....so many choices!!!

I finally settled on these 18.

Breathe (2AM) Anna Nalick
Southern Cross Crosby, Stills & Nash
Pictures of Matchstick Men Camper Van Beethoven
Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves Eurythmics
Lose Yourself Eminem
California 2005 Phantom Planet
Where the Party At Jagged Edge & Nelly
Don't Worry, Be Happy Bobby McFerrin
The Rock Show Blink-182
Wonderwall Ryan Adams
The Remedy (I Won't Worry) Jason Mraz
Sick Boys Social Distortion
I Love L.A. Randy Newman
Joe's Garage Frank Zappa
The Conversation (With Waylon Jennings) Hank Williams, Jr.
(Night Time Is) The Right Time Ray Charles
Magic The Cars
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant Billy Joel

If I don't get up from my computer soon, I will be here for days. I will go without food and cleaning and...well. IT LOOKS LIKE MY SMOKING DAYS MAY BE NUMBERED! I NEED MONEY TO BUY MUSIC!!!

My Peeps

2005-11-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hey folks. You've come here to read da stuff. When you are done, please, check this sight out and let me know just where you are when you're doing it. Just curious. I saw this in someone else's blog and it's totally like radical and stuff!

So please please please...get on my map.

http://www.frappr.com/hootspeeps

ME LOVES A GOOD LIVE SHOW

2005-11-10T14:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a few months since my last concert. I am craving some live music.

The last show I got to see this year was Neil Diamond at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. I made Chainsaw go with me. He wasn't thrilled. But I was. And what a show. The dude is 64 and delivers like very few I have ever seen before. And the best part was the fact that I got to go for free.

Highlights--Brother John's Traveling Salvation Show...and nearly getting kicked out for dancing with a hottie 40 something in the aisle during Sweet Caroline. Oh...lots of bras flying around...even in places where they would never reach the stage.

Before Neil...it was Green Day. This was simply amazing. A total love fest from the band to the crowd...even though the music is about hating the government. If you don't like American Idiot...well, YOU SUCK.

Highlights--Seeing kids who were probably conceived after Dookie came out singing the classics word for word. Don't think they know what "bite my lip and close my eyes" means. Also, mid way through the show, they pulled three people out of the crowd randomly and let them play for the crowd. A drummer, a bass player, and a guitar player. I wish one of them could have been me, but I was happy for the ones that made it. Especially the 14 year-old who got to keep the guitar.

Before Green Day...SOCIAL DISTORTION. Mike Ness...well, he's a god. For those of you who live in a sad world where you never ever heard this legendary band play before...imagine Johnny Cash fronting a punk band. When you are done doing that...Go buy Live at the Roxy.

Highlights--the whole f'n show!

Before Social D...Cracker/Camper Van Beethoven unplugged. Wow wow wow! Johnny and Dave strip down the hits. Got see them do a short set in a record store in Burlington before the real show. Didn't really dig the new "rock opera" thing they had going...but it was worth it to hear the other stuff. It was like a time machine took me back to 1994.

Highlights--Take the Skinheads Bowling with a jug band backing them up. And Eurotrash Girl...one of my top ten all-time greatest songs ever!

I need some more. I could go see Rooney next week...but they're the opening act for a shitty band. Do I chance it? Rooney by the way...think Weezer with more of Beach Boys feel.

Then...I could try to get to U2. I would have to score the tickets on EBAY or a scalper. It will probably cost me a small fortune...but it is U2. I have seen the last 2 tours...Pop Mart was the better of the two. They were still all glammy, not serious. I like it better that way. Don't care that the album was sub par.

One date I must put aside is April 3, 2006. Coldplay...Manchester, New Hampshire. Get ready Dusty. I will be invading.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAINSAW

2005-11-09T17:56:00.000-05:00

The man, the myth, the legend. The best there is, the best there was...the best there ever will be. The ayatollah of rock'n'rolla!

Happy 31st birthday to my friend...my compadre...my brother.

You are destined for greatness and immortality.

I'm a lucky to have someone like you in my life. Thanks for always being there for me. You are a big reason I'm able to walk amongst the living again.

IT IS A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

2005-11-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

A little more then two hours ago, I walked through the newsroom and found tragedy coming down on a satellite feed. Another country ravaged by sensless violence. Normally, I just shrug my shoulders and think "well, another bunch of assholes strikes again."

Today was different. It wasn't like 9/11...but it had a small twinkling of it.

If you aren't someone who watches the news...here is a brief update.

AMMAN, Jordan - Suicide bombers attacked three hotels frequented by Westerners in the Jordanian capital Wednesday night, and at least 18 people were killed and 120 wounded, police said. Maj. Bashir al-Da'aja said officials believe all three blasts were carried out by suicide bombers. The explosions indicated the involvement of al-Qaida, which has launched coordinated attacks on high-profile, Western targets in the past, a police official said.

This kind of thing hits home when you can put a face there. Over in Dusty land, I read about a lady named Tololy. She lives in Amman...and finds Dusty's blog to be a good read (why???).

Upon learning of this tragedy, I e-mailed her. And thank god...she's alright. Here was here message back to me.

I thank you for the kind gesture of checkin up on me and the situationin Amman. I have just posted an entry about it. I admit I am shook upat the moment and I am almost in disbelief. What has happened is tragic.

People in Amman are in a state of panic, we are not used to this kindof explicit violence and killing. We are all sad and I join my prayers to yours for the souls of those who gave away their lives tonight, for no fault of their own. May god grant their families, friends, and the Jordanian people patience at this great loss.

When you get a chance, take a moment to reflect on your own mortality and say a prayer for those who suffered today. If you're an atheist...just think something nice for them.

Here is Tololy's blog address. http://www.tololy.blogspot.com/

PEE-WEE SPEAKS

2005-11-09T14:16:00.000-05:00

"I'm a loner Dottie. A rebel."

Just one of many lines from a classic film. Tim Burton's masterpiece...PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE.

Someday, I want to own a house. And then I want to make my house like his. Complete with all the gadgets, the pole from the second floor to the kitchen, and the Mr. T cereal.

So where is Pee-Wee? We know where Mr. Reubens has been. Porn theaters, collecting mass quantities of "questionable" art, and...well he was in Blow (rest in peace Ted Demme!).

But where is Pee-Wee? When we last saw him, he was in the circus and had a talking pig (I don't count the television show).

Well, we may see him again soon. I recently stumbled upon this account of a Q&A session with Paul Reubens and it appears as though he may want to slip into the grey suit for some more shenanigans.

Someone asked a question about future Pee-Wee projects. To which Mr. Reubens held up two scripts, both of which he wrote and both deal with Pee-Wee. The first he said did in fact have a producer attached by remained nameless. But the story had something to do with the "King of Cartoons" being kidnapped and Pee-Wee has to save him. He mentioned that it would be closer to an extention of the CBS Saturday morning show.

The second he gave a longer summary, saying it opens with Pee-Wee just getting out of prison (for what I have no idea, but don't think my mind went to a certain something) and joining a lumberjack community. Even stranger was that Pee-Wee is somehow discovered for his singing talents and produces a famous single. But fame doesn't agree with Pee-Wee and he turns into a monster against his adoring fans. He went on to say he just finished this one, and has yet to be read by any production companies. So this film would be more like a 3rd installment in the Pee-Wee films. Also regarding a return of Dotty in this film, he said "no, there is a new love interest named Darchel" Apparently if this film doesn't pan out, he said he's planning on turning it into a comic book.

Ahhh yeah! I only have one request. Bring back FRANCIS!

GET A PERSON TO DO SOMETHING THEY DON'T WANT TO DO

2005-11-08T21:50:00.000-05:00

When somebody doesn't want to do something, they put up a fight. They piss and moan. You beg. You really need a favor. You really need their help. But, they just won't move. Nothing will get them to change their mind.

If you find yourself in this position, you might want to try quoting WE ARE THE WORLD.

Just today, a co-worker of mine was trying to avoid a task that is usually covered by a different department. It was not something that was gonna happen...until I started to say

There comes a time, when we hear a certain call.
When the world must come together as one.
There are people dying.
And it's time we lend a hand...to life...the greatest gift of all.

And just like that, the same magic that earned millions for starving africans moved my pal to get up and go.

Was it the power in the words that Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson wrote so many years ago? Or was it the fact that he didn't want to stick around to see if I would start singing?

The next time someone puts up a fight when you need help, try using this method to break them down. I'm curious to see if it works for others.

Should you get assaulted, I will not assume responsibility for your medical bills.

ANGER, FURY, AND TECHNOLOGY

2005-11-08T21:26:00.000-05:00

What do you do when technology fails?

I always feel that the stuff should never break or even get quirky. It comes from watching all those cartoons as a kid that had robots in them that never seemed to break unless you shot lasers at them. Somewhere in my fragile brain, I always think that computers and other fine novelities were made by the same folks that designed Voltron. And sadly, I'm always disappointed.

Well, that's an understatement. When it all goes to shit, I want to kill. If I had to fight someone and needed to get in the mindset to do it, all I would need is a PC to crash just before the throwdown begins.

As I write to you right now, I am currently waiting for an avid to re-boot. For those of you that don't work in television, an avid is supposed to be a state of the art piece of machinery that allows an editor to do all sorts of funky things with video and audio. Sounds cool?

Would be...except for the fact that it behaves like a Geo Metro trying to climb a mountain most of the time.

It's because of times like these that I learned new ways to use curse words. Simply string 10 together at make your own new one every time.
Tonight, I went with asshitfucksuckbitchycrap!

I can only wonder what magic I will come up with next time.

VEGAS TAKES YOUR MONEY...AND MAYBE YOUR THUMB

2005-11-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

Off with their thumbs!

That's the suggestion of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

He said graffiti artists caught defacing freeways should get their thumbs cut off -- on TV no less.

Goodman, appearing on the "Nevada Newsmakers" television show in Reno, said efforts are made to have beautiful highway landscaping, including paintings, and "These punks come along and deface it. I'm saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb."

Goodman also told the TV show that whippings or canings should be brought back for kids who get into trouble.

Goodman said he's dead serious about his crime-fighting suggestions. But he added there should be a trial before any whippings or thumb-choppings.

WORDS OF WISDOM PT. 1

2005-11-07T14:54:00.000-05:00

Kenny Chesney told Life magazine that breaking up with Renee Zellweger was "like opening the door to your house and having someone come in and take your big-screen TV off the wall during the big game, and there's nothing you can do about it."

Nicole Richie told Jane magazine that she " wouldn't say no if she went back in time and had a second chance to try heroin."

When America Lost It’s Way

2005-11-07T12:49:00.000-05:00

In this day in age, we live in a land of confusion. Our society has lost it’s way. The right blames the left and the left blames the right. Democrats are quick to remind everyone of how great life was during the Clinton regime and Republicans are quick to…try and convince us all that everything they’ve done over the past 5 years is just hunky dory. I say both sides are wrong.

Our innocence, our joy, our success went away because of one person and one person only.

BILLY OCEAN.

When this heartthrob from Trinidad sang such meaningful words as “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” and “Get out of my dreams, get into my car”, our world was at peace.

You say Reagan brought down the Berlin wall…I say Billy did, with a little help from Hasselhoff.

Billy…if you’re out there, I beg you. Please come back. You may be 55, but I say you’ve got some rockin left in you. We all need you now more then ever. Your lyrics could end this madness and restore us to the prosperity and happy go lucky times of yesterday.

So put down that Caribbean Queen and save us.

OWN A PIECE OF HAMMER

2005-11-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Remember when rap was just fun...and no gun? Now you can own some of that for the right price.

Starting on Tuesday (November 1), interested bidders can request the more than 300 pages of spreadsheet information on the rapper's catalog and a chance to "own whatever share of the songs that he used to own." Here's what you can get for your money:

· A 30 percent share of "Break 'Em Off Somethin' Proper" (with the lion's share going to the late Troutman brothers, Roger and Larry, of the funk group Zapp, for the big chunk of their hit "More Bounce to the Ounce")
· A 50 percent stake in Hammer's 1990 smash "U Can't Touch This" (the estate of late funketeer Rick James gets the other half thanks to the "Super Freak" sample)
· A 62.5 percent share of "Turn This Mutha Out" (with the rest going to George Clinton for the sample of Parliament's "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)")
· A 75 percent share of "Addams Groove" and "Pray" (with Prince getting 25 percent of the latter for its "When Doves Cry" sample)
· A healthy 90 percent of "2 Legit 2 Quit" and the full 100 percent of "Let's Get It Started"

If you're interested, contact Wixen Music Publishing.

This is not a joke. This really possible. I've got my eye on Turn This Mutha Out. But if you beat me to it, I'll understand.

STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION CHALLENGE #1

2005-11-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

Movie sequels aren’t always a good thing. But in some cases, there are still stories out there to be told. Characters that remain forever locked in a single setting that deserve the chance to break free. Day after day, they stay trapped.

Now, I think it’s time to set them free. And you can help.

My challenge for anyone reading this is this. Come up with your very own “whatever happened to___________” story.

Here are two characters to choose from.

JOE HALLENBECK

CAMERON FRYE

I tried to get two people who are known by many. My apologies to anyone who is unfamiliar with either of them.

Make it a quick bio…or a mini novel. It’s up to you.

Once I get them…so long as they aren’t insanely graphic…I will post them right here. Include your name or your pen name if you which to remain anonymous.

Take a break from your long day and stretch that imagination. I will await your work with eager anticipation.

Good luck…and good journey.

TALES FROM THE PINK COUCH PT. 1

2005-11-05T19:28:00.000-05:00

"I hope to conquer the world."

Don't we all? I know a few people who might actually have a shot at it. I don't feel I have what it takes.

The quote up top comes from a documentary that I recently watched in the the comfort of my home...while sitting on my pink couch. If all my possessions were taken and I had the choice of keeping just one thing, it would be my pink couch.

But enough about that. Let me tell you a little story about Troy Duffy.

Troy Duffy was a lucky man who let his desire to be totally in charge get the best of him.

His first screenplay was bought by Miramax.
They also bought him the bar he was working at.
His band was signed by Maverick (Madonna's label).

And then...his true colors came shining through.

The movie was made. It's called THE BOONDOCK SAINTS. Check it out sometime. It's not bad.

But Troy never saw a dime from it. How do you ask?

Here is where I stop with the plot points. What I will tell you is that the next time you are in the video store, pick up a copy of OVERNIGHT.

For anyone who has ever dreamed of being a filmmaker or a rock star, here is a tale of how it can all go wrong.

But don't think that you have to be in to either of those to enjoy the film. This true story is one of the best tragic tales that you can ever watch. Like a real life Scarface, the dude lets his power get the best of him. And like Pacino, he commands the screen. I had to stop and remind myself that it wasn't scripted. And even if he was just playing it up for the cameras, then gosh golly gee, he's the best improviser I've ever seen.

At the end of it, I left the comforts of my pink couch and headed outside for my post movie smoke. It took a little longer then most. I had a lot to think about.

I have always wanted to do what Troy Duffy did. By that, I mean make a movie with real actors and a real budget and then be able to watch it on the big screen or rent it at Blockbuster. I have no desire for the rest of what happens to him...though I wouldn't mind a record deal.

But as I stood on my back porch, I couldn't help but wonder...Does fame change who you are or does it bring out who you really are?

And I really must say...I'm kind of afraid to find out.

There is one other quote from the flick that I'm sure some of you can truly appreciate. One that I plan to frame.

"Ever since I was a kid, I knew that I was not meant to do what other people do."

For those of you that identify with this, everyday that you are forced to stay within the fabrics of society's norm must be painful. My advice is this (it's also the message of The D)

"Set the artist free."

Everyday that you keep it locked up will be another day that you regret.

50 YEARS AND STILL FLUXING!

2005-11-05T19:10:00.000-05:00

It was 50 years ago today...that Sgt. Pepper told the band to play. Actually it wasn't. And I don't even like The Beatles. Love their solo work though.

Back the topic at hand.

BACK TO THE FUTURE!

On November 5, 1955, Doctor Emmit Brown created time travel.

And the world has never been the same.

So here's to 50 years of flux capaciting at 1.21 jiga watts!

And now you have a reason to drink.

SORRY BOUT THAT...

2005-11-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

To anyone who has vistited that wanted to comment but didn't want to register, you no longer have to register. Still ironing out the kinks in the system to make it more user friendly...and I am not exactly a computer wiz.

BELIEVE THAT MUSIC CAN BE GOOD AGAIN

2005-11-04T20:10:00.000-05:00

My job in life is to promote. Right now, I only get paid to do it for an NBC affiliate. But I gladly give time to things that I feel everyone should check out. When I like something alot...you will know about it.

For along time, we all had to suffer through a horrible phase of music. Post-Nirvana was painful. Turn off your radio! Stop buying music!
Invent websites where you can steal it because you shouldn't have to pay for Limp Bizkit.

I paid for Limp Bizkit. I blame Fred Durst for my problems. But I still raise a fist when Rollin comes on.

Now, there were a few bright spots. I would be downright braindead to not bring up the brilliance that is Radiohead. And I'm sure that others who read this will have others to chime in with. But one thing I'm sure we can all agree on, there was a ton of crap doing damage to our youth.

A few years ago, I traveled to Montreal to see Doves (three british gents that don't think they need "the" in their name. But they rock!). Opening for them that night was a band called My Morning Jacket. When I saw the name on the poster, I thought it was a charitable organization, not a super group from Louisville, Kentucky.

As I sipped on my pint of Molson, 5 shaggy dudes took the stage. They started to play. I ignored them at first. I have a bad habit of ignoring opening acts at shows where I am dying to see the main attraction. In fact, I usually get angry and violent about three songs in. I was nearly arrested when I had to sit through Third Eye Blind when they opened for U2. That is true pain!

Back to the show.

All of a sudden, the guitars got louder. The jams went from a weak-Phish sound a like to something that would rival the Allmans at their peak. I turned to the stage and saw that their lead singer was armed with a flying-v. And then he started to sing with more force.

I remember the first time I heard Axl Rose. It gave me goosebumps.

This was something greater. I was on the verge of tears.

Most will say that Jim James sounds like Neil Young. He does. But he's not trying to do some kind of copy cat routine. It is original. It is pure.

It is the rock'n'roll that we all deserve to have. It is the sound that should be dominating the airwaves. It could be the catalyst for world peace.

If you feel checking out their stuff, start with It Still Moves. Once you've got your fill of that, move on to Z.

And if you can, go see them LIVE! It will change your life. You will believe. You will smile.

Learn more here...http://www.mymorningjacket.com/