Thought you might enjoy something light-hearted this year. It's amazing what simple editing can do to change the entire premise of a movie. You probably won't find this amusing if you haven't already seen the film.
Just click on the "play" icon on the bottom left corner.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Witches in days gone by were roasted just like my Vienna sausage.
Attempted to log on to World of Warcraft this evening for a weekly raid I've been attending for the past six weeks. It's becoming very obvious that my computer doesn't like running Warcraft as much as it used to. This is evident by the frequent program crashes over the past week. My plans to step back from the game to do other things that were a little more proactive we're working just fine. I just didn't think that my system would revolt again me as well.
Well, screw this!
I decided to watch The Blair Witch Project this evening instead. Not sure if that was the wisest idea, but I wanted to watch something scary.
Do you remember when your parents used to tell you to "use your imagination" whenever you were given something less than adequate to play with... ? And that is why this film is so damn scary and disturbing to me. Nothing is scarier than your own imagination.
Anyone remember a little movie called Jaws? Why was that shark so scary? Not because you saw it, but that you felt it's presence, lurking under the water. Granted, it wasn't on the screen for almost two-thirds of the picture because the mechanics of the damn fish weren't working. Spielberg used that to his advantage to create one of the most suspenseful thrillers of all time. (If you're wondering why I didn't put that in my "Favorite Scary Movies Post," I consider it more of a summer blockbuster film.)
If you think that the opening sequence in Jaws was unnerving, try reading the first chapter of the book. My sister can attest to that night I got the book. I kept reading her passages for two reasons: (1) I felt that reading it aloud relieved some of the tension it initially created and (2) I wanted to creep her out. I'm sure you can just picture it in your head right now...
So I popped the disc in my DVD player, turned off all the lights in my room and quickly became absorbed by the ambiance that only a small tube television can pull off for a movie like this.
>>> Fast Forward 80+ minutes later >>>
Yep, that movie still gives me the creeps. Still holds up rather well considering that I had not watched the film in it's entirety since it was released theatrically. I purchased the DVD a good three years ago and still couldn't put the disc in until tonight. After the viewing, I took it out, snapped it back into it's case, walked out to the living room and proceeded to tell Will and Melody, "Well, it'll probably be another seven years before I can watch that again."
I had a brief desire to review the film but the feeling quickly passed. Thank goodness for that, 'cause I really didn't feel like focusing on that picture any more than I already did. Additional trivia for the film can be read here, as well as the original link via IMDb.com.
Spent close to nine hours at work yesterday. Hadn't worked a Sunday in a good while. I forgot how much work I was able to get done coming in on a Sunday morning, not having anyone bother me so I could research as well as catch up on my paperwork from throughout the week.
After work I stopped by my friend Shawn's and had a couple of beers and a couple slices of pizza while we watched some football and then Halloween. A majority of the viewing experience was peppered with distracting commentary by my friends who slowly filtered into Shawn's apartment throughout the evening. Needless to say, I had not been completely fulfilled by watching Halloween that night and went home to watch 28 Days Later.
Melody joined me soon after it started and boy does that film still kick some serious ass. My scare quota had finally been filled and I could go to bed feeling complete.
Here's hoping, being the grown man that I am, I'll be able to slip into dreamland, successfully turning off that "active imagination."
I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow. Watch out for the razorblade in the Snickers ® bar. I'll be working that night unloading a truck and probably living my own real nightmare of having way too much product and not enough places to put it.
Until next time, dear readers. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.
Well, screw this!
I decided to watch The Blair Witch Project this evening instead. Not sure if that was the wisest idea, but I wanted to watch something scary.
Do you remember when your parents used to tell you to "use your imagination" whenever you were given something less than adequate to play with... ? And that is why this film is so damn scary and disturbing to me. Nothing is scarier than your own imagination.
Anyone remember a little movie called Jaws? Why was that shark so scary? Not because you saw it, but that you felt it's presence, lurking under the water. Granted, it wasn't on the screen for almost two-thirds of the picture because the mechanics of the damn fish weren't working. Spielberg used that to his advantage to create one of the most suspenseful thrillers of all time. (If you're wondering why I didn't put that in my "Favorite Scary Movies Post," I consider it more of a summer blockbuster film.)
If you think that the opening sequence in Jaws was unnerving, try reading the first chapter of the book. My sister can attest to that night I got the book. I kept reading her passages for two reasons: (1) I felt that reading it aloud relieved some of the tension it initially created and (2) I wanted to creep her out. I'm sure you can just picture it in your head right now...
So I popped the disc in my DVD player, turned off all the lights in my room and quickly became absorbed by the ambiance that only a small tube television can pull off for a movie like this.
>>> Fast Forward 80+ minutes later >>>
Yep, that movie still gives me the creeps. Still holds up rather well considering that I had not watched the film in it's entirety since it was released theatrically. I purchased the DVD a good three years ago and still couldn't put the disc in until tonight. After the viewing, I took it out, snapped it back into it's case, walked out to the living room and proceeded to tell Will and Melody, "Well, it'll probably be another seven years before I can watch that again."
I had a brief desire to review the film but the feeling quickly passed. Thank goodness for that, 'cause I really didn't feel like focusing on that picture any more than I already did. Additional trivia for the film can be read here, as well as the original link via IMDb.com.
Spent close to nine hours at work yesterday. Hadn't worked a Sunday in a good while. I forgot how much work I was able to get done coming in on a Sunday morning, not having anyone bother me so I could research as well as catch up on my paperwork from throughout the week.
After work I stopped by my friend Shawn's and had a couple of beers and a couple slices of pizza while we watched some football and then Halloween. A majority of the viewing experience was peppered with distracting commentary by my friends who slowly filtered into Shawn's apartment throughout the evening. Needless to say, I had not been completely fulfilled by watching Halloween that night and went home to watch 28 Days Later.
Melody joined me soon after it started and boy does that film still kick some serious ass. My scare quota had finally been filled and I could go to bed feeling complete.
Here's hoping, being the grown man that I am, I'll be able to slip into dreamland, successfully turning off that "active imagination."
I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow. Watch out for the razorblade in the Snickers ® bar. I'll be working that night unloading a truck and probably living my own real nightmare of having way too much product and not enough places to put it.
Until next time, dear readers. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
The Power of Christ Compels You.
The Dude's Sister: What, would you say, is your most favorite "ultra suspense" movie of all-time?
That's such a tough question because I always seem to break horror movies into sub-genres. So here is my attempt to break them down:
(I might have lifted a summary here and there from IMDb.com, just to speed things up.)
WHERE IN THE HELL ARE MY PANTS?!?
(Movies that scare the pants off of you.)
28 Days Later (2002)
Directed by Danny Boyle
"His fear began when he woke up alone. His terror began when he realized he wasn't."
I think the main reason why I find this film so brilliant and undeniably disturbing is that the premise seems realistic. A powerful virus escapes from a British research facility. Transmitted in a drop of blood and devastating within seconds, the virus locks those infected into a permanent state of murderous rage. The outbreak sweeps across London over the course of a month and lays waste to a majority of the population. Jim (Cillian Murphy), our protagonist, wakes from a coma in a deserted hospital and finds himself searching for any survivors in the now vacant city.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Directed by Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez
"In October of 1994 three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, while shooting a documentary...A year later their footage was found."
The majority consensus, when it comes to this fim, is either: it truly scared me to death or it was a giant pile of rubbish. This film is the defining compass as to the ability to suspend your disbelief. So much time and effort went into creating a rich history with mock television specials, websites, etc., that it was hard to determine what you were seeing was real or just horse manure. The film thrives on how good your active imagination is and will it have you looking over your shoulder by the time the credits roll?
IS THAT A STITCH IN MY SIDE OR AM I BEING DISEMBOWELED?
(Movies that are humorously horrifying.)
Evil Dead II (1987)
Directed by Sam Raimi
"Kiss Your Nerves Good-Bye!"
Sometimes satire is considered one of the highest forms of flattery. This works twice as well when you satirize your own work. Some consider it a remake, others consider it a sequel. Either way, Evil Dead II is a splendid blend of horror and comedy reuniting Ash (Bruce Campbell) with a deserted house in the woods and the Necronomicon (the book of the dead). The result is a laugh-a-minute goofball gore-filled adventure as Ash (armed with only a shotgun and chainsaw) tries to save himself and a set of strangers from demon possession and quite possibly the end of the world.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Directed by Edgar Wright
"A romantic comedy. With zombies."
A brilliant British comedy with the disturbing images of a zombie flick. Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a 29-year-old with no real ambition in life, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and fed-up girlfriend. All of these things come to a screeching hault when London is suddenly overtaken by flesh-eating zombies. Shaun, with the help of his loser friend Ed, must now come to the rescue of his mum, step dad and ex-girlfriend armed with only a shovel, a cricket bat and his wit.
YOU'LL ONLY DIE IF YOU'RE NOT A VIRGIN.
(Slasher movies with a pre-determined set of rules.)
Halloween (1978)
Directed by John Carpenter
"The Night HE Came Home!"
A group of unsuspecting teenage girls are stalked by an escaped mental patient who murdered his sister on Halloween when he was only six years old. He has returned to his hometown to repeat his crime, pursued only by his psychiatrist, who believes that his patient is the manifestation of pure evil. John Carpenter and his crew shot this film in 21 days with budget of $300,000. Halloween is high on suspense, low on blood and guts and it works. Rumor has it that when the film was first screened, it only received mediocre reviews. After Carpenter added the now iconic film score, it suddenly became too intense for some viewers. Just goes to prove how valuable a film score can truly be.
Scream (1996)
Directed by Wes Craven
"Make Your Last Breath Count."
A teenage girl (Neve Campbell) becomes the target of a killer who has stalked and killed one of her classmates. A tabloid news reporter (Courtney Cox) is determined to uncover the truth, insisting that the man who raped and killed Campbell's mother one year earlier is the same man who is terrorizing her now. Scream made you re-evaluate how you looked at every other horror movie (sucessfully proving the point that if you were a virgin, and in a horror movie, it was a very good chance you survive). With it's tongue-in-cheek dialog, this independent horror film became a smash hit when people realized that you could have just as much fun laughing as you could screaming.
DUDE, DID YOU JUST SEE SOMETHING?
(Movies that make you sit on the edge of your seat.)
Alien (1979)
Directed by Ridley Scott
"In space no one can hear you scream."
When commercial towing vehicle Nostromo, heading back to Earth, intercepts an SoS signal from a nearby planet, the crew are under obligation to investigate. One of the crew members is put into a coma by an alien creature while investigating. What follows shortly after is one of the most intense and suspenseful pictures I've ever witnessed. The alien creature proceeds to eliminate every crew member on the ship, one by one. Ridley Scott sucessfully created a haunted house-like film where it made you wonder what would happen next at every turn. The film is also a great social commentary on the evils of commerical corporate conglomerates. It's the perfect mixture of science fiction, horror and unrelenting suspense.
Signs (2002)
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
"It's Not Like They Didn't Warn Us."
In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a five-hundred-foot crop circle is found on the farm of Graham Hess (Gibson), the town's reverend. The circles cause a media frenzy and test Hess's faith as he journeys to find out the truth behind the crop circles. Many would argue that this film shouldn't belong next to other horror titles. That's why I have sub-genres. While this film has next to no blood and gore associated with it, it does display an extremely high level of suspense. As if corn fields weren't creepy enough already, with the assistance of Mr. Shyamalan, they become the direct source of anxiety and anticipation. I have yet to watch another film involving an alien invasion that seems more realistic than this one here. Plus I can't fail to mention that this was the first film that I can recall making Willis jump out of his seat. That, if nothing more, was well worth the price of admission.
I'LL TAKE AN M16 ALONG WITH A CLEAN PAIR OF SHORTS.
(The action-movie scare-fest experience.)
Aliens (1986)
Directed by James Cameron
"This time it's war."
The only survivor of the Nostromo, Ripley is discovered in deep sleep half a century later by a salvage ship. When she is taken back to Earth, she learns that a human colony was founded on the same planet where the aliens were first found. After contact with the colony is lost, she finds herself sent back to the planet along with a team of marines. James Cameron sucessfully writes and directs the sequel and takes the general haunted house premise and turns it into a full-fledged rollercoaster ride. The action is satisfying, the horror is sometimes unbearable and the tension and suspense is unwavering. Once the aliens arrive on screen, the pacing is unbelievably quick and you hardly have time to catch your breath before the picture fades to black.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
"One night is all that stands between them and freedom. But it's going to be a hell of a night."
Penned by Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn is the story of two criminals and their hostages who unknowingly seek temporary refuge in an establishment populated by vampires. This film is what I call a "half-n-half." Half Tarantino dialog-driven action film, half insane vampire action-gore fest. Robert Rodriguez role didn't end with director on this film. He also was his own director of photography, producer and editor. Any Rodriguez or Tarantino fan should and probably does love this film. It's a has little bit of everything, just like "Benny's World of Liquor."
THE CHANNEL CHANGER.
(Movies that you just can't watch ever again.)
The Exorcist (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin
"Somewhere between science and superstition, there is another world. The world of darkness."
Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty (based on actual events) involves around a visiting actress in Washington, D.C. who has noticed dramatic and psychological changes in her daughter. She seeks out help through a pyschologist, who also happens to be a priest. The escalated situation calls upon the aid of another priest, when all hope seems to be lost. The girl seems to be possessed by a demon. The Exorcist is the kind of film that disturbs be down to my core. I've probably seem the film twice in it's entirety and never plan to watch the film again. Coming from a strong christian-based family and background, the film strikes too close to home pyschologically and more specifically, spiritually. That's why I've labeled this film as "The Channel Changer." If I ever come across it on television, the channel is immediately changed. I'm sure everyone has a film that has this kind of affect on them. I can readily admit that The Exorcist is by far, the scariest and the most unnerving film I've ever seen.
That's such a tough question because I always seem to break horror movies into sub-genres. So here is my attempt to break them down:
(I might have lifted a summary here and there from IMDb.com, just to speed things up.)
WHERE IN THE HELL ARE MY PANTS?!?
(Movies that scare the pants off of you.)
28 Days Later (2002)Directed by Danny Boyle
"His fear began when he woke up alone. His terror began when he realized he wasn't."
I think the main reason why I find this film so brilliant and undeniably disturbing is that the premise seems realistic. A powerful virus escapes from a British research facility. Transmitted in a drop of blood and devastating within seconds, the virus locks those infected into a permanent state of murderous rage. The outbreak sweeps across London over the course of a month and lays waste to a majority of the population. Jim (Cillian Murphy), our protagonist, wakes from a coma in a deserted hospital and finds himself searching for any survivors in the now vacant city.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)Directed by Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez
"In October of 1994 three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, while shooting a documentary...A year later their footage was found."
The majority consensus, when it comes to this fim, is either: it truly scared me to death or it was a giant pile of rubbish. This film is the defining compass as to the ability to suspend your disbelief. So much time and effort went into creating a rich history with mock television specials, websites, etc., that it was hard to determine what you were seeing was real or just horse manure. The film thrives on how good your active imagination is and will it have you looking over your shoulder by the time the credits roll?
IS THAT A STITCH IN MY SIDE OR AM I BEING DISEMBOWELED?
(Movies that are humorously horrifying.)
Evil Dead II (1987)Directed by Sam Raimi
"Kiss Your Nerves Good-Bye!"
Sometimes satire is considered one of the highest forms of flattery. This works twice as well when you satirize your own work. Some consider it a remake, others consider it a sequel. Either way, Evil Dead II is a splendid blend of horror and comedy reuniting Ash (Bruce Campbell) with a deserted house in the woods and the Necronomicon (the book of the dead). The result is a laugh-a-minute goofball gore-filled adventure as Ash (armed with only a shotgun and chainsaw) tries to save himself and a set of strangers from demon possession and quite possibly the end of the world.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)Directed by Edgar Wright
"A romantic comedy. With zombies."
A brilliant British comedy with the disturbing images of a zombie flick. Shaun (Simon Pegg) is a 29-year-old with no real ambition in life, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and fed-up girlfriend. All of these things come to a screeching hault when London is suddenly overtaken by flesh-eating zombies. Shaun, with the help of his loser friend Ed, must now come to the rescue of his mum, step dad and ex-girlfriend armed with only a shovel, a cricket bat and his wit.
YOU'LL ONLY DIE IF YOU'RE NOT A VIRGIN.
(Slasher movies with a pre-determined set of rules.)
Halloween (1978)Directed by John Carpenter
"The Night HE Came Home!"
A group of unsuspecting teenage girls are stalked by an escaped mental patient who murdered his sister on Halloween when he was only six years old. He has returned to his hometown to repeat his crime, pursued only by his psychiatrist, who believes that his patient is the manifestation of pure evil. John Carpenter and his crew shot this film in 21 days with budget of $300,000. Halloween is high on suspense, low on blood and guts and it works. Rumor has it that when the film was first screened, it only received mediocre reviews. After Carpenter added the now iconic film score, it suddenly became too intense for some viewers. Just goes to prove how valuable a film score can truly be.
Scream (1996)Directed by Wes Craven
"Make Your Last Breath Count."
A teenage girl (Neve Campbell) becomes the target of a killer who has stalked and killed one of her classmates. A tabloid news reporter (Courtney Cox) is determined to uncover the truth, insisting that the man who raped and killed Campbell's mother one year earlier is the same man who is terrorizing her now. Scream made you re-evaluate how you looked at every other horror movie (sucessfully proving the point that if you were a virgin, and in a horror movie, it was a very good chance you survive). With it's tongue-in-cheek dialog, this independent horror film became a smash hit when people realized that you could have just as much fun laughing as you could screaming.
DUDE, DID YOU JUST SEE SOMETHING?
(Movies that make you sit on the edge of your seat.)
Alien (1979)Directed by Ridley Scott
"In space no one can hear you scream."
When commercial towing vehicle Nostromo, heading back to Earth, intercepts an SoS signal from a nearby planet, the crew are under obligation to investigate. One of the crew members is put into a coma by an alien creature while investigating. What follows shortly after is one of the most intense and suspenseful pictures I've ever witnessed. The alien creature proceeds to eliminate every crew member on the ship, one by one. Ridley Scott sucessfully created a haunted house-like film where it made you wonder what would happen next at every turn. The film is also a great social commentary on the evils of commerical corporate conglomerates. It's the perfect mixture of science fiction, horror and unrelenting suspense.
Signs (2002)Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
"It's Not Like They Didn't Warn Us."
In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a five-hundred-foot crop circle is found on the farm of Graham Hess (Gibson), the town's reverend. The circles cause a media frenzy and test Hess's faith as he journeys to find out the truth behind the crop circles. Many would argue that this film shouldn't belong next to other horror titles. That's why I have sub-genres. While this film has next to no blood and gore associated with it, it does display an extremely high level of suspense. As if corn fields weren't creepy enough already, with the assistance of Mr. Shyamalan, they become the direct source of anxiety and anticipation. I have yet to watch another film involving an alien invasion that seems more realistic than this one here. Plus I can't fail to mention that this was the first film that I can recall making Willis jump out of his seat. That, if nothing more, was well worth the price of admission.
I'LL TAKE AN M16 ALONG WITH A CLEAN PAIR OF SHORTS.
(The action-movie scare-fest experience.)
Aliens (1986)Directed by James Cameron
"This time it's war."
The only survivor of the Nostromo, Ripley is discovered in deep sleep half a century later by a salvage ship. When she is taken back to Earth, she learns that a human colony was founded on the same planet where the aliens were first found. After contact with the colony is lost, she finds herself sent back to the planet along with a team of marines. James Cameron sucessfully writes and directs the sequel and takes the general haunted house premise and turns it into a full-fledged rollercoaster ride. The action is satisfying, the horror is sometimes unbearable and the tension and suspense is unwavering. Once the aliens arrive on screen, the pacing is unbelievably quick and you hardly have time to catch your breath before the picture fades to black.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)Directed by Robert Rodriguez
"One night is all that stands between them and freedom. But it's going to be a hell of a night."
Penned by Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn is the story of two criminals and their hostages who unknowingly seek temporary refuge in an establishment populated by vampires. This film is what I call a "half-n-half." Half Tarantino dialog-driven action film, half insane vampire action-gore fest. Robert Rodriguez role didn't end with director on this film. He also was his own director of photography, producer and editor. Any Rodriguez or Tarantino fan should and probably does love this film. It's a has little bit of everything, just like "Benny's World of Liquor."
THE CHANNEL CHANGER.
(Movies that you just can't watch ever again.)
The Exorcist (1973)Directed by William Friedkin
"Somewhere between science and superstition, there is another world. The world of darkness."
Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty (based on actual events) involves around a visiting actress in Washington, D.C. who has noticed dramatic and psychological changes in her daughter. She seeks out help through a pyschologist, who also happens to be a priest. The escalated situation calls upon the aid of another priest, when all hope seems to be lost. The girl seems to be possessed by a demon. The Exorcist is the kind of film that disturbs be down to my core. I've probably seem the film twice in it's entirety and never plan to watch the film again. Coming from a strong christian-based family and background, the film strikes too close to home pyschologically and more specifically, spiritually. That's why I've labeled this film as "The Channel Changer." If I ever come across it on television, the channel is immediately changed. I'm sure everyone has a film that has this kind of affect on them. I can readily admit that The Exorcist is by far, the scariest and the most unnerving film I've ever seen.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Hop in my Chrysler, it's as big as a whale and it's about to set sail!
I am extremely embarrassed that I know all the words to "Love Shack" by The B-52's. I can't necessarily recite it verbatim, but if that song's playing, I can sing with it word-for-word. I hang my head in pitiful shame, but I am a product of the 80's. So it's not entirely my fault!
Well, I got to work with a minute to spare this morning. A good 20 minutes into my commute I notice a lowered grey Nissan pick-up truck haul ass down the right hand shoulder on the interstate. I thought to myself, "that truck looks awefully familiar." Sure enough, when I pull into the parking lot, there sits that same exact lowered grey Nissan pick-up.
I knew exactly who's truck it was, and man did he get an ear-full from me when I stepped inside the building that morning. People do stupid stuff all the time. It's a given fact. You are all witnesses. However, when I'm presented the opportunity to speak my mind to that individual, I don't pass it up. The excuse he gave me was that "he was already running late and he was almost out of gas."
It perplexes me how certain individuals think that it's better to break the law, risk the lives of every car driving next to the right hand shoulder and risk receiving a citation (all while listening to "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, mind you) rather than taking the chance of being a few minutes late.
Where did all this stupidity get him:
Jack Ass Employee #1 Time Clock Punch In @ 06:57 AM.
Yours truly Time Clock Punch in @ 06:59 AM.
Needless to say, I rode his ass all day about that stupid decision. The logic of some people never ceases to amaze me. But I digress...
Brought over a decent selection of Horror / Slasher / Suspense / Comedy movies to a friend's house tonight and gave her the choice of picking one to watch. Now when she reads this sometime tomorrow, she's gonna find out that the one film that she didn't want to watch was the one I specifically wanted to see. She called me out and I denied that I wanted to watch it. I expressed that it was her choice, which it was.
I just didn't realize she had already seen 28 Days Later and didn't really care for it. Oh well. I guess I get to save that one for tomorrow.
She was given the following selection:
28 Days Later
Halloween
Shaun of the Dead
The Blair Witch Project
Evil Dead II
Scream
After a couple of minutes, Shaun of the Dead was randomly selected and then viewed.
So tomorrow, dear readers, expect a review of Shaun of the Dead. It should be posted sometime later in the evening, but if I'm feeling writing drive, it could be completed sometime tomorrow afternoon when I get off from work.
Well, I need to hit the sack for tomorrow comes early and I can't seem to get up on time so I need to get as much sleep as possible. Later this weekend you should get updates on the beard (maybe even a picture) and possibly other commentary on the craziness that which is my life (well, at least sometimes).
What I'm listening to right now:
When I Look Into Your Eyes - Diana Krall
What I most recently watched:
Shaun of the Dead
Well, I got to work with a minute to spare this morning. A good 20 minutes into my commute I notice a lowered grey Nissan pick-up truck haul ass down the right hand shoulder on the interstate. I thought to myself, "that truck looks awefully familiar." Sure enough, when I pull into the parking lot, there sits that same exact lowered grey Nissan pick-up.
I knew exactly who's truck it was, and man did he get an ear-full from me when I stepped inside the building that morning. People do stupid stuff all the time. It's a given fact. You are all witnesses. However, when I'm presented the opportunity to speak my mind to that individual, I don't pass it up. The excuse he gave me was that "he was already running late and he was almost out of gas."
It perplexes me how certain individuals think that it's better to break the law, risk the lives of every car driving next to the right hand shoulder and risk receiving a citation (all while listening to "Freebird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, mind you) rather than taking the chance of being a few minutes late.
Where did all this stupidity get him:
Jack Ass Employee #1 Time Clock Punch In @ 06:57 AM.
Yours truly Time Clock Punch in @ 06:59 AM.
Needless to say, I rode his ass all day about that stupid decision. The logic of some people never ceases to amaze me. But I digress...
Brought over a decent selection of Horror / Slasher / Suspense / Comedy movies to a friend's house tonight and gave her the choice of picking one to watch. Now when she reads this sometime tomorrow, she's gonna find out that the one film that she didn't want to watch was the one I specifically wanted to see. She called me out and I denied that I wanted to watch it. I expressed that it was her choice, which it was.
I just didn't realize she had already seen 28 Days Later and didn't really care for it. Oh well. I guess I get to save that one for tomorrow.
She was given the following selection:
28 Days Later
Halloween
Shaun of the Dead
The Blair Witch Project
Evil Dead II
Scream
After a couple of minutes, Shaun of the Dead was randomly selected and then viewed.
So tomorrow, dear readers, expect a review of Shaun of the Dead. It should be posted sometime later in the evening, but if I'm feeling writing drive, it could be completed sometime tomorrow afternoon when I get off from work.
Well, I need to hit the sack for tomorrow comes early and I can't seem to get up on time so I need to get as much sleep as possible. Later this weekend you should get updates on the beard (maybe even a picture) and possibly other commentary on the craziness that which is my life (well, at least sometimes).
What I'm listening to right now:
When I Look Into Your Eyes - Diana Krall
What I most recently watched:
Shaun of the Dead
Snooze Alarms.
I hate snooze alarms. They make people lazy sleepers, including myself. I used to be able to get up at a decent time every morning I worked, but lately, it's seems almost impossible.
Now, because I woke up late, I'm rushed to make my pot of coffee. And to shower. And to get ready for work. Thank goodness I'm bald. Less prep time.
Damn, forgot to clean it out the night before. Argh!
Ok, ready to go to work now... wait a second, it's 34 degrees outside. Oh the joys of warming up your car before heading to work. Now I sit here watching the clock tick knowing that I might be late for work because of the stupidity of drivers. Rubber-neckers really chap my hide. Or people born with the inability to merge properly onto the interstate (freeway, if you're from California).
Anyways, I gotta split. I hope to have a review done for you sometime within the next 48 hours. I plan to watch something scary!
Now, because I woke up late, I'm rushed to make my pot of coffee. And to shower. And to get ready for work. Thank goodness I'm bald. Less prep time.
Damn, forgot to clean it out the night before. Argh!
Ok, ready to go to work now... wait a second, it's 34 degrees outside. Oh the joys of warming up your car before heading to work. Now I sit here watching the clock tick knowing that I might be late for work because of the stupidity of drivers. Rubber-neckers really chap my hide. Or people born with the inability to merge properly onto the interstate (freeway, if you're from California).
Anyways, I gotta split. I hope to have a review done for you sometime within the next 48 hours. I plan to watch something scary!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Get busy living, or get busy dying.
There's something about autumn that makes me reminiscent. The sights, the sounds and the smells. All of these things, especially combined, transports my mind to the different times throughout my past.
The temporary cold crisp burn in your nose when you first step outside in the morning. A hot cup of coffee in a travel mug. The dead brown leaves that cover the landscape. Football. Layers of clothing becomes a thought process again. Independence. The almost deafening quiet that can sometimes surround you at dusk. The World Series. Excitement about the new school year has finally worn off. Homework. Halloween. Shorter days mean less time to play. Knowing that the holiday season is quickly approaching and you're not ready for it (nor will you ever be).
I have such a love-hate relationship with the fall. But mostly love. Being able to experience actual seasons for the past seven years has been utterly fantastic. It truly is an amazing feeling when the weather outside correlates with your mental image of the current month at hand. Those who grew up with actual seasons may think otherwise, but you have no idea what it's like to actually have the opportunity to wear shorts and a t-shirt on Christmas day. You might think it a blessing, but I would have to argue the fact.
These past several months in my life have been either very interesting or extremely stagnant, depending on who's point of view. I would have to concur with both. I won't go into detail because those who are reading this already know what goes on in my life. It has been hard to keep quiet about it. However, those that took initiative to ask we're mostly turned away with a response closely resembling: "I'd rather not talk about it or I'll end up putting myself in a foul mood." Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Apparently I never understood the entire "blog" premise. If I had, I would have posted much more than I have. I do intend to be a little more committed to posting reviews in the future. I plan to limit my playing time with WoW considerably due to things never (or hardly ever) getting done (whether it be personally, professionally or spiritually).
I want to expand my horizon by putting my brain to work and writing on a more frequent basis. I often find writing, especially what you're currently reading right now, rather cathartic. It keeps me from ignoring my surroundings and taking the time to evaluate them. I can't very well seize the day if a majority of it is spent playing a gorram video game:
I've strengthened friendships all the while creating new ones throughout the past twelve months playing this game. However, on more than one occasion, I've dreaded logging on to either one of my two level 60 characters on the slight chance of being asked to have them "run through" this instance or help them with "this quest chain" (the penance of being a nice guy in a pretend world, too). I'll say one thing to them all the while thinking something entirely different:
For those of you that I haven't spoken to in a while, I have other updates as well. October 1, 2006 began the First Annual Best Buy Store #173 Product Process Beard Off. And by "off" we mean "on." Yeah, I know. The name's kinda lame, but we couldn't come up with anything else.
We initially started with at least seven participants. One participant never started growing his in the first place (which the majority of us knew was never going to happen). Another participant quit; who, by the way, came in to the store last week and never ended up growing his either. The last participant to fall short gave in about a week ago. He was quoted as saying, "it was driving me nuts." (It's a shame, too, 'cause his was coming in very nicely.)
Pansies, every last one of them, I tells ya!
There are four of us left now, and unless there is some kind of earth-shattering accident, this beard will hold strong upon my face until sometime around February of next year. All beards grown have to be kept trimmed and clean, displaying proper grooming per the company-wide dress code policy.
I might even provide updated pictures, but that would require requests. That means you need to learn how to register and post comments or you'll never get the chance to see the beard. According to Willis, my beard is currently registering between a 4 and 4.5 out of 5 on the manly beard front. For those of you who have had their interest peaked by rating manly facial hair, I share this link with you.
I have been recently promoted to Inventory Senior back in the warehouse. This promotion has brought a little extra pay back into my pocket and peace of mind knowing I won't be counting and auditing everything in the store come the dreadful holiday season. I'm currently holding down both spots right now, doing a mediocre job with both until they fill my old position. Let's just say that it better be soon.
Lastly, before I end this longer than intended post, my buddy Brandon has finally branched off on his own and has reserved his own blog site. In his first post he's already thrown down the gauntlet to pick back up our reviews of AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movies. His new site can be found here.
Here's hoping that we're both up to the challenge.
Until next time, dear readers.
What I'm listening to right now:
The Bridges of Madison County - Clint Eastwood's music choices are so fantasically laid back, it almost makes you feel guilty for feeling relaxed.
What I most recently watched:
Fawlty Towers, The 'Burbs, Heat, The Mask of Zorro and Heroes.
The temporary cold crisp burn in your nose when you first step outside in the morning. A hot cup of coffee in a travel mug. The dead brown leaves that cover the landscape. Football. Layers of clothing becomes a thought process again. Independence. The almost deafening quiet that can sometimes surround you at dusk. The World Series. Excitement about the new school year has finally worn off. Homework. Halloween. Shorter days mean less time to play. Knowing that the holiday season is quickly approaching and you're not ready for it (nor will you ever be).
I have such a love-hate relationship with the fall. But mostly love. Being able to experience actual seasons for the past seven years has been utterly fantastic. It truly is an amazing feeling when the weather outside correlates with your mental image of the current month at hand. Those who grew up with actual seasons may think otherwise, but you have no idea what it's like to actually have the opportunity to wear shorts and a t-shirt on Christmas day. You might think it a blessing, but I would have to argue the fact.
These past several months in my life have been either very interesting or extremely stagnant, depending on who's point of view. I would have to concur with both. I won't go into detail because those who are reading this already know what goes on in my life. It has been hard to keep quiet about it. However, those that took initiative to ask we're mostly turned away with a response closely resembling: "I'd rather not talk about it or I'll end up putting myself in a foul mood." Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Apparently I never understood the entire "blog" premise. If I had, I would have posted much more than I have. I do intend to be a little more committed to posting reviews in the future. I plan to limit my playing time with WoW considerably due to things never (or hardly ever) getting done (whether it be personally, professionally or spiritually).
I want to expand my horizon by putting my brain to work and writing on a more frequent basis. I often find writing, especially what you're currently reading right now, rather cathartic. It keeps me from ignoring my surroundings and taking the time to evaluate them. I can't very well seize the day if a majority of it is spent playing a gorram video game:
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."
Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
I've strengthened friendships all the while creating new ones throughout the past twelve months playing this game. However, on more than one occasion, I've dreaded logging on to either one of my two level 60 characters on the slight chance of being asked to have them "run through" this instance or help them with "this quest chain" (the penance of being a nice guy in a pretend world, too). I'll say one thing to them all the while thinking something entirely different:
"Life does not stop and start at your convenience, you miserable piece of s**t."
John Goodman as Walter Sobchak, The Big Lebowski.
For those of you that I haven't spoken to in a while, I have other updates as well. October 1, 2006 began the First Annual Best Buy Store #173 Product Process Beard Off. And by "off" we mean "on." Yeah, I know. The name's kinda lame, but we couldn't come up with anything else.
We initially started with at least seven participants. One participant never started growing his in the first place (which the majority of us knew was never going to happen). Another participant quit; who, by the way, came in to the store last week and never ended up growing his either. The last participant to fall short gave in about a week ago. He was quoted as saying, "it was driving me nuts." (It's a shame, too, 'cause his was coming in very nicely.)
Pansies, every last one of them, I tells ya!
There are four of us left now, and unless there is some kind of earth-shattering accident, this beard will hold strong upon my face until sometime around February of next year. All beards grown have to be kept trimmed and clean, displaying proper grooming per the company-wide dress code policy.
I might even provide updated pictures, but that would require requests. That means you need to learn how to register and post comments or you'll never get the chance to see the beard. According to Willis, my beard is currently registering between a 4 and 4.5 out of 5 on the manly beard front. For those of you who have had their interest peaked by rating manly facial hair, I share this link with you.
I have been recently promoted to Inventory Senior back in the warehouse. This promotion has brought a little extra pay back into my pocket and peace of mind knowing I won't be counting and auditing everything in the store come the dreadful holiday season. I'm currently holding down both spots right now, doing a mediocre job with both until they fill my old position. Let's just say that it better be soon.
Lastly, before I end this longer than intended post, my buddy Brandon has finally branched off on his own and has reserved his own blog site. In his first post he's already thrown down the gauntlet to pick back up our reviews of AFI's 100 Years, 100 Movies. His new site can be found here.
Here's hoping that we're both up to the challenge.
Until next time, dear readers.
What I'm listening to right now:
The Bridges of Madison County - Clint Eastwood's music choices are so fantasically laid back, it almost makes you feel guilty for feeling relaxed.
What I most recently watched:
Fawlty Towers, The 'Burbs, Heat, The Mask of Zorro and Heroes.
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