August 30, 2004
Corrupted by the Jesuits!
Found out about this site from my pal Brian, and all I can say is...my parents sent me to Jesuit schools.
My results are:
In the words of Monty Python, Immanuel Kant was a real pissant who was very, rarely stable...
My results are:
| 1. | Aquinas (100%) Click here for info |
| 2. | Aristotle (80%) Click here for info |
| 3. | St. Augustine (78%) Click here for info |
| 4. | Spinoza (69%) Click here for info |
| 5. | Plato (63%) Click here for info |
| 6. | Jean-Paul Sartre (54%) Click here for info |
| 7. | Epicureans (52%) Click here for info |
| 8. | Jeremy Bentham (50%) Click here for info |
| 9. | John Stuart Mill (45%) Click here for info |
| 10. | Nel Noddings (39%) Click here for info |
| 11. | Ockham (38%) Click here for info |
| 12. | Thomas Hobbes (36%) Click here for info |
| 13. | Nietzsche (31%) Click here for info |
| 14. | Stoics (31%) Click here for info |
| 15. | David Hume (20%) Click here for info |
| 16. | Prescriptivism (20%) Click here for info |
| 17. | Ayn Rand (19%) Click here for info |
| 18. | Kant (15%) Click here for info |
| 19. | Cynics (10%) Click here for info |
August 29, 2004
Carry That Weight
As I had blogged earlier this week, the family of one of my colleagues suffered a tremendous loss - a man, his wife, and their 14 year-old daughter were killed in a fiery crash. When I attended the memorial service (out of professional and personal respect), I really didn't expect to be super-emotional; after all, I was several levels removed.
Of course, it turns out the man (my colleague's brother-in-law) was a major, I mean major Beatles fan...and they played their music. And that hit me hard.
First, I love the Beatles - my mother owned all of their records (including a Vee-Jay album!) up until Sgt. Pepper I have no animus towards them - heck, I wanted to be John Lennon when I grew up, and can remember where I was when Lennon was shot. (In the back seat of my aunt Bette's car, having picked Mom up from work, and having a glass Pepsi bottle clunking against my foot as the news came over the radio).
Cut to July 8, 2001 - my aunt Bette had just died of a swift, sudden bout of ovarian cancer. (Just that Christmas Eve, she had suffered a heart attack, and I drove my mom in a car with no working odometer, speedometer, or fuel gauge, and I believe the headlights were powered by Duracells). I had just come back from Chicago (I had arranged to visit my aunt, and she died four hours before my flight), and was preparing to fly back out for the funeral. Most of the time, I was the calm, good son, the strong man who helped his family through a tough time.
Driving down Union to Lindell, I was listening to the local oldies station, which began playing the last two songs on Abbey Road. The lyrics, which I probably have heard umpteen times, now seemed to take on a new meaning:
Just then, I couldn't keep up the wall - as I drove to (presumably) some
Metropolis meeting, I broke down and cried.
Cut back to yesterday: hearing all that Beatle music (and I don't normally associate it with my aunt) brought the grief, the sorrow, flooding back. Although the rest of the congregation mourned the lost family (and I have to admit, I readily empathized), I also felt the loss of my aunt in a way which I hadn't in years.
There was a lot of talk about getting back in touch with people you missed, of "hugging the ones you love a little more tightly". Although I can do that with some of my friends, I know several others whom I cannot get in touch with. (One of them - someone I care about - would be hurt by my attempt. Most of the others are a case of needing more time and room).
After that, I had made plans to meet friends and do The Lot, but somehow, I just didn't have the energy or the will.
Maybe this is the lesson - that even the most negative of experiences have the power to remind us of what we have, and that even in our hour of darkness, there will be someone standing next to us, speaking words of wisdom...let it be.
Of course, it turns out the man (my colleague's brother-in-law) was a major, I mean major Beatles fan...and they played their music. And that hit me hard.
First, I love the Beatles - my mother owned all of their records (including a Vee-Jay album!) up until Sgt. Pepper I have no animus towards them - heck, I wanted to be John Lennon when I grew up, and can remember where I was when Lennon was shot. (In the back seat of my aunt Bette's car, having picked Mom up from work, and having a glass Pepsi bottle clunking against my foot as the news came over the radio).
Cut to July 8, 2001 - my aunt Bette had just died of a swift, sudden bout of ovarian cancer. (Just that Christmas Eve, she had suffered a heart attack, and I drove my mom in a car with no working odometer, speedometer, or fuel gauge, and I believe the headlights were powered by Duracells). I had just come back from Chicago (I had arranged to visit my aunt, and she died four hours before my flight), and was preparing to fly back out for the funeral. Most of the time, I was the calm, good son, the strong man who helped his family through a tough time.
Driving down Union to Lindell, I was listening to the local oldies station, which began playing the last two songs on Abbey Road. The lyrics, which I probably have heard umpteen times, now seemed to take on a new meaning:
Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye
Golden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye
Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
I never give you my pillow
I only send you my invitation
And in the middle of the celebrations
I break down
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Just then, I couldn't keep up the wall - as I drove to (presumably) some
Metropolis meeting, I broke down and cried.
Cut back to yesterday: hearing all that Beatle music (and I don't normally associate it with my aunt) brought the grief, the sorrow, flooding back. Although the rest of the congregation mourned the lost family (and I have to admit, I readily empathized), I also felt the loss of my aunt in a way which I hadn't in years.
There was a lot of talk about getting back in touch with people you missed, of "hugging the ones you love a little more tightly". Although I can do that with some of my friends, I know several others whom I cannot get in touch with. (One of them - someone I care about - would be hurt by my attempt. Most of the others are a case of needing more time and room).
After that, I had made plans to meet friends and do The Lot, but somehow, I just didn't have the energy or the will.
Maybe this is the lesson - that even the most negative of experiences have the power to remind us of what we have, and that even in our hour of darkness, there will be someone standing next to us, speaking words of wisdom...let it be.
August 27, 2004
All the Poop Money Can Buy
This has been one heckuva week - a colleague's family tragedy, a meeting in Ballwin, a board meeting where nobody showed up, a rendevous with a friend that turns into a game of "my problems are bigger than yours", a meeting last night in St. Peters, and basically trying to catch up and get settled in my new office. So, what's the cure for the blues that ail me?
The Best of Triumph, The Insult Comic Dog on DVD. I admit, most of my exposure to Triumph have been files shared through LimeWire...but only because Conan O'Brien is one scary lookin' dude. Anyway, I love my humor coarse, off-color, and clever (hey, I grew up on Monty Python - who wouldn't suspect?), so this is a natural for me. It's pretty much every Triumph sketch ever performed on one DVD.
First, the "Classic Poop" - includes two appearances at the Westminster Dog Show (my personal favorite is # 2, where Triumph appears as both Ed Bradley and Barbara Walters), the "Star Wars" Premiere (my all time favorite), Hollywood Squares, Bon Jovi (wherein Triumph modifies one of their hits), the 2002 "altercation" with Eminem at the MTV Music Awards, and Quebec. Admittedly, the Quebec piece falls a little short (due to language problems), but every one of these is full-out, laugh out loud funny.
Much of the humor is due to the fact that Triumph is a puppet. From Bob on F/X's old Breakfast Time series to Mystery Science Theater 3000, puppets have been use to say things that human beings would be arrested for saying. Let's face it, Triumph asking a nerd, "Have you ever talked to a woman without leaving your credit card number?" would seem unnecessarily cruel coming from a regular human being. (Plus, since many of the jokes are dog-related...it makes more sense).
But wait - there's more, he says in his best Ron Popeil voice. There is "Extra Poop" and "More Poop than is Necessary". This includes other Triumph sketches, including the infamous Pets.com press conference, a montage of celebrity insult sketches (highlight: Triumph calling Pauly Shore a "human wee wee pad"), and Triumph's music video "I Keed" from Come Poop With Me. This is the kind of DVD where you don't need Easter Eggs - there's plenty of material. Heck, Triumph's first appearance on Conan is included, a tribute to the anal expulsivity (the opposite of anal retention) of the producers.
[One note: three of the sketches - the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, the Triumph Christmas Special, and the Pets.com Press Conference - all suffer severe and dramatic cuts. I only hope it's due to music clearances, and not because J-Lo, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Sting have no senses of humor. I mean, really, if John Tesh could appear in two Triumph sketches, they could cut us a break. Especially Sting, who should know better. But I digress]
This is a fine, fine DVD. Play it for all your friends, invite your family over, and share it with your pets. You will do yourself - and your loved ones - a valued public service.
The Best of Triumph, The Insult Comic Dog on DVD. I admit, most of my exposure to Triumph have been files shared through LimeWire...but only because Conan O'Brien is one scary lookin' dude. Anyway, I love my humor coarse, off-color, and clever (hey, I grew up on Monty Python - who wouldn't suspect?), so this is a natural for me. It's pretty much every Triumph sketch ever performed on one DVD.
First, the "Classic Poop" - includes two appearances at the Westminster Dog Show (my personal favorite is # 2, where Triumph appears as both Ed Bradley and Barbara Walters), the "Star Wars" Premiere (my all time favorite), Hollywood Squares, Bon Jovi (wherein Triumph modifies one of their hits), the 2002 "altercation" with Eminem at the MTV Music Awards, and Quebec. Admittedly, the Quebec piece falls a little short (due to language problems), but every one of these is full-out, laugh out loud funny.
Much of the humor is due to the fact that Triumph is a puppet. From Bob on F/X's old Breakfast Time series to Mystery Science Theater 3000, puppets have been use to say things that human beings would be arrested for saying. Let's face it, Triumph asking a nerd, "Have you ever talked to a woman without leaving your credit card number?" would seem unnecessarily cruel coming from a regular human being. (Plus, since many of the jokes are dog-related...it makes more sense).
But wait - there's more, he says in his best Ron Popeil voice. There is "Extra Poop" and "More Poop than is Necessary". This includes other Triumph sketches, including the infamous Pets.com press conference, a montage of celebrity insult sketches (highlight: Triumph calling Pauly Shore a "human wee wee pad"), and Triumph's music video "I Keed" from Come Poop With Me. This is the kind of DVD where you don't need Easter Eggs - there's plenty of material. Heck, Triumph's first appearance on Conan is included, a tribute to the anal expulsivity (the opposite of anal retention) of the producers.
[One note: three of the sketches - the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, the Triumph Christmas Special, and the Pets.com Press Conference - all suffer severe and dramatic cuts. I only hope it's due to music clearances, and not because J-Lo, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Sting have no senses of humor. I mean, really, if John Tesh could appear in two Triumph sketches, they could cut us a break. Especially Sting, who should know better. But I digress]
This is a fine, fine DVD. Play it for all your friends, invite your family over, and share it with your pets. You will do yourself - and your loved ones - a valued public service.
August 26, 2004
My Favorite Blog Post....
This post alone makes me glad I'm a social service/psychology/substance abuse/comic geek.
I defy you not to laugh out loud at this one...
I defy you not to laugh out loud at this one...
August 25, 2004
Ghost World
There are two kinds of comic book movies - one is the straight-ahead, action-adventure film that takes its protagonist straight from the four-color tomes of our day. Stuff like Spider-Man, Daredevil, Batman Begins, etc...
Then there are comic book films that take graphic novels as their source material, and attempt to do something unique with them. Ghost World, based on the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes, is one of those movies. Admittedly, I haven't read the graphic novel, but this movie has done what few have - actually made me want to see out the source material.
The film concerns two teenagers just out of high school: Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansenn). Enid is cynical enough to see through the gradual mall-ization (and general interpersonal BS), and keeps a cold, critical eye on life. Rebecca is the same way, only a little bit more practical. Gradually, they float around, following strange people, until they spot a personal ad from a rather interesting gentleman (Steve Buscemi)...and then, the movie moves forward.
Admittedly, this is not a perfect movie...but these are not perfect people. This is not a typical, sunny, Hollywood "teen" movie, but a reflection on the connections we make, the connections we don't make, and the connections we seem to find on accident. (Oh, sure, it's "about" the mall-ization of America, according to Clowes, and it's "about" two teenage girls). It's slow at a few points, has a few Syd Field-esque screenplay moments (i.e., you see the cliche coming), and OK, note to Terry Zwigoff: We know you did a film about Robert Crumb. Did you have to use the Crumb in-jokes? However, David Cross' "appearance" at a record collector's shindig is priceless.
[Also, there is a brilliant use of an old India film clip at the beginning - you have to appreciate that. Although the film sometimes threatens to wallow in its own quirkiness, it never crosses that line]
Admittedly, I've been ruminating over my own life - lost connections, lost opportunities, and the friendships that I have right now. Right now, my mind keeps coming back to this movie - it's definitely not Saturday afternoon throwaway fare, but one that you will probably want to watch more than once.
Then there are comic book films that take graphic novels as their source material, and attempt to do something unique with them. Ghost World, based on the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes, is one of those movies. Admittedly, I haven't read the graphic novel, but this movie has done what few have - actually made me want to see out the source material.
The film concerns two teenagers just out of high school: Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Scarlett Johansenn). Enid is cynical enough to see through the gradual mall-ization (and general interpersonal BS), and keeps a cold, critical eye on life. Rebecca is the same way, only a little bit more practical. Gradually, they float around, following strange people, until they spot a personal ad from a rather interesting gentleman (Steve Buscemi)...and then, the movie moves forward.
Admittedly, this is not a perfect movie...but these are not perfect people. This is not a typical, sunny, Hollywood "teen" movie, but a reflection on the connections we make, the connections we don't make, and the connections we seem to find on accident. (Oh, sure, it's "about" the mall-ization of America, according to Clowes, and it's "about" two teenage girls). It's slow at a few points, has a few Syd Field-esque screenplay moments (i.e., you see the cliche coming), and OK, note to Terry Zwigoff: We know you did a film about Robert Crumb. Did you have to use the Crumb in-jokes? However, David Cross' "appearance" at a record collector's shindig is priceless.
[Also, there is a brilliant use of an old India film clip at the beginning - you have to appreciate that. Although the film sometimes threatens to wallow in its own quirkiness, it never crosses that line]
Admittedly, I've been ruminating over my own life - lost connections, lost opportunities, and the friendships that I have right now. Right now, my mind keeps coming back to this movie - it's definitely not Saturday afternoon throwaway fare, but one that you will probably want to watch more than once.
August 24, 2004
Will Be Away For Awhile
Yesterday morning, I received an e-mail from one of my colleagues - her husband's brother, sister-in-law, and 14 year old niece were in a fatal car crash. Right now, blogging doesn't feel like much of a priority...but I will be back. Just need to take care of myself for a few days.
August 22, 2004
August 20, 2004
Blog Reviews!
A former coworker once claimed I had a Superman complex because I had an Alex Ross-painted poster when Superman "returned" to his original costume.
However, she has probably never seen Fortress of Soliloquies, which is an all-Superman blog. I highly recommend it for the fan and non-fan alike; this blog is just brimming with enthusiasm, energy, and just plain fun! (And thanks for the link, pal)
And taking a cue from Nuance, I also highly recommend Tequila Mockingbird, a more personal blog. Some of the pieces, I have to admit, I wish I had written - imagine sitting over drinks with someone you barely know, and you have the kind of conversation that two people who barely know each other have. You know, where you discuss your innermost feelings and thoughts, knowing that you may not see each other again. The kind of conversations where you say to yourself, "I can't believe I'm saying this out loud." That's the kind of blog this is, and worth your time.
However, she has probably never seen Fortress of Soliloquies, which is an all-Superman blog. I highly recommend it for the fan and non-fan alike; this blog is just brimming with enthusiasm, energy, and just plain fun! (And thanks for the link, pal)
And taking a cue from Nuance, I also highly recommend Tequila Mockingbird, a more personal blog. Some of the pieces, I have to admit, I wish I had written - imagine sitting over drinks with someone you barely know, and you have the kind of conversation that two people who barely know each other have. You know, where you discuss your innermost feelings and thoughts, knowing that you may not see each other again. The kind of conversations where you say to yourself, "I can't believe I'm saying this out loud." That's the kind of blog this is, and worth your time.
O Captain, My Captain Spaulding...
I don't remember when I first saw him - whether it was watching reruns of You Bet Your Life on a faded UHF station, or a New Year's Eve showing of Duck Soup, but somehow, as a child, Groucho Marx insinuated himself in my psyche.
It's been 27 years since Groucho passed, but I remember it almost like it was yesterday. After seeing Animal Crackers for the first time, staying up late at night to catch it (in those pre-VCR, pre-Tivo days), I was shocked...and thought it highly unfair that Elvis Presley received more coverage. After all, Presley was just a rock-and-roll singer...Groucho was, well, Groucho. He was an icon, and how can you ignore an icon?
What effect have the Marx Brothers' had on me? The question is, more like, what haven't they done for me? Part of my wit comes straight from Groucho's mouth, and I was lucky to learn from a master. For example: in fifth grade, while waiting in line to use the bathroom, I was goofing around with a pal. My teacher announced loudly, "Gordon, you're a space cadet," to which I responded, "At least I qualify."
In camp, I earned the nickname "Groucho" for an entire day in response to a charge in Kangaroo Court. They got into my blood, into my very DNA...and it's been hard to shake since that time.
They appealed on many levels - a child can appreciate the anarchic humor, the spirit, the overall playfulness of the Marx Brothers. (Especially Harpo - one of the few scenes that will have me rolling with laughter is the "lemonade" scene in Duck Soup). As an adult, the verbal wit, the very anti-establishment sense still rings true, and strikes a critical chord. I must also admit that, once they switched to MGM (and Zeppo left the group), they lost a certain whimsy and spirit. I'll grant you A Night At the Opera and A Day At The Races (both films cool enough to become titles of Queen Album), but as they made their way through the MGM filmmaking machine, they became more scripted, less spirited, less alive than their Paramount films.
But that isn't the point of this entry - it's to mourn the passing of a man who, in these times, we so desperately need. In an age of political correctness, and where humor has become less and less clever, we need a man who will fight for our honor, which is more than we will ever do. (We also need Chico's ability to deal with the less-than-savory, and Harpo's willingness to have other's hold his leg).
There are some who claim that the Marxes are out-of-date, but I disagree: wherever there is a high schooler who gives his teachers a hard time; wherever someone dares to bring the high-and-mighty down to earth; wherever someone tries to make someone else laugh, the Marxes live on.
Rent one of their movies, and let them work their magic.
Groucho, you're missed. Terribly.
It's been 27 years since Groucho passed, but I remember it almost like it was yesterday. After seeing Animal Crackers for the first time, staying up late at night to catch it (in those pre-VCR, pre-Tivo days), I was shocked...and thought it highly unfair that Elvis Presley received more coverage. After all, Presley was just a rock-and-roll singer...Groucho was, well, Groucho. He was an icon, and how can you ignore an icon?
What effect have the Marx Brothers' had on me? The question is, more like, what haven't they done for me? Part of my wit comes straight from Groucho's mouth, and I was lucky to learn from a master. For example: in fifth grade, while waiting in line to use the bathroom, I was goofing around with a pal. My teacher announced loudly, "Gordon, you're a space cadet," to which I responded, "At least I qualify."
In camp, I earned the nickname "Groucho" for an entire day in response to a charge in Kangaroo Court. They got into my blood, into my very DNA...and it's been hard to shake since that time.
They appealed on many levels - a child can appreciate the anarchic humor, the spirit, the overall playfulness of the Marx Brothers. (Especially Harpo - one of the few scenes that will have me rolling with laughter is the "lemonade" scene in Duck Soup). As an adult, the verbal wit, the very anti-establishment sense still rings true, and strikes a critical chord. I must also admit that, once they switched to MGM (and Zeppo left the group), they lost a certain whimsy and spirit. I'll grant you A Night At the Opera and A Day At The Races (both films cool enough to become titles of Queen Album), but as they made their way through the MGM filmmaking machine, they became more scripted, less spirited, less alive than their Paramount films.
But that isn't the point of this entry - it's to mourn the passing of a man who, in these times, we so desperately need. In an age of political correctness, and where humor has become less and less clever, we need a man who will fight for our honor, which is more than we will ever do. (We also need Chico's ability to deal with the less-than-savory, and Harpo's willingness to have other's hold his leg).
There are some who claim that the Marxes are out-of-date, but I disagree: wherever there is a high schooler who gives his teachers a hard time; wherever someone dares to bring the high-and-mighty down to earth; wherever someone tries to make someone else laugh, the Marxes live on.
Rent one of their movies, and let them work their magic.
Groucho, you're missed. Terribly.
The Joy of DVDs...
Last night, I was shopping at Target - mostly, I needed to get a lampshade and light bulbs for my desk lamp at work. I decided to browse their DVD selection, mostly to see what's up and coming. (I am eagerly awaiting Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog DVD from Amazon.com - nothing like a little scatalogical, immature humor to end the week).
Anyway, I'm gently surprised - Hanna Barbera/Time Warner is offering first (and, on some, second) seasons of the Flintstones, Jetsons, Johnny Quest, and Scooby-Doo on DVD. In my opinion, it's about time! You can also get the first season of Starsky and Hutch (was there a really big call for this on DVD?), $4 DVDS of pilot episodes of several shows (Babylon 5, Waltons, Gilmore Girls, Gilligan's Island), and...shocker of shockers, a DVD collection of the first season of Alf.
That's right - Alf, the lovable muppet/midget in a costume who came to earth to eat our cats, give Willie a hard time, and had his own Saturday morning show. Admitted, I had Alf fever - I had a poster in my bedroom. (OK, I've just crossed the line from "geek" to "sad, sad, individual". However, I would like to know who it was who moved heaven and earth to get this on DVD.
Some shows, like this and Punky Brewster, deserve to molder and be hidden in vaults, not given the DVD deluxe treatment.
However, on a stronger note, here are some DVD reviews for you to contemplate:
The Tao of Steve: Like The Whole Wide World with Vincent D'Onofrio, this is a "chick flick that guys can like." (Unlike TWWW, this is a chick flick disguised as an indie flick). Starring Donal Logue (aka "The guy from Grounded for Life" or "The Guy Who Keeps Getting His Hands Cut off in Blade") stars as a guy with a Zen approach to women, who meets his match. A little predictable, but worth your time.
The American Nightmare: a documentary about late 1960's - early 1970's horror movies. Plus - it includes David Cronenberg, whom I feel is very underrated. Minus - it sometimes gets to be a little too pretentious for its own good, and doesn't give John Carpenter enough screen time. At 70 minutes, it flies by fast, but is worth it as a scholarly look at an underappreciated drama. Not for the faint of heart.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (bonus features disk): I was not going to waste my hard earned money on seeing a bad film, so I just rented the 2nd disk from Netflix. Basically, just as dull, with a great lesson - some people shouldn't direct or write screenplays.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Girl in Gold Boots: Taken from (I presume) the final year of MST3K (Pearl's in a castle), this is a great MST3k Episode. Bad go-go, biker in LA movie meets the 'bots vicious wit. (Personally, I don't see the whole Joel vs. Mike clash - if you want sleepy obscure humor, you got Joel; for slightly contemptuous obscure humor, there's Mike). Plus, is it just me, or is the actress who plays Pearl Forrester...incredibly hot???
Maybe I have been single too long...
Anyway, I'm gently surprised - Hanna Barbera/Time Warner is offering first (and, on some, second) seasons of the Flintstones, Jetsons, Johnny Quest, and Scooby-Doo on DVD. In my opinion, it's about time! You can also get the first season of Starsky and Hutch (was there a really big call for this on DVD?), $4 DVDS of pilot episodes of several shows (Babylon 5, Waltons, Gilmore Girls, Gilligan's Island), and...shocker of shockers, a DVD collection of the first season of Alf.
That's right - Alf, the lovable muppet/midget in a costume who came to earth to eat our cats, give Willie a hard time, and had his own Saturday morning show. Admitted, I had Alf fever - I had a poster in my bedroom. (OK, I've just crossed the line from "geek" to "sad, sad, individual". However, I would like to know who it was who moved heaven and earth to get this on DVD.
Some shows, like this and Punky Brewster, deserve to molder and be hidden in vaults, not given the DVD deluxe treatment.
However, on a stronger note, here are some DVD reviews for you to contemplate:
The Tao of Steve: Like The Whole Wide World with Vincent D'Onofrio, this is a "chick flick that guys can like." (Unlike TWWW, this is a chick flick disguised as an indie flick). Starring Donal Logue (aka "The guy from Grounded for Life" or "The Guy Who Keeps Getting His Hands Cut off in Blade") stars as a guy with a Zen approach to women, who meets his match. A little predictable, but worth your time.
The American Nightmare: a documentary about late 1960's - early 1970's horror movies. Plus - it includes David Cronenberg, whom I feel is very underrated. Minus - it sometimes gets to be a little too pretentious for its own good, and doesn't give John Carpenter enough screen time. At 70 minutes, it flies by fast, but is worth it as a scholarly look at an underappreciated drama. Not for the faint of heart.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (bonus features disk): I was not going to waste my hard earned money on seeing a bad film, so I just rented the 2nd disk from Netflix. Basically, just as dull, with a great lesson - some people shouldn't direct or write screenplays.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Girl in Gold Boots: Taken from (I presume) the final year of MST3K (Pearl's in a castle), this is a great MST3k Episode. Bad go-go, biker in LA movie meets the 'bots vicious wit. (Personally, I don't see the whole Joel vs. Mike clash - if you want sleepy obscure humor, you got Joel; for slightly contemptuous obscure humor, there's Mike). Plus, is it just me, or is the actress who plays Pearl Forrester...incredibly hot???
Maybe I have been single too long...
August 19, 2004
...This Town..., Epilogue
If you head read either Part One or Part Two of this post, you would have read about my job-related efforts to pass legislation in Arnold. There was a petition initiative to essentially undermine these efforts, as well as to undercut the city council's authority.
Luckily, their petition drive was 200 signatures short, meaning that the city council's decision stands. Oh, I know, the opponents of such legislation have other tricks up their sleeve, but last night mean a quick trip to Target, a night of rest, relaxation, and The Tao of Steve. (Reviewed next time)
[One quick note - the gentleman who served as spokesman for the opposition, at least in the media, was claimed to be a "bar owner", "computer technician", and "private citizen". If he wants the man-of-many-tags like, he should be more like my friend Brian, who is a "blogger", "computer expert", "Trivia buff", "World-renowned last of the tough guys", and "international ladies' man". If you're gonna do something, do it right!]
Oh, and my office is 70% furnished - the big furniture, computer, etc. is in. Now, all I have to do is put up pictures/bulletin boards/stock shelves, and I'm done.
(For all the comic dudes, I would like suggestions for an Alex Ross poster to put up. Trust me - having his art inspires me. Suggest a piece for the office of a community-minded, substance abuse prevention dude - I'm at a loss)
Luckily, their petition drive was 200 signatures short, meaning that the city council's decision stands. Oh, I know, the opponents of such legislation have other tricks up their sleeve, but last night mean a quick trip to Target, a night of rest, relaxation, and The Tao of Steve. (Reviewed next time)
[One quick note - the gentleman who served as spokesman for the opposition, at least in the media, was claimed to be a "bar owner", "computer technician", and "private citizen". If he wants the man-of-many-tags like, he should be more like my friend Brian, who is a "blogger", "computer expert", "Trivia buff", "World-renowned last of the tough guys", and "international ladies' man". If you're gonna do something, do it right!]
Oh, and my office is 70% furnished - the big furniture, computer, etc. is in. Now, all I have to do is put up pictures/bulletin boards/stock shelves, and I'm done.
(For all the comic dudes, I would like suggestions for an Alex Ross poster to put up. Trust me - having his art inspires me. Suggest a piece for the office of a community-minded, substance abuse prevention dude - I'm at a loss)
August 18, 2004
Day 21: Office Under Siege
After a long vacation (posted on elsewhere), I came into the office this morning with all too few, "Hey, Gordon, how was your vacation?" (For many, it was as if I never left - boy, just love knowing that I'm appreciated, but that's neither here nor there)
Anyway, some good news - my office is just about finished. New drywall, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, paint job - it's almost as good as new. Just need to get the carpet shampooed (hopefully tonight), and tomorrow morning, I can make my way back into the office.
Which leads to the toughest question of all - mirrored disco ball or Spider-Man wallpaper?
Anyway, some good news - my office is just about finished. New drywall, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, paint job - it's almost as good as new. Just need to get the carpet shampooed (hopefully tonight), and tomorrow morning, I can make my way back into the office.
Which leads to the toughest question of all - mirrored disco ball or Spider-Man wallpaper?
August 17, 2004
We're All Normal, and We Want Our Freedom
Music has always been a lifeline in my life - from listening to my mother's collection of 1960's music, to ransacking the used bins at Kroozin Music (now torn down for an addition to Kelly High School), to the occasional trip to Vintage Vinyl, I have always wanted to discover some treasure, some unheard masterpiece, and yet later, be able to rediscover it...thanks to my vacation, I was able to get reacquainted with one of my favorite albums, one that I had not listened to in over a year...Love's Forever Changes.
I actually discovered the band in high school - Rhino (then an uppity reissue/obscurity label, and not Time Warner's reissue arm) was releasing Nuggets compilations, and on one of them was "My Little Red Book". Never has a band made Bacharach/David sound so rocking, so threatening, so funky. Fast forward to the early '90s: poor and in grad school, I discover Rhino's two CD Love Story compilation...and listened intently, for it had a "properly mixed" version of Forever Changes spread out over two discs.
Forever Changes is, quite simply, the closest thing an American band has come to Sgt. Pepper. Not even the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds approaches this album - lush strings, clever arrangements, just sheer creativity, this is the sound of what the 1960's could have become.
This is an album that takes bold leaps and bounds, that is great for a nice, Sunday afternoon listen - the kind of album that headphones were invented for. It starts with the Spanish-guitar stylings of "Aloneagainor" (probably the most covered song on this compilation, and throughout the album, genres mix and mingle without a forethought. The gentle assertiveness of "A House Is Not A Motel", the resignation of "Andmoreagain", the way the final words of each line of "The Red Telephone" are slurred, the gentle hoping of "The Good Humor Man He Sees Everything Like This" - don't let the song titles deter you: this record is not some drugged-out psychedelic mismash. The only other record with such gorgeous, almost near-perfect songwriting (from the same period) is Odessey & Oracle by the Zombies.
Want examples, you may ask? First, "Live and Let Live" - you would never think that words like
could ever be sung to such a gorgeous melody...but Arthur Lee (the closest thing to a soft-rock Hendrix we have) pulls it off. However, the boldest move is the final song on the album, "You Set the Scene", which moves from Motown-esque to Broadway finale in the space of a few bars.
Ultimately, this is an album of almost total, complete freedom - the words "you can't do that" never seemed to enter the musician's mind. It was a tough listen for me - I listened to it while developing feelings for a dear friend. (It was unrequited). The last time I saw her - on her birthday - I gave her this record as a gift, as well as a card. She's with someone else, and I hope she gives this the occasional listen.
However, it's the line at the end of the "Red Telephone" on side one - We're All Normal and We Want Our Freedom" - that still effects me, maybe for reasons I don't want to admit.
In an age where pristine, prepackaged, precision is prioritized over raw, naked expression, this album is worthy in more ways than one. It is probably one of the most life-affirmining, beautiful experiences you could ever have.
Trust me on this - you will love this album.
I actually discovered the band in high school - Rhino (then an uppity reissue/obscurity label, and not Time Warner's reissue arm) was releasing Nuggets compilations, and on one of them was "My Little Red Book". Never has a band made Bacharach/David sound so rocking, so threatening, so funky. Fast forward to the early '90s: poor and in grad school, I discover Rhino's two CD Love Story compilation...and listened intently, for it had a "properly mixed" version of Forever Changes spread out over two discs.
Forever Changes is, quite simply, the closest thing an American band has come to Sgt. Pepper. Not even the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds approaches this album - lush strings, clever arrangements, just sheer creativity, this is the sound of what the 1960's could have become.
This is an album that takes bold leaps and bounds, that is great for a nice, Sunday afternoon listen - the kind of album that headphones were invented for. It starts with the Spanish-guitar stylings of "Aloneagainor" (probably the most covered song on this compilation, and throughout the album, genres mix and mingle without a forethought. The gentle assertiveness of "A House Is Not A Motel", the resignation of "Andmoreagain", the way the final words of each line of "The Red Telephone" are slurred, the gentle hoping of "The Good Humor Man He Sees Everything Like This" - don't let the song titles deter you: this record is not some drugged-out psychedelic mismash. The only other record with such gorgeous, almost near-perfect songwriting (from the same period) is Odessey & Oracle by the Zombies.
Want examples, you may ask? First, "Live and Let Live" - you would never think that words like
"Oh the snot has caked against my pants,
It has turned into crystal"
could ever be sung to such a gorgeous melody...but Arthur Lee (the closest thing to a soft-rock Hendrix we have) pulls it off. However, the boldest move is the final song on the album, "You Set the Scene", which moves from Motown-esque to Broadway finale in the space of a few bars.
Ultimately, this is an album of almost total, complete freedom - the words "you can't do that" never seemed to enter the musician's mind. It was a tough listen for me - I listened to it while developing feelings for a dear friend. (It was unrequited). The last time I saw her - on her birthday - I gave her this record as a gift, as well as a card. She's with someone else, and I hope she gives this the occasional listen.
However, it's the line at the end of the "Red Telephone" on side one - We're All Normal and We Want Our Freedom" - that still effects me, maybe for reasons I don't want to admit.
In an age where pristine, prepackaged, precision is prioritized over raw, naked expression, this album is worthy in more ways than one. It is probably one of the most life-affirmining, beautiful experiences you could ever have.
Trust me on this - you will love this album.
August 16, 2004
August 15, 2004
I Was Gonna Blog about Identity Crisis # 3....
...but this post just makes my points more clearly
(Thanks to Progressive Ruin for posting the link - and for some fun at other's expense, please check out this Newsarama Discussion Thread)
(Thanks to Progressive Ruin for posting the link - and for some fun at other's expense, please check out this Newsarama Discussion Thread)
August 14, 2004
One Good Reason to Watch American Idol Next Season...
His name is Quentin. He's about 19 years old, and he lives here in St. Louis. He's a great kid - a graduate of one of our youth programs, he is a very talented, bright, outgoing individual. Watching he and I interact is interesting, with me "denying" that I'm a "pimp and a playa", and Quentin countering that those are good things, not bad.
(I wasn't insulted, by the way - just wanted to provide a good counterexample).
Anyway, he came to the final day of our conference last weekend. On Friday, he had visited to announce that he was going to camp out to audition for American Idol, and that he would come by Sunday with the results. I have to admit that I wasn't in the most pleasant of moods - a twisted ankle, plus being slightly pushed to do more physically after expressing my inability to do so, left me in a very not-so-pleasant mood. (My supervisor later remarked that I seemed "out of it", and that two of my colleagues - without even checking to see what the problem was - thought I was "uncooperative").
I also have to point out that this is one of my biggest character flaws - the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of my life. It's something that my current friends have never seen full-on, or experienced with me - mostly because I've crashed and burned many previous friendships that way. My mood after the brouhaha over recent Metropolis elections didn't help - when you're the target of someone else's crap tornado, an umbrella just won't cut it.
That Sunday, Quentin came by to announce that he had passed the first round of auditions, and was heading for the next round. Noticing my mood, he asked what was wrong, and I lied, claiming "I'm just tired." Sensing that I was in an unpleasant, down mood, Quentin said one of the most uplifting things I had ever heard:
It was a momentary glimpse of hope...but a glimpse nonetheless. I continued with my wallowing for a little bit, had lunch, and then went home, nearly chewing out a parking attendant because...well, I forgot to get a parking pass, and had to pay to park by the hotel.
Yes, please send all flames to me directly.
It's almost a full week after the end of the conference - several days of work, followed by a well-deserved vacation (I have been on the go since about February of this year without a significant break). Today, I was fortunate - after a gathering with some of my friends, I went home, lit some incense, sat in my sun chair (aka, my cat's "throne"), and took a nice power nap.
My mood is much better, thanks to the gift of clarity. I keep forgetting that, in the midst of everything, other people's stuff is theirs, not mine, and that I have worth.
One of my best friends keeps reminding me, "You're a good man, Gordon."
Now, I'm finally starting to believe it.
(I wasn't insulted, by the way - just wanted to provide a good counterexample).
Anyway, he came to the final day of our conference last weekend. On Friday, he had visited to announce that he was going to camp out to audition for American Idol, and that he would come by Sunday with the results. I have to admit that I wasn't in the most pleasant of moods - a twisted ankle, plus being slightly pushed to do more physically after expressing my inability to do so, left me in a very not-so-pleasant mood. (My supervisor later remarked that I seemed "out of it", and that two of my colleagues - without even checking to see what the problem was - thought I was "uncooperative").
I also have to point out that this is one of my biggest character flaws - the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of my life. It's something that my current friends have never seen full-on, or experienced with me - mostly because I've crashed and burned many previous friendships that way. My mood after the brouhaha over recent Metropolis elections didn't help - when you're the target of someone else's crap tornado, an umbrella just won't cut it.
That Sunday, Quentin came by to announce that he had passed the first round of auditions, and was heading for the next round. Noticing my mood, he asked what was wrong, and I lied, claiming "I'm just tired." Sensing that I was in an unpleasant, down mood, Quentin said one of the most uplifting things I had ever heard:
"You're my third favorite person at the agency, Gordon...if it wasn't for your work, I wouldn't be here. It's a thankless job, dude, but you really helped me see what I could be."
It was a momentary glimpse of hope...but a glimpse nonetheless. I continued with my wallowing for a little bit, had lunch, and then went home, nearly chewing out a parking attendant because...well, I forgot to get a parking pass, and had to pay to park by the hotel.
Yes, please send all flames to me directly.
It's almost a full week after the end of the conference - several days of work, followed by a well-deserved vacation (I have been on the go since about February of this year without a significant break). Today, I was fortunate - after a gathering with some of my friends, I went home, lit some incense, sat in my sun chair (aka, my cat's "throne"), and took a nice power nap.
My mood is much better, thanks to the gift of clarity. I keep forgetting that, in the midst of everything, other people's stuff is theirs, not mine, and that I have worth.
One of my best friends keeps reminding me, "You're a good man, Gordon."
Now, I'm finally starting to believe it.
Funk It Up, Shatner!
You'll Need Quick Time - Must Be Heard to Be Believed
Oh, and i'm taking the class. Nothing says, "romantically desperate dude" quite like it.
Oh, and i'm taking the class. Nothing says, "romantically desperate dude" quite like it.
August 13, 2004
The Three Greatest Music Sites of All Time!
Let's see...I'm on vacation, getting some rest, cleanin' the old Casa De Gordo, annoying my cat,
and web surfin. Here are, in my opinion, the best music sites:
Fufkin.com
Perfect Sound Forever,
and number one:
The Big Takeover (the greatest music
magazine known to mankind. Honest).
NP: Elvis Costello, "Trust"
and web surfin. Here are, in my opinion, the best music sites:
Fufkin.com
Perfect Sound Forever,
and number one:
The Big Takeover (the greatest music
magazine known to mankind. Honest).
NP: Elvis Costello, "Trust"
Ahead, Lame Factor 7!
OK, I admit it, I'm a Trekkie (although it's been sorely tested as of late), and here are two items of interest.
1) In perusing the Continuing Ed catalog from St. Louis Community College, I noticed that there is a five-week course on Star Trek. For under $40, you can learn all about the show. I'm not kidding; e-mail me for details. (And for you pals o'mine, think it's worth checking out, if only for the cheese factor?)
2) Have you ever been stuck in a conversation with someone - maybe even two people - where, mentally, you are screaming "Get me the [expletive] out of here!", but you are somehow morbidly fascinated with the conversation, as if it were an intellectual train wreck?
Then my suggestion is to rent MindMeld, which is 75 minutes of Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner talking about Star Trek, the "phenomenon", and basically, well, chewin' a lot of scenery.
My conclusions from watching this are as follows:
Luckily, though, I found the antidote...Waiting for Guffman. This movies is flat-out funny. Rent it today!
1) In perusing the Continuing Ed catalog from St. Louis Community College, I noticed that there is a five-week course on Star Trek. For under $40, you can learn all about the show. I'm not kidding; e-mail me for details. (And for you pals o'mine, think it's worth checking out, if only for the cheese factor?)
2) Have you ever been stuck in a conversation with someone - maybe even two people - where, mentally, you are screaming "Get me the [expletive] out of here!", but you are somehow morbidly fascinated with the conversation, as if it were an intellectual train wreck?
Then my suggestion is to rent MindMeld, which is 75 minutes of Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner talking about Star Trek, the "phenomenon", and basically, well, chewin' a lot of scenery.
My conclusions from watching this are as follows:
- A friend of mine from the old Prodigy online service once sponsored online "appearances" from Mr. Shatner and Mr. Nimoy. Her conclusion (and Karin, if you're out there, send me an e-mail) was that Mr. Nimoy "made Mr. Shatner look humble." This DVD proves it.
- I'm all for bonus features, but when you need to do a "making of" for a DVD like this...there's something seriously wrong with you.
- Finally, the only thing of worth - Billy West's beginning narration. I kid you not.
Luckily, though, I found the antidote...Waiting for Guffman. This movies is flat-out funny. Rent it today!
August 12, 2004
The JibJab Times
Yes, the guys who brought you more waffles than a house of pancakes, who offer flipflops while others offer tax breaks, have their own blog. Enjoy!
August 11, 2004
August 10, 2004
Getcher Stinkin' Paws Off Me, You Damn Dirty Ape!
You probably think that I had said this last weekend, after working an intense convention at a hotel that (presumably) never sponsored a youth conference, limping around with a bad ankle, telling people in charge that I was sore but being pushed anyway, and then getting lectured by my supervisor about taking care of myself - the same woman who, when I had a really bad case of flu, called me into the office for a work-related emergency. (And, hopefully, if my coworkers read this, they'll have a sense of humor about it - I'm letting go. Honest). However, this is a story about how a little franchise lost steam and died an ignoble death.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite pastimes was the 3:30 movie on Channel 7, WLS in Chicago. It was there when I fell in love with my second favorite movie series, Planet of the Apes. Of course, I started with the movies edited from the tv series ("hosted" by Roddy McDowall in ape makeup"), and made my way with "Gorilla My Dreams Week" - that's right, baby, all five movies in one week. I owned the action figures, the comic books, the toothpaste, the dishwashing detergent...it was my in-thing as a kid (besides Star Trek).
Recently, I chanced upon the documentary, Behind the Planet of the Apes, which is entertaining, informative, and is a good lesson in how to kill a franchise in five easy years. It's the kind of DVD that Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, John Byrne, and anyone who wishes to 'revamp' a franchise or character should watch, if only to avoid making the same mistakes. (And if you click on the original movie title above, you get the documentary with a reissued DVD of the 1968 classic). It's telling that the 1968 movie with Charlton Heston gets approximately one hour of narrative time, and the other movies have to share forty-five minutes.
Basically, it turns into "going to the well" once too often - diminishing budgets, decreasing creativity (if someone can tell me the difference between Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes, I would really appreciate it). It also typifies the kind of thinking prevalent in Hollywood - if it's good, let's keep repeating it until it is bad.
Luckily, I have the initial DVD release for Planet of the Apes, and watching it again reminds me of just how shocking it was...and how devastatingly disappointing Tim Burton's "reimagining" turned out. Although Burton's film looks better, it doesn't have the same sparkle or all-out surprise of the original...and although Tim Burton had an original ending, nobody out-Serlings Rod Serling (who worked on the original ape screenplay, and whose ideas were played out in the final product).
So, kids, what have we learned? Originality is in short supply in Hollywood, and if you are going to remake movies, remake bad ones, not classics.
On that note, I'm going to call my friends, and we're going to steal some camcorders and redo Cannonball Run as a Beckett-esque comedy.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite pastimes was the 3:30 movie on Channel 7, WLS in Chicago. It was there when I fell in love with my second favorite movie series, Planet of the Apes. Of course, I started with the movies edited from the tv series ("hosted" by Roddy McDowall in ape makeup"), and made my way with "Gorilla My Dreams Week" - that's right, baby, all five movies in one week. I owned the action figures, the comic books, the toothpaste, the dishwashing detergent...it was my in-thing as a kid (besides Star Trek).
Recently, I chanced upon the documentary, Behind the Planet of the Apes, which is entertaining, informative, and is a good lesson in how to kill a franchise in five easy years. It's the kind of DVD that Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, John Byrne, and anyone who wishes to 'revamp' a franchise or character should watch, if only to avoid making the same mistakes. (And if you click on the original movie title above, you get the documentary with a reissued DVD of the 1968 classic). It's telling that the 1968 movie with Charlton Heston gets approximately one hour of narrative time, and the other movies have to share forty-five minutes.
Basically, it turns into "going to the well" once too often - diminishing budgets, decreasing creativity (if someone can tell me the difference between Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes, I would really appreciate it). It also typifies the kind of thinking prevalent in Hollywood - if it's good, let's keep repeating it until it is bad.
Luckily, I have the initial DVD release for Planet of the Apes, and watching it again reminds me of just how shocking it was...and how devastatingly disappointing Tim Burton's "reimagining" turned out. Although Burton's film looks better, it doesn't have the same sparkle or all-out surprise of the original...and although Tim Burton had an original ending, nobody out-Serlings Rod Serling (who worked on the original ape screenplay, and whose ideas were played out in the final product).
So, kids, what have we learned? Originality is in short supply in Hollywood, and if you are going to remake movies, remake bad ones, not classics.
On that note, I'm going to call my friends, and we're going to steal some camcorders and redo Cannonball Run as a Beckett-esque comedy.
Luck Be a Lady Tonight
Right now, I'm recovering from a really busy (and slightly traumatic) weekend - had to work a huge conference, and I limped through it. Literally - twisted my ankle badly coming up from the MetroLink station, and it just went downhill from there. Not much I can report without risk of job loss, but I can always discuss it offline.
Anyway, one of my job duties was to chaperone one of the alternative activities for Friday. Like my good friend, the witty and perpetually sweaty Ajay, I enjoy musicals. (Although, dude, I have to draw the line at Annie - my mom played it way too many times during my childhood). So seeing Guys and Dolls at the Muny was, well, quite a treat.
First, the Muny itself - we were lucky enough to get a tour of the theater (followed by a buffet!), and it is really impressive. Standing on the stage in front of all the empty chairs...quite an experience. Plus, the sound system - it was so crystal clear, you would have thought you were listening to a CD.
When live music "sounds like" a CD, you're living in a very jaded age.
Anyway, the performers were spot-on, and were even able to turn the most minor of mistakes into semi-scripted gems. And, of course, the actor who played Nicely-Nicely Johnson was superb. It ain't Guys and Dolls unless you have a great Nicely-Nicely Johnson. I know these things.
The weather was nice, the show was outstanding, and the atmosphere was...it was worth it. An oasis of sanity in an otherwise busy weekend.
Oh, and the shocker - a 17 year old girl was familiar with the movie starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando, and didn't ask, "What else have they done?"
All in all, a gem of an evening.
Anyway, one of my job duties was to chaperone one of the alternative activities for Friday. Like my good friend, the witty and perpetually sweaty Ajay, I enjoy musicals. (Although, dude, I have to draw the line at Annie - my mom played it way too many times during my childhood). So seeing Guys and Dolls at the Muny was, well, quite a treat.
First, the Muny itself - we were lucky enough to get a tour of the theater (followed by a buffet!), and it is really impressive. Standing on the stage in front of all the empty chairs...quite an experience. Plus, the sound system - it was so crystal clear, you would have thought you were listening to a CD.
When live music "sounds like" a CD, you're living in a very jaded age.
Anyway, the performers were spot-on, and were even able to turn the most minor of mistakes into semi-scripted gems. And, of course, the actor who played Nicely-Nicely Johnson was superb. It ain't Guys and Dolls unless you have a great Nicely-Nicely Johnson. I know these things.
The weather was nice, the show was outstanding, and the atmosphere was...it was worth it. An oasis of sanity in an otherwise busy weekend.
Oh, and the shocker - a 17 year old girl was familiar with the movie starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando, and didn't ask, "What else have they done?"
All in all, a gem of an evening.
August 8, 2004
Single Guys Beware!
Forewarned is forearmed
(By the way, I'll blog about this weekend later - trust me, it ain't pretty)
(By the way, I'll blog about this weekend later - trust me, it ain't pretty)
August 4, 2004
Day 7: Office Under Siege
It's official - yesterday, I had to clean out my office, due to the extensive rain damage. So, for the next two weeks, I will be a man without an office...floating around our agency, living out of my briefcase, doing paperwork and copies on the run. In short, like grad school without the Oreos and Mountain Dew. Although I have worked in a vacationing coworker's office, soon I will have to leave, since she will have returned on Monday.
But folks, the damage in my office is bad - tiles bulging inward and colored in various shades of yellow and brown; several papers and posters tossed due to them being damp and moist; my belongings boxed and hidden in a little cubbyhole. Thanks to some foresight, a curriculm which I had promised to one of my colleagues (and was packed away) arrived via mail yesterday, meaning that I can actually *gasp* perform my job.
Also, fortunately, I will be out of my office more frequently than I will be in the office within the next few weeks. This weekend is a huge, statewide prevention conference (so check out the archive if you want to read more stuff for the next few days), then next Thursday through Tuesday I'm on vacation - a well-needed break after the events of the past six months.
Luckily, today is more of a catch-up/finalizing day: getting things done and completed before I go off. In addition, the damage to my office isn't as extensive as that done to one of our directors - she lost so much in terms of records, papers, etc, it is not even funny. Our executive director is also not happy - lost productivity, lost time, and potential replacement of materials is not fun.
If you don't see or hear from me for awhile, please understand - I'm not ignoring you. Just going to be busy...
But folks, the damage in my office is bad - tiles bulging inward and colored in various shades of yellow and brown; several papers and posters tossed due to them being damp and moist; my belongings boxed and hidden in a little cubbyhole. Thanks to some foresight, a curriculm which I had promised to one of my colleagues (and was packed away) arrived via mail yesterday, meaning that I can actually *gasp* perform my job.
Also, fortunately, I will be out of my office more frequently than I will be in the office within the next few weeks. This weekend is a huge, statewide prevention conference (so check out the archive if you want to read more stuff for the next few days), then next Thursday through Tuesday I'm on vacation - a well-needed break after the events of the past six months.
Luckily, today is more of a catch-up/finalizing day: getting things done and completed before I go off. In addition, the damage to my office isn't as extensive as that done to one of our directors - she lost so much in terms of records, papers, etc, it is not even funny. Our executive director is also not happy - lost productivity, lost time, and potential replacement of materials is not fun.
If you don't see or hear from me for awhile, please understand - I'm not ignoring you. Just going to be busy...
Hey, Kids! Comic Blogs!
As you've probably read in these very posts, I am a comic fanboy...and I have kissed a girl. Several, in fact, but that's neither here nor there. When I'm not working or doing social stuff, I peruse several comics-related blogs: here are my three faves, in no particular order:
Comic Treadmill - reviews of comics both old and new, and currently focusing on the little reprint digests that DC used to put out. Not about nostalgia; it's all about the comics.
PostModern Barney - news, reviews, rantings, and snarky comments about comic covers of the past. And no, I'm not including it because he linked to me - honest!
Progressive Ruin - The Greatest Comics Blog in the Multiverse. I am not kidding.
Yes, they are all part of my blogroll, but go forth and enjoy. They're more fun - and informative - than you can conceive.
Comic Treadmill - reviews of comics both old and new, and currently focusing on the little reprint digests that DC used to put out. Not about nostalgia; it's all about the comics.
PostModern Barney - news, reviews, rantings, and snarky comments about comic covers of the past. And no, I'm not including it because he linked to me - honest!
Progressive Ruin - The Greatest Comics Blog in the Multiverse. I am not kidding.
Yes, they are all part of my blogroll, but go forth and enjoy. They're more fun - and informative - than you can conceive.
August 3, 2004
Reefer Madness (book review)
Quite often, I have to read information about my field (substance abuse) in order to keep current. Although I love reading, I try not to read too many books about the field - mostly because, if I have to live it 40 hours a week, I would rather focus on something else. However, when I saw that the author of Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser, was writing about the underground market (including marijuana), it was just too good to pass up.
Luckily, thanks to plenty of free time this weekend, I was able to make my way through Reefer Madness, which focuses on three primary underground markets: marijuana, immigrant labor, and pornography. (Don't worry - although it's adult in content, there's no graphic sex or violence). Schlosser examines some of the forces at work within these three areas, and how they impact the "mainstream" economy.
The book's two essays about the "hotter" issues - marijuana and pornography - are the strongest, with the labor trade a close second. (In all fairness, all three essays are well-researched and well-written). Schlosser finishes the book with a capsule summary and argument about how all three have impacted the mainstream. It is a very informative, enlightening book that comes to some somewhat problematic conclusions about its subject matter. (Read: I disagree with some of his conclusions, but I respect the fact that he has taken the time to consider the facts, which is often not the case in these areas).
Is this an easy read? No, because it provides a really strong historical context (especially for pornography), and in our cut-to-the-chase culture, his book demands careful attention. However, like Fast Food Nation, Schlosser's commentary provides illuminating insight not only into these phenomena, but into our entire culture as well.
Definitely worth pursuing.
Luckily, thanks to plenty of free time this weekend, I was able to make my way through Reefer Madness, which focuses on three primary underground markets: marijuana, immigrant labor, and pornography. (Don't worry - although it's adult in content, there's no graphic sex or violence). Schlosser examines some of the forces at work within these three areas, and how they impact the "mainstream" economy.
The book's two essays about the "hotter" issues - marijuana and pornography - are the strongest, with the labor trade a close second. (In all fairness, all three essays are well-researched and well-written). Schlosser finishes the book with a capsule summary and argument about how all three have impacted the mainstream. It is a very informative, enlightening book that comes to some somewhat problematic conclusions about its subject matter. (Read: I disagree with some of his conclusions, but I respect the fact that he has taken the time to consider the facts, which is often not the case in these areas).
Is this an easy read? No, because it provides a really strong historical context (especially for pornography), and in our cut-to-the-chase culture, his book demands careful attention. However, like Fast Food Nation, Schlosser's commentary provides illuminating insight not only into these phenomena, but into our entire culture as well.
Definitely worth pursuing.
August 2, 2004
Monday, Monday...Can't Trust That Day
Admittedly, this past weekend totally rocked - Saturday night was a benefit for the Missouri Coalition for Budget Policy & Priorities, which works towards making sure that state fiscal policy reflects the needs of low and middle income families. Like much in St. Louis, there is the "social worker" clique - luckily, since I don't have an MSW (only an MEd), I am granted special privileges in this clique. Got to see Old Man Joe (a band comprised of several welfare/Medicaid/social work policy wonks), saw a Congressional candidate totally rock the house, and really noticed that a former colleague of mine was...well, attractive. As Wayne and Garth might say, "If she were a cult science fiction program, she'd be Babe-ylon 5."
(And if she ever reads this, I meant the above in a totally professional and dignified manner. Honestly. She has my utmost professional respect)
Sunday was spent taking a nice, long, well-deserved nap - since the next week are so will be busy, I wanted to get my rest in, and take in as much down time as possible. It seemed like the perfect weekend...
...Until I got into the office this morning. Thanks to last week's rains, my office is still flooded, and I am "camping out" in a vacationing coworker's office. Sadly, our executive director had to give me the bad news - I'm going to be exiled for awhile, and will need to pack up my stuff and move it out. The landlords are going to totally rehab my office, from floor to ceiling, due to the extensive water damage. No problem - I will only be in five and a half of the next fourteen days, so I don't have to sweat it.
And, being the "tobacco guy" at my agency, I am currently working on insuring some legislation passes and/or stays put. Arnold, Ballwin are coming up, and pretty soon may be Florissant and St. Peters. Although it's not the most glamorous (or well-paying) job, it's nice to know that my work actually gets results, and isn't just, well, lining the pockets of "The Man".
Thanks for reading, and hopefully, we'll touch base again...
(And if she ever reads this, I meant the above in a totally professional and dignified manner. Honestly. She has my utmost professional respect)
Sunday was spent taking a nice, long, well-deserved nap - since the next week are so will be busy, I wanted to get my rest in, and take in as much down time as possible. It seemed like the perfect weekend...
...Until I got into the office this morning. Thanks to last week's rains, my office is still flooded, and I am "camping out" in a vacationing coworker's office. Sadly, our executive director had to give me the bad news - I'm going to be exiled for awhile, and will need to pack up my stuff and move it out. The landlords are going to totally rehab my office, from floor to ceiling, due to the extensive water damage. No problem - I will only be in five and a half of the next fourteen days, so I don't have to sweat it.
And, being the "tobacco guy" at my agency, I am currently working on insuring some legislation passes and/or stays put. Arnold, Ballwin are coming up, and pretty soon may be Florissant and St. Peters. Although it's not the most glamorous (or well-paying) job, it's nice to know that my work actually gets results, and isn't just, well, lining the pockets of "The Man".
Thanks for reading, and hopefully, we'll touch base again...
August 1, 2004
It's Couch Potato Time!
...aka DVD reviews. Nothing major - just some recommendations should Blockbuster not have your fave new release, or if you want to start a Netflix queue.
Doctor Who: The Curse of Fenric - When I first saw this episode from the 1989 (and final) season of DW, I thought it was, well, pretentious crap. I had no idea what the heck was going on...thank BBC Home Video (through Warner Brothers) for not only providing the episodic version, but a reedited "Special Edition" on Disc 2, which has now convinced me that this is a flat-out masterpiece. Get this disc, watch the special edition on disc 2, and...well, I am more than willing to argue that Joss Whedon watched this constantly when he was formulating the Buffy series. This, plus all the extra goodies (including a revealing interview with Ian Briggs, the writer) make it a must-have and must-watch.
Shadow of a Doubt - According to reputation (and the testimonials on the making-of featurette), this was Alfred Hitchcock's favorite film. It's mixture of sinister happenings in small-town America make it an instant classic. It won't get the ink of, say, Vertigo or Psycho, but this shows the master of suspense at his finest.
Justice League: Starcrossed - This animated DVD, taken from the 2nd series closer, packs more character development/drama/overall action punch in 63 minutes than most Hollywood fare. It's basically a reintroduction of the Hawkman character (although not introduced as such), it's a setup for the Justice League Unlimited series to air this fall on Cartoon Network. However, don't let that stop you from getting this disc...
The Killing - The first collaboration between Stanley Kubrick and Jim Thompson, author of The Killer Inside Me, The Grifters, A Hell of A Woman, and other excellent novels. This noir masterpiece - an admitted influence on Pulp Fiction - features a racetrack robbery, a non-linear storyline, one of Thompson's best endings, and great acting. It's done something that very few movies do - makes me want to reread Thompson's books. (Also, check out their second and last collaboration, Paths to Glory - a classic antiwar film).
Founding Fathers - My mother and I kid my father, who enjoys the History Channel, because there's very little suspense. "Hey, Dad, who do you think will win World War II?" However, this documentary - focusing on the American Revolution, is very revelatory about the forces that shaped our country. (By the way, you might also want to read Founding Brothers and Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin - great reads, and very insightful). You will learn a lot more from this DVD than you did in history class. That's a promise.
Doctor Who: The Curse of Fenric - When I first saw this episode from the 1989 (and final) season of DW, I thought it was, well, pretentious crap. I had no idea what the heck was going on...thank BBC Home Video (through Warner Brothers) for not only providing the episodic version, but a reedited "Special Edition" on Disc 2, which has now convinced me that this is a flat-out masterpiece. Get this disc, watch the special edition on disc 2, and...well, I am more than willing to argue that Joss Whedon watched this constantly when he was formulating the Buffy series. This, plus all the extra goodies (including a revealing interview with Ian Briggs, the writer) make it a must-have and must-watch.
Shadow of a Doubt - According to reputation (and the testimonials on the making-of featurette), this was Alfred Hitchcock's favorite film. It's mixture of sinister happenings in small-town America make it an instant classic. It won't get the ink of, say, Vertigo or Psycho, but this shows the master of suspense at his finest.
Justice League: Starcrossed - This animated DVD, taken from the 2nd series closer, packs more character development/drama/overall action punch in 63 minutes than most Hollywood fare. It's basically a reintroduction of the Hawkman character (although not introduced as such), it's a setup for the Justice League Unlimited series to air this fall on Cartoon Network. However, don't let that stop you from getting this disc...
The Killing - The first collaboration between Stanley Kubrick and Jim Thompson, author of The Killer Inside Me, The Grifters, A Hell of A Woman, and other excellent novels. This noir masterpiece - an admitted influence on Pulp Fiction - features a racetrack robbery, a non-linear storyline, one of Thompson's best endings, and great acting. It's done something that very few movies do - makes me want to reread Thompson's books. (Also, check out their second and last collaboration, Paths to Glory - a classic antiwar film).
Founding Fathers - My mother and I kid my father, who enjoys the History Channel, because there's very little suspense. "Hey, Dad, who do you think will win World War II?" However, this documentary - focusing on the American Revolution, is very revelatory about the forces that shaped our country. (By the way, you might also want to read Founding Brothers and Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin - great reads, and very insightful). You will learn a lot more from this DVD than you did in history class. That's a promise.
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