Well, it's been a month since I started this ... and I'm not really sure how to end it. ... Oh, I know! A resolution!
If you remember the comment card thing I left at my library about a month ago? Well, I got a call the other day and the reference librarian (I think) said that they had corrected the categorizing of the Jonas Brothers, but they couldn't do anything about the alphabetical ordering of the CDs, as patrons come in on a daily basis, look through CDs, etc.
So ... there's that ... Oh, and I submitted a video audition for a movie a few days ago and I heard back last night (surprisingly quick, if you ask me) and the casting people want me to read for a character, similar to how I did the audition. I'm in shock, honestly. I wouldn't think that anything like this could happen to someone like me ... but this does and can happen.
... ... ... Yeah ... look, I won't be going anywhere ... I just won't be writing up regular blog posts every day or every week or whatever. I'll still be doing the House, Lost, and Fringe recaps, along with the photo of the day. And I'll hopefully have a blog post or two per month on some topic or another ... or just talking about how things are going for me. Maybe I'll embed my videos here, like Craig does. Eh, we'll see. Would you like that idea?
Well ... until ... next post! Allons-y, Alonso!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
BEDA 29: Second-to-Last
Honestly, I don't know what to talk about today.
It's the second to last day of BEDA ... and of April ...
My emotions have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride today. The day started out great. The weather was excellent. I was awake in my classes. I got a fantastic package from a good friend on DB. I had a nice time relaxing. I thought that I had clinched the runoff elections ... but I didn't. I have no clue why ... but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm going to keep working to get the position for the year after.
But the evening took a turn for the better when I found an e-mail in my inbox in regards to the audition I uploaded a few days ago for a big upcoming film project ... and that's all I'll say about that. We'll see where things go from here.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
It's the second to last day of BEDA ... and of April ...
My emotions have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride today. The day started out great. The weather was excellent. I was awake in my classes. I got a fantastic package from a good friend on DB. I had a nice time relaxing. I thought that I had clinched the runoff elections ... but I didn't. I have no clue why ... but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm going to keep working to get the position for the year after.
But the evening took a turn for the better when I found an e-mail in my inbox in regards to the audition I uploaded a few days ago for a big upcoming film project ... and that's all I'll say about that. We'll see where things go from here.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Weird Science: Fringe- Episode 2x19 "Brown Betty"
Just a few brief thoughts.
CAUTION: Spoilers follow. You've been warned.
CAUTION: Spoilers follow. You've been warned.
Walter, what did I tell you about the bo- Oh, you have some Yes playing. Nice choice!
“Low Spark”, Mr. Reddick?! NICE!
Gene in a colorfully dotted outfit?!
I’m loving the noir feel of the episode!
Ha ha ha! Singing corpses! And they’re Willy Wonka fans!
Oh, a bit of “A Chorus Line”!
August is a tad bit creepy – scratch that – VERY creepy here!
And a bit of Stevie Wonder to end the show. Great musical selection!
Aww! Great ending!
Warning?! What warning?!
Until next week, you mad scientists!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
BEDA 28: Graphic (Novel and Movie) Violence
Basically, all I need and want to say about this is in today's video.
Enjoy!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
BEDA 27: Sleep 2
I attended a presentation by Dr. James Maas on sleep and sleep deprivation and the effects on college students. And that's precisely why I'll be turning in closer to midnight tonight than I usually do. Good night.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Monday, April 26, 2010
BEDA 26: The Final Countdown
Well, it's getting to the end. It's the last Monday of April. It's the second to last Monday of classes. It's the second to last Monday of classes of my sophomore year. Oh, and it's the last week of BEDA.
I've quite enjoyed this little project. It's kept me thinking, figuring out topics either the day of or a few days ahead of schedule. I already have one picked out for Wednesday that I'll probably crank out by mid-day. But it's given me a daily deadline that I've always met. It shows that I can get things done on time, if not earlier. But it depends on my interest in the subject ... yeah ...
I'll keep this short. I have some good tunes (Good Old War, the Star Trek soundtrack, She & Him) spinning, and I have some English (a reading and a short reply, 3 scenes of The Tempest) to take care of before turning in.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
I've quite enjoyed this little project. It's kept me thinking, figuring out topics either the day of or a few days ahead of schedule. I already have one picked out for Wednesday that I'll probably crank out by mid-day. But it's given me a daily deadline that I've always met. It shows that I can get things done on time, if not earlier. But it depends on my interest in the subject ... yeah ...
I'll keep this short. I have some good tunes (Good Old War, the Star Trek soundtrack, She & Him) spinning, and I have some English (a reading and a short reply, 3 scenes of The Tempest) to take care of before turning in.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Differential Diagnosis: House- Episode 6.19 "Open and Shut"
And welcome back to another week and another new episode of House! Let's get on with it, shall we?
Image courtesy of House MD Guide
House and the team take on the case of a woman Julia (guest star Callies), who is in an open marriage and becomes ill during a date with her on-the-side boyfriend. As perplexing as the case is, Julia's happy and healthy, yet polygamous relationship is equally baffling to the team. Meanwhile, House tests Wilson's relationship with Sam (guest star Watros) in the all-new "Open and Shut" episode of HOUSE.
CAUTION: From this point on, there are potential spoilers. Consider this the medical warning on pill bottles.
Pre-credit teaser
Wait, her hubby is here?! ... Oh!
Act 1
But Taub, unicorns are adorable to some. Perhaps it's because they look like ponies or horses.
Uh oh ... Taub, you having marital issues?
Oh, look! It's Sarah from Prison Break!
Barium enemas? Haven't had a barium enema, but I have had a barium shake/drink once. It was ages ago.
Act 2
And here goes Taub's marriage?
Act 3
And Wilson's getting pick- ... HOUSE!
Oh, and NOW they're fighting! Christ! House, see what you've done?
Act 4
And House did it ... kinda.
Taub's wife is consenting to the open marriage!?
Act 5
So, House still wants something with Cuddy?
Ending tag
Both couples got what they wanted. How touching! ... Except for maybe Taub.
Until next week, you scruffy pill-poppers!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
BEDA 25: Social Charity
One of the things I've been noticing recently is the number of charities and groups that have been looking to social networking to gain support and funds.
During the recovery in Haiti, the Red Cross and other charitable groups allowed people to text HAITI to 40404. This added $10 to their cell phone bills, but it went to a good cause. Julian discussed this in a video he posted earlier today.
Shawn, a Youtuber currently residing in Bangladesh, created The Uncultured Project to raise awareness about poverty in poor countries.
Today on Dailybooth was World Malaria Day. Users took pictures of the words "End Malaria" written on their palm(s) (or arms or heads in some cases) and tagged their pictures with the hashtag #endmalaria to contribute to raising awareness.
So, all in all, social networking has become a powerful tool that can be used for good to increase the awareness of people to dangerous and possibly life-threatening things around the world, like earthquake recovery, poor drinking water and health conditions, and a horrible disease. I hope that this has enlightened you.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
During the recovery in Haiti, the Red Cross and other charitable groups allowed people to text HAITI to 40404. This added $10 to their cell phone bills, but it went to a good cause. Julian discussed this in a video he posted earlier today.
Shawn, a Youtuber currently residing in Bangladesh, created The Uncultured Project to raise awareness about poverty in poor countries.
Today on Dailybooth was World Malaria Day. Users took pictures of the words "End Malaria" written on their palm(s) (or arms or heads in some cases) and tagged their pictures with the hashtag #endmalaria to contribute to raising awareness.
So, all in all, social networking has become a powerful tool that can be used for good to increase the awareness of people to dangerous and possibly life-threatening things around the world, like earthquake recovery, poor drinking water and health conditions, and a horrible disease. I hope that this has enlightened you.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
BEDA 24: Brief Thoughts On- The Book of Eli
What follows are some brief thoughts on The Book of Eli. Warning: THERE ARE SPOILERS!
I quite got a kick of sorts from Carnegie's situation at the end of the film. He ended up getting what he wanted, yet at the same time, he DIDN'T get what he wanted. It was very oddly like a whole handful of real situations in which people partially get what they want. And I really liked the significance of his name, as he was most likely named after Andrew Carnegie, the steel baron.
I got a kick out of the resilient elderly couple. And I didn't realize that the husband was played by Michael Gambon. But I did recognize Malcolm McDowell as the head of the Alcatraz Printing Press.
The big question of the film was the blindness of Eli. All throughout the film, the audience can see his eyes from afar and they don't appear to be opaque. So, that could mean that all his other senses were able to compensate for his lack of vision OR he was legally blind and could somewhat see.
I really liked the post-apocalyptic Western feel that the film had, as Eli was the lone traveler who came into town and shook it up and left.
As for the overall message, I felt that it was all about the importance of religion, which was quite evident. But the film didn't have a heavy handed religious message. It was more of two different sides fighting for the use of religion. Carnegie wanted to use it to control the illiterate and stupid. Eli wanted to protect it, as the morals are important to all peoples.
Any thoughts are appreciated. Or if you want to discuss this, leave a comment.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Life on Mars" by David Bowie]
I quite got a kick of sorts from Carnegie's situation at the end of the film. He ended up getting what he wanted, yet at the same time, he DIDN'T get what he wanted. It was very oddly like a whole handful of real situations in which people partially get what they want. And I really liked the significance of his name, as he was most likely named after Andrew Carnegie, the steel baron.
I got a kick out of the resilient elderly couple. And I didn't realize that the husband was played by Michael Gambon. But I did recognize Malcolm McDowell as the head of the Alcatraz Printing Press.
The big question of the film was the blindness of Eli. All throughout the film, the audience can see his eyes from afar and they don't appear to be opaque. So, that could mean that all his other senses were able to compensate for his lack of vision OR he was legally blind and could somewhat see.
I really liked the post-apocalyptic Western feel that the film had, as Eli was the lone traveler who came into town and shook it up and left.
As for the overall message, I felt that it was all about the importance of religion, which was quite evident. But the film didn't have a heavy handed religious message. It was more of two different sides fighting for the use of religion. Carnegie wanted to use it to control the illiterate and stupid. Eli wanted to protect it, as the morals are important to all peoples.
Any thoughts are appreciated. Or if you want to discuss this, leave a comment.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Life on Mars" by David Bowie]
Friday, April 23, 2010
BEDA 23: Good
Today, I just feel good.
Maybe it's because I had a nice Skype call during which I made some possibly solid summer concert plans and maybe more.
Maybe it's because I was awake for all of my Poli Sci class, in which we discussed (or started discussing) Radical Islamism (as the chapter was titled in the textbook). I had a decent amount of background on it, thanks to my Poli Sci course from last spring.
Maybe it's because the weather as so fantastic today. Not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures in the high 50s/low 60s. ... And I just checked Weather.com. Frost expected in the area tonight. Damn!
Maybe it's because I relaxed around campus, on top of the Object, on a bench near the Union, and in the radio station, reading more of Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Maybe it's because I decided "What the hell" and put my name down to audition for the main stage production of Streetcar Named Desire on Sunday afternoon.
Maybe it's because I ripped the latest She & Him, Dr. Dog, and Laura Marling.
Or maybe it's because I turned in my Big Paper yesterday.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Maybe it's because I had a nice Skype call during which I made some possibly solid summer concert plans and maybe more.
Maybe it's because I was awake for all of my Poli Sci class, in which we discussed (or started discussing) Radical Islamism (as the chapter was titled in the textbook). I had a decent amount of background on it, thanks to my Poli Sci course from last spring.
Maybe it's because the weather as so fantastic today. Not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures in the high 50s/low 60s. ... And I just checked Weather.com. Frost expected in the area tonight. Damn!
Maybe it's because I relaxed around campus, on top of the Object, on a bench near the Union, and in the radio station, reading more of Will Grayson, Will Grayson.
Maybe it's because I decided "What the hell" and put my name down to audition for the main stage production of Streetcar Named Desire on Sunday afternoon.
Maybe it's because I ripped the latest She & Him, Dr. Dog, and Laura Marling.
Or maybe it's because I turned in my Big Paper yesterday.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
BEDA 22: Earth Day (re-posted/published)
Nothing against you readers, but this is the simplest thing to write about today. I'm running on roughly 5 and a half hours of sleep from last night and I'm turning in after Stewart and Colbert, so ... Earth Day!
Today, without needlessly repeating myself (which I kind of am), was Earth Day. There was a fair/festival at the amphitheater near my dorm's dining hall with free food, alpacas, tabling, bands, and a handful of other Earth Day related things.
As for Earth Day related activities, I recycled a bottle, threw out a paper plate, and recycled a recyclable potato chip bag. I feel good.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Today, without needlessly repeating myself (which I kind of am), was Earth Day. There was a fair/festival at the amphitheater near my dorm's dining hall with free food, alpacas, tabling, bands, and a handful of other Earth Day related things.
As for Earth Day related activities, I recycled a bottle, threw out a paper plate, and recycled a recyclable potato chip bag. I feel good.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Weird Science: Fringe- Episode 2x18 "The Man From The Other Side"
For this episode, I just took some notes, so here they are in their unedited form.
Rush! Nice!
CAUTION: Spoilers might follow. You have been warned.
Rush! Nice!
“Hang tight. I’ll be fine.” That’s what they all say.
Okay … THAT is just gross.
Walter likes pecan pie? My favorite!
Walter grows pot. Wonderful.
A new shapeshifter was sent over and … is dead?
An invasion is imminent, I would guess.
Star Trek plug! Woo hoo!
A random recent corpse, Walter? What are you planning to do?! … RESTARTING A SHAPESHIFTER?!?!
HOLY *&^$*@#^&@#*
Was that Walternate on the bridge?
Peter doesn’t want to hear the full story. This can’t be good. … Crap.
Until next week, mad scientists!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
BEDA 21: Brainjuice
's going to be another quick/short post today.
1) I didn't know what to name this post, but it's mostly disjointed thoughts, so ... brainjuice was the most logical.
2) I had dinner outside today, which was nice and relaxing. I ought to do it more often.
3) Tomorrow is Earth Day, so do your part to help! Pick up and throw out some trash. Recycle that soda bottle or can. Bike or walk to work if you can, or just use mass transit or carpool. Don't use as much electricity. So ... do your part!
4) I have a paper to finish, so I'm going to do that ... bleh ...
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
1) I didn't know what to name this post, but it's mostly disjointed thoughts, so ... brainjuice was the most logical.
2) I had dinner outside today, which was nice and relaxing. I ought to do it more often.
3) Tomorrow is Earth Day, so do your part to help! Pick up and throw out some trash. Recycle that soda bottle or can. Bike or walk to work if you can, or just use mass transit or carpool. Don't use as much electricity. So ... do your part!
4) I have a paper to finish, so I'm going to do that ... bleh ...
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
BEDA 20: DADT
I don't support the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I feel that if open soldiers wish to serve, they should be able to, and they shouldn't have to hide their orientation. And why am I writing about this? A relatively new friend (who I met about a few weeks before Spring Break) went to the local recruiting station early last week to possibly enlist and she was talking with a recruitment officer who mentioned the policy of honesty and she said that she was a lesbian, so the officer more or less showed her the door. This past Friday, there was a protest in front of the station in support of her. And in today's campus paper, an article was published about the protest that ended with a quote from Representative Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) about the policy. The following is from the article.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
However, there are those who maintain that DADT is an effective policy that should be upheld. At a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting in February, Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia stated that servicemen from the gay community have served, and will continue to serve, valiantly in the U.S. armed forces, but that military life is fundamentally different than civilian life and functions under a different set of rules.Okay, Representative. Yes, military members drink, might have affairs, pal around, and get tattoos. So do civilians. Yes, military members are under the threat of attacks from antagonizing forces. So are civilians ... but in a slightly different way. What I'm getting at is what problem does Representative Chambliss have? It's not like allowing soldiers to serve openly will gay-ify the armed forces!
"Examples include alcohol use, adultery, fraternization and body art," Chambliss said at the meeting. "If we change this rule of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, what are we going to do with these other issues?"
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Questions, Not Answers: Lost - Episode 6.13 "The Last Recruit"
CAUTION: Spoilers from this point on.
Questions
How is Kate's life better in the LAX timeline?
What's with the whole "Claire Littleton? We've been looking for you." thing?
Questions
How is Kate's life better in the LAX timeline?
What's with the whole "Claire Littleton? We've been looking for you." thing?
Hrm ... could Jin and Sun be Adam and Eve?
Answers
Finally! Flocke WAS Christian!
Musings/Comments
Locke was a man of faith. And that means that he's a sucker?!
Answers
Finally! Flocke WAS Christian!
Musings/Comments
Locke was a man of faith. And that means that he's a sucker?!
Oh, Locke and Sun enter the hospital side by side ...
Oh, crap! Did Sun's consciousnesses get mixed up?!
Ah, everything is coming together in the LAX timeline now.
So, it seems like Flocke would rather risk another conflict that would result in the death of his "followers" as opposed to turning over Desmond or what is left of him.
Appointment on the 15th floor, doo-dah, doo-dah.
Okay ... Desmond ... this is a little stalker-y ...
Ilana isn't dead?!
Oh. I thought that the well was deeper.
And ... Claire is going to follow them. Or report them to Flocke. AND ... she followed them.
Sayid didn't kill Desmond. He left him alive. I just know it.
And Jack was going to Ilana's law firm ... and he finds out about and meets Claire ... and the reveal happens ... and Jack got the call about Locke being ready for surgery ... it's all coming together. :)
Hrm ... I think that Jack is destined to take over for Jacob. And perhaps Sawyer is destined to take over for Smokey.
The baby's fine! Yay!
JIN AND SUN REUNITE! :D FINALLY! And her English has returned! Fantastic!
And that's it for this week, my camp of survivors! See you in anotha life, brothas!
Hrm ... I think that Jack is destined to take over for Jacob. And perhaps Sawyer is destined to take over for Smokey.
The baby's fine! Yay!
JIN AND SUN REUNITE! :D FINALLY! And her English has returned! Fantastic!
And that's it for this week, my camp of survivors! See you in anotha life, brothas!
Monday, April 19, 2010
BEDA 19: Shakespeare
I was going to write up a post on some recent Apple news, but I'll save that for later in the week, perhaps tomorrow, or perhaps Thursday, when my work for the week is mostly done.
So, this semester, I'm taking a Shakespeare course with the top Shakespeare professor on campus and overall, I'm enjoying the course, despite my tendency to get a little drowsy ... but I do enjoy the course. And for those who dislike Shakespeare, give him another chance! Sure, reading one of his plays can be a bit tedious, depending on the play and how much Shakespeare you have read. This semester, I've found that the more Shakespeare you read, the easier it is to understand and the quicker you can get through the plays.
ANYWAY!
I saw the following image on GraphJam last week and got quite a kick out of it and wanted to share it with all of you, whether or not you're Shakespeare enthusiasts.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
So, this semester, I'm taking a Shakespeare course with the top Shakespeare professor on campus and overall, I'm enjoying the course, despite my tendency to get a little drowsy ... but I do enjoy the course. And for those who dislike Shakespeare, give him another chance! Sure, reading one of his plays can be a bit tedious, depending on the play and how much Shakespeare you have read. This semester, I've found that the more Shakespeare you read, the easier it is to understand and the quicker you can get through the plays.
ANYWAY!
I saw the following image on GraphJam last week and got quite a kick out of it and wanted to share it with all of you, whether or not you're Shakespeare enthusiasts.
365 Photos, Day 109: Ice Cream!
Differential Diagnosis: House- Episode 6.18 "Knight Fall"
And welcome back to another week and another new episode of House! Let's get on with it, shall we?
Image courtesy of House MD Guide
According to the press release (provided by House MD Guide),
House and the team take on the case of Sir William, a "knight" in a closed-off community of men and women living according to the ideals of the High Renaissance. As the team searches the medieval village for environmental factors contributing to Sir William¹s rapidly deteriorating health, Thirteen and Sir William debate the acts that define honor and loyalty, especially in regard to the "queen" of the community, one of Sir William¹s most frequent visitors. Meanwhile, Wilson starts over with an ex (guest star Watros) in the all-new "Knight Fall" episode of HOUSE.CAUTION: From this point on, there are potential spoilers. Consider this the medical warning on pill bottles.
Pre-credit teaser
The Black Knight! Arms and legs! Arms and legs! Go for the arms and legs!
Red eyes ... oh crap. That can't be good.
First act
Okay, why in the WORLD is House walking around in the buff?!
Oh, Libby! Hello there! Nice to see you not on the Island or in a mental hospital!
Ah, I love the medieval references. :)
... How has Chase not read or seen Lord of the Rings?!
C'mon, Foreman! Say you're The Doctor!
House's leg seems to be hurting again. This might not be a good sign.
Second act
Nothing to comment on.
Third act
... House brought a drag queen to dinner?! HA!
Fourth act
And they get along! Fantastic?
... Oh, he's getting crabbier. This can't be a good sign.
A Necronomicon?! *steps back and puts book down*
Fifth act
House is trying to be nice, despite being in what looks like more pain than he is normally in? Interesting.
Oh! OUCH! House! Samantha isn't Amber!
House looks good in medieval garb! ... Well ... Hugh WAS in two seasons of Blackadder ... which is similar ...
SHIT! The king poisoned William?!
Ending tag
Lucas is back?!
Until next week, you scruffy pill-poppers!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
BEDA 18: Incubation
I have come to realize recently that I may be an incubator, not a procrastinator.
Yes, lately (or over the last year or so) I have tended to put homework off until the deadline was oh so close, but I have managed to finish said assignments and hand them in on time, with favorable results most, if not all, of the time.
Short, sweet, and to the point today. I have homework to get back to ... important stuff ... 3 more weeks of classes before finals ...
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Yes, lately (or over the last year or so) I have tended to put homework off until the deadline was oh so close, but I have managed to finish said assignments and hand them in on time, with favorable results most, if not all, of the time.
Short, sweet, and to the point today. I have homework to get back to ... important stuff ... 3 more weeks of classes before finals ...
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
BEDA 17: Unnecessary Movies
Once again, a short post today on ... unnecessary movies.
I have two ... yes, two examples for you.
1) A remake of a movie just about three years old, Death at a Funeral follows the disintegration of a family at the funeral of their patriarch. The original, directed by Frank Oz, is set in Britain and follows a middle/upper class British family. The remake, directed by Neil LaBute, is set in the United States and follows a middle class African American family. ... British dialogue in American mouths ... doesn't sound as good. Especially when Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence and Tracy Morgan are delivering it. Nothing against them ... but this didn't need to be made.
2) A modern day comedy "dream team" (if you call it that) assembles to catch up on the good old days, when they were children. The cast? Adam Sandler, Kevin Smith, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. ... I'm not a big fan of Sandler or Rock or Schneider, really. Smith is alright and so is Spade. But ... *sigh*
These are being made all for the one thing that drives Hollywood: MONEY! C'mon, movie industry! Give the little guys, the independents that deserve the spotlight the spotlight!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
I have two ... yes, two examples for you.
1) A remake of a movie just about three years old, Death at a Funeral follows the disintegration of a family at the funeral of their patriarch. The original, directed by Frank Oz, is set in Britain and follows a middle/upper class British family. The remake, directed by Neil LaBute, is set in the United States and follows a middle class African American family. ... British dialogue in American mouths ... doesn't sound as good. Especially when Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence and Tracy Morgan are delivering it. Nothing against them ... but this didn't need to be made.
2) A modern day comedy "dream team" (if you call it that) assembles to catch up on the good old days, when they were children. The cast? Adam Sandler, Kevin Smith, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. ... I'm not a big fan of Sandler or Rock or Schneider, really. Smith is alright and so is Spade. But ... *sigh*
These are being made all for the one thing that drives Hollywood: MONEY! C'mon, movie industry! Give the little guys, the independents that deserve the spotlight the spotlight!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Friday, April 16, 2010
BEDA 16: Kick-Ass Review
Going into the screening with Ryan, I had a vague idea that the movie was about a high schooler who decides to become a masked crime fighter, thanks to numerous trailers and a handful of TV spots. Despite not having read the graphic novel, I was blown away.
First off, the cast. The only actor who I hadn't heard of before seeing promotional material for the film and the film itself was Aaron Johnson, who had the lead role of Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass. Needless to say, he did a pretty good job, although something about him in the role didn't quite click. Maybe it was his voice. Apart from that, the rest of the cast did a great job, especially Chloe Grace-Moretz as Mindy Macready/Hit Girl. She blew it out of the park. ... Or perhaps knifed the hell out of it. A 13 year old girl playing an 11 year old with a dirty mouth and a love for weaponry ... so out-of-the-ordinary, it's hilarious. She stole the movie.
Secondly, the plot. While I haven't read the graphic novel, I took the opportunity to check out the plot run-down on Wikipedia after seeing the flick. While details were changed during the transition, the changes did help to keep the movie grounded in reality at first, before taking off like --- I'm going to stop there.
Thirdly, the soundtrack. It definitely kept the energy up and kept the film going. And there were a few wise song choices, like the theme from For A Few Dollars More towards the end, as well as Joan Jett and the Blackheart's "Bad Reputation".
And finally, I dug all the comic book/pop culture nods, like Hellboy posters in the comic book store that Dave and his friends frequent in the film, along with an issue of Runaways, The Avengers, a passing reference to Scott Pilgrim, Spiderman, X-Men, and the show that keeps everyone guessing ... Lost.
So, because of time constraints, I'll keep this review short, sweet, and to the point.
Overall, the movie was a solid, faithful graphic novel adaptation that was packed full of bloody violence and just enough salty humor. 4 out of 5 stars.
First off, the cast. The only actor who I hadn't heard of before seeing promotional material for the film and the film itself was Aaron Johnson, who had the lead role of Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass. Needless to say, he did a pretty good job, although something about him in the role didn't quite click. Maybe it was his voice. Apart from that, the rest of the cast did a great job, especially Chloe Grace-Moretz as Mindy Macready/Hit Girl. She blew it out of the park. ... Or perhaps knifed the hell out of it. A 13 year old girl playing an 11 year old with a dirty mouth and a love for weaponry ... so out-of-the-ordinary, it's hilarious. She stole the movie.
Secondly, the plot. While I haven't read the graphic novel, I took the opportunity to check out the plot run-down on Wikipedia after seeing the flick. While details were changed during the transition, the changes did help to keep the movie grounded in reality at first, before taking off like --- I'm going to stop there.
Thirdly, the soundtrack. It definitely kept the energy up and kept the film going. And there were a few wise song choices, like the theme from For A Few Dollars More towards the end, as well as Joan Jett and the Blackheart's "Bad Reputation".
And finally, I dug all the comic book/pop culture nods, like Hellboy posters in the comic book store that Dave and his friends frequent in the film, along with an issue of Runaways, The Avengers, a passing reference to Scott Pilgrim, Spiderman, X-Men, and the show that keeps everyone guessing ... Lost.
So, because of time constraints, I'll keep this review short, sweet, and to the point.
Overall, the movie was a solid, faithful graphic novel adaptation that was packed full of bloody violence and just enough salty humor. 4 out of 5 stars.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
BEDA 15: On Turning Two (In Youtube Years)
So, the other day, my Youtube account turned two. So, I posted this video yesterday in honor of that. I'll leave you with the video. Enjoy!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
P.S. I'm halfway done! Woo hoo!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
P.S. I'm halfway done! Woo hoo!
Weird Science: Fringe- Episode 2.17 "White Tulip"
Caution: Spoilers from this point on.
Episode-Related Questions
How'd Robocop appear on the train?! Okay ... he gave himself the ability to time travel about ... 12 hours back, I would say.
How'd Walter's letter end up on the train?!
Episode-Related Questions
How'd Walter's letter end up on the train?!
Why was there a white tulip in Walter's case?
Hrm ... could Walter be sympathizing with Peck?
But what would happen if he jumps back to save his wife? Wouldn't all of his efforts be negated?
Was the Observer on the train platform? I must have missed him.
Musings/Comments
Weird kid ... WAITASEC!
Deja vu? Jinks? Interesting.
Hrm ... could Walter be sympathizing with Peck?
But what would happen if he jumps back to save his wife? Wouldn't all of his efforts be negated?
Was the Observer on the train platform? I must have missed him.
Musings/Comments
Weird kid ... WAITASEC!
Deja vu? Jinks? Interesting.
Peter didn't discover the letter the second time around ... interesting.
Hrm ... they discovered him a different way the second time around. Peck got a bit sloppy.
OKAY! That is just ... *retches*
A man of science with a belief in religion? Interesting.
Until next case, my weird scientists!
Hrm ... they discovered him a different way the second time around. Peck got a bit sloppy.
OKAY! That is just ... *retches*
A man of science with a belief in religion? Interesting.
Until next case, my weird scientists!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
BEDA 14: Oh, the Irony!
So, the topic of today's post has changed since yesterday. That will be tomorrow's post. Anyway ...
I woke up a little earlier than usual today to register for classes. I woke a little earlier just in case the registration system decided to pull "I'm not going to load and let you register for the classes you want to get into". So, I was able to get in to three of the classes that I was hoping to get in to, but I was locked out of the two other courses. Why? Well, one was closed (it's a pretty popular course) and for the other, I required permission from the English Department. ... And I'm an English major. So, I headed over to the English Office after showering and eating, only to find out that the course had more or less JUST filled up, as another interested student had come in a little earlier to inquire about the same course. So, I e-mailed the prof for that course, but I haven't heard back from her yet. However, I checked on the course earlier and I discovered that 2/3 of the course opened up, which was quite baffling. So, I tried to register again, but I was blocked again for the same reason.
So, where will I be off to in the morning before class? You guessed it!
*sigh* The trials and tribulations of being an English major ... I can't even register for a course in my department! That's ... asinine!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
I woke up a little earlier than usual today to register for classes. I woke a little earlier just in case the registration system decided to pull "I'm not going to load and let you register for the classes you want to get into". So, I was able to get in to three of the classes that I was hoping to get in to, but I was locked out of the two other courses. Why? Well, one was closed (it's a pretty popular course) and for the other, I required permission from the English Department. ... And I'm an English major. So, I headed over to the English Office after showering and eating, only to find out that the course had more or less JUST filled up, as another interested student had come in a little earlier to inquire about the same course. So, I e-mailed the prof for that course, but I haven't heard back from her yet. However, I checked on the course earlier and I discovered that 2/3 of the course opened up, which was quite baffling. So, I tried to register again, but I was blocked again for the same reason.
So, where will I be off to in the morning before class? You guessed it!
*sigh* The trials and tribulations of being an English major ... I can't even register for a course in my department! That's ... asinine!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
BEDA 13: An Interesting Conversation
During my show today, I received an IM from an online listener partway through Max's (my apprentice) block of music. I'll let the conversation speak for itself. Screen names have been replaced for privacy, of course.
(2:01:59 PM) Listener: are you guys singing in the radio station?
(2:03:54 PM) Me: No, this is a CD.
(2:04:19 PM) L: can you change the song i dont like this one
(2:04:35 PM) L: the skip button doesnt work in winamp
(2:04:54 PM) M: It's live radio. The skip button shouldn't work for live radio.
(2:05:03 PM) L: so can you change the song?
(2:05:13 PM) M: The song is over in about 30 seconds.
(2:05:17 PM) L: i thought live radio takes requests
(2:05:31 PM) M: Yes, we do, but not usually to end the song while it's still playing.
(2:08:51 PM) L: was that RBF?
(2:08:56 PM) M: Yup!
(2:09:11 PM) L: now whats this mexican shit?
(2:09:18 PM) M: ... This is Bruce Springsteen.
(2:09:26 PM) L: was he mexican
(2:09:33 PM) M: ... No. He's from New Jersey.
(2:09:46 PM) L: they're mexicans in jersey you racist
(2:10:18 PM) M: I'm not being racist. All I'm saying is that he's from New Jersey and from my knowledge of him, I know that he isn't Mexican. He got his start in the early '70s.
(2:10:38 PM) L: i see, there werent any mexicans here in the 70s
(2:12:08 PM) L: do you think bruce springstein's initials BS is ironic?
(2:12:46 PM) M: No.
(2:13:30 PM) L: what country are you from?
(2:13:55 PM) L: NO MORE BRUCE
(2:14:26 PM) L: are you from the UK?
(2:14:33 PM) M: Was my accent that good?
(2:14:44 PM) L: not really
(2:14:54 PM) L: sounded like a uk'sh accent
(2:14:58 PM) L: couldnt really tell
(2:15:02 PM) L: thats why i had to ask
(2:15:21 PM) L: so you were trying to put on a british accent?
(2:15:28 PM) M: Ah ... well ... thanks, but I'm from NY, but I quite like faking accents.
(2:16:07 PM) L: thats retarded...
(2:16:30 PM) M: It's retarded to have an appreciation for another country's culture and to try and emulate it?
(2:16:58 PM) L: its retarded to emulate another countries culture and try and make others think you're a foreigner
(2:18:12 PM) M: That's the fun of being on the radio. Nobody knows who the DJ really is.
(2:19:10 PM) L: you're a student from binghamton
(2:19:37 PM) M: That's a logical conclusion. But that's all you could deduce.
(2:22:41 PM) L: are you playing BS out of spite?
(2:23:26 PM) mistaali is offering to send file 02 - Red Rocking Chair.mp3
(2:23:32 PM) L: can you play this song instead?
(2:24:29 PM) M: No, I'm not playing Bruce in spite. And my show is just about over. Sorry.
(2:24:47 PM) L: can you give me a shoutout
(2:25:00 PM) L: to your only listener
(2:25:07 PM) M: I have other listeners.
(2:25:15 PM) L: yeah which ones?
(2:25:31 PM) L: you've been playing BS the whole day
(2:25:49 PM) M: All I know is that I have other people listening online. And no, I've only been playing Bruce for 10 or so minutes.
(2:26:06 PM) L: seems like an eternity when it sucks
(2:26:28 PM) L: did you just give me a shoutout?!
(2:26:36 PM) L: OMG I WAS ON THE RADIO!!!!!!
(2:26:43 PM) L: THANKS!
(2:26:47 PM) M: You're welcome.
(2:26:48 PM) L: i love BS
(2:26:55 PM) L: im a fan
(2:27:03 PM) L: love his shitty voice
(2:27:11 PM) L: have a nice day
(2:27:13 PM) L: see you next week
... ... ... Okay then ...
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Questions, Not Answers: Lost - Episode 6.12 "Everybody Loves Hugo"
CAUTION: Spoilers from this point on.
Questions
... WHA?! How did Hurley get Chang to give the speech?!
... MICHAEL'S SPIRIT?! SHIIIIIIITE!
Hrm ... could Crazy Libby have been perceptive to other time-lines or other time-periods?
Waitwaitwait ... is Hurley flip-flopping on the whole dynamite issue?!
HURLEY! WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!
Young Jacob back again to haunt Flocke?
Answers
Yes! We finally learned what the Whispers are!
Musings/Comments
Libby! :D
Dude ... I think you've got some Ilana on you.
And Desmond is order 42. ... Correct!
Oh crap ... Des is wearing a red shirt.
Aww! ^_^
And the small surviving troop is splitting into two smaller groups. Wonderful!
Libby and Hurley finally get their date! Aww! ^_^
Flocke ... you had BETTER not be doing what I think you're planning on doing. ... I JUST WANT TO REACH THROUGH THE SCREEN AND BEAT YOU TO A PULP!
Okay ... that could be considered payback for what happened in the Crash Timeline.
And that's it for this week, my camp of survivors! See you in anotha life, brothas!
Questions
... WHA?! How did Hurley get Chang to give the speech?!
... MICHAEL'S SPIRIT?! SHIIIIIIITE!
Hrm ... could Crazy Libby have been perceptive to other time-lines or other time-periods?
Waitwaitwait ... is Hurley flip-flopping on the whole dynamite issue?!
HURLEY! WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!
Young Jacob back again to haunt Flocke?
Answers
Yes! We finally learned what the Whispers are!
Musings/Comments
Libby! :D
Dude ... I think you've got some Ilana on you.
And Desmond is order 42. ... Correct!
Oh crap ... Des is wearing a red shirt.
Aww! ^_^
And the small surviving troop is splitting into two smaller groups. Wonderful!
Libby and Hurley finally get their date! Aww! ^_^
Flocke ... you had BETTER not be doing what I think you're planning on doing. ... I JUST WANT TO REACH THROUGH THE SCREEN AND BEAT YOU TO A PULP!
Okay ... that could be considered payback for what happened in the Crash Timeline.
And that's it for this week, my camp of survivors! See you in anotha life, brothas!
Monday, April 12, 2010
BEDA 12: Humans and the Environment
We, as a species, don't contribute back enough to the planet.
I realized this today in my Political Science class. The professor was talking a bit about the animal liberation movements and in the last minutes of the class, she briefly touched on environmental movements. And it hit me, but I didn't necessarily feel like speaking up at the end of the class.
We use and use and use. We, as an overall species, don't care about the environment. We have been polluting and killing for a few centuries, taking little to no note about the environment. Sure, a portion of us recycle and have been working to reduce our carbon footprint, but it honestly seems too late.
Compared to animals, we're pigs. We slaughter animals for food after raising them in horrid conditions. We chop down entire forests for land for McMansions and for paper use. And yes, while a portion of us give back by planting trees and eating healthier, the scale is tipped in the wrong direction.
Animals give back to the environment. For one, bees pollinate flowers while gathering the needed materials to make honey. Without bees, we would, to put it politely, would be screwed.
So ... what're you going to do? Keep on living? Sure, go do that, but be armed with the knowledge that our eventual end is coming at us faster, like a boulder rolling down a hill that has picked up speed.
... Until tomorrow. Allons-y, Alonso.
Differential Diagnosis: House- Episode 6.17 "Lockdown"
And welcome back to another week and another new episode of House! Oh, and what's even more fantastic about this episode is that Hugh himself directed it! Let's get on with it, shall we?
Image courtesy of House MD Guide
According to the press release (provided by House MD Guide),
When a newborn disappears from the nursery, Princeton Plainsboro goes on lockdown, preventing anyone from entering, leaving or moving within the hospital. While House and his team members are trapped in various parts of the building, new insights about the team's personal histories, relationships and regrets surface in the all-new "Lockdown" episode of House.CAUTION: From this point on, there are potential spoilers. Consider this the medical warning on pill bottles.
Pre-credit teaser
Aww! Cute baby!
Whoa, Chase! What a wonderful tone to use with your ex!
... How in the world does a baby just go missing?! It's not like she could've crawled out!
First act
You haven't found the time to sign the divorce papers, Chase?!
Taub! Seriously?! Why would you do this?!
Second act
Wilson ... you went STRAIGHT to the sex questions?!
... Now you're taking a Vicodin to get the "experience", Taub?!
Third act
And they brought in a chopper?!
Whoa! The kid is ... 4? 5, maybe? And he hates her already?! She was just born, for crying out loud!
Oh ... does House still has a thing for Cuddy?
Taub and Foreman are stoned now? ... Ha ha!
... And they tossed in a Fight Club reference! Nice!
Fourth act
13 ... asking Wilson to steal?! He's such a Goodie Two-Shoes!
Oh! Franka Potente's character from the season premiere! Aww ...
Fifth act
13, he's your dad! Just come clean to him!
Wilson wants to get back together with his 1st ex? Interesting.
Speaking of your baby, Cuddy, we haven't seen her in a long time. How's she doing?
Shouldn't that nurse be on treatment or meds for the seizures?
God ... that must be so hard ... more or less saying goodbye to your daughter who you walked out on so many years ago. *tear*
Ending tag
And the baby's okay!
Taub is doing Foreman a solid? Interesting. What're his motives, if he has any?
*tear*
Overall, I quite liked this episode, as it wasn't the usual procedural case and because of the color tones (blue/green for Chase + Cameron and House + the patient, brown/yellow for Taub + Foreman, Wilson + 13, Cuddy + the parents), as well as the trippy camera angles after Taub and Foreman popped Vicodin.
And here's a little treat for you, courtesy of GraphJam.
And it is kinda true. :)
Until next week, you scruffy pill-poppers!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
BEDA 11: Shit My Roomie Does
Let me just begin by saying that my roomie is a great guy. He has a knack for cooking. He grows a few plants on the windowsill. He collects cans and bottles and redeems them every few weeks. But he is a bit of a practical joker.
The other day, I was sitting in front of my computer with my water bottle resting on the bed support nearest to me. I reached over to take a sip and my water bottle wasn't there. I looked behind me, and there was my roommate, holding my water bottle with an ominous look on his face. I couldn't help but crack up. He was standing there for 8 minutes or so, waiting for a reaction from me.
Either a few days before or after the water bottle incident, I looked over at the ticket stub section of my wall and I noticed that something was off. What was it? Well, there was a stub for the movie Green Zone. I haven't seen Green Zone yet. The last movie I saw in theaters was Shutter Island, back in February (but that will be remedied this Friday with a screening of Kick-Ass). The stub had been there for a few days, I think.
Before spring break, I came back from class or the bathroom or someplace like that and I sat down at my desk. He proceeded to jump out of my closet, wearing the pair of Real-D 3D glasses that I poked the lenses out of, nearly scaring me shitless. But we had a good laugh.
But then again, I have been accidentally scaring him shitless this year. I might be walking out of the stairwell and he'll be on the other side of the door and he'll look into the stairwell and see me and get a fright. Or there was the time that I went into the bathroom in the basement of the dorm and he opened the stall door (I was waiting outside the stall. It is a single-person bathroom.) and had roughly the same reaction. So I consider this well-thought-out revenge.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Weak Man" by Good Old War]
The other day, I was sitting in front of my computer with my water bottle resting on the bed support nearest to me. I reached over to take a sip and my water bottle wasn't there. I looked behind me, and there was my roommate, holding my water bottle with an ominous look on his face. I couldn't help but crack up. He was standing there for 8 minutes or so, waiting for a reaction from me.
Either a few days before or after the water bottle incident, I looked over at the ticket stub section of my wall and I noticed that something was off. What was it? Well, there was a stub for the movie Green Zone. I haven't seen Green Zone yet. The last movie I saw in theaters was Shutter Island, back in February (but that will be remedied this Friday with a screening of Kick-Ass). The stub had been there for a few days, I think.
Before spring break, I came back from class or the bathroom or someplace like that and I sat down at my desk. He proceeded to jump out of my closet, wearing the pair of Real-D 3D glasses that I poked the lenses out of, nearly scaring me shitless. But we had a good laugh.
But then again, I have been accidentally scaring him shitless this year. I might be walking out of the stairwell and he'll be on the other side of the door and he'll look into the stairwell and see me and get a fright. Or there was the time that I went into the bathroom in the basement of the dorm and he opened the stall door (I was waiting outside the stall. It is a single-person bathroom.) and had roughly the same reaction. So I consider this well-thought-out revenge.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Weak Man" by Good Old War]
Saturday, April 10, 2010
BEDA 10: Relay and G.O.W.
I'll keep things as short and as sweet as possible because of the time. It kinda got away from me. Oh well.
***
Last night was the Relay for Life on campus. It ran from around 5 PM to around 5 AM, however, a lot of groups had left by ... I'm going to say 2 or 3 AM, and the janitorial staff was removing the plastic covering on the track before the Relay was even over because of an upcoming event.
The Relay itself was fun, but last year's was better. More energy, perhaps.
***
I left the Relay for a few hours with Arieana, Meagan, Manar, and Carl to go to a band show organized by a small group that I'm a part of that brings small bands to campus. Driftwood, Thinguma*jigSaw, and Good Old War all played. Driftwood had a cool bluegrass sound. Thinguma*jigSaw was a Norwegian duo, one of whom played a saw. And Good Old War played a sweet acoustic set. I ended up buying a set of G.O.W. buttons, their debut CD, and I got a picture with them. It isn't the clearest, but it's alright.
***
Last night was the Relay for Life on campus. It ran from around 5 PM to around 5 AM, however, a lot of groups had left by ... I'm going to say 2 or 3 AM, and the janitorial staff was removing the plastic covering on the track before the Relay was even over because of an upcoming event.
The Relay itself was fun, but last year's was better. More energy, perhaps.
***
I left the Relay for a few hours with Arieana, Meagan, Manar, and Carl to go to a band show organized by a small group that I'm a part of that brings small bands to campus. Driftwood, Thinguma*jigSaw, and Good Old War all played. Driftwood had a cool bluegrass sound. Thinguma*jigSaw was a Norwegian duo, one of whom played a saw. And Good Old War played a sweet acoustic set. I ended up buying a set of G.O.W. buttons, their debut CD, and I got a picture with them. It isn't the clearest, but it's alright.
Me, Tim, Dan, and Keith
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Friday, April 09, 2010
BEDA 9: Nerdfighter Dreams
So ... as regular readers, you haven't seen a dream post in a while, so I decided to make today's BEDA about my most recent dream.
So, the beginning of the dream is a little fuzzy. I was at a bookstore or a shopping mall or something like that and I was leaving with some friends. I went up to their car window and knocked, asking if I could get a ride. They said "Sure," and we went on our way.
We were passing through a forest or wood or forest-y area of sorts when I requested that we stop so I could go my way. The driver started to slow down, but before the car was fully stopped, I had unbuckled and started to open the door. She reminded me to wait to get out until the car was fully stopped. I got out and fixed a really odd and unusual seatbelt problem: the belt got tangled around the outside of the car. Then, I departed through the forest.
The next thing I know, I'm climbing up a staircase in a near a small strip mall. I could hear the voices of John Green and David Levithan as I was getting closer. I was befuddled. "What are John Green and David Levithan doing here?!" I got to street level and there they were, about to enter a restaurant, Frenchie's, I believe. I said "Hi!" in an ecstatic fanboy-type way. They both said "Hi" back. I then proceeded to mull over my three options out loud to John and David. "Okay, I could just walk away and find some place else to eat. Or, if you don't mind my imposing, could I join you guys? Or would you mind if I perhaps ran back to my place where I have my pre-signed copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayson to have you guys sign it in the flesh?" They didn't object, but then another Nerdfighter friend showed up, more or less went through the same phase as me, and we proceeded to ring up a few other Nerdfighter friends.
Until tomorrow, Nerdfighters! DFTBA and allons-y, Alonso!
So, the beginning of the dream is a little fuzzy. I was at a bookstore or a shopping mall or something like that and I was leaving with some friends. I went up to their car window and knocked, asking if I could get a ride. They said "Sure," and we went on our way.
We were passing through a forest or wood or forest-y area of sorts when I requested that we stop so I could go my way. The driver started to slow down, but before the car was fully stopped, I had unbuckled and started to open the door. She reminded me to wait to get out until the car was fully stopped. I got out and fixed a really odd and unusual seatbelt problem: the belt got tangled around the outside of the car. Then, I departed through the forest.
The next thing I know, I'm climbing up a staircase in a near a small strip mall. I could hear the voices of John Green and David Levithan as I was getting closer. I was befuddled. "What are John Green and David Levithan doing here?!" I got to street level and there they were, about to enter a restaurant, Frenchie's, I believe. I said "Hi!" in an ecstatic fanboy-type way. They both said "Hi" back. I then proceeded to mull over my three options out loud to John and David. "Okay, I could just walk away and find some place else to eat. Or, if you don't mind my imposing, could I join you guys? Or would you mind if I perhaps ran back to my place where I have my pre-signed copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayson to have you guys sign it in the flesh?" They didn't object, but then another Nerdfighter friend showed up, more or less went through the same phase as me, and we proceeded to ring up a few other Nerdfighter friends.
Until tomorrow, Nerdfighters! DFTBA and allons-y, Alonso!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
BEDA 8: Political Views
I'll keep this short as it is a quarter to midnight ... yeah.
Anyway, I went down to the local independent bookstore to pick up a pre-signed copy of John Green and David Levithan's new book Will Grayson, Will Grayson. When I got there, I stumbled upon Cindy Sheehan who is currently in the process of a book tour in the area.
I hung at the book store for about half an hour or so, listening to her speak and waiting for the woman at the check-out to get the book that was set aside for me. And I listened to Cindy more and more, I began to disagree with her current platform. She is pushing for the development of a strong third party through community involvement that would lead to a national grassroots movement, but with more of an anarcho-communism/Marxist view. She was talking a lot about the Robber class and the Robbed class, and I couldn't help but think of Marx's talk of the proletariat versus the bourgeoisie.
Honestly, I have respect for her protesting of the wars, but I can't help but disagree with her. What she is trying to do is ... I hate to say it ... impossible. Because of the constant fighting between the Republicans and the Democrats and the wide-spread acceptance of both parties, it would be incredibly hard for a third party to establish itself like the Democratic or Republican Party.
And I shall end with a picture.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Animal" by Karen O and the Kids from the Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack]
Anyway, I went down to the local independent bookstore to pick up a pre-signed copy of John Green and David Levithan's new book Will Grayson, Will Grayson. When I got there, I stumbled upon Cindy Sheehan who is currently in the process of a book tour in the area.
I hung at the book store for about half an hour or so, listening to her speak and waiting for the woman at the check-out to get the book that was set aside for me. And I listened to Cindy more and more, I began to disagree with her current platform. She is pushing for the development of a strong third party through community involvement that would lead to a national grassroots movement, but with more of an anarcho-communism/Marxist view. She was talking a lot about the Robber class and the Robbed class, and I couldn't help but think of Marx's talk of the proletariat versus the bourgeoisie.
Honestly, I have respect for her protesting of the wars, but I can't help but disagree with her. What she is trying to do is ... I hate to say it ... impossible. Because of the constant fighting between the Republicans and the Democrats and the wide-spread acceptance of both parties, it would be incredibly hard for a third party to establish itself like the Democratic or Republican Party.
And I shall end with a picture.
[Currently listening to "Animal" by Karen O and the Kids from the Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack]
Weird Science: Fringe- Episode 2.16 "Olivia. In the Lab. With the Revolver."
Caution: Spoilers from this point on.
As this episode was more of a monster-of-the-week episode, there were no questions or answers to be had, so there are just a few comments below.
Comments
Two more lab kids! Wonderful! One can give people cancer! And one ends up dead! Fantastic!
Two more lab kids! Wonderful! One can give people cancer! And one ends up dead! Fantastic!
INtREPUS ... they had a hand in an early case in the first season.
... Oh crap! Stalker!
... And that's about it.
Until next case, my weird scientists!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
BEDA 7: Sleep
It is an essential part of our lives. We humans spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, if I remember correctly. Some of us can get through a full day with little sleep. Others need at least seven or more hours. Some of us even resort to catching little naps in class. Why am I talking about sleep? Well ...
My English professor e-mailed me earlier asking me why I slept a lot in class. Um ... Professor? The class is at 10 in the morning and I tend to wake at around 8 on those days. And depending on when I turn in, I might not get the recommended or usual amount of sleep needed. And there's also the fact that the lecture topic of the day might not be the most engaging. Or it could be the teaching method. So ... it's not me or you, but I would say that it's more of a combination of both.
And that's all for today. I have a bit of reading to do and some revising, too.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
My English professor e-mailed me earlier asking me why I slept a lot in class. Um ... Professor? The class is at 10 in the morning and I tend to wake at around 8 on those days. And depending on when I turn in, I might not get the recommended or usual amount of sleep needed. And there's also the fact that the lecture topic of the day might not be the most engaging. Or it could be the teaching method. So ... it's not me or you, but I would say that it's more of a combination of both.
And that's all for today. I have a bit of reading to do and some revising, too.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
BEDA 6: Writing
Hey, so, I'm going to keep this short today. Why? Writing.
Let me explain. I write two opinion columns a month for my campus newspaper and my next column is set to appear in Friday's paper. And the deadline is tomorrow at 5 PM. I'll let you do the math. I started on the column and I have a general idea ... but I'm not sure if it'll fly with the reading audience. We shall see come Friday or Saturday.
And I also have two essay revisions for tomorrow. I made some progress on the shorter Cinema essay on the signatures of auteurs. I'm going to focus on getting that done now and then I'll move on to revising my Shakespeare essay on Much Ado About Nothing.
Now ... if you'll excuse me, I have somewriting typing to do.
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Free Coffee" by Ben Folds]
Let me explain. I write two opinion columns a month for my campus newspaper and my next column is set to appear in Friday's paper. And the deadline is tomorrow at 5 PM. I'll let you do the math. I started on the column and I have a general idea ... but I'm not sure if it'll fly with the reading audience. We shall see come Friday or Saturday.
And I also have two essay revisions for tomorrow. I made some progress on the shorter Cinema essay on the signatures of auteurs. I'm going to focus on getting that done now and then I'll move on to revising my Shakespeare essay on Much Ado About Nothing.
Now ... if you'll excuse me, I have some
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!
[Currently listening to "Free Coffee" by Ben Folds]
Questions, Not Answers: Lost - Episode 6.11- "Happily Ever After"
Caution: Spoilers from this point on.
Questions
How does Widmore know that the Island isn't done with Desmond?
... Are they trying to make a wormhole? Replicate a Casmir Effect?
... Are Desmond and Minkowski working for Widmore?! ... Holy crap! How in the world?!
... DriveShaft is now a rock group that fiddles around with classical music?!
Was Desmond's flash to the Island due to the electromagnetic exposure?
A violation? A violation of what rules?
And how is Eloise aware of everything?!
So ... Desmond's experience made him a believer in Widmore? ... No ... he seems to peaceful. Too happy.
Non-crash Desmond now wants to reawaken the Island-consciousnesses of the Oceanic 815-ers? Am I getting that right?
A violation? A violation of what rules?
And how is Eloise aware of everything?!
So ... Desmond's experience made him a believer in Widmore? ... No ... he seems to peaceful. Too happy.
Non-crash Desmond now wants to reawaken the Island-consciousnesses of the Oceanic 815-ers? Am I getting that right?
Answers
Hrm ... so ... I'm seeing some similarities between Island events and non-crash events. Charlie has a connection with Claire. ... And now Desmond had a flash to the Island.
Musings/Other
Hrm ... no "Previously on Lost" ... interesting.
Minkowski is the limo guy! Ha ha!
I love all the coincidences. :)
Hrm ... it appears that things are bleeding over from the Island Universe to the non-crash Universe.
The stadium! Ah, he returns to the stadium! Ah, this brings back memories. :)
Until next week, survivors!
Hrm ... it appears that things are bleeding over from the Island Universe to the non-crash Universe.
The stadium! Ah, he returns to the stadium! Ah, this brings back memories. :)
Until next week, survivors!
Monday, April 05, 2010
BEDA 5: Back (and the Remnants of a Day)
Okay, okay, I didn't JUST realize that I haven't made a BEDA post for the day. I realized earlier, but I'm kinda just getting around to it now.
So, if you're following me on the handful of sites that I'm active on (Twitter, Dailybooth, Youtube, Flickr, this blog ...), you have probably figured that Spring Break is now more or less over and I'm back up at college. Congrats! You're either psychic or you're a stalking creeper. ... Kidding. Just kidding. ... I didn't hurt your feelings, did I? You okay? Want an ice pop or fudgesicle?
Anyway, so, I'm back at college. I got back up around 12:30, an hour and a half before the dorms reopened. How do I know this? Well, I tried my ID card on the card sensor by the front door of the dorm and it didn't let me in. So, what is a smart college student to do? Go chill at one of the few places he knows is open: the campus radio station! .... What, your college doesn't have a radio station? ... Well ... sucks for you.
So, I hung at the radio station for roughly an hour and a half, during which I checked out some tracks from She & Him's latest album (Volume Two) and Dr. Dog's latest album (Shame, Shame) and browsed the web a bit. And I also popped into the bookstore on the floor above to see if they had Micro SD card adapters as the one I had for ... 4 or 5 years busted the other day. They didn't.
Around 2, I made my way over to my dorm (with my suitcase, bookbag, bag of treats, and travel bag), but not before stopping at the mail room. What was waiting for me? A postcard from another college in NYC about summer courses and a local Chinese food delivery menu. Whoop-de-doo.
So ... back to the main tale of the hero ... that's me ... kinda ... not really ... ANYWAY! I was able to get in a little before 2, so I lugged everything up to my floor, peeled off the piece of tape covering the keyhole, and entered. I got started unpacking things, plugging the electronics back in (which included getting the mini-fridge to work, since I kinda sorta broke the temperature control dial thing before leaving for break ... but I got it to work. *phew*), and heating up some ramen for a late-ish lunch. Brandon arrived about half an hour later and we conversed a bit about how our respective breaks were.
3:15 rolled around and I headed down to the bus stop at the Union and caught a bus over to the nearby Best Buy, in hopes that they had the Micro SD card adapter that I required. And I was in lucky! I picked up a Micro SD to SD card adapter and a little USB reader for Micro SD cards in a little package, which wasn't too expensive, thankfully. While there, I also ran into a theater friend who had been the assistant director for "Noises Off" last December.
I checked my watch on the way out of the Best Buy. It was around 3:45. I decided, not seeing a bus and unsure where the bus would stop, if it would, to pick me up, so ... I decided to hoof it back to campus. The walk back to the dorm was a little over half an hour. It was quite a refreshing and tiring walk, but it was worth it.
As for the rest of the afternoon/evening, I took care of the photo of the day, browsed my usual sites, had dinner with my friend Anna and her parents in the nearest open dining hall, got a bit of homework done, got some video editing for Wednesday done, and chatted on Skype with a bunch of web friends, including Steve, Anne, Jessica, Paige, Ruth, Joel, and Chris. Many thanks to Anne for suggesting Daytrotter to me. I shall have to check it out more. And thanks to Steve, Jessica, and Ruth for the little discussions about the new Doctor Who episode.
Now, I shall bid you all adieu. ... Nah, I prefer allons-y! So ... allons-y, Alonso! ... Actually, I doubt that anyone named Alonso is reading this. ... Um ... if you ARE an Alonso, please leave a comment!
...
Until tomorrow, then!
[Currently listening to "You, Me, and the Bourgeoisie" by The Submarines]
So, if you're following me on the handful of sites that I'm active on (Twitter, Dailybooth, Youtube, Flickr, this blog ...), you have probably figured that Spring Break is now more or less over and I'm back up at college. Congrats! You're either psychic or you're a stalking creeper. ... Kidding. Just kidding. ... I didn't hurt your feelings, did I? You okay? Want an ice pop or fudgesicle?
Anyway, so, I'm back at college. I got back up around 12:30, an hour and a half before the dorms reopened. How do I know this? Well, I tried my ID card on the card sensor by the front door of the dorm and it didn't let me in. So, what is a smart college student to do? Go chill at one of the few places he knows is open: the campus radio station! .... What, your college doesn't have a radio station? ... Well ... sucks for you.
So, I hung at the radio station for roughly an hour and a half, during which I checked out some tracks from She & Him's latest album (Volume Two) and Dr. Dog's latest album (Shame, Shame) and browsed the web a bit. And I also popped into the bookstore on the floor above to see if they had Micro SD card adapters as the one I had for ... 4 or 5 years busted the other day. They didn't.
Around 2, I made my way over to my dorm (with my suitcase, bookbag, bag of treats, and travel bag), but not before stopping at the mail room. What was waiting for me? A postcard from another college in NYC about summer courses and a local Chinese food delivery menu. Whoop-de-doo.
So ... back to the main tale of the hero ... that's me ... kinda ... not really ... ANYWAY! I was able to get in a little before 2, so I lugged everything up to my floor, peeled off the piece of tape covering the keyhole, and entered. I got started unpacking things, plugging the electronics back in (which included getting the mini-fridge to work, since I kinda sorta broke the temperature control dial thing before leaving for break ... but I got it to work. *phew*), and heating up some ramen for a late-ish lunch. Brandon arrived about half an hour later and we conversed a bit about how our respective breaks were.
3:15 rolled around and I headed down to the bus stop at the Union and caught a bus over to the nearby Best Buy, in hopes that they had the Micro SD card adapter that I required. And I was in lucky! I picked up a Micro SD to SD card adapter and a little USB reader for Micro SD cards in a little package, which wasn't too expensive, thankfully. While there, I also ran into a theater friend who had been the assistant director for "Noises Off" last December.
I checked my watch on the way out of the Best Buy. It was around 3:45. I decided, not seeing a bus and unsure where the bus would stop, if it would, to pick me up, so ... I decided to hoof it back to campus. The walk back to the dorm was a little over half an hour. It was quite a refreshing and tiring walk, but it was worth it.
As for the rest of the afternoon/evening, I took care of the photo of the day, browsed my usual sites, had dinner with my friend Anna and her parents in the nearest open dining hall, got a bit of homework done, got some video editing for Wednesday done, and chatted on Skype with a bunch of web friends, including Steve, Anne, Jessica, Paige, Ruth, Joel, and Chris. Many thanks to Anne for suggesting Daytrotter to me. I shall have to check it out more. And thanks to Steve, Jessica, and Ruth for the little discussions about the new Doctor Who episode.
Now, I shall bid you all adieu. ... Nah, I prefer allons-y! So ... allons-y, Alonso! ... Actually, I doubt that anyone named Alonso is reading this. ... Um ... if you ARE an Alonso, please leave a comment!
...
Until tomorrow, then!
[Currently listening to "You, Me, and the Bourgeoisie" by The Submarines]
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