BEDA 30: It's the End

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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]

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.
"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?"

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!
Until tomorrow! Allons-y, Alonso!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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]