Herbie Hancock for album of the year? Who the hell could have called that? Oh well, I have not listened to his recored, so I cannot make a judgment against him. Personally, I would have given the award to Kanye West. As I mentioned before, his record is and A++. I know that some people find his personality to be too abrasive, but the guy is supremely talented. Now for those of you that may question my acumen for reviewing rap records, I try to keep my eye on genres other than rock (except for abomination that is country music), which includes rap and hip-hop. Not all music from these genres suit my tastes, but I do not automatically turn a deaf ear to the artist's efforts.
As far as the best performance is concerned, it was a toss up between Kanye and the Foo Fighters. I thoroughly enjoy both of these artists, so it was tough for me to choose one. If I had to make an absolute decision, it would be Kanye due to the poignancy of his performance following the death of his mother. His rendition of the song "Hey Momma" was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Another solid performance was Alicia Keys who was joined by John Mayer. I was not a huge fan of Miss Keys when sher first burst onto the scene. Feeling that she was just a product of crafty producers, I dismissed her first album as nothing but a manufactured effort of the corporate music scene. Obviously, I was mistaken. Keys has s great voice to go along with her stellar writing, which has produced several top notch albums. If you have not given her a try yet, I highly recommend her MTV Unplugged album from 2005.
So, back to the awards themselves. As I mentioned, my one big complaint would be Herbie Hancock winning the nights biggest award. But, I also mentioned that I have not heard the album, and if his contemporaries agree, he must have deserved the recognition. The rest of the night was fairly predictable, at least as far as the predictions that I read about. Amy Winehouse cleaned up, and deservedly so. Even though she is wrestling with her own personal demons, the girl has a set of pipes and knows how to put them to use. Her Back to Black album was stellar from start to finish, while bringing a fresh sound to contemporary music.
Let's all hope that this coming year will bring lots of great music, because we all know that the industry has been lacking as a whole these last few years. Of course, that request is moot thanks to the fact that we already have Radiohead's latest masterpiece to chew on.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Treasure Found
I have an unabashed love for PBS programming and watch it constantly. While my two favorite shows are American Experience and History Detectives, my guilty pleasure is Antiques Roadshow. I am not quite sure what it is about this show, but I find it to be compulsively watchable. I think it is the fact that there is so much lost history that is rediscovered by everyday people. Sometimes Mar looks at like I am crazy when we have two or three episodes backed up on our DVR, but I just can't pass recording new episodes when they air. Anyways, most of my favorite items have been antique furniture. There is just something fun about people bring in their trinkets to be explained and appraised. So, go ahead and lambaste me for this confession, but I would recommend this show to anyone.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Burn, Baby, Burn
I spoke of this book awhile back, but I would like to revisit the topic. The book I am speaking of is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, which I read back in November. This book knocked my socks off. I will fully admit that I am not very versed in the masters of American fiction, but I am starting to work on that problem, and this was a great book to get me started. When I mention that I had just recently read this book, people look at me a little puzzled, since most read it in high school. Well, I was never afforded this chance. My role at the school has me supporting multiple students of different grades, so I have to make sure that I am caught up in their assignments. This can be difficult since it has required me to read multiple books at the same time.
Well, Fahrenheit was one such book that I had the pleasure to read. Bradbury wrote this book in 1951 as a dystopian vision of the future. In this future, books are seen as dangerous and burned by modern day Firemen. These Firemen no longer put out fires, as homes are built to be resistant to fires. So, as books are found, they are burned and the suspect is arrested for committing the crime of reading. Montag performs his job without giving the ideals he was taught a second thought. He begins to question the morality of his job when he is approached by his young neighbor, whose inquisitive nature forces Montag to take a look at himself and the senseless society that he inhabits.
Bradbury paints a very bleak vision of the future that features a society that has no voice. Television and radio are controlled by the government, and independent thought is completely frowned upon. Once Montag begins to question the ways of society, he begins to hate his job and develop a yearning for the written word. This leads to Montag's eventually demise, as is discovered to be a holder of books and must run from the autorities to ensure his safety. That is about all I will say as a summation, but the consequences of Montag's reality are both disturbing and thrilling at the same time. On top of that, the ending will leave you jaw wide open after being hit with a ton of bricks.
Most of my students did not particulary care for this novel, but I found myself tearing at the pages, constantly hanging on the precipice with each new page. Bradury's portrait of the future is damn scary, but it is something that we as a socicety need to be aware of. If you have not had the pleasure of reading this masterpiece, do so, and you will be richley rewarded.
Well, Fahrenheit was one such book that I had the pleasure to read. Bradbury wrote this book in 1951 as a dystopian vision of the future. In this future, books are seen as dangerous and burned by modern day Firemen. These Firemen no longer put out fires, as homes are built to be resistant to fires. So, as books are found, they are burned and the suspect is arrested for committing the crime of reading. Montag performs his job without giving the ideals he was taught a second thought. He begins to question the morality of his job when he is approached by his young neighbor, whose inquisitive nature forces Montag to take a look at himself and the senseless society that he inhabits.
Bradbury paints a very bleak vision of the future that features a society that has no voice. Television and radio are controlled by the government, and independent thought is completely frowned upon. Once Montag begins to question the ways of society, he begins to hate his job and develop a yearning for the written word. This leads to Montag's eventually demise, as is discovered to be a holder of books and must run from the autorities to ensure his safety. That is about all I will say as a summation, but the consequences of Montag's reality are both disturbing and thrilling at the same time. On top of that, the ending will leave you jaw wide open after being hit with a ton of bricks.
Most of my students did not particulary care for this novel, but I found myself tearing at the pages, constantly hanging on the precipice with each new page. Bradury's portrait of the future is damn scary, but it is something that we as a socicety need to be aware of. If you have not had the pleasure of reading this masterpiece, do so, and you will be richley rewarded.
Please Let This Be True
Okay kids, my hopes and dreams may come true. The rumor mill is spinning about the possibility of an Arrested Development movie being produced following the end of the writer's strike. E! Online is reporting that all of the principle actors have been notified and are showing interest, depending on the script and budget. Creator Mitchell Hurwitz knows what direction he will go in and hopefully a studio with half a brain will allow him to work his magic. I have stated before that I believe this to be the funniest show to ever grace the small screen. Everything about this show is great. Everything. From Afternoon Delight to the Cornballer, I have never laughed harder at a television show. If my wish come true, I vow to wait in line wearing nothing but my never nudes and a pair of Chuck Taylors. So, wise up and go get the season on DVD, because they are well worth your time.
Here is a nice little tribute:
Greatest show ever.
Here is a nice little tribute:
Greatest show ever.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
No, Not The City In Alaska
I have waited to write this post for awhile, preferring for the film to actually come out and gain some steam before I wrote about it. Of course, the movie I speak of is Juno, and I cannot scream it loud enough: GO SEE THIS MOVIE. We saw this flick back in December at a special screening hosted by Fox Searchlight, the studio that released the film. Since that time, I have recommended it to anyone that would listen, even though it is about a sensitive topic. Juno is about a high school girl that gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. The thing that has made this movie a tough sell for me is the fact that is takes a humorous approach when dealing with the topic of teenage pregnancy. I will say this once and for all: I do not promote teenage pregnancy, but I will not ignore the fact that it is a reality of the society that we live in.
Juno is a heartfelt movie with a razor sharp script that makes you care about the protagonist and develop an understanding about how hard it may be to go through a similar situation. Once again, some people may not care for the approach to the topic, which can sometimes be carefree, but that is part of the movie's appeal. The ease with which the characters approach the arrival of the baby gives the film a very natural feeling, as opposed to to skirting the subject and giving in to how society might judge young Juno. The script that I mentioned is one of the freshest that I have heard in years, and provides enough laughs to keep you smiling. Along the way, Juno manages to put the audience at ease and allows for a wonderful movie experience.
Juno is a heartfelt movie with a razor sharp script that makes you care about the protagonist and develop an understanding about how hard it may be to go through a similar situation. Once again, some people may not care for the approach to the topic, which can sometimes be carefree, but that is part of the movie's appeal. The ease with which the characters approach the arrival of the baby gives the film a very natural feeling, as opposed to to skirting the subject and giving in to how society might judge young Juno. The script that I mentioned is one of the freshest that I have heard in years, and provides enough laughs to keep you smiling. Along the way, Juno manages to put the audience at ease and allows for a wonderful movie experience.
Giant Upset?
Well, that was one hell of a football game. I know that some people called the game boring, but I found the defensive battle of the first three quarters to be wholly entertaining. There is nothing like seeing a rabid defense swarm around a quarterback and knock the tar out of him, especially when it's the "Golden Boy" Tom Brady. Now, I usually like Brady's style, but as with most Americans, I am sucker for the underdog, even if the other team was quarterbacked by a Manning.
I also question the fact that people are calling this an upset. Even though the line was set at a ridiculous spread (did anyone really think the Giants were 12 point 'dogs?), don't forget that the Patriots only won by 3 points in the regular season finale. There is no doubt that the Patriots had a fantastic regular season. No team had ever gone 16-0, and it will be a long time before we see it again, but the Patriots looked like they had slowed a step or two and the Giants took full advantage of it. On top of that, the Giants' front four on the defensive line were totally ferocious all game. They sacked Brady five times, a season high for the Patriots O-line, and knocked down a total of about twenty times. All of that abuse took a toll on Brady, and it was obvious by his performance. On top of all that, Brady was supposedly hurt, so all of the hits he took apparently compounded to affect his confidence.
Now on to the part that will pain me to write: Eli Manning played the way Rex should have last year. Say what you want about the gutless nature of the Manning family, but Eli held it together and did what he was supposed to do. I still do not know how he was able to escape a sack and complete that amazing pass to David Tyree. Perhaps the real MVP award should have gone to Tyree's helmet for the assist it gave him in order to complete that catch. Eli made all the right moves at all the right times and led his team down the field the way a quarterback should. Well, that is my summation of the Super Bowl. It was a fun game to watch, and it was nice seeing the Patriots fall.
BTW- The best commercial was the talking stain ad for the Tide To Go stick, just barley beating out the Audi spoof on the Godfather.
I also question the fact that people are calling this an upset. Even though the line was set at a ridiculous spread (did anyone really think the Giants were 12 point 'dogs?), don't forget that the Patriots only won by 3 points in the regular season finale. There is no doubt that the Patriots had a fantastic regular season. No team had ever gone 16-0, and it will be a long time before we see it again, but the Patriots looked like they had slowed a step or two and the Giants took full advantage of it. On top of that, the Giants' front four on the defensive line were totally ferocious all game. They sacked Brady five times, a season high for the Patriots O-line, and knocked down a total of about twenty times. All of that abuse took a toll on Brady, and it was obvious by his performance. On top of all that, Brady was supposedly hurt, so all of the hits he took apparently compounded to affect his confidence.
Now on to the part that will pain me to write: Eli Manning played the way Rex should have last year. Say what you want about the gutless nature of the Manning family, but Eli held it together and did what he was supposed to do. I still do not know how he was able to escape a sack and complete that amazing pass to David Tyree. Perhaps the real MVP award should have gone to Tyree's helmet for the assist it gave him in order to complete that catch. Eli made all the right moves at all the right times and led his team down the field the way a quarterback should. Well, that is my summation of the Super Bowl. It was a fun game to watch, and it was nice seeing the Patriots fall.
BTW- The best commercial was the talking stain ad for the Tide To Go stick, just barley beating out the Audi spoof on the Godfather.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
And A Partridge In A Pear Tree
So, since I know most of us have not experienced a Puerto Rican Christmas, I have decided to shed a little light on how my family celebrates our the holiday. First off, I need to give some background. My mother is one of sixteen children, and no that is not a typo. There are ten girls and six boys. Through the years, they have produced thirty-five children, ranging in ages 36 to one year old. If you can do the math, this makes for one hell of a big family, and I would have it no other way. While my family resides in Illinois, the majority of the extended family lives in northwest Indiana, namely Gary. Now, most people shudder when I mention my roots in Gary, but I have a lot of great memories that originate in Gary, so please refrain from making any snide comments. While Gary may not be Beverly Hills, it is the backdrop of my family's history, and has made a lot of strides since it's troubles from the late 80's.
Anyways, as a tradition, my family always congregates at my grandparents home in Gary on Christmas Eve. This includes aunts, uncles and cousins of several different generations. Everyone gathers to enjoy the finest of Puerto Rican cuisine and open gifts at midnight with the arrival of Santos Claus. The food is always second to none, and everyone looks forward to feasting on special items that are only made for major holidays or events. No other food is more cherished than the delicacy of pasteles. This item is very hard to describe, but I will do my best. I would compare it to a sort of Puerto Rican tamale. The filling is primarily pork and potatoes, encased in a batter that uses plantains for the base. Pasteles are very labor intensive, but well worth the effort, and this year's batch was especially excellent. The spread is always enticing and I love every minute that I get to stuff myself with special holiday eats.
Now, most of the present opening is reserved for the younger kids, but it is still quite the spectacle.I mentioned the fact that I have over thirty cousins, and I am number nine in the pecking order. The wide range of ages between cousins has definitely kept things fresh and led to groupings by age. Since I am from an earlier generation, I don't really participate in the ritual midnight opening of the presents, which is fine by me. This year, it was really great seeing all of my younger cousins wriggle with anticipation, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. The sheer madness that ensued was fun to watch and reminded of some great memories of from my youth. There is nothing like seeing the joy on the kids faces when they finally open the gift that they have been waiting for. I all of my 27 years, I have only missed on Christmas Eve, and that was last year for the Bears/Lions game. Even though the game was a great time, I truly missed being around my family on that special night.
Overall, this is an event that I look forward to every year. I know this post went up a little late, but I hope that everyone gets to enjoy a Christmas experience like mine, because it is truly special. Bah Humbug.
Anyways, as a tradition, my family always congregates at my grandparents home in Gary on Christmas Eve. This includes aunts, uncles and cousins of several different generations. Everyone gathers to enjoy the finest of Puerto Rican cuisine and open gifts at midnight with the arrival of Santos Claus. The food is always second to none, and everyone looks forward to feasting on special items that are only made for major holidays or events. No other food is more cherished than the delicacy of pasteles. This item is very hard to describe, but I will do my best. I would compare it to a sort of Puerto Rican tamale. The filling is primarily pork and potatoes, encased in a batter that uses plantains for the base. Pasteles are very labor intensive, but well worth the effort, and this year's batch was especially excellent. The spread is always enticing and I love every minute that I get to stuff myself with special holiday eats.
Now, most of the present opening is reserved for the younger kids, but it is still quite the spectacle.I mentioned the fact that I have over thirty cousins, and I am number nine in the pecking order. The wide range of ages between cousins has definitely kept things fresh and led to groupings by age. Since I am from an earlier generation, I don't really participate in the ritual midnight opening of the presents, which is fine by me. This year, it was really great seeing all of my younger cousins wriggle with anticipation, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. The sheer madness that ensued was fun to watch and reminded of some great memories of from my youth. There is nothing like seeing the joy on the kids faces when they finally open the gift that they have been waiting for. I all of my 27 years, I have only missed on Christmas Eve, and that was last year for the Bears/Lions game. Even though the game was a great time, I truly missed being around my family on that special night.
Overall, this is an event that I look forward to every year. I know this post went up a little late, but I hope that everyone gets to enjoy a Christmas experience like mine, because it is truly special. Bah Humbug.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Please Hester Don't Hurt 'Em
It is now time to sing the praises of one Devin Hester. I don't know if I can use enough superlatives to describe the man, but I will try to pay him the respect that he deserves. Us Bears fans knew we had something special after last year, but who knew that he would continue this unbelievable streak that he is on. The NFL has never, I repeat never seen a return talent the likes of Mr. Hester. He is rewriting the record book for returns right in front of our eyes while special teams coaches around the league are scrambling to come up with ways to stop him.
For the perfect example of this, let's look back to the game against Denver from Week 11. Some might argue that Mike Shanahan had no business kicking to Hester, but the Broncos bristled at this idea. I can't say I don't completely disagree with Shanahan, but of course, I want every team to kick to Hester. NFL players are paid professionals whose job is to play a game for a living at the highest possible level. Since the Broncos actually kicked to Hester, he was able to hurt them, positioning the Bears for their improbable win. We should also give credit to Bears special teams coach Dave Toub for dropping four men back into coverage during one particular punt, which forced Denver to take a timeout. Toub threw in an exotic look that confused the opposing coaches, and took advantage of the automatic threat that Hester poses. The game was fun to watch for every Bears fan out there and will be one that I remember for a long time.
Considering that this has been a lost season for the Bears, the highlight reel that Hester has provided us lowly fans has been greatly appreciated. Whoever can catch the pop culture reference in the title of this posting will receive gold star*.
*No gold star will actually be awarded.
For the perfect example of this, let's look back to the game against Denver from Week 11. Some might argue that Mike Shanahan had no business kicking to Hester, but the Broncos bristled at this idea. I can't say I don't completely disagree with Shanahan, but of course, I want every team to kick to Hester. NFL players are paid professionals whose job is to play a game for a living at the highest possible level. Since the Broncos actually kicked to Hester, he was able to hurt them, positioning the Bears for their improbable win. We should also give credit to Bears special teams coach Dave Toub for dropping four men back into coverage during one particular punt, which forced Denver to take a timeout. Toub threw in an exotic look that confused the opposing coaches, and took advantage of the automatic threat that Hester poses. The game was fun to watch for every Bears fan out there and will be one that I remember for a long time.
Considering that this has been a lost season for the Bears, the highlight reel that Hester has provided us lowly fans has been greatly appreciated. Whoever can catch the pop culture reference in the title of this posting will receive gold star*.
*No gold star will actually be awarded.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Another Blow To Privacy Rights
Unfortunately this is another case of the erosion of civil rights that has hastened during the last several years. Beginning with the Patriot Act, rights to privacy have diminished while unlawful searches seem to be on the rise. This is particularly the case with the Project 100% Law that is enforced in San Diego.
Project 100% is a law that allows for the searching of welfare recipients homes in San Diego County without their permission. If the recipient denies the search of their homes, their welfare rights will be rescinded. This law has been enforced in San Diego for the last ten years and is working under the guise that it will help thwart fraud in welfare cases. Here are a couple of articles on the court proceedings. One is from the Associated Press and the other is from North County Times of Northern California.
I find this law to be wholly unacceptable for the rights of private citizens. Welfare fraud is a problem that needs to be eliminated, but conducting searches without permission is a direct slap in the face to to the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Bureaucrats in defense of this law claim that it does not qualify as an illegal search because it is voluntary and the person still has the right to refuse the search, even though they will still lose their welfare rights.
The Supreme Court has chosen not to hear this case, which in essence, secures it's power in the eyes of the law. The last ruling that upheld this law occurred in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which services the West Coast, much to the chagrin of the judges in the minority of the decision. While some people do nothing but bemoan the status of the welfare system, there is no doubt that it serves a specific function in our society. Welfare fraud is a problem, illegal searching is not the answer.
This op-ed piece from the NY Times does a nice job of explaining what I could not and also reinforces my opinion. While some may consider this to be only to be a problem for the poor, it sets a dangerous precedent for future laws that may blur the line between what is considered to be a voluntary or involuntary search. The Supreme Court is making a dire mistake by refusing the hear this case and I can only hope that there will be another way to attack this law from being enforced.
Project 100% is a law that allows for the searching of welfare recipients homes in San Diego County without their permission. If the recipient denies the search of their homes, their welfare rights will be rescinded. This law has been enforced in San Diego for the last ten years and is working under the guise that it will help thwart fraud in welfare cases. Here are a couple of articles on the court proceedings. One is from the Associated Press and the other is from North County Times of Northern California.
I find this law to be wholly unacceptable for the rights of private citizens. Welfare fraud is a problem that needs to be eliminated, but conducting searches without permission is a direct slap in the face to to the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Bureaucrats in defense of this law claim that it does not qualify as an illegal search because it is voluntary and the person still has the right to refuse the search, even though they will still lose their welfare rights.
The Supreme Court has chosen not to hear this case, which in essence, secures it's power in the eyes of the law. The last ruling that upheld this law occurred in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which services the West Coast, much to the chagrin of the judges in the minority of the decision. While some people do nothing but bemoan the status of the welfare system, there is no doubt that it serves a specific function in our society. Welfare fraud is a problem, illegal searching is not the answer.
This op-ed piece from the NY Times does a nice job of explaining what I could not and also reinforces my opinion. While some may consider this to be only to be a problem for the poor, it sets a dangerous precedent for future laws that may blur the line between what is considered to be a voluntary or involuntary search. The Supreme Court is making a dire mistake by refusing the hear this case and I can only hope that there will be another way to attack this law from being enforced.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Please Issue Restraint When Responding
I am all about free speech, but this does not give us the right to be offensive. This blog is about the right to express opinions, lord knows I do, but please try not to make sweeping references to people that may be strictly offensive in nature. References to hate groups and things of that nature will not be tolerated and the comments will be deleted if I deem them to be resentful or mean spirited. Once again, this is a forum for expressing opinions, but please do so in a respectful nature.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Greatest Holiday Movies Ever
Here are the greatest holiday movies ever. I was going to only list five, but I thought of one extra that I had to put on. Numbers 2-6 can be interchanged, but number 1 is number 1. I am open to suggestions.
1. Trading Places- This is the single greatest holiday movie ever made. Some people object to the fact that is a holiday movie, but I will once again point out that it takes place during the holiday season, specifically New Year's. On top of that, Louis dresses as Santa during a pivotal scene. Anyways, this movie is solid gold and should be owned by every single red-blooded American citizen. Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd are at the top of their games and are able to take full advantage of the 80's style comedy that can no longer be made. Here are some quotes that deserve to be listed: "My code name was Agent Orange."
"Can I help you officers?"
"Is there a lawyer in the house?"
"You do that, a quart of blood will fall out of a person's body."
"It ain't cool being no Jive Turkey so close to Thanksgiving."
"Yeah!"
"Hey, Morty! What it is?"
"Randy? Is that like Randy Jackson from the Jackson 5?"
"Y'all ain't gonna jacuzzi nobody?"
"Lionel!!"
"Swedish meatballs? But your wearing lederhosen."
"Looking good Billy Ray."
"Feeling good Louis."
There are plenty others, but they are rated R, so I won't list them. Regardless, everyone should see this movie.
2. The Ref- This one may be little known, but it stars Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey. It's about a dysfunctional family that learns the value of the holidays during a burglary gone awry. Now this is admittedly on the dark side of comedy, but it has a good message while delivering some delightfully dirty jokes.
3. Scrooged- This is an ingenious take on the classic Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray plays the role of Scrooge in a way that no one else can. His hysterical version is wonderfully cold and bitter, with nice supporting roles played by Buster Poindexter and Carol Kane.
4. Die Hard- Even though I am partial to third installment of this series, number one is the best of the Christmas themed entries. How can you deny the introduction of John McClane to pop culture history. On top of that, this movie features one of the all-time great movie villains, Hans Gruber, played with brilliance by Alan Rickman.
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- This may not equal the first Vacation, but it is damn funny. From Clark stringing the lights, to Cousin Eddie loading up three bags of Ol ' Roy onto the shopping cart Clark extends the offer to pick up the tab on a few extra groceries. This is perhaps all topped by scene of the family chasing the squirrel. Classic.
6. Love Actually- This will probably shock most of you, but this is a damn fine movie. From the hysterical take on the classic "Love is All Around," to the all star cast (Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Billy Bob Thornton, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth to name a few) this movie is great to watch with a special someone to warm up the heart.
1. Trading Places- This is the single greatest holiday movie ever made. Some people object to the fact that is a holiday movie, but I will once again point out that it takes place during the holiday season, specifically New Year's. On top of that, Louis dresses as Santa during a pivotal scene. Anyways, this movie is solid gold and should be owned by every single red-blooded American citizen. Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd are at the top of their games and are able to take full advantage of the 80's style comedy that can no longer be made. Here are some quotes that deserve to be listed: "My code name was Agent Orange."
"Can I help you officers?"
"Is there a lawyer in the house?"
"You do that, a quart of blood will fall out of a person's body."
"It ain't cool being no Jive Turkey so close to Thanksgiving."
"Yeah!"
"Hey, Morty! What it is?"
"Randy? Is that like Randy Jackson from the Jackson 5?"
"Y'all ain't gonna jacuzzi nobody?"
"Lionel!!"
"Swedish meatballs? But your wearing lederhosen."
"Looking good Billy Ray."
"Feeling good Louis."
There are plenty others, but they are rated R, so I won't list them. Regardless, everyone should see this movie.
2. The Ref- This one may be little known, but it stars Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey. It's about a dysfunctional family that learns the value of the holidays during a burglary gone awry. Now this is admittedly on the dark side of comedy, but it has a good message while delivering some delightfully dirty jokes.
3. Scrooged- This is an ingenious take on the classic Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray plays the role of Scrooge in a way that no one else can. His hysterical version is wonderfully cold and bitter, with nice supporting roles played by Buster Poindexter and Carol Kane.
4. Die Hard- Even though I am partial to third installment of this series, number one is the best of the Christmas themed entries. How can you deny the introduction of John McClane to pop culture history. On top of that, this movie features one of the all-time great movie villains, Hans Gruber, played with brilliance by Alan Rickman.
5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- This may not equal the first Vacation, but it is damn funny. From Clark stringing the lights, to Cousin Eddie loading up three bags of Ol ' Roy onto the shopping cart Clark extends the offer to pick up the tab on a few extra groceries. This is perhaps all topped by scene of the family chasing the squirrel. Classic.
6. Love Actually- This will probably shock most of you, but this is a damn fine movie. From the hysterical take on the classic "Love is All Around," to the all star cast (Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Billy Bob Thornton, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth to name a few) this movie is great to watch with a special someone to warm up the heart.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Generally Warned
Okay, I will finally tackle the idea of water boarding which was at the forefront of the Michael Mukasey confirmation hearing as the new Attorney General. Actually, before I get on to that, let's take a moment to remember the tenure of one Alberto Gonzales. Not that we needed another example of the poor decisions our current administration has made, but the Gonzales appointment was a mistake from the beginning. Gonzales' ties to the President, he was his own personal council, were much too close. This is not entirely the fault of the President because his "advisers" should have clued him in on the potential for personal conflict about to enter the fray of what is already a difficult job. Anyways, Gonzales made his own bed in the end by firing those federal attorneys and paid the ultimate price by offering his resignation while under fire from both major political parties. In order to combat accusations of being overly liberal, I will link this article from Foxnews about the Justice Department's investigation of Gonzales' testimony to Congress that has drawn such negative attention. In my opinion, the reaction of the Congress and both parties is completely warranted. Here is a nice little summation of how I felt from www.salon.com.
Now, on to Mr. Mukasey. While he is less biased than Gonzales, the thing that troubles me is the debate about how to handle accusations that U.S. interrogators use the waterboarding method of torture when coercing information out of detainees. For those of us that are not familiar with the concept of waterboarding, it is a torture method that tricks prisoners into thinking they are drowning. The detainees are fastened to a board, tipped to an angle that positions their feet about their head and then a hood is put over their faces. After positioning and dressing the victim, water is poured over their heads until there lungs are filled with water. The fact that their heads are covered psychologically tricks the brain into believing that the person in drowning. I don't know about most people, but I consider this to be cruel and unusual punishment, which was a sticking point in the appointment of Mukasey.
Mr. Mukasey refused to label waterboarding as a method of cruel and unusual punishment, which has drawn the ire of both liberals and conservatives. While Mukasey might be slightly more fair and impartial than Gonzales or his predecessor John Ashcroft, another Bush stalwart, he must insist on a resolution that prohibits any U.S. interrogators from waterboarding detainees. It is wholly hypocritical for us as a nation to stand behind this method as an acceptable method of attaining information. If we stand against torture, we need to see this hideous act for what it is. Perhaps if the current administration needs to be convinced, they should take the advice of none other than author Stephen King suggests. During a recent Time magazine, King suggests that in order for the administration to effectively gage if waterboarding is cruel or not, they should test it on someone close to Mr. Bush. Specifically, King suggested Jenna Bush.
This entry on the Huffington Post by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Rep. William D. Delahunt details their effort to pass new anti-torture legislature. The important thing that should be outlined is the fact that America as a nation prides itself on freedom and equal treatment, which is not evident if we continue to allow this vicious method of torture.
Now, on to Mr. Mukasey. While he is less biased than Gonzales, the thing that troubles me is the debate about how to handle accusations that U.S. interrogators use the waterboarding method of torture when coercing information out of detainees. For those of us that are not familiar with the concept of waterboarding, it is a torture method that tricks prisoners into thinking they are drowning. The detainees are fastened to a board, tipped to an angle that positions their feet about their head and then a hood is put over their faces. After positioning and dressing the victim, water is poured over their heads until there lungs are filled with water. The fact that their heads are covered psychologically tricks the brain into believing that the person in drowning. I don't know about most people, but I consider this to be cruel and unusual punishment, which was a sticking point in the appointment of Mukasey.
Mr. Mukasey refused to label waterboarding as a method of cruel and unusual punishment, which has drawn the ire of both liberals and conservatives. While Mukasey might be slightly more fair and impartial than Gonzales or his predecessor John Ashcroft, another Bush stalwart, he must insist on a resolution that prohibits any U.S. interrogators from waterboarding detainees. It is wholly hypocritical for us as a nation to stand behind this method as an acceptable method of attaining information. If we stand against torture, we need to see this hideous act for what it is. Perhaps if the current administration needs to be convinced, they should take the advice of none other than author Stephen King suggests. During a recent Time magazine, King suggests that in order for the administration to effectively gage if waterboarding is cruel or not, they should test it on someone close to Mr. Bush. Specifically, King suggested Jenna Bush.
This entry on the Huffington Post by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Rep. William D. Delahunt details their effort to pass new anti-torture legislature. The important thing that should be outlined is the fact that America as a nation prides itself on freedom and equal treatment, which is not evident if we continue to allow this vicious method of torture.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Now, On to the Jive Turkeys
So, I gave you the things that I am thankful for, now onto the things that I consider to be jive.
- The veto of the SCHIP program. I don't have enough time to go into all of it, but I think our administration needs to get their act together to ensure that our youth is protected from our failing health care system.
- The housing crisis. I am truly scared about the impact that this will have on the economy, but only time will tell.
- The unnecessary resurgence of heinous hate crimes. The unfortunate situation playing out in Jena, La. has given rise to several copycat incidents involving nooses and race based acts of hate that have no place in our society. Perhaps this says more about our perceived progress as a nation that I would like to believe.
- The white sox 2005 World Series championship. I am well aware that it was two years ago, but the so-called fans of this organization have been so unbearable that I had to list this them.
- Oprah Winfrey. Explaining this choice would take too long, so call me and ask me if you are really interested.
- Bad music. For some reason, most music that is being produced today is just total rubbish. I'm not sure what happened to good old rock 'n roll, but for every decent act that comes about, like the Arcade Fire, there seems to be twenty nicklebacks.
- Grey's Anatomy. I will never understand how a show that based it's early success on the breakup of a marriage came to be so successful.
- Traffic. I thought I was going to go crazy during my commute during student teaching. However, I persevered and lived to tell about it.
- Forcing stupid promotions upon my guests at Chili's. I am all about making extra cash, but I hate bombarding my unsuspecting guests with so-called deal after deal.
It Ain't Cool Being No Jive Turkey So Close To Thanksgiving
Hello, I am back. Sorry about the delay, but two jobs have been keeping a brother busy these days. I hope that does not sound like a complaint, because I LOVE my job at HC. It has probably been the most rewarding thing I have ever done, and I can only hope my students understand how important the are to me. I guess that is the first thing that I am thankful for in what has been a truly wonderful year for me.
I have so many things to be thankful for this year, I am not sure I will be able to think of them all. Of course number one is my little Marilyn. Although we all know that I have a strange way of showing affection, or not showing it as some would argue, I am pretty sure you all know how much I care for her. I know that everyone wants to see us finally tie the knot, but rest assured that it will happen sooner rather than later. Even when it seems like the world is against us, I know I can count on her to make me smile.Anyways, everyday that we wake up together is a good one, so for that I am thankful.
Next on the list would have to be my family. I am thankful for their constant support and always putting up with my complaints and whining, just like Mar. Now, I will argue that my definition of whining is different than theirs, but that is a debate for another day.
Now, on to the people I refer to as friends. I am not sure what I did to deserve such a great group of comrades, but I could not dream of running with another crew. Not a day goes by that I wonder how I became so lucky to have so many close friends that I care about dearly.
In order to not make this too long, I will now write a list with a short description of why I am thankful this year:
I have so many things to be thankful for this year, I am not sure I will be able to think of them all. Of course number one is my little Marilyn. Although we all know that I have a strange way of showing affection, or not showing it as some would argue, I am pretty sure you all know how much I care for her. I know that everyone wants to see us finally tie the knot, but rest assured that it will happen sooner rather than later. Even when it seems like the world is against us, I know I can count on her to make me smile.Anyways, everyday that we wake up together is a good one, so for that I am thankful.
Next on the list would have to be my family. I am thankful for their constant support and always putting up with my complaints and whining, just like Mar. Now, I will argue that my definition of whining is different than theirs, but that is a debate for another day.
Now, on to the people I refer to as friends. I am not sure what I did to deserve such a great group of comrades, but I could not dream of running with another crew. Not a day goes by that I wonder how I became so lucky to have so many close friends that I care about dearly.
In order to not make this too long, I will now write a list with a short description of why I am thankful this year:
- Student Teaching- What an eye opening experience. Working in Chicago was a total revelation. I loved my students and do not have the time to explain the whole situation (perhaps I will revisit this topic in a future post). Although my heart was constantly broken, this opportunity opened my eyes to situations that I have never experienced an made me a better person.
- Graduation- This goes without saying. It was a long time coming, but totally worth the effort. We had a great time in Bloomington/Normal, despite my early grievances, and miss it more with each passing day.
- New Jobs- Let me say that I LOVE my new job. And by love I mean I cannot imagine enjoying anything more than my current gig. I have great coworkers and my students are truly an inspiration. The genuine appreciation that I see in my students faces makes even this young curmudgeon smile. I would rather do nothing else.
- My New Coworkers- This goes hand in hand with my previous item, but I work with truly wonderful people. They have pushed me to do my best and I hope that I am meeting the challenge. I learn more and more everyday and hope to continue learning from these great teachers.
- Wrigley, Gracie & Murphy- I don't care how much you gutless dog supporters try to talk me into getting a mongrel, I will always be a cat person. These three little rays of sunshine give me unconditional love, which is not always the easiest thing.
- The Chicago Cubs Playoff Run- This was a great year, even if they constantly gave me anxiety attacks while watching the games. That gem against the Reds on Sept. 17 was unbelievable. It was one of the top five games that I have ever been to, which is saying quite a bit. To think we almost left the game early so I could get home and beat the traffic. When Aramis hit that triple in the bottom of the ninth, Wrigley was up for grabs and I was in ecstasy.
- Battlestar Galactica- Go ahead and make fun of me, but everyone NEEDS to start watching this show. It is beyond excellent and will appeal to you even if you are not a fan of sci-fi.
- Nintendo Wii- Ever since I froze my ass waiting in line for this ingenious piece of technology to come out, I have been having a blast. It has brought me many nights of fun and provided great fun for me and my friends.
- Notre Dames Football Record- For no other reason than providing me ammo to rib a certain Orlando native.
- Children of Men/Pan's Labyrinth- This combo of films made by Mexican directors were wonders to behold. The dystopian future that Children painted was jarring and great to watch. It's testimony about today's society and the immigration issues that face us was quite daunting, and regrettably, not to far fetched. On the hand, Pan's was a beautiful fantasy about escaping the horrors of war. I have never experienced war first hand, but this movie showed how the terror of war can impact a young person who uses her mind to get way from her horrible reality. Both movies are must sees and I highly recommend them.
- Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury- I may be a little late to catch this train, but it was a hell of a ride. Like Children of Men, this superb novel paints a scary future that could one day be reality. I am not saying that we will soon be burning all of our books, but the idea that we are facing a world of censorship and mindlessness is a distinct possibility.
- Devin Hester- Boy has he provided us lowly Bears fans with a spark of hope. His returns are amazing, and I can only hope his legs will take us to the playoffs.
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Here is what I would look like in Springfield