Carl Jung was a very smart man.
You da man, CJ...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
1-900-OKFACE
I had a whole post worked up about this awesome creative epiphany I had while writing that I felt I needed to share... So, I wrote it out, and actually posted it, but then I realized that it just wasn't suitable for public consumption. So, in exchange for that, I'll just mention this:
Carl Jung was a very smart man.
Carl Jung was a very smart man.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Merkins of Hope
Random Bits 4 U:
- Wait, wait... Hold on... You haven't seen this yet? Check it:
- I'm tired of Facebook. Some people know of my anger and frustration with the "New Facebook", but this is actually more than just skin deep. See, my own personal attachment to Facebook has become a sorta sad surrogate for what most people would refer to as "a life." All of my friends are on Facebook, and so I have, in all of my self-imposed solitude, begun to equate their interest in my continued friendship by how many times they write on my wall, or comment on my pictures. I've managed to convince myself that getting someone to write on my wall is about as amazing as having a friend over for dinner. It's pathetic. I'm trying to quit.
- Have I ever told you my "Captain Awesome" theory regarding BYU? Remind me to tell you later... It's lengthy...
- I volunteered at the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on Monday. San Diego State played (and lost) against Stanford. I got to wear a cool badge, use a fax machine, and make copies, all while running back and forth to the bathroom, thanks to the countless courtesy bottles of Vitamin Water (Fruit Punch, which is the bestest flavor), and Smart Water that I drank. I also got to walk out on the court (the sidelines, silly) during play. Exciting.
- Saw Coraline today. LOVED it. Creepy for sure, but amazing nonetheless. The 3D was some of the best I've seen (it didn't FEEL like a 3D movie... It just felt good, you know? It's hard to explain.) The experience was almost ruined by half the screen turning green for a good chunk of the second act, but after some finagling, it was fixed. No free ticket. Should I have asked for one?
- I've been doing some MAJOR edits to my senior film. I won't divulge here, but suffice it to say, there are some scenes missing. And I think I like it that way...
- I gave up (refined) sugar about a month ago, but I've had a few slips. One of them was yesterday. I had maple syrup AND ice cream. Overload. Overall, I've done well. No slips today.
- I babysat again for my sister. I don't mind, but the poor thing is dealing with his first cold, and he's miserable. Cute, but miserable.
- Who wants a peek into what I'm writing? I'll give you five words dealing with each script/idea:
- Oh! I saw Changeling, with Big Lips Jolie. Wonderful film. She's incredibly talented. It's a sad film, but incredibly engaging. A tad violent at parts, and a few swears, but I will recommend it, despite its rating. A good film about hope, and determination. And, you get to hear Angie scream the words "son" and "back" a lot.
- Can't recommend Watchmen, tho...
- Is Kent there? I finished "Spider-man: Blue". Excellent piece of work. Thanks for the recommend...
That is all...
cheers!
- Wait, wait... Hold on... You haven't seen this yet? Check it:
- I'm tired of Facebook. Some people know of my anger and frustration with the "New Facebook", but this is actually more than just skin deep. See, my own personal attachment to Facebook has become a sorta sad surrogate for what most people would refer to as "a life." All of my friends are on Facebook, and so I have, in all of my self-imposed solitude, begun to equate their interest in my continued friendship by how many times they write on my wall, or comment on my pictures. I've managed to convince myself that getting someone to write on my wall is about as amazing as having a friend over for dinner. It's pathetic. I'm trying to quit.
- Have I ever told you my "Captain Awesome" theory regarding BYU? Remind me to tell you later... It's lengthy...
- I volunteered at the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on Monday. San Diego State played (and lost) against Stanford. I got to wear a cool badge, use a fax machine, and make copies, all while running back and forth to the bathroom, thanks to the countless courtesy bottles of Vitamin Water (Fruit Punch, which is the bestest flavor), and Smart Water that I drank. I also got to walk out on the court (the sidelines, silly) during play. Exciting.
- Saw Coraline today. LOVED it. Creepy for sure, but amazing nonetheless. The 3D was some of the best I've seen (it didn't FEEL like a 3D movie... It just felt good, you know? It's hard to explain.) The experience was almost ruined by half the screen turning green for a good chunk of the second act, but after some finagling, it was fixed. No free ticket. Should I have asked for one?- I've been doing some MAJOR edits to my senior film. I won't divulge here, but suffice it to say, there are some scenes missing. And I think I like it that way...
- I gave up (refined) sugar about a month ago, but I've had a few slips. One of them was yesterday. I had maple syrup AND ice cream. Overload. Overall, I've done well. No slips today.
- I babysat again for my sister. I don't mind, but the poor thing is dealing with his first cold, and he's miserable. Cute, but miserable.
- Who wants a peek into what I'm writing? I'll give you five words dealing with each script/idea:
- Artists, Rivalry, Kittens, Bonsai, Fellini
- Revolution, Circus, Dystopia, Amnesia, Objectivism
- Utah, Murder, Family, Forgiveness, Depression
- New Adventures of Old Christine
- Oh! I saw Changeling, with Big Lips Jolie. Wonderful film. She's incredibly talented. It's a sad film, but incredibly engaging. A tad violent at parts, and a few swears, but I will recommend it, despite its rating. A good film about hope, and determination. And, you get to hear Angie scream the words "son" and "back" a lot. - Can't recommend Watchmen, tho...
- Is Kent there? I finished "Spider-man: Blue". Excellent piece of work. Thanks for the recommend...
That is all...
cheers!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Señor Macho Solo
Hey folks! It's time for a good old fashioned Guessing Game....
Name this actor/comedian:
Hint: He's a former cast member of Saturday Night Live.
Take a guess in the comments section, or just be lazy and click here for the answer.
Name this actor/comedian:
Hint: He's a former cast member of Saturday Night Live.
Take a guess in the comments section, or just be lazy and click here for the answer.
Monday, March 16, 2009
AIDS Nuggets
Hey friends!
I present to you, the "Almost But Not Quite A Mac" Dell Adamo
Sorry, but if it looks like a Mac, smells like a Mac, but can only run Windows, it'll never be a Mac.
Duh!
Still, good effort, Dell... I commend your ability to cheat off someone else's paper...
I present to you, the "Almost But Not Quite A Mac" Dell Adamo
Sorry, but if it looks like a Mac, smells like a Mac, but can only run Windows, it'll never be a Mac.
Duh!
Still, good effort, Dell... I commend your ability to cheat off someone else's paper...
Ramona Flowers
Holy crap, y'all....
Did anyone else see this last night?
'Twas pretty awesome. Big and bold with loads of Shakespearean flair, this is the kind of the dramatic shot in the arm network television needs. More often then not, this kind of prestige storytelling is picked up by HBO or Showtime (or, as of late, AMC), so having it available to everyone is pretty darn encouraging, and exciting. Give it a chance. Here are the first 20 minutes for your own perusal. If you like political intrigue, alternate universes, and/or updated Bible stories, then give this a look-see....
For the full episode click here.
Did anyone else see this last night?
Kings
'Twas pretty awesome. Big and bold with loads of Shakespearean flair, this is the kind of the dramatic shot in the arm network television needs. More often then not, this kind of prestige storytelling is picked up by HBO or Showtime (or, as of late, AMC), so having it available to everyone is pretty darn encouraging, and exciting. Give it a chance. Here are the first 20 minutes for your own perusal. If you like political intrigue, alternate universes, and/or updated Bible stories, then give this a look-see....
For the full episode click here.
Federal Bunch of Sticklers
Please understand this before watching: I HATE Elmo. I despise what he's done to Sesame Street (yes, I do have an opinion on the matter), and so I can't condone him, or even his very existence. BUT, I suspect that if Ricky Gervais were to permanently join the cast of Double S, I'd be a faithful viewer, Elmo and all...
EXHIBIT A:
On a side note, I'm seriously thinking about law school......
No really, I'm not joking.
If someone wants to talk me down off this cloud, go ahead. I'm looking into when to take the LSAT...
cheers!
EXHIBIT A:
On a side note, I'm seriously thinking about law school......
No really, I'm not joking.
If someone wants to talk me down off this cloud, go ahead. I'm looking into when to take the LSAT...
cheers!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bitenüker
I really can't call myself a Coldplay fan, but on occasion, I do enjoy their music videos. Here's their latest bit of digital fantastic:
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Midnight At The Oasis
I had a dream the other night that Michael Cera and I were the oldest, and dearest of friends.
We were at some theatre, watching something prolific and hilarious, and I kept asking him about Billy Pilgrim. He seemed incredibly confused, and I felt incredibly stupid. This dream bugged me for a while ( I had the dream probably three nights ago), and now I realize why:
Billy Pilgrim - Protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut's classic sci-fi novel Slaughterhouse Five, who, like our favorite LOSTaways, becomes "unstuck in time"
SCOTT Pilgrim - Protagonist of a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley, which is now being made into a feature film by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, TV's Spaced).
Guess which one has the most to do with Michael Cera? And I'll give you a hint: it's not Billy...
Don't ask me why this made me feel stupid. It probably has to do with the deepest longings of my heart, which just happens to be to become besties with sweet lil George Michael Bluth. You know, the kind of friendship that involves sharing an afternoon chocolate shake at the local soda jerk, and brushing our hair until our periods are in sync. Of course Tina would be there, as well as Emma and Meryl. I suspect Tony Hale could show up, just as long as he brings along Jessica Walter (naturally). And Bonnie Hunt can come too, but she has to bring some sort of salad (preferably without mayonaise). Last, but not least, Ms. Parker Posey will be pleased entertain everyone with a rousing edition of "Teacher's Pet".... It would be a night to remember, or forget, depending on how free the bar is, I suppose...
Skip to 0:18 for the goods, and stay for the rest... It's a gas...
Aren't my fantasies fun?
cheers!
This is Michael Cera
Billy Pilgrim - Protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut's classic sci-fi novel Slaughterhouse Five, who, like our favorite LOSTaways, becomes "unstuck in time"
SCOTT Pilgrim - Protagonist of a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley, which is now being made into a feature film by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, TV's Spaced).
Guess which one has the most to do with Michael Cera? And I'll give you a hint: it's not Billy...
Don't ask me why this made me feel stupid. It probably has to do with the deepest longings of my heart, which just happens to be to become besties with sweet lil George Michael Bluth. You know, the kind of friendship that involves sharing an afternoon chocolate shake at the local soda jerk, and brushing our hair until our periods are in sync. Of course Tina would be there, as well as Emma and Meryl. I suspect Tony Hale could show up, just as long as he brings along Jessica Walter (naturally). And Bonnie Hunt can come too, but she has to bring some sort of salad (preferably without mayonaise). Last, but not least, Ms. Parker Posey will be pleased entertain everyone with a rousing edition of "Teacher's Pet".... It would be a night to remember, or forget, depending on how free the bar is, I suppose...
Skip to 0:18 for the goods, and stay for the rest... It's a gas...
Aren't my fantasies fun?
cheers!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Juno32 Is A D-Bag
It's pathetic enough that I watch as much television as I do, but in my "line of work", I feel its incredibly important to know your field backwards and forwards, and since I aspire to work in television, I figure I, well, need to know it. In my effort to "Better Know The Biz" as it might be said, I always try and watch the best television has to offer. Sometimes its absolute garbage not worth my time (Entourage, being a prime example) but most of the time it's every bit as good as the critics (and viewers) say it is.
Case in point: Breaking Bad
Yes, he is often without pants, if that's what gets you goin' in the mornin'...
This is a new show for me, despite being into its second season. I gave the show a shot last year, but I couldn't get into its dark tone at the time, for whatever reason. I wanted to like it, and the reviews indicated that it's awesome, but I just couldn't do it. With the start of the second season, AMC aired a marathon of the first season's seven episodes, so, in all earnestness, I TiVo'd the marathon. And so, guess what? I love it. I'm six episodes in, and it's unbelievable how good this show is.
Brief summary: Bryan Cranston (who won an Emmy last year for this role, but is best known as the the Dad on Malcolm in the Middle, or as Dr. Whatley, the Jewish convert dentist from Seinfeld) plays a chemistry teacher who, upon learning he has stage 3A lung cancer, decides to take up "cooking" and dealing crystal meth, in order to provide for his family (a pregnant wife and a teenage son with cerebral palsy) after he departs this mortal coil.
What makes this show so wonderful are the performances, particularly with Cranston. He knocks it out of the park on a minute by minute basis, adding extensive amounts of weight to an incredibly complex character. The supporting cast shines as well, particularly Cranston's washed-out partner, Jesse (played by Aaron Paul), who has gone from a burned out junkie in the pilot, to a rather complex young man, who I've actually begun to sympathize with. I could go on, really, but I won't (for your sake). But, I will say that if you're up for it, check out the first season on DVD.
And so, violent television programs aside, here are some baby pictures (since they seem to get me a lot of comments):
cheers!
Case in point: Breaking Bad
Yes, he is often without pants, if that's what gets you goin' in the mornin'...This is a new show for me, despite being into its second season. I gave the show a shot last year, but I couldn't get into its dark tone at the time, for whatever reason. I wanted to like it, and the reviews indicated that it's awesome, but I just couldn't do it. With the start of the second season, AMC aired a marathon of the first season's seven episodes, so, in all earnestness, I TiVo'd the marathon. And so, guess what? I love it. I'm six episodes in, and it's unbelievable how good this show is.
Brief summary: Bryan Cranston (who won an Emmy last year for this role, but is best known as the the Dad on Malcolm in the Middle, or as Dr. Whatley, the Jewish convert dentist from Seinfeld) plays a chemistry teacher who, upon learning he has stage 3A lung cancer, decides to take up "cooking" and dealing crystal meth, in order to provide for his family (a pregnant wife and a teenage son with cerebral palsy) after he departs this mortal coil.
What makes this show so wonderful are the performances, particularly with Cranston. He knocks it out of the park on a minute by minute basis, adding extensive amounts of weight to an incredibly complex character. The supporting cast shines as well, particularly Cranston's washed-out partner, Jesse (played by Aaron Paul), who has gone from a burned out junkie in the pilot, to a rather complex young man, who I've actually begun to sympathize with. I could go on, really, but I won't (for your sake). But, I will say that if you're up for it, check out the first season on DVD.
And so, violent television programs aside, here are some baby pictures (since they seem to get me a lot of comments):
cheers!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Birthday Lasagna
This is what I look like Wednesdays at 9pm when LOST is nothing but a rerun...
Looks like I won't be watching anything...
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
I'm Just Sayin'...
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Sorry, couldn't help myself. Just finished Season 2, and still think the season's final image is just bloody fantastic. On to Season 3! I'm starting to piece some things together, which is cool. I recommend all Lostphiles do the same. Don't do it all in one go; one or two episodes a week will probably suffice.
Man, this show is good. If you're not watching, hit yourselves a few times, get a Netflix account, and catch up, for cryin' out loud. It's just that cool.
cheers, Brutha...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Cocoa for Cuckoo Poops...
C - Danny Boyle, for being able to go from a zombie thriller, to a sci-fi chiller to an Academy Award. This author may be slightly disenchanted with the Oscars as of late, but kudos to you for staying true to yourself, and not making bait year in and year out - Stephen Daldry, I'm looking right in your direction....
L - Cox Arena at San Diego State University...
O - A ticket to the midnight showing of Watchmen: The IMAX Experience...
S - Sleepless nights, digging deeper into what exactly is 'funny'...
A - Verbally attacking Sean Penn's Oscar love-in... No one makes me feel bad for being straight, and gets away with it...
T - When life shoots you a t-shirt through a t-shirt cannon, push down everyone around you, because that shirt is sooooo worth it...
Tid Bits Today:
- I've noticed lately that I'm obsessive about being liked by everyone. The thought of someone not liking me drives me mad. I can't pinpoint the issue here, but I'm trying to remedy it. But please, don't hate me for it...
- Sean Penn noted that there were anti-gay protesters at the Oscar's Sunday night. How much you wanna bet none of them were Mormon? Yeah, sorry to disappoint you, Hollywood...
- I keep seeing this image of Harrison Ford, buttoning up his shirt, and looking straight into the camera, while I'm fast forwarding through commercials. It usually occurs right before the show is about to recommence, and I've never seen any product, or cause or anything to accompany this image. Any help on this would be great.
- Am I the only one sick of those High Fructose Corn Syrup commercials? The one thing they forget to tell you during their humorous approach to nutritional ignorance is that sugar is pretty bad for you. It's worse than fat. So, saying that HFCS has the same nutritional value as sugar is like saying cigarettes are as healthy as cigars. Yeah, pretty stupid.
- Have any of you tried the Perfect Pushup contraption? They're pretty fantastic. I've been doing it for two weeks now, and I feel a HUGE difference. There's a consistent burn every time I work out, and I'm sore more often, which is always a good sign.
I recommend them highly. Best $30 I've spent in a while.
- I haven't seen a movie in theaters in quite some time. The last one I saw was probably Benjamin Button, and that was in December. Makes me miss $5.50 matinees...
- I've kept the last six episodes of 30 Rock on my TiVo. I don't have the heart to delete them. But I know, someday, I'll be faced with some sort of Sophie's Choice scenario, and I'll have to delete a few to make way for the LOST season finale.
- Speaking of LOST, this past weeks was interesting. I don't understand how the writer's could have felt this episode would have been best aired before "316". I'm glad ABC intervened, because that would have confused even the fans. Although, the reveal of Locke, alive on the beach would have been pretty cool. Too bad ABC had to go and spoil that in the previews...
- P.S. - I'm rooting for Widmore...
- I finally watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and I've been wondering: what ever happened to Phoebe Cates? She was a babe, and then Drop Dead Fred happened, and she seemingly vanished. What's the deal, Phebes? Oh, and if you haven't seen Fast Times, don't. It's a lot more crass than I would have liked.
UPDATE: She married Kevin Kline and made babies. Her last film was in 2001... Hrrmmm....
- Andy Richter is rejoining Conan on his new show. Huzzah! The Late Night gods have proven their kindness with such a noble deed. Well done, good sirs!
- I'm kinda ashamed to admit that I'm excited for Portia de Rossi's new show Better Off Ted.
- Dollhouse, the new Joss Whedon, is actually pretty good so far. It's still finding its footing, but I'm hooked.
- Other good shows?
Flight of the Conchords - Michel Gondry directs! Kristen Wiig and Jim Gaffigan!
United States of Tara - The fourth episode was a nice change in pace, and it's kept that up ever since.
Damages - Soooo good this season...
Battlestar Galactica - Number 7!? Who is Daniel? I need to know!!!
- BYU sports fans are annoying.
cheers!
L - Cox Arena at San Diego State University...
O - A ticket to the midnight showing of Watchmen: The IMAX Experience...
S - Sleepless nights, digging deeper into what exactly is 'funny'...
A - Verbally attacking Sean Penn's Oscar love-in... No one makes me feel bad for being straight, and gets away with it...
T - When life shoots you a t-shirt through a t-shirt cannon, push down everyone around you, because that shirt is sooooo worth it...
Tid Bits Today:
- I've noticed lately that I'm obsessive about being liked by everyone. The thought of someone not liking me drives me mad. I can't pinpoint the issue here, but I'm trying to remedy it. But please, don't hate me for it...
- Sean Penn noted that there were anti-gay protesters at the Oscar's Sunday night. How much you wanna bet none of them were Mormon? Yeah, sorry to disappoint you, Hollywood...
- I keep seeing this image of Harrison Ford, buttoning up his shirt, and looking straight into the camera, while I'm fast forwarding through commercials. It usually occurs right before the show is about to recommence, and I've never seen any product, or cause or anything to accompany this image. Any help on this would be great.
- Am I the only one sick of those High Fructose Corn Syrup commercials? The one thing they forget to tell you during their humorous approach to nutritional ignorance is that sugar is pretty bad for you. It's worse than fat. So, saying that HFCS has the same nutritional value as sugar is like saying cigarettes are as healthy as cigars. Yeah, pretty stupid.
- Have any of you tried the Perfect Pushup contraption? They're pretty fantastic. I've been doing it for two weeks now, and I feel a HUGE difference. There's a consistent burn every time I work out, and I'm sore more often, which is always a good sign.
I recommend them highly. Best $30 I've spent in a while.
- I haven't seen a movie in theaters in quite some time. The last one I saw was probably Benjamin Button, and that was in December. Makes me miss $5.50 matinees...
- I've kept the last six episodes of 30 Rock on my TiVo. I don't have the heart to delete them. But I know, someday, I'll be faced with some sort of Sophie's Choice scenario, and I'll have to delete a few to make way for the LOST season finale.
- Speaking of LOST, this past weeks was interesting. I don't understand how the writer's could have felt this episode would have been best aired before "316". I'm glad ABC intervened, because that would have confused even the fans. Although, the reveal of Locke, alive on the beach would have been pretty cool. Too bad ABC had to go and spoil that in the previews...
- P.S. - I'm rooting for Widmore...
- I finally watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and I've been wondering: what ever happened to Phoebe Cates? She was a babe, and then Drop Dead Fred happened, and she seemingly vanished. What's the deal, Phebes? Oh, and if you haven't seen Fast Times, don't. It's a lot more crass than I would have liked.
UPDATE: She married Kevin Kline and made babies. Her last film was in 2001... Hrrmmm....
- Andy Richter is rejoining Conan on his new show. Huzzah! The Late Night gods have proven their kindness with such a noble deed. Well done, good sirs!
- I'm kinda ashamed to admit that I'm excited for Portia de Rossi's new show Better Off Ted.
- Dollhouse, the new Joss Whedon, is actually pretty good so far. It's still finding its footing, but I'm hooked.
- Other good shows?
Flight of the Conchords - Michel Gondry directs! Kristen Wiig and Jim Gaffigan!
United States of Tara - The fourth episode was a nice change in pace, and it's kept that up ever since.
Damages - Soooo good this season...
Battlestar Galactica - Number 7!? Who is Daniel? I need to know!!!
- BYU sports fans are annoying.
cheers!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hey Brutha...
Sorry folks, but this is another post about LOST...
I rewatched the previous episode, and something crossed my mind:
A lot has been made of the fact that Ben was at a marina, wet and covered in blood while he was on the phone with Jack. Most people have speculated that this is because he either killed, or tried to kill Penny, Desmond and/or Charlie (their baby, not the already dead rocker/ex-Hobbit). Their reasoning for this is that the Humes have a boat that they sail around to places far and wide. But, I must ask: How long does it actually take to get from London to Los Angeles BY BOAT!?!? Sorry, but they're not at the marina, unless they just can't seem to get away from the salty air and the harbor chicks. It is possible that the writers had a seriously lapse in judgment in regards to time and space (which wouldn't surprise me, given this season), but unless that is the case, it is nigh unto impossible for Penny, Desmond and Baby Charlie to have made it to Los Angeles by boat in the time presented us.*
How 'bout that!?
Side Note: My local ABC affiliate has begun airing LOST repeats on Saturday and Sunday evenings in High Definition, which is rad, and I've begun watching them. They're at the end of Season 2 now, and it's pretty great to see where they show was, and how much things have changed.
*All of this is accompanied with the assumption that Desmonds realization of his memory of Daniel is happening in temporal conjunction with Jack and Ben's quest to return to the Island. I can only assume that's the case, since there's no indication otherwise.
I rewatched the previous episode, and something crossed my mind:
A lot has been made of the fact that Ben was at a marina, wet and covered in blood while he was on the phone with Jack. Most people have speculated that this is because he either killed, or tried to kill Penny, Desmond and/or Charlie (their baby, not the already dead rocker/ex-Hobbit). Their reasoning for this is that the Humes have a boat that they sail around to places far and wide. But, I must ask: How long does it actually take to get from London to Los Angeles BY BOAT!?!? Sorry, but they're not at the marina, unless they just can't seem to get away from the salty air and the harbor chicks. It is possible that the writers had a seriously lapse in judgment in regards to time and space (which wouldn't surprise me, given this season), but unless that is the case, it is nigh unto impossible for Penny, Desmond and Baby Charlie to have made it to Los Angeles by boat in the time presented us.*
How 'bout that!?
Side Note: My local ABC affiliate has begun airing LOST repeats on Saturday and Sunday evenings in High Definition, which is rad, and I've begun watching them. They're at the end of Season 2 now, and it's pretty great to see where they show was, and how much things have changed.
*All of this is accompanied with the assumption that Desmonds realization of his memory of Daniel is happening in temporal conjunction with Jack and Ben's quest to return to the Island. I can only assume that's the case, since there's no indication otherwise.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Doubting Thomas
MORE LOST SPOILERS AHEAD. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED:
Strangely enough, I thought LOST was a little off it's game this week. This past episode just didn't "do it" for me, as the show normally does, and I think it has to do with the weak storytelling going on off the island, and it's a shame I didn't realize it until now.
On the island, it's answers, answers, answers, with some cool reveals, and some interesting (not redundant) questions asked. But, off the island? No dramatic tension. I think the best way for us to have seen the off island stuff played out, was to have seen them all get back to the island at the beginning of the season, and then, through flashbacks, shown us how we got to that point (both on and off). This way, we would have seen them on the island, working things out, and slowly coming to understand how they got there, à la season one. It was pretty clear at the end of season 4 that no one wanted to return, except Jack, so why drive this point into the ground with whiny characters? The audience knows they need to go back, especially since we're watching our on island characters suffer time flashes, migraines, nosebleeds and even death... So to see most of the Oceanic 6 so callously say "I'm never going back, even if it can help them" makes them (Sayid, Kate, Hurley and Sun) rather unsympathetic.
Also, while it's nice to have them back on the island, didn't it feel sorta rushed? Didn't it feel as if we missed something crucial, and now we have to see what happened in flashback? I don't know if I'm down with that.
My guess about how things panned out? The writer's probably felt the same things I felt; the characters were whiny, and they needed to just get back to the island, no questions asked, and we'll get to the details of it all later. I've trusted Team Darlton (Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse, the show-runners) for 4 seasons now, so I'm up for some more. I still love where the show is headed with our Losties seemingly stuck in the 70s, posing as Dharma members, but the ride there seemed a tad bit bumpy.
The last podcast that Darlton put on noted that this episode (entitled 316) and next weeks episode, entitled The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham, were actually meant to be shown in reverse order, and that they could have been shown in any order, with no real issues, but the writer's felt this one was the best to show first, for whatever reason. This makes me more and more curious about what is to come next week, and if it'll make this past week's episode better. Who knows. All I know right now is that this episode left me feeling empty. Cool ideas, interesting information about the island, but overall, no narrative thrust worth investing in. I dunno.
So yeah, I just needed to vent that, since I gushed so lovingly about the show not a few days ago. So quickly things can change. I still think this season is an intriguing shift in the show's mythology, really giving it all to us in one go. I don't know if it'll be successful, but it certainly should leave a good chunk of the show left for some juicy character moments, and not a lot of mythology, which has never been the show's strength (just the carrot at the end of the character stick)... So for now, here's to better shows, and satisfying conclusions!
cheers, and Namaste...
Strangely enough, I thought LOST was a little off it's game this week. This past episode just didn't "do it" for me, as the show normally does, and I think it has to do with the weak storytelling going on off the island, and it's a shame I didn't realize it until now.
On the island, it's answers, answers, answers, with some cool reveals, and some interesting (not redundant) questions asked. But, off the island? No dramatic tension. I think the best way for us to have seen the off island stuff played out, was to have seen them all get back to the island at the beginning of the season, and then, through flashbacks, shown us how we got to that point (both on and off). This way, we would have seen them on the island, working things out, and slowly coming to understand how they got there, à la season one. It was pretty clear at the end of season 4 that no one wanted to return, except Jack, so why drive this point into the ground with whiny characters? The audience knows they need to go back, especially since we're watching our on island characters suffer time flashes, migraines, nosebleeds and even death... So to see most of the Oceanic 6 so callously say "I'm never going back, even if it can help them" makes them (Sayid, Kate, Hurley and Sun) rather unsympathetic.
Also, while it's nice to have them back on the island, didn't it feel sorta rushed? Didn't it feel as if we missed something crucial, and now we have to see what happened in flashback? I don't know if I'm down with that.
My guess about how things panned out? The writer's probably felt the same things I felt; the characters were whiny, and they needed to just get back to the island, no questions asked, and we'll get to the details of it all later. I've trusted Team Darlton (Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse, the show-runners) for 4 seasons now, so I'm up for some more. I still love where the show is headed with our Losties seemingly stuck in the 70s, posing as Dharma members, but the ride there seemed a tad bit bumpy.
The last podcast that Darlton put on noted that this episode (entitled 316) and next weeks episode, entitled The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham, were actually meant to be shown in reverse order, and that they could have been shown in any order, with no real issues, but the writer's felt this one was the best to show first, for whatever reason. This makes me more and more curious about what is to come next week, and if it'll make this past week's episode better. Who knows. All I know right now is that this episode left me feeling empty. Cool ideas, interesting information about the island, but overall, no narrative thrust worth investing in. I dunno.
So yeah, I just needed to vent that, since I gushed so lovingly about the show not a few days ago. So quickly things can change. I still think this season is an intriguing shift in the show's mythology, really giving it all to us in one go. I don't know if it'll be successful, but it certainly should leave a good chunk of the show left for some juicy character moments, and not a lot of mythology, which has never been the show's strength (just the carrot at the end of the character stick)... So for now, here's to better shows, and satisfying conclusions!
cheers, and Namaste...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It Walked On My Pillow
I hate to get even more esoteric on you folks, but I figured some of my fezellas needed (or wanted) to see this. It's apparently made the rounds in L.A. faster than film catches fire (which is very fast, in case you care), so if you've seen it already, well, then, you can just suck it, and watch it again:
Hollywood ASST
(WARNING: This video contains some PG-13 language, if not a few words that could make it R. You've been warned.)
Side Note: If you're not at all interested in breaking into the film industry, you can skip this, and not miss a thing. I kid you not, this is full of inside references galore, most of which I missed, so I don't think you'll get much out of it if you care less about the industry than I do...
My thoughts? I feel more depressed about L.A. than I did before I watched it. Reality is harsh, but this is just frustrating. With the job market in a slump, on top of the already impossible task of nailing an assistants gig, this just makes me see that there's very little to hope for if one aspires to rise through the ranks. *le sigh* Call it a part of the "game" industry folk must play, or whatever, but that won't change my feelings. It's why I can't watch Entourage without getting a migraine and a peptic ulcer....
*bah*... humbug.....
cheers, remorsefully...
Hollywood ASST
(WARNING: This video contains some PG-13 language, if not a few words that could make it R. You've been warned.)
Side Note: If you're not at all interested in breaking into the film industry, you can skip this, and not miss a thing. I kid you not, this is full of inside references galore, most of which I missed, so I don't think you'll get much out of it if you care less about the industry than I do...
My thoughts? I feel more depressed about L.A. than I did before I watched it. Reality is harsh, but this is just frustrating. With the job market in a slump, on top of the already impossible task of nailing an assistants gig, this just makes me see that there's very little to hope for if one aspires to rise through the ranks. *le sigh* Call it a part of the "game" industry folk must play, or whatever, but that won't change my feelings. It's why I can't watch Entourage without getting a migraine and a peptic ulcer....
*bah*... humbug.....
cheers, remorsefully...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Colin Firth's Sweaters
I don't know what's wrong with me right now, but I'm in the mood to blog. About nothing.
I'm actually in the midst of indulging rather shamelessly in the much-hyped Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice cross-over event. It's pretty compelling, being full of brain worms, mothers with PPD and the occasional heart-to-heart regarding one's love life. I was sad to see Melissa George leave the show for good. Oh well. And, side note: Kate Walsh is hot. Here's a photo of both:
I've made it a point to stop using my laptop in front of the TV, but recent events have caused it to travel from its usual spot in my sister's old bedroom into our family room. You see, I have a tendency to oftentimes pay more attention to the inactivity on my Facebook page rather than the exploits of say, Jack Bauer or even Ugly Betty (in her case, wacky exploits). I also tend to forget to zip through commercials, which is what has actually just happened (Immediacy!). Man, this laptop is no good for my TV viewing.... I moved it up to my sister's old room because it's generally pretty clean since it became our go-to guest bedroom (and we generally don't get a lot of guests), and it really helps to keep my mind clear while I try to write (emphasis on try). Also, her bed is about a thousand times more comfortable than any other chair/couch/bed/table in the house, so yeah, it's a nice place to try and work (again, mind your emphasis). My grandma is now asleep in there, so that's why my laptop is here, watching Grey's Anatomy.
My brother was here this weekend so he could see Casen (our new nephew). We had a good time, even though we had what felt like 24 hours to be with each other. Now he's back in the land of 185 and three-minute final projects. It's exciting to see him going through the program. I can only hope that he gets a little more out of it than I did. Don't get me wrong, I loved my time there, but there are still kinks, and unfortunately those kinks are making themselves manifest more and more in my post-college life as opposed to while I was in it. I won't get into the details about the kinks, because I'm sure they're incidental only to me and maybe a few others, and it's not fair to share wounds like that. I have to believe that those things are being worked on, and that my brother, and other film majors, will be able to benefit from them.
In other news: I have a hard time believing that Will.I.Am is anywhere near as prolific or as brilliant as Bob Dylan. And Pepsi is the last person that should to try and convince me of that.
D'ah! Once again, I forgot to fast forward.
I'm in the process of reading through Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. It's pretty cool. It's like film theory, but for comic books. I'm not a heavy reader of said genre of novel, but I've always enjoyed reading them casually. But, even without a huge love for comic books, there are some fascinating observations about art, and how we perceive the visual image, which I think is indispensable for anyone interested in tapping into ANY visual medium. Film is similar to comics, in that it's a series of juxtaposed "shots", where the audience is encouraged to connect the dots between them, but each medium has a different language through which it conveys meaning. But, like Latin languages, they have many traits in common. I could go on, but why should I, when Mr. McCloud does a much better job... Seriously, film folks, it's a rad book. Check it out if you can. (Link takes you to Amazon)...
It's been raining like crazy here. It's stopped for now, but I suspect (according to my iGoogle app) that it'll start up again tomorrow.
So, how about LOST this season?
SPOILER ALERT!
This time travel thing has been both maddening, as well as brilliant. It's provided the show's writers with a way to show us in the present tense the history of the island, without using character flashbacks. It's constructed fabulously, and it's been used rather skillfully to help ratchet up the tension, and move the storytelling forward. I'm happy that the show has continued to feel fresh these past two seasons. Most shows in their fifth seasons feel like they've run their course, and viewers usually can predict their way through each episode's arc with no problems whatsoever. However, LOST has been one surprise after another, both on an episode by episode basis, but also with each season. And that's what good TV is about. Surprises. The uniqueness of the medium of episodic television should allow showrunners to surprise viewers and have them wonder. But, it seems that most shows are content to repeat their past successes, and that just makes me sad.
END SPOILERS
This episode of Grey's/Private Practice is coming to a close. It actually turned out to be pretty positive, not to spoil anything. I wish both shows could consistently be as entertaining as these were. My theory? Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) should have never left Grey's Anatomy. She's unbelievably charismatic and endearing in her role, but only when she's surrounded by the folks at Seattle Grace. Sorry to editorialize about a show probably none of you watch, but there it is.
Alright, time to fly. It's late, and I'm tired. I might pop in a movie. That should be fun. Tomorrow I may be heading to my sister's place, so I'll probably get some writing done down there. I need to nip this writer's block in the bud. I blame our newly remodeled bathroom which occupied both my mental and physical real estate for a good two weeks. Now that it's done, I need to hunker down and write. A writing frenzy. Frenzied writing.
I wish you all the best.
cheers.
I'm actually in the midst of indulging rather shamelessly in the much-hyped Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice cross-over event. It's pretty compelling, being full of brain worms, mothers with PPD and the occasional heart-to-heart regarding one's love life. I was sad to see Melissa George leave the show for good. Oh well. And, side note: Kate Walsh is hot. Here's a photo of both:
I've made it a point to stop using my laptop in front of the TV, but recent events have caused it to travel from its usual spot in my sister's old bedroom into our family room. You see, I have a tendency to oftentimes pay more attention to the inactivity on my Facebook page rather than the exploits of say, Jack Bauer or even Ugly Betty (in her case, wacky exploits). I also tend to forget to zip through commercials, which is what has actually just happened (Immediacy!). Man, this laptop is no good for my TV viewing.... I moved it up to my sister's old room because it's generally pretty clean since it became our go-to guest bedroom (and we generally don't get a lot of guests), and it really helps to keep my mind clear while I try to write (emphasis on try). Also, her bed is about a thousand times more comfortable than any other chair/couch/bed/table in the house, so yeah, it's a nice place to try and work (again, mind your emphasis). My grandma is now asleep in there, so that's why my laptop is here, watching Grey's Anatomy.
My brother was here this weekend so he could see Casen (our new nephew). We had a good time, even though we had what felt like 24 hours to be with each other. Now he's back in the land of 185 and three-minute final projects. It's exciting to see him going through the program. I can only hope that he gets a little more out of it than I did. Don't get me wrong, I loved my time there, but there are still kinks, and unfortunately those kinks are making themselves manifest more and more in my post-college life as opposed to while I was in it. I won't get into the details about the kinks, because I'm sure they're incidental only to me and maybe a few others, and it's not fair to share wounds like that. I have to believe that those things are being worked on, and that my brother, and other film majors, will be able to benefit from them.
In other news: I have a hard time believing that Will.I.Am is anywhere near as prolific or as brilliant as Bob Dylan. And Pepsi is the last person that should to try and convince me of that.
D'ah! Once again, I forgot to fast forward.
I'm in the process of reading through Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics. It's pretty cool. It's like film theory, but for comic books. I'm not a heavy reader of said genre of novel, but I've always enjoyed reading them casually. But, even without a huge love for comic books, there are some fascinating observations about art, and how we perceive the visual image, which I think is indispensable for anyone interested in tapping into ANY visual medium. Film is similar to comics, in that it's a series of juxtaposed "shots", where the audience is encouraged to connect the dots between them, but each medium has a different language through which it conveys meaning. But, like Latin languages, they have many traits in common. I could go on, but why should I, when Mr. McCloud does a much better job... Seriously, film folks, it's a rad book. Check it out if you can. (Link takes you to Amazon)...
It's been raining like crazy here. It's stopped for now, but I suspect (according to my iGoogle app) that it'll start up again tomorrow.
So, how about LOST this season?
SPOILER ALERT!
This time travel thing has been both maddening, as well as brilliant. It's provided the show's writers with a way to show us in the present tense the history of the island, without using character flashbacks. It's constructed fabulously, and it's been used rather skillfully to help ratchet up the tension, and move the storytelling forward. I'm happy that the show has continued to feel fresh these past two seasons. Most shows in their fifth seasons feel like they've run their course, and viewers usually can predict their way through each episode's arc with no problems whatsoever. However, LOST has been one surprise after another, both on an episode by episode basis, but also with each season. And that's what good TV is about. Surprises. The uniqueness of the medium of episodic television should allow showrunners to surprise viewers and have them wonder. But, it seems that most shows are content to repeat their past successes, and that just makes me sad.
END SPOILERS
This episode of Grey's/Private Practice is coming to a close. It actually turned out to be pretty positive, not to spoil anything. I wish both shows could consistently be as entertaining as these were. My theory? Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) should have never left Grey's Anatomy. She's unbelievably charismatic and endearing in her role, but only when she's surrounded by the folks at Seattle Grace. Sorry to editorialize about a show probably none of you watch, but there it is.
Alright, time to fly. It's late, and I'm tired. I might pop in a movie. That should be fun. Tomorrow I may be heading to my sister's place, so I'll probably get some writing done down there. I need to nip this writer's block in the bud. I blame our newly remodeled bathroom which occupied both my mental and physical real estate for a good two weeks. Now that it's done, I need to hunker down and write. A writing frenzy. Frenzied writing.
I wish you all the best.
cheers.
---
Le château de ma mère (My Mother's Castle)
Sequel to "La gloire"
Amusing, touching, profound
Wonderfully sweet.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Jenna DeCarlo and the Polyphonic Spree
This video came to mind as I was walking down the stairs today... I cannot think of a single moment from a Beatles film that gives me more euphoric joy than this one, save for that moment where George falls in A Hard Day's Night...
I also LOVE these end credits (they begin at about a minute in, but watch it all, and catch John Lennon being called a swine... Priceless):
30 Rock Trivia!
- Didja know that The Girlie Show was originally titled "Friday Night Bits?"
- Also, Jenna Maroney's original name was Jenna DeCarlo...
Also:
If you have a facebook account (and I know you do), please help support this film:
Become a "fan" by clicking here. This is a grassroots effort to get this film the release it deserves. Even if you haven't seen the film, please, become a fan. This is one of those films that if you see it, you never forget it. I know I haven't.
There are clips on the page, so check those out. Also, you can head here as well:
mr. dungbeetle Official Website
Promotion!
cheers...
I also LOVE these end credits (they begin at about a minute in, but watch it all, and catch John Lennon being called a swine... Priceless):
30 Rock Trivia!
- Didja know that The Girlie Show was originally titled "Friday Night Bits?"
- Also, Jenna Maroney's original name was Jenna DeCarlo...
Also:
If you have a facebook account (and I know you do), please help support this film:
Become a "fan" by clicking here. This is a grassroots effort to get this film the release it deserves. Even if you haven't seen the film, please, become a fan. This is one of those films that if you see it, you never forget it. I know I haven't.
There are clips on the page, so check those out. Also, you can head here as well:
mr. dungbeetle Official Website
Promotion!
cheers...
Friday, February 06, 2009
Sabor de Soledad
Didja Know...
- Liz Lemon was originally called "Lisa Lemon" in a very early draft of the 30 Rock pilot? And Tracy Jordan was known as "Lawrence Jordan"... True story...
cheers!
- Liz Lemon was originally called "Lisa Lemon" in a very early draft of the 30 Rock pilot? And Tracy Jordan was known as "Lawrence Jordan"... True story...
cheers!
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