The Daily Casey

falling

2011-03-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hey. It's March.
When did that happen?

2011 is already much different than 2010. We're only two months in, but I can tell. It feels different for starters. Its most likely because, in 2010, I was coming off one of the favorite years of all my 22. And thus, last year I fell. And I fell a long way. I fortuanatly had some support beams to keep me from tumbling too far, from plunging into the darkness. However, I spent the year down there and it was dark.

So, this year began. Those beams preventing me from penetrating further in the darkness (dirty, i know) have given way to the weight of my pressing free fall. I'm grateful that I had those supports for as long as I did. But now, as I fall, I'm scrapping the walls of this hole, trying to find something to grap onto.

I just hope I don't land in Tim Burton's Wonderland, cause THAT would truly be a nightmare.

Enough

2011-02-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

The title 'Enough' is not referring to the Jennifer Lopez movie, in which she kicks her ex-husbands ass. No, the title is actually something that I am not. Its something I have never been. And its taken me alost 23 years to realize it. I'm not enough.

I'm not smart enough
not funny enough
not good looking enough
not lucky enough
not a good enough dancer
not a good enough singer
not a good enough artist
not athletic enough
not Mormon enough
not not-Mormon enough
not happy enough
not wild enough
not confident enough
not strong enough
not friend enough...

The list of my ineptitudes is neverending. I'm sorry to everyone who has to deal with me that I am not enough. I think I'm gonna stop trying. I can't seem to succeed and repetative faliure is not really awesome. So...later

My Best Picture Ballot

2011-01-31T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Oscar nominations have been announced. I finished Winter's Bone this morning which means I have now seen all 10 best picture nominees.

When voting, Academy members are asked to list the nominees, 1-10, starting with what they feel is best. So I will also participate.

1. The Social Network

2. The King's Speech

3. Inception

4. Black Swan

5. 127 Hours

6. The Fighter

7. True Grit

8. Winter's Bone

9. Toy Story 3

10. The Kids Are Alright

So that's my opinion...In case you wanted to know

Lyrical

2011-01-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Lately, I'm finding it hard to fully explain how i feel. But some of these lyrics do it splendidly.

"I just can't look. It's killing me and taking control"--The Killers; Mr. Brightside

"I gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash"--Bruno Mars; Grenade

"I got to get my head back on. Gotta get myself together"--Robyn; Get Myself Together

"I would've been your fool"--The Gaslight Anthem; Here's Looking at You, Kid

"I need company, I need human heat"--Frightened Rabbit; The Twist

"You never were and you never will be mine"--Robyn; Be Mine

"Now, I see, I'll never stop this train:--John Mayer; Stop This Train

2010 entertainment

2011-01-02T20:36:00.001-08:00

I realized I never did a list of things that made 2010 awesome (mostly it sucked, but we'll pretend it didn't for approximately one blog entry).

1. Movies

Not many movies. Specifically a few. I'm not going to get film snobby, like i usually am. I will instead display the posters of a few movies that brought joy to my solemn face.

2. Books

Yes, I learned to continuously read this year. I mean i didn't get on the ball till around late august but I read around 5 books in three months. I felt smart and well read like Julie or Bry.

3. Music

There have been many artists how have helped me get through this year, but none of them hold a candle to Robyn. Her lyrics have helped me through some of the incredibly tough times this year. It absolutely helped that she released 3 albums this year, so I received a dose of wisdom every few months. And got to see her in concert, but I already discussed that.

4. Television

Television has had a fantastic year. but i have to give a shout out to some shows that have helped me pass those excruciating days at Festival.

These are the non-human things that helped me make it through this year. and for that I will be forever indebted to them.

Reigniting Passions

2010-12-17T22:34:00.000-08:00

I love movies. I can't help it. I love them. Even the bad ones (the bad ones are like that weird cousin you don't really like, but you still feel obligated to look out for cause its still family.) I've had a love affair with the cinema for quite some time. I always liked movies, but who doesn't right. I think I may have located the source of the turning point from like to love, however.

Back in Utah, my family would always host an Oscar party. My mom attended to the food and socialization aspects, while my dad would read up on all the nominees. My dad thoroughly enjoys movies as well (that's probably where I get it from). Anyway, one year, my dad was to be out of town working on the weekend of the big night, so I took up the reins in his stead. Which meant looking into the nominees, reading the reviews, so I could at least give a brief synopsis if there was a film someone hadn't seen. My dad was gone that weekend the following year as well and that's when I decided. Rather than read critiques, why not just see the movies and form some of my own. At least of the Best Picture nominees. That particular year I saw 4 of the 5(Freaking Letters from Iwo Jima). I soon developed a taste for great movies which led to me wanting to become a film student.

Film, like most art forms, is unique. It requires much visual creativity, finesse, and respect for the medium and what it can do. I often feel that people don't realize what a powerful thing movies can be. No matter if you are watching Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story, or Accepted, you are making connections. You are surrendering yourself to another being (albeit, fictional) for at least 90 mins. You are making yourself vulnerable. Open to feeling something. A powerful movie with the right story can easily change your life.

I want to be a filmmaker. I want to create something that will cause change. Film has caused a change in me and I have a strong desire to pay it forward. I often loose sight of this goal. Getting side tracked by working where I do and dealing with co-workers. Letting my attention be drawn elsewhere. Its not until a great movie comes along that my passion and dreams are reignited. I have seen two movies this week that did exactly that.

127 Hours and Black Swan.

Both are brilliant films honed by brilliant directors. Each great for different reasons save one. There is such care brought to the telling of these stories. These are not films that were concocted to make money (a.k.a. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise). No. These were stories that should be told. While one is also a tale of man vs. nature, both of these films showcase protagonists that need to conquer themselves. Danny Boyle and Darren Aronofsky are master storytellers because they put their heart and soul into the telling. I would be shocked if they are not invited to the Kodak theater in March. I hope, someday, I will be invited too.

Myself Together

2010-11-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

It's all over like steps in the first snow
Something's been building up and it's gonna blow
My momma called me last night, she said what nothing else fits
Pick up the pieces and move on
I see the flashing lights, just can't make sense of the bits
It's like my mind is gone

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Get my head back on
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

Can't stand to see you upset
But you already know
The more close it gets
The less I wanna go

I saw my brother last night
He said I know you too well
You can't pretend that's nothing wrong
I see the fuse that ignites, like I'm outside of myself
It's like my mind is gone

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Get my head back on
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done

Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

My daddy put me aside
Like when I was a child
He said I trust you decide
On what you know is right
And for whatever it's worth,
I am on your side
There's no denying the mess
That I got us in
And I've been trying my best
Not to make a scene
Just can't make a sense of it all
It's like my mind is gone

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Get my head back on
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

Can't tell what's going wrong
I wish there's something could be done
Knock that cover
When this hurt is gone
I got â€¦ got to get â€¦
Myself together

Vacation Part 1

2010-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I'd like to thank Sly & the Family Stone for words that perfectly describe the past 10 days for me.

"I'd like to thank you for letting me be myself again"

My vacation was quite a needed one.

I went to my first concert.

I posted a few weeks ago that I got my ticket. Well, the day arrived. It was held at Firestone in Downtown Orlando. We arrived at 7 as per the request of the ticket agent and stood around for well over an hour and a half. I was not aware that this was standard concert protocol, so I was slightly peeved.

At last the first act graced the stage (well, as graceful as a 17 year old in a bustiay can be.) Her name was NATALIA KILLS and she sang a colorful ditty entitled "I'm in Love With a Zombie". Lyrical Brilliance....She also had two 'backup dancers' orbiting her as she strutted around the stage. Ultimatly, she was a decent opening act. And the night went on.

Another hour went by. Much smoke swirled around me and many eyes on TinTin, Jam, and myself. A DJ comes out, distracting the audience and introduces MALUCA. A pretty, tall, black girl comes on stage. She has a long braid down her back and a rope woven into it that extended her hair whip another two feet or so.

Maluca sings latin techno music. Latin. As in, sings in anther languge. Techno. As in, that neverending base line and odd sounds that permeates clubs. Music. Although, I don't personally call what she played music. She kinda moved to the beat. Kinda. She tried to whipper her hair/rope/lasso around. Tried. And she yelled in Spanish. Then, she started having a wardrobe malfuntion. As in, her nip slipped out of her top as she was hopping around in a dog-on-hind-legs fashion. Which made her set fairly hilarious. Swinging her hair, nipple half out, sing-screaming "LUNA, SOL, TEIRRA, FUEGOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" And so the night went on.

And on.

And on.

and an hour after Senorita Maluca's Round up ended, Robyn can. And She was absolutely amazing. I've said before, she is an stunning performer, gives everything she has out on stage. She sounded exactly like her songs, which I hear is quite a rarity. And she played the best she had. Just when I thought she was done she came back and did more. She was completely flawless. Below are two videos from the concert.

A new version of "U Should Know Better"

"Dancing on My Own"

I really couldn't have asked for a better way to loose my concert virginity!

More to come....hopefully

Dream Rant

2010-10-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those times when you finally have a dream where no attempt is made on your life? But its not really a good dream. It's one that stresses you out because it involves anger and dislike and overall distaste about the situation that is going on and all you can do is damage control but it barely does anything because you've never been good at minimizing chaos. But after you drag yourself to semi-conciousness (dragging because of the drugs you took to go to sleep) you have an a lengthy deluge of thoughts compacted into a two minute period...

And you don't wanna retype everything you wrote after "two minute period" because you accidentally deleted it and you still don't understand how and really you feel so tired that all you wanna do is GO. BACK. TO. SLEEP

affirmation

2010-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

I was parusing my friend Emily's blog, pribbles and prabbles, and I saw she posted this video.

I feel like this might help me in life. You know, get me feeling good about myself and my life. So I'm gonna give it a shot.

My whole life is great!

I can do anything good.

I like my friends.

I like my Cadres.

I like my Dr. Peppers.

I like my tv shows and seeing movies.

I like my Block Parties.

I like my soon to see Julies.

My whole life is great.

I can do anything good. Better than anyone else.

Update

2010-10-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, It's been a while. I often feel like the things I say are not as funny, interesting, or well-written once I finish putting fingers to keys. So I don't. Not as often any way and, even then, it's only if I feel like I can make it look good. So maybe instead, I'll just do one massive update.

I started reading. A lot. For me anyway. And I think I finally found a way to keep it going. I kept trying for ambitious reads, that's what I call them. I very clearly do not have the attention span for that. When I don't get through them with ease, I get frustrated and think reading is not for me. Which is just not the truth. I like reading quite a bit. I even ordered some books on Amazon.com. Can you say, "BOOK FIEND"? Bwahahaa

I read THE HUNGER GAMES series and it was AMAZING. I read them quite rapidly. A month for all three with a short break between 2 and 3 to read THE GIVER (Again, 4 books in a month is quite a sum for me. A spectacular feat). But this series is absolutely my favorite. I'm very excited for the movies to spew forth.

I've seen many movies. The best and most interesting is THE SOCIAL NETWORK. It is about the creation of Facebook by that scoundrel, Mark Zuckerburg. The script (by Aaron Sorkin) is possibly the sharpest, most relevant, wittiest one of the year. I am very partial toward rapid fire dialogue between people that can keep up. It is shot with I wise hand by David Fincher. The casting was great as well. Jesse Eisinberg (I'm sure i'm botching the spelling on all of these names) as Mark, creates an ass of a guy who has heart. And who in the world would think that Justin Timberlake could act. I mean, more than is required for SNL skits. He plays Sean Parker, creator of Napster, and older brother figure to Mark.

Just go see it.

I've been in rehearsals for a new show coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios entitled DISNEY CHANNEL ROCKS. It has been a blast, but very challenging. I'll see if I ever get to to do it.

I got FINAL CUT PRO. Finally!! Four years in the making. I finished my first video project in years. It's about ninja-assassins. Yes, it's dorky and I feel confident you don't wanna see it.

Anyway, that's all for today folks.

Concert Virginity

2010-09-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have never been to a concert...which seems completely wrong. But all thats about to change as you can see.

I CAN'T WAIT!!

Just sayin...

2010-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry little monsters, but you can't deny how similar they look.

1...nah I'm not gonna count. Sorry

2010-08-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Everyday I wake up, wonder why
I'm alone when I know I'm a lovely guy
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you

Every night I carry out my plan
Pray to God that one day I could be your man
Birds come down from sky so blue

See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with

You'd be my only friend in the world
Well you could just be my girl

And if I do run away from this life
There won't be much for me in the afterlife
Although I know that you don't even care
I'd rather stay in a world where
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you

-"All the Beautiful Things" by Eels

Meditations

2010-08-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to feel like I've lost my respect for movies. (I do realize that many of you are scoffing at those opening words. If you've ever heard me talk about Away We Go or any number of films, you will think it's silly for me to say such a thing.)

But it is my feeling. And I believe it to be true. I pondered today on this. 2 years ago, I would see movies alone, dressed nicely (i.e. Jeans and a blazer) to show repsect for the power that I know film has. The medium has changed my life. But it has been a while since I've done a movie old-fashioned, and, in my opinion, the good way. So tonight, seeing as I had no plans, I did a movie; 2008 style. Suited up, got some Wendy's to sneak in, even listed to music I was crazy about then. I'm very glad to say, it worked out and I had a resplendant cinematic excursion.

The film on the docket was Eat Pray Love. Yes, I know the face you're making. However, I'd heard from sources, that I consider reliable, that I should check it out. It is based on the memior by Elizabeth Gilbert, who, after a nasty divorce and a follow-up fling, decides to take a hiatus. She's stuck on the end of a teeter-totter and needs to find some balance. So, she goes on a year long journey to Italy, India, and Bali where she literally learns how to Eat, Pray, and Love (crazy. That's the title.)

It ended up being a very personal experience for me (I won't bore you with the details), but I am very glad I saw it alone. I am a firm believer that your experience with a movie can easily change with an additional member in your party. For some movies, that is ok. Others, I like to see alone first. I end up liking more movies that way.

Going Mad

2010-08-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

I had been thinking about starting to watch the television show Mad Men for quite some time. I mean, it kinda seems like something I would watch. Its won critical as well as fan adoration. So, the other, day I downloaded the first season to my portable video machine and I'll just say it is an intruiging 47ish minutes of television.

It takes place in the 1960, as you could see by the dress code. The main man is Don Draper, the creative director of "Sterling/Cooper Advertising Agency" over on Madison Avenue. He, along with 2/3 of the rest of the male characters, are some of the most dispicable people I have encountered in all my years in TV land. They all have wives and they all have at least 1 mistress. To be fair, they do have issues of their own, but seeing a therapist is considered immasculation.

The poor messed up women in their lives. Betty Draper, (Don's wife) is played by January Jones, who is probably one of the most stikingly beautiful women I've ever seen. Betty got married too young, had kids too young, basically settled too young. She has issues. Christina Hendricks plays Joan Holloway, the head lady of the steno pool. She is a mistress. Everyone is in love with her. That must be hard. Did I mention she's a redhead? I have a thing for redheads.

Along with learning about these screwed up people (as well as seeing some of Nixon/Kennedy campaign footage), the show can be quite depressing as well is interesting. All of these people are drowning in lives they aren't happy with.

Maybe that why I like it. I feel like I'm drowning alot.

What I wish I could say is,,,

2010-08-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Though I've tried before to tell her
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Everytime that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I've done from the start

Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet

I resolved to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Know I know my love for her goes on

Cinematin Weekend: Female Empowerment Edition (SPOLER ALERT)

2010-08-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, alas another cinematic weekend has occurred. Again, I saw two very different movies aimed at two DIFFERENT sects of people. So...let's get to it.

Salt is another empowered female character for Angelina Jolie to add to her arsenal. Evelyn Salt is a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Of course, she runs. Because, in movies, you have to prove your innocence yourself rather than leave anything to the authorities. And its a good thing too, since a colleague is actually one of the various said sleeper agents. Angelina definitely pics a type and there is a reason. She's great at portraying those characters. Yes, they are all similar but she makes them different enough that you don't really mind seeing her shooting anything that is a noun, jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle, or perhaps, strangling someone with handcuffs.

Salt is your typical summer action blockbuster. However, what I liked most about the film was it went back to one of the most simple concepts in film making. It asked a question. Perhaps blatantly, as seen in the poster above, but it was nice to see a clear, simple question and have it answered. "Who is Salt?"

Was the movie a masterpiece? No. Was it fun and an escape from your bland, no-gun-totting, unrisk taking life? Hell yes!
B

Ok. So The Kids Are All Right is a movie I'd wanted to see for a few weeks. Its indie. Which normally signifies that I will enjoy it. Yeah...I was wrong.

It is a tale of a lesbian couple who's kids decide to meet their sperm donor father and how that decision affects all of their lives. Now, i consider myself pretty liberal for a boy raised in Mormonville, Utah. But I have to say, I felt like so much of the movie was so intensely pro-gay and even a little anti-straight.

That's not to say the movie wasn't well made. It really was (for the most part), well put together. But for a story that involves a marriage that overcomes infidelity, I couldn't see much reason to try and get past the mistake.

Annette Benning and Juliane Moore play Nic and Jules. Nic is a career woman who likes control and red wine. Jules is a trophy wife/house mom who never reached her full potential. From the minute the two share screen time, you know there is some tension. As the story continues (sometimes veering into the realm of unnecessary), you see that rather than being a couple, they are just two people, who it seems feel out of love some time ago. Its become a marriage of convenience rather than love. And while yes, there is something to be said for sticking together through tough times, when infidelity comes into play and the two are already disconnected...well, its hard to root for something like that.

Benning and Moore, both did a great job of crafting their characters. Its the union between them I have trouble buying. I don't really know who to blame for that. Actually I do. Director/Co-Writer Lisa Cholodenko.

I really wanted to like the movie. i was rooting for it. But one thing is evident to me.

The Kids Ain't All Right.

No More Spandex

2010-07-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

They successfully saved the world. Back to civilian life (womp womp)

Hang with Robyn

2010-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like if you don't know about Robyn, Watch this video and fall in love with her!

DO IT!

Nolan vs. Turteltaub

2010-07-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am a religious reader of Entertainment Weekly. I get a lot of enjoyment out of this publicataion, until I begin to read the movie reviews.

This magazine has had the same two critics ever since I remember. I have read more reviews by Lisa Schwartzbaum and Owen Gleiberman than I honestly care to say and here is why.

THEY ARE BOTH IDIOTS! Seriously!

I was just reading Mr. Gleiberman's review of the new Disney movie The Sorcerer's Apprentice and he contridicts himself constantly. He names something that is awful then excuses it instantly.

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice is brought to you by the folks who created the National Treasure movies, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, and you can imagine them having a meeting in which they said: Let's make a movie in the same vein — only fizzier and dumber, even more kid-happy, with a lot more meaningless effects. In other words: Let's do a movie that makes the National Treasure films look sophisticated. You may think that I'm about to sneer, but I found the ticky-tacky, hocus-pocus foolishness of The Sorcerer's Apprentice appealing in a turn-off-your-frontal-lobes way. Watching the film, you don't have to pretend to care about rescuing the Declaration of Independence, and that's a relief."

NonononononoNONONONONO! You can't say it is "dumber" with "more meaningless special effects" and go on to say you liked it because they movie wasn't about "rescuing the Declaration of Independence". You still want to be taken seriously after that? That is a complete cop out. But then again this is the man that gave Madagascar an A.

Then I flip back a page and see that Lisa Schwartzbaum gave Inception, easily one of the best films out this year a B. Which is what Owen gave Apprentice. How you two dumbasses even put those two films on the same scale, I will never know. Let's compare shall we? Christopher Nolan vs. Jon Turteltaub? Leonardo Dicaprio and Ellen Page vs. Nicolas Cage and...Jay Baruchel? Am I insane here? Is there not a clear winner?

In the event that either of them ever reads this, I will ask one favor.

Owen and Lisa, step down as movie critics of my beloved magazine and for the worlds sake, NEVER WRITE ANOTHER REVIEW FOR ANY FILM EVER AGAIN!

If you'd like to read the full review among others you can do that here

4th of blegh-lie

2010-07-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July used to be my favorite holiday. It was the only calm holiday that i experienced growing up (fighting and anger and sadness have tainted the rest of them).

Its not really my favorite anymore. It's gotten tainted like the rest. Yesterday, was particularly awful. However, I accepted that it was gonna be no good early on in the day. Doing so allowed any cheer to increase 10 fold. Here are two items that saved my 4th from dismal obscurity.

The Scissor Sisters' new album Night Work is freaking amazing. I loved their songs "Take Your Mama" and "Laura" so I gave this album a try and I am so glad I did. It cheered me up, how ever minutely.

Yes, this is dorky. I know. A super dork factor is involved for even mentioning it. But it was very helpful in the distraction process.

So thank you Scissor Sisters and Japan for providing me with distractions from the abysmal crap that was my holiday weekend.

Are you angry?

2010-07-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I find myself to be full of anger as of late. I just wanna scream and yell and rip open locked doors (that last one I did earlier). If you feel like you need some music to go with your angry mood, here's my mini-playlist of super angry tunes.

Eminem- My Name Is
Puddle of Mudd- She Hates Me
Sex Pistols- Liar (lyrics for this are actually the entry right before this one. Just scroll down)
Linkin Park- In the End
Metallica- Holier Than Thou
Sex Pistols- No Feelings

Hopefully, you'll be able to stomp out your fury by blasting these songs. I'm not doing so well, with that.

LIAR

2010-07-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

Lie lie lie lie liar you lie

lie lie lie lie tell me why tell me why

Why d'you have to lie

should've realised that

you should've told the truth

should've realised

you know what I'll do

You're in suspension

you're a liar

How I wanna know know know know

I wanna know why you never look me

in the face

Broke a confidence just to please

your ego

Should've realised

you know what I know

You're in suspension

you're a liar

I know where you go everybody you know

I know everything that you do or say

So when you tell lies

I'll always be in your way

I'm nobody's fool

and I know all 'cos I know

what I know

you're in suspension

you're a liar you're a liar you're a liar

A lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie

Lie lie lie lie

Liar you lie lie lie lie lie

I think you're funny

you're funny ha ha

I don't need it don't need your blah blah

should've realised

I know what you are

you're in suspension

you're a liar you're a liar

you're a lie

Weekend at the Cinema

2010-05-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

I had a cinematic weekend experience. Two very opposing movies in two nights. It was much needed for I hadn't sat in some cushioned stadium seating in near three weeks. It was about time.

The first film on the docket, was the video game-realized Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. I will fully admit that I was skeptical about this one. I mean, it has a very similar look as The Scorpion King and we all know how that turned out. Other odds were working against it as well. Mike Newell was directing. Remember the last big budget project he was given? He made Harry Potter and the Suckfest of Fire. He took a ship that needed a Captain and let it sink after hitting some very jagged rocks. So what was to stop him from doing it with a video game adaptation.
Its staring Jake Gyllenhaal, who, unfortunately, to me has just been the gay-er of the two cowboys for the last few years. Plus, in the trailer he was trying to do some accent that was kinda indistinguishable. Again, there is a crappy predecessor for big budget flicks with an American leading man "using" an accent (Brad Pitt in Troy, for those of you catching up).

But even with those insurmountable obstacles, I have to say, I really liked it. None of the afore mentioned crap-stacles got in its way. In fact, they all contributed to its success. Jake is now Dastan to me, badass acrobat. Mike Newell...well, I'm still really bothered about Harry Potter but this was a good start at making it up. So if you like action/adventure summer popcorn movies, I recommend:

Film 2:
Just Wright
This is definitely one of those chick-flicks that will be lost in time, but that's too bad because it quite enjoyable. Queen Latifa stars as Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who has always been the homegirl never the girlfriend. Common is Scott McKnight, a basketball player with a knee injury to rehabilitate. Cue predictability factor...Now.
Even though you know everything that is going to happen (somethings from the opening credits, some just seconds before) this movie did it with a charming touch. The dialogue is pleasant and witty (although sometimes over-acted. Queen Latifa, I'm talking to you) and gives you a male lead that knows when to take it slow. Common brings a likability to Scott when the character, in other hands, could have turned into douche-city.
There's a scene where Scott's fiancee comes back, after dumping him when he got injured, and wants to go forward with their previous plans of marriage right away. He stops her and says that that's moving way two fast when they JUST got back together.
He's a good guy that actually thinks before he acts. Its about time we had some cinematic representation.
If you want to see a predictable, dude-friendly chick flick, I recommend:

It's safe to dance

2010-05-24T05:23:00.001-07:00

Sorry to be so video heavy, but at least it's always awesome stuff. Its from last weeks Glee episode. Its just an killa dance!

I'm not the guy you're taking home...

2010-05-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

This video is amazing.

Robyn, I'll be more than happy to come dance with you. No stress, alright? It's gonna be ok.

Faith

2010-05-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know that I have any. I'm working on it. I wish I had it but it is a concept that has eluded me for many years. I grew up in a church where that was a main topic, so you think it'd come alot easier for me but for some reason it doesn't.

Things aren't ok. But I've gotten so used to them being not ok that when things start getting good, I subconsciously mess it up because I don't know how to handle the good times. They come so rarely that I'm unprepared for them. Again, I'm working on it.

I don't have complete faith that things will get good again for a while (my hunch is 2012). Just when I think I hit rock bottom, it turns out

-Rock bottom
--50 ft. of crap
--- then there's me

I do think that hope and faith are different. It's like wanting and knowing. I don't know that things are gonna change. If there's any sort of set pattern, it's not gonna. I'm glad that life seems to be good for everyone else around me. But I'd like some of the good. Just a sip. yeeeeeeeahhhh. A sip of good right now would be amazing.

Hey Julie

2010-05-14T04:46:00.001-07:00

Working all day for a mean little man
With a clip-on tie and a rub-on tan
He's got me running 'round the office like a dog around a track
But when I get home,
You're always there to rub my back

Hey Julie,
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through without you around

Hours on the phone making pointless calls
I got a desk full of papers that means nothing at all
Sometimes I catch myself staring into space
Counting down the hours 'til I get to see your face

Hey Julie,
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through with out you around
No, I'd never make it through with out you around

[Bridge]
How did it come to be
That you and I must be
Far away from each other every day?
Why must I spend my time
Filling up my mind
With facts and figures that never add up anyway?
They never add up anyway

Working all day for a mean little guy
With a bad toupee and a soup-stained tie
He's got me running 'round the office
Like a gerbil on a wheel
He can tell me what to do
But he can't tell me what to feel

Hey Julie,
Look what they're doing to me
Trying to trip me up
Trying to wear me down
Julie, I swear, it's so hard to bear it
And I'd never make it through with out you around
No, I'd never make it through without you around
No, I'd never make it through with out you around

It's a cruel thing you'll never know all the ways I tried..

2010-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm leaving my blog hiatus to share this video. It's by an Sweedish artist named Robyn but she is so amazing. Her performance is heartbreaking and beautiful. Promise you will watch till the end.

Worrywort/Lord of the Rings geek

2010-04-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

I feel awful.

Like truly awful.

I slept last night but only because I have a nice nasty cold and got to take some nyquil.

But the preceeding 5 nights I didn't sleep.

I'm worried. I feel that way alot and its only getting more intense. I try to not let it get at me but the worry is a attacking for various angles. I'm not good at keeping an eye on all the angles yet. It's stormed Helm's Deep and I am holed up in the Hornberg (I believe thats the appropriate Lord of the Rings reference).

I don't know how to beat it. I don't know what to do at all. Sauron has taken Osgiliath. I feel like all there is to do is make a final stand. So I ride across the Pelenor fields, Anduril, my blessed sword at my side. Fighting. Bringing down as many orcs as I can before I, myself, am brought down.

2010-03-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

In-con-vene-iency

2010-02-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

Listen, in the past 66 hours, I have maybe been asleep for ten hours of it. So just bear with me as grammer and things may not be great. Also, I apologize now for the infinite number of times you will hear...read various forms in the word convenient within this entry.

Life has been full to the brim of inconveniencies lately. Here bundle of them I have experienced in the past few days.

-I am being trained in Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. As a stiltwalker. I don't think I even need to go into the details of that inconveniency. It's pretty self-explanitory.

-Because there are safety concerns, we have brought out last week of rehersals to the stage. Which means that they can't start till after the last scheduled show that day. That puts us in at like 630pm and the rehearsal goes to one am. Also, they have kept me in my casting at High School at the same time. Meaning I have had 3 back to back 16-17 hour days. 8:30 am- 1 am. I am sooooooooooooo indescribeably tired.

-Today, I did Inconvenient Party Bash.

-Not having a car to drive off in at the end of the weekend from hell is not convenient at all.

-Recent confessions that have been made to me. Inconvenient.

-I find it so very inconvenient that I have to watch what I say on my blog. There is always someone I have to edit things for as to not offend. Everyone else seems to get to say and write whatever they want. I wish I could.

-I lent my iPod (Robin, is her name) to a friend for a few hours while I was at rehearsal so they could get some music. Hours later they haven't even made progress at all. Which I find inconvenient because I drive with my iPod. And with no music, I came close to falling asleep on the way home.

-I have been starving since 10:30 last night. By the time I got a chance to remedy that situation, however, every place closed. I have no food in my fridge and at this point, lack of sleep is the thing in more need of fixing so looks like I'm gonna go to bed hungry.

-The location of my new place is just so out of the way and inconventient. So is thrying to climb up to the third floor.

And now things are getting hazy so I'm gonna crash.

Picture This

2010-02-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

My friend Tin Tin (who provided the image above) gave his thoughts on the 2010 Best Picture nominations and thus, I thought I'd give mine as well.

Unfortunatly, I cannot speak with a high amount of authority as I have only seen half of the nominees but here are my thoughts. If you hate me after this, well thats unfortunate also.

Of course, you have the Big 5. The films that would still have a nod even if the limit was 5.

- Up in the Air
- Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
- Inglorious Basterds
- The Hurt Locker
- Avatar

Duh. I can say for certain that the 3 of those I have seen should absolutely be on there. Next are the indies. The movies that, while still great, didn't quite hit the big time.

-An Education
-A Serious Man

Finally, with three nods left to dull out, the Academy chose films that lotsa people saw. I can think of other films that should gotten the chance but what can I say?

- Up
- The Blind Side
- District 9

These last three is where I am pissed. First, Up is...up for Best Picture and Best Animated Feature. I really feel like that shouldn't be an option. We all know it's gonna end up going home with AniFeat so why not leave a slot for a different great work this year? Or if they felt strongly enough that Up is just so fantastic it needs to get put with the big boys, stand by that decision and don't be so afraid that if it didn't win anything Pixar would be upset and we can't have that. Baaaawk bawk bawk.

Oh District 9. I'm absolutely fine for it being up for technical awards because in those respects the film was great. However, if you wanted to give it up to a second sci-fi crowd pleaser, why not give it to a more entertaing and equally well made Star Trek? Booo on that one Academy.

All I can do about The Blind Side is roll my eyes and feel uttery exasterbated. I just...no. sigh

Those be my thoughts. Take 'em or leave 'em.

Home Decour

2010-02-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, I moved. Finally. I finally moved. All up in my new place. Took my one day off and moved in a bed and just bought furniture and was up till one making it presentable. SO of course I wake up at the crack of 7:54 am. Typical.

This entire process feels like its taken entirely too long. Well, I suppose it hasn't but this is really the the first time I've moved into an unfurnished place so it's felt a little crazy. It's been epic.

However, however. It brought me to my first trip to Ikea. And I must say, Sweds are brilliant. Ikea is possibly one of the coolest places I have ever been. I know most of you readers have already had your Ikea cherry popped, so I won't/don't need to list details of said awesomeness. But there were so many room set ups that I just wanna live in. Don't have to move it's location. I'll just move to the 2nd floor of the Ikea building. That's fine. They have a cafeteria too. And one that isn't crazy expensive. And it tastes delicious. Melinda and I took a break from our casual browsing and got some cake.

A bookshelf, table, lamp, and a trip to Chipotle later, I was home to spend the next few hours putting all of the lovely items together. It was quite a day and I'm quite exhausted.

Happy Feb. 4.

Sheets and a Haircut

2010-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

I bought sheets yesterday. For a bed. Sheets that are gonna be awesome on the bed considering the rest of my new room is void of furniture. I never had to buy sheets before. It was cool.

This is me in my car driving away from GreatClips after a little lowering of the eyebrows (thats an old-timey way of sayin' getting my hair cut. I know things. Its cool. I learned it from Doug).

This particular cut was accomplished by a sassy black lady who has not seen Avatar yet, but its on the top of her list. Her and her husband went and saw The Blind Side and it was amazing as was Edge of Darkness. She had no interest when I told her I was a character performer at Disney and went straight for, "Seen any good movies lately?"

That is my kind of...hair-cutter? Stylist? Barber? (I don't know the correct word for that. I mean, I can't know everything.)

Happy Third of February

It's fine, I guess

2010-02-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Today I hate the rain. There are occasions when I love the rain. Days where all you wanna do is go out and play and jump and kiss amidst the precipitation.

Today is not one of those days.

This morning I am sped to work as usual. I reach the Security...Mistess at 29 thinking I have a whole minute and a half to walk 12 feet to the time-clock. I get to 11 feet and find some 3rd shift hispanic man attempting to clock out. But he can't figure out how to do so. Four or five people are trying to assist but he doesn't understand what is being said and keeps doing it incorrectly. I am pulling my hair out because this is something that hugely irritates me. I don't care if foreigners come here. The US is awesome. The more the merrier. However, here we speak ENGLISH. How rude of you to come here and assume we will cater to your language. Whatever. I'm on a tangent. Pulling back. Guy, you're inability to speak our language is now affecting my day. Which is not ok. Bleegghhh.

It's fine, i guess. I clocked in the last seconds of 8:30.

Next, I get to the breakroom and find that the costume set in my spot is not mine. Instantly, I panic thinking I didn't read my schedule closely enough and I'm supposed to be at MISICI or something. But it turns out, I didn't have the mix up. Costuming did. So when I go try to switch out these clothes for pieces that are my size, I find the costumer has shut herself in with the costumes because "today, she just can't lose focus" and if we all walk in and out she will get all jumbled. Well, guess what sweetcakes? You lost the right to have that "unjumbled" time when you set the wrong freaking costumes.

It's fine I guess. I went in the back way and switched the costumes myself.

Its rainy. Has been all day. Which normally is a good thing and at points today it was good. I am completely exhausted and I needed to rest if I could. However, when it comes to Block Party, I'd so much rather do a Full show than a rainy day drive by. (Most of you won't know what that means, just know that to me (and me alone) a drive by is the suckiest of suckfests.) So the decision was made. Drive by. In the rain. Not thrilled.

It's fine I guess. I was done with work after parade.

So then it starts raining harder and due to the big cheer conference coming up, there is a tent being errected in the front half of the cast parking lot so I have to walk to the back, in the rAAAINNn, to get to my car. Wet and literally dripping, I stop at 7/11 to get a much needed Dr. Pepper. I go to pay and the transaction happens as follows:

Cashier: So will the be all for you?
Casey: yessir.
Cashier: Crazy rain outside. Did it ruin your day?
Casey: Yes, actually it did.
Cashier: Oh, sorry man. My companion went though my phone last night.
How is that on topic? Why is he telling me this? Just be nice.
Casey: Maybe you...should've deleted some things on there
Cashier: Yeah, I should have.
Ok, walking away now.
Cashier (cont'd): But like what was he doing going through my phone?
Whhhhhyyyyy are you still talking to me?
Casey: I don't know man. If you gave him reason not to trust you...
Cashier: He didn't have a reason not to trust me. Now I don't trust him.
Casey, leave now!
Casey: Sory man, Well have a good night.

It's fine i guess. I'm going to sleep now!

Backdate

2010-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

So this post was originally intended to go up about two weeks ago.

So we're just gonna pretend it was posted:

January 16, 2010

I have recently had resurgance of Nintendo 64ness. My roommate (sadly, she is no longer) brought an N64 from back home and gave me the priveledge of having my own file on her copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time! When I was growing up I loved this game. Mostly because it was so challenging. I never knew if I was going to beat it. Fortunatly (or unfortunatly), the friends I did have were NintendoNerds and helped me make it through the game. I honestly cannot express how BAMF N64 is to me.

Anyway, as I got older I set the controller down and had some semblence of a life. I saw semblence becuase it was a quiet, awkward life but at least I had friends and didn't stay home every weekend letting my neurons slowly die out. However, in my Senior year, when my band of friends and I made "a treehouse" (I use quotations cause it was underground, not in the air.) the 1st resurgance took place. We would (NEVER) skip class to play it at times. That was when Dave was super in it though. The 2nd resurgance would be mine.

And so it came to pass, that thanks to one Miss Gordon and the help of her handy aged Strategy Guide, the 2nd resurgance was mine. I beat the game in a lofty 10 days and was fairly impressed at how easy it was for me. Accept the "mini boss" in the water temple. That backed me up a day or two. But nevertheless, I had my day and verily thus. Here's a clip from the brilliance (and yes it was shot on my phone)

Theo

2010-01-22T17:56:00.001-08:00

So one of my hopes for 210 is already becoming a faliure. Its the happy one. The last few weeks have just been supernastystress suckage. This new living situation is seeming like a tragic idea. And we haven't even moved in yet. Bleeeeghhhh.

That and I have had no internet or cable for seven days. 1 week. That's all. And I'm going insane. I feel like thats pathetic considering there are kids in Haiti that are still being found under building ruins who haven't had food or water for days. And I can't go a week without internet? I need to readjust my priorities probably.

Anyway, Praise him that I have at least mild internet connection on my phone or I would have even been in a bigger pickle. He had been a trooper. His name (yes, my phone has a name) is Theo. He is a T-Mobile my touch and had a cobalt blue jacket (just like the Jungle Fury Blue Ranger, *winkwink*) and is a complete badass. So I just need to say...

Thank you Theo. You have saved me from certain paril and/or attempted suicide over the past week. I'd be in trouble without you.

For Trevor

2010-01-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Trevor loves emo pictures. His Facebook is full of emo pics of himself. In his honor, I took this a little earlier

in other news, this is my 300th post. And it was brought to you from a different computer as my residence had it's WiFi revoked. And my sanity will be gone before the night is up. But happy frickin' 300th to me.

Working on it

2010-01-18T18:33:00.001-08:00

"I don't handle change well."

I've said that numerous times in the past few days and it is still so very true. Well, I think I can handle it alright when I want/need it to happen. But when it leaves things exposed to the mighty powers of the SUCK gods, it makes my aprehensive to take change lightly.

I think that was an unnecessary comment. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't take change lightly. I end up excessivly over-analyzing situations. Let the various outcomes stress me out so intensely that I come to the conclusion that absolutely no change should take place. I know how to live in the current situations. I don't know if I will if the situations evolve or progress. I know that sounds really dramatic, but when you are in that situation, it seems right on the money. I have even realized that I subconciously ruin happy evolvements in my life cause I don't know how to do that. I don't know how to be happy. Thats a change from the present.

Ok, again, that sounds over-dramatic. It's not that I'm not happy. I really am most of the time. I seem to just deny or wreck possibly occurances that will raise my happiness quotient. It's like a little person (a nymph of somekind, perhaps?) is in my brain and when things are getting good, it shuts all acceptance functions down and cranks the freak-out frequencies to 11.

Anyway, not the point. The actual concept I was attempting to target was as follows. A shit-ton of things are about to change/are changing in the next few weeks. I have to move. MOVE. To a new apartment with different roommates. I'm gon have to go to this festival officially. No longer as a civilian. I'm not fully ready for all of this. I'm not sleeping well. Thats not helping.

I'm working on it. Trying.

My Fiancee

2010-01-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Among the many details of my current living situation that I will miss, one of the dearest to my heart is my fiancee, the hot tub.

Full of warmth and grace, the hot tub has seen me through many tough times this year and has helped aid my sanity. Many long talks took place whilst enjoying its set 104 degree waters. It has been a wonderful, useful, lovely amenity the past year and it's a dreary idea to think soon I won't be able to go stick my feet in in the afternoon and crack open a book. I'm very sad to let it go but I might sneak back once in a while to visit my fairweather friend.

Unpleasant

2010-01-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

Lets just share the magic of today.

Of course, I didn't sleep well. Lately, I have been having extended, intense, epic dreams about me going back to Utah and it being either exceptionally awful or surprisingly joyful, alternating appropriatly. Either way I don't get a good nights sleep and therefore am unwilling to force myself awake. Last night, specifically, was the former situation. Unpleasatness ensues.

I do my first show and feel a slight twinge in my left lower back. I brushed it off as an oddity and carry on. Post 2nd show the twinge became more of thwap or a jab. Went to the Atheletic Trainer and was told to ice it and if its worse after the next show to come back and see her. The jab became a surge and AthTra told me I pulled a muscle and there was nothing to be done except take it easy and wait for it to heal. I don't try to get out of things so when she spat out "tell them you can't do parade," the concept was quickly rebuked.

Rewind to 2nd show:
My aunty came to video the show to send home home. When it came time to pick a voulenteer for "I Want it All" I thought I'd grab my uncle (who tagged along) to come dawn than bedazzled top hat. So I walk over and he puts his baby boy in my arms. Standing in shock, infant cousin in arms, I start to panic but realize if I don't get back to my spot the rest of the number will get jacked up. So there is video of me holding my 1 year old cousin as a "new broadway star". I panicked because as performers we aren't supposed to hold children and as soon as baby was tossed to me, I thought to myself "this is how I'm gonna get fired. Lovely." Fortunatly, I had an amazing manager who was fine when she fully understood the situation.

That being said, it was an unpleasant day by 4 pm. But of course to add more stress to this situation, I had what is basically a job evaluation in the evening. It went well...i think, but you never know for sure. I am intensely glad I have a day off tomorrow.

the past returns

2010-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

So these pictures were brought to me recently. They are from almost 4 years ago. So much has changed...clearly. For one, I learned how to smile in a picture. Enjoy this Blast from the past.

Dave and I...after he poked me in the eye?

Nessa and myself...feelin' slightly angry?

Romney's brother, Romney, Dave, and me...kickin' butt at Super Smash Bros.

Ju Ju and her gorgeous smile...not sure what's going on on my face.

Alas, the piz-de-resistance. Bry and myself. Everything about this picture is different now. Save the fact that both its inhabitants are still alive.

hope

2010-01-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I named a batch of hopes and wishes that I desired to come to pass in 2009. Paroozing them, I came to find that nearly all of them occured. That's good...right?

Here are some of my hopes for '10.

I hope that these seasons of Lost and 24 are just as amazing (if not more) than last year.

I hope that I can become a better performer by the end of the year.

I wish to learn some new roles at the company.

I wish for an Emmy nod for Diablo Cody. Her show United States of Tara is freaking incredible. I just finished the first season.

I didn't get all those degrees happier. So I hope I can manage to catch up and even add 4-5 more.

I wish for a relationship this year. I have lots of room for growth in that department (...dirty).

I hope to make it back to Utah some more this year.

I wish for health and happiness for my loved ones.

I hope more books will catch my fancy this year. I read 5-6 novels which I think is the highest quota of my life. That may not sound like alot, but for me thats quite impressive.

Well, those are my hopes and wishes. You got any?

Cinematic Contemplations: '10 edition

2010-01-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

2 movies. 2 days. My thoughts? Here goes.

Avatar was really awesome. Epic. Here's the concept. High tech Pocahontas in space. Replace the native indians with crazy tall cat creatures called the Na'vi. Switch out John Smith (JS) for a parapalegic, jarhead named Jake Sulley (JS). And take out gold and put in a mysterious valuable substance called Umbium (I think that's what it's called. I couldn't really understand Giovanni Ribisi).

It is one of the most visually beautiful movies I have ever seen. James Cameron created a world (Pandora) that is so full of color and life. Every new animal we encounter shows more creativity and artistry than the last. It was so good that I'm going to see it again...wait for it......in 3D! And I don't do 3D so you know its a big deal.

My thoughts on It's Complicated are just that. Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep have chemistry in a way, but, at the same time, feel mismatched. Both have great moments in the film. Unfortunatly, it was not enough to convince. My personal favorite part of this movie was John Krasinski as the son-in-law to be who becomes unwillingly privy to his in-laws affair.

Overall, Nancy Meyers' latest rom-com for the elderly was only okay. Hey, maybe that should be the title of her next movie. Only Okay starring Michael Cain and Helen Mirren.

This was the year...

2009-12-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

This was a big year. Many things large happened this year. 2009 was the year...

-It was the year I learned everything. Nearly all shows I know at the company I learned this year. Bpb crosstraining, opening MISICI, Fantasmic (twice), Rangers and high school. Lots of learning done this year.

-...the year I saw all five best picture nominees.

-...the year I saw 60+ movies.

-...the year I got a full time.

-...the year I got a best friend.

-...The year I bought a nice phone for myself.

-...the year I went home twice.

-...the year I had a girlfriend. 1st time I've had one in 5 years.

-...the year I only moved once.

-...the year I had a hot tub. It was great.

-...the year I was enamored.

-...the year I seriously considered going home home.

-...the year of....various other things

Point is, 09 was a year. And I'm glad that '10 has arrived safely

Best of '09

2009-12-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

2009. A year of movies. Not all great, not all bad. I unfortunatly haven't seen all the movies I'd like and/or need to see. But alas, here are the best of what I did see. Well, the best and maybe one or two favorites.

1. Up in the Air. Amazingly crafted, beautifully acted and directed. Jason Reitman's best film.

2. Away We Go. This heartwarming film about a couple trying to find where they should settle down and start their family has been dismissed by critics. Don't listen to those skeptics. See it for yourself first. It's beautiful.

3. I Love You, Man. The best 'bromantic' comedy to date. Every performance in this movie is comic perfection. Paul Rudd. Jason Segal. Best Men.

4. Star Trek. This reboot most likely would have been wretched had it not been for J.J. Abrams at its helm. He has the midas touch.

5. Inglourious Basterds. Quinten Tarintino's WWII noir was one of the most trigger happy films of the year. An one a lot of fun to watch.

6. Up. Pixar can officially do no wrong. One of their most beautifully animated movies they have released.

7. The Proposal. Ok. Fine. This is more of a guilty pleasure. But Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are so great together in this comedy. Betty White's cameo alone is worth a viewing.

8. Taken. Liam Neeson kicks some serious French and bad guy ass as the father of a kidnapped girl. Amazing action in this movie.

9. The Hangover. I do realize I have put alot of comedies on the list but I would be remiss if I left this one out. To borrow the tag from the movie, "Some guys just can't handle Vegas". Perhaps, but it's really fun to watch them try.

10. (500) Days of Summer. This unconventional story ("This is NOT a love story," the narrator explains) about a boy who meets a girl showcases great performances from it's lead actors and an awesome soundtrack.

As for the worst? Well, I believe a picture tells a thousand words so I'll let the posters tell you of the hours of wasted time the hold.

Up in the Air

2009-12-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

I should've gotten this done days ago. But life has been 1 part chaotic, 2 parts busy, with a spritz of sleep. I'm gonna try to catch up on my blogging today as its my 1 day off before the new year and things need to get blogged.

First.

I saw a film called Up in the Air. It was so good. Its a story of a man who flies the country place to place. He spends most of his days on aircrats, accumulating frequent flyer miles (His goal is to collect 10,000,000. An amount which 7-8 have ever gotten). His job is what has him in the air 325 days out of the year. He is hired through a company to come to various cities in various states to fire people. But it's more complicated than that. His official line of work is called "Career Transition Counseling". So along with doing the dirty work, he gets the employees to feel empowered by their uneployment.

Its a self realization story that is deftly executed by Jason Reitman. He is coming to be one of my favorite directors. Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and now Up in the Air. He is proving himself to be the ruler of seriocomedies. He directs an amazing cast as well. George Clooney's turn as lead character Ryan, is definatly worthy of an Oscar nod. As is Anna Kendrick's performance as up-and-comer Natalie.

So go see the movie. Support the occasional Jason Reitman amazingness that gets released. Maybe that way, more amazing may spring forth into our lives.

What's the hold-up?

2009-12-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

The other day, a watched someone get arrested. It was quite dramatic and prevented me from getting home in a timely manner. You see, I was at Chipotle getting a nice dinner for myself after a long day. After exiting the building, getting to my car, and looking behind me to back out of my excellent parking spot, I see this:

There was also police vehicles located in front and behind, the car behind me, as in, I wasn't going anywhere. After sitting and watching this episode of cop drama unfold, I gathered the following information.

-The low-ride pant wearing, go-t'd, thug driver was stopped because he was putting on his seatbelt when the car was already in motion.
-Thug's unwillingness to let the cops search his car led to the belief that Thug was also Drug Dealer.

So as I watched this Officer bark at these people (there was 2 other passengers, 1 guy and 1 girl who will hence be know as Homie and...i dunno, Bridget.), I couldn't help but think this guy is a walking stereotype. Guys like this is the reason civilians think cops are deuche-bags. On the same token, the "suspects" were also playing into stereotypes as well. I mean, I even call them "Thug" and "homie". That help you paint a little picture?

Thug decided it would be faster to let the gentlemen search his car and when no narcotic traces were found, they were just gonna give a ticket for that seatbelt thing. When Thug refused to sign the ticket ("SAY NO ONE MORE TIME..." barked the officer.) they wrestled him to the hood of the car, cuffed him, and took him downtown. Needless to say, Homie and Bridget were not happy about this. When the tried to intervene, Officer Angry ordered them to the side walk. Homie let out a few verses of "You ain't gon be disrespecting me, son!" and about 10 minutes and the arrival of a k-9 unit, I was free to go.

On a sidenote, I can now see the Thestrals.

No Shelter

2009-12-20T04:01:00.000-08:00

I'm about to be homeless. Come Feb. 1st, I have no shelter for protection. I'm getting worried about this. If you hear of anyone in need of a roommate, let me know. Pretty please with cherries on top?

...just one more

2009-12-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the finale to a mundane season of So You Think You Can Dance?

Now, in this finale show, the judges get to pick their favorite numbers from the season but they left out a crucial dance.

This was from the "Meet the Top 20" episode before the competition actually started. I suppose they really couldn't pick it as it features Billy Bell who had to bow out due to illness but it by far one of the most amazing perfomaces of the past weeks. It is also one of the only Mandy Moore pieces I thuroughly enjoy. Let the contemporary seap into your every pore and soak in the amazingness.

"Viva la Vida"

Ode to Time

2009-12-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna try to make this sound as honest and real as possible.

But I'm not making any promises.

I know I have stated how, in my oppinion, 24 is amazing. So this is just a rieteration.

24 is truly amazing. I consider myself an avid television viewer. I watch more shows and have more seasons of Tv-on-DVD than I care to discuss. No, I am not a certified critic, nor have I yet contributed anything of value to the medium. But I do have damn fine taste. I know good programming when I see it and 24 is one of the most engaging shows you will ever see.

To get more specific, season 5 of this show exceeds its own extraordinarily high standards. It's affected me. It is a powerful, emotional, intense day in the life of Agent Jack Bauer. He takes us through his day, giving us a glimpse of the lengths he is willing to go to to keep the civilians of the United States safe. In season 5, he is in a particularly vulnerable state as he is suppose to be dead. But once more, he sticks his neck out to save lives. He is a patriot, a hero.

I do know that Jack Bauer is a fictional character played by Kiefer Sutherland on a television program. A.K.A. NOT REAL. I get it. But it has brought out an emotional response in me, which is really what TV and movies (good tv and movies anyway) are supposed to do. Make you feel something.

I recomend you watch the show, obviously. If you get to Season 5 you will be treated with intense story involving some deadly Sytox nerve gas, outstanding performances from a fantastic case, including Gregory Itzin's award winning turn as the crooked President Logan, and 24 episodes of sheer entertainment.

Damn it, you're running out of time!

Thank you Joe Purdy

2009-12-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to get it right today
I just can't seem to get it right today
I just can't seem to get it right today
I guess I'm gonna give up
Oh, I guess I'm gonna give up

Thank you, Joe Purdy, for providing appropriate words for what I am feeling.

Letters in a blog

2009-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

I'm trying this. Just go with it.

Dear fantasmic,

Thank you for giving me OT, I really do appreciate it. But you are wearing me out. You are creating very long work days for me and it's taking his toll.

Dear Dr. Pepper,

Thank you for sustaining me. I would be a pile of mush flesh-like product if it wasn't for you.

Dear Friend,

I'm sorry I continually do things to upset you. I feel like things are just getting misunderstood. I'm trying to not upset you, its just clearly not working well.

Dear tv-on-dvd,

I love you.

Thank you for your time.

Let's Chat

2009-12-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Facebook chat iritates me.

To start at the beginning, I feel a slight twinge of annoyance in the depths of my soul that I have to log onto Facebook in the first place. I never have really loved the site, it was just what everyone else started using and I'm fine to go along with things. I can adjust to it, whatever. Its fine. I was just loyal to myspace, I liked it better. Then it made its decent into obscurity and irrelevance. Which has left me stuck on the social network site I would've rather opted out of.

Anyway, you can use a form of Instant Messaging that they call "Facebook Chat". While in average situations, this tool is fine to use, but once you are having a serious important discussion, it makes the vein in my forehead surge with annoyance. You see there is this little speech bubble that pops up when the other person is typing.

Often people will write and rewrite what they are going to say which makes the bubble appear then vanish multiple times. And frequently, the result is a 3 word sentence. Yes, I am in impatient man. I never claimed to be otherwise. This is not my choice form of communication, but if need be, I will adapt and learn to put my impatience in a little box so there is only joy and love in the room.

Christ-mehs

2009-12-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

I don't really like the holidays. There was just a lot of fighting going on during the holidays while I was growing up. Then, when I got to be about 15, I just got myself into situations that left me upset and lonely at the "happiest time of year". Anyway, point being, I'm not particularly fond of any of the holidays (I do really like 4th of July though. I'm not really sure how that one got through, but alas, there we are).

This Christmas will be my first away from home. I am kinda sad about that. My first Dec. 25 with no snow or having to wait up in my brothers room to see what we got from Santa (my parents brought us down one at a time, youngest to oldest, which of course means I was the last to go.) In the later years, having my grandpa come give 'the grandparent gift' (which is a term I just coined) and join in the Christmas morning merriment.

The Grandparent Gift
Definition: The miscellaneous and often random gift you recieve from a family elder, because they have absolutely no idea what you would like/want/need.

Anyway, after my siblings begged to open everything and my mom would joke about having to choose 1 thing to send back to Santa, which would make the younger siblings very upset and scream and whine and throw things, we got ready to go to my grandma's (different side of the family). Around 11-12 we packed up the Oddesey with our favorite gadget/toy and went to have the super-sized family gathering down at Grandma Colleen's to show off/compare our awesomeness.

Once here, there was still that excited buzz of sharing what we got before we ate breakfast. My grandma decided long, long ago that she needed to go get a ham for this(I think its the only time of year I ever ate ham). There was also vats of eggs and oj and usually some sort of fruit salad and, of course, Mickey Mouse waffles. Again, this is the only time all year that these waffle irons, with my boss's face, are used. It's comforting.

Before we settle into a nice food coma, we got our presents from Grandma. These gifts were often preselcted by ourselves. Around Thanksgiving, she'd take us all shopping to get jean's or shoes or whatnot so we always knew what we were getting and we'd convey the appropriate amount of enthusiasm and we'd hug her and have to take a picture with her. Mostly because my mom likes to take a picture of everything and make sure she gets 2-3 shots of it all just in case the first doesn't turn out correctly. This did not please grandma. She has A LOT of grandchildren so she has to sit and smile for about 10 minutes to get through them all and she is a woman who does not enjoy smiling and posing for extended periods of time.

Anywho, I don't know that I was planning on sharing all that but i did. I'm gonna miss all that this year. And even though, the super-sized family breakfast was packed with passive-aggressive tension, it was still a nice concept to be with family on Christmas. This year, I'll be singing and dancing for other people's families, which is cool too, I guess.

In my effort to get the "humbugs" out of me, I added some holiday music to the playlist. Enjoy.

Oh and I would also like to apologize for all of the run-on sentences in this blog. I never took English in college.

double dose of pleasant

2009-12-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Ok so third post of the day. Thats intense. For me anyway. For +brycrash that's just a regular day in the blogesphere, but for me, three in a day is a big deal (heheheh...dirty)

I heard these two songs on my iPod driving home from work and they took some of the glum out of my day.

The first is "The Bird and the Worm" by Owl City. You can locate the song in the playlist on your right.

If you're the bird whenever we pretend it's summer
Then I'm the worm, I know the part; it's such a bummer
But fair is fair, if my segments get separated, I'll scream
And you'll be there

Close your eyes (close my eyes)
So I'd get caught and off of your shoulder
And feel the shine (feel the shine), I'm hooked so toss me over
And cast the line (we'll all try)
I'll throw a party and greet my undersea friends (it depends)
As they arrive (if they arrive)

You and I left our troubles far behind (troubles far behind)
But I still have just one more question on my mind
For all my pals who live in the oceans and the seas
With friends like these
Well, who needs enemies?

If I'm your boy I'll take a short cut we remember
And we'll enjoy picking apples in late September
Like we've done for years
Then, we'll take a long walk through the cornfield
And I'll kiss you between the ears

If you're my girl, twirl me around your room with feeling
And as we twirl the glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling will shine for us
As love sweeps over the room 'cause we tend to make each other blush (you make me blush!)

You and I left our troubles far behind (troubles far behind)
But I still have just one more question on my mind
For all my pals who live in the oceans and the seas
With fronds like these
Well, who needs anemones

You're the bird, I'm the worm and it's plain to see
That we were meant to be

We're meant to be

We were meant to be

We were meant to be

Awesome right? The second had some nice nostalgia awesomeness to it. It's "Here (In Your Arms)" by Hellogoodbye. Enjoy and goodnight.

I like,
Where we are,
When we drive,
In your car.
I like,
Where we are,
Here.

Cause our lips,
Can touch.
And our cheeks,
Can brush.
Our lips can touch,
Here.

Where you are the one, the one,
That lies close to me.
Whispers, "Hello,
I've missed you quite terribly."
I fell in love, in love,
With you suddenly.
Now there's no place else,
I could be, but,
Here in your arms.

I like,
Where you sleep,
When you sleep,
Next to me.
I like,
Where you sleep,
Here.

Our lips,
Can touch.
And our cheeks,
Can brush.
Cause our lips can touch,
Here.

Where you are the one, the one,
That lies close to me.
Whispers, "Hello,
I've missed you quite terribly."
I fell in love, in love,
With you suddenly.
Now there's no place else,
I could be, but,
Here in your arms.

Our lips can touch.
Our lips can touch,
Here.

You are the one, the one,
That lies close to me.
Whispers, "Hello,
I've missed you quite terribly."
I fell in love, in love,
With you suddenly.
Now there's no place else,
I could be, but,
Here in your...

You are the one, the one,
That lies close to me.
Whispers, "Hello,
I've missed you quite, miss you quite..."
I fell in love, in love,
With you suddenly.
Now theres no place else,
I could be, but,
Here in your arms.

Here in your arms.
Oh, here in your... arms.

Dear Anonymous,

2009-12-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

I miss you. I missed you a lot today. I know things got messed up and it's entirely my fault. I don't completely understand why it is like this, but I know we're just doing the best we can. It just sucks. I wish I could do more. Hell, I wish I knew what to do. I try to talk with you, I do. I don't get a whole lot back, but that's okay. I just miss how it was. When we're communicating. Talking. Making jokes and just enjoying the company we had. Then things got weird and yadda yadda yadda...I'm just sorry they are weird. It makes me sad. I know that sounds lame and fake. I'm sure this whole speech probably sounds fake and insincere, but I promise it is coming from a heartfelt place.

Point is...I miss you.

i need some glue

2009-12-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Things are messed up right now. Be "things" I mean the various aspects of life. Money, transportation, friends, work, etc. Each of these concepts are getting sloppy. I don't like the rate of which they have fallen into disarray either. They got all skiwampus so quickly that I'm feeling overwhelmed at how rapidly and easily everything started to fall apart. Maybe if I had some metaphorical glue. Yeah, then I could put things back together. Like a kindergarten crafts project. But the glue required to fix these tears isn't easy to come by I'd think. I can't just run to Target and pick up some of Elmer's finest. No, I'm gonna have to work harder for it.

Wait, do you have any glue I could borrow?

November was White, December is Gray

2009-12-02T04:47:00.000-08:00

It's December. That means 2009 is almost over and my mind has gone a-boggling by that fact.

Down to business; I think I'm slipping into a funk. I don't really know why. I just have all these things on my mind. Previous to this moment, I usually will think about something for a few hours then I'll get distracted by something (tv, movie, granny drivers etc.) and will no longer be affected by my thinking brain of thinkfulness.

I think the 1st of the new long-lasting thoughts is that I have to move in a little less than 2 months and I have no game plan. It's my own fault of course. I'm royal Duke of Procrastination. So I don't freequently have plans till the last minute, which I clearly now have a problem with.

A childhood friend of mine passed away a few days ago. I hadn't really spoken to him since before my Pokemon stage, well over a decade ago (wow, that makes me feel old). Anywho, I wasn't close to him but his death has flipped my thinking switch. I feel worried all the time now that anyone closer to me is gonna go. What would I do? I don't know that I am properly equipped to handle that situation. I'd probably quit and move back. I wouldn't have a job there though. How would I make money? I don't wanna work at...........You see? Thats how my brain is right now. I was not intending to write the last few sentences but one thought leads to the next which has a follow up thought and so on and so forth till I'm falling into a swirly vortex like in an old Alfred Hitchcock move. Alternative analogy-an unpleasant word web.

Anyway, those are just 2 examples of the concepts plaguing my countenence. If anyone finds the off switch don't wait for my ok. Switch it off then inform me. Thank you.

Last Minute Additions

2009-11-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

It is the last day of Nov. And I have many unfortold things I am thankful for so I will bust them out in a rapid fashion.

I'm thankful for Dr. Pepper.

It makes the world taste better. It sustains me. Keeps me running. For that I am eternally grateful. I started drinking it a few years ago while working at Hale Center Theater Orem. You see at that point I was an avid drinker of the sperm-killing Mountain Dew. However, when I would go get my free drink and there was no yellow 5 infested juice, I had to drink something else. Which happen to be Dr. Pepper. We met, fell in love, and the rest is history.

I am thankful for my job.

While, yes, overworked and underpaid, I love my job. I get to perform for vast crowds and bring joy to little HSM obsessed children. It also keeps me from becoming obese and unhappy with life because other wise I would be fat and working at a job i don't enjoy which would create ample misery.

I'm thankful for other film oriented minds.

I'm used to people not having any clue as to what I am saying when I discuss filmography. But, in the high school breakroom, I can make an obscure reference Frank Capra and certain kids understand what I am saying. It's not a big thing but its nice to have some like-mindedness everynow and then.

I am thankful that I have "Main Street Electrical Parade" on my iPod.

After a dull day of stupidity and rude and dullness, the music from the original night parade came on my iPod and it thouroughly delighted me and made me want to immediatly extricate myself to CA to watch it live(but for now on youtube). And also be full of delight and undull.

I'm thankful for my best friend.

It's pretty cool when all I do is walk up and he knows if something is wrong or not. Tis quite awesome.

It was a wonderful November. Thank you to all persons and things that contributed to the lovely thankfullness of my month. It brought much pleasure to my life to be able to share my happy times with you readers. I know I'm not the most eloquent but I hope you liked my musings on the world.

Dancing With Myself

2009-11-29T04:10:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for mental health nights.

On occasion, I find myself going slighly crazy. One of those times when you feel nouns (i.e. everything, everyone) is stupid and and full rude and jerk and lame. When these occasions sneak up on me, I find its best to treat yourself to a fun theraputic night. Give yourself a break from those people, places, and things that are currently causing perturbment.

Last night, I did just that. I went to Books-A-Million and browsed. Grabbed dinner from Chipotle, swung by Target, caught myself up on my stories, chilled in the hot tub, got some help on a video game, and watched some more TV. It was relaxed but had pleantly of activity, which is key to a good mental health night. I wake up this morning and feel much better.

I am thankful for slightly self-absorbed, enjoyable, perturbment detoxing mental health nights.

Captain VonDeuche

2009-11-28T07:16:00.001-08:00

so this is me blogging Dr. Seuss style:

this is for snarktastic, thuglike Captain VonDeuche
More arrogant than Mrs. Tallulah-May Stoosh
he seems to not get that he won the war
He was first choice, the one who got the score
So therefore Cap'n, with a nose high in the air
Just leave me alone and quit with the glares
Why ruin my night with your insecurity
Be happy with your prize, not a source of misery

Thank you and goodnight

No more math

2009-11-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my recent trip home.

That week changed things I feel. It changed my perspective of Utah for one. When I left it was a dismal unhappy place. And maybe I'm wrong, but it seems life has come back to it.

On a deeper level, I think I have spent the last 2.5 years trying to make things like my senior year again. Like, if i could just get all the variables together I could make the equasion I'd want. Slowly, I've let go of this notion. The trip has gotten me to drop it completely and be ok with it. I've seen now that the things that would need to happen to get back to that "happy time" in my life, can't happen at all cause the variables have changed so dramatically. Does that make any sense?

Maybe if you had an example:

I'd need 2 and 4 and 7 to get the out come of 13. So I have been trying to get those numbers together, but they have all changed. 2 is now 5. 4 is now 1. and 7 is now -6. so even if I did rangle those numbers from my past together, no matter how hard I tried, they wouldn't yeild the result I'd want. Cause 5 and 1 and -6 does NOT equal 13. Ya know what it does amount to? NOTHING.

Anyway, my point is this. Thanks to my excursion to Utah, I have stopped trying so hard to bring back the past. I've been trying to live in the past and I feel like it's made me an unhappy person. But I think now, just like Bry, I can be in the present. And start looking toward the future. And I'm good with that.

(P.S. I've been meaning to write that blog ever since I got back and I'm really glad I sat down and made myself write it out.)

Times running out...

2009-11-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for 24.

It is an amazing show. I feel like there are times in life when you feel like you aren't in control of what's happening to you. Watching 24 makes me feel like it's completely in the realm of possibility that I could take down a large group of terrorists single handed and live to kick some more ass later that day. Jack Bauer, while yes, in need of years of therapy, is a guy's guy. There aren't many characters that are like that. Jason Statham in The Transporter, Bruce Willis in Die Hard, and Kiefer Sutherland in 24. It's nice to see that one man can waste a thousand, that he can make a difference.

Watching the show reminds me of being home. Not cause I felt like I was standing up to terrorists back home, just cause Dave got me hooked on the show all those years ago when life seemed easier. Its been kinda been a theme of today. Things that remind me of happy-home-times. Those times got to be few and far between but they are worth it.

I am thankful for guy's guy, kickin' ass and takin' names, terrorist hunting, all around awesome 24!!!!

Twenty T(Want My Money Back)

2009-11-23T04:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay everyone. I arrived back in Florida to situations that needed my immediate attention. But everything is good now.

So I was amidst my thankful mood, but I need to pause to deliver and important message.

DON'T SEE 2012.

It is a waste of money on your part. I mean, unless some is purchasing this particular viewing experience on your behalf, you might as well take your $10, walk to your nearest restroom, and flush it. That'd probably be a better use of your money.

Ok, while yes, I am being harsh, 2.5 hour cinematic trash deserves a written lashing. The movie capitolizes on the concept of "These are the last days. The end is...TOMORROW!" bahbah baaaaahhhhhhhhhh. You think thats all the story needed to make a good movie? No. No; Bad Roland Emmerich! Stop making useless movies for the sole purpose of rapping our retinas with visual effects.
All of the characters in this movie were easily forgettable. John Cusack seems on the "Career-fizzle train"(Imagine Mary Murphy screaming that to him from across the room. Puts a slight smile on your face.). My favorite part was a death of a character. It was hilarious. If that is my favorite part of a movie, it's gotta be pretty bad.

So please, at least wait and get it from your neighborhood redbox. Had the circumstances been different, I don't think I would have even done that.

Overhead Bins

2009-11-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

So I have this really awesome thing I am thankful for and when I do write it out it'll be awesome (at least I think). But I am tired now and have learned recently that if you care about something, don't half-ass it. So in the interest of still getting something up, I'll half-ass about something that isn't crucial.

I am thankful for the good humored Southwest flight attendants.

I flew back to Orlando today. When I got on the plane I wasn't in a particularly cheery mode as were most for my fellow nomads. But buckle up and hear-

Flight Attendant(over intercom): Hey, whose wallet is this?

Weary travelers shift in their seats to try and get a look.

Flight Attendant(over intercom): Since I have your attention now, I'd like to go over some safety features....

There were other humorous things said and they weren't "lol" or "rof" hilarious but it was good early morning humor. Let's face it, you don't wanna laugh really hard in the morning, but I find these women, who are performing their gentle comedy, somewhat comforting. They give me that "Everything's gonna be alright and I'll make a joke to prove it" feeling. Its nice and made for a pleasant morning.

Thanks, Southwest, for hiring comforting flight attendants.

The Moistmaker

2009-11-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

I know the title is dirty, but let's move passed it and continue.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving leftovers.

Yeah, I get it. Thanksgiving hasn't come yet, but I won't get to do it "correctly" so my mom decided to make Thanksgiving dinner last night. It was a traditional schmogasboard. Turkey, potatoes, rolls, veggies etc. While it was quite tasty the 1st time around, I highly enjoy the leftovers as well. They frequently last you a while and are deliciossa.

Primarily, I love the turkey. The meat from an actual turkey is sooooo different from the processed slices you but at the store. There's almost a magical quality to Thanksgiving turkey. It makes for an amazing sandwich. Seriously, try it in a few weeks. I'm not the first person to come to this realization. Here's some evidence.

See how passionate Ross is about it. It's gotta be good then right? Of course right! It brought me much delight when I couldn't sleep this morning. Give it a shot.

I'm thankful for Thanksgiving leftovers.

I think I like how "How the Day Sounds"

2009-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for this song.

Nearly every lyric of this song describes my trip thus far. It's been so surprisingly wonderful. Anyway, let the joyus notes permeate your soul and maybe you'll like how the day sounds too.

Chipotle and WFM

2009-11-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, so today's blog will contain a double dose of thankfulness.

Part 1

I am thankful for

It is a foodgasm. It is so incredily delicious and tasty and about twelve other synonyms for 'makes my stomach joyful'. I swear it has magical qualities. It can turn the grumpiest of moods into damn near cheerfulness. I dine there at least once a week and I think my taste buds would be quite sad without it. I can't go for a whole week; I'll be in Utah and as far as I know there aren't any UT locations. I miss it already.

Part Deux

I am thankful for those moments when you get a warm feeling telling you everything is gonna be alright.

There has been some arguments and disagreements in my life lately. Its caused a blegh feeling in the pit of my stomach. Like that feeling you get when you think things are about to go awry. It hasn't been fun.

Last night, I crashed with my friends in preperation for our 5 am airport excursion. The alarm went off and I lay in the darkness. As I stirred, I realized that we all fell asleep on each other. Suddendly, that awry-stomach-pitness was gone. I knew that all the anger and fights didn't matter. Cause we were true friends. We'd get passed it. I was nervous to leave with that pit; I didn't know if anything would get resolved. But that fuzzy warmth over took me and I knew it all was ok. It was quite nice.

I am thankful for those warm-fuzzy moments.

Insecto Bueno

2009-11-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

k, I don't wanna be a work nerd who says they are thankful for a parade they do.

So I'll just say I'm thankful for a track I do.

I am thankful for Male Bug 8.

It was a rough day. There was worrying a friend was mad at me, angry high schoolers, rain spit, sewage erruptions, attempting to convice another friend I was not mad at them, buckets of sweat, staging at every show, incorrect pacing, not-touching hands, intense ab workout, and some defensive managers.

But I got to be a Bug, which never happens anymore. Life is different in the B-Unit. Less angry and bitter and I got to let out all the insanity of the day on the streets for the guests to eat up like scavaging sewer rats. Slim worked it out with me too. It was a great parade and it saved me today. So thank you Male Bug Pal 8. Thank you muchly.

Old Friend

2009-11-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, here we go.

I am thankful for this ravashing creature.

Its name is Julie-Ann-Garbutt. I have known her since I was in 9th grade and we did "Fiddler on the Roof" at CVJH. She is one of the most interesting people I've ever met.

Our friendship didn't really start till my junior year. There was a lot of flirtation in those years, but its cool cause we are both embued with intense flirtatiousness, so it was nice to bounce that off someone. We have done many musical productions together (Footloose, Once on this Island, etc...) as well as made a short film (Its called Thespians. There was some BRILLIANT footage of her and Bry Schultz improvising that is now lost to the cruelty of our high School Macs). She is very talented and beautiful and completely crazy and I love it. You see my particular brand of crazy blends well with hers to make a nice crazy-blend friendship.

Julie reads lots of books. I mean, LOTS. Every time I visit her blog I see she is reading a new, different book. I've always wanted to be that kid whose well read and makes witty literary references, however, I am cursed with little will to read. Lately, I find myself wanting to be consumed in a good novel and she gives perfect suggestions. I'm jealous of her ability to read lots of literature.

She shares my love for many random things and it is awesome. To name 1 specifically, 80's movies.
--Her and I, with my other friends, Dave and Trevor, were the "Breakfast Club" but really only cause we love the movie so much. Really we are nothing like any of the characters in the movie. Halloween my Sr. year the four of us were our assigned movie counter-part; Julie was Ally Sheedy's "Basketcase", I was Emilio's "Jock" (see, we really were nothin like them.)

I don't have many people I can go to to vent. She is one of them. We live miles and miles away, but we can talk like I'm down the street. When things get a little too schitzo in the FL, I can call over to the UT, and let it all go. We exchange the annoying and pleasant details of our currant circumstances and we relate and empathize and swap advice and encouraging words and feel much better after we talk (at least I do). She is a great friend and I don't know that I'd be sane right now with out her.

I'm thankful for Julie-Ann-Garbutt

November is here

2009-11-07T16:54:00.001-08:00

I am actively pertured by my insufficent posting this year. So once again, I'm gonna try to remedy that. I love to write, you see, but I have this idea that I don't experience things worth writting about. Well, children that is about to change. Thanks to Julie for bringing this idea to my attention. I am going to be totally lame and copy her idea to write everyday about something I am thankful for. For November anyway. Not promising I will be entirely successful, but I'm gonna give it the old college try.

Stay tuned kids.

Halloween

2009-11-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

I know it's a few days late but this is what I did for Halloween. To preface, Chipotle, one of my favorite places to eat, was offering a free burrito to anyone who came in dressed as a burrito. So Jam, Stephanie, and I grabbed some tin foil and headed over.

As you can see we got creative. We were creatively wrapped burritos.

I totally designed this one.

"Drats, foiled again"- Jamil Claxton

The glasses were a nice touch. Good idea Steph.

So then, with our free Chipotle in tow, we watched our traditional Halloween night film 300. It's not really a tradition yet, I suppose, but since we watched it last year, its off to a good start.

New 'Friends'

2009-10-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

So The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is out. I got my copy through the kind soul of Jen Maples and her burning me a copy, which I am thankful for. This disc is full of amazing music. But my fav at the moment is a song called "Friends" by Band of Skulls. They lyrics explain it all. You can listen to it of course, in the playlist to your right.

All my life I've been searching for something
Something I can put my finger on
Maybe I've been living for the weekend
Maybe I've been living for this cyber soul
Every Friday just about midnight
All my problems seem to disappear
Everyone that I miss when I'm distant
Everybody's here

I need love
Cause only love is true
I need every wakin' hour with you
And my friends cause they're so beautiful
Yeah my friends they are so beautiful
They're my friends

All my life I've been wastin', wastin'
Wastin' all my money, all my time
All the time that I'm waitin', waitin'
Waitin for the moment you are mine
The song about yeah I'm thinkin', thinkin'
Thinkin all the things that i've done wrong
All the time yeah i was forgettin'
You were mine all along

I need love
Cause only love is true
I need every wakin' hour with you
And my friends cause they're so beautiful
Yeah my friends they are so beautiful
They're my friends

I need love
Cause only love is true
I need every wakin' hour with you
And my friends cause they're so beautiful
Yeah my friends they are so beautiful
They're my friends

They're my friends...

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

2009-10-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Couples Retreat is a nice lil' comedy with Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, and Jon Farvau among others of comedy decent. Now, with all these funny people, you'd expect the movie to me really funny, right? Like a slew of funny that you're unable to stop cause you're outnumbered. Yeah, it's not that. It's a moderatly humorous salute to couples of vaca. See it, but keep your expectations low and you'll come out with a brighter outlook on it.

Now that's out of the way, I shredded my vocal chords. Like intensely ripped them up and tossed them in the shredder. You see, my job entails quite a bit of screamage. I mean, there's an entire section of the BPB called "Scream". This is a parade I do basically everyday. Then there's HSM, which you aren't nessicarily required to scream, however, it's implied that you should. The initial ripping happened last Friday. Compound that with 3 additional Scream party bash and HSM and you wind see in me rumaging through the garbage, sifting through the bits of bank statements and assorted junk mail, in hopes that I can Scotch tape my voice back together. Wish me luck

Splash

2009-10-13T05:17:00.001-07:00

Something wonderful happened the other day. It wasn't world peace wonderful or ecomony-fixing wonderful. No, this wonderful seemed to only be pleasant to few people, me being one of them. Everyone else seemed very unhappy about it, but not me. I'm a rebel. Gone rogue.

Anyway, back to affore mentioned wonderfulness. We were out on parade route and it began to pour during 2nd show stop. And you see, once we start a show stop there is nowhere to cut it short so you have to finish the parade. So it's raining and were Block-partying and the sum of this equasion? BLOCK PARTY SPLASH. I don't look wet in the pic but believe you me, I was soaked from head to toe. It was so much fun. Dancing in the rain. It was so...well wonderful. I'd welcome a repeat anytme.

Cinematic Contemplations

2009-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

So I saw two movies in the past couple of days and here are my thoughts.

Last Friday, I saw The Invention of Lying. Good things first:
1. The first thirty minutes or so are extremely funny. People feeling compeled to tell the truth of course yields much comedy.
2. Jennifer Garner. I think thats all I need to say about that.
3. There are many a cameo. You might even call it 'Star-studded'. Edward Norton plays a heroine huffing cop. Pretty darn funny.

Ok, now the unpleasant part. If you have any affiliations with nearly any Christian religion, I don't recomend this movie. It is not for you. Go see the Toy Story 3D double feature. I think that's a safer choice.

Today, I saw Zombieland. Normally, I am not one for the zombie flick, but everynow and then one looks appealing to me. I think the last one I saw was I Am Legend, just to give you an idea of how often I go to movies featuring the undead.

Anyway, it was pretty good. It definatly made light of the inard consumers that had seemed to conquer the US. Woody Harrelson is great as an over-eager kicker of zombie ass. And Emma Stone is...well, she's really hot. And the cameo of a comedy legend is pretty surprising and brings a nice break from the growling sludge/blood-spitters chasing after our protaginists. If you have a strong stomach and enjoy amusement parks, you should check it out.

Fancy like Whoppie

2009-10-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

So I hopped on the bandwagon and became fancy. Fancy with a touch-screen phone. The t-mobile MyTouch to be more precise. Yeah, I know you're jealous. I'm totally friends with Whoppie. We text each other on our fancy phones of fanciness. Then write on each other walls cracking "sister act" jokes, again on those mobiles. Its been pretty sweet. I really like it.

Work and Kris the frat deuche

2009-09-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while. A fortnight. Things have come up. None of which seemed relevant enough to report on, but I'll give a brief synopsis.

I've come down off my need for deep sea screaming. Some time has passed I've learned what you need to let go of thievery is some time-passing to occur.

We're almost to the new casting and my giddyness is expounding. I've been helping the Blue Ranger save the world for three weeks straight and I'm worn out. Literally. The tendon behind my left knee cap has quickly approached its limit. It started complaining so I wrapped it up to procure some needed quiet. But, in its typical fashion, it got all pissed off and started cause more aches and pains to my life when it has reached the achesandpains limit for the month. Ah well. Just two more days of world-saving and I get to go to school!

I invented a frat boy alter ego. Named Nick. I'll explain. I recieved a text at 2:47 am which read:
"Hey, u still up?"
-Being as I was unconsious, I read it this morning. It was a number that was not in my phone so I responded.
"Who dis"
"Kris"
-I know a Kris. SHE also helps save the world and does MISICI with me.
"From Rangers and MISICI?"
"I don't know what that means so prob no. But who this? r u hot?"

-Are you hot? This had to be some frat deuche. A scene immediatly began to unfold. This innocent 18 year old girl, who just got to college, shows up at a party. Many assorted collegiates roaming some dorm decorated in furniture from the 90's. Red plastic cups strewn across the room, full of beer pumped from a keg sitting in the kitchen. This young girl, while yes, hot, just comes to a party to meet some people when up strolls Kris the Frat deuche.

"I wouldn't say 'hot' but thats just me. I'm Nick. I work for Disney"
"Oh S***, ur a dude? Thought u wer this chick from ucf. Disney huh? Cood u get me in free"
-Of course. As soon as anyone local finds out you work for disney they ask you to get them in.
"Nah man. I wasted my free tix on this chick who don't even talk to me anymore. So f***** up."
"Man that is f***** up. Hope you laid her at least. Disney must be awesome. tons of grls and the gays are funny."
-Is this guy for real? But again, I play along.
"Yeah man. you best believe I had a bunch a disney chicks. Dancers. crazy flexible"
"Dude, we gotta party together. Hook me up w your chick friends....
-Then I recieve a pic message of a shirtless frat deuche in a backward baseball cap and I now have an image to go with the conversation
"oh sorry about the pic. sent it back when I thought u was that chick."

And that was the end of our conversation. bizarre way to start my morning.

Scream

2009-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, you know how in movies when the protagonist can find no other means of releasing energy besides screaming? I have a question. Why is it only one bellowing shreik? I mean, if you really have no other option but to scream, is once seriously gonna do it? In some cases, its even a weak yawn-like scream. (*cough* Zac Effron) I suppose Zack Braff got two, but you don't count the first one. If it's helping, why stop with one? I would say an extra performance would be in order.

Anyway, I was at a point today that was just like a movie. I literally could not think of any faster or more reliable way to release the mounting tention than to scream. I always find it kinda awkward to let loose in a residential area though. Back in Utah, I would drive up the nearby hills and blast the vocal chords into the valley below. There isn't any mountains in Florida, which makes my old standby location illogical. The only place that came to mind, a locale that would stiffle the decibles, was the bottom of the pool.

I probably should explain. After a long LONG day of protecting the world, I stopped at Target for a much needed Dr. Pepper. I grabbed my phone, wallet, and iPod and strolled in. I left my backpack with Walter (my truck). I feel creeped out by people who walk around grocery stores with backpacks on. I dunno, it's shady to me and I do not participate in such illicit acts. Anyway, I come back about 20 minutes later and my bag is gone. Some clever thug nabbed my bag from my unlocked car in the Target parking lot. Really? Do you have so little enjoyment in your life that you need to resort to taking empty bags from civilian trucks? No, I'll go further. Do you have so little decency that you seriously need to take things that aren't yours? Come on guy! That is like the first thing you learn. You shouldn't take what isn't yours...because if you do you'll rot in hell!!

Sorry. I'm a little upset. Super sick of people stealing from me. The grief of having things taken from me led to the subsequent underwater vocalizations. Not once. Once didn't cut it. Twice I submerged to thrash out my frustrations with the world. It was pretty theraputic. I highly recomend it if you find yourself in a similar situation.

On a very-far-asidenote, I finally saw the VMA's and loved the Michael Jackson tribute. Kanye is an asshole. I had my first Lady Gaga experience and I am frightened. Beyonce was HOT! Thats pretty much it.

It's Beggining to Look Alot Like....

2009-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

I just had the most splediferous dream. And I realize that is a retarded word useage but this is my blog and I am writing so get over it.

I this pleasant dream, my family's dance group got to come down her during the holidays. I don't think it was quite Christmas yet because it wasn't completely packed in the parks. I think that would make it a random December day. And we got to walk around and it was so much fun. They've never see World at Christmas. They've seen Land but not World. And World has the "Osborn family spectacle of dancing lights" so World wins. Hands down.

We got to see the "ice cicle" covered castle at Magic Kingdom and it was just perfect. Which is strange considering my latent distaste for the location. I guess thats the effect of repeditive choruses of "It's Beggining to Look Alot Like Christmas"

I know I didn't need to tell you, but it's the first dream in quite some time that didn't with me being chased after or loosing teeth in a showdown brawl or, in extreme cases, getting shot.

Yeah, this was defintaly better.

Meet Robin

2009-09-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'd like everyone to meet a new friend of mine. Her name is Robin. I know what you're all thinking but she's not a rebound. I can just hang out with her, ya know, listen to music, watch some Glee. Just be with a friend. I don't know that our bond will last forever, but right now, she's helping me not miss Zooey so much. And for that, I am grateful.

Play

2009-09-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

In honor of the release of The Beatles: Rock Band, I comprise a short playlist of my personal favorite Beatles songs. Enjoy the aged tunes as you scan.

Dear Zooey

2009-09-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Terrible news:

Zooey, my lovely, kind iPod, is missing. Pod-napped. I've been told it's been long enough that i shouldn't expect to see her again. This breaks my heart you guys. It also makes me never want to return to Magic Kingdom, seeing as thats where the pod-napping took place.

I'm going crazy without her. I'm gonna have to find a replacement soon.

Zooey, if you're out there, know I loved having you. But I hope whoever took you from me gets their ass kicked by a bitch I call Karma.

One More Time, With Feeling

2009-09-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

I made it through the week of misery. And yes, I am worse for the ware. 5 days of stilts caused my ripped up shins quite a few dollups of pain. My psyche has taken a few hits to the groin with an iced down sledge hammer.

Going to MK everyday was like going to Azkaban prison. Our break location is dark and everyone there seems unhappy, which in turn sucks the hope and joy out of you so that all you have is the aching desire to leave this place. As soon you can manage to conjure up a nice Patronus to fight of the evil, that is.

The dementors gave me a reprimand. That really sucks. It's no dementor's kiss but it's still a pretty nasty punishment.

Walter is seriously on his last leg. I'm trying to keep him in a ventilator, but it's getting rather pricey. I just got a new battery for him and he worked for a few days and now he won't start again! He's killing me. I'm calling for a ambulence today to get him back to PepBoys and see what's wrong now.

And a few weeks ago things were going so well. Now it's all kinda falling apart on me.

Together We Can Fight The Fight...So let's RIDE!!!

2009-08-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today was quite a day. Many things occured. So let's get started shall we?

I was with the rangers today. It was a good batch. Will and Tony were there. Between sets we caught a little CW18 saturday morning lineup (CW4kids). We had the privledge of catching a Power Ranger rip-off called Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight. It was so bad that it was incredible. It had all the action of Rangers plus the emotion of a daytime soap opera...4kids. We had hours of fun making fun of their "morph" which a sort of full body thrust.

Here is the opening sequence for you skeptics:

Anyhoo, on my lunch, I sorta kinda ripped my shins open. It's kinda a long story, but you know the point. Manager asked if I still wanted to do Block Party (I was looking a little peaked) to which I mumbled a semi-coherent "yeah..henembdekeldllleeeeghhhh" and went to lunch. I came back after lunch to find I had been replaced in the parade.

I know right? I was pretty surprised too. I asked around and apparently Manager said I wouldn't be able to do the parade and to send in someone in my place. Ew. No, no. I was so angry. Fl-flames on the sides of my face. He-he-Heaving breaths. Needless to say, I had words with Manager and she lied to my face. Caught her right in that web.

I didn't do parade (it's ok, I picked up tomorrow). But I finished my sets with the rangers and bled through my bandages. The suit is probably sitting in the incinerator right now...in ashes. Check it.

I got home, showered and thought I should clean out the wound more thouroughly. An HOUR later I was done. It was pretty painful. And so ended the strange day.

Fill Me In

2009-08-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

So I'm starting to suck at updating my blog. I'm working on it. Fill in starts now.

-I don't know how to make bullits. Thats kinda frustrating.

-I did something new yesterday. I hung out with Genie during MISICI. It was so much easier than walking stilts. Just danced around on a box instead of sluggishly dragging steel strapped to my aching legs. Genie had no idea where in the music his lines were supposed to go, but it really didn't matter cause no one was looking at him. Just like high school.

-I have this dance stuck in my head. It's to Roisin Murphy's "Sinking Feeling". (As always, you can find it in the playlist on the right.) I am working out all the choreography. I think it'll be really cool but I have no one to perform the visions in my head. I might see if 7th Day Productions will let me teach a pop-jazz class sometime.

-Said dance was actually inspired by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I've started rereading the entire series from the beggining with Jen because somehow she has never read them. Silly girl. We're nearly done with Sorcerer's Stone. just a-plowin right through them.

-It's my day off. This wouldn't really be noteworthy accept that working for the company has gotten my to dislike days off. I have no idea what to do with myself. So I usually go to the gym and go see a movie. Todays film is called Inglorious Basterds. Quintin Tarentino's (that is not spelled correctly) new movie about a WWII band of vigilantes aiming to take down as many Nazi's possible. I'll let you know how that goes.

I think thats all for now. Stay classy

Outta My Head

2009-08-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

So i haven't had too much to report on lately.

Until today.

I had my first day of High School Mucical on sat and I went back again today. It is so amazing. I love grooving down Hollywood Blvd. to do a nice lil' show in front of the hat. I love it even more than I thought I would. Here's a visual aid.

Then I got thrown in to the Bug Unit in Block Party. Being there was like being in a whole different parade. It was truly great. Thank you Wildcats and Bug Unit for a great, great day.

Julie, here is my response

2009-08-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I have a girlfriend. Is that weird to anyone else? Casey "doomed to be alone forever because girls always find reasons to run away" Tregeagle has a girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy about it. Ecstatic. Jaunty. But after all the blunders I've experienced with the gentler sex, its just odd that things have worked out like this.

I have spent most of my life being ignored by the ladies. Ok, ignored is probably a little overdramatic. I suppose, reguarded as a non-sexual entity, would be a better way to put it. The LDS girls did not pick up what I was laying down. I was frequently told I was not strong enough in the church for their liking. And, you know, it stung a bit. Till like the 4th time I was told that. Then I think I gave up. Well, I should say gave up seeking. Let what will happen, happen.

Sidenote: One of my oldest friends, Julieanna, posted a blog asking what has made you, the loyal readers in the blogesphere, happy in the recent present. This, Ju Ju, is what has made me supremely happy over the last couple weeks.

Comfort and Happiness

2009-07-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hark one. Hark All. After a 18 months of wishin', I am finally a student at East High. I am so sore, but it is completely worth every aching muscle. I have worked so hard to get to this point and I am so happy I made it. Here's me and Brock "being super heroes".

Following Denise Case's (show director) 4:35 in the moring declaration of approval, I was on my way home and a song came up on my iPod. Everyone has those times when a song comes on that is perfect for the exact moment you're experiencing. I had one of those. A few days ago, Jen showed me this song by Death Cab that I had some how never heard. That, or I just never realized it's brilliance till then. It's called "Passenger Seat". I hate to sound cliche, but I think the lyrics to this song are so conversational. It is so full of comfort and happiness. Below are the lyrics, if you'd like to follow along with the last song on the playlist to your top right.

I roll the window down
And then begin to breathe in
The darkest country road
And the strong scent of evergreen
From the passenger seat as you are driving me home.

Then looking upwards
I strain my eyes and try
To tell the difference between shooting stars and satellites
From the passenger seat as you are driving me home.

"Do they collide?"
I ask and you smile.
With my feet on the dash
The world doesn't matter.

When you feel embarrassed then I'll be your pride
When you need directions then I'll be the guide
For all time.
For all time.

Gone Daddy Gone

2009-07-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

So two days ago, I had an amazing day. I was set to help out the stickbug for Block Party, but they needed me to be to be a Pixar Pal instead. Then, a manager revealed to me that Slim and I could no longer be friends. He was just not treating me nicely and so it is over. I'll actually miss him a little. Not alot. Just every now and then.

I miss the B-Unit already.

Right Here, Right Now

2009-07-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am gonna be doing this show soon. I could not be more excited to join this band of Wildcats!

On a sidenote, my dance group from back home is coming for a tour. Hopefully, they'll get to see me dance it out.

Holiday Happy

2009-07-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Happy friggin' 4th of July everyone.

I haven't done anyting special, seeing as my entire body is throbing for my time with the stickbug. However, I am watching a great little video called Back to the Future. I always seem to be watching movies on holidays where normal people go out.

Anywho, I'll be brief about this. I'm learning the "High School Musical" show at Disney's Hollywood Studios and I am so freakin' excited for it. It has been my goal/dream for a year and a half and now that it's finally happening? Well, it feels pretty damn amazing. Now, I just hope i get to do the show a few times.

Sirs Sherwin and Jackson

2009-07-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

So I have have picked up reading a blog recently. It is scribed by my old friend, Julie's betrothed, Mr. Andy Sherwin. You can check it out. I get a bit of enjoyment out of his writing for a couple reasons.

1. His blog entries are always 3-4, fully formed, 5 sentence+ paragraphs. I love long blog entries. I don't know that I am capable of creating one myself, but I love to see when others manage it.

2. He presents his ideas with facts. He is knowledgeable. It always seems that he has done research on the subject before fully forming his opinion.

These together have brought me to feel like I'm reading a doctoral dissertation with each new blog entry. That makes me feel really smart. He uses words like "symbiotic" and "motifs" and I'm really jealous cause if I use those words, I sound like an 8 year old who just heard a big word and decides he should use it all the time in inproper ways.

Anyway, he recently wrote on the passing if one Mr. Jackson. It was refreshing to hear a new perspective. His thoughts have led me to discuss my own. I, for one, do not feel an aching in my soul. I understand and repect his place in pop music history. He has created some of the most well-known songs in the world. He was very gifted. However, I feel people somehow mourning an aging popstar, saying his death is huge loss to pop music today, I can't help but disagree. Besides numerous greatest hits albums (and sorry but they don't count), the man hasn't created any legitimate or noteworthy music in eight years. His last album, Off the Wall, released in 2001, was widely considered a flop. Other than that, he has been bashed for years for his eccentricities. So what exactly is the world missing with him gone? I'm sorry if that sounds insensitive, but he is in a better place. In this world, he is an "crazy, ex-popstar pedophile". We made that persona for him and now people are trying to act like they always loved him. As I have said before, I respect and understand what he has done for pop music. However, I'm not going to pretend that I will miss him dearly.

Away We Go

2009-06-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Children! Kids! Teens! Younglings! Wisacres! (I don't know why that last one, it just sounded fun.)

You havehavehaveHAVE to go see Away We Go.

(WARNING: There is a possibility of me sounding like a dueche in the following lines of praise.)

It is so...real. This movie. The Real Deal. It's about a couple who travels across the country in search for the right place to raise their child. They decide they want to be near friends and/or family, so they visit their scattered aquaintences.

First, I wanna say what a great pair John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph are. I was kinda skeptical at first. I mean, "Big Tuna" and that girl from SNL? But they had this amazing connection. One that you don't see in movies very often. You can just look at them on screen and know they're in love.

Dear Sam Mendes,
You did great. You told a story that wasn't the most depressing thing I've ever heard (see: Revolutionary Road, American Beauty). You told a story of love and you did it with caution and care. Thank you sir, for bringing this film about (ok, I hope I'm done sounding deuchey now).

Look, sweet todlers, I don't wanna say much more because I don't wanna take away from your experience with this movie. Just know that it is heartfelt and crazy and lovely and heartwrenching and hilarious and sweet and about 30 other things that I could but won't go into right now.

For your consideration: Away We Go

Meh

2009-06-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is this season of So You Think You Can Dance? unimpressive?
It was building to be an amazing season, right? Am I nuts?

Maybe it's the dancers. Seriously, if Askuh does not get kicked off tonight I will be royally TO'd. Nigel, saying someone is sexy does NOT make it happen. Same goes for dancing. Vitollio is a mess too. Go home and cry, don't do it on national television. And we don't care if you've become emotionally attatched to your partner if you don't kick ass out on that linolium stage! Oh, and there hasn't been a solo in three weeks that wow-ed me.

Maybe it's the choreographers. They seem to be trying out different choreographers each week for the variety of styles. But all hip hop can't be Napolean and Tabitha "emo hip hip". I feel Shane Sparks creates more interesting routines when he uses his more hard hitting choreography.

Mia is always great though. So is Wade. Why aren't they on every week?

Anyway, I'm overjoyed that Askuh is gone. The sexy-less latin ballroom dancing asian is gone. Yeah, that is slightly racist, but I just didn't think she was that talented. Anyway, rant over.

Sr. Doug

2009-06-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

My Dad is pretty awesome. He is always supportive of my crazy decisions and helps me figure out problems both mental and financial. Even though he is older, he is still dancing his hiney off and lifting girls over his head. He's the shiz. I'm proud to call him Dad.

Happy Father's Day, pops.

2009-06-15T16:34:00.001-07:00

Any of you so desire to know what's going on with me on a more immediate basis? Well, kids, i 'twitter' now. After months of hearing about it, I gave in and am giving it a try. Don't know how long it will last but here you are. Enjoy chillens.