Well, as you probably can suspect, I don't have just one favorite television program. Let me list a few (not a bazillion like I did with the movies) and explain why I love(d) them (some of them are no longer on the air). To be fair, I'll go in chronological order, beginning with the oldest show.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994): TNG will always hold a special place in my heart because it started the same year I was born. I actually remember watching episodes of it as a small child and being amazed by all the cool technology they had! In case you can't tell, I love to write. I have been published in numerous publications in my life and am currently writing a book. My writing career began writing fan fiction for Star Trek: The Next Generation at the tender age of eight. I was so inspired by by awe of Star Trek that it was this exposure at such a young age to science fiction that ultimately motivated me to pursue a career in writing.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993 - 1999): Deep Space Nine is perhaps the most underrated, darkest, and, frankly, best Star Trek series ever. Set on a space station in the solar system of a formerly occupied planet, Deep Space Nine explores themes of war, occupation, slavery, terrorism, and culture blending, to name a few. It is freaking awesome and if you've never watched it, you totally should. All seven seasons are on DVD.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995 - 2001): My second favorite Trek series, Voyager is set on a small starship lost in deep space. Struggling on their 70+ year journey home to avoid hostile aliens, secure energy and supplies for their ship, and continue to uphold their principles of noninterference, exploration, and contact with alien species, the crew of Voyager are constantly getting themselves into some kind of trouble, or have some new scheme to get home quicker. Or as my mother would say, they are always getting taken over by aliens! Voyager explores themes of isolation, independence, the application of societal ethics to situations of isolation, unauthorized alliances, trespassing, terrorism, loneliness, crew tension, and many others.
24 (2001 - 2010): Jack Bauer kicks ass and stops the terrorists. Every damn time... This show is pretty awesome. It spawned out of the September 11 terrorist attacks and quickly became a sort of sick pop culture icon representing our fears of being attacked by terrorists and the men and women we entrust to protect us from them. In the somewhat exaggerated world of Jack Bauer, American cities are the repeated targets of nuclear bombings, biological and chemical weapon attacks, and the like. American politicans and dignitaries are the targets of assassination plots and terrorist abductions, and Jack constantly finds himself in the middle of military coups and terrorist computer hacking. This show is really telling about our collective American sense of security, justice, fear, and protection.
Mythbusters (2003 - present): Four guys and a girl test pop culture myths using the scientific method. They do some crazy shit and have a lot of fun in the process. What more could you ask for from a television show? This highly educational and entertaining program has tested myths about everything from Mentos and Diet Coke creating a soda fountain (one of my personal favorites) to myths involving explosives, firearms, and vehicle collisions. I absolutely love this show, it is a hoot every time I watch it!
Lost (2004 - 2010): One of the strangest shows I have ever watched, Lost follows a group of people who become stranged on a very strange island in the middle of Nowhere, Pacific Ocean when their airplane crashes. They investigate the island, which has a long, strange history and unique electromagnetic properties. Spoiler alert! When the show ends, it turns out they were all dead all along. Kinda disappointing, but at the same time it sorta fits with the rest of the show. You'd have to watch it and it will either make sense to you or you will be really disappointed. I really fell into the former camp.
Glee (2009 - present): A show that is basically an excuse to perform really great music! Glee is set at a public high school in Ohio and follows the glee club as they experience adolescence in all its hormonal glory and compete in musical competitions. Excellent, excellent music! In fact, my iPod might as well be called my GleePod these days... It's pretty much all I listen to...
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Blog Challenge!!! Blog # 02: My Favorite Movie
The other day I talked about how my favorite song changes from day to day. Well, the same goes with my favorite movie... Well, maybe not EVERY day, but every time I see a really good movie. Let's start with some of my favorite comedies:
Dogma: A really awesome satire on organized religion that has a very important message if you can just look past all the "offensive" surface material: have faith in something, and don't judge others for believing differently.
Down Periscope: I love Kesley Grammer, but really, who doesn't? This is an awesome, underdog comedy about submarines!
Laugh It Up Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy: A parody of the original Star Wars trilogy like only Family Guy could do.
Julie & Julia: Based on the life and cooking of Julia Childs, this comedic biography is juxtaposed against modern day blogger Julie Powell's attempt to cook all the recipes in Childs' first cook book in a single year.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: I just love everything Robert Downey Jr. is in, including this hilarious murder mystery that has more twists than Lady Gaga has outfits.
Liar Liar: I just love some of the things Jim Carrey is in (really, he shines in dramatic roles) but this is one of his best comedies about a lawyer and distant divorced dad who cannot tell a lie for a whole day.
Miss Congeniality: I love everything Sandra Bullock has been in, especially this comedy about a frumpy FBI agent who must, with the help of a pageant coach played by the incredible Michael Caine, get in touch with her feminine side and go undercover at the Miss United States Pageant to prevent it from being bombed.
My Best Friend's Wedding: Julia Roberts and her forehead vein are incredible in every movie they act in, including this mad attempt on the part of a jealous former lover to break up her best friend and his new, young, cute fiance (played by the equally talented Cameron Diaz) before they can throw the biggest wedding Chicago has ever seen.
Out to Sea: The late Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were incredible in their comedic chemistry, and this comedy about two retired old men seeking adventure and perhaps love, by signing up as dance hosts for a Mexican cruise, is no exception.
Rat Race: It's a race to get money from a locker in a train station several hundred miles away from Las Vegas while high rollers bet on their progress. Need I say more? It's awesome. Just watch it.
Favorite Dramas:
American Beauty: Centered around the mid-life crisis of Lester Burnham, a disgruntled white collar employee, husband, and father, this aesthetic film begs the question: what do we live for and why is life worth living? Is it for money, status, large houses and nice cars? Or is it for love, relationships, and good feelings?
Angels in America: Set during the AIDS crisis of the mid-80s, this multi-main character drama explores illness, power, love, prestige, religion, and the political dynamics of being in and out of the closet.
Brokeback Mountain: A deeply misunderstood film about forbidden love between two cowboys, Brokeback Mountain is nothing more than a potent look at the power true love has, both good and bad. Both extremely fulfilling and extremely painful, forbidden love has the power to make us cheat and sacrifice, lie and cherish. And once you have loved, you will never forget.
Contact: Perhaps my favorite movie of all time, this incredible film looks at the often strained relationship between science and faith in the context of an apparent message from aliens discovered by atheist SETI scientist Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), who ends up traveling to a distant planet in the blink of an eye and then has only her own subjective experience of the event to offer as proof of her journey. In the end, it is her faith in her own senses that allows her to empathize with her love interest, Reverend Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey), whose faith in God is increasingly questioned and challenged in modern times.
The Count of Monte Cristo: An incredibly well-done abridgment of Alexandre Dumas' classic tale exploring themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness.
Crash: This incredible, modern, multi-main character drama explores racial and social tensions in Los Angeles.
Gattaca: A sort of Cinderella tale of the future, Gattaca explores a future world dominated by liberal eugenics, which determines people's social class. A non-genetically engineered man defies all odds by masquerading as a genetically-enhanced man and becoming an astronaut.
Latter Days: A gay Mormon missionary comes out on his mission when he meets the man of his dreams, and manages to spook the gay shallowness out of him. Awesome drama about the uplifting and oppressive power of religion and love.
Letters to Juliet: Really, who can't adore Amanda Seyfried? She plays an American fact-checker for the New Yorker magazine whose distant Italian fiance is much more interested in his new restaurant than he is in her. When the two visit Verona for a pre-honeymoon, Seyfried's character discovers the magical world of answering letters to Juliet, and gets caught up in a romance with the beautiful British Charlie (Chris Egan) while the pair help Charlie's grandmother track down an old, lost love. It is truly one of the most adorable romantic comedies I have ever seen. Go see it. Now.
The Majestic: By far Jim Carrey's best dramatic role (and perhaps his best performance in a film ever), this tear-jerker is about an amnesic screenwriter who becomes a small town hero for his resemblance to a fallen WWII war hero.
Memento: Also about amnesia, this is a drama told in reverse order. I can't explain it any better than that. Just see it. It's awesome and one of the most unique films ever.
Million Dollar Baby: Boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) helps aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) achieve her dream of becoming a professional, when Fitzgerald suffers a paralyzing accident.
Patch Adams: Robin Williams depicts the medical doctor Hunter "Patch" Adams, whose unconventional and humorous approach to medicine makes him an instant celebrity.
The Prestige: Two rival stage magicians compete to create the best illusions and get caught up in issues of love and vengeance, too.
Pride & Prejudice: An incredibly well-done screen adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are clearly madly in love with each other, but struggle to overcome their own pride and prejudice to admit their feelings.
The Silence of the Lambs: Imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) helps FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) track down serial killer (and skinner) Buffalo Bill. Bad ass classic film. 'Nuff said.
Red Dragon: Sequel to the not so great Hannibal, which was a sequel to Silence of the Lambs. This time, FBI agent Will Graham is tracking down a serial killer targeting families, again with the help of Lecter (Hopkins).
Shelter: Surfer Zach finds himself in a stressful supportive role for his ailing father and irresponsible sister, whose five year old son Cody becomes basically Zach's sole responsibility. When Zach reunites with the brother, Shaun, of longtime friend Gabe, his sister, Jeanne, starts to question his loyalty to the family and other aspects of his life, as well. Zach and Shaun become fast friends and surfer buddies, and quickly fall in love. In order to provide a good home for Cody and save him from an uncaring boyfriend of Jeanne's, Zach and Shaun agree to let him come live with them while Zach pursues his dream of going to art school. This beautiful coming of age and coming out story explores themes of identity, friendship, love, loyalty, and aspiration.
Sideways: An awesome drama about, among other things, delicious red wine...
Slumdog Millionaire: Growing up homeless in the slums of Mumbai teaches Jamal Malik all he needs to know to win the grand prize on the Indian version of hit TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Titanic: A love story meets a disaster story. But you all know the story. It's just a very beautifully done film, and Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver knockdown incredible performances.
Traffic: A film about illegal drug trade, explored from multiple perspectives, including a user, an enforcer, a politician, and a traffiker, whose lives become intertwined though they never meet.
Under the Tuscan Sun: A San Franciscan writer who is recently divorced moves to Tuscany and starts a new, exciting life.
Favorite Musicals:
Hairspray: What do I have to say about this one? Great music, great hair, and James Marsden *drool*... Racial integration in the context of awesome music! Gotta love it!
Mamma Mia!: Let's face it, the story is pretty much fluff. The meat of the movie is the ABBA music. But the story is cute, too. Sophie is getting married and wants to know who her real father is, and therefore invites three former boyfriends of her mother, without her knowledge, to the wedding to try to uncover the truth!
Moulin Rouge: Great music, not really sure what the story's about. Love it. Ewan McGregor has a great voice!
The Producers and Rent: My two favorite gay musicals!
Seeing as how I've commented on every single one of my favorite drama and comedies, I will select just a few from my favorite Action/Epic movies to comment on.
Favorite Action/Epic Movies:
Angels & Demons: Based on Dan Brown's novel about symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) who has to stop the secret society the Illuminati, from destroying Vatican City with antimatter. Seriously, it's way better and less geeky than it sounds.
Batman Begins
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum: Just have to say this about the entire Bourne series: Matt Damon kicks ass in this adventure series about a U.S. government assasin who fails to kill one of his targets, loses his memory, and then attempts to piece his life back together.
Casino Royale
The Dark Knight
The DaVinci Code: Another Dan Brown adaptation, about the supposed unbroken line of Jesus Christ, who according to Brown, actually did have descendents, which is a closely guarded secret.
The Fugitive
Goldeneye
Gone in 60 Seconds: Nicholas Cage is an awesome actor, and this action film about a big car boost to save his younger brother's life is just a lot of fun!
Inception: If you haven't seen it, you have to. It's about dreams within dreams within dreams (within dreams). And it is about trying to convince people that ideas that come from you actually come from their own subconscious. Really deep and awesome.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The Italian Job
Jurassic Park
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
The Matrix
Minority Report
National Treasure: Sort of the American version of The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, this treasure hunt movie starring Nicholas Cage is a fun adventure.
Ocean's Eleven: The sequels aren't so good, but this original plot to stage a heist and steal millions from a Vegas casino is pretty damn cool, I have to say.
Pirates of the Carribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Pulp Fiction
Quantum of Solace
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Recruit: A really awesome spy thriller film starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell.
Sneakers: Another of my favorite films of all time, this caper film starring Robert Redford deals with computer encryption technology and how it can be used and abused, and how a team of security system testers work together to prevent a man, Cosmo, (Ben Kingsley) gone mad by prison time, from helping an organized crime syndacite hack into computer systems for nefarious purposes, as well as keeping Martin (Redford) out of prison for hacking he and Cosmo did as college students.
Spider-Man
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek: First Contact
Star Trek: Insurrection
Star Trek: Nemesis
Star Trek (2009): To be honest, this is probably my favorite Star Trek movie to date. The others listed here are all excellent, but the new Chris Pine/Zachary Quinto Star Trek franchise is just heating up and damn, they have good writing, acting, cinematography, the works. In this reboot oof the classic Trek franchise, an alternate reality is create by disgruntled Romulan Nero, who destroys the planet Vulcan with red matter, a technology that can create a blackhole large enough to consume an entire planet. Kirk (Pine) and Spock (Quinto) must then prevent Nero from destroying Earth in a similar fashion.
Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: As far as I am concerned, the only film from the prequel trilogy that was worth watching more than once. A very dark, Empire Strikes Back-style film, Revenge of the Sith deals mainly with Anikan's fall to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader, as well as the formation of the Galactic Empire and the rise to power of the evil sith Emperor Palpatine.
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
S.W.A.T.
Taken: Liam Neeson kicks ass. He hunts down human traffikers who have abducted his daughter and kills them all. 'Nuff said.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy
Tomorrow Never Dies
U571: Really awesome submarine movie about an undercover operation by the American military to break Nazi codes by stealing their Enigma encrypter device thingy.
V for Vendetta: "Remember, Remember the Fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. I can think of no reason the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot." The mysterious "terrorist" V, dissatisfied with the increasingly corrupt and oppressive government of England, hijacks the media, blows stuff up, and generally is a badass. In the end, the evil government is overthrown by the newly enlightened populace.
The World is Not Enough
Favorite Thrillers:
Psycho
What Lies Beneath (only because seeing Harrison Ford go on an insane, maddened killing spree is excruciatingly hilarious)
So yeah, those are a few of my favorite films and why I love them. Again, it is really hard to pick a single favorite because they are all so incredible. Plus it just kind of depends what I'm in the mood for when I want to watch a movie. Film has such power: to convey feelings, ideas, opinions, values, to explore different facets of the human condition, or just to show the audience a good time. I love film.
Dogma: A really awesome satire on organized religion that has a very important message if you can just look past all the "offensive" surface material: have faith in something, and don't judge others for believing differently.
Down Periscope: I love Kesley Grammer, but really, who doesn't? This is an awesome, underdog comedy about submarines!
Laugh It Up Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy: A parody of the original Star Wars trilogy like only Family Guy could do.
Julie & Julia: Based on the life and cooking of Julia Childs, this comedic biography is juxtaposed against modern day blogger Julie Powell's attempt to cook all the recipes in Childs' first cook book in a single year.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: I just love everything Robert Downey Jr. is in, including this hilarious murder mystery that has more twists than Lady Gaga has outfits.
Liar Liar: I just love some of the things Jim Carrey is in (really, he shines in dramatic roles) but this is one of his best comedies about a lawyer and distant divorced dad who cannot tell a lie for a whole day.
Miss Congeniality: I love everything Sandra Bullock has been in, especially this comedy about a frumpy FBI agent who must, with the help of a pageant coach played by the incredible Michael Caine, get in touch with her feminine side and go undercover at the Miss United States Pageant to prevent it from being bombed.
My Best Friend's Wedding: Julia Roberts and her forehead vein are incredible in every movie they act in, including this mad attempt on the part of a jealous former lover to break up her best friend and his new, young, cute fiance (played by the equally talented Cameron Diaz) before they can throw the biggest wedding Chicago has ever seen.
Out to Sea: The late Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were incredible in their comedic chemistry, and this comedy about two retired old men seeking adventure and perhaps love, by signing up as dance hosts for a Mexican cruise, is no exception.
Rat Race: It's a race to get money from a locker in a train station several hundred miles away from Las Vegas while high rollers bet on their progress. Need I say more? It's awesome. Just watch it.
Favorite Dramas:
American Beauty: Centered around the mid-life crisis of Lester Burnham, a disgruntled white collar employee, husband, and father, this aesthetic film begs the question: what do we live for and why is life worth living? Is it for money, status, large houses and nice cars? Or is it for love, relationships, and good feelings?
Angels in America: Set during the AIDS crisis of the mid-80s, this multi-main character drama explores illness, power, love, prestige, religion, and the political dynamics of being in and out of the closet.
Brokeback Mountain: A deeply misunderstood film about forbidden love between two cowboys, Brokeback Mountain is nothing more than a potent look at the power true love has, both good and bad. Both extremely fulfilling and extremely painful, forbidden love has the power to make us cheat and sacrifice, lie and cherish. And once you have loved, you will never forget.
Contact: Perhaps my favorite movie of all time, this incredible film looks at the often strained relationship between science and faith in the context of an apparent message from aliens discovered by atheist SETI scientist Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), who ends up traveling to a distant planet in the blink of an eye and then has only her own subjective experience of the event to offer as proof of her journey. In the end, it is her faith in her own senses that allows her to empathize with her love interest, Reverend Palmer Joss (Matthew McConaughey), whose faith in God is increasingly questioned and challenged in modern times.
The Count of Monte Cristo: An incredibly well-done abridgment of Alexandre Dumas' classic tale exploring themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness.
Crash: This incredible, modern, multi-main character drama explores racial and social tensions in Los Angeles.
Gattaca: A sort of Cinderella tale of the future, Gattaca explores a future world dominated by liberal eugenics, which determines people's social class. A non-genetically engineered man defies all odds by masquerading as a genetically-enhanced man and becoming an astronaut.
Latter Days: A gay Mormon missionary comes out on his mission when he meets the man of his dreams, and manages to spook the gay shallowness out of him. Awesome drama about the uplifting and oppressive power of religion and love.
Letters to Juliet: Really, who can't adore Amanda Seyfried? She plays an American fact-checker for the New Yorker magazine whose distant Italian fiance is much more interested in his new restaurant than he is in her. When the two visit Verona for a pre-honeymoon, Seyfried's character discovers the magical world of answering letters to Juliet, and gets caught up in a romance with the beautiful British Charlie (Chris Egan) while the pair help Charlie's grandmother track down an old, lost love. It is truly one of the most adorable romantic comedies I have ever seen. Go see it. Now.
The Majestic: By far Jim Carrey's best dramatic role (and perhaps his best performance in a film ever), this tear-jerker is about an amnesic screenwriter who becomes a small town hero for his resemblance to a fallen WWII war hero.
Memento: Also about amnesia, this is a drama told in reverse order. I can't explain it any better than that. Just see it. It's awesome and one of the most unique films ever.
Million Dollar Baby: Boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) helps aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) achieve her dream of becoming a professional, when Fitzgerald suffers a paralyzing accident.
Patch Adams: Robin Williams depicts the medical doctor Hunter "Patch" Adams, whose unconventional and humorous approach to medicine makes him an instant celebrity.
The Prestige: Two rival stage magicians compete to create the best illusions and get caught up in issues of love and vengeance, too.
Pride & Prejudice: An incredibly well-done screen adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are clearly madly in love with each other, but struggle to overcome their own pride and prejudice to admit their feelings.
The Silence of the Lambs: Imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) helps FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) track down serial killer (and skinner) Buffalo Bill. Bad ass classic film. 'Nuff said.
Red Dragon: Sequel to the not so great Hannibal, which was a sequel to Silence of the Lambs. This time, FBI agent Will Graham is tracking down a serial killer targeting families, again with the help of Lecter (Hopkins).
Shelter: Surfer Zach finds himself in a stressful supportive role for his ailing father and irresponsible sister, whose five year old son Cody becomes basically Zach's sole responsibility. When Zach reunites with the brother, Shaun, of longtime friend Gabe, his sister, Jeanne, starts to question his loyalty to the family and other aspects of his life, as well. Zach and Shaun become fast friends and surfer buddies, and quickly fall in love. In order to provide a good home for Cody and save him from an uncaring boyfriend of Jeanne's, Zach and Shaun agree to let him come live with them while Zach pursues his dream of going to art school. This beautiful coming of age and coming out story explores themes of identity, friendship, love, loyalty, and aspiration.
Sideways: An awesome drama about, among other things, delicious red wine...
Slumdog Millionaire: Growing up homeless in the slums of Mumbai teaches Jamal Malik all he needs to know to win the grand prize on the Indian version of hit TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Titanic: A love story meets a disaster story. But you all know the story. It's just a very beautifully done film, and Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver knockdown incredible performances.
Traffic: A film about illegal drug trade, explored from multiple perspectives, including a user, an enforcer, a politician, and a traffiker, whose lives become intertwined though they never meet.
Under the Tuscan Sun: A San Franciscan writer who is recently divorced moves to Tuscany and starts a new, exciting life.
Favorite Musicals:
Hairspray: What do I have to say about this one? Great music, great hair, and James Marsden *drool*... Racial integration in the context of awesome music! Gotta love it!
Mamma Mia!: Let's face it, the story is pretty much fluff. The meat of the movie is the ABBA music. But the story is cute, too. Sophie is getting married and wants to know who her real father is, and therefore invites three former boyfriends of her mother, without her knowledge, to the wedding to try to uncover the truth!
Moulin Rouge: Great music, not really sure what the story's about. Love it. Ewan McGregor has a great voice!
The Producers and Rent: My two favorite gay musicals!
Seeing as how I've commented on every single one of my favorite drama and comedies, I will select just a few from my favorite Action/Epic movies to comment on.
Favorite Action/Epic Movies:
Angels & Demons: Based on Dan Brown's novel about symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) who has to stop the secret society the Illuminati, from destroying Vatican City with antimatter. Seriously, it's way better and less geeky than it sounds.
Batman Begins
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum: Just have to say this about the entire Bourne series: Matt Damon kicks ass in this adventure series about a U.S. government assasin who fails to kill one of his targets, loses his memory, and then attempts to piece his life back together.
Casino Royale
The Dark Knight
The DaVinci Code: Another Dan Brown adaptation, about the supposed unbroken line of Jesus Christ, who according to Brown, actually did have descendents, which is a closely guarded secret.
The Fugitive
Goldeneye
Gone in 60 Seconds: Nicholas Cage is an awesome actor, and this action film about a big car boost to save his younger brother's life is just a lot of fun!
Inception: If you haven't seen it, you have to. It's about dreams within dreams within dreams (within dreams). And it is about trying to convince people that ideas that come from you actually come from their own subconscious. Really deep and awesome.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The Italian Job
Jurassic Park
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
The Matrix
Minority Report
National Treasure: Sort of the American version of The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, this treasure hunt movie starring Nicholas Cage is a fun adventure.
Ocean's Eleven: The sequels aren't so good, but this original plot to stage a heist and steal millions from a Vegas casino is pretty damn cool, I have to say.
Pirates of the Carribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Pulp Fiction
Quantum of Solace
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Recruit: A really awesome spy thriller film starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell.
Sneakers: Another of my favorite films of all time, this caper film starring Robert Redford deals with computer encryption technology and how it can be used and abused, and how a team of security system testers work together to prevent a man, Cosmo, (Ben Kingsley) gone mad by prison time, from helping an organized crime syndacite hack into computer systems for nefarious purposes, as well as keeping Martin (Redford) out of prison for hacking he and Cosmo did as college students.
Spider-Man
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek: First Contact
Star Trek: Insurrection
Star Trek: Nemesis
Star Trek (2009): To be honest, this is probably my favorite Star Trek movie to date. The others listed here are all excellent, but the new Chris Pine/Zachary Quinto Star Trek franchise is just heating up and damn, they have good writing, acting, cinematography, the works. In this reboot oof the classic Trek franchise, an alternate reality is create by disgruntled Romulan Nero, who destroys the planet Vulcan with red matter, a technology that can create a blackhole large enough to consume an entire planet. Kirk (Pine) and Spock (Quinto) must then prevent Nero from destroying Earth in a similar fashion.
Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: As far as I am concerned, the only film from the prequel trilogy that was worth watching more than once. A very dark, Empire Strikes Back-style film, Revenge of the Sith deals mainly with Anikan's fall to the dark side and becoming Darth Vader, as well as the formation of the Galactic Empire and the rise to power of the evil sith Emperor Palpatine.
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
S.W.A.T.
Taken: Liam Neeson kicks ass. He hunts down human traffikers who have abducted his daughter and kills them all. 'Nuff said.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy
Tomorrow Never Dies
U571: Really awesome submarine movie about an undercover operation by the American military to break Nazi codes by stealing their Enigma encrypter device thingy.
V for Vendetta: "Remember, Remember the Fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. I can think of no reason the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot." The mysterious "terrorist" V, dissatisfied with the increasingly corrupt and oppressive government of England, hijacks the media, blows stuff up, and generally is a badass. In the end, the evil government is overthrown by the newly enlightened populace.
The World is Not Enough
Favorite Thrillers:
Psycho
What Lies Beneath (only because seeing Harrison Ford go on an insane, maddened killing spree is excruciatingly hilarious)
So yeah, those are a few of my favorite films and why I love them. Again, it is really hard to pick a single favorite because they are all so incredible. Plus it just kind of depends what I'm in the mood for when I want to watch a movie. Film has such power: to convey feelings, ideas, opinions, values, to explore different facets of the human condition, or just to show the audience a good time. I love film.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Blog Challenge!!! Blog # 01: My Favorite Song
To tell you the truth, my favorite song changes from day to day. Even the genre changes. It just kind of depends on the mood I'm in and what I feel like listening to. One song that has been stuck in my head today, for example, is the Glee version of the Beatles' "Hello Goodbye." Awesome song. Not necessarily my favorite, but a really good classic.
One song that has been one of my favorites lately is "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and Rihanna. I love the juxaposition of Eminem's mad rapping skills with Rihanna's beautiful, melodic voice. If you haven't heard it, download it. It is an awesome song.
Of course, Rihanna herself has some really great songs, including "Disturbia" and "Take a Bow," which will always be two of my favorites in the pop genre.
Sadly, I left my iPod at home today, but I can tell you that the songs I have been listening to lately mostly come from the Glee soundtrack. Darren Criss' version of "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry kicks ass. I also have recently been in love with their version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. One of my favorite Glee songs ever is their rendition of "Over the Rainbow" at the very end of the season one finale. And of course, all the Journey they do is pretty incredible, if you're into that sort of thing. I just hope they don't do any more Journey, ever. It's done. Over. I hope... I also love their version of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables. "Marry You" and "Just the Way You Are" are two of my more recent favorites from Glee, as well. One of my all time Glee favorites is "I'll Stand By You" as performed by Finn, originally by The Pretenders.
Going back to Rihanna briefly, I never became interested in his music until the story broke of how he beat her up, but Chris Brown has at least one good song, "Forever."
I am probably totally emo for saying this, probably, but I love the All American Rejects. Some of my favorites are "Gives You Hell," "Move Along," and "Dirty Little Secret." I love listening to their music especially when I work out. Their music is full of energy.
The only American Idol artist whose music I have really enjoyed is also from my very own home state of Utah, David Archuleta. I love basically his entire, self-titled debut album, especially his version of "Angels" by Robbie Williams, and a few select songs from his new album, including "Something 'Bout Love." He has an incredibly pure voice and great vocal range. Love his singing, music, and melodies.
As far as the punk/rock genre is concerned, a few of my favorites will always be Green Day, especially "American Idiot," "The Grouch," "Waiting," "Good Riddance," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "21st Century Breakdown," "Know Your Enemy," and "21 Guns." I also love Goldfinger, particularly "99 Red Balloons," "Open Your Eyes," and basically the entire, ska-like album "Hang-Ups."
A few guilty pleasures: The High School Musical Soundtracks...way better than the movies themselves... Taylor Swift's "Love Story." Good Charlotte... Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops!...I Did It Again." Alanis Morissete's "Ironic" which is TOTALLY NOT AN IRONIC SONG!!! If anything, it's UNFORTUNATE, but I guess that word had too many syllables for her generally lackluster lyrical skills. Okay, enough of that.
Some random loose ends: Bowling For Soup's "Girl All the Bad Guys Want," The Mamma Mia Soundtrack featuring the best of ABBA, Evanescene's "Bring Me To Life," "Call Me When You're Sober," and "Lithium," Barenaked Ladies' "Pinch Me" and "If I Had $1000000," Katy Perry's "California Gurls," Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance," Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy," Neon Trees' "Animal," New Found Glory's "Hit or Miss," Owl City's "Fireflies," The Presidents of the United States of America's "Lump," Puddle of Mudd's "Blurry," Simple Plan's "I'm Just a Kid," Smash Mouth's "All Star" and "I'm a Believer," Sum 41's "Rhythms," Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life," U2's "Elevation," The Used's "The Taste of Ink," Vertical Horizon's "You're a God" and "Everything You Want," Weezer's "Beverly Hills," "Buddy Holly," "Undone," and "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," and 3 Doors Down's "Kryptonite."
Perhaps my favorite artist and album of all time is Yellowcard and "Ocean Avenue." That's the album that Andrew and I listened to on our first date. :-) It is a totally awesome album and I'm not sure I could pick a favorite song from it. In fact, I think my favorite Yellowcard song isn't even on that album. It's probably "Gifts and Curses" from the Spider-Man 2 Soundtrack. I also love "Lights and Sounds" from the album by the same name.
So if I had to pick a favorite song of all time, I suppose it would have to be Yellowcard's "Gifts and Curses," but really, there is so much music that I love. My taste is very eclectic and I love it that way. It's the diversity and range of my musical taste that makes music itself enjoyable to me. I honestly cannot imagine my life without music. It is probably my single favorite form of media, with close two close ties being the novel and the film. But that's for another blog entry...
One song that has been one of my favorites lately is "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and Rihanna. I love the juxaposition of Eminem's mad rapping skills with Rihanna's beautiful, melodic voice. If you haven't heard it, download it. It is an awesome song.
Of course, Rihanna herself has some really great songs, including "Disturbia" and "Take a Bow," which will always be two of my favorites in the pop genre.
Sadly, I left my iPod at home today, but I can tell you that the songs I have been listening to lately mostly come from the Glee soundtrack. Darren Criss' version of "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry kicks ass. I also have recently been in love with their version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler. One of my favorite Glee songs ever is their rendition of "Over the Rainbow" at the very end of the season one finale. And of course, all the Journey they do is pretty incredible, if you're into that sort of thing. I just hope they don't do any more Journey, ever. It's done. Over. I hope... I also love their version of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables. "Marry You" and "Just the Way You Are" are two of my more recent favorites from Glee, as well. One of my all time Glee favorites is "I'll Stand By You" as performed by Finn, originally by The Pretenders.
Going back to Rihanna briefly, I never became interested in his music until the story broke of how he beat her up, but Chris Brown has at least one good song, "Forever."
I am probably totally emo for saying this, probably, but I love the All American Rejects. Some of my favorites are "Gives You Hell," "Move Along," and "Dirty Little Secret." I love listening to their music especially when I work out. Their music is full of energy.
The only American Idol artist whose music I have really enjoyed is also from my very own home state of Utah, David Archuleta. I love basically his entire, self-titled debut album, especially his version of "Angels" by Robbie Williams, and a few select songs from his new album, including "Something 'Bout Love." He has an incredibly pure voice and great vocal range. Love his singing, music, and melodies.
As far as the punk/rock genre is concerned, a few of my favorites will always be Green Day, especially "American Idiot," "The Grouch," "Waiting," "Good Riddance," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "21st Century Breakdown," "Know Your Enemy," and "21 Guns." I also love Goldfinger, particularly "99 Red Balloons," "Open Your Eyes," and basically the entire, ska-like album "Hang-Ups."
A few guilty pleasures: The High School Musical Soundtracks...way better than the movies themselves... Taylor Swift's "Love Story." Good Charlotte... Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops!...I Did It Again." Alanis Morissete's "Ironic" which is TOTALLY NOT AN IRONIC SONG!!! If anything, it's UNFORTUNATE, but I guess that word had too many syllables for her generally lackluster lyrical skills. Okay, enough of that.
Some random loose ends: Bowling For Soup's "Girl All the Bad Guys Want," The Mamma Mia Soundtrack featuring the best of ABBA, Evanescene's "Bring Me To Life," "Call Me When You're Sober," and "Lithium," Barenaked Ladies' "Pinch Me" and "If I Had $1000000," Katy Perry's "California Gurls," Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance," Lit's "My Own Worst Enemy," Neon Trees' "Animal," New Found Glory's "Hit or Miss," Owl City's "Fireflies," The Presidents of the United States of America's "Lump," Puddle of Mudd's "Blurry," Simple Plan's "I'm Just a Kid," Smash Mouth's "All Star" and "I'm a Believer," Sum 41's "Rhythms," Third Eye Blind's "Semi-Charmed Life," U2's "Elevation," The Used's "The Taste of Ink," Vertical Horizon's "You're a God" and "Everything You Want," Weezer's "Beverly Hills," "Buddy Holly," "Undone," and "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," and 3 Doors Down's "Kryptonite."
Perhaps my favorite artist and album of all time is Yellowcard and "Ocean Avenue." That's the album that Andrew and I listened to on our first date. :-) It is a totally awesome album and I'm not sure I could pick a favorite song from it. In fact, I think my favorite Yellowcard song isn't even on that album. It's probably "Gifts and Curses" from the Spider-Man 2 Soundtrack. I also love "Lights and Sounds" from the album by the same name.
So if I had to pick a favorite song of all time, I suppose it would have to be Yellowcard's "Gifts and Curses," but really, there is so much music that I love. My taste is very eclectic and I love it that way. It's the diversity and range of my musical taste that makes music itself enjoyable to me. I honestly cannot imagine my life without music. It is probably my single favorite form of media, with close two close ties being the novel and the film. But that's for another blog entry...
The Blog Challenge!!! Yay, finally something to blog about!!!
I stole this idea from Andrew, and I actually do intend to blog once a day...we'll see how well that goes... I will start with #1, my favorite song...
The Blog Challenge Topics:
#01 - my favorite song
#02 - my favorite movie
#03 - my favorite television program
#04 - my favorite book
#05 - my favorite quote
#06 - 20 of my favorite things
#07 - a photo that makes me happy
#08 - a photo that makes me angry/sad
#09 - a photo I took
#10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of me
#11 - a recent photo of me
#12 - something I am OCD about
#13 - a fictional book
#14 - a non-fictional book
#15 - my dream house
#16 - a song that makes me cry (or nearly cry)
#17 - a piece of art (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.)
#18 - my wedding
#19 - a talent of mine
#20 - a hobby of mine
#21 - a recipe
#22 - a website
#23 - a Youtube video
#24 - where I live
#25 - my day, in great detail
#26 - my week, in great detail
#27 - my worst habit
#28 - what is in my wallet
#29 - hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days
#30 - a dream for the future
The Blog Challenge Topics:
#01 - my favorite song
#02 - my favorite movie
#03 - my favorite television program
#04 - my favorite book
#05 - my favorite quote
#06 - 20 of my favorite things
#07 - a photo that makes me happy
#08 - a photo that makes me angry/sad
#09 - a photo I took
#10 - a photo taken over 10 years ago of me
#11 - a recent photo of me
#12 - something I am OCD about
#13 - a fictional book
#14 - a non-fictional book
#15 - my dream house
#16 - a song that makes me cry (or nearly cry)
#17 - a piece of art (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.)
#18 - my wedding
#19 - a talent of mine
#20 - a hobby of mine
#21 - a recipe
#22 - a website
#23 - a Youtube video
#24 - where I live
#25 - my day, in great detail
#26 - my week, in great detail
#27 - my worst habit
#28 - what is in my wallet
#29 - hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days
#30 - a dream for the future
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Christmas Wish List 2010!!!
Below is my Christmas wish list, more or less in order of how much I want each item.
1. Nikon Coolpix S81000 Digital Camera: $239.63 at Amazon.com
and
Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Card: $24.49 at Amazon.com
Because my digital camera was stolen. :-(
2. Laugh it Up Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy [Blu-Ray]: $27.99 at Amazon.com
3. Inception (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy): $24.99 at Amazon.com
4. Galaxy Quest [Blu-ray]: $12.49 at Amazon.com
5. Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before [Hardcover]: $26.37 at Amazon.com
6. Hubble: Imaging Space and Time [Hardcover]: $31.50 at Amazon.com
7. Rainforest [Paperback]: $16.04 at Amazon.com
8. Ocean (American Museum of Natural History) [Paperback]: $18.45 at Amazon.com
9. Universe [Paperback]: $18.45 at Amazon.com
10. The Space Shuttle: Celebrating Thirty Years of NASA's First Space Plane [Hardcover]: $26.40 at Amazon.com
Sadly this book will not be published until June 15, 2011, but it looks so cool!
11. Toy Story Trilogy (10-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy): $64.99 at Amazon.com
12. Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection (The Motion Picture / The Wrath of Khan / The Search for Spock / The Voyage Home / The Final Frontier / The ... Captains Summit Bonus Disc) [Blu-ray]: $68.99 at Amazon.com
13. Star Trek (Three-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray]: $19.99 at Amazon.com
14. John Adams [Blu-ray]: $40.99 at Amazon.com
15. An Amazon.com Gift Card
16. An iTunes Gift Card
1. Nikon Coolpix S81000 Digital Camera: $239.63 at Amazon.com
and
Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Card: $24.49 at Amazon.com
Because my digital camera was stolen. :-(
2. Laugh it Up Fuzzball: The Family Guy Trilogy [Blu-Ray]: $27.99 at Amazon.com
3. Inception (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy): $24.99 at Amazon.com
4. Galaxy Quest [Blu-ray]: $12.49 at Amazon.com
5. Planet Earth: As You've Never Seen It Before [Hardcover]: $26.37 at Amazon.com
6. Hubble: Imaging Space and Time [Hardcover]: $31.50 at Amazon.com
7. Rainforest [Paperback]: $16.04 at Amazon.com
8. Ocean (American Museum of Natural History) [Paperback]: $18.45 at Amazon.com
9. Universe [Paperback]: $18.45 at Amazon.com
10. The Space Shuttle: Celebrating Thirty Years of NASA's First Space Plane [Hardcover]: $26.40 at Amazon.com
Sadly this book will not be published until June 15, 2011, but it looks so cool!
11. Toy Story Trilogy (10-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy): $64.99 at Amazon.com
12. Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection (The Motion Picture / The Wrath of Khan / The Search for Spock / The Voyage Home / The Final Frontier / The ... Captains Summit Bonus Disc) [Blu-ray]: $68.99 at Amazon.com
13. Star Trek (Three-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray]: $19.99 at Amazon.com
14. John Adams [Blu-ray]: $40.99 at Amazon.com
15. An Amazon.com Gift Card
16. An iTunes Gift Card
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What is Life?
What is life?
Life is finally finding the motivation to seriously start revising your 40-page senior honors thesis and getting halfway done, only to have your computer stolen when your house is broken into.
This has been my life over the past week.
Life is the closeness, love, and support that is born out of the ashes of such a tragedy. It is amazing how sympathetic people become when a catastrophe strikes. My parents have been very helpful, not expecting any reimbursment for the items of theirs that were stolen. At first, we had thought the thief(-ves) had stolen some tools I had borrowed from my parents to hang up our new TV and a picture my aunt painted for me. But it turns out they dumped the tools into a computer bag that we also thought was stolen and then hastily dropped it in our messy storage room where they escaped by breaking a window. So at least that is something we don't have to worry about anymore. But before we found the tools the other day, my parents had said they didn't expect any reimbursement for their stolen property, even though it was well over $200. It was just a really nice gesture. And my dad kindly paid to have our windows repaired.
Life is having your i-Pod stolen so you have a good excuse not to work out for a week or two until you get a new one. Of course, it might be longer than that because I will have to reassemble my music collection on my new computer. That is one thing I am very irritated about: losing my ENTIRE music library. It was all on my computer an i-Pod. Luckily, I can download what I purchased on i-tunes again. But the vast majority of my music was from CDs, so hopefully I still have them somewhere. Life is ripping a bunch of old music onto your new computer.
Life is getting new stuff that's even better than your old stuff because your old stuff was stolen. My new computer, even though it will be missing all my documents and music, will at least be even better than my old computer (which was really only 3 years old, but that's like 30 in computer years). Faster processer, more RAM, more graphics memory, that kind of stuff. Windows 7 instead of stupid Vista. Good riddance, Vista.
I have been saying for a while now that if anything ever happened to my i-Pod, I would get a better one. I have been wanting an i-Pod Touch for a while now, and it looks like I finally have the excuse I need to buy it. My old i-Pod was a nano and I loved it, except it only had 16GB of memory which I was quickly filling up, and I think I am going to get the 64GB touch, which will take me forever to fill up.
Life is your unemployed roommate being willing to stay home while you're at work because you're paranoid you're going to get broken into again. Mike is staying home this week until Thursday, when the alarm company is coming to install our new home security system. One time getting burglarized is all it took for us to learn...
Life is finding out it costs over $2000 to have your gigantic trees trimmed so that you can get satellite TV service. Craziness... We're getting another bid or two for sure.
Life is certainly interesting. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Life is finally finding the motivation to seriously start revising your 40-page senior honors thesis and getting halfway done, only to have your computer stolen when your house is broken into.
This has been my life over the past week.
Life is the closeness, love, and support that is born out of the ashes of such a tragedy. It is amazing how sympathetic people become when a catastrophe strikes. My parents have been very helpful, not expecting any reimbursment for the items of theirs that were stolen. At first, we had thought the thief(-ves) had stolen some tools I had borrowed from my parents to hang up our new TV and a picture my aunt painted for me. But it turns out they dumped the tools into a computer bag that we also thought was stolen and then hastily dropped it in our messy storage room where they escaped by breaking a window. So at least that is something we don't have to worry about anymore. But before we found the tools the other day, my parents had said they didn't expect any reimbursement for their stolen property, even though it was well over $200. It was just a really nice gesture. And my dad kindly paid to have our windows repaired.
Life is having your i-Pod stolen so you have a good excuse not to work out for a week or two until you get a new one. Of course, it might be longer than that because I will have to reassemble my music collection on my new computer. That is one thing I am very irritated about: losing my ENTIRE music library. It was all on my computer an i-Pod. Luckily, I can download what I purchased on i-tunes again. But the vast majority of my music was from CDs, so hopefully I still have them somewhere. Life is ripping a bunch of old music onto your new computer.
Life is getting new stuff that's even better than your old stuff because your old stuff was stolen. My new computer, even though it will be missing all my documents and music, will at least be even better than my old computer (which was really only 3 years old, but that's like 30 in computer years). Faster processer, more RAM, more graphics memory, that kind of stuff. Windows 7 instead of stupid Vista. Good riddance, Vista.
I have been saying for a while now that if anything ever happened to my i-Pod, I would get a better one. I have been wanting an i-Pod Touch for a while now, and it looks like I finally have the excuse I need to buy it. My old i-Pod was a nano and I loved it, except it only had 16GB of memory which I was quickly filling up, and I think I am going to get the 64GB touch, which will take me forever to fill up.
Life is your unemployed roommate being willing to stay home while you're at work because you're paranoid you're going to get broken into again. Mike is staying home this week until Thursday, when the alarm company is coming to install our new home security system. One time getting burglarized is all it took for us to learn...
Life is finding out it costs over $2000 to have your gigantic trees trimmed so that you can get satellite TV service. Craziness... We're getting another bid or two for sure.
Life is certainly interesting. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The New Job
I always told myself working with my husband would be a bad idea. And now here I am doing it. We work in the same division of Marriott, in the same office, but in different departments. Is that bad? So far we've only had one or two minor problems with it, but I think the benefits have outweighed the costs. We can carpool to work most days (when our schedules coincide), we can have lunch together some days, we can talk about work and know what the other person is talking about. It is awesome. And I am working a full-time job now and getting paid a full-time salary. It's way nice. Can't wait for my first paycheck next week.
I've lost some momentum on finishing off my thesis and my book, but I will find the time as I settle back into my new routine. I just need to finish off the thesis and do all the revisions I need to so I can just put that behind me once and for all and then I can concentrate on my book and the 8 million other writing projects I want to do. Like Nano and a poetry collection and this blog and starting up a blog related to my new job (I'm hoping to create a monthly contest where interested associates write about working in a call center and submit entries to the blog. Winners could get published on the blog). It just sounded like a fun idea. And I think I could find a manager to approve it.
I miss the kids, but I'm too busy to really miss the old job. I don't feel as noble in my profession as I once did, but I certainly feel more wealthy, because I am. Updating soon about the writing projects, hopefully.
I've lost some momentum on finishing off my thesis and my book, but I will find the time as I settle back into my new routine. I just need to finish off the thesis and do all the revisions I need to so I can just put that behind me once and for all and then I can concentrate on my book and the 8 million other writing projects I want to do. Like Nano and a poetry collection and this blog and starting up a blog related to my new job (I'm hoping to create a monthly contest where interested associates write about working in a call center and submit entries to the blog. Winners could get published on the blog). It just sounded like a fun idea. And I think I could find a manager to approve it.
I miss the kids, but I'm too busy to really miss the old job. I don't feel as noble in my profession as I once did, but I certainly feel more wealthy, because I am. Updating soon about the writing projects, hopefully.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
An Interesting Couple of Weeks
A few weeks ago, a job I have been waiting for months to come available finally did. I saw the posting online and applied. Lucky for me, they were hiring 25 people. I had an interview the next week (in fact, I was the first person interviewed because I was only the 2nd person to apply because I applied right when the position opened). The woman who interviewed me, a very kind and friendly girl, told me she would call me the next week sometime to let me know if I had gotten the job. I explained that I really did need to give my current job some notice before I quit. That was last week. I was patient and waited all week. She didn't call Monday, obviously, because it was a holiday. She didn't call Tuesday, or Wednesday. By Thursday I was starting to lose a little patience. By Friday, I was annoyed. I finally called her in the afternoon but she didn't answer, so I left a message, explaining that I really needed an answer and convinced I was not going to hear from her until Monday (tomorrow). I called back every fifteen minutes or so between 3 and 4, hoping to catch her before she left for the weekend. But no such luck. Finally, at 5:30, she called me back and told me she had gotten my message. The delay had apparently been due to the third party they use to verify employment and references. Apparently they have been swamped in the past few weeks with their clients' requests for verifications. So it took until Friday for them to verify my information (and they still haven't finished). My recruiter offered me the job and I accepted. She said there was still some verification that needed to be done, but that it should be done by Tuesday or Wednesday and that I really have nothing to worry about. If there was a problem, she said, she would call me. So I have accepted a job working for Marriott Guest Services, my first real, adult, full-time job, and I start at the end of the month. I am way excited!
Last weekend Andrew and I went to Capitol Reef National Park with several members of his family, including his dad, two sisters and their families, and two brothers and their spouses. It was a lot of fun. We tent camped for three nights (but there were showers, yay). We went hiking on Sunday and had to climb down three or four waterfalls, the last of which one had to slide down into a pool below. I wore my swimsuit and my sneakers got soaked. They dried just fine, and are perfectly wearable again, but there is some residual evidence on them in the form of dried red-rock mud. I love it. I need new shoes. And pants for my new job. And some new shirts. It's time to go to D.I. At least for the pants.
Last weekend Andrew and I went to Capitol Reef National Park with several members of his family, including his dad, two sisters and their families, and two brothers and their spouses. It was a lot of fun. We tent camped for three nights (but there were showers, yay). We went hiking on Sunday and had to climb down three or four waterfalls, the last of which one had to slide down into a pool below. I wore my swimsuit and my sneakers got soaked. They dried just fine, and are perfectly wearable again, but there is some residual evidence on them in the form of dried red-rock mud. I love it. I need new shoes. And pants for my new job. And some new shirts. It's time to go to D.I. At least for the pants.
Friday, August 20, 2010
This Blog Entry is for Noah
Noah, Andrew told me you wanted me to write more about my book. I'm sorry, but what I've posted so far is pretty much all I can say at the moment. My book will be an in-depth analysis of the contemporary relationship between the LDS Church and the gay community (especially as it has played out in Utah). My entire first chapter is pretty much completely written, and a good portion of my second chapter is written as well. I am about halfway done with my interviews for the project. I am getting the stories of about twenty gay, lesbian, and bi former Mormons. I ask them questions about their youth, families, and church and school experiences. I can tell you that I talk about a lot of issues of the present and past that are relevant to this overall story, including Prop 8 and the trial and various other incidents that have sparked some fire between gays and Mormons. I am finding it absolutely fascinating and I really really hope that when I am done writing it in a few months, I will be able to find a publisher. If anyone has any connections to book publishers, please let me know.
I can acknowledge that, like any writer, I have an obvious bias in my writing. It will be clear from my writing that I am more critical of the things Mormons and their church have done than I am of actions the gay community has taken. It will be clear that in my opinion, in order to reach a peaceful resolution to the events of the last several years, the impetus for change must be on the LDS Church, rather than on LGBT Mormons. But I do try to give the LDS Church a fair and objective display. I don't distort facts or intentionally paint the church in a negative light. I ask a lot of questions and allow the reader to come to their own conclusions.
I'm afraid that is as detailed as I can get without giving away some key secrets about my book that no one will know--not even Andrew--until it is published. Besides, you wouldn't want me to spoil it for you. I'm sure you will buy it and read it and treasure it forever...
I can acknowledge that, like any writer, I have an obvious bias in my writing. It will be clear from my writing that I am more critical of the things Mormons and their church have done than I am of actions the gay community has taken. It will be clear that in my opinion, in order to reach a peaceful resolution to the events of the last several years, the impetus for change must be on the LDS Church, rather than on LGBT Mormons. But I do try to give the LDS Church a fair and objective display. I don't distort facts or intentionally paint the church in a negative light. I ask a lot of questions and allow the reader to come to their own conclusions.
I'm afraid that is as detailed as I can get without giving away some key secrets about my book that no one will know--not even Andrew--until it is published. Besides, you wouldn't want me to spoil it for you. I'm sure you will buy it and read it and treasure it forever...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Blahhhg
Now that I (finally) have a blog, I'm finding I don't have very much to blog about. I have to invent things to talk about.
I was thinking about the reason I watch Star Trek episodes over and over again and I think today, I finally figured it out. While I love the premise of Star Trek: a future reality in which prejudice, discrimination, poverty, disease, and warfare are things of the past, at least between humans, it's not that that keeps me coming back for more. When it comes right down to it, I think that Star Trek is just plain the best storytelling I've ever encountered. They tell really damned good stories. Of course, over six series and eleven movies it gets a little repetitive from time to time, but I don't mind.
I've been working like mad on my interviews for my book and my book itself. I've done eight interviews in five days. I need to do about twelve more interviews I think. I'm hopeful I won't have much trouble finding the number of people I need to do them. It's very exciting, writing a book, and writing about other people's lives. It's kind of cool. I feel empowered in a way. And very responsible to, to try to do justice to these people's stories.
I was thinking about the reason I watch Star Trek episodes over and over again and I think today, I finally figured it out. While I love the premise of Star Trek: a future reality in which prejudice, discrimination, poverty, disease, and warfare are things of the past, at least between humans, it's not that that keeps me coming back for more. When it comes right down to it, I think that Star Trek is just plain the best storytelling I've ever encountered. They tell really damned good stories. Of course, over six series and eleven movies it gets a little repetitive from time to time, but I don't mind.
I've been working like mad on my interviews for my book and my book itself. I've done eight interviews in five days. I need to do about twelve more interviews I think. I'm hopeful I won't have much trouble finding the number of people I need to do them. It's very exciting, writing a book, and writing about other people's lives. It's kind of cool. I feel empowered in a way. And very responsible to, to try to do justice to these people's stories.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Watering Flowers
Because I decided to write (another) real poem. I really need to knock it off and write my book. Oh well, this is fun:
Watering Flowers
In her garden she waters her flowers.
Refreshing mist from the hose on a searing day.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
Out in the heat for more than an hour,
I catch from the nozzle an occasional spray
while in her garden, she waters her flowers.
She knows very well of the power
she wields. Without water, there is only decay
in the hot summer sun. A cooling shower.
Mouth drying, in the shade I cower.
On the patio, in a swing I lay,
while in her garden, she waters her flowers.
Wishing I was in the forest, covered by bower,
I run in the grass, choosing to play.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
A gallon of water I am ready to devour,
Until tomorrow we retreat inside without delay.
In her garden she waters her flowers.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
-Sean Paul
Watering Flowers
In her garden she waters her flowers.
Refreshing mist from the hose on a searing day.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
Out in the heat for more than an hour,
I catch from the nozzle an occasional spray
while in her garden, she waters her flowers.
She knows very well of the power
she wields. Without water, there is only decay
in the hot summer sun. A cooling shower.
Mouth drying, in the shade I cower.
On the patio, in a swing I lay,
while in her garden, she waters her flowers.
Wishing I was in the forest, covered by bower,
I run in the grass, choosing to play.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
A gallon of water I am ready to devour,
Until tomorrow we retreat inside without delay.
In her garden she waters her flowers.
In the hot summer sun, a cooling shower.
-Sean Paul
Friday, August 13, 2010
Starlit Sky
Because I felt like writing a real poem. I came up with the idea and the first line in the shower this morning:
Starlit Sky
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
Go out in the wilderness away from the lights
And you will never see something quite so pretty.
Like sandpaper, dotting the sky so gritty,
Specks of stars against a black matte so white.
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
So bright in the suburbs; such a pity,
Itself is rather a startling sight.
And you’ll never see something quite so pretty.
Patterns of light, themselves almost witty,
From forever away in concert ignite.
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
Drive away and bet the entire kitty
That the reward will be marvelously bright.
And you will never see something quite so pretty.
While city-dwellers debate in endless committee,
You may escape into endless dark night.
Because you can’t see starlit skies in the city,
You will never see something quite so pretty.
-Sean Paul
Starlit Sky
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
Go out in the wilderness away from the lights
And you will never see something quite so pretty.
Like sandpaper, dotting the sky so gritty,
Specks of stars against a black matte so white.
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
So bright in the suburbs; such a pity,
Itself is rather a startling sight.
And you’ll never see something quite so pretty.
Patterns of light, themselves almost witty,
From forever away in concert ignite.
You can’t see the starlit sky in the city.
Drive away and bet the entire kitty
That the reward will be marvelously bright.
And you will never see something quite so pretty.
While city-dwellers debate in endless committee,
You may escape into endless dark night.
Because you can’t see starlit skies in the city,
You will never see something quite so pretty.
-Sean Paul
Thursday, August 12, 2010
AAAAHHHHHH!!!!
I worked two eight hour days back to back. That is way too much for someone as ADD as me. Especially when it was the most BORING two days evar!!! School registration. Never ever do it ever ever. It is sooooooooo boring.
So the whole early afternoon at work I spent glued to my phone, waiting for the decision about lifting the stay on Prop 8. When I finally got the news that it had been lifted, I literally screamed, "YES!!!" People around me were a little confused for a few minutes. Oh well, I am just happy it was lifted.
If the lift holds and a higher court does not overturn it, Andrew and I are probably going to go get married on September 2nd, our anniversary. Wouldn't that just be kick-ass? I think so. Can't wait. Long day. Ciao.
So the whole early afternoon at work I spent glued to my phone, waiting for the decision about lifting the stay on Prop 8. When I finally got the news that it had been lifted, I literally screamed, "YES!!!" People around me were a little confused for a few minutes. Oh well, I am just happy it was lifted.
If the lift holds and a higher court does not overturn it, Andrew and I are probably going to go get married on September 2nd, our anniversary. Wouldn't that just be kick-ass? I think so. Can't wait. Long day. Ciao.
Monday, August 9, 2010
My Book
So for those of you who don't know, I'm writing a book. Its exact content is so far top secret, but the basic premise of the book is to examine the contemporary relationship between the LDS Church and the gay community. As part of my book, I am interviewing gay youth who are former LDS Church members. I am knee deep in my research process and I am having an amazing reaction to the feelers I have put out for finding research participants. All the people I have contacted (with the exception of like two who haven't yet responded) seem to be very excited to be a part of the research. I am doing my first interviews this week and I can't wait to see how they go. I am having so much fun with this project so far. I have already started writing the first chapter of the book, too, and in one day I have written about one fifth of the amount of words that were in my Senior Honors Thesis. That's how I know that I am much more excited about this book (probably because it was my idea) than I was about the extended thesis (even though I did enjoy writing that, too). I will keep updating about the book project as it unfolds.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
A poem inspired by my summer vacation...
Just don't ask...
$50 Fine
On vacation this summer,
I had to toe the line,
If I did not want to get
A $50 fine.
When I got to my condo,
I didn't see the sign.
I backed into a parking space.
$50 fine.
I went to the ocean
To see the sun shine.
I got my key card wet.
$50 fine.
Then I went to the pool.
Surely that is not a crime!
I did a canonball.
$50 fine.
I went back to my condo
Without a freaking dime.
I hung my towel over the fence.
$50 fine.
I walked to a restaurant
In order to dine.
When I got back I was too loud.
$50 fine.
So when you go on vacation,
Save yourself some time.
Pay attention so you don't get
A $50 fine.
~Sean Paul
$50 Fine
On vacation this summer,
I had to toe the line,
If I did not want to get
A $50 fine.
When I got to my condo,
I didn't see the sign.
I backed into a parking space.
$50 fine.
I went to the ocean
To see the sun shine.
I got my key card wet.
$50 fine.
Then I went to the pool.
Surely that is not a crime!
I did a canonball.
$50 fine.
I went back to my condo
Without a freaking dime.
I hung my towel over the fence.
$50 fine.
I walked to a restaurant
In order to dine.
When I got back I was too loud.
$50 fine.
So when you go on vacation,
Save yourself some time.
Pay attention so you don't get
A $50 fine.
~Sean Paul
Friday, August 6, 2010
About Last Night...
So I got way too drunk last night. I took about three too many shots of tequila. It was a lot of fun, but it was also the drunkest I've ever been. I wrote Andrew a love note apparently that was very strange. I don't remember that part. And I put on a Batman mask. I had a bit of a headache this morning, but it really wasn't too bad.
So we went to San Diego today and toured the U.S.S. Midway Museum, which was an aircraft carrier from the WWII era. It was cool. That was the second time I've been. Andrew and I went about two years ago in December. It was a lot of fun.
It's amazing. I was walking around a big city in California today, and the weather was fine, people were walking around like everything was normal, even though PROP 8 WAS OVERTURNED!!! I couldn't believe it! Life went on after all, even though gay people can get married again (soon). It wasn't the end of the world or our species! I was so amazed! It was craziness. People didn't seem to care that much. It's like it doesn't really matter after all. Who'd have thought?
We go back home tomorrow, stopping in Vegas overnight. I am kind of excited to get home. Now that I have finished my Senior Honors Thesis, I am ready to start on my book that I have been wanting to start writing for months. I am not going to say too much about what it is about right now, but I will say that I need to interview people who are young, gay or bi, and former Mormons. If anyone knows someone who fits the bill, give them my e-mail address please (sean.paul42@gmail.com) and tell them to send me a message if they are interested. I need upwards of 20 people to interview. It's going to be a lot of fun working on this project. I can't wait.
So we went to San Diego today and toured the U.S.S. Midway Museum, which was an aircraft carrier from the WWII era. It was cool. That was the second time I've been. Andrew and I went about two years ago in December. It was a lot of fun.
It's amazing. I was walking around a big city in California today, and the weather was fine, people were walking around like everything was normal, even though PROP 8 WAS OVERTURNED!!! I couldn't believe it! Life went on after all, even though gay people can get married again (soon). It wasn't the end of the world or our species! I was so amazed! It was craziness. People didn't seem to care that much. It's like it doesn't really matter after all. Who'd have thought?
We go back home tomorrow, stopping in Vegas overnight. I am kind of excited to get home. Now that I have finished my Senior Honors Thesis, I am ready to start on my book that I have been wanting to start writing for months. I am not going to say too much about what it is about right now, but I will say that I need to interview people who are young, gay or bi, and former Mormons. If anyone knows someone who fits the bill, give them my e-mail address please (sean.paul42@gmail.com) and tell them to send me a message if they are interested. I need upwards of 20 people to interview. It's going to be a lot of fun working on this project. I can't wait.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Dear Voters for, Donators to, and Supporters of Prop 8,
Here is why you lost: Other people's marriage is none of your goddamn business.
I don't expect a lot of pro-Prop 8ers to read this blog, but if you do, this concise blog entry will tell you exactly why your silly little proposition got overruled by a federal court yesterday.
I can't believe it. I was reading the news this morning on my Android, and the media is quoting Judge Vaughn Walker when he says in his ruling,
"Proposition 8 does not affect the First Amendment rights of those opposed to marriage for same-sex couples. Prior to Proposition 8, no religious group was required to recognize marriage for same-sex couples...[A]ffording same-sex couples the opportunity to obtain the designation of marriage will not impinge upon the religious freedom of any religious organization, official, or any other person; no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs...A PRIVATE MORAL VIEW THAT SAME-SEX COUPLES ARE INFERIOR TO OPPOSITE-SEX COUPLES IS NOT A PROPER BASIS FOR LEGISLATION...California's obligation is to treat its citizens equally, not to mandate [its] own moral code."
Basically, Judge Walker says that even if you are opposed to same-sex marriage, that is "none of your business. It doesn't have anything to do with you." He says two things I have been saying for years: one, if you don't want a gay marriage, DON'T FREAKING GET ONE!!! And leave the rest of us alone who DO want to have a same-sex marriage. And two, no church will EVER be required to officiate any wedding they choose not to. They're not going to force churches to perform same-sex marriages. That is bald-faced, lying propaganda put forth by the anti-gay marriage people.
But then USA Today has the audacity to go on and ask its viewers,
"What do you think of Walker's view that gay marriage does no harm to the lives and rights of those who believe in traditional man-woman marriage? How does gay marriage affect your religious or moral life?"
I can answer that question for all Americans right now: IT FREAKING DOESN'T!!! If you feel like your religious or moral life is affected by gay marriage, then you are WAY too obsessed with other people's lives and you need to focus more on your own life and marriage (if you are in one). Maybe you're gay yourself or you are just curious if you are that obsessed.
So Prop 8 people, that is why you lost. Your defense in the federal trial failed to show any evidence that same-sex marriage would be harmful to California, to other marriages, to children, or to society in general. You want to know why? It wasn't because your legal team was substandard. Just like the opponents, they had a sharp legal team. The reason is that there ISN'T any harm to California, to other marriages, to children, or to society in general. The opponents brought forth expert witness after expert witness who proved that irrefutably.
You can't put a matter of civil rights to a popular vote, deny a minority equal rights using the democratic process, and expect to win in the long run. It isn't right, and even if you don't know it yet, your children and grandchildren certainly will. Let us live our lives and we'll let you live yours.
You lost, we will be able to get married soon, get freaking over it already.
Sincerely,
Sean Paul
I don't expect a lot of pro-Prop 8ers to read this blog, but if you do, this concise blog entry will tell you exactly why your silly little proposition got overruled by a federal court yesterday.
I can't believe it. I was reading the news this morning on my Android, and the media is quoting Judge Vaughn Walker when he says in his ruling,
"Proposition 8 does not affect the First Amendment rights of those opposed to marriage for same-sex couples. Prior to Proposition 8, no religious group was required to recognize marriage for same-sex couples...[A]ffording same-sex couples the opportunity to obtain the designation of marriage will not impinge upon the religious freedom of any religious organization, official, or any other person; no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs...A PRIVATE MORAL VIEW THAT SAME-SEX COUPLES ARE INFERIOR TO OPPOSITE-SEX COUPLES IS NOT A PROPER BASIS FOR LEGISLATION...California's obligation is to treat its citizens equally, not to mandate [its] own moral code."
Basically, Judge Walker says that even if you are opposed to same-sex marriage, that is "none of your business. It doesn't have anything to do with you." He says two things I have been saying for years: one, if you don't want a gay marriage, DON'T FREAKING GET ONE!!! And leave the rest of us alone who DO want to have a same-sex marriage. And two, no church will EVER be required to officiate any wedding they choose not to. They're not going to force churches to perform same-sex marriages. That is bald-faced, lying propaganda put forth by the anti-gay marriage people.
But then USA Today has the audacity to go on and ask its viewers,
"What do you think of Walker's view that gay marriage does no harm to the lives and rights of those who believe in traditional man-woman marriage? How does gay marriage affect your religious or moral life?"
I can answer that question for all Americans right now: IT FREAKING DOESN'T!!! If you feel like your religious or moral life is affected by gay marriage, then you are WAY too obsessed with other people's lives and you need to focus more on your own life and marriage (if you are in one). Maybe you're gay yourself or you are just curious if you are that obsessed.
So Prop 8 people, that is why you lost. Your defense in the federal trial failed to show any evidence that same-sex marriage would be harmful to California, to other marriages, to children, or to society in general. You want to know why? It wasn't because your legal team was substandard. Just like the opponents, they had a sharp legal team. The reason is that there ISN'T any harm to California, to other marriages, to children, or to society in general. The opponents brought forth expert witness after expert witness who proved that irrefutably.
You can't put a matter of civil rights to a popular vote, deny a minority equal rights using the democratic process, and expect to win in the long run. It isn't right, and even if you don't know it yet, your children and grandchildren certainly will. Let us live our lives and we'll let you live yours.
You lost, we will be able to get married soon, get freaking over it already.
Sincerely,
Sean Paul
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
My Day
To let you know what my last 24 hours have been like, I have to talk about Facebook, which these days consumes at least half my life. So last night at about 8:30 PM Pacific Time, I made two posts on my FB wall that I had no idea would attract the attention of 50+ comments, many of them ESSAY LENGTH, within the space of less than 24 hours. Here is what I said:
And while this unprecedented debate was raging on my Facebook wall, Judge Vaughn Walker was issuing his ruling in the Proposition 8 trial, ruling that it was unconstitutional. Fortunately, my partner of almost six years, Andrew, and I are down in Southern California right now and could have gotten married if the decision were put into effect immediately, but it wasn't, so we can't get married, unfortunately. Yet. It is, after all, only a matter of time. This ruling could very well be the turning point in the battle over same-sex marriage in the United States.
I was also heartened by President Barack Obama's words of support on the ruling. His representative said: “The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.”
I am feeling more patriotic today than I have in a while. I am proud to be an American, where we occasionally fuck up, but we at least try to fix things that are clearly wrong. Happy Birthday to Barack, and thank you for his kind words of support.
Sean Paul cannot believe what Andrew Pugno, a lawyer for Protect Marriage, said in an interview with CNN: "Seven million Californians voted to preserve or restore what marriage has meant since the beginning of time. If they're not permitted to do something as basic as that, then there's something, really something, wrong with our system." First of all, this guy is ignorant, because he clearly has no clue that marriage is an evolving institution. Second, he is a #@$%@#%@ (insert your favorite bad word here), because he's basically saying that Californians have a right to be prejudiced and discriminate against minorities, and if they can't do that, there's something very wrong with the system. Some people are so stupid.
If you want to see all the comments, please go to my Facebook page or use this link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641201194&v=wall&story_fbid=140058786027913And while this unprecedented debate was raging on my Facebook wall, Judge Vaughn Walker was issuing his ruling in the Proposition 8 trial, ruling that it was unconstitutional. Fortunately, my partner of almost six years, Andrew, and I are down in Southern California right now and could have gotten married if the decision were put into effect immediately, but it wasn't, so we can't get married, unfortunately. Yet. It is, after all, only a matter of time. This ruling could very well be the turning point in the battle over same-sex marriage in the United States.
I was also heartened by President Barack Obama's words of support on the ruling. His representative said: “The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.”
I am feeling more patriotic today than I have in a while. I am proud to be an American, where we occasionally fuck up, but we at least try to fix things that are clearly wrong. Happy Birthday to Barack, and thank you for his kind words of support.
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