Monday, May 25, 2009

Terminator Salvation and Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian

So, I guess I am not as insane as I, and everyone else, would like to think. I did take today off from any sort of athletics. Now I am lying awake thinking about tomorrow and what it may bring. Fortunately, I figured out how to commence the online summer school. All I need to do now is figure out how to customize my own web site with quizzes and worksheets with automatic feedback and data collection.

Alright, enough about me. Here are two more movie reviews:

Terminator Salvation

What to say...special effects were awesome. But, I think that is really all I can say. The story seemed nonexistent, except for the obvious that was given in the trailer: machine thinks it's human; real humans react favorably as well as unfavorably to this new machine; machine has a choice to do as it is programmed (destroy humans) or try and become what it could never be - human. I think the trailer gave away too much. I am also disappointed with John Connor. All the original Terminator movies make John Connor to be some sort of prophet to the "resistance". This movie was the perfect opportunity to display some of this prophetic behavior. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of Christian Bale. With this in mind, John Connor had no personality, charisma, nor any real character to make him distinct, honorary, and just plain heroic. Any other actor probably could have been sufficient and might have brought a different appeal to the character. Never (that I know of) has John Connor's character been thoroughly been defined, except through word-of-mouth. As a viewer, I have always been expected to accept John's heroism and allow him to make choices that I should believe in. For me, this is not so; Christian Bale's portrayal of John Connor simply lacked...

Besides this major character flaw, I didn't feel the sense of anxiety that I did for the existing Terminator movies. Yes, I was rather young and most likely was easily scared of those things horrific to any seven-year-old; however, those same anxieties still exist when I watch it now despite my age. The difference from 1984 to now is that I have much better control over my emotions than before and life experiences help me to better understand the fiction of it.

Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian

The first Night at the Museum was new, original, and simply refreshing. What a great premise and appeal to the youth of today: Museums can really bring history to life. This second movie lost that initial appeal. This one seemed calculated and redundant. The same sort of jokes were said again and again without enthusiasm or even originality. Now I can't be too mean; I did enjoy the movie. It was funny. However, it seemed as though it was a movie to see how many times they can make children laugh. Now I like a good children's story, but this one seemed too elementary without a real cause. What was the moral? What was the enlightening truths that children everywhere will unknowingly understand through laughter and adventure?

Despite its elementary nature, the lead female was really annoying. She was overbearing, rude, inconsiderate, and "airy" - she liked to hide her intellect. Yet, the lead male was continually polite, courteous, and welcoming. Well that has a nice moral to it, but in the end he never mentions the modifications needed in her behavior. She is allowed to be a "bad" person without any sort of ramifications.

Oh well, for a while all the movies I had been seeing have been really fun. As the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday's Training Update

Despite reason, I ran again anyways, two laps even! Yes, it was a little slower and little more of a struggle (ok, it was a massive struggle!!) but I forgot all sanity and finished the second lap of approximately 6 miles at 01:03:04. What's kind of funny is that I had a 32 split time. I ran the second lap a minute faster than the first! Then, I walked as slow as I could up the hill to loosen up my upper body with a 30 minute bo workout including 50 crunches.

I must have been really tired. I fell once and again, the bo kept jumping out of my possession too many times to count ;P

Alright, time to take a warm shower to keep the muscles nice and loose and then off to do my required time with family =D

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Training Update

This week has been a little rough.

Last Thursday: 15 up and down approximately 10 stairs at a pace I should have done slower. Now I am paying for it with very tight, sore calf and shin muscles.

On top of that, today: approximately 6 miles (YAAHOO! more distance in addition to time) at 1:02:18. Split was 00:31 minutes. Then a moderate walk up hill for an approximate 30 minute bo workout. Stupid bo kept jumping out of my hands! I think it knew I was tired and was trying to tell me to rest.

It's rather entertaining to see me "walk" around! Despite the difficulty walking and going up and down stairs, a very good week. I can feel my muscles getting stronger!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Movie Review: Somewhere In Time (1980)

Somewhere In Time (1980)

Richard Matheson is one of my favorite SF writers. Yes, Somewhere In Time is a bit "dated" in its production but its story can be told throughout the ages. I saw this movie when I was very young, probably no more than 3 feet tall. I remember seeing Superman; this became one of those moments where I realized the concept of actors - people pretending to be other people for the entertainment of others. This movie also taught me how to wonder. Of all the movies and television shows and cartoons of my youth, it was this movie that began my sense of wonder. My mom was always bothered with questions like: How did he know her before he met her?, Does time travel really work?, What is hypnotism?, Do you think if I try time travel, it would really work?, Would you miss me as much as he missed her?

Granted, this is a love story and the genre has really never been palatible - until now. I knew the story was about love, but it appeared to be more. Well, maybe not more, but rather different. I had never seen anyone love as much and as passionately as Richard Collier, the main character. Bear in mind, I am not talking about intimate passion; I am referring to the passion one has when there body shakes with emotion, sometimes literally.

Alright ... so why, might you ask, am I writing a review on an almost 30 year old movie that doesn't seem to connect with anything. Simply this, I heard one of my all-time favorite classical pieces and it is played quite often in this movie; so, I watched the movie again after a very long hiatus. The following is a video I made to give you a little insight into the movie:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Audio/Video Test

Counting Down the Days

Summer vacation is banging down my door! I have been ready to let it in at any moment, but others keep getting in my way. Today is usually one of my slower days - meaning, I have fewer classes and am free to literally run throughout the school and complete much of the tasks I was unable to complete from other days. However, today was like any other: class, run an errand, class, run an errand, class, run a bunch of errands, class. The only difference is that I was able to fit in a quick doctor's visit, set up another appointment, then, during a rapid lunch, quietly wallow in self pity because of the prospect of surgery again.

As soon as lunch was over so was the wallowing - back to work. I love getting an assignment that requires the cooperation of twelve teachers and the students just two days in advance.

Which brings me to today's Training Update. I briskly walked approximately 2 miles through the hallways at school. Granted, it helped loosen my legs which were pretty tight from the stretching and the workout from yesterday's "physical therapy". However, I feel tomorrow's forecast might very well be pain, creeping in at every movement and light sprinkles of calf-muscle-cramping to set the atmosphere just right.

Now that I have a moment to relax, I came across the following quote in one of the blogs I follow. It made me think about my marketing techniques I use for myself as well as the techniques I use for others.

From Lewis Hyde’s book, ‘The gift, Imagination and the erotic life of property’:

A work of art is a gift, not a commodity…Every modern artist who has chosen to labor with a gift must sooner or later wonder how he or she is to survive in a society dominated by market exchange .

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Decisions, decisions...

Yesterday I received a letter requesting my presence (in Tennessee) to receive an award I had been nominated for and will receive. Supposedly this is a pretty big deal. So instead of simply turnig it down, I feel like I should accept rather than insult those who want to give it to me as well as the person who nominated me. Here's the conflict; I really haven't the funds (but I could probably scrape that up) and, I don't really travel all that well by myself.

Alright, weighing the pros against the cons: 2 against 1 in favor of the cons.... The question remains: is the award, and the people that go along with it, worth the trouble of finacial strains and physical weaknesses? I want to say 'yes," since I have been told this is a once in a lifetime achievement...

Sunday, May 17, 2009

To Be a Slacker, Or Not To Be a Slacker...?

TO BE A SLACKER!

Alright, this past weekend came and went like the passing of gas! Because of Friday and Saturday's adventures this week's Training Update has been zilch! I seriously considered running at "o" dark hundred hours this morning; however, when my sister called, asking "Do you want to run?" I could only reply, "Not really. Too tired." So I rolled over and slumbered for another four or five more hours. I finally feel a little rested considering I just completed approximately 12 hours of sleep.

But I wouldn't say this whole week was a bust from training. Earlier in the week, I actually "did" have some energy. Running 15 laps up and down approximately 10 stairs was relatively easy as well as the 15 push-ups/crunches ladder. Although, the ladder was a bit harsh; my abs are still a little sore from that Thursday night "physical therapy". Come to think of it, I haven't done 120 push-ups and crunches (all at one time) in a while. That reminds me, I'll have to post a picture of my black eye I received Tuesday night at "physical therapy". It's getting nice and dark. If only I ran into that fist with my other eye creating a symmetrical effect...

Alright now for a review: Angels and Demons

If you liked The DaVinci Code, you most definitely would like Angels and Demons. I skimmed through both Dan Brown's novels but did not read thoroughly. I scanned to simply get the "gist" of all the commotion with the church. Despite what the church might say or do, this movie is well worth the watch. Yes, it is a long movie: over two hours. But length most certainly did not slow the pace.

The opening monologue transition into the action was alarmingly pleasant. The story itself proved enlighteningly educational as well as entertaining. Tom Hanks and the leading lady (I'm too lazy to look up her name), worked exceptionally well together. I enjoyed how their relationship was a distant friendship made "real" through common experiences; they had a very believable relationship. This is different from the DaVinci Code where Tom Hanks and the leading lady seemed to grow closer together, but had to remain apart - almost as though they were supposed to become closer but the story didn't allow it to happen. It seemed to bother me.

One major downfall that almost literary made me mirror said description, is the camera movement. Because of my personal inabilities, I am sensitive to camera movement in addition to camera angling. After watching such a fun adventure with unintentionally humorous moments, I left feeling weak, unstable, and simply down right sick. When going to the movies, it's pretty cool to feel like you are actually a part of the action and the world in front of you. However, I really enjoy a movie that can give me the impression of participating in a character's car chase without ever having to feel the heat of the imminent wreckage that most often occurs.

With that said, all in all: a wonderful adventure into the long debate between church and science. Mystery and intrigue drives the audience through mazes of fact and fiction, belief and un-belief, leaving our senses quickened and our perspectives broadened.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

How To Teach Socialism

A Perfect Civics Lesson:

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said ok, we will have an experiement in this class on socialism.

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little.. The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when government takes all the reward away; no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that....

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Star Trek 2009: A Modest Review remembering "Way Back When'

Whoa! What an awesome ride, awesome adventure, and characters brought back from ages ago seen in a new light! The original Star Trek series came out in 1966. Who knew it would continue its fame throughout the ages! This sci-fi is truly beyond time. I saw this past weekend. Once more making a few sacrifices, suffering sleep deprivation and feeling the pangs of hunger, in addition to chauffeuring a sibling after a long and weary day. Oh the agony of such sacrifices all for the great cause of Star Trek.

What caught my attention with this film is that the writers and directors were not trying to recreate the original characters exactly as before, continuing our love of the series. Instead, it was written with the knowledge that they would never be able to duplicate what time has rendered timeless. William Shatner will always play the best Captain Kirk. Leonard Nimoy will always be the true Spock, and so on with all the remaining original cast members. The story is such that the series will live on through the same "charming" characters and personalities, but we will know they are different because they must. This Star Trek is so true to the genre that we have no choice but to see different faces to the same characters yet feel the presence of those same, "old" personalities. And still, we accept that.

On a personal note, ever since I can remember I have been a fan of the original Star Trek television show. It reminds me of better times I spent with my father. No one else in the family was as devoted as he and I. Even when we couldn't watch the reruns together (because of conflicting schedules), he would record the show so we could watch it together. I was really young and didn't know any better. Despite the different ages that these Star Treks are aired, what was true for Star Trek in 1966 is true for today's 2009 version. After watching this Star Trek, I was transported back in time to my youth, sitting in the family room with my father and enjoying a great story, with a great message, and leaving me with a sense of wonder about the whole world beyond my own.

Training Update: last Sunday. Approximately 4 miles (eeee! I'm increasing mileage!) at 00:48:21. A 50 meter sprint uphill - that was almost just as hard as the 48-minute run! Then, about 30 more minutes of a bo workout.

Friday, May 8, 2009

A Dying Art

Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't you say?

The following are actual titles to articles published in various printed mediums:

01. Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter

02. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

- No carp, really? Ya think?

03. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

- Now that's taking things a bit far!

04. Miners Refuse to Work after Death

- No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!

05. Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

- See if that works any better than a fair trial!

06. War Dims Hope for Peace

- I can see where it might have that effect!

07. If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile

- Ya think?!

08. Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

- Who would have thought!

09. Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide

- They may be on to something!

10. Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

- You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?

11. Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge

- He probably IS the battery charge!

12. New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

- Weren't they fat enough?!

13. Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft

- That's what he gets for eating those beans!

14. Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

- Do they taste like chicken?

15. Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

- Chainsaw Massacre all over again!

16. Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

- Boy, are they tall!

And the winner is....

17. Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

- Did I read that right?

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Oh, Muse!

Oh, Muse! Rest thy dissonant discords of failed overtures!

Alas, another weekend has come and gone and not a single note. It definitely was busier than imagined, but still - I have no excuse for not practicing Moonlight. Sad, I feel I may have forgotten those many hours of laborious memorization.

The week is almost over leaving four weeks until school breaks for summer vacation. Oh the agony of the wait...patience.

So, it is way past my bedtime and sleep escapes my senses leaving me here, typing on the computer, hoping to burn my eyes into blissful slumber. I regret this method has much flaw, for I have been known to stay up even later, engrossed in some remedial, online, addictive brain teaser demanding I do better with every click of "New Game". Granted, my score does improve, but my sleeping habits do not. Now I am rambling about nothing at all for lack of imagination. And so, I shall leave you on that "note" intending to pursue the over-rated, domesticated habit called sleeping.

End Note: The picture was hand-drawn April 1, 1988. It was an illustration to a poem, I wrote, personifying worry. Worry displayed it's emotional name much to the discomfort a pillow, filled of feathers. Needless to say, by the end of the poem not a single feather remained within the confines of the once neatly sewn fabric. I'd like to say that no pillows were harmed in the writing of the poem, but that would be a lie. However! I can say that no bird was harmed in the writing of the poem! Yet, I don't know if any bird was harmed in the making of the pillow...?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Last Night!


Interesting to say the least. Last night's escapade developed into a drunken stupor where I was privileged enough to bare witness. So what did I witness?

Here are highlights from last night's mis-adventure:
01. Stumbling down the hall.
02. Splattered vomit directly beside the trash can.
03. Slicing pie at 15 minute intervals due to each slice taking that long to be removed from the tray and placed onto the plate.
04. Vodka breath.
05. Beer soaked shirts.
06. Unexpected grabbing of "tails" in a game of Heads and Tails.
07. Creating a moat around the crock pots.
08. A lost food warmer behind the seeker.
09. Sung as loud as possible, "THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BAG. OH, THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BAG. WE GOT A HOLE IN THE BAG. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BAG!"
10. Incapability of "tying off" a trash bag.

However, despite the torture to my senses, everything I had worked on was "perfect." Money was spent and information was recorded without flaw.

Observing was amusing but not worth a 1 AM bedtime with a 6 AM wake-up call. Which brings us to today's "Training Update":

Another approximate 3 mile run at 00:31:07. Then an approximate 1 hour bo workout.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

X-Men Origins Wolverine Review

Alright, Friday was busy as usual having back-to-back classes without pause. Wait, I lied. I did have a moment during fourth period to read some funnies online.During first period, I had a visit from a college friend just stopping by to say hi before the military ships him off mid-May. That was a nice surprise. When not busy with class, I had to set-up the "ideal" for tonight's event. Yay, me; I made the "ideal" possible!

After school I could have fallen over from exhaustion, but found out this new X-Men movie opened yesterday. Knowing I would be pretty busy the remainder of the weekend and I just couldn't wait a whole week to see the movie, I starved just a little longer, stapled my eyelids open, and drove to the theater. The movie was worth the small sacrifices of splurging ;P

Here is my review:

Excellent movie. It was fun, had interesting twists, and believable character personalities. There were very few definitely predictable events within the plot moving the story slow enough for interpretation but quick enough to maintain interest. Some of the effects could have been blended a little better to keep the "realism" of the setting, especially Wolverine's "claws" - this became increasingly distracting. All in all, the pacing was sufficient, characters came alive, and the movie satisfied my interest as well as entertained my senses. A fun adventure to free yourself from the everyday mundane.