Go ahead and raise your hand. Just don't be the kid that asks if potatoes grow on trees.
Tags: humor school parody joke
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Inspirational School Poster: Class Participation
Go ahead and raise your hand. Just don't be the kid that asks if potatoes grow on trees.
Tags: humor school parody joke
Parenting Tips for Idiots
Is anything on this list not obvious?! I'll let you read it and you tell me.
Top 10 Parenting Pitfalls: How to Raise Well Behaved Children
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By Heather Hatfield
Parenting is no walk in the park, especially on the days when your little angel, whether he’s 6 or 16, decides to act like a demon.
If it’s the temper tantrum in the toy store over the latest video game, or the daily fight over math homework, or the food fight in a restaurant on Friday night, parents have a choice: To react in a way that will only make matters worse when the bell rings for round two, or respond like the calm, cool, and collected parents we see on TV shows like Nanny 911 -- after weeks of live-in, televised therapy.
What is the secret to their success, other than public humiliation?
“Overall, with any scenario, the worst thing a parent can do that helps bratty behavior blossom is to not set clear expectations and not have consequences to a child’s behavior,” says Jenn Berman, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills who specializes in family therapy.
Experts offer advice on the top 10 parenting pitfalls that will help you raise a well-behaved child -- instead of a brat.
1. The TV Toy
It’s Saturday morning, you’re doing laundry, the kids are watching their morning cartoons, and it happens: Your middle child sees the toy of his dreams on TV, starts in with the begging, and doesn’t let up.
Brat-building response: “A lot of kids see things on TV -- games, food, or dolls -- and then they start nagging until they get it,” says Berman. “If you run to the store to buy your child exactly what they want, then you’ve taught them that nagging is an effective tool for getting their way.”
Angel-building response: “You can say, ‘It’s a cool toy. Let me find out how much it is, and I can help you save your allowance for it,’” says Berman. “You are teaching your child to work toward a goal --instead of giving in. It helps the child learn about goals, saving money, and it’s a good response for both parent and child.”
2. The Bribes
You’re having your boss over for dinner on Friday night, and while you begged your sister to watch the kids for the evening, no such luck. Is it time to start bribing them to be quiet with expensive sneakers or the latest handbag from Dolce & Gabbana?
Brat-building response: “Parents often try to buy good behavior by getting their kids expensive gifts,” says Berman. “And then they say, ‘I don’t understand why she isn’t better behaved? I get her everything she wants!’” These cool gifts lose their meaning and the child feels entitled and less well behaved.”
Angel-building response: “Allow the child the opportunity to earn what you give them, and set limits around their expectations,” says Berman. “Tell them, ‘You can get one pair of shoes within this amount of money.’ Teach them early on how to make choices.”
3. The Sleepover
Her bags are packed and she’s ready to go to the sleepover, except for one thing: She forgot to ask for your permission.
Brat-building behavior: Even though she’s screaming bloody murder, if you let her get away with it once, she’ll do it again, and again and again. “You’ve taught your child that screaming long enough will get her what she wants, and now you’ve created your own private hell,” Berman tells WebMD.
Angel-building behavior: “As a parent, it is always considerate and helpful to let a child know your thinking, so your child knows why you don’t want her to go to the sleepover, so it doesn’t seem like you are being unreasonable,” says Berman. “But if you shared your reasoning, and she keeps yelling, you have to stand your ground.”
3. The Divide and Conquer
You’ve been very clear and given your son a decisive NO when he asked, ”Can I go to the birthday party, puh-lease?” His tactic? To ask dad.
Brat-building behavior: “When a child gets 'no' from mom, and 'yes' from dad, it teaches them they can divide and conquer,” says Berman. “They learn that they can divide their parents and fool them, and if they are manipulative enough, they can get what they want.”
Angel-building behavior: “Enforce in advance,” says Berman. “Tell a child that if you ask mom and get 'no,' and then you ask dad and get 'yes,' the 'no' still stands, and your punishment for asking us both is xyz.”
4. The Screaming in the Store
We’ve all seen it: The screaming child in the toy store. He wants the latest video game, and he’s not shutting up until he has it.
Brat-building response: “If you give in, you teach your child that when he acts like a brat he can get what he wants,” says Dan Kindlon, author of Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age. “You’re reinforcing his bratty behavior.”
Angel-building response: “There are two ways to approach it,” says Kindlon, who teaches child psychology at Harvard University.
First, plan ahead, and second, plan a response.
“Make a deal with them beforehand -- you are going to buy them something and it’s only going to cost $5,” says Kindlon. “Or tell them, ‘I’m going shopping for your cousin and this is not for you.’ Give them structure beforehand so they’re not caught off guard. Then, if they still explode in the store, ignore them, say you are not going to listen anymore. Then you leave the store and take them with you.”
5. The Car Ride
You have 300 miles in front of you when your youngest explodes in a temper tantrum that rivals the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.
Brat-building response: “If you just start yelling and screaming at her, it’s not going to help,” Kindlon tells WebMD. “And a major mistake most parents make is to give the child an ultimatum, like ‘If you keep this up you’re not going to watch TV when you get home.’”
But even though their tantrum continues ad nauseam, the TV goes on when the family gets home because the parent is beaten down.
“This teaches a child that the best way to get what they want is to behave like a brat,” says Kindlon.
Angel-building response: “Plan ahead,” says Kindlon “Bring snacks, games, and things to keep them entertained in the car. If that doesn't work, help them understand the consequences of their behavior. Again, with the ultimatum, if you use one, stick to it: ‘If you don’t stop behaving this way, you don’t get to watch TV when you get home.’”
6. The Lack of Respect
Your kid just called you a name, or talked back, or showed you some all-around lack of what Aretha Franklin likes to call R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Brat-building response: “If you sink to their level and use the same language back at them, you’re modeling bad behavior,” says Kindlon. “You’re teaching them the wrong way to deal with something and someone when you’re upset.”
Angel-building response: “Dock a kid 50 cents on their allowance when they use a tone of voice or an inappropriate word you don’t like,” says Kindlon. “Maintain your cool. Show mature behavior, and give them consequences for their bad behavior.”
7. The Restaurant
You just sat down to dinner with your husband and three kids at a local restaurant when the outbursts start.
Brat-building behavior: “What happens is there is talk of punishment and threats at the restaurant, like ‘I’m going to take way your play date on Sunday,’ or ‘No TV for a week,’” says Paul Donahue, PhD, director of Child Development Associates in Scarsdale, N.Y. “Punishments don’t work as well as a rewards, or the threats are idle because the kid knows that the parent won’t take away their TV.”
Angel-building response: “Before you get to the restaurant, tell your child what you expect in terms of behavior,” says Donahue. “If your behavior is good, here is what privilege will come your way, whether its dessert at the restaurant, or that they get to watch a movie when they get home.”
Kids need to understand that their privileges are based on their behavior, explains Donahue.
“While I’m not suggesting you bribe your kids or take them to Toys ‘R’ Us because they sit at the dinner table, they need to understand that the things they enjoy are privileges and they can have those things if they behave well,” says Donahue. “Kids have to have an understanding that good behavior is expected, and if they behave well, good things will come their way.”
8. The Morning Routine
It’s hard enough for you to get out of bed at 6 a.m., let alone get your two kids out of bed. Should you let them sleep late, just this once?
Brat-building response: “Sometimes kids come downstairs in the morning, they watch TV, they get around to eating their breakfast, they get dressed, the process gets delayed, mom or dad gets frustrated and angry, and maybe they make the bus, maybe the don’t,” says Donahue. Better yet, the whole routine starts over again the next day.
Angel-building response: “Kids shouldn’t come down and watch TV or play a video game first thing in the morning,” says Donahue. “It’s like saying you get to have this fun experience before you get dressed, brush your teeth, or do your work. You have to take care of your responsibilities first.”
9. The Homework
As your child gets older and wiser, his pile of homework grows -- as does the frustration you feel in making sure he gets it all done.
Brat-building response: “We want our kids to do well in school, and yet we are not clear that homework takes precedent over a play date or after-school activities,” says Donahue. “So then the homework gets left until after dinner, and then it’s diminishing returns: they’re tired, and it’s getting much more difficult to get them to do it, and they don’t have incentive to get it done.”
Angel-building response: “There needs to be a reasonable structure for homework,” says Donahue. “Say to your kids, ‘At 3 p.m. you get to play, but at 4 p.m., you sit down and do your homework.’ It’s especially important in most families that homework get done before dinner. Set the structure in place so when they are older and they have more activities, they know they still need to get homework done before dinner.”
10. Parenting Tips
No matter the scenario, here are tips for dealing with parenting pitfalls:
Mean business. “Speak to your child like you mean business, and send clear messages when you’re communicating with your kids,” says Donahue.
Stick to your guns. “The toughest thing is to have endurance,” says Donahue. “Stick to your guns, even when the kids are whining and pushing your buttons. Kids know that if we have a history of not sticking to what we say, they’re going to push and push. Have the endurance and the strength and the energy to keep up with them.”
Plan ahead. “Parents have to do a better job of helping kids to anticipate the behavior that is expected of them beforehand,” Donahue tells WebMD. “When you’re in the middle of a situation, you’re busy and rushing and don’t think about it, and then things can get out of control.”
Take care of yourself. “Sleep more, exercise, and take care of yourself,” says Donahue. “Parenting is extremely exhausting work.”
By Heather Hatfield, reviewed By Ann Edmundson, MD
Sources: Jenn Berman, PhD, psychologist, Beverly Hills, Calif. Paul Donahue, PhD, director, Child Development Associates, Scarsdale, N.Y. Dan Kindlon, professor of, child psychology, Harvard University; author, Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age.
People are so Politically Correct even when it comes to raising their children that they don't know how. It's sad when someone doesn't know how to even handle a freakin' kids temper tantrums.
It's funny that in this day and age I can read an article like this with ten problems and ten solutions. When I was a kid my mother had ONE solution for all ten problems and it was called,"Do what I tell you or I'm gonna bust your ass, boy!"
And the crazy thing was... it worked! Go figure.
If there is anything, and I mean ANYTHING on this list that you didn't know or realized before you read it, then you shouldn't have children.
Tags: opinion parenting children brats
Top 10 Parenting Pitfalls: How to Raise Well Behaved Children
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By Heather Hatfield
Parenting is no walk in the park, especially on the days when your little angel, whether he’s 6 or 16, decides to act like a demon.
If it’s the temper tantrum in the toy store over the latest video game, or the daily fight over math homework, or the food fight in a restaurant on Friday night, parents have a choice: To react in a way that will only make matters worse when the bell rings for round two, or respond like the calm, cool, and collected parents we see on TV shows like Nanny 911 -- after weeks of live-in, televised therapy.
What is the secret to their success, other than public humiliation?
“Overall, with any scenario, the worst thing a parent can do that helps bratty behavior blossom is to not set clear expectations and not have consequences to a child’s behavior,” says Jenn Berman, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills who specializes in family therapy.
Experts offer advice on the top 10 parenting pitfalls that will help you raise a well-behaved child -- instead of a brat.
1. The TV Toy
It’s Saturday morning, you’re doing laundry, the kids are watching their morning cartoons, and it happens: Your middle child sees the toy of his dreams on TV, starts in with the begging, and doesn’t let up.
Brat-building response: “A lot of kids see things on TV -- games, food, or dolls -- and then they start nagging until they get it,” says Berman. “If you run to the store to buy your child exactly what they want, then you’ve taught them that nagging is an effective tool for getting their way.”
Angel-building response: “You can say, ‘It’s a cool toy. Let me find out how much it is, and I can help you save your allowance for it,’” says Berman. “You are teaching your child to work toward a goal --instead of giving in. It helps the child learn about goals, saving money, and it’s a good response for both parent and child.”
2. The Bribes
You’re having your boss over for dinner on Friday night, and while you begged your sister to watch the kids for the evening, no such luck. Is it time to start bribing them to be quiet with expensive sneakers or the latest handbag from Dolce & Gabbana?
Brat-building response: “Parents often try to buy good behavior by getting their kids expensive gifts,” says Berman. “And then they say, ‘I don’t understand why she isn’t better behaved? I get her everything she wants!’” These cool gifts lose their meaning and the child feels entitled and less well behaved.”
Angel-building response: “Allow the child the opportunity to earn what you give them, and set limits around their expectations,” says Berman. “Tell them, ‘You can get one pair of shoes within this amount of money.’ Teach them early on how to make choices.”
3. The Sleepover
Her bags are packed and she’s ready to go to the sleepover, except for one thing: She forgot to ask for your permission.
Brat-building behavior: Even though she’s screaming bloody murder, if you let her get away with it once, she’ll do it again, and again and again. “You’ve taught your child that screaming long enough will get her what she wants, and now you’ve created your own private hell,” Berman tells WebMD.
Angel-building behavior: “As a parent, it is always considerate and helpful to let a child know your thinking, so your child knows why you don’t want her to go to the sleepover, so it doesn’t seem like you are being unreasonable,” says Berman. “But if you shared your reasoning, and she keeps yelling, you have to stand your ground.”
3. The Divide and Conquer
You’ve been very clear and given your son a decisive NO when he asked, ”Can I go to the birthday party, puh-lease?” His tactic? To ask dad.
Brat-building behavior: “When a child gets 'no' from mom, and 'yes' from dad, it teaches them they can divide and conquer,” says Berman. “They learn that they can divide their parents and fool them, and if they are manipulative enough, they can get what they want.”
Angel-building behavior: “Enforce in advance,” says Berman. “Tell a child that if you ask mom and get 'no,' and then you ask dad and get 'yes,' the 'no' still stands, and your punishment for asking us both is xyz.”
4. The Screaming in the Store
We’ve all seen it: The screaming child in the toy store. He wants the latest video game, and he’s not shutting up until he has it.
Brat-building response: “If you give in, you teach your child that when he acts like a brat he can get what he wants,” says Dan Kindlon, author of Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age. “You’re reinforcing his bratty behavior.”
Angel-building response: “There are two ways to approach it,” says Kindlon, who teaches child psychology at Harvard University.
First, plan ahead, and second, plan a response.
“Make a deal with them beforehand -- you are going to buy them something and it’s only going to cost $5,” says Kindlon. “Or tell them, ‘I’m going shopping for your cousin and this is not for you.’ Give them structure beforehand so they’re not caught off guard. Then, if they still explode in the store, ignore them, say you are not going to listen anymore. Then you leave the store and take them with you.”
5. The Car Ride
You have 300 miles in front of you when your youngest explodes in a temper tantrum that rivals the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.
Brat-building response: “If you just start yelling and screaming at her, it’s not going to help,” Kindlon tells WebMD. “And a major mistake most parents make is to give the child an ultimatum, like ‘If you keep this up you’re not going to watch TV when you get home.’”
But even though their tantrum continues ad nauseam, the TV goes on when the family gets home because the parent is beaten down.
“This teaches a child that the best way to get what they want is to behave like a brat,” says Kindlon.
Angel-building response: “Plan ahead,” says Kindlon “Bring snacks, games, and things to keep them entertained in the car. If that doesn't work, help them understand the consequences of their behavior. Again, with the ultimatum, if you use one, stick to it: ‘If you don’t stop behaving this way, you don’t get to watch TV when you get home.’”
6. The Lack of Respect
Your kid just called you a name, or talked back, or showed you some all-around lack of what Aretha Franklin likes to call R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Brat-building response: “If you sink to their level and use the same language back at them, you’re modeling bad behavior,” says Kindlon. “You’re teaching them the wrong way to deal with something and someone when you’re upset.”
Angel-building response: “Dock a kid 50 cents on their allowance when they use a tone of voice or an inappropriate word you don’t like,” says Kindlon. “Maintain your cool. Show mature behavior, and give them consequences for their bad behavior.”
7. The Restaurant
You just sat down to dinner with your husband and three kids at a local restaurant when the outbursts start.
Brat-building behavior: “What happens is there is talk of punishment and threats at the restaurant, like ‘I’m going to take way your play date on Sunday,’ or ‘No TV for a week,’” says Paul Donahue, PhD, director of Child Development Associates in Scarsdale, N.Y. “Punishments don’t work as well as a rewards, or the threats are idle because the kid knows that the parent won’t take away their TV.”
Angel-building response: “Before you get to the restaurant, tell your child what you expect in terms of behavior,” says Donahue. “If your behavior is good, here is what privilege will come your way, whether its dessert at the restaurant, or that they get to watch a movie when they get home.”
Kids need to understand that their privileges are based on their behavior, explains Donahue.
“While I’m not suggesting you bribe your kids or take them to Toys ‘R’ Us because they sit at the dinner table, they need to understand that the things they enjoy are privileges and they can have those things if they behave well,” says Donahue. “Kids have to have an understanding that good behavior is expected, and if they behave well, good things will come their way.”
8. The Morning Routine
It’s hard enough for you to get out of bed at 6 a.m., let alone get your two kids out of bed. Should you let them sleep late, just this once?
Brat-building response: “Sometimes kids come downstairs in the morning, they watch TV, they get around to eating their breakfast, they get dressed, the process gets delayed, mom or dad gets frustrated and angry, and maybe they make the bus, maybe the don’t,” says Donahue. Better yet, the whole routine starts over again the next day.
Angel-building response: “Kids shouldn’t come down and watch TV or play a video game first thing in the morning,” says Donahue. “It’s like saying you get to have this fun experience before you get dressed, brush your teeth, or do your work. You have to take care of your responsibilities first.”
9. The Homework
As your child gets older and wiser, his pile of homework grows -- as does the frustration you feel in making sure he gets it all done.
Brat-building response: “We want our kids to do well in school, and yet we are not clear that homework takes precedent over a play date or after-school activities,” says Donahue. “So then the homework gets left until after dinner, and then it’s diminishing returns: they’re tired, and it’s getting much more difficult to get them to do it, and they don’t have incentive to get it done.”
Angel-building response: “There needs to be a reasonable structure for homework,” says Donahue. “Say to your kids, ‘At 3 p.m. you get to play, but at 4 p.m., you sit down and do your homework.’ It’s especially important in most families that homework get done before dinner. Set the structure in place so when they are older and they have more activities, they know they still need to get homework done before dinner.”
10. Parenting Tips
No matter the scenario, here are tips for dealing with parenting pitfalls:
Mean business. “Speak to your child like you mean business, and send clear messages when you’re communicating with your kids,” says Donahue.
Stick to your guns. “The toughest thing is to have endurance,” says Donahue. “Stick to your guns, even when the kids are whining and pushing your buttons. Kids know that if we have a history of not sticking to what we say, they’re going to push and push. Have the endurance and the strength and the energy to keep up with them.”
Plan ahead. “Parents have to do a better job of helping kids to anticipate the behavior that is expected of them beforehand,” Donahue tells WebMD. “When you’re in the middle of a situation, you’re busy and rushing and don’t think about it, and then things can get out of control.”
Take care of yourself. “Sleep more, exercise, and take care of yourself,” says Donahue. “Parenting is extremely exhausting work.”
By Heather Hatfield, reviewed By Ann Edmundson, MD
Sources: Jenn Berman, PhD, psychologist, Beverly Hills, Calif. Paul Donahue, PhD, director, Child Development Associates, Scarsdale, N.Y. Dan Kindlon, professor of, child psychology, Harvard University; author, Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age.
People are so Politically Correct even when it comes to raising their children that they don't know how. It's sad when someone doesn't know how to even handle a freakin' kids temper tantrums.
It's funny that in this day and age I can read an article like this with ten problems and ten solutions. When I was a kid my mother had ONE solution for all ten problems and it was called,"Do what I tell you or I'm gonna bust your ass, boy!"
And the crazy thing was... it worked! Go figure.
If there is anything, and I mean ANYTHING on this list that you didn't know or realized before you read it, then you shouldn't have children.
Tags: opinion parenting children brats
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Fight Club for Techies
I saw this story and had to say something. First of all, you're not suppose to be wearing helmets if it's a Fight Club. Secondly, it's not suppose to be in some guys garage like you came over to play and have juice like a group of 2nd graders. Thirdly, flailing and kicking another nerd does not prepare you for the unadulerated rage of a real man. It only gives you false confidence which will cause you to do something stupid and eventually facilitate your own pummeling and aerial flight into a McDonalds dumpster. Don't think you're "all that" after beating up Rog while wearing a bicycle helmet, Keith!
Just because you happen to be 125 lbs. and only have selective pubic hair growth doesn't mean you're not a man. It just means that you're only half a man. It's sad, but those are the facts. Don't fight them with your soft pudgy fists. Fight them with your brain. Make more money, buy nice things, and get yourself a shallow, but attractive gold digging trophy wife. It's the only way you can compete or attempt to get even.
Being the toughest nerd will only bring you to the top of the bottom of the heap, man.
Tags: humor news fight club nerds
Just because you happen to be 125 lbs. and only have selective pubic hair growth doesn't mean you're not a man. It just means that you're only half a man. It's sad, but those are the facts. Don't fight them with your soft pudgy fists. Fight them with your brain. Make more money, buy nice things, and get yourself a shallow, but attractive gold digging trophy wife. It's the only way you can compete or attempt to get even.
Being the toughest nerd will only bring you to the top of the bottom of the heap, man.
Tags: humor news fight club nerds
Monday, May 29, 2006
Cordless Jump-rope?! Wha?!
Yes, this is a real AP News story.
Cordless Jump-Rope Can Help the Clumsy
Published: 5/29/06, 9:45 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) - If you think keeping fit is merely mind over matter, Lester Clancy has an invention for you - a cordless jump-rope.
That's right, a jump-rope minus the rope. All that's left is two handles, so you jump over the pretend rope. Or if you are truly lazy, you can pretend to jump over the pretend rope.
And for that idea kicking around Clancy's head since 1988, the U.S. Patent Office this month awarded the 52-year-old Mansfield, Ohio, man a patent. Its number: 7037243.
What makes this invention work is the moving weights inside the handles. They simulate the feel of a rope moving, Clancy said. Well, it's only one handle so far because Clancy is waiting for financial backers before building its partner.
But why jump rope without a rope?
It's perfect for the clumsy, Clancy said. "If you are still jumping, you're still using your legs as well as your arms, and getting the cardiovascular workout. You just don't have to worry about tripping on the rope."
It is also good for mental institutions and prisons where rope is a suicide risk, said Clancy, who works as a laundry coordinator in a state prison. And low ceiling fans aren't a hazard any more, he said.
Daniel Wright, who features the cordless jump-rope on his Web site http://www.patentlysilly.com, can barely talk about Clancy's invention without laughing.
"What really grabbed me," Wright said, was the name the item has in its patent, Wright said.
The idea isn't all that crazy, said Mike Ernst, a professor of kinesiology at California State University in Dominguez Hills.
"I think it's silly but at the same time if somehow, some way it promotes physical activity, gets kids active, then I'm all for it," Ernst said.
The more he thought about it, the more Ernst said he could see the benefit, adding that the act of jumping, not the rope itself, is what provides exercise.
"Do you need to jump with a rope? You don't," Ernst said. "But I wouldn't buy the product, I can tell you that. I'm not an idiot."
High-tech handles aren't needed. You could even use toilet paper holders, Ernst said. On second thought, he wondered if he could patent that idea.
___
Patentlysilly: http://www.patentlysilly.com
Anyone caught purchasing this product should be tagged like cattle, tracked by the federal government and targeted for sterilization.
Tags: humor inventions news stupid
Cordless Jump-Rope Can Help the Clumsy
Published: 5/29/06, 9:45 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) - If you think keeping fit is merely mind over matter, Lester Clancy has an invention for you - a cordless jump-rope.
That's right, a jump-rope minus the rope. All that's left is two handles, so you jump over the pretend rope. Or if you are truly lazy, you can pretend to jump over the pretend rope.
And for that idea kicking around Clancy's head since 1988, the U.S. Patent Office this month awarded the 52-year-old Mansfield, Ohio, man a patent. Its number: 7037243.
What makes this invention work is the moving weights inside the handles. They simulate the feel of a rope moving, Clancy said. Well, it's only one handle so far because Clancy is waiting for financial backers before building its partner.
But why jump rope without a rope?
It's perfect for the clumsy, Clancy said. "If you are still jumping, you're still using your legs as well as your arms, and getting the cardiovascular workout. You just don't have to worry about tripping on the rope."
It is also good for mental institutions and prisons where rope is a suicide risk, said Clancy, who works as a laundry coordinator in a state prison. And low ceiling fans aren't a hazard any more, he said.
Daniel Wright, who features the cordless jump-rope on his Web site http://www.patentlysilly.com, can barely talk about Clancy's invention without laughing.
"What really grabbed me," Wright said, was the name the item has in its patent, Wright said.
The idea isn't all that crazy, said Mike Ernst, a professor of kinesiology at California State University in Dominguez Hills.
"I think it's silly but at the same time if somehow, some way it promotes physical activity, gets kids active, then I'm all for it," Ernst said.
The more he thought about it, the more Ernst said he could see the benefit, adding that the act of jumping, not the rope itself, is what provides exercise.
"Do you need to jump with a rope? You don't," Ernst said. "But I wouldn't buy the product, I can tell you that. I'm not an idiot."
High-tech handles aren't needed. You could even use toilet paper holders, Ernst said. On second thought, he wondered if he could patent that idea.
___
Patentlysilly: http://www.patentlysilly.com
Anyone caught purchasing this product should be tagged like cattle, tracked by the federal government and targeted for sterilization.
Tags: humor inventions news stupid
Hot Dog! - pilot episode
I was discussing television & comedy concepts with a friend during an IM conversation when this idea came about. I liked it - he did not.
It's been so long since I've done something like this for the blog though, and I think it might be fun to write some original material again. So, here is the first episode of...
SETTING: Chicago Suburb, Evening, The Gowan Residence
SCENE: The Gowan's are lying in bed reading
Gary Gowan: Are you ready for bed?
Jill Gowan: I'm almost finished with this chapter.
Gary: How many more pages?
Jill: Why?
Gary: Because I can't sleep when the lights are on, you know that.
Jill: Turn your light off and go to sleep then.
Gary: Your light has to be off too.
(Jill closes her book and puts it on the night stand)
Jill: (huffs) Fine then! Let's go to bed. Will that make you happy, Gary?
Gary: Yes, Jill, it would.
(Jill turns off her light. They both lay in the dark for a moment in silence)
Gary: Now what?
Jill: Well, now I can't sleep!
Gary: Just close your eyes... shut your mind... concentrate on nothing... concentrate on the silence...
(Gary farts)
Jill: Oh great. That really helps.
Gary: Does it?
(Gary farts again)
Gary: (smiling) Sorry, babe. Do you want me to roll over?
Jill: Yes, Gary! Roll over! Roll over and die!
Gary: Now you're just being a brat. I bet you wouldn't hate it so much if you gave it a chance.
Jill: Excuse me?!
Gary: Gave it a chance. You might be a freak, Jill. You might get turned on by it. You know. Like this!
(Gary pulls the covers over Jills head and lets one rip)
Gary: It's called a "Dutch oven"!
Jill: You dirty son of a bitch!(coughs)
Gary: Damn! That one kind of hurt.
Jill: (coughs) I can taste it!!! (coughs) You bastard!!!
Gary: I had a glass of orange juice and a boiled egg for lunch.
(Jill slowly begins to wiggle less and less under the sheet)
Gary: Playing dead, Jill? (laughing) That's a good one!
(Jill stops moving completely)
(silence)
Gary: Jill? ...Jill?
(Gary lifts the sheet and looks at Jill)
Gary: Jill?!
(fade out)
NEXT SCENE: Jill's funeral
Preacher: Jill was a warm and caring woman...
(TO BE CONTINUED...)
Now, I'm sure after reading that you're wondering what exactly the premise is. Well, Gary evaluates his life after the death of his wife, Jill, and decides to finally stand up to his older brother and father by competing against the rest of the family in the Hot Dog Stand business in Chicago.
I know. It's completely retarded, but I think that's what I like about it and I plan to go forward with it for awhile. I think once the characters of his father and brother come into the picture, it will get a lot more interesting.
Tags: Humor television comedy
It's been so long since I've done something like this for the blog though, and I think it might be fun to write some original material again. So, here is the first episode of...
SETTING: Chicago Suburb, Evening, The Gowan Residence
SCENE: The Gowan's are lying in bed reading
Gary Gowan: Are you ready for bed?
Jill Gowan: I'm almost finished with this chapter.
Gary: How many more pages?
Jill: Why?
Gary: Because I can't sleep when the lights are on, you know that.
Jill: Turn your light off and go to sleep then.
Gary: Your light has to be off too.
(Jill closes her book and puts it on the night stand)
Jill: (huffs) Fine then! Let's go to bed. Will that make you happy, Gary?
Gary: Yes, Jill, it would.
(Jill turns off her light. They both lay in the dark for a moment in silence)
Gary: Now what?
Jill: Well, now I can't sleep!
Gary: Just close your eyes... shut your mind... concentrate on nothing... concentrate on the silence...
(Gary farts)
Jill: Oh great. That really helps.
Gary: Does it?
(Gary farts again)
Gary: (smiling) Sorry, babe. Do you want me to roll over?
Jill: Yes, Gary! Roll over! Roll over and die!
Gary: Now you're just being a brat. I bet you wouldn't hate it so much if you gave it a chance.
Jill: Excuse me?!
Gary: Gave it a chance. You might be a freak, Jill. You might get turned on by it. You know. Like this!
(Gary pulls the covers over Jills head and lets one rip)
Gary: It's called a "Dutch oven"!
Jill: You dirty son of a bitch!(coughs)
Gary: Damn! That one kind of hurt.
Jill: (coughs) I can taste it!!! (coughs) You bastard!!!
Gary: I had a glass of orange juice and a boiled egg for lunch.
(Jill slowly begins to wiggle less and less under the sheet)
Gary: Playing dead, Jill? (laughing) That's a good one!
(Jill stops moving completely)
(silence)
Gary: Jill? ...Jill?
(Gary lifts the sheet and looks at Jill)
Gary: Jill?!
(fade out)
NEXT SCENE: Jill's funeral
Preacher: Jill was a warm and caring woman...
(TO BE CONTINUED...)
Now, I'm sure after reading that you're wondering what exactly the premise is. Well, Gary evaluates his life after the death of his wife, Jill, and decides to finally stand up to his older brother and father by competing against the rest of the family in the Hot Dog Stand business in Chicago.
I know. It's completely retarded, but I think that's what I like about it and I plan to go forward with it for awhile. I think once the characters of his father and brother come into the picture, it will get a lot more interesting.
Tags: Humor television comedy
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Calling Dr. Scholls
I hate getting ingrown toe nails. I especially hate the troublesome ones that don't like to come out easily. This last time I had to get hardcore. I don't usually cut into my toe nail with wood carving chisels, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
Needless to say, I had to drink a few beers before and after. But I feel much better for doing so.
Tags: blogging health personal
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Harold rules!!!
Was I the only person watching Top Chef on Bravo?
No matter. Because the guy I was rooting for, Harold, won the whole thing! Way to go.
Anyone would have been better than Tiffani, but Harold was the guy that I liked the most during the whole show.
"Tiffani, pack up your knives and please leave."
I guess everyone else was watching Taylor Hicks win American Idol. I personally turn Idol off once all the crazy retarded people are eliminated. Let me know what you thought of Top Chef, or if you were watching Idol, or if there's another reality show I should be watching.
Tags: Top Chef reality tv Bravo
No matter. Because the guy I was rooting for, Harold, won the whole thing! Way to go.
Anyone would have been better than Tiffani, but Harold was the guy that I liked the most during the whole show.
"Tiffani, pack up your knives and please leave."
I guess everyone else was watching Taylor Hicks win American Idol. I personally turn Idol off once all the crazy retarded people are eliminated. Let me know what you thought of Top Chef, or if you were watching Idol, or if there's another reality show I should be watching.
Tags: Top Chef reality tv Bravo
My Theme Park Adventure
Where to begin...
Last Wednesday was the longest day at work that I can remember in a long time, simply because I was waiting to run out the door and start my vacation the following morning. Eventually, the workday ended and I went home and got all my things together for the trip to Orlando the next morning. I slept, but not as well as I usually do. I was obviously anxious to start the journey 5 and a half hours Southeast and start getting on some thrill rides.
Crystal woke up at around 6am to make a large breakfast before we hit the road. I didn't rise and get dressed until about 7:30am. When I did shuffle out into the kitchen there was french toast and cream of wheat already made and waiting to be eaten. I inhaled about 5 pieces of french toast and a bowl and a half of cream of wheat. Yep, it was good.
I packed the car with our two bags (a suitcase and a large duffle bag), our MP3 players, a cooler filled with PowerAde and water, and a box full of potato chips and other delectable snack foods. We were off and running. Things were going quite smoothly... too smoothly.
Crystal decided to take the driver's seat for the trip down to Orlando. Which is fine by me, because after breakfast I was quite ready to go back to sleep. I didn't go back to sleep though. I sat in the passenger seat and talked to Crystal most of the way. When we weren't talking I was playing with my MP3 player. I played a good amount of Styx, Weezer, and assorted 80s hits. Once I tired of that I went through the radio stations which weren't very fruitful. We were able to listen to Fort Minor's Where'd You Go about three times in a row by simply changing the station after it ended each time (that song is getting a lot of play).
And then about three quarters of the way to Orlando something happened. It seemed very much like an omen at the time, to turn around and head back. As were rounding a very long curve on I-75 in our small sized, lowriding Ford Escort SE, we both looked ahead in our lane and saw a shredded tire from an 18-wheeler. Not a large piece of a tire - the whole freakin' thing! As we flew toward it at a speed somewhere near 75mph, we both seemed to clench for the impact. Even though the radio was on, it seemed like 3 whole seconds of complete silence as the tire disappeared from view as we began to go over it. I could feel the scraping "clud" as the rubber hit the underside of the passenger side floorboards and the car gave a slight jolt up and forward. We both turned and looked back at the tire and let out our breath. We got lucky, nothing happened to the car.
When we got to Orlando we didn't go straight to the hotel room. We went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We went there for our honeymoon two years earlier and this year we decided to get annual passes since we plan to start going on a regular basis now that Crystal's working and we both love the parks and the rides.
First, we got our annual pass IDs made. Mine looks very much like my Drivers' License: like a serial killer's mugshot on the 11 o'clock news.
Then we hit the park. Our day was already half over so we decided to only hit the biggies. We went into Universal Studios first and got on the Mummy's Revenge. If you haven't ridden it, I highly recommend it. Then it was over to Islands of Adventure to get on The Hulk, and Spider-Man 3D. We were planning to ride Dueling Dragons as well, but it was closed for some reason. Shortly after eating at the NASCAR Cafe there on City Walk, we went to the hotel to check in.
Our room was very nice compared to what we usually get when we go to Orlando on a budget. Our room at the Best Western had two double beds, a large TV, and a Fridge. The drapes, sheets, and carpeting were all very clean and neat. We were both very tired and went to sleep after taking showers. It had been a long full day and we needed some rest for Disney World the next day.
Almost everytime I would begin to fall asleep Crystal would yell over to me that I was snoring and that she couldn't sleep because of it. Yes, I do snore. And when I'm extremely tired I really saw logs. She tossed and turned until I tried to stay awake so she could fall asleep. Eventually we both were dreaming. But when the alarm went off in the morning, I was dead tired.
We got dressed and headed out to the car to head to breakfast. "Aw, great!!", I said when I saw the rear drivers' side tire completely flat on the car. "We have a flat tire,"
"What?! Noooo!!!" Crystal knew exactly what pitch to hit to make it feel like an international crisis.
She went into the room to get a phonebook to look for service stations and Wal-Marts, and I got the jack and spare out of the trunk. About 15 minutes later we were driving to the Wal-Mart about 15 minutes away. I was completely covered in sweat and I still couldn't seem to wake up. Well, $64 later I was slightly awakened. Afterward, we drove to Disney's Animal Kingdom to meet Crystal's sister and her family.
They coordinated their vacation with ours and we both decided to go to the parks and do the rides together. Once we got there and met up with them the day really began and after that the trip never went South again. It was completely smooth sailing after the tire, but at the time I was beginning to think that this was going to turn into a National Lampoon's Vacation and when we got to the park it was going to be closed or some other crazy scenario. Thank goodness, I was wrong.
The very first thing we rode was Expedition Everest. The newest ride in all the parks. They try to hype it up in the commercials and brochures like it's one of the tallest coasters in the world, but once you get to the top it goes inside the mountain and you really can't tell how high you are because you're flying around like a maniac in the dark (like Space Mountain). After that it was over to Khali River Rapids and a healthy douche of theme park water from head to toe. We also went on the Kiliminjaro Safari ride which was cool and they had it set up like the African plains.
Well, now I'm just gonna hit the highlights since as we all know, a day at the theme park is long and not great stuff to really get into detail. Let me talk about the attractions. Soarin' was a lot of fun. It's like a glider simulator where you're flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, mountains, orange groves, and trees. You feel the breeze and even smell the oranges and trees. You sit in a seat raised off the floor and placed out over a large IMAX style screen.
I thought Rock'n Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith was a big disappointment. It goes fast, but that's about all there was to it. The same kind of goes for Test Track, but it was a little more fun.
Mission To Mars made me feel kind of light headed and really wasn't much fun.
The three rides that we got on more than anything were three classics. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and of course, Space Mountain.
Besides the coasters we went to a lot of the 3D shows and older rides, like It's A Small, Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventure, The Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, The Carousel of Progress, and many more.
It was a fantastic time. By the end of it though I had blisters on the bottoms of both of my feet. Next time, I need to bring a better pair of sneakers.
Tags: Blogging Vacation Disney World Family
Last Wednesday was the longest day at work that I can remember in a long time, simply because I was waiting to run out the door and start my vacation the following morning. Eventually, the workday ended and I went home and got all my things together for the trip to Orlando the next morning. I slept, but not as well as I usually do. I was obviously anxious to start the journey 5 and a half hours Southeast and start getting on some thrill rides.
Crystal woke up at around 6am to make a large breakfast before we hit the road. I didn't rise and get dressed until about 7:30am. When I did shuffle out into the kitchen there was french toast and cream of wheat already made and waiting to be eaten. I inhaled about 5 pieces of french toast and a bowl and a half of cream of wheat. Yep, it was good.
I packed the car with our two bags (a suitcase and a large duffle bag), our MP3 players, a cooler filled with PowerAde and water, and a box full of potato chips and other delectable snack foods. We were off and running. Things were going quite smoothly... too smoothly.
Crystal decided to take the driver's seat for the trip down to Orlando. Which is fine by me, because after breakfast I was quite ready to go back to sleep. I didn't go back to sleep though. I sat in the passenger seat and talked to Crystal most of the way. When we weren't talking I was playing with my MP3 player. I played a good amount of Styx, Weezer, and assorted 80s hits. Once I tired of that I went through the radio stations which weren't very fruitful. We were able to listen to Fort Minor's Where'd You Go about three times in a row by simply changing the station after it ended each time (that song is getting a lot of play).
And then about three quarters of the way to Orlando something happened. It seemed very much like an omen at the time, to turn around and head back. As were rounding a very long curve on I-75 in our small sized, lowriding Ford Escort SE, we both looked ahead in our lane and saw a shredded tire from an 18-wheeler. Not a large piece of a tire - the whole freakin' thing! As we flew toward it at a speed somewhere near 75mph, we both seemed to clench for the impact. Even though the radio was on, it seemed like 3 whole seconds of complete silence as the tire disappeared from view as we began to go over it. I could feel the scraping "clud" as the rubber hit the underside of the passenger side floorboards and the car gave a slight jolt up and forward. We both turned and looked back at the tire and let out our breath. We got lucky, nothing happened to the car.
When we got to Orlando we didn't go straight to the hotel room. We went to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We went there for our honeymoon two years earlier and this year we decided to get annual passes since we plan to start going on a regular basis now that Crystal's working and we both love the parks and the rides.
First, we got our annual pass IDs made. Mine looks very much like my Drivers' License: like a serial killer's mugshot on the 11 o'clock news.
Then we hit the park. Our day was already half over so we decided to only hit the biggies. We went into Universal Studios first and got on the Mummy's Revenge. If you haven't ridden it, I highly recommend it. Then it was over to Islands of Adventure to get on The Hulk, and Spider-Man 3D. We were planning to ride Dueling Dragons as well, but it was closed for some reason. Shortly after eating at the NASCAR Cafe there on City Walk, we went to the hotel to check in.
Our room was very nice compared to what we usually get when we go to Orlando on a budget. Our room at the Best Western had two double beds, a large TV, and a Fridge. The drapes, sheets, and carpeting were all very clean and neat. We were both very tired and went to sleep after taking showers. It had been a long full day and we needed some rest for Disney World the next day.
Almost everytime I would begin to fall asleep Crystal would yell over to me that I was snoring and that she couldn't sleep because of it. Yes, I do snore. And when I'm extremely tired I really saw logs. She tossed and turned until I tried to stay awake so she could fall asleep. Eventually we both were dreaming. But when the alarm went off in the morning, I was dead tired.
We got dressed and headed out to the car to head to breakfast. "Aw, great!!", I said when I saw the rear drivers' side tire completely flat on the car. "We have a flat tire,"
"What?! Noooo!!!" Crystal knew exactly what pitch to hit to make it feel like an international crisis.
She went into the room to get a phonebook to look for service stations and Wal-Marts, and I got the jack and spare out of the trunk. About 15 minutes later we were driving to the Wal-Mart about 15 minutes away. I was completely covered in sweat and I still couldn't seem to wake up. Well, $64 later I was slightly awakened. Afterward, we drove to Disney's Animal Kingdom to meet Crystal's sister and her family.
They coordinated their vacation with ours and we both decided to go to the parks and do the rides together. Once we got there and met up with them the day really began and after that the trip never went South again. It was completely smooth sailing after the tire, but at the time I was beginning to think that this was going to turn into a National Lampoon's Vacation and when we got to the park it was going to be closed or some other crazy scenario. Thank goodness, I was wrong.
The very first thing we rode was Expedition Everest. The newest ride in all the parks. They try to hype it up in the commercials and brochures like it's one of the tallest coasters in the world, but once you get to the top it goes inside the mountain and you really can't tell how high you are because you're flying around like a maniac in the dark (like Space Mountain). After that it was over to Khali River Rapids and a healthy douche of theme park water from head to toe. We also went on the Kiliminjaro Safari ride which was cool and they had it set up like the African plains.
Well, now I'm just gonna hit the highlights since as we all know, a day at the theme park is long and not great stuff to really get into detail. Let me talk about the attractions. Soarin' was a lot of fun. It's like a glider simulator where you're flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, mountains, orange groves, and trees. You feel the breeze and even smell the oranges and trees. You sit in a seat raised off the floor and placed out over a large IMAX style screen.
I thought Rock'n Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith was a big disappointment. It goes fast, but that's about all there was to it. The same kind of goes for Test Track, but it was a little more fun.
Mission To Mars made me feel kind of light headed and really wasn't much fun.
The three rides that we got on more than anything were three classics. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and of course, Space Mountain.
Besides the coasters we went to a lot of the 3D shows and older rides, like It's A Small, Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventure, The Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, The Carousel of Progress, and many more.
It was a fantastic time. By the end of it though I had blisters on the bottoms of both of my feet. Next time, I need to bring a better pair of sneakers.
Tags: Blogging Vacation Disney World Family
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Vacation Photos '06
I am planning to give a rundown of the trip, but today I'm just gonna chill before heading back to work tomorrow. But in the meantime, here are some pictures form the trip. Enjoy!
Above: Splash Mountain, of course.
This is a FilmLoop from PhotoBucket. If you have FilmLoop, or click on the loop to download it (it's free), you can see the fullsized photos if you want.
Tags: Blogging Photoblogging Vacation Disney World Family
Above: Splash Mountain, of course.
This is a FilmLoop from PhotoBucket. If you have FilmLoop, or click on the loop to download it (it's free), you can see the fullsized photos if you want.
Tags: Blogging Photoblogging Vacation Disney World Family
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
"I'm going to DisneyWorld!"
Actually, I'll be going to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure also... but those parks don't have people whose heads I can digitally place in jars.
(Yes, I know that Walt Disney didn't actually have his head cryogenically frozen, but what the hey! It makes an interesting picture.)
I'm off from the 18th - 23rd, I'll be coming back on the 22nd. So I'll be back to give everyone the details(with some pictures, of course) in about a week. See ya then!
Tags: Blogging Vacation Disney World humor fun
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The Da Vinci Code controversy
I guess the first thing I have to ask is - why? What is the big controversy about the Da Vinci Code?
Before the new movie was made, I read the book. You probably remember about a year ago, maybe, when everyone was talking about it and everyone was reading it. Well, I was one of those readers. And after I read it, I'd have to say that I liked it. I thought it was an interesting, fast-paced read with some cool little puzzles and crap in it, and it had an interesting resolution, I thought. Afterword, I read Dan Brown's Angels & Demons (which, if it were made into a movie would probably be much more controversial) and I felt like I had been taken a bit. They were damn near the same book!(sighs) But back to Da Vinci Code...
It's members of the Christian community (which I'm a part of) that find a problem with the book. Many seem to feel that the book presents some contradicting views of Christian history and theology as fact and that bothers them. I can understand that in some regards. But the problem with that is the fact that the book is clearly fiction. It is a fiction book. FICTION BOOK. What am I missing here?
It's almost like watching the freaks come out into the sun all over again like during the initial Harry Potter controversy. Why, people?! What is wrong with Harry Potter?! Did your parents act like this when the Wizard of Oz came out?! I doubt it.
I just don't understand sometimes, the battles that people choose to fight.
As far as the movie is concerned here is a link to one of the first movie reviews. I'm not sure if I'm going to see it at the theater since I've already read the book, but I'm thinking about it.
Tags: Da Vinci Code Opinion Religion Movies
Before the new movie was made, I read the book. You probably remember about a year ago, maybe, when everyone was talking about it and everyone was reading it. Well, I was one of those readers. And after I read it, I'd have to say that I liked it. I thought it was an interesting, fast-paced read with some cool little puzzles and crap in it, and it had an interesting resolution, I thought. Afterword, I read Dan Brown's Angels & Demons (which, if it were made into a movie would probably be much more controversial) and I felt like I had been taken a bit. They were damn near the same book!(sighs) But back to Da Vinci Code...
It's members of the Christian community (which I'm a part of) that find a problem with the book. Many seem to feel that the book presents some contradicting views of Christian history and theology as fact and that bothers them. I can understand that in some regards. But the problem with that is the fact that the book is clearly fiction. It is a fiction book. FICTION BOOK. What am I missing here?
It's almost like watching the freaks come out into the sun all over again like during the initial Harry Potter controversy. Why, people?! What is wrong with Harry Potter?! Did your parents act like this when the Wizard of Oz came out?! I doubt it.
I just don't understand sometimes, the battles that people choose to fight.
As far as the movie is concerned here is a link to one of the first movie reviews. I'm not sure if I'm going to see it at the theater since I've already read the book, but I'm thinking about it.
Tags: Da Vinci Code Opinion Religion Movies
President Bush's immigration speech
I'm not sure how many people watched President Bush's speech on television last night, but I was only able to catch about the last five minutes of it since I somehow completely forgot it was coming.
Today, when I got the chance, I went online and read the entire oration. And I had a few thoughts on the subject.
I can't say that much of what he said was new because I'm pretty sure I've heard most of what he said before. Although in his speech many of the strategic points were finally clearly stated - like the eventual end of "catch and release", the worker IDs, and the ability for illegals to work toward citizenship, but not blanket amnesty. Also, the use of National Guard troops at the border was stated in his speech. He also said that the Guard are not to be militarizing the border, but basically in a support capacity for the Border Patrol. I know a lot of people didn't like the use of Guard troops being mentioned as many feel that we're already stretched too thin in that respect. The number of Guard troops that the President gave, however, would only be about 2% of the country's Guard forces.
Overall, it was a middle-of-the-road-soluton speech, I feel. Guard troops and "no amnesty" to appease the hardline conservatives, and "a chance for citizenship" and "no mass expulsions of the illegals already here" for the liberals. Still it would seem that there are people unhappy on both sides.
There are GOP members who say anything short of arrest is amnesty, and you have liberals who are saying that Bush is simply pandering to both sides(I thought that's what a solution was supposed to do?). I find both groups completely contemptible, myself. Neither really wants to find a middle ground, they're more interested in winning the argument.
I did go around the internet a bit today to see the reaction to the speech and I have to say it was kind of funny. On the conservative side there really wasn't much to read. It was kind of a collective "eh", if you will.
Whereas on the liberal side they seemed to be stark raving mad. When some of the comments on AirAmericaRadio and it's message board compared Bush's speeches with those of Adolf Hitler, I almost had to laugh! What a bunch of f*cking whack jobs, man.
Now, if you're a liberal and/or a Democrat, that's fine, I have no problem with that. But don't expect anyone to take you seriously when you start to say things like that. It's impossible to listen to someone reasonably when they get into that territory. It shows a lack of a deductive thought process and ignorance. Shouting that the other guy is narrowminded because he holds a different political opinion is simply "the pot calling the kettle black".
As far as my own view of politics is concern it's a lot like this:
The late great Bill Hicks summed it up best when he said that when you're deciding to vote for either a Democrat or a Republican you're basically saying,"I believe the puppet on the left expresses my views... No wait, I feel like the puppet on the right shares my political opinons... Hey wait! One guy is holding both puppets!" (a loud voice comes over a p.a. system) "Go back to sleep, America. Everything is fine. Go back to sleep, America,"
That pretty much sums it up for me and politics. Do you wanna vote for Coke? Or would you pefer Pepsi?
As far as the President's speech is concerned, I'd have to say it made sense to me. I honestly don't care about the issue that much and if what he said will shut everyone up, good - do it!
And if people are still up in arms at this point, I'd have to say screw 'em. You can't please everybody.
Agree? Disagree? I'm always open to hear what others think.
Tags: Politics Bush Immigration Opinion
Today, when I got the chance, I went online and read the entire oration. And I had a few thoughts on the subject.
I can't say that much of what he said was new because I'm pretty sure I've heard most of what he said before. Although in his speech many of the strategic points were finally clearly stated - like the eventual end of "catch and release", the worker IDs, and the ability for illegals to work toward citizenship, but not blanket amnesty. Also, the use of National Guard troops at the border was stated in his speech. He also said that the Guard are not to be militarizing the border, but basically in a support capacity for the Border Patrol. I know a lot of people didn't like the use of Guard troops being mentioned as many feel that we're already stretched too thin in that respect. The number of Guard troops that the President gave, however, would only be about 2% of the country's Guard forces.
Overall, it was a middle-of-the-road-soluton speech, I feel. Guard troops and "no amnesty" to appease the hardline conservatives, and "a chance for citizenship" and "no mass expulsions of the illegals already here" for the liberals. Still it would seem that there are people unhappy on both sides.
There are GOP members who say anything short of arrest is amnesty, and you have liberals who are saying that Bush is simply pandering to both sides(I thought that's what a solution was supposed to do?). I find both groups completely contemptible, myself. Neither really wants to find a middle ground, they're more interested in winning the argument.
I did go around the internet a bit today to see the reaction to the speech and I have to say it was kind of funny. On the conservative side there really wasn't much to read. It was kind of a collective "eh", if you will.
Whereas on the liberal side they seemed to be stark raving mad. When some of the comments on AirAmericaRadio and it's message board compared Bush's speeches with those of Adolf Hitler, I almost had to laugh! What a bunch of f*cking whack jobs, man.
Now, if you're a liberal and/or a Democrat, that's fine, I have no problem with that. But don't expect anyone to take you seriously when you start to say things like that. It's impossible to listen to someone reasonably when they get into that territory. It shows a lack of a deductive thought process and ignorance. Shouting that the other guy is narrowminded because he holds a different political opinion is simply "the pot calling the kettle black".
As far as my own view of politics is concern it's a lot like this:
The late great Bill Hicks summed it up best when he said that when you're deciding to vote for either a Democrat or a Republican you're basically saying,"I believe the puppet on the left expresses my views... No wait, I feel like the puppet on the right shares my political opinons... Hey wait! One guy is holding both puppets!" (a loud voice comes over a p.a. system) "Go back to sleep, America. Everything is fine. Go back to sleep, America,"
That pretty much sums it up for me and politics. Do you wanna vote for Coke? Or would you pefer Pepsi?
As far as the President's speech is concerned, I'd have to say it made sense to me. I honestly don't care about the issue that much and if what he said will shut everyone up, good - do it!
And if people are still up in arms at this point, I'd have to say screw 'em. You can't please everybody.
Agree? Disagree? I'm always open to hear what others think.
Tags: Politics Bush Immigration Opinion
Monday, May 15, 2006
Anniversary
Today is my 2 year anniversary. We've had our "ups and downs".
All kidding aside, they've been 2 of the best years of my life. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because it's what brought me to where I am now, and to Crystal (the undisputed Worlds Greatest Wife).
Also, about Mothers Day yesterday. I cooked a ton chicken, but when we got over there nothing else was done. We ended up eating much later than we were suppose to even though I did my part. By the time we ate, the chicken was cold. Crystal also made a large macaroni and cheese, and a pasta salad. Besides the late start it was a decent day.
All kidding aside, they've been 2 of the best years of my life. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because it's what brought me to where I am now, and to Crystal (the undisputed Worlds Greatest Wife).
Also, about Mothers Day yesterday. I cooked a ton chicken, but when we got over there nothing else was done. We ended up eating much later than we were suppose to even though I did my part. By the time we ate, the chicken was cold. Crystal also made a large macaroni and cheese, and a pasta salad. Besides the late start it was a decent day.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Mexico Beach
I finally went to the beach for the first time this summer. We decided to go to Mexico Beach about 45 minutes East of Panama City.
It would be nice to go to the beach here, but it's gotten overtaken with condos and people from out-of-town. Sorry, but I refuse to fight for a piece of the beach with a bunch of rednecks and snowbirds. I'd rather move on to another spot. Besides that, Mexico Beach has Panama City Beach beat by a mile. It's cleaner, quieter, and the people aren't as loud and obnoxious.
We took the radio, the sunblock, and some water and drinks. Crystal won't get in the water, she only wants to get a tan. I find that ridiculous, but I'm a Puerto Rican - I must swim! I got in the water and swam up and down the shore for a little while. The only irritating thing I can think of was an elderly couple fishing not too far from where I was swimming. I knew exactly what I was going to say if I got a fish hook in the hand, but luckily it never came to that.
After a couple hours of sunning and swimming, we went for a walk down the beach and looked for shells (nothing this time). We walked back, I swam one more time, and then we packed it up.
It was a good time. The water was perfect for a refreshing swim and the temperature was a breezy 80 degrees. While we were there I snapped a couple pictures.
My favorite photo...
There's nothing cuter than a woman enjoying her juice pouch at the beach.
Tomorrow's Mother's Day and I have to get up in the morning to grill a bunch of chicken for a cook-out at my Mother-in-law's house. I'm sure I'll have something to say about it afterword.
It would be nice to go to the beach here, but it's gotten overtaken with condos and people from out-of-town. Sorry, but I refuse to fight for a piece of the beach with a bunch of rednecks and snowbirds. I'd rather move on to another spot. Besides that, Mexico Beach has Panama City Beach beat by a mile. It's cleaner, quieter, and the people aren't as loud and obnoxious.
We took the radio, the sunblock, and some water and drinks. Crystal won't get in the water, she only wants to get a tan. I find that ridiculous, but I'm a Puerto Rican - I must swim! I got in the water and swam up and down the shore for a little while. The only irritating thing I can think of was an elderly couple fishing not too far from where I was swimming. I knew exactly what I was going to say if I got a fish hook in the hand, but luckily it never came to that.
After a couple hours of sunning and swimming, we went for a walk down the beach and looked for shells (nothing this time). We walked back, I swam one more time, and then we packed it up.
It was a good time. The water was perfect for a refreshing swim and the temperature was a breezy 80 degrees. While we were there I snapped a couple pictures.
My favorite photo...
There's nothing cuter than a woman enjoying her juice pouch at the beach.
Tomorrow's Mother's Day and I have to get up in the morning to grill a bunch of chicken for a cook-out at my Mother-in-law's house. I'm sure I'll have something to say about it afterword.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Cotton Top sighting
The scientific name is "constantus-turn-signalus", or the more commonly used "Cotton Top". An elderly driver with the nimble and agile reflexes of a drunken rhino.
I spotted this one on the way home wandering to and fro. She was in no big hurry to get to the end of the road. Why hurry? The speed limit is only 35mph. I mean, why we're at it why don't we drive... 25mph! After all, we're only on our way to look at the extensive collection of pantyhose at Walgreens.
Sh*t!
But just because we're driving at 25 in a 35 doesn't mean we need to come to a smooth stop. If we're going to have fun we need to apply the brakes suddenly when we're 10 to 15 feet from the car in front of us. As a Cotton Top we need to confuse and frighten anyone within 100 yards of our death machine, er... vehicle.
I HATE OLD PEOPLE!!!
I'm sorry, I take that back. I hate elderly people with access to personal transportation.
Why aren't these people in a hurry?! If anyone should be in a rush it should be them. The Grim Reaper of Death is only within arms reach of you! You need to move your ass! He could get a hand inside the back of your shirt collar and pull you down at any moment! Run, dammit, run! You're never gonna make it to Goody's in time for the wool dress suit sale!
And while you're doing that, get out of my way or take the damn bus!
(sighs) Thank you.
I spotted this one on the way home wandering to and fro. She was in no big hurry to get to the end of the road. Why hurry? The speed limit is only 35mph. I mean, why we're at it why don't we drive... 25mph! After all, we're only on our way to look at the extensive collection of pantyhose at Walgreens.
Sh*t!
But just because we're driving at 25 in a 35 doesn't mean we need to come to a smooth stop. If we're going to have fun we need to apply the brakes suddenly when we're 10 to 15 feet from the car in front of us. As a Cotton Top we need to confuse and frighten anyone within 100 yards of our death machine, er... vehicle.
I HATE OLD PEOPLE!!!
I'm sorry, I take that back. I hate elderly people with access to personal transportation.
Why aren't these people in a hurry?! If anyone should be in a rush it should be them. The Grim Reaper of Death is only within arms reach of you! You need to move your ass! He could get a hand inside the back of your shirt collar and pull you down at any moment! Run, dammit, run! You're never gonna make it to Goody's in time for the wool dress suit sale!
And while you're doing that, get out of my way or take the damn bus!
(sighs) Thank you.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Running on empty
Damn, this week is slowly sucking me dry! I can't really explain it - yes, I can.
Sunday night was fine. Skip that.
Monday night was the beginning. Had a great day and a great night out. But, when we arrived at the house around 10:20pm it started to go downhill. We made it home before a major storm blew through and did some damage around town. The rain was coming down sideways all night, beating off the sliding glass doors and the windows. Then it began to hail. Shortly after the hail, the power went out. That was around midnight.
Slowly but surely it began to get hotter and hotter until I could barely stand it. At the same time lightning flashes outside were lighting up the room every 10 to 15 seconds. It was like a bad acid trip.
Eventually, the power came back on around 4am, which didn't help much since I was finally just starting to fall asleep again. I listened to some things click around and light up around the house as the juice came back and then I tried to roll over and get back to sleeping. My alarm was supposed to go off at 6am. It didn't. Not because I forgot to reset it. It has batteries in it as well as being plugged into the wall so I don't have to. I knew I didn't have to reset it because while the power was gone it was still working. But the strangest thing happened. It seemed to reset my alarm even though it kept the time. Arrgghh!!!
I woke up around 7:15am. I had to be at work at 8am. I washed my face, brushed, my hair, did the Listerine thing and went out the door. When I got to the office there wasn't a single co-workers' car in the parking lot and I simply thought,"everyone must be running late too,"
How naive, Rene. How naive.
As I'm unlocking the alleyway door into the office (I'm a backdoor man), I get a call on my work phone.
"Are you at the office yet?"
"I'm just walking in." I unlock the door and walk in. All the lights are off in the place. At the very moment that I'm realizing that the power hasn't come back to the office, I hear on my phone,"There's no power at the office yet, Rene. No one's there. I'd call back about every two hours until we find out something,"
F*ck.
So, I get back in my Ford Exploder (that's not a typo) and head back to my apartment. By the time I get home I begin to feel the fatigue from my sleepless hot sweaty night of tossing and turning. I sit down and have a bowl of cereal since I'm home. Halfway through my bowl of CoCoa Krispies I get the call to come back to the office, the power was finally back. Ugh.
When I get back to the office I walk in the front doors to see that for some reason the carpeting at the entrance is soaked to the bone. You see, the entire facade of the the office entrance is a glass wall basically, with some vertical blinds. The company name is on the glass outside - it looks rather nice. The drawback, however, is that this is an OLD building and there seems to be a sealant problem between the bottom of the glass wall and the inside of the office. As the rain came sweeping down and the wind blew it against the face of the office building throughout the night, it actually swept the water right under the glass and into the building, into the carpet. It made a nice "squish, squoosh" sound when I walked in.
When I got in my office I had to flip on the switch on my gigantoid surge protector next to my computer to get started. As I was sitting there I noticed that my phone, which hadn't been displaying on the LCD for about three months, was working! I guess it just needed a few bolts of lightning up the old wazoo.
Anyway, since then I've slept like crap all week and for some reason can't seem to fall asleep before 11am. I'm a bit of a zombie at this point really. Which is why I'm sitting here writing this, I suppose.
Hopefully, I'll hit a wall soon and can catch up on some sleep. If anything good can come out of this, at least my phone is working again... thank you, Satan. You smug bastard.
Sunday night was fine. Skip that.
Monday night was the beginning. Had a great day and a great night out. But, when we arrived at the house around 10:20pm it started to go downhill. We made it home before a major storm blew through and did some damage around town. The rain was coming down sideways all night, beating off the sliding glass doors and the windows. Then it began to hail. Shortly after the hail, the power went out. That was around midnight.
Slowly but surely it began to get hotter and hotter until I could barely stand it. At the same time lightning flashes outside were lighting up the room every 10 to 15 seconds. It was like a bad acid trip.
Eventually, the power came back on around 4am, which didn't help much since I was finally just starting to fall asleep again. I listened to some things click around and light up around the house as the juice came back and then I tried to roll over and get back to sleeping. My alarm was supposed to go off at 6am. It didn't. Not because I forgot to reset it. It has batteries in it as well as being plugged into the wall so I don't have to. I knew I didn't have to reset it because while the power was gone it was still working. But the strangest thing happened. It seemed to reset my alarm even though it kept the time. Arrgghh!!!
I woke up around 7:15am. I had to be at work at 8am. I washed my face, brushed, my hair, did the Listerine thing and went out the door. When I got to the office there wasn't a single co-workers' car in the parking lot and I simply thought,"everyone must be running late too,"
How naive, Rene. How naive.
As I'm unlocking the alleyway door into the office (I'm a backdoor man), I get a call on my work phone.
"Are you at the office yet?"
"I'm just walking in." I unlock the door and walk in. All the lights are off in the place. At the very moment that I'm realizing that the power hasn't come back to the office, I hear on my phone,"There's no power at the office yet, Rene. No one's there. I'd call back about every two hours until we find out something,"
F*ck.
So, I get back in my Ford Exploder (that's not a typo) and head back to my apartment. By the time I get home I begin to feel the fatigue from my sleepless hot sweaty night of tossing and turning. I sit down and have a bowl of cereal since I'm home. Halfway through my bowl of CoCoa Krispies I get the call to come back to the office, the power was finally back. Ugh.
When I get back to the office I walk in the front doors to see that for some reason the carpeting at the entrance is soaked to the bone. You see, the entire facade of the the office entrance is a glass wall basically, with some vertical blinds. The company name is on the glass outside - it looks rather nice. The drawback, however, is that this is an OLD building and there seems to be a sealant problem between the bottom of the glass wall and the inside of the office. As the rain came sweeping down and the wind blew it against the face of the office building throughout the night, it actually swept the water right under the glass and into the building, into the carpet. It made a nice "squish, squoosh" sound when I walked in.
When I got in my office I had to flip on the switch on my gigantoid surge protector next to my computer to get started. As I was sitting there I noticed that my phone, which hadn't been displaying on the LCD for about three months, was working! I guess it just needed a few bolts of lightning up the old wazoo.
Anyway, since then I've slept like crap all week and for some reason can't seem to fall asleep before 11am. I'm a bit of a zombie at this point really. Which is why I'm sitting here writing this, I suppose.
Hopefully, I'll hit a wall soon and can catch up on some sleep. If anything good can come out of this, at least my phone is working again... thank you, Satan. You smug bastard.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Random Thoughts 05-09-06
The majority of breakfast cereals look something like this.
This is the human equivalent to dog food.
Styx in Panama City, FL
I went to the Styx concert last night here in Panama City.
I was fairly excited to hear that Styx was coming to Panama City since we don't exactly draw very many entertainers or acts that I have much interest in shelling out money to see (Gallagher, Sinbad, George Jones with Confederate Railroad, etc). Styx, on the other hand, are one of my all-time favorite rock groups. They had great musicianship and some of the most uplifting rock songs of their era. Plus Tommy Shaw kicks ass.
So, I got my tickets shortly after hearing about the show on the classic rock station two months ago and in that time between getting my seats and the show itself, I listened to a few of my CDs and waited. In fact, I forgot about the show until about last week when I started hearing the DJs hype the concert again.
The show was supposed to start at 7pm. So, we drove downtown and parked near my company's office, a few blocks from the arena, about an hour before showtime. We decided that it would be easier to get out after the show if we were parked somewhere outside the arena and not trying to beat some crowd. It paid off after the show too. I would've taken my camera with me, but Cystal was positive that I wouldn't be allowed to take it in. I was pissed when I saw everyone taking pictures (I forgive you, Crystal).
When we got to the building there was naturally people there already. There was a lot of people there who were obviously older (40s-50s) as I was expecting. I mean, Styx was in there prime in the late 70s to early 80s. None the less, there were some teenagers and some people in their 20s like myself. The majority of the crowd were Baby Boomers though. I was kind of hoping for that anyway. I didn't want to have to see a show with a bunch of young obnoxious a**holes who probably only knew one song.
When we got inside there was a t-shirt stand and a bar in the lobby. Some of the other concert goers seemed to have hit the liquor cabinet before coming down to the show anyway and it seemed like most of the people getting drinks were just maintaining the buzz they brought with them. I also got a better look at some of the people. Let me say to those that might fear that the mullet is extinct: it is alive and well and it's in Panama City, Florida. So is 80s mallrat hair. I think a lot of these people were single in the mid 80s, met their significant other, and then both got frozen in time to come to the Styx concert in 2006. Some guys and girls need to learn how to transition with the times just a little bit better, ya know?
The ushers were all women (possibly from the monothilic age) in white jackets with bow ties and flashlights. Thankfully, we were able to avoid them and find our seats on our own because I think it would have taken 3 times as long with their assistance. I did get a kick out of watching them feel around in the dim lighting, even with flashlights, trying to read the numbers on the section/rows to find people's seats.
Our seats were in the middle section in the middle of the last row on the floor which were actually great seats. We had the most elevated seats on the floor, we could stand up anytime during the show, and we were still really close to the stage. I saw maybe a half dozen people near our section who were either plastered or stoned before the show started and I got a kick out of watching the sideshow of one short drunken middle-aged man yell for the show to start about 20 minutes before it was suppose to begin.
The opener was a local band called Hand Honey, an alternative rock-style band made-up of guys that go to the community college. They have kind of a small cult following in the city and play a lot of the bars and clubs on the beach throughout the year and a few shows around the Southeast states. They weren't bad. The musicianship was alright and the songs had some pretty good melodies, but the lead singer's vocals had so much reverb that I think I heard a handful of words the entire time he sang. They did about 30 minutes and then left the stage.
Then some local DJs killed some time pimping out their radio contests and talking about something I can't remember while the roadies got the stage ready for Styx. Then at 8pm, Styx came out on stage by appearing on a platform behind and above the drum riser. They didn't waste any time and opened with Blue Collar Man. Right after that they went into Grand Illusion.
The majority of the show was basically every Styx hit. They did sneak in some newer stuff, like One With Everyting, and a song they wrote to be performed with a full orchestra and choir soon.
In the middle of the show the drummer, Todd Sucherman, and the band went through an amazing 18 song medley. It covered a majority of their mid 80s material (which I'm guessing they didn't feel like playing, but didn't want to disappoint anyone). Mr. Roboto was one of the many songs.
During the show, James JY Young and Tommy Shaw were all over the stage and I don't think a single song was played exactly like the album. They went off on so many solos and breakdowns that a few times I forgot what song they were playing. But it was great stuff and the sound in the arena blew any of the studio recordings out of the water. I was trying to get my ears to pop in between a few song though. Lawrence Gowan, Dennis DeYoung's replacement, had a setup which was pretty cool with a spinning organ platform and lights covering the face of it. There seemed to be a smoke machine underneath it as well, but that may have just been the arena.
They closed the show with Come Sail Away, and the entire arena was on their feet singing along. Confetti was blasted out over the audience at the end and the band left the stage. An "encore" chant started and shortly after they came back out and played Renegade. It was an awesome show. They threw some beach balls into the crowd, some frisbees, and even some towels with Styx logos (they were kind enough to make true concert souveniers out of the towels by wiping their faces with them before tossing them to the crowd).
And it was the perfect end to a great day yesterday. I had found out earlier in the day that Crystal's starting pay at her job is astronomical, and also we found a bigger apartment right here in the complex where we live. I was in such a good mood, I can't remember the last time I felt so good. It had been awhile. During Come Sail Away, I was thinking about the day, the great news, the amazing show, and I caught a glimpse of Crystal beside me. In the moment while I was thinking about how amazing things were turning out for us and the beginning of our new journey with her career starting and everything, I began to get choked up. I seriously thought I was gonna start crying for a second. Then I pulled my sh*t together and continued singing.
During the walk back to the car, we both agreed that even DisneyWorld (where we're going in about a week) couldn't top that show, or the day. We'd take 5 days like this over 5 at DisneyWorld any day.
So, in short - if Styx comes to town, I say check 'em out. It's well worth it.
Grand Illusion and Lights (two of my favorites)
I was fairly excited to hear that Styx was coming to Panama City since we don't exactly draw very many entertainers or acts that I have much interest in shelling out money to see (Gallagher, Sinbad, George Jones with Confederate Railroad, etc). Styx, on the other hand, are one of my all-time favorite rock groups. They had great musicianship and some of the most uplifting rock songs of their era. Plus Tommy Shaw kicks ass.
So, I got my tickets shortly after hearing about the show on the classic rock station two months ago and in that time between getting my seats and the show itself, I listened to a few of my CDs and waited. In fact, I forgot about the show until about last week when I started hearing the DJs hype the concert again.
The show was supposed to start at 7pm. So, we drove downtown and parked near my company's office, a few blocks from the arena, about an hour before showtime. We decided that it would be easier to get out after the show if we were parked somewhere outside the arena and not trying to beat some crowd. It paid off after the show too. I would've taken my camera with me, but Cystal was positive that I wouldn't be allowed to take it in. I was pissed when I saw everyone taking pictures (I forgive you, Crystal).
When we got to the building there was naturally people there already. There was a lot of people there who were obviously older (40s-50s) as I was expecting. I mean, Styx was in there prime in the late 70s to early 80s. None the less, there were some teenagers and some people in their 20s like myself. The majority of the crowd were Baby Boomers though. I was kind of hoping for that anyway. I didn't want to have to see a show with a bunch of young obnoxious a**holes who probably only knew one song.
When we got inside there was a t-shirt stand and a bar in the lobby. Some of the other concert goers seemed to have hit the liquor cabinet before coming down to the show anyway and it seemed like most of the people getting drinks were just maintaining the buzz they brought with them. I also got a better look at some of the people. Let me say to those that might fear that the mullet is extinct: it is alive and well and it's in Panama City, Florida. So is 80s mallrat hair. I think a lot of these people were single in the mid 80s, met their significant other, and then both got frozen in time to come to the Styx concert in 2006. Some guys and girls need to learn how to transition with the times just a little bit better, ya know?
The ushers were all women (possibly from the monothilic age) in white jackets with bow ties and flashlights. Thankfully, we were able to avoid them and find our seats on our own because I think it would have taken 3 times as long with their assistance. I did get a kick out of watching them feel around in the dim lighting, even with flashlights, trying to read the numbers on the section/rows to find people's seats.
Our seats were in the middle section in the middle of the last row on the floor which were actually great seats. We had the most elevated seats on the floor, we could stand up anytime during the show, and we were still really close to the stage. I saw maybe a half dozen people near our section who were either plastered or stoned before the show started and I got a kick out of watching the sideshow of one short drunken middle-aged man yell for the show to start about 20 minutes before it was suppose to begin.
The opener was a local band called Hand Honey, an alternative rock-style band made-up of guys that go to the community college. They have kind of a small cult following in the city and play a lot of the bars and clubs on the beach throughout the year and a few shows around the Southeast states. They weren't bad. The musicianship was alright and the songs had some pretty good melodies, but the lead singer's vocals had so much reverb that I think I heard a handful of words the entire time he sang. They did about 30 minutes and then left the stage.
Then some local DJs killed some time pimping out their radio contests and talking about something I can't remember while the roadies got the stage ready for Styx. Then at 8pm, Styx came out on stage by appearing on a platform behind and above the drum riser. They didn't waste any time and opened with Blue Collar Man. Right after that they went into Grand Illusion.
The majority of the show was basically every Styx hit. They did sneak in some newer stuff, like One With Everyting, and a song they wrote to be performed with a full orchestra and choir soon.
In the middle of the show the drummer, Todd Sucherman, and the band went through an amazing 18 song medley. It covered a majority of their mid 80s material (which I'm guessing they didn't feel like playing, but didn't want to disappoint anyone). Mr. Roboto was one of the many songs.
During the show, James JY Young and Tommy Shaw were all over the stage and I don't think a single song was played exactly like the album. They went off on so many solos and breakdowns that a few times I forgot what song they were playing. But it was great stuff and the sound in the arena blew any of the studio recordings out of the water. I was trying to get my ears to pop in between a few song though. Lawrence Gowan, Dennis DeYoung's replacement, had a setup which was pretty cool with a spinning organ platform and lights covering the face of it. There seemed to be a smoke machine underneath it as well, but that may have just been the arena.
They closed the show with Come Sail Away, and the entire arena was on their feet singing along. Confetti was blasted out over the audience at the end and the band left the stage. An "encore" chant started and shortly after they came back out and played Renegade. It was an awesome show. They threw some beach balls into the crowd, some frisbees, and even some towels with Styx logos (they were kind enough to make true concert souveniers out of the towels by wiping their faces with them before tossing them to the crowd).
And it was the perfect end to a great day yesterday. I had found out earlier in the day that Crystal's starting pay at her job is astronomical, and also we found a bigger apartment right here in the complex where we live. I was in such a good mood, I can't remember the last time I felt so good. It had been awhile. During Come Sail Away, I was thinking about the day, the great news, the amazing show, and I caught a glimpse of Crystal beside me. In the moment while I was thinking about how amazing things were turning out for us and the beginning of our new journey with her career starting and everything, I began to get choked up. I seriously thought I was gonna start crying for a second. Then I pulled my sh*t together and continued singing.
During the walk back to the car, we both agreed that even DisneyWorld (where we're going in about a week) couldn't top that show, or the day. We'd take 5 days like this over 5 at DisneyWorld any day.
So, in short - if Styx comes to town, I say check 'em out. It's well worth it.
Sunday, May 7, 2006
Spring Break Jesus
Saw this guy in Shipwreck Limited out on the beach. If you're not religious I could see someone not drawing the same conclusion, but it struck me like that the second I saw it. I don't think it's intentional, just odd looking.
This is basically a filler post until I get back from the Styx concert at the Civic Arena.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
"Use the "race" card, Luke!"
Quick question: When did Jesse Jackson start looking like Yoda from Star Wars? Is it just me?
Friday, May 5, 2006
Thunder Beach
Panama City Beach is having their annual Thunder Beach motorcycle rally this weekend. We were out on the beach for one hot minute today and I took a few pics. I'm starting to act like Kirk, carrying my camera with me at all times. I'm glad too because I've been getting some good stuff lately.
I'm gonna have to get some more pictures and some better ones this weekend. It should be easy to get some since there are literally lines hundreds of feet long of motorcycles parked outside every business on the beach right now.
Even some of the signage around town has been tweaked for Thunder Beach, from the obvious "Welcome Thunder Beach" signs, to the more daring "Biker Owned And Operated" sign at the BP gas station.
Should be cool.
***UPDATE***
I was out on the beach with Crystal this morning so she could look in the beach and surf shops for a Superman visor to wear on our trip to Orlando. We were honestly looking specifically for a sun visor with a Superman logo. Which made about as much sense as me jumping out of bed and running out the door this morning to find a George Formena grill signed by Muhammed Ali - a little ridiculous.
Well, needless to say our search was fruitless. Although while we were out there I got a few more shots of the riders. I notice a few things about the whole scene as well, that I'd like to share.
1) There are more black bikers than you would think, or at least than I had thought. And they usually had the best looking white biker mamas.
2) There was a nice mix of weekend bikers and the "I just got out of prison for selling meth" bikers, at Thunder Beach.
3) Biker mamas, 9 times out of 10, aren't that attractive. I saw a lot of banana breasts and "mom butt" out there. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I like a girl whose belly doesn't stick out farther than her boobs. It's just my preference.
All joking aside, most of the men and women at Thunder Beach are pretty cool people. I do wish that more of them were wearing helmets and not taking advantage of the "no helmet" law in Florida. On our way back from the beach we saw an accident in the opposite lane, looked like tow or three bikes and a pickup truck, one man was down holding his leg which seemed to be broken and he was bleeding from the head. A woman was lying about 30 feet away from him face down on the road, not moving. On our way across the bridge back into town we saw at least three seperate ambulances heading to the beach. It happens every year.
But besides a few accidents, Thunder Beach is usually just a good time with loud bikes and discount beer specials at the clubs.
I'm gonna have to get some more pictures and some better ones this weekend. It should be easy to get some since there are literally lines hundreds of feet long of motorcycles parked outside every business on the beach right now.
Even some of the signage around town has been tweaked for Thunder Beach, from the obvious "Welcome Thunder Beach" signs, to the more daring "Biker Owned And Operated" sign at the BP gas station.
Should be cool.
I was out on the beach with Crystal this morning so she could look in the beach and surf shops for a Superman visor to wear on our trip to Orlando. We were honestly looking specifically for a sun visor with a Superman logo. Which made about as much sense as me jumping out of bed and running out the door this morning to find a George Formena grill signed by Muhammed Ali - a little ridiculous.
Well, needless to say our search was fruitless. Although while we were out there I got a few more shots of the riders. I notice a few things about the whole scene as well, that I'd like to share.
1) There are more black bikers than you would think, or at least than I had thought. And they usually had the best looking white biker mamas.
2) There was a nice mix of weekend bikers and the "I just got out of prison for selling meth" bikers, at Thunder Beach.
3) Biker mamas, 9 times out of 10, aren't that attractive. I saw a lot of banana breasts and "mom butt" out there. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I like a girl whose belly doesn't stick out farther than her boobs. It's just my preference.
All joking aside, most of the men and women at Thunder Beach are pretty cool people. I do wish that more of them were wearing helmets and not taking advantage of the "no helmet" law in Florida. On our way back from the beach we saw an accident in the opposite lane, looked like tow or three bikes and a pickup truck, one man was down holding his leg which seemed to be broken and he was bleeding from the head. A woman was lying about 30 feet away from him face down on the road, not moving. On our way across the bridge back into town we saw at least three seperate ambulances heading to the beach. It happens every year.
But besides a few accidents, Thunder Beach is usually just a good time with loud bikes and discount beer specials at the clubs.
Thursday, May 4, 2006
And now back to the news...
Got in a bit later than usual tonight. Crystal, my wife, had her graduation and pinning ceremony tonight to mark her completion of the Physical Therapists Assistant program. Thank God it's actually the very last graduation and she's completely finished with college after four years. I know she's been waiting for this day for a long time now and so have I. With it all said and done, I can't tell you how nice it's gonna be to have the two of us both bringing in money again.
There wasn't that much hoopla for the graduation, just a pinning ceremony, two awards to hand out (Crystal got the Spirit Award), a slideshow (which I put together for them), and some platters of food for the friends and family. In all, I think the whole deal was about an hour long. I took tons of pictures and I'll have go through them and post a few. Oh, also the college told me that they liked the slideshow that I put together so much that they plan to use it for a promotional tool on the college website, so that's kind of cool.
Other than that, I see there's been a bunch of different stories in the news today.
Let's see, uh...
Moussaoui was sentence to life in prison. I can see the message being sent by not executing Moussaoui and making a martyr out of the potato headed bastard. I can also see how some families could feel cheated.
Al Qaeda's No. 2 man, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi can't seem to work his weapon (that's what she said!). I think the footage the U.S. found came from Al Jazeera's Funniest Home Videos.
The Vatican excommunicated 4 Chinese Bishops. They were ordained without Vatican approval and now must go straight to Hell. At least that was the decision after the Pope got a call from God on his red emergency Pope-phone.
Bill Gates wishes he weren't so rich. You know, I'd like to have that complaint someday. Know what I'm saying?
According to Scott McClellan President Bush speaks el bad-o spanish-o. But reportedly this has not hampered his love of tacos. Also, apparently Stephen Colbert's (funny guy, by the way) routine at the White House press dinner didn't go over so well with W and the press in attendance, but I have to say I found it rather amusing. It was like Bush thought it was suppose to be a dinner and Colbert thought it was an episode of Yo Momma! I loved it, man.
And also, sadly Tiger Woods' father,Earl Woods, passed yesterday at the age of 74. He lived a very interesting life and wasn't a very demanding sports father, even though he helped his son become arguably the greatest to ever play the game. Probably one of the most fascinating obituaries that I've ever read.
And that's the news, folks! Lots of interesting things going on at once right now. I haven't really heard anything new in the Duke rape case since the New Black Panther party stepped onto the scene and made themselves look and sound fairly stupid on FOXnews (where else?), and on the Sean Hannity radio show (of course!). But I'm sure that will be a whole post unto itself in the future.
There wasn't that much hoopla for the graduation, just a pinning ceremony, two awards to hand out (Crystal got the Spirit Award), a slideshow (which I put together for them), and some platters of food for the friends and family. In all, I think the whole deal was about an hour long. I took tons of pictures and I'll have go through them and post a few. Oh, also the college told me that they liked the slideshow that I put together so much that they plan to use it for a promotional tool on the college website, so that's kind of cool.
Other than that, I see there's been a bunch of different stories in the news today.
Let's see, uh...
Moussaoui was sentence to life in prison. I can see the message being sent by not executing Moussaoui and making a martyr out of the potato headed bastard. I can also see how some families could feel cheated.
Al Qaeda's No. 2 man, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi can't seem to work his weapon (that's what she said!). I think the footage the U.S. found came from Al Jazeera's Funniest Home Videos.
The Vatican excommunicated 4 Chinese Bishops. They were ordained without Vatican approval and now must go straight to Hell. At least that was the decision after the Pope got a call from God on his red emergency Pope-phone.
Bill Gates wishes he weren't so rich. You know, I'd like to have that complaint someday. Know what I'm saying?
According to Scott McClellan President Bush speaks el bad-o spanish-o. But reportedly this has not hampered his love of tacos. Also, apparently Stephen Colbert's (funny guy, by the way) routine at the White House press dinner didn't go over so well with W and the press in attendance, but I have to say I found it rather amusing. It was like Bush thought it was suppose to be a dinner and Colbert thought it was an episode of Yo Momma! I loved it, man.
And also, sadly Tiger Woods' father,Earl Woods, passed yesterday at the age of 74. He lived a very interesting life and wasn't a very demanding sports father, even though he helped his son become arguably the greatest to ever play the game. Probably one of the most fascinating obituaries that I've ever read.
And that's the news, folks! Lots of interesting things going on at once right now. I haven't really heard anything new in the Duke rape case since the New Black Panther party stepped onto the scene and made themselves look and sound fairly stupid on FOXnews (where else?), and on the Sean Hannity radio show (of course!). But I'm sure that will be a whole post unto itself in the future.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Videoblog: Office Tour
I took a few pictures around my office today during work to give everyone an idea of what it's like where I'm at 8 to possibly 12 hours out of the day. I poked fun at some of the office supplies not working and a few other things about the place (it's an old buidling and seen better days, the company admits it), but I have to say I love my job and the people I work with, it's a great company to be with. Old equipment and all.
Besides, IT is supposedly on their way to fix all my problems soon and we're moving to a new office space in a few months.
Besides, IT is supposedly on their way to fix all my problems soon and we're moving to a new office space in a few months.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Blog Construction
I've just added a flash player to the blog as you may have noticed.
And I'm probably looking at maybe a template change in the future.
I'm not going to put a timeframe on it though since that seems to never work out with me.
**UPDATE**
I've decided to simply widen my content margins and clean up my sidebar instead (what can I say, I'm fickle). Let me know if it doesn't display properly. But there really shouldn't be any problems (unless you're one of the last people displaying at 800x600).
And I'm probably looking at maybe a template change in the future.
I'm not going to put a timeframe on it though since that seems to never work out with me.
**UPDATE**
I've decided to simply widen my content margins and clean up my sidebar instead (what can I say, I'm fickle). Let me know if it doesn't display properly. But there really shouldn't be any problems (unless you're one of the last people displaying at 800x600).
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
I was home sick yesterday instead of at work. I got out of bed around 6 a.m. as usually do and dragged myself to the shower. I felt like death warmed over beforehand, but I thought,"hey... all you need is a shower,"
Eh... not really. I was sick. So, I called into work, which took about 30 seconds, and I wento back to bed. Well, from about 7:20 in the morning until about 2 in the afternoon, I hybernated like a tranquilized bear. I needed it and it felt great.
After I finally came out out of the bedroom and turned on the television, I decided to watch a little He-Man and the Masters of the Universe on DVD. Not the live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren (which is whole other can of worms), but the original animated series.
I bought Season 1 Volume 1 at Best Buy on Sunday and since I was laid-up in the house alone I had nothing better to do and I really didn't feel like doing anything else.
Now, before I get into defending myself for buying and watching He-Man, let me talk more about the show.
Filmation produced the show based on the action figures by Mattel in 1983-1985. Mattel wanted nothing more than a marketing device for their action figures and wasn't expecting much out of the cartoon and didn't give much in the way of a budget to produce it. With no real expectations for it, it came as a surprise to many when the animated series became a huge success.
A large amount of the success has to go to Filmation, who with a very limited budget delivered a show that was actually well animated and had good writing. The animation's solid look can be credited to the fact that several Disney animators intinially helped with the series, and also the "stock sequence" library that was amassed for the show. Many sequences were drawn very well, but were recycled to save time and money. Usually the backgrounds would be changed, or the sequence would be mirrored to give it a different angle. This technique was used heavily throughout the show. It was also a neccesity because of the production schedule of the show.
He-Man was not a Saturday morning cartoon and it was not a part of any of the major networks. It was a weekly syndicated show airing five new episodes a week, a first on both counts in the world of animation. It was also the first show to have 65 episodes ordered for it's first season, which was why time and budget were very small for the show. In all, there would be 130 episodes of the original series, and a spin-off show, She-Ra: Princess of Power.
When I was a kid I was all about the cartoon. I now know that Mattel was only using the show to sell action figures, but to me the action figures were secondary to my love for the cartoon. I watched it so often that my dad even made me a tape of episodes with the commercials cut out that I would watch constantly in Puerto Rico.
Since then I 've grown older, gotten married, and started a career. But I'm still nostalgic about my childhood and the things that made it fun. When I saw the box-set at Best Buy I was genuinely excited and if that sounds stupid I really don't care. I wanted to the see the show again, man.
Now, I've heard people say things about He-Man, like - "It's the most homoerotic cartoon ever made...". Hmmm. What exactly does that even mean? Look, I watched the show as a kid because of the action/adventure. Back then I didn't even know what "gay" was! I never saw anything strange. Now as an adult, I've watched some of it again and I still don't see what the hell people are talking about! Is it because He-Man's body isn't completely covered and sometimes he picks up a rock and throws it, or struggles with a falling drawbridge? I mean, honestly, if you get a half-chub because a cartoon barbarian lifts something over his head, that's your problem, not mine. I think "homoerotic" is another word for someone saying "I felt funny and didn't like it", or "that show brings out my homophobia - BURN IT!!!" Some people, man - see the "gay" in everything!
I know a lot of people prefer Transformers or G.I. Joe to He-Man and that's cool, I understand. They're actually superior shows. But I always thought of Masters of the Universe as the "Little Engine That Could" and I stick by it. Plus, I genuinely enjoy it for all it's accomplishments and all it's flaws. It reminds me of my childhood and that's something I always enjoy. Does that make me weird? I don't think so.
I still like beer. I still like sex (with grown women). I just also happen to like a cartoon.
BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL.... I HAVE THE POWER!!!!
Eh... not really. I was sick. So, I called into work, which took about 30 seconds, and I wento back to bed. Well, from about 7:20 in the morning until about 2 in the afternoon, I hybernated like a tranquilized bear. I needed it and it felt great.
After I finally came out out of the bedroom and turned on the television, I decided to watch a little He-Man and the Masters of the Universe on DVD. Not the live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren (which is whole other can of worms), but the original animated series.
I bought Season 1 Volume 1 at Best Buy on Sunday and since I was laid-up in the house alone I had nothing better to do and I really didn't feel like doing anything else.
Now, before I get into defending myself for buying and watching He-Man, let me talk more about the show.
Filmation produced the show based on the action figures by Mattel in 1983-1985. Mattel wanted nothing more than a marketing device for their action figures and wasn't expecting much out of the cartoon and didn't give much in the way of a budget to produce it. With no real expectations for it, it came as a surprise to many when the animated series became a huge success.
A large amount of the success has to go to Filmation, who with a very limited budget delivered a show that was actually well animated and had good writing. The animation's solid look can be credited to the fact that several Disney animators intinially helped with the series, and also the "stock sequence" library that was amassed for the show. Many sequences were drawn very well, but were recycled to save time and money. Usually the backgrounds would be changed, or the sequence would be mirrored to give it a different angle. This technique was used heavily throughout the show. It was also a neccesity because of the production schedule of the show.
He-Man was not a Saturday morning cartoon and it was not a part of any of the major networks. It was a weekly syndicated show airing five new episodes a week, a first on both counts in the world of animation. It was also the first show to have 65 episodes ordered for it's first season, which was why time and budget were very small for the show. In all, there would be 130 episodes of the original series, and a spin-off show, She-Ra: Princess of Power.
When I was a kid I was all about the cartoon. I now know that Mattel was only using the show to sell action figures, but to me the action figures were secondary to my love for the cartoon. I watched it so often that my dad even made me a tape of episodes with the commercials cut out that I would watch constantly in Puerto Rico.
Since then I 've grown older, gotten married, and started a career. But I'm still nostalgic about my childhood and the things that made it fun. When I saw the box-set at Best Buy I was genuinely excited and if that sounds stupid I really don't care. I wanted to the see the show again, man.
Now, I've heard people say things about He-Man, like - "It's the most homoerotic cartoon ever made...". Hmmm. What exactly does that even mean? Look, I watched the show as a kid because of the action/adventure. Back then I didn't even know what "gay" was! I never saw anything strange. Now as an adult, I've watched some of it again and I still don't see what the hell people are talking about! Is it because He-Man's body isn't completely covered and sometimes he picks up a rock and throws it, or struggles with a falling drawbridge? I mean, honestly, if you get a half-chub because a cartoon barbarian lifts something over his head, that's your problem, not mine. I think "homoerotic" is another word for someone saying "I felt funny and didn't like it", or "that show brings out my homophobia - BURN IT!!!" Some people, man - see the "gay" in everything!
I know a lot of people prefer Transformers or G.I. Joe to He-Man and that's cool, I understand. They're actually superior shows. But I always thought of Masters of the Universe as the "Little Engine That Could" and I stick by it. Plus, I genuinely enjoy it for all it's accomplishments and all it's flaws. It reminds me of my childhood and that's something I always enjoy. Does that make me weird? I don't think so.
I still like beer. I still like sex (with grown women). I just also happen to like a cartoon.
BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL.... I HAVE THE POWER!!!!
Pity the Fool...
Pity the Fool Who Doesn't Listen to Mr. T
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
NEW YORK — If Dr. Phil can dispense advice, why not Mr. T?
The TV Land network announced Tuesday that it will start "I Pity the Fool," a series where "The A-Team" star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.
"The 'T' stands for talking," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm going to talk it up. It's what I've been doing all my life."
The series starts in October. He'll offer help to people struggling with personal or professional problems.
"My show ain't no 'Dr. Phil,' with people sitting around crying," he said. "You're a fool — that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."
When I read a story like this it puts a smile on my face and assures me that there is a God... and he likes to make me giggle.
Mr. T will always be the man in my book and I hope his show does well.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
NEW YORK — If Dr. Phil can dispense advice, why not Mr. T?
The TV Land network announced Tuesday that it will start "I Pity the Fool," a series where "The A-Team" star travels across the country dispensing inspiration and advice.
"The 'T' stands for talking," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I'm going to talk it up. It's what I've been doing all my life."
The series starts in October. He'll offer help to people struggling with personal or professional problems.
"My show ain't no 'Dr. Phil,' with people sitting around crying," he said. "You're a fool — that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."
When I read a story like this it puts a smile on my face and assures me that there is a God... and he likes to make me giggle.
Mr. T will always be the man in my book and I hope his show does well.
Monday, May 1, 2006
United 93
I saw this article on FOXnews.com and found it odd. Read it and see if you notice the same thing.
'RV' Tops 'United 93' at Box Office
Sunday, April 30, 2006
LOS ANGELES — Audiences hit the road with Robin Williams as his family-vacation romp "RV" opened at No. 1 with $16.4 million, while the acclaimed Sept. 11 drama "United 93" debuted with $11.6 million.
Studio estimates Sunday had Universal Pictures' "United 93" in second place, just ahead of Disney's sports comedy "Stick It," which premiered with $11.3 million. Those rankings could change once final numbers are released Monday.
The weekend's other new wide release, Lionsgate's spelling-bee drama "Akeelah and the Bee," was No. 8 with $6.25 million.
The 20th Century Fox release "RV" was expected to debut on top, but "United 93" had been an unknown quantity, with Hollywood analysts wondering whether movie-goers were ready to relive the horrors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"It's not about the positioning of the film. It's about the fact that the American public spoke out," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal Pictures. "This is a wonderful result. What they said was that it wasn't too soon for a film about Sept. 11."
Married couples accounted for just over half the "United 93" audience, and 71 percent of viewers were 30 and older, according to Universal.
With painstaking authenticity, "United 93" recounts the horrific end of passengers who fought back against their hijackers aboard one of the commandeered planes, which crashed in rural Pennsylvania.
Families of those killed aboard Flight 93 cooperated with director Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Supremacy," "Bloody Sunday"), who re-creates the experiences of passengers and air-traffic controllers in a documentary-style drama. "United 93" earned widespread praise from critics.
Shot on a modest budget of $15 million, "United 93" should easily turn a profit once theatrical, television and DVD revenues are tallied. Universal said it will donate 10 percent of the first weekend's grosses to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
Playing in 1,795 theaters, about half as many as "RV," "United 93" averaged a solid $6,462 a cinema, the best results among the top-10 movies.
"We can now kind of put to bed any idea that people are not ready to see this type of movie. The numbers speak for themselves," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.
Coming this August is Hollywood's second Sept. 11 dramatization, Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center," starring Nicolas Cage in the story of two Port Authority policemen trapped in the rubble of the twin towers.
"RV," starring Williams as a dad taking his family on a slapstick-filled vacation, debuted in 3,639 theaters and averaged $4,507. The gymnastics tale "Stick It," starring Missy Peregrym and Jeff Bridges, averaged $5,523 in 2,038 theaters.
Overall business rose for the sixth-straight weekend, with the top-12 movies taking in $90.7 million, up 12 percent from the same weekend last year. After a big slump in 2005, attendance is running 4 percent ahead of last year's, with Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible III" opening Friday and kicking off what is expected to be a huge summer at the movies.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "RV," $16.4 million.
2. "United 93," $11.6 million.
3. "Stick It," $11.3 million.
4. "Silent Hill," $9.3 million.
5. "Scary Movie 4," $7.8 million.
6. "The Sentinel," $7.6 million.
7. "Ice Age: The Meltdown," $7.05 million.
8. "Akeelah and the Bee," $6.25 million.
9. "The Wild," $4.7 million.
10. "The Benchwarmers," $4.4 million.
What caught my attention was this - I've never read an article where so many people were applauding a major motion picture for making a little more than $10 million on it's opening weekend. Even low-bugdet action films starring The Rock weren't considered to be major triumphs after making more than $15 million on opening weekend!
First, it's obviously "spin". Possibly trying to get people who still haven't seen it to go and check it out. Or maybe so Hollywood can hedge their bets for when the next 9/11 movie comes out, so it's not dismissed - from "guilt by association". Whatever the thought behind it it's obviously "spin". Hollywood doesn't give so much praise to so little an accomplishment. It may also be Hollywood trying to drum-up justification for their cashing-in on this tragedy so soon.
They say more than once that this is proof that America is ready for 9/11 on the big screen, but I would say it's the total opposite. In fact, I'd have to say - at $10 million, this movie is a failure. More people weanted to see Robin Williams sticking to the front of an RV than wanted to watch Flight 93 crash in a Pennsylvannia field. I really don't find that very surprising. I rarely walk into an obvious "downer" of a situation when heading into the theater.
Back to the subject of spin - don't let it it be lost that I do realize that I found this article on FOXnews.com. Many people will tell you that FOXnews is blatantly slanted to the right. I don't disagree. I don't think it's as bad as some believe, but I do see the slant on a daily basis on the cable news channel. I see the same thing to the left on CNN as well. I'm not surprised to see this on FOX, I just think it was too apparent in it's agenda to not stand out on their website as another biased piece.
Whatever the reasoning behind it, I think it's lame on all counts. I was hoping for United 93 to not do well because I think it's obvious that it's being done simply as a way to make money off human suffering at this point - well done or not. And some may call it a success at $10 million, but I completely disagree and I'm glad that people saw it for what it was and chose not to be sucked in. Hopefully, World Trade Center, coming out later in the summer, will do just as well.
If you agree, disagree, or saw the United 93, I'd like to hear what you think.
Thanks.
'RV' Tops 'United 93' at Box Office
Sunday, April 30, 2006
LOS ANGELES — Audiences hit the road with Robin Williams as his family-vacation romp "RV" opened at No. 1 with $16.4 million, while the acclaimed Sept. 11 drama "United 93" debuted with $11.6 million.
Studio estimates Sunday had Universal Pictures' "United 93" in second place, just ahead of Disney's sports comedy "Stick It," which premiered with $11.3 million. Those rankings could change once final numbers are released Monday.
The weekend's other new wide release, Lionsgate's spelling-bee drama "Akeelah and the Bee," was No. 8 with $6.25 million.
The 20th Century Fox release "RV" was expected to debut on top, but "United 93" had been an unknown quantity, with Hollywood analysts wondering whether movie-goers were ready to relive the horrors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"It's not about the positioning of the film. It's about the fact that the American public spoke out," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal Pictures. "This is a wonderful result. What they said was that it wasn't too soon for a film about Sept. 11."
Married couples accounted for just over half the "United 93" audience, and 71 percent of viewers were 30 and older, according to Universal.
With painstaking authenticity, "United 93" recounts the horrific end of passengers who fought back against their hijackers aboard one of the commandeered planes, which crashed in rural Pennsylvania.
Families of those killed aboard Flight 93 cooperated with director Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Supremacy," "Bloody Sunday"), who re-creates the experiences of passengers and air-traffic controllers in a documentary-style drama. "United 93" earned widespread praise from critics.
Shot on a modest budget of $15 million, "United 93" should easily turn a profit once theatrical, television and DVD revenues are tallied. Universal said it will donate 10 percent of the first weekend's grosses to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
Playing in 1,795 theaters, about half as many as "RV," "United 93" averaged a solid $6,462 a cinema, the best results among the top-10 movies.
"We can now kind of put to bed any idea that people are not ready to see this type of movie. The numbers speak for themselves," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.
Coming this August is Hollywood's second Sept. 11 dramatization, Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center," starring Nicolas Cage in the story of two Port Authority policemen trapped in the rubble of the twin towers.
"RV," starring Williams as a dad taking his family on a slapstick-filled vacation, debuted in 3,639 theaters and averaged $4,507. The gymnastics tale "Stick It," starring Missy Peregrym and Jeff Bridges, averaged $5,523 in 2,038 theaters.
Overall business rose for the sixth-straight weekend, with the top-12 movies taking in $90.7 million, up 12 percent from the same weekend last year. After a big slump in 2005, attendance is running 4 percent ahead of last year's, with Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible III" opening Friday and kicking off what is expected to be a huge summer at the movies.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "RV," $16.4 million.
2. "United 93," $11.6 million.
3. "Stick It," $11.3 million.
4. "Silent Hill," $9.3 million.
5. "Scary Movie 4," $7.8 million.
6. "The Sentinel," $7.6 million.
7. "Ice Age: The Meltdown," $7.05 million.
8. "Akeelah and the Bee," $6.25 million.
9. "The Wild," $4.7 million.
10. "The Benchwarmers," $4.4 million.
What caught my attention was this - I've never read an article where so many people were applauding a major motion picture for making a little more than $10 million on it's opening weekend. Even low-bugdet action films starring The Rock weren't considered to be major triumphs after making more than $15 million on opening weekend!
First, it's obviously "spin". Possibly trying to get people who still haven't seen it to go and check it out. Or maybe so Hollywood can hedge their bets for when the next 9/11 movie comes out, so it's not dismissed - from "guilt by association". Whatever the thought behind it it's obviously "spin". Hollywood doesn't give so much praise to so little an accomplishment. It may also be Hollywood trying to drum-up justification for their cashing-in on this tragedy so soon.
They say more than once that this is proof that America is ready for 9/11 on the big screen, but I would say it's the total opposite. In fact, I'd have to say - at $10 million, this movie is a failure. More people weanted to see Robin Williams sticking to the front of an RV than wanted to watch Flight 93 crash in a Pennsylvannia field. I really don't find that very surprising. I rarely walk into an obvious "downer" of a situation when heading into the theater.
Back to the subject of spin - don't let it it be lost that I do realize that I found this article on FOXnews.com. Many people will tell you that FOXnews is blatantly slanted to the right. I don't disagree. I don't think it's as bad as some believe, but I do see the slant on a daily basis on the cable news channel. I see the same thing to the left on CNN as well. I'm not surprised to see this on FOX, I just think it was too apparent in it's agenda to not stand out on their website as another biased piece.
Whatever the reasoning behind it, I think it's lame on all counts. I was hoping for United 93 to not do well because I think it's obvious that it's being done simply as a way to make money off human suffering at this point - well done or not. And some may call it a success at $10 million, but I completely disagree and I'm glad that people saw it for what it was and chose not to be sucked in. Hopefully, World Trade Center, coming out later in the summer, will do just as well.
If you agree, disagree, or saw the United 93, I'd like to hear what you think.
Thanks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)