Thanks for the good times this past week. The chicken dinner was top notch, and the halo carnage that followed soon after was quite fun too. We should do it again sometime.

The conversation at the dinner table was fucking classic and i think would have made for an awesome screenplay for a movie simply called "Lessons in Being Witty".

Thanks everyone for the gifts. They all rock. I needed all of the DVDs i received very much so, as well as the gift certificate, which be used to buy even more DVDs.

I had a good break this year, which sucks cuz i could only stay 6 days. For the first time in a very long time, I missed home as soon as i got back to SD. I look forward to next august when i'll be back for a more permanent basis. Till then, stay on the edge of your seats.

That minus sign in Yars Revenge can fucking kiss my ass, that little bitch.

Holidays
It's been a while. Thanks again to the H house for hosting the Popeye's feast and gift exchange. Good eats and decent company.

Ten Top Movies
I've got my list, but I cheated with a few rules:

1. Omit The Trilogies. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. In my mind, these nine are classics from my childhood, and therefore instant locks for a top movies list. If you grew up in the 80s, you should agree. Individually, one in a series might have lacked something, but they all come together extraordinarily well... the whole is greater than the sum of its parts... kinda thing. No, this does not include the Star Wars prequels. No, I don't hate on Back to the Future III. Anyhow, if I decided to include all three trilogies I'd have one spot left to fill, and that'd be a tough choice. So let's say my "ten top" is a list of hall of fame candidates, while these already made it.

2. Omit subtitles. Drunken Master II... Dragons Forever... Shaolin Soccer... these are definitely among the movies I'll enjoy every time I watch them, but I'll limit my list to domestic product. Hong Kong action is a whole other list.

3. Omit the cartoons. Robots, fireballs, and tentacles... although high in entertainment quality, animation is likewise saved for a different list.

4. Omit standup. There have been highly entertaining movies that are just standup acts: favorites that come to mind are You So Crazy, RunTelDat, and The Original Kings of Comedy. But again, this is a different type of show.

With that said, on to the list. These are all movies that I can and will watch many times over the years. They likely have solid beginnings, middles, and ends, and the music was suitable. They are not in ranked order, that'd be crazy overestimation of decision-making capabilities.

fun movies: These movies have some combination of comedy and action, and it works out well. Great fun any day of the week.

Bad Boys - Unfortunately I missed this in theaters. I saw it in a hotel in Reno when I figured out how to get the pay channels without paying. (Now that was a good time.) The action is pretty cool, but the comedy is what really got me to love this movie--it's just full of great lines. "Don't be alarmed, we're negros." "I'll drive off this fuckin cliff, you keep fuckin with me. Then we'll just be two bitches in the sea."

Can't Hardly Wait - I usually don't expect much from the teen comedy movies, but this one hit the mark. Definitely among my top comedies ever. Just about every character in the movie was played perfectly. And those of us who were (are) nice guy suckas definitely empathized with PresTONE. I know Steve liked Kenny Fisher... "Why y'all gotta waste my flava? DAMN!" "I'll kick everyone's ass in this room!"

Friday - I didn't see this movie til long after the hype, but a few viewings and I understood. Chris Tucker made this movie funny, and the other characters had their moments. "Why you bringin up old shit?" "I got mind control over Deebo. When he say shut up... I be quiet. But when he leave... I be talking again." "(My grandmama gave me that chain...) He gon' cry in the car."

Jerry Maguire - This movie is a lot of fun with some serious subject matter. "I don't like black people? I am Mister black people." "D'you know the human head weighs 8 pounds?... D'you know that dogs and bees can smell fear?... D'you know my next door neighbor has three rabbits?"

Nothing to Lose - I went to the theater with a friend wondering why he wanted to see this. I left fully satisfied. Social commentary along with Martin and Tim Robbins as an awesome comedic team, plus we got an early taste of Dr. Perry Cox's style of girl-name insult humor. "I bet you sold the most cookies in the entire Girl Scout troop, didn't you? What were you calling yourself back then? Yolanda, you little bitch?" "Freeze sucker bitch!... What's a sucker bitch?" "It was only one time... I'ma one time yo ass!... That's what I'da told the bitch." "I'm in a car with a psycho freaky Jason hack-killer motherfucker! Hey please don't kill me freaky Jason."

The Rock - One of the best action movies ever, with some good laughs too. Nicolas Cage being corny with Sean Connery a killing machine... how can you lose. Plus a little bit of Vanessa Marcil, with and without pigtails... my god. I'm loving it. Great music. The Michael Bay Shot before it was played out. "I'd take pleasure in guttin' you, boy... SHAME ON THEM!" "Whaddaya say we cut the chit-chat, A-HOLE!" "Womack! Why am I not surprised you piece of shit!"

Swingers - The first time I saw this I didn't see what the big deal was, but with repeat viewings the characters' humor really grew on me. Now it is of course a classic. It also makes valid points about dating and relationships. "Who's the big winner here tonight at the casino? Mikey, that's who! Mikey's the big winner! Mikey wins!" "Pause the game... Wait I'm gonna do my thing with the thing." "Look at you... you wanna kiss me" "What're you kickin me for? All right I'll ask! Ma'am, where do the high school girls hang out in this town?"

subject-driven movies: These movies were well done, but it definitely helps that I'm so into their subject matter. (Or maybe it's the other way around.) They don't have any excessive amount of comedy, action, or drama but instead rely on interesting characters and situations. They leave me wanting to do what the characters were doing, and wishing I could do it as well as them.

The Color of Money - Besides being about pool and hustling, something I can't describe really appeals to me about this movie. "Money won is twice as sweet as money earned."

Poolhall Junkies - I've only seen this a few times, but I like the style of it. It combines pool hustling with the fulfill-your-destiny theme with the camaraderie of a few good friends. And Christopher Walken, likeable as always. "You said it Joe, shoot it all!" "Maybe he's gay... I think he might be... I'm NOT GAY!... a little loud"

Rounders - Of course. The first time I saw this, I didn't understand a lot of the lingo. After becoming a poker freak, it's all understood and the movie has probably spent more time in the DVD player than any other. Good acting all around, and ugly sweaters to boot. It also made me like Matt Damon and Ed Norton, and no one can forget Malkovich as KGB. "It's like the saying says: In the poker game of life, women are the rake. They are the fuckin' rake... What the fuck are you talking about. What saying?... I dunno. There oughta be one." "Layz down ai monstr. Shud hef payd me off on det. De FUK did yu lay det down?!" "You guys cops?... We're not cops... You want a twirl then?" NO WE DO NOT.

So that's it. No movies pre-1985 here, mainly because I haven't seen many of them and 2001 put me to sleep at least five times in a row. I still haven't seen a lot of the classics. I didn't choose any serious dramas that make you cry. Even though movies like Braveheart, A Beautiful Mind, and Glory are outstanding achievements and great entertainment, you have to be in the mood for them. My list is made up of what I might call "anytime movies".

Actresses
Vanessa Marcil has gotta be the most physically flawless woman I've ever seen. Watch the Rock again, or check out Las Vegas for a glimpse of truly fine. She's got the goods to make Head and Shoulders one of my favorite shows. Salma Hayek always gets the blood pumping. Have you seen Desperado?... !jesucristo! I want one dammit. Do you prefer cute, pretty, beautiful, or sexy? Halle Berry is all of these and more. Before T-Mobile and infuriating marriages to old men, Catherine Zeta-Jones was incredibly appealing in The Mask of Zorro.

Okay so my list may at first seem shallow and superficial, but there's an Emmy, two Oscars, and more in the mix, so I enjoy the view with integrity intact, as should you.

WRX
Yes, Brian, get it. It'll be fun getting rides even if you bust up your stereo again. As long as Da Di Di Dam is accompanied by the turbocharged freeway on-ramp thrust madness that this car was made for.

Back to the normal routine! I can't believe school is almost out, time has gone by pretty quickly. I'm so not prepared for finals this year. I will not be taking 19 units again any time soon.

So I just beat FF X-2 today... It was an interesting ride. For those that want to hear about it: The intro was well done, but never really felt like Final Fantasy. It was loud, and had attitude to say the least. I wasn't really feeling the game until about half way through, when things started picking up. It's way too open though. I never really minded the linear path Final Fantasy usually follows, but with X-2, it seems like everything is optional. If someone played just the core game without all the optional things, they'd get a 5 hour game with a very weak story. So optional really isn't that optional here. As it stands, I only completed 85% of the game, and I had to assume a lot to fill in the story. And to top it off? I got the "Normal ending." Damnit, now I have to play through again.

On the plus side, the soundtrack seems really strong, especially the theme song. Most of the music is upbeat, and very bouncy. There are a few somber tracks, but the ones that are there are beautiful. I think I'm going to buy the sound track...

But Final Fantasy is getting a little old. They really are hurting for new ideas. This game has you doing so many little mini-games it's annoying. What happened to the good old dungeon crawl? I can almost create my own Final Fantasy game... Start off happy and peaceful, put in one small trivial problem, cascade it into a end of the world problem, throw in a love story and a song, and in the end make a monster so big you have to kick it's ass 3 times. And there you have it.

Taking a queue from Penny Arcade I downloaded napster today. I've been toying with the idea of buying into one of these services, and with this free trial, I'm in heaven. Stream random songs all day? No problem. In about an hour I had enough songs to listen to for the rest of the day. It's awesome. I might actually break down and pay the 10 dollars a month to continue this madness. I mean, it's like a personal jukebox, except that I don't own the songs. Where else can you get Jon B and Mint Condition? I realize there are a few songs that can't be found still, but I'm over it. I'll let you know what I decide next week.

My friend Peter brought up a good thoughabout these journals. He couldn't figure out why some people don't get the fact that these journals are PUBLIC and that anyone can see them, even those that you are talking shit to. Was that Microsoft guy even thinking when he posted pics? Anyway, good call on the removing links from Mental Abstraction. I mean, these two sites, I Love Stupid and Mental Abstraction are two entirely different things. Recreational fun vs. Serious stuff. Besides, Bendan is different from all of us :) He's gonna be famous, while I'm completely happy living in obscurity. Or as the Rat. Whatever. Bottom line is that famous people have to watch what they say 'cause you know some ass hole is going to bring that crap up when you least expect it.

I know no good actress... Unless you want to count Nicole Kidman, I give her props because of the crazy roles she's been in, and she can do stage stuff. Talent.

I'm out of ideas, and it's class time. Good seeing you guys for Thanksgiving, especially Steve since I haven't seen that bastard since, what? Last year some time?

I was going to finish this list up of my all-time leading female actors...however with the recent blog post on the homepage and also a valid point that my mom brought up WITH the addition of a cool story that I must tell...it all adds up to some very interesting points. So the list will wait for now, but I promise to bore you all with it on a later post.

First off the blogger that got someone (and a lot more than we probably don't know about) fired from their jobs. If you read the example on the homepage before you logged in, you would have noticed how this guy put on a picture of Microsoft headquarters getting in a shipment of band new dual 2.0 G5's. (The same computer that I will have soon) Now we all know how much power those computers have...even MS is buying them...however because this guy posted the picture on his weblog, he got terminated for not following the confidentiality agreement that he signed when he first got employed. At first I was like, "that's retarded". Then I realized after thinking rationally about it that Microsoft was probably in the right to do so. Not just in the right as in it is in their contracts, but rather it brings up a very important point that this blog and every single other blog is public domain. If you looked further into the story you would have also seen that major corporations are now learning of these weblogs and how popular they are becoming. They in turn are looking into their workers lives to see if they are broadcasting anything about the company and/or office politics on their blogs. Now for part two.

My mom wondered if I should take off the links to my friend's sites and also Pooky on Mental Abstraction. MA is about to reach 100,000 hits which is a milestone for a stupid personal webpage that is full of nothing but opinions and cheap photoshop shit. (Not that you are shit Adobe if you are reading this...hehe) So my mom has a very valid point. At first I was like, "well they decided to make their shit public so why can't I link to it?" Of course something like jhiro.net is a bit different than let's say Bryant's for this very reason. Jon is putting up his artwork and leaving very little room for personal photos. Just like when I started MA I decided that it would be better to leave out my friends in case this website started to get some decent hits. So I don't really have a problem linking to Jon's, however Bryant's on the other hand has photos of all of us that anyone can access from my site. A very interesting point indeed...and I hope you don't think I'm bragging. I can give a shit about the hits...MA was made so people can see what I'm up to and what I'm doing creatively...but the fact is that people are visiting the site...total strangers that have access to who we are personally. Especially on this blog. Especially with me. Which goes into my next story.

My production class thinks that Ari and I are complete assholes. So they are psychic. No big deal. However, it is a problem if your teacher thinks that you are lazy and shouldn't be in film. Now she never really told us this to our face, but we got the distinct feeling that she thought little of us as filmmakers. From the first day when we were introducing ourselves and I said I was looking forward to the day that I could sell out and make my millions. Artsy farsty people don't go into filmmaking for the money...shit I know this. And I didn't get into filmmaking for the money. I got into it because when you are shooting time goes by so fast...then I figured hey...time goes by fast when your having fun...what if I could do this for a living and also somehow get my opinion to transcend past the film reel onto the silver screen and somehow enter inside the audiences' brains?

So the advanced production pool is a pool of people that are accepted into the rigourous part of production at SFSU. Now getting in isn't too hard and I would imagine that Ari and I were in...but the fact of the matter is that some people...well a lot of people get rejected. You have to submit a 2-3 minute reel of your stuff that shows you are serious about filmmaking. Your reel is screened by a bunch of cinema professors that make up the department that is on the top ten list in the country. Anyway to get to the point about my teacher not liking me or Ari...she is also the one that screens these reels and her opinions on us also reflect if we get into this advanced production pool.

So we walk into class on Monday filled with idiots and people that Ari and I don't take seriously. These groups started shooting their final projects in class and essentially we are two weeks behind everyone else. In fact we haven't shot one roll of film yet...but that's because we had a schedule and we like pre-production. For the past two weeks our teacher, our classmates and our teaching aid have been saying this kind of shit...

"Wait you haven't started yet? Haha..you guys are screwed!"
"You know it is due on the 15th of December...perhaps you guys should stop procrastinting."
"GWAHAHAAHA...man you guys are crazy. How you gonna get it done?"

Basically all this shit in as many different phrases that you can think about. I just smile and nod. In my head I'm saying...

"No we haven't started you fuck off. Maybe your mom is screwed..by my cock you fucking ass fag."
"I know when it's fucking due. Why don't you worry about your shitty props and your shitty actor and get off my dick"
"GWAHAHAHA...man you're a bitch. Just wait till you see ours you filthy slut."

Anyway this past Monday it was all put to rest.

Ari and I stumble into class with no film and no camera. We know we aren't shooting today. After the daily ritual of these bitches asking where the fuck are shit is the teacher pulls us aside. Here we go. Yadda yadda where's your shit...yadda yadda...but she stops for a second...looks at us and tells us this little story.

"I watched your demo reels for the pool. It was beautifully shot, the story was moving, the acting was great, the sound was awesome...why didn't you show us the film in class? It was awesome. It looked professional."

Ari responds, "It was a rough cut and we didn't like how it turned out...we know we could do better." Now at this point we are getting praised by the teacher...however like I told my dad, it's like a Helen Keller telling you that your film is beautiful. While my teacher is saying this all I can hear in my head with the image of her moving lips is..."waaawaaa...waaa waaa". She then opens her lips again and says...

"Everyone on the panel was asking, 'Who are these guys'? How come we haven't seen their work before? Whose class are they in? Where did they come from...? Everyone loved it and thought it was excellent work. You aren't supposed to know this yet...but you guys are definetely in the advanced production pool. Your guys' demo reel was the best hands down out of all the submissions."

Ari and I are completely speechless.

...

Then we noticed some of our classmates turning their heads because they overheard. They love to see people get in trouble...especially us...but this wasn't no rant...this was being praised by not only our teacher, Helen Keller, but by the panel of judges that like I said earlier, make up the department of one of the top cinema departments in the nation. Yet this is the weird thing. Even though we were a little shocked...we weren't suprised. You can call us over confident...you can call us big headed...but the bottom line is this. So far at this school I have seen what teachers think is good (by showing other student films)...I have seen my classmates work (viewed in class) and I knew that I was better than that. I knew Ari was better than that. Together we deserve this kind of praise. Call it what you want. But after hearing all this shit from our classmates...by our teacher...it's one thing for your friends to like your shit...its one thing for your classmates to like your shit..but when these people who have been in the industry and still are in the industry say they like your shit...a lot...I don't take their opinion lightly...perhaps...maybe just maybe...I have a gift for this. Only time will tell. The only thing that can stop me is Mario Kart DD.

So now to tie all these together. Bottom line I have decided to take Pooky off my links this weekend. If for some unseen reason I become a good director...and I do become successful...this blog can have its consequences. By the first story we now can see that this is public. And while it would be hard for people to see or even find this page...it is public and people can dig up some shit. Shit even you fucks might sell me out. Haha...I'm serious. Haha. No but really. So this doesn't mean that I am going to lay off my comments or my rants. However it will be in the back of my mind that this could come back to haunt me. I would like to say that I'm not scared or care what anyone else thinks...but this can affect me and you guys also if some of this shit gets out...(However I know I am the more racist poster on this blog). Boo for censorship...in this country you have the right to free speech...but the public has the right to judge you for it.

I also want to show my appreciation to all you guys and all my family and family friends that think I will make it. I was always confident that whatever I chose I will excel at it...but let me tell you something...when you are recognized...that confidence turns into something more...it turns into determination to prove those people right...

Tony would like to know who are favorite female celebrities are. If I can remember correctly I believe we already did a list like this, but it was written like “name some females that you think are attractive, but doesn’t get a lot of play from either your friends and/or media”. However Tony did pose an interesting question because finding ten of your favorite actresses might actually be harder than finding your ten favorite films. Kevin even listed them in order which is bonus points. I heard Jon has compiled his list together and is just waiting for the right time to publish it. I have no clue when that is, but I’m sure he’ll have some good picks in there. Please no Matrix. I beg you. So after careful thought and consideration I’ve decided to start my list of my top ten, however there will be no way I can finish it in one blog. I could give simple descriptions of why I like them, but I have a feeling I might go overboard. So another list starts on Pooky. Some of you might find this boring, but I think it is very interesting and believe it or not, I read every single one of your guys’ lists. It makes for wonderful conversation. Overall we had some very interesting choices, but I think we can at least all agree that most of these films listed are in fact entertaining.

Shout out to Kevin for sticking on Casablanca and the wild card of sorts, It’s a Wonderful Life. I’m trying to get into the Christmas spirit too. So feel free to get my presents NOW. Now on to my list of my favorite actresses and with it…a flame war of sorts I’m sure. This list of course is not based on attractiveness alone…but I would be lying if I said it didn’t help.

Maura Tierney - A very low key actress that popped up in News Radio. I’m not sure if all of you are big fans, but I know Steve likes that show. Maura then appeared in Liar Liar I believe. Then good luck shined upon me and she was cast as Abby on my other favorite show, ER. I like how she doesn’t over dramatize her parts and in her craft there lay a subtlety that I just find irresistible.

Grace Kelly - Another actress that has that natural quality about her. She was first a model and decided to give acting a try. Hitchcock loved her and when viewing Rear Window you can see why. Nothing dramatic. In fact not even the best acting I’ve ever seen, however she is one of those actresses that can speak with her eyes and that kind of dialogue is more memorable in my mind.

Annette Bening – I loved her performance as Sydney in The American President and her crazy role in American Beauty. There is something very genuine in the way she presents herself on screen and off (well at least in interviews that I’ve seen). She seems to know when her role isn’t the lead and doesn’t try to make it more than it is. Again the fact that she can take something complex and break it down into something that comes off as simple amazes me.

Halle Berry – Okay so for some reason a lot of people don’t think she deserved that Oscar for Monster’s Ball. I don’t really understand why…she came off as an erratic, depressed mother whose life is falling apart. She made me empathize with her and that is why she made it on this list. Another reason (besides the fact that she is absolutely stunning) is that even after her Oscar she wasn’t afraid to take on different roles even if it wasn’t Oscar material. She played Storm and will continue to do so. Now she is Catwoman. This shows she doesn’t think she is too high for these fun roles.

Jodie Foster – In Silence of the Lambs she seemed vulnerable, yet believable enough to catch a serial killer. In Maverick she played the part of Annabelle to perfection. She was conniving, sweet and just a little bit naughty in that film. Maverick didn’t get on my top ten for nothing, and Jodie Foster did her part to put it there. On a quick note, even though I cannot say I enjoyed Contact, I did appreciate her performance in it…and it was the only thing keeping me awake.

Well I think that it is it for now. Overall I think I can sleep comfortably knowing that I put names that I truly believe bring something special to the screen rather than just the typical, “yeah she played the part well”. As you can tell I like simplistic acting better than crazy, dramatic shit…which is actually ironic considering that I am getting into these older films when the acting was much more “fake”. Oh well. I bored you enough. Enjoy and the next installment will be soon…

I got a lot to say, but I don't want to totally bore you. I'm glad Pooky has kicked up a bit in the last couple of weeks. I guess arguments make for good conversation. Even if Jon has no idea what he is talking about. Haha. So on to the blog.

Kevin Regarding Socom II

...you are going to hate this game. You got to play it. You enjoyed it. Just wait. We can't wait for you to get on well...because we can't win shit. I can't believe I'm saying this...but it's true. We can't win shit. Obviously are strategy of just separating and getting massive amount of kills just don't cut it this time. Perhaps we need to actually work as a team. With that in mind...Kevin you better have a headset and Andy...I think its time for you to fork over some money for another fuck'n headset because we have no communication whatsoever. None.

My Film

I still hate Bruckheimer, but I have a little more respect in what he does. Well actually I don't. So far I'm going nuts about what we need and what we don't have to film this thing. So far my budget...well fuck it. We don't have a budget because we never agreed on how muich we are going to spend. So as the exec-producer I've decided to spend as much as we need and collect from my crew. They have no choice and they already agreed to give me whatever I need. I've been bouncing around figures to all of you who have asked and some who haven't, but I think the final rundown is probably about 1000.00. That's not counting the 1250.00 I have to stick down for insurance. Jesus this film better be good...and this just an intro to production class...but Jon knows what it is like to put out something in the name of art. I am very anal on how this is going to look and won't settle for anything but perfection. Just like Jon and his long, LOOOONG awaited update.

Brian

Karaoke Revolution. Why don't you get a real fucking game. POP:SOT is fucking awesome and the control is top fucking notch. MarioKart DD is fun...and fun...and beautiful. Jon you should come over and try it since I haven't seen you in awhile. Oh yeah remind me that I got your NYX #2. Happy Birthday again. I got some suggestions for you Brian on your CEC. Perhaps you should make the arcade dark. Then get those pizza order pac mans on the television screen. Then get a cool water fountain with cool colors. Then get an old shool After Burner game in which you get to sit in the cockpit. Basically turn it into Bullwinkles because I got about 2000 tickets to turn in. As far as I know the other Bullwinkles is in Portland or some shit.

Linkin Park and DMB Live

I know a lot of you probably think that DMB live is getting old. Well there is a 18 minute version of 2-step that I think blows away the Red Rocks version. There is an 11 minute jam session of Crush. A lot of old school Dave with not too much new school Dave. I used to think Listener Supported's Watchtower was the best...but I'm feeling this NYC one even more. Dave goes fucking nuts. Linkin Park Live sounds just like their album. Chester seems to have more feeling when he sings. My mom thinks she can make it in the mosh pit when/if she gets to their concert. I tried to talk her out of it, but she grounded me from my Mario Kart. Fuck that. I'm an adult. Living with the 'rents. With no career in sight.

Tony and Hapachan and Major Pain or Payne or whatever

Since you put this film as one of your top tens I come to realize that perhaps you have only seen 11 films in your lifetime...the eleventh one being Legends of the Fall. So I totally understand why you put Major Pain, but if you ever need to borrow some films...Blockbuster is not that far away. BTW thank you for not putting on M Night's Poonjabishalankajamawangsta's films. That fuck'n raghead...here's a twist for you...make a movie without a twist. OOOOOOOoooooooohhhhhhhhh...so creative. (Jon's gonna say something about my film I'm working on now...so go ahead and say it...you are never going to see it...hehe) Rudy was the most inspiring? I dunno how it can compete with the Mighty Ducks. Quack, quack, quack, quack...

Tony's Top Ten Request

I guarantee you put that "in the past" comment just for me. And for good fucking reason. At first I was torn between Mandy Moore and Hilary Duff, but now I can safely say Audrey somewhere on that list...ahem..number one. But I'll post this list up later. I think I can probably answer this with one good night of thinking. How should one pick an actress? Looks? Skill? Personality? I guess it all depends, but I am sure (FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE...SHIT I THOUGHT WE WERE ALL LISTING WHORES) there will be some flame wars with these lists. Just like when I say, "The Rock? ARe you kidding me. Sean Connery couldn't save that fucking movie even if he looked like he wanted to be there...guarantee that was a paycheck movie for him." That kinda shit. Hehe. Just so I don't get any hate mail I'll make fun of my own choice. "Breakfast at Tiffany's? That cracker playing the Nip is so fucking racist...and why do they all act like they just came off Broadway? Isn't Casablanca in black and white? The fucking nerve..."

ER

This show is so good.

I think that's all for now. But you can bet your ass I'm gonna blog tomorrow...Gothika comes out tomorrow I think...NO NOT THAT GIRL WALKING...NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Another late blog from me... Another excuse too! I started training this week, and my schedule runs Friday-Monday. Tues-Thurs is when I make it back up to Sonoma for schoolage. Let's see... I'm going to start with last weeks news...

Training
My first day wasn't too bad... I got a binder about 3 inches thick that I have to go through in addition to a bunch of other folders on management. It's going to be a long 6 weeks of training. And yes, I found out Monday that I have to dress up as the rat for one day to "get a feel for what your employees have to do." *sigh* oh well, maybe I'll drop kick a few kids just to get my morale back up. Story: About half way through I meet a senior manager who is going to train me for the next few weeks. Let's call him Jim. (Cause I don't remember his real name.) Anyway, we shake hands and exchange the small talk. But then he busts out and says, "I'm sorry I was late, but I was going with my wife for artificial insemination."

*blink* *Looks back at the hand I just shook.*

I now know what it's like to be dumbfounded. One hell of a way to start a training.

Karaoke Revolution
hehe, when I bought it I definitely played for 5 hours straight. Guess what happened after that? I lost my voice for the next 4 days. Oh the joys. I found out I suck at singing, but it's fun to try anyway. Singing "When a man loves a woman," can take a lot out of you! And for those of you that do not approve... HAH, you're going to like it damnit. Invited a few friends to try it out with me Friday night, and it was a blast (They did indeed think it was gay, since friday I think one of them has bought it). My voice still isn't all there, so I left it with my mom to play while I recover. Whee.... The up side, is now I have a headphone/mic combo, so Socom can get bought soon. I figure I'll try it after I move into the new place.

The New Place
Still looking, but due to time constraints, we are agressively negotiating for a specific house. Unfortunately, it's the crack house I mentioned last week. My other roomates think that it's going to look good once they fix it up. I have my doubts, but I'm starting to get desperate. I have absolutely nothing packed, and no place to live in 11 days. Things could turn out bad. Worst case, I could commute from home every day, but that could get boring real quick. The other case, I could just rent another month but that would take about 1300... Next week, I'll have a clear picture on what's going on....

Other new stuff
Ever since Jon got his new car, I've been thinking about getting one myself. The civic is now starting to make some funny noises. But I'm going to shoot for a May buy. I have to one-up Lockheed guy over there, and I'm thinking about getting the WRX. There are only a few of them up here, but the ones I see on the road look sweet. I have to do a little more research, but I do have a lot more time. Any suggestions? (I was also looking at the Lancer Evo, but that's kinda out of my price range :D)

And now for clean-up
Matrix, haven't seen, but I think I'll just catch it on DVD. Paintball? I'd be down if I could make it. Schedule is looking kinda full at the moment. 5 more weeks of school, 6 weeks of training. Winter break can't come fast enough. (Too bad for all the working folk!)

Ok, so it's been how long since I've last posted...

Off the top of my head without looking or really thinking about what my top ten favorite movies are (no particular order, just depends how they go in my head):

1. Oceans 11 - great plot, smooth acting, smart movie. How can any movie that takes place in Vegas be bad. It also had a humorous side to it all.
2. Top Gun - Maverick is a pimp. Cool one liners, dope 80 music, "You lost that loving feeling," and of course the topless volleyball scene..oops...scratch that last point. But for reals, I thought this movie kicked ass as a kid and I still do as an adult. I know this was a Bruckheimer film and I know how some feel about him, but the man knows how to entertain crowds.
3. Lord of the Rings - I would say I like two towers better than the original only because the battle at the end was absolutely amazing. The movie is shot beautifully and the action sequences kick ass. The music in the movie is dramatic and the story flows well.
4. Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade - Action is awesome, dynamic b/w Dr. Jones and Henry Jr is unparalleled, and the music as always brings a certain flare to the movie. I also thought the German girl was the hottest out of the trilogy.
5. Heat - Andy says it right when he says "Anyone who thought Heat was slow, wasn't paying attention." I'll admit the movie is long, but each scene has a purpose. Every scene progressed the story. The end gun scene was extremely dramatic and both Al Pacino and Robert Dinero played their parts well.
6. Good Will Hunting - I thought this movie was awesome when I first saw it. "How do you like them apples!?!" Matt Damon and Ben Affleck struck gold with this one. Acting was perfect, it had a little humor, and it had a romantics ending.
7. The Rock - I was trying not to repeat, but this movie was just too much fun. Great action, especially the car scene in the streets of SF with the perfect music sequence to go along w/ it. Nicholas Cage finally didn't look like a puss in my eyes and Sean Connery has such charisma that makes the Rock extremeley enjoyable. Did I mention the music kicked ass!
8. Bad Boys - Oh gosh, I know this is going to start a ruckus. Two ..count em'...two Michael Bay movies and 3 Jerry Bruckheimers? What can I say? I'm an action junkee. But add in the dynamic b/w Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and it makes this movie classic. How many times are we spouting off lines from this movie? Great lines, ok story, cool action sequences. Sorry Brendan, I know this hurts you crazy SFSU movie artists.
9. Kill Bill - I would have to see it again to confirm this choice, but damn, that movie had style. Each scene flowed well and I thought the action sequences were well shot, but also comical. The anime scene was pretty cool, yet gross..the music would never be my first choice to listen to, but it fit in perfectly with what Tarentino was trying to portray. I think Uma Thurman is uglier than sin, but she is a good assasin.
10. I wanted to put a strong comedy up here, but I can't think of one right now, so Old School gets my vote. It trailed at the end, but the first half hour was awesome. Plus Will Ferrel, Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson in the same movie...it can't be bad haha. Sorry, I know that's a disappointing one to end on, but I can't think of anything.

Congrats to Brian on your job. I hope it gives you as much joy as Scandia did. Thanks again for the computer...you want to help me pay it off? haha

Matrix Revolutions
My, my, my. Compelling arguments on both sides. I don't want to argue, I just want to say my piece and get outta here. I thought the movie was pretty bad. I didn't like the story in 2 and 3. I like the visuals in 1 and 2. 3 kept the movie out of GOD AWFUL RANGE by having that cool battle scene with the robots. Those the robots were more like a school of fish rather than a sophisticated fighting machine, it still was amazing. Confused about the ending, but it's only because I'm not a real abstract thinker...thinking outside the box and shit. I didn't like the scene when they're going to talk to the French guy. The gun fight seemed like been there done that. I wasn't huge on the first Matrix and maybe that's why I wasn't huge on the last one. I wanted to see the Asian guy some more, but oh well...what can you do?

Web site
I'm completely redoing my Web site and it will be up and running....actually I don't have a time frame, but shoot, apparently we don't need to update. Brendan scan those pics so I can I have some content eh! hehe

Socom 2
What can I say? The game is bullshit, but I like it. You can come up w/ all the reasons you want and tell me how shitty the game is, but I still like it. Maybe it isn't even the game...maybe it's the team work and the communication. I like being able to say that we're unstoppable as a team. I like showing others that they can't be as good as us. I also like a challenge every so often, which Socom can bring. Some of our matches are so dramatic and so suspenseful, like u never know who's going to win..."Oh shit, turn around!"..."GRENADE!"...."Damn it Andy stop planting those claymores and help like the man you wish to be!" ...jk about the last comment. Andy is all man...75% of the time. When he's not talking about thread count. =)
The graphics are better, the controls feel a little better...the aiming and amount of hits to take to kill someone needs improvement.

Paintball
Andy and I are ready and willing. He would respond, but he doesn't use the Internet apparently unless it's wireless.

Game Endings
I'll go on w/ this topic since no one else kept it going.

Dual endings are cool, but if I spent 40 hours trying to beat a game, you better believe I am not spending another 40 unless it is the best game in the world. Metal Gear Solid had a cool ending, a tad philosophical, but it was awesome. Kingdom Hearts was satisfying, though I hear I didn't get the "good one." Damn that! I hate games that give you like a 5 second bull shit ending, can't think of any games. But if I put in 10+ hours in a game, I want a damn story read to me before I go to bed.

Speaking of bed.....ZzZzzzZZzzzzz

Ridiculous. Absolutely unbelievable. Jon who is THE MOST critical of us all likes Revolutions. First off let me clarify what I mean about special effects and me being in computer animation.

Do I have to spell out every little thing? I thought it might be assumed, but apparently not. By overrated and the effects...if The Matrix DID NOT have those special effects it would have been a cult favorite not the huge blockbuster that it was. Just because a film has a good idea and a good story doesn't make it a blockbuster, especially what The Matrix was financially. If that was the case then how come the Clint Eastwood film Mystic River is not a blockbuster? I have yet to see it, but they say the film is though provoking and awesome. Together with Sean Penn, how can it be horrible? In the end though it did not make a lot of money like The Matrix. For you to type that you think The Matrix would be just as huge as it is today without its special effects...in my book that is just being unreasonable. Remember Jon that not everyone is like you, just like not everyone is like me...majority of the people are happy seeing shit like a big special effects bonanza (cough cough...Pearl Harbor). The special effects in Matrix were cool. They were cool. THEY WERE COOL. For the Wack brother to add variations of the same shit (and I'm not saying that's not smart...if it ain't broke don't fix it) I just expected more from them as a wannabe filmmaker. Oh and that thing about me wanting to become a computer animator. That was character animation with a focus on creating shorts like Pixar. They don't combine live action but rely on animation as a whole...the typical way of animating...just like Disney. I was never into special effects. If you consider Nemo a special effect...I dunno...is it cutting edge..yeah...but that doesn't make it a special effect in my book. It's just traditional animation. Is animation considered a special effect? Not in filmmaking terms it's not.

I honestly can't believe you think that I shortchanged special effects. In fact that hurts. As a wannabe filmmaker don't you think that I understand that utilizing them is good? All I'm saying is that The Matrix relied to much on them to tell their story. Look at Star Wars Prequels...Lucas made everything CG and didn't it show? Again I don't understand how you can stand there and say that The Matrix Trilogy could stand on its own without the special effects...and then tell me that the Wack Fags didn't rely on them too much.

Not near perfect? It wasn't even near mediocre in my mind. Entertaining? I guess, but hardly. The final fight with Smith? You thought that was cool looking? They fly in figure eights and they float while doing traditional wrestling moves in the air. Is that cool? Isn't that why we don't like Jet Li anymore...well maybe just me. (Well I think he sold out with Matrix special effects). Oh look Neo got burned in what looks like one eye...BUT OH LOOK AT THAT...BOTH HIS EYES ARE FRIED. The sentinals had no new animation with them...its rehashed...all they did was form around like a big penis and take forever to kill that one fucking human being. Wait Neo and Trinity were in love? Got me. How bout...when Neo is fighting Smith in the real world...MR. AAAAAAANNNNDDDERRRSSOOOONN.....who are you? YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW WHO I AM MR. AAAANNNNDDDEEERRRSSSOOOOONNN? What? C'MON MR. AAAANNNDDDEERRRSSOOOOONNNN...it can't be....OH YES MR. ANNNNDDDEERRRSSSOOOOOONNN...give me a fucking break. The Trainman? Neo stuck in the train? What happened to his powers? Oh I guess he's a bitch now...Wait the French programmer is scared of a fucking pistol being held by Trinity? He's a fucking program...he's powerful...what the fuck is that? Oh another thing...If Neo killed Smith in the real world...why would it be hard for the machines to kill Smith? He's just a mortal body when he's in the real world. How in the fuck did he get in the real world anyway? One shot of Monica Bellucci? Where are the twins? What happened to them? Neo had about 28 minutes to screentime...as THE ONE shouldn't he have more? You know what's changed in the last 6 hours? Nothing....she was talking about the plot of the film by the way. Who cares about the two little girls with two cardboard tubes smashed together with matchboxes glued on them...who really cares? OOOHH...the guys fight upside down now and colums break just like the orignal Matrix. Did anyone fucking notice that the steel beams in Trinity bend when Neo touches them? Did you catch that or were you all choked up that the bitch finally got what she deserved for not learning a new move. Mr. Miyagi would be proud. There are more, but people probably stopped reading. Bottom line is I cannot enjoy a film with this many plot holes...THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEAVING SOMETHING OPEN TO DISCUSS AND BRINGING SHIT UP IN A FILM THEN NOT RESOLVING THEM.

Another point while we are on this subject which people are all too tired reading about...fine you can think you win with the anime things here and there...maybe I thought of it too much as ripping it off, but the thing is that Tarantino in my book has been the first to combine an anime sequence with live action. There is a subtle difference between staying live action and doing the same shit rather than switching totally to anime. And where have you seen that style of anime before? In this case I think it worked excetionally well with Kill Bill. If it wasn't anime I think it would have been cheesy looking as a flashback in live action. You can say that I'm a "Kill Bill" whore and what not, but the imagery in that film was stunning and it was something "new" even though it took from samurai films. In The Matrix the idea and the effects combined with the cool story was something "new". By the second and third they didn't even fucking try. That is the difference.

Bottom line Jon we all know that something such as art is all opinionated. It's all in the eye of the beholder. Fuck I like old films...Funny Face, Trouble in Paradise, ..shit that you and most others wouldn't be caught dead watching. Through all the classes I dont' appreciate Bay like I once did...(yes I did like his films and I still do no matter how much I make fun of them...but some shit he does doesn't earn my respect anymore) because I learned how to look at a film in a very critical fashion. I appreciate the timing and pace of the film more than I once did. I appreciate the subtleties of the acting and I also appreciate the photography a lot more than I once did. On the first day of class my cinema teacher said that if you get into cinema you will have ruined a shitload of films for you to enjoy. That is true in my case. This doesn't make any of you any less of an expert because you haven't taken these classes or learned how to write a screenplay and about conflicts and resolutions and lighting and blah blah blah...all it means is that I am probably more critical than you in terms of films...yes even if its all opinionated...so going back to the beginning...perhaps you are not the most critical anymore when it comes to EVERYTHING. If you were then perhaps I should look for a new education.

Just because you and Steve like the Matrix Trilogy as a whole doesn't mean I think any less of your film choices. HOw can I? We both agree that it wasn't the best film...but we all like Swingers...we like Rounders...we like dick and fart jokes...and we like films like The Sting...the real bottom line is that it is different strokes for different people...I was just hoping that at least one of my friends would agree with me that the MAtrix 2 and 3 were horeshit on the filmic tip. That way I at least have some backup with my points...but I guess all the friends (about 3) in film class who are as critical as I am now will have to do.

I also don't have to write this, but just in case...I didn't take what you said personal obviously and I'm not hurt...but you know me better than that. By the way Jon...congrats on the update...and coming from me who have pressured you and tried to get you to get ur shit together...it was worth it. Keep it up! =)

1 + 1 = 2. YOU CAN'T ARGUE THAT.

The Matrix
This is great! I haven't seen Revolutions yet, but now I can go in with really low expectations and come out pleasantly surprised. Or extremely disgusted and wanting money back, but I doubt that'll happen. I hope to see it this weekend, so I'll lay down the law after that...

... as it turns out, I took a break on the post, the weekend is now over, and I did go see the movie. Here's my take on the whole trilogy (DON'T READ THE SECTION FOR A MOVIE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN SINCE IT MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS):

The Matrix - Overall I liked the first one. It was based on an interesting idea with a lot of "whoa" moments, whether from sci-fi plot points or special effect flash magic. The action scenes were cool, although martial arts stuff looked floaty. It wasn't that sad when most of Morpheus's crew was betrayed and killed- bitchy Switch, horny Mouse, and that other guy no one even remembers. The romance aspect seemed thrown in. I thought the open ending worked well enough. So the first one was a nice balance of plot, ideas, and effects, with few complaints.

The Matrix Reloaded - After seeing this very effects-heavy movie, my favorite parts were the slow plot-relevant and/or thought-provoking ones: Neo's talks with the Councillor, the Oracle and the Architect. But these were short, and floaty fight scenes ran long with unthrilling music. The car chase and the Merovingian's guys in white were the action highlights, very well done. I could've done without Persephone's kiss and the whole cave party. Link's girl is fine. Once again, the romance... if your boyfriend had to manually massage your heart back to life, you probably wouldn't feel up to kissing right when you came back to life, but hey movie magic yay. In total, this one had some good elements but disappointed a bit too. Smith and Neo have powers that transcend the matrix... uh... wha... I was left hoping that the third would somehow tie everything up nice and neat.

The Matrix Revolutions - I feel bad for the guys who worked so hard on the opening sequence coming out of the Matrix viewscreen, they get no recognition. The best character was the guy whose only line was "I don't know... lieutenant!" It's like he's new on the job. Those key points taken care of, I thought this was a pretty good movie. Not near perfect, but certainly entertaining. The squid attack was cool. The fight between Neo and Smith brought back the excitement from the first one and added some new elements (water effects were sweet) instead of just the old pitter patter kick punch. The machine leader that Neo talked to was weird looking. Unfortunately, the end left a lot of questions unanswered, and not in a satisfying way like the first one. Hey, yeah... how about those real world powers? No? I can see how "plugging in" could connect your brain signals to a complex network like the matrix, but otherwise you can take the train? Ehh... And what's Smith's problem? Besides the smell. I like how there's supposed to be peace and the humans can be freed if they choose to. I bet none of them will be glad they did. Look at that place! Now you live in a metal box, eat goopy slop, and all with weird plugholes all over your body! Ladies don't love that. Stay in the matrix with your steak and pass the A1. But I guess they can be plugged back in like Cipher wanted. But it might be hard to willingly step into the bowl of pink sticky icky icky. The oracle really pisses me off with her attitude and unwrapped candy. Whatever happened to spoon boy and the other kids?

The only characters I came close to caring about were Morpheus (as the dreamer/believer) and Smith (as the wildcard attacking both sides). I agree that the movie worked better as a one shot than a trilogy, but I enjoyed parts here and there from the sequels despite their lesser underlying substance. I also agree Trinity needs another special move. I don't, however, blame the creators for combining aspects of things they have enjoyed and admired. First of all, they explained when The Matrix first came out that they loved kung fu movies and anime and stuff, and wanted to combine their favorite elements. They did it well and didn't go around claiming that they made all this stuff up, so it's mostly self indulgence and tribute, and only a ripoff from a very cynical standpoint. Okay, a tribute that they profited hugely from. For example, the Neo-Smith fight integrated some Dragon Ball style elements in a really cool way, and I'm glad they did it. Now if Neo's hair turned blond and spiky, that'd be crossing the line. And let's not forget the "awesome" Kill Bill. I saw elements from samurai movies. Shit, I saw elements from Samurai Shodown. And you want to talk about ripping off anime? Tarantino just stuck an anime clip in his live action movie. Gimmick? Yes. Argument? Please.

Ok enough. I mainly appreciate The Matrix as an interesting science fiction concept (mostly handled in the first movie), and the effects were extremely well done although they spoiled us the first time around. I'm still not sure if it'll have a permanent place in my DVD collection, but the ride, good and bad, was a memorable one.

Ok maybe not enough. In answer to Brendan's question about jobs depending on audience reception: standup comic. I mention this not to show I came up with a good answer, but because there is an analogy to go with it. Yeah. Analogy. SATs. 1560. Nerd. Hahaha SHUT UP. It seems like the discussion thus far (i.e. Brendan vs. Steve) has shortchanged special effects. "I did think it was overrated because I don't care how you say it...and you can't argue it...if it didn't have those effects it wouldn't have been what it was". What does that mean? You mention effects like a computer somehow automatically makes a movie better, and by cheating. Like it's nothing but a gimmick. This from the guy who wanted to do 3D animation. The Matrix was an interesting science fiction story. With the effects, it was an interesting science fiction story that looked really cool. Movies are reliant on writing, acting, visuals, and music. Visuals are important, and just because they use a computer to make something impossible look realistic doesn't make it bullshit. It's like a magic show. It's part of the escape from reality. If it doesn't look good, it will be distracting. Bad effects will distract from effective imagery just like bad acting will distract from a good script. So, the analogy. A standup comic's material can include jokes, voices, and impressions. But in addition, they can use facial expressions and gestures to enhance the performance. Physical comedy. Martin Lawrence and Jim Carrey come to mind. Of course, we wouldn't be fans of standup comics that just stood on stage silently making faces. But if they do a good job integrating the two, it's hilarious. I love Martin's facial expressions, and it's true that I wouldn't laugh as much if he didn't do them. The performance wouldn't be the same. But that doesn't make him overrated. It just means he has more tools to entertain with, and it's good that he's smart enough to use them. (DON'T EVER SAY YOU CAN'T ARGUE IT.)

SOCOM 2!!!
Nah, still don't give a shiet. Hopefully you'll get your money's worth. If not, there's always another shoot-kill-repeat game in the making, and a bunch of middle schoolers you can pick on from across the country haha have fun.

What's the deal with Sonoma anyway?!
I forgot to buy Karaoke Revolution too. DAMN it!

Spaghetti Westerns - Again I will go into detail more than you will want to know...but it relates to my opinion so sorry Steve if this isn't your answer of either "yes" or "no, they are janky".

Spaghetti Westerns were called this because by 1960 the Western was slowly going downhill in the States. If you have ever seen one of these early Westerns like Ford's My Darling Clementine...I think you will agree with me that they suck shit. (Although I do like High Noon) I mean after Val Kilmer is THE DOC of any Western...how can you enjoy these old ass fucking films with a shittier Doc? So enter Spaghetti Westerns. The Italians loved the Westerns, but since they were going downhill it was hard to get in Italy. So the Italians said, "Fuck it...we play soccer...I bet we can make a Western film too!" Well it turns out...they could. If you don't already know...A Fistfull of Dollars is actually part of a trilogy...the second being For a Few Dollars More and finally the most popular spaghetti of all...The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. These are actually quite entertaining (well I don't remember every single of these in great detail...) but I do remember tight editing and awesome camera angles.

Of course when these came out critics hated them. These were nothing like the "hero" of the typical American Western where the "hero" (pardon my theory here...please God forbid me for bringing this BS up) is essentially all the good in society trying to bring an "Eastern" (more civilized than the west was) type feel to the dirty "Western" frontier. Well the Italians said, "Fuck-a-you...it's a meeh western". So they made their own with more violence and with better villians. Better meaning more violent. All the stereotypes you think of a Western came from these Spaghetti Westerns. Before these the WEstern was slow and methodical without a lot of violence...hard to believe but trust me...I sat through them and wanted to rip out my eyes...

So in my opinion Steve...the Italians turned that Western into what we see today (except Open Range or whatever the fuck Costner is doing with Annette Benning) and propelled Eastwood into the image he has today. (Minus the image of being a golf whore in Carmel) Also most of these are based on Kurosawa films and how can you go wrong with that? Instead of swords they have pistols. And they speak english.

The best thing about these is that they don't try to be something they are not. They are simple action films on the Western tip. Without these there wouldn't be Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid poster on my mom's old room. These Westerns made the States think that they can do better, more epic films. This of course would take us to today. So Steve I think you should check these out...if you don't like them, than at least you can say that you have seen these films that you hear about all the time.

I wish I can like Bay films for all the action too...this film major just fucked up films for me for the rest of my chowdernutty life...sorry if I went in depth too much, but hopefully this will help you appreciate them...aka...like them.

Fade out...with Morricone's score...(yes you know what I'm talking about..the cliche tune that you hear when there is about to be a gunfight at noon...if you can hear it you would know what I'm talking about...)

Shit I didn't respond to that...fuck I better get on it...shorter I promise in a bit.

San Jose Merc is wack ass. Agreed.

Matrix is more raw. Agreed.

I like putting you crosshairs. You are the only one that argues back big time with me.

Yeah I know you weren't aiming at me. But isn't it fun to act like we hate each other...I mean we act right? Right?

Icon = Awesome. Don't ever diss my creativity. Haha. That cloud is classic.

You PMS?

Mint Chocochip is better than Strawberry.

Troy might not be bad. Derek is happy that Pitt is wearinga skirt. Ask him.

How vast can my knowledge be? I just watched Swingers again last night.

Poker rooms are good. Don't listen to Brian...or Bryant...or Kevin...or Jon...

Social retard was sarcasm? You can't lie to a liar. Haha.

My bitter ass just compares to your bitter ass. So without you being on top of the bitter asshole world, you are bitter because your bitterness is being attacked by someone who is just as bitter in this bitter, bitter world. I'll have a piece of that bitternut peacan pie please.

also, brendan, you never responded to my question of what you thought about Clint eastwood's spaghetti westerns, specifically the good, the bad, the ugly,Fist full of dollars, and for a few dollars more

thanks for responding so quickly. No really. It gives me something to do at work.

stop lying brendan. I know you hated it. Stop it. No. no. NO! You hated it!!! Anyways, i wasn't implying that you were a counter culture mother fucker. If you were, you wouldn't be taking any shower, you would never go to the movie theater, watching only indie pics on your old camera (the kind that the teachers used in grad skoo when they should us those ghetto documentaries on where tomatoes come from). Besides your lack of showers, i doubt that you are a hippie fuck who hates mainstream. You are however, a bitter ass who writes too damn much.

no, it's the critics that i meant were the artsy counter culture mother fuckers. Especially those idiots at San Jose Merc. They HATE every single fucking movie that comes out in more than one theater, but absolutely love that movie that no one has ever heard of, that's showing at Camera 11 in downtown. I hated that shit.

As for the social retard point, that's sarcasm. I know i'm a fucking genious, dont you worry. And yes jon, I know i misspelled "genius"..it was part of the joke, you anal bitch.

anyways, i didn't read the rest of your post, cuz you wrote too damn much. Give me an hour more of work, and i'm sure i'll read the rest of it. ..fuck..i just read it. Guess i'll have to do some work now. oh wells. anyways, yeh..i dont think the matrix was bad, but i dont' think it was brilliant either. I honestly think why more people liked the first movie was because it was new, but also because it was more raw. There was a definite less amount of CGI in the first one, so they had to rely more upon good acting ("whoa"), an interesting storyline, and especially lots and lots of kung fu. Maybe that's why it was good too. Anytime you have white people doing good kung fu, it's cool. You have an asian do it tho (2 and 3), and now ur just pushing a sterotype. Fucker.

Anyways, a few more things, or rather, a summary
1)fuck you, fuck you, fuck you
2)I hate you brendan
3)I'm right, and eveyrone else is wrong
4) there is no #4, fuck you.
5) never put me in your crosshairs again. I will destroy you.
6) Brian, if you work as the guy in the mouse suit, you will also be destroyed

Also, I was pms'ing yesterday, and we ran out of strawberry ice cream. I was cranky. Oh nm, I mean it was cuz lack of sleep. I would say i was having a bad day, but excuses like that are bullshit. I love it when people say shit like that when they treated you like shit before ("hey man fuck you". Next day: "oh sorry..I was tired..and cranky" which really means "I hate you"). Whatevers. I was in a bad mood. Go figure. Don't like that response?? Look at my fucking icon, dumbshit.

The last samurai...good god. Besides it being bullshit....no wait, that's it. It's bullshit. I think i've gotten over the high school insecurity of white guys hooking up with asian girls, so i think that's the only reason. oh well, there's always "troy"...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Fuck it, i'm renting Air Bud and Rosemary's Baby.

Yes brendan, your knowledge of the movie world is vast compared to mine. I'll admit that. I just dont' watch a lot of movies. Maybe it's lack of money, or lack of good movies. who knows. Or maybe i just need to get my head out of my ass and stop watching nothing but "rounders" and "swingers".
- - -
on a final realistic note, this year i will only be getting these days off: Thanksgiving and the day after, xmas and the day after. Other than that, i will be back in san diego.

on another side note, i actually went to a poker room to check it out. I didn't play tho, cuz i was too nervous. Good observation session tho. I'll play next time. And probably lose. There are some sorry ass poker players at the indian casinos tho. I saw a lady lose about 150...chasing bullshit actions and on HUGE draws...wtf. dumb bitch.

damn i'm bitter today.

Haha. Talk about having a bitter taste in your mouth.

For your information I did like the Matrix. I liked the story. I liked the effects (at that point and one can make an argument about how I didn't like them anywhere since everyone else copied them, however I truly gave it respect for what it did visually and didn't allow anyone else who copied it ruin it for me) and I like how it flowed. It did bring a somewhat original idea to the mix although maybe we can ask someone like Jon whether or not Plato was the first to talk about being "jacked in". No Steve I did like the first one...and I didn't say that the third was in godlike proportions of being total shit. Compared to Reloaded it was a fucking Oscar worthy performance...by the robots of course. For you to think that I hated it just because I'm some "artsy counter culture mother fucker" well you are totally wrong...and coming from you who bashes religion and the ultimate Lion Voltron... Haha.

My point was not to fucking say that you are a "social retard", but rather your quote was perfect for what I was trying to say in that Matrix 2 and 3 should not have been made. From a fiscal standpoint it should have, but maybe they shouldn't have been so quick to rush the story out. You don't need to apologize for something you like...shit I like dropping but you clearly don't like that...haha. I'm sorry my quote seemed aimed at you...but you had a argument that a lot of people used for Reloaded...you were 100 percent confident that it could be saved solely on the fact that it was the middle movie.

The point about doing something that a shitload of people like then down the road not being able to compete with it...well I should hope so. It raises the bar for the person doing it and receiving sometihng creative. Since the Matrix was dope and I did like it (Yes I did think it was overrated because I don't care how you say it...and you can't argue it...if it didn't have those effects it wouldn't have been what it was, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I liked it.) so why should I not fucking expect sometihng stronger from them when they had more money and more resources to tell their story? So basically you are saying you shouldn't do your best becuase you are afraid you can't top that...well I prefer to keep trying to top myself and to top other's expectations...and film is perfect for that...no career is so much placed on how the public recieves you. If you can think of another occupation let me know. Granted the President and other political offices..but they get paid no matter what once they get people happy once during voting season. Music is another one that is probably parallel with film. So don't mention that one.

Pixar keeps getting better and better with their story telling and imagination. They know the bar is raised so they do everything they can to meet that expecation...its this bar that helps us see new things in new light and in a creative fashion. If everyone said, "oh man that was sick...the best shit I'd ever seen and probably will ever see" then our films would suck shit. That goes for music, art, books and whatever else you can think of. Of course this point it worthless to you since you dind't like Nemo...hehe...

A perfect example. I liked the first Star Wars Trilogy. Then Episode One came out...were my expectations met? FUck no. Why weren't they met? BEcause I know Lucas and his imagination dream team could do a lot fucking better than what they came up with. Even ILM is going downhill it terms of CGI. Same it true for Matrix. First one...good...second one...ugh...

So Steve I didn't bash it because everyone else liked it...on the contrary I probably should have said it was the best film ever. I also dind't bash it because I'm a "counter culture mother fucker", I bashed it because I truly thought the Wackowski brothers were bringing something new to the table. Something never seen before...it's fine if they couldn't meet those expecations...but it seems that they didn't even try and copped out two stories to make more money...it's like finding out your daddy is Santa Claus while fucking a dog dressed as an elf...(No, I never had a dog). A huge dissappointment.

On a side note I'm sure some of my reviews piss you guys off since I might be turning into the students that I talk shit about in class...reading too much into a film...but if any of you have made movies before you understand how hard it is to convey something...film is a language. It reads generally as visual to most people (ahem...Bay...) but for others and for myself I try to think of ways to convey something and tap into the viewer...perhaps I am turning abstract. Perhaps I am slowly turnign into someone who you won't want to go see films with or discuss films with...but this does have one positive spin...

I don't have to buy as many DVD's as you will. Haha.

On another side note...I'm with Steve...Last Samurai...jesus shit...

so i saw it. Matrix. I thought it was good. Reloaded sucked, but yeh, that's old news. I thought the third one wasn't all that, but definitely better than the second one. Granted, there were some HELLA corny scenes, but for the most part I liked it. Of course i like any movie that provokes long discussions over coffee, or leads to repeating lines from it over and over and over again. That's pretty general, i know. I pretty much consider the matrix (first one) to be the best of the three, and am a fan of pretty much only that one.

So yeh, reloaded sucked, and that bad taste rolls over in the viewers mouth into the third one. Everyone and their mom hated Revolutions. I like how anything mainstream is instantly hated no matter what. Seems like everyone these days has become an artsy abstract counter culture mother fucker who hates anything that more than handfull of people like.

You all probably hated it, so what's the point in me saying anything about it. Brendan, you hated the first one, you hated the second one, so why would you not hate the third one? A movie trilogy can never be saved by the last installment, especially if you hate with a passion the first one, the foundation. A movie trilogy CAN however, be destroyed the by the third one...case in point, back to the future Damn that movie sucked.

The matrix (first movie) i thought was pretty good because it brought forth the issue of man vs. machine in an original matter. This isn't a new battle..(terminator, toy soldiers, etc) but the way it was put forth i thought was cool. The movie blew up...leading to shitloads of other merchandise and it's effects could be seen everywhere. Okay maybe i'm generalizing. Whatevers. Anyways, my point is, when you make something that most people like a lot, anything after will be considered crappy.

Boyz II men made the album "II" which was the best fucking R&B album ever. Every single album afterwards failed to live up to "II" in eveyrone's eyes, both critics, fans, and even Boyz II men themselves.

Anyways, whatevers, you all hated it. Fine. My apologies for liking it. I must be a fucking social retard.

no need to worry about that, cuz...
the last samurai is coming out soon and we can all hate something together.

Rock on.

P.S. Santa Claus 2 is coming out on DVD..guess i should pick up my reserved copy. YES! (i'm kidding)

Shitty plot + loose ends + The Bible + Ignorance from stupid fucks + Trinity Kick X3 = Matrix makes 42 mil in first weekend.

I think I'll start this post with a quote from one of my closest friends...

"I will go see the last matrix movie cuz i know it'll be good BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE SECOND ONE SUCKED BECAUSE TWO AND THREE ARE ONE COMPLETE MOVIE." (Tamekuni, S. "I Love Stupid" Pooky ed. October 2003)

I can't believe you put your bet on this one. For the sake of argument let's just say I am not going to apply any film theory and what I'm about to say, I didn't learn from retarded teachers at SFSU. Reloaded was horseshit besides some cool action sequences (mainly the freeway). I'll tell you what. I bet you anything that the WACKowski Bros. did not write Matrix as a trilogy. I will bet money on that. In the first Smith died and Neo was left as "The One" who can now fly. The story was left open for you to decide but it got the point across that we could essentially be jacked in. HOWEVER the second was filled with loopholes and shitty plot points. "Oh no...Mr. Smith somehow fucking returned...there are stupid fucking characters with simplistic names...The Keymaster and now the Train man......oooooooh....I wish I thought of that shit. Now Steve makes the point that its only half the story so how can it be good? Shit I'm pretty sure LOTR and Empire Strikes were pretty fucking good...how you ask? Because they were originally written as a trilogy therefore did not write itself into any problems early in the game. Now Revolutions come out...you know from what you have written in the past and talked about...it seems ironic to me that you would applaud these two films (or at least put money on the fact that you will applaud these shitty films) even though the Matrix is one big visual pamphlet for religion. This whole story is biblical..and biblical beyond fucking belief. WACKowshi somewhere down the fucking road from The Matrix walked into a religious group and adopted their views. Neo is Jesus. That's all there is too it..."Believe in Jes...cough cough...NEO and he will save us...you must have hope for he is the only one who can save us!" Those who didn't believe in Neo flat out fucking died. What a cop out ending that was...not going to spoil it but you can already guess what happens. Also to throw this in...WACKowski's straight up fucking ganked a shot from AKIRA and if you don't believe me on that...lay those pictures side by side and see for yourself...also I can see they watched Toonami and got on the bandwagon of DBZ. Now I was late in the game too for catching DBZ, but Jon is my proof that I at least wanted to learn everything about it that I could before it got too popular. These fucking WACKowski douches straight up stole camera angles and shots from DBZ. They stole the mech designs from Shirow Masamune...but who cares right? The mass public doens't know about these little nip animes...Everyone gets inspired from somewhere and these days its hard to be truly original, but when you blatenly rip off shit...little respect from me.

In a nutshell Mr. S Tamekuni...I do understand. I clearly understood that Matrix was shot at the same time. Yet it is I who understood that the WACKowski Brothers relied on stupid fucking "bullettime" that was cool the first time I saw it...but by the time I saw Trinity do the Daniel-san kick in three fucking movies...I'm fucking over it...maybe it's because I'm too critical...but if letting go of this critical sense is what it takes me to enjoy shit...fuck that...I ain't no shit eater.

Now if this post makes you mad I got another announcment to make that you might enjoy.

SPLAT

Something I always wanted to try but seemed to intimidating. What do I know about this sport? I'll be out of my league...but I love first person shooters...that's right folks...I want to go paintballing. Which one of you guys has the balls to go with me. Here's the deal.

I scored (well technically I paid a cheap price) tickets that don't ever expire that we can use at a shitload of paintball arenas. I'm not talking about shitty action zone and their pumping bullshit. I'm talking about automatic, CO2 powered paintball guns. And this is even better. Its in the woods. With foxholes. Bunkers. Trenches. Its in Santa Cruz which is known for its paintball environments. Tickets normally cost 35 bucks. I got these tickets for 3.50. These tickets include the gun, the helmet/goggles, orientation, access to all fields and shooting range, and you can play all day (essentially 8 hours). We can all be on the same team of course and we will only be put on the field with beginners just like us. The only thing we need to buy is the C02 which you can purchase there and isn't expensive and the paintballs themselves. These are a little bit more expensive, but with the savings on tickets you are golden. The guy said you can buy like 500 rounds for about 20 bucks...but if you go in with someone you can get 2000 rounds for about 50.00. That is more than enough for 2-3 people on their first time out. Games usually are scenario based...capture the flag, base, and team elimination. They even have parks in San Jose but those are "Hyper ball" parks which is what you mostly see on the television...a arena with a bunch of obstacles set up around you. They also siad that they are developing a tournametn arena in San Jose that will have buildings that you can actually go into...like playing in a town.

Anyway I thought this would be cool and since I don't ever really plan anything for our group I thought this would be a fun thing we can do from time to time. I think it would be fucking sick if we can all play on one team and set up into small squads covering each other's backs and shit. Basically all the cool shit I see in Socom we can apply to this...shit they even have paint grenades and paint mines that you can set up on the ground. Shit I asked the guy if they have paint sniper rifles...and they do...with real scopes and shit. The guy said for the woods you would just wear like a tshirt and sweatshirt...or two sweatshirts with a hood and good pants with sweatpants underneath them and gloves to protect your knuckles if you get shot in the hand. As you can probably tell I am really excited about this and I hope you guys are too and hoepfully we can set this up. I got 18 tickets total. I think Ari is taking about 4 of them, but the rest are up for grabs...doesn't this sound fucking awesome or is it just me? I dunno...I always wanted to play a realistic gun battle when I was a kid (remember that paint gun with invisible guns...what was that shit called again?) with my friends...doens't get much more realistic than this unless we all want to die in the Middle East.

So let me know if you are interested...even if we don't get 18 people (oh yeah and the best part about this is that since I got to know the guy at school, and he could have offered to this to everyone, but that is hardly the point, I can get these tickets online at the same price and if we really enjoy this shit I can buy from him directly again and get another sheet absolutely free.) we can go multiple times in a smaller group. So let me know what you guys think...I think with the savings I think its affordable for everyone.
So yeah again...if you would like to try this out please let me know and I'll try to set something up where we can go one weekend.

Misc.

Congrats Brian on the job. Hope the rat treats you with fucking respect. Captain....Captain....Captain...I hope you are not too discouraged in Socom2 just because I was right. You just didn't want to believe...which is why you probably thought Matrix sucked also. Also a question for you guys and I'm giong to take your responses seriously so please respond in a serious matter.

Basically...someone brought in a Canon XL1-S into class today. It was this fuckers and his parents bought it for hiim...he dind't even know how to fucking use it and his short films are SHIT. SHITTIER THAN SHIT. SHITTING SHIT INT HE PROCESS OF SHITTNG OUT SHIT. REDUNDANT. Anyway this camera runs about 3500 dollars, but the quality of the pic looks just like film. It even has a mode where it takes a bunch of frames of the picture rather than looking like the home video look. The other cool thing about this is that you can stick ANY 35mm lens on this camera (35mm is what they use on still cameras and on film cameras for big budget films). Now I loved this camera so much and this was the first time I ever really seen it in action that I am now considering ditching the G5 for the Canon XL1-s. So the question is this.

G5 for editing with the best and pro editing software out there or get the Canon in which to shoot film...what do you think the order should be in?

I'm outta here. I'm growing tired...I bought paintball magazines...even the high priced guns aren't as high as I thought they would be...this is looking better and better...let me know about the paintball thing also...

Not too much to say this time around, since I saw most of you this weekend already...

First, I got the job at CEC... I got a call today, and they offered me the position at 10.25, but I know they lowballed me. I get to negotiate tomorrow and figure out how training is going to work with school. Yeah, so I'll be home or at least close to home for the next six weeks if you guys want to do something. It'll be really weird to live out of a hotel for six weeks.

House hunting hasn't gone as well as I thought it would. There are a lot of junky houses in the Rohnert Park area. For instance, we went to one and it was kinda nice looking from the street. But you get into the place and it was so old and decrepit (How's that for an SAT word in action?). They were repainting and puting in carpet, but it seriously felt like a former crack house. Not to mention the back yard.... I look outside and it looked like a sea gull stepped on a landmine in the middle of a dump. There was a huge pile of wood and garbage at the center of it... I could have sworn I saw a dead thing next to it... They say they're rebuilding the "deck" outside, and that it'll take about a week. It's not a happy place. As for the second one, there was a lot of rocks on the outside. That cuts down on the garden work, and maybe I'll do a little rock gardening to give it the zen look. hahaha, yeah right. It looked a little ghetto, but the inside wasn't too bad. I really can't wait to move.

I forgot to buy Karaoke Revolution today... I'll make sure to do it tomorrow. That'll be a blast. I always wanted to sing "The Power of Love." There's even some good old MJ for Jon. Get it! Screw this Call of Duty and Socom 2... hehehe Bemani strikes again. But seriously, the next few weeks are seeing some good games... FF X-2 and Double Dash next week? I'm kind of glad some of the PC games got delayed.

So all in all, it looks like another chapter of my life is starting again. It's looking better than the last one, and I'm hoping it's just as interesting.

Jon, it's sunday and I don't see an update! You lagger :)

Jon and Steve...you guys don't need to read this shit.

I was actually going to comment on the game endings and the film discussion over at Steve's blog. Maybe I can make a guest appearance on his blog so all his friends can read what I want to say. I think they would enjoy what I have to say. Now onto the more important subject of Socom 2. Everyone get out your keyboards and prepare to copy this next line of text and paste it back IF I'm still playing Socom 2 as much as Socom 1.

"Socom 2 is overrated."

Maybe now Captain will fucking blog for once in his life since he cherishes this game like its his baby. How he can overlook all these flaws are beyond all my comprehension. Here it goes. (I threw in this paragraph just to make Andy blog although he does seem blind...)

So here it is. A rundown of what made the original Socom so great. First of all Socom was overrated. It had mediocre graphics. It had mediocre game types. It had stupid fucking players on the servers. It can't even be considered a first person shooter...just a better executed Syphon Filter. Then why did I play it? Why did I spend a year on this game? Simple. To play with my friends. For those that have known me for a while, but not necessarily on the video game level...Bryant, Andy and I always said that playing as a team against some other enemy would be fucking awesome. Since I was the only one with a decent PC we couldn't play good shit like MOHAA or now Call of Duty. Socom despite all it's flaws (and there were a lot) was still loads of fun.

It was the thrill of the kill. The chance that you could be killed 10 seconds into the game. No chance to fucking run away and/or just turn around and shoot and get lucky. If someone with true aim had your ass in his sights, you would more likely than not be dead. There was something at stake in the game...you didn't want to sit out and wait for all your buddies to die if you fucked up. There is the reason why Socom appealed to me most. (Besides the reason of playing with the best team money wishes it can fucking buy) Alas like I told Captain, "Its like they fixed all the shit they got wrong in Socom and added new shit to fucking fix in Socom 3." Let's get right down to it...this blog is mainly for Kevin and Brian who at one point my invest in this game. In the words of Dre3000, "I'm...I'm....I'm just being honest."

First thing I fucking notice is the fact that there is a energy bar. A fucking energy bar! What is this shit? If I wanted energy I'll play Unreal and soon Half Life 2. This energy is forgiving. You can get shot in the neck and it only takes off about 1/3 of the energy. Don't believe me? I got to shoot a enemy who wasn't playing from point blank range. I would have shot him in the head but I decided to see if the hit detection was as fucked up as I thought it is. Let's just say I'm not satisfied. The energy is basically for all the people that complained that they hated waiting for the game to end. I don't care how you want to argue this point but you have to give me the fact that they specifically put this in for those people who don't want to learn the hard way. This handicaps good players to make it more even. Sounds like affirmative action to me...in a non-racial sort of way.

"Brendan...calm down...you just have to adjust your gameplay with Socom2 just like you did with the first one." Maniac Cop

No. I had to adjust my gameplay in the fact that I had to learn how to shoot with this third person shit. After playing MOHAA and it being a true FPS it is hard to go to a third person view where the camera sits so high that sometimes your vision is obscured even though your guy can actually see just fine. I can't describe it unless you played Socom. This also helped you jump out at people by using the camera as if it was a mirror that Tom Hanks uses in Saving Private Ryan to view around corners. Even though I learned how to use it to my advantage...I don't think it was very fair for all the people I've killed using it.

Socom plays pretty much about the same as Socom 1 so Maniac cannot be talking about the control scheme so he must mean my strategy. Look at these new levels. I told you it was going to be a camper's paradise and I'm correct. If you say I'm wrong...I really don't get it. What is a camper's paradise then? Other than these levels that we were playing last night. On a side note however I'd like to thank Andy for trying to keep me calm and lending me some confidence in my game.

"Brendan you are awesome at strafing and keeping your target in your crosshairs..." Maniac Cop

This is a little taken out of context. I'm pretty sure he said this in combination with the first quote, but this will do without me reading it wrong. Kevin you are going to love this. After being relatively new to the FPS genre....errr...excuse me TPS (third person shooter) it took you a while to learn the art of strafing in a circle and keeping your sights locked. No matter what my team says, this game takes that skill away. Should I not get rewarded for mastering this technique (which I can thank GoldenEye for)? Your crosshairs widen as you walk. I understand why they did this, but after being in gun battles now I realize that they made it too loose. If Seals shot like that then they might as well kill themselves. At least Andy admits that it takes too long to kill someone now....which plays into the energy rant on the top. The only way you can get true aim is to stay still. Staying still...I'm pretty sure that is called camping.

Here is a hypothetical quote that I know both my teammates are saying, "Well I did awesome last night so Brendan is full of shit and he's bitter because he sucks."

You guys did do awesome...you guys adjusted so fucking quick I am in awe and bow down to your skills. Yet I want to make one point (and like I told Bryant on IM, I'm not saying this to take away from your game or how well you played last night) Bryant got a shit load of kills using the shotgun. Shotguns are considered the cheapest shit in ANY FPS/TPS. I'm sorry to say that Socom didn't change this mold. Bryant was able to pop out around a corner and make some bitch fly. If I pop out with a gun like an AK-74 I will not have the advantage. Why? Because since you are strafing out your sights are fucked up and your shots inaccurate beyond belief. If you think I'm exxagerating I would at least think that both you two think I'm just as good as you guys in doing this pop and kill manuever...so why did I suffer last night? Shotguns are pretty much a one hit kill. The DE5.0 is still as poweful and the sniper rifles seem more forgiving...I killed someone today by shooting them in the foot...I'm pretty sure no one else shot him. The real guns however were stripped of their one hit kill potential. I'm not saying thaty they dont' do it from time to time...but tell me honestly how many one or two hit kills you had last night.

"Are you kidding me?...oooookay (sarcastic)." Terri Horiuchi

This is when blood was flying out of some enemy that I was right next to...or should I say behind them....got about half a clip off until they turned around...me with full health bar...and they turn around...more fighting and strafing (at this oint I was cussing the fuck out because in ANY DECENT FUCKING GAME that guy should have been dead...and trust my mom...I was hitting this guy in the chest) and I end up losing. I have no fucking idea how, but I lose. This didn't just happen one time...but just about every other round.

"EGM gave it awesome reviews." Future quote by Maniac Cop

First off this isn't a valid argument SINCE they don't rank games against PC games which are the dominating force in FPS. Call of Duty is honestly more fun right now and if they reviewed that game they would probably give it all 10's...oh wait...EGM members like to camp and lurk. The way they jock the shit about hiding in bushes and so much more foilage and the light affecting your vision so someone entering a building can't see you in the corner...they jocked that shit...and their orginal Socom previews and reviews...every single one was like "YOu can run and gun, but you will lose to a team playing stealthy aka camping.

Bottom line for the negatives...this game tried to even it up against shitty players and top players. I was a top player. My team were top players. For those that have seen us in action you know that we are still stealthy yet aggressive and round times hardly last past 2 minutes. I would really like to see Andy and Bryant use the guns that we are used to using to see if i'm just completely bullshit in my views. You probably think I don't like the game because I don't feel as dominating as I did in Socom 1. Change is hard and usually with change it's out with the old and in with the new. This new style of play is the same Socom controls, but completely different type of game that I jsut don't enjoy playing as much...here is a simple comparison for Kevin and Brian...it's playing Halo with shields vs. playing Halo with little or no health.

This just came in from Andy...I'm not going to copy everything but basically it reads, "Brendan our clan specializes in quick clean kills with high percentage shots...now we just have to wait for the right moment and get in a good 5-6 clean shots now. What you consider less skill is actually more skill....basically take the game up a notch."

Look at what you are saying Captain...waiting to pounce, waiting to strike...I have shot people 5-6 times and the only way to do that is to shoot them when they are not moving...the "good 5-6 shots" is the time it takes for some person who doesn't have the subtleties down to turn around and even when facing you, to get one lucky shot in that will end your round...but you waited for the right moment..you connected with four quality chest shots...should you not be given the right live and keep playing? You want me to say it...WE WILL NOT BE AS DOMINANT IN THIS GAME AS WE ONCE WERE. IN FACT I BET YOU RIGHT NOW THAT NOBODY WILL BE AS CRAZY AS THEY ONCE WERE. I'm not just talking about us, but I'm talking about the whole percentage of people that died numerous times to get where they are in how the Socom universe works.

"But like you said...you have to die a shitload in order to see how this different Socom universe works." Maniac Cop getting smart with me in about 3 hours after I post this blog.

The gameplay is the same...you use the camera to your advantage and you see your target before they see you....only this time you have to be right next to them because your normal gun doesn't get the range it once did and you can't be moving to get a true aim. I'm not saying that this game is flawed is everything it does...all I'm saying for those thinking of buying it is that you will not be buying Socom 1 with new shit...you will be buying a game that was made for everything to be somewhat even in skill so they can sell more copies. Don't fucking forget that the whole name of the game is to appeal to a mass audience and this mass audience we are talking about were the idiots online that never got to play a FPS online because they are too poor to buy a decent PC and/or they can't hang with the PC crowd...Andy is scoffing at what I'm saying right now, but I gaurantee you that if Andy had a good PC with Call of Duty he would like it much better.

I was going to end this with a positive note, but I'll do that later because this is longer than anyone wanted to read. I think I present some very good points and on that note I'm leaving the FE clan until I can help them move up the ranks instead of bringing them down.

SushiBoy KIA

This part has been edited for it it is a key point in my argument. I said earlier that one and two hit kills are pretty much gone, but they still exist. One can make the argument that it means it just takes as long as you to kill them than for them to kill you. This is true. However it is the key point of you having the advantage for seeing someone first or knowing how to move your player around better than the next guy...even though you get the jump or you find a guy facing the wrong way...it doens't mean you will win the fight...if any person were givin this situation in real life...i'm pretty sure 90 percent of the people would be able to kill the fucker in one or two shots expecially if they are facing the wrong way.