Double post. I just wanted to remark on the DDR remix on OCR. It's an interesting take on the original, but the sucky rap is still there. The added groove sounds nice, and I've always liked the little melody in the background. Bottom line, it gets a point for creativity and another for a well done mix, but I'm not impressed. There are better things on OCR to listen to.
"Someone get this fricken duck away from me!"
Jan 31, 2004
Jan 30, 2004
Happy belated birthday to both Bryant, and Tony! Damn, yeah. Where has time gone anyway? Pretty soon we'll all end up as grumpy old men. Like the movie.
...
Guys? Herro?
First blog of the new year, gotta make it stupid.
Classes are as stupid as last year. No, amend that. I have stupid people again. This one chick in my Organizational Behavior exists just to piss everyone off. The first 5 minutes were hellish. "So 3 midterms and no final? *ponder* What about our final? DO WE HAVE A FINAL?" Straight from the horses mouth. She then proceeds to interrupt the professor with one of her stories about her friend. The class groans collectively. It's going to be a long semester.
You know, I really need to find a job that works regular hours. I'm getting sick of this no socom, no ffxi, no chill time schedule. The only thing that is keeping me going right now is the car. As long as I can stick it out for a year, I could get one. WRX? Maybe. I believe Jon said it best when he said "ValueBangs vs. GreedyBangs/CarpeDiemBangs. A clasic match-up." Can't say it any better than that man. But look what he did... He got the best of both worlds. Gah.
If you were wondering if I memorized that little line from him, I didn't. I was going through the blogs of early days, and found it amusing. All of it. Right down to the big video game debate and the poker trials and tribulations. One year and a couple months, still going energizer bunny style.
What does this New Year hold for all of us? New jobs? New lives? Anyone have anything interesting coming up this year? I want to get to Vegas this year. THIS YEAR. All the other years were just in preparation for this trip. We're going! Now if only I can get the time off from work. heh heh heh.
Oh yes. Life is good. I'm still playing with the gifts from Christmas, thank you all! Socom is slowly eating away my time, the Atari brings back memories, and the mag subscription is good reading. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end what was a crappy day at work :) And it was good to talk to you Steve... Missed those stay up til 6 am talking about everything and eat all your food :D Oh, and for all that have moved away from Yars' Revenge, I suggest playing Adventure. And after a through game, go to homestarrunner and click on homepage #13, and mouse over the e-mail option. My bro showed it to me and I got a good long laugh.
...
Guys? Herro?
First blog of the new year, gotta make it stupid.
Classes are as stupid as last year. No, amend that. I have stupid people again. This one chick in my Organizational Behavior exists just to piss everyone off. The first 5 minutes were hellish. "So 3 midterms and no final? *ponder* What about our final? DO WE HAVE A FINAL?" Straight from the horses mouth. She then proceeds to interrupt the professor with one of her stories about her friend. The class groans collectively. It's going to be a long semester.
You know, I really need to find a job that works regular hours. I'm getting sick of this no socom, no ffxi, no chill time schedule. The only thing that is keeping me going right now is the car. As long as I can stick it out for a year, I could get one. WRX? Maybe. I believe Jon said it best when he said "ValueBangs vs. GreedyBangs/CarpeDiemBangs. A clasic match-up." Can't say it any better than that man. But look what he did... He got the best of both worlds. Gah.
If you were wondering if I memorized that little line from him, I didn't. I was going through the blogs of early days, and found it amusing. All of it. Right down to the big video game debate and the poker trials and tribulations. One year and a couple months, still going energizer bunny style.
What does this New Year hold for all of us? New jobs? New lives? Anyone have anything interesting coming up this year? I want to get to Vegas this year. THIS YEAR. All the other years were just in preparation for this trip. We're going! Now if only I can get the time off from work. heh heh heh.
Oh yes. Life is good. I'm still playing with the gifts from Christmas, thank you all! Socom is slowly eating away my time, the Atari brings back memories, and the mag subscription is good reading. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end what was a crappy day at work :) And it was good to talk to you Steve... Missed those stay up til 6 am talking about everything and eat all your food :D Oh, and for all that have moved away from Yars' Revenge, I suggest playing Adventure. And after a through game, go to homestarrunner and click on homepage #13, and mouse over the e-mail option. My bro showed it to me and I got a good long laugh.
Jan 28, 2004
Jan 27, 2004
Jon reminded me that I once said, "The plan is to buy a cue stick with the winnings I make in Poker." I also said to Bryant, "If you buy such and such, I will buy my DefTechs for my television." But Jon makes a very valid point. Bryant just likes to watch me spend money! Haha! So I think I will finally set the new G5 aside for now and look for a cue stick. After all I have spent numerous hours in pool halls and too much money to not get my own, legit cue stick. Sure I have a cue stick (that black one), but I might just keep that at Jon's house since he is the only one that plays with it anyway. On the other hand my dad made me realize that the cue stick that I use...is well...his. He said he will pass it along to me when he dies. I will probably cremate it with him so he has something to do wherever the hell he goes after he dies. I just realized that I am not making sense in anything I have just written...to make a long story short, I think it is time to buy a cue stick. What does one look for in a cue stick? Well I got it narrowed down to two choices...
Balabushka or Szamboti.
Then I woke the fuck up and realized that until I make my first real blockbuster film...NONE OF US CAN AFFORD THESE CUES...shit we can't even put our money together and get one. These two cue sticks have fetched as much as...get this...250,000 dollars each. Truly works of art, but out of my price range by about 249,500 dollars. Oh well. So I have no clue why I blogged this other than to hint at Jon that maybe he can afford to put a Szamboti on layaway for the celebration of his new pool table that he will eventually get sooner or later. Peace.
Balabushka or Szamboti.
Then I woke the fuck up and realized that until I make my first real blockbuster film...NONE OF US CAN AFFORD THESE CUES...shit we can't even put our money together and get one. These two cue sticks have fetched as much as...get this...250,000 dollars each. Truly works of art, but out of my price range by about 249,500 dollars. Oh well. So I have no clue why I blogged this other than to hint at Jon that maybe he can afford to put a Szamboti on layaway for the celebration of his new pool table that he will eventually get sooner or later. Peace.
Jan 22, 2004
food poisoning. I had that yesterday. I won't go into the gruesome details, but lets just say that from now, vomiting will be no big deal for me. I couldn't even keep water down yesterday. Wonderful. Imagine having a stomach ache and nausea that lasts for 24 hours straight. You can't eat or drink anything (that's hell already) and you can't sleep even thought ur exhausted. I'm a bit cracked out right now, as i haven't eaten anything in over 24 hours, and have just started drinking water again, so im a bit dehydrated.
sorry i haven't updated IisB for a while..i'll start up my daily updates as soon as i finish my grad skoo applications.
Brian, also take note of the Chevrolet Prism LSi. It make look like a piece of shit, but don't be fooled! It goes from 0 to 60 in at least 15.5 seconds. Who needs power when ur driving??? Apparently no one who drives this car! I should be glad this POS even comes with a spare. i shouldn't complain tho. Sure beats public transit.
I agree with brendan. The chart makes me feel poor. Then i watch MTV cribs and i feel even poorer.
Thanks for the gifts
I got no one anything this xmas. NO ONE. No one got SHIT from me. I couldn't afford it. And yet, you bastards got me gifts. How much of an ASSHOLE did i feel like when i got to the horiuchi house and found a pile of gifts waiting for me. ARgh. you guys are too much. Thanks so much for everthing guys. One of these days i'll get u guys ur xmas gifts, one of these days. i have already watched Swingers ten times. anD fuck that STUPID FUCKING DASH in YARS REVENGE!!! It's worse than the fucking snake in Pitfall that doesn't move AT ALL and YET YOU STILL HIT IT SOMEHOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO TIME UR GODDAMN JUMP PERFECTLY!!!!
Happy bday to bryant. sorry i couldn't have been there. I'm sure it was a blast, as all korean birthdays are. Haha. hope you had a good one man.
goddamn i'm hungry. Popeye's would be good right now. or peas porridge hot, nine days old.
I think the wit level of this group is amazing. The best kind of wit comes when you don't try at all (another area where i am dead last). I was chuckling for quite a while after reading about how the celica's back seat was "cruel joke on your friends". Or maybe it's cuz i'm just stupid. one or the other. Nah, it's probably cuz i'm stupid. Yeh fuck it. nevermind.
aight. back to work. this data ain't gonna enter itself.
lates
sorry i haven't updated IisB for a while..i'll start up my daily updates as soon as i finish my grad skoo applications.
Brian, also take note of the Chevrolet Prism LSi. It make look like a piece of shit, but don't be fooled! It goes from 0 to 60 in at least 15.5 seconds. Who needs power when ur driving??? Apparently no one who drives this car! I should be glad this POS even comes with a spare. i shouldn't complain tho. Sure beats public transit.
I agree with brendan. The chart makes me feel poor. Then i watch MTV cribs and i feel even poorer.
Thanks for the gifts
I got no one anything this xmas. NO ONE. No one got SHIT from me. I couldn't afford it. And yet, you bastards got me gifts. How much of an ASSHOLE did i feel like when i got to the horiuchi house and found a pile of gifts waiting for me. ARgh. you guys are too much. Thanks so much for everthing guys. One of these days i'll get u guys ur xmas gifts, one of these days. i have already watched Swingers ten times. anD fuck that STUPID FUCKING DASH in YARS REVENGE!!! It's worse than the fucking snake in Pitfall that doesn't move AT ALL and YET YOU STILL HIT IT SOMEHOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO TIME UR GODDAMN JUMP PERFECTLY!!!!
Happy bday to bryant. sorry i couldn't have been there. I'm sure it was a blast, as all korean birthdays are. Haha. hope you had a good one man.
goddamn i'm hungry. Popeye's would be good right now. or peas porridge hot, nine days old.
I think the wit level of this group is amazing. The best kind of wit comes when you don't try at all (another area where i am dead last). I was chuckling for quite a while after reading about how the celica's back seat was "cruel joke on your friends". Or maybe it's cuz i'm just stupid. one or the other. Nah, it's probably cuz i'm stupid. Yeh fuck it. nevermind.
aight. back to work. this data ain't gonna enter itself.
lates
Fuck this. That chart makes me feel inferior amongst my friends who are "rich". How about Sunday morning we all drive down, get some coffee and biscotti and go car shopping and don't stop until we all have one we like! Haha! Good luck Brian on your car! See I was smart...I bought mine when I was so poor that my option was either a civic or my car. Needless to say we didn't need to see another civic of any sort. Oh yeah and Jon you forgot about the Enzo. I'm sure Brian will notice your little flaw though.
Further note...when Brian blogs like two paragraphs, his shit stays up for about 3 weeks. When I blog something that is full of shit and nothing...and is the equiviliant of about 10 page paper...Jon comes in with his HTML bullshit skills and on ups me with all his ugly colors...artwise...not sure about the yellow ocre green with the camdium yellow. Might wanna fix that. Gwahahah....sigh...I think I'll post up my long one again just go get your flashy graph outta here. See ya!
Further note...when Brian blogs like two paragraphs, his shit stays up for about 3 weeks. When I blog something that is full of shit and nothing...and is the equiviliant of about 10 page paper...Jon comes in with his HTML bullshit skills and on ups me with all his ugly colors...artwise...not sure about the yellow ocre green with the camdium yellow. Might wanna fix that. Gwahahah....sigh...I think I'll post up my long one again just go get your flashy graph outta here. See ya!
Trading in the tractor
This is a special section for all you farm hands out there. I told you the next update to jhiro.net would be a Cars section to help with your search for the next BeMani-mobile. Anyone can see that this was a lie. So here's something to keep you aware of your best options.
It seems like you're looking for something sportier than another Civic, which I must say I agree with. The WRX and the Evo are excellent performance values, but pricey nonetheless. Sorry to say, but the ordinary Lancer will not come close to your plans to "one-up Lockheed guy over there". In other words, don't even think about it. So how about something in between. Fortunately for you, now is a good time to shop for sport compacts with economy car prices. Even though I already impulsed my car and love it, it's still impressive to look at some of what's available now and soon. In a few years I'll be wishing I had leased just so I could keep on top of the new shiet. Point being, you get to benefit from my continued research. Here's the short list of sport compacts for now (a small clipping from my OCD homemade spec sheet, colorized for your enjoyment):
Expect another $800-900 for an automatic. M* means automatic is not even an option... it's just that damn sporty.
Now for my custom-made-for-Brian personal recommendations...
- The STi and Evo are too expensive, and you will not be able to utilize them to their full potential. Unless you go to an even more lame, secluded area. Or a racetrack. In this price range you could get a G35, and they only let you buy those if your pants have "FANCY!" stamped all over them. Besides, you can still get crazy speed with the normal WRX for thousands less.
- Ah, the TSX... I sat in one at the Moscone Auto Show. They are very nice in all respects, but for the high price I'd want more power. Speaking of power...
- WRX, original sauce. The price is dropping and temptation rising. This was the first car I test drove, and I must admit I still miss the amount of pull it had when the turbo kicked in. Getting on the freeway would never get old (w/o traffic). It's stylish without being too flashy. I'm not sure if you want to spend this much, but I'd love to take a ride in one of these. And there's definitely some one-up action if you spring for this. In the end it's all about beating your friends. Yeaorgh!!!
- RSX and Celica... both good cars, but the RSX style is a bit suped-up-Civic-esque, and the Celica rear seat is a cruel joke on your friends. Either way, at this point I'd spend a little more and get the WRX.
- The Protege always got respect for its great handling, but had a weak engine. In Mazdaspeed form it finally has some power, so there's nothing left to complain about.
- SRT-4. A ridiculous performance bargain... about in the same league as the WRX, but again for thousands less. The style is funky and the interior cheap, though.
- Ah, under $20,000... nice. Here we go... the possible purchase date is getting closer and closer up in hya!!!!
- VW and Focus. Volkswagens probably have above average interiors and features. Plain looking but I've gained respect for them. The Focus gets amazingly good reviews, but looks amazingly bad (not that I ever see the SVT on the street).
- The Ralliart and SE-R are pretty close. Despite the numbers, the Ralliart was somehow faster and won in a comparison test. They both have good performance and cost about the same as a Civic EX. I drove Ricki's SE-R once and it was a lot of fun... I was ready to buy one, but they were all sold out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of these... if you can stand the thought of "coulda had a WRX" for the duration of ownership, heh.
- The Mazda3 is very cool. A mini Mazda6 (half the car for half the man hehehe wheee), it's setting a new standard for economy cars--replacing the Protege, it has power, handling, and a nice interior and features (steering wheel controls, even optional navigation). I could've waited and got one of these, if the Silver Bullet weren't trying to kill me.
- I think the Ion Red Line and Scion tC look like they'll be contenders. I never liked Saturns before for any reason, but this one has a whole lot of power and doesn't look bad. I'm guessing it'll cost about $20k. The tC really impressed me when I first saw it, but maybe just because Scion's current cars look... unusual. It will probably fall between the SE-R and the Mazda3.
Based on what I've heard from you so far, the choice is almost obvious. Part of you wants superperformance (WRX/Evo), and part wants to just go cheap (Lancer, standard weak version). The perfect balance between the two? I say go with the Lancer Ralliart. The style is a slightly softened Evo look, which isn't bad. And it has sporty performance for a reasonable price. The Sentra SE-R, Spec V or not, is also a good choice.
If I overshot it, and you want to spend less, definitely go with the Mazda3. You can get a lot--power, handling, style, and nice features--for a very good price (about as cheap as possible without making a big mistake, on new cars that is).
And if you decide you really need to get to the harvest superfast, and make friends jealous, and don't mind turning into AzN*RaCeR, and are ready to pay for it, get the WRX. Or the SRT-4 if you can stand the look and feel of it.
And of course, when the time comes, test drive all your considerations before impulsing like an idiot. Who does that?! Mang!!!!!
Ah, Capcom
I like Mega Man music more than most people.
Two meanings.
Both true.
"Thank you"s
This is a special section for all you farm hands out there. I told you the next update to jhiro.net would be a Cars section to help with your search for the next BeMani-mobile. Anyone can see that this was a lie. So here's something to keep you aware of your best options.
It seems like you're looking for something sportier than another Civic, which I must say I agree with. The WRX and the Evo are excellent performance values, but pricey nonetheless. Sorry to say, but the ordinary Lancer will not come close to your plans to "one-up Lockheed guy over there". In other words, don't even think about it. So how about something in between. Fortunately for you, now is a good time to shop for sport compacts with economy car prices. Even though I already impulsed my car and love it, it's still impressive to look at some of what's available now and soon. In a few years I'll be wishing I had leased just so I could keep on top of the new shiet. Point being, you get to benefit from my continued research. Here's the short list of sport compacts for now (a small clipping from my OCD homemade spec sheet, colorized for your enjoyment):
Expect another $800-900 for an automatic. M* means automatic is not even an option... it's just that damn sporty.
Now for my custom-made-for-Brian personal recommendations...
- The STi and Evo are too expensive, and you will not be able to utilize them to their full potential. Unless you go to an even more lame, secluded area. Or a racetrack. In this price range you could get a G35, and they only let you buy those if your pants have "FANCY!" stamped all over them. Besides, you can still get crazy speed with the normal WRX for thousands less.
- Ah, the TSX... I sat in one at the Moscone Auto Show. They are very nice in all respects, but for the high price I'd want more power. Speaking of power...
- WRX, original sauce. The price is dropping and temptation rising. This was the first car I test drove, and I must admit I still miss the amount of pull it had when the turbo kicked in. Getting on the freeway would never get old (w/o traffic). It's stylish without being too flashy. I'm not sure if you want to spend this much, but I'd love to take a ride in one of these. And there's definitely some one-up action if you spring for this. In the end it's all about beating your friends. Yeaorgh!!!
- RSX and Celica... both good cars, but the RSX style is a bit suped-up-Civic-esque, and the Celica rear seat is a cruel joke on your friends. Either way, at this point I'd spend a little more and get the WRX.
- The Protege always got respect for its great handling, but had a weak engine. In Mazdaspeed form it finally has some power, so there's nothing left to complain about.
- SRT-4. A ridiculous performance bargain... about in the same league as the WRX, but again for thousands less. The style is funky and the interior cheap, though.
- Ah, under $20,000... nice. Here we go... the possible purchase date is getting closer and closer up in hya!!!!
- VW and Focus. Volkswagens probably have above average interiors and features. Plain looking but I've gained respect for them. The Focus gets amazingly good reviews, but looks amazingly bad (not that I ever see the SVT on the street).
- The Ralliart and SE-R are pretty close. Despite the numbers, the Ralliart was somehow faster and won in a comparison test. They both have good performance and cost about the same as a Civic EX. I drove Ricki's SE-R once and it was a lot of fun... I was ready to buy one, but they were all sold out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of these... if you can stand the thought of "coulda had a WRX" for the duration of ownership, heh.
- The Mazda3 is very cool. A mini Mazda6 (half the car for half the man hehehe wheee), it's setting a new standard for economy cars--replacing the Protege, it has power, handling, and a nice interior and features (steering wheel controls, even optional navigation). I could've waited and got one of these, if the Silver Bullet weren't trying to kill me.
- I think the Ion Red Line and Scion tC look like they'll be contenders. I never liked Saturns before for any reason, but this one has a whole lot of power and doesn't look bad. I'm guessing it'll cost about $20k. The tC really impressed me when I first saw it, but maybe just because Scion's current cars look... unusual. It will probably fall between the SE-R and the Mazda3.
Based on what I've heard from you so far, the choice is almost obvious. Part of you wants superperformance (WRX/Evo), and part wants to just go cheap (Lancer, standard weak version). The perfect balance between the two? I say go with the Lancer Ralliart. The style is a slightly softened Evo look, which isn't bad. And it has sporty performance for a reasonable price. The Sentra SE-R, Spec V or not, is also a good choice.
If I overshot it, and you want to spend less, definitely go with the Mazda3. You can get a lot--power, handling, style, and nice features--for a very good price (about as cheap as possible without making a big mistake, on new cars that is).
And if you decide you really need to get to the harvest superfast, and make friends jealous, and don't mind turning into AzN*RaCeR, and are ready to pay for it, get the WRX. Or the SRT-4 if you can stand the look and feel of it.
And of course, when the time comes, test drive all your considerations before impulsing like an idiot. Who does that?! Mang!!!!!
Ah, Capcom
I like Mega Man music more than most people.
Two meanings.
Both true.
"Thank you"s
Jan 21, 2004
I think I will attempt to write the longest blog ever so I can fill it with so much crap that you won't want to read it all. Well not in one sitting. How long can a blog be? Steve hates long, boring blogs...unless it is filled with ramen and curry. I don't blame him though. Nevertheless I have decided to blog...and in order to make up for my lost time here, it will be long. So how to sum up the past month...gwahaha...and yes boys, "gwahaha" is under copyright.
How much rock and roll is too much?
Apparently whatever was played at the Dave concert. I think my family and I enjoyed it a lot more than the rest of the guys. Nothing wrong with that, just not everyone's cup of tea. However, I think everyone will agree that Tim and Dave are fucking ridiculous. The second song they strung was Crush and that was worth the 62.00 for the tickets. I could have left and been happy. I will admit the concert did get a little too guitar-ish towards the end, but I figure that is because it is the last show for the tour. Kind of like how in the senior year of high school you took as many fucking pictures as you could...except for me. Fuck Prospect. They were all just jamming like they didn't care and I thought it was cool. Dave danced more than I have ever seen him...and that is combining live and on the television set. Overall I enjoyed this concert throughout the show, and I'm glad he stretched "Trouble" to what seemed like 8 minutes or so. I am so jealous that his little girls get to hear him sing at home...I bet when they are older they will think their dad's music is old shit.
A completed list...at long last.
Natalie Wood - Okay so my mom kept bugging me about her and constantly asking if I bought West Side Story. I saw her in The Searchers and said, "wow she's pretty". With West Side Story, I remember the film, but not as well as Hapachan knows The Wizard. However, after watching this one film she instantly zapped into one of my favorites. I always knew she was considered beautiful, but she has a presence on screen that you rarely see these days. She died a very tragic and mysterious death, it would have been interesting to see where she would have taken her career. For my friends that think I obsess to much about old actresses that are A. wrinkly and pruney in reality and/or B. are dead, Natalie Wood's daughter got a lot of helpful genes...
Jennifer Connelly - Okay so this is kind of a wild card and if I could change the list a bit (I don't remember if I ranked them, but I don't think I did, but just in case) I think she would go a little bit lower, so please don't assume that she is number 3 on my list, but she is very, very good. Forget all that other bullshit she did before Requiem. That performance in Requiem what breathtaking to say the least. Then in A Beautiful Mind. Perfect for that film and while the Oscars are rigged, I really think she earned that one. I want to see A House of Sand and Fog, but that isn't exactly a film that you call your friends for...so I guess I'll wait till it comes out on DVD.
Naomi Watts - So how do you choose between the two best friends of Kidman and Watts. I had to sit and think about this one, but in the end I thought that Watts did awesome in Mulholland Drive which is one of the darkest, most mind boggling films ever. We saw her go from this Hollywood dream to down and out actress. Truly powerful. Then The Ring. Forget all of you who didn't like it or didn't think it was disturbing. A lot of people that dind't think it was scary found it to ridiculous. Yet Freddy vs Jason made a shitload in the box office...and Blair Witch is scary...so fuck all those people. 21 grams is another film that you don't call your friends for, but she is getting a lot of critical acclaim...and the role focuses around tragedy. Sounds perfect.
While none of these are really ranked in order...I won't have to tell you who my absolute number one is...and I guarantee you this now...this will never, ever change...ever. Even if Kristin or Jessica wises up and marries me. I will still tell them that they ain't got shit on her...how ridiculous does this sound...? I feel guilty for putting the word "shit" and "her" in the same sentence...
"She has authentic charm. Most people simply have nice manners"
Say what you will. The Captain says if I get another Audrey photo he is going to seek help for me. Yet the Captain has never seen an Audrey film. If I accomplish anything in this little paragraph it is my hope that you actually see what I mean for yourself. After all, she is still considered one of the best that Hollywood and humanity have to offer. Here is a small list of why you should check out some of her films.
Presence on screen is...too hard to describe. Perhaps its the faces she makes, perhaps it's because her eyes can speak lines of dialogue, perhaps it how she speaks so smooth and so precise. Maybe it's her gestures, the subtle movements that jump out at you. Maybe the scary part about it all is that she wasn't acting. True, I can't say I knew her personally and everyone has their down moments, but if this is the case, why is there not ONE book out that is filled with gossip about her or the life she lead? Simply put, she had nothing to offer the gossip papers. She never blamed anyone else for her misgivings. If something didn't work right on the film, it was because she could have tried harder. She wasn't a princess of any sort, but she was treated by people as if she was...not because she demanded it, but because they would have felt guilty if they hadn't. She was a triple threat. She can sing, she is a classically trained ballerina and can act. She thought wasn't pretty and never understood what "all the fuss was about". She didn't like jewelry because she thought inner beauty was more important. She quit her acting to raise her sons because she knew the only legacy that was important was the one she passed onto her kids. Even while she was dying of cancer she stilled traveled the world to raise money for UNICEF to save hungry children. She didn't just make speeches, but rather went to Somalia to witness first hand what world hunger is. Days before her death she still worried about those she will leave behind. Bottom line, I understand that it looks like an obsession. I have done numerous portraits of her, bought more coffee table books than I have coffee tables (none). Yet you have to realize that all Audrey fans hold her on this pedastal. I can't tell you why. Even if you don't like classical films and you might not even like the film that she is in because the story is a little old fashion, I guarantee you that you will at least see why she is different than ANY OTHER ACTRESS YOU HAVE SEEN. Give it a go...it can't hurt. Unless you want to see Torque...then I don't want to even see you watching an Audrey film...in fact don't watch any films and don't give me any criticisms on my favorite actress...haha!
MAME arcade cabinet...
God damn, did I want to finish this project by now. However, the new room is taking a lot more work out of my carpenter than we once thought. So until the room is finished, no more new projects for him. This is a good thing...and a bad thing. The good being that I will be able to put more time into it and it won't be rushed by my grandpa in assembly. The bad part is that we will not be playing SF2 at least for another month or so. Oh well. Perhaps I can put that money towards a Definitive Technology set...we all know that ain't gonna happen. Yet now I have a room that can occupy that kind of sound...how enticing.
LAN parties run amuck
Holy shit do we play a lot of Halo. It seems everyone is on the bandwagon here. And even though BLeeDat and Cop hate this statement and I know exactly why, "Halo is a newbie game". Let me explain. Before I used to give answers that stepped on the toes of us that are good at it. This is why Bryant and Andy don't like this comment. By me saying that Halo is a newbie game is to take away the skill and dedication that we put into the game before it blew up. It is kind of like me saying that I am very lucky at the card tables since I am winning. It is taking away from me being skillful. So let me rephrase this since I have now had a change to organize my thoughts. HALO IS NOT A NEWBIE GAME IN TERMS OF HOW MUCH SKILL IS NEEDED TO PLAY IT. It is rather a NEWBIE GAME BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE PLAY IT NOW. Take for example the fact that Halo is getting a shitload of awards on those wack ass television awards shows. No one cared about Halo before (except for videogamers...I would go even as far to say that hardcore game players understood how good it was before everyone really knew how good it was) it blew up. All of a sudden the Xbox drops in price and people start to hear about it...this is why it is a newbie game. Now here is where the thin line is...Bryant and Andy at least have to admit that I am aware that Halo has good controls...for a console shooter. Nothing will replace the skill of using a mouse (which both Bryant and Andy are also awesome at). The fact that all these new people who are new to First Person Shooters are doing good at Halo will not be as good in any different type of shooter. For example...Bryant, Andy and played Doom...and I joined in with them with Duke Nukem. This was our set of newbie games...a shitload of people jumped on the bandwagon and they became popular outside of computer nerds. Yet the bottom line is that we picked up Halo easily. By the first two days of playing it we were good. Medal of Honor we could pick up and be decent. Call of Duty we can pick up and be decent. Quake we can pick up and be decent. Half Life we can pick up and be decent. Bottom line: Those people that can play Halo with their friends are are considered good amongst their friends (and who don't play shooters that often) will often get eaten alive during any other first person shooter. Look at Jon's friends...haha. Kevin who played Halo one time before was able to walk in and get 74 frags in one match.
This again does not step on our skills. Yes I think Fatal Equilibrium is skilled at Halo, but my point is that it didn't take long for us to reach that point...where as Socom took us about 2 months and then some. I am not taking away anything from my friends either. Halo being a newbie game isn't as negative as I portrayed it to be. Without Halo, Derek and Tony wouldn't be playing with us. They are becoming better and better with every session...even if Derek hides in a little corner because he knows he will get shot. My dad is getting better and now Ricki is showing promise. Haha...thats the perfect argument...c'mon if my sister shows potential at Halo...it has got to be a tad to easy....hahah!
This goes into my next point that Bryant keeps on stressing and which I find absolutely true...
Socom2 can suck a cock, but it is still fun...and we aren't half bad.
I know this blog has seen enough of my Socom2 is bullshit and what not....I even got the Captain to believe me on this one...even though it took some nudging. Bryant is correct to say that we aren't as bad as we once were when we got the game. We have all accepted that it is a little bit sloppier done and the energy sucks, but now we have found away around that. We aren't going out all crazy styles like we used to, we are know shooting at enemies in groups. That one night we played the only match we really lost was because of the game type and the stupid grenade launchers...other than that I haven't laughed like that during a Socom2 session in awhile. It is because we all worked as a team and we have started to adjust to the game...and it's ridiculous play. A lot of funny shit happened during that session, too much to go into, but lets just say it was like we were playing Socom1. I hate to admit it, but BLeeDat was right. Socom2 may suck, but it is still fun and we can still get good at it...even with all it's flaws...because we are starting to learn teamwork...I can't believe the Treasurer of Fatal Equilibrium had to keep me and Captain in check! Haha! So when we playing next...and this goes out to Kevin...
JESUS, KEVIN...JUST PLUG IN YOUR PS2 AND YOUR ROUTER AND GET YOUR SHIT ONLINE...OR ELSE WE WILL HAVE TO FIND A NEW SECRETARY...A GIRL PERHAPS...THAT WILL ACTUALLY GIVE US BLOWJOBS WHEN WE ASK FOR THEM...GWAHAHA.
This goes into my next section and the last of videogames for all those who hate videogames...
Halo is awesome, but I got two copies of Unreal
Derek likes Unreal. I like Unreal. Tony wanted to see Unreal. I couldn't find my first copy of Unreal...so Derek and Tony went to go buy me a second copy while I took a shit. I will find my first copy so now I have two copies...perfect for a LAN party don't you say? I know what you are saying...Unreal is wack, but it's not. Isn't faster? Yeah. Isn't it harder? Yeah. But it really does remind me of the fast combat of Duke Nukem...how can you not like it? And I am going to say this...I can only play Hang Em High so many times...we all will admit the multiplayer isn't what makes Halo so grand...Halo2 will most likely blow the socks of the first Halo in terms of multiplayer, however Unreal I feel is better for multiplayer...if not just for the level designs. These levels have been designed for a multiplayer game...I dunno...I think we should try it one night. I bet you anything some of you will be complaining about it...just like I did Socom2...but it really is a different type game...maybe one night we can divide it in half...Halo and Unreal all in one night...shit all we need now is Mario Party 5 and 10 frames of Monkey bowling...and we are done.
For all those who like art
Okay so normally when I do portraits, I use layers. Anyone who knows Photoshop understand how nice layers are to work with...however my latest portrait only had two layers...one for the pencil sketch and one for ALL the paint. This might not seem like a big thing...but it is very hard to build up colors all on layer...you have to worry about smudging, contrast...getting small details without ruining the bottom layer of paint...it truly is like working on a canvas...and I did this one that way...it took about 3 hours to complete...one long session of painting and I didn't get out of my new seat until I was done...enjoy!
http://www.mentalabstraction.com/Posts/NatalieWood01.jpg
Thank You's
Jon - Thank you very much for the old school games. You wouldn't believe how nice they look on the Wega. Even though my screen is still a bit jacked...that score you posted for Yars if fucking ridiculous. I'm with Steve...fuck that little dash...that thing pisses me off so fucking much...The Poker book...how did you know I would need a tournament book...perhaps because I'm gonna go play in one at Garden City pretty soon...It truly is good...one that you will have to borrow to keep up with me and my advanced techniques. Haha. The Bon Jovi CD is fucking awesome...a bit of acoustic, a bit of electronica, a bit of ambience. It really is a cool CD with a lot of songs that I like. Also thanks for the family gifts...when we gonna play? Fuck Bryant and that Solitaire game...only you two have competition amongst each other...the rest of my family just likes to look at cards...haha! Pictionary...we will find out who draws betters, Jhiro or MentalAbstraction...not fair if I get "hands"...but fair if I get "peeing penis hands". Oh yeah...(in a smooth tone)...PS: You should see my mom play Dig Dug...she gets all fucked up.
Bryant, Kevin and Andy - The fucking Wizard. God damn. How did you know...didn't I tell you that it was impossible to find! IMPOSSIBLE! I watched it that night on my little television and it is fucking awesome. Derek remembers way too much from that movie. Mana is awesome. It brings a tear to my eye because I remember the good old days of playing with my mom and taking all the treasure from her. Good times was Mana and good times in class this Mana will be. The director's chair. I still dont' see what is wrong with my old one, but I will thank you nonetheless...haha! I actually use it on my computer since we haven't played Socom in awhile, but we better hop to it. KEVIN READ THE MESSAGE ABOVE FOR YOU ONCE MORE.
Brian - You also need to get on Socom2. Thank you very much for the Blue Man group CD and the Soulive CD. Both are my type of music. The Soulive one gets played everytime we play cards...one of the tracks has the tune of September on it by EWF. That is money in my book. Also the Blue Group has some cool beats on it with that ambient, electronic feel to it, which is just what I like to listen to. Also thanks for stopping by even though it was late...wouldn't have been Xmas without Farmer Bri. How's the mouse?
Derek - I think I got the best shirt out of everyone. Everyone just goes to that site for Strong Bad...and who else should get it...but me! I know your a working man and all, but you didn't have to get me anything...well yes you did...haha! I must say that you thought of the perfect gifts for eveyrone. I know you were also busy, but the clan is happy you made it. Next Unreal game is when?
Tony - Thank you very much for the Turok game. I like what you wrote on the receipt. That was very clever indeed! Haha. I'll open it next time you drop in and we'll play it. I just haven't had the time between Halo/Unreal/Socom2 and drawing nude girls on the computer. That sort of thing. That was very thoughtful of you to get me a gift even before you landed your big gig at YMCA.
Kyle - aka Kylie aka my Halo bitch - Thank you very much for the Audrey Hepburn's Charade film. Even though I already have it, the one you gave me is a different version and has a documentary of Audrey and Cary Grant on it. That was very considerate of you and very surprising. Keep up the good work on the points...my birthday is March 12th. Haha! Thanks again for bringing your Xbox over every single time I ask for it...and thank you for taking my sister out of the house...she started to stink.
Steve - Okay so your gift didn't come in physical form, but my family and I were all very glad you were able to come up to boring San Jose and spend the holidays with us. I know you got other friends here in the Bay Area, but you spent your time with us. We really appreciate it. See not all San Jose people are bad...some are even better than your San Diego morons...Brendan is definetely > "Tom"
If I forgot anyone - I hated your gift. Hahah! J/K. or am i? da da dahhhhhh....
My family enjoyed the holidays and your guys' company. Thanks again for making the Xmas party a blast. I konw you could have gotten drunk at some other party, but seriously...what better way than to spend it than with the Horiuchi's. Next year though it's at Jon's house...with the pool table and Mrs. Hiros made from scratch mochi and Mrs. Tamekuni's butter salmon...damn that salmon...you don't even know...
For those who like Videogame music and/or MegaMan2 music...especially Dr. Wily's theme aka Jon's favorite videogame music
Check out OCRemix. Look for the latest mix by Star Salzman using Mega Man 2's Wily's theme. Its fucking sick...just give it a go...I'm sure it'll be a keeper for you to go with your AE mixes of MM2. Check it out. BTW I didn't forget about NYX 4. It just got delayed to February so don't think I'm trying to cheat you...speaking of cheating...watch that clip in the Sting again with Newman playing cards...I just popped that in my DVD player to go to sleep to and I ended up watching the whole frigg'n movie. That part is classic shit. "Four Jacks"
My sister needs to give me a haircut so I have to cut this short. So I hope you enjoyed it...although Jon is probably the only one reading it right now...take care and let me know when we are playing Unreal. Peace.
How much rock and roll is too much?
Apparently whatever was played at the Dave concert. I think my family and I enjoyed it a lot more than the rest of the guys. Nothing wrong with that, just not everyone's cup of tea. However, I think everyone will agree that Tim and Dave are fucking ridiculous. The second song they strung was Crush and that was worth the 62.00 for the tickets. I could have left and been happy. I will admit the concert did get a little too guitar-ish towards the end, but I figure that is because it is the last show for the tour. Kind of like how in the senior year of high school you took as many fucking pictures as you could...except for me. Fuck Prospect. They were all just jamming like they didn't care and I thought it was cool. Dave danced more than I have ever seen him...and that is combining live and on the television set. Overall I enjoyed this concert throughout the show, and I'm glad he stretched "Trouble" to what seemed like 8 minutes or so. I am so jealous that his little girls get to hear him sing at home...I bet when they are older they will think their dad's music is old shit.
A completed list...at long last.
Natalie Wood - Okay so my mom kept bugging me about her and constantly asking if I bought West Side Story. I saw her in The Searchers and said, "wow she's pretty". With West Side Story, I remember the film, but not as well as Hapachan knows The Wizard. However, after watching this one film she instantly zapped into one of my favorites. I always knew she was considered beautiful, but she has a presence on screen that you rarely see these days. She died a very tragic and mysterious death, it would have been interesting to see where she would have taken her career. For my friends that think I obsess to much about old actresses that are A. wrinkly and pruney in reality and/or B. are dead, Natalie Wood's daughter got a lot of helpful genes...
Jennifer Connelly - Okay so this is kind of a wild card and if I could change the list a bit (I don't remember if I ranked them, but I don't think I did, but just in case) I think she would go a little bit lower, so please don't assume that she is number 3 on my list, but she is very, very good. Forget all that other bullshit she did before Requiem. That performance in Requiem what breathtaking to say the least. Then in A Beautiful Mind. Perfect for that film and while the Oscars are rigged, I really think she earned that one. I want to see A House of Sand and Fog, but that isn't exactly a film that you call your friends for...so I guess I'll wait till it comes out on DVD.
Naomi Watts - So how do you choose between the two best friends of Kidman and Watts. I had to sit and think about this one, but in the end I thought that Watts did awesome in Mulholland Drive which is one of the darkest, most mind boggling films ever. We saw her go from this Hollywood dream to down and out actress. Truly powerful. Then The Ring. Forget all of you who didn't like it or didn't think it was disturbing. A lot of people that dind't think it was scary found it to ridiculous. Yet Freddy vs Jason made a shitload in the box office...and Blair Witch is scary...so fuck all those people. 21 grams is another film that you don't call your friends for, but she is getting a lot of critical acclaim...and the role focuses around tragedy. Sounds perfect.
While none of these are really ranked in order...I won't have to tell you who my absolute number one is...and I guarantee you this now...this will never, ever change...ever. Even if Kristin or Jessica wises up and marries me. I will still tell them that they ain't got shit on her...how ridiculous does this sound...? I feel guilty for putting the word "shit" and "her" in the same sentence...
"She has authentic charm. Most people simply have nice manners"
Say what you will. The Captain says if I get another Audrey photo he is going to seek help for me. Yet the Captain has never seen an Audrey film. If I accomplish anything in this little paragraph it is my hope that you actually see what I mean for yourself. After all, she is still considered one of the best that Hollywood and humanity have to offer. Here is a small list of why you should check out some of her films.
Presence on screen is...too hard to describe. Perhaps its the faces she makes, perhaps it's because her eyes can speak lines of dialogue, perhaps it how she speaks so smooth and so precise. Maybe it's her gestures, the subtle movements that jump out at you. Maybe the scary part about it all is that she wasn't acting. True, I can't say I knew her personally and everyone has their down moments, but if this is the case, why is there not ONE book out that is filled with gossip about her or the life she lead? Simply put, she had nothing to offer the gossip papers. She never blamed anyone else for her misgivings. If something didn't work right on the film, it was because she could have tried harder. She wasn't a princess of any sort, but she was treated by people as if she was...not because she demanded it, but because they would have felt guilty if they hadn't. She was a triple threat. She can sing, she is a classically trained ballerina and can act. She thought wasn't pretty and never understood what "all the fuss was about". She didn't like jewelry because she thought inner beauty was more important. She quit her acting to raise her sons because she knew the only legacy that was important was the one she passed onto her kids. Even while she was dying of cancer she stilled traveled the world to raise money for UNICEF to save hungry children. She didn't just make speeches, but rather went to Somalia to witness first hand what world hunger is. Days before her death she still worried about those she will leave behind. Bottom line, I understand that it looks like an obsession. I have done numerous portraits of her, bought more coffee table books than I have coffee tables (none). Yet you have to realize that all Audrey fans hold her on this pedastal. I can't tell you why. Even if you don't like classical films and you might not even like the film that she is in because the story is a little old fashion, I guarantee you that you will at least see why she is different than ANY OTHER ACTRESS YOU HAVE SEEN. Give it a go...it can't hurt. Unless you want to see Torque...then I don't want to even see you watching an Audrey film...in fact don't watch any films and don't give me any criticisms on my favorite actress...haha!
MAME arcade cabinet...
God damn, did I want to finish this project by now. However, the new room is taking a lot more work out of my carpenter than we once thought. So until the room is finished, no more new projects for him. This is a good thing...and a bad thing. The good being that I will be able to put more time into it and it won't be rushed by my grandpa in assembly. The bad part is that we will not be playing SF2 at least for another month or so. Oh well. Perhaps I can put that money towards a Definitive Technology set...we all know that ain't gonna happen. Yet now I have a room that can occupy that kind of sound...how enticing.
LAN parties run amuck
Holy shit do we play a lot of Halo. It seems everyone is on the bandwagon here. And even though BLeeDat and Cop hate this statement and I know exactly why, "Halo is a newbie game". Let me explain. Before I used to give answers that stepped on the toes of us that are good at it. This is why Bryant and Andy don't like this comment. By me saying that Halo is a newbie game is to take away the skill and dedication that we put into the game before it blew up. It is kind of like me saying that I am very lucky at the card tables since I am winning. It is taking away from me being skillful. So let me rephrase this since I have now had a change to organize my thoughts. HALO IS NOT A NEWBIE GAME IN TERMS OF HOW MUCH SKILL IS NEEDED TO PLAY IT. It is rather a NEWBIE GAME BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE PLAY IT NOW. Take for example the fact that Halo is getting a shitload of awards on those wack ass television awards shows. No one cared about Halo before (except for videogamers...I would go even as far to say that hardcore game players understood how good it was before everyone really knew how good it was) it blew up. All of a sudden the Xbox drops in price and people start to hear about it...this is why it is a newbie game. Now here is where the thin line is...Bryant and Andy at least have to admit that I am aware that Halo has good controls...for a console shooter. Nothing will replace the skill of using a mouse (which both Bryant and Andy are also awesome at). The fact that all these new people who are new to First Person Shooters are doing good at Halo will not be as good in any different type of shooter. For example...Bryant, Andy and played Doom...and I joined in with them with Duke Nukem. This was our set of newbie games...a shitload of people jumped on the bandwagon and they became popular outside of computer nerds. Yet the bottom line is that we picked up Halo easily. By the first two days of playing it we were good. Medal of Honor we could pick up and be decent. Call of Duty we can pick up and be decent. Quake we can pick up and be decent. Half Life we can pick up and be decent. Bottom line: Those people that can play Halo with their friends are are considered good amongst their friends (and who don't play shooters that often) will often get eaten alive during any other first person shooter. Look at Jon's friends...haha. Kevin who played Halo one time before was able to walk in and get 74 frags in one match.
This again does not step on our skills. Yes I think Fatal Equilibrium is skilled at Halo, but my point is that it didn't take long for us to reach that point...where as Socom took us about 2 months and then some. I am not taking away anything from my friends either. Halo being a newbie game isn't as negative as I portrayed it to be. Without Halo, Derek and Tony wouldn't be playing with us. They are becoming better and better with every session...even if Derek hides in a little corner because he knows he will get shot. My dad is getting better and now Ricki is showing promise. Haha...thats the perfect argument...c'mon if my sister shows potential at Halo...it has got to be a tad to easy....hahah!
This goes into my next point that Bryant keeps on stressing and which I find absolutely true...
Socom2 can suck a cock, but it is still fun...and we aren't half bad.
I know this blog has seen enough of my Socom2 is bullshit and what not....I even got the Captain to believe me on this one...even though it took some nudging. Bryant is correct to say that we aren't as bad as we once were when we got the game. We have all accepted that it is a little bit sloppier done and the energy sucks, but now we have found away around that. We aren't going out all crazy styles like we used to, we are know shooting at enemies in groups. That one night we played the only match we really lost was because of the game type and the stupid grenade launchers...other than that I haven't laughed like that during a Socom2 session in awhile. It is because we all worked as a team and we have started to adjust to the game...and it's ridiculous play. A lot of funny shit happened during that session, too much to go into, but lets just say it was like we were playing Socom1. I hate to admit it, but BLeeDat was right. Socom2 may suck, but it is still fun and we can still get good at it...even with all it's flaws...because we are starting to learn teamwork...I can't believe the Treasurer of Fatal Equilibrium had to keep me and Captain in check! Haha! So when we playing next...and this goes out to Kevin...
JESUS, KEVIN...JUST PLUG IN YOUR PS2 AND YOUR ROUTER AND GET YOUR SHIT ONLINE...OR ELSE WE WILL HAVE TO FIND A NEW SECRETARY...A GIRL PERHAPS...THAT WILL ACTUALLY GIVE US BLOWJOBS WHEN WE ASK FOR THEM...GWAHAHA.
This goes into my next section and the last of videogames for all those who hate videogames...
Halo is awesome, but I got two copies of Unreal
Derek likes Unreal. I like Unreal. Tony wanted to see Unreal. I couldn't find my first copy of Unreal...so Derek and Tony went to go buy me a second copy while I took a shit. I will find my first copy so now I have two copies...perfect for a LAN party don't you say? I know what you are saying...Unreal is wack, but it's not. Isn't faster? Yeah. Isn't it harder? Yeah. But it really does remind me of the fast combat of Duke Nukem...how can you not like it? And I am going to say this...I can only play Hang Em High so many times...we all will admit the multiplayer isn't what makes Halo so grand...Halo2 will most likely blow the socks of the first Halo in terms of multiplayer, however Unreal I feel is better for multiplayer...if not just for the level designs. These levels have been designed for a multiplayer game...I dunno...I think we should try it one night. I bet you anything some of you will be complaining about it...just like I did Socom2...but it really is a different type game...maybe one night we can divide it in half...Halo and Unreal all in one night...shit all we need now is Mario Party 5 and 10 frames of Monkey bowling...and we are done.
For all those who like art
Okay so normally when I do portraits, I use layers. Anyone who knows Photoshop understand how nice layers are to work with...however my latest portrait only had two layers...one for the pencil sketch and one for ALL the paint. This might not seem like a big thing...but it is very hard to build up colors all on layer...you have to worry about smudging, contrast...getting small details without ruining the bottom layer of paint...it truly is like working on a canvas...and I did this one that way...it took about 3 hours to complete...one long session of painting and I didn't get out of my new seat until I was done...enjoy!
http://www.mentalabstraction.com/Posts/NatalieWood01.jpg
Thank You's
Jon - Thank you very much for the old school games. You wouldn't believe how nice they look on the Wega. Even though my screen is still a bit jacked...that score you posted for Yars if fucking ridiculous. I'm with Steve...fuck that little dash...that thing pisses me off so fucking much...The Poker book...how did you know I would need a tournament book...perhaps because I'm gonna go play in one at Garden City pretty soon...It truly is good...one that you will have to borrow to keep up with me and my advanced techniques. Haha. The Bon Jovi CD is fucking awesome...a bit of acoustic, a bit of electronica, a bit of ambience. It really is a cool CD with a lot of songs that I like. Also thanks for the family gifts...when we gonna play? Fuck Bryant and that Solitaire game...only you two have competition amongst each other...the rest of my family just likes to look at cards...haha! Pictionary...we will find out who draws betters, Jhiro or MentalAbstraction...not fair if I get "hands"...but fair if I get "peeing penis hands". Oh yeah...(in a smooth tone)...PS: You should see my mom play Dig Dug...she gets all fucked up.
Bryant, Kevin and Andy - The fucking Wizard. God damn. How did you know...didn't I tell you that it was impossible to find! IMPOSSIBLE! I watched it that night on my little television and it is fucking awesome. Derek remembers way too much from that movie. Mana is awesome. It brings a tear to my eye because I remember the good old days of playing with my mom and taking all the treasure from her. Good times was Mana and good times in class this Mana will be. The director's chair. I still dont' see what is wrong with my old one, but I will thank you nonetheless...haha! I actually use it on my computer since we haven't played Socom in awhile, but we better hop to it. KEVIN READ THE MESSAGE ABOVE FOR YOU ONCE MORE.
Brian - You also need to get on Socom2. Thank you very much for the Blue Man group CD and the Soulive CD. Both are my type of music. The Soulive one gets played everytime we play cards...one of the tracks has the tune of September on it by EWF. That is money in my book. Also the Blue Group has some cool beats on it with that ambient, electronic feel to it, which is just what I like to listen to. Also thanks for stopping by even though it was late...wouldn't have been Xmas without Farmer Bri. How's the mouse?
Derek - I think I got the best shirt out of everyone. Everyone just goes to that site for Strong Bad...and who else should get it...but me! I know your a working man and all, but you didn't have to get me anything...well yes you did...haha! I must say that you thought of the perfect gifts for eveyrone. I know you were also busy, but the clan is happy you made it. Next Unreal game is when?
Tony - Thank you very much for the Turok game. I like what you wrote on the receipt. That was very clever indeed! Haha. I'll open it next time you drop in and we'll play it. I just haven't had the time between Halo/Unreal/Socom2 and drawing nude girls on the computer. That sort of thing. That was very thoughtful of you to get me a gift even before you landed your big gig at YMCA.
Kyle - aka Kylie aka my Halo bitch - Thank you very much for the Audrey Hepburn's Charade film. Even though I already have it, the one you gave me is a different version and has a documentary of Audrey and Cary Grant on it. That was very considerate of you and very surprising. Keep up the good work on the points...my birthday is March 12th. Haha! Thanks again for bringing your Xbox over every single time I ask for it...and thank you for taking my sister out of the house...she started to stink.
Steve - Okay so your gift didn't come in physical form, but my family and I were all very glad you were able to come up to boring San Jose and spend the holidays with us. I know you got other friends here in the Bay Area, but you spent your time with us. We really appreciate it. See not all San Jose people are bad...some are even better than your San Diego morons...Brendan is definetely > "Tom"
If I forgot anyone - I hated your gift. Hahah! J/K. or am i? da da dahhhhhh....
My family enjoyed the holidays and your guys' company. Thanks again for making the Xmas party a blast. I konw you could have gotten drunk at some other party, but seriously...what better way than to spend it than with the Horiuchi's. Next year though it's at Jon's house...with the pool table and Mrs. Hiros made from scratch mochi and Mrs. Tamekuni's butter salmon...damn that salmon...you don't even know...
For those who like Videogame music and/or MegaMan2 music...especially Dr. Wily's theme aka Jon's favorite videogame music
Check out OCRemix. Look for the latest mix by Star Salzman using Mega Man 2's Wily's theme. Its fucking sick...just give it a go...I'm sure it'll be a keeper for you to go with your AE mixes of MM2. Check it out. BTW I didn't forget about NYX 4. It just got delayed to February so don't think I'm trying to cheat you...speaking of cheating...watch that clip in the Sting again with Newman playing cards...I just popped that in my DVD player to go to sleep to and I ended up watching the whole frigg'n movie. That part is classic shit. "Four Jacks"
My sister needs to give me a haircut so I have to cut this short. So I hope you enjoyed it...although Jon is probably the only one reading it right now...take care and let me know when we are playing Unreal. Peace.
Jan 11, 2004
Hey guys,
Just wanted to say thank you to you guys for making my birthday very memorable. As I get older, I always think my b-day will just be the same ol' thing, people taking you out for dinner and boom it's gone. Not much to really remember, not much to be considered eventful, but this year was different.
This is the first time I had a surprise party thrown for me and I enjoyed it. I was so happy to gaining another year and sharing my special event w/ my friends.
Tony and Derek - Thanks so much for the baseball gear. We need to get out there and play now. I have the arm bands and I have the batting gloves, as Tony would say..."Let's play some ball!" Yes Derek on buying an Xbox. You two are getting a lot better. From my perspective, the only thing I would say you might want to work on is being more aggressive, not standing still when firing, and maybe aiming quicker. For the most part you guys are improving and I can't wait to play some more Halo.
Brendan, Jonathan, Brian and the rest of the Horiuchi's - Thanks for the camera, as you can see I carry that bad boy with me everywhere and I love the present. You guys have always given me what I've wanted for X-mas and I appreciate the effort taken to give me such a great present. I hope to make you proud by putting some kick ass pictures on my site.
Andy - Thanks for the champagne and oj. That was an awesome gesture!
Alright boys, well I just wanted to end this by saying that I got some of the best friends a guy can ask for and thanks for making me special on my b-day.
I wish Steve and Brian could've been there, but it's all good, we'll all celebrate in Vegas someday =)
Just wanted to say thank you to you guys for making my birthday very memorable. As I get older, I always think my b-day will just be the same ol' thing, people taking you out for dinner and boom it's gone. Not much to really remember, not much to be considered eventful, but this year was different.
This is the first time I had a surprise party thrown for me and I enjoyed it. I was so happy to gaining another year and sharing my special event w/ my friends.
Tony and Derek - Thanks so much for the baseball gear. We need to get out there and play now. I have the arm bands and I have the batting gloves, as Tony would say..."Let's play some ball!" Yes Derek on buying an Xbox. You two are getting a lot better. From my perspective, the only thing I would say you might want to work on is being more aggressive, not standing still when firing, and maybe aiming quicker. For the most part you guys are improving and I can't wait to play some more Halo.
Brendan, Jonathan, Brian and the rest of the Horiuchi's - Thanks for the camera, as you can see I carry that bad boy with me everywhere and I love the present. You guys have always given me what I've wanted for X-mas and I appreciate the effort taken to give me such a great present. I hope to make you proud by putting some kick ass pictures on my site.
Andy - Thanks for the champagne and oj. That was an awesome gesture!
Alright boys, well I just wanted to end this by saying that I got some of the best friends a guy can ask for and thanks for making me special on my b-day.
I wish Steve and Brian could've been there, but it's all good, we'll all celebrate in Vegas someday =)
Jan 9, 2004
I don't like Derek's resolution. His blogs may be short, but they all have some life to them. It's funny because I think Derek can go on forever about certain topics, but I believe he's just too lazy to write about them...or short on time...which is always the case with all of us isn't it?
I will continue, though late to say thanks to the Horiuchi clan for letting us raid and parade around in your house. I had a great time and all of the food was excellent. Couldn't think of a better way to spend the holidays.
Halo kicked some serious ass, I hope we play more.
Web site got updated, one new section for us Pookiers, even the ones that don't blog as much. I have a lot more pictures to put up and I will do that hopefully soon.
I can't believe I'm turning the big 2 - 4. I'm about a little past the quarter mark for my life. 25 is going to be the true sign that I'm older. With being older I really want to try and finally become responsible. This means not staying up so late on week nights so that I can be well rested for work, this means saving up my money and truly saving. Not being stupid with it. Only buy things that are truly necessary. I would like to buy a house sometime, so that means I really need to save up. After talking with a friend, I got a ballpark where I need to be at and I'm no where close boys. I truthfully can say that I am not very mature. I might have the worst discipline out of any of us in spending money and I want to get out of that rut. So I am not focused on paying off my credit card debts and move into saving territory. I hope in a couple years a house could be on the way. That's my major New Years Resolution - grow up.
I probably will act the same, but behind the scenes I will try and plan for my future more and try to be smarter in the any actions that I take. If any of you want to remind me in certain situations and help me with my goal, I would appreciate it. Monetarily I don't want to be a tight wad, but I also don't want to be free spending either. Gotta learn discipline.
Also another resolution is to become a little more healthy in my eating habits...not eating out as much...exercising regularly, this will start after my b-day, so I have in theory have a couple days of freedom left =).
Alright, well that's my blog for today. Hope everyone is well and it was awesome seeing you guys!
I will continue, though late to say thanks to the Horiuchi clan for letting us raid and parade around in your house. I had a great time and all of the food was excellent. Couldn't think of a better way to spend the holidays.
Halo kicked some serious ass, I hope we play more.
Web site got updated, one new section for us Pookiers, even the ones that don't blog as much. I have a lot more pictures to put up and I will do that hopefully soon.
I can't believe I'm turning the big 2 - 4. I'm about a little past the quarter mark for my life. 25 is going to be the true sign that I'm older. With being older I really want to try and finally become responsible. This means not staying up so late on week nights so that I can be well rested for work, this means saving up my money and truly saving. Not being stupid with it. Only buy things that are truly necessary. I would like to buy a house sometime, so that means I really need to save up. After talking with a friend, I got a ballpark where I need to be at and I'm no where close boys. I truthfully can say that I am not very mature. I might have the worst discipline out of any of us in spending money and I want to get out of that rut. So I am not focused on paying off my credit card debts and move into saving territory. I hope in a couple years a house could be on the way. That's my major New Years Resolution - grow up.
I probably will act the same, but behind the scenes I will try and plan for my future more and try to be smarter in the any actions that I take. If any of you want to remind me in certain situations and help me with my goal, I would appreciate it. Monetarily I don't want to be a tight wad, but I also don't want to be free spending either. Gotta learn discipline.
Also another resolution is to become a little more healthy in my eating habits...not eating out as much...exercising regularly, this will start after my b-day, so I have in theory have a couple days of freedom left =).
Alright, well that's my blog for today. Hope everyone is well and it was awesome seeing you guys!
Jan 7, 2004
Dec 29, 2003
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.
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.
Dec 28, 2003
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.
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.
Dec 3, 2003
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?
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?
Nov 26, 2003
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...
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...
Nov 23, 2003
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…
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…
Nov 20, 2003
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.
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.
Nov 19, 2003
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!)
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!)
Nov 17, 2003
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
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.
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.
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