One more End-of-the-Year list
This one, on a more personal level.
I told you before, I was keeping a list of the books I've read this year. I think it's a very useful thing for self-reflection, and it's fun to talk about, to boot. (What kind of sentence ending is "to boot"?)
So here's my list, of books I've finished since last New Year's Eve. I'm not going to mess with proper italicization and what not. Just date finished, title, author.
Dave's 2003 Reading List
Dec. 31--An Underachiever's Diary, by Benjamin Anastas
Jan. 10--The Immortal Class, by Travis Hugh Culley
Feb. 2--Songbook, by Nick Hornby
Feb. 5--A Year at the Movies, by Kevin Murphy
Feb. 6--The Hottest State, by Ethan Hawke
Feb. 20--Black House, by Steven King
Mar. 15--The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien
Mar. 28--Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein
Apr. 4--Freddy's Book, by John Gardener
Apr. 16--If on a Winter's Night A Traveller, by Italo Calvino
Apr. 28--Breakfast at Tiffany's, by Truman Capote
May 9--The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger*
May 21--Wild at Heart, by John Eldridge
May 22--Nine Stories, by J.D. Salinger
May 28--Everything's Eventual, by Steven King
June 16--The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
June 24--Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser
June 24--Ash Wednesday, by Ethan Hawke
July 2--Generation X, by Douglas Coupland*
July 15--The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon
(July 8--half of The Republic, by Plato)
July 28--The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon, by Steven King
Aug. 13--The Forest for the Trees, by Betsy Lerner
Aug. 19--Things You Should Know By Now, by Jason Boyett
Sept. 11--Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde
Oct. 12--Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper
Oct. 29--House of Leaves, by Mark Z. Danielewski
Nov. 2--The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James
Nov. 7--How to be Alone, by Jonathon Franzen
Nov. 12--High Fidelity, by Nick Hornby*
Nov. 28--You Shall Know Our Velocity!, by Dave Eggers
(Dec. 7--half of Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, by David Foster Wallace)
Dec. 11--Not Even a Hint, by Joshua Harris
[ * indicates the second time I've read the book]
And if I could have spent all day reading, I may have been able to tack on Cold Mountain to the end of that list.
So there you are. Dave's year in letters. A total in excess of 10,400 pages, not counting the 230 or so in my current read.
And now for analysis:
Most Read Author: Steven King (3 entries)
Most Disappointing Read: a three-way tie between Catcher (I'm sorry, I just didn't like it), Turn of the Screw (the only time a movie adaption is better than the book itself), and Brief Interviews (the most soulless book I can remember reading)
Most Surprisingly Enjoyable Read: either the Calvino or Nine Stories (coming off Catcher, my expectations were low)
Most Surprising Statistic: 10 (the number of non-fiction and spiritual life books I read; until now, I've been a "fiction only" kinda guy)
And (you knew it was coming) the Top Five Recommendations (besides LOTR and books I've read before) from my 2003 reading list:
This is really hard, I want you to know that.
5) A Year at the Movies--though not high literature, this was a funny and enjoyable read. Kevin Murphy (more widely known as the voice of Tom Servo on MST3K) went to a movie a day for the entire year of 2001. His book chronicles the movie-watching experience as he visits unusual and fascinating movie theaters of all kinds on his trip around the world. The chapter about 9/11 was really cool (he was in New Zealand when it happened, I believe.).
4) The Things They Carried--a profound and moving look at the life of a soldier, described often through the things they carried in their packs that reminded them of home or of their current experiences during the Vietnam War. Really really well written.
3) Wild at Heart--this book changed the life of a friend of mine, and just by talking to him and hearing him describe it, I knew I needed to read it. While it didn't effect as dynamic a life-change in me, it deeply affected my thinking and understanding of myself, which, frankly, is rare for even Christian walk books to do.
2) Kavalier and Clay--this is an outstanding book. Even though I had problems with certain plot points, the lifestyle choices of some characters, etc., I found this to be a fascinating and engaging read, and worthy of the Pulitzer Prize it earned. Highly recommended.
So how can I top that?
1) By breaking my own rule--Generation X, High Fidelity, Lord of the Rings. But the greatest of these is LOTR. Read them all kids. Geez. Beauty.
Okay that's it. I've been goofing off for almost an hour and a half. Geez, I'm such a bad employee.
Happy New Year to all. Be safe. If you engage in adult beverages, do so in moderation, and be prudent. Love to all (especially the new readers!)
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Meaningless, says the Teacher(dave)
I had a guy recently talk to me about the key to amassing wealth. It wasn't a get-rich-quick scheme, it was a careful, informed, patient way to build up your assets over time, so that you will one day not have to work, and can live the lifestyle you want. Building an empire, some call it.
And there's nothing wrong with wanting to be financially secure. This is sound advice. But the more he talked about it, the more troubled I became. This guy (who is a Christian, by the way) going on and on about how he wants to get to the point where he never has to work again. He kept using comparisions between "the rich" and "the poor", and kept speaking with great disdain for the "rat race", intimating that only fools would want to stay in the middle class.
I asked him, "So what's the point of all this?"
"Well, to not have to work again, for one thing."
"So you work for thirty or so years at this method, stocks and all, and then you're rich?"
"The guy who wrote the book was a millionaire by 46!"
"So what if he had died when he was 43?"
My friend looked like a puppy who'd just been flicked in the nose. He blinked for a second. "What do you mean?"
"He works with this solid plan in mind to be rich by this age, and after that to live a life doing what he wants, but dies before he reaches it. Then what does he have?"
"I don't think you understand, Dave."
"No, I understand, and all these techniques sound solid. Like you said, it's common sense. What I'm getting at is, if you can't use any of this money, what's the point?"
"I must not be explaining it right. You see..."
And round and round we went. For about 30 minutes. Ugh. In the end, I promised to read the book and give it back to him. Which I will this weekend. But all the time, in my mind I heard a voice. The voice of the Teacher. (Not the really big "T" kids, not the Divine Teacher, just the uppercase Old Testament "Teacher".) And the Teacher said one word: "Meaningless."
After talking with my friend, I went back that night and read Ecclesiastes. All of it. Have you ever sat down and read all of Ecclesiastes in one sitting? Do so. It'll blow your mind. Because first of all, it doesn't really seem like it's a Bible book. It seems so pessimistic from the outside. But that's why you have to read it all the way through. And when you do, you'll see a few themes:
1) Everything we're taught to value by society, school, even family, is meaningless. A chasing after the wind. Riches, fame, pleasure, power, laughter, comfort, entertainment. Nothing. Dust. Meaningless. Because we'll all die.
2) There is no justice in this life. Good people suffer, evil people reign. Fools succeed, wise people fail. No justice *in this life*. Justice is after death.
3) There is only one way to be happy. One. Eat, drink, find pleasure in a good day's work. Then you call sleep satisfied. If you are married, enjoy life with your mate, all the meaningless days of your life. This is your lot in life.
4) In the end, there is only one course for a man to find true fulfillment: Fear God, keep his commands. That's it.
There you go, the Cliff's Notes for Ecclesiastes. But like I tell all my students, if you only use Cliff's Notes to study, the best you can hope for is a 70. You have to read the book to do better.
So read the book, kids. Read all the book, really. But I like Ecclesiastes. It's a trip.
I'll read the money book, because I promised to do so. And I'm sure there will be ideas in there that I will find useful, and will incorporate. But really kids, and some days I would deny saying this, I know that i can live my entire life making less that six figures, and still be totally satisfied and happy. Riches are a burden (that's also in the Book). I just want to find something fulfilling that I can make a difference in the world by doing. And I don't think that being rich is necessarily part of that. I guess that's why I was an English major.
I had a guy recently talk to me about the key to amassing wealth. It wasn't a get-rich-quick scheme, it was a careful, informed, patient way to build up your assets over time, so that you will one day not have to work, and can live the lifestyle you want. Building an empire, some call it.
And there's nothing wrong with wanting to be financially secure. This is sound advice. But the more he talked about it, the more troubled I became. This guy (who is a Christian, by the way) going on and on about how he wants to get to the point where he never has to work again. He kept using comparisions between "the rich" and "the poor", and kept speaking with great disdain for the "rat race", intimating that only fools would want to stay in the middle class.
I asked him, "So what's the point of all this?"
"Well, to not have to work again, for one thing."
"So you work for thirty or so years at this method, stocks and all, and then you're rich?"
"The guy who wrote the book was a millionaire by 46!"
"So what if he had died when he was 43?"
My friend looked like a puppy who'd just been flicked in the nose. He blinked for a second. "What do you mean?"
"He works with this solid plan in mind to be rich by this age, and after that to live a life doing what he wants, but dies before he reaches it. Then what does he have?"
"I don't think you understand, Dave."
"No, I understand, and all these techniques sound solid. Like you said, it's common sense. What I'm getting at is, if you can't use any of this money, what's the point?"
"I must not be explaining it right. You see..."
And round and round we went. For about 30 minutes. Ugh. In the end, I promised to read the book and give it back to him. Which I will this weekend. But all the time, in my mind I heard a voice. The voice of the Teacher. (Not the really big "T" kids, not the Divine Teacher, just the uppercase Old Testament "Teacher".) And the Teacher said one word: "Meaningless."
After talking with my friend, I went back that night and read Ecclesiastes. All of it. Have you ever sat down and read all of Ecclesiastes in one sitting? Do so. It'll blow your mind. Because first of all, it doesn't really seem like it's a Bible book. It seems so pessimistic from the outside. But that's why you have to read it all the way through. And when you do, you'll see a few themes:
1) Everything we're taught to value by society, school, even family, is meaningless. A chasing after the wind. Riches, fame, pleasure, power, laughter, comfort, entertainment. Nothing. Dust. Meaningless. Because we'll all die.
2) There is no justice in this life. Good people suffer, evil people reign. Fools succeed, wise people fail. No justice *in this life*. Justice is after death.
3) There is only one way to be happy. One. Eat, drink, find pleasure in a good day's work. Then you call sleep satisfied. If you are married, enjoy life with your mate, all the meaningless days of your life. This is your lot in life.
4) In the end, there is only one course for a man to find true fulfillment: Fear God, keep his commands. That's it.
There you go, the Cliff's Notes for Ecclesiastes. But like I tell all my students, if you only use Cliff's Notes to study, the best you can hope for is a 70. You have to read the book to do better.
So read the book, kids. Read all the book, really. But I like Ecclesiastes. It's a trip.
I'll read the money book, because I promised to do so. And I'm sure there will be ideas in there that I will find useful, and will incorporate. But really kids, and some days I would deny saying this, I know that i can live my entire life making less that six figures, and still be totally satisfied and happy. Riches are a burden (that's also in the Book). I just want to find something fulfilling that I can make a difference in the world by doing. And I don't think that being rich is necessarily part of that. I guess that's why I was an English major.
Oh, what a Beautiful Morning...
Wow, did Dave just throw out the Rodgers and Hammerstein at 8:25 in the a.m.?
Yes he did. Cuz I feel good. (Refrain, kids, James Brown would appreciate it.)
No, really, I'm okay. Like all Counting Crows days, I felt it coming on, and let it pass through like a storm front. Now I'm okay. (But most of you already know this about me.)
But part of my unexplainable good cheer (I guess it's not really unexplainable) is that we have TWO, count 'em, TWO new readers this week. Neither of whom I know well. And I am thrilled to have them, because I respect both of their sites, and have linked them a la derecha. If you haven't visited Gennesaret and This Beautiful Mess, go now. No, seriously, GO. NOW. I'll wait.
*whistling*
*rolling a pen back and forth on the desk*
*leaning back and staring at the spotted ceiling tiles*
*zzzzzz*
Okay, time's up, pencils down. Cool, no? Yeah, I enjoy them too.
So welcome, welcome.
Another reason that I feel okay is that...well... I'll explain in a bit.
Let's see. Happy New Year's Eve, kids. 2003 is over. Crazy. So tonight I'm gonna party like it's 1999. And in 1999, I usually stayed home and watched a video. Hoo-ah. No, seriously, Dave is gonna have a cozy little celebration, with some pizza and movie madness. And cake. Oh yes.
OH OH, that's news--I made cake yesterday! My first cake, ladies and gents, and it is FAN-tastic. And I even had a second opinion, who concurred that my creation was moist and delicious. Fun in the Kitchen with Dave, eh?
Um... I got tickets for my dad and I to go see the greatest living American storyteller, Garrison Keillor, on Sunday, where he will be performing the full Prarie Home Companion show with the Houston Symphony. That will be awesome. I'll let you know the going's on.
On a heavier note, in the "Sad but Anticipated" news category, my boss's mom has been seriously ill for several months, and it now doesn't look like she'll make it through to see the new year. Your prayers for their family are appreciated. I don't know if his mom is a believer. I don't think so. So that's sad.
Hate to end the update on a downer, but that is how it is. And is appropriate in light of my recent Bible readings. More on that in a bit.
Wow, did Dave just throw out the Rodgers and Hammerstein at 8:25 in the a.m.?
Yes he did. Cuz I feel good. (Refrain, kids, James Brown would appreciate it.)
No, really, I'm okay. Like all Counting Crows days, I felt it coming on, and let it pass through like a storm front. Now I'm okay. (But most of you already know this about me.)
But part of my unexplainable good cheer (I guess it's not really unexplainable) is that we have TWO, count 'em, TWO new readers this week. Neither of whom I know well. And I am thrilled to have them, because I respect both of their sites, and have linked them a la derecha. If you haven't visited Gennesaret and This Beautiful Mess, go now. No, seriously, GO. NOW. I'll wait.
*whistling*
*rolling a pen back and forth on the desk*
*leaning back and staring at the spotted ceiling tiles*
*zzzzzz*
Okay, time's up, pencils down. Cool, no? Yeah, I enjoy them too.
So welcome, welcome.
Another reason that I feel okay is that...well... I'll explain in a bit.
Let's see. Happy New Year's Eve, kids. 2003 is over. Crazy. So tonight I'm gonna party like it's 1999. And in 1999, I usually stayed home and watched a video. Hoo-ah. No, seriously, Dave is gonna have a cozy little celebration, with some pizza and movie madness. And cake. Oh yes.
OH OH, that's news--I made cake yesterday! My first cake, ladies and gents, and it is FAN-tastic. And I even had a second opinion, who concurred that my creation was moist and delicious. Fun in the Kitchen with Dave, eh?
Um... I got tickets for my dad and I to go see the greatest living American storyteller, Garrison Keillor, on Sunday, where he will be performing the full Prarie Home Companion show with the Houston Symphony. That will be awesome. I'll let you know the going's on.
On a heavier note, in the "Sad but Anticipated" news category, my boss's mom has been seriously ill for several months, and it now doesn't look like she'll make it through to see the new year. Your prayers for their family are appreciated. I don't know if his mom is a believer. I don't think so. So that's sad.
Hate to end the update on a downer, but that is how it is. And is appropriate in light of my recent Bible readings. More on that in a bit.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Pleased to Meet You
In a fit of blog-fueled narcissism (aren't all blogs in some way narcissistic?), a Google search led me to find a kindly soul who gave me a link from her site. I was surprised and honored.
Should I return the favor? Absolutely.
Jennifer, for your kindness, I thank you. Welcome to the PBB neighborhood. Hope you stay awhile.
In a fit of blog-fueled narcissism (aren't all blogs in some way narcissistic?), a Google search led me to find a kindly soul who gave me a link from her site. I was surprised and honored.
Should I return the favor? Absolutely.
Jennifer, for your kindness, I thank you. Welcome to the PBB neighborhood. Hope you stay awhile.
You wish that you could tell her it'll be okay, but you feel a little shy these days, cuz everybody goes away...
You just want to have a good time, just like everybody else... you don't wanna fall apart this time.
***
To she who is waiting another week...
You are in my thoughts. I wish I could be nearby these days.
I'm starting to feel transparent and paperthin, rolling down the street like old ticker-tape. You made me feel needed once in a while, which was nice.
You will be okay, my dear. This is another bend in the road, right? But we're still walking, aren't we? We're still walking.
All my love.
--d.
You just want to have a good time, just like everybody else... you don't wanna fall apart this time.
***
To she who is waiting another week...
You are in my thoughts. I wish I could be nearby these days.
I'm starting to feel transparent and paperthin, rolling down the street like old ticker-tape. You made me feel needed once in a while, which was nice.
You will be okay, my dear. This is another bend in the road, right? But we're still walking, aren't we? We're still walking.
All my love.
--d.
"It's a dangerous time, for a heart on a wire..."
Greetings and salutations, friends. Hope your generic non-offensive holiday went off without a hitch. Unless you asked for a hitch, in which case, I hope you got your hitch.
Mine was great, thanks for asking. Lots of time with the family. Enjoyment of Mom's holiday goodies, yes quite. And wallowing in materialism like any good little child should on Christmas day. Just kidding. Somewhat.
Now, almost all the way through the in-between week, I feel...ill at ease. I missed something. Things left undone. But I don't know what.
I'm tired of living with this feeling that I've forgotten a step or two, and that the model I'm building will not come out like the picture on the box.
Is it some sort of self-doubt? Things are going great, so let's give that gift horse a thorough dental exam? Am I expecting an army of angry Greeks to crash through my gates?
I don't know. I've been here at work for over four hours now, and have gotten...well, little done. I'm just distracted, as if I'm supposed to... (fill in the appropriate simile here)
I thought perhaps, if I blogged for a while, whatever my urgent need was would come to me. So far, I'm only left with unfocused urgency.
It's weird, I got to see both of the friends from high school that still care enough to keep in touch, and hung out with them a lot this weekend, and yet now I feel more lonely than before. What is my problem?
I don't know. I'm too self-involved. I've got dear friends all around, some of whom are going through some tough times, and I'm wallowing in imaginary trouble I've created because I don't trust how nicely my life seems to be coming together. Dave the basketcase, ladies and gentlemen.
I'm sorry about this disjointed mess, guys. Dave's in a funk. It was about time for a Crows day. Here it is, black as midnight and just as cold.
Greetings and salutations, friends. Hope your generic non-offensive holiday went off without a hitch. Unless you asked for a hitch, in which case, I hope you got your hitch.
Mine was great, thanks for asking. Lots of time with the family. Enjoyment of Mom's holiday goodies, yes quite. And wallowing in materialism like any good little child should on Christmas day. Just kidding. Somewhat.
Now, almost all the way through the in-between week, I feel...ill at ease. I missed something. Things left undone. But I don't know what.
I'm tired of living with this feeling that I've forgotten a step or two, and that the model I'm building will not come out like the picture on the box.
Is it some sort of self-doubt? Things are going great, so let's give that gift horse a thorough dental exam? Am I expecting an army of angry Greeks to crash through my gates?
I don't know. I've been here at work for over four hours now, and have gotten...well, little done. I'm just distracted, as if I'm supposed to... (fill in the appropriate simile here)
I thought perhaps, if I blogged for a while, whatever my urgent need was would come to me. So far, I'm only left with unfocused urgency.
It's weird, I got to see both of the friends from high school that still care enough to keep in touch, and hung out with them a lot this weekend, and yet now I feel more lonely than before. What is my problem?
I don't know. I'm too self-involved. I've got dear friends all around, some of whom are going through some tough times, and I'm wallowing in imaginary trouble I've created because I don't trust how nicely my life seems to be coming together. Dave the basketcase, ladies and gentlemen.
I'm sorry about this disjointed mess, guys. Dave's in a funk. It was about time for a Crows day. Here it is, black as midnight and just as cold.
Friday, December 19, 2003
Thursday Thirteen
Cuz I'm a greedy little jerk, I'll fall in step behind Manders. (Just kidding, Manders.)
"Thirteen Things I want for Christmas, Realistic or Not"
I suppose I should say something like, "I already have everything I want, and am grateful for everything I've been blessed with." Which is mostly true. But on a purely materialistic level, I do want a few things...which I will enumerate below.
1) An acoustic guitar--it's time I gave into the fact that I should learn to play it. And I think it'd be a cool skill to have. It'd help me get a date sometimes, at least.
2) A social life--while we're on the subject, I'd like to go on some dates sometime. I've decided that 2004 should be "The Year of Dave's Revived Social Life". More on that to come, I'm sure.
3) "Sink or Swim", Waterdeep (CD)
4) A chance to see one of the Counting Crows' shows in CA next week.
5) "The Return of the King" PS2 game
6) A two bedroom house with a reasonable mortgage that is near enough to downtown that I won't have to drive two hours to hear live music (or to drive to/from work).
7) A week in Shawnee with my dear friends.
8) More hours in the day to enjoy using #1, 3, and 5.
9) A lovely 54" (or so) TV with Surround Sound speakers
10) Everyone to stop attacking the best president our country has had in years.
11) Inspiration--something my writing has been lacking these days.
12) The love of a godly woman.
13) See #12.
Cuz I'm a greedy little jerk, I'll fall in step behind Manders. (Just kidding, Manders.)
"Thirteen Things I want for Christmas, Realistic or Not"
I suppose I should say something like, "I already have everything I want, and am grateful for everything I've been blessed with." Which is mostly true. But on a purely materialistic level, I do want a few things...which I will enumerate below.
1) An acoustic guitar--it's time I gave into the fact that I should learn to play it. And I think it'd be a cool skill to have. It'd help me get a date sometimes, at least.
2) A social life--while we're on the subject, I'd like to go on some dates sometime. I've decided that 2004 should be "The Year of Dave's Revived Social Life". More on that to come, I'm sure.
3) "Sink or Swim", Waterdeep (CD)
4) A chance to see one of the Counting Crows' shows in CA next week.
5) "The Return of the King" PS2 game
6) A two bedroom house with a reasonable mortgage that is near enough to downtown that I won't have to drive two hours to hear live music (or to drive to/from work).
7) A week in Shawnee with my dear friends.
8) More hours in the day to enjoy using #1, 3, and 5.
9) A lovely 54" (or so) TV with Surround Sound speakers
10) Everyone to stop attacking the best president our country has had in years.
11) Inspiration--something my writing has been lacking these days.
12) The love of a godly woman.
13) See #12.
"Oh, I've seen Fire and I've seen Rain..."
No specific reason for the James Taylor reference. Just what's on the (internet) radio.
Another week done, eh? Guess what? It's six (five and a half?) days until Christmas. So, in case I don't get to it (I'm sure I will), Merry Christmas, or whatever particular holiday you choose to acknowledge. Hannuakah. Kwaanza. Boxing Day. Whatever. Happy general non-offensive holiday.
Oh, oh, and for my friends in Loveland, Colorado, "Happy Jesus-palooza".
Um... general announcements: You only have six (five and a half) days left to vote in the "What should Dave's new facial hair "look" be?" contest. It's somewhere in the last few weeks. The official post, that is. So you can still vote there. Or you can just vote here. Also good.
Greetings to the new readers (a.k.a. the people I didn't realize popped in from time to time). Many thanks to Ryan, who corrected my misinformed musical references. For the record, "Down with the Sickness" is Disturbed, not Tool. Greetings as well to Lindsay E and any other former students who are checking out the site still. I'm happy you have stuck around. Feel free to sign in below, leave a "shout out", as the kids say.
Um. Plans for the weekend: Babysitting tonight (watching "Freaky Friday"--fun times). Going to the dollar theater tomorrow to see "School of Rock" or "Radio" with my sis. Hanging out with His Eminence, The Mike, tomorrow night. Church and chores on Sunday.
I only have two days of work next week. Hoo-ah!
New CD of the Month: "Welcome Interstate Managers" by Fountains of Wayne.
Okay okay, so I'm a trend-hopper. But not even counting the ever-funny "Stacy's Mom", this is a great album. Very catchy pop-rock, hook-filled and fun. Good driving music. "Hackensack" and "Halley's Waitress" are really good. And Stacy's Mom has got it going on. So there.
If you haven't seen Return of the King, SHAME! SHAME ON YOU!!! HOW CAN YOU LOOK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR? GEEZ... I'M JUST--I DON'T KNOW, DISGUSTED...
I hope for your sake that the previous scolding doesn't apply to you. If it does, see above.
Cold Mountain is a great book. You should read it.
Okay, that's it. I'm going home. It's almost five. I've done my time.
Have a good weekend, kids.
No specific reason for the James Taylor reference. Just what's on the (internet) radio.
Another week done, eh? Guess what? It's six (five and a half?) days until Christmas. So, in case I don't get to it (I'm sure I will), Merry Christmas, or whatever particular holiday you choose to acknowledge. Hannuakah. Kwaanza. Boxing Day. Whatever. Happy general non-offensive holiday.
Oh, oh, and for my friends in Loveland, Colorado, "Happy Jesus-palooza".
Um... general announcements: You only have six (five and a half) days left to vote in the "What should Dave's new facial hair "look" be?" contest. It's somewhere in the last few weeks. The official post, that is. So you can still vote there. Or you can just vote here. Also good.
Greetings to the new readers (a.k.a. the people I didn't realize popped in from time to time). Many thanks to Ryan, who corrected my misinformed musical references. For the record, "Down with the Sickness" is Disturbed, not Tool. Greetings as well to Lindsay E and any other former students who are checking out the site still. I'm happy you have stuck around. Feel free to sign in below, leave a "shout out", as the kids say.
Um. Plans for the weekend: Babysitting tonight (watching "Freaky Friday"--fun times). Going to the dollar theater tomorrow to see "School of Rock" or "Radio" with my sis. Hanging out with His Eminence, The Mike, tomorrow night. Church and chores on Sunday.
I only have two days of work next week. Hoo-ah!
New CD of the Month: "Welcome Interstate Managers" by Fountains of Wayne.
Okay okay, so I'm a trend-hopper. But not even counting the ever-funny "Stacy's Mom", this is a great album. Very catchy pop-rock, hook-filled and fun. Good driving music. "Hackensack" and "Halley's Waitress" are really good. And Stacy's Mom has got it going on. So there.
If you haven't seen Return of the King, SHAME! SHAME ON YOU!!! HOW CAN YOU LOOK YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR? GEEZ... I'M JUST--I DON'T KNOW, DISGUSTED...
I hope for your sake that the previous scolding doesn't apply to you. If it does, see above.
Cold Mountain is a great book. You should read it.
Okay, that's it. I'm going home. It's almost five. I've done my time.
Have a good weekend, kids.
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Did Somebody Say Oscar-worthy???
Um, yeah, Return of the King was beyond amazing.
Peter Jackson, thank you for a brilliant trilogy. I forgive you for your bad call on leaving out the Scouring of the Shire. I personally would have included it, but then again, I was too spent at the end of "Return" to sit through any more.
Overall, your work was amazing. Welcome to the ranks of Legendary Film Directors. Your place among the greats is well-deserved.
Just don't screw it up like Lucas.
Um, yeah, Return of the King was beyond amazing.
Peter Jackson, thank you for a brilliant trilogy. I forgive you for your bad call on leaving out the Scouring of the Shire. I personally would have included it, but then again, I was too spent at the end of "Return" to sit through any more.
Overall, your work was amazing. Welcome to the ranks of Legendary Film Directors. Your place among the greats is well-deserved.
Just don't screw it up like Lucas.
Happy Anniversary to Me
If any of you are close readers of this site, and have been for some time, you'll know what today is.
However, since none of you have been with us here at "Anything to Disrupt the Tedium/Perfect Blue Buildings, Inc." for that long, a friendly reminder is in order.
One year ago today, I stopped being Teacher Dave.
In some ways, it doesn't seem like that long ago. On the other hand, it seems longer than just a year. It's like my college memories; some are closer than others, in my mind, and others shift back and forth.
I don't know what to say really. The only reason I bring it up is because, as one person said, I'm the type of guy to remember important days. I'm a compulsive commemorator. Always have been.
I lost my first job ever on this day. That includes the myriad jobs I had growing up. It was the only time I was ever fired...excuse me, I mean it's the only time I ever "resigned" for no reason. I was always leaving jobs for school or moving, and I always gave plenty of notice to my employer, who was sad to see me go. But the loss of the first adult job post-graduation was an intense blow to my self-confidence (really, to my self-importance). And it was a lesson I needed to learn, about identity, about attitude, about circumstances.
It was also a major catalyst in several chains-of-events in the past year. And though it was difficult, I'm glad it happened. Glad they all happened. Best thing for me.
But all that is beside the point. Here I am, one year later, in a great job that I can see myself doing for a while. And I'm happy.
Happy Anniversary indeed.
If any of you are close readers of this site, and have been for some time, you'll know what today is.
However, since none of you have been with us here at "Anything to Disrupt the Tedium/Perfect Blue Buildings, Inc." for that long, a friendly reminder is in order.
One year ago today, I stopped being Teacher Dave.
In some ways, it doesn't seem like that long ago. On the other hand, it seems longer than just a year. It's like my college memories; some are closer than others, in my mind, and others shift back and forth.
I don't know what to say really. The only reason I bring it up is because, as one person said, I'm the type of guy to remember important days. I'm a compulsive commemorator. Always have been.
I lost my first job ever on this day. That includes the myriad jobs I had growing up. It was the only time I was ever fired...excuse me, I mean it's the only time I ever "resigned" for no reason. I was always leaving jobs for school or moving, and I always gave plenty of notice to my employer, who was sad to see me go. But the loss of the first adult job post-graduation was an intense blow to my self-confidence (really, to my self-importance). And it was a lesson I needed to learn, about identity, about attitude, about circumstances.
It was also a major catalyst in several chains-of-events in the past year. And though it was difficult, I'm glad it happened. Glad they all happened. Best thing for me.
But all that is beside the point. Here I am, one year later, in a great job that I can see myself doing for a while. And I'm happy.
Happy Anniversary indeed.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
"The local rock group down the street /Is trying hard to learn the song..."
...They seranade the weakened squire
Who just came out to mow his lawn.
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday
Charcoal burning everywhere
Rows of houses that are all the same
And no one seems to care
So Mrs. Grey, she's proud today
Because her roses are in bloom
And Mr. Green, he's so serene
He's got a TV in every room
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday
Here in Status-Symbol Land
Mothers complain about how hard life is
And the kids just don't understand.
So creature comfortable
We hardly know our souls
It makes it hard for me to see
My thoughts they always stray
To places far away
I need a change of scenery
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday...
("Pleasant Valley Sunday" by The Monkees)
*****
I don't know what possessed me to write all that out (by memory, no less).
It was written in the early sixties, and still applies to Americana today, I think.
Take what meaning from it you will, I guess.
...They seranade the weakened squire
Who just came out to mow his lawn.
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday
Charcoal burning everywhere
Rows of houses that are all the same
And no one seems to care
So Mrs. Grey, she's proud today
Because her roses are in bloom
And Mr. Green, he's so serene
He's got a TV in every room
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday
Here in Status-Symbol Land
Mothers complain about how hard life is
And the kids just don't understand.
So creature comfortable
We hardly know our souls
It makes it hard for me to see
My thoughts they always stray
To places far away
I need a change of scenery
Another Pleasant Valley Sunday...
("Pleasant Valley Sunday" by The Monkees)
*****
I don't know what possessed me to write all that out (by memory, no less).
It was written in the early sixties, and still applies to Americana today, I think.
Take what meaning from it you will, I guess.
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Stranger in a Strange Land Bookstore
Part Three: "Are you familiar with Robbie's music"
The Accordians came back, and they played some more of Seth's songs, and a few others. I started talking to a guy next to me on the pew, about where I worked/lived, how I found out about Ecclesia, and how I know Seth's music. It was cool. Nice guy. Then, after a few songs, Seth looks over the crowd and says, "Hey Robbie, you wanna sing?"
And Robbie makes his way from the back of the crowd and comes on stage.
The guy I talked to, two or three times tonight. The guy who said he sometimes plays music with Seth.
Robbie.
As in, the Robbie Seay Band.
Man, I feel dumb.
Robbie sang a couple songs. The guy next to me asks, "Are you familiar with Robbie's music?" "No," I reply. "Actually, I've talked to him a couple times tonight, but never put it together who he was." The guy grins. "That's funny. Yeah, Robbie's music is AWESOME."
And it was. Robbie's got some pipes.
Finally, the set ended and everyone left satisfied.
There were more events, like how three people's cars almost got towed, and I was paranoid for about twenty minutes that mine would be too, until I went out into the pouring rain, and walked around the building to make sure it was there.
Overall, a good night. Five people came up and talked to me, asked about my job and where I live. That's more than any of the Baptist churches I've ever visited in my life, combined. The people seemed to really care and want to get to know anyone visiting. And I was really impressed by that.
Part Three: "Are you familiar with Robbie's music"
The Accordians came back, and they played some more of Seth's songs, and a few others. I started talking to a guy next to me on the pew, about where I worked/lived, how I found out about Ecclesia, and how I know Seth's music. It was cool. Nice guy. Then, after a few songs, Seth looks over the crowd and says, "Hey Robbie, you wanna sing?"
And Robbie makes his way from the back of the crowd and comes on stage.
The guy I talked to, two or three times tonight. The guy who said he sometimes plays music with Seth.
Robbie.
As in, the Robbie Seay Band.
Man, I feel dumb.
Robbie sang a couple songs. The guy next to me asks, "Are you familiar with Robbie's music?" "No," I reply. "Actually, I've talked to him a couple times tonight, but never put it together who he was." The guy grins. "That's funny. Yeah, Robbie's music is AWESOME."
And it was. Robbie's got some pipes.
Finally, the set ended and everyone left satisfied.
There were more events, like how three people's cars almost got towed, and I was paranoid for about twenty minutes that mine would be too, until I went out into the pouring rain, and walked around the building to make sure it was there.
Overall, a good night. Five people came up and talked to me, asked about my job and where I live. That's more than any of the Baptist churches I've ever visited in my life, combined. The people seemed to really care and want to get to know anyone visiting. And I was really impressed by that.
Stranger in a Strange Land Bookstore
Part Two: "Can you play 'October', it's my favorite"
The performance space is about the size of half a gymnasium. Forty foot high ceiling with exposed steel beams. The street-side wall, where the stage is, is cinderblock. There are a few more of the tall tables and pairs of chairs. There's a table made out of a glass basketball backboard. On the table is a group of large white cylinder candles burning on their stands, and a few small stacks of papers and pamphlets. On the walls around the room are paintings and framed photographs. On pedestals between some of the hung paintings are sculptures, most of them crosses made out of many items. One such cross was made entirely of handles from doors, oars, gates, and other places.
More than a quarter of the large space is taken up by a large walled structure in the back-left corner, which I find out is the sound booth, and behind that, the rest of the second story rooms. The sound booth area only sits about twenty feet high, like a balcony, and is open above that. There, the sound crew sits working on the board, balancing speakers, setting up a video camera. The short hallway I entered through was actually under this structure. I take a seat on an old pew against the front wall of the booth. There's a Persian rug on the floor in front of the stage, where some of the audience members sit cross-legged with their toddlers, who are playing together. One crawled over to me to say hi during the show.
I sit for a while longer reading, and a few more people talk to me. I don't remember their names, sadly. I've never been good about that. But they were nice and were happy I was there. Then Robbie came over and talked to me again, before leaving to take some pictures of the show.
A guy sits down in a chair six feet in front of me. Thick, shoulder-length, curly dark brown hair, that seems on the verge of exploding in a million directions. A full beard ("full" being completely unshaven, covering the entire jaw down to the neck, connected mustache, completely impenetrable by light) and a faded second-hand t-shirt proclaiming "Florida!" in cracked letters, and faded frayed jeans that sagged just enough for plaid boxers to peek out (these kids and their not using belts, huh?). He sits down, and pulls out a notebook. A girl and her parents whom he had just been talking to at a nearby table ask what he's doing. "Oh, I gotta whip up a set list." A spikey haired girl walking by stops and says, "Hey, Seth, can you play 'October', it's my favorite." He laughs and says that he'll try to remember.
Of course it's Seth. I should have recognized him immediately. Then finally he gets up and goes to the stage. There are various speakers. A drum set, four or five guitars on stands, an organ in the back that is currently being used to hold all the guitar cases. Above the stage, on the cinderblock wall, is mounted an old Celtic-looking metal cross, lit from the floor with a red spotlight. The rest of the stage is lit from above by stage lights. There are (thankfully) no flourescent lights in this space. Lots of candles, and some soft lamps pointed at the pictures on the walls. Very mellow, very warm. Inviting.
Seth and the band (collectively, The Sad Accordians) play for about twenty minutes, running through some of Seth's stuff, as well as some new things. I loved one song called "Automatic". He played the "piratey song" that he did at Metro called "Buried Treasure": "Baby, you're my buried treasure/And I'm your Captain Hook/I'd give that crocodile my other hand/If I could write you in my book." They played an upbeat version of "Boston" and Seth turned "October" into a sort of sad waltz, which was very cool. Then the Accordians took a break, and Seth played some songs by himself. My favorite part of this set was an acoustic version of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star". He played the first verse softly and slowly, singing the lyrics normally instead of trying to imitate the original. Half the crowd didn't even realize what it was until he reached the chorus. By that time, everyone started singing along, and Seth's playing got louder and louder until he was singing it all-out, top of his lungs. Awesome. Good times. He sang a song that he wrote about some of the people he lived with in Houston, most of whom were in the room. That was nice. Then the Accordians came back to finish the set.
Part Two: "Can you play 'October', it's my favorite"
The performance space is about the size of half a gymnasium. Forty foot high ceiling with exposed steel beams. The street-side wall, where the stage is, is cinderblock. There are a few more of the tall tables and pairs of chairs. There's a table made out of a glass basketball backboard. On the table is a group of large white cylinder candles burning on their stands, and a few small stacks of papers and pamphlets. On the walls around the room are paintings and framed photographs. On pedestals between some of the hung paintings are sculptures, most of them crosses made out of many items. One such cross was made entirely of handles from doors, oars, gates, and other places.
More than a quarter of the large space is taken up by a large walled structure in the back-left corner, which I find out is the sound booth, and behind that, the rest of the second story rooms. The sound booth area only sits about twenty feet high, like a balcony, and is open above that. There, the sound crew sits working on the board, balancing speakers, setting up a video camera. The short hallway I entered through was actually under this structure. I take a seat on an old pew against the front wall of the booth. There's a Persian rug on the floor in front of the stage, where some of the audience members sit cross-legged with their toddlers, who are playing together. One crawled over to me to say hi during the show.
I sit for a while longer reading, and a few more people talk to me. I don't remember their names, sadly. I've never been good about that. But they were nice and were happy I was there. Then Robbie came over and talked to me again, before leaving to take some pictures of the show.
A guy sits down in a chair six feet in front of me. Thick, shoulder-length, curly dark brown hair, that seems on the verge of exploding in a million directions. A full beard ("full" being completely unshaven, covering the entire jaw down to the neck, connected mustache, completely impenetrable by light) and a faded second-hand t-shirt proclaiming "Florida!" in cracked letters, and faded frayed jeans that sagged just enough for plaid boxers to peek out (these kids and their not using belts, huh?). He sits down, and pulls out a notebook. A girl and her parents whom he had just been talking to at a nearby table ask what he's doing. "Oh, I gotta whip up a set list." A spikey haired girl walking by stops and says, "Hey, Seth, can you play 'October', it's my favorite." He laughs and says that he'll try to remember.
Of course it's Seth. I should have recognized him immediately. Then finally he gets up and goes to the stage. There are various speakers. A drum set, four or five guitars on stands, an organ in the back that is currently being used to hold all the guitar cases. Above the stage, on the cinderblock wall, is mounted an old Celtic-looking metal cross, lit from the floor with a red spotlight. The rest of the stage is lit from above by stage lights. There are (thankfully) no flourescent lights in this space. Lots of candles, and some soft lamps pointed at the pictures on the walls. Very mellow, very warm. Inviting.
Seth and the band (collectively, The Sad Accordians) play for about twenty minutes, running through some of Seth's stuff, as well as some new things. I loved one song called "Automatic". He played the "piratey song" that he did at Metro called "Buried Treasure": "Baby, you're my buried treasure/And I'm your Captain Hook/I'd give that crocodile my other hand/If I could write you in my book." They played an upbeat version of "Boston" and Seth turned "October" into a sort of sad waltz, which was very cool. Then the Accordians took a break, and Seth played some songs by himself. My favorite part of this set was an acoustic version of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star". He played the first verse softly and slowly, singing the lyrics normally instead of trying to imitate the original. Half the crowd didn't even realize what it was until he reached the chorus. By that time, everyone started singing along, and Seth's playing got louder and louder until he was singing it all-out, top of his lungs. Awesome. Good times. He sang a song that he wrote about some of the people he lived with in Houston, most of whom were in the room. That was nice. Then the Accordians came back to finish the set.
Stranger in a Strange Land Bookstore
Part One: "I didn't even know it was a book first"
What a great evening. Lots of fun.
So I left here (I'm at work, by the way) at about 6 p.m. yesterday, grabbed a Burger King double cheeseburger and a DP (you'd think that reading Fast Food Nation would prevent me from frequenting these places), and drove semi-aimlessly around Houston, until I found Ecclesia and Taft St. Coffee.
As it turns out, the Taft St. building houses several aspects of Ecclesia's ministry. There is a mini-gallery of local artwork (paintings, sculpture, and photography) which was also used as the music venue. More on that later.
I walk into Taft St. Coffee/Strange Land Bookstore and check the place out. Nice, dry, warmly lit. A handful of the high circular tables popular in similar establishments. Several bookshelves full of books on sale. Some couches, armchairs, coffee tables. I look around for a minute then proceed to the counter and purchase an IBC rootbeer (partly because I had forgotten to get money for coffee before coming.)
I'm reading Cold Mountain for the second time (the first time being in my naive freshman year for Honors 101 English at OBU), and had just started the second chapter when a gentleman approaches me. He has longish blonde hair past his ears and into his eyes, wearing a faded t-shirt and jeans combo. He sticks his hand out to shake. "Hey, I'm Robbie." We talk for a bit, where I'm from, where he's from (he used to live in the area but has recently moved out to my part of town). He notices what I'm reading. "Is it good?" I proceed to tell him that it is beautifully written, very descriptive, and that while I didn't appreciate it the first time through, I do now. "That's really cool," says Robbie. "I saw the advertisement for the picture, but hadn't heard anything about it. I didn't even know it was a book first, but that's cool." He asks me if I prefered reading the book first or seeing the picture first (he never used the word "movie" or "film", just "picture"). We get into that a little.
He asks what brings me to Taft this evening. I tell him I am here to see Seth play, that I heard him at Metro and liked his stuff. Robbie says, "Yeah, Seth and I play together in a band sometimes." I respond that I think that's cool, which I do actually. He says it was nice talking to me, I respond in kind, and he leaves. Nice guy. I continue reading.
The music is supposed to start at 7:30. In my fear of being late, I had left too early and arrived on-site at just before seven. At 7:45 p.m. it hadn't started yet, so I get up from my comfortable armchair, grab my coat, half-full lukewarm bottle of IBC, and my book, and head down the short hallway into the venue.
Part One: "I didn't even know it was a book first"
What a great evening. Lots of fun.
So I left here (I'm at work, by the way) at about 6 p.m. yesterday, grabbed a Burger King double cheeseburger and a DP (you'd think that reading Fast Food Nation would prevent me from frequenting these places), and drove semi-aimlessly around Houston, until I found Ecclesia and Taft St. Coffee.
As it turns out, the Taft St. building houses several aspects of Ecclesia's ministry. There is a mini-gallery of local artwork (paintings, sculpture, and photography) which was also used as the music venue. More on that later.
I walk into Taft St. Coffee/Strange Land Bookstore and check the place out. Nice, dry, warmly lit. A handful of the high circular tables popular in similar establishments. Several bookshelves full of books on sale. Some couches, armchairs, coffee tables. I look around for a minute then proceed to the counter and purchase an IBC rootbeer (partly because I had forgotten to get money for coffee before coming.)
I'm reading Cold Mountain for the second time (the first time being in my naive freshman year for Honors 101 English at OBU), and had just started the second chapter when a gentleman approaches me. He has longish blonde hair past his ears and into his eyes, wearing a faded t-shirt and jeans combo. He sticks his hand out to shake. "Hey, I'm Robbie." We talk for a bit, where I'm from, where he's from (he used to live in the area but has recently moved out to my part of town). He notices what I'm reading. "Is it good?" I proceed to tell him that it is beautifully written, very descriptive, and that while I didn't appreciate it the first time through, I do now. "That's really cool," says Robbie. "I saw the advertisement for the picture, but hadn't heard anything about it. I didn't even know it was a book first, but that's cool." He asks me if I prefered reading the book first or seeing the picture first (he never used the word "movie" or "film", just "picture"). We get into that a little.
He asks what brings me to Taft this evening. I tell him I am here to see Seth play, that I heard him at Metro and liked his stuff. Robbie says, "Yeah, Seth and I play together in a band sometimes." I respond that I think that's cool, which I do actually. He says it was nice talking to me, I respond in kind, and he leaves. Nice guy. I continue reading.
The music is supposed to start at 7:30. In my fear of being late, I had left too early and arrived on-site at just before seven. At 7:45 p.m. it hadn't started yet, so I get up from my comfortable armchair, grab my coat, half-full lukewarm bottle of IBC, and my book, and head down the short hallway into the venue.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Obscure CD Review of the Week: "Satellite Soul"
I was in my local neighborhood CD Warehouse franchise, when I came across a mini clearance section in the "Religious" music rack. I found Satellite Soul's self-titled debut from way back in 1997 ("ah, that was a good year"). I wasn't familiar with their music offhand, but I figured, for four bucks, I can give it a spin.
I was truly impressed. First of all, I recognized three of the first four songs from listening to Lightforce Radio here in Houston (for you OK kids, it's like 91 FM, but only for three hours a week on our local "contemporary" Christian station). And the rest of the album is excellent as well.
I have always had this notion that Christian music, stylistically, is about 3 or 4 years behind mainstream music. Not to be a (total) slam on the dulcet tones piped out of Christendom, but it's as though the Christian artists listen to the radio and think "that's neat, I'll try that on the next album." Which for some bands (I'm talking to you, DC Talk) takes about five years to do anyway.
So yeah. Satellite Soul's 1997 debut catapulted me back to the early-to-mid-nineties. The closest approximation I can make is that they sound A LOT like Gin Blossoms, although the lead singer's vocals sometimes take on a Flaming Lips quality. But yeah, they are channeling a lot of Gin Blossoms (and I'm pretty sure they totally ripped off the riff from "Allison Road"). But it's a lot of fun, with some really nice sounds. They break out the harmonica regularly, and even incorporate a hammer dulcimer on a few tracks.
Satellite Soul's debut album is solid, with a comfortable, easygoing sound, reminiscent of Gin Blossoms, Smalltown Poets, and Big Tent Revival. It is worth buying, especially if you can get it for four bucks.
I was in my local neighborhood CD Warehouse franchise, when I came across a mini clearance section in the "Religious" music rack. I found Satellite Soul's self-titled debut from way back in 1997 ("ah, that was a good year"). I wasn't familiar with their music offhand, but I figured, for four bucks, I can give it a spin.
I was truly impressed. First of all, I recognized three of the first four songs from listening to Lightforce Radio here in Houston (for you OK kids, it's like 91 FM, but only for three hours a week on our local "contemporary" Christian station). And the rest of the album is excellent as well.
I have always had this notion that Christian music, stylistically, is about 3 or 4 years behind mainstream music. Not to be a (total) slam on the dulcet tones piped out of Christendom, but it's as though the Christian artists listen to the radio and think "that's neat, I'll try that on the next album." Which for some bands (I'm talking to you, DC Talk) takes about five years to do anyway.
So yeah. Satellite Soul's 1997 debut catapulted me back to the early-to-mid-nineties. The closest approximation I can make is that they sound A LOT like Gin Blossoms, although the lead singer's vocals sometimes take on a Flaming Lips quality. But yeah, they are channeling a lot of Gin Blossoms (and I'm pretty sure they totally ripped off the riff from "Allison Road"). But it's a lot of fun, with some really nice sounds. They break out the harmonica regularly, and even incorporate a hammer dulcimer on a few tracks.
Satellite Soul's debut album is solid, with a comfortable, easygoing sound, reminiscent of Gin Blossoms, Smalltown Poets, and Big Tent Revival. It is worth buying, especially if you can get it for four bucks.
Way to go, California police...
I'm sorry if this article offends you in any way. But it's too freakin funny to pass up.
I'm sorry if this article offends you in any way. But it's too freakin funny to pass up.
I got in trouble...
Sorry for the truncated news report. The lack of closure is due to my boss saying, "So are you gonna do any actual work today or what?" Which is interesting, considering how much time he spends playing Yahoo! Pool.
I'm letting you know, since he's out of the room. I'll have to come back later on, and finish up. Briefly, though, all Houston-based or Houston-proximate readers, go see Seth Woods and the Sad Accordians at Taft St. Coffee tonight at 7:30 p.m. Guaranteed to be awesome. Details are on Seth's site, under "Upcoming Shows".
Sorry for the truncated news report. The lack of closure is due to my boss saying, "So are you gonna do any actual work today or what?" Which is interesting, considering how much time he spends playing Yahoo! Pool.
I'm letting you know, since he's out of the room. I'll have to come back later on, and finish up. Briefly, though, all Houston-based or Houston-proximate readers, go see Seth Woods and the Sad Accordians at Taft St. Coffee tonight at 7:30 p.m. Guaranteed to be awesome. Details are on Seth's site, under "Upcoming Shows".
Weekly Whirled News
Now, for your news briefs (or boxers, if you prefer...).
The Dow broke ten thousand this week. In response to economists predicting the the upcoming fiscal year will be the best in the last two decades, the nine Democratic candidates stuck their fingers in their ears, closed their eyes, and shook there heads, saying "Nyuh-uh, nyuh-uh, nyuh-uh..."
More bombings, more killings, more destruction in Iraq. You'd think these people would be more grateful that we had the, um, guts, to show up to overthrow the mass-murder's regime. (For those of you who insist that it was the wrong thing, and that Saddam should have been left in power, go ask the families of the thousands of people in almost three hundred mass graves that have been discovered so far. )
In related news, France, Russia, Germany, and China, among others, are miffed that they won't be first in line to receive reconstruction contracts. One report quoted French president Chirac as saying, "C'mon, man, we called "dibbs", like, two years ago."
Former VP and disputed presidential runner-up Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean for the Democratic nod this week, to the surprise of everyone, including former Gore running-mate Joe Lieberman. Lieberman response: "Hey man, that's not kosher." (Cheap joke, I apologize.)
Dean's an interesting character. It seems like he's trying to be everything to everyone. At one rally of mostly Af-Am voters, Dean's reported to have said, "Hey, I've got soul." Sources are unclear, but some reports indicate that his next words were, "And I'm super-bad."
In sports, the Houston Astros signed Yankees ace Andy Petite. Doesn't matter, the Cubs will still beat them. And then lose in the playoffs. Ugh.
Several Major League baseball players are being questioned about their use of a new kind of "enhancement drug" which is reported to be an until-now untraceable analog of steriods. When questioned about his use of the drug, San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds said, "What? My arms have *always* been the size of VW Beetles. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go get a...protein shake."
The Houston Texans football team is still struggling to get their franchise-high sixth win. When you have more injured players than healthy ones, that will happen. The Texans had to start their third-string quarterback last week. I think his name was Bob, the peanut vendor. At least we'll host the Super Bowl.
Now, for your news briefs (or boxers, if you prefer...).
The Dow broke ten thousand this week. In response to economists predicting the the upcoming fiscal year will be the best in the last two decades, the nine Democratic candidates stuck their fingers in their ears, closed their eyes, and shook there heads, saying "Nyuh-uh, nyuh-uh, nyuh-uh..."
More bombings, more killings, more destruction in Iraq. You'd think these people would be more grateful that we had the, um, guts, to show up to overthrow the mass-murder's regime. (For those of you who insist that it was the wrong thing, and that Saddam should have been left in power, go ask the families of the thousands of people in almost three hundred mass graves that have been discovered so far. )
In related news, France, Russia, Germany, and China, among others, are miffed that they won't be first in line to receive reconstruction contracts. One report quoted French president Chirac as saying, "C'mon, man, we called "dibbs", like, two years ago."
Former VP and disputed presidential runner-up Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean for the Democratic nod this week, to the surprise of everyone, including former Gore running-mate Joe Lieberman. Lieberman response: "Hey man, that's not kosher." (Cheap joke, I apologize.)
Dean's an interesting character. It seems like he's trying to be everything to everyone. At one rally of mostly Af-Am voters, Dean's reported to have said, "Hey, I've got soul." Sources are unclear, but some reports indicate that his next words were, "And I'm super-bad."
In sports, the Houston Astros signed Yankees ace Andy Petite. Doesn't matter, the Cubs will still beat them. And then lose in the playoffs. Ugh.
Several Major League baseball players are being questioned about their use of a new kind of "enhancement drug" which is reported to be an until-now untraceable analog of steriods. When questioned about his use of the drug, San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds said, "What? My arms have *always* been the size of VW Beetles. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go get a...protein shake."
The Houston Texans football team is still struggling to get their franchise-high sixth win. When you have more injured players than healthy ones, that will happen. The Texans had to start their third-string quarterback last week. I think his name was Bob, the peanut vendor. At least we'll host the Super Bowl.
"...Get up, c'mon, get down with the Sickness..."
What would possess me to quote Tool (I think that's the band) in my subject line? Cuz I am one sick mother. And not in the hip, slang-like way.
I missed three days of work this week (hence no posts or responses to email), and probably could have gotten out of coming today, but today's the "pre-holiday" goof-off/party day. We're going out to eat, on the hospital's tab. Fun times.
I got some kinda nasty in my lungs, my throat's swollen, sore, and raggedy, and I've been feverish. Ugh.
At least, I know it's not the flu. Cuz I got my shot. That makes me safe...right...
What would possess me to quote Tool (I think that's the band) in my subject line? Cuz I am one sick mother. And not in the hip, slang-like way.
I missed three days of work this week (hence no posts or responses to email), and probably could have gotten out of coming today, but today's the "pre-holiday" goof-off/party day. We're going out to eat, on the hospital's tab. Fun times.
I got some kinda nasty in my lungs, my throat's swollen, sore, and raggedy, and I've been feverish. Ugh.
At least, I know it's not the flu. Cuz I got my shot. That makes me safe...right...
Monday, December 08, 2003
Promises Made, Promises Kept
We do indeed have a winner in the impromptu poll question: in which Counting Crows song do you find the lyric, "If dreams are like movies/then memories are films about ghosts"?
The answer is, "Mrs. Potter's Lullabye" on the album This Desert Life.
The winner is, Ms. Jesika Moore.
Lemme tell ya a little story about a girl named Jess.
Born in the frozen tundra of Siberia, Jess survived until she was two by suckling a she-wolf whose youngest cub died falling off a cliff. It was at this time that Jess was discovered shivvering in a cave by a roving troupe of circus performers, whose train had nearly derailed while circumventing the nearby mountain. These circus performers took little Jess in, taught her to speak three languages, and used her in their act, as the newest member of the Tightrope Act. For ten years, Jesika walked the tightrope, astounding the frozen, starved audiences of the Eastern Bloc. Until finally, the Iron Curtain fell, and Jesika caught her first glimpse of the Free World. Okay, it was Austria, but it was free, and freedom was fine. When she was fourteen, she ran away from her circus performer community and fell in with a troupe of travelling minstrels who played at every dive up and down the blue Danube, for gas money. Eventually, at the tender age of sixteen, Jesika made it to France, then England, then on the big plane to America, where she ended up going to school at OBU when I met her. She had scored a 1580 on her SAT's before entering college and was on scholarship, studying molecular biology, until I talked her into being an English major. She was in a couple of my classes, and we had several mutual friends, especially among the Theatre Department which she fell in with also ("falling in with groups of artists" being the general theme of her adventures). Finally, the yearning for frozen wasteland overwhelmed her, and she left school to travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she has staked her claim on the tundra, and makes her way, through hardwork, determination, and the paychecks from Marshall Fields that pay the rent.
What drama! What intrigue!
What b.s. Okay, here's the real post. Jess is a cool chick who, while she hasn't made the best choices in guys (sorry, girlie, but it's true), still has great taste in the things that really matter (music, books, friends). And her getting the question of the week right is proof of this. The true elements to the previous paragraph: She lives in Sioux Falls, although she promises to finish college and get her oh-so-useful English degree. And soon, she'll meet a nice boy who doesn't suck and things will settle themselves out.
So props to you, Jess, for the correct answer, and you're awesome.
So there you go, tribute post to contest winner--done.
Postscript: We (the management) would like to also thank Kara Deann ("the ruling diva of Oklahoma") for not participating, as it wouldn't have been fair to anyone else. Thank you.
We do indeed have a winner in the impromptu poll question: in which Counting Crows song do you find the lyric, "If dreams are like movies/then memories are films about ghosts"?
The answer is, "Mrs. Potter's Lullabye" on the album This Desert Life.
The winner is, Ms. Jesika Moore.
Lemme tell ya a little story about a girl named Jess.
Born in the frozen tundra of Siberia, Jess survived until she was two by suckling a she-wolf whose youngest cub died falling off a cliff. It was at this time that Jess was discovered shivvering in a cave by a roving troupe of circus performers, whose train had nearly derailed while circumventing the nearby mountain. These circus performers took little Jess in, taught her to speak three languages, and used her in their act, as the newest member of the Tightrope Act. For ten years, Jesika walked the tightrope, astounding the frozen, starved audiences of the Eastern Bloc. Until finally, the Iron Curtain fell, and Jesika caught her first glimpse of the Free World. Okay, it was Austria, but it was free, and freedom was fine. When she was fourteen, she ran away from her circus performer community and fell in with a troupe of travelling minstrels who played at every dive up and down the blue Danube, for gas money. Eventually, at the tender age of sixteen, Jesika made it to France, then England, then on the big plane to America, where she ended up going to school at OBU when I met her. She had scored a 1580 on her SAT's before entering college and was on scholarship, studying molecular biology, until I talked her into being an English major. She was in a couple of my classes, and we had several mutual friends, especially among the Theatre Department which she fell in with also ("falling in with groups of artists" being the general theme of her adventures). Finally, the yearning for frozen wasteland overwhelmed her, and she left school to travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she has staked her claim on the tundra, and makes her way, through hardwork, determination, and the paychecks from Marshall Fields that pay the rent.
What drama! What intrigue!
What b.s. Okay, here's the real post. Jess is a cool chick who, while she hasn't made the best choices in guys (sorry, girlie, but it's true), still has great taste in the things that really matter (music, books, friends). And her getting the question of the week right is proof of this. The true elements to the previous paragraph: She lives in Sioux Falls, although she promises to finish college and get her oh-so-useful English degree. And soon, she'll meet a nice boy who doesn't suck and things will settle themselves out.
So props to you, Jess, for the correct answer, and you're awesome.
So there you go, tribute post to contest winner--done.
Postscript: We (the management) would like to also thank Kara Deann ("the ruling diva of Oklahoma") for not participating, as it wouldn't have been fair to anyone else. Thank you.
Another Generalized Sort of Post
Here we are, at the end of another business day. Coming at you Live, with "Dave--After Hours." Sounds a bit suspect, doesn't it?
My weekend was okay. I made spaghetti. First solo-production of the spaghetti. Turned out very well, in case you're curious (as I know so many are). Matter of fact, I am gonna polish off the leftovers for supper tonight. So that's entertaining.
What else, what else... Oh, for those of you who are in the Houston area, or are close enough to drive here from say, College Station, or Waco (*cough* ahem, hint hint *cough*), need to get your ever-loving selves down here on Friday to see my man Seth Woods perform. Details are sketchy at this point, but what I've pieced together is that he's playing at Ecclesia's Taft Rd. arts building. I'll keep you posted when I find out more. But yeah, if you are in the area or can hop in a car and be here in a couple of hours, you need to check this guy out because he is awesome.
Saw A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre this weekend. It was fun. A mixed bag, as far as production values goes. Josh and I would have probably picked it apart. But I tried to restrain my critical/directorial mind and just enjoy the show. Which i was finally able to do, and it wasn't that bad. Proof is playing there in January. If I weren't saving my pennies for Jekyll and Hyde, I'd probably go.
Voting is still going on for the "Walking on the Razor's Edge" poll question. If you haven't made your voice heard, be sure to do so while there's still time.
The impromptu trivia question contest is closed. The winner will be announced.
We here at "Perfect Blue Buildings" would like to welcome visitors from the CCCS Class of 1998 for stopping by, and we hope you will be regular readers here at "PBB." Thank you, and enjoy your stay.
*****
For those who may not have heard, HBO has produced and is airing a film based on Tony Kushner's controversial and award-winning play "Angels In America: Millenium Approaches." If you are unfamiliar or unaware of this work, here's your primer: this play is about being gay in America in the eighties. And all that it entails. It is unflinching, it is raw, it is in some ways perverse. I'm bringing this up--even though part of me is saying to delete this paragraph and move on--because this piece is representative of a major cultural shift that the church has chosen to ignore by-and-large.
I believe that art has many roles. Art can imitate life. Art can expose life. Art can transcend life. It can make us sad, ashamed, inspired, elated. God is the ultimate Artist, the Creator, Sculptor, Writer whose work is the world, whose canvas is reality, and whose masterpiece is not the fallen earth, but the redeemed soul. As an artist, I see art as an opportunity to both worship God and elicit emotion from man. So when major cultural/artistic events occur, I take notice. Because, as Dr. Cole would say, art saves lives. But art also can also debase lives.
I feel I have to choose my words judiciously at this point. Not because I'm afraid of what you'd think. More because I'm afraid of what I'd write. You see, I have spent several years breaking the habit of making snap judgements about things, especially artistic things. I hesitate (as I have mentioned many times) to label something as morally good or bad, because often this is based on personal conviction. (Do not misread me to mean that I employ situational ethics, but as in many cases, such as R-rated movies and the like, it's really between the viewer and God.) So in a situation like this, concerning this film/play, I find myself being very hesitant to speak out. But I think I should.
My feeling about it is that Kushner was writing from a place and time (early-to-mid-eighties) where he felt that his group was ignored by media and marginalized. Out of this feeling came "Angels in America" (which I believe is part of a trilogy) that viciously attacks the viewer with the playwright's point-of-view/ideology/agenda. This play, like many modern works, tries to shock the viewer into thinking about life from the other perspective--in this case, from the perspective of the gay community. Often, Kushner seems heavy-handed in his approach. "Heavy-handed" may be too politik a term. But this is where he's coming from.
I don't agree with him. I don't agree with homosexuality; I think it is a sinful lifestyle and is a wrong choice with sometimes dangerous consequences. I could hit you with the "love the sinner, hate the sin" jive, but the fact is, most churches don't put feet on this cliche. Which is why it has become cliche. Five years ago, I wouldn't have been able to love the sinner at all, thinking that some sinners who commit certain sins are just unlovable. But I see that differently now. I understand grace better, I think.
Anyway, when I encounter a creative work like "Angels in America", I try to stifle my immediate repulsion. And this play can be extremely repellant. But I try to understand why it is, what it comes from. And this is my makeshift understanding.
Kushner tries to shock the viewer into submission, with his message that gay people are unfairly treated, oppressed, tortured souls who just want to be accepted like everyone else. Kushner seems to say that all who don't think homosexuality is okay are nothing more than hateful neanderthals akin to Nazis and all the other horrible wicked murderous tribes who've been around. You don't dare disagree with the gay heroes, because that means you side with the bigots and oppressors. And no one wants to be linked to the bad guys.
And Kushner does this because, like many people trying to promote homosexuality, he doesn't seem to allow for any disagreement. For many like this, it's all or nothing. You must accept everything they do, approve of it, endorse it if need be, because you don't want to be considered a horrible mean person, do you? We shouldn't be surprised by this. This has been happening more and more. People are trying to justify their choices through cultural acceptance, and if the culture doesn't accept, by golly we'll MAKE them accept it.
The reason I bring all this up (I've been meandering toward a point, I promise you) is not because I think we should boycott HBO and Al Pacino and everyone else involved. Christians do too many boycotts, and that's not what Jesus was about (the one human thing he was mainly enraged about was the self-righteousness and interpersonal "boycotts" of the church, but that's a whole 'nother deal). And I don't think we should all watch the film. I am choosing not to, because I feel it's just too debasing for me. I wouldn't recommend anyone watching the film version, though I admit I haven't seen it. But what I think we as Christians should do is try to understand why it exists, what it really means for this culture.
Our culture is growing sickly, overgorged on its own decadence and lack of limits. We see it every day. And Christians have two choices: be repulsed and withdraw, or recognize it and engage it. We cannot abandon our participation in the Great Debate, over a little queasiness. Instead, we need to understand what the state of things is in this country, in this culture, in this present generation, and be ready with answers. I've seen and heard too many Christians jump all over people for what they watch, listen to, read. "I can't believe you'd participate in *that*--that's just awful!" Maybe we should start providing some answers instead of dishing out indignation. Just a thought.
So there it is. This movie is on HBO, and is being called the biggest television event in years, by some critics. And it is an event, to be sure. It is the latest example of a culture that is diseased buy knows no cure, because no one is willing to go near it and provide an alternative.
(This should have been a post by itself, I think.)
Here we are, at the end of another business day. Coming at you Live, with "Dave--After Hours." Sounds a bit suspect, doesn't it?
My weekend was okay. I made spaghetti. First solo-production of the spaghetti. Turned out very well, in case you're curious (as I know so many are). Matter of fact, I am gonna polish off the leftovers for supper tonight. So that's entertaining.
What else, what else... Oh, for those of you who are in the Houston area, or are close enough to drive here from say, College Station, or Waco (*cough* ahem, hint hint *cough*), need to get your ever-loving selves down here on Friday to see my man Seth Woods perform. Details are sketchy at this point, but what I've pieced together is that he's playing at Ecclesia's Taft Rd. arts building. I'll keep you posted when I find out more. But yeah, if you are in the area or can hop in a car and be here in a couple of hours, you need to check this guy out because he is awesome.
Saw A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre this weekend. It was fun. A mixed bag, as far as production values goes. Josh and I would have probably picked it apart. But I tried to restrain my critical/directorial mind and just enjoy the show. Which i was finally able to do, and it wasn't that bad. Proof is playing there in January. If I weren't saving my pennies for Jekyll and Hyde, I'd probably go.
Voting is still going on for the "Walking on the Razor's Edge" poll question. If you haven't made your voice heard, be sure to do so while there's still time.
The impromptu trivia question contest is closed. The winner will be announced.
We here at "Perfect Blue Buildings" would like to welcome visitors from the CCCS Class of 1998 for stopping by, and we hope you will be regular readers here at "PBB." Thank you, and enjoy your stay.
*****
For those who may not have heard, HBO has produced and is airing a film based on Tony Kushner's controversial and award-winning play "Angels In America: Millenium Approaches." If you are unfamiliar or unaware of this work, here's your primer: this play is about being gay in America in the eighties. And all that it entails. It is unflinching, it is raw, it is in some ways perverse. I'm bringing this up--even though part of me is saying to delete this paragraph and move on--because this piece is representative of a major cultural shift that the church has chosen to ignore by-and-large.
I believe that art has many roles. Art can imitate life. Art can expose life. Art can transcend life. It can make us sad, ashamed, inspired, elated. God is the ultimate Artist, the Creator, Sculptor, Writer whose work is the world, whose canvas is reality, and whose masterpiece is not the fallen earth, but the redeemed soul. As an artist, I see art as an opportunity to both worship God and elicit emotion from man. So when major cultural/artistic events occur, I take notice. Because, as Dr. Cole would say, art saves lives. But art also can also debase lives.
I feel I have to choose my words judiciously at this point. Not because I'm afraid of what you'd think. More because I'm afraid of what I'd write. You see, I have spent several years breaking the habit of making snap judgements about things, especially artistic things. I hesitate (as I have mentioned many times) to label something as morally good or bad, because often this is based on personal conviction. (Do not misread me to mean that I employ situational ethics, but as in many cases, such as R-rated movies and the like, it's really between the viewer and God.) So in a situation like this, concerning this film/play, I find myself being very hesitant to speak out. But I think I should.
My feeling about it is that Kushner was writing from a place and time (early-to-mid-eighties) where he felt that his group was ignored by media and marginalized. Out of this feeling came "Angels in America" (which I believe is part of a trilogy) that viciously attacks the viewer with the playwright's point-of-view/ideology/agenda. This play, like many modern works, tries to shock the viewer into thinking about life from the other perspective--in this case, from the perspective of the gay community. Often, Kushner seems heavy-handed in his approach. "Heavy-handed" may be too politik a term. But this is where he's coming from.
I don't agree with him. I don't agree with homosexuality; I think it is a sinful lifestyle and is a wrong choice with sometimes dangerous consequences. I could hit you with the "love the sinner, hate the sin" jive, but the fact is, most churches don't put feet on this cliche. Which is why it has become cliche. Five years ago, I wouldn't have been able to love the sinner at all, thinking that some sinners who commit certain sins are just unlovable. But I see that differently now. I understand grace better, I think.
Anyway, when I encounter a creative work like "Angels in America", I try to stifle my immediate repulsion. And this play can be extremely repellant. But I try to understand why it is, what it comes from. And this is my makeshift understanding.
Kushner tries to shock the viewer into submission, with his message that gay people are unfairly treated, oppressed, tortured souls who just want to be accepted like everyone else. Kushner seems to say that all who don't think homosexuality is okay are nothing more than hateful neanderthals akin to Nazis and all the other horrible wicked murderous tribes who've been around. You don't dare disagree with the gay heroes, because that means you side with the bigots and oppressors. And no one wants to be linked to the bad guys.
And Kushner does this because, like many people trying to promote homosexuality, he doesn't seem to allow for any disagreement. For many like this, it's all or nothing. You must accept everything they do, approve of it, endorse it if need be, because you don't want to be considered a horrible mean person, do you? We shouldn't be surprised by this. This has been happening more and more. People are trying to justify their choices through cultural acceptance, and if the culture doesn't accept, by golly we'll MAKE them accept it.
The reason I bring all this up (I've been meandering toward a point, I promise you) is not because I think we should boycott HBO and Al Pacino and everyone else involved. Christians do too many boycotts, and that's not what Jesus was about (the one human thing he was mainly enraged about was the self-righteousness and interpersonal "boycotts" of the church, but that's a whole 'nother deal). And I don't think we should all watch the film. I am choosing not to, because I feel it's just too debasing for me. I wouldn't recommend anyone watching the film version, though I admit I haven't seen it. But what I think we as Christians should do is try to understand why it exists, what it really means for this culture.
Our culture is growing sickly, overgorged on its own decadence and lack of limits. We see it every day. And Christians have two choices: be repulsed and withdraw, or recognize it and engage it. We cannot abandon our participation in the Great Debate, over a little queasiness. Instead, we need to understand what the state of things is in this country, in this culture, in this present generation, and be ready with answers. I've seen and heard too many Christians jump all over people for what they watch, listen to, read. "I can't believe you'd participate in *that*--that's just awful!" Maybe we should start providing some answers instead of dishing out indignation. Just a thought.
So there it is. This movie is on HBO, and is being called the biggest television event in years, by some critics. And it is an event, to be sure. It is the latest example of a culture that is diseased buy knows no cure, because no one is willing to go near it and provide an alternative.
(This should have been a post by itself, I think.)
Friday, December 05, 2003
Walking on the Razor's Edge
According to GQ Magazine (which, I admit, I occasionally pick up from time to time... don't look at me like that, it's not like it's Maxim or anything), the goatee is offically out. They described it as the craze from 1998 that just wouldn't die. They even pinpointed me with their descriptions of guys whose faces are "filling out" and are wearing goatees, in part, to give their faces more definition (i.e. "a chin"). They tell me that the people around me see through that technique.
I've gone back and forth on this. I've been wearing goatees since around the middle of my sophomore year at OBU. We're talking five years of goateed Dave. I have volutarily shaved it twice, and involuntarily shaved it twice as well (for plays...the sacrifices we make for our art, you know). But for a while now, the Dave "look" has been sideburns, goatee, and black-rimmed Elvis Costello glasses.
So now the question arises: Is it time for a change? At least as far as my facial hair choice?
This is the reader-participation portion of the blog. I'm going to let you guys vote on what I should do about the look.
Should I:
A) Leave the goatee and sideburns alone, Dave--why mess with what works for you?
B) Kiss the goatee bye-bye, but leave the sideburns
C) Goatee, no sideburns
D) Chop it all off, Dave, let your face breathe!
I'm keeping the glasses. You don't get to change that.
Here's the deal. I'll accept votes (maybe even alternate suggestions and grooming styles) until say Christmas, and whatever choice wins, I will do that for at least a month.
I know, it'd be more exciting if it included, you know, dyeing my hair green or shaving my head or something. But I've already been told that I'll be fired for green hair, and my head is too large and my scalp is too pale to make anyone look at it. Plus since I'm working at a cancer hospital, it'd feel kinda funny.
So vote. Really. It'll be fun. Okay, not fun, but not boring. Okay fine, boring--just vote, man.
According to GQ Magazine (which, I admit, I occasionally pick up from time to time... don't look at me like that, it's not like it's Maxim or anything), the goatee is offically out. They described it as the craze from 1998 that just wouldn't die. They even pinpointed me with their descriptions of guys whose faces are "filling out" and are wearing goatees, in part, to give their faces more definition (i.e. "a chin"). They tell me that the people around me see through that technique.
I've gone back and forth on this. I've been wearing goatees since around the middle of my sophomore year at OBU. We're talking five years of goateed Dave. I have volutarily shaved it twice, and involuntarily shaved it twice as well (for plays...the sacrifices we make for our art, you know). But for a while now, the Dave "look" has been sideburns, goatee, and black-rimmed Elvis Costello glasses.
So now the question arises: Is it time for a change? At least as far as my facial hair choice?
This is the reader-participation portion of the blog. I'm going to let you guys vote on what I should do about the look.
Should I:
A) Leave the goatee and sideburns alone, Dave--why mess with what works for you?
B) Kiss the goatee bye-bye, but leave the sideburns
C) Goatee, no sideburns
D) Chop it all off, Dave, let your face breathe!
I'm keeping the glasses. You don't get to change that.
Here's the deal. I'll accept votes (maybe even alternate suggestions and grooming styles) until say Christmas, and whatever choice wins, I will do that for at least a month.
I know, it'd be more exciting if it included, you know, dyeing my hair green or shaving my head or something. But I've already been told that I'll be fired for green hair, and my head is too large and my scalp is too pale to make anyone look at it. Plus since I'm working at a cancer hospital, it'd feel kinda funny.
So vote. Really. It'll be fun. Okay, not fun, but not boring. Okay fine, boring--just vote, man.
"This is how it goes..."
A little Aimee Mann, anyone?
Hey kids. It's Friday, and I've successfully done practically nothing today, which is very very bad. I have a bunch of things I could do right now, but I figured I'd squeeze in one more post before the weekend.
Speaking of Aimee Mann, those of you who clicked on the link above might have noticed that she is rereleasing her stellar (bad pun) album "Lost in Space" which I recommend vehemently to anyone who asks me about good music. I'd certainly put it in my top five best records of the past two or three years.
Let's try that now.
Top Five Records of the Past Two or Three Years
(I do need to include a minor caviat here. I will have to limit this to albums *actually released* in the previously-stated time period. I have others that I'd put on this list, that I have discovered within said timeframe but are actually older.)
--in no order YOU can decipher--
1. Films about Ghosts, Counting Crows--I believe we've covered this.
2. Lost in Space, Aimee Mann--she's...beyond awesome.
3. Ben Folds Live, Ben Folds--as concert albums go, this one's my favorite.
4. Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001, Barenaked Ladies--there's nothing like goofy Canadien folk-rock.
5. Hard Candy, Counting Crows--unfairly panned by critics, this album is (granted) not their best, but even "mediocre" for them is still infinitely better than anyone else.
[Editor's Note: The preceding list was calculated based on airplay in Dave's apartment and truck, combined with songs going through Dave's head, and (in the case of the top entry) albums he is about to buy that are almost completely composed of songs he loves. This list cannot reflect all albums that may fit into the afore-mentioned categories, and this list (while strongly supported by the author) is (admittedly) whipped up spur-of-the-moment, for the sake of instant self-definition and music recommendation.) Thank you.]
What was I saying? I dunno.
I'm trying to decide what to do today. I may go see "The Last Samurai" with the Tom Cruise and all. But then again, I can probably wait to see it at the cheap theatre and save myself six bucks. It may verywell be a Blockbuster night for me... alone... again...
I rented John Carpenter's "The Thing" the other night. For all its dated Eighties goodness, it's still a pretty good flick. Especially when the severed alien/human head grows spidery legs and crawls away. (Totally not making this up.)
Oh oh oh, I rented a copy of "Simpsons Hit and Run" for the ol' Playstation. The game is a blast. If you have the resources and hardware available, go rent it. Good times for even casual Simpsons fans, great times for those of us who have seen most of the episodes.
I am continuing along in "Brief Interviews..." which is getting better, although I'm still a little distrustful of the author's role in all this. But he is a clever fellow, no doubt.
My boss returns on Monday. And the peasants rejoiced... "yay..."
I'm sad to see that no one is participating in my song lyrics quiz. You slackers. Guess, at least.
I'm about to crack open a frosty (actually, by now, luke-warm, IBC root beer, then finish a stack of work, and leave early to deposit my paycheck and pick up a prize I won in a radio contest a couple of weeks back. It's a three-pack of David Bowie CDs, including (I believe) a remastered version of "Ziggy Stardust..." If I'm not really excited about the albums, I'll take them over to Circuit City and trade them in for something. Maybe a copy of the Kill Bill soundtrack. Then I'll rent a movie, grab some Chinese, and head home for another night of single revelry. Which sounds really good, actually.
A little Aimee Mann, anyone?
Hey kids. It's Friday, and I've successfully done practically nothing today, which is very very bad. I have a bunch of things I could do right now, but I figured I'd squeeze in one more post before the weekend.
Speaking of Aimee Mann, those of you who clicked on the link above might have noticed that she is rereleasing her stellar (bad pun) album "Lost in Space" which I recommend vehemently to anyone who asks me about good music. I'd certainly put it in my top five best records of the past two or three years.
Let's try that now.
Top Five Records of the Past Two or Three Years
(I do need to include a minor caviat here. I will have to limit this to albums *actually released* in the previously-stated time period. I have others that I'd put on this list, that I have discovered within said timeframe but are actually older.)
--in no order YOU can decipher--
1. Films about Ghosts, Counting Crows--I believe we've covered this.
2. Lost in Space, Aimee Mann--she's...beyond awesome.
3. Ben Folds Live, Ben Folds--as concert albums go, this one's my favorite.
4. Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001, Barenaked Ladies--there's nothing like goofy Canadien folk-rock.
5. Hard Candy, Counting Crows--unfairly panned by critics, this album is (granted) not their best, but even "mediocre" for them is still infinitely better than anyone else.
[Editor's Note: The preceding list was calculated based on airplay in Dave's apartment and truck, combined with songs going through Dave's head, and (in the case of the top entry) albums he is about to buy that are almost completely composed of songs he loves. This list cannot reflect all albums that may fit into the afore-mentioned categories, and this list (while strongly supported by the author) is (admittedly) whipped up spur-of-the-moment, for the sake of instant self-definition and music recommendation.) Thank you.]
What was I saying? I dunno.
I'm trying to decide what to do today. I may go see "The Last Samurai" with the Tom Cruise and all. But then again, I can probably wait to see it at the cheap theatre and save myself six bucks. It may verywell be a Blockbuster night for me... alone... again...
I rented John Carpenter's "The Thing" the other night. For all its dated Eighties goodness, it's still a pretty good flick. Especially when the severed alien/human head grows spidery legs and crawls away. (Totally not making this up.)
Oh oh oh, I rented a copy of "Simpsons Hit and Run" for the ol' Playstation. The game is a blast. If you have the resources and hardware available, go rent it. Good times for even casual Simpsons fans, great times for those of us who have seen most of the episodes.
I am continuing along in "Brief Interviews..." which is getting better, although I'm still a little distrustful of the author's role in all this. But he is a clever fellow, no doubt.
My boss returns on Monday. And the peasants rejoiced... "yay..."
I'm sad to see that no one is participating in my song lyrics quiz. You slackers. Guess, at least.
I'm about to crack open a frosty (actually, by now, luke-warm, IBC root beer, then finish a stack of work, and leave early to deposit my paycheck and pick up a prize I won in a radio contest a couple of weeks back. It's a three-pack of David Bowie CDs, including (I believe) a remastered version of "Ziggy Stardust..." If I'm not really excited about the albums, I'll take them over to Circuit City and trade them in for something. Maybe a copy of the Kill Bill soundtrack. Then I'll rent a movie, grab some Chinese, and head home for another night of single revelry. Which sounds really good, actually.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
"If dreams are like movies, then memories are films about ghosts..."
In keeping with the theme, I wanted to make a blatant plug on behalf of my favorite band.
You may not be aware, but Counting Crows has just released their first "Best of" album, entitled "Films About Ghosts." I has some of my favorite Crows songs (but how can it have all of them, when they are all your favorite?).
If you are not a "fan", if you've never purchased one of their albums, if you have never even heard one of their songs, I highly urge you to pick this one up. I personally guarantee that there will be at least one track on there that you will love. Probably more, but at least one.
I'm the type of fan that owns all four studio albums and the two-disc live album, and will still go out and buy this one, just for the three new tracks on it that I don't have. And I've never done that for any band before.
In my estimation, the Crows are the greatest band to come out of the nineties, and one of the best ever. Not because they're "ground-breaking" or "highly influential" but because you get a glimpse of their heart and soul in every single song. And that is what music is about.
(BONUS GAME: The first one to name the song where the lyrics in the subject line above are found, will get an entire post dedicated to how cool they are, as well as a link to their personal (or favorite) website at the top of my snazzy List 'O Links.)
In keeping with the theme, I wanted to make a blatant plug on behalf of my favorite band.
You may not be aware, but Counting Crows has just released their first "Best of" album, entitled "Films About Ghosts." I has some of my favorite Crows songs (but how can it have all of them, when they are all your favorite?).
If you are not a "fan", if you've never purchased one of their albums, if you have never even heard one of their songs, I highly urge you to pick this one up. I personally guarantee that there will be at least one track on there that you will love. Probably more, but at least one.
I'm the type of fan that owns all four studio albums and the two-disc live album, and will still go out and buy this one, just for the three new tracks on it that I don't have. And I've never done that for any band before.
In my estimation, the Crows are the greatest band to come out of the nineties, and one of the best ever. Not because they're "ground-breaking" or "highly influential" but because you get a glimpse of their heart and soul in every single song. And that is what music is about.
(BONUS GAME: The first one to name the song where the lyrics in the subject line above are found, will get an entire post dedicated to how cool they are, as well as a link to their personal (or favorite) website at the top of my snazzy List 'O Links.)
"It's been so long since I've seen the ocean..."
I guess I should.
Wow folks. It's already been quite a long december. Now that the worst of it is behind me, and I passed my vocational "trial by fire" with 3/4 flying colors, I can take a breath and take stock of things.
I feel like there's a lot I need to be saying right now. My heart is heavy with something untold. But I can't for the life of me figure out what that is.
I guess I can just let my dear friend Adam speak for me. He's a better poet than I am.
*****
A long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leavin'
Now the days go by so fast
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think that I could be forgiven...I wish you would
The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls
All at once you look across a crowded room
To see the way that light attaches to a girl
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think you might come to California...I think you should
Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after two a.m.
And talked a little while about the year
I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower,
Makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her
And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should.
--Adam Duritz
I guess I should.
Wow folks. It's already been quite a long december. Now that the worst of it is behind me, and I passed my vocational "trial by fire" with 3/4 flying colors, I can take a breath and take stock of things.
I feel like there's a lot I need to be saying right now. My heart is heavy with something untold. But I can't for the life of me figure out what that is.
I guess I can just let my dear friend Adam speak for me. He's a better poet than I am.
*****
A long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leavin'
Now the days go by so fast
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think that I could be forgiven...I wish you would
The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls
All at once you look across a crowded room
To see the way that light attaches to a girl
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think you might come to California...I think you should
Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after two a.m.
And talked a little while about the year
I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower,
Makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her
And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell my myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass
And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean...I guess I should.
--Adam Duritz
Monday, December 01, 2003
"My name is Morris Ronald; you can call me Mo-Ron for short..."
Which would still be better than the choice this guy made. If I hadn't read it, I would have never believed it.
Which would still be better than the choice this guy made. If I hadn't read it, I would have never believed it.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
And the beat goes on... and the beat goes on...
Bloggy bloggy dee. Bloggy, bloggy daa.
Five hours since my last post. I'm going nutsy in here, i tell ya.
I'm not even halfway through my list of stuff to finish. At this rate (and I only checked email once in the meantime), I would probably finish my list at around 3:30 this morning. Dave don't dig all-nighters. Not anymore. "I jus' can't do it, cap'n. I cannoh ge' the power."
As it stands, I have five protocols that I haven't touched. Out of twelve. I'm not doing so hot.
I could lie to myself, and say that if I go home now, and get a "good night's sleep", I can come to work bright and early tomorrow and "crank out" the leftovers in record time, and still be "fully rested" for the day ahead. I've tried this before. Which is part of the reason why I got fired from my first job--trying this too much, and not coming through with the anticipated results. The phrase "grading papers" still makes me shudder.
So here we are. Dave, doing his typical Dave dance (though unlike all the times before, Dave has really been trying to keep up with everything all along, and this latest back-up is an unfortunate intersection of several uncontrollable events), has a choice to make. Does he--a)do the usual thing, and pack it up earlier than he might, and *swear* by all the stars in the heavens that this time will be different; or, b)suck it up, swig some Coke, and press onward?
Well, kids, in the words of the Christian pop-punk song whose creator's name suddenly escapes me--I'm pressing on.
Don't expect a victory post later on. Victory is hoping too much. I'm looking for a "Rocky" type of ending. Just gotta make it through Round 15.
Bloggy bloggy dee. Bloggy, bloggy daa.
Five hours since my last post. I'm going nutsy in here, i tell ya.
I'm not even halfway through my list of stuff to finish. At this rate (and I only checked email once in the meantime), I would probably finish my list at around 3:30 this morning. Dave don't dig all-nighters. Not anymore. "I jus' can't do it, cap'n. I cannoh ge' the power."
As it stands, I have five protocols that I haven't touched. Out of twelve. I'm not doing so hot.
I could lie to myself, and say that if I go home now, and get a "good night's sleep", I can come to work bright and early tomorrow and "crank out" the leftovers in record time, and still be "fully rested" for the day ahead. I've tried this before. Which is part of the reason why I got fired from my first job--trying this too much, and not coming through with the anticipated results. The phrase "grading papers" still makes me shudder.
So here we are. Dave, doing his typical Dave dance (though unlike all the times before, Dave has really been trying to keep up with everything all along, and this latest back-up is an unfortunate intersection of several uncontrollable events), has a choice to make. Does he--a)do the usual thing, and pack it up earlier than he might, and *swear* by all the stars in the heavens that this time will be different; or, b)suck it up, swig some Coke, and press onward?
Well, kids, in the words of the Christian pop-punk song whose creator's name suddenly escapes me--I'm pressing on.
Don't expect a victory post later on. Victory is hoping too much. I'm looking for a "Rocky" type of ending. Just gotta make it through Round 15.
What do you do when you don't want to work?
You blog.
It's Sunday, kids. And I'm here at the hospital because I have to catch up from the two days off for Thanksgiving. I was here yesterday too. *growl*
I should be hitting my work hardcore (I have roughly seven or eight hours of it to do by tomorrow) but instead I'm writing to you all. Why? (Do you really have to ask?) Cuz work sucks.
That's right kids, I'm still a child, and work sucks. I'm actually looking forward to that magical age of maturity (I'm still not sure when that kicks in, I mean, I'm 23 now... so what, 35?) when you get all this fun fuzzy satisfaction out of work, but I'm not really feeling it now.
Truthfully, I think that's all a sham, this "work bringing fulfillment" business. My father never looks fulfilled when he comes home from work. Just tired. Poor guy. Fred Jones, Willy Loman, and Don Quixote all rolled into one.
Anyway. Here I am. I'm gonna get started soon. But I wanted to chat for a while. It's lonely here, by myself.
So how are you. And the kids? That's good.
First on the announcement agenda: I want to offically name David Shook as my "Favorite Student of All Time." After a nice visit with Shook, Kevin, and Mr. Andrews (stay out of trouble, you), Mr. Shook gave me an autographed hardcover copy of "Sacrament (You Shall Know Our Velocity!)" by Mr. Dave Eggers. I had just finished reading it recently (tres bonne, as the French kids would say). So thank you, Dave. Keep writing, go to Columbia, and change the world. That's my last admonition to you.
Second item: I went to the River Oaks moviehouse last night (closest thing to an "art-house cinema" in Houston) and saw the amusing and well-done "BUBBA HO-TEP" starring Bruce "Don't Call Me Ash" Campbell as a seventy year old Elvis who, with a black elderly JFK, fights an Egyptian soul-sucking mummy who's dressed like a cowboy and killing codgers in an East Texas nursing home. (Really, it's too much to go into here. Trust me when I say that it's destined to be a cult classic, and if you see the video on the shelf in the future, rent it.)
Item Three: Did I mention I saw "Kill Bill"??? Dude. The most violent, blood-splattered movie I've ever seen. All I can say is "wicked cool." Nearly knocked off Pulp Fiction as my favorite Tarentino picture, after only one viewing. I'll be ready opening night for Volume 2 in February.
Number 4 with a Smile: Speaking of movies, I also pre-bought my tickets for Return of the King (seventeen days, man). My sister and I are going to the midnight opening of the film (her first midnight movie, my...ninth or tenth). I'm very pleased about this.
Fifth and lastly: I have mentioned this before, but I was thinking about it yesterday, so I thought I'd bring it up again. I've been keeping a list of all the books I've read this year. It's an interesting thing, to look back on what you've read and why. I'll post the list and my brief analysis, sometime in early January. As I said, I finished "YSKOV" a couple of days ago. Right now, I'm just getting into "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" by David Foster Wallace, and (in an ironic bit of juxtaposition) "The Sacred Romance" by Eldridge and "Not Even a Hint" by Josh Harris (who kissed dating goodbye, and now is married with two children--bravo him). "Not Even a Hint" is really really good so far--so I recommend that for one and all.
A side note. That post about the Angelika was the first original thing I've written in a while, as I said. I don't know what's happened to me lately, the creative well has been dusty these many days. But I'm now feeling like I'm on the verge of something creative. Those of you who pray, please pray for me in this. While not as monumental or world-changing as missions or evangelism, I still feel deep-down that literature is my calling, and any movement in that direction is one I'm excited and anxious about taking. Thanks.
Well that's it kids. I've wasted (not really wasted, so much as just *spent*) about twenty minutes on this. I have to get this bidness done.
Or as elderly mummy-fighting Elvis would say, "Let's TCB, baby. Take care-a business."
Peace to my homies.
You blog.
It's Sunday, kids. And I'm here at the hospital because I have to catch up from the two days off for Thanksgiving. I was here yesterday too. *growl*
I should be hitting my work hardcore (I have roughly seven or eight hours of it to do by tomorrow) but instead I'm writing to you all. Why? (Do you really have to ask?) Cuz work sucks.
That's right kids, I'm still a child, and work sucks. I'm actually looking forward to that magical age of maturity (I'm still not sure when that kicks in, I mean, I'm 23 now... so what, 35?) when you get all this fun fuzzy satisfaction out of work, but I'm not really feeling it now.
Truthfully, I think that's all a sham, this "work bringing fulfillment" business. My father never looks fulfilled when he comes home from work. Just tired. Poor guy. Fred Jones, Willy Loman, and Don Quixote all rolled into one.
Anyway. Here I am. I'm gonna get started soon. But I wanted to chat for a while. It's lonely here, by myself.
So how are you. And the kids? That's good.
First on the announcement agenda: I want to offically name David Shook as my "Favorite Student of All Time." After a nice visit with Shook, Kevin, and Mr. Andrews (stay out of trouble, you), Mr. Shook gave me an autographed hardcover copy of "Sacrament (You Shall Know Our Velocity!)" by Mr. Dave Eggers. I had just finished reading it recently (tres bonne, as the French kids would say). So thank you, Dave. Keep writing, go to Columbia, and change the world. That's my last admonition to you.
Second item: I went to the River Oaks moviehouse last night (closest thing to an "art-house cinema" in Houston) and saw the amusing and well-done "BUBBA HO-TEP" starring Bruce "Don't Call Me Ash" Campbell as a seventy year old Elvis who, with a black elderly JFK, fights an Egyptian soul-sucking mummy who's dressed like a cowboy and killing codgers in an East Texas nursing home. (Really, it's too much to go into here. Trust me when I say that it's destined to be a cult classic, and if you see the video on the shelf in the future, rent it.)
Item Three: Did I mention I saw "Kill Bill"??? Dude. The most violent, blood-splattered movie I've ever seen. All I can say is "wicked cool." Nearly knocked off Pulp Fiction as my favorite Tarentino picture, after only one viewing. I'll be ready opening night for Volume 2 in February.
Number 4 with a Smile: Speaking of movies, I also pre-bought my tickets for Return of the King (seventeen days, man). My sister and I are going to the midnight opening of the film (her first midnight movie, my...ninth or tenth). I'm very pleased about this.
Fifth and lastly: I have mentioned this before, but I was thinking about it yesterday, so I thought I'd bring it up again. I've been keeping a list of all the books I've read this year. It's an interesting thing, to look back on what you've read and why. I'll post the list and my brief analysis, sometime in early January. As I said, I finished "YSKOV" a couple of days ago. Right now, I'm just getting into "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" by David Foster Wallace, and (in an ironic bit of juxtaposition) "The Sacred Romance" by Eldridge and "Not Even a Hint" by Josh Harris (who kissed dating goodbye, and now is married with two children--bravo him). "Not Even a Hint" is really really good so far--so I recommend that for one and all.
A side note. That post about the Angelika was the first original thing I've written in a while, as I said. I don't know what's happened to me lately, the creative well has been dusty these many days. But I'm now feeling like I'm on the verge of something creative. Those of you who pray, please pray for me in this. While not as monumental or world-changing as missions or evangelism, I still feel deep-down that literature is my calling, and any movement in that direction is one I'm excited and anxious about taking. Thanks.
Well that's it kids. I've wasted (not really wasted, so much as just *spent*) about twenty minutes on this. I have to get this bidness done.
Or as elderly mummy-fighting Elvis would say, "Let's TCB, baby. Take care-a business."
Peace to my homies.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House...
Yes, I admit I played "MASH" on occasion in the past.
Yes, I played it as recently as high school.
Yes, I played it just now.
Yes, you can too.
My results: I will live in an apartment with Steve Jones' mom. (Nothing like an old Steve's mom joke, for nostalgic value.) I will drive our two kids around in my former clunker (the silver beast) which will be repainted black. And fortunately, we will live in Houston, where I can continue my dream career of being a writer.
Though clearly not a very good one, if we're in an apartment, and I went back to driving that dear "defeated car".
Yes, I admit I played "MASH" on occasion in the past.
Yes, I played it as recently as high school.
Yes, I played it just now.
Yes, you can too.
My results: I will live in an apartment with Steve Jones' mom. (Nothing like an old Steve's mom joke, for nostalgic value.) I will drive our two kids around in my former clunker (the silver beast) which will be repainted black. And fortunately, we will live in Houston, where I can continue my dream career of being a writer.
Though clearly not a very good one, if we're in an apartment, and I went back to driving that dear "defeated car".
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
There will be a guest appearance by Luna Moth? Awesome...
For all you fans of good books and comics, this should make you smile.
For all you fans of good books and comics, this should make you smile.
Spoiler Alert
Just found out something about Return of the King, which frankly makes me very upset.
If you don't want to know, don't read this. Or the link that follows.
You ready?
Peter Jackson, the brilliant man that he is, cut out the last three or four chapters of the book. There is no mention or reference to the Scouring of the Shire, removing the usurper Saruman from his position of power in Bag End, or any of it. Jackson "never liked the section" and didn't even shoot scenes for it, so it won't even be on the forthcoming DVD. And this distresses me greatly.
Doesn't he understand the importance of the section? The shock and sadness that evil isn't something you can always keep at a distance, and fight on foreign shores. Sometimes evil creeps into your own borders when you don't expect it to, taking up residence in your very own house.
Didn't Jackson realize the importance of comparing the four hobbits as they left the Shire, to the Hobbits as they returned (as Warriors)? How this contrast is so monumental that it speaks volumes as to the deep down quality of the Hobbits that is finally revealed?
How could he do this to us?!?!?!?
I found this out in a really interesting Newsweek article. Check it out. There are a few more spoilers also, scenes that aren't on the theatrical release but will be on the DVD.
Just found out something about Return of the King, which frankly makes me very upset.
If you don't want to know, don't read this. Or the link that follows.
You ready?
Peter Jackson, the brilliant man that he is, cut out the last three or four chapters of the book. There is no mention or reference to the Scouring of the Shire, removing the usurper Saruman from his position of power in Bag End, or any of it. Jackson "never liked the section" and didn't even shoot scenes for it, so it won't even be on the forthcoming DVD. And this distresses me greatly.
Doesn't he understand the importance of the section? The shock and sadness that evil isn't something you can always keep at a distance, and fight on foreign shores. Sometimes evil creeps into your own borders when you don't expect it to, taking up residence in your very own house.
Didn't Jackson realize the importance of comparing the four hobbits as they left the Shire, to the Hobbits as they returned (as Warriors)? How this contrast is so monumental that it speaks volumes as to the deep down quality of the Hobbits that is finally revealed?
How could he do this to us?!?!?!?
I found this out in a really interesting Newsweek article. Check it out. There are a few more spoilers also, scenes that aren't on the theatrical release but will be on the DVD.
Monday, November 24, 2003
And the point of that was...
I'm not sure. It was an interesting post to be sure, as far as my writing it.
I've been reading a lot of blogs where people drop a half dozen names in each post about what they and their friends did, who they met, and what a wonderful wonderful time they had together, as a group. I wanted to try my hand at it, even if it's all bs. So I started out with that first paragraph, planning to recount an evening of meeting interesting girls at bars and dancing and goofing around Houston.
But instead of forcing the narrative, I let it roll out. And instead of being a terribly interesting account of new faces, intrigue, and possibly romance, it became more and more like my actual life. Two friends. One flaking out and not calling. Going home bored and lonely, and nothing much happens.
These are not actual friends, I must insist. Buck and Will are fake. I got the name Will from a character in the book i'm reading. Another character is named Hand, but I changed it to Buck, which is still an obvious nickname. Because really, who names their child Buck?
So yes, this narrative, which i meant to be an adventurous and exciting account, began to imitate life.
And that amuses me, I guess.
For the record, there really is an Angelika Cafe/Movie Theater in Houston (one of three, the others being in Dallas and NYC), they do indeed have a Russia House coffee (though I've never had it, as I don't really drink), and they are (or, at least, were) showing those three movies. I think they may have six screens though. Check your local listings, i suppose. The cafe menu does include bruschetta and chicken quesadillas, at exorbitant prices. You'd have to be a doctor, I think.
What does one learn from this exercise? That Dave's imagination has atrophied. Or that his subconscious won this round. It's the judges' decision.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner, and still mentalweight champion, is Dave's subconscious."
I'm not sure. It was an interesting post to be sure, as far as my writing it.
I've been reading a lot of blogs where people drop a half dozen names in each post about what they and their friends did, who they met, and what a wonderful wonderful time they had together, as a group. I wanted to try my hand at it, even if it's all bs. So I started out with that first paragraph, planning to recount an evening of meeting interesting girls at bars and dancing and goofing around Houston.
But instead of forcing the narrative, I let it roll out. And instead of being a terribly interesting account of new faces, intrigue, and possibly romance, it became more and more like my actual life. Two friends. One flaking out and not calling. Going home bored and lonely, and nothing much happens.
These are not actual friends, I must insist. Buck and Will are fake. I got the name Will from a character in the book i'm reading. Another character is named Hand, but I changed it to Buck, which is still an obvious nickname. Because really, who names their child Buck?
So yes, this narrative, which i meant to be an adventurous and exciting account, began to imitate life.
And that amuses me, I guess.
For the record, there really is an Angelika Cafe/Movie Theater in Houston (one of three, the others being in Dallas and NYC), they do indeed have a Russia House coffee (though I've never had it, as I don't really drink), and they are (or, at least, were) showing those three movies. I think they may have six screens though. Check your local listings, i suppose. The cafe menu does include bruschetta and chicken quesadillas, at exorbitant prices. You'd have to be a doctor, I think.
What does one learn from this exercise? That Dave's imagination has atrophied. Or that his subconscious won this round. It's the judges' decision.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner, and still mentalweight champion, is Dave's subconscious."
This event never happened.
So after work last Friday, I was supposed to meet Will and Buck at The Angelika Cafe/Movie Theater. We were gonna catch Lost in Translation, which Holly had told us was "outstanding, in an indie-film way". I'm not really sure what she meant. But it had Bill Murray (who is a genius) and was directed by Sophia Coppola (who was unjustly maligned for Godfather III), so we decided we were going to go.
So I got to the Angelika Cafe at about six and sat down with a Russia House "adult" coffee (read: vodka), and waited for about twenty minutes until the guys became officially late. Finally, Buck arrived and walked over to the table. I turned to face the bar, and waited for his excuse. "Traffic" was the best he came up with, but since I'm not, you know, a girl, I let it go. "Well, to atone for your sins, you must buy me some bruschetta."
He laughed. "Whatever dude."
I turned back to him. "No seriously, buy me something."
"The last time I checked, you weren't my girlfriend. Buy it yourself, you cheapskate."
"See if I ever do anything nice for you again," I replied acidly as I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard him grunt as I walked away. It's so easy to throw him off like that.
Anyway, I get back from washing my hands, and Will still hadn't shown up. Buck had ordered some chicken quesadillas and was already greasy-fingered. I sat across from him and reached out to snag one. "Hey, hey, hey," Buck mumbled through the chicken and cheese, as he pulled the plate away.
"You are such a punk, dude."
"Buy your own, Dave. Geez, we're all working men here."
"Oh I'm sorry, what do you do again? Doctor?"
"I'm in my first year of residency, Dave. I drive a Honda for crying out loud."
"A snazzy Honda. Very hip."
"And I have about sixty thousand in very snazzy student loans. So I can't afford to buy anything else."
"You could afford that." I indicated the plate with my coffee cup, before taking another sip.
Shoving the last two quesadillas in his mouth at the same time, Buck tried to make the "pensive" face. As best as he could, with chipmunk cheeks full of tortilla and pollo. "Yes. Yes, I could." Grease started to drip from the corner of his mouth. "Nice" I replied, handing him a napkin.
We waited for a few more minutes, and then gave up on Will and went to the movie. At the box office, we hit the rock hard hand of fate. The show was sold out.
"What? It's been out for months. This is the only theatre in town that's showing the movie. Gimme a break" Buck said. The box office "attendant" (I'm not sure how much mental "attending" the ticket pusher was doing that evening) just shrugged.
"Is there anything else good?" I asked.
Buck scanned the board that listed the showtimes for the four screens. "Matrix?"
"Seen it."
"The Station Agent?"
"What's that?"
"Something with a midget."
"Nope."
"Nothing else. Oh, Monty Python is showing tomorrow night."
"Good for tomorrow night. Worthless now."
Buck shrugged. "Well, what do you suggest?"
I looked at my watch. It was already sevenish. And suddenly I wanted to be very far away from there. I can't explain it. Sometimes, I get these sudden violent urges to find a quiet place and sit silently, allowing myself to just be. This type of behavior can make maintaining a social life a bit difficult, but normally my friends understand. I'm "the quiet one" according to Will. I'm okay with that, I think.
"I'm gonna bug out, man."
"No, Dave, come on, we'll find something else to do."
"I'm thinking I'll go home and get some stuff done."
"Dude. It's Friday. Quit being an old man."
"I'm tired, Buck. Gimme a break."
"Fine. Tomorrow--Monty Python."
"Okay, okay. Gimme a call."
"All right. Later."
I went home and sat on my couch for two hours. The funny thing about these times of "being alone" is that I'm never satisfied after I follow the impulse to be alone. I just end up being lonely.
I didn't get a call Saturday from Buck. Or from Will, who was gradually inching up my Crap List.
Sunday afternoon, I get home from church and lunch, and there's a message from Will on my machine. He decided to go to Dallas for the weekend, out of the blue. A friend from college was about to get married, and Will didn't want to miss the bachelor party. He asked if we were still planning on catching the movie next Friday, and told me to give him a call. I didn't.
So after work last Friday, I was supposed to meet Will and Buck at The Angelika Cafe/Movie Theater. We were gonna catch Lost in Translation, which Holly had told us was "outstanding, in an indie-film way". I'm not really sure what she meant. But it had Bill Murray (who is a genius) and was directed by Sophia Coppola (who was unjustly maligned for Godfather III), so we decided we were going to go.
So I got to the Angelika Cafe at about six and sat down with a Russia House "adult" coffee (read: vodka), and waited for about twenty minutes until the guys became officially late. Finally, Buck arrived and walked over to the table. I turned to face the bar, and waited for his excuse. "Traffic" was the best he came up with, but since I'm not, you know, a girl, I let it go. "Well, to atone for your sins, you must buy me some bruschetta."
He laughed. "Whatever dude."
I turned back to him. "No seriously, buy me something."
"The last time I checked, you weren't my girlfriend. Buy it yourself, you cheapskate."
"See if I ever do anything nice for you again," I replied acidly as I got up and went to the bathroom. I heard him grunt as I walked away. It's so easy to throw him off like that.
Anyway, I get back from washing my hands, and Will still hadn't shown up. Buck had ordered some chicken quesadillas and was already greasy-fingered. I sat across from him and reached out to snag one. "Hey, hey, hey," Buck mumbled through the chicken and cheese, as he pulled the plate away.
"You are such a punk, dude."
"Buy your own, Dave. Geez, we're all working men here."
"Oh I'm sorry, what do you do again? Doctor?"
"I'm in my first year of residency, Dave. I drive a Honda for crying out loud."
"A snazzy Honda. Very hip."
"And I have about sixty thousand in very snazzy student loans. So I can't afford to buy anything else."
"You could afford that." I indicated the plate with my coffee cup, before taking another sip.
Shoving the last two quesadillas in his mouth at the same time, Buck tried to make the "pensive" face. As best as he could, with chipmunk cheeks full of tortilla and pollo. "Yes. Yes, I could." Grease started to drip from the corner of his mouth. "Nice" I replied, handing him a napkin.
We waited for a few more minutes, and then gave up on Will and went to the movie. At the box office, we hit the rock hard hand of fate. The show was sold out.
"What? It's been out for months. This is the only theatre in town that's showing the movie. Gimme a break" Buck said. The box office "attendant" (I'm not sure how much mental "attending" the ticket pusher was doing that evening) just shrugged.
"Is there anything else good?" I asked.
Buck scanned the board that listed the showtimes for the four screens. "Matrix?"
"Seen it."
"The Station Agent?"
"What's that?"
"Something with a midget."
"Nope."
"Nothing else. Oh, Monty Python is showing tomorrow night."
"Good for tomorrow night. Worthless now."
Buck shrugged. "Well, what do you suggest?"
I looked at my watch. It was already sevenish. And suddenly I wanted to be very far away from there. I can't explain it. Sometimes, I get these sudden violent urges to find a quiet place and sit silently, allowing myself to just be. This type of behavior can make maintaining a social life a bit difficult, but normally my friends understand. I'm "the quiet one" according to Will. I'm okay with that, I think.
"I'm gonna bug out, man."
"No, Dave, come on, we'll find something else to do."
"I'm thinking I'll go home and get some stuff done."
"Dude. It's Friday. Quit being an old man."
"I'm tired, Buck. Gimme a break."
"Fine. Tomorrow--Monty Python."
"Okay, okay. Gimme a call."
"All right. Later."
I went home and sat on my couch for two hours. The funny thing about these times of "being alone" is that I'm never satisfied after I follow the impulse to be alone. I just end up being lonely.
I didn't get a call Saturday from Buck. Or from Will, who was gradually inching up my Crap List.
Sunday afternoon, I get home from church and lunch, and there's a message from Will on my machine. He decided to go to Dallas for the weekend, out of the blue. A friend from college was about to get married, and Will didn't want to miss the bachelor party. He asked if we were still planning on catching the movie next Friday, and told me to give him a call. I didn't.
Friday, November 21, 2003
How is this for the coolest thing on the internet?
Yes, that's right, I have officially found the second coolest site on the internet. (After, of course, Perfect Blue Buildings.)
The offical "Ed" fan site. Stuckeyville.com.
You laugh because you don't understand how freakin rad this is.
Yes, that's right, I have officially found the second coolest site on the internet. (After, of course, Perfect Blue Buildings.)
The offical "Ed" fan site. Stuckeyville.com.
You laugh because you don't understand how freakin rad this is.
Now THIS is not cool man... not cool at all...
Children of the late eighties and early nineties, today is a day of sadness.
One of our own has apparently died of a possible suicide.
I think i'm going to have to rent Neverending Story 2 and Sidekicks tonight.
Children of the late eighties and early nineties, today is a day of sadness.
One of our own has apparently died of a possible suicide.
I think i'm going to have to rent Neverending Story 2 and Sidekicks tonight.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
A Good Cause
Although I'm not down with some of Adbusters' ideology, I think that this is a good cause. I plan on participating. Maybe you should too.
The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest consumer feeding frenzy in our society, bringing out the absolute worst in people as they move from store to store like pack animals, buying and buying and buying. They snarl and curse at each other in the store aisles, in the parking lot, on the highway. And somehow, everyone thinks this is normal.
Buy Nothing Day was begun a few years ago to combat this false normal. People who participate make a conscious choice not to buy anything--gas, food, Christmas presents--on the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, you'll miss the "big sale" that "everyone else" will take advantage of. Yes, your Christmas shopping may cost you a few dollars more. But what will you gain? Keeping your sanity, for one. A few extra hours to sleep in that day (if you don't have to work). And maybe having a little more peace instead of stress.
Like I said, I'm not totally down with Adbusters...yet. I'm not anti-capitalist, and I'm not a reactionary. I don't protest, I drink Coke, I eat at McDonalds once in a while.
But this feels right to me. Thanksgiving is about recognizing the blessings of who and what you have, not what you can buy the next day. Being content is worth more than getting a TV for twenty bucks less than retail price. My contentment is worth more than that.
Do what you want on BND. It's cool. Personally, I think I'm going to sleep in, have PBJ for lunch, and read until sunset. And that, my friends, will be a good day.
Although I'm not down with some of Adbusters' ideology, I think that this is a good cause. I plan on participating. Maybe you should too.
The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest consumer feeding frenzy in our society, bringing out the absolute worst in people as they move from store to store like pack animals, buying and buying and buying. They snarl and curse at each other in the store aisles, in the parking lot, on the highway. And somehow, everyone thinks this is normal.
Buy Nothing Day was begun a few years ago to combat this false normal. People who participate make a conscious choice not to buy anything--gas, food, Christmas presents--on the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, you'll miss the "big sale" that "everyone else" will take advantage of. Yes, your Christmas shopping may cost you a few dollars more. But what will you gain? Keeping your sanity, for one. A few extra hours to sleep in that day (if you don't have to work). And maybe having a little more peace instead of stress.
Like I said, I'm not totally down with Adbusters...yet. I'm not anti-capitalist, and I'm not a reactionary. I don't protest, I drink Coke, I eat at McDonalds once in a while.
But this feels right to me. Thanksgiving is about recognizing the blessings of who and what you have, not what you can buy the next day. Being content is worth more than getting a TV for twenty bucks less than retail price. My contentment is worth more than that.
Do what you want on BND. It's cool. Personally, I think I'm going to sleep in, have PBJ for lunch, and read until sunset. And that, my friends, will be a good day.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
A Beautiful Thing
I think Will Ledesma, at least, will agree with me in saying: This is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
I think Will Ledesma, at least, will agree with me in saying: This is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
Welcome to Our Town... Welcome to Our Town...
I think this gets funnier the more I think about it. And especially when you think about the OBU production of the play. Part of me wants to shake my head and chuckle, "That's wrong, that's just wrong." But then again part of me also shakes my head and chuckles, "It's about time, cuz that freakin show deserves it." Lots of head shaking and chuckling going on over here.
My question is, what month was Constable Warren? Hmmmm???
I think this gets funnier the more I think about it. And especially when you think about the OBU production of the play. Part of me wants to shake my head and chuckle, "That's wrong, that's just wrong." But then again part of me also shakes my head and chuckles, "It's about time, cuz that freakin show deserves it." Lots of head shaking and chuckling going on over here.
My question is, what month was Constable Warren? Hmmmm???
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Perverse enjoyment
You know those stupid church signs with the lame slogans? (For example, Living Word church in Shawnee.)
Have you ever wanted to write something...well, less than appropriate, on such a sign?
Now you can, and the only ones who will know are you and your comp.
And God.
So you should be ashamed regardless.
You know those stupid church signs with the lame slogans? (For example, Living Word church in Shawnee.)
Have you ever wanted to write something...well, less than appropriate, on such a sign?
Now you can, and the only ones who will know are you and your comp.
And God.
So you should be ashamed regardless.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Troubling Developments
According to reports from Sarah Hatter and others, there's a lot of this going around. I should probably be concerned. You should too, if you fall into this category.
According to reports from Sarah Hatter and others, there's a lot of this going around. I should probably be concerned. You should too, if you fall into this category.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Anything worth reading...
...is worth reading twice. Sometimes.
When I find a book I really enjoy, I often tend to read it again later on down the road. Right now, I going through High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. It's a fantastic book, if you haven't read it. I read it...two years ago, I think. Actually, it was the spring before that. But yes. I'm reading it again, because I'm wondering if the passage of these two plus years has left me with any more...perspective on the novel. Time will tell. It always does, that rat.
Other books I've read at least a second time recreationally (i.e. not coerced by school assignments):
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis--I read the entire series four times when I was ten or so.
Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
1984 by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Generation X by Douglas Coupland
Hamlet by Shakespeare
I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of any right now. There are some that I read twice or more specifically for school, but it's your garden-variety reading list stuff.
...is worth reading twice. Sometimes.
When I find a book I really enjoy, I often tend to read it again later on down the road. Right now, I going through High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. It's a fantastic book, if you haven't read it. I read it...two years ago, I think. Actually, it was the spring before that. But yes. I'm reading it again, because I'm wondering if the passage of these two plus years has left me with any more...perspective on the novel. Time will tell. It always does, that rat.
Other books I've read at least a second time recreationally (i.e. not coerced by school assignments):
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis--I read the entire series four times when I was ten or so.
Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
1984 by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Generation X by Douglas Coupland
Hamlet by Shakespeare
I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of any right now. There are some that I read twice or more specifically for school, but it's your garden-variety reading list stuff.
Friday, November 07, 2003
And now the real Matrix post...
Not quite real. I won't spoil anything important. I'll politely wait until after Christmas before I start discussing major details.
So yeah, the movie. Here's my official recommendation: If you loved the second one, you MUST see this one. If you loved the first one, and thought the second one was "okay" or "interesting", it would still be worth your while to see this third one. If you liked or didn't like the first one, or hated the second one, don't bother, cuz "Revolutions" is like "Reloaded" on speed. It's all the strengths and weaknesses of Reloaded, but amplified.
As to how it ends, because we all know it must (or do we?), it's not what I expected. No, Mike, you don't get the steak dinner I promised you for being right. Okay, folks, small spoiler ahead, so beware:
I'm going to dispel an internet myth about the plot: The real world is *really* the real world. It's not another part of the Matrix. There was a theory, that I thought was pretty good, that Neo could control the machines in the "real world" because it was really still part of the Matrix, that the trick played on humanity was even more insidious than we thought. But no, that's not the case. Being "the One" just has a LOT more perks than we expected.
Okay that's it, only spoiler. Look for another amazing fight sequence between Neo and Smith (my favorite character by far), which almost plays like a comic book or Dragonball Z (I can hear Trevor giggling with glee now). And that's not an insult by any means, it's really really cool. But Smith becomes... well, you'll see.
And the ending that everyone complains about? That's rubbish. What you must understand (and if you're a REAL fan, you would know this anyway) is that no matter what kinds of crazy, seemingly unjustified things happen in the movies, it all works together under the system it sets up. Like a machine, the trilogy consistently follows its own rules. And that's what makes every subsequent viewing worthwhile.
In "obligatory Jar-Jar-type character news", the stupid kid from Animatrix and that one scene in Reloaded, has a larger role to play in the end of this movie. Sorry kids, we'll all have to just get through it.
Finally, the special effects. Oh. My. Gosh. Like I said, Reloaded but on speed. Although there is no cool highway scene or Smith-clone war, the defense of Zion is one of the most visually stimulating scenes i've ever seen in film... almost to the point of causing epileptic fits. It's breath-taking. Make sure to see the movie at a good theater. Big screen and clear picture are vital.
Okay that's all for now. Any more, and I'll tell you too much.
Or will I...?
Not quite real. I won't spoil anything important. I'll politely wait until after Christmas before I start discussing major details.
So yeah, the movie. Here's my official recommendation: If you loved the second one, you MUST see this one. If you loved the first one, and thought the second one was "okay" or "interesting", it would still be worth your while to see this third one. If you liked or didn't like the first one, or hated the second one, don't bother, cuz "Revolutions" is like "Reloaded" on speed. It's all the strengths and weaknesses of Reloaded, but amplified.
As to how it ends, because we all know it must (or do we?), it's not what I expected. No, Mike, you don't get the steak dinner I promised you for being right. Okay, folks, small spoiler ahead, so beware:
I'm going to dispel an internet myth about the plot: The real world is *really* the real world. It's not another part of the Matrix. There was a theory, that I thought was pretty good, that Neo could control the machines in the "real world" because it was really still part of the Matrix, that the trick played on humanity was even more insidious than we thought. But no, that's not the case. Being "the One" just has a LOT more perks than we expected.
Okay that's it, only spoiler. Look for another amazing fight sequence between Neo and Smith (my favorite character by far), which almost plays like a comic book or Dragonball Z (I can hear Trevor giggling with glee now). And that's not an insult by any means, it's really really cool. But Smith becomes... well, you'll see.
And the ending that everyone complains about? That's rubbish. What you must understand (and if you're a REAL fan, you would know this anyway) is that no matter what kinds of crazy, seemingly unjustified things happen in the movies, it all works together under the system it sets up. Like a machine, the trilogy consistently follows its own rules. And that's what makes every subsequent viewing worthwhile.
In "obligatory Jar-Jar-type character news", the stupid kid from Animatrix and that one scene in Reloaded, has a larger role to play in the end of this movie. Sorry kids, we'll all have to just get through it.
Finally, the special effects. Oh. My. Gosh. Like I said, Reloaded but on speed. Although there is no cool highway scene or Smith-clone war, the defense of Zion is one of the most visually stimulating scenes i've ever seen in film... almost to the point of causing epileptic fits. It's breath-taking. Make sure to see the movie at a good theater. Big screen and clear picture are vital.
Okay that's all for now. Any more, and I'll tell you too much.
Or will I...?
Everything that has a beginning...
...must have sequels. And usually those sequels are attacked from all sides. And though the attacks are usually justified, in some cases, the attacks are knee-jerk reactions as a result of unfulfilled astronomical expectations.
You know what I'm talking about. The critics are, by and large, lambasting Matrix: Revolutions, as if they had personally invested a month's paycheck in it.
But like all wise people, you have come to me for direction. So, if you'll indulge me as I play Oracle, I will tell you absolutely nothing about the movie and still compel you to see it.
You: Hello, Dave.
Me: Good afternoon. You want to know about Matrix: Revolutions.
You: Yes I do. How did you-- nevermind. So is it as bad as the critics say?
Me: What do you know about the critics?
You: Um... that I usually disagree with them.
Me: And?
You: That they despise franchises, and always complain that it's all about the money. But I don't believe that.
Me: Of course you don't. Because you believe in something else.
You: I do? What is it?
Me: You know.
You: No I don't.
Me: Well, if you don't know now, then you must not be ready to know. And if you're not ready to know, I'm not ready to tell. And if I'm not ready to tell, then I must not be ready to know fully.
You: I beg your pardon?
Me: Because the essence of knowing fully is telling fully to reinforce the knowledge. So to tell fully is the culmination of knowing in full. But the lack of readiness for fully hearing is the true sign of not being ready for full understanding.
You: Um...sure. So is Zion saved? Do they survive?
Me: What do you think?
You: I don't know, that's why I asked you.
Me: Are you sure that's why you asked? Or did you ask because you already knew the truth?
You: I'm totally confused now.
Me: No you're not.
You: Believe me. I am.
Me: You simply refuse to know what you know. If you accepted the knowledge of what you know, you would not ask questions that you can provide your own answers to. Yet if I asked you the same question, you could give me the answer.
You: I'm lost again.
Me: Do you think Zion survives?
You: ...yes?
Me: Why?
You: Because otherwise the movie would suck.
Me: And wouldn't it be easier for the movie to suck? Why do you think the movie would strive to be better?
You: Because...it...must.
Me: Perhaps. Or perhaps, the true "must" is that it must suck. That "sucking" is its purpose.
You: But that makes no sense.
Me: But yet it makes no nonsense. So therefore it must be.
You: I hate you.
Me: Or do you really love me, and the love is confused, so that it feels like hate?
You: I'm leaving.
Me: Or are you really staying? That by leaving, you are instead staying in spirit, or that your leaving leaves a meaning that stays? ... Hey, wait. Come back... I'm not done prophesying yet...
*****
Okay, so that sequence seemed a lot funnier in my head than it's coming out in dialogue.
...must have sequels. And usually those sequels are attacked from all sides. And though the attacks are usually justified, in some cases, the attacks are knee-jerk reactions as a result of unfulfilled astronomical expectations.
You know what I'm talking about. The critics are, by and large, lambasting Matrix: Revolutions, as if they had personally invested a month's paycheck in it.
But like all wise people, you have come to me for direction. So, if you'll indulge me as I play Oracle, I will tell you absolutely nothing about the movie and still compel you to see it.
You: Hello, Dave.
Me: Good afternoon. You want to know about Matrix: Revolutions.
You: Yes I do. How did you-- nevermind. So is it as bad as the critics say?
Me: What do you know about the critics?
You: Um... that I usually disagree with them.
Me: And?
You: That they despise franchises, and always complain that it's all about the money. But I don't believe that.
Me: Of course you don't. Because you believe in something else.
You: I do? What is it?
Me: You know.
You: No I don't.
Me: Well, if you don't know now, then you must not be ready to know. And if you're not ready to know, I'm not ready to tell. And if I'm not ready to tell, then I must not be ready to know fully.
You: I beg your pardon?
Me: Because the essence of knowing fully is telling fully to reinforce the knowledge. So to tell fully is the culmination of knowing in full. But the lack of readiness for fully hearing is the true sign of not being ready for full understanding.
You: Um...sure. So is Zion saved? Do they survive?
Me: What do you think?
You: I don't know, that's why I asked you.
Me: Are you sure that's why you asked? Or did you ask because you already knew the truth?
You: I'm totally confused now.
Me: No you're not.
You: Believe me. I am.
Me: You simply refuse to know what you know. If you accepted the knowledge of what you know, you would not ask questions that you can provide your own answers to. Yet if I asked you the same question, you could give me the answer.
You: I'm lost again.
Me: Do you think Zion survives?
You: ...yes?
Me: Why?
You: Because otherwise the movie would suck.
Me: And wouldn't it be easier for the movie to suck? Why do you think the movie would strive to be better?
You: Because...it...must.
Me: Perhaps. Or perhaps, the true "must" is that it must suck. That "sucking" is its purpose.
You: But that makes no sense.
Me: But yet it makes no nonsense. So therefore it must be.
You: I hate you.
Me: Or do you really love me, and the love is confused, so that it feels like hate?
You: I'm leaving.
Me: Or are you really staying? That by leaving, you are instead staying in spirit, or that your leaving leaves a meaning that stays? ... Hey, wait. Come back... I'm not done prophesying yet...
*****
Okay, so that sequence seemed a lot funnier in my head than it's coming out in dialogue.
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Thought of the Day
I'm not really sure how I feel about this. I guess the more I identify with it, the more it depresses me.
"For my part, I'm willing to admit to an almost physical craving for the comforts of the suburban mall. Natural opiates flood my neural receptors when I step from the parking lot into the airlock. Inside, the lighting is subdued, and every voice sounds far away. Never mind that Waldenbooks doesn't stock Denis Johnson and that Sam Goody has no Myra Melford; I have cash in my wallet, my skin is white, and I feel utterly, utterly welcome. Is this a community? Is the reality artificial, or am I part of a genuine promenade? I don't know. When I'm not being actively repelled by the purple and teal that are this year's favored suburban leisure-wear colors, I'm too busy enjoying the rush of purchase to pay much attention."
--Jonathan Franzen, "First City", from How to Be Alone
I'm not really sure how I feel about this. I guess the more I identify with it, the more it depresses me.
"For my part, I'm willing to admit to an almost physical craving for the comforts of the suburban mall. Natural opiates flood my neural receptors when I step from the parking lot into the airlock. Inside, the lighting is subdued, and every voice sounds far away. Never mind that Waldenbooks doesn't stock Denis Johnson and that Sam Goody has no Myra Melford; I have cash in my wallet, my skin is white, and I feel utterly, utterly welcome. Is this a community? Is the reality artificial, or am I part of a genuine promenade? I don't know. When I'm not being actively repelled by the purple and teal that are this year's favored suburban leisure-wear colors, I'm too busy enjoying the rush of purchase to pay much attention."
--Jonathan Franzen, "First City", from How to Be Alone
Monday, November 03, 2003
Does this mean I'm a Lean Mean Grilling Machine?
The Completely Pointless Personality Quiz
Thanks, Manders, for that.
The Completely Pointless Personality Quiz
Thanks, Manders, for that.
Book Notes and a Top Five
All that being said, I wanted to bring up some interesting books I've discovered recently.
First, I read "The Turn of the Screw" over the weekend, which I found interesting, but uneven. (What gall I have, to call Henry James uneven. However...uh, there it is.) James begins this ghost story with a narrative frame: the sharing of ghost stories during a Christmas evening by the fire. One of the guests in attendance sends to his home for a manuscript that he begins reading to the group, and this ushers in the main narrative of the story. However, this frame is never closed. I probably wouldn't have noticed this as glaringly if I hadn't recently read House of Leaves, with it's frame within a frame within a frame structure.
While the main narrative of the novel was interesting, it just seemed rushed and incomplete at the end.
This is the only time I would ever say this, but if you want a good old-school scare, leave "Turn of the Screw" on the shelf, and watch "The Others" with Nicole Kidman. It uses a similar (BUT NOT IDENTICAL) set of circumstances to carry off the effect. If you try to watch this movie instead of reading Turn of the Screw, you are stupid stupid stupid and will fail your exam. They are completely different works, but I was associating the desired effect of the one with the other.
So there's that.
I'm currently reading How to be Alone, a collection of essays by Jonathan Franzen. Which I recommend to English majors, because there are a few essays on the state of the modern novel and the transition from a print culture to a digital one, which provide a lot of food for thought.
Next up on the ol' bookshelf: Delillo's Underworld, then The Poisonwood Bible, Empire Falls, and finally Infinite Jest. Wish me luck.
And now the top five...
*****
If I were a freshman English Major, and I found a grad who earned a degree in my field (like myself), I would ask him(me) what are five novels I shouldn't miss while I'm in college. And he(I) would respond: "Why that's a very perceptive and well-put question, my brilliant young friend. You are quite a sharp lad, aren't you? And quite handsome, to boot! Why, I'd wager the ladies are clamoring to gain the attentions and affections of a dashing young genius such as yourself, and if they're not, well, they're fools. But to address your question, here are five books that I would recommend. Understand that there are many I'd recommend, but these five come to mind.
--Generation X by Douglas Coupland, besides coining the eponymous term, was a breakthrough debut novel for Coupland, and can really be called a true novel of its time. However, that makes it no less relevant to today's audience. The characters are entertaining and empathetic.
--White Noise by Don Delillo, arguably Delillo's best work, is a beautifully written narrative that, while odd at times, is certainly enjoyable. The first two pages melt like Hershey's chocolate on the tongue, when read aloud.
--Six Characters in Search of an Author is a fascinating play that examines the line between the literal and the literary. Do characters really live when written down? What is the relationship between author and character? A very entertaining dramatic work.
--If on a Winters Night A Traveller by Italo Calvino challenges the notion of what makes a story and its structure. This experimental novel defies the reader to consider the concept of narrative the same way ever again.
"That's four," the Freshman English major would say. "What about the fifth?"
"That's for you to find," says the graduate (me) with a wink.
The freshman then grabs the graduate by the throat and begins to strangle him(me) until the grad throws up his(my) hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. My my, aren't we(you) high strung? Very well, the fifth work. It's hard to say really. If you haven't read Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, you owe it to yourself as a reader to read that vital work. I really like "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot. That may just be because of my intense love of footnotes and esoteric poetry. I loved A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by the smug but justifiably so Dave Eggers. There are several I could suggest."
The freshman begins walking toward him(me) with a blood-thirsty look in his eye. "Tell me what I should read."
The graduate, back-pedalling, begins to sputter. "But there are so many--"
"Say it."
"I couldn't just pick one--"
"Say it."
"After all, each has--"
"SAY IT!!!!"
In a fit of exasperation, the graduate cries out, "FINE, READ BEOWULF!!!!" and then turns and sprints off, knocking over a TA laden down with exams and vanishing behind the explosion of fluttering blue books filling the air.
All that being said, I wanted to bring up some interesting books I've discovered recently.
First, I read "The Turn of the Screw" over the weekend, which I found interesting, but uneven. (What gall I have, to call Henry James uneven. However...uh, there it is.) James begins this ghost story with a narrative frame: the sharing of ghost stories during a Christmas evening by the fire. One of the guests in attendance sends to his home for a manuscript that he begins reading to the group, and this ushers in the main narrative of the story. However, this frame is never closed. I probably wouldn't have noticed this as glaringly if I hadn't recently read House of Leaves, with it's frame within a frame within a frame structure.
While the main narrative of the novel was interesting, it just seemed rushed and incomplete at the end.
This is the only time I would ever say this, but if you want a good old-school scare, leave "Turn of the Screw" on the shelf, and watch "The Others" with Nicole Kidman. It uses a similar (BUT NOT IDENTICAL) set of circumstances to carry off the effect. If you try to watch this movie instead of reading Turn of the Screw, you are stupid stupid stupid and will fail your exam. They are completely different works, but I was associating the desired effect of the one with the other.
So there's that.
I'm currently reading How to be Alone, a collection of essays by Jonathan Franzen. Which I recommend to English majors, because there are a few essays on the state of the modern novel and the transition from a print culture to a digital one, which provide a lot of food for thought.
Next up on the ol' bookshelf: Delillo's Underworld, then The Poisonwood Bible, Empire Falls, and finally Infinite Jest. Wish me luck.
And now the top five...
*****
If I were a freshman English Major, and I found a grad who earned a degree in my field (like myself), I would ask him(me) what are five novels I shouldn't miss while I'm in college. And he(I) would respond: "Why that's a very perceptive and well-put question, my brilliant young friend. You are quite a sharp lad, aren't you? And quite handsome, to boot! Why, I'd wager the ladies are clamoring to gain the attentions and affections of a dashing young genius such as yourself, and if they're not, well, they're fools. But to address your question, here are five books that I would recommend. Understand that there are many I'd recommend, but these five come to mind.
--Generation X by Douglas Coupland, besides coining the eponymous term, was a breakthrough debut novel for Coupland, and can really be called a true novel of its time. However, that makes it no less relevant to today's audience. The characters are entertaining and empathetic.
--White Noise by Don Delillo, arguably Delillo's best work, is a beautifully written narrative that, while odd at times, is certainly enjoyable. The first two pages melt like Hershey's chocolate on the tongue, when read aloud.
--Six Characters in Search of an Author is a fascinating play that examines the line between the literal and the literary. Do characters really live when written down? What is the relationship between author and character? A very entertaining dramatic work.
--If on a Winters Night A Traveller by Italo Calvino challenges the notion of what makes a story and its structure. This experimental novel defies the reader to consider the concept of narrative the same way ever again.
"That's four," the Freshman English major would say. "What about the fifth?"
"That's for you to find," says the graduate (me) with a wink.
The freshman then grabs the graduate by the throat and begins to strangle him(me) until the grad throws up his(my) hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. My my, aren't we(you) high strung? Very well, the fifth work. It's hard to say really. If you haven't read Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, you owe it to yourself as a reader to read that vital work. I really like "The Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot. That may just be because of my intense love of footnotes and esoteric poetry. I loved A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by the smug but justifiably so Dave Eggers. There are several I could suggest."
The freshman begins walking toward him(me) with a blood-thirsty look in his eye. "Tell me what I should read."
The graduate, back-pedalling, begins to sputter. "But there are so many--"
"Say it."
"I couldn't just pick one--"
"Say it."
"After all, each has--"
"SAY IT!!!!"
In a fit of exasperation, the graduate cries out, "FINE, READ BEOWULF!!!!" and then turns and sprints off, knocking over a TA laden down with exams and vanishing behind the explosion of fluttering blue books filling the air.
Blanket statement
I want to make this an official policy of "Perfect Blue Buildings."
When I discuss movies, books, or other pieces of art, I am loath to put moral constrictions on what I judge "good" or "bad." Based on solely aesthetic and intellectual value, most Christian literature and film is crap, while several interesting, provocative, and extremely secular works are the most engaging and intellectually stimulating.
As such, I cannot honestly give a creative work the blanket stamp of approval, knowing that one of my loyal and loving readers may take my "good" at face value and dive right into it.
So, from this point on, when I recommend any work of art or entertainment, please remember to take my recommendation with a grain of salt, and examine the facts and your own conscience before engaging the culture in this manner.
I know I probably don't need to go into all of this, and that you all are more spiritually mature than this statement would indicate. However, I hope you'll indulge my need to cover all bases and avoid any negative effects of my words.
I want to make this an official policy of "Perfect Blue Buildings."
When I discuss movies, books, or other pieces of art, I am loath to put moral constrictions on what I judge "good" or "bad." Based on solely aesthetic and intellectual value, most Christian literature and film is crap, while several interesting, provocative, and extremely secular works are the most engaging and intellectually stimulating.
As such, I cannot honestly give a creative work the blanket stamp of approval, knowing that one of my loyal and loving readers may take my "good" at face value and dive right into it.
So, from this point on, when I recommend any work of art or entertainment, please remember to take my recommendation with a grain of salt, and examine the facts and your own conscience before engaging the culture in this manner.
I know I probably don't need to go into all of this, and that you all are more spiritually mature than this statement would indicate. However, I hope you'll indulge my need to cover all bases and avoid any negative effects of my words.
Retraction
I feel that I should make a statement at this point, to my loyal readership.
In my last post or two, I wrote about the novel House of Leaves. While I raved about the novel's structure and ambiguous nature, I barely mentioned any objectionable content. This, I think, was a mistake.
While it embarrasses me to do so, I think I should go into this now.
I have to confess my standards about what I read have lowered dramatically since I was young. Long gone are the days when a single foul word would cause me, in zealous rage, to throw the book down and never pick it up again. (Case in point: Harriet the Spy, chapter 5. Not kidding.)
So thus we have House of Leaves. While it is, as I said, one of the most engaging and fascinating novels I've read in a while, it is also one of the most perverse. There are quite a few references, both implicit and explicit, to sexual situations that no one needs to read about. I was able to skip over most of these, once I realized what was happening. There is also R-rated language throughout.
Like I said, this is a bit embarrassing. Some who read this may lose respect for me. But I am willing to lose the respect of my Christian brothers and sisters, if it means not leading any of you into sin.
I feel that I should make a statement at this point, to my loyal readership.
In my last post or two, I wrote about the novel House of Leaves. While I raved about the novel's structure and ambiguous nature, I barely mentioned any objectionable content. This, I think, was a mistake.
While it embarrasses me to do so, I think I should go into this now.
I have to confess my standards about what I read have lowered dramatically since I was young. Long gone are the days when a single foul word would cause me, in zealous rage, to throw the book down and never pick it up again. (Case in point: Harriet the Spy, chapter 5. Not kidding.)
So thus we have House of Leaves. While it is, as I said, one of the most engaging and fascinating novels I've read in a while, it is also one of the most perverse. There are quite a few references, both implicit and explicit, to sexual situations that no one needs to read about. I was able to skip over most of these, once I realized what was happening. There is also R-rated language throughout.
Like I said, this is a bit embarrassing. Some who read this may lose respect for me. But I am willing to lose the respect of my Christian brothers and sisters, if it means not leading any of you into sin.
Thursday, October 30, 2003
"Paging Johnny Truant..."
I'm in a serious state, my friends.
A book has taken over my mind, and I can't stop thinking about it.
I finished House of Leaves last night, and was kinda depressed because I knew that I have only scratched the surface of understanding it.
Today, I went to the House of Leaves Forum online and found that there is so much more that I have missed. Whole discussions of codes and symbolism, conducted by countless people more well-versed in mythology and literary criticism than I will ever be. I was quickly overwhelmed. And now I'm more depressed.
And like our dear Zampano, and the ever truant Johnny, I becoming more and more obsessed with the labrynth that is the novel.
Odds are, I'll read it again. And again. And again. Because I have to find some sort of resolution. Understanding. Like Navidson, I plunge onward, into the void, and risk falling.
It's a shame i have no karen to catch me.
*****
If you're totally confused, that's okay, so am I. The point is, House of Leaves is the most engrossing novel I have read in a while, probably ever. If you feel up to the journey, I must first warn you that there is rampant profanity and "adult" content, but if you can get past that, ...wow. The most stylistically and technically complex and confounding work I've ever seen. It is either genius or madness, and the line between is nearly irradicated by this novel. There are some who will observe the internet furor and laugh it off as "people taking it more seriously than it deserves." And this is true. But damned if it isn't the most mentally-stimulating reading experience I've ever had.
You know what? Nevermind, don't read it. I can only think of one, maybe two people who have ever read this site who should even attempt to read the book. The rest of you (my beloved readers) would be too offended or confused. Trust me.
I'm in a serious state, my friends.
A book has taken over my mind, and I can't stop thinking about it.
I finished House of Leaves last night, and was kinda depressed because I knew that I have only scratched the surface of understanding it.
Today, I went to the House of Leaves Forum online and found that there is so much more that I have missed. Whole discussions of codes and symbolism, conducted by countless people more well-versed in mythology and literary criticism than I will ever be. I was quickly overwhelmed. And now I'm more depressed.
And like our dear Zampano, and the ever truant Johnny, I becoming more and more obsessed with the labrynth that is the novel.
Odds are, I'll read it again. And again. And again. Because I have to find some sort of resolution. Understanding. Like Navidson, I plunge onward, into the void, and risk falling.
It's a shame i have no karen to catch me.
*****
If you're totally confused, that's okay, so am I. The point is, House of Leaves is the most engrossing novel I have read in a while, probably ever. If you feel up to the journey, I must first warn you that there is rampant profanity and "adult" content, but if you can get past that, ...wow. The most stylistically and technically complex and confounding work I've ever seen. It is either genius or madness, and the line between is nearly irradicated by this novel. There are some who will observe the internet furor and laugh it off as "people taking it more seriously than it deserves." And this is true. But damned if it isn't the most mentally-stimulating reading experience I've ever had.
You know what? Nevermind, don't read it. I can only think of one, maybe two people who have ever read this site who should even attempt to read the book. The rest of you (my beloved readers) would be too offended or confused. Trust me.
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