| Interesting... |
[10 Jul 2005|04:38am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 curious |
] |
Hey, a student at the University of Amsterdam has programmed a Livejournal mood tracker. Interesting spikes in "sadness," "shocked," "worried," and "sympathetic" coinciding with the London train bombings.
http://ilps.science.uva.nl/cgi-bin/livejournal/mood
I wonder what mood to pick now. :)
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| Who'da thunk it? |
[08 Jul 2005|05:38am] |
| [ |
music |
| |
None, but "Who's the Boss" is on. |
] |
Well, I've taken the plunge.
I actually made a friggin' MySpace account.
I hate it.
But it's mine.
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| It's the first amendment, baby! |
[14 Mar 2005|02:58pm] |
I need a website or a blog. With all due respect to those who actually read this and comment here, on LJ I feel like I'm talking into the wind. I'm not the kind of person that likes to talk just to hear myself. (I already do that in the bathroom.)
Hmmm...
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| It's a small world after all... |
[27 Dec 2004|02:01am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 cynical |
] |
I wonder when this world will start to realize what's going on elsewhere... and actually care. It seems that natural disasters aren't as news worthy as man-made ones.
September 11th preempted everything on television for days. It changed everything in politics, changed the laws that govern the country, changed the way nations interact, spawned numerous wars and the ramifications will continue to be felt for decades. Less than 3000 were killed on September 11, 2001.
The tsunamis in Asia have killed over 23,000 so far and it's not even the first story in the news. Election fraud in the Ukraine and some football player who had a heart attack are both more important.
(Note: I originally wrote 13,000 last night, and today I needed to revise that number. It seems so simple to change just one digit.)
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| Hearing things... |
[25 Dec 2004|01:47am] |
Yesterday, the conductor on my train sounded like Joe Pesci. It added a whole new meaning to when he said "And don't put your feet on the seats!" It almost sounded more like a threat and I half expected him to say "You mudda-fucker you!!"
Merry Christmas.
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| What is mellow? Is it tasty? |
[19 Dec 2004|02:42am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 mellow |
] |
Will told me I have to update this thing. But really, should I? I'd like to open the floor now to suggestions from the audience. I don't post often, but neither does anyone else...
Here are the updates on me:
1. I'm still friggin' lost regarding my life.
2. But I'm reading more.
3. Which has inspired me somewhat to figure out how to fix #1.
And most importantly:
4. I plan to live far longer than a mere 80-100 years to accomplish #3. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4003063.stm)
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| The big picture |
[10 Oct 2004|07:43pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 contemplative |
] |
Over the years, I realize that I tend to look at things with the "big picture" in mind. I tend to stand way back and look at things as if they fit into some larger puzzle. In doing so, I also tend to miss out on the stuff right in front of me, like friends who I don’t call, or my life which sometimes seems rather aimless.</p>
Anyway, here is an example of some of my thoughts regarding "the bigger picture."</p>
The United States stands as the lone remaining superpower. In the last decade we have sent our troops abroad into third world countries far more than ANY other time in our history. Clinton did it. Bush is doing it and will continue to do it. If Kerry is elected, he will do it, too. We don’t even fight "wars" anymore. We have "police actions" and "strategic interests" and the line between what is a war and what is just an extended stay for our military is becoming increasingly blurred.</p>
Like Iraq. It’s not about "weapons of mass destruction" or anything else. It’s not even about the war on terror. Hell, even the war on terror is about something else that is much bigger.</p>
What does this all mean? Are we becoming an empire? Perhaps, but an empire that is very different from all others that have existed before. The majority of the world has already been invaded by our culture and ideas, and using technology and the internet, the entire world is slowly becoming more like us.</p>
The European Union is the perfect example. Modeled after the United States and now encompassing 25 countries, it is the culmination of what the United States will produce all around the world.</p>
I predict we will see something like the EU take shape in the Middle East, perhaps even in our lifetimes if we are lucky. Afghanistan and Iraq were step one. Pakistan and Libya (helping us or giving up without a fight) were step two. Iran and Syria will most likely be step three. And when we no longer need oil (either from producing our own and/or alternative fuel sources like hydrogen fuel cells) then Saudia Arabia will be next, and so on.</p>
The idea of globalization, of connecting everyone in every country to the same ideas and opportunities economically, will produce such radical changes in the way our world thinks.</p>
Now, I’m not saying this is what I believe or what you should believe. This is just what I think will happen. And right or wrong, the outcome is an interesting one.</p>
And I’m curious what you think too.</p>
Something to check out:
http://www.newamericancentury.org/ (Check out the signatures on the Statement of
Principles.) It's like a "Who's Who" of all the people in power right now.</p>
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[02 Sep 2004|11:31pm] |
|
Well, I've watched the Republican Convention speeches and I've come to a conclusion.
After watching Rudy Giuliani, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Democrat Zell Miller, Dick Cheney & George W. Bush, it's time for a little bit of a change... of the Constitution...
It's time to make the prophecy spoken by Sandra Bullock come true...
Vote Arnold Schwarzenegger for President.
Well, one can hope. If things turn out right, it'll be anyone's game in 2008. We might see Hillary, we might see Giuliani. And we just might see this guy.
Right now there are efforts by both Republicans and Democrats to change the Constitution to allow an immigrant to run for President. Sen. Orrin Hatch has proposed an amendment that would allow someone to run if they've been a citizen for more than 20 years. (Arnold became a citizen in 1983.)
Some are afraid of this change. But why? We don't fear some Imperialist Brit who'll come and take back our colonies any more. We don't have to read the newspaper from last week brought around by the pony express to know what's going on. In an age where everyone can see the candidates for themselves and disect the past of anyone running for elected office, there's no reason why not. It's not like Osama bin laden would have a chance in today's debates or anything.
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| Go see Mean Creek if you can find it. |
[21 Aug 2004|03:14am] |
|
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a movie that I liked 100%. There’s usually something wrong with the film. Either the acting sucks or the plot drags (or has major holes in it), or it's too long/short, etc. Even the good movies usually give me the feeling that something is missing. Maybe someone’s reaction wasn’t held quite long enough to let the emotions sink in, or there’s a lot of pointless dialogue that is ultimately useless. Not a single moment in a film should be wasted.
I think I like Mean Creek 99.9%. The movie doesn’t waste any time getting to the plot. You know the basic idea within the first 5 minutes, and the rest is just there to play it out. Also, the film takes the time to show how each character reacts differently to the events that take place, letting it sink in. The only thing keeping me from liking it 100% is that it ends too soon. (It is rather short, but this isn’t really bad, except that it was so good that I wanted more.) I especially liked Rory Culkin’s character Sam. (My God, he looks so much like his brother when he was that age!)
The trailer is bad and makes it look like some thriller. But it’s not. It’s kind of hard for me to describe so perhaps I’ll let the critics do that.
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| I could use some ideas. |
[15 Aug 2004|03:14pm] |
| [ |
mood |
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 indescribable |
] |
Last night was interesting. I woke up in the middle of the night, and was at a loss for what to do with myself. I started looking around on the Internet, and was interested in buying a book. Being the conscientious and financially astute person that I am, I couldn’t just buy ONE book. The only way to save, of course, is to buy MORE than one book. Or a movie. Or five…
Anyway, I started getting into this very weird mood. I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s that awkward kinda depressed, kinda nostalgic mood where you are thinking of events from long ago as you were growing up, and how you wish you can go back and visit them. Perhaps to change things, but mostly just to watch. To feel SOME sort of connection to your past to know you’re still alive.
I was trying to think of movies or tv shows that reminded of me when I was a kid. And for some reason, I couldn’t find them. I did find that Knight Rider is finally out on DVD. HAHAHA! And so is the original Land of the Lost (which I bought). But I couldn’t really find that much.
I did manage to find stuff that reminded me of people I hung out with a few years ago. And that was interesting too. But I wanted to go deeper. I was in that funny depressed mood that you kind of enjoy, and wanted to explore it more. Music helped, but I was really interested in something else… Something that was just on the edge of my mind but I couldn’t remember. Hmm…
Call me weird, but these feelings don’t happen to me often, and when they do, I enjoy them. I’ve always said my life could use more ups and downs. I’d prefer that than the carousel I seem to be on where I get stuck in a rut that’s safe, but I never get off and do something with my life.
(Which is funny, because this year I’m coming out of my shell a lot more. I’m meeting people; I’m becoming more active physically; I’m learning to drive…)
Anyway, when I’m in these moods, I get creative and want to start writing. (I would have written this last night if I had time and daylight wasn’t approaching.)
But, now I need your help…
What movies, shows, music, books, etc. make you think of the past? What things allow you to become more open emotionally? Perhaps even things you normally only enjoy by yourselves. I could use some ideas.
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| Strange indeed... |
[31 Jul 2004|05:42pm] |
I dreamt that I went to this place where Metallica was doing autographs. But I was the only one that showed up. Somehow Metallica consisted of 3 members, James and Kirk and one unnamed unrecognizable member that was neither Lars or Rob. Hmmm.
I asked many questions but don't remember the answers. In fact it seemed like they were only tolerating me because I was the only one there. Had there been people in line behind me, who knows how long they would have talked to me.
But then I thanked them for doing the movie and how it "helped" me understand stuff. That's when they started getting interested and we talked about surfing, waverunners, ATVs and how we all want to enjoy life. Eventually they gave me some CDs and we left to go hang out somewhere.
Then I woke up...
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| "When Good Super Heroes Go Bad," The Fox Special |
[22 Jul 2004|09:08pm] |
|
Aintitcoolnews.com has been reporting recently on the lack of progress on the next “Superman” movie: Bad scripts, bad producers, bad cast, bad decisions. Pretty much the only decision so far that was good: Hold out until you have a good script. (And don't mess with the history… Lex Luthor does NOT come from Krypton, damnit!!!)
Anyway... here is an idea for the next “Superman” that can't be half as bad as the crap they were toying with.</span>
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| Over 90 million albums sold to date... |
[09 Jul 2004|10:20pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 optimistic |
] |
| [ |
music |
| |
No music, but uh, Full House is on... |
] |
Isn't it interesting that now that I'm on this thing, most everyone has stopped updating their journals. Have I scared everyone away?
Anyway... onto the business of today – "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster".
As many critics have said now, even if you’re not a Metallica fan, it’s worth seeing. It really impressed me to see what the entire band has gone through over the years... From ejecting Dave Mustaine, to Cliff’s bus accident, to losing Jason Newsted (who was in the band for over 14 years) and the internal conflicts that ultimately threatened to unravel the entire band.
Then James left for rehab and was gone for almost a year, with little or no contact with the rest of the band. Everyone was pretty much preparing for the worst. “The unraveling of a band. And then there were two,” as Lars said.
But to see them – the band that introduced me to music in the first place – come back and rebuild what had almost been lost forever was truly an example of how people can change. Some mature, and some don’t.
“St. Anger” suffered so much from all that happened in the last few years, and it was obvious. But, I understand the album now. It sounds better somehow now that I see what it took to get it done. And I for one will be looking forward to what they will bring to their next record now that so much has been resolved.
------
"I don't understand who you are. I realize now that I barely knew you before." - Lars to James
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| The calendar explained... |
[27 Jun 2004|05:32am] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 dorky |
] |
Ok, here is the official popularity of each day of the week, according to Google:
Friday 46,100,000
Monday 43,000,000
Sunday 41,500,000
Thursday 38,300,000
Saturday 36,700,000
Wednesday 36,600,000
Tuesday 36,000,000
So apparently Saturday is not a very good day after all. Even the dreaded Monday has more hits than Saturday. Of course, Friday gets all the action, as usual. (Everyone seems to love Fridays.) Wednesday is good for something, but I tend to forget what. I guess it's always been the hump in the middle that means you're now on your way to Friday. Sunday gets mixed reviews: For some it's a day at the beach or time spent watching the Superbowl. For others, it's just another day we gotta get up early... (You know what I mean!)
And bringing up the rear is Tuesday, which is weird because I've never heard anyone complain, "Oh, God! I can't believe it's TUESDAY!!!" (Said with the usual scrunched up face.) But clearly Tuesday is a great day, since you can't get any lower and it's all uphill till the end of the week.
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| Huh? |
[27 Jun 2004|05:11am] |
This is perhaps the oddest line of the night, though I didn't really react to it right away. I just sorta let it fester in my mind for a while:
Will to Lonnie: "Why don't you like people who do drugs?"
Hehe... hilarious. Sorry, Will... I just had to say it. I found this funny.
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| Don't play around with loansharks... |
[21 Jun 2004|02:51pm] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
tired |
] |
Last night I completed working on a film for the NY 48 Hour Film Project. On Friday night, all the teams randomly drew genres from a hat. We got spy. (I feel sorry for the guys who got Musical!) Then they tell us a few details that must be included: A housekeeper named M. Montclair, a checkbook (must be somewhere in the film) and the line “I can’t take much more of this!”
Hehe, so here we are at 8pm, tired from a day at work, trying to think of a script that will be shot the next day. We had some ideas going into this, but they all went out the window when we got our genre. We reworked some stuff we had in mind, and by around midnight we had some scenes worked out.
This entire time, we’re filming ourselves “writing”… in other words: watching previous 48-hour films for “inspiration” (and laughing at how some of them sucked) and talking about everything but the script. We have some great blackmail material of one guy admitting that he thinks about jerking off “constantly.” Hehe, what was he thinking?!
Anyway, we go to sleep at 4am, wake up at 6:30 to meet up around 8am. We had some outdoor shots to get, but we pushed them back to Sunday morning so we can concentrate on all the indoor stuff. We had to make sure those scenes were done since two of our actors were only available for about 6 hours.
And all this time… we had no idea where or how we would edit this. We eventually came back to my place and used my computer. (Remind me to thank whoever got me a copy of Adobe Premiere off the newsgroups. Hehe.)
So, all in all it turned out ok. We had the impression that it all sucked when we were shooting. (And a lot of it did!) But the editing process allowed for us to really make something good. It’s too bad we went over the maximum length (8 minutes). We tried cutting stuff, but we couldn’t seem to get it down below 10. Hopefully the film can still be screened next week.
Oh yeah… What’s the film about, you ask?! Hmm, we’re still not sure. We have this guy Mitch who owes money to Victor, a loan shark, but he can’t pay. Victor calls someone to check up on Mitch’s finances, and this sleaze shows up at the apartment. His son, Jonah lets him in, but realizes something’s wrong when he sees the guy has a gun. The kid takes off and locks himself in the bathroom. The guy chases him, and we cut the scene after the guy busts in after him.
Then we see Maria, the housekeeper, show up to meet Victor, and she hands him Mitch’s checkbook. Maria’s working for Victor, and it turns out the sleaze was just some asshole that was interested in the kid. We have some quick cuts back to Maria killing the sleaze with a sword and saving Jonah. Victor blows it off, leaving it open whether or not it was coincidence or he hired the sleaze to get back at Mitch for not paying on time.
In the end, we see Jonah is now staying with his mother, and when Mitch asks for forgiveness, the kid walks away from him. But right before the kid walks away completely, he turns and calls out “Hey dad! I’ll be alright.”
Owing money to loan sharks, and not being able to pay really fucks up your life, doesn’t it?
Now, don’t you see the spy genre just OOZING all over that?! Cuz, we don’t, and uh… we’re trying to figure out how it fits.
So. I had fun. Today I sleep… I'll post some pics if I can figure out how. :-)
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