As I recover from my ridiculous Star Wars Saturday, I spent most of today hanging out around the house with Sonny and doing some Summer cleaning. Today I went through a bunch of that official crap that I have been accumulating for some time now. I have this soft briefcase sort of thing that I have been toting around for years and years now. I tend to just shove official crap in there and forget about it. I finally emptied it out and sorted through it. Most of it was useless. A zillion and one bank statements from the late 90s. I found the financing receipt for my surround sound system that I bought in 1999. I thought that was pretty cool, until I found a Circuit City receipt for a Receiver and Speaker set that I bought in 1995. Yikes. But I sorted through it and it really wasn't that difficult.
I am now ready to head into the month of August and will be ready to meet my 30's head on. "I'm a ganster," I'm here to win.
A little something about Manny Ramirez real quick like. Never was there a more media driven non-story than this. We don't even actually know what Manny said about wanting a trade. We don't actually know how serious the Red Sox were about trading him. And Red Sox fans don't know what to do. They booed him on Friday. Why? They don't know. ESPN told them that he hated them. Then, and you may find this hard to believe, but ESPN was wrong. I single them out, because they lead the field in over blowing things for the purpose of keeping their sensational network on top. They gotta feed the monkey right? Then came word on Sunday morning that maybe Manny was misunderstood a little bit when it came to some of that drama. Then the Red Sox realized that they were insane for trading the best hitter in baseball for Mike Cameron and strikeout king Adam Dunn. So what happens. 4 oclock comes. No Deal. Manny comes in to pinch hit. Gets a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful. Gets the game winning hit, and the love fest is on. Boston Loves Manny, Manny Loves Boston. He tells ESPN that this is where he wants to be. ESPN says uh well um he said he wanted a trade, we're pretty sure.
My problem is not really with the media exactly. They're doing their job. Their job is to sell ad time. Period. Make the show as exciting as possible. But we are now honestly to a point were the stories are affecting the decisions that are being made. Theres just a problem here.
That said. Manny is a straight up stud. I'd have loved to see him as a Dodger. But I'm glad he didn't get traded.
-T
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
The Ultimate Star Wars Saturday
I am undertaking a project today that most will find a bit ridiculous. I am going to watch all 6 Star Wars movies in one day. Before you laugh, what are YOU doing today that is so great? I will write a brief update after I finish each one. its 8:30 AM and time to get started.
Here's where the fun begins.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Ok. 1 down 5 to go. The Phantom Menace: one of the world's most underappreciated movies. A great introduction. Setting the stage very well for all that is too come. People think it is childish, and they hate Jar Jar Binks. I have a whole blog forthcoming about why I like Jar Jar. This is a very good start wars movie. And now that the there has been a shift in the order that we watch the movies. This really works well as an intro. It is the inciting incident for the series as a whole. If its the first one you have seen, it is a great way to get people excited about seeing what comes next. Looking back, I know that everyone I know that saw the movie that did not know much about Star Wars, really liked it. It's only the Star Wars nuts that disliked it. Things like the significance of the Trade Federation and the Droid Army were lost on people who knew Star Wars well. They had too much baggage with them and rejected anything new as NOT FITTING the originals. While New people accepted everything as new and were simply interested in seeing where it would go. I had this problem as well. I reveled in the things that were obviously significant to the originals, and ignored the things that did not. Turns out, some of those things do have significance to the originals. It just wasn't obvious at the time. Watching it now that the story is complete really makes you realize just how significant it all is. Especially the Trade Fed, the droids and the rise of Palpatine.
It is a little sadder though. When I saw Anakin as a boy in the theater, I was very excited. Now when I saw him for the first time, it just makes me sad.
By the way, the acting is fine. So shut up.
Clones up next.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Another one finished and right on schedule. Attack of the Clones has has the worst time of all in Star Wars I think. It is the one saddled with the most "work" to do. It is the most expositionary film. It has more to accomplish as far as tying things together than even Revenge of the Sith. Clones is like an unsung Tight End throwing a key block so that the superstar Running Back can run free and clear for the Game Winning Touchdown. Menace is fun and exciting. Sith is Dark and sad. Clones is the one stuck with tying them together in addition to tying trilogies together. The great thing about Clones is that it does such a great job at being so functional while managing to still be a very compelling movie.
Like Menace, it is just that much more amazing to watch the plot develop from Palpatine. When we got into the prequels, I think we were all so interested in the Anakin/Vader story that we may have overlooked the Republic/Empire transformation. Clones really weaves and intricate plot. It also brings to the forefront, the Stormtroopers and their beginnings. Something we didn't even know we cared about. Its awesome that Lucas let us get so involved with them. They are an Iconic part of the Original Trilogy and we never really even thought about them.
Watching it now, post-Sith, I'm really drawn to the romantic scenes between Anakin and Padme. Having seen Anakin in Sith, I now notice how young he looks in Clones and how he was still very boy-like. I never had any problems with the Romance, as many did, but I am now much more affected by them. Tragedy creeps in yet again. I can't wait until tonight. I can finally get some relief from the grief.
Off to see Revenge of the Sith at the Megaplex at Jordan Commons, for the 10th and what should be final time. *tear*
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I'm back from the Movie. The last time I'll see ROTS in the theater, and it was great. I won't say too much here, as I have been talking about this movie non-stop for 2 months now. It was nice to see it so quickly after the others. I enjoyed very much watching Qui-Gon Jinn this morning and then having them talk about him in Sith. And I love Obi-Wan. His character is perfect. I can't wait to see him again. 20 years later.
I must start the old ones ASAP or I'll be up all night. This should be interesting.
Episode IV: A New Hope
4 down 2 to go. We are making progress now. Now that was an interesting experience. This is the first time I have seen the original Star Wars since the last one. And it does feel different. Its like I have memories now. When certain things happen. Like you see the Droids, Vader, Obi-Wan and Owen and Beru. And its like I have little mini flashbacks to what already happened there. Its very strange. Because I know the movies so well, yet there are still new things to think about now. The coolest thing is when Obi-wan is talking to Luke and he mentions The Force. Luke replies "the force?" Obi-Wan gives a little smile and half a laugh, realizing that this person he is talking to has never heard of the thing he has spent 60 years studying. Funny thing was that this time, I laughed too. I thought the exact same thing Obi-Wan was thinking..."Oh right, you don't know anything about this, even though you are the son of the most powerful force user in the Galaxy" I also was amazed by how pained Obi looks when talking about Anakin. Its unclear if Lucas knew that Vader and Anakin were the same person when the first movie was made. But whatever he told Alec Guinness to do sure works well for today. I felt like I could see all of the Prequels on his face. Fantastic.
This movie, like Phantom, tends to be a lot of set up now. With most of the meat of the Trilogy to come. Its very simple, which is nice. The Empire Strikes Back is next. This was the first movie I ever saw in my life, and has been my favorite for as long as I can remember.
Onward we go...
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
One more put away and one more to go. Man I love that movie. Its not that its overwhelmingly different or anything, but it has a different feel to it now. The biggest thing is, that I do feel like I'm watching it from a new point of view. I noticed a big difference in Yoda's cave. Luke is talking to Yoda and you can hear Obi-Wan's voice. It use to be like me and Luke were there discovering some new things with Yoda and Obi-Wan. Now I feel like its Obi-Wan, Yoda and Me watching this kid. I relate to them now. Its a cool new perspective. Before Luke says something about his father and Yoda says, "Your father. Powerful Jedi was he" I used to think like Luke, just imagining what Yoda is talking about. Now I really respond to it. I reflect back just like Yoda. Its pretty weird.
Also, I noticed when I see Luke and Leia. I find myself comparing them to their Mom and Dad. I feel like I know Anakin and Padme better than Luke and Leia. That is probably just because since May of 1999 I have seen all three Prequels somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 times and I probably havent watched the Originals more than 5 times each in thats same span.
I do think Anakin when I see Vader now. I think of Padme every time I see Leia. If there is one gripe I have now, is that no one seems to care about Padme at all in the Originals. No one is interested in her. I wish Obi had told Luke something about his mother. Its not like he didnt know her. She's an awesome character and I wish there was some sort of legacy to her.
Ok, one more to go. Woo Hoo.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
I'll have to say, this movie has been my least favorite for sometime. After having watched it again today, it is still my least favorite. When it was just the finale of one trilogy, it may have been ok. However, as the finale to a 6 part movie it is very weak. I mean its not a bad movie. And the last 30 minutes or so are as good as any Star Wars movie. But most of the rest of it seems so boring. 35 minutes of being on Tattooine to rescue Han. To be honest, I could live without it. The Dagobah scenes are great. The Lightsaber Finale and Space Fight are great. The Endor/Ewoks is a bit boring. On top of all that, it takes place way out in the middle of nowhere. I would like to see the finale adventure take place on Coruscant. I know why they couldnt do that then. But I'd love to see it now. Luke sneaking into the ruins of the Temple, duking it out with Palpatine in his main chambers. That would be great.
Same goes for this one as the others. I love knowing everything and then watching Luke as he figures it out. I still wish someone would talk to Luke about his mother. His mother dies in childbirth. Luke comes in contact with 5 people in this movie that knew his mother relativly well, but the only person he asks about her is his twin sister. Go figure.
The finale is great. The celebration of Planets. Its really nice to see Naboo. Its really nice to see Hayden back as Anakin in ghost form. That was a brilliant move. After seeing what happens to him as a result of his trip to Mustafar, it is wonderful to see him the way he really looked.
So, we did it. Sonny and I that is. 13 hours of movies in right at 16 hours of time. Not too shabby. And what a great set of movies it is. This is the longest "marathon" I have ever done. It was a lot of fun. Time to put Star Wars away for a while I guess. Until November 1st when its on DVD. And 2006 when the new toys are out. Til then....May the Force Be with you.
-T
Here's where the fun begins.
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Ok. 1 down 5 to go. The Phantom Menace: one of the world's most underappreciated movies. A great introduction. Setting the stage very well for all that is too come. People think it is childish, and they hate Jar Jar Binks. I have a whole blog forthcoming about why I like Jar Jar. This is a very good start wars movie. And now that the there has been a shift in the order that we watch the movies. This really works well as an intro. It is the inciting incident for the series as a whole. If its the first one you have seen, it is a great way to get people excited about seeing what comes next. Looking back, I know that everyone I know that saw the movie that did not know much about Star Wars, really liked it. It's only the Star Wars nuts that disliked it. Things like the significance of the Trade Federation and the Droid Army were lost on people who knew Star Wars well. They had too much baggage with them and rejected anything new as NOT FITTING the originals. While New people accepted everything as new and were simply interested in seeing where it would go. I had this problem as well. I reveled in the things that were obviously significant to the originals, and ignored the things that did not. Turns out, some of those things do have significance to the originals. It just wasn't obvious at the time. Watching it now that the story is complete really makes you realize just how significant it all is. Especially the Trade Fed, the droids and the rise of Palpatine.
It is a little sadder though. When I saw Anakin as a boy in the theater, I was very excited. Now when I saw him for the first time, it just makes me sad.
By the way, the acting is fine. So shut up.
Clones up next.
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Another one finished and right on schedule. Attack of the Clones has has the worst time of all in Star Wars I think. It is the one saddled with the most "work" to do. It is the most expositionary film. It has more to accomplish as far as tying things together than even Revenge of the Sith. Clones is like an unsung Tight End throwing a key block so that the superstar Running Back can run free and clear for the Game Winning Touchdown. Menace is fun and exciting. Sith is Dark and sad. Clones is the one stuck with tying them together in addition to tying trilogies together. The great thing about Clones is that it does such a great job at being so functional while managing to still be a very compelling movie.
Like Menace, it is just that much more amazing to watch the plot develop from Palpatine. When we got into the prequels, I think we were all so interested in the Anakin/Vader story that we may have overlooked the Republic/Empire transformation. Clones really weaves and intricate plot. It also brings to the forefront, the Stormtroopers and their beginnings. Something we didn't even know we cared about. Its awesome that Lucas let us get so involved with them. They are an Iconic part of the Original Trilogy and we never really even thought about them.
Watching it now, post-Sith, I'm really drawn to the romantic scenes between Anakin and Padme. Having seen Anakin in Sith, I now notice how young he looks in Clones and how he was still very boy-like. I never had any problems with the Romance, as many did, but I am now much more affected by them. Tragedy creeps in yet again. I can't wait until tonight. I can finally get some relief from the grief.
Off to see Revenge of the Sith at the Megaplex at Jordan Commons, for the 10th and what should be final time. *tear*
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I'm back from the Movie. The last time I'll see ROTS in the theater, and it was great. I won't say too much here, as I have been talking about this movie non-stop for 2 months now. It was nice to see it so quickly after the others. I enjoyed very much watching Qui-Gon Jinn this morning and then having them talk about him in Sith. And I love Obi-Wan. His character is perfect. I can't wait to see him again. 20 years later.
I must start the old ones ASAP or I'll be up all night. This should be interesting.
Episode IV: A New Hope
4 down 2 to go. We are making progress now. Now that was an interesting experience. This is the first time I have seen the original Star Wars since the last one. And it does feel different. Its like I have memories now. When certain things happen. Like you see the Droids, Vader, Obi-Wan and Owen and Beru. And its like I have little mini flashbacks to what already happened there. Its very strange. Because I know the movies so well, yet there are still new things to think about now. The coolest thing is when Obi-wan is talking to Luke and he mentions The Force. Luke replies "the force?" Obi-Wan gives a little smile and half a laugh, realizing that this person he is talking to has never heard of the thing he has spent 60 years studying. Funny thing was that this time, I laughed too. I thought the exact same thing Obi-Wan was thinking..."Oh right, you don't know anything about this, even though you are the son of the most powerful force user in the Galaxy" I also was amazed by how pained Obi looks when talking about Anakin. Its unclear if Lucas knew that Vader and Anakin were the same person when the first movie was made. But whatever he told Alec Guinness to do sure works well for today. I felt like I could see all of the Prequels on his face. Fantastic.
This movie, like Phantom, tends to be a lot of set up now. With most of the meat of the Trilogy to come. Its very simple, which is nice. The Empire Strikes Back is next. This was the first movie I ever saw in my life, and has been my favorite for as long as I can remember.
Onward we go...
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
One more put away and one more to go. Man I love that movie. Its not that its overwhelmingly different or anything, but it has a different feel to it now. The biggest thing is, that I do feel like I'm watching it from a new point of view. I noticed a big difference in Yoda's cave. Luke is talking to Yoda and you can hear Obi-Wan's voice. It use to be like me and Luke were there discovering some new things with Yoda and Obi-Wan. Now I feel like its Obi-Wan, Yoda and Me watching this kid. I relate to them now. Its a cool new perspective. Before Luke says something about his father and Yoda says, "Your father. Powerful Jedi was he" I used to think like Luke, just imagining what Yoda is talking about. Now I really respond to it. I reflect back just like Yoda. Its pretty weird.
Also, I noticed when I see Luke and Leia. I find myself comparing them to their Mom and Dad. I feel like I know Anakin and Padme better than Luke and Leia. That is probably just because since May of 1999 I have seen all three Prequels somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 times and I probably havent watched the Originals more than 5 times each in thats same span.
I do think Anakin when I see Vader now. I think of Padme every time I see Leia. If there is one gripe I have now, is that no one seems to care about Padme at all in the Originals. No one is interested in her. I wish Obi had told Luke something about his mother. Its not like he didnt know her. She's an awesome character and I wish there was some sort of legacy to her.
Ok, one more to go. Woo Hoo.
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
I'll have to say, this movie has been my least favorite for sometime. After having watched it again today, it is still my least favorite. When it was just the finale of one trilogy, it may have been ok. However, as the finale to a 6 part movie it is very weak. I mean its not a bad movie. And the last 30 minutes or so are as good as any Star Wars movie. But most of the rest of it seems so boring. 35 minutes of being on Tattooine to rescue Han. To be honest, I could live without it. The Dagobah scenes are great. The Lightsaber Finale and Space Fight are great. The Endor/Ewoks is a bit boring. On top of all that, it takes place way out in the middle of nowhere. I would like to see the finale adventure take place on Coruscant. I know why they couldnt do that then. But I'd love to see it now. Luke sneaking into the ruins of the Temple, duking it out with Palpatine in his main chambers. That would be great.
Same goes for this one as the others. I love knowing everything and then watching Luke as he figures it out. I still wish someone would talk to Luke about his mother. His mother dies in childbirth. Luke comes in contact with 5 people in this movie that knew his mother relativly well, but the only person he asks about her is his twin sister. Go figure.
The finale is great. The celebration of Planets. Its really nice to see Naboo. Its really nice to see Hayden back as Anakin in ghost form. That was a brilliant move. After seeing what happens to him as a result of his trip to Mustafar, it is wonderful to see him the way he really looked.
So, we did it. Sonny and I that is. 13 hours of movies in right at 16 hours of time. Not too shabby. And what a great set of movies it is. This is the longest "marathon" I have ever done. It was a lot of fun. Time to put Star Wars away for a while I guess. Until November 1st when its on DVD. And 2006 when the new toys are out. Til then....May the Force Be with you.
-T
Friday, July 29, 2005
The Trade Deadline
Something like 30 hours to go before the big trading deadline. Is this must see tv or what? I have been watching closely as Baseball has become bigger and bigger every year since about 97. It would seem like Baseball is, right now, about as big as ever. And I think one big part of that is that TV outlets have discovered that trade rumors and free agency, the Hot Stove if you will, is a great way to build hype. What matters today is how good your sport is on TV, both in game coverage and behind the scenes reporting. I have noticed in the last two or three years, that the trade/free agent issue in baseball has become the biggest media sell in the sport. I guess its just one of those things. Someone discovered that it was easy to make that into a story.
I'm not saying that it isn't a good story. I'm writing this as I'm checking the updates right now. In fact, I actually began to write this tonight about who I wanted the Dodgers to go after and if Manny Ramirez will be traded. I caught myself only at the last minute. Its bizarre really. I don't know when it happened. I mean I realize that trades and the deadline has always been important. But I just don't remember the fervor that seems to accompany it nowadays. Its exciting though. I'm just as caught up as everyone else.
So the world will keep watch for the next day, anxiously waiting to see what happens. If anything at all. But if the Red Sox can't get their Manny situation straight. I'll be glad to have him in Blue in LA.
We will see.
-T
I'm not saying that it isn't a good story. I'm writing this as I'm checking the updates right now. In fact, I actually began to write this tonight about who I wanted the Dodgers to go after and if Manny Ramirez will be traded. I caught myself only at the last minute. Its bizarre really. I don't know when it happened. I mean I realize that trades and the deadline has always been important. But I just don't remember the fervor that seems to accompany it nowadays. Its exciting though. I'm just as caught up as everyone else.
So the world will keep watch for the next day, anxiously waiting to see what happens. If anything at all. But if the Red Sox can't get their Manny situation straight. I'll be glad to have him in Blue in LA.
We will see.
-T
Thursday, July 28, 2005
A little something about the Pup
I was trying to think about what to write about tonight and all I can see is Sonny the Dog walking around looking for his mom. Steph went off to Denver for the weekend. Dogs are too smart for their own good. He is smart enough to develop relationships with people, but not smart enough to understand that she will be back. I told her, that the more times she does go away and come back, the more he will understand. For now he is still unsure. Poor buddy.
I ve been living with that pup for 2 years now. Since we all moved out west. Now, I love dogs. I had a dog for most of my childhood, and I am very much aware at how close you can become to them. That being said, I am still somewhat surprised from time to time when I realize just how attached to him. Sometimes I'll be at work and I'll just start chuckling out loud when I think of something that he did.
What gets the most is how human-like he is. How I can see him looking at me. He has expressions. Happy, sad, frustrated, questioning. Its creepy sometimes when he looks at me.
Anyway, thats all for tonight. Just a quick dog blog. I'll get serious again this weekend. The MLB trade deadline is Sunday at noon. And I have a huge Star Wars related project coming up on Saturday.
-T
I ve been living with that pup for 2 years now. Since we all moved out west. Now, I love dogs. I had a dog for most of my childhood, and I am very much aware at how close you can become to them. That being said, I am still somewhat surprised from time to time when I realize just how attached to him. Sometimes I'll be at work and I'll just start chuckling out loud when I think of something that he did.
What gets the most is how human-like he is. How I can see him looking at me. He has expressions. Happy, sad, frustrated, questioning. Its creepy sometimes when he looks at me.
Anyway, thats all for tonight. Just a quick dog blog. I'll get serious again this weekend. The MLB trade deadline is Sunday at noon. And I have a huge Star Wars related project coming up on Saturday.
-T
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Small Market Nonsense
Again and again and again I hear the cry of poor from Baseball fans around the country. Fans of Baseball teams that have struggled year after year after year. Frustrated with yelling about their poor tight fisted owners, they have created a common demon to blame for their troubles. Hooray for the person who first invented the Small Market/Big Market idea. Owners in Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Toronto and Milwaukee can get away with never spending any money, and they can blame it all on the big bad Yankees.
The idea is that only the big market teams can afford to field a competitive team. My question is this; when has it ever been any different? I mean what are we looking for exactly? For more than one team to have a shot each year? Let me give some examples:
1947-1956 for example. The good ole days right? Willie, Mickey and the Duke? Golden Era etc.
10 years the Yankees won 7 Championships and 8 AL Pennants. !!!!!!! Are you serious?!?
The Brooklyn Dodgers won 1 championship and 6 NL Pennants. There are only 20 spots in the World Series for a 10 year span and 14 were occupied by 2 teams. The Dodgers and Yankees played against each other in the World Series 6 times in 10 years!!! The other 6 pennants went to 4 other teams. Is this the "like it use to be" that people want? By the way, the Yankees and Dodgers played in 1941 as well, plus again in 1963, 1977, 1978 and 1981.
Too Long ago? 1969-1979 11 years, and only 8 different teams played in the World Series. With 6 different Champions. Of those 6 only the Mets and Orioles one only once. The others all won 2 or 3 in that time.
Back to present. 1995-2004. The "Baseball economics era" also known as the "chicks dig the long ball" era. (more on that another time) 10 years, the years of "Yankee's Buying Everything" 11 different teams have played with 6 different champions. Yes, the Yankees won 4 times. The Marlins won twice. But we have had a different winner every year for 5 straight years.
The point is, that Baseball is about the same as it has always been. I'll grant you that there are more teams now. So it means more teams left out in the cold. But all and all things are the same. However, at the time I am writing this, there are something like 24 teams that are 5 games or less back in division and wildcard races. In the end, I understand if you are frustrated that your team stinks. The Dodgers are just keeping their heads above water when it comes to being in the race this year. But remember what Flav says and Don't believe the hype.
-T
And don't tell me that you're sick of all of the advertising at the ballpark today too. Not like the good ole days eh?
The idea is that only the big market teams can afford to field a competitive team. My question is this; when has it ever been any different? I mean what are we looking for exactly? For more than one team to have a shot each year? Let me give some examples:
1947-1956 for example. The good ole days right? Willie, Mickey and the Duke? Golden Era etc.
10 years the Yankees won 7 Championships and 8 AL Pennants. !!!!!!! Are you serious?!?
The Brooklyn Dodgers won 1 championship and 6 NL Pennants. There are only 20 spots in the World Series for a 10 year span and 14 were occupied by 2 teams. The Dodgers and Yankees played against each other in the World Series 6 times in 10 years!!! The other 6 pennants went to 4 other teams. Is this the "like it use to be" that people want? By the way, the Yankees and Dodgers played in 1941 as well, plus again in 1963, 1977, 1978 and 1981.
Too Long ago? 1969-1979 11 years, and only 8 different teams played in the World Series. With 6 different Champions. Of those 6 only the Mets and Orioles one only once. The others all won 2 or 3 in that time.
Back to present. 1995-2004. The "Baseball economics era" also known as the "chicks dig the long ball" era. (more on that another time) 10 years, the years of "Yankee's Buying Everything" 11 different teams have played with 6 different champions. Yes, the Yankees won 4 times. The Marlins won twice. But we have had a different winner every year for 5 straight years.
The point is, that Baseball is about the same as it has always been. I'll grant you that there are more teams now. So it means more teams left out in the cold. But all and all things are the same. However, at the time I am writing this, there are something like 24 teams that are 5 games or less back in division and wildcard races. In the end, I understand if you are frustrated that your team stinks. The Dodgers are just keeping their heads above water when it comes to being in the race this year. But remember what Flav says and Don't believe the hype.
-T
And don't tell me that you're sick of all of the advertising at the ballpark today too. Not like the good ole days eh?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Sim City
So I must say I have been obsessing over public transportation again. Theres a sentence that no one ever says. Its just so dog gone simple. I took a look at the LA map today and started figuring out where I'd build new subway tunnels. Wow. I dig urban planning. Its the only political job I think I could stand to have. My problem is that its just not fast enough. I'm basically looking for a life sized version of Sim City. Where I can bend and shape my city at will in a very short time span. Plus, where I can afford to make mistakes.
The other catch is that people don't all seem to agree with me. Anakin would say "then they should be made to" Well I won't go that far, but it does put a damper on the what would you do if you were in charge question. I'd spend the 10 Billion dollars that it would take to Extend the Metro Red Line from Downtown to the Beach. And dig a new Subway under the 405 from the Valley to the Airport. It would revolutionize traffic in LA. But people love their cars right? So what do you do? Tell them its for their own good. Darn that real life. You can't do that I guess. You have to actually convince them that it would be great. And of course people don't listen. And, they're afraid to try something new. They spend an hour inching through the mountains stopping and starting. Knuckles gripping the steering wheels trying to stay alert. Making sure no one cuts them off. All because they are too lazy or scared to try something new. The new thing of course would lead to a 20 minute trip, sitting down reading the newspaper and relaxing.
If it were Sim City, I'd open the subway and then bulldoze a chunk out of the freeway just to make everyone take it.
Oh well, what can you do. It does look the city is looking toward doing the right thing. Now that the full Red Line has been open for 5 years, people are starting to see how great they are and are beginning to push for new subways. Sadly it will be 2020 before they are open. ERRRRRR.
-T
The other catch is that people don't all seem to agree with me. Anakin would say "then they should be made to" Well I won't go that far, but it does put a damper on the what would you do if you were in charge question. I'd spend the 10 Billion dollars that it would take to Extend the Metro Red Line from Downtown to the Beach. And dig a new Subway under the 405 from the Valley to the Airport. It would revolutionize traffic in LA. But people love their cars right? So what do you do? Tell them its for their own good. Darn that real life. You can't do that I guess. You have to actually convince them that it would be great. And of course people don't listen. And, they're afraid to try something new. They spend an hour inching through the mountains stopping and starting. Knuckles gripping the steering wheels trying to stay alert. Making sure no one cuts them off. All because they are too lazy or scared to try something new. The new thing of course would lead to a 20 minute trip, sitting down reading the newspaper and relaxing.
If it were Sim City, I'd open the subway and then bulldoze a chunk out of the freeway just to make everyone take it.
Oh well, what can you do. It does look the city is looking toward doing the right thing. Now that the full Red Line has been open for 5 years, people are starting to see how great they are and are beginning to push for new subways. Sadly it will be 2020 before they are open. ERRRRRR.
-T
Monday, July 25, 2005
A Cynical Posting???
I'm going to do something that I hate. I'm going to make a cynical posting about something. I would have titled this post "Everything's a racket" but if I came upon a blog with that title I'd probably skip it. So here is the deal.
I was at the airport yesterday to pick up a guy that's coming to work with us for a couple of weeks. When I got there, his plane had been delayed. I left because if I got the car out of the garage in time, I wouldn't have to pay. The first 30 minutes are free. So I got the car out with 5 minutes to spare. Or so I thought. Because the entire parking lot is under construction, it was a maze trying to get out. They had taken 6 lanes down to 1 and it was crowded. It took 15 minutes to get from the Garage to the Toll Booth. When I got there the lady told me it would be one dollar. Now I can live with paying one dollar. But I told her that it had taken me 15 minutes to get from the Garage to the Toll Booth. She told me: "No, technically it doesn't." Really? Because I just drove that distance and it did. I can't believe she said that to me? I was stunned. She said. "We drive it every morning and it takes 5 minutes. You just came at our busiest time." So its my fault I guess. So you actually only have 15 minutes of free parking.
Now its not the biggest deal in the world, but it was kind of shocking to me. So I went off to kill about 45 minutes til I went back. I would be going back as close to the actual time to the plane landing as possible.
I went to this little truck stop and thought I'd buy a soda. 20 oz. sodas are usually 1.09 or something at places like that. But I saw the Dr. Peppers were on sale for 79 cents. So I got one. I didn't actually have any cash on me so I handed the lady my Debit Card. She looks at me and says "Oh sorry. We can't use cards unless its at least a Dollar" What? Why? "They just won't let us." No I have been to the occasional place that wouldn't let you use a card for under 10 or even 5 dollars. But 1 Dollar? Whats the difference? Is there some fee or something that you have to pay on card transactions that makes it not worth it? I don't know. I got a second Dr. Pepper. Then I asked if I could get cash back. She said, "No sorry. We have to run it as credit" Then she pointed to a cash machine in the store and told me that I could get cash from that. I looked at one of those Tiny Gas Station ATM's with the blinking lights and the classy Dollar Signs on them. Great. I didn't get any, and I left.
Don't think I'm overreacting or anything. I just had "one of those" half hours. I was waiting for that tax collector from Popeye to come along at the airport and tell me I had to pay a 50 cent waiting for new employee fee or something.
Alright, enough of cynicism. The world is a good place and whiners are lame. Thanks for listening.
-T
I was at the airport yesterday to pick up a guy that's coming to work with us for a couple of weeks. When I got there, his plane had been delayed. I left because if I got the car out of the garage in time, I wouldn't have to pay. The first 30 minutes are free. So I got the car out with 5 minutes to spare. Or so I thought. Because the entire parking lot is under construction, it was a maze trying to get out. They had taken 6 lanes down to 1 and it was crowded. It took 15 minutes to get from the Garage to the Toll Booth. When I got there the lady told me it would be one dollar. Now I can live with paying one dollar. But I told her that it had taken me 15 minutes to get from the Garage to the Toll Booth. She told me: "No, technically it doesn't." Really? Because I just drove that distance and it did. I can't believe she said that to me? I was stunned. She said. "We drive it every morning and it takes 5 minutes. You just came at our busiest time." So its my fault I guess. So you actually only have 15 minutes of free parking.
Now its not the biggest deal in the world, but it was kind of shocking to me. So I went off to kill about 45 minutes til I went back. I would be going back as close to the actual time to the plane landing as possible.
I went to this little truck stop and thought I'd buy a soda. 20 oz. sodas are usually 1.09 or something at places like that. But I saw the Dr. Peppers were on sale for 79 cents. So I got one. I didn't actually have any cash on me so I handed the lady my Debit Card. She looks at me and says "Oh sorry. We can't use cards unless its at least a Dollar" What? Why? "They just won't let us." No I have been to the occasional place that wouldn't let you use a card for under 10 or even 5 dollars. But 1 Dollar? Whats the difference? Is there some fee or something that you have to pay on card transactions that makes it not worth it? I don't know. I got a second Dr. Pepper. Then I asked if I could get cash back. She said, "No sorry. We have to run it as credit" Then she pointed to a cash machine in the store and told me that I could get cash from that. I looked at one of those Tiny Gas Station ATM's with the blinking lights and the classy Dollar Signs on them. Great. I didn't get any, and I left.
Don't think I'm overreacting or anything. I just had "one of those" half hours. I was waiting for that tax collector from Popeye to come along at the airport and tell me I had to pay a 50 cent waiting for new employee fee or something.
Alright, enough of cynicism. The world is a good place and whiners are lame. Thanks for listening.
-T
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Almost 30
I realized today, that July is almost over. That means August will be next. And that means my Birthday. And that means I will be 30 years old. I knew all year of course that I would be turning 30. People have asked me if I feel old and if that bothers me. I have said "no, not at all" and I meant it. But I thought about it a little today and I got a little scared.
2005 has been a big year for me so far. I have dedicated myself to self-improvement. And I feel like I have made a lot of progress. I decided to look back at my 20s as a decade of searching; feeling out, making mistakes, and seeing just what kind of person I was. At the beginning of this year, I decided that since I would turn 30, that I needed to shape up. I had gathered enough information about myself over the last 10 years and that it was time to put it all together and become something. And I have done quite a bit to that end.
However, I have used my birthday goal as an excuse as well. There have been things this year that I have wanted to improve on but have excused myself from doing so by saying that its not August yet so its ok. Eating too much fast food and not exercising would fit that bill. It was stupid to do that anyway, but now I can see my no excuses date coming quickly.
When I was a kid I played football in the fall. And I had to be in good shape when I played. Yet every summer I goofed off and didn't exercise, knowing that the day was coming that I would be running sprints and working hard in practice. I always said I'd work out in the summer so that I could make those first few weeks easier but I never did. This is like that, because I really needed to be in practice of being a better person when the day comes to lose all excuses. This situation is worse than football though because I knew someone would make me do it. All I had to do was tell my dad to sign me up, and I knew that someone would make me do what I was capable of doing on my own.
Probably everyone has had situations like this in there life. Somehow I managed to never learn what it takes to make myself do what I need to do, especially when it seems hard. And strangely though even when I really want to do it. I don't know how to make myself get up and do it. I'm paralyzed sometimes it would seem.
I have so much I want to accomplish and I am not short on drive or determination. But I am stuck in that "I'll do it tomorrow" mentality that I just can't seem to shake.
Nevertheless, the day is coming. No more excuses after that I guess. I just hope I'm strong enough to be both coach and player.
-T
2005 has been a big year for me so far. I have dedicated myself to self-improvement. And I feel like I have made a lot of progress. I decided to look back at my 20s as a decade of searching; feeling out, making mistakes, and seeing just what kind of person I was. At the beginning of this year, I decided that since I would turn 30, that I needed to shape up. I had gathered enough information about myself over the last 10 years and that it was time to put it all together and become something. And I have done quite a bit to that end.
However, I have used my birthday goal as an excuse as well. There have been things this year that I have wanted to improve on but have excused myself from doing so by saying that its not August yet so its ok. Eating too much fast food and not exercising would fit that bill. It was stupid to do that anyway, but now I can see my no excuses date coming quickly.
When I was a kid I played football in the fall. And I had to be in good shape when I played. Yet every summer I goofed off and didn't exercise, knowing that the day was coming that I would be running sprints and working hard in practice. I always said I'd work out in the summer so that I could make those first few weeks easier but I never did. This is like that, because I really needed to be in practice of being a better person when the day comes to lose all excuses. This situation is worse than football though because I knew someone would make me do it. All I had to do was tell my dad to sign me up, and I knew that someone would make me do what I was capable of doing on my own.
Probably everyone has had situations like this in there life. Somehow I managed to never learn what it takes to make myself do what I need to do, especially when it seems hard. And strangely though even when I really want to do it. I don't know how to make myself get up and do it. I'm paralyzed sometimes it would seem.
I have so much I want to accomplish and I am not short on drive or determination. But I am stuck in that "I'll do it tomorrow" mentality that I just can't seem to shake.
Nevertheless, the day is coming. No more excuses after that I guess. I just hope I'm strong enough to be both coach and player.
-T
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Team fans and Sports fans
Many people consider themselves Sports Fans. I would certainly qualify as one of those people. Then there is the question of what is your favorite team? For me, the three quick answers are and have always been; the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Washington Redskins and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Why those teams? I can trace all of my fan heritage to my father. He became a Dodger fan, in many ways, to spite his brother and father. They were Reds fans. Thats cool by me. We later moved to Florida, not far from Dodger Spring training. We later moved to Arizona. There was no MLB team there at the time. So Dodger games played all year on local radio. These things all lead to me being a fan, even though I'd never stepped foot in the city of Los Angeles. As for the Redskins, I'm not as sure. South Carolina was "Redskin Country" before the Falcons and Panthers came about. My dad followed them when he was younger, and so did I. The Gamecocks are easy. My dad went to school there. I was born while he and my mom lived there. I went to college there.
I felt no real attachment to the cities of LA or Washington. So my passions have kind of risen and fallen with my interest in that particular sport. When I live in SC in the early 90s, football was much more popular than baseball. So The Redskins were in the forefront. Now, I don't really enjoy the NFL that much anymore and Baseball has become much more important to me. Which it always was in the 80s too. So the Dodgers are a much bigger part of my sports life. Add to that, that I now feel a real attachment to the city of Los Angeles. I feel in some ways that LA is like home, so that has strengthened that bond for me.
Being a college fan is very different. There are people who either didn't go to college and just root for teams, or those that just don't care about their college and root for other teams. However, there are people like me and Stephanie. People who take great pride in where they got there education. And to them, that is the only school there is. I was a Gamecock fan all my life, so I'm glad that I got to make that my home. Stephanie was not. She did not know anything about the Gameocks until she was looking for colleges. But now she thinks of herself that way. It's the truest for of fandom that there is.
I have a problem with sports fans. I have problems with people that like football or basketball or whatever but have no particular team to like. The knock on Gamecock fans has always been that they don't know the game. That they don't care enough to get angry when their team sucks. That they just go for the social event that is football. But I'd rather have those fans. Those are fans that love their team/school. Many of them don't particularly love football. They don't necessarily care who wins the National Championship. They love their team because thats where they are from. Does it mean that they don't care to win? No. It means that they have some perspective. They know that sports is not the most important thing in life and they will live with THEIR team no matter what it does. Their standing amongst the other teams is not the most important thing in life. What is important is the incredible bond that one creates with a silly organization that will take them through their entire life. That is something incredibly human and the fact that these strange bonds can exist is more powerful than and individual game or season.
I am a Gamecock. Its part of my identity. I tattooed our mascot on our arm. It will be a part of me for as long as I'm alive. That is special. I feel sorry for people who don't have that extra relationship. I feel worse for people who are obsessed with a sport. Football Baseball whatever. Sports ARE trivial. But teams and community and fans and affiliation and being a part of something like that is something special. Win or Lose, thick or thin, thats part of who I am.
-T
As I am finishing this post, my phone rang. " Gibson....swings! And a fly ball to deep right field, this is gonna be a home run!! Unbelievable! A Home Run For Gibson! And the Dodgers have won the game 5-4! I don't Believe What I Just Saw! Thats my phone ringer. Magical moments like thats stick with you forever. And the great thing is that I share that moment with thousands of people that I have never met and will never know. Thats powerful.
Why those teams? I can trace all of my fan heritage to my father. He became a Dodger fan, in many ways, to spite his brother and father. They were Reds fans. Thats cool by me. We later moved to Florida, not far from Dodger Spring training. We later moved to Arizona. There was no MLB team there at the time. So Dodger games played all year on local radio. These things all lead to me being a fan, even though I'd never stepped foot in the city of Los Angeles. As for the Redskins, I'm not as sure. South Carolina was "Redskin Country" before the Falcons and Panthers came about. My dad followed them when he was younger, and so did I. The Gamecocks are easy. My dad went to school there. I was born while he and my mom lived there. I went to college there.
I felt no real attachment to the cities of LA or Washington. So my passions have kind of risen and fallen with my interest in that particular sport. When I live in SC in the early 90s, football was much more popular than baseball. So The Redskins were in the forefront. Now, I don't really enjoy the NFL that much anymore and Baseball has become much more important to me. Which it always was in the 80s too. So the Dodgers are a much bigger part of my sports life. Add to that, that I now feel a real attachment to the city of Los Angeles. I feel in some ways that LA is like home, so that has strengthened that bond for me.
Being a college fan is very different. There are people who either didn't go to college and just root for teams, or those that just don't care about their college and root for other teams. However, there are people like me and Stephanie. People who take great pride in where they got there education. And to them, that is the only school there is. I was a Gamecock fan all my life, so I'm glad that I got to make that my home. Stephanie was not. She did not know anything about the Gameocks until she was looking for colleges. But now she thinks of herself that way. It's the truest for of fandom that there is.
I have a problem with sports fans. I have problems with people that like football or basketball or whatever but have no particular team to like. The knock on Gamecock fans has always been that they don't know the game. That they don't care enough to get angry when their team sucks. That they just go for the social event that is football. But I'd rather have those fans. Those are fans that love their team/school. Many of them don't particularly love football. They don't necessarily care who wins the National Championship. They love their team because thats where they are from. Does it mean that they don't care to win? No. It means that they have some perspective. They know that sports is not the most important thing in life and they will live with THEIR team no matter what it does. Their standing amongst the other teams is not the most important thing in life. What is important is the incredible bond that one creates with a silly organization that will take them through their entire life. That is something incredibly human and the fact that these strange bonds can exist is more powerful than and individual game or season.
I am a Gamecock. Its part of my identity. I tattooed our mascot on our arm. It will be a part of me for as long as I'm alive. That is special. I feel sorry for people who don't have that extra relationship. I feel worse for people who are obsessed with a sport. Football Baseball whatever. Sports ARE trivial. But teams and community and fans and affiliation and being a part of something like that is something special. Win or Lose, thick or thin, thats part of who I am.
-T
As I am finishing this post, my phone rang. " Gibson....swings! And a fly ball to deep right field, this is gonna be a home run!! Unbelievable! A Home Run For Gibson! And the Dodgers have won the game 5-4! I don't Believe What I Just Saw! Thats my phone ringer. Magical moments like thats stick with you forever. And the great thing is that I share that moment with thousands of people that I have never met and will never know. Thats powerful.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Hollywood, Dreams and Motivation
2 years ago, I finished my Masters program at the University of South Carolina. (Go Cocks) I moved out to Los Angeles with Stephanie and Sonny. Our other friends from school, Shelley and Aysha moved out there too. I went to Hollywood with dreams to be fulfilled. We have established that I Love LA already. However, I went to LA for a number of reasons. I like big cities, I like sunshine, I like the Dodgers, and I want to make it in the film industry. So it didn't take a lot of research to figure out what city might be best for me.
But while living in the city of Los Angeles was always a goal for me. My dreams are much larger than that. My dreams are, and have always been, to find a meaningful way to work and live. I want to influence others. I have things to say, and stories to tell, and I have dedicated my life to telling those stories. I don't like to use the A word, but I want to make art. I want to share it with others that might enjoy it.
Right now, Steph and I are talking about Baseball. We will be taking a road trip to all the Major League stadiums in the country next year. This is a great project. We are going to get into why people go to games and why Baseball is and has been so important to America.
The only struggle sometimes is to maintain motivation. Its a difficult life that I have chosen. But it is very important to me. There are times when I think it would just be easier to keep the job I have now. It pays well, has good benefits and would be a good way to save money. There are plenty of times when I wonder if its worth it. But it is. Without a doubt. I could never be the kind of person that worked a regular job, just because it paid well and afforded me the opportunity to do things I like in my spare time.
We are going to make this movie. Its happening. It will be good too. And when its done. Steph and I will use it to show people, and we will get more money for future projects, based upon that.
Yes, me and my dreams are right on track.
-T
But while living in the city of Los Angeles was always a goal for me. My dreams are much larger than that. My dreams are, and have always been, to find a meaningful way to work and live. I want to influence others. I have things to say, and stories to tell, and I have dedicated my life to telling those stories. I don't like to use the A word, but I want to make art. I want to share it with others that might enjoy it.
Right now, Steph and I are talking about Baseball. We will be taking a road trip to all the Major League stadiums in the country next year. This is a great project. We are going to get into why people go to games and why Baseball is and has been so important to America.
The only struggle sometimes is to maintain motivation. Its a difficult life that I have chosen. But it is very important to me. There are times when I think it would just be easier to keep the job I have now. It pays well, has good benefits and would be a good way to save money. There are plenty of times when I wonder if its worth it. But it is. Without a doubt. I could never be the kind of person that worked a regular job, just because it paid well and afforded me the opportunity to do things I like in my spare time.
We are going to make this movie. Its happening. It will be good too. And when its done. Steph and I will use it to show people, and we will get more money for future projects, based upon that.
Yes, me and my dreams are right on track.
-T
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Bad News for 2004
The record setting 2004 box office has been causing quite a stir in the Hollywood world this year. With the 2005 box office doing quite well, it has had a hard time living up to last year's record setting performances. So again and again we have had to hear about how Hollywood is in a slump. Well, the slump technically ended two weeks ago when the Fantastic 4 helped Hollywood have its first weekend in a long time this year that was higher than the same weekend last year. Well I'm here to say look out. Its going to be all down hill from here. And the reason? The Bad News Bears.
The remake of the Bad News Bears comes out this weekend. I dont expect this movie to blow away any box office records, however its going to do quite well. Its going to be little movies like this that will do pretty well that will push the 2005 box office season ahead of last year. There are three potentially huge blockbusters coming at the end of this year. King Kong, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and Harry Potter 4. These movies, added to the Mighty Revenge of the Sith will counteract the 3 top 10 all-time movies that came out in 2004. But it will be the little movies that push 2005 over the top. Bad News Bears, The Wedding Crashers, The Dukes of Hazzard.
I will be seeing The Bad News Bears tomorrow nights, and I can't wait. People tend to get annoyed at remakes. Either because they have some kind of respect for the original that makes it just "wrong" to remake. Or because they are just mad that no one writes something original anymore. I like remakes fine. There are certain movies that are good ideas to update, if they still fit today. This is one of those. Its one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid. I can't wait to see Billy Bob Thornton's version of Buttermaker.
"That booger eatin spaz makes me wanna puke!"
-T
The remake of the Bad News Bears comes out this weekend. I dont expect this movie to blow away any box office records, however its going to do quite well. Its going to be little movies like this that will do pretty well that will push the 2005 box office season ahead of last year. There are three potentially huge blockbusters coming at the end of this year. King Kong, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and Harry Potter 4. These movies, added to the Mighty Revenge of the Sith will counteract the 3 top 10 all-time movies that came out in 2004. But it will be the little movies that push 2005 over the top. Bad News Bears, The Wedding Crashers, The Dukes of Hazzard.
I will be seeing The Bad News Bears tomorrow nights, and I can't wait. People tend to get annoyed at remakes. Either because they have some kind of respect for the original that makes it just "wrong" to remake. Or because they are just mad that no one writes something original anymore. I like remakes fine. There are certain movies that are good ideas to update, if they still fit today. This is one of those. Its one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid. I can't wait to see Billy Bob Thornton's version of Buttermaker.
"That booger eatin spaz makes me wanna puke!"
-T
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Los Angeles
I'd like to take a moment to talk about the City of Los Angeles California. What might be one of the most misunderstood cities on Earth. Let me come right out and say this. I Love LA. No really. I love every bit of that place. ITs big, its true. But it is an amazing place.
Myths:
The Cost of living is high. Somewhat. Rent is certainly higher there than a lot of places. Most other things are the same or cheaper. Cable is the same. Telephone cost much less. Power cost much much much less than other places I have lived. Wages are considerably higher. All that said, even rent is quite a bit less in LA than it is in San Fransisco, Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and DC.
The Traffic is awful:
Ok, thats true. But I have found that it is true most everywhere else too. Its true, you don't go anywhere in LA without a plan. There isn't going to be a lot of little whim trips to Best Buy. Its a big busy place. But what we are talking about is knowing what your doing. Know where you are going, know what you are doing? Know how to get to places and what the best way to go at what time of day is. Its not like you can't get to some places, you just need to pay a little more attention than other places.
Traffic myth part 2: Contrary to popular belief, LA has decent public transportation. I lived there for a year without a car, and I didn't sweat it in the least. There is a great subway. Its not a widespread system, but it is one very good line that runs through the heart of the city. Again. You have to do your homework, but the train and buses can get you anywhere in the city.
Everyone in LA is fake:
Um ok? I don't know what this even really means. Movie Stars? I guess so. I lived there, I'm mostly real. My neighbors and people I worked with were real. It's a city full of regular people doing regular things like everyone else.
Oh by the way, Its sunny in LA every single day. There are mountains and there is beach. There are Superstars and cowboys. It is all of the cool things you always heard about when you were a kid. Before you became jaded and crabby. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood and Vine. Dodger Stadium. La Brea Tar Pits. Venice Beach. The Santa Monica Pier. Mulholland Drive. Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive. LAX. Burbank. Ikea. The In-and-Out Burger. The Getty Center. The Disney Music Hall. The 101 freeway. The Coliseum. The Rose Bowl. The Beverly Center. Malibu. The Lakers. The Dodgers. The Walk of Fame. Grauman's Chinese Theater. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. UCLA/USC. The Shrine Auditorium and the Great Western Forum. Griffith Park and the Observatory. The Hollywood Sign. And did I mention that the Sun Shines every single day.
For my money, there is no better city on Earth.
-T
Myths:
The Cost of living is high. Somewhat. Rent is certainly higher there than a lot of places. Most other things are the same or cheaper. Cable is the same. Telephone cost much less. Power cost much much much less than other places I have lived. Wages are considerably higher. All that said, even rent is quite a bit less in LA than it is in San Fransisco, Chicago, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and DC.
The Traffic is awful:
Ok, thats true. But I have found that it is true most everywhere else too. Its true, you don't go anywhere in LA without a plan. There isn't going to be a lot of little whim trips to Best Buy. Its a big busy place. But what we are talking about is knowing what your doing. Know where you are going, know what you are doing? Know how to get to places and what the best way to go at what time of day is. Its not like you can't get to some places, you just need to pay a little more attention than other places.
Traffic myth part 2: Contrary to popular belief, LA has decent public transportation. I lived there for a year without a car, and I didn't sweat it in the least. There is a great subway. Its not a widespread system, but it is one very good line that runs through the heart of the city. Again. You have to do your homework, but the train and buses can get you anywhere in the city.
Everyone in LA is fake:
Um ok? I don't know what this even really means. Movie Stars? I guess so. I lived there, I'm mostly real. My neighbors and people I worked with were real. It's a city full of regular people doing regular things like everyone else.
Oh by the way, Its sunny in LA every single day. There are mountains and there is beach. There are Superstars and cowboys. It is all of the cool things you always heard about when you were a kid. Before you became jaded and crabby. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood and Vine. Dodger Stadium. La Brea Tar Pits. Venice Beach. The Santa Monica Pier. Mulholland Drive. Beverly Hills. Rodeo Drive. LAX. Burbank. Ikea. The In-and-Out Burger. The Getty Center. The Disney Music Hall. The 101 freeway. The Coliseum. The Rose Bowl. The Beverly Center. Malibu. The Lakers. The Dodgers. The Walk of Fame. Grauman's Chinese Theater. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. UCLA/USC. The Shrine Auditorium and the Great Western Forum. Griffith Park and the Observatory. The Hollywood Sign. And did I mention that the Sun Shines every single day.
For my money, there is no better city on Earth.
-T
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Blogging
Ok, here's one of those weird situations. The thing that you are talking about only exists because you are talking about it? Or vice versa? Whatever.
Im writing about blogging in general today, which I find a little annoying sometimes. But since my blog is about me and my interests and what gets me excited and inspires me etc. It would seem that one post about bloggin is necessary.
I have been blogging for almost two weeks now and I must say Im loving it. I may have mentioned that already.
So what is the point of this blogging? Im not really sure? But I have a lot to say. Or I feel like I do anyway. So its a form of expression. Its the 2000s version of old school diaries perhaps. Some people do it to get a message out. Mostly political in nature, and I think we know how I feel about that. Some people do it I think as a way to communicate with friends and family. They write about whats going on in their life.
I do it because it because it feels good to put my thoughts in order. I don't know that I am any different than anyone else, but I think about stuff all day. And by stuff I mean any number of random things all day long. I enjoy trying to pick out the thing my mind was on most for the day and putting it down. It works well as a sort of Journal/Diary for me. But it has a more polished feel to it. I know that one or two people in this world might read it. So I write it with that in mind. I enjoy writing, but could certainly use the practice.
I also am enjoying the community of bloggers. I ve been reading several different blogs each day. Its become quite addicting since I started doing it myself. I like to see what others are doing. And I like feeling like Im contributing to the same circle of conversation that the others are in. That might sound a bit pretentious, but it feels pretty good.
All and all, its a lot of fun. I don't know how many people are or will ever be reading this blog. But no matter, I like it anyway.
-T
Im writing about blogging in general today, which I find a little annoying sometimes. But since my blog is about me and my interests and what gets me excited and inspires me etc. It would seem that one post about bloggin is necessary.
I have been blogging for almost two weeks now and I must say Im loving it. I may have mentioned that already.
So what is the point of this blogging? Im not really sure? But I have a lot to say. Or I feel like I do anyway. So its a form of expression. Its the 2000s version of old school diaries perhaps. Some people do it to get a message out. Mostly political in nature, and I think we know how I feel about that. Some people do it I think as a way to communicate with friends and family. They write about whats going on in their life.
I do it because it because it feels good to put my thoughts in order. I don't know that I am any different than anyone else, but I think about stuff all day. And by stuff I mean any number of random things all day long. I enjoy trying to pick out the thing my mind was on most for the day and putting it down. It works well as a sort of Journal/Diary for me. But it has a more polished feel to it. I know that one or two people in this world might read it. So I write it with that in mind. I enjoy writing, but could certainly use the practice.
I also am enjoying the community of bloggers. I ve been reading several different blogs each day. Its become quite addicting since I started doing it myself. I like to see what others are doing. And I like feeling like Im contributing to the same circle of conversation that the others are in. That might sound a bit pretentious, but it feels pretty good.
All and all, its a lot of fun. I don't know how many people are or will ever be reading this blog. But no matter, I like it anyway.
-T
Monday, July 18, 2005
Public Transportation
So let me talk for a minute about this certain something that matters to me. The only thing quasi-political that I ever talk about. Because talking about politics is dumb.
In 2002, Stephanie and I went to San Francisco to visit my brother Jesse. We werent there long. Really just one full day and two nights. Jesse had to work, and Steph and I were going to have fun in San Francisco. My brother lived on a small neighborhood street in Oakland. About as normal a street as youd find anywhere. Separate Houses with yards and porches. Nice. And not overly "big city" feeling. We left his house and walked a block to the end of the street. We waited at the corner for all of about 5 minutes. A bus came, we got on, paid like a buck maybe and then went on our way. We rode the bus for what couldnt have been longer than 5-10 minutes. We got off the bus and walked to the BART station. Paid a couple of bucks and got on the Train. It took us under the bay and into the city. Easy as can be. Stephanie and I rode trolley's and buses all day that day and it was fantastic. I was in love. Public transportation is the greatest thing I had ever experienced.
In 2003, Stephanie and went to Boston. We stayed at her parents house. Another peaceful and quiet street. This time, we drove for about 5 minutes. Parked the car and got on the T. We rode the train for about 20 minutes or so. Then got out, went up to the street. Walked 2 blocks and there was Fenway Park. Why would anyone drive anywhere when they dont have to?
In 2003, we moved to LA. I had no car. People told me that you cannot possibly live in LA without a car. Guess what. Thats a lie. Now its not super easy all the time. It also depends on where you live and where you need to go and how much you want to do it. You have to make it work for you, but it does work and work well. I spent a whole year there without a car. I lived in Sherman Oaks in the Valley. But I went to, Westwood and Beverly Hills, to Hollywood, to Burbank, to Downtown and to Dodger Stadium all the time. The Red Line subway from North Hollywood to Downtown is one of my most favorite things about LA.
Of all the big cities in this country, LA does not rank highly in Public transportation. That is because it is a city that became large during and after the invention and boom of the car. Cities like this are built more spread out with car travel in mind in stead of foot travel. It can make it difficult to add public transportation.
Salt Lake City is a good example of this. The Heart of the city is quite nice. Its close together and easy to walk around, yet still very beautiful. And they have a light rail train that easily carries people around town. The rest of the city, that is all the surrounding suburbs that have been built since the 40s are spread out and sloppy. 100 miles from Provo to Ogden, the I-15 corridor is one long disgusting string of Gas Stations, Wal-Marts, Jiffy Lubes and Fast Food. Every building has a parking lot twice the size of the building around it. Which makes it both hideous and impractical for public transportation. But the Manhattan syndrome stikes fear into the hearts of the regular folk. Scared to death that they are all going to be living like the Jeffersons or the Jetsons in some high rise building with no trees and no air and no something. Well its all garbage. People want all the benefits of the city with none of the obligations. They want a mass shopping experience but want to pretend that the live by themselves and not associate with anyone else. There can only be the Country or the City folks, don't mess with Mr. In Between.
I can imagine living in a place where I can live and work and shop and entertain myself all within walking or train riding distance. While sacrificing essentially nothing except for my uninformed fears that Im going to be living in some kind of dense and polluted and crime ridden urban nightmare. Believe it, it can be great if people will be willing to make it work.
Until then I ll be riding the train, whizzing by overhead in a high speed commuter train, reading a book on my way home from work. While other are sitting still in their cars on the freeway. At least until the gas hits 3 bucks a gallon, and then I ll probably have a lot more company.
In 2002, Stephanie and I went to San Francisco to visit my brother Jesse. We werent there long. Really just one full day and two nights. Jesse had to work, and Steph and I were going to have fun in San Francisco. My brother lived on a small neighborhood street in Oakland. About as normal a street as youd find anywhere. Separate Houses with yards and porches. Nice. And not overly "big city" feeling. We left his house and walked a block to the end of the street. We waited at the corner for all of about 5 minutes. A bus came, we got on, paid like a buck maybe and then went on our way. We rode the bus for what couldnt have been longer than 5-10 minutes. We got off the bus and walked to the BART station. Paid a couple of bucks and got on the Train. It took us under the bay and into the city. Easy as can be. Stephanie and I rode trolley's and buses all day that day and it was fantastic. I was in love. Public transportation is the greatest thing I had ever experienced.
In 2003, Stephanie and went to Boston. We stayed at her parents house. Another peaceful and quiet street. This time, we drove for about 5 minutes. Parked the car and got on the T. We rode the train for about 20 minutes or so. Then got out, went up to the street. Walked 2 blocks and there was Fenway Park. Why would anyone drive anywhere when they dont have to?
In 2003, we moved to LA. I had no car. People told me that you cannot possibly live in LA without a car. Guess what. Thats a lie. Now its not super easy all the time. It also depends on where you live and where you need to go and how much you want to do it. You have to make it work for you, but it does work and work well. I spent a whole year there without a car. I lived in Sherman Oaks in the Valley. But I went to, Westwood and Beverly Hills, to Hollywood, to Burbank, to Downtown and to Dodger Stadium all the time. The Red Line subway from North Hollywood to Downtown is one of my most favorite things about LA.
Of all the big cities in this country, LA does not rank highly in Public transportation. That is because it is a city that became large during and after the invention and boom of the car. Cities like this are built more spread out with car travel in mind in stead of foot travel. It can make it difficult to add public transportation.
Salt Lake City is a good example of this. The Heart of the city is quite nice. Its close together and easy to walk around, yet still very beautiful. And they have a light rail train that easily carries people around town. The rest of the city, that is all the surrounding suburbs that have been built since the 40s are spread out and sloppy. 100 miles from Provo to Ogden, the I-15 corridor is one long disgusting string of Gas Stations, Wal-Marts, Jiffy Lubes and Fast Food. Every building has a parking lot twice the size of the building around it. Which makes it both hideous and impractical for public transportation. But the Manhattan syndrome stikes fear into the hearts of the regular folk. Scared to death that they are all going to be living like the Jeffersons or the Jetsons in some high rise building with no trees and no air and no something. Well its all garbage. People want all the benefits of the city with none of the obligations. They want a mass shopping experience but want to pretend that the live by themselves and not associate with anyone else. There can only be the Country or the City folks, don't mess with Mr. In Between.
I can imagine living in a place where I can live and work and shop and entertain myself all within walking or train riding distance. While sacrificing essentially nothing except for my uninformed fears that Im going to be living in some kind of dense and polluted and crime ridden urban nightmare. Believe it, it can be great if people will be willing to make it work.
Until then I ll be riding the train, whizzing by overhead in a high speed commuter train, reading a book on my way home from work. While other are sitting still in their cars on the freeway. At least until the gas hits 3 bucks a gallon, and then I ll probably have a lot more company.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Sunday Wrap-Up
So its Sunday again. I love Sundays. So Im sure everyone is dying to know what I thought of the Wonk. I liked it, quite a bit actually. It took a little while to get into it, but after a bit, it was pretty darned good. It was much better than the other movie, and quite different also. If this one is more true to the book, then I can see why some "book purists" may not have liked the old one very much. All and all it was very good and Im glad I saw it. We also saw the Wedding Crashers today. That was hilarious. One of the funniest movies I have seen in quite a while. Im not particularly a big comedy fan, but this one was great. I love Vince Vaughn and I may be in love now with Rachel McAdam. I ll make the appropriate adjustments to the list this week.
The Dodgers are awful. This is a big deal to me. Last year was the first year we had won the division in several years. But every year, we had been in contention until right up to the end. This year, not only does it look like we wont win the division, but we might be out of it by August. Now Im not giving up at all. We still have a lot of time. That being said, its starting to look bad. Errrrrrr
Went to the "Great" Salt Lake yesterday. That was fun I guess. It is nice to get out in the Sun and get wet. However, its not the most pleasant experience. Bugs, smelly water and, as you might image, Salt. Im glad to say I did it. Floating on the surface and all, but I dont know how often I will go.
So thats all for another relaxing Sunday. This week we will try to look a little more at movies I have seen this year and why the Box Office Slump was a bunch of nonsense. A little about public transportation too.
-Tom
The Dodgers are awful. This is a big deal to me. Last year was the first year we had won the division in several years. But every year, we had been in contention until right up to the end. This year, not only does it look like we wont win the division, but we might be out of it by August. Now Im not giving up at all. We still have a lot of time. That being said, its starting to look bad. Errrrrrr
Went to the "Great" Salt Lake yesterday. That was fun I guess. It is nice to get out in the Sun and get wet. However, its not the most pleasant experience. Bugs, smelly water and, as you might image, Salt. Im glad to say I did it. Floating on the surface and all, but I dont know how often I will go.
So thats all for another relaxing Sunday. This week we will try to look a little more at movies I have seen this year and why the Box Office Slump was a bunch of nonsense. A little about public transportation too.
-Tom
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Willie Wonka, Summer Movies and expectations
I watched Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory tonight. That is the 1971 Gene Wilder version of that movie. It was good. It was a movie I always liked, though I think that it may be a little overblown as a "cult classic." I will go see the new one tomorrow, though I dont have high hopes. Im not sure why that is, but something about it just looks kind of bland. Im kind of tired of Tim Burton by now though. Beetlejuice was great and all, because it was different but I think he has run his course a little bit. Im not hating though, I just dont have high expectations.
Now that leads me to the summer of 2005. The theme of the summer would appear to be "that was better than I thought it'd be" I feel like I have said that after every movie I have seen this year. Low expectations or great movies. A little of both I'd say. I thought Fantastic 4 would be awful and I ended up liking it. I thought Batman and War of the Worlds would be pretty good and they ended up being very good. Cinderella Man was interesting. I did not want to see that movie. I assumed it would be pretty good, but I thought it would be kind of boring. Turns out, not at all. It was very interesting. I think Madagascar may have been the only movie that was about what I figured or worse. Oh, and Dark Water. That had no where to go but up and still was as bad as I thought it would be. And then of course there was Star Wars. Talk about expectations. There has never been another movie with more riding on it than Star Wars episode III. Heres a movie I have been waiting to see most of my life, and it met and exceeded all expectations.
There seems to be a lot of talk about this summer being a dissappointment, but I simply don't see it. Im not sure how it has happened but I feel like people have gotten carried away with expectations. That is not to say that I dont think that every movie should be good. Im a filmmaker. At least somewhat. So there is no excuse for making bad movies. That being said, Im not sure what you want out of a movies like Fantastic 4, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Longest Yard. These are movies that are made for a purpose. They are like carnival rides. They're fun. I think this is one of the best summers in a while. With Wonka, Wedding Crashers, the Island, Bad News Bears and Dukes of Hazzard left to go. So I'll run down the best of list so far.
1. Revenge of the Sith
2. Cinderella Man
3. War of the Worlds
4. Batman Begins
5. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
6.The Jacket
7.Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
8.Fever Pitch
9.The Longest Yard
10The Fantastic 4
11House of Wax
12Hitch
13Bewitched
14Herbie
15Madagascar
16Mrs. Congeniality 2
----------------------------------The Good Line------------------
17Sin City
18Dark Water
19White Noise
20Boogeyman
21Cursed
everything above the line is on the plus side of mediocre and everything below is, well uh..below.
We will likely see both Wonka and Wedding Crashers tomorrow. So we will see where that goes.
-T
Now that leads me to the summer of 2005. The theme of the summer would appear to be "that was better than I thought it'd be" I feel like I have said that after every movie I have seen this year. Low expectations or great movies. A little of both I'd say. I thought Fantastic 4 would be awful and I ended up liking it. I thought Batman and War of the Worlds would be pretty good and they ended up being very good. Cinderella Man was interesting. I did not want to see that movie. I assumed it would be pretty good, but I thought it would be kind of boring. Turns out, not at all. It was very interesting. I think Madagascar may have been the only movie that was about what I figured or worse. Oh, and Dark Water. That had no where to go but up and still was as bad as I thought it would be. And then of course there was Star Wars. Talk about expectations. There has never been another movie with more riding on it than Star Wars episode III. Heres a movie I have been waiting to see most of my life, and it met and exceeded all expectations.
There seems to be a lot of talk about this summer being a dissappointment, but I simply don't see it. Im not sure how it has happened but I feel like people have gotten carried away with expectations. That is not to say that I dont think that every movie should be good. Im a filmmaker. At least somewhat. So there is no excuse for making bad movies. That being said, Im not sure what you want out of a movies like Fantastic 4, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Longest Yard. These are movies that are made for a purpose. They are like carnival rides. They're fun. I think this is one of the best summers in a while. With Wonka, Wedding Crashers, the Island, Bad News Bears and Dukes of Hazzard left to go. So I'll run down the best of list so far.
1. Revenge of the Sith
2. Cinderella Man
3. War of the Worlds
4. Batman Begins
5. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
6.The Jacket
7.Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
8.Fever Pitch
9.The Longest Yard
10The Fantastic 4
11House of Wax
12Hitch
13Bewitched
14Herbie
15Madagascar
16Mrs. Congeniality 2
----------------------------------The Good Line------------------
17Sin City
18Dark Water
19White Noise
20Boogeyman
21Cursed
everything above the line is on the plus side of mediocre and everything below is, well uh..below.
We will likely see both Wonka and Wedding Crashers tomorrow. So we will see where that goes.
-T
Friday, July 15, 2005
Getting in shape
I hate how out-of-shape I am right now. I have never been like this before. But I hate exercise even more so. Not exercise exactly, but intentional shape building exercise. Its always been so easy. I had games to play and athletic stuff to do. But right now, there just isnt much of that. So its Jogging. Ugh. I hate joggin. But I hate feeling tired and crappy too. What to do? What to do? Make up your mind to do it. I guess so. Its so easy to sit here and think about doing it. I can see it in my head. Jogging early in the morning. Push-ups and sit-ups. Pull-ups, jump rope, hit the heavy bag, drinking raw eggs, running up steps. Hmmmm if I could just think of some catchy music to go along with it. Hmmmm. The problem I have always had is that you actually have to do it. Even when I get really mad and fired up and determined to get up and do it, all it does is make my daydreams more intense and before I know it. I ve spent 30 minutes thinking about doing 15 minutes of exercise.
Its been over a week that Ive been blogging. I have often thought about starting a blog. even sat here and imagined what Id write. I never took the initiative to get started. Until my best friend Stephanie made one for me. Since I started, I have not yet lost interest and even look forward to each night writing something. I have had no trouble remembering to do it each night. Running will be the same thing. Im sure of it dammit. It must be. I will make myself go until I like it as much as this. But not tonight. I ll do it tomorrow.
If anyone reads this, and I dont exercise, you have my permission to give me a hard time. Thanks.
-T
Its been over a week that Ive been blogging. I have often thought about starting a blog. even sat here and imagined what Id write. I never took the initiative to get started. Until my best friend Stephanie made one for me. Since I started, I have not yet lost interest and even look forward to each night writing something. I have had no trouble remembering to do it each night. Running will be the same thing. Im sure of it dammit. It must be. I will make myself go until I like it as much as this. But not tonight. I ll do it tomorrow.
If anyone reads this, and I dont exercise, you have my permission to give me a hard time. Thanks.
-T
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Bridge
Charleston South Carolina is my favorite place on Earth. It is where I am from. It has always been a special place for me. In the city, there has always been one specific, iconic feature for me. The Cooper River Bridge. Its actually two bridges. The John Grace Bridge, built in 1928 and the Silas Pearman Bridge, built in the Mid 1960's. Usually just known as the Grace Bridge and the New Bridge or both simply as The Cooper River Bridge. They have been a part of the Charleston skyline for a very long time.
Time has taken its toll on the Bridges and for many many years Charleston fought to have a new one built. One bridge is 77 years old. The other, was not built big enough and was considered out-of-date just 10 years after completion. Increased traffic, both on the bridge and below is the biggest reason for replacement. The bridges weren't high enough, and the shipping gap not wide enough to accomodate the newer larger ships.
Money, of course, was the biggest obstacle. That, and a string of Governors from the upstate who wanted to pretend that the second largest port on the East Coast did not really concern the rest of the state and would not support any funding. ***errrrrr Politics. Sorry about that. There is little dislike more than talking about politics. I ll try not to let it happen again**** So after many many years of work, the money was found. Plus some help from Former Gov. Jim Hodges. Hey thanks for the Bridge Jim, how bout stay out of our football team's locker room. (more on that later)
In 2001, ground was broken on a project that was to take 5 years and cost 600 million dollars. The New Cooper River Bridge.
The new Bridge would be more than twice as high as the previous bridges. It will be the dominant feature of the city of Charleston for the next 100 years. As construction got underway, I followed pretty closely. I moved out west in summer of 2003. But I have still followed the project. http://www.cooperriverbridge.org was quite helpful in that task. I visited Charleston again in December of 04. The final connecting pieces of the new bridge were put into place. I drove across to Mt. Pleasant so that I could get some real Barbeque from Melvin's and I drove back for the last time on the rickety old Grace Bridge. *tear*
So tonight, 1 year ahead of schedule Charleston is presenting the opening of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, or the new Cooper River Bridge. A thirty minute fireworks display and official lighting of the bridge took place tonight, while the public will drive on it for the first time on Saturday.
It is not the longest bridge in the world, and it is not the widest. However, it is the longest widest bridge in the world.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The All-Star Game
I kind of avoided the All Star game yesterday, just because I was watching it and it wasnt quite finished yet. I have to say now though. The All-Star game and all that surrounds it, is one of my favorite sports events of the year. One of the things that is great about baseball, is that it is a long season. Unlike other sports, following a team's ups and downs over a whole season is what is great. There are so many games that every single day, the standings are fluctuating back and forth. The course of an entire Baseball season is a lot like a single game of basketball or football. And the All-Star game is like the half time show. But in this case, the players participate in the festivities. Its just a great time, for everyone to take a little break from the pennant races and celebrate being baseball fans. It is also great, because baseball is the only sport with separate leagues. The AL and NL are much more than just a carefully constructed organizational tool made for the purpose of structuring a schedule and post season. There is real history to these leagues. There are people, like myself, who classify themselves as a "NL guy" or "AL Girl" To me, saying a player played in the American League is like saying they play in the Canadian League. There is some pride at stake for some of us and for the players involved. I wont get into the arguments about home field advantage or how the players are selected. I just want to say, that this All-Star break was a great one. Steph and I got some Hot Dogs, beer and Cracker Jack and sat down in our living room and watched the game. And yes, the AL won again. ERRRR but what can you do? Its ok. The teams are coming out of the locker rooms now. Its time for the 2nd half. Which reminds me. Expect some posts about those damned Dodgers and how the heck we are going to get back in this race.
-Tom
-Tom
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
A little about Star Wars
I am enjoying he All-Star game tonight. Though the NL is losing, so thats not so good. But I thought Id talk about movies today, and whats been foremost on my mind over the last three months has been Star Wars.
Now, I am a Star Wars fan, thats for sure. Im not too crazy, but I do love it. I did wait in line to see it at midnight. I got there around 4pm and waited 8 hours. Not as nuts as you might think. There were a lot of people out there and it was a lot of fun.
So Star Wars mania is dying down now. The toy sections in Wal Mart are beginning to condense. And what will most likely be the last big Star Wars merchandise roll out is going away. Saturday, the movie made what will probably be its last 1 million dollar single day. And it has been just about 2 months since the movie opened to a record 50 million dollar single day. So I thought Id take a moment and reflect on the last Star Wars movie.
This just in, I liked it. When I saw it, I was amazed. Its difficult to judge a movie right away when you have looked forward to it for so long. There are no other movies like this. There is no other film in the history of movies that had this kind of expectation. In 1980, Star Wars fans learned two things. 1. That Darth Vader had a history, and a good one. and 2. That there were three other movies out there too be seen. We weren't always sure that we would see it, but Star Wars Episode 3 existed in theory and we waited 25 years to see it.
I couldnt sleep after I saw it. I got home at 3 AM and Steph and I talked about it for a while. I saw the movie 3 more times that first weekend, and have seen it 4 times since for a total of 8. It has really gotten better with each viewing. It perfectly connects the Original movies with the New films. It accomplished all it needed to accomplish, which was a lot. It met and exceeded expectations. I hate to gush all over it, but I simply cant help it. It was everything I have had in mind since I was 5 years old and much more. I am glad to have finally seen it, but Im sad to let it go.
I have spent almost all of my life that I can remember knowing some of what happened in this movie, but not knowing how. I find it weird now, to know. And like a lot of people, I dont want it to be over. I am excited to see the upcoming TV show, and to see where that might go.
This movie also represents the end of the Second trilogy. A group of movies, that as a whole has been much maligned. I must gush again and say that I have loved the Prequel Trilogy. I think it has been fantastic from start to finish. It is the perfect complementary piece to the Original Trilogy. Different in and the same in many ways. I wonder if I dont like them better in fact. All this leading to my They should remake the originals argument. But I ll save that for later.
All and all, the Star Wars fan in me is as content as can be. I got everything I wanted, and thats a great feeling.
Errr, the National League lost again. I hate the American League!
Thats all for now.
and
Ive got a bad feeling about this
-T
Now, I am a Star Wars fan, thats for sure. Im not too crazy, but I do love it. I did wait in line to see it at midnight. I got there around 4pm and waited 8 hours. Not as nuts as you might think. There were a lot of people out there and it was a lot of fun.
So Star Wars mania is dying down now. The toy sections in Wal Mart are beginning to condense. And what will most likely be the last big Star Wars merchandise roll out is going away. Saturday, the movie made what will probably be its last 1 million dollar single day. And it has been just about 2 months since the movie opened to a record 50 million dollar single day. So I thought Id take a moment and reflect on the last Star Wars movie.
This just in, I liked it. When I saw it, I was amazed. Its difficult to judge a movie right away when you have looked forward to it for so long. There are no other movies like this. There is no other film in the history of movies that had this kind of expectation. In 1980, Star Wars fans learned two things. 1. That Darth Vader had a history, and a good one. and 2. That there were three other movies out there too be seen. We weren't always sure that we would see it, but Star Wars Episode 3 existed in theory and we waited 25 years to see it.
I couldnt sleep after I saw it. I got home at 3 AM and Steph and I talked about it for a while. I saw the movie 3 more times that first weekend, and have seen it 4 times since for a total of 8. It has really gotten better with each viewing. It perfectly connects the Original movies with the New films. It accomplished all it needed to accomplish, which was a lot. It met and exceeded expectations. I hate to gush all over it, but I simply cant help it. It was everything I have had in mind since I was 5 years old and much more. I am glad to have finally seen it, but Im sad to let it go.
I have spent almost all of my life that I can remember knowing some of what happened in this movie, but not knowing how. I find it weird now, to know. And like a lot of people, I dont want it to be over. I am excited to see the upcoming TV show, and to see where that might go.
This movie also represents the end of the Second trilogy. A group of movies, that as a whole has been much maligned. I must gush again and say that I have loved the Prequel Trilogy. I think it has been fantastic from start to finish. It is the perfect complementary piece to the Original Trilogy. Different in and the same in many ways. I wonder if I dont like them better in fact. All this leading to my They should remake the originals argument. But I ll save that for later.
All and all, the Star Wars fan in me is as content as can be. I got everything I wanted, and thats a great feeling.
Errr, the National League lost again. I hate the American League!
Thats all for now.
and
Ive got a bad feeling about this
-T
Monday, July 11, 2005
All-Star Disgrace?
For anyone who might think Im about to talk badly about baseball, you dont know me yet. In the past week I have heard the term disgrace used three different times in reference to some baseball issues. The dictionary describes disgrace as "a state of dishonor" or "To bring shame and dishonor upon" or "to reduce in worth or character" Now, to me, this sounds like a pretty harsh thing to say. Lets see if these are worthy of being labeled a disgrace.
Early last week, Andrew Siciliano of the Fox Morning Extravaganza refered to Kenny Rogers being allowed to attend the All-Star Game as a disgrace. For anyone who doesnt know, Kenny Rogers, Rangers Pitcher, got a little irritated at a cameraman a few weeks ago and shoved the guy's camera. He was suspended for 20 games and fined $50,000. He is also having a great season and was voted by other players to the all star team. By rule, his suspension doesn't apply to the All-Star game. Now Andrew, and many others, feel that Rogers has no business appearing in the Game after what he did. I can certainly understand this, as it was an ugly incident. But a disgrace? C'mon Andrew. He will get announced, some fans will boo and then it will be forgotten in like 30 seconds.
Last Thursday, I was listening to, I believe, a Royals game on XM. During the game, the broadcasters were discussing Pedro Martinez's decision not to attend the All-Star game after being selected. The announcer refered to this decision as "a disgrace" Now, heres Pedro. Hes got a rough edge. He rubs people the wrong way a lot of times. Hes cocky and arrogant and has been for a long time. However, he was going to pitch on Sunday, just two games before the All-Star game. So he would not be able to pitch in the game at all. He is notoriously a bit fragile and stated that hed really like to take the extra time off to rest. Indeed, the last time he pitched in the All-Star game he injured himself and was not as good as his usual nasty self for the rest of that season. He has been to several all star games before and stated that since he would not be playing hed like to give someone else a chance to attend, who would get to play. Now you can choose to look at this with a jaded eye if you dont like him, but a disgrace? C'mon Mr. whateveryournamewas.
This weekend, I was watching Fox Sports when Rob Dibble came on. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with Dibbs. Which is to say sometimes I love him and sometimes I hate him, and he doesn't know me at all. Except for one time I talked to him on the Radio but he disagreed with me. Whateva. He was talking about this year's All-Star team. And how one person was missing. Mmm Hmm, thats right, Derek Jeter. According to Dibble, the fact that Jeter did not make the All-Star Team is "a disgrace" Now I like Jeter. I, like most things on earth with a pulse and many without, Hate the Yankees. However, Derek Jeter is a straight up baseball playing stud. He's a humper to first degree and Id build my team around this guy as much as anyone else. I think he should be in the All-Star game too. Without a doubt. I am very very surprised that he is not. But a disgrace? C'mon Dibbs, a little perspective buddy.
What I cant stand is all the superlatives. Why is everything the worst or greatest thing we ever saw. Remember when Curt Warner was one of the Greatest Quarterbacks ever? What happened to that guy? "Outrage" "travesty" "Disgrace" Can we just take it easy and watch sports from time to time. Thats what I do. Lets save these terms for things with a little more meat. Kenny Rogers threw a Tantrum. So what? Put him up next to Mark McGwire and tell me again how K Rog is a disgrace.
-T
Early last week, Andrew Siciliano of the Fox Morning Extravaganza refered to Kenny Rogers being allowed to attend the All-Star Game as a disgrace. For anyone who doesnt know, Kenny Rogers, Rangers Pitcher, got a little irritated at a cameraman a few weeks ago and shoved the guy's camera. He was suspended for 20 games and fined $50,000. He is also having a great season and was voted by other players to the all star team. By rule, his suspension doesn't apply to the All-Star game. Now Andrew, and many others, feel that Rogers has no business appearing in the Game after what he did. I can certainly understand this, as it was an ugly incident. But a disgrace? C'mon Andrew. He will get announced, some fans will boo and then it will be forgotten in like 30 seconds.
Last Thursday, I was listening to, I believe, a Royals game on XM. During the game, the broadcasters were discussing Pedro Martinez's decision not to attend the All-Star game after being selected. The announcer refered to this decision as "a disgrace" Now, heres Pedro. Hes got a rough edge. He rubs people the wrong way a lot of times. Hes cocky and arrogant and has been for a long time. However, he was going to pitch on Sunday, just two games before the All-Star game. So he would not be able to pitch in the game at all. He is notoriously a bit fragile and stated that hed really like to take the extra time off to rest. Indeed, the last time he pitched in the All-Star game he injured himself and was not as good as his usual nasty self for the rest of that season. He has been to several all star games before and stated that since he would not be playing hed like to give someone else a chance to attend, who would get to play. Now you can choose to look at this with a jaded eye if you dont like him, but a disgrace? C'mon Mr. whateveryournamewas.
This weekend, I was watching Fox Sports when Rob Dibble came on. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with Dibbs. Which is to say sometimes I love him and sometimes I hate him, and he doesn't know me at all. Except for one time I talked to him on the Radio but he disagreed with me. Whateva. He was talking about this year's All-Star team. And how one person was missing. Mmm Hmm, thats right, Derek Jeter. According to Dibble, the fact that Jeter did not make the All-Star Team is "a disgrace" Now I like Jeter. I, like most things on earth with a pulse and many without, Hate the Yankees. However, Derek Jeter is a straight up baseball playing stud. He's a humper to first degree and Id build my team around this guy as much as anyone else. I think he should be in the All-Star game too. Without a doubt. I am very very surprised that he is not. But a disgrace? C'mon Dibbs, a little perspective buddy.
What I cant stand is all the superlatives. Why is everything the worst or greatest thing we ever saw. Remember when Curt Warner was one of the Greatest Quarterbacks ever? What happened to that guy? "Outrage" "travesty" "Disgrace" Can we just take it easy and watch sports from time to time. Thats what I do. Lets save these terms for things with a little more meat. Kenny Rogers threw a Tantrum. So what? Put him up next to Mark McGwire and tell me again how K Rog is a disgrace.
-T
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Ahh Sunday
My Roomate/best friend/filmaking partner Stephanie and I went to Lagoon today. Utah's own amusement park. It was pretty cool. We rode several Roller Coasters. I enjoy roller coasters as much as anyone I guess. Though Im not one of those Roller Coaster nuts. It was a lot of fun.
Today we continued Stephanie's "80s reclamation project" by watching Die Hard. Stephanie may be the only person I know who has seen more movies than I have. She did manage, however, to make it through the 80s without seeing quite a few of the classics. So tonight we added Die Hard "Come out to the coast we'll get together, have a few laughs." Havent seen that one in a while. Awesome dude!
Played Goldeneye on Nintendo 64 for about an hour. That was fun.
Watched Sonny (Stephanie's puppy) chase a fly around the apartment for a while. That was fun.
Read some Star Wars messageboards for a while.
Listened to the Dodgers lose their 4th game in a row. Great way to head into the All-Star break.
Checked the box office. Star Wars still holding steady. Moved into 9th all time and need just a smidge over 6 mil to knock off the garbage known as Return of the King.
Fantastic 4 ended the supposed Box Office Slump. But we'll get into that later this week.
Ahh Sunday. Nothing to do and no reason to care. Relax, watch a movie, play with the dog and get ready for the week.
This week we will look at why I heard the term "Disgrace" used about three different sports issues last week, and why it makes me want to puke. The all-star game on Tuesday and why its one of my favorite sporting events of the year. And this week the New Cooper River Bridge opens in Charleston after years and years of working to make it happen, and why its pretty darned cool.
Til then, then
-T
Today we continued Stephanie's "80s reclamation project" by watching Die Hard. Stephanie may be the only person I know who has seen more movies than I have. She did manage, however, to make it through the 80s without seeing quite a few of the classics. So tonight we added Die Hard "Come out to the coast we'll get together, have a few laughs." Havent seen that one in a while. Awesome dude!
Played Goldeneye on Nintendo 64 for about an hour. That was fun.
Watched Sonny (Stephanie's puppy) chase a fly around the apartment for a while. That was fun.
Read some Star Wars messageboards for a while.
Listened to the Dodgers lose their 4th game in a row. Great way to head into the All-Star break.
Checked the box office. Star Wars still holding steady. Moved into 9th all time and need just a smidge over 6 mil to knock off the garbage known as Return of the King.
Fantastic 4 ended the supposed Box Office Slump. But we'll get into that later this week.
Ahh Sunday. Nothing to do and no reason to care. Relax, watch a movie, play with the dog and get ready for the week.
This week we will look at why I heard the term "Disgrace" used about three different sports issues last week, and why it makes me want to puke. The all-star game on Tuesday and why its one of my favorite sporting events of the year. And this week the New Cooper River Bridge opens in Charleston after years and years of working to make it happen, and why its pretty darned cool.
Til then, then
-T
Saturday, July 09, 2005
No respect for Cobb?
So I like baseball history a little bit. And Im browsing the internet today and I see Rob Neyer from ESPN.com puts up a little article about what the best historical lineup would be. His outfield consisted of Ruth in RF, Ted Williams in Left and Willie Mays in Center. Certainly this is a pretty good group of Outfielders. I might argue the Hammer (Aaron) over Williams. But I might not. He writes that it was between Mantle and Mays for CF. But where is Cobb. Ty freaking Cobb. Not exactly a light weight in the great player department. I have noticed for a few years now that Cobb is often excluded from "greatest player" discussions. Why is this? Is it because he was an A-Hole racist? Is it because he played in the "dead ball" era? Or is he just not that good? Its not the latter, thats for sure. 1st all time in batting avg. 2nd all time in Hits. 2nd all time in Runs, 4th in Doubles, 2nd in Triples, 6th in RBIs, 4th in Stolen bases. So what are we saying? Sportswriters dig the Long Ball. If you take Home runs out of the Equation. Cobb is in a class by himself. Clearly Home runs have become the single most important stat in these kinds of discussions. But if you do your homework, youll find that Cobb is good in this category also.
It was a different era in the early 1900s. Nobody hit many homeruns. Cobb was as good or better at hitting homeruns than almost everyone he played with. Cobb was in the top 10 in his league in home runs 11 times. Mantle 13 and Mays 14. Bonds 14 McGwire 10, Sosa 11 And none of these guys have a batting avg higher than 302. Thats 65 points lower than Cobb. And Cobb led the Majors in Home runs 1 time. Bonds did this once and tied for the lead another time. So considering that he is better all time than almost everyone in every meaningful category. And was among the best in his time at home runs. How can he be left out of the conversation? He cant be. Yes he played 100 years ago, but I d say in 100 years there have not been any 5 guys better than he.
By the way. I saw Dark Water and The Longest Yard today. TLY was pretty funny. Dark Water was in some ways better than expected. But that just made the bad parts more frustrating.
And if the Dodgers put any more people on the DL, I might be playing third base by the end of the year.
-T
It was a different era in the early 1900s. Nobody hit many homeruns. Cobb was as good or better at hitting homeruns than almost everyone he played with. Cobb was in the top 10 in his league in home runs 11 times. Mantle 13 and Mays 14. Bonds 14 McGwire 10, Sosa 11 And none of these guys have a batting avg higher than 302. Thats 65 points lower than Cobb. And Cobb led the Majors in Home runs 1 time. Bonds did this once and tied for the lead another time. So considering that he is better all time than almost everyone in every meaningful category. And was among the best in his time at home runs. How can he be left out of the conversation? He cant be. Yes he played 100 years ago, but I d say in 100 years there have not been any 5 guys better than he.
By the way. I saw Dark Water and The Longest Yard today. TLY was pretty funny. Dark Water was in some ways better than expected. But that just made the bad parts more frustrating.
And if the Dodgers put any more people on the DL, I might be playing third base by the end of the year.
-T
Friday, July 08, 2005
Introduction to Tom
Hello everyone. Its time to get this thing started. My name is Tom and I like movies and sports. So a lot of things that I will write about will be related to those two things. I rarely talk about Politics because I think that is generally really stupid. I do however have a strange fascination for Urban planning and public transportation. So dont be surprised if those things find there way in here from time to time. My biggest gripe in the world is people who complain. When it comes to both movies and sports, you'll find that I have little patience for people who seem to complain about everything that comes along. For people who think that whatever happened to day is the worst thing that ever happened. That also applies to people who think that whatever happened today is the greatest thing ever. I like Baseball more than any other sport. I am a Dodger fan. I am also a fan of the University of South Carolina. Go Cocks! Wait. Steve Spurrier is our football coach?!?!?!? I like Star Wars. Its not necessarily my favorite movie or set of movies, but it has been in the forefront of my mind for the better part of 2005. So for a while, I ll probably have something to say about that. I am pretty excited to do this. I have wanted to for quite a while. I thank my best friend Stephanie for setting it up for me. Id have never gotten around to it otherwise. So lets start blogging.
-T
-T
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