Current gas price at my local station: $3.11 a gallon.
Are skies really blue somewhere over the rainbow? In the case of gas prices, I don't think so. I hope so. I can dare to dream.
I NEED gas so I pay the continued increase in gas price without complaints because there’s no other alternative for me at the moment. I NEED water but I can choose to pay a buck for 24 ounces of water or find a water fountain and drink it for free. I NEED coffee and it has to be Starbucks Coffee or I’ll just be pissed off all day.
I drive a minimum of 38 miles a day to and from work. My car gets a combined 22 mpg so it costs about $5.37 a day to drive to and from work. At five days a week that’s $26.85 a week. In a month’s time I pay approximately a minimum of $107.44 for gas. That’s an 11% increase in my gas expense from a year ago. But we're not in Kansas anymore.
The Katrina disaster is also expected to effect gas prices as well. So expect gas prices to rise in the near future.
I’m not going to complain that I paid $3.11 for a gallon of gas. I need it, I’ll pay it. I hear people complain about gas prices all the while holding a 24 ounce bottle of water that they paid a dollar for at a 7-11. Gas is a scarce resource. Water is everywhere. You can drink water for free yet people throw money at water companies by paying more than $5.00 a gallon for it without complaining.
I was at Vons the other morning and walked by the Starbucks counter and heard a lady complain about gas prices to another person in line. And she was buying a cup of coffee for $1.85! She can make Starbucks coffee at home with a $9.95 bag of whole bean coffee. That’s like paying approximately 40 cents for a each cup of coffee. And she was really REALLY bitching about gas prices. YO, DOROTHY! You're paying an extra 300% for a cup coffee in order to feed your addiction! Stop the complaining!
I’m not going to complain about gas prices. I’m just going to watch my mileage a little bit more while I enjoy my 40 cent cup of STARBUCKS COFFEE every day to the very last drop. And maybe, somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And if I dare to dream of gas prices coming down, maybe my dreams will come true.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Life, Love and the World of Glenn
So what's going on in the world of The Hungry Hungry Screenwriter? Aside from using the Internet at work to writing a screenplay that hasn't been written, there are things like Sushi, photographs, a new business venture and a bit lip thrown in. Such is my life... So without further adiue... here's my world report.
IN SUSHI NEWS:
I love sushi! Love it. Sushi, sashimi, raw fish, wasabi, soy sauce, ginger, its all good, baby.
Last night during dinner, I put a piece of sashimi in my mouth, bit down and didn’t bite fish, but bit the inside of my lower lip.
My mouth was full, I didn’t want to be rude and spit it out so I chewed through the pain.
That wasn’t the worst part.
I had too much wasabi on the piece of fish and BOY DID THAT HURT! My eyes went teary, my nose flared, and my tongue started to burn. That was the hardest piece of sashimi I’ve ever had to eat.
But DAMN, was it good!
IN PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS:
You know that dinosaur picture I posted yesterday? Well, it came in second place in a photography contest for Canon G-series & Pro 1 users. There were about 16 entries for that category.
The judges comment was:
Second Place: HungryWriter, Jurassic Front Lawn - I really like this concept! I like the way the dinosaurs are hiding in the blades of grass, as if to pounce on the toes of some wayward photographer that comes their way. The yellow and green colors really tie them together. Lighting is a bit harsh and could be a bit softer, but it still works for me. Wait a minute, is that an Ankylosaurus in the foreground? (You can tell that Palaeontology was my favorite subject in college).
Thanks “Ross”! (a “FRIENDS” reference if you didn’t get it)
IN INTERNET USAGE NEWS:
Last week I uploaded a ton of pictures during my ‘down’ time at work into my Photo Gallery. That took tons of bandwidth. Visiting sites that force you to download pics, music, vids and sites with tons of pop ups will cause bandwidth usage. This is one measure of Internet use that a company can monitor. And is probably one of the things that I was guilty of on Friday when I was uploading pics from my CD into the Photo Gallery. So there will be none of that anymore. For now.
I mean, there are only a few sites I check up on. RT, a Canon User’s forum, Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Sports to update my Fantasy Baseball Team (The JakeBells), an MS Excel forum, my Blogs and a few random encounters along the way. But those are the main ones. If I get busted again for internet use, I’ll probably have to give two weeks notice and be on my way to another unfulfilling job.
IN SPEAKING OF UNFULFILING JOB NEWS:
I’m putting together a business plan package with Dale in order to start shooting ‘reels’ for actors with the possibility of marketing the process to new writers and directors. We’ll shoot a short scene for an actor for a fee, and if a director or writer would like ‘in’, they would pay a short fee to get their work produced. That way an actor, a director or even a writer can have something ‘in the can’ and use it as a calling card or ‘reel’.
This business venture will allow us to purchase our own camera, lighting package, etc. It’ll allow us to continue to produce our own films as well as get paid to produce reels for actors, directors and possibly writers.
This, contrary to the headline, is a fulfiling job opportunity!
IN HOME WIRELESS NETWORKING NEWS:
I got my new DSL modem last night and although it took a frustrating thirty or so minutes, I got all the computers to access the Internet. Now the hard part - getting them all to access the print server so we can start printing again.
And that’s that in the world of the Hungry Hungry Screenwriter.
IN SUSHI NEWS:
I love sushi! Love it. Sushi, sashimi, raw fish, wasabi, soy sauce, ginger, its all good, baby.
Last night during dinner, I put a piece of sashimi in my mouth, bit down and didn’t bite fish, but bit the inside of my lower lip.
My mouth was full, I didn’t want to be rude and spit it out so I chewed through the pain.
That wasn’t the worst part.
I had too much wasabi on the piece of fish and BOY DID THAT HURT! My eyes went teary, my nose flared, and my tongue started to burn. That was the hardest piece of sashimi I’ve ever had to eat.
But DAMN, was it good!
IN PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS:
You know that dinosaur picture I posted yesterday? Well, it came in second place in a photography contest for Canon G-series & Pro 1 users. There were about 16 entries for that category.
The judges comment was:
Second Place: HungryWriter, Jurassic Front Lawn - I really like this concept! I like the way the dinosaurs are hiding in the blades of grass, as if to pounce on the toes of some wayward photographer that comes their way. The yellow and green colors really tie them together. Lighting is a bit harsh and could be a bit softer, but it still works for me. Wait a minute, is that an Ankylosaurus in the foreground? (You can tell that Palaeontology was my favorite subject in college).
Thanks “Ross”! (a “FRIENDS” reference if you didn’t get it)
IN INTERNET USAGE NEWS:
Last week I uploaded a ton of pictures during my ‘down’ time at work into my Photo Gallery. That took tons of bandwidth. Visiting sites that force you to download pics, music, vids and sites with tons of pop ups will cause bandwidth usage. This is one measure of Internet use that a company can monitor. And is probably one of the things that I was guilty of on Friday when I was uploading pics from my CD into the Photo Gallery. So there will be none of that anymore. For now.
I mean, there are only a few sites I check up on. RT, a Canon User’s forum, Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Sports to update my Fantasy Baseball Team (The JakeBells), an MS Excel forum, my Blogs and a few random encounters along the way. But those are the main ones. If I get busted again for internet use, I’ll probably have to give two weeks notice and be on my way to another unfulfilling job.
IN SPEAKING OF UNFULFILING JOB NEWS:
I’m putting together a business plan package with Dale in order to start shooting ‘reels’ for actors with the possibility of marketing the process to new writers and directors. We’ll shoot a short scene for an actor for a fee, and if a director or writer would like ‘in’, they would pay a short fee to get their work produced. That way an actor, a director or even a writer can have something ‘in the can’ and use it as a calling card or ‘reel’.
This business venture will allow us to purchase our own camera, lighting package, etc. It’ll allow us to continue to produce our own films as well as get paid to produce reels for actors, directors and possibly writers.
This, contrary to the headline, is a fulfiling job opportunity!
IN HOME WIRELESS NETWORKING NEWS:
I got my new DSL modem last night and although it took a frustrating thirty or so minutes, I got all the computers to access the Internet. Now the hard part - getting them all to access the print server so we can start printing again.
And that’s that in the world of the Hungry Hungry Screenwriter.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Internet Usage
I know I use the Internet a lot at work. I admit it. It’s nothing I try to hide. I know there are limits to usage and I measure that by getting my job done. Without the Internet I may have never learned all I could learn about VBA or excel functions like =sumproduct or formula arrays. By learning these things, I’ve actually sped up nearly all my job processes when it comes to financial analysis.
I’d die if I didn’t have the Internet. It keeps me going. The constant feed of information, the constant access to anything from the definition of a medical term like “AICD” or a word I hear on the radio like, “unctuous”, to finding what traffic looks like before I head home or what the Dodgers are doing next to destroy their chances of winning the division. If I didn’t have the Internet available, I’d best be doing a job like filling shelves with books at Barnes & Noble or serving French Roast coffee and Vanilla Latte’s at Starbucks. Some may laugh at my mention of these jobs, and those that do laugh may not understand that I’d rather be a bookseller and/or barrista at Starbucks than a financial analyst. Maybe I’ll do both at the same time - the book and coffee thing, not the analysis and book/coffee thing. So a job without Internet access, to me, is a job that I probably will end up hating till the day I quit or get fired. So thank goodness I have access to the Internet.
That being said, I got called into the CFO’s office due to an email he sent titled “Internet Usage” followed by, ‘See me regarding.’
Uh oh…
I’ll preface this by saying, my boss has been one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. There’s no doubt that my boss has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make me feel I am doing a good job (unlike the other two places I worked at) from getting a completely unexpected raise, encouraging my continued performance and support of my analysis, and giving me days off and telling me to go home early. You can’t ask for anything more from a boss. The bottom line, he respects me and my work and in turn I try desperately to give him a product that he can rely on. I DO NOT want to be a manager, I DO NOT want to be the ‘director’ of my department as I currently am filling the role as the ‘Interim Director of Managed Care”, and I DO NOT want to be a CFO. I am happy with my position, which keeps me on the even playing field of hopefully making it in FILM someday. Every position I advance to in this industry just means the Film career is getting further away.
I hate my job but I don’t ‘hate’ it. I don’t like what I’m doing that much but how can you hate it that much when you’re given so much for doing it? A good salary, praise and recognition, free lunches at month end and job flexibility.
That being said, I am prepared to leave my job in pursuit of a Barnes & Noble or Starbucks employment or pursue an Independent film on my own if I have to.
Back to the subject of Internet Usage.
I walked into my boss’ office and asked if I was in trouble for using the Internet. He said, ‘no’, he just wanted me to be aware that my usage was double compared to everyone else. I was like, do you want me to stop? He said, and I quote, “No, you don’t have to do that,” - just be careful to close up the websites and to monitor usage and don’t go to ‘bad’ websites (in not so many words). He mentioned he was ‘completely’ satisfied with my job performance and really just wanted me to be aware and sent me on my way. No warnings (although I heed this as a warning but he could have said, don’t use the Internet and didn’t), no real repercussion (yet), he even went as far as saying, quote, “I’m the same way myself.” Yes, I’ve walked into his office and saw him managing his Fantasy Baseball team, and the Associate CFO has sent me websites with cars on it when I mentioned I liked a specific vehicle. I’m not taking the attitude that if they do it so can I, I’m taking the attitude that if I can’t, I’ll just probably die and have to find another means of income. Is it Internet addiction? Or is it information addiction? Maybe a little bit of both. The bottom line, I need the Internet. It keeps me sane and aware there is an outside world out there other than my world of financial analysis in a small office with half a window and a view of the parking lot accompanied by the constant roar of the 101 freeway fifty feet from my window.
So there you have it. I knew eventually someone might say something, I knew that I am capable of spending my whole lunch period reading articles, visiting sites, and reading my email on the Internet. But when a deadline for work has to be met, it’s going to be met. I guess… and I hope… that’s really the bottom line.
Damn… I need a raise - and an iced mocha frap with a book to read.
Here's a picture for a "TOY" theme entry I submitted.
Titled: "Jurassic Front Yard"
I used a wide angle lens and placed Jake's tiny dinosaurs on the lawn. I wanted all the grass blades to blur but the breeze wasn't heavy enough in order for me to capture this with a longer exposure. I should have used the built in ND filter since it was so bright outside.
I’d die if I didn’t have the Internet. It keeps me going. The constant feed of information, the constant access to anything from the definition of a medical term like “AICD” or a word I hear on the radio like, “unctuous”, to finding what traffic looks like before I head home or what the Dodgers are doing next to destroy their chances of winning the division. If I didn’t have the Internet available, I’d best be doing a job like filling shelves with books at Barnes & Noble or serving French Roast coffee and Vanilla Latte’s at Starbucks. Some may laugh at my mention of these jobs, and those that do laugh may not understand that I’d rather be a bookseller and/or barrista at Starbucks than a financial analyst. Maybe I’ll do both at the same time - the book and coffee thing, not the analysis and book/coffee thing. So a job without Internet access, to me, is a job that I probably will end up hating till the day I quit or get fired. So thank goodness I have access to the Internet.
That being said, I got called into the CFO’s office due to an email he sent titled “Internet Usage” followed by, ‘See me regarding.’
Uh oh…
I’ll preface this by saying, my boss has been one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. There’s no doubt that my boss has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make me feel I am doing a good job (unlike the other two places I worked at) from getting a completely unexpected raise, encouraging my continued performance and support of my analysis, and giving me days off and telling me to go home early. You can’t ask for anything more from a boss. The bottom line, he respects me and my work and in turn I try desperately to give him a product that he can rely on. I DO NOT want to be a manager, I DO NOT want to be the ‘director’ of my department as I currently am filling the role as the ‘Interim Director of Managed Care”, and I DO NOT want to be a CFO. I am happy with my position, which keeps me on the even playing field of hopefully making it in FILM someday. Every position I advance to in this industry just means the Film career is getting further away.
I hate my job but I don’t ‘hate’ it. I don’t like what I’m doing that much but how can you hate it that much when you’re given so much for doing it? A good salary, praise and recognition, free lunches at month end and job flexibility.
That being said, I am prepared to leave my job in pursuit of a Barnes & Noble or Starbucks employment or pursue an Independent film on my own if I have to.
Back to the subject of Internet Usage.
I walked into my boss’ office and asked if I was in trouble for using the Internet. He said, ‘no’, he just wanted me to be aware that my usage was double compared to everyone else. I was like, do you want me to stop? He said, and I quote, “No, you don’t have to do that,” - just be careful to close up the websites and to monitor usage and don’t go to ‘bad’ websites (in not so many words). He mentioned he was ‘completely’ satisfied with my job performance and really just wanted me to be aware and sent me on my way. No warnings (although I heed this as a warning but he could have said, don’t use the Internet and didn’t), no real repercussion (yet), he even went as far as saying, quote, “I’m the same way myself.” Yes, I’ve walked into his office and saw him managing his Fantasy Baseball team, and the Associate CFO has sent me websites with cars on it when I mentioned I liked a specific vehicle. I’m not taking the attitude that if they do it so can I, I’m taking the attitude that if I can’t, I’ll just probably die and have to find another means of income. Is it Internet addiction? Or is it information addiction? Maybe a little bit of both. The bottom line, I need the Internet. It keeps me sane and aware there is an outside world out there other than my world of financial analysis in a small office with half a window and a view of the parking lot accompanied by the constant roar of the 101 freeway fifty feet from my window.
So there you have it. I knew eventually someone might say something, I knew that I am capable of spending my whole lunch period reading articles, visiting sites, and reading my email on the Internet. But when a deadline for work has to be met, it’s going to be met. I guess… and I hope… that’s really the bottom line.
Damn… I need a raise - and an iced mocha frap with a book to read.
Here's a picture for a "TOY" theme entry I submitted.
Titled: "Jurassic Front Yard"
I used a wide angle lens and placed Jake's tiny dinosaurs on the lawn. I wanted all the grass blades to blur but the breeze wasn't heavy enough in order for me to capture this with a longer exposure. I should have used the built in ND filter since it was so bright outside.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Apple Store Entry
Yeah, I'm in the Apple Store waiting for pictures to print at KITS CAMERA in the Galleria. I have nothing else to do but browse the stores and wish for more money. But I spent some cash on a buy 2 filters for 1 deal at KITS. Not bad since they are quality filters that I was going to order online for more money.
I went into the LEGO store and saw some things that make me want to get into LEGOS. A Lego Chess set with a "Knight" theme and a new KNIGHT set of Legos that I really like.
So help me, I'm going to start it up but have to keep it from the kids becuase they'll just thrash it.
I dread going outside. Its like 100 degrees out there. EVERYONE is at the mall. It took forever to find parking. And I'm going to play paintballin this heat? I'm crazy. But you got ta do what ya got ta do.
What am I going to do for another 20 minutes?
Okay, out.
I went into the LEGO store and saw some things that make me want to get into LEGOS. A Lego Chess set with a "Knight" theme and a new KNIGHT set of Legos that I really like.
So help me, I'm going to start it up but have to keep it from the kids becuase they'll just thrash it.
I dread going outside. Its like 100 degrees out there. EVERYONE is at the mall. It took forever to find parking. And I'm going to play paintballin this heat? I'm crazy. But you got ta do what ya got ta do.
What am I going to do for another 20 minutes?
Okay, out.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Photo Gallery
I created a photo gallery. Whenever I post an image on my blog it'll come from my photo gallery.
If you want to view it it's here:
Glenn's Pictures
In other HungryWriter Blogging news...
Me like Baseball Cards
I use to have a pretty decent collection of a few cards. I sold some really good ones way back when - when I needed money is when.
Here's one I now want.
Someone buy it for me because I'm not going to start collecting... YET! :)
If you want to view it it's here:
Glenn's Pictures
In other HungryWriter Blogging news...
Me like Baseball Cards
I use to have a pretty decent collection of a few cards. I sold some really good ones way back when - when I needed money is when.
Here's one I now want.
Someone buy it for me because I'm not going to start collecting... YET! :)
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
March of the Penguins
I totally forgot that I saw this movie with the kids. It was the three of us. This movie is making some money despite the lack of commercialized storyline and summer box office appeal. It’s hard to tell from the lack of patrons at the theater during the 11:00 Saturday morning show.We bought popcorn and waited for the movie to start. An older couple came in and made their way to seats directly behind us. I was like, ‘why would they want to sit right behind us with all these seats in the theater?’ Then I heard the lady say, ‘lets sit here so we can hear the kids.’ Whew. I was like, ‘good I don’t have to shush them too much during the movie’.
The movie was 84 minutes long. That’s not even feature length and it has made more money than “The Island”. Was “The Island” that bad? Theaters have dropped that movie like a load of bricks. There are more theaters playing “March of the Penguins” than “The Island” now. How could it be that bad? Was it?
MofP was a documentary style film with Morgan Freeman narrating. It was well done. But, I have to admit, about 30 minutes too long. It’s a good 1 hour television type show to watch. I did learn a lot. But with about 30 minutes left, the kids were really getting bored.
The one thing I really found captivating was how they movie showed the unconditional love (and monogamous relationship) a pair of penguins seem to have for each other and their baby. When the two parents fall in love and court each other prior to mating is pretty amazing and quite romantic. It’s like a very deep love affair. The emotional pain they go through when some lose their young to the cold or other factors seems, as Morgan Freeman says, “Unbearable”.
Kids Bella’s age (2) were captivated by the movie for the first hour. One comment Bella made at the beginning of the movie when the Penguins would glide or slide on their belly when they tire was, “I wanna do that.” The lady behind us giggled.
I recommend this simple movie to just about anyone.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Laziness...
We all are so sue me.
And so I do some free typing on the keyboard.
I have a headache.
Possibly a migraine.
Possibly due to fatigue.
Possibly due to this tiny rubber 'super ball' I fell asleep on Saturday night. I thought it was just a kink in the bed sheet. So I moved a little and found a better position. But a nagging iritation kept me on edge for most of the night. I woke up to 'smooth' the kink out and found a rubber ball.
Yesterday, after a wedding day full of festivities, I went to the mall where those Chinese guys massage you on a chair for 15 minutes. It didn't work. And my fifteen bucks went down the tubes.
Last night I was in so much pain I was trying desperately to reach the pain in my back with my knuckle and just jabbed it into the tension area.
I woke up sore. As if someone pounded me there a couple of times throughout the night.
Now its too tender to touch and I can't lay on it. My pain threshold is very low when it comes to these things. Which is opposite of getting slammed to the ground by a wrestler, being choked out on the mat, or getting hit by four or five paintballs while standing on the sideline already dead. That pain I accept, I welcome, I endure. BRING IT ON!!! But don't touch me in the back right now. It hurts too much and I'll cry like a friggen baby.
Before I go to bed, here's two pictures I took over the weekend.
First Jake and his funny face.
Then Bella at a wedding. Jake said she looked like an angel. Little "Angel-Bella".
Did some PS work on the bg to blur it out.
Yes, more on the wedding some other time when my back feels better and my thoughts are gathered and I'm not in that laziness state that WE ALL GET INTO.
So sue me.
I'm out. Good night y'all.
And so I do some free typing on the keyboard.
I have a headache.
Possibly a migraine.
Possibly due to fatigue.
Possibly due to this tiny rubber 'super ball' I fell asleep on Saturday night. I thought it was just a kink in the bed sheet. So I moved a little and found a better position. But a nagging iritation kept me on edge for most of the night. I woke up to 'smooth' the kink out and found a rubber ball.
Yesterday, after a wedding day full of festivities, I went to the mall where those Chinese guys massage you on a chair for 15 minutes. It didn't work. And my fifteen bucks went down the tubes.
Last night I was in so much pain I was trying desperately to reach the pain in my back with my knuckle and just jabbed it into the tension area.
I woke up sore. As if someone pounded me there a couple of times throughout the night.
Now its too tender to touch and I can't lay on it. My pain threshold is very low when it comes to these things. Which is opposite of getting slammed to the ground by a wrestler, being choked out on the mat, or getting hit by four or five paintballs while standing on the sideline already dead. That pain I accept, I welcome, I endure. BRING IT ON!!! But don't touch me in the back right now. It hurts too much and I'll cry like a friggen baby.
Before I go to bed, here's two pictures I took over the weekend.
First Jake and his funny face.
Then Bella at a wedding. Jake said she looked like an angel. Little "Angel-Bella".
Did some PS work on the bg to blur it out.
Yes, more on the wedding some other time when my back feels better and my thoughts are gathered and I'm not in that laziness state that WE ALL GET INTO.
So sue me.
I'm out. Good night y'all.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Top 5 best high school movies of all time
From a list read on the radio, here are “Top 5 best high school movies of all time.”
1. Breakfast Club
2. Grease
3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
4. Dazed and Confused
5. Clueless
It’s hard to argue with any of these. But there are a few notables from my time that sure can battle out for the top 5.
Breakfast Club – taking the number 1 spot could possibly be the most "deservant" movie for any on the list. It’s definitely one of the best and sure deserves top spot. The characters, the music, the Saturday detention - anyone who has been in high school can identify. It is a great movie. I love this movie.
Grease – Eh... Fun, love it, it’s cool… but it ain’t real. Musicals should have their own category of their own. If Greese makes it, then we have to consider something like West Side Story. Both are good, but it’s not what I would categorize as the best high school movie. But I understand its importance in high school movies. I’d move that off and replace it with American Graffiti if you want to go time period.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High – But of course. This movie could contend for number 1 in my book. I wonder if teenagers now would like it. This movie had a great cast of characters and could possibly be Sean Penn’s best performance ever. I haven’t seen this movie in years. I think I need to buy it.
Dazed and Confused - Funny, funny, funny. Been there done that. Or at least witnessed this from the sidelines as I was a kid in the 70s. Identifying with it from a far is definitely how I would associate myself with the film and the time period. That crazy Ben Affleck. Oustide of Goodwill Hunting, this might be the only other movie he’s been good in.
Clueless - Well, like, sh-yeah. Of course this has to be a top fiver. Alicia Silverstone was just the perfect actor for this movie too. Talk about a movie with voice overs! But it totally worked and has grown to be a favorite high school movie to many that watched it. So watch it.
Here are some notables that didn’t make the top 5 in no particular order.
Sixteen Candles - The dance, the party, the geeks, the jocks. Romance. It’s all there.
Risky Business – The stress of final exams and Rebecca De Mornay. Should I say more? This could be my favorite high school movie of all time!
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Could even be a number 1. One of the greatest movies ever!
The Karate Kid – This kinda fits the sports movie category. But I still have to add it to my list.
Election – From Ferris Bueller to Mr. McAllister. Watch this for Matthew Broderick alone.
American Pie – Did you laugh more in a high school movie?
Pretty in Pink – followed on the heels of Sixteen Candles. But not as good.
Some Kind of Wonderful – Some of us would have given up their college fund to buy something for Lea Thompson!
Can’t Buy Love – Another Some Kind of Wonderful type movie. Patrick Dempsey was great in this. They remade this movie a few years ago and called it, “Love don’t cost a thing.” It was a horrible remake.
Bring it On – This movie was better than expected. A surprisingly entertaining film staring Kirsten Dunst.
Get Over It – and speaking of Kirsten Dunst, this movie is one of my favorite movies about high school and I saw it as an adult, married and with kids. A sleeper of a film but very well done and enjoyable.
Footloose – Corny now maybe, but man, this movie made an impact.
The Outsiders – Girls, if you haven’t seen this, you’re in for a male hunk treat!
Other notables:
Three O’clock High
Lucas
All the Right Moves
Rocket Boys
Varsity Blues
Nightmare on Elm Street
Better Luck Tomorrow
Donnie Darko
Let me know any others you might think I missed.
1. Breakfast Club
2. Grease
3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
4. Dazed and Confused
5. Clueless
It’s hard to argue with any of these. But there are a few notables from my time that sure can battle out for the top 5.
Breakfast Club – taking the number 1 spot could possibly be the most "deservant" movie for any on the list. It’s definitely one of the best and sure deserves top spot. The characters, the music, the Saturday detention - anyone who has been in high school can identify. It is a great movie. I love this movie.Grease – Eh... Fun, love it, it’s cool… but it ain’t real. Musicals should have their own category of their own. If Greese makes it, then we have to consider something like West Side Story. Both are good, but it’s not what I would categorize as the best high school movie. But I understand its importance in high school movies. I’d move that off and replace it with American Graffiti if you want to go time period.Fast Times at Ridgemont High – But of course. This movie could contend for number 1 in my book. I wonder if teenagers now would like it. This movie had a great cast of characters and could possibly be Sean Penn’s best performance ever. I haven’t seen this movie in years. I think I need to buy it.Dazed and Confused - Funny, funny, funny. Been there done that. Or at least witnessed this from the sidelines as I was a kid in the 70s. Identifying with it from a far is definitely how I would associate myself with the film and the time period. That crazy Ben Affleck. Oustide of Goodwill Hunting, this might be the only other movie he’s been good in.Clueless - Well, like, sh-yeah. Of course this has to be a top fiver. Alicia Silverstone was just the perfect actor for this movie too. Talk about a movie with voice overs! But it totally worked and has grown to be a favorite high school movie to many that watched it. So watch it.Here are some notables that didn’t make the top 5 in no particular order.
Sixteen Candles - The dance, the party, the geeks, the jocks. Romance. It’s all there.
Risky Business – The stress of final exams and Rebecca De Mornay. Should I say more? This could be my favorite high school movie of all time!
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Could even be a number 1. One of the greatest movies ever!
The Karate Kid – This kinda fits the sports movie category. But I still have to add it to my list.
Election – From Ferris Bueller to Mr. McAllister. Watch this for Matthew Broderick alone.
American Pie – Did you laugh more in a high school movie?
Pretty in Pink – followed on the heels of Sixteen Candles. But not as good.
Some Kind of Wonderful – Some of us would have given up their college fund to buy something for Lea Thompson!
Can’t Buy Love – Another Some Kind of Wonderful type movie. Patrick Dempsey was great in this. They remade this movie a few years ago and called it, “Love don’t cost a thing.” It was a horrible remake.
Bring it On – This movie was better than expected. A surprisingly entertaining film staring Kirsten Dunst.
Get Over It – and speaking of Kirsten Dunst, this movie is one of my favorite movies about high school and I saw it as an adult, married and with kids. A sleeper of a film but very well done and enjoyable.
Footloose – Corny now maybe, but man, this movie made an impact.
The Outsiders – Girls, if you haven’t seen this, you’re in for a male hunk treat!
Other notables:
Three O’clock High
Lucas
All the Right Moves
Rocket Boys
Varsity Blues
Nightmare on Elm Street
Better Luck Tomorrow
Donnie Darko
Let me know any others you might think I missed.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
One of those random thought days...
Work was blah. No Internet for most of the day till I.S. finally sat down and got it to work. It slowed me down as I use some websites for financial information to do some analysis. So I just did some VBA macro programing on EXCEL and played with this vlookup UDF I was fine tuning.
Yeah, you don't hear that side of me too much but I do some programming. It sucks. I hate it. But it makes life so much easier... er... faster... when you can get Excel to do things most analyst can't. I mean, I've walked into several jobs where they say it takes four days to do such and such... well, that's because former analyst were doing it the primative way. Cut that into two days, then one, and then I can spend time learning more about VBA and other nerdy things.
Anyway, I stepped into this job where there have been tons of tedious work. And some work that you'd take too many steps in order to come up with something. It's streamlined in a way. Problem is... everytime I run the task, I find something else I'd like to add to make it more streamlined and yes, more complicated for anyone who has to do my job. And that's kinda a problem. I'm the only one who understands the workflow and to put it in some job description would be like writing a very detailed manual. And I ain't gonna do it! lol Job security?
I've had two job interviews on the phone in two weeks. All I did was made my resume active on Monster again, just to see what would happen and suddenly I'm emailed and called. There's one job that is totally outside my realm with a pay cut but... it is totally interesting. An analyst for the restaurant industry. That totally made me excited. I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS INDUSTRY so yeah, its unlikely. But man, the job description was totally up my alley and totally looked like fun.
Then there's Kasier, and this hospital and that hospital. BLECH! Why can't I just be happy with the industry I'm in? Who knows. But I hate it.
And every since Donna became a Regsitered Nurse I've been like... I don't care about work. My attitude stinks. If we move up North they are paying nurses DOUBLE. That would take care of my income right there and I can just open up a karate dojo and that would be that. Donna's classmate is getting mega bucks. MORE THAN ME (per hour)!!! And they just got out of school! WOW! I should be a nurse.
HELL NO!!!
Yawn.
Big Brother 6 sucks. I hate it. This is why I don't like watching reality TV. Because I get all drawn in and get pissed off at the stupid ass people and then I regret ever getting started. UGH! WHY?!?!?!
I have to pick and choose my reality TV. American Idol and... I'll have to leave it at that.
I made a killer dinner tonight. Spaghetti, Italian sausage, some French bread and when Donna came home around 8:00, I opened a bottle of wine.
Bella ate a lot. I love watching her eat spaghetti. I have to video tape it. Jake wasn't hungry for some reason. Poor kid is feeling sick. So he just sat at the table as Bella and I ate some serious pasta!
Donna came home and the kids were cleaned and in bed. I watched her eat, we had a glass of wine then cussed at the TV for an hour. STUPID BIG BROTHER 6!!! That friendship has got to go. Kaysar man... you're da man! Sorry to see you leave again.
I got my Tiffen 2x Telephoto in the mail. I didn't have anything to shoot but I took it outside and found the moon. So before Big Brother, I shot the moon at different speeds and aperture settings. It's not a full moon and the pictures turn out a little oval because see... THE MOON MOVES. So at a slow shutter, its moving and looks like an oval.
Here's a crop.
EXIF: Shutter 1/320, Aperture 3.0, Digital Zoom 4.1
Any tips on shooting the moon?
At any slower speed the moon started to blow out. 1/320 was the best out of the bunch.
Jessie called. She hates it in Dallas. I told her to hang in there. It's only been two days. Her dad is making her take her sidekick cell phone away at 9PM every night. According to Jessica, its because she complained about not liking school. But of course, this is Jessica's side of the story.
I told her to hang in there and do good in school. She'll eventually make friends. She won't even need to try. And once that 'boy' comes her way... she won't think about coming back to Cali... LOL
Well, off to lala land due to wine drowsiness.
Yeah, you don't hear that side of me too much but I do some programming. It sucks. I hate it. But it makes life so much easier... er... faster... when you can get Excel to do things most analyst can't. I mean, I've walked into several jobs where they say it takes four days to do such and such... well, that's because former analyst were doing it the primative way. Cut that into two days, then one, and then I can spend time learning more about VBA and other nerdy things.
Anyway, I stepped into this job where there have been tons of tedious work. And some work that you'd take too many steps in order to come up with something. It's streamlined in a way. Problem is... everytime I run the task, I find something else I'd like to add to make it more streamlined and yes, more complicated for anyone who has to do my job. And that's kinda a problem. I'm the only one who understands the workflow and to put it in some job description would be like writing a very detailed manual. And I ain't gonna do it! lol Job security?
I've had two job interviews on the phone in two weeks. All I did was made my resume active on Monster again, just to see what would happen and suddenly I'm emailed and called. There's one job that is totally outside my realm with a pay cut but... it is totally interesting. An analyst for the restaurant industry. That totally made me excited. I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS INDUSTRY so yeah, its unlikely. But man, the job description was totally up my alley and totally looked like fun.
Then there's Kasier, and this hospital and that hospital. BLECH! Why can't I just be happy with the industry I'm in? Who knows. But I hate it.
And every since Donna became a Regsitered Nurse I've been like... I don't care about work. My attitude stinks. If we move up North they are paying nurses DOUBLE. That would take care of my income right there and I can just open up a karate dojo and that would be that. Donna's classmate is getting mega bucks. MORE THAN ME (per hour)!!! And they just got out of school! WOW! I should be a nurse.
HELL NO!!!
Yawn.
Big Brother 6 sucks. I hate it. This is why I don't like watching reality TV. Because I get all drawn in and get pissed off at the stupid ass people and then I regret ever getting started. UGH! WHY?!?!?!
I have to pick and choose my reality TV. American Idol and... I'll have to leave it at that.
I made a killer dinner tonight. Spaghetti, Italian sausage, some French bread and when Donna came home around 8:00, I opened a bottle of wine.
Bella ate a lot. I love watching her eat spaghetti. I have to video tape it. Jake wasn't hungry for some reason. Poor kid is feeling sick. So he just sat at the table as Bella and I ate some serious pasta!
Donna came home and the kids were cleaned and in bed. I watched her eat, we had a glass of wine then cussed at the TV for an hour. STUPID BIG BROTHER 6!!! That friendship has got to go. Kaysar man... you're da man! Sorry to see you leave again.
I got my Tiffen 2x Telephoto in the mail. I didn't have anything to shoot but I took it outside and found the moon. So before Big Brother, I shot the moon at different speeds and aperture settings. It's not a full moon and the pictures turn out a little oval because see... THE MOON MOVES. So at a slow shutter, its moving and looks like an oval.
Here's a crop.
EXIF: Shutter 1/320, Aperture 3.0, Digital Zoom 4.1
Any tips on shooting the moon?
At any slower speed the moon started to blow out. 1/320 was the best out of the bunch.
Jessie called. She hates it in Dallas. I told her to hang in there. It's only been two days. Her dad is making her take her sidekick cell phone away at 9PM every night. According to Jessica, its because she complained about not liking school. But of course, this is Jessica's side of the story.
I told her to hang in there and do good in school. She'll eventually make friends. She won't even need to try. And once that 'boy' comes her way... she won't think about coming back to Cali... LOL
Well, off to lala land due to wine drowsiness.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Like father like son like daughter…
Yesterday, during a very aggressive move, I realized I had opened myself up to about three lines of fire from different positions on the paintball field. Balls came flying at me from different directions as I ran full speed while trying to stay low and eventually took a fall that is best described as a ‘face plant’. The ref ran over to me and checked to see if I was okay and also to inform me that I was shot.
Yesterday, during a very aggressive move, Bella realized her feet weren’t as fast as she thinks they are when running down the sidewalk. They gave way, her knees hit first followed by what’s best described as a ‘face plant’. Grandma, Jake and Auntie Lori ran to her aide where luckily only blood came out of her mouth and not a tooth.
The events happened nearly simultaneously, give or take an hour, but the results were far from similar. I had a facemask on that protected my mouth and I got up only spitting dirt. Bella had two of the prettiest lips to fall on and she came up spitting blood.
Her lips look like Jake’s after the whole Universal Studios tragedy (read all about it here). Her knees are scraped up and red and look worse than her lips.
But by morning she forgot all about it and wasn’t complaining or trying to get sympathy from anyone.
So Jake did the face plant thing, followed by Bella and me.
Whew.
Having kids is stressful sometimes.
That's three of us... Uh oh. Watch out Donna and Jessica, you might be next!
On to other Hungry Hungry Screenwriter shtuffff… after coming in as a “Special Mention” in my first entry for a G-Series photo competition I made it to a 3rd place finish the following week. This past week, another 3rd place finish (out of 15 total entries) with this:
The theme was: Self-Portrait
Goal: To use good lightings and have the photograph have most of your face - make sure it's your own - make a major contribution to the message you're wanting to convey. 640pixels wide on its longest side.
It took me all week to figure out what to do. I figured it shouldn’t be the traditional take a picture of yourself and smile, or a snap shot of yourself in a mirror – which several people did. I decided to take a different perspective on this picture with a self-portrait of me and where I spend most of my free time to write or do things like enter Canon G-Series competitions.
Titled: “Looking Down on Creation”.
Camera: G6, Shutter: 1/10 Aperture: 2.2 Tripod extended to full length.
Placed my tripod on top of the table till it hit the ceiling then shot down on where I write (or 'create') my screenplays. You can see the remote for the camera hidden under my right hand.
Judges comment: Third Place: HungryWriter - "Looking down on creation..."
I like this photo of its great colours and lightings and very clever way of composing the shot. Are you sure this is not a shot from your security camera? Good job.
Well, I don’t see great colours. Lighting was natural from open windows and the chandelier.
Here’s the setup:
I’m slowly working my up to a 1st place finish.
FINALLY...
A SHOUT OUT TO JESSICA!!!
Who starts her first day at her new school all the way down in TEXAS.
GOOD LUCK JESSIE WESSIE! We're thinking about you. Where do we put all your stuff? I'm taking over your room and making it an office! You can sleep in the pantry when you visit!
Yesterday, during a very aggressive move, Bella realized her feet weren’t as fast as she thinks they are when running down the sidewalk. They gave way, her knees hit first followed by what’s best described as a ‘face plant’. Grandma, Jake and Auntie Lori ran to her aide where luckily only blood came out of her mouth and not a tooth.
The events happened nearly simultaneously, give or take an hour, but the results were far from similar. I had a facemask on that protected my mouth and I got up only spitting dirt. Bella had two of the prettiest lips to fall on and she came up spitting blood.
Her lips look like Jake’s after the whole Universal Studios tragedy (read all about it here). Her knees are scraped up and red and look worse than her lips.
But by morning she forgot all about it and wasn’t complaining or trying to get sympathy from anyone.
So Jake did the face plant thing, followed by Bella and me.
Whew.
Having kids is stressful sometimes.
That's three of us... Uh oh. Watch out Donna and Jessica, you might be next!
On to other Hungry Hungry Screenwriter shtuffff… after coming in as a “Special Mention” in my first entry for a G-Series photo competition I made it to a 3rd place finish the following week. This past week, another 3rd place finish (out of 15 total entries) with this:
The theme was: Self-Portrait
Goal: To use good lightings and have the photograph have most of your face - make sure it's your own - make a major contribution to the message you're wanting to convey. 640pixels wide on its longest side.
It took me all week to figure out what to do. I figured it shouldn’t be the traditional take a picture of yourself and smile, or a snap shot of yourself in a mirror – which several people did. I decided to take a different perspective on this picture with a self-portrait of me and where I spend most of my free time to write or do things like enter Canon G-Series competitions.
Titled: “Looking Down on Creation”.
Camera: G6, Shutter: 1/10 Aperture: 2.2 Tripod extended to full length.
Placed my tripod on top of the table till it hit the ceiling then shot down on where I write (or 'create') my screenplays. You can see the remote for the camera hidden under my right hand.
Judges comment: Third Place: HungryWriter - "Looking down on creation..."
I like this photo of its great colours and lightings and very clever way of composing the shot. Are you sure this is not a shot from your security camera? Good job.
Well, I don’t see great colours. Lighting was natural from open windows and the chandelier.
Here’s the setup:
I’m slowly working my up to a 1st place finish.
FINALLY...
A SHOUT OUT TO JESSICA!!!
Who starts her first day at her new school all the way down in TEXAS.
GOOD LUCK JESSIE WESSIE! We're thinking about you. Where do we put all your stuff? I'm taking over your room and making it an office! You can sleep in the pantry when you visit!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Can I make a million dollars working in the food service industry?
And so it’s official. Donna is a full-fledged Registered Nurse. After WEEKS of waiting on results that should have been posted in three days, a transcript mishap and some crying on the phone finally got the process going in the right direction and all stress is now relieved. She passed the NCLEX exam!!!
I had no doubt in my mind. I mean, I am a statistic guru and based on some research I did on pass/fail results, only 5 people in her class of 30somthing should fail based on percentages. And she’s definitely not one of those 5 in my opinion. If she was, she would have just made the grade to pass nursing school instead of trying to get an "A" in every class... she did extremely well going to school while juggling a house filled with wild and crazy nuts.
Whew. It’s done. It’s over. No more studying. A double income family. An opportunity for me to work at Starbucks, Barnes & Noble AND Jamba Juice all at the same time.
Maybe I should do a movie about a guy who’s only goal in life is to work at these retail/food service business with the ultimate goal to be a self-made millionaire. I mean, the book alone would put him over the million dollar mark! And it’s all research for me as I’m writing the script about this guy which is actually a biography rather than fiction. It’ll be a ‘based on a true story’ card after the titles just like in “Fargo”! Except there’s no death in a wood shredder scene. Or… maybe there will be.
Congrats, hon.
In other HungryScreenwriter news…
Donna and I headed to El Portal theater in NoHo to watch Suhaila’s show, “Sheherezade”. It was opening night and there was a pretty good turnout for a Thursday. I’m sure tonight and Saturday night it’ll be packed. This was the second time I’ve seen Sheherezade and it was Donna’s first.
Donna’s response… “Wow. I want to learn how to belly dance!”
Suhaila brings to stage a certain aura. It’s hard to explain but I’ll try. She has obviously trained and prepared very talented dancers to dance around and next to her. But when she steps onto stage you can’t help but train your eyes on her. She exudes a level of confidence, sex appeal, and professionalism that is completely special. She’s a unique performer and her performance seems effortless. Her dancers complement the choreographed dances but, with all due respect to the other dancers, all you need is to put Suhaila on stage and you got yourself a show worthy of the ticket price.
Go see the show! Get there early, buy your tickets and have a seat and watch something different, something special and something you won’t forget!
Eat first though! There’s no food sold or allowed in the theater. The show goes for about 2 hours. There’s a popular sushi restaurant down the street which should hold you over till the curtain drops. Just eat early and make sure you get your tickets!
Let me know if you go… I might be there again tonight.
I had no doubt in my mind. I mean, I am a statistic guru and based on some research I did on pass/fail results, only 5 people in her class of 30somthing should fail based on percentages. And she’s definitely not one of those 5 in my opinion. If she was, she would have just made the grade to pass nursing school instead of trying to get an "A" in every class... she did extremely well going to school while juggling a house filled with wild and crazy nuts.
Whew. It’s done. It’s over. No more studying. A double income family. An opportunity for me to work at Starbucks, Barnes & Noble AND Jamba Juice all at the same time.
Maybe I should do a movie about a guy who’s only goal in life is to work at these retail/food service business with the ultimate goal to be a self-made millionaire. I mean, the book alone would put him over the million dollar mark! And it’s all research for me as I’m writing the script about this guy which is actually a biography rather than fiction. It’ll be a ‘based on a true story’ card after the titles just like in “Fargo”! Except there’s no death in a wood shredder scene. Or… maybe there will be.
Congrats, hon.
In other HungryScreenwriter news…
Donna and I headed to El Portal theater in NoHo to watch Suhaila’s show, “Sheherezade”. It was opening night and there was a pretty good turnout for a Thursday. I’m sure tonight and Saturday night it’ll be packed. This was the second time I’ve seen Sheherezade and it was Donna’s first.
Donna’s response… “Wow. I want to learn how to belly dance!”
Suhaila brings to stage a certain aura. It’s hard to explain but I’ll try. She has obviously trained and prepared very talented dancers to dance around and next to her. But when she steps onto stage you can’t help but train your eyes on her. She exudes a level of confidence, sex appeal, and professionalism that is completely special. She’s a unique performer and her performance seems effortless. Her dancers complement the choreographed dances but, with all due respect to the other dancers, all you need is to put Suhaila on stage and you got yourself a show worthy of the ticket price.
Go see the show! Get there early, buy your tickets and have a seat and watch something different, something special and something you won’t forget!
Eat first though! There’s no food sold or allowed in the theater. The show goes for about 2 hours. There’s a popular sushi restaurant down the street which should hold you over till the curtain drops. Just eat early and make sure you get your tickets!
Let me know if you go… I might be there again tonight.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Now we can say DePodesta is an idiot!
I've reserved my opinion on DePodesta till AFTER the trading deadline. But now I can make a decision and share my thoughts on DePodesta's Dodgers.
The Dodgers on Tuesday acquired outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. from the Boston Red Sox for a Minor League player to be named, probably later this week.
Quote: "Frankly, the last two years we've had good reports on him and good numbers," said DePodesta, who was with the Dodgers' Jacksonville affiliate. "We haven't seen any downturn of play. He's a real good fit for us."
WHAT THE F**K!?!?!?
DePodesta has gone through TWO trading deadlines and nearly TWO full years with the Dodgers. He's managed to upset fans, make ill advised moves despite the current performance of trailers dealt and purchased, and finally, did NOT get a deal done this past trading deadline but picked up Jose Cruz Jr.
Let's reflect back on what Jose Cruz has done LATELY...
He was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Red Sox on July 30 for two Minor Leaguers, went 3-for-12, then was designated for assignment. With the Diamondbacks, he hit .213 with 12 home runs.
Now lets look at what has happend the last two years which mr. DePodesta has claimed as 'good reports'...
2003 - .250 BA with 20 HRs and 68 RBIs.
2004 - .242 BA with 21 HRs and 78 RBIs.
He is a career .248 hitter batting .213 this year in 64 games.
"We haven't seen any downturn of play. He's a real good fit for us."
I love this quote. I LOVE IT! Mr. Computer isn't looking at his spreadsheet very well.
2000 - .242 BA
2001 - .274 BA
2002 - .245 BA
2003 - .250 BA
2004 - .242 BA
2005 - .215 BA (three teams combined)
Uh... My graph shows a DRASTIC downturn of play.
But I'll give Depodesta one thing... Compared to the offensive performance of the Dodgers this year and Cruz' production, yes, he's a real good fit. Mediocre and unproductive.
I won't go into what Tracy said... but he did say a ton of good things about Cruz Jrs' dad... Unfortunately, it was JUNIOR that DePodesta traded for and not his dad.
Another note... Brazoban is NOT a closer as I've been saying for weeks. A Closer would have strengthend a potentially strong bullpen which would have taken more strain off the offense. Brazoban as a set-up, yes... This would shorten up the game so much more and the Dodgers would be a game or two out of 1st if they had a legitimate closer.
I'm done.
I root for the team but realize there's not much of a team out there to root for because of DePodesta. If Tracy can get this bunch of guys back into playoff contention, the man is a God.
The Dodgers on Tuesday acquired outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. from the Boston Red Sox for a Minor League player to be named, probably later this week.
Quote: "Frankly, the last two years we've had good reports on him and good numbers," said DePodesta, who was with the Dodgers' Jacksonville affiliate. "We haven't seen any downturn of play. He's a real good fit for us."
WHAT THE F**K!?!?!?
DePodesta has gone through TWO trading deadlines and nearly TWO full years with the Dodgers. He's managed to upset fans, make ill advised moves despite the current performance of trailers dealt and purchased, and finally, did NOT get a deal done this past trading deadline but picked up Jose Cruz Jr.
Let's reflect back on what Jose Cruz has done LATELY...
He was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Red Sox on July 30 for two Minor Leaguers, went 3-for-12, then was designated for assignment. With the Diamondbacks, he hit .213 with 12 home runs.
Now lets look at what has happend the last two years which mr. DePodesta has claimed as 'good reports'...
2003 - .250 BA with 20 HRs and 68 RBIs.
2004 - .242 BA with 21 HRs and 78 RBIs.
He is a career .248 hitter batting .213 this year in 64 games.
"We haven't seen any downturn of play. He's a real good fit for us."
I love this quote. I LOVE IT! Mr. Computer isn't looking at his spreadsheet very well.
2000 - .242 BA
2001 - .274 BA
2002 - .245 BA
2003 - .250 BA
2004 - .242 BA
2005 - .215 BA (three teams combined)
Uh... My graph shows a DRASTIC downturn of play.
But I'll give Depodesta one thing... Compared to the offensive performance of the Dodgers this year and Cruz' production, yes, he's a real good fit. Mediocre and unproductive.
I won't go into what Tracy said... but he did say a ton of good things about Cruz Jrs' dad... Unfortunately, it was JUNIOR that DePodesta traded for and not his dad.
Another note... Brazoban is NOT a closer as I've been saying for weeks. A Closer would have strengthend a potentially strong bullpen which would have taken more strain off the offense. Brazoban as a set-up, yes... This would shorten up the game so much more and the Dodgers would be a game or two out of 1st if they had a legitimate closer.
I'm done.
I root for the team but realize there's not much of a team out there to root for because of DePodesta. If Tracy can get this bunch of guys back into playoff contention, the man is a God.
Working the DVD Deal
I've been a member of Columbia House for several years now. I use to buy tons of DVDs and buying it through Columbia House was the best option due to member deals and the initial 49 cent DVD sign up deal. Once you satisfy the member obligation which is like 4 DVD at regular price in 4 years, you don't ever have to buy a DVD from Columbia House again. There's a whole art to doing this in order for your DVD purchases to average out to about $11.00 or lower. Throughout my whole membership I believe my average is about $12.00 per DVD with shipping and tax included which is lower than the $14.95 sale price (w/o tax) at Target on Tuesday's new releases.
I haven't purchased a DVD from Columbia House since June 2004... But today I got a great offer. Buy one at regular price ($19.95 or more) and get one free with free shipping.
See... its the Shipping that kills you. But once you complete your obligation you get offers for free shipping along with discounts all the time. Especially during holidays. It's great!
I was researching the Harry Potter series since I want to watch them now. Yes, that's right... I've never watched a Harry Potter movie - I had no interest before. But Jake and I caught a scene on HBO and I thought, hey, this would be fun to watch with Jake... So I found a Three Movie Set deal on Columbia House but eventually I calculated the whole 'special thing' and chose to buy the seperate discs to save a couple of bucks.
Here's what I bought:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ($19.95)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Free)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ($19.95)
The Notebook Platinum Series (Free) for the wife
Van Helsing (Free) (Yes, I liked Van Helsing)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Collector's Edition ($22.95)
Total price: $67.41 which is $11.24 per DVD.
Cool, huh?
If you ever want to know how to work the deal at Columbia House, feel free to ask. The simplest way is to first use the right 'code' when you sign up and then meet your member obligation with additional movies on one purchase with DVDs you want at the lowest price possible. Usually this will get you free shipping due to the large purchase of maybe six DVDs, and sales on the non-membership obligation DVDS. THEN... Cancel your membership or use Columbia House at full advantage. They also offer free cash for every DVD purchased which helps lower the average price of DVDs. But the catch is, you have to use your free dollars in December. Just in time for Christmas!!!
Please let me know if you want to get hooked up with Columbia House. I'll send you a refer a friend link which will entitle me to a free DVD as well. This is also a great way to build up a collection for cheap. Refer friends (it can even be yourself as I talked to Columbia House on the phone about same household referals) and get free movies! So send me your email so I can refer you! :)
For more information check out this post on Rotten Tomatoes on how to work the DVD Deal at Columbia House.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
City of Blinding Lights
So is this how it feels when your kid leaves for college? You feel kinda lost, in a place where you can't do much of anything. You just watch the world spin as time goes by. It's weird. Really weird. Except Jessica didn't go to College. She went to another state.
You'd like to say, 'stay', but you say 'go'.
You'd like to say, 'don't forget me', but you just say, 'be a good girl'.
You'd like to say, 'come back soon', but you just say, 'I'll miss you'.
You'd like to say, 'why did you choose to go?', but you just say, 'be strong'.
Funny. The subtext that is life.
I walked into Jessica's room yesterday after work. I was on the phone with STUPID SBC YAHOO DSL and was walking around the house.
The room was a mess. And I thought to myself, I'll just leave it that way. It'll look like she's still here.
I wonder if she's happy that she doesn't need to clean it up anymore. She's probably really happy that she doesn't need to put the dishes away anymore.
But I wonder if those two simple things are worth leaving at the cost of being so far away from your Jake and Bella.
I hope Jessica makes use of the portable DVD player I let her have. I did like that DVD player but wanted to make sure she had a DVD player in her new home. That would just suck, you go from Direct TV and a DVD Player in your room as well as DSL service to nothing.
Oh well. She'll survive having her "Sidekick". I just hope she survives Dallas.
Speaking of DSL...
I've decided that SBC YAHOO DSL has the worst customer service in the history of DSL and have decided that despite the $14.95 a month for the 1st 12 months offer, that $49.95 a month for Earthlink DSL was ten million times better. Each time I went online to chat with Earthlink they were exceptional. Each time I called customer service, they were awesome. Once they send me my new modem I'll be happy and won't think about it. I mean, the $49.95 is still in my budget but the cut in price would have been nice. At the cost of crappy service (which I found my sister has) and horrible uneducated customer service.
Speaking of nothing that has to do with the next paragraph...
I was watching the end of "Entourage" last night and the 'entourage' went to a U2 concert. They played, "City Of Blinding Lights Lyrics". One of my favorite U2 songs.
It's a song I'd love to use in a movie someday. One of my biggest dreams is to be in the front row of a U2 concert. SOMEDAY!!! Before they retire. Bono is my idol.
Hearing that song reminded me of a time I put the CD (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb) in my car as I drove Jessica to an ice skating birthday party. It was raining and cold outside. I told her, 'you should learn the guitar part for this song'.
I wonder if she ever did. She left her guitars in the room. Maybe I should take lessons. LOL
Lyrics are cool too.
Dedicated to my Uber wife...
I found this picture from a Jake and Jessica's birthday party back in 2003. It's amazing how the kids have changed in two years.
That's Jessica holding Colby (my newphew). Jake is timid about the candles, Donna holds a very uninterested 1 month old Bella. We celebrate Jessica's and Jake's bday together since they are born in the same month.
You'd like to say, 'stay', but you say 'go'.
You'd like to say, 'don't forget me', but you just say, 'be a good girl'.
You'd like to say, 'come back soon', but you just say, 'I'll miss you'.
You'd like to say, 'why did you choose to go?', but you just say, 'be strong'.
Funny. The subtext that is life.
I walked into Jessica's room yesterday after work. I was on the phone with STUPID SBC YAHOO DSL and was walking around the house.
The room was a mess. And I thought to myself, I'll just leave it that way. It'll look like she's still here.
I wonder if she's happy that she doesn't need to clean it up anymore. She's probably really happy that she doesn't need to put the dishes away anymore.
But I wonder if those two simple things are worth leaving at the cost of being so far away from your Jake and Bella.
I hope Jessica makes use of the portable DVD player I let her have. I did like that DVD player but wanted to make sure she had a DVD player in her new home. That would just suck, you go from Direct TV and a DVD Player in your room as well as DSL service to nothing.
Oh well. She'll survive having her "Sidekick". I just hope she survives Dallas.
Speaking of DSL...
I've decided that SBC YAHOO DSL has the worst customer service in the history of DSL and have decided that despite the $14.95 a month for the 1st 12 months offer, that $49.95 a month for Earthlink DSL was ten million times better. Each time I went online to chat with Earthlink they were exceptional. Each time I called customer service, they were awesome. Once they send me my new modem I'll be happy and won't think about it. I mean, the $49.95 is still in my budget but the cut in price would have been nice. At the cost of crappy service (which I found my sister has) and horrible uneducated customer service.
Speaking of nothing that has to do with the next paragraph...
I was watching the end of "Entourage" last night and the 'entourage' went to a U2 concert. They played, "City Of Blinding Lights Lyrics". One of my favorite U2 songs.
It's a song I'd love to use in a movie someday. One of my biggest dreams is to be in the front row of a U2 concert. SOMEDAY!!! Before they retire. Bono is my idol.
Hearing that song reminded me of a time I put the CD (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb) in my car as I drove Jessica to an ice skating birthday party. It was raining and cold outside. I told her, 'you should learn the guitar part for this song'.
I wonder if she ever did. She left her guitars in the room. Maybe I should take lessons. LOL
Lyrics are cool too.
Dedicated to my Uber wife...
"City Of Blinding Lights Lyrics"
The more you see the less you know
The less you find out as you go
I knew much more then than I do now
Neon heart day-glow eyes
A city lit by fireflies
They're advertising in the skies
For people like us
And I miss you when you're not around
I'm getting ready to leave the ground
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Don't look before you laugh
Look ugly in a photograph
Flash bulbs purple irises
The camera can't see
I've seen you walk unafraid
I've seen you in the clothes you made
Can you see the beauty inside of me?
What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?
Can you see the beauty inside of me?
And I miss you when you're not around
I'm getting ready to leave the ground
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
Time...time...time...time...time
Won't leave me as I am
But time won't take the boy out of this man
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
Oh you look so beautiful tonight
In the city of blinding lights
The more you know the less you feel
Some pray for others steal
Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel... luckily
I found this picture from a Jake and Jessica's birthday party back in 2003. It's amazing how the kids have changed in two years.
That's Jessica holding Colby (my newphew). Jake is timid about the candles, Donna holds a very uninterested 1 month old Bella. We celebrate Jessica's and Jake's bday together since they are born in the same month.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
And so Jessica has gone and left us in California...
(Jessica at 6 years old)
So Jessica left. I’ve kinda been trying not to be too sad about it as the weeks, days and hours approached. I mean, imagine how much harder it would have been for her if I was making her feel sad and going on and on about how close we use to be, how I watched her grow and how I wish she wasn’t leaving. I didn’t put my feelings out there for her in order for her to just make her decision and stick to it. As she’s known to ‘flake’ and choose the best opportunity presented to her at a drop of a hat, now she’s stuck. She has to go. It’s too late. And she told her mom yesterday that she wanted to stay.
Yes, she left for Dallas to stay with her dad today.
Kinda sucks.
When I think about her not being around I really get sad. I tear up. My heart hurts. I cry.
(Jessica – as our flower girl - and Ethan at our wedding 1998)
It was hard last night seeing Jacob crying in the car after dropping Jessica off. I think that gets me more than anything. I can’t stand the fact that Jacob isn’t going to see his big sister. Jacob LOVES basketball because of Jessica. Jacob wanted to learn how to swim because of Jessica. Jacob has learned so much, good and bad, from Jessica. Jessica is exactly what a big sister should be. Easily irritated by her little brother yet absolutely in love with him.
I can’t stand that Bella has no clue her big sister isn’t going to be ‘around’. I can't stand the fact that Bella can walk into Jessica's room without Jessica getting on her case or sitting her on the bed to play with things.
I can’t stand the fact that I won’t have someone to pester or share a corny joke with or help with Algebra. I can’t stand the fact that my ‘first daughter’ is far away.
I can’t stand when Donna is sad. I hate it seeing her cry. But she feels the same way as I do. Jessica made a choice. Unlike a lot of other parents, we didn’t get in her way and made her choice ‘stick’.
Its time for her to spend time with her dad and it was her choice. We didn’t stand in her way. And I know if we did and pressured her and gave her sob stories about how it would be better if she’d stayed on how much we wish she stayed, she would have. I couldn’t do that. She’s old enough now to make her own decision.
It sucks. Because I would have done otherwise but knew it wasn’t best.
I cried on the way home a month ago just thinking about it. I cried on the way to work today as well. I’m crying now.
Anyway, I hope to see her soon. I hope she says she wants to come back. I gave her a few pointers on how to avoid too many problems from people if she wants to move back. Hope she takes it to heart and remembers what I said as I hugged her good bye.
(Jake, Jess, Bella and Donna last night before we dropped Jessica off)
Reflecting back…
I miss the days of playing Pokemon till way past her bedtime. I miss taking her to swim practice and yelling at the top of my lungs as she made her last turn for home during a swim meet. I miss those nights when she worked out at the karate dojo with me or taking her to watch me play hockey or watch me crash on my BMX bike. I’ll miss having to be on my toes with Algebra in order to help her with her homework. I’ll miss watching her play basketball and having her around to eat 31 flavors ice cream while the kids are asleep or to decide to eat Tommy Burgers with me late at night. I’ll miss watching her laugh with her brother and sister and I’ll miss those rare days when she comes out of her room and hangs out with me to watch TV, pick our American Idol, or laugh at Kathy Griffen’s stand up routine.
Yo, Jess… if you’re reading this… I miss you already. And I love you so much. I can’t wait for you to visit.
You’re papa…
Glenn
(The five of us last night - our potential Christmas picture)
AFI'S Top 100 Films and the ones I've watched + a picture!
An entry just because...
Swiped from FC's journal who swiped it from Cat's Journal and who knows where else... Here's AFI'S Top 100 Films and the ones I watched (in bluish) at some point in my life.
I believe I'll get responses like, "You haven't seen The Godfather 2?" or "How could you not see "North by Northwest?" Well, having seen more than 50% of these films is pretty good. Some I would probably never watch again, some I can barely remember seeing but know I've seen and some I'll eventually get to... I mean, I do have a life. Unlike some.
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
To add a picture to the post, here's my 3rd place entry (out of 9 entries) in a Canon G-series (including Pro1) photo contest of the week.
Theme of contest: "Personal Treasures"
Entry Title: ""Confusion says, 'keep your eye on the ball?""
EXIF info: Canon G6 Shutter: 1/60 Aperture: 2.0 Flash
Judges comment: Third Place - HungryWriter - "Confusion says, "keep your eye on the ball?""
It was quite hard for me to chose a third place spot but I thought it best to be decisive. I like the focus on the front ball - it is quite tight and I might have preferred a bit more foreground (not much but a bit). For me I think this has to do with "negative space" - a bit more around the top ball would have (I feel) worked a bit more. It must have been a trick taking a photo of those oh-so-shiny cups, vs the soft balls. There is nearly a triangle of shape formed by the balls in the background, which works well for me. The image looks a bit compressed, which I am sure was to allow to post to the forum. The title is a great element - which ball to look at? Normally we focus on the place where the focus is - but then isn't that part of the game? I didn't get the "hint" but the suggestion kept me searching.
Swiped from FC's journal who swiped it from Cat's Journal and who knows where else... Here's AFI'S Top 100 Films and the ones I watched (in bluish) at some point in my life.
I believe I'll get responses like, "You haven't seen The Godfather 2?" or "How could you not see "North by Northwest?" Well, having seen more than 50% of these films is pretty good. Some I would probably never watch again, some I can barely remember seeing but know I've seen and some I'll eventually get to... I mean, I do have a life. Unlike some.
1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
To add a picture to the post, here's my 3rd place entry (out of 9 entries) in a Canon G-series (including Pro1) photo contest of the week.
Theme of contest: "Personal Treasures"
Entry Title: ""Confusion says, 'keep your eye on the ball?""
EXIF info: Canon G6 Shutter: 1/60 Aperture: 2.0 Flash
Judges comment: Third Place - HungryWriter - "Confusion says, "keep your eye on the ball?""
It was quite hard for me to chose a third place spot but I thought it best to be decisive. I like the focus on the front ball - it is quite tight and I might have preferred a bit more foreground (not much but a bit). For me I think this has to do with "negative space" - a bit more around the top ball would have (I feel) worked a bit more. It must have been a trick taking a photo of those oh-so-shiny cups, vs the soft balls. There is nearly a triangle of shape formed by the balls in the background, which works well for me. The image looks a bit compressed, which I am sure was to allow to post to the forum. The title is a great element - which ball to look at? Normally we focus on the place where the focus is - but then isn't that part of the game? I didn't get the "hint" but the suggestion kept me searching.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Bella-Tails
My baby... she doesn't have much hair but her auntie Daphne was able to put it up in pig tail fashion. She had the whole treatment, finger nails done, toe nails... hair...
I took 4 pictures of her because that's all I was allowed to take before she starts turning around and complaining, "Hey!!!"
She doesn't like pictures.
So here it is.
I did a quick blur of the b.g. for fun...
She's so funny.
I took 4 pictures of her because that's all I was allowed to take before she starts turning around and complaining, "Hey!!!"
She doesn't like pictures.
So here it is.
I did a quick blur of the b.g. for fun...
She's so funny.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Amateur photography...
I'm totally loving my camera right now. As I learn how to take better pictures, I'm also using a lot of the other features that help make pictures 'look' better. Like White Balance, manually adjusting speed and aperture, etc.
I entered this photo in a Canon G-series photo contest and although I didn't come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd... I got a "Special Mention" next to the top 3 pictures. LOL
Here's my photo titled "SPOKED!"
EXIF: Canon PowerShot G6 - Tv: 1/125 Av: 4.0 ISO: 100 Focal Length: 7.2mm
Full Sized Entry: "Spoked" at max size of 640 at its longest side.
I entered this photo in a Canon G-series photo contest and although I didn't come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd... I got a "Special Mention" next to the top 3 pictures. LOL
Special Mention: "All the chromed metal shines surrounded by the rubber tire that shows all its detail outlined by reflections. The blue at right and the sharp focus in all the image except the far background contributes to a beautiful picture."The theme of the contest was "WHEELS".
Here's my photo titled "SPOKED!"
EXIF: Canon PowerShot G6 - Tv: 1/125 Av: 4.0 ISO: 100 Focal Length: 7.2mm
Full Sized Entry: "Spoked" at max size of 640 at its longest side.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Keeping your eye on the ball...
I've been letting Jake hit without the tee now that his hitting form has improved. We've worked on both pop flies and hitting and keeping your eye on the ball.
I took some pictures of him hitting with Uncle James pitching and did a quick webpage using Photoshop's automated web page thing.
See all pictures here: Keeping your eye on the ball
The pictures really show Jake watching the ball till contact. Pretty good for a five year old.
I took some pictures of him hitting with Uncle James pitching and did a quick webpage using Photoshop's automated web page thing.
See all pictures here: Keeping your eye on the ball
The pictures really show Jake watching the ball till contact. Pretty good for a five year old.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
The Hungry Screenwriter’s inspirations
Who inspired you to be an accountant? What about a doctor, artist, writer or graphic designer? Was it an inspiration or on necessity. I went to business school because of what was expected of me. I went there because of necessity. Little did I know that my life would be filled with unfulfilled passions to be something other than what I am now - a financial analyst by day, and a writer whenever I can. It’s something I wanted to be and could have been at the start, but because of said expectations and necessities, had to put off till after I was able to earn a living. And I’m paying for it in the form of daily frustrations, angst, regrets and other unmentionable emotions.
But… At least I’m dealing with it and still have a goal.
After reading kungfubears’ RT journal entry on his favorite writers, inspired me to come up with, not only my favorite writers, but what inspired me in my early years to become a writer, screenwriter and filmmaker.
There were several movies in my teens and early twenties that I really really enjoyed. Movies that had an impact on my life. But of those films, only a few ‘inspired’ me to the point of saying, I want to make movies! I want to write!
Here are just a few.
I’ll start with two John Hughes films. The first, “Ferris Bueller”. Ferris has been a hero of mine (as to many) since I first saw the movie. John Hughes brought the person I wanted to be to life. The ‘Fonz’ had nothing on Ferris. Ferris was cooler than cool! One thing I identified with was Ferris breaking the fourth wall. He talked to the camera, to us, to me! And I did the same in my own imaginary world of cameras. If I had something to say, I’d turn to the camera and say it! I identified with his spontaneous and independent nature as well as his outlook in life. I love Ferris! I wanted to be Ferris! In a way , I still have a little Ferris Bueller inside of me and he ain’t going away.
There’s a reason why my son’s name is Jacob. One is because I wanted to call him “Jake” as a nickname. Why is this significant? There’s one thing and one thing only… Jefferson Edward Briggs. This is Kevin Bacon’s character name in John Hughes’ film “She’s Having a Baby”. He’s referred to as “Jake” in the movie. In a job interview, Jefferson Edward Briggs says, “You can call me ‘Jake’.” They instead call him Jefferson. In the same job interview they ask “Jefferson”, “What do you think of alcoholics?” This has been a running joke with my best friend Dale and me for years… Jake’s answer, in an unsure - is this a trick question type response, “I like alcoholics?” How I’ve always wished an interviewer asked me this question in an interview. I’ve also wished once in my life I said to someone, “You can call me Jake.” Believe me, it’ll happen and if that person is cool, they’ll ask me how I feel about alcoholics. Jake’s life was the life I saw myself having. And I was only 2nd year college at the time. And its funny, my life really played out in a very similar fashion to his in the movie. From being a frustrated writer, getting married, going to school, owning a home, parents, in-laws then eventually a baby. A baby I named, “JAKE”!
Another inspiration was Cameron Crowe. And his movie, “Say Anything” was also another movie that inspired me. I could have been “Lloyd Dobler”. If anyone comes close to being cooler than Ferris Bueler, its Lloyd Dobler. I was a full contact fighter, I was a romantic, and for a career… “considering what's waiting out there for me, I don't want to sell anything, buy anything or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or... process anything sold, bought or processed, or repair anything sold, bought or processed, you know, as a career I don't want to do that. So, uh, my father's in the army, he wants me to join, but I can't work for that corporation, so what I've been doing lately is kickboxing, which is really a, uh, new sport, but I think it's got a good future. As far as career longevity goes, I don't really know, because, you know, you can't really tell. Your training sticks as a fighter, you know, but it's no good, you know, you have to be great, but I can't really tell if I'm great until I've had a couple of pro fights. But I haven't been knocked out yet. I don't know, I can't figure it all out tonight sir, I'm going to hang with your daughter.”
Lloyd said what I wanted to say! In not so many words. But yeah, I wanted all that as a career!
There’s a song in the movie by Peter Gabriel called, “In Your Eyes”. That’s Donna’s and my song.
When Cameron’s movie “Singles” came out I was single. And just like Campbell Scott’s character meeting a girl out of the blue and pursing her, I did the same with Donna. Steve (Campbell Scott’s character) says in the movie, “If I had a personal conversation with God, I would ask him to create this girl.” I said the same thing when I met Donna. I also did the whole drunk thing calling Donna late one night when we were broken up and left an inaudible message on her machine. A year later we were back together and the rest is history.
The movie that really, really inspired me was one where people were able to see what I was seeing in my head. The cinematography, the visuals, the storytelling… this movie was exactly how I thought and visualized. I was in a Tuesday dollar movie night in college. I walked out of the theater with this glow of excitement and as I walked out of the movie with my best friend, Dale, I said to him, “WE CAN DO MOVIES LIKE THIS!” He probably won’t remember that but he walked out with the same enthusiasm as I did. The movie… “Raising Arizona”. It was this movie that really nailed it for me. I wanted people to ‘see’ what I was seeing in my mind.
Till this day, Dale and I have been pursing this. It’s hard, but its getting done and that’s the bottom line.
And that, in a take, is some inspirations of The Hungry Screenwriter.
Other notables through the years:
“The Sixth Sense” – almost everything we do has a “Sixth Sense” quality to it. From our short films like, “Till Death to us Part” which NOBODY WILL EVER SEE, to “The Ring”, “Lunch at Frankies”, “A Shot to the System”, “First Time” & “Tag”, all have that “Sixth Sense” thing going on. And all, ‘cept for “Tag”, were written before “The Sixth Sense”!
“Swingers” – My first ever screenplay was a “Swingers” meets “Brother’s McMullen” story. A romantic comedy about a guy and his group of friends that have to deal with ambitions and relationships that are stifled by a religious upbringing. I wrote this movie in 7 days. It sucks.
“Shawshank Redemption” – I cried when I saw this movie. Yes, I admit it. I cried. I actually wept. I was weeping. I wept like a small child. My face was wet, my eyes were red, I had the hiccups after… it was a scene. But man, Shawshank Redemption is that story that I’ll chase to write till the day I die.
And many more.
But… At least I’m dealing with it and still have a goal.
After reading kungfubears’ RT journal entry on his favorite writers, inspired me to come up with, not only my favorite writers, but what inspired me in my early years to become a writer, screenwriter and filmmaker.
There were several movies in my teens and early twenties that I really really enjoyed. Movies that had an impact on my life. But of those films, only a few ‘inspired’ me to the point of saying, I want to make movies! I want to write!
Here are just a few.
I’ll start with two John Hughes films. The first, “Ferris Bueller”. Ferris has been a hero of mine (as to many) since I first saw the movie. John Hughes brought the person I wanted to be to life. The ‘Fonz’ had nothing on Ferris. Ferris was cooler than cool! One thing I identified with was Ferris breaking the fourth wall. He talked to the camera, to us, to me! And I did the same in my own imaginary world of cameras. If I had something to say, I’d turn to the camera and say it! I identified with his spontaneous and independent nature as well as his outlook in life. I love Ferris! I wanted to be Ferris! In a way , I still have a little Ferris Bueller inside of me and he ain’t going away.There’s a reason why my son’s name is Jacob. One is because I wanted to call him “Jake” as a nickname. Why is this significant? There’s one thing and one thing only… Jefferson Edward Briggs. This is Kevin Bacon’s character name in John Hughes’ film “She’s Having a Baby”. He’s referred to as “Jake” in the movie. In a job interview, Jefferson Edward Briggs says, “You can call me ‘Jake’.” They instead call him Jefferson. In the same job interview they ask “Jefferson”, “What do you think of alcoholics?” This has been a running joke with my best friend Dale and me for years… Jake’s answer, in an unsure - is this a trick question type response, “I like alcoholics?” How I’ve always wished an interviewer asked me this question in an interview. I’ve also wished once in my life I said to someone, “You can call me Jake.” Believe me, it’ll happen and if that person is cool, they’ll ask me how I feel about alcoholics. Jake’s life was the life I saw myself having. And I was only 2nd year college at the time. And its funny, my life really played out in a very similar fashion to his in the movie. From being a frustrated writer, getting married, going to school, owning a home, parents, in-laws then eventually a baby. A baby I named, “JAKE”!Another inspiration was Cameron Crowe. And his movie, “Say Anything” was also another movie that inspired me. I could have been “Lloyd Dobler”. If anyone comes close to being cooler than Ferris Bueler, its Lloyd Dobler. I was a full contact fighter, I was a romantic, and for a career… “considering what's waiting out there for me, I don't want to sell anything, buy anything or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or... process anything sold, bought or processed, or repair anything sold, bought or processed, you know, as a career I don't want to do that. So, uh, my father's in the army, he wants me to join, but I can't work for that corporation, so what I've been doing lately is kickboxing, which is really a, uh, new sport, but I think it's got a good future. As far as career longevity goes, I don't really know, because, you know, you can't really tell. Your training sticks as a fighter, you know, but it's no good, you know, you have to be great, but I can't really tell if I'm great until I've had a couple of pro fights. But I haven't been knocked out yet. I don't know, I can't figure it all out tonight sir, I'm going to hang with your daughter.”Lloyd said what I wanted to say! In not so many words. But yeah, I wanted all that as a career!
There’s a song in the movie by Peter Gabriel called, “In Your Eyes”. That’s Donna’s and my song.
When Cameron’s movie “Singles” came out I was single. And just like Campbell Scott’s character meeting a girl out of the blue and pursing her, I did the same with Donna. Steve (Campbell Scott’s character) says in the movie, “If I had a personal conversation with God, I would ask him to create this girl.” I said the same thing when I met Donna. I also did the whole drunk thing calling Donna late one night when we were broken up and left an inaudible message on her machine. A year later we were back together and the rest is history.The movie that really, really inspired me was one where people were able to see what I was seeing in my head. The cinematography, the visuals, the storytelling… this movie was exactly how I thought and visualized. I was in a Tuesday dollar movie night in college. I walked out of the theater with this glow of excitement and as I walked out of the movie with my best friend, Dale, I said to him, “WE CAN DO MOVIES LIKE THIS!” He probably won’t remember that but he walked out with the same enthusiasm as I did. The movie… “Raising Arizona”. It was this movie that really nailed it for me. I wanted people to ‘see’ what I was seeing in my mind. Till this day, Dale and I have been pursing this. It’s hard, but its getting done and that’s the bottom line.
And that, in a take, is some inspirations of The Hungry Screenwriter.
Other notables through the years:
“The Sixth Sense” – almost everything we do has a “Sixth Sense” quality to it. From our short films like, “Till Death to us Part” which NOBODY WILL EVER SEE, to “The Ring”, “Lunch at Frankies”, “A Shot to the System”, “First Time” & “Tag”, all have that “Sixth Sense” thing going on. And all, ‘cept for “Tag”, were written before “The Sixth Sense”!“Swingers” – My first ever screenplay was a “Swingers” meets “Brother’s McMullen” story. A romantic comedy about a guy and his group of friends that have to deal with ambitions and relationships that are stifled by a religious upbringing. I wrote this movie in 7 days. It sucks.“Shawshank Redemption” – I cried when I saw this movie. Yes, I admit it. I cried. I actually wept. I was weeping. I wept like a small child. My face was wet, my eyes were red, I had the hiccups after… it was a scene. But man, Shawshank Redemption is that story that I’ll chase to write till the day I die.And many more.
Monday, August 01, 2005
A "Fantabulous" CD purchase
If you’re just as confused about Harry Conick Jr’s music as I am (probably drug induced), and maybe you’re feeling Sinatra’s big band ‘sound’ is just not enough anymore, or your ears are just plain tired of Brian Setzer’s orchestra, here’s a CD just for you.
“Michale Bublé” self titled (2003) album. It’s Harry Conick Jr but sane and sober. It’s Sinatra but the new millennium. It’s NOT Brian Setzer! But man, slip this into your CD player, take a drive by yourself and I guarantee you’ll be singing along. Take this to the pool on a hot summer day and don’t be surprised if you shake your martini all the way to a
beach chair with a fox trot. Pour two glasses of wine, light a few candles and use this as background music and you just might get lucky… with or without a date!
From classics like "Moondance" and my favorite, “Summer Wind” to the Bee Gee’s “How can You Mend a Broken Heart” and Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", this is big band music with a fresh voice that is sure to please! Produced by David Foster and Humberto Gatica.
Do I sound like a commercial?
Try it out for yourself and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Found at your local Barnes& Noble book store or online at Amazon.com!
“Michale Bublé” self titled (2003) album. It’s Harry Conick Jr but sane and sober. It’s Sinatra but the new millennium. It’s NOT Brian Setzer! But man, slip this into your CD player, take a drive by yourself and I guarantee you’ll be singing along. Take this to the pool on a hot summer day and don’t be surprised if you shake your martini all the way to a
beach chair with a fox trot. Pour two glasses of wine, light a few candles and use this as background music and you just might get lucky… with or without a date!From classics like "Moondance" and my favorite, “Summer Wind” to the Bee Gee’s “How can You Mend a Broken Heart” and Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", this is big band music with a fresh voice that is sure to please! Produced by David Foster and Humberto Gatica.
Do I sound like a commercial?
Try it out for yourself and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Found at your local Barnes& Noble book store or online at Amazon.com!
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