Burn after blogging

Back in the saddle again..

2009-02-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

After a long hiatus. My computer is back in running condition.

Kristen and I celebrated our 3 months today which was great. Zack and Miri is still one of the funniest movies of the winter season.

Having always been a fan of 3d movies I am very happy that they are becoming more mainstream in this area. My Bloody Valentine was decent. Coraline was amazing. Ice age looks good. Monsters Vs. Aliens looks like the best movie/animation of all time.

Till the next time...

This time...

2009-01-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Today is the two month anniversary for me and my special lady. Right now, two months feels like a lifetime, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

This girl is the only person that makes my world go round. I love you.

I hate to say it, but...

2009-01-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

Much like when I first lost my cell phone, do to the loss of my laptop, I am starting to enjoy not having the internet at my side 24/7. I have always wondered what I would do without it. I already consider myself an avid book reader, but now i find myself partaking in magazines and news papers for information as opposed to "googling" my life. I have not spoken to or instant messaged anyone for a few days,some up to a week, and this is not a bad thing. Drama has escaped my life for the present time, and i find myself loving this sense of freedom that it brings with it. If this sounds like bullshit to you, turn off your computer and cellphone for a week or two, or even a month like myself. Notice all the free time you have. Pick up a book, or some paints. Go outside and enjoy the season. I have been on a computer for maybe 10 minutes in the course of a week, and that was only to look up a knock knock joke to tell Kristen.

Blogger posts will be few and far between do to a new found sense of the world.

This movie looks brilliant...

2009-01-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

and so it begins...

2008-12-31T22:36:00.000-08:00

It's hard to explain my love for the eve of the new year. It has always been a favorite time of mine. Sure, Christmas is stellar, birthdays are fun, Halloween is ridiculous, but for me the focus has always been New Years Eve. I sit here and ponder why i am infatuated with this day more than any other 'holiday' and keep coming up empty.

Is it my undeniable attraction for the unknown, that has been classified into a period of 365 days? If we did not have this period, what we refer to as a calender 'year' then there would be no difference between one day or the next and i would not feel any different from December 31st - January 1st, but I can't deny that I do.

It's time to grab a blanket, sip my coffee, and just think.

New Music Monday pt. 3

2008-12-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

I was given this for Christmas by my girlfriend. So it's what has been in my cd player since.

City and Colour: Bring Me Your Love

having

2008-12-29T04:08:00.000-08:00

five days off of work was great. Now i am going back, this is not good. I feel disoriented.

TONIGHT!!

2008-12-26T06:35:00.001-08:00

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2008-12-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

An over rambling story that delves into life, death, and morality, amongst others.

"Director David Fincher and Brad Pitt team up for a third time with this adaptation of a F. Scott Fitzgerald short story. Pitt plays a man who is born 80 years old, but instead of aging, he grows young."

I can't say it better than this..

"More than a love story, Button is a eulogy for the 20th Century"
-Rotten

My opinion: 4/5

bringing back elfyourself, thanks to Sarah!

2008-12-25T09:19:00.001-08:00

when you find yourself enjoying these holidays,,,

2008-12-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

remember to be safe. Please don't drink and drive.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2008-12-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

For not being the biggest Brad fan, this movie looks amazing...

Yes Man

2008-12-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

So I saw Yes Man last saturday with the high expectations that come with any Jim Carrey film nowadays and was not let down.

"Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man who signs up for a self-help program based on one simple principle: say yes to everything...and anything. At first, unleashing the power of “yes” transforms Carl’s life in amazing and unexpected ways, but he soon discovers that opening up his life to endless possibilities can have its drawbacks." - Rotten

"The film is based on the true story and 2005 book The Yes Man by British humourist Danny Wallace"

My opinion: 3/5

...the small, essential triumphs that propel us forward

2008-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

"The 1974 book describes, in first person, a 17-day motorcycle journey across the United States by the author (though he is not identified in the book) and his son Chris, joined for the first nine days by close friends John and Sylvia Sutherland. The trip is punctuated by numerous philosophical discussions, referred to as chautauquas by the author, on topics including epistemology, ethical emotivism and the philosophy of science." - wiki

This book really makes you think, bring you to see new views on the world. A very well written book, full of so much intellectual entertainment and offers insight into the worlds most thought after questions.

New Music Monday pt. 2

2008-12-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

Top ten list of what has hit my cd player recently

This weeks list is going to be quite random, bear with me.

10. Four Year Strong: Rise or Die Trying

9. International Superheroes of Hardcore

8. Set Your Goals: Mutiny

7. Joy Division: Permanant

6. Mogwai: Rock Action

5. Part Chimp

4. Afi: Sing the Sorrow

3. Cult of Luna: Eternal Kingdom

2. Pelican: City of Echoes

1. Earth: The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull

Already missing my special lady more than ever, this was not the remedy i was looking for...

2008-12-22T03:56:00.000-08:00

I took Friday off hoping for a nice extended weekend. Instead I spent some of it with my love, but the majority of the weekend I was miserable and tied up here at home.

There was a brief intermission where Applebees was conquered with 4 good pals.But mainly Friday was a day that i spent alone, wallowing in self pity.

Saturday was good, as it was primarily showered in love and the cinema. There is no better feeling than seeing someone that constantly has a way to put a smile on your face as they walk into a room [or when they sneak up behind you in Wal-Mart when you least suspect it]. I decorated my Christmas tree and really started to think that there could really be a hidden job for this. I am very good at it. Think of all the little older ladies that i could help out by going to cut a tree for them, bringing it inside, and decorating it. If someone in LA can have a job as a fashion coach for dogs then i can cut trees and ...ah never mind.

Sunday started off just as Friday did. Home, alone, bored, quiet. All day i watched movies starting with The Fast and the Furious and ending with Being John Malkovich. Figure out that combo. I ended doing one of the saddest things in history. I went to the Lycoming mall, by myself. Already missing my special lady more than ever, this was not the remedy i was looking for. Some family issues ensued laster that evening, none of which are worth explaining, but were quite monumental to me.

Now it is Monday. I have to leave for work. I am spending the night with Krisie, the only thing in my life that makes sense anymore.

-thanks

Earth live 2008

2008-12-19T22:54:00.000-08:00

Easily making my list of favorite bands of all time is Earth. Soo much is to be said for this band, and will need to be described in a later blog as it is 2 am. In the meantime...

Jon Hendershot [puts on a show]

2008-12-19T14:52:00.000-08:00

Jon Hendershot who is booking this has been booking shows for years now and has seen the good and bad times of this area's music scene. He is in a tight spot right now financially that could possibly cause him to end up in jail. He is risking possibly losing some of his money by putting on this show and really shouldn't even be helping these touring bands out because of that mere fact alone. But however, he is a nice guy and is doing so regardless. Therefore, even if you don't really know or like the bands playing but have supported this scene in the past...you should be here! It's a couple hours of your time and a couple bucks from your wallet. Tell you friends and make this a fun show before everyone has to go back to their miserable lives again and/or hit the books. Times may be bad right now everywhere but we could make them fun if we really wanted to...

-sttk

two cds that constantly get swapped in my player...

2008-12-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Ingrid Michaelson: Be Ok

Be OK
Giving Up
Over The Rainbow
The Chain
Lady In Spain
Keep Breathing
Oh What A Day
The Way I Am
Can't Help Falling In Love
You And I
Be Ok (Acoustic)

Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon:

Cristobal
So Long Old Bean
Samba Vexillographica
Seahorse
Bad Girl
Sea Side
Shabop Shalom
Tonada Yanomaminista
Rosa
Saved
Lover
Carmensita
The Other Woman
Freely
I Remember
My Dearest Friend

...sooo i had the idea [Bush vs. Shoe(s)]

2008-12-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

...of taking the 'Bush getting shoes thrown at him" clip, and combining it with the Austin Powers "Who throws a shoe clip."

Warning, self centered statement alert!: I had the idea before anyone... ask Josh!

anyway, someone beat me too it...not that I was actually going to do it anyway.

Work day 2, w00t

2008-12-16T04:03:00.000-08:00

Second day of work this week. Yesterday was not bad. In fact I "bonused", making an extra dollar an hour, which rarely happens. I am very tired. It is not good as I fell asleep at my computer yesterday. Will today be the same? Mehh, who knows.

Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion

2008-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

From an inauspicious beginning performing comedy routines in the back of a burger joint in New York, unorthodox stand-up star Zach Galifianakis has made a splash on the scene with his inimitable brand of humor. In this live show filmed at San Francisco's Purple Onion nightclub, the versatile funnyman (whose credits include "Late World with Zach," Out Cold, Heartbreakers and The Comedians of Comedy) serves up a healthy dose of his signature wit.

...simply one of the best live stand ups. You need to see this.

Fugees and funyuns.

My opinion: 4/5

...back to work I go.

2008-12-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

I go back to work in an hour. This I am not thrilled about. I have been laid off for two weeks, and these have been the best two weeks in recent memory. I should go back to school, though I am not sure for what. Going for art is pointless. These long winter days are starting to drag. Maybe i am just in a dull mood due to work. Yeah, that's it. Well now I am going to warm up the car. Damn.

Listened to Blink 182 for the first time in ages...

2008-12-14T19:20:00.001-08:00

This album will remain as one of the best sing along albums to listen to during random trips to Neato Burrito.

The Day the Earth Stood Still [2008]

2008-12-14T19:19:00.004-08:00

Keanu Reeves has found his calling in this movie! He plays an alien that does not talk and shows no emotion! Finally a movie suited to his acting regiment. I will give the film props on doing one thing right. Making me appreciate the original on a much higher scale. It just goes to show you how well it stood up over the 57 years. Even the special effects were sub par.

if there is anything else on your mind to see, stay away from this. Not a complete failure, but not worth your $8.
Another option is to rent the original, it was also on the tele today.

My opnion: 2/5

Notes: I received an anonymous comment ranting on about how i do not do full reviews. This blog is not for reviews. All I want is to open someones eyes to films they might not have considered watching or had not heard of. Suggestions really. Get over it.

Adaptation

2008-12-14T19:19:00.003-08:00

Boy does this movie make me think…

Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage) is a Los Angeles screenwriter battling enormous feelings of insecurity and impotence as he struggles to adapt The Orchid Thief, a book by Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) whose main character, John Laroche (Chris Cooper), searches for love. Add to the mix Charlie’s twin brother, Donald (also played by Cage), and you have a surreal, Spike Jonze-directed gem about the search for passion.

-courtesy of Netflix.com

…It will confound and memorize most, it will cause you to ponder endlessly & it will insist that other riff effortlessly about its inspiring thought process.

My opinion: 4/5

Notes: Watch it, now.

Christkindle 08'

2008-12-14T19:19:00.001-08:00

So I attended Christkindle this year…

Expecting some good food, good drinks and an large assortment of people…

Here is what I got:

It rained the entire time.

I was penny-less anyway.

It rained.

There was no one out.

It rained.

Little kids with beer.

..rain.

It was dark.

..and rainy.

Some fun photos.

…cold, and rainy.

Here’s to good times with friends and making the best of a dreary situation! Here here!

Visuals of what I witnessed.

Blow

2008-12-14T19:18:00.004-08:00

Just like when I was first introduced to Trainspotting and Fear and Loathing a few years back, and having watched them both yesterday, I find myself watching more drug related movies.

Unlike the aforementioned films above, Blow is not a wild, uninhabited, vicious attack on the mind. But with that being said, it is also not a Scarface ripoff. Well, not entirely.

Based on a true story of George Jung [Johnny Depp], the man who established the American cocaine market in the 1970’s. Blow takes everything that George has lived through and shows you why he lived the way he did. From the sixties pot movement, to the cocaine blowout of the [late seventies] early eighties to the disturbing reality of this day and age.

Other notable actors: Ray Liotta, Jesse James & Paul Reubens

If you want to watch a film that tracks the whole life of someone who has literally been there and done that, then this film is for you.

My opinion: 4/5

Notes: Nothing.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

2008-12-14T19:18:00.003-08:00

No point in mentioning these bats, I thought. Poor bastard will see them soon enough….

This movie seems to change you, it is a spinning whirl of confusion with moments of clarity. If you have read the book you will know that this movie attempts to capture the same excitement and mayhem created within it’s pages, and it doesn’t do a bad job. Basically, if you don’t get it, don’t bother thinking about it. It will boggle your mind and leave you senseless. I can honestly say that I am never bored, and fully enthralled, every single time I watch this film. Title actors Johnny Depp & Benicio Del Toro do just amazing work as they are thrown into three days of drug filled bliss. Hunter S. Thompson is definitely a creative genius.

This is my first 5/5 to be recognized in this blog and is a must see for any Hunter S. Thompson fan. Also to be watched by anyone, if you know whats good for you.

My opinion: 5/5, I could watch this movie all day long.

Notes: Go ahead and argue with me about this being a 5/5. It is a rating of my personal satisfaction, not if I think its a film the masses would enjoy, though it should be at least given a try.

Kung Fu Panda

2008-12-14T19:18:00.001-08:00

Coming slightly ahead of Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda was easily the best animated film of the year. There are some big names in this movie, Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen & Lucy Liu. I cannot comment on the DVD yet, as I haven’t gotten around to purchasing it.

My opinion: 4/5

Notes: Saw this in theaters 4 times. Expect a Wall-E blog in the future.

The Darwin Awards

2008-12-14T19:17:00.003-08:00

Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Winona Ryder, Chris Penn & David Arquette
I just finished watching this again, realizing now, 2 years later, that this is a very poorly made movie.

Stream it from netflix if you are bored, if not do not bother.

My opinion: 2/5
Notes: Additional well known characters Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Wilmer Valderrama & all of the members of Metallica

Blue State

2008-12-14T19:17:00.001-08:00

Blue State is an American romantic comedy film, released in 2007, about a disgruntled Democrat, played by actor Breckin Meyer, known for his previous roles in Clueless and Road Trip. Meyer’s character, a dedicated John Kerry campaigner, actually follows through on a drunken campaign promise to move to Canada if George W. Bush gets re-elected. It also stars Anna Paquin, as Johns sidekick, and who additionally served as executive-producer of the film.

-stolen from: wiki

My opinion: 3/5

Notes: This movie is good for thoselate nights when you crave a political drama. /yeahhh

Beer and Pretzels

2008-12-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

In an area plagued by overly mediocre metal formations there is one band that has separated themselves from that array since their first show in 2000.

The bands newest release, Bird in a Beehive (2008):

[click image to purchase cd]

1. 17927
2. Bird in a Beehive
3. Payphone Paralysis
4. Stars Rain Over Reno
5. Fake Life
6. The Sound of Millions of United States Tax Dollars Crackling in a Bonfire
7. Cuitlacoche
8. Bow
9. Thinkmint
10. Pills’n'er Beer
11. That
12. Duckgrinder
13. Eodium
14. Screwdriver and Spears

Notes: I belive they may be the only band in this area that plays in a standard 440 hz tuning. Also, most everyone will laugh at this, but everyone knows, Beer and Pretzels are the most talented local band whether you like their music or not.

New Music Monday

2008-12-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

Since losing my beloved ipod, its been mixed cd’s for a few weeks.

I thought I would also post some of the music that I have been playlisting recently, just for kicks.

A “Top 9” list, just to be different:

1. Devendra Banhart

2. Six Organs of Admittance

3. William Elliot Whitmore

4. Priestbird

5. Ingrid Michaelson

6. Elliott Smith

7. Iron and Wine

8. The Mamas and The Papas

9. Dallas Green

Notes: One of my favorite things is sharing new music, feel free to comment with what you think I would enjoy.

Open up to new artists

2008-12-14T19:14:00.002-08:00

This screamed to be posted as it is one of my favorite videos, from an artist that ranks very high on my unexistant list of most influential singer/songwriters. Please watch it as it opens you to a plethora of many new artists.

Devendra Banhart was born in Houston, Texas but raised in Caracas, Venezuela from two to thirteen years old. Years later he gained popularity while living in San Francisco after attending the San Francisco Art Institute and further gained popularity when he subsequently moved to New York City to record under Young God Records, based in New York City. Banhart currently lives in Los Angeles.
-stolen from: wiki.

Notes: None, this is amazing.

Four Christmases

2008-12-14T19:14:00.001-08:00

So what do you get when you combine low expectations, some good one liners, and Vince Vaughn?

I was never a huge Vince fan. I mean Wedding Crashers was decent, The Break-Up was alright & Dodgeball was mehh. Its well known that Vince, or his characters rather, are known for their short & choppy, witty, rapid fire dialogue. It’s back again in this flick, as Reese Witherspoon does little to help the plot, aside from the JumpJump scene where she is entrapped by little kids, in search for her [negative] pregnancy test. Her acting was bland. I think between her and Vince, the chemistry was just not there.

This should also be said: The film is rated PG-13 and there is a segment regarding the Santa secret, so be forewarned. The unwritten rule is broken.

Basically, if you’ve seen Role Models, and Quantum of Solace, Four Christmases is your last resort for a movie to catch until next Friday when the new Keanu Reeves film, The Day the Earth Stood Still hits theaters. That will be sure to be a hit. /sarcasm

Soooo…
Q: What do you get when you combine low expectations, some good one liners, and Vince Vaughn?
A: A few laughs, a decent movie, good Vince acting. Not a Vince fan, rent it in a few months. Not a Christmas classic, but a good comedy.

My opinion: 3/5

The Illusionist

2008-12-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a step away from my increasinly frequent stage of indie films and suggest something a little different. I still can't seem to break away from anything Sundance related.

This is a 2006 period drama written and directed by Neil Burger and starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti. Based loosely on Steven Millhauser's story "Eisenheim the Illusionist", it tells the story of Eisenheim, a magician in turn of the 20th century Vienna. The film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival

This is all i am going to say for suuuuch a good movie.

Trailer:

Interview with Norton:

My opinion: 4/5

Notes: I was just watching this, no time for a full review. :]

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

2008-12-14T19:12:00.001-08:00

Q: What are two of my favorite things in movies?

A: Kevin Smith, and Seth Rogen

There is no denying my personal itch to watch anything that involves Seth Rogen, this movie is no exception. Although not a direct comparison by any means, Seth somehow gravitates to me the same way Michael Cera does, in a more vulgar, rude, and loudmouthed kind of way. Whether its his awkward unusual charm, or his clueless attitude, his characters are always so enthralling.

Along with %90 of America that cannot afford their own housing, water and heat, and electrical bills, falls Zack and Miri, Their solution? Make a pornographic film of course. The movie features hilarious ups, and it has its downs… which are also hilarious.

This is all quite simple: This one’s for the Smith cultists.

My opinion: 4/5

Notes: This was quick, short and simple.

The Squid and the Whale

2008-12-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Do you like drama of the parental misconduct or adolescent sexual confusion nature? If so, your in luck!

Written and directed by Wes Anderson collaborator Noah Baumbach, The Squid and the Whale is essentially a semi-autobiographical story of the divorce of his own parents, novelist Jonathan, who can actually be seen in the movie hiding in the background, and critic Georgia Brown. The heavily symbolic title comes from the Natural History Museum diorama of a squid and a whale locked in a death-grip struggle. I saw this last year, the sculpture itself is both beautiful and hideous to look at, if you haven’t, do check it out in the American Museum of Natural History in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

I don’t feel like typing a long synopsis, so let me sum it up for you. This movie debuted at Sundance [like most of the movies I talk about.] in 2005. The Squid and the Whale contains brilliant dialogue, fantastic acting that is without a doubt hilarious, yet increasingly sad all at the same time. Quite simply, it’s one of the best films I have seen. I seem to say that a lot.

My opinion: 4/5

Note: These suggestions are all over the place, none of them follow any pattern, rhyme or reason.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

2008-12-14T19:10:00.001-08:00

What should be said about a film that makes you happy, smiling, and energized through its entirety?

Its no surprise that the masses have said, “This movie seems just like recycled material.” The directors must have known this when searching for the actors to take on the two main roles. Michael Cera and Kat Dennings have such a chemistry. It seems as though Michael can be thrown anything and still be as charming or clueless, as possible. The last time we saw Michael he was dishing out the charm to win over Ellen Page, but the sparks this time seems far greater.

It is really easy to get caught up in this movie from the get go, whether it is the solid acting, or the fact that the entire movie takes place in the vibrant nightlife, adding to the energy that is the underground New York rock scene.

I told myself i would just give suggestions for movies that are not the typical box office hits, so I am going to stop myself before I start sounding like a typical one sided self proclaimed “movie reviewer.” Just go buy it, or at least give it a rental, or stream it from the internet, I don’t care. Witness it first hand(eye).

Typical boy loses girl, boy finds girl, indie, cutesy drama/comedy?

Living in the vein of Juno?

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist was definitely one of my favorite movies of the summer.

My opinion: 4/5

Also see: “Raising Victor Vargas”, anothergreat Peter Sollett film.

Step Brothers, the DVD release

2008-12-14T19:09:00.001-08:00

Tuesday brought with it the midnight release of Step Brothers. This was indeed a big deal for myself as well as the few others that I was accompanied with. It’s hard to explain the connection that is made between people because of a movie. Take Step Brothers for example. There are plenty of times when you run out of things to say between your groups of friends during a chilly campfire filled night. In our scenario, the one thing that was always present to bail us out of such situations was quoting this film. Ever since the movie was released in theaters, a day has not gone by where the phrase, “Boats and Hoes” was not uttered.

This film has definitely become a staple in my life somehow. As much as I really should go about telling you why you need to watch this film I won’t, I can’t put into words how funny it is. [Although i just tried to]

To sum it all up, and to give you a truly good reason you need to appreciate this movie… buy it and treat yourself to the special features. You will see how much they really put into this movie, the immense amounts of fun that was had filming, and the all around good nature of the movie.

The DVD is packed with bonus material, everything from 400 EXTRA quotable lines, a gag reel & blooper all the way to the music video for the hit single “Boats and Hoes.”

Do not second guess it, even if you have not seen it and are skeptical, buy it.

When I first saw the movie: 5/5

My opinion now: 4/5

DVD bonus features: 5/5

Notes: I watched Step Brothers in theaters 9 times, as well as many of my close friends seeing it upwards of 5,6,7. These suggestions will not be in any order, or any time frame. Whenever, wherever, whatever films I feel like posting will go up here. It is evolving.

Eagle vs Shark

2008-12-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

This will be my first real post on WordPress. I am not entirely sure how I want to do this or what i want to accomplish. Do I want to just write a trite review of the movie or just suggest the title, give a brief overview, not push my feelings upon readers. Lets just see how it goes.

Eagle vs Shark in its purest sense is a romantic comedy falling in the vein of New Zealand born film director Taika Waititi. The film debuted at last years Sundance in New York and La on June 15th 2007. It is difficult to distinguish if the films eccentricities are on a whim or forced. Non the less you can’t deny that the two lonely stars connect on a higher basis.

Beyond the film itself is the wonderful soundtrack featuring the likes of The Phoenix Foundation [New Zealand], The Stone Roses [Britain], and a personal favorite artist of mine, Devendra Banhart.

Just a Napoleon Dynamite rip off?
Just another awkward indie comedy?

My opinion: 3/5

Note: Movie suggestions will get more in depth and not so sporadic, with an actual clear focus. This all sort of sounds forced, I am very tired and its friday. This will stand as my quickly rambled first post. Love it.