For someone who was (and is) a huge fan of mid-90's ska, this was pretty cool to see (it's the Cal marching band):
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Not in my movie
Right now my wife is watching "27 Dresses." Even though this was a free rental, it still wasn't worth the time it took me to walk to the store on my lunch break and enter in the free movie code into the Redbox machine. Anyway, I think the reason I don't like it is because of Katherine Heigl. There are just some people that I would never put in a movie if I were a casting director. Here are a few of those people:
1. Katherine Heigl
2. John Lithgow
3. Michael Rappaport
4. Jeremy Sisto (the dude that tried to hook up with Cher on Clueless)
5. The blonde dude from Minority Report and Band of Brothers
6. Ashton Kutcher
7. John Leguizamo
8. Giovanni Ribisi (he played a weird guy on The Wonder Years)
9. Nicole Kidman (recently named the most overpaid actress)
10. Debra Messing (if this were in order in terms of most disliked, she would be number 1)
11. Dane Cook
12. Dax Shepard
Honorable Mention:
1. Eddie Murphy (He still has goodwill banked from Trading Places)
2. Cameron Diaz (If it wasn't for There's Something About Mary, she would be on the list above)
3. George Clooney (He was on the list until I saw Michael Clayton last week. Great movie.)
1. Katherine Heigl
2. John Lithgow
3. Michael Rappaport
4. Jeremy Sisto (the dude that tried to hook up with Cher on Clueless)
5. The blonde dude from Minority Report and Band of Brothers
6. Ashton Kutcher
7. John Leguizamo
8. Giovanni Ribisi (he played a weird guy on The Wonder Years)
9. Nicole Kidman (recently named the most overpaid actress)
10. Debra Messing (if this were in order in terms of most disliked, she would be number 1)
11. Dane Cook
12. Dax Shepard
Honorable Mention:
1. Eddie Murphy (He still has goodwill banked from Trading Places)
2. Cameron Diaz (If it wasn't for There's Something About Mary, she would be on the list above)
3. George Clooney (He was on the list until I saw Michael Clayton last week. Great movie.)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
This past December I decided that it was time to hang up the blogging "cleats" and walk away from the game. Well, I'm back now and the best part is that I doubt anyone will read this.
Since finishing school and taking the bar exam a little over two months ago, I have been reborn, so to speak. I've picked up where I left off three years ago when I started law school. I'm reading books again, I'm happy again, and I've decided to try out some new things in my extra time.
If you are married, have kids, and are in school, it's almost impossible to have any kind of a hobby. That doesn't mean that the life of a young student-dad is depressing, it's just that other people come first when your bulbous nose isn't in a book. Here is a small list of things I would like to accomplish within the next few years:
1. Go hog hunting with a bow in central California (this is very close to happening and I will talk more about it later)
2. Write a book. I can't imagine wanting to sit down at a computer and write more after doing it all day at work, but I think it would be quite an accomplishment.
3. Buy a car.
4. Take cooking classes at the local community college.
5. Learn to play the baritone saxaphone.
These are just a few of the things that I would like to accomplish now that I'm done with school. Speaking of school, my ten year reunion was this past week. I didn't go. I wasn't planning on going and then I got the invitation and it was $90/person. I didn't feel like watching people I didn't like in the first place get drunk from the open bar that I paid for with my admission fee.
I think not enjoying your high school years is a hard concept for someone who did enjoy high school to grasp. For me it's like talking to someone who doesn't like cheese (even though he will never see this...my apologies to the one guy I know who doesn't like cheese. I'm sorry for all of the questions). I wish I could go back and talk to myself as a ninth grader. I would tell myself about how great life is once you get out of high school. Actually, I would probably tell myself to do home schooling since it probably would've been a lot more productive.
The question that keeps running through my mind is whether or not those four years are necessary for each individual to learn more about himself/herself. Is high school a necessary evil? Do you have to suffer through those four years to fully enjoy the college years that follow?
It finally feels like the high school yearbook has been closed now that my last friend from school is married. I think every person who has met his wife probably feels bad for ever bothering him about how long (relatively) it was taking him to get married.
In a sense, marriage is like your religion. Once you've converted, you want other people to convert too. It helps to justify your actions a little more. You also kind of look down a little bit on other people who aren't married and sometimes it's hard to be around them because they don't seem to think like you do. When you get together with other married people you talk about friends you know that aren't married and say things like "How come he isn't married? Is he gay? Is he just weird? Does he have fear of commitment? Is he selfish?" It's almost an insult to you that someone you know isn't married. The funniest part is that every person who has ever been married sometimes thinks about how great it would be to be single again. If it's a constant thought, chances are things aren't going so well for you in your marriage. But if the thought crosses your mind every once in a while, you are probably just like that other 99% of married people.
By the way, the whole being married/being a member of X religion is a great comparison in my mind, but it didn't come out so well typed. Maybe I should hold off on that book idea.
Since finishing school and taking the bar exam a little over two months ago, I have been reborn, so to speak. I've picked up where I left off three years ago when I started law school. I'm reading books again, I'm happy again, and I've decided to try out some new things in my extra time.
If you are married, have kids, and are in school, it's almost impossible to have any kind of a hobby. That doesn't mean that the life of a young student-dad is depressing, it's just that other people come first when your bulbous nose isn't in a book. Here is a small list of things I would like to accomplish within the next few years:
1. Go hog hunting with a bow in central California (this is very close to happening and I will talk more about it later)
2. Write a book. I can't imagine wanting to sit down at a computer and write more after doing it all day at work, but I think it would be quite an accomplishment.
3. Buy a car.
4. Take cooking classes at the local community college.
5. Learn to play the baritone saxaphone.
These are just a few of the things that I would like to accomplish now that I'm done with school. Speaking of school, my ten year reunion was this past week. I didn't go. I wasn't planning on going and then I got the invitation and it was $90/person. I didn't feel like watching people I didn't like in the first place get drunk from the open bar that I paid for with my admission fee.
I think not enjoying your high school years is a hard concept for someone who did enjoy high school to grasp. For me it's like talking to someone who doesn't like cheese (even though he will never see this...my apologies to the one guy I know who doesn't like cheese. I'm sorry for all of the questions). I wish I could go back and talk to myself as a ninth grader. I would tell myself about how great life is once you get out of high school. Actually, I would probably tell myself to do home schooling since it probably would've been a lot more productive.
The question that keeps running through my mind is whether or not those four years are necessary for each individual to learn more about himself/herself. Is high school a necessary evil? Do you have to suffer through those four years to fully enjoy the college years that follow?
It finally feels like the high school yearbook has been closed now that my last friend from school is married. I think every person who has met his wife probably feels bad for ever bothering him about how long (relatively) it was taking him to get married.
In a sense, marriage is like your religion. Once you've converted, you want other people to convert too. It helps to justify your actions a little more. You also kind of look down a little bit on other people who aren't married and sometimes it's hard to be around them because they don't seem to think like you do. When you get together with other married people you talk about friends you know that aren't married and say things like "How come he isn't married? Is he gay? Is he just weird? Does he have fear of commitment? Is he selfish?" It's almost an insult to you that someone you know isn't married. The funniest part is that every person who has ever been married sometimes thinks about how great it would be to be single again. If it's a constant thought, chances are things aren't going so well for you in your marriage. But if the thought crosses your mind every once in a while, you are probably just like that other 99% of married people.
By the way, the whole being married/being a member of X religion is a great comparison in my mind, but it didn't come out so well typed. Maybe I should hold off on that book idea.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The End.
If any of you out there are still checking this, I have good news for you: Stop. I will officially be saving you the five seconds a week that you have spent navigating to this site.
I've thought a lot about this. Actually, I haven't thought that much about it. I just decided that on the list of things I would like to do with my free time, updating this blog was one step above taking out the garbage (which I hate doing more than anything).
There are also some other things that I have been noticing about blogs that I don't like. I don't really know if I want random people knowing about me or what I am doing. I guess what I'm saying is that if someone I know really wants to know what I am doing or what I think about a particular subject, they can always call or send an email (or send me a message on g-chat, which is my favorite method of communication).
There is also kind of this weird "Keeping up with the Joneses" vibe I get when I read some blogs. I'd explain it more, but I'd rather be doing something else with my time right now. Thanks for reading.
The End.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Ree-diculous
Last night we took the boys trick-or-treating in my parents' neighborhood. I was standing on the sidewalk with the stroller while my wife was at the door with our oldest, when a couple of 10 year olds walked by. One of them said to the other "Oh man, I only got a Twix and Ghiradelli chocolate." I couldn't believe it. Not only is a Twix a respectable candy, but Ghiradelli chocolate is some of the best out there. And this kid was disappointed? This also led to me to ask myself a few questions:
1. Who gives out Ghiradelli chocolate on Halloween?
2. How does a 10 year old even know how to pronounce Ghiradelli?
3. What is wrong with kids today when they are complaining about receiving a Twix AND a Ghiradelli chocolate?
By the way, when you visit a neighborhood filled with teenage trick-or-treaters and your son is three years old, people tend to be a lot happier to see a three year old. So much so that they unload the candy into your kid's pumpkin shaped pail. We had to keep unloading the pail into the bottom of the stroller because people decided to "reward" our kid for being younger than the other trick-or-treaters and for wearing a home-made skunk costume. I can't wait to go home tonight and eat more of his candy.
1. Who gives out Ghiradelli chocolate on Halloween?
2. How does a 10 year old even know how to pronounce Ghiradelli?
3. What is wrong with kids today when they are complaining about receiving a Twix AND a Ghiradelli chocolate?
By the way, when you visit a neighborhood filled with teenage trick-or-treaters and your son is three years old, people tend to be a lot happier to see a three year old. So much so that they unload the candy into your kid's pumpkin shaped pail. We had to keep unloading the pail into the bottom of the stroller because people decided to "reward" our kid for being younger than the other trick-or-treaters and for wearing a home-made skunk costume. I can't wait to go home tonight and eat more of his candy.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Funny
So, I just updated about the Red Sox and I just found out they won. Great. It seems like justice is served though because the top story on espn.com wasn't how the Red Sox won, it was that A-Rod was opting out of his contract. Take that, bandwagoning Red Sox fans.
Southern California in flames
It's been a long time since I have written in this blog. It's not like I haven't had the desire to, it's just that other things have gotten in the way. You know, school, family, etc etc. Here are some random thoughts:
1. I finished reading "Thirteen Moons" by Charles Frazier last week and I absolutely loved it. I loved his first book "Cold Mountain" and I loved this one almost as much or more. When I read a book that is set in another time period, I'm always amazed at how much research must go into writing a book like that. I guess that's why it takes years to write some of these books.
2. I don't think it's happened yet, but the Red Sox are about to win the World Series. If there was one team I didn't want to win it, it was the Red Sox. I can sum of my feelings in one picture:
Did you see the Red Sox fans' reaction to J.D. Drew's home run? It was like they had been cheering this guy on all season long when the reality is that they had been killing him all season long. Look, the guy spent like four seasons in Los Angeles, so I know what boring, dull, heartless player he is. I'm just saying, don't act like he's your savior because he hits a meaningless grand slam in a blowout game.
Prior to 2002 or whenever they won the World Series, Red Sox fans had complained about the Yankees always winning and spending an unholy amount on marginal talent. Congratulations, Red Sox, you are the new Yankees. You have the second highest payroll in baseball, people all over the country are wearing your team's hat and shirts because everyone loves a winning team, your "fans" are obnoxious, and the majority of people outside of Boston would appreciate it if you would all just go away. I just can't wait for all the Celtics fans to come out of the woodwork now that they might have a respectable team. Sports fans are just funny that way.
By the way, I didn't used to feel this way about the Red Sox. I really didn't mind them until I read Bill Simmons' book and his 8,000,000th column about the Red Sox. I think that is what ruined it for me. There are still a few great things about Boston, namely the Dropkick Murphys (even though they need to zip it about the Red Sox as well), Big D and the Kids Table, and these flamers:
3. Well, after watching a plethora of new tv shows this fall I have decided that none of them are really worth my weekly attention. I guess the most intriguing out of the lot was "Pushing Daisies." The main guy reminds me a lot of Jimmy Stewart. I also still watch "Back to You" and "Cavemen." That's right, Cavemen. It's so bad, it's almost good.
Well, I had planned on writing more, but I can't think of anything else right now. I promise to think about doing better to try to update this blog more. Primero Dios.
1. I finished reading "Thirteen Moons" by Charles Frazier last week and I absolutely loved it. I loved his first book "Cold Mountain" and I loved this one almost as much or more. When I read a book that is set in another time period, I'm always amazed at how much research must go into writing a book like that. I guess that's why it takes years to write some of these books.
2. I don't think it's happened yet, but the Red Sox are about to win the World Series. If there was one team I didn't want to win it, it was the Red Sox. I can sum of my feelings in one picture:
Did you see the Red Sox fans' reaction to J.D. Drew's home run? It was like they had been cheering this guy on all season long when the reality is that they had been killing him all season long. Look, the guy spent like four seasons in Los Angeles, so I know what boring, dull, heartless player he is. I'm just saying, don't act like he's your savior because he hits a meaningless grand slam in a blowout game.
Prior to 2002 or whenever they won the World Series, Red Sox fans had complained about the Yankees always winning and spending an unholy amount on marginal talent. Congratulations, Red Sox, you are the new Yankees. You have the second highest payroll in baseball, people all over the country are wearing your team's hat and shirts because everyone loves a winning team, your "fans" are obnoxious, and the majority of people outside of Boston would appreciate it if you would all just go away. I just can't wait for all the Celtics fans to come out of the woodwork now that they might have a respectable team. Sports fans are just funny that way.
By the way, I didn't used to feel this way about the Red Sox. I really didn't mind them until I read Bill Simmons' book and his 8,000,000th column about the Red Sox. I think that is what ruined it for me. There are still a few great things about Boston, namely the Dropkick Murphys (even though they need to zip it about the Red Sox as well), Big D and the Kids Table, and these flamers:
3. Well, after watching a plethora of new tv shows this fall I have decided that none of them are really worth my weekly attention. I guess the most intriguing out of the lot was "Pushing Daisies." The main guy reminds me a lot of Jimmy Stewart. I also still watch "Back to You" and "Cavemen." That's right, Cavemen. It's so bad, it's almost good.
Well, I had planned on writing more, but I can't think of anything else right now. I promise to think about doing better to try to update this blog more. Primero Dios.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Random Thoughts
The worst show on tv that I have watched an entire season of has got to be "Last Comic Standing." You could pick 10 random people off the street in any major city and I guarantee you that they would be as funny as the 10 "funniest comics in the world" that are on this show. Thankfully we are watching the final episode right now and this will be my last time watching any show hosted by Bill Bellamy.
Speaking of tv shows, my favorite two shows this summer were on the USA network. That's right, USA network. The shows were Psych and Burn Notice. Watching Burn Notice at first was a little difficult because the main character was the "bad guy" in Hitch. I love that movie, but I still can't tell if Eva Mendes is attractive or not. Kind of like Maggie Gyllenhaal or Parker Posey. Either way, these are both great shows so check em out.
Bumper stickers are out of control at this point. I've had a few on cars that I have driven. I think my first one was a Link 80 sticker (I still love that band and I even bought the guitar that was used on their last album). Later on I had a UCD sticker and then a Dodgers sticker. Now I just have a Dodgers license plate holder. The first time I ever laughed at a bumper sticker it said "Don't tailgate or I'll flick a booger on your windshield." I think I was eight years old then. The last time I laughed at one it was actually a license plate holder. It said "I brake for Luke Perry." Who doesn't brake for Dylan McKay? I've always wanted one that said "I brake for Zack Morris." Maybe next time I'm at the mall I can go to one of those creepy kiosk and have them make one for me.
Anyway, it seems like there is always some fashionable bumper sticker. You know, Calvin peeing on something, the baby on board signs, NTW, etc etc. There are a couple right now that are a bit irritating. The first is the one that lists every member of the family. You know, it's usually on the back of a minivan and it has five people and one dog on there and underneath it says "John" "Carol" "Daevyd" "Mychael" "Madyssen" and "Smuckers." I'm not sure what is going on with these stickers, but the names of the kids are what trouble me the most. Parents are out of control with the spelling of their kids' names. I have two kids and I'm almost positive that neither of their names will ever be misspelled or mispronounced. I'm sure your kids are going to appreciate having to spell their name out the rest of their lives because you and wife had a brain fart. I guarantee you that these kids with the retarded names will choose names for their kids like "John" and "Roger."
The other bumper sticker fad I've got a beef with is the "In Memory Of..." sticker. At first I saw a couple of them on cars driven by Hispanics. Fine, no big deal. Now they are everywhere, especially on big trucks driven by teenagers. We all know someone who has died, and it really is a bummer, but we don't need to memorialize them with a gaudy sticker on the back of a Ford F-150.
I read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy a while back and I wasn't a huge fan of it. I decided to read "No Country for Old Men" by the same author and I loved it. His writing style is confusing sometimes (he doesn't use quotes at all) but I think it makes you pay more attention to what you are reading. You can see the trailer for this movie at: http://www.nocountryforoldmen-themovie.com/
Now that the Dodgers season is over, I've decided to devote my sports time to my other favorite LA team: the Kings. I haven't paid as much attention to hockey these past couple of years as I would've liked, but I'm rededicating myself this season. My brother and I went to the Kings open house where they held an open practice and their coach explained the drills they were running. It was great and it was probably the only time that I will ever sit right next to the glass. The Kings have a really young team this year with a lot of potential, so check them out when the season starts on October 6. Also, hockey is the best sport to watch live and tickets aren't very expensive.
Eva Longoria kind of has buck teef. I just wish that during the NBA Finals they would cut away from the action to show her more. It's worse than when Vanessa Williams was watching Rick Fox during the Laker playoffs.
New season of Ugly Betty starts this week. It's about dang time. I think the new show I'm most excited to check out is "Life" on NBC, but that's only because the guy from Band of Brothers is in it.
"I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry" "Good Luck Chuck" and "Chuck." When did "Chuck" become go the go-to name for entertainment programs?
Ok, that's all for now. Adios bye bye.
Speaking of tv shows, my favorite two shows this summer were on the USA network. That's right, USA network. The shows were Psych and Burn Notice. Watching Burn Notice at first was a little difficult because the main character was the "bad guy" in Hitch. I love that movie, but I still can't tell if Eva Mendes is attractive or not. Kind of like Maggie Gyllenhaal or Parker Posey. Either way, these are both great shows so check em out.
Bumper stickers are out of control at this point. I've had a few on cars that I have driven. I think my first one was a Link 80 sticker (I still love that band and I even bought the guitar that was used on their last album). Later on I had a UCD sticker and then a Dodgers sticker. Now I just have a Dodgers license plate holder. The first time I ever laughed at a bumper sticker it said "Don't tailgate or I'll flick a booger on your windshield." I think I was eight years old then. The last time I laughed at one it was actually a license plate holder. It said "I brake for Luke Perry." Who doesn't brake for Dylan McKay? I've always wanted one that said "I brake for Zack Morris." Maybe next time I'm at the mall I can go to one of those creepy kiosk and have them make one for me.
Anyway, it seems like there is always some fashionable bumper sticker. You know, Calvin peeing on something, the baby on board signs, NTW, etc etc. There are a couple right now that are a bit irritating. The first is the one that lists every member of the family. You know, it's usually on the back of a minivan and it has five people and one dog on there and underneath it says "John" "Carol" "Daevyd" "Mychael" "Madyssen" and "Smuckers." I'm not sure what is going on with these stickers, but the names of the kids are what trouble me the most. Parents are out of control with the spelling of their kids' names. I have two kids and I'm almost positive that neither of their names will ever be misspelled or mispronounced. I'm sure your kids are going to appreciate having to spell their name out the rest of their lives because you and wife had a brain fart. I guarantee you that these kids with the retarded names will choose names for their kids like "John" and "Roger."
The other bumper sticker fad I've got a beef with is the "In Memory Of..." sticker. At first I saw a couple of them on cars driven by Hispanics. Fine, no big deal. Now they are everywhere, especially on big trucks driven by teenagers. We all know someone who has died, and it really is a bummer, but we don't need to memorialize them with a gaudy sticker on the back of a Ford F-150.
I read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy a while back and I wasn't a huge fan of it. I decided to read "No Country for Old Men" by the same author and I loved it. His writing style is confusing sometimes (he doesn't use quotes at all) but I think it makes you pay more attention to what you are reading. You can see the trailer for this movie at: http://www.nocountryforoldmen-themovie.com/
Now that the Dodgers season is over, I've decided to devote my sports time to my other favorite LA team: the Kings. I haven't paid as much attention to hockey these past couple of years as I would've liked, but I'm rededicating myself this season. My brother and I went to the Kings open house where they held an open practice and their coach explained the drills they were running. It was great and it was probably the only time that I will ever sit right next to the glass. The Kings have a really young team this year with a lot of potential, so check them out when the season starts on October 6. Also, hockey is the best sport to watch live and tickets aren't very expensive.
Eva Longoria kind of has buck teef. I just wish that during the NBA Finals they would cut away from the action to show her more. It's worse than when Vanessa Williams was watching Rick Fox during the Laker playoffs.
New season of Ugly Betty starts this week. It's about dang time. I think the new show I'm most excited to check out is "Life" on NBC, but that's only because the guy from Band of Brothers is in it.
"I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry" "Good Luck Chuck" and "Chuck." When did "Chuck" become go the go-to name for entertainment programs?
Ok, that's all for now. Adios bye bye.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Dancing on the Jetty
I was reminded yesterday by a friend that I haven't updated in a long time. I commented to my wife a couple of weeks ago that I don't think I have been this busy the entire time we've been married. Actually, things are about to get even busier, but I'm not even going to touch that topic right now.
Anyway, so by the end of a day spent typing on the computer and reading drawn out legal opinions, the last thing I have wanted to do is sit down at my computer and type some more. Writing a blog shouldn't feel like a homework assignment, right?
That being said, I will actually do a real update this weekend. I'm not sure what to write about yet, but I probably won't be talking about the new blue retainer that I got this week and am wearing right now (yes, I stopped wearing my retainer and my teeth have moved, so instead of braces they are trying a new retainer. Please let this work because I don't want to show up to court for the first time with a metal mouth).
This entry, which basically talks about nothing, reminds me a bit of when the Chairman of the Fed testifies before Congress, or when a new Supreme Court justice is nominated and has to endure hours and hours of the same questions (Alan Greenspan was a master of "fed speak" ). In both cases, the Chairman or the soon-to-be justice will basically give answers without ever answering the question. That's kind of how I feel about this blog update. I've updated, without really updating, if that makes any sense.
Anyway, so by the end of a day spent typing on the computer and reading drawn out legal opinions, the last thing I have wanted to do is sit down at my computer and type some more. Writing a blog shouldn't feel like a homework assignment, right?
That being said, I will actually do a real update this weekend. I'm not sure what to write about yet, but I probably won't be talking about the new blue retainer that I got this week and am wearing right now (yes, I stopped wearing my retainer and my teeth have moved, so instead of braces they are trying a new retainer. Please let this work because I don't want to show up to court for the first time with a metal mouth).
This entry, which basically talks about nothing, reminds me a bit of when the Chairman of the Fed testifies before Congress, or when a new Supreme Court justice is nominated and has to endure hours and hours of the same questions (Alan Greenspan was a master of "fed speak" ). In both cases, the Chairman or the soon-to-be justice will basically give answers without ever answering the question. That's kind of how I feel about this blog update. I've updated, without really updating, if that makes any sense.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Yo Soy Betty, La Fea
Here's a quote from Entertainment Weekly's review of the first season of Ugly Betty on dvd.
"This audacious twist solidifies Betty's status as the gayest show on TV, in both senses of the word: Not only is it steeped in a queer aesthetic, but there's palpable joy behind the sweet silliness of it all."
That's right, one of my favorite shows has been called the "gayest show on tv." As long as Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, What Not to Wear, and Grey's Anatomy are on tv, Ugly Betty will never be close to being the gayest show on tv.
The reason why I started watching this show is because my wife recognized "Dawn" from the British Office as one of the reporters on the fake fashion tv show. Then she recognized "Maggie" from Extras as the seamstress or whatever she is called at Mode magazine. I figured if this show would go to great lengths to poach two great actresses from Ricky Gervais shows, then I better check it out.
At first, I thought to myself "this show is just too gay for me." Betty's nephew is gay, Wilhemina's assistant is gay, and it seemed like gay was everywhere, but after watching a couple of episodes, either I got used to it or they toned it down a bit. I think I have seen every episode now (thanks to summer re-runs) and I can honestly say that it's one of the best shows on tv. Here are the reasons why I like it so much:
1. The interaction between Betty and Daniel. I can't remember what the guy's name is that plays Daniel, but he does a great job as the sex-crazed editor of Mode. The interaction between the two in the episode where Betty gets a makeover from her sister was great.
2. Vanessa Williams and Rebecca Romijn. These two cougars make the show. Vanessa "formerly Rick Fox's wife" plays the evil Wilhemina and Rebecca "formerly married to Uncle Jesse" Stamos plays Daniel Meade's brother who faked his death only to come back as a woman.
3. The fake telenovelas on tv. If any of you have ever seen a telenovela, then you know how cheesy they are. There were certain times in Guate where every person who owned a tv would be watching the same novela. I think the most popular one I saw was "Sonadores." We'd be walking down the street at 7:30 at night and we could hear the same thing coming out of every house we walked by.
I know that most dudes probably aren't dying to tune into a show about an assistant to the editor of a fashion magazine, but it really is one of the best shows on tv. If you saw "Real Women Have Curves" than it might take you a while to get used to seeing America Ferrara not wearing flesh-toned underwear, but just give it a couple of episodes and it will be worth it.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Foreign Music Friday
Here is another installment about something that absolutely no one (besides me) cares about. For today's pick, I decided to go with Japan. The band is the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, which is an entirely too long of a name for a band. They've been around since about 1985 and in the first video they team up with J-Pop superduo Puffy Ami Yumi to form one of the most uncomfortable collaborations I have ever witnessed. The girls look like they have no clue as to what is going on, or how to dance for that matter. The song starts off a little slow, but it gets better as it goes along. I always get it stuck in my head when I listen to it and then I have to spend the day mumbling lyrics because I have no idea what they are saying. Prepare to be uncomfortable...
This also marks the first Foreign Music Friday where I will include two videos by the same band. I like the following one better because it better represents Tokyo Skapa (and because one guy is playing a trash can and another is playing a tuba). I have no idea what the guy is yelling to the audience in the beginning, but judging by the audience's reaction I think he is telling them that it's important to stay in school and get a good education. Even if you don't like ska music, doesn't it look like you would have a good time at this concert?
This also marks the first Foreign Music Friday where I will include two videos by the same band. I like the following one better because it better represents Tokyo Skapa (and because one guy is playing a trash can and another is playing a tuba). I have no idea what the guy is yelling to the audience in the beginning, but judging by the audience's reaction I think he is telling them that it's important to stay in school and get a good education. Even if you don't like ska music, doesn't it look like you would have a good time at this concert?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Yo Gabba Gabba
Because I like to support work done by fellow Mormons and The Aquabats, I will put in a little plug for a new tv show on Nick Jr called Yo Gabba Gabba. It's on every morning at 7:30 is highly entertaining, even for adults. Here's a little clip from the first episode (if you have to take a test or have some sort of important meeting to go to and you don't want a song stuck in your head, do not watch this clip).
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Foreign Music Friday
A little late, but here's my pick for this week. The band is Midnight Oil (which I think is a great name for a band), the song is "Blue Sky Mine", the country is Australia, and the year is 1990. These guys might be better known for the song "Beds Are Burning" but I like this song more. Probably the best part of this video is watching the singer dance. It almost looks like he has an itch in the middle of his back and he just can't reach it. Anyway, the guy is eccentric, to say the least.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Back To School
Next Tuesday will be my last back to school day and I couldn't be happier. If you would've told me when I was 15 years old that my undergrad degree would be in economics and that I would go on to law school, I would've told you that you were crazy. Here's a list of possible careers that I have considered over the years (in no particular order):
1. Professional baseball player (Kind of hard to accomplish that when you stop playing in high school)
2. FBI Agent (My application is actually completed, but I never submitted it. Had I not decided to go to law school, I'm pretty sure that I would be working for the FBI in some capacity, assuming I could pass the color test.)
3. Police Officer (I considered this a long time ago, but knew it would never really be a possibility. Before we got married, my wife kindly informed me that I would never be a police officer. Oh well.)
4. American History Professor (This is still one of my dreams actually. I love American History. If I was ever offered a job teaching US History on the east coast or in the south, I would do it in a heartbeat. )
5. Commercial Real Estate Broker (I did an internship with a commercial real estate firm in northern California a few years ago to see if it might be something I was interested in. Well, after a couple of months I realized that selling real estate just wasn't for me. The guys I worked with were all very nice, and I appreciated them taking me to a great Vietnamese restaurant for lunch, but without going into too much detail, working there was kind of like being in high school again. That's not a good thing.)
6. Tomato Farmer (I told my wife that for graduation I want a clock that counts backwards starting at 20 years. As soon as the 20 years are up, I'm quitting law and we are moving to central California so I can live out my dream of being a tomato farmer. She actually seems ok with the idea. If I can't afford one in central California, I'll buy a farm in Guatemala and spend my summers there.)
7. Buffalo Rancher (We used to go up to Wyoming every summer, and there was a buffalo farm close to where stayed that I thought was incredible. I would just want to raise and sell them, not slaughter them for meat.)
I'm sure there are more jobs that I have considered over the years, but these were the only ones that stuck out in my mind. Not to get all patriotic or anything, but one of the really great things about living in the United States is that you really can do anything you want as long as you are willing to work for it. In other countries the opportunities just aren't available like they are here. I used to work with a bunch europeans in a plant pathology lab and none of them wanted to go back to their native countries because they said there just aren't jobs there like there are here. The PhD students would get all nervous towards the end of their educations because they knew that their student visas were about to run out and they would have to return to France or Germany or whatever. So, for all of the US's faults, it really is a land of opportunity, even for someone who was a terrible student through high school like I was.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Too much tv
Having a couple of kids in the house means that I'm subjected to quite a bit of underage programming. We try not to let the kids watch too much tv, but sometimes we need a break (or need to take a shower) and a tv serves as a great babysitter for an hour or so. I was watching Veggie Tales on Saturday and started thinking about what it takes to make a great kids tv show. I decided to rate the different shows that our kids watch. Here they are:
1. The Wiggles: A
This is by far the most watchable out of all of my sons' tv shows. Admittedly, the concept doesn't sound great: four grown men dress up in four different colors and dance and sing. Sometimes they are accompanied by a pirate with a feather as a weapon, a dog, a dinosaur, or an octopus with a shaky voice. Yet, this show works because the guys look like they are having a great time doing what they are doing. Some of them can't dance (Jeff/Purple) or look a little too "Australian" (Murray/Red), but it doesn't matter because they are entertaining. And yes, I do have a favorite song: Big Red Car (toot toot chugga chugga big red ca-ha-ha). I also have a favorite Wiggle: Anthony, the blue Wiggle. I had a chance to take my oldest son to see them not too long ago, but we were out of town. I was actually a little disappointed.
2. The Backyardigans: B
I had my doubts about this show after I heard the different characters' names, including Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo, and Tasha, but man the songs are catchy. I don't know how many times I've gone to work singing "a pirate, a pirate, a pirate says arrrhhhh." Man, I love that episode. I am also a big fan of "Surf's Up." My son's favorite episode is "Legend of the Volcano Sisters." The show isn't great and sometimes the characters dance just a little too much, but the songs make watching the show worth it.
3. SpongeBob Squarepants: B+
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? My son has been a little late getting into this show mainly because my wife absolutely hates it. I think she still gets a little upset when I turn it on, but I guess she figures that it's inevitable. SpongeBob reminds me of a less-funny version Ren and Stimpy. It has it's moments, but I always think that it could be just a little bit funnier if they put more effort into it. I would just give it a solid B, but the opening sequence where he gets in the tub and his head fills up with water gets me every time.
4. The Doodlebops: F
My kids don't watch this show because my wife and both really, really dislike it. You know those kids in high school who were just a little too into theater? Well, you can catch them now on the Doodlebops. In a Simpsons episode not too long ago Milhouse wanted to know if he could watch the Doodlebops on tv. I guess even the writers for the Simpsons have a strong dislike of three weirdos dressing up in ugly costumes and pretending to play instruments. DEEDEE! ROONEY! MOE! GAY!
5. The Wonder Pets: C-
Here's the story: three animals (a turtle, a duck, and some sort of gerbil) go out and help animals that are in danger. I'm not sure how this idea was pitched to Disney, but it seems like it would be a pretty tough sell. The show is animated, sort of. The characters are all cut outs of real pictures and they just try and animate their arms and mouths. It's kind of creepy, actually, but not as creepy as the little duck named "Ming Ming."
6. Little Einsteins: B-
I think this show is great for kids. It teaches them about classical music, astronomy, artists, etc., but there is something about this show that I can't get with. Maybe it's because they ask too many questions of the audience. Will our clapping really help out Rocket? What about Little Totem Pole? I think the main problem I have with this show is the theme song. If you hear it once in the morning, I promise you that you will be singing it all day.
I've left out some other shows, but it's time to move on to a some random thoughts:
1. When I was younger, I would practice walking around my house without making any noise. I memorized which stairs creaked and where to walk on the wood floor so it wouldn't crack. I also learned that linoleum is soundproof. I'm not sure why I did this, but even today I will try and do it. This little game of my doesn't mesh well with a skittish wife. I've scared my wife so many times walking around the house that now when I know she is there, I have to start sniffing like I have a cold when I'm about to enter a room she is in. Either that or I just announce "I'm about to walk into the kitchen." I told her before that when she is in the house just to expect that I'll walk into the room she is in at any minute, but that never really worked out for her.
2. I loved this commercial when it came out and I still love it:
Everytime I see the guy hit the bed I start cracking up.
3. I watched "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America" and I loved it. More out that another time though.
4. Bobby Flay once said that heirloom tomatoes are the most flavorful, so I decided to plant some along with a bunch of other varieties of tomatoes. After eating a ton of them, I'm inclined to agree. However, heirlooms are an ugly tomato. They look like one tomato is trying to grow out from the inside of another tomato. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to create a tomato that tastes like a heirloom, but has the more pleasant appearance of a golden boy, an early girl, or a beefsteak. Maybe I should drop out of law school and go back to Davis and study agriculture.
5. The Orangesicle shake from Carl's Jr. is surprisingly delicious.
1. The Wiggles: A
This is by far the most watchable out of all of my sons' tv shows. Admittedly, the concept doesn't sound great: four grown men dress up in four different colors and dance and sing. Sometimes they are accompanied by a pirate with a feather as a weapon, a dog, a dinosaur, or an octopus with a shaky voice. Yet, this show works because the guys look like they are having a great time doing what they are doing. Some of them can't dance (Jeff/Purple) or look a little too "Australian" (Murray/Red), but it doesn't matter because they are entertaining. And yes, I do have a favorite song: Big Red Car (toot toot chugga chugga big red ca-ha-ha). I also have a favorite Wiggle: Anthony, the blue Wiggle. I had a chance to take my oldest son to see them not too long ago, but we were out of town. I was actually a little disappointed.
2. The Backyardigans: B
I had my doubts about this show after I heard the different characters' names, including Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo, and Tasha, but man the songs are catchy. I don't know how many times I've gone to work singing "a pirate, a pirate, a pirate says arrrhhhh." Man, I love that episode. I am also a big fan of "Surf's Up." My son's favorite episode is "Legend of the Volcano Sisters." The show isn't great and sometimes the characters dance just a little too much, but the songs make watching the show worth it.
3. SpongeBob Squarepants: B+
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? My son has been a little late getting into this show mainly because my wife absolutely hates it. I think she still gets a little upset when I turn it on, but I guess she figures that it's inevitable. SpongeBob reminds me of a less-funny version Ren and Stimpy. It has it's moments, but I always think that it could be just a little bit funnier if they put more effort into it. I would just give it a solid B, but the opening sequence where he gets in the tub and his head fills up with water gets me every time.
4. The Doodlebops: F
My kids don't watch this show because my wife and both really, really dislike it. You know those kids in high school who were just a little too into theater? Well, you can catch them now on the Doodlebops. In a Simpsons episode not too long ago Milhouse wanted to know if he could watch the Doodlebops on tv. I guess even the writers for the Simpsons have a strong dislike of three weirdos dressing up in ugly costumes and pretending to play instruments. DEEDEE! ROONEY! MOE! GAY!
5. The Wonder Pets: C-
Here's the story: three animals (a turtle, a duck, and some sort of gerbil) go out and help animals that are in danger. I'm not sure how this idea was pitched to Disney, but it seems like it would be a pretty tough sell. The show is animated, sort of. The characters are all cut outs of real pictures and they just try and animate their arms and mouths. It's kind of creepy, actually, but not as creepy as the little duck named "Ming Ming."
6. Little Einsteins: B-
I think this show is great for kids. It teaches them about classical music, astronomy, artists, etc., but there is something about this show that I can't get with. Maybe it's because they ask too many questions of the audience. Will our clapping really help out Rocket? What about Little Totem Pole? I think the main problem I have with this show is the theme song. If you hear it once in the morning, I promise you that you will be singing it all day.
I've left out some other shows, but it's time to move on to a some random thoughts:
1. When I was younger, I would practice walking around my house without making any noise. I memorized which stairs creaked and where to walk on the wood floor so it wouldn't crack. I also learned that linoleum is soundproof. I'm not sure why I did this, but even today I will try and do it. This little game of my doesn't mesh well with a skittish wife. I've scared my wife so many times walking around the house that now when I know she is there, I have to start sniffing like I have a cold when I'm about to enter a room she is in. Either that or I just announce "I'm about to walk into the kitchen." I told her before that when she is in the house just to expect that I'll walk into the room she is in at any minute, but that never really worked out for her.
2. I loved this commercial when it came out and I still love it:
Everytime I see the guy hit the bed I start cracking up.
3. I watched "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America" and I loved it. More out that another time though.
4. Bobby Flay once said that heirloom tomatoes are the most flavorful, so I decided to plant some along with a bunch of other varieties of tomatoes. After eating a ton of them, I'm inclined to agree. However, heirlooms are an ugly tomato. They look like one tomato is trying to grow out from the inside of another tomato. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to create a tomato that tastes like a heirloom, but has the more pleasant appearance of a golden boy, an early girl, or a beefsteak. Maybe I should drop out of law school and go back to Davis and study agriculture.
5. The Orangesicle shake from Carl's Jr. is surprisingly delicious.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Foreign Music Friday
My choice for this Foreign Music Friday is the song "Esperanza" by Enrique Iglesias. When this song came out and when I originally heard it, Enrique Iglesias wasn't well known in the US. I think his first popular song here was "Bailamos" which came out a couple of years after this was released. This song was released on the album "Cosas del Amor" which is E.I.'s best album by far (yes, I'm proud to admit that I own a few of his other albums). His English music is ok, but if you can look past his gay Spanish accent, you'll notice that his Spanish music is on a whole different level.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Foreign Music Friday
This is the first installment of "Foreign Music Friday." I would say that most Americans are pretty ignorant when it comes to music made outside of the US. I know I was prior to my two year sojourn in Central America.
Usually when someone says "Hey, you should check out band X" you never end up doing it. Why? Well, if you are like me than you feel like you don't have enough time to listen to the bands that you do like, let alone new bands that you probably won't like. I've decided now that when someone says "check out this band" I will definitely do it. My brother wanted me to check out the new Silverchair album for some reason and I actually did it (even though I didn't really like it that much).
My first entry comes from England. The song is "Gangsters" by the Specials. As you can see from the comments, the video is from 1979. This is two-tone ska at its best.
Usually when someone says "Hey, you should check out band X" you never end up doing it. Why? Well, if you are like me than you feel like you don't have enough time to listen to the bands that you do like, let alone new bands that you probably won't like. I've decided now that when someone says "check out this band" I will definitely do it. My brother wanted me to check out the new Silverchair album for some reason and I actually did it (even though I didn't really like it that much).
My first entry comes from England. The song is "Gangsters" by the Specials. As you can see from the comments, the video is from 1979. This is two-tone ska at its best.
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