The new buzz is out...Buzzle... http://www.buzzle.de. Very buggy, but it shows promise.

People take far too much pride in themselves. So much so infact, that they are insulted at any insinuation of imperfection or insult. They react as if to say "How DARE you insult ME!!! I'm KING of the GODDAMNED Universe!!". It really chaffes me when people get upset that I have to ask for ID to confirm their credit card trasaction. Most of the time the people that are upset have a legit card...which is I guess why they're upset...because how DARE I insinuate the implication of a notion that THEY might be doing something illegal. Then there are those who won't stand for being "dissrespected", and they're usually the first to act like assholes towards other people. Let it go people, if someone has to check up on something...roll with it; if someone insults you, laugh it off, it's not worth anything more than that.

24 S4 DVD Details (Released Dec 6)

Format: DVD
Rating (MPAA): NR
Originally Released/Aired: 2005
Run Time: 1055 min
DVD Special Features:
- DISC 1: 7:00AM - 8:00AM Commentary by: Joel Surnow and Mary Lynn Rajskub. Deleted Scene Branched on this Episode: Ronnie roughs up suspect before joining conference room.
- DISC 2: 12:00PM - 1:00PM commentary by Joseph Hodges and Jon Cassar. 1:00PM - 2:00PM commentary by Kim Raver and Joseph Hodges. Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Curtis checks up on Marianne and they butt heads. Marianne complains to Driscoll about Sarah. Marianne gets information from Sarah that she tries to pass off to Powell. Behrooz moves to the driver's seat and tells Dina they need to get help. 2:00PM - 3:00PM commentary by Stephen Kornish and Peter Lenkov.
- DISC 3: 3:00PM - 4:00PM commentary by Evan Katz and Shannon Doherty. 4:00PM - 5:00PM commentary by Nestor Serrano and Stephen Kronish Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Jack and Tony talk to the building's landlord and discover that it is owned by Galaxy Financial. Sarah updates Heller about the power plant casualties. Heller: "I will not allow them to be forgotten." Jack argues with Secretary Heller about reinstating Tony. Sec. Heller tells Driscoll to reinstate Tony even though she disagrees. Original version of killing Marianne and taking Curtis prisoner. Curtis gets questioned and tortured. 5:00PM - 6:00PM Deleted Scene Branched on this Episode: Driscoll gives Heller an update of power plant meltdowns. 6:00PM - 7:00PM Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: McLennan-Forster meeting about the override dev
- DISC 4: 7:00PM - 8:00PM Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Jack finds Alam. Adoni Maropis plays Alam. Jack works on Alam's wound. Jack talks to Alam about McLennan-Forster. Adoni Maropis plays Alam. Paul thanks Jack for saving his life. Mini gunfight. Spectre calls Conlin for backup. Jack explains to Paul the plan of action. After the gunfight Alam decides to stay and defend the store. Adoni Maropis plays Alam. Kevin Sizemore plays the medic. Original version. Jack calls Audrey to tell her Paul has been shot. 8:00PM - 9:00PM commentary by Tim Iacofano and Shohreh Aghdashloo Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Audrey gets Paul's wedding ring. 9:00PM - 10:00PM commentary by Roger Cross and Bryan Spicer Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Chloe tells Buchanan they should let Behrooz know that Dina is dead.
- DISC 5: 12:00AM - 1:00AM commentary by Jon Cassar and Sean Callery. 1:00AM - 2:00AM commentary by Paul Gadd and Ken Kobett. Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Azara gets a lead from Nabila. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Edgar blows off Azara's lead. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Azara and Chloe bring the lead to Michelle and Tony. Edgar apologizes to Azara. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Original ending. Chloe tells Jack that she killed someone.
- DISC 6: 4:00AM - 5:00AM commentary by Matt Michnovetz and Duppy Demetris Mandy's love scene. 5:00AM - 6:00AM Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Mandy goes through Tony's wallet and talks about Michelle. Mandy grabs her neighbors and makes the guy put on Tony's clothes. Jack updates Buchanan from the apartment complex. Mandy tells the neighbors that they are posing as her and Tony. She sends them out. Chloe tells Michelle to calm down. 6:00AM - 7:00AM commentary by Bob Cochran and Scott Powell. Deleted Scenes Branched on this Episode: Jack checks on Tony. Tony thanks Jack. Chloe and Edgar see Behrooz and have a moment. Jack thanks Tony and Michelle.
- DISC 7: 24 Season 5 Prequel. Breaking Ground: Building The New CTU. Blood On The Tracks. Lock And Load. 24 Conspiracy: Minute one to Minute Twenty-Four. Extended and Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by John Cassar: Season 4 Director's Cut Promo: Jack surprises Audrey in the hotel room and they begin to have sex. Ronnie roughs up suspect before joining conference room. Curtis checks up on Marianne and they butt heads. Marianne complains to Driscoll about Sarah. Marianne gets information from Sarah that she tries to pass off to Powell. Curtis catches her and tells her to call Jack. Azara gets a lead from Nabila. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Edgar blows off Azara's lead. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Azara and Chloe bring the lead to Michelle and Tony. Edgar apologizes to Azara. Alicia Coppola plays the Muslim agent. Original ending. Chloe tells Jack that she killed someone. Mandy's love scene. Mandy goes through Tony's wallet and talks about Michelle. Mandy grabs her neighbors and makes the guy put on Tony's clothes. Jack updates Buchanan from the apartment complex. Mandy tells the neighbors that they are posing as her and Tony. She sends them out. Chloe tells Michelle to calm down. Jack checks on Tony. Tony thanks Jack. Chloe and Edgar see Behrooz and have a moment. Jack thanks Tony and Michelle.
- Season 5 Teaser, 24 The Game Trailer, The Longest Day Music Video
Video: n/a
Color: Color

When are people going to realize that America's Funniest Home Vidoes aren't very funny.

Buzzle going public

As some of you who know me know: I use a program called Buzz to sequence most of my music. A new spin-off version has been in developement for some time and I am pleased to report that a beta release will go public this Christmas. I want to giggle like a schoolgirl...

Check out http://www.buzzle.de

My grandfather's 80th birthday was last week and about 16 or so family members met up at a local resturaunt. There were a couple of my cousins, my aunt and uncle from Tennessee and various others. I don't see my extended family as much as I did when I was a little kid, but not much as changed with them. My girlfriend busts my chops that I don't get along with my family as well as she does hers and to a degree, she's probably right that my attitude has something to do with it. When I'm not around them, I feel as though my attitude improves, but when we get into a gathered setting, it seems to go right back to square one, and I realized why; My family has a growing problem. They are extremely predictable. Just like my mom still thinks I wear size 30 pants (I wear 34) and I don't like Sealtest Brand Milk (my brother didn't when he was little) the rest of my family runs with these preconceved notions about each other.

It started with my cousin Megan who is easly the ditz of the family. Just like every meal that I've shared in her pressence...she started making her faces. Faces as if to say, "Why on earth have you just put poison in front of me?". Then the questions start; questions like, "What is this?". Then the complaints; "This smells gross...you gotta be kidding me..." Then it's on the stories about the important things in her life, which usually include gossip about some friend of hers, or why it is she needs to take certain classes in school. Megan is 21 years old...She is EXACTLY the same as she was when she was 1o years old. Her mannerisms, personality, speech...EVERYTHING. Then there's her brother Mike, who always calls me Buddy or Tough guy...talks down to me...the guy is like a year and a half older than I am. My uncle Kevin tries to fit in with anyone he possibly can even though he knows he's the only one there who actually wants to talk about golf. My Mom tries to fit in by telling the same stories everyone has heard a hundreds times and by bringing suveneres that nobody wants (pictures, nick-nacks). My Uncle Marty tries to be the group spokesman yet fumbles through everything that he says. My brother eats anything fattening he can get his hands on and mutters under his breath at everyone like he's the cool kid in a class full of nerds.

This next thing is, regrettably, my biggest problem at family functions...my sister. My sister and I get along great when it's just me and her, but when there's more than just 2 or 3 of us in a room, I suddendly become the butt of all of her jokes and I'm not alowed to say anything with her 'shushhh'ing everything that I try to say. She does this as if I'm going to say something that would completely embarrass her. And if I do make a joke, she initially scowells at me untill she realizes that other people at the table are laughing. Though she won't admitt it, my sister likes attention, and it's like I said, one way she knows how to get that attention is by making fun of others; and when I'm around, I'm always the first target. It's like I have to plot out exactly what I'm going to say around her as to not give her any fuel. This tactic almost never works; she finds things anyway. If I'm not talking at all, she makes fun of that fact. And as I've said with my cousin, this is exactly the way my sister behaved 10 years ago.

How have I grown in the last 10 years? Hard to say I guess. My early teen years sucked (as a lot of people's teen years do for various reasons) and they only got slightly better as I went through high school. I was very unsure of myself, very shy, confused, depressed and angry. My shyness has subsided a bit; I still don't jabber-jaw at people I don't know just for the sake of it though. Confused; not so much. I've a got a slightly better handle on the world these days. Depressed...well, I've medication for that now. Angry; not so much that as I feel hurt and bitter. What bothers my family about me? Mostly the fact that I don't "Get with the program". They get pissed off when I refuse to be treated or talked to a certain way. I got angry with my mother a few weeks ago because she accused me of being irresponsable and I would just lose a certain peice of paper if I were allowed to hang on to it. Then a few days later I got angry with her because she implied I was foolish for making a 30 minute drive in the car that own...I then pointed out to her that I drive the car for 4-5 hours every day at work. I can't write anymore of this.

Rock candy in my mouh just feels like I'm eating my teeth.

2 of the best films this year

"Good Night and Good Luck" is probably my favorite movie so far this year. It's political message is as important today as in 1953 when the events of the film played out. In fact, watching I was certain that this movie could have been fictional and told in present day (with a different reporter and different political atmosphere) The movie is almost surreal, with silent; dialogs driven close ups and the near hyper-realistic surroundings. Certainly a trend at the time, but also used as a dramatic tool was the constant cigarette smoking, forever creating mysterious clouds in front of the characters.

"A History of Violence" is a film that is at first easy to overlook. The story is extremely simple, but that's all it needs to be. When I first saw it I had a dry opinion of the movie, but as more time passed, and the more I thought about it, the more I loved it. As the title pretty much gives away any "twists" in the movie, I won't try and write my review around a spoiler. The first half of the movie sees Tom Stall (Mortenson) kill two men who are attempting to rob his diner and kill everyone else inside. This attracts media attention and subsequently two thugs who know Tom as someone from Philly named "Joey". At first, Mortenson plays dumb to an extremely convincing end. So convincing in fact, that I had my doubts that the title was accurate and that the lead character did not in fact have a "History of Violence". He plays dumb until, that is, he pushed to his limit by one of the thugs who puts his family in danger. The rest of the movie involves Tom Stall confronting his dark past and trying to hold his family together after they learn that he has been lying to them for nearly 20 years.

In a season of mediocre big(ger) budget films, these two movies will satisfy and provoke deep introspective about ourselves, and deep concern for the direction of our country.

Fortunatly, this trip was much better....

"Jitter"

Finished a new track the other day; "Jitter"

Check it out here (redirect to my soundclick page)

Tongue

I few days ago I bit my tongue and the side of my mouth. Since then, the wounds have become more inflamed despite my washing my mouth with listerine 3 times a day. I can't speak. Eating, oddly enough, is the only thing that brings any releife. I finished a track today (pretty much).

Power Ballads

Format Reviewed: iTunes/CD
Genre: Drum & Bass

London Elektricity's new album "Power Ballads" is another step above his previous full length release "Billion Dollar Gravy", which was a step above "Pull the Plug" before that. The opening track "Out of This World" is perhaps the most impressive in the collection. It's a big-room jazz mash-up track with vocals just as fitting. "The Strangest Sectret in the World" is perhaps the strangest song and sounds like it would have fit perfect on Roni Size's "New Forms". "Pussy Galore" is the shortest, but also perhaps the most fun track. And of course this album contains the liquid anthems "Remember the Future" and "Will to Love". The album is available now on iTunes, and will be released domestically on CD from Breakbeat Science Recordings on Oct 11. I'm sure it's also available on vinyl released by LE's own label Hospital Records. Check it on Amazon.com. Since I was too lazy to type out the track list, I did a screen shot...

Hail W

Video about the Bush family's Nazi ties...

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QGA8HNQJ

Odd bits

This is an odd track I did a few years back that I ran accross whilst cleaning up my hard drive. It's not very long and should be taken for novelty value only.

Important Note Before Downloading: The file is hosted by MegaUpload, you will be directed to the site where you will have to wait 20 seconds or so before you are able to download (megaupload is an ad-supported file hosting site). The download-countdown button will be in the upper right.

Future Genetics - One Way

The Sentry Revieled

In New Avengers #10, the mystery behind the Sentury is at last revieled. This series, and in perticular this issue, is perhaps the most well written super-hero comic in print right now. Bob Reynolds has been made to forget he ever existed, and so has the rest of the world. Emma Frost restors his memory, but refuses to inflict psychic modification to the rest of the world to make them remember. As a result, he is forced to start from scratch, gaining the trust of the world and the heros around him.

Fever Pitch

I just bought and watched "Fever Pitch" with Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon. I got it partially because I was curious, and partially because my girlfriend also wanted to see it. I was slightly turned off by it before seeing it because it was directed by the Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber, Stuck on You). Well, I ended up really liking the movie. Then, when I learned it was based on a book by the same guy who's book "High Fidelity" was based on, I was a bit less surprised that I liked it, as "High Fidelity" is one of my favorite movies (Certainly my favorite comedy). I initially had chick-flick-phobia about it before seeing it. As it turns out, it's just as much of a guy-flick. It's one of the only romantic comedies (High Fidelity being another prime example) that tells the story from both sides. Even when Ben (Jimmy Fallon) is acting like a shmuck and blowing off Linsey (Barrymore), you're still made to understand and sympathize with his reasons. And what are his reasons? He is overly-obsessed with the Red Sox. I could go into details, but I'll just let the movie explain it to you. But don't worry, this is not a sports movie; it's a comedy with romance that takes place around sports. It's like I said, you're made to sympathize with his vice, even if you don't give a good god damn about baseball. Of course, what kind of romantic comedy would it be if in the end, he didn't make some sort of compromise.

Emotional Rather blasts 'new journalism order'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050920/en_nm/television_rather_dc

For some reason or another my comments function hasn't been working, that has been corrected now.

And yet another 2 to add to the tally. This time, one woman repeatedly confirmed a certian (incorrect) address, bitched at me over the phone when I called her because she wasn't at that address; I gave her the pizza free (after driving to the other side of town where she actually was), a few minutes later she called the resturant to complain that the pizza was "nasty", at which point she was given store credit for more free pizza.

The other one was this 20 year old meathead who gave us a wrong address when he called last time as well.

Just for the record, another 2 fools yesterday that didn't know where they lived.

I have come to stop expecting very much from people. At work, I have ceased to expect anyone to actually do the work correctly to which they are assigned. In traffic, I have ceased to expect anyone drive with any common sense, courtesy, or caution. Now, I have ceased to expect that the customers I deliver to know their own home address. On numorous occasions, I have called a customer on the phone to tell me their address, and have them give me something that ends up being completely wrong. I'm not sure what kind of basic intelligence is lacking that they don't know where they live.

I'm not sure if I feel good or bad about being lazy today staying in bed and watching TV all day.

The Losers

I want to take a moment to defend my current favorite comic series from the nay-sayers. "The Losers" is a action-espionage-thriller with some elements you may have seen in movies or television before. So what. This series puts a fresh spin on the genre and takes it places never explored in other media. One review I read said that the characters were narrow, underdeveloped, and shallow. It went on to say the the reviewer had only read 2 issues. Well there you have it; One of the great things about this series is the careful time it takes in telling it's stories. It's certainly not a one issue:one story comic book. The smaller story arcs are usually about 6 issues long, and the larger arc seems like it's only just getting started (up to number 27 now). So, if you are interested in this book, I recommend the 3 collected trade paperbacks (graphic novels) entitled (respectively), "Ante Up", "Double Down", and "Trifecta"....pretty sure those collect up till about issue 20 or so. Pictured here is the cover to issue #26.

Sometimes, it's all about the gold...

Smoking Chimp

Pictures of my dad in the hospital

My dad has been back from the hospital for a few days now. More than anything he seems bored. Expectedly, he hasn't really gotten into the new stride of life yet. I don't think my mom realizes that it's probably frustrating for him that he be sitting in the same spot doing nothing for 3 hours. Yes, he's half paralized, but he still very much knows whats going on, and what isn't going on. Also, he's becoming inscreasingly frustrated with these spasms he keeps having in his paralyzed leg. His leg jolts out of a comfortable possition into a non-comfortable one without warning and he tries in vein to reposition it. He had to return to the doctor to day about an infection in his toe on his right foot. I wonder how long it will be untill he gets to a stable state of not having to see a doctor every other day.

Utah DnB Party Raided

Taken from wikinews.org
---------------------------------

About 90 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies broke up what they said was a rave party on public and private property in the Diamond Fork area of Spanish Fork canyon, an hour outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday (5:30 Sunday UTC).

According to the county, the sheriff's office had been investigating similar parties since the beginning of the season. In a press release from the Sheriff's office in Utah County, the department claims that previous allegations of sexual abuse while attending other raves, as well as various firearm and theft violations, were reason for the investigation. The release continues to state that the proper permit was not obtained before the party started.

Armed with assault rifles and tear gas, the police used dogs to sweep the crowd for narcotics. At least one helicopter was used in the operation. The scale of the police response was apparently due to the ineffectiveness of a smaller force used in the previous "Sequence Five" rave. Prior to dispersing the partiers, several police informants had reportedly infiltrated the rave and observed widespread illegal activities.

Police clear out the event and question attendees.

The promoter says the party took place on private property, named Child's Ranch, with express permission from the owner. The property owner has apparently had at least one previous run-in with police over a similar event. Utah County requires a permit, bond and county commission approval for all gatherings with more than 250 people present. According to a DJ at the event, "they presold 700 tickets and they expected up to 3,000 people total". He added that by the time police arrived "the crowd was about 1500 people thick".

The police have publicly stated that these permits were not obtained, but the promoters claim otherwise. Officials also claim that the party had spilled over onto public land. Police reported in local press that more than 60 arrests were made for weapons offenses, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, underage drinking, drug possession and distribution, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct. Officers claim to have found cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, mushrooms, alcohol and large amounts of drug paraphernalia. Some of the drugs may include those confiscated from partiers by security guards.

Police arrest partygoers.

Amateur video from the scene shows a number of SWAT police (estimates are at 90) screaming orders at the DJs to "Shut it down now!" and yelling at others to "get out now, or I'll kick your ass in jail". Armed police are also seen tackling a number of rave-goers, and it is unclear from the video footage whether these attendees attempted to attack the police. Due to the low resolution, automatic lighting adjustment, and low audio quality, the video appears to have been taken with an amateur device.

A first hand account from a DJ booked to play at the party stated that while police were arresting a man accused of narcotic possession, the suspect was beaten to the ground and continually "kicked in the ribs" by 4 armed "soldiers" dressed in camouflage. According to the account, nobody resisted the policemen but tear gas was still used as partiers were already dispersing quietly. The DJ also states that police were attempting to confiscate video equipment, but an amateur video has still surfaced on the internet (see sources below).

Police arresting more attendees.

Several partygoers felt they should have the right to attend a rave where drugs are being used, so long as they don't personally use them:

"While it may be true that some individuals choose to take drugs at said events like this, myself as well as many others choose to go for the music. Just like anything, you have bad apples, but you shouldn't cut down the tree." "Raves are not the only musical gatherings where drugs are used and distributed."

Other partygoers felt that the use of force in the shutdown was excessive - numerous eyewitness accounts by concertgoers describe people being beaten, tasered, or attacked with dogs. One account from an attendee, identified as "Colby", states:

A SWAT team officer orders the video-taker to shut off their camera.

"I saw at least two people being beaten on the ground while barking, snarling dogs are held just a few feet from them. Weapons were being pointed at unarmed, peaceful civilians. A friend of mine was forced at gunpoint to put his hands on his head and turn around, because he asked if he could get his things from the tent."

Utah County sheriff's Sergeant Darren Gilbert said a 17-year-old girl was found overdosed on ecstasy, and was treated and released to her parents. Multiple lawsuits are being threatened against the city. According to an advertisement for the event, an attorney was present at the party. The local sheriff is scheduled to appear on Utah TV following a number of complaints being sent to TV stations and the police.

----------------------

Eyewitness footage (mov video)

Watch forum threads on UTRave, DOA and 404Audio

By the way, the witness DJ they're talking about is Evol Intent

Day 3 of my vacation and I've found out my father won't even be coming back home untill a day after I go back. Something about a blood clot in his leg delaying rehab or something. Spent much of the afternoon moving around furnature and dusting things at my moms house. I was sneezing for an hour.

Relax

It's day 2 of my week long leave/vacation from work. I'm happy to report that I've done little today except read comic books and eat toco bell.

Venturing back into the world of comic book art

The Great Cedar Point Dissapointment of '05

These pictures are kind of in reverse order because for some reason blogger put them there like that. Long story short, went to cedar point, it rained the whole time, only got to go on two rides. Here are the highlights.

I'm so exhausted from work these past couple weeks. I'll be glad when I go to cedar point the weekend after next.

My father is coming home from the hospital in about 2 weeks given everything goes well with therapy stage 2. My mom needs me to finish cleaning out my old room so that she can use it as another junk storage area basically. The only time I have to do that is on Wednesday, my only day off. Certainly not looking forward to that.

I heard him speak for the first time yesterday since the stroke. Most of what he was saying wasn't understandable. It's like he's talking normally, just in another language. The only thing I could make out was the phrase "I cannot fly". He kept repeating that over and over again. Nobody is really sure what he means by that. It may mean nothing at all.

I've put off writing about this because I wasn't extactly sure what I was going to say. I realized I never was going to.

My father had a stroke about a month ago. I don't know how to feel about it. I don't know how I actually feel about it. Part of me is feeling kind of numb because there isn't a lot that I can do. Another small briefly-showing part of me was having some kind of melodramatic existential-morality debate in my head, but that didn't last long. I quickly realized that this isn't about anything, this is just something that happened. My mother is choosing to see everything regarding this as some sort of divine sign. Everything, including day-to-day things that would have happened anyway-and have been going on for eons. Part of that makes me mad, because it implies to her that this happened for some reason. For some reason realizing there was no reason puts me more at peace with it than trying to find one.

He won't be able to work again, he won't be able to speak anything more than simple words or phrases. He'll have to be in a wheelchiar for most of his waking hours. And that's that, so begins another chapter in his and my whole family's life. So begins a new way that I have to learn to interact with him. We've determined that he can understand us ok, he just can't react or respond in the way that he used to.

Those rabbit bastards ate the leaves off of my sunflowers.

Batman Begins

Ten reasons why 'Batman Begins' is the best of all the Batman Movies (In no particular order)



1. Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't in it.
2. I can actually buy Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne. (Sorry Keaton, you were much to one-sided, Clooney-too short, Kilmer-too pussy....There's no crying in Batman.)
3. Gotham doesn't look like a perma-frost wasteland (Burton), Nor a Las Vegas casino (Schumacker). It achieved a feel for Gotham that made it seem like it's own living-breathing character. Though comics and movies can't always have a 100% translation, the comic books provided a very good template for gotham on which to work from; Burton and Schumacker ignored it. They treated the city and the characters as if their original substance meant nothing, as if what made them good comic book characters (and settings) meant absolutely nothing to the big screen.
4. The story was actually about Batman. In the first 4 Batman movies, the stories were about zany villains and Batman figuring out the best way to beat 'em up. In 'Batman Begins', Ra's Ah-Guhl was infused in the story of Batman's origin, that progressed into a story about Bruce Wayne finding a way to save his city.
5. No unnecessary villains (for the sake of cramming in as much crap as possible). In Batman Begins, there are actually 3 villains, and yet their stories are intertwined (Not just "Lets join forces to kill the bat").
6. Doesn't rely on a corny love story to tell a personal story about Bruce Wayne; Yes we get it, it's hard to have a love life and be Batman at the same time, (or in the case of Batman and Robin, a corny story about Alfred dying meant to squeeze a tear from my eye). Yes, Katie Holmes is in it, and there is some attraction between her and Bruce Wayne, but her character is mostly there to connect Batman with the city's legal community(She plays an A.D.A).
7. No ridiculous Batman "Theme" music. It was scored appropriately to fit the mood, not to let us know when Batman (or the Riddler, or Mr. Freeze) is on the screen.
8. No chest-armor nipples (at least that I could see).
9. Gags kept to a minimum. (Although I disliked Gordon saying "I gotta get me one of those" in reference to this movie's "bat"-mobile; which by the way is nothing more than a suped up streamlined futuristic army tank painted black)
10. Takes a more in-depth look at Bruce Wayne's family, which of course, is the driving force behind his character. Earlier films glossed over this (at best) in favor of more outlandish action sequences.

All these things are not to say that I hated previous batman movies, in fact, when it came out, batman forever had been my favorite to date. Mind you, I was 12 at the time, and was 8 when Tim Burtons first Batman was released. I'm almost happy for the 8 year gap from the last movie in order that I may take a more mature look at the current film and the franchise as a whole. I suspect that 1989 was too early of a time in cinematic development (special effects, filmographic techniques, what-have-you) for a batman movie. And though no disrespect to fans of the original Superman series of movies, I feel it was too early for those as well. Up until recently, directors have taken too many liberties with comic book characters, changing or ignoring core elements of the characters that made them popular in the first place. I don't even feel this was intentional, just a side-effect of the immaturity of the super-hero movie genre. Though I hate to admit it (because I'm not a huge huge fan...) Sam Raimi's Spider-Man was what raised the bar. I feel it was the first super-hero flick to understand that it was the character, not the costume, that made the comics popular.

While I'm writing about Batman, I should probably mention another Brilliant movie that came out recently; Layer Cake. I would write an in-depth review on it, but frankly, I wasn't able to fallow everything that happened. It's going to take a second viewing for me.

The Downing Street Memo

Assossiated Press - Downing Street Memo

The press is calling this "The Smoking Gun". I'm calling it "Another Smoking Gun".

PBS and NPR

The fallowing is an email that's been circulation from moveon.org:
--------------------------------------
Hi,

You know that email petition that keeps circulating about how Congress is slashing funding for NPR and PBS? Well, now it's actually true. (Really. Check at the bottom if you don't believe me.)

Sign the petition telling Congress to save NPR and PBS:

http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/

A House panel has voted to eliminate all public funding for NPR and PBS, starting with "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow," and other commercial-free children's shows. If approved, this would be the most severe cut in the history of public broadcasting, threatening to pull the plug on Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch.

The cuts would slash 25% of the federal funding this year—$100 million—and end funding altogether within two years. The loss could kill beloved children's shows like "Clifford the Big Red Dog," "Arthur," and "Postcards from Buster." Rural stations and those serving low-income communities might not survive. Other stations would have to increase corporate sponsorships.

Already, 300,000 people have signed the petition. Can you help us reach 400,000 signatures today?

http://www.moveon.org/publicbroadcasting/

Thanks!

P.S. Read the Washington Post report on the threat to NPR and PBS at:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=745
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This next little bit is the comments I made in my letter to my senetors and representative upon signing the petition:
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If you are against the proposed cuts, I applaud you in your wisdom. If however, you are in favor of this monumental mistake, I urge you to ponder the fallowing words carefully:

I know conservative leadership has never been a fan of NPR and PBS citing its liberal slant. In light of these new developments I am no longer keeping a tight-lipped, polite stance on the matter. I propose that they do not have a "liberal slant" but an "informed slant"; an "educated slant". I have my personal theories, however I don't have the time or energy to study the conservative mindset to understand why being educated is being demonized in modern America. I don't have the energy for that, but I do have the time and energy to do everything in my meager power to fight for, and spread the word about this issue.
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By the way, the initial letter says 300,000 have joined the petition, the number is actually past 700,000 now. So if you think this is some half-baked campaigne that's going nowhere, think again. Go to the site, fill it out, and though it is optional, I urge you to write in a personal comment.

The older I get, the more I realize how much more immature older people are than younger ones. I experience things, and Ashley tells me things about people at her work that no child I've ever known would do. Next time you tell a child to grow up, look in the mirror first.

I'm having a most frustrating week. I'm getting to the point where work is causing stress. Not only that, I can't sleep right now and I itch all over. Also, I have spent the last week fighting tooth and nail with my electronics and computers.

Someone tried to sell me drugs at 45 miles an hour on Fort Street yesterday. What has the world come to when you can't even wait for a red light to try to sell drugs.

If the new Star Wars trilogy had come out before the original trilogy, these idiots would be going on and on about how episodes 4,5,6 sucked and how 1,2,3 were genious. Shut up assholes, you don't like the new ones because they're new, not because there's anything seriously wrong with them. You would have gotten your tighty whities in a twist no matter what Lucas did with the new movies.

At last I am at peace with my work space.

Amittyville Horror

If you liked Amittyville Horror (2005), or are a big horror movie nut to begin with, perhaps you shouldn't keep reading this post.

Perhaps it's because I'm not a horror movie nut that I didn't like it, along with most other movies of this nature.

Problem #1: Cliche' bumps, bangs, and gouls jumping out from nowhere. I don't watch all that many horror movies and still these types of "scares" got old to me really fast. Not only are they cliche/overused/unscary; they had almost nothing to do with the story/plot of the movie. That being said, without those things, the movie would have been half as long. They could have used this time expanding on the backstory of the house, however cliche' it may be (I know, I know, It's "based on a true story" so if it's cliche' it's because other films stole this basic premise...I'll address this in a second)

Problem #2: The Huanted House. The original movie was only made because the idea of a haunted house is so appealing to film makers. The original book I suspect was only written because of this same intrique. Though I'm sure some reading this are going to scoff at this next statement, allow me to point something out. This new version of the movie, was based on the screenplay from the original version, which was based on the book, which was based on actual events. Without getting into Meme Fidelity theory, ever play the telephone game? I suspect aspects of these events have been tweeked and modified to conform to what our ideas of a haunted house movie should be.

And whats the basic premise of any huanted house movie? A murder/murders occured in the past in the house, and now either ghosts or some general demonic pressence is wreaking havoc on the new occupants because the house is now "stained" by the deaths.

Problem/Cliche' #3 The little girl. For some reason horror film makers have decided that it's just downwrite scary to make put children who are actually dead and are appearing as ghosts, or in the case of The Ring, have a little kid with a deadpan expression that just looks like a ghost (not to mention the little girl trapped in the well). I suspect they think there's horror in the contrast (innocent little child/evil creepy things). It's also worth mentioning the cliche' of contrasting nursery rhyme songs with creepy off-key music and sound effects in horror movie trailers. Get over it guys, we get it.

Overall, it would have been a better movie if they had revamped the story and said it was "inspired by actual events" or "inspired by the original screenplay". Would it have been as faithfull to Amittyville fans? No, but it would have made for a more creative and if done right, a much more scary movie.

Download

I've decided to post these from time to time; the fallowing is a magnet link to one of my more recent tracks. Download and enjoy.

Future Genetics - Strange Behavior

FAQ:

Q: Whats a Magnet Link?
A: A Magnet Link is a hyperlink that launches your Gnutella compatable P2P Client then seeks out and downlaods the file assosiatted with the link. Compatable programs include Shareaza, Limewire, Morpheus and many others.

I have sort of a dental problem right now. I have a rotted tooth that's bothering more by the day, and whats worse, there's a sore on my toungue. I pretty much can't eat anything without being in total pain. My toungue is worse than the tooth. The tooth is more just an annoyance, for some reason like half of the fucker is gone but it doesn't hurt to touch it or anything. I brush my teeth 3 times a day, I don't understand it really. Bad teeth are a part of life I guess.

My summer dream is creeping up. Getting warmer by the day. Days are lasting longer as well. My daytimes and nighttimes are syncronizing better. I say "summer dream" because I remember my summers like I remember my dreams. They seam surreal. Winter definatly feels real. Winter is too cold and annoying for it not to feel real. It's like trying to watch your favorite movie with the phone ringing constantly and a 4 year old crawling on your face. I don't understand my own metaphores sometimes. Two of my sunflowers have sprouted little leaves. Ashley said she saw 3, but I think maybe one of the ones I thought sprouted earlier was just a weed or something, but these new things are deffinatly the real deal.

I like this house, it's kind of isolated. I don't feel as much like I'm stuck in the cookie-cutter eggcartons of suburbia. I've got a little more space, I can think easier. I almost feel relaxed here.

Why do things have to be so bloody complicated? How did things get like this? I liked the old days when man was being chased by lions and stuff. At least then your goals were will simple and well understood; stay alive. These days you've got no choice about staying alive or not. You can't just lay down on your couch and wait for a lion to come and eat you. And being a sane person, suicide isn't an option, nor a want. So here I am, modern man, stuck here, having to figure out what to do for the next 70 years. How did it get like this. How did we get cars and burritos and wal-mart stores. How did we get to worry so much about our teeth and our facial hair. I love Ashley, and we've been talking about marrige; That's my current long-term goal. She wants me to have goals based on jobs. I hate jobs, I hate working, I hate having to try to prove my worth by making money. I'll do it to support myself, but the fuck if I ever want to take a job seriously. If I could get paid for my interests that would be great, but not very many people are really getting rich off of making drum&bass music these days. Which, by the way has been on hold lately because I'm in residential limbo. I'm not really living at my old house, and I'm not really living in Ashley's house untill I can get things straightened out with her parents. All my stuff right now is scattered between these two places. Days like today I just want to sleep and forget it all.

See, No More Goddamn Snow.

Audry, We Just Don't Know

Havn't had a chance to write lately, the blogger site has been slow as hell. It would appear that the site is back to normal, but who knows for how long.

Danny Howells' "Global Underground # 27: Miami" double mix set is flippin sweet. I also got Hernan Cataneo's "Renesaince: Vol.2" double mix set, which is also very good if you're into minimal progressive stuff. I've been leaning away from making drum&bass lately, been doing more housey-techno-ie stuff. Though I havn't had time to work on it, I've been at Ashley's most of the time. Still in the process of moving stuff over here. We're not gonna do the computer and stuff for another few weeks; I think Callie said she was gonna help me on the 11th. Going to be an adjustment. I'm pretty well adjusted already, but still, It'll be different living with someone all the time. Better put, it'll be different living with someone and a 3 year old all the time. I act like I'm 3 most of the time so it shouldn't be a problem.

Next week's 24 is said to be a jaw-dropper, but I already think I know what's going to happen. That's why you shouldn't read message boards about shows you like or movies you want to see. It's tempting cause you like reading useless nonsense about the show, but now it's gonna be as much of a shocker to me...I don't think. Could be the person on the message board was completely wrong about whats going to happen. It's been know to happen before. One of the producers said sometimes they post fake spoilers up just to throw people off. In any event, this is one of the only times they're going to repeat the show. They said that it's such an important show that they're going to show it 3 times this week. I've already downloaded last weeks show and watched it 3 times. I think may favorite of this season is episodes 12 and 13 so far. 14 was good too, 15 (this week's) moved kinda slow, but I guess just cause they're setting up for the big one next week. Dude highjacked a stealth bomber and he's heading for a "target" that has a very small window of opportunity. If the spoiler was right, I know what he's going for, and if you're reading this and don't know yet, trust me, don't ruin for yourself, wait untill monday. This season got of to a rocky start, but since episode 11 it's been moving along nicely. Can't wait till December when the season 4 box set comes out. It's cool waiting a week for each episode, but it's also fun eating junk food and watching 6 episodes in a row. If you're not watching this series, or at least if you havn't seen it, you sir, are a fool.

The weather has at last warmed up. We've had like 4 nice days in a row now. I'm slightly less lathargic this week. I actually got outside and planet sunflower seeds. I also had to pretend that earthworms didn't grose me out cause Samantha wanted me to dig some up for her. I think Ashley is planting some stuff too. She said something about a rose bush; I think that might be from last year. She wants Pine Trees in the yard. I'm not sure how I feel about pine trees. They're so tall and strange looking. I always think they have eyes and they're looking at me. And they smell; for most people that's a good thing, but I find the odor to be intrusive to my nostrils. How can I sit outside and relax when I've got shit that reminds of car air freshiners all up in my nose. Oh well.

Also on the moving front, I found a fabulous desk that I want. Normally I could give a poo about furnature, but I kinda want to make a fresh start with everything. I was thinking about putting some of my old posters up in the basement, but now I'm think I don't want to do that. I need new, I need fresh. I don't want my spaces in the house just to be bad reflections of my old house.

I'm fighting to stay awake right now. I got up very early and went to bed fairly late.

Fungus

Moments ago, I took a sip of water from a glass that had been sitting out for days. I immediatly regretted that decision. A wave of nausia swept through me as I gulped the water down. The taste was comparable to how you might think toilet water tastes. I drank toilet water. I am now drinking a can of Hawaiin Punch in an attempt of offset the toilet water. It's the light stuff. I immediatly regret this desicion. It tastes like some kid left his cherry flavored lolly pop sitting in that glass of toilet water for a few days. The nausia I am now experiancing is unspeakable.

I bought this band's cd "Kasabian". I bought it because of a song that I heard in the store that I liked. What a foolish person I am. I suppose the CD isn't bad, but I can't copy the fucker on my ipod because it's got copy protection on it. Although, it's Sunn copy protection, so it's easy enough to bypass. The CD is like that group Tin Star that was out several years ago, mixed with a modern rocky thing. If anyone's reading this is seriously considering buying it, it's not really worth your time. Other recent music; Daft Punk's latest "Human After All" is good, but not up to par with "Discovery" or "Homework". It seems like they just threw a bunch of songs on a disc that they did in a weekend or something. What really bothers me about the album is how 3/4ths of the songs' titles represent a voceded hook that's looped in the song (human after all, primetime of your life, robot rock...etc). I'll admit I've never been a fan of (and had barely heard of) Bright Eyes untill their latest dual release, "I'm awake, It's Morning" and "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn". "I'm awake" is more of a folksy-twangy-acoustic thing, and "Digital" is more of a pop-rock-postal-service-type thing. Both are absolutely great in my opinion, but I'm awake wins by a hair. I'm just glad to hear someone who knows how to write lyrics for a change. If I hear another "Brain-Insane" or "Came-Same" rhyme I'm gonna puke.

I'm still drinking the god-awful Hawaiin Punch. Samantha begged for some in car. I was instructed to give it to her by her mother. 7 minutes later the entire can was emptied into the fabric of the car. Now while I'm the last person to be talking about spilling beverages in a car, as there's probably 18 gallons worth of pepsi soaked into the seats and carpet of my car, sticky babies make me nervous. When sean has got food on his face I don't see it as food, to me it's like some deathly contageous fungus. And the stickyness, I can't concentrate on anything if my hands end up sticky. When I wash dishes at work I wash my hands off every 3 mintues. They probably spend more money on hand-soap for me than they do on my paycheck. I get another paycheck on monday. I'm gonna take it straight to the store and buy booze. Ok, so I probably won't buy any booze. I actually like the feeling of not having to worry about my bills.

I just got up from a nap before writing this. You'd think I'd feel way more tired, but I don't. I slept for 4 hours last night, and maybe 2 just now. Ashley went somewhere to study I think. I wonder where she went, she didn't say. I'm all alone in the house. Sometimes when her and Samantha aren't here I like to shout as loud as I can for no perticular reason. Also, I like to make stupid faces as all of their stuff; as if it's some how going to rub off on those objects. Oh jesus, there's a "secret track" on that Kasabian CD, I thought they stopped doing those 10 years ago.

Sweet Vengance

The lengths that people will go to in order to protect their pride astound me.

The other day at work I delivered to man who upon answering the door jerked the pizza out of my hand and hastily tried to shut the door. I stopped him before he could and informed him that I needed to see his credit card. Agast with annoyance, he went and got his card. He held it out to me in his hand refusing to let it go. I told him that I needed to make an impression of it. At this point, he exclaimed "Why the hell do you need an impression of it? They took my number over the phone". I told him, "We need to take an impression of the card to make sure the person on the phone is the actual owner of the card; it's just our policy." He responds, "That's bullshit, you don't need my goddamn card, this is the stupidest thing I've ever heard of" I say, "Sir, it's a measure we take so that-" He cuts me off with "No! That's All!" He walks back into his house part of the way and screams "Trying to make an impression of a credit card with a nickel!!!! What a fucking MORON!!!".

Upon returning to the store, one of my bosses called the man back and tried to explain to him what I was unable to. His conversation with him was worse than mine apparently. The man claimed I was drunk and high and thought that we were trying to steal his credit card information. As I said, the conversation didn't seem to go well. The man called the company the next day to complain, and his version of events were much, much different.

According to him: HE called back after I made the delivery. That I told him that if I wanted to steal his fucking card that I would have already.

In all probability, the card number he gave us wasn't his own card and that's why he wouldn't let me make an impression or sign the receipt.

People.

When will this wintery hell stop plauging me?

Why you should stand in front of a bus

I'm so medicated right now I don't know what the fuck to think. I've been doped up on cold pills for a solid week. I think I might at last be winning.

I bought season 2 of Millenium yesterday, I was quite happy when I did. When the show was originally on I was in a moody part of my life. The show was good in a different way back then. I could relate to the characters and ideas presented in it. Now I appreciate the show on a different level. I understand the stories a little better, understand the meanings a bit better as well. Before it comforted me in a sappy teen melodramatic kind of way; Now it makes me think more than it does make me feel.

I also bought the movie "Moonlight Mile" on dvd. It was quite good, although, up untill today, I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like the girl who worked in the post office. It's not so much the movie's fault, but there has been a recent string of movies that have love stories in them that involve a sad-sap of a guy meeting (and falling in love with) a free-spirited girl. Examples: Moonlight Mile, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Garden State. These female charaters in these movies are fantasies. They do not really exist like this in real life. The only one that came sort-of close to being real was Clemintine in Eternal Sunshine; she had her fucked up qualities. These kinds of girls are the fantansy of every quiet nerdy intro-vert. I should know, because I had an experience with just such a girl, and it started out fun, but got really weird and ugly really fast. Beleive me guys, you don't want to go out with someone like Clemintine. Girls who end up that "free spirited" are that way for reasons and come with a hell of a lot of baggage. Going out with a girl like that is like eating an entire box of tweenkies in one sitting. It starts off good, but after about 10 minutes you want to hurl. Beleive me, go out with a girl who is down to earth and level headed. Someone who has real interests and not just a "Up for anything and everything" attitude. Now while I still like these movies, I take them with a grain of salt (that the writers are probably lonely people).

Work tonight was grrrraaaahhh!!!! I want to strangle some of those fuckers and shove dirt in their mouths so they'll stop talking. Most nights it's ok, but nights when it's busier and we have to stay later it's always the ones who act like tough guys who are the first to start crying like babies about wanting to go home. These same people piss and moan when I have to take late deliveries and can't get started on the dishes right away, but they won't lift a finger to wash a single one themselves in order to get done a little soon. Instead they'll stand in the back, smoking cigarettes and talking on their cellphones to who the fuck knows. Fuck off you meatheaded assholes. You're dumb fucks that serve no purpose to anyone. Go get hit by a fucking bus.

I dunno, there used to be a picture here, but I accidentally deleted it.

Crayzee

All Clues, No Solutions

I regretably went to work today. I was still very much sick. Not the kind of sick where you're coughing and sneezing, the kind of sick where all of your energy is drained and you don't want to get out of bed. Good news is that it was slow and I didn't have to do much. The bad news is that it was slow, and I didn't make much money. Made enough though I suppose. I was in such a pissy mood I about screamed at this guy on the phone that I couldn't understand to take the fucking marbles out of his mouth if he wants to order a pizza. I was pissy, and then I was depressed.

I got depressed when this woman came in looking for her 15 year old daughter who had been missing for a week. She had 'missing' flyers; she gave us one to show to everyone. On the flyer under her picture along with all the description stuff said that she was severely depressed and needed medication. The whole thing made me get a sick feeling in my stomach. Partially because I know these types of things usually don't end up well. Mostly though, it bothered me because I think this was the first time I've ever come face-to-face with someone in that situation. My mind chews on a lot of things at once. Every day crime isn't one of them; robbery, kidnapping, murder, these types of things. I think about bigger issues; maybe that makes me a bit of a pompous prick, I don't know. Maybe it bothered me so much because I couldn't immediatly attribute this particular problem to a bigger one. It might have ties to a bigger problem, I don't know...but the point is, with the information that was given to me, I can't see one. Either this girl ran away due to her depression, or she was kidnapped, or murdered, or all 3. It's a lot easier to broadly say that a larger problem is the general cause of smaller scale ones than it is to specifically come up with a reason when it's right in front of your face. I guess that's why people ask "why why why" when something awful happens to them or a loved one. Yes, there probably is a "reason"...but like me today, when the ultimate result of that "reason" is right in front of your face, it isn't at all easy to see. It wasn't easy for me to see, and I only got a fraction of the emotional confusion that her parents have I'm sure.

Sometimes I feel like I want to talk to these kids that I hear about who are going through severe depression and anxiety and find out if it's anything like I experienced.

sexy

Phrase of the day - "I don't know adventure"

Ashley and Samantha sometime around Christmas given the tree in the backround.

Not wanting to talk to anyone

Well it looks as if I've finally managed to get photos back on here. I guess I'll be taking my camera out if I feel up to it. As it stands right now though, I feel sick as a dick in a hooker.( Ugh, why do I think of these things. ) My nose hasn't been clear in 3 days and I feel like I'm talking with cotton balls in the back of my throat.

My Brother and I