Macs are pretty awesome! I always believed what I was told about their superiority but ever since my boss bought me one for work at my new job I have been able to discover for myself. So far, so good. That goes for the job as well which has been a blast thus far and is looking quite promising.
Today I was helping one of my younger sisters compose a resume and cover letter for a job she would like to apply for. It is really making me reflect on how old my siblings are getting. There are already more of us employed than not from my family of seven children. Seems crazy really.
Well, my wife just got home so that's all for now.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Gonna be a great day
I think today will be a great day. No particular reason why it should be better than any other day, but still I think it will be pleasant. Or perhaps, in a sense, by THINKING today will be a great day I have at the same time chosen to have a great day. Perhaps my gut feeling about this day was nothing more than a habituated mental state that I have unconsciously trained myself to employ in order to improve conditions and enjoy life more fully. Perhaps this day really isn't that great at all and I am simply trying remain indifferent and positive in the face of adversity.
Whatever the cause, I have chosen not to question my gut reaction and scrutinize the present externalities too critically. What is there to gain in the end? Is it better to approach each day realistically and steeped in pragmatism? Is life more fulfilling and profitable when taken only for what it is and never for what it can be? Those who know me would never expect me to profess such a philosophy and they are most certainly correct. I do not think I could be called unsuccessful or unprofitable and definitely not unhappy and yet I do choose each day to think not about the challenges and trials that are present but rather about the successes and joys that are possible. I present this, of course, with no intent or interest in influencing the actions of others. It may be of interest to no person alive but, for what its worth, this is what I think.
Whatever the cause, I have chosen not to question my gut reaction and scrutinize the present externalities too critically. What is there to gain in the end? Is it better to approach each day realistically and steeped in pragmatism? Is life more fulfilling and profitable when taken only for what it is and never for what it can be? Those who know me would never expect me to profess such a philosophy and they are most certainly correct. I do not think I could be called unsuccessful or unprofitable and definitely not unhappy and yet I do choose each day to think not about the challenges and trials that are present but rather about the successes and joys that are possible. I present this, of course, with no intent or interest in influencing the actions of others. It may be of interest to no person alive but, for what its worth, this is what I think.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Top 10 Will Ferrell Movies
One of my favorite comedic actors of all time, Will Ferrell has had many hilarious roles. Here are the top ten films that I think are worth watching:
- Anchorman
No arguments here. The show is just downright sidesplitting and nothing I have seen to date is more quotable.
- Talladega Nights
- Old School
A pretty classic college movie. I really like Luke Wilson also.
- Blades of Glory
So ridiculously goofy that it warrants mention even if you didn't like it.
- The Producers
Will plays a small part in this show but it is memorable and extremely funny.
- Starsky and Hutch
Again, a small but very funny role.
- Stranger Than Fiction
Very surprising movie. The only non-comedic role I have seen Will Ferrell do and I think he should do more. This show was worth watching and was actually touching.
- Wedding Crashers
Will Ferrell was probably the best part of this show, I think but I don't remember it that well.
- Step Brothers
O.K., we are scraping the bottom of the barrel here I admit. In all honesty I have only watched maybe a dozen or so Will Ferrell movies so a couple duds made the list. Step Brothers was actually pretty funny, but extremely ridiculous. Kind of makes me think of some real life people I know though which is pretty sad.
- Semi-Pro
I remember having my hopes pretty high for this show when it came out because it was following a few big hits but it was not all that funny if I remember correctly. It was filmed in Flint, MI though.
- Land of the Lost
Gosh.....this was pretty silly. But still, it had its moments. Will was still funny. Oh, wait....I just realized I have eleven on this list. Oh, well.
I have seen this so many times I know it by heart. I think it might have even been the first WF movie I ever saw. Not sure though. Anyway, it is superbly funny with help from the hilarious John C. Reilly.
Of course, Mr. Ferrell has many other gut busting feathers in his cap particularly from his SNL days. Perhaps I should do my Top Ten Will Ferrell SNL Skits?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Top 20 Metallica Songs
Here are my top 20 favorite songs from the world's greatest metal band:
- Welcome Home (Sanitarium)George and I used to play this song all the time when we were learning guitar. Metallica really taught me how to play the guitar from the very beginning. This song I think really has everything that a great rock song can have.
- Nothing Else MattersIf I could sing like James Hetfield......gosh...crazy I know, but man! That would be so cool!
- For Whom the Bell TollsI almost picked this as number one actually. Incredibly classic number that may have been their first track ever that wasn't blazing fast. It doesn't need to be though. It is just as heavy as the rest and much more memorable.
- Fade to BlackI think this is the original for me. This song alone made me a fan.
- Turn the PageA powerful, heavy tribute to Bob Seger's classic. Not an easy song to improve upon, but I think Metallica did a fantastic job of making it their own.
- One
- Bleeding MeOf course, Metallica did not stop making great music after the Black Album and this is a perfect example. Many will disagree, but I hold that Metallica remained the greatest metal band even through the '90s.
- Master of Puppets
- Whiskey in the Jar
- Whiplash
- Unforgiven
- Until It Sleeps
- Stone Cold Crazy
- Battery
- Ride the Lightning
- Fuel
- I Disappear
- Low Man's Lyric
- Die Die My Darling
- King Nothing
Thursday, February 10, 2011
AFI Top 100
This year my wife, sister and a good friend of ours have decided to try and watch every movie on the American Film Institute's Top 100 Films of All Time list. We decided to skip the ones we had already seen which left us with around 80+ shows to watch. Each of us is keeping a journal of our notes on every film as well as a star rating based on how great we thought each film was. Well, Ash and I have been plowing through the list and have now seen around 40 out of the 100. It has been very interesting to see all these famous shows, many of which we may never have taken the time to watch otherwise. There have already been a few that we really enjoyed and a few that really disappointed us. I plan on making my own Top 100 films list later this year when we make it through this list from the AFI.
I am enjoying this little endeavor of ours quite a bit and look forward to seeing all the other films. Feel free to take a look at the list and comment on what you think. I am sure everyone will have something to say about what is missing from the list and what doesn't belong there so go ahead and say it. I am very sure that my top 100 list will be quite different. For one, 2001: A Space Odyssey will NOT be on mine.
I am enjoying this little endeavor of ours quite a bit and look forward to seeing all the other films. Feel free to take a look at the list and comment on what you think. I am sure everyone will have something to say about what is missing from the list and what doesn't belong there so go ahead and say it. I am very sure that my top 100 list will be quite different. For one, 2001: A Space Odyssey will NOT be on mine.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Top 10 Cocktails
Now, I don't want anyone to think that I am some kind of heavy drinker, but I do like a few cocktails. Here are my top 10 favorites:
10. Pina Colada
9. Margarita
8. Kahlua & Cream
7. White Russian
6. Caramel Apple
A newly discovered recipe that is very easy and is now one of our favorite homemade drinks.
5. Amaretto Sour
Very tasty and simple. This is always popular with everyone since it is not very strong and very sweet.
4. Buttery Nipple
Usually drank as a shot, but at home we usually just have a glass of it. One part Bailey's and one part Butterscotch Schnapps. Extremely delicious.
3. Tom Collins
One of my all time favorites. Not every bartender makes it the way I like it though.
2. Strawberry Daiquiri
My wife loves these so we have than more often than anything else. Just about the only cocktail I can make well at home.
1. Banana Mama
I have only had this in Mexico and it was amazing.
10. Pina Colada
9. Margarita
8. Kahlua & Cream
7. White Russian
6. Caramel Apple
A newly discovered recipe that is very easy and is now one of our favorite homemade drinks.
5. Amaretto Sour
Very tasty and simple. This is always popular with everyone since it is not very strong and very sweet.
4. Buttery Nipple
Usually drank as a shot, but at home we usually just have a glass of it. One part Bailey's and one part Butterscotch Schnapps. Extremely delicious.
3. Tom Collins
One of my all time favorites. Not every bartender makes it the way I like it though.
2. Strawberry Daiquiri
My wife loves these so we have than more often than anything else. Just about the only cocktail I can make well at home.
1. Banana Mama
I have only had this in Mexico and it was amazing.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Top 10 Punk Rock Bands
I have not done a top 10 list in a few weeks so here is a new one. I might do a few music related lists for a bit now, and break from all film stuff.
10. FM Static
Brilliant song writing and an uncanny ability to make every single song get stuck in your head for a week.
Favorite song: "Moment of Truth"
9. Sublime
Sublime is so cool and catchy and engaging. Not a band you turn on in the background, but one that you turn on and listen to. Brilliant lyrics, vocals, guitars, rhythms, and style.
Favorite song: "Same in the End"
8. Weezer
At a glance, one would probably be surprised to see them on a punk rock list. But Weezer has a way of defying definitions and classifications that I love. Forget "Beverly Hills", crank up "Hash Pipe" and rock out!
Favorite song: "Hash Pipe"
7. Good Charlotte
Lots of catchy songs that can be light and heavy interchangeably or simultaneously. Very punk.
Favorite song: "Young and the Hopeless"
6. MxPx
An extremely productive and entertaining trio. Three man bands impress me a lot. MxPx is the kind of band that lasts. Already with a long, illustrious career, these guys don't show signs of slowing down ever.
Favorite song: "Punk Rawk Show"
5. Less Than Jake
Who would have thought you could throw in all kinds of brass and whatnot into some punk songs and get something this awesome? A very unique blend of material including some great covers can be found on their superb records. Of course, I love bands with two vocalists.
Favorite song: "Look What Happened"
4. Sum-41
If I had discovered them earlier they might have made the number one spot on this list a 4 way tie. They are a very talented and exciting band and I love the way they can infuse so much metal into their catchy punk tunes.
Favorite song: "We're All To Blame"
3. Blink-182
My top 3 choices here really should be a three way tie. All three bands really define punk rock and they also taught me how to play the guitar. Blink-182 are truly one of the coolest bands of all time. Just three guys doing it all which is crazy, and two vocalists which is super awesome as well. Wickedly talented.
Favorite song: "Carousel"
2. The Offspring
These guys have more awesome songs than just about anybody. I will never tire of these guys. They could be my "Bad Habit".
Favorite song: "Staring at the Sun"
1. Green Day
Green Day really got the #1 nod because I went through a pretty long Green Day phase as a teenager. While they have changed pretty dramatically, I still think they are an incredible band. Their old albums are timeless.
Favorite song: "Basket Case".
10. FM Static
Brilliant song writing and an uncanny ability to make every single song get stuck in your head for a week.
Favorite song: "Moment of Truth"
9. Sublime
Sublime is so cool and catchy and engaging. Not a band you turn on in the background, but one that you turn on and listen to. Brilliant lyrics, vocals, guitars, rhythms, and style.
Favorite song: "Same in the End"
8. Weezer
At a glance, one would probably be surprised to see them on a punk rock list. But Weezer has a way of defying definitions and classifications that I love. Forget "Beverly Hills", crank up "Hash Pipe" and rock out!
Favorite song: "Hash Pipe"
7. Good Charlotte
Lots of catchy songs that can be light and heavy interchangeably or simultaneously. Very punk.
Favorite song: "Young and the Hopeless"
6. MxPx
An extremely productive and entertaining trio. Three man bands impress me a lot. MxPx is the kind of band that lasts. Already with a long, illustrious career, these guys don't show signs of slowing down ever.
Favorite song: "Punk Rawk Show"
5. Less Than Jake
Who would have thought you could throw in all kinds of brass and whatnot into some punk songs and get something this awesome? A very unique blend of material including some great covers can be found on their superb records. Of course, I love bands with two vocalists.
Favorite song: "Look What Happened"
4. Sum-41
If I had discovered them earlier they might have made the number one spot on this list a 4 way tie. They are a very talented and exciting band and I love the way they can infuse so much metal into their catchy punk tunes.
Favorite song: "We're All To Blame"
3. Blink-182
My top 3 choices here really should be a three way tie. All three bands really define punk rock and they also taught me how to play the guitar. Blink-182 are truly one of the coolest bands of all time. Just three guys doing it all which is crazy, and two vocalists which is super awesome as well. Wickedly talented.
Favorite song: "Carousel"
2. The Offspring
These guys have more awesome songs than just about anybody. I will never tire of these guys. They could be my "Bad Habit".
Favorite song: "Staring at the Sun"
1. Green Day
Green Day really got the #1 nod because I went through a pretty long Green Day phase as a teenager. While they have changed pretty dramatically, I still think they are an incredible band. Their old albums are timeless.
Favorite song: "Basket Case".
Friday, January 7, 2011
What gives?
No one is blogging anymore. What is the deal people? I check my blog feed everyday and am constantly disappointed by the lack of activity. Seriously guys, get back to blogging! The blogging world is fun and wonderful! Leave Facebook behind and enter a world where there are no Mafia Wars and Farmville. Enter a world where you can express yourself creatively and get interesting comments instead of stupid meaningless "likes" and "LOL"s. Join the world where tasteful art replaces tagged drunken photos and poetry replaces vulgar expressions and witless rants. Give up those meaningless melodramatic quotations and laments. Say goodbye to apps and groups and invites that all mean nothing and only waste your precious time. Instead, create thoughtful and entertaining posts that will be enjoyed by your close acquaintances instead of remote cousins and old friends from a job you had six years ago. Replace profanity with sanity, vulgarity with clarity, invites with insights. Blogging is the answer!
This is how I feel.
This is how I feel.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Holly and Jolly
Christmas is fast approaching. I feel like a little kid again. My excitement level is exceptionally high this year. I am not exactly sure what is so special about this year but I am very happy with everything and optimistic about the holidays. This marks my second Christmas married and away from home. Last year at this time, I really did not know what to expect. I am sure all newly married couples experience the same thing. The first Christmas away from family and with someone new. Well, of course, it was amazing and I could not have been happier. My wife is wonderful and amazes me more and more every day with her selfless devotion and unwavering commitment to our family and household. Last year we visited both our families the day of Christmas and her father the day before, all of which we are repeating this year. Looking back at this time last year, four Christmases did not sound as wonderful as it turned out to be. I was afraid things would be rushed and we would miss so much and barely get to spend time with everyone and just spend the whole time driving. Of course it turned out to be fantastic which is why I am doubly excited this year. I think I am also a little excited because I am not experiencing gift-anxiety the way I usually do since I was fortunate enough to complete my shopping some time ago this year. That is truly a load off of the mind and feels so nice that I intend to make a habit of shopping earlier. Easier said than done of course, but I did manage once so why not?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Top 10 Christmas Movies
Well, here's my next Top Ten list. It was not nearly as easy as I had thought it would be. Pretty hard actually. Anyway, here are my 10 favorite Christmas movies:
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
10. Die Hard
Really awesome movie. I enjoy pretty much all action movies like this but very few are good enough to watch more than once. Maybe it is just the nature of adventure/thrillers that multiple viewings are not necessary. Die Hard however, is a rare gem that I could watch a hundred times and still love.
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
A touching clay-mation with some very good tunes. "Put one foot in front of the other.....".
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
I can still recall what it was like watching this as a child. It seemed so epic. With grand adventures and peril and scary monsters, as well as some great tunes, it was so much more to me than just the story of a reindeer.
7. Miracle on 34th St.
I have seen two versions of this film and I really liked them both. Wonderful story.
6. Charlie Brown's Christmas
Somehow this is touching in such a profound way that I have trouble describing. So timeless.
5. White Christmas
Great songs and hilarious performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
4. Home Alone
This movie is still so funny. Such a nice Christmas movie that everyone enjoys and continues to laugh at year after year.
3. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are fantastic together in this hilarious holiday classic. I find it funny every time and am always amazed at the great dancing scenes. This is a must see.
2. It's a Wonderful Life
If this movie doesn't move you, then you don't have a soul. No matter how many times I have seen it (which has been quite a few) I always get choked up at the end. Jimmy Stewart shines as one of my all time favorite actors just on this performance alone.
1. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
This was by far the easiest. No other Christmas movie comes close. It doesn't matter that I am a huge Muppet's fan and I love Michael Caine. This movie is fantastic and will never grow old with me. The music is incredible and moving as are the performances. There have been many, but in my mind this is the greatest adaptation of Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" there is. This movie is incredibly important to me. So much so that if you have any negative comments about this film (unlikely but some people are crazy) I ask that you don't share them here. My favorite Christmas film will likely never change and I couldn't care less if anyone disagrees. Anyway, there you have it. My top ten Christmas movies.
Don't forget to read Jason's list as well.
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