Blocking for the runner.
"Yeah, get some, chump!"
Not Jay, but check out this tackle.
Worst. Kick-off. Ever.
Jay's in the backfield.
Running with the ball (he only got a few yards, but that's ok.)
Throwing blocks.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Go Stars!
Jay's football team defeated the Elkridge Hurricanes 18 to 0 last Saturday. They are now 3 and 1 on the season and getting better with each game. Jay's been playing on the offensive line mostly, but got to run the ball a few times in this past game. He says he will be doing that more often. This Saturday's game is against Damascus. Here's some pictures.
Jay (number 83) on the line.
Blocking for the runner.
"Yeah, get some, chump!"
Not Jay, but check out this tackle.
Worst. Kick-off. Ever.
Jay's in the backfield.
Running with the ball (he only got a few yards, but that's ok.)
Throwing blocks.
Blocking for the runner.
"Yeah, get some, chump!"
Not Jay, but check out this tackle.
Worst. Kick-off. Ever.
Jay's in the backfield.
Running with the ball (he only got a few yards, but that's ok.)
Throwing blocks.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I Am The Third Revelation
Just a short movie review. We watched There Will Be Blood over the weekend. I really enjoyed it. Daniel Day-Lewis' acting was phenomenal - there was nothing but his character in the movie, no sign of his true personality in any way. The cinematography was beautiful and I never loss interest in the characters. The ending seemed almost separated from the rest of the movie, but was amazing for it's slow burn towards complete derangement and brutality. The title of this post comes from that part of the movie.
I can see why some people wouldn't like this film - mainly due to it's length and (mostly) unlikeable characters. I'm not sure if it's a film that needs to be mined for great meaning, just enjoyed.
The film version Choke, one of my favorite Chuck Palhaniuk books, comes out this weekend. I hope it's good.
I can see why some people wouldn't like this film - mainly due to it's length and (mostly) unlikeable characters. I'm not sure if it's a film that needs to be mined for great meaning, just enjoyed.
The film version Choke, one of my favorite Chuck Palhaniuk books, comes out this weekend. I hope it's good.
David Byrne Concert
Lacey and I went to see David Byrne at the Lyric Opera House last Wednesday. We both really enjoyed the concert. It was great to (finally) hear Talking Heads songs performed live, which all sounded excellent. The musicians were supported by a trio of dancers that moved around the stage in a variety of styles. Usually, I'm not all that interested in dancers, but I thought they did a great job of adding to the performance instead of being a distraction or just looking silly.
Anyway, here's a video from the concert to check out. I didn't take this, just found it on youtube. I thought the way the video is distorted actually made it look pretty cool. Unfortunately, there's some people talking, so the audio gets spoiled by that. This is from another earlier show.
Here's another from the show we saw.
Anyway, here's a video from the concert to check out. I didn't take this, just found it on youtube. I thought the way the video is distorted actually made it look pretty cool. Unfortunately, there's some people talking, so the audio gets spoiled by that. This is from another earlier show.
Here's another from the show we saw.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Amanda Palmer
Here's two videos from Amanda Palmer's (The Dresden Dolls) new solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer. Watch the first then the second.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Reviews and more Reviews
First, let's get the fun stuff out of the way. Jay's football team has won two in a row, defeating Westmister 13-0 yesterday. It was a good game. Both teams were pretty evenly matched, but Catonsville, admittedly, got lucky when their running back ran 80 yards (!) for a touchdown. The defense also had an interception that they ran in for a touchdown. Without those two, it probably would have been a 0-0 tie. Our offensive line needs a lot of work, as they couldn't protect the quarterback or running backs long enough for them to get anything more than 2 yards. The defense looked great.
So, I've finished the Age of American Unreason and The Great Derangement, both books that examine the state of our current culture. I highly recommend both. The Great Derangement gives one of the most accurate pictures of what goes on in fundamentalist churches and some of the downright weird stuff that they do. If you don't know, I spent some time as a born-again Christian, so I have first-hand experience with the scenes described in the book. So, if you are curious about what the "Evangelical" and/or "Fundamentalist" thing is all about, I recommend checking it out.
However, it does go beyond a simple "behind closed doors" look. Matt Taibbi attempts to frame the fundamentalists and, as an opposing view, 9/11 truth conspiracy theorists as reactions to our disfunctional and unresponsive government. He makes a pretty good case that these are groups, though just a few among many, that are creating their own reality to cope with what they see as an outside force (whatever that may be to them - Satan for the fundamentalists, corrupt and shadowy goverment agents for the 9/11 truthers) manipulating what they think the world should be.
Interspersed among the accounts of his interactions with the two groups, Taibbi also has interludes describing the workings of Congress. This is, admittedly, the most depressing part ofthe book. Taibbi gives accounts of Congressman from both parties on the take from lobbyists and how real legislation is done in the middle of the night, with little involvement from interested groups.
I found The Age of American Unreason a fascinating read. I did not agree with every conclusion, but I definitely recommend it for anyone who wonders how we went from leaders like Jefferson and Adams, who completely embraced Enlightenment ideals and Intellectualism, to those like George W Bush and John McCain, who show open disdain for those same ideals. And, it's not limited to leaders, but to average people as well.
Susan Jacoby, begins with an overview of our current state, complete with the most rediculous examples of disdain and ridicule of rational thought. She then begins to lay out a history, describing the high place ascribed to learning and intellectualism by the founding fathers through the early years of the nation, to its decline through our history brought about by its own proponents as well as opponents.
I found the historical review most iteresting. There were many things that I didn't know, such as the popularity of lectures in the 19th century among all levels of the population. The only part of the history that lost my interest was the period in the 30's during which many intellectuals embraced communist ideals. I couldn't say why, because it was relevant to author's discussion, but it seemed to drag.
One of the most timely aspects of this book is Jacoby's exploration of the anti-Elitism. Anyone who watched the Republican National Convention saw that this is turning into one of their main selling points. In fact, as I heard what was being said at the convention, I remarked that it sounds as if it is coming straight out of Jacoby's book. Jacoby rightfully points out that the Neo Conservatives and Republican party higher-ups are as "elite" as their Democratic and Liberal counterpoints. They have just been more successful and keeping themselves out of the spotlight.
Now for some movies. Charlie Wilson's War was an entertaining film. The performances were excellent, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film details one congressman's efforts to provide weapons and support for the Afghan mujahadeen to fight against the Soviet invasion. It's a pretty basic film with no deeper meaning or covert message. Thankfully, however, it didn't end with the triumphant ending of the rebels over the Soviets, instead choosing to show how our government turned off the support for the rebels to rebuild their country, opening the way for the Taliban and other radical groups to gain power.
We also watched Dark City. This film is from 1998. I think it is primarily worth watching for it's visuals. Also, it features the beautiful Jennifer Connolly, who is always worth seeing. One thing I noticed was that there is a lot in this movie that, one could say, was appropriated by the Wachowski's for The Matrix, which came out a year later.
Last night, Lacey and I went to see Burn After Reading. This was a decent effort from the Coen Brothers. Not one of their best, but far from their worst. It was mildly amusing with the Brad Pitt, Francis McDormand and John Malkovich putting in great character work.
However, what I would like to rant about are some of the comments overheard from the exiting crowd. It was obvious to me that most of the people were unfamiliar with other Coen Brothers movies and simply consuming the latest product from some big names (Clooney, Pitt). Why can't people educate themselves before they buy? I overheard two gentleman complaining about the efforts to make comedy out of such things as adultery and murder and aghast over the frequent use of the f-word. Had they never seen a Coen Brother's movie before? Did they have no idea what they could expect? Why do people do this? If you're so concerned about the f-word or adultery, there are web sites that exist solely to point out this type of content in movies. Don't just blindly spend your money, then complain about it. In fact, one of the gentleman's response to the other's complaints was "Well, that's what sells." So, if that's what "They" are selling, then why do you buy it unthinkingly?
Ugh.
So, I've finished the Age of American Unreason and The Great Derangement, both books that examine the state of our current culture. I highly recommend both. The Great Derangement gives one of the most accurate pictures of what goes on in fundamentalist churches and some of the downright weird stuff that they do. If you don't know, I spent some time as a born-again Christian, so I have first-hand experience with the scenes described in the book. So, if you are curious about what the "Evangelical" and/or "Fundamentalist" thing is all about, I recommend checking it out.
However, it does go beyond a simple "behind closed doors" look. Matt Taibbi attempts to frame the fundamentalists and, as an opposing view, 9/11 truth conspiracy theorists as reactions to our disfunctional and unresponsive government. He makes a pretty good case that these are groups, though just a few among many, that are creating their own reality to cope with what they see as an outside force (whatever that may be to them - Satan for the fundamentalists, corrupt and shadowy goverment agents for the 9/11 truthers) manipulating what they think the world should be.
Interspersed among the accounts of his interactions with the two groups, Taibbi also has interludes describing the workings of Congress. This is, admittedly, the most depressing part ofthe book. Taibbi gives accounts of Congressman from both parties on the take from lobbyists and how real legislation is done in the middle of the night, with little involvement from interested groups.
I found The Age of American Unreason a fascinating read. I did not agree with every conclusion, but I definitely recommend it for anyone who wonders how we went from leaders like Jefferson and Adams, who completely embraced Enlightenment ideals and Intellectualism, to those like George W Bush and John McCain, who show open disdain for those same ideals. And, it's not limited to leaders, but to average people as well.
Susan Jacoby, begins with an overview of our current state, complete with the most rediculous examples of disdain and ridicule of rational thought. She then begins to lay out a history, describing the high place ascribed to learning and intellectualism by the founding fathers through the early years of the nation, to its decline through our history brought about by its own proponents as well as opponents.
I found the historical review most iteresting. There were many things that I didn't know, such as the popularity of lectures in the 19th century among all levels of the population. The only part of the history that lost my interest was the period in the 30's during which many intellectuals embraced communist ideals. I couldn't say why, because it was relevant to author's discussion, but it seemed to drag.
One of the most timely aspects of this book is Jacoby's exploration of the anti-Elitism. Anyone who watched the Republican National Convention saw that this is turning into one of their main selling points. In fact, as I heard what was being said at the convention, I remarked that it sounds as if it is coming straight out of Jacoby's book. Jacoby rightfully points out that the Neo Conservatives and Republican party higher-ups are as "elite" as their Democratic and Liberal counterpoints. They have just been more successful and keeping themselves out of the spotlight.
Now for some movies. Charlie Wilson's War was an entertaining film. The performances were excellent, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film details one congressman's efforts to provide weapons and support for the Afghan mujahadeen to fight against the Soviet invasion. It's a pretty basic film with no deeper meaning or covert message. Thankfully, however, it didn't end with the triumphant ending of the rebels over the Soviets, instead choosing to show how our government turned off the support for the rebels to rebuild their country, opening the way for the Taliban and other radical groups to gain power.
We also watched Dark City. This film is from 1998. I think it is primarily worth watching for it's visuals. Also, it features the beautiful Jennifer Connolly, who is always worth seeing. One thing I noticed was that there is a lot in this movie that, one could say, was appropriated by the Wachowski's for The Matrix, which came out a year later.
Last night, Lacey and I went to see Burn After Reading. This was a decent effort from the Coen Brothers. Not one of their best, but far from their worst. It was mildly amusing with the Brad Pitt, Francis McDormand and John Malkovich putting in great character work.
However, what I would like to rant about are some of the comments overheard from the exiting crowd. It was obvious to me that most of the people were unfamiliar with other Coen Brothers movies and simply consuming the latest product from some big names (Clooney, Pitt). Why can't people educate themselves before they buy? I overheard two gentleman complaining about the efforts to make comedy out of such things as adultery and murder and aghast over the frequent use of the f-word. Had they never seen a Coen Brother's movie before? Did they have no idea what they could expect? Why do people do this? If you're so concerned about the f-word or adultery, there are web sites that exist solely to point out this type of content in movies. Don't just blindly spend your money, then complain about it. In fact, one of the gentleman's response to the other's complaints was "Well, that's what sells." So, if that's what "They" are selling, then why do you buy it unthinkingly?
Ugh.
Monday, September 8, 2008
A WTF Moment
Yesterday, while watching the Raven's game, a promo for the NFL came on that used Morrissey's "Everyday Is Like Sunday" as the music, sung by someone else. To me, Morrissey does not equal football. Does he even know about this?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Beverly Hills Chinchilla
Alright, here's what's going on now. Labor Day weekend wasn't all that exciting. Jay's football team lost their opening game. What made it worse was that he didn't get to play very much at all. Hopefully, that will change with this weeks game.
The best day was probably Sunday. We visited some of the new shops on Frederick Road in Catonsville and ate at the Ship's Cafe. The kids wanted crabs so we got them some crabs. That was fun. Then we went and saw The Clone Wars. The kids enjoyed it.
My feelings were pretty much indifferent. It wasn't as horrible as I had read, but it wasn't anything spectacular. I like the animation style from the short TV Cartoons much better that what they used in the movie. Anakin's padawan wasn't nearly as annoying as most reviewers made her out to be. The Truman Capote-esque uncle to Jabba the Hutt was pretty bizarre and unnecessary. I don't know if there was anything about that I particularly liked, but it didn't make me feel as depressed as Episode 3 did.
So, it's election time again and, once again, my family seems to feel that they have to peform some sort of intervention so that I don't vote Democrat. This continues to disturb me. Now, they have supported Bush and the war since 2000. I don't believe that they know about or really understand the part that Evangelical Christianity has played in that administration or the Republican Party in general. They are also not millionaires. Admittedly, I don't know why they vote Republican. They were always Democrats when I was younger.
Anyway, today, they decided to send me a few e-mail forwards detailing the evil's of Obama and the Democrats. Now, if they were just sending me this junk out of habit or whatever, I would just ignore it. But, they seem to think that they are a) sending me some factual information and b) that I will simply change my mind due to the content of an e-mail forward.
I guess what annoys me the most is that they can't just accept that I am and adult who feels differently from them, sees the world differently from them and has had a completely different life than them, and therefore, am going to feel differently about politics than they do. They can't seem to just accept this and let it go. I'm willing to just say, fine, we disagree on this, we don't need to talk about it. But, they seem to think that they have to 'correct' me. They have to put me on the 'true' path. Having already had the experience of being ushered onto the 'true' path and believing what I was told, I am, and, I think understandably so, resentful of having to go through it again from my own family.
Honestly, it makes me want to tell them that we will see them after the election. At least, if Obama wins, they can bitch about it but won't feel the need to try to sway me to their side.
It's all very frustrating and distressing.
BTW, the title to this post comes from Julianna. She was reading a movie poster for some piece of crap called "Beverly Hills Chihuahau" and she misread Chihuahua as Chinchilla. (We were just looking at a Chinchilla in the pet store earlier, so that's where the substitution probably came from.) I thought the Chinchlla would make an infinitely better title and movie.
I finished the Lucifer books. All in all pretty good and worth the time, though I don't know if I will read it again. I think most Sandman fans will enjoy it, althought it doesn't have the same depth. The most interesting characters were Mazikeen, Lucifer's demon consort and leader of the Army of the Lilim (children of Lilith) and Elaine Belloc, "daughter" of Michael the Arcangel and, ultimately, God. Lucifer is less of a character than a force, like God. He has the plans that make everything else happen.
Still reading/listening to the other book. Will fill you in later.
The best day was probably Sunday. We visited some of the new shops on Frederick Road in Catonsville and ate at the Ship's Cafe. The kids wanted crabs so we got them some crabs. That was fun. Then we went and saw The Clone Wars. The kids enjoyed it.
My feelings were pretty much indifferent. It wasn't as horrible as I had read, but it wasn't anything spectacular. I like the animation style from the short TV Cartoons much better that what they used in the movie. Anakin's padawan wasn't nearly as annoying as most reviewers made her out to be. The Truman Capote-esque uncle to Jabba the Hutt was pretty bizarre and unnecessary. I don't know if there was anything about that I particularly liked, but it didn't make me feel as depressed as Episode 3 did.
So, it's election time again and, once again, my family seems to feel that they have to peform some sort of intervention so that I don't vote Democrat. This continues to disturb me. Now, they have supported Bush and the war since 2000. I don't believe that they know about or really understand the part that Evangelical Christianity has played in that administration or the Republican Party in general. They are also not millionaires. Admittedly, I don't know why they vote Republican. They were always Democrats when I was younger.
Anyway, today, they decided to send me a few e-mail forwards detailing the evil's of Obama and the Democrats. Now, if they were just sending me this junk out of habit or whatever, I would just ignore it. But, they seem to think that they are a) sending me some factual information and b) that I will simply change my mind due to the content of an e-mail forward.
I guess what annoys me the most is that they can't just accept that I am and adult who feels differently from them, sees the world differently from them and has had a completely different life than them, and therefore, am going to feel differently about politics than they do. They can't seem to just accept this and let it go. I'm willing to just say, fine, we disagree on this, we don't need to talk about it. But, they seem to think that they have to 'correct' me. They have to put me on the 'true' path. Having already had the experience of being ushered onto the 'true' path and believing what I was told, I am, and, I think understandably so, resentful of having to go through it again from my own family.
Honestly, it makes me want to tell them that we will see them after the election. At least, if Obama wins, they can bitch about it but won't feel the need to try to sway me to their side.
It's all very frustrating and distressing.
BTW, the title to this post comes from Julianna. She was reading a movie poster for some piece of crap called "Beverly Hills Chihuahau" and she misread Chihuahua as Chinchilla. (We were just looking at a Chinchilla in the pet store earlier, so that's where the substitution probably came from.) I thought the Chinchlla would make an infinitely better title and movie.
I finished the Lucifer books. All in all pretty good and worth the time, though I don't know if I will read it again. I think most Sandman fans will enjoy it, althought it doesn't have the same depth. The most interesting characters were Mazikeen, Lucifer's demon consort and leader of the Army of the Lilim (children of Lilith) and Elaine Belloc, "daughter" of Michael the Arcangel and, ultimately, God. Lucifer is less of a character than a force, like God. He has the plans that make everything else happen.
Still reading/listening to the other book. Will fill you in later.
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