Bush has sent out his minions do to some dirty work and stir up trouble over Kerry lying about throwing away his medals in a major protest after he returned from Vietnam. You seem, Kerry didn't really throw away his medals. He throw away his ribbons. But in 1971, he said medals, so he's a no-good liar who doesn't deserve to be President unlike the saintly G.W. who was obviously doing nothing wrong in 1971. (cough)
One problem, though. Its all a great big lie.
Bush's people are counting on ordinary people's definition of medal. Meaning, those shiny metal things. Kerry didn't throw those away, but he said medal. The thing is, the Navy calls the ribbons he did throw away medals. Kerry was just using the Navy's terminology. Basically, if you've seen a formal Naval uniform, you may have noticed the field of ribbons worn over the chest. Every medal given out comes with a ribbon meant to represent the medal. The Navy regards these ribbons as Medals. Indeed, given that they are the symbolic representation of the medal, it made sense that Kerry would choose to return those as a symbolic expression of opposition to the continuing Vietnam War. When Kerry called them medals, he was 100% accurate. That is what the Navy calls them. But Bush are counting on people not learning the context and just accepting the 100% dishonest spin they are putting on it about Kerry being a liar.
So, they are lying to call Kerry a liar. Not that lying hasn't been a major part of their campaign to date, but this is getting even more absurd.
4.27.2004
4.25.2004
low expectations
Hey, remember when I said this was going to be a pop culture blog and I would eventually start a separate blog for politics?
Oh, you don't? Well, I once said this was going to be a pop culture blog and I would eventually start a separate blog for politics. Forget I said it. Or, forget I just reminded you I said it. So, forget I just said this. I keep wanting to write about politics and its silly of me not to because I want to set up a separate political blog that I still haven't bothered to start. So screw it.
So, anyway, today was the March for Pro-Choice rights which drew somewhere in the area of a million people to the mall in Washington. I'm very happy that there was such a strong turn-out, since there has been such a growing concern of complacency over the issue by some on the left who take pro-choice rights for granted. Ralph Nader was a big part of this as he as often taken to ridiculing pro-choice advocates and mocking the suggestion that these rights may be at risk, ignoring the plain language of those on the rights. Meanwhile, the White House response to the March included a "bi-partisan" declaration that all people, regardless of their stance on abortion, could come together to support Bush's attacks on Pro-Choice rights. Seriously, they did this. More of W's "bi-partisan" means everyone agrees with me. But its not getting much play on the blogosphere for a big reason. Because Karen Hughes, Bush campaign big-wig and former Administration official, said this.
Yet again, its all about 9/11. Yet again, the Bush agenda is cleanly transformed into being all about terrorism. The Bush folks aren't like the terrorists, and that's why they aren't like us pro-choice advocates. Because, you know, so many fundamentalist Muslims are really into a woman's right to choose. But this is the same administration that compared teachers to terrorists, so no one is really surprised any more. The soft bigotry of low expectations is pretty big with the Bushies, don't you know?
Oh, you don't? Well, I once said this was going to be a pop culture blog and I would eventually start a separate blog for politics. Forget I said it. Or, forget I just reminded you I said it. So, forget I just said this. I keep wanting to write about politics and its silly of me not to because I want to set up a separate political blog that I still haven't bothered to start. So screw it.
So, anyway, today was the March for Pro-Choice rights which drew somewhere in the area of a million people to the mall in Washington. I'm very happy that there was such a strong turn-out, since there has been such a growing concern of complacency over the issue by some on the left who take pro-choice rights for granted. Ralph Nader was a big part of this as he as often taken to ridiculing pro-choice advocates and mocking the suggestion that these rights may be at risk, ignoring the plain language of those on the rights. Meanwhile, the White House response to the March included a "bi-partisan" declaration that all people, regardless of their stance on abortion, could come together to support Bush's attacks on Pro-Choice rights. Seriously, they did this. More of W's "bi-partisan" means everyone agrees with me. But its not getting much play on the blogosphere for a big reason. Because Karen Hughes, Bush campaign big-wig and former Administration official, said this.
Yet again, its all about 9/11. Yet again, the Bush agenda is cleanly transformed into being all about terrorism. The Bush folks aren't like the terrorists, and that's why they aren't like us pro-choice advocates. Because, you know, so many fundamentalist Muslims are really into a woman's right to choose. But this is the same administration that compared teachers to terrorists, so no one is really surprised any more. The soft bigotry of low expectations is pretty big with the Bushies, don't you know?
4.22.2004
run for your life
I know I haven't been posting much lately. Sorry. Work has been busy with the end of our concert season. Also I'm just very worn out with looking for a new apartment and trying to find a part-time job. Asking people for things is, lets just say, not a skill of mine. I find it extraordinarily stressful so I'm just generally not in a good mood. It will all work itself out soon, but I'll be happier when its settled. Knowing it will be settled won't do much for me. The part-time job thing really is weighing on me. I know I need to, and I don't mind working retail though something nicer would be, well, nice. The easiest jobs to find, though, I'm not going to consider. Telemarketing and food service are non-starters for me, though I might get desperate and apply at Starbucks just because they seem to always be hiring and it could be much worse. I don't hate food service, but I know how draining it is. Telemarketing, I hate. Like I said above, I hate asking people for things. I did telemarketing for a week as a temp 4 years ago. Made me sick every night and I did an awful job.
Anyway, there is something I've been meaning to post since Monday. You see, Monday was what we here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts call Patriot's Day. Do other states have state holidays? Massachusetts has two of them. One isn't a big deal because no one really acknowledges it except the state (St. Patrick's Day is actually a legal holiday in MA; and we wonder where we got our reputation), but not Patriot's Day. Patriot's Day actually forces a change in Tax Filing many years since it falls near tax day. The City of Boston basically shuts down (I had to work, but it wasn't very productive since most everyone else was closed) and parties in honor of the Boston Marathon.
As you might guess, Patriot's Day's true origin lies in the American Revolution. It honors the first skirmishes between Colonials and British soldiers at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Its now a Monday holiday but this year it actually fell on the real anniversery. Not that anyone really cares about this anymore. (Well, except the Revolutionary War re-enactors) Now, its just Marathon Monday. The biggest sports event in Boston, and that's saying a lot considering the devotion Boston holds for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Super Bowl Champion Patriots. Now, every year, some sports freaks start whining about how they don't get the Marathon. But the reasons they don't get it is the same reason I love it and why it draws huge crowds stretched out across 26 miles every year.
I've been lucky to see the Marathon live for each of the last 8 years. At least some part of it. I saw the Elites run through 4 of the 8 years, too, though a couple I only got out after work 3 hours after the leaders ran through and once I only watched it from my bedroom window. Nevertheless, its something I love. Part of it is the tradition. This was the 108th race. And because it is held on Patriot's Day, crowd participation has long been encouraged among all people. I don't get the feeling other cities have marathons anywhere near as iconic. The Marathon isn't a disruption. It isn't something to ignore (not that I think anyone could). Its something that brings everyone out. But more than that, its a sporting event where no one is rooting against anyone. Boston sports fans are infamously bitter and mean-spirited, which makes the Marathon all the better. This confuses some of those bitter fans, who don't know why they should care if they aren't rooting for someone who might win and if they don't understand why they should care about the Kenyans who've dominated the race in recent years.
Well, for starters, the fact that the Kenyans have so emphatically embraced the Boston Marathon. They LOVE us in Kenya. Really, the Boston Marathon is not a perfect Marathon, but the Kenyan runners have completely made it their own. I'm not entirely sure why, but there is no reason for Bostonians not to love the Kenyans right back and root for them. But aside from that, the race is all about cheering everyone. That's why going there 3 hours after the winner passed by isn't an excercise in futility. Its all part of the fun. You cheer on these people who've already run 20+ miles. On Monday, I saw the race from Kenmore Square which is about a mile away from the finish line. At this point, the runners are almost home. Easy for us to know, not so easy when you've run 25 miles already. That's where the crowd comes in. Even hours after the important stuff, the streets are lined with people cheering on everyone who passes by. These aren't athletes seen from the Upper Decks in Fenway Park. They aren't ball-players making millions (not that I have a problem with sports salaries). They are just regular folks here to compete and they are just a foot away. You just cheer. You encourage them. By name when possible, or at least by t-shirt. Everyone is in good spirits, everyone is there to have a good time. Its just a great thing to see and the kind of thing you really need to see for yourself. One of the reasons I love living in the city.
Well, except that I don't really live in the city anymore, but that's neither here nor there.
Anyway, there is something I've been meaning to post since Monday. You see, Monday was what we here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts call Patriot's Day. Do other states have state holidays? Massachusetts has two of them. One isn't a big deal because no one really acknowledges it except the state (St. Patrick's Day is actually a legal holiday in MA; and we wonder where we got our reputation), but not Patriot's Day. Patriot's Day actually forces a change in Tax Filing many years since it falls near tax day. The City of Boston basically shuts down (I had to work, but it wasn't very productive since most everyone else was closed) and parties in honor of the Boston Marathon.
As you might guess, Patriot's Day's true origin lies in the American Revolution. It honors the first skirmishes between Colonials and British soldiers at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Its now a Monday holiday but this year it actually fell on the real anniversery. Not that anyone really cares about this anymore. (Well, except the Revolutionary War re-enactors) Now, its just Marathon Monday. The biggest sports event in Boston, and that's saying a lot considering the devotion Boston holds for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Super Bowl Champion Patriots. Now, every year, some sports freaks start whining about how they don't get the Marathon. But the reasons they don't get it is the same reason I love it and why it draws huge crowds stretched out across 26 miles every year.
I've been lucky to see the Marathon live for each of the last 8 years. At least some part of it. I saw the Elites run through 4 of the 8 years, too, though a couple I only got out after work 3 hours after the leaders ran through and once I only watched it from my bedroom window. Nevertheless, its something I love. Part of it is the tradition. This was the 108th race. And because it is held on Patriot's Day, crowd participation has long been encouraged among all people. I don't get the feeling other cities have marathons anywhere near as iconic. The Marathon isn't a disruption. It isn't something to ignore (not that I think anyone could). Its something that brings everyone out. But more than that, its a sporting event where no one is rooting against anyone. Boston sports fans are infamously bitter and mean-spirited, which makes the Marathon all the better. This confuses some of those bitter fans, who don't know why they should care if they aren't rooting for someone who might win and if they don't understand why they should care about the Kenyans who've dominated the race in recent years.
Well, for starters, the fact that the Kenyans have so emphatically embraced the Boston Marathon. They LOVE us in Kenya. Really, the Boston Marathon is not a perfect Marathon, but the Kenyan runners have completely made it their own. I'm not entirely sure why, but there is no reason for Bostonians not to love the Kenyans right back and root for them. But aside from that, the race is all about cheering everyone. That's why going there 3 hours after the winner passed by isn't an excercise in futility. Its all part of the fun. You cheer on these people who've already run 20+ miles. On Monday, I saw the race from Kenmore Square which is about a mile away from the finish line. At this point, the runners are almost home. Easy for us to know, not so easy when you've run 25 miles already. That's where the crowd comes in. Even hours after the important stuff, the streets are lined with people cheering on everyone who passes by. These aren't athletes seen from the Upper Decks in Fenway Park. They aren't ball-players making millions (not that I have a problem with sports salaries). They are just regular folks here to compete and they are just a foot away. You just cheer. You encourage them. By name when possible, or at least by t-shirt. Everyone is in good spirits, everyone is there to have a good time. Its just a great thing to see and the kind of thing you really need to see for yourself. One of the reasons I love living in the city.
Well, except that I don't really live in the city anymore, but that's neither here nor there.
4.18.2004
he's rick james, bitch!
I've really been loving Chappelle's Show this season. I wrote a very long post about that, but it sucked. Suffice to say, I'm really loving Chappelle's Show.
Oh, and I'm also enjoying those Brawny commercials. You know, the one with the "softer" Brawny and the old-school Brawny. (Softer Brawny: "Look inside yourself. What do you see?" Old Brawny: "A cardboard tube.")
This post sucks. *sigh*
Oh, and I'm also enjoying those Brawny commercials. You know, the one with the "softer" Brawny and the old-school Brawny. (Softer Brawny: "Look inside yourself. What do you see?" Old Brawny: "A cardboard tube.")
This post sucks. *sigh*
4.14.2004
rain, rain, go the f*** away already!
Sorry, just all this gray is really wearing me down. Man, they weren't kidding about April Showers this year. I know, this is some wonderful drought protection and all and that's good, but I really can't wait for it to be over and for the warm weather to return.
My subway train crosses a river on its way into Boston. Aparently the Mystic River, and thats the first time I've bothered to find that out. When the skies are clear, the water is this amazingly beautiful deep blue. Its very out of place for the surroundings. Heck, one side of the train shows a little industrial area on the river's edge, but still it is something to see. Lately, its just been this bland colorlessly dreck. That's the thing about bodies of water. On a beautiful day, they make it all the more beautiful. On an awful day, they make it all the more awful. They play to the surroundings, never making anything nice or making anything bad, just aiming for whatever's already there.
Meanwhile, I'm very close to giving up on finding a roommate. I have to find one by Saturday and don't have much in the way of strong leads. Oh, well. It sucks that I have to pay for my place on my own in May, but I'll get by. I'm going to try to do some little free-lance graphic design and/or get a retail-ish job to make up the difference. Wish me luck, and feel free to offer me work. hehe
My subway train crosses a river on its way into Boston. Aparently the Mystic River, and thats the first time I've bothered to find that out. When the skies are clear, the water is this amazingly beautiful deep blue. Its very out of place for the surroundings. Heck, one side of the train shows a little industrial area on the river's edge, but still it is something to see. Lately, its just been this bland colorlessly dreck. That's the thing about bodies of water. On a beautiful day, they make it all the more beautiful. On an awful day, they make it all the more awful. They play to the surroundings, never making anything nice or making anything bad, just aiming for whatever's already there.
Meanwhile, I'm very close to giving up on finding a roommate. I have to find one by Saturday and don't have much in the way of strong leads. Oh, well. It sucks that I have to pay for my place on my own in May, but I'll get by. I'm going to try to do some little free-lance graphic design and/or get a retail-ish job to make up the difference. Wish me luck, and feel free to offer me work. hehe
4.07.2004
movie sign!
Again, I further push down my big long post. I guess its more personal than my previous big fat post so I'm both more interested in other's thoughts and expecting fewer comments. After all, its personal, not a general discussion. But, I need to get over it and start posting again. And since this was supposed to be a Pop Cult blog, I might as well post on the topic. The variet of pop cult? Movies!
Being girlfriendless, I haven't been really going to the movies lately but there is a backlog of films I want to see rapidly building and I really want to see several films right now. I've already written off getting to see Lord of the Rings (not happy about that, but oh well), so I want to see what I can now. My ex-girlfriend was kind enough to offer to pick up some discounted tickets from her employers HR office, so I wanted to figure out what I wanted to see. I was surprised to find 6 movies out recently or this month, but more surprised that there were only 4 for the rest of the summer.
I'm hardly an anti-Hollywood guy, but I'm just unimpressed with the remainder of the summer blockbusters. April isn't blockbuster time, so these flicks don't even count. Its not even like there were films that were close. I shouldn't be surprised, though. It was like this last year, too. Am I more of movie snob than I let on, or do the movies just suck? An open question. Anyway, here is what I'm looking forward, too.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (OUT NOW):I love, love, love, love Charlie Kaufmann, the screenwriter of this. I've seen all of his movies. (Being John Malkovich, Human Nature, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Adaptation) in the theaters and would like to keep that streak going. I actually own 2 of the 4 on DVD and want the other two. Though I've been sorta boycotting Winslett since she lost the weight and got viciously fat insulting, but I'll probably suck it up out of my Kaufmann admiration.
Jersey Girl (OUT NOW): Ah, Kevin Smith. I'm a HUGE Kevin Smith fan and have been looking forward to this for a while now. Its gotten some teppid reviews, but I know I like Smith so I'll like the film. Plus, it just looks good. Affleck does his best work with Smith, its got a great extended cast, some cool cameos from the sound of it, and I'm quiet excited about seeing it.
The Ladykillers (OUT NOW): Never saw the original, but my Coen Brothers fandom is second only to my Kevin Smith fandom. I trust their work to know it will entertain and amuse me. And Tom Hanks looks like he's having a lot of fun, too. Another easy call for me.
Hellboy (OUT NOW): I've got a thing for superheros, as I suspect I've touched on. Not comic books, mind you, but I love the idea of the characters and enjoy superhero films and tv shows. Don't know much about the character, but the whole package intrigues me. The director is really dedicated to the material and passed over a couple VERY high profile jobs to take this one (like Harry Potter), so you have to respect that. Equally respectable was the casting on Ron Pearleman as the lead. Its beautfiully unconventional, but perfect casting all the same. At the end of the day, does a famous face mean anything under so much make-up? Why not go with a good actor who's look will lend to the character. Very positive reviews, too.
The Punisher (April 16): Speaking of Superheros, I'm especially fond of Marvel's core characters and Punisher is one of them. They made a horrible film out of it way back when, but this looks promissing though tough to pin down. The source material is tailor made for an action film, but the promos look like its got a lot of poetry to it, as well. (Visual and story poetry, mind you. I don't think there will be any E. E. Cummings) (And yes, E. E.'s name should be capitalized so don't try to correce me. heh) It could be a very interesting character if done right.
Kill Bill, Vol. 2 (April 16): My ex-girlfriend HATED the first part with a major passion. She found it horribly disconcerting, which I can respect. Tarrentino can be a horrifically violent director, but I can't deny the beauty of his work. Besides, I want to see how it ends.
Shrek 2 (May 21): I liked the first one. Simple as that.
The Day After Tomorrow (May 28): From the folks who brought us Independance Day, its the return of the great big city destruction genre. Instead of comets or aliens or Godzilla, this time its weather. Yep. A big ass storm is set to destroy the world. The next Ice Age to be specific. Not sure how they intend to resolve it, either since its, well, weather. But it has Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead and I've long enjoyed mass destruction films. Obviously, such films have been off-limits for a couple years after we, you know, actually saw mass destruction on September 11. It was tough to enjoy the excitement and terror of the destruction of a city when we actually saw it for real. When we actually saw the debris cloud engulf a city. Actually saw an airplane plow into a landmark. But we're getting back to normal, it seems, so we can stomach watching a massive tornado tear apart and utterly destroy Los Angeles. Even New York is back in play, as it gets engulfed by tidal waves plowing through Wall Street, depositing tankers on the streets of NYC. Eventually, Manhatten is incased in ice and snow and we see the disturbing images of a new ice age overtaking the city, sealing the Statue of Liberty. We see the Public Library destroyed and frozen. All compelling images and I find it interesting. ANYWAY...
Spiderman 2 (June 30): Liked the first, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Anchorman (July 9): Loved Will Ferrell in Elf, so I'm more than happy to give him a shot in this film.
There are some others I'd consider. The Village, I, Robot, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, The Bourne Supremacy, Garfield, The Terminal, Troy etc. but nothing I'm too big into. Well, that's enough for one day. Sorry for boring you.
Being girlfriendless, I haven't been really going to the movies lately but there is a backlog of films I want to see rapidly building and I really want to see several films right now. I've already written off getting to see Lord of the Rings (not happy about that, but oh well), so I want to see what I can now. My ex-girlfriend was kind enough to offer to pick up some discounted tickets from her employers HR office, so I wanted to figure out what I wanted to see. I was surprised to find 6 movies out recently or this month, but more surprised that there were only 4 for the rest of the summer.
I'm hardly an anti-Hollywood guy, but I'm just unimpressed with the remainder of the summer blockbusters. April isn't blockbuster time, so these flicks don't even count. Its not even like there were films that were close. I shouldn't be surprised, though. It was like this last year, too. Am I more of movie snob than I let on, or do the movies just suck? An open question. Anyway, here is what I'm looking forward, too.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (OUT NOW):I love, love, love, love Charlie Kaufmann, the screenwriter of this. I've seen all of his movies. (Being John Malkovich, Human Nature, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Adaptation) in the theaters and would like to keep that streak going. I actually own 2 of the 4 on DVD and want the other two. Though I've been sorta boycotting Winslett since she lost the weight and got viciously fat insulting, but I'll probably suck it up out of my Kaufmann admiration.
Jersey Girl (OUT NOW): Ah, Kevin Smith. I'm a HUGE Kevin Smith fan and have been looking forward to this for a while now. Its gotten some teppid reviews, but I know I like Smith so I'll like the film. Plus, it just looks good. Affleck does his best work with Smith, its got a great extended cast, some cool cameos from the sound of it, and I'm quiet excited about seeing it.
The Ladykillers (OUT NOW): Never saw the original, but my Coen Brothers fandom is second only to my Kevin Smith fandom. I trust their work to know it will entertain and amuse me. And Tom Hanks looks like he's having a lot of fun, too. Another easy call for me.
Hellboy (OUT NOW): I've got a thing for superheros, as I suspect I've touched on. Not comic books, mind you, but I love the idea of the characters and enjoy superhero films and tv shows. Don't know much about the character, but the whole package intrigues me. The director is really dedicated to the material and passed over a couple VERY high profile jobs to take this one (like Harry Potter), so you have to respect that. Equally respectable was the casting on Ron Pearleman as the lead. Its beautfiully unconventional, but perfect casting all the same. At the end of the day, does a famous face mean anything under so much make-up? Why not go with a good actor who's look will lend to the character. Very positive reviews, too.
The Punisher (April 16): Speaking of Superheros, I'm especially fond of Marvel's core characters and Punisher is one of them. They made a horrible film out of it way back when, but this looks promissing though tough to pin down. The source material is tailor made for an action film, but the promos look like its got a lot of poetry to it, as well. (Visual and story poetry, mind you. I don't think there will be any E. E. Cummings) (And yes, E. E.'s name should be capitalized so don't try to correce me. heh) It could be a very interesting character if done right.
Kill Bill, Vol. 2 (April 16): My ex-girlfriend HATED the first part with a major passion. She found it horribly disconcerting, which I can respect. Tarrentino can be a horrifically violent director, but I can't deny the beauty of his work. Besides, I want to see how it ends.
Shrek 2 (May 21): I liked the first one. Simple as that.
The Day After Tomorrow (May 28): From the folks who brought us Independance Day, its the return of the great big city destruction genre. Instead of comets or aliens or Godzilla, this time its weather. Yep. A big ass storm is set to destroy the world. The next Ice Age to be specific. Not sure how they intend to resolve it, either since its, well, weather. But it has Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead and I've long enjoyed mass destruction films. Obviously, such films have been off-limits for a couple years after we, you know, actually saw mass destruction on September 11. It was tough to enjoy the excitement and terror of the destruction of a city when we actually saw it for real. When we actually saw the debris cloud engulf a city. Actually saw an airplane plow into a landmark. But we're getting back to normal, it seems, so we can stomach watching a massive tornado tear apart and utterly destroy Los Angeles. Even New York is back in play, as it gets engulfed by tidal waves plowing through Wall Street, depositing tankers on the streets of NYC. Eventually, Manhatten is incased in ice and snow and we see the disturbing images of a new ice age overtaking the city, sealing the Statue of Liberty. We see the Public Library destroyed and frozen. All compelling images and I find it interesting. ANYWAY...
Spiderman 2 (June 30): Liked the first, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Anchorman (July 9): Loved Will Ferrell in Elf, so I'm more than happy to give him a shot in this film.
There are some others I'd consider. The Village, I, Robot, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, The Bourne Supremacy, Garfield, The Terminal, Troy etc. but nothing I'm too big into. Well, that's enough for one day. Sorry for boring you.
4.06.2004
let us let you do It yourself
I was reminded of what I still consider the most insane service ever advertised. I'm sure it has a point I'm missing, but I guess that's my point.
New from H&R Block! Do your taxes yourself!
Um, okay. Close as I can tell, for $35, they'll do the math. Or rather, some computer program will do the math. Now, you can by a well-known computer program to do the math for $20, so I still don't get the service. I even less get the pitch.
Its the commercial all about how some people have the "Do-it-Yourself" gene and now H&R Block has something for them. Um, okay. But, I've been doing my own taxes for years. I'm young enough and make little enough that my return is entirely uncomplicated. But, if I got complicated and I wanted to do it myself, would I figure that out, ya know, by myself? Doesn't paying someone blatantly defeat the purpose of Do-it-Yourself? Especially when they don't seem to be offering much in the first place. I don't know, I just don't get it. I mean, "Let us let you do-it-yourself!" just strikes me as a weird pitch.
But I'm all proud of myself, anyway, since I did my taxes a month ago. Already have my returns, too. Yay me!
New from H&R Block! Do your taxes yourself!
Um, okay. Close as I can tell, for $35, they'll do the math. Or rather, some computer program will do the math. Now, you can by a well-known computer program to do the math for $20, so I still don't get the service. I even less get the pitch.
Its the commercial all about how some people have the "Do-it-Yourself" gene and now H&R Block has something for them. Um, okay. But, I've been doing my own taxes for years. I'm young enough and make little enough that my return is entirely uncomplicated. But, if I got complicated and I wanted to do it myself, would I figure that out, ya know, by myself? Doesn't paying someone blatantly defeat the purpose of Do-it-Yourself? Especially when they don't seem to be offering much in the first place. I don't know, I just don't get it. I mean, "Let us let you do-it-yourself!" just strikes me as a weird pitch.
But I'm all proud of myself, anyway, since I did my taxes a month ago. Already have my returns, too. Yay me!
4.05.2004
nothing important.
So, this has really gotten to be more of a personal blog than a pop-cult blog. Oh, well. I probably could have seen it coming. Though I've touched on politics with Fat Acceptance, I've still mostly left that subject off limits as I do want to start a political blog, still. And this will be for all other wastes of time.
I really need to do it soon, though, because I keep wanting to write something political. I admire the hell out of the great Poliblogs out there. I know I can't do what the best of them do, but I'd like to do what I can. Especially while I'm short of funds and unable to support the causes I really want to support.
Anyway, nothing important. Just felt like posting and I figured I might as well be done with it. I'm always hesitant to post after a long one like my last post, but had to do it sooner or later.
I really need to do it soon, though, because I keep wanting to write something political. I admire the hell out of the great Poliblogs out there. I know I can't do what the best of them do, but I'd like to do what I can. Especially while I'm short of funds and unable to support the causes I really want to support.
Anyway, nothing important. Just felt like posting and I figured I might as well be done with it. I'm always hesitant to post after a long one like my last post, but had to do it sooner or later.
3.26.2004
the feminine manly man.
I realized something about the "Things I'm embarassed about" post. 2 of the 3 are things that are overtly masculine. 3 if you add the unsaid "Is a big baseball fan" since most of my blog readers already know that and were already surprised to hear it. Its definetly an odd quirk about me because I genuinely am that kind of sensitive, poetic, creative guy who is very much in touch with his feminine side. And yet, I am in no way metrosexual-esque. Indeed, there are plenty of very manly things about me. That's why I understand the difference between feminene and effeminate. Effeminate really has nothing to do with how women actually act. Having feminene traits and interests really only compliment my masculine traits to make me a more rounded individual. And yet, its the manly stuff I tend to be ashamed about. Go figure.
For instance, I recently cut my hair quite short (for me, anyway) and then dyed it a very vague shade of red. And I was asking around if people could see the dye. Here I am this big guy who is going on about his hair, but at the same time I'm not all metrosexual about it and I don't have some big hair care regimine. I like it to look good, but I don't like to fuss with it. The perfect marriage of male and female. I was also asking for opinions about an outfit I'm considering. Pairing a dark orange with an olive suit. Very autumnal, was the opinion, but it'd probably work.
All weird, but I'm happy with the result. (Now if I can just learn to spell feminine before I go into a big long post about it)
For instance, I recently cut my hair quite short (for me, anyway) and then dyed it a very vague shade of red. And I was asking around if people could see the dye. Here I am this big guy who is going on about his hair, but at the same time I'm not all metrosexual about it and I don't have some big hair care regimine. I like it to look good, but I don't like to fuss with it. The perfect marriage of male and female. I was also asking for opinions about an outfit I'm considering. Pairing a dark orange with an olive suit. Very autumnal, was the opinion, but it'd probably work.
All weird, but I'm happy with the result. (Now if I can just learn to spell feminine before I go into a big long post about it)
3.25.2004
top 3 embarassing things about me.
For lack of any better idea, I thought I'd shoot off a post on vaugely embarassing things about myself and my interests that I have generally avoided discussing here. Because, why not. I figure I might as well get them out of the way now instead of occassionally making a point not to mention them.
#1. I like the Grand Theft Auto video games
What I can say? Killing prostitutes is fun. Seriously, though, GTA3 and Vice City and genuinely inspired games and a very real extension of what is possible in the genre. The expansiveness and open-ended game-play model is beyond impressive. Sure, its crime and wanton destruction, but that's about the only objective that would work for fully independant game-play. Sure, each game has a psuedo story to occupy your time, but even there they went all out to insure enjoyment. The introductions are shown like a movie and star genuine movie stars. Something which has apparently really caught on. The latest James Bond video game not only allows you to a controla Bond that looks like Pierce Brosnan, he IS Pierce Brosnan. What's more, Willam Dafoe is cast as the villian just for the video game. He's an "A" list star and its not like he's just voicing some character that doesn't look like him. It really is Willam Dafoe as your nemesis. Its even got all new "Bond Girls" and John Clease reprising his role as Q. To top it all off, Oscar winner Judi Dench reprises her Bond role, too. The whole thing is presented like a movie that you get to play. And Grand Theft Auto was at the forefront of that. The voice talent for Vice City was amazing. At the end of the day, are the GTA games that much worse than other forms of Crime entertainment, like the obvious influences of Scarface and The Godfather Trilogy. And speaking of enjoying violence...
#2. I watch Professional Wrestling.
Bet you wouldn't have guessed this. Its probably the one thing I enjoy that I'm the most sheepish about because I *know* how silly it is, but I like it anyway. I grew up in Connecticut in the 80's when it was required for boys to be WWF fans. WWF was headquartered just down the road, after all, and even major stars would occassionally appear at signings in my hometown since it was so close to the HQ. It didn't hurt that it was still an underground thing back then, even as it built itself up off Hulk Hogan. But, I grew out of it. Then in college, I caught a bit of it while flipping through the channels and noticed a guy my brother had really liked as a kid was back on TV. I pointed him out and my brother got a kick out of it. Eventually, though, he really got back into it. Actually, even my mom got into it. So, I was chagrined by this, but I would also watch it while home. What can I say, it amused me. When I got back to school, I took a class on television criticism and the Professor practically begged someone to write about Wrestling. I took the bait and spent a semester very closely watching and researching Pro-Wrestling. At the end I had myself my only collegite A+ and a new hobby. Now, I'm not a crazy huge fan. I don't buy the PPVs, though I do have video games and action figures. Actually, that's what got me into collecting toys. But still, its not so much the violence I like, but the theatricallity of it. Its really a moral theater of our age. A choreographed dance of good vs. evil. But, I still know its silly and though I'm generally unapologetic, I still get sheepish about it.
#3. I am fascinated by Pokemon
There is just something about Pokemon that I find completely fascinating. The cartoon, not the card game or video games. I find it utterly amazing that they produce so many shows with so few plots. I watched a lot of it in college just because when it was on and when I was in my dorm room. Essentially, there were 5 different plots that ALL of the shows fell into.
1. Ash befriends another Pokemon trainer with a new and different Pokemon.
2. Ash captures a new Pokemon.
3. Ash wins a gym badge or other prize.
4. Ash competes in a tournament.
5. Ash says good bye to a Pokemon.
EVERY episode falls into one of those plots and they all proceed almost the exact same way. Only the details are changed. I'm not saying I like the show, just that I am amazed at how much they produce with so few ideas.
Okay, so none of those were THAT embarassing, but that was kinda what I was going for. You don't think I'd tell you anything actually embarassing, now do you?
3.24.2004
generalized housekeeping
Working on a couple posts, either of which I might post later tonight, but I thought I'd just toss off some unrelated blathering now.
First off, if anyone knows of anyone looking for an apartment in Boston, please feel free to show them my way. Yeah, I know chances are none to none, but I'm getting desperate. Need to have someone by April 17 or I'm stuck paying for a 2 bedroom on my own in May. It was stupid of me to take the chance, but whats done is done. Guess I just won't get down to NYC to see the Whitney Biennial like I wanted to.
And good lord do I hate Jenny Craig. Just saw some mind-numbingly stupid commercial about some woman who was so horrified to see herself at 175 that she destroyed pictures of herself from a family vacation. And her response to her effort to erase herself from her family's memories? To make herself more appropriate for her family memories. Because God forbid she examine why she is allowing her body issues to control her life like that. No reason to work on THAT when you can just make yourself look more appropriate for a limited period of time. BUT ANYWAY....
Blue robot was gone today. One can only hope he will find the help he needs to pick up the pieces of his life and move on.
First off, if anyone knows of anyone looking for an apartment in Boston, please feel free to show them my way. Yeah, I know chances are none to none, but I'm getting desperate. Need to have someone by April 17 or I'm stuck paying for a 2 bedroom on my own in May. It was stupid of me to take the chance, but whats done is done. Guess I just won't get down to NYC to see the Whitney Biennial like I wanted to.
And good lord do I hate Jenny Craig. Just saw some mind-numbingly stupid commercial about some woman who was so horrified to see herself at 175 that she destroyed pictures of herself from a family vacation. And her response to her effort to erase herself from her family's memories? To make herself more appropriate for her family memories. Because God forbid she examine why she is allowing her body issues to control her life like that. No reason to work on THAT when you can just make yourself look more appropriate for a limited period of time. BUT ANYWAY....
Blue robot was gone today. One can only hope he will find the help he needs to pick up the pieces of his life and move on.
3.23.2004
things go poorly for blue robot
I was walking down my street tonight when I saw perhaps the weirdest thing I've ever seen lying in the street. Right there in the gutter at the corner was a blue Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robot.
This troubles me.
It was anywhere near a pile of trash or anything. Garbage Day isn't until Friday, anyway. Besides, it was at the corner, so no one would leave their trash their anyway. Its not like it was with the whole ring or the red robot. Just the blue guy all on his own.
Did he refuse to throw a fight with the Red Robot and the Robot Mafia had him beaten and left for dead? Perhaps he hobbled there from Robot Fight Club. Maybe a life of violence was deeply troubling to Blue Robot, and led him to abuse drugs and now here he lies, collapsed from a drug induced stupor.
Its all very troubling. Now, if I see Optimus Prime in the gutter tomorrow, I'll worry.
3.21.2004
who would win?
[adult swim] has been cracking me up with their latest promotion, "Flying Shark vs. Flying Crocodile Week". At first, I just thought it was a joke about the those annoying Shark/Crocodile weeks on the Discovery Channel. I figured [as] was just taking that silly little ratings gimmick and wildly exaggerating it for comedic effect. Very funny, I thought. But then, I find out that the Discovery Channel actually IS doing a "Shark vs. Croc" week and all [as] did was add the flying. And yet, that made it so much funnier because just knowing that there is actually a Shark vs. Croc week complete with robotic Sharks and Crocodiles doing battle is so funny on its own. The fact that [adult swim] was so ahead of the game on mocking something that so desperately screams out to be mocked is just genius. Did they wait for Shark vs. Croc week to happen to make fun of it? Oh, no. They identified its absurdity straight away and put all their efforts into mocking it. Complete with a Shark supporting a jet pack and a Crocodile with wings. I just can't get over that there actually IS a "Shark vs. Crocodile" week. I generous applaud [as] for understanding just how damn funny that is.
3.17.2004
happy st. patrick's day
I'm really angry with myself. Inspite of being Irish, I forgot to wear green today. (I've since rectified that situation and am wearing far too much green) Not only that, but I wore orange. If you didn't know, wearing orange on St. Patrick's Day is very, very, very bad. It's a show of disrespect to Irish Catholics. I know, orange is on the Irish flag, but that's because the flag was designed as a symbol of unity between the Catholics (green) and the Protestants (orange) with a field of white to represent peace between them. But that doesn't mean orange is cool with the Catholics. Orange is the color of the English protestant invaders. The people who stole land from my Irish annecestors and who to this day celebrate their invasion by marching through the streets of Catholic neighborhoods on its anniversary. Very bad form all around. I was most entirely embarassed by my faux pas.
In other housekeeping issues, I will indeed be providing a link to purchase my employer's CD when it's available. I'll be happy to take credit when we get a bunch of California orders.
Also, the TV show I raved about the other day, "Wonderfalls", will be reaired on Thursday night on FOX at 9pm. In spite of its impending fat baiting, it really is a great, smart show and there aren't enough of those on TV. Now, if only we can get a great, smart show that won't devolve into fat jokes at some point, we'll be all set. But, I fear in this cultural climate, that is not a luxury we can afford. Grrr.
In other housekeeping issues, I will indeed be providing a link to purchase my employer's CD when it's available. I'll be happy to take credit when we get a bunch of California orders.
Also, the TV show I raved about the other day, "Wonderfalls", will be reaired on Thursday night on FOX at 9pm. In spite of its impending fat baiting, it really is a great, smart show and there aren't enough of those on TV. Now, if only we can get a great, smart show that won't devolve into fat jokes at some point, we'll be all set. But, I fear in this cultural climate, that is not a luxury we can afford. Grrr.
3.15.2004
however small
I'm working on an annoucement of a CD my employer is releasing later this month. I've gotten a hold of a review copy of the CD and have been listening to it all day. Its stuff like that which really makes working for a non-profit arts organizatin worth it. Knowing I've got a hand in putting out such a fantastic product. I've had concert fatigue for a while and have been avoiding them for more than a year, even shows I know I'd love. But listening to the CD reminds me of what I love about this work.
Its really my kinda recording, too. All a capella choral music, mostly contemporary stuff. The kind of thing I loved performing back when I was a singer. Indeed, its got one of my favorite all-time choral works, the Randall Thompson Alleluia. Its all this beautiful, solumn, reflective music. Really great stuff, and listening to it makes me know why some in the office are really optimistic about the recording. Its really got the goods for a breakthrough success. We'll be doing pre-sales on our website trying to get our sales up so we can debut in the Billboard Classical Top Ten when we officiall release. Even slightly hopeful for a Grammy nomination. We shared a Grammy last year, so we have some reason to be hopeful. The concept of the album is peaceful music for reflection and what-not. But its not as intelligence insulting as those albums usually are. Its really beautiful music. And something I really feel proud to have a part in, however small.
Yay me! Oh, and hi Misty.
Its really my kinda recording, too. All a capella choral music, mostly contemporary stuff. The kind of thing I loved performing back when I was a singer. Indeed, its got one of my favorite all-time choral works, the Randall Thompson Alleluia. Its all this beautiful, solumn, reflective music. Really great stuff, and listening to it makes me know why some in the office are really optimistic about the recording. Its really got the goods for a breakthrough success. We'll be doing pre-sales on our website trying to get our sales up so we can debut in the Billboard Classical Top Ten when we officiall release. Even slightly hopeful for a Grammy nomination. We shared a Grammy last year, so we have some reason to be hopeful. The concept of the album is peaceful music for reflection and what-not. But its not as intelligence insulting as those albums usually are. Its really beautiful music. And something I really feel proud to have a part in, however small.
Yay me! Oh, and hi Misty.
3.11.2004
i am such a geek.
Actually, I'm not really. I just buy like a geek. Just looking back at all my frivalous purchases in the last month and it is such a geek fest. A whopping 20 MST3K DVDs, the latest volume of the Futurama season sets on DVD, the second set of Star Trek action figures, and the exclusive "Adventure" Kermit action figure (aka. Indiana Jones rip-off Kermit). Oh, and some other stuff I'm not mentioning because they are more geeky embarassing than geeky cool so I make a point to mention it here.
Geez, just writing that has me anxious about money again. And feeling like a super geek. I'm really not that geeky. I mean, I don't go to Star Trek conventions. I don't collect comic books. I don't play RPGs. Well, okay, I have a couple, but not nearly enough to call me a collector. I don't dress like a geek. Its just the toys and DVDs. Really, I swear.
Well, and I watch Angel. But I watch Friends, too! That more than balances it out, right?
Oh, and I blog, too.
God, I'm such a geek. And poor. That, too. Damn non-profit not paying me better. Oh, yeah. Non-profit. Opps.
Geez, just writing that has me anxious about money again. And feeling like a super geek. I'm really not that geeky. I mean, I don't go to Star Trek conventions. I don't collect comic books. I don't play RPGs. Well, okay, I have a couple, but not nearly enough to call me a collector. I don't dress like a geek. Its just the toys and DVDs. Really, I swear.
Well, and I watch Angel. But I watch Friends, too! That more than balances it out, right?
Oh, and I blog, too.
God, I'm such a geek. And poor. That, too. Damn non-profit not paying me better. Oh, yeah. Non-profit. Opps.
3.08.2004
what to buy, what to buy.
I've been feeling very anxious about money lately. I think I'm overreacting, though, because I've been pretty good for a while now. When I first left my ex-ex-girlfriend, I rang up a lot of credit card debts in the process of getting myself together on my own. I eventually got a loan to pay them off, and haven't carried any credit card debt past the first statement since. But, my savings are very tight now, because of some slightly excessive Christmas spending. Now, it was temporary, and I've cashed in all the money coming to me to get back together, and it won't be that bad. Lucky I'm single and spending less as a result, hehe. So, though I'm panicy, its not that bad. So, I'm trying not to drive myself crazy when stuff comes along that I want. Like the toys I collect, for instance. This month is hitting me badly on that front, actually. hehe. The other thing are DVD's. Ordinarily, this is no biggie. Except that this week a local music/dvd store is having a big sale with 25% off all DVD's.
Nothing that gets my juices going like a good sale. The prospect of passing up the opportunity to get some stuff I want at the lowest price I'll ever see them is too enticing. Sure, some stuff will go down anyway, but I think I can identify those titles. But some stuff I want clearly isn't going down in price. Why not take the savings? Now, this would be simple enough if it was a couple DVD's. I've already gotten one I've wanted for a long time, and am looking at a couple others. What's going to kill me, though, is stressing over the Mystery Science Theater 3000 DVD sets. I've long been a big MST3K fan, and with it off the air for good, I want something for my bot fix. These DVD sets are a great value with 4 movies in one set. Its a great way to start a collection and I'm salivating over getting them. Except, as of Tuesday, there will be 5 sets and a total of 20 movies. That ain't cheap. But, it does mean I save a ton on something I completely intend to purchase. Like $60. That's a good use of money right? Sure, I'm putting down $200 dollars, but saving $60. That's sensible, right?
Man, I hope they haven't sold the DVD's yet. I better go first thing Monday morning.
Nothing that gets my juices going like a good sale. The prospect of passing up the opportunity to get some stuff I want at the lowest price I'll ever see them is too enticing. Sure, some stuff will go down anyway, but I think I can identify those titles. But some stuff I want clearly isn't going down in price. Why not take the savings? Now, this would be simple enough if it was a couple DVD's. I've already gotten one I've wanted for a long time, and am looking at a couple others. What's going to kill me, though, is stressing over the Mystery Science Theater 3000 DVD sets. I've long been a big MST3K fan, and with it off the air for good, I want something for my bot fix. These DVD sets are a great value with 4 movies in one set. Its a great way to start a collection and I'm salivating over getting them. Except, as of Tuesday, there will be 5 sets and a total of 20 movies. That ain't cheap. But, it does mean I save a ton on something I completely intend to purchase. Like $60. That's a good use of money right? Sure, I'm putting down $200 dollars, but saving $60. That's sensible, right?
Man, I hope they haven't sold the DVD's yet. I better go first thing Monday morning.
3.07.2004
titans, go!
I hate to push down my lengthy discussion of fat sexuality, but it was pretty disorganized anyway so I'm not too broken up. Just I know people don't always check my blog on a regular basis, especially since I've been blogging so in frequently. But anyway...
A while back I posted about my love of Cartoon Network, specifically [adult swim]. The other thing I watch faithfully on CN are their superhero programs. Initially, this was just their Jusice League show, but they took it off the air just before the season finale was to air, and are holding off on it until closer to when the next season is ready. Grrr. So, to fill my superhero fix until Justice League returns in the summer (and the new Batman animated series starts up in the fall) I've been watching Teen Titans, a show I initially hated by am quickly coming around on.
The problem with Titans is that its style can be off-putting to folks like me who've been drawn into superhero cartoons by the 90's Batman and Superman cartoons, and their successor Justice League. Instead of the dark, realist style of the Batman cartoons, we're treated to a show which very intentionally echos kiddie-anime style. The character and scenary designs are simple and exaggerated. It focuses a lot of kid-stuff interaction between the teen superheros. Its all brightly colored with distinct swaths of color. Most of all it incorporates what is called "Super-D" animation. The "D" being short for deformation. Basically, it describes a style of animation where the laws of physics are routinely ignored for very little reason. We're not talking about Bugs Bunny breaking the law of physics, either. More like people's heads growing huge when they are angry, becoming childlike when they are crushing on someone, or other such deformaties. Esentially, the character emotions are expressed on screen physically. Its something I hate about most kiddie anime. It just pulls me out of the story instead of illustrating.
Still, something works about it. It takes the Japanese techniques and reinvents them for an American audience. It really revels in the Super-D stuff. Usually, its just used as a gag in anime, but Teen Titans very expressly uses it to convey emotion and character sentiment. Instead of a gimmick, it feels stylized. It plays off the character relationships.
Indeed, the show really is into character relationships. While aimed squarely at kids, there is a lot of mature stuff going on just beneath the surface. It also made good use of the lesser known characters they chose for the show. Instead of the original Teen Tians, which were a bunch of kid-versions of major superheros, they went with what I'm told is an 80's incarnation of the team. Although mainstay Robin is the anchor of the group, the remaining Titans are unfamiliar to average fans like me who don't read comic books. This allowed them to really establish the relationships without worrying about expectations or having the adult versions overshadow the Titans. A couple kiddie-versions have snuck into episodes, but they exist on their own. They are not their fathers children (or their hero's sidekick). They even took one of the goofiest heros in DC's books, Speedy, (the junior marksman sidekick to the Robin Hood-esque Green Arrow) and made something of him. The core Titans have easily identified motivations for interacting with each other. They are patient enough and confident enough to keep up with this. These are very fully formed characters.
Moreover, the stories are more than the usual villian of the week fare these shows usually have. Oh sure, it has the obligatory rogues gallery, but the team has a genuine arch-enemy. He may not factor into every story, but he's there. They're really respecting the comic book background, too, which I respect, while not being beholden to it, which I appreciate. Thus, they are adding a layer of understanding without adding a layer of difficulty.
All told, I'm pretty impressed by a show I had quickly written off. Its fun, action-packed, and quite enjoyable. And despite the Super-D stuff and kid friendly coloring, it still can look very, very, very cool. Its not everyone's cup of tea, but I like it.
A while back I posted about my love of Cartoon Network, specifically [adult swim]. The other thing I watch faithfully on CN are their superhero programs. Initially, this was just their Jusice League show, but they took it off the air just before the season finale was to air, and are holding off on it until closer to when the next season is ready. Grrr. So, to fill my superhero fix until Justice League returns in the summer (and the new Batman animated series starts up in the fall) I've been watching Teen Titans, a show I initially hated by am quickly coming around on.
The problem with Titans is that its style can be off-putting to folks like me who've been drawn into superhero cartoons by the 90's Batman and Superman cartoons, and their successor Justice League. Instead of the dark, realist style of the Batman cartoons, we're treated to a show which very intentionally echos kiddie-anime style. The character and scenary designs are simple and exaggerated. It focuses a lot of kid-stuff interaction between the teen superheros. Its all brightly colored with distinct swaths of color. Most of all it incorporates what is called "Super-D" animation. The "D" being short for deformation. Basically, it describes a style of animation where the laws of physics are routinely ignored for very little reason. We're not talking about Bugs Bunny breaking the law of physics, either. More like people's heads growing huge when they are angry, becoming childlike when they are crushing on someone, or other such deformaties. Esentially, the character emotions are expressed on screen physically. Its something I hate about most kiddie anime. It just pulls me out of the story instead of illustrating.
Still, something works about it. It takes the Japanese techniques and reinvents them for an American audience. It really revels in the Super-D stuff. Usually, its just used as a gag in anime, but Teen Titans very expressly uses it to convey emotion and character sentiment. Instead of a gimmick, it feels stylized. It plays off the character relationships.
Indeed, the show really is into character relationships. While aimed squarely at kids, there is a lot of mature stuff going on just beneath the surface. It also made good use of the lesser known characters they chose for the show. Instead of the original Teen Tians, which were a bunch of kid-versions of major superheros, they went with what I'm told is an 80's incarnation of the team. Although mainstay Robin is the anchor of the group, the remaining Titans are unfamiliar to average fans like me who don't read comic books. This allowed them to really establish the relationships without worrying about expectations or having the adult versions overshadow the Titans. A couple kiddie-versions have snuck into episodes, but they exist on their own. They are not their fathers children (or their hero's sidekick). They even took one of the goofiest heros in DC's books, Speedy, (the junior marksman sidekick to the Robin Hood-esque Green Arrow) and made something of him. The core Titans have easily identified motivations for interacting with each other. They are patient enough and confident enough to keep up with this. These are very fully formed characters.
Moreover, the stories are more than the usual villian of the week fare these shows usually have. Oh sure, it has the obligatory rogues gallery, but the team has a genuine arch-enemy. He may not factor into every story, but he's there. They're really respecting the comic book background, too, which I respect, while not being beholden to it, which I appreciate. Thus, they are adding a layer of understanding without adding a layer of difficulty.
All told, I'm pretty impressed by a show I had quickly written off. Its fun, action-packed, and quite enjoyable. And despite the Super-D stuff and kid friendly coloring, it still can look very, very, very cool. Its not everyone's cup of tea, but I like it.
2.28.2004
pop cult goes legit
So, last week VH1 aired a special exploring television's portrayals of minorities. Only, it was done in the fashion of their pop culture commentary shows like "I Love the (insert decade)" or "The Best Week Ever" or "TV's Secret Rules". Basically, the usual array of second and third tier celebrities commenting irreverently with visual aids to show what they are talking about. Only, it was also done very seriously. Improbably enough, it worked.
In addition to the usual celebs, VH1 tossed in some more academic/intellectual voices. Specifically, though, people who would take well to the loose style of the VH1 pop culture programming. They explored a host of stereotypes and tracked their development. They also discussed pretty much every racial minority. Certainly, a lot of it focused on blacks, but there was a good deal of time spent on latino portrayals as well Asians and even native Americans. A lot of it was framed with gimmicks, but never in a way which cheapened the discussion. So when they played "What Race Am I?" it came off as challenging our expectations rather than some lame attempt to funny.
We saw discussions of white actors playing asians, a mention of how Star Trek shows have had a wildly disproportionate number of the few Asian regulars on TV shows, the effect of "white hero" style characters and how that evolved, and they even went into some of the crude racial stereotyping that used to be common in kids entertainment. Very interesting to see what we used to show our kids. They primarily focused on a Dick Tracy cartoon from the early 60's which featured two vicious ethnic stereotypes in the supporting cast in the form of Joe Jitsu and Go Go Gomez. Although both were good guys, the portrayals were so insanely abusive that it was really shocking. "Go Go Gomez" was largely a rip off of Speedy Gonzalez, as he was a lazy but incredibly fast Mexican. It was much worse, though then the questionable taste of Speedy. Jitsu looked like something out of a World War II era political propaganda cartoon. Also discussed was the stereotypes seen in professional wrestling and how that has developed over the years, a fertile subject indeed.
All together, I felt the special really worked. It was not an academic paper or anything, but it was still serious while being accessible. Since VH1's decent into pop culture hell is pretty much unstopable at this point, its good to know they'll do a better job with the topic than the unwatchable E! network.
In addition to the usual celebs, VH1 tossed in some more academic/intellectual voices. Specifically, though, people who would take well to the loose style of the VH1 pop culture programming. They explored a host of stereotypes and tracked their development. They also discussed pretty much every racial minority. Certainly, a lot of it focused on blacks, but there was a good deal of time spent on latino portrayals as well Asians and even native Americans. A lot of it was framed with gimmicks, but never in a way which cheapened the discussion. So when they played "What Race Am I?" it came off as challenging our expectations rather than some lame attempt to funny.
We saw discussions of white actors playing asians, a mention of how Star Trek shows have had a wildly disproportionate number of the few Asian regulars on TV shows, the effect of "white hero" style characters and how that evolved, and they even went into some of the crude racial stereotyping that used to be common in kids entertainment. Very interesting to see what we used to show our kids. They primarily focused on a Dick Tracy cartoon from the early 60's which featured two vicious ethnic stereotypes in the supporting cast in the form of Joe Jitsu and Go Go Gomez. Although both were good guys, the portrayals were so insanely abusive that it was really shocking. "Go Go Gomez" was largely a rip off of Speedy Gonzalez, as he was a lazy but incredibly fast Mexican. It was much worse, though then the questionable taste of Speedy. Jitsu looked like something out of a World War II era political propaganda cartoon. Also discussed was the stereotypes seen in professional wrestling and how that has developed over the years, a fertile subject indeed.
All together, I felt the special really worked. It was not an academic paper or anything, but it was still serious while being accessible. Since VH1's decent into pop culture hell is pretty much unstopable at this point, its good to know they'll do a better job with the topic than the unwatchable E! network.
2.25.2004
[adult swimming]
I've really been on a Cartoon Network kick lately. Its become the only network I reliably watch. Its weird, too, because most of their programming doesn't interest me at all. All the kiddie toons in the day are fine, but ultimately don't interest me. Most of their anime bores me at best. Seriously, does anyone understand Dragonball Z? That show just weirds me out, and this is from someone who actually has a perverse appreciate for Pokemon.
But what CN has that I like, I like a lot. Family Guy and Futurama continue to incredibly funny and eminantly watchable. Cowboy Bebop is back on the schedule, which is great. I finally watched the Bebop movie (which I've owned for months) and am continually impressed with the show. Its so unlike most Anime. Its all very naturalistic. It imagines a world not that dissimiliar to our own, and the characters are all very human. All trying to put on an image that they can never quite maintain. Never mind the stylish directing. And the Sunday night line-up is just pure gold. Harvey Birdman is back and airing their episodes from the begining. Seriously, watch it. Sundays at 11:30 from not through June. I mean it. I'm also finally getting to enjoy "Home Movies", which has new episodes airing at 11pm on Sundays. And dependanble goodness from the Aqua Teens, Space Ghost, etc. has made the Sunday [adult swim] block a favorite part of my TV week and something I genuinely look forward too, even when I know what's on.
I guess part of that is the brilliant bumps they show in commercial breaks. Always funny. It may not be as fresh as it first was, when out of no where they had these conversational and irreverantly honest pages of text in the breaks, but it's holding up. They're also trying new things with the same sensibility. For instance, all this week, they've been showing elaborately produced "Happy Hollidays" ads complete with amusingly cliche images of Christmas/Haunukah/Kwanzaa celebrations. You know the kind of thing you see for a couple seconds on your local station for a Happy _____ spot. Except they went way overboard with this doubtlessly liscensed video and made it a joke in and of itself. But the best thing?
It's late February. And no, its not part of one of those "Christmas in ______" network events. Who does those in late February, anyway? No, they just started running out nowhere with no explanation whatsoever. I just love that.
But what CN has that I like, I like a lot. Family Guy and Futurama continue to incredibly funny and eminantly watchable. Cowboy Bebop is back on the schedule, which is great. I finally watched the Bebop movie (which I've owned for months) and am continually impressed with the show. Its so unlike most Anime. Its all very naturalistic. It imagines a world not that dissimiliar to our own, and the characters are all very human. All trying to put on an image that they can never quite maintain. Never mind the stylish directing. And the Sunday night line-up is just pure gold. Harvey Birdman is back and airing their episodes from the begining. Seriously, watch it. Sundays at 11:30 from not through June. I mean it. I'm also finally getting to enjoy "Home Movies", which has new episodes airing at 11pm on Sundays. And dependanble goodness from the Aqua Teens, Space Ghost, etc. has made the Sunday [adult swim] block a favorite part of my TV week and something I genuinely look forward too, even when I know what's on.
I guess part of that is the brilliant bumps they show in commercial breaks. Always funny. It may not be as fresh as it first was, when out of no where they had these conversational and irreverantly honest pages of text in the breaks, but it's holding up. They're also trying new things with the same sensibility. For instance, all this week, they've been showing elaborately produced "Happy Hollidays" ads complete with amusingly cliche images of Christmas/Haunukah/Kwanzaa celebrations. You know the kind of thing you see for a couple seconds on your local station for a Happy _____ spot. Except they went way overboard with this doubtlessly liscensed video and made it a joke in and of itself. But the best thing?
It's late February. And no, its not part of one of those "Christmas in ______" network events. Who does those in late February, anyway? No, they just started running out nowhere with no explanation whatsoever. I just love that.
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