Thursday, December 29, 2005
Quick Movie Reviews
With the holidays and the new job, I haven't had time to crank out reviews for the two most recent movies I've seen, so here are a couple of quick takes.
Walk the Line - * * * *
Probably the best movie I've seen all year so far. The two lead performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are amazing and really drive the story. It isn't a full-on biography of Johnny Cash, it's the amazing love story between these two people and the way that love for each other makes them stronger. It's a great combination of music and drama. Witherspoon proves what I've known since Election - that she's easily one of the best actress in the business right now.
Walk the Line doesn't overextend itself by trying to cover too much of Johnny Cash's life. Instead, it's focused and compelling and a great movie.
King Kong - * * * 1/2
Peter Jackson couldn't wring any emotion out of 10 hours of film from his overlauded Lord of the Rings trilogy, so I was skeptical of his latest foray into the realm of green screens and special effects. But he manages to pull it off here with an incredibly realistic CGI King Kong and a great performance from Naomi Watts as his love interest, Ann Darrow.
My only minor complaints are that the film could have easily been trimmed of 30-45 minutes and Jack Black walks too fine a line between ironic and sincere to give a fully-realized performance. But these are small quibbles.
The last scenes of the movie in New York are absolutely amazing and easily make you forget the awkwardly slow-moving first hour. Anyone who doesn't have a tear in their eye after this one fails to recognize the strength and the tragic beauty of ill-fated love.
Walk the Line - * * * *
Probably the best movie I've seen all year so far. The two lead performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are amazing and really drive the story. It isn't a full-on biography of Johnny Cash, it's the amazing love story between these two people and the way that love for each other makes them stronger. It's a great combination of music and drama. Witherspoon proves what I've known since Election - that she's easily one of the best actress in the business right now.
Walk the Line doesn't overextend itself by trying to cover too much of Johnny Cash's life. Instead, it's focused and compelling and a great movie.
King Kong - * * * 1/2
Peter Jackson couldn't wring any emotion out of 10 hours of film from his overlauded Lord of the Rings trilogy, so I was skeptical of his latest foray into the realm of green screens and special effects. But he manages to pull it off here with an incredibly realistic CGI King Kong and a great performance from Naomi Watts as his love interest, Ann Darrow.
My only minor complaints are that the film could have easily been trimmed of 30-45 minutes and Jack Black walks too fine a line between ironic and sincere to give a fully-realized performance. But these are small quibbles.
The last scenes of the movie in New York are absolutely amazing and easily make you forget the awkwardly slow-moving first hour. Anyone who doesn't have a tear in their eye after this one fails to recognize the strength and the tragic beauty of ill-fated love.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah everybody. This has always been my favorite time of year. Seeing family, opening gifts, and sharing in the joy of watching someone open their gifts from you are all things I look forward to most about Christmas.
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season.
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Monday, December 19, 2005
A Tragic Night
The worst drive in the world is the one where you know there is no hope at the other end. I still remember the day as if it was yesterday. Getting the phone call late at night and driving my dad to the hospital after getting bad news about my mom. The drive was silent except for the one time my dad suggested I slow down a little. We were both trying to avoid saying what was on our minds.
Unfortunately, Mercedes had to go through this experience Saturday night. We drove to Arlington knowing the situation was not good, and when we arrived at the hospital, her grandmother, who had been battling a lung disease, passed away.
I didn't know her very long, but I am very thankful for the time that I had with her. She was strong-willed and always a voice of reason, wit, and truth. I am also thankful for the time that Mercedes was able to spend with her up until the final day, when Mercedes spent the whole day over there wrapping presents and enjoying her company. She always put a smile on Mercedes' face and I will always be grateful for that. I can only think that she spent her final hours exactly as she would have wanted to.
She will definitely be sorely missed and I can only hope that she is in a much better place now. I just wish I was better at providing comfort to Mercedes. She's so much better at it than I am.
Unfortunately, Mercedes had to go through this experience Saturday night. We drove to Arlington knowing the situation was not good, and when we arrived at the hospital, her grandmother, who had been battling a lung disease, passed away.
I didn't know her very long, but I am very thankful for the time that I had with her. She was strong-willed and always a voice of reason, wit, and truth. I am also thankful for the time that Mercedes was able to spend with her up until the final day, when Mercedes spent the whole day over there wrapping presents and enjoying her company. She always put a smile on Mercedes' face and I will always be grateful for that. I can only think that she spent her final hours exactly as she would have wanted to.
She will definitely be sorely missed and I can only hope that she is in a much better place now. I just wish I was better at providing comfort to Mercedes. She's so much better at it than I am.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Race
Here is a small story detailing some of the contents of a 60 Minutes interview with Morgan Freeman.
In it, Freeman discusses Black History Month and how he views the concept as "ridiculous." I've always held this notion but felt like it was something I could not really openly discuss given the fact that I am, indeed, white. Unfortunately, it will always be difficult for me to discuss race or racism (especially on a blog) because of that fact when some people may be unaware of where I'm coming from.
His main point is that racism is something that will always be around until we can eradicate labels such as "white" or "black." Of course, this is easier said than done. But for those people that still insist on referencing people by the color of their skin, I only ask why it's necessary. Will there ever be a day when people just don't care?
Anyway, I'm interested in the rest of the interview and I might actually tune into 60 Minutes for the first time since I can even remember. Freeman has always been one of my favorite actors and was a victim to what is still the worst Oscar robbery of all-time when he lost the Best Actor race to Daniel Day-Lewis in 1990 (It was for his role in Driving Miss Daisy).
In it, Freeman discusses Black History Month and how he views the concept as "ridiculous." I've always held this notion but felt like it was something I could not really openly discuss given the fact that I am, indeed, white. Unfortunately, it will always be difficult for me to discuss race or racism (especially on a blog) because of that fact when some people may be unaware of where I'm coming from.
His main point is that racism is something that will always be around until we can eradicate labels such as "white" or "black." Of course, this is easier said than done. But for those people that still insist on referencing people by the color of their skin, I only ask why it's necessary. Will there ever be a day when people just don't care?
Anyway, I'm interested in the rest of the interview and I might actually tune into 60 Minutes for the first time since I can even remember. Freeman has always been one of my favorite actors and was a victim to what is still the worst Oscar robbery of all-time when he lost the Best Actor race to Daniel Day-Lewis in 1990 (It was for his role in Driving Miss Daisy).
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Overdone
I know it may be seem hard to believe, but the sports media is in the middle of its most blatant overhyping incident in a long time.
The amount of Reggie Bush coverage is staggering, and it isn't just in terms of sheer quantity, either. The things being said, the comparisons being made are all way over the top.
Don't get me wrong, I think he is an incredible talent, and one of the best backs in college football this year. And he looks primed to have a successful career in the NFL. But how about everyone just back off a little.
On ReggieBush-Center, he has been compared favorably to Gale Sayers and Ladainian Tomlinson. Sayers is, arguably, one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL, and LT is probably the best in the league today. How many games has Bush played in an NFL jersey? Will he succeed at the same level in the NFL as he does in college carving up pathetic Pac-10 and WAC defenses? Doubtful. Can he be a workhorse that a team can depend on? Hard to say.
From what I've witnessed of Reggie Bush, he seems like a guy I could root for, and I hope he does have success at the next level. But, let's wait until he has had the kind of success that the backs he is being compared to have had, before anointing him the greatest football player in the history of the world.
UPDATE: Now, ESPN.com has asked readers to rank the 10 best college teams of all-time so that it can "pit" each one against this year's Trojans. Has Texas already lost to USC in the Rose Bowl and I missed it??? It will be sweet when we step on their throats and never let up in January. I can't wait.
The amount of Reggie Bush coverage is staggering, and it isn't just in terms of sheer quantity, either. The things being said, the comparisons being made are all way over the top.
Don't get me wrong, I think he is an incredible talent, and one of the best backs in college football this year. And he looks primed to have a successful career in the NFL. But how about everyone just back off a little.
On ReggieBush-Center, he has been compared favorably to Gale Sayers and Ladainian Tomlinson. Sayers is, arguably, one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL, and LT is probably the best in the league today. How many games has Bush played in an NFL jersey? Will he succeed at the same level in the NFL as he does in college carving up pathetic Pac-10 and WAC defenses? Doubtful. Can he be a workhorse that a team can depend on? Hard to say.
From what I've witnessed of Reggie Bush, he seems like a guy I could root for, and I hope he does have success at the next level. But, let's wait until he has had the kind of success that the backs he is being compared to have had, before anointing him the greatest football player in the history of the world.
UPDATE: Now, ESPN.com has asked readers to rank the 10 best college teams of all-time so that it can "pit" each one against this year's Trojans. Has Texas already lost to USC in the Rose Bowl and I missed it??? It will be sweet when we step on their throats and never let up in January. I can't wait.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Football on CBS
I have made it clear time and again how much I root for Chris Simms and hope he does well in the NFL. The treatment he has gotten from a few Longhorn fans is despicable.
That being said, I cannot understand how Phil has managed to finagle his way onto the #1 broadcasting team for CBS. He is clearly the worst color man doing NFL games. For every one thing that he says that actually makes sense, he comes up with about 13 things that are either wrong or blatantly obvious.
I would rather listen to a lot of the blustery ex-linemen that have found their way into the booth than Simms. At least they show some excitement. The detached manner in which Simms expresses every incorrect assertion of his drives me nuts. Am I alone?
That being said, I cannot understand how Phil has managed to finagle his way onto the #1 broadcasting team for CBS. He is clearly the worst color man doing NFL games. For every one thing that he says that actually makes sense, he comes up with about 13 things that are either wrong or blatantly obvious.
I would rather listen to a lot of the blustery ex-linemen that have found their way into the booth than Simms. At least they show some excitement. The detached manner in which Simms expresses every incorrect assertion of his drives me nuts. Am I alone?
Friday, December 09, 2005
Ranking the Days
After a full week of work (well, almost - we were iced out on Thursday), I have a pretty good grasp of what a regular work week is like, which days I look forward to the most and which ones I dread. Believe me, it doesn't matter how long you have been working, I doubt these ratings change.
1. Saturday - Ahh, the first day of the weekend. Sleep late and do what you want to do without the spectre of having to work the next day. It is hard to rival the feeling you get at 5:01 on Friday, but the entire day on Saturday is what you work for.
2. Sunday - Everything that is great about Saturday, except for the small fact that, throughout the whole day, in the back of your mind, you know that you have to get up early the next morning.
3. Friday - Easily the best day of the five-day work week for the simple fact that it is the last. It might drag a little in the afternoon as you constantly watch the clock, but knowing you have 60 straight hours of sleep and relaxation ahead of you once 5:00 arrives makes it a lot easier.
4. Wednesday - Hump day. With the arrival of Wednesday, you're on the back side of the week, heading towards the weekend. Getting past the halfway point on your lunch break is a great feeling as you realize just how much better it is to have only 2 days left when the day is through.
5. Thursday - Thursday can be a little frustrating, knowing that even after this day is through - there is still one more to go. But, you're still on the backside of the week. Of course, with Friday holidays, Thursday jumps ahead of Wednesday on this list.
6. Monday - Surprising, you might say? Not when you think about it. If you like your job, the prospect of going back, seeing co-workers you like, working on something you enjoy or are interested in can be somewhat rewarding. It's the very start of the week, so why not try to make the most of it. Plus, Monday is usually a day of observance for most national holidays. So, there's always the chance that you might not have to work.
7. Tuesday - I really don't think there is anything good about Tuesday. As opposed to Monday, there are never any days off for Tuesday, which only serves as the beginning of the week when Monday does get one of those holidays. You have four full days still ahead of you in the morning, and then three after work. This is right in the middle of the beginning of the week, with Saturday looming way off in the distance. Tuesdays suck.
1. Saturday - Ahh, the first day of the weekend. Sleep late and do what you want to do without the spectre of having to work the next day. It is hard to rival the feeling you get at 5:01 on Friday, but the entire day on Saturday is what you work for.
2. Sunday - Everything that is great about Saturday, except for the small fact that, throughout the whole day, in the back of your mind, you know that you have to get up early the next morning.
3. Friday - Easily the best day of the five-day work week for the simple fact that it is the last. It might drag a little in the afternoon as you constantly watch the clock, but knowing you have 60 straight hours of sleep and relaxation ahead of you once 5:00 arrives makes it a lot easier.
4. Wednesday - Hump day. With the arrival of Wednesday, you're on the back side of the week, heading towards the weekend. Getting past the halfway point on your lunch break is a great feeling as you realize just how much better it is to have only 2 days left when the day is through.
5. Thursday - Thursday can be a little frustrating, knowing that even after this day is through - there is still one more to go. But, you're still on the backside of the week. Of course, with Friday holidays, Thursday jumps ahead of Wednesday on this list.
6. Monday - Surprising, you might say? Not when you think about it. If you like your job, the prospect of going back, seeing co-workers you like, working on something you enjoy or are interested in can be somewhat rewarding. It's the very start of the week, so why not try to make the most of it. Plus, Monday is usually a day of observance for most national holidays. So, there's always the chance that you might not have to work.
7. Tuesday - I really don't think there is anything good about Tuesday. As opposed to Monday, there are never any days off for Tuesday, which only serves as the beginning of the week when Monday does get one of those holidays. You have four full days still ahead of you in the morning, and then three after work. This is right in the middle of the beginning of the week, with Saturday looming way off in the distance. Tuesdays suck.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
My Second Day
The first day was typical. Excited about starting a new job. Trouble sleeping the night before. Filling out the requisite paperwork and finding out the particulars of having a full-time job (insurance, parking, hours, holidays, vacation, etc.). It was all pretty standard.
The second day is the real test. I got to sleep earlier, but had a harder time waking up. The alarm clock is on Mercedes' side of the bed so she's pretty much responsible for getting me up on time. Usually, this results in my getting mad at her for constantly nudging me.
I left a little later, but still managed to make it on time. (Is traffic on Monday mornings always worse than the rest of the week, or was this just the case this week?)
I get into my office and begin working. And yawning. Thank God for free coffee, or else I might be buying stock in Starbucks. I'll start brewing my own and taking it, too. We're supposed to be getting a new coffee maker, but that's another story.
I'm still working on reversing my sleep schedule to get used to getting up early in the morning. And I'm trying to figure out what the protocols are regarding breaks. But, I think I'll enjoy what I'm doing. A lot of people would find it to be mind-numbing. Basically, I sit at my desk and edit legal books. It's constant reading. But maybe it's the inner critic in me that enjoys finding mistakes and trying to improve upon the original. That's how I see it, anyway.
So, here's to my third day. Maybe I'll take some time to plan out how I'm going to decorate my office.
The second day is the real test. I got to sleep earlier, but had a harder time waking up. The alarm clock is on Mercedes' side of the bed so she's pretty much responsible for getting me up on time. Usually, this results in my getting mad at her for constantly nudging me.
I left a little later, but still managed to make it on time. (Is traffic on Monday mornings always worse than the rest of the week, or was this just the case this week?)
I get into my office and begin working. And yawning. Thank God for free coffee, or else I might be buying stock in Starbucks. I'll start brewing my own and taking it, too. We're supposed to be getting a new coffee maker, but that's another story.
I'm still working on reversing my sleep schedule to get used to getting up early in the morning. And I'm trying to figure out what the protocols are regarding breaks. But, I think I'll enjoy what I'm doing. A lot of people would find it to be mind-numbing. Basically, I sit at my desk and edit legal books. It's constant reading. But maybe it's the inner critic in me that enjoys finding mistakes and trying to improve upon the original. That's how I see it, anyway.
So, here's to my third day. Maybe I'll take some time to plan out how I'm going to decorate my office.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Championship Saturday
The Horns are going to the Rose Bowl! Unbelievable. And, finally, Mack can get that "no championships" monkey off his back.
By the way, anyone watching the end of the ACC Championship game saw a lot of pushing and shoving from both teams. But none more so than Jack Arute, ABC's sideline reporter, who shoved about three cameramen out of the way so he could do his pointless postgame interview with Bobby Bowden.
Now a fight among media members would have been entertaining.
By the way, anyone watching the end of the ACC Championship game saw a lot of pushing and shoving from both teams. But none more so than Jack Arute, ABC's sideline reporter, who shoved about three cameramen out of the way so he could do his pointless postgame interview with Bobby Bowden.
Now a fight among media members would have been entertaining.
