Friday, September 26, 2008
Cool pics that are fun
Enjoy these pictures. Obviously some talented people have too much time on their hands. My personal fav is the one with the watermelon
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
movies vs. tv vs. dvds...decisions, decisions
A year ago I did not have a Netflix account; I had heard of Netflix but didn't really have a great interest. That all changed at the beginning of the year. After getting a subscription, I discovered the joy of having up to four movies at a time (movies that I want to see) and not having to worry about returning them "on time". I could return them whenever I got around to watching them AND I could return them at any post office I happened to pass by. How utterly convenient!!! I' still enjoying my subscription and plowing through the movies at record speed. If I time it just right, I can have the brand new releases mailed on Monday and delivered on Tuesday. If I time it absolutely perfectly, I can have up to four new releases delivered on Tuesday.
Having said that, now I've got the brand new tv season vying for my time and this is the time of year when the movies that end up getting major Academy Award nominations start being released. The first one is Burn After Reading (I'm betting Pitt will get a nod for his comedic turn). I don't have to worry about ALL of the tv shows I usually watch because they will eventually be released on DVD and I could put those in my Netflix queue. How utterly convenient. Having said that, any relationship I'm in will be threatened because I HAVE TO SEE ALL OF THE FILMS NOMINATED FOR MAJOR ACADEMY AWARDS (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor & Actress); it's a must for me and anyone I'm with who doesn't understand that must be discarded. Ok, I'm not that cavalier about relationships but I'm pretty darn close.
So, how does a full-time working guy manage all of the media and men vying for his attention. Well, there isn't men but man and the man has to take a backseat. I'm sorry but I like my tv and movies.
This won't last long; only about five months until the Academy Awards air and then I can just focus on tv and wonder if I can time my dvd returns just right to get the new releases delivered before I see the bright red writing saying "Long Wait" or horror of horrors "Very Long Wait."
Enjoy the season because I know I will.
peace,
paul
Having said that, now I've got the brand new tv season vying for my time and this is the time of year when the movies that end up getting major Academy Award nominations start being released. The first one is Burn After Reading (I'm betting Pitt will get a nod for his comedic turn). I don't have to worry about ALL of the tv shows I usually watch because they will eventually be released on DVD and I could put those in my Netflix queue. How utterly convenient. Having said that, any relationship I'm in will be threatened because I HAVE TO SEE ALL OF THE FILMS NOMINATED FOR MAJOR ACADEMY AWARDS (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor & Actress); it's a must for me and anyone I'm with who doesn't understand that must be discarded. Ok, I'm not that cavalier about relationships but I'm pretty darn close.
So, how does a full-time working guy manage all of the media and men vying for his attention. Well, there isn't men but man and the man has to take a backseat. I'm sorry but I like my tv and movies.
This won't last long; only about five months until the Academy Awards air and then I can just focus on tv and wonder if I can time my dvd returns just right to get the new releases delivered before I see the bright red writing saying "Long Wait" or horror of horrors "Very Long Wait."
Enjoy the season because I know I will.
peace,
paul
He's OUT, so what?
Clay Aiken, American Idol's 2003 runner-up, has finally confirmed the long swirling rumors that he is gay. On the heels of the birth of his son, Parker, Aiken has said, "I cannot raise a child to lie or hide things." The quote is from an interview that appears in the latest issue of People magazine.
That's quite a difference from what he was saying a mere two years ago when asked about his sexuality, "I don't really feel like I have anybody to answer to but myself and God and the people I love."
That's all well and good but he waits until he's no longer "hot" to drop this "bombshell." It would have been more daring had he come out while he was still on American Idol. But then again, it really wouldn't have been much of a surprise, would it have been?
peace,
paul
That's quite a difference from what he was saying a mere two years ago when asked about his sexuality, "I don't really feel like I have anybody to answer to but myself and God and the people I love."
That's all well and good but he waits until he's no longer "hot" to drop this "bombshell." It would have been more daring had he come out while he was still on American Idol. But then again, it really wouldn't have been much of a surprise, would it have been?
peace,
paul
Thursday, September 18, 2008
DVD of the week
Heart & Souls: In the just released to DVD Young @ Heart, you'll be uplifted and entranced by the determination and energy displayed by the group of seniors the film features.
The story follows the group's beginning in Northampton back in 1982 and goes on to showcase the rehearsal process of one season as the group prepares to perform at the Academy Theatre. The film won raves when it played at several film festivals last year and speaks to the power and passion that singing can bring; even if the group being highlighted are singing some wildly unpredictable tunes.
Yes, the Young @ Heart group does not sing classical or showtunes. Instead, they sing songs like Coldplay's "Fix You"; Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia"; Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark"; and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" among others.
Throughout the film, many of the members do personal interviews and we follow them through their daily lives when they aren't rehearsing. There are also some fun video style performances from various chorus members as they "film a video" to different hits.
Young @ Heart is a film that should not be missed but, be warned, this movie isn't all roses and laughs. Afterwards, you'll never look at a senior citizen quite the same again.
peace,
paul
The story follows the group's beginning in Northampton back in 1982 and goes on to showcase the rehearsal process of one season as the group prepares to perform at the Academy Theatre. The film won raves when it played at several film festivals last year and speaks to the power and passion that singing can bring; even if the group being highlighted are singing some wildly unpredictable tunes.
Yes, the Young @ Heart group does not sing classical or showtunes. Instead, they sing songs like Coldplay's "Fix You"; Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia"; Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing In The Dark"; and James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" among others.
Throughout the film, many of the members do personal interviews and we follow them through their daily lives when they aren't rehearsing. There are also some fun video style performances from various chorus members as they "film a video" to different hits.
Young @ Heart is a film that should not be missed but, be warned, this movie isn't all roses and laughs. Afterwards, you'll never look at a senior citizen quite the same again.
peace,
paul
weekly post from September 14, 2008
Hello friends & loved ones,
Autumn is in the air. In fact, in a mere 8 days it will officially be the fall season. The leaves are already turning at an alarmingly fast rate and the air has the coolness that is only associated with the Sept-Dec. months. It's hard to believe that in only 140 days it will be a new year and only one more year until the next decade. Where does the time go?
Earlier this year I was raving about getting braces in the year 2008 and get them I did. I've had them for about four months now and, believe it or not, I've actually noticed a difference in both my upper and lower teeth. What's more (and even more gratifying) my dentist has noticed the difference as well. In the scheme of things it's still early (I'll be wearing them until at least next May) but I'm so excited by the movement thus far that I spend even more time than ever studying myself in the mirror.
Well as I sign off on this "way overdue" weekly email I want to wish each of you the best, happiness and much laughter in your life. Believe you me, life is way too short to take it seriously and to forget what is truly important in life. I continue to pray for each and every one of you even though I have not done an email in a long time. Each of you remain in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Continue to pray for one another as I pray for each of you every day.
peace,
paul
Autumn is in the air. In fact, in a mere 8 days it will officially be the fall season. The leaves are already turning at an alarmingly fast rate and the air has the coolness that is only associated with the Sept-Dec. months. It's hard to believe that in only 140 days it will be a new year and only one more year until the next decade. Where does the time go?
Earlier this year I was raving about getting braces in the year 2008 and get them I did. I've had them for about four months now and, believe it or not, I've actually noticed a difference in both my upper and lower teeth. What's more (and even more gratifying) my dentist has noticed the difference as well. In the scheme of things it's still early (I'll be wearing them until at least next May) but I'm so excited by the movement thus far that I spend even more time than ever studying myself in the mirror.
Well as I sign off on this "way overdue" weekly email I want to wish each of you the best, happiness and much laughter in your life. Believe you me, life is way too short to take it seriously and to forget what is truly important in life. I continue to pray for each and every one of you even though I have not done an email in a long time. Each of you remain in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Continue to pray for one another as I pray for each of you every day.
peace,
paul
Friday, September 12, 2008
DVD of the week
First 'Son': The recently released to DVD movie Son Of Rambow (PG-13) tells the story of two schoolboys who, inspired by the film Rambo: First Blood, set out to film an action-adventure movie which they hope will win them a young filmmaker competition. Set in the early 80's, complete with accompanying early 80's music, the film follows the friendship that develops between the worst boy in school Lee Carter (played by Will Poulter) and Will (played by Bill Milner) who is a member of a Plymouth Brethren religious sect.
Will hits the ground running almost as soon as they begin filming as he imagines that Rambo is actually his father and dives headfirst into the role of "Rambo's son". As the film progresses, a new character enters the picture; one that threatens to permanently sever the already tenuous relationship between Will and Lee: The arrival of French exchange student Didier Revol (Jules Sitruk). The effiminate Didier proves to be a rival for Lee and eventually Didier and Will take over the film, leaving the just-wanting-to-be-loved Lee out in the cold.
A near fatal accident eventually sets the stage for the slow rebuilding of the relationship between Lee and Will.
The movie is well-acted, fresh, inventive and mostly unpredictable; the unpredictability becoming more and more a rarity in the world of independent films. Directed by Garth Jennings, Son Of Rambow is a charming, heartwarming story of friendship, betrayal and reconnection that is sure to soften even the hardest of hearts.
Rent it today.
peace,
paul
Will hits the ground running almost as soon as they begin filming as he imagines that Rambo is actually his father and dives headfirst into the role of "Rambo's son". As the film progresses, a new character enters the picture; one that threatens to permanently sever the already tenuous relationship between Will and Lee: The arrival of French exchange student Didier Revol (Jules Sitruk). The effiminate Didier proves to be a rival for Lee and eventually Didier and Will take over the film, leaving the just-wanting-to-be-loved Lee out in the cold.
A near fatal accident eventually sets the stage for the slow rebuilding of the relationship between Lee and Will.
The movie is well-acted, fresh, inventive and mostly unpredictable; the unpredictability becoming more and more a rarity in the world of independent films. Directed by Garth Jennings, Son Of Rambow is a charming, heartwarming story of friendship, betrayal and reconnection that is sure to soften even the hardest of hearts.
Rent it today.
peace,
paul
Monday, September 08, 2008
Make it a marvelous Monday
Here's something to brighten up your Monday morning. Click the link below and enjoy.
(http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm)
(http://www.peteyandpetunia.com/VoteHere/VoteHere.htm)
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Convention Critic
Today is the last day of the Republican National Convention and, having watched a lot of it and most of the Democratic National Convention, I thought I would offer up a few comments.
First of all, I really enjoyed Hillary's speech at the DNC, however, her orange pantsuit was not a good fashion statement. I am still sadly disappointed that she was not chosen to be Obama's running mate but, hey, maybe in four years something good will happen; you never know.
I thought that Obama's speech at the DNC was as smooth as all of his other speeches and I think he offered up a lot of rhetoric and made a lot of promises that he is going to be unable to keep.
As for the RNC, well, even the President stayed away and that should tell people something. What, I don't know but it's a sad day when the man in the White House can't even make a live appearance at his own party's convention. Par for the course I say.
Last night's speeches were vitriolic and mean-spirited; especially Giuliani's speech ripping into Obama. I think he's still bitter because he didn't have enough oomph to get the party's nomination so he's taking it out on the Dems; why not?
And, finally, the speech EVERYONE was waiting for: The speech by VP hopeful Sarah Palin. First of all let me just say this-she isn't a bad speaker and when I'm not distracted by how much she looks like Elaine from Seinfeld, I actually listen to her and she is similar to Obama in her speech. After hearing her speak, I thought, it wasn't bad but what did she really say? And I'm going to be blunt but inexperience was written all over her last night. She can give a good speech but I can see how green she is and that's not someone I would like to see in the VP position. And, by the way, what is with the names of her children? Her daughters' names are Willow, Piper and Bristol and her sons' names are Track and Trig. Odd.
Well, what I'm looking forward to now are the debates and I'm sure I'll have plenty to say after those too.
Until then...
peace,
paul
First of all, I really enjoyed Hillary's speech at the DNC, however, her orange pantsuit was not a good fashion statement. I am still sadly disappointed that she was not chosen to be Obama's running mate but, hey, maybe in four years something good will happen; you never know.
I thought that Obama's speech at the DNC was as smooth as all of his other speeches and I think he offered up a lot of rhetoric and made a lot of promises that he is going to be unable to keep.
As for the RNC, well, even the President stayed away and that should tell people something. What, I don't know but it's a sad day when the man in the White House can't even make a live appearance at his own party's convention. Par for the course I say.
Last night's speeches were vitriolic and mean-spirited; especially Giuliani's speech ripping into Obama. I think he's still bitter because he didn't have enough oomph to get the party's nomination so he's taking it out on the Dems; why not?
And, finally, the speech EVERYONE was waiting for: The speech by VP hopeful Sarah Palin. First of all let me just say this-she isn't a bad speaker and when I'm not distracted by how much she looks like Elaine from Seinfeld, I actually listen to her and she is similar to Obama in her speech. After hearing her speak, I thought, it wasn't bad but what did she really say? And I'm going to be blunt but inexperience was written all over her last night. She can give a good speech but I can see how green she is and that's not someone I would like to see in the VP position. And, by the way, what is with the names of her children? Her daughters' names are Willow, Piper and Bristol and her sons' names are Track and Trig. Odd.
Well, what I'm looking forward to now are the debates and I'm sure I'll have plenty to say after those too.
Until then...
peace,
paul
Back to school
Well, school is back in session and I recently had the experience of school supply shopping....complete with a detailed (and I might mention, long) list of things that each child needs. The list is broken down by grade and it's no wonder parents (especially parents with multiple children) get uptight as school draws closer; because they have to spend hundreds (not making that part up) on school clothes AND school supplies. It's a new day for schoolchildren. I remember growing up and we bought pens, pencils, folders and that was pretty much it. Today you have to buy EVERYTHING from glue sticks to storage bags; from highlighters and crayons to scissors and index cards. It's true what they say; schools don't provide much anymore (sadly, not even a very good education) with all the cutbacks and school closings. So, parents, I feel your pain but just think-once those kids grow up and get a good paying job they can continue to support you in the lifestyle you should be living.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
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