Huge Miscommunication or Feeble Attempt at Sweeps

"Freezing weather and severe icing claim a life on the Cornelia Marie."

That was the descripition on this weeks episode of The Deadliest Catch. The documentary series about the life on an Alaskan crab fishing boat. Its not really a reality show because there are no physical challenges obstacle courses and people don't have to get along to win the million dollars. They've talked with people who saw people die while fishing and they've talked wtih people that fell over, they even showed someone fall over once. But no matter how many ways you read the description, I was convinced that someone was goign to get it.

All week I was thinking, whose going to die, will they show it. How will it effect the show.

In the end, one of the fishermen rolled his ankle. Really hard.

How does that constitute a claiming of a life?

Anyway, I believe that either the guy at the computer who types in all the info never saw the show and either was lied to about the description for sweeps, or he took it upon him self and assumed they ment someone died.

I'm glad no one died, but if I'm told someone is going to die, someone best die.

Memorial Day

"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. "

~Daniel Webster


thank you

I've always said that if you love your technology, it will love you back. So this little piece is my dedication to my technology components that, yes, I could live without, but it wouldn't be the same.

My DVR. Though I don't own you, I love you. Its a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000. If you read any reviews of the DVR and its brethren, you will come to the conclusion that it sucks. In many ways it does. Many are prone to overheating, harddrives breaking, and having a boot cycle that could give a commodore 128 a run for its money. But its mine and the only one I can choose through Time Warner Cable, Milwaukees monopoly for cable companies. (by the way, if you are reading this and you heard a distant yell from the north west of Milwaukee, that was thousands of people yelling at once, "at least its not Charter Cable")

Besides the fact that I can watch all my shows that I love at a drop of a remote, I can also fast forward through commercials. There are pros and cons to this and that is what the bulk of this article is about.

I do not miss a handful of commercials. I tend to smile when I see the mere glimpses of an Old Navy commercial fly by, or a commercial about foot fungus, or a poorly made commercial about explaining how an evil corporation missed a big loss by settling with some putz who was going to go with Hupey Hupey and Sons. These commercial don't appeal to me, get under my skin and gets me kicked out of most malls when I throw my Orange Julius at a manikin wearing fleece.

But I'm not anti commercial, they serve there purpose and I understand why they are there. I do however stop the old DVR for a couple of good ones. Mike's Hard Beverage, Nextel and Fruit of the Loom are quality commercials that make me chuckle. I've even been known to stop at the new Heiniken commercials just to jam out to the Pussy Cat Dolls (don't tell anyone, that's our little secret).

DVR technology is such a guilty pleasure that it can screw up your life. When I first got it I thought "Ha, Now I control my tv and not the other way around" Now its more like "Must.....watch......more........AHHH DVR TRIAGE. Who will live who will die, how can one decide, but I must make room for the A-team marathon."

The DVR is a wicked mistress and the power should be respected. One shouldn't have theirs full of episodes of Murphy Brown or American Chopper, but I believe that people shouldn't just flip through the channels and end up watching whatever is on.

So to sum things up, my DVR is wonderful. Sure it makes me feel a little less human, but at the same time, I feel a little more American.

Number 1

continued from my earlier article My Top 5 Funniest Shows

1. Scrubs
Tuesday 730pm NBC











I started watching Scrubs this season after a recommedation from a friend. I avoided the show from seeing the commercials thinking it was too off the wall. After watching this season alone, I find that I have some making up to do.

In its fifth season, Scrubs follows a group of young doctor interns trying to find their nitch in the medical field only to be stopped by personal differences, difficult patients, even more difficult doctors, and a janitor out to get them.

There is something about this show that I really enjoy. Many people might not find the humor as unique and hilarious as I do, I start to smile when the first joke hits and don't stop until the end of the show. It does have its off the wall comedy, and machine gun type dialouge, but its unique approach at moving the story and combining the plotlines of each character through J.D.s monologue is one of its greatest appeals.

In its 5 year run so far it has only won one emmy for Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing in a Series, I still find the show enjoyable. Though not for everyone, I think this show is one of the more unique comedies currently on the air.

BUT WHAT ABOUT.... AWARD!

This list was of My Top 5 Comedy Shows Currently on the Air. There are several other shows not currently on the air that I would consider to be brilliant-all-time-hilarious-shows-of-enjoyment. However, they are not on air. However there is one show that I must let everyone know about because season 2 starts up this July.

KEEP AN EYE OUT AWARD

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia







Sundays 9pm FX
new season starts in July

I started watching Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia last year towards the tail end of the show. Somehow I got sucked into the Emmy Award winning show on FX, Rescue Me. During a commercial break they had a commercial for IASIP and I thought it was the funniest thing I saw in a long time. I had to watch, and luckily it was next up.

IASIP is about three long time friends of complete different personalities who come together and buy a small run down Irish bar in Philadelphia. There three egos fill the room as they conflict about every aspect of how the bar should be run, how each other is inferior to the next, and what is wrong with each other. A dismal premise, but skewed with charm and comedy, IASIP keeps you laughing even when the end joke is obvious.

The shows dark comedy won't appeal to everyone and at times might even deter you. To say that the eisodes are a morality tale would only be true from the point of view of the characters who twistidly spiral ethics, morals and beliefs down the drain. The characters of IASIP does have the knack of making any bad moral storyline and end up doing the right thing, and then patting themselves on the back for such an accomplishment. Wheather it be to allow underage drinking in their bar so that kids have a safe environment to drink in, to fullfilling a war heros dying request to be buried in his uniform (the uniform of a Nazi), or even wondering why their former gym teacher who is accused of child molestation, never touched them growing up ("Look at this face, your not saying I was cute enough!").

I will post when they officially announce the new season date, you are even welcome to come over and enjoy some Pizza Shuttle while I watch it on FX. Until then, try to download it somewehere, or if you ask nice enough, Kevin Neville and I will gladly act out most of the season.

Number 2

continuing from my article My Top 5 Funniest Programs

2. South Park
Wednesdays 9pm Comedy Central











Oh man, what can I say about South Park. Depending on the season and the mood I'm in, this show could easily be my number one favorite show. South Park has been scrutenized since day one by everyone for everything. I will admit that I've found many episodes to be offensive or "over the top" or "oh no you didn't" or "ah man, Tom Cruise is going to kill them!"

South Park is the show that kept Comedy Central on the air. For those who don't remember, Comedy Central use to be a premium cable channel that basically showed Saturday Night Live episodes and standup comedians from the late 70s and early 80s. Then in 96, a pair of jerks made comedic genious come from the mouths of paper children. Since then, political correctness is just a catch phrase.

I've found the last two seasons to be somewhat subpar. Only every other episode causes me to bust a gut, where as the other episodes just make me do that akward laugh. You know that laugh that you give when someone really drunk is yelling about funny their pathetic life is, but deep down they are really serious.

Every week I look forward to seeing what topic they will hit up, or what subject they will over step. When they are down for the season, I gleafully watch earlier episodes I have on my computer.

South Park isn't for everyone, but I think everyone should watch it. Someday they will make fun of you, and you will truly understand the meaning, "its only a television show" And if you are like me, you might just laugh at yourself.

Number 3

continued from my earlier article My Top 5 Funniest Shows

3. My Gym Partner is a Monkey
Friday 8pm Cartoon Network













One day at work, I took the time to watch the preshow commercials on one of our films. I saw an ad for 'My Gym Partner is a Monkey' and immediately I was intrigued. I was also angered that these useless annoying ads actually informed me of something.

'My Gym Partner is a Monkey' is about Adam Lyon gets transfered from his middle school due to a computer typo, he is sent to a middle school for zoo animals and is assigned Jake Spidermonkey as a gym partner.

As an fan of Ren and Stimpy, I find much of the humor from MGPIAM to be remenisant of this earlier classic. Its unique story lines and immature situations, give this animated show a throwback compared to what most modern animated shows are. Its a show that I easily laugh at but doesn't generate the standard situation comedy one liners that many shows do now a days. The fact that it is a cartoon it takes me back to way back (the early 90s) when I was a complete nerd, oppose to now where I seek that completeness.

Number 4

continuing from my article My Top 5 Funniest Programs

4. The Office
Thursday 830 pm NBC









Following My Name is Earl on the Thursday night line up is the US version of The Office. Many people have tried to argue with me that the BBC version of The Office is much funnier the the American version, and many believe that the American version is just a cheap rip off.

I've watched both and even though I don't work in an office type setting, I tend to relate more to the humor of the American version then the BBC. Both are very funny, and infact both are overseen by the same creators.

*beware, side note. After reading Goggins' Blog, I had to make a side note*
Many people have also complained that the humor rips off the film, Office Space. These are also the same people who quote "Looks like somebody has a case of the mondays" on Monday, thinking they are funny, but the sick true irony is that they are just as annoying as the character in the film, who thinks they are funny.
*we return to the review in progress*

Though the comedy seems forced at times, and some of the "office drama" is repetively overdone; the situations are unique as the characters. And thats a key part to good comedy, it is the people in those unique sitations and how the react. The Office, gives us a bit more with its candid interviews letting us see what the characters are thinking in the cut throat world of paper sales.

My Top 5 Funniest Programs

As of lately I've been watching more and more situation comedies since my installation of my DVR. About 10 years ago I fell out of the comedies in a time where every show was either Friends or Seinfeld, I ended up pretty much only watching cartoons and dramas that were X-Files or X-Files related.

Now in the age of DVR technology where tv doesn't control my life, I tend to spend more and more time watching television that I normally wouldn't watch or remember to find time to watch. Now I give you my list of my 5 favorite comedies currently in production.

Runner Up:
Cheap Seats
Fridays 930pm ESPN
rr Everynite, 930pm ESPN Classics










This show is not a situation comedy in the regular since, but is a practical perfect mixture of bad ESPN and MST3K.

There are two different kinds of people, those who can tell you what ESPN stands for, and those who can tell you what MST3K stands for. Cheap Seats stars Randy and Jason Sklar (most noted for being in every list show that VH1 every produced. No not the gay comedians, the two brothers). Good stuff, not great, but good stuff. If you enoy poorly produced sporting events from the 70s or 80s, or enjoy to watch the mochary of you childhood stars like John Elway Gorman Thomas; then this is the show for you.

Honorable Mention:
House, M.D.
Tuesdays 8pm FOX
syn. Friday 10pm USA










It's not a comedy but the dry sense of humor and the characterization that has formed among its ensemble has drawn me in and wanting more and more of the medical analytical babble that makes my brain shut off. Hugh Laurie plays a sinicle and even more mysterious doctor super genius, Gregory House. The dry humor is subtle enough to smother the "to cool for the room" attitude that House radiates. If you have never seen this show, you must watch 3 episodes. They really only have 3 different show formulas so if you watch 3 episodes you'll get a good feeling of the show.

And now my top 5 Comedies that are Currently Airing:

5. My Name is Earl
Thursdays 8pm NBC












Earl Hickey is a common criminal with the worst case of luck. After winning the lottery and almost being killed immediately after, he learns from the wise Carson Daily that Kharma is the reason for his bad luck. Earl and his brother set out to do good about all the bad things Earl has done in his life, so he makes a list of all the malfeasons. Though I am not a major fan of Jason Lee and on many levels, despise Jamie Pressely, the interesting situations and the perspective Earl takes to many of lifes challenges is hilarious.


I will continue my list throughout the week....... post your lists as well, I have more DVR space.

Happy Easter Everyone

My Easter Resolution is to post everyday this week.

Idiot

And I'm the fool who gave away my Ford Escort.

This guy built an authentic Luke Skywalker landspeeder from the body of a Ford Escort. Sold it on E-bay in the U.K. for 6,500 pounds (11,360.05 U.S. dollars).

I would have been the Belle of the ball.

Crazy Busy

I have been crazy busy lately. Between getting sick, the kick ass Brewer season starting, my DVR piling up, and endless fruitless work. I feel I've been neglecting my blog. It's almost to the point where I have so much to say, I don't know what to say and end up just posting a video clip as an excuse of something interesting or funny. I almost feel as if my life has become a small kitty that some one keeps sticking a hammer in its face. Just think how annoyed I would be, but yet tend to keep my cuteness to an almost vicious level. I can almost see it now.



To recap. The difficulty of life is the hammer, I am the kitty. I am vicious, but you can't help but laugh at my relentless struggle to fight it off with the pitter patter of my paws. Feel my pain, and laugh at my expense.

It Will Knock You Back On Your Coal Minning Asses

Many people are unaware that I'm a chosen prophet for Heatvision and Jack. It is my mission to make sure everyone sees Heatvision and Jack.

Heatvision and Jack was a pilot written by Milwaukees own Rob Schrab and Dan Harmon. These two comedic geniuses met up with a fairly unknown comic Ben Stiller and shot the pilot for what would have been a great series called Heatvision and Jack.

The story is about Nasa Astronaut Jack Austin (Jack Black) who got too close to the sun, making his brain (which works much like cookie dough) expand to become the smartest man in the world. Knowing that Nasa would not allow the world to know what happened to him he escapes. After being hit with an experimental Nasa ray, Jacks unemployed roommate (Owen Wilson)becomes melded with his motorcylce becoming Heatvision. Together Heatvision and Jack try to escape Ron Silver (himself), a talented actor and a Nasa trained killer, running for their lives, blocked at every turn, by adventure.

Spread the good word of HVAJ and let the world know about it. The series was not picked up by NBC or Fox 8 years ago, but HVAJ live on winning awards at film festivals and even rumors of a full length movie happening. Enjoy

I give you what you want.

New Car (well to me at least)

I purchased a new car this week, and I went with a used 2001 Ford Taurus. I like it, its in pristine condition and is very comfortable for me.

I hope I get many miles out of it. I'm making a promise to keep it extremely clean and not let it go to shit like my last car.

Chuck Norris

After Kitzke saw this video, he died. Only to have Chuck Norris come in and revive him with a kiss.



Chuck Norris Facts

There Will Be No Chef Aid

I recently heard that Issac Hayes will be leaving South Park. When I first heard this I yelled back, "What!". The person explained, "He's leaving because he's too offened by South Park"
I yelled back "Its South Park! He was always offended by them! Why now!"
The person shook his head "I don't know." I sipped my beer, "Well, they gave him back his career, I guess that's grounds for seperation." My friend lifted his glass, "true, I like Issac Hayes now too since South Park"

After further internet investigating I found that Issac Hayes is a scientologist and after the debut of the "Trapped in the Closet" episode, Issac Hayes called Matt Stone and Trey Paker religous bigots. I simply respond, "It's South Park!"

Trey Parker explained in a recent interview that South Park had poked fun on Muslims, Christians, Mormons and I believe in one episode the Jewish religion was brought up, but they always stayed clear of Scientology because they new Issac was a Scientologist and they thought he was cool. Well this last season they went up to Isaac and said, its got to happen, they have to do something to Scientology. I respond with, of course, because "Its South Park!"

Matt Stone says:
This has nothing to do with intolerance and bigotry and everything to do with the fact that Isaac Hayes is a Scientologist and that we recently featured Scientology in an episode of 'South Park.' In ten years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park,' Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons and Jews. He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show. To bring the civil rights struggle into this is just a non-sequiter. Of course we will release Isaac from his contract and we wish him well.

But the boys of South Park aren't dead and won't kill off one of their more popular characters. Chef will return in yet another season. All of his dialouge will be taken from previous episodes and rehashed for our enjoyment. Seeing that they were recorded within his contract there doesn't seem to be any further action from the Hayes Camp, but I'm sure South Park will cross the line somewhere to get us to say, "damn". And do you know why I know this, because its South Park! and thats what they do.

My Car

Well for those of you who don't know, my car is practically dead. Infact, I should know the doctors verdict tomorrow. Doesn't look good. Terminal.

To say I loved my ford escort would be an understatement. My ford escort helped me do great things, drove me all over this state going to theatres and fixing things. Got into some close calls with my Escort and had many more memorible victories. The best way to say I loved my car would be compare the love that Ike had for Tina. It made me do it to it because I loved it.

Now I call upon my readers (both of you), to help me make a decision. My options are to get a Ford Focus (new) or a used car. I really need other peoples input on this one. If I new cars like I know movies, I wouldn't have "Iked" up my last car. I want my next car to be right. Love is more then a second hand emotion and I don't mean the back of the hand. My options are.

1. Brand New Ford Focus
2. Used car
3. Any other kind of new car for under 13,000

What will be my next car. Your input is needed.

Nachooooooo

I like toast.

This is one of the few movies I'm looking forward to. I have high hopes for this one and believe it will not be a one joke wonder.

Survivorman

I found this new series on the Science Channel (a subchannel of Discovery), Survivorman. The premise is man overcomes nature in everyday situations against all odds. Les Stroud (teacher, musician and filmmaker) takes us into many different climates and shows us how to survive in "everyday" situations. While dirt biking in the desert, you dirt bike breaks. While flying a commuter plane in the Canadian north, you crash. While sailing in the great deep blue, your boat sinks. Uncommon situations at any given time that calls for ones survival.

My interest in the subject matter was instantaneous. Man against nature has always appealed to me, and the feeling of what accomplishment it would be to survive in unfamiliar climates and environments is very appealing. The term "roughing it"is far beyond tents and sleeping bags.

The show starts off by explaining to us what the situation is, dirt biking gone bad in the desert. Then we get a brief history of the environment and what supplies Les is left with. Usually he is given clothes, bottle of water and a multitool. In the dirt biking episode, he is also left the broken dirt bike to salvage.

After this the camera crew leaves and he is left to survive for 7 days to accomplish a goal (get to a check point or find civilization), survive and document everything. At this point the production crew leaves him with not only what he has been given but two cameras and a weeks worth of batteries and tapes.

The show goes on, day by day as Les talks to us in a mixture of diary and instructional video on how to survive and how he is surviving. The show is more then interesting and appealing, but amazing how Les has to shoot the whole thing by himself. He continues to explain how he has to set up the camera, walk down the path, then come back for the camera. Many of the small tricks and skills to survive are scattered between Les critiques of how he is doing.

I have watched 3 of the 9 episodes that have been aired and my interest is dwindling. Though if find the settings beautiful and motivates me to get off the beaten path, the show is more of a "how awesome I am" feel to it.

Les spends as much time explaining how hard it is to setup the cameras for survival that we begin not to think, how is he going to survive, but how is he going to document him surviving. It becomes more about him then the actual situations. It is understandable that he is the only character and in fact the only subject matter, but the way he over dramatizes many subtle situations and talks in a candid matter about obscure survival skills, you almost root against him.

However, in a world of bad reality television and far and few decent sitcoms, Survivorman is interesting and gets me motivated to get off the beaten path this summer.

Transparent Monitors

I have always thought this trick is cool. The simplicity of it all is what I like, its a simple trick done with some time and lighting that can either look really good, or really bad.


Lots of people have been posting the Transparent Monitor for a while and I found a list of some good ones. Enjoy and get a good laugh.

If History has Taught us Anything

Recently, Digital Playground, has announced that they will be releasing their product in Blu Ray oppose to HD-DVD.

For those who don't know (Including myself), I have been told that Digital Playground is a large producer of adult entertainment (well I never), infact one of the larger distributors of Adult Entertainment DVDs (and yet I've never heard of them, hmm).

Many people aren't aware that we are in yet another media war. Like the wars in the past, this one is two opposing formats on the verge of colliding to decide who will be the victor. Many are aware that Beta was beaten out by the inferior VHS due to the adult entertainments decision to go VHS. Many would say the viability of the internet would not be as strong without adult entertainment, and I tend to agree that anytime the adult industry dips their fingers in something (absolutely no pun intended, but yet I giggle) it sticks (ok, now I'm laughing).

With the Blu Ray vs HD-DVD battle raging on, the fact that one of the kings in Adult Entertainment Video is going Blu Ray is a triumph. Mind you a triumph that probably won't be used by the Best Buy sales staff when you ask, "Which is better Blu Ray or HD-DVD"

The Intimidator!

Monday night, in the midst of our drunken pool playing, we talked about stepping up our skillz (with a Z) to twice a week. In the morning I went to the McDermott website to check on prices to modify my cue.

I truly believe McDermott cues are some of the finest pool cues made. I also believe this because they are made right here in Wisconsin since 1975. I was given a McDermott cue for Christmas a couple years back and hold it high as not only one of the finest gifts I’ve received, but one of my prized properties. Though it was a gift and I treasure it, I wanted to add some weight to it seeing that I prefer a heavier cue. While perusing the site I found one of McDermott’s Press Releases from earlier this year, it announced the Intimidator. One of the most expensive pool cues ever made.

Going a mere 150,000 dollars, the Intimidator is a hand crafted pool cue formed from an 82 pound stainless steel, dawned with Obsidian gemstones and 25K gold. Did I mention it has blades like a Celtic war axe? Yeah.

The thing that amazes me even more besides the outrageous look and price, it’s the weight. Remember how I said I preferred a heavier cue, and was looking to modify mine to have more weight? 20 oz is considered pretty heavy for a cue, and I like about 25 oz. The Intimidator weighs 9.25 pounds.

Many people would agree that this cue is more for decoration as a status symbol then a workable cue. But quite honestly, can you even play with a cue that has a battle axe in the butt and almost 10 pounds of steal. You should be able to play at least one decent game with the worlds most expensive cue. Next time I go to the McDermott store I'll ask to take the Intimidator for a spin.

Monday Night Pool

Every Monday night I go to Landmark Lanes on the east side and play pool with a couple of friends. Couple weeks ago I was fortunate enough to almost run the table, and missed it by burying the cue ball behind a solid, blocking my shot from the 8 ball. Disappointing, but still very satisfying.

Last night when we were partnered off, my partner, Jeff Kilsdonk, fulfilled what I couldn't do. After his break he proceeded to run the whole table, shot by shot, ball by ball and we won. It was amazing and we won that series.

Congrats to Jeff and it was awesome to witness. I know I have to bring my 'A' game when he's not my partner, and I can half ass it when he is.

Go Crew Go

This will truly be a great year for the Milwaukee Brewers. Yes many say, baseball died in the fast pace world of todays modern adolecent, but I say Neh. Neh I say!

In honor of the Crew's pre-banner-season, a couple of us have formed a Milwaukee Brewers Blog. We will voice many of our opinions and rants, but most of the time we will praise and chart our favorite teams road to victory. Please visit.

http://www.gocrew.blogspot.com/

It will also be featured on the side bar.

How Many Hog heads to the gallon?

I'm the kind of person who knows useless knowledge but sometimes lack "common knowledge". For instance, I don't know how many hog heads are in a gallon, or the prefix codes for Quam, or the proper flag signals for an industrial crane. I tell you, it can be almost embarrasing in certain circles.

One night while watching Mythbusters, Jamie, one of the hosts, mentioned the little black book that should be in everyones tool box. It was called 'The Pocket Ref'. It contains endless amounts of useful information and rounded out with "useless" info. Perfect for anyone from engineers/technicians in various fields to Alcaholics sitting on a bar stool arguing about the weight of Carbon (sounds like my average workday).

I bought one at Borders (despite going on the web and their website saying they were out of stock, the person at the desk saying they had one copy in General Fitness, and the person who showed me where it was saying "that has nothing to do with refereering") for only 12 bucks. I've had it only a few weeks now and have used it on quite a few occasions.

I like to say its a book that contains everything you should know, but don't have the time to remember, and a book you must have near you when you don't have access to the internet (i.e. a barstool). Go to your local book store and buy yourself a copy. Its priced right and is a fun page turner.

Mario Bros. LIVE on stage

This is a video I found while browsing around Google Video. Its a bit long and gets repetitive, but I couldn't help but watch the whole thing.

I like to think that these 4 kids were social outcasts in High School until the day of the talent show when they put this bit on and became the coolest kids for a day. The next day they were casted out once again.

Peter Benchley Dies

On Saturday morning Peter Benchley (author of the book 'Jaws') died at the age of 65. Many people would say he wasn't that good of an author, and many say that Spielberg changed the book so much that you almost can't compare the two. I say he was a great pulp author and a great man who did good things with his popularity.

I don't know about you but I'm going to pop in one of my 5 copies of Jaws in the DVD player or VCR (yes I still own one) in memory of him, or I'll actually finish his book "The Island" (no connection with Michael Bays waste of emulsion)

Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Meeting Notes

Producer: "Remember that scene in the first Pirates where Jonny Depp had that really kick ass intricate sword fight with Orlando Bloom?"

Director: "Yeah"

Producer: "Remember how we said it was too long and silly?"

Director: "Yeah"

Producer: "Well people ended up really liking it, so we want you to have another sword fight in the sequel."

Director: "hmm"

Producer: "Yeah, except having them in some spinning apparatus rolling down a hill and have shit hitting them and going all over the place, you know stuff like that. I want our Peter Jackson Bronto scene but in a Pirates sword fight way"

Director: "hmmm, so make it even longer and sillier"

Producer: "Fuck yes."

Hecklers Not Close Enough

This year, right field at Miller Park will look different. A new picnic area has been installed next to the away teams bull pen. In a motif that resembles a make-shift concentration camp, fans can get up close and personal with the opposing team with only a chain link fence seperating them. If that wasn't enough, they also furnished a large plexi glass window over looking the visitors bull pen, perfect for making "squishy faces" or even mooning your favorite opponent. Retaliation will not be a problem, seeing that Miller Park will be giving every visitor a Brewers replica batting helmet.

Many say with a price tag between 39 and 69, it will only attract the sophisticated rich, so none of the before mentioned will happen. As a frequent visitor to the suites and box seats, those people are the worst. They tend to lack not only knowledge of the team and sport, but the class to be in public. Don't even get me started on their offspring.

If I was asked if this was a good idea, I would consider it. If they said, "We are going to get rid of our manual scoreboard which is a classic throw back to the sports beginings, that we have preserved in our stadium of the future to remind us of our roots." I would laugh hard, take a sip of water, wipe away the forming tear from laughing and look up to see a group of serious faces staring at me. And thats exactly what they did.

Now to not sound like a hypocrite, I will consider going to the pen before I stand thouroughly behind my statement. I have seen it in the outfield under construction during my visits to TGIFridays this winter. The fact that the price is all inclusive for food and drink is very appealing, I just don't believe the cost of a manual scoreboard in right field is wise. Even though many say it will be a delightful experience to take the family or coworkers out to.

I don't want to hear marketing people's take on this, or how its in other stadiums, or how the chances of getting an Home Run ball are estounding when you sit in the "Dog Pen" (thats my name for it), I want to hear what Jeremy Burnitz thinks on April 3rd.

Oprah Feels Duped, again

Last year during Oprah Winfrey’s “Teachers are Great” episode, Oprah showered her teacher guests with extravagant gifts. Oprah chooses only the best of select items she discovered during that year. One of the things she found was Christianity, and instantly felt it to be the greatest religion ever. Everyone in the audience got a complimentary baptismal. “At first I wasn’t sure, being a devoted Jew, but its Oprah” Tammy Shaumstein (28, Chicago Illinois) “In fact it was the only gift she gave where I could afford the tax on it.”

Oprah believed the book The Bible, was an awe-inspiring book that both touched her and made her see and understand things she not only already knew, but knew were great.

After watching a recent History channel special, Oprah Winfrey (famous talk show host) learned that there are flaws in the accuracy of the popular book the Bible. At first she contested it, believing that the writings of the apostles were transcribed from the voice of god. But eventually outside organizations and other blogs convinced her, she was duped.

This Week on Oprah, Oprah Winfrey invited Jesus on the show to call him out. In front of her studio full of followers, she apologized for leading them astray and duping them. Jesus explained that yes a few of the stories were embellished but the meaning and underlining story is true. The idea is true. When Oprah read a part of the book about turning water into wine and asked Jesus to perform this “miracle”, Jesus paused, and explained “the idea was that we could…..” “Idea Jesus, you mean lie.”

The interview went on and during the commercial breaks, one could see that Oprah was not only sad, but frustrated that she believed the Bible was fact. During most commercial breaks you can see the joy in her as she continues talk with her guest, none of this warm banter was shared with her algid/former savior.

Jesus had no defense to the accusations or proof that contested what many blogs have scientifically investigated; he only apologized to Oprah and her followers, apologized for their soul. The crowd booed.

Quote of the Moment

"The first song that I heard is 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' by The Scorpions and I thought to myself, 'Is it me, or is this just totally out of place and inappropriate?"

-Bob Corry
Bucs fan who witnessed Tampa Bay Cheerleaders dancing to that song during halftime at the Bucs/Saints game.

For Your Convenience, We are Putting You on Hold

Ever want to get help with your ipod and have to wait 15 plus minutes. Not anymore. Just dial 000 at the prompts and say "Operator". For T-Mobil, just say the word "Representative" at any time and it immediatly directs you to a person.

On NPR this week, Paul English was featured in one of their episodes of Morning Edition. Paul English is a blogger that has a page listing many major corporations and how to bypass their customer service pergatory.

In many ways this might be unfair to skip the deligently patient people waiting before you, but it is even more unfair to be putting your customer around in circles for 20 plus minutes. I know with my last tussle with Cingular I waited 20 minutes just to find out that I had to call a different Cingular number. They offered to forward me, but in the end they accidentally hung up on me.

I also want to mention that Paul English also has many other great articles on "great" customer service. Defineatly worth checking out and having it bookmarked for your next Customer Service Two-Step.

Do you like Madison and Funny things?

So I was looking on the internet for more information on the soon to be erected Barry Alveraz bronze statue, (By the way, that is practically the most dirty, erotic thing I ever typed.) when I came across this Blog site.

It is presitge brillance to the level of the Onion, the down home flavor of Madison, and the incepid hatred for posers, tools and jags alike that made me bookmark this quality blog. Not since the meandering rants of Goggins, have I read a home grown musing that amused me as much. Granted it is very Onion-esque, but there is nothing wrong with that. As long as they keep it real.

This blog writes about news and events of our fair Mad City in the style of the Onion. Luckily for this person the town is full of posers, tools and jags of all colors and styles so the well wont run dry on these new ideas.

I'm going to keep tabs on it. I think you should too.

Fine, you win!

Alright, I'm a big man, I can admit when I'm wrong. I like Itunes. It is a quality product.

I have gone several years denying the quality media program that is Itunes. I've installed it 5 times and uninstalled it 4 times. The most recent Itune installation was due to the ipod shuffle I was given. Now that I have the Ipod working (another post in itself) and have begun to utilize Itunes I'm very happy thus far with it.

Many of you at this point are saying, "duh". But all I'm saying, is you are right. I am wrong, I have seen the light and it comes from Cupertinon, CA.

Although Itunes is awesome, I don't belive it whips the llamas ass. But it gives a bruising.

Too Bad for T. O.

In a world that cares more about results then effort and appearance more then discipline, it amazes me what happened to Terrell Owens. And when it comes to the Imperial realm of the National Football Leauge, I honestly believed that Terrell would have to kill someone in the endzone, dance on his body and then drag the body to a press conference before someone would say more then "Thats T.O. for you. What a showboat."

To have the Eagles say, "your done" to All - Star Reciever Terrell Owens, for exteneded confrontations on and off the field is one step in getting things right with sports. We have always learned to dismiss ones actions off their field for their actions on the field. This could possibly send a message to players to not go shoot off their mouth in a microphone, or disrespect their coach on the practice field. I'm talking to you Mr. Sheffield.

Im sure when push comes to shove T.O. will get his way, and his money. But for now I know, somewhere, there is a battle worn veterans of the playing field who remember the glory days of football, when men were men and the game was not just a check, but everything. Sitting in his tattered recliner watching the local news because his pension needs to cover his medication and not cable tv and saying to the T.O. news, "Its about &%$@# time! Martha! Get me a beer." God bless america and God bless the NFL.

Aardman Studios

On October 10th the Aardman Studios storage warehouse burned to the ground. All of the original Wallace and Gromit puppets and Chicken Run figures and sets were destroyed.


"Even though it is a precious and nostalgic collection and valuable to the company, in light of other tragedies, today isn't a big deal."

-Nick Parks
creator of Wallace and Gromit

wait'll they get a load of this

For Batman fans out there (who like the first Burton Batman film), they are finally releasing a version on DVD that isn't first generation WB style disc. Pretty cool.

That movie looks delightful

This trailer is by far one of the funnier things I've seen in a long time.

A movie for all ages.

Submitted for your approval: "The Mighty Orc"

I believe that a good nic name should have four qualifications. 1. Social Ramifications, it can't be insulting to the person. 2. Physical Correct, this can also be ironic. A 300 pound man can be called "tiny". 3. Chant, you have to chant the name. 4. recognize by his peers. You can't name yourself something and others outside of your circle can't go giving out nic names.

DERRICK TURNBOW (P) MILWAUKEE BREWERS

All season, fans and experts have tried to name Derrick Turnbow, the Milwaukee Brewers closing pitcher. Darron Sutton leans to compare him to Napoleon Dynamite, due to his love of the cult movie. Where as Bob Uecker refers to him as the "Bowhunter". These are very good and stir a sense of accomplishment.

I submit for your approval.

Derrick Turnbow "The Mighty Orc!!!!!"

I put this on record that "The Mighty Orc" is not only a proper name, but the best nic name for Turnbow. Not only does it roll off the tongue well (Just saying "Napoleon" sounds nasally) it conjures up imagery of a vicious creature that strikes fear in the enemy.

Social Ramification:

Many consider this nic name an insult. People see an Orc as a common creature whose manners and actions are subhuman. This is why I put the word "Mighty" before the word, "Orc". This making him not only an orc (an already feared creature) but he is mightier then the average Orc. Make him superior to the creature whose manners and actions that are subhuman.

Physical:

Physically, he is not exactly the same as an Orc. Exhibit A.

Note, the eyes, ears and upper front teeth.

Compare to exhibit B:

Now granted the eye to nose ring is more of a Red Sox thing, but still acceptable for this example.

Now just too make sure people are aware, Example A is Turnbows team photo, and Example B is an run-of-the-mill Orc.

Crowd Chant:

Final test of a good nic name. Silently chant the name either in a long cheer or in an repetitious beat. Example:

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOverrrrrrrrBAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

(I came up with that one too, however people cut off the "verbay" part, I approve.

Now try the beat test with Ueckers name:

BOW HUNTER BOW HUNTER BOW HUNTER

I'm out of breath already.

Now we test mine:

mighty ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRC!!!!

though it has striking similarities to Lyles, it is still good.

Second test:

ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC ORC

Christ, I could do that all day, no sweat.

Peers:

Well, this last one is up to you. Tell me what you think. Or just start chanting it next time he saves another one for the crew.

Quote of the Moment

"I don’t advocate downloading songs illegally, but do it.
Then cut your hair, you hippy."

-Jason, writer for chrisdiclerico.com

Six Feet Under Finale

If there is anything that 6 Feet Under taught us is that life is short and the people around us give us the meaning of our life. Many, if not all, of the clients that came through Fischer and Sons were flat 2 dimensional characters whose deaths were often funny if not ironic. It wasn’t until the Fischer family interacted with the living did we begin to be emotionally tied into their actions.

Since the beginning I found the series to be interesting and well written. These characters were often morbid, socially unacceptable and most of all pretencious. I stuck around to watch the pieces of humanity to come out, often in emotion or moral lessons. On occasion I would be disappointed with cliché antics or worn visual aids for the slow minded viewer, but most of the time the cast and crew was aware of these clichés and redefined them to their own ways. That is what kept me watching and kept me plugging along until the end (a symbol of life in many ways).

The series finale was on HBO last night and as I watched I thought about all the episodes I saw in the past and the night I watched the first episode (kind of ironic). In the end the tear I shed was the tear of disappointment.

The first hour plus was very good and played out in the same quality that was held up through the entire series run. However the last montage was a ridiculous portrayal of everything that the series didn’t stand for. The series ends with a Claire starting her new life on her way to New York and we see a future montage of how each main character of SFU dies.

I felt almost no attachment to these people’s deaths, mostly because you were too preoccupied with their bad makeup and giggled at the drawn out deaths. You wondered, what twist will kill this family member. During the whole montage I kept thinking of the episode only two weeks prior, on the death of Nate, had more emotion and intrigue then any episode too date. On the other hadn the finales ending scene felt more like some cheap rip off written by the same group of writers that did the Very Brady Christmas. It seemed more of the actions of closure then the actual closure itself. Its sad that a show that had such a strong story line to end with something so flat and lifeless.

How about that HBO’s Rome!

Say What!?

I do not usually repost what others have posted, but on chrisdiclerico.com, a site a frequent often, posted a link to Gizoogle. A website that translates any website into Snoop Dogg ebonics. And again, I usually don't find it very funny, but out of boredom, I tried it out on my blog. It was mildly amusing until I got down to my Rock Bottom entry (which by the way, please go to the site and get the wings back)

This is what I wrote:

Dear Rock Bottom,

Why hasn't the Thursday night all you can eat Wings and Beer returned to the Milwaukee Location. I found this to be an wonderful experience and enjoyed going at least _______ a month. Is there a reason why you haven't continued this?

This is what Gizoogle wrote:

Dear Rock Bottom,

Why hasn't tha Thursday night all you can eat Wings n Beer returned ta tha Milwaukee Location . I thought i told ya, nigga I'm a soldier. I found this ta be an wonderful experience n enjoyed going at least _______ a miznonth . Ill slap tha taste out yo mouf. Is there a reason why you haven't continued this . Throw yo guns in the motherfuckin air.


Juvenile, but funny

The time wasn't right

The Marathon was more of a brisk walk in the history of cinema. I will try again, but right now between work and all, I just can't get a film a day in. But I will be triumphant again.

World's Finest Trailer

I watched the trailer for World's Finest (The Batman Superman movie I talked about earlier). All in all, not too impressed (because of Superman). But I recommend seeing it, and I still look forward to it. The Ifilm website is nice, but sometimes cumbersome to watch trailers on. However the Force.net site has many other very cool fan films and a little more user friendly.

Batman/Superman movie

The Batman franchise has been around for over 65 years now and has a long ever changing history. Monumental moments from the Golden Age of comics, to what many refer to as the Frank Miller Vision of Batman, the caped crusader has taken on many faces and many personas. Lewis Wilson, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Kevin Conroy, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale (Italics represent unapproved Batmen).

These mainstream version of Batman are all fairly well known, but few people know of "Batman: Dead End", by Sandy Corrola

Sandy Corrola is a special effect artist who got his tutilage from Stan Winston. Being a huge batman fan he created a short film entitled "Batman: Dead End". I've pretty much forced everyone I know to sit down and watch it, those who don't know what it is are usually surprised by the professionalism and the twist ending. At this point, I recommend you to go to the site. Another forwarning, do not look at the photo site, just watch the film, don't ruin the ending.

Note to Mr. Faber, the Sandy Corrola's website now has a high resolution version of his film, go there to view it.


Though I am not a fan of Superman as much as Batman, I'm very excited to know that Sandy Corrola is doing a Batman/Superman fan film. Yet again, I think Sandy Corrola did an excellent job at casting Superman, as he did with casting Clark Bartram for Batman. Compared to some of the early pictures I've seen of the "official" Superman movie, this Superman is far better.

As you know, I will be following this closely and keep everyone posted.

Now Seriously!

Ok, I posted this a couple of months ago and yet STILL, the infamous wings and beer has not returned to Rock Bottom. Come on people, united we stand!

Please go to the Rock Bottom site and send a comment.

Dear Rock Bottom,

Why hasn't the Thursday night all you can eat Wings and Beer returned to the Milwaukee Location. I found this to be an wonderful experience and enjoyed going at least _______ a month. Is there a reason why you haven't continued this.

If you don't do it for yourself, at least do it for me!

What Grinds My Gears

1. Overrated Actors and Directors (Michael Bay, Joel Shumacher, Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore, etc.)
2. Poor Film handling and presentation
3. Cell phone abuse
4. People who make U-turns at lit intersections
5. Drew Rosenhaus and any of his clients
6. People who drive in the emergency lane during traffic jams
7. Video game controllers chords wrapped around a controller
8. The sound of balloons and the sound of Styrofoam
9. Cubs fans
10. People who like really bad movies for the wrong reasons

A Long Time Ago....

No this isn't a photo from yet another Star Wars Episode.

These photos were shown to me a couple of years ago. They are actually photographs taken by Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii in the early 1900s. And yes, they were shooting color images then.

He basically invented the three pass system of color photography before we were doing it a dozen years later. The plates were found, scanned digitally and restored. I think some of these photos are some of the most amazing photos out there. Check out the site to learn more and see the whole collection.

Quote of the Moment

"I think a lot of people would like to have Overbay.
But they're not going to get him."

- Mark Attanasio
Chairman and Principal Owner of the Milwaukee Brewers

The Eye in the Sky

Found this website in one of my many latenight web excursions.

Many people know that google maps now features satelite images. However, they are really really blury and don't get that close. In my search for quality satelite images, I found this site.

I was amazed at the quality and the accuracy of its search engine. Granted, there are those stupid company logos all over it, but still very amusing and cool (in a nerd way).

I recently found that they also have old satelite photos as well. Very cool to see how the neighborhood evolved and see historic locations come and go.

Miller Park Now

During Construction

All Star Game, an All Time Low. (but is there new life on a larger level?)

The ratings are in and the 2005 All Star Game has the lowest in Major League history to date for an All Star game. 8.1/14 is the lowest it has ever been, infact its down 8 percent from last year.

In other Major League News. Commissioner Bud Selig will not hault baseball for Olympics. He stated this at yesterdays All-Star festivities when asked if he would consider it to add favor to the Olympic committee. Earlier that day the Olympic Committee announced they would be dropping baseball from the Olympic Games in 2012 because of its scrutiny in steroid use the past few years.

Will the World Baseball Classic bring new life to the void the Olympics made?

I believe that it will catch Americas eyes and help fill out the year by giving its fans more of what they love, Baseball. Scheduled for the begining of March, this timing puts it on the heels of the biggest sporting event of the year and the finality of the most popular professional sport around, the NFL Super Bowl (yeah, Nascar is technically more popular but I don't consider it professional when a large percent of the sports requirement is money).

Say it ain't so Kurtz, say it ain't so

Scott Kurtz is officially out of the Daily Grind Iron Man Challenge! Whats this you ask? Is this like a Lance Armstrong kind of thing? The Daily Grind Iron Man Challenge is an Online comic artist competition. 20 dollars to sign up gets you in, you have to post every day a new comic everyday (except on Sunday you rest) Last man standing takes the pot. "100 men enter, 1 man leave" It truly is the Thunderdome of online comics.

I've followed this since its conception. Scott Kurts (writer of PVP Online) was a shoe in. He has posted daily since PVPs conception with only missing like two days. Thats almost 7 years of posting. He was practically the sure bet for winning and I followed it closely.

Now he has practically given up by having a guest artist on PVP while he goes to the San Diego Con and gets some time away (granted he might get to meet Jon Herder, that would be mad awesome!). At first I felt a sense of denial that he would just kind of give up like that, then the cold hard facts set in.

This, to me, is a few levels of importance below when the Packers loose the playoffs, but a few levels higher then when I find out I don't have anything in the fridge to eat. It hurts, but I will go on.

His guest artist is quite talented and well known, and I have already found a new online comic to follow through the competition. I won't give up on Mr. Kurtz and find him extremely talented and hilarious. And the more I think about it, I realise that this competition doesn't value the things I value most about competitions. This competition is not based on artistic ability, creativity or merit. But is based on who can upload a set of drawings every day. Granted its cool that anyone with a website and a computer can enter no matter the size or power of the entity behind you, but at the same time, a monkey could compete if you shocked him at the right times throughout the day.

Just a rant with a thought. Monkeys + Daily Grind Iron Man Challenge = Matt's loaded.

The fight goes on.

Review of War of the Worlds

Summer and Spielberg. These two things are synonymous.


War of the Worlds is based on the H.G. Wells classic science fiction tale about alien occupation and extermination of the human race. Steven Spielberg tells the story from the point of view of a broken family.

Tom Cruise plays the father of two kids who are visiting for the weekend. Within the first reel we quickly see how Tom Cruise is a divorced father of two who knows very little of his kids, “smarter-then-her-age” Dakota Fanning and “rebel-son” Justin Chatwin. With no real attachment between the main characters, except for their distant past. I don’t see any true character development on the horizon except for these distant characters to come closer as individuals and as a family. In less then 18 minutes I am not interested in these characters and have no expectations for them, maybe the aliens will occupy my time. Maybe.

The alien crafts, or Tripods, were planted on earth hundreds of thousands of years ago. With the human race at its apex, the aliens decide to put an end to our smugness. They slowly begin to emerge in random cities all over the world and begin taking out all civilization in that area. Tom Cruise is luckily enough to be living in one of those cities. The aliens emerge in front of Cruise while he looks for his car that his rebellious son stole.

The choreography that Steven Spielberg and Dennis Murren puts Tom Cruise through in the first Tripod attack is not only mesmerizing to see, but to fathom how they mixed physical and special effects is amazing. With the combination of cgi effects of aliens tearing through the city and the physical effects of people running and windows exploding, you see why Spielberg is the action movie master.

As the movie progresses we see the Tripods attacking in all types of situations. Land, air and sea. During all these blood lusted attacks the human race is slapped around and destroyed, except for this family of three. During the whole movie, Tom Cruises party comes within 10 feet or less with these creatures at every encounter, only to survive. They become the luckiest trio on earth.

With these alien attacks comes a hodge podge of mass human emotion. With scenes and sets remanescent of ground zero 9/11, are however splattered with a human reaction and selfishness that was absent from those tragic events. There is too much of a zombie feel to the human race whenever they are in masses. Which hinders the character development of the main characters.

As a craft this film is hands down one of the better ones I’ve seen this summer. The sound design and mix fills the theatre and it sets the mood of the film from beginning until the end. Janusz Kaminski pilots the camera for Spielberg once again in this film. Even though I found his cinematography to be lackluster from his previous films, the authorship of Spielbergs camera style was definitely more prominent in this film and was a warm welcome.

All in all, I found this movie to be disappointing. Despite the positive things (Action, well crafted and funny hijinx) this film falls short. Though I never got bored with the film in general, I did feel disappointed and upset with the cliché actions of the characters. Though this is a Spielberg film, it is not the movie to save summer as many thought it would be. Do I recommend it, yes. Did I like it, somewhat. Will it save the summer season, no.

Add a caption!

What was Victor Santos thinking in this picture?

More then Meets the Eyes

I was surfing imdb.com to find out that Spielberg is Executive Producing a live action version of the Transformers movie.

Its going to be directed by Michael Bay.

Those who know me, realized I just puked on my keyboard.

Opinion Poll #1

Post your response on the comments section!

Who is Batman's greatest villian and why?

Sausage Stats

I have added the Miller Park Sausage racing stats to the blog.

There is not up-to-the-minute updates on the web. I will do my best to keep it up to date, but any help I can get will help.

Now in the Fold

My friend B. Goggins started a blog after I directed him to mine and Nevilles. I think once he saw the pointant rants that we posted, he probably thought we were morons and wanted to show us up.

I guarantee you a good bitter point of view of a nieve world you never saw before, until you see them through the eyes of V-Gogo.

A Little Bit Country

I told a few friends about this commerical I saw on tv this morning. I finally found it on the web, I think its hilarious.

Review of Batman Begins

Batman Begins is the latest chapter in the chain of unattached Batman films. Batman Begins starts the franchise all over and takes you through the journey Bruce Wayne travels to wear the mantle of the guardian of Gotham, Batman.

Bruce Wayne (Bale) struggles with the loss of his parents and sets out to train himself to avenge his past. With mentoring from Herni Ducard (Neeson), we watch Bruce Wayne both harnesses his anger and his guilt and find that they are both laced to his fear. Once he has learned to overcome his fear, he can begin to spread fear to people who seeded his anger and guilt, the crime of Gotham. It’s a vicious circle, but that’s good drama.

Once he returns to Gotham, he quickly begins to look closely at the corruption that has plagued his fare city. After looking over the entire city, he finds that only a few people are good: Gordon (Oldman), Rachel (Holmes), and anyone his father worked with directly. Everyone else is evil except for a few small children and impoverished citizens. Gotham is very black and white, this makes Batman’s job very easy.

Once Batman has made his mark on Gotham and begins to bring down the thugs, the city questions the work of the vigilante. Bruce Wayne must keep up appearances to save both his identity and the good citizens of Gotham. However his struggle between finding his true self and avenging his past quickly shifts to avenging his past and rekindling his lost love with the reentry of Katie Holmes into his life (Rachel).

During this transition, the film changes gears into the familiar gear of summer blockbuster. With the corruption plaguing the city, Scarecrow (Murphy) uses mind altering drugs to drive the city to its knees. And the only way to stop this is with the cooperation of Batman, the above mentioned people who are good in the city, and a futuristic arsenal of stupendous proportions.

Though I find this movie to be good and enjoyable, I also find it to be cut from the same cloth as many other summer blockbuster action films. Though it has small intricacies that break away from the clichés of the summer blockbuster, the film in itself becomes almost predictable and obtuse. With the strength of the beginning and a proposed premise, it is slowly beaten down with flashy chase scenes, chaotic fight scenes and a two dimensional love story.

This film is one of the better action movies to come out this year so far, but to convince someone that this is anything more then a summer blockbuster would be hard to do. Good intentions, but poor execution.

Stay tuned for my rant on this film from the perspective of a Batman Fan!

Lets Start at the Begining

Very good article about the director of the upcoming batman film. Even though I heard he is a jag on the set, it's still a good article and I think he's a good director.

WARNING: I regret reading this article before seeing the latest film. Gives away a small part. Its the small parts that kill.

In Case You Forgot

Many people didn't understand the rage I voiced when New York Yankee's number 11 came up to the plate, heck just the idea that he was in Milwaukee drove me up the wall last night. For those who don't remember, or those who forgot entirely, or for even those who just didn't know.

"The Brewers brought out the hate in me. I was a crazy man. . . . I hated everything about the place. If the official scorer gave me an error, I didn't think was an error, I'd say, 'Ok, here's a real error,' and I'd throw the next ball into the stands on purpose."

Many would say that this quote was taken out of context, that there is no record of Mr. Sheffield ever throwing a major league ball into a major league stand, that he would "never do anything to hurt the team". None the less, Gary Sheffield has a history of speaking his opinion to the media on the negative feelings he has for a team and city just to get what he wants. Though I believe that ballplayers are neither role models or shouldn't be held to a higher standard, I just don't agree with anyone that would either do these things or threaten to do these things just to get what they want. There is not a 'happy average' or 'content with my surroundings percentage' next to his batting average on the back of his card. Him being happy with the team or where he will play next should bare nothing on his actions on the field at that moment.

He was a good ballplayer, and I will remember how I thought he was an awesome player for the Brewers. But I will also remember what he said in that interview and that will go with the memory as well.

Getto's Top 30

Great article for anyone looking for good restaurants in Milwaukee. Dennis Getto writes about his Top 30 again in last Fridays Milwaukee Journal.

He lists some really good places for food and some places I want to try soon.

Trailers

I'm personally not a proponent for watching trailers on the internet or tv. I find them to be a poor quality in both sound and picture. Even the websites dedicated to the movies host poor quality trailers and if they are any good you aren't able to download them and keep them if need be.

Seeing that I work in a theatre I enjoy standing in the back of a theatre and watching them on the big screen. About 10 years ago, that was the first and only way to see the full trailers, but in these modern times you can see full movie trailers even on your telephones, yet I remain a purest.

As earlier mentioned I am very excited for the Batman Begins movie (my brother remains skeptical but that is neither here nor there. If he wants to defend his ignorance, he should start a blog) I stopped by the DivX website to update my drivers when I saw that they host high quality trailers of many major releases coming and already out. I highly recommend going there for your pretheatre trailer viewing, instead of many of the crap sites out there.

http://www.divx.com/movies/trailers.php

And yes, I have downloaded both Batman Begins trailers.

Rock Bottom hits bottom

Many of you are aware of the fine establishment of Rock Bottom. However few of you are aware that Rock Bottom has all-you-can-eat chicken wings and all-you-can-drink beer on Thursday nights for 15 dollars. The reason I say "few", is because last Thursday was the last time they will offer this sweet deal of deliciousness.

I demanded an answer for this travesty when it finally sunk in (I was drinking a lot of Naughty Scot and was in denial). The guy at the door explained that management feels they are not earning money (understandable, seeing that the before mentioned sweet deal, is in fact a sweet deal) but the employee explained that Thursday nights is the busiest weekday night for Rock Bottom because of the sweet deal. I said I would write letters and he gave me his blessing and endorsement.

As a card carrying member of the Mug Club I find this very disappointing. I urge all of you who love both chicken wings and beer to tell Rock Bottom the way you feel. I advise sending in your protests to their website. Together we can make a difference.

Crimson Room

I was told about this Crimson Room at www.chrisdiclerico.com, and tried it out. Its a puzzle game where you have to get out of the room using what you find to help get you out. It was very fun but the only stupid part is at the end.

Good luck, the only hint I will tell you is that there are 13 items to find. I got them all, and my brother got up to 11 before homework called him away.

Fear ends... Justice prevails (god I hope so)

The more I see the latest Batman trailer (as discussed on the Chatanooga Choo Choo) the more I am excited for it. I don’t know what it is. From what I can tell the entire trailer is basically the first reel of the film and the last reel of the film. Batman will be heavy drama and backstory to the dark knight and that’s what has been missing from the last couple Batman films.

What I don’t think the trailer touches on at all is Gordon, which I believe will be a large part of the film. I hope the story is similar to the one of Frank Millers Year One for Gordon’s plot, but I’m open for anything with Gary Oldman as Lt. Gordon.

I’m very excited at seeing the inner turmoil of Batman’s early years and training, for the first time on film (you don’t see Batman for the first hour). The most important part of Batman is his struggle to find himself inside and outside of the cowl and I believe that will be touched on more intimately with Nolan behind the camera.

My only fears are that WB hasn’t realized that the silver screen is too small for two villains and that they don’t over do the love story, even though its Katie Holmes. I’m tired of Bruce Wayne showing his woman the cave and who he really is, that plot point is getting as stale as the bat cave air.

This Batman is truly a new beginning and I hope it revives the dying franchise of the caped crusader.

Nice

If you ever get a chance to go to a Brewers/Cubs game at Miller Park I highly recommend it. It makes it especially sweeter that during the bottom on the ninth, 2 outs, bases loaded and its tied the cubs throw a ball for the 3-2 pitch. Wow, I've never seen so many frustrated cubs fans in my life (except during post season, or when a piece of Wrigley falls on their heads).

Its a good feeling when the Brewers put away the cubs, despite with what Brewer Fans must go through to watch a home game with the Cubs. The cheers and boos at all the wrong times, and the now famous chant OOOOOver-rated (they think they are so cute). One Cubs fan even explained to a bunch of heckling Brewer fan kids that the only reason they are Brewer fans is cause they are poor. I don't get that one, nore do I want try and see what brought that on. I think it can only strenghthen my theory. Cubs fans are jerks.

We Are Not All Dilberts

On the right of this blog I posted a few of my favorite websites (except for that Neville kid's site). These websites are “web comics” and I feel by posting them on the side I can help these juggernauts of the underground internet comic scene get maybe one more viewer. It’s all I can do for the enjoyment they have given me. I go to these sites regularly and reference them daily. They are the green sheets of my 20 something years. I don’t only read and enjoy them, but relate to them on many levels. I advise everyone to search for their own online comic that speaks to them, they’ll find it if they look.

These sites all started with one or two people just drawing and writing. Not really a job that guidance councilors would recommend as stable income. However, 5 to 10 years of doing this consistently they have formed a fan base. Not only do fans read and appreciate their work, but companies are seeing their work. Penny Arcade started making a website that had comics and criticized the gaming industry. Now they publish comics for video game strategy guides, go to Microsoft to test games before they are released, host a yearly convention that draws thousands of fans and raise thousands of dollars for a kids charity they started.

Today I was thinking about an online cartoon I use to frequent often, Xombie. I don’t know what got me to remember this site I haven’t visited in almost a year, but I did. I searched for it again and went to it hoping that perhaps a new chapter would be posted. James Farr (creator and artist) made a 3 minute chapter every 6 months. Every 3 months he would post a letter thanking his fans for keeping him going and keeping their patience. I find out that the creator and solo artist of this online comic is now in pre-production for a feature film of Xombie.

Stuff like this is not only amazingly awesome, but an inspiration. The one common thing of all these sites is that they were guys who wanted to get their art work out because they had no other way or no one would pay to see their art. It didn’t happen instantly and it sure wasn’t praised at first or all the time. They worked for it, and it took years and self dedication. I tap my hats to all web comic and web animators out there. Many of you have full time jobs and families and like to spend a couple hours every night before bed or forgo their lunch hours just to get their art out there. I just wanted you to all know, that we are reading, enjoying and looking for the next piece of work.