Where Have I Been? And When Will I Be Back?

I do apologize for my absence in the blogging world. Things have been busy, and the time I used to have set aside for regular blogging dried up. Also, much of my blogging was television review. All my reviews have continued with the podcast Geek Out With Jimmy!. Subscribe to it on iTunes!
Anyway, while I don't plan on bringing my reviews back to this site, except on very rare occasion, events in my life will be changing soon, and I will see those of you that read this a lot less. Which is saying something, to some of you. I will be getting married and moving to Kentucky or somewhere (we think). So this blog will return as a way to keep in touch and keep you informed, though it won't be all dry and boring. It will be amusing and enlightening and philosophical. If I can get even one of those in each post, I'd be elated.

In conclusion, this blog returns in LATE SUMMER 2009!!!

Blah Blahbity Blah Blah Blah

So much has gone in the last few months, I don't know where to start. I am no longer the lonely pathetic man that most of you know me to be. :) I also have been working a lot, and career prospects are looking up. On top of that, the podcast continues to grow, and I've been hard at work on my next book, the short story collection. I am generally pretty happy and busy, and I miss those friends I have had so little contact with due to our conflicting schedules.

Speaking of missed friends, my friend Jonathan Stewart reminded me that I never wrote a review of Center Stage Player's Rocky Horror Show in October. it was FANTASTIC!!!! I saw it twice! Esther Stinson rocked the stage as Magenta. Jonathan wore a ridiculously cool costume leading the band, and Michael Newsome directed it wonderfully. I can't remember what Mary Sink did, but I remember she did it well, and that she was backstage. Ed Eblin cracked me up as the narrator. I wish I could write in more detail, but it has been a long time. I can't wait for the show next year, as well as the shows the company will do before then, because they always do a great job.

Ohio primary elections are today. I slept through four alarms, even though I set them early and went to bed early. I was actually late for work this morning, although not late enough to matter, they didn't care. But I had planned on going to vote before school. I have to go straight to my second job this evening, so I won't get to vote. Those of you who know me know that I am deeply disappointed. I follow the political stage quite loyally. Oh, well. This sucks.

I saw The Other Boleyn Girl this weekend. For my review of that, the season finale of Project Runway, New Amsterdam, and other stuff, check out the podcast I host, The Good, The Bad, & The Geeky at www.dribbleforkids.com/GBG or on iTunes.

Speaking of the podcast, my cohost Nick will be at MegaCon in Orlando, FL this weekend so Jon and I will be doing it without him, though we hope to have a guest fill in. I was not able to attend the convention, but my books are on sale there, and so is a new short story! Well, the short story is free. But only convention attendees will be able to get it, unless you personally know me and ask me nicely. :)

No Qop this time as the post is already too long, but expect another one soon!

I Dreamed a Dream

Yes, yes, I just blogged yesterday and you are not used to me blogging, as I have been slacking for several months. I have many blog ideas in me, however, and only a short time until the last few months seem like cake compared to the busy schedule coming, so why not post now? Those friends of mine that have blogs, I promise to link to you soon, but I only have 15 minutes before I have to go back and work the second half of my double shift, so it won't happen today. Sorry.

A few nights ago I had one of my strangest dreams yet. I dreamed I was at a church, and many of my close friends and family were there. That was weird, because I avoid church like the plague. Then I saw my friend Abby from Champps in a wedding dress. Weird, right? Even weirder, I soon found a program that said Abby's wedding was at 1pm and mine was at 4pm. There were lots of details I have mulled over, but the biggest that gets to me is that in my dream, I couldn't remember my bride's name. I remember thinking I was so nervous I forgot who I was marrying. Is it a sign that I need slow down, that I may marry the next girl I date? Or is it a sign that I'm not ready to be married, though I maintain that I have been ready since Kindergarten? Or is it a sign of impending nuptials? Or does it just show how desperate I sometimes am to find that one person for me? Or is it just a meaningless dream? I don't know, but it disturbed me and I spent much effort thinking about it for days afterwards. A wedding is in my not so distant future, I hope, but I haven't even been in a relationship for over four years. Oh, well. How does that help me now? It doesn't. So back to my dull and busy life, back to the things I don't want to do with the hope that if I do them now, I can afford to do what I want to do in the future.

Qop!
"Everything in life is only for now." ~ Avenue Q

On Notice / Dead to Me #2

For loyal readers of this blog, you may remember that last September I announced my own Dead to Me and On Notice boards, modeled after my idol, Stephen Colbert. They have not been updated in nearly eight months, so now I present for your pleasure my new lists! Many of the names have been left, but the descriptions changes. As always, there can only be dead per board, so I will give a brief account at the bottom of who got off the list. Lucky bastards. You had better hope that you never make this list. New additions are *ed

ON NOTICE
*Jonathan Stewart (my friend) - I'm sorry, but it's getting confusing to know two people with that name, and The Daily Show's host isn't going to change his. You've got until I do my next update to resolve the situation.
President George W. Bush - You have been moved from "DtM" to "ON" because it's way past time to stop ignoring you. Stand up and impeach the bastard!
J. K. Rowling - You stay here because I haven't read your new book yet, which is only the second longest of the series. Why in the hell isn't it the longest?
Movie Critis - I used to complain about your bad reviews, but lately it seems all the reviews have been good. Find a middle ground!
*Girls - For continuing to not be interested in me. One day I am going to give up on you, and then you'll know what you're missing hos! :)
Bones - There was an episode pulled off the air because of the Virginia Tech coverage stuff, but that episode has apprently disappeared into thin air. What gives?
Fox - You cancelled Drive, but I hadn't watched it yet, so you're not "DtM"...for now.
*Alcohol - I need to lose some wait and you are getting in my way, delicious devil!
Clogs - They look so cool, and yet make my feet stink. Eh, why mess with a truism?
Geese - They are EVIL!!!! I won't make you dead to me, though, because you'll attack anyway and then I'll be dead. Like Bush, we can't afford to ignore them.

DEAD TO ME
Katie Couric - Hahaha. You switch lists because you're getting fired.
*Anna Nicole - Replacing Steven Irwin for the 'No, seriously. She's dead.'
Walmart - You axis of evil. You're an axis all by yourself. You're here forever.
Macs - I don't care how user friendly you are. I will NEVER own one of you! Maybe. Yep, no need to change this entry either.
*ABC & NBC - for not airing new episodes of Grey's Anatomy, My Name is Earl and The Office because of a little rain. I'll consider not watching any of your shows any more, but seriously, that was a prick thing to do and I hate you for it. I had to pay $1.99 an episode on iTunes!
Ashland Financial Aid Office - You continue to perplex me!
Grizzly Bears - Stephen hates you. Enough said.
The International Astonomers - Why hasn't Pluto been reinstated as a planet yet? Did you not hear the outcry of a mourning public?
The Food Service Industry - Still working there... Part time, but still...
Anyone Who Hasn't Bought My Book - WHY NOT???????

Repreives - Democrats. Yes, you won in November. But be careful or I'll put you right back! Iran, Condaleeza Rice, Steven Irwin and Mike DeWine were removed from the list because they are now under the Who Cares? category.

Inevitable

Those of you who know me had to expect this type of post. It's 3am on Valentine's Day. Since I was told that school was cancelled like 8 hours ago, I'm not worried about sleep. But I am depressed. I'm drunk. Yes, I drank alone. I don't do it too often, especially not to excess, but I did it, because I'm lonely, and I'm sick of this shit. I think I'm a pretty good catch. I almost have my teaching lisence, I sub, I have two published books available for sale. I like to think that I'm funny and creative. And yet I've been single for three and a half years. Why is that? I don't know. I really don't. But I am definitely sick of it. Somebody please set me up on a blind date or something. Seriously. I'm ready to cast off the single life. Hell, I was ready to do that two decades ago, no exaggeration. I'm ready for marriage. My biological clock is ticking. At least help me score a date or something. I'm not desperate. It would have to be the right girl for me to start a relationship. But I am anxious to meet that right girl, and the more women I meet, the more likely that is to happen. So please set me up with a cutie immediately! :)

Qop!
There is no Qop today. Give me a break.

Man Market

So WNCI's Man Market last night was interesting. Definitely a lot more fun than a couple of years ago when I went. It was at Flannagan's, and it was packed, shoulder to shoulder. I drank semi-heavily (I wasn't driving), and actually got the courage to make it up on stage where Dave Kaelin told them all I looked like John Lennon. I have to say, I was flattered. I've never really looked like any celebrity, but I guess with the longer hair and scruffiness I finally do. And I like John Lennon. Who doesn't? Then the really scary part came. I had to dance. On stage. In front of a mass of screaming women. I did it, looking (I think) semi confident, although as we exited through the parking lot a short time later one girl did comment that she could tell I 'flew' off the stage. Oh, well. I still was a lot braver than I would have been a couple fo years ago. Now if it had only helped me meet girls... :)

Qop! (from Ruminations)
No matter which way you slice it, you've sliced it. And it won't grow back. Way to not pay attention, idiot.

July 21st Will Be a Magical Day

It's official. Book Seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released on July 21st. Barnes and Noble is already taking preorders for $20.99 ($18.89 at amazon). The last couple of times they released a book, I preordered from amazon.com or Barnes and Noble's website and had to wait all day for my book. I think I'll just go somewhere at midnight this year. There won't be a major, shortage. They plan for this stuff now, unlike the surprise smash of Book Four. I am disappointed that no page count has been announced, but I'm excited, as I was beginning to think the release date would be much further off. The fifth movie will also be out that month. Yay!

On a different note, I am going to WNCI's ManMarket tonight. Any single girls should come. There will be about 400 single guys there. Hopefully that many girls will show up, too, or my chances might not be so good. I tried it a couple of years ago and it was lame, but this time it is at Flannigan's, not the practically deserted Continent, and I have a bit more confidence than a few years ago. Wish me luck! I try to ignore my biological clock, but it's ticking, and I would love to find that special woman sometime soon.

Qop! (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
Harry: Why do they have to travel in packs? And how are you supposed to get one on their own to ask them?
[Stops in front of a group of girls, hesitates, then continues walking]
Ron: Blimey, Harry. You've slayed dragons. If you can't get a date, who can?
Harry: I think I'd take the dragon now.

Labels

By the way all, labels have finally been finished for ALL my blogs, dating back nearly two and a half years. Want to know everything I've written about a certain topic? Click on a label. Have fun. Be safe. :)

Oh, by the way, Depressed is not my most common label. Politics is. But thanks for noticing. :) Other big ones: ActorsNightmare, Alias, books, Buffy, JonStewart, Religion, Romance, StephenColbert, Writing. Nope, Drinking wasn't high enough to top the list. Screw you. :)

New Blogger

Yes, I know it has been more than a month since I posted. I was going to give you a whole spiel about how I have been so busy finishing up the last semester of grad school, working two jobs, starting to date someone, the holidays, and all that other stuff, but then I actually went to the blogger site and came up with a new reason: They made me upgrade to the new blogger! Not made, but I was going to have to soon, so sort of made. hence the extra delay. Now, although I haven't really had a chance to explore it yet, I really liked the old blogger, and those of you who know me know that I hate being forced to change something that I like. I'm sure that this new thing is way cooler, but now I'm supposed to go back and categorize all my old entries, which is a lot of work. I haven't decided if I am going to go it yet or not. Until I get a handle on this thing, I probably won't post again. However, I want to be back to regular posts by the new year, so I'll probably figure it out. Stupid blogger.

Qops! (from Alias)
Vaughn: Look, if I'm not back in a couple of hours I'm probably dead.
Agent Eric Weiss: Good to know.

Marcus Dixon: Listen, while you're grabbing the Rambaldi manuscript, if you happen to see a sandwich...
Sydney: You got it.

Sloane: Marshall, would you please go back to work?
Agent Marshall Flinkman: Just to clarify, I'm not being fired?
Sloane: Back to work means not fired.

Agent Jack Bristow: If you tell anyone about this conversation, you will no longer be able to wear a hat.

A Date

So I'm going on a date. You know how weird that sounds? A friend from college called me up and asked me out. I said yes. Now I'm going on date. I have not been on a date in fifteen months, and haven't been in a relationship in two years and nine months. I don't know if this will lead to a relationship. I'm honestly not thinking that far ahead. I'm just marveling at long it's been. Granted, it took me a long time to get over the last girlfriend. I went on a few dates last winter, but nothing came of that. I am really looking forward to this date because I have been wanting to get out and go on one in so long. I always have liked girls, and was looking for my future wife in Kindergarten. I never actually got to go on dates or have a girlfriend until college, and by that time I incredibly frustrated because I was getting old. I always figured I would be married by the time I was out of college. That's the kind of guy I am. I'm the 'marrying type', not that date endless streams of women type. But most girls my age want to wait to get married. The average marriage age is 30! That's crazy. I'm going to be 23 next Sunday and I am not at all happy about the status of my love life, and whole I've come to enjoy the single life and have fun doing it, I won't miss it when it's gone. Like I said, I'm not even thinking long term tonight. I am only thinking of tonight, which I guess shows how my mindset has changed over time. Now that I've spilled my guts about something deeply personal over the internet, don't think I'm a loser, and don't say mean things on my blog, ok? :)

Qop! (from Veronica Mars)
Veronica's Father: So how was your date?
Veronica: Simple conversation, nothing much. But the sex was fantastic!
Veronica's Father: That's not funny.

Vegas Or Buzzzzzzzt

So I am supposed to be packing right now to go catch a flight to Vegas and get married (sorry, Jess. We did two years ago. Time for an annollment) but somebody (cough)April(cough) went to bed instead because she can't even stay awake for her own wedding. :) Ok, joking aside, work sucks. My college loans finally came through but I'm still not enrolled in this quarter. My work tried to cut my bonus for last quarter but not anyone else's (they 'accidentally forgot'), and my car is broken and needs fixed. I have the worst luck with cars. And yet I'm in a pretty good mood anyway. Ah, well.

Qop!
"You just like the alien butt sex." ~ Jenn Meister

Bonus Qop!
"I did it for you David!" ~ Michael imitating Penny Johnson Jerald a.k.a. Sherry Palmer

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

So I am ready to settle down I have been ready to settle down for years. I want to find the woman of my dreams, be married for a few years, have the 2.5 kids and live with the picket fence in the suburbs. Any takers? I need to find that girl. I have had two girlfriends, and in all honesty the first one probably fit me better than the second, even though we weren't right for each other. I have pictured this situation with both, and it definitely wouldn't have worked for the second. My roommate Tim says I date bossy, bitchy girls because I have low self-esteem. We'll see how that works out. I'm random because I am trashed.

(I usually don't go for celebrities, but...) TOP SIX HOTTEST GIRLS OF ALL TIME:
1. (Censored because I know her in real life)
2. Sarah Silverman (Greg the Bunny, School of Rock, Star Trek: Voyager, etc.)
3. Zoey Deschanel (Almost Famous, Elf, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Coming Summer 2005))
4. (Again censored because I know her in real life)
5. Alicia Witt (Cybill, Mr. Holland's Opus, Minority Report)
6. Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted)

Qop!
"Men are weak."
~Lord of the Rings

Randomness

First, let me start out by saying that while I did not hit my magic 15 posts this month, I did more than my minimum 10 from last month, so I'm proud of myself. Hopefully it'll stay up.

As I was walking back from class I saw a slip of paper on the ground that said 'Wear White On Monday to Support Academic Intergrity at Otterbein College'. What if I don't support Academic Integrity? What if I like cheating? Ok, so it's a strategy I don't run arond employing, but if the oppurtunity presented itself, I would memorize multiple choice answers. I am a busy man! If it saves me time and doesn't seem too big a deal, I may do it! I wouldn't put effort into cheating or try to sneak answers into a test or anything the least bit risky, but still... Cheating has been around since the beginning of time. I submit it isn't always bad.

My job and my bosses at this moment suck my ass. Does anyone have a job I can work at close to my present salary and will be flexible with me until school lets out and then let me have my week off in July for vacation? If you know a job, please let me know!

I was watching Yesterday's Enterprise last night and it occured to me that the ulta-military version of the Enterprise-D reminded me of the bridge of the Enterprise-E especially in color scheme and station positions (especially Riker's), which was built during the Dominion War. The first two shows and seven movies always threatened war, the last three shows and three movies carried on with it. What does that say about our culture today versus the sixties or even the eighties and early nineties?

I watched the first ever episode of SNL today (Jonathan - I put it on your tape). Some trivia: It was hosted by George Carlin. He did numerous monologues throughout, but acted in no skits. He sounds totally different today. It had two musical guests, both of whom performed twice. It had 'commercials', a Weekend Update with Chevy Chase, and a film by Albert Brooks. In the opening instead of saying "The Not Ready For Prime Time Players", the announced said "The Not For Ready Prime Time Players". The first skit was the famous John Belushi wolverine skit. It also featured some Bees. They liked those bee costumes in the early days.

My name is Jim and I am an alcoholic (not really).

I have not had a girlfriend since I got addicted to tv. As much as I love tv, and as much as I know I would never let tv interfere with a girlfriend, I'm beginning to think I can't wait until I'm with someone to ditch the tv addiction. I am contemplating doing it soon. If I go through with it, it will be painful.

I also watched a great episode of The Practice where Alan Shore hired Denny Crane to represent him against the firm. Yay!

Qop!
"God isn't perfect... Everything he has created so far has died!"
~George Carlin, SNL

The Real #8

My title refers to the fact that I miscounted since one of the eight I counted was Nick's. This is my real 8th post this month, and since there are still 11 days left, I think I'll hit my goal of two more. Of course, there are still 11 more months for me to go before I pass my new year's resolution, but that isn't anywhere close to the subject I am thinking about.

Warning! Highly personal journal! I don't usually do this, but tonight I am on my fifth glass of wine and about halfway through the movie The Graduate and so I am choosing to really open up. Not that I care what people think of me, but the internet is not my first choice for these revelations. However having no one else to talk to tonight, you get to read it. This is my first viewing of the movie, but watching it after consuming a bit of alcohol and the current state of my love live (or lack thereof) is leaving me a little emotional. Looking back at my life, I have made a lot of choices, and not all of them do I not regret (does that make sense?). I am fairly glad I waited until college before I was ever in a relationship, although that was not entirely by choice. However I am still a virgin (sorry if you consider that overshare) and that is by choice. I've had many instances where I could have chosen to give that up, but I stuck to my morals. Now that I seem to have less morals (in fact I'm becoming downright apathetic and that scares me) I kind of regret not taking certain chances. Although looking back at my life, there are only 3 women I would seriously consider offers from that gave them. Unfortunately, one of them was older and married and hence the bittersweet state I am now in. I am somewhat proud that I stuck to my guns and stopped anything from happening, although to be honest that may have been more from paralyzing fear of a barely 18 year old who hadn't even kissed a girl than anything else, but at the same time...the woman was amazing. I've never met anyone like here before or since. I'm sure that door is now closed to me and I do feel that that's probably a good thing, but I still think very fondly of this woman. I had (have) a huge crush on her and I still melt when I see her occasionally. I kind of wish I had gone for it, although I'm sure it would have been a big mess and I would have regretted it. But still. Hmm.

Qop! (not really in the mood, but here's one anyway):
"Darkness is always most evident in the hour before dawn." (I am stealing a pun from a Buffy philosophy book. Notice how Dracula showed up and was defeated moments before the first appearance of Dawn. Ironic anyone?)
BONUS Qop!
JOEY: Now it's time for some serious questions. Who would win in a fight. Dracula or the Wolfman?
NEW ASST (Pete from Two Guys, a Girl, & a Pizza Place): Definitely the Wolfman.
JOEY: And you were doing so well! Why do you say that?
NEW ASST: Because they'd be in a lock until dawn, and then Dracula would turn to dust and the Wolfman would just be a guy again.
JOEY: Wow! I've never thought of it that way before. That changes everything!

Let's Get Emotional About it!

Have you ever felt that... well.. you need a good cry? You know, even if you're a man, you just want to sit down, while no one else is looking, cept possibly with a girlfriend to, in our own man-like idea of possibly scoring browning points... okay, I'm starting to ramble off, but, every once and awhile... even a guy needs a hug. Or heck, a nice "feel good" movie at the end of the day. Or maybe some nice little emotional movie. So I thought I decided to share with you, some great and what I call my top 20/21 and in no particular order "emotional movies."


1 Almost Famous (I prefer the director's cut "Untitled: The Bootleg Cut)
This movie feels like me. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I really just like to connect to my characters, but while I don't particually write music reviews, why is it I relate to Willam more than I prolly should? The whole dynamic of Penny Lane, Willam and Russel make the film, and of course, who can forget Jason fucking Lee??

2 Good Will Hunting
What can I say. Robin Williams makes this movie the great flick it is. Sure, I am a fan of Damon and Affleck too, but come-on. His relationship with Lambeu makes the movie. He geuiniely cares for the boy and the whole subplot with his wife... Skylar leaving and Will pushing her away... Just a great coming of age flick. And of course, that damned Pudge Fisk card.


3 A.I. - Artificial Intelligence
While I had to watch the DVD's second disc to understand the symbolic importance of what the fuck Jude Law was really doing in the movie, the ending of the movie makes you weep like a little girl. I don't know. I don't have a great super duper all sunshine and roses relationship with my mom. I wish I did though. And in a way, I want what David (the cute robot kid) wants. To love his mother and to have her love in return. And not have any one or anything matter but that love. And... that makes you fucking weep.


Weep.

4 Ocean's Eleven
We're moving to "Feel Good and Cheer Me Up" territory here, everytime I watch this movie, I am still amazed they fucking pull off that heist. And yes, I know what's going to happen. But it still amazes me. And they still look just as cool! I mean... fuck, I need to get George Clooney's trainer. Or agent. Or both.

5 You've Got Mail
I don't know what it is about this movie. First time I watched it in theaters, I was mildy dissapointed with it. Then I saw it on TNT and something about the movie stuck me differently. The actors of Ryan and Hanks, and EVERYONE in their supporting cast ranging from the little boy (F-O-X), Dabney Coleman to Greg Kinnear, it oozes of a romantic let-me-down-pick-me-up film that just gives you hope. And that's refreshing for a change.


6 Disney's Lilo & Stitch
Maybe it's Elvis, maybe I just darker things when I get older. But I LOVE this movie. To quote comic book guy from The Simpsons.. "Favorite. Movie. Ever." Well, in terms as far as Disney is concerned. ;-) But, this tale is quite dark when you get to the heart of it. Nasty possibly bloodthirsty alien bent on destructing worlds, intergalatic police, and a girl soon to be ripped from her sister's custody to her sister's lack of responsibility. Those are the basic roots of the film, but when you watch it, you just feel all... happy in the end. While no sequel or TV show will truly recapture (at least this point in time shows us this) the magic of the ending gives you during the "Burning Love" rendition by Wyonna, you truly feel a sense of Ohana, and that family is what you make it. (And the saddest part? "I'm... I'm lost. I'm lost." )


7 Addicted to Love
While I know Jimmy will shoot this down very quickly, and for reasons I quite reasonably understand, this is one of those "Get revenge" films, that soon turns into a blossoming relationship between Broderick and Ryan. Also, I find it just plain funny, and relatable. When you are obviously facing rejection your heart finds hope as the person you loved is on a pedestal and you can't let them go. Let's just say... "a smile chart" made by Broderick's character (an astrologer and studier of life and stars obviously) relates to ANOTHER chart of her moods within the week, and it leads him to conclude she (his ex played by Kelly Preston) will break up with her new fiance, some french guy. Yes, halarity ensues, and there is even talk of Lassie getting it on with Timmy.

8 Jerry Maguire
"SHOW ME THE MONEY!"
Come one. Despite that nice "catchphrase" which spread like wildfild across America during the Christmas and summer of 1998 to 1999, Jerry Maguire was a film for sportfans and non sportfans alike, about... gee golly gosh. Love. Friendship too. I mean I think the film rests on Gooding Jr. and Cruise's interaction, even tho that blonde chick and cute kid, awe hell, they work too.

9 Rudy
Okay, back to emotional territory-ville, Rudy is a football film for people who, it doesn't matter about what ti is. While it's more biased towards the land of football than previous entry Jerry Maguire, it shows off "Samwise Gamgee" himself, Sean Astin as a great actor, and the music plays a huge part in the finale of the film, which leads that dreams CAN come true if you work hard at it.

10 Kissing A Fool
Not many people know of this film. And while it's not funny, it doesn't make you cry, it's a good emotional film. And Jason Lee. And that Ross guy from Friends. And oh yeah, he's a dickhead in the movie. Actually worth a watch.

11 Awakenings
This is an older movie by Penny Marshall, starring Robin Williams and Bob DeNiro. The movie will have you crying like a girl at the end. Actually this is almost as close with Artifical Intelligence in the "Cry like a woman" film department.

12 Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
The movie is very odd. So odd, most people will either love or hate the movie. But Jim Carrey gives his best performance since... well I hate to say it but he outdoes Truman Show. It's bout a guy who finds out his girl, or EX-girlfriend, erased all her memories of him. So he gets revenge and does the same thing. In the mind, we see the process occur, but the mind of the human is a terrible thing to destroy, as it makes you the person you become. And history can be upt to.... repeat itself. But.. Jim Carrey's most honest and terrific performance.

13 The Truman Show
The first big film that was overlooked. The Truman Show is a film that really makes you weep for Truman and hate Cristof. While his intentions are pure and good, Cristof cripples and destroys Truman actually, depending how you look at it, so yeah. It's another movie about the man bringing us down. Makes you feel good for Truman tho at the end. and actually gets a bit of a tear from me.


14 Saving Private Ryan
Speilberg. Hanks. Tripple X. (xXx) and Damon. (minus Affleck) This war flick pulls your heartstrings when you finally reach the last 20 to 30 minutes of this great war epic from War World 2.

15 The Iron Giant
I never thought a cartoon would make me cry. I mean, as much as this. (Yes, more so than Lilo & Stitch...) If you never seen it, for shame. The movie is so heartfelt and it's from the guy who did The Incredibles. YES. So go watch something that really tugs your heart. For the person you are is not the person others think you are. You are who you want to be. Even if it's Superman. And there is a missle coming for the earth. Go get em, Superma-- err I mean "The Iron Giant."

16 That Thing You Do!
Tom Hanks would win the award for actor most on my list. But it's true. The guy makes kick-ass movies. This goes into the "Feel Good" Category. while Ocean's Eleven is about making you feel about robbing a casino, That Thing You Do! is about the (I believe) creation of the " One Hit 'Wonders' " and Guy, (the drummer) growing up. Also, that song, it's peppy, and catchy. Just like Hanks says in the movie! Well don't that beat all! Or as Guy would say... "I am SPARTACUS..."

17 Disney's The Lion King
Scar kills Simba's Dad. ANd it's sad, alright? And it's good. Timon and Pummba. Scar, Simba and the whole Pridelands. What more do you need?

18 Jersey Girl
Kevin Smith's ode to his wife... and in a way, his father, a touching tribute to child-raising. And the ending rocks. I mean come on. Ben Affleck singing? Comedy genius! The burial scene of J-Lo with that touching Aimee Mann song? Sad as hell! If you've not seen this, what are you waiting for? Follow's Jimmy's example, a great one mind you, and see the movie multiple times!!!!! You honestly won't regret it.

19 The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Whoa whoa whoa! There are a lot of reasons I bring this up. First off, The two parts of the film, or the "trilogy" which rings kick-ass for me, are both Sam's, and that is his monolouge in Two Towers in what makes us go on in face of evil and danger surrounding us... and of course, the best fucking line ever... "I know I can't carry the ring for you... but I can carry you." Granted I'm sure I ruined it, but when all hope is lost, it brings the biggest smile on your face as a viewer. We've invested... 7 hours at least into the film (s) and we want to see something good happen. But while we're winning on our fronts, the ring is not yet destroyed. And Frodo is turning evil! I mean COME ON!! But, um, yes. Anyway. :-D

20 Spider-man/Spider-man 2
Now... alot of people may be going.. "what? Emotional? C'mon. It's an action super hero movie." But really... I totally relate to Peter Parker. I do. I mean, I wasn't the popular kid. My "Spider-man" powers were my talents of singing and being the band geek. And I wasn't normal like everyone else. I don't care too much for sports, and I talk about movies constantly or stuff that pop culture fans only would know. And... every guy has "The girl next door" that they fell in love with in High School. I had mind. We never honestly got her, but it's good Spider-man did. and he got to kick ass webslinging in the process too. While I count Spider-man 2 more so than the first film, the first film is not without it's merit. The death of Uncle Ben was horrifying for me, (I saw my grandmother's life slip out of her, and it was haunting very much like the film's actor) and the fact Peter didn't really get MJ at the end, was refreshing. And to see everything pay off in film 2, (more notably, a very touching moment which brings tears to my eyes are the train sequence, the end of the film's "This is heavy." and of course, the "Raindrops Are Falling On My Head" sequence) is what makes it all worth while and not just another comic book movie, but an actual well developed character I care about.

Okay, while these are my top 20, I do want you to know these are mine. These do not reflect Jimmy's opinions in anyway, and while I know Artificial Intelligence is prolly on the list somewhere along with American Wedding, I'm sure..... ;-)

But I digress. Please share (including you Jimmy) your Top 20 Emotional Films, and these can be films that moved you in a good way (made you feel really good after you watched it) or made you just cry. If you can't think of 20 (I'm a movie geek... I understand) just list how ever many you have!

Should Auld Aquaintance Be Forgot...

I know it's been a very long time since I've updated but I've been swamped. In honor of New Year's, I'm going to list recent disappoinments and pleasant surprises. Not a recap of the whole year, but a brief summary of the last few weeks.

Pleasant Surprises:
Entertainment - DeLovely on DVD - I love that movie, not really a surprise, but glad it's out
Blade Trinity - Ryan Reynolds is hilarious! Still haven't seen the first two.
Modest Mouse - they rock
Ben Folds - finally enough bad memories gone to truly enjoy him
BNL Christmas - wasn't really a suprise!
24 - Amazing! Almost done with Season 3. Season 4 premieres in a week and a half.
Ocean's Twelve - all I can say is awesome!
Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical (see above comment)
*Seeing The Producers tomorrow! Will update on that!
Other stuff - Black Cherry Smirnoff - mmmm!
I can get along with two of my three brothers awesomely!
Fun New Year's especially at Kristen & Amanda's
Actually dating again
Harry Potter 6 - July 16
Lemony Snicket
getting inot better shape

Disappoinments:
Watermelon Smirnoff
Christmas With the Kranks
not doing the New Year's Eve I planned
certain alienations from friends
not getting in shape as fast as I wanted to

And the biggest thing on my mind these past few weeks... Marriage
I am currently 17 months younger than my mom was when she got married, which was the age I always planned to get married. I figured date a couple of years, be engaged a year...obviously that timeline is shot. I thought I had accepted it. Then I found out my cousin, three months my younger, is getting married on June 24, 2006. I am happy for her. Her guy is great. Still disappointing. I should be first. My parents only were together 11 months before marriage, but I don't see myself rushing into anything that fast. Although I guess you never know. Still, with my cousin getting married, it's weighing heavily on me. I'm finally dating again, but I wouldn't say anything is even close to looking at long term, which is a disappointment to me because I really want to be married now. Of course, I could only marry someone I was in love with, so that hurts things. Plus I need to know they are the one, and I honestly don't know if I've met that person yet. I have two ex's, both of whom I was in love with and considered marriage. The first is getting married soon to someone even younger than I am. I'm happy for them, but it still hurts. The second I was really really really serious about, and I still detest her, and yet I can't help but being emotionally happy that she is happy with someone else. That has been my biggest surprise, since I have so many negative feelings towards her. Yet I think those are from the positive feelings I felt and the way it was ended. I'm still in love, even if I don't like. That sucks. Now I need to find the one...don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining so much about my dating situation, since I am dating a wonderful girl. I just want to know right no who is the one for me for the rest of my life and be with them.

Scoring

Hmm. That title best sums up the topics I wanted to cover today, but get your mind out of the gutter. I'm not talking about scoring as in sex. Well not really, anyway. :)

Firstly, we had the annual Flyer's manager meeting / bowling tournament. West Jeff won this year, finally beating Galloway, who I believe has won every year up to this point. So like the last 3 years or so. Anyway, I ended up getting the second highest score for West Jeff in two rounds and third highest in the first game. Scott, my boss and owner, got first in all three. The Ulreys are all great bowlers. Anyway, it was close, but we scored and West Jeff won. Yay! I need to bowl more. I miss the every week trips with Timmy, Julie, Esther, Erin, Ivan, Nora, Scott, and assorted others. Aww.

Second, I watched Citizen Kane and RKO 281 this week. For those of you who don't know, Citizen Kane is widely considered to be the greatest American film ever made. Honestly, it's pretty boring, but that just means I need to watch it again because I didn't understand it enough. Basically it tells the story of William Randolph Hearst, one of the most powerful men in America when the film was made and basiclly owner of the entire national media. RKO 281 is the story behind the movie, and was made recently by HBO and stars a great cast. That movie is much more interesting. It's a good thing Orsen Wells made CK just before Hearst went backrupt, or it could have cost him his life, career, his everything. Yet it still cost him a lot. It's about figuring out the score of one's life. Very intriguing.

Thirdly, and this absurd notion just occured to me, and please don't read too much into it. Love stinks. You know that? I mean, I am just starting to date someone and am happy with the way things are going, but it occured to me what a raw deal love is. I mean, we've gone on two dates, I've spent like...um, I don't even know. Let's say around $75? They were pretty cheap dates, thank goodness because I'm poor right now. :) Then you talk about time, gas, etc. And we haven't even decided if this is just dating or if it'll ever be something more. How many other things do people just throw in tons of time, money, effort, energy, and souls to attain a goal they may or may not get? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for love. It is always totally worth it in the end. Even a bad relationship I had in the past, I wouldn't try to figure out how much I spent or keep score of how it turned out. And I'm not caring about money now. True love in the end, whether it be with the person I'm seeing now or someone I have yet to meet, only time will tell, is always well worth it. It's worth ten times what you end up paying. Yet from a logical standpoint, it seems really stupid and it stinks. Hmms. Well cynicism can kiss my ass because I love love. :)

Another Great Day

That headline doesn't refer to today, although it certainly ended well with a nearly two hour phone conversation to the girl I was out with Friday night. :) Other than that, I worked 12 hours. Yesterday, however was great. After my awesome late Friday night, I slept in until nearly noon on Saturday. Then Tim and I became Manly Men and went out and cut down a tree from a tree farm. Arrg!, as we kept saying. We cut it down, drug it back to the truck, and headed home where we preceeded to act girly again and decorate all day, including a big construction paper fireplace on our wall. So to feel more manly we made a sign with markers that showed how fierce we were with our saws and the tree cowering in fear. Manly, right? LOL. We had a ton of fun decorating until midnight. Nick even came over and made a lifesize Nick from his comic coming out of a gift wrapped box. It is totally cool. And we put lights outside to scare our neighbors. :) So, come check our place out. Bedtime soon. Got to get up. Maybe a little 24 first. I'm not moving nearly fast enough on that. Gotta get through three seasons by the end of the year.

This Update Has A Happy Ending

So I need to update quite a bit. It's been an eventful week. I finishied my exams on Monday and my last project for the quarter on Tuesday. It was a paper about Music and the Holocaust. Very interesting, but if I start typing about it now, I'd put in half the paper, so never mind. :) It's a relief to be done with classes for awhile, but now it actually is fully sunk in that I will be leaving Otterbein in two quarters. It is extremely sad. I will very much miss it.

So Wednesday I worked 8-8 as it is the busiest night for pizza in the year, plus cooked three turkeys, pies, and all the fixings for about 100 people. How fun is that? Then I picked up my little sister from her basketball practice and went out to my aunt's house fully expecting to have more Thanksgiving prep to do (but not really wanting to as I was tired). Luckily my two littlest brothers had been there and did all the cleaning and table setting and stuff. One was still there. My uncle arrived about the same time I did (not the one that lives there - he was driving his truck and didn't get home until 5am! but the one from Kentucky that I don't get to see that often). Then his wife and their twins came home (sans their little sister) and we all played Euchre and talked and drank until late (I was overserved!). My aunt had bought Smirnoff for me. Devil. I have cut back on drinking but I would have felt guilty when she bought it for me if I didn't. So I got up kinda late (10:30ish) on Thursday and helped her in the kitchen getting ready for the big 35 member family feast. Then of course the feast, all my mom's family showing up (we're all very close), good wine, good food, good conversation. I finally left about 10pm and headed home, where Tim & I arranged our apartment for the tree.

Friday I had to work 8 hours, but the worst part of Friday was when I found out my car repair is going to be $2000! So it's not getting done. I don't have the money, the car is only worth about $3000. Problem is I still owe $1600 on the car. So I don't know how I'm going to afford a new car while staying paying the old one. I tried to tak my dad about it, but he's still a total asshole sometimes, which is a shame because we haven't fought in awhile and it was nice to have a little peace with him. Anyway, I am still driving his pickup and I have no idea what I'm going to do.

Lucikly Friday night is the capper and was very fun. I went to the zoo with someone and then we hung out at Steak and Shake until 3am. I really don't want to say much more because I don't know where anything is going, but I am happy that the one and a half year streak is over, and that I had so much fun with this person. It made me completely forget about my other problems and she is extremely cool. Anyway, talk to you all later!

I'm So Happy :)

I'm so happy. Bet you can't guess why. :)