We still don't know his first name.

Of course I'm talking about the mysterious (though a little less so now) Mr. Bennet from the show HEROES. If you have Monday nights at 9pm open, you may want to check out NBC's engaging and entertaining new drama.

I've posted about HEROES before and I've thought of it as a pleasant surprise with great potential. But, for me, last night's extraordinary episode has unveiled that potential. It was simply an all-around great episode in which a decent amount of backstory was uncovered, while nicely setting up new plotlines. I still think the cast may be a little bit more pretty than skilled, at times, but last night's episode was full of acting prowess, perhaps helped by such sharp writing. The comic book storyline has been smoothly building, sprinkled with great twists and surprise characters. Last night's episode did not disappoint, and, true to form, ended in a juicy cliffhanger that will keep us engaged for the coming episodes.

For those of you who haven't seen an episode this season, it is of course best to wait for the DVDs this summer and catch the whole season in sequence. For those of us following this solid drama, are you also pleasantly surprised at just how good this show is getting?

Short Break

I'll be taking a short break from blogging due to school and some other stuff. But I wanted to thank everyone (the blog buddies/neighbors) for visiting/commenting, and for allowing me to enjoy and share a small part of your lives by reading your wonderful blogs.

I would also like to end this post with four of my favorite films. Here they are in alphabetical order.

Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001)

This is an absolutely touching and heartbreaking masterpiece. I've seen many of Spielberg's films and, in my opinion, this one is head and shoulders above the others (which are pretty good). I think some (if not much) of this had to do with the film being a collaboration with Stanley Kubrick.

Blade Runner (1982)

I guess I kinda like sci-fi. This amazing sci-fi action thriller is still visually engrossing after all these years. However it is much more than a superb action flick, dealing with eternal, in-depth themes like the confrontation and intersection of man and machine.

Dr. Strangelove (1964)

A brilliantly absurd satire of the military-political construct. It is still hilarious, as well as sharp. Plus it is a Kubrick film.

Sansho the Bailiff (1954)

A work of pure art that is both beautiful and sad. This is a masterwork of the utmost quality by the Japanese master Kenji Mizoguchi. Beware, it will break your heart.

Kiva, ACCION, and DonorsChoose

I talked about Kiva and ACCION back in November. They are both microfinance non-profits. They help the world's poorer folks with microloans they cannot find any place else and at reasonable rates. Check out the November post for more info.

ACCION is a major organization which accepts donations and takes care of the microfinance details on its own. Kiva, a smaller organization, has brought a novel approach to microfinance thanks to the internet. Kiva matches lenders and borrowers. You can visit the website and view several entries of borrowers explaining what they need the money for, what type of business they run, a little about their background, and other wonderful information. Lenders also have similar style entries, if they want (one can always remain anonymous). In any case, lenders (you, me, anyone with $25 bucks) can visit the website and decide which borrower they want to lend to. And technically this isn't charity because the money will be paid back, though with no interest. The lender can then lend the money to another borrower or cash out.

I am lucky to say that I have now learned about DonorsChoose. DonorsChoose is very similar to Kiva accept the it is a charity organization instead of dealing with microfinance. And DonorsChoose specifically helps public school teachers. The gist is the same, teachers post about their need for a digital camcorder or a rug and donors visit the website and decide which teacher/school they will donate too. This is not a loan, so it will not be paid back. For more info on this wonderful charity, check out this great Slate piece on it.

And finally, I'd like to drop a note on Charity Navigator. If you're ever wondering how well your favorite charity is organized, efficient, helpful, etc then check out the Charity Navigator website where they have in depth ratings and information on many, many charities.

And if you're wondering, both ACCION and DonorsChoose have the top rating. Kiva is not listed, perhaps it is too small or too new.

More Slate and THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, SCRUBS

I just had to post about 2 more Slate articles.

It seems FOX NEWS has succumbed to the adage: "If you can't beat them, join them." This Sunday the network will debut THE 1/2 HOUR NEWS HOUR. A conservative version of a fake, satiric news cast. Clearly the success of THE DAILY SHOW and THE COLBERT REPORT has irked them, or given them another idea to make money. In any case, I (as someone who considers himself a progressive but can be all over the place on a given issue) would actually watch it if it was funny. And that's the problem. Slate's TV critic, Troy Patterson, has a solid piece on the debut as well as a link to a 2min YouTube segment from the show. I've seen the 2min vid, and while Stewart, Colbert, and Weekend Update are funny, this was not. Maybe it's because I don't share the views of FOX NEWS, but I really think that's not the reason. And it is important to note that TDS and TCR poke fun at both sides and often venture outside of politics to skewer the media and other targets. I'm not sure T1/2HNH will do the same.

Slate has a wonderful, but infrequent, column titled "The Good Word" which deals with language. The most recent installment (posted today) has some very interesting thoughts and insight into how new interjections like awwa, meh, feh, and heh have come about thanks to the internet and how they're now being used in conversation. The piece is an excellent read.

Who saw THE OFFICE last night? I must say it was pretty hilarious, and particularly sharply put together. If you missed it, try and find it online or keep an eye out for the rerun. But I was a little disappointed in how the Pam/Roy saga continued. All it took was getting back together and an art show for the writers to turn Roy back into caveman boyfriend. We all know Pam and Jim will get together. What we don't know is how long the writers will try and drag it out.

30 ROCK is easily turning into one of my favorite shows. Each week it is witty and keenly written. I can't remember a recent episode which even slightly disappointed. If you are missing out on this stellar sitcom, you are missing out on something special.

I adored SCRUBS when it debuted. Then due to timeslot problems and other things I stopped watching the program a couple seasons back. But I've seen most of the episodes this season and the show has been really good. Plus I have Comedy Central to thank for viewing a couple reruns as well.

Slate Rundown

As you most likely know, I enjoy reading Slate from time to time. Okay, perhaps that is an understatement. In any case, Slate has something engaging and interesting for almost everyone.

Everyone wants to lose fat (well, except those who are already toned). And we do this by burning more calories than we use. One way is to increase our calorie burn by exercising more. And while that works, the more direct way (and, optimally we need to do both) is to cut back on the calories we take in. It depends on the person, but the first step is to cut back to under 2000 calories, and then progress lower until you see the fat loss you desire. Of course, once you have the desired fat loss, you can return to higher calories and simply maintain weight. However, new data says that cutting down to 1500 calories greatly increases life. Not sure how many of us want to live to 120, but Emily Yoffe tried to stay on a 1500 calorie diet in her column and as always, she writes a very entertaining and informative piece.

Slate's lovely film critic, Dana Stevens, has a couple fun reviews on two recent flicks aimed at the ladies. First she asks why Diane "freakin'" Keaton cannot find better roles. Then she waxes lovey-dovey for the pleasant surprise that is the Drew-Hugh rom-com. And check out Slate's Road to the Oscars coverage, especially the Hollywoodland column which always has something interesting to write about.

The world lost a wonderful, funny, witty writer in the passing of Molly Ivins. I know her from reading and hearing some of her biting political thoughts. She was a Texas liberal, so she knew her way around a political scuffle or three. Slate's Dahlia Lithwick, another writer I admire, has a moving obit for Ivins. Here's a great line from it: Ivins' bag of comedic tricks included the perfect metaphor: "Being Canadian" was "like living next door to the Simpsons"; being "attacked by Rush Limbaugh on the air" was like "being gummed by a newt. It doesn't actually hurt but it leaves you with slimy stuff on your ankle."

The Future is Rama

That's right folks. The quirky, funny animated sitcom FUTURAMA will return next year for at least 13 episodes on Comedy Central.

I think FUTURAMA definitely had its highs and lows but overall was a stellar comedy with a fantastic visual style. Towards the end of the first run of the show I remember some extremely memorable episodes such as one in which Bender became a planet for a civilization, and another in which Fry saved the universe from the Brains and their supercomputer, with a little help from the Nibbler people. So it is good news that the animated series will return. Any other FUTURAMA fans out there?

LEGALLY BLONDE (2001)

I really don't know what to make of LEGALLY BLONDE (2001). This comedic chick flick (is it okay to call it that ladies?) starring the aptly cast Reese Witherspoon came on cable the other day and, let's keep this between us, I watched it. One of the reasons I sat through it was because of this semi-rave from Lisa Alspector (a former film critic at the Chicago Reader). I've mentioned the Chicago Reader's film section a few times and that's because I'm a big fan of their main critic (Jonathan Rosenbaum). But I also like their other critics though Alspector was a bit quirky, or tough to decipher. I remember, at first, disliking her capsule reviews because while they were packed with great detail and info, it was a bit ambiguous whether or not she panned or recommended the film. But then I began to respect her capsule reviews and conclude that she most likely felt the reader could determine if the film was for them or not. And she was a bit more emphatic in her raves.

One of which is LEGALLY BLONDE (I think, lol). I must say I enjoyed the movie and found parts of it quite hilarious. On the other hand, the story and (mainly) the plot were at times down right, for lack of a better term, incredibly dumb. The defense case Witherspoon's character works on in the final act is not only strangely dumbed down, but also a bit glib. And I would say the same about the ultra happy ending. But I can see how this movie is a crowd pleaser and while I may not be as emphatic about it as Alspector, I'd recommend it to people who were already interested in it (yes, a truly robust recommendation). The movie's messages of Rocky-like persistance and triumph, and of not judging a book by its cover no matter how shiny, are great morals and fun to watch. That Witherspoon's Elle Woods chooses what is important to her over the paternalistic stereotype of holding on to a selfish Ken doll is also fun to watch. And while this is only pop feminism (or simply a semblance of it) it will definitely give you a good chuckle or three; it's not a bad way to spend a lazy afternoon.

I'm ready for the Super Bowl

So the big game is in two days and I'm ready to see a good game. I'm rooting for both teams though leaning towards the Colts because of Manning, Harrison, Dungy, Saturday, Sanders, Freeney and simply the remarkable transformation of the defense in the postseason. There's also my crude football brain which says the AFC should crush the NFC, and that the Bears don't have enough consistent offense to win. But it seems that everyone feels the Colts will win and by a touchdown or two (or three). This overlooking of the Bears may turn into Chicago's advantage. And I definitely think, as someone who is a bit suspicious of popular (mob) opinion, that this means the Bears will give the Colts somewhat of a fight with their tough defense. But in the end I don't see the Bears offense scoring enough points. So here's my prediction: Colts over Bears, 24 to 20.

Since it is Super Sunday, there's the yearly onslaught of Super Bowl commercials. I'm not sure if those of you in Canada (Mishy and Ffleur) witness the hype that surrounds these commercials but it is almost as instense as the hype for the game. And this is something I really do not understand. Well, I can understand it. We, the US, are an unabashedly, perhaps problematically commercial and material culture. Let's face it, we buy things ... and then we buy some more stuff. But this is also why many of us are in debt. Though I understand coporate power and our politicians have had a large hand in keeping wages down (or stagnant), increasing income/wealth inequality, and destroying labor rights ... all of which results in lower purchase power which leads to amassing debt. Now I also realize that many of these commercials are funny and entertaining. But for us, as a society, to build up such a frenzy over commercials, 60 second videos trying to sell unhealthy food or an inflated corporate image, is a bit absurd. I mean I have no other way to say it but "hey, people!?!? it's just commercials!??!?" Now, I understand non-football fans might say something similar about getting into a trance or frenzy over a football game. But I must mention that the football players this Sunday are not trying to sell you anything. They're playing a game of physical prowess, mental acumen, and clashing wills at the highest level. And even if no one was watching, most of these players would still be playing this game. And yes, in the end it is just a game. But I guess in the end the Nutcracker is just a dance, and Mozart's Symphony No. 40 is just a song. Here's to a good game.

Slate rundown and Football!

So I used to, how do I put this, not be the biggest fan of Slate's previous Film and TV reviewers (David Edelstein and Virginia Heffernan, respectively). But I am on board with the current twosome, Dana Stevens and Troy Patterson (especially Stevens). Currently, Stevens has a solid review denouncing the pseudo-Tarantino lemming that is SMOKIN' ACES. I haven't seen this movie, but if you're looking for a second opinion I'd suggest Jonathan Rosenbaum's capsule review which is even more strident. I understand a certain segment of the population (dumb kids, usually male though, surprisingly, of all ages) enjoys amoral, nihilistic, insipid, ultraviolent shoot-em-ups injected with explosions (and that Jerry Bruckheimer owes his mansion, jet, diamond encrusted diamonds, etc to this segment). But I'm sorry, it doesn't make these empty exercises in camerawork, editing, and pyrotechnics any good or worthwhile.

I'm a big fan of THE OFFICE but recently I might even say that I'm a bigger fan of 30 ROCK. Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin head up a high-larious cast and the show's writing is crisp and witty. The show effortlessly tackles everything from the absurdity of corporate "synergy" product placement to the absurdity that is Liz Lemon's on-and-off again romance with the Beeper King. And the show brings about funny line after funny line in everything it tackles. In any case, Slate's TV reviewer (Patterson) seems to agree and has a nice review of 30 ROCK, placing the very, very talented Tina Fey front and center.

And now for some football. I'm sure everyone is gearing up for the Super Bowl. I think it will be a solid game though I'm not sure it will be as competitive as the Colts/Pats AFC championship. I'll have a prediction some time next week. But I just want to type a few words in defense of the Saints. Last week I thought the Saints would beat the Bears, and the reality of the game resulted in a blowout by the Bears. However, if you look at the the turnover discrepancy (4 to 0 in favor of the Bears) you'll see how the game turned strongly in favor for the Bears. And only 1 turnover was a Drew Brees interception, and it was late in the game when the tide had already turned. The 3 back breaking turnovers were fumbles. Which is a bit lucky, but also goes to show how tough this Chicago defense really is. I'm not sure the Bears can do the same in the Super Bowl, but that is definitely a path they should be focusing on.

NFL Playoff Picks

I'm going with the Saints over the Bears. I guess it will be cold as hell in Chicago but everyone will be sending the Saints warm thoughts. The Saints offense is simply too versatile and strong for the good, but depleted Bears defense. And the underrated Saints defense will put enough pressure on the Rexy one. Though, the Saints defense seems to give up the big play which is Rexy's specialty. In any case, Saints over the Bears 31-24.

In the late game I'm going with Colts over the Pats. This is mainly because of my pro-Colts and anti-Pats bias. I mean seriously, it's about time Dungy, Harrison, and LaserRocketArm got to the playoffs. And it's about time the Dynastic Pats lost a game (especially after that partial gimme by lady luck against the Chargers). But there's a bit of analysis in my pick as well. Nobody really knows how, (perhaps by adding the Bob Sanders coefficient into the cover-2 formula) but the Colts defense has recently become spectacular. Especially stopping the run. However, this means for the Pats the game will be in Brady's hands. Unfortunately, the Golden Boy hasn't been so shiny recently. And the Colts secondary may step up as well. In any case, Colts over the Pats 24-21.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

WATCHMEN

I finished reading Alan Moore's WATCHMEN (illustrated by Dave Gibbons) a week or more ago. I've waited a short time before posting a review because this graphic novel is the type of fiction that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. It is a powerful, insightful, thoroughly entertaining work of fiction. If the thought of a gritty, noirish, retelling of the Superheroes story set in an alternative Cold War USA is the type of story that catches your interest, then WATCHMEN is definitely for you. But even if you find this to be a little too comic-booky (or geeky), WATCHMEN is still the type of fiction that will engage and move you. And that's because the book is a tour de force.

One of the reasons I read WATCHMEN is because I wanted to experience the genre of graphic novels. I think graphic novels are a wonderful medium. Especially because I feel they inhabit a space between moving pictures (film, tv) and the written word. The cinematic quality of graphic novels is something I find thoroughly appealing. And WATCHMEN certainly does not disappoint in this regard. In fact, WATCHMEN is known for its amazing pictorials, filled with great detail, superb action, and interesting motifs. The WATCHMEN is also known for its insightful, complex, tense, and dramatic story and plot. In other words, as far as graphic novels go, WATCHMEN definitely takes the medium to striking heights.

I simply cannot say enough good things about WATCHMEN. I'd highly, highly recommend reading about this wonderful graphic novel and for those even slightly interested, run out and buy it immediately. It is simply a captivating read.

Happy MLK Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful MLK Day!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr is a very special person in my book. He fought for equality and justice and the good of society. He gave his life to the struggle. But not before his words and teachings were indelibly sorched into the world. So that future generations would never forget the struggle and would always be able to learn of one man's dream of a better tomorrow. Unfortunately, sometimes that tomorrow seems ages away. But I hope, one day soon, that we wake up to that tomorrow.

Today there was a rare display of his papers and a couple corporate donations to the National Mall MLK memorial. I think this memorial should have been constructed years ago. MLK is without a doubt one of the most important figures of recent US (and world) history. To not have a prominent memorial for him in DC, next to Jefferson and Lincoln, is almost shameful.

To end, for those looking for some absolutely amazing pictures of MLK and the civil rights movement check out Slate's Today's Pictures section.

Who's Ready For Some Football?

If you're a football fan you've probably viewed some stellar games the last two weeks. The Boise State vs OU game was simply spectacular. And then the Florida Gators stridently upset "The" Ohio State Buckeyes. The "the" always cracks me up.

And in the NFL there were some solid playoff matchups. The Cowboys unluckily lost to the Seahawks when Romo botched the hold. And he almost ran it in for the W but was stopped short by a great open field tackle. The other NFC game was also close as the Eagles outbattled the Giants. This weekend's games seem to hold even more intrigue and a whole lot of fans will definitely be watching. And even though no one cares, here are my predictions. I like Drew Brees. I like Deuce. I like Reggie Bush. I like that other Saints rookie Colston. So I'm definitely rooting for the Saints, but I must admit that Westbrook has been impressive and it will be close. Nevertheless, Saints over Eagles. The other Saturday game, Indy vs Balt, is one in which I have no clue as to who will win. If I had to guess I would go with the Ravens, but the Indy offense may be good enough to pull off the win. On Sunday, I'm rooting for the Chargers (with the game's best player, LT) over the Pats, but I am well aware that it is not very smart to bet against Belichick, Brady, and the rest of the Pats. I think all of Football America is really excited for these 3 games. I'm not so sure about the 4th, Seattle vs Chicago. Seattle is lucky to have made it this far and Chicago's QB (therefore offensive) problems have reached epic proportions. I am curious to see what happens, and perhaps this will turn out to be a stellar battle. Though I wouldn't bet on it and I have no clue who will win ... the refs? maybe it will end in a tie? In any case, this weekend seems to be a great one, for the most part, for football.

Before I forget ...

As an avid viewer of PBS I'm hardly surprised to find a hidden gem in their programming. One such gem aired on PBS' Independent Lens program, which showcases excellent independent films and videos of every genre and duration.

The gem I'm talking about is called "MY LIFE ... DISORIENTED" and its a refreshing, well-written, and well-acted dramedy of about 30 minutes or so. It deals with the high school and family life of an anxious and memorable Asian-American teenager. There's a complete synopsis on the website. I'll admit that initially I wasn't expecting much, thinking this would be some half-assed ABC after-school special meets the OC. But I was pleasantly surprised to not only thoroughly enjoy it, but to fondly and not so fondly empathize with the high schooler as she navigated her way through a new school and a new stage in her family life.

Unfortunately, I'm not entirely sure how others can view it. They have clips on YouTube or the website, but if it's not the entire thing it probably isn't worth it. They also have a schedule of when it will air on local PBS stations, but I believe most of those airings were in December. But it is still worth checking out the schedule. And then try checking out the Independent Lens schedule for when they'll be repeating the particular broadcast.

If you do get a chance to view it, I highly recommend it. It is truly worthwhile and you will no doubt enjoy it, all the more so if you remember high school.

Let the procrastination begin!

I should probably be finishing up my applications but I've already deemed today to be Lazy Thursday. I know what you're thinking, today is Friday. And that's just how lazy I was yesterday, I couldn't even finish my blog post. Man, I can be lazy.

Unfortunately I did pay a price for this by losing 2 hours of my life to the cinematic void that is the Coen Brothers' INTOLERABLE CRUELTY. And I'll be the first to admit that I can (and have) wasted 2 hours surfing the IMDb or Wikipedia or ESPN.com. So it's not really the 2 hours, but that I had to sit through such an intolerably cruel incessantly despicable movie.

Where to start with the craptacular that is INTOLERABLE CRUELTY. Well there is the title which is clearly a warning. The characters are thin and flimsy like cardboard. I guess they're supposed to be farcical cartoons from the cynical world of Coen-land, but they're simplistic, unsympathetic egomaniacs (even for a Coens flick). Since the Coens are involved, one would think the dialogue would be crackling, original, and funny. Far from it, unfortunately. If it's not a cliched, lame joke about lawyers then it's one about gold diggers. I imagine this is a Coens exercise in the romantic comedy genre. The problem is who wants to sit through this exercise of vapid, vain characters and empty, mindless dialogue. On top of this the rom-com elements are as absurd and annoying. I have no clue what the Coens' intent was in making such a terrible mess, other than their smart-alecky try at a bad SNL skit which goes on way too long and gets infinitely worse along the way.

This brings up the Coen Brothers in general. What do you people think about their flicks? I saw BARTON FINK and FARGO a good time ago and initially found them to be funny, idiosyncratic, original, and clever. But looking back on them after viewing a world of truly artful, poignant films, I'm not sure I can say the same about the work of the Coen Brothers (at least the work I've seen). After first viewing their work, I surfed the internet for a few reviews, like I usually do, and was surprised to see Jonathan Rosenbaum (film critic of the Chicago Reader) pan them a bit. But today I have to admit I feel he is mostly right. Rosenbaum is right to point out that there's a condescending bent to most of their work which intertwines with their penchant for smarm. They deal a lot in sick, demented, inept, foolish characters, and perhaps that is how they see people. There's also a forced ambiguity in their flicks (certainly BARTON FINK) that tries to mask itself as deep meaning.

That being said, I remember THE BIG LEBOWSKI being clever and impressive, if a bit meandering and forcedly ambiguious. I also enjoyed O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? though perhaps it was the enchanting music. For whatever it is worth, Rosenbaum found LEBOWSKI to be their best effort while calling O BROTHER "a piece of pop nihilism" and their worst.

In any case, I'm just curious to see what everyone else's take is on the work of the Coen Brothers.

And, once again, stay away from INTOLERABLE CRUELTY.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! I guess the Holiday Season is coming to an end. And I guess 2006 has come to an end. 2006 was an up and down year for me, but mostly good. And especially because I got into blogging and was lucky enough to make some wonderful blog buddies. Anyway, this is going to be a smorgasbord (I actually spelled it correctly on my first try, hooray) of a post ... that might actually turn into two posts.

Speaking of the end of 2006, I guess I'm a year older. I don't really feel any older but I, usually, feel like an old man anyway. One recent event that has me a bit worried about getting old, is that I watched ANCHORMAN and barely laughed. I mean I chuckled here and there, but for the most part I found it unfunny ... stridently at times. Am I the only one who found this movie decidedly mediocre (at best)? And is it because I'm getting old? Though if finding 80 odor jokes unfunny is a sign of getting old, I'll gladly cop to getting older ... and wiser ... and more sensible. Though I'm not sure how much more sensible since I still want to see TALLADEGA NIGHTS.

I also saw WONDER BOYS which was really, truly funny. In the end I was a bit disappointed with the film but that's mostly because I had very, very high expectations. I felt similarly about last year's LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Both are stellar, hilarious films but I went into both thinking they would transcend their genre of light dramedy and delve deep into the dynamic of what makes good fiction (WONDER BOYS) and the interpersonal dynamics of a contemporary extended family (SUNSHINE). And while both films touch on their respective subjects, they do so with a delicate, light hand ... never really digging deep enough to uncover the hidden gems, the profound social comments we find in the piercingly honest and introspective films. That being said, these are two exceptional films with amazing casts ... especially SUNSHINE which has more charm than George Clooney's hairpiece. (Okay, okay, that's probably his real hair. Whatever.)

And speaking of good films, two of my favorite film critics have posted their top films of the year. I no longer am as informed on film criticism as I once was (or thought I was) but I still believe one of the top film critics in the world is the Chicago Reader's Jonathan Rosenbaum. Here's a link to his list along with the list of the Reader's junior critic. I'm also a big fan of Slate's Dana Stevens, who became Slate's film critic this year. Here's a link to her Top 10 list. And for any fellow Rosenbaum fans who might pass by, the Chicago Reader has recently unveiled a film blog run by their film critics. Here's the link to the blog.

I thought this post would be about several things but so far its been about films and movies. I think I'll end this post now and save the other things for subsequent posts. One of these things is an update on my fat loss. I stopped exercising for a couple weeks when I had to focus on papers for school. Nevertheless, I really didn't ballon up at all. This is because I continued to watch what I ate, limiting my caloric (and, therefore indirectly, my fat) intake. I in fact lost weight, but most of that was muscle and I could see my stomach had gotten a slight bit flabbier. Anyway I've returned to working out regularly again and hope to make the most of winter break. However I'd like to note that I think the weeks off show just how important watching what you eat is in terms of losing fat. You can exercise all you want, but if you are not simultaneously limiting your calories and fat, you will have an awfully hard time losing any fat. Anyway, I'll have an entire post on this (hopefully short) in the next few days.

I hope 2007 is treating everyone well.

I'm Back!

Okay who missed me? I'll take that silence as everyone. Well I missed yall too. I hope everyone had a lovely Xmas!

I really had to write up a storm the last couple of weeks. And while it might not be that much for a studious student, it was a hell of a lot for my lazy butt. Hah. (For the record it was about 12k words.)

Anyway, I finished everything just a couple of days ago and I'm looking forward to reading a good book or two, and watching a great NFL game or three. But I also have to deal with Law School applications. I'll be completing them ASAP.

Speaking of books, I've always been interested in learning more about graphic novels. It seems two of the powerhouses in the graphic novel venue are authors Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman. I've picked up two of the most celebrated graphic novels, Watchmen (by Moore) and The Sandman Series(by Gaiman). I've started Watchmen and I must say it is very interesting, compelling, engaging stuff. As a young'n I dabbled in superhero comic books, so it is refreshing to read Moore's noirish, deconstructed take on the superhero. That being said, Watchmen seems to be simply wonderful, top notch fiction, not something solely for comic book fans. I'll post a book review once I've completed it.

I know that Ffleur is a big graphic novel fan and expert, and she posts reviews of what she's reading from time to time. If anyone else is into graphic novels please comment or post a favorite of yours or something.

Anyway, continued Happy Holidays everyone! I understand everyone must be gearing up for New Year's Eve! Have a great one and stay safe folks! (designate a driver, call a taxi, or a sober friend, no matter how late!)

Still AWOL

So I thought I'd quickly post something. It has been 14 days of no blogging whatsoever. I didn't think I would make it. Actually, the plan was no blogging until the semester ended on the 22nd. So I guess I sorta didn't make it. Whatever.

Anyway, I'm going back into blog hibernation. I still have another paper and a take-home exam to deal with. And then I'll return to finishing my original paper. If anyone wants to handle one of these papers for me, that would be swell. Plus I can pay you. Like 5 bucks.

But I'd like to leave you with two of the greatest songs in the history of the universe. Or something like that. The first is "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor.



The second is "One Step Closer To You" by Michael Franti featuring, of all people, Pink. To hear this song head on over to Franti's myspace page and wait for the myspace player to load it.

And just in case I'm tied up or praying to the term paper Gods, I'd like to wish everyone a very special Xmas and a merry New Year's! And designate a driver and stay safe folks! Happy Holidays!

AWOL

I have like a gazillion papers due, so I'll be cutting back on the blogging for the next couple weeks. So if I don't visit your blog in the near future, it is because the Man is making me write about Foucault and Structural Adjustment Policies. Damn the Man! If I ever see the Man, I'll be sure to give him a swift kick in the balls.

The good news is that once I'm done with papers I'll be on winter recess. And that means more time for blogging. Oh yeah, and some time for applications. But, I must finish these papers first.

Anyway, sorry about the downtime folks. And please pray that the Writing Fairy blesses me with David Mamet-like focus and Stephen King-like dedication.

"Gone"

Thanks to a love of film and an addiction to tv, I don't spend much time diving into music. This means I'm always a bit late in discovering a good song. Case in point, "Gone" by Jack Johnson. While many of you have probably already heard this song, I'd like to post the lyrics and a YouTube link to Jack Johnson performing the song in studio. You know, just in case someone isn't familiar with the song. It's simply a magical, mesmerizing tune.

Look at all those fancy clothes,
But these could keep us warm just like those.
And what about your soul? Is it cold?
Is it straight from the mold, and ready to be sold?

And cars and phones and diamond rings,
Bling, bling, because those are only removable things.
And what about your mind? Does it shine?
Are there things that concern you, more than your time?

Gone, going.
Gone, everything.
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things,
Gone.

Look at you, out to make a deal.
You try to be appealing, but you lose your appeal.
And what about those shoes you’re in today?
They’ll do no good, on the bridges you burnt along the way.

And you're willing to sell, anything?
Gone, with your head.
Leave your footprints,
And we’ll shame them with our words.
Gone, people, all careless and consumed, gone

Gone, gone, gone, everything.
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things, Gone.

YouTube clip of Jack Johnson performing "Gone"