Day 243 - Greek (and other important stuff)

Ok. I hate to admit this, well I guess I don't since I am writing on a blog, but I really do like the series Greek. I was thinking maybe cause I work for a college, but no. Or that Bryan reminds me of Cappie and the way he and Kirsten fight are like him and Casey. But no. I just really like the characters. Normally this character heavy series I wouldn't care for, but since the series started they have all developed. Even Evan Chamber's character. But I could see Rebecca's make out partner coming from a mile away, especially since she wasn't going to admit it to Ashleigh.

This has (for me) the right mix of character and story. It doesn't really do any social commentary except about people. Men & women. Oh yeah, I know I am delving too deep into this; but I also guess I like it since it lets me escape reality. Just like Star Trek or other shows that I have fallen in love with. And the few, very few, on one hand I can count, reality shows I have liked, are not the norm of the reality show genre either.

I was thinking about this earlier. I don't want normal. Even in a woman I find attractive. Normal, while safe, can be boring. And in a relationship that can be deadly. I have friends that are married, and I wonder how some of them get along. They have their own hobbies, sometimes separate from their significant other. Eventually, the s.o. while doesn't complain about it, makes them give up what they love. Either because its expensive, time consuming or they need to grow up. When you start to loose track of your freedoms because of that, its a sign. I guess that's why I kept in touch with so many. I didn't have that kind of distraction. And the guys that I know that are still the same, I know. meaning, the trust is still there, and has never wavered. Because they are the same way, 30 years later. Some of the old gang have changed, and that's good for them. they feel they needed to, as they have a wife and family. Their priority changes. For those of us who are the same, we are the ones who will be on the front lines, protecting you so you can protect your family. And yes you are still family, but more of a cousin now, than a brother or sister. If that makes any sense.

Even now; I am cutting a lot of things out because I am moving, and I am either throwing out, selling giving away or storing. In this case, this is good. I am giving up "things." Not my love of movies, because I am getting rid of VHSs, or books, because I am donating some to the library or games, because I am picking which ones I want to stay with. If I was giving up gaming that's one thing. I am not. I am focusing. Paula (ex#2) once said that I hadn't lost enough. I had thought about that for the last 4 years, and almost thought she was right. She was referring that I hadn't been beat down enough, loosing things or more accurately, having things taken away from me. I had almost thought she was right.

Now, I realized, that to grow I had to get rid of things. And while any Christian wants to be more like our Creator and strive to walk like He; I realize as does He, that mankind is A) Not perfect and can never be like him. B) Perfect can be boring. If He wanted us all to be perfect, He could make us perfect. He is God after all. No, he wanted us to choose, like a science experiment and see what happens. Should we be good, do good and be the best we can, yes! But, because of choice, some choose to be evil. The too perfects are turning other cheek to forgive. And that's great. I can do that, to a point. I am the guy who will stand up, because I was bullied in grade school, even though I was bigger than some. The one thing I didn't have at that time was confidence. Going to Kemper, I found confidence in who I was, what I liked, and had no problem standing up for myself or beliefs. Bullies don't want someone to stand up for themselves. And the small ones, they thing they can pick on, sometimes can be very fast and sneaky. Anyway. I know that standing up is more Old Testament. And Ia m alright with that. Eye for an eye. My reasoning is this: while I may not be good enough to rank the penthouse, I know I am good enough, even as a Christian soldier to rank close. And there will be good people, men & women who I respect, admire and loved, there also. Birds of a feather don't you know. So while we may not dine on pheasant under glass or caviar for eternity; we will be having prime rib and desert. And then when the need arises to protect, or the dirty work for the side of Good is needed, then the bell can be rung where we are, and we can form up and fight the enemies of evil. If that's how I have to spend eternity, I can live with that. Just hope Greek is playing there or that I can access Hulu and watch the back episodes.

Day 237 - Warehouse 13

As I had said in a previous post, I was wary of Warehouse 13. But, I am a believer now. Even more so since they added Claudia. And in this episode it combines a couple of my favorite things: Las Vegas, Alice in Wonderland stuff, disco and actors from Eureka. Lupo and Zane, as a couple of thieves that seem to have great luck. Also, it has Myka in a great little dress. Anyway, love what the SCI FI channel (can stand they changed their name to SYFY) did with having them do this. Love it when crossovers, even if its not a true crossover. Yeah I know, it takes so little to amuse me.

Day 236 - You Women Suck

I knew this would happen. I get hooked on a reality TV show and the outcome is never what I think. All these women are looking for the one. They have a connection in the dark room and then when the lights come up... and these aren't bad looking guys. I know I couldn't stand the light, as I hope my personality would carry in the dark. And I feel really bad for these guys. I would say 2/3 of the women leave because of the looks. I think if the reverse was done. Looks first, these guys would probably be better. Who knows. I always said that the battle of the sexes never ended it just went to guerrilla warfare. I want to re-watch the 6 episodes and see how many women left the guys at the balcony.

It just pisses me off. Me, I can understand them walking through the door. But these guys..... argh.

Ok, enough of that rant. I got sucked into another TV show: Greek. OMG. I love it! I think it was because Cappie reminds me so much of my co-worker Bryan. And then as the episodes went on, the characters grew. Also, I can relate to Rusty. Felt that way growing up; hell I still feel that way. Love this show and glad it got picked up for a third season. I was surprised at the amount of adult content that it showed on ABC Family. Way to go! Hope they can go to at least the 4th or 5th season. Maybe end it when Rusty graduates. And yes! I do hope Cappie and Casey end up together. That's a true Romeo and Juliet. I am glad she broke up with Max. I mean, I maybe a geek at times, but he was just flat out boring. Although the engineer party was fairly accurate. Can't believe, well actually I guess I can, that Spencer Grammer is Kelsey Grammer's daughter. That's so cool also.

Day 229 - Dating In The Dark

Ok, I for one do not reality TV shows. I can count on one hand the ones that I like. And of course, the ones I like never seem to make it. Anyway, I happened upon this one on Hulu. The reason I checked it out was because they had the 1st episode and when they explained that there were no cash prizes and no one was voted off I thought ok. And then the premise. Great. You meet in total darkness. You get clues of what a person is about,and then decide if you want to "meet" them in the light.

And I must say, that it seems the women are more judgmental on how a person looks than the men are. At least the ones I have seen. So far I have watched five of them. And in one of them all the women wanted one guy and the two other guys were cool about it as they knew they didn't have a spark with any of the women. But, when they saw him, they all changed their tune. It wasn't like he was ugly or anything. Good looking guy; but to one he was too young. Another, he wouldn't fit with her lifestyle and friends....amazing. I have seen guys check themselves. They said that it was about the person on the inside, if they choose not to meet. Of course they could be lying for the camera. But the premise, I like. we'll see how long it lasts. Since its a good show, and is trying to bring people together with no cash prizes, no voting off or anything like that. And looking like everyone actually getting along on the men and women sides, it probably won't last.

So I will say that this is #2 on my reality show check list. the first was called "boot Camp." and yeah it was military orientated. Aw well. Guess that's why the majority of network TV sucks. They never leave the good shows alone. They want that "microwave" NOW. Not use a stove and let things cook.

Day 218 - X-Files 2

I never saw this movie when it was in the theaters and all I can say is: THANK THE LORD for that. I would have been pissed off by spending that amount of money on this movie.

Let me say, that I am a fan of the original X-Files. And I have been hunting the paranormal longer that Chris Carter can spell "X-Files." So I wanted to see what they did to finish up the franchise. All I can say is; WTF? This was like a CSI or Law and Order or something else. And it is really 'somethimng else.'

Ugh ugh ugh!

I think Californication got to the series. Not really Duchovny's best work. The story was weak, weak weak weak....

And Anderson's role... also, just..ugh............

Sorry guys. I was hoping you would have let the series leave on a high note like the first movie. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. You had to produce this trite.

Day 207 - Movie Review

Well I have seen the new Harry Potter movie. This was after a marathon run of the other movies along with great food, on a Saturday afternoon at a friend's house in Kansas City. That is truly how you do it; to get you ready for the finale. And I know (and hope) that Robert and Chelle do it again for the last two movies.

As for how this movie was, without going into detail, I liked it. It dealt with more relations between characters. Some sadness, but its a good lead up to the final part of this series.

Ok, onto other reviews of movies that I rented.

Disaster Movie. I love disaster movies. Asteroid toward earth, tidal wave, earth quake, sinking ocean liner, whatever. And I love spoof movies. And these guys who put these movies do spook everything. BUT. As of late their spoof movies have been like watching a string of commercials put together. The overall story doesn't even need to be anything. Just have people move from one scene to another. I know better than to pay money to see these in the theaters (the only exception would be the Scary Movie franchise, as long as they have the main characters in them). So only rent this movie, and try to get for a $1 rental or free. I only rent these things to see who and what they spoof (and Carmen Electra of course).

Knowing. usually Nicholas Cage does a good job of playing....Nicholas Cage in movies, and here is no exception. Not bad. Another movie that I am glad I didn't pay theatre prices for. Although I will say the ending, though obvious/not obvious was well done. I might buy this for any Nicholas Cage collection I might eventually start. It can be right after I get Ghost Rider.

27 Dresses. Ok, I know. Sounds like a chic flick, and lets be real; it is. But with her new movie The Ugly Truth, I needed to see her (Katherine Heigl) earlier work, and I am sorry; I have no desire to see Knocked Up. Seth Rogan, I will go into later. But this was a very nice movie. Kinda predictable, but still, aren't all romantic comedies that way. You know you will get a happy ending in the end. I would have paid full to see this in the theater. Almost worth it. But the popcorn and soda. Maybe not. I will get this for my romantic comedy section of dvds. Nicely done.

Zack & Miri Make A Porno. Ok, this maybe this generations "Porky's" I don't know. I know I am glad that dvd players have a fast forward. The only reason I got this was for the scene with Traci Lords that I saw in the preview. And no, you don't see anything like that or her, except clothed, which is ironic. I also find it ironic that she was would do a movie like this. But then I think she is poking fun at herself. Also, I was surprised to see Justin Long in the movie. Playing an outrageous part. As I mentioned earlier; Seth Rogan, just doesn't do it for me in this, Superbad, Knocked Up or especially Pineapple Express. I guess you really have to be high to enjoy those movies. BUT I do want to see Funny People with him and Adam Sandler. That looks good. But back to this movie. Fair, very fair. Nice ending. Not worth even matinee price to see this in the theater.

And finally the jewel in this bunch: The Other End of the Line. I didn't think I would love this as much as I did.

From IMDB: A young Indian woman Priya (Shriya Saran) working for an American credit card company contact center falls for one of the clients of the company, Granger (Jesse Metcalfe) whose credit card was stolen. Soon they both find that there is much more to their conversation than the usual business. Although she knows it is crazy, Priya who is already engaged decides to go to meet this American guy and find if he is the one for her. Incidentally, when they meet, she hides her identity of being from the credit card company. They fall for each other and enjoy their time together until Priya's parents flew in and her real identity is known to Granger.

First off, I fell in love with Shriya Saran. Beautiful, just beautiful! But also her mannerisms. If they are from the director, kuddos! I think she put her own spin on things. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie; and just happened to pick it up. A friend had traveled to India and I had Indian food that day, so... I want this movie. I doubt if I would have paid to see in a theater, but if I had it was definitely worth the price + the popcorn and soda. I watched it three times!

Day 189 - Warehouse 13

Ok, to be honest this series should be right up my alley. Sci Fi, unknown stuff. They are trying to tout it as The X-Files for the 21st Century. So right there I was kinda leery. and of course you had to have a guy and gal agent. And the gal agent seems kinda stuck up. Then you learn she lost her partner somehow (gee, sounds like Fringe). But I watched it.

And I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Still, the premise reminds me of The Librarian, with Indiana Jones, the X-Files and Fringe. Although I do love the head curator. And there was a 'cameo' appearance (he wasn't around long enough to warrant what I would say a guest appearance, of the black actor who played the gay guy in Spin City. He was also in Hamburger Hill). Love that guy. But he went out in a "blaze" of glory. And then there was the mysterious Mrs. Dickerson. As an actress I have seen her around too. So not bad.

All in all, a nice little series. Nothing spectacular, but not bad. But I just don't think it will last long. There is Fringe, Sanctuary and others that do this kind of thing so much better. But then I could be wrong (but I don't think so). I give it 12 episodes, and a good 3.5 rating (out of 5).