What’s the great song of all time?

Sorry for being so long between postings, it’s been crazy busy in my life.  This will be even a short one, at that…

So, I have had a couple of songs caught in my head.  You know the ones that just dig down in your head and won’t let go.  I’ve heard them called ear mites.  The worst part is, they’re usually songs that you don’t even like and probably something you don’t want your friends to know about.  I’ve had a couple of those stuck with me.

I’ve tried everything I could do to get rid of them.  I sang Old McDonald, Happy Birthday, all of those songs, but the ear mites would not yield.  Don’t really want to get into the specifics about the songs.  I mean, I do have a reputation to maintain.  I would hate to be considered “uncool” for the songs stuck in my head.

Still, this go me thinking about songs, and more specifically, the great songs.  Those fantastic tunes that seem to capture time and space.  They make the listener feel, understand, and empathize with the singer.

There have been lots of songs that people have said are the greatest song of all time.  There have been songs written about playing the greatest song (Tenacious D Tribute).  There have been many arguments about the song and even more about what’s not the greatest.

My question to you, dear reader, is what, in your humble opinion, is the greatest song of all time?  I would love to hear who, what, and why.  Leave your answer in the comment section.  I’ll throw mine in over the next day or so.

Summer Movie insanity…

If Spring is the time when a young man’s heart turns to fancy, Summer must be when his mind turns to movies.  Every summer, in recent memory, there have been huge blockbusters.  Some have measured up, and some haven’t lived up to the hype.

The thing that I love about summer blockbusters are the equation is sumple:  explosions = plot.  Don’t believe that to be true?  Just ask Michael Bay, he’s made a career out of that exact plan.  Summer is great, people quit thinking and movies do too.  There are car chases, explosions,  and attractive people.  All of that, and then there is no original thought.

Last year we had Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda, and others to name a few.  This year we have Transformers, Public Enemy, and Harry Potter 6 (you know the one that everyone is all makey outey).  There have been tons of others through out history.  I imagine that there will be others that will come, and chances are, I’ll go see them.

Of course, for me, summer and movies don’t stop there.  The summer is the time that I catch up on movies on DVD.  The television companies help me by putting terrible stuff and/or re-runs.  I imagine Netflix and Blockbuster Online must have lots of people who are watching movies.  Personally, it’s great to chance to escape the heat and turn off the old think tank for a while.

When my wife and kids went out of town for about 10 days, I watch movies.  Not just a couple, like 22.  Except for the Hangover (which is great), they were all on DVD (or TiVo).  Some where better than others, but I watched them all.  As a matter of fact, I’m watching a movie right now (Eagle Eye).  There’s nothing like it.

So, take some time this summer and switch off your brain.  Films longtemps de phase.  Now, a question for you, dear reader.  In your humble opinion, what is the greatest summer blockbuster of all time?

My own personal torture: Long, silent car trips…

My wife and kids were out of town for about 10 days, which might explain my radio silence.  The time away ended with me having to drive to pick them up, which is a pretty fair trade off.  The truth is that by the time that rolled around, I was excited to pick them up because I’m pretty sure the dog was judging me for not doing anything (all day).

It was this trip that sent me on one of my own personal torture sessions:  a long, silent car trip.  Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with long car trips, especially if I have company.  There’s lot of things to do with a co-pilot and crew, but when I have to drive by myself, in silence (and the radio doesn’t count), I start to go a little crazy.

It’s something about not liking whatever type of music that I’ve brought, not liking the local radio stations, and the overwhelming quiet.  There is nothing that makes quiet louder than all of those.  I should say, that all of the time that I spent by myself probably didn’t help either, but this is more than just that.

The silence seems to make the trip longer, and just leave you with your own thoughts.  That seems to be the time that you have to mill over everything, and it’s easy to turn into a moment of darkness.  Those are the times that  you think of all of the stupid things that you’ve said and done, and start to question how big of a dork, idiot, etc. that you really are.

Since I broke the trip up into two days, I did find a way to combat it by the second day:  I got an audio book.  It’s like having another person in the car that’s telling a great story.  I didn’t even realize how long the trip was until I got there and looked at the clock.

The good news is, I have picked up my family and have a fun filled family ride on the way home!

Summer reading recommendations…

So, we’re in the midst of  summer, and with summer comes vacation.  Ahh, vacation, there’s nothing  like it.  A break from the usual routine, a chance to get away.  And with that get away comes reading.  The chance to actually look at a the words printed on a page.  To read something that you enjoy, and not just for work.

I thought that I would give my suggestions  for fun summer reading.  Some are main stream books, and others are a little more off the beaten path.  Welcome to my summer reading suggestions:

 

1. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole:  This  book was publish in 1980, 11 years after Toole committed sucide.  This is an odd cult classic that you’ve probably heard about, but never picked up.  I promise that this book is well worththe time that you would put into it.  It’s great Southern Literature, and it follows the lead character, who at 30 lives at home with his mother, as he tries to get a job in New Orleans.
2. World War Z:  An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks:  I know that zombies seem like they’re everywhere right now, but this is a great book that helped to re-spark the interest.  This follows the oral history of the world after the zombie apocalypse.  It is an interesting bit of satire that turns some common thoughts on its side.  It is an interesting read about what it important in the world, and who different people/countries react.
3. Bag of Bones by Stephen King:  This is a book that has been out for about 11 years, and is one of a great modern King works.  It follows a widower, how is trying to come to grips with the sudden death of his wife against the midst of a haunted house.  Or is it…
4. The Art of War by Sun Tzu:  What, you’ve never wanted to read a book on Military tactics?  Sure you have, but you’ve just never realized it.  This book, written in the 6th century BCE, is a great look in to dealing with one’s enemies.  It’s a great problem solving, workplace book, or for dealing anyone who posses a challenge.  Read the book that inspired tons of military leaders.
5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith:  I know what you’re thinking, “does this guy read anything that’s not about zombies?”  The answer is:  sometimes.  This book takes the Jane  Austen texts for Pride and Prejudice and mashes it up with zombies.  So, you have the Bennetgirls, who are all zombie slayers, in a time when England is plagued by the walking dead.  However, that doesn’t stop the rest of life from happen.  Elizabeth is left wondering about Mr. Darcy’s intentions and motivations, and must protect her part of the country side of zombies.  Give it a chance, and besides, would you read Pride and Prejudice any other way?
6. The Woods by Harlen Coben:  There’s a good chance that you might have read this book, but if you haven’t, you should definitely pick it up.  It follows the events of one summer at a camp that had some murders happen, andfollows the actions when one of the long thought dead ends up killed with the main characters name in his pocket.  It will have you guessing until the end.
7. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll:  Don’t worry, this is the exact same book as Alice in Wonderland.  I’m sure that you’ve seen any number of incarnations of this movie, but have you ever read the book.  It’s interesting to read through the text and interpret Alice’s journey for yourself.  Follow her down the rabbithole, I promise that it’s worth it.
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:  This is a book that was all the rage in the 1990s, and has been translated into many different languages.  It follows a boy who is a shepherd, on his quest to find a great treasure.  It is probably the easiest of all of the reads on this list, and is great for anyone that has ever tried to find their place/quest in the world.  To quote Fanboys, “everyone needs their own Deathstar.”
9. The Camel Club series by David Baldacci:  Everyone loves cloak and daggers (right), and this follows an unusual band of misfits as they discover/uncover numerous conspiracies.  Oliver Stone and his crew make it their point to find the truth, not matter what it may be.  Give it a shot, and you won’t be let down.
10. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King:  Yes, I do realize that this is the second King entry that I have, but this is his magnum opus.  It seems crazy, because a lot of people thing  of the Stand as King’s best.  However, these series of books span the entire King universe.  Go ahead, see what tales Roland has to share.

Well, this turned out to be a much longer post than I thought.  So, until next time, dear reader, keep on reading…

Imaginary Fights: The Winner of Nash vs. Norbit

When we last left off, dear reader, we were discuss who would win the belt for the worst Eddie Murphy movie of all time, Pluto Nash or Norbit.  Sadly, I have really given some thought to these two characters, and I can most assuredly say that it is time that I will never get back.

Pluto Nash

In a straight physical comparison, the two are evenly matched (because let’s face it, they’re played by the same actor).  However, Pluto Nash is the early favorite, being from the future and having access to better technology.  One such thing would be a standard “sci-fi ray gun.”  This appears to put Norbit at a much greater disadvantage.  Additionally, he has been on the run from the mafia (albeit a terrible, terrible space mafia, a mafia non the less).  This running will serve him if there is anything that he will need to tuck tail and run from. 

Working against Nash would be the fact that he has been residing on the moon, and one would imagine that t he decreased gravity would play a factor in his moving.  Most likely, he would be moving slower than usual, and at a definite speed disadvantage.  The other x-factor working against Nash would be that there are a large number of people out to get him.  For this, I’m not talking about the mob, but instead movie executives.  You don’t bomb a $100 million dollar movie, and not expect to make some enemies.

Norbit

In favor of Norbit, is the sheer and simple fact that he has lived an incredibly difficult life, and has been married to a monster of a woman.  Any living being that can survive that kind of life has got to be tough in some way, shape, or form.  Not to mention that he was surrounded by a terrible supporting cast, leaving himself (and his wife) to carry everything else.  I’m giving Norbit the cockroach factor due to the fact that it will take a lot to bring him down.  Norbit as has the taste of success working for him.  Unlike Pluto Nash, his film made over $160 million, and even though it has been panned by critics, that’s still a lot of money.

In the negative column for Norbit is the fact that he is not perceptive (at all).  If he couldn’t pick up on the fact that his own brother-in-laws were running an extortion ring, I’m pretty sure that he would miss a lot of the subtle clues and points during the fight.  Additionally, his wife, Rasputia has been him into submission for many years.  This could make him slow to anger and striking. 

The Fight

In the beginning, there is a great deal of just circling.  You would imagine that both are sizing each other up, but in reality neither are that creative.  Instead, that are just going around in a circle trying to figure out what to do next.  It’s Norbit who strikes first by throwing a puppet at Pluto Nash, which does little to no damage to him.  However, Nash is intrigued to see such an antique that he miss Norbit coming in with one of his college text book and hitting him over the head.

Nash, is dazed, but only for a second.  He quickly gets back up on his feet and pulls out the ray gun.  Nash, with no real sense of creativity plays with Norbit for a while, making him dance while he shots at his feet.  This does not demoralize Norbit, who as had far worse done to him.  When Nash seems to get bored with the game it appears that this would be the end for Norbit.  However, that’s when a huge shrieking sound is heard and the sun is darkened out.

The Outcome

When the dust settles, both men are laying on the ground in a crumpled mass of flesh, organs, and bone.  Atop of the pile sits Rasputia, who was sure that Norbit was cheating on her with Pluo Nash, and someone was going to pay for it.  It takes the judges a few minutes to make a decision.

The Winners (and Losers)

Since both men are dead, there seems to not be a clear cut winner.  That is until you consider the fact that Eddie Murphy played both (all three) of these characters, got paid for it, and took some of your well earned money.  Not only that, but to understand this fight, you had to see both of these movies.  So, the winner:  Eddie Murphy.  The loser:  anyone who saw both of these films.

Imaginary Fights: Pluto Nash vs. Norbit

So, let me first start by saying, happy 4th of July.  Go out and spend it with family and friends (after you finish reading this post, of course). 

It’s been a while since I last visited the world of imaginary fights, and thought now would be as good of a time as any.  Besides after all of the celebration from the 100th post, I just don’t know if I can keep up…

At any rate, an interested match up came to me the other day, and specifically, it’s the battle for the worst Eddie Murphy movie belt.  That’s right, I’m talking about a match between Pluto Nash and Norbit.  It’s a battle for the ages, because no matter who “loses”, everyone wins.  Now, these are pretty terrible movies, so I might need to fill you in on them.

Pluto Nash, was released in 2002, and is often times thought of as one of the worst movies of all times.  Sadly, that last statement was not artistic license, but a complete statement of truth.  It takes place on earth in the future, where a former smuggler (a la Han Solo), is now a nightclub owner, and he is trying to keep his establishment from the space mafia.  (Again, sadly, I’m just stating the facts.)  Strange, Nash is not a witty character, like many of Murphy’s other more creative personalities.  In summation, a boring, flat, character has to struggle through a terrible, cliche plot, with horrendous support acting.  It’s the perfect storm of suck…

Norbit, on the other hand, was released just a short two years ago, and thought of as the movie that cost Eddie Murphy the Oscar for Dream Girls.  This film is a return to some of Murphy’s early movies where he plays multiple characters.  Now, one would think that this would be a great start, but it really just gets things going downhill.  Norbit, who grew up in an orphanage, and loses the love of his life after she is adopted.  He ends of married to a meanier, rejected character from the Klump family, in the Nutty Professor.  When his true love moves back to town, Norbit tries to win back his love, and survive a life with his monstrous bride.

So, the match up is between Pluto Nash and Norbit (the main characters of both).  My question to you, dear reader, is how should this whole thing go down?  Who has the upper hand?  Who has their back against the wall?  Who just plain wants to die?  I’d love to hear your input, prognosticating, and general guess.  Just leave them in the comments, and I’ll post how I think it would go down in a few days.

Until thing, dear reader, stay safe and away from these movies!

The 100th post (just imagine the pomp and circumstance)…

So, I’ve been doing this  whole blog thing for pushing on a year, dear reader.  Well, a year might be generous.  It’s probably more  like seven months that I’ve taken it seriously.  (And some months more than others.)  I guess the real question, at this time, is what have I learned from the  previous 99 posts?

Here are  a list of a few things that I’ve learned along the way:

1. When it comes to some things, like zombies, I’m ahead of the curve.  (That’s right, I link to NPR, at legitimate news source.)
2. I like some really random stuff.  Every now and again, I got back and read old posts and am simply amazed by the stuff that I profess to liking.  They’re all true, but it is still another thing to see them in writing.
3. I am obsessed with pop culture.
4. People have a driving need to learn about nicknames and writer’s  block.  Both of which are my number one and two most read posts.
5. I still done know why I can’t sleep, but apparently I can’t find any other time to write this stuff.
6. Don’t think that you’re the only one who feels a particular way.  There is nothing like the interweb to bring together like minded individuals.  Trust me,  I’ve written a lot of random things, and I always seem to find people who agree with me.
7. Everyone loves to hear a random idea, or at least the people who read this blog.  Who doesn’t want to read about a random thought or idea for a movie?  But perhaps, that why I write it to start in the first place.
8. Not that I needed a blog to prove this, but I watch a lot of random movies.  The other side of it is that I don’t really mind sharing my opinions about them either.
9. I have not even begun to scratch the surface of all of the my thoughts on music.  Just you wait, I’ve got lots of training on music that I’m not even touching.  There’s still time yet.
10. I still can’t believe that people are willing to read this thing.  I don’t do a lot to promote it, but there are folks that keep coming to read it.  So, for that I say thank you.

As I gear up for post 101, let’s (you and me, dear reader) spread the word about this.  I mean, why not.  Otherwise, why would I write it?  (A question I ask myself regularly.)  I’m always happy to run across new folks in the blogosphere. 

  So, to all of my loyal readers out there, thank you for sticking with me.  Here’s to the next 100 posts.

Viva la vraiment… vraiment… sérieusement…

A few thoughts on Pop Culture…

One of my more prized intellectual things is my “vast” knowledge of Pop Culture.  Now, there are lots of people n the world who knows lots  more  than me.  Still, I pride myself on my knowledge on the subject.

Now, as is the case with many of these posts, I started thinking about it after a conversation I had with some friends.  It was over G.I. Joe, which has been pushed back in the mainstream thanks to the upcoming movie.  (Don’t know what I’m talking about?  Find your closest dork, and they’ll tell you all about it.)  We were  talking about the mini-series which marked the birth of Serpentor, and specially all of the different  military leaders he received DNA from.

During the conversation, one of the folks with us had no idea of what we were talking about, and went to ask why we cared at all.  For the rest of us, it was just part of our childhood and was (at the time) important to us.  Of course I went on to explain that it was part of pop culture, and the response back was that they just didn’t care about that kind of stuff.  (Translation:  Took the wind out of my sails.)

The whole exchange brings up the larger question of why is pop culture important.  Personally, I think pop culture is important to all of us because it serves as a societal measuring stick.  It’s how we can measure what was important at the time, and what’s important now.  Take the pet rock from the 70s, or the macarena from the 90s.  In the moment, they captured the imagination of society and stuck with us.  When we see them years later, there is something comforting about them.

We all collect pop culture, whether we are willing to admit it or not.  Some people who would tell you that there’s not point in pop culture, might be able to tell you about Jon, Kate, their eight, and what lead them to divorce.  Or could name off all of the members of a particular band.  The trick is how they file them away in their mind.  Personally, I think of pop culture of a large topic that contains numerous topics.

I more remember lots of things that happen and connect the dots.  Basically, I’m a geek who likes to remember what’s in the news, movies, television, music, trends, etc. and brings it up at random time.  You can see me call to other pop culture geeks by the way that I make random references in everyday conversations.  If someone gets it, I know that they are in “the Fraternity.”  It’s like a foodie or a wine snob, they’re one of the good people who cares.

I wonder if when people stop caring is like letting go of their childhood or imagination.  Let’s face it, that would be sad…