Common Sense. Where did it go? I was listening to a story on the radio tonight that pissed me off. A first grader was expelled from school for bringing his boy scout multi tool to class. and this wasnt a pocket knife. this was a combo fork, butter knife, spoon. The kid who by all accounts is a good student, proud of his accomplishment in the boy scouts, is now forced to go to the local alternative school. With the kids who have emotional problems and lash out. kids who actually bring weapons to school.
So the way to deal with a good kid who just didn't know any better is to throw him into a situation that will likely ruin his life and make him a bad kid. No offense to anyone who went to alternative school. I have friends who went there and ended up in college. I have more friends who went there and ended up being drug addicts that I don't talk to anymore.
Are you really telling me that you can't make a judgment call and say the boy who brings a utensil to class is different than the boy who brings a handgun? It's insanity. There was a follow up story about a girl who was expelled from the second grade because her mom sent a cake to class for her birthday, and included a knife. The teacher used the knife to cut the cake for the students, then informed the principal who said the girl could no longer attend the school. It wasn't even her knife.
Nothing about that makes any sense and it really just serves to create more little criminals. The world isn't black and white and we really shouldn't treat it that way. Use judgment. Sometimes there's a little grey.
Two more lives ruined by zero tolerance...
The Singing Detective
Starring Michael Gambon
Some of you know that during the summer I usually run a boat in the Alaskan fishing industry. It's hard work when it's busy, but when it's not I have lots of downtime. In that time I watch movies, and occasionally find a gem or two that I wouldn't have otherwise known about. This six episode British miniseries is one of those gems.
Michael Gambon stars as mystery writer Phillip Marlow (if you enjoy noir fiction, you'll recognize the name) who is in the hospital dying slowly of a debilitating disease. Sounds depressing, and it is, but the real fun comes when he begins to live out his mysteries in his dreams and hallucinations. In his dreams he is he's a detective. solving a mystery. And the line between reality and fantasy become blurred. Something about living out his dreams and past memories gives him the key to defeating his disease. That is all I will say. wish I could give a better review, but I'm rewatching it right now and don't want to miss anything. Ok, that was a shitty review and I'll add a better one when I'm done watching it again but I really wanted to share how good it is right now. Trust me. Netflix it. It's worth a watch. That's all for now.
~Quantum
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tiger Woods is ruining the nation...and David Duchovny rules.
This is an open letter to everyone who enjoys "entertainment news". It's your fault that Tiger Woods is on every channel and that i have to surf the internet to find out whats actually happening in the world.
The entertainment news should be left to TMZ, Entertainment Tonight, and the Today Show. How do we benefit as a society from knowing who's blowing Tiger Woods? It's taking away from the time we used to spend learning things about the world around us. It's making us stupid. and it's not the news station's fault. Just like it's not Mcdonald's fault that you're fat. They're just trying to make money. That's the world we live in now. There is no longer journalistic integrity. It's your fault. Because you're all a bunch of gossiping voyuers who would rather see the destruction of celebrities than spend that time getting smarter. learning new things. I know the news used to be depressing, but damn it, it was news.
Don't get me wrong; It's not just your fault. You were manipulated. But you fell for it. and now you're hooked. and the rest of us have to suffer. I also blame Fox news. They turned news into entertainment. Using political pundits to spread their version of the news. It's fucked up, but because youve responded to it every station is doing it. So we get to hear how much Obama sucks, and see a little ticker at the bottom giving us up to date info on which whores Tiger fucked, at the same time! Technology advances, we get stupider. Read some Philip K. Dick. It's all been predicted. In ten years, look back and realize how stupid we've gotten collectively, and you'll be sad. Okay. don't. because you won't be intelligent enough by that time to grasp the concept.
So enjoy your fox news on every channel. And your TMZ. The few of us left with the sense to find out what's really happening will rule you one day.
And when the technology takes control, we'll join the robots...
On a lighter note...
Review of Californication
Starring David Duchovny and Natascha McElhone
What can I Say about this show? It's surprising. to say the least. When I heard the plot I thought, "eh, it's been done". But there's something about David Duchovny in this role that just makes sense. It's serious subject matter that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's funny and at times heartbreaking, it's rediculous but feels real, and it all takes place in the most false city in the world. LA.
I suppose I should tell you the plot at this point. Duchovny plays writer Hank Moody. He wrote a book called God Hates us All, that was subsequently turned into a movie called Crazy Little Thing Called Love. He's not happy about this and can never seem to get his next book written. He had been with the same woman for years, but she's moved on. She's engaged and has custody of their teenage daughter.
Hank Moody is the kind of guy who fills that hole in his life with as many beautiful women as he can, while still trying to win back the love of his life. When he has her, he's a decent family man; when he doesn't, he becomes a drunken manwhore. Which makes for some entertaining TV. I find myself hoping they'll get back together, even though it's obvious that every time they do it's hopelessly doomed.
A lot of the comedy comes from the relationship between Hank and his agent, Charlie Runkle. a little bald man who starts off faithful to his wife, but despite his looks becomes more like Hank with every episode. *Spoiler Alert* at one point Runkle attacks Rick Springfield with a lobster. Watch it. In context it's hilarious.
It's pretty graphically sexual, so it's not one for the kiddies, but really. Give it a watch. I think you'll like it.
That's all I have for tonight. Hope everyone (meaning my one follower and maybe three readers) had a wonderful christmas. Thank god it's over.
~Quantum
The entertainment news should be left to TMZ, Entertainment Tonight, and the Today Show. How do we benefit as a society from knowing who's blowing Tiger Woods? It's taking away from the time we used to spend learning things about the world around us. It's making us stupid. and it's not the news station's fault. Just like it's not Mcdonald's fault that you're fat. They're just trying to make money. That's the world we live in now. There is no longer journalistic integrity. It's your fault. Because you're all a bunch of gossiping voyuers who would rather see the destruction of celebrities than spend that time getting smarter. learning new things. I know the news used to be depressing, but damn it, it was news.
Don't get me wrong; It's not just your fault. You were manipulated. But you fell for it. and now you're hooked. and the rest of us have to suffer. I also blame Fox news. They turned news into entertainment. Using political pundits to spread their version of the news. It's fucked up, but because youve responded to it every station is doing it. So we get to hear how much Obama sucks, and see a little ticker at the bottom giving us up to date info on which whores Tiger fucked, at the same time! Technology advances, we get stupider. Read some Philip K. Dick. It's all been predicted. In ten years, look back and realize how stupid we've gotten collectively, and you'll be sad. Okay. don't. because you won't be intelligent enough by that time to grasp the concept.
So enjoy your fox news on every channel. And your TMZ. The few of us left with the sense to find out what's really happening will rule you one day.
And when the technology takes control, we'll join the robots...
On a lighter note...
Review of Californication
Starring David Duchovny and Natascha McElhone
What can I Say about this show? It's surprising. to say the least. When I heard the plot I thought, "eh, it's been done". But there's something about David Duchovny in this role that just makes sense. It's serious subject matter that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's funny and at times heartbreaking, it's rediculous but feels real, and it all takes place in the most false city in the world. LA.
I suppose I should tell you the plot at this point. Duchovny plays writer Hank Moody. He wrote a book called God Hates us All, that was subsequently turned into a movie called Crazy Little Thing Called Love. He's not happy about this and can never seem to get his next book written. He had been with the same woman for years, but she's moved on. She's engaged and has custody of their teenage daughter.
Hank Moody is the kind of guy who fills that hole in his life with as many beautiful women as he can, while still trying to win back the love of his life. When he has her, he's a decent family man; when he doesn't, he becomes a drunken manwhore. Which makes for some entertaining TV. I find myself hoping they'll get back together, even though it's obvious that every time they do it's hopelessly doomed.
A lot of the comedy comes from the relationship between Hank and his agent, Charlie Runkle. a little bald man who starts off faithful to his wife, but despite his looks becomes more like Hank with every episode. *Spoiler Alert* at one point Runkle attacks Rick Springfield with a lobster. Watch it. In context it's hilarious.
It's pretty graphically sexual, so it's not one for the kiddies, but really. Give it a watch. I think you'll like it.
That's all I have for tonight. Hope everyone (meaning my one follower and maybe three readers) had a wonderful christmas. Thank god it's over.
~Quantum
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas to the refugees of District 9
Why is it that at 28, my family still does christmas as if my brothers and I are still kids? around ten, we all gathered around the tree to open presents. I got a shirt, a pair of pants, a board game (settlers of Catan), a book I've never heard of, a sushi rolling set(?), and for some reason a deepfryer. haha. Now Iv'e been going to the gym every day, and I'm getting in pretty good shape, so to that one I had to say "Really?"
After we go to bed, they still sneak downstairs and place a couple of presents under the tree. From Santa. I did make a painting for my mom. of a rooster. she didnt cry, but the reaction was still pretty great. Some of you might know shes been asking me to paint her something for years and I never do it. So now I'm the favorite son again. For now anyway.
Now I'm watching District nine on my Stepdad's plasma. It's really great. With the exception of Avatar I don't think there's another movie that's so successfully reinvented scifi. and on a rediculously low budget. If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend giving it a shot. It's the first movie in which I've seen truly believable emotion from computer generated characters. and unlike most movies I think the Shaky camera adds to the overall feel of the movie. It's brutal and despite the subject matter and budget, feels real. check it out.
on that note, I'm off. I think I hear Santa coming...
After we go to bed, they still sneak downstairs and place a couple of presents under the tree. From Santa. I did make a painting for my mom. of a rooster. she didnt cry, but the reaction was still pretty great. Some of you might know shes been asking me to paint her something for years and I never do it. So now I'm the favorite son again. For now anyway.
Now I'm watching District nine on my Stepdad's plasma. It's really great. With the exception of Avatar I don't think there's another movie that's so successfully reinvented scifi. and on a rediculously low budget. If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend giving it a shot. It's the first movie in which I've seen truly believable emotion from computer generated characters. and unlike most movies I think the Shaky camera adds to the overall feel of the movie. It's brutal and despite the subject matter and budget, feels real. check it out.
on that note, I'm off. I think I hear Santa coming...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hipsters and Lions oh my...
It's 330 AM. I 'm laying in bed. Was about to go to sleep but felt the need to start my first blog early. Is anyone else sick to death of hipsters? I am. In Seattle you can't turn a corner anymore without seeing someone wearing a scarf in 80 degree weather (well not now, but in the summer), skinny jeans, and a stupid, possibly ironic Tshirt. Members only jackets. Giant plastic sunglasses. People who spend thousands of dollars to look like an extra from Back to the future. Part II. The one with the eighties version of the future.
I guess really I'm just sick of labels altogether. The hardcore kids are just as bad. Flannel shirts, covering shirts of bands that are cool, because you've never heard of them. Usually because they're terrible and lack even basic skill when it comes to playing an instrument. Keeping the straight edge movement alive because It's totally awesome to lump yourself into a group based on what you DON'T do.
All I'm saying is like what you like, but don't narrow your view by proclaiming yourself to be this or that. wear what you want to wear, but don't try to look rediculous just because you're surrounded by people who look like they belong in the circus.
We all go through phases. I went through some terrible ones. there was a time in my early 20's (raves were on the upswing) when I thought it was a good idea to have bleached white hair. I have brown skin, and black hair. Not a good idea. But I grew up. and got over it. Because it was awful. Every time i see a guy in his thirties, presumably jobless, shaved head, proudly proclaiming every two minutes that he's straight edge, I want to punch him in the face.
Don't be any one person. Do everything. See everything. Be everything. It makes life a hell of a lot more interesting.
Man I'm tired. That's probably the most disjointed rant I've ever embarked upon. Ok. not true. but I swear they make more sense when I write them during the day. I better do a review before I start talking about how the hot topic kids and abercrombie folk are all buying theyre costumes from the same company.
Pride of Bagdhad
Written by: Brian K. Vaghn with art by Niko Henrichon
I just read this book for the second time, and damn it is powerful. It starts with a bit of truth. During the U.S. led invasion of Bagddhad in 2003, a zoo was hit by a bomb, and several animals were freed. That's basically where the truth ends, and the drama begins. The story is about a Pride of lions, some who were captured, and some born in captivity, trying to make their way home through the chaos of a human war.
It's filled with political allegory, but not so much that it takes over the story. you care about the characters because they just want to be free. The leader of the pride is Zill, an alpha male who loves the other lions, and tries to get them safely through the streets and out to the desert. In opposition is Safa, his former mate, now old and scarred, who is comfortable in the zoo, remembering the challenge of trying to make it out in the world. Raising the question of whether it's better to suffer free, or have the comfort of captivity. Then there is Zoor and Ali, another lioness (and Zill's current mate) and her cub born in captivity. She's a broken woman who sees the situation as her way out. because anything is better than being cared for. Stuck. She believes whatever is out there, it has to be better. There are encounters with soldiers, and bears, and flashbacks to their life before the zoo. I'd say more, but I really don't want to give away too much.
I'll just say that if you don't read comics, or graphic novels, this one is a great jumping on point if you like sad stories. I've given it as a gift three times, and two of the girls I gave it to cried after reading it. It's a self contained story, and you dont have to go to the comic store to get it. Check it out at Barnes and Noble, Borders, or just Wiki it. trust me its worth it.
The sentences are all running together in my head, so it's time for sleep. 430 AM. Callin it quits.
Quantum
I guess really I'm just sick of labels altogether. The hardcore kids are just as bad. Flannel shirts, covering shirts of bands that are cool, because you've never heard of them. Usually because they're terrible and lack even basic skill when it comes to playing an instrument. Keeping the straight edge movement alive because It's totally awesome to lump yourself into a group based on what you DON'T do.
All I'm saying is like what you like, but don't narrow your view by proclaiming yourself to be this or that. wear what you want to wear, but don't try to look rediculous just because you're surrounded by people who look like they belong in the circus.
We all go through phases. I went through some terrible ones. there was a time in my early 20's (raves were on the upswing) when I thought it was a good idea to have bleached white hair. I have brown skin, and black hair. Not a good idea. But I grew up. and got over it. Because it was awful. Every time i see a guy in his thirties, presumably jobless, shaved head, proudly proclaiming every two minutes that he's straight edge, I want to punch him in the face.
Don't be any one person. Do everything. See everything. Be everything. It makes life a hell of a lot more interesting.
Man I'm tired. That's probably the most disjointed rant I've ever embarked upon. Ok. not true. but I swear they make more sense when I write them during the day. I better do a review before I start talking about how the hot topic kids and abercrombie folk are all buying theyre costumes from the same company.
Pride of Bagdhad
Written by: Brian K. Vaghn with art by Niko Henrichon
I just read this book for the second time, and damn it is powerful. It starts with a bit of truth. During the U.S. led invasion of Bagddhad in 2003, a zoo was hit by a bomb, and several animals were freed. That's basically where the truth ends, and the drama begins. The story is about a Pride of lions, some who were captured, and some born in captivity, trying to make their way home through the chaos of a human war.
It's filled with political allegory, but not so much that it takes over the story. you care about the characters because they just want to be free. The leader of the pride is Zill, an alpha male who loves the other lions, and tries to get them safely through the streets and out to the desert. In opposition is Safa, his former mate, now old and scarred, who is comfortable in the zoo, remembering the challenge of trying to make it out in the world. Raising the question of whether it's better to suffer free, or have the comfort of captivity. Then there is Zoor and Ali, another lioness (and Zill's current mate) and her cub born in captivity. She's a broken woman who sees the situation as her way out. because anything is better than being cared for. Stuck. She believes whatever is out there, it has to be better. There are encounters with soldiers, and bears, and flashbacks to their life before the zoo. I'd say more, but I really don't want to give away too much.
I'll just say that if you don't read comics, or graphic novels, this one is a great jumping on point if you like sad stories. I've given it as a gift three times, and two of the girls I gave it to cried after reading it. It's a self contained story, and you dont have to go to the comic store to get it. Check it out at Barnes and Noble, Borders, or just Wiki it. trust me its worth it.
The sentences are all running together in my head, so it's time for sleep. 430 AM. Callin it quits.
Quantum
Well that name sounds depressing...
I'll try to keep it light. I've recently discovered blogging, about ten years too late, and I've decided that my opinions matter more than yours so you should all read what I have to say. I read a lot, write a little, love film, art, games and comics. Basically all the nerdy crap that's recently become socially acceptable.
Realistically this blog will just be a series of nonsensical rants about what I hate, followed by reviews of things I love. I don't want to oversell it but it will probably be better than anything you've every seen or read in your life. On that note, I'm out. If you get bored go over to boobietasselsforbuddha.blogspot.com. Her blog is better and she's hot. I'll post the first real blog tomorrow.
Quantum
Realistically this blog will just be a series of nonsensical rants about what I hate, followed by reviews of things I love. I don't want to oversell it but it will probably be better than anything you've every seen or read in your life. On that note, I'm out. If you get bored go over to boobietasselsforbuddha.blogspot.com. Her blog is better and she's hot. I'll post the first real blog tomorrow.
Quantum
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