A blog about the various things that speak the most to me and for anyone brave enough to want to decipher what rolls onto the page. Enjoy it.
"Voices inside my head,
Echoes of things that you said."
-The Police
I knew that it was only a matter of time before I started blogging about Swine Flu.
I also knew that it was only a matter of time before the media would take this story and quicker than you can say "Avian Flu- Death From Above" it would be plastered on every conceivable outlet that the apocalypse was finally at hand.
Swine Flu is a real threat and there have been plenty of people in Mexico especially that have been affected by this strain of the disease. I feel for them and there families and hope they get the help they need.
On the other hand I need to make fun of those that wish to feed the paranoia and choose not to think rationally about how to solve this calamity.
Denzel Washington has played so many interesting characters its easy to lose count. But in his portrayal of "Superfly" Frank Lucas you have a man that can be smooth and unassuming on the outside yet shoot a rival in the face in the middle of the street.
American Gangster is essentially about two men, Lucas the rising crime boss who bought his drugs straight from the Southeast Asia to deliver pure product to his customers and Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) who fights everyone including his own police to bring Lucas down.
The simple business of the drug issue has always fascinated me and some of Lucas' ideas are more from McDonald's than Scarface. Offer the best product, cut out the middleman and eliminate the competition. From these practices he stands at the top and his worth 150 million by the time he is caught.
His business dealings are a great part of the film. He makes sure to keep a low profile and he even takes his momma to church on Sunday. It's only when he breaks his own rule and shows up to the Ali-Frazier fight in a chinchilla coat in the front row does he start to make waves that people can see.
Some other fantastic supporting performances as Josh Brolin once again delivers here as a corrupt NYC cop and Cuba Gooding jr. as a rival supplier. Yes, Cuba passed on Boat Trip 2 and is actually acting in real roles again.
If I had one issue with the film it was how they portray Lucas after he is caught. He cuts a deal with Roberts and helps root out 3/4 of the police corruption in New York. He doesn't do it out of civic duty, he's saving his own skin. I don't like the tone that we should feel for Lucas in any way. He didn't feel bad for any of the people he stomped on to make his millions.
One of my favorite comedians is the late Dennis Wolfberg. The former teacher turned comic had not just a great sense of timing but a strange appearance with Larry Fine-like hair. Here he is talking about school humor. No doubt one reason why I liked him.
So just as I helped give one of our newest additions, Zoe a bottle we took a little 2 A.M. stroll downstairs to the computer. I cam across a sports story that I have absolutely no idea how to feel about.
Kyle Mayard was born a cogential amputee (born without arms and legs below the joints) and during his time in high school he had become an inspiring and pretty respectable wrestler. But Kyle had hoped to take his skills to a higher level and participated in an amateur MMA match in Alabama this past weekend.
I appreciate his courage in wanting to continue to show to himself and others that there are no limits but this borders beyond the bounds of good sense. Many in attendance say that the young man was lucky not to be killed. But no doubt he will try and get more matches and there will be some states that will allow him to compete.
Unfortunately many will see the sideshow nature of such contests and hope to make quick profit off of them. MMA is a rising sport that needs national regulation. This not only hurts its growth but just feels wrong.
No one in today's world wants to tell a person they can't do something but in a sport where you must strike your opponent and you don't possess any fists I think you may be at a disadvantage.
Anyhow I wanted to let the good followers of my ramblings to be the judge. I found footage of his match on You Tube (surprise) and I'll let you all decide. So if you feel a bit unsure about watching a game young man with no arms and legs scoot about and try to get to his opponent then just don't click.
If you have followed a long yesterday was quite a day for our family. We welcomed two new bundles of joy into the world.
Zoe Matilda Marie Jergensen
and
Madison Stella Marie Jergensen
As you can imagine the day was but a blur and its only now as I sit here after putting my son to bed that I've had time to reflect on the days past.
It is hard for me to describe the happiness that I feel about my life and my family. Of course I am grateful for the good health of my two new daughters but yesterday was also the one year anniversary of this blog. Not such a big deal to some but let me explain.
A year ago my wife and I continued to attempt at having a second child to add to the joy that is our first son Connor. We had our difficulties with conceiving had to use IVF to have children. On the third attempt in 2004 we were blessed with a boy.
Several years we tried again and two times previous we went through the issues of dealing with miscarriages. It was a tough time as we both wanted more children and were unsure if we should be blessed with what we have and simply take nature's hint.
It was also at that time that I had decided to give up my Head coaching job with the Boys basketball team at my school. I had worked most of my life to get to a spot where I would run my own program and I felt that we had done fairly well. But I knew that if we wanted to make a serious last attempt that I needed to give up the job in pursuit of higher goals. I knew the decision was the right one but that didn't mean that I didn't have problems sometimes dealing with it.
It was at about that time that I realized that I needed something else to fill the void of coaching in my life. For me it was fun and a way to unwind outside of the pressures of work.
So I started writing or blogging about all the little things that ran through my brain. My family, movies, sports, politics and all the absurd things that happen in the world. I was hooked and after I got the hang of it I realized that I could do this with less and less time spent and still enjoy it.
We spent the last year making daily rides out to offices in Columbia to get a fresh look at our case and finally were ready for one last chance to complete our family. We made trips to Rockville and back again, surgeries for both of us and then waiting. So much waiting.
Each step of the way it was hard to fully let go of our emotions. We got a positive result on our pregnancy test. We were passed onto her gyno to check her over. We were told we had twins. We had checkups at 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 months each. Closer and closer things felt real but more surreal.
Then the day came.
April 22, 2009
In about thirty minutes our lives were changed forever. Over ten years of work, sacrifice, heartache and tears all became worth it. I tend to keep my emotions to myself but I will not hide the fact that I wept uncontrollably for a short time as each girl was removed and weighed.
It seemed like the hard part was over. But I know that are obstacles have just begun raising 3 kids in an unsure economy. I know that whatever happens in our future our journey has been -once in a lifetime.
I'll be out of the loop for a few days as I return to the hospital and help bring everyone home.Then I'll be back talking about whatever it is that pops inside those -Voices Inside My Head.
Tomorrow at this time I will have two daughters in my family. It hasn't quite sunk in but when I hold them in my arms it certainly will. It's been a long road for my wife and I to achieve our dreams and the journey comes to an end on Earth Day.
Gift of God,
Channel of His grace,
Vessel of His love.
Child of clay,
Offspring of dust;
Daughter of Eve,
Seed of God's breath.
Spawned in the sea of your Creator's consciousness,
Conceived in His mind from eternity past,
Woven in the Artisan's loom,
Spun by the Potter, molded in His hands.
Special child.
As different from all others as each snowflake is unique;
Just saw this a few minutes ago. Action star Jackie Chan who has a variety of fans from all over the globe apparently doesn't include freedom among them.
Action star Jackie Chan 's comments wondering whether Chinese people "need to be controlled" have drawn sharp rebuke in his native Hong Kong and in Taiwan .
Chan told a business forum in the southern Chinese province of Hainan that a free society may not be beneficial for China 's authoritarian mainland.
"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan said Saturday. "I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want."
He went on to say that freedoms in Hong Kong and Taiwan made those societies "chaotic."
Chan's comments drew applause from a predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders, but did not sit well with lawmakers in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
"He's insulted the Chinese people. Chinese people aren't pets," Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Leung Kwok-hung told The Associated Press. "Chinese society needs a democratic system to protect human rights and rule of law."
Another lawmaker, Albert Ho, called the comments "racist," adding: "People around the world are running their own countries. Why can't Chinese do the same?"
Sweet mother of sunshine today was a beautiful day.
Finally Spring is here and I couldn't be more happier. On the family front it's t-minus 4 days and counting or if nature decides the time is right earlier for our two girls to enter the world.
So back with the next five entries to round out to ten so far, only 90 to go!
MURDER IN THE FIRST (1995) : When you think Kevin Bacon you think six degrees of and Footloose. He deserves better and if you to see a movie that showcases his true acting skills rent this one. Bacon won the Critics choice award for his portrayal of the lead.
Henri Young (Kevin Bacon) was convicted for stealing $5 from a post office and sent to Alcatraz, the most secure jail for the most dangerous criminals. After a futile escape mission, he was sent to a dungeon and got out as a murderer after a thousand days, though 19 days in dungeon was the maximum official punishment allowed. He became scared, confused, and savage and killed one of the prisoners. It was a sure-to-lose case, so James Stamphill (Christian Slater), a fresh law graduate, was appointed as Young's lawyer. But rest is history! Based on a true story, Murder in the First is a masterpiece by Marc Rocco.
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997) : Off the record, on the QT and very hush hush. So reads the tagline of this film noir styled thriller. Three detectives in the corrupt and brutal L.A. police force of the 1950s use differing methods to uncover a conspiracy behind the shotgun slayings of the patrons at an all-night diner. Fantastic performances by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce as the three dicks in question.
PLANET OF THE APES (1968): I love Tim Burton's films but the remake to this incredible story was an affront to good sense. Charlton Heston brings his macho bravado as astronaut Taylor who commands a ship that has crash landed on a strange planet. The reveal at the "shocking" end still works as does Heston's overacting.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1990) : How does a character that's on screen only 4 times total still command the entire film and spawn a sequel and two pre-quels? Because (pardon my language) Hannibal Lecter is fucking scary.
"Have the lambs stopped screaming?"
Extra points for Jame Gumb, who made me cringe every time I heard "Wild Horses" on the radio. It should always place the lotion in the basket.
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY (1991) - One of the few sequels that surpasses the original. Arnie switches sides to safeguard the protector of the human race and Robert Patrick plays the liquid metallic villain. Linda Hamilton looks as if she would kick your ass just for trying give her directions in scruffy Los Angeles.
When we cancelled HBO about 4 months ago the only reason I thought twice about it was that I would miss the second season of Flight of the Conchords. Luckily my brother looked out for me and handed me a burned copy from the internets with all ten episodes intact.
For those of you who have no idea who or what I'm talking about. The Conchords are New Zealand's 4th most popular comedy folk band. They moved to New York to seek fame and fortune and so far have only made plenty of people laugh in the process.
Not only are the two performers Bret and Jemaine solid singer and adept comedians but the lyrics of their tunes are catchy and incredibly clever. They span a variety of genres from folk to ska to gangsta rap and back again.
This season gave the viewer, "Sugalumps" a JT inspired groove, "Too Many Dicks on the Dancefloor" about the need for lady space when dancing with the guys, and "You don't have to be a prostitute" about ... well just look at the title.
In addition to the songs, the supporting cast is fabulous. The Conchord's manager and cultural attache to the New Zealand consulate, Murray Hewitt (Rhys Darby) is hysterically inept. The band's one stalker-like fan Mel (Kristen Schaal) goes more over the top each appearance in her love for her boys. But, maybe Dave (Arj Barker) could be my favorite. He unleashes his knowledge about women.
"Women like 3 things : Men in kilts, Southern Comfort and Chris Isaak's Wicked Game."
The ten episodes go quickly and at the end it seems like this was a story about a group that started at the bottom and stayed there. I was a bit worried that the series after only two season may be at an end. Here's hoping they rest up and come back for more in the future.
"Listen to them....Children of the night. What music they make."
My kick of reviewing the classics really took me back this time. All the way back to 1931 to see one of the legendary portrayals of a movie monster that everyone knows.
I didn't really know all that much about Bela Legosi, other than he was Hungarian and he was a dope fiend by the end of his life. That knowledge come courtesy of Tim Burton's Ed Wood, which is one of the more underrated films I've ever seen.
Legosi's "Pull the String!" line is an unintentional classic. But his lack of knowledge of English actually helps him in playing the Translyvanian count. That's the one real joy in watching this version. Legosi's delivery is fantastic and he has several unforgettable lines.
"I never drink......wine."
Another positive are the sets, which are grand in scale and gothic in mood. The tone is very grim and foggy, just as you'd expect. The set looks as if its an actual castle and that Dracula no doubt does creep out from his basement coffin each night to feed on the flesh of the living.
The story isn't a strong one and I stopped trying to follow any logic to it. But that's hardly the reason to watch. We all know who the principals are and its the style that you want to see anyway. and for that alone this is a must see.
There have been over 30 representations of this character over the years and most were influenced by Bela Legosi. When you watch this one, just makes sure the lights are out. It helps. (8.0)
I realize that the title of my post may stir up all sorts of ideas as to what type of recruitment Harvey Milk is referring to but he is (at least I think) only talking about joining the cause to support the freedoms of people to live as they please. And that's something everyone can agree on.
I went back to the Biopics once again and had a chance to see the greatness of Sean Penn at work once more. No question why he won the Oscar here. He is the core of the film but I can't still seem to get over the fact that Spicolli is playing a gay rights activist. It's just me I guess. But Penn is brilliant in his portrayal of a man looking for a change from a closeted homosexual to one who by the end of the film is challenging all his friends to tell anyone they know about who they are. Put a face and a friend to the cause he would say.
I think I would consider myself a fairly open minded person but early on the film some of the love scenes were a bit much for me. There isn't any overt nudity or full frontal stuff but it gets to be a little much for me.
The third act is really where the picture shines as it kicks the political machine in high gear and you also see one of the other stars of this film Josh Brolin who plays councilman Dan White, who later is Milk's murderer. Brolin is fantastic as Milk's nemesis and he plays his straight laced councilman very well. One of the best scenes is during Milk's birthday party a drunken White says that he's learned so much from Harvey. Supposedly White was a closet homosexual with a family and kids. But even up until the final scenes he plays it very strong.
James Franco, who apparently is becoming a great actor in his own right, is also very good as Milk's long time boyfriend. He doesn't sell out his character and I think stays true to some level of realism.
The final scene is very touching as a huge candlelight vigil is held through the streets of San Franscisco honoring their fallen friend. It reminds you that the movie isn't just about gay rights, it's about human rights and that people in America have a right to love free.
Lindsay Lohan is back on the dating scene once again and she appears to not be too picky. So all you guys and girls who don't mind a companion who blacks out on occasion and gets chucked in the clink from time to time she's your gal.
When I found this picture it was like watching a train wreck. If you think this is some kind of political statement by the great Marshall Mathers don't scroll down.
I don't give him that much credit. He probably just thought it was funny. I'm still a bit dazed and confused.
How blessed is this day, when earth and heaven are joined and humankind is reconciled to God!
May the light of Jesus shine continually to drive away all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no setting, find his light ever burning in our hearts—he who gives his light to all creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
I hope that all of you enjoy the holidays and share time with your families and friends. We will continue to wait patiently until our new additions arrive to bless us and until then pray that they develop and grow. But, it could be any day now.
Give thanks for those you care for and hopefully there will be sunshine to enjoy.
We are planning on an egg hunt in the yard, some grilled ham for dinner and maybe an Orioles sweep over the Rays. Just enjoy all that makes life living.
The movie reviews just keep on coming. I've got a few more after this one to give you some ideas of something to watch over this Easter weekend.
I sometimes surprise myself with how little I now about certain historical figures. Maybe it's because there are just so many interesting and important people out there in the world and I just haven't had the time to learn about all of them. I guess that why bios are another one of my favorite movie genres.
I tried to think what I knew about Howard Hughes before I saw this film. As per usual I go with what buzzwords I can remember about the individual in question.
Rich. Spruce Goose. Very Rich. Scared of Germs. Richest Man in America. Planes. Mr. Burns acted like him once.
Martin Scorcese guides this 2004 bio of the great Hughes and seems to focus on a few key points. Hughes great obsessions; movies,airplanes, women, and his disorders. Things start quickly as he is in the middle of trying to produce the greatest war movie ever made,"Hell's Angels". It takes him tons of cash and several years before he produces a winner but he still never seems satisfied.
The women in his life are numerous and beautiful. Most of them are Hollywood starlets but the most intriguing relationship of all is with Katherine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett)who has he own level of quirks too. Blanchett is fantastic in the role. It's a hard act to pull off playing an actress that so many have made into comedy due to her distinctive voice. But, their relationship is very interesting and even though they part ways there is still a level of care between them.
Hughes eventually spirals towards seclusion as his TWA airlines is on the verge of being overtaken by Pan-Am. Alec Baldwin is solid as the Pan-Am C.E.O. Alan Alda reminds us what a good actor he is as well as a sleazy senator who tries to convict Hughes for embezzling taxpayer dollars during WWII.
Watching Hughes pull it together on the Senate floor and throw all the charges back at them was a high point for me. Hughes seems to be back on top but then ultimately his compulsions get the best of him. It's quite sad when you see a man so full of life and in command get reduced to a shell of his former self. But it does make for an enthralling movie.
I stay within the state for my next entry from the Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland. Until you start looking around you don't realize how many fantastic craft brewers there are in our fair state. This offering is one of their mainstay beers, a 5.5% ABV lager that has some strong German roots but has the uniquely American twist: it’s a steam beer—that is, a California Common of the "Anchor Steam" variety. That means, even though it’s a lager, it’s fermented at ale temperatures (they call it "medium temperature") to develop ale characteristics.
I still haven't quite figured out what logo is all about. It looks like some sort of odd Dali painting. I guess if I don't stare into the bottle I'm fine.
Appearance: Amber color. (Sounds stupid since it is an amber lager) It poured with a decent head that dissolved fairly quickly.
Smell: It's pretty malty but nothing else really stands out.
Taste: Very bold flavor. I was actually surprised since there appeared to be nothing else very special about this brew. Some slightly sweet taste with a bit of bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel: Light carbonation. A little dry.
Drinkability: Extremely much so. In fact I'm reaching for another now.
With the start of Spring Break it allows me to catch up on some movie watching and lately I've been in the mood for the Classics.
Chinatown has always been listed on critics top ten lists for years but I never got around to it. The plot seems simple but gets complex pretty quickly.
L.A. Private investigator, J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is hired to spy on the head of the water department by his wife because she suspects a little hankypanky. Jake takes a few pictures and once the story hits the press the real wife (Faye Dunaway) plans to sue Gittes.
This sets up the story. Who duped J.J. and why?
From there you have a variety of twists and turns as the man J.J. was hired to tail ends up dead and Mr. Gittes gets sliced for being a "nosy fella" by the tiny tough in a white suit. (director Roman Polanski in a cameo role)
The mystery spirals from there as J.J. meets up with a host of characters with the most interesting being Noah Cross, played brilliantly by John Huston.
Overall I enjoyed it as I'm fond of mysteries, especially in the film noir genre. Nicholson is very strong here as is the supporting cast. It is interesting to note that a trilogy was planned for J.J. Gittes but director Roman Polanski was convicted of having familiar relations with a 13 year old. He fled to France and resides there to this day.
It isn't until the mid 80's that the Two Jakes becomes the only sequel but it's a shame since Nicholson only wanted the only P.I. he ever played to be Gittes. If you've seen it you know why.
Amidst the joy of clobbering the Yanks there was the small matter of the NCAA championship game.
This day always has plenty of memories for me, especially as a carefree college student. Imagine a day devoted to Orioles baseball, beverages, College Basketball and more beverages.
It also signals the start of Spring weather and a precursor towards Summer.
It's too bad that the championship game was a blow out and even worse that basketball royalty, the UNC Tar Heels walked away with the gold. I could only hang until halftime. But one of my favorite things is the video montage of the tourney's finest moments entitled, "One Shining Moment". Gives me goosebumps.
Unfortunately it looks like it's going to rain, a lot on Opening Day, which happens to be tomorrow.
Hopefully things will work out and I'll be back to watch the festivities with Connor from my meetings.
In the meantime. In keeping with my comedy of little taste from last post. I present to you Mr. Dave Attell. A man who describes himself as a cross between a baby and Andre Agassi. I warn you he is foul, yet fair.
I am in full agreement with him on this bit. Jagermeister is the devil in a bottle.
After watching this trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming Summer Movie I think that Bruno is going to make his 2007 smash hit Borat look like Hamlet by comparison.
Hold on to your butts. Those easily offended need not apply.
In their infinite wisdom our school board has seen fit to stick two professional development days at the front of what should be some well deserved time off. At least the weekend is here.
So I felt that it was time to bring back a segment that I haven't done for a while on the old blog and that's reviewing some tasty suds.
India Pale Ales are one of my favorite styles of beer. So I was more than pleased to be directed by my local beer store clerk to give this one a try.
Titan IPA is brewed out of the Great Divide Brewing company in Colorado and I will say that it was worth the trip.
Appearance- Pours into the glass with an almost orange like color. A nice thick two finger head is evident at the top.
Smell - I detect a bit of pine and a bit of citrus. Like a Christmas tree got tangled with an orange grove. Cool.
Taste - Yeah, that's solid. Good hops all the way through and nice balance.
Mouthfeel- Excellent. Not too carbonated and well put together.
Drinkability- One of the best IPA styles I have had. That means a repeat purchase.
Overall Grade - A
I think I need to listen to the beer boys at my liquor store more often. A fine recommendation.
I think I can remember seeing Dr. No and maybe some of Moonraker and I know I saw the video for View to a Kill. That's the one with Duran Duran.
But, I can't ever remember seeing in it's entirety any James Bond film. That seems odd for such a movie junkie like myself but I was trying to figure out why.
I guess the films have always been on TBS or some other venue and I guess they never interested me that much. I mean I like the idea of Bond probably more than Bond himself.
This is the first time that a Bond film is a direct sequel from a previous movie. So we pick up one hour after Casino Royale and Bond is speeding around in a grand chase that really showed off the surround speakers.
Bond is angry. His lover, who we can't seem to find out if she betrayed him or loved him was killed by some shadowy organization and 007 wants payback.
Daniel Craig is good actor but it almost seems like his Bond is a kind of super spy cyborg. He's cool and he kicks ass with ease but he also seems to look at his ladies that way. Not that he's hurting them but after a quick hello it's off to the bedroom. He is so dashing in a tux. Ugh.
The plot is pretty much in the background here as the mysterious quantum is headed by a non descript cocky Frenchman who you want to see get his come uppance once he hits the screen.
No doubt his uppance will come.
But the "story" seems to slide along with lots of explosions and very little in the way of developing any realness to the characters. I just sort of look at this as a popcorn movie and that's not such a bad thing. I guess I just expect more from a series that so many people hold dear.
Posts
