tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36262812011-06-07T23:10:13.763-07:00Escrita Mas FuerteMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.comBlogger8191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-78163780536261664292009-01-28T12:21:00.001-08:002009-01-28T12:21:51.448-08:00

25 Random Things.  I don't have much to say, but because it was requested of me...I collect many things.  All of them nerdy.Our TiVo dominates the evening. I've a blog and a twitter, but the twitter's been more busy of late.I like to write, but only for fun.I've worn a bunny suit.The first thing I remember drawing was the Lone Ranger. I can walk home from work in around 30 minutes.My feet have

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-55678395657739536302009-01-21T09:54:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:01:34.303-08:00

Never before have we seen a day like yesterday, for on January 20th, we inaugurated our 44th president of these United States, Barack Obama.  It was momentous, truly a day that I'm sure many of us will tell our children and grandchildren.  The future remains to be seen, however, but I remain hopeful, for it was Mr. Obama who told us to choose Hope over Fear. The last 8 years have been a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-17085997557291416322009-01-04T21:00:00.000-08:002009-01-04T21:08:00.225-08:00

We always seem to ring in the new year or use our winter break to go someplace more, um, winter-like than Southern California. We kinda went to the extreme this time around and headed to the great white north for some French Canadian goodness in Montreal. The Quebecois were friendly, robust, and also quite... French! Luckily, there wasn't much of a language barrier, but I did manage a "bonjour

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16772696821209951802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-86783212028524370612008-12-25T08:44:00.000-08:002008-12-25T08:47:03.115-08:00

The blog has been neglected, but it will never be neglected over the holidays.  Most people take this time to reflect on the events of the past year, but I want to take some time to wish everyone the best for the future, a very Merry Christmas, and an excellent New Year!  See everyone in 2009!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16772696821209951802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-61346352818780271762008-11-04T05:31:00.001-08:002008-11-04T05:37:43.941-08:00

In the spirit of the day, I will re-post something I wrote approximately four years ago regarding the 2004 election. If you will, here's the original text. Get out and vote!Several times throughout the last few days, I've heard arguments from both sides of the political spectrum attempt explanation of the electoral process and how we now have G-Dubb as prez for the next four years (FOUR years!)

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16772696821209951802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-11559892799715652842008-10-14T18:07:00.000-07:002008-10-14T18:10:00.596-07:00

So I have this monster list that I want to make of all the legendary eats out and about in Los Angeles. For example, an In-N-Out double double, animal style or a bowl of spicy ramen from Orochan. If anyone has any suggestions, they are most welcome.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-55259366452939639402008-10-03T14:32:00.001-07:002008-10-03T14:32:58.984-07:00

OK, so there aren't many new shows this year, but there are plenty of shows we are watching.  Believe me when I say there's no possible way we can watch all of these all the time. MondaysCBSSamantha WhoNBC HeroesChuckMy Own Worst Enemy (hasn't premiered)CWGossip GirlTuesdays FoxHouseFringeCW90210Wednesdays ABCPushing DaisiesPrivate PracticeDirty Sexy MoneyNBCLipstick Jungle

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-65755304774082600542008-09-29T07:51:00.001-07:002008-09-29T07:51:17.690-07:00

My reading has slowed considerably with the advent of the TiVo box, sitting passively underneath the television, it is a time-suck of productivity and I often find myself struggling to "catch up" with the shows that I haven't been watching consistently.  We've made a concerted effort to "take back the night" in essence and omit the television from the bedroom, removing our two single-tuner boxes

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-4975829417554822842008-09-24T09:20:00.001-07:002008-09-24T09:20:49.372-07:00

So what's new?  Oh yea!  I'm now 30!  That's interesting, maybe?  I don't feel any different, of course, but someone pointed out the other day that people turning 30 seem to be more sentimental.  I suppose that's true.  Who knows.  I never accomplished what I wanted to by now, but I've realized that it's OK.  There's plenty of time left in my life, so why not take the opportunity now, while I

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-71898152864966043852008-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:002008-09-17T15:09:58.550-07:00

In case you didn't know, I can be found at:My Twitter AddressOther than that, the blog has been pretty silent.  Hope to rectify that soon.  Work/Classwork willing.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-13691801110927595282008-09-12T10:51:00.001-07:002008-09-12T10:51:11.835-07:00

Things I have learned while watch shopping:The fools at Watch Gear don't know a darn thing.People like to refer to their watches as "timepieces."The difference between a "Crown" and a "Bezel." How to pronounce Jaeger-LeCoultre.The middle-ground is small.  Panamanian landing strip small.Sales is about more than knowing your script and saying the name of your client often.How to appear to know at

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-73108728232230337872008-08-26T16:30:00.001-07:002008-08-26T16:30:44.586-07:00

I'm going to preface the next post by saying that G and I just had the best weekend of eating ever. So good, it deserves a list!Friday:Dinner at Joan's on Third consisting of turkey meatloaf with chipotle ketchup and the most divine corned beef sandwich.  Corned beef, cabbage, and melted gruyere, all on a buttery, toasted rye.  Dessert at Toast.  BANANA PUDDING!Saturday:Fresh thai chicken

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-28540714808436661472008-08-12T09:31:00.001-07:002008-08-12T09:31:01.432-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Cartoon Vader, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Ah yes. Comic-con. That bastion of nerd mayhem and geek mania. It's inevitable that I make it here every year, given that I'm of a deep nerd pedigree. Let me count the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-85222533197812895382008-08-01T07:22:00.001-07:002008-08-01T07:22:03.798-07:00

It's been quiet lately.  On the blog, I mean.  Let's change that.Week 6 - Hellboy II: The Golden ArmyGuillermo Del Toro returns with Mike Mignola's baby.  Hell-baby, I guess.  This time around, there's no fuss of an introduction.  Instead we are treated to the loveliness of a father-son moment in a super-relevant bedtime story and then thrust headfirst into a world filled with strange magic.  The

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-9796155310651145232008-07-17T11:18:00.001-07:002008-07-17T11:18:03.745-07:00

I had this huge post written up and then realized it was ridiculous.  Lists are always better than forcing people to read.  I think this is at least 7 months of backlog, which is insanity within itself.  Thank you Amazon. We Are Scientists - "Brain Thrust Mastery"Judgment - Buy itThe Go! Team - "Proof of Youth"Judgment - Borrow itHot Chip - "Made in the Dark" Judgement - Buy itThe Magnetic Fields

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-11479355612966715032008-07-15T10:09:00.001-07:002008-07-15T10:09:56.678-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Coldplay @ the Forum, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. It hasn't gotten old. 4 different shows (one at the VZW Amphitheater, one at the Bowl, one at Staples, and one at the Forum) and it hasn't gotten old yet. I would

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-65407954029046217772008-07-09T09:13:00.001-07:002008-07-09T09:13:21.369-07:00

Clearing out the queue yet again.The Incredible HulkAng Lee's movie was better.  Yes, I'll say it again.  Ang Lee's movie was better.  The acting, the inspired motion capture animation of the director's own movements, the storytelling techniques.  Ang Lee's movie was better.  I don't care that there was more action, I don't care that Ed Norton lent more star power to the leading role of Bruce

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-47217998946419782772008-06-24T12:44:00.001-07:002008-06-24T12:44:29.130-07:00

I like to do this every year as kind of a tribute to my school, but also as an inspiration to myself.  Commencement is one of those times you really feel like there is a golden opportunity right outside your door and over the years, that opportunity seems more and more tarnished.  To re-polish that shine and re-live that non-jaded-ness, I re-visit the commencement speeches and each has been as

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-32839957604732473552008-06-19T08:09:00.001-07:002008-06-19T08:09:27.139-07:00

Last night, under the warm blanket of a pre-equinox evening, I received an email notification from that purveyor of red envelopes, Netflix, declaring that they would be eliminating the profiles feature from their service.  For the uninitiated, the profiles feature was a fantastic way for any Netflix household to allocate discs amongst family members so everyone could rent whatever they wanted

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-40043671662033111932008-06-18T08:38:00.001-07:002008-06-18T08:38:40.033-07:00

I'm re-posting this again, for reasons which shall go unspoken.  Different sport.  Same feeling.The Loser A television washes a blue light over a barren den.  The game long over and his mates long gone, Craig thought about retiring to the oversized twin bed upstairs and shutting it all down.  After several seemingly epic hours of stunned silence from the captain's chair, it was about time.With

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-65511759340211013842008-06-11T12:56:00.001-07:002008-06-11T12:56:41.587-07:00

It's been a couple months and already a few great movies have come through.  As we've been remarkably busy, it's taken me a while, but I'm finally ready to come through with some mini-reviews on some of the Summer releases. Week 1 - Iron ManMy favorite movie experience so far since Spider-Man.  This one had it all.  The acting, the plot, the effects, and the action, it all came together so

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-20321060737119728322008-06-07T10:16:00.001-07:002008-06-07T10:16:53.615-07:00

Once again, I must re-iterate.I. Hate. Ticketmaster.That is all...

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-10474924205828722052008-06-03T13:01:00.001-07:002008-06-03T13:01:57.280-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Taquile Archway, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Our last few days in Peru were stellar and I wish I could do without condensing them into one post, but it's become difficult for me to relay everything concisely. We

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-8461810984359867002008-05-28T19:24:00.001-07:002008-05-28T19:24:39.187-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Sacsayhuaman Gateway, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Cuzco was a welcome sight after Aguas Calientes. As amazing as Machu Picchu had been, the city was familiar in a way, our home base in Peru as we spent more days

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-13957258038656781452008-05-27T13:14:00.001-07:002008-05-27T13:14:05.001-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Here We Are, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Days 4 and 5 are best combined, seeing as we spent most of our 4th day either in transit or holed up in our hotel, resting. The train ride itself - which some might call

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-56932103830609480522008-05-23T17:16:00.000-07:002008-05-23T17:17:37.520-07:00

We take a break from our regularly scheduled program to post this most awesome of music videos, the last from Weezer:

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-39051058957305305572008-05-22T08:49:00.001-07:002008-05-22T08:49:55.050-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Signs of Chicha, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Cuzco was beautiful, but we'd be back in a few days. This day, we were on a guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Our guide first drove us out from the deep Cuzco valley

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-78571406595583334482008-05-21T08:18:00.001-07:002008-05-21T08:18:24.293-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Cuzco Plaza De Armas, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Lima was a great primer for the rest of our trip. What we didn't count on was that Cuzco would be an even greater challenge. At 10,000 ft elevation, it's quite

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-29550228883115637362008-05-20T08:12:00.001-07:002008-05-21T07:53:52.168-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Lima Plaza de Armas, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. It's beena while but I still have something of substance rattling around in the old can, right? So we start here then, our first day in Peru in the capital city,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-84439882728185205582008-05-14T01:27:00.000-07:002008-05-14T01:28:01.983-07:00

Aaaaaand... we're back! So much to talk about and all of it cannot be explained in one post alone. Truly an amazing trip... more to come...

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-52630849513222859192008-05-04T22:06:00.000-07:002008-05-04T22:07:55.318-07:00

And... we're off to the wilds of South America for a bit, but shall return! Thank goodness for vacation...

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-24305771669900023662008-04-30T20:15:00.001-07:002008-04-30T20:21:13.489-07:00

I mentioned Michael Giacchino's Zocalo presentation before, and now they've released his most excellently over-the-top score for my A-1 monster movie of the year, Cloverfield. Complete with amazing operatic vocals, pulsing drumbeats, and an incredible lack of subtlety, this track is a must-own for any fan of theatrical music. Simply, undeniably, the best closing credits music I have heard in a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-44101025578505851912008-04-29T09:26:00.000-07:002008-04-29T10:55:03.132-07:00

... and they will kick you square in the babymaker.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-80016107097524739842008-04-12T10:37:00.000-07:002008-04-12T10:41:41.098-07:00

Why I hate Ticketmaster:Thousands of people logging on at the same time to buy tickets has never been an easy task for anyone to handle, but this site - supposedly the king of all ticket sale websites - destroys all hope for anyone trying to get the tickets they desire. As I try buying tickets for two separate days the wait limit goes from 5 minutes to 2 minutes back to 5 minutes and then sits

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-61910550754457822572008-03-29T14:13:00.000-07:002008-03-29T14:17:16.561-07:00

Yes, it's over. Well, for the team at least. My bracket is pretty pitiful, but I will re-iterate what I said previously:...with the advent of the Lopez twins and growth at the point, both Anthony Goods and Laurence Hill have gone missing. Goods has shown up on occasion, but former All-Pac-10 forward Hill is a shadow of his former self. No doubt his knee injury has taken away much of his

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-14559575623394571952008-03-26T15:21:00.001-07:002008-03-26T15:21:46.047-07:00

It's been a pretty nutty couple of weeks hereabouts, but what the hey, I still have some inklings of time lurking about here and there.Thursday night, courtesy of the good people at Zocalo, G and I saw Michael Giacchino speak as part of their Public Square Lecture series at LACMA. If you are not familiar with Mr. Giacchino, he is a rising star in the world of film composing.  I first became

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-12787982785864441302008-03-20T13:25:00.001-07:002008-03-20T13:25:16.125-07:00

This is usually the point at which I blog about the impending tip-off of the NCAA men's tournament and what it means for my boys in Cardinal red.  This season has been pretty amazing for the Stanford men's basketball team thus far.  Collecting many wins in the Pac-10 conference and falling short every single game versus the UCLA Bruins, including a loss in the conference tournament final, the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-71648553859860012952008-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:002008-03-15T09:50:21.377-07:00

Because I have been loving this game so far, and because I have also been love Hulu I figured I would post another vid. This time it's of Smash Brothers Brawl, the latest game published for the Nintendo Wii. It's haphazard and too much fun. I highly recommend it.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-55049866095919412842008-03-12T14:48:00.001-07:002008-03-12T14:48:26.858-07:00

Yes, I will try this for the first time.  Let's see if I can be accurate enough to not be cloying.  Mind you, these are guidelines and should only be used as such.  I take no responsibility for ensuing heart attacks. Crispy Bacon GoodnessIngredients:4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough)spreadable buttermayonnaise6 slices of good bacon (center-cut/thick)4 slices of good-melting cheese (my

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-30898579572633882472008-03-06T08:53:00.001-08:002008-03-06T08:53:14.524-08:00

A follow up to the previous post about the Factory, Truehoop chimes in once again with the overwhelming response to its initial item regarding the Association's love of the CF in their second post about the same subject.  This is by far one of my favorite topics they've covered so far, because really, you can only read so much about statistics, predictions, MVP arguments, playoff races and the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-65127626323864427632008-02-29T18:05:00.000-08:002008-02-29T18:07:41.583-08:00

Every time I see footage of the impending Street Fighter IV, I get a wave of nostalgia. I remember the days of waiting in line at the arcade and even the days of being at the bowling alley waiting for the game to be over so we could plunk down more quarters. What can I say, I still love the fighting games. Whenever we see this game on our shores, it will be a good day.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-49200712881885822902008-02-29T11:01:00.000-08:002008-02-29T11:03:18.036-08:00

Far be it from me to slam a restaurant for anything, but here I am checking out the morning Truehoop and find out that the Cheesecake Factory is an unusual favorite of many NBA stars.  Check out the link and believe that a man will eat ungodly portions from a gargantuan menu.  I am just shocked! Not to leave it there, but it's been quite some time since I've been there and the restaurant itself

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-35985120404944121442008-02-25T08:25:00.001-08:002008-02-25T08:25:14.820-08:00

Yea, it's the post-Oscar wrap up.  Let's see how I did.BEST PICTUREPrediction - "Atonement"Winner - "No Country for Old Men"BEST ACTRESS Prediction - Marion CotillardWinner - Marion CotillardBEST ACTORPrediction - Daniel Day-LewisWinner - Daniel Day-LewisBEST SUPPORTING ACTRESSPrediction - Saoirse RonanWinner - Tilda Swinton BEST SUPPORTING ACTORPrediction - Javier BardemWinner - Javier

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-40897470772114322312008-02-18T12:03:00.001-08:002008-02-18T12:03:28.264-08:00

Comedy was in the air this Saturday as we dragged ourselves out of the confines of the apartment and sought out the Laugh Factory on the Sunset Strip.  Yes, it wasn't that far, but it was our friend's birthday and we couldn't miss out on an opportunity to check out what the Factory had to offer up for the comedically inclined. On the agenda tonight?  Arie Spears, Dov Davidoff, Bret Ernst, and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-88106918036024461582008-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:002008-02-14T10:45:26.785-08:00

My new favorite thing. Do we really have to wait 'til this Summer?

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-23290538871427154012008-02-12T14:36:00.001-08:002008-02-12T14:36:13.660-08:00

The grind has been an über-grind lately and it's sapped my posting strength to its bare bones.  Aside from the occasional dabbling in some Guitar Hero III, Super Mario Galaxy, taking part in some Amazon MP3 buying, and weekends of driving all over Southern California, everything's been pleasantly quiet. Almost too quiet.So while I sit here and contemplate the near future to prepare for the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-13269088555822124432008-02-05T08:20:00.001-08:002008-02-05T08:20:03.796-08:00

Here's a breakdown for this year's Oscars.  My record hasn't been too good over the last couple of years, but whatever.  Here we go!    80th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS BEST PICTURE"Atonement""Juno""Michael Clayton""No Country for Old Men""There Will Be Blood"PREDICTION - "Atonement". The Academy loves sweeping epics, and it's less oblique than "Blood" and "Old Men." BEST ACTRESSCate Blanchett, "

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-40065738254492401062008-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:002008-01-28T17:55:03.517-08:00

Big ups to Lego on their stupendous 50th Anniversary. I have a soft spot for the little Danish bricks stemming from a childhood building pirate ships, castles, towns, and perhaps even later on in life geeking out over the Star Wars series of Legos. As such, marvel at the awesome time-lapse video posted over at Boing Boing which I now repost here. I dig the 8-bit flavor of the soundtrack, but

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-1230178390172718522008-01-23T07:31:00.001-08:002008-01-23T07:31:53.803-08:00

Yea, here we go.  The Coachella lineup has been announced.  I'm sorry to say it isn't as exciting as years past with no headliners I'm in love with.  Definitely a little less motivated to spend a weekend in the desert, but the show is always a great place to listen to some good music.  Here we go, the lineup from April 25-27, 2008: Friday's lineupJack JohnsonThe VerveThe RaconteursThe

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-12809248779545269512008-01-22T07:13:00.001-08:002008-01-22T07:13:40.427-08:00

Since Disneyland first opened the most recognizable motion ride in American, Star Tours, I have been loathe to ride any of them.  The first time was awesome.  Ever since then, however, I've been susceptible to the rocking back and forth with no real point of reference beyond the screen and find myself walking around dizzy and ready to pop for about an hour afterwards.  This weekend, I had a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-67303080194607180472008-01-15T13:15:00.001-08:002008-01-15T13:15:39.882-08:00

Three movies in the last two weeks.  All of them independent, two of them seen at fancy theaters and one of them seen at the good ol' AMC megaplex.  Award nominations are rampant for two and yet the third has flown under the radar enough to be just as charming.  It's officially the season to watch cerebral flicks. We'll start in chronological order of screening, the first of which being The

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-74497354067271681112008-01-08T09:02:00.001-08:002008-01-08T09:02:45.969-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Leonesse Vineyards, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Without ceremony, I present our Temecula pictures. With all confidence I can say that we've visited the major wine areas of California and each of them are superb.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-86360384536601036162008-01-03T15:46:00.001-08:002008-01-03T15:46:41.073-08:00

This last year's keyword was "Travel."  I don't think I've been on a plane more than I have in the last 4 months than I have ever been in any one year.  Well, aside from numerous trips back and forth during the college years, the plane trips have never been so densely packed.  What can I say though, but none of our trips were disappointing.  Highlights for me have to be the Luau in Lahaina, the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-85801233970136416602007-12-26T16:29:00.000-08:002007-12-26T16:31:59.811-08:00

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone this fine year. Ours was family-filled, food-enriched, and driving-heavy. I hope that this nice break finds everyone safe, healthy, and ready for a new year!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-29031259712749319022007-12-19T09:16:00.001-08:002007-12-19T09:16:22.266-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Snowy Helmet, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Somehow, we end up scheduling our first snowboarding trip of the year as our big trip of the year. Three years ago, it was Whistler. Two years ago, it was Park City. This

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-31444162255259796022007-12-11T13:14:00.001-08:002007-12-11T13:14:55.621-08:00

It's been pretty quiet around here, and I'm lacking with the updates since things have been in hyperdrive prior to our trip to the mountains, all I have to say for now is Happiness is Skin Cracklins and an Avocado Shake.  Tasty.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-63436535533824671612007-12-06T07:28:00.001-08:002007-12-06T07:28:05.066-08:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Xmas Cheer, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. After over a year of absence, Grace and I returned to Disneyland. This wasn't just any time of year though, this is the Holiday season at Disneyland. I don't believe any

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-3333109550858468832007-11-26T12:08:00.001-08:002007-11-26T12:08:57.675-08:00

The future of cinema was begat some time ago, with the filming and release of Stephen Spielberg's seminal Summer Blockbuster, Jurrasic Park.  Being the first of its kind, with fully realized computer generated effects, the movie was enthralling for the cinema audience and has had lasting effects among the entire industry to this day.  It could be argued that Pixar is the original pioneer, but

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-24784597756593422612007-11-20T09:48:00.001-08:002007-11-20T09:48:24.746-08:00

I promised a post-game wrap, and instead I post about sandwiches.  Not horrible, but I know it made me quite hungry.Whatever, I figured I'd talk a little bit about "Drawn and Quartered" a bit, to try and talk myself through the process of what I consider to be a minor success and failure.  Here are the five parts in total: Drawn and Quartered - Part 1 Drawn and Quartered - Part 2Drawn and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-58099636751232738312007-11-14T12:17:00.001-08:002007-11-14T12:17:45.739-08:00

Here's a little intermission before I hash out the post-game talk from the previous five or so posts.  Thanks to one Mr. Bill Franz, I have been inspired on this most inane of posts:  The Sammich Post.  Yes, believe it!  Here are a list of the ultimate sammiches and the ingredients that make them special: Ultimate Tuna:Tuna Salad on Pumpernickel with Bean SproutsUltimate Ham:Ham and Meunster on

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-88743407454938011792007-11-13T11:17:00.001-08:002007-11-13T11:17:35.563-08:00

It's the Last Portion! Feel free to leave any thoughts, comments, or suggestions.  I'll probably post up some thoughts of my own on the process and results tomorrow if I can manage it.  Truth be told, it's been interesting... Drawn and Quartered - ContinuedThe turbulent electrical hum of the vending machine involved itself into Joseph's thoughts of the year's disasters. Thumbing through

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-72430328677986055252007-11-12T06:47:00.001-08:002007-11-12T06:47:20.426-08:00

Now it continues after a nice weekend hiatus.  Posting the parts piecemeal seems to read better than the actual story as a whole, but I really don't mind.  The exercise is good, I just wish I'd have written much better.  Ha. Drawn and Quartered - ContinuedA 15-year old butcher block sits proudly on the north side of the Joseph Abrams kitchen.  During peak ours of the night, when the sauciers

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-64903572692488808622007-11-09T12:25:00.001-08:002007-11-09T12:25:12.123-08:00

It continues!  Nothing to see here folks:Drawn and Quartered - Continuing As Joseph told his staff, "Tonight, you will listen to Ms. Louis.  She will be your boss.  Any problems, any questions, you go to her until I give further notice." He looked askance at St. Stephen and nodded.  Helen set to work straight away.  The normal chatter of the cook's line was lost on Joseph as he focused his

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-63695767343119799112007-11-08T12:17:00.001-08:002007-11-08T12:17:16.648-08:00

Not sure how the first part was received, dare I post the second?  I think many people are the harshest critics of themselves and I tend to be the worst critic of myself anyway.  At any rate, I still like the exercise of trying to write something new to challenge myself.  This is the first time I've really written something in this vein, so I chalk this up in the "win" column. Drawn and Quartered

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-46144657701692269542007-11-07T11:35:00.001-08:002007-11-07T11:35:03.880-08:00

I finally finished working on another little piece of writing which was originally intended for another forum, but unfortunately, I didn't feel it cut the mustard.  Here's the first part of the scrap.  I consider it a decent first attempt.  More to come later... Drawn and QuarteredSome people talk of kitchens as well-oiled machines or even a buzzing hive mind of sorts. Joseph's kitchen was

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-70208666516556507502007-10-31T10:35:00.001-07:002007-10-31T10:35:54.520-07:00

The past couple of years, I've posted a scary story on Halloween.  Since I'm actually writing something else at the moment.  A re-print will have to suffice.  Sorry guys! Tree SongOnce upon a time...There was an old tree with black bark that sat in the middle of our front yard. When I was younger, I'd fall asleep on the couch in our living room beneath the blue light of the television with

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-87811309140581020972007-10-29T07:40:00.001-07:002007-10-29T07:40:52.123-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Pamcakes!, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. One of the little joys I get out of life on the weekends is breakfast with my wonderful wife. Saturday mornings have been traditionally reserved for the two of us to get some

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-71005316269412291952007-10-26T09:23:00.001-07:002007-10-26T09:23:13.541-07:00

Lord, I love this show.  Last night's episode was classic.  My favorite quote, "Suck it, Tony Shalhoub!"

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-11846313568261661672007-10-24T13:06:00.001-07:002007-10-24T13:06:22.050-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Interpol 10/23, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Questionably, I stayed up a bit later than usual and headed on over to Inglewood for the New York quartet, Interpol. At a decidedly bigger venue, the Great Western Forum,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-39915742986549543162007-10-22T14:55:00.001-07:002007-10-22T14:55:59.174-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Wicked, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Yes, we finally saw the blockbuster musical of the year in Los Angeles, Wicked. The way every single one of our friends was raving about the show, you'd think they handed out

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-28539406361007017512007-10-17T12:02:00.001-07:002007-10-17T12:02:44.228-07:00

We've returned from the Far East and the island of Taiwan to very little fanfare and to a lot of jetlag.  The 15-hour time difference kills you in a new way every day.  For me, this has been falling asleep while catching up on television and coughing up a new color every other morning.  Lovely times. What did we do?  We saw night markets, day markets, temples, the north parallel, aboriginal

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-7123866129299478092007-10-07T18:35:00.001-07:002007-10-07T18:38:33.200-07:00

The wife and I are off to TW for a week or so to see family and the country. It will be my first time on the island and I'm really looking forward to it! See everyone when we get back!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-29525727259970237772007-10-03T13:05:00.001-07:002007-10-03T13:05:36.924-07:00

I'm reserving judgment calls on the new Television season until all the new shows have premiered, but here is the story thus far:Save:Gossip GirlReaperChuck JourneymanDirty Sexy MoneyBack to YouBionic WomanOn the Fence:LifeDump:Big ShotsCaneUnfortunately, this does not help our swollen DVR problem.  We've added Reaper, Gossip Girl, and Back to You to the lineup, which also is detrimental, but

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-44516627154763817812007-09-28T11:03:00.001-07:002007-09-28T11:03:03.152-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } U F O, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. I've been remiss in posting this week. With sleeplessness, stress, a strained rhomboid muscle, medical emergencies, and a flurry of incomplete personal projects looming, it seems

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-15764982428880350772007-09-19T14:03:00.001-07:002007-09-19T14:03:07.689-07:00

I just donated blood for the first time in ten years.  Being a bit apprehensive about the whole ordeal, since the last person who took my blood made it feel like they had chopped my arm in half, it wasn't that bad.  I was in and out of there within 30 minutes and even got some Nutter Butter cookies to boot!  If you can even donate, I would suggest doing so right now since the Southern California

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-54595119963122564962007-09-18T07:10:00.001-07:002007-09-18T07:10:30.200-07:00

My madness can only take me so far, thanks to TV.com and The Futon Critic for keeping my sanity in line.  I now present our fall TiVo schedule with following commentary.Monday8pm Chuck - NBCPrison Break - Fox9pm Heroes - NBC10pm Journeyman - NBCTuesday8pmNew Amsterdam - Fox9pmHouse - FoxThe Unit - CBS10pmCane - CBS Wednesday8pmPushing Daisies - ABC 9pmPrivate Practice - ABCBionic Woman -

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-5098191299194513032007-09-14T13:24:00.001-07:002007-09-14T13:24:46.273-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Avenue Q, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. There is no shortage of fun in the downtown Arts district these days. The last time we went to the Music Center (including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion amongst other theaters)

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-59632962536516812792007-09-11T11:51:00.001-07:002007-09-11T11:51:56.440-07:00

This has been sitting in my brain for quite some time.The past month or so, has been pretty vacuous, music-wise.  We'll say that I haven't really done a very good job keeping up with the tunes, but essentially, I've been listening to a lot of Mariah Carey. Aside from that, I've been lucky enough to keep up with some current discs and behold, I have thoughts on them! Smashing Pumpkins - "

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-17753148575538807532007-09-10T14:37:00.001-07:002007-09-10T14:37:29.900-07:00

There's a tremendous backlog of posts regarding all sorts of things that I've been neglecting covering the last couple of months or so.  Even so, I highly doubt there will be any recovery of any sort since my memory of certain events is worse for the wear.  Suffice it to say, I can try and dredge it up, but I can't promise wondrousness. About a month and a half ago, my mom had asked me if we

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-48063688256231542922007-09-06T12:47:00.001-07:002007-09-06T12:47:53.808-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Relaxation, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. After the run-and-gun style of wedding we favored, our honeymoon trip to Hawaii was the best vacation we could have asked for. Long-anticipated, it was relaxing and exciting,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-78737925637417557052007-09-04T09:10:00.001-07:002007-09-04T09:10:45.863-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } My Sweetheart, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Grace and I finally did the deed a week and a half ago in the rolling hills of Fullerton and got married. We spent the rehearsal dinner together, basking in the last night

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-30366973286066834932007-08-21T17:32:00.000-07:002007-08-21T17:34:20.726-07:00

It's been a while, but I've been way too busy to post anything of late. Why? This weekend, Grace and I will finally be getting married. It's an undertaking both daunting and exciting, such major life change. I can not wait.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-61158044743221710042007-08-13T10:16:00.001-07:002007-08-13T10:16:53.015-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Prince of Saturn, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. I had something else prepared for today, but I do have to make a slight adjustment as one of the greats in contemporary comics has passed on. Mike Wieringo, while not

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-80447173798582159582007-08-08T09:00:00.001-07:002007-08-08T09:00:36.583-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } 2020 Wines, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. The overwhelming blogatude from last week has left me with a dearth of posts for this week. I return briefly to talk up the most expansive wine store that I've ever

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-33325835962821391702007-08-03T13:32:00.001-07:002007-08-03T13:32:12.605-07:00

Am I tired of the Comic-Con recap?  A little bit, but at least I can rest assured that it's going to be a while before anything reaching this level of nerdiness is posted on ze blog.I'll bring it back bit by bit though, with my thoughts on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."  Having only been a relatively recent Potter fan - I started my interest after four books had already been published -

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-68350341317512057372007-08-01T20:07:00.000-07:002007-08-02T09:04:15.147-07:00

Yes, here we are at the massive photoset that I've compiled from the weekend. Check it out on my flickr page the photoset page, or the pictobrowser below:

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-33137477807469235512007-07-31T08:01:00.001-07:002007-07-31T08:01:21.933-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Ballroom 20, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. I still haven't uploaded the entirety of the photoset, but that doesn't mean I have any less story to tell. Oh yes, the Con drama continues.Sunday, I woke up bright and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-85954500261786112222007-07-30T07:31:00.001-07:002007-07-30T07:31:56.811-07:00

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Vote Petrelli!, originally uploaded by kardinalsin. Aaaaand, we're back!Comic-con was unreal. Seriously unreal. Last year was pretty mild compared to the madness of this year. Waiting in line for two hours didn't compare

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-13456209765106939772007-07-26T08:07:00.000-07:002007-07-26T08:08:01.630-07:00

Tonight we prepare for the madness that is Comic-Con International: San Diego.  Truly, it will be madness this year as the convention has sold out of all 4-day passes.  Even more telling is that all Saturday one-day passes are sold out also.  What this means is that there will be a plethora, nay, a wave of people attempting to get into the convention on Saturday morning.  We will be attending

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-698941775483159232007-07-24T13:47:00.001-07:002007-07-24T13:47:07.366-07:00

I have a bone to pick with Chuck Palahniuk.This man has written many a novel chock-full of the absurd and grotesque.  Listening to him speak, you understand that he writes provocatively not for provocation's sake, but because the format of the novel allows for this flexibility.  If you've seen Fight Club, you are only scratching the surface of what he is truly capable of.  Having not read the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-67326775872132604622007-07-23T13:01:00.001-07:002007-07-23T13:01:09.110-07:00

We witnessed Potter-mania firsthand while passing the Del Amo Barnes & Noble on Saturday night.  The giant mob crowding the parking lot well after midnight surely paled in comparison to the hordes crowding the aisles inside the store, but it was fitting as we had just seen the latest film adaptation, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. By far, my favorite of the bunch was Harry Potter and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-49435713028254900932007-07-18T13:40:00.001-07:002007-07-18T13:40:52.472-07:00

Vegas was great.We did a lot of real "guy" stuff for the b-party.  It was raucous and although a few didn't make it through the entire night, those that did were brave and rewarded for their efforts.  Imagine if you will though: A lavish dinner at one of Vegas' finest dining establishments, complete with an excellent hamburger and exquisite french fries.A group of young men taking in some lovely

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-15091513509339565112007-07-16T15:07:00.001-07:002007-07-16T15:07:51.243-07:00

As fun as our Vegas weekend was, there is a bit of tragedy.  Friday evening, well into our arrival and midway through dinner, I was informed that our family dog, Frankie had a stroke at some point during the day.  He could barely walk, didn't recognize my parents, and couldn't even see anymore.  As my parents took him to the vet, they could see there was very little option left to them, but out

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-65200477949769185432007-07-11T13:08:00.001-07:002007-07-11T13:08:57.542-07:00

Back in the day, before the advent of modern coloring and publishing techniques, the palette with which comic book artists and cartoonists had to work was pretty small.  Because the primary colors were easiest to produce at the printing press, it's no surprise that many superheros and cartoons of the day were brightly colored with many common themes.  My post yesterday regarding a similar scheme

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-20280107857485325842007-07-10T16:23:00.001-07:002007-07-10T16:23:55.974-07:00

Summer would not be complete without Michael Bay.  Honestly, I think his films typify what we've come to accept as popcorn-stupid blockbusters.  Whoever went to a Bay film and thought to themselves, "I'm in for some serious thought-provoking cinema?"  I haven't, not since I was first exposed to his lens in the superfantastic Bad Boys, there has been no reason to attempt dissection of filmic

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-1112282566583327692007-07-09T08:00:00.001-07:002007-07-09T08:00:39.832-07:00

I ever did one of these:1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE. Two of my uncles for both my first and middle name.   2. ARE YOU AN ONLY CHILD? I've an older sister. 3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When it's written neatly, yea, but most of the time it's chicken scratches. 4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I'm partial to Genoa Salami and Capicola. 5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?Nope.  6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-67328637500553094012007-07-06T13:53:00.001-07:002007-07-06T13:53:55.723-07:00

Ratatouille is the best movie I've seen so far this Summer.  This is not exaggeration since every big movie coming out thus far is a sequel of some sort.  When most other films are carrying a 3 of some sort behind the main title, it's a breath of fresh air when a filmmaker like Brad Bird comes along and knocks one clear out of the park. Once again, I stress how amazed I was when I first saw the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-31141081681326521932007-07-05T07:24:00.001-07:002007-07-05T07:24:24.904-07:00

Hope everyone had a good day wishing a big ol' Happy Birthday to the USA.  Myself, I spent it gorging myself on hot dogs and hamburgers, pummeled by waves off the coast of Huntington Beach, and watching some cloud covered fireworks out by the pier.  I'm beat up, but still ready to go for the rest of the week.  Happy 4th!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-88688097603299772982007-07-03T13:19:00.001-07:002007-07-03T13:19:56.580-07:00

We're a little behind.There's not much to really say about Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which is a genuinely filler movie if there ever was one.  Hearing Jessica Alba call it the "best family comedy of the Summer" was an eye-opener, as one might expect it to be an action blockbuster.  Seeing as the first movie was a pure fun-only, no-frills family film through and through, it

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3626281.post-50394724231968596582007-07-02T08:59:00.001-07:002007-07-02T08:59:42.159-07:00

In the grand scheme of things, 10 years doesn't register more than an insignificant blip on the cosmic radar.  While the universe itself is infinitely older than our own world, in our personal lives 10 years can change quite a bit.  Seeing as that stretch of time almost qualifies as a third of my lifespan, it's amazing to me how much can happen within 10 years.  I saw great evidence of this via

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03923656660222044009noreply@blogger.com0