Watch this window at 9:15 Sunday for the showing of this year's Halloween movie. Hopefully it works. If it doesn't work, try refreshing.
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Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
plan on sunday night
I'm furiously putting the Halloween movie together right now. How furiously? My Google Reader is backed up to 35 items.
So we're still planning on the Sunday night premiere at my house at 9:15ish. Those of you who live more than 10 minutes away are probably sad that you are unable/too lazy to come. I'm planning on enclosing a Ustream feed into this blog at that time, so you can watch it live with us. Just keep that in mind.
Love to see you at my house or online!
So we're still planning on the Sunday night premiere at my house at 9:15ish. Those of you who live more than 10 minutes away are probably sad that you are unable/too lazy to come. I'm planning on enclosing a Ustream feed into this blog at that time, so you can watch it live with us. Just keep that in mind.
Love to see you at my house or online!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
halloween jambalaya
Yesterday I woke up with this incredible book idea. This is more unique than my other two book ideas, in that I know exactly how it will end. I also know that the book absolutely must be written before 2012. So my question is, should I write all three books in the next four years, or should I skip ahead to make sure the third book is written?
So yeah. I'm working on the Halloween movie right now. I'm getting pretty stressed about it. I love doing it, but I'm finding myself putting it off, like a school project to only have it come back and haunt me during crunch time.
A by-product of the stalling is actually something to help promote the movie. I figured the public deserves to have an official trailer for the 2008 Halloween movie. Here it is:
I've decided that I'm sort of like a Halloween parent. You know how Christmas is really stressful for parents, 'cuz they feel a need to make sure their kids have the best Christmas ever? I get more stressed out every year. Once again, J.R. and I are late on getting the Halloween cd done. Hey Roy, remember how those things used to take us one night to finish?
I'm not complaining. I'm just wondering if maybe I should take from the holiday more than I give. Perhaps that's not the best choice of words. I don't really give anything. All my projects I've made with me in mind.
So far I can't complain, though. Hit some haunted houses, watched some scary movies. Almost done with the cd, almost done with the movie.
So yeah. I'm working on the Halloween movie right now. I'm getting pretty stressed about it. I love doing it, but I'm finding myself putting it off, like a school project to only have it come back and haunt me during crunch time.
A by-product of the stalling is actually something to help promote the movie. I figured the public deserves to have an official trailer for the 2008 Halloween movie. Here it is:
I've decided that I'm sort of like a Halloween parent. You know how Christmas is really stressful for parents, 'cuz they feel a need to make sure their kids have the best Christmas ever? I get more stressed out every year. Once again, J.R. and I are late on getting the Halloween cd done. Hey Roy, remember how those things used to take us one night to finish?
I'm not complaining. I'm just wondering if maybe I should take from the holiday more than I give. Perhaps that's not the best choice of words. I don't really give anything. All my projects I've made with me in mind.
So far I can't complain, though. Hit some haunted houses, watched some scary movies. Almost done with the cd, almost done with the movie.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
this post is longer than some newberry award winners
My friend Emily is too good for a blog. She's kind of like my friend Pete, who's too primitive for a cell phone or like Rhett who's too scared for lasik.
Emily does have a lot to say, so sometimes it's up to one of us wired people to get the word out.
If anything, Emily's big claim to fame is that she's read every single Newberry Award winning book. I asked her to make a list of the best ones and she said that she didn't remember every single book in detail, so she decided to read them all again. How's that for ready (read: read-y (that was a lot of reads))! Earlier this week she emailed me the big list, with lots of insightful and funny comments. Looking for a book to read to your kids or a book that is written so well that it appeals to kids as well as adults? THIS is the DEFINITIVE list!
Her words follow:
The Newberry Award was established in 1922 to honor the best American book for children. I read all of the winning books in elementary school and decided to read them again after a discussion with a friend. So, I have spent the last seven marvelous months reading the best children's books in the United States. Needless to say, some of them were better than others. In an effort to save all of my dear friends the pain of a bad book I have written reviews. These reviews were written within minutes of finishing a book so it's really all about my first impressions. If you are looking for a good book to read, feel free to pick something from my list. However, I am not responsible if you don't like the book. Our tastes are just different. Enjoy!
Books to Read
1927 Winner: Smoky, the Cowhorse by Will James
One of my favorite books ever. Story written like an old cowboy would tell it -- grammar, spelling, and everything else. Smoky is a great horse, trained by Clint, then stolen and turned into a mean ornery thing. A story about what positive actions and words can do.
1923 Winner: The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
It was fun reading a book that is part of our popular culture. The bullfighting chapters made me laugh out loud. Really turned on my imagination.
1941 Winner: Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Kind of reminded me of Robinson Crusoe and Life of Pi. A young man whose name means courage but doesn't have any sets out on a quest to become courageous. Set in Polynesia.
1956 Winner: Carry on Mr Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
A boy is constantly told he can't do something. But, he uses his brain and helps others and accomplishes more than anyone thought possible. Brings a ship through a fog and learns Latin.
1955 Winner: The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong
I remember liking this one from childhood. There is a sweetness and energy in it. It's the story of a little girl's impossible dream and the way an entire village came together to make it come true.
1959 Winner: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
This is a good girl book. Kit from Barbados teaches a little girl to read and saves a supposed witch from death. Everybody marries the right person.
1952 Winner: Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes
The story of a rather amazing little dog. I'd consider reading the other books in this series. I enjoyed the lesson about never stop looking for what you want.
1948 Winner: The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois.
A man wants to get away from the world so he builds a giant balloon with the idea to be alone for a year. Lands on Krakatoa, meets an Utopian society and flees with the group when the volcano explodes. Ironically, there was a story in the paper just after I read this about a priest floating away in a balloon (or something like that.)
1963 Winner: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
It's A Wrinkle in Time -- what else needs to be said?
1968 Winner: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
The book that probably started me on the slippery slope of professional museum life. Because the next best thing to living in a museum is working in one! Also an interesting idea about wanting change and growth and something different about our lives.
1972 Winner: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Utopia building genetically altered lab rats totally rock. And there's a great story about fearlessly working for the benefit of others.
1978 Winner: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Really great book. Really sad ending. Nice references to CS Lewis and other Newberry winning books. Captured the spirit of childhood
1979 Winner: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Very clever. I was wrapped up in solving the mystery right along with the characters. Nice twist at the end.
1982 Winner: A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers by Nancy Willard
Poetry! Some nice nuggets in here. Should I know who William Blake is?
1991 Winner: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
One cool kid. His goodness, kindness, and love of the world changes the lives of everyone around him. I almost felt like a ten year old again when reading this.
1994 Winner: The Giver by Lois Lowry
A great book. The power and importance of memory -- good, bad, painful, happy, bitter, sweet. And the importance of choice. The utopian society they had built for themselves scared me a little.
1997 Winner: The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
On the surface a group of mismatched people accomplishes the seemingly impossible. I liked this one for the conclusions and connections it let you make on your own. You had to pay attention to catch it all.
1999 Winner: Holes by Louis Sachar
Very entertaining and nice mental images. A good story that doesn't beat you over the head with message. I can tell why it has been so popular.
2004 Winner: The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo
An unlikely hero saves the day. I smiled and chuckled through this entire book. Great lessons told in a fun and approachable way.
Books to read once. They might change your life but they might not.
1942 Winner: Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray
Set in Medieval England. Story of the son of a minstrel and the lessons he learns about life as he is out on the open road.
1938 Winner: The White Stag by Kate Seredy
Really short (read it in an hour) Myth of how the Huns arrived in Hungary. Paints Attila the Hun in a different light. I liked it and the illustrations were very Art Nouveau and cool.
1937 Winner: Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer
Nice story. A little girl has a wonderful year and touches many lives when her parents move to Italy. She gets to roller skate all over New York City and meets people her aunt wouldn't approve of. Kind of sad ending as she grows up at the end of the year.
1926 Winner: Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman
Chinese folk tales -- how dynamite and kites were invented, how a tailor became a general and defeated the enemy, how a village beat away sea demons and stopped flooding. Liked this better than Tales from Silver Lands. (1925 winner) Felt more Chinese than Silver Lands felt South American.
1930 Winner: Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field
History told from a doll's perspective. She travels on a whaling ship, lives in India, is adopted by a Quaker family, kidnapped by crows, and ends up in an antique store. It made me wonder about the stories my toys could tell.
1929 Winner: The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly
Cool story that for me came down to the importance of keeping your promises. Felt a little more advanced than previous winners. Made me want to visit Krakow.
1962 Winner: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
In the beginning, it's about a Jewish boy who wants to rid Israel of the Romans and bring to pass the physical kingdom of God. In the end it's about Jesus.
1961 Winner: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Apparently based on a true story. The story of a girl who survives and thrives after being left on an island alone for twenty years. I was sad at the end for the loss of her civilization
1953 Winner: Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
Story of a young Inca boy in the 1930s? and his place in the millenia of Inca experience. Not spectacular but not bad either. Maybe it would help if I knew more about Peru. Way better than the other South American book.
1951 Winner: Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates
A young man, stolen from his tribe, brought to the US as a slave, buys his freedom and frees others. I think I was supposed to be more inspired by this than I was.
1950 Winner: The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
Another medieval England story. A crippled boy learns no wall in life is so impenetrable that it doesn't even have a door in it. He saves the castle, reunites with family, and becomes friends with a monk. I liked Adam of the Road more.
1949 Winner: King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry
This was one of my favorite authors growing up. I guess I'm a sucker for a good horse book! Then and now I've been disappointed in the ending. I want Sham to have a triumphal race around the track -- beating his children.
1965 Winner: Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska
One of the better coming of age stories so far. The best part though is reading all about bullfighting. Not spectacular, just good. Why are women writing all these coming of age stories about boys?
1966 Winner: I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
Good one. Not only makes me want to read a real biography about the main characters but to look at Velazquez paintings. A nice story about a man's faithful life to a family he loved.
1970 Winner: Sounder by William H. Armstrong
Very sad. A boy's father arrested for stealing food. Dog almost killed during arrest. Boy goes on a quest to find his father, becomes a man. Learns to read -- a huge deal for the family. Incredible love and loyalty for and from a dog.
1973 Winner: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
A girl leaves her modernized Alaskan village, lives off the wilderness and is adopted by wolves. Almost joins white society then realizes she would rather live by the ancient ways. A sad tale of the ending of the traditional way of life.
1976 Winner: The Grey King by Susan Cooper
Fourth book in a series of five. Another Welsh mythology story. It was good and there are some nice truths, but knowing the other books would probably help. This is a series I might go back and read.
1977 Winner: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Inequalities in 1920s Mississippi. In the end a father gives up (possibly) his most prized possession for the chance he might be able to save a life.
1980 Winner: A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832 by Joan W. Blos
A nice coming of age story set in 1830s New Hampshire. I'm not sure if I would have liked it more or less if I hadn't put on my historian's hat while reading it.
1987 Winner: The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
A fun story. A good reminder that boys constantly in trouble really need to be allowed to be boys. Jemmie's frustrations with Prince Brat are hilarious.
1990 Winner: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
I liked the idea that all of Denmark is the kings bodyguard -- in a sense it extends much further than that. Stories about the Holocaust are always gut wrenching for me.
1993 Winner: Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
About love, accepting others as they are and moving on through loss. Set in West Virginia, includes a boy named Cletus.
1995 Winner: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Filled with all kinds of great overactive teenage imaginations and differences between families. In the end, a sad book on many levels that was starting to move towards healing.
2001 Winner: A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Small town life during a recession. A girl and her grandmother have a bond. They were interesting characters and I wanted to connect with them but didn't for some reason.
2002 Winner: A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
A 12th century Korean orphan grows up to become one of the best potters in the country. After he thinks he has failed, he finds a large enough remnant to accomplish his goal. I liked this one.
2008 Winner: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
One of the better life in Medieval Europe books I read. (and there have been a lot in the Newberry winners) Monologues from different teenage residents in a village. Some of them consciously interact with each other, others interact but don't know it.
1984 Winner: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
I'm a Beverly Cleary fan -- I remember liking a lot of these books. I was drawn into Leigh's story -- his journey of discovery and his views of the world. He felt real to me.
1986 Winner: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
More of a short story than a book -- read it in 30 minutes. A story about coming to love the place you are for what it is. About a mail-order bride.
Read it... or not... whatever...
1939 Winner: Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
A 9 year old girl's summer in the Midwest. Hitchhiking, county fairs, swimming, going to town. It was ok. It was comparable to Roller Skates but I liked Roller Skates more. Weren't really a lot of good life lessons in this one.
1936 Winner: Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Has always felt like a cheap knockoff of Little House on the Prairie to me. (the books, not the 1970s tv show) Not one of my favorites. Little girl in Wisconsin -- grows up, has siblings, meets Indians, etc.
1935 Winner: Dobry by Monica Shannon
Follows a little boy in Bulgaria over the course of several years. What it means to be in a community. Grandfather is a master storyteller. The book ends as Dobry leaves his village to make his own way in the world. It ended where I wanted the story to begin.
1934 Winner: Invincible Louisa: The Story of the Author of Little Women by Cornelia Meigs
Was this really the best book of 1934? The whole point of it was that all of Alcott's life experience prepared her to write Little Women. Mostly hero worship. I think they wanted to give the award to Little Women but the rules wouldn't allow them to.
1933 Winner: Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Lewis
Yet another China book. I kept waiting for the big climatic moment but it never happened. Every chapter this coppersmith apprentice gets into a scrape, learns from it, then does something else stupid the next chapter. Exciting adventures left me disappointed in the end.
1932 Winner: Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer
Kind of bland. A Navajo boy coming of age written by a white woman who made yearly visits to the reservation. Really a reflection of 1930s thought about Native Americans. Story set in 1920s or 1930s -- automobiles, airplanes, hogans, and ponies. Very idealized.
1931 Winner: The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth
Really short (read in 30 minutes) A poor artist commissioned to paint an image of the dying Buddha. A kind and gentle cat can't be in the painting because it didn't honor the living Buddha. Redeemed in the end. Very Japanese.
1928 Winner: Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji
How to train a carrier pigeon. Set in India. Nice Hindu lessons about love, courage, etc but I couldn't get over the fact that it was about a pigeon!
1925 Winner: Tales from Silver Lands by Charles Finger
Short stories set in South America. Kind of like Hans Christian Anderson. Where armadillos come from, 400 young men who killed giants, origin of monkeys, etc. It was ok.
1922 Winner: The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon
History of the world (evolution into Western 20th century history) written for children. Definitely groundbreaking for 1922 but definitely not on my list of 600+ page books to read again. I got bored and stopped reading on page 160 just after the Normans invaded England. Has very cool illustrations.
1960 Winner: Onion John by Joseph Krumgold
Reminded me a lot of ...And Now Miguel. Not my favorite either! Why not just teach an Eastern European English and not try to remake his entire life! I didn't care as much about Andy either.
1958 Winner: Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
Story of the western front of the Civil War. Kind of dumb. Jeff doesn't want Watie to get rifles and he becomes a spy for the Union army. Way down on my list of suggested Civil War reading. And, they spelled drought "drouth" (the old-fashioned way). It bugged me the entire book!
1957 Winner: Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
Sweet story of small, daily miracles (and big ones too!) that happen to a family when they move to the country. Very sweet, wholesome. The biggest miracle is that the father recovers from the war.
1954 Winner: ...And Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold
And yet another southwest Indian book. This time about a sheepherders family. Miguel is the middle child and doesn't quite know where he belongs. He dreams big, learns a lot, and finds even seemingly great dreams have unfortunate consequences.
1945 Winner: Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
How to keep animals from digging up your garden from the animals perspective. Kind of cute. Took a few pages to realize the book was from an animals perspective. I was kind of confused.
1944 Winner: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
A young man comes of age at the dawning of the American republic. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice silversmith who becomes friends with Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Josiah Quincy, etc. Very patriotic. Seemed to be a big reflection of what was going on in the US and world in 1944. Seemed a real departure from previous winners.
1964 Winner: It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville
Just ok. A New York City boy adopts a stray cat and takes it with him as he does his normal teenage boy things. Didn't stick out in any way.
1967 Winner: Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt
A girl's coming of age story. Nothing really happens -- she just grows up and learns to deal with everyday life. Nothing spectacular, nothing bad. Maybe because it happens slowly.
1969 Winner: The High King by Lloyd Alexander
I might like this more if I'd read the other four books in the series. Didn't understand the back story enough. Really clichéd ending. Part fantasy part welsh mythology -- not really my thing.
1971 Winner: Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars
Should really be called "Two Days of the Swans." A young mentally disabled boy gets lost and his 14 year old sister learns some good life lessons. Kind of blah -- quick read but I was getting bored.
1974 Winner: The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox
This one confused me. Why write a book about a slave ship in 1974? This would probably give children nightmares -- people getting kidnapped, shot, thrown overboard, shipwrecked...
1975 Winner: M.C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton
Felt like a book you would read in highschool to dissect all the symbolism. Couldn't really tell you the point of it what life lesson I learned.
1981 Winner: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
The message I learned from this book this time is that sometimes our "afflictions" are self-imposed because we're too selfish to look outside of ourselves. I really didn't have a lot of sympathy for Louise. Although as a 15 year old I totally related.
1983 Winner: Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt
It grew on me as the story progressed. My final feeling for these characters was pity -- which I doubt was the authors point. Another story of growing up and changing perspective.
1985 Winner: The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Fantasy. Such a departure from all other winners I don't know how to rank it. Good book on its own, but the whole ending section with Luthe left me confused and uneasy. Really enjoyed most of it.
1989 Winner: Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Clever two voice poems about bugs. Kind of out of place for the rest. I thought it was interesting to write something for two people when reading is so solitary. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had convinced a roommate to read out loud with me.
1992 Winner: Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds
A boy and his dog. Nothing special. Kind of a morally ambiguous ending.
2000 Winner: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Shares a lot of elements of other award winners -- orphan, living on the street, black kid in a white man's world, hard economic times, finding your place in the world, and finding a family. Nothing particularly enthralling.
2003 Winner: Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi
Orphan boy, Medieval England, falls in with a juggler. I saw the plot twist coming about 100 pages before it happened. Sadly, the really cool sword fight is in the last five pages. I felt like someone slammed on the brakes for the ending. And what's up with the author with only one name?
2007 Winner: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Middle of the road book. There is no way this book would have been accepted 30 years ago -- divorce, foster care, electrocuted mothers, mothers in prison, eavesdropping on AA meetings...
2005 Winner: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
A Japanese-American family moves to Georgia and learns how to cope with grief and hard times. Not that good, not that bad.
Don't bother
1942 Winner: The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds
More of a short story than a book. A Dutch family attempts to ward off an Indian attack in about 1700 New England. I wanted more of their story. In the end, the mother is injured and the house burns down. Did they really succeed?
1940 Winner: Daniel Boone by James Daugherty
Not that great. The noble settler, the evil savage. Seemed a step back in cultural awareness from previous winners. Written for children but not one I would recommend to children. The historian in me went eek! a lot when reading this.
1924 Winner: The Dark Frigate by Charles Hawes
Pirates and other bad people in the entire book. The story of Phillip Marsham -- has the sea in his blood and gets mixed up with pirates. Escapes, acquitted of piracy charges, becomes a hero, and returns to the sea in the very same ship he had sailed on as a pirate (spooky eh?) Not very excited to be reading this one.
1947 Winner: Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
Miss Hickory is made of a hickory nut and a twig. Reminded me of Hitty: Her First Hundred Years. Very creepy, Alfred Hitchcock type ending.
1946 Winner: Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski
Set in rural backwoods Florida. All of it was in vernacular slang. Never got used to it. Never felt allegiance to any of the characters.
1988 Winner: Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
The historian in me came out and I was disappointed. The author contradicted himself and oversimplified things. Too much text, not enough photos!
1996 Winner: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
A girl comes of age in Medieval Europe blah blah blah. Is midwifery and childbirth an appropriate subject for young adult fiction?
1998 Winner: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Not such a fan. It felt like she was trying too hard with the free verse poetry. Was the dust supposed to symbolize something?
2006 Winner: Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
Teenagers growing up together and learning about life. This author was trying to be literary and deep. I think I missed something. Would a teenager really understand this book?
Emily does have a lot to say, so sometimes it's up to one of us wired people to get the word out.
If anything, Emily's big claim to fame is that she's read every single Newberry Award winning book. I asked her to make a list of the best ones and she said that she didn't remember every single book in detail, so she decided to read them all again. How's that for ready (read: read-y (that was a lot of reads))! Earlier this week she emailed me the big list, with lots of insightful and funny comments. Looking for a book to read to your kids or a book that is written so well that it appeals to kids as well as adults? THIS is the DEFINITIVE list!
Her words follow:
The Newberry Award was established in 1922 to honor the best American book for children. I read all of the winning books in elementary school and decided to read them again after a discussion with a friend. So, I have spent the last seven marvelous months reading the best children's books in the United States. Needless to say, some of them were better than others. In an effort to save all of my dear friends the pain of a bad book I have written reviews. These reviews were written within minutes of finishing a book so it's really all about my first impressions. If you are looking for a good book to read, feel free to pick something from my list. However, I am not responsible if you don't like the book. Our tastes are just different. Enjoy!
Books to Read
1927 Winner: Smoky, the Cowhorse by Will James
One of my favorite books ever. Story written like an old cowboy would tell it -- grammar, spelling, and everything else. Smoky is a great horse, trained by Clint, then stolen and turned into a mean ornery thing. A story about what positive actions and words can do.
1923 Winner: The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
It was fun reading a book that is part of our popular culture. The bullfighting chapters made me laugh out loud. Really turned on my imagination.
1941 Winner: Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Kind of reminded me of Robinson Crusoe and Life of Pi. A young man whose name means courage but doesn't have any sets out on a quest to become courageous. Set in Polynesia.
1956 Winner: Carry on Mr Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
A boy is constantly told he can't do something. But, he uses his brain and helps others and accomplishes more than anyone thought possible. Brings a ship through a fog and learns Latin.
1955 Winner: The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong
I remember liking this one from childhood. There is a sweetness and energy in it. It's the story of a little girl's impossible dream and the way an entire village came together to make it come true.
1959 Winner: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
This is a good girl book. Kit from Barbados teaches a little girl to read and saves a supposed witch from death. Everybody marries the right person.
1952 Winner: Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes
The story of a rather amazing little dog. I'd consider reading the other books in this series. I enjoyed the lesson about never stop looking for what you want.
1948 Winner: The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois.
A man wants to get away from the world so he builds a giant balloon with the idea to be alone for a year. Lands on Krakatoa, meets an Utopian society and flees with the group when the volcano explodes. Ironically, there was a story in the paper just after I read this about a priest floating away in a balloon (or something like that.)
1963 Winner: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
It's A Wrinkle in Time -- what else needs to be said?
1968 Winner: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
The book that probably started me on the slippery slope of professional museum life. Because the next best thing to living in a museum is working in one! Also an interesting idea about wanting change and growth and something different about our lives.
1972 Winner: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Utopia building genetically altered lab rats totally rock. And there's a great story about fearlessly working for the benefit of others.
1978 Winner: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Really great book. Really sad ending. Nice references to CS Lewis and other Newberry winning books. Captured the spirit of childhood
1979 Winner: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Very clever. I was wrapped up in solving the mystery right along with the characters. Nice twist at the end.
1982 Winner: A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers by Nancy Willard
Poetry! Some nice nuggets in here. Should I know who William Blake is?
1991 Winner: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
One cool kid. His goodness, kindness, and love of the world changes the lives of everyone around him. I almost felt like a ten year old again when reading this.
1994 Winner: The Giver by Lois Lowry
A great book. The power and importance of memory -- good, bad, painful, happy, bitter, sweet. And the importance of choice. The utopian society they had built for themselves scared me a little.
1997 Winner: The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
On the surface a group of mismatched people accomplishes the seemingly impossible. I liked this one for the conclusions and connections it let you make on your own. You had to pay attention to catch it all.
1999 Winner: Holes by Louis Sachar
Very entertaining and nice mental images. A good story that doesn't beat you over the head with message. I can tell why it has been so popular.
2004 Winner: The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo
An unlikely hero saves the day. I smiled and chuckled through this entire book. Great lessons told in a fun and approachable way.
Books to read once. They might change your life but they might not.
1942 Winner: Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray
Set in Medieval England. Story of the son of a minstrel and the lessons he learns about life as he is out on the open road.
1938 Winner: The White Stag by Kate Seredy
Really short (read it in an hour) Myth of how the Huns arrived in Hungary. Paints Attila the Hun in a different light. I liked it and the illustrations were very Art Nouveau and cool.
1937 Winner: Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer
Nice story. A little girl has a wonderful year and touches many lives when her parents move to Italy. She gets to roller skate all over New York City and meets people her aunt wouldn't approve of. Kind of sad ending as she grows up at the end of the year.
1926 Winner: Shen of the Sea by Arthur Bowie Chrisman
Chinese folk tales -- how dynamite and kites were invented, how a tailor became a general and defeated the enemy, how a village beat away sea demons and stopped flooding. Liked this better than Tales from Silver Lands. (1925 winner) Felt more Chinese than Silver Lands felt South American.
1930 Winner: Hitty, Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field
History told from a doll's perspective. She travels on a whaling ship, lives in India, is adopted by a Quaker family, kidnapped by crows, and ends up in an antique store. It made me wonder about the stories my toys could tell.
1929 Winner: The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly
Cool story that for me came down to the importance of keeping your promises. Felt a little more advanced than previous winners. Made me want to visit Krakow.
1962 Winner: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
In the beginning, it's about a Jewish boy who wants to rid Israel of the Romans and bring to pass the physical kingdom of God. In the end it's about Jesus.
1961 Winner: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Apparently based on a true story. The story of a girl who survives and thrives after being left on an island alone for twenty years. I was sad at the end for the loss of her civilization
1953 Winner: Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark
Story of a young Inca boy in the 1930s? and his place in the millenia of Inca experience. Not spectacular but not bad either. Maybe it would help if I knew more about Peru. Way better than the other South American book.
1951 Winner: Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates
A young man, stolen from his tribe, brought to the US as a slave, buys his freedom and frees others. I think I was supposed to be more inspired by this than I was.
1950 Winner: The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
Another medieval England story. A crippled boy learns no wall in life is so impenetrable that it doesn't even have a door in it. He saves the castle, reunites with family, and becomes friends with a monk. I liked Adam of the Road more.
1949 Winner: King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry
This was one of my favorite authors growing up. I guess I'm a sucker for a good horse book! Then and now I've been disappointed in the ending. I want Sham to have a triumphal race around the track -- beating his children.
1965 Winner: Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska
One of the better coming of age stories so far. The best part though is reading all about bullfighting. Not spectacular, just good. Why are women writing all these coming of age stories about boys?
1966 Winner: I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
Good one. Not only makes me want to read a real biography about the main characters but to look at Velazquez paintings. A nice story about a man's faithful life to a family he loved.
1970 Winner: Sounder by William H. Armstrong
Very sad. A boy's father arrested for stealing food. Dog almost killed during arrest. Boy goes on a quest to find his father, becomes a man. Learns to read -- a huge deal for the family. Incredible love and loyalty for and from a dog.
1973 Winner: Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
A girl leaves her modernized Alaskan village, lives off the wilderness and is adopted by wolves. Almost joins white society then realizes she would rather live by the ancient ways. A sad tale of the ending of the traditional way of life.
1976 Winner: The Grey King by Susan Cooper
Fourth book in a series of five. Another Welsh mythology story. It was good and there are some nice truths, but knowing the other books would probably help. This is a series I might go back and read.
1977 Winner: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Inequalities in 1920s Mississippi. In the end a father gives up (possibly) his most prized possession for the chance he might be able to save a life.
1980 Winner: A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-1832 by Joan W. Blos
A nice coming of age story set in 1830s New Hampshire. I'm not sure if I would have liked it more or less if I hadn't put on my historian's hat while reading it.
1987 Winner: The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman
A fun story. A good reminder that boys constantly in trouble really need to be allowed to be boys. Jemmie's frustrations with Prince Brat are hilarious.
1990 Winner: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
I liked the idea that all of Denmark is the kings bodyguard -- in a sense it extends much further than that. Stories about the Holocaust are always gut wrenching for me.
1993 Winner: Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
About love, accepting others as they are and moving on through loss. Set in West Virginia, includes a boy named Cletus.
1995 Winner: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Filled with all kinds of great overactive teenage imaginations and differences between families. In the end, a sad book on many levels that was starting to move towards healing.
2001 Winner: A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Small town life during a recession. A girl and her grandmother have a bond. They were interesting characters and I wanted to connect with them but didn't for some reason.
2002 Winner: A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
A 12th century Korean orphan grows up to become one of the best potters in the country. After he thinks he has failed, he finds a large enough remnant to accomplish his goal. I liked this one.
2008 Winner: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
One of the better life in Medieval Europe books I read. (and there have been a lot in the Newberry winners) Monologues from different teenage residents in a village. Some of them consciously interact with each other, others interact but don't know it.
1984 Winner: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
I'm a Beverly Cleary fan -- I remember liking a lot of these books. I was drawn into Leigh's story -- his journey of discovery and his views of the world. He felt real to me.
1986 Winner: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
More of a short story than a book -- read it in 30 minutes. A story about coming to love the place you are for what it is. About a mail-order bride.
Read it... or not... whatever...
1939 Winner: Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
A 9 year old girl's summer in the Midwest. Hitchhiking, county fairs, swimming, going to town. It was ok. It was comparable to Roller Skates but I liked Roller Skates more. Weren't really a lot of good life lessons in this one.
1936 Winner: Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Has always felt like a cheap knockoff of Little House on the Prairie to me. (the books, not the 1970s tv show) Not one of my favorites. Little girl in Wisconsin -- grows up, has siblings, meets Indians, etc.
1935 Winner: Dobry by Monica Shannon
Follows a little boy in Bulgaria over the course of several years. What it means to be in a community. Grandfather is a master storyteller. The book ends as Dobry leaves his village to make his own way in the world. It ended where I wanted the story to begin.
1934 Winner: Invincible Louisa: The Story of the Author of Little Women by Cornelia Meigs
Was this really the best book of 1934? The whole point of it was that all of Alcott's life experience prepared her to write Little Women. Mostly hero worship. I think they wanted to give the award to Little Women but the rules wouldn't allow them to.
1933 Winner: Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Lewis
Yet another China book. I kept waiting for the big climatic moment but it never happened. Every chapter this coppersmith apprentice gets into a scrape, learns from it, then does something else stupid the next chapter. Exciting adventures left me disappointed in the end.
1932 Winner: Waterless Mountain by Laura Adams Armer
Kind of bland. A Navajo boy coming of age written by a white woman who made yearly visits to the reservation. Really a reflection of 1930s thought about Native Americans. Story set in 1920s or 1930s -- automobiles, airplanes, hogans, and ponies. Very idealized.
1931 Winner: The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth
Really short (read in 30 minutes) A poor artist commissioned to paint an image of the dying Buddha. A kind and gentle cat can't be in the painting because it didn't honor the living Buddha. Redeemed in the end. Very Japanese.
1928 Winner: Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji
How to train a carrier pigeon. Set in India. Nice Hindu lessons about love, courage, etc but I couldn't get over the fact that it was about a pigeon!
1925 Winner: Tales from Silver Lands by Charles Finger
Short stories set in South America. Kind of like Hans Christian Anderson. Where armadillos come from, 400 young men who killed giants, origin of monkeys, etc. It was ok.
1922 Winner: The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon
History of the world (evolution into Western 20th century history) written for children. Definitely groundbreaking for 1922 but definitely not on my list of 600+ page books to read again. I got bored and stopped reading on page 160 just after the Normans invaded England. Has very cool illustrations.
1960 Winner: Onion John by Joseph Krumgold
Reminded me a lot of ...And Now Miguel. Not my favorite either! Why not just teach an Eastern European English and not try to remake his entire life! I didn't care as much about Andy either.
1958 Winner: Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
Story of the western front of the Civil War. Kind of dumb. Jeff doesn't want Watie to get rifles and he becomes a spy for the Union army. Way down on my list of suggested Civil War reading. And, they spelled drought "drouth" (the old-fashioned way). It bugged me the entire book!
1957 Winner: Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
Sweet story of small, daily miracles (and big ones too!) that happen to a family when they move to the country. Very sweet, wholesome. The biggest miracle is that the father recovers from the war.
1954 Winner: ...And Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold
And yet another southwest Indian book. This time about a sheepherders family. Miguel is the middle child and doesn't quite know where he belongs. He dreams big, learns a lot, and finds even seemingly great dreams have unfortunate consequences.
1945 Winner: Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson
How to keep animals from digging up your garden from the animals perspective. Kind of cute. Took a few pages to realize the book was from an animals perspective. I was kind of confused.
1944 Winner: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
A young man comes of age at the dawning of the American republic. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice silversmith who becomes friends with Paul Revere, Sam Adams, Josiah Quincy, etc. Very patriotic. Seemed to be a big reflection of what was going on in the US and world in 1944. Seemed a real departure from previous winners.
1964 Winner: It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville
Just ok. A New York City boy adopts a stray cat and takes it with him as he does his normal teenage boy things. Didn't stick out in any way.
1967 Winner: Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt
A girl's coming of age story. Nothing really happens -- she just grows up and learns to deal with everyday life. Nothing spectacular, nothing bad. Maybe because it happens slowly.
1969 Winner: The High King by Lloyd Alexander
I might like this more if I'd read the other four books in the series. Didn't understand the back story enough. Really clichéd ending. Part fantasy part welsh mythology -- not really my thing.
1971 Winner: Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars
Should really be called "Two Days of the Swans." A young mentally disabled boy gets lost and his 14 year old sister learns some good life lessons. Kind of blah -- quick read but I was getting bored.
1974 Winner: The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox
This one confused me. Why write a book about a slave ship in 1974? This would probably give children nightmares -- people getting kidnapped, shot, thrown overboard, shipwrecked...
1975 Winner: M.C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton
Felt like a book you would read in highschool to dissect all the symbolism. Couldn't really tell you the point of it what life lesson I learned.
1981 Winner: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
The message I learned from this book this time is that sometimes our "afflictions" are self-imposed because we're too selfish to look outside of ourselves. I really didn't have a lot of sympathy for Louise. Although as a 15 year old I totally related.
1983 Winner: Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt
It grew on me as the story progressed. My final feeling for these characters was pity -- which I doubt was the authors point. Another story of growing up and changing perspective.
1985 Winner: The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
Fantasy. Such a departure from all other winners I don't know how to rank it. Good book on its own, but the whole ending section with Luthe left me confused and uneasy. Really enjoyed most of it.
1989 Winner: Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Clever two voice poems about bugs. Kind of out of place for the rest. I thought it was interesting to write something for two people when reading is so solitary. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had convinced a roommate to read out loud with me.
1992 Winner: Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds
A boy and his dog. Nothing special. Kind of a morally ambiguous ending.
2000 Winner: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Shares a lot of elements of other award winners -- orphan, living on the street, black kid in a white man's world, hard economic times, finding your place in the world, and finding a family. Nothing particularly enthralling.
2003 Winner: Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi
Orphan boy, Medieval England, falls in with a juggler. I saw the plot twist coming about 100 pages before it happened. Sadly, the really cool sword fight is in the last five pages. I felt like someone slammed on the brakes for the ending. And what's up with the author with only one name?
2007 Winner: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Middle of the road book. There is no way this book would have been accepted 30 years ago -- divorce, foster care, electrocuted mothers, mothers in prison, eavesdropping on AA meetings...
2005 Winner: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
A Japanese-American family moves to Georgia and learns how to cope with grief and hard times. Not that good, not that bad.
Don't bother
1942 Winner: The Matchlock Gun by Walter Edmonds
More of a short story than a book. A Dutch family attempts to ward off an Indian attack in about 1700 New England. I wanted more of their story. In the end, the mother is injured and the house burns down. Did they really succeed?
1940 Winner: Daniel Boone by James Daugherty
Not that great. The noble settler, the evil savage. Seemed a step back in cultural awareness from previous winners. Written for children but not one I would recommend to children. The historian in me went eek! a lot when reading this.
1924 Winner: The Dark Frigate by Charles Hawes
Pirates and other bad people in the entire book. The story of Phillip Marsham -- has the sea in his blood and gets mixed up with pirates. Escapes, acquitted of piracy charges, becomes a hero, and returns to the sea in the very same ship he had sailed on as a pirate (spooky eh?) Not very excited to be reading this one.
1947 Winner: Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
Miss Hickory is made of a hickory nut and a twig. Reminded me of Hitty: Her First Hundred Years. Very creepy, Alfred Hitchcock type ending.
1946 Winner: Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski
Set in rural backwoods Florida. All of it was in vernacular slang. Never got used to it. Never felt allegiance to any of the characters.
1988 Winner: Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
The historian in me came out and I was disappointed. The author contradicted himself and oversimplified things. Too much text, not enough photos!
1996 Winner: The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
A girl comes of age in Medieval Europe blah blah blah. Is midwifery and childbirth an appropriate subject for young adult fiction?
1998 Winner: Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Not such a fan. It felt like she was trying too hard with the free verse poetry. Was the dust supposed to symbolize something?
2006 Winner: Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
Teenagers growing up together and learning about life. This author was trying to be literary and deep. I think I missed something. Would a teenager really understand this book?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
good luck mom!
This is my wonderful mother. I love her a lot and she did a fine job putting up with me for 30 years. If for any reason at any time I've been wonderful or kind or noteworthy in any way it's been because of her.
Tomorrow afternoon she goes into back surgery. It's got something to do with a disc or whatever, I'm not really sure. The doctors say it won't be too big a deal, but hey, it's still surgery.
For the past week, I've taken special care to not step on any cracks.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
greetings from the grave in my mind
The holiday season is upon us! Look! My supernatural ghostly powers are finally manifesting themselves! Sorry -- the video has like 30 seconds of black at the end.
It's all coming together people. I'm not totally ready for Halloween, but every single Halloweeny element is coming together. Most know that Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. Its lead over Christmas has steadily increased ever since I stopped buying gifts for people. This time, right now, is my holiday season. It's not all done, but it's coming together.
The script for the movie is finished and we'll be shooting this weekend (if people show up).
The Halloween 2008 cd playlist is finished and awaiting artwork and dialogue clips.
Nightmare on 13th is open and willing to accept us and our money.
My Frightmares pass is burning a hole in my pocket.
J.R.'s movie of the month is stacked scary.
My Netflix queue is filled with Suspiria, Ghoulies, House (the movie, not the tv show), and the like.
In the words of Garhalloweenfield -- "Candycandycandycandy."
About the only thing not working is my costume. I'm thinking of doing a repeat from a few years ago. Some people say that's lame and it totally is, but this is the 30th year in a row that I've costumed up. I deserve a break more than most.
Any ideas? And don't say skanky elephant. I've got some rules. It's gotta be scary. The weird, macabre stuff is what I like about Halloween, so I'm not gonna dress up as a roll of paper towels or something (unless it's an evil roll of paper towels).
Also, I don't want to wear a mask. Masks are annoying to wear and you also can't tell who someone is in a mask. I know that sounds weird since a costume is essentially a disguise, but I feel that a Halloween costume should represent some hidden recess about the self and not necessarily be something to hide completely behind. Also, I know the Church frowns on masks. I have no idea why. All I know is that there's this tenuous relationship with Halloween and I gotta play nice or pretty soon it's gonna be like "Alright, that's it. No more Halloween!" I'm thinking it'll happen in the next 15 years or so. It will be kind of cool to tell my kids about Halloween and be like, ha! In your face!
As long as we're talking about costumes, perhaps I should address the whole skank thing. Listen. I'm no prude, but I hope the sexification of the holiday ends. I don't like my holiday of fun darkness being replaced so exclusively by temporary sexuality. Like I said, I'm no prude -- save the skank stuff for the other 364 days of the year.
Hey, last note. Be sure to get out of Reader and check out the Song of the Moment on the site itself. I'm sure to adjust it for the times often this month.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
approaching platinum
Looks like my YouTube video of Wild Mouse featuring the lovely Kaila has overtaken my video of Wicked as my most watched on-line movie. As of this typing: 20,231 views and 119 text comments. Thank you Wild Mouse video. Spread the viral fun. Here's to another 20,000 views!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
infinaggie playligulous
This weekend could be huge.
Tomorrow we're heading up to the BYU - Utah State game, which should be breezy. However, there are some strange superstitious factors that could spell disaster. First of all, my brother feels really nervous about the game. He's far from the most sporty person I know, but he is the most emotional when it comes to killer losses. I'm afraid he may have tapped into some kind of weird emotional space flux that only he's attuned to and the BYU team really won't see it coming. The other factor is that the only trash talk coming from the Utah State fans I know is that they're confident that the aggies will actually score. There is no pretension toward victory. The last time I remember this really well was back in seminary we did this thing called Seminary Bowl where we divided up into stakes and had a quiz show type thing testing our knowledge of the Old Testament and buzz-in proficiency. When the stake in last place went up against our first-place team, they had the same attitude of gracious humility. Somehow that humility must have built up to a glorious power because they... almost beat us.
Speaking of seminary, it's Conference Weekend everyone! That means we have more of a chance to have real fun, not just church fun.
Also worth noting is that Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist arrives in theaters this weekend (Saturday 10:30 PM anyone? anyone?). It's probably the last chance for Michael Cera to play his Arrested Development character without the rest of us getting mad. I think he'll go out with a bang. From the previews I like the look of the thing. It appears to be shot on dark film and has a sort of oldish classicish look to it. I have high hopes even though, as of now, Beverly Hills Chihuahua has a higher tomato rating.The other movie coming out is Bill Maher's Religulous. Does anyone else think that it's weird that this thing is coming out conference weekend? It's probably not weird, it's probably simply fitting. From the preview we see that the guy actually captured footage in front of the Salt Lake Temple. Maybe he planned this weekend's opening all along. I don't hate the guy. Maybe I should say I don't completely dismiss all of his opinions. I actually have one of his books. He says some stuff I actually like hearing (such as the value of individual sacrifice and the definition of patriotism).
Following him over the years, though, he's become more and more of a specific warrior against religion. His atheism used to be just one of his traits, but now it's beyond the defining one. Now -- to him -- every issue, every problem, every talking point is about how religion is the cause of every negative thing on earth. I actually saw him on his show point out a bad event in the newspaper and then say something like "Well is it any wonder stuff like this happens when," and then he'd turn to a different headline, "72% of the people in this country believe that the story of Noah's ark actually happened." Granted, I can totally understand the skepticism of someone who doesn't believe in Bible stories. The problem with Maher is, he sees the intolerance of fundamental extremist religious behaviour and then fights back with the same intolerance and zeal he denounces. As a religious person I'm glad. It's easy to see. His cause would be more effective if he wasn't so obvious about his bigotry. Perhaps since he started his career as a comedian, it's more natural for him to treat the subject as a joke rather than something that can be debated without mumbling that anyone who believes in God is an absolute moron.
In that same show where he pulled the Noah's ark story (and related it to whatever other story it was that had absolutely nothing to do with Noah's ark, or religion, or even belief) an annoying guest on his show finally asked him why he needs to bring religion into everything he talks about. The guest then said that his opinions on the matter go beyond debate and his rants are directed at religious people such as himself with a specific edge and tone that equates with bigotry. Maher's response to the accusation: "I am not a bigot." It seemed he wasn't able to elaborate on his defense without deepening the accusation.
Anyway, it's conference weekend. I've heard Maher say something to the effect that all religions are wrong, but Mormons are notable because they are even more wrong than everyone else. This weekend is probably not a coincidence.
Unfortunately, religion will always be on the losing side in a scientific debate. Faith is, after all, faith. I've always maintained that if God exists, he wants to be discovered in that method. No lab will ever disprove or prove the existence or merits of faith.
My religious stance will be the same despite the outcome of the BYU - Utah State game.
Monday, September 29, 2008
pinpoint plug
I've done a lot of silly podcasts lately, but maybe this is one you may be interested in.
As you can see from the picture, it's called Pinpoint SLC and it's an arts and culture podcast. It's also not totally mine. I'm volunteering with the good folks at UtahFM.org for this little gig. Anyway, it's only about five minutes long and it should come out every Thursday. I'll probably be putting together every other one. Depending on the week, we got stuff in there about local music, classical music, theater and visual art.
So yeah, it's so harmless. Here is the iTunes link to get it that way. Do it. Do it.
As you can see from the picture, it's called Pinpoint SLC and it's an arts and culture podcast. It's also not totally mine. I'm volunteering with the good folks at UtahFM.org for this little gig. Anyway, it's only about five minutes long and it should come out every Thursday. I'll probably be putting together every other one. Depending on the week, we got stuff in there about local music, classical music, theater and visual art.So yeah, it's so harmless. Here is the iTunes link to get it that way. Do it. Do it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
casting call!
So three years ago my movie studio had mild success with its short feature called "Massacre on West Capitol" (692 YouTube views -- yay! (although that number is actually wicked low (speaking of wicked, my video of me on the Wicked ride at Lagoon is approaching 20,000 views -- what's up with that? Watch the movies I actually worked hard on dang it!!!))).
Aaaaaaanyway... the same kind of low-pressure film event is happening again (in the form of the ward Halloween party) and the horror season is upon us. A new film will be made. Perhaps you'd like to be a part of it? We have a few ideas, but not a complete story yet. If you'd like to contribute in any way, I'd really love some help with it.
Also, I'm pretty sure we're gonna need a human mannequin. Anyone know where we can get a mannequin?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
further reading stumbling blocks
While wasting time at Barnes and Noble today, a specific book caught my eye: Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman. Man! That came fast. I guess it's been out for several weeks now and I didn't realize it. Strangely, I refrained from buying it immediately. I need to mull this over.Chuck Klosterman is my favorite author. Ever since Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs, I've bought all his books the first week they've come out -- in hardback. I was never a Potterphile. This is pretty much all I have. But being first-week fan is not without its consequences. I don't particularly like the heaviness of hardbacks and his books have tendency to come out with bonus material when they arrive in softback. Yeah, I know. What a gyp! The reissued version of Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs contains a long middle section with 15 questions he asks to determine whether or not you can be his friend. Here's the gist of one sample question that I can remember: "The San Diego zoo teaches one of their gorillas sign language and test his IQ. The gorilla not only scores a 75 IQ, but displays an interest in physical games and strategy. Are you opposed to the Oakland Raiders drafting this gorilla?"
Still, how can I not be the first guy I know to read it?
At the same time, the whole reason I went into Barnes and Noble in the first place was to begin reading The Glass Castle, which is a potential book group's reading assignment and they're meeting only a week from today. Shouldn't I be reading that? Plus there are the six books lingering on the shelfari over on the right-side column taking up valuable blog space that could be devoted to advertising. I'm swamped with books to read. Surely I can wait for that reason?
I had the same philosophy in college. I never read anything for fun in college because I always had so much text to read. Funny thing though, I rarely read the text. I didn't read anything. When has not reading something that you want to read ever motivated you to read something else entirely?
I can probably wait. How long does it take to get reissued all soft anyway? Three months? Longer? I don't know. I'm illiterate.
What if the world ends before then?
Anyway, check out here for a preview of the book (to those of you who sent me that other preview, this one's different).
Also, go pick up the current Esquire. Turn to page 172 (or is it 272? It's the Klosterman-written piece anyway). It's hilarious and wicked awesome and strangely bleak at the same time.
EDIT: So somebody also buy me the soft cover of Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs. Also, I just barely learned that there is an audiobook version read by the author. Somebody buy that for me too.
Monday, September 15, 2008
tv continued
Forgot to post this little gem from The Soup last night.
Oh, and for all you Gilmore Girls lovers out there, this one's for you.
Oh, and for all you Gilmore Girls lovers out there, this one's for you.
catching up with an old friend... tv
Since I'm watching a lot more Star Trek lately and I'm getting mildly pumped for the next season of Lost, I've decided that my sci-fi television quota is pretty much filled. I'll probably be holding off on Fringe or The Dollhouse when they come out. I'll still keep tabs on valued opinions from friends, critics and blogs; but I'll be keeping distance.
That leaves room for getting into a new high school comedy-drama from the CW. I've narrowed it down to three:
1) Gossip Girl
This isn't really a new one. I've seen about ten or so episodes. It fits the bill, although it's way less eventful than the advertising makes it appear. Of course, I'll still have to catch up with what's going on though. Also (speaking of sci-fi), I'm not totally convinced Blake Lively is a human being. Look into her eyes. She's pretty, but there's no soul behind her eyes. She's either a lovely demon or a fairly lifelike android. Oh, and when they play Guitar Hero on that show it looks way fake and lame. On the plus side, it's about time the setting went New York City rather than L.A. I prefer the NYC myself and they've got a whole new set of teenage problems over there that they don't have on the west coast (you know, lack of cars). The school uniforms are plenty stylin'.
2)90210
Caught the premiere online just now. Seems to be more of a remake of Gossip Girl than the show it's actually named after. They got the gossip blog on it and everything (complete with the line, "That's what a blog is supposed to do -- cause problems"). The fact that I never really got into the original 90210 may actually make it funner. I can catch up on some of the old lore. Actually, it really seems cut and pasted from a bunch of shows. They got the mom in Arrested Development to play the exact same character (awesome, actually -- she totally name-drops Ricardo Montalban). Another great bit of potential is that the "Brandon and Brenda" characters are actually adopted siblings in this one. That means that this show can do what the original 90210 could never do: have the brother and sister hook up with each other. I also give this one points for having a character named Silver. Silver! Remember I said I was going to name my daughter Silver the Enchantress? Remember? 'Tis a shame Silver is the blandest character.
3)Privileged
A couple of critics have already given this one some thumbs up. Didn't catch all of the first episode, but I do think that this may be the one for me. It's actually about a young woman hired to tutor a couple of Paris Hiltonesque privileged high schoolers. One of them is mean, but semi-smart and domineering while the other one is nicer and more committed, but less likely to stick up for herself. The smart one looks like Wynona Judd btw, and that's not good. The whole spoiled heiress thing IS totally played out, but it does help that the tutor acknowledges it by actually saying, "The whole spoiled heiress thing is totally played out." Unfortunately she sort of has a weird overbite thing goin' on. Other miscellaneous pluses include TASING in the first ten minutes.
That leaves room for getting into a new high school comedy-drama from the CW. I've narrowed it down to three:
1) Gossip GirlThis isn't really a new one. I've seen about ten or so episodes. It fits the bill, although it's way less eventful than the advertising makes it appear. Of course, I'll still have to catch up with what's going on though. Also (speaking of sci-fi), I'm not totally convinced Blake Lively is a human being. Look into her eyes. She's pretty, but there's no soul behind her eyes. She's either a lovely demon or a fairly lifelike android. Oh, and when they play Guitar Hero on that show it looks way fake and lame. On the plus side, it's about time the setting went New York City rather than L.A. I prefer the NYC myself and they've got a whole new set of teenage problems over there that they don't have on the west coast (you know, lack of cars). The school uniforms are plenty stylin'.
2)90210Caught the premiere online just now. Seems to be more of a remake of Gossip Girl than the show it's actually named after. They got the gossip blog on it and everything (complete with the line, "That's what a blog is supposed to do -- cause problems"). The fact that I never really got into the original 90210 may actually make it funner. I can catch up on some of the old lore. Actually, it really seems cut and pasted from a bunch of shows. They got the mom in Arrested Development to play the exact same character (awesome, actually -- she totally name-drops Ricardo Montalban). Another great bit of potential is that the "Brandon and Brenda" characters are actually adopted siblings in this one. That means that this show can do what the original 90210 could never do: have the brother and sister hook up with each other. I also give this one points for having a character named Silver. Silver! Remember I said I was going to name my daughter Silver the Enchantress? Remember? 'Tis a shame Silver is the blandest character.
3)PrivilegedA couple of critics have already given this one some thumbs up. Didn't catch all of the first episode, but I do think that this may be the one for me. It's actually about a young woman hired to tutor a couple of Paris Hiltonesque privileged high schoolers. One of them is mean, but semi-smart and domineering while the other one is nicer and more committed, but less likely to stick up for herself. The smart one looks like Wynona Judd btw, and that's not good. The whole spoiled heiress thing IS totally played out, but it does help that the tutor acknowledges it by actually saying, "The whole spoiled heiress thing is totally played out." Unfortunately she sort of has a weird overbite thing goin' on. Other miscellaneous pluses include TASING in the first ten minutes.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
heartbeat away
Hey, remember how I said I couldn't wait for Tina Fey to go on Saturday Night Live impersonating Sarah Palin?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
only the important facts
During free moments I like to see if there are any new interesting/important items at chucknorrisfacts.com. If you've been there, you know it's a cornucopia of useful information, but it's incredibly bloated.
As a public service, I've compiled the very most important Chuck Norris facts below. FYI, the really bad ones are toward the end, just so you know.
Chuck Norris has two speeds. Walk, and Kill.
Chuck Norris drives an ice cream truck covered in human skulls.
Crop circles are Chuck Norris' way of telling the world that sometimes corn needs to lie down.
Contrary to popular belief, Chuck Norris, not the box jellyfish of northern Australia, is the most venomous creature on earth. Within 3 minutes of being bitten, a human being experiences the following symptoms: fever, blurred vision, beard rash, tightness of the jeans, and the feeling of being repeatedly kicked through a car windshield.
If you ask Chuck Norris what time it is, he always says, "Two seconds 'til." After you ask, "Two seconds 'til what?" he roundhouse kicks you in the face.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
When Chuck Norris goes to donate blood, he declines the syringe, and instead requests a hand gun and a bucket.
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could Chuck Norris? ...All of it.
On his birthday, Chuck Norris randomly selects one lucky child to be thrown into the sun.
The crossing lights in Chuck Norris's home town say "Die slowly" and "die quickly". They each have a picture of Chuck Norris punching or kicking a pedestrian.
Chuck Norris proved that we are alone in the universe. We weren't before his first space expedition.
Ninjas want to grow up to be just like Chuck Norris. But usually they grow up just to be killed by Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris invented a language that incorporates karate and roundhouse kicks. So next time Chuck Norris is kicking your ass, don’t be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
There is endless debate about the existence of the human soul. Well it does exist, and Chuck Norris finds it delicious.
On the set of Walker Texas Ranger Chuck Norris brought a dying lamb back to life by nuzzling it with his beard. As the onlookers gathered, the lamb sprang to life. Chuck Norris then roundhouse kicked it, killing it instantly. This was just to prove that the good Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.
The phrase 'break a leg' was originally coined by Chuck Norris's co-stars in Walker, Texas Ranger as a good luck charm, indicating that a broken leg might be the worst extent of their injuries. This never proved to be the case.
The original title for Star Wars was "Skywalker: Texas Ranger". Starring Chuck Norris.
"Brokeback Mountain" is not just a movie. It's also what Chuck Norris calls the pile of dead ninjas in his front yard.
In a fight between Batman and Darth Vader, the winner would be Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us. The only difference is, then he kills people.
Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, until Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked her into a glacier.
Chuck Norris was once on Jeopardy. This show is notable in that it was the first occasion in Jeopardy history that Alex Trebek had appeared without a mustache. And a head.
4 out of 5 doctors fail to recommend Chuck Norris as a solution to most problems. Also, 80% of doctors die unexplained, needlessly brutal deaths.
Chuck Norris can win a game of Trivial Pursuit with one roll of the dice, and without answering a single question... just a nod of the head, and a stroke of the beard.
Chuck Norris was once in a knife fight, and the knife lost.
If you work in an office with Chuck Norris, don't ask him for his three-hole-punch.
Chuck Norris is widely predicted to be first black president. If you're thinking to yourself, "But Chuck Norris isn't black", then you are dead wrong. And stop being a racist.
Chuck Norris was banned from competitive bullriding after a 1992 exhibition in San Antonio, when he rode the bull 1,346 miles from Texas to Milwaukee Wisconsin to pick up his dry cleaning.
In ancient China there is a legend that one day a child will be born from a dragon, grow to be a man, and vanquish evil from the land. That man is not Chuck Norris, because Chuck Norris killed that man.
Chuck Norris enjoys a good practical joke. His favorite is where he removes your lower intestine and pretends to make a balloon animal out of it. Then he cracks your skull open with a Volvo for not complimenting him on his balloon animal.
One time I was with Norris in the back of a pickup truck, along with a live deer. Norris goes up to the deer and says, "I'm Chuck Norris! SAY IT!" Then he manipulates the deer's lips in such a way as to make it say, "ChuckNorris" ... It wasn't exactly like it, but it was pretty good for a deer!
Dinosaurs went extinct because of the Chuck Norrisaurus.
Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter.
Chuck Norris was born in a log cabin that he built with his own two hands.
Chuck Norris has never looked a baby in the eyes cause it might him cry but if he does it also makes him want to punch a baby.
Chuck Norris once lost the remote, but maintained control of the TV by yelling at it in between bites of his "Filet of Child" sandwich.
Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.
For some, the left testicle is larger than the right one. For Chuck Norris, each testicle is larger than the other one.
As a public service, I've compiled the very most important Chuck Norris facts below. FYI, the really bad ones are toward the end, just so you know.
Chuck Norris has two speeds. Walk, and Kill.
Chuck Norris drives an ice cream truck covered in human skulls.
Crop circles are Chuck Norris' way of telling the world that sometimes corn needs to lie down.
Contrary to popular belief, Chuck Norris, not the box jellyfish of northern Australia, is the most venomous creature on earth. Within 3 minutes of being bitten, a human being experiences the following symptoms: fever, blurred vision, beard rash, tightness of the jeans, and the feeling of being repeatedly kicked through a car windshield.
If you ask Chuck Norris what time it is, he always says, "Two seconds 'til." After you ask, "Two seconds 'til what?" he roundhouse kicks you in the face.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
When Chuck Norris goes to donate blood, he declines the syringe, and instead requests a hand gun and a bucket.
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could Chuck Norris? ...All of it.
On his birthday, Chuck Norris randomly selects one lucky child to be thrown into the sun.
The crossing lights in Chuck Norris's home town say "Die slowly" and "die quickly". They each have a picture of Chuck Norris punching or kicking a pedestrian.
Chuck Norris proved that we are alone in the universe. We weren't before his first space expedition.
Ninjas want to grow up to be just like Chuck Norris. But usually they grow up just to be killed by Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris invented a language that incorporates karate and roundhouse kicks. So next time Chuck Norris is kicking your ass, don’t be offended or hurt, he may be just trying to tell you he likes your hat.
There is endless debate about the existence of the human soul. Well it does exist, and Chuck Norris finds it delicious.
On the set of Walker Texas Ranger Chuck Norris brought a dying lamb back to life by nuzzling it with his beard. As the onlookers gathered, the lamb sprang to life. Chuck Norris then roundhouse kicked it, killing it instantly. This was just to prove that the good Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.
The phrase 'break a leg' was originally coined by Chuck Norris's co-stars in Walker, Texas Ranger as a good luck charm, indicating that a broken leg might be the worst extent of their injuries. This never proved to be the case.
The original title for Star Wars was "Skywalker: Texas Ranger". Starring Chuck Norris.
"Brokeback Mountain" is not just a movie. It's also what Chuck Norris calls the pile of dead ninjas in his front yard.
In a fight between Batman and Darth Vader, the winner would be Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us. The only difference is, then he kills people.
Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, until Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked her into a glacier.
Chuck Norris was once on Jeopardy. This show is notable in that it was the first occasion in Jeopardy history that Alex Trebek had appeared without a mustache. And a head.
4 out of 5 doctors fail to recommend Chuck Norris as a solution to most problems. Also, 80% of doctors die unexplained, needlessly brutal deaths.
Chuck Norris can win a game of Trivial Pursuit with one roll of the dice, and without answering a single question... just a nod of the head, and a stroke of the beard.
Chuck Norris was once in a knife fight, and the knife lost.
If you work in an office with Chuck Norris, don't ask him for his three-hole-punch.
Chuck Norris is widely predicted to be first black president. If you're thinking to yourself, "But Chuck Norris isn't black", then you are dead wrong. And stop being a racist.
Chuck Norris was banned from competitive bullriding after a 1992 exhibition in San Antonio, when he rode the bull 1,346 miles from Texas to Milwaukee Wisconsin to pick up his dry cleaning.
In ancient China there is a legend that one day a child will be born from a dragon, grow to be a man, and vanquish evil from the land. That man is not Chuck Norris, because Chuck Norris killed that man.
Chuck Norris enjoys a good practical joke. His favorite is where he removes your lower intestine and pretends to make a balloon animal out of it. Then he cracks your skull open with a Volvo for not complimenting him on his balloon animal.
One time I was with Norris in the back of a pickup truck, along with a live deer. Norris goes up to the deer and says, "I'm Chuck Norris! SAY IT!" Then he manipulates the deer's lips in such a way as to make it say, "ChuckNorris" ... It wasn't exactly like it, but it was pretty good for a deer!
Dinosaurs went extinct because of the Chuck Norrisaurus.
Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter.
Chuck Norris was born in a log cabin that he built with his own two hands.
Chuck Norris has never looked a baby in the eyes cause it might him cry but if he does it also makes him want to punch a baby.
Chuck Norris once lost the remote, but maintained control of the TV by yelling at it in between bites of his "Filet of Child" sandwich.
Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.
For some, the left testicle is larger than the right one. For Chuck Norris, each testicle is larger than the other one.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
as long as we're being political...
Whilst researching for writing a comment on someone else's blog, I came across this bit of hilarious politicality from my ancient past:
http://www.rexbasior.com/election2004.htm
Totally cute. Actually, the references to "Hillary winning in a landslide" were especially hilarious. We also see the basis for the concept of "racing a woman into the white house." Most humorous of all though, were the quaint anti-war sentiments. Whatever happened to that war anyway?
http://www.rexbasior.com/election2004.htm
Totally cute. Actually, the references to "Hillary winning in a landslide" were especially hilarious. We also see the basis for the concept of "racing a woman into the white house." Most humorous of all though, were the quaint anti-war sentiments. Whatever happened to that war anyway?
Saturday, September 06, 2008
finnished
A long while back, I wrote about a really awesome band called Split Enz. They broke up about 25 years ago, so I don't get the chance to talk about them in casual conversation. Check the link, you may remember a bit of what I said. I'm also going to update the current Song of the Moment to a Split Enz tune.
That blog post ended with
I figured it was worth it just to see the guy. I mean, I've been a Split Enz fan for like 15 years, so that's just a little more than a dollar a year. Quite a deal. Even if he played no Enz, it would still be great just to see the guy. Surprisingly, I tend to get pretty star-struck with celebrities. Whenever I see one I want to go up and talk to them and I always try to think of a really cool way to have the conversation so that they'd think I was cool and not just another obnoxious guy. In my head, I'm always obnoxious in such situations, though.
Like with most things like this, I told nobody and I went alone. Most people don't consider going to movies alone much less concerts, but I do it all the time. Don't need friends for that. The performer is my friend enough. Perhaps I should have brought somebody, though. In the early '80s Split Enz were international superstars. Their next incarnation, Crowded House, was even bigger. Millions of records sold. As recently as the late '90s the gang played in front of thousands in front of the Sydney Opera House. When Tim took the stage I counted the members of the audience. There were 37 of us.
His band was just a couple of other guys -- a keyboardist and guitarist. VERY low-key. Tim played the same acoustic the whole time and also manned the drum set -- which was a single bass drum by his foot.
But was he going to push his new stuff? Sure, but it wasn't long before he broke out into the really old stuff. It was very Split Enz heavy (despite the fact that if anything, his Crowded House stuff was more recent and more popular): "Shark Attack," "Dirty Creature," "I See Red," "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," "Poor Boy," "My Mistake" and "I Got You" (which was a very curious choice, since it was his brother's song, not his). The old Enz songs were great with Tim's marchy bass drum.
Here's "I Got You." You may have heard it before. It's a great example of Enz. The minimalism really works with the ideas of jealousy and paranoia. The introverted spooky verse and the outbursty chorus are great next to each other. I couldn't help but sing along. I've ruined so many dang concert videos by my singing along.
Eventually more people showed up. Everyone had a great time. I didn't expect it to be too happenin'. I mean, this guy is all old and silver-haired and stuff. But I heard the songs live. 48 hours earlier I was still under the impression that it was something I'd never be able to do.
After the show he was kind enough to chat and take photos with the attendees outside by the tour bus. He only had a couple of minutes before his manager carted him off somewhere (in a beat-up 1985 Ford), so I didn't get a picture with him or much of a chance to talk. But I did shake his hand and tell him that I never thought I'd ever see those songs performed live.
I wanted to ask about his brother and what he's doing, or maybe, if I did it right, I could have asked about the old Split Enz/Crowded House drummer, Paul Hester, who committed suicide a couple of years ago. I would've just been dorky, though. I did actually consider getting an audio drop from him. Do you think he would have let me record him saying "Hi, this is Tim Finn from Split Enz and Crowded House and you're listening to J.R. Watches Star Trek for the first time?"
That blog post ended with
*sigh* It would have been really great to see them live.How strange then when earlier this week I discovered that Tim Finn, the former leader of Split Enz was going to be performing in a dive bar in Salt Lake City. He's concentrated on a solo career for the past 20 years. Would he remember to play some really old stuff? Was it worth dropping 20 bucks just to find out?
I figured it was worth it just to see the guy. I mean, I've been a Split Enz fan for like 15 years, so that's just a little more than a dollar a year. Quite a deal. Even if he played no Enz, it would still be great just to see the guy. Surprisingly, I tend to get pretty star-struck with celebrities. Whenever I see one I want to go up and talk to them and I always try to think of a really cool way to have the conversation so that they'd think I was cool and not just another obnoxious guy. In my head, I'm always obnoxious in such situations, though.
Like with most things like this, I told nobody and I went alone. Most people don't consider going to movies alone much less concerts, but I do it all the time. Don't need friends for that. The performer is my friend enough. Perhaps I should have brought somebody, though. In the early '80s Split Enz were international superstars. Their next incarnation, Crowded House, was even bigger. Millions of records sold. As recently as the late '90s the gang played in front of thousands in front of the Sydney Opera House. When Tim took the stage I counted the members of the audience. There were 37 of us.
His band was just a couple of other guys -- a keyboardist and guitarist. VERY low-key. Tim played the same acoustic the whole time and also manned the drum set -- which was a single bass drum by his foot.
But was he going to push his new stuff? Sure, but it wasn't long before he broke out into the really old stuff. It was very Split Enz heavy (despite the fact that if anything, his Crowded House stuff was more recent and more popular): "Shark Attack," "Dirty Creature," "I See Red," "Six Months in a Leaky Boat," "Poor Boy," "My Mistake" and "I Got You" (which was a very curious choice, since it was his brother's song, not his). The old Enz songs were great with Tim's marchy bass drum.
Here's "I Got You." You may have heard it before. It's a great example of Enz. The minimalism really works with the ideas of jealousy and paranoia. The introverted spooky verse and the outbursty chorus are great next to each other. I couldn't help but sing along. I've ruined so many dang concert videos by my singing along.
Eventually more people showed up. Everyone had a great time. I didn't expect it to be too happenin'. I mean, this guy is all old and silver-haired and stuff. But I heard the songs live. 48 hours earlier I was still under the impression that it was something I'd never be able to do.
After the show he was kind enough to chat and take photos with the attendees outside by the tour bus. He only had a couple of minutes before his manager carted him off somewhere (in a beat-up 1985 Ford), so I didn't get a picture with him or much of a chance to talk. But I did shake his hand and tell him that I never thought I'd ever see those songs performed live.
I wanted to ask about his brother and what he's doing, or maybe, if I did it right, I could have asked about the old Split Enz/Crowded House drummer, Paul Hester, who committed suicide a couple of years ago. I would've just been dorky, though. I did actually consider getting an audio drop from him. Do you think he would have let me record him saying "Hi, this is Tim Finn from Split Enz and Crowded House and you're listening to J.R. Watches Star Trek for the first time?"
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sarah Palin Tall
Lately some of my intelligent political friends and family have been chatting up this chick from Alaska who I guess could potentially be our next vice-president. Lately I've heard lots of talk about her experience, stance on issues, level of conservatism, etc. Now, we all know that I'm really not very political at all. Nevertheless, I think it's important to share my thoughts as one of the uninformed.
I just said I'm ignorant in this regard, but I can't help but ask: am I the only one who feels that her experience and issues make absolutely no difference in this whole thing?
The way I see it, 95% of the McCain for President Committee's decision was very simple demographics. What she believes is unimportant, but the fact that she's a youngish woman is very, very important.
Like I said, I don't get into politics too much, but one thing I do know is that the Democrats just finished a fevered battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Our neighbor across the street still has her "Hillary for President" sign in the front yard. Political people will tell you that anyone who would have voted for Clinton would never, ever vote for McCain no matter how girly he gets. Sensible thinking if you believe that everyone in the country is as sensible as you are. In the show 30 Rock the character Jenna claims that she hopes Clinton will win because she wants a woman president. Superficial, sure, but I don't blame her too much (plus she's a fictional character). Jenna merely admits something that we don't readily admit: we want "our people" to succeed. It's a very basic psychology. That's not to say we're racist or sexist in that we don't want other people to succeed, but we do tend to form an attachment demographically. Hey, it's a tendency. It's not necessarily the rule, and it doesn't affect everybody, but it happens A LOT. Mormons did it with gusto with Mitt Romney even though he didn't necessarily espouse the traditional Utah County-type platform.
With that in mind, I honestly think that the women of this nation were way more tickled about the Clinton candidacy than was obvious. For example, most of my friendgirls are intelligenter than I am. Even though they're wicked conservative, I'd be surprised if a part of them didn't feel that it was about damn time that the office of the President of the United States could possibly be occupied by one of their own. The girl power pride only increases if there's less of a political factor getting in the way.
With all this in mind, McCain and his campaign knew that his best shot at getting some of the spoils of the defeated Clinton would not be to entice them politically, but genderly. Adamant Clinton supporters (and McCain supporters) would be aghast at such a concept. Keep in mind, however, that most people who would have voted for her probably weren't adamant.
Another factor in all this is McCain's age. Not only did he need someone to collect the estrogenical votes, but he also needed someone to offset the fact that the guy's a billion years old. Well, he's not too old, and it's obvious he's not extremely senile or anything, but if you're a guy like me who doesn't get into this political thing very much, McCain's age is all you hear about. As a side note of the whole age thing, McCain's health is also a considerable factor. I don't think the guy wants to die, but he knows he's trying to get into just about the closest job to actually bearing the weight of the world. Here comes a heart attack. McCain knows everybody's thinking it, so he turns it to his advantage. Obama could be the first black president, while a victory for McCain could very likely usher in the first female president. Hillary is seething right now.
But perhaps the biggest reason I think Palin's opinions don't matter is simply because she's going for the vice-presidency here. Are we really going to believe that her policies will have any effect on McCain's policies? If McCain wins then she becomes the vice-president. I don't even really know what the vice-president does. One joke from Saturday Night Live from a while ago is that the VP's job is to "attend funerals." I know the VP casts the tying vote in the Senate. How often does that happen? And when it does happen, when is the vote a result of the VP's personal choice and not the presidential cabinet as a whole?
I hope you political people comment and tell me I'm wrong. You know I don't know what I'm talking about. Just remember, I think this country is composed of more people like me than people like you. The McCain campaign is well aware of that and they want to win. I'm sorry, but I guess it's my fault that the General Election of this country is moving closer and closer to a high school student body presidential election.
I can't wait for Tina Fey to make an appearance on Saturday Night Live impersonating Sarah Palin.
I just said I'm ignorant in this regard, but I can't help but ask: am I the only one who feels that her experience and issues make absolutely no difference in this whole thing?
The way I see it, 95% of the McCain for President Committee's decision was very simple demographics. What she believes is unimportant, but the fact that she's a youngish woman is very, very important.
Like I said, I don't get into politics too much, but one thing I do know is that the Democrats just finished a fevered battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Our neighbor across the street still has her "Hillary for President" sign in the front yard. Political people will tell you that anyone who would have voted for Clinton would never, ever vote for McCain no matter how girly he gets. Sensible thinking if you believe that everyone in the country is as sensible as you are. In the show 30 Rock the character Jenna claims that she hopes Clinton will win because she wants a woman president. Superficial, sure, but I don't blame her too much (plus she's a fictional character). Jenna merely admits something that we don't readily admit: we want "our people" to succeed. It's a very basic psychology. That's not to say we're racist or sexist in that we don't want other people to succeed, but we do tend to form an attachment demographically. Hey, it's a tendency. It's not necessarily the rule, and it doesn't affect everybody, but it happens A LOT. Mormons did it with gusto with Mitt Romney even though he didn't necessarily espouse the traditional Utah County-type platform.
With that in mind, I honestly think that the women of this nation were way more tickled about the Clinton candidacy than was obvious. For example, most of my friendgirls are intelligenter than I am. Even though they're wicked conservative, I'd be surprised if a part of them didn't feel that it was about damn time that the office of the President of the United States could possibly be occupied by one of their own. The girl power pride only increases if there's less of a political factor getting in the way.
With all this in mind, McCain and his campaign knew that his best shot at getting some of the spoils of the defeated Clinton would not be to entice them politically, but genderly. Adamant Clinton supporters (and McCain supporters) would be aghast at such a concept. Keep in mind, however, that most people who would have voted for her probably weren't adamant.
Another factor in all this is McCain's age. Not only did he need someone to collect the estrogenical votes, but he also needed someone to offset the fact that the guy's a billion years old. Well, he's not too old, and it's obvious he's not extremely senile or anything, but if you're a guy like me who doesn't get into this political thing very much, McCain's age is all you hear about. As a side note of the whole age thing, McCain's health is also a considerable factor. I don't think the guy wants to die, but he knows he's trying to get into just about the closest job to actually bearing the weight of the world. Here comes a heart attack. McCain knows everybody's thinking it, so he turns it to his advantage. Obama could be the first black president, while a victory for McCain could very likely usher in the first female president. Hillary is seething right now.
But perhaps the biggest reason I think Palin's opinions don't matter is simply because she's going for the vice-presidency here. Are we really going to believe that her policies will have any effect on McCain's policies? If McCain wins then she becomes the vice-president. I don't even really know what the vice-president does. One joke from Saturday Night Live from a while ago is that the VP's job is to "attend funerals." I know the VP casts the tying vote in the Senate. How often does that happen? And when it does happen, when is the vote a result of the VP's personal choice and not the presidential cabinet as a whole?
I hope you political people comment and tell me I'm wrong. You know I don't know what I'm talking about. Just remember, I think this country is composed of more people like me than people like you. The McCain campaign is well aware of that and they want to win. I'm sorry, but I guess it's my fault that the General Election of this country is moving closer and closer to a high school student body presidential election.
I can't wait for Tina Fey to make an appearance on Saturday Night Live impersonating Sarah Palin.
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