Pay it Forward

I had added this movie to my queue because it’s one of the few Kevin Spacey movies that I hadn’t seen. From The Usual Suspects to K-PAX to Superman Returns, I’m a pretty big fan of his acting ability and style. I’d heard that it was more of a chick-flick than I’m used to, and I’d heard some poor things about Helen Hunt’s performance. So,I was skeptical when I popped it into the PS2. I was pleasantly surprised.

Be warned, this movie is a tear-jerker. I don’t know if it’s the idealism and hope that I used to so easily espouse. I don’t know if it’s the way in which I ended up caring for and about the characters. I don’t know what it was, but it definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

I would definitely recommend this movie. I rated it 5/5 stars.

Venture Bros., Season 1

This review should be taken in the context of a haze of severe bronchitis, steroid-based inhalers (which tend to mess with my brainmeats a little), and light-headedness due to coughing fits.

All in all, the perfect mindset for the Venture Bros. :) I’d loved this show when it was on Adult Swim, so I couldn’t resist adding it when I signed up. The first disc was only episodes I’d seen enough times that they’d lost a bit of their shiny humor, but the second disc made me laugh out loud repeatedly. Just enough of the “wait, WHAT just happened?” mixed with the ridiculous thrown in with the homages to old-school science fiction. I rated it 5/5 stars.

Stargate: Atlantis, Season 2

I have to admit, I’d already seen this season via download, before it was available on DVD. I wanted to know if I’d missed something, so I put this near the top of my queue. I hadn’t missed anything, but 2/3 of the episodes were totally worth watching again. I’ve staggered my TV series, so I don’t get burned out on one or the other, so it’ll be a bit before the third season comes around again. I definitely give this season a thumbs-up, for the rogue Ford and for the space cowboy Ronon.

Netflix Reviews

This movie was a big old bowl of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. And I mean that in a good way. For the first half of the movie, I was just embarassed for every single character. As it went on, it felt like somebody had secretly replaced my brain with Folger’s Crystals to see if I’d notice. When I finished watching the thing, I sat there, staring at the credits for a while. It took a day or so to fully digest how I felt about it, and then I realized… this is what happens for the few months before every single CSI episode. There was evidence to incriminate all involved, whether they were guilty or not. And yet, the victim was so happy. Just… my brain bleeds, and in such a good way, when I think about this movie.

I was not expecting anything but a straightforward bank robbery/hostage movie when I popped this one in the DVD player. I was a tad surprised when I witnessed the politics, backstabbing, and back and forth that I’d expect to see at a well-run and well-played Vampire LARP. I’ve never really been big into Spike Lee movies, and perhaps I just needed a push in the right direction. Also, the nods toward noir and Dick Tracy style were beautiful. Definitely an entertaining cop movie.

In the interest of writing every day…

Today has been a -good- day.

I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I haven’t felt my spirit this light, the smile on my face, the outlook happy…. I just haven’t had as -good- of a day in a long time. Not even work has brought me down.

I pulled myself out of bed after only hitting the snooze bar once. Only once! I was motivated, let me tell you. After a couple of successful Great Zero runs last night, I had gone to bed a little late, but I still got out of bed without caffeine. I got showered and ready for the day, spent some time with the dog, and ate a cup of Jello. Always room for it, you know.

swung by and picked me up, and we headed to Eastwood Towne Center to meet up with and Scott. What were we doing there? Going to NCG to see the TRANSFORMERS MOVIE. That’s right. Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg did NOT eviscerate my childhood. This is an AMAZING movie. Go and see it. Seriously. If you’re a kid at any age, you will enjoy it. It is so very difficult to refrain from spoilers, but I will return the kindness that has been paid to me. :)

I’ll be selling ‘s last 21″ monitor tomorrow, and will be getting rid of one of our 17″ ones on Friday. I have four packages of gaming books ready to ship out to eBay customers. The Stuff Exodus begins again! :)

So, yeah. This has been a really good day. Also, go see the movie. For serious.

I feel like butt.

I’m slowly recovering from a sinus headache and nausea that I woke up with this morning. After speaking on the phone with last night, I’m fairly certain that I got her hangover again. Gone Wired‘s air conditioning is fixed, and wonderful. Gourmet coffee + blueberry muffin = happy. You know you’re jealous, . ;)

French internet radio (well, this station, anyway) is good. Who knew? “Ah bee eff *indecipherable French phrase*”

While The Sword of Shannara was a typical crappy first novel, The Elfstones of Shannara is a much improved sequel. NOW I know why I got hooked on this series back in Junior High. It also amazes me how different the new covers listed on Amazon are from the used ones that I bought at John King.

I want A/C at home. Grrr. I have no idea how I’m going to refrain from being whiney and petulant in this weather. I must make the effort.

An Amazon.com listing and two ebay auctions get shipped out Tuesday, when the post office opens. Selling stuff that I don’t use any more is smart, and I should have started this long ago. I meant to, I just didn’t. Hey, does anybody know where I can get some money for a new and/or used bowling ball? The new one hasn’t even been drilled yet.

Today’s itinerary:

  • Write
  • Read more Elfstones
  • Server Administration
  • WASH DISHES
  • Pester Progressive
  • List more unused gaming books on Amazon
  • Hang out with friends

When a headache leaves, truly leaves (It’s not the same when you’re getting brief respite… you know it’s coming back), it feels so good.

Various and Sundry

For X-Men 3, I have one word: disappointing.

Net Neutrality: This video explains a lot of what it’s about. Thanks, .

I still think that all it will take is a company or two (Google? Eh, what?) to purchase a bunch of dark fiber (cheap as hell since telco scandals of a couple years back), hook up to university backbones (mmm, donations), and attach their own DNS and routing servers. Change two numbers in your connection settings, no matter who your ISP is, and whammo. No more privileged internet.

Also thanks to , a former chaplain at Guantanamo talks about abuse and underage prisoners.

The signing for June 17th at Everybody Reads is confirmed! 6pm to 8pm, and they will have copies of the novel at the store, available for purchase. Glee!

My mood has been swinging like a god. damned. pendulum. Likely I need to write more. Also, I think that I had gotten used to having part of my day to myself while was working for the state. We have since spent FAR too much time together. Her trip to WI this weekend will be good for both of us.

Also, I probably need to write more. [Benny voice] Did I mention that? ‘Cuz I do. [/Benny voice]