Happy Thanksgiving
Well, it’s Thanksgiving 2008. My family has had the tradition of coming to Orlando for Thanksgiving to visit all the theme parks for as long as I can remember. Occasionally we would switch it up with heading to Gatlinburg, TN, but once I started college at the University of Central Florida, it became Orlando all the time.
This year, however, will mark the beginning of a change in this tradition. My parents will still travel to Orlando to visit one of my brothers (who also lives in Orlando as well) and the theme parks. My other brother (who is in Tallahassee, FL at Florida State University), will be missing the first part of the week now that he’s in college, and now that the girlfriend and I have made the decision to spend the rest of our lives together (not official yet - in other words, no ring yet), the holidays have now turned into alternating mood for me. This year, though I was able to see my parents for part of this week, I will be traveling with the girlfriend to see and spend Thanksgiving with her family, and she will be spending Christmas with me and my family. I’m used to spending the holidays - especially Christmas - with the family, so this is definitely going to be an adjustment. It’s part of growing up, though, and starting a family, so it is to be expected I suppose.
The few days I was able to spend with my family (minus the one brother, because he is coming to Orlando the same day I am leaving for Kansas City) was still great. My parents were able to see the new house for the first time and also meet the dog (who I just realized I haven’t mentioned on this blog yet…more on him later then). It was nice to have them see everything I’ve been up to the last couple months.
Anyways, I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Be safe and thankful. And I will leave you with a little song…from Adam Sandler. Enjoy!!
Quantum of Solace
Quantum of Solace is the latest 007 movie. Following the betrayal and death of Vesper Lynd, James Bond (Daniel Craig) makes his next mission personal. The hunt for those who blackmailed his lover leads Bond to ruthless businessman Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a key player in the organization which coerced Vesper. Bond learns that Greene is plotting to gain total control of a vital natural resource, and must navigate a minefield of danger and treachery to foil Greene’s plan.
As soon as you start watching the movie…it’s over, and sadly, that’s the good news. I cannot complain that this action movie keeps you entertained. You are definitely on scensory overload. However, this is all the movie has going for it. There’s next to no plot - and plot holes, horrible editing and camera angles, and nothing that really resembles a James Bond we have seen before.
I’ve decided not to ramble on and on about my issues with the movie. I’ve decided to save time and just point you - the reader - to Garth Franklin’s review. Surprisingly we tend to view movies in the same way, and honestly, why reinvent the wheel when he’s already written everything I would write here.
The Comic Book
After years upon years of talking about making a comic book, my brother and I are finally going to do one. Well, at least start one to see if it’s everything we had made it out to be. In an effort to give making a comic a try we’ve decided to do a quick 5 to 6 issue mini series just to see how much it will take to make one and to see if it’s something we’d want to do on a continual basis.
I’m pretty excited about it. One of the reasons I started up blogging (again) was to getting writing again and my brother started his blog to promote his artwork. I guess we both started getting the itch around the same time.
We are still in the developing stages. All we have right now is the general setting and a few characters that need to be developed, but it’s getting us pumped. The issues we plan to produce are going to be created in an effort to introduce the characters and universe to the reader with the understanding that the story could go much deeper if pursued further. It’s exciting to think just what could happen if we do this right.
I’ll keep posting as things progress.
The New House
For those of you that haven’t heard yet, I am now officially a new home owner. Yep, finally going to start making some equity and have also created the ultimate money pit. Bring on the yard work, the painting, the sanding, etc. It’s definitely going to take a dent out of my weekend for the next couple months.
For someone who really enjoys having “me time” this is really going to be an adjustment. It’s all still surreal. I don’t think it will truly sink in until I’m all moved in to the place. But there’s still plenty of work to do before that happens. So far two weekends of work down, and 3 more to go.
In the end, though, it’ll be a good decision, a good investment, and time well spent. Despite the 20-45 minute commute to work (depending on traffic), I’m not going to have to worry about wall neighbors, noise complaints (unless it’s an awesome party), or moving every year or so. Best of all - I will be living with the woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. Let the perks begin!!
iPhone Application - Ocarina
Smule has recently released a new iPhone application call “Ocarina”. “Ocarina” has been described as first “true” musical instrument for the iPhone.
Both experts and beginners will be amazed by this innovative player. Ocarina is sensitive to your breath, touch and movements, making it even more versatile than the original. Unlike other musical applications, there are no pre-compiled riffs so musicians will find unlimited opportunities for self-expression. Advanced options allow you to choose between diatonic, minor and harmonic scales. Or channel your favorite video game adventurer with Smule’s Zeldarian mode.
Below are a couple videos. The first demostrates how it works and the second is a performance of “Stairway to Heaven” using the application. I’m pretty excited about it. It’s only $0.99 at the Apple App Store. Go download it.
Two “Heroes” Fall
I realize that this is about a week late…haha…but I still felt like I needed to write about it.
Following pressure from the top brass, Tim Kring, has fired Heroes co-exec producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb. Now, I am currently uneasy with this decision. I realize that for most people the current season hasn’t been living up to season one’s caliber, but it’s definitely better than season two. This season is really getting going; it’s getting exciting.
Loeb and Alexander are amazing. I’ve read and own a number of comics Loeb has written. They are intense, compelling, and intelligent. He’s got a great mind for story-telling. Alexander’s resume speaks for itself as well, considering his involvement with “Lost” and “Alias”. Despite, current ratings I feel that their departure was premature.
Practically all the shows that were freshmen right before the Writer’s Guild Strike were hurt, and “Heroes” is unfortunately no exception. Having created a brand-new fanbase and then being off-air for almost an entire season, it’s hard to recreate that “magic” and “novelty” the initial introduction produced. Instead of building, you almost have to start over again. This, unfortunately, is not the direction the people behind “Heroes” went.
The current chapter entitled “Villians” will more than likely continue as planned with no changes, however, the show’s direction after that is unknown. The intent seems to be to focus the storytelling on simple, character developing stories, rather than complex plot twists. I really hope they don’t mess anything up, but only time will tell.
Integrity and Character vs. Reputation
How important is image and reputation in life? It’s interesting when you think about it sometimes. Someone’s image as the President of the United States, or a celebrity, or a member of the clergy, or even a sports coach or a parent all have an image and reputation that they live by. They are given this image and reputation by us…the public, to child, the mentee, etc. We put these people on a pedestal or are even put there by ourselves. Yet are these images or the reputations given to these individuals, or yourself for that matter, deserving or even true. Often we find out the hard way when the image does not fit with the person. How often does society make people out to be that which they are not? It is unfortunate when this happens against are control and lies and deceit are started. In today’s media driven society, if you are in the light, people are always trying to bring you down or want to know every last thing about you. They put you on this pedestal, creating an image of you they may or may not be real, and forget that you are human and make mistakes. No one is perfect.
Anyways, the point is, in the end it doesn’t matter what other people think. Especially those who don’t take the time to get to know you. As long as you are true to yourself and those closest to you, then that is the best you can do. Be true to your character and your soul, and don’t give into what others make of you or say. Let people know you for who you truly are your character and not by an image or your reputation. William Hersey Davis wrote the following about the difference between character and reputation. Take heed to it and make sure you are doing the right thing:
- The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation…
- The truth you believe determines your character…
- Reputation is what you are supposed to be;
- Character is what you are…
- Reputation is a photograph;
- Character is the face…
- Reputation comes over one from without;
- Character grows up from within…
- Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community;
- Character is what you have when you go away.
- Your reputation is made in a moment;
- Your character is built in a life time…
- Your reputation is learned in an hour;
- Your character does not come to light for a year…
- Reputation grows like a mushroom;
- Character lasts like eternity…
- Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor;
- Character makes you happy or makes you miserable…
- Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;
- Character is what the angels say about you before the throne of God.
Make sure you live a good life with a character of value and worth. It is who you are. The person you see when you look in the mirror. The person you are when no one is around or looking. It’s the person that only you truly know and only you can find. Besides D.L. Moody wrote, “If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.” Find out who you are inside. Listen and follow your heart. “Many succeed momentarily by what they know; some succeed temporarily by what they do; but few succeed permanently by what they are.” Being honest and true to yourself my not be the easiest road but it is the “only” road that will get you to where you truly want to go.