My friends and I have released a new short film called "Radicali." We want to spread it around and have everybody go see it on the site we have created for it.
You can watch it here. (hold down shift when you click if you don't want to leave this page-It will open this in a new window)
Please leave any comments or questions you have on the site and we will respond as quickly as we can.
Also, if you click on our names (well, all but mine) you will go to the websites of each of the other guys in the group. It's all pretty good stuff. You can find out more about us that way.
All right. Thanks, and enjoy!
12.16.2008
12.11.2008
NEWS
FEBRUARY THE 14TH will be our wedding day, just so everybody knows. We are getting married in the Timp Temple and our reception will be at Somewhere Inn Time in Lindon.
Peace out.
Peace out.
Betrothment...ing.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...
So... We're engaged!
Mary got home from her mission (Geneva, Switzerland) on Thanksgiving Day. We were officially engaged (ring and all) by the following Thursday.
So we've been engaged for one whole week now. It's fun. I'd rather be married, but this is exciting.
A lot of people have already told us and I know that many people are thinking that we've been moving a little fast, and maybe too fast, but Mary and I are both thinking: FINALLY!
We started dating our senior year of high school, which was the 2003-2004. We've been together since December of 2003, but we weren't always "together."
After graduation in May of 2004, Mary left to go to school at Utah State. She came to visit every few weeks and things were tough, but we got through. I was always paranoid that she was going to find some hottie hunkball of deliciousness and leave me all alone... I got over it. Eventually.
January 12th, 2005: I enter the Missionary Training Center to serve a mission in Mexico. So from January of 2005 to January of 2007, I was on my mission while Mary was at school.
December 25th, 2006: A phone call. I get my Christmas phone call and Mary tells me that she has been called to serve in the Geneva Switzerland Mission and she leaves May 9th, 2007.
January-May 2007: Bliss. This was the gap that we had where we actually got to be together while we were together. We spent the roughly four months together going on dates and talking and just being together and trying to be strong for what we knew what was inevitable.
May 9th, 2007: Goodbye Mary. She leaves and I'm sad. While she serves in France and Luxembourg, I am going to school and work. I talk to her on the phone on Christmas and Mother's Day.
November 27th, 2008: Mary comes home. I freak out and go completely crazy. I surprise her by being at her house when she comes home from getting released by the Stake President. We hug. A lot.
Since then, we got into talking and making plans very quickly, our engagement being great evidence of that. We had a ring picked, a reception hall booked, and a temple reserved within the first week of her being home. She still has some adjusting to go through, but we're getting there are we are very happy.
"So how did you propose?" (That was you asking me that question, by the way.)
I made a video about all of our inside jokes and cutesy memories and sent her on a little scavenger hunt throughout the house to find some stuff that was also relevant to our awesomeness.
The very end of the video tells her to go to her room and POOF! Out of nowhere, I appear. I'm painted in blue and I sing 'Never had a friend like me' from Aladdin. Just kidding. I don't do that. I hand her a little note, which she reads out loud, followed by me dropping to one knee and proposing a betrothement. That isn't a word.
Betrothing.
She said yes. Wooooo!
So... We're engaged!
Mary got home from her mission (Geneva, Switzerland) on Thanksgiving Day. We were officially engaged (ring and all) by the following Thursday.
So we've been engaged for one whole week now. It's fun. I'd rather be married, but this is exciting.
A lot of people have already told us and I know that many people are thinking that we've been moving a little fast, and maybe too fast, but Mary and I are both thinking: FINALLY!
We started dating our senior year of high school, which was the 2003-2004. We've been together since December of 2003, but we weren't always "together."
After graduation in May of 2004, Mary left to go to school at Utah State. She came to visit every few weeks and things were tough, but we got through. I was always paranoid that she was going to find some hottie hunkball of deliciousness and leave me all alone... I got over it. Eventually.
January 12th, 2005: I enter the Missionary Training Center to serve a mission in Mexico. So from January of 2005 to January of 2007, I was on my mission while Mary was at school.
December 25th, 2006: A phone call. I get my Christmas phone call and Mary tells me that she has been called to serve in the Geneva Switzerland Mission and she leaves May 9th, 2007.
January-May 2007: Bliss. This was the gap that we had where we actually got to be together while we were together. We spent the roughly four months together going on dates and talking and just being together and trying to be strong for what we knew what was inevitable.
May 9th, 2007: Goodbye Mary. She leaves and I'm sad. While she serves in France and Luxembourg, I am going to school and work. I talk to her on the phone on Christmas and Mother's Day.
November 27th, 2008: Mary comes home. I freak out and go completely crazy. I surprise her by being at her house when she comes home from getting released by the Stake President. We hug. A lot.
Since then, we got into talking and making plans very quickly, our engagement being great evidence of that. We had a ring picked, a reception hall booked, and a temple reserved within the first week of her being home. She still has some adjusting to go through, but we're getting there are we are very happy.
"So how did you propose?" (That was you asking me that question, by the way.)
I made a video about all of our inside jokes and cutesy memories and sent her on a little scavenger hunt throughout the house to find some stuff that was also relevant to our awesomeness.
The very end of the video tells her to go to her room and POOF! Out of nowhere, I appear. I'm painted in blue and I sing 'Never had a friend like me' from Aladdin. Just kidding. I don't do that. I hand her a little note, which she reads out loud, followed by me dropping to one knee and proposing a betrothement. That isn't a word.
Betrothing.
She said yes. Wooooo!
12.08.2008
I'm Engaged! But First, My News Article for My Journalism Class...
With Thanksgiving nearly two weeks behind us and Christmas closing in, holiday traditions of every kind are becoming more and more prevalent. Lights, stockings, and ornaments adorn many homes and provide a warm glow during during a bitter Utah December.
The warm glow has seemed to be mostly restricted to only the lights this year, however. The current economic state of the country has driven millions to start crossing items off their children's wish lists long before Christmas even arrives, removing the joyous glow that usually accompanies the season.
Consumers and retailers alike have been witness to the frightened frenzy on Wall Street that gave our economy its biggest scare in decades. This fear and the frenzy has caused consumers to do one thing: protect.
Retailers know one important truth though: consumers will still have Christmas, they will just be a little more careful about how they spend their money.
In response to this, retailers like JCPenney's and Macy's are lowering prices by up to sixty percent and advertising a plethora of bargains in an attempt to attract shoppers to their stores.
But how concerned are we really?
Shane and Dawny Anderson, a newlywed couple from Pleasant Grove say there aren't any out-of-the-ordinary concerns in their home, because, "we're already poor."
"The only thing seems to be grocery shopping," said Mrs. Anderson, noting the benefits of her husband having a job with the government.
Carol Edwards, a Social Worker from Wilmington, North Carolina has shed a different kind of light on the comparatively dismal season.
"The Holiday season of 2008 may offer us a gift in disguise. This year our family plans to do a very de-stressed holiday season that highlights the family and the creativity of the individuals in the family."
Edwards detailed how hand-made gifts and the presence of family would be the essential but ultimate elements to their holiday celebrations.
"This arrangement honors all our family no matter what their circumstances and it provides an environment free of conspicuous consumption. You have it within you to ease the clamors of anxiety and to re-write your script this Holiday Season."
word count: 350 words.
The warm glow has seemed to be mostly restricted to only the lights this year, however. The current economic state of the country has driven millions to start crossing items off their children's wish lists long before Christmas even arrives, removing the joyous glow that usually accompanies the season.
Consumers and retailers alike have been witness to the frightened frenzy on Wall Street that gave our economy its biggest scare in decades. This fear and the frenzy has caused consumers to do one thing: protect.
Retailers know one important truth though: consumers will still have Christmas, they will just be a little more careful about how they spend their money.
In response to this, retailers like JCPenney's and Macy's are lowering prices by up to sixty percent and advertising a plethora of bargains in an attempt to attract shoppers to their stores.
But how concerned are we really?
Shane and Dawny Anderson, a newlywed couple from Pleasant Grove say there aren't any out-of-the-ordinary concerns in their home, because, "we're already poor."
"The only thing seems to be grocery shopping," said Mrs. Anderson, noting the benefits of her husband having a job with the government.
Carol Edwards, a Social Worker from Wilmington, North Carolina has shed a different kind of light on the comparatively dismal season.
"The Holiday season of 2008 may offer us a gift in disguise. This year our family plans to do a very de-stressed holiday season that highlights the family and the creativity of the individuals in the family."
Edwards detailed how hand-made gifts and the presence of family would be the essential but ultimate elements to their holiday celebrations.
"This arrangement honors all our family no matter what their circumstances and it provides an environment free of conspicuous consumption. You have it within you to ease the clamors of anxiety and to re-write your script this Holiday Season."
word count: 350 words.
11.26.2008
It's really here
This is it. It's really happening. Eighteen months have really gone by. Tomorrow, my girlfriend Mary Shepherd comes home from her mission. It seems too good to be true.
For those of you who don't know, Mary and I started dating in high school. After graduation she moved up to Utah State to go to school while I prepared for my mission.
I left, and she waited.
When I came home, she already had her call to serve in Geneva, Switzerland. We spent the next four months together.
She left May 9th, 2007, and I waited.
She comes back tomorrow night. Her flight lands at 6:30 pm in Salt Lake. I won't see her until after she is released from her full-time service, which happens at 10:15 tomorrow night. Then I'll be able to go and see her.
Things are so crazy right now I don't even know what to say. I'm not scared though. I feel good. I am anxious, excited, and I have the butterflies for the first time in a very very long time, but I'm not afraid. We have done what we needed to do at the right time and we'll be just fine.
So, I know that many of you have been counting down the days with me, and it's finally here. Next week I will write more about all this.
Thank you all for supporting me and being there for me. The only way I can think of to repay you is by forgetting about you altogether. Just kidding.
Wish me luck!
For those of you who don't know, Mary and I started dating in high school. After graduation she moved up to Utah State to go to school while I prepared for my mission.
I left, and she waited.
When I came home, she already had her call to serve in Geneva, Switzerland. We spent the next four months together.
She left May 9th, 2007, and I waited.
She comes back tomorrow night. Her flight lands at 6:30 pm in Salt Lake. I won't see her until after she is released from her full-time service, which happens at 10:15 tomorrow night. Then I'll be able to go and see her.
Things are so crazy right now I don't even know what to say. I'm not scared though. I feel good. I am anxious, excited, and I have the butterflies for the first time in a very very long time, but I'm not afraid. We have done what we needed to do at the right time and we'll be just fine.
So, I know that many of you have been counting down the days with me, and it's finally here. Next week I will write more about all this.
Thank you all for supporting me and being there for me. The only way I can think of to repay you is by forgetting about you altogether. Just kidding.
Wish me luck!
11.19.2008
Films I recommend.
What is up everybody? I have another blog to do. Yay.
Things are going great. Life is crazy and stressful and all that jazz, but it's good.
To start off with, we finished shooting our new film on Saturday. It's a short film that is too unique to explain. Also I'm very bad at giving a synopsis of it, so deal with it. In any case, we'll have it up soon so you can see it and tell us how awesome it is. We put a lot into this so we are very proud of it.
We are also going to start working on our next project as soon as this one is officially finished. We will probably need all the help we can get, so be prepared to get a phone call, cause we just might call you...
There is just something so extraordinary about film. It is a medium with so much potential for influence. Everyone has seen a film that opened their eyes to something they had never even imagined before. Everyone has seen a film that was so emotional it took you days to recover.
Then again, everyone has seen a film that was a waste of their money, even if it was rented from redbox. Everyone has seen films that are so mindless, empty, and heartless it makes you sick just thinking about it.
Unfortunately, the mindless, empty, and heartless have been the most popular and the real money-makers. From what I can see, most (NOT ALL) of the stuff that comes out of Hollywood is garbage. Again, I emphasize that not all of it is. There are movies with heart and real movies that move you that come from Hollywood. I just feel they don't happen very often, as I've said in a previous blog.
Anyways, I have learned to love and embrace two different kinds of films: Classics and Independents.
You know how your parents or grandparents will bring home some strange movie that looks older than film itself and they try and convince you that it's a good one? Here's some news for you: they're probably right. Some of the best films I've seen this past year have all been from the 70's or earlier. Here are some suggestions. Some are more well-known than others.
"Empire of the Sun"
This film was made by Steven Spielberg and stars our most popular hero, Christian Bale (both Batman movies, Newsies, Little Women, etc.) This time, he's a twelve year old boy living with his family in Shanghai. This is my favorite performance of Christian Bale, out of all of his movies. He is absolutely phenomenal as a child actor.
Orson Welles "Citizen Kane"
This might be a tough one to rent or watch for most because the film is in black and white. When you find it at the store, make sure it is the 2 DVD set with the documentary about Orson Welles and other important figures of that era and those that were pertinent to this film. That made the movie so much more amazing for me. The rental usually has the documentary to go along with it.
"The Candidate"
This is an intriguing film with a young Robert Redford taking the lead role. He plays a lawyer who is convinced to campaign against a very popular Californian Senator. This film grasps the world of a rising politician better than any other film I have seen.
Pretty much anything by Alfred Hitchcock
This was a revolutionary man in the film industry. He was decades ahead of his time. Think of films that follow the genre of 'The Sixth Sense', then increase the quality of the story by a billion and you have Alfred Hitchcock. He was brilliant in nearly everything he did, and some of his films would be top sellers in the box office if they were released today. As a matter of fact, they are being released today, after being ripped off and modernized. i.e. "Disturbia." I don't care if you don't believe me. Watch 'Rear Window' then watch 'Disturbia' and tell me that it wasn't a rip off. The original pummels the Shia LeBouf version in my book. Suspense was an art back then, and not the newer stuff disguised under the same title. Now, graphic and nude surprises are referred to as 'suspense' but it isn't a true description of the word or the genre. I suggest Rear Window and Vertigo as your starters, then you can just decide from there which one you'd like to see next. They're in the 'Classics' section you never go to at Hollywood Video or Blockbuster. :)
Have you ever been driving down the road and all of a sudden you see this billboard displaying a new movie coming out, but it's one you've never heard of, you've never seen any commercials, and it looks like maybe it's a joke, or probably just a bad movie? Well, I can't say this is true for every billboard like that you see, but there are so many unpopular films that go above and beyond the mainstream films we are used to watching. And here in the beautiful state of Utah, we have a multitude of films, and not all of them are LDS-themed.
"The Errand of Angels"
This IS in fact an LDS-themed film. The story was originally written by a woman named Heidi Johnson, who served an LDS Mission in Vienna Austria. Years later she followed a dream and wrote the story, and Christian Vuissa was the screenwriter. Vuissa is the founder and head honcho for the LDS Film Festival, which does not get as much credit as it deserves as a film festival. But that's besides the point here. Errand of Angels is a moving story about a sister missionary and her experiences. It's a real story with convincing talent.
"Lars and the Real Girl"
Ryan Gosling (Fracture, Remember the Titans, etc.) stars in a very compelling role as Lars, a young adult man with what seem to be serious social defects. Things take a more serious turn when he buys a female "mannequin" and is convinced that it is his actual living breathing girlfriend. A well-mastered role by Gosling.
"Expelled"
Ben Stein ('Dry Eyes' Commercials, Ferris Bueller's Day Off..."Bueller? Bueller?") takes us on a very interesting investigation to many parts of the world in deep discussion with the most prominent scientists of our day. He is approaching the battered theory that there was some sort of 'intelligent design' in the creation of man. Whether or not you believe in God, this is a funny and smart film that makes you think.
"Stalking Santa"
I don't know about you, but I love those innocent family films that can also be enjoyed by the adults in the family, too. Stalking Santa does that for me. Made locally (No LDS-themes), this film is a high quality mockumentary that follows a man who is a self-proclaimed 'Santologist' as he fights to prove Santa's existence. Narrated to perfection by William Shatner (THE William Shatner), this movie is highly entertaining, but most likely only available for purchase. It's well worth it.
"Take"
I have discussed this film in a previous blog entitled "Take." If you want the full information, you can go there. I do not see R rated films, but I saw this one and I do not regret it. I am surprised and disappointed that it was rated R. This is one of the most emotional and raw films I have ever seen. It enters the battlefield between hatred and forgiveness better than any film I've ever seen. Extremely powerful, but maybe a little too intense for a younger audience (although not graphic).
"Article VI: Faith. Politics. America."
This is a film from the studio I work for right now, called Living Biography. This is a documentary following director Bryan Hall around the country speaking with some of the most well-known Christian leaders in the nation, along with many other people, uncovering many truths about the relationship between religion and politics in this country, and the reasons behind it. This was an eye-opening film for me. Stay tuned for updates about the film and when it will be available for viewing. You can also go to www.article6themovie.com for more information.
"The Ultimate Gift"
This is not an independent film, but it's not very well known. If you have not seen it, go rent it. Go buy it. This is a very entertaining and motivating film with heart that teaches about real love and the truest gifts we can receive in this life. I fully recommend it.
There are several other films I would love to talk about, but I can't remember all of them right now. But these are a few that are on my top list of films that I would recommend to anyone. It's a good thing I'm putting them here, because everyone asks me what my favorites are and I can never think of what to tell them. These are good alternative films you can see when you feel like there's nothing in the theater or the rental places.
So here you go. Enjoy.
Things are going great. Life is crazy and stressful and all that jazz, but it's good.
To start off with, we finished shooting our new film on Saturday. It's a short film that is too unique to explain. Also I'm very bad at giving a synopsis of it, so deal with it. In any case, we'll have it up soon so you can see it and tell us how awesome it is. We put a lot into this so we are very proud of it.
We are also going to start working on our next project as soon as this one is officially finished. We will probably need all the help we can get, so be prepared to get a phone call, cause we just might call you...
There is just something so extraordinary about film. It is a medium with so much potential for influence. Everyone has seen a film that opened their eyes to something they had never even imagined before. Everyone has seen a film that was so emotional it took you days to recover.
Then again, everyone has seen a film that was a waste of their money, even if it was rented from redbox. Everyone has seen films that are so mindless, empty, and heartless it makes you sick just thinking about it.
Unfortunately, the mindless, empty, and heartless have been the most popular and the real money-makers. From what I can see, most (NOT ALL) of the stuff that comes out of Hollywood is garbage. Again, I emphasize that not all of it is. There are movies with heart and real movies that move you that come from Hollywood. I just feel they don't happen very often, as I've said in a previous blog.
Anyways, I have learned to love and embrace two different kinds of films: Classics and Independents.
You know how your parents or grandparents will bring home some strange movie that looks older than film itself and they try and convince you that it's a good one? Here's some news for you: they're probably right. Some of the best films I've seen this past year have all been from the 70's or earlier. Here are some suggestions. Some are more well-known than others.
"Empire of the Sun"
This film was made by Steven Spielberg and stars our most popular hero, Christian Bale (both Batman movies, Newsies, Little Women, etc.) This time, he's a twelve year old boy living with his family in Shanghai. This is my favorite performance of Christian Bale, out of all of his movies. He is absolutely phenomenal as a child actor.
Orson Welles "Citizen Kane"
This might be a tough one to rent or watch for most because the film is in black and white. When you find it at the store, make sure it is the 2 DVD set with the documentary about Orson Welles and other important figures of that era and those that were pertinent to this film. That made the movie so much more amazing for me. The rental usually has the documentary to go along with it.
"The Candidate"
This is an intriguing film with a young Robert Redford taking the lead role. He plays a lawyer who is convinced to campaign against a very popular Californian Senator. This film grasps the world of a rising politician better than any other film I have seen.
Pretty much anything by Alfred Hitchcock
This was a revolutionary man in the film industry. He was decades ahead of his time. Think of films that follow the genre of 'The Sixth Sense', then increase the quality of the story by a billion and you have Alfred Hitchcock. He was brilliant in nearly everything he did, and some of his films would be top sellers in the box office if they were released today. As a matter of fact, they are being released today, after being ripped off and modernized. i.e. "Disturbia." I don't care if you don't believe me. Watch 'Rear Window' then watch 'Disturbia' and tell me that it wasn't a rip off. The original pummels the Shia LeBouf version in my book. Suspense was an art back then, and not the newer stuff disguised under the same title. Now, graphic and nude surprises are referred to as 'suspense' but it isn't a true description of the word or the genre. I suggest Rear Window and Vertigo as your starters, then you can just decide from there which one you'd like to see next. They're in the 'Classics' section you never go to at Hollywood Video or Blockbuster. :)
Have you ever been driving down the road and all of a sudden you see this billboard displaying a new movie coming out, but it's one you've never heard of, you've never seen any commercials, and it looks like maybe it's a joke, or probably just a bad movie? Well, I can't say this is true for every billboard like that you see, but there are so many unpopular films that go above and beyond the mainstream films we are used to watching. And here in the beautiful state of Utah, we have a multitude of films, and not all of them are LDS-themed.
"The Errand of Angels"
This IS in fact an LDS-themed film. The story was originally written by a woman named Heidi Johnson, who served an LDS Mission in Vienna Austria. Years later she followed a dream and wrote the story, and Christian Vuissa was the screenwriter. Vuissa is the founder and head honcho for the LDS Film Festival, which does not get as much credit as it deserves as a film festival. But that's besides the point here. Errand of Angels is a moving story about a sister missionary and her experiences. It's a real story with convincing talent.
"Lars and the Real Girl"
Ryan Gosling (Fracture, Remember the Titans, etc.) stars in a very compelling role as Lars, a young adult man with what seem to be serious social defects. Things take a more serious turn when he buys a female "mannequin" and is convinced that it is his actual living breathing girlfriend. A well-mastered role by Gosling.
"Expelled"
Ben Stein ('Dry Eyes' Commercials, Ferris Bueller's Day Off..."Bueller? Bueller?") takes us on a very interesting investigation to many parts of the world in deep discussion with the most prominent scientists of our day. He is approaching the battered theory that there was some sort of 'intelligent design' in the creation of man. Whether or not you believe in God, this is a funny and smart film that makes you think.
"Stalking Santa"
I don't know about you, but I love those innocent family films that can also be enjoyed by the adults in the family, too. Stalking Santa does that for me. Made locally (No LDS-themes), this film is a high quality mockumentary that follows a man who is a self-proclaimed 'Santologist' as he fights to prove Santa's existence. Narrated to perfection by William Shatner (THE William Shatner), this movie is highly entertaining, but most likely only available for purchase. It's well worth it.
"Take"
I have discussed this film in a previous blog entitled "Take." If you want the full information, you can go there. I do not see R rated films, but I saw this one and I do not regret it. I am surprised and disappointed that it was rated R. This is one of the most emotional and raw films I have ever seen. It enters the battlefield between hatred and forgiveness better than any film I've ever seen. Extremely powerful, but maybe a little too intense for a younger audience (although not graphic).
"Article VI: Faith. Politics. America."
This is a film from the studio I work for right now, called Living Biography. This is a documentary following director Bryan Hall around the country speaking with some of the most well-known Christian leaders in the nation, along with many other people, uncovering many truths about the relationship between religion and politics in this country, and the reasons behind it. This was an eye-opening film for me. Stay tuned for updates about the film and when it will be available for viewing. You can also go to www.article6themovie.com for more information.
"The Ultimate Gift"
This is not an independent film, but it's not very well known. If you have not seen it, go rent it. Go buy it. This is a very entertaining and motivating film with heart that teaches about real love and the truest gifts we can receive in this life. I fully recommend it.
There are several other films I would love to talk about, but I can't remember all of them right now. But these are a few that are on my top list of films that I would recommend to anyone. It's a good thing I'm putting them here, because everyone asks me what my favorites are and I can never think of what to tell them. These are good alternative films you can see when you feel like there's nothing in the theater or the rental places.
So here you go. Enjoy.
11.12.2008
High as a Kite...
These are some crazy times. I'm not talking about politics or anything of the sort. I just want to talk about how crazy things are right now in my life.
Between work and school, I have plenty of craziness to handle. For starters, I have been working with a small group of friends and we have been working on a film for about a month now. We started by sitting down and brainstorming a bunch and came up with a bunch of ideas and all that jazz and developed a story and started writing the script and filling in all the elements one by one. Tonight we had what I assume is our last official meeting before the shoot. We shoot on Saturday so we just have to go out and get things done tomorrow and make final adjustments on Friday. It's going to be absolutely hectic, but I'm way excited. We are going to enter the film in the Insomnia Film Festival that is put on by Apple. It's a 24-hour film festival. In other words, we have to shoot the edit and upload the movie all between the hours of 7 am Saturday to 7 am Sunday. Our plan is to be done much earlier than 7 am Sunday.
So that has definitely been time consuming.
With all that in the works for this weekend, I am pleased to announce that I am getting my wizzum teefs out on Friday morning. You probably are asking, "Why didn't you get them out before your mission?" The answer is that I did, but they grew back. Just kidding. No, I really did though, just the bottom two. So now I have the top two that have to be ripped out of my face for more than 500 bones. that's not cool. I get paid on Friday and most of that will be going down the tubes for my facelift.
So can you just imagine how I'm going to direct a film on Saturday on the side of a mountain in an abandoned mine? I know, it's going to rock. High as a kite.
Sidenote: if you want to know what the movie is about, you'll be able to watch it very soon. It'll be on websites and such so you can go watch it and vote for it cause it'll be the best one, regardless of what you really think.
The big one though is that Mary, my sweetheart, is coming home from her mission in two weeks. She will be flying in at 6:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.
As awesome as it is, I feel a huge responsibility to be awesome. That's a really hard thing to do. Anyway, I don't want to sound like I'm completely freaking out about this part, because it's really not my intention. I'm not worried about her coming home and what it's going to be like and all that jazz. I'm more trying to prepare myself because my life is literally going to change after Thanksgiving Day. I will no longer be a HUGE LOSER. Well, maybe I still will be, but I'd be happy to be a huge loser with an awesome girlfriend. (Huge in the proportion of loserness, and also huge as in the size of my body).
Well, I think that's a good note to end on. Things are nuts, but so am I, so we do well together.
Between work and school, I have plenty of craziness to handle. For starters, I have been working with a small group of friends and we have been working on a film for about a month now. We started by sitting down and brainstorming a bunch and came up with a bunch of ideas and all that jazz and developed a story and started writing the script and filling in all the elements one by one. Tonight we had what I assume is our last official meeting before the shoot. We shoot on Saturday so we just have to go out and get things done tomorrow and make final adjustments on Friday. It's going to be absolutely hectic, but I'm way excited. We are going to enter the film in the Insomnia Film Festival that is put on by Apple. It's a 24-hour film festival. In other words, we have to shoot the edit and upload the movie all between the hours of 7 am Saturday to 7 am Sunday. Our plan is to be done much earlier than 7 am Sunday.
So that has definitely been time consuming.
With all that in the works for this weekend, I am pleased to announce that I am getting my wizzum teefs out on Friday morning. You probably are asking, "Why didn't you get them out before your mission?" The answer is that I did, but they grew back. Just kidding. No, I really did though, just the bottom two. So now I have the top two that have to be ripped out of my face for more than 500 bones. that's not cool. I get paid on Friday and most of that will be going down the tubes for my facelift.
So can you just imagine how I'm going to direct a film on Saturday on the side of a mountain in an abandoned mine? I know, it's going to rock. High as a kite.
Sidenote: if you want to know what the movie is about, you'll be able to watch it very soon. It'll be on websites and such so you can go watch it and vote for it cause it'll be the best one, regardless of what you really think.
The big one though is that Mary, my sweetheart, is coming home from her mission in two weeks. She will be flying in at 6:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Best. Thanksgiving. Ever.
As awesome as it is, I feel a huge responsibility to be awesome. That's a really hard thing to do. Anyway, I don't want to sound like I'm completely freaking out about this part, because it's really not my intention. I'm not worried about her coming home and what it's going to be like and all that jazz. I'm more trying to prepare myself because my life is literally going to change after Thanksgiving Day. I will no longer be a HUGE LOSER. Well, maybe I still will be, but I'd be happy to be a huge loser with an awesome girlfriend. (Huge in the proportion of loserness, and also huge as in the size of my body).
Well, I think that's a good note to end on. Things are nuts, but so am I, so we do well together.
11.03.2008
Vote! Informative Blog...
Today I want to talk about voting.
Tomorrow we all have to vote.
I'm going to add several links to this post.
Voting keeps us free. We lose our freedoms when power-hungry judiciaries pound their gavels in favor of their false interpretations of the Constitution.
Vote.
If you want more information about the importance of issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, click here. This is a speech that the entire country should hear.
I will not endorse a candidate nor will I attempt to tell you who you should vote for.
Please make an informed decision. Most of the junk that gets forwarded to you in your email, half of the stuff on television, and most of the things spread by word-of-mouth about the candidates is false. It is designed by wicked men to strike fear into the hearts of the citizens of this country. When we buy into those things, we are giving up our freedoms, because our vote was just purchased with lies.
Be informed about the candidates and where they stand.
For example, did you know that Barack Obama and John McCain have similar views about same-sex marriage?
To find out more about Barack Obama, click here.
To find out more about John McCain, click here.
We owe it not just to ourselves but to our children and the continuing generations to make informed decisions about the leadership of our country. It is a duty and an opportunity.
"But my vote is only one vote." Click here to see how important one vote can be.
This post should have enough information for you to be able to find correct and necessary information.
Good luck, and God Bless this country.
Tomorrow we all have to vote.
I'm going to add several links to this post.
Voting keeps us free. We lose our freedoms when power-hungry judiciaries pound their gavels in favor of their false interpretations of the Constitution.
Vote.
If you want more information about the importance of issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, click here. This is a speech that the entire country should hear.
I will not endorse a candidate nor will I attempt to tell you who you should vote for.
Please make an informed decision. Most of the junk that gets forwarded to you in your email, half of the stuff on television, and most of the things spread by word-of-mouth about the candidates is false. It is designed by wicked men to strike fear into the hearts of the citizens of this country. When we buy into those things, we are giving up our freedoms, because our vote was just purchased with lies.
Be informed about the candidates and where they stand.
For example, did you know that Barack Obama and John McCain have similar views about same-sex marriage?
To find out more about Barack Obama, click here.
To find out more about John McCain, click here.
We owe it not just to ourselves but to our children and the continuing generations to make informed decisions about the leadership of our country. It is a duty and an opportunity.
"But my vote is only one vote." Click here to see how important one vote can be.
This post should have enough information for you to be able to find correct and necessary information.
Good luck, and God Bless this country.
10.29.2008
Frustrations with Politics...
I watched the Series Premiere of "The Barack Obama Show" tonight. If you didn't catch it, you should definitely find it somewhere online and watch it.
It was very well done. The music was fitting to set the heroic mood, the lighting was professional, the shot selection was fascinating, and above all, the acting was phenomenal.
No, I'm not suggesting that the people Barack Obama sat with were acting, but our future President himself.
Of course, it's not like anything has changed. Nor do I wish to say that Barack Obama is the only politician guilty of this. But he is the only one I see buying up a half an hour of very expensive air time to say the exact same message he has given for the last year. Miraculously, he is going to lower taxes for all families that make less than $200,000 a year, while at the same time, put billions into energy independence, technology advancements, military renovations, hiring an "army" of new educators, paying them more, making sure we are "the first ones" paid back from all the recent government spending, more affordable/available health care, and buying Mars.
Okay the last one was false, but do you see what I mean? And again, for all you Obama supporters, I don't want to say that I believe that it's only Obama that makes such outrageous and impossible claims, but if you want to avoid the "celebrity" tag, don't put your 30-minute show at 7:00 p.m. on primetime television!
Barack Obama is a family man and will probably serve well as President (besides the whole socialism concerns...), but his debut on primetime tonight made me think about the big picture:
I wish there were a day I could remember voting for someone I actually believed should be President.
I wish a candidate would stand up and say, "Look, I am not going to pretend like I can save the world. I'm not going to promise you a perfect solution to everything from the start. What I will tell you though is that I will start with the greatest problem facing our nation. Once I have done all I can do, I will move to the next. I will start by taking on this economic crisis. If there is more to do, or a better way to do it, I'm going to figure it out, cause I'm an American too. Then, I'm going to sit down and be informed on everything about the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm going to talk to those who know, get advice, and work together across any party necessary to come up with the best solution possible.
When our economy becomes strengthened and we make necessary moves in regards to the fighting, I will then be able to promise and provide tax cuts. I want to speak straight forward to you, because I know it will be better for all of us in the future. I will not try to deceive the American People to vote for me. I want to show them who I am, what I stand for, and that I am a human, just like every single one of them, and I will do the best I can."
Maybe that's what they are saying, and I'm just not hearing it. Maybe that's what they want, but I can't see it. It just feels so superficial to me, and I hate thinking that I am forced into a "lesser of tw
o evils" situation when voting. I don't believe that either of our candidates today are in fact 'evil' or anything of the sort, but you know what I mean.
Anyways, to sum up, I hope I don't make anyone too upset with this post. That is not my intention. I just wanted to vent my frustrations with politics in general, and it happened to be Senator Obama and his TV show that got me going.
So, if I offend you in anyway, I'm sorry you are offended, but I won't apologize for my remarks, because they are mine, and I'm entitled to them.
Anyway, peace out.
It was very well done. The music was fitting to set the heroic mood, the lighting was professional, the shot selection was fascinating, and above all, the acting was phenomenal.
No, I'm not suggesting that the people Barack Obama sat with were acting, but our future President himself.
Of course, it's not like anything has changed. Nor do I wish to say that Barack Obama is the only politician guilty of this. But he is the only one I see buying up a half an hour of very expensive air time to say the exact same message he has given for the last year. Miraculously, he is going to lower taxes for all families that make less than $200,000 a year, while at the same time, put billions into energy independence, technology advancements, military renovations, hiring an "army" of new educators, paying them more, making sure we are "the first ones" paid back from all the recent government spending, more affordable/available health care, and buying Mars.
Okay the last one was false, but do you see what I mean? And again, for all you Obama supporters, I don't want to say that I believe that it's only Obama that makes such outrageous and impossible claims, but if you want to avoid the "celebrity" tag, don't put your 30-minute show at 7:00 p.m. on primetime television!
Barack Obama is a family man and will probably serve well as President (besides the whole socialism concerns...), but his debut on primetime tonight made me think about the big picture:
I wish there were a day I could remember voting for someone I actually believed should be President.
I wish a candidate would stand up and say, "Look, I am not going to pretend like I can save the world. I'm not going to promise you a perfect solution to everything from the start. What I will tell you though is that I will start with the greatest problem facing our nation. Once I have done all I can do, I will move to the next. I will start by taking on this economic crisis. If there is more to do, or a better way to do it, I'm going to figure it out, cause I'm an American too. Then, I'm going to sit down and be informed on everything about the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm going to talk to those who know, get advice, and work together across any party necessary to come up with the best solution possible.
When our economy becomes strengthened and we make necessary moves in regards to the fighting, I will then be able to promise and provide tax cuts. I want to speak straight forward to you, because I know it will be better for all of us in the future. I will not try to deceive the American People to vote for me. I want to show them who I am, what I stand for, and that I am a human, just like every single one of them, and I will do the best I can."
Maybe that's what they are saying, and I'm just not hearing it. Maybe that's what they want, but I can't see it. It just feels so superficial to me, and I hate thinking that I am forced into a "lesser of tw
o evils" situation when voting. I don't believe that either of our candidates today are in fact 'evil' or anything of the sort, but you know what I mean.
Anyways, to sum up, I hope I don't make anyone too upset with this post. That is not my intention. I just wanted to vent my frustrations with politics in general, and it happened to be Senator Obama and his TV show that got me going.
So, if I offend you in anyway, I'm sorry you are offended, but I won't apologize for my remarks, because they are mine, and I'm entitled to them.
Anyway, peace out.
10.27.2008
Take
Take. The word is in and of itself a very selfish word. It is one of those words that brings emotion to the surface, whether to display bitterness or guilt. It is also the title of a recently released independent film starring Minnie Driver and Jeremy Renner. The film is based on two days in the lives of two strangers, Ana and Saul, portrayed by Driver and Renner.
"I was attracted to this film by the brave and compelling nature of the story itself," said Driver. "It took me on an emotional journey that was impossible to prepare for. I think it forces you to expand your spirit and connect with something bigger than yourself."
The lead characters in the story meet for only a few brief moments during the entire film, but their chance meeting tragically changes their lives forever.
"This experience has presented a crossroads in my mind, questioning what I thought I knew and what I wish to be true about the human spirit, life, and ultimately, the death penalty," said Jeremy Renner, after discussing the challenges of portraying his difficult character.
The film strays from the Hollywood norms of revenge for what is lost. It is driven by a belief by writer-director Charles Oliver, a graduate in Humanities from Brigham Young University.
"In Take, I wanted to explore how far the heart could go with this kind of resentment before it would fold in on itself. I wanted to examine the idea of forgiveness as a mechanism of survival - having nothing to do with whether someone deserves it and everything to do with our own need to forgive."
Take has been rated 'R' for "some violent content with intense emotional impact," according to the Motion Picture Association of America website.
For more information on the film, click here.
"I was attracted to this film by the brave and compelling nature of the story itself," said Driver. "It took me on an emotional journey that was impossible to prepare for. I think it forces you to expand your spirit and connect with something bigger than yourself."
The lead characters in the story meet for only a few brief moments during the entire film, but their chance meeting tragically changes their lives forever.
"This experience has presented a crossroads in my mind, questioning what I thought I knew and what I wish to be true about the human spirit, life, and ultimately, the death penalty," said Jeremy Renner, after discussing the challenges of portraying his difficult character.
The film strays from the Hollywood norms of revenge for what is lost. It is driven by a belief by writer-director Charles Oliver, a graduate in Humanities from Brigham Young University.
"In Take, I wanted to explore how far the heart could go with this kind of resentment before it would fold in on itself. I wanted to examine the idea of forgiveness as a mechanism of survival - having nothing to do with whether someone deserves it and everything to do with our own need to forgive."
Take has been rated 'R' for "some violent content with intense emotional impact," according to the Motion Picture Association of America website.
For more information on the film, click here.
10.22.2008
Another Week
I'm tired. Boo. I'm ready for bed at 7:30 pm. That's sad. I wish I could just go to bed. Good ol' homework.
Is it really Thursday tomorrow? I can't believe it's Thursday again. Things are happening so fast. I guess that's what happens when you are working and schooling.
I'm halfway through my first week at my new job. I started working at a film studio called Living Biography. You can check it out at www.livingbiography.com. As soon as I do something cool I'll post it here or tell you where to find it or something.
I can't really describe what I do over there exactly, but I am learning a whole lot and I really like it so far. It's been very fun, but very busy as well.
Now, I'm dummm and I can't figure out how to just put a blasted countdown thing on my blog, but I don't really care all that much. I don't want to take the time to do it anyway. I'll just tell you. I don't need it for myself because I have a countdown on my computer, on my phone, and in my brain. By the mouth of two or three witnesses...
By the mouth of two or three witnesses, Mary (my girlfriend) comes home in approximately 35 days. If you were to count that out right now, your finger would land right on Thanksgiving Day, for that is the day on which she arrives. Yay yay, hallelujah. Seriously. I can't type how excited I am. I should take a picture of it and then post it on here. That takes way too long though. Just take my word for it.
So amidst my excitement for her return, I am also starting to stress like a madman. I'm trying to save up money, but also pay for the things I need to buy, and also just be who and what I need to be by the time she gets home. It's not that I'm scared, I just want to be ready. So as it turns out, I'm really happy that time is going by fast because 35 days will go by quicker, but before I know it, we are at the end of another week and I feel like I'm broke or just about to be.
Anyway, I'm not overly concerned about it. It's just part of what's going on in my life.
Also, as much fun as the fall break was, it has been very difficult for me to get back into a school-goer mode. I go, but I guess the hardest part is getting my homework done. I was doing great up until then. I was getting to all my classes and doing all of my work and turning it in on time, but for some reason, these first few days back have been especially difficult.
Oh well. I'm over it. I can feel myself starting to take some responsibility again and stop wasting so much time doing nothing, or doing something else. I don't know.
So this blog has been nearly pointless. Well, I guess it serves as a good update.
Oh yeah, one more thing: my future in-laws are awesome. Seriously. They are awesome.
Awesome.
Is it really Thursday tomorrow? I can't believe it's Thursday again. Things are happening so fast. I guess that's what happens when you are working and schooling.
I'm halfway through my first week at my new job. I started working at a film studio called Living Biography. You can check it out at www.livingbiography.com. As soon as I do something cool I'll post it here or tell you where to find it or something.
I can't really describe what I do over there exactly, but I am learning a whole lot and I really like it so far. It's been very fun, but very busy as well.
Now, I'm dummm and I can't figure out how to just put a blasted countdown thing on my blog, but I don't really care all that much. I don't want to take the time to do it anyway. I'll just tell you. I don't need it for myself because I have a countdown on my computer, on my phone, and in my brain. By the mouth of two or three witnesses...
By the mouth of two or three witnesses, Mary (my girlfriend) comes home in approximately 35 days. If you were to count that out right now, your finger would land right on Thanksgiving Day, for that is the day on which she arrives. Yay yay, hallelujah. Seriously. I can't type how excited I am. I should take a picture of it and then post it on here. That takes way too long though. Just take my word for it.
So amidst my excitement for her return, I am also starting to stress like a madman. I'm trying to save up money, but also pay for the things I need to buy, and also just be who and what I need to be by the time she gets home. It's not that I'm scared, I just want to be ready. So as it turns out, I'm really happy that time is going by fast because 35 days will go by quicker, but before I know it, we are at the end of another week and I feel like I'm broke or just about to be.
Anyway, I'm not overly concerned about it. It's just part of what's going on in my life.
Also, as much fun as the fall break was, it has been very difficult for me to get back into a school-goer mode. I go, but I guess the hardest part is getting my homework done. I was doing great up until then. I was getting to all my classes and doing all of my work and turning it in on time, but for some reason, these first few days back have been especially difficult.
Oh well. I'm over it. I can feel myself starting to take some responsibility again and stop wasting so much time doing nothing, or doing something else. I don't know.
So this blog has been nearly pointless. Well, I guess it serves as a good update.
Oh yeah, one more thing: my future in-laws are awesome. Seriously. They are awesome.
Awesome.
10.08.2008
Prince Caspian...Finally...
Today, I’ll do a better-late-than-never review of the newest Chronicles of Narnia movie, “Prince Caspian.”
If you at least got a little enjoyment out of the first installment, you should love it the second time around. This time, our (mostly) lovable young heroes are back in Narnia, but not at first. We find them at home, and anxious for some sort of sign, a whisper, a call. And quickly enough, we find ourselves once again wandering through the most breathtaking oases of Narnia. But immediately things become foreign to the young kings and queens. Although just a short period of time has passed at home, many years have passed in Narnia. The places they knew so well are in ruins, and much of the great monuments have fallen; testaments to the time passed and the current turmoil of the land.
Prophecies are once again fulfilled as the four nobles make their presence known. The Narnia they once knew is no longer. Many of the blissful and peaceful elements of Narnia have been revoked, and Narnians find themselves in hiding within their own land. There is a new enemy with an aggressive arsenal and an astounding hatred for all other life.
The perception we come to love about Narnia is that it is completely unlike reality. The two elements that make Narnia flow and make people aspire for it are: life and harmony. Things are alive. Things are moving, flowing, real, speaking. We do not always understand what things are being communicated, but the actions speak much louder than words. The expressions of the trees and plants, for example, are a highlight to Narnia. These expressions, and these living things, are the great cause for the potential harmony in Narnia. When just kings and just queens rule Narnia, life and harmony are also present. The same is to be said of the opposite. We see in “Prince Caspian” that when evil and greedy kings and queens reign, life is then quite literally ‘sucked’ from the land, and therefore harmony as well.
Our emotions soon get to us and we understand that without life and harmony, there can be no hope. But not all life is gone. While there is still life, there is still hope, and that gives harmony a chance.
Throughout the film, you can find many Christian parallels. If you have seen the film, but did not notice them, go see it again, and look only for parallels. If you are still having trouble, I’m sorry.
There is a great moral in the film that I wish to point out. Fortunately, I can explain it in general terms so that you can identify them when you see it and I’m not giving you spoilers.
The young ones, more especially Peter (being the High King), must make crucial decisions during the story that will essentially determine the fate of his Narnian followers. As you watch this story progress, you will see the consequences based on their faith. At times they have more faith and hope than others, and it becomes obvious as they seek for support. There are many different sources they can go to for ‘help,’ and they do in fact ‘try out’ these sources. A great lesson here is that you should never have to sacrifice good for good. In other words, you cannot achieve good through the methods of evil. It’s a principle of life. If you try to accomplish what seems to be a ‘greater good’ by incorporating an aspect of what you know to be wrong, the results will be devastating. This is obviously not the only film that teaches this principle. But to me, it's more about the way it's taught rather than what exactly is being taught. It is a clear and precise message.
I will own this film when it comes out on DVD. It is an all-time favorite of mine. It is the best movie I have seen in a very long time. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
10.01.2008
Forever Strong
I started writing a blog about the economy, but BORING. That's all I can say. I lost interest and I'm pretty sure people are actually going to make something happen over the next few days, so it's all good. At least we didn't have 1.2 trillion dollars just flat out disappear a few days ago! Oh wait...
Anyway, I want to talk about the last movie I saw. The movie is called "Forever Strong." It was directed by Ryan Little, whose name you may recognize from a movie called "Saints and Soldiers." He directed that one as well.
If you have seen Saints and Soldiers, you know how good Ryan Little is. In Forever Strong, he tells another great story.
Forever Strong is based on actual events. It comes from the inspiring legacy of the Highland High School Rugby Team. Under their current coach, they have nearly 400 wins and only 9 losses. It's a remarkable record, but you have to see the film to understand the style of champions this coach has molded.
The story covers important morals and values that seem to be out of reach for most Hollywood films. It gets down to real emotions and situations that affect real people.
This isn't a very long review, but I think you should just go see it without me telling you more about it. I don't think many movies are worth a full $8.50 Friday night showing, but this is one of the few that does.
Go see Forever Strong.
Anyway, I want to talk about the last movie I saw. The movie is called "Forever Strong." It was directed by Ryan Little, whose name you may recognize from a movie called "Saints and Soldiers." He directed that one as well.
If you have seen Saints and Soldiers, you know how good Ryan Little is. In Forever Strong, he tells another great story.
Forever Strong is based on actual events. It comes from the inspiring legacy of the Highland High School Rugby Team. Under their current coach, they have nearly 400 wins and only 9 losses. It's a remarkable record, but you have to see the film to understand the style of champions this coach has molded.
The story covers important morals and values that seem to be out of reach for most Hollywood films. It gets down to real emotions and situations that affect real people.
This isn't a very long review, but I think you should just go see it without me telling you more about it. I don't think many movies are worth a full $8.50 Friday night showing, but this is one of the few that does.
Go see Forever Strong.
9.23.2008
"...bird poop, spiders, speeding cars and clowns."
At home, on my super awesome computer, I have a huge title that goes across my screen. I made it not too long ago. It simply says: "What is it that we fear?"
I try to think of it on a deeper level.
I want this question to drive me to explain to myself why I don't do things. By things, I mean, well, I'll put an example.
I know somebody I can help. I want to help them. At least something inside me is saying "help them." But for some reason, between point A and point B, that so-called 'desire' gets lost or something. No, it gets consumed by fear.
So then instead of leaving it there, not doing something and not asking why, I start to ask myself: What am I afraid of? What is holding me back from doing what I know I should do?
The honest truth is that we fear how people will react. It's natural for us to want to be liked. We want friends. We don't want people to hate us, think we're annoying, or anything of the sort. So if we're going to say something that we feel will be outside of somebody else's comfort zone, we hesitate. Their fabricated comfort zone suddenly becomes our fabricated comfort zone. We subconsciously make it one of those things we just don't talk about.
So, we become less and less active about reaching out each time we second guess what comes to us.
When I really think about it, it makes me laugh at myself. I think: "What, is he going to punch me in the face if I invite him to church?"
Or: "They're probably sleeping/busy/angry about something/tired of hearing the same ol' thing/whatever." Right. One or all of those things are always true... (Sarcasm)
To many of you readers, this might sound a lot like missionary work. Much of it is. I don't think they'd keep calling it missionary WORK if we'd stop being so afraid all the time.
Anyway, I've tried a little harder lately to just be prepared for anything and say it if I feel it needs to be said, or do it if I feel it needs to be done. It's actually really satisfying. The funny thing is, I feel more like I'm being myself. I also feel more comfortable doing it.
Maybe I should have said a few more specifics here. I have referred mostly to my attempts and fears at befriending others and also telling them about the Church and the Gospel I believe in. No, I don't want to force it down people's throats, but I love it and want to share it with those closest to me. Maybe I held back those specifics here because I knew that not everyone who reads my blog is a member of the Church I belong to, and that scared me. Hm, interesting.
Also...
Perhaps I've been generalizing too much in this blog. Perhaps this should be referring specifically to me and my own weirdness. But I don't think I'm the only weirdo out there.
I'll bet you're weird too.
To anybody besides myself, it probably is just a strange vague question. I can see somebody reading this and saying: "Well, bird poop, spiders, speeding cars and clowns."
I try to think of it on a deeper level.
I want this question to drive me to explain to myself why I don't do things. By things, I mean, well, I'll put an example.
I know somebody I can help. I want to help them. At least something inside me is saying "help them." But for some reason, between point A and point B, that so-called 'desire' gets lost or something. No, it gets consumed by fear.
So then instead of leaving it there, not doing something and not asking why, I start to ask myself: What am I afraid of? What is holding me back from doing what I know I should do?
The honest truth is that we fear how people will react. It's natural for us to want to be liked. We want friends. We don't want people to hate us, think we're annoying, or anything of the sort. So if we're going to say something that we feel will be outside of somebody else's comfort zone, we hesitate. Their fabricated comfort zone suddenly becomes our fabricated comfort zone. We subconsciously make it one of those things we just don't talk about.
So, we become less and less active about reaching out each time we second guess what comes to us.
When I really think about it, it makes me laugh at myself. I think: "What, is he going to punch me in the face if I invite him to church?"
Or: "They're probably sleeping/busy/angry about something/tired of hearing the same ol' thing/whatever." Right. One or all of those things are always true... (Sarcasm)
To many of you readers, this might sound a lot like missionary work. Much of it is. I don't think they'd keep calling it missionary WORK if we'd stop being so afraid all the time.
Anyway, I've tried a little harder lately to just be prepared for anything and say it if I feel it needs to be said, or do it if I feel it needs to be done. It's actually really satisfying. The funny thing is, I feel more like I'm being myself. I also feel more comfortable doing it.
Maybe I should have said a few more specifics here. I have referred mostly to my attempts and fears at befriending others and also telling them about the Church and the Gospel I believe in. No, I don't want to force it down people's throats, but I love it and want to share it with those closest to me. Maybe I held back those specifics here because I knew that not everyone who reads my blog is a member of the Church I belong to, and that scared me. Hm, interesting.
Also...
Perhaps I've been generalizing too much in this blog. Perhaps this should be referring specifically to me and my own weirdness. But I don't think I'm the only weirdo out there.
I'll bet you're weird too.
9.17.2008
Unusually happy...
Okay here we go again...
Another week gone and a new time to blog.
Today's blog will be slightly different than many of my other blogs. What I mean by that is that it will be a little more personal than most things I've written about before, with exception to writing about my brother Ben or writing about my missionary girlfriend Mary.
Aside from being downright exhausted over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed something else about myself. It's something not too extraordinary or out-of-this-world-weird, but it's a behavior change that has become a habit, or a consistent lifestyle.
Those who know me well know that I am usually pretty easy going and that I enjoy a good laugh. I'd consider myself a pretty outgoing fellow. Anyways, right after school started, I began to stress out a lot. Anyone who has worked full-time and gone to school full-time knows what I'm talking about. It's crazy. So I was getting very stressed out. I couldn't concentrate much at all and I just wasn't happy.
Lately, though, as I have previously mentioned, something has changed. I am what I call 'unusually cheery' considering the stresses of school/work/life that I have or should have right now.
Well, over the past 24 hours I have been thinking about the "why."
I guess what triggered my pondering was when I went to pay $139.00 to the Provo City Police Department for my speeding ticket I got a few weeks ago. I had to pay for my ticket and for traffic school, and it added up to that glorious amount.
So I walk in the building, and I'm sporting a cheap pair of sunglasses I found at a park in Provo during the summer. They are the 80's style shades, with black frames and hot pink sides. I've discovered how ridiculously good looking I am in them, so I can't ever stop wearing them....
Wow, tangent. So I walk in and I have to put all my metal objects in a little cup and put my backpack on the little conveyor belt x-ray machine thing. The security guard starts telling me how awesome those glasses are and that he used to wear them when he was my age and it was for sure "the thing." I'm glad I could take him on a retro journey with my stolen shades...
Then I go up to the desk and start making stupid jokes with the ladies that were working there. I'm asking about half-off coupons for tickets, or student discounts. You know, ridiculous things.
Then after a few jokes and laughs, I stopped and something hit me.
"I don't think I've ever been this upbeat while paying for a ticket before." That was only my second ticket in my life, but what I was really getting at was: "There's got to be a better reason for me being jovial right now. It definitely isn't this ticket."
So long story short (or a little shorter) is this: The only thing different about the me now and the me a few weeks ago has been my increased effort to be more spiritual. It has been an exceptionally slow process, but I have been patient with myself as I try to climb a spiritual ladder, striving for a higher personal plane. (plain?).
I 'blame' part of this on the classes I am enrolled in at the UVU Institute. I have been more opened to exploring, discovering, and pondering about the scriptures of God. And to say it quite frankly, I don't really care if you don't share the same beliefs as me, that's your right. But I have no shame in saying that I believe whole-heartedly in God and in His Gospel. My efforts to be more spiritual throughout my life have proven to be the 'molding' moments. They have shaped me into who I am today, and that is a person I am pretty happy with right now. Now, obviously, I say and do a lot of really ridiculous things, but I love to laugh at myself more than almost anything else.
But I'm happy. 'Unusually' happy.
Another week gone and a new time to blog.
Today's blog will be slightly different than many of my other blogs. What I mean by that is that it will be a little more personal than most things I've written about before, with exception to writing about my brother Ben or writing about my missionary girlfriend Mary.
Aside from being downright exhausted over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed something else about myself. It's something not too extraordinary or out-of-this-world-weird, but it's a behavior change that has become a habit, or a consistent lifestyle.
Those who know me well know that I am usually pretty easy going and that I enjoy a good laugh. I'd consider myself a pretty outgoing fellow. Anyways, right after school started, I began to stress out a lot. Anyone who has worked full-time and gone to school full-time knows what I'm talking about. It's crazy. So I was getting very stressed out. I couldn't concentrate much at all and I just wasn't happy.
Lately, though, as I have previously mentioned, something has changed. I am what I call 'unusually cheery' considering the stresses of school/work/life that I have or should have right now.
Well, over the past 24 hours I have been thinking about the "why."
I guess what triggered my pondering was when I went to pay $139.00 to the Provo City Police Department for my speeding ticket I got a few weeks ago. I had to pay for my ticket and for traffic school, and it added up to that glorious amount.
So I walk in the building, and I'm sporting a cheap pair of sunglasses I found at a park in Provo during the summer. They are the 80's style shades, with black frames and hot pink sides. I've discovered how ridiculously good looking I am in them, so I can't ever stop wearing them....
Wow, tangent. So I walk in and I have to put all my metal objects in a little cup and put my backpack on the little conveyor belt x-ray machine thing. The security guard starts telling me how awesome those glasses are and that he used to wear them when he was my age and it was for sure "the thing." I'm glad I could take him on a retro journey with my stolen shades...
Then I go up to the desk and start making stupid jokes with the ladies that were working there. I'm asking about half-off coupons for tickets, or student discounts. You know, ridiculous things.
Then after a few jokes and laughs, I stopped and something hit me.
"I don't think I've ever been this upbeat while paying for a ticket before." That was only my second ticket in my life, but what I was really getting at was: "There's got to be a better reason for me being jovial right now. It definitely isn't this ticket."
So long story short (or a little shorter) is this: The only thing different about the me now and the me a few weeks ago has been my increased effort to be more spiritual. It has been an exceptionally slow process, but I have been patient with myself as I try to climb a spiritual ladder, striving for a higher personal plane. (plain?).
I 'blame' part of this on the classes I am enrolled in at the UVU Institute. I have been more opened to exploring, discovering, and pondering about the scriptures of God. And to say it quite frankly, I don't really care if you don't share the same beliefs as me, that's your right. But I have no shame in saying that I believe whole-heartedly in God and in His Gospel. My efforts to be more spiritual throughout my life have proven to be the 'molding' moments. They have shaped me into who I am today, and that is a person I am pretty happy with right now. Now, obviously, I say and do a lot of really ridiculous things, but I love to laugh at myself more than almost anything else.
But I'm happy. 'Unusually' happy.
9.10.2008
My Life as of NOW
Okay, start typing and see what happens.
This time of my life seems to be super stressful. Let's try to identify why.
My daily routine is as follows: Get up at six in the morning, be to work by half past seven, and work until 2:30. From there I have class Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-5, and from 6-8:30. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have class from 5:30-7:20. I also have a Saturday class that goes from 10:45 until 1:15. My only "day off" from school is friday.
So these are the classes I'm taking right now:
First and foremost, I am taking two classes at the Institute. I have a Scripture Study class and a class on the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church. I love both of those classes. They are fantastic. I have already learned a ton and we are only a few weeks in.
Next, I am taking a Communications class called "Writing for the Mass Media." That class is pretty cool. I am learning a lot about the media and different parts of society and all that good stuff. I also have to do a lot of reading for this class, including the New York Times Front Page everyday, so I feel like I am learning a ton and I am up-to-date on the happenings of the world. It's a sweet class.
My next class is a Digital Media Class. It's Digital Media Essentials 1110. It's a beginners multimedia class. I really like that class even though I am familiar with most of the things we are working with. It's a good class to have cause I get to brush up on a lot of the things I learned in high school. I'm most excited for the video portion, even though I'll probably know everything about it. That sounds really conceded, but remember, this is a beginners class. It is all about the basics, and I promise, I know at least the basics of video editing. I'm not as creative as I would like to be though. Good ol' creativity.
My final class is Spanish 3050. It's the advanced Spanish class at UVU. I really like that class too. It challenges me. It pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and learn more Spanish. I developed the language while serving a mission in Southern Mexico, but I feel like there are so many things I just don't know or understand, and this class is helping me overcome that. I am learning a lot each week.
So that's my school schedule. My work life is pretty crazy. A lot of people ask me what exactly I do because I work at a high school. It's an amazing job. I am part of the Support Staff at IHS, under the title of "Hall Monitor" or "In School Suspension Coordinator." The title of Hall Monitor is pretty self-explanatory. Watch over the halls. Make sure things are in order. "I.S.S. Coordinator." That's a good one. We have a no tardy policy at IHS, so if any student is late, they have to go to in school suspension for the rest of that class period. They are also sent there for behavioral issues as well.
I also work with the Assistant Principal, Boyd, working with student discipline. We work a lot with the students that have gang involvement, and work with gang prevention at the school. Needless to say, I have learned a great deal from this job.
This is my second year at IHS. Last year, I was able to help out with the basketball team. I was kind of a "co-head coach." Maybe that's not accurate. Either way, I split the coaching duties with an eager volunteer by the name of Josh. He has worked a lot to help these kids.
I think my favorite part (and, at times, my least favorite part) about this job is the interaction I have with the kids. It is my favorite because I honestly see a lot of good and a lot of potential in these kids. They are good kids, even if they are just trying to be tough, or gangsters, or whatever. I get along with nearly all of them, and it has been a great experience being able to be of some help maybe to these kids.
I also say it's my least favorite part of the job too because I can't stand to see good kids lose it and drop out, get pregnant or get someone pregnant, fail classes, stop caring, fight, or whatever else happens over there. It's hard to see that. It reminds me of my life as a missionary, seeing people know that the message we bring will change their lives so much for the better, yet they walk away from it. It was hard to see that.
So that's my life right now. It's pretty crazy. It's not nearly as exciting in word form though. But trust me, I have crazy moments. Things seem to be moving about a million miles an hour. The weeks just fly by and sometimes I feel like I'm just barely scraping by.
I like that time is flying though. My girlfriend Mary is serving a mission in Switzerland and she'll be home in November, so the faster time goes the better. I can't wait to see her again. Woohoo!
This time of my life seems to be super stressful. Let's try to identify why.
My daily routine is as follows: Get up at six in the morning, be to work by half past seven, and work until 2:30. From there I have class Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-5, and from 6-8:30. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have class from 5:30-7:20. I also have a Saturday class that goes from 10:45 until 1:15. My only "day off" from school is friday.
So these are the classes I'm taking right now:
First and foremost, I am taking two classes at the Institute. I have a Scripture Study class and a class on the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church. I love both of those classes. They are fantastic. I have already learned a ton and we are only a few weeks in.
Next, I am taking a Communications class called "Writing for the Mass Media." That class is pretty cool. I am learning a lot about the media and different parts of society and all that good stuff. I also have to do a lot of reading for this class, including the New York Times Front Page everyday, so I feel like I am learning a ton and I am up-to-date on the happenings of the world. It's a sweet class.
My next class is a Digital Media Class. It's Digital Media Essentials 1110. It's a beginners multimedia class. I really like that class even though I am familiar with most of the things we are working with. It's a good class to have cause I get to brush up on a lot of the things I learned in high school. I'm most excited for the video portion, even though I'll probably know everything about it. That sounds really conceded, but remember, this is a beginners class. It is all about the basics, and I promise, I know at least the basics of video editing. I'm not as creative as I would like to be though. Good ol' creativity.
My final class is Spanish 3050. It's the advanced Spanish class at UVU. I really like that class too. It challenges me. It pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and learn more Spanish. I developed the language while serving a mission in Southern Mexico, but I feel like there are so many things I just don't know or understand, and this class is helping me overcome that. I am learning a lot each week.
So that's my school schedule. My work life is pretty crazy. A lot of people ask me what exactly I do because I work at a high school. It's an amazing job. I am part of the Support Staff at IHS, under the title of "Hall Monitor" or "In School Suspension Coordinator." The title of Hall Monitor is pretty self-explanatory. Watch over the halls. Make sure things are in order. "I.S.S. Coordinator." That's a good one. We have a no tardy policy at IHS, so if any student is late, they have to go to in school suspension for the rest of that class period. They are also sent there for behavioral issues as well.
I also work with the Assistant Principal, Boyd, working with student discipline. We work a lot with the students that have gang involvement, and work with gang prevention at the school. Needless to say, I have learned a great deal from this job.
This is my second year at IHS. Last year, I was able to help out with the basketball team. I was kind of a "co-head coach." Maybe that's not accurate. Either way, I split the coaching duties with an eager volunteer by the name of Josh. He has worked a lot to help these kids.
I think my favorite part (and, at times, my least favorite part) about this job is the interaction I have with the kids. It is my favorite because I honestly see a lot of good and a lot of potential in these kids. They are good kids, even if they are just trying to be tough, or gangsters, or whatever. I get along with nearly all of them, and it has been a great experience being able to be of some help maybe to these kids.
I also say it's my least favorite part of the job too because I can't stand to see good kids lose it and drop out, get pregnant or get someone pregnant, fail classes, stop caring, fight, or whatever else happens over there. It's hard to see that. It reminds me of my life as a missionary, seeing people know that the message we bring will change their lives so much for the better, yet they walk away from it. It was hard to see that.
So that's my life right now. It's pretty crazy. It's not nearly as exciting in word form though. But trust me, I have crazy moments. Things seem to be moving about a million miles an hour. The weeks just fly by and sometimes I feel like I'm just barely scraping by.
I like that time is flying though. My girlfriend Mary is serving a mission in Switzerland and she'll be home in November, so the faster time goes the better. I can't wait to see her again. Woohoo!
9.03.2008
The GOP Convention
I just spent the last twenty minutes or so watching Governor Sarah Palin address the crowds at St. Paul Minnesota.
When I first heard that John McCain had chosen some "no-name" governor from Alaska, my first thought was: "Well, I'm not voting this election I guess."
I have read several articles over the past few days and my opinion has begun to change slightly. I knew from the start that I was making a very ignorant decision because I honestly had no idea who this person was.
Tonight I was blown away by Governor Palin. She is a newcomer to the national scene but it did not seem that way tonight as she stood confidently and addressed the millions watching her all across the country.
After just a few moments of watching and listening to Sarah Palin, my opinion changed completely. Now, instead of being the downfall to the McCain Campaign, I believe she is now the strongest asset that this campaign has.
From powerful bashes against the Democratic Ticket to promises of faithful leadership, she seemed to posses and address everything the truly conservative voters perhaps feared was missing with their party this election.
I am anxious to see what kind of affect this speech has on the entire flow of the campaign. God Bless America!
When I first heard that John McCain had chosen some "no-name" governor from Alaska, my first thought was: "Well, I'm not voting this election I guess."
I have read several articles over the past few days and my opinion has begun to change slightly. I knew from the start that I was making a very ignorant decision because I honestly had no idea who this person was.
Tonight I was blown away by Governor Palin. She is a newcomer to the national scene but it did not seem that way tonight as she stood confidently and addressed the millions watching her all across the country.
After just a few moments of watching and listening to Sarah Palin, my opinion changed completely. Now, instead of being the downfall to the McCain Campaign, I believe she is now the strongest asset that this campaign has.
From powerful bashes against the Democratic Ticket to promises of faithful leadership, she seemed to posses and address everything the truly conservative voters perhaps feared was missing with their party this election.
I am anxious to see what kind of affect this speech has on the entire flow of the campaign. God Bless America!
7.07.2008
Wall-E
If you haven't already seen Wall-E, see it. It should be on your to-do list, not your wish list. Not only is the animation phenomenal, but it is truly an "instant classic" from the Disney/Pixar team.
Have you ever been in a movie where the end credits begin to roll and nobody gets out of their seats? I'm not talking about one of those that has an extra clip at the end that you've heard about. I'm talking about a movie that is so real to your emotions that they overtake your person and keep you hypnotized in the seat. At least the chairs are comfortable...
That is the kind of movie that Wall-E is. It brings to the surface some sort of child-like curiosity and innocence that we once experienced long ago. We laugh at the emotions and mannerisms of this lovable garbage disposal.
The characters were mastered. Wall-E became a real thing that captivated the audience because of the impressive detail they gave him. So many things were largely unrelated to the plot itself, but it gave each audience member a different way to connect, to feel.
Unfortunately, the films that have heart and the films that come from Hollywood fall under two completely separate categories...for the most part. Those Hollywood films with heart seem to be few and far between, but this was an absolute gem.
I think it is interesting how an animated film about a lonely, curious, strange little robot and his crazy adventures is much more real to our emotions and to our minds than any film with 'hot guys, fast cars, and faster women.' Those films just stimulate the senses for a brief moment. Emotion and heart is not involved for the most part.
I think ratings are funny, but I will use one. I give Wall-E 5/5 stars, which means it's a movie that I will buy when it comes out on DVD. Awesome fetching possum. The end.
Have you ever been in a movie where the end credits begin to roll and nobody gets out of their seats? I'm not talking about one of those that has an extra clip at the end that you've heard about. I'm talking about a movie that is so real to your emotions that they overtake your person and keep you hypnotized in the seat. At least the chairs are comfortable...
That is the kind of movie that Wall-E is. It brings to the surface some sort of child-like curiosity and innocence that we once experienced long ago. We laugh at the emotions and mannerisms of this lovable garbage disposal.
The characters were mastered. Wall-E became a real thing that captivated the audience because of the impressive detail they gave him. So many things were largely unrelated to the plot itself, but it gave each audience member a different way to connect, to feel.
Unfortunately, the films that have heart and the films that come from Hollywood fall under two completely separate categories...for the most part. Those Hollywood films with heart seem to be few and far between, but this was an absolute gem.
I think it is interesting how an animated film about a lonely, curious, strange little robot and his crazy adventures is much more real to our emotions and to our minds than any film with 'hot guys, fast cars, and faster women.' Those films just stimulate the senses for a brief moment. Emotion and heart is not involved for the most part.
I think ratings are funny, but I will use one. I give Wall-E 5/5 stars, which means it's a movie that I will buy when it comes out on DVD. Awesome fetching possum. The end.
5.16.2008
The Beauty of a Phone Call
Due to the nature of this post, I will probably say something cheesy, pathetic, sad, embarrassing, or all of the above. You have been warned. Last Sunday was Mother's Day. Mothers are great. But I was excited for a completely different reason. I was excited because it was the day I got to speak to Mary, my French missionary. Mary left to serve in the Geneva Switzerland Mission on May 9th of 2007. Therefore, she has been gone just over a year and will be returning home this November. Often I feel like time is standing still and it drives me crazy. For a brief period last Sunday, time stood still, and I loved it. I wanted it to stay like that. Talking to Mary was among the very top things I have done this whole last year. While speaking with my sister-in-law Krista about it, I mentioned that there was only one word I could think of that would accurately describe the conversation we had. That word is tender. It was a tender conversation. When I had thought about what it would be like to talk to her after all of this time, and I expected something different. Honestly, I expected a soldier-like attitude. I expected her to be maybe a little closed off and possibly not wanting to talk all that much. I should've known better. I have been there. What I got was something so special that I have recorded it in several different places and spoken about it with many people. What I got was a sweet, humble, completely solid spiritual rock. The first thing she did when it was my turn to talk was say, "Can I tell you a story first?" It really took me by surprise and then she told me a story about something that I had said in a previous letter or email that helped her help someone else. Then at the end of her story, she said something that stuck with me more than anything else I think. She softly, gently, and sincerely said, "Thank you." I could tell she was smiling. I could tell she was really truly grateful. She was just so soft, and it was so impressive to me. I love her like crazy. I didn't think she had anything to improve on. I still don't know that she does, but she did say that she appreciates my mission stories more. Now that she is a missionary and has lived through the many experiences that happen to missionaries, she is more appreciative of others' experiences, namely mine. I remember telling her stories before and she would say things like, "Oh, that's great..." as if she didn't really know what else to say, but now it's different. Anyways, there are a hundred things I could talk about with regards to Sister Shep, but I won't. I just know that hearing her voice brought her back for me again. It made her real again. It also made me realize that I've only got six months to get rich...
5.12.2008
Ironman: "Just Enough."
So many people were thrilled to see Ironman. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that the last noteworthy film to be released was "Cloverfield," which wasn't even that impressive anyway. It also had to do with the fact that 'comic book movies' are the craze of the film industry.
Ironman was a success. It was an achievement for the comic book genre. Why? Because it was successfully adapted. It stayed true to the key elements of the story without embracing the comic book (for lack of a better word) 'cheesiness.'
A comic book is a comic book and a movie is a movie. A comic book movie's success depends on whether or not they can make the comic book into a movie, and not make a movie out of a comic book.
Anyways, this is entirely unrelated to why Ironman was a success.
#1: The goal of this film was to establish. The characters and their motives were established. The main character and his 'transformation' into a hero has already been established. (For those who enjoy good action, this is perfect, because when Ironman 2 comes out, there will be no need to establish any of that other junk, and there will be a lot more time for explosions and such.)
#2: The timing was impeccable. After an especially difficult drought of near-biblical proportions, Ironman came at the perfect time to save us all and to get us excited for the next several weeks of great film releases. Being the first of the great releases was a very intelligent move, making people very anxious to finally get back into the theater.
#3: There was enough action. That doesn't mean there was a lot of action. That means there was just enough to make it entertaining action-wise.
#4: The humor was compensating. By that I mean the humor compensated for the lack of action. When there wasn't action, or even an anticipation of action, there was a lot of humor. Robert Downey Jr. mastered the character of Tony Stark, making him devilishly likable.
#5: You want more. Did I want more? You bet. Did the people with me want to see more? Definitely. The makers of the film did not stray from their main goal: to establish. Everything that needed to be established was established, and we even got a little taste of what's coming up next (if you didn't stay until after the credits, you'd better go see it again).
What can we expect from the sequel?
First of all, we can expect a sudden jump into the main plot of the story. We already know where Tony Stark has been and what he went through to get where he was. We can expect some early laughs and a quick dilemma and a deepening plot right off the bat.
Secondly, we can see a good continuation of the romance that began in the original. It was obvious throughout the story that this would develop, but it didn't get far in this one. We can probably expect more perilous situations for Pepper Potts.
And finally, we can expect to see a full-blown blockbuster. Many will criticize this first film because they feel like there wasn't enough done, but I feel that that is what saved it. Just enough happened to set up a magnificent sequel. The trailers will be packed with as much action and humor as they can manage to stick in there so people will rush to the theaters to see if it does better than the first. Ironman is a hero that everyone wanted to see win. In the sequel, they will get to see it without any barriers. Also, to help out, I only have to say one thing: Samuel L. Jackson.
Ironman was a success. It was an achievement for the comic book genre. Why? Because it was successfully adapted. It stayed true to the key elements of the story without embracing the comic book (for lack of a better word) 'cheesiness.'
A comic book is a comic book and a movie is a movie. A comic book movie's success depends on whether or not they can make the comic book into a movie, and not make a movie out of a comic book.
Anyways, this is entirely unrelated to why Ironman was a success.
#1: The goal of this film was to establish. The characters and their motives were established. The main character and his 'transformation' into a hero has already been established. (For those who enjoy good action, this is perfect, because when Ironman 2 comes out, there will be no need to establish any of that other junk, and there will be a lot more time for explosions and such.)
#2: The timing was impeccable. After an especially difficult drought of near-biblical proportions, Ironman came at the perfect time to save us all and to get us excited for the next several weeks of great film releases. Being the first of the great releases was a very intelligent move, making people very anxious to finally get back into the theater.
#3: There was enough action. That doesn't mean there was a lot of action. That means there was just enough to make it entertaining action-wise.
#4: The humor was compensating. By that I mean the humor compensated for the lack of action. When there wasn't action, or even an anticipation of action, there was a lot of humor. Robert Downey Jr. mastered the character of Tony Stark, making him devilishly likable.
#5: You want more. Did I want more? You bet. Did the people with me want to see more? Definitely. The makers of the film did not stray from their main goal: to establish. Everything that needed to be established was established, and we even got a little taste of what's coming up next (if you didn't stay until after the credits, you'd better go see it again).
What can we expect from the sequel?
First of all, we can expect a sudden jump into the main plot of the story. We already know where Tony Stark has been and what he went through to get where he was. We can expect some early laughs and a quick dilemma and a deepening plot right off the bat.
Secondly, we can see a good continuation of the romance that began in the original. It was obvious throughout the story that this would develop, but it didn't get far in this one. We can probably expect more perilous situations for Pepper Potts.
And finally, we can expect to see a full-blown blockbuster. Many will criticize this first film because they feel like there wasn't enough done, but I feel that that is what saved it. Just enough happened to set up a magnificent sequel. The trailers will be packed with as much action and humor as they can manage to stick in there so people will rush to the theaters to see if it does better than the first. Ironman is a hero that everyone wanted to see win. In the sequel, they will get to see it without any barriers. Also, to help out, I only have to say one thing: Samuel L. Jackson.
5.05.2008
My Brother
Saturday I lost my brother Ben. He died of natural but unknown causes. My sweet mother found him lying on the ground in our backyard late Saturday night. It has been an earth-shattering experience for my family.
I still find myself in shock. It is really hard for me to believe that he is really gone. I think I will have to actually see his body lying there in the casket before I really believe it. We were supposed to see Ironman this Friday. I'll be at his funeral instead.
Today we had to clean up his room and clear everything out because my brother and is wife are moving in tonight. It was a difficult thing for me to do. I needed to though, because I had to face it. I needed to come to terms with it and really understand that my brother is dead. I will never come home to find him laying on his favorite recliner watching the Discovery Channel again. We will never be able to talk about and go see great movies again. Fishing will always have a certain void to it.
If I could pick one word to describe my brother Ben, I would say 'courage.' When we say that everyday is a battle, that was an especially true term for him. He fought mental illness every single day of his life and I admire him for it.
I am really grateful for the day I was able to tell him that. I said, "Ben, I know I could never understand what you go through, but I want to say that I know you experience things that none of us will ever understand and nobody else could deal with it as well as you can. I really admire you for that." I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell him that.
Partially as a result from this, my other brother Adam and his wife Nicole will be moving back here to Utah, and temporarily back to my parents house. I am ecstatic. I am so happy that they are coming back. I would have missed them so bad this summer. It's too bad things didn't work out so well for them in California, but I am so happy they are coming back.
So that's the story. I can't stop coughing, but I don't really care. A few years ago I made his wedding video. Tomorrow I start his funeral video.
I still find myself in shock. It is really hard for me to believe that he is really gone. I think I will have to actually see his body lying there in the casket before I really believe it. We were supposed to see Ironman this Friday. I'll be at his funeral instead.
Today we had to clean up his room and clear everything out because my brother and is wife are moving in tonight. It was a difficult thing for me to do. I needed to though, because I had to face it. I needed to come to terms with it and really understand that my brother is dead. I will never come home to find him laying on his favorite recliner watching the Discovery Channel again. We will never be able to talk about and go see great movies again. Fishing will always have a certain void to it.
If I could pick one word to describe my brother Ben, I would say 'courage.' When we say that everyday is a battle, that was an especially true term for him. He fought mental illness every single day of his life and I admire him for it.
I am really grateful for the day I was able to tell him that. I said, "Ben, I know I could never understand what you go through, but I want to say that I know you experience things that none of us will ever understand and nobody else could deal with it as well as you can. I really admire you for that." I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell him that.
Partially as a result from this, my other brother Adam and his wife Nicole will be moving back here to Utah, and temporarily back to my parents house. I am ecstatic. I am so happy that they are coming back. I would have missed them so bad this summer. It's too bad things didn't work out so well for them in California, but I am so happy they are coming back.
So that's the story. I can't stop coughing, but I don't really care. A few years ago I made his wedding video. Tomorrow I start his funeral video.
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