Let the Student Teaching Begin

Only the first day of student teaching and already I have so much to do.  This is my reward for being uber-productive: having to follow through and complete my productivity.  No worries, I know this will benefit me in the long run.  I'm pretty tired, probably because I didn't get very good sleep last night.  No worries, I'll make sure to be in bed early tonight.  That means I need to get crackin' on school work very soon which leaves me so little time to blog.  Oh well, I knew this is how it would be and I'm cool with it. 

Overall today went well. I was really nervous this morning but as the day went on I grew more comfortable at the school.  I think it's going to be a really good semester and I'm really looking forward to start teaching next week (right now I'm just observing and getting the hang of things).  I don't know what else to say, today was a pretty simple day, not much more complex than my observation day in May.  The school day actually flew by and this week will be nice because it's only a four day week due to labor day.  Nice way to ease my way in, no?  Still, lots of work to do already with calendars, seating charts, and changes to my units.  And-here-we-go, as the Joker would say. 

Not much else going on here.  No movies or books to review, sadly.  Sure I could review Antigone or Maus II but I may bore you.  Antigone is great if you're into classical studies of drama and Maus II is a wonderful graphic novel that is also a biography about a Holocaust survivor.  For the next month these two texts will consume my life.  As you can see, I already have nothing to write about except for student teaching.  Oh, and the fact that I wish I had money coming in right now.  Expenses just keep popping up and there's nothing I can do about them.  For instance, my computer screen has been pretty dirty so I went to Staples to buy a cleaner and it was like 20 bucks for a spray and a microfiber rag.  Sure it looks really nice now but that stuff piles up.  I can't wait until I'm making real money again, it will be wonderful.  Wow this post was lame haha.  Oh, I'm really excited for the creative writing class, and I'm hoping that the students will inspire me and that I can equally inspire them.  And today I found out that my co-op is a writer too and she's working on publishing novels, so cool right?  Ok time to get down to business, here I come schoolwork. 

Summer's Over, Student Teaching is Here

My writing may be sparse over the next few months.  Tomorrow I embark on my journey as a student teacher.  I'd say I'm a combination of scared and anxious.  What sounds better scanxious or anxcared?  I think anxcared because sanxious sounds like skank and we all know I am not a skank.  Actually you've got to throw excited into the mix.  I am very excited about teaching, I just need to accept the fact that I'm going to mess up, I'm not going to be perfect, and that's ok.  It's always been tough for me to accept the fact that I'm not going to get most things right on the first try, but no worries.  I figure as long as I work hard, keep my head up, and listen to my co-op then I'll be fine. 

It's crazy how much my schedule is going to change now.  I'll be up at 5:30 am every morning, out of the house by 6:30, which means I should be in bed no later than 10pm.  It's like high school all over again only in high school it was usually more along the lines of 11 pm bedtime 6:30 wake up, still about the same split.  I'm going to have to be super productive with my time if I want to keep up with my workouts.  It's going to have to be like get home, workout, shower, and then sit down and grade/plan/do whatever I have to do.  I mean  I'm a pretty productive guy and my time management is good, but I feel like now I'm going to have to kick it into overdrive. 

Today I splurged a little and bought some stuff on my wish list, I figured why not.  Yesterday was school supplies, today was me supplies.  I went to TJ Maxx and bought new boxers (old ones are starting to get holes in them and don't really fit), socks (ankle and long ones, I'm short on both), headphones that wrap around my ear so they won't fall off when I'm running (haven't done that in a while but you never know when I'll resume-I'm using lots of parentheses oh well, love parentheses), and then as I was leaving I saw a pair of Calvin Klein jeans that I just had to get.  They're dark blue, no wash, perfect for dressing it up a little bit.  For instance I could wear them with a button down and tie on 'Jeans Fridays' or I could pair them with a nice button down and a blazer for a semi-fancy dinner out.  I'm trying to design an effective jeans arsenal for myself, part of which I have down.  I figure I need four pairs: Blue medium wash for everyday wear and casual outings like Friday night at the bar, Light wash for summertime and having fun, (have those too), dark blue wash for dressing it up, and black for when I want to look bad-ass and rebellious.  So far I've got everything except for black so I'd say I'm on the right track.  Sometimes I think I could add grey to the arsenal, you know like a dark grey jean with a slight wash, cool right? kind of new school.  I just like to be prepared for all occasions. 

So much to do these next couple of days, I better get to bed so I get a good night's sleep.

Skip Sucker Punch Unless...

Today I finished watching Sucker Punch; I watched it over a two-day period.  If that's any reflection of how much I liked it.  Honestly it wasn't a terrible movie, started off well but then it dropped off a bit; plus a very confusing plot.  Some good action scenes filled with beautiful women kicking ass; always a good thing.  The special effects were pretty cool too.  It could have just been my TV but the movie was kind of dark at times, a little too dark for my taste.  I get that the director wants to show that it's night time or that there's little to no light in the chosen setting, but what good is a movie that you can't even see at times.  To those of you who like movies with hot girls kicking ass and special effects similar to those in 300 and Sin City, go ahead and watch this movie.  Otherwise you may want to skip this one.  I'd say Sucker Punch  falls into the category of movies carried by special effects and similar movies.  The advertisers and studios attached things like, 'From the geniuses that brought you 300 and Sin City,' and suckers like me believed this movie would be good.  It's really a shame what Hollywood is doing these days.  They make so many crap movies that they sell using links to other good movies, or they put together a cast packed with A-listers and then skimp on the writing and directing. 

As most of you know we're expecting some inclement weather in the form of hurricane Irene.  In response everyone's running to the grocery store loading up on water, batteries, and non-perishables in preparation for the flooding and losses of power.  Once again we see the phenomenon in the American culture of reactive measures instead of proactive measures.  These hurricanes swoop in every year and blast the Atlantic and Gulf coasts for millions is not billions of dollars in damage.  And what have we done in response?  Hunkered down in our basements and shelters, waited until they pass, and then clean up all of the damage.  It just seems senseless to me for us to sit around and just wait to be smacked by these things.  We've put a man on the moon, why can't we create some type of technology to stop these devastating storms from happening.  Something to push them back out to sea or a bomb to drop in the middle and just break up the storm.  Ok I know these ideas sound a little crazy but seriously, with all of the advances in science and technology why are we not actively trying to find proactive measures to stop hurricanes from ever reaching catastrophic levels of destruction?  I just think there's got to be some way we can use our knowledge of science and technology to take action against these storms before they strike. 

It's funny how the only thing that bothers me about the storms is the possibility of no power for more than a day.  All I want to do right now is unit plan and no power means no computer and no computer means no unit plans.  Plus all of the other fun stuff I use my computer for like P90X, music, plus all of my uses for the internet (banking, news, sports, aka everything).  I've recently realized that I could possibly live without a TV but definitely not without a computer.  My computer is my life, kind of like Lisbeth Salander.  Except I don't have an awesome Macbook Pro with a seventeen inch screen but no worries, I'll get there one day.  Just another luxury to add to the wishlist along with a motorcycle.  Yes, I am slowly turning into the male version of Lisbeth Salander; minus the hacking, goth look, and investigative skills.  Time to go get work done before Irene takes away that possibility. 

Today Was a Good Day

I made a decision at work today: I would no longer let the liquidation make work a miserable experience for me.  Ever since I found out that we were liquidating I've really hated coming to work and I think I make it pretty obvious.  I used to never mind my job but for the past month I've been welcoming my last day of work.  Being that I work 5 days a week for about 8 hours a day I think it's taken a toll on me.  I've even gotten these new headaches that I'm convinced are directly related to my distaste for being at work, tension headaches I think.  Anyway, I was at register today and I was thinking, 'This isn't me.  I'm not a miserable person, I'm a happy guy.  Who cares if this place is closing, I should be happy regardless.'  And that's all it took.  No need to brood or frown, or be negative because it doesn't matter.  Sure it's a shame that a bookstore is going bye bye but I don't think it reflects societies shift from reading paper books.  People still read and I think we have a bright future, the human race that is (as long as Bachmann and Palin have nothing to say about it). I just thought I was sick of being at work and hating it, so I stopped.  Hence it was a good day. 

Besides that I ended my day with some preseason football and Jersey Shore with Kyle.  Love the show and the beach.  I got to enjoy the beach yesterday and it was lovely.  Island beach state Park is majestic, definitely the nicest beach in Jersey.  The water is actually blue, not brown, and the beach is clean and generally uncrowded.  I absolutely love it there and it's perfect for the kind of beach going I prefer.  My beach day is all about games, reading, swimming, and snacks.  I don't need the boardwalk or the crowds, just a cooler, a book, and a frisbee and I'm good to go.  Cards can be fun too, as Devon taught me earlier this year.  Such a fan of the state park, I'm excited to go back next year. 

Unit planning has been difficult but I'm looking to make some good progress tomorrow and this weekend.  Hopefully the incumbent hurricane Irene won't knock out power for too long so I can get some good work done on Sunday.  No work Sunday should mean that I'll be productive, then again I'm easily sidetracked.  Let us hope that I can keep my focus. 

I really wanted to buy an e-reader at work today.  They're down to $53.00 but I really need to save my money for student teaching.  Plus I don't buy too many books being that I can get everything I need from the library.  Such a conundrum because I know I'd use an e-reader I just don't have to have one.  My mom offered to buy me one but I feel bad asking her to spend money on me.  We'll see what happens, as of right now I think I'm going to hold back but I may change my mind tomorrow when I get paid.  I just feel like you shouldn't spend money you don't have.  That's how people get into credit card debt, spending money they don't have.  Right now I'm happy to report that I have no CC debt and I'd like to keep it that way.  So tough to work in a bookstore with great deals when you have no money.  Oh well, at least I'm getting used to living on very little money.  It's good not to have excess, I guess.  Who knows.  I'm debating on watching Sucker Punch now.  I'll probably give in even though I want to wake up early and get stuff done after being well rested.  Now I'm just rambling so on that note goodnight all. 

I Can't Wait to be Done With my job

I haven't written in a couple of days and I really haven't felt compelled.  Maybe that just reflects how uneventful my life has been lately.  Basically the past week has consisted of three activities: unit planning, working out, and work.  Unit planning is going well, my co-op has been helping me out a lot along the way.  Working out has been the same but I haven't been eating as well as I want to.  I need to start watching my diet a little bit again if I really want to achieve my goals.  And then there's work, oh the dreaded work.  Wow it's been terrible.  Bitchy people, pointless work, just an overall negative environment. 

Take today for instance.  I come into work and I'm asked to move the calendars from one location in the store to another.  Why?  I don't know, but being the good employee that I am I do so.  At first I thought that it was so that the calendars would have more room and they'd look more organized in a more spacious section.  Alas, there wasn't any more room in the new section.  I spent all this time organizing the calendars so that all of the same ones would be together, and in the end it was pointless because they were all on top of each other because there wasn't enough room.  About halfway through my task I got so mad because I realized how pointless it was to move the unorganized calendars from one section to another section where they would once again be unorganized.  I think from now on I'm just not going to listen to what anybody asks me to do and I'll just decide for myself what's most important. 

I really don't have anything else to say.  I'm so boring lately.  Tomorrow I'm going to the shore for what will be the last time this summer.  I'm happy with my shore trips this year, both here and in Israel.  I love the beach and I'm glad that I was able to spend a considerable amount of time there this past summer.  Weather should be good so it should be another great day.  Too bad I'll be doing a little more work than usual-I'll be bringing materials for unit planning-but no worries I'll still have plenty of time for fun.  Plus I have this whole weekend and Monday to work on unit plan stuff so I'm alright with taking some time off tomorrow. 

I'll get Sucker Punch in the mail tomorrow from Netflix.  I recently watched Arthur which I loved and I can't remember if I wrote a review about it (I'm also to lazy to check).  I don't know if I can give a bias-free review on Arthur because I love Russell Brand and in my mind he can do no wrong.  Whenever he opens his mouth he cracks me up, even if he does essentially play the same role in every movie he does.  The only thing that changes is whether or not he's on drugs, but I think he can be just as entertaining sober as he is wasted (then again on screen isn't he always sober? let's hope).  If you like Russell and comedies that have that cute aspect see Arthur, but don't expect it to blow you away.  I'm curious to watch the original now and see which one I prefer; but I'm pretty sure the newer version will win out because once again, in my eyes Russell can do no wrong.

Love Apple Hate AC

I'd love to be a book/movie/societal critic.  Free-lance writer/critic, what a dream job.  Anyone hiring?  I mean seriously I basically do it already on an amateur scale.  Ladies and gentlemen I'm ready to go pro.  I mean how great would it be to travel around the world and write about different topics.  Oh wait, there's a job like that, it's called being a journalist.  Why didn't I pursue that again?  Who knows.  I'm probably sounding off about careers right now because I'm preparing for the career I'm most qualified for, teaching, and I'm struggling.  I'm attempting to work on a unit plan for the Greek play Antigone and it's not going as well as I'd hoped.  I just need to get the skeleton structure and calendar down and then I'll be good to go because lesson plans aren't too hard to construct.  No worries, it'll get done I just wish I wasn't struggling so much.  It's probably my hiatus from school that's making me so inefficient right now.  I haven't been ion school since late April/early May and my brain is letting me know.  Of course, I haven't been totally letting my brain turn to mush, with all of my leisure reading, but actual schoolwork is such a foreign concept right now.  The breaks are great, but sometimes I wonder if they're too long.  High school breaks will be considerably shorter though, as in a month and a half short.  Either way it's always hard to get back in the swing of things whether it's a 4 month layoff or a two week vacation. 

I'm so tired, oh wait I'm at Starbucks, maybe I should get a coffee?  Yeah that's be smart, good thinking genius.  On the way out I'll have a strong espresso drink in my hand.  Or maybe I should just wait until I get home and make coffee then, which is of course free and I should be saving money.  The day that I won't have to spend lots of time thinking over a 3 dollar coffee purchase will be a great day.  Oh financial independence where are you in my life?  My wish list isn't even that long, but I think I'm going to make a purchase sometime soon.  Screw it, I'm getting laptop speakers today.  I really want them and they're not too expensive.  Laptop speakers and headphones: the next two purchases.  For headphones I think I'm going to go for the ones that wrap around your ears because they seem good for running.  Whenever I run with the ipod headphones the fall out of my ears, anyone else have that problem? 

Ok societal critique time.  I hate blackberries (the phones not the fruits) with a passion.  I highly regret my decision to ignore the advice of my friend Shawn a year and some months ago when he told me not to get a berry and go for the droid instead.  I can't stand this phone.  Last week it would just randomly shut off and reboot.  Sometimes it just stops taking emails and the only way I know is when I go a whole day and receive nothing.  The internet is slow, it drops calls very often, oh and did I mention I'm on my third phone.  The keypad on my first phone stopped working and then the rolly ball that acts as a mouse broke on my second phone.  Within one year I was on my third phone.  I didn't drop it, damage it, or get it wet in any way, the phone just crapped out on me, twice.  This phone makes me never want another smartphone but then I think of the beauty of the iphone.  I've never had one person complain about their iphone, everyone who has them loves them.  I didn't get the iphone or droid because I didn't think I'd need all of the extra features and the faster browsing, but it seems like both phones work better than the berry.  Oh well, only another nine months and then I'll be done.  Or sooner, that is if my dad cuts me off when I expect him too (January, can't wait {sarcasm}). 

What is it about Apple, I mean did Steve Jobs make a deal with the devil or something?  They come out with every awesome thing first.  Their computers are the best, the developed the best cell phone first, and the best tablet first.  That company eats, sleeps, pisses, and sweats awesome by the second.  I think the geniuses behind apple's technology should be running this country, just saying.  I mean these people produce the best product on the market before anyone else.  How is that possible?  You'd think that logic would mean that the competition would see the technology and then fix any errors in it.  Then again, when there are no errors to fix what can you do.  Steve Jobs for president, just saying (hope he's well now, I know he took a leave of absence due to his health sometime last year and it wasn't his first). 

Back to unit planning, I just felt withdrawal from not posting in a day or two.  I'm getting cold, maybe I'll go home and work out on my porch.  That sounds like a great idea.  I need to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day.  Plus the AC in here is making my nose run.  It's amazing how my tolerance for AC has gone down.  I can't stand it anymore, looks like I'm destined for a lifetime of sweating.  Or a lifetime of headaches in hoodies, either way.  What if I wrote a book about people who get headaches due to AC and titled it headaches in hoodies?  I just like the sound of it, probably not the most informative title but whatever.  Sound off done, back to work...on a Saturday (frown). 

Out Like a Light

bahh so groggy, I think it's from these migraine meds I'm taking now.  Oh yeah, I have migraines.  What I thought were cluster headaches (self-diagnosis) are slightly more serious.  I'm not a fan of prescription medication, never have fun, but in this case I'll make an exception.  I think the only thing worse then a bad headache is a bad stomach virus and lucky I don't get those as frequently as I used to.  Wow I'm making myself out to be a medical wreck when in reality I'm quite healthy.  Hopefully the meds will help and the headaches will cease but then I got one tonight. The meds are also supposed to help with sleep.  That much I think is true because last night I slept like a log and it was glorious.  I woke up feeling so excellent and I didn't want to get out of bed.  I rarely have that feeling anymore and it was a very nice change of pace. I'm pretty sure that tonight I'll once again be sleeping like a log.  My mind is slowly shutting down.  It's like when you shut down your computer but it slowly has to close all of the programs or it installs all of your updates before shutting down.  That's like my brain right now, just one big super computer with a bar that's slowly filling up and when it's filled:  lights out.  I predict I have another 15 minutes or so in me before the chemicals force my body into a state of unconsciousness.  Wow where were these meds when I had an 11 hour flight from Tel Aviv?  I haven't done flash fiction in a while and my mind is shutting down quicker than I anticipated so here we go. 

Have migraines.  Nice surprise.  Prescription filled. 

New meds.  Great sleep.  Rare feeling. 

Day off.  Starbucks trip.  Usual routine. 

More reading.  Greek tragedies.  Planning started. 

Worked out.  Legs back.  Dead tired. 

Need energy.  More coffee? Bad idea. 

Brain finished.   Last words.  Out hot.  (Because it's summer otherwise it'd be out cold)

Which Salander is More Badass?

What do you think?  Rooney Mara or Noomi Rapace, which actress do you think makes the more Badass Lisbeth Salander.  I'll have to wait for the American movie to come out to make my judgement but I think Rooney Mara is going to do a great job.  Don't get me wrong, Noomi Rapace was amazing and her role as Lisbeth really carried the Swedish movies, but I have a feeling that Ronney Mara is going to blow us away as Lisbeth Salander.  So please, readers, share your thoughts.  Who do you think looks more badass, Rooney Mara or Noomi Rapace.  I have two pictures of each below.  First is Noomi Rapace.

And now Rooney Mara Below

Let me know what you think.  In any case I love the books, liked the Swedish movies, and can't wait for the American versions.  Can you tell I'm obsessed?

A Hall Pass to Bugs and Thunderstorms

It sounds so serene outside right now, I love the sounds of summer nights.  As much as I always say that the worst part about summer is the bugs, their noises at night make you feel like the world is so much more alive.  In the winter nights are cold and silent, except for the occasional siren or gust of wind on those cold and windy nights.  For the life of me I will never understand winter people.  I'm leaning more towards the autumn seasons myself only because air conditioning gives me headaches and in the summer I have to sleep with air conditioning or I'll sweat to much which really leads to me not sleeping well.  Last night I slept really well to the point that this morning I just kept on sleeping, not wanting to get up.  It was cool enough that I didn't need AC which was such a relief.  I can't stand the rain either but it's nice because when temps get really high the rain comes along and cools things off.  Funny how the two things that I don't like most about summer, bugs and rain/thunderstorms, are actually starting to grow on me. 

It's been monsooning the past couple of days.  Luckily I've been trapped in the liquidation hellhole so I haven't had to brave the floods, only observing them from inside the confines of my employment prison.  Yesterday the water actually began to leak through the ceiling-joy-and who was called to mop up the leak in the former cafe...yours truly.  I wouldn't normally mind this duty being that when I worked in the cafe I mopped nearly every night that I closed, but yesterday I was not the least bit alright with my task.  First of all it was gross and smelly rain water, not the warm and soapy water that I was used to.  And second of all, I was wearing my off-white chucks.  I started wearing my chucks to work as soon as I was switched over to the bookside because when working as a book seller there is far less of a chance that cafe beverages will spill on your shoes, hence why I used to wear crappy shoes when I worked in the cafe.  I like my chucks in fact, I love my chucks as much as you can love footwear.  Good thing they only cost $40 bucks so if I have to replace them I won't be breaking the bank.  Then again, I should probably blame myself for buying off-white shoes which can so easily be stained.  I don't care, I needed a lighter pair of shoes in my arsenal of footwear.  I already have black H&M faux Keds so I figured all black chucks weren't necessary.  Oh well, they didn't suffer too much and I can always wash them.  Can you tell that I obsess over shoes?  Also can you tell that the majority of my life was spent in a household with two females.  Don't worry, my mom's shoe collection dwarfs mine.  Plus I'm not really a sneaker guy, more a shoe for every occasion guy.  I'm going to stop this discussion now before people start jumping to false conclusions...

I watched Hall Pass yesterday or the day before.  Actually it was Saturday.  It was funny at times but I must say I expected more going into it.  A few great scenes and a lovely new phrase from Jason Sudeikis-fake chow-relating to a certain sex act.  If you're intrigued I'll fill you in on a non-public forum.  Pretty good overall but not great, and no real curve balls.  The previews basically filled you in on the main premise and there were a couple of gut busting scenes but for the most part I was disappointed.  Maybe it's that I just don't find Jason Sudeikis very funny.  He's like the new 'it' guy in comedy right now but I don't know; so far he doesn't really do it for me.  Sure I liked him in this movie and in Going the Distance but he still has a ways to go before vaulting up into the ranks of guys like Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.  Oh and then there's this actor who plays a baseball player, Tyler Lee Hoechlin, who of course is shirtless for a number of scenes in the movie, most notably a love scene.  If you're a guy and you have body image issues just turn away because he'll make you hate yourself so much more.  Just saying, I was just like 'F-you man, why do you have to have every single cut.'  If you're thinking, 'wow you totally just admitted you have at least  a slight insecurity about the way you look,' then you would be correct.  But hey, no worries, that's why I'm working out.  Don't get me wrong, I feel good about myself and my looks, but I want to feel great about my looks.  Anyway, the movie didn't kill it for me like I hoped it would.  Still, I have a weird sense of humor.  If you're looking for a laugh and you've got some time to kill give it a shot, just don't expect it to be in your top five all-time comedies. 

Finished Hornet's Nest. Next up: Unit Planning

Yesterday I made it my goal to finish The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest and around 12:30 am this morning I achieved my goal.  Pretty sad how once again I didn't do anything Friday or Saturday night but this weekend was different.  I actually wanted to go out but all of my friends were either out of town or occupied leaving me to entertain myself (not to worry I've gotten quite good at it over the years, and if your perverted mind is taking you to dirty places then stop right now because that's not what I meant).  Back to the novel, what an amazing conclusion to an epic series.  Lisbeth kicks ass once again and Blomkvist continues to shine as a journalist who is a more qualified investigator than any members of the Swedish police force.  Some new characters come into play and do a nice job fitting into the story.  I think it's only right for me to reflect on the series as a whole as I will attempt to highlight what was one of the most compelling series I have ever read. 

First of all, to all the ladies out there, if you are desperately searching for a read with a strong and realistic heroine who takes no crap and targets those who abuse women then go out and buy, not borrow from the library, but buy The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I believe a strong heroine is very difficult to construct because they are so often not believable.  Heroines often have super powers, weapons, or physical gifts that allow them to dominate any adversaries, male or female.  Lisbeth has none of these things, except for her exceptional mind.  She is a barely 5'0 90 lb. girl who has all the cards stacked against her in nearly every situation she enters.  Society has shit all over her since her childhood yet she perseveres and fights on.  Not to ruin the series but she encounters a lot of adversity and always managers to keep her wits about her, lying in wait to dish out the revenge that her enemies certainly deserve.  Larsson does a masterful job with his female protagonist and creates a character and a heroine unlike any that I can recall from any book and/or film.  The other characters are also well-constructed and complex, but for me Lisbeth stole the show and launched these three novels up into the spectrum of some of my favorite reading. 

Blomkvist is a great character as well; reminiscent of a Swedish Hank Moody with his self-destructive behavior, chivalry, ever-present kindness, honesty, and sex appeal.  At times he bothers you but in the end he always comes up big, and you can't help but admire him.  I don't know what to say about the other characters except for I think that they fit in really well.  All of the policemen and women, government officials, and Millenium staffers (Blomkvist's magazine) are described well and contribute to the story in a rational and effective way. 

I think that the most fascinating aspect of the story is also sometimes the most annoying.  Larsson uses so much detail it is mind-boggling to think about how an individual could generate such a story with so many details.  Of course, it has been done before with stories like the Lord of the Rings series where Tollkien invented a language.  Still, a story with this much detail always receives my admiration because I just can't imagine how long it took for the author to generate all of the ideas and details for such stories.  At the same time, the surplus of detail and background knowledge can produce large sections of dry content that leave the reader contemplating moving on to a more action-packed read.  It may be my bias, but I feel like Larsson plays on this feeling perfectly.  Just when I was about to put down Dragon Tattoo Larsson throws in some action; and after that I couldn't put it down.  Once you understand his style and know that there are good things to come you'll be able to get through the boring parts.  Nevertheless, on a first reading it may take you a little while to get into the story.  Still I urge you all to fight through the first 150-200 pages of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and make it the next book you read for leisure.  Such an amazing series and a great read.  The movies aren't bad either, although they left me wanting more, and looking forward to the American versions, the first of which is coming this winter.  So excited. 

Wild Target Review

A couple of nights ago I watched a movie called Wild Target with Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint.  The movie started off very well with a good combination of action and comedy.  Of course, for British people it seems that comedy just comes naturally.  Especially the romantic comedies, I think the Brits take the cake on those.  Anyway, the movie started off really well and gave me a new found admiration for Emily Blunt.  I never really noticed her besides her role in The Devil Wears Prada, and she really did a nice job in both films.  Bill  Nighy was witty and elegant, perfect for his character.  I'm a big fan of him in just about everything he's in including Love actually, Underworld, and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3.  Then of course there's Rupert Grint, good old Ron Weasley.  I was really hoping to see a new side of Grint, that would lead me to believe that his acting career wouldn't be over following the Harry Potter movies.  Sadly he didn't play a very versatile character and played the goofy sidekick yet again.  When I saw he was in the movie I was very excited but sadly he didn't dazzle.

The movie overall was mediocre.  It started out very well with an interesting plot full of action.  Then it just slowed down to a very slow action-less movie.  No worries; I'm glad I gave it a shot and I didn't have to wait for it to come in the mail because it was an instant movie on Netflix.  I hate to say it because I like the bast of this movie but unless you're a huge fan of movies about hitmen/hitwomen I wouldn't recommend this movie.  The movie does give an interesting and slightly different example of your classic hitman but besides that it wasn't anything special.  Oh well, hopefully the next movie I watch will be better.  I've got Hall Pass  and Arthur hopefully coming soon. 

Love the Beach

Went to the beach today and it was glorious.  Good old Ocean City, NJ with a couple of friends.  And it wasn't even crowded; just a great beach and boardwalk day.  The only lowliight was my horrific game of mini golf.  I should just tell myself that I played so poorly so that Kyle would have a great margin of victory.  I know how much he takes pride in his golfing abilities so I didn't want to ruin his day by putting him to shame at mini golf.  I took the suckiness a little further then I hoped but hey, at least I didn't finish in last place.  Just a great time with friends; got some sun, rode some waves (I consider myself an amateur body surfer) played some frisbee and cruised the boardwalk.  Of course I had to get a slice of pizza on the boardwalk.  You can't go to the shore and not have pizza on the boardwalk.  We went to Mac and Manco's, an Ocean City staple and it was delicious.  Then we went home and got to watch the Phillies cap an excellent comeback before heading home.  Overall a great day with friends, couldn't ask for more. 

I finished my scholarship essay and submitted it.  Overall I think it turned out well.  It was my first time ever submitting an essay for a scholarship because I haven't ever found one that I qualify for.  So often scholarships are geared towards a certain ethnic group, or students in a particular major field of study, or sometimes for people with a certain skill set like web design.  I joined a website called fastweb.com a while back that tries to find scholarships that match up with your situation and for the most part the scholarships they suggest aren't really in my field.  The essay that I wrote was about what I believe fitness is all about and the things that a college student can do to achieve the optimal level of fitness; all in 500 words or less.  The scholarship is for $1500 and that would be a lovely boost to the Yonni student teaching fund.  Hopefully I'll get it but either way I'm glad that I made an attempt. 

I'm all about the random topics tonight so I'll move onto a movie review.  Last night I watched Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.  Sorry Cynth, but I really wasn't a fan.  Maybe it's because I haven't read the comic/graphic novel but I just couldn't get into it.  I'm also just sick of Michael Cera.  He peaked with Superbad and Juno and since then I really haven't seen anything with him that's very good.  The movie where he has a split personality looks decent but his overall demeanor and persona just irritates me.  Hey man I get it, you do a great job playing an awkward and shy little bitch.  But seriously, expand your horizons a little bit.  With the first couple of movies it was funny but now it's old and overplayed.  Anyway, I just couldn't get into the movie.  If you really like graphic novels maybe you'll like this movie but I really didn't enjoy it.  The Ramona Flowers character was really cool.  I don't know if I found her attractive but she was a cool character and she had the ability to make snow magically melt as she roller-bladed through it.  Next up I have a couple of movies that look cool.  I may watch one on instant tonight called Wild Target.  There are a couple British actors in it, most notably Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley.  Plus I should get Hall Pass  within the next couple of days so expect reviews. 

Time to Enjoy the Rest of My Summer

As much as I want to write an interesting and compelling post my mind is in other places.  Thanks to a good friend who today  helped me realize that sometimes you just have to forget all of the bullshit and clear your mind.  I've had a lot on my mind recently and I think it's time that I put it all to rest.  There are many big things going on right now, many dilemmas, mini crises, and queries.  In the end that's life, there's always going to be crap to deal with.  The key is just to not be overwhelmed by it all and at the same time stop and enjoy the little things.  Like today, I did one of my favorite things on my day off: going to Starbucks and reading.  Sure I go by myself and read for hours but hey, it gives me joy and I'm not going to stop doing it.  I've got big things and big decisions coming up, but right now I just need to enjoy the rest of my summer and get back to my fun loving self.  On that note I'm going to go work on a scholarship essay about what being physically fit means to me.  Haha, I kind of just went against everything I reflected on with relaxing but at the same time I love writing, it's my passion.  And here's a chance for me to get some money writing about something that I'm passionate about. Right up my alley right?  Wish me luck

Book Review: The Winter of Frankie Machine

I finished another book today, go figure.  This time I took a recommendation from a Starbucks barista and read the book The Winter of Frankie Machine  by Don Maslow.  I took the recommendation based on this barista's claim that she simply could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting.  Although I didn't share her necessity to finish the book all at once, and at times I even debated putting it down, I still think that the book ended well.  It's a story about a retired mafia hitman who unwillingly is brought back into the game and has to fight for his life while at the same time trying to protect his family and find out why people are trying to kill him.  Throughout the story the protagonist Frank Machiano, or Frankie Machine, distinguishes himself from his contemporaries as a mobster who still follows the 'old ways' and attempts to live a life as a criminal with morals; as much as that's an oxymoron.  As the reader you naturally begin to get behind that protagonist and glorify his actions even if they do involve assaults and killing. 

I guess this was where I had issues with the story.  I'm never a fan of glorifying criminals, and placing some above others.  Sure some criminals have moral codes and don't kill women and children, civilians, or things along those lines, but in the end they are still criminals.  The Frankie Machine character bothered me because while everyone around him was violated the so called rules and acting out of line he would always keep his composure and stick to his morals.  I wonder then why did he ever involve himself in organized crime in the first place.  He eventually went completely legit but it just seems like he could have always been a legitimate businessman and he would have never been mixed up with all of the crime.  I'm sure his reputation as the ultimate badass hitman didn't hurt his command and reputation as a strong leader and businessman but over time couldn't he have developed the same type of reputation by going legit?  I don't know, I just thought the character was flawed in the sense that if he was so against all of this wrong-doing and sticking to rules, why did he go into organized crime in the first place. 

I'd recommend this book too people who like mysteries and/or thrillers, although this one wasn't too difficult to crack.  In addition people who like mysteries/thrillers involving the mafia might particularly enjoy this book.  I didn't find myself hooked to it but overall it turned out to be a pretty good story with a nice ending.  It's got some good action and an interesting plot.  Winslow also does a great job describing the whole history of the Frankie Machine character and what he went through as a marine and as a hitman that turned him into a guy that all of the old school mobsters had respect for.  The fact that I'm obsessed with Larsson right now probably takes away from my enjoyment of this book, especially since lately all I've wanted to do is read The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.  Still, Frankie Machine was an enjoyable read but still slightly a disappointed as I went into it thinking that I wouldn't be able to put this book down.

Short Story Attempt

Foreword:  Ok people I'm attempting a short story here.  It's along the lines of my novel with setting and characters but not conducive to the main point.  I just wanted to play around with the short story genre and see what I could come up with.  That being said I know this is raw and unpolished so please if you see and grammatical or stylistic errors try to ignore them.  I'd really appreciate if anyone who reads my story gives their honest opinions and criticisms.  Thanks and enjoy.  

The Day Jake Fein Had Enough

It was just another day for Jake, starting off with Biology in Mr.  Kallerman's class.  Jake always found it challenging to stay awake during the boring lectures about mitochondria and cell nuclei, but the one thing that always kept him focused  was Rachel Golding.  Rachel sat one seat up and to the left from Jake and he always admired her for numerous reasons.  She wasn't the prettiest girl in the grade, or the smartest, but she just seemed to have a nice combination of positive qualities.  Her smile was always present, and when she spoke her voice and assertive; but not so loud that it was annoying like those know it all girls who always raised their hand.  Rachel's  brown curly hair was never combed perfectly, but was always messed up in a way that complemented her well, and perfectly reflected her personality of a carefree, happy-go-lucky girl.  

Rachel's personality was really what drew Jake's attention.  Unlike just about every other girl in the school Rachel was actually nice to Jake.  When they made eye contact she would smile and say hello, while other girls would cringe and look away.  She treated Jake like a human being and not the awkward social outcast that he was.  Of course, she treated everyone like that, but for Jake it made him feel extra special because a. He rarely received such treatment from his peers and b. She was a pretty girl and Jake had never had a pretty girl in his life, as a friend or as a girlfriend.    All of these thoughts ran through Jake's head numerous times throughout first period until something would break his focus.  On this morning the break of focus came courtesy of Ryan McNeal, who for all intensive purposes was Jake's arch nemesis.  

Ryan was not only Jake's arch nemesis, but also Jake's complete opposite.  McNeal was athletic, good looking, popular, confident, and came from money so he dressed well and when he turned 16 would surely drive the nicest car in the grade.  Naturally, McNeal's social standing gave him the right to pick on what he called 'bottom-feeders' and Jake happened to be at the top of that list.  On this particular morning McNeal began his assault quite early, catching Jake off guard.  "Hey loser, hey faggot," he said to Jake while snickering along with his two minions Matt Hankerson and Chris Simmons.  Jake always tried hard not to look up, as he hated responding to such insults.  He felt that by acknowledging them he would only give McNeal the satisfaction of knowing that Jake actually believed that all of the insults were true.  

"Hey Jake, come on man I'm just playin'.  What's up man?  What did you do this weekend?"  For a second Jake looked up stunned and then all of a sudden McNeal came back with, "Nothing 'cuz you're a fuckin' loser," and then broke into an uncontrollable laughter with his two cronies.  Mr Kallerman gave them all a quick look which silenced the boys for a moment.  Then came the first major surprise of the day.  

"Why don't you just leave him alone Ryan?  He never did anything to you.  Plus, I'm sure Jake had a much better weekend then you.  What did you three do (now talking to McNeal, Hankerson, and Simmons)?  Sit around playing video games all day talking about what girls you think are the hottest?"  Not only had she taken the words right out of his mouth, but Jake stood stunned at the fact that Rachel Golding had just stood up for him out of nowhere.  

Ryan of course couldn't just sit there and take the insult so he chose he words wisely and fired right back at Rachel. "Actually Rachel that was exactly the case.  And you were the main topic of conversation.  I couldn't stop thinking about that ass of yours.  Track girls do have the best asses."  Jake's blood started to boil he couldn't believe that Ryan would stoop so low; well he could but he hadn't heard him speak like that to Rachel before.  McNeal went on high-fiving Hankerson and Simmons like he won some great victory until Golding fired back.  

"You're gross and pathetic, don't talk to me.

"You know you love it," said McNeal as he balled up a piece of loose leaf paper and threw it at Golding's head.  Not exactly a challenging throw being that he sat next to Rachel but Ryan still acted like he had once again achieved some glorious feat, and receiving high-fives and approval from his two followers. 

"Cut it out you jerkoff.  Leave her alone."  Jake couldn't believe the words that had escaped his mouth.  Neither could McNeal, Simmons, Hankerson, and anybody else in the vicinity that heard him, including Golding.  They all turned and stared at this kid; the reject, the outcast who has just stood up to the closest thing to the king of the grade.  By this point the teacher, Mr. Kallerman had caught on to the commotion and interjected.  

"Excuse me, Mr. Fein and Mr. McNeal, is there a problem?"  Jake looked at his Biology teacher and shook his head from side to side.  Ryan McNeal was still slightly dazed by Jake's comments until he noticed the whole class waiting for him to respond to Mr. Kallerman. 

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine."  

"I'm glad to hear that.  Now if you two don't mind how about we carry on with today's lesson," said Kallerman before he returned to the days lecture on the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell.  Jake sat in his chair with his heart still pounding with anger for the next few minutes.  How could that creep Ryan say something like that to Rachel and then laugh about it.  All Jake wanted to do was leap on out his chair and tackle Ryan to the ground but he knew that this wouldn't work out too well.  First of all, Ryan was surrounded by two friends so the odds weren't in Jake's favor.  Second, Rachel sat right next to Ryan and Jake didn't want her caught in the middle of the melee.  He knew that his revenge would have to wait, but who was he kidding, he wasn't going to fight Ryan.  Ryan was stronger, more athletic and had more friends, and what did Jake have?  One good friend and no self-confidence or fight training.  Oh well, he knew that one day he'd get Ryan back.  

The rest of class went by without any problems.  Ryan and his two bafoons likely didn't want to push their luck with Kallerman so they kept quiet and Rachel didn't give Ryan anymore come backs.  When the bell rang and everyone shuffled from the door Jake kept his distance as usual, in an attempt to not attract attention or get caught up with Ryan or anyone else who liked to pick on Jake.  Interestingly enough Rachel hung back a little bit too, probably trying to avoid any further altercations with Ryan.  She didn't really notice Jake until they almost went through the door at the same time while they were leaving.  They made eye contact and as usual Rachel smiled politely.  

"Go ahead," said Jake in an attempt to be polite.

"Thanks," Rachel said as she casually exited the class.  Here was his in, Jake knew he could feed off of this.  He opened his mouth to say something when all of a sudden Ryan decided to interject his thoughts once again.  Ryan had waited with by the door with Simmons and Hankerson, maybe for Jake or maybe for Rachel.  Jake didn't know and didn't care, and little did he know that the events that would soon follow would completely change his and Ryan's relationship forever.  

"Hey Rache, Rachel!" Ryan barked, until Rachel turned around and glared at him.  "I'll see that ass later."  Rachel just glared at Ryan and shook her head.  She then turned to walk away and would have missed the action had she not heard the commotion in the hallway and turned back around.  Right as Rachel turned Jake bolted for Ryan and was bent on tearing him to pieces.  He had enough of Ryan's pompous and vulgar attitude, and the idea that he could say whatever he wanted to anyone in the school.  Jake charge right for Ryan and the other students in the hallway instinctively parted and let him go through.  For just a split second Jake thought he saw pure terror in Ryan McNeal's eyes.  It was as if McNeal knew that Jake Fein had every intention of beating the living crap out of him, and that this loser outcast would be fueled by ten years of pent up rage towards his torturing peers.  Jake was three feet away from drilling McNeal when all of a sudden Chris Simmons stuck out his right foot which sent Jake flying to the floor and crashing into the wall.  Everyone in the hallway laughed hysterically.  Ryan quickly crouched down with his knees on Jakes back pinning him to the ground; Simmons and Hankerson anxiously awaiting orders like soldiers from their commanding officer, to see if it was finally time to beat the crap out of the reject.  McNeal leaned in close to Jake and said something that Jake would never forget.  

"You're lucky I don't beat your pathetic loser ass in front of everyone.  I feel bad for you, you have know friends, no girlfriend, your fat, ugly, and a loser.  You'll never amount to anything you piece of shit.  On second thought, I will kick your ass just for the hell of it; you could use the lesson in manners.  Don't ever fucking come at me again." 

Just when Jake tensed, expecting to receive a barrage of punches and kicks he heard the sound of his salvation, or rather the voice of his salvation, Mr. Kallerman.  "McNeal, explain yourself immediately.  What are you doing, and why is Fein on the ground?" 

All of a sudden Jake felt himself lifted off the ground and dusted off.  To his shock it was McNeal who lifted him up and who all of a sudden began speaking in a completely poised way.  "Oh, hey Mr. Kallerman.  Jake slipped and crashed into the wall and I was just helping him up.  Isn't that right guys?"  Ryan motioned to Simmons and Hankerson who in unison shook their heads up and down. 

"Is that how it went Jake?  Are they telling the truth?"  Kallerman asked Jake.  At this point Jake found himself in a conundrum.  He could rat out his attackers and let them recieve the maximum punishment, but what would that do to his social standing.  Not only would he be an outcast and a loser, but on top of that he'd be a narc and according to McNeal, a liar.  Jake had to think quick so he looked at Kallerman and muttereed, "It's fine, no big.  I slipped." 

"Alright then, everyone off to homeroom, nothing to see here."  All of the students scattered back to their homerooms and Kallerman stood there for a second as he watched Jake and Ryan part ways.  Right as Ryan was about to turn and walk away he mouthed the words 'fuckin' faggot' to Jake and then continued onto Homeroom with Simmons and Hankerson.  Jake turned around and made his way to his own homeroom.  How embarrassing was that?  He knew that by lunch the whole school would be talking about how Ryan McNeal kicked Jake Fein's ass in the hallway.  Once again the king reclaims his spot on the throne and the bottom-feeder is shown his place on the social ladder.  Jake grew so angry he wanted to punch the wall but instead he continued on regretting one thing.  Rachel wasn't even there to see him stand up for her.  That could have been the one positive that came from the whole incident and she bolted like everyone else.  Maybe she wasn't special, maybe she was just another face in the crowd. 

*     *     *

"Well that was officially the worst day ever," Jake said to himself as soon as he walked in the door and plopped down on his couch.  Social suicide once again, and once again Ryan McNeal had come out on top.  As expected at lunch and in all the rest of his classes everyone was glaring at Jake and whispering as soon as he walked by.  He would see his classmates receive text messages and then look at him and whisper to one another.  Different rumors spread around about what happened.  Jake's favorite was that he had apparently made a crack about Ryan's mom, who had left him when he was younger, and then Ryan responded by beating the crap out of Jake.  "It's amazing how quickly rumors can form, morph, and travel," Jake thought. 

Jake turned on the TV after doing his homework for his usual nightly routine of watching the Simpsons and Home Improvement reruns on Fox.  After that he'd either surf the web or play computer games until he had to go to his room and finish the rest of his homework that he had procrastinated, only to wake up and do everything all over again.  He was watching a Simpsons rerun when all of a sudden the phone rang.  Jake's mom was in the kitchen preparing dinner and his sister was over a friends house so he went over and answered the phone.  

"Hello."

"Hi is Jake there?" Said a girl's voice.  For a second Jake didn't know what to do, his heart skipped a beat.  Was it who he thought it was, was it Rachel?  And was Rachel calling him?  How did she get his number? Directory probably but still, why? It couldn't be Rachel, and if so was this a joke what was going on and was she serious and-"Um hello? anyone there?".  

"Sorry, It's Jake who's this?"

"It's Rachel, Rachel Golding.  How are you doing?  I heard about what happened with Ryan at school."  

"Yeah that was pretty embarrassing but I'm fine.  I'm sure everyone will stop talking about it after a week, you know how high school is.  The next rumor will come and nobody will care anymore."  

"Haha, yeah you're so right.  Listen Jake, I'm really sorry about what happened because I know you were standing up for me.  You stood up for me first in class and then when Ryan made that second wise crack outside.  You didn't have to do that and I feel so bad about what happened and what he did to you.  He's always picking on you for no reason and you really don't need that.  Basically I wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened and thanks for standing up for me, it was really sweet."  

"Oh wow, so you saw the whole thing huh?  I thought you left, when I got up I looked around and you were gone."  Jake couldn't believe it, he was still slightly in shock.  He felt so awkward and every time he said something he immediately wanted to take it back.  "That was so stupid, why did you say that," he would say to himself in his head.  "Relax, it's fine, she called you just take it easy." 

"I was walking away and then when everyone started laughing I turned around and saw you on the ground.  I didn't know what happened and then someone said you ran at Ryan and Chris tripped you.  I felt so bad and I wanted to help but I didn't know what to do.  I knew you wanted to hit Ryan because of what he said to me and then Mr. Kallerman came out and I knew it was over so I left.  People filled me in on the rest later, how you didn't say Ryan provoked it or anything."  

"Yeah I figured there was no point.  He would have gotten a detention or something and I wasn't hurt so I didn't care.  What, do you think that was dumb?"  

"No, I mean whatever you think was best.  I just thought it was really sweet that you stood up for me, no guy's ever done something like that and I wanted to say thank you."  Jake was shocked he didn't know what to say.  He tried to mutter something but it just came out as gibberish.  "I'm sorry, what was that," Rachel asked.  

"You're welcome, really it was nothing."  Jake paused.  He had never spoken to a girl on the phone like this before and didn't know what to say.  How was he supposed to make small talk.  He began to grow nervous until Rachel took over again.  

"So I was thinking, we've never hung out or talked or anything.  You want to grab a slice of pizza after school sometime.  Or maybe go see a movie?"  No way, this girl who Jake was totally into, just asked him out; well sort of.  But still she wanted to actually spend time with him outside of school.  Once again he responded with gibberish but caught himself. 

"Sorry my phone's been acting up lately.  Um yeah, pizza or movies sounds good.  Is your number in the directory?  I assume that's where you got mine." 

"Yep I'm listed.  Call me sometime and let me know if you want to hang out.  Plus I'll see you in class." 

"Sounds good, I'll see you around, take care." 

"You too, bye."

Jake couldn't believe it, did that actually happen.  In one day Jake Fein had committed social suicide only to find out that he may have finally gotten the attention of his dream girl.  And now she wanted to actually spend time with him outside of school.  He couldn't believe it actually happened.  Was it a joke?  Well, if so quite a cruel joke, but still if it was real what an amazing twist to his life.  Jake put the phone down and walked over to his room and laid down on his bed staring up at the ceiling.  For the first time in a while Jake was happy and he could feel his goofy, boyish grin making it's way from one ear to the other.  He finally had the attention of a girl. 

Two Down One to go

I wasn't motivated to write the last couple of days.  Wow that sounds big-headed but it's the truth; I was in a bad, broody mood and really had nothing interesting to share or discuss.  Now that I'm feeling better I'll share some fun facts with you all.  Today began like any normal day off, breakfast and then off to my chilled out Starbucks to get some leisure reading in.  I finished The Girl who Played with Fire today and I must say that once again Larsson hit a home run with this novel.  So suspenseful and fascinating how complex and in depth the mystery goes.  After the first novel I wondered how could he keep building on this, the story was over and the case was closed.  The writing style is excellent and leaves you on the edge of your seat.  Just as you're about to put the book down during one of the boring stretches Larsson throws some new plot twist out there that dares you to read on.  It's slightly predictable (well that or I've just seen or read too many mysteries, or maybe I was lucky with my guessing) but still a great read.  When I finished the novel I promptly left Starbucks and went straight to the public library to take out the third installment of the series, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.  There were no copies available but they ordered in a copy from another library that should arrive in the next couple of days.  In the meantime I checked out a book titled The Winter of Frankie the Machine by Don Winslow.  My choice with this book was influenced by a friendly Starbucks Barista who noticed my avid reading ritual, and specifically that I was reading Larsson's books.  We talked for a bit and then later she came by and told me about the Winslow book, suggesting that I read it.  I'm intrigued to start it and see if the recommendation turns out to be a good read.  

Naturally after I finished Girl who Played with Fire I had to watch the movie.  Once again the movie did an excellent job hitting the main plot points and skipped over a lot of he insignificant scenes.  I thought that the script for this movie was written better than the script for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I liked the second film more than the first.  Lisbeth killed it once again and some new characters did very well with their roles.  The one character who I was slightly disappointed with was the blonde giant.  I expected him to be bigger and more jacked, like Arnold.  Don't get me wrong, big guy, but he didn't have the stage presence that his character commanded in the novel.  I think they could have chose someone better.  For instance, in the movie The Punisher there was a huge blonde assassin nicknamed 'The Swede' and he was played by Kevin Nash.  Now given the fact that Kevin Nash is nearly seven feet tall that wouldn't go along with the book's description of a guy who ran 6'6 but still, wasn't impressed by the blonde giant.  Overall I enjoyed this movie because it did a good job properly depicting the main plot points of the novel, while also adding in some great scenes of action and passion.  The movie once again deviated from the book in a number of ways that I thought were unnecessary but I still enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the third book and the third movie. 

That felt great.  I really wanted to write the past couple of days but I could just feel the rubbish that was stewing in my mind.  I can't bring myself to write anymore unless I know I'm going to feel good about it.  I began the year with a resolution to write every day and I've done pretty good minus the stretch where I wanted to work on my novel/when my computer died, and my time in Israel.  Now I know that writing everyday isn't important, but instead to write when I feel compelled and when I have something that I want to say and share with my readers.  It's a shame that when I'm brooding I often don't feel like writing.  Maybe that could be a time when I could produce some of my best writing.  Next time I'm brooding I'll make it a point to attempt a post of something along those lines.  Most famous writers/artists were crazy right, so why not try and produce a work of genius in one of my more negative moods.  Who knows what will come of such a mood; we shall see next time one walks into my life and knocks me out for a little while.