When I first saw an online news snippet about this developing story, I hardly gave it a notice. I figured it was just nonsense and more filler garbage for news outlets during the work day. When the reports came in that a boy was in the balloon alone, I became somewhat interested in it, but took the attitude that I wasn't really going to pay it much attention unless something really developed (like a crash), and I figured the whole sequence would be posted on Youtube or some news outlet within the next 6-8 hours anyway. I don't have the patience to follow news stories like this. Stories like this (including car chases or hostage situations) aren't interesting to me unless I find out the conclusion, and then I MIGHT take a gander at the entirety of the chain of events.
I haven't read a single entire story about this situation, and until tonight, I couldn't have told you where the kid lived or what his name was, and actually found it to be a enormous letdown that it was a hoax. In today's society, it seems we're constantly hoaxed by the re-hashing of old tall tales like Bigfoot/Sasquatch, and it turns out to be another large publicity stunt, or even the casinos that sponsor streakers at sporting events. I believe the theme amongst these activities is taking very serious situations (save for maybe the Bigfoot stunt), and mocking them in a shameful act of capitalism towards the almighty dollar.
I don't know what the motive was, or even care to know if it's even been revealed, because honestly I don't really care about the whole balloon boy episode and I'm glad I didn't waste my time following such utter nonsense, but I know one thing: if I had to choose between a balloon or an attic in southern Florida, I think I might choose the balloon.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fun e-exploration...
Among the numerous advantages to the internet, one that I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to find sources of entertainment (specifically, movies and music) that I would never be able to find without the internet.
Whether it's foreign films or music that isn't produced by major record companies, I feel like I'm not being true to myself if I don't actively seek such material out. This very process is how I came to discover the film "King of Kong" (mentioned in an earlier blog post).
Very often, when browsing music on iTunes, Amazon, FYE or other sites, you'll have recommendations of other albums or artists, and that is always a prime opportunity. Even Myspace or Facebook are great channels to find music that's not signed by record labels. "Kings of Leon", signed by a major record label, having their music played on mainstream airwaves and selling out large arenas, were once a more indie band, and have previously released a number of albums (all of which are excellent, and their latest album "Only By The Night", while not up there with their previous work, is still pretty solid).
One of my favorite time-wasting activities is to browse Youtube and start by finding alternative forms of popular songs. Two of my favorite such videos are below:
Videos like these are prime examples of yet another reason why I love the internet. Up until finding these videos, I had no idea who Antonio Forcione, Flecktones or Andy McKee were. Needless to say, after watching these videos, I aggressively sought out the rest of each of these amazingly talented artist's catalogs, and my musical life has been greatly enriched by such additions.
I know such hunting isn't really life-changing or relevant to the world's problems or concerns, but videos like these are always great, even if you just want to turn off the monitor and listen to beautifully melodic sounds to ease your stress level after work or after a bout of studying.
Or, if you're just a lover of music in general (as I am), you can appreciate imagination and talent, regardless of genre or culture, so seek out as much music as you can, and as always... happy listening!
Whether it's foreign films or music that isn't produced by major record companies, I feel like I'm not being true to myself if I don't actively seek such material out. This very process is how I came to discover the film "King of Kong" (mentioned in an earlier blog post).
Very often, when browsing music on iTunes, Amazon, FYE or other sites, you'll have recommendations of other albums or artists, and that is always a prime opportunity. Even Myspace or Facebook are great channels to find music that's not signed by record labels. "Kings of Leon", signed by a major record label, having their music played on mainstream airwaves and selling out large arenas, were once a more indie band, and have previously released a number of albums (all of which are excellent, and their latest album "Only By The Night", while not up there with their previous work, is still pretty solid).
One of my favorite time-wasting activities is to browse Youtube and start by finding alternative forms of popular songs. Two of my favorite such videos are below:
Videos like these are prime examples of yet another reason why I love the internet. Up until finding these videos, I had no idea who Antonio Forcione, Flecktones or Andy McKee were. Needless to say, after watching these videos, I aggressively sought out the rest of each of these amazingly talented artist's catalogs, and my musical life has been greatly enriched by such additions.
I know such hunting isn't really life-changing or relevant to the world's problems or concerns, but videos like these are always great, even if you just want to turn off the monitor and listen to beautifully melodic sounds to ease your stress level after work or after a bout of studying.
Or, if you're just a lover of music in general (as I am), you can appreciate imagination and talent, regardless of genre or culture, so seek out as much music as you can, and as always... happy listening!
I Get A Kick Out Of It...
It has been told to me numerous times that, upon my doctor's holding me up by my armpits to inspect me after I launched myself from the womb, I was kicking my legs furiously, to which the doctor responded "he's going to be one hell of a soccer player".
Now, to my Long Island mother and Alabamian father, "soccer" may as well have been a Chinese word. My mother was never into sports and my dad grew up in a section of the country where it was football and maybe baseball (mostly for those who weren't good enough for the football team).
Well, as it turns out, I ended up being pretty good at soccer and started kicking a soccer ball soon after running. More importantly, I loved the game. There are very few things more amazing in sport than to watch a goal materialize in a football match (hey, it's only called 'soccer' here, so I'll call it football from now on).
In case you were wondering, yes in fact, the United States does field a football team and they've played some very exciting matches as of late (their youtube page can be viewed here (the highlights against Costa Rica and Honduras are especially exciting.
The best part about football being the world's sport is that the amount of talent from different parts of the country is quite awe-inspiring. Whether it's my favorite player Lionel Messi from Argentina (whose youtube highlights are below), or Didier Drogba from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), virtually every young person in the world can have a sports icon to admire, and it's that special sort of bond that I find incredible.
here is a great story about Messi, and why he's an inspirational individual for far more than his skill with the football.
Oh, and by the way, FIFA 10 comes out for XBox 360. That will be occupying my time for a while. Good thing I only have one class this semester.
Now, to my Long Island mother and Alabamian father, "soccer" may as well have been a Chinese word. My mother was never into sports and my dad grew up in a section of the country where it was football and maybe baseball (mostly for those who weren't good enough for the football team).
Well, as it turns out, I ended up being pretty good at soccer and started kicking a soccer ball soon after running. More importantly, I loved the game. There are very few things more amazing in sport than to watch a goal materialize in a football match (hey, it's only called 'soccer' here, so I'll call it football from now on).
In case you were wondering, yes in fact, the United States does field a football team and they've played some very exciting matches as of late (their youtube page can be viewed here (the highlights against Costa Rica and Honduras are especially exciting.
The best part about football being the world's sport is that the amount of talent from different parts of the country is quite awe-inspiring. Whether it's my favorite player Lionel Messi from Argentina (whose youtube highlights are below), or Didier Drogba from Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), virtually every young person in the world can have a sports icon to admire, and it's that special sort of bond that I find incredible.
here is a great story about Messi, and why he's an inspirational individual for far more than his skill with the football.
Oh, and by the way, FIFA 10 comes out for XBox 360. That will be occupying my time for a while. Good thing I only have one class this semester.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Weight Loss update...
I'm happy to announce that, as of Tuesday, I've lost over 30 pounds. I had been struggling for the past couple weeks (losing a pound one day, gaining a half pound a few days later), but I feel like I've started to reinvigorate myself towards the diet plan I'm on. I think I took the process for granted and got a little too comfortable being in it (most people would call this "cheating", but I digress).
This diet and weight loss plan have altered me in many ways, not the least of which is my body. I have learned the importance of water on my diet. I have to drink 64oz of it everyday (for a rough conversion, it's about an entire 2 liter bottle).
I've regained appreciation for certain foods, including lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and have discovered more useful alternatives: eating wraps instead of sandwiches (less starch), using fresh ingredients instead of canned (less sodium) and most of all, just simply reading labels. The government orders the food companies to put them there, so you might as well at least skim them for a second or two and find out what you're eating.
As I said in one of my earliest blog posts, my sister is getting married. Well, now that date is pushed back to late April, so I have more time for more weight loss and hopefully an even bigger surprise.
To this very day, I haven't taken one bite of my most favorite entree (cheeseburger), but as a side note: vegetarian baked beans are just as good as regular, and the sugar free, fat free pudding mixes are very good (chocolate is heavenly, cheesecake flavor is divine).
Here's to being happy and healthy!
This diet and weight loss plan have altered me in many ways, not the least of which is my body. I have learned the importance of water on my diet. I have to drink 64oz of it everyday (for a rough conversion, it's about an entire 2 liter bottle).
I've regained appreciation for certain foods, including lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms and have discovered more useful alternatives: eating wraps instead of sandwiches (less starch), using fresh ingredients instead of canned (less sodium) and most of all, just simply reading labels. The government orders the food companies to put them there, so you might as well at least skim them for a second or two and find out what you're eating.
As I said in one of my earliest blog posts, my sister is getting married. Well, now that date is pushed back to late April, so I have more time for more weight loss and hopefully an even bigger surprise.
To this very day, I haven't taken one bite of my most favorite entree (cheeseburger), but as a side note: vegetarian baked beans are just as good as regular, and the sugar free, fat free pudding mixes are very good (chocolate is heavenly, cheesecake flavor is divine).
Here's to being happy and healthy!
Orange Crush...
In my young Monday Night Football life, I don't think I've witnessed a more exciting back and forth game than the one last night between the team I love to hate, the New York Jets, and my beloved Miami Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (23) celebrates with tight end Joey Haynos, left, and full back Lousaka Polite (36) after Brown scored the winning touch down in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 31-27. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
It was so much more than a prime-time, nationally-televised game for my Phins. It was a home game (wearing the stunning orange jerseys, which I loved I might add) for the Dolphins. It was against arguably their most hated opponent (okay, let's get real: we just kind of laugh at the Bills nowadays but we'll always hate the J-E-T-S). Most importantly, however, it was essentially to have any chance of making the playoffs. The difference between going 1-4 with the 4-1 Jets versus going 2-3 with 3-2 being the division lead is immense.
I'll be honest: I thought the Dolphins would lose by ten. I was very afraid of the what the Jets defense was capable of doing to our running game and, to a greater extent, Chad Henne in only his second career start. I thought the Jets would be able to run the ball and Mark Sanchez would be able to make throws off the play action against our suspect secondary.
However, the Dolphins made a huge statement to me, everyone watching in Landshark Stadium and most importantly, Jets Head Coach and defensive guru Rex Ryan, his beloved defense and the rest of the NFL.
Thank goodness for a bye week. Every Dolphan's heart needs a rest.
Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (23) celebrates with tight end Joey Haynos, left, and full back Lousaka Polite (36) after Brown scored the winning touch down in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 31-27. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
It was so much more than a prime-time, nationally-televised game for my Phins. It was a home game (wearing the stunning orange jerseys, which I loved I might add) for the Dolphins. It was against arguably their most hated opponent (okay, let's get real: we just kind of laugh at the Bills nowadays but we'll always hate the J-E-T-S). Most importantly, however, it was essentially to have any chance of making the playoffs. The difference between going 1-4 with the 4-1 Jets versus going 2-3 with 3-2 being the division lead is immense.
I'll be honest: I thought the Dolphins would lose by ten. I was very afraid of the what the Jets defense was capable of doing to our running game and, to a greater extent, Chad Henne in only his second career start. I thought the Jets would be able to run the ball and Mark Sanchez would be able to make throws off the play action against our suspect secondary.
However, the Dolphins made a huge statement to me, everyone watching in Landshark Stadium and most importantly, Jets Head Coach and defensive guru Rex Ryan, his beloved defense and the rest of the NFL.
Thank goodness for a bye week. Every Dolphan's heart needs a rest.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Because "fan" is just short for "fanatic"...
every week it seems, we hear stories of crazed fans acting in a reprehensible manner (often times in front of their own children). Unfortunately, I can say that I've witnessed such behavior. I've seen parents act less mature than their teenage children would even think of acting. In fact, after one of my soccer games years ago, a parent became so enraged at a referee that he tracked him down in the parking lot and headbutted him, so badly that the referee needed an ambulance and required surgery, and the parent was arrested (and rightfully so).
Then you have scenes like this, which are nothing short of sickening. What a disgraceful example we set for our future (gets going about 1:20 in):
On a slightly less disturbing note, during the weekdays before 2007's Louisiana State - University of Florida college football game, LSU fans somehow got UF quarterback Tim Tebow's number and proceeded to "blow it up" - essentially calling him non-stop to harass him via call, text or voice message, and even this year have somehow got UF head coach Urban Meyer's cell number.
In a more activist route, fans have even taken it upon themselves to contribute to coaches firings. The standard bearer for such action is that of the famous (or infamous, however you remember it) FireRonZook.com - started by ardent UF supporters in opposition to then UF head football coach Ron Zook, who had the daunting task of taking over UF football after legendary UF heisman trophy winning QB and national championship-winning head coach Stever Spurrier left for the NFL's Washington Redskins. FireRonZook.com became one of the sports' earliest internet phenomena, even getting the occasional plug from sports czar ESPN on their hugely popular college football pregame show "College Gameday".
With all these examples, it begs the question: have fans gone too far, or have they simply used the communicative resources to further voice their opinions (and, often times regrettably, made them seem more legitimate than they actually are).
I think we can all agree that head butting referees or hitting them with chairs is at least reprehensible and very much criminal, and clandestinely acquiring sports figures' cell phone numbers in order to hassle them or talk trash is at least immature, but have fans as a whole, with the availability to their favorite team's "insider" news, taken their measures too far? Have they become more than just 'fans' and moved on to full-fledged 'fanatics'?
There is quite a contrast between my age bracket and that of my parents. If I'm watching a Dolphins game with the rest of my family, my dad and uncles can count on their hand the number of current Dolphin players that they recall, while my cousins and I can rattle off all starting 22 and what college they went to. I am of the opinion that the current availability of information has caused America's sports culture to obtain an insatiable hunger when it comes to information about their favorite sport and/or team, and thus, an inflating of their self-perceived status in the sports world.
But, what do I know: I'm just some dumb fan typing on a keyboard. All I know is that I hate the Buffalo Bills and love being 4-0 in Fantasy Football. Oh, and Ronnie Brown is really good and Brett Favre still has "it", much to the disgust of cheese heads everywhere.
Then you have scenes like this, which are nothing short of sickening. What a disgraceful example we set for our future (gets going about 1:20 in):
On a slightly less disturbing note, during the weekdays before 2007's Louisiana State - University of Florida college football game, LSU fans somehow got UF quarterback Tim Tebow's number and proceeded to "blow it up" - essentially calling him non-stop to harass him via call, text or voice message, and even this year have somehow got UF head coach Urban Meyer's cell number.
In a more activist route, fans have even taken it upon themselves to contribute to coaches firings. The standard bearer for such action is that of the famous (or infamous, however you remember it) FireRonZook.com - started by ardent UF supporters in opposition to then UF head football coach Ron Zook, who had the daunting task of taking over UF football after legendary UF heisman trophy winning QB and national championship-winning head coach Stever Spurrier left for the NFL's Washington Redskins. FireRonZook.com became one of the sports' earliest internet phenomena, even getting the occasional plug from sports czar ESPN on their hugely popular college football pregame show "College Gameday".
With all these examples, it begs the question: have fans gone too far, or have they simply used the communicative resources to further voice their opinions (and, often times regrettably, made them seem more legitimate than they actually are).
I think we can all agree that head butting referees or hitting them with chairs is at least reprehensible and very much criminal, and clandestinely acquiring sports figures' cell phone numbers in order to hassle them or talk trash is at least immature, but have fans as a whole, with the availability to their favorite team's "insider" news, taken their measures too far? Have they become more than just 'fans' and moved on to full-fledged 'fanatics'?
There is quite a contrast between my age bracket and that of my parents. If I'm watching a Dolphins game with the rest of my family, my dad and uncles can count on their hand the number of current Dolphin players that they recall, while my cousins and I can rattle off all starting 22 and what college they went to. I am of the opinion that the current availability of information has caused America's sports culture to obtain an insatiable hunger when it comes to information about their favorite sport and/or team, and thus, an inflating of their self-perceived status in the sports world.
But, what do I know: I'm just some dumb fan typing on a keyboard. All I know is that I hate the Buffalo Bills and love being 4-0 in Fantasy Football. Oh, and Ronnie Brown is really good and Brett Favre still has "it", much to the disgust of cheese heads everywhere.
More reminders of my earlier years...
As I posted earlier, I mentioned some recent musical releases that reminded me of a earlier, simpler time in my life.
With the current theatrical release "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs", it reminded me of other recent theatrical releases that reminded me of earlier years. Admittedly, I wouldn't normally make the drive to the local theater and chalk up $7+ to see a movie mostly geared towards children or teenagers, but with such adaptations as "Curious George", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" or "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" (although I am more fond of the first film adaptation), I was willing to make an exception.
My combined anticipation of all those movies' releases cannot come close to the nearly giddy feeling I get when I get to go see the film adaptation of "Where The Wild Things Are".
First off, if you're not familiar with this book, go to the library and check it out as soon as possible (or even buy it, it's THAT good). I won't reveal anything about the story here, but it involves a young imaginative boy and large hairy creatures.
A trailer for the upcoming movie can be viewed below (may need to turn up the sound just a tad):
and here is a brief featurette with the book's author, Maurice Sendak, and the film's director, Spike Jonze:
It's these movies, like the music I listen to, that both help me escape the usual stresses and burdens of life and remind me of more simpler times without necessarily causing me to neglect or deny my current life's status of course.
While adaptations of children's stories that had corresponding pictures with the text don't have the same affect as, say, the "Lord Of The Rings" film adaptations, they effect me in similar ways, not the least of which is pure awe. Whether it's seeing the Wild Things put to film, or the wonderment of watching full-fledged Ents stomp through Fangorn Forest and attack Isengard.
I can only hope that my fellow pupil bloggers have as tremendous experience at their local theater as I've had watching these mind-blowing adaptations. Happy viewing!
With the current theatrical release "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs", it reminded me of other recent theatrical releases that reminded me of earlier years. Admittedly, I wouldn't normally make the drive to the local theater and chalk up $7+ to see a movie mostly geared towards children or teenagers, but with such adaptations as "Curious George", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" or "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" (although I am more fond of the first film adaptation), I was willing to make an exception.
My combined anticipation of all those movies' releases cannot come close to the nearly giddy feeling I get when I get to go see the film adaptation of "Where The Wild Things Are".
First off, if you're not familiar with this book, go to the library and check it out as soon as possible (or even buy it, it's THAT good). I won't reveal anything about the story here, but it involves a young imaginative boy and large hairy creatures.
A trailer for the upcoming movie can be viewed below (may need to turn up the sound just a tad):
and here is a brief featurette with the book's author, Maurice Sendak, and the film's director, Spike Jonze:
It's these movies, like the music I listen to, that both help me escape the usual stresses and burdens of life and remind me of more simpler times without necessarily causing me to neglect or deny my current life's status of course.
While adaptations of children's stories that had corresponding pictures with the text don't have the same affect as, say, the "Lord Of The Rings" film adaptations, they effect me in similar ways, not the least of which is pure awe. Whether it's seeing the Wild Things put to film, or the wonderment of watching full-fledged Ents stomp through Fangorn Forest and attack Isengard.
I can only hope that my fellow pupil bloggers have as tremendous experience at their local theater as I've had watching these mind-blowing adaptations. Happy viewing!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)