February 28, 2004-MOVIES -lots of them
The Oscars are on this weekend. And since I haven't given any movie reviews lately, here's a bunch of quick summaries of the movies I've seen lately combined with my Oscar report. (maybe I should update my movie page...maybe next week)

CITY OF GOD
My favorite movie of the year. I hope it wins at least one of the 4 awards it's nominated for, but it'll be tough as it's going against Lord of the Rings in several catagories. If this movie were in English and wasn't from Brazil, it may have been up for best picture. This is the violent depiction of children turned gangsters in a ghetto city in Brazil. It shows how the lack of an organized structure in a community can lead to its downfall. The guns, drugs, killings, etc. are all products of the run-downed city and the kids, with their ruthlessness, end up forming gangs and running things. It may be too violent for some, especially if you're not into gun-totting kids, but it's pretty powerfull nonetheless. see me if you want to see this - i got the hookups

Lord of the Rings 3 - ROTK
If you haven't seen this, I'm sure you know 10 people who have. I loved it. That's all you need to know. You've probably already seen it, and if you haven't yet, then you probably don't care. It will probably sweep up a bunch of Oscars including the big ones: best Picture and best Direction as well as the special effects and makeup stuff.

Mystic River
Clint Eastwood's star-filled thriller about a murder and the relationship between 3 childhood friends, now grown up. The plot isn't exactly groundbreaking, but the acting by everybody is just so superb that you get drawn into it so easily. And there is an eerie feeling that just holds you throughout the whole movie, which I credit to the director. Sean Penn will probably win the best actor award for his role here. I just can't believe that this is Spicolli running through all these emotions. Tim Robbins may take the supporting actor role also. And a lot is implied without being spoken but rather from looks that people give and their actions. And the parallels between the three childhood friends are done so well, that I can't help but think about how one instance in a childhood can turn our whole lives around. Thumbs up from me. If any movie were to upset LOTR, it would be this one.

Lost in Translation
I am so surprised at the kind of attention that this movie is getting. I liked it a lot, but it is a truly independent film (read: arthouse crowd), the kind that many mainstream audiences would rarely give it a chance. First, it's directed by Sofia Coppola (who has the best chance to upset Peter Jackson for the director's award, but I doubt it) and she does very slow "mood" movies. If you've seen her other movie "the Virgin Suicides" then you get what this movie "feels" like. If you didn't see that then you may want to see that first. Bill Murray is funny in this, but not the laugh out loud, fall out of your seat funny. It's more of a dark comedy and drama than it is a comedy, and I think a lot of people are expecting Caddyshack-like comedy. It's about two americans, Scarlett Johansson and Murray, spending a week in Japan and the bond they discover being in a foreign land together. I like the "realness" of the relationship between them as it's not your typical formulaic movie relationship. There is a lot for the audience to interpret themselves, so if you don't like to think during a movie, this isn't for you. I liked it a lot though.

In America
The story of an Irish family immigrating to New York City in the early 80's. This one is a real tearjerker here. It not only brings out the tears, it takes your heart and wrings it out until you're all cried out. Except for me - I'm a rock. The mother is played by Samantha Morton, and if it weren't for Charlize Theron, she would be taking home the best actress award. The two daughters in the movie are lovable and are actually real life sisters. There is a lot of optomism in this movie, some that you need to open your mind too, but it's a rewarding movie if you do. Although it may be toted as an indie film, this one's for everyone. A pretty good movie about the spirit of America and for those who come into the country to live a prosperous life.

Monster
This movie is all about Charlize Theron. If you haven't seen pictures of what she looks like in this movie, then you're in for a big surprise. She looks pretty disgusting (she gained 30 pounds for the role). There is a nude scene of her, and when I'd usually be celebrating this, I cringed in disgust. Any role that makes me ask for a nude Charlize Theron to put clothes back on deserves an Oscar and she'll run away with this one. The movie's a true story a poor white trash prostitute that goes around killing people and robbing them. The story has been retold in the perspective of the serial killing prostitute and some of the true accounts may have changed (making us believe that some killing is okay?), bringing on the controversy from the families of the real life victims. Christina Ricci plays the confused young girl that befriends Charlize's character. If you're not into trailer park trash films, then you wouldn't like this one. If it were cleaned up a lot and made for tv, then we would have a lifetime movie here. But it is semi-violent and Charlize's character is very HBO. It can be slow at times yet it's very interesting. Watch it if you're curious, otherwise rent it.

The Triplets of Belleville
This is an animated movie out of France that goes wherever the animators' imaginations take them. The animators exaggerate everything in this movie. Fat people are extremely fat, skinny people are beanpoles, dancers do outrageous dances, and the plot is just out there. Since it is a french movie, I was expecting subtitles, but there is no dialogue. There is lots of singing though. It's kind of a throwback to old school animation. I'm not exactly an animation expert, so I couldn't exactly describe this movie correctly but it is out there. This, in my mind, should win the Oscar for best animated feature, but that may go to the uber-popular Finding Nemo. It seems more like an 80-minute short movie than an actual feature film though. Others may just see it as a cartoon. If you are a tad bit into animation, then this may be of interest to you. I loved the fact that I had no idea where this movie was going and just for the imagination of the film, i give it the thumbs up.

The Twilight Samurai
This Japanese film is up for best Foreign Film. It's the dramatic story of a widowed Samurai and his family. It shows his work ethics and his desire for the best for his family. In a time that the samurai were dwindling away, this shows a side is rarely depicted when we think of samurai. If you've seen "The Last Samurai", this movie takes place a few years before that. And this is what happens when they go home to the families when there is no war to fight. A touching story of family and values. I've heard that this will probably lose the oscar to the Canadian movie "the Barbarian Invasions", which I haven't seen yet because they never showed it here and it's not on DVD yet. I'm still upset that the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" wasn't nominated. If you don't know about that, then you will soon when the american version gets made.

Seabiscuit
The story of three gentlemen and the paths that lead them to a prize winning horse. It's a nice story that shows that times of hardships will eventually lead to better things. It's a real feel-good movie that I liked. I didn't think I would because I'm not into horse racing, but I enjoyed it more than expected. I wouldn't put it in the best picture catagory, but it's there and will lose. Nice rental.

Pirates of the Carribean
Fun movie. I think I wrote something about it a few months ago. If you haven't seen it, go rent it.

Cold Mountain
I haven't seen it and I'll wait until it's on DVD. I'm still mad that I auditioned to be an extra and they didn't take me. Hollywood is still trying to hold the asian Civil War fighters down.

21 Grams
I didn't get to see this although I wanted too. I love them drug movies where things go all out of whack. It only played at the arthouse theatres here, and if you don't catch indie flicks in the first week, then you're probably SOL. Spicolli's in this too. Also Naomi Watts (Yeah!). At least I've got my copy of Mullholland Drive with a naked Ms. Watts to keep me occupied until this comes out on DVD.

Whale Rider
A feel good movie about a child who is meant to be the leader of a tribe, until the child is born as a girl. I'm really glad the child, Keisha Castle-Hughes, got nominated for the lead actress award. She deserves it for this role, even if she's only like 13. A tear-jerker for some (remember, I'm a rock), it's a nice story of coming-of-age in a culture that is still living with old school philosophies. Good movie here.

Master and Commander
I've written about it already. It's an okay movie. Lots of dialogue, little action. Over-rated. Nominated for a lot, probably won't win any.

Thirteen
About a girl's relationship with her mother and what it's like to grow up in these times. Guess how old the girl is. It's in the DVD player at home right now. Netflix sent it yesterday. I'm watching it later.

American Splendor
The story of cartoonist Harvey Pekar and the strange world his mind is living in. It's next up on my Netflix queue.

February 27, 2004
The mother of some friends of mine passed away earlier this week. Last night I attended the prayer service at the funeral home to offer my condolences to the family. This is the kind of family that is always upbeat and welcoming. They are always joking around and things are always in a good mood around them. I wasn't sure how they would be handling things as this isn't a setting I can imagine them in. Although a death is never easy to deal with, they were still as upbeat as possible and it was good to see all the people there to show their support. It's never a bad time to be around friends. I know death can be hard to talk about but ,oddly enough, it's been in my thoughts lately (due to tv shows dealing with death, movies like the Passion, lent, etc). No, I'm not dying or anything. But when my time comes, whether it be next week or in 70 years, I just ask that everyone be there for whoever I leave behind. And I'd like it to be a joyous occasion, sans the tears and sadness. I'm living my life the way I want, without regrets and enjoying everything I possibly can. I am happy. So when I go, remember that, and be happy for me and my life. No tears.

And on the opposite side of the spectrum, my family is gearing up for the arrival of the newest member of the clan. This is the week my sister, Jennifer, is due to give birth. If it doesn't come by Friday, she will be induced to labor. So by this time next week, I will have a new nephew and things may get a little more hectic in the months to come. I'm sure my sister would be appreciative of any words of praise and encouragement you may have. Gifts are nice too.

And before that birth day, I'll be celebrating a few birthdays this weekend. So Happy Birthday to the many of you that just happen to have been born this week.

February 26, 2004
Sorry that I've been a little slow posting stuff here, but I've been catching up on a lot of sleep. Usually if I don't post anything while I'm at work, I'll do it once I get home, but the past few days I've got straight to sleep. And I may be doing more sleeping over the next month and a half. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, signifying the beginning of Lent. For my lenten sacrifice this year, I'm giving up soft drinks, my main source of caffeine. Right now I live off of caffeine to get me through work at midnight and then during the day when I've got stuff to do. I haven't given up caffeine though, just the soft drinks, but I'm not much of a coffee drinker (but I see myself with a few more mocha lattes in the next few weeks) so I'll probably be drinking more energy drinks. Also I may be eating more sugary sweets to get that kick when I need it. It may be wrong though to load up on one guilty pleasure when sacrificing another, but sometimes I just gotta stay awake.

I've got a couple back up sacrifices too, just in case the soft drinks plan doesn't work. I'll mention those if they ever come to play (so I'll be avoiding a few other things for now, just in case). Usually, the no-meat thing on fridays is tough enough for the average carnivore like myself. Now is it okay to eat a veggie burger? I've even seen soy hot dogs at the grocery store, are those okay?
-------------------

How many of you signed up for the Music Settlement deal last year? I posted it up here some time last year, but for those that missed it, it was a class action suit against most of the music companies for pricing discrepancies of music from 1995 to 2000. I won't go into details, but basically, if you bought a CD anytime within those 5 years you qualified to recieve a share of the settlement. Well, I signed up, along with over a million other people thinking I probably won't get anything with so many people signing up, but what the heck. At most I was expecting $3 - $5 or maybe a coupon or something. Eventually I forgot about it, until Tuesday, when I recieved my $13.86 check in the mail. Yeah!!! So screw you music companies... I'm value sizing my meal tonite (oh wait, no soft drinks for me, so scratch that)... I'm buying some blank CD-Rs tonite with my $13.

February 21, 2004
I'm in a funk. A writing funk. That's why I really have nothing to put down here right now. It's more of a creative writing funk, because I could just put down some boring stuff of things I've done, ala some blogs - today I went shopping and bought a CD, I watched TV, I ate half a pizza and boxed the other half but forgot to bring the box home, etc.- but who would care about that. I like to make shit sound exciting and funny or whatever, but I'm just not in that kind of mood right now. I guess I could just keep writing about this writing funk and be creative about it, but that would just negate my point.

Okay, I'm going to get flamed for this...
I actually enjoy this girls music - Lalaine, and I'm almost ashamed to say it. I'm ashamed because she's a mainstay on Radio Disney, she's Lizzie Mcguire's best friend, and she's one of these Disney Teen TV Stars. But her music, some of which she actually writes, is pretty good and she's pinay to boot. Shhh... don't tell anybody. I've got a rep to keep.
Ok...Flame ON!!! And back to my hardcore rap... where did I put that darn WuTang CD???

I guess it's time to splurge and finally buy DVDXCOPY while you still can. It may get pulled from stores any day now...

February 19, 2004
Asian test (click on take the test at the top - try to differentiate between asian races. No filipinos on the test though. (don't be offended by the test, the site is just an asian guys attempt to poke fun at himself.)

Be part of a music video! Blackbird Pond is shooting a video this Saturday. Here's the details from the band:

Extras Needed!

Music Video for BLACKBIRD POND

Venue: Regent University Library Auditorium
Date: February 21, Saturday
Time: 3:00PM to 7:00PM
Summary: Music video of �Brown Bag�. This particular scene is about a disloyal boyfriend, at a Blackbird Pond Concert, who spots his ex-girlfriend and realizes he messed up. *Extras are in the audience enjoying the concert.

Interested? Please sign up, and email Marlo Diaz at [email protected] or [email protected].

Please title the subject, �Music Video Extra�. Include your name, phone number and email before Friday, February 20, and further details will be sent to you.

* Day of the video, call 286-6273.

Thank you!!

February 18, 2004

Something's been bugging me for a while because I couldn't figure out who a certain American Idol loser reminded me of. But then it hit me... William Hung dances just like Luan (pictured above). If you've seen Lu dance before, you could see the comparisons. And if you've heard Lu sing... you'd know he's never had any professional training either.

It's a slow week for me...

In rotation this week for the El-mobile:
1- Kenna "New Sacred Cow"(Favorite CD of 2003 - it's been in there for 9 months, but it may now be time to let go)
2- Joss Stone "Soul Sessions"
3- One Vo1ce "Luvin You" (pinay group)
4- Various Pinoy Acts "With Love" (just for valentine week)
5- Bubba Sparxxx "Deliverance" (underated, with Timbaland and Outkast behind the boards, one of the best produced albums of last year)
6- J-Live "Always Will Be"

February 14, 2004
Eff a valentine's day. It's another one of those made up holidays to get people to spend lots of money.
I'm not one of them valentine-haters because I'm a single guy, I'm just not into the big hullabaloo over something that you shouldn't need a holiday for. I'm not telling you couples out there not to celebrate because, grant it, that if I had a girl or something I would still do something today but it wouldn't be your regular dinner or movie or play or whatever. Conventional - that's just not me.
You won't ever see me propose to someone or marry on this day just because its Valentine's day. So people (mainly guys) celebrating today, think on a higher plane. Be original and don't just be a commercial puppet with candy and flowers. Celebrate sincerity and faith.

People should be celebrating more often and treating most everyday like the 14th anyways.

Notice for you Lonely guys ... tonight, help make the world a more peaceful place - do you part for peace! Hairy palms, not cluster bombs !!

February 13, 2004
Friday the 13th...I was born on a friday the 13th.

I still haven't gotten my sister a birthday present, so I'm going to be spending today shopping. I just got paid and now I'm looking for them president day sales.
Tommy Hilfiger - 25% off
Reebok Outlet Store - 30% off Coupon
Best Buy - 10% off $299 - if you didn't get it in the mail.

And if I still can't find anything, I'm just going to have to get creative with my photo printer and some old digital photos.

The NBA all-star game is this weekend in LA. I still enjoy it, but it has lost some of it's luster lately, apperent in the fact that it's not even being televised on one of the major networks this year. The rookie game is on tonight and that may be a little interesting with Lebron & Carmelo on the same team vs. Yao & Amare Stoudamire. And no defense = dunks galore.

Penguin game ...for those who are bored... simple yet addicting...my score - 587... i get bored a lot.

February 12, 2004
Tomorrow is my sister Jennifer's birthday, and I have no idea of what to get her. I was planning to spend today shopping for a gift, but there is snow in the forecast and I don't want to be out and about when the roads get bad.

I tried to look for something this morning but I didn't find anything for her. I did buy myself a really nice fishing pole that was clearanced down from $60 to $10. I'm not a big time fishing guy, but at least I look the part. Now I'm in the mood to go fishing, only if it weren't snowing and 30 degrees outside.

I'll probably head out to a couple of stores this morning before the weather turns ugly, otherwise, I'm spending all of tomorrow shopping. At least some of the Presidents Day Sales will also start tomorrow.

Also, for those who haven't heard, my sister is 8-months pregnant and we will be celebrating another birthday in about 3 weeks.

February 10, 2004

I lub me some chik-fil-a

I can never get enough of them chicken sandwiches, but I was about to kick some cowhide for the bunny ears at the boardwalk this past weekend. I've got the Ninja Skillz to do it too.

Star Wars fans - just announced for release on September 21... the original Star Wars trilogy will be available on DVD (it's about time). But it will only be the special edition version that was released in theatres a few years ago. George Lucas said he will never release the original theatrical versions. Well, something is better than nothing. And it's only going to be available as a trilogy set.

February 7, 2004
Today I'm going to check out a friend as she braves the wintery conditions jumps into the Atlantic Ocean for the polar plunge. It'll be fun watching 1000 people run into the ocean in the winter and then realize "What the F--- Was I Thinking?!!" and then run back out 2 seconds later. So why am I not doing it? I think the real question is why are they doing it? It's for a good cause but I can't even take a shower if the water's not warm. At least I'll be there cheering her on, as I wear my thick jacket on the dry boardwalk.

What else is going on this weekend? hmm...
The NFL Pro Bowl...i'll pass on this
NHL All-Star Game...i can name 3 hockey players in all of the NHL, so i don't think I'll be tuning in for this (although I did get a cool Pittsburgh Hockey jersey last week for $9)
And then there's the grammy's... I usually couldn't give a sith about them, but I've been intrigued by the performance line up:

Taken from USA today:

The Grammys, which could snag a ratings bump from curious viewers, will showcase a wide array of artists and genres. Timberlake, Jackson's facilitator in the halftime prank, joins the Black Eyed Peas on Where Is the Love? and jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on Se�orita.The White Stripes tackle Seven Nation Army. Prince teams with Beyonc� for a sizzling production number. And Christina Aguilera warbles self-esteem theme Beautiful.

Other highlights:

� An 11-minute funk medley, the longest segment in Grammy history, has Earth, Wind & Fire, Outkast and George Clinton.

� Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Beatles' debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, Sting, Dave Matthews, Pharrell Williams and Vince Gill will team on I Saw Her Standing There.

� After honoring icons lost in 2003, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam and Jackson Browne will toast the late Warren Zevon.

I'm a HUGE Prince fan, so I'm excited to see him perform again (although with Beyonce?). Pharrell with Sting, Dave Matthews and Vince Gill? Doing the Beatles? It should be interesting. 11 minutes of funk!! with Outkast!! And what will Justin tear off of the Black Eyed Peas? What would he have left to tear off of Christina Aguilera if they performed together?

February 6, 2004
My favorite college basketball team, UNC, played in one the greatest rivalries in all of sports last night. UNC went up against #1 Duke and took them into overtime, in one of the biggest games in the rivalry's history. It was a great game that went into overtime only to see the tarheels lose in the final seconds by 2 points.

And I fell asleep and missed it all. Damn that sucks.

February 5, 2004
I noticed that Miramax is rereleasing the Brazilian movie "City of God" in theatres this weekend (due to the several Oscar nominations it recieved). It was never released in this area in the first place. But a few months ago, I searched high and low and found a non-US version of the DVD that I can watch on my no region coded DVD player and I've got to say that this movie is probably my favorite movie of 2003.

And speaking of movies...Hey, hey, hey, NoVa people...check this out...become a superstar...

Dear Washington, D.C. area Moviegoers,
Twentieth Century Fox will hold open casting calls this weekend for its upcoming motion picture FAT ALBERT, based on Bill Cosby�s famed character.

The studio is looking to fill the roles of Fat Albert and Albert�s pal, Old Weird Harold. For the Fat Albert character, the film�s casting directors are casting for the role of an African-American male, 17-18 years old, �stout hearted as well as stout...exuberant, funny and sweet. He can sing, rap and dance.�

For the Old Weird Harold character, casting directors are casting for the role of an African-American male, 17 years old, very tall (6�5) and somewhat awkward.

Chicago casting directors, in addition to looking at �Fat Alberts� and �Old Weird Harolds�, are casting the role of �Doris�, an African-American female, 17 years old, described as �bright and a good student.�

Casting location details are as follows:

Casting Director: Tricia Erickson

Saturday, February 7th
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
South East Tennis and Learning Center
701 Mississippi Avenue, South East
Washington, DC 20032

I wonder where Ruben Studdard will be this saturday???
-------------------------------------------------------

For next weekend: Reebok Outlet Store 30% off Coupon
I got a bunch of football jerseys for less than $20 last time I went there with a coupon.

February 4, 2004

What's wrong with this picture?

Why did the Carolina Panthers lose the Super Bowl? Because their cheerleaders don't know how to spell "Elbert". For all I know, they were probably cheering for the wrong team.

Want to see more on the Rated R moment of the Super Bowl...Click ME!! (partial nudity)... Hey wait, that's not Janet!!!

The El-mobile is now back to normal functionality, meaning it drives straight again. I still don't know how much longer it'll hold together though. But I'm on schedule with this years budget plans to pay off my bills in time to get another car by the summertime, and after doing my taxes, I may even be a little ahead of schedule, but I never know when something comes up that just sucks the funds from me.

February 1, 2004 right after the super bowl
Great Super Bowl game, lots of good stuff, but the star of the night is obviously Janet's Right Booby. Ms. Jackson's Mammary if your Nasty. Justin just became a hero to men across the country. He says, as does MTV, that it was unintentional and only meant to rip off the outer clothing, not the whole thing. Yeah right mr. "gonna have you naked by the end of this song", whatever, we believe you (wink). And she always wears a bling bling pasty just in case someone accidentaly rips off her clothing. Thanks again justin.

For those who missed it - just a quick pic. (and if your at work, think about it before you open it. You know what happenned).

CBS has already apologized. Now where's my apology for the number of erectile dysfunction commercials that kept airing. I didn't need to hear all of that during the super bowl.

Janet may have done her brother a favor by taking all the attention...Micheal who?
In fact, she's taken the attention from everybody else at the SuperBowl. Can't she give Beyonce just a little shine.

And Justin just had to one up Britney's VMA kiss.

I'm glad I didn't watch this at with some kids or at a church function (as I know some churches held super bowl parties)...

It lasted for only a second, but it's amazing the amount of detail people can remember from one second. Imagine if she had something like "End War" written on it. I think it may have brought peace to the world. In fact, just minutes after the exposure, the Arizona prison standoff came to a peaceful ending. Or she could have sold it as ad space, it looks like goldenpalace.com picked the wrong person to advertise on.
Other statement making possibilities:
Free Michael
Pepsi - its the "right" one baby
Buy my new album
Elbert is sexy
Free Brad