thoughts of trent

Nana won't agree, but my choice is clear.

2011-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday is coming, Oscar Sunday that is. For me this is quite the occasion. I know that many are surprised to have Oscar Sunday come upon them, but for me it's something that I've seen coming for a while. It is a day that is filled with traditions that are only outnumbered by Thanksgiving and Christmas. For me the preparation takes more time than both those Holidays combined because I need to see all of the important films being nominated. A few days before the big event, I enjoy a lengthy conversation with my Nana, a sweet catholic woman in her late 80's. We discuss all the best picture nominees, who we think deserves to win and what performances we really loved. Over the years it has remained a treat; This member of the greatest generation, this woman who helped raise me sees me as an equal and with a deep love for cinema we share our opinions.

Most years we align. Last year we both thought Inglorious Basterds would make waves, Sandra Bullock would get an award for no good reason and Avatar should only be mentioned at that pre-oscar nerd ceremony. You know, the one where they have the pretty girl host and the speeches are in Klingon or Binary Code. For all my nerd friends; 011000010111011001100001011101000110000101110010001000000111001101110101011000110110101101110011

Anyway, this year is shaping up to be a 2 horse race and I fear my Nana and the Academy are going to align in their opinions and I just see things differently. I saw The Social Network on opening weekend and was blown away. It is a great film. It is modern, has something to say about the way people interact and what motivates us. It was beautifully shot, the script was well crafted, this is the kind of movie I want to see studios make. The kind of movie that you walk out of the theater discussing. The kind of movie that is set in the world we all inhabit. I was pretty sure I had seen my best picture.

Truth be told. this movie came out in October and December is the season of the Oscar Film. Sure enough I kept hearing buzz about a great little film called Kings Speech. It was getting Oscar Buzz before it had even been released to a majority of the country. Everyone that I talked to about the movie walked out saying "Well, that was just great" with a sentimental head tilt. When I walked out of the film, I had the same reaction; just great (head tilt). Not groundbreaking, not inventive, just the story that you expect from this kind of art house picture. The story of a man beating the insurmountable odds, the story of kinship found in an unlikely place, the period piece we've all seen before. King's Speech entertained me, but it didn't wow me.

I fear that a majority of people who receive Oscar Ballots will take the side of my Nana and go with the status quo. I loathe the idea of the academy giving an Oscar to The Social Network because it will bring in the young viewers (the same way I loathe Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosting the Oscars). With that said, occasionally films are made in a time for that time. It is easy to monday morning quarterback, to look back and have a sense of gravitas because you know the outcome. It is another thing entirely to have a film that says something profound about a force that we don't fully understand yet. The film where you find a friend in an unlikely place is common. The film where the guy hosting a 500 million friend party finds himself alone is uncommon. My hope is that a few Sundays from now, the cast and crew from The Social Network will take the stage and take hold of the award they deserve. Because sometimes traditions should be broken, precedence should be defied and my Nana should be wrong.

less ambitious movies

2011-01-05T00:45:00.000-08:00

Usually, I try and avoid a series of tweets in a row because I find them to be obnoxious personally. But I broke my rule after reading my friend Abel on Twitter posting under a topic #lessambitiousmovies. It made me laugh, so I gave it a go. Here's a few that I created tonight; enjoy.

Meeting Private Ryan
ehhh, it's a life.
star skirmishes
the muggle of oz
you can see the waterfront from here
some like it warm
snow white and the dwarf
the muppets visit manhattan
a black guy is coming to dinner
the oklahoma nail clipper injury
humming in the wind
the empire calls customer service
There will be words
Happening to stumble upon Happyness
The Bourne Suggestion
hugging and the village 2
the hitchhikers guide to fontana
bill & ted's trip
tired man walking
the hendersons
Ace Ventura: Pet Owner
stern warning to smoochy
do the thing
dial m for muppet
kind of looking for red october
The Grapes of Frustration
leaving primm

Hope you laughed a little. Leave me a comment here at my blog by clicking the 'word bubble thingy' next to the title of the post. I'd love to hear your favorite.

pixar

2010-12-29T14:36:00.001-08:00

Pixar is a collection of GREAT storytellers. This montage is evidence that they definitely know what they're doing and they do it well.

everything I hate about the holidays...

2010-11-26T16:35:00.000-08:00

The day after thanksgiving has a few simple traditions for me. I generally sleep at my parents house, I have pumpkin pie for breakfast, I watch movies and if family is over we play games. I avoid one thing like the plague, stores. This year, I enjoyed a little bit of online shopping but that is as far as I go. I genuinely loathe everything about 'black friday' shopping.

It's not the waking up early or waiting in the cold and rain, because I've done that kind of thing for movies or Disneyland rides. I think the video above sums up a huge part of what I loathe; the clawing and trampling to save. Apparently our semblance of civilization can be bought for a mere $30. We come off of a holiday filled with moments of thankful reflection and within a few hours we are out in the cold waiting to charge into the Kohls to grab clothes.

While discussing this with some friends, one mentioned that the economy has an influence on this pursuit of early morning bargains. That may be true, but let's think about this. The stores put deals on Black Friday for excess merchandise that they want to put on sale, generally it's stuff that people don't really want and so it's being sold at a discount. People in the early morning rush, take a look at the item and make an impulse purchase because they are sleep deprived and have already invested so much time and effort, that they don't want to go home empty handed. The stores aren't celebrating a holiday today, they're doing this for profit. The consumers that line up early in the morning are simply cows headed to the slaughter.

So, if you are exhausted today because it's your day off but you chose to wake up early in search for deals, you may want to rethink your traditions for next year.

That's what I think, what are your thoughts?

Movie: Dave

2010-11-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Kevin Kline is a funny fellow that is currently under-utilized by Hollywood but in his sweet spot with the film Dave.

Remember this movie? It came out around the same time as American President, another Presidential Biopic. While American President is filled with great Sorkin Dialogue and is clearly a predecessor for West Wing, Dave is just a fun Ivan Reitman film. I'm not sure they make movies like this anymore but I find them very endearing. Today comedy is aimed at the Nickelodeon/silly, raunchy/gross or esoteric/hipster. I am not sure that a movie like Ghostbusters could get made today.

Dave is a guy that looks just like the current president and because of illness and conspiracy, he in essence takes office. Silly premise but it allows a guy with limits and innocence, become the most powerful man in the western world. I liked the hope that this movie conveys. I appreciate the simplicity it seems to bring towards politics. It is a simple man trying to do good. It is a film in which the good guy wins. It's just fun. I enjoy political intrigue very much, but I also enjoy a simple movie where a guy invites a childhood friend to help cut the US budget over bratwurst.

Movie: Zoolander

2010-11-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

"Happy... Happy..."

Will Ferrel and Ben Stiller are ridiculous and it works.

I remember seeing Zoolander in the Theater. The reason I remember it was because it was a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks. I remember being in the theater and feeling like this was so ridiculous and Stiller was so inept that it was just what I needed. While I'd been pretty sick this last week it was far from the emotional funk 9/11 brought about. With that said, Zoolander had a similar effect.

It's interesting that movies like this are not strong as far as story, and have points where they lag. But, the quotability is through the roof and makes up for what is lacking. Zoolander is not for people that take life or movies too seriously. It is for those that are willing to laugh at the narcissism of the fashion world. Those that will enjoy laughing at a simpleton. I enjoy Will Ferrel's sophomoric humor, and this seems to be one of his strongest role. I feel like he has gone on to become his own worst enemy in the films that he makes, becoming self-indulgent (i.e. Semi-Pro {see review}).

I would like to see Ben Stiller make more movies like this, because I've grown tired of his Meet the Parents character that has become his default. Zoolander is silly, Ben Stiller plays that well. Watching this movie made me laugh, made me want to quote it with friends, it was just what the doctor ordered. I loved it.

New Series: Sick in Bed Cinema

2010-11-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

When I'm sick, I really don't want to do anything. This last week I got hit hard with a sickness that kept me home for a few days. It's not fun, feeling gross, stuck at home. As days went by I kept having to cancel various social engagements, I kept having to push back work and have people fill in for me. This last weekend, I wasn't up to read or do anything productive, so when I wasn't sleeping I was watching movies. I took some interesting swings in cinematic moods; Zoolander to Hamlet within 12 hours is quite a swing.

So, for the next few days I will be posting some movie reviews with the label above. This indicates that they are a part of this series and that my judgement is heavily influenced by NyQuil and/or DayQuil.

Back to blogging...

2010-11-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hit Play to listen to the song that I think is appropriate to this post.

The last season of blogging didn't really last, did it. 4 months in, I fell off the radar. I set a bold plan and communicated a recalibrating, but it fell to the wayside. I have a list of excuses

- I didn't like the format of the blog
- I didn't have time to write
- I didn't like blogging about American Idol anymore because the show had taken a dive.

This blog at one time was a source of revenue. There was a financial obligation to write. (That's a story for another time.) When that motivation disappeared, I was left to writing for the sake of writing. I enjoy writing but often it's a way to earn something or start conversation. Since I am not earning anything with the blog, I'd hoped it would initiate conversation. It doesn't seem to do that. People are not likely to respond to a post on here, yet if I say something silly in 140 characters, I get dozens of responses. Without the motivation of earning or conversation, I am left to purely enjoy it.

Let's see how it goes...

- trent

Jon Stewart has still got it!

2010-08-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

The Parent Company Trap

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Jon Stewart remains the newspaper watch dog of this generation and he does it with humor, candor and class.

Idol

2010-04-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

To quote the great pop group, NSYNC... "BYE BYE BYE"

Here are my comments made before the Judges...

Casey: You sounded like Huey Lewis & the news. Not inspirational

Lee: Good job for creed, it's a great song and a good choice. You're still Creed.

Tim: Bleh, not great. You're out of your league and it's showing again. You hid that last week, not this week.

Aaron: Um... you liked this song since you were 5? I was like a Senior in High School when this song came out. I am old. I can't really appreciate your song because I'm struck by my own mortality. Okay, back on track. This was not good. This was High School Talent Show circa 1997, and you wouldn't win. It look s like you're wearing dancer pants. Not skinny jeans, dancer pants.

Cinnabon: That was bleh. You are sassy with the judges, but it doesn't make you more talented. Being combative isn't being talented. It isn't a sassy competition.

Big Mike: I enjoy this song... you're not relevant though when you sing stuff like this. You sound like Seal and the world only needs one Seal.

Crystal: I LOVE THIS SONG... You had me at "people get ready". I haven't been a huge fan of you but I was a huge fan of you singing this song. WHAT... Crying??? Come on, be professional. Cry at the end, don't mess up the end of this song.

RESULTS: Oh man, I don't have time to give back, come on Idol just give me results. While fast forwarding I stopped for Wanda Sykes...

Okay, Tim got sent home. GOOD. Finally. Enough said.

Music: The Script

2010-04-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

4/06/10 "This album is a delight. Good simple pop music. Make this purchase and enjoy."

They say in marketing people need to interact with your brand 7 times before making an investigation towards purchasing (looking into buying it.) So, before you try that sandwich you will need to see or hear about it 7 different ways; a few TV commercials, Web Banners and passing the restaurant and soon enough you'll be buying that sandwich. I had a similar experience with The Script and their creatively titled album, "The Script". I'd heard friends mention them, I'd heard a song occasionally, I even showed up late to a concert and caught the last song in their set. Then I saw a tweet from John Mayer that raved about a specific song, "Breakeven". John said "Every band with a single this year has a mission: beat "Break Even" by The Script. Oh, yah... good luck.". So, I looked up the album on iTunes and sure enough the 30 second samples left me not even questioning the purchase price.

This album is probably my favorite since "Songs About Jane" by Maroon 5. It's got a well produced sound, just simple toe tapping pop music. If you're a fan of Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, that type of voice and style, then don't wait to hear about this band 6 more times...check out "The Script" right now.

$7.99, iTunes, click here.

American Idol Season 9 Top 10

2010-04-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

4/04/10 "I hate to say it, but this show is a sinking ship."

This season is lame...

Exhibit A.

I am watching this in one sitting... I'm commenting before I hear judges comments.

Siobhan: This song isn't good, and you sound horrible. Seriously, bad. Everyone cheers when you squeal because that is your one trick. This was a horrible song choice and you did a really bad job. Pitchy. Bleehh.

Casey: This song felt like I was driving a car with stick shift. I don't know how to drive stick so it's a bunch of starting and stopping. You get going and then stop over and over again. I really like Sam and Dave for sure, but I think that was kind of blah.

Michael: Okay, this wasn't bad. Wasn't like what's her name singing somewhere over the rainbow (wasn't like that on a lot of levels), but it was good. The stage position is lame, sing on stage.

Didi: Crying during the video montage. I just don't like your voice in this song. Usually I like you but this is not very good at all. BUT your arms look enormous because of some shadow. My roommates and I are all agreeing that we think you are pretty but that is it. Ryan is acting like a defensive boyfriend in his post song interview, it's labored and annoying. This isn't a High School Talent Show, it's American Idol, show some professionalism. (AND back away from my lady!)

Tim: Please tell me the game is up. You barely deserve to sing at a Home School Graduation. (I've been to a few and each of the graduates perform something, this is that bad.) Tim, you are the personification of everything that is wrong with this season. You have no business being on the show, you shouldn't have been brought back. With all those mean things, I think you know this and aren't taking yourself that seriously and I can appreciate that.

Andrew: Okay, I really love that song. Really love it. That was a take on that song that seems like just what you need to be doing. I really like this performance. I want to hear you keep doing this, it's why people like you. Keep doing what you're doing. Wait, Seacrest just ruined this moment by bringing your mom up. She's about unintelligible as my mom would be in that moment. My mom speaks english.

Katie: You are only a few steps above Tim in my opinion. You are just average. You don't have anything to say as an artist. Since the Blake Lewis, David Cook, Kris Allen days, there is no room for a Diana Degarmo on this show anymore. Get a point of view or go back to singing in show choir.

Lee (or as I affectionately refer to him as, Creed): While watching the video, when I heard what song you're going to do I thought "hey, good choice for you Creed." I was right, this was a good song for Creed. Now what I'm saying is that I've written this guy off for personal preference, I understand why people are voting for him. I also in a strange way understand why people bought Creed music a few years ago. I did too back then. If you like Creed and Lee, eventually you keep listening and think, what am I subjecting myself to?

Crystal: Watching the video, again I said...great song choice. I guess that song is just plain amazing. I mean that song is just good and she didn't get in the way. I didn't really see that as a big risk for her, it was just a good choice.

Aaron: This is one of my favorite songs, so, no pressure. Pitch is wobbly at the start, this makes me nervous for you. This song was too big for you. I think you need to either be a phenomenal vocalist or be a decent vocalist whose experienced heartbreak, that isn't you. It's sad when people applaud for you after Simon says you're average.

Usher: He did exactly what I think people in that seat need to

RESULT SHOW TIVOED:

I watch it on 2 fast forward clicks of TiVo, and here's what I observe:

- Seriously, this Clash of the Titans thing was horrific... I'm embarrassed.

- Ruben's dropped some weight. Unfortunately he didn't gain anything as far as relevance.

- Brining "Big Mike" on stage with Ruben was obnoxious and lost Mike cool points.

- Are we really, still doing Ford Music Videos?

- I think Ford even knows this is lame, because they barely show their product.

- Justin Bieber is going to become culturally irrelevant at the same time he's going through puberty, this could be bad,

- Usher is a good dancer but not a good lyricist, because I hit play when he was singing and I laughed for a few minutes. If you saw the show, you can guess where I stopped.

- Ryan just got handled by Mike. I kind of wish it went a little more WWE.

- WHAT!!! TIM LIVES?!? I can't believe that, AMERICA... WAKE UP!!!

- She isn't going to get saved with this song, it's just not a good vocal.

- Judges seem to be actually discussing this or where they're going for post-show dinner.

Tonight's show, everyone is over explaining things. Judges are feeling criticism for their vague comments. It's not their fault, you give vague comments when the talent sucks but you can't say that. They are adding all this backstage stuff to make the show longer and try to mix it up.

This R&B night has ZERO soul. It is really bad. I am afraid that Idol is going the way of 24... it's becoming irrelevant. I watch the shows a few days later and it doesn't matter. People aren't talking about it at work, it's just not a cultural thing anymore. I think the lackluster talent is what kills it. When your best vocal is Crystal and she is a quirky artsy type that doesn't really engage the audience, well, bad news.

I am not blogging as often because I just don't care. Today I had a little vacation and so I was able to sit and watch the show while blogging. When I have a normal week, I don't have time for this business. Sorry American Idol, but I think this season is a wash. We'll see what you can do in the Post-Simon Era, but at this point, I'd guess you will be gone by 2012.

iPad

2010-04-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

4/04/10 "First Impressions: I want one."

When the iPad was first announced I thought it was cool, but was like "ehhhhh".

I didn't see it as something that I wanted. If I had a lot of money, I could see myself having one of these. I felt what the media was saying; this is an in-between product that doesn't fill a need. I see a need for a notebook computer, I see a need for a phone, I don't see a need for the in-between. When people talked about the prices being cheap, I thought to myself "$500 for something I don't need isn't cheap." It seems like this is the item of the future, but I don't think the future is here yet. When you watch movies set in the future, they all have a device like this that is passed around among people like it's a piece of paper. It just seems it's a bit ahead of the time.

Then I used one on Sunday, now, I want one. I'd venture to say I REALLY want one. Here are my first impressions...

- It's not light, sure it's only 1.5 pounds but it feels like you're holding something significant.

- The screen looks amazing, just downright AMAZING! I watched some HD files and wow.

- The functions that this could have, sky is the limit.

- It works to type on if you're sitting on a couch. Not working with iPhone style typing.

- The driving game I played was fun.

- The speakers are really good, they aren't like the iPhone, they seem to emit sound all throughout the device.

- Great email function. Very Simple.

- It's fast.

- Drawing on it is fun. I am not a drawer, but I am sketcher. I would like one of these for my office just to be able to sketch an idea on.

- I still want a Kindle, but the book reading application is really nice. Turning the pages and seeing a book with illustrations is awesome. If I had kids, the iPad would be a GREAT thing to read books on.

- I want one. (an iPad, not a kid.)

I want one for my office to use in meetings. I want one for my house, to just have on the coffee table. I want to show people youtube videos on this. I'm big on legal pads and keep a stack of them in my office. I like a blank canvas that I can do anything on. This is the digital equivalent.

I was skeptical, and you might be too, but I encourage you to grab one. I don't know if the Apple Store is going to be the place to get comfortable with this device. Go visit a friend who has one. I'm guessing you'll leave thinking, "Oh, that would be nice".

Way to go Apple, way to go.

TV: 24

2010-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

3/27/10: "I was right."

Fox Cancels 24.

2/17/10: "24: since we've broken up, let's be honest... it's not me, it's YOU!"

This picture is of Kim Bauer, the Daughter of Jack Bauer from the Fox television phenomenon "24", gazing upon a cougar. During Season 2 with intense operations of the Counter Terrorism Unit, we had a B-plot that involved the heroes daughter roaming the woods. I remember thinking, "this is BAD, really really BAD", but the rest of the show was so darn good I dealt with it.

"24" started for me as a solo experience. I borrowed the DVDs and knocked out entire seasons within a few days. Then, as the seasons rolled on, it became clear that friends watched the show also, so I began hosting a "24" night and we would enjoy it together. While I remember the ridiculous moments, we dealt with it together. I think that story-wise, 24 lost me when they had the bomb go off in Valencia in the first few episodes and there was no sense of consequences. Everyone just chugged along, even though a bomb went off a few miles from the center of LOS ANGELES!!! But, we stuck with it and "we" is what I think kept "24" on the map for me.

When a show is a shared experience, you tolerate a lot more. When I moved and lost "24" night, well I started noticing the flaws. I've talked with a few of my friends in my relatively new home of Long Beach about getting together for a "24" Night. Each response was the same, "Yeah, I use to watch that show but haven't seen it lately, it just got lame." When the day comes that they announce the last season of "24", I don't see people rallying behind this show because there won't be questions to be answered as is the case for "Lost". I think we will all wonder if Jack dies and then that'll be it.

I am sad to see this show take a dive, I wish they'd end it 2 years ago with a film, but that isn't the case. In the mean time, it's now just that ex-girlfriend that I feel bad for when I see them randomly. I just wish they would get married so I wouldn't feel bad.* When I see advertisements for "24", I think "Oh, just get cancelled for goodness sakes."

(*no specific ex-girlfriend was considered while writing this. If you happen to be an ex-girlfriend and are reading this blog, please know that I enjoy randomly seeing you and don't feel bad about those encounters. I was able to write so specifically because I am creative, I promise, no really, I'm creative.)

Movie: Gran Torino

2010-03-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

3/21/10 "This is without a doubt, one of the most horrible films I've seen in a long time."

Okay, we're keeping this RedBox series going and it's taking a turn for the worse. When I saw this title on the screen at my local RedBox I was happy, I was reminded that I wanted to see this movie when it came out but didn't have the chance. I'd heard that this was the last performance of Clint Eastwood so I was interested. The premise was interesting too; an old white man in a changing neighborhood who makes a connection with a young asian man who is being terrorized by a local gang. It had this appeal of an old cowboy who defends his homestead. I enjoy Eastwood as a director and thought this final film could be great.

Wow, was I wrong. This movie is horrific. The acting is absolutely horrible. Eastwood is worse than usual but his performance looks like a tour de force compared to the other actors. After a little research on IMDB I learned that most of the supporting cast was made up of local actors. It was embarrassing, below student film caliber. It was unbearably bad. Decent premise, had a predictable but powerful ending, but this couldn't redeem the film. If this was the way Eastwood wants to end his acting career, then I am sad for him. It's like Joe Montana ending his career in Kansas City.

My advice, unless you plan on making fun of this movie in a room full of witty friends, save your time and money. I'm glad it only cost me a dollar. Other than that, this movie isn't worth a penny, it is genuinely horrible. I know I am being strong with my words, but I'll be honest... this movie is THAT BAD!

Movie: Precious

2010-03-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

3/20/10 "This is the feel horrible movie of the year, and that's just what it should be."

Brutal. That is all I can really say about this movie. It was brutal. Spoiler alert, this movie isn't a feel good experience. In fact it was the hardest movie I've watched in a long time. It wasn't my regular RedBox faire. This film isn't perfect by any means, it is kind of slow at points and feels low budget/cheesy during some scenes, but that isn't there where it counts. It is absolutely gripping at points. I felt horrible for this poor girl, and absolutely loathed her mother... loathed.

Towards the end of the movie, after a powerful monologue I didn't find myself forgiving Monique's character. Instead I found myself hurting for a world that breeds these situations. This is a movie that you go into ready to feel sad and not redeemed. So, would I recommend it, yes if you know what you're getting into. I got my $1's worth, but I also felt sad for a few hours.

Movie: Law Abiding Citizen

2010-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

3/19/10 "Law Abiding Citizen plays to a sense of justice, not to a sense of art"

Continuing the RedBox series, I picked up Law Abiding Citizen. I'd heard great reviews from friends, so I was hoping for a good movie. What I got was an average movie. In hind sight, I should have considered the reviews from friends. In general, when people described the movie, their tone of voice changed. It wasn't excited and up, it wasn't contemplative and soft, it was as if their tone was that of a vigilante.

This movie opens with a father watching criminals torture and murder his wife and daughter. He spends the rest of the time seeking out revenge on his terms. He is unsatisfied with the justice system so only he can solve this. I think people recommending the film took on a voice because they like a "take it in your own hands" story. I also think they like to see some shocking deaths. It was as if "Final Destination" and "A Time To Kill", were in a room together and there was so much love they made a baby, and it was "Law Abiding Citizen".

It was just blah. A series of scenes about chock, that's it. If you want to see this kind of thing then you will enjoy this film. For me, it was average. It wasn't great but I was entertained. The Verdict: I feel like I got my dollars worth, barely.

A Week of RedBox

2010-03-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

This week, I will be blogging about films I've gotten from the RedBox. According to the scholarly source of wikipedia; "Redbox kiosks are located across the United States in fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The machines can be identified by their trademark red appearance and the slight arching of their top surface, as seen in the company's logo."

I haven't been this excited about a vending machine since the first day of junior high when I realized I had access to candy ALL DAY! Get a single DVD for a single night for a single dollar. AWESOME!

Redbox movies fill a valuable spot in my movie watching life.

- Sometimes Netflix will take forever to get a movie to me... REDBOX!

- Sometimes you're getting some groceries on the way home and see the movie "The Game Plan" with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and think, I want to see a movie and am willing to see a sub par movie, but I don't want to buy "The Game Plan".... REDBOX!

- Sometimes you are out with friends and a title comes up but haven't been in a video store in 6 years and don't want the hassle of creating a membership because you think you owe Blockbuster Video along with the people at Columbia Records, a ridiculous amount of late fees.... REDBOX!

Go online and find RedBox, see if there is one near you. If there is, then give it a shot. Also, come back every day for the next week and find a blog about a film I picked up at the RedBox... Find out what I'm watching and whether I'm getting my dollar's worth or not.

American Idol Season 9 Top 12

2010-03-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well, It's Idol time. The time of year when those of you who love idol come out to the blog in droves. Those who hate idol, well avert your eyes to these posts. Tonight's American Idol Blog will be written directly to the contestants. It's a reminder that I am talking about people, so I should be kind of nice. I wrote each of these before I heard from the judges.

Mike- Not great but he's a lovable guy and will be okay. I wasn't rocked by last week when everyone else was. I felt like you seemed small on the stage this week. Open it up.

Didi- Good night for you. I don't think you're a fabulous but I think she is super cute and should call me.

Casey- Blah Blah you're handsome. But there are plenty of handsome people who can sing. You're not one of those people. You don't sound bad, but you don't sound great. I'm sure there is a barn dance that needs a band with a hunky lead singer, you may want to check this out.

Lacey- Ehhh, I knew I knew you. You're that girl that sings at church. I'm not too impressed. No offense, I'd enjoy hearing you sing in church but not on TV, and DEFINITELY not on my iPod.

Andrew- I love that song. It sounded rough for SURE! I really hope you step it up because you have 2 more weeks before I stop saying "I liked that guy before" and move into "I really don't like that guy."

Katie- You have not really impressed me and I was as surprised as you that you made the top 12. Then again the bar isn't that high this year.

Tim- It's a good thing you're liked by the ladies. I was SHOCKED you made it this far. I'll say that you've shown improvement, but I'm not sure you have anything to say as an artist.

Siobhan- Your name is weird. I really don't care for the screaming but I actually liked the arrangement. I guess you just feel volatile to me. I look forward to seeing more about your hippy family.

Lee- Pride of Chicago? Not quite. I've been to Chicago and there are better things in that city than you. I don't see what people like about you? You are sounding less like Creed which is more better. I felt awkward during the post interview because you were so nervous.

Paige- I really wasn't impressed by you. Not bad, I'd enjoy myself if I was seeing a play with you singing but beyond that, blah blah blah.

Aaron- You deserve to win a HS talent show. That's it. I really don't get why you're still here. I wish that dancer guy was still here. I don't remember his name but I remember liking him more than you.

Crystal- You are good. Not great, and not as good as everyone is saying you are, but you're good. I wouldn't mind seeing you as an opening band, but at this point, I don't have any desire to see you headline. Tonight's song was a good encore song, but not a great opening the concert song. At this stage of the game we need "opening the concert" songs.

Overall, Ellen makes me laugh, good addition but may be too little too late. Simon is disengaged and I really don't see him outside of Idol, but I could be wrong. Randy is just Randy, predictable and not articulate. Kara seems more flighty since Paula left the show. I wonder if this is not an issue of Paula's drug habits, but the producers forcing that flighty element.

RESULT SHOW: Okay good... I'm glad we're getting rid of the bad people but honestly I'm not rooting for anyone. Bye bye Lacey, the churches praise team will welcome you back after you get done with the summer tour because you won't have a career to keep you busy.

It may be too late for this show. Not much wowing taking place this season and let's be honest, watching Idol is a commitment of time.

FYI: Feed Your iPod

2010-02-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

My friend emailed me this last week to ask for some musical tips. She is traveling to NYC and wants to fill her new iPod with some favorites. After writing her a long list I decided to put it on here. This list isn't exhaustive because I know she has other stuff, but these are things I know she doesn't have... maybe you don't either, so Enjoy.

INDIE TYPE STUFF
Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars
Northern Sky by Nick Drake
Let it be me by Ray LaMontagne
You Are the Best Thing Ray LaMontagne
Simple Things by Amy Kuney

a good EP is... The Tip Jar Volume 1- Obadiah Parker... only getting 2
songs? lame, you shouldn't but check these 2...
Let's stay together
Hey Ya

great album... 19 by Adele get the whole thing, but these songs are great...
Daydreamer
Chasing Pavements
Make you Feel My Love

album... Battle Studies by John Mayer is a CD that grows on you. I
likes a LOT... a few in case you can't commit.
Heartbreak Warfare
Friends, Lovers or Nothing
Who Says
Perfectly Lonely

Jason Mraz's new album is decent... I like these songs.
I'm Yours
Lucky
If it Kills Me
Make it Mine

500 days of summer soundtrack. If not the whole thing, these 5 songs...
Us - Regina Spektor
She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra
Hero - Regina Spektor
Mushaboom - Feist
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

FREE & FUN SONG THAT MAKES ME WANT TO SIP FRUITY DRINKSHorchata- Vampire Weekend (http://vampireweekend.com/horchata/)

REQUIRED HIP HOP SONG TO WALK THE NYC STREETS TOEmpire State of Mind by Jay-Z

OTHER GOOD HIP HOPImma Be by Black Eyed Peas
Thank you by Jay-z
Rising Up by The Roots (give this song a minute, it gets catchy and then you love it.)
Stronger by Kanye West
Umbrella Rihanna & Jay-Z

If you don't have The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill, that is a crime. Remedy this situation. Too Cheap? At least get these...
Lost Ones
Doo Wap (that thing)
Superstar
Every Ghetto Every City
Everything is Everything

YES, I OWN THIS AND YOU SHOULD TOO...
Party in the U.S.A. Miley Cirus
Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna

GOOD MORE ROCKIN THAN INDIE, BUT GOOD
Come on get Higher by Matt Nathenson
breakeven by The Script
Believe (Moon Version) by The Bravery
Conductor by We Were Promised Jet Packs
That's not my name by the ting tings
Shut up and let me go by the ting tings

whole album... no list of selections, just get it...

Only by the Night- Kings of Leon

GOOD SONGS TO WALK TO IN THE AIRPORT AND FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN A MOVIE

Rose Rouge (radio edit) by Analogue People
Around the World by Daft Punk
Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Mondo '77 by Looper

this commercial is nearly perfect.

2010-02-20T22:42:00.001-08:00

I am buying this product, just to support the company that approves ads like this.

Book: Blink

2010-02-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

2/16/10: "Interesting Read"

I was at Barnes & Noble to spend a gift card that I've had for nearly 5 years. (I'm not a fan of Barnes & Noble, wondering why? Click Here.) I wanted to get a book that would be fun and educational all at once. I'd read Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" a few years back and really enjoyed it. It is some basic psychology wrapped up in easy to understand terms. Very accessible and very helpful. I would strongly recommend "The Tipping Point". So, while walking the aisles of I recognized the font and look of the book. I am not a dust jacket guy, as soon as I buy a book I throw them away, but this purchase affirms the need for a good cover. As I walked towards the shelf my gut reaction was "stop looking, this is the book you're gonna buy." I looked it over and found it interesting, but kept searching.

Sure enough, 30 minutes later, I was buying this book. I had to blog this story of buying the book because it encapsulates what this book is about. I had a split second reaction that was on point. Blink is about how our brain makes judgments that are instinctive and often access our whole arsenal of experience within an instant. It is learning to explore that split second reaction because there is something to it. When I first understood the premise I was hesitant but the author makes it clear that those split second decisions can be poisoned by prejudice, and we need to develop our experience to correct such a problem.

Gladwell uses great stories to develop his points and this book is no exception. While it wasn't as good as "The Tipping Point", it was still enjoyable. I have to do a LOT of reading with work and school, but when I am in that place, I find I read more. During the summer or a break, if I am not reading for those things, I often won't read for fun either. Weird, but it's how I work. This book was a quick read (done in a week), and is a nice break from heavy reading. It's worth picking up if you like to consider the way people think.

Movie: Avatar

2010-02-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

2/15/10: "I saw Avatar and I was right..."

So, I did it. I spent the money to go see this "amazing film". My thoughts can be summed up in a single word: "Ehhhhhhhhhhh...." It really was what I expected. The visuals were great but there was not much to the story. It accomplished the "make an effect not look like an effect" effect really well, and that isn't easy to pull off. I think it deserves all the praise for being visually stunning because it is.

Now with that said, I am really bothered by the hype this movie is getting. Some friends attribute this to my "not liking things everyone likes" but I don't think that is true. I just thought the story telling in this movie was blah. It was long and drawn out, it was a cliche take on classic story elements, the only great thing was the visuals. The fact that this movie is nominated for best picture is downright ridiculous. This is by no means best picture material.

I want to give everyone a right to hold an opinion even if its wrong. Avatar deserves an Oscar for Best Picture in the same way that the Water World Stunt Spectacular deserves the Tony for Best Play. Sure, Water World took place on a stage, is performed live with actors, and is fun, but that doesn't make it the best play. Same with Avatar as a film: cool to look at, you walk out having enjoyed yourself, but not epic.

My conclusion, see it in the theater for the visuals (3D - IMAX is the way to go), buy it to show off your new flat screen TV. Other than that, this movie is blah.

1/1/10: "I haven't seen it yet, but I have thoughts anyway..."

I'm sure you've heard about this little movie called Avatar, I sure have. Since the buzz over the movie started back when I was in High School and I have spent the last 2 weeks reading status updates saying it was great, you'd think I'd be excited. I'm not.

After asking everyone who has seen it about the story they say... ehhhhh. "Visually stunning" they say, but everything else is sub-par. I feel an obligation to see this in the theaters because it's "visually stunning", so there is a bit of a ticking clock. But, I want a good story!

So, it looks like James Cameron has taken the Pocahontas story and used it as a framework for a 3D adventure. Maybe I will gather the $20 to see this on an IMAX screen, or maybe I will pass. Time will tell.

Movie: Lovely Bones

2010-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

2/4/10- "Spoiler Alert, this movie is a waste of time."

I know that it's going to sound like I had a big glass of "Hater-ade" but I really don't know how else to approach this. I guess there's a side of me that wants to just walk away from this movie and not speak of it. Kind of like that ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend in your past with whom you have a developed a mental block; you just don't think about it and try to forget. But I can't do this. I just can't.

I work with students and I love it. I love their imperfections, their innocence, the good and the bad. One thing that students generally do is LOVE whatever movies they've seen recently. If I asked a group of young people between the ages of 12-14 what their favorite movies, I guarantee you 1/3 of them will name a movie that has been in theaters in the last 4 months. It's in their nature. The last few days I've been shocked... SHOCKED at how many of them updated their statuses of Facebook with a statement like this: "Lovely Bones, OMG so so good!"

This movie is garbage. I am going to ruin the plot, so be warned. It starts off decent; it looks good as far as cinematography, the characters have a nice family dynamic, it was going good. Then via the overused narration the girl makes it clear that she's going to die. Eventually there is no mystery, none whatsoever. You know who done it. So apparently this is a movie about watching a family go through grief. Well there isn't really time for that to be developed because every few minutes we have to devote time to watching this girl walk around a bunch of hippy paintings; Giant waterfalls, sun and moon, water becoming land. THEN you try and get back into watching this family mourn. Rather than a "who done it" story, it's a "will the bad guy get caught" story. Okay, so we go back and forth between these 3 elements;
1- boo hoo, family is sad.
2- yippee, the little girl is walking in a cosmic park with her new asian friend.
3- is the family going to solve the mystery?
(repeat)

Okay, so the family hurting issue just wraps itself up after time, no rhyme or reason, just time. THEN the Sister figures out the murderer, and tells the family the answer after a few minutes of greeting her returning mom. Those few minutes were crucial because it meant the bad guy got away. LET ME REPEAT THAT... The Bad Guy got away. The movie is called Lovely Bones and they never even find the bones. They are minutes from finding them, one psychic character is watching the bones being disposed and all she does is channel the victim girl so she can resolve a 2 week school crush of a 14 year old!

AHHHHHH.... I was sitting in the theater RIDICULOUSLY frustrated. Then, the final scene of the movie, the murderer is talking with a young girl at a roadside diner. There is an "oh no, not again" feeling for the audience. The girl blows the guy off and walks away. THEN, here's the kicker... the camera moves up and shows an icicle. I sigh as I think, "Oh great, the guy is going to die by nature. The 'universe' is going to get revenge." Sure enough the icicle falls and as it hits the guys shoulder and shatters, showing it was small and not deadly. The guy brushes his shoulder, saying ouch, and then stumbles a little backward. OOPS... he's standing on the edge of the quarry. Dude falls down and dies. And the credits roll. SERIOUSLY!!! Seriously, this is ridiculous. I am not a personal fan of the 'universe' getting random justice, I would have been happier if the icicle impaled the guy. Call me a violent stereotypical guy, that's fine but COME ON!

This movie was boring the whole way through, but the end was horrific. SO... why did I spend a blog to vent?
1. Because I have taken hold of the false belief that because I have a blog I can be uber-critical and it matters.
2. To redeem the money I wasted on this film so that at least I got a blog out of the time and money wasted.
3. To warn friends to avoid this movie by giving my opinion and ruining the ridiculous plot.

Be warned friends, be warned.

game show failures...

2010-01-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

sometimes you need to be happy with what you've got...
(cough cough... too bold... cough cough)

dude, really... dude.

not technically a game show but a classic clip none the less.

Crying Wife

2010-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

There are a few reasons why I am not married at this point in my life...

One of them (that I am pretty sure will never be remedied) is that I don't understand when girly folk get emotional. I'm not saying guys don't have weird stuff, but as a guy I feel like I understand our emotional issues. Not ladies.

One thing I don't really get is girls crying at the drop of a hat.

Exhibit A: CryingWife.com

I am sure she's a nice girl, but she's also a little nuts too.

(Kudos to Russell Barrett, creator of Outer Space Astronauts, for the link.)

MLK

2010-01-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Growing up, my dad was calculated with the things he had us do on Sunday Afternoons. Once a month we would visit some kind of museum. It was his desire that we be educated beyond our schools. He wanted us to consider the world; the complexity of science, the beauty of art, the gravity of history, all of it. I recall visits to the African-American Museum in Exposition Park. I can remember standing in front of a television in that museum the first time we visited and listening to Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech. I remember being around seven years old and thinking that this dream had been accomplished; I went to school with children of various races and didn't see the big deal. As I got older I realized that while progress had been made, we had further to go. Today when I searched YouTube for this speech and began to read the vile comments that were posted by ignorant anonymous fools, it made my heart ache.

I appreciate the day off, and am spending it like most people relaxing. But I did take a few minutes and listened to this speech below. I listened to the whole thing, not just the sound bites. I considered the words of Dr. King and how they remained true. My hope is that one day I can take my child to the same museum that I visited. That we'd stand before a similar display and that in that moment my son or daughter would also think that the dream had come true. My hope is that on that day, they would be more right than I was in my youth.

Thank you Dr. King, for shining a light on the darkness that remains.

Conan vs. Leno

2010-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

1/16/10- "It breaks my heart that the man for the job will need to find a new job."

(skip below for latest update)

1/9/10- "If this is really happening, then NBC is showing it is short sided and doesn't know how to program...again."

It was a bad idea. Plain and simple, the Jay Leno show at 10 was a BAD idea. Now they are going to remedy this bad idea by trying to put things "back the way they were", well that is a HORRIBLE idea. If you haven't heard, the hot rumor right now is that NBC is canceling the Jay Leno show at 10, and they want to move Leno back to 11:30. They are giving Conan O'Brien the option to stay at NBC and have a show start at 12, or to leave NBC. While this is all unconfirmed, NBC has made comments that seem to point to this being a real possibility. I am absolutely shocked at how this is going down.

First off, they never gave Conan the chance to figure things out. Leno struggled against David Letterman for the first 2 years he was on the Tonight Show. His ratings took a dip when Johnny Carson left, that just happens. The reason Conan saw a bigger dive is because NBC split his audience. He had people following him from Late Night, but Leno's audience didn't give him a shot because they weren't required to. It's funny how people are very firm in their distaste, yet will be won over time. Conan needed that time, those two years to establish himself with that audience.

The problem for NBC is those people may not come back. With TiVo, Hulu and a wide open field with basic cable TV viewers have more options. So, they left and very likely may not come back. Plus NBC is playing a short game that will harm the long term. Back in 2007, everyone looked at the Tonight Show as a great place for Conan. Unfortunately a few years later, Leno is not ready to retire and therefore has set his replacement up for failure. Johnny Carson was a class act when he left and you'd think Leno would do the same thing. I understand Leno sees himself as still being a viable option, and maybe he is an option in another slot. I bet if Leno had pursued a weekly comedy show, hour long gig, it would have had HUGE ratings! All the old people could watch their Jay Walking segments and Leno could knock it out of the park with a weekly monologue instead of a nightly monologue. I wouldn't of watched it because I really don't care for Leno, but I am pretty sure that of worked.

Instead, when Leno signed off in May of last year he didn't say goodbye he basically said "I'm off for a summer vacation and on in Prime-time, see you there." Take a look at how his predecessor operated...

Johnny Carson's Goodbye
"And so it has come to this: I, uh... am one of the lucky people in the world; I found something I always wanted to do, and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I want to thank the gentlemen who've shared this stage with me for thirty years, Mr. Ed McMahon... Mr. Doc Severinsen... and... you people watching, I can only tell you that it has been an honor and a privilege to come into your homes all these years and entertain you—and I hope when I find something that I want to do, and I think you would like, and come back, that you'll be as gracious in inviting me into your home as you have been. I bid you a very heartfelt good night."

That is a class act and Leno strikes me as a guy who is afraid of not working. Leno does stand up on the weekends, he doesn't have a night where he's taking a break. When he goes on vacation from TV it is just to do more stand up. He has to be working all the time, and in the Tonight Show, he found a job he loves. When the economy took a dump, and NBC was petrified to loose Leno to another network, the Jay Leno Show was born. This is a show that came out of fear. The fear of loosing Leno to another network and fear of the economic downturn and spending money on dramas. I watched the show a few times and while I admittedly don't like Leno so that makes me bias, the format just didn't work. It wasn't different enough, it was a standard Carson-style show but it took away a desk and it added awkward "young talent". By young talent I mean, they found other comedians to do bits on the show. Now, the bits were tired and clearly had a Leno style. Coming from non-Leno comedians, it seemed ridiculous. It was not very funny at all. And the "Hip/Fresh" talent was not very fresh or hip (i.e. "the dan band").

I am really bummed at these rumors, I am truly disappointed because I like Conan O'Brien and I want to see his show succeed. He was handling the House that Carson built with care, while putting his own stamp on it. This situation means everyone looses (except for maybe FOX). If O'Brien looses The Tonight Show at 11:30, well he is a victim of a man who can't grasp changing times and embrace time off. Leno, move on.

1/16/10- "It breaks my heart that the man for the job will need to find a new job."

It is nearly official, Conan is out and Leno is back in. I greatly appreciate Conan doing what he did. He took the high road and basically said If NBC doesn't want me as the host of 11:35, then they don't want me to host "The Tonight Show".

Here's Conan's Statement:

In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky. That said, I’ve been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.

Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over the Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.

But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.

Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Showinto the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn’t the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.

So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of theTonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn’t matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.

There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.

Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair; it’s always been that way.

NOW... there is a guy that is going to take the high road and do his best with the franchise he inherited. From what friends that work on the show have told me, Conan's greatest concern is for the people that work for him. Many people have said that this whole situation is show business and people get fired all the time. In general that is true but "The Tonight Show" is something very different.

Loosing the future of the franchise to squeeze a couple more years out of Leno is a mistake. NBC has been ridiculous in response to the situation, leaking things to the press saying that they are disappointed that Conan didn't get the ratings they wanted. They are making claims that he didn't listen to requests to broaden his appeal. It's a smear campaign and a way of making their mishandling appear warranted. I was shocked that Leno would have Jimmy Kimmel on his show (video here). Kimmel said some pretty blunt things about the situation and Leno just stood there and took it.

I assume that Leno is going to just take the slack for the next 6 months. He will make jokes about NBC (an easy target), but at the end of the day he is a man that went back on his word. Leno said he chose to exit because he didn't "want to see anybody ever have to go through that again." (If you are wondering what I'm referring to, take a look at the video bellow.)

I thought I had a great resolution to the situation, but my hypothetical didn't work out. I was reading an article that talked about how David Letterman had till 2010 on his contract and that he was indifferent about whether or not to renew hit. In essence he said he could do another year or not, and it was up to CBS. My idea was simple, have O'Brien take over for Letterman in the Fall. Letterman could become the Executive Producer and give him full support. Letterman owns "The Late Show" and licenses it to CBS, which gives him a lot more creative control which is a perfect situation for O'Brien. Back in June of last year, Letterman foiled my plan be renewing his Contract until 2012. That is a good fit for Conan and doesn't over-saturate the market. As of right now there are 3 white guys on at the same time during late night to tell jokes and interview celebrities. Conan elsewhere makes it 4, and considering this formula needs reinvention, I don't think it will work. The other issue is, Conan would go on at 11:00 on FOX, competing with The Daily Show which shares his audience. I'd say ABC at 11:30, but they've said in statements that they're sticking with their current late night line up with News and Kimmel. So, Conan is in a tough spot and I blame a single person... LENO.

I think this is the best way to sum things up...

Jay's 2004 Announcement - watch more funny videos

ding dong the witch is dead...

2010-01-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ha ha ha ha ha... I couldn't be more excited about this. The NFL looked so good to Carroll that leaving his players and pending NCAA sanctions was too good to be true.

I think this sums it up and is more relevant today than ever before...

Random: Adam & Eve Art

2010-01-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

I'm doing some work on series art for something we have coming up at church. Here's one of the paintings I found of the fall. While the baby heads with wings are great, my favorite is Adam. He's looking up to God and has the greatest look on his face.... "Whaaaaat? I didn't do anything??? It was the lady...." Very funny.

Education: Yale

2010-01-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

1/4/10 "I'm going to Yale SUCKAS!!!"

So, it turns out Yale is providing online courses for FREE. Sure, you don't get credit and can't really justify wearing a YALE sweatshirt if you took a free class online, but STILL! I think it's great to know that one of the most prestigious universities in our country is just giving education away. I like the challenge of taking an Ivy League level class so I think I'm gonna take a class.

Now I am planning on starting next week when school starts for me. It may seem backwards to start this while I am doing grad school already, and maybe it is. But why not try it! If it doesn't work, I will try it in Summer. This semester I am thinking about taking Hist 119 about the Civil War and Reconstruction or Eng 220 about Milton. What do you think I should take? History or English??

Movie: You've Got Mail

2010-01-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

1/3/10- "Sleepless in Seattle part 2, not as good as the first."

Today was my last day of vacation before getting back to it tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting back to work, but will miss the days of just going to the beach, reading a book and watching some TV. After watching a little football this afternoon I flipped the channel to E! to see that "You've Got Mail" was just starting. Now, there is something about catching the start of a movie on TV. Sure, you've got 200 dvds with far superior films 20 feet away, but you'll go ahead and watch this.

"You've Got Mail" is a film built on a formula and titled after an AOL trademark. (Remember AOL, it was the only way to get on the internet when you first started going on the internet.) {If you say, "What about Prodigy?" you're identifying yourself as being old and nerdy.} The movie is really based on the success of "Sleepless in Seattle", a good little movie in my opinion. 2 problems with this follow up explain why this movie fell short.

1. You've got the two people together the whole movie: Okay remember "Jaws", how you didn't get a chance to see shark until the end? It's the same thing with Sleepless in Seattle. You fall in love with the individuals separately and revel in the idea of them being together. You really theorize what their interaction together would be like, your imagination wrote the relationship. Remember "Jaws 2", where you saw the whole shark the whole time? I didn't think you'd remember that and that's a reason why "You've Got Mail" is forgettable.

2. An Endearing Tragedy vs. Corporate Greed: "Sleepless in Seattle" starts with the main character's wife dying, going right after your heart strings and showing the guys ability to love. This appeals to a persons desire to help the hurting. (i.e. "Mommy, I found this puppy, can he live with us?" / "Mommy, I'm dating this convict, can he live with us?") If it were not for this tragedy, we couldn't have the romance. It brings the Characters together. What brings the characters together in "You've Got Mail"? The fact that Tom Hanks character wants to move into her neighborhood with his giant book store. What redeems his character and makes him love-able? It's certainly not the Godfather quotes he makes all the time. Sure he's witty and still Tom Hanks, so that makes it bearable. What about the fact that Tom Hanks character is dating a horrible woman. Not a hapless nerd, like Bill Pulman's character in Sleepless. The characters don't come across as people ready to love each other. They spend most of the movie being negative to each other and that is what you walk away with.

This movie is sending a message to girls that they should just settle for that guy they already know but would never think about dating because he's probably the guy of your dreams. I know some of you are going to argue that this isn't a sequel and its just a good movie on its own. Well, I know it's saturday night and you're by yourself so you're a little bias. Put the half empty bottle of merlot and the completely empty carton of Ben & Jerry's to the side. Think about it. This movie is garbage. You like the idea of romance, you like the two actors that play the main characters, you romanticize New York; that's all. The movie didn't win you over, the idea of the movie did.

I hate to be a downer in the New Year, but I'm keeping it real in 2010!

List of 2009

2010-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

1/1/2010 "When I just think about favorites today, this is what I think of."

These are things I found in 2009, they may have come out long before that but this was the year that I came to know them and loved them.

Best Movies:
1. UP
2. Up In The Air
3. 500 Days of Summer

Best Albums:
1. Only By The Night- Kings of Leon

Best Rediscovered Music:
1. The Beatles
2. Jay-Z
3. Yacht Rock- Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, etc...

Best Musical Acts I fell for in 2009
1. Frightened Rabbit
2. The Roots
3. Obadiah Parker

Best New TV Show
1. Modern Family on ABC
2. How I Met Your Mother on CBS

Best New Web Show
1. Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

Best New Websites:
1. Woot
2. Awkward Family Photos
3. 1001 rules for my unborn son

Best New Book I read for Fun:
1. Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2. Live from New York by James Miller & Tom Shales
3. To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Best New App for the iPhone:

1. Tweetie

2. Dragon Dictation

3. Scrabble

Thoughts of Trent: The Evolution

2010-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog 2 years ago, it was a chance to share my opinion about things. What it evolved into was a chance to write articles. Articles take time, require structure and are more work than just posting thoughts. The last year has been one of the busiest of my life and consequently the blog suffered. I just didn't have the time in my day to write a fancy article for every bit of media I encountered.

Now I am not saying life is going to change and I will find more time to blog, because that isn't going to happen. I simply want to redefine what this blog is going to be about which will allow for more content. I guess overall I'd like to lower the bar on what I write here. I'm not going to feel the need to write a long witty article that I secretly hope would end up on The Daily Beast. Instead this will be like my online Moleskine, you know those hipster journals made famous by Hemingway. Now, with that said this will not be my diary or journal where I share my deep dark secrets. I will not use this as a passive aggressive tool to make a point.

Content will vary:
Sometimes the writing will be deep and sometimes shallow.
Sometimes I will post content I've seen other places and sometimes I will post content I've created.

Content will be fluid:
Posts will not be definitive. For instance, my opinion may change or something new may come up. If that's the case, I will simply add to my existing post and change the date so it gets a bump to the top.

Content will be about everything:
I will write about things that I've seen and my thoughts. Just because I write about something doesn't mean I'm endorsing it. Everyone needs to use their judgment about what is good for them to watch.

So, I we will see how this new direction goes. I hope you enjoy the ride. I hope that you discover some new things threw this blog. I hope that you agree and disagree with me, but comment accordingly. I hope that my blog becomes a representation of who I am, not who I want to be.

I am doing this...

2009-10-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Darin

If you want to be in my 15 seconds of this masterpiece, let me know.

I am not going to do Eharmony...

2009-09-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

...but I would totally do a video if it came out like this!

horrible

2009-09-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

usually my blog is giggles and criticism, but today I had to post something different cause I can't stop thinking about it.
I read a news story today...This 4 month old baby is dead because some gang members got in an argument. Some petty fight over ridiculous gang crap has lead to an innocent life being taken away. This is horrific. This makes me sick to my stomach. Thinking about this brings up an anger from my core. I hope that these 2 murderers that committed this crime don't sleep tonight. I hope that they have seen this picture on the news. I hope that it haunts them. I wish they would walk into a police station with their hands in the air and tears in their eyes because every other scenario I think about involves retaliatory evil.

This week I broke up a little scuffle among a couple middle schoolers. They're good kids, and just got on each others nerves. We talked it out, and how it didn't need to get to the point where it's a fight. It was just pettiness and they didn't handle it like human beings. They were selfish and just escalated the situation by not bending. We can't all get our way all the time. We have to let little things go. This murder of a child is a product of the same thing that these two students dealt with. Unwilling to yield, having to prove your status, all of it has to stop. It has to stop at the start. We have to get in the habit as kids, and if we are grown then we need to see how we're acting like kids.

Sorry for babbling, but I am just so disgusted. I have compassion for the family that has lost this child, but my sense of justice is through the roof right now. Today is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. I long for a price to be paid here. I hold to hope for a day when these kinds of things will pass.

I hurt.

my mom says I have a good voice...

2009-09-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

but this right here is why I don't record myself singing and put it on the internet. I have serious fear that I look and sound like this.

Get to at least 1:26 where she forgets the words for a second...priceless.

breaking news...Kanye West makes Taylor Swift look mature.

2009-09-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

This just in, but not surprising at all. Kanye West has completely lost it and is a classless idiot. It's sad to see a talent like his with a personality like this...

I could care less about the VMAs or Taylor Swift, but this guy's out of control.

Apparently a lot of artists are calling him out. I'd quote them here but it'd change our rating from PG-13 to R. Seriously, this guys is nutty pants.

co-workers shirt...

2009-09-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a shirt I designed for someone I work with. When you have a favorite co-worker, t-shirts are required.

Stealing...

2009-09-07T00:42:00.000-07:00

I am going to steal a line from my friend Eddie directly...

WOMEN BE TRIPPIN!

I wanted to be a dad...

2009-08-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

...so I can do things like this.

(awkward family photo)

On Point

2009-08-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

Stewart Sums up my thoughts on this Hollywood Slop.

Trent Lewis is Something Worth Living For

2009-07-31T00:56:00.000-07:00

apparently some dude that shares my name posted pictures of himself on youtube. I'd be lying if I didn't say I had thought of a pretty great response video.

Things I don't like yield humor:

2009-07-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don't like forwards, especially from my great aunt (whom I've never met). I really don't like forwards from someone she plays bridge with in Rhode Island. (I initially blew this off as elderly spam.)

Also, I don't like denominational bickering. It is one of the most embarrassing things about the church that I hold dear and employees me.

With that said, this made me laugh.

Probably fake, but doesn't make it less funny.

It's often assumed...

2009-07-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

...that because of my job, that I am a Fox News watching conservative. Well, spend some time with me and allow the topic of politics to come up and you will find that isn't the case. I am in the ambiguous middle. (A very fun place, we get to make fun of EVERYBODY!)

With that said, I am not a fan of 24 hour news or the impact its made on the journalistic integrity of the media. I'm often asked why I don't like Fox News. There are 100 different answers to that question. Here is one.

It's not JUST the ridiculous outfit and horribly pale legs. It's the idea that we're going to tear down this idea of a program's creed that speaks of working together. THIS is why I hate Fox News.

So this is love...

2009-07-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

do do do do... so this is love...

NOTE TO SELF: When I get a lady, I need to get more denim.

(via: awkwardfamilyphotos)

I Loathe Beth Cooper

2009-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, let's put the guy who is almost 30 in a polo shirt that was popular when he was in High School... that will make him young.

I loathe Beth Cooper. Now this isn't just a statement of disdain for the film but also for the main character. I hate to jump right in without a witty retort or a story of how I saw this movie. I usually try to avoid spewing hate towards films because I feel like it makes me just like every other blogger. But there are moments that I feel my sense of civic duty overrides my desire to be different or well spoken.

This movie is horrible. I confess I saw an early screening and they give us the speech that it isn't the finished film, but I don't think they could redeem this movie. It looks like they got the same director of photography as Twilight, giving it a TV movie feel. The actor/male love interest is 10 years older than the part he's playing and it's obvious. When this movie comes out on Blue Ray and is viewed on a 1080i tv, this fact is going to become even more obvious. The story is predictable and a bad version of a genre I love, the teen movie (even with the time constraints I love, a single night.) You never connect with the characters as they go from zany teen hi jinx to zany teen hi jinx.

The main culprit of this film is Beth Cooper, played by Hayden Panettiere. She is written as an unredeemed, obnoxious stereotype. She is played by an actress that in all that I have seen can not act. (Watching Hereos from a non-fan perspective, it's obvious.) The sad part for me is that Chris Columbus directed this movie: this guy wrote Gremlins and Goonies! He has had some duds (Bicentenial Man) and some hits (Harry Potter 1&2), but I expected more from him. I know he hit his stride directing a John Hughes written film (Home Alone) and from what I've heard he's always had a deep appreciation for John Hughes and his teen films of the 1980's. Well, unfortunately this movie doesn't deserve to be put in the same category as those films.

This movie is bad, I am appealing to friends, heck even teens, everyone, don't see this movie. Don't encourage them to make bad movies. With that said, I hope that Hollywood doesn't see this films failure at the box office as a sign that American's don't like these movies anymore. It should be a sign that American's don't like bad movies.

Moon

2009-07-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

If I was an astronaut, I'd do something to make my moon suit stand out more so you knew it was me. Right now my ideas include a denim vest, a bowler hat or rhinestones.

A few weeks back I was hanging with my friend Eddie whose cinematic judgment tends to align with my own. We were talking about different movies coming out. He asked me if I was excited about Moon. I had no clue what he was talking about. He started to explain the premise and the trailer, which is never successful. He encouraged me to go home and watch it. Well, I forgot.

Then this last week I was talking with my friend Darin about seeing a movie. Darin is new to the area and we may become movie buddies. I respect Darin's artistic judgment and so far we have a similar taste in films. We were talking about seeing Public Enemies but then this Moon film came up again. I said I was interested but it was only playing at the Arclight, so it would be a hike. He asked if I'd seen the trailer and I admitted I hadn't. Well, right there we logged on to Apple.com and watched. Let me do you the favor of making it simple for you to watch the trailer.

You MUST watch this.

Ok, now you're a step ahead of me. After watching this trailer, I was amped about Moon. I wanted to see this movie very badly. Well, after seeing this film I must say I was not disappointed. This is definitely more of an indie movie than it is Sci Fi. Don't go into it expecting a laser battle/save the galaxy extravaganza, go for a character drama that's going to leave you asking questions. Not questions about what happened, because it doesn't leave you hanging. This was a great movie that moved along at a great pace. I loved the interpretation of the future and space; very realistic.

I really don't know how to proceed as I share my thoughts on this movie. I don't want to give anything away, and everything I want to discuss will do that. So, if you are into a good indie, character drama, find a theater near you and see this movie. I fear it won't get a super wide release, but hey a trip to the arclight isn't a bad idea!

In conclusion,

go see moon.

when I die...

2009-07-02T01:08:00.001-07:00

Please don't put my name on your car, I don't want that as a memorial to me. This seems more fitting.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Waste of Time

2009-06-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Their look of confusion is fitting. This movie is so bad, it baffles the mind.

This movie is really not good. I just finished watching it and I feel like it was a complete waste of time and I got nothing out of it. So I picked up my computer and was committed to getting at least a blog post out of it. Interesting idea, good MacGuffin, lots of hipster music; I'm in. I like a good teen comedy and absolutely love Michael Cera. This movie disappoints on every front. The story feels like it never gets off the ground. It's full of cheesy dialogue trying to be sold as poetic musings of a teen lyricist. Just because you wear hip clothes and play a bunch of bands that aren't popular doesn't make your movie good.

In my opinion, Michael Cera needs to reconsider his choices with movies like this and Year One. Arrested Development and Juno are the kinds of films that he needs to make. This is like the generic version of Juno, missing the story and the soul. I'm sure his agent sold him on this film because it's a leading role but maybe he's not there yet.

Overall this movie goes into the, don't waste your time category. It's boring, trying to be current and not engaging. I hope you're able to save your time and money.

I joined a Mafia

2009-06-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

For the last 9 months I've been getting a request twice a week to play an online game. It's an application through Facebook called Mafia Wars. I'm reading a book right now about the reason Facebook is so successful and they say it's because of the applications. When I first got Facebook I was hesetant to "install" any application. When I had a PC that was the cardinal sin that would give you a virus that no medication could fix. Eventually I let my guard down and understood that is was just a Facebook thing, not an install to my machine. Still, every week a request to join someones mafia.

Finally 2 weeks ago I caved. I went on there to see what the deal was. I spentsome time learning the layout and how to play and then I played the game. This took 10 minutes. After initial frustration I learned the beauty of this game. I can't play it for more that 5 minutes because that's how it's built. Sure I can play 3-4 times during my day, but that's it. I started timing my games and it was on average 2 minutes online for each session.

It's a simple little game about accumulating money and getting more skill points. This is done through a series of missions and fights. There is no skill required, no hand eye coordination, it's just managing your profile for a few minutes. I know I keep mentioning the time thing, because to me that's what makes the game beautiful and accessible. You're not getting into something that's a giant time suck. Instead, this is something that will be a fun distraction for a few minutes and leave you wanting more.

You may not be a fan of the game, this kind of thing isn't everyone's cup of tea. But if you'd enjoy a few minutes online while sitting at your computer then this is for you.

If you don't want to play but have a facebook, join my MAFIA! All you have to do is join, then turn off the notifications so you don't get the messages "so and so just gifted you an untraceable cellphone." Then you're helping people and making me quite happy.

Remembering Michael

2009-06-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'm sure this is how he'd want to be remembered.

bye MJ.

2009-06-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

This makes me really sad.

-trent

here's a link to an article I wrote last year.

Random: A discussion of governemnt

2009-06-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

More or less government? Luckily the people at Fox News bring in these titans of politics to discuss.

Random: I should visit Iran

2009-06-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

why math is nerdy...

2009-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

This guy is no where near hip but I'm still amazed at what he does.

I usually don't watch Discovery...

2009-06-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Men vs. Wild with Will Ferrell - watch more funny videos

I need a house to watch Discovery Channel Tuesday Night... If you want me to visit you, TiVo this and I'll be there.

Who's on First?

2009-05-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

This still makes me laugh. I remember listening to it when I was a kid. There is a reason these guys are legends. If you've never seen it, give it a listen it's classic American comedy.

UP (part 1)

2009-05-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the Premiere Party with Emily, Jeff and Nikki. Emily's hanging on my arm and looking stoic into the distance. Jeff is pointing at the tubby little kid after telling a joke about his trumpet. Nikki is filled with glee at the prospect of giving the giant bird a wet willy.

I am a Disney Dork, we all know that. There really isn't any question of my passion for all things Disney. Pixar is like a whole new incarnation of the Disney Spirit and now that it's an official part of the Disney Company, it carries the Disney Brand as it searches to re-establish itself in the animation industry. My friend Jeff works for ABC Family and enjoys Disney but isn't at the level of obsession that I am, which always has me jealous of his work stories. One day I got a call from Jeff in the middle of the afternoon and he was beaming with excitement over a screening he'd seen of UP. It wasn't completed and much of the film was temporary animation, but they screen it early to the marketing guys like Jeff to get their brains spinning on how to promote the film.

Jeff is a tough critic. He's not uber-negative, but he's no push over. When he said that he was blown away and was overwhelmed with how good this film was, it had me REALLY excited. This was a few months ago and it had me even more anxious to see the latest Pixar offering. When I got a call a few weeks back to go to the premier, I gave an emphatic yes. Not just because Premiers are cool, but I wanted to see this movie so bad.

Let me give as strong of a reccomendation as possible for this film. If you have 2 free hours this weekend, it needs to be spent watching this film. Is it perfect? No, it's got a little pacing problem in the middle, but I feel like I'm nit picking. (Hey, I'm a blogger, that's my job, right?) Is it amazing? YES! I am going to see it AGAIN this weekend, but I'm suspecting it may be my favorite Pixar film.

I really connected with the story and characters... It's about an old curmudgeon who goes on an adventure with a neighborhood kid. I kind of want to leave it at that, because that's all I knew going in and it was a great surprise. This movie is probably a marketing nightmare, but everyone I talk to who has kids says their little ones are dying to see it. It shows that while something may not make sense on the surface, Pixar knows how to tap into a sense of wonder that kids have.

Within the first 15 minutes of this movie I was in tears. If you remember Toy Story 2 and the song "When She Loved Me", then you know that Pixar can pack an emotional punch... well that was nothing compared to this movie. (I put that song below, because it's just that good.) Little kids are going to laugh at the cute moments and be wowed by the prospect of making their house float. After sharing the same laughs, the grown-ups are going to learn a lesson and have a lump in their throat.

I've been away from the blog lately because of "post-finals writing" burn out. But when a commercial reminded me that this was the big release this weekend, I felt an obligation to get the word out. I've seen most of the big releases that have come out so far and I will write about them soon, but I had to write about this one right now. After a few weekends, giving people time to experience it on their own, I will talk in some more detail. For now, heed my reccomendation... SEE UP! In fact while writing this blog I'm so inspired, I'm heading out to see it again! I just text messaged my friends and we're making it happen.

Maybe next time I'll tell you about Trent on the Red Carpet: Meeting John Lassetter, Jon Voight, and signing autographs while acting like a celebrity. (I'm not sure Jeff will invite me again, but I had fun none the less!)

music makes the difference...

2009-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

I learned this in intro to film, but this video is a great example of it.

Disturbing Strokes - watch more funny videos

Poor give more...

2009-05-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Most people would think the opposite with all the hype that large donations get, but it's not true. Interesting...

From OpenLeft.com:
The generosity of poor people isn't so much rare as rarely noticed, however. In fact, America's poor donate more, in percentage terms, than higher-income groups do, surveys of charitable giving show. What's more, their generosity declines less in hard times than the generosity of richer givers does.

"The lowest-income fifth (of the population) always give at more than their capacity," said Virginia Hodgkinson, former vice president for research at Independent Sector, a Washington-based association of major nonprofit agencies. "The next two-fifths give at capacity, and those above that are capable of giving two or three times more than they give."

Indeed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest survey of consumer expenditure found that the poorest fifth of America's households contributed an average of 4.3 percent of their incomes to charitable organizations in 2007. The richest fifth gave at less than half that rate, 2.1 percent.

The figures probably undercount remittances by legal and illegal immigrants to family and friends back home, a multibillion-dollar outlay to which the poor contribute disproportionally.

None of the middle fifths of America's households, in contrast, gave away as much as 3 percent of their incomes.

One of the greatest sitcoms ever...

2009-05-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Watching these interviews made me want to get the complete series on DVD. (I put it on www.trentlewis.com/gifts) I got the chance to see Cosby live and it was a pleasure. In my opinion, when it comes to social commentary, he's the Mark Twain of our time.

Great Final Show...

2009-05-20T00:29:00.001-07:00

Great show, hopefully we get the right result.

I'm pretty busy right now, but today I came home from the library a little early and started texting like mad. I have unlimited texts for moments like this and have been going non-stop since 10. I realize I'm acting like a 12 year old girl, but I can't help it. I really want Kris to win. I feel like it will be a big moral victory. The broadway star who squeals is not a relevant artist.

Tonight's show in my opinion went to Kris. His opening song was stronger without a doubt and more original. The second song got undue criticism for being too low key, I think that's ridiculous, it was a Kris take on the song and I liked it a lot. I've heard Stevie Wonder sing with just a piano and vocals in that room and it filled it just fine. I will say that Adam had a better performance that round. With that said Simon Fuller picked great songs, clearly he's a talented producer.

Then the show ended with the another sub par idol song... just lame. Kara didn't write that, she gave it a pass after two other writers did all the work. I wish they'd let this concept go, unfortunately I think they make money so it's too tempting to force them to perform the same song back to back. I don't know, make it a pool of songs, that they can choose from... this is a dated concept.

The show moved along and was pure singing. It didn't feel drawn out, it didn't have the cheesy boxing intro like last year. It was song after song and brief commentary, great job producers. Tomorrows show is the 2 hour pomp and circumstance session and seems fitting.

So, I've gotta run, I have more texting to do. Hopefully good news tomorrow.

Parking Shenanigans

2009-05-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

View more news videos at: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/video.

kudos to Jeff W for the link.

I loathe parking in Los Angeles. It's nearly impossible to find a spot. The idea of paying someone to park my car is obnoxious too. When I saw this, I was shocked. I've never wanted to be a vigilante superhero more than I do right now. I could wear a cape, and walk around removing these illegal signs, moving cars to different locations so the valets couldn't find them, and giving quarters to people so they don't end up tipping 50 cents to the guy charging $9.50.

I need a name, costume ideas and a sidekick. If you have any ideas, comment.

Fred Willard is Genius

2009-05-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Another great Mac Commercial

2009-05-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am without a doubt a mac fanatic, so I am bias. This commercial is a response to all the buy a cheap PC commercials lately. Very very very funny.

WOW WOW WOW!!!!

2009-05-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Bye Gokey. You're beard couldn't give you enough "edge" to survive.
(Let's be honest, I'm jealous of your success and beard.)

Okay, things are nutty pants right now with school and work. Super busy, blah blah blah... BUT tonight when I got home from work, and I can't help but watch it. I'm beat and running on 5 hours sleep in 24 hours but goodness, I've got to take an hour to watch.

I fast forwarded through most of the result show, which was rare this student. In fact, reading some ratings this last week I found out that the Wednesday Shows edged out the Tuesday Night show. That's shocking and shows the talent of the producers. They said they'd make it different this year and Wednesday Night results have turned into a 45 minute American version of "Top of the Pops" and then the final 15 are the results. Tonight looked interesting and I felt like I was missing something. That says a lot about the results show, kudos to the producers because I didn't think they could do it.

Okay, anyway, back to the results. I'm just so busy this week, we're down to one blog. I was surprised and disappointed with last weeks show. Adam didn't do anything shocking, same old stuff. Although he absolutely tortured a great U2 song, it was just so bad...listen back, it was garbage. Danny was Danny and got a lame song from Paula and picked an old school song. Kris did par with apologize and then knocked it out of the park with Heartless. WOW, did he ever knock it out of the park. He scored within 1 million votes of Adam (possible more!) When it was announced that he made it, I literally screamed. SCREAMED with glee... I was so stoked to see my choice make it to the finals. Now, it was Gokey's song choice that killed him. While he got a bad break with Paula's choice, he chose an old song and it was fogetable to most of America. Sure he sang it downright perfectly, but this has never been purely a singing competition, it's also a popularity conversation.

In the last year there seems to be a movement of America to choose artists that they'd actually want to listen to. It was like Taylor Hicks was a wake up call and a few months after that finale, most of America said "Wait, I don't like that guy, he was just funny to watch." The last 2 seasons have produced artist that people are going to buy (Jordin Sparks and David Cook.) It's no longer about who has the best voice and would do good in a High School Talent Show, it's now about choosing an artist that is relevant.

Danny Gokey is someone that will sing a church song in a powerful and amazing way, but is he going to cut a record that is current and filled with tracks you'd hear on top 40 radio, probably not. Are people going to buy Adam Lambert squealing records, ehhh, they'll get the first single but then he'll wear on them and go the way of the $5 bin at Wal-Mart. Kris has a current style, Jason Mraz-y, and will interpret some good stuff. We haven't had an idol like him yet. David cook was a rocker, but Kris has potential to hit a market that Idol hasn't tapped into yet. I know I'm bias because this is my default music (the stuff I naturally go to), but I don't mind my bias. This is why I want him to win.

Now let me tell you why he IS going to win. "WOW, did he just say that?" YES HE DID... I've made predictions for a few years now and I'm pretty good at it. I'm sure I've made this analogy before, but when I watch the West Wing and see characters predicting the politics and understanding how one thing affects the other. American Idol is my political realm when it comes to West Wing style predictions. I have a keen ear and have a pretty good understanding of pop culture. So with that rousing endorsement of myself, let me share why Kris will win. (Or, at least why I think he will.)

It's called the swing votes. People, when faced with their second choice will likely go towards one of the two remaining people. Now, you figure there was a potential million vote defecit or surplus for Kris. Gokey was sure to have had far more than 1 million votes. I've got to think that enough of the people voting for Gokey were not exclusive to him. Kris' style and sensibility is closer in line with Gokey. They are both the loveable crooners, not the already performed on broadway, unaccessable rocker type. So those votes go to Kris creating a huge upset.

I can't wait for Wednesday for the big announcement. It's gonna be off the CHAIN! I am feeling like my logic is solid and willing to say I'm 90% sure I'm right. I know some people are going to disagree, but the numbers don't lie.

This has shaped up to be a great season!

What I'll be doing for the next 4 weekends...

2009-05-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

I love covers & I love the beatles

2009-05-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

So... I love this.

I was right, but it doesn't feel good.

2009-05-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

1989 was when I wanted to see Paula perform live.
2009 I just want her to stop.

Paula's dance routine while her record played was ridiculous, but that was just the start of the show. By the way, I use to watch a total of 5 minutes of results shows but this year with the subtle changes and more performances live from various artists... I watch almost all of it! Good work producers, it almost makes up for the torture of 3 minutes of Paula.

So, I was shocked, absolutely shocked that Kris didn't get voted off. Once that was announced and it was down to Allison and Danny, I thought if its based on last night... Bye Danny but that's not how America usually works in American Idol. So when Allison was voted off, I was sad for her. She's a sweet girl with a lot of talent. Hopefully she grows into a great artist. It was great to see her huddle with the remaining contestants at the end. It made me feel like they were all friends and I like watching that.

I'm sad I was right because besides Adam, (who I've grown to accept, even though I don't think he should be there), I like everyone's voice and personality! Anyway... I'll probably get choked up next week when they visit their home towns. WHY AM I SO WEEPY!

Whatever, that's enough Idol for tonight! Comment away and we'll see you next week.

COME ON!

2009-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Let me make this clear, I'm not hating on her or her cause. I also am not saying that people can't make mistakes and then use their story to help others. I am all for that. I am not going to sling mud, because that's not my style. (Unless you're an American Idol contestant, then for whatever reason I feel obligated to.) But really...How do you not have an answer to this basic question!?! If you're going to go on a show like this, then you've got to be ready to be asked this question. She shouldn't have hired the same PR firm as her mom. (See the Katie Couric Interview that sank the republicans campaign.)

Rockin Idol

2009-05-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Idol moment by moment blog:

Adam looks ridiculous.
Wow, no dress rehearsal.
Randy's wrong; I think about the fact that Adam was on Broadway. I think it's cheating.
Kara and Adam are kind of matching.
Um...Allison, Adam sabotaged you by sending you to his stylist.
Allison singing Joplin is right up her alley. I wonder if this song is maybe not Rockin enough. It's not a power ballad, it never fully lifts off.
Randy says "You can sing anything. Not sure this was the song for you." Randy, you're contradicting yourself in the same breath.
Has Paula Abdul ever SEEN Janis Joplin.

I love STYX
Danny had a better song than Chris.
Kris is doing the Beatles at the break? The TiVo can't go fast enough
TiVo went too fast, I have to rewind.
I would have peed my pants playing guitar with Slash. Heck, I'd poo my pants playing guitar hero with slash.
Not sure he's doing enough different with this beatles song, it's too close to the original.
He's mixing it up towards the end, but not enough. Ahhh, I'm nervous for my guy!
Yeah, the judges weren't nice and America listens to the judges.... ahhh...
My text is bounced back saying it's too late in my time zone.
Calling friends in Hawaii and asking for a favor.
Gokey not shaving to look edgy is canceled out by the fact that he's wearing my dad's glasses.
Don't try and be Scream-o Gokey... it's not you and you aren't good at it like Adam.
I think Kara is off in her Aerosmith Chronology, saying Cryin' is before Dream on.
Everyone seems to be full of excuses tonight, but no dress rehearsal, I get that.
Dream On- 1973 Cryin'- 1993
Adam & Allison pick one of my favorite songs.
The bass player looks like a chubby Ice T.
Never mind Ice T never looked that ridiculous.
They definitely matched up the rock duets like High School Basketball. JV first then Varsity.
They could have picked a better song for them, not great in my opinion.
Well, I'm worried Kris had the worst night.
Wait Paula is performing... please tell me MC Skat Kat is there too!
I would like Allison to go, but I'm guessing it will be Kris. It's been too long since he's wowed America and we forget fast.
No word on MC Skat Kat, we'll find out tomorrow.

American Idol: Big Girls DO Cry!

2009-04-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

It takes a big man to cry.
It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man.
-Jack Handy

So, I had a pretty heartless Idol experience yesterday. I was wiped out and I think it left me feeling like it was a bland week. Well tonight after watching Idol and getting teary eyed I realized I was either heartless last night or too emotional tonight. I was watching the Ford commercial, which I never do, but I had some video ideas so I watched. Anyway, I started thinking how much I liked the top 5.

Even though I don't like Adam, still he doesn't ruin it. These top 5 contestants are talented, fun, and interesting. While watching the food fight I was reminded how they all felt like normal people; down to earth. Even though I am sure that food fight was prompted by producers, it was a real food fight, total mess and real competition. I like that. (The whole give them the bill thing was silly. I could have cleaned that fight up and replaced broken items for 2,000; those maids were a rip off!)

As they all talked about what a great top 5 it was I just kept agreeing. When Matt left I was sad. Watching his video I got a little misty. No tears rolling down my cheek, but I was choked up. I guess I am enjoying this season more than I expected. I guess I will feel loss when everyone gets voted off (except Adam, that would be sweet justice.) By the way, how great was it seeing Adam in the bottom 2! I had my fingers crossed. Maybe next week he'll get the boot! Either way, next time I'll bring tissues.

American Idle

2009-04-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

For me it wasn't a very exciting week, just kind of bland. I love standards but nothing gripped me.

Kris- Not your best night, but not bad. This wasn't your genre.

Allison- Showing off the pipes, but I agree that you don't display confidence when you sing.

Matt- I just didn't care for it. Sorry, just not that good. Simon was wrong.

Danny- This was right in his wheelhouse. Just fun, good energy.

Adam- Ridiculous close with that note, that was nuts. It's still just not someone I want to keep hearing. I feel like I'm never surprised by his performances.

My friend said "Adam Lambert win Dramatic Lighting Idol", in my opinion that's all he deserves.

My hope is Matt goes home, my guess is Allison.

I love classical music.

2009-04-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

enough said.

A weird combination...

2009-04-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

17 Again

State of Play

both seen the same day, back to back.

Now this is a random pairing, I know. If you've been reading for any extended time you know that I lead a pretty random life. It was late in the afternoon, I'm sitting on my friends couch and we all turned to each other and said, let's see a movie. Within 15 minutes we were at the theater buying tickets to State of Play. It seemed like an interesting movie with some great stars.

I wasn't disappointed, the movie was intriguing and kept me guessing till the very end. While I wasn't blown away because in many ways it felt like a combination of a few films from the past. But it was still entertaining, a great little movie that did its job of entertaining and making me think.

An hour and a half later I found myself sitting in the Arclight in Sherman Oaks to see 17 Again. Now a few hours earlier I didn't push my friends to see 17 Again, I lobbied to see the political thriller. Looking at the posters and ads for this movie, well it didn't seem like my kind of movie. As the movie started I was nervous about the impending doom. Within the first 3 minutes the following things happened.

Zac Efron was shooting free throws with his shirt off.
Zac Efron did choreography in his basketball uniform before the "big game".
Zac Efron said "We're in this together"; a line that is frighteningly close to a lyric.

What had I gotten myself into. If it weren't for my friends that picked the movie long before I was invited, I would have let this movie pass me by. But sitting in a row of girls surrounded by teenage girls, I was wishing I wasn't there. At the end of the film I was thinking about how thankful I was that I'd seen the film because I really like 17 Again. In fact, I enjoyed it more that State of Play. Now it's comparing apples and oranges, sure but 17 again was one great apple.

17 Again didn't take itself too seriosly, played great to its genre. Even though this whole man in a boys body has been done many times, it didn't feel copycat. They didn't go for the easy jokes. It also never got too creepy with Efron's 17 year old character (really, a 37 year old), dancing with his friends mom. It had a cute story, it was simple and ended the way you expect it to. It wasn't the premise or the ending that was fresh and new, it was the supporting characters.

Zac was great and never seemed like a distraction, other than the first 3 minutes which I forgave. But the best part of this movie was the surrounding Characters. The mother/wife, the best friend, the principal, all played by talented actors. They played basic characters but had great comedic timing and felt grounded in reality. And this is a Zac Efron movie about transformation. The best example was Thomas Lennon (Reno 911, The State) who played the nerdy best friend. His nerd moments were great and he made me laugh in nearly every scene he was in.

Overall, I'd reccomend both films, State of Play is a fun political thriller that says some great things about corruption and journalism. WIth that said, the movie that earned the stronger endorsement is 17 Again. If you want to laugh the way you did at Big when you first saw it, spend the money and enjoy.

Disco Idol

2009-04-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's disco night on Idol!

So, I watched this weeks online and then directly looked up the results. Here's the play by play...

Danny: Great great great, I really enjoyed it. I liked it, the most I've liked Danny in a while. It was like a modern Michael McDonald, and I love me some Michael McDonald!

Anoop: It was a different arrangement and he has a good voice (though his last note was all over the place) but he is just hanging on, not a contender. Ouch, Simon drops the bomb on him.

Lil: Okay, America, this needs to stop. I am embarrassed when I hear the crowds cheering because it indicates that we have no musical taste. OUCH, judges are working her, and saying what needs to be said. I think the judges may have put a fork in her... she's done.

Matt: Now, this was a fun performance. Good arrangement with a Michael Jackson vibe. (Though a little reminiscent of the lounge band in Swingers, but that too makes me happy.) He definitely laid it all out on the floor tonight.

Allison: Ok, this girl can sing... she looks ridiculous, but her vocals are amazing.

Adam: I just feel like I start to like his voice and arrangement and then he starts squealing. Come on dude, really.

Kris: GREAT IDEA... it felt like I was at a Mraz concert and he was doing a cover. That's the kind of thing crowds just LOVE... I enjoyed it immensely...enough to download. I know he's my favorite so I'm biased, but he wins the night. WOW!

Ok, not surprised and downright happy with the results. That's exactly who needed to go home. Lil dug her grave by being Karaoke and being arrogant. Simon has a lot of pull, his words matter.

Okay, good stuff. I have a little bit of Idol fatigue, so give me some feedback if you're liking the posts... agreeing or disagreeing.

Last Minute Idol Blog

2009-04-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Google "American Idol Blogger" and this is one of the first images you'll find.
If this represents other people that blog about Idol...well,
one of these things is not like the other, and I am that one thing.

Okay, so I wake up this morning to an email from a complete stranger. Andrea found thoughtsoftrent.com from a friend (another person I don't know), and she was disappointed to not have my weekly post. She did some hunting and found a site that had clips of the show. Big thanks to Andrea for making this post possible.

-trent

Danny- Um...not bad. Simon's notes of that being a bit boring but still showing his good voice. It was touching when I realized he was thinking about his wife and I respected him even more when he didn't state the obvious.

Adam- He just yells and does what he does... no big woop for me. Paula said, "you dare to dance in the path of greatness" and it was the most ridiculous thing I've heard in quite sometime. Simon was right on, and I wasn't won over at all by this squeal session. I know he'll be in the top 3, but I still don't have huge buy in. I listened to last weeks after listening to the version was covering and I was reminded how he didn't do much different. Not as amazing as most think he is.

OKAY SIDE NOTE: What's with only 2 judges talking??? There are plenty of other places to trim the show back... not here.

Kris- Okay, I never say this but OMG! My favorite contestant sings one of my five favorite songs from the last 5 years. I watched this twice, I LOVED this. He kept the best parts of the original and made it his own ballad. More performing in a large hall than singer songwriter in a piano store in Ireland, but that's great. (By the way, have I told you about "Once", it's amazing...I blogged about it, right? Ahhh, I need to make a master list of the things I blabber about.) If he's really not in the top 3, then I will not be happy.

Allison- Just whatever, there are people that still need to go before she does, but I am not thrilled. She needs to grow up and live some life so she has layered emotions to sing about. Oh, side note: her hair is just silly, take that hat off. Oh, and fire the person that puts you in those clothes.

Lil- This was really boring, and if they didn't say it would take a gospel turn, I'd of probably turned it off. Then when it took a Gospel turn, it didn't feel like a young marketable artist doing a throwback to gospel. It felt like this copycat artist, just mixing up styles. I am ready to move on from Lil, I hope she goes. DON'T ARGUE WITH SIMON... YOU LOOK RIDICULOUS!!!

Anoop- Thanks for the flashback to 6th grade. Gosh, there was nothing Hollywood about these performances (other than Kris and Adam so far) that captured the feel of the film. I don't know, they could have had more fun with this. Anoop didn't sound bad here, but he's still Anoop. Ok, judges agree but clearly in their tone they are saying that he won't last. Also, worst jacket EVER!

Matt- Uhoh, those aren't good choices when it comes to tweaking the melody, it sounds off. You sound horrible, oh dude, not just a worn voice... Okay, I get why you got voted off only to be saved by the judges. Wow, great notes from Randy, he always surprises me in moments like these where he has good feedback.

So, a little bit of a let down for Hollywood week. Now, with the Judges save used, and Disco week this next week, well anything could happen. It should be interesting. I hope TiVo is more agreeable.

American Idol is thwarted by technology...

2009-04-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am SO ANGRY at technology. I am living in a new place and don't have cable set up to the TiVo yet. American Idol isn't available online so when my back up DVR failed again and missed the recording of Idol, I was none too happy. I just looked it up on Wikipedia and found out Matt got saved. I didn't hear his performance, but I will say GOOD JOB AMERICA!

Hopefully next week Lil Rounds AND Anoop will get the boot.

I'm gonna start hunting online to find the performances.

-trent

not that far off...

2009-04-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

This video was posted by my friend Darin and it's pretty good. Definetely where we are headed.

A slightly disappointing week on Idol

2009-04-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

The top 8 from season 7 seemed more memorable.
I'm not sure I will remember half of the top 8 from this year.

This week, I'm blogging while I watch.

Danny Gokey- A little pitchy at the start. I hate this arrangement, it feels like something I'd of heard in my orthodontist office in 1991. It was just lacking for me, let's see what the judges think.

Kris Allen- "The instructor of the ferris wheel" someone can't speak properly. Not a huge fan of the horn section, I really like this song but this doesn't seem contemporary! Another thing, please have them perform on the stage, not on the floor. It feels silly.

Lil Rounds- Seriously, when are we going to stop this. Same thing every week, no one will buy a record from her. Judges agree.

Anoop Desai- forgetable, I mean not as bad as the past weeks but not good.

Scott MacIntyre- LAME! Stop stop stop stop voting for him America.

Allison Iraheta- I cracked up laughing when her dad seemed so uninterested in what her mom was saying. Very funny. Atleast she tamed her hair this week. Song wasn't bad, but Simon gave some really great advice.

Matt Giraud- I liked the song a lot, good version of a great song. It really showed off what you do well.

then, my DVR cut off, I thought there was at least one more and I realized it was Adam Lambert, so I googled it and found a copy of the performance online. Because the show ran WAY long (why?!?) the only judge that responded was Simon and he gave a standing ovation.

Now, I enjoyed this the most of any performance he's ever done. But It's just a great and amazing song. He did a really great job tailoring it to his voice and style. I don't like him after this, but I liked that performance.

Ok, American Idol producers need to get it in gear and get the show to not run too long. And everyone needs to step it up, this week was a bit of a let down. Come on NEXT WEEK!

AI quote

2009-04-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

"if Broadway had a baby with an 80's hair band, it would be Adam
Lambert"

-trent

Sheep are fun...

2009-04-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

usually, they are stupid but this video shows how they can be fun when you use TECHNOLOGY!

Beware of Dog

2009-04-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

Don't mess with Disney Characters. Lesson Learned, tough stuff.

The original "The Office"

2009-04-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Best Dance Ever (in the non-child category) goes to Ricky Gervais.

Any astute viewer of "The Office" on NBC knows that this show started across the pond on the BBC and was created my Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant. While the first season of the US series was nearly a direct copy of the UK version, eventually the network allowed the writers to pursue their own vision of the show and it became wildly popular. Before that, it was a good show, but not a great show. That doesn't mean that it was copying a bad show, it just means that trying to be a direct copy isn't a good idea.

With that said, I am a big fan of the original British version, but that doesn't mean that fans of the NBC series are guaranteed to like the BBC version. David Brent (the equivalent of Michael Scott) is a much darker character. Carrell's character is well intentioned and a genuinely sweet guy and Gervais' character is more arrogant. The supporting cast isn't explored as much in the BBC version but this is likely due to the fact that they only have 2 seasons and one special (a totaly of 14 episodes.) Television in the UK is more crass than in the US so that makes it feel more like an HBO show, than a network series. The series ends in a great and artistic way, and has a satisfying revisit of the characters in the Christmas Special.

I really loved watching the show these last few weeks. It is so horribly awkward watching the socially inept boss, played perfectly by Gervais. He speaks in such a confident manner but is so clearly weak, and is the best car wreck to watch. The dynamic between Tim & Dawn just as endearing as that of Jim & Pam. The UK Dwight, known as Garth is not as quirky as Dwight and seems a little more grounded. If you even slightly like British Comedy, then check out this version. It's hard to write a series review, but I will say that this series is hilariously uncomfortable.

Possibly the best dancing kid EVER!

2009-04-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

watch and enjoy the whole thing.

Okay, maybe it was because my good friends just had a baby that I am wanting to be a dad more than usual. But, really I think it was watching this video and the prospect of video taping my own offspring doing awesome dance moves. Yeah, that was it.

I watched the whole thing two times in a row, the kid is AMAZING and working it! Low low low low low low low low.

bye bye pretty lady...

2009-04-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

America proves that song choice wins out over hotness.

She's beautiful and she seemed to be really goofy tonight, but she just kept making bad choices. When you have an opportunity to pick nearly ANY song (Top 40 week), you don't go with a little known Bob Marley/Lauryn Hill song. Kara's advice was right on. I think Megan self-destructed; she knew she wasn't going to win, and missed her baby.

It was time for her to go, not based on her talent, based on her giving up. Anoop is next on the list and then Scott needs to leave. After that it will get interesting.

American Idol is Back...

2009-03-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

This is the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World.
Yet another reason for the readers of my blog to
collect funds and send me to Florida.

Well, trent is back to American Idol. It's good to be back. I'd missed last week because of President Obama, Lost and my Tivo not working together. Here are my thoughts on this week.

Anoop: Later, just not good and you looked ridiculous.
Megan Joy: I love that song by Lauren Hill but you sounded ridiculous.
Danny: Sounded great, wasn't as earth shattering as the judges thought, but it was good.
Allison: Song was just that song and your hair cut was WAY worse than your clothes.
Scott: Your new Mullett isn't fooling anyone, just doing a sub-par cover of a great 80's song has to stop.
Matt: The judges advice is right on, you need to stop trying to sing everything you like.
Lil: Celine Dion song, really? Just boring and not current.
Adam: I am not a fan and think your hair helmet is as silly as your squealing voice.
Kris: One of my favorite songs and a great rendition. Better than Maroon 5's cover. You're running away with it.

Random: Great Demetri Martin Quote

2009-03-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

I found Demetri Martin's comedy central special a few years ago and it cracked me up. I was happy to see him on the daily show a few years ago, but then after a few episodes it became clear it wasn't a fit. Then his new show on Comedy Central showed up and it was lack luster.

I've decided it's a good show to have in the background while working on something. He's a funny guy and I like the format of the show, but quirky is not ALWAYS funny. Still, I do occasionally laugh. Here is Demetri updating some rules...

"Current Rule: Don't talk to strangers. Sure, unless you want to meet anyone ever."

Very funny.

Reasons I won't let my kid be a child actor...

2009-03-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

#439

American Idol Catchup

2009-03-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

K, so I just watched last weeks episode. Kris Allen's performance was so good, I immediately downloaded the song. Not only is that one of my favorite songs, but a beautiful version. I'm a little surprised about Alexis, but not sad about it. I think if the blind dude doesn't do something different this week, I am going to fast forward through his songs. Sorry to be mean.

Motown week is Wednesday (pushed back because of a press conference, thanks a lot Obama!)

Random: Late St. Patrick's Day celebration

2009-03-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was gone in Texas and not blogging last week but I missed an important holiday. Here's what happens when cultures collide.

American Idol Blog postponed

2009-03-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

I'm in Texas and don't have access to American Idol so we're gonna
blog double next week. Thanks for caring.

-trent

I care WAY more about the economy now!

2009-03-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

If we don't act now, it may come to this.

Variety just reported that the non-profit company that makes Sesame Street is cutting 20% of it's employees. I didn't hear about Children's Television being one of the earmarks in this budget, so looks like a whole generation is out of luck. Sorry kids, that means 5.2 letters have to go. I would say A-E-I-O-U and sometimes Y; just because they are the in a little group. Sorry vowels, take it up with the sub-prime mortgages of the last 5 years.

Not Surprised...

2009-03-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Times, they are a changin'. They have all the contestants staying in a huge mansion, and it looks like they're going to do a little more "reality TV" stuff with them. I really could care less about that stuff, so I am a little skeptical. Although, this whole new house thing did provide the funniest moment of the show; They arrive at the lawn of the new house and cut to a close up of Scott, the blind guy as he looks over the house and says wow. Okay, that was so forced because they were 30 yards away from the house and unless mansions SOUND big, then I am not buying it. I'm not laughing at the blind guy here, I am laughing at the ridiculous choice of the director/editor.

This time, Ryan Seacrest refered to two of the contestants by their last names, like they had played football for years, it was awkward. Wait, that wasn't the biggest change... it was all about the "Judges Save" rule. In case you missed it, this was the new rule this season that at one point until the final 5, the judges can unanimously agree to keep a voted off contestant in the competition. THAT is FUN! I'm excited to see how that pans out. It is like double rejection for the contestants though. They sing their song while the judges discuss (or Paula flails around like my friend Alyssa's drunk step-mom.) I like this change and think it will be good for the show.

Okay, let's focus on the people voted off. I was half right. I think I forgot the I'm not surprised to be totally honest. These are two easy victims. With that said, they aren't horrible. I can remember horrible happening early on, (see below) and neither of these were that. It looks like we're off to a good start. I look forward to watching next week.

BOBBY BENNETT
He performed Copacabana and it was so horrible that I almost lost hope in the whole competition. It's why I blog after they elect the top 12. They add these people because they are personalities, but then most of the time America weeds them out.

American Idol: Top 13

2009-03-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

So here is the Top 13. I am not freaking out like most people seem to be over the 13. At least there are now 13 people.

S0 I am tired, feeling sick, ready to just go to sleep. Hey, there's Idol on the TiVo. Okay, I will watch a few contestants. WHAT! Michael Jackson Night!!! I am in it to win it. I really love the King of Pop, so I will blog and watch moment by moment. (Please note, it's moment by moment, so I am not just writing down what the judges say.) For those of you that have been asking lately, THIS is when my American Idol blogging kicks into gear. For those of you that hate this time of year when it comes to my blog...sorry, deal with it.

-Lil Rounds: It sounded like the original arrangement of the song... I disagree with the judges saying it's original because it wasn't. I am not freaking out about this contestant. I am wondering when the hype will die down.

-Scott MacIntyre: Not a fan of this arrangement at all. It feels like a track I would buy in 1991 to a MWS song at Valley Book & Bible. That reference may go over your head, but let's just say its bad. Everyone is applauding his story, not his performance. How long will that last? And here we go, Simon drops the truth on everyone. Great job Simon.

-Danny Gokey: P.Y.T.: I am all about this song. Just hearing the title gave me the chills. He really owned the stage and then he danced like a mid-west church employee. Hopefully he doesn't keep dancing. Paula is drunk. Simon is calling him out on his lack of dancing. I voted for Danny.

-Michael Sarver: Nothing special, you'll be back working the oil rig in the next 3 weeks...sorry man.

-Jasmine Murray: I think she is over-rated. Wrong song choice, you're gonna be compared with Mariah and you don't match up. Boring, Boring, Boring.

-Kris Allen: Watching his intro I think, who is this guy? I am not sure if my love for MJ is making me like this guy more than he is deserving. He's definitely trying to be noticed by his arrangement. I liked his guitar. Awww... can't go for the big note, nice cop out. Paula is WAY drunk. Seriously, it's time for her to be done with this show. Ok, I will remember this guy now. I voted for Kris.

-Allison Iraheta: What's up Latina Pink! Seriosuly trying really hard to copy that artist. I guess that made me bored. I wasn't thrilled.

-Anoop Desai: Messed up the words, boo on that. This wasn't a very fresh performance, to pull a Simon quote "It was a bit Kareoke." And then, PAULA said it. I think he's going to stick around, but then when they made him out to be the guy that eeked in, America may give him the bounce.

-Jorge Nunez: Wrong song dude, wrong wrong song. This song played to his weaknesses. I don't care for this guy to be honest. He's just an average voice, has an 80's vibe, and is only here because he's a personality. Simon says "you sorta did" and I errupt in laughter. Wow, I'm right on point with the judges. (Maybe it should be Me, Kara and Simon next year as the judges.)

-Megan Joy Corkrey: Well, this girl is really pretty thats for sure. I was really sad watching her intro video with her son, It broke my heart. I don't know what I think of this song choice. I mean I like the song, but it's a little 50's and doesn't show the edge that you want to see from this girl. She sang it well, but I just don't like the vibe. Little pitchy on that last note and then a "ka-ka", that was silly.

-Adam Lambert: So, this is the guy lots of people are freaking out about and I am just over him. He's cross between an 80's hair band and Broadway as a vocalist with an Emo hair cut. Stop squealing and sing the melody. He clearly is confident on stage. Paula is talking about how great it is that he's seasoned. I don't care for that actually...I think its like cheating. I disagree with Simon here...it wasn't that good. It's not that current! AHHHH....get over it people.

-Matt Giraud: It was neat to see his dad get all broken up, good story. Let's see if he has the chops to back it up. I love this song so so much, I really enjoyed his performance. It made me want to learn to play piano even more. I really liked it. It's a bummer the judges are rushing through his critique... because I like this guy. I voted for him.

-Alexis Grace: Apparently this is the season of Single Moms, I love love love this song. Side Note: I really like the screen between the judges and the main stage... great idea. Okay, back to this song, you've got to have soul and passion to sing this song and she just had pep. She's a cute girl, and will probably make it through based on that. Wrong song.

Prediction of who is gone...
Jorge Nunez & Michael Sarver (Maybe Anoop)

Adele is a delight.

2009-03-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Seeing this pic makes me want to go hang out in Britain and wear scarves.
I'd probably have a lame fake accent, but I'd enjoy myself.
Please make donations to the "Trent to the UK fund"

A friend made me a mix tape for my birthday, and it had a single song from Adele. (Side Note: I am surprised mix tapes, or mix discs aren't as popular as they were back in the day.) I couldn't get the song out of my head. I not only bought the song, I bought the whole album based on the 30 sec previews of 3 songs. It was so very good.

Within a few days of listening to her non-stop, I sent a "strong-recommendation" over Facebook to a few friends who share a love of good good music. My friend Jessica One responded that she'd check it out, the other sent back a reply within a few minutes and said that SHE LOVED HER. We both raved over how she has a rich and soulful voice and shows a maturity beyond her 19 years. Its so much fun when you share a moment like that. Well, this friend is a kindred musical spirit and did me a huge favor. She got me tickets to see Adele live in Concert!

I'd tried to get tickets months in advance, but it didn't work out and then she asked a friend at work the week of and got 2 tickets. I was extremely grateful to be asked. That really is the best. So, we saw the concert at the Wiltern. It was a blast. We were 2nd from the last row, but that didn't matter. There's this point where if you aren't in the first 10 rows, well, any other seat is a good seat. The show was a lot of fun. It was only disappointing on one front, it was EXACTLY like the album. She sounded great, but didn't explore the music as much as I'd hoped she would. That's what I always want, is to see what an artist does musically. There was one awkward transition between two songs where the band just didn't click but other than that she'd start a song and the band would completely stop and it sounded just like the record.

With that, this is a good album to hear live. You should go buy it. Give a few songs a listen on her website and myspace...remember myspace? When I listen to the song, "Make you feel my love" I get chills thinking about hearing it live. It was ridiculously good. I'm grateful for good friends, good shows and good music. When the three come together... super success.

Go check out Adele and tell me your thoughts.

go see this movie.

2009-03-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

watch the trailer, if this move has zero appeal then I got to say, I think you have zero taste.

When I first saw this trailer, it gave me chills. Liam Neeson has never struck me as an actor star, but he sounds so intimidating and driven in this scene of the film. The movie has a European feel to it and at times this can be a little bit campy. But those lacking moments are more than made up for. This father hunting for his daughters captors is driven and it made me feel driven. I found my hands balled up into fists a few times while watching. It broke my heart and made me want to put the smack down...what a great combination.

I wasn't driven to see this film, but a buddy of mine was willing to see it a second time. He pointed out that the movie makes you escape. It's just popcorn, it's not like its an award winning film. But let's be honest, Popcorn sometimes is just downright tasty. See this movie in the theater, because it will help encourage the studios to make films like this. Hey, I'll even go see it again, it was that good.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

do not see this movie.

2009-02-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

You have some generally funny actors surrounding Dane Cook who has consistently struck out in movies (except for "Dan in Real Life"). Alec Baldwin is a funny dude, and he's in this. My friend said they liked it a lot, okay Red Box, I'll watch this. MISTAKE. I really will never trust this friend's judgment. OH MY GOODNESS, this was horrible. Not funny, predictable, trying to be shocking but just flailing. Boo.

Okay, so I am not trying to be a hater, but I'd like to save my friends the time and money this film takes. I spent 100 minutes and $1.07. I will never get it back, and it was a loss. I looked and Dane Cook doesn't have any films coming up; Good.