Hoarders

You see all that?

Seems like alot.

Yeah, I though so too. It was a wake up call that's for damn sure.

This is a fraction of my collection. But these are the games, movies and GULP books I haven't touched yet. Well maybe a few are exceptions but 90% is new for sure to me.

A whole stack of PS2 and PS3 games. Unseen slightly is the Dreamcast, PS1 and PC games. Stacks of Paperbacks. Hardbacks. Stack of movies and TV series.

Two things are certain. One, I am not buying anything for awhile. Two, I may have found my new years resolution. Cut a large swath into this mess.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Abandoned

Ok,

So I decided to abandon my little motivation for one good reason: maintaining something like this is a pain in the ass because I hate dealing with.

Ok two reasons.

It's purpose: To get me motivated again is already working. Currently at 4801. No near 30k but it did its job.

Time to shave away the massive stubble and look human again. The writing will still continue nonetheless.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Five o'clock shadow

I haven't been working on my latest novel the past couple days. It is not because I was lazy or anything but some cold like symptoms had made me feel like shit. I'm not 100% yet but thanks to a bunch of sleep and Nyquil I think I am doing better.

As for the book the word count stands at 2450. That needs to change quick. So I came up with an idea. Since I'm sporting a mean five o clock right now how about I continue to let it grow. Until I hit 30k.

It will hurt like a bitch to shave off (the electric is not kind to me) and I'll have to make an excuse or two but I think it will be a nice motivator. We shall see.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

New work

So it is almost 2am and I need to go to bed for work at 9am but I thought I would write a blog entry first to update the world first.

Work still sucks. That is all on that.

As to other things, I am starting my second novel. Titled "Shattered Glass" it's book synopsis would go something like this:

"David Essex is riding high. As bestselling novelist Janus Stone, he has made millions off the sick and the macabre. But time is running out. David hasn't written in months and he is starting to fear his gift is gone. However, a chance encounter with the sultry Mara may the key to his creativity, or his very destruction. For Mara is not just any girl and she will cause David to reexamine who he is and how far he is willing to go..."

Sounds good? Yeah I would buy it too.

1100 words in, many to go. May the gods be on my side once again.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Being Thankful

Thanksgiving has come and gone and black Friday is in full swing already. I have to be up in about 2 hours to work 8 hours at Macy's. I had to stop and think (can't sleep anyway) about what I have to be thankful about despite my hardships. So here we go in no particular order.

- I'm thankful I'm not dead. A month ago that could of been a different story.

- I'm thankful I have a roof over my head.

- I'm thankful I finally finished a novel. When it came to putting up or shutting up, I finally did the former.

- I'm thankful for decent health.

- I'm thankful for a family that puts up with me despite all my bullshit.

- I'm thankful for my friends Kenobi, Hendrix, and DarkSailorMoon. I need you guys more than you will ever know.

- I'm thankful for Delilah. In a world of darkness, she has been a light.

-I'm thankful that I'm still here. Not much more to say.

Happy shopping today, make sure to bring the flak jackets.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Contentment

I remember that I was talking to Kenobi about a month or two ago, and he said something along the lines of, "If I die now give or take, I would be content."

My near death experience and recent feelings of blah made reexamine that statement.

He would be content.

The problem is I wouldn't.

Not.

Even.

Close.

I have been given a second chance. Thing is, it made me think about that, contentment and far away I am from it. I look to people around me and see plenty are content with what they have and happy for it. I'm not.

I both envy it and glad I don't have it right now.

The thing is I have something to strive towards, to be better. It can't rain all the time, and this bad misfortune small or large that has befallen me in my days on earth cannot stay. Greener days will come, and I will be content. The difference being of course, that I will have earned it, from appreciation of the struggle.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Journey through Hell: Night of the Living Dead (1968)

I jumped ahead in the disc order for Halloween weekend as my friends wanted to watch the granddaddy of all zombie flicks.

Two siblings are going to a cemetery to put flowers on their mother's grave. Unknown to them, space radiation has caused corpses to become reanimated and attack new victims. When her brother is killed, a young woman runs for her life. She finds refuge in a house with other survivors who attempt to survive against...the living dead.

This movie really is as good as they say it to be. Though the zombies are slow, they are not to be taken lightly. Unlike their faster counterparts, they have more street smarts and think in primitive but intelligent ways.

The acting is halfway decent, especially by Duane Jones who plays the hero Ben.

The ending is stark and tragic and not a happy one. But the film is one to be seen.

Rating: Highly Recommended

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Faith and a new project

Reveal, reveal.

Project X was my first novel, "Faith." It took me 29 days but I did it. 162 pages and 53000 words later I had my first success if you will. A combination of late nights, dedication, Amp Lemonade, and techno music brought me there.

After my little near death experience, it got me thinking. Why not start another? If I did it once, I can do it again. The ole noggin' began to stir.

Came up with a title and a vague idea. Dark Gifts. That's what I'll call it.

November may be full once again. I'll keep ya'll posted.

Until Next Time, fly high and fly well.

Today's the day

Monday, November 1st.

That could of been my last day.

I wrecked my car on my way home from Yorktown after a Halloween weekend with friend. One second of inattention sent my car into a grassy median. Attempts to brake failed. My car flipped once, twice, maybe three times. I'm not sure.

I was able to get out in one piece and without much trouble. My car was completely wrecked. My shit was strewn everywhere. In the end, I had nothing but a small laceration on my left pinkie finger. Somebody definitely loved me.

I got checked out by medics, the police came and saw the scence. By the time my dad came to get me I got a downgraded ticket, and a prepayable fine to deal with along with a dmv class.

I swore to myself after my first accident I would never wreck another car. But here I was. Though he was most likely mad, I knew my dad was just glad I wasn't dead. I could have been. When the whole deal started, I was going 65. More than enough.

It almost seems unreal. To escape something like that.

It wasn't all pick up and go. I have to deal now with the reprucussions. With putting my family through a heart attack.

Not that I didn't ponder after. I thought of some of the people in my life. I thought of Delilah* and how I almost lost her. I realized how much I still need her. I don't want to lose her.

The blood coarsing through the veins is on borrowed time always, but I just recieved a free man.

Time to go to work.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

*Note*: to those who don't know who she is, looking to the beginning of the blog. You'll know then.

Project X

One week in. Sorta on schedule, Hope it will continue to take off. I got a week without the folks, so hopefully I can keep my ass in gear. I really want to finish it.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Techno Beat Blazing

I have always been partial to rock music but a second place finish is techno music. There is nothing quite like throwing on a sick track loud and let it wash over you like a hot shower. I have been using a bunch of downloaded techno for helping me work on "Project X" and its putting me into a productive trance just cannot be denied.

Most may deride the genre as useless but if it can get me in the mood to work, then it must be worth something.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

DLC bullshit

Another quick post unrelated to other stuff.

I just finished Alan Wake and the first of two DLC episodes. I plan getting rid of my 360 and wasn't planning on renewing my xbox live after the free month. To my anger, the 2nd episode that will tie up the loose ends will be released just after my trial ends.

It got me thinking about it; this is bad DLC.

DLC should be voluntary stuff; like multi player maps, weapon packs, or extra stuff that should be voluntary to the gamer to enrich his or her experience. Not this time. Remedy more or less ended their game on a cliffhanger then held the ending in order to cheat out gamers of an extra 10 bucks. The makers of Max Payne should be ashamed of themselves.

DLC should not hold out actual game content for money, it should be in the fucking game from the beginning. Otherwise you come off as lazy at best and GREEDY at worst.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Other news

Just thought I pop in say, in addition to this little project, I have another on the side, very hush hush. Do not want to jinx it, but hopefully I'll have some news by the end of the month.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Journey through Hell: Atom Age Vampire (1963)

Ok this already loses a rating point for one big reason; despite what the US says there is no fucking vampires!

Ok this one deals with a dancer who gets into a car accident which leads her disfigured. A rogue scientist finds out and uses her for experiment. But the treatment is temporary and the scientist who has becomes obsessed with her, takes to killing in order to keep her beautiful.

This should of worked. The story was halfway decent, it had a noirish plot meshed with a sci fi monster story, and the scientist was awfully demented going as far as to knock off his jealous assistant after seducing her; he was one stone cold pimp.

However, the dubbing was awful, which lead to overacted line readings, the meshing didn't really work and it was admittedly a little boring and long. At 87 minutes it didn't move along like it should have. Shame since I started on a high note with Carnival of Souls. 2 down 48 to go.

Rating: Meh

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Small update

Well apparently in searching around for this collection on Google I discovered a blog where some guy has done what I have begun to partake in. So just to allay some fears:

Am I going to stop because of this? No. Great minds think alike. This collection is quite common around town; it's not surprising someone else thought of it. I can give a new spin on the experiment. Oh in addition, I am awesome and can withstand cinematic torture with the best of them.

1 down, 49 to go. Cue the shrink visits.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Journey through Hell: Carnival of Souls (1962)

Carnival of Souls (1962) was one of the few films I recognized from the list on the back of the box and admittedly was a bit psyched to watch it. I have always heard great things about it, and knew of its status as a cult classic.

Unspooling like a slow burning extended episode of The Twilight Zone, Carnival of Souls opens with our heroine Mary caught in her friends showboating when they accept a drag race challenge only for the car to go over a old bridge. The town assuming the worst, is shocked to find Mary still alive. Following the accident, Mary intends to leave town to take at a job as a church organist. But terror stalks her at every moment as her mind slowly unravels.

Wow, this movie was really good, and probably doesn't get the credit it deserve though its reputation has risen from initial release. Many things worked with this film. Being the 1960's this is far removed from contemporary splatter fests. No, what Carnival of Souls does best is atmosphere, mainly through its score. Primarily organ music like Mary's professions, the score is somber and chilling and ratchets up the tension so when a scare comes, it earns it unlike most PG-13 horror that equates a jumping cat with terror. Modern day flicks like The Others (2001) and The Sixth Sense (1999) owe a grand debt to this low key chiller.

Well, we are on a good start, hopefully we can stay that way. Perhaps, that is too much to ask for. There is going to be some duds, it's just statistical.

Rating: Highly recommended.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Journey through Hell: 50 tales of Monsters, Ghost, and Zombies

I received some great gifts this past birthday but one stood out; a classic horror movie box set. 50 movies spread over 12 discs, spanning from the 1920's to about 1968.

When I was sitting down to watch the first movie tonight, a wicked idea crossed my mind that stuck. What if I blogged about each flick after viewing them? At the very least it would keep me writing and might get the creative juices flowing.

So I will blog about each one; what worked, what didn't etc. I won't be reviewing per se but will attach a consensus rating (Recommended, Watchable, Meh, Wow that was bad etc) to give an idea of my feelings about it.

I will probably only do one a post but might have two or three a post if the movies themselves are shorter (and some apparently are barely over an hour). We will have to see. I hope you enjoy reading about them, and who knows find something you like or even buy the collection yourself.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

I'm back (again)

It has been a few months since my last post and for that I must apologize. I have been in a funk for a lot of reasons, personally and professionally. This has also has affected my writing, as outside of some movie spoilers, I haven't written anything really in months.

However, in a prelude before starting a new movie I had a wicked idea, and it made me decide to resurrect the blog.

I will be discussing it my next post so read on dear readers.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

I WAS ON A BOAT

I'm back.

I have been spent 5 days or so on a cruise to Bermuda and had just got back on Thursday. I must say all and all it was very good. We had no choppy waves, perfect weather, no rogue waves hit the boat and I had to lead a group of survivors Poseidon style ;)

Some highlights in no particular order

-Lemon Drop Martini. Awesome.

-Lots of good food including all the sourdough rolls I could eat.

-Unlimited soda that I used at almost every opportunity.

-Bingo that was actually pretty exciting. Though I didn't win any money. My cousin did though he didn't need it; Bastard (jk).

-Read 2 of my books. No Country for Old Men was much more enjoyable than The Road.

-Sun burned in stripes. Whoops.

-Bermuda buses are better than roller coasters.

-I missed an adult game show on the boat. After what my mother apparently had to reveal, I was very glad.

-I slept like crap. Those beds sucked.

-I look sharp in nice clothing. Too bad I don't like dressing up much.

-Yorkie. It's not for girls.

-I need to stop going to casinos.

-Didn't think about my problems, which is the ultimate goal of a vacation.

But now I'm back. And have to look for a job. F***

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Back again

I'm sorry I haven't written anything in awhile. I have been just been out of it for quite a few days.

Some new updates.

-The long term temp job is done. This past Friday I went into work and within 20 minutes I found out they had nothing for us to do. After that, it was going to be done anyway. Now I need to find a real job.

-I am going to a cruise on June 12th. Everyone expects me to be psyched about it, but instead I'm mellow about the whole thing. I don't know why, I just don't care really; it's just another vacation for me.

-Quick movie reviews: Thumbs up for Prince of Persia and Splice. Very mild thumbs up for Get Him to the Greek.

-Completed first play through on Heavy Rain. Loved it and was knocked off my ass with that final twist. Got one of the bummer endings. Four more to find.

-Bought the first two seasons of Breaking Bad on sale at Best Buy. Watching it from the beginning it amazes me how much I've forgotten how good it truly was. And the amount of F words they somehow allowed to be on AMC.

I will promise to write some more. At least till I'm gone for the cruise.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

What to watch (TV)

Ok, as everyone knows, there are a lot of bad shows on TV. And thankfully most of them are cancelled. But their is plenty of stuff that I watch that people have never heard of. So today I will be telling you about some of the best stuff out there. Buy it, rent it, download it illegally, but partake nonetheless.

The Tudors (or "A bunch of people who never got to be happy")

"I'M THE KING OF ENGLAND!"

Indeed, Henry VIII was the King of England. He also was the husband to six wives, tore away from Rome, was prone to rash jealously and rage, and consumed with an obsession for a male heir.

And dammit if it isn't interesting.

Creator Michael Hirst toys with historical fact but it remains that the main story is interesting enough for a historical bodice ripper. Those who don't know the story will be at the edge of their seats, while those who know the story can sit back as it unfolds to its inevitable conclusion.

Great acting, great sets, great storytelling, The Tudors is a benchmark for historical drama.

2. 24 (or "I should be dead by now")

"DAMMIT!"

24. What more can be said about such a groundbreaking show. Brought to the FOX network post 9/11, it was in some ways, a means to show that America could still protect itself and display the courage and sacrifice of those who put others above themselves at all times.

In a comeback showstopping role, Kiefer Sutherland has live and breathed Jack Bauer for 8 seasons. A government agent and family man, all Jack wants to do is be a good husband and father. But his struggle between what he wants and who he is always rises inside himself. Add to his numerous enemies old and new who care nothing for his happiness, and make the ones he loves pay the price instead.

24 has set the benchmark for quality tight knit storytelling due to its format alone. It's dense plot twisted mythology has caused the quality to dip in some seasons, but its impact as a whole cannot be denied in the landscape of television.

3. Dexter (or "Blood excites me.")

"I'M A VERY NEAT MONSTER"

A serial killer you can love.

How fucked up is that.

But their in lies in the rub. Dexter Morgan is no ordinary killer. You see he tracks down killers themselves, and lives by a code to hurt no innocent people. His father taught him that and Dexter learned very well. However, in order to blend in, sociopathic Dexter must pretend to be a real person, and that is quite difficult when you feel nothing at all.

Dexter succeeds where other series would fail due to two key points. One, the performance of Michael C. Hall who imbibes Dexter with bits and traces of humanity. Dexter may think he is not part of humanity but slowly but surely finds small parts of himself that make him realize he is more part of humanity than he thinks. The second is the serialized season plots that entwined all main and supporting characters into a overarching case or problem every season. Whether it is the Ice Truck Killer in season 1 or Trinity in season 4, Dexter always has a new opponent to tackle.

4. Chuck (or "Group Hug? AWESOME!")

"IT'S NEVER SAFE IN THE CAR!"

Do I even need to talk about this show? No I don't. Go watch it, that's an order.

5. Rome (or "Titus Pullo, reporting for duty ma'am")

"13TH!"

Now this is historical drama for you. Epic is every sense of the word, Rome's two seasons span over twenty years, and encompass many Roman men and women (real and fictional) through the blood soaked Roman empire. Blood, violence, sex, and four letter words. What more do you want in a series?

So good in fact, this is all I have to say.

I think five is a good number.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

I'm back

Hello there, all seven of my faithful visitors. Raven is back after a somewhat long hiatus. I really must apologize for not writing anything for quite a few days but as some my close friends know, recent developments had made me quite busy in the previous week.

So what I have decided to do a writing session tonight. An entry or two to tide you over until I have some more time to write more on a better basis.

Hope you enjoy.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Where are my scissors?

I am getting sick of my temp job. The machines keep breaking down, and I have been sent home 3 out of 4 days. On the upside, it has made the week fly by, but when I have only 11.5 hours and I'm going to be docked due to an accounting error, I am not too happy.

Not to mention, they keep acting like they are going to let us temps go, and they won't make up their mind. I am getting a little impatient. I am not particularly keen on the job, but it was work. But if this is it, put me out of my misery already.

I had to turn down a temp job I have been to before and like because I was still under contract with these idiots.

Oh well, at least tomorrow is Friday. And this weekend is Iron Man 2.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Retro gaming

This post may not interest too many people but whatever. This is my blog dammit.

Last weekend I bought a new gaming system. Not new per se but new to me.

Raven bought a Sega Dreamcast.

I found a guy off of Craiglist that was looking to sell his for 35 dollars. I met the guy and paid him and the thing works like a charm. Made a separate deal with him for 3 additional games for 5 dollars.

So why did I buy a gaming system that has been "dead" for almost a decade?

1) I always wanted one.

I have been a loyal Sony gamer since my first Playstation. But when this thing was out when I was 13 or so I had to admit it was cool. But I had my Sony system and I couldn't afford a console on my own and I wasn't going to be greedy and ask for one (the folks would of said no anyway). This want of a Dreamcast just popped up in the past couple months but I guess it was always been in the back of my mind.

2) A low cost investment.

Between the two deals, for forty dollars I got the system, four controllers, two VMU memory cards, three rumble packs, and five games. I additionally bought another rare game off ebay. To make my total spending 60 bucks, the cost of a new PS3 game. Not too shabby.

3) A new library of stuff to play.

Like I said, the system always looked cool. And I really wanted to play a few of the games. Now I can. Though I will be paying an arm and a leg for a few on Ebay, most of the stuff I want to buy isn't too pricey overall. I am not always concerned with the best looking graphics like some gamers are. I just want a game that is fun.

Anyways, it is always good to back sometimes. As they say, you can never know where you're going, till you know where you've been.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

More life lessons.

Two posts in one day. I'm spoiling you all seven of you.

More life lessons, some good, some bad, some in between. Not so many as last time, but I'll try to think of more for future posts.

*Your favorite meal after a bad day can make all your problems dissolve.

*Everything that people around you take for granted, you won't.

*People never have time for you. You will always have time for them.

*A good book on a rainy day is an afternoon not wasted.

AND

*You can be surrounded by people, and feel totally alone.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Keep it in your pants Padre

It has been a few days since the last post, so it's time to get back to it!

You got to give credit where credit is due. The Catholic church has a titanium set of balls. Embroiled in sex abuse scandals for decades, it is only now that they are saying, "Sorry! We fucked up!"

Pope Benedict, crying his eyes out to his followers, promising the masses that they will do more, that they will instruct their priests to report crimes to the authorities. They believe that this will be the beginning of the end.

Those f'ing morons.

I read an article a few days ago about a Brazilian priest who was caught getting a blow job from a young boy. The priest proclaimed himself "Not a pedophile."

Excuse me while I snicker.

You would think one of those internal memos would of went out. Like, hey guys, we are in alot of heat right now, how about keeping it in your pants? Just a few months? Ok?

No such luck.

I think the recent scandals and the admittance of looking the other way is just another reason to open a channel of discussion about a key fact about Catholic priests: that they are to remain celibate.

The higher ups can say about how this is crucial to being a servant of god and all, but there is no historical basis for this requirement. In the end, the Vatican should think about this as a needs thing. As in, priests have one of the most stressful jobs in the world. They are the servants of God. They have to give counsel and absolution to their followers. They are the receptors to the worst humanity has to offer. And yet they are human too. If anyone needs to get laid, they do. The Vatican need to realize this fact: If they can't get their needs fulfilled through normal channels, some will find others to satisfy their desires. And those "others" are something no one wants to read about anymore.

But what the fuck do I know. I'm not even Catholic.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

A Broken Doll

On this entry I will be discussing a series that I initially loved and defended, only to have my view skewed a bit when the final episode aired.


Yes, boys and girls today we will be talking about Dollhouse.


For the record, this is the first time I have watched something by Joss Whedon. Ok, so I watched the Serenity movie, but half of it confused me as it seemed to meld an origin story with the already standing mythology of the cancelled show. So I came into the story starry eyed hoping for the best, and wound sorely disappointed. No, it wasn't that the show was overly terrible far from it. But it did have its share of problems, coupled with an insulting, shitty ending that made reevaluate what I thought of the series.


So I decided that I will use this post to list 10 reasons why Dollhouse failed as a series in no particular order. For those who care these will have HEAVY SPOILERS. For those who have watched the show, or who don't care, read on to analyze the recent sci-fi misfire.



1. Joss Whedon did not tell the FOX network to go fuck themselves.


Ok, I imagine working in Hollywood, one must be a little diplomatic in order to get anything done. However, Joss should of known better and played hardball with the Fox network. He should said, "Look, you screwed with my last show, and it got cancelled. Yet, I have a cult following. My fans bought the DVD's. I made Serenity. This is not my first barbecue guys. I know how to do a show. Let me do my job. Or I will find someone who will."


But Whedon let FOX put their hand in the cookie jar, and let them screw with the format from the beginning making it start as a case of the week sci fi show when it needed to be about the mythology first. Dollhouse found its footing in episode six but for many it was too late.


2. Not explaining shit.


Whedon can use, "We were being cancelled and I had to rush things" excuse all he wants but I call bullshit. Explaining shit is his job. Explain things that you allude to but not answer. Is Whiskey dead? How and why did Alpha turn good? Is Dominic out of the Attic? Why did Boyd really do what he did? A simple line of dialogue might come off as lazy, but it is better than nothing for sure.


3. Wasting good guest talent.


Alan Tudyk is a creepy fucker. Plain and simple. Though primarily a comedic actor, anyone who watched him here as Alpha or his too brief role on V as a sleeper agent know he is a menacing guy. So it is a shame he didn't do jack all in his final appearance. The last time before the finale, we saw Alpha still psychotic, killing Echo's "lovers" and causing the Dollhouse to become a zombie kill fest. That is the Alpha we love. Then in Epitaph One we heard he is good. Then in Epitaph Two we see him good. But don't know why. And he is a zen garden pussy. And he leaves, given fuck all to do.


Then there is the case of Whiskey/Dr. Claire Saunders, who was a regular in season one and recurring guest in season two. A doctor who becomes self aware of her doll status, she is one of the sympathetic, tragic characters of the series, who becomes focal to a shocking twist. Her last appearance? She isn't even herself, she has been imprinted with a Rossum CEO. Then she's gone. And later dead. Maybe. It's not explained.


Then the great Keith Carradine. He's a Rossum executive who shows up. And acts suave and heartless. And that's it.


Dollhouse had a bevy of talent, regular cast and guests alike. But most of the time did nothing with it.


4. A lacking protagonist.


Echo wasn't interesting. Period. The people she played? Varied. But her growth to self aware state took too long, and the final product was nothing short of a zombie. We couldn't care about her plight. Her arc in the beginning was about getting her true self back. Then she abandoned that. Because of course she in her "normal" state is so interesting.


5. Killing all the interesting characters.


Many thought Paul Ballard as obsessive. I disagreed. I saw him as a crusading bad ass who was the only moral compass the show seem to have. I thought though he got in a little too deep, his heart was in the right place and he tried to do the right thing. He had great romantic chemistry with his neighbor Mellie/November, and his fight against an substantial enemy reminded me of David versus Goliath. That is why his afterthought death in Epitaph Two was a serious kick in the nuts. He didn't even go out a hero's death, sacrificing himself for the group. He just died. He deserved better.


Boyd Langton was the other moral compass of the show. He worked for the dollhouse but objected to what they did, and went beyond the call of duty to protect his charges. His reveal to be one of the founders of Rossum was good, but their was not enough explanation to why he did what he did. His death was awesome, but like Paul and our final victim, a hole was left in the show that was noticeable.


Ahh yes, Mellie/November/Madaline. Another tragic figure. A young woman in grief over the death of her daughter. Became involved with Paul as Mellie. Released to the real world as Madaline because Paul traded his freedom for hers. Re enslaved. Back to Mellie. Then kills herself to save Paul. Mellie's death was another slap to the face as the great irony was though she was fake, she was more "real" than most of the characters. Like many others, she deserved to walk into the sunset. With Paul at her side.


Which brings me to my next point.


6. Replacing a relationship with chemistry with one that has ZERO.


Mellie/Paul worked. Period. They had zippy banter, looked good together, and genuinely cared for each other. Then Whedon pulled a double dick move extraordinaire by making Echo fall for Paul. Then bringing Mellie back and making it look like Paul and her would be together. Then kill her off to usher in the flat line known as Paul/Echo.


Echo had one great scene after Paul's death, but it lacked weight since one could not care about their relationship. Whedon had great potential with Mellie/Paul and their scenes where my favorites of the show. But he torpedoed it for one of action/sci-fi's greatest cliche's; hooking up the lead protagonists. For a guy who claims to buck the trends, he sure fucked up here.


7. Making the remaining characters in the last episodes shells of their former selves.


Adelle Dewitt, the stone cold/yet tragically sad leader of the LA dollhouse has moved from snarky comments to be earth mother to a group of actuals.


Victor/Anthony is now a tech head reject of Mad Max land.


Sierra is now a single mom with a grudge.


Echo is still not sympathetic etc.


Some may disagree with me. But most of the changes they made in the last 60 minutes of the show ruined the entire series for me.


8. An Insulting ending.


Ok, so all the characters I care about are dead. Ok. Then the rest suck. Ok, still there. Then Alpha is a emasculated hippie. Resolve straining. The world is reset with Topher sacrificing himself. Cool explosion. Then Echo implants Paul's mind into her own so they can be together forever.

I think I am going to be sick.


This is what we end on? The epitome of an unhealthy relationship that borders on psychosis on Echo's part. I cannot believe I spent 26 episodes following this zombie chick if this was going to be the end result. Fuck that.


9. Not giving characters sympathetic characteristics quickly enough.


I am going to use the character of Topher as the focal point of this. Most reviewers and fans found him annoying. But most missed the point that his ego and his quirks were a front for a young, conflicted, lonely guy. We finally saw that in "Haunted", when he uses Sierra on his birthday to have a friend, or in one of the best episodes of the series "Belonging" when he realizes he was used as a pawn to enslave Sierra to the Dollhouse. But this kind of sympathy should of been planted in the beginning, bit by bit in order to make him likable. But instead he came off to many as a dick. At least he went out a hero. Props my man, props.


10. Squandering a good idea with studio interference and myopia.


The idea of Dollhouse is intriguing and had many avenues it could of went down. But it never seemed to do that. FOX is partly to blame for this, but a majority boiled the series down to stories of horny rich guys wanting to fuck programmed hotties. Their was little about more deviant dealings of the show, about the idea of slavery and loss of identity. It was always their but not their in the way it should be. Then their was the Rossum corporation, whose bright idea for fucking with the world order is to wiping the identities of the world's population clean at its whim. For what reason you ask? From what I could gather immortality. And being a bunch of douche bags. That part was done well and the most frightening aspect of the show. As a professor puts it in "Man on the street"


"Forget morality, imagine it's true alright? Imagine this technology being used. Now imagine it being used on you. Everything you believe, gone. Everything you love, strangers, maybe enemies. Every part of you that makes you more than a walking cluster of neurons dissolved- as someone else's whim. If that technology exists, it will be used, it'll be abused, it'll be global. And we will be over. As a species, we will cease to matter. I don't know, maybe we should."


Dollhouse was a show I did like and was one of the few to defend it. But after some deep thought I have to agree with what most was said and realize that the show was ok, but only in bits and pieces, rather than a whole series.


I could go on what I did like but my hands hurt from all the type. And besides this is a what went wrong post anyway. While an interesting experiment, Dollhouse failed primarily due to the push pull between studio interference and Whedon mythology bullshit.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Hard Knock Life Lessons

I decided for this post I'd share a few lessons I learned (sometimes the hard way) myself and through others that have shaped my mindset.

*You only get one good boss in your life. That one person you will never think ill of, always treated you with respect, and did good by you. The rest will all give you a reason one way or another to want to stab them in the eyes with scissors.

*A good woman like a good friend is hard to come by. Never give them up without a fight.

This next one was supplied to me by Kenobi. It shattered my mindset somewhat, but I had to hear it.

*People don't care about you as much you care about them.

The next one is one of the (very few) good things my dad taught me.

*It costs nothing to be kind.

However, as I have witnessed firsthand (and this is another Kenobi contribution)

*It is more economical just to be a terrible person instead.

*When you are 18-25 you are more often than not the most selfish, self-absorbed, immature person you will ever be. You may be a legal adult by then but your mindset is still in high school.

*Even good people do terrible things to the people they care for.

*Perception is a bitch. They think, therefore you are.

*Happiness is wasted on the ungrateful and stupid.

OR alternately

*Happiness is a warm gun.

*People who give reassurance statements ("Don't worry", "You're a great guy", "Things are going to get better for you") 9 times out of 10 never had to deal with your kind of problems in their life, therefore have no fucking clue what they are talking about.

AND FINALLY

*Above all, despite all the crap you may take, deserved or not, don't let anything get the better of you. Don't let them see you cry. Don't let them see you bleed. And by all means don't eat the barrel. It will be a hard road but to give the world the finger by surviving is the greatest fuck you. Live well, it is the greatest revenge.

That's all I got for now.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Kick Ass does exactly that

My first review!

Dave is your typical high school student who wonders a simple question: why hasn't anyone tried to be a superhero? Beyond the fictional nature of superpowers why hasn't risen up and defended the helpless against the forces of evil? Having enough of his humdrum existence, Dave buys a costume and takes to the streets as Kick-Ass to a less than successful beginning. But when his exploits attract news attention, Dave finds himself over his head; trapped between the mob and a father/daughter vigilante team bent on destroying the mafia for wrecking their lives.

Wow. This movie was great. You know those movies that are good, but have a subplot that you couldn't care about? This movie doesn't have any of that.

Gleefully satiric and violent at the same time, Kick-Ass deconstructs the superhero movie while humanizing its characters and explaining without resorting to soapbox to why they do what they do.

In regards to acting Aaron Johnson is workable as Dave, a young man who finds a purpose and the love of his crush Katie through his secret identity. Christopher Mintz-Plasse brings a conflicted vulnerability to Chris; a young man who craves his father's respect but may find himself unable to pay the price for it.

However, the movie is stolen by Nicolas Cage and Chole Mortez as Big Daddy and Hit Girl. They're characters are given true characterization and humanity; a minute long comic book sequence which Big Daddy's motivation is explained speaks volumes more than 15 minutes of exposition would. His Adam West impersonation is spot on, and his zany switch between loving father and homicidal vigilante is gleefully awesome; Nicolas Cage is officially a badass now. But the showstopper is 11 year Mortez who lights up the screen with blood splatters and four letter words. Mortez doesn't go completely over the top and makes sure to illustrate that despite joining her father in his vengeance hasn't made her a sociopath; a key scene with her father near the end of the film shows this. Their loving yet dysfunctional relationship makes the film. All in all the film did not have a weak spot in the acting department.

Kick Ass was utterly Un-PC and I loved every second of it. Definitely one of the best movies I have seen in awhile and a contender for top ten of 2010 already, Kick Ass shows you don't need a power to be a hero; just plenty of bullets.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Nice swing there Mike

Ok, so this is not a normal post per se but me commenting on a recent news story that ticked me off quite a bit.

Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel, who has been jailed for the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley via beating her to death with a golf club, could potentially be paroled in 2013. That's right. Three years.

What. The. Fuck.

This is a guy that has only been in prison for less than ten. This guy evaded capture from this crime for over two decades. And he could be out, because he's supposedly a model prisoner?

Fuck That.

I got three words for you. Mark David Chapman. Sure, he's been in prison for a long time. Been treated, shown remorse etc. Is his crazy ass out of jail? No, of course not because everyone from Yoko Ono down have protested his release.

How about the guy who shot Reagan. Or Charles Manson. They could be choir boys in jail for all I care. They don't deserve any shot at parole. Neither does Skakel.

Mike, you beat a 15 year old girl to death. Then you went about your day like it didn't happen. You don't get any sympathy from me. A sentence of 20 to life means just that. Quit your bitching, you got 20 more years of freedom than you deserved.

In the end, the point is moot anyway. Everyone knows the world ends in 2012.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Colorful cast of characters

My first true post. Yahtzee.

As previously noted, part of this blog's intention is to air out my personal issues, and like it or not, they involve the people in my life. So, not to get anyone confused, I think you should know the people* that impact and impacted upon my life. They are:

My Father: I have a love-hate relationship with my father. Do not get me wrong. I do love him and I know he loves me. However, in the past couple years it has become more and more obvious to me that I may never make him happy. I know it is not my job to do so, but it always seems like he is judging me. We have always clashed on what is perceived to be important in regards to my life. He has always regretted by not teaching me enough stuff around the house and leaving me to my own devices. Yet, I have always been bitter towards him for not teaching me any life lessons; anything about women, personal character etc. I had to pick up with little I know on my own. By not teaching me to be a man, he and my mother had basically thrown me out of a speeding car. What angers me the most is that I have been his son for almost 23 years and his still doesn't understand that my emotional needs/happiness outweigh anything else.

My Mother: I have a better relationship with my mother, though we still have some problems. Like most mothers, she still sees me as eight, and doesn't think me as responsible enough to get up in the morning (even though I keep two alarms just in case). I have always tried to encourage her and be kind and loving but she makes it difficult sometimes. She had to make a lot of tough decisions before I was even born and it breaks my heart. The sad truth is that I cannot talk to her or my father about anything in my personal life. Sure, they know about my friends and some base stuff, but the deeper things, that they probably should be talking about, doesn't happen. That's the problem really. We don't talk.

My Sister: The relationship with my sister has improved a little bit as we gotten older. She currently is out of state working on her doctorate. She is a smart, responsible girl. I always felt I had to measure up to her but could never do so. However, her successes in her studies have a silver lining; in her quest for near perfection she has completely stressed herself out. She has plenty of problems that even I don't know about probably. She has her stuff together which is more than I can say about myself. I am proud of her and despite our problems from time to time I care about her as well.

Sarge: My oldest friend of almost 11 years. He is a decent fellow despite being more a screw up in his younger years. He is prone to annoying me sometimes with his unreliability but he is gotten better in the passing years. He is rather loyal to me and likewise I am to him. Despite his hangups he is fun to hang out with, though I wish we would do some different things. Currently has turned his life around and enlisted in the Air Force. Never had been more proud.

Donut: Sarge's best buddy. A big jolly fellow also plagued with unreliability. A random guy who tastes border on insanity, Donut is known for doing outlandish dares with his other friends. Currently in film school in DC, which I would have more faith in if it weren't for the fact he had dropped out of community college twice already in the time it took me to get my degree.

Griff: An ex-marine who is now home, planning his next move, Griff and me never got along for a long time. I think he used to hate me. Ironically, after attending a bad bachelor party (in which the groom wanted to see GI JOE) and a mutual hatred for a acquaintance of Sarge's brought us to what can be considered as friends. Like me, he doesn't have many people to hang out with and we go to the movies a lot. Prone to tall tales and pathological lying, Griff is nevertheless and interesting and humorous guy, if you like your humor black.

Yankee: Another friend in town. He is the more straight laced of my friends. Originally in psychology, has now switched to nursing for the jobs it has. Though he is a decent dude, I don't hang out with him too much for whatever reason.

Kenobi: Probably my best friend (who co-chairs with Sarge due to seniority) I met him during my sophomore year of college through Hendrix. We became fast friends due to our similar interests and mindsets. Though we seem like normal dudes, get a couple drinks in us and who knows what we'll do. Part of the reason our friendship is so strong is because I have been able to tell him things I never told anyone else and he has done the same for me. I am probably most loyal to him out of my friends. I would never cross him.

Hendrix- Met him during my sophomore year of college as well. A very intelligent man, he is a triple threat with his smarts, his drawing, and guitar playing which he coached himself raw over several years. Despite having plenty of things going for him, he is plagued by a somewhat hellish childhood and self doubt. Like me, his attempts with women are prone to sabotage by outside forces. I worry that his problems will consume him. I hope he will rise above them. And proceed to curb stomp them.

DarkSailorMoon- Kenobi's girlfriend of several years. A strange specimen indeed. A math whiz who is very quiet but is intriguing in her own way. Her nickname comes from a Halloween costume she wore where she was supposed to be "Night." She also supplied one of our favorite party weekend quotes of all time. Her and Kenobi work well for each other but only time will tell.

Sandra- I met her in high school when I was 16. She is was practically the first girl who really got to know me without it being required of her. I credit her for helping me come out of my shell and grow as a young man. Sandra is the first girl I'd ever loved and the first girl to (albeit unintentionally) break my heart. I haven't seen her since graduation, though last I heard she is living in town somewhere, I have no other information. Assuming she is alive and attends, I'll see her at the reunion and look forward to it.

Delilah- I met her in college. She is the physical and emotional epitome of everything I want in a woman. She was the second girl I've loved and had my heart broken by. When I first met her it looked like we would date but it didn't work out (her end, not mine). We became friends though part of me didn't want to be obviously but I wanted her in my life even if it was that; she is amazing and I have never thought anything less. Her vibrancy for life is unparalleled and she's a smart cookie to boot. Part of me still cares for her than more than a friend even now. I know she knows that, but I doubt she understands how much I care for her. All I know is this; I miss her every day.

These are the core people of my life. They shape my world for the better and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

*NOTE* I decided to use pseudonyms for everyone for several reasons. First, so those who reads this blog wouldn't immediately know who they are. I chose these names since most of them only have relevance to me or them. Secondly, some of the things I will be talking about is personal and I thought it would be best to keep it semi-private for their sakes.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.

Welcome to The Raven's Nest

4-14-2010

Welcome (all seven of you) to The Raven's Nest, my blog. I thought I'd use my first post to write out my intentions in writing this and what I plan to do with my entries.

I never thought I'd be a person who wrote a blog but now when I think about it, It's a good thing for me to express myself. For a good portion of my life, I unintentionally have allowed various emotions to get bottled up without having a channel to release them. Thus, even if no one reads this page, I will have a way to release all this pent up emotional energy.

As for my posting I think I will be doing a medley of different things, at least one a week. I will write daily life stuff, little nuggets of wisdom I've learned through my life, things in my personal life I still need to deal with, and possibly mini reviews of pop culture such as video games, movies, and books. Haven't decided entirely about that, but this is the gist of what I planned to do. I hope that in the end, that doing this will help me and a little secret identiy on the net is pretty cool.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.