Christians Against Healthcare Reform

If there's one thing that makes me want to scream "What The F--k!?!" It's Christians against Healthcare Reform. Here's the thing, I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I don't believe in Church since that can corrupt people more than any other institution (and that's a whole different blog post, but I figured I'd let people know where I stand before I go off this topic).

I know this post is going to be controversial, but it's something I need to put out there, so deal with it.

Christians claim to be a loving people. People who walk around saying things like "Love Thy Neighbor" and "What Would Jesus do?" Okay, so maybe they don't say it, but a lot of them wear it. This is what's so puzzling to me, people who preach that we should help the needy and attempt to live their lives in a Christ-like manner would rather see people die of an easily curable disease than see this nation "fall to socialism." Healthcare reform isn't some grand scheme to turn this "beautiful nation" into The United Soviet Socialist Republic.

This isn't the McCarthy era! The problem is not only are people not caring about the needs of others, their putting an illogical fear instilled in them by right-wing brainwashers, politicians, Fox News, what have you.

For Christ's Sake OPEN YOUR EYES! There are people in this country who have diseases but can't afford to be treat or have been royally screwed by their healthcare provider. I fervently remember a story of a woman who sprained her wrist but was refused coverage because it was a pre-existing condition (Some one tell me how the hell that makes sense). Health Care reform will make sure this type of instance doesn't happen again, and will ensure that those who can't afford insurance will still be able to get the help they need.

Christians preach to put God first in life. Personally I think this all wrong, as god is an omnipresent being, you can't really put something that's not tangible a head of people around you and you shouldn't. Keep the people you love close to you, because they may not always be there (and apparently some christians prefer it that way). To deny someone healthcare because "it's socialist" Are putting their country ahead of people in need. Get this, a country is only an idea, a concept that everyone happens to agree on, people united by invisible lines. The people are real, the people are dying, "America" will be fine. Get your heads out of your asses!

Also using the constitution doesn't help your argument, as I direct you to a slightly older document. The Declaration of Independence, where people are ensured LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To deny a man healthcare is to deny him life.

Bring me a sick man, a sick homeless man and tell him (and me) that he doesn't deserve treatment, that he doesn't deserve to be healthy. Why? because he can't afford it. And I will in turn show you an ungodly man.

A thought...

I should become a campaign manager for politicians with weird/funny names. Consider the following:

Elect John Boehner: Big Boehners, Not Big Government

Now I've heard it's probably pronounced Bayner, which makes sense since I don't see a "Congressman Boner" escaping my keen radar for so long. But so what, sure it may be pronounced Bayner, but it's still just a fancy way of spelling Boner. And if the one didn't use a voice over or only saw said slogan on a pin or t-shirt, it would work just as well.

So why settle for something like this potential politicians? Well lets be honest, not many people pay attention to congressional elections. So when people randomly decide who to vote for, are they going to elect the guy named John Bayner who ran on a campaign of anti-liberal, small government, truck drivin, home townness? Or John Boehner, who ran under the same principles but had an edgy and clever campaign. Especially with young voters, who will they remember? Bayner or Boner?

So politicians, regardless of political agenda, if you have a funny name and are looking for a campaign manager leave me a contact me, and soon you'll be sitting in the political seat of your dreams.

Funny how things work out...

For about three days in a row, I'm out of ice cream or any sweets and highly craving them. I go to the store two days ago and buy some ice cream. Ever since then I've only been craving popcorn, which I have plenty of.

I started this group on Friday night, it currently has 879 members. I emailed Full Sail's president (Garry Jones) and have yet to hear back. But that means no bad news. Keeping my fingers crossed.

It's been a while...

What? I've been busy! Gosh you people never know when to let go. I just got out of month where every other day it was class for 8 hours, and 4 hours on the odd days. And it's the same deal this month, so you're lucky I have any downtime.

Anyway, tomorrow night I'm finally going to see Mallrats on the big screen at The Enzian Theater. My class gets out officially at 9, hopefully we'll get out a tad sooner so I won't have to rush to make the 9:30 show. But tickets are bought so there's no turning back.

I'll write more fun stuff in the future. But for now, enjoy this video...

Mallrats (Theatrical Trailer)
by NakedBrotha2007

Keep it real homedawgs!

The Hurt Locker And other points of interest.

The Hurt Locker is generally a good film, it's a fictional story based on the war in iraq. I think it's worthy to be on top ten lists and have a best picture nomination. Unfortunately I don't think it was for me. I enjoy war movies, but they need to be about wars that are finished. I give this movie mad props (really?) for being a- a fictional story based on the current war, and b- not being pro/antiwar. After the screening at Full Sail a student pointed out that the film's more of a character study where the location happens to be that they're soldiers, and I'd have to agree with it that. However I can't quite figure out why it didn't hook me like it did with others. The story is more of a collection of smaller stories which happen over a period in the soldiers rotation, maybe my problem was that there wasn't a clear goal, these soldier have to their job for 38 days and survive. I got in to a few of the situations in the beginning and in the towards the end, but it ran a little long in the middle, and I wasn't really on the edge of my seat during the bomb diffusion scenes early on, maybe it's because I knew the main character was a sort of bomb diffusing super man (not a spoiler you can tell).

The film was shot by Paul Greengrass' cinematographer, and if I didn't mention it already I couldn't stand the Bourne Ultimatum a good deal because of it's cinematography. But this movie managed to stay close the entire time and gave it a more believable documentary feel. Infact in the opening scene I struggled for the first few minutes wondering if it was a documentary.

I don't know if I'd necessarily give the film best picture but if the it came down to it and I had to choose between Katherine Bigelow and her ex-husband James Cameron, I'd definitely give it to Bigelow.

That said Golden Globes are tomorrow, I'll have my fingers crossed for either Jason Reitman or Tarantino, (and anyone who's not Sandra Bullock).

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I was going to take some time to talk about how every bit of writing about how a computer works is way over my head, but instead I'll talk about something more exciting... We had to a video podcast for the online Computer Science Class. I recorded and did some basic editing on it tonight, and I discovered something... boy can I ramble. This podcast needs to be between 3-4 minutes, I recorded 14. Of course I've cut it down to fit the time constraint but boy does this make me want to podcast. I need to get people on ichat/skype and just record a podcast that way, it'd be a good time.

A side note for those who don't know SModcast's favorite bear Malcolm Ingram has his own podcast coming out soon which I'm looking forward to hearing.

Well it's now 2 in the morning, so goodnight internets.

Snowed in

I'm home but I can't see my special lady friend because I'd have to tailgate a snowplow to get anywhere.

Lost sleep and The Muppet Man

Last night I read through Christopher Weekes' unproduced screenplay The Muppet Man. Needless to say it was a teary-eyed muppet induced night at the apartment as I spent the night reliving my fetal days.

I always figured I'd mainly direct my own screenplays, but after reading this I realized this was probably the only thing that jumped out as something I really want to do. Which will probably never due to numerous factors. One being that I'm not even in the industry and this is a big project, the other is that the Henson company picked up the rights to the script but Disney owns the Muppets, and being the occasional whores they are, Disney won't let the script fly with "their" property.

Jim's daughter suggested removing the biopic aspect and doing a strait muppet musical out of it, which would ruin the impact and frankly the movie, SINCE IT'S A DAMN BIOPIC!

It'd be like doing a biopic on the prophet Muhammad but not showing him because that would be a major violation of muslim beliefs... And to be unfortunately honest with you... that may happen http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/11/03/seriously-matrix-producer-wants-to-make-a-150m-biopic-of-islamic-prophet-muhammad/

Anyway I spent most of last night thinking about the movie and how much I wanted to do... A kid can dream right?

Well the holidays are upon us... make it a good one kids.

I sent my mom a wishlist, half of the items on it were John Waters related, according to my dad her response was something like "I'm not going to fund his filth!"

Have a good one!

Full Sail Update #3 -or- a shorter note for a lazy day.

Well the BS group work is done, which is nice. I have an essay due Thursday for English Comp analyzing No Country For Old Men, and then I have Final in BS on Wednesday. That's about it for school, my BS Lecture on monday is being given by Oprah's boyfriend. I wonder if it's appropriate to ask "dating Oprah" questions (when she get's mad is it like "STEEEAADMAN! YOU NEEED TO DOO THE DIIIIIIIIIISSSSHHHEESSSSS!!!!)

Today was exceptional, sometimes you just need to slow down and take a day for yourself. What did I do? I got up at noon, didn't shower, didn't change out of my pajamas, practically did nothing. I played some Wii watched both No Country and John Waters' Desperate Living with commentary. Nothing significant happened but it was a good day to do absolutely nothing.

Yesterday I ordered George Carlin's Last Words, a memoir him and a friend had been working on since the 90s which was published this week. It can be checked out here.

full Sail Update #2 -or- Writing my life's memoir at 19... absurd, but I guess I won't make it past 20.

So here we are again, week 2 is midway through. Over the weekend my group for BS (behavioral science) met and worked on our project. On monday morning we all met and filmed our proposal video which will be shown in class tomorrow. I didn't edit it, I helped in the beginning, but since then it's been handled by Patrick. From what I've been it's incredibly good, it feels so weird to not be editing something I worked on, but as long as it looks good I'm happy.

Ass for the memoir, that's our essay for English, which I was writing, but it seems I've stopped for the night (it's due thursday so no sweat). Speaking of approaching deadlines, I have my first midterm tomorrow (wednesday) at 5:15! Yes, that was fast.

Things are going swell, I've biked to class the past two days, it hasn't been too hot, and luckily it hasn't rained. On my to do list, get groceries, I've eaten most my hot/corn dog product, I'm out of toquitos, I have half a Pomegranate left, and the rest soup and frozen pizza products (rolls french bread, and bagel). And in the words of Jesus H. Christ, "Man cannot live on bread sauce and cheese alone." (can you believe they abridge that part?) I also need to pick up envelopes so I can mail people, as handwritten letter are way cooler than emails.

Last night I had a dream where Mom and I were sitting in the Weinburg right behind John Waters, watching Pink Flamingos. Somehow Mom wasn't appalled (I think god's suggesting movies for the thanksgiving visit). Anyhow, in the oddly placed intermission John came up and sat next to me. Dream me must be a moron because I remember little of what he said except "I'm working on a new movie soon, you should help out" and my response was something like "um... I'm going to film school so I can't really help, but you should come and talk to the students." While the second would be cool, we all know I'd jump on that opportunity in a heart beat.

Well with that I don't have class til 5:15, so I'm gonna sleep in tomorrow!

For the rest of you, Keep on truckin!

Now live from sunny FL...

So yeah, I'm at my apartment now. I have orientation tomorrow morning at 8:30 so me usually going to bed between the hours of 12 and 1 am won't cut it. But I'm probably going to close out the night with Full Metal Jacket (my favorite Kubrick flick).

On Sunday I made my way to the local cinema's an caught the matinee of Where The Wild Things Are, which was pure film magic that evoked pure joy, fear, and sadness. At least half the movie I had a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. It's a solid film, that delivers a swift kick in the pants to all movies based of children's books and cartoons before it. The downside to it being such a solid film altogether is that I probably wouldn't take a small child to it. I don't have a small child though so problem solved!

I'll hopefully be updating this more now that I'm away, but if I don't... sorry?

Until next time, have fun chilluns,

Kevin Cole!

Hungover.

Not really, but 3 months after it's release I finally saw The Hangover. Brad, Hillary, and I caught it at the cheap movies a few hours ago. It was really good. Zack Galifianakis as Allen was probably one of the funniest characters I've ever seen. I'm not going to go indepth, but by the end I was honestly wishing there was a stuffed animal of the man. Anyway, it's been out for 3 months, so I'm sure you can find a better review anywhere. But let this be a reminder that if you have yet to see it, hit up the Holiday Cinema's and buy some tickets (it's still at Regal but it's only one showing and why the hell would you pay $10.50 for a movie you could see for $3.25).

That's it for tonight, I'm taking Hillary to her in-cars tomorrow and Tuesday, and also working both those nights. Brad's birthday party is Wednesday, before you know it INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS!!!

Thoughts.

Why am I up so late? Truth be told, it's not that late judging by how late I'm always up, in fact I'm a half hour early for bed.

A week ago tomorrow I saw (500) Days of Summer. Overall it was pretty good. I feel like there were too many different styles and separate bits that didn't really help the film and we could have gone without. I have to say though, as everyone else already has, there's a scene where the do a split screen between Tom's expectations, and reality that works wonderfully. That said, I'm worried a bunch of other films will try this to some degree now.

I've only seen Split-Screen in movies twice (Requiem for a Dream, and the above film) Both times it worked great.

Speaking of movies... INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS IS OUT ON FRIDAY!!! I'm hoping to pick up the print copy of the screenplay this week too.

The past week I was in NY where I saw:

The 39 Steps:

Which was really good and a nice take on the movie and hitchcock in general.

Shrek the Musical:

Which was ok, the jokes were lifted from the movie, and didn't make me laugh that much, but some other sequences worked. None of the songs stuck with me, but the show was well acted and had great production value. The guy who played Donkey, did a really good job playing an animated character, I mean that in his spot on mimicry of Donkey (cartoon)'s mannerisms and such. The audience however... had issues... let's just say that when you figure out the beat of the first four measures of a song you've never heard before (or even if you have) you have no damn license to clap to the beat.

Also, people who leave when the curtain call begins!?! What the hell!?! You sat through a two and half hour show and you can't sit and clap for 2 minutes (I thought our audiance loved clapping).

The Toxic Avenger The Musical:

Which was so incredibly good. The show was hillarious, well written, acted, directed. The music rocked hard core. (I always have less to say about the shows I liked). But this one worked, was by far the best of the 3 shows. I was laughing non-stop. Wonderful!

I work 3 days this week which equals a nice sum of money since I have hardly been worked this summer, and the next week I work 4 days while all my pals go to high school.

A very Happy Birthday to Brennan Dolson, who is with out a doubt the funniest person I have ever and probably will ever meet.

And finally INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!

Goodnight moon.

Funny People

Was really good, but not entirely funny. (Btw, I haven't listened to my review podcasts (AV Talk and Filmspotting for the movie yet).

The thing was in the beginning it was a lot of dick jokes that I don't think really worked (given a lot of these were during the stand up routines). Oddly enough for the most part I feel the stand up in Funny People wasn't that funny, while their actual interactions were. And people may disagree with me, but with a few exceptions I generally don't enjoy stand up as much (Some stand-up I can't stand at all, I'm lookin at you Dane Cook). But the first half gets a pass for not being super funny because it was more story driven, George Simmons (Sandler) gets diagnosed with cancer pretty early on and most of the characters are going through rough spots so the lack of funny works for me.

The funny begins to hit in the second half where things start looking up for the characters. I want to say that I liked Seth Rogan's character change in this movie, a lot of time he's all for the sex (don't get me wrong it works I LOVED Zack and Miri make a Porno) but in this one he was more modest and down to earth, and really wasn't looking for cheap sex. I think that's why his early stand-up in the movie didn't work as well, because as a character he was trying to be funny by what makes other people laugh, but when we learn about how he's more insecure about himself and he makes realizations his stand-up comedy changes in a way that really worked for him and me.

In the end I don't think Funny People has the best beginning but it finishes strong, and really is a good movie. So check it out when you get the chance (I suggest this weekend instead of seeing the new GI Joe). I have to add, I did get a kick out of seeing a 70-80 year old couple slowly walk out of the movie before the first half was over. I wondered how they had gotten in there in the first place, but I'm sure the youth of the future will wonder the same when I don't walk out of these movies and I'm 93.

Good job Mr. Apatow, I look forward to whatever's coming next (he's apparently teaming with Bo Burnham for a project so mark me intrigued).

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In other news, I'm doing swell, I recently came back for a week in Florida with my lovely lady, and I'm apparently off to NY next week. I downloaded the new Modest Mouse album today (No One's First And You're Next) and I'm quite enjoying it.

I've got a few short ideas and an actual full lengther in my head, and in my brainstorming journal. so hopefully a few of those will see the light of day before I leave for college.

That's all for now (more later?)

The upcoming week:

Hey everyone!

So recently we wrapped on all the Linganore scenes for the Hall Monitor Trailer, I've been saving and updating a pretty well managed blog post for the Totally Illogical Films blog. I'll post the link to it here once I've posted the blog. We have 2 more scenes to wrap for the short, which I'm hoping we'll do this week.

All my friends get out of school tomorrow (Monday) (probably today once you read this, maybe even yesterday). So that's all fun and games.

WEDNESDAY!!! is a super exciting day, my parents got me tickets to see An Evening with Kevin Smith at Carnegie Hall. So Brad, Dad, Hillary, and I are heading up to NYC that day. More on that after it happens.

BTWs, I recently got John Water's Pink Flamingos, it's soo good, and total riot. I have to admit, it's awesome having a girlfriend who thinks something as crude and ridiculous as Pink Flamingos is funny and good.

More to come as it happens.

Uhg.

School start up on Monday...  It's Saturday night (technically Sunday morning (12:41)).  My inner clock is screwed, but I have church in the morning so I figure trimming 2-3 hours of my sleep should get me to bed earlier and effectively get me on the right time.

Also, I'm really hating school for 2009...  I'm not back yet and it's already annoying.  You know how college kids have break for another 2 weeks... yeah that would be nice. :/

See you all around, and keep it fresh.

Booked

Announcement:

I'm MC-ing the Calvary Cabaret at Calvary United Methodist Church on January 31st.  So grab some tickets (somehow).

On a personal note:

I'm doing well, the holiday was swell.  I have homework I need to do, but I don't quite know where to start, it's annoying.  Anyway, I've been busy lately you wouldn't know it by looking at me, especially now, wrapped in a blanket sitting in front of the good ol Mac, listening to SModcast.  That's about it, you may want to check up on the Totally Illogical Films Blog

I believe that is it for now.

Keep it realzies.

Oh The Irony...

CLICK THE IMAGE AS IT IS CUT OFF!!!

Not much irony in my day today, earlier Mom was complaining about how much time I spent in my room, and I'm like well there's not much to do outside my room without leaving the house.  So she suggests I could clean my room, which doesn't get me out of my room at all :/

Anyhow, I picked up a plain white T-shirt to make a pineapple express shirt because the website has iron-ons, but I think I'm gonna get a plain colored t-shirt instead in a few days.  

I got out of work early because it was slow and there wasn't much to do.  I've realized that there's 7 more eps in season 1 of Arrested Development, and the library refuses to allow the existence of the 3rd disc.  In case you didn't know I've been watching Arrested Development the past week, I have to say it's a brilliant comedy, it's so smart, and constantly hillarious, it's easily made it's way up to my favorites.  and it features pre-Superbad Michael Cera.

I like having stand-up on my ipod, because when it's on shuffle the stand-up bits are like the musicians interjections before a song at a concert, it's kinda cool to have that transition.

I'm prolly gonna watch Tenacious D tonight, more later.

Give me something to hold on to

I've actually been sleeping quite well... Funny thing though, I woke up at 4:30 this morning, it was raining, the rain didn't wake me up, however mom did.  So, to her wishes I went to my room to finish my sleep, once I crawled into bed I found my mind in that unhappy, unrest... maybe I would have been better in the rain.

Man, I know how to pick CDs,  Eyes Open (Snow Patrol) is a great album, the new Coldplay one isn't that bad itself... and Flight of the Conchords is just hilarious, Karli just doesn't seem to pick up on it as much.  So here I sit, wondering whether or not I can sleep in peace under the stars tonight, or if the hammocks to wet, forcing me to sleep in my own bed.

...okay! sleeping outside has just become a requirement!  see you crackas later.

... Damn, stuck in my own bed tonight, well I think in that case I may watch "Blow" starring Johnny Depp.... I am so ready for VA in two days, you have no idea.

Slip Slindin' Away

Well, here I am.  It's 7:11 in the morning, I'm up at 6:30 due to the sun.  Mom thinks it's a bad thing that I don't get back in bed when I come inside, but honestly, I disagree.  Anywho, hammock sleeping is really nice, I just can't get over how much it can calm me down before I goto sleep (and wasn't even that stressed last night).  And, besides how many people can have the satisfaction of being able to say that they know for a fact that in the night sky over the past 2 nights, the Big Dipper has moved up in the sky and rotated slightly.  It's the simple things that really help calm things down.  

I watched The Brothers Solomon last night, and it was pretty funny, not one of the best, but still a good laugh.

So what is it, Thursday?  yep.  Well, I work tonight, the biggest downside is now I realize I'm working 3 days in a row.  Woo, I enjoy work but not to that extent, so hopefully I'll survive long enough for me to escape from here and to VA, where I should find a pleasant escape from everything here, which is much needed.

Also, I love JD, he's probably the most relate-able guy on television (for me at least).  Sometimes I feel just like this (not today... well at least not yet).

stuffy stuff stuff...

Well, lets just say that yesterday, Little Sasha and I went to the park A LOT, more than we probably should.   I even rode her down to Wal-Mart, where I found a sweet horn, a lock, and a flashing light for night rides (I just didn't buy them due to a lack of money).  I watched Walk Hard last night, and it was hilarious (provided you can get past the occasional nudity, and the cruder stuff).  Then I went to sleep on the Hammock again, it's funny there weren't really stars out, it was to cloudy, but the clouds were patchy so you could see the occasional star.  But I did wake up at one point in the middle of the night to find a clear beautiful sky, I just couldn't keep my eyes open to enjoy it.  I think in sleeping outside, I find more peace and quiet than anywhere else, I honestly think if I went to bed in my room, I'd have been pretty stressed and I wouldn't be able to sleep easily.  But there's something about being outside that lightens the mood for me, and the air's different out there.  I woke up this morning to the sun, and the sound of the garbage man driving down the street.

Today I'm going to the MVA for Learners #3! then I have a guitar lesson, and in between all that I think Little Sasha and I will go out for a ride or two, other than that nothing really's happening.

-UPDATE-

Guitar THEN MVA... So now I have a free morning, and an afternoon in one of the 9(?) rings of hell.  Also I Diff'rent Strokes is on BET at 9:30, I'll have to incorporate it into my schedule.