Nothing Prettier than Burning Books

Burn After Reading sucked. It was not funny or surprising. As mentioned previously, I didn't think too highly of the Coen's last effort. Yes, they have been responsible for much enjoyable fare including my favorite The Big Lebowski and the big win of O Brother. Still I wonder, how many strikes before these guys get their licenses revoked? Think of all the people who struggle to get their projects financed and yet these guys do not seem to have that difficulty.

They have two things going for them. The first is that people keep coming back due to the brand recognition. No matter how disappointed the general public is with one of their movies, their names alone will generate enough buzz to propel the next into orbit. The second is people's appalling sense of relativity in regard to film. If they don't like it, especially in a situation like this, they likely assume it's just not their thing. Also, people fear that perhaps they didn't like it because they are dumb.

This is all good and fine, but consider this: a crappy movie is less likely to sink a career than say a crappy album. Why is that? I'm not set on black balling those who's art I disagree with (or in some cases, those whose art disagrees with me). But I think people should be held accountable for stealing my money. How are they any different than oil tycoons or any other big, flashy execs? They are not. Yet, we are the fools surrendering to their power and greed. There are enough people vying for my entertainment dollar that I can't allow two brothers with the perpetual greenlight to get off scot-free. There may not be a lot I can do about it, but I can rant and I can spend my money someplace else, slumdog.

These Eyes...

Times are tough for many living in the USA today. Nobody denies that. I guess all of us, despite any present dilemmas we face, are living pretty well. None of us are millionaires yet (unless Justin's movie makes a ton this year), but we are living better than we did in Graceville, and certainly better than much of the populace in America.

With that said, did you all hear that Circuit City is bankrupt and closing nationwide? What does this mean for us? Following Best Buy, Circuit City is the second largest electronic retailer. I am not one who usually worries too much about the current economic crisis because it does not overtly affect me. I am a bit cynical when it comes to all things that scare and shock people, including what happens in government. When everyone started needing a bailout my ears perked up. But, now with Circuit City closing, it seems that everything is going down the toilet. If they have trouble staying in business, what will happen next? I read a little bit about their situation, and they were having issues before the recession. Yet, the fact that they are bankrupt reflects the times we are living in.

Don't get me wrong, I love buying things at low cost, and then reselling it to unknowing people on the internet. That's how I supplement my income. I guess we will benefit from Circuit City's demise because we can purchase electronics, software, movies, and music at reduced prices. That's great. We had a store close in New Orleans recently, and I made a killing. My advice: just don't blow your life savings at a store going out of business.

my dad taught me how to play hooky

Christmas week, I only had to work Monday and Tuesday. The rest was Federal Holiday-paid time off for me. In fact, I took off Tuesday afternoon a couple hours early because my heart wasn't in it. I was just occupying space. Things had increasingly been of this nature for most of December. I've not seen much sunlight and the wintertime grays and temperature drops catch up with me quickly. Christmas was a pretty big production and with Donna's mom and grandmother being sick, Donna and I took most of the responsibility on ourselves. So, it turned out that I didn't get much rest Christmas week.

I returned to work and was still dragging tail. I got through the shift with little to show for it. The next morning I phoned in that I was not feeling well. By that evening I had concluded that I would take the following day as well. I had not been out in months. The job was getting to me. I was indeed facing adrenal exhaustion. It was hard to resist that second day out as it would give me three days in a row as the third day was New Years' Day. These days were a kind of odyssey or a play in three acts. I would be revived.

I slept a lot. I strolled around in my pajamas until the afternoon, something I hadn't done in years. I drank a lot of juice and breathed deeply. I played with the dog and talked about things with Donna. I gave a lot of serious thought and reflection to my circumstance. I determined I either have to do my job differently or I have to do a different job. It's for my health and for the wellfare of my loved ones. I cannot maintain these high levels of anxiety and stress. I've got to let go, remember the serenity prayer-all that.

I returned on Friday and it wasn't so terrible. My focus was somewhat restored, even my ambition was appropriate. Those three days were more useful than I could have planned or imagined. I thought the benefit of a day off was to not have to go, but now I see time away can give renewed energy. I don't know what's going to happen exactly. I have not yet determined if it's the job or how I do it. I won't do anything rash, you bastards, so don't worry. I just got to prioritize.

Here's to the weekend.

My New Car: 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S (Smoke Grey)

I did it.



I finally bought a car. It was a long and difficult process. Finding the right car. Getting said car to the right price. All of my efforts feel necessary given the condition, mileage, and options of the car. It was not easy. There was a lot of frustration throughout the process. If you need any tips, I can help. I did a lot of research. I waited a month and a half, but it paid off. My new car is a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. I bought it with 29,200 miles on it. Just from my drive back from Florida to New Orleans and it now has 30,000.



Features:
175-hp 4-cylinder engine
4-speed automatic
4-wheel disc brakes
16-inch alloy wheels
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and trip computer controls
Front anti-Lock brakes
Cruise Control
Driver and passenger air bags
Rear Window Defroster
Power door locks
Power mirrors
Power windows
Sunroof (with moonroof option)
Tinted windows
Periscope and tilted wheel
Keyless Entry
Anti-theft security System
Bose 6 speaker stereo system with 6 disc CD changer



I got it from a wholesale lot, but at a private seller price. Bill of sale price $12,949 ($13,761.94 with tax, tag, and title transfer).

I've Gone Blu Ray!

I wanted to tell you guys about a killer deal I got on Black Friday. Amazon.com had a special Playsation 3 package deal that was pretty much a shot in dark to get since there were only 500 units to buy, and thousands of people trying to get said deal. So I logged into Amazon at 9:20 am on friday and watched the countdown until 9:30 and hoped I could be one of the 500.  The clock hit 0 and the "Add to Cart" button came up. I clicked on it as soon as it popped up and waited while the order processed.  Finally, after about 5 minutes the page came up to complete the order. So the Amazon gods silmed upon me and I was chosen!

So I got a ps3, the Pirates of the Carribean trilogy on Blu ray and the "Little Big Planet" game for the cool price of $199!

So Jed, I know you have a ps3 and I would imagine have started a blu ray collection. Would love some recommendations on what some good titles to buy on blu ray would be. (Iron Man and 300 are obvious choices)  I already bought Indiana Jones 4, and tried to get Iron Man but it was sold out at wal mart. (Oh, and did you really go to Epcot this weekend? And why did you not get in touch with me if you did...Ive got Disney connections)

Jeff, I wanted to wish you a happy graduation and I am sorry that I can't be there.  I am glad you made it and I hope you get a job doing what you love.

Announcement

I graduate with my Masters Degree in less than a month. If you guys want to attend, please let me know. Jed and Justin, I know it's a long drive, but consider yourselves invited. Chase if you and Donna still want to come, I would love to see you.

Graduation for the New Orleans Baptist Seminary will be held on December 13, 2008. Commencement will begin at 10 AM, doors open at 9AM.
Held in Leavell Chapel on campus.
Address: 3939 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70126.

Ornery
Blacks
Arduously
Mutating
America

...but, please, no gays.