That's right kids. The amount of money that Avatar is making requires that I make up an adjective for it. As of this weekend it has made $553 million in the US, and about $1.8 billion world-wide. I would look it up, but that number has to rival some countries GDP. Either way it is an obscene amount of money. Doesn't hurt James Cameron that they charge extra for 3-D and IMAX showings. My take though is that the movie is very cool, thoroughly engaging, and a two-and-a-half hour eye-gasm. So kudos James, now go sit on your gold plated toilet and celebrate the being the owner of the 2 highest grossing films of all-time. Unbelievable...
Working is going very well and I really enjoy my job. Things are different everyday and it is a very welcome change from my old gig that was the same 5 things over and over again everyday.
Wedding plans are in motion and most of the important things are set. We have the date, officiant, ceremony site, and reception site. The rest is the filler details, which will certainly be difficult to all piece together. Lucky for me, my better half is really good at putting these things together and so far there have been no terrible arguments. Disagreements sure, but nothing that has driven us up a wall or had me grabbing for a knife.
Lastly, we purchased a netflix subscription and it is fantastic. You get to pick what you want and they just send the discs to you, how simple. And the big plus is the on-demand items you can watch straight on your computer. We started to watch the first season of Weeds and we were hooked. We watched the first two seasons (22 episodes, 30 minutes each) in a week. And now wait for the third season to come. I wish I would have invented netflix, because that man should be given a silver dollar.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I aint afraid of no ghosts....
It has been just a wild week when it comes to stories in the news. First and foremost (before I get to making any jokes) I send my thoughts to the people in Haiti. Much like the tsunami 5 years ago, it doesn't affect me, but the scope of the tragedy is huge. No official numbers yet but up to 100,000 feared dead. In terms I can understand, that is the West side of Madison. Damn. And to begin with jokes, who the eff is Pat Robertson and where does he get off. He said that Haiti got what was coming to them because they made a deal with the devil to gain their independence from France. He talks as if the devil is an actual guy who sits on a throne, strokes his tiny beard, and sharts out habenero peppers. It must be the answer because it clearly has nothing to do with the country being located on a FAULT in the earth's crust. So that means in 30 years when California rips off, the staunchly corpse of Robertson will claim it is comeuppance for all those Tyler Perry movies. Actually that could be true, those movies induce pain on a level only a guy who has been gored by a bull can truly understand.
Mark McGwire finally admitted to steroid use. Wow. Most shocking story to come out since Clay Aiken admitted he was gay. Thanks Mark. And you still won't admit that steroids helped you hit home runs. People who use steroids to get better from injury usually stop after said injury is healed. You kept going which means that you had enough horse steroids in your frame to kill livestock (or your pudgy son). The worst part about the whole thing is that he broke Roger Maris' record against the Cubs and I forever will have that image blazed in my mind. Kudos to Bob Costas for a good interview considering the hand he was dealt. Costas is the best in the baseball biz and it must have taken all his concentration not to pull down McGwire's pants, look in the camera, and say "Kids, this is what steroids do to you." Because down there, McGwire probably looks like the Asian dude from The Hangover by now.
NBC late night has been in the news a bunch, and anyone who knows me knows where I stand on the issue. Comedy is subjective and anyone can find anything funny. But Jay Leno is about as funny as full-blown AIDS. He has hijacked the network and now says he will quit too because what they are doing is unfair to Conan. How gracious of you, you goat chinned bastard. Conan has done everything possible in 16 years to gain an audience and bring younger viewers to NBC. He has done it well, and now in the brightest of lights it is not going great. But 7 months is not a great litmus test. Give him another year and if NBC really feels the same, then find a replacement. It is that simple. There I could run a television network.
Sadly, Michael C. Hall of Six Feet Under, Dexter, and Zach's dreams fame, has been diagnosed with cancer. He has Hodgkin's lymphoma which is the "good" kind and is in remission. I was very sad when I heard this news. But all seems well and then I got to thinking. Most cancer jokes are not in good taste, but how come bad people never get cancer? It is always the cool people. Hitler could have used a big dose of cancer, but no Patrick Swayze gets it. Come on God, that ain't right. Well Hall is going to whoop cancers ass and is going to show up to the Golden Globes on Sunday night. I will be watching and on Saturday I am hoping to blog my choices for the main categories. That is of course, if I am not still in shock from Paranormal Activity.
Until next time....
Mark McGwire finally admitted to steroid use. Wow. Most shocking story to come out since Clay Aiken admitted he was gay. Thanks Mark. And you still won't admit that steroids helped you hit home runs. People who use steroids to get better from injury usually stop after said injury is healed. You kept going which means that you had enough horse steroids in your frame to kill livestock (or your pudgy son). The worst part about the whole thing is that he broke Roger Maris' record against the Cubs and I forever will have that image blazed in my mind. Kudos to Bob Costas for a good interview considering the hand he was dealt. Costas is the best in the baseball biz and it must have taken all his concentration not to pull down McGwire's pants, look in the camera, and say "Kids, this is what steroids do to you." Because down there, McGwire probably looks like the Asian dude from The Hangover by now.
NBC late night has been in the news a bunch, and anyone who knows me knows where I stand on the issue. Comedy is subjective and anyone can find anything funny. But Jay Leno is about as funny as full-blown AIDS. He has hijacked the network and now says he will quit too because what they are doing is unfair to Conan. How gracious of you, you goat chinned bastard. Conan has done everything possible in 16 years to gain an audience and bring younger viewers to NBC. He has done it well, and now in the brightest of lights it is not going great. But 7 months is not a great litmus test. Give him another year and if NBC really feels the same, then find a replacement. It is that simple. There I could run a television network.
Sadly, Michael C. Hall of Six Feet Under, Dexter, and Zach's dreams fame, has been diagnosed with cancer. He has Hodgkin's lymphoma which is the "good" kind and is in remission. I was very sad when I heard this news. But all seems well and then I got to thinking. Most cancer jokes are not in good taste, but how come bad people never get cancer? It is always the cool people. Hitler could have used a big dose of cancer, but no Patrick Swayze gets it. Come on God, that ain't right. Well Hall is going to whoop cancers ass and is going to show up to the Golden Globes on Sunday night. I will be watching and on Saturday I am hoping to blog my choices for the main categories. That is of course, if I am not still in shock from Paranormal Activity.
Until next time....
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What Up With That....
I said a ooooooooooooooooo weeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Yeah I'm in a bizarre mood for a Saturday morning. All is well in the land of 10,000 lakes. I had my first full five day work week in nearly two months, and it felt awesome. Things at the job are going well and I'm finally getting into a groove as to what I am supposed to be doing all day. But on to the important stuff.
First things first, Kristi and I were sold rotten produce at the grocery store this past week. I was very displeased. We were all gung ho to eat healthy and have chicken stir fry with some red peppers. Well the peppers were rotten on the inside, just like Lindsay Lohan. Nothing more frustrating than trying to eat healthy and being denied by some bizarre snafu.
Lots of sports stuff going on lately. NFL playoffs are on the horizon today. I will check them out, only because it is football and that is what I do. I'm much more intrigued by college basketball, particularly Big Ten match ups. I love me some Illini and they play Indiana tonight. It should be another win for Illinois and they are going to need them before they get any deeper into league play. The big game however is undefeated Purdue going to the Kohl Center to take on Wisconsin. I've seen Purdue play twice this year (Tennessee and West Virginia) and they are damn good. The Badgers are spectacularly unspectacular. They really have no one who takes over a game, except Trevon Hughes when he wants to. Purdue has won in their last two visits to Madison, but I'm not sure if they make it three in a row. Both teams will be focused and make it an all out slug fest. I would be absolutely floored if it was more than a five point win for either team.
First things first, Kristi and I were sold rotten produce at the grocery store this past week. I was very displeased. We were all gung ho to eat healthy and have chicken stir fry with some red peppers. Well the peppers were rotten on the inside, just like Lindsay Lohan. Nothing more frustrating than trying to eat healthy and being denied by some bizarre snafu.
Lots of sports stuff going on lately. NFL playoffs are on the horizon today. I will check them out, only because it is football and that is what I do. I'm much more intrigued by college basketball, particularly Big Ten match ups. I love me some Illini and they play Indiana tonight. It should be another win for Illinois and they are going to need them before they get any deeper into league play. The big game however is undefeated Purdue going to the Kohl Center to take on Wisconsin. I've seen Purdue play twice this year (Tennessee and West Virginia) and they are damn good. The Badgers are spectacularly unspectacular. They really have no one who takes over a game, except Trevon Hughes when he wants to. Purdue has won in their last two visits to Madison, but I'm not sure if they make it three in a row. Both teams will be focused and make it an all out slug fest. I would be absolutely floored if it was more than a five point win for either team.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Trip Down Memory Lane....
It is the last day of the year and, in my mind, the last year of the decade. It was a good run that saw myself start and graduate high school, start and graduate college, get a job, move to Minnesota, get engaged, and just all around be awesome. And as great as all that is, let us get to the most important part of the decade: TV Shows and Movies. I absolutely love them and from 1999-2009 there were some spectacular shows and cinematic experiences. I will preface my list by saying these are all shows and movies I have watched. It's not what anyone else will tell you. It is from Zach, which should mean more because my tastes are bizarre, yet should be followed like the gospel. Without further ado:
The best TV Shows from 1999 to the present:
10.) How I Met Your Mother (2005-Present)
9.) 24 (2001-Present)
8.) The Shield (2002-2008)
7.) Freaks and Geeks (1999)
6.) The Daily Show (1996-Present) *Did not hit its stride until the 2000 election season*
5.) The Wire (2002-2008)
4.) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-Present)
3.) The West Wing (1999-2006)
2.) Dexter (2006-Present)
1.) Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
My Apologies to: The Sopranos, The Colbert Report, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Dirty Jobs
The best Movies from 1999 to the present:
10.) Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
9.) Casino Royale (2006)
8.) Wedding Crashers (2005)
7.) United 93 (2006)
6.) The Lookout (2007)
5.) Memento (2000)
4.) Children of Men (2006)
3.) Donnie Darko (2001)
2.) The Dark Knight (2008)
1.) The Departed (2006)
My Apologies to: Kill Bill Vol. 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Almost Famous, Ratatouille, Anchorman, The Hangover
And with that we have a rundown of the media from the decade. I can only hope that the next ten years give me the chance to do the same thing. And that is talk about the fantastic experiences that help distract us from real life.
The best TV Shows from 1999 to the present:
10.) How I Met Your Mother (2005-Present)
9.) 24 (2001-Present)
8.) The Shield (2002-2008)
7.) Freaks and Geeks (1999)
6.) The Daily Show (1996-Present) *Did not hit its stride until the 2000 election season*
5.) The Wire (2002-2008)
4.) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-Present)
3.) The West Wing (1999-2006)
2.) Dexter (2006-Present)
1.) Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
My Apologies to: The Sopranos, The Colbert Report, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Dirty Jobs
The best Movies from 1999 to the present:
10.) Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
9.) Casino Royale (2006)
8.) Wedding Crashers (2005)
7.) United 93 (2006)
6.) The Lookout (2007)
5.) Memento (2000)
4.) Children of Men (2006)
3.) Donnie Darko (2001)
2.) The Dark Knight (2008)
1.) The Departed (2006)
My Apologies to: Kill Bill Vol. 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Almost Famous, Ratatouille, Anchorman, The Hangover
And with that we have a rundown of the media from the decade. I can only hope that the next ten years give me the chance to do the same thing. And that is talk about the fantastic experiences that help distract us from real life.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
And boom goes the dynamite....
I started my new job this week and so far I give it a mild "meh." It's the usual stuff on a first week, which as everyone knows is pretty damn boring. You fill out paperwork and meet new people, but it usually takes awhile to get down to the nitty gritty. Hopefully that will kick in a little more this week, but with a three-day holiday week, who knows.
I have truly given up on football because the Bears are god-awful. I realized today they have the same record as the Raiders. And with that thought my mind started to drift towards a land of gumdrops and little midgets who swim in chocolate rivers. They are seriously an awful team. Their defense and offensive line are aging and there is not a lot to do about it. They have no draft picks next year and it is real tough to rebuild via free agency alone. I would like to see them make a run at some high profile guys in the off-season because they have loads of cap room. Should the coaches be fired? Maybe. I would personally hang on to Lovie Smith, based on the fact that the players love him and it would cost an arm and a leg to fire him, pay him the money he is owed, and then hire a new guy. I honestly think they need to focus on fundamentals and not have giant expectations coming into next year. Seriously, I would consider an 8-8 record next year a big accomplishment.
Speaking of awful teams, the Cubs traded malcontent Milton Bradley this week. Personally, I think it is a bad move because they got absolute dick in return. They traded a hothead and injury prone guy for Carlos Silva, an under 500, fat ass pitcher. Personally, I think both of them should be killed and then the world would be a better place. So the Cubs solve that problem, but still have many holes to fill. they need to shred payroll and unfortunately that is real tough to do. It makes me cringe that about 9 of their players combine for 90% of their payroll. They need a second baseman, center fielder, and a lead off hitter.
My analysis: They already have a lead off hitter in Kosuke Fukudome. He bats around 300 in the spot, gets on base, and plays an awesome right field in a very tough stadium. Move Ryan Theriot to second, where he can actually throw the ball to first base. Then you bring up Starlin Castro to play at shortstop. The Brewers proved last year you can bring up a rookie who flashes leather and then you can hide him in the batting order. Lastly, I have no clue about center field. It is a crap shoot. My lineup on opening day: Fukudome, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, Center fielder, Castro, Pitcher. There it is. See how easy it is to be a General Manager.
Lastly, big ups to UW-Whitewater as the football team won their second national championship in three years. Some say this is the best team they have had out of all five. I agree to disagree (along with the highly esteemed Jeff Boll). I honestly think the second team they had with Jacobs, Beaver, Stanley, Borzick, Kleppe, Raebel, Farley, etc., was the best of the bunch. And they didn't even win the title (GAAAAAAAAAAARCON!!!!!!!!!!!). But none the less, as an alum and big sports fan, that program knows how to do it. Whether it be football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, etc., they all bring it. Coaching, facilities, and players all have something to do with it, and everyone who goes there or is affiliated in any way should be very proud. The campus of UW-Whitewater has had something special brewing for the last decade or so.
I have truly given up on football because the Bears are god-awful. I realized today they have the same record as the Raiders. And with that thought my mind started to drift towards a land of gumdrops and little midgets who swim in chocolate rivers. They are seriously an awful team. Their defense and offensive line are aging and there is not a lot to do about it. They have no draft picks next year and it is real tough to rebuild via free agency alone. I would like to see them make a run at some high profile guys in the off-season because they have loads of cap room. Should the coaches be fired? Maybe. I would personally hang on to Lovie Smith, based on the fact that the players love him and it would cost an arm and a leg to fire him, pay him the money he is owed, and then hire a new guy. I honestly think they need to focus on fundamentals and not have giant expectations coming into next year. Seriously, I would consider an 8-8 record next year a big accomplishment.
Speaking of awful teams, the Cubs traded malcontent Milton Bradley this week. Personally, I think it is a bad move because they got absolute dick in return. They traded a hothead and injury prone guy for Carlos Silva, an under 500, fat ass pitcher. Personally, I think both of them should be killed and then the world would be a better place. So the Cubs solve that problem, but still have many holes to fill. they need to shred payroll and unfortunately that is real tough to do. It makes me cringe that about 9 of their players combine for 90% of their payroll. They need a second baseman, center fielder, and a lead off hitter.
My analysis: They already have a lead off hitter in Kosuke Fukudome. He bats around 300 in the spot, gets on base, and plays an awesome right field in a very tough stadium. Move Ryan Theriot to second, where he can actually throw the ball to first base. Then you bring up Starlin Castro to play at shortstop. The Brewers proved last year you can bring up a rookie who flashes leather and then you can hide him in the batting order. Lastly, I have no clue about center field. It is a crap shoot. My lineup on opening day: Fukudome, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, Center fielder, Castro, Pitcher. There it is. See how easy it is to be a General Manager.
Lastly, big ups to UW-Whitewater as the football team won their second national championship in three years. Some say this is the best team they have had out of all five. I agree to disagree (along with the highly esteemed Jeff Boll). I honestly think the second team they had with Jacobs, Beaver, Stanley, Borzick, Kleppe, Raebel, Farley, etc., was the best of the bunch. And they didn't even win the title (GAAAAAAAAAAARCON!!!!!!!!!!!). But none the less, as an alum and big sports fan, that program knows how to do it. Whether it be football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, etc., they all bring it. Coaching, facilities, and players all have something to do with it, and everyone who goes there or is affiliated in any way should be very proud. The campus of UW-Whitewater has had something special brewing for the last decade or so.
Monday, December 14, 2009
What a blur....
Seriously, my emotions are spent. It has been a great week and many things have happened. So in a pre-tv show recap, here is the week that was.
Saturday- My birthday started with a lunch date with Jeffrey. That's right I called lunch with a dude a date, big deal, want to fight? We enjoyed the usual laughs and had a good time watching the third amigo, Lane, announcing the UWW football game. It was fantastic and kudos to The Park Tavern for the best damn potato skins I have ever eaten.
Wednesday- Received word that I was in the running for a final job at Clear Channel. I needed to go in on Friday to meet with their sales people and do one last pseudo-interview.
Friday- Went to said interview and really tanked it. I was just in a funk and thrown by having to meet with 11 people instead of 4. Needless to say, I was not pleased with my performance. Downtrodden, I went home and waited until they called to inform me of their decision. Kristi came home and I finally got the call at 4:30. It was a good call and I was selected and had the job. Big news, good news. We ate some food and got ready to go to our charity ball at her school. We got ready to leave at 730ish and that is when I took her hand and asked her to marry me. After a dubious pause and a couple Vitale-esque "Are you Seriouses?" she said yes and there was much rejoicing. Bigger news, more important news. We took pictures and then went off to the ball where we stayed for just an hour before coming back home. Went to bed, because it was a hell of a day emotionally.
Saturday- We went to the Mall of America for some Christmas shopping and just to get out. Discussed wedding things, not too in-depth but just talking. We then went to dinner at Nick's place and had some delicious treats. Steaks wrapped in bacon should be on every menu in America. We then went to a comedy show about the holiday season. Very funny, but a little long and once we got home at 1 AM, we once again collapsed into bed.
Sunday- Got to be bums for awhile and just hang out and chat while watching some TV. Only the Vikings game was on local TV. That's right their two biggest rivals, the Packers and Bears, were playing each other and they were not carrying the game. Instead I was treated to the holiday classic, Jingle all the Way. "Drop zee Turbo man doll!" We later went to the Holidazzle parade downtown, because what better way to spend a day that never hits 8 degrees but outside watching lit floats. We went out to eat afterwords and it was delicious. They had a mystery beer for $2 and I gave it a whirl. They bring out a can of Milwaukee's Best, and in my head the little people are dancing. We wound down and once again were absolutely bushed.
So there it is. The play-by-play to a hectic ass week with truly awesome moments. I will blog a little later this week once I start the new job, and hopefully it will not be this heavy.
Saturday- My birthday started with a lunch date with Jeffrey. That's right I called lunch with a dude a date, big deal, want to fight? We enjoyed the usual laughs and had a good time watching the third amigo, Lane, announcing the UWW football game. It was fantastic and kudos to The Park Tavern for the best damn potato skins I have ever eaten.
Wednesday- Received word that I was in the running for a final job at Clear Channel. I needed to go in on Friday to meet with their sales people and do one last pseudo-interview.
Friday- Went to said interview and really tanked it. I was just in a funk and thrown by having to meet with 11 people instead of 4. Needless to say, I was not pleased with my performance. Downtrodden, I went home and waited until they called to inform me of their decision. Kristi came home and I finally got the call at 4:30. It was a good call and I was selected and had the job. Big news, good news. We ate some food and got ready to go to our charity ball at her school. We got ready to leave at 730ish and that is when I took her hand and asked her to marry me. After a dubious pause and a couple Vitale-esque "Are you Seriouses?" she said yes and there was much rejoicing. Bigger news, more important news. We took pictures and then went off to the ball where we stayed for just an hour before coming back home. Went to bed, because it was a hell of a day emotionally.
Saturday- We went to the Mall of America for some Christmas shopping and just to get out. Discussed wedding things, not too in-depth but just talking. We then went to dinner at Nick's place and had some delicious treats. Steaks wrapped in bacon should be on every menu in America. We then went to a comedy show about the holiday season. Very funny, but a little long and once we got home at 1 AM, we once again collapsed into bed.
Sunday- Got to be bums for awhile and just hang out and chat while watching some TV. Only the Vikings game was on local TV. That's right their two biggest rivals, the Packers and Bears, were playing each other and they were not carrying the game. Instead I was treated to the holiday classic, Jingle all the Way. "Drop zee Turbo man doll!" We later went to the Holidazzle parade downtown, because what better way to spend a day that never hits 8 degrees but outside watching lit floats. We went out to eat afterwords and it was delicious. They had a mystery beer for $2 and I gave it a whirl. They bring out a can of Milwaukee's Best, and in my head the little people are dancing. We wound down and once again were absolutely bushed.
So there it is. The play-by-play to a hectic ass week with truly awesome moments. I will blog a little later this week once I start the new job, and hopefully it will not be this heavy.
Monday, December 7, 2009
So who didn't he sleep with?
That is the question I ask myself about Tiger Woods. The count is up to 6 women saying they all had "transgressions" with Eldrick. Side note: Transgressions is the strangest word when it comes to fooling around. I thought "bumping uglies" or "naked sideways bonanza" were bad, "transgressions" is just weird.
I don't really see what the big deal is all about. I have said it time and time again, if you are in a relationship with an athlete, actor, musician, etc., it is going to happen. At some point they will either slip up, or in Tiger's case, just not care and do as they please. When you are a status symbol, women or men will throw themselves at you and you have to do nothing. Wilt Chamberlain reportedly slept with 20,000 women. Mick Jagger woke up in a bed with 3 chicks and David Bowie. It is bound to happen, and as soon as the rest of the world figures that out we will all be better.
Is is terrible for their kids and other family members? Absolutely. But we need to let them handle it and figure it out. And I will say it again. If you have that much money, whether you are male or female, get a pre-nup. It may sound cold and not be loving, but it is by far the smartest way to avoid any weird situations.
And lastly I watched SNL this weekend and the skit with Tiger Woods was marginally funny. Just jokes about Elin beating up Tiger. But of course someone gets offended because America is full of idiots. Certain groups were claiming it was not funny and was making light of domestic violence victims. Really? I call shenanigans. What about the jokes about O.J.? Is murder funny? No not really, but jokes about it are. So seriously get off your high horses people.
More posts to come. I will be around more often to make jokes for my 3 followers.
I don't really see what the big deal is all about. I have said it time and time again, if you are in a relationship with an athlete, actor, musician, etc., it is going to happen. At some point they will either slip up, or in Tiger's case, just not care and do as they please. When you are a status symbol, women or men will throw themselves at you and you have to do nothing. Wilt Chamberlain reportedly slept with 20,000 women. Mick Jagger woke up in a bed with 3 chicks and David Bowie. It is bound to happen, and as soon as the rest of the world figures that out we will all be better.
Is is terrible for their kids and other family members? Absolutely. But we need to let them handle it and figure it out. And I will say it again. If you have that much money, whether you are male or female, get a pre-nup. It may sound cold and not be loving, but it is by far the smartest way to avoid any weird situations.
And lastly I watched SNL this weekend and the skit with Tiger Woods was marginally funny. Just jokes about Elin beating up Tiger. But of course someone gets offended because America is full of idiots. Certain groups were claiming it was not funny and was making light of domestic violence victims. Really? I call shenanigans. What about the jokes about O.J.? Is murder funny? No not really, but jokes about it are. So seriously get off your high horses people.
More posts to come. I will be around more often to make jokes for my 3 followers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)