2.27.2008
2.25.2008
Is this you?
Every once in a while I feel like stabbing a classmate with my pen. That happened again recently (and with startling frequency this year). I think just about everyone has someone in class, that if they could, they would stab, probably in the eye. If you don’t, it’s probably you.
2.24.2008
Movie Update II
This is going much slower than I anticipated. With the vast majority of the movies on my list running at over 2 hours, and quite a few over 3, I doubt I’ll be able to meet my goal. That said, this week I saw:
Seven Samurai (#10) – a damn good film. While this movie was over 3 hours, it kept my attention throughout. The plot was good, the action scenes were amazing, dialogue was excellent.
Metropolis (#70) – I think this is my first silent film. It too, was excellent. I think the quality of the film was good, especially since a large portion of the film is considered lost, and he film itself goes back to the 30s. I wonder how a modern silent movie would play. I doubt any actors today could pull it off. This is definitely a file worth catching if for no other reason than to see what is certainly the most, hmmmm... memorable, “erotic’ dance ever captured on film.
Once Upon a Time in the West (#19) – Another western, and probably only the 4th or 5th I’ve ever seen. I think this one was better than the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This is also a Sergio Leone, so tGtBtU has a lot in common with this one, but I think this one’s shorter run time, made for a better movie. It was around 2.5 hours, but kept me entertained throughout, unlike tGtBtU. Another excellent film.
Dr. Strangelove . . . (#22) – The best part of my endeavor has been the exposing me to directors I’d previously never seen. Here’s another, Stanley Kubrick. This movie was nothing at all like I expected. Nothing from the plot, to the story telling, the cinematography, to the style, matched what I thought this would be. I loved this movie. An Excellent film that I highly recommend.
Seven Samurai (#10) – a damn good film. While this movie was over 3 hours, it kept my attention throughout. The plot was good, the action scenes were amazing, dialogue was excellent.
Metropolis (#70) – I think this is my first silent film. It too, was excellent. I think the quality of the film was good, especially since a large portion of the film is considered lost, and he film itself goes back to the 30s. I wonder how a modern silent movie would play. I doubt any actors today could pull it off. This is definitely a file worth catching if for no other reason than to see what is certainly the most, hmmmm... memorable, “erotic’ dance ever captured on film.
Once Upon a Time in the West (#19) – Another western, and probably only the 4th or 5th I’ve ever seen. I think this one was better than the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. This is also a Sergio Leone, so tGtBtU has a lot in common with this one, but I think this one’s shorter run time, made for a better movie. It was around 2.5 hours, but kept me entertained throughout, unlike tGtBtU. Another excellent film.
Dr. Strangelove . . . (#22) – The best part of my endeavor has been the exposing me to directors I’d previously never seen. Here’s another, Stanley Kubrick. This movie was nothing at all like I expected. Nothing from the plot, to the story telling, the cinematography, to the style, matched what I thought this would be. I loved this movie. An Excellent film that I highly recommend.
2.23.2008
2.19.2008
That's it. I'm voting Republican!
RE: Wireless Network
Law Mail group: All Current Subscribers
Message sponsored by: Student Affairs
***
The Law School IT Department and Student Affairs Office have received numerous inquiries regarding the Law School wireless network. . . . [A]ll networking resources have been diverted to the Rec Sports Center for the upcoming Democratic Presidential Debate.
----------
What the heck to Obama and Hillary need internet for anyway? They are just going to shoot off their mouths. If it's for the media, fuck 'em, make them get their own internet access. Honestly, why does the debate need to use that many of the University's resources?
Law Mail group: All Current Subscribers
Message sponsored by: Student Affairs
***
The Law School IT Department and Student Affairs Office have received numerous inquiries regarding the Law School wireless network. . . . [A]ll networking resources have been diverted to the Rec Sports Center for the upcoming Democratic Presidential Debate.
----------
What the heck to Obama and Hillary need internet for anyway? They are just going to shoot off their mouths. If it's for the media, fuck 'em, make them get their own internet access. Honestly, why does the debate need to use that many of the University's resources?
2.18.2008
Inconvenient truths
There are truths in this world. Some of them are inconvenient. Yes, regardless of whether they are convenient or not, people should just learn to accept them and deal with them. If everyone would just accept certain truths, the world would be a lot better for the rest of us. One of these truths is as follows: if you arrive at the San Jacinto Garage after 10 a.m. you will not find a parking space below the 5th floor.
There. Now accept it. There is no need at 11 a.m. to be driving 4 m.p.h. through 6 levels of the garage in hopes some earl bird leaves. All it will do is piss off the 6 cars that are following you and have already accepted this truth.
Oh, and happy President’s day. Not that every President deserves a day, but we are apparently too lazy to figure out which ones do. So sit back, have a beer, and remember all the contributions of such fine Americans as Rutherford B. Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, and Franklin Pierce.
There. Now accept it. There is no need at 11 a.m. to be driving 4 m.p.h. through 6 levels of the garage in hopes some earl bird leaves. All it will do is piss off the 6 cars that are following you and have already accepted this truth.
Oh, and happy President’s day. Not that every President deserves a day, but we are apparently too lazy to figure out which ones do. So sit back, have a beer, and remember all the contributions of such fine Americans as Rutherford B. Hayes, Benjamin Harrison, and Franklin Pierce.
2.16.2008
I’m off to a slow start (Movie Update)
It’s been one week since I’ve set my goal to watch IMDB’s top 95 movies. I’ve only been able to take two off that list. Rear Window (#14) and The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (#4). Here’s my attempt at a review:
Rear Window – A very good movie. I haven’t seen a lot of Hitchcock, but everything I’ve seen of him I’ve enjoyed. The movie didn’t end the way I thought it would. I’m quite surprised, for year’s I’ve wanted to see this but never thought to see it out. I’ve always known the plot and how it ended, or at least how I thought it ended. I’m pleasantly surprised that over all the conversations I’ve heard mentioning this film, I didn’t hear one spoiler.
If you like suspense movies, I can’t think of a better one. Oh, and a tip, watch it in one sitting. I usually watch moves late at night and often have to break them up over 2 nights. I made that mistake with this one. Don’t do that.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – This is a film which I never would have seen had I not set this goal. I have never been a fan of westerns (but 3:10 to Yuma may have corrected this error). I really liked this movie, it has a way of really drawing you in and getting to know the characters. I would have liked to see more of Angel Eyes, though. That said, my biggest complaint was that it was way too long – three damn hours! I did a little research on this movie and saw that ~17 minutes had been restored. I think they could have cut out about an hour of this one. It was also interesting to see Don Altobello playing a Mexican bandit. If you like westerns you’ve probably seen this one, if you don’t, give it a shot. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the length.
Only 59 more to go. Next up: Metropolis (#70), Seven Samurai (#10), and Once Upon a Time in the West (#20). At least that’s the plan.
UPDATE: The version of Metropolis is this one. Not sure if that means it's a good restoration or not, it doesn't even look like the reviewers on Amazon can agree. Anyhow, this is the Kino Video version FWIW.
Rear Window – A very good movie. I haven’t seen a lot of Hitchcock, but everything I’ve seen of him I’ve enjoyed. The movie didn’t end the way I thought it would. I’m quite surprised, for year’s I’ve wanted to see this but never thought to see it out. I’ve always known the plot and how it ended, or at least how I thought it ended. I’m pleasantly surprised that over all the conversations I’ve heard mentioning this film, I didn’t hear one spoiler.
If you like suspense movies, I can’t think of a better one. Oh, and a tip, watch it in one sitting. I usually watch moves late at night and often have to break them up over 2 nights. I made that mistake with this one. Don’t do that.
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – This is a film which I never would have seen had I not set this goal. I have never been a fan of westerns (but 3:10 to Yuma may have corrected this error). I really liked this movie, it has a way of really drawing you in and getting to know the characters. I would have liked to see more of Angel Eyes, though. That said, my biggest complaint was that it was way too long – three damn hours! I did a little research on this movie and saw that ~17 minutes had been restored. I think they could have cut out about an hour of this one. It was also interesting to see Don Altobello playing a Mexican bandit. If you like westerns you’ve probably seen this one, if you don’t, give it a shot. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the length.
Only 59 more to go. Next up: Metropolis (#70), Seven Samurai (#10), and Once Upon a Time in the West (#20). At least that’s the plan.
UPDATE: The version of Metropolis is this one. Not sure if that means it's a good restoration or not, it doesn't even look like the reviewers on Amazon can agree. Anyhow, this is the Kino Video version FWIW.
2.10.2008
Because we all need goals
Ah, life as a 2nd semester 3L. The time when you live it up. You never go to class, read, nor commit to other obligations. All you need to do is relax, keep from failing, and bask in the glory that comes from the high-paying job you’ve had secured for several months now.
And then there’s me. I’m behind in my classes, working too much, way over committed to things that aren’t even law or law school related (nor in the same city), have far too much to do for my Journal, and am still unemployed (with still no prospects to change that). Yet in the midst of all that, I’ve decided to partake in a new endeavor. One so bold it must be proclaimed as to be held publicly accountable. I am going to watch the top 95 movies ever made, as ranked by IMDB. Why 95? Because 96-128 are all ranked the same (8.2, in case you were wondering). If these movies are all ranked the same, I really can’t justify watching 5 and not the other 23. Also, is 95 any more arbitrary than 100?
In looking over this list, I’m surprised I haven’t seen more of these films. As for deadlines, that’s the hard part. There’s no point to having a goal with no deadline. I originally planned on doing this by the end of the semester. Of course when I came up with that deadline, I thought I’d only have 25-30 movies to watch. Turns out I have 62 to watch. With 14 weeks until the Sunflower Ceremony, that would come out to 4-5 movies a week. You know, I might be able to do that. Hmmmm….. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress. So far I have Il Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, and I plan on seeing that tonight. I should have Rear Window by the end of the week. I’m looking forward to this.
Here’s what I need to see:(rank, rating, title)
4. 8.9 Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
7. 8.8 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
9. 8.8 Casablanca (1942)
10. 8.8 Shichinin no samurai (1954)
12. 8.8 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
14. 8.7 Rear Window (1954)
15. 8.7 There Will Be Blood (2007)
17. 8.7 Cidade de Deus (2002)
19. 8.7 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
20. 8.7 C'era una volta il West (1968)
22. 8.6 Psycho (1960)
23. 8.6 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
25. 8.6 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
27. 8.6 North by Northwest (1959)
28. 8.6 Memento (2000)
29. 8.6 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
30. 8.6 Sunset Blvd. (1950)
32. 8.5 Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
34. 8.5 No Country for Old Men (2007)
38. 8.5 American Beauty (1999)
39. 8.5 Léon (1994)
41. 8.5 Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le (2001)
44. 8.5 Paths of Glory (1957)
45. 8.5 M (1931)
46. 8.4 Chinatown (1974)
48. 8.4 The Third Man (1949)
49. 8.4 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
50. 8.4 Leben der Anderen, Das (2006)
51. 8.4 A Clockwork Orange (1971)
52. 8.4 Alien (1979)
54. 8.4 The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
56. 8.4 Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
57. 8.4 The Pianist (2002)
60. 8.4 Boot, Das (1981)
61. 8.4 The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
65. 8.4 Requiem for a Dream (2000)
66. 8.4 Untergang, Der (2004)
68. 8.4 Aliens (1986)
69. 8.4 The Maltese Falcon (1941)
70. 8.4 Metropolis (1927)
72. 8.3 Rashômon (1950)
74. 8.3 Modern Times (1936)
75. 8.3 Hotel Rwanda (2004)
77. 8.3 Singin' in the Rain (1952)
78. 8.3 Rebecca (1940)
79. 8.3 Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)
80. 8.3 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
81. 8.3 All About Eve (1950)
82. 8.3 Some Like It Hot (1959)
83. 8.3 The Great Escape (1963)
84. 8.3 On the Waterfront (1954)
86. 8.3 Vita è bella, La (1997)
87. 8.3 Touch of Evil (1958)
88. 8.3 City Lights (1931)
89. 8.3 The Prestige (2006)
90. 8.3 The Elephant Man (1980)
91. 8.3 Jaws (1975)
92. 8.3 Full Metal Jacket (1987)
93. 8.3 The Sting (1973)
94. 8.3 Nuovo cinema Paradiso (1988)
95. 8.3 The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Edit: Turns out it's only 61. I missed The Matrix on the list.
And then there’s me. I’m behind in my classes, working too much, way over committed to things that aren’t even law or law school related (nor in the same city), have far too much to do for my Journal, and am still unemployed (with still no prospects to change that). Yet in the midst of all that, I’ve decided to partake in a new endeavor. One so bold it must be proclaimed as to be held publicly accountable. I am going to watch the top 95 movies ever made, as ranked by IMDB. Why 95? Because 96-128 are all ranked the same (8.2, in case you were wondering). If these movies are all ranked the same, I really can’t justify watching 5 and not the other 23. Also, is 95 any more arbitrary than 100?
In looking over this list, I’m surprised I haven’t seen more of these films. As for deadlines, that’s the hard part. There’s no point to having a goal with no deadline. I originally planned on doing this by the end of the semester. Of course when I came up with that deadline, I thought I’d only have 25-30 movies to watch. Turns out I have 62 to watch. With 14 weeks until the Sunflower Ceremony, that would come out to 4-5 movies a week. You know, I might be able to do that. Hmmmm….. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress. So far I have Il Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, and I plan on seeing that tonight. I should have Rear Window by the end of the week. I’m looking forward to this.
Here’s what I need to see:(rank, rating, title)
4. 8.9 Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
7. 8.8 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
9. 8.8 Casablanca (1942)
10. 8.8 Shichinin no samurai (1954)
12. 8.8 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
14. 8.7 Rear Window (1954)
15. 8.7 There Will Be Blood (2007)
17. 8.7 Cidade de Deus (2002)
19. 8.7 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
20. 8.7 C'era una volta il West (1968)
22. 8.6 Psycho (1960)
23. 8.6 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
25. 8.6 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
27. 8.6 North by Northwest (1959)
28. 8.6 Memento (2000)
29. 8.6 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
30. 8.6 Sunset Blvd. (1950)
32. 8.5 Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
34. 8.5 No Country for Old Men (2007)
38. 8.5 American Beauty (1999)
39. 8.5 Léon (1994)
41. 8.5 Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le (2001)
44. 8.5 Paths of Glory (1957)
45. 8.5 M (1931)
46. 8.4 Chinatown (1974)
48. 8.4 The Third Man (1949)
49. 8.4 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
50. 8.4 Leben der Anderen, Das (2006)
51. 8.4 A Clockwork Orange (1971)
52. 8.4 Alien (1979)
54. 8.4 The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
56. 8.4 Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
57. 8.4 The Pianist (2002)
60. 8.4 Boot, Das (1981)
61. 8.4 The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
65. 8.4 Requiem for a Dream (2000)
66. 8.4 Untergang, Der (2004)
68. 8.4 Aliens (1986)
69. 8.4 The Maltese Falcon (1941)
70. 8.4 Metropolis (1927)
72. 8.3 Rashômon (1950)
74. 8.3 Modern Times (1936)
75. 8.3 Hotel Rwanda (2004)
77. 8.3 Singin' in the Rain (1952)
78. 8.3 Rebecca (1940)
79. 8.3 Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)
80. 8.3 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
81. 8.3 All About Eve (1950)
82. 8.3 Some Like It Hot (1959)
83. 8.3 The Great Escape (1963)
84. 8.3 On the Waterfront (1954)
86. 8.3 Vita è bella, La (1997)
87. 8.3 Touch of Evil (1958)
88. 8.3 City Lights (1931)
89. 8.3 The Prestige (2006)
90. 8.3 The Elephant Man (1980)
91. 8.3 Jaws (1975)
92. 8.3 Full Metal Jacket (1987)
93. 8.3 The Sting (1973)
94. 8.3 Nuovo cinema Paradiso (1988)
95. 8.3 The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Edit: Turns out it's only 61. I missed The Matrix on the list.
2.02.2008
I’m a Defensive Driver
This weekend I sought to be certified as a defensive driver (thank you Austin Municipal Court).
It’s been a long time since I’ve suffered through one of these courses, and I didn’t want to do it this time, but it appears to be the much cheaper way to go in Austin. So, rather than calling in some favors to take care of my ticket, I opted for the DD course.
This one was fairly entertaining. Of course there were the bad jokes, the comparisons of who was going fastest, and who had the worst cop, but what really made this one stand out was the videos. The bulk of the course included a drivers-ed video, circa 1990. It was hosted by Christopher Reeve and featured some of that era’s finest B-list actors such as the Gilbert sister from Rosanne, Lorenzo Llamas, and various NASCAR racers. A true classic. But the centerpiece of the course was Red Asphalt V (I assume there were 4 previous). Click here for a preview.
Wile there are many other ways I would have rather spent my Saturday, seeing the video made me glad I didn’t take the online route.
It’s been a long time since I’ve suffered through one of these courses, and I didn’t want to do it this time, but it appears to be the much cheaper way to go in Austin. So, rather than calling in some favors to take care of my ticket, I opted for the DD course.
This one was fairly entertaining. Of course there were the bad jokes, the comparisons of who was going fastest, and who had the worst cop, but what really made this one stand out was the videos. The bulk of the course included a drivers-ed video, circa 1990. It was hosted by Christopher Reeve and featured some of that era’s finest B-list actors such as the Gilbert sister from Rosanne, Lorenzo Llamas, and various NASCAR racers. A true classic. But the centerpiece of the course was Red Asphalt V (I assume there were 4 previous). Click here for a preview.
Wile there are many other ways I would have rather spent my Saturday, seeing the video made me glad I didn’t take the online route.
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