Things That I Love Today: The Max Fischer Players Present

I had absolutely zero idea that this existed, and am so utterly pissed that it took me 10 years to find out that it did!! It's a bunch of commercials that the Rushmore filmmakers did for the 1999 MTV Movie Awards and it is so great!!

"Lukey's Boat is painted green, ah, me boys."

Missed the whoooooole weekend for blogging. Whatevs. I was buzay. 

Twas really a grand ol' weekend though. What did I do...hmm...

Thursday I came home and just hung out around the house. It was really excellent having food to eat for once. I was all out (and am still out) of food back at school. Then Friday, met Jojo at her work and we went to Starbucks where Sammy-cakes came to join us. It was very nice to see both of them. And then later, a haircut, followed by Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs with Vladdy. Why all the nicknames?? Why not. Motherfucker. 

Umm, then Saturday was quite eventful. Woke up extra early (for me, anyway) and went to the garage sale at my grandma's house that my mom and uncle were doing for them. It was nice to see most of my family there considering I hadn't in a while. And then of course it was an epic battle of video games that night at JD's house. Lots of laughs. Lots of fun. Lots of taking of video games too seriously, which, incidentally, led to lots more laughs. Good food. Good friends. Papa Johns. 

Sunday was fine as well. Other grandparents house for some great Thanksgiving dinner. Between my grandma's turkey & stuffing, my aunt's Portuguese shrimp and my mom's green bean casserole which, shockingly, I enjoyed, it was fantastic. After dinner it was a mad house, as usual, but the football game was at least a good one so it allowed for enough distraction. And then, of course, Phil and Katrina came by later that night as they were in Oakville for Thanksgiving and it was a grand visit. Lotta fun.

And now, it is Monday. School begins again tomorrow. Luckily, I don't have my two midterms tomorrow. I had to spend a helluva lotta time writing my newspaper article and drawing my graphic, but it's all been done and I can breath a sigh of relief. Phewf. 

Anyway, my other project for today was to start a new blog. I was tired of waiting for a bunch of my articles to be put up on this other website so I think I'll use this one for strictly movie related lists and such. Started it off with a post about the "easter eggs" in the Toy Story 3 trailer. Feel free to check it out!! (Not gonna lie, was also inclined to start this new blog to impress Lee Unkrich, the TS3 director, with my fantastic observation skills).

http://twoquestionmarks.blogspot.com/

"Tied down with battleship chains."

Sigh. I hate when I get neurotic. I make attempts to fix things that I've done wrong and just makes things worse. Luckily, in this instance, it wasn't a romantic decision (despite having my share of those kinds of problems). I was just hoping to fix my asshole-ism from yesterday and instead, I think I came off even weirder. Not a huge deal, but I am now bugged by the fact that I attempted to fix something that bugged me in the first place. I could really use a reset button in life. There would be a massive leap of confidence, I'm sure.

Anyway, I am back home now. Hopefully the weekend, full of not seeing any "new" people (because it will be full of all the people who I know and trust and who know me) will allow me to recharge my batteries, and start anew for the weeks to come. And also, the benefit of actually having food to eat will be welcomed as well. 

This "Friends" episode that is on right now is a great way to start actually. It's one which I forgot how funny it was. "The One With The Stripper". 

"Hey Ross, there's a hooker over here and we figured you might know something about it!!"

Good week ahead?? Heeere's hopin'!!

"I saw a werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic's."

9:38. Been home for just about half an hour. The screening didn't take the full 3 hours. So, all you mathletes out there, that makes it a full 8 hour day. 8 hours. Of straight class. And y'all better believe that I attended every single one of them hours. Oh hell yes I did. 

I feel exhausted. Just completely drained from it all. And immediately as I walked out of that screening of Modern Times and started my way to Mr. Sub (I had had two toaster strudel in the morning before class, and then a donut during my American Lit break, but nothing more all day...I was SO hungry) I felt unbelievably satisfied with myself. I was proud and I felt like I could do anything. Think about that...8 hours is a high school day. But even a day in high school gets you a lunch period!!

That feeling of unprecedented success lasted all of 2 minutes probably. It was at this point when I started reviewing exactly what I had accomplished all day:

I had attended 4 classes, but only taken notes for two.

I had said all of two sentences to her when we had class together. 

I figured out that when I've been cooped up inside a classroom all day is when I become the funniest. This was proven throughout the day, most significantly by the "group work" we were supposed to do in American Lit. 

I had fit in a quick newspaper meeting during the screening, where I was so stir crazy by that point, I decided to attempt to keep my comedy streak alive by coming off obnoxious and arrogant with a single joke. I knew it immediately as the words left my mouth. I simply got greedy. It's been a long time since that's happened and I was not pleased. 

I had starved myself for an unhealthy amount of time, which contributed to the state of exhaustion that I am feeling now. 

And now, I go from school, to more school, as I have a poetry analysis and short film response to finish for tomorrow. And all I wanna do is go to bed and wash the disdain of today off my back. It's such a weird feeling, being both proud and disgusted at the same time. Thank God there will be turkey in between now and the next Wednesday. 

"Singles bar and feathers and tar..."

Hey, poetry analysis!! Do yourself!!

Two days into the week, and I have attended ALL my classes. That includes all screenings. It is a bloody miracle. I even woke up today and said to myself, "I'm skipping Film Theory today" and opted to get up and come on the computer instead. About 5 minutes to 11, I convinced myself that I may as well actually go to class, and made it there with a minute to spare. How good am I!? The real test will be attempting to endure the 9 straight hours of class I have tomorrow. Haven't been able to do the whole day thus far in the year, so we'll just have to see. Gonna be tough.

Things That I Love Today: The Steadfast Tin Soldier

It shouldn't really be specified as a love for "today" but I have just once again re-watched it and my love for this segment of Fantasia 2000 does help me to push through some times. Not even sure what that means...it just puts me in a better mood. 

"Let it go, this is smaller than you know."

Dear Sleep,

What the fuck is the deal with you?? Why are you being a huge douchebag and not letting me go to bed whenever I want to?? No, it's much more fun for you to kick in around 8/9 o'clock, have me almost nap until I get myself up again, finish what I gotta do and then not kick back in until 4/5 in the morning. That is so much bloody fun. 

Can you please stop doing this please?? It's a dick move. 

Now, I am well aware that Brain (not from "Arthur", but from my head) is just as much at fault as you are. It has definitely come to my attention. But, you are still the one who controls it all. Brain can still keep working deep into the night, but it's you who has to make that step, and take over for Awake when he is no longer willing to keep my eyelids open!! Give the dude a fuckin' break!!

Sigh. What a malevolent inconvenience you have come to be. A sultry vixen in the noiratic plays of my mind. If you could find it somewhere in your heart to get on the same page as the rest of me, that would be absolutely swell. 

And you do not have to fret. Brain will be getting a very similar talk regarding his inability to get all my thinking done in the day. He waits until I hit that pillow and that bull shit has just got to stop. 

Alright. I believe that is all for now. I hope this letter will allow things to work out and maybe we can hang out in the near future. I really think that we can be as good friends as we once were!!

Okay. Take it easy there, and be creative with my dreams!!

Cheers,

GM

Lost in a 4 Story Building

Mack questioned the situation that he was in right now: how did he end up in Evan's basement with the lead singer of the Counting Crows?? 

Up until this point, it was assumed that it was a normal day, but when that moment arrived in which Adam Duritz was most certainly present, like, right there in the flesh, he couldn't recall how it had happened. 

No matter. He was there, and they were hanging out, and it was great.

Violet and Evan took an instant liking to the guy. It was almost as though they had been listening to his music for as long as Mack had, and he was really quite impressed with that. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday he thought to himself. 

"So what sort of fun is there to do in this sleepy town??" questioned Duritz.

All three of the friends looked at one another, and no one had to say a thing. And somehow, someway, Adam also understood what was going on. He knew where they were going simply by reading the facial expressions. He smirked a light smirk and nodded his head. "Alright" he said. "Let's blow this popsicle stand". 

Everyone exited the basement. Mack made it half way up the carpeted stairs before he realized exactly what he was wearing. A T-Shirt was not appropriate for where he was headed. He couldn't possibly wear that to this most spectacular event that he was about to partake in. So, with apologies for needing a minute, he sprung back down the stairs and began searching for any sort of clothing material that he may have left in Evan's basement at some point in the past. He tore the room apart, certain that there was something of his in this little haven. He flew through closets, and checked under the beds and desks. There was this feeling that he had, that the longer he looked, the more likely a sweater or jacket that belonged to him would appear. 

After what had to have been 20 minutes of searching, and numerous blows of the car horn from the crew outside, Mack in clear desperation, through off the sheets of Evan's bed. As he clawed at the duvet, he felt something catch in his hands and as he let go of the giant cover, he saw his old hockey jersey, number 14 on the back, fly along with it until they hit the ground silently. That would do fine, he thought to himself, and he grabbed the maroon garment before booking it out to join the rest. It was going to be an alright time after all.

The car ride over to Becca's house seemed non-existent. From the second that Mack stepped foot in the car, he felt as though they had already arrived out in front of the huge mansion where the fun was going to take place. 

They all got out of the car, and followed Evan up the driveway to the humongous, arching front entrance. Despite lingering thoughts that Evan and Violet didn't know Becca as well as Mack did, he still was excited that they felt comfortable enough to attend an event like this one. And with Adam in tow, it was going to be even better.

The small Motley ensemble let themselves into the house as per the usual, where they were met by the somber "hellos" of everyone else sitting in the massive living room. Becca was there on the couch seated right next to Richard and  the others who Mack wasn't as familiar with. Introductions were made for Adam and he was welcomed kindly with open arms. Becca and Richard didn't really show any particular signs that they were interested in him as a musician, but that did not stop Adam from still taking kindly to them. 

Everyone relaxed for the time being, awaiting for the game to start. They all took seats on the giant leather couches, while Becca's many siblings and cousins took the opportunity to bounce on and around the newcomers to the room. It was mountains of confusion all around, but the hectic atmosphere of it all was just part of the experience. Laughing at it all, Mack sat back and sighed a breath of relief.

Unfortunately, the excitement and euphoria was short lived. In a very swift and almost surreal moment, Becca pulled out what was unmistakably the remains of a rather large joint. She placed it out there for everyone to see.

"Anybody in?" she stated rather proudly.

"Is that Egyptian?" Adam queried.

A nod so slight confirmed Adam's suspicions. 

Without any hesitation, Adam grabbed it and began puffing away. In this insignificant, if not disappointing exchange, something clicked between Becca and Adam. It was as though the puffing of a refined drug meant that they were now dating. The two could not stop looking into each others eyes throughout the whole ordeal. Stuck in the middle, Mack began to crave something else to happen so he didn't have to sit there in disgust of it all. 

Instead of someone changing the subject or the even having the game start, Adam went and confirmed Mack's suspicions, by making his way into the other room, joint in hand, and introducing himself to Becca's parents. Then, as common as it was to introduce himself, he started to share the doob with Becca's father. Mack had had enough of this bizarre interlude and got up to move to another part of the giant house. Surely there was another area in which he could get away from the crazy he just witnessed. It would have been easier to just hang out with Evan and Violet, but alas, the two of them had already had the same idea and were hiding out amongst the house already. Damnit, he thought.

No sooner did Mack reach the massive staircase of the house did he hear the starting horn for the game. "Amazing" he whispered under his breath, and he began to run upstairs to the oversized projector. 

Here, at the top of the landing, stood a massive screen where teams were being formed at random for the catastrophic game to begin. It was difficult for anyone to tell how the game was going to play out, as it changed every time they took part. But it was still a lot of fun every time, and that was all Mack was focusing on. The first set of teams were displayed on the board and it continued for several minutes to come. Mack wandered aimlessly around the house, checking back every once in a while to see if his name had come up yet. Everywhere he strolled, little children sped around his waist, attempting to catch one another since they had already been placed on a team. 

The minutes turned to hanging moments. And the moments faded into a boring hour. Still, there was no team for Mack. He had taken up fort on the clothes hamper, feeling more statue than human, having the unfathomable amount of players dart by him without even an acknowledge meant. It had been an hour and Evan and Violet hadn't been seen. Mack thought to himself for a long while, considering just leaving and getting something down with his day, leaving the newly disturbing pot-smoking couple and his friends who had probably already left anyway.

He stood up and walked back out the way he came in. He passed by a very high Becca's father, his large beard and pot-belly flailing to the Madonna song that was blasting throughout the house at that exact moment. 

The giant arches led Mack back outside where he had to remove his hockey jersey, as it was simply too hot to handle. he was back in a T-Shirt, and unfortunately, that still wasn't going to do. So, very swiftly he opened Becca's garage, and unsuspectingly, stole a rather nice dress shirt which he changed into right then and there. They would never be the wiser he thought. And besides, they could buy a new one no questions asked. 

As he shut the garage, and began to walk down the driveway, he noticed her. 

They had had class together for the last few years, but had never held any real conversation. Her bleached blonde haircut brushed her shoulders as she caught Mack's glance looking back at her. This was a girl whom he had simply thought was rather cute. But that was it really. Still, he figured it wouldn't hurt to start up a conversation anyway. 

"Hey, I didn't know you played?"

"Yeah. First time. Was not all that impressed." she admitted.

Mack gave a small chuckle and agreed. "Definitely not as good as the last few times I've come, that is for sure."

She paused a moment, searching Mack's face for something he couldn't quite get. Then, she blurted almost abruptly, "We've had class together for a long time now, but haven't been introduced. I'm Taylor."

"Mack." he smiled and answered. He reached out his hand for a handshake, and was accepted with an open hand. 

The small talk between the two began on good terms. She was proving his first impressions of her for sure though. She had said a couple of things that made him cringe a little inside, confirming his thoughts that this girl was indeed pretty but wouldn't suit him very well as a partner. Still, it was nice to chat with someone new.

They talked about movies and music and friends. They argued over building placement on campus and why Toronto was the perfect/imperfect city to live in. Having no place to go, Mack just kept walking with her until she finally told him that she had a class to get to.

"Yeah, it's just down by the plant." she said.

"That's alright. I'd be happy to walk you there if you wouldn't mind. I kind of have nothing else to do at the moment." 

A questioned look and a nod was what Mack got back in return and they turned to keep walking. Very suddenly, Taylor turned back around and looked at Mack square in the face. 

"Would you wanna go out some time?? On, like, a date-date??"

Mack was taken aback by this a little. He looked back at her, and kept his composure. He was trying to formulate the perfect answer to answer her with. After a few seconds, he opened his mouth.

"At this second, I am not sure that you and I are a great match for one another... That being said though, you never know. So, sure. I'd definitely like to go, but I hope there's no preconceived notions."

He was trying to read her face to see whether or not that little explanation hit home or not. Taylor was standing almost motionless, blank stare on her face. Finally, as if waking from the shortest coma in the history of man, she emerged with a very kind, "Yeah. That's fine with me."

"Alright." Mack stated, trying to fully process what just took place. "Tonight?? Pick you up at 8??" 

"Sounds fine. Here's my info." And she started to state her digits.

In the blink of an eye, Mack had plans for the night, and it really did feel amazing. 

The two finished their walk to Taylor's class, before peacing from one another, and leaving the prospect of that night up in the air was a great way for Mack to spend his walk back home. If only he knew where home was.

"Fuck." he thought. In all the distraction of the walk to Taylor's class, he hadn't paid enough attention on how to get back home. He told himself this would happen, and yet he didn't do anything about it.

After unsuccessfully wandering the streets for a couple minutes, Mack made his way to a subway station, hoping he could trace his way back to somewhere more familiar. He passed through the crowded entrance, but was left breathless when he witnessed the 4 story massive structure that stood before his eyes. It was the first subway station that he had ever seen that out-classed half the airports he had ever been into. It was gigantic inside. And he had absolutely no idea where he was supposed to head to.

So, even through the small children, and the biker hillbillies in dumb band T-Shirts with the sleeves cut off, Mack made his way from floor to floor, searching for a way to get out of this city maze that he had got himself in.

And yet, even in the hustle and bustle of this confounded travel central, Mack still was able to find salvation in his day. All he had to do now was find a way to make it out. 

Crap. 

"Shame on me."

The smell of cookies is currently wafting in from the kitchen. Good ol' 1 am baking. Nothing wrong with that.

I wanted to talk about the movie that I saw tonight, The Invention of Lying. The film itself was very quaint, big on ideas and heart, small of execution. It plays like a series of events happening one after another, mini-climax after mini-climax, just like they condensed an amazingly entertaining TV series into an hour and 40 minute movie. Had they done this as a 13 episode teleplay, it could have been absolutely epic, both in hilarity and message. 

My recommendation would be to see it at the theater, if for nothing else because of the amazing cameos that it has. Where Ricky Gervais lacks in the formal areas of filmmaking, he has made up in the sporadic cameos throughout the film (all appearing periodically, thus enforcing the whole "TV" idea even further).

Two things were brought to mind though when watching the movie. The first was how teeny little disturbances in story line really irritate me. What brought this on was how "honest" everyone was in this little, fictional world that Gervais had created. Even if all of these people could only tell the truth all the time, and believed everything anyone told them, they would still not express certain thoughts aloud just because they are required to tell the truth. It wouldn't happen. I guess you can redeem this by saying its part of that world, but once you see the movie, you might be able to back me up in saying that it's a little ridiculous and could have been handled in a different manner. 

The second thing that was thrown into my brain was how much I enjoy Rob Lowe. It actually shocks me how much that statement is true because I once upon a time couldn't stand the dude. He's a guy who is consistently funny on screen, and it took me a long while to realize this. Sure, he plays the same villain-esque douchebag in every movie where he is legitimately funny, but my Gawd, he just plays that pretty boy role better than anybody. And he's good at not taking himself seriously, which makes it for me. Then of course there's his time that he served on "The West Wing" and, well, I've been sold on the Lowe experience and would definitely welcome some more of it. 

Lowe is in good company in this regards though, joining the likes of Alec Baldwin and Russell Crowe in guys it took a while for me to embrace. Baldwin especially actually. Until "30 Rock" I just never really saw the guy as the comedic genius that was hamming it up before me. Kudos to all three of you men. Keep up the good work. 

And, the cookies are finished!! Mmm...

"It's adios reality."

It took until the third week of school, but I am finally into the swing of things. I would say that I was "back" into the swing of things, but alas, I think it's been too long since I've been into anything that would constitute that phrase being correct. So, I leave it as is. 

I attended (almost) all my classes this week, which felt really good. Exhausting, but like I was accomplishing something by doing so. And this whole note taking thing?? I actually might be getting my money's worth in the education. Up until right now, I refused to take consistent notes in any of my classes. Now, I find, that when I do take notes (which is every class) I am definitely keen on listening to what my profs are spewing at me. I know, I'm as shocked as anybody. 

Man, I am in a good mood. A shockingly good mood. It may be due to my realization that I have gotten over my Starbucks habit of the summer, saving me mountains and mountains of change. Tim Horton's coffee really is cheaper and it does a better job of keeping me awake, let's face it. It might also be because of the fantastic The 39 Steps which we finished in class this afternoon in Hitchcock. It has been a long while since I've been this impressed with a thriller so I embraced it with open arms when it was all over. Definitely going to need to find a copy of it at some point in time. This whole feeling might also be because it is officially hockey season. The excitement; the chill of a nice goal; the impact of a thunderous hit; the Canadiana of the whole experience. Gawd, that's some damn fine wholesomeness. 

For the first time in a long time, I feel as though my production has been valued. Not by anyone but myself, but still, it's been a more than awhile since I've appreciated my own work ethic. I'm going to keep it up this weekend. I'm going to finish assignments before hand. I'm going to write something creative. And most importantly, I am going to do some catching up at the theater. In between all this class, I have forgotten to go out and see my weekly movie. 

Yeah. THAT'S how focused I have been.