I know it's hard for all of us to agree on something, but can we agree on this: If you are hauling wood and a piece of that wood falls off the truck and onto the road...PICK IT UP! Pick it up before someone runs over it!
Anyways, just a thought...MH
Thursday, June 30, 2011
TOTD
We didn't find out what sex the babies were yesterday, but Jessa is hopeful for GIRLS. This song is for her!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Day We Were Saved by The Dukes of Hazzard
The summer months are always concert time, especially as a young adult. JMH used to live for concert season. The summer 15 years ago was no different. It was 15 years ago this month that JM and I decided to travel to Indianapolis for Lollapalooza, the biggest music festival of its time. The year was 1996. That of course was the year that Metallica was headlining and so we thought it would be a great time to experience the music fest.
JM and I took 4 other guys with us to show them a good time. We drove over the night before so we could be there first thing in the morning. We were going to have a good time, but the weather was sweltering. No clouds and the sun felt like it was about an inch from your skin. I remember it was just so hot and this was going to be a long day. Music started around 12N and Metallica wouldn't be taking the stage until around 8. Since we were on a budget and let's face it, "events" like these needs to be experienced from the grass, we had just purchased general admission lawn seats.
Along with Metallica, Soundgarden, Ramones, Rancid, Shaolin Monks (seriously, I can't make that up), Screaming Trees and Psychotica would be on the main stage. There was also a side stage and an indie stage around the venue where concert goers could take in such acts as Soul Coughing, Sponge and Korn.
In addition, there would always be a "secret" special guest at each concert that would take the main stage. This was before there was only one date a year in Chicago, so as the concert made its way around the country, each stop would have its own special guest star. In 1996 special guests included, Rage Against the Machine, Devo, 311, Cheap Trick and Wu-Tang Clan among others. Any of these would have been appropriate and matched the vibe that was going on that day.
So now it's time for the "secret" special guest star to appear. Please keep in mind that a band named Rancid just left the stage, Rancid! The emcee comes out and starts addressing the crowd, it went something like this, "and now please welcome Waylon Jennings." Say what?
Waylon "Freaking" Jennings! Now don't get me wrong, I love Waylon, but not in this setting or venue. JM turned to me as I turned to him, we just instantly knew, this was going to turn ugly. We both said a few choice words I'm sure and begin discussing our options. It was as if someone flipped a switch and 30,000 very hot and extremely drunk and rowdy concert goers decided to take out all of their frustration at once. They wanted Rage or 311, but was getting Waylon Jennings!
Had it just been JM and I, everything would've been ok, but we had kids with us. Kids whose moms and dads had entrusted us with their well-being. Now granted, it wasn't their wisest choice in life, but still it was the one they made and I know we both took the responsibility seriously. We started rounding the other 4 up, especially Snyder. He was the tiniest of the group and would be easy pickings if not protected.
We quickly reviewed with all of them how serious this situation could be and they derided us as being "old" and parent like, but still they listened and they stayed close.
Now the mayhem started with bottles being thrown. Ok, no big deal, we can handle that, but it quickly escalated into other things being thrown; lawn chairs and coolers. Coolers? I didn't even know coolers could be brought in, but there they were high in the air and starting to collect their victims. Security started coming through the lawn to settle everyone down, but they were quickly outnumbered and became invisible from our perspective.
As if on a timer, clouds instantly developed and it started pouring down rain. I'm not talking a sprinkle or a steady rain. I'm talking about the clouds opening up and letting loose, just like all of these angry people were. It was coming down so hard, that the grass didn't stand a chance and the lawn area quickly became a mud pit. The lawn area suddenly became just one large mosh pit, with everyone slamming into everyone. Mosh pits are one thing and JM and I had been in our share of pits, but this was different. It was angrier in all sorts of ways.
It was about this time that I see the first human flying through the air. It took me a second to realize what was going on, but a group had decided to use their blanket as a make-shift trampoline. Several guys took hold of the blanket and started launching people. Not for good natured fun, but for the sole purpose of seeing how far they could make someone fly. It didn't take long for other groups to start copycatting this procedure and people were flying everywhere.
JM and I grabbed the guys and started moving for even higher ground. Getting towards the fence, at least that way we wouldn't get sniped from behind and would have the action in front of us. I begin praying for safety and guidance. What should we do, where should we go? I prayed that we could at least manage to stay long enough to hear the Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard. I know, priorities, right? But being a huge Dukes fan (yes, I've always been this way) I just had to hear Waylon sing it.
I don't remember how long Waylon's set was, it seemed like it lasted forever. The crowd was moving ever closer to our position. The lawn had become one big mud slide. People were sliding everywhere. On purpose! People were starting to throw mud at each other. Mud! Big handfuls of mud, just being launched at others. You could see people were bloody with faces cut, torn clothes and more. It was ugly and getting harder and harder to avoid getting seriously injured or at the very least mud covered.
And then it happened. The skies parted, the sun came out and Waylon started singing "Just two good old boys, never meaning no harm." The crowd stopped dead in their tracks. The flip had been switched off, they suddenly realized that there was still a concert going on and they all started singing. "Beats all you ever saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born."
I turned to JM and said, "Thank God for the Dukes of Hazzard!" Yee-haw. We had made it through the storm and lived, plus we had a story for the ages. The story of how we were saved by The Dukes of Hazzard.
That's nice...MH
JM and I took 4 other guys with us to show them a good time. We drove over the night before so we could be there first thing in the morning. We were going to have a good time, but the weather was sweltering. No clouds and the sun felt like it was about an inch from your skin. I remember it was just so hot and this was going to be a long day. Music started around 12N and Metallica wouldn't be taking the stage until around 8. Since we were on a budget and let's face it, "events" like these needs to be experienced from the grass, we had just purchased general admission lawn seats.
Along with Metallica, Soundgarden, Ramones, Rancid, Shaolin Monks (seriously, I can't make that up), Screaming Trees and Psychotica would be on the main stage. There was also a side stage and an indie stage around the venue where concert goers could take in such acts as Soul Coughing, Sponge and Korn.
In addition, there would always be a "secret" special guest at each concert that would take the main stage. This was before there was only one date a year in Chicago, so as the concert made its way around the country, each stop would have its own special guest star. In 1996 special guests included, Rage Against the Machine, Devo, 311, Cheap Trick and Wu-Tang Clan among others. Any of these would have been appropriate and matched the vibe that was going on that day.
So now it's time for the "secret" special guest star to appear. Please keep in mind that a band named Rancid just left the stage, Rancid! The emcee comes out and starts addressing the crowd, it went something like this, "and now please welcome Waylon Jennings." Say what?
Waylon "Freaking" Jennings! Now don't get me wrong, I love Waylon, but not in this setting or venue. JM turned to me as I turned to him, we just instantly knew, this was going to turn ugly. We both said a few choice words I'm sure and begin discussing our options. It was as if someone flipped a switch and 30,000 very hot and extremely drunk and rowdy concert goers decided to take out all of their frustration at once. They wanted Rage or 311, but was getting Waylon Jennings!
Had it just been JM and I, everything would've been ok, but we had kids with us. Kids whose moms and dads had entrusted us with their well-being. Now granted, it wasn't their wisest choice in life, but still it was the one they made and I know we both took the responsibility seriously. We started rounding the other 4 up, especially Snyder. He was the tiniest of the group and would be easy pickings if not protected.
We quickly reviewed with all of them how serious this situation could be and they derided us as being "old" and parent like, but still they listened and they stayed close.
Now the mayhem started with bottles being thrown. Ok, no big deal, we can handle that, but it quickly escalated into other things being thrown; lawn chairs and coolers. Coolers? I didn't even know coolers could be brought in, but there they were high in the air and starting to collect their victims. Security started coming through the lawn to settle everyone down, but they were quickly outnumbered and became invisible from our perspective.
As if on a timer, clouds instantly developed and it started pouring down rain. I'm not talking a sprinkle or a steady rain. I'm talking about the clouds opening up and letting loose, just like all of these angry people were. It was coming down so hard, that the grass didn't stand a chance and the lawn area quickly became a mud pit. The lawn area suddenly became just one large mosh pit, with everyone slamming into everyone. Mosh pits are one thing and JM and I had been in our share of pits, but this was different. It was angrier in all sorts of ways.
It was about this time that I see the first human flying through the air. It took me a second to realize what was going on, but a group had decided to use their blanket as a make-shift trampoline. Several guys took hold of the blanket and started launching people. Not for good natured fun, but for the sole purpose of seeing how far they could make someone fly. It didn't take long for other groups to start copycatting this procedure and people were flying everywhere.
JM and I grabbed the guys and started moving for even higher ground. Getting towards the fence, at least that way we wouldn't get sniped from behind and would have the action in front of us. I begin praying for safety and guidance. What should we do, where should we go? I prayed that we could at least manage to stay long enough to hear the Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard. I know, priorities, right? But being a huge Dukes fan (yes, I've always been this way) I just had to hear Waylon sing it.
I don't remember how long Waylon's set was, it seemed like it lasted forever. The crowd was moving ever closer to our position. The lawn had become one big mud slide. People were sliding everywhere. On purpose! People were starting to throw mud at each other. Mud! Big handfuls of mud, just being launched at others. You could see people were bloody with faces cut, torn clothes and more. It was ugly and getting harder and harder to avoid getting seriously injured or at the very least mud covered.
And then it happened. The skies parted, the sun came out and Waylon started singing "Just two good old boys, never meaning no harm." The crowd stopped dead in their tracks. The flip had been switched off, they suddenly realized that there was still a concert going on and they all started singing. "Beats all you ever saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born."
I turned to JM and said, "Thank God for the Dukes of Hazzard!" Yee-haw. We had made it through the storm and lived, plus we had a story for the ages. The story of how we were saved by The Dukes of Hazzard.
That's nice...MH
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Breakfast Club SOTD
Found this video and really enjoyed. Still one of the best movies made and certainly one of the best high school/coming of age movies.
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are.
You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out, is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basketcase, a princess, and a criminal.
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club.
What a perfect close.
SOTD
That's nice...MH
Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you're crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are.
You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out, is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basketcase, a princess, and a criminal.
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club.
What a perfect close.
SOTD
That's nice...MH
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Before You Speak
Woman to flight attendant (obviously angry): "I need to know where to sit, since HE is sitting in mine."
Flight attendant: "Just step over here to the side, while I get others on board, because he is definitely sitting there."
Woman trying to get out of the way of incoming passengers: "Excuse me, I'm just trying to get out of the way. SOMEONE is sitting in my seat!"
Man trying to board jet: "Did someone take your seat?"
Woman: "Yeah, he (pointing at the man in 3A) did."
Second Man (sarcastically): "I guess it's true, possession really is nine-tenths of the law."
First Man: "Wow, used to be men would give up their seat for women."
Woman: "Apparently not anymore."
First Man: "Where has chivalry gone?"
I learned a valuable lesson this week. Well, I learned it again, anyways. I can be a little slow at times when learning lessons. How many times have you been told to think before you speak? Some lessons are just harder to learn, I guess.
James warns us in his first chapter to "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger," but so many times we do just the opposite and end up hurting people. It can be especially painful when we become quick to anger and begin speaking out of that very anger before we have all the facts. Proverbs warns us that those with quick tempers display folly, but a man who holds his tongue is wise.
Experience can be an invaluable teacher, but sometimes the most valuable lessons can't be learned until you experience it from the other side. It helps you understand things when you can see it from both sides of the glass.
You see, as the man sitting in 3A, I would've gladly given up my seat for her, if I could have. Here are more of the facts: I was originally slated to sit in 18A, but the flight crew had difficulty getting the high back chair down the aisle on the small regional jet, so they had to stop at row 3 and they asked me to transfer over into seat 3A. The flight was already running late and by switching me into this seat it would save valuable time and get us in the the air much quicker than fighting the aisle chair all the way to the back of the plane.
I know the woman didn't know that I was incapable of standing up and giving her seat to her and for that matter, neither did either of the guys she complained to. I look fairly normal by all accounts without my wheelchair underneath me. All of them were just reacting to the situation as they knew it. I have been quick to anger and quick to speak on numerous occassions and now I know full well how it feels to be on the receiving end of these moments. For that lesson, I wish to thank her. That moment has formed a powerful reminder for me of what one of my weaknesses can cause.
If possible, at that moment I would've proven that chivalry wasn't dead. I pray now that neither is learning from experience. If I can learn that, the other shall follow.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27.
That's nice...MH
Flight attendant: "Just step over here to the side, while I get others on board, because he is definitely sitting there."
Woman trying to get out of the way of incoming passengers: "Excuse me, I'm just trying to get out of the way. SOMEONE is sitting in my seat!"
Man trying to board jet: "Did someone take your seat?"
Woman: "Yeah, he (pointing at the man in 3A) did."
Second Man (sarcastically): "I guess it's true, possession really is nine-tenths of the law."
First Man: "Wow, used to be men would give up their seat for women."
Woman: "Apparently not anymore."
First Man: "Where has chivalry gone?"
I learned a valuable lesson this week. Well, I learned it again, anyways. I can be a little slow at times when learning lessons. How many times have you been told to think before you speak? Some lessons are just harder to learn, I guess.
James warns us in his first chapter to "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger," but so many times we do just the opposite and end up hurting people. It can be especially painful when we become quick to anger and begin speaking out of that very anger before we have all the facts. Proverbs warns us that those with quick tempers display folly, but a man who holds his tongue is wise.
Experience can be an invaluable teacher, but sometimes the most valuable lessons can't be learned until you experience it from the other side. It helps you understand things when you can see it from both sides of the glass.
You see, as the man sitting in 3A, I would've gladly given up my seat for her, if I could have. Here are more of the facts: I was originally slated to sit in 18A, but the flight crew had difficulty getting the high back chair down the aisle on the small regional jet, so they had to stop at row 3 and they asked me to transfer over into seat 3A. The flight was already running late and by switching me into this seat it would save valuable time and get us in the the air much quicker than fighting the aisle chair all the way to the back of the plane.
I know the woman didn't know that I was incapable of standing up and giving her seat to her and for that matter, neither did either of the guys she complained to. I look fairly normal by all accounts without my wheelchair underneath me. All of them were just reacting to the situation as they knew it. I have been quick to anger and quick to speak on numerous occassions and now I know full well how it feels to be on the receiving end of these moments. For that lesson, I wish to thank her. That moment has formed a powerful reminder for me of what one of my weaknesses can cause.
If possible, at that moment I would've proven that chivalry wasn't dead. I pray now that neither is learning from experience. If I can learn that, the other shall follow.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27.
That's nice...MH
TOTD
Still on my OLDIES kick...this was one of my FAVORITES...wonder why? My mom's 45 is hanging in my office downstairs with the rest of my horror movie memorabilia.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
TOTD
My father exposed me to the music of The Animals. They have always been one of my favorites. Here is one of their classics. Story is they recorded this hit song in ONE try!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
SOTD
Probably won't be a SOTD for a couple of days. I am taking off today for my trip, but I'm sure JM will keep everyone going with a TOTD. Be back soon.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Crossfade
Crossfade puts out new albums about as slow as Boston used to, so I thought we should celebrate their new CD "We All Bleed" today as it hits stores. It's noticeably darker than their previous two releases, which probably reflects their mood following being released from their label. The first single is "Killing Me Inside." It's certainly growing on me. See what you think, plus one of my favorites from Crossfade.
That's nice...MH
That's nice...MH
Monday, June 20, 2011
Pittsburgh to Greensburg
Not Gettysburg, Harrisburg or Leesburg. Here's hoping and praying for no lightning storms this time! And...not to be too greedy, but a bus with a functioning lift would be a nice bonus as well.
That's nice...MH
That's nice...MH
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day SOTD
My father taught me many things growing up, values which I still hold today, but one thing he taught me was his varying tastes in music. One day he would be listening to country, the next hard rock and the next easy listening, I just never knew what he'd have on the radio. I seemed to be in the truck with him alot driving back and forth to work, so I was exposed to a lot of different sounds.
There are two particular albums I remember dad having in his console stereo, the first was Head East's self titled album and Jim Croce's compilation album Time In a Bottle and to this day, I still love them both as much as I did then. So today's SOTD is the timeless classic from Jim Croce.
That's nice...MH
There are two particular albums I remember dad having in his console stereo, the first was Head East's self titled album and Jim Croce's compilation album Time In a Bottle and to this day, I still love them both as much as I did then. So today's SOTD is the timeless classic from Jim Croce.
That's nice...MH
Saturday, June 18, 2011
SOTD - Hard Act to Follow
Brother Cane (they are definitely in my wheelhouse) was founded back in 1990 by Damon Johnson and had a string of hits, including "Got No Shame" and "And Fools Shine On." I always loved their sound, but like many bands their run ended way too soon.
Damon has stayed busy, touring with Damn Yankees, Alice Cooper, Slave to the System and being a member of the country rock band Whiskey Falls (they are sure to have a future SOTD). In addition, Damon has a new solo project that hit earlier this year and was out promoting it anywhere he could apparently, which may explain the old school arcade games in this video. Thankfully he and Brother Cane were just signed this month to a new management deal, so here's hoping for some new music.
This was always my favorite Brother Cane song and I love this "back porch" version.
That's nice...MH
Damon has stayed busy, touring with Damn Yankees, Alice Cooper, Slave to the System and being a member of the country rock band Whiskey Falls (they are sure to have a future SOTD). In addition, Damon has a new solo project that hit earlier this year and was out promoting it anywhere he could apparently, which may explain the old school arcade games in this video. Thankfully he and Brother Cane were just signed this month to a new management deal, so here's hoping for some new music.
This was always my favorite Brother Cane song and I love this "back porch" version.
That's nice...MH
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
SOTD
If you have ever stepped in raw sewage after a long day of class and then a longer night at work, had to climb in through a window to get into your bedroom because someone locked you out of the house, then passed out in the floor with your clothes on, waking up to realize that you had left the lights on in your car and you are late and then remember that your girlfriend had just broken up with you because of something you said, you understand this song.
If you haven't, well, this is still a great song with a great hook and the video is fun as well.
That's nice...MH
If you haven't, well, this is still a great song with a great hook and the video is fun as well.
That's nice...MH
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Flag Day and Freedom
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The flag of the United States of America isn't just a piece of fabric waving in the wind, but a symbol of the very fabric, steadfast in it's beliefs, that is the United States. With all of our differences (good and bad) as Americans, we can still unite around our flag to support our country and defend our beliefs. A country which still stands as Lincoln said "the last best hope of earth."
A country which was founded on the belief that certain truths were "self-evident," truths that included "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Furthermore this country was established on the basis that "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Are we still living in the country that our Founding Fathers envisioned?
To continue to defend what the United States stands for we must continue to rely on God for strenth, wisdom and direction. “I am sure that never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.” George Washington
My challenge is that on this flag day we as a nation pray for ourselves and country. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14.
My generation must now step up and protect what the flag stands for and against. It is our turn to show the world what it means to be an American. It means standing for freedom at all costs. Freedom for all men and women for they are created equal, freedom from an oppressive government which may stand in the way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and freedom of religion, not from religion. Let's not forget how lucky we are to be able to be free to pursue our hopes and dreams.
Every generation that has come before us knew these truths and passed them on to us. Let us not be the generation that fails. I pray God that we have not lost our nerve. "May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us." 1 Kings 8:57
MH
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Hazzard Homecoming
John Schneider is busy and since he owns the rights to Dukesfest there won't be a Dukesfest this year. So Ben "Cooter" Jones has stepped in and will be hosting Hazzard Homecoming this year in Sperryville, VA, August 13th and 14th.
It will feature personal appearances by; Catherine Bach- "Daisy Duke", James Best- "Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane", Sonny Shroyer- "Deputy Enos Straight", Rich Hurst- "Deputy Cletus Hogg", and dozens of "General Lees". Tom and John aren't scheduled to be there.
It won't be the same after going to Atlanta last time and getting to see the original filming sites (many stories for another time), so not sure if Shane and I are going this time around. We will just have to see.
http://hazzardhomecoming.eventbrite.com/
That's nice...MH
It will feature personal appearances by; Catherine Bach- "Daisy Duke", James Best- "Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane", Sonny Shroyer- "Deputy Enos Straight", Rich Hurst- "Deputy Cletus Hogg", and dozens of "General Lees". Tom and John aren't scheduled to be there.
It won't be the same after going to Atlanta last time and getting to see the original filming sites (many stories for another time), so not sure if Shane and I are going this time around. We will just have to see.
http://hazzardhomecoming.eventbrite.com/
That's nice...MH
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Latest Pirate Film Made Me Go, "Arrrrrrrrr!"
Sometimes, it is better to leave things to the imagination. When we last saw Captain Jack Sparrow, he was in his little dingy with compass, map, and a bottle of alcohol setting off to search for the Fountain of Youth. For me, this was a perfect way to end the series. Jack sets off on other adventures bringing the three films to a nice wrap up, but left the character and adventures of one Captain Jack Sparrow alive and open to the imagination. Hollywood, however, hates those kinds of endings, especially when their is more money to be made. Thus, On Stranger Tides was released this year.
Without spoiling the film, the storyline of the film is simple, Jack is out to find the Fountain of Youth. He has some competition in Barbossa, who is working for the English, the Spanish, a new female lead Angelica, and the newly introduced pirate Blackbeard. As in the other pirate films, adventures ensue and characters turn on each other frequently.
So how was the film. Disappointing in my opinion for several reasons. First, off, I love the character of Captain Jack Sparrow and I love Johnny Depp, yet, this time around I felt as if Depp was just "going through the motions" as Sparrow. I was not as excited or intrigued by the character this go around. Though entertaining in spots, the character of Captain Jack just seemed a bit stale this time. Maybe the character has run its course?
Secondly, I loved the new character of Blackbeard. He had so much potential and started off as an intimidating force within the film. Then, at the end of the film, his dominance seemed to fizzle. He did not compare to villains from the previous films and that majorly disappointed me.
Then there were the new faces. We had Angelica played by Penelope Cruz, Swift the missionary, and Syrena the mermaid to name just a few. I came to care about NONE of these characters. Cruz just seemed like a replacement for Knightley and the love relationship between Swift and the mermaid seemed to just be thrown in to replace the relationship of Knightley and Bloom from the first trilogy. I am not the biggest fan of Orlando Bloom, simply because I feel he plays the SAME character in every film he is in, but I found myself MISSING him and Knightley in this fourth installment. I could not find the connection with the new characters that I did with the previous films.
Finally, there was the ending. I will not give anything away if you have not seen the film, but it seemed like a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I had seen this sort of ending before and I expected MUCH more from a Pirates film.
Positives? The mermaids! This was the one sequence that I feel saved the film for me. These new creatures kicked some booty and I am pleased with how the film represented their mythology!
Overall, going into the movie I had high expectations. Those expectations were simply not met. If you look at On Stranger Tides as a fun action film experience, then it delivers somewhat. If you go in expecting Jack to take you to another level, you may leave somewhat disappointed.
Rumor has it this could be the beginning of a NEW trilogy. I am not so sure about that. If Bruckheimer and company want to go this route...PLEASE give us more of the Captain Jack Sparrow we deserve and we love. As Jack states in the film, "It's the pirate life for me!" I want to see him EXPERIENCE that life...to the fullest!
Without spoiling the film, the storyline of the film is simple, Jack is out to find the Fountain of Youth. He has some competition in Barbossa, who is working for the English, the Spanish, a new female lead Angelica, and the newly introduced pirate Blackbeard. As in the other pirate films, adventures ensue and characters turn on each other frequently.
So how was the film. Disappointing in my opinion for several reasons. First, off, I love the character of Captain Jack Sparrow and I love Johnny Depp, yet, this time around I felt as if Depp was just "going through the motions" as Sparrow. I was not as excited or intrigued by the character this go around. Though entertaining in spots, the character of Captain Jack just seemed a bit stale this time. Maybe the character has run its course?
Secondly, I loved the new character of Blackbeard. He had so much potential and started off as an intimidating force within the film. Then, at the end of the film, his dominance seemed to fizzle. He did not compare to villains from the previous films and that majorly disappointed me.
Then there were the new faces. We had Angelica played by Penelope Cruz, Swift the missionary, and Syrena the mermaid to name just a few. I came to care about NONE of these characters. Cruz just seemed like a replacement for Knightley and the love relationship between Swift and the mermaid seemed to just be thrown in to replace the relationship of Knightley and Bloom from the first trilogy. I am not the biggest fan of Orlando Bloom, simply because I feel he plays the SAME character in every film he is in, but I found myself MISSING him and Knightley in this fourth installment. I could not find the connection with the new characters that I did with the previous films.
Finally, there was the ending. I will not give anything away if you have not seen the film, but it seemed like a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I had seen this sort of ending before and I expected MUCH more from a Pirates film.
Positives? The mermaids! This was the one sequence that I feel saved the film for me. These new creatures kicked some booty and I am pleased with how the film represented their mythology!
Overall, going into the movie I had high expectations. Those expectations were simply not met. If you look at On Stranger Tides as a fun action film experience, then it delivers somewhat. If you go in expecting Jack to take you to another level, you may leave somewhat disappointed.
Rumor has it this could be the beginning of a NEW trilogy. I am not so sure about that. If Bruckheimer and company want to go this route...PLEASE give us more of the Captain Jack Sparrow we deserve and we love. As Jack states in the film, "It's the pirate life for me!" I want to see him EXPERIENCE that life...to the fullest!
Memories
Growing up there was a "Teen Club" in Centralia. It was owned by a couple of guys who had a local radio morning show called "Drake and Wayne." I used to love going there on the weekends and acting like a grown up.
Besides music, dancing and hanging with friends, one of the coolest things about the club was drinking Clearly Canadian. It came in the those cool little bottles. It was awesome.
I seen this trailer driving the other day and it brought back so many memories. It's not a good picture ( I was driving too fast), so what you can't see very well is "Clearly Canadian" written on the side and then several bottles on ice.
That's nice...MH
Besides music, dancing and hanging with friends, one of the coolest things about the club was drinking Clearly Canadian. It came in the those cool little bottles. It was awesome.
I seen this trailer driving the other day and it brought back so many memories. It's not a good picture ( I was driving too fast), so what you can't see very well is "Clearly Canadian" written on the side and then several bottles on ice.
That's nice...MH
Aldo Nova...WHO?
Some of you may be asking yourself this very question...who the heck is Aldo Nova? I don't remember much about his band, or what happened to them after this single. What I do remember is this song and video and I LOVED it soooo much, I went out and BOUGHT the cassette single! My...times have changed! Enjoy today's TOTD!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
SOTD
Sawyer Brown is certainly in the top 3 groups that JMH has seen the most times. Along with Reo and Metallica. There were a few summers we would see them 2 or 3 times, traveling here, there and everywhere. I agree with JM, gotta love his dancing. Imagine 2 hours of dancing just like in the video, it's truly entertaining.
Ok, on to the SOTD. I changed my SOTD at the last minute, I decided to honor Def Leppard as their new CD Mirror Ball dropped today. The first single is titled Undefeated. Take a listen and enjoy.
That's nice...MH
Ok, on to the SOTD. I changed my SOTD at the last minute, I decided to honor Def Leppard as their new CD Mirror Ball dropped today. The first single is titled Undefeated. Take a listen and enjoy.
That's nice...MH
TOTD
This was the first Sawyer Brown song that got me into their music. You have to LOVE Mark Miller's spastic/celery chopping dance moves!
Monday, June 6, 2011
SOTD
JM's post about the "forgotten" era of Metallica inspired me to use this as today's SOTD. It's one of my favorite "forgotten" songs from Metallica and it sounds simply flawless with Michael Kamen and the San Fransico Symphony in accompaniment. So give it a listen and if you haven't heard all of S&M, you should really check it out.
That's right...let's dance. MH
That's right...let's dance. MH
Sunday, June 5, 2011
MH Has Song of the Day...JM Has Tune of the Day!
Some people HATE this era of Metallica's music. I personally feel it exhibits their AWESOME range. Enjoy!
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