Post Six Sixty Six - Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween every, wow, it has been a little while since I have updated this blog. I told myself I would do it daily, but alas, work takes most of my time. And house cleaning, which I have finally finished. I hope to post some pictures of the house soon.

Halloween, for all its fakeness and stupidity, has always been one of my favorite holidays. I miss the days of my childhood when I would go trick or treating with my friends, and we would stay up all night watching Freddy or Jason, eating candy til our teeth and stomachs hurt.

Me and the misses trick or treated two years ago, when I lived in Jersey, and everything was fine. But last year we tried, here in Philadelphia, and people just looked at us funny. So, I wont be trick or treating again, til I have children myself. I will probably steal their candy too.

I have not gotten many kids coming to my door tonight, I live in an alley, but even so, I feel as if Halloween as a whole has changed, maybe brought on by all the fear mongering, and distrust amongst our fellow man.

I usually spend my Halloweens these days, carving pumpkins into silly faces, and buying my own candy. But this one, I shall watch a movie, and go to sleep, cause I am lame. Word.

46 days til Florida, my birthday and EPCOT!
132 til Italia, and wine, and fun fun fun.

link of the day: Frank And Ollie's!
wiki-link of the day: Ollie Johnston, whom turned 94 today.

Post Sixty Five - Nightmares in 3D

What's this, What's this, I can't believe my eyes.

Seeing Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen was fantastic, but seeing it in THREE DEE?! That was just purely fun and full of nothing but excitement. The 3d made the film so crisp in quality, and everything was eye popping.

Perfect timing for this release too, this, a week before all Hollows eve, and the 13th anniversary of the films original release into theatres in 1993.

To top it all off, before the film, Pixar's Knick Knack played, in full 3d. A short, made in 1989, that was meant to be seen in full 3d. AND, Disney's screen logo, was in full three dee as well.

Everyone should pay the 11.50 (or more, god only knows), and make it out to the closest IMAX theatre for this one, its an awesome experience, and well worth the price.

link of the day: Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney 3d
wiki-link of the day: Nightmare Before Christmas

Post Sixty Four - FooF reveiw

Flags of our Fathers, was good, as expected.

The movie, in speaking of war movies, was not as good as say, Saving Private Ryan, or Band Of Brothers, but somewhat comparable.

The story was definitely moving, about the men who raised the flag over Iwo Jima, in that infamous picture, and the affect it had on their lives. It had an undertone of the falsity of war photographs, and how one can't REALLY understand what life was like fighting on that small island in the pacific.

Ryan Phillipe was fantastic, matter of fact, the whole cast was pretty awesome. Most of the people who played soldiers, had play soldiers in previous World War Two movies, so that was kind of weird. Barry Pepper, of Saving Private Ryan snipe fame, was a sergeant in this movie.

I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. It had a few part that disappointed me. The portrayal of the battle was amazingly well done, but there was a few point in which the CGI fell flat on its face, and was so blatantly obvious.

Overall, I would say, if you are into war movies, this is a must. Go see it.

link of the day: Fandango . com
wiki-link of the day: Iwo Jima

Post Sixty Three - 1984

link of the day: Why Habeas Corpus Hate America - Olbermann
wiki-link of the day: Habeas Corpus

Post Sixty Two - BdayXmas

Oh boy. I am purely broke. So no Flatpanel TV screens for me any time soon. I have to make sure that I can at least have SOME money for Italy.

That's where you, my friends and family, who I hope read this, come on.

For my Birthday (December 16th), save the money on buy me drinks, and just plain give it to me as a gift.

For Christmas, give me money in the name of giving...in the name of baby jesus.

PS: my fucking bike got stolen today. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

That's all...for now.

Post Sixty One - Mouse Orgy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Walt Disney Co. on Thursday said it took "appropriate action" against employees at its Paris theme park who were caught simulating sex while dressed as Disney characters in a digital video that has received wide attention on the Internet.

Disney would not say whether it had dismissed any of the costumed employees featured in the grainy video, which appears to have been shot with a hidden camera at a backstage dressing room at Disneyland Resort Paris.

"The behaviour shown on the video is unacceptable and inexcusable," Disney said in a statement.

"The video was taken in the backstage area not accessible to guests. Appropriate action has been taken to deal with the cast members involved."

The video shows Minnie Mouse struggling to free herself as she is grabbed from behind by Goofy and then a giant snowman.

Later, Mickey Mouse simulates sex with the snowman and Goofy does the same with either Chip or Dale, the chipmunks, as laughter is heard on the tape.

The tape is described on the Internet as the "Mouse Orgy."

Disney, light the hell up. That shit was hilarious. Viva La (Disneyland) France.

link of the day: Mouse Orgy
wiki-link of the day: Disneyland Resort, Paris

Post Sixty - News

My Old Philly Family.

Ah News, that caught my eye today, that is.

Local: (nothing but tragedy)
- Boy, 3, Kills Self with firearm stupidly left laying around house...more here.
-A Map of Murder for Philadelphia...more here.
-Man gets 12,000 dollar PECO bill...more here.

National:
-Underground War Room on 'warm Standby'...more here. What the HELL?
-Bush Keeps Revising War Justification...more here. NO SHIT.

Dork News:
-Stone to direct film on war in Afghanistan...more here.
-Poster for Pixar's LIFTED released...more here.
-Disney has new policy regarding healthiness of food in parks...more here.

That's all.

Post Fifty Nine - FlagsOfOurFathers

Wow, is it just me, or does this movie actually look really good?

According to Wikipedia:

The film recounts the ultimately tragic tale of five young United States Marines, and one United States Navy corpsman photographed raising an American flag atop Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, in the midst of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

World War two, since 2nd grade, has always interested me. And movies about it, have also been of great fanfare to me.

I am not to confident in the directing skills of Clint Eastwood, and thank god he is not starring in it, as far as I know. However, the movies peaks my interest and I will try to set those thoughts aside.

The movie is to be followed up by another movie, coming out in December, called "Letter's from Iwo Jima". Letters, is the telling of the same story, from the perspective of the Japanese side. Something which very much peaks my interest.

link of the day: Flags Of Our Fathers
wiki-link of the day: Flags Of Our Fathers (film)

Post Fifty Eight - X-Trilogy

I am low on money, very low at that, and I only had enough money to pick up one dvd for the rest of the month, so I decided on the X-Men Trilogy Pack, because I absolutely loved the first two, and well, wanted a full series of movies to watch.

The Pack was $29.99, and considering that 'The Last Stand' was just released, it is currently priced around 19.99 for just the plain widescreen version. So considering that the first and second movie are pretty much 5 bucks a pop after that price, I found it to be a very reasonable deal.

I am a huge fan of the first two movies, directed by Bryan Singer (of Usual Suspects, Apt Pupil fame). As for the third (which I saw the day before it came out), directed by Brett Ratner (of Rush Hour fame), I did not really like it, story wise at least, visually it was nice.

Anyhow, yeah, definitely worth picking up, if you are a comic book movie fan, or a fan of any of these movies at all. The price is well worth it, considering the movies are all of good quality and in wide-screen. the only downfall is that for the most part, the DVDs lack special features.

PS: oh hell yeah, I so want this.

link of the day: X-trilogy
wiki-link of the day: X-men

Post Fifty Seven - RIP Cory Lidle

Former Phillie's pitcher (traded just last July, to the Yankees) died today, in a plane crash on the upper east side of Manhattan.

NEW YORK (AP) -- A small plane with New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle aboard crashed
into a 50-story condominium tower Wednesday on Manhattan's Upper East Side,
killing at least four people and raining flaming debris on sidewalks,
authorities said. There was no immediate confirmation Lidle was among the dead.

A law enforcement official in Washington, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said Lidle was on the plane. And Federal Aviation Administration
records showed the single-engine plane was registered to the athlete, who just
days ago -- after the Yankees' humiliating elimination from the playoffs -- told
reporters that he was getting his pilot's license.

The official said he did not know whether Lidle was at the controls; at least one other person was aboard the four-seat aircraft.

The crash rattled New Yorkers' nerves five years after the Sept. 11
attacks, abut the FBI and the Homeland Security quickly said there was no
evidence it was anything but an accident. Nevertheless, fighter jets were sent
aloft over New York and other U.S. cities as a precaution, the Pentagon said.

The plane came through a hazy, cloudy sky and hit the 20th floor of The
Belaire -- a red-brick tower overlooking the East River, about five miles from
the World Trade Center -- with a loud bang, touching off a raging fire that cast
a pillar of black smoke over the city and sent flames shooting from four windows
on two adjoining floors.

Firefighters shot water streams of water at the flames from the floors
below and put the blaze out in less than an hour.

Large crowds gathered in the street in the largely wealthy New York
neighborhood, with many people in tears and some trying to reach loved ones by
cell phone.

"I was worried the building would explode, so I got out of there fast,"
said Lori Claymont, who fled an adjoining building in sweatpants.

On Sunday, the day after the Yankees were eliminated from the playoffs,
Lidle cleaned out his locker at Yankee Stadium and talked about his interest in
flying.

He explained to reporters the process of getting a pilot's license, and
said he intended to fly back to California in several days and planned to make a
few stops. Lidle discussed the plane crash of John F. Kennedy Jr. and how he had
read the accident report on the National Transportation Safety Board Web site.

Lidle, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on
July 30, told The New York Times last month that his four-seat Cirrus SR20 plane
was safe.

"The whole plane has a parachute on it," Lidle said. "Ninety-nine
percent of pilots that go up never have engine failure, and the 1 percent that
do usually land it. But if you're up in the air and something goes wrong, you
pull that parachute, and the whole plane goes down slowly."

Lidle pitched 1 1/3 innings in the fourth and final game of the Division Series against the Detroit Tigers and gave up three earned runs, but was not the losing pitcher. He had a 12-10 regular-season record with a 4.85 ERA.

He pitched with the Phillies before coming to the Yankees. Began his
career in 1997 with the Mets. He also pitched for Tampa Bay, Oakland, Toronto
and Cincinnati.

Lidle was an outcast among some teammates throughout his
career because he became a replacement player in 1995, when major leaguers were
on strike.

Oh man, this upsets me so much, I saw Lidle pitch last season.

link of the day: New York Yankees / Article
wiki-link of the day: Cory Lidle

Post Fifty Six - Italy 07

It official folks, I am going to Italy.

The misses and I just booked our flights, March 12th we fly into London, and then over to Rome, and return the same way on the 21st.

I better start learning my Italian phrases.

I do not think it has really hit me yet, that I will be travelling outside of the states. I have never been outside the country you see, which is odd, considering I lived in Florida (close to the Bahamas) and New York (a hour out of Canada) and have yet to exit our borders.

Speaking of Canada, I will be making a trip to Montreal between the months of March and June. Some of Walt Disney's classic and original art work will be on display, most of it never before seen to the public. "Once Upon a Time, Walt Disney" runs from Saturday to Jan. 15 at the Grand Palais in Paris, before moving to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, March 8 to June 24."

this of course, is a must see for me.

link of the day: Italia!
wiki-link of the day: Rome

PS: the picture in this post is of the Italian pavilion at Epcot.

Post Fifty Five - Phi 38 Dal 24

This morning, I was riding to work on my bike, my head hurt like hell from a hangover, and I dropped my cart made bacon egg and cheese sandwich in the middle of the street, cause the bag ripped, AND my bike chain fell off... but I did not care, one bit.

Why you ask? Isn't it obvious. I am proud to be a Philadelphian this morning, the Eagles did it. They showed that sorry excuse for a person, Terrible Terrell, who's boss. What a game that was, it was almost as suspenseful as the Superbowl.

The Eagles dominated, and the fans were in their true spirits. Every time Owens took the field, they booed and chanted "O.D", over and over, to the tune of soccer's famous 'OLE!' chant. Brilliance.

And now for playoff baseball, anyone but the Yanks, is good in my book.

link of the day: T.O plays diplomat
wiki-link of the day: Fly, Eagles, Fly

Post Fifty Four - The Dark Knight

Oh boy, I do not know if there is another person more excited about the new Batman movie as me. Entitled 'The Dark Knight', the movie is a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins, and will have a mostly returning cast.

Heath Ledger will be the newcomer, starring as every one's favorite bat-villain, the Joker. I do not know how I feel about Ledger playing Joker, I just do not see it, but we shall have to wait and hope that I am wrong.

New dork news reports say that Harvey Dent (A.k.a Two Face), has been confirmed by the director, and will also be a villain in the movie. Rumors are flying around as to who will be cast to play the skitzo mad man, including talks of Jake Gyllenhaal, Guy Pearce, and Ryan Phillippe.

I hope it's not Jake Gyllenhaal, for the pure fact that it would be like watching Brokeback Mountain 2, minus the gay love, plus more drag and make-up. Bad thoughts there.

Hans Zimmer will return to do the score, also an exciting note.

ps: I updated the blog to Blogger's Beta version, and the look is a little different and more features are updated, fun times.

link of the day: Batman On Film
wiki-link of the day: The Dark Knight

Post Fifty Three - Best Buy

Oh, tis the season to be jolly...about buying a new flat panel television. I have been dreaming about getting one for months now. I have a DVD collection of 250 plus DVD's, so a nice flat panel t.v to watch them on, would be great. I am going to get a modestly sized one, not a huge one, just something that is good quality, prolly a 36 inch or something, LCD of course.

So, I am asking all that know me, specifically family, to get me best buy gift cards for my birthday (December 16th), and Christmas, in the hopes that I can get enough to cover a chunk of the cost for the t.v. God knows I can't afford one for a while, seeing as I have to pay off my debts and I am going to Italy (yes, we decided on that!).

So if anyone ask, that is ALL I want.

link of the day: Best Buy Gift Cards
wiki-link of the day: Best Buy

Post Fifty Two - Italy or Spain?

Oops, been a few days, I know I said I would try to make these daily, but I have been uber busy with work and sleeping any chance I can get.

Me and the misses found some cheap flights to Europe, and are thinking of going to either Spain, or Italy in march of 07. I will be offsetting Germany for a while I guess, what's new there though. Eventually, I promise myself. We have narrowed it down to Italy and Spain because of the price of accommodations and food and the like.

According to Globetrekker.tv.com

Italia: It was once said of Italy that it makes you cry twice: once when you see it and once when you leave. Its boot shaped peninsula dangles from the heart of Western Europe, and it's a country full of surprises and contradictions with more than enough to keep the average traveler entertained. From ancient splendours, exquisite art and quiet rustic charm, to the frantic bustle of its thriving cities like Rome and Milan with their trend setting fashions and gourmet treats, Italy has something for everyone. Although a relatively young nation, each region has own distinct flavour, culture and cuisine that serves to make traveling through the country a delight. Whether it's skiing in the breathtaking Dolomites, partying or romancing in Venice, shopping till you drop in Milan or Rome, or relaxing on the breathtaking Amalfi and Riviera coasts, Italy is sure to win your heart.

Espania: The diversity of experience and life in Spain is immeasurable. It is probably Europe's most geographical diverse country, ranging from the near-deserts of eastern Andalucia to the green countryside and deep coastal inlets of Galicia. But contrary to popular belief, there's a great deal more to Spain than concrete apartment blocks and the Costa del Sol. The country covers over nearly 300,000 sq miles making it the second biggest country in Western Europe. Travel is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate generally benign, the people relaxed and fun loving, the beaches long and sandy, and food and drink easy to come by and full of regional variation.It is also well known for its plethora of colourful fiestas and unbelievably vibrant nightlife. It's not suprising that more than 40 million foreigners a year take holidays in Spain. It's a phenomenal land to discover the unique people and characteristics of each contrasting region and also a wealth of vibrant history from great 20th century artists (Dali, Picasso, Miro), to the prehistoric. Architecture is glorious - influences from the Romans, Moors and Catholicism have created an amazing blend of styles in Spain. From stunning coastal cities like Barcelona that have captured the imagination of the world to vibrant and unique regional cultures and the cool clublife of the Balearic islands - the party never stops in Spain.

I'd rather do Germany than anything, but I guess the misses isn't down, so it's one of these in March. I am thinking most likely Italy, but you never know, maybe Derek will change my mind?

link of the day: Globetrekker
wiki-link of the day: Italy / Spain

Post Fifty One - Platy Edition

Oh boy, it's that time of the year again, Platinum Edition time.

This time of course, is the Little Mermaid, not my fav when I was a kid, but a movie I have grown to appreciate for its bringing back of the traditional feeling of Disney movies in the late eighties. A Disney renaissance of sorts. Before that time, the studio was so in debt animation wise, that they were thinking of shutting down the animation studio in general.

Following in the tradition of the previous Platinum Editions (Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King, Bambi, Cinderella, Lady and The Tramp), the Dvd's are fully digitally remastered in video and sound to the highest of quality, and the bonus features are of course plentiful.

Next one of the batch is Peter Pan, coming out March 6th, 2007.

link of the day: Ultimate Disney
wiki-link of the day: The Little Mermaid

Post Fifty - WDW35

My favorite place on earth, Walt Disney World, yesterday celebrated its 35th anniversary. Magic Kingdom turned 35, and EPCOT, 24.

There is nothing I can say to explain the tons of amazing memories I have there, I practically grew up there after all...so I will just leave you with this:

Walt Disney World is tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -- together. - Roy O. Disney, October 1, 1971

link of the day: WDW.
wiki-link of the day: Walt Disney World

Post Forty Nine: 'a'

"That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind"

HOUSTON - That's one small word for astronaut Neil Armstrong, one giant revision for grammar sticklers everywhere.

An Australian computer programmer says he found the missing "a" from Armstrong's famous first words from the moon in 1969, when the world heard the phrase, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
The story was reported in Saturday's editions of the Houston Chronicle.

Some historians and critics have dogged Armstrong for not saying the more dramatic and grammatically correct, 'One small step for a man ...' in the version he transmitted to NASA's Mission Control. Without the missing "a," Armstrong essentially said, 'One small step for mankind, one giant leap for mankind.'

The famous astronaut has maintained he intended to say it properly and believes he did. Thanks to some high-tech sound-editing software, computer programmer Peter Shann Ford might have proved Armstrong right.

Ford said he downloaded the audio recording of Armstrong's words from a NASA Web site and analyzed the statement with software that allows disabled people to communicate through computers using their nerve impulses.

In a graphical representation of the famous phrase, Ford said he found evidence that the missing "a" was spoken and transmitted to NASA.

"I have reviewed the data and Peter Ford's analysis of it, and I find the technology interesting and useful," Armstrong said in a statement. "I also find his conclusion persuasive. Persuasive is the appropriate word."

Very interesting, I say. I have always loved the Apollo mission, and have always wished I could have been around to see oneaccomplishmentsmportant accomplisments in mankinds history. My father told me he could feel the ground shake when the rockets rose from the cape, back in the late sixties. What a time it must have been.

link of the day: Software changes Armstrong's moon quote.
wiki-link of the day: Apollo 11