Papa's World

It's Finally Here (And Back Again)!!!

2011-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

My mind is whirling at 1,000 twirls a nanosecond (that is a tremendous amount of whirling for any who aren't good at fake math).

The trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is up. You can go watch it. I just did. You now should as well. Please. I recommend going here to see a version that is crisp and clear like apple strudel. Or, for the lazy ones among you, just click "play" below.

Farewell My Transformer Friends. For Now...

2011-12-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

My childhood is now complete, thus today I finally became a man.

I finished watching the Generation 1 Transformers cartoon series from the '80s. Four seasons of deliciously ridiculous cheesy one-liners and unnecessarily dramatic threats and promises made to no one as Optimus Prime drives off in pursuit of no one. Ninety-eight episodes of awesome robot battles and references to incredibly advanced technology like "payphones."

I seriously cannot recommend this show enough. I loved watching it again...for the first time.

Three things of interest to note from my experience:
1. I never saw an episode past season 2 when I was little. I had no clue that the show took such a dramatic turn in setting and tone after the movie (despite seeing the movie and loving it. I just thought the movie was telling a different story or something). The first two seasons were set on Earth in the '80s. The movie jumped forward about 20 years to that far distant date of 2005 and saw the deaths of many of the characters that we'd grown to love. Season 3 picked up right where the movie left off and most of Seasons 3 and 4 were set on Cybertron and random far-distant planets. We saw little action on Earth as a result. Even the music changed, incorporating much of the score from the movie into the show (unfortunately, at least as far as I noticed, none of Stan Bush's mind-blowingly awesome songs from the movie made it into any episodes).
2. The music really is part of what made that show so amazing to me. Anytime I hear those keyboards and random electronic noises my heart goes all aflutter.
3. There was indeed a fifth season of the old cartoon, but it was basically a condensed version of the movie and seasons 1-4 with an animatronic Optimus Prime and some random nasty-haired '80s kid as the hosts, telling stories and hanging out in awkward mountain settings. No new material was added and therefore I did not bother watching it.

It feels good to know that I have now watched every episode in order from start to finish. It also feels good because I have a long list of shows that I want to watch and anytime I finish one feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Next up: finish Smallville (I'll be picking up Season 9 from the library today and Season 10 is in my queue. I imagine it will arrive within the next two months).

In closing, here is the brilliant music video for what is possibly the most inspirational song ever written. It's from The Transformers: The Movie original soundtrack but is shown in all of its '80s television debut glory (and features the aforementioned animatronic Optimus Prime and nasty-haired kid from Season 5. Saints be praised).

Stan Bush's "The Touch"

HP: CA

2011-12-06T13:31:00.001-08:00

Good news, Westcoasters: Universal Studios has officially announced its plans to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (it's Harry Potter section of the theme park) to Universal Studios California. This means that no longer have to go to Florida to experience the magic. However, they also announced that Florida's version will be expanded so it is possible that, to get the fullest HP experience possible, a trip to Florida will still be in order.

So no worries Cal and Bethany; we still have our motivation to come visit you.

In honor of this celebration-worthy news, let me treat you to a dubstep remix of Hedwig's Theme (or a "dumblestep" remix if you feel so inclined--note: I stole that term from some commenter on the youtube page and take no credit for its creation):

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-12-02T14:29:00.001-08:00

I have no other reason to write this other than to shed a little light into what I've been digging lately.

I currently love (meaning I have recently watched or read or otherwise involved myself with):

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Star Wars (specifically the Clone Wars cartoon and the novels).

Harry Potter.

Transformers (specifically the old 80s cartoon).

Castle.

Batman (the comics and specifically the Anthology collection of the series from start to finish).

Green Lantern (the comics, but I did like the movie despite its flaws).

Smallville.

The Hunger Games.

Drizzt Do'Urden (Forgotten Realms) novels.

Community.

The Office.

Raising Hope.

The Walking Dead.

Burn Notice.

Elantris.

Portugal. The Man.

Jimmy Eat World (specifically Clarity).

Matchbook Romance (specifically Voices).

Radiohead.

I Am Legend (the soundtrack).

The Mars Volta.

Say Anything.

Band of Horses (specifically Everything All the Time).

I'm sure there is more, but these were the ones that popped into my head most readily. They are of course in no particular order. Good day to you, fair peoples, to the tune of a happy song.

Portugal. The Man - "When the War Ends"

Recent Reading

2011-11-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have made time again in my life for reading novels and it is like finding an old friend hiding under the basement floorboards. Ahhh... Welcome back books.

Here are the three books that I have read most recently with quick blurbs or recommendations.

1. The Maze Runner - James Daschner

A YA (Young Adult) book that I really enjoyed and definitely recommend. It is jarring and disorienting at times, but in a good way. It didn't always feel like the best written book (in terms of the actual language and word choice/style) but it was a fascinating story and any thoughts of over use of cliches disappeared quickly when the story started to become more clear. Fans of The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, and Fahrenheit 451 would very likely enjoy this book.

2. Neverwinter - R.A. Salvatore

Book eighteen (I believe) of the impressively consistent New York Times Bestseller Drizzt Do'Urden/dark elf, fantasy series. This particular novel is part two of a trilogy that jumps forward in the main character's timeline to a point where all of his friends and old companions are dead and he is forced to find his way in what feels like a new life to him. It's an interesting look at a character that in so many ways had come to feel a little stagnant in his personal growth and character development to me. I enjoyed the book but would only recommend it to those who are already fans of the series and character. If you have no clue who I'm talking about but are interested in a great adventure series with excellent fight scenes then I'd recommend starting with the first book published int he series: The Crystal Shard.

Other books I am currently reading and will hopefully finish in the next few months (because I've been slowly reading them for well over a year): Les Miserables and The Happy Lawyer.

Day 28: Endgame

2011-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today was a bag of mixed nuts. First the great, fantastic, amazing, it is still blowing my mind news: I reached 50k words today for the month of November! WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO! Take that, Captain Planet!

However I also received some disappointing news today: apparently the rules for NaNoWriMo only recognize you as a "Winner" if you started completely from scratch on day 1. Since I started in October and already had 14k words for my novel on day 1, I cannot be considered a Winner (by them--I'm totally a winner in my book). Instead I can only be considered a Rebel and feel what I assume is supposed to be a slightly less gratifying satisfaction by my cheater's victory.

I'm actually not as disappointed by this as I would have thought. When I first started I intended only to write 20k words in November and I was going to conduct my own NaNoWriMo with just friends. It wasn't until the last minute that I decided to try the real one. The point is that I did what I set out to do, wrote 50k words in November (I did it in 28 days), and I loved every minute of it.

I never had that whole "I don't want to write today" thing. Most days I wished I could have written more and just had to content myself to stop where I did so I could live my real life. I never really had writer's block either. If I had trouble writing it was always because I hadn't prepared and outlined enough to know something as simple as the setting or what was motivating a character (almost always the setting). It has been a wonderful experience for me and one that I plan to do again and again in the future.

As for this novel: I will finish it (hopefully in December) and then scrap it, go back and outline it how I should have from the beginning, and then write the seconds draft of what will likely be a very different book. That thought always terrified me before but now I embrace it.

What a fun adventure. From here on out I will not be updating with a daily report on my word count. Instead I will fall back into a more general accounting of my writing projects and life. I also will take a break from my novel while I work on that short story so I can submit it to the writing contest I had previously mentioned. Here is to victory.

Day 28: 3,309
NaNo Novel: 49,872
Total Novel: 63,777

NaNo Side Short Story: 1,407

November Total (including the short story): 51,279

Days 22 - 27

2011-11-26T21:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, and Sloppy Seconds Saturday.

No real comments other than I haven't written much at all during the holiday weekend, but I still intend to reach my goal.

Good day to you.

Days 22 - 27: 2,378
NaNo: 46,563
Total: 60,468

Side Short Story: 1,407

Days 20 & 21

2011-11-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

Whew. I finally finished the necessary back story of the two main characters. As mentioned before, most if it will not appear in the book in its current form. Instead, it will likely be revealed through flashbacks. I am glad I wrote it thought because I definitely understand better who the two main characters are and their history, which will help as I move toward building a believable romantic relationship between them.

I still need to do some world building. I really need to hammer out the technology, governments, cultures, and religions that exist. I'm excited to do that stuff, but I'm not too worried about doing it during NaNo. I'm actually quite content to not "finish" my novel by November. I am planning on writing the ending so that I know where I'm going and I can say that I wrote a novel, but once I reach the 50k mark for the month I'm not going to keep pushing the way I have been. Instead I'll do a rewrite of my short story, and then I'll go back to outlining and world-building the Wishing Well novel.

Fun times ahead ladies and gentlemen.

Days 20 & 21: 4,050
NaNo: 44,185
Total: 58,090

Side Short Story: 1,407

Day 19

2011-11-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

Sierra's parents were in town and it was Saturday with LOTS on the plate so I sadly didn't reach my 2k words a day goal. Oh well. I knew that it would be like this as the month wore on. I'm not beating myself or getting discouraged about it.

Not much else to say today. Happy weekend to you.

Day 19: 1,099
NaNo: 40,127
Total: 54,032

Side Short Story: 1,407

Days 17 & 18

2011-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yep. Another one of those special two-for-one updates.

I am still developing the back story material on the characters and writing the set up. One fun aspect of that is I now feel like I've stumbled upon a completely different book. The idea had come to my mind at one point to make this story a nine-part Young Adult series. If that were to happen then much of what I am currently writing would be Book 1 of that series. Other parts of it would come out as flashback material for the rest of the series. One part of really likes that idea, but another part of me wants to just write a novel and be done with it.

I've been writing romantic scenes of first kisses and from both male and female characters' perspectives. It has been a lot of fun but also rather challenging. It is an interesting exercise to see how you understand the opposite sex. Hopefully my ability to capture my female characters' thoughts and emotions is at least realistic enough to be palatable to female readers.

I've also written one of the darker scenes in the book. This was a good challenge for me as well, because it was uncomfortable to write parts of it. In fact, I doubt that much of it will be used in the actual book, because I believe that sometimes it is more powerful to leave things unsaid and just hinted at. I also want my children to be able to read these books and so a certain amount of self censorship is appropriate.

As a last bit of info, I found out about a short story contest put on by lulu.com. At first I ignored it because I am in novel writing mode for the month and did not want to be distracted. But yesterday morning while I was showering I had an idea pop into my head for a short story so I wrote one yesterday morning before I worked on the novel. It ended up at ~1,400 words for the rough draft, but I will be able (and need) to cut it down tremendously during the revision process; the max word count is 600.

I've never entered a writing contest before so I am ecstatic. I'm even excited to enter and lose, just because I'm stretching myself further than I've stretched before. However winning would be fantastic because, who doesn't want $500 and a Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader thingie? Sounds good to me.

And now the part that no one but me is waiting for:

Days 17 & 18: 4,227
NaNoWriMo: 39,028
Total: 52,933

Side Short Story: 1,407 (which means I'm technically 40k+ now for NaNo writing. Woohoo!)

Farewell to 24

2011-11-16T16:03:00.001-08:00

I realize that I am waaaay behind the rest of the 24 world in this, but I just finished season 8--the final season--of 24 last week and there needs to be some sort of commemoration of the feat.

You see, 24 is a special show; it is the show that sucked me back into watching TV (which was/is a blessing and a curse all at the same time). Through most of high school, my mission to the Dominican Republic (especially my mission), and the first couple years after my mission while I was starting college, I hardly ever watched TV. I LOVE movies and watched those a lot, but my TV watching pretty much consisted of Conan O'Brien and the occasional episode of SNL. I actually sort of hated TV. I hated how whenever I did sit down to watch something, I'd end up spending hours surfing channels and feeling bored and unfulfilled. Movies were great because they ended and then life went on.

24 was different. 24 was the first show that ever really blew my mind. I got caught up in season 2 of the show while working a summer sales job in Indianapolis back in 2005 (remember those good old days, Matt? Of course you do you old, Dinglehopper). The show was the most intense thing I'd ever seen and I couldn't get enough.

24 was also the first communal show I ever experienced. One Winter a rather large group of us would gather together at Cody's house (his parents' house really) every night and watch24 for hours. We watched Seasons 1 - 4 in about 2.5 months (correct me if I'm wrong, any who participated). This meant that each night we started at about 10:00 p.m. and ended somewhere between 2:00 - 4:00 a.m. (which is absolutely crazy to me now since most if not all of us worked and had to be to work by 9:00 a.m.). Those were incredibly fun times though I would never trade those memories away.

Since those days I have watched the following shows all the way through (from season 1 to season finale): Lost, Arrested Development, Firefly, Prison Break, and Dresden Files. I am currently watching and will finish watching Castle, Community, The Office, Fringe, Smallville, and The Transformers (the original animated series).

24 has been both a blessing and a curse to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time watching each of these shows and probably wouldn't take that time back if given the choice. However, I frequently think about how much time I could have spent: writing stories and books, writing songs, playing guitar, learning to play the piano, playing sports or going hiking, or a myriad other things that may have been more rewarding and fulfilling long term in my life. I'll never really know though.

The point is that 24 has influenced my life dramatically. Its farewell deserves more than a silent passing into the darkness of TV shows past. Thus, I salute you, Mr. Jack Bauer. Thanks for saving America all those times. Thanks for also re-introducing me to one of my favorite pasttimes: watching a great show.

Day 16

2011-11-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

Today I did something new with my writing: I wrote from a different character's view point. This was an excellent decision for a couple of reasons: (1) I had been writing lots of back story for the past few days and needed a change of pace, and (2) I finally got into the head of the female main character.

Man! I had no clue how little I knew about her. I didn't know how she thought, what was important to her, how she reacted to surprise, or hardly anything about her until this morning. This was also important because it finally gave me some material for her conflicts and character path.

Most of the material I wrote today will likely come into the story through flashbacks (because I think the story will REALLY drag at the beginning if I try to put all this material in Act 1), but I also think that it is good to start off writing it at the time in which it happened to the character. It feels more present to me and I hope that will make it more realistic and present for the reader.

Today we begin the slide down the writing mountain. Some of my fears about having less time to write are no longer concerns; Friday is the last day of my judicial externship with my dad and so after that I'll be helping to watch Lydia in the mornings and studying for finals in the afternoons and evenings. It will be just like summer school (sort of).

Day 16: 3,699
NaNoWriMo: 34,801
Total: 48,706

Day 15

2011-11-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

Today felt good. I was able to write a lot and get myself back on track toward writing this book. I'm still doing Act 1, background material for the story. I didn't realize how little I understood this world I'm creating until I had to start thinking through the steps that got the world to where it is (I'm writing a setting of Earth in the future after some pretty calamitous events). I'm sure much of what I'm currently writing will never see the light of day in this book or any other. It is still very helpful for me to write it out and think through it because I'm being forced to make decisions about how I want the world to feel and also to play out scenarios that help me understand where the world currently is at.

Part of what I am discovering is that I don't think this first draft will be finished in November. I was hoping that it would so I could move on to other projects and take a break from this one (which would mean coming back to do the revisions all the sooner). I'm ok with that thought though. I'm having fun in the journey so if I get to my destination a little later than I first planned, does it really matter? Right now I don't think so.

Day 15: 2,790
NaNoWriMo: 31,102
Total: 45,007

Day 14

2011-11-14T21:40:00.001-08:00

The weekend throws my sleeping (and thus writing) schedule off. I didn't wake up at five this morning and (due to needing to (1) get summer job application materials emailed over and (2) make sure I was ready for an interview at the Bankruptcy Court for an externship next semester) my word count suffered because of it.

Again, I am so glad that I built up a buffer early on, because I am going to need it more and more as the month wears on. I'm optimistic that I'll be able to get some good writing in tomorrow morning though (I'm going to bed by 10:00 p.m. tonight so I can be sure to wake up at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow).

Good night.

Day 14: 1,029
NaNoWriMo: 28,312
Total: 42,217

Days 11 & 12

2011-11-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

This weekend was insanely busy and I got very little done for NaNoWriMo. So I am feeling very grateful that I have been able to write as much as I have throughout the first part of the month, otherwise I'd be looking at not getting to the finish line.

You see, the time I can spend writing will only continue to dwindle as we approach finals and the Thanksgiving holiday. I am still optimistic that I will reach my goal, but I may not be able to demolish the 50k mark like I had started to assume I would.

So what you see here is the total for both days as I did not figure out how much was written on each individual day.

Days 11 & 12: 2,049
NaNoWriMo: 27,283
Total: 41,188

Day 10

2011-11-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

[Update: I'm halfway there! Hoooraaaaaay! I broke the 25k mark this morning and the month is only one-third done. At this pace I should be able to get 75k written in November. However, I am aware that toward the end of the month finals will be looming and the holiday will take much time away. So I'm going to be trying for around 60k methinks.]

I think that I am finally getting some structure to my story. Not in terms of the material that I write each day, because that is all focused on developing the characters at this point. At other times when I am not writing--like yesterday when I was court watching down at the Federal Courthouse--I am working on understanding what the three-act structure is in my story.

At this time the story is still designed to span three books. So I've been building three-act structures on both the grand and small scale. I still have plenty of work to do on getting all fo that fleshed out, but the nice thing is that I don't have to have it done asap. In fact it is likely to change as I continue writing and learning more about my characters.

I have also discovered that when I began writing, I completely skipped the first part of any three-part structure: the set up. I was so excited to write the meatier parts of the story that had been brewing in my head for so long that I didn't bother writing about the setting, describing it in any detail. Nor did I write about my characters, getting into their heads, putting them in situations to see how they fit together and thought as the story began. It is making so much mroe sense now why I was feeling lost in the writing process; I didn't know where my characters had been so it was hard to know how to get them to go where I wanted them to go.

As I've gone back to do the set up, I am learning so much about my characters that I had not known. I am especially learning a great deal about the main female character of the story--a character who I am now growing to love but who (very sadly) at first existed as nothing more than a one-dimensional facade of a character whose entire existence was to act as a love interest for my main male character. I quickly grew bored with her so I am sure my readers would have as well. Now however she is becoming more dynamic. She has a personality, she says interesting things and thinks interesting things, and best of all, she wants more for her existence than to just be a romantic prize for my main male character.

Man, I love writing.

Day 10: 2,371
NaNoWriMo: 25,234
Total: 39,139

Day 9

2011-11-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

Man, I am doing so much better than I thought I would at NaNoWriMo. I say this not to gloat but to share my excitement at the feeling of excelling at something. Whether my story or writing ability is any good whatsoever is irrelevant; I can write lots of words fast. Ha! Take that, world!

So part of the idea of NaNoWriMo (from what I've read and been told) is that you don't go back and edit or rewrite. I think that I thought that meant that I shouldn't go back and fill in scenes, but just keep moving toward the end. Well, this week I am learning what a silly assumption that is. I had been writing and writing and moving forward and then I started to realize that I had not developed my characters even slightly enough. I didn't know who they were when the story began, so it was proving very difficult to know who they were to become through their trials and how they would respond to certain stimuli. So I am going back and figuring out who those characters are. I'm not erasing anything that I have written and I am not rewriting scenes that have already been written. Instead I am writing scenes from a time before the characters' world was shot to heck.

It has been tremendous fun for me. I finally feel like I understand who my main character is and I am finally forming a picture of who his love interest is (and she finally feels like a person instead of an ideal). Huzzah.

In other random news, I thought I'd give a shout out to a couple of books that I recently read and enjoyed.

First, Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. It was an excellent and highly original work of fantasy fiction. I've read lots of fantasy novels over the years and it is easy for many of them to be entertaining but not very memorable. This one was memorable.

Second, Here, There be Dragons (The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica) by James A. Owen. This was a recommended to me through Graham Bradley's blog. It was a lot of fun and had a very enjoyable "big reveal" at the end. Not terribly groundbreaking but lots of fun.

Third, Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. This one was recommended to me by Isaac Byrd--the law clerk that supervises me at the court. VERY cool book and you do NOT need to be learned or versed in Economics to understand or enjoy it.

That is all. Have a nice day and enjoy some stats.

Day 9: 3,458
NaNoWriMo: 22,863
Total: 36,768

Days 6, 7, & 8

2011-11-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

I didn't write on Sunday and forgot to log in my word count from yesterday so I will do so today.

Yesterday I was listening to the Writing Excuses podcast and the topic was formulas (such as The Hero's Journey, 3-act Play, Romance, etc.). I realized that my story has no formula or real structure. I think that is partly why I don't know where it is going. So I am going to try and learn more about those and work it in while I am doing my writing. I am not going to stop and spend tons of time on it, but I think it would help. Anyway, here are the stats:

Day 7: 2,345 words
Day 7 NaNoWriMo: 16,787 words
Day 7 Total: 30,692 words

Day 8: 2,618 words
Day 8 NaNoWriMo: 19,405 words
Day 8 Total: 33,310 words

Day 5

2011-11-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day this week that I didn't wake up before seven and start writing before 7:30 a.m. In fact, I didn't start writing until the afternoon, because my morning was filled with a study group session and a visit with my grandmother.

I'm pleased to report that I still met my goal for the day (2,317 words) and I continued to enjoy the writing process. I'm also amazed that I have basically written in one week what took me a whole month (October) to write (about 14,000 words). NaNoWriMo: you rock my socks off.

NaNoWriMo: 14,445
Total: 28,350

Day 4

2011-11-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

I came, I wrote, I took the high ground: 2,448 words.

I am running into interesting "problems" now. I am now changing scenes midway through the scene. For example I began a scene and halfway through realized that the scene needed to come earlier in the story AND that I needed to include the antagonist in the scene (he hadn't been there up until now, only his lackey had). So the writing I did of that scene became very convoluted. Suddenly the antagonist is there, suddenly the dialogue reflects an earlier time period of the story.

None of this is terribly problematic, because after I finish the first draft, I will go back and rewrite the story as it should have been (which will likely show me new problems and I'll repeat these steps a few times before this story is ready to submit to anyone).

I can see why it is suggested to not worry about this stuff and to just keep going. There are a ton kinks that need to be fixed, but I have already encountered the scenario where I see a problem, I think of a solution and then, having wisely decided to not go back and fix it yet, I realize that the initial solution won't work because of a different problem and different solution that I later discover. So if I had gone back to fix something I would have been wasting my time.

The point is that I am not aware of all the problems yet and therefore I am not yet aware of what all the solutions should be. Instead of wasting time chasing potential ghosts, I should just get this thing all in front of me, where I can get a bigger perspective of what changes need to be made.

That is all. Happy hunting.

NaNoWriMo: 12,128
Total: 26,033

Day 3

2011-11-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

Maybe I will write on here everyday; it gives me a place to keep track of my progress.

I wrote 2,464 words today. It almost felt like cheating for part of it though because some of it was more outline than novel. The problem is that I am noticing just how undeveloped this story is and I don't always know what is happening between the major scenes. I also don't really have an ending at all. So today I realized that much of what I wrote yesterday is likely unusable once I make some of the changes that I outlined today. I'm totally fine with that, because the core aspects of the dialogue are absolutely transportable from one version of a scene to either the new version of that scene or an entirely different scene.

I am happy about today as well, because I finally woke up earlier than when Lydia wakes me up. So I got up at 6:00 a.m., did some scripture study, and then went to work on the novel for an hour or so. Sierra went in to work this morning so I wasn't able to write a ton once Lydia woke up, but getting up early made it possible to reach my daily goal. Hooray for goal reaching.

If I may also add one last tidbit, I learned tonight that many professional, full-time artists write about 2,000 words a day. That is a fairly standard industry goal. Granted there are PLENTY of authors out there that do more, but once an author's book gets published, there are lots of PR and career management tasks that take time away from writing each day. The point is that I have put off writing for so long, thinking that I didn't have time for it. Apparently my current goal of 2,000 words a day is EXACTLY how much time I need (and I am finding that to be a more than achievable goal for myself).

Anyway, good night.

NaNoWriMo Word Count: 9,680
Total Word Count: 23,585

Day 2

2011-11-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my long day so I wasn't able to write as much. However, I still passed my daily goal and am sitting pretty with 2,041 words for the day. Nice.

Today marked one of the first times that I really got lost in the story. By lost I don't mean that I was so enthralled that I forgot which existence was my reality and I started living my life as though it were the story... Oh no.

By lost I mean that I realized that the ending I thought was so clear is not so clear. The problem is that I haven't committed myself to certain elements of the setting and plot that may just be necessary to know how it ends. So I spent some time while I was driving trying to hammer out those details. In a strange twist of fate I am now returning to my original idea for the setting, which functions similarly but creates a VERY different world and ending for the story than the idea to which I had later changed it.

This does not mean that my story is completely changing gears midway through--my beginning and end were never all that clear to anyway--but it does mean that I'm feeling a little disoriented in the world. I had envisioned a world, setting, and time that no longer apply in the same way.

Instead of going back to fix anything though, I'm just going to plug away and write it in the new setting as I move forward, ignoring any inconsistency along the way.

Que divertido, no?

Day 1

2011-11-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

I don't think I will try to get on here every single day. I imagine it would get repetitive and dull pretty quickly. However, certain landmarks deserve reporting and certain insights deserve mentioning. So here goes...

I wrote 5, 175 words today, and it felt amazing! There are few things that I love more than reading a good book but I think that this one easily meets that standard. I found myself deeply enthralled in the story and character development, just as I do while reading a well-written story, and I even found myself being surprised along the way, just like I do while reading a good story. I had breakthrough moments where a solution to plot points that I had realized were problematic would suddenly pop into my mind and I'd be able to adjust my planning accordingly.

More than anything else, it was tremendous fun to write and I am thoroughly enjoying this story that I am working on. I have discovered all sorts of problems with the plot, characters, and just about everything else, but at this stage I don't need to worry about it; I just need to keep writing and making notes of them here and there (as well as the possible solutions that spring to mind) and I can worry about fixing things later.

So, NaNoWirMo is off to a glorious start and I bought myself some leeway for tomorrow since it is my long day and I will have close to no time to write at all.

Now I am off to bed because 5:00 a.m. comes EARLY.

Are We Sick, Yet?

2011-10-27T08:45:00.001-07:00

Are you sick of my posts about NaNoWriMo, yet? Too bad! I'm gearing up for the contest and am almost ready to start stabbing at this beastie. I realized tonight (while sitting in Bankruptcy class, mind wandering...) that I have some serious prep to do. So, as my faithful followers (is anyone even still there?) you are stuck hearing about...

John Cory's Official NaNoWriMo 2011 Purple Prep Plan:

1. Conditioning - Both mental and physical. Mentally, I need to continue my practice writing sessions and I need to meet my 5,000 words in a week goal at least once before the month is out. This week is my last chance. Fortunately Friday is a holiday and I am in a serious writing mood. Unfortunately I have written nothing so far this week so I am already waaay behind. It's ok though. Positive thoughts. Go to my happy place. Fluff my aura. I'm going to get it this week and I'm going to start off November with the sweet taste of victory already in my mouth. Physically, I need to enhabit (that is a new word I just invented and am rather enjoying) a 5:00 a.m. wake up time. After my daily scripture study, I will have 1.5 hours of uninterrupted writing to try and hit my daily word quota.

2. Planning - I need a functioning outline, asap. Tonight I tried to write a synopsis of my story on the NaNoWriMo site and failed miserably. It was a mess and probably for the same reason I assumed that writing a synopsis would be easy; this story is over developed having stewed in my mind for so long. So, I will attempt Graham Bradley's patented Magic 3x5 Index Card Outlining Method to hammer out my scenes and get some plot points straightened out.

3. Emotional and Mental Motivating - If there is anything that I learned from my practice writing this month, is that I am easily distracted by life (both its fun and stress) and procrastination. So, first I will strategically place motivating reminder notes where my distractions most frequently occur: the TV and computer. This will help on those nights when I fail to meet my daily word quota in my morning writing session. Second, I will shame myself in advance into victory by planning a victory party and inviting people to it. Take that, John's normal safety net of unannounced goals in life!

4. Removing Distractions - First, I am limiting the number of movies and TV shows that I check out from the library. Second, I am instituting the Rule of Dangling Carrot; I cannot watch any movie or TV show, surf the web, check Facebook or Twitter, or even blog until after I have met my daily word quota. I had hoped to finish both Season 8 of 24 and Season 3 and 4 of Transformers: The Cartoon Series before the end of the month so as to be rid of the temptation for either, but it is obvious that won't happen by the end of the month, so they will fall under my Rule of Dangling Carrot.

October Preparations

2011-10-10T09:49:00.001-07:00

I set a goal for myself for the rest of the month of October to write at least 5,000 words per week to get myself warmed up for NaNoWriMo. I'm going to keep track of my progress on this one blog post instead of doing a new one after each week. So, if you care about following along, you'll have to come read the updates here.

The Stats
Total for October: 13,905
The first weekend (this was before the setting of the goal): 3,293 words in two sessions (about 1 h 40 m total).
Week 1: 2,915 words in one session (somewhere around 2 h, although I was nodding off so I'm not sure).
Week 2: 4,013 words in three sessions. I don't remember how much time.
Week 3: 2,390 words in two session. I don't remember how much time.
Week 4: 1,294 words in maybe one session? No clue how much time.

Commentary
Week 1: This week turned out to be very hectic and I did not plan well enough to reach my goal. I am sad about that, because it would have felt great to start off strongly and instead I started off stumbling out of the gate. If I remember correctly I only did one session, late Saturday night. I was very sleepy and finally made myself stop when I kept dozing off in the middle of my sentences. While some of the writing, especially towards the end when I was nodding off, is likely very poor, I felt quite pleased with much of it.
Week 2: I am loving writing. I am sad that I didn't reach my goal of 5,000 in the week, but I got pretty close and I think that I better understand now how I can prepare for my writing sessions. I need to do a little bit of outlining, but things are moving along swimmingly.
Week 3: I am very disappointed in how little I wrote this week. I let the business of life become an excuse and--much more damagingly--I succumbed to my normal distractions when I did have some free time. I also am recognizing how a good outline can help keep you moving forward when the story grows large and it is easier to get lost in it. I'm still enjoying this immensely and looking forward to November.
Week 4: I grossly misjudged how much time I'd be able to force myself to spend writing during Halloween weekend. I set a big goal of 5,000 not realizing that as soon as Thursday hit I was in Halloween mode and only wanted to play. That lasted until late Monday night. Anyway, it was a great practice experience for me to do these little previews.

Let The Writing Begin! [Updated]

2011-10-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

In preparation for NaNoWriMo, I have been doing practice writing sessions to see how many words I can pump out in a given period of time. The first time I sat down and did 1,400 words in about 40 minutes. Today I did 1,893 words in one hour. So if I average 1,700 words per hour then I'll need to spend 30 hours on writing in November to reach the goal of 50,000 words in one month. Yeesh. That sounds scary right now, but really it comes out to a little bit less than 8 hours a week (assuming a four week month). If I can spend one hour a day during the weekdays and three hours on Saturday, then I'll reach the goal and won't even have to write on Sundays. I think that the trick will be breaking up the writing so that on some days I do two half-hour sessions or whatever. This is not how I normally like to work on my creative exploits, but I just need to remember that the point of NaNoWriMo is not to write a best-seller--just a very rough first draft (because it is still in the word vomit stage).

These practices have been very fun and exciting for me, because I've been writing the novel version of Book 1 of The Alphus Redemption Trilogy. For those who are familiar with Twenty Mule Team's songs, this is the story behind the Wishing Well album. I thought I'd hold off on writing any novelized version of it until I had the other two albums written (album 1 is written and just needs to be recorded, album 2 has two song ideas, and album 3 has nothing), because I didn't want to feel constrained by the story as I wrote the music. However, I think I am starting to change my mind a little bit on that. My writing of Wishing Well took a really long time because there wasn't much organization or clear direction. At first they were just random songs, chronicling some of my own experiences. Later a story emerged and then the story changed from my experiences to that of the main character Alphus. I created a basic outline but still lacked a great deal of anything between those key moments. While I like what the album has become, I think it lacks a sense of continuity musically.

Album 2 does not have a strong outline yet of events, just the basic bones that carry us through to album 3. I think the only way that I will be able to write the songs for album 2 is if I better understand the story elements anyway. So... long story short, I am going to start writing Book 1 and see where that takes me. When I finish and get to Book 2, I will re-evaluate (but I am leaning toward trying to write the whole thing within a short period of time to see if I can create an actual album instead of a collection of songs that share a story theme).

While we are on the subject, I think that I will make my October goal be to record the rhythm guitar tracks for an acoustic version of Wishing Well. I thought I was going to use the month for outlining, brainstorming, and writing prep (as well as finishing up some TV shows that I am currently watching on DVD), but since I've started the practice sessions that no longer seems so necessary. The truth is that I think most of the material is in my head and just needs to come out. Once it is out then I can go back and see what is missing or not connected and make corrections or fill in the gaps. For now I need to stop thinking and start writing.

*As an aside, I am pretty sure that I am going to write a different story for NaNoWriMo, although I may just work on both. The other story idea is newer and less fleshed out, but has a lot less baggage as well (I've been carrying the story for The Alphus Redemption Trilogy around in my mind and in little notebooks for about 5 or 6 years now, and I fear that I may get bogged down in it if I try to take it on as the first novel I write). So I will use it as my practice material during October (when I don't feel any pressure to reach a 50k word goal), and then, if things are flowing, I'll keep on going into November. If not then I'll switch gears and take on a story that I am currently calling: The Earthtalkers.

*As a second aside and as far as writing on Sundays goes, I am a little torn on whether I should do it. In the past I have never felt bad writing music or brainstorming story ideas on Sundays, because I think of them as artistic endeavors and I have NEVER thought of them as my job. At this point in my life I still don't think of either as my job. However, the goal is to someday get my stories published and be paid for my work so that I can work less out of an office and have the freedom to pursue a career as an author. So, with the possibility to any of my stories being published so far in the future, it is hard to feel like it is work at this point. For that reason, I imagine that I will spend some time on Sundays working on it. I think for now it comes down to my motivation for doing it. I am not writing at this point in my life to get published; I am writing because I want to exercise my talent and creative abilities. At the point where writing becomes a legitimate job possibility, then I will stop.

9

2011-09-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

On July 9, 2010 I started a blog post but this was as far as I got:

"Last night Sierra and I watched the movie "9." I had been excited to watch this movie ever since I saw the trailer in the theater and I gotta say, it did not disappoint."

Now it is September 23, 2011 and I am finally getting back to it. I totally blame this one on law school.

Anyway, this movie was incredible. How good was it, John? Easy. When I check a movie out from the library, I watch it once and then I return it. This film? I watched it twice before I took it back. I may be wrong but I think I even boldly accepted the late fee penalty for keeping it late just so that I could watch it one more time. I have only done that one other time (with Joss Whedon's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," which is also excellent and I also highly recommend), so know that the film is of a special quality.

It is an animated film that stars Elijah Wood as the voice of the main character (whose name is "9"). I have no desire to ruin any of the plot so you won't get any here, but what I can say that it is visually stunning. This film is dark and eerie without being disturbing or overly scary (I'm terrible at this game but maybe children under the age of 8 shouldn't see it?) and it plays with colors and lighting so well. The story is a clever, the dialogue is well written, and the characters are very well drawn out. Please don't watch it thinking you are getting into a Pixar-style film, because it is actually a very mature animated movie. I'm sure I would have loved it as a kid, but children are not the target audience of this film.

I share this with you because (a) this is my blog and that is what I do, and (b) I don't feel that this movie got enough attention and it deserves more attention. So, what should you do? Step 1: get on your Netflix account and stream it or rent it, or go to your local Blockbuster (there's gotta be somebody who is still using that place, right?) or library and check it out. Step 2: watch it. Step 3: repeat step 2. Step 4: high-five John 9 times the next time you see him (I will totally understand what is going on and I will wink at you repeatedly).

Here is the trailer in case you want a little more to whet your appetite (you may have to watch another trailer before it... I did).

National Novel Writing Month

2011-09-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today I heard about a special month called November and how it has been dubbed by someone (I have no clue who so I'll guess... Shakespeare?) "National Novel Writing Month." Well it just so happens that I have big dreams of writing one of the novels that have floated around my head for years, having that novel published by some company who wants to pay me lots of money for it, and then having the novel be widely read and loved by at least 30 people.

So I have decided to participate in NaNoWriMo (stole that from Graham Bradley) this year. However, there are some realities of life that make me wonder if I can do the full out experience. I guess there are some groups that set guidelines on how many words you are supposed to write and what not. Some groups expect 50k. Yeesh. That is a lot of writing for a newbie like me. So instead I may just start my own "group" of first-time authors and set a lower threshold (maybe 20,000?). So, anyone interested in joining up? We could even come up with some sort of prize for the winner (I imagine that is determined by who writes the most words and is not based on the quality of writing; the whole point of this exercise is to make you write and not worry about how it is coming out).

So... who is in?

Life

2011-09-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have anything fun to share today, I'll instead just catch you up on where we are at.

School: I am in my second year of law school and I am enjoying it MUCH more than the first year. However, I'm very excited to finish and start working again (and making monies so Sierra can quit her job). This semester I am doing a judicial externship with my dad at the State District Court. He only does civil cases now so trials are not nearly as exciting as I would have hoped (criminal cases are the exciting ones). It has been a GREAT experience, though. It's a lot of fun to work with my dad and to see him in his element. I'm hoping to do another judicial externship next semester in the Bankruptcy Court (since that is the type of law I think I want to go into after law school). To that effect, I'll also share that I'm the President of my school's Financial Law $ociety (<-- did you catch what I did there? Eh? Not too shabby), which focuses on Bankruptcy and Tax Law. Also I'm pleased to say that I totally demolished my opponent in the election (I ran unopposed) so my confidence is running pretty high these days. I'm also excited because I got my first A in law school during the summer term. It was in my Evidence class, which was huge and is graded on a curve (meaning they only give out like 2 A's per class) so I feel very good about that. Nice (much needed) little confidence booster.

Work: I don't have a "real" job at the moment. I am still technically employed by a criminal defense attorney, but it is sporadic work when he needs help researching case law, and the case he is trying is sort of past that point now. However, Sierra is still working and is definitely my sugar momma. Her work-from-home application was approved for a one-year extension (which is awesome because her company rarely (more like almost never) grants that request). It is the best situation we could ask for right now, but it is very stressful on her. Lydia is a lovely little girl, but she is turning out to be one of those "high-need" babies (also referred to by some authors as "active, alert children"). We are very excited for the day when Sierra can stop working and be a full-time mom.

Church: My current calling is that of Ward Mission Leader. I really enjoy the calling, but often feel bad because I'd like to be able to put more time into it than I ever seem able to. Our ward has sister missionaries and it has been fun to work with them. Sierra is the primary pianist and likes that calling for the most part (sometimes Lydia won't eat on what some might call a regular "schedule" and then has a little meltdown and that can make it more difficult for Sierra to be able to go rock out with the kids).

Home: Sierra and I celebrated our fourth anniversary at the start of this month. That is pretty crazy to me. Things are going well for us, but we are in one of those survival stages of life, where there is too much to actually take care of in life so you start becoming selective in what you take on. What I'd like to be doing with my freetime: exercising, writing music and stories, and adventuring about with my family and friends. What ends up usually happening: watching TV and movies with Lydia and sometimes Sierra. I like movies and TV as much as the next guy but sometimes it gets a little old. It's hard to get into a good writing mood though when I'm just tired and want to plop myself on a couch and not think.

Anyway, there is a little update for you all on what my life is like at the moment. Lest there be any confusion, know that I am very pleased and grateful for my life. It is a great life and I am so pleased to share it with Sierra and Lydia. I'm just also excited to not have homework and be in a situation again where I can leave my work at the office, come home, and just be home.

Is This Thing Still On?

2011-09-14T13:16:00.001-07:00

I miss blogging. I used to have so much fun stumbling upon random things that made me laugh or excited and then sharing them with whoever cared enough to read this here thing. I loved writing strange little poems and posting them for your (and mostly my) enjoyment. I miss having a place where I could publicly share my thoughts and likes. So I think I'll try to resurrect this thing.

Unfortunately, I don't have as much time as I used to for writing or even just general web surfing. I don't watch as much TV, as many movies, or listen to as much music as I used to. I (most sadly) hardly ever write songs, stories, or poems anymore. So I am not sure what it is that I will share (because I don't like uploading pictures every time I am going to post on here and that--at least in some ways--means that I won't be doing those nice family update posts with cute pictures of my awesome baby.

Anyway, welcome back me.

Maritime "Paraphernalia" Music Video

2011-03-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

So cold... Too, too cold.

I really like this band, though I admit that I have only really listened to two of their albums. Anyway, just thought I'd share a nice little diddy with you this fine Friday morning.

Papa's Poem Corner Episode 36: Valentine's Day Setbacks

2011-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Love can be a fickle mistress, who makes you giggle for hours straight while simultaneously turning your innards to glue. For all those who are still searching for that special Valentine's Day strumpet or crumpet, this poem is for you.

Gelatinous Love Bubbles

Stand forth, first frothy dew of the morning.
Love shall be yours and your nuggets shall shine.
Though sad the song your heart currently sings,
love shall be yours in time.
Or, you can get a lots of cats.

Anyway, cheer up little lonely hearts.

Video Games: The Franchise

2011-01-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago I started playing some old video games (talking about them old school NES system games like Zelda and Metroid). This started a new John Project that I am still working on but just slowly, because I don't have a ton of time for things like video games right now. Anyway, what I am doing is playing through my favorite game franchises in chronological order. I am still on the NES, but thus far I have played and beaten: Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Castlevania 1, Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, Castlevania 3: Curse of Dracula, and Ninja Gaiden 1. The franchises I plan on following are: Zelda, Metroid, Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Ninja Gaiden. More may get added later, but that seems like plenty already to me.

Granted I don't own all of these games nor all of the systems along the way that I will need to finish this, but like I said, there is no rush on this. I'll get to it when I get to it. Until then it is really fun playing and finally beating these games that I loved when I was little but was not coordinated enough to beat.

Mind Phase

2011-01-27T14:41:00.001-08:00

I am curious about whether anyone else experiences life in phases the way I do. I have two basic phases that I go through: (1) info comes in, and (2) info goes out. During the "In" phase I usually am in a more lazy state of mind and I will watch lots of movies and TV, play video games, read lots of books, and surf the internet to learn random facts and information on whatever is most interesting to me at the time. The "Out" phase is my more creative mindset and I do things like write music, poetry, and stories, I blog more, and I become more active, playing soccer or whatever. Granted, there are those in-between stages where I am doing both, but most of my life has followed this pattern. Anyone else experience life like that?

Anyway, I've been in an In phase for a long time. I think I am heading toward an Out phase soon, because I am starting to get sick of taking info in; my brain feels full.

Anyone else experience anything like that?

Winter Break

2010-12-20T13:30:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how quickly this thing died when I started law school. I would make promises to do better next semester, but, with our baby being due and a new church calling, I am going to be a busier boy next semester than I was this last one. Maybe I can talk Sierra into either contributing on here or starting a new family blog so we can keep everyone updated on what is happening... We'll see. No promises. I am not the boss of her.

Anyway, this Winter Break has been awesome so far. Right before finals we bought a couch, nice big TV, and I got a Playstation 3. Then my sister Ali came into town and helped Sierra do the whole design show thing with our family room and kitchen/dining room. The place looks amazing and I love being downstairs now (we used to hang out more up in the loft, because the TV was up there).

Since school ended, I have been doing oddjobs around the house, finishing painting from when we moved in (doing touch ups and what not), and getting the house ready for a baby. It has kept me pretty busy, but I am glad for that. The couple of days when I have vegged out were nice at first but that grew old. This break is too short to not get this stuff done.

Alright. I had better run some errands. I will get back on here tomorrow or Wednesday to update you on some recent enjoyments and frivolous goals I have set for myself to accomplish during the break.

Improv Everywhere

2010-07-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

Man. I absolutely love these guys for doing this. The moment where the two little kids are shown made me so happy to think about the magic those two must have been feeling, seeing Darth Vader and Princess Leia in real life. They may be old enough to understand that it is not real, but the thought made me happy nonetheless.

If you have not already experienced the joy of Improv Everywhere, go spend an hour or two on their website. It is wonderful.

Here they re-enact the opening scene from Star Wars: A New Hope.

In this one they re-enact the library scene from Ghostbusters.

Papa's Poem Corner Episode 35: Stefu Financial Advice

2010-07-07T12:21:00.001-07:00

I don't plug other people's blogs on here too much (more like I don't think I ever have before). I guess I figure you all already know each other and read each other's blogs. In case this is not so, let me tell you about Stefu Investing. My good friend (whose name I will not write in its entirety just in case he would not want me to) runs it and he gives financial advice on how to save money and plan for the future. He does this while making it fun to read, which is an art in and of itself, because for some people talking about financial matters is like getting your teeth pulled.

Check it out (and thanks Stefu for all the timely, tantalizingly tasty tips). In honor of your financial goodliness, I wrote a poem for you.

Sir Stefu, If It Please You

Sir Stefu, if it please you,
continue to lob your soft bloggy blobs
of wisdom at my brain.

I want to purchase many things:
rings for my Wifey and comforts for my lifey
and maybe someday go to Spain.

But first I'll have to learn to save,
for good times and those rainy days
or be caught in a world of pain.

So let me give my hearty thanks,
singing your praises indeed, post haste
Thank you Magic Money Man, Sir Stefu The Sane.

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Nine: Dark Magics Not Served Here

2010-07-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's back! The one, the only... John's old boring essay! I think I can wrap this thing up in two more installments. Que gozo. <-- Spanish for "What joy." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In fact, compared to many popular science fiction movies, the magic of Harry Potter seems less extraordinary. Star Trek presents a futuristic world in which space travel is possible to a far greater extent than our current technologies allow us to go. Yet, bad acting seems to be the largest complaint made against the show. Star Trek presents the imagined technologies available to them as of the future, and society accepts it as perfectly acceptable. Harry Potter calls it magic and the complaints start pouring in. Mike Hertenstein argued that "if it makes a moral difference to you whether the carpet is powered by pixie dust or a dilithium crystal, I would suggest you're missing the point" (qtd. in Osling 6).
In the world of Harry Potter, "magic is a matter of training..." (Ostling 10). Great emphasis is placed on discipline and mastery. The greatest of wizards and witches must train and study for years to master the art. It is the tedious nature of learning that brings the amount of self-control necessary to wield such great power. Magic which is mystical in nature or easily obtained is looked upon with disdain by the magic society. Take for example the way Professor Trelawney, whose main area of expertise is divination or in essence fortune-telling, is treated. She is mocked and set aside more as novelty than as a legitimate source of magic. One reason for that may be the lack of control she is able to have over her magic. It is wholly dependent upon supernatural phenomenal forces, thus it is considered silly to pursue it as a legitimate study of magic. Lindy Beam remarked "An odd phenomenon it is when, even in a book about magic, the Western value of reason and accomplishment is held up over the supernatural as a source of power" (qtd. in Ostling 10).
In fact, great effort is given to distinguish occult dark magic from "technological" magic in both form and application. Those wielders of dark magic are pointedly different from the rest of the magic world. The Death Eaters (Voldemort's band of evil power-hungry followers) are not pleasant people. They are largely border-line insane and egotistical. They are self-serving and most often "racist" in their pure-blood status. The types of spells they use not only bring harm to others; they also differ greatly from the spells used by good wizards. In fact, even the ingredients used in many of those spells are strange and dark. In order to purchase those dark ingredients, they have to go to seedy scary locations. Rowling effectively illustrates the differences between dark occult and good "technology" based magic. Good magic helps others and its basic use is convenience. That being the case, then perhaps Harry Potter is guiltier of promoting laziness than witchcraft.

Previous: Part Eight

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 Trailer

2010-06-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish I was not at work right now, so I could scream out loud the joy that is burning within me. Please take this trailer offering and love it as much as I just did. I shall now go watch it at least 3 more times.

What Just Happened? (Part 2)

2010-05-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Let's continue our discussion (here is part 1) focusing in on one thing: Jack as the main character.

Old Jackie Boy

It should surprise no one that Jack is the main character of this show: his is the first flashback, he becomes the Protector that destroys The Man in Black (which ensures the safety of the island and allows Kate, Sawyer, et al to finally get off of said island--we assume), the show begins and ends with his eye opening and closing. The fact is that Jack is our guy.

Why does this matter? Jack's story arch is the most important, because it dictates the show's direction. The other characters have interesting story lines, they may be more enjoyable to us than Jack, but the only reason they are important ultimately is that these characters influence and change Jack through their interaction and relationships. They influence Jack's decisions and help shape who he becomes.

Jack's Hang Ups

So what are Jack's issues? These are the two most important:

1. Faith vs. Science - Jack is a man of science; he can't believe unless he has proof or he fully understands something (you may remember the question "Why?" being a common utterance of Jack's throughout the show's 6 seasons). He and Locke spend so much time pitted against each other for this very reason; Jack is not a man of belief.
2. Jack can't let things go - This stems from his relationship with his father; Jack feels like he doesn't measure up, like he doesn't have what it takes. So he is always trying to "fix things" and prove himself...to himself (because he believes his father's assessment that he "doesn't have what it takes").

By the end of the show we see Jack confront and resolve these issues: Jack accepts what he does not fully understand--he believes Jacob and he acts according to that belief--and he and his father embrace and express their love for each other at the chapel. All of Jack's experiences lead up to him being able to finally, truly let go of his resentment and feelings of inadequacy with his father and his being able to believe and act on that faith. Jack's issues epitomize the show's theme of letting go perfectly.

Jack's Eye

Jack's new-earned faith allows him to act without knowing exactly the hows or the whys. It allows him to accept that some things just simply are. As this happens, certain questions stop being asked (like the 3 I listed earlier, which I still want to know), because Jack now sees that they are no longer important. In the end, does it really matter what the island is or where it gets its power from? No. For Jack it is enough to know that the island is special, it has power, and that power needs protecting. He accepts it and moves on--he lets go. We as the audience are forced into doing the same (which has been and will be difficult for so many of).

Any lack of explanation is due to Jack's not having received it himself; we are limited to Jack's understanding in the end. Just as Jack is forced to accept a few things on faith, we as viewers are as well. Jack is our eyes, our window into understanding this show and this is shown to us rather beautifully through the opening and closing shots of the series; the show opens as Jack's eye opens, and closes and his eye closes. We realize that we have been watching the entire show through Jack's perspective, through his eyes.

Fantastic Finale

This is why I am at peace with the show's finale. As much as I am still curious about things and still have questions, I realize that the questions that mattered were all answered. Besides, why is it bad for there to still be questions when a show ends? I almost wonder if I'd feel less fulfilled if there was no reason to still be thinking and writing about this show. The show's ending leaves me satisfied yet still curious and excited--the same feelings that made this show so wonderful during the 6 seasons I spent loving it.

Still To Come

I do intend to go over the actual events of the final episode, but my guess is that by the time I get there, it won't be so necessary. Until tomorrow (or sometime very soon), namaste.

What Just Happened?

2010-05-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Much of my yesterday was spent discussing Lost with those who loved the finale, those who hated it, and those who just ended up feeling like they didn't get what had happened. Let me put myself firmly in the camp of those who loved it. Yes, there were still unanswered questions, but as Jimmy Kimmel so eloquently said, "If you care about the answers, you missed the point."

Let me do my best to explain what happened and why I am satisfied with the ending despite not getting my three questions answered.

Context

We have to approach understanding Lost from the correct context. Thus, a few things are important to remember as we look at what was going on.

First, this show has always been, is, and will always be--at its core--about characters and their emotional baggage or "hang ups." The first few seasons showed us what those hang ups were and how characters reacted poorly to life's little hiccups because of that baggage. The middle to later seasons showed us growth on the part of the characters with some progressing further or faster than others. The final season showed us the characters finally letting go and moving on (at least most of the characters).

Second, the medium of flashes--Flashbacks, Flashforwards, and Flashsideways--is how we learn about the characters baggage and growth. This functions through both parallels in characters' past or future lives to what was going on in the island and through contrasting behaviors that were different from what we were seeing on the island.

Third, while Flashbacks were in the past and Flashforwards were in the future, Flashsideways existed outside of time; the characters were dead already and in a state of purgatory during the Flashsideways. Obviously this means that the Flashsideways were occurring after each character had died in reality, so it could be correct to call them Flashsuperforwards, but the events of the island still seemed to have an effect on characters during the Flashsideways (i.e. Jack's neck bleeding after fighting Locke) so somehow they were both far in the future and yet connected to the now.

The Island

Being about character growth and ultimately learning how to let go, The Island, whatever it was, served as the catalyst to understanding the characters. It prodded, pushed, poked, and provoked them and the characters reacted. The Island thus provided the scenario where the characters were forced to face up to their issues, confront them, and either move on or succumb to them.

So What Happened?

The final season of Lost took us to that place where all of the characters were ready to let go of their emotional baggage: purgatory. Characters continued to live in an "empty" existence--all were dissatisfied in one way or another--but they had no memory of their previous life (or "real" life as I shall call it. Purgatory will be called "side" life). Remembering real life was triggered by coming into contact with someone important from real life and sharing in a deja-vu-style moment with them. Once that remembering occurred, then it seems like most characters were ready to accept what was and cannot be changed and move forward with the person/people most important to them. The obvious exception was Ben who had begun a relationship with Alex and Rousseau but whose relationship with them was not yet fully developed to a point where they could all move on together. There is something important in that notion of moving on together that should not be overlooked in understanding what happened in Lost.

The Point

"John," you say, "that is all fine and good, but I still don't understand what happened. Desmond was pulling stone corks out of light holes and Jack and Locke were killing each other. What was all this Protector stuff and why did The Island need it?" These are great questions, but unfortunately I don't have time to get to them today. I will do my best to get to those tomorrow, but the truth is, I believe it is pointless to try and understand all of that stuff unless we first have a clear understanding of what drove the show and what was at its core: characters letting go and moving on. The Island, its powers, its protectors, etc. were NEVER as important as the Characters that learned to overcome the weight that held them back. So the first answer to the question of what happened is: Jack & Kate, Sawyer & Juliet, Locke, Desmond & Penny, Charlie & Claire, Hugo & Libby, etc. etc. learned how to let go of their issues and be at peace.

The point is: the characters found resolution. Their experience on the island helped them to do so.

Lost

2010-05-24T10:43:00.001-07:00

Well, it's over.

I am satisfied with this ending. I liked it a lot. If I refrain from shouting out my undying love for the ending it is simply because some of my main questions still were never answered (I'll get to those questions in a minute). I am ok with that fact, though. As Matt pointed out to me (although perhaps not in the same exact words), this was a supernatural, sci-fi, what-the-crap-just-happened? kind of show, but it was always the characters that drove it. It was a character show spiced with intriguing elements. To have the series finale focus in on what mattered most--the characters--is a great way to end things. I applaud Abrams, Lindeloff, and Cuse for putting together the most amazing show I've ever witnessed. It has been a delight. I applaud the writers who kept it interesting and flowing and didn't temper my enjoyment of the show with lame dialogue. To the actors (with the exception of Anna Lucia--oh how I cannot stand Michelle Rodriguez): well played. Special shout out to Locke, Richard Alpert, and Ben: you three had some of the most electrifying performances I have ever seen on TV.

Now, to my short list of gripes (SPOILER ALERT!!!!). I feel slightly cheated not knowing the following things. To be fair they are HUGE things that would have possibly required another two season to fully explain. Then again, maybe just another hour would have done it... who knows? They are:

1. WHAT IS THE FREAKING ISLAND? We just spent 6 years there, talking about it as though it had a mind or at least will of its own. It was "the island" that was bringing people to itself and I don't feel any closure as to how this can be. I don't need a scientific answer--I am fine with the supernatural--but I would like to know more of the mythology behind this islandic entity.

2. What is the light? It is the source of the island's power and the heart of the island--fine. What IS that power? How does it stop The Man in Black from leaving? They have rules, but Ben tells Hurley that he doesn't have to run things the way that Jacob did. So the rules seem to be made by the one protecting the island, but how is that Protector able to enforce them?

3. Where does Jacob's (then Jack's, then Hurley's) power come from? The island? Where does THAT come from? The show ends with the ever-so-easy "all religions work just fine" state of purgatory--fine--so does that signify a God's involvement in this islandic program?

To close, I love Lost. I will miss you.

Also, I made up the word "islandic." Feel free to use it. I give it to the world.

The Cover Game: Part Deux

2010-05-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

After last week's rather difficult jam, I thought we'd reign it in a little bit and throw some of you a bone. This may still be difficult for many, but I'll be shocked if nobody gets it.

So, if you need a refresher on the rules, go here. Otherwise... Who is the original artist of this song?

The Deftones - "No Ordinary Love"

DING DING DING! We have our winner! Well done, Sir Matthew, on correctly answering Sade as the original artist of this song. Here is a video of her performing it live.

As for your prize... EASY. I actually--and rather coincidentally really--finished developing a pill that will do just that for you. Text me or Tweet me or blog comment me or Facebook me or call me about it anytime.

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Eight: Imagination And Technology

2010-05-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

The greatest opposition towards the series still lies in its theme of magic; parents feel that it promotes witchcraft. The series undoubtedly deals with magic, wizards, and witches, but does that mean it is about or promoting witchcraft? Might there be more to it than just that? Many critics in the field argue that the series isn't about "magic" at all, but that its deeper meaning is conveyed through the symbolism of magic. McVeigh speaks of Rowling's own declaration "that her books are not about 'magick' in the sense of Wiccan practice, but about imagination" (198). Imagination is a very suiting subject for a children's story, and what better way to get those imaginative juices flowing in a young child's head than by creating a world for him/her full of mystery and surprises. Imagination isn't the only theme proposed, though.
The magic of Harry Potter may also be symbolic of our own technology. In his article entitled "Harry Potter and the Disenchantment of the World," Michael Ostling critiques Rowling's novels as "no cause for concern for Christians, because it is not 'real', occult magic. It is instrumental rather than religious or mystical and parallels technology" (6). That may seem a stretch, but a closer look confirms that most of the magic in the stories mirrors current technologies or near-future technologies. A self-shuffling deck of cards is no more magical than the self-shuffling programming found in almost every household computer (Ostling 10). It is important to see that difference. Mystic, traditional magic is found in the stories, but on rare occasions. Generally, the magic we encounter is completely explainable in our own world. A flying car is a novel idea, but hardly worth noting compared to the jets and rockets we launch every year.

Previous: Part Seven
Next: Part Nine

Some More The Matches

2010-04-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've posted anything. Welcome back, me.

I stumbled upon this video today on the youbetubes and loved it. Just thought I'd pass it along for all y'alls who also love and miss these guys.

The Matches - "Point Me Toward the Morning" (acoustic)

The Handsome Men's Club

2010-03-08T10:38:00.001-08:00

If you haven't already gotten your invitation... sorry. We're pretty exclusive.

You are likely wondering why I am not featured in this film, but that is because I was with Clooney doing that orphan thingamabobber (I drew the short stick and got stuck with him). Anyway, enjoy.

The Cover Game: Part Deux

2010-03-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

The Answer You've All Been Waiting For...

2010-03-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Apparently this first test of your music knowledge skills was just a little too tough and obscure. We only had one actual guess (thanks, Ryan), which (sorry, Ryan) unfortunately was incorrect. I guess that this means that I win the prize this week! As the inaugural grand prize I am treating the winner (me) to free dinner, my treat. Yay!

Here is the original by... A-ha. Give it a listen and see just how different these two versions are.

Thanks for playing everyone. The Cover Version can be found here.

Games With Covers

2010-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

Alrighty, friends of the desert. I had an idea for a fun new game called: Guess Which Band Wrote the Original Version of This Cover Song. I will try to make them a little bit obscure so it is not so easy for all you music buffs (i.e. generally they will not be things like 311's cover of "Love Song"). Occasionally--if it is a cover that is so awesome that it just deserves some attention--we may get one that for some will seem easy. Ready for the rules?

1. Use your memory and knowledge of music here people: NO WIKIPEDIA. No searching for lyrics on Google. No cheating via internet search of any kind. Either you know it or you don't. It's the honor system; put that in your pipe and smoke it.
2. You can ask real people. This means you could use the internet (like Google Chatting with your cousin Marcos Enseñanza de la Pubertad) or you could ask a real life human being either in person or over the phone (like a co-worker or someone you need to distract with a difficult trivia question while you pickpocket their wallet). We will call these Life-Linears (I don't want to get sued for using other game shows' lingo). If you used a Life-Linear, give the person credit for their knowledge.
3. The first person to comment the correct answer wins. Again, if you used a Life-Linear, give the person credit in the comment (unless that person is running from the law or otherwise inclined not to have their name published on the interwebs).

What do you win? I don't know. Maybe at a future point when I have sponsors there will be a real prize. For now, it will likely be limited to spending quality time with me and my wife. We could sit down and share some PEZ together (my treat, I've got a lot of PEZ), or maybe we could fingerpaint pictures for each other to hang on our respective walls. Maybe you just want to watch Sierra and me do our Yoga X workout on a Thursday night (always guaranteed to be a doosy--i.e. not for the faint of heart). Each winner will certainly be allowed some say as to how they celebrate their win. Think of it as a collaborative prize. Yeah...that makes it sound less lame.

Sound good? Excellent. Let us begin.
Today's cover artist is Kings of Convenience with the song "Manhattan Skyline" and it ought to be pretty difficult for most of you (I thought we'd kick this thing off strong-like).

Some News For Your Tuesday

2010-02-16T16:32:00.001-08:00

Well, Sierra and I have decided to attend UNLV's Boyd School of Law. I begin in August. We are excited and, despite my initial desire to go to D.C. for law school, are feeling quite at peace with our decision to stay. What this also means is that we will be in town for a long time to come (although it is possible that we could leave Vegas after law school if offered an incredible job somewhere else, we have no intention of leaving Las Vegas if it can be avoided; we like it here). So, we have begun the process of buying a house.

We want to stay in the Green Valley area, but are also looking just outside of it in the Black Mountain area. Thus far, we have seen some pretty cool houses. I will let you know how the house hunt goes and we will try to post some pictures on here once we find a place. That is all for now.

Demetri Martin, I Like I Like

2010-02-04T14:29:00.001-08:00

Brighten your day with a little Demetri Martin (from Jimmy Kimmel Live).

I Love This Show

2010-01-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

Fight Science. It is a new show on National Geographic. Pretty dang cool. The First episode (the twice-as-long pilot) shows all sorts of awesome science to determine which fighting styles pack the biggest punch, kick, or whatever. The second one compares MMA fighting techniques against more purely specialized techniques. Very cool stuff.

Check it out.

New Music For Ya'lls

2010-01-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

I want to spread the word about and love for this band/artist named Taughtme. It is actually just the one guy (Blake Henderson) who sings, writes, records, produces, etc.

I first stumbled upon him, listening to the old Provo Podcast. He was sold out of his album at the time, but I downloaded the 4 songs he had up on HisSpace (remember MySpace? Ha). Well, today I found that he is still going strong and actually has 3 albums available (which I will be purchasing as soon as the "John's Music Fund" budget gets replenished). Anyway, please take the time to enjoy this video that has three of his songs from the new album Lady and a brief interview afterward. Also of note, the girl playing with him (they dated in the past and for all I know are still currently dating) is Aubrey Trinnaman, who took Sierra's and my bridals & groomals photos. These two are going to have some amazingly talented/artistic kids if they end up making marriage sauce.

Here again is the link for the video. It is from Chasing The Moon (a podcast). Keep listening even if you think the first song is stranger than your tastes would normally enjoy.

Crocheting The Night Away

2010-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

Back sometime before Christmas, Sierra and I decided to try our hand at crocheting again. It was not the first time that either of us had crocheted before (Sierra is actually pretty good), but my crocheting experience was limited to when my grandma taught me at age 7 and when ChelSTD taught me at age 23 or 24 (during that fantastic 24 marathon many of us did, watching seasons 1-4 in about a month).

Anyway, enough chatter. Here are the fruits of my labor:
A potholder and a beanie. The beanie is a little large so I shall be gifting it to Jung's giftedly-large head.

In the sake of full disclosure, the beanie came out well for my first attempt, but it was by no means perfect. It has a large unsightly ridge in the center, which would be perfect for this guy's head (yes, that is will.i.am), but may not work as well for Jung's perfectly shaped dome.

Entertainment News

2010-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here are two very unrelated bits of Entertainment News:

1. Conan O'Brien will not continue to do the Tonight Show when Leno takes back over that 11:35 spot. Sad news. Good luck, Conan.

2. Elijah Wood hosted an eating competition called "The Lord of the Wings." Ha.

Will Arnett Makes Me Happy

2010-01-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

Comingsoon.net is reporting a confirmation by Will Arnett that an Arrested Development film is currently being worked on. A finished script is not yet ready, but he believes that the filming will begin by year's end. This is excellent, EXCELLENT news.

Papa's Poem Corner Episode 34: Wisdom From The Jaw Of Matthew

2010-01-08T11:42:00.001-08:00

At work today, my uncle (and boss) was gifted a rather large tube of elk meat. A massive sausage if you will. I am a tremendous fan of all things meat, so naturally I began salivating and dropping hints that the sausage, myself, and my uncle would all be best served by the meat falling into my hands. Thanks to the kindness of my uncle, fall that meat did, right into the aforementioned "my hands."

I then had the fun adventure of wandering around the office with a large tube of meat. As I shared this tale with Matthew, he pointed out that my actions were probably more than just a little intimidating for many of my coworkers. Yet, that was probably good, because then they must have known who was in charge. Said he, "Speak softly and carry a large piece of meat."

Words to live by.

And now the poem:

Braunschwanger

Meat is good in nugget or tube.
Meat is good as traveling food.
Meat can be used as a weapon, if needs be.
Meat can be a best friend to me
if I dress it up and paint on a face
then carry it around my workplace.
I can show everyone
the nice work that I've done
but they gonna get popped in the mouth if they try to get they grubby hands all up on my meat. That was a gift. That was a GIFT.

That is all. Merry 2010.

LOTR Day 2009!

2010-01-08T10:55:00.001-08:00

Or is it 2010? I don't know whether to count it as a Holiday thing therefore it belongs to the previous year or if it is a New Year's thing. Hmm... this begs some thought.

Anyway, tonight we begin the Fifth Annual Lord of the Rings Day and I am so terribly excited. What is that you ask? I shall tell you. A few years ago we (I don't remember exactly whose idea it was originally and I hardly even remember who all was there to be honest) decided to watch all three Extended Versions (capitalized on purpose cause they deserve it) of LOTR in wide screen in one day. Thus, Lord of the Rings Day. It was a raging success. We started really early, watched Fellowship, took a two-hour break to eat and restroomate, watched Two Towers, took another two-hour break, and then watched Return of the King. We ended pretty late at night (read: early in the morning) and I loved it.

This tradition has continued, being held at the following locales: Matthew Hanks' parents' house, Gemini's crib, Matt and Jen Hanks' first apartment, and Steven and Jenna Smith's first apartment/condo. Last year was the smallest turn out by far, because a lot of people were out of town and timing was difficult. We also discovered that we are getting older and it is harder to sit there for an entire day and not get anything done. So, this year we have broken LOTR Day up into a two-day festival. We begin tonight with Fellowship and will continue tomorrow with Two Towers and Return of the King.

If you are interested in participating, it will be held at my parents' house this year. Call me or comment or whatever and I will give you more details.

To celebrate, here is Bret McKenzie (of Figwit fame) and Jemaine Clement performing "Frodo, Don't Wear the Ring" live. I had not seen this before. It has some fun additions.

Lego Matrix

2010-01-05T12:17:00.001-08:00

Here is another fun thing I stumbled upon.

Today has been good for stumbling.

Filking About Figwit

2010-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how little we know about what we don't know. Today, for example, I discovered two new things:

First, I knew that Bret McKenzie (of Flight of the Conchords fame) played a small role in the Lord of the Rings film(s). I have not watched the films since I learned this, though, so I have not actually spotted him in them. Today I discovered that he is actually in both Fellowship of the Ring (FotR) and Return of the King (RotK). In FotR he sits next to Aragorn in the Rivendell council scene and speaks no lines. Some female fan of the films (that almost sounds like a band name... Female Fan of the Films... hmm...) saw him and thought he was attractive. She started a fansite about him, naming him Figwit (he had no name in the film, nor does his character exist in the books). The name is an acronym, and it stands for "Frodo is grea...who is that?!!?" which is apparently what she said at that moment, watching the films. Anyway, long story short, her fansite got attention and Figwit became a sort of cult star in the LOTR fanworld. For this reason, Peter Jackson brought Bret back to reprise his role as Figwit in RotK. Jackson gave him speaking lines and even a spot in the film's credits as "Elven Escort." Anyway, if you are interested in learning more or are as bored at work as I am, go check out the Wikipedia entry on Figwit. It is amusing. One last tidbit is that Bret's wife filmed a documentary on Figwit and his "fame." I really want to watch it now.

Second, I learned of a new music genre today, while reading the Wikipedia entry on Figwit. It is called "filk." The basic summary of it is that is is science fiction/fantasy themed folky music. I don't know if I should be ecstatic or scared of this. It sounds really funny at first glance, but then I started reading the Wiki page on it and saw that people get into large "filking" circles at Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions, sitting around and making this music together. Some things maybe are better just to be kept as ideas and not to be carried out methinks.

UPDATED: I just found out that Bret McKenzie's father Peter is also in the films. He plays Elendil (you can see him in the intro to FotR, battling against old Sauron-pants).
Here is a little article for you to enjoy.

Jack Bauer Interrogates Santa Claus

2009-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks Shamus for the video.

I enjoyed this so I thought I'd share with you all, because sharing is good and helps keep me from beign placed squarely on that Naughty List I have worked so hard to avoid.

Merry Christmas From Us, 2009

2009-12-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Consider this your digital Christmas Card from us, because that is exactly what it is.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

John and Sierra Cory

I Love The Muppets. That Is All.

2009-12-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!
"Ringing of the Bells"

This one is a bonus. It has nothing to do with Christmas. So sue me.
In all honesty, this video makes me so happy I want to cry.

Here is the real video for "Bohemian Rhapsody" in case anyone was wondering how closely the Muppet version parodied it (and yes, Freddie Mercury does indeed look like the lovechild of Cleopatra and a wolf in this video).

Some Pictures Of Us

2009-12-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

I never post any pictures of us on this thing. That is mostly because I blog while I am bored at work and I don't have our pictures loaded up there. Well, tonight is your lucky night, America and some parts of Australia. Tonight I remembered to get on here and load some. So, without any further ado...
Taste this Cory action!

1. The picture on the left is of our two-year anniversary. Sierra is totally kissing me.
2. The middle picture is from our Anniversary Trip back East. This is at the memorial in Salem, MA, for my boy Giles Corey (just a little ancestor of mine, no biggie. Actually, this picture might be the one of his wife Martha. It is too stinking small for me to see for sure, but I got a pic next to them both cause I don't discriminate).
3. The picture on the right shows us working it on Times Square, which we were told is some sort of important gathering place in some small village just outside of Newark, New Jersey. I don't know. Everything over there just feels like a suburb of Newark to me.

These two last little nuggets are from the Santa Run last Christmas. Sierra ran it and I learned that even with a beard my lovely wife is still freaking hot. Look at all them Santas.

Save The Date

2009-12-11T16:24:00.001-08:00

Well, thanks Jen Hunt (formerly of Spooner fame) for the link to this amazing Engagement Announcement video. To answer your question, Sierra and I did not announce our engagement like this. Had our love been as pure, as potent, as...primordial...as that couple, we certainly would have. Alas, theirs is a love that exists outside of the bonds--the chains--of reality. I hereby raise my glass in toast and honor of Dan and Jen... whoever and wherever you both may be. May your children be numerous and your foreheads grow as the mighty oak.

Google Wave

2009-12-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is a test of Google Wave's embeddy thingie. Feel free to ignore or ask what on Earth Google Wave is (if you don't already know).
Testing begins... now (ow ow ow ow ow ow ow).

Fun Quotes

2009-12-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

My sister posted a collection of quotes that she had come across over the past while and enjoyed on our family site. I thought I'd share them with you all here. Enjoy.

You’re only young once, but with a little luck you can be immature forever

Babies are such a great way to start people

I coo, I poo, that's all I do

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some, like me, just don’t have any film

You’re not old, you’re chronologically gifted

Remember, as far as anyone knows, we are a normal family

You’re never too old to play dress up

I don’t think getting old is a big deal, really. But I guess you would know more about it than I do.

I’ve been a key figure in the history of chocolate. If chocolate comes near me, it’s history!

Grandparents are just antique little kids

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? –Satchel Paige

All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific

I’m not a complete idiot. Some parts are missing

Old is the new new. See? We’re right on trend

The car? It’s just one giant purse on wheels

Trying to look young is really getting old

When I have a problem, I listen to my gut. It usually tells me to eat chocolate

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf

You don’t have to drive me crazy. I’m close enough to walk

Dance like no one is watching. We could all use a good laugh

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage

God said it, I believe it, and that settles it

God watches us at all times. Let’s try to be entertaining

Here’s to another year of bad habits

I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol

If we can’t laugh at ourselves, let’s make fun of someone else

If you can’t be a good example, be a dire warning

We’ve been through a lot together, and most of it was your fault

Who were you before you put yourself last?

I tried to contain myself, but I escaped

In story books marriage is a happy ending. In real life, it’s a happy beginning

If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans

The best lessons aren’t in a book, they’re from my dad

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.--Jack Handey

Eagles may soar in the clouds, but weasels never get sucked into jet engines

Women are meant to be loved, not understood --Oscar Wilde

HP7 Special Sneak Peek

2009-12-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

A special sneak peek at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Man, am I excited or what?

Dh Preview One - The best bloopers are a click away

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Seven: Uncle Ben's Uncly Wisdom

2009-11-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

It is arguable that the most moral lesson taught in the series is one that we already mentioned: choice vs. ability. This lesson is illustrated time and time again in the stories. As mentioned before, Harry has tremendous power and ability, and thus he is given a great responsibility. Harry must learn to control himself if he wants to become a great wizard that helps mankind. His emotions, passions, desires, and actions often go against what is considered good. Self-discipline becomes a necessity for Harry. The effects of a lack of self-control are shown throughout the story also, and help teach children the danger of recklessness. Harry learns to contemplate issues, ponder information, trust others' wisdom, and make informed decisions that will lead to the greater good. Harry has already witnessed his own ability to think under pressure and come out on top, but now he has to learn to do it when others' lives are at stake. He can't just rely on his own abilities anymore. He must make moral choices that will affect him and those he loves.

Previous: Part Six
Next: Part Eight

Sierra With The Assist

2009-11-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Last night we went and played soccer again for the first time in quite a little while. It was nice to run around again.

Anyway, I just wanted to use this public, heavily-trafficked blogsite to give my lady some props for her wonderful assist last night. She normally plays defense (instead of "normally" read "always") and in a rare occurrence, she made a run forward along the side of the field. She sent off a beautiful pass to another girl whose name is Gabby (I think) and Gabby calmly put that little mother away (instead of "mother" read "soccer ball"). Needless to say that Sierra was ecstatic and I was proud of my baby.

Good job, honey.

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Six: Harry Luther King, Jr.

2009-11-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the hope of ending this project soon...
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The series also stresses the importance of acceptance and tolerance. Hogwart's school is divided into four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Each house values different traits in its students, and thus every student is sorted into the different houses by a hat. Every year there is a friendly competition between the houses based on athletics (on the quidditch field), academics, and behavior. Over the centuries, this friendly competition has grown into a very heated rivalry between the houses, especially between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Deep feelings of distrust and animosity exist between the two houses and are displayed at times through physical--or perhaps better said "magical"--fighting. As Voldemort returns to power and prepares to wage his war, these houses will have to learn to put aside their differences and unite or they will crumble. Great emphasis is placed on this theme throughout the story. Slytherin believes in a Nazi-like pure-blood society where only magic wielders who ancestors were magic users should be allowed into the school. These "pure-blood" magic families are extremely proud of their heritage and feel that they are superior to the half-bloods (who have only one magic parent) and mud-bloods (whose parents are both non-magic folk). All sorts of symbolism can be extracted from this. Racism would possibly be the most obvious interpretation. Acknowledging the fact that there are many out there who feel that racism is good, I still will assert that it is NOT. Our society has made great leaps and bounds towards equality for all, and the best place to ensure that these steps continue is through educating our children to the ridiculousness and harm of racism. The Harry Potter series quite eloquently and vividly portrays the harm of racism, by drawing a parallel that is very easy for a child to understand. In teaching equality, Harry Potter is a great source of morality.

Previous: Part Five
Next: Part Seven

Live And Intimate Episode 9: Rivers The Conductor

2009-11-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

All right. Let's have some fun, eh? I stumbled upon (by seeking for it...conundrum?) this little gem of a Youtube page. Videos from a show that Rivers Cuomo (of Weezer fame) did with his "friends" at the release for Alone II: The Home Recordings. I specifically chose two songs from Pinkerton both because they add fun elements and because I freaking love that album still...after all this time...

Please. Enjoy.

Rivers Cuomo and friends - "Across the Sea"

Rivers Cuomo and friend - "Butterfly"

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Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Five: Moral Disobedience

2009-11-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Yep. I went and did it again. Here is the next installment of that old essay of mine.

Also, in case you have not been following along from the beginning or if it has been too long for you to remember what you have previously read and you want to freshen up the old memory bag, here is a link to the first part of the series.
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Next it is important to look at the story itself and see what morality may be found there. One of the complaints against Harry is his disregard for rules. That complaint is extremely credible; Harry and his friends are constantly breaking rules throughout the stories. However, Dan McVeigh argues that "to break a rule, leading to demerits for your house or a dangerous attack by a troll, is both a reflection of real life and a part of growing and learning" (204). Harry also demonstrates an understanding of "higher rules"--such as fairness and honor--when he knowingly breaks a tournament rule by giving an opponent information that will equal the odds for all contestants (McVeigh 205). Harry's rule breaking isn't as motivated by self-indulgence as it is by the sense of responsibility he has to save others' lives. In a Christian light, Harry's disobedience shows a deeper understanding of and respect for higher laws. Which shows the greater morality: obedience to man-made rules (such as a curfew), or obedience to eternal or higher laws (such as saving the life of another)? McVeigh argues that "wise adults...understand that for Harry to break a Hogwarts' rule for a larger purpose, and at serious personal risk, is no more to practice self-indulgence than if he were to cure a paralytic on the Sabbath" (205). So the question is whether or not Harry's rule-breaking is moral. Many would argue that under no circumstances is it moral. They wouldn't be the first in history to argue that. The Pharisees argued that same point against Christ when He broke their incorrect interpretation of Sabbath Law and morality to cure the paralytic. The point here is NOT to compare Harry Potter to Christ; instead it is simply to say that perhaps there is a time and a place for rule-breaking when lives are at stake. Harry and his friends show a far greater respect for the rules than do many others in the story: the Weasley twins, the villains, and--perhaps most importantly--than even Harry's own father. The Marauders (Harry's father's group) showed little respect for the rules for no better reason than they were bored and wanted some fun. Harry and his friends on the other hand, usually only break the rules when they are trying to stop whatever evil is most recently plaguing their school, and are then willing to accept whatever consequences follow. Their motives are very moral; they don't want people to get hurt. The rule-breaking in Harry Potter is very moral in that sense, because it teaches us to value life more than man-made laws and rules.

Previous: Part Four
Next: Part Six

The Widow

2009-10-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

This may only be exciting for like 4 people on Earth (so if you are not one of those 4, don't get your hopes up too much, savvy?).

Here, some random person plays The Mars Volta's "The Widow" on his home keyboard. It is cool to here the song interpreted like this, but what makes the video enjoyable to me is how fast that guy's hands get moving during some of the cool "solo" sections. Matt, Steven, Alex, and Ryan...this one is for you.

Beer Brats!

2009-09-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Happy International Beer Brat Day everyone!

(today I had my first beer brat and I gotta say two things: looked terrible; tasted GREAT!)

That is all.

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

2009-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet beef, baby. I will end up wasting so much money on going to this place.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park Fly Through
A Map

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park Map

Happy Chinchilli Day!!!

2009-09-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

So, I just found these awesome ads from Vegas.com. It confirmed my suspicions that Fist (Burke and Germania's pet chinchilla) is actually a terrorist who is infiltrating our government. Now his plan is coming all too clear; he is here in Vegas where they celebrate the victory over the chinchillas. None of this making any sense? Just watch the video.

Office Pranks

2009-09-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about The Office are Jim's pranks. There is something so absolutely hilarious about a practical joke that is pulled off well (but I will add, that some jokes are pointlessly mean and my heart screams, "No!" even while my mouth makes laugh).

This office joke is pretty dang cool.

Who Sucked Up The Video?

2009-08-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have listened to Superdrag's album In the Valley of Dying Stars almost 10 times through now and it is excellent. Especially the song "In the Warmth of a Tomb." When you get the chance to check out Superdrag (which band has been around for quite a long time now) you should take it.

I now give you the music video to the song that made me want to look into this band, "Sucked Out." I love this song, but the music video is a little disappointing. There is just not much going on in it that makes it worth watching. Ah well.

Superdrag - "Sucked Out"

Papa out.

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Four: Humble Little Harry

2009-08-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, back by popular demand (technically only one person asked about when I'd get around to completing this little project, but one person can be popular, no? Wouldn't that make her demand a popular demand? You do the math.), is another edition of that old essay of mine. Good luck trying to remember everything that came before. Heh heh...suckers...
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This goodness doesn't come from a lack of temptation to turn bad, though. Harry is a very powerful wizard with great abilities. Most of his peers are incapable of the level of magic he can do. In fact, Harry often out-performs many of his superiors. He is able to perform a defensive spell, called the Patronus Charm, after his professor warns "that the charm might be too advanced for [Harry]. Many qualified wizards have difficulty with it" (Rowling, Prisoner 237). It is the cause of much doubt and confusion for the young wizard, especially when his powers closely parallel those of his enemy Voldemort. He learns that his ability to speak with snakes is very rare and usually only possessed by dark wizards like Voldemort (Rowling, Chamber 196). Harry has often pondered his resemblance to Voldemort and has feared that he was headed down the same path. That is one of the great lessons of the series. As headmaster Dumbledore teaches Harry, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" (Rowling, Chamber 333). Edmund M. Kern mentions how Harry "...meets circumstances beyond his control with resolve and accepts that he must maintain his inner goodness and direct it outward in order to act on behalf of others" (15). Harry is constantly placed in situations where he must choose between right or wrong, good or bad, to save himself or to save others. Sometimes he is aware that he is facing a decision between good and evil; other times he's not. Yet, consistently he chooses the side of good.
That is where the morality of Harry's character comes most heavily into play. Here is a boy with tremendous potential, and a great deal of power. He is extremely talented at quidditch, a game that resembles soccer and is played on broomsticks, and is the youngest seeker in over 100 years (Rowling, Sorcerer's 152). He is undoubtedly the most powerful wizard in his school, he's very intelligent (even if his grades don't always reflect it; it's tough to get straight A's when you're saving the world), extremely famous, very wealthy, and to top it all off: he's a good-looking kid. Under those circumstances, it is quite normal for a teenager to get a big head and start to feel pretty superior to the "little people" who adore you. Yet, Harry hates the limelight. He avoids it at all costs. He doesn't like being put up on a pedestal or having fans. He's just as scared of girls and love as anyone else. He could use his powers for personal gain, and to mock those less fortunate than himself, but instead he is always sticking up for the little guy and helping those less fortunate than himself. If that's not a good role-model, than I don't know what is.

Previous: Part Three
Next: Part Five

Who To Play Mr. Bilbo Baggins?

2009-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is such an important choice to me. I am torn between getting someone new who won't carry the baggage of superstar celebrity, or going with a nae that we can trust, because we have seen this actor play a character with depth before.

Anyway, you can go here to see some options that Reelzchannel has come up with. I especially like options 4 & 5 (although more because they are funny and less because I actually think either would do all that great a job).

That is all.

UPDATE: I just corrected the link. Sorry about that... (giggle giggle). Here is the link to the other article anyway, because it might be helpful to someone out there.

Live And Intimate Episode 8: Ben Kweller's Family Tree

2009-08-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ben Kweller. I love this man. Here he plays "Family Tree" off of his first album Sha Sha for a little live, in-store performance at the Zia Records in Tucson, AZ. For some reason I wasn't invited.

Please do yourself a favor (if you have not already) and go get any of this man's albums. His newest one, Changing Horses, is much more twangy/country than previous ones (which were more of a folky/country). So maybe don't start with that one. It is excellent, but it is a departure from his previous sound and feel.

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The Time Has Come

2009-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have held off making a decision long enough. I think I hesitated partly because I didn't want to get hurt. The other part of my just didn't want to influence all of you--my loyal followers--in your own decision; I used to feel that this was a personal decision that each of us should come to on our own. Now I know different. Too much is at stake.

That is why I have decided to formally announce that I have indeed chosen a side and it is time for you to do the same. Granted I can't force your hand (if I could I would, trust me), so I will have to settle for simply pleading that you follow my lead and join Team Jacob.

Yes. I am Team Jacob.

Join me, and together we can rid the world of Team Edward scum (and by rid the world I really mean just snicker about them when we are quite confident that they can't hear, because I don't want to be responsible for hurting anyone's feelings).

Go Team Jacob. Go.

My Nephews Strike Again

2009-08-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love these guys. They are hilarious. Anyway, I am going to steal from my sister-in-law's blog and just post the funny conversation that she overheard between two of her boys earlier.

Grant- Did you know Jedi's don't have to go potty?
Spencer- Yeah they do.
Grant- Nuh uh. Then how come they never have to go potty in the movies?!
Spencer- Nobody uses the bathroom in movies.
Grant- I want to be in a movie!!!

A Very Potter Musical

2009-07-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know how Megan stumbled upon this, but I thank Zeus for her finding it. She and I just watched the first two parts of it (I should explain for any who are confused that I work with Megan and we share a prison cell of a cubicle in the back corner) and I can't wait to get off of work so I can finish the whole thing. Anyway, it is too good for me not to share it, and, given the Harry Potter theme today, it seemed more than fitting.
I give you... A Very Potter Musical pt. 1 (go to youtube and search "Very Potter Musical" to find all the rest of it).

300 Dollar Bill, Y'all

2009-07-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

That title is so totally a shout out to my boys in Limp Bizkit. This post has nothing to do with them, but earlier this month I was messing with my iTunes and stumbled upon their second album Significant Other. I recommend going back and listening to an album that at one time you thought was stinking awesome, but then you stopped listening to because you realized the band is terribly lame. It was a strange journey that night = total acid trip without the acid or the trip (I pretty much just sat there in my chair).

On to more important things: this is the 3ooth post! Hot dang! It has been a while since I last posted, so I didn't know how to celebrate this day. I didn't want to come whimpering back with some lame post, so I had to find something good. Then, yesterday... it fell into my lap. Many may have seen this already (I know Steven, Jenna, and Sierra certainly have), but even we who have watched it once already should give it another go. We can make this happen people. We can make Quidditch a reality.

Thank you Steven for this amazing gem.

I now give you: Muggle Quidditch.

"Lost" In The News

2009-06-23T13:00:00.001-07:00

This cracked me up so much. Thanks for sharing it with my Brett in a Sweet Cream of Tweet that could not be Beat.

Bolivian TV airs photos from LOST as photographs from a French plane's crash. You can't get better than that. I love that Paolo gets credited for them, too. Awesome.

Live And Intimate Episode 7: Jesse Lacey Forgets Himself

2009-06-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

I can attest that sometimes shifting from a full band to a smaller, more intimate, acoustic performance can mess up the mojo flow. The rest of the band isn't there to cover up your mistakes, and you tend to feel much more... naked. Jesse Lacey of Brand New proves this in this episode's video. Here, he and guitarist Vincent Accardi decide to set up a somewhat spur of the moment acoustic show in Seattle (when their full band's show in Alaska gets canceled). I'm glad though, because it provided me a good hour+ of entertainment watching all of the youtube clips that sono23 put up after the show. Go check them out.

p.s. I really, really, really love this band.

Jesse Lacey and Vincent Accardi (Brand New) - "Luca"

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MySpace To The Rescue

2009-05-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, Matt and I were talking about Ben Folds (and his Five). Matt asked me which was my favorite BFF album. At the time I really couldn't answer. I sat there knowing that it is either Whatever and Ever Amen--the album that introduced me to BFF, the one I have the most sentimental attachment to, and the one that I have listened to the most--or The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner--which took me much longer to get into, but once I did I grew to absolutely love and be amazed by. Now, I can say that I know, and it is all thanks to MySpace's relatively new feature caled Front to Back (where they have artists/bands play an album in its entirety from front to back). As far as I know, they have only done one of these shows, and they brilliantly began it by inviting Ben Folds (who then called up Darren and Robert) to play Reinhold from front to back. I just watched it finally today (it happened back in September of last year, I knew about it then, and yet I still somehow forgot to watch it until now), and I can now officially say that Reinhold is my favorite (although after I listen to Whatever again...my mind can often be a fickle thing). Watching them play that album is amazing. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to make time this weekend to sit down for 53 minutes and 15 seconds to watch this amazing show.

MySpace deserves credit for doing something right finally and getting this band back together for even one show was the right thing to do. Plus, mixing in little interviews in between the songs really added a tremendous amount of feeling to what is going on onstage.

One last note, if you haven't listened to Darren Jessee's new band Hotel Lights, I really recommend them. Here is the video for one of the songs from their new album Firecracker People.
"Blue Always Finds Me"

"Lost" Spinoff Show

2009-05-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Read all about it here folks.

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Three: Character

2009-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

First let's examine Harry as a character and as the stories' "hero." In his analysis of the series, Karl Miller calls Harry "a real boy, fully capable of errors, resentments and vexations..." (30). Harry is not perfect. He makes mistakes and suffers for them. Often times, his mistakes cause others to suffer as well. He is brash and impudent at times, and (as will be discussed in greater detail later) he feels an apparent disregard for rules. Harry can be quite lazy at times (especially where school work is involved), and is quick to let his emotions get the best of him. At times, he shows traces of jealousy towards others (including his friends), impatience and mistrust with and for authority, and a sense of superiority in thinking he is always right or at least knows what is best. He is definitely not the typical hero of the fantasy genre. Harry is a normal boy with faults and weaknesses.
A great number of parents feel that Harry is a poor role-model because of these weaknesses. However, many modern literary critics disagree. They see Harry's weaknesses as the real strength behind his goodness. For all of Harry's faults, he still ends up doing what is right and that is what makes him a hero. In his book--The Wisdom of Harry Potter: What Our Favorite Hero Teaches Us About Moral Choices--Edmund M. Kern discusses how Harry is a different type of stoic hero. Kern describes the "old stoic" as unemotional, tediously puritanical, and blindly indifferent to enjoyment and grief (19). Harry doesn't really fit that description very well. However, Kern also mentions other qualities and themes of stoicism which do fit Harry: fatalism, endurance, perseverance, self-discipline, reason, solidarity, empathy, and sacrifice (19). All of these traits are manifest in Harry at different times, and show his quality as a character and role-model.
Besides those listed above, Harry demonstrates many other moral qualities that deserve some attention. One of the most noticeable is loyalty. An example of it is found in the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry stood facing his nemesis and remained loyal to Headmaster Dumbledore despite the dangerous consequences of doing so. His loyalty was so great that it summoned Dumbledore's pet phoenix to his aid. Afterward, Dumbledore thanked Harry for showing him loyalty for, as he explained, "Nothing but that could have called [the phoenix] to you" (Rowling, Chamber 332).
That sense of loyalty comes from the great love that Harry's has for his Headmaster. That love motivates him to do great things. It also motivates him to risk everything and endure emotional abuse, physical torment, pain, and possible death for those he holds most dear. In the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry risks his expulsion from his school and even his own life to stop Lord Voldemort from returning, because he doesn't want those whom he loves to get hurt (Rowling, Sorcerer's 270). Harry also shows his love for others in the way he treats them. He is kind to others, even when they are mocked and disliked. He accepts people for their inner goodness, and not for their social/political status or because there is something in it for him. He even shows love in the form of forgiveness to those whom he should have every right to hate. In the end of the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry ~~learns~~ finds the man that betrayed his parents and was responsible for their deaths. Instead of letting his father's best friend kill them--something that the adults present were all advocating--Harry decides to turn him into the authorities. He demonstrated morality and goodness when others wanted revenge (Rowling, Prisoner 375-376).

Previous: Part Two
Next: Part Four

Midnight Train Down To Gerogia

2009-05-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this amusing little video today, and I thought I'd share it for all of those who--like me-- never watch American Idol.

Gladys Knight, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey, Jr. singing and dancing for charity.

Live And Intimate Episode 6: Ben Folds Likes The Whoosh Sound

2009-05-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was going to sit here and cry over the break up of Ben Folds Five for a while, but I just don't feel like being down today. Instead, I will say that Ben Folds' solo music is quite enjoyable and Darren Jesse's Hotel Lights is an excellent band. While neither are as strong as BFF, I am glad for the proliferation of good musics.

Here is Ben Folds playing a Ben Folds Five song, "Kate," at some sort of MySpace gig. I crack up every time I see his foot go flying back to hit the keyboard. Enjoy.

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Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle Part Two: The Opposition

2009-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! I wanted to briefly explain that I will be referencing the quotes and research I did for the paper along the way, with my Works Cited page at the end, because plagiarizing ain't my cup of tea. For any who may not be familiar with what that looks like, quotes are referenced in the parenthesis. One last note: I am not making corrections of any kind to the essay. What I turned in and was graded on is what you get.
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Opposition to the series is obvious. On their website, the American Library Association stated that in 2002 the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom "received a total of 515 reports of challenges . . . . A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school about a book's content or appropriateness" ("Harry Potter Series..."). From 1999 to 2002, Harry Potter topped the list of most challenged books. In fact, the series has earned a spot among the most challenged books ever ("Harry Potter Series..."). That is significant considering how new the series is--the first book was published in 1998. To become one of the most challenged books ever in such a short time, clearly illustrates the depth of the opposition to Harry Potter. Formal written complaints aren't the only way these parents are protesting however.
Many other steps have been taken by these parents to protect their children from what they consider to be a very harmful influence. In Zeeland, Michigan, the superintendent of schools banned the reading aloud of Harry Potter books and required parental permission for library use ("Cencorship" 22). In his article for the Journal of Contemporary Religion, Michael Ostling reports "We learned of court challenges in Georgia; of Christian booksellers refusing to stock the series; of libraries pulling the books from their shelves; even--in early 2001--of a church-orchestrated book burning in rural Pennsylvania" (5). Such steps and acts demonstrate the deep resentment many Americans feel towards the series.
What is it about Harry Potter that angers and offends so many parents into actions like these? Many of them feel that the material is too dark for children of a young age to be exposed to and that it undermines family values. Many argue that Harry is a poor role model for children due to his obvious disregard for rules. The main complaint though, is regarding the theme of magic and witchcraft in the stories. Explaining the opposition's view, Ben Hubbard wrote "The books, the parents say, give their children the tools for casting spells and brewing potions and will eventually set them on a path toward satanic worship" (17). Perhaps by looking deeper at some of these complaints, we can better understand their validity.

Previous: Part One
Next: Part Three

Harry Potter And The Muggle Struggle

2009-05-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here is something new I've never done before: make some use of my schooling. I jest, I jest; school probably has its uses. Still, I have written tons of essays over the years that, with the exception of the persuasive essay I wrote my junior year of high school about going commando, just sit in a folder and do nothing. So, I have decided to post an essay that I wrote while attending UVSC (now UVU) in Orem, UT. It is the first essay I ever did that was longer than 3-4 pages--a whopping 12. The assignment was to write a persuasive essay and the topic I chose was whether or not Harry Potter should be banned from public schools and libraries (this was not an assigned topic--I had to convince the teacher to let me write on it). I will be breaking it up into segments, because that mother is long. For this first one I will just do the introductory paragraph (cause I already have this introductory paragraph that I have subjected you to and frankly I wouldn't feel right taking you any further... we have to work our way up to that), but following segments wil come in slightly greater...how you say...bulk?

Enjoy or ignore, depending on your choice of lifestyle.
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"Harry Potter and the Muggle Struggle" - by me of course

Not too often is a controversial figure a child. Even less often is it a fictional child. Yet, that is the case with Harry Potter. Author J.K. Rowling created the character for her best-selling book series of the same title. The seven part series tells the story of a boy who learns he is a wizard, leaves his obnoxious aunt and uncle (with whom he has been living since he was a baby), and goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to be trained. During the series, he learns the truth of his parents' death, of their killer, and of his own future in the coming battle of good against evil. Due to the nature of its context, many conservative Christian parents strongly oppose the series claiming that it will have a detrimental effect on their children. Many have taken steps to prevent their children from reading the books. Although many parents feel that Harry Potter is a poor role-model and promotes witchcraft, the Harry Potter series should not be banned from public school and libraries because the books provide moral lessons for our children.

Next: Part Two

Gospel Talk: The Voice Of The Lord

2009-05-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a talk that has meant a great deal to me. Gerald Lund gave this excellent talk (entitled "The Voice of the Lord") at a BYU Devotional in December of 2007. I highly recommend either listening to it at LDS Voices or reading its transcript here. (As an interesting "tid-bittal" side note, Elder Lund is my sister's husband's father, which of course really means nothing, except...that President Hinkley went to my sister's wedding. What? You didn't see me in the wedding pictures? Oh. That's right. I was on my mission. Aaargh. (I'm glad you got married when you did, Ali, despite it meaning that I couldn't be there.)

Moving on... The talk seems to me like the skeleton for his book Hearing the Voice of the Lord, which my lovely wife highly recommends (I haven't read it, yet). What stuck out to me was when Elder Lund asks everyone in the audience to be as silent as possible and listen for a few seconds. He then asks how many could hear the soft humming/buzzing: a soft buzzing that was present in the room the entire time, but which no one had heard because there was too much noise. He then likens this to the way that we often are unable to hear the Spirit's whisper, because we surround ourselves with too much "noise." This caused me to spend a great deal of time thinking on the "noise" that keeps me from hearing the voice of the Lord in my own life.

The noise is ANYTHING that blocks out, impedes, or even interferes with my ability to hear, feel, and understand the Spirit. Obviously this includes sin, but what I realized was that my life is completely filled with more subtle noises as well: distractions (music, movies, TV, sports, computer games, my random projects to clean up my iTunes, etc.) and my own desires. To clarify, what I don't mean is that these things are literally too loud or raucous (although some of them arguably fall into that category) for the Spirit to be heard; I had stopped watching rated 'R' movies and listening to more "questionable" music for some time. What I mean is that my mind and heart are so focused on them that I can't hear the Spirit whispering as much as I would if I were more "silent" or focused on listening. They pull my attention away from focusing on the Spirit, because I care too deeply for them.

To be honest, this has nothing to do with whether or not these things are "good" or "bad." Watching movies, listening to the amount of music that I did, playing computer games, and wanting to write music did not make me feel guilty. In fact, I felt pretty dang good about where I was in life and the spiritual development that I had already been going through; I felt sincerely happy. Yet, I was struck by the notion that anything--good or bad--that blocks my ability to hear the Spirit is noise that interferes with my potential spiritual learning and progression. What I came to understand was that cutting out the noise would enable me to hear, feel, and understand the Spirit even more than I already did. Letting go of my desires would enable me to not just feel the Spirit every once in a while, but to, as the sacrament prayer promises, have the Spirit with me always, because I would be always remembering Christ.

What I needed to do was let go of all of my plans, dreams, desires, and distractions so that I could re-evaluate each in the context of what will and will not bring me closer to Christ. In a sense it was like emptying out a garage full of stuff so that I could weed out what is worth keeping from what is not. Then, I would bring back in those things of value and discard those things that are just taking up space. I actually sat there thinking of the desires (like someday travelling to Scotland, going to a World Cup in Europe, and even owning an old school pirate ship in which I can sail around the Caribeean and Mediterranean) I have and the multitudinous distractions (my current James Bond-a-thon, movies and TV in general, songwriting projects, story ideas, book series I want to get to, themed music shuffles and mixes, etc.) and coming to terms with the thought that I could let go of these things--never accomplish them--and be happy. It was both difficult and immensely freeing (some of my projects are things I started years ago and have always held on to, feeling like I HAD to finish them or I would never be complete. Letting them go felt like a massive weight of my own making was taken off of my shoulders).

I have been terribly imperfect at times in my efforts to keep only the things that help me focus on the Spirit, because I still like these things. Every once in a while, as I am rooting around in the "garage," I will stumble upon something that I could have sworn I'd thrown out already (if that reference is not clear, I mean that I will still find myself holding on to things that I thought I'd already given up). That is ok. I don't need to feel bad or guilty for not being perfect in this, yet; just making the attempt brings a constant flow of blessings. Even in moments of frustration, when I either feel like I could do better or wonder why I can't seem to figure out if something is worth keeping around or not, I feel a peace and happiness that I did not know was possible. I feel happy, because I am more focused on my Savior, and I know that my Father in heaven is pleased with my efforts, though they be imperfect.

New Thrice

2009-05-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is the first taste that I have found of the new album. Pretty much you just hear a new song (tentatively titled "Shuffle" from what I could discover) playing in the background while the members of the band talk about what it is like playing a new song live for the first time. The song seemed to be a logical step from Vheissu and Alchemy but did have at least one subtle interesting departure for the band; the guitars seem to be experimenting with some discordant wails (noticed later on in the video). I'm very interested to hear what they come up with for this new album.

Untitled from Thrice on Vimeo.

Fun Pics

2009-05-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

A couple of pictures that have made me laugh today. The first is a campaign flier that my cousin Jason made back in high school:

The second one really doesn't need any introduction:

Gradutation Glee

2009-05-11T10:36:00.001-07:00

So this is pretty cool. Go to the UNLV slide show for the Review Journal's (a major newspaper here in Las Vegas) photo coverage of the graduation ceremonies. Check out picture 18 and read the caption. Ha!

Trekkies Complain About The New Film

2009-05-05T21:53:00.001-07:00

I love the Onion.

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'