G.B.H.

I don't believe in personal immortality; the only way I expect to have some version of such a thing is through my words.

I write for the same reason I breathe…because if I didn't, I would die.

Thoughts are the shadows of our sensations.

Round 5

T.I.I.F. #12 may be the most well-written issue yet but I must say I expected something a lot more by the arch from what is, at its core, a traditional kung fu tournament story. The new twists and turns only serve to make the story even more entertaining.

Unfortunately, there's a third artist on board this month, one that doesn't mesh well with the other two. Hopefully with a new one-shot issue taking the place of issue #13 next month, Aja will find enough time to avoid unnecessary fill-in artists for the big finale.

“Are you ready to fight a revolution?”

LOST in 8:15 (Official Recap S1-S3)

Get up to speed!

So Presidential...

...and the Kennedy's are in as well.

Attack Of The P.B.&J.

Music:
Rotten Musicians will finish recording the new EP on January 31st. I think it’s going to be 9 tracks long? The untitled new project should be out this Spring. The recording went by lightning quick. I think we started this at the end of Summer ’07. I can’t wait to listen to this amalgam of culture to see if it all gels. A different angle than the last one (Make A Face) for sure.

Numbs are working on the Linus EP. Red five says stay on target. I completed my solo song for the project already (even though I need to re-record it). We are playing with Special Teamz on January 30th here in SLC. Hochii & Swiss will be in town for it as well. We still need to get those guys JACKED up at the JACKALOPE.

Work:
I sent the following email to my direct report at work this past week…

BLANK,
I’d like to begin with saying how much I enjoy working at BLANK and specifically in the Dedicated division. I know we are meeting this week to discuss the weekend structure going forward and how my role pertains to this. There are a few issues that I would like to bring up first…

-A gift certificate was given to all BLANK Employees for BLANK this past Christmas. The weekend staff did not receive anything.

-At the Dedicated retreat in December. Clothing apparel was given to Dedicated employees and again…the weekend staff didn’t receive anything.

When I joined the Dedicated division in May of 2006 I was told by BLANK that I was to be included in the bonuses (Retention, Safety, The “Kicker” etc) as well. That never happened. Before we can move forward I think that we need to have a level playing field. I have been in this capacity for almost two years now and if new responsibilities are added to my job I appreciate the opportunity. I am committed to contributing to the company’s success in the future. I take my commitment to this company very seriously. Thanks for listening and I am looking forward to our meeting this week.

He replied with…

Are you kidding me?? You didn't receive a gift certificate? This is good to know......I have shirts and a binder for you in BLANKS office. I'm glad to hear these concerns as it shows me you committed and care. As for the safety and retention kickers are concerned, I am OK with implementing those for bonus it might not bee very beneficial in your case to be honest with you. We will discuss further.

I didn’t expect that reply at all. The main reason that I sent this out was to see where I stood and so far it seems better than I thought. So, when we spoke face to face…I got promoted. I am now the “Dedicated Weekend Supervisor”. I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you can see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.

MISC:
Elektra is half way through the first grade. She is getting better at her reading and “speed boxes”. What I don’t want is her just hanging around until she has caught on. I want her mind to be a thing that works. I want her to keep it alive forever. I want her to do new things and not repeat what has done before.

I’ve been Snowboarding a few times this month. It feels good to be able to go down the Chickadee and not freefall (not to mention off of the lift). It is really addicting…now when I look at the mountains I get this feeling of excitement and adventure. I gotta go, I gotta go, I gotta go.

Peace-DAG!

Ps. Elektra gave me a present this week. It was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. One of those round Smuckers kind. On the bag she wrote to her uncle “Uncle Coulton do not eat. This is for my daddy. If you touch it a laser will attack you. From Elektra”. She is so GREAT.

In Prison My Whole Life

Last night Kelli and myself took in the documentary “In Prison My Whole Life” playing at Sundance. This doc revolves around death-row journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal and William Francome. Mumia was arrested on the day Francome was born (Hence the title)…and so he sets off on a journey to find out about the man who has been in prison “My Whole Life”. For myself, I’ve known about Mumia but didn’t really know anything about particulars of his case.

Mumia was convicted or murdering a white Philadelphia Police Officer in 1982 by a racially mixed who subsequently would also sentence him to death. His appeals have largely failed, however his death sentence was overturned in 2001, which led to both sides to appeal the verdict. As of now, the appeals process creeks on ever so slowly.

Marc Evans and William Francome have constructed a compelling argument in documentary form not that Mumia Abu-Jamal is necessary innocent of all his charges but rather just that the trial was unfair. It perhaps isn’t the most balanced documentary but it wears it’s heart on its sleeve and remains a fascinating watch.

“In Prison My Whole Life” works on a number of levels and grows beyond what happened to one man, becoming a critique of the judicial system, capital punishment, and racism in the United States.

3 out of 5!

Peace-DAG

In Honor Of Dr King...

Give in to the Dark Side...

Addendum

I need to add this to the "Year End Review 2007". This would have been in my top five. Excellent Psychological Sci Fi! And Chris Evans (The "Human Torch" from the Fantastic Four films) impressed me.

Inventive Sci Fi
Thinking Mans Sort Of Action
Philosophical

The BIRD!

A snowboard isn't a snowboard without a HEIRO sticker. To cliche?

The Same Time

The people you're sneaking away from, they don't want you to be enlightened. They want to know what to expect. You cannot be the person they know and the great, glorious person you want to become. Not at the same time. My life might be little and boring, but at least it's mine.

A Great Day For America...

The End Of The Beginning 07'

Greetings! Enjoy my "BEST OF" list...I know I have missed something but I'm not sure what it is? Be sure the check out http://factsoflife.wordpress.com/ as well. Facts knows his ISHT...

Best Movies Of 2007:

1) The Bourne Ultimatum- I don't like to use the term "EVER" that much (or "NEVER" for that matter). However, some of the best foot and car chases EVER filmed are in here. Such a well made action film (The movie went by as almost as fast as the camera work. I've never thought of Matt Damon as a legitimate action star or even a good actor until he stepped into Jason Bourne's shoes. The slam bang conclusion to one of the most unique and adult action franchises EVER made.

2) Zodiac- A righteous epic about San Francisco's Zodiac killer. Fincher offers a cathartic "close to the exact" spectacle that made his name into an "A" lister. Not just another serial killer movie, but the LAST one.

3) The King Of Kong- On the surface, a documentary about the world record of Donkey Kong. In the end, it's not just about two guys who play video games but about the nature of competition. Hilarious flick and Billy Mitchell is still a douche bag.

4) Once- A film that reinvents the "Hollywood" musical. Simple without being simplistic. Everything about this film seems unforced and natural. The first jam in the back of the music store is a GEM! Wins you over without appearing to even try.

5) 300- Story holes? Yes…Stupid at times? Maybe…A Throwaway Epic? I wouldn't go that far. It's impossible not to be moved by "300"'s nonstop visual assault. Zack Snyder is going to ROCK "Watchmen"…I hope.

Honorable Mentions:
Oceans 13- The fun is infectious and possibly the best of the 3? Make your ears happy and pick up the soundtrack.

Ratatouille- An animated film that doesn't resort to fart jokes or pop culture wisecracks? One of the best Pixar features.

Sicko- A movie that demands you think and feel.

Michael Clayton- A throwback to trim, intelligent moral thrillers. It creeps up on you.

Transformers- Big and loud…the effects are put to brilliant use. No sound wave? And Megatron doesn't transform into a hand cannon? I'm sure there will be a zillion sequels to get it right.

I haven't seen the following and I'm sure I'll get a RASH of crap from it: No Country For Old Men, Atonement, Gone Baby Gone, There Will Be Blood, I'm Not There, The Assassination Of Jesse James, Juno, Into The Wild, Eastern Promises…I need to frequent the Broadway Cinemas a little more in 08'.

Best Hip-Hop LP's of 2007:

Jay Z "American Gangster"

Jay-Z doing what he does best. Vintage lyrics and a fresh approach to the idea of an "Hip Hop Concept Album". An expansion of rhythm and poetry and the return of the king! Oh yeah…if the rumor of Apple launching a record deal with Sean Carter is confirmed…good night Music Industry.

Styles Of Beyond "Razor Tag"

A set up for the long awaited "Rocket Surgery" and one of the best releases of 07'…and it' a mix cd? Hip Hop music the way it should be done. I still blast "It's Us" at least once a day. Good for the mind, body and soul.

Kanye West "Graduation"

Sounds a lot like the electro-rap movement of the early 80's but with a more finished touch. I get a little bored with the constant reminders of his past successes and keen fashion sense. I have HIGH expectations for this guy…he is a unique persona in hip hop and has the drive to keep pushing the boundaries. "Drunk And Hot Girls" sucks.

Honorable mentions: Common "Finding Forever", Brother Ali "The Undisputed Truth", Evidence "The Weatherman LP", Talib Kweli "Eardrum" & Percee P "Perseverance.

Best TV Moments of 2007:

1) The flash "forward" on LOST ("Through The Looking Glass").
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82_kBlUEP-4

2) The Sopranos "Fade To Black" ending ("Made In America").
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnT7nYbCSvM

3) Robot Chicken "Star Wars Special"
http://www.adultswim.com/shows/robotchicken/stuff/rcsw/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i90uLziCXC0

4) Any scene with Leon from Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 6)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ewr4BSTr8Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8u9Oco3hCg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfaY9ewvpzk

5) Flight Of The Concords "Hiphopopptamus VS Rhymenoceros"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FArZxLj6DLk

Best Comic Books & Moments Of 2007:

1) The Immortal Iron Fist: The current arc, The Seven Capital Cities Of Heaven, exceeds expectations as the kung fu tournament to end all tournaments unfolds. Fat Cobra, Heroes For Hire AND the wicked Bride Of Nine Spiders (oh, the web she weaves). I salivate when I see this in my hold each and every month. Side note: Marvel…"Iron Fist" should be your next straight to DVD Animated Feature. But have Brubaker and Faction write it. "Young Avengers" looks awful.

3) Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed." A mini-series that IS better than the source material? One of the best mini-series released by Marvel…ever? A focused masterpiece.

3) Madman Atomic Comics: The Allred's and Frank E. find their mojo again. Madman was Adult Swim before cartoons were cool.

4) Criminal: Noir? Heist stories? Revenge tales? Crime fiction and character exploration? Up it's own ass? Hardly…Criminal nails dark and genius.

5) Numbs Invade Comic-Con 2007. Panic attacks, Long HOT lines, wall to wall fan boys (and girls) & getting the geek on'…a MUST do at least once in your lifetime. If I go next year and dress up like Darth Maul, Spock or any other Sci-Fi Douche Bag…bitch slap me back into reality, delicious.

*Extra Bonus*
Skrullektra! A.K.A. New Avengers #31. The shape of things to come in 2008! Let's hope Bendis delivers. We don't need another "Civil War" on our hands.

Best Video Game 2007:

1) "BioShock" (Xbox 360)
A first-person shooter turned morality play, a thinking person's action game, a piece of electronic fiction with a soul. There are many positive ways to describe this gripping game and they're all true. There's just nothing else like this eerie vision of an undersea social experiment gone horribly wrong. The elegant controls sold me on this one. However, in my opinion…not much payoff at the end.

2) Mass Effect (Xbox 360)
RPG's aren't the hip thing in gaming these days, but Mass Effect brings back some of that old-school, story-driven, single-player magic. Set in a rich, original science-fiction universe, it approaches the long-sought-after ideal of game-as-interactive novel. You play a kind of galactic 007 agent on a mission to deal with another agent gone rogue. Bio-Ware build on their trademarked morality-focused gameplay but the skee-woomp-is controls of the "MAKO" almost made me drive off a cliff. I'm ore of a renegade than a paragon these days.

3) Ratchet And Clank: Size Matters (Sony PSP)
Yeah, I don't own a PS3. R.A.C.S.M. matches it's console inspiration almost exactly. It's packed with fantastic single-player content, has a strong multiplayer element, boasts a great visual and thematic presentation, and excels with razor-sharp gameplay mechanics. It's one of the few PSP titles out there that really shows off the system.

*Extra Bonus*
God Of War 2 (Playstation 2)
I haven't played "God Of War 2" or "God Of War 1" for that matter. I am told (by MANY of my peers and villains) GOW2 got overlooked. It's an amazing game that builds upon and goes beyond the original. A must and one of best PS2 games of all time. GOW2 is the only game this year that next-gen console owners should envy.

Assassin's Creed (PS3, Xbox 360)
An amazing blend of free-roaming action, stealth and platform jumping, Assassin's Creed sets a medieval hitman in a large world that feels wholly alive thanks to the stunning graphics, subtle detail, and the player's ability to interact with nearly every living and non-living thing in their environment. Epic, broad and sweeping. I cannot believe that this concept (they give away the big "turn" within the first minutes of the game) has not been used before (Maybe it has?).

BLANK Of The Year for 2007:

1) Drama Prairie Dog: 5 seconds in length and hundreds of parodies. I'll never listen to the "DUN DUN DUNNNNN" the same way again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHjFxJVeCQs

2) Keith Olbermann: Who knew that an ex-Sportscenter anchor could drop knowledge like this. His "Countdown" show on MSNBC is a must watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSo33qBDFV0

3) Brittany Spears: The VMA's, Chris Crocker and other meltdowns…rehab to courtroom to nightclub to jail. The word "train wreck" doesn't even scratch the surface.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5dW-hp8wH4

4) Don't Tase Me Bro!: Let's be honest here…this Joker should have been tased when he stepped up to the podium. It has NOTHING to do with Skull and Bones but more to do with being a Douche Bag.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3FFnpS-eYA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzkd_m4ivmc

5) Mario: An Italian plumber who resembles my uncle Vicenzo has turned the Wi from a Nin-Ten-Don't to a Nin-ten-do. "Super Mario Galaxy" is atop many lists as the BEST GAME of 07'. It wasn't on mine, I don't own a Wi. However, an Icon is an ICON. What's next…Super Mario Bros on Ice? I'd buy that for a dollar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdbs9N7x_3w

Reasons to LIVE for 08'
-Elektra and the privilege of being her father
-Living and loving life with K
-Traveling (NY/NJ? MN? CA?…I'm sure I will be to all three this year)
-The Sundance Film Festival
-The Year Of The Rat
-The Utah Jazz in the NBA FINALS!
-The Dark Knight
-New Rotten Musicians and Numbs EP's
-Dr Dre "Detox"
-LOST season 4 (at least 8 episodes)
-Obama and CHANGE

Break Bread or Play Dead in 08'...
PEACE, DAG!

Happy New Year

What is not started today, Is never finished tomorrow.
Happy New Year! DAG.