More Dark Knight & Game Theory?

I pulled these of the net this morning. They are BOTH great reads and shows us that the Nolan’s craft their movies with care and intelligence. As far as the Dark Knight goes, I really like the part that suggests during the “ferry test” that…“There is probably some horrible twist that the Joker had in mind that would subvert them. Maybe each detonator was actually for their own boat“. WOA?, that didn’t even cross my mind. That’s some ILL ISHT and in this film the Joker seemed to be two steps ahead of everyone so this is completely possible. For the next movie, I thought a good choice for the villain would be the Riddler but treat him more like a zodiac killer-cipher making type of character but this guy NAILED it…“However, I think this calls for a new villain in the third movie of the trilogy: The Game Theorist. Much like the Riddler, but deadlier and requiring Batman to use mathematics to fight crime.”

http://www.quantitativepeace.com/blog/2008/07/the-dark-knight.html

http://scienceblogs.com/purepedantry/2008/07/game_theory_and_the_dark_knigh.php

The Dark Knight

Duality. A dual state of quality. Think…good and evil. As Gordon told Batman at the end of “Begins”…Escalation is happening. I saw “The Dark Knight” this past Friday and just like you (yes YOU!) I was blown away. The best “comic” book story to date? Time will tell. I know this much, I felt like I was 12 years old again watching “The Empire Strikes Back”. And that is the highest compliment I can give this film and this is why even after one viewing it is possible in my three favorite movies of all time. Definitely the top five.

What was good…

The Villains.
I love it how the Joker is given NO back story or origin whatsoever. Here he is in all his anarchist brilliance. He is the devil incarnate. Dropped into the heart of Gotham and ripping it to shreds. Heath Ledger has changed the movie villain forever. All this Oscar talk is no bullshit, he was amazing. The pencil scene was a hoot. The portrait of evil has been changed forever. “Would you like to know how I got my scars”?

Gone are the neon loud suits, the cackling laugh and the way Tommy Lee Jones (who I really like as an actor) desecrated the character of Harvey Dent aka Two Face. Eckhart plays the role magnificently. Dent starts out as a crusader for justice as Gotham City's new district attorney. A series of events turn him into an advocate of injustice whose flip of a coin can mean the difference between life and death (you should know this but in case you didn‘t). Dent doesn’t overplay the character and is spot on. His face and his psyche was a nightmare.

Also, the returning cast seemed to hit their stride in this one. Bale is the best Wayne/Batman of all time. Cane IS the best Alfred. Freeman makes Fox and Oldman IS James Gordon (Nice twist in this movie, I won‘t spoil it). The characters again are brought to life.

Gyllenhaal did what she could with the “Rachel Dawes” role. No worries here…

Little touches…

-Seeing Cillian Murphy as The Scarecrow again was DOPE! Even if it was brief.
-Hearing Batman’s cape rustling as he flew around the skyscrapers in Hong Kong gave me goose bumps.
-Gotham City as a living, breathing doppelganger.

What was bad (minimal)…

The Batman voice…
It’s still growing on me but I have come to this conclusion. It's deliberate. The voice serves to hide his identity and to further create an image which is something so integral to the character. Batman's voice is a symbol of his complete transformation from Bruce Wayne into an alien ego, something completely other. Not only does it serve the practical purpose of disguising Wayne's voice, but it resonates with rage and horror...i.e. no one talks like that...and it works to terrify criminals and separate him from normal people.

The “Mapping”…
The cell phone/sonar mapping was a cool idea, but the way they expanded it later on the movie looked bad. It looked flimsy and haphazard, with no explanation for how batman developed it (to Luscious Fox's surprise) etc. It looked like some crappy XMEN 3 effects.

The movie felt like it ran a little long however it did need to resolve the story of Harvey Dent, which I dare say is the main story line here. Harvey is the bright hope of Gotham which was so completely thwarted and twisted by chaos and evil. Gotham's criminal underworld had already pushed Harvey Dent, and the Joker was the tipping point, the catalyst, that sent Harvey, and by metaphor, the entire city into a schizophrenic tailspin. The idea Batman sacrificed himself to protect Harvey Dent's memory, and in essence the last vestiges of Gotham's soul, was powerful and needed the time and space they gave the story to resolve.

A genuine masterpiece and as good as it gets…

-DAG!

Bad Music

So, I picked up the Nas yesterday…Eh, maybe it will grow on me. I’m pretty finicky lately as to what music I’m feeling. 2008 has been lackluster as far as hip hop goes. Maybe I’m listening to the wrong genre? Maybe I’m just old? Maybe there is to much saturation? I can’t put my finger on it.

Some thoughts…

I guess the reason I do music is…a) I like to listen to the sound of my voice b) It’s creative and helps with stress, tension c) It’s fun and you get to be involved with like minded artists and shows get rocked d) It’s like my alter ego aka secret identity aka I feel like a super hero or super villain and…e) freedom of speech is king!

Now, while Freedom Of Speech is king some people so just NOT do music. Examples…

Orin Hatch: PLEASE stop. I get it, you are friends with Kennedy. It’s touching that you wrote “Headed Home”. Cancer sucks, I know. You just need to stop…PLEASE. Side note…he has written hundreds of songs on patriotic themes…with such titles as "Freedom's Light" and "I Love Old Glory". I would have ghostwritten some tunes for Ashdown if he would have asked. One possible title for a Pete Ashdown song could have been “Orin Hatch Sucks At Music”.

Mike Meehan: You are probably asking who the EFF is Mike Meehan. I saw this jokers billboard on the Daily Show last night (see attached pic). Check out …”The Republican Song”. Is this guy from Utah as well? I was surprised to find out he isn’t. Peep the lyrics…
http://www.therepublicansong.com/

And the video?
http://www.therepublicansong.com/watch.html

Word’s escape me, WOW. Stating if a Democrat wins in November we will be attacked by terrorist's? WHAT??? This has to be joke. It’s not…and this guy SUCKS as bad as cancer.

On a positive note, I present…One Day As A Lion.
http://www.myspace.com/onedayasalion

Peace-DAG!

IMAX Friday! Haiku Reviews...

I have been lagging with my reviews. I got the tix to the Dark Knight IMAX. Friday cannot come soon enough. I have seen a BUNCH of movies this summer so far. Some good and some not so good ("The Happening") Enjoy...

Hellboy 2
Brilliant Ambition
Lyricism and horror
Schmaltzy Fanboy Wit

Hancock
Scattershot clunky
Mish mash of phony mythos
Could have been better

The Incredible Hulk
It’s most of all fun
Noisy and mindless action
Not certified smash

Kung fu Panda
High concept with heart
Plays well across all age groups
Wisdom is tasty

WALL-E
It’s a work of art
Maybe Pixar’s best ever
The best of the year

Sunshine

Hell is full of layers. Sometimes people visit funerals to see what types of parting gifts they will get. The playground feels a lot different when there is sunshine. I try to measure it by what I can give. You didn’t need anything, never did.

Cherry On Top

You will be able to convince others very easily. No body will able to harm you. Your opponents would be defeated by you at so many occasions. You will be quite happy during this week. Relationship with your parents and other family members Fruitful journeys may also take place.
Sounds like a great week…

I get the Xbox 360 back from Gates today. Going to rock Storytime at the Salt Lake library tonight with E & K. Maybe Dragon Grill? Who knows…

Peace-DAG!

*Mark & Elektra @ the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis, MN
“Spoonbridge and Cherry, 1985-1988”(Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen)
aluminum, stainless steel, paint 354 x 618 x 162 in.

Saint Mark in St Paul

You experience a burst of energy and are more vigorous, bold, assertive, and impatient at this time. You feel ambitious and capable of doing a lot and meeting challenges successfully. However, if your will is blocked, you become quite angry now. You are less willing to accommodate others and meet people half way. Your ego-drive and competitiveness are very strong.
(Picture taken by K @ The Cathedral Of St Paul in St Paul, MN.)

Korla Pandit LIVES!

Vibe to the sounds of "Miserlou"

Dirty Chai

I am sitting at the Caribou Coffee in Burnsville, MN. I am enjoying a dirty chai with K. We are attempting to get work stuff done with the use of the FREE Wi-Fi. My fathers funeral service went as well as can be expected. I prepared a mini-eulogy for it (see prev post). I actually freestyled it a bit but tried to stay with mostly what I had written. It was easily the hardest speech/performance/spoken word that I have ever done in my life. I had to do it. If I would have passed I would be feeling a HUGE load of regret right now but instead I feel complete. I sobbed, cried and laughed my way through it. It's nice to have closure on something as difficult as this. Hard times, brighter days will come.

Peace-DAG!
PS. Saw "Hancock" with K last night. 2.5 out of 5. Eh, I might write more on this but who knows.

Always Have, Always Will...

Is it hard to believe that our relationship does not end at death but reaches its perfection. This is the hope that carries my spirits. These next days, weeks, months, and years will prove my hope to be true. For my relationship with my father will grow more intimate in my reflection and recollection. Indeed, I have already come to experience a better understanding and appreciation of my dad.
I hope that we can go on living as he did. I hope that we not regret what might have been and live in the present with great hope for the future.

In retrospect, life seems like a sublime dream. I now dream about what it will be like when we're all together again. Everyone we've ever loved will be there, too. And we'll celebrate and laugh and tell stories and never again have to number our days. Amen.

I love you dad. Always have. Always will.

http://www.legacy.com/StarTribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=112755861

Rendezvous With Destiny

I'm headed back to MPLS in the morning tomorrow. As of yesterday, my Father has been given less than 24-48hrs to live. Words cannot express how I feel at this time. I think it's shock, disbelief...I don't know. I need to find a way to peace. K and Elektra are coming with me, they are my strength. I appreciate the love my friends and family have shown me. I need to do this with courage and faith. I need to walk in the light.

Peace-DAG!

Rotten Musicians "+20"

Here is a collage of pictures from the "+20" video shoot on 6/28. It was a BLAST...We should have a ruff cut in like a week.

Faith

Lord, I believe:
I wish to believe in Thee.
Lord, let my faith be full and unreserved,
and let it penetrate my thought,
my way of judging Divine things and human things.
Lord, let my faith be joyful
and give peace and gladness to my spirit,
and dispose it for prayer with God
and conversation with men,
so that the inner bliss of its fortunate possession
may shine forth in sacred and secular conversation.
Lord, let my faith be humble and not presume
to be based on the experience of my thought and of my feeling;
but let it surrender to the testimony of the Holy Spirit,
and not have any better guarantee than in docility to Tradition
and to the authority of the magisterium of the Holy Church.
Amen.

Tell me how my A$$ taste...Not a bad hook.

What's up Doc, Can I rock?

Marlin's Roadhouse (Mitchell, SD)

A fast pace, with many letters, phone calls, errands, meetings, or discussions, is on the agenda. You may feel mentally restless, impatient, and overly eager to get your own ideas across. Also, a situation may arise which requires you to say what is on your mind, to make a decision, or to clearly voice your personal opinion on some issue.

Pappy is Crappy!

...But I think he was a real person? Google "pappy wall drug black hills" and see what you come up with. He started the Sturgis motorcycle rally? Back then it was called the "Black Hills Motor Classic"...what? Photo taken @ Wall Drug in Wall, SD (6/10/98).

R.I.P.

Comic genius, George Carlin and my Xbox 360 (Red Ring Of Death!).

Mini Cookie Factory Is King!

I have returned from the MPLS, MN! I am filled with crazy different emotions from this trip. You see, my father is very sick and his doctor and the hospice staff is giving him about a month to live. I have broken down so many times in the last two weeks. I feel blessed to have a strong group of family and friends to rely on. Their strength is helping me get through this. I had a talk with my pops over the phone the other day. He told me..."Mark I'm Dying". He repeated it to me like two or three more times. All I could do is weep and told him I love him. This REALLY REALLY sucks. It's like watching your own mortality, it's scary, Let's hope for the best, right?

On the flip, Elektra and K seemed to have a GOOD time. I'll post more about our Road Warrior adventures...we took lots O' pics.

Stay well, DAG!

Greetings...

"With My Face Etched In The Brick"

D.N.A.

We finished recording vocals on four new Numbs songs this week. Now, It’s all up to Shanty (cutz) and Fischer (trackz) on the post production. The songs are…

“The Bank Job”
“Is That Wrong?”
“Act Up”
“Mind, Body, Soul” (might not be the REAL title in the end, who knows?)

I’m going to be heading to MPLS on Monday (6/9) for like a week and a half. This MIGHT (or might not?) be the last posting on here for a minute. I work ALL weekend so yeah my baloney tits might not get a chance to put it down.

Elektra finished the 1st grade today. I am a HAPPY dad. She has grown so much this school year, it’s a blessing. I went up to the school with K to see her off this morning. They cancelled the outdoor celebration concert due to the rain (rain for two days straight in Utah is a rarity.

When learning becomes you, then it appears as you need it, when you are being you.

Peace-DAG!

That's more like it...

No Honk?

Historic!

"Define Our Generation"

The Bread Speaks...

You will have sufficient authority to boost you professional and finance related matters. It should bring success, pleasant functions, recognition of service, agreeable events, outstanding reports, gain of wealth, pleasure, prosperity, success in undertakings, defeat of enemies, happiness, power, position and enjoyment. Experience the sudden gains of income or wealth. You may get gains easily through publishing and distribution related areas.

Name and fame may come from each and every side. You will have a busy schedule. You will not face any difficulty in your professional and personal life. Probably, money will come from each and every direction. Your plans will be fruitful and $ will be in desired position.

Definitely, you might have some troubles. Possibly, you could not capable to perform as per your real potent and talent. You need to remove confusion which is spreading around you. Besides this, journeys might be fruitful.

You will have frequent tiresome journeys, and should be careful of sudden accidents or falls. It is also possible for health problems especially in the shoulder and neck area or teeth.

Five Oh One

One. Please sign the petition to bring back Mayor McCheese. When was he voted out of office? The same time around “Make It Mac Tonight”? (google that for some weird ass images). Was he bought off with McCheese checks? Is it because he was running the “Legion Of Dairy”? There was a time when I thought Mayor McCheese and Big Mac Cop were the same entity. Like maybe he freelanced at night as B.M.C. (alter ego). I was wrong, lost $10 bucks and my entire worldview was turned upside down. Here’s the link to the petition…

http://www.petitiononline.com/McCheese/petition.html

Two. The LOST season 4 ender was dope. I’ll write more on this soon. I got some of my predictions right and some wrong. Eff a spoiler! I’ll be in Minnesota for like a week starting June 9th…I’ll break it down then. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. If this thing ends up on the good foot after seix seasons it might go down as the best TV show EVER. Heroes aint got nothing on this!

Three. There was another shakedown at work. They let a person go from my shift and since there is only three of us, they reduced the workforce by 33.333% I’m sure they have a plan (not) to put someone in place that has an equal skill set (psyche) and things will run smoothly (right…).

Four. The Wize Guy is over 500 posts on the blog spot, BIOTCHES! I want to get a PODcast going now. Who’s in?

Five. Self High.

Peace-DAG!

I love the little ocean burp at the end...

Best Show Ever!

Minutemen! Lost Season 4 Finale.

Check out this picture of the Minutemen from the Watchmen movie that drops in 09' Fresh Ta Def! It gives me a GREAT idea for my Halloween costume this year. I found the Peanuts pic as well, tight huh? C-Brown used that one lock of hair for something.

The Lost Season Four finale is tonight and I have FOUR things that I think we will see...

1) Ben is the person in the coffin.
2) One of the Losties left behind WILL meet/greet someone from the Oceanic 6 in the future. Something like Claire (if shes not dead) bumping into Jack off island in the future.
3) We learn that Baby Aaron is "Jacob" and needs to be returned to the island (crackpot theory at it's bestest).
4) Marvin Candle a.k.a Hallowax a.k.a Wickman will make an appearance in or via The Orchid.

I'm sticking to it...

PEACE-DAG!

Good Thinking

Kapoor Pay Dues!

You are inspired creatively, artistically, or spiritually at this time. Your imagination, intuition, and psychic sensitivity are high now, and you find yourself wanting to paint or listen to music, daydream, or fantasize rather than concentrate on practical matters.

Haiku Review

The Thrills Keep Coming
Trips Over Its Nostalgias
Too Much CGI