Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Why I Love Hockey
Above is a fight between Milan Lucic and Chris Neil. The NHL administration is making attempts to bar fighting from the game altogether. Hockey is one of the only sports left where honor is an inherent part of the game. Fighting doesn't occur randomly for our entertainment. It is a response to unfair hits, extremely unsportsmanlike content, or general foul play. A cheap shot at a team captain or star player will lead to retaliations and fights.
If soccer was more like hockey, every team would play like Germany, Christiano Ronaldo would have a fat lip, and Zidane would have been a hero ad France would have won that World Cup.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Scene In 6 Lines
I'm taking a playwriting class this semester to work on my writing. I've enjoyed creative writing for years and always look at situations from a slightly dramatic perspective. How would everyday interactions look on stage? I feel that organic theatre should just be life with better lighting and better jokes/responses.
Here's a scene I wrote relying on the lack of context. What elements can turn a nostalgic scene tragic?
------------------------------------
Leaving: a scene in 6 lines
Setting: foyer/entry room of house or apartment. Window and door.
John: stoic and calm with a twinge of annoyance
Becca: Flustered. Doing her best to linger.
John: Have you packed your bags? The car will be here any minute
Becca: I think so. I just have to check the kitchen. There are so many drawers and cabinets there, I’m sure I forgot something.
John: All right. Did you check under the bed? We want to make sure everything’s packed.
Becca: Yea, I’m pretty sure I have everything. (pause) I’m really going to miss this place.
John: I know. (looks out the window) The car’s here. It’s time to go.
Becca: (long pause, starts to cry) John, I’m sorry. If you ever change your mind about this, please call me. (notices John’s stone face). Ok… bye John.
Here's a scene I wrote relying on the lack of context. What elements can turn a nostalgic scene tragic?
------------------------------------
Leaving: a scene in 6 lines
Setting: foyer/entry room of house or apartment. Window and door.
John: stoic and calm with a twinge of annoyance
Becca: Flustered. Doing her best to linger.
John: Have you packed your bags? The car will be here any minute
Becca: I think so. I just have to check the kitchen. There are so many drawers and cabinets there, I’m sure I forgot something.
John: All right. Did you check under the bed? We want to make sure everything’s packed.
Becca: Yea, I’m pretty sure I have everything. (pause) I’m really going to miss this place.
John: I know. (looks out the window) The car’s here. It’s time to go.
Becca: (long pause, starts to cry) John, I’m sorry. If you ever change your mind about this, please call me. (notices John’s stone face). Ok… bye John.
Monday, September 14, 2009
A 9/11 Parody: "Too Soon" Can't Exist
Collegehumor recently created a spoof of the 9/11 tragedy by relating it to the destruction of the Death Star at the end of Star Ward IV: A New Hope.
Follow this link to the video
Some comparisons made (spoiler):
-Luke is Osama, hiding in a cave in the Degoba system.
-One stormtrooper was on his way to the death star that morning but hit traffic
-A stormtrooper thinks its all a cover up and Palpatine knew about it the whole time
This, of course, caused mixed feelings in the comment section of the page. A barrage of "too soon" and "I don't know how to feel about this" style comments started piling up. This was to be expected as many people believe any tragedy is off limits to parody lest someone's feelings be hurt. (but more on this later)
While, yes, I agree that some jokes are in poor taste (I'm looking at you 4chan), this was not a video making fun of the World Trade Center attacks. This was a video making fun of the monotonous conversations that happened ever 9/11 from 2002-present. Where were you when it happened? Did you know anyone? Who do you think is responsible? Some viewers took note of this style, accepted it as a clever parody, and enjoyed what bit of humor we can pull out of this tragedy. Others chose to take the offensive towards the offended. I was upset to find people using the phrase "Get Over It." Like many tragedies before it, 9/11 cannot be forgotten. It was a horribly dark time in our nations past where we never knew when we were safe. The time following the attacks did, however, bring a great brotherhood to our nation (outward racism aside). The Red Cross saw record blood donations and New Yorkers, DC residents, and the nation as a whole banded together, feeling even more pride than thought possible. America cannot simply get over these feelings
We can, however, find ways to get by. On September 11, 2001 I was in the 8th grade in Wilton, CT, a small town about 1 hour out of the city. We were all terrified. Friends were frantically calling parents who worked in the financial district, students were crying, teachers were crying, and our principal could barely get out the words describing what had happened.
When I got home, I watched every channel follow coverage of what had happened. I sat and watched the same 5 clips of one testament of man's technological triumph destroy another. Two days later, I could not take any more. I needed release. I needed something to make me feel something other and confusion, pain, and fear. So I turned to Nickelodeon. Rocket Power, my favorite cartoon at the time, was playing. Despite the events transpiring less than 70 miles from my home, I was able to smile, and I was able to realize that there would be life after these events. We, as a nation would not stay in a dark age of stoicism as emotions such as joy and happiness passed us by.
It is no surprise to anyone that knows me that I love nothing more than a strong piece of comedy. I have committed countless hours to listening to, memorizing, and re-telling bits, routines, and jokes that I have discovered. Events like 9/11 and the months that followed instilled in me the idea that one joke can change the world.
It was 9 days later, on September 20, 2001 that Jon Stewart, one of my heroes, returned to his post at the Daily Show. Before a desperate audience sat a man, beaten and broken by a horrible tragedy. But through his tears, he was able to make an audience laugh. Through his pain, he was able to instill hope that even when the sun sets, it will rise again in the morning.
This is his opening monologue that night.
"It's a country that allows open satire, and I know that sounds basic. And it sounds as though it goes without saying. But that's really what this whole situation is about. It's the difference between closed and open."
"This attacked happened. It is not a dream. But the aftermath, is a dream realized."
The idea of "too soon" cannot exist. We cannot let a tragedy live only as that. We have comedy to help us get by. We have comedy to help get past the harsh memories of our past by finding bright sides and silver linings. If you can't find humor in tragedy then it becomes impossible to bear. We have to enjoy what pieces of that dark time we can. We take the darkness of pain and despair, and find touches of color so it's not so painful to look back on. Even if we can't get over it, we can still get by.
Follow this link to the video
Some comparisons made (spoiler):
-Luke is Osama, hiding in a cave in the Degoba system.
-One stormtrooper was on his way to the death star that morning but hit traffic
-A stormtrooper thinks its all a cover up and Palpatine knew about it the whole time
This, of course, caused mixed feelings in the comment section of the page. A barrage of "too soon" and "I don't know how to feel about this" style comments started piling up. This was to be expected as many people believe any tragedy is off limits to parody lest someone's feelings be hurt. (but more on this later)
While, yes, I agree that some jokes are in poor taste (I'm looking at you 4chan), this was not a video making fun of the World Trade Center attacks. This was a video making fun of the monotonous conversations that happened ever 9/11 from 2002-present. Where were you when it happened? Did you know anyone? Who do you think is responsible? Some viewers took note of this style, accepted it as a clever parody, and enjoyed what bit of humor we can pull out of this tragedy. Others chose to take the offensive towards the offended. I was upset to find people using the phrase "Get Over It." Like many tragedies before it, 9/11 cannot be forgotten. It was a horribly dark time in our nations past where we never knew when we were safe. The time following the attacks did, however, bring a great brotherhood to our nation (outward racism aside). The Red Cross saw record blood donations and New Yorkers, DC residents, and the nation as a whole banded together, feeling even more pride than thought possible. America cannot simply get over these feelings
We can, however, find ways to get by. On September 11, 2001 I was in the 8th grade in Wilton, CT, a small town about 1 hour out of the city. We were all terrified. Friends were frantically calling parents who worked in the financial district, students were crying, teachers were crying, and our principal could barely get out the words describing what had happened.
When I got home, I watched every channel follow coverage of what had happened. I sat and watched the same 5 clips of one testament of man's technological triumph destroy another. Two days later, I could not take any more. I needed release. I needed something to make me feel something other and confusion, pain, and fear. So I turned to Nickelodeon. Rocket Power, my favorite cartoon at the time, was playing. Despite the events transpiring less than 70 miles from my home, I was able to smile, and I was able to realize that there would be life after these events. We, as a nation would not stay in a dark age of stoicism as emotions such as joy and happiness passed us by.
It is no surprise to anyone that knows me that I love nothing more than a strong piece of comedy. I have committed countless hours to listening to, memorizing, and re-telling bits, routines, and jokes that I have discovered. Events like 9/11 and the months that followed instilled in me the idea that one joke can change the world.
It was 9 days later, on September 20, 2001 that Jon Stewart, one of my heroes, returned to his post at the Daily Show. Before a desperate audience sat a man, beaten and broken by a horrible tragedy. But through his tears, he was able to make an audience laugh. Through his pain, he was able to instill hope that even when the sun sets, it will rise again in the morning.
This is his opening monologue that night.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| September 11, 2001 | ||||
| ||||
"It's a country that allows open satire, and I know that sounds basic. And it sounds as though it goes without saying. But that's really what this whole situation is about. It's the difference between closed and open."
"This attacked happened. It is not a dream. But the aftermath, is a dream realized."
The idea of "too soon" cannot exist. We cannot let a tragedy live only as that. We have comedy to help us get by. We have comedy to help get past the harsh memories of our past by finding bright sides and silver linings. If you can't find humor in tragedy then it becomes impossible to bear. We have to enjoy what pieces of that dark time we can. We take the darkness of pain and despair, and find touches of color so it's not so painful to look back on. Even if we can't get over it, we can still get by.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Brett Favre - Really?
Brett Favre in his hay day vs. Brett Farve in 2009
I've loved watching Brett Favre ever since I was a little kid. He's the type of player that always played to win and was in it for the love of the game. He played a game the day after his father died and had one of the best games of his career and has earned the love and respect of every football fan in Wisconsin.
That being said, he needs to stop. The man with the most Touchdowns (and interceptions) of any QB in history just announced that he may be returning to the NFL this upcoming season despite his announcement at the beginning of the off-season assuring the NFL that the silver fox would not be returning.
There's something to be said about the resilience of older professional athletes. It's great to see a man in his late 30s and early 40s playing with the younger kids. Football is not one of the sports where this makes sense though. The average shelf life for an NFL player is 3 years. Favre is hitting 18 years if he continues with the Minnesota Vikings this year. His last season was mediocre, and it appears as if he's trying to prove something to the younger players. If he's hurt, he refuses to sit out. If he's thrown 3 picks, he continues to play. I don't care how many people he puts in seats. If he's not winning games, is it worth wasting space under your salary cap for a mediocre older player? I say no. Hang up the Jersey Brett. I loved watching you in the past, but it's just becoming sad.
I've loved watching Brett Favre ever since I was a little kid. He's the type of player that always played to win and was in it for the love of the game. He played a game the day after his father died and had one of the best games of his career and has earned the love and respect of every football fan in Wisconsin.
That being said, he needs to stop. The man with the most Touchdowns (and interceptions) of any QB in history just announced that he may be returning to the NFL this upcoming season despite his announcement at the beginning of the off-season assuring the NFL that the silver fox would not be returning.
There's something to be said about the resilience of older professional athletes. It's great to see a man in his late 30s and early 40s playing with the younger kids. Football is not one of the sports where this makes sense though. The average shelf life for an NFL player is 3 years. Favre is hitting 18 years if he continues with the Minnesota Vikings this year. His last season was mediocre, and it appears as if he's trying to prove something to the younger players. If he's hurt, he refuses to sit out. If he's thrown 3 picks, he continues to play. I don't care how many people he puts in seats. If he's not winning games, is it worth wasting space under your salary cap for a mediocre older player? I say no. Hang up the Jersey Brett. I loved watching you in the past, but it's just becoming sad.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Early Pixar Animation
This is "Pixar's" first animation. It was created at the Lucasfilm animation headquarters, but Willam Reeves, John Lasseter, and a few other Pixar animators were on that team. Think of the video games, cartoons, and movies that were created in the 80's. This is the year that Miami Vice and Punky Brewster (reoccuring topic i guess) came out. The fact that this type of animation was even possible is unbelievable. Just imagine the computers they had to work with for this. The Apple IIe had JUST come out the year before.
These were the best video game graphics available then.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Beatles Rock Band... worth it?
This game truly looks incredible. I will in no way deny them that. The graphics are unbelievable and any true fan of the beatles (movies and all) will adore this trailer.
My problem lies within the premise of the game. Rock Band has been a game aimed at expanding what Guitar Hero started. They added the drums and vocals to spawn new elements to the game play. For that, we are grateful.
However, the fun part of the game lies in all of the different music that is available. We get to play rap, rock, pop, classic rock, indie. Anything we want is available. While, yes, the Beatles repertoire is one of the greatest song catalogues of all time, they are simply one band. The Aerosmith Guitar Hero package (filled with some of the great classic/glam rock guitar riffs of the past 30 years) did not do well, falling far short of its universal counterparts.
The other issue can be found in the simplicity of most Beatles songs. In Rock Band, you keep building up to playing harder and harder songs until the penultimate finger killers. The difficulty and probability of failure adds to the tension and eventual release when completed. The Beatles were not very good at their instruments. Paul could write a decent bass line, and George's guitar parts sounded great but there's no challenge involved. John Lennon just played along most of the time and Ringo shouldn't dignify any insults. They were four guys that could write well and harmonize better. There are no face melting solos to challenge you into the wee hours of the night. No syncopated drum beats to destroy your motor capabilities. No wild vocal riffs, incapable of being reached.
To its merit, Beatles Rock Band will get more people into the franchise and will involve older people into the gaming world. This is always a great service to the gaming community. I'm excited to see how this does in the mainstream and how well the hardcore gamers trash it, and the casual gamers glorify it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fame - a short play
Here is the recently released trailer for the upcoming remake of Fame
Much like every other movie/tv show in this genre (Save The Last Dance, Glee, Camp, High School Musical.... um... Dirty Dancing perhaps?) you can break down the entire plot into a short dialogue between one of the students and those mean old adults.
ADULT (In a Jerry Orbach manner): You'll never make it!
STUDENT: Why not?
ADULT: Because you're different (and/or your sport scholarship will be jeopardized).
STUDENT: But that's why I am great... that is why I NEED to succeed.
ADULT: You're right. Here's a comically large commendation for your actions. In fact, I think I'll join in, then catch myself in front of my esteemed colleagues, frown for a moment, then shyly smile.
Don't get me wrong. I love these movies. Let's just see one where they fail. Maybe the brilliant minds that produced South Park will do one. What? They produced Hamlet 2? DAMNIT!
Much like every other movie/tv show in this genre (Save The Last Dance, Glee, Camp, High School Musical.... um... Dirty Dancing perhaps?) you can break down the entire plot into a short dialogue between one of the students and those mean old adults.
ADULT (In a Jerry Orbach manner): You'll never make it!
STUDENT: Why not?
ADULT: Because you're different (and/or your sport scholarship will be jeopardized).
STUDENT: But that's why I am great... that is why I NEED to succeed.
ADULT: You're right. Here's a comically large commendation for your actions. In fact, I think I'll join in, then catch myself in front of my esteemed colleagues, frown for a moment, then shyly smile.
Don't get me wrong. I love these movies. Let's just see one where they fail. Maybe the brilliant minds that produced South Park will do one. What? They produced Hamlet 2? DAMNIT!
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