David Copperfield, illusionist to the stars, has recently been accused of rape. And now the FBI is storming his "compound." They found, among other things 2 million dollars in cash.
Two questions arise:
1. Who in the hell has 2 million in cash?
(1 addendum: I want to be that person)
2. Why is the FBI investigating a rape? Because the accused is a celebrity? Because of jurisdictional cross-overs? I'd love to know, truly.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Please Examine the Following
Sadly, I had hoped to present a battle of two trailers. However, I can only do this.
Imagine a trailer devoid of comedy, detailing almost every moment of dull, vapid humor in, ironically, a soon-to-be release comedy.
I couldn't find the above trailer.
Now imagine a trailer full of wit and charm, edited and paced so well that even if the plot (cautiously detailed, but never so much that the entire show is given away even though we all know where it's going anyway) didn't appeal, one just be enticed to venture forth to the movie being advertised.
Now I could find this one:
Surprisingly, both trailers I urged you to imagine advertise the same movie, Dan in Real Life. The first trailer I saw on TV a few months ago and thought, "Oh God, Steve, what are you doing?!" The second trailer I saw last night in theatre and thought, "Steve, where've you been all my life. You were funny, poignant and deliciously edited. I want to see Dan in Real Life!"
I also had to think to myself, "I want to see a movie with Dane Cook it."
Fingers crossed there's still a God.
Imagine a trailer devoid of comedy, detailing almost every moment of dull, vapid humor in, ironically, a soon-to-be release comedy.
I couldn't find the above trailer.
Now imagine a trailer full of wit and charm, edited and paced so well that even if the plot (cautiously detailed, but never so much that the entire show is given away even though we all know where it's going anyway) didn't appeal, one just be enticed to venture forth to the movie being advertised.
Now I could find this one:
Surprisingly, both trailers I urged you to imagine advertise the same movie, Dan in Real Life. The first trailer I saw on TV a few months ago and thought, "Oh God, Steve, what are you doing?!" The second trailer I saw last night in theatre and thought, "Steve, where've you been all my life. You were funny, poignant and deliciously edited. I want to see Dan in Real Life!"
I also had to think to myself, "I want to see a movie with Dane Cook it."
Fingers crossed there's still a God.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Abortion as Contraception
I was recently reminded of a statement a friend of mine made. She said, and I quote: "I hate the fact that some people use abortion as a form of contraception." At the time, I didn't give the comment much thought at all. As it was made within a debate I was only listening to, I only noted it and passed right on by. However, now that it's come once again to my attention and I can actually think about it (when I first heard the comment, I was just slightly sauced), I am struck by the stupidity of it.
Here's my logic: I guarantee that no woman would ever, EVER choose to ignore condoms or birth control in favor of always having abortion as a nice out, tucked away in a secret pocket. Granted that in these oh-so-hedonistic times of ours, both sexes are flippant about sex, assuming the condom, the birth control pill, or the morning-after pill will all or selectively combine to form one great super power that will deny the unwanted/unplanned baby's existence. And, within that casual manner (indeed, casual may just be the much more appropriate word here when it comes to describing our society's views regarding sex), abortion is seen as a stop-gap. They take their precaution. They still have their sex. ('Cause it is good, oh so very good.) Something happens, they take care of it if they want to (and if it is truly an it). Morality aside, logic reigns. Logic that is allowed existence in our world.
And yet the statement in question is still made with conviction: "I hate the fact that some people use abortion as a form of contraception."
The person who made this statement is absolutely right, there are some people who use abortion as a form of contraception. Yet I'd wager those people are the ones who don't have the money for reliable sorts of contraception (birth control), the education to know what sorts of contraception are available or even how to use them if procured (birth control is complicated and condoms are...scary), or were raised in a culture that views sex and everything associated with it (contraception) as evil.
Hormones are powerful. Kids will have sex. It's hot, it's sexy, sticky, weird, fun, awkward, and they will have it.
Teach your kid to appreciate the power and the meaning behind sex. That it's important and meaningful. But, for God's sake (really), teach them to be careful.
Sexual organs get aroused. A hand goes here, a hand goes there. Something slips, something gets pulled. And the sex will take place. Wouldn't it be better they be prepared?
"Don't have sex little Bobby. But let's be real, little Susie is a hot little number, here's a condom. If it happens, it happens. Be careful, be honest."
"Don't have sex little Susie. But let's be real, Bobby's quite a catch and, well, he seems quite the big kid. You guys are dating, here's a pill I think you should take. Be careful and let us know how things are going."
"Sarah? Sarah, you like Susie? You've got such good taste, honey. You take so much after your mother."
(Lesbians just have it right.)
Wouldn't it be better if everyone had the education and the available funds to be as well prepared as we all think the kids in this society are? Condoms are free, but who teaches both little boys and girls how to use them? I know my University has some pretty fun sex ed classes. But, the kids we're worried about largely aren't at my University. And those who are at my University are the ones picketing the sex ed class, holding up pictures of feti (the plural of fetuses, in my book).
Getting kids the education and the money needed to be prepared in a world full of sex will first happen through the government - though we, as well-informed constituents, have to elect the right people for that job. However, breaking the stranglehold that certain religions *cough*Christianity*cough* have over everyone within their grasp happens somewhere much further down the line. God only knows where it is (I'm positive He does), but for the changes we hope for in the government to take effect universally, the break has to happen.
Abortion is only used as a form of contraception because we, as a nation crippled by misguided and misinterpreted Christian morals that began the definition of our history, cannot escape a history so grossly misunderstood today. We need to fund education. We need universal access and education.
What part of "be in the world but not of the world" do these people not understand?
Here's my logic: I guarantee that no woman would ever, EVER choose to ignore condoms or birth control in favor of always having abortion as a nice out, tucked away in a secret pocket. Granted that in these oh-so-hedonistic times of ours, both sexes are flippant about sex, assuming the condom, the birth control pill, or the morning-after pill will all or selectively combine to form one great super power that will deny the unwanted/unplanned baby's existence. And, within that casual manner (indeed, casual may just be the much more appropriate word here when it comes to describing our society's views regarding sex), abortion is seen as a stop-gap. They take their precaution. They still have their sex. ('Cause it is good, oh so very good.) Something happens, they take care of it if they want to (and if it is truly an it). Morality aside, logic reigns. Logic that is allowed existence in our world.
And yet the statement in question is still made with conviction: "I hate the fact that some people use abortion as a form of contraception."
The person who made this statement is absolutely right, there are some people who use abortion as a form of contraception. Yet I'd wager those people are the ones who don't have the money for reliable sorts of contraception (birth control), the education to know what sorts of contraception are available or even how to use them if procured (birth control is complicated and condoms are...scary), or were raised in a culture that views sex and everything associated with it (contraception) as evil.
Hormones are powerful. Kids will have sex. It's hot, it's sexy, sticky, weird, fun, awkward, and they will have it.
Teach your kid to appreciate the power and the meaning behind sex. That it's important and meaningful. But, for God's sake (really), teach them to be careful.
Sexual organs get aroused. A hand goes here, a hand goes there. Something slips, something gets pulled. And the sex will take place. Wouldn't it be better they be prepared?
"Don't have sex little Bobby. But let's be real, little Susie is a hot little number, here's a condom. If it happens, it happens. Be careful, be honest."
"Don't have sex little Susie. But let's be real, Bobby's quite a catch and, well, he seems quite the big kid. You guys are dating, here's a pill I think you should take. Be careful and let us know how things are going."
"Sarah? Sarah, you like Susie? You've got such good taste, honey. You take so much after your mother."
(Lesbians just have it right.)
Wouldn't it be better if everyone had the education and the available funds to be as well prepared as we all think the kids in this society are? Condoms are free, but who teaches both little boys and girls how to use them? I know my University has some pretty fun sex ed classes. But, the kids we're worried about largely aren't at my University. And those who are at my University are the ones picketing the sex ed class, holding up pictures of feti (the plural of fetuses, in my book).
Getting kids the education and the money needed to be prepared in a world full of sex will first happen through the government - though we, as well-informed constituents, have to elect the right people for that job. However, breaking the stranglehold that certain religions *cough*Christianity*cough* have over everyone within their grasp happens somewhere much further down the line. God only knows where it is (I'm positive He does), but for the changes we hope for in the government to take effect universally, the break has to happen.
Abortion is only used as a form of contraception because we, as a nation crippled by misguided and misinterpreted Christian morals that began the definition of our history, cannot escape a history so grossly misunderstood today. We need to fund education. We need universal access and education.
What part of "be in the world but not of the world" do these people not understand?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
Exciting MNF!
I am getting all excited about a football game.
A football game I'm watching over the internet.
Well...not watching. Reading a streaming blog. This is what one does for Fantasy Football. Boring? Nay!
I came out of my Sunday matchup down by a measly 3 points. I had nothing to fear with 3 players in tonight's game: Dallas Cowboys vs. the Buffalo Bills. And those three players were on the undefeated Cowboys - the electric quarterback Tony Romo, stalwart running back Marion Barber III and decent receiver Crayton.
AND, to cap it all off, my opponent had no players in tonight's game. I was assured the win. By many, many points!
However, my goodness, however!
I come off of a conversation with my girl and discover this staggering statistic: Tony Romo has 5 interceptions and a fumble. This puts me 12 points in the hole (each give-away is negative two points). And with only meager yardage and one touchdown between my 3 players, this situations puts me in a very tenuous lead over my stagnant opponent. Not to mention the fact that the Cowboys are about to be shocked by the upset Bills. Also not to mention that two of Romo's give-aways come in the fourth quarter, both on sure-scoring drives.
But how's this for a finish? Dallas is down by eight points and with 25 seconds left to go in the game scores a touchdown to cut the Bills' lead to 2 (all the while adding to my TD and yardage point gains, wahoo!). Dallas then attempts a two-point conversion which is no good! But how no-good was it? Terrell Owens, receiver to the stars (haha), has the conversion, but the ball is stripped away by a Bills defender. Dallas is still losing by 2.
Dallas then kicks off but attempts the onside kick and gets it back! Romo marches the Cowboys (adding up his wonderful yardage total, might I add) and just barely gets the ball down within reasonable field goal range with 2 seconds left to go. A rookie kicker, Folk, comes on and nails the winning field goal!!
But Buffalo called a timeout right before the kick!
So, Folk comes out AGAIN and nails the winning field goal....AGAIN!!
I win, Cowboys win. Buffalo...well, they lose. The poor Bills, they can never do anything quite right. ...but Tony Romo sure can. Boy howdy.
This is the wonderful thing about Fantasy Football: peaks interest in otherwise uninteresting games. I would have read about this game in tomorrow's papers. But now I followed the excitement in as live a fashion as I could manage. And I'll be aching to see this game, somehow.
Awesome.
I'm going to bed after geeking all over the place. Cleanup tomorrow.
A football game I'm watching over the internet.
Well...not watching. Reading a streaming blog. This is what one does for Fantasy Football. Boring? Nay!
I came out of my Sunday matchup down by a measly 3 points. I had nothing to fear with 3 players in tonight's game: Dallas Cowboys vs. the Buffalo Bills. And those three players were on the undefeated Cowboys - the electric quarterback Tony Romo, stalwart running back Marion Barber III and decent receiver Crayton.
AND, to cap it all off, my opponent had no players in tonight's game. I was assured the win. By many, many points!
However, my goodness, however!
I come off of a conversation with my girl and discover this staggering statistic: Tony Romo has 5 interceptions and a fumble. This puts me 12 points in the hole (each give-away is negative two points). And with only meager yardage and one touchdown between my 3 players, this situations puts me in a very tenuous lead over my stagnant opponent. Not to mention the fact that the Cowboys are about to be shocked by the upset Bills. Also not to mention that two of Romo's give-aways come in the fourth quarter, both on sure-scoring drives.
But how's this for a finish? Dallas is down by eight points and with 25 seconds left to go in the game scores a touchdown to cut the Bills' lead to 2 (all the while adding to my TD and yardage point gains, wahoo!). Dallas then attempts a two-point conversion which is no good! But how no-good was it? Terrell Owens, receiver to the stars (haha), has the conversion, but the ball is stripped away by a Bills defender. Dallas is still losing by 2.
Dallas then kicks off but attempts the onside kick and gets it back! Romo marches the Cowboys (adding up his wonderful yardage total, might I add) and just barely gets the ball down within reasonable field goal range with 2 seconds left to go. A rookie kicker, Folk, comes on and nails the winning field goal!!
But Buffalo called a timeout right before the kick!
So, Folk comes out AGAIN and nails the winning field goal....AGAIN!!
I win, Cowboys win. Buffalo...well, they lose. The poor Bills, they can never do anything quite right. ...but Tony Romo sure can. Boy howdy.
This is the wonderful thing about Fantasy Football: peaks interest in otherwise uninteresting games. I would have read about this game in tomorrow's papers. But now I followed the excitement in as live a fashion as I could manage. And I'll be aching to see this game, somehow.
Awesome.
I'm going to bed after geeking all over the place. Cleanup tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Death by Mosquitoes
The crazy thing about summertime in the south the hordes of mosquitoes come rolling on by. In my youth they were but an annoyance. Yet now they are harbingers of death.
Well, at least harbingers of death for birds and horses. Maybe cows and other four legged animals two. Though, I do believe the thing has killed people in the past. Or given them nasty stomach aches. So despite the sound logical reality that I am quite the healthy young man, I cannot help but wonder if, every time I step outdoors, winged death might be flying towards me.
It might be the second day of October, but glory be to North Carolina, it is 82 degrees at the time of 10:32 PM. And whilst reclining outside, reading my pulpy fiction, no less that 10 mosquitoes had their way with me.
During each one of those buys I pondered that one, if not all, of those flying monsters might be carrying my death in their fangs...proboscis...probosci?
I think of death, rub my bite(s), and continue reading.
Well, at least harbingers of death for birds and horses. Maybe cows and other four legged animals two. Though, I do believe the thing has killed people in the past. Or given them nasty stomach aches. So despite the sound logical reality that I am quite the healthy young man, I cannot help but wonder if, every time I step outdoors, winged death might be flying towards me.
It might be the second day of October, but glory be to North Carolina, it is 82 degrees at the time of 10:32 PM. And whilst reclining outside, reading my pulpy fiction, no less that 10 mosquitoes had their way with me.
During each one of those buys I pondered that one, if not all, of those flying monsters might be carrying my death in their fangs...proboscis...probosci?
I think of death, rub my bite(s), and continue reading.
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