Just watched the documentary American Teen it captured a lot of the typical stereotypes perceived in high school. The film did evoke memories of my high school experience, and the elements that make it so worthwhile but also the disturbing realities. Hannah Bailey was the spunky artsy type of girl whose genuine demeanor makes her very relatable not to mention likeable. I can't help but think that this girl will have great successes in life despite the harsh experiences faced during high school being rejected twice, and questioning her own sanity while in the midst of depression.
Watching this film also served as a grim reminder of why I intensely disliked high school. Not only was I very much like the geek, jake, portrayed in the film, but the viciousness make high school no longer a fond memory to be lifelong cherished. Needless to say there no way in hell that I'm going back to my high school reunion. I was fated an outcast. I don't resent or harbor anger for those who mistreated me in high school anymore, and I'm sure many have outgrown their cruelty. That's the beauty of it I've moved on and if anything the horrible experience that it was served to mature. I've accepted that a majority of high school sucking was my own doing, but the cliches and dynamics highlighted in the film are discouraging at times if not enraging
I may have been seen as a weirdo, but I didn't let that frame me as I got older. Later on in college after much introspection and personal struggle I realized ultimately that I do have admirable features to offer. I've got nothing to prove, but I'm grateful that I haven't let the bleakness of high school haunt me forever. Years after graduating I no longer feel characterized as a geek or outsider, and now have a greater sense self assurance. And Thank God.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Top five documentaries
Saturday, July 16, 2011
0
I've been watching rather binging on documentaries lately since I haven't been watching many this past year. I love the quirkiness and realistic moments into the hearts of the subjects that scripts will never be able to capture. In many ways documentaries show the human drama with all of its flaws, pains, and likenesses that puts their value head and shoulders above your typical hollywood movie. These are five classic documentaries that you shouldn't hesitate to watch.
1. American Movie- The funniest documentary possibly movie I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. There are so many quotable lines in this movie. The movie is about an aspiring filmmaker, Mike Borchardt, who through many difficulties from martial problems to financial debts continues to finish his horror movie "Coven" so he can eventually create his full length feature"Northwestern." The movie is much more than that though as great documentaries always have a multifaceted story. Its about dysfunctions within his family, pursuing ambitions amidst monolithic challenges, midwestern culture, and the endearing quirkiness that these people convey. The movie is surreal in how these outrageous characters compliment the films appeal whether it be his elder uncle bill whose zest for life is nonexistent or Mike Schank his lovable burnout best friend whose mannerisms will have you doubled over in laughter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy4jdzVpCV4
2. Hoop Dreams-This movie was hailed by Roger Ebert saying "A film like "Hoop Dreams" is what the movies are for. It takes us, shakes us, and make us think in new ways about the world around us." It follows two talented inner city African American basketball players William Gates and Arthur Agee throughout their high school careers. Both have the dreams of one day reaching the NBA and this dream becomes their refuge from the poverty and family upheaval around them. Its three hours long but unless you have a short attention span you will be enthralled by this one.
3. Dark Days- Not a well known documentary, but while watching this I had no doubts that this was a classic documentary. Shot in a visceral black and white film it follows some of the homeless who live in the underground railway tunnels in Manhattan. The movie shows that sense of community these people share despite their desperation, and has an uplifting ending.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpXHCRYXP7s&feature=related
4. Touching the Void- Another fairly unrecognized yet brilliant film. A combination of emotional interviews and re-enactments of two British Alpine style climbers who embark on their most difficult climb located in the Peruvian Andes. There are many interesting aspects of this film beyond the life threatening climb as both are faced with decisions that test the foundation of our character, and remains testament to our will to survive in the grimmest of circumstances even if its simply the fear of death.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slYY_YaCrY
5. Hearts and Minds- Almost forgot this gem that doubts the credibility of the Vietnam War, and also delves into the psyche of our tendency to view other cultures lesser beings. It gives a disturbing context into the war and the controversies surrounding our motivation for war. Its candid approach leaves the viewer horrified for the atrocity that was the Vietnam War. As Vietnam veteran interviewed said in summation "We've all tried very hard to escape what we have learned in Vietnam. I think Americans have worked extremely hard not to see the criminality that their officials and their policy makers exhibited."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcE6CdR60NY
Worth Mentioning
Bowling for Columbia-Possibly Michael Moore's best documentary although I'm reluctant to list him finding his work more inflammatory than useful but this is a great film. Its addressing the lack of gun control within the country and asks the important question of whether our culture is creating gun violence rather than preventing it. I feel impelled to list this because it is still a very pertinent issue within this country, and its excellent at portraying the insanity of our ideals. Its funny in a holy shit our society is crazy kind of way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglnvXzitOQ
There are many more excellent documentaries that I've failed to mention or forgot but these have left an indelible impression on me
1. American Movie- The funniest documentary possibly movie I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. There are so many quotable lines in this movie. The movie is about an aspiring filmmaker, Mike Borchardt, who through many difficulties from martial problems to financial debts continues to finish his horror movie "Coven" so he can eventually create his full length feature"Northwestern." The movie is much more than that though as great documentaries always have a multifaceted story. Its about dysfunctions within his family, pursuing ambitions amidst monolithic challenges, midwestern culture, and the endearing quirkiness that these people convey. The movie is surreal in how these outrageous characters compliment the films appeal whether it be his elder uncle bill whose zest for life is nonexistent or Mike Schank his lovable burnout best friend whose mannerisms will have you doubled over in laughter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy4jdzVpCV4
2. Hoop Dreams-This movie was hailed by Roger Ebert saying "A film like "Hoop Dreams" is what the movies are for. It takes us, shakes us, and make us think in new ways about the world around us." It follows two talented inner city African American basketball players William Gates and Arthur Agee throughout their high school careers. Both have the dreams of one day reaching the NBA and this dream becomes their refuge from the poverty and family upheaval around them. Its three hours long but unless you have a short attention span you will be enthralled by this one.
3. Dark Days- Not a well known documentary, but while watching this I had no doubts that this was a classic documentary. Shot in a visceral black and white film it follows some of the homeless who live in the underground railway tunnels in Manhattan. The movie shows that sense of community these people share despite their desperation, and has an uplifting ending.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpXHCRYXP7s&feature=related
4. Touching the Void- Another fairly unrecognized yet brilliant film. A combination of emotional interviews and re-enactments of two British Alpine style climbers who embark on their most difficult climb located in the Peruvian Andes. There are many interesting aspects of this film beyond the life threatening climb as both are faced with decisions that test the foundation of our character, and remains testament to our will to survive in the grimmest of circumstances even if its simply the fear of death.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slYY_YaCrY
5. Hearts and Minds- Almost forgot this gem that doubts the credibility of the Vietnam War, and also delves into the psyche of our tendency to view other cultures lesser beings. It gives a disturbing context into the war and the controversies surrounding our motivation for war. Its candid approach leaves the viewer horrified for the atrocity that was the Vietnam War. As Vietnam veteran interviewed said in summation "We've all tried very hard to escape what we have learned in Vietnam. I think Americans have worked extremely hard not to see the criminality that their officials and their policy makers exhibited."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcE6CdR60NY
Worth Mentioning
Bowling for Columbia-Possibly Michael Moore's best documentary although I'm reluctant to list him finding his work more inflammatory than useful but this is a great film. Its addressing the lack of gun control within the country and asks the important question of whether our culture is creating gun violence rather than preventing it. I feel impelled to list this because it is still a very pertinent issue within this country, and its excellent at portraying the insanity of our ideals. Its funny in a holy shit our society is crazy kind of way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglnvXzitOQ
There are many more excellent documentaries that I've failed to mention or forgot but these have left an indelible impression on me
Saturday, July 9, 2011
5 reasons why I don't watch porn
Saturday, July 9, 2011
0
I know too many people who watch and accept porn as a sexual outlet but here I give my timetested reasons for not watching porn
1. Bad acting the beginning scenes of a porn are cringingly awful. Most of the time there awkward scenes making watching porn all the more discouraging. Does there really need to be any story? Exhibit A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yo9CBdnYJc
2. The gratitiuty in most of the sex scenes are offensively grotesque making sex more animalistic than romantic. Its usually over the top and down right degrading. Porns are increasingly becoming more raunchy (if that is possible) trying to reach new extremes making the viewer want to repent for such ghastly images. Father forgive me for watching Cum and Cummer.
3. Fake orgasms porns are full of fake orgasms that an honest person would easily discern. They act like they just entered Nirvana or some unknown dimension of neverending orgasms. Society is sex fueled enough without these fake orgasms just watch tv. Its seems the motto is when in doubt titties!
4. Its Sleazy there is no such thing as a classy clean porn there are all icky giving a general feeling of dirtiness inside. Unless your looking at a playboy, watch any porn and there is (if you have any conscience) a scene where you think "That's not right" or "Dear lord." Theres also this exploitative nature about them thats a given, but when the guy behind the camera starts asking questions and using his unmatched charm it becomes migraine inducing. "Are you ready to be fucked?" Wow did you really need to give that introduction.
5. Misleading It gives a false idea of what sex is suppose to be like. Women are not sexual objects and they are certainly not being turned on if you treat them like your dinner. (Unless you eat fine dining) Half of the sexual acts in a porn a sensible women would castrate you and rightfully so. You should be considerate of your partner if you want it to have any lasting value. It safe to say that if you have sex like they do in most porns your relationship is lacking an interpersonal connection. I'll let Robin Williams stand up end my argument http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLNiGp8Wsvo
1. Bad acting the beginning scenes of a porn are cringingly awful. Most of the time there awkward scenes making watching porn all the more discouraging. Does there really need to be any story? Exhibit A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yo9CBdnYJc
2. The gratitiuty in most of the sex scenes are offensively grotesque making sex more animalistic than romantic. Its usually over the top and down right degrading. Porns are increasingly becoming more raunchy (if that is possible) trying to reach new extremes making the viewer want to repent for such ghastly images. Father forgive me for watching Cum and Cummer.
3. Fake orgasms porns are full of fake orgasms that an honest person would easily discern. They act like they just entered Nirvana or some unknown dimension of neverending orgasms. Society is sex fueled enough without these fake orgasms just watch tv. Its seems the motto is when in doubt titties!
4. Its Sleazy there is no such thing as a classy clean porn there are all icky giving a general feeling of dirtiness inside. Unless your looking at a playboy, watch any porn and there is (if you have any conscience) a scene where you think "That's not right" or "Dear lord." Theres also this exploitative nature about them thats a given, but when the guy behind the camera starts asking questions and using his unmatched charm it becomes migraine inducing. "Are you ready to be fucked?" Wow did you really need to give that introduction.
5. Misleading It gives a false idea of what sex is suppose to be like. Women are not sexual objects and they are certainly not being turned on if you treat them like your dinner. (Unless you eat fine dining) Half of the sexual acts in a porn a sensible women would castrate you and rightfully so. You should be considerate of your partner if you want it to have any lasting value. It safe to say that if you have sex like they do in most porns your relationship is lacking an interpersonal connection. I'll let Robin Williams stand up end my argument http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLNiGp8Wsvo
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
10 reasons why you might be a brainwashed zombie
Friday, July 1, 2011
0
1. You stare blankly completely space out for an extended period of time
2. You watch are excited when "So you think you can dance" appears on the tv
3. A majority of your thoughts center around "I'd have sex with her/him"
4. Your always waiting for that next buzz or high wait a minute thats a line from intervention
5. Fox News is the biggest contributor to your beliefs granted they do have hotty anchors
6. Your conversations end in a abrupt pause
7. Believe in democracy (The country is now control by Reptilian assholes or at least according to David Icke)
8. Thought insert formulaic blockbuster here was a good movie
9. Actually think antidepressants work
10. Think the lyrics to katy perry are clever or catchy
2. You watch are excited when "So you think you can dance" appears on the tv
3. A majority of your thoughts center around "I'd have sex with her/him"
4. Your always waiting for that next buzz or high wait a minute thats a line from intervention
5. Fox News is the biggest contributor to your beliefs granted they do have hotty anchors
6. Your conversations end in a abrupt pause
7. Believe in democracy (The country is now control by Reptilian assholes or at least according to David Icke)
8. Thought insert formulaic blockbuster here was a good movie
9. Actually think antidepressants work
10. Think the lyrics to katy perry are clever or catchy
Thursday, June 30, 2011
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