Nov 27, 2009
So Starts the Year of the Bastard: A Look at My Depression and Its End
I've been out of it for a while, all year come to think of it. I've been waiting I suppose, getting steam back, getting on track once again. These past couple months, (okay, august to october) have been pretty fucking tough for me, and the rare occasion this year is November thus far has been my best month. That's normally not strange but for years November for me has been this ominous thing because it's the last full punch in the face from the year. Seriously, most things happen to me in November, I can't explain it. Seasonal depression, confusion, friends getting mugged, losing friends, fights, you name it, chances are it happens to me between the dates of November First and Thirtieth; this year though things have changed in a big way. There's going to be a lot of changes for the better, finally some bloody progress for once. Keep on checking back dear readers, all two of you, it's going to be worth it folks. These next 365 days are going to be The Year of the Bastard.
Nov 24, 2009
A Rare Moment of Optimism
Often I, like many others my age, look at past generations and eras, the events that happened world wide, and feel my generation fell, well, short. We have no great wars, depressions, labor or civil movements, or even music that will alter the world for centuries to come. When I've soaked this in I look at science and technology from the future and believe I'm not going to be there for interstellar travel, non fossil fueled cars let alone flying ones, and cures for cancer and aids. I feel like my generation is stuck in a limbo between two great ages. It's frustrating really, I'm too late for hobos but too early for lightsabers. All the innovations now are stepping stones to bigger things. It is this very idea that gets me thinking, maybe I didn't miss out after all.
I was born in 1987, since then the Berlin Wall fell, hip hop became mainstream, and several small businesses have risen to immense power and choked the life out of Main St., USA. In the past twenty years there have been two unpopular wars in the same region, World Trade collapsed (figuratively and physically), the Internet has taken over and brought forth the rise of independent journalism, and the first black president has been signed into office.
After I contemplate this I then think about what I will see. In the next ten years I am going to first hand experience the death of the newspaper and tiny solar panels that can stay underground and collect energy via a fiber optic wire that are up to six times more efficient than conventional solid panels. We are going to see a rise in fuel efficient cars, Terabytes of data stored on a hair, processors that work almost as quickly as the human mind, and even LED Light Tattoos that glow and shift with the body.
As far as movements there is a very important civil rights movement really taking hold. The Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement grows every day in this country; the demonstrations this autumn alone shows us this and the fervor just keeps on thriving. Race relations, though still not where they should be, are improving every day as well. On top of all this one of the largest revolutions ever in world history, the Information Revolution is in full swing. With internet and mobile technology, ideas, facts, and beliefs are spreading faster than ever. This leads to people all over the world really seeing the truth out there and they're getting pissed.
It's always been easy for me to be cynical, optimism though, especially for society and the human race in its whole entirety has been seemingly lost for quite some time. I now see though what all those folk singers from the 60s I love so much saw, and in turn what the Folk and Blues singers saw in the 20s and 30s. The world is a constantly changing place, and though times can be tough and bleak, dig a bit deeper for that vein of excitement and wonder, and you will see that progress really is coming, and it's just a matter of when the movements of today turn from glaciers to avalanches.
-Jonny Gonzo
I was born in 1987, since then the Berlin Wall fell, hip hop became mainstream, and several small businesses have risen to immense power and choked the life out of Main St., USA. In the past twenty years there have been two unpopular wars in the same region, World Trade collapsed (figuratively and physically), the Internet has taken over and brought forth the rise of independent journalism, and the first black president has been signed into office.
After I contemplate this I then think about what I will see. In the next ten years I am going to first hand experience the death of the newspaper and tiny solar panels that can stay underground and collect energy via a fiber optic wire that are up to six times more efficient than conventional solid panels. We are going to see a rise in fuel efficient cars, Terabytes of data stored on a hair, processors that work almost as quickly as the human mind, and even LED Light Tattoos that glow and shift with the body.
As far as movements there is a very important civil rights movement really taking hold. The Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement grows every day in this country; the demonstrations this autumn alone shows us this and the fervor just keeps on thriving. Race relations, though still not where they should be, are improving every day as well. On top of all this one of the largest revolutions ever in world history, the Information Revolution is in full swing. With internet and mobile technology, ideas, facts, and beliefs are spreading faster than ever. This leads to people all over the world really seeing the truth out there and they're getting pissed.
It's always been easy for me to be cynical, optimism though, especially for society and the human race in its whole entirety has been seemingly lost for quite some time. I now see though what all those folk singers from the 60s I love so much saw, and in turn what the Folk and Blues singers saw in the 20s and 30s. The world is a constantly changing place, and though times can be tough and bleak, dig a bit deeper for that vein of excitement and wonder, and you will see that progress really is coming, and it's just a matter of when the movements of today turn from glaciers to avalanches.
-Jonny Gonzo
Nov 3, 2009
It is better to try and to fail than not try at all
That last post was on a low night. Since then some things have come up that have changed my perspective on my little journey. Sure, I made mistakes, and sure I'm paying for them, but why give up? I try not to look up to sports stars and teams, but a perfect example of this has been the Philadelphia Phillies in this arduous World Series. Down 1-3 games against the Evil Empire that is the NY Yankees, the other night they went on the field, and despite problems, won the game 8 to 6. They are now down by only one game and stand a chance at winning the world series despite great odds against them. They may be losing still but they're doing it with style and are still striving.
Little stories like this are the things that I should take into thought and consideration. I'm going through a stressful period right now, but I've been there before, we all have. I just need to stop getting so down on myself and try to look at things differently. So, followers of the Gonzo, I am apologizing for my recent shit headedness, I assure you things are just going to keep on getting better from here on out.
- Jonny Gonzo
Little stories like this are the things that I should take into thought and consideration. I'm going through a stressful period right now, but I've been there before, we all have. I just need to stop getting so down on myself and try to look at things differently. So, followers of the Gonzo, I am apologizing for my recent shit headedness, I assure you things are just going to keep on getting better from here on out.
- Jonny Gonzo
Oct 30, 2009
Lamentations of an Introspective Bastard
Every day as I walk the four miles to work, I can't help but think of what I am, where I've been, and what do I want to do. Has my life really grown so dull that the only company I have is my own thoughts and regrets? I've done a lot of shitty things, never to anyone but to myself. I've made mistakes as anyone does but for some reason I can't help but think of my mistakes as grave. When I turned 18 I wanted to get out of the comfort zone of the town and area I grew up in. Without regard to the people I was leaving behind I fled, yes, fled, to Chicago. I was comfortable, I met several people I'd risk it all for, but six months later I fled again to Philadelphia. Four years and 76 grand in debt later, what do I have to show for it besides burnt bridges and broken promises? I spend my days like any other working stiff just trying to make ends meet, no degree, and increasingly it seems no future. Don't get me wrong, those who I have met and befriended along this path I would never want to forget. This is why it's hard for me, my experiences and the solid people I have met are what keep me from totally regretting my course of actions, but I can't help to think "what if?" What if I stayed in Chicago, what if I didn't even leave for Chicago, what if I didn't drop out of school, and what if I actually took some goddamn initiative and got myself out of this shithole I've dug? That's the real tragedy here, I probably have every opportunity to claw through the sewage and help myself but I increasingly find that there are more blocks along the way. Perhaps this is why I left home and Chicago? I thought things were coming to a dead end and decided to flee, or maybe my mom is right in saying there is a reason for everything. Such is life I suppose, but it's hard to say that when I continuously feel that mine hasn't even started yet.
"Who is the bigger fool? The fool or the fool that follows him?"
"Who is the bigger fool? The fool or the fool that follows him?"
Oct 26, 2009
Archive '09: Despite Oppressive Heat, Phils-Yanks series gives hope for the fall
With the recent outcome of the ALCS figured I'd put this up again, this is from May shortly after the Philles/Yanks interleague series. LET THE TURNPIKE SERIES BEGIN!!!!!
Despite Oppressive Heat, Phils-Yanks series gives hope for the fall
-May 25, 2009
The summer's in swing, humidity is ungodly, and the heat is killing me, that's nothing though compared to the fireworks in the Bronx this past weekend. The Phillies ended their 8-2 marvel of a road trip at the New Yankee stadium Sunday to a mixed crowd of Phils and Yanks fans. Despite each fan's affiliation though one thing was on everyone's mind "what a hell of a series." The bats were swinging and despite Lidge's problems both bullpens were on top of their game. You know it was a fantastic couple games when the losing teams fans are even saying "damn that was good."
Is this a sign of things to come? I hope so. Both teams were so equally matched that two out of three games came down to the 9th (and in sunday's case the 10th and 11th.) The working man's ball club showed the nation that they can stand up to the best team money can buy and in turn millions of viewers were able to see some real serious ball being played. Trust me when I say this series made me look forward to more from the team I grew up to love to hate and I hope they make it to the post season, even if it's just to see the Phillies beat them.
Despite Oppressive Heat, Phils-Yanks series gives hope for the fall
-May 25, 2009
The summer's in swing, humidity is ungodly, and the heat is killing me, that's nothing though compared to the fireworks in the Bronx this past weekend. The Phillies ended their 8-2 marvel of a road trip at the New Yankee stadium Sunday to a mixed crowd of Phils and Yanks fans. Despite each fan's affiliation though one thing was on everyone's mind "what a hell of a series." The bats were swinging and despite Lidge's problems both bullpens were on top of their game. You know it was a fantastic couple games when the losing teams fans are even saying "damn that was good."
Is this a sign of things to come? I hope so. Both teams were so equally matched that two out of three games came down to the 9th (and in sunday's case the 10th and 11th.) The working man's ball club showed the nation that they can stand up to the best team money can buy and in turn millions of viewers were able to see some real serious ball being played. Trust me when I say this series made me look forward to more from the team I grew up to love to hate and I hope they make it to the post season, even if it's just to see the Phillies beat them.
Oct 20, 2009
Severed Thumbs: Where the Wild Things Are
Initially "Severed Thumbs" was just going to be for horror movies, but I couldn't think of any other rating system so I'm going to keep with it. As always, I don't know much about film so these reviews are based on pure observation.
I went into Where the Wild Things Are with a couple things to expect. Beautiful landscapes and effects, Spike Jonze, and the expansion of a ten sentence children's book into a two hour movie. I also heard two people's takes on it, one said boring as hell, the other said it was really good. So I insisted on seeing it for myself. It starts out with Max chasing his dog then it goes to him playing in the snow, annoying his big sister, and having her friends get carried away and crushing his soul and his igloo. There's more padding where we see Max's family life, his single mom trying to get it on, and then him being a brat and running away, first quarter of the movie done, now onto the Island.
We first see the wild things bickering amongst themselves because Carol {the main monster?} is destroying their homes. He's blaming everyone for not being there for him and he's all alone. Max relates, helps Carol destroy homes, and then almost gets eaten by the Wild Things before he convinces them he's a king. Then we get a big fun monster romp and everyone falls asleep in a big pile, but not before Max meets K.W. the monster who pissed off Carol because she has new friends. K.W. is a voice of reason in the otherwise hectic world of caricatures of different moods and types of children. Then we are introduced to the rest of the Wild Things before Carol and Max tour the kingdom in a huge montage to hip, Karen O stylings, Second Quarter of Movie and first half done.
Second half starts with Carol showing Max his secret place and giant diorama including miniatures of all the Wild Things. At this moment I was expecting Judge Frollo to come in but instead Max and Carol decide to make a huge fortress and playground where everyone will be happy. Construction goes great, everyone's happy and... MONTAGE!!! At this moment, Max and K.W. have been getting closer and Max is having doubts about this King Business so She takes Max to see her two muppets...i mean...friends. They "talk" and K.W. brings her friends back with them. Carol gets jealous and so ends 3/4 of the movie.
Last 1/4 of the movie hell breaks loose. There's a dirt clod war turned sour, The Wild Things get restless, Max admits he's not a king, and Carol goes crazy. The Kingdom Crumbles, Max decides to go home, and I'm getting exhausted just writing this, end credits.
It's not that this was a bad movie. It was beautifully done, the imagery was fantastic, and it had some good messages. The Wild Things were personifications of all of Max's lesser qualities and he learned to cope with his own feelings in seeing these things act foolish. The biggest weakness of this movie (besides Karen O's ear piercing Warble) was it's length. Those very same messages the movie conveyed in 2 hours it could have more effectively conveyed in 90 minutes. This movie's saving graces were it's imagery and it's ability to dig deep into the soul and bring out the darker sides of child hood. Growing up I didn't have many friends. I lived in the woods, and when I moved out of the woods and to Jersey I just felt out of place. I didn't find anywhere to fit in until my Senior Year of High School. This movie brought back those feelings of loneliness and confusion. When most people say they feel like a kid again they remember summers from school, fun with friends, and not having a care. I think of feeling out of place, questioning everything, and an unparalleled awkwardness toward the world around me, and that's why I give this movie 4 out of 6 Severed Thumbs.
I went into Where the Wild Things Are with a couple things to expect. Beautiful landscapes and effects, Spike Jonze, and the expansion of a ten sentence children's book into a two hour movie. I also heard two people's takes on it, one said boring as hell, the other said it was really good. So I insisted on seeing it for myself. It starts out with Max chasing his dog then it goes to him playing in the snow, annoying his big sister, and having her friends get carried away and crushing his soul and his igloo. There's more padding where we see Max's family life, his single mom trying to get it on, and then him being a brat and running away, first quarter of the movie done, now onto the Island.
We first see the wild things bickering amongst themselves because Carol {the main monster?} is destroying their homes. He's blaming everyone for not being there for him and he's all alone. Max relates, helps Carol destroy homes, and then almost gets eaten by the Wild Things before he convinces them he's a king. Then we get a big fun monster romp and everyone falls asleep in a big pile, but not before Max meets K.W. the monster who pissed off Carol because she has new friends. K.W. is a voice of reason in the otherwise hectic world of caricatures of different moods and types of children. Then we are introduced to the rest of the Wild Things before Carol and Max tour the kingdom in a huge montage to hip, Karen O stylings, Second Quarter of Movie and first half done.
Second half starts with Carol showing Max his secret place and giant diorama including miniatures of all the Wild Things. At this moment I was expecting Judge Frollo to come in but instead Max and Carol decide to make a huge fortress and playground where everyone will be happy. Construction goes great, everyone's happy and... MONTAGE!!! At this moment, Max and K.W. have been getting closer and Max is having doubts about this King Business so She takes Max to see her two muppets...i mean...friends. They "talk" and K.W. brings her friends back with them. Carol gets jealous and so ends 3/4 of the movie.
Last 1/4 of the movie hell breaks loose. There's a dirt clod war turned sour, The Wild Things get restless, Max admits he's not a king, and Carol goes crazy. The Kingdom Crumbles, Max decides to go home, and I'm getting exhausted just writing this, end credits.
It's not that this was a bad movie. It was beautifully done, the imagery was fantastic, and it had some good messages. The Wild Things were personifications of all of Max's lesser qualities and he learned to cope with his own feelings in seeing these things act foolish. The biggest weakness of this movie (besides Karen O's ear piercing Warble) was it's length. Those very same messages the movie conveyed in 2 hours it could have more effectively conveyed in 90 minutes. This movie's saving graces were it's imagery and it's ability to dig deep into the soul and bring out the darker sides of child hood. Growing up I didn't have many friends. I lived in the woods, and when I moved out of the woods and to Jersey I just felt out of place. I didn't find anywhere to fit in until my Senior Year of High School. This movie brought back those feelings of loneliness and confusion. When most people say they feel like a kid again they remember summers from school, fun with friends, and not having a care. I think of feeling out of place, questioning everything, and an unparalleled awkwardness toward the world around me, and that's why I give this movie 4 out of 6 Severed Thumbs.
Oct 7, 2009
Severed Thumbs: Zombieland
So before I start I'm going to just get some things straight. I know very little about film, my reviews are based on what I see and what I like and nothing else. My rating system is based off of what I perceive; as a disclaimer *and anyone who has known me long or well enough will agree to this* take whatever I say with a whole bloody shaker of salt. Now that that's done, ZOMBIELAND!
Okay so I'm going to start with the first 10 minutes of the movie and my experiences and go from there.
"cool, i like where this is headed. It takes place 2 months after the zombie apocalypse, I like the main character's rules."
*"For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica starts to play, opening credits start*
"...this is fucking bangarang."
That said, Zombieland is a movie about 4 people who meet up in a post-apocalyptic world run by zombies. How they meet up? I refuse to say, there's going to be a lot of that in this review. So take "Wristcutters: A love Story", "Shaun of the Dead", and Woody Harrelson being a complete fucking bad ass and you have Zombieland. The Horror is there, the comedy is a nice after thought, and the movie is fantastically made and on such a small budget. The Make up effects are pretty standard for the zombie genre but there's one thing this movie has that others don't and that's *drum roll* FAT ZOMBIES! It makes perfect sense, dudes who can't run from a horde of flesh hungry former friends and family would be the first to go.
Now on to the characters. The narrator is Columbus, a 20 something year old shut in virgin who spent his entire life indoors. No Friends, no family, just Mountain Dew Code Red and World of Warcraft. His wits and cowardice have been his greatest assets in this Zombie World and he's survived because of them. He Meets up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who has nothing left to live for besides twinkies and the idea of he's a pro at killing zombies. They meet up with Hot Chick (Wichita) and Little Girl from "Little Miss Sunshine" (Little Rock) and there we go, buddy road comedy in the making...with zombies. Don't let this lame synopsis fool you though, this movie is a must have in any zombie collection. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is up there with Evil Dead 2 and Shaun of the Dead (actually, the director Ruben Fleischer was inspired to make "Zombieland" when he saw "Shaun of the Dead".) The characters fit so well, you have the paranoid, Caulrophobic voice of reason, the Bad ass Shit Kicker, the Crafty hot chick and her 12 going on 30 little sister. This rounds out our family that we as viewers follow the whole movie.
What I especially loved about this movie is it takes place after the Zombie Apocalypse. These are the only 4 Humans we see in this desolate wasteland the entire movie. It's not "this shit is coming down and it's heavy" it's "this shit came down, now what?" Survival horror at its finest. I laughed, I cried, and there was just the right amount of gore and jumping from my seat. 5 out of 6 Severed Thumbs.
Okay so I'm going to start with the first 10 minutes of the movie and my experiences and go from there.
"cool, i like where this is headed. It takes place 2 months after the zombie apocalypse, I like the main character's rules."
*"For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica starts to play, opening credits start*
"...this is fucking bangarang."
That said, Zombieland is a movie about 4 people who meet up in a post-apocalyptic world run by zombies. How they meet up? I refuse to say, there's going to be a lot of that in this review. So take "Wristcutters: A love Story", "Shaun of the Dead", and Woody Harrelson being a complete fucking bad ass and you have Zombieland. The Horror is there, the comedy is a nice after thought, and the movie is fantastically made and on such a small budget. The Make up effects are pretty standard for the zombie genre but there's one thing this movie has that others don't and that's *drum roll* FAT ZOMBIES! It makes perfect sense, dudes who can't run from a horde of flesh hungry former friends and family would be the first to go.
Now on to the characters. The narrator is Columbus, a 20 something year old shut in virgin who spent his entire life indoors. No Friends, no family, just Mountain Dew Code Red and World of Warcraft. His wits and cowardice have been his greatest assets in this Zombie World and he's survived because of them. He Meets up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who has nothing left to live for besides twinkies and the idea of he's a pro at killing zombies. They meet up with Hot Chick (Wichita) and Little Girl from "Little Miss Sunshine" (Little Rock) and there we go, buddy road comedy in the making...with zombies. Don't let this lame synopsis fool you though, this movie is a must have in any zombie collection. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is up there with Evil Dead 2 and Shaun of the Dead (actually, the director Ruben Fleischer was inspired to make "Zombieland" when he saw "Shaun of the Dead".) The characters fit so well, you have the paranoid, Caulrophobic voice of reason, the Bad ass Shit Kicker, the Crafty hot chick and her 12 going on 30 little sister. This rounds out our family that we as viewers follow the whole movie.
What I especially loved about this movie is it takes place after the Zombie Apocalypse. These are the only 4 Humans we see in this desolate wasteland the entire movie. It's not "this shit is coming down and it's heavy" it's "this shit came down, now what?" Survival horror at its finest. I laughed, I cried, and there was just the right amount of gore and jumping from my seat. 5 out of 6 Severed Thumbs.
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