My Warm Fuzzy Blanket

I watched Body of Lies a few months ago, and I remember thinking ,Wow, what a good movie.

EDIT: For those that haven't seen it yet, check it out.  While it does have many political references and insinuations, it's a ficticious tale based upon occurences in the Middle East.  Terrorism, suicide bombings, beheadings (or the threat of them), and helping the "right side" are all elements within the film.  This is juxtaposed with the politics of fighting a war while maintaining the status quo, which often times conflicts with the effectiveness of fighting to begin with.

As I perused the news this morning,  I came across this bit of news.  Quite sad it seems.

I know that living where I do, I have certain priveliges and liberties that other countries dream of. Perhaps the one overlooked is that feeling of security.  That superficial and tranparent security blanket, security that we feel we have, but often times, fail to acknowledge how quickly it can be taken away.  

I laughed in the movie when Di Caprio's character said to go ahead and shoot him, he didn't wan't his head cut off.  But the reality is that in parts of the world, this does happen.  Regularly at least. As Memorial Day came and went this past Monday, I'm thankful for the security that we do have. Because no matter what, it can  be worse.

Thank a soldier.  Thank a policeman.  But give thanks either way.

Closing Quote:  "Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions."  Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

Interesting Question #3: Why do you game?

I've been playing video games since 1983 or so.  I remember my dad buying the Magnavox Odyssey² and bringing it home.  Since then, I've gone through numerous video game systems and such. 

And that leads us to this week's question:  Why do you game?

Is it the need to conquer that level?  Do you enjoy the typical mindless platformer?  Perhaps you are part of a clan and enjoy the comeraderie? 

There's no one reason why a person should play games.  A plethora of valid reasons exists, along with those not so valid reasons.

For me, it's about getting away for a brief moment.  It's not too terribly often I play for more than an hour at a time; I can't afford to during the school year.  Summer time, it's a bit of a different story, but I still have to set an example for my boys.  

In any case, I play games that offer a challenge (any FPS right now...), has music that I enjoy (Rock Band 2!!), and makes a person think (ever played echochrome or Flower?). 

So what drives you to get your digital fix?  Comments, as always, are welcome. And don't forget to vote on the poll!

Closing quote: "Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock and roll." - Shigeru Miyamoto

Guilty Pleasures: Star Wars

Yes, it's true.  I love me some Star Wars  But then, I grew up in that era where the original trilogy was filled with magic, where you would reach out with your hand to pull something with the Force, and lightsabers were the end all to any battle.

I was reminded of my love for Stars Wars last night when I was watching Fanboys.  If you haven't seen it (and you are a fan of the Star Wars), then see if you would pass the test given in the movie (you'll see it).

I can't say I'm a hard-core fan; I've never dressed up and gone out in costume beyond Halloween.  I don't own any props.  I only have two unopened toy figures.  My son has some of the Lego toys; I've got a dozen or so books.  But I still really enjoy the whole Star Wars universe, how the characters have developed and interplay with each other.

It's not for everyone, that's for sure.  But, again, that's why it's a guilty pleasure.

P.S. - While I didn't grow up a Trekkie, I can't say I have any animosity towards Star Trek fans.  I love the new movie and Shatner is one of my fav actors.

Closing Quote: “The Dark Side of the Force is the pathway to many abilities some consider to be… Unnatural.”

Intersting Question#2: Why do you do the Blog?

I love window shopping.  Ever since I can remember, I loved walking around store, malls and such and simply previewing the possibilities for the next time gifts might be exchanged.  

My sister and I had this simple game we used to play: Pick.  We would take a good catalogue (Christmas/Winter catalogues were the best as they had the largest assortment of toys).  We would flip the pages, taking turns on picking what we considered to be the best on each page.  Sometimes, especially if you had first pick, you'd take something the other wanted just to be antagonistic.

Why did we do it?  Well, maybe because we felt like we just didn't quite have that much.  More than anything, it was cheap and entertaining fun.  We enjoyed it.

That leads us up to this week's Interesting Question:  Why do you do the Blog?  And, to be honest, it doesn't necessarly pertain to just this one.  Why do you write?  Why do you visit the blogs that you do?

Answers will vary based upon the person, but I'll go ahead and give you mine.  I write because deep down inside lurks a wannabe writer, a poseur of prose if you will.  I've written, in my humble opinion, very little of great literary value, but....I digress.  I also enjoy reading other blogs namely because they share similar interests.  Guitarz is a great one for interesting guitars and PostSecret is one that deals with real life.  They offer me a fill of things I am simply into.

So what's your reason?  Be it simple or more complex than than a typical Home Owner's Association's by-laws, share your reason.

Final Quote: "We read to know that we are not alone." - C.S. Lewis

Missed my Deadline!

I've been trying to maintain some sort of regularity on this writing thing, but sometimes life gets in the way.

Since Sunday, I've played Nerf Dart Tag (or Wars) with the boy, had numerous tickle-fests with the other boy, ridden bikes with the entire family (with other boy in tow), rocked out on guitar and on Rock Band, read half of a recommended book (The Road is quite bleak, Kris...), discussed networking in depth along with the state of the planet, spend nearly half a day (total time-wise) editing a truly bad-assed video for work (guitars, teased hair, and classic rock is about all i can say right now) and even sitting down with the wife for a nice quaint dinner (with the kids watch TV and eating french fries).

Honestly, I don't feel too guilty now that I look over the reasons why I haven't written.  This is exactly why I decided to step down as the head golf coach.  My family is a priority and I didn't uphold that truth for too long.

So here's the post.  Nothing fancy at all.  In fact, you'd be lucky to get any more hyperlinks, but I'm feeling kinda lazy right now.  I will say this: No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, take the time to simply appreciate the moment.  It truly is fleeting.

Best of it all, it doesn't meant that bad things won't happen; they will.  Take it all in stride and learn to appreciate those moments, as they impress upon us even more to inhale all our better moments.

Okay, here's a quick plug for one of my fav bands, REM.  Enjoy!

R.E.M. - New Music - More Music Videos

Final Quote: "...That's sugarcane that tasted good/that's what you are, that's what you could/c'mon c'mon no one can see you cry..." - REM